Who is A?

To start off I will say; I had nothing to do with Pretty Little Liars.

I could say that I’m different from everyone else and that I have big plans for the world but the truth is, I’m probably just like you. I, like yourself, am a common paper cut survivor, I am an avid napper and enjoy the classic “Netflix and Chill”. I can down a party size pizza to myself in one sitting #PizzaIsLife, I dress as a Princess as a part time job, I workout on my bedroom floor because I refuse to pay for a gym membership, and I have severe and incurable middle-child-syndrom… or maybe I’m just a naive narcissist trying to share my creative life in an uncreative way.

Theres really no structure here, I write about what I like, I’m really just writing what I want to read so when I’m 80 I can look back and say “oh yeah, that was fun” – Food, Fashion, Friends, Family, that weird dream I had last night, and anything else I feel like writing about.

That being said, I can only hope my perception of this world brightens your day in a Creatively Uncreative way as it does for me – see the world as I do through the windows of my face.

 

– A

 

UPDATE:

The year is 2020 and you, like myself, probably forgot all about Pretty Little Liars so the above reference is just very confusing. I don’t even think I finished the series….

I still love pizza and naps, I fuck with Netflix but now I also have Prime and Hayu (big girl purchases), I am a retired Disney Princess who still has middle child syndrome, I still workout on my bedroom floor but now I also have a gym membership (that just sits in my wallet) considering buying a trampoline because why not.

The rest is the same. The more you read, the more you know!

 

-A

Day 21 of Quarantine – A Pandemic Poem

Applied for CERB again today,
to get another two grand.
But got no where to spend it,
since everything comes from the China Land.

My lashes are falling out,
Matthew has never seen my natural face.
I swear to god he will cringe when he sees me,
looking like a sickly, ratchet basket case.

Been trying to watch my figure,
and workout everyday.
But Betty Crocker is a temptress,
who makes it hard to stay away.

Pillsbury is a damn fuck-boy,
who shows up when you least expect it.
I found a cookie crumb in my belly button this morning,
I’m not even embarrassed, I flaunt it!

We should all be getting paid to watch Netflix,
since we are judging what’s good and bad.
instead we are spending what’s left of our money,
on useless hobby fads.

Day 20 of Quarantine – A Pandemic Poem

Twenty days locked up,
with nothing to do.
Twenty days locked up,
and I’m getting really sick of you.

I can’t be dropping names,
because I’ll get a lot of flack.
lets just say he’s a freakin little gremlin,
who’s eating all the food and getting fat.

I’ve gotten sick of painting,
and Zumba became a chore.
I’m tired of watching tv,
the Kardashians have become a bore.

Baking is always fun,
but I hate cleaning all the mess.
Snacking has become my favourite past time,
but now my summer body is a winter bod at best.

I keep asking for a puppy,
but Gremlin keeps saying no.
I don’t care I’m going to get one anyways,
an Italian Greyhound named Gelato.

This is my Quarantine Journal,
my book of Pandemic Poems.
I promise to keep it up so when this is all over,
I’ll have something to show ’em!

Three Years Later…

So I disappeared for three years…I’m not going to lie, I’ve been up to a lot. I am being my true Gemini self by living two separate lives; I have a professional life…and then this one. For those of you who know me on here, you are #blessed.

During those three years I did not hold back. I almost died 3 times, dislocated my shoulder from trying to be a drunk gymnast, threw a Beerlympics Baseball Birthday Party for myself and my sister,

Cut all my hair off, watched my mom get married,

saw a silver ladybug (that has to be some sort of sign),

let my hair grow out, dyed my hair (nothing huge, just a little balayage for some glow up effect), left a job where my boss was a total lunatic, tried curling (it’s a sport), got engaged,

still engaged, getting married next year (2021), ate a lot of pizza,

learned how to make balloon animals, discovered a love for charcuterie,

discovered Mac n Cheese pizza, joined the circus and tried trapeze classes, went indoor skydiving,

joined a gym, rediscovered Zumba, and after all that I hate to say it but, I still don’t have a dog. *annoyed face*

It’s been a great few years and I’m pretty sure I am the best version of myself to date! You guys are in for a real treat…and since we are all quarantined and “Social Distancing”, I know for a fact none of you have anything better to do, so enjoy the ride!

