Happy New Year - Blueberry & Honey Overnight Oatmeal

2015! The year of the... goat... & resolutions I can't keep... yet again. Guess what my first resolution was? To blog more... yet again. 14 days in I decided to go back. My other two resolutions, however, have been going well so far. Jord and I decided to find a work out plan that we can do together that amazingly, we've kept up. My other resolution was to try a new recipe each week. I figured what better way to stay accountable than to post the new recipe!

The working out resolution came from the plan to do hiking this summer... learning to eat oatmeal was the other outcome of this hiking plan. I've come to really enjoy it and it is incredibly easy to make your own (none of that packaged crap here!)

Blueberry & Honey Overnight Oatmeal

Servings: 2           Calories per Serving: 259

1 cup rolled oats (not instant)

1 cup milk

1/2 cup frozen blueberries (or fresh)

2 tsp honey

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. The night before, combine all ingredients into an airtight container. The oats will soak up the liquid overnight.

2. Take out the next morning and heat it up in the microwave, mixing in between to a consistency you like (I do 30 seconds at a time). You can also have the oatmeal cold... if you're weird. 

That is it. How simple is that!? I hope you can find a new recipe to enjoy over this next little while to add to your food rotation.

- Vanessa xo

How to Show Your Man You Love Him

Good day! I've had quite the blogging hiatus lately but am currently curled up on the couch taking breaks in between chapters of Reamde and thought I'd finally get back on here. Jordon and I had our three year anniversary last week. There seems to be a lot of couples breaking up lately. I started to wonder if there was something in my relationship that I had to work on, something that I had to compromise on, something that could unfold into a bigger problem that would lead to my relationships' untimely demise.... and there was only one thing... this mindset. Just being in love and not over-thinking it is what makes my relationship with Jordon so strong! We know we love each-other, but as actions speak louder than words, SHOWING that we love each other is another reason our relationship is awesome. 

I wanted to share some ideas on how to show your man that you love him. Woman seem to be easy in this aspect (hello chocolate), but after three years, I have figured out some easy ways to show Jord my love.

1. Buy Him a Drink

This has been my easy go-to when Jordon's having a rough day/week. Coming home to some beer or scotch shows that he was on my mind and that I would like to make it a little better. 

2. Give Him some Space

When I need to feel the love, all I want is to curl up, hold on and not let go.... ever. This one was a bit tough for me to come around too, but because I love spending time with Jord, he knows I'm respecting his wants when I give him his space.... which is usually a small space the size of a computer desk. 

3. Take an Interest in His Hobbies

I don't have much knowledge when it comes to investing or gaming, but that doesn't mean I don't try! I've learnt more than I can remember about Oblivion in the last little while and I have now realized I should drag Jordon to all my bank appointments. 

4. "Make Him a Sandwich"

Don't yell at me. I am not an awful woman who thinks you need a man or you should give your life up for a man.... but having supper or breakfast ready is another easy way to show your man you're thinking of him. Most nights we make supper together, but occasionally one of us will cook for the other, which I can say feels awesome when you come home in no mood to cook. 

And there you have it! I guess the most important thing is to find a way to show your SO you love them and make sure you're with someone who's willing to do it back!

-Vanessa xo

The Lazy Man Workout

Or woman! As I am. Exciting news folks; Jordon and I just booked a trip to the Dominican Republic! It's 6 months away but I felt very "motivated" to work out this morning and work my way towards that bikini bod. I was talking to my friend Camille the other night, who is an awesome fitness trainer in Calgary. Check out her blog Burpee Bliss for some real fitness advice. My favourite part is where she talks about not trying to schedule your workout and just go and do it when you have 15 - 20 minutes. However, if you are like me and hate working out (even though my health is important to me) here's some "lazy" ways to get a workout in!

1. 7 Minute Workout App

It is literally 7 minutes. Not 6, not 8, 7. Which is NOTHING. It's easy to do at anytime during the day. You can even do it at work if you have a private space. 

2. Take the Stairs

We've all been told this but it is actually really effective if you have stairs to go on everyday. I work in an office building and take the train 5 days a week. I take the stairs at the LRT twice a day and try to do some flights of stairs at work twice a day.

3. Go for a Walk

I really enjoy walking in the evenings. It doesn't even feel like a workout and I can go for quite some time. 

4. Watch TV or a Movie

This isn't really part of working out, but it is a lazy task that usually (for me anyway) makes working out go by quickly. If I time by workout by episodes, then before I know it I've been doing strength exercises for 25 minutes!

