My. Daily. Randomness.

My Top 7: Canadian Design Bloggers Meet-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:23:00 +0000

1. Hanging out with my blogger friends... some I haven't seen in a while, others I spent the whole day with on Friday...

2. The food! I have never been to Brassaii for dinner, but the food they were serving us makes me want to make a reservation asap! Deep fried oysters, chicken wings, mini burgers, and truffle pops were just some of the glorious things on the menu...

3.Hearing Coco + Kelley founder, Cassandra LaValle, speak on how she got her start in blogging. She had some great take-homes messages including; take a break if you need one, it's better to not post than to post something you are not 100% in love with, and turn off your flash when you take pictures!

4. Surprise!! Brian Gluckstein makes an appearance! Who knew?

5. The prizes... A $1000 Ikea Gift Card, Delta Faucets, an iPad, and subscriptions to House & Home mag were just some of the wonderful things up for grabs... and I didn't win any of it!

6. Meeting and chatting with some fabulously talented ladies! I have been a reader of their blogs, but just have not met them in person...

7. The generous swag bag provided by the sponsors! Everything from a muffin pan from Ikea, to the new Cottonelle toilet paper roll holder designed by Jonathan Adler. Loooove!

I just want to say thank you to all the ladies who made my night! I never would have thought so many of you read my little blog, but to hear you say "Oh I read your blog!" was truly an inspiring moment.

Thanks again to Vie & Daniella for putting it all together, and the amazing speakers, Cassandra LaValle from Coco+Kelly, Cameron McNeil & Lisa Murphy from House & Home, and Brian Gluckstein, for taking the time to come speak.

For the full rundown of pictures, and an awesome video, head on over to the Canadian Design Blogger's Meet-up Blog.

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So.... who had so much fun? What was the highlight of your night?

{via Alessia Lamonaca}
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BlogPodium: Blogs + Media Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Conversation, collaboration, connection. BlogPodium is conference series that brings design & lifestyle bloggers, marketers, and the design community together.

I couldn't help but agree with the Mission of the BlogPodium Conference, as it did exactly that! On Friday, at IDS12, over 60 veterans and newbies in the lifestyle blogging world came together to listen & learn from a knowledgeable panel of industry professionals... all with difference perspectives but a similar message.

Here is the rundown of the great tips that the expert panel suggested....

Rambler? "Try to keep it under 500 words. We all have short attention spans."
"Think about the best fit for your look. Which mag should it be pitched to? The one that matches your look"
"I am always looking. No hint drop is lost to me... but at the same time we want our content to be a surprise."
"Nice photos.... and with the toilet seat down!"
Pitching: "Have good scouting shots. Use natural light. Pull back to see entire space. Principal rooms."
"When working on an editorial line up we take into consideration tends, seasonality, audience, etc."
"I appreciate a well edited blog. Wide and deep searches create a package of arresting beauty."
"Bloggers need to be out in the trenches spotting trends for us"
Downside of blogging? "Dilution of the value of professionals in the industry. Always give credit!"
The best thing about blogging? "The conversation it is creating & getting feedback."

How do you pull it all together to get noticed? "If you want to be on TV you have to have video on your blog"
How to get noticed? "Editing is key!"
How to spot a good blog? "There has to be an original voice. I have to learn something from you!"
"When you think you have a A+ project pitch the idea to the big 3 mags first... Then pitch to online mag"
"Rooms that have been published on 100 blogs might not get published in a Mag. We want something original"
"We all need to be in this together!"
"We just launched www.BusinessOfDesign.com last night...."

Best tip "Put your photo on your blog, we need to see who you are!"
"Don't publicly pitch on Twitter"
Do numbers sway opinion? "Yes. If you have a lot of followers, we are going to gain something."
"Bring me something you are not going to see anywhere else. Short. Sweet. Cute"
Making the Pitch: "Bio, picture, address. What you represent and are inspired by. Your own creativity."
"If something has been published, we might ask you to do it again, recreating it live."
"Social media is a great way to get exposure. You are a sharing group, so share."
"Sometimes I need to see some fun! It's not only about content but about entertainment."

