This and That!

Feels like I have been gone forever! I have been super busy the last week or so and I just didn't have the energy to blog at the end of the day. I'm not sure I will be blogging regularly again until December. So, if I'm not around for the next little bit don't fret because I will be back and I have lots of fun stuff planned for December. 

This post is kind of a ramble blog because I don't have a lot to tell forever right now. I do have a lovely working Keurig again! This pleases me muchly! I have a LARGE coffee sitting beside me right now! I also have Christmas music playing, fireplace channel on and a chicken roasting in the oven. How domestic am I today? It is rainy and cold here today and I don't like it. Oh if you follow on Twitter you know I kind of fan girled earlier today because Ben Brown from YouTube favorited one of my tweets to him. You should go and search on You Tube. He daily vlogs and is just super chill. He is good friends with Louis Cole who also is awesome and daily vlogs. Louis is off to Australia and Ben is going to Cape Town which is awesome for them but I will miss watching them hanging out together. Anyways, go and check them out!

This past weekend I went and saw Catching Fire!! I won't say too much because I'm sure some of you haven't seen it yet and I wouldn't want to spoil anything. It was awesome! So much better than the first one and I quite liked the first one. And lets for just one minute talk about how hot Lenny Kravitz is! He also just seems so darn cool without even trying! Yup, I heart him! I already have plans to see Catching Fire again this weekend when I go to Halifax because my brother hasn't seen it yet. 

Well, my lovelies I'm going to wrap it up here because my stomach is yelling at me as it is after 2:30 and I haven't had lunch yet. Hope you're all having a great week!

xo

A Taste of Tuesday with Jessica and Ashley!

It is Tuesday! Did anyone watch Hostages last night? I'm totally addicted to that show and it is just so good. I won't say anything just in case you haven't watched the newest one yet but it was great! If you haven't watched it at all you're totally missing out! Even if you just watch it for the hottest of Dylan McDermott! Have I mentioned he is super hot? Also, he is 52! Anyways, the show is great too I promise.

Last night I spent the evening deciding that I'm going to be doing the 12 Days of Christmas on the blog! I'm starting on December 9th so I hope you will check it out. 

Now lets get on to why you're here. It is Tuesday and that means it is time for Taste of Tuesday.

Last week, Erica asked me to make meat balls so on Friday I did! I made sweet and sour meatballs. It was my second time making them and they were delish! They are pretty easy and a family favorite so can't really go wrong making them.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

lean ground beef

1 cup bread crumbs

chopped onions

salt and pepper

Sauce:

2 cups brown sugar

3 tbsp flour

1/2 vinegar

1/2 water

2 tbsp soya sauce

1/2 ketchup

Directions:

• Combine ground beef with bread crumbs, onions and salt and pepper. Form into balls. In a frying pan brown the meat balls. Place meatballs into the slow cooker.
• In a sauce pan combine brown sugar, flour, vinegar, water, soya sauce and ketchup. Cook until the sauce starts to thicken.
• Pour sauce over meatballs and cook on low for a few hours.

Those I did make these last week we normally have them at family gatherings. This recipe comes from my aunt Tanya. Hope some of you try this because I'm sure you will love it :)

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Jessica and Ashley

Good Morning San Francisco! I'm Danny Tanner....And I'm Rebecca Donaldson

Another weekend over and another Monday here! This weekend seem to fly by! I hope everyone is having a nice Monday. I can't believe November is half over already! This year is flying by honestly! Before we know it Christmas will be here and then it will be 2014! 

This weekend was a good one. It was pretty relaxing and productive! I think those are some of the best weekends to have really. On Saturday I had lunch out with Erica and did some errands and then came home to get out some more Christmas decorations. I have been slowing bringing everything out since Thursday because I have been cleaning as I was going too because I can't not clean before I decorate! Everything is looking really good. Got most of the trees up and now they just have to be fluffed and decorated. I also watched some curling last night and decided to bake cookies at 10pm lol It was a good Saturday.

Sunday was much the same! More decorating and more curling. It is the Canadian Open of Curling and it is a big event and there was almost no one there! Makes me mad since I would have loved to have been there but it was basically across the country from me. The last curling event I watched too there was basically no one there! I think they should have more events out here in east because it would be packed if they were out here instead of out west. Maybe next season they will have more out here. I love watching curling because they some of the only players who get to be super friendly with each other. It can be the finals and they are often still laughing and joking with each other. If you ever want to check of some teams my favorites are Team Kevin Martin and Team Kevin Koe. Also, check out John Morris because he is super hot hahaha. And in case you're wondering my team Koe won the Canadian Open!! YAY!

