My Besties Boobies

Rest easy funny man

2014-08-12T00:39:00.000-04:00

(updated August 13, 2014)

The news of Robin Williams' death was received with heavy hearts this week. A name - or at least a voice - that everyone over the age of 10 around the world knows.

Today I stopped reading anything about this iconic soul. It ripped me a little. In some strange way I felt disrespectful for shutting it down; as if reading was my way of honouring him. But the exploitation or judging of the situation wore me down. Updates that included lines like "if you need help, talk to someone". Others called his act of suicide "selfish". This is where I would normally insert a string of obscenities but in an effort to remain professional, I refrain.

A man has died. In a time we should be celebrating his life and wrapping our hearts around his family and friends we choose to criticize his act and capitalize on this situation? Is this how we treat life? As disposable as the garbage that goes out on Monday? Again, refraining.

Here's an example (business name removed in hopes that an apology is issued by the time anyone reads this):

"As we mourn the loss of Robin Williams to depression, we must recognize it as an opportunity to engage in a national conversation... At [business name], we are in the business of helping our clients create or join public conversations."

Callous as one friend called this. And I agree.

The power of association can also be, well, a powerful thing. Asking others to seek help in the same context as Mr. William's death, leaves me questioning whether people will interrupt things the way I started to before looking into it and be left with the impression that he did not seek help. Perhaps I am being oversensitive to the situation but this is what I am reacting to. Not the intentions of people wanting to help but to putting Mr. Williams suicide in the same breath as asking others to get help.

Some will argue that this is a time to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. While normally I would agree with the importance of breaking the stigma associated with mental illness, I just believe more strongly that we should not be doing it on the back of a tragedy. Let the family grieve. Make whatever sense from this they can. This should be a year round conversation that never ends. Deep breath.

The part that has me cringing the most is the fact that Mr. William's was getting help. He was open about his journey having battled drug and alcohol addictions. He had been to rehab for these illnesses. Canadian statistics show that about 20% of people with a mental disorder have a co-occurring substance use problem according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. I would be shocked to find out his treatment plan was solely for his addiction. So please, to say "if you need help, talk to someone" is just a slap in the face to this situation.

And why we need to differentiate between mental or physical illness is beyond me. Last time I checked my brain (to think), my heart (to feel), my lips (to smile), etc. were all a part of my body.

Think about it. You break your arm. You're in excruciating pain. You likely yelped. Maybe even cried. By the time you got to the hospital you could tolerate it - at least until the doctor bent it in the opposite direction and said "oh, does that hurt" while you want to punch him in the face with your able arm. A cast is put on and you're given a few Tylenol 3 to manage the pain. You don't sleep very well that night and call in sick the next day. Two days later it's the cast that has you irritated as you shove a ruler down it to itch that spot.

In 6 - 8 weeks you're back at the doctor. Cast is removed. It didn't heal right. Surgery is required. It's day surgery so you're in and out. A few weeks later you start physio to help build the strength back in your arm but really, you're no worse than wear. Just a few battle scars. A few months after that you're joking about the ridiculousness that led to the break in the first place.

Now take that pain you felt in your arm the moment you broke your arm. Take that pain and feel it for 24 hours. After 24 hours it doesn't go away. You're already in torment, right? Wondering when you will feel better? After a week of this you're squirrely. Others can see your pain.

Only difference between breaking your arm and something in your brain hurting? People can see your arm. So why must we treat your broken arm differently than we treat a mental condition?

Living with depression

There is no question in anyone's mind that the man was one of the greatest geniuses that will ever walk this earth. Very few hold the ranks of an uncanny ability to captivate millions throwing them into uproarious states with edgy, run-on monologues. His comedic abilities were no doubt a result of his imagination, intelligence and compassion.

I believe we are the one's being selfish. Articles have described Mr. Williams' death as the "loss to the comedy world". Is this how we're seeing him? Again, as an object due to his profession who we gained from rather than a person? People have lost a husband. A father. A friend.

No one know will ever comprehend what Mr. Williams went through in that beautiful, complex brain of his. What I do know is how I have felt living with episodic depression and general anxiety disorder. I am not suggesting in any way that I am capable of understanding what Mr. Williams felt suffering behind his mask. But I do know that it is not easy to describe. Jamie Flexman may have summarized it best last year when he wrote:

Depression is like trying to run through water and being told to get over it is akin to suddenly being able to move like you can on dry land. It's impossible. You can grit your teeth and attempt to get some momentum going but ultimately the density will prevent you from moving quickly.

When depression has its grip on you, life becomes water. The air around you becomes water, crushing you with its weight and even the simplest tasks become difficult. You feel sluggish, both mentally and physically and nothing can snap you out of it.

You have essentially become trapped inside your own prison and true access to your brain lies behind that locked door. Sometimes, briefly, you are allowed outside to stretch your legs but you know this is temporary. Eventually you will have to return to your cell and wait patiently for a time when you are given another opportunity to function like a normal member of society.

There is no choice in the matter. All we can do is take advantage of our good days and try to minimise the effect our bad days have on us.

Maybe Mr. Williams just didn't have any good days left.

Good night

"You have been fabulous audience! Tell you what, you're the best audience in the whole world. Take care of yourselves. Good night, Alice! Good night, Agrabah! Adios, Amigos!" ~Robin Williams as Genie in Aladdin

Good night Mr. Williams. May you rest easy now funny man.

And while posting this may seem contradictory to everything I just wrote about taking advantage of the situation, it is my outlet. This blog has always been my outlet as I have talked honestly in my posts wearing my heart on my sleeve. My release on these tragic events is so my profanities aren't my 5 minutes of fame.

As I have reflected on this post it has made me realize that maybe I am part of the problem. Have I really done all I can to be part of the solution to breaking down the stigma of mental health and making this a year round conversation?

Supermoon Chaser

2014-08-10T22:43:00.002-04:00

Supermoon chaser: similar to a storm chaser minus the risk of dying.

They said it was going to be an "extra-special" moon. I'll let you decide.

Saturday, August 9 | 11:15 pm | Carp Highlands Court, Carp, ON

Saturday, August 9 | 11: 30 pm | Carp Highlands Court, Carp, ON

Sunday, August 10 | 3:30 am | Carp Highlands Court, Carp, ON

Sunday, August 10 | 4:15 am | Carp Highlands Court, Carp, ON

Sunday, August 10 | 8:35 pm | Carp Road, Carp ON

Sunday, August 10 | 8:40 pm | Carp Road, Carp ON

Sunday, August 10 | 8:55 pm | Craig Side Road, Carp, ON

Sunday, August 10 | 9:10 pm | Diefenbunker, Carp ON

I snapped these pics over my hometown, the centre of the universe, Carp, ON (rural Ottawa) with a Canon 70D.

Did you get some amazing shots of #supermoon2014? I would love to see them. Tweet them to me @MrsARob.

Itchy, scratchy furbabe: tips to help identify and control allergies in pets

2014-08-08T10:42:00.001-04:00

While out walking Ms. Lois the Rescue yesterday, she chowed down on a pile of horse sh*t. Yes, horse poop. How does this happen you ask? When you live near the home of the best little fair in Canada where a horse show has taken place over the weekend and you turn to say hello to a stranger passing by and take your eyes off the beast for 2.8 seconds it happens.

There she was in all her glory devouring horse sh*t. For many this may not be a big deal other than the stinky breath. For Ms. Lois who suffers from severe food allergies it's a recipe for torment. We know she's having a reaction when she starts to shake her head uncontrollably, scratches her ears that deep down scratch, gets super red eyes and gnaws at her paws. She also rubs on, along, and over anything that will provide even the slightest relief from the itchiness.

Needless to say it was a race home for Benadryl (consult with your vet to ensure this is OK for your pup). Along the way we ran into another pooch and their fur-rent. As Lois rolled on her back, sun shining on her lady bits, we got to chatting. This owner wasn't aware that dogs could suffer from allergies. It got me thinking about how many other fur-rents might be in the same boat so thought I would share some info.

Common signs of allergies in pets

One of the things with bringing home a rescue is you don't always know their medical history. When we first met Lois she had an ear infection. No big deal; our #suckhole had them all of the time. Generally after a few days of drops it would go away. With Lois though the head shaking, scratching her ears, red eyes and gnawing at her paws never stopped.

We discussed her habits with our vet and learned these are common allergy symptoms. I felt awful. She was crawling out of her skin itchy. Lolo is now on a special protein modified, hypoallergenic diet and is allowed nothing else. Jealous? I know you are.

