Pretty Little Face!

So I am vain... kill me!

Hard to call myself vain, you won`t catch me with my hair blown out on a daily basis, not wearing the most expensive duds or a full face of make-up... but when people tell me my skin is flawless; I know it is! Has been for as long as I have had it and I don`t try and mess around with a good thing!

I actually hate talking about my skin because it makes me feel guilty about not dealing with trivial experiences that are teen acne or adult acne. But my skin aged beyond it`s years after having my second daughter... now when you meet me you will guess my age or maybe if I am lucky a year or 2 younger; but just 2 years ago I was still getting 6-7 years younger! I reveled in it!

So when I heard about this organic facial that is fast and wonderful... I couldn't miss out on the opportunity! Months planned in advance I had anticipated getting this facial... some fine lines appearing I needed to get them in check fast. So I walked in and was greeted by @blushpretty from Fresh Beauty, how great was this location right in the health conscious Carrot Common on the Danforth, I was told my facial wouldn't take long at all due to my great skin (personal score and ego boost at that), a very wonderfully organic exfoliator was used on my skin, followed by a really cool organic crystal microdermabrasion which does not feel odd what so ever, even though you are preempted, having kids and a tattoo this felt like nothing at all. It was followed by this really cool technique that was called Cold Laser... follow along here I am a fan of this little technique!! My skin glowed from the blood rushed to the pores... it was so great how fantastic my skin looked for days after. My pores minimized and well even my husband said I looked younger lately.

So if you get a chance to head down to Fresh Beauty tell them Angie sent you, it really is a fun and fast experience... and it leaves you with glowing skin. Now to send Mike for some pampering because well he deserves a little bit of pampering!

Cheers!

Self-Help Silly, Self-Help Psycho or Self-Help Nerd?

Where do I begin....

I am slightly obsessed with reading self-help! Been for years but never read the right group of authors... and then last year I was brought the information about the Happiness Project!

I got the book the week it was released and after spending a few deteriorating mental health months due to my lack of mobility from my broken humerus (left arm) it was the right book the doctor ordered! I became enthralled, I even blogged about my chapters; but I was so engrossed in completing the book I read and read, months in advanced of my posts.

This book taught me that I was in charge of my own happiness... serious AHA moment here people, serious! Followed by the fact that I started reading Dr. Phil... I had another revelation when I picked up The Success Principles from Jack Canfield, that the realization that not just my

inner happiness can be affected by me and me only, but also the goals I make, the fruiting of my personal achievements and one of the major reasons that I got up the courage to run for City Council was the reality that I can talk the talk the talk for so long until I walk the walk... but since the elections I feel like I am at a stale mate with myself.

And then as I was sitting reading my twitter feed... Gretchen Rubin (Author of the Happiness Project) tweeted that she would be in Toronto for a meet and greet and a signing of her book! I had a ding-ding moment... how can I miss out on something so great! So alone, I went to the Indigo Book store in the Manulife Center. It was exhilarating! I got to meet someone who was the catalyst of the change I needed, the excitement continued and I walked over to the self-help section and just couldn't stop myself. Books were falling out of my arms, a wonderful helper at the Indigo ran over to meet; asked to help me... I was so appreciative! I sat in their Starbucks, coffee in hand trying to read the Table of Contents, Back covers--- all too good to part with. So in tow with 5 separate books, I left a satisfied girl!

And as yesterday was supposed to be Blue Monday; I went to sleep far happier than I had awaken that morning! Hope you did something great on your Blue Monday and that in life you are in a constant search of well... a Better you!

Cheers!

What is your Zodiac Sign?

I am the most avid Zodiac buff you'll ever meet... I don't let it dictate my life, but my exhaustive research and nerd work in learning as much as humanly possible on a pseudo-science really sent my head spinning yesterday with the research that I am no longer a Sagittarius and am now a Ophiuchus!

Now, there are an abundance of articles telling you there is a change a coming... and many touting this as the most mundane reaction to silliness. Let me clear out the reality and what this should mean for those who well understand Horoscopes and Astrology in the realm of Astronomy and their work goes hand in Hand.

