January Favourites || A Link Up!

JORDAN || MIRANDA || KATIE || HOLLY

Make sure you check out each of these ladies' blogs for their January favourites! 

Add your favourites to the comments below, too!

Oh hey, it's a post that isn't 100% centered around Abiageal. That's weird. ;)

But really, I miss blogging. I miss sharing everything with you. Mostly, I miss the community and connections that I made when I was really in the swing of things and posted 2-3 times a week. I've joined a Facebook blogging group with the idea that I'll find inspiration to post, but to be honest, it's all about finding, or making, the time to create. I'm certain that I can stick to a monthly blog post, haha! So here goes!

1. Favourite place I went this month:

We didn't go anywhere this month, but I did go to my friend's house for our Christmas gift swap and brunch. That was fun!

2. Favourite recipe I made:

Last night's dish, for sure! It was totally not healthy, but it was comfort food night. Rice, gluten free pasta, tomato sauce, canned corn, an onion, spices, ground beef, and LOTS of cheese on top. It actually turned out really well for something that was thrown together so last minute and didn't contain any vegetables. Definitely will make it again, and try different variations of it.

3. Favourite outfit I wore:

I haven't worn anything fancy, but being back at work makes me appreciate how comfortable my pjs are, haha. It's my favourite!

4. Favourite book/show/movie:

 'm currently reading The Virgin Cure a page or two at a time because I fall asleep after that. It's really good though and I really like it! I'm just trying to figure out this whole mom thing while working full time again.

5. Favourite kid's item:

Abiageal's baby book from Lucy Darling. It's so cute and really easy to keep up with! I really recommend these baby books to anyone who asks.

6. Favourite beauty/skincare product:

100% my BeautyCounter day and night creams. They smell good and make my face feel so refreshed. I can also wear them knowing that I'm not putting so many harsh chemicals on my skin.

7. Favourite date night: 

Well, our last date night was on New Year's Eve. We went to Original Joe's for dinner then Rob went home and passed out (still recovering from night shift) while Abby and I went to a party for a couple hours.

8. Favourite cocktail/mocktail:

My favourite mocktail is actually a Whole30 recipe! The rosemary berry splash. Raspberries, rosemary, lemon, and sparkling water. So good.

9. Favourite Target find:

We don't have Target in Canada anymore, but I did find some discounted leggings from Simple Addiction. $4! I'll let you know what they're like when they arrive.

10. Favourite activity:

Seeing Abiageal when I get home from work. So cliche, but it's the best feeling!

11. Favourite restaurant/food:

My favourite food this month has been my smoothies. They keep me going at work until I can have a break, and some days it's a couple hours until that can happen. I've also been adding some chia seeds and unsweetened vanilla almond milk instead of coconut water.

What was the best thing that happened to you this month?

xo. Nicole

Week's End || June 12

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| I had a subpar experience at a nail salon here in town that is also in every city. I used to like them a lot, but since that experience, I decided to try and go locally owned and operated. I found a lady who does gel nails out of her home and I'm still so in love with them! I'm super happy that I found such a wonderful lady in town, as I know I'm supporting her family rather than some CEO's yacht fund. #supportlocal

2|| I snagged this pink tumbler from Starbucks when I met an old friend for coffee last week, and I'm so glad I did. Drinking my water out of a straw seems to help me get more water in throughout the day...just me? I've been getting in 3 of these every day during my work week, and it's 709ml/24oz! In this picture, I put mint leaves and some frozen blueberries - my favourite!

3|| Despite attempting my fifth round of Whole30 and only making it to day 13, I still try to eat as clean as possible. I've found a lot of recipes for their mayo but I like mine the best! It's almost a ranch, but it's more like a garlic mayo. I've been obsessed for 2 weeks now with dipping my home made french fries in it. So. Good. Would you like me to share the recipe?

4|| I went into Michael's to grab some craft supplies...so like, 3 things. I ended up coming out with 10 things including this mug! I love the floral pattern and the message. It's my new go-to mug in the mornings.