 

– A

$0.70 a Cup

Who new I would find love in a cup-a-Joe? Well it happened, I’m head over heels for coffee. Literally. If I don’t have one to start my day I trip head over heels because I’m probably still half asleep. I’m trying to imagine what that would even look like…am I falling backwards in order for my head to go over my heels? This is besides the point, the fact is, I dig coffee but not like a true coffee lover who looks for that bold aroma in their black, bitter coffee, no, I enjoy my flavoured coffees…you know, for those weak ass b*tches. Don’t take any offence to that, I’m one of you, we just don’t do bitter, we like flavour in our beverage as we do in our lives 😉

When I was younger we had a Daisy Mart right near my house, its where I bought all my candies…and pirated DVDs (when that was a thing). Today, it has become a little piece of heaven, allow me to introduce you to Personal Service Coffee

I’ve only ever been in this store once before and that was because I was being chased by a bee. I decided to give this place a shot since I’ve been buying my Kcup pods from my local grocery store and already tried everything they had to offer. Immediately entering the store you get a burst of vibrant coffee scents…thats great! I wouldn’t want to be walking into a coffee shop and have it smelling like something else.
I swear I have never seen so many Kcup pods before…for those of you living under rocks, Kcup pods are little cups filled with coffee or tea, some even have apple cider or hot chocolate and you use them in a Keurig machine. With a simple push of a button you have a single cup of coffee/tea/cider/hot chocolate or whatever hot beverage your little heart desires…you can even brew over ice to make it an iced beverage…Keurig, are you hiring? I sound like I already work for you.

The showroom was a lot larger than I expected, or maybe its because Kcups really don’t take up that much space. You get a complimentary cup of coffee (or other hot beverage) while you shop around, I decided to try a coconut flavoured coffee. Instead of carts or baskets you get a Keurig Carousal that you can fill up as much or as little as you like.
While picking out my flavours, sales associate Irene, comes up to me with a tray of freshly baked cookies…um, what have I been doing going to coffee shops when I could have been coming here for fresh cookies and unlimited coffee flavours?!

I spent a good 35 minutes in the showroom just looking at all the different products they offer, I’m never buying a box of the same coffee again, mixing and matching is totally where its at!

I’m hoping they do seasonal flavours because eventually I’m going to have tried everything they offer! There are boxes of coffee as well for those people who love a specific brand, I have commitment issues so I can’t stick to one coffee, I need them all so I can have options.

They even sell Keurig machines…probably a good idea because those cups are useless without them (duh).

I really loved the little sitting area, I wanted to sit and sip my coffee with a cookie but I didn’t want Irene to think I was weird just chilling out in a coffee showroom all alone…I will imagine myself sitting at one of the tables every time I look at this photo. #SameDifference

All in all I’d say it was a great first experience! The atmosphere was a solid 9/10, I think some music could have really set the tone in there! If you are a fan of coffee or tea, maybe you just like hot chocolate or cider, I recommend you check this place out, it will be worth your wild (I know this is not the correct phrase but why would it be worth your while, your while?! Its worth your wild because caffeine will add that wild kick into your day that you obviously need because you are drinking coffee) *Change Approved!*

I bought 24 pods of coffee, I drink two coffees a day, so Irene, I will see you in 12 days!

 

-A

 

Fruit Filled Chia Seed Pudding

Sick of toast and cereal? Looking for a healthy option for breakfast? *said in an infomercial voice* Allow me to share my Fruit Filled Chia Seed Pudding recipe with you, its easy…kind of quick depending on how fast you chop fruit…its delicious AND healthy.

I started with the chia seed pudding mix – I put about four tablespoons of chia seeds into a mason jar then filled the jar half way with coconut milk and let it settle in the fridge while I got myself ready for work.