Your zodiac is based on the stars... any other reading you find that tells you otherwise is well highly mistaken. This form of science is telling you the effect of the planetary fluxes, the moons orbiting or let's be honest the suns reactions to your well being. Sure hocus pocus as my sister would proudly tell you is some serious hogwash... and to some it is--- to each their own. But if you meet an Astrologer who tells you that your sign is reflective to the seasons, ask them if someone born in Australia at the same time as someone being born in USA do they have a different sign or not... if they say it is the same sign... their theory alone about Astrology being a seasonal science has just went out the window.

Here is the reality; the Sun passes through the skies in a mesmerizing manner through out the year in the same manner the moon orbits our earth through out the month. What the suns sees throughout the year is what the Astrologers have been using to describe who we are and what represents our astrological persona. It use to orbit 12 sections of the ski, which has 48 sections thank the ancient Greeks for this... but this seems to have changed, it seems for the last 2 years we have hit an extra constellation that has existed for years and years, back in the days of Ancient Greece when the constellation was named period. But our lovely sun has spent too much time in that region to be a mishap... it is fact.

Now before you get your knickers in a knot, this might not play any havoc on your horoscope as you might be exactly who you've always been, since the Sun itself hasn't been entering this region since only 2009 only those born during those years would be affected by this astral flux. Not you and I. And hey I am a die hard Sagittarius and can't see myself falling into this realm.

Why I don't think this is a hoax, this will make writing your horoscope far harder to do, and won't be easy cheesy 2 lines in the newspaper because we will be reading it differently on a yearly basis like the Chinese Zodiac is never on a standard date and is affected by more than dates but moons and calendars.

Now why this actually makes a TON of sense, the moon orbits the earth in 28 day intervals, as the female menstrual system does, hey blame it on the moon! So this gives us 13 full moons through the year not 12, all zodiacs should only encompass one moon phase properly (just saying); but where does this 13th sign really lay, it's a confused sign, it has no twin zodiac--- Sags twins are the Geminis; the similarities and temperament are nearly identical. Ophiuchus does not have such a thing. We are waiting to see it's effectiveness on time, season and it's pull on elements. It has no water, fire, earth or air pull whatsoever! It doesn't mean they won't find it soon enough.

And not all is answered through the horoscope, but if you work with the magnetics of all that surrounds you is when you can fully get an understanding of what your birth date actually means, I am not just a Sag, But a Metal Monkey Sagittarius with a 1 numerology living in a current year of 4... if you ever wanted me to help you understand that please send me a message.

Don't get all tizzy, I am reading up on it all for you!

Cheers!~

A few of my favorite things!

Last year was so much of a ride for me... I started off the year ending my event contract, working on the best event I have set my eyes on, to running for city council to well just celebrating my girls turning 3 and 2 respectively.

I said it yesterday that but I'll say it again, this year was a journey for myself, I turned 30 and I didn't want to get there unsatisfied or feeling like I missed out in any way. My plan was to be healthier, to appreciate myself and well just to have as much fun as I can get away with being a mom!!! I did that and well, I just want to share again some of my favorite posts about some of my most favorite things that happened this year!

ENJOY!!~~

• I started last year with a new recipe and well something that has now become a staple in my household the famous Angie Roast Pork--- while everyone was reserved and unsure about if they were interested or not, this was famously received, and it's almost expected now!
  
  


• Something that was hugely monumental for me and not so much for my readers... but as a mommy the Social Calendar; I can never begin to tell you the importance of getting out being social and meeting good friends or even meeting new friends.... it really was a huge part of my happiness project! I need the social and this is really what the Dr. ordered for me!
  
  


• To my favorite blog post I wrote all year... because the sheer reality of it, well makes me laugh every time I read it!
  
  


• My most visually pleasing post, and well just my favorite colour... my ode to the colour PINK!
  
  


• A post I might need to re-read to myself over and over again until I get this organised thing down--- but a good one, with a lot of people with good advice commenting!
  
