50 Things

Happiest of fridays to you! Although all my days lately feel like friday but in a few short weeks it'll be back to the teaching grind. It makes me really sad that summer is coming to an end but hey that's life.

Anyway I wanted to make a post today, but couldn't think of anything really worth writing about. Then I hopped on here and saw that Kayla over at Keeping up with K had done this nice little question thing and I was like hey, Imma do that too!

So here we go!

50 Random Questions (you were probably never going to ask me but now you have the answers!)

1. What’s your favorite candle scent? I might be the only person in the world who doesn't really use candles. Although I am a huge fan of those Glade candles you can get, the berry one smells amazing.

2. What female celebrity do you wish you were related to? Probably Beyonce. Or maybe Taylor Swift, I think we would get along. 

3. What male celebrity do you wish was your brother?  Seth Rogen

4. What’s your favorite thing about marriage? (And if you’re not married, what’s your favorite thing about being single?) Not married but my favourite thing about being in a relationship is always having someone to go to supper with me and to binge watch tv shows with me. 

5. What’s one thing you own that you should probably get rid of, but just can’t?  Clothes. I have clothes from like 4 years ago that will definitely never fit me but I'm always like WELL MAYBE ONE DAY. No Janet, that day isn't coming. 

6. Can you do a split? That's a hard no.

7. How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike?  7 I think. 

8. How many oceans have you swam in? I've only swam in the Atlantic, but I've dipped my toes in the Pacific.  

9. How many countries have you been to?  10! Canada, US, Cuba, France, English, Spain, Czech Republic, Greece and Italy. 

10. Is anyone in your family in the army? Nope.

11. What was your favorite TV show when you were a child? Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Carebears, there was some show about dogs I loved but can't for the life of me remember the name.

12. What did you dress up as on Halloween when you were eight? Cinderella I'm pretty sure. 

13. Have you read any of the Harry Potter, Hunger Games or Twilight series? Nope. Because I used to think my sister was really uncool and she loved them so I wouldn't go near them haha. 

14. Would you rather have an American accent or a British accent? British, 100%. I find them so relaxing to listen to. I have a friend from Essex and I love skyping with her just to hear her accent. 

15. Have you ever taken karate lessons? No way.

16. Do you know who Kermit the frog is? Duh

17. What’s the first amusement park you’ve been to? If you count it, Thomas Amusements which is like a traveling amusement park across Newfoundland, but a legit one is Rainbow Valley in PEI. (RIP to that park). 

18. What language, besides your native language, would you like to be fluent in? I am already pretty fluent in French (i'd say 85-90%) but I would love to learn Spanish or Czech. 

19. Do you spell the color as grey or gray? Grey

20. Do you know triplets? Yes! A couple of my best friends are triplets actually!

21. Do you prefer Titanic or The Notebook?  Probably the Titantic. But then there's Ryan Gosling. Tough call.

22. Have you ever had Indian food? Yep and my stomach hates me every time. 

23. What’s the name of your favorite restaurant? Yellowbelly Brewery in St. John's. I challenge you to find better nachos than their buffalo chicken ones. Go on, just try. 

24. Have you ever been to Olive Garden? Yep! Think I almost died of bread overdose though. 

25. What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender? Ummm I don't think they thought about it. They wanted to know the gender.

26. If you have a nickname, what is it?  Jan. Short for Janet. So original. 

27. Who’s your favorite person in the world? Probably Spencer. And all my friends. And myself. 

28. Would you rather live in a rural area or in the suburbs? Definitely suburbs. I am NOT but out for the rural life. 

29. Can you whistle? Not really well.

30. Do you sleep with a nightlight? Nope

31. Do you eat breakfast every morning? No because I'm the worst at being healthy.

32. How many times have you been to the hospital? Probably 5 times, but I've never had to stay or anything. 

33. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo? Of course!

34. Where do you buy your jeans? Garage, Eclipse. But I mostly wear leggings so. 

35. What’s the last compliment you got? That I was genuine and kind. Always nice to hear!

36. Do you usually remember your dreams in the morning? Little bits and pieces

37. Favorite beverage that isn’t water? Diet pepsiiii

38. How many pairs of shoes do you currently own? Probablyyyyy 30-35 

39. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn’t real? Grade 2. I found my Spice Girls Barbie dolls in my parents closest. Pretty depressing hahaha. 

