Saturday 15 February 2014

The aquarium, crazy transit rides, and..................... Nelly got a make-over!

Hello Nelly Belliers!

I'm baaaaaaaack. Since it has been a while since I have put up a blog post, I have lots of random updates and stories, so please bare with the randomness that's about to occur.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day! What did everyone get up to? Chris took the day off work and we went for a delicious brunch and then we headed to the brand-new Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (pictures below). It is supposed to be one of the biggest aquariums in North America - but I'm not sure what number it would be in the line-up. I know the aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia is supposed to be the biggest in North America. If anyone knows where the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada falls, post below! Anyhoo, the best part was the glass that curved over top of us as we rode the conveyor belt for a good 20 minutes. We had sharks (including saw sharks), stingrays, and a bazillion types of fish swimming around and above us. The worst part was how busy it was, but that's expected. Overall I would definitely recommend going if you have never been before. It is fairly pricey, but since it is something you probably wouldn't be doing that often, it's worth it, and if you have kids they will love it. We had a really fun day, and I love that Chris took the day off to spend with me, and that he put thought into the day. For me, that's a million times more special than a bunch of roses.

Crack-a-Lackin

A few week-ends ago my week-end started off on a crack-a-lackin note. I was taking transit home from work and literally saw someone smoking crack at the back of the streetcar. I had to do a triple take because I was convinced that I was just seeing things due to my extreme tiredness of the work week, but nope, it was not an apparition! It was real! It wasn't long before the fella got off transit, so I didn't have time to tell the driver... but boy was it a shocker! Definitely a first in my entire life!

Here she comes Miss Canada.... Nelly got a make-over!

We decided to take Nelly to the groomers today. The harsh winter conditions took a toll on her and she also needed her buttox glands emptied (gross, but common). She got a wash and dry, her nails clipped, a trim (in all the Westie areas), and of course the dreaded glandular procedure. She honestly looks and smells like a new dog (I think she smells better than us!). Not only does she smell like a fresh garden, but Nelly could definitely enter a beauty contest now. The cutest part was that they put a sort of pink bandanna on her. I will be keeping it on as long as possible, it is tres chic!

I HIGHLY recommend taking your dog to the groomer once in a while (and definitely when your dog has glandular issues). We wash her ourselves all the time, but it's not the same. They obviously have the right facilities, the right techniques, and the right tools to get the job done right (can I say right one more time? ohhhh just did). Also, unless you want to empty those sacks yourself (yuck!) then you have to take your puppy or dog to the groomers to get it done (they could become infected so it's very important to go as soon as you notice something is wrong). You can also get your vet to empty them, but it probably ends up being more expensive and your four-legged friend doesn't get a day at the spa!

Lovin' it / Not into it

Last night we watched a marathon of "Hello Ladies". If you haven't heard of this TV show, it was created by Stephen Merchant, Lee Eisenberg, and Gene Stupnitsky and is basically about a Brit who moves to Los Angeles looking for love (or sometimes just some fun if you know what I mean). It is extremely well written and you will definitely laugh out loud when you watch it. Unfortunately it was cancelled in January of this year, but they will be doing a special ending to wrap up the series. There is a slight silver lining to this dark cloud. 
Frankly I am shocked that it was cancelled and highly disappointed. It was one of the few great shows out there!

Sadly, things have taken a turn with my view on Juan Pablo (the current Bachelor). The more that I watch him, the more that I feel like he is a bit of a slime-ball (kissing bandit), and with each episode I find it harder to understand what possible conversations he could be having with these girls (and how these girls are staying awake on their dates). There doesn't seem to be any depth or realness in this particular season. Yes, I know we can't expect much from a reality show, but in terms of every past season of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, this has to be the worst in regards to seeing any type of real connection (beyond lip connection). My sister and I will still post our comments on upcoming episodes, but they may take a bit longer as Chris and I just got rid of our cable (I will watch upcoming episodes online)! Yahoooo! A great feeling. Say no to cable.

If you're looking for an online recipe resource, then I highly recommend checking out New Zealand Woman's Weekly website. They offer a wide variety of recipes, and they are constantly updating them so things never grow old. Also, you'll get some great international recipe ideas (unless you are from there of course). I get really bored with the same old Canadian websites, so I am always on the search for new little hidden gems. I used to make a lot of their recipes when I was living in New Zealand, so not only do I get to cook things from another place, but it also brings back a lot of memories for me. My flatmates in Auckland and I used to take turns cooking every night, and we would each pick a different place in the world and create a dish inspired by our chosen location. Definitely a happy time for me, and every meal was mouth watering! What recipe websites do you like to use? Post below!

Duh Duh Duh Duhhhhh [Insert Sound of Trumpets]

I will definitely be more consistent with posting blogs and getting back into my vlogging. Things have been a wee bit hectic, but thankfully things have calmed down a bit so I can get back on track. Also, I will definitely have more exciting things to talk about VERY soon! So stay tuned. Because I have been a tad slack, I have posted extra photographs on this post to make up for it.

Photographs from A to Z















































Follow my blog with Bloglovin



"The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants." ~ Johnny Depp