Archive for the ‘The Brighter Side’ Category
First stop, London England
Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
I’ve been away for a couple of weeks. We had the wonderful opportunity to head “across the pond”.
First stop, London England.
Londoners are still on high spirits from the Olympic Games 2012, every one was very helpful and pleasant. Always willing to help us with directions, offer advice how to take the underground trains, and tell us the best places to go. I guess, really, the only pesky thing about London are the pigeons. They’re like our magpies, not really afraid of you, looking for your scraps. Oh… And the one who dropped on my father-in-laws arm. Sorry about that Dad. (“They” say it’s good luck”.)
We stayed in the heart of Picidilly Circus at The Thistle. Fortunately for us, at the time of booking, we got a 50% discount for paying up front. Our room way big with lots of room to move around. (Windows were a bit thin though… As we heard every conversation on the streets below.) But after a busy day of sight seeing, we were too tired to really notice. There were only two things I would have liked to see at the Thistle was better wifi. It was pretty pricey, and it was only for one device. And there was no one to take a call at 11:30 pm. (Which is something I would expect from a smaller hotel, or Bed and Breakfast, not a big hotel.)
Taking a bus tour is certainly the way to go to get the history of London. I would recommend though, make sure you have a “live” tour guide, instead of a recorded tour. Loved the extra “personality” of our tour guide. Plus another way to “catch up” with the extensive and impressive history, is to take your time and stroll through the British Museum. By far, the most impressive thing in London was Westminster Abbey. No photos inside, but you get the idea from the outside shots. The Abbey was a spiritual experience! Take the time to visit this magnificent place.
London is busy. Full of people who walk briskly, and men who dress sharp. Be sure to have your walking shoes on. That’s what you do there. Don’t drive (especially if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road). And ladies, if you need your pumps, pack them in your bag to wear at your event. I hardly saw women wearing high heels. Maybe that’s why they we’re looking at me like I was crazy. But I quickly learned that flats are the way to go. We certainly did a lot of walking. But we didn’t walk far, stopping at a pub every 2 blocks! They take their pubbing very serious!! I loved it!
I don’t want to overwhelm you with information overload, I’ll write more in my next entry. Be ready for the British Theatre, The War Horse and Billy Elliot! Here’s a hint… phenomenal!
Bonus code walk.
Christina’s Grilled Salmon with Strawberries
Monday, July 9th, 2012
Are you tired of the same old? I know we are. With the hot temperatures, no one wants to turn the oven on, or cook inside! Why not add more colour to your dinner and cook outside!. This delicious salmon is light and full of flavour. On the BBQ make sure you put it in a foil pan as it may stick to the BBQ (unless you carefully brush on oil first). Salmon doesn’t take long to cook. Once it flakes off your fork you’re ready for the dressing! I got rave reviews for this easy dinner!
Here’s what you need for your salmon and the dressing.
2 Wild Salmon planks (cooked in foil pan on BBQ) (Finished when it flakes off your fork, watch it closely, as it doesn’t take long to cook.)
2 Cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 Red onion sliced
Fresh Strawberries sliced
Fresh Cucumber slices
1 Large Grapefruit sliced (no skin or pulp)
Grapefruit Dressing
1/4 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp fresh Parsley
Enjoy! Bonus Code: salmon
Follow Your Passion
Thursday, July 5th, 2012
When you were a kid it was up to your parents to make sure you followed the right path in life. Teaching you manners, presenting you accountability with chores, introducing you to sports and team work. But as soon as you move away from your nest, it’s up to you to find your way.
It sounds simple. But in reality it’s one of the most difficult choices you’ll make. And if you make a wrong turn along the way, it’s okay. That’s the tough one, being okay with a choice that didn’t quite work out for you. Every life experience makes you up to who you are today. And who you’ll become tomorrow. In the moment, however, it may bring you down. But finding that strength and courage to pick yourself up again will only make you stronger for what’s to come. Life isn’t easy. And would you expect it to be? If it was, we’d live a pretty boring existence.