40. What is one food that you used to hate but now you love? I have one I used to love and now hate! Omelettes. I used to love them but when I was 14 I got my molars out and it was basically all I could eat and now the thought of eating one makes me wanna vomit. 

41. What is a weird lie you’ve told? That I was from a small town staying at a sketchy hotel to get some guy to back off haha.

42. Heels or flats? Flats. 

43. Do you have any weird phobias? Not weird ones I don't think..

44. What is a phrase or word you always say? Yes by and rude. Always. 

45. What is a song that you blast or belt out when you are alone? Right now it's Feels or whatever with Katy Perry and Calvin Harris. Depends on my mood usually.

46. What is one of your biggest pet peeves? People who walk around and pay no attention to other people around them. PEOPLE WHO DON'T INDICATE WHEN THEY ARE TURNING. 

47. Do you sleep with your closet door open or closed? Open. Because it's too full and stuffed that it won't close :)

48. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?  Probably bees, I mean you could at least try and run and they would go. I wouldn't stand a chance against a bear. 

49. Do you have any weird things you do? I always check to make sure the door is locked, like multiple times over.

50. What movie could you watch over and over again and still love? Mean Girls. To be honest I very rarely re-watch movies. Although any Jennifer Lopez movies I could watch again and again.

Wooooo that was fun. I'm off to Costco with my parents then Boston Pizza for some fishbowl Friday action. 

Have a great weekend!

A year and a bit later..

Oh hi blog world. It's been a while since I've been around these parts. Mostly due to school, some due to a rough patch of anxiety and insomnia. But really, I guess I just didn't really feel like I had much to post about. I don't think I really do now either but hey, let's see.

Things that have happened since I last posted:
- I graduated with my Bachelors of Education
- I got a permanent position before I had even finished
- Went to New York for the first time and loved it!
- Went to Québec City for a few days for the summer festival and still missed it as much as ever
- I have moved to Labrador (part of the reason I accepted the job was because I was moving here anyway)
- I live with my wonderful loving boyfriend and things are going pretty well. We still fight sometimes but I am doing my best to work through that stuff because we are so good together.

Anyway, yeah that's my little life update. My first year teaching has been quite the experience. I have had few challenges and issues, but I assume that's normal when you're first starting off in this career. I can't believe it's already March. Before I know it it'll be June and all the kids will be setting off on summer vacation and Spencer and I will be hitting the road for our trip.

This summer we are going Calgary, Banff, Victoria and Vancouver. I've never been to the west coast of Canada but I am super excited! I can't stop planning, which can be overwhelming sometimes but it brings back good memories of trip planning when I was on my exchange in France.

In case you're curious about labrador:

Alright I should go lesson plan. Hopefully see you sooner rather than later! Also please excuse the current template,  I'm trying to find a new one!

When Victoria's Secret calls, you answer

Ok well they didn't actually call me, but they did email me. And it just so happened (yes, purely coincidence I assure you) that I was looking for a new sports bra. VS offered me a deal I couldn't refuse.

Buy a sports bra, get a pair of our amazing-most-comfortable-to-die-for leggings. Yes. The leggings that are usually $70, FREE. I mean, you had to pay $50 dollars for the bra but hey, you didn't have to pay for both, amiright?

Anyway, I was extremely proud of myself as I managed to snag the last fully black pair of leggings which I can now add to my regular attire. Which this season has consisted solely of black leggings and baggy sweaters. I scream basic while girl and I don't even care.

This is the bra I got:

and these leggings

(if only they also came with those sneakers, and that butt).

And these will 100% be used for exercise...not lounging. Totally.

I also cannot rave about this bra enough. All sports bras are expensive and I was a bit skeptical about this ones but I wore it to the gym on monday and it was magical. It is so supportive and I know that my big boobied friends here will also appreciate. There is nothing worse than feeling your boobs fly all over the place at the gym. Super attractive image for you.

So yeah 10/10, would recommend these bras if you're in the market.

