Chronicles of a Canadian Twentysomething

Nutrition Series: How You Can Prevent Hypoglycemia

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

The most important thing a newly diagnosed diabetic is taught in the doctor's office, is how to deal with hypoglycemia (what we in the bizz call "a hypo"). But it's not always enough for that person to know the signs and symptoms. That person's family and friends should know how to recognize them as well. Hypoglycemia is essentially extremely low blood sugar. This can occur when someone with

Valentine's Gift Guide!

2012-02-07T16:15:00.000-05:00

Before we jump into this, I would like to state that on Feb 14th, I will likely forget that it's Valentine's Day. I'll be at work, being busy and listening to people complain. I'm not really a fan of Valentine's Day anyway. It doesn't measure up to the family togetherness of Christmas or Thanksgiving. I also detest flowers. For me, Valentine's Day means getting a big mushy email/text message

Nutrition Series: Gut Chemistry

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I once utterly confused and terrified the cashier at an organic cooperative. I'm not exactly sure what brought the conversation about, but I happened to mention that taking an iron supplement with milk wasn't the best idea. He couldn't understand why, until I told him that calcium binds iron in the gut and prevents its absorption. The poor boy had been under the impression that all

Nutrition Series: Protein, Fat and Carbohydrates

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello again! I hope you all enjoyed Monday's "Calories 101" article. I really enjoyed writing it! Today I just want to explain what protein, fat and carbs are, why we need them and how much we need. Many people seem to have it in their heads that one of these is bad (usually fat or carbs) and they try to avoid that nutrient when dieting. This is DANGEROUS. Some vitamins and minerals

Knock knock Sigma Calling?

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

I think I just became some sort of modern-day Avon lady. Notice the button over there on the right? It's my new job! I didn't even need to interview for it, which is nice. I hate thinking of times where I overcame challenges, or solved an intense problem. I also really hate sweating in cheap suits. So...no interview = a plus. Basically, Sigma Beauty is a company that sells soft,

Nutrition Series: Cracking the Calorie Code!

2012-01-30T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hey all! I'll just start this first installment of my new Nutrition blog series with an explanation of said series and why you can trust me! : ) First of all, I have a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as a Master's degree in Human Nutrition. Currently, I'm finishing up my Dietetics diploma and my final internship will begin this summer! I'll be working in

Are those real?

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, these are my real eyelashes. I mentioned in my last post that I was thinking about a huge mascara review, since I've tried several over the years AND I can still remember which ones they were! : ) Just so you know, even though it is probably the most well-known and most frequently sold mascara, I have never used Maybelline's Great Lash mascara in anything but Clear. And that is for

Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 Favourite Beauty Products

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have intended to do sooo many blog posts on various product reviews, but I didn't get around to it. So I figured I'd just compile all of my favourites for the past couple months into one post. I'll do my best to separate beauty and skincare. Hope this is interesting for you! If you have any favs your want to add, just leave a comment. : ) Beauty Foundation: L'Oreal Visible Lift Line

Hey you, beautiful Canadian girl!

2012-01-27T21:14:00.002-05:00

Alright, so since I spend a lot of time on YouTube these days, I have started to discover all of these beauty box subscriptions we have here in Canada. The first one I learned about was actually the US box called "Birchbox" which led me to find out if there were Canadian versions. There are! So far, I know of four: Topbox, Luxebox, Glymm and the newest is Glossybox, which is

Rice and Beans...but tasty!?

2012-01-27T16:26:00.000-05:00

I feel like I have cracked some sort of code...or discovered the meaning of life. I have never liked beans (except chickpeas), and I have never been able to make rice...not bland.I was previously UNAWARE of the true magic of...Chicken broth.*cue dreamy xylophone sounds*For me, as a dirt-poor grad student...this is a completely amazing revelation. Rice is cheap. Beans are cheap. Chicken broth

January Julep Maven Box and Review!

2012-01-13T15:13:00.001-05:00

I am 25 today. So far, it's pretty great. I received a mysterious money transfer from someone (I can't figure out who!), I got an Amazon book order of fancy Dietician books and pocket guides, and it's snowing a beautiful, slow, powdery snow outside. :) I felt the need to be productive today. Maybe it's all of these fresh, un-cracked books around me. So, I'm going to write a review that I've

A New Day

2012-01-10T22:32:00.002-05:00

2012 feels different. 2012 feels good. 2012 >>> 2011. Things are looking up. Reasons? The difficult part of this degree is over. My correspondence courses are OVER (and passed with flying colours). My nails are healthy and long. I have a library card. I had a GREAT holiday at home. Someone I dislike greatly is gone from my daily life and TWO babies are being born into my nutty family this

Christmas 2011 in Nova Scotia!

