This made me laugh out loud! ADORBZ!

Cancelling Cable

I'm thinking about cancelling our cable after reading information on  THIS WEBSITE. It's now possible to watch almost all your favorite shows in other ways. Cancelcable.com even has a showfinder that allows you to search for a show you want to watch, and it tells you where you can find it online for free! You can connect your laptop or computer very easily to your TV and although you have to sit through 30 second ads, that's still a lot better than the usual 2 minutes plus of advertising on regular tv. PLUS, in this era of digital television, you can get 30-60 channels FREE just with a digital converter box or antenna- and most new TV's have this digital antenna BUILT IN!

Anyone else out there cancelled their cable with good results? I wanna hear from you!

Because it's CUTE, that's why!

I like Horses too, Kid.

Christmas Tree Treats

Here are some of our new additions to our tree this year! Prince helped tell us where to place the ornaments. He's a good helper!

Checking in!

Hey, sorry for the lack of updates recently- Little Lady has been a little BUSY!! Lots of stuff to write about, so don't forget about me and check back in to find out what's been going on in the N-Y-C!

Fancy Schmancy Christmas Stockings

Glitter and feathers and heels! Oh my!




-- Post From My iPhone

A Moving experience for the whole family!

It's a sure sign of the season when charmin opens the doors to their public toilets in times square. Tourists, rejoice!!







-- Post From My iPhone

The Lights of NYC

I love this video! See how many of the lights you can recognize. So fascinating!


On Melancholy Hill - NYC Lights from Chateau Bezerra on Vimeo.

My Camouflaged Dog

Can you see him? He loves laying on this furry blanket!




-- Post From My iPhone

Autocorrect

Most adorable Robocop Halloween kid's costume ever!

His dad made this out of milk jugs and orange juice containers, just like a Halloween costume SHOULD BE! Way to go, dad! So creative and unique! I want a robocop costume for myself!

Check out the entire series of adorable photos on his dad's blog HERE

ADHD: 12 Myths And Facts (PHOTOS)

Children exposed to tobacco are 2.4 times more likely to develop ADHD. If you have a baby, QUIT SMOKING!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Comic of the day

Free Advice

Chevy Chase raises some good points in this TIME article, about what needs to happen with Saturday Night Live to, well, keep it from sucking so badly.

Agree/disagree with his ideas?

Signs I don't quite understand

Storage room cheese?


-- Post From My iPhone

Hanukkah Hershey

There are Hanukkah kisses now?!




-- Post From My iPhone

Assault in the park!

I was eating lunch today with Cory in Bryant Park when out if no where, a branch fell on my head! I re-enacted the event for you.

PS: my hair is tucked into my jacket because I was eating soup. If you have long hair, you understand.




-- Post From My iPhone

Playing it safe

Attributed - Sir Francis Drake -1577 Disturb us, Lord, when We are too well pleased with ourselves, When our dreams have come true Because we have dreamed too little, When we arrived safely Because we sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, when With the abundance of things we possess We have lost our thirst For the waters of life; Having fallen in love with life, We have ceased to dream of eternity And in our efforts to build a new earth, We have allowed our vision Of the new Heaven to dim. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, To venture on wider seas Where storms will show your mastery; Where losing sight of land, We shall find the stars. We ask You to push back The horizons of our hopes; And to push into the future In strength, courage, hope, and love.

New NYC taxi design

The city is deciding between 3 finalists for the new taxi design, to be rolled out in 2014. City officials are trying to integrate more eco-friendly vehicles as well as accommodating more passengers, luggage, and wheelchair access. Some designs may even have sun roofs or wifi!

I think we can all agree that FORD's entry is the WORST! Ugh! Hideous!



Nissan isn't too bad:


But I prefer this one:



Which do you like? Read the NY Times article HERE and take part in the survey to let officials know what YOU want in the taxi of the future!

NYC- the home of more than 10,000 bars

A new report suggest that New Yorkers have excessive alcohol consumption. Is anyone surprised by this? It's a party city! Bars are open until 4am, and we NEVER have to worry about a designated driver- hop on the subway or catch a cab!

Want to know more about this study, and its findings? Read the full article HERE

Pancake Pockets?

An example of ruining a perfectly good thing:




-- Post From My iPhone

Fashion Fail

-- Post From My iPhone

Abandoned Subway Station now visible

Pretty neat slideshow of this gorgeous City Hall Subway stop (at the end of the 6 train in Manhattan) that has been closed since 1945. I love hidden jewels like this!