"Holding guest posts on your blog will also help drive traffic to your blog"
Is blogging everyday important? "Consistency. Blog 3-4 times per week. Do an editorial calendar for the year"
"Every guest post u do on someone else's blog could lead to something else. So out your best work out there"
Best way to get people to follow? "Blog design. Guest posts. Pinterest."
"Put your best work out there. Guest post. Get noticed. Follow up."
Getting noticed? "Pictures! Develop your photography skills"

Of course the event would not have been possible without the tireless work of Lindsay and Jennifer, and the very generous support of the sponsors:

And don't forget to check out the wonderful event photos taken by the uber-talented Jason Hudson!

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What do you take away, or see as important from the speakers points above?

I truly believe in putting a photo of yourself on your blog, and having great photos in general (one thing I am working on!)
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My Top 7: Best in Show at IDS12

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:58:00 +0000

On Friday I had the opportunity to attend BlogPodium, which was an absolutely informative conference, with a knowledgeable line-up of speakers, in a room filled with crazy talented bloggers. As part of our registration package, sponsored by IDS12, we received media accreditation which granted us access to the IDS Trade Day.

So with camera in hand, Emily-Jane, Kim & I walked the entire IDS floor in a matter of hours. With over 300 incredible exhibits to see, I painstakingly narrowed all that I had taken down to seven that I thought were the best in show...

My Top 7: Best in Show at IDS12

1. Ritual by Mason: Part of the "How do you live?" exhibit, this space was truly unique; showcasing the "ritual" of eating dinner at a communal table.

2. Urban Salvage: Reclaimed wood is so hot right now...

3. ELTE: Always with such amazing style, finishes and attention to space planning ELTE was at the top of my list... I am pretty sure I would live in this booth.

4. Up Country: Deep, dark, and heavy leathers, woods, and furs grounded the bright, cheery crystal & metal chandeliers - blending traditional English furniture with a little bit of rock and roll.

5. Taylor Hannah by Dee Dee: This space was right on trend with pops of Tangerine, plaid and strips... all well integrated into a functional space... I want that deer head!

6. The OneXOne Auction: The iconic Magis Julian children’s chair is re-imagined, re-purposed, and re-designed by 20 different designers to create something new & unique... Debbie Travis, David & Glenn Dixon, Joe Fresh, Alfred Sung and Blackberry where just a few who participated.

7. Lissoni Lounge by Guest of Honour Piero Lissoni: Simple, chic and breathtakingly beautiful was this almost 1200sq.ft exhibit space, styled by Piero Lissoni. Neutral colour with pops of purple and green, I felt almost at home in this booth...

Honourable Mentions: I seriously took over 250 pictures at IDS, so if you want to see my honourable mentions {photos that didn't make it to the blog}, check them out on my Google+ page.

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Did you go to IDS? What was your favourite exhibit?

{all photos were taken by me}
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Canadian Design Bloggers Meet-Up: Winter 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

It's back again, and I couldn't be more excited! Even though I had a stimulating and somewhat exhausting day yesterday at BlogPodium & IDS12, I am super pumped to see all my blogging friends tonight at the 3rd Canadian Design Bloggers Meet-Up in Toronto.

You may recall that I attended both meet-ups last year, in November and June, which were both a great time!

Amanda & I are heading down to Toronto this afternoon to Brassaii Restaurant where this little soiree is hosted... The wonderful meet-up planners {Daniella and Vie} were once again able to secure some great sponsorship. The premier sponsor of this event is Home & Home Magazine, while the silver sponsors include Delta, Cottonelle & IKEA. The bronze sponsors include CIL Paint, Gluckenstein Home, AyA Kitchens and Baths. Also showing their support are the friends of the industry, Green Light District, Rowenta, CB2, and Kravet.

And can you believe who the feature speakers are? None other than the amazing Cassandra LaValle from Coco+Kelly, and Cameron McNeil & Lisa Murphy from House & Home.

Stay tuned because there will be a full recap of both BlogPodium and The Canadian Design Blogger's Meet-Up next week!

