The Question Game

While reading The Enchanted Home I was so impressed with her answers to a series of questions, as well as, the questions she asked...I decided to take part!   These are such great questions, I have been quite enjoying myself answering them!  Please do the same, copy the questions and answer them on your blog.  Come back and share your link so we can all learn a bit more about each other!

 If there could only be one season year round which would you choose?

Autumn.  I love the crisp air, beautiful colours, sweaters, the hustle and bustle of back to school, Thanksgiving then Halloween.  It's a busy couple of months but my hair always looks great!

You get to spend a month in Europe, and can only go to one place..is it Italy or France?

France.  I  love the food and speak the language fluently enough to get by without calling anyone's mother a bad name.  I am pretty handy with a scarf so I am sure I could blend right in.  A month in Italy worries me...all that gelato and pasta, I'd come back 50lbs heavier!

Red wine, white wine or champagne?

Champagne.  Or Prosecco.  I'm not much of a wine drinker at all...perhaps drank too much of it over the years and now just can't get excited about it.  I do love bubbles tho! 

Dogs or cats?

Dogs.  I like my pets to look happy to see me when I walk in the door.

One word that best describes your life right now.

Chaos.  I have definitely tried to pack way more into my life than would fit but I just keep taking it on, hour by hour.  I have reached capacity tho and will not be taking on any new committees or projects for the moment.  Royal Ribbons is busy which is amazing!  I love creating ribbon for my customers.  I am working on getting back to regular blogging...which means less time spent on other things, like Twitter.  I have two awards nights coming up that I need to work on, a mountain of laundry, fundraising, magazines to read, and the last time I was out alone with my husband was March 25th 2011.  But, it's fun and keeps me out of mischief!  I wouldn't trade it for anything...cept maybe a week lying by a pool in the sun. 

One job you haven't had that would be a dream job.

I think I already have my dream job!   Maybe restaurant reviewer...or concierge.  I like being well connected so it would have to be something I would wheel and deal and make magic happen.

 One famous person you would love to meet.

Kate Middleton.  I so know we would be besties!   I bet we would go shopping together and she would totally confide in me, I'm a great secret keeper.  The only problem is how short and stubby I would look standing next to her in the photos.  Hmmm must bring an apple crate with me.

One movie that you could watch again and again.

Just one movie?  The English Patient.  It's such a complex story and has so many layers...I have read the book a number of times and am riveted anytime it's on.  I cry every single time.  The rest of my list would include Casablanca, Magnolia, and Legally Blonde.

You are given a plane ticket to fly anywhere in the world this weekend, where are you going?

I am sure this answer would change every single day.  Lately I have been craving some sun and warmth so perhaps somewhere with a pool, a beach, and a butler.  The Suburban and Little Prince can splash in the pool while I soak up the sun and sip a fruity drink.   There would be a strong chance of my getting caught up on my magazine reading too.  

Ask me tomorrow and the answer might be Paris, Morocco, LA, New York...it all depends on my mood at that moment!

One decade you wish you could have lived in (including this one).

I always thought I would be quite good at the 40s.  My gran went to work in a munitions factory during the war - I suspect I could do the same thing.  War is horrible but it's also romantic and I am sure I would've been great at keeping the home fires burning, rolling bandages, baking cookies, writing letters.  I'd give a soldier a reason to come home alive, and in one piece ;o)

If you had to change your name, what would you name yourself?

Oh that's easy...I've wanted to be Trixie since I was 9 years old.  In fact recently I told people they should start calling me Trixie to save me the bother of legally changing my name.  No one took me seriously.  The Suburban Prince plays along when he remembers...I also get called Pippa at home from time to time.

Now it's your turn!  Please let me know when you have posted your answers!

If you can, please leave your comments here instead of twitter.  Thanks!

Have a fabulous day!

One Simple Question

I saw this on Decicions on Margaritas and found it so thought-provoking I had to steal spread it!

Could this one simple question be the key to greatness? by Russell Bishop . . .

What could I do that would make a difference in my life that requires no one's permission other than my own?

I bet we could all write a long list including travel, career, money, children, marriage, ice cream, makeup, hair products, hair stylists, our weight, our skin, friends, books, me time and any other thing we put on the back burner while we take care of everyone around us.  Maybe that's the key - writing the list of things that will make us happy without giving a rat's patootie what anyone else thinks and putting other things aside to do them.

Have a fabulous day!

PS....Please vote for my BEES belt in the Tucker Blair design competition on facebook!

PPS...Dont miss my Annie's Bunnies giveaway!  Just scroll down!

Wednesday's Random Thoughts

Happy Wednesday!  I am a bit early with my random thoughts but I have had so many lately I didnt want to forget them!

- In one week I will be heading back to Toronto for my laser eye surgery!  Yay!  I have been told I will be there for about 2 hours, may be in a little bit of pain but back to normal the next day.  I am looking forward to getting rid of contacts and glasses and being able to see!  Thanks to everyone for all of your enthusiatic comments!  I will do a recap post to let everyone know what it was like and to dispell your fears!

- The Bachelor.  Oh.My.Goodness.  I read RealitySteve last night and...well...who do you think he picks?

- Yesterday someone told me, in a matter-of-fact way, their brother has AIDS and I have to admit, I didnt know how to respond.  I know what my intellectual response is but never in my life have I known someone that close to the disease.  I feel like a bit of a heel for not responding at all.

- The Little Prince is still as cheeky as ever.  He still says 'Bye Sweetheart' to me when he leaves the house but he has added 'That's a great idea' whenever I suggest something to him.  I am glad you approve little one.