I hope to be able to get in more shape over the next year, but it is a slow and steady process for me. Using these 4 tricks ensures I'm getting some exercise every day!

-Vanessa xo

Message to the Young Ladies

The world we live in is continuously changing. It can be difficult to find your way in this big world, especially as a teenager. I'm sure some of these can be applicable to teenage boys, but my message is to the teenage girls. I have a little sister going through this part in her life and I hope some of this advice is useful. 

1. Teenage boys are silly. Give them some time

2. You define yourself and are not defined by what others say.

3. Bullies are everywhere, even after high-school

4. You are not "cool" when you are being mean. 

5. Stop dying your hair. You'll have 30 + years to do that later.

6. Read a book.

7. Read many books.

8. Stop shopping at Garage. 

9. Try and spend some time with your parents, even if they embarrass you.

10. Set a goal, any goal.

11. It's important to do well enough in school to keep your options open.

12. Never be the gopher for your friends, let them get their own things.

13. Start learning how to cook, it's a great life skill and you can bake cookies for your friends when they are down.

14. Put your phone down. 

15. Put your Ipad down.

16. Put your laptop down.

17. Do you even need those!?

18. Get your licence. Even if you don't have a car, you can drive when you need too.

19. There is a way to pull off a crop top and you're doing it wrong. 

20. You are never alone, no matter how alone you feel

21. There is always someone better off than you.

22. There is always someone worse off than you.

23. The world does not revolve around you. 

24. You are not entitled to anything. 

25. Have a night at home watching bad television.

26. Live a life where you could leave thinking "I did good."

27. Admit your mistakes and learn from them. 

28. It is a great defeat to get to a point where you love your body.

29. But it is totally worth the work.

30. Beauty and health are two different things.

31. Cut out the fast food.... sometimes.

32. Your first boyfriend will not be your last, though it's a nice thought.

33. Though I don't know what SnapChat is, it should only be used for funny face pictures to your friends.

34. Believe in your own religion, or no religion.

35. But always be respectful of everyone.

36. No boy will act like the characters in teen fictions and you shouldn't act like the females. 

37. It's okay to enjoy video games, cars and construction.

38. It's okay to enjoy makeup, clothes and art.

39. It's okay to enjoy a combination of the two, or anything else you want to add in there. 

40. Be nice to your older siblings, they'll be the ones to cover for you.

41. Be nice to your younger siblings, they'll invite you out when you feel "too old."

42. Be a stupid teenager, but be smart about it.

43. There are two things that you MUST do in life: become a better person and make the world a better place.

44. How you choose to do that is up to you.

45. It is not okay for a boy to hit you.

46. It is not okay for you to hit boys. 

47. Get blackout drunk... once. Then work on knowing your limit.

48. Surround yourself with friends who will hold your hair. 

49. The high/drunk you is less enjoyable than the sober you. 

50. There is someone who loves you. 

  

A Hot Date in Edmonton

I love spending time with the ol' ball & chain. Living in Edmonton, it can be difficult to find enjoyable dates to go on, but there are things to do in and around the city. I thought I would share some ideas before this weekend starts.

1. Walk & a Picnic

There are a lot of great places in the River Valley to sit and enjoy a nice lunch. If you don't mind driving first, packing a picnic and driving to Pembina River is another awesome location. The Devonian Botanical Garden is only about 20 minutes from Edmonton with lots of green space and overpriced ice-cream. 

2. Rapid Fire Theatre 

Every Friday and Saturday night, you can go see Rapid Fire Theatre at the Citadel. It is an improv group that will leave you bent over, crying in your seat... in the good way. Tickets are affordable and can be bought online or at the door. It's first come, first serve seating so make sure you get there early enough.

3. Corn Maze

Going and trying to find your way (or get lost) in the corn maze can be a relaxing walk.... or a competitive race. Whatever your dating style is, it's enjoyable on a nice Summer/Autumn evening. Mind the flying corn. 

4. Try a New Restaurant

Edmonton has new restaurants opening all the time these days. Going to your regular place can get boring (please don't choose Boston Pizza for a date!). I recommend: The Glass Monkey or Louisiana Purchase. If you've tried a great restaurant lately, let me know in the comments. I'm always looking for great new places!

5. Stay in and Cook Dinner Together

Choose a really fancy dinner (or homemade pizza) and make a home cooked meal together. Buy a bottle of wine, light some candles, put on some tunes and attempt to make something that you wouldn't regularly make. 

6. Cheap Tuesday Movie 

I cannot justify spending upwards of $40 at the movies. Summer always provides blockbuster hits so go see a show on cheap Tuesdays. I think we're going to try and see Guardians of the Galaxy before the summers up. A talking tree and gun slinging racoon are right up there on my list of awesome things to see. 