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Have you ever attended a blogger meet-up?
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Dress for Success: BlogPodium

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:52:00 +0000

I could not be more excited for today's big event... BlogPodium. I am sure it is going to be a stellar morning of networking, experience sharing, and a well-known expert panel.

One thing I always get hung up on is the outfit. The outfit is so important. You have to dress the part... and dress for success. I am not sure who coined the phrase "it's better to be over dressed..." but that is how I feel about most situations.

While I do have a closet full of business-type clothes {after working in an office for 6 years}, I always lust over well-put-together outfits....

{via 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8}

I am in loooove with that blazer!

~~~~~
Do you believe in dressing for success?

{for those who are interested, check out my post on social media ROI}
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IDS12: Opening Night Party & Cherish Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:31:00 +0000

The party everyone has been waiting for... A night of noshing, sipping, and show floor performances – all to the beats of designer DJ Karim Rashid... The IDS12 Opening Night Party & Cherish Auction is tonight.

Bid on a Magis Julian chair at the opening night party, where the iconic children’s chair is re-imagined by 20 different designers, like Debbie Travis, David & Glenn Dixon & FLARE Magazine... just to name a few! The auction benefits the ONEXONE non-profit children’s foundation.

I won't be able to attend due to other commitments, but I will be at IDS tomorrow... right after BlogPodium! It's going to be a great day!

~~~~~
Are you going to the opening night gala party?
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Inspiration: Office Space

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Today officially marks the 4th week I will be working from home. It's been fun, but it hasn't exactly been easy...

There is one thing that is still less than what is desired... my office space! Yes, the one I am working in right now does the job... it has a desk, computer, chair and a window... but to be honest, it just not that great to look at. For now, I will be dreaming of the day when I can design an office space like these....

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What room in your house is less than what you desire?

{via 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4}
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I Missed Friday...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:55:00 +0000

I have come to realize that today is Saturday... you know what that means? I missed Friday.

I am going to be 100% honest here, I am cray cray busy. My business has exploded at such a high level, and at such a quick rate that (I can't believe I am going to say this...) I am having to consider hiring a staff person. Only 3 weeks in, and that has crossed my mind... unbelievable!

Now, I love what I do so it just doesn't feel like work... so when I work a 10 hour day, it doesn't bother me... but it bothers "J." He had to tear me away from the computer last night to take me out for Sushi.... I guess I just have to find the right balance...

So, since today feels like Friday to me... have a great weekend loves! See you on Monday (if I don't miss it).

{via 1}
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Cheesy Mushroom Tuna Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:56:00 +0000

Ok folks, you are going to have to bare with me... You see, I currently have about 8lbs of mushrooms sitting in my fridge from last weekend's food show... and they need to get eaten! That means mushroom recipes for the next 2 weeks!

Inspiration crept up on me Tuesday night, when I opened up my cupboards to find... not much... rotini noodles... a box of melba toast... peanut butter... a can of tuna... hmmm, I was craving something comforting, heavy, and warm. Yup, a Mushroom Tuna Casserole would do the trick.

Now normally I wouldn't add frozen veggies to a dish like this {fresh tastes so much better}, but I did not want to leave the house, so in the frozen veggies went! In the end, it turned out pretty good... "J" liked it so much he took leftovers to work 2 days in a row...

I got a text from him earlier today telling me his whole office smelt like tuna... ha!

Cheesy Mushroom Tuna Casserole

Ingredients
1/2 lb. rotini noodles (cooked as per package directions)
1 cup milk
1 oz goat cheese
1 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 lb. fresh crimini mushrooms
1 can light flaked tuna
1/2 cup frozen veggies (pea, carrot, bean, corn mixture)
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 oz cheese, shredded
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

Method
1. Prepare pasta as per package directions, drain.
2. Preheat oven to 350C.
3. In a heavy pot, mix together milk and cheeses. Stir constantly until cheese is melted and is just starting to boil.
4. Pour milk/cheese mixture over drained pasta. Mix until pasta is well coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add in mushrooms, tuna and frozen veggies. Mix. Pour into greasy casserole dish.
6. Top with bread crumbs, shredded cheese and grated Parmesan. Bake about 20 minutes until top is golden. Serve hot.

