This month has been a hot hot month in the music department. I found lots of great music but here are the top selections!
Lose It – Kane Brown
I think the past year’s most surprising and spontaneous find is Kane Brown. This guy has this uniquely deep voice and then delivers these really cool songs. Lose It is honestly one of my favorite. Its lighthearted and fun. Sometimes, country music is what pairs up well with the summer season and this one definitely makes me all warm and fuzzy.
Don’t Let Me Forget – Catherine McGrath feat Hunter Hayes
I love Hunter Hayes. I’ve probably talked about it before. This duet is quite good. There’s some beautiful lyrics and music. Both of their voices work together really well also. It took a while to warm up to the song but now, I feel so fantastic whenever I hear it go on on my playlist.
Polar – Curbi
Nothing rings in summer quite like electronic music. My absolute fave in a really long time is this one. I’ve never heard of Curbi before so it was just a random song I was checking out on Spinnin’ Records and what a pleasant surprise. Its energizing and mechanical and its exactly the style that I love.
Unlovely – Jason Mraz
I’ve loved Jason Mraz for a long time. His music is so upbeat and fun and just simply positive. Its what I love to listen to a lot in the summer (and all the time) because its so carefree. And Unlonely seriously gives me some of the vibes from his earlier music that had that really fun vibe like I’m Yours, for example.
The Other Side – Ruelle
Hurricane – Fleurie
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments TV series is kind of ruling my life of late. I’m all behind the #SaveShadowhunters thing and I feel bad that I never actually watched it when it was airing episode by episode but then I also don’t have TV so I’m not sure how much the Netflix factors in. Either way, with that said, other than a ton of stuff that I love about it and I’ll talk about it in an upcoming TV Binge soon. I can literally run TV Binge posts for 2 weeks straight right now with all the backlog. Anyways, the soundtrack for Shadowhunters is really awesome. I almost did a full Music Obsessions special just for it (might still happen) but for now, lets start with these two songs.
That’s it for this Music Obsessions! What have you been listening to?
I’m still taking in how we’re halfway into February already! I don’t usually do much for Valentine’s but it does give me this awesome excuse to sit around and watch lots of romantic comedies. This year’s marathon will be updated and you can check out the complete list of reviews in the menu under movie.
Usually, I do these special posts and piano covers. I’ve been extremely lazy at those because it takes time to practice and record over and over and over again in the middle of the night when its all quiet and then have to upload and all that stuff. So none of that, I’ve put together a Pinterest therapy crossed over with Music Obsessions post Valentine themed!
Strawberries and Cream Heart Cake
Pink Chocolate Berry Oreo
There you go! A little mix of some cute love quotes and Valentine’s baking choices. I have to actually do those one day. AND… a ton of music obsessions 🙂 If you like any of the Pinterest stuff, just click on the picture and it’ll go straight to the link.
Hope you all had a fantastic Valentine’s Day spent with your loved ones! 🙂
**Psst! For those reading this, the next week is going to be Academy Awards/Oscars week. I’ll be watching as many movies as I can nominated in various categories. I’m not sure how many best picture ones I’ll get in but any ones nominated, I’ll try to see what I can get access to 🙂 Remember to drop by again!**
I’m a bit behind schedule. I had a pretty jam-packed weekend. But then, I start acknowledging and asking myself whether it ever isn’t. I guess I just like to make every moment of my life in a fulfilling way.
With that said, we have a lot to talk about 🙂
Last Sunday, I went to Arbraska Mont Ste-Gregoire for a tree trekking adventure with my friends. For some of you, 2 years ago, I also went to this adventure but it was so refreshing to go back.
I’m sure some of my friends would like to stay private so thanks to my friend who brought a camera and opted out of a trail, I finally have a picture of me doing this stuff. She’s just awesome 🙂
On the obstacle course
One of the crazy additions to the courses was this little teamwork pulling maneuver thing. It was really tough to go through.
It was a fun 3 hour activity and really boosted up my energy after coming back from Hong Kong. It also reminded me that when in doubt, working out is something I should get back into. With that said, I’ve been thinking of reviving my Workout updates but with a little twist (along with a few new things I’d like to talk about) but thats for another post in the very soon future. We ended the day with an early dinner and then me and one of my girl friends went to go see How to Train Your Dragon 2. The review should be up tomorrow 😉
Have you done treetop trekking/ziplining? Where was it?
After work on Monday, I went to do some after work stocking up at Costco anticipating the day off for St. Jean (Quebec day) the next day. When I went to my new place to drop off stuff and look at my garden, I saw that there was one strawberry all red. My boyfriend decided that it was ready so here it is:
Lets just say, it was quite sour. Lesson to myself: Always wait a few days for it to be thoroughly ripe before harvesting 😉 But our first harvest from the garden makes it so memorable. At least all this work is for something.
How about you fellow gardeners? Any harvests? What do you like to plant?