Even though you feel like your pooch is the only one in agony, Lois' symptoms weren't unique. A month or so after Lo was diagnosed there was a campaign to raise awareness on pet allergies. I felt like Lo was the poster pooch for it. While it's focus is on seasonal allergies, these were the symptoms of Ms. Lois' food reactions.

How to help control your pet's allergies

Food - the very first thing our vet recommended was switching up her food. Lois needed to detox and cleanse her system of whatever was irritating it. Different foods are available depending on whether your furbabe has seasonal or food allergies. I'm not going to deny it - specialty food is expensive so if you have the time & energy, consider making your own.

Clean paws - don't ask me the medical side of this but yeast can grow between the paws and in ears from allergies. Our vet prescribed a steroid drop to help clear it. As other things can get between a pooch's toes while out walking, we keep hypoallergenic antibacterial baby wipes at the door. When we come inside we do a quick swap of her paws to get things like pollen and dust off her feet. We also apply a topical conditioner when she needs extra relief.

Benadryl - this is a staple in our house now as she hate the bubble wrap we had her in. When the reaction is really bad like it was yesterday, we wrestle with Lois to squirt antihistamine down her throat. Please consult with your vet to ensure this is OK for your furbabe and to get the correct dosage. I don't want to me blamed for sending your furry friend into a stupor.

Moral of the story? Don't let your dog eat horse sh*t.

Medieval Times: an unforgettable experience

2014-08-06T10:22:00.000-04:00

Magnificent pageantry. Heart pounding battles. Spectacular horsemanship. A feast fit for a king. This was Medieval Times.

Hubs and I dedicated this summer to exploring new places and trying new things. So far we have taken day trips to explore nearby towns, rocked out at concerts, played detectives at a murder mystery dinner and vacationed in Baaahstin. When CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) invited us to check out the show with our two nephews we were thrilled. We only get to see the boys a few times of year so were very grateful to be able to include them in one of our adventures.

As you only live once, we decided to take things to a whole other level. We surprised the boys (age 5 & 8) with medieval costumes to wear to the show. That surprise also included hubs and I dressing up. The boys vibrated with excitement. And who knew a dirndl could be fashionable at something other than Oktoberfest. I did mention #yolo, right?

From the moment we opened the doors to the castle we were captivated; thrown back centuries. Greeters and ticket takers were dressed as peasants. Armour lined the walls. Horses grazed in their stalls. The boys were very proud to show Lord Chancellor, who guided us through the Tournament of Knights, that they were ready for battle should any knight go down.

The Royal Court

The show was a spectacle of glory, chivalry, strength and courage. The evening featured six brave knights who competed in medieval games of skill including authentic sword fights and thrilling jousting. The games were exhilarating. Sparks flew and lances splintered. It didn't feel like a cheesy choreographed show but rather a true competition.

One of the games challenged the knights to spear his lance through a ring. This pretty much blew my mind as I can't feed thread through a needle let alone do it while galloping on a horse.

Crowd Rousing

The tournament is designed for guests to feel a part of it. Knights battled for glory in jousting and hand-to-hand combat using an assortment of medieval weapons. Each section had a dedicated knight denoted by the colour of crown received upon entry to the castle. We cheered loud and proud for our red knight every time he was in action...

...or when evil was captured from trying to take reign. We also heckled the other knights. We were encouraged to. I promise.

A falconer showed off his skills. It was pretty cool to see the falcon swoop so low over the audience. My hands may have acted as a shield in case he had some business to do.

Brawn and Beauty

The Andalusian stallions were magnificent. We were all in awe of their beauty. They were powerful yet graceful, especially during the Versace performance. Bond between knight and horse was evident. Both oozed proudness having all eyes on them as they gaited around the stadium.

Eats

We were served in true medieval style: pre-silverware fashion. The boys were befuddled at using their hands as utensils. Eating like barbarians took a bit of getting used to.

The feast was absolutely fit for a king. Holy ~~cow~~ err, dragon was there a lot of food! Ok, maybe not real dragon but it was fun to pretend as the day started with slaying Uncle Aaron The Big Bad Dragon. On the menu was Dragon Scales (garlic bread) and Dragon Blood Soup (vegetable) to start followed by Dragon Toes (ribs), Baby Dragon (chicken) and Dragon Ears (potato).

The food was hot and fresh, plentiful and in itself worth the price of the ticket. Our man wench Corey dished out the fare over the course of the show.

After the tournament all guests were invited to meet Lord Chancellor, the Royal Falconer and the 6 knights who competed. Every person who was part of the games took time with each guest.We weren't herded out the door like you are after some shows.

The experience was well beyond my expectations. Everyone who was a part of the show lived Medieval Times. I went in thinking it would be geared to the littles but us bigs were just as enthralled. We all had a fantastic time. It was such an exciting show that the drive home was pretty quiet.

So, to all the lords and ladies, bigs and littles, should you wish to be treated like royalty, then check out Medieval Times. There are locations in Toronto, Chicago, Lyndhurst, Baltimore, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Dallas, Orlando and Buena Park.

A huge thank you to CAA South Central Ontario for providing us with an unforgettable experience. Memories were created that will last a lifetime.

Did you know that CAA members not only save on ticket prices to Medieval Times and other great items but you also earn CAA Dollars? Click here to learn more about the perks of being a CAA member.

Wrapped in Inspiration: more than just a scarf

2014-08-02T18:36:00.002-04:00

Last week a colleague of hubs' emailed me knowing I love pretty things. What I discovered was the pretty things he was talking about also had a beautiful story of strength and courage wrapped around them.

Knitting wasn't just about the scarf for Holly; it was her outlet. Lost in an emotionally and verbally abusive marriage, she credits knitting to saving her. The click of her needles and weaving of yarn allowed her to de-stress and think clearly.

A year ago Holly found the strength and courage to leave the tumultuous relationship behind. Since then she hasn't looked back. She has cleansed her body, mind and soul and rediscovered her passion for pretty things.

With the encouragement and support of her family and friends, Wrapped in Inspiration, was born. She has taken the traditional infinity scarf and turned it into a fashion piece. These trendy accessories are the easiest way to dress up an outfit and a staple for every woman's closest.

What's even more moving about Holly's journey is Wrapped in Inspiration isn't just a business; it's her way of giving back. A portion of the proceeds from her sales will go to domestic violence charities. Not all women have the strength and courage to leave their abusive relationships like Holly did. She wants to ensure that all women have a place to turn and make a difference in their lives.

Sometimes we all need to be wrapped in a little inspiration.

You can find Wrapped in Inspiration on the web, Twitter, Facebook and Etsy. Best part? The store is open 24 hours a day and you can shop from the comfort of your own home. I've already bought a few for myself and gave my mom one for her forever 29th birthday.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. I believe in supporting local, especially when there is such beauty in a product and person.

2014 CIBC Run for the Cure: I'm running for my bestie

2014-07-21T11:26:00.000-04:00

On March 21, 2012 I received a text from my bestie: can you come over?

Me: is everything OK?

Bestie: no.

Moments later I sat in her kitchen still in my pjs with fur on my teeth and learned my best friend had been diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma. In layman's terms: breast cancer.

In the months that followed she lost both of her breast at the young age of 35 from this awful disease before facing chemotherapy and radiation. It turned her life upside down as well as her family's.

Just a few weeks ago, almost two years plus a day of her double mastectomy, she began the reconstruction process. An expander was placed under her skin and chest muscle. Over the coming months it will slowly filled with saline by her doctor. After the tissue has relaxed and healed enough, the expander will be removed and replaced with her new girls.

This is why I will be running in the 2014 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 5th. Breast cancer is a cause that is near to me. I am proud to be contributing to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s vision of creating a future without breast cancer.

There is a cure; we just need to find it. We need to end this ugly disease.

As every dollar counts, I am running a Twoonies for Tatas campaign. That's right, I am only asking for a $2 donation. For every person who supports my fundraising efforts, your name will go into a draw for tickets to see the battle of Ontario on Wednesday, September 24 at the Canandian Tire Centre. Together, we can help to create a future without breast cancer.

To make a donation, please click here.

Documented within my blog is the rollercoaster ride I took with my bestie as she kicked the sh*t out of cancer. Sadness. Shock. Frustration. Hurt. Guilt. Happiness. Fear. Excitement. Jealousy. Love. Panic. Pride. Relief. Pure, raw emotion. It's all there. Please scroll through to learn more about the journey we took together.