- I downloaded Little Bee (the book) for my e-reader a couple of months ago and finally started reading it the other night.  I was enthralled from the first line and I would love to tell you more but I got 12 pages in and suddenly the pages were blank!  Not impressed.  If the rest of the book is anything like the first 12 pages I think it's worth the read.  You know, if I could actually read it!

- The Little Prince starts toddler soccer this week!  I am officially a soccer mom!  I have been practicing cutting oranges into wedges.

- I was driving with a friend and she suddenly opened the window and sneezed out of it and rolled it back up.  It's -1.  In Canada.  Interesting.  Is it still called 'rolling up the window' if I have power windows?

- After watching Kim Catrall's episode of Who Do You Think You Are I have the geneology bug!  So far I have mapped out 6 generations up one line and am going to start working on another line today.  It's helpful that Scottish tradition is to give children the mother's maiden name (or another family name) as one of their middle names.  Each time I find a girl born with Stewart or Watson or Grant as a middle name it's another clue!  In case you are wondering, yes, my maiden name is one of the Little Prince's middle names.

- I just told the Suburban Prince there is a sale on chicken breasts at one store and a sale on bras at another store so I am going to pop out for both.  He said..."I sense a theme here" and snickered.  Oh hardeeeeharhar big man!


Have a fabulous day!

Dont forget to enter my LunaBar giveaway!

Surviving a winter wonderland

Life here in the 'burbs is a bit boring right now.  We have had so much snow in the last two weeks that we sometimes have trouble getting out and about.  The advantage of living at the top of a hill is not worrying about floods...the disadvantage, everything is downhill...down an icy hill...by a river.  The upside is I have been forced to do a little bit of meal planning in case I cant get out easily....I actually planned, shopped for and cooked for three days straight!  That's a bit of a miracle around here as I have often found it too hard to cook with the Little Prince around but he has learned to stay behind the kitchen table when I am opening the oven so now I can actually work in the kitchen without worrying about him.

Because I have been a bit snowed in I havn't been doing very much in the way of fun activities...no lunches, events, snooty pursuits.  My babysitter even had to cancel on me for a couple of months as she has classes on the same night at my Rotary meetings so I have been absent for a little while now. 

There is something to be said for January's cold snowy weather.  There is always so much to be done in the house and the temptation to go out is squashed by -30 degree days.  My closets are organized, the drawers are becoming less and less full.  The laundry is all done and the Christmas decor was packed away weeks ago.  The basement renovation has been coming along nicely as the contractors are happy to be working in a nice heated space rather than outside building house frames.

We have had to dig paths for our little dog to get around the backyard.  I let him out the other day and he vanished in a snow drift.  We have to keep shoes at the back door in case he gets 'stuck' with cold toes and cant make it back to the door.  Yes, all the males in my life are a little tender and fragile.  Scottish women are strong for everyone, keep families together and rescue cold dogs from winter.

I keep thinking I should be creating fun, but to be honest, I just dont want to!  I am enjoying my hibernation and think I will limit my outings to one a week while focusing inward. 

Dont miss my Valentine's Day giveaway!

Have a fabulous day!

What will people say about you when you die?

A few weeks ago I was chatting with a friend on the west coast and we got onto the topic of friendships and how people dont put time and energy into their relationships outside of their families.  She said something interesting that made me stop and think...I copied it and have mulled it over a number of times since our conversation....

"I never thought of myself as a person who would have a glamorous career to boast about so that when I died, people would say she was such a great success in her career. I always knew that when I died.. I wanted people to remember me by being a "good" person with wealth in friendships and family."

It has made me stop and think what I want my life to be.  What I would want people to say about me when I die?  In 50 years of course. 


Have a fabulous day!

Goodbye 2010

It has come time to say goodbye to 2010.  It feels like the year that never was...where did it go?   I was looking through blog posts from the past year and realised things I thought happened in the summer actually happened in January and February - how strange is that!?  Why was I so apathetic about so much of it?  Just thinking about this Christmas I could've easily skipped over it and gone on with my life without regret...I am surprised at how many people I know feel the same way.  Most people I know didnt bother with presents, decorated out of obligation, and have opted to pack up their decor early.  Perhaps we squeezed all we could out of 2010 by Halloween and just needed to get on with new beginnings, fresh starts and the big plans we have for 2011.

It's not that I didnt enjoy 2010....it just seems like it was more a time of laying groundwork for bigger things.  It is the year I had my midlife crisis.  It shocks me but I spent a good chunk of the year trying to recapture 1985 and everything I felt, learned and cherished that year.  My ipod has been playing a lot of Phil Collins, Miami Vice, Van Halen and Def Leopard - I keep finding myself closing my eyes and I can almost transport myself to a high school dance or party.  I can conjure the way my locker smelled (a combination of Finesse and Wind Drift) and the way the cafeteria sounded every day at lunch time.  Suddenly, while writing this, I remembered my grade 9 crush.  I wont say his name here, I havnt seen him since and for all I know he has google alerts and will crawl out of the woodwork to shatter the memories - I prefer to keep him tucked away as a handsome teenage boy in jeans, topsiders and a rugby shirt rather than a 40-something, balding, out of shape, peaked-at-eighteen middle aged man who will no doubt be wearing short sleeved dress shirts.  I will remember him as the boy who, while knowing I had a gargantuan crush on him, stopped to make sure I was ok when he saw I was crying in a secluded hallway.  A simple kindness, but one that might've shaped my view of men from from then on.  Perhaps my husband owes him a beer.

2010 was the year of the most amazing Olympics I can remember!  Canada put on an awesome show and many incredible performances!  I've never been prouder to be a Canadian and we showed the world how it's done!