  


• My most favorite thing I found on Youtube EVER!!! This little girl is simple perfection!
  
  


• The post that made me feel like sometimes our words can impact someone, I got the best email from this post that made me almost cry my eyes out! We all need a personal GPS!


• Realising there are role models for us all, even those who chose being a mommy over a career in their earlier years of life.... best role model ever Carolina Herrera-- but this is a post I want to revisit again this year.
  
  
• And last but not least, my most favorite event I attended all year, or at least one that I enjoyed that I didn't work on! The British Invaded!

I had a great year, and had fun sharing a lot of it with my very dedicated readers... if there is a post you read that was you favorite please do share it with me. I am looking forward to the fun stuff I have in store for the blog this year!

Cheers!~

Looking back...

What a whirlwind year it has been for me?!?!?!!

I am really sad to watch 2010 leave for many reasons, because it was a huge year for me in many aspects. I grew a better person this year, and I learnt more about myself this last year than I have in the last decade.

I am also really looking at next year with such great opportunity and growth... it is so nice to imagine going into a new year a changed person and changed soul, but most of all someone who really likes them self far more than last year.

I could go on, but last year I entered 2010 with a really limited ability to move my left arm, the worst shape, the highest scale weight, but I entered with the intentions to change me, change myself... and I stayed true. I stayed the course! I don't like to make resolutions, but if fixing ME was my biggest resolution I succeed and over achieved my expectations.

But the mission is never over, this I have learned! We are growing, loving and smart creatures... staying stagnate, not moving forward, towards our better selves daily if not yearly we aren't doing our loved ones, our neighbours or ourselves any favors.

I am looking forward to keep blogging and plan to do it more and more, continue to blog about growth and appreciation, the fun things that interest me, the events I am blessed to get to go to, and hopefully even more contests.

Thank you for following along... see you in the New Year!

Happy Birthday!!

Today I turn 30!!! I have never been this excited about a birthday... perhaps my sweet 16, but even that I am far more excited I think this time!!!

I am so excited I just want to share the birthday LOVE!!! And so for my birthday and the fact that my blog is and has been over a year old I am holding my first ever contest! What a better product that the Peace, Love and Juicy Couture perfume!

So from today til New Year's eve please follow the blog and tell me how you spent the best birthday you remember, tell me what was the best gift someone ever got you or how you spoiled yourself! I want to share in your fantastic memories while I make my own!!!

Good Luck to you all! And thank you Mom, because without you well..... I wouldn't be celebrating today would I!

***this is an image of the product on the Internet, I have the box in my possession fully wrapped and I have not opened it... not sure what is inside, but I believe this is what it will look like***

Sitting in the audience...

Sometimes I do fun things... sometimes I just stay home and clean out my cupboards, but on both occasions I get happy.

Today, I got to sit in the audience of Steven and Chris on CBC, this is not my first time sitting in the audience, in my early 20s I got to sit in the audience over at CityLine and even get called in for another show for a hair makeover. But this format was different and a lot of fun, the show is done pre-tapped, and it's amusing to see the slip-ups and honesty that comes from these guys.

I went to the show with my mom and my coumbara (Greek for my daughter's godmother); my mother had never done anything like this before, the whole time she glowed, with a perma-smile. It was really nice to see that coming from her. She has had a hard couple of years and she deserved to do something out of her box, best part is I think she is hooked, she wants to go again. **which I think is so absolutely cute and endearing**

I wish I had taken my camera, perhaps next time! During all the commercial sections of the show, the audience warm-up guy gave some great gifts, we played some fun games... it was really more fun than I can explain.

If you want to catch the episode I was sitting through it will be on at 2pm on December 15th, early birthday gift!

Cheers!~

The Art of.... Networking!

This last week I have gone to 2 separate networking events, I wouldn't say they are my forté or even something I have mastered but I might be able to give you a fun girl's guide to understanding it better than what some buttoned up shirt might tell you.

