Monthly Archives: July 2012

Worth 7000 Words

Posted in Family Time, GTA, Just for Fun by

If a picture is worth a thousand words, my Sunday was worth at least seven-thousand.


 

My Sunday was filled with family, friends, food, coffee, and laughter. The sun was shining, I was in a fantastic mood, and I made the best of my day. I have to admit that this has been one of the best summers I’ve had. Mostly because I’m being ACTIVE. I’m going places and doing things even when I’m not in the mood, and I end up having a fantastic time. Who knew?

Happy Monday :)

- I’m still on cloud nine from Sunday.

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

“Nor would it be much fun.”

Posted in Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

I saw a picture of this book on Instagram and had to get my hands on it. Normally I don’t love collections of short stories since you don’t have enough time to fall in love with or get attached to the characters. I’m actually enjoying it more than I expected and I really love the introduction by Bob Shacochis.

On smoking, drinking, and screwing:

“They inspire great writing and bring a reader’s blood to the boiling point. Without them, the world might be simple and clean, but it wouldn’t be deliciously, fascinatingly, pathetically human, would it?

- Nor would it be much fun.”

I don’t smoke, I don’t drink very much, and I’m not all for promiscuity but I what I take from this quote is that experience is the best kind of writing inspiration. Writing about good times, bad times, ‘sins’, or mistakes is the only way to get your reader to fall into your words. Nobody is perfect and it is our mistakes that make us truly human. It is the ability to relate them, to share them, and to tell them, that makes a good writer.

–
Love Always 
Vanessa Xo

 

P.S. I am totally into this song. Love it?

Post 300 & i ain’t goin’ nowhere.

Posted in Family Time, Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

What’s the best part of any lunch date, coffee date, or family function? The moment you realize that you have been so into the person you’re talking to or the conversation you’re having that you haven’t Tweeted, checked your Facebook, or uploaded a picture to Instagram in at least an hour. That just happened and it felt so good.

I am one of the WORST people when it comes to my cellphone usage. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, the thing is practically glued to me. Sometimes I don’t even DO anything on it, I just open all of my social media apps and close them. Wtf is the point in that?  I’ve blogged time and time again about how rude it is and how much better it feels to put all of your focus on the person you’re with as oppose to your cellphone. I’ve gotten better at controlling myself but I still haven’t gotten over it completely.

I am determined to get a handle on it and I think it will be better for all of my relationships. You miss so much at family functions or on double dates when you spend your time Tweeting or Instagraming. It’s not fair to the people you’re with and let’s be honest – you look like a complete jackass.

 

Who wants this ^^ to be their “norm” anyway?

I know we all do it and I understand that some people depend on their phone to run their business. I know how important it is to be innovating and constantly updating your social networking sites but there should be some sacred moments when your cellphone is not the most important thing in the world.

There should be times when you can show your family, friends, or bf that they are the most important thing to you.

Right?

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

Lemon Zest, Dill, Basil: Flavour, Fun, and Friends @ONE.

Posted in GTA, Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

Sometimes it’s nice to get dressed up, put on some makeup, and head downtown to have a lovely meal with a few of your favourite friends. It’s even better when your brother-in-law happens to be the Executive Sous Chef (Richard Hakim) said restaurant.

Here’s him in action – CLICK HERE.

And here’s him posing for the wedding photos (just so you can put a face to a name).

Isn’t he DASHING?

Okay, so I’m not a foodie or much of a food blogger but I took pictures of all the food we ate, in hopes that you might start to drool and have to go over to ONE Restaurant in Yorkville to try it out for yourself.

Round one: fried calamari and a mixed green salad with strawberry dressing.

Round two: pierogies, tomatoes with a balsamic glaze and buffalo mozzarella, and a platter of cured meats.

Round three: Vince’s burger, Lina’s ricotta gnocchi with buffalo mozzarella and basil, onion rings, creamed corn, and truffle frites.

Alex’s LAMB.

Close-up of the gnocchi I waited 5 years for.

Round four: blueberry parfait and I forget what the second one was call but it was full of ice cream, brownies, caramelized bananas, and POP ROCKS – ultimately the most entertaining and delicious dessert around.