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| I blogged once this week...and here it is!

2|| Cara is back to blogging, and she's starting out with a giveaway - maybe I shouldn't share it so I'd have a better chance of winning ;)

It's been on my mind, like everyday. I want to jump back into blogging! I would love to make this Week's End a link up, but I'm not quite there yet. I only have 12 instructional days of work left, then it's Summer break and I'll definitely have more time, and hopefully more energy. My body basically shut down from a wicked sinus infection that traveled to my wisdom tooth, and I haven't run or exercised really in almost 4 weeks. My infections are gone (gosh, that sounds gross, haha!) and I really don't have an excuse anymore. I'm lacking motivation, I think.

Do you have your own blog? I'd love to read your latest post!
Would you be interested in doing a Week's End link up every Sunday/Monday?

xo. Nicole

Currently || May

Apparently it's been an entire month since I've blogged last, but that's okay...right? I'm not going to apologize for my absence, though I think about this little space almost every day. I'm sure I could blog more, but my self care is way more important. I'm still doing Whole30 and as of May 5, I'm down 31 pounds. I feel it everywhere. I feel it in my body, at work, at home, at the grocery store...I just feel 1000 times better than I ever have. I have my rough days, but they're worth it. 

My in-laws were visiting for a week, which turned out to be longer than a week. My father-in-law wanted to help us even more with some home renovation projects, so he stayed an extra 5 days. Him and my husband got SO much done. Our floors are fixed (no more creaking!), basement is purged of all the previous home owner's junk, basement is organized, bathroom got fixed up a bit (we still have a total renovation to do though), a door frame was taken out and drywalled, and some doors were put on the bedrooms! I don't even know how to express how much I appreciate all the time and energy put in to these projects, even though it was their 'vacation'.

Currently, I've been...

Designing || Pretty much nothing except for myself. Does that even make sense? I'm in the middle the long journey of finding and loving myself. While Whole30 is amazing and a healthy lifestyle really does start in the kitchen, I need to exercise too. I joined a spin class for the month of April, but this month I'm really going to push myself and join 30 Minute Hit. I can't wait!

Enjoying || Having our own home! While we're pretty much broke, it's still so enjoyable to come home to our own home. I'm enjoying Pinterest a lot too, because of the decorating ideas. We have a few more things to finish up, like painting and putting the baseboards on, then I can start decorating.

Ordering || Cards. Lots of cards apparently. I ordered a big package from JulieAnnArt and I can't wait to send out all our cards. We're just waiting on a decent day for my sister in law to take some photos of us for our "first home" pictures. I also ordered some Mother's Day cards. I'm on the hunt for some sundresses though!

Celebrating || Losing 31 pounds! There's not much else going on really, but this is a good reason to celebrate. I'm celebrating with continuing to eat healthy and by joining 30 Minute Hit.

Tasting || I tried a new meatloaf recipe the other day and I'm looking forward to trying some more new recipes. Everything is Whole30 compliant, so I really do feel good about eating it all.

xo. Nicole

Currently || April

Happy Friday! I hope your guys' week was awesome :) Today I'm linking up with Jenna and Anne for this month's Currently post. Did you link up?

Wearing|| Pajamas, all day. It's my spring break, as I've mentioned quite a few times already, and I just don't want to change out of my comfy clothes. I've had one day so far where I dressed up, and it was to visit with my grandma. That visit was long overdue! I'll have to dress up again this weekend for our Easter dinner, though.

Sipping|| Coffee. All the coffee. I'm also experimenting with some teas, but so far peppermint is my go-to in the evenings..but there's only so much coffee one can drink before they get the shakes ;)

Wishlisting|| Everything for our new home! I'm decorating the guest bedroom right now, then it's the bathroom, then the living room, and who knows where else after that. I wish we had a ton of money to just buy everything now, but that's obviously not the case. Slow and steady!