On a completely unrelated note, I became a belieber recently and I'm not even remotely ashamed. Monday morning on my commute to school "Love Yourself" came on and I sat in the parking lot making me essentially 5 minutes late. If that isn't dedication I don't know what is. I can't get enough of this song. I did buy the album tonight so that I could listen to it whenever I want, so there's that.

You're welcome.

I'm not entirely sure why I decided to write any of this but anyway, back to enjoying my Guinness blonde. (Even though it's not even made in Ireland, rude.)

Being a pretend teacher

Being a pretend teacher an intern so tiring. I mean I know that being a regular teacher is tiring, I just had never felt this exhausted before.
That being said, the kids are sweet as pie and they do like being at school even though doing worksheets and answering questions might not be their favourite thing. But like, can you really blame them?

I haven't actually taught any lessons yet but I have been reading to them, and asking them questions about topics they are learning about to see if they can recall. It's been pretty fun so far and my co-op teacher is so nice and so laid back. We get along really well which will definitely help me get through it.

Anyway, enough school talk. Unless of course you're looking for a cure to you insomnia because I'm pretty sure this would be a full proof method.

Other than that, life is pretty good. I really hate being in a distance relationship though. It is great for me school wise but like I just want someone to cuddle with me and have a beer and eat bad food with. I can do that with friends but it's just not the same you know? Anyway S will be home in February because we have the same birthday (so cute it's almost vomit inducing). It'll be a short and sweet weekend but I can't wait to see him.

I would love to say that this is a new year so a new me but I spent this last week doing what I do best which is spend too much damn money on eating out.

like SERIOUSLY

 I ate at home ONCE this week, tonight. And tomorrow we are getting sushi for lunch. Is this where YOLO comes into play? Do people still use YOLO? I feel old.

I think I've had 1 too many Stellas tonight so I will have to bid you adieu.

Tinderella

Oh hello there old friend of mine.

I've been toying with the idea of posting today and it seems I found my way back. It's been a while but hopefully I get it together and have some motivation to you know, keep posting.

Updates: my mother is gone to Milan for fashion week and only brought turtlenecks. And I am sitting here in my pjs drinking beer and eating babybel. This is my life right now.

As well I have been quite active on Tinder. I don't expect to meet the man of my dreams but I have definitely had some interesting experiences using it. Since I don't believe in censoring my life, let's just be open and honest here.

I want to talk about to two instances in particular which fall completely on the opposite side of the spectrum from each other.



1) The I-am-in-love-with-you-before-actually-talking guy. Cray, for short.

Here's the convo:

Ok ok so I'm probably a rude person for not answering, but do you really always have to answer everyone you like? Also... liking the moment was a mistake.

Anyway, he was unmatched from me fairly quickly so hopefully I don't run into him any time soon.

2) The strict let's just hook up guy.

I am all for just hooking up, I really am. (sometimes.) 

So I matched with this guy and we met up the next night after chatting for approx. 20 minutes. We had a drink then left the bar. It was probably 2:30am at this point. So we are walking around and come to the conclusion that we can't go to either of our houses so clearly the only option is to get a hotel room.

You can put the pieces together from here, fast forward to the next day. Cab ride home, and he says "text me!".

So I wait a day, and send a casual message about the super bowl. No response. When I didn't get an answer I was like alright good enough and never sent another. Until a day later when I did get a response. So I answer, no message again. 

5 or 6 days pass with no message so I really am just 100% ok with it being a one time thing. The next day I get a message about how he doesn't want to pursue anything. Well YES I GATHERED THAT FROM THE NO MESSAGES YOU SENT ME.

Both of these cases lead me to realization that apparently my generation is incapable of being upfront and honest about what they want. We think that one message or one meet up means the other person will be in love with us and we just can't handle that commitment. I'm trying to be better, and trying to be open and honest. 

I think Tinder has made dating even worse. 

What do you think? Are you on tinder? Any success? 

Much love!

Travel Thursdays: Amsterdam

I've decided I want to share more of my semester abroad! Well I guess technically I'm writing it because I want to always remember it, but now you can come along!

Amsterdam - Feb. 20th - 23rd 2014

We figured Amsterdam would be a good place to start our European travels. A lot to see, but you can get a lot done in just a couple of days.

We made it to the Anne Frank house, The rijksmuseum, the heineken museum, a canal cruise, a coffeeshop, the red light district and on a pub crawl.