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Do you ever stock pile a certain food in your fridge?
In the summer, I always have to have strawberries!

{for those who are interested, check out my post on the difference between a facebook page, profile and group... things to know when creating a FB presence for your business}
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January Glymm Box

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:26:00 +0000

My first Glymm Box of the new year arrived this morning... I practically pounced on the postal worker when I saw the pink box. So what was inside? Let's take a look...

{1} Kaia Naturals / Juicy Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths: One cloth, multiple functions! juicy bamboo facial cloths that effectively and gently sweep away makeup, dirt and oil for clear, fresh skin! Soaked in Vitamins and made with 99% natural ingredients, which make your skin feel soft, instead of stripped and tight. These urban facial cloths ar the perfect solution for the girl on the go!

{2} Vasanti Cosmetics / BrightenUp!Enzymatic Rejuvenator: Alright beauties it's time to dramatically improve your skin's texture to reveal softer, brighter and younger looking skin! this aloe-enriched cleanser brightens with powerful papaya enzymes to give radiance, exfoliates with dermatologist grade micro-crystals which help smooth and hydrate your gentle skin.

{3} Anastasia Beverly Hills / Clear Brow Gel: From the upscale salons of Beverly Hills, we bring you the brow expert, Anastasia's clear brow gel. Awarded as Allure's editor's choice, this brow gel sets your perfect brow look and keeps brows in place all day. This best-selling formula tames unruly brows without leaving them stiff, flaky or sticky.

{4} Burt's Bees / Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion: Burt's Bees new and improved body notion is clinically proven to restore moisture and replenish dry skin. Canada's favourite natural beauty brand uses nature's best resources such as milk and honey to soothe, soften, and hydrate dry skin, without making it feel greasy. the coconut and vitamin E deliver beneficial nutrients to the skin.

{5} Cargo Cosmetics / Full Sized: Eye Pencil: Cargo eye pencils offer a cutting edge formulation! An incredibly high pigment pencil that delivers intense colour combined with a smudge-resistant formula for immediate and long wearing results. Rich, deep colour that glides on easily with just one application and minimal skipping.

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Just for Fun: If you were stranded on an island, what one cosmetic would you have to have?
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I Need a Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:34:00 +0000

There, I said it. No tiptoeing around the issue... no trying to say it in a nice way... just straight up, I am in dire need of a hair cut.

I have been trying to grow my hair out for quite some time now... mostly because of my god-awful decision to dye it blond... and it is just now reaching the length I want, but is now where near the "healthy state" I would like it to be in.

I wouldn't go as drastically short as shoulder length, but I might consider getting a trim plus a few shorter layers...

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What's your preferred length?

{for those who are interested, check out my post on the very important difference between a @reply and @mention on Twitter}
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My Top 7: Food & Wine Show Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:45:00 +0000

1. I tried ice wine for the very first time! I believe it was called Nuri... It was very sweet. I would buy it, if it wasn't sooo expensive!

2. Getaway Restaurant's old fashion bread pudding. OMG, no word of a lie, the best bread pudding you will ever have in your life! I had 4 pieces... now I wait an entire year to eat it again...

3. Two Words: Cider Wine.

4. Our booth was right across from the Raja Indian Cuisine booth... I ate a plate of butter chicken every night for dinner.

5. I gave a cooking demonstration on stage. I was lucky enough to have a full audience of about 80 this year... I made mushroom pate & attempted to be entertaining, all while trying my hardest to keep the mic from falling off my pea head... Here's me cooking....

6. I had a nice long chat with Ted Reader of World's Best BBQ who was also there to give a cooking demonstration. He was funny, knowledgeable, and had a potty mouth, like most chef's do...

7. Standing in a hot booth cooking for 25 hours is... "fun." The first 5 hours are always the easiest... but by hour 24 you... there's no telling what type of mood you will be in. The good news? We have mastered our tear-down technique, and can have our entire booth packed up and removed in 20 minutes. Impressed? You should be!

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Happy Monday loves! What did you get up to this past weekend?...

Short Intermission

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:08:00 +0000

As I mentioned before, this month is a busy month....