Theres no limit as to what chopped fruit you use, today I decided on a plum, nectarine and apple mix. I like my fruit chopped up really small, its cute, easy to eat, and makes you feel full faster because there are so many little pieces for you to chew. I added all my chopped fruit into a container big enough for all the fruit with enough space for the chia seed pudding to mix in. This is something you can do before hand and just keep in the fridge.

Time to add the pudding…I like a bit more flavour in my pudding so I add a bit of honey and cinnamon.

Time to get mixin’

Okay lets just say what we are all thinking..”this looks gross” maybe so, it looks weird and almost mouldy but I’ll be straight up honest with you, this was AMAZING. Sometimes I like to go crazy and add crushed pecans or crushed walnuts…you could even add dried fruit if you wanted like dried cranberries, maybe even add some granola. I like recipes I can change up on a whim depending on my mood that day – this is something that is easy, healthy, and convenient to grab and go, just prep before hand and you’re set!

 

-A

 

Layers

Layering is one of the easiest things you can do with old wardrobe pieces. I have this issue with re-wearing outfits so in order for me not to break the bank by constantly buying new clothes, I’ve learned the secrets of layering.

I actually got inspired to write about this topic because of yesterdays outfit, a simple slip dress. Its alright on its own but to some it could be interpreted as too dressy, maybe even too leisurely as its something that they are used to wearing when they go to bed…keep with the time friends, theres no limits as to what you can wear in public these days. I decided to wear the slip dress because in all honesty, I was running late for work and didn’t have time to pick out a bunch of pieces, so I grabbed the easiest thing to throw on. Layering is a big deal where I work, we inspire people to get the top they want and the bottom they want, but not to stop there, turn that outfit from day to night by adding a topper. Toppers could be anything from a hat to a jacket – just an extra piece that transforms your look. I started my day with a suede jacket on top of my slip dress to give it more of a casual appearance then towards the evening, took the jacket off and rocked a more sexy look.

I am probably every sales associates favourite type of customer, I am so easily persuaded into buying crap I don’t need…I also like to spend money I don’t have – these are problems I am trying to overcome…slowly. When I first saw the slip dress I was on the fence, it was cute but did I need it? Probably not. Its not like I was in love with it, it wasn’t even really my style…well I bought two. That being said, I’ve had two slip dresses just hanging out in my closet for the past 5 months with only one of them ever being worn before, thats why I decided to wear the black one yesterday. Keeping with the layering topic, the last time I wore the other slip dress I wasn’t comfortable wearing it on its own so I threw a cropped ripped hoodie over top with an obnoxious sparkly choker and went on with my day pretending to be a basketball players girlfriend…thats what you see when you see the outfit too right??

The idea of layering always felt unnecessary to me because I was fine going out in a t-shirt and jeans on the reg (I’m so casual like that *eye roll*) once I discovered that I can change my look without having to throw clothes away because I’ve already worn it once was my saving grace!
Suddenly the cute little flower bralette could be worn out more than just at raves, I could layer that baby and wear it out under other pieces. I could throw on a blazer or some fur maybe even a deep V t-shirt, the world is literally my layering oyster!

I still love my jeans and t-shirt look, that will always be an easy go-to, but on those days when I don’t want to be ultra simple, I can throw on a leather jacket to edge up the look or even a hat to really change it up. (Same shirt, different looks!)

Bodysuits are a great way to layer, I never used to wear bodysuits until I found one that I absolutely fell in love with, now I’m #TeamBodysuit. Their such easy pieces to layer with, you can wear them on top of something (like I did with the flower bralette) or under something like I did here with a caged mesh bodysuit and my off the shoulder button up blouse. Its all in the details, little things like layering really give personality to your outfit.

At the end of the day, its easy to go out in a shirt and pants, but you are a creative person, why not let that shine through your wardrobe…you don’t need to be extra, don’t onion yourself by wearing layers upon layers, I’m just saying why not grab a cute vest or jacket for your t-shit and jeans look…bad hair day? Grab a hat. Dudes used to do it in the early 2000s (and 80s), why wear one polo when you would wear two…or eight? #Layering

You know Superman does it too…He wears underwear over top a skin tight jumpsuit, a belt to keep the underwear up, then adds a cape! #Layering

Show your creativity, let the world know who you are, make they outfit yours! If you layer, theres less of a chance you will run into someone wearing the exact same thing as you!