I am by no means an art person but I was fairly excited when I saw Van Gogh's self portrait!

The canal's are beautiful:

The really sad thing is that I don't have any pictures of the red light district. We went to one bar and my friend's purse got stolen so we spent the whole night in the police station. She lost her wallet, cell phone, camera, passport EVERYTHING. The police did show up to our hostel though at like 3am because they found her purse! Her passport was in it thankfully. And then the next day they found her wallet!! But she had already cancelled her cards, which rendered them useless. I guess that $500 canadian dollar limit didn't get them very far.

We went to a coffeeshop and it was awesome/really bizarre. Everyone was just chilling, smoking and hanging out. Coming from Newfoundland, it's definitely a surreal experience. 

Of course the Heineken brewery tour. I will be the first to admit I am not the biggest Heineken fan, but for whatever reason it is so good when you have it there. Probably because it hasn't been packaged and shipped across the atlantic before reaching my mouth. 

(thumbs up for TERRIBLE iphone pictures)

We also went on a pub crawl! It's called the "Best night ever" crawl or something. You got free shots (re: they had bottles and you opened your mouth and they poured the alcohol in).

We did get awesome shirts!!

                                                             (sober...)

And if I didn't get a picture in the sign what was I even doing there.

Have you ever been to Amsterdam? What was your favourite part? I would go back in a heartbeat! 

Life choices

I don't think there has ever been a time in my life where I was sure about anything. I know what I like to do, and I know I can see myself doing those things, it's all just a matter of when.

Ever since I came back from France, my whole family and my friends have had the attitude that "ok you've had you're fun, time to move back home and be serious and think about what you want to do with your life and make some money"

To certain degree, I agreed with them. I'm 24, I should probably have something I want to do, and the means and motivation to do it. As a 16 year old, I envisioned my 24 year old self as having started my career, being engaged and thinking about a future with my children here in Newfoundland. That's the funny thing about life though, it generally never ends up how you expect it would.

I know that I would love to do Speech-Pathology. Or Special education. Those are the areas that interest me, and while I might not get into school the first time, there is always room for improvements and I can always try again. Initially, coming back from France I was ready to work and then apply to grad schools. I signed up for the GRE, bought the materials; this is what my future was and I had to start now.

But then I got job. Then I wondered, why would I not take advantage of opportunities I have now and figure out life after. I almost hate myself for thinking this, but what about my boyfriend? He's over in France with no future plans to move anywhere near here. I'm a huge mess of what am I going to do.

Options:

1) I could stay on the path I'm on now, and apply to grad school and education and start in september.

2) I could start writing my thesis, then continue with school in september.

3) I could put school on hold and work until next summer, saving money so I can go and teach english in France for 7 months.

To be completely honest, I am more inclined to do the third. I'm sure my parents and friends will have a few choice words for that decision, but ultimately, it's what I want. It sounds crazy to say I'm moving to France to be with my boyfriend, but that's not the only reason. School will always be there. I would rather start my career too late and have stories to tell my kids and grand-kids than look back wished I that I had done it.

And maybe it will be the wrong decision, but there's only one way to find out.

6 reasons why camping is 100% not my thing

This past weekend I went to a friends a cabin for the night and that is about all I am willing to handle. That is about as in touch with nature as I get. The next night my friend wanted to go camping and I replied with a loud and proud HELL TO THE NO, and  here is why.

1) Bugs

I don't enjoy living in a constant fear of being stung, bitten or having something fly into my ears/eyes/hair/any other body part. I don't need ants crawling in my bed and I definitely don't get joy from hearing crickets.

2) No cell reception

Hello it's the 21st century and I shouldn't have to go into the wilderness without the ability to call 911, or go on facebook. Call me high maintenance but I don't want to sit around without songza. Not gonna happen.

3) You are sleeping on the ground

You know what was meant to be slept on? A BED. Not the ground. No an air mattress or a foam pad do not count as a substitute. You what is in the ground? Bugs, animals and other unknown creatures. Why WHY would you put your head next to that?