Writing|| Nothing really except for some blog posts. I have more time during the day to plan posts and then to actually get them done, haha! My favourite thing is to wake up, sip coffee, and read some of your blog posts. I love spring break!

Exploring|| IKEA, apparently. We've been there every Saturday since we moved. I'm sure we'll be there again sometime this weekend to pick up a mattress if we can't find a better deal anywhere else. It's fun, and stressful, to plan how we're going to decorate. Who knew picking a colour of drapes was so trying on our marriage ;)

Weeks End || March 29

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| My Sunday was allll about cleaning and getting ready for my week, which happens to be spring break ;) My Grandma is coming over tomorrow (!!!), and Rob still has to work all week.

2|| Forced myself to go for a run. Felt so good! I woke up the other morning with a charley horse and it's finally feeling better, only 3 days later.

3|| We got our first bedroom set from IKEA! I swear we've spent every Saturday there since we moved in. Next weekend we're finally getting a mattress for it.

4|| My first day of spring break involved me laying on the couch with Gunner watching Teen Mom.

5|| Still loving this pink lip stain that I've had in my make up bag forever and never used. Whole30 has given me way more confidence than before.

6|| We went to a surprise birthday party for Rob's step brother and Rob held his new nephew. Ugh, my ovaries...

What did your week consist of? We were at IKEA again on Saturday to pick up some curtains and curtain rods and we put our marriage through the IKEA test trying to hang the rods up, haha! We had no problems with the bedroom set, but Rob couldn't find a stud around the window to drill the brackets in to for the curtains, and that got pretty frustrating. In the end, we got 3 rooms done.

I am so pumped to finally be on spring break! It's 11 days of doing whatever I want! 11 days of sleeping in while Rob goes to work, and 11 days of cuddling Gunner. My plan is to do a few minor things around the house, and then to get the guest bedroom ready and decorated for my in-laws, who come out in April for a week. Pinterest and I have a love/hate relationship though. I spend too much time on it and then don't end up getting any of my ideas done in time ;)

xo. Nicole

Weeks End || March 16

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| Last Sunday was allll about snail mail. I sent about 5 cards out, though I still have some more to catch up on. 

2|| Gunner was snoozing beside me and I couldn't stop myself from taking a picture. I love it when he puts his snout between his paws!

3|| Sunshine!! Gunner looks like such a poser here, haha.

4|| I opened a window in the living room and the animals didn't know what to make of it. It's so nice here but I have so many things to do inside, that I jumped for joy when I realized it was nice enough to open a window.

*hahaha, 75% of this week's pictures involve Gunner. #sorrynotsorry

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| I shared some of my important Whole30 essentials. My hope is that this post will help you get started if you've been thinking about it. (It's really easier than it looks!)

2|| I shared a Whole30 compliant side dish, aka Broccoli ;)

Yesterday, Rob and I went to West Edmonton Mall for some shopping as most of my pants are falling off (not good when part of your job involves running around). I bought the first pair of jeans that I tried on, and they're 2 sizes smaller than the pair I just threw away! Go me! 

How was your week?

xo. Nicole

Week's End || March 9

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| Those are Gunner's "cuddle?" eyes, haha! Even as I type this, I'm getting the eyes.

2|| I found some tea in one of our unpacked boxes (which is now unpacked) and it's Whole30 compliant! I've been drinking it every night before bed to help my stomach do what it needs to do. I have some rough days and some amazing days on Whole30.

3|| Never enough bananas. I swear I eat more than the store can stock, I love them!

4|| I'm finding some new confidence in myself, so I rocked some pink/red lip stain to work and I can't get enough. For the first time in a while, my hair was down too.

5|| Spruce Grove has a Welcome Wagon! We received a map, coupons, and some free goodies from the city. It was a bit overwhelming, but totally worth it! The lady who came by was super nice and laid back, it was fun :)

6|| The weather here has been crazy, and since Thursday it's been above 0*C! I've taken Gunner for some walks every day since and we explored the walking trails around our new home. They're pretty nice and people are so friendly here.