2010 was a year of perspective.  One friend was airlifted to the city while going through a heart attack and another lost her home to a fire.  I stopped more than a few times this year simply to count my blessings.  I told the Suburban Prince that a friend always says 'She's rich' when she is asked what I do for a living.  His response?  We are.  We are?  Huh?  Yes, we are rich.  We have our health, a roof over our heads, cars in the driveway, food in the fridge, electricity, running water, heat and the means to enjoy a nice life.  And, each other.  What more does anyone need to be defined as rich? 

Remember waiting for months for the new Sex and the City movie?  I had such high hopes and left the theatre feeling a bit let down.  Sure the parties and antics and outfits we fun, but isnt Charlotte's conversation with Miranda what we really walked away with?  Even when we get everything we want, life can be hard sometimes.  Children certainly show us what we are made of and who we really are.  Sometimes mommy just needs to get away and be her old self to be able to appreciate (and tollerate) what she has at home.  And that's ok.

2010 brought us the follow up to The Official Preppy Handbook and I know I was counting down the days leading up to it's release.  The silence was deafening.  Dare I say it?  True Prep wasnt all we hoped it would be?  It followed the format, stayed true to the ideals and certainly helped us through the fleece minefield!  But what was missing?  Lisa Birnbach told me she had no idea we were looking for an update....I told her we could've used some help through the 90's.  I dont know if we learned anything new but it certainly reinforced, for most of us, we were going in the right direction.  For those of us who weren't born American, to a legacy, near a country club or sailing school, we need the reassurance from the prep of all preps and for that, Lisa, I thank you.

In 2010 my blog went in every direction...maybe this year it will find it's place - much like my life.  I spent this year 'finding myself' but let's not get to deep, I like to find myself at cocktail parties and charity events.  I often wondered if I am writing a lifestyle blog - I write about my lifestyle so who knows.  Do I think I am writing a preppy blog?  It never occured to me to define my blog that way as I couldn't imagine writing only of preppy things.  My preppiness is a natural state so it's not like I think it is anything special.  Certainly not special enough for me to put thought and typing into it.  I just blog what I like, what I observe and what I think is funny.  Whatever my blog ends up being...please dont ever call it a 'mommy blog'...there are enough of those out there as it is!

For the first time in my life I actually considered being a party planner.  I dont know how I fell into this except that I have a small child who has birthdays and I have a big ego.  I have never done anything half way and dont like to be outdone by anyone.  Perhaps not my best character trait but without people who go over the top, the rest of us might not know the bar is set high and at least make an attempt to reach it.  I love throwing parties and with my blog I have had a chance to showcase what I do.  So many people are gracious enough to think (or at least say) I do a good job and the suggestion came up many, many times, 'You should be a party planner'.  Maybe 2011 is the year for this.  Maybe now I feel the time is right.  Maybe now it will all come together.  Maybe now I know what I will be when I grow up.

When one goes through a midlife crisis, one has to confirm their worth.  One needs to know the last 25 years meant something, that one learned something and in a sense, has cast a shadow.  As I entered the 40th year of my life I kept asking 'What have I accomplished?' and struggled to find the answer.  Im not a captain of industry, hadnt become famous, hadnt created anything, left my mark on anything, changed anyone's life or path and I certainly didn't feel I had done much but float through life, easy peasy, on a pink cloud, never really needing to put much effort into anything.  But 40 loomed.  Waiting.  Daring me to prove something.  Anything!  I started thinking my life over and realised I had learned an awful lot.  So many people had come and gone, so many places have been visited, relationships ended, loved ones died and through it all I listened to people...so many wise people, but I also listened to myself.  I dont consider myself a very deep person but somewhere inside I had something to say and it started pouring out, onto my keyboard and into the blogisphere.  I took the most important things I have learned over the last 25 years and turned them into a book.   A book!  While I was dancing through life, unbeknownst to me, a book was brewing.  It isnt a big book nor it is my last book, but it will always be...my first book.

While I was busy trying to perhaps define myself I was invited to join Rotary International and tagged along with a friend to a few meetings.  Smartest.Decision.This.Year.  Suddenly I was where I belong!  Surrounded by fun, ambitious, energetic people who are dedicated to bettering our community.  I suspect this is my big chance to make a name for myself in our little town.  To show them what I'm made of.  I see a step-and-repeat in my future!

In 2010 I met my dear friend High Heeled Life.  Who knew anyone near me would ever read my blog and find a connection!  From the moment we met we have been great friends and I am so grateful for that first email she sent me that started it all.  I know my life wouldnt be the same with her and MrG in it and I love knowing the Little Prince has an auntie and uncle who dote on him and have become a part of our family.  Without HHL my book would still be sitting on my laptop waiting for someone to believe in me and for that I will forever owe her a debt of gratitude.

I have always loved theatre and for some reason saw more shows this year than I have seen in the last 10 years.  I can only assume it is because when mommy finally got back into life and out in the world, I decided I was leaving no stone unturned, no cork unpopped and no show unseen!

The Little Prince found his voice.  At last.  After months of work, classes, an amazing school and the never ending efforts we put into him, he has surpassed the level expected of him and at his 3rd birthday will be tested for kindergarten.  A whole year early!  My heart overflows with pride everytime he runs down the hall yelling 'Mommy, mommy, mommy!!', a word I thought I would never hear.  I am brought to tears every time I think of how far he has come and know he is destined for greatness.  The love I have for this child is unfathomable, indefinable, overflowing, unending and every time he puts his hands on my face and comes in for a big sloppy kiss I am brought to a place of peace and I know where I belong.  At two and a half he can count to 100, spell his name, recite our phone number, name every animal we have ever shown him and repeats everything I say...the good, the bad and the not so pretty.  The best Christmas present was hearing him sing Frosty The Snowman.  I guess we both found our voices this year! 

2008 was the worst and hardest year of my life.
2009 was about picking up the pieces and survival.
2010 was about figuring it all out.