Much love,
Sarah
xo

ps - anyone want to be my training buddy? Do you have an app you would recommendation to get my butt in gear? Please let me know. I should probably start training.

pps - also need to start planning my outfit. Oh c'mon, you knew I would bring my shopping addiction into this somehow ;)

Life in Pleasantville: someone pinch me

2014-07-17T06:41:00.000-04:00

Someone pinch me. I just need to see if this is really happening.

No, I'm not in Pleasantville, NJ. But I have started to live the Life in Pleasantville state of mind. That's right. I've joined Candace's amazing team of contributors. Lil'ole me is writing on the same page as some of the blogosphere's biggest supastars! Annnnnd, this is where you pinch me.

My first post is up and one that is near to my heart. It only seemed fitting to write about Ms. Lois and to share some tips on adopting a rescue pooch. So if you can spare a few minutes, I would love for you to check it out: Hopeful (again) Hearts - Rescue Dog Adoption Tips.

Much love,
Sarah

xo

Happy Sensversary

2014-07-15T21:59:00.001-04:00

5,475: the number of days hubs has been with the best hockey club in the NHL: the Ottawa Senators. Fifteen years ago he traded his love for the blue and white to follow his passion for sport.

Over his time he has brought smiles to the faces of thousands and thousands of kids. From taking the Bell Capital Cup into the Guinness Book of World Records to building the Rink of Dreams at City Hall, the first refrigerated ice surface of its kind in Ottawa, he has been committed to ensuring kids from all walks of life have a chance to play hockey.

Happy anniversary @TheEhRob. Beyond proud of you each and every day. Cheers to 15 more.

I know I'm biased but other people think he's pretty incredible too:

Aaron Robinson earns Forty Under 40 honour

Bell Capital Cup general manager recognized by Ottawa Business Journal

Thursday, 25.06.2009

He’s the man who makes the Bell Capital Cup go.

For that and everything else he does on behalf of the Ottawa Senators organization, Aaron Robinson has been selected by Ottawa Business Journal as one of its Forty Under 40 for 2009. The paper annually honours a group of “successful, dynamic and community-minded business leaders” under the age of 40.

Robinson, the Senators’ director of fan and community development, is best known for his work with the Bell Capital Cup. As the event’s general manager for the past six years, he has been a driving force in an event that, in 2007, became the “world’s largest hockey tournament” in the esteemed eyes of the Guinness Book of World Records.

“Aaron has been a key contributor to Senators Sports & Entertainment for a number of years,” said Cyril Leeder, the chief operating officer of Senators Sports & Entertainment and founder of the Bell Capital Cup.

“He brings passion, professionalism and commitment to everything he does. Nowhere has that been more evident than in his work in developing the Bell Capital Cup into the world’s largest – and best – hockey tournament.”

It is truly a labour of love for the 35-year-old Robinson.

“Every facet of (the Bell Capital Cup) is demanding and very tough, but it’s also very rewarding when you see the kids at the end and their joy in winning a championship,” he said. “There’s also the charity end of it. We know we contribute more than $200,000 each year to minor hockey and local charities.

“To see the city come together and make it such a success is hugely rewarding.”

The tournament’s overall contribution to the capital region – and Robinson’s role in that success – impressed OBJ’s Forty Under 40 selection committee.

“There are two key things that stood out on Aaron’s nomination for Forty Under 40,” said Ottawa Business Journal publisher Michael Curran, who also chairs the awards selection committee. “First, the sheer accomplishment of organizing an event of the magnitude of the Bell Capital Cup and the economic impact it has on Ottawa. The logistics are mind-boggling with 485 teams and the economics of contributing $13.3 million to business is very significant.

“But beyond the numbers, the selection committee was very impressed with Aaron’s strong desire to leverage the Bell Capital Cup to help local charities and minor hockey. In a nutshell, that’s what Forty Under 40 is all about – bottom-line success and giving back. Aaron exemplifies that.”

"The selection committee was very impressed with Aaron's strong desire to leverage the Bell Capital Cup to help local charities and minor hockey. In a nutshell, that's what Forty Under 40 is all about – bottom-line success and giving back. Aaron exemplifies that." - Michael Curran

Robinson, who will hit the 10-year mark with the Senators organization next month, said he is “pretty honoured” to receive recognition from OBJ. But he quickly added, “from my own point of view, it’s an organizational distinction more than an individual award.”

“It demonstrates the support and commitment Senators management and staff has to giving back to our community,” said Robinson. “I’m fortunate to be in a position that I thoroughly enjoy, with an organization that has allowed me to grow professionally and assist in making our community a better place to live.

“It comes down to the kids. When you see the smiles on kids’ faces, you know you’re making an impact on the community and making the community a better place.”

My $10.50 wedding dress: tips to save you time and money on your big day

2014-07-14T05:58:00.000-04:00

People never believe me when I tell them my entire outfit for our special day was $52.50. And that included my delicates. It's true. I wore my dream dress without breaking the bank.

I get asked all the time how I did it. So I've decided to share a few tips to help save you time and money on your wedding. As an event planner in a former life, I know first hand how to trim while still getting everything you want.

The Dress

Every girl wants to look perfect on their wedding day; no matter what the definition of perfect is to them. Start dressing shopping early. When you find a style you like, look online. Guaranteed you will find the dress, if not one very similar, at a fraction of the cost.

Don't leave it to the last minute. When we're pressured to find something we always overspend. If you decide to order online make sure you leave enough time for delivery and alternations. Try on accessories when you're shopping in-store so you can buy these online too. I bought my dress for $10.50 and veil for $17, both from eBay. Picked up my shoes on a Boxing Day sale for $22 and my skivvies for $3 at Winners.

Other great options for frugal dress shopping are consignment stores (most bridal shops have a section tucked away in the store somewhere) or consider a less formal dress and purchase from a big box store.

Wedding party

Choosing who to stand in your wedding party can be stressful. One way to cut down on the stress and budget is to have only one or two people by your side. It was a no-brainer for me to choose my best friend. There was no trying to coordinate everyone to go dress shopping, managing the dynamics or chance of offending anyone.

By having only Dani stand for me I purchased her dress and earrings and gave her a custom hairpiece as the maid-of-honour gift. The dress and earrings came from Le Chateau and can easily be worn again to Christmas parties, etc. She picked up the shoes at what was Zellers (in Canada) and is now Target for under $30. The hairpiece was privately made.

Venue

The venue can often be where your budget starts to hemorrhage. First consider having your wedding on a day other than a Saturday and during the off season. We held ours on a Friday evening in the winter and had the pick of dates.

Look at facilities like a restaurant, local art gallery or museum where both your ceremony and reception can be hosted. This will save on transportation costs, especially if you're willing to take a cab at the end of the night or jump in with friends. These types of venues have great backdrops for your photos as well.

Ask if you can use outside suppliers or bring in a candy bar. Many venues allow this. The candy bar was our dessert table and doubled as our thank you gifts. Hubs and I love candy apples so we had some made. I tagged them at home with a little note thanking guests for "sharing in our special day". People could make little loot bags with all of our favourite sweets.

Does the venue have a sound system? If so, ask a couple of your friends to put a playlist together as their wedding gift to you. This way you'll know you get the music you listen to and guaranteed people will be shaking it all night long. Same goes if you know anyone who's handy with a video camera.

Negotiate. Negotiate. Negotiate. A proposal is always provided for a reason: as a starting point. Ask for things like room & linen rentals to be included if you reach a certain food and beverage bill.

Guest list & stationary

Who to invite can be the hardest part of planning a wedding. From family pressures to not wanting to leave anyone out can bring unwanted stress and anxiety. Choosing a smaller venue forces you to keep the numbers light(er). Plus it gives you the perfect excuse when Great Aunt Molly twice removed on your mother's side asks about her invitation.

We kept our guest list to immediate family, aunts & uncles (no cousins) and close friends. For every person and/or couple there is at minimum an invitation and thank you including postage, food and bevies. Even if you don't have a sit-down dinner or open bar, basic costs are inevitable.

All of our stationary was purchased online. You can save on delivery charges if you purchase all at once though. I made a coffee table book with pictures of us from over the years on one side and drew lines on the other for people to sign. Incorporating pictures from your wedding in your thank you cards gives your guests an extra little keepsake. I purchased this simple yet elegant box at Winners as a card box and it is now worked into the décor in my living room.