Jackets, vests, hats, belts, blazers, bodysuits, fur…theres no end to what you can layer! Take my secrets and share them with loved ones, allow yourself to save some money by layering your favourite pieces you already have, don’t throw out pieces you’ve only worn once then buy more (like I used to do), recycle your looks, make them new again by layering!

Reading that last part over, I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who would throw out clothes that have only been worn once… I’m learning!

-A

DIY Sliced Leggings

The other day I was shopping around (as I usually do even though I know I shouldn’t be spending money) when I came across these super cool looking leggings, they were all sliced up in the front. I really wanted to buy them but couldn’t come to terms with spending $48 on one pair. I went home that night and couldn’t stop thinking about them…these leggings would make the perfect addition to my closet – I had to have it! Instead of going out to buy them I decided to try to make them myself.

I found a pair of old leggings that have been replaced by several new leggings so if I fu*ked this up it wouldn’t matter, I still have all my other leggings.

A little trick; find the seam on the leg and make sure its right in the middle when you fold the pant leg together.

I rarely measure, I am a firm believe in eyeballing so wherever you want to start the slices, have at it! You can make them as small or large in length as you like but generally you’ll want to keep about a cm distance from each slice so the fabric between the openings are thin.

Its really so simple, I think the most important part of this is having a pair of fabric scissors, they have a much cleaner cut than paper scissors will have.

A big shoutout to my sister Lindsay for being my little model, hope you like your revitalized leggings!

When it comes to clothing I have a tendency of cutting up and revamping, I can’t tell you how many pieces I’ve thrown away or had to use as rags in the kitchen because I’ve ruined them.

Theres really no right or wrong way – its all unique to who you are, stand out from everyone else, you don’t need to dress alike. Let those scissors help sculpt who you are, in your clothing!

 

-A

To The Love Of My Life

Dear pizza,

in times when I am wilting away, you are there. In times of pure ‘hangry-ness’, you are there. The way you let your grease drip down my arm as I bite down on your doughy base and gooey cheese is the most selfless act I have every experienced.

I like the way you taste at Pizza Hut, the way you have been deep dished, sauced up, and cheesed is utter perfection.

I like the way you taste at Free Toppings when a slice of you has been sitting out under a heat lamp for some time, the way your bottom is crispy and your top is together perfectly. I hate sharing you with the world and I have learned my lesson, I need to be more selfish when it comes to your crispy outside and doughy insides, I love you.

I enjoy the way you taste at Little Caesars, you are always hot and ready, I never have to wait. I also love the way you have been deep, deep dished, wrapped in bacon, and topped with bacon – never change – you are perfect.

I love how thin your crust is at Pizza Express, you make me feel healthy and refreshed…I never feel guilty for ordering all of you to myself.

I love the way you are personalized just for me at Spin Cafe, you are so freakin’ adorable and just like a new born baby, you are doughy all over.

We have been through so much together I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and I can’t wait to have you all to myself again.

You will always be a pizza me,

-A

My Lettuce Pocket Surprise

Feeling hungry and only have boring leftovers? No problem! I had leftover chilli and spaghetti sauce in the fridge so I decided to create something exciting…and a little healthy since I ate like a pig over the weekend.

I started with a cup of chilli and spaghetti sauce mixed together and heated that up.

Then I added sliced zucchini and green peppers to a pan and cooked those babies to soft perfection, adding in my favourite (most basic) seasonings – garlic and cracked black pepper.

Prepping was easy, all I needed while my veggies were cooking and my saucy chilli was heating was a giant plate of lettuce.

Once everything was cooked and ready it was all up to the presentation! I opened the lettuce up, added my saucy chilli, topped it with my veggies and sprinkled on some parmesan for a bit of a cheesy kick!

Once that was set I swaddled it like a new born baby!