2011 is going to be epic.  Huge.  My year. 
It's the year I simplify, minimize and take everything I prepared for this year and make it happen. 

Happy New Year!


Have a fabulous day!

How the conversation went....

Suburban Princess to the Little Prince:  "You are soooooooo cute!!"

Little Prince (in his usual matter-of-fact tone of voice):  "You so pweddy"


There is nothing more I need to hear.


Have a fabuwous day!

The Little Sparrow

Once upon a time, there was a nonconformist sparrow who decided to not fly south for the winter. However, soon the weather had turned so cold that he reluctantly decided to fly south. In a short time, ice began to form on his wings, and he fell to earth nearly frozen solid, landing in a barnyard.

A cow passed by where the sparrow had fallen and pooped on the little bird. The sparrow thought it was the end, but the manure warmed him and defrosted his wings! Warm and happy and able to breath, the sparrow started to sing. Just then, a large cat came by and heard the chirping. The cat cleared away the poop, found the chirping bird, and promptly ate him.

The moral of the story: The one who $hits on you is not necessarily your enemy; The one who gets you out of $hit is not necessarily your friend; and if you're warm and happy in a pile of $hit, you might just want to keep your mouth shut.


Have a fabulous day!

PS....As much as I love that so many of you are finding this hilarious...it's actually a serious message.  Think about this the next time someone is 'mean to you' by telling you a few hard truths about life or yourself and remember that person might not be your enemy and the person who tells you what you want to hear even if it isn't good for you might not be your friend.

Spreading Christmas Cheer!

Last week Brown Eyed Belle and I were both saying how much we wanted to get on with Christmas but felt it was just a touch too early (not here in Canada really, but my American friends need to get through Thanksgiving first before they get in the Christmas mood) so we decided to wait until today and do a grand unveiling of our blogs together!

If you dont know Brown Eyed Belle you really must visit her blog and say hello!  She always posts the most beautiful photos and loves all things pretty!  She is just the most adorable girl and spreads cheer all year long!

I have a very busy few weeks ahead of me starting this past weekend (I know, it's behind me now but ya know, I've been busy) with the lunch I provided for my Rotary club.  I made a big pot of soup and arranged lots of subs, chips, cakes, cookies, fruit and hot chocolate for all of the members who went to the Habitat For Humanity build site for the day.  It was a lot of running around making sure everything was where it was supposed to be at the right times but it was fun and everyone had a great lunch to warm them up! 

If you are looking for something to do in a charitable way, please consider contacting your local Habitat For Humanity to arrange lunch for the workers.  They rely on the good hearts of neighbours, local businesses and anyone who would like to help out so anything we can do to help feed the people who volunteer their time to help is most appreciated!

Today I am determined to finish staining the bookshelf I have been working on for a few weeks now - I keep thinking I've done enough then decide it needs just one more coat.

Then I need to make a hot chocolate and get on with Christmas decorating.  I am looking out the window right now and it's raining which isn't exactly putting me in the mood - but a candy cane stir stick, my MadMen style Christmas CDs and some tinsel should get me into my seasonal Elfin state of mind!

I also need to get the pumpkins off my front step and replace them with garlands, a wreath, lights and other decor.  I am looking for some sort of potted tree with twinkly lights on it.  The Suburban Prince showed me one in Friday's flyer that was 70% off (now you speaka my language!) and just this second I told him he should go and get it on his way home from the Little Prince's skating lessons.  Guess who didn't tell me the sale was only at the weekend?  Guess who is in a bit of hot water? 

On Thursday we are finally, finally having the 50th anniversary party for my inlaws.  I have been working on this party for 6 months and so can't wait for it to be over!  Dealing with some of their friends has made me seriously question their ability to make lucid judgements about other people.  I've always believed a good barometer of someone is how they treat your children and when a friend of my inlaws is a jerk to me, it makes me wonder what kind of people they spend their time with!  Anyhoooooooooo I have everything ready except the favour boxes which will be done *fingers crossed* tomorrow if not tonight.  Lots of photos of the cake and desserts will be coming!  I have big plans for the dessert table so I hope reality can compare to what is in my mind!

Oh and then after the party I need to get myself back to town (a 100km drive, in rush hour traffic no less) for a candle or jewelry or container party of some sort.  My neighbour invited me to come with her and for the life of me I can't remember what I committed to!

On Friday our town is doing their annual Candlelight Walk down the main street and to the town park where we will sing carols and light up the park!  This is always so much fun as everyone is there and it's a big social event.  The theatre will be filled with Christmas trees decorated by local businesses to be raffled off - the money raised goes to local charities so we will be buying lots of tickets over the next few weeks!

After the candlight walk and tree lighting I will be heading home to put the Little Prince to bed and Hermes Scarf Friend will be dropping her teenage son off here and she and I will be going out for a cocktail and catch up (read: gossip about people we know) in one of the local bars.  When I say bar I mean tiny little drinking hole, not rowdy nightclub.  See the empty martini glass?  This is how mine will look at around 9:05pm because darlin', mama needs a cocktail!  (How was that?  I have been working on my Southern drawl!).

And because I might be bored this week with nothing to do...I am hoping to go to the Christmas House Tour on Saturday afternoon with a neighbour.  She is going to see about tickets today so I will know soon enough!  I will be posting lots of photos of this too!  On Saturday evening the same neighbour is coming to watch movies with me so it will be jammies, SATC2 and take out!

On Sunday...I can fall down!  Oh no wait, I will have to catch up on everything else!  I have no idea how working moms do it - if I had a job outside of my house I would need a wife!  Thank goodness for scheduled blog posts written at 11pm!


Have a fabulous day!