This particular weekend I will be away at a Food & Wine Show for work... just cooking away! I'll be tweeting up my tasty finds, so make sure you follow me!

See you on the other side.

{for those who are interested, check out my post on using social media at an event}

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What are your plans this weekend?

{via decor8 by Jillian Leiboff}
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Refinishing a Dresser for Less than $20

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:32:00 +0000

This was one of those projects that you start thinking it's going to be a piece of cake... a walk in the park... simple as pie... but after many trips to Home Depot, phone conversations with the sister, creating a dust storm in the guest room, and mangling close to 1 package of sandpaper... I finished it.

Not that it was in bad shape to begin with, I felt that it needed a facelift...

Before...

After...

Such a big difference! I kept the original hardware because quite frankly, I like it... it adds charm! I even ended up swapping out the dresser in the master {the one I redid two years ago} for this one... since it's bigger... and more grown up...

The outside grey colour is Benjamin Moore Aura Paint in "Willow"... the stain was a low VOC by Saman in Cocoa...

Cost Breakdown:
Dresser: Free from my mom
Sandpaper: $1 at the Dollarstore
Stain & Paint: $18 from Heer's Decor {where Amanda works... employee discount!}
Total = $19

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What do you think?
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Healthy Teriyaki Salmon with Bok Choy & Mushrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Healthy eating. It's on everyone's new year's resolution list... and this year I am adding it to mine. Not to say I don't already try to eat healthy, but you know me, I can't say no to dessert... or candy... or chocolate. Moderation is the key... right?

One food that I could "eat like candy" is salmon... and guess what, it's good for you! In fact, this whole salmon dinner is rather healthy. Mushrooms, bok choy, and sweet basmati rice make this a nutritious, satisfying meal... the perfect dinner to start the new year!

Healthy Teriyaki Salmon with Bok Choy & Mushrooms

Ingredients
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 small salmon fillet
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
1 bunch of baby bok choy
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup basmati rice, cooked as per package instructions

Method
1. Toast sesame seeds. Heat non-stick pan on medium-high. Add sesame seeds to pan and toss 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 375C. Place salmon fillet in greased baking dish. Brush with 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce. Bake salmon 15-20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, saute baby bok choy and mushrooms in a splash of olive oil and 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce. Prepare rice as per package instructions.
4. Serve salmon, mushrooms and baby bok choy over basmati rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

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What's your favourite healthy recipe/food?
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My Top 7

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:45:00 +0000

1. House stuff. Things are starting to come along... furniture filling the guest room... the glass panel door PD gave me for Christmas for my office... and my new feather duvet set. Still working on getting my office put together... filing, organizing, etc... but I think a trip to IKEA next wednesday will solve a lot.

2. I am fighting off a cold right now! I am borderline sick... I can feel it coming... it hasn't full out hit me yet... but I am pumping myself full of vitamins, ColdFX and green tea.

3. The new TV... she's up... she's running... she's 1080p HD!! I'm in love!

4. I'm looking forward to a very busy month. Next weekend I will be away at the London Wine & Food Show {I'm cooking on stage again!}, I travel to Chicago again mid-January for another meeting {but that one's not finalized yet}, and then we have Blogpodium and the Canadian Design Bloggers Meet-up... what a fun month!

5. Christmas decorations are coming down this weekend, you know what that means... glitter, glitter everywhere... again!

6. My business has officially launched! {insert freak-out here}. I knew at some point in my life I would like to work for myself, but I had no idea it would be this soon. A series of opportunities unfolded in front of me during December that I couldn't turn down... including that business trip to Chicago.

I know I've never divulged much work related information here, because quite frankly, nobody really wants their online blogger life all mixed up with their personal corporate life, right? But I guess this would be the perfect opportunity to get it all out there, especially because I am specializing is Social Media & Marketing Communications. If you are interested, you can check out my business website & blog, and follow me on twitter.

7. Slipperssss... I think I am going to need new ones very soon. This past week I have spent all day in my home office in, you guessed it, slippers!

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Well kids, I hope you had a wonderful week, and have something spectacular planned for the weekend :)
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December Glymm Box

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Again, better late than never! Here's a little peek inside December's Glymm Box...