On Tuesday, I went all out on the moving and shifted 2 heavy boxes to my new place, almost clearing off the bookshelf that goes in the office. It included shifting (my guestimate) 90lbs of books. That what all that money in university and cegep was. I also cleared out another 2 boxes that I had brought over before but didn’t put away. Its really the final stretch now with mostly the heavy stuff and my essentials that need to go over. As the painting picks up again, its slowly falling into place. Feeling all self-satisfied, I went home that evening and finally made myself an actual meal with meat and veggies and even tried out gluten-free pasta.
What was on the menu, you ask? Well, here it is:
Herbe de Provence Drumsticks
I did an improvisation with this one while searching one up and came up with using Herbe de Provence, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, a bit of sugar, olive oil, wine and pepper to do this marinade. As skeptical as I was about it, this turned out to be so good and even had leftovers for lunch the next day 🙂 On the note of gluten-free pasta, its actually not too bad. Maybe its because I mixed it with this sauce and gave it an acceptable taste 😉
My best friend, who currently lives in Saskatchewan also came back to town and we had a little quick hangout while I had a late night at work and her with her studying. So we met up quickly to fill up our tummies. She took a quick trip to check out my new place, which is really close her parent’s right before I dropped her home. I had some delicious mussels that night at Les 3 Brasseurs.
Mussels at Les 3 Brasseurs
Finally, we reach Saturday! This was a huge day because I spend the first half of it having a cycling trip with my friends, had lunch and came back. It was an adventure because my tire decided to pop on the way back in the scorching heat and I had to walk back with it slowly. My friends were pretty chill about it. We changed the tire with the help of the guys. No pictures because I didn’t have my phone with me.
In the afternoon, I had a bit of time to do my first solo plant transplant and that was for my geranium citronella, lemongrass and orange thyme so that it was the simple version of the mosquito control plant that I was planning to do.
Mosquito control plant
I placed it strategically by the patio door so that if I ever have to step outside that would be where I’d be protected. Here’s hoping it’ll work 😉
That evening, we had a gathering for my best friend and my friend (and yes, blogger) Phoebe for their belated birthdays at Mrs. Amigos, our favorite hangout spot.
Barefoot Bubbly
Carrot and Ginger Puree
Lamb Steak with Rice
Souffle
In the long wait for the souffle, we all sat around and did some group selfies (groupfies?). I won’t start showing everyone but this one is me with my best friend 🙂
My best friend and I
On Sunday, I had to work in the morning. My boyfriend left with me because we had a show associated with the Montreal Jazz Festival to go to. I had no idea what it actually is but its called Tarantino in Concert and it pays tribute to a few of Tarantino’s movies like Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs, Django Unchained, Pulp Fiction, etc.
Tarantino in Concert program and tickets
Using the songs and re-enacting the scenes on a musical set. The crew included Bruce Willis’s daughter Rumer Willis and it was very awesome because I got some awesome seats in the alley where they actually were dancing in and out of the audience alleyways. So we had a lot of singing and action right in front of us. Plus, my highlight was when my boyfriend got dragged out during a dancing part to dance with one of the ladies. It was pretty awesome! The show itself is amazing! So much fun and all the performers and the band were crazy talented. I loved every single bit of it! There was surprise moments and the whole jumping from one familiar scene to the next was so much fun.
Have you had a chance to see this show?
My weekend is pulling into the end but before I let you go, here’s a picture of a new dress that my best friend got me as a belated birthday gift.
I have no idea what possessed to get me this dress but here’s to the second tube-y (bodycon?) dress in my closet. Now I know why I need to get back to training.
I’d have to say that I had a pretty awesome week.
I’m having a serious backlog of posts to go up so Hong Kong posts might actually take throughout this whole month so that there’s some diversity. Plus, I have a bunch of movies expiring tomorrow on Netflix and I’m hoping to get through two of them tonight 🙂 Wish me luck!
Before I let you go, here’s an awesome song with very inspiring and positive lyrics called 3 Things by Jason Mraz!
There are three things I do when my life falls apart, Number one I cry my eyes out and dry up my heart…
The second thing I do is I close both of my eyes, And say my thank-yous to each and every moment of my life.
The third thing that I do now when my world caves in, is I pause, I take a breath, and bow and I let that chapter end. – 3 Things, Jason Mraz
Remember to drop by again soon! I’ll be introducing some new stuff here 😉
2013 is finally ending! I’m not sure if you felt it but this year was a rough one! I’m super happy that its ending because next year has only one way its going and thats up! Thanks to all of you, I’ve been able to stay positive and hold on tight! This blog has kept me breathing and motivated to push through everything! Plus, its been going really well.
Lets do a little recap on what happened these past few days, since I just did a quick update post a few days ago HERE!
Dinner at Casey’s Restaurant & Bar
Friday evening was dinner with one of my good friends who will be going away soon to pursue his dream. Its a bit sad to see friends go away but I’m also happy for him because he held on and didn’t give up for the so many years and finally he made it in, which is already a great start! I wish him the best of luck!
Brunch at Ben & Florentine’s
Saturday morning was brunch with my girl friends and then some Christmas shopping. It turned into a very awesome Christmas crafts shopping. I have acquired most of the materials needed to do this year’s crafts for gifts and I’m extremely early so I can take my time to do a beautiful job at it 🙂 I’ll be posting that up when I’m done bit by bit. It was a fun day! 🙂
That somewhat wraps it up for the weekend activities! It does start with my updates and announcements!