Gratitude and Apologies

Thank you so very much to everyone who has been supporting and promoting my book!  I am blown away by the kindness of so many people who have blogged about it, put it on their sidebars and especially, purchased a copy!  The blogging world is such an amazing place - we are friends with each other with absolutely no agenda other than we truly like each other and it makes my heart soar knowing how many wonderful people I have 'met' in the last year. 

An extra big thank you to High Heeled Life who spent a week witnessing my meltdown while I put the finishing touches on my book and got it published.  It was no easy task and High Heeled Life kept sending positive emails and telling me it would work and all would be fine.  Thank you for also doing such a cute post about my book and the adorable graphic!  You are an amazing friend and I am so fortunate to have met you.

Thank you also to MrToad for the great blog post about my book - you have always offered kind words and quiet support in your own kvetching way, so much like many of my Scottish uncles.  The Balmoral should be honoured to rest upon your head.

Apologies to everyone I have neglected lately.  Between catching up on the life I abandoned to publish my book, Rotary, fundraising, Habitat for Humanity, the 50th anniversary party, renovation plans, charity events, the Little Prince, laundry and of course, the Suburban Prince (who I see about once a week) I have been struggling to find the time to read and comment on all of my favourite blogs.  I promise I will be getting up-to-date this week and I am looking forward to reading your posts!

Have a fabulous day!

21 Ways to make people like you

I thought this would be a great refresher for all of us as we head into the holiday season with all of it's parties and events!  I can't remember where I saw this article and can't find the link in my favourites so I apologize now for what seems like plagerism.  If you recognize it please let me know so I can give credit for it.

1. Be Attentive to Others and Never Stop Listening

Self-centered people are usually unlikable. When you’re involved in a conversation, it’s important to focus more on the other person and less on yourself. If you genuinely concern yourself with others and listen to them closely, you’ll make scores of friends with little effort. Remember, everybody loves a good listener. (SP - At least learn to fake it well!)

2. Compliment People Who Deserve It

Go out of your way to personally acknowledge and compliment the people who have gone out of their way to shine. Everybody likes to hear that their efforts are appreciated. (SP - Compliments are free!)

3. Make Yourself Available and Approachable

If people cannot get a hold of you, or have trouble approaching you, they will forget about you. Your general availability and accessibility to others is extremely important to them. Always maintain a positive, tolerant attitude and keep an open line of communication to those around you. (SP - Answer emails and voice mails within 24 hours to keep the people around you feeling good.  Nothing feels worse than being ignored)

4. Speak Clearly so People Can Understand You

Most people have a very low tolerance for dealing with people they can’t understand. Mystery does not fuel strong relationships and likeability. (SP - Or how about people who answer a question with just a little bit of info which puts you in the position to have to ask them more questions.  I find this quite arrogant.  When asked a question please give a complete and proper answer or just say you dont want to discuss it)

5. Never Try to Be Someone You’re Not

All people have the subconscious ability to detect a liar. Even academy award winning actors slip up every now and then. Fake people are not likeable. Ask yourself this: If you don’t like who you really are, why the heck should I like you?  (SP - It's ok to adopt a way of life, way of thinking, new attitude and many other positive personality traits but dont try to make your neighbours think you are rich with your fake Gucci)

6. Address People by Their Name

People love the sight and sound of their own name, so make sure you learn to remember names. Use them respectfully in both oral and written communication.  (SP - repeat the person's name when you are introduced to help cement it in your mind)
 
7. Mirror the Person You’re Conversing With

You can mirror someone by imitating their body language, gestures, movements and facial expressions during a one on one conversation. The other person will unconsciously pickup on the familiarity of your mirrored actions, which will provide them with an added sense of comfort as they speak with you. The more comfortable you make them feel, the more they will enjoy being around you. (SP - I learned this one when I was single and dating...want to make that boy like you?  Take a sip of your drink when he sips his!)

8. Always Ask to Help … and Help When Asked

Everyone appreciates the gift of free assistance and those who supply it. Highly likeable people always spare time for others, regardless of how busy their own schedules are. Remember, helping people get what they want is the #1 key to getting what you want.  (SP - Dont be one of those people who wont accept help.  A good friend lets their friends be good friends)

9. Never Get Caught Lying

Everybody stretches the truth at times, but everyone hates a liar. Ironic, isn’t it? Regardless, understand that your credibility and likeability will get crushed if you are caught telling a lie.  (SP - You can't really call someone out on their lies if they can turn around and call you out on yours)

10. Say “Please” and “Thank You”

These 2 simple phrases make demands sound like requests and inject a friendly tone into serious conversations. It can mean the difference between sounding rude and sounding genuinely grateful. (SP - Nothing irks me more than a lack of ThankYou's in my life.  I actually stopped sending a family member presents because we never knew if she received them or liked them!)

11. Use Positive Language (Body and Verbal)

You can use positive language skills to exhibit yourself as a helpful, constructive person rather than a destructive, disinterested one. Positive body language involves the act of maintaining eye contact while speaking, using hand gestures to accentuate important points, leaning in closer while someone else is speaking, smiling, and mirroring the person you’re involved in a conversation with. Positive verbal language concentrates on what can be done, suggests helpful choices and alternatives, and sounds accommodating and encouraging rather than one-dimensionally bureaucratic.  (SP - Try to only talk with your hands after you have put your drink down.  Salt soaks red wine out of carpets if you happen to forget to put your drink down)

12. Smile

Everyone likes the sight of a genuine smile. Think about how you feel when a complete stranger looks into your eyes and smiles. Suddenly she doesn’t seem like a stranger anymore, does she? Instead she seems warm and friendly, someone you wouldn’t mind being around for a little while longer.  (SP - We all look more attractive and approachable when we smile)