After three hours of food, wine, laughter, and a walk around the kitchen, the four of us left completely stuffed, satisfied, and in dire need of a treadmill. I never realized how intense flavours can actually be. Everything I ate literally woke up my taste buds – total party in my mouth! And it was like everything melted once it hit my tongue – how does that even happen? *DROOL*

It was a fantastic meal and I am now convinced that a truffle frite will turn any horrible day into a day worth living.

It was really cool to see my brother-in-law in action and I don’t know if I’ve ever told him this, but I am truly proud of where he is today. I didn’t think much of the skinny-long-haired boy my sister brought home over 5 years ago but I am happy that he made a fool out of me. He is a prime example of where a little passion, tonnes of hard work, and about a million hours a week can get you! Congratulations on all your success at ONE, Richard.

Hope you all had a fantastic Saturday!

Oh and thanks to my wonderful dates for coming with!

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

Can’t Sleep with Caffeine Running through my Veins..

Posted in Family Time, Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

I thought I was super tired about twenty minutes ago, so I decided to hit the hay. Apparently four cups of coffee is way more than I can handle in one day, so I’m stuck tossing and turning and thinking. I can’t seem to get this out of my head:

“If you focus on how much you have to do, nothing will get done. Just jump in and go for it.”

The bf’s mum said something along these lines during dinner tonight and I really wanted to share it with you. Why? (A) as I already told you I can’t sleep so I might as well yap on here and (B) it is completely and totally true! I write list after list in my head and spend so much time thinking about how much I have to do, that I spend more time thinking then doing! The more time I waste thinking about the things I need to do, (whether it be day-to-day chores or life-altering changes) the more overwhelming the tasks seem.

So, it’s decided. I need to stop wasting precious “doing” time on thinking. Although, if I drink enough coffee I won’t be able to sleep anyhow and then I can think more and do more – how long does it take for caffeine to wear off anyhow?

Before I come down from this caffeine high, I just want to share with you a few of my latest obsessions.

1. Melvin Jewelry (introduced to me by Jodi Lin Wiener). Would love this necklace and the earrings to match! They have some interesting and unique stuff!

2. Rimowa Luggage. I’ve had a slight obsession with their luggage since I got to borrow one from a family member for my trip to Dominican – one day I WILL own one.

Found this pic on their Facebook page! I want a purple one!

3. Fashion Boards on Pinterest. I love seeing the way outfits are put together – I find they’re definitely inspiring my wardrobe.

 Between my obsession for books and this new-found love of jewelry, fashion, travel, and luggage, I better find a second job ;)

Hope you had a lovely Tuesday!

–
Love Always 
Vanessa Xo

Sweet Sixteen!

Posted in Family Time, Just for Fun by

Yesterday was my brother’s sixteenth birthday party and I have to admit it was a long day! I hadn’t realized how much work it actually takes to host a party, between food preparations, baking, cleaning, and decorating I was nearly pooped by the time my familia showed up! Thank goodness that a few of my aunts and cousins came over Friday night to help or I would’ve opted out of attending the party :P .

—

2 bbqs, 5 full coolers, 67 steaks, 7 salads, 50 buns, cake, cupcakes, cookies, fruit, and presents! Now we wait for guests!

—

After a lot of hard work, everything came together nicely and the family ate, drank, and enjoyed themselves. Even Mama Helen got to relax and enjoy the party!

Cut bread, dab with Portuguese olive oil, bake on both sides and voila – a perfect cracker thingy for crab-dip or olive spread.

Tia Reets!! <3

Perdy Cousins!

Dinner Time

Alex not wanting a picture and me wanting to go to sleep.

Happy Birthday Brother!

I have a pretty amazing family and our fam-jams are always a source of entertainment, laughter, coffee, and gossip. I love having my entire family together at one time and I am lucky enough to say that we all get along. I think spending a week together in Dominican  brought us that much closer. Family reunion there next year???

Thanks to everyone who came out to Joseph’s birthday last night.

And thank you to Mama Helen and Papa Vince for being amazing and hosting a great party.

OH and thank you to Anthony for eating that moth – you earned that five bucks!

XOXOXOX

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

P.s. Be good to your family!

Note: To all family members missing – you were there in our hearts! Please photoshop yourself in :)

I Guess I kinda lack Confidence…

Posted in Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

I lack in the right kind of confidence – the confidence that allows you to try new things, the confidence that is fueled by passion for your work. I’m always scared to say or do or write the wrong thing. I never feel like my writing is good enough to share (which I’m still surprised that I actually BLOG as often as I do). I’m terrified to start a “real” job/career – what if I’m not good at it?