7|| It's been a long time since I've posted a full-body selfie. Think it's that confidence knocking at my door? Probably.

8|| Gunner. Oh, Gunner. #Sunday.

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| I shared a yummy breakfast recipe that's Whole30 compliant! 

2|| Part 4 of My Fitness Journey was talking about my experience with Whole30.

I realize that since I've jumped back in to blogging, it's been all about Whole30. I swear my blog won't just be about that! It's just really changed my life and right now it's one of the top things on my mind. I've since added exercise in to my routine and I'm really noticing a difference too. I hope to post more MFJ posts because it helps people. It could help you! I know something just clicked in my head to finally get me off my butt and start making my meals instead of ordering them, and I hope one of my posts about my journey is that 'click' in your head if you need it, ya know?!

xo. Nicole

Week's End || March 2

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| I'll admit it, we have mice. It's been terrible trying to find them and they won't go for the traps! I've been having some peppermint tea at night and leaving the tea bag in the sink because I heard mice don't like peppermint, haha! The last place I saw the mouse was in the dishwasher (ugh, I know) and now Koshka keeps going half under our cupboards by the dishwasher...I think she hears it. 

2|| Since moving in to our own place and both animals having free reign of the house, Koshka and Gunner are becoming better friends. Gunner doesn't jump on her as much and I catch Koshka rubbing her face and body all over Gunner's snout, lol. Weirdos.

3|| I started Whole30 round 2 and I'm loving it! I have a post coming up all about my experience and victories from the first round, and why I'm doing a second round. My breakfasts are my favourite!

4|| A Whole30 dinner :) Chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, and asparagus. Mmmm, so good.

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| Bahahaha, basically nothing...except an update on our first month living in our first home! 

I'm back at it! Maybe not full force in to blogging again, but I'm trying...! I've missed writing and sharing the Week's End posts, and linking up with Beth. So much has changed in the blogging world and I'm looking forward to experiencing it all again.

xo. Nicole

January Favourite Post || A Link Up!

I haven't been around much for the month of January to add my own favourite post, but I can't wait to see yours! Rob and I are in the house buying process (possession on January 30!!!), and I've also been consumed by participating in a #whole30 challenge. 2015 is going to rock for us, but I promise I'll come back when I've found a work/life/blog balance. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing your favourite post from January. :)

Hosts

Ashley from Hello Nature, Lexy from Crazy Cass Life, Nicole from a la Maxfield, and Hannah from Hannah Says

Now link up your favourite post from December!

Favourite Post || December

I'm excited to bring you December's favourite post link up! December was a slow blogging month for me, but I plan to be right back at it in the new year. This time of year is always crazy, but I've completed 99% of my shopping! Now for some baking and wrapping. You bet there's bailey's and hot chocolate going on tonight ;)

Want to host this link-up with us? We have one-time spots available and regular host spots as well! Just send Ashley an email at ashley@hellonatureblog.com for more details!

This Month's Hosts Ashley from Hello Nature, Lexy from Crazy Cass Life, Nicole from a la Maxfield, and Kerry from Glory in the Valley 

My favorite post from December: Currently v.03

Now link up your favorite post from December!

An InLinkz Link-up

Week's End || December 15

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| It was National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on Friday the 12th, so the staff at our school all wore one! I picked up a plain red sweater from Value Village, along with some decorations, and sewed up one pretty ugly sweater. One of the kids said it was so ugly that it was cute, haha! I came across a sweater cookie cutter and decided to make a big batch of ugly Christmas sweater cookies for my coworkers. It sounds SO cliche, but I loved the feeling I got when everyone enjoyed them on their breaks.

2|| I put together my secret Santa package for the #GreatChristmasExchange2014. It was supposed to be mailed out on Wednesday, but I ran out of packing tape..then forgot to pick some up...then forgot the packages at home...and forgot them at home again. Well, Monday it's going out for sure! (I'm not usually this bad...)