John Morris, firefighter, Olympic Gold Medalist, good looking! ;)

I also got all registered for Crop and Create! I'm already excited! I signed up for a class with Vicki Boutin who does amazing projects! It is great weekend in general because of all the scrapbooking I get done and it is just so much fun! This past March was the first year I went and man I was missing out! Erica and myself are going again and we can't wait! And it will be here before we know it! I will actually probably start making page kits in January! 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and you have a great week ahead of you :) See you all tomorrow for Taste of Tuesday!

Just a dash of sunshine...

Friday! Ready for the weekend baby! Whoop Whoop! You would think I had something fun planned because of my excitement but nope just happy it is the weekend. Hope you all had a great week! A week ago I think the lovely Laura from Mice in the Kitchen emailed me to tell me she nominated me for a Sunshine Award! How sweet she is she? I always feel so touched and honored when I get nominated for anything! Thank You so much Laura! Everyone go and check her out! You can find her here!

The Rules:

1. Include award logo in a post or on your blog.
2. Link to the person who nominated you
3. Answer questions about yourself that the person who nominated you asks.
4. Nominate bloggers to receive the award. (make sure to link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know you have nominated them)

Here are my answers to Laura's questions for me...
1. What would be your perfect day?

My perfect day would consist of laying on beach for the day and then having a nap and going out for a lovely dinner with family and friends. 

2. Favorite memory growing up?

Probably any and all Christmas' in my childhood! Mom and Dad always made sure they were perfect. I have so many favorite memories from my Christmas' as a kid I don't think I pick just one.

3. What motivates you?

This is kind of a hard question. My want for certain things motivates me, different people and stories motivate me to be better. 

4. If you could have one dream come true what would it be? 
Oh gosh, I would love to have my dream of being a travel journalist come true! Or having mega success with my new life path! (more on what that is later)

5. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I love to write. I started back on LiveJournal and when I moved to blogger I think I started and deleted about 5 blogs because they just ended up feeling like work. I'm happy this blog as stuck finally because I do love being able to write whatever I want, whenever I want.

6. If you could live anywhere...where would it be and why?
I think I would live in New York because it is my favorite city! 

7. If there was only one thing on your Christmas list you could get what is it?
One thing huh! Probably my Erin Condren planner because I can't live without it now!

8. Are you a dog person or a cat person? Why?
Dog person! I do like some cats but I have only had dog expect for the one cat we had when I was baby. I love dogs because the ones I have had are amazing! 

9. What is your worse fear?
Having something happen to my family or friends. 

10. You found a bottle with a gene and you got three wishes what would they be...and no wishing for more wishes!!

1.Travel the world!
2.Have enough money to be a lady of leisure and have my family the same way.
3. To have perfect hair everyday haha

I nominate...

Laura @ Mice in the Kitchen
Miranda @ Young and In Progress
Jo @ Loving Life in the Fab Lane
Steph @ Stephanews
Jessica @ Please and Carrots
Jordon @ Love Always, Nancy J

And my questions for these lovelies

1. What song do you never get tired of listening to?
2. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
3. Biggest pet peeve?
4. Facebook or Twitter?
5. What is your favorite blog?
6. Describe your ideal vacation?
7. Who is your celebrity crush?
8. What is your favorite thing about fall?
9. Who do you go to when you need advice?
10. Give us a random fact about yourself.

And lets not forget it is #backthatazzup Friday! I just heard this song last night but I have been listening to it most of the morning so I figured I should share it! It is called Dear No One by Tori Kelly. Not really something you're gonna back your azz up too but I frickin love it!

Have a great weekend everyone! See ya Monday!

Blah Blah Blah

I have been trying to figure out something to post for a couple of hours now and I honestly can't think of anything good to post about. Seriously I got nothing for you today! I have been planning some fun stuff for the blog in December but that doesn't help me right now does it? So instead of boring you with rambling on and on I'm going to leave you with a video from one of my favorite performances of this week Voice. I'm sad Jonny is gone but I'm so happy all of Blake's guys got through.

Anyone else watching the Voice this season?

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Taste of Tuesday with Ashley and Jessica

Jessica and Ashley

I feel like this week should be over already and it is only Tuesday! But really lets get to why you're here, you want to know what I have baked/cooked this week! Since last week I gave you a borderline fail I decided to switch it up and bake this week. I have chocolate oatmeal zucchini cookies for you!