1. You are nothing less than your own personality. You have a lot to say, do you know this? What do you do? Where do you work? What do you plan on doing? And then if someone says something that you find intriguing, interesting or wish you could just ask them something else.... what are you waiting for this is a networking event, ASK! Be honest, of course your ON and people are seeing you in a light that you want to be deemed as a good sale, but be serious, if you can't share honesty, your lost right out of the gate.


2. Bring business cards... if NOT make sure you collect as many as you can. This is incredibly indispensable! Why, you ask? Well one, it will give you creative ideas of what you might want your card to look like, and second it will give you contact information no matter what.


3. Be fairly early... gives you a chance to mingle longer getting the best out of the event, hors d'oeuvres if you are hungry and a good spot to sit if needs be.


4. Ask around to see if anyone you know might be there? They don't need to be your closest friend but someone where if you bumped into them it would be instant conversation where you could then get into a personal groove to move on to more wonderful people.


5. Life is short... if you want to move up in the ladder of life, get on it, no one can push you there, and by this I say make the most out of the experience.

So I will continue to hit the circuit, figuring out the next obvious path for myself... I think the tunnel with the light coming through is in my horizon, so I think I am getting close. Just have fun and maybe we'll be at the same event, and if so come and say Hi. I always say Hi back... LOL!! :)

Cheers!~

The Christmas Buzz...

I really am a shopping junkie, but I am a hardcore shopper... the one who can shuffle through a rack with pizazz, determination and the ability to dissect the objects very quickly.

I have to say I have only shopped online once.... not sure why, but my experience left me happy and pleasantly surprised. (thank you http://www.neimanmarcus.com/) and this has allowed be to become highly more opened to the idea of shopping online.

And then I am sitting a table having drinks when a old friend of mine tells me about http://www.ukamaku.com/--- never heard of it, but how appealing to be able to purchase Canadian made garments in a one stop. Doesn't help that I have a personal infatuation with Breeyn McCarney dresses.

And then I had heard that my favorite Internet window shopping site opened a boutique right here in Toronto, let the anxious giggles begin!! I love this Augustina Boutiques Ltd., with it's gold jewellery and it's adorable clutches like the evie envelope with it's massive bow on the front. But my anticipation and excitement will be if they have the vintage Babar prints the show in the Auggie section of the site which is the very adorably shown kids items.

So if you are interested in getting some shopping done, here are some great avenues to spoil yourself as well as others during the Holiday, I know I will!

PS. Did I mention that December is my birthday month... and I super excited to turn 30!! **hint, hint on the items I want**

How do you find a word that means Maria?

" How do you solve a problem like Maria?

How do you hold a moon beam in your hand?---"

There is not many Maria/Mary's in my life... and for those who know me so well, know of a Maria who has been part of my life for so long that I get all bubbly inside like the Julie Andrews character of Maria in the Sound of Music.

But there is a new Mary in my life... and I was and still get excited about the idea of seeing her or the pieces she creates, this being Mary Katrantzou.

I don't get excited much about fashion lately... as so much of it feels same old, same old! Let's repeat the decades of the 30s through to even the 90s on repeating stylish pieces giving them a slight redo, better material composition and perhaps call it anew. But there are times like when I happened to stumble upon Style.com's pictures from the runways (thank you from us minions who are sitting in the comfort of their couches who can appreciate what is happening across the globe) where I see something that astounds me.

As I am staring at each picture and imagining the imagery of architectural beauty that drew her to put art on the a material and create a beautiful dress... I dare not say more than I was FLOORED! And then the opportunity came to meet Mary (who I had exchanged a few words with on twitter previously) at the Room for the God Save the Queen event.

Even more personable than you can imagine, a humble person at best.... this is not the persona I would have ever expected from someone who got to show at London Fashion week; but here she is talking to MOI her biggest Canadian fan. Her pieces are as beautiful as they appear on the runway, and unfortunately this isn't always the reality. Some pieces slightly reminiscent of Marie Antoinette with details and accents more towards the hip over the shoulder. Her lampshade detailed skirt are really just more and more beautiful than you can imagine.

I really really want on of these pieces, this has gone high on my WANT list... so much so that I think I might NEED one!