Lest we Forget

Today, November 11th, is Remembrance Day in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth. On the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour on the 11th minute, we pause for a minute of silence to honour those who have fought and died for our freedom.

I posted earlier in the week about my poppy, and the symbolism of why we wear a poppy for the 2 weeks prior to Remembrance Day. Here is a brief history of its origins:

"The association between the poppy and war dates back to the Napoleonic wars, when a writer saw a field of poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers.

During the Battle of Ypres in 1915, Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae was inspired to write the poem In Flanders Fields on sighting the poppies growing beside a grave of a close friend who had died in battle.

In Flanders fields the poppies grow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

The poem was a great inspiration in adopting the poppy as the Flower of Remembrance in Canada, France, the U.S, Britain and Commonwealth countries.

The first poppies were distributed in Canada in 1921.

Today the volunteer donations from the distribution of millions of poppies is an important source of revenue for the Royal Canadian Legion that goes toward helping ex-servicemen and women buy food, and obtain shelter and medical attention."

-CBC news Canada

Like many of my readers, I have several family members that have served in the military. Most recently, my younger brother served in Afghanistan, and he continues his service in the full-time Canadian military today. I am thankful for the sacrifice and service of all of our troops. 

Fail

When we flew out to Chicago last weekend, we were seated in the emergency exit row. Notice the BRAILLE? do they really let BLIND PEOPLE assist in the evacuation if there is an emergency?










-- Post From My iPhone

When there's no space for parking in Manhattan...

Stack 'em up!!





-- Post From My iPhone

50 Reasons to be pretty damn euphoric that you live in NYC

This article could have been written by me. It's fantastic! And SO on point!

The Rapist?

I never realized that "therapist" is really just "the rapist!" I saw this when I was watching TiVo last night- FAIL!

Rapist's office?! What?!




-- Post From My iPhone

Poppy for remembrance day

My parents mailed me some poppies to wear for remembrance day. In Canada (and the UK), we wear a poppy on our left side from the end of october until remembrance day on November 11. It's a reminder of all the soldiers who have sacrificed in order for us to have freedom. Poppies are available for free or whatever donation you wish to give. All the proceeds go to veterans. I think the US should adopt the poppy pin too!


-- Post From My iPhone

Pretty good little business, you've got there

I was in union square at lunch and I stopped by the farmers market. I decided to try a wheatgrass shot from "mr. grass." They take fresh wheatgrass and turn it through a press to make liquid and then you drink it like a shot.

It was good, but when I finished, I realized I had just paid 3 DOLLARS for an ounce of LAWN!

Well played, Mr. Grass. Well played. Pretty good profit margin on that product, I'd say.




-- Post From My iPhone

Pet Peeve

Why are the models for SPANX so SKINNY? These are not  the women that buy or wear SPANX! Ridiculous! Look at this model! Does she look like she needs a control panel? Thigh slimmer? Waist cincher? No!

My new hobby

I love the lying-down game! It's simple, find an unusual spot, and lie down awkwardly on your stomach for a picture. There's an article about the internet phenomenon HERE Hilarious!

I know where I'll be October 2, 2011!

Cirque du Soleil just released their tour dates for their MICHAEL JACKSON show! Can you tell I'm excited? Since we had tickets for the Michael Jackson "This is It" show in London last July, and never got to see him perform, I have been eagerly awaiting the announcement for the Cirque du Soleil show! And since, the cirque is from CANADA (one of our proudest exports, might I add), it only makes sense that the show will kick-off in my home and native land!

Can't wait to get my tickets!

I should get this

...to outwardly show my grief of my under appreciated blog (sigh)

Quiznos'es gots COUPONS!

Click HERE to get 4 great free coupons from Quiznos! Print 'em off, and EAT!

Advice?

We are taking a weekend vacation to Chicago flying out after work on Friday and returning on Sunday, just for a little getaway. I thought I'd put the question out to my readers as to WHERE we should eat? We are big fans of Chef Rick Bayless, and his modern fusion south american cuisine, but there are no reservations available to Topolobampo, and Frontera Grill doesn't take reservations.

Any Chicago natives out there wanna suggest a great restaurant to impress a couple of New Yorkers? (Please note, if you suggest a chain restaurant, I will NOT even consider it a joke!)