13. Keep Unqualified Opinions to Yourself

If you don’t have all the facts, or you’re uneducated on the topic of discussion, it’s in your best interest to spend your time listening. Unqualified opinions just make a person sound foolishly arrogant. (SP - Like the time my mother someone announced that getting married at city hall isn't a legal wedding as it's not done by a minister in a church)

14. Provide Tangible Value

Don’t just follow in the footsteps of everyone else. Figure out which pieces of the puzzle are missing and put them in place. When you add tangible value, you increase your own value in the eyes of others. (SP - Call the hostess on your way to the party to ask if she needs anything picked up like ice or dip)

15. Respect Elders, Respect Minors, Respect Everyone

There are no boundaries or classes that define a group of people that deserve to be respected. Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother. People will notice your kindness. (SP - And for heaven's sake...please dont swear or yell at your children in Wallies)

16. Make Frequent Eye Contact … but Don’t Stare

There’s little doubt that eye contact is one of the most captivating forms of personal communication. When executed properly, eye contact injects closeness into human interaction, which leads to likeability. The key is to make frequent eye contact without gawking. If you fail to make eye contact you will be seen as insincere and untrustworthy. Likewise, an overbearing stare can make you appear arrogant and egotistical. (SP - You know that person who stares while you speak then keeps staring when you have finished but doesnt say anything leaving you squirming and talking more which leads to babbling?  Let's not be that person)

17. Don’t Over-Promise … Instead, Over-Deliver

Some people habitually make promises they are just barely able to fulfill. They promise perfection and deliver mediocrity. Sure, they do deliver something. But it’s not inline with the original expectations, so all it does is drive negative press. If you want people to like you, forget about making promises and simply over-deliver on everything you do. (SP - If you do promise something and can't follow through, please let the person you promised know as soon as possible so they can make other arrangements)

18. Stand Up for Your Beliefs Without Promoting Them

Yes, it is possible to stand up for your beliefs without foisting them down someone else’s throat. Discuss your personal beliefs when someone asks about them, but don’t spawn offensive attacks of propaganda on unsuspecting victims. Stand firm by your values and always keep an open mind to new information. (SP - This is a great one!  It's ok to discuss things like religion and politics but you will alienate the people around you if you insist your beliefs are the only right beliefs.  If you want others to respect your choices you must respect theirs)

19. Make a Firm Handshake

There is a considerable correlation between the characteristics of a firm handshake (strength, duration, eye contact, etc.) and a positive first impression. (SP - A limp handshake tells me more about you than anything you could possibly say to me.  Don't be afraid to practice shaking hands before meeting people)

20. Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face

Putting your hands on your face during a conversation tells the other person that you’re either bored, negatively judging them, or trying to hide something. (SP - Police interrogators know someone is lying
when they touch their nose)

21. Dress Clean

“Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance.” Henry Ward said that, and he knew exactly what he was talking about. People will always judge a book by its cover. While a stylish dress code is not absolutely necessary, it can drastically alter another person’s perception of you. (SP - Wash, iron and take care of your clothes.  This tells people you take care of the small details and can deliver on the big details too)


Have a fabulous day!

Friday's Random Thoughts....Kinda

Happy Friday!

I have been sick all week so I have only had two thoughts...

- Oh gawd I'm sick!!

- Oh gawd I'm sick and have to pull myself together for the Sophie Kinsella signing on Friday evening!

Sorry I am not more creative today but all of my energy has gone into surviving and getting myself into Toronto tonight.

I lieu of my FRTs I am giving you such a dose of cuteness I know you will be coming back to it over and over and over.  In fact...just bookmark this page and come back to it anytime you are feeling down or having a bad day...


This is Dolce and he is the little furbaby of High Heeled Life.  Is he spoiled?  Hm.  Well...let's just say I wouldn't mind if HHL adopted me based on how she spoils this little child dog.  HHL is hosting a Breakfast at Tiffany's sleep mask giveaway so hop over there and enter!

Don't forget to enter my uber preppy giveaway!

Have a fabulous day!

Friday's Random Thoughts

Happy Friday!!  What a week it has been!  I can't believe how busy it is around here with getting ready for Autumn, activities, family, and schedules!  I need a clone!

- The Little Prince has aquired a taste for a new food.  I am quite embarassed to even admit this.  The Furry Prince is not happy about it at all....one day I gave the Little Prince a dog cookie for the Furry Prince and rather than hand it over he decided to taste it...and hasn't looked back!  Aparantly dog cookies are the greatest thing ever as someone feels the need to have a meltdown in front of the pantry from time to time and when someone does get his little hands on them he eat them as fast as he can before mommy or daddy can take them away.  Yes.  I have that child.  **The dog cookies are all natural and human grade**

- As I was getting my closet cleaned out and ready for Autumn clothes I realised I hadn't worn a single skirt all Summer. I have no idea why except I just never had any opportunities.  Next Summer I need to make an effort to get them all worn.

- Fastest way to be unfollowed by me on twitter...spend an afternoon complaining about the crying toddler on the same flight as you.  Especially if you dont have children.  And start talking about how parents should be required to have a licence in order to have children especially if you base their parenting skills on one very high stress situation.  Karma is a b*tch. 

- My inlaws now know about the anniversary party and started off saying they dont want a party - does that sound a bit ungrateful?  The Suburban Prince thinks it seems a bit arrogant.  We didn't want to tell them but it was just way too hard finding a place we could get them to and also get all of their friends to.  So now they know and instantly MIL started trying to make suggestions but we told her she isn't allowed an opinion or to even bring it up.

- I finished reading The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest.  I have to say this one wasn't my favourite of the entire series but I was very satisfied with how the story ended.  It's a shame there wont be any more as I actually quite like Lisbeth.

- Thank you to everyone who left us Anniversary wishes!  We appreciate every single one!  High Heeled Life and her man sent us a beautiful flower arrangement - a photo is below!  Thank you HHL!