On Thursday night, I came home to a package from Tribesports with the Kickstarter goodies that I had backed a few months ago. Mine included a Tribesports towel (not in the picture), short sleeves shirt and capris. I’ve been obsessed with workout clothes and I’m telling you, these ones are super comfortable and looking at the design, I’m excited to start working out with them. They have air out spots exactly where I sweat the most so that’ll be great. It’ll reduce the chance of rashes when I work out really intense. 🙂
On that note, last week, I joined my very first Dietbet that will be from December 2 (today) to December 29 hosted by Pumps & Iron to lose 4% of my body weight. I’m not exactly sure if I can drop from my 136 to 130 but its my way to encourage myself to kick start an even healthier eating habits since I’ve been eating a lot of junk food lately due to all the craziness in my life. I’ll update you later on in the month 🙂 Plus, the pot currently has over $9,000 so thats pretty impressive. Losing weight during the holidays will be a difficult task but I think that’ll strengthen the motivation to work out more and if I succeed, I know that I’ll be able to get through it all.
December is the month for Christmas marathon! Last year I used up most of my Christmas movies so this year, I’m focusing mostly on Netflix movies. Some might turn out to be stupid but still, its the best I could come up with. I’ll put in a little twist with some that are just winter related or family focused. I have a general list for it but I’m thinking maybe I’ll add in a little Narnia marathon 🙂
**As most of you probably already know by now, the unfortunate and tragic death of Paul Walker has postponed this marathon a bit because I feel extremely saddened by it that I want to watch a few movies of his that I never had gotten around to until now as a way to remember him. Expect that this week!**
One of last year’s baking: Gingerbread cookies
Other than movies, Christmas is also the month I’m going to resume my baking. Its been a while but with Dietbet also, I’m going to try to stick within delicious and healthy. I do know that there will be some that will go outside of it. I’m looking at trying out making Christmas log and possibly cake pops. Maybe, also some cookies and cupcakes as well since the boyfriend made a request for it 🙂 Is there something festive that you always eat for Christmas? I’d love some ideas!
Last year’s outdoor exhibit ICEBERG
With Christmas in full swing,I’m going to scout out some Christmas decorations, lights and events around Montreal. I’ll take my DSLR camera for a whirl as often as I can. Try to get back on track with the whole photography part!
I’ll try to up the variety of posts going up this month but still, there will be some changes!
Thats how I feel about my life and how I want to approach everything here! 🙂
As usual, its nearing the end of the year so I’ve come to reflect a bit on my blog. For one, I’m thinking if I should keep or remove certain sections. I know for one that A Bite of China Project may have to go as I might cut out the cooking section and simply stick to baking. I’m thinking about it but once the holiday comes in and I have some time off, I’m planning on fixing up some of the layout, menus and making it a bit more organized, especially subcategories for the movies section.
Here’s where I would love you all to help me out: What do you enjoy about my blog? Anything in particular you want to keep seeing?
I fully intend to keep movies, photography and baking going on as I have a few projects in mind. However, once I hit the full 52 weeks of workouts, I’m not sure if I will continue putting on workout roundups.
How about book reviews? I was trying to think of projects to do for it. I will keep reading but perhaps I might take that section out as a more leisurely sections with monthly shorter reviews instead of full posts dedicated to one book, unless its for independent authors and their releases. Any projects you might want to suggest?
My mind will be on full time mode thinking about how to make certain changes for now, you should be expecting updates on some pages and a few subcategories gradually added in to clean up the overall blog and to help in better navigation.
Please share what you think. It’ll really help me decide on how to approach next year!
Before I leave, lets start the morning with some awesome music that I’ve been listening to this weekend! Kick start our Christmas/holiday/winter month in style!
And if you aren’t so much into Christmas yet, I’ve been totally loving this song performed on The Ellen Show by Travie McCoy and Jason Mraz called Rough Water!
Happy Monday! 🙂
Remember to leave me comments & suggestions! Thanks 🙂
I haven’t had time to actually go check out my Youtube subscriptions until now. I was out all day yesterday on a day trip and I promise that will go up in the next few days right after I flip through the pictures and put a post together.
Today, this awesome song was the first one on my newly added from the channels I follow from the awesome Jason Mraz!
Living in the Moment is definitely an uplifting song for this wonderful Sunday! I love living in the moment and strive to do it all the time. Whenever I get off track, I always try to remind myself and now I have a song to help me along!
Love the lyrics, especially these! If there are anything missing, I was trying to type it up as the song played in the background…
“I’m letting myself off the hook for things I’ve done, I let my past go past, and I’m having my fun, I’m letting go of the thoughts that don’t make me strong, And I believe this way can feel the same for everyone. And if I fall asleep, I know you’ll be the one to always remind me. To live in the moment, living my life, easy and breezy, with peace in my mind. With peace in my heart, with peace my soul, wherever I’m going, I’m already home. I can’t walk through life, facing backward,I have tried, tried more than once that I was denied the future I’ve been searching. I spun around and hurt no more by living in the moment…”
Tranquil Dreams 