4) You're freezing when you go to sleep and sweating when you wake up

You are NEVER at a comfortable temperature. You have 100 blankets on you at bed time because it's 2am, you're outside and there's no heat. Well too bad because once the sun comes up that tent heats up like mofo and you are sweating like you've never sweat before and are on the verge of throwing up. YEAH SOUNDS LIKE FUN

5) No showers

Guess what, washing your hair in a muggy pond doesn't actually get the job done. I leave the water feeling more gross than I did when I got in the water which was already pretty disgusting.

6) There is no drive-thru or subway near by

Canned beans, I think not. Bring me to the nearest Wendy's please.

Where the nearest hotel at?

 

Woman crush monday?

Clearly it's not wednesday, but I couldn't wait until then for this so here were are breaking all the rules.

So last night, I had my usual Sunday routine, which mostly consists of watching Big Brother then Keeping up with the Kardashians. My life is so eventful.

Well, Big Brother was delayed because of golf (wat) so I headed directly for the internet. I discovered, well not so much discovered as listened to more of Ingrid Michaelson's newest album Lights Out and I fell IN LOVE. INSTANTLY. It was love at first click of the play button.

I have been a fan of Ingrid for a while now. I first heard her along with most people when she had a song featured in a commercial (Be Ok, You and I etc). In 2011, when she released another album I didn't think she would be able to top the songs on that one. Plus I got to see her live that year so nothing else mattered.

I was wrong. She hits so many emotions spot on and does so in such a catchy and upbeat way. My personal fave song is Time Machine and I really doubt there is any girl out there who CAN'T relate to that jam.

So I guess this has been a review? In any case, go get your listen on to this fabulous album! I'll even make it easy for you:




Happy monday!

Dear liver, please forgive me.

Dear liver,

I know I've been terrible to you this past week, but I promise you that it's over for now. I know you won't hold it against me though, because we have made it through about 4 George Street festivals without a hitch.

Love,

Janet

Here in St. John's, the beginning of august is known as the most wonderful time of the year because it is the beginning of a week long drinking fest. The street with all the bars lets you on the street for just one price and you can get into all of the bars. There are also concerts and food events, it's really an amazing time.

But, sometimes you can get a little carried away. I went out thursday night, saturday night and tuesday night. The nights were fun but the hangovers weren't. I would love  to say I learned my lesson for next year, but I will probably be writing this post a year from now.

I hope you all had a lovely\weekend, even though tomorrow is friday. I'm going to spend my weekend in recovery mode.

Picture this

Oh hello there. Monday is here again, and usually I don't mind them (tuesdays are the worst imo), today was spectacularly awful. Absolutely NOTHING was working for me at work and it made the day drag on.

BUT YOU KNOW, such is life.

Today's Blog Everyday in July prompt is:  3 Pictures - Share your favorite pictures. 1 of anything, 1 you took, and 1 selfie. So let's get this party thing started!

1. Picture of anything

When we went to Port Aventura, a theme park in Barcelona you could get a yard of beer. A YARD for three euros. We decided it would be best to get buzzed before going on all the scary rides so we wouldn't be so frightened but not drunk enough that we would throw up. You would be surprised at how well this logic worked out. 

2. Picture I took

This is the Lennon wall in Prague. People come every day and paint new things on it. You can paint whatever you want! Song lyrics, sayings, drawings ANYTHING. It was a really cool and different thing to see, and some of the quotes people left were really insightful and meaningful for me at the time, and still are. Prague is a beautiful city and you should visit it if you ever have the chance!

3. A selfie

Taken the day after I got home from France. It was definitely bittersweet, but now it's mostly just bitter because I see all these other people traveling in Europe and it's making me really jealous. I'll get back over there at some point.

Well thanks for stopping by on this Monday! Only four more sleeps until Friday!

Later taters.

True life: I have an iPhone problem

I always wish I could be one of those people who didn't need their phone, could be out of contact in that way, but I really, really can't. I use my phone as my alarm, I use it for music, I use it for recipes. I could never live without this thing.

I've downloaded the scattered app since having a phone so I know which ones I love and which ones were just taking up space. So here are my top five:

1. Twitter

This app could seriously keep me entertained for HOURS. There are always tweets I missed and new people to follow. And it's just a hilariously good time.

2. Instagram

Anyone who knows me will tell you I am a queen when it comes to Instagram. None of my outings go un-instagrammed. Judge that in whatever way you wish.