Getting ready

Your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life. It can also be one of the most stressful. Consider staying in the comfort of your own home the night before your wedding and having services come to you. This is an easy way to help reduce the stress as you're in your own bed and don't have to worry about rushing anywhere in the morning.

I had fruit on hand with some pastries, my bestie brought Tim Horton's and whoever wanted to spend the morning with us could. Many hairstylists and make-up artists travel. I do recommend paying for a trial before hand for both of these. Take lots of pictures so your stylists #nailit the day of.

Les fleurs

I'm a big believer in keeping things simple. The theme of my wedding was actually "simple elegance". This included the flowers.

"The centrepieces made that wedding" said no one ever. So don't over do it. I talked to the floral supplier at Costco well in advance of our wedding and ordered 18 bunches or roses (2 dozen roses per bunch). I did all of my centrepieces and two bouquets for under $400 including the thorn stripping tool from Lee Valley, ribbon & floral tape and 20 rectangular vases from the Dollar Store.

My family and friends who spent the morning with me getting ready were asked in advance to help put the flowers together. Trust me, no one decided not to come because I was putting them to work. They were more than happy to help and it saved me from doing everything.

Photography

When I first scoped our budget photography was a priority for me. I knew that I wanted our entire day captured. Frugal me didn't want to pay for it all though.

I negotiated with our photographer for him to snap our wedding but I would do the editing. While it can be a bit time consuming it saved me thousands of dollars. Literally. Professionals are so good at what they do that generally very little editing is required. Those pictures that may need layering or major touch-ups? I asked friends to do those for me.

Know what you want in a photographer. I knew I didn't want the traditional, posed wedding shots but more of a photojournalistic style. I was also willing to go off the beaten path or climb abandoned buildings to get that picture. Your photographer has the eye. While you've planned every little detail leading up to this moment, if you can just go with it and trust their eye, guaranteed you will have amazing photos that you will be proud to have on your mantle forever.

No stress

Want to skip the fuss of a formal wedding? Head down to City Hall for your I do's, out for a wicked dinner then host a kickass backyard party for your friends and family. Guaranteed you'll have a great time.

If you're planning a wedding or event and have questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I'd love to be a part of your special day.

xo

Still groovy

2014-07-12T06:46:00.000-04:00

Happy cake day to my ever groovy mama!

24h Tremblant: who's ready to hit the slopes for kids?

2014-07-06T10:38:00.000-04:00

The air is already hot from the sun. The leaves make music in the breeze. It's a perfect summer day in Ottawa. Earlier hubs said something like "at least you're not thinking of skiing". Aaah, ya, whatever.

Five months from today the 14th edition of 24h Tremblant will kick-off. I have been fortunate enough to participate in this amazing event for the last two years.

24 hours. 1,440 minutes. 86,400 seconds. 2,000 people. $2M for kids.

24h Tremblant is a relay style ski event, a festive and fun-filled weekend, but most importantly a fundraiser for the kids. It's a 24 hour non-stop, non-competitive ski & snowboard challenge. Teams even race through the wee hours of the night to record the most tracks carved. Proceeds support children in need through organizations like the Sens Foundation.

This is my absolute favourite winter weekend of the year. From the time you arrive to the time the final amount raised is revealed the energy is electric. It's a weekend of celebrating, emotion and connecting with amazing people.

You hear stories of young children who never in a million years should be dealing with what they are. Of courage. Of hope. Inspiration. It's a weekend that unites people.

The 14th edition of 24h Tremblant takes places December 5-7 this year. Register your team today and hit the slopes for the kids.

Click here to watch a wrap-up video of the 12th edition of 24h Tremblant by Volkswagen.

A night at the Carp drive-in...BINGO style

2014-07-03T12:08:00.000-04:00

Winner winner; chicken dinner

Over the loud speakers with perfect annunciation B-14 is called. Daub. Followed by N-34. Daub. Then G-60. Daub. My heart feels like it's going to jump out of my chest as I almost have a line. Ya, ya. Little things excite me. B-2. Zoot! O-69. O-69 is repeated. Woohoo! I lay my hand on the steering wheel and honk.

Yep. Honk. That's right folks. I honk the horn on my car. Why? Because I'm at the drive-in bingo of course.

Carp Fair drive-in bingo
Photo credits: Carp Fair & Auntie Times

This is the scene every Wednesday night of July in Carp, aka my community, aka the centre of the universe. Center ring at the fairgrounds is filled with excitement as the drive-in bingo has become a ritual for many around Ottawa and the Valley. Friends and families line the grounds to create unforgettable memories. Cause let's face it, how many people can say they've been to a drive-in bingo?

What to expect

When you pull up to the fairgrounds you are greeted by friendly volunteers. For 10 bucks you get 12 regular game sheets plus a jackpot game. Each sheet contains 9 cards so unless you're a real pro, it's plenty of bingo.

Blueberry goodness

After you are directed on where to park, hit up to the canteen. There's a BBQ and the best part? You don't have to cook. For dessert grab a slice of pie. Oh my gawd make sure you get the pie. They are all homemade and sooooooo delicious. If you wait for the break, there's no guarantee that there will be any left so get it early. Daubers are also available at the canteen in case you forget yours.

There's no golden rule on where you daub. While it's a "drive-in" some people bring blankets to spread out while others gather around in camping chairs. The Agricultural Society also sets up a few tables and chairs near the front for the keeners.

Around 8:00 pm the daubbing begins. Numbers are called old-school style: announced by a caller over the loudspeaker who repeats it at least twice. It goes fast but not so fast that it leaves your head spinning. The caller is good to let you know what colour card you are playing and the game (line, T, X, cross, blackout).

After an hour or so of gaming they take a short break. Enough time to grab a snack and some 50/50 cards. Sellers are set-up at red tables between the aisles. Cards have 3 boards and are $1 each. I've been on nights where the take home is well over $400. Not too shabby for a small town game!

It's not a super late night as things wrap up between 10:00 - 10:30 pm. Parfait for those who have to work the next day or need to get the littles to bed.

A few things to keep in mind

Bring a clipboard or a piece of cardboard. While the Agricultural Society has a number of boards to dab on, they do sometimes run out. Having something handy to dab on will make your life a lot easier in the event they're out.
Bug spray is a must. Whether you're in sitting outside or in your car the little critters can be nasty.
If you've got the lights or radio on in the car, it's good idea to start it every now and then. Makes getting home a bit easier.
Let the kiddos wear their jammies so you can plunk them right into bed when you get home.
Develop a system - for the special games (X, cross, T, etc) only dab those numbers within that shape. Trust me, you'll find the shape much faster. Plus you won't continue to ask "what game are we playing again?"

Now this one is for the "professionals" only: bring a headlamp. It gets dark and while there are lights all around the ring, you don't want shadows casting over your boards.

Professional dauber

Overall it's just a big excuse to get together and support a great cause. Proceeds from the evening support making the best little fair in Canada happen. So git'yur daubbers ready and we'll see you at the BINGO!

Deets

When: every Wednesday in July. BBQ starts at 6:00 pm; Bingo at 8:00 pm. Rain or shine.
Where: Carp Fairgrounds, Carp Road just north of March Road in the village of Carp (about 15 minutes west of Canadian Tire Centre)
Cost: $10 a board; $1 per 50/50 sheet. BBQ & snacks available
More info: www.carpfair.ca or 613-839-2172

Green, dirty thumb

2014-06-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not this princess likes to get down and dirty. Literally. There is something liberating about it. I do it every day.

I haven't always had a green thumb. There is absolutely no greenery in my house. On the inside I can't keep anything alive. But outdoors is a whole other story. You could say I come by it naturally: my mom is a gardener (if anyone in the Ottawa area is looking for one, she's available!). Hey, I gotta plug my mama! For years she designed and maintained the gardens at the Calabogie Highlands Golf Club (click link to view her work) before going out on her own. So I guess it's in my blood.

Surprisingly gardening has become the most relaxing part of my day. While it is an enormous amount of work to keep the flowers watered, weeded & wonderful, I wouldn't trade it. It's also the one time in my day when I am 100% disconnected from the rest of the world.

There's also something about gittin' dirt under your nails. Remember, I'm from the valley! It takes me back to being a kid: digging in the sand with no worries in the world. Showing up home to a good hose down before being allowed in the house.

Gittin' dirty!