At some point, you’ll come to the realization that in order to find the right path, you need to follow your passion. A passion is something that makes you breathe easy. A passion is something that you wake up to everyday and are thankful for this wonderful opportunity. A passion makes you smile. A passion will give you butterflies at first, but as soon as your realize the potential you’ll be calm. A passion is a choice you make to fulfil your hearts desire. But in order to follow that path, you must discover what your passion is. Everyone has it in them. And you’ll find it by listening to your heart. And once you do, your heart will smile.
I took this picture in Kananaskis, Alberta Canada. Enjoy it’s beauty.
Bonus Code PATH
Wrapped Up In Love
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
 Wrapped Up In Love Silk Scarves by Lisa Kubik |
But it’s not just about looking my best, adding colour to my wardrobe is a must! Whether it’s a pop of colour on my shoes, a bright purse or an elegant scarf to make me feel as happy. You can’t help but smile when you see it.
That same smile came to me when I saw Wrapped Up In Love hand painted scarves by Lisa Kubuik.
|
by Lisa Kubik |
Her artistic creations are all unique and hand painted. Lisa has a studio set up in her home (right smack in the middle of her dining room), where she masters up these beautiful silk scarves. At first I thought, she must paint a design then photograph it some how and then she has it printed on the scarf. No! Not so!. Lisa will spend, sometimes, up to 16 hours painting just one scarf.
I had to see this for myself. I’m always in awe of someones unique talent, especially when it involves passion, love and colour. Lisa conducts not only her life, but also her work through heart, intuition and compassion. She takes on a spiritual talent to create each scarf as not only a work of art, but healing therapy through colour. Each piece is meaningful and mesmerizing creations of beauty.
On her website, she walks you through the colour energy. Suggesting that colour energy can be the catalyst for the healing process and encourages normal and healthy workings of the body. Now that’s a way to go to work! Just imagine the positive energy you’ll exude in the office!
 |
| Wrapped Up In Love by Lisa Kubik |
 |
| Wrapped Up In Love iPhone cover |
Each hand painted silk scarf is unique and is a true piece of wearable art. The art is created by a woman who too shines a bright light of passion, happiness and love to each masterpiece.
Not only can you get Wrapped Up In Love, but she can also dress your cell phone with covers, decorate your coffee table with table art and fill your walls with unforgettable colour.
 |
 |
I don’t just like this, I love it! And now I can feel even more confident, vibrant and beautiful everyday.
Bonus code: Scarf
Great people, even GREATER Causes – Katipult
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012
GREAT PEOPLE, EVEN GREATER CAUSES!
Katipult was introduced to me through my friend Lee with Simplee Serene. And they have always been interested in philanthropic efforts in and around the city. Something they strive to work on is creating awareness for non profit and charitable organizations that bring meaning and hope to the lives of others. Luckily for Katipult, their job allows them to meet amazing people with extraordinary stories, all who want to make a difference.
The premise behind Katipult has always been to give back. Through crowd funding, a growing trend that “for profit” companies have been using to gain funding from individuals, non profits can also raise funds from people who are compelled to their cause.
We have become more aware of the organizations in the city that share a common goal, but aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. As of 2003, there were approximately 160,000 incorporated nonprofit and voluntary organizations operating in Canada. In Alberta specifically, there were 19,356. Many of these charities are volunteer based and need funding to be able to continue to help others in need.
Launched in October 2011, the first project to successfully raise funds in the Katipult Community is JOI to the World. This foundation raised $12,000, which was $2,000 above their target goal.
The following 4 organizations have recently launched onto www.Katipult.com, and hope to raise funds for each of their individual initiatives:
A Song for Africa Scholarship Fund is a campaign sponsoring young people living in Kibera, Kenya. These young individuals are given the opportunity to complete their education. funding raised also helps to provide career development workshops for the recipients and other children from the community. These workshops are intended to motivate Kibera’s youth in aiming to further their education.
