tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29016924171426541592024-03-18T23:36:33.273-04:00Grad Students: "Treat Yo Self"This blog is dedicated to finding ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank or your work schedule.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-10789395944934250172012-03-31T23:30:00.000-04:002012-04-01T13:10:10.095-04:00Still workin', still treatin'
It's that time of year, you know the season full of weird weather, end of term panic, and—worst of all—the onslaught of students who have just realized that they are on the verge of failing. Oh, how I love the joys of grad student life.
Yes, I'm really looking forward to the end of march madness and the beginning of April. As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. But, why Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-76222630914163028262012-03-21T14:20:00.003-04:002012-03-21T14:23:08.443-04:003 treats
I was so happy that Ryan returned safe and sound after 3 weeks abroad (and the souvenir cookies are lovely too).
The weather was absolutely beautiful for the St. Patrick's Day parade (Photo credit: Shannon Sears).
At long last, we sampled the food at the Burgundy Lion; behold hand-rolled samosas, homemade crisps, and strawberry-rhubarb crumble. Yum.
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-54966973830913568612012-03-17T12:35:00.001-04:002012-03-17T12:41:24.678-04:00Round, round, get around, I get around...
I truly have a love-hate relationship with exercise. Once my heart is pumping, the endorphins kick in and life is good. Some serious problems arise when I can't actually do the workout (hello weird yoga poses and impossible ball exercises).
I've always loved running and biking, but these two options do not help in gaining any upper-body strength. I decided to try yoga a few years agoMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-45646334807594421612012-03-12T23:13:00.003-04:002012-03-13T19:50:56.448-04:003 treats
I was so lucky to be able to fit in a weekend trip home to visit my family and some friends. Rather than driving, I opted for the most refined way to travel: the train. I also indulged with the following treats:
My mom and I revived these adorable rooster egg cozies from my childhood.
I was completely transported to Downton Abbey as I started watching the series on the train Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-28447489872340116662012-03-08T11:42:00.001-05:002012-03-08T11:44:26.427-05:00It's the thought that counts...
In an earlier post, I mentioned that I was blown away by how my family and friends really made me feel special on my birthday. The notes and gifts were so sweet and incredibly thoughtful. All of them meant so much to me, but I wanted to share with you one of the cutest gifts I've ever received.
One of my amazing friends picked up on some of the things I've been mentioning lately, Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-47956094627402479072012-03-05T13:42:00.002-05:002012-03-08T11:53:11.309-05:00Cooking for 1: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Like many of you, I absolutely hated the cafeteria food in residence. I eagerly awaited the opportunity to cook for myself after months of bagels and peanut butter (the only things that were edible). In my second year of university, I moved into an off-campus house with 4 amazing girls. Armed with my mother's recipes (e.g., homemade spaghetti sauce, baked lemon chicken), my Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-19541945994791762472012-02-29T11:05:00.003-05:002012-02-29T11:07:32.299-05:00February 29
February 29 only comes around once in awhile. My friend has his birthday today and he knows better than anyone that we should use this extra day to do things we wouldn't normally do. What a perfect day to treat yo self. Maybe you can't take the full day off, but life's too short to be a workaholic for 365 days (let alone 366). What are you going to do to mark this leap year?
Photo Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-25515299822482002262012-02-27T18:52:00.000-05:002012-02-27T18:52:31.252-05:003 treats
This weekend was tough for a number of reasons. I have to say that I'm not proud of my meltdown (thanks Gav for helping me out). Here are a few of the things that reminded me that I am one lucky girl:
The beautiful roses Ryan gave to me for our Valentine's Day are still going strong!
I happily watched as the park received a glorious blanket of snow in a matter of hours! I love the Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-63569636090222562872012-02-24T11:49:00.004-05:002012-02-24T11:53:17.903-05:00A year later
Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy. I tend to bully myself without even realizing it. Maybe this strategy helped to motivate myself in the past, but trust me it's not a great game plan for life.
Everything came to a head last year when I was studying for my comprehensive exams. In the midst of my suffering, Ryan took me for a birthday celebration at Robin des Bois, a restaurant where theMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-59092126382520119112012-02-22T16:34:00.001-05:002012-02-22T17:52:44.157-05:00Joe Beef for Valentine's Day
Ryan and I were both feeling sick and didn't have time to do anything for Valentine's Day last week. We wanted to mark the occasion, so we decided to stuff our faces this week at Joe Beef - a restaurant that's drawing international attention for its fine cuisine and non-fussy atmosphere. Apart from returning home like bloated whales, our evening did not disappoint!
I don't want to turn Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-9037168774727386702012-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:002012-02-20T08:00:11.089-05:003 treatsThis weekend was mainly spent getting over a nasty cold/flu, but I managed to plow through tons of grading and to treat myself!
Enjoying the last gasps of sunshine on a late afternoon walk with Ryan.
Celebrating birthdays of two friends (don't you love the circular message of the candles?)
Noticing new blooms in the geranium pot.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-13890820852278754252012-02-16T18:12:00.002-05:002012-02-16T18:12:09.341-05:00Kid food for adults: Shake 'n Bake
Comfort food is exactly what we've been craving lately. I'm excited to share this recipe with you, but I can't take credit for Ryan's idea. It was so much fun (and tasty) to recreate a favourite from his past. Say it with me: "shake n' bake"!