It's only been a couple of years of having a grown up garden. And by that I mean something other than weeds. I am certainly not a maven. Yet. I still text my mom with questions almost every day. Is it too late to split the grasses? What can I do to get my weigela to grow? When should I prune my shrubs?

My gardens are my happy place. My tranquility. There is something very peaceful about being surrounded by nature's beauty. I have a perennial garden at the front of the house, a rock garden at the back and 12 planters around the yard.

Everyday I discover something new. Whether a new flower has bloomed a rich shade or a small creature buzzing, it's all wondrous. This year we have an abundance of dragonflies. Why is this so fantastic? Because they are a natural predator to mosquitoes! We have actually been able to enjoy the backyard this year sans-swatting.

Lots of these guys in our backyard

Bees love the Russian Sage.

The neighbours joke that I spend so much time in my gardens I must be watching the flowers grow. They're just jealous they're yards don't look like this.

So, do you have a green, dirty thumb?

Ringside For Youth: it's for the kids

2014-06-26T06:05:00.000-04:00

One thousand guests. Five bouts of amateur boxing. A lot of Las Vegas.

Fifteen volunteers. Two point five million dollars. A lot of kids helped.

These are the ingredients that make-up Ringside for Youth: Ottawa's most unique fundraising event. Together they are a recipe of success.

Twenty years ago Steve Gallant, First Vice-President & Investment Advisor for CIBC Wood Gundy, knew something had to be done to save the Debra Dynes Youth Centre in the neighbourhood he grew up in. Tom Hicks, co-founder of JetForm Corporation, agreed. Together they combined their business expertise and founded Ringside for Youth.

Photo credit: Sean Sisk Photography

Today's recipe is the same as it was 20 years ago: dinner, amateur boxing from as far as the U.S. and a retired championship boxer as special guest. Many of the 1,000 guests are the same as they were 20 years ago. There hasn't been much movement in the fifteen or so volunteers who are involved in producing the event. And the causes remain the same: the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa and Beaver Boxing.

The only thing that has really changed each year is the celebrity. This year it was done up big! Sugar Ray Leonard, one of the greatest fighters of all time, was this year's special guest.

Photo credit: Sean Sisk Photography

“I can’t think of anything more special than to have him here for the 20th,” said Gallant. “He’s phenomenal. He’s just so gracious and a real sportsman.”

Sugar Ray did more than just deliver a key-note address. He told stories about his life growing up. Recounted fights throw-for-throw with every duck, slip and block. He silenced a room.

Another ingredient of this spectacular recipe is the live, amateur boxing. While I'm not a boxing fan, I have a growing appreciation for the sport. Especially since women's boxing was introduced to the event last year. The bouts are officiated and counted on the athletes' cards. Boxers train their hearts out as this is as close to the big stage as they will ever get.

Because of this recipe, Ringside attracts some of Ottawa's most generous people. At any fundraising event that has live and silent auctions, it's a crap-shoot. Let's face it, no matter the city you live in you're constantly being asked to support something. But there was something about this evening that was different. You could feel it.

Photo credit: Sean Sisk Photography

Comedian Angelo Tsarouchas was in again from LA to emcee the event (he's only missed one over the years). The first live auction item is always the same: a prize package that included a fight robe and a pair of professional boxing gloves signed by the celebrity. The bidding started at $1,500 as it normally does. I wasn't paying much attention until I heard Ang at $7,000 - double what is normally raised for this item. I had to excuse myself from the conversation as an all-out bidding war ensued. It was up to $15,000 when Sugar Ray himself stepped back into the ring to announce he would throw in a free boxing lesson. The final bidding closed at a staggering $21,000!!

After that I knew it was going to be a ~~good~~ phenomenal night. The Ottawa Senators had donated a trip for 4 to an east coast game including travel on the charter. When the bidding finally closed at $15,000 Cyril Leeder, president of the team, quickly offered a second trip to the other bidder. Thirty thousand dollars in a matter of seconds.

Proud to with this amazing group
of people

Once all was said and done, Ringside for Youth raised a staggering $200,000 to ensure some of Ottawa's most vulnerable children have the best chance at success. I am incredibly proud to work beside such an amazing group of committed volunteers. Happy anniversary my friends.

This year I wore a hawt lil' Tibi number from Rent Frock Repeat. If you're looking for designer dresses without the designer price tag, consider renting one. Trust me, you will feel like you're on the runway.

Learn more about Ringside for Youth and the impact it has on youth in our community. Watch the video produced by one of our volunteer committee members.

Almonte: more than just a basketball town

2014-06-21T22:18:00.000-04:00

If you've heard of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, then you have heard of Almonte. Or at least know of it as it was the town Naismith was born. What you may not know is that this cute little town just 20 minutes west of Ottawa is filled with unique, fab shops and restaurants, a vibrant arts community and much more. On the exterior it's like stepping back in time; the interior filled with contemporary treasures.

I spent a wonderful few hours in the quaintness of Almonte on Saturday. I had breakfast plans to catch up with a girlfriend who I used to work with. We decided on the Mill Street Crepe Company. It did not disappoint.

Tomato fennel soup with a ham, asparagus & gruyere crêpe

We were seated at a window overlooking the street with sun rays filling the room. We chatted over coffee then committed to placing an order. The daily special sounded too good to pass up so we both went for it: cream of tomato fennel soup with a ham, asparagus and gruyere cheese filled crêpe. My mouth is watering just thinking about our meal again. It was sinful. The perfect brunch combination.

Karen and I took turns sharing stories, more so the other could enjoy what was in front of us. Our server was friendly, attentive and engaging. She checked in numerous times even though the restaurant had filled.

What impressed me even more was when the owner came over. He didn't just ask if everything was ok. He noticed a draft and wanted to ensure we were comfortable. He ensured the food wasn't just OK but that we were happy with the quality. The attention he provided us in the 22 seconds he was at our table topped the already great experience for me. I would absolutely return to this café.

Greeting at cash of Hello Yellow

A couple of hours after arriving in the restaurant we toured the charming main street. There is something peaceful about no sky scrapers or modern designs overwhelming the senses. The exteriors are preserved filled with unique and eclectic finds. Hello Yellow is my absolutely favourite shop in Almonte. Essentially it's Etsy in a box. Emily (don't forget: small town where everyone knows your name) carries the cutest, one-of-a-kind accessories and home décor. Of course I did not leave empty handed. I needed to support the local economy after all.

There are lots of other unique shops in Almonte. The Tin Barn Market is a neat store that is filled with vintage - you guessed it: tin - items. You can't go to the Tin Barn Market without being sucked into Bob's Bakery next door. The aroma is like a hook with the bakers on the other end reeling you in. There are a few antique stores which are great to go treasure hunting in. You'll also find some funky clothing & shoe stores. I even saw a Minion on the main street on Saturday. So truly, something for everyone.

Waterfalls at the end of the River Walk

After you have your fill of goodies and want to burn a few calories off, head to the River Walk. Almonte has built a boardwalk along the Mississippi River that runs through the middle of the town. I stopped and got lost in the falls for a while. There is something absolutely mesmerizing about cascading water.

Almonte is also renowned for its fantastic festival lineup. A popular one is Puppets Up! an international puppet festival entertaining adults and children alike. For the music lovers there are Celtfest and the North Lanark Highlands Games.

No matter what your style or tastes are, there is something for everyone in Almonte. If you're planning a staycation this summer or looking for a quick day trip, I would highly recommend putting this cozy little town on your to-do list.

Shipping up to Boston

2014-06-17T21:54:00.002-04:00

If your first thought was Dropkick Murphys when you read the title of this post, you're my new BFF. No. Seriously. We'll be rockin' out to some Celtic punk together soon.

It's June. The time of year when both hubs and I are coming off busy cycles in our respective jobs and dragging butt. When I normally start nagging, "what are we doing for vacation this summer?"

So what do the Dropkick Murphys have to do with my summer plans? Well, let me tell you. A couple of weeks ago hubs asked if I wanted to go to Boston this summer. I says wha?? Who are you and what the hell have you done with my husband?!!

In the 10 or so years we have been together this has never happened. Like ever. I'm always the one to suggest a weekend excursion here or travel there. Rarely does it actually come to fruition; at least relative to the number of times I propose it.

Needless to say the hotel was booked before he finished getting the words out and had a chance to change his mind. Thanks to a girlfriend, we're staying at the Westin Boston Waterfront. I can't say enough about this hotel already and we're more than a month away from our trip.