The excitement was unbearable, I couldn’t wait to dig in…

These Lettuce Pockets had one hell of a Surprise in them – Ultimate Deliciousness! I’m pretty sure most of it ended up all over my face but isn’t getting messy the best part of eating? No, you’re right, eating is the best part of eating, getting messy is just a bonus.
I feel so content and pretty healthy after my crafty lunch – ready to seize the day!

If you try this at home, I suggest not wearing white…big mistake!

 

-A

 

My First Italian Wedding was a ‘Successo!’

After countless shots and other beverages consumed, my evening was somewhat of a blur. My second pair of shoes were left in the car and not needed at all thanks to “drunk-feet” – drinking so much you don’t feel any pain that might be caused by uncomfortable shoes…or maybe the shoes were just hella comfortable. Good job Steve Madden, or should I say good job Sambuca.

There was a water fountain in the lobby with a grand piano where a pianist would play before we went in for dinner – he was on break I guess.

There was also a fancy little car – clearly not a car person.

Between the car, the piano, the champagne, shots, and cookies in the lobby, waiting for the reception to start was a breeze!

Matthew did not lie when he said their was going to be a crazy amount of food, those Italians sure can eat! I was pretty crummy at taking pictures so you’re going to need to use your imagination here. I’ll start off with the first plate of food I consumed…which I failed to capture because I was so hungry.

As you can see from the crumbs, I ate it all much too fast…a collection of calamari, muscles, peppers, baby corn, rice, potato salad, bread, Italian meats and some other nick-nackish foods that I can’t remember right now.

The second serving was the pasta dish, gnocchi and cannelloni – so creamy, so delicious! Honestly if this was the only dish I would have been happy with just that, it really hit the spot.

But no, it didn’t stop there, that wasn’t even the main dish! Servers came around with chicken, vegetables, potatoes, salmon, and salad…I was already so full but I didn’t want to be rude. So I filled my plate.

More beverages were consumed, I think there was dancing…I met a boy who out-danced me and thought it was hilarious so he kept doing it. He broke out into the worm, how am I supposed to beat that? If I wasn’t wearing a dress I would have tried…I hate losing, I don’t care if he is 6, I’d say it was an unfair battle.

Dessert was served, cupcakes and fruit, lovely mix.

After that, there was even more dancing…and because we danced so hard we would get thirsty – bless those open bars.

That child kept coming up to me and showing me his dance moves, when I decided we should team up he would just roll his eyes at me as though my moves couldn’t compare. Eventually I broke him down when I showed him the only magic trick I know – the one where you have something small in your hand and you have to make it disappear then reappear in their ear…yes, you know, the trick your creepy uncle would do to you when you were just a child and you would have to awkwardly laugh and act surprised so he would stop bothering you with the lousy trick. Well, it was a hit…too much of a hit because the kid wouldn’t leave me alone…it was fun at first but honestly, I just couldn’t keep up. He kept showing me all the magic tricks he knew which by the way, when he told me to close my eyes, I always peeked…so I knew the trick before it even happened. We danced and had fun but I definitely came to the wedding with someone else…who by the way didn’t rescue me for a good hour. #ThanksForThat

I took zero pictures of the actual wedding but I’d just like to say those Barbadians (Bajans?) on the grooms side sure know how to exude their personalities in their outfits! So much sparkle and sass, I absolutely loved it!! There were bright colours and so much sequence, some of them even wore fancy little hats…I felt under dressed standing next to them. The bride wore a gorgeous dress – I didn’t want to be weird and ask to take a picture with her because we didn’t know each other, instead I just took pictures of her dress.

I like how the skirt was very traditional Italian and the top was more Bajan style with all the fun embellishments – way to go Bride, bringing both sides together.

I had so much fun at the wedding, danced my little heart out, and got to spend time with some pretty amazing people.

This morning when I woke up I thought I’d never eat again because I was so incredibly full from the night before…I was wrong…

You can’t do Sunday without comfort food and Netflix with your Person. Its been an incredible weekend, Monday is going to suck so hard.

 

-A