These cookies are really good especially if you don't want/like something super sweet. If you wanted to add more sweetness you could but I enjoyed these as is. They are also quick and easy! We all know how I like recipes quick and especially easy!

Chocolate Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies

Recipe from Crazy for Crust

Ingredients:
½ cup butter
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup cocoa powder
3 cups quick oats
1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 small)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray two cookie sheets with a non-stick cooking spray. I use Baking Pam.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cocoa. Set aside for later.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter, oil, and sugars. Add egg and vanilla and mix on low speed until combined. Slowly mix in dry ingredients.

4. Add oats and mix on low speed. Continue mixing on low speed and add zucchini. Mix until well combined.

5. Scoop balls onto cookie sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes until center of cookie no longer looks wet. Cool on cookie sheet then eat!

These cookies are really good and if you love zucchini it goes really well with these cookies.

Hope you're all having a great Tuesday!

Thank You.

Thank you.

Sweater Weather Tag

Thursday! That means it is almost Friday and the weekend! Yesterday I was thinking what will I post tomorrow since I knew I wasn't going to have a lot of time to blog! And bam I was on YouTube and the lovely Ingrid had done the Sweater Weather Tag! I have to say if you go and watch Ingrid's video get ready to be teary eyed at one point but I highly recommend going and checking out Ingrid because she is amazing! Love all her videos! But anyways, lets get on with this tag! You can find Ingrid here.

Questions!
1. Favorite candle scent? I'm going to be cheesy and say Sweater Weather by Bath and Body Works.This candle is a blend eucalyptus, juniper berry and fresh sage. I know that might not sound like the best candle but I have been loving it this fall! 

2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? All of the above! I love me some coffee and I'm totally bummed that my Keurig died! I hoping to get one this weekend! But I'm also a tea granny and I love a good cup of hot chocolate on a cold fall/winter day!

3. What's the best fall memory you have? Best memory of fall that I have are all my birthdays when I was a kid and we would have Halloween parties for my birthday since my birthday is on the 28th of October. Mom would always go all out with everything and it was always such a good time!

4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner? Dark lips! I'm loving dark lips, I for a long time would never wear lipstick so a dark lip would have been out of the question for me but now I love me some lipsticks and a dark lip! I think my favorite right now is Strong Woman by MAC which is very similar to Rebel by MAC

5. Best fragrance for fall? Right now I'm loving Happy by Clinque I don't know if it Fall but it is what I'm wearing right now!

6. Favorite Thanksgiving food? Turkey! Love a good roasted Turkey and my mom's butterscotch pie! Sadly here in Canada Thanksgiving is passed so I have already had this meal! Can't wait for Christmas day and I get to have it again!

7. What is autumn weather like where you live? It is what you think autumn should be. It brings amazing colors to  trees, crisp air, chilly nights, and an occasionally flurry!

8. Most worn sweater? This autumn it has been my new navy sweater from H&M. It is a big knit sweater and I love it! I'm hoping maybe to get another one in the maroon color :)

9. Must-have nail polish this fall? I have been loving Mochachino from Essie, it a great neutral brown color with a bit of sparkle/sheen in it. I got it has a gift from my cousin Nicole for my birthday. 

10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles? I have never really jumped in pile of leaves I don't think and I have to say I don't really enjoy football so I don't know.

11. Skinny jeans or leggings? Both! I love me some skinnies but really leggings are just that bit more comfy ;)

12. Combat boots or Uggs? Uggs because they are just so comfy!

13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype? Nope! Sorry ladies but I hate pumpkin spice for the most part. You will never see me with a PSL or eating pumpkin pie! GROSS!

14. Favorite fall TV show? Hostages! I'm so addicted to this show. I'm going to be so sad when it is over! Dylan McDermott holy hot!

15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit? I have no idea because I don't really feel like most songs are really fallish, maybe Sweater Weather by the Neighbourhood.

Hope you're all having a great week everyone! I tag everyone who reads this to do this! :)

xo

Beauty Wednesday: Washing Your Make Up Brushes!!

Okay ladies, I know this has been addressed on blogs before but I decided to throw it up here too because still too many of us are not washing our make up brushes! It is not a hard task and seriously you need to clean your brushes! Sometimes I hear people complaining about breaking out randomly and I have to ask when is the last time you cleaned the brushes you use on your face most of the week? Oh never you say! Well maybe that is why your face is having an acne attack! But really we clean our clothes, our body, our face, clean the brushes!