Within hours of confirming our reservation I received this message from Anna D, their marketing manager:

Thank you so much for choosing The Westin Boston Waterfront for your upcoming inaugural trip to Boston! We're so excited to welcome you and are happy to assist with planning fun activities. Please send along information about who you're traveling with, if you're celebrating a special occasion and what you enjoy to eat/drink, along with other likes/dislikes and I'm happy to personalize an itinerary for you.

Again, we can't wait to welcome you to our wonderful city and I look forward to hearing from you.

Well shiver me timbers, ya bilge rat! Get out of me rum! It wasn't just a canned note. Anna knew that it was our first trip to Boston. And she was ready to help make it great.

In the little research I've done I know there is much to take in. We got a great deal through Porter Airlines cutting out full travel days on either end of the trip. Even with this, I'm worried that 5 days won't be enough to take everything in. The only thing I know for sure is we'll hit a ball game as the Jays are in Boston to take on the Red Sox the week we are there. <cough cough> Wife of the year. Right here.

I would really, really, REALLY like to go whale watching. I am absolutely fascinated with these magnificent creatures. Here's the thing: I get motion sickness. As in I have to take Gravol if I'm a passenger in a car for more than an hour so being confined on a boat in unpredictable weather has my stomach doing flips thinking about it. But then I look at these images from Boston Harbour Cruises and think, "how can I not do this?"

As you can tell, I'm very excited about our trip. We've received great service so far from the Westin Boston Waterfront. Anna has been super accommodating as I've been THAT kid, already changing the dates of our stay. If this is any indication of what to expect when we get there, I know it's going to be a fantastic trip. Countdown to the next #TheARobsAdventures is on!

If you've been to Bahhhh-stin before, what do you recommend we hit up?

So for now, I'm off to find my wooden leg...

Happy Birthday #Suckhole

2014-05-28T18:55:00.000-04:00

Dear Ms. Maddie: I hope your day has been filled with nothing but ice cream on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Happy birthday princess. xo

Today the #suckhole would have been 7. I miss her each and every day. Read here about our heartache.

Closure Begins

2014-05-26T14:04:00.001-04:00

Dani & I at the 10th Annual
Burn Your Bra For Bev fundraiser

Today, almost two years to the day, my bestie is in surgery again. May 25, 2012 she had both of her breasts removed. This time it is to begin the reconstruction process. It has been a long two years but this part of the journey should start to bring closure to the Big C.

We know there's a special angel looking over her. At our high school graduation our world lost a special person. Today would have been our friend Trisha's 37th birthday. This day two years ago a purple flower that had never budded before bloomed in Dani's garden. A sign letting us know she was there. Purple also happened to be Trisha's favourite colour.

I started my day today with the same words to my bestie as two years ago: luvs ya sista.

1 part-dog. 1 part-human. 1 part-devil.

2014-05-24T09:28:00.000-04:00

To say things have been an adventure would be an understatement. Lois the Rescue Pooch has been home for 3 months now. It has been 3 months of love, sweat and tears.

Lois is our little-not-so-little cuddle bug. The love in our house these days is endless. While it wasn't instant, the bond that we share is unbreakable. If you're not petting her she will ~~gently nudge~~ push your hand to the exact spot she wants to be. When we pull out of the driveway she is standing in the window with this look that brings a whole new meaning to puppy dog eyes. And she's standing in the same place when we get home.

ps - don't bother wearing nice clothes to our house as you'll be leaving with a fur jacket on once she warms up to you, jumps in your lap and kisses you to death. Schtickies are our latest décor trend as you'll find them in every room.

When she's not licking you to death she's on the go. Hubs and I have both worked up some pretty good sweats with Ms. Lois. We can have her out for hours and when we get home experience the look of "so what are we doing now guys?" as she's bouncing up and down. Mama's going for a nap is what's going on!

One day hubs decided to see if she had any husky in her. He attached a rope to her lead and off they went cross-country ~~skiing~~ pulling. Lois loved it! She pulled him across the lake and back on their first outing. Within days we had a proper dog-sledding harness purchased and this became her favourite winter activity.

There are rare moments - and by rare I mean twice since we've had her home - when the off switch is flicked and she actually tuckers out. Four minutes is about all she needs before her batteries are re-charged and she's ready to go again.

It's hard to believe there have been tears with this girl but trust me, they have flowed. I did my first on-leash walk with her a few days after having her home. That's when the first sobfest happened. A few hundred metres into our walk a truck drove by. Queue herding instinct! That's when Lois decided to chase it with me on the other end of the leash. Truthfully, it scared me more than anything. We stomped home and I declared that was the last walk I was taking her on.

My declaration was short-lived. It wasn't long after the on-leash walk fiasco that I tried walking Lo in the bush behind our house. I tied a long rope to her collar and off we set. Things went fairly well. So well that in another few days I decided to test her recall. Bam! Right by my side. This was a big moment as we love hiking the trails. Letting her off leash would save my arms in my sockets.

Give a foot; take a mile.

Crisp winter morning. Sun beaming through bush. The crunch of snow under your feet. Lois bouncing down the trail. Me soaking in the peacefulness of it all. Then she stopped. As she looked back at me I could see the devil on her shoulder waving at me. Like a sprinter out of their starting blocks she was gone. And that's when I realized what was going on.

"Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo" echoed through the bush as my arms flailed and my legs didn't cooperate. I was running in slow motion. Lois was now half way across the lake chasing after the deer who just seconds before were huddled together trying to conserve energy.

My saving grace? The deer split up. She stood still, her head jetting back and forth unsure of which way to go. When she made her first move it was too late, she lost sight of them. She darted the other way but they were gone too.

I called hubs who was already at work when we got home. Through the sniveling all I could get out was, "I don't think she's the effing dog for us."

This wasn't the only time she took off. Almost every hike we went on Lois would spot something to chase. Deer. Chipmunks. Skidoos. If it moved, she was running. We eventually figured out that if you stayed in the last spot she saw you, she would return.

"Don't cry mommy. I'm way too cute."

Lois is a spoiled ~~child~~ pup. She has a toy box filled with fun things. Unfortunately she doesn't clean up after herself. She loves mental stimulation as discovered by the dog puzzles we have. The at home agility course will eventually get set up.

Like a child

Money well spent

Itchy scratchy

One of the things with bringing home a rescue is you don't always know their medical history. When we first met Lois she had an ear infection. No big deal. Our #suckhole had them all of the time. Generally after a few days of drops it goes away. With Lois though the head shaking, scratching her ears, red eyes and gnawing at her paws never stopped.

We discussed her habits with our vet and learned these are common allergy symptoms. Gah! I felt awful. She was crawling out of her skin itchy. Lo is now on a special protein modified, hypoallergenic diet and is allowed nothing else. It has helped the scratching but she still wakes us up every morning at 5:30 gnawing at her paws. Wha? You don't expect me to kick her out of our bedroom, do you?

We have a new routine when we come in from outside: wipe paws with baby wipes. Twice a day apply a medicated cream between her toes. Once a day wash with a steroid soap before applying a leave-on conditioner. If only I paid that much attention to my skin routine!

Family

All that to say, we wouldn't trade the love, sweat and tears for anything. She is part of our family and home to stay. Even if she hasn't learned that mama doesn't do mornings!

"Are you OK mommy?"

Stop to smell the flowers

My public apology to Shutterfly

2014-05-19T21:28:00.000-04:00

Mr. John Boris
Chief Marketing Officer
Shutterfly Inc.

Dear Mr. Boris,

Please accept my most sincere apology. Following last week's snafu I reacted abruptly. The email provoked feelings of disheartenment and anger. I mistakenly ignored the flaming rule of thumb: wait 24 hours before replying, and be certain that any emotional response you give will not be misinterpreted.

Admittedly I took to social media. I was in sheer disbelief that I was on the receiving end of a congratulatory email celebrating a new arrival; one that did not exist. While many people were able to laugh it off with jokes like "does Shutterfly know something I don't?" I responded much more vehemently.

Having three miscarriages and no babes, I was hurt. I thought only of myself. I was too selfish to consider that on the other end of that email was a human. A person who, just like me, is not perfect. A person who makes mistakes.

If I could take back my outlash on Shutterfly Mr. Boris, I would. Unfortunately we both know all too well that in this digital world, that is not possible. While this may not repair the damage I have done, I do hope that you and the entire team at Shutterfly will be able to accept my apology.