Teacher of the Year, right here :)

Costume for Romeo

He's a little NYPD cop! You have the right to remain ADORABLE!


-- Post From My iPhone

Good one!

-- Post From My iPhone

Ice Ice Baby

The rink at rockefeller center is up! And the bryant park rink is opening this weekend! Christmas is coming!




-- Post From My iPhone

2011 is here!

Stylish and affordable; nothing says "look, I'm a tourist!" like these glitter 2011 glasses




-- Post From My iPhone

Why I'm taking a break from Facebook

“Dear Facebook,

It’s not me, it’s you. I think we need to spend some time apart.”

I decided to take a break from Facebook. How long? I don’t know. Forever? Probably not. But I realized recently that Facebook has been making me unhappy.

First, because so many of the status updates in my news feed seem to be complaints. Problems, grievances, and “oh my life is so terrible” petty things. I make an effort to have very comedic, light-hearted, jovial status updates, because that’s what I would like to see when I log on to Facebook. Not be negged out with all kinds of pessimism.

Second, I think it’s compromising my efforts to actually communicate and reach out to my close friends. No need to call someone and ask how their day was, when you can see everything about it on Facebook. Right down to what they had for breakfast. I remember the days when friends would get together for coffee, send an email (not a FORWARD, an actual EMAIL!) and even go so far as to pick up the PHONE (God forbid!) to call someone and say a quick “hello.” I hope that by giving up Facebook for a while, I’ll actually be a better friend.

And third, I am tired of feeling like life is a competition. I’m finding that what Facebook is really great for, is BRAGGING, and that’s been a really difficult thing for me to deal with. I’m not a jealous person, but I find that seeing people posting about their new cars, vacations, babies, and ginormous houses causes me to start comparing my life to others. And I’m guilty of it too- it’s hard not to post exciting news about your latest accomplishments. Maybe I’m just being sensitive, and I should be able to applaud someone rather than covet what they have, but regardless, I just need a time-out from this hamster wheel.

I should be clear that it's no ONE person that made me feel this way, and I am not upset with anyone. I just want to surround myself with positivity and connect deeply with my closest friends. I want my life to be rich with memories, laughter, and celebrations, and I want to explore innovative ideas with people, not hear them complain about how long the line is at Starbucks this morning. And I’m tired of feeling like people only want to be my “friend” on Facebook so that they can cyber-stalk my profile and find out if what I have is better than them or vice versa. If you want to know about my life, then talk to me; don’t log on to Facebook to find out how I am doing.

I think Eleanor Roosevelt said it best, when she said,

“GREAT minds discuss ideas; AVERAGE minds discuss events; SMALL minds discuss people.”

Instead of using Facebook for gossip and undercover stalking, how about we start using it to enrich our lives, not detract from our happiness? How about status updates of gratitude, not complaints about poopy diapers? What if we left a message of encouragement or a comment to make someone laugh on their profile wall instead of just shadowing someone’s pictures from the weekend and clicking through in anonymity.

So for now, no more Facebook. Maybe the answer is some more “pruning” to my friend list? In any case, I’m going to focus on what matters to me in my life, and what makes me happy, instead of staring brain-dead at a screen. I deserve to live an enriched life, and I need to cut out the negativity and negative people so that I can thrive as my authentic self. 

Presidential Prank of the Day

Nice one, Mr. President! :)

Inspiring Quotes

Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.  - Leroy Satchel Paige

If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. – Mary Engelbreit

Valid argument here

Like a Giant Hershey's Kiss

This NESTREST is a great idea for functional, modern furniture! Wouldn't you love to have one? See more by visiting THIS LINK.

Getting Serious on ya for a sec- worth reading!

The Awakening


A time comes in your life when you finally get it...when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out...ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on.
Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening.

You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon. You realize that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you... and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.


You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself... and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you - or didn't do for you - and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn't always about you.

So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself... and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties... and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.

You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.

You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people... and you learn not to always take it personally.

You learn that nobody's punishing you and everything isn't always somebody's fault. It's just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.

You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.

-Author Unknown

Prince

-- Post From My iPhone

The truth behind re-touched photos

Fascinating! check out THESE PHOTOS showing before and after re-touching of models. huh, makes you think, eh?

Genius

I love it when the simplest ideas are the most ingenious discoveries! Take these mittens, for example.

...and hide yo husband