3|| The CPR Holiday Train goes through Canada every December, and I wasn't able to go with my mom and younger sister this year. It was something we did together for the past couple years, but we're provinces apart this holiday. Instead, I drove to my older sister's and we took my nephews. It was their first time! I definitely enjoyed the weather in BC better as we couldn't feel our toes, thighs, and faces, haha! They boys loved it though :)

GOOD READS:

1|| Aren't these wallpapers perfect for December?!

2|| This is the recipe I used for the sweater cookies. So good!

3|| My husband's favourite holiday treat is butter tarts. This recipe looks simple and yummy.

4|| Next year, I'll be doing this with Rob's nephews and niece!

5|| Next Christmas I can't wait to have our own tree and our own place to decorate. I'll definitely be making these for my husband.

xo. Nicole

Currently v.03

Ah, another link up that I soo enjoy doing. December is looking like a swell month, despite my husband's lack of knowing where his things are, and my new car already having troubles. The hubby lost his wallet AND his car keys today. Thankfully, his wallet was returned, but his keys are still MIA. Today on my way to work, my temperature gauge on my car decided to drop to "cold" and my dashboard told me "ENGINE HOT. A/C OFF" Well, my a/c wasn't on, and my engine definitely wasn't overheating. My brother in law is about 90% sure it's just a sensor. A cheap, and hopefully quick fix to do this weekend. When will my car troubles end?

Making || This weekend, I'll be writing Christmas cards with Rob's nephews and niece. I hope to get to baking a pie this weekend, too! I'm looking forward to getting some Christmas baking started soon, but it's so hard to narrow it down where to begin. Do you have any favourites (gluten free or not!)?

Listening || Last Friday at work, we had NO kids in our class as there was a pretty brutal snowstorm blowing through, so we listened to Christmas music as we did some prep work. Otherwise, it's usually just T-Swift's new album while I'm running at the gym (go me!!).

Wrapping || I just finished wrapping like, 4 gifts on Sunday! I'm proud of myself for getting half my shopping done so early. I also "wrapped" some snail mail that was long overdue and sent it out on Monday. I've been using some lovely twine and stickers from Thatch & Thistle to wrap the gifts, and I can't wait to place another order! I forgot to add washi tape to my cart last time ;)

Watching || No Christmas movies yet, just Supernatural. We've finished watching Numb3rs and a few other series on Netflix, and this one was next on our list. I may or may not have my eyes closed and head turned for about 70% of each episode, but it's a really great show!

Anticipating || It sounds soo corny, but I am TOO excited to give everyone their gifts this year. I've been supporting small business instead of making the gifts by hand this year, so it's been a little easier to shop. Next year when we're in our own house, I'll have more room to have all my crafting supplies out and then gifts will be mostly handmade again! I'm also anticipating a Christmas cookie swap with my coworkers, and Winter break!

I'm linking up my currentlies with Anne and Jenna. I hope you pop over to see what everyone else is up to, or to just say hi. :) Happy first week of December!

Week's End || December 1

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| Gunner finally has his cone off! He's been taking full advantage and cuddling us like there's no tomorrow. This is his "can I come on the bed? Can I??" face!

2|| Tess is soooo thoughtful! It was such a nice surprise to come home from a long day at work, and have unexpected fun mail waiting for me. I love me some sparkly nail stickers, and Rob's favourite colour is blue - that's a win win situation.

3|| We got hit with SO much snow! Obviously, not as much as parts of New York, but that's a lot for only 36 hours of snow fall. None of the kids in the classroom showed up, so we had lots of time to do prep work. It was my turn to drive on Friday, but I couldn't get my car out of the trailer park. My coworker decided it was best that we went in her truck.

4|| Gift wrapping has started! I'm about halfway done shopping, but it feels nice to have half of it completely done. I'm using stickers and twine from my new favourite shop, Thatch & Thistle :)

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED;

1|| Shared my first ever mood board. It worked out well for my first time!