Now, I know some of you are saying Brittany I will not buy brush cleaner because it costs too much! And amen to that but you don't have to! My secret cleaner though not really a secret is baby shampoo! You can use any mild cleaner it can even be dish soap! This means you don't have anymore excuses! It will only take you a few minutes too! I have quite a few brushes and it only takes me maybe 10 minutes to clean mine. So, just take a few minutes on a day maybe you're not going to be wearing any make up or do it after you have put on your make up for the day and clean your brushes!

Yuck! Dirty Brushes!!

Super Cleaner!

Wet your brush! Always keep your brush facing down so water can't get up into the handle and loosen the bristles.

Swoosh the brush around in the palm of your hand with some baby shampoo.

Rinse until the water is clear and repeat until your brushes are done!

I lay mine flat to dry. When they basically dry I just place them back in their holder. 

YAY! Fresh and clean brushes!

I would suggest cleaning your brushes once a month or every other month if you're not gonna do it every month! I normally wash mine every 3 weeks since I do normally wear some make up everyday. The more you use them the more you should clean them and take care of them because if you do they will last longer. 

Hope you're going to go and clean your brushes now!

Happy Wednesday!

Taste of Tuesday with Jessica and Ashley and Tuesday Tunes!

Ashley and Jessica

On Sunday I was looking through Pinterest trying to figure out a couple of things to make for dinner this week. I have been wanted to make butternut squash soup for awhile now and I finally found an easy slow cooker recipe. Well, sometimes recipes are too easy. I won't say this recipe was a fail but I will say I won't be using this recipe again. It is an easy recipe but there isn't enough to it! Honestly, all that is in it is onions, butternut squash, a couple of spices, bouillion cubes, water and cream cheese! I also only used half the amount of cream cheese you were suppose to use because if I had of used all of it, the only flavor you would have gotten was cream cheese! I even added more spices just to try and make it less bland. Yes, it was eaten but it isn't something I will make again. I'm looking for another recipe for butternut squash soup so if you have one please send it my way! I really enjoy ones that are made in the slow cooker but doesn't have to be. It looked and smelled really good but just didn't have the right flavor!! If you really want the recipe you can find it here.

I haven't done a Tuesday Tunes in so long! But I decided since I only had basically a Pinterest fail for you today I should throw something else in! Today, I'm giving you one of my favorite artists on the Voice this season. I'm so happy he is on Team Blake now! I'm talking about Cole Vosbury! Last week he did Let Her Go by Passenger and I could listen to that song all day every day! It is a great song and when Cole sings it, it is magical! I hope you all like it as much as I do!

Weekend Update!

Monday again! I have been 30 for a whole week now! I have to say nothing feels different so I have dealt with the big 3-0 pretty well I think. This weekend was also the wrap up of my birthday celebrations! Lets go back to beginning of the weekend though.

On Friday, I just chilled because I wasn't feeling great from getting my flu shot earlier in the week and I was going to Halifax the next day so laying low for the night was a great plan. On Saturday, Erica and myself headed off to Halifax to go to Christmas at the Forum as it has become a bit of a tradition. We did some shopping around the city before heading to the Forum. We meet up with Tiana, Deena and Gavin. We normally have Danielle with us but she was sick :( Stupid cold! We were also missing Meghan and Melissa! Next year, we are all going together girls! Though it is always crazy busy and I rarely buy anything I love going and walking around, which if you knew me and how I normally hate crowds, this would come as a surprise to you. It is like the kick off for the holidays though. You have to love it! After, we toured around the forum and got Tiana's grandma a firefighters' calendar. Yes that kind of calendar haha We all went to dinner at Boston Pizza and had a nice catch up. We didn't leave until 10pm to drive home. But it was a lovely day in the city so it was all worth it.

Sunday, I slept in and loved having an extra hour of sleep because of the time change! Mind you I don't like the time change when it is dark at 5:15pm in the evening! But it is nice in the morning for sure! Anyways, it was time for my birthday lunch with my lovely ladies! We just went to Pizza Delight and had a wonderful visit with each other. Always nice to get out with the girls and just have a good chat with each other. After lunch I ran some errands and then watched some curling! Another reason to love the fall and winter, it is curling season. Hockey and curling are my sports! 

It was great weekend. I have had some great weekends the last two weekends and this weekend coming up is a long weekend and my brother is going to home from school. I hope you all had a great weekend! Must go and check my soup now! Hopefully it turns out and I can tell you all about it! 

Happy Monday Everyone!