My confidence is lacking so much that I often compare my life to someone else’s; why do they get to have an adventure and I don’t? Why are they traveling and I’m not? Why do they have a kick-ass job and I don’t? I am not at all proud of thinking this way btw! It hurts and it creates this heartburn feeling from the bottom of my stomach to the middle of my throat! And is it really necessary to make myself feel this way? No.

The reason why I’m not living anyone else’s life is because I am living my own. I need to stop thinking and start doing. I need to take the chances, the risks, and whatever opportunities I am given in order to be the best me I can be. I need to figure out where I want to be and what I want to do. I don’t want to settle. I deserve to work hard and have an adventure or two along the way.

—–

“You can think your heart out but you need to start DOING!”

—–

 Find confidence Be confident today and cheers to the freakin’ weekend! 

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

I Love me Some Inspirational Quotes!

Posted in Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

I’m a huge fan of Pinterest and inspirational quotes! Instead of blabbing away like I normally do, I thought I’d leave you my favourite Pins from this week! I finally have some shifts at work, as well as fam-jams this weekend so I probably won’t be posting again until Sunday!

Happy Wednesday! Hope you feel inspired!

P.s Follow me on Pinterest!

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

– 
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

I Prefer the Opposite of BORED

Posted in Family Time, Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

Since summer started, there have been less hours to go around at Caruso Gourmet Pizza. As such, I have been bored out of my mind - to the point that my sole enjoyment is helping my brother with his online English course. I’ve been looking for another part-time job to supplement my boredom but to no avail – IS ANYONE HIRING IN BOLTON??

Today, instead of spending my day loafing inside the house, angry at my lack of hours, upset by my boredom, and contemplating all that is wrong with my life – I went out. I dragged my brother to visit my sister at work. She’s a sous chef at Pusateri’s and so we got the V.I.P treatment and a tour around the store and even in the kitchen. My sister looks like a BOSS in her work clothes and I am so proud of all that she’s accomplished there. It was also really nice to surprise her! We miss her face at home!

See JESS, we cry for you! :(

After our adventure to Pusateri’s we drove to Woodbridge! Chapters was our destination and I am happy to report that it was a successful trip! Joseph bought me these two books as a thank you/ payment for helping him with his online course!

THANKS Brother <3

Next we went to visit Papa Vince at work and he treated us to some awesome Five Guys burgers! Which is why when I got home I took the pup for a walk – gotta work off those fries somehow! ;)

If there is anything I learnt today it is that you create every situation. You determine how bored you will be. You decide how much fun you will have each day. YOU decide on how well you will LIVE every hour of every single day.

Today I decided to be the opposite of bored.

Today I decided to LIVE.

What did you decide to do today?

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

Tale as Old as Time

Posted in GTA, Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

This weekend has been pretty busy and a little tiring to be honest but I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.

The bf and I went to CINQUElire for dinner before taking the subway down to see Beauty and the Beast. I ordered a salad and a penne alla vodka, the bf ordered meatballs and penne bolognese! The meal was going splendid until Alex got his pasta before I did – well in all honesty had Alex not asked about my pasta, I wouldn’t have gotten it at all. Yes, that’s right – the waiter didn’t put in my pasta order. Then when my pasta came out, they brought me the wrong thing, but I didn’t complain – I was starving! They did apologize and redeem themselves by giving us a huge slab of tiramisu (which I thought I didn’t like before last night) and coffee. Coffee = happy Vanessa.

Next we took the subway from Yorkdale to the Four Seasons Theatre (P.s. the new subway trains are awesome!!!).

The show was great – although I understand that some scenes from the cartoon cannot be replicated on stage they did an awesome job! Lumiere, Gaston, and Cogsworth were fantastic and probably my favourite characters. The only thing about this musical that I didn’t love were the extra songs they added that weren’t in the movie – they were a little cheesy.

I loved the emphasis this musical put on books, love, and the ability to change in order to become the best version of yourself. Beauty and the Beast reminded me how much I love stories, fairy tales, and books. It reminded me about the book of fairy tales that I started and now yearn to finish (before the sister starts popping out babies). It also reminded me how much I love the character of Belle and the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast – I think I’ll watch it today!

Have a fun and magical Sunday!

And remember…

–
Love Always 
Vanessa Xo