3. Whatsapp

I need this one purely to keep in contact with my boyfriend who is in France and my other friends scattered around the globe. It's really cost effective and super quick, I really recommend it if you have anyone abroad that you want to talk to.

4. Songza

This is THE best. They have playlists for every kind of activity you could be doing, or any kind of mood you are in. I have discovered so many new songs and artists from this app it's amazing.

5. Candy Crush

Yeah I'm still not over this. Listen I need something to do while I'm waiting in line or at the doctors office. You know you have it somewhere there too.

So there you have it. What I do on my phone, I you're life has been forever changed!

And since it is friday, we need to back that azz up! 

Shout out to Shania, who I wish I could have seen but will have live vicariously through other people's pictures. 

Over and out! Have an awesome weekend!

Picnics and lighthouses

I couldn't be happier about the fact that it's wednesday. Only two more sleeps until friday, which makes the weekend sound closer than it actually is. Whoops. So can I just sleep threw all of tomorrow?

Anywho, this past sunday, myself and three of my besties went to this cute little town about an hour away from where I live to have a picnic at a lighthouse.

how cute are we??

The best part being that they make the food for you! You just put in what kind of sandwich you want, what kind of desert you want and you're on your way! They give you a blanket then you find a spot and they bring it to you! They even give you blankets. It's the CUTEST thing.

This the view you get while enjoying your delicious meal:

We saw whales and puffins and it was just amazing. After binging on the food, we laid down to work on our tan Then finally head out.

If there is anything remotely similar to this near you I would 100% recommend it.

Now I want to know, do you have any must haves for a picnic? For me it's never complete without lemonade, ever.

Would you have a picnic with me please??

My Day (in GIFS)

I am absolutely IN LOVE with the prompt for today. I love nothing more than a good gif, and I love the challenge of finding one that fits you scenario perfectly.

So this is my typical day:

Wake up from my alarm going off at 8am, shocked as if it doesn't happen 5 times a week..

Get my ass out of bed into the shower then get maself beautimous

Stroll into the office just in time (always in a great mood in the morning)

do some work, take a facebook break, repeat. then, it's LUNCH TIME

Honey boo boo knows

then I go back to work and wait until the clock hits 5 and i am OUTTA THERE

and come home just so I can watch youtube videos and TLC

Anddddd I look like that from my living room to my bed until I asleep.

I hope I have opening your eyes to the exciting life I lead..

Thanks for stopping by!

These are a few of my favourite things!

Hello hello! Today I will share with you 5 of my favourite things! I'll be honest, picking just five is really hardbecause I like a lot of things. But alas, I have narrowed them down (I think..)

1. Lipstick

I have ZERO ability to refrain from buying a new lipstick when I go to a drugstore or higher end store. I will even buy the same shade but from different brands which evidently means it's a different colour (it doesn't). I have everything from Lancome to Mac to Urban Decay to Covergirl. You name it, I probably have a lipstick by that brand. But it's justified because I wear it every day right??

2. Diet Pepsi

My everything. Seriously, ask anyone who knows me and they will all tell you my favourite drink is a nice cold can of DP. When I was in France they only had coke, the struggle was very real. 

3. Wheat Beers

I only started liking beer a couple of years ago, but now I would consider myself a big fan of the stuff. However, I can't manage a pint of Guinness, it needs to be wheat beer or bust really. My faves are def Rickards White, Shocktop and one from a local brewery here call Wexford Wheat. 

4. Dresses

This isn't surprising given my blog name, but I had to mention it anyway. It's basically the same part of my brain that is addicted to lipstick. Just try and stop me from buying 7 or 8 dresses on a shopping trip to Forever21 or H&M. JUST TRY. I don't care if I have over 100 (I do...), I always want more. Again, I wear them everyday so..it's ok right?

Someone should probably call Intervention. Is that still a show??

And finally,

5. Binge watching TV shows

And not only on Netflix, oh no. I will go out and buy seasons on DVD rather than stream it, and sit in front of my TV for days on end watching the whole thing. And I feel no remorse or guilt for doing so. If I skip a night out to watch One Tree Hill, then I am probably pretty damn happy about it. 

Also, I have been singing the song from the Sound of Music all day. That'll probably keep going all night.