I have learned another valuable lesson in all of this: behind every piece of technology and tool is a person. Someone who unintentionally made a mistake but that doesn't mean they had to pay for it.

Sincerely,
Sarah Robinson

Shades of the Otherhood: rewriting the fairytale

2014-05-06T08:10:00.001-04:00

Dear Brand Ambassador Program Managers,

Pay attention: the "otherhoods" are taking over. OK, maybe not world domination take over, but we are growing in numbers. We're smart, savvy, and discerning.

Oh, and we have influence.

Best,
The Non-Mommy

Recently I have written a few posts about the lack of marketing towards DINKYs. Every time you flick on the boob tube or flip a page in a magazine staring back at you is this picture perfect, well-mannered family laughing at the dinner table or frolicking at the beach. Next.

Well, today I discovered that DeVries Global has been stalking me. I'm not sure how they did it for this long without taking notice but I raise my glass of Sauvignon Blanc to them <clink>. Together with Melanie Notkin, they released a canny infographic video describing the clout of the non-mom woman (1,087 of - at the time - 13,195 hits are mine; that's how much the content resonated with me).

I was so giddy about the video I did some digging on it. I discovered that the stats were based on a white paper DeVries Global published astutely named Shades of Otherhood: Marketing to women without children. Aaaahhhhh - it was like I was surrounded by ~~angels singing~~ sale racks full of clothing in my size only.

It wasn't one of those long, drawn-out environmental scan type of reads. It was more like a large-print child's book with every point speaking to me. If you don't have time to read the whole thing here are just a couple of excerpts...with a bit of my own ad-lib:

The narrative of meet someone, fall in love, and have a baby is being entirely rewritten - and the ending is hardly tragic. Well, thank you baby Jesus! I can't say enough about this. There is no "normal" anymore. Instead of "Do you have children?" why can't people ask, "are you happy?"

80% of non-moms say they could lead a happy life without kids. Ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding.

Womanhood is not defined by motherhood; womanhood is defined by who you are as an individual, what value do you add for others. Preach.

DeVries Global wanted to get a better sense of how the Otherhood thinks, shops for groceries and beauty products, uses the Internet, eats, drinks, buys clothes, and travels. They did an online survey of 1,000 moms and 1,000 non-moms asking more than 300 questions. Here's a quick summary of their research findings with blog post proof that they were ~~stalking~~ using me as their test case:

She's a savvy and connected woman. Why thank you for noticing DeVries Global. I take great pride in the love affair I'm having with the interwebs.
She has purse power, but is not exactly Carrie Bradshaw. I do enjoy me some good ole' retail therapy.
She has time for leisure (and appreciates that freedom). OK, this is where it starts to get a wee bit creepy. It's not all rainbows and butterflies ya know.
Her top priorities: career and love. Even on the blue days.
She loves kids (even if she does not want her own). I can play pseudo mommy with the best of them.
She's happy. It's true. Happiness. The rest is icing on the cake.

So, to all of the marketing and brand program managers out there, when you're ready to tap into this with-it and wise woman who has enormous untapped potential as a consumer and influencer, call me. If I don't answer right away it's only because I'm savoring a latte while perusing the shops on my latest adventure.

A huge shout-out to DeVries Global and Melanie Notkin for this brilliant piece. All I can say is you #nailedit. Cheers to DINKYs everywhere.

3 Things to Teach your Daughter: BE CONFIDENT! BE POSITIVE! BE YOU!

2014-05-01T21:17:00.000-04:00

THIS is why I am so proud to be a GLAMbassador. Sarah xo

Guest Blog Written By: Laura from Glama Gal Tween Spa. Originally posted over at Chic Mamma

Chic Mama Pina approached me about writing a blog post based on a story I shared with her and some other bloggers last week that really resonated with everyone. My sister and I created Glama Gals back in 2006 and since then have hosted well over 7,000 birthday parties for girls of all ages. We have seen everything from amazing party planners calling us for big events to father’s calling us a week before their daughter’s birthday to plan a last minute party. Over the years, we have accommodated many clients to ensure that their events go off without a hitch.

However, never have we experienced what transpired when we first opened our Vaughan location back in 2008. It was 5:45 p.m. and my sister Josie and I were cleaning up as it was the end of the business day. In walks a little girl, dressed in a stunning dress and flower headband, bearing a beautifully wrapped present. She told us she was here for Jamie’s party. Josie and I were confused as Jamie’s party was earlier that day at 2 p.m. We both thought, “This girl must have read the invitation incorrectly.” Immediately, Josie waved her father down in the parking lot before he left the premises. We asked to see the invitation to make sure she was at the right place. We read it over and over again it said the party was at 6 p.m. (as written by a child). It boggled our mind that every other girl received the correct time for this party, yet this girl received an invitation with the start time being 6 p.m. At this point our radar was up. The father then concluded, just as we thought, that his daughter was the victim of an act schemed by the birthday girl. He went on to say that his daughter had been consistently bullied by this girl and that she chose to attend the birthday, thinking that the birthday girl wanted to make amends. What would you do as a parent? Would you send your daughter to the party of someone who bullied her?

I proceeded to contact the mother of the birthday girl, informing her of what happened. Her response, “Could you please ask her friend to leave the gift with you and I will pick it up tomorrow?” I was in complete shock. The mother then informed me that her daughter didn’t want to invite this child but was forced to because under the school’s rule she would only be able to distribute invitations under the condition that all the girls in the class were invited.

In that moment, Josie and I decided to give this little girl the DELUXE GLAMA GAL TREATMENT and so, we pampered her with every service offered at GG. She stayed with us for 2 hours and had the whole spa to herself. Josie talked with her about how to be confident in her own skin and how today is her day, reminding her to see the positive in any negative situation. While at the manicure bar, this little child was trying so hard to hold back her tears. We told her that it’s ok to cry and that we too have been in her shoes before.

From this moment in 2008, we vowed that every girl to walk through our Glama Gal doors would be entering an environment where we encouraged positivity, uniqueness and being confident. This experience also prompted us to add a sign to our doors that reads, NO BULLIES ALLOWED!!!

The moral of this story is that our daughters are watching our every action. We, as mothers, need to be careful with how we interact with others. Become a positive role model for your daughter who embodies virtues of empathy and kindness. Always imagine yourself in somebody else’s position while asking, “How would I feel if somebody treated me as I am treating them?” The golden rule.

In 2010 I gave birth to my very own Glama Gal Miss Ella. Since she was 3 years old, every night we go through this routine I ask her what made her happy today, how did she make someone else happy and I tell her how she makes me happy. As she gets older I will do the following three activities with her:

BE Confident: Every morning put a sticky note on her washroom mirror with a confidence-building quote she has to say out loud before she starts her day.

Be Positive: She has to tell me at the end of the day 1 positive thing she did for herself and 1 positive thing she did for someone else.

BE YOU: Create A BE YOU Diary where once a week she will express 5 things she did that made her feel unique and proud of herself.

If we breed positivity and spread it to other girls we will definitely change the actions of the past and pave way for a positive and confidence building future for young girls. I also recommend surrounding yourself with positive like minded people.

Glama Gal Laura
Xoxoxo

P.S. Be Confident! Be Positive! BE YOU!

Going once, going twice, sold!

2014-05-01T13:08:00.000-04:00

My fingers trembled. Palms sweaty. A floor gymnast practiced her tumble routine in my stomach. My arms as heavy as 150 year old tree trunks. I raised card 140 in the air.

The woman on stage pointed at me. Twenty. She then pointed at someone else. Thirty. Back to me. Forty. Someone else came in at fifty. It was on.

I could barely understand the auctioneer she was talking so fast but when she looked at me I knew it was my turn. I stalled. Someone else went in at sixty. I knew I had to get it together. Focus.

Seventy. The woman in the front row with a multi-coloured, thick-striped turtleneck went in at eighty. Back to me for ninety.

My rival was apathetic. I couldn't read her. She sat with her feet crossed at her ankles. Hands neatly folded across her lap, only moving to raise her bidder card. She did not waver.

Me on the other hand? I squirmed in my seat like a 3 year old at the dinner table. A bobble-head watching a Ping-Pong match. Auctioneer. Opponent. Auctioneer. Me.

One-hundred. Wha? Where did this person come from? My rival raised her card at one-ten. Crap. Crap. Crap. My brain wasn't keeping up. I was under pressure. "One ten. I have one ten. One twenty. Who has one twenty?" Her eyes holding mine.