[click for more]
Honestly, it was so easy. We made bread crumbs from about 5 pieces of bread and we added Parmesan cheese, Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-57179664009466482552012-02-10T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-10T15:51:52.845-05:003 treats
Since I'm capping off another cra-zay week with non-stop meetings from 8:30am to 7pm, here are a few things that are keeping me going:
Trying Bumble and Bumble products when I treated myself to a long overdue haircut
Admiring the tulips still opening (a birthday gift that keeps on giving)
A slice a day keeps the doctor away (maybe not, but oh so delish)Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-80497342813728447002012-02-08T15:08:00.000-05:002012-02-08T15:08:05.413-05:00Are homemade burgers better?This question came from my fiancé as we stood looking at the multitude of boxed burgers in the freezer section. Thinking back to a nostalgic time in my childhood, I recalled how my mom would mix ground beef and other tasty ingredients and form perfect patties with a little press. I've been trying to find new things to spice up our dinner menu, cut costs, and reduce the amount of packaging that weMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-90327998427990913932012-02-07T09:24:00.000-05:002012-02-07T09:24:03.421-05:00Wait, did I just turn 1 year older?
It was the perfect storm of sorts: all of my commitments culminated in back-to-back meetings over 3 days, 40 papers took 10 hours (instead of my estimate of 6 hours) to grade, I somehow painfully sprained my abdominal muscles in spin class, and I was supposed to celebrate the anniversary of my existence in the midst of it all.
[Click to read more]
Isn't the universe supposed to give me a Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-89168902703599946952012-01-27T09:01:00.002-05:002012-01-28T09:40:22.586-05:003 treats
Sharing a decadent dessert (fried waffle with ice cream and caramel syrup) with 2 lovely ladies
Seeing happiness and inspiration in unexpected places
[Click for more]
Looking at my special ring and remembering the engraved message inside
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-48283956845889100132012-01-25T11:25:00.001-05:002012-01-25T11:36:45.095-05:00A place for everything and everything in its place
1) OXO utensil organizer from the Bay
2) LUNS writing/magnetic board from Ikea
3) SLOM jar with lid from Ikea
4) Drinn wall mounted cell phone holder from Zone
5) Knape & Vogt spice drawer insert from Home Depot
I wanted to do a post showing before and after photos of some organizational projects I have on the go. Right now, the extent of the post would be Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-54974438066244864292012-01-23T14:07:00.001-05:002012-02-16T18:16:55.538-05:00Kid food for adults: macaroni and cheese
Today is your lucky day because I've decided to share one of my prized recipes. When I moved out of residence for my second year of university, I asked my mom for some of her recipes and her homemade macaroni and cheese was on the top of the list. Over the years I've adapted it a little bit, but its essence is retained; it's comforting, wholesome, and delicious. [Click to read more]
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-32463379759037186222012-01-20T09:23:00.002-05:002012-01-23T13:29:58.569-05:00Cabernets and Pinots and Malbecs! Oh my!
When choosing wines last week for a birthday dinner, I realized that I've reached that important stage in one's life when one ought to know a few things about wine. I believe my first education on the subject occurred while while watching "Sideways," see clip here (and, consciously or not, I've never bought Merlot since then). There's definitely room for improvement!
[Click to read more]
I'mMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-17409879797824401152012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-20T12:08:02.798-05:00Rub a dub dub
It's been such a busy week! My back was sore from all of the hours spent baking and cleaning. I just started a pretty intense exercise regimen, but I've also been spending a lot of time in front of the computer. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty tired this weekend. I've been searching for a spa or massage package from Groupon, but unless you are looking Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-77759966394482744562012-01-13T13:17:00.002-05:002012-01-19T11:52:30.095-05:00Let them eat cake! (updated)
Unfortunately, this won't be a post about how I made this magnificent cake pictured above. My experience baking yesterday should serve as a useful example of what you should *not* do on your quest to treat yourself and those nearest and dearest to you.
For every success in the kitchen, I probably have 3-5 near disasters. My problem is usually 3 fold: [read on]
1. Not reading between Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-66745629410443733232012-01-11T09:00:00.001-05:002012-01-11T09:00:05.540-05:00Inspiration boards
Lately I've been organizing my ideas with inspiration boards. Using websites like pinterest, one can create a "virtual pinboard," which is kind of like a scrapbook or bulletin board with digital photos instead of magazine clippings. I love being able to compile all of the beautiful images I've collected from web searching and share with family and friends.
Here are two colour schemes for our Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-86383010229319565362012-01-09T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-15T10:47:03.093-05:00Happy New Year
Winter is finally here, the holidays are over, and 2012 is in full swing! I'm excited about all of the events upcoming this year. We have some big birthdays coming up, my fiance is finishing his degree, and we have a wedding to plan. What a fantastic year ahead. Stay tuned!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-2898962263081750602011-12-24T22:40:00.000-05:002012-01-15T10:47:54.617-05:00"From now on our troubles will be miles away..."
Just a quick post to wish all of you a very merry christmas and all the best for 2012! We're so excited about all of our new adventures and celebrations in the next few weeks and especially in the upcoming year. Make sure to take time over the holidays to enjoy what matters most.
xox
MegMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2901692417142654159.post-76529155464671822872011-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:002011-12-21T13:42:13.699-05:00Comfort food
We love using our slow cooker. We usually dump a bunch of ingredients into the pot in the morning, leave it on low, and then return after work to the delicious smells of home cooking.
The other day I forgot to do this, so at about 5PM I came home to the smell of, well, nothing. Luckily I found this recipe (Fine Cooking 63) and with a few minor adjustments and simplifications we were on Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089106404936222184noreply@blogger.com0