2|| There's a link up + a giveaway going on right now!!

GOOD READS:

1|| Rebekah shared some important information if you're a make up lover. ;)

2|| Amanda's husband is hilarious! 

3|| It annoys me to no end when people ask why I thought it would be a good idea to marry young. First off, mind your own beeswax. Second, this.

4|| Do you take part in these things? I'm tempted to for December!

5|| Mmmm, this is a tasty twist on hot chocolate.

xo. Nicole

Favourite Post Link Up + Giveaway || November

I'm sure that I'm not alone in feeling like November just flew by, right?! A major reason it flew by was from having a whole week off of work, and having so much to do and to plan. My Christmas shopping is about half done (yay!!), but now it's wrapping and shipping everything off (hello $$). Well, tomorrow's December 1st and I'm excited to get all the Christmas shenanigans going!

I'm also so happy to be a part of this monthly link up. It's such a great way to connect with other bloggers! In fact, my favourite post for November is one that was part of another link up ;) Do you have regular link ups that you participate in? Share them in the comments! 

Looking for Hosts || Want to host this link-up with us? We have one-time spots available and regular host spots as well! Just send Ashley an email at ashley@hellonatureblog.com for more details!

This Month's Hosts || Ashley from Hello Nature, Lexy from Crazy Cass Life, Nicole from a la Maxfield, and Kerry from Glory in the Valley 

My favorite post from October || The Circle - Winter Essentials 

Now link up your post + enter to win the gift card below!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Circle || Winter Break Essentials

Happy November! Is it just me or has this past month already flown by? It's almost Christmas, which means it's almost December, which also means it's almost time for another break from work. There's only 5 weeks of work between Fall break and Winter break - crazy! 

I love reading Kiki's blog, and linking up with The Circle every month. This month's is 10 essentials! I chose more than 10, and decided to go with the theme of my upcoming Winter break. This is also my first ever mood board, and I'm proud of how it turned out. I sure do have a long way to go, but it's a start. To me, link ups are fun and have their challenges too. This month proved no exception to those challenges with the mood board.

On to my essentials -

1|| COZY SLIPPERS • It gets really cold here in Alberta, and we have a lot of laminate on the floors, so slippers are a must. They also add juuusst the right amount of cozy when I'm lounging around in my pajamas.
2|| COFFEE + MUGS • I have a serious addiction. Is it weird of me to look forward to choosing my mug in the morning?
3|| NETFLIX • Although I'm not a huge fan of movies and laying around watching TV (I'm more of a computer girl), Netflix is still so awesome to have around. Last time I had some free time, I watched a few documentaries and actually learned something - biased views and all, haha!
4|| SNACKS • Chocolate chip cookies make the world go round, and laying around wouldn't be complete without some yummy treats. I have a lot of Christmas baking to do this year!
5|| NAIL ART • How can one really go through the holidays without some festive nail art? I always feel put together when my nails are done, and this reindeer design is soo cute for the holidays.
6|| PJ'S • Flannel pajamas are the best. They're so warm, and so soft! I've been eyeing this set for a little while, and they look perfect for Christmas morning.
7|| SNAIL MAIL • Oh man, where do I begin? I love sending snail mail to my friends (I may or may not be running behind, though), and I'm going to have so much free time over the 2 weeks to catch up and get those letters mailed!
8|| SCARVES • Even when I'm inside, why not?
9|| BOOKS • I really don't have much time during the work week to lay down and read a novel, and I'm in the middle of one right now...so Winter break will be a great time to finish it!
10|| CUDDLES • There will be soo many cuddles happening, I'm not sure I'll be able to do anything else. Gunner was recently neutered, so he hasn't been allowed on our bed. By the time Winter break comes around, we'll have so many cuddles to make up for the time lost.

