Munchies & A Lil' Bit Of Everything

It’s the end of the year bonus time for the spouse – and I look forward to that every year – because i can use that extra money to buy gold bars for investment into our future or old age – as some of my besties loved to say.   You never know what the future may hold and I don’t want to be a burden to my kids when I’m old and feeble and need assistance.  Plus I love buying gold bars because I can always resell it if I need money badly, these days having a fixed deposit in the bank don’t mean much.  Why?  look at the miserable interest or returns they give us and when we buy a house – the mortgage’s interest are at exorbitant prices – which is crazy.  So I rather buy gold bars and invest in gold – because the returns are a lot higher that’s for sure.  What do my other friends do with their spouse’s bonus?  well, many would go out and splurge and buy themselves a Hermes handbag or even a diamond ring or bracelet – to each their own I guess and I’m not going to judge them – but I know I am making a wise investment here.

This Christmas I see a lot of organizations and schools selling raffle tickets, raising funds and creating awareness around town about the season of giving and not just celebration.   Everywhere you turn, there is someone selling a ticket for someone, something and some organization.  I’m just glad that thru’ my networking with other people online and offline – I sell those raffle tickets well for my kids.  Networking is so important these days, everyone worth knowing you have to know – but of course, not all parents are as lucky to know how they can network offline and online.   Of course, these charitable organization cannot make use of  triangle direct like some big companies can – but we all know that knowing the right people – called networking is so important even in our everyday life.

Do you give presents because you want to give presents – or do you give presents only to those you think can help you a long the way?  or do you give presents to those who’ve done good for you or your kids?  Why not give presents to those who needs them?  Are presents our way of networking offline?  Do you give presents to the janitors of your kid’s school?  why do people not think of them?  do you not think that they are important?  This year – I am going to remember the janitors too – because they are worth my time – they cleaned after my kids in school – so they are just as important – you never know when you need them in the future.  I network with just about everyone – well, except the drunks and those who are crooks – but you get my drift right?

Why not?  I deserved it and I’m going to be happy always – for what stays with you forever but your jewelries – haha! and I like buying something I like to reward myself – don’t you?  Indulgence that is what my mother would say – and so it is -  and I loved to upset my mom once in a while and show her how well I’m doing – especially that jealous sister of mine.

I’m used to traveling a lot for work and pleasure before having kids and knowing my spouse  – and I do missed those carefree days – where I only shop for myself and eat for myself and think only about myself.  Life is quite different when you have kids and a spouse and mortgages etc., but this is life isn’t it.  But if the spouse doesn’t bring you on vacation on a regular basis, you would want to go on your own with your friends right?  most people loved to travel while others don’t – so what do you do if the spouse and the kids don’t like to travel?  the best thing to do is to find some other friends that you can travel with.   And as my kids grew older – I go on more trips with my friends instead of the spouse – but that also means that you get to meet other people when you travel with your friends – so how many of you are going to restraint yourself from having some fun?

I love a little bit of paradise too sometimes and to be looked at differently – as a real woman not just a spouse and the mother of your kids or the one who does the housework and the laundry.  So men out there take care of what you do with your spouse and for her – else she might try to find a little paradise elsewhere – I’ve seen my friends do it – and I can’t really blame them for it – for they don’t get any fun at home.  Is it wrong?  of course it is – but we are only human – and all humans loved to feel special every now and then.

The spouse don’t think that one needs to bother to go to a hairstylist to get a haircut – he goes to the one – the cuts hair – it doesn’t matter where.  Unlike what I think, I prefer to go to someone who takes their time to help me look good – and I strongly believe that you get what you pay for.  You pay peanuts – you get a peanut looking hairstyle – even if it was a trim. I love my  Native Sunglasses and even though it was a bit more than my normal sunglasses – I feel it was worth every penny – look how good I looked.

Waxing my eyebrows and upper lips is a must occasionally or when I feel a need to look presentable which is pretty often and I love doing it because it makes me feel good about myself.  There are some people here who wears their PJs to the grocery store *slap forehead* and I seriously wonder why the hell are they thinking of?  do these women have no sense of pride for themselves?  I can’t do that – my grandmother would wake up from her grave and beat me up if I did that.

But of course, being fairly fashionable takes time and money and I totally agree with you, some woman debate if she should wash another batch of laundry or go have their white hair colored and camouflage them ?  I say – get your hair done – because after you get your hair done, facial done and a pedicure – you would be full of energy to tackle the rest of the housework.  Housework and cooking are never ending tasks in a woman’s life – but being a fairly fashionable woman doing housework and cooking  – is a lot more cooler – when the spouse comes home.  I doubt any man wants to come home to the wife with her PJs on from last night. So ladies, you can be fairly fashionable without spending too much time and money – all you need to do is give yourself a break – take some time for yourself – you deserve it and so does the spouse.

We are still not in the Christmas mood this year.  I don’t know why – but we just can’t seems to get into it this year.  We’ve gone thru’ the motion to buy Christmas gifts for friends’ kids and those for my own – but we don’t feel the Christmas spirit yet .  I wonder if it is because of the bleak fishing prices for lobsters in this town – or has it got to do with the no ferry issue for next year tourism?  but all these shouldn’t affect us directly because we are not in the tourism business nor are we in the fishing business – so I don’t understand it – but for some reason, deep inside us we are worried for the current economy here.  Plus, there are issues with the present town councils and the mayor – that I cannot put my fingers on – sure they said they are doing stuff but it almost look like they are not.   Like I said it doesn’t affect us directly but we are still a resident of this town and therefore, we do care.

