Ugh, do you ever just feel like poop and there is no direct cause? That is me today so the thought of uploading photos and writing about them just makes me want to die. I am pretty sure the cause of my sickness is beer. It is so weird, because I went to Oktoberfest last year and I practically bathed in beer, but as I spoke about at the Shawville Fair, something is always ruining my fun and making my tummy upset.
So I am done with beer. I really don't drink it that much- hence why I never solved the riddle before- but I am going to miss having it as an option!!
In good news, I did my Terry Fox Run! I almost died and it was a pure mental battle to hit that finish line, but it was pretty awesome looking back.
I'll update you all tomorrow, but for now I am crawling back into bed to sleep off this tummyache.
Update: In retrospect, this post is kinda whiny. But I didn't feel well so Im allowed to be whiny. :P
Monday, September 17, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
My Tips: Nailed It!
I know what you are thinking- Casey is going to give us tips on hammering and using nails. But you would be wrong! Today's post is about fingernails and how to make them look like they were professionally manicured! I don't know about you, but I don't have $20 to spend every two weeks on a manicure, and even if I did I would probably smudge it before leaving the nail salon.
Therefore I contacted my ever-sleek friend Jeni to ask how she keeps her nails in tip-top shape, and here is what she had to share.
1. Apply the first coat and wait for it to dry completely. You can poke a nail with another nail to test- if it is dry it won't leave a mark
2. Apply second coat and let it dry as well
3. WAIT OVERNIGHT
4. Apply third coat, if needed
5. Apply top coat, if desired. Some higher end nail polishes will be plenty shiny on their own! However, a top coat can prevent colour transfer on paper. Dark polishes can rub off and leave marks, and I don't know about you, but my boss doesn't appreciate pink marks on paperwork :)
6. If you get a chip, file it down and paint over the nail
Because my Anthralin treatment causes staining under my nails, I haven't worn a light colour in awhile. But the staining has been minimal lately so I busted out the pale pink! This is OPI's "Sweet Heart" and it is one of my favourite colours.
Before you even start a nail regime, be sure to invest in good quality polishes. Jeni and I both like OPI polishes because they last longer and go on smoother (less coats needed). If I am buying another brand, I like to open it in the store and see if it has a wide brush- so much easier to apply!!
Other awesome tips that I heave learned over the years!
And I know, you are probably wondering why I don't have step by step photos. Well...I tried. But it is impossible to take action shots of doing your nails ;)
Therefore I contacted my ever-sleek friend Jeni to ask how she keeps her nails in tip-top shape, and here is what she had to share.
- Store your nail polish in the fridge for a longer life
- Roll the bottle between your hands to warm up before use. Do not shake as that will put air bubbles in the polish!
- Use an emery board (metal is best) to smooth out the edges
- Wash hands well, especially if you have used nail polish remover
- If your nails are thin or brittle, keep them short to prevent breakage and round the edges of your nails (We both find regular polish use beefs up our nails)
- Skip the base coat (I actually have read that a base coat prevents the polish from staining your nails, but if you switch it up often or use pale colours this isn't a concern)
1. Apply the first coat and wait for it to dry completely. You can poke a nail with another nail to test- if it is dry it won't leave a mark
2. Apply second coat and let it dry as well
3. WAIT OVERNIGHT
4. Apply third coat, if needed
5. Apply top coat, if desired. Some higher end nail polishes will be plenty shiny on their own! However, a top coat can prevent colour transfer on paper. Dark polishes can rub off and leave marks, and I don't know about you, but my boss doesn't appreciate pink marks on paperwork :)
6. If you get a chip, file it down and paint over the nail
Because my Anthralin treatment causes staining under my nails, I haven't worn a light colour in awhile. But the staining has been minimal lately so