What are your Winter essentials?

xo. Nicole

Week's End || November 24

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| I helped out my sister in law at a Christmas trade show, and she was doing pictures with Santa. She set up a red chair, a rustic wooden backdrop, and a fully decorated tree! It was so cute seeing all the little kids eyeing Santa throughout the day, and a few cried but that's to be expected.

2|| It was Crazy Friday at work. I tried my best to do my hair pretty crazy, and I wore my penguin onesie. I received a lot of compliments, and lots of funny looks, haha!

3|| I tried out some new Julep polish, but I ended up picking it all off by the end of the day. I did a rush job in the morning, and I hate when I have chips in the polish!

4|| Gunner is still wearing his cone of shame. He's gotten used to it, and it should be coming off by Thursday! He's a licker and a nibbler, so I'd rather he be annoyed with his collar for 2 weeks than having him open his incision - ouch!

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| I shared the beginning steps of how I'm preparing for Christmas this year.

2|| One of the best parts of our wedding!

GOOD READS:

1|| This is my favourite. I also love the Body Shop!

2|| Amanda teamed up with a friend to make a fun link up.

3|| I don't know Edmonton that well, so I'm thankful for lists like these.

4|| I came across this Facebook page and I've been laughing/sharing ever since!

5|| I finally came across a pre-made gluten free pie crust, and I'm so glad that Ashley shared this list.

Tomorrow, I'm posting my first ever mood board post. It's a fun link up with one of my favourite bloggers, and I'm so excited for you guys to see! I have a long way to go, but I plan on experimenting with colours and schemes for new mood boards. Have you ever done one? Please share!

xo. Nicole

Week's End || November 17

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| The snow is here :( The worst part is sitting in my car while I wait for it to warm up. It adds another 15 minutes to having to go somewhere, especially work at 7:30am. 

2|| Gunner finally had his manhood taken away. He's such a baby when he's wearing the E-Collar, so I tried out a blow up one. Well, it didn't stay inflated and Gunner decided this meant he could jump and run all over the place. Nice try, dog. I returned the blow up collar, and put his other cone back on. I'd rather he have a few uncomfortable days/nights than for him to rip his incision or cause his empty testicle sack to fill with blood and other fun things from excessive movement. 

3|| I took full advantage of my week off from work! I visited my nephews on Tuesday, and then brought homemade cinnamon butter cookies and Tim Horton's coffee to my grandparents on Thursday. With the Winter roads, and work starting again today, those visits will be fewer.

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| My November Julep Maven box came super early this month!

2|| I won a giveaway and blogged about it - haha!

GOOD READS:

1|| Rebekah receives the Ipsy Glam Bag. I always love reading her reviews and oggling the gorgeous pictures.

2|| Amanda shared her favourite posts from the week (always good reads!) and made a big announcement.

3|| Here's the recipe for the yummy cinnamon butter cookies that I brought to my grandparents!

4|| It's an older post, but aren't these adorable??

Ah, back to work. Only 6 more weeks until Christmas break. See, there are some things to look forward to! ;) It's been pretty cold all week, but the weather is slowly "warming up". It was -20C, but tomorrow is only supposed to be -7C. I also neglected the gym this week. My excuse is that it took too long to warm up the car, and the roads aren't all that safe, so it was better for me to just stay home unless I HAD to go out. Well, starting today, I HAVE to go out to work, so I really don't have any excuses for ditching the gym now. So far.

xo. Nicole

Week's End || November 10

I didn't take any photos this past week, so I'm sharing one of my younger sister's photos. She took this while she was in what I call "photography college", haha! It's showing what I wish I could see right now - green! We've had a huge dump of snow, and the roads are ice now. They say it's just a cold snap and that it should warm up the following week, but we're currently sitting at -20*C. Yeah, okay mr/mrs weatherperson.

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| I participated in a monthly link up - it's an easy one :) 

GOOD READS:

1|| I totally made this for supper on Thursday, and it was soooo delicious. I even shared it with a coworker. Seriously, you should make it.

2|| Sam received the most gorgeous Sari Robe - and it's for a good cause.