I was invited to Prince concert – a few days ago – it was a last minute thing by a friend – a good one at that, so I went without the kids or the spouse.  It was a fun night – although I cannot say I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was supposed to be a 3 hrs show – but the show started late and ended earlier.  There was a lot of singing and dancing and Prince invited a fan to sing with him – and of course – the stage was set to be a lot of purple – his signature color.  I have to say that there were a lot of people who attended the concert – and he had many fans and he did have a stunning presence with his fan – a lot of people were entertained but I prefer Paul McCartney type of concert if you get my drift.  After the concert, we went down to Argle Street and had a late supper before heading back to the hotel – I had loads of fun that night.

So you’ve just passed your online boating exam from BoaterExam.com, and you’re ready for your first boating adventure. The first item on your checklist is safety gear for you and the family. As you may have noticed during your search, all that prep material has taken a rather dry approach to safety equipment.

We’re here to tell you however, that it doesn’t have to be so drab. In fact, numerous options not only meet safety standards but also add a dash of style. Think Jacques Cousteau meets Jean Paul Gauthier… Well, sort of..

Life Jackets & Vests

Image Source: Inhabitat

The number one piece of safety equipment is a personal flotation device (PFD), also referred to as life jacket or life vest. A PFD has to be worn at all times on the boat, but it doesn’t have to be the fashion and comfort problem you’d expect it to be. In fact, today’s high-end PFDs are quite lightweight and flexible, and they come in wide range of style options such as the inflatable belt life jacket (pictured above) designed by Kathleen Westerhout and Dana Ramler. Discreet and sleek, it can even pass off as a regular accessory.

Dress Layered

Image Source: Jem Jigs

Safety always comes first and that means dressing appropriately. Now, that’s sometimes easier said than done. A warm day can suddenly feel quite cold out on the high seas. So the trick is to layer. You can arrive in shorts and a t-shirt, but have something more substantial available in your bag. Also, choose clothing that does not hold water, and have a spare outfit on hand.

Waterproof Bags

Image Source: Overboard

In order to keep those extra clothes dry, you’ll need a waterproof bag. Sport-oriented knapsacks and duffle bags are both good choices, and since you’ll be carrying these on your person to and from the boat, there is a style opportunity! Also, your main bag is a good option to hold most of the personal items you bring.

Waterproof Fanny Packs

Image Source: Coast International

For the small items, the waterproof fanny pack is very useful, and it’s an opportunity to add a splash of colour to your ensemble. You certainly don’t want to bring a purse or something similar on board, so the oft-ridiculed fanny pack is a great choice to store all those small items you want to have accessible.

Boat Shoes

Image Source: Shop my fun sales

Shoes are a crucial aspect of any stylish ensemble, but they are also a very important practical choice. Boat shoes are the most popular option, but many sneakers are often solid choices as well. They key is to choose a shoe that is non-slip and waterproof or at least water-resistant. It’s not a bad idea to have a second pair on hand, and don’t choose anything easily detached from your foot, such as flip-flops.

Hat & Sunglasses

Image Source: Zennioptical

Last but not least, don’t underestimate the value of a good hat and a strong pair of sunglasses. If you’ve never been, you might be surprised at just how bright it can get out on the open water. Without a good pair of sunglasses, you might just find it impossible to get comfortable. As for a hat, baseball caps are solid options, but why not try an extravagant sun hat which will give your face and shoulders more protection.

After all, it can mean the difference between a great day and a too long day that leaves you feeling drained.

I came across this book earlier this year – and didn’t think much about it – till I met an old friend from my childhood days.  And when I saw this book again – I was reminded about him and his thinking and those of his dad.  Song and his father – even his mother are from the 50s and stuck in the 50s I think.  They believed that their wives or a woman’s place is in the kitchen or home.   But that doesn’t mean that their wives or woman can be sloppy in their dressing for they own a small business – and supposedly doing quite well.

In this gorgeous style guide from the 50s, American fashion designer Anne Fogarty reveals the secrets of ‘wife-dressing’ – the art of looking chic on all occasions, be it at a cocktail party, on the tennis pitch or in the boudoir. Illustrated with Fogarty’s stylish drawings and 50s fashion photography from John French, this handbag-sized guide contains all the advice and inspiration you need to make you the happiest and hippest couple in town.

I met Song after 25 years and although his wife look skinny – and he has 3 kids – the wife is dressed well – still in the 70s I think but definitely respectable looking.  Song seems to be doing well – his kids are teenagers – and I’m happy for him.  But he still is the gentleman that I’ve known when I was a teenager – but I’m sure he must now look at me – and think – hey !  i looked and dress better than his wife and more well -traveled than he.

Life is sure funny isn’t it !  I don’t think I would have been happy if I did end up with Song – he and his family are just so old-fashioned.  I doubt his wife ever traveled on her own nor his children.

Located at the South Side of King Street West – we never fail to visit Rodney’s when we are in Toronto.   A dozen of oysters with a dash of Tabasco sauce and a squeeze of lemon – that is the start of our evening before we headed towards Massey Hall.  And all throughout the show – I was thinking of the 12 succulent oysters that I had greedily slurped.  I wanted to go back for more – but my tummy just didn’t think I could stomach it.  Another time – another day – Rodney!