- I have had almost 900 unique hits on my blog since September 5th...20 from Toronto - that's enough for a great meetup!  I would love to know who they all are!  If you are one of my Toronto visitors please say hi or drop me a line and perhaps we can all get together for a great Toronto blogger party!  A unique hit is not how many times a site has been visited but how many individual IP addresses have visited.  If someone visits 45 times it will only count them once.  I am blown away at how often my blog is visited - I had no idea! 

- We were having a nightmare of a time whenever we went to change the Little Prince's diaper - to the point I was getting very concerned about why he was freaking out about taking off his diaper.  Turns out he wants to potty train and felt we were depriving him of the chance to sit on the potty.  Boys are so complicated!

- I am working on some chemistry in the form of a pumpkin pie martini.  *hic* I expect to have my concotion perfected by the end of the weekend tho I might be blogging from rehab by then!

Don't mind my ugly fireplace - it came with the house and is being replaced.

Have a fabulous day!

Friday's Random Thoughts

Happy Friday!!!  I can't believe it is September already!

- Let's keep our thoughts with our friends and family on the East coast.  I know a few of our bloggy friends and my brother-in-law are in the path of Earl.

- I am so impressed with people who do meal planning.  I have tried but then never know what I am going to feel like eating a week from now or if I will be invited out or will have time to cook on a certain day.  How do they stick to the plan?

- I had an iced tea lemonade the other day.  Now I know what all the fuss is about.

- The Little Prince was playing with a little girl's toy stroller and of course the result was a bit of a fight and some tears on the little girl's part (the Little Prince is very much like me, just give him what he wants and no one will be crying) and we were commenting on how all of the little boys don't bother with a toy until someone else is playing with it and I said this is why there are so many songs like Jesse's Girl and My Best Friend's Girlfriend.  Five moms in my age backet laughed...the 25 year old mom stared blankly.  Le sigh.

- My mom called on Wednesday night to complain that I never call her, to find out why she has had to call so many times to get a hold of me and to tell me they will be coming down on Saturday.  Background info...they sold their house and have not bought a house to move into and their current house closes on September 30th.  Pray for me.

- I had my first PSL of the season yesterday.  YUM!  But it was wayyy to hot in Toronto to be drinking hot, autumnal beverages.

- When I went to the school to pick up the Little Prince the other day his teacher said 'Bye Honey!' as we were leaving....the Little Prince turned back, waved and yelled 'Bye Honey!!!!'  *giggle*


Have a fabulous day!

PS...I have a giveaway coming on Monday!

Friday's Random Thoughts

Happy Friday!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I have had a very interesting couple of weeks - people are always so facinating!  They never cease to amaze me with their antics and behaviour! 

- I came home from the lunch the other day and the Little Prince came tearing down the call shouting 'Mommy, mommy, mommy!' and threw himself at me.  For no reason other than I had come home.  It was awesome!

- I went into Walmart the other day, picked up the one thing I needed and got into the '10 Items or Less' line.  As we were waiting the woman in front of me mumbled in to me 'I don't think she knows how to count' which, of course, made me look up to see what she was talking about....the woman in front of her had a FULL cart!  She had put 3 or 4 things on the conveyer belt when I said 'Excuse me madam, I think maybe you didn't notice this is a 10 or less line, you will probably want to be into one of the other lines'.  I like to think I have mastered the art of pointing out how stupid someone is in a subtly sarcastic way while appearing to be doubting myself in an innocent sort of way.  I thank all those years of watching Designing Women reruns and have learned anything can sound charming when said with a slight Southern accent.  Everyone around me thought I was charming - Full Cart Woman did not.  She was very ticked off that someone would actually challenge her, eventually took her items off the belt and said 'There!  Are you happy now?!'.  I replied 'Yes, because I am in a 10 Items or Less line' and she stormed off yelling obscenities at me I didn't care to rebut.  What surprised me is how 15 other people just stood there silent and staring.  I wonder if they would've helped at all if Full Cart Woman had physically attacked me. 

- My housekeeper had a get together at her house and since I was passing by on my way home from the aformentioned Walmart trip I decided to stop in.  One of the things she was serving is peeled, sliced cucumbers with salt.  That's the entire dish.  And you know, I had forgotten just how delicious the simplicity of summer can be. 

- My mail lady is very awesome.  If I leave my mail sticking out of my mailbox she will take it for me and mail it since she is going to the post office anyway.  This saves me going to the mailbox with a toddler in tow when that might be the only reason we leave the house that day.  Mail carriers are not obligated to take mail for anyone but mine has told me she doesnt mind as long as it isn't a big parcel or anything.  I send a lot of mail so a few times a week she will take cards and letters for me.  I was in our local chocolate shop buying chocolates for HHL so I decided to get my mail lady a box of them too.  I left a note on my mail box asking her to knock the door but I wasn't home when she came...the Suburban Prince answered the door and told her I got them for her because she is always so nice about taking the mail and always does a great job of delivering the mail.  He told me he thought she was going to cry!  She said no one has ever given her a gift for bringing the mail!

- When you go to a party and take a plate of something for the food table please dont try to take the food with you when you leave...even if you have only been there an hour and no one has touched the dish you brought.  If the host/ess insists you take some food then by all means...but it's tacky to claim ownership on food you brought to an event.  It no longers belongs to you, it belongs to the host/ess and the party.

- I have been reading the Millenium Series by Stieg Larsson and I can't put them down!  I am about halfway through The Girl Who Played With Fire and I am torn - I want to hurry up and get to the end and find out what is going on but then I also know there wont be any more than 3 books so I want to savour them. 