Going Blue 4 U started in 2011. The first campaign spanned across Canada and included participants dyeing their hair blue to raise funds for Crisis Lines and build awareness for the almost 7 million Canadians impacted by mental illness. The initiative this year is to create a bigger and better campaign encouraging conversation around mental illness, sharing the important message “YOU are not alone”.
We Did it! is a charitable organization that was created to respond to the growing needs for quality and affordable programs that take place in an educational environment. We Did It provides children with a safe and nurturing environment encouraging them to learn new skills while exposing them to unique opportunities.
H(OM)E is a charity focused to raise funds for the Om Disable Child Care home in Kathmandu, Nepal. The “Om Disable Child Care” home was an orphanage started by Ratna, a mother of a mentally handicapped child. It was intended to be a day home for children with similar conditions but eventually people began to drop the children off and never come back for them. The home became an orphanage. This mother currently has 14 mentally and/or physically handicapped children living at the home and only 3 care givers. There is no government aid and the only financial assistance comes from local volunteer agencies.
For more information on these projects, or to start a project of your own, visit www.Katipult.com or contact tmitha@katipult.com
Bonus Code: GIVE
Cancer Chic
Monday, May 7th, 2012
Cancer. It’s a word that just won’t go away. And there is more than just one type of cancer. Cancer affects everyone. In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to not find someone who knows someone who has cancer. As health care professionals and medical scientists work tirelessly to find a cure, and to understand this beast, all we can do is wait. Some will beat it, and some will succumb to it. And those who live it will SURVIVE it. It’s a journey that will change your life forever.
Just ask Heather Alvas and Karla Laing. Two gorgeous women who survive this on a daily basis. By looking at them, you would NEVER know the suffering they’ve both been through. In 1999 Heather was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the appendix stage 4. At first, the diagnosis was not positive and they didn’t think she’d see her next birthday. But through medical and natural treatments, and the amazing support of her family and friends she survived. Four years later, after the birth of her son, the cancer reappeared in her left lung, and she had her lung removed in May 2004. Karla was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2009, one year after the birth of her second daughter. While working to get into the best physical shape she’d been in 20 years, she knew her body well enough to know that something just wasn’t right. And after a series of tests, she was given the diagnosis. Both women are currently cancer free, but continue to SURVIVE cancer on a daily basis.
Both Heather and Karla have always been there for each other. They met in University in Saskatchewan in 1992, and then both made Calgary home shortly after, to follow their dreams and start their careers. And today, together, they created Cancer Chic in December 2011.
Heather is married with one child and works part-time as an IT Project Manager. A self-described “girly girl” who loves make-up and beauty and who is passionate about being chemical-free, Heather enjoys bringing her knowledge and ideas to women living with cancer through Cancer Chic.
Karla is a married, stay-at-home Mom with 2 young daughters and she finished cancer treatments just under 2 years ago. Karla adores fashion and is fanatical about fitness. She is often busy trying new activities and encouraging her family and friends to get active and live in the moment. Bringing Cancer Chic to life has been a labour of love for Karla and she looks forward to growing the scope of the organization.
With their huge hearts and understanding of living with cancer, Cancer Chic offers a workshop every 2 months held at the Wellspring Calgary. The workshops are targeted to women living with cancer who are between the ages of 18 and 45 years old, and are interested in any or all of the following three areas: chemical free make-up and skincare, hair loss strategies, and fitness. Their overall goal is to inspire and support women who are living with cancer to feel stronger and more confident for life.
Visit their website and be inspired and moved. They share their story through pictures that will take your breath away and give you goosebumps. And through Cancer Chic, they can give back the strength that was given to them while they went through their own life changing moments. Two beautiful women who define Courage, Hope, Health and LOVE. Thank you Heather and Karla for touching our lives.
Be sure to check back for the launch of their big fundraiser November 2012.
Cancer Chic ~ To empower and support young women living with cancer through beauty, fashion and fitness.
Bonus Code: chic