Card 140 was half way in the air. Yes, only half. I was sweating bullets and had the pit stains to prove it. "One twenty!" Thoughts sprinting through my head. Is this a deal? Is it really worth it? I wanted white or grey but this is blue?

"One thirty. I've got one-thirty!" Little Miss Show No Emotion was in at one-hundred thirty dollars. My eyes were wide. I had no idea what to do. Gah! How high was this lady going to go?

"Go for it Sar. It's worth it." My auction-savvy cousin whispered in my ear. I nodded. Cause that's what you do when you're a cool auction chick <huffs on finger nails and buffs them on shoulder nonchalantly>. You nod your bid.

"One-forty-I've-got-one-forty-do-I-have-one-fifty?" She was now glaring at my opponent in the front row. She shook her head. Out.

Eeeek. I was sitting on my hands at this point trying to contain myself. The auctioneer was looking around the room. "I've-got-one-forty-one-forty-do-I-have-one-fifty? One-fifty-anywhere? One-fifty-once? One-fifty-twice? Sold for one-hundred-forty-dollars."

For the last time this round I raised 140 in the air and they noted my bidder number. Coincidence that my winning bid was the same number as my bidder card? I think not. Lot 258 was mine.

I was on a treasure hunt and found gold!

Hubs had to be called in to bring my new chaise home. It found its permanent spot in our bedroom making the perfect reading and writing corner. With some fun new pillows and a throw from HomeSense, I am one step closer to finishing off our redecorated bedroom.

This was the scene at MacLean Auctions on Sunday. It was exhilarating and nerve-wrecking all at the same time. Every two weeks or so they host estate auctions. There were over 500 lots at this week's auction. It was fun & exciting whether you were bidding or not. I highly recommend grabbing a couple of girlfriends and checking the next one out. Coffee is on me if you go home empty handed.

Here are a few little tidbits about MacLean Auctions to make your experience awesome:

They post many items online leading up to the auction. Closer to the auction date they try to add lot numbers. Auctioneers go through approximately 100 items per hour. Bring $3 for a lot list.
Snacks & drinks are available on-site. A chip-truck arrives outside around lunch.
If you're ready to leave and have won an item, go to the ladies at the front. After you pay them they'll give you two sheets. Take these to the back beside the auction room to claim your goodies.
If you buy so many things you can't get them all home the day of the auction you can arrange to either have a home delivery or pick-up within a couple of days.
Washrooms are upstairs.

Happy bidding :)

More than just labels

2014-04-23T23:08:00.002-04:00

Wife. Daughter. Step-daughter. Daughter-in-law. Sister. Sister-in-law. Friend. Confidant. Rescue furmom. Woman. Aunt. Niece. Part-time boss. Full-time minion. Colleague. Pleaser. Over-helper. Networker. Consultant. Storyteller. Community volunteer. Do-gooder. Tweep. Friend. Tribe mate. Member. Instagrammer. Wanna be blogger. Ambassador. Google +er. Cook. Baker. Housekeeper. Gossiper. Decorator. Dog chaser. Deal seeker. Professional shopper. Amateur photographer. Skier. Adventurer. Candy crusher. Planner. Counsellor. Entertainer. Latté lover. Commuter. Car rockstar. Perfectionist.

A bunch of labels? Yes. But together these labels make-up my DNA. I absolutely love every single one of these things. They each give me a different type of high. I was a junkie. And just like an addict who overabuses, I crashed.

I was doing it all; pushing myself to new limits. Working full-time, consulting on the side and trying to maintain my blog while contributing to another. Engaging with friends both face-to-face and online. Transitioning and integrating a rescue pooch into our home and maintaining it at the same time. Playing wife and squeezing in some family-time in every now and then. Attending events, joining twitter parties and planning celebrations. I was on a wicked high.

Mapped out was every hour of my day, almost to the minute. Just like my 9-5 job gave me a high, I filled every spare moment I had with another drug. Working on a contract. Writing a blog post. Engaging in social media. Texting my family. Yes, that included my husband cause it was just easier that way. Walking the pup.

It wasn't long before balls dropped faster than I could pick them up. Juggling for the Complete Klutz couldn't help me at this point. The quality of my work - both paid and volunteer - declined. I started to forgot important milestones. Lost patience with my family. The pantry was empty and my car littered with half eaten fast food containers. My regular bed time extended by one, two then three hours. And finally, I went hurdling into a brick wall like a car with no brakes. Crumpled like an accordion.

That was my wake up call. It was time to slow down.

So over the last few weeks I took a step back. Not completely withdrawing from everything but certainly pulling back. Taking the time to figure out what is important to me. For starters I am setting parameters: everything in moderation, including moderation. Quality versus quantity.

I know I broke some of the golden rules over the last few weeks - like keeping your content up-to-date - but I'm OK with that. I feel half normal again. And happy. Guess I can add rebel to that list of labels.

Pretty things make me happy: dresses from Rent Frock Repeat

2014-03-25T17:32:00.000-04:00

Winter has been tough this year. I know, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Just needed to state the obvious. Sheesh. Don’t jump down my throat. Polar vortex and snow squalls have become common language to us Canucks.

On Friday, however, I had a chance to escape all of it. For the last couple of years I have admired the pretty dresses on Rent Frock Repeat. Haven’t heard of such thing you say? Well, let me tell you ladies – you need to check them out. It’s one of the most brilliant concepts in fashion.

Rent Frock Repeat carries thousand of designer dresses that, wait for it, YOU RENT. How utterly amazing is that?? Translation: more money for shoes!!!

There are a gazillion different events in Ottawa. If you’re like me you dread receiving invitations cause let’s face it, it means buying ANOTHER dress that will lay crumpled in a ball hang in your closest after wearing it once. C’mon, we all know you don’t want to be seen wearing the same dress twice. Rent Frock Repeat solves this problem for you. They have hundreds of one-of-a-kind designer dresses that will complement anybody style, eliminating the stress of wondering “will anyone else be wearing this?” And they ship straight to your door so you don’t waste your precious time scouring the city trying to find the “good-enough” dress.

When I heard Rent Frock Repeat was setting up a pop-up shop in Ottawa where you could actually try on their dresses, I was giddy with excitement. On Friday I spent an hour with Lisa and Kristy, the co-founders, and a lovely young lady who’s name slips me at my private appointment. They were set up in a modern, little cabin just across the Champlain Bridge.

I arrived a few minutes late, I know, *shocker* but was still greeted with hugs and offerings of wine. When you’ve had a love affair with the twitterverse like I have, you have virtual bffs. And hey, they offered me wine! We immediately got started. I had completed my online profile before going which includes a “wishlist” (dresses that you like). They had a number of these pretty frocks already pulled. My excitement level went through the roof as the dresses were even more gorgeous in person.

As no dress is complete without shoes, I brought a couple of pairs with me *cough cough*. And I’m so glad I did. I was able to change the entire look but switching up the shoes which allowed me to see the versatility of the dresses.

Within an hour I tried on 7 different frocks. Each time I came out the girls oohed and awed. They really did make me feel like a princess. But they were honest at the same time. When one didn’t hit in the right spot or wasn’t quite right, they told me. When I saw something I wasn’t quite sure of, they told me how others had responded.

At the end of our time together they updated my profile with notes. It includes all of the dresses that worked for me with a few words like “not for your upcoming event, but a really lovely dress on you!” or “We did not have this in your size for you to try on today. Your perfect size would be XXX”.

All this to say ladies is you really must get over to Rent Frock Repeat. It’s an hour of pampering and feeling red carpet glamorous. I’m booking another appointment it was so kickass. This may be just the March Makeover you need to get you through until spring!

To book an appointment with Rent Frock Repeat at their Ottawa Popup Shop, click here. I've got another appointment booked already :)

Here are my favourite looks from my private fitting:

Disclaimer: after tweeting & writing about my experience, Rent Frock Repeat offered me a complimentary dress rental. As always, all thoughts, statements and opinions are my own.

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Going once, going twice, sold!

More than just labels

Pretty things make me happy: dresses from Rent Frock Repeat

Dear Brand Ambassador Program Managers,

Pay attention: the "otherhoods" are taking over. OK, maybe not world domination take over, but we are growing in numbers. We're smart, savvy, and discerning.

Oh, and we have influence.

Best,
The Non-Mommy