3|| I love when fellow bloggers (and friends!) share a round-up of links they loved, and this is no exception.

4|| This is such an awesome post for other bloggers, and happy 1st blogging anniversary Amanda!

5|| I always love Kory's monthly desktop wallpaper freebies!

Happy Monday! It's officially Fall break here, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The snow hit us, so I don't have much highway driving to do this week. I will have to venture out on to the highway tomorrow and on Thursday for some family visits. I can't wait for a whole day with my sister and nephews tomorrow, and then I visit my grandma on Thursday :)

I'm not sure what's going on, but I've had nothing but bad dreams the past couple nights (no, I'm not pregnant) and last night's was one of the worst ones. I had been talking to my mom yesterday, and we hadn't chatted in a little while. My dream last night was that she had passed away, with no explanation, and I had to pack up all of her stuff all by myself. I've never cried so much in a dream. I talked to my mom about it and she said it's because I miss her and it's one of my worst fears coming out because of that. Oh boy, I hope my dreams start getting better soon, I can't take anymore nightmares! 

xo. Nicole

Currently v.02 || Link Up!

Picture c/o Aimee Madeline Photography (my sister!)

Reading || I came across an Emily Giffin book for 50% off, and had to have it! I had originally purchased the book for our camping trip, but I never got around to just being able to read. I've been trying to add more things to my evenings, other than blogging and FarmVille (hey, it's calming!) and reading a book seemed like a good place to start. The one I'm reading now is called Where We Belong. I've always loved Emily Giffin's books, and this is no exception.

Wishlisting || I signed up for The Great Christmas Exchange 2014 this time around, and I am too excited! They have it attached to a website called Elfster, which is pretty straightforward and easy to favourite way too many things ;) I've also gotten some early Christmas shopping in (for once) through Etsy. I'm also kinda sorta maybe browsing for me, too. 

Loving || The energy I find myself having after a full day of work. I actually found the energy to go to the gym after work yesterday, and not one single regret was felt. I would have regretted had I not gone, but that's a whole post in itself.

Appreciating || I'm not sure which switch was turned on, but I've been finding myself thinking more and more about how much my husband does for me and I've been appreciating him more. I'm not getting snappy (as often, hehe) when he asks me to grab him something, or put something away. I'm not the only person who has a 9-5 job, he does too. He's also outside all day and the weather will soon be -30*C!

Creating || A fitness plan that I can stick to! The other one I had in the beginning of the year didn't work out, so I tagged along with another friend (don't worry, I'm still friends with my other workout buddy!) who goes to the gym a couple times a week. She showed me her workout, and it's definitely more affordable and doable for me on my own. I have another installment coming up for My Fitness Journey series, and I'll tell you all about it! I've only started on Saturday and gone to the gym twice, and have lost a pound! 

I'm linking up my Currently post with Jenna from Dearest Love, and Anne from In Residence. On the first Wednesday of every month, we all get together and share what we're currently up to!

I can't wait to read your posts!

xo. Nicole

Week's End || November 3

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| Gunner being...Gunner

2|| I made some super easy and yummy taco soup! Recipe is under the "good reads" section :)

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| I received my October Julep box - check it out!

GOOD READS:

1|| Here's the yummy taco soup recipe - vegan/gluten free

2|| Rebekah participates in #hepicksmypolish and it's always fun to see what she comes up with!

3|| Another fun swap - The Great Christmas Exchange 2014. 

My sister in law took some photos of us at our one year anniversary BBQ this past June and sent me over a few. Yep, that's my husband. So proud.

This week's end post is quite small. Not much went on, and it's definitely been a lazy week for me. On Friday, my coworkers and I dressed up as the Ninja Turtles (complete with tutus!) for Halloween. After work, my husband and I were going to go to a party, but we opted out and attempted to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas..but we fell asleep halfway through at 9pm. We're old people apparently. How was your Halloween? I'm looking forward to all things Christmas now!

xo. Nicole