2011-12-22T20:46:00.000-05:00

After the most stressful semester/year of all time, I am finally home. Papa and I went shopping for Mama. Mama and I went shopping for Papa. I've caught up on MASSIVE amounts of missed/poor quality sleep. Mama and I have made gingerbread men/women (soon to be iced! Photo below) Most lovely part so far? The weather. Green and balmy. 8-10 degrees. They are calling for snow on

Warm Food for Christmas-timez

2011-12-07T22:17:00.000-05:00

Fact: I got in trouble at work today. I'm denying all charges. Fact: I got in trouble at school today. I'm denying all charges. Fact: I just ate A LOT of M&Ms. I'm denying all calories. Fact: You're going to LOVE THESE RECIPES. Recipe #1: Mushroom Pesto Risotto Yep. You read that right. And your tummy just rumbled because it WANTS THIS. Ingredients: 2 cups sliced mushrooms (I went

Julep Maven Program!

2011-11-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Hey you! Happy Tuesday. As promised, the contents (and a small review) of my intro box from the Julep Maven program. There is also a YouTube vid, here. Yes, I got my hair trimmed (thanks Penny!). First of all, beyond impressed with shipping. For one, it was free and b) it was fast. I ordered on Saturday night, so they didn't actually get my order until Monday morning, and it got here

Lush Legends Gift Box!

2011-11-17T00:36:00.000-05:00

Hello again! You expected another 4-month hiatus didn't you. I don't blame you. So, I went to a party at a LUSH cosmetics store over the weekend. Standard procedure for a LUSH party. Popcorn, sparkling beverages, bubble bar/bath bomb demos, people rubbing good-smelling things all over your arms, prizes, etc. If you've never been...you really must. At this particular party, they had

The semester that almost did me in.

2011-11-15T21:06:00.003-05:00

Today's pre-quiz, fall-inspired manicure. Essie's "Sew Psyched" colour from Fall 2010 (still available!) Oh hey readers! Did you know I've been completely and shamelessly AWOL for like...4 months? I guess there was that post about shaving my head, but I'm not going to pretend I was blogging regularly until then. I was working. Working lots. And since then? Studying and

It's the little things in life.

2011-08-27T11:21:00.001-04:00

One night I was walking home from the bus stop after work and I spotted a pretty nifty desk on someone's lawn. It had drawers, and it was slightly smaller than the beast I had at the time. One would assume that meant it was also lighter. Not so my friends, not so. Frank was home, and I asked if he wanted to help me with a desk down the street. It was farther away than he thought. He

So, I shaved my head.

2011-08-18T15:38:00.000-04:00

Please don't worry about me. I didn't have an identity crisis, a meltdown, or gum stuck in my hair. I donated it to Angel Hair for Kids, and I don't regret it! I actually had many other reasons for doing it besides doing a selfless deed. Here is my Top 10 List of Why Shaved Heads are Amazing (esp. in the summer!): 10. No hair sticking to your neck and face on humid days. UCK! That is the

What's in my makeup bag?

2011-07-16T08:00:00.011-04:00

Alright, here's the scoop. I don't have much makeup. I never used to be a makeup person. However, there are just some things a gal needs. For work, when you have to face customers all day, for weddings, for parties, for not looking so GD pale or red-in-the-face. These things, I keep in my makeup bag (which I scored at Winners for $7). My first makeup bag to hold real makeup, and

Summer Sandals!

2011-07-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

A pair of shoes from Aldo arrived on Tuesday. When Frank saw them in the living room, he said "wow, that's like...one pair of shoes a week this summer!" I asked him to please work out that math in his head, because I've only bought 3 pairs of shoes this summer...and one was a pair of loafers for work. Apparently his summer starts in June, while mine starts in May. Already it didn't

Family Vacation!

2011-07-14T08:00:00.003-04:00

I would like to state, that right before writing this post, I watched half of "Piranha". It wasn't a good idea. It was at once degrading and disturbing. For the record, none of those girls' chests were real. None. Actually...nothing in that movie was real. Which is a comfort, but doesn't mean I won't have nightmares. Anyway...this vacation post is so difficult. Why is it so hard to talk

Whoooo wears short shorts!

2011-07-13T08:00:00.003-04:00

Me. To work. I love my job. In this post, I will demonstrate how to dress up a $15 pair of black H&M shorts. Easy Peasy. Behold. The casual boat-driver version of the black "hot pants": Tank: JacobShorts: H&MSandals: AEHat: Puma (purchased in town. Supporting local business!) What's in my pocket you ask? BAM! Certification to operate this here pleasure craft.*Name and card number

Sail Me to the Moon

2011-07-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am so in love with this outfit, I've worn it several times in the past couple months. It's perfect for slightly cooler summer days, when it's still too warm for a jacket. Plus...the cloth peep-toe white flats are simply adorable. Warning: these photos get a bit silly. Frank was shouting directions, like Simon Says, and I was all over the place. Walking, skipping, jumping! Whew! Twas fun.

LUSH Review: Hair Products

2011-07-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

What a treat you're in for today! I'm reviewing FOUR hair products from LUSH: Seanik and Karma Komba Solid Shampoo Bars, Jungle Solid Conditioner and BIG shampoo. First off, solid shampoos. If you've never heard of such a thing, solid shampoos are basically a little puck that you rub on your head to get a lather. They're great for travelling because they don't count toward your allowed liquids