{1} Caudalie / Vinopefect Enzymatic Peel Mask: Treat yourself to the ultimate spa experience this holiday season with Caudalie's peel mask. This innovative formula is enriched with revitalizing grape acid and antioxidant-rich grape seed oils which work together to gently dissolve dead skin cells and reveal perfectly nourished, balanced and luminous skin complexion.

{2} Ahava / Mineral Hand Cream: Ahava lightweight lotion goes to work the minute you apply it, with a powerful blend of ingredients to treat hand dryness and dermatitis. Its rich, nourishing Dead Sea minerals hydrate and restore moisture to even the most rough and scaly skin. The hazel extracts soothe and soften dry skin, without making it feel greasy.

{3} Yves Saint Laurent / La Parisienne: Once upon a time there was Perisienne, who lived and loved in the moment - the portrait of a woman incredibly free. Parisienne is a floral, feminine yet sensual fragrance which will leave a trace of mystery everywhere you go. This luxurious scent wraps up a woman's body and stays with her all day long. Scandalous, some say?

{4} Sula Beauty / Natural Lip Gloss: Get your lips kissable ready this holiday season with Sula Beauty Pretty Lip gloss! Playful, yet sophisticated, this trendy line is designed to compliment not define! Sula Lip gloss is formulated with natural ingredients that will soothe, soften and moisturize your pretty lips. Go ahead and break the rules, set, trends and always be pretty.

{5} Glymm / Special Offer: A $10 Gift Card to the Glymm Beauty Boutique!

Ok first of all, I love the full sized Sula Lip Gloss! It's another Canadian company, and their products are low on all that chemical crap. Second of all, I am in love with the Yves Saint Laurent La Parisienne perfume! So much in fact, that I think I'm going to buy it!

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What is your favourite fragrance right now?
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Baby, it's cold outside!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:54:00 +0000

It seems winter has finally found us here in southwestern Ontario. It was a frigid -14C out yesterday, and a chilly -10C today. It's hard to believe it's the middle of winter here with how little snow we have. I can still see little blades of grass poking through the thin layer of snow in my yard.

One of my goals for this winter was to get out at least once to go cross county skiing, but with weather like this, the chances are looking slim...

How come when there is no snow you find yourself longing for a snowy winter day, but when it's a blizzard you want to be someplace hot? Either way, I am inspired by these stunning wintery photos...

{via 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4}

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What's your favourite season? Do you love the snow & cold, or is the summertime sun the thing for you?
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The Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0000

I know this is a little late... but better late than never! A big congrats to EJ @ Not A House, But A Home. You are the winner of a brand new Designer Series Programmable Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker.

Thank so all who entered & tweeted about the contest.

And for those of you who still have Crock-Pot cookin' on the brain, I suggest downloading the Crock-Pot iPhone App! It will help you decide what’s for dinner, with hundreds of slow cooker recipes right at your fingertips.

Note: EJ @ Not A House, But A Home, can you email me your mailing address & phone number so I can send you your prize? :) (brittany (at) mydailyrandomness (dot) com)
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My Top 7: The Best of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:42:00 +0000

1. Getting my Canon Rebel... I don't need to go into detail, but this camera is amazing!

2. See one of my little sisters get married. I still can't read my maid of honour speech without crying...

3. My most visited post this year? Ombre Hair Trends... go figure! lol

4. Travel. It really seemed like I traveled everywhere this past year... I went to Calgary to snowboard... Discovered the beauty of 1000 Islands... Took a road trip to Ottawa... Went camping for 5 days... Visited my cottage too many times to count... Vancouver for a board meeting... Hiked 18km to Rattlesnake Point... and went to Chicago for new business... Just wait and see what 2012 brings... I think you will be surprised!

5. According to my iTunes, my top 5 played songs were... Start Over by Beyonce, She Looks to Me by Red Hot Chili Peppers, We Found Love by Rihanna, Chances Are by Garrett Hedlund, The Morning by The Weeknd....

6. Food, food and more food. I think I published more posts on food this year than I have the entire time this blog has been in existence! My top 3 recipes? Well, my Leftover Scalloped Potato Quiche, my Oreo Cookie Chocolate Bark, and my Slow Cooker Chili...