- And email conversation yesterday left me a bit tiggered.  It takes me back to this post about all of the free advertising bloggers do without even thinking about it.  Just this morning I saw posts on nail polish, stationary and clothing and I know none of those bloggers were comensated in any way by the companies.  I was contacted about putting some information on my blog and was actually expected to do this...just because.  Not for a link exchange, not for product, not for money...just because.  This isn't a small struggling business, this is a business with the money to hire the marketing team who contacted me.  Do you realise how many bloggers would do this for free and never ask what's in it for them?  Companies are now expecting to get free advertising on our blogs and somewhere along the line we missed the chance to make a killing!  No other publication would provide so much free promotion for every product under the sun.  **Update - Yes, we all blog about products from time to time, but I am seeing more and more blogs that are nothing more than product showcases and we have no idea how powerful these blogs are - these bloggers invest a lot of time and energy into promoting companies for nothing and the companies have budgets for this sort of thing.  If I blog about shoes there is the protential for 320 people guaranteed seeing it.  Who knows how many blog rolls I am on...so the thought that we aren't going to 'make or break' a company should be considered.  I do appreciate when someone blogs about a product I am considering, but I also think the company should thank that blogger for advertising for them.  I'm not saying stop talking about products, but what I am hoping is we will all think about what we are doing and perhaps let companies know we should be 'thanked' for our brand loyalty and positive posts.

- Are all men born knowing how to turn on a BBQ?  I dont recall ever being taught how to use one and every time I want to grill anything I have to ask the Suburban Princee to come and light it or at least talk me through it.

- Politics, religion and money conversations are best conducted in your own home, not someone else's.  If you are just entering the grown up social scene, keep in mind you don't always know who you are talking to and who might overhear you.  You could lose friends, opportunities and respect if your opinions are on the extreme end - 'neutral topics only' at cocktails parties!  Yes I got phone calls about an incident at our cocktail party.  I didn't even know about it so I must've been in the kitchen getting drinks or food or something.

- Does anyone know what happened to HB&HB ?  I realised I havn't seen or heard a peep from her all year and her blog doesn't seem to exist anymore.

- If you are wondering why you havn't seen me commenting much lately, I apologize but my time has been quite limited recently and I dont always get to go through all of my favourite blogs and leave comments. I have mentioned the word verification before and sometimes when I see this on the comments I just close the page and dont bother leaving a comment - it just takes too long with all the extra clicks and I know I am not alone in this so...here is how to take it off...At the top of your blog click on ‘Design’ then click on the tab called ‘Settings’. Click on ‘Comments’ then scroll down to the bottom of the page and where it says ‘Show word verification for comments?’ click on NO. Lastly, click on save settings.


Have a fabulous day!

PS...I promise this should be my last rant about blog ads...I have no idea why I have such a bee in my bonnet about it! 

Friday's Random Thoughts

I am loving this style of blogging!  I think this will be a regular feature!

- I bought a Christmas present last week!  I figure it's ok because we are closer to Christmas than we think.  I'm not going to say what it is or who it is for because the recipient reads my blog!

- I have applied for a position on the town council!  HHL actually found the information so I printed off the form, wrote and printed a letter (both on pink paper - if I could find scented pink paper I would've used that.  Yes I did just wake up one morning and said 'I think I will be on the town council!') and sent them in!  Now I just need to wait and see!

- I have my own domain now!  Why I didn't I think of this before! http://www.suburbanprincess.com/

- I am on LinkedIn now.  Click here to go to my page - if you are on there please add me!

- I find it annoying when I remove someone from my Facebook friend list (usually after they havn't responded to messages I have sent them) and 6 months later they message me all offended we aren't connected anymore.  If it takes 6 months to notice I am gone....why bother asking me why?

- Wouldn't it be nice if blogger had a feature to allow us to look at a blog and see who our mutual friends are?

- Small town drama...T is mad at K and telling anyone who will listen....T has had a lot to say about me even though she barely knows me but that doesnt bother me because the crowd she hangs out with is sooooo NOKD...anyhoo T has decided to tell me allllll about what K is supposedly doing.  It's quite hilarious to read pages and pages of emails T has written all about how she isn't one to talk behind someone's back then goes on to talk about K behind her back and none of it is flattering - very upset that K is talking behind her back (which actually isn't true - K's husband is the culprit) so she is now talking behind K's back to make sure everyone knows about it lol!  She keeps talking about karma - T actually sat in K's best friend's living room one afternoon telling her all about why she shouldn't be friends with K anymore....yes, karma.  I happen to have a very drama-free life but I just love other people's drama!

- Speaking of drama - RudeMom's husband was spotted in a 'romantic' situation on the beach a couple of weeks ago.  RudeMom wasn't there.  Do the math.

- High Heeled Life is having an awesome Lilly giveaway!  Please check out her blog - she is the sweetest little thing and is new to the world of Lilly so she is very enthusiastic!

- I spoke with the person in charge of fundraising for the women's shelter and we are going to get together in the fall to discuss my plans for a fundraising golf tournament in the spring.  I am very excited about this and it will be the first event I chair!

- I've decided I really like the term 'Classy Dame'.  Maybe I have been watching too much Mad Men.

- The Little Prince has learned about knives and forks and loves telling everyone what he is holding!  This is especially fun when we are in a restaurant and he is yelling 'F**k' over and over.  We are working on the letter 'R' this week.

- My cocktail party this past weekend was a success!  Everyone had a good time, lots to eat and enjoyed my musical selections!  I have learned there is a direct correlation between how much I dread a party and how successful it is.  Last year half of our guests cancelled on the day of that party (of course they weren't invited ever again.  They were all new invites.) so I was a bit stressed all day but I struck gold this year and everyone who RSVP'd came and behaved themselves! 

Have a fabulous day!