7. Walk on Whyte Ave & Dessert

Enjoy some good ol' fashion people watching on Whyte Ave and then stop at Block 1912 for dessert and some coffee. Or Julio's if you're more into the alcoholic desserts. 

8. Go-Karting

This is another way to tap into your friendly competition side... or just to see how good of a driver your date is. 

9. Cooking Class

This is a bit more pricey but is a great option for a group date. We went with a bunch of our friends when some of them were moving to Calgary. Sorrentios provides a lot of great options. 

10. City Hall during Christmas Time

I know you can't do this now, but keep it in mind for when the snow falls. It's beautiful and if you're not afraid of making a fool of yourself (as I am not) attempt to go skating. 

So go have a night on the town with someone special... or your cat.

-Vanessa xo

New Digs

Happy Saturday folks! Hope your weekend has started off right. I woke up this morning and cleaned the house. Exciting, I know. Anyway, yesterday my friend came into work wearing what looked to be the coziest sweater. As we have about 8 months of Winter in Edmonton, I wanted to see if I could find the same sweater, as I am not original. Jordon and I headed to West Edmonton Mall this morning and I thought I would share some of my finds from today and previous shopping trips.

1. Polka Dot Portofino Shirt - $35 from Express

I love these shirts. They are so comfortable and versatile. I own it in... 5 colours now. They are on sale right now down from $59. 

2. Bright Pink Portofino Shirt - $35 from Express

3. Bleach Long Mesh-Stich Sweater - $40 from The Gap

This is the sweater my friend was wearing but in grey, so I didn't completely copy her. This sweater was on sale as well, down from $70. Everything seems to be on sale right now

4. Red Flowered Wedges - $28 from The Bay

I had been trying to find a good pair of summer wedges. These bad boys were in the clearance section on The Bay's website. They were originally $109 so I got quite a deal and I had a gift card so it cost me nothing!

5. Blue Toms - Unknown

These were a gift from Jordon when I didn't buy myself the classic Toms. I love the colour and they have more shape than the classic ones.

And there you have it. I also got a pair of tan jeggings (I don't even like typing that word) and a navy t-shirt but they did not make the picture cut, because I had already put them away. 

-Vanessa xo

Bookworm

Every summer I think I'm going to take the time to read a bunch of books, but never actually do. I like the idea of sitting in the sun and reading every morning, but then the latest show starts streaming on Netflix... and, well I'm sure you know how that goes. BUT NOT THIS YEAR! I have actually gotten through quite a few books this summer and thought I'd do a quick review. 

1. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

This book takes you on an adventure across the Galaxy. If you don't like books with a silly story line, then keep moving down the list. The premise of this book is that Earth was destroyed for an intergalactic highway and there's only two earthlings left. They travel through the Galaxy with a couple of aliens and an extremely depressed robot named Marvin (who is my personal favourite). It is an easy read, light and comical but very repetitive. The humour in this book reminds me of Arrested Development.

It is a solid 4 towels out of 5





2. Bite Me


I am just finishing this book up... also skip this if you don't dig ridiculous story lines. Basically there are a bunch of vampires in San Francisco, and no, not the Edward Cullen type. One vampire ended up turning a cat, and that cat turned more cats... so the whole city of San Francisco is getting attacked by vampire cats. The book is written from the perspective of all the different characters. Moore's character development is one thing I really enjoy about this book. They are all so different. If you choose to read this book, get past the first chapter as the chapters written from Abby's perspective can be a bit much.

This gets 3 1/2 hungry misting vamp kitties out of 5


3. The Sisters Brothers 

Let's go back to the old West. This story is set in Oregon and California in 1851. Eli and Charlie Sisters are assassin brothers sent to kill a man who stole something from their boss, the Commodore. During their travels to California, Eli starts to think of what his life could be like if he quit the business. It's a pretty quick read and can be quite dark at times, but overall it's a story where you do want to find out the end game.

I give it 4 gunslinging, cowboy hat wearing assassins out of 5

4. The Fault in Our Stars

It's good. I read it in a day. It's sad. There's not much I can say about this that you probably don't already know. It focuses on Hazel, a teenager living with cancer. She meets a boy, who has been cancer free for a while. They go to Amsterdam, fall in love and say "okay" a lot. It's really difficult to give a review to a book that just makes you feel. I have yet to see the movie, but I can say, read the book.

5 runny noses out of 5

I hope you can read one of these books during the last month of summer!

-Vanessa xo