7. Finding "J." I don't know what I would do without him. xo

I cannot believe how fast a year can go by. Not only that, I cannot believe how much can change in just one year. You learn. You grow. You come together. You win. You lose. You explore. You say goodbye. You cry. You laugh. You make new friends. You give. You get a little bit older. You love...

So with that said my friends, I want to thank you all who have stuck with me through this year, and thank all the ones who have joined me along the way...

I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year, and all the best for 2012.

XOXO
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Snapshot: Christmas Week in Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:29:00 +0000

1. Decorating dad's 12ft tree on Christmas day... I should have expected this!
2. New tradition, building a gingerbread house with the fam.
3. Turkey, turkey & more turkey! Lots of leftover scalloped potatoes for this recipe.
4. The kid lives for Batman these days!
5. Stockings were stuffed with lots of girly goodies this year...
6. Too many sweets... slowly making my way through 5 lbs. of chocolate...
7. The new TV "J" just had to buy...
8. Cozy slippers all week!

But seriously, how did it get to be New Year's Eve tomorrow...?

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How was your Holiday week? Lots of turkey and too many sweets? Did you get what you wished for?
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Boxing Day Brunch | Leftover Scalloped Potato Crusted Quiche

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Leftovers. I could live off leftovers... and to be honest some nights I do. But let me tell you, there is nothing like Christmas dinner leftovers. The turkey tastes better, the stuffing tastes better, the potatoes taste better... or maybe I'm just that hungry...

Anyways, one thing that is always guaranteed to be left over is scalloped potatoes. You probably ask how? But when you are feeding a family of 20+ you take no chances, and always make more than what we need... heaven forbid someone did not get potatoes!

So, seeing you have a massive amount of potatoes left over, why not incorporate into breakfast! Yes, I said scalloped potatoes at breakfast! Mmmm...

Leftover Scalloped Potato Crusted Quiche

Ingredients
About 2 spoonfuls of leftover scalloped potatoes (cheese and all)
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
salt & pepper
1/2 green pepper, diced
10 cherry tomatoes cut in half
1/4 onion, diced
Add any other fresh veggies you have on hand or add extra cheese (optional)

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray baking dish with Pam and line with cold leftover potatoes. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are hot.
2. While potatoes cook, chop up veggies. In a bowl, mix eggs with milk, salt & pepper.
3. Layer diced veggies over hot potatoes. Pour egg mixture over.
4. Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes, or until eggs are set and no longer runny.
5. Serve hot for a lovely Boxing Day brunch!

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What's your favourite leftover, besides dessert... because I don't know a single soul that doesn't like leftover dessert?
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Holiday Week: Dress the Part

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:10:00 +0000

Fancy Holiday Party

{1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7}

Christmas Morning Breakfast
{1 ~ 2 ~ 3}

Family Dinner
{1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8}

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What are you going to wear?
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Holiday Week: All I Want for Christmas....

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:28:00 +0000

My Top 5 Christmas Wants...

{1} Shower Head / Delta Adjustable Arm Raincan Showerhead : Remember this picture? That is the current state of my shower head. I try not to make eye contact with it when I am showering.

{2} Tripod / Sirui Ball Head Tripod Kit : The other night "J" and I tried to take a picture in front of our tree... after propping up my camera on the coffee table + a rubbermaid bin + a book, I came to the conclusion that I need a tripod.

{3} Office Chair / Ikea Patrik Swivel Chair : Since I will be working from home soon, I need a new office set-up stat! But for now I will just settle for a new chair...

{4} iPad / Apple iPad 2 : It's been on my wish list for an entire year! I think it might be time to get one...

{5} A Vacation / Bahamas : This one is a tough one... "J" and I had our vacation plans set and were just about ready to book, when this whole new job opportunity came along... needless to say we had to cancel. I. Need. A. Vacation!

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What's on your wish list this year?
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Holiday Week: Deck the Hall | My Christmas Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:34:00 +0000

".... and the stalkings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."

It's official. Christmas is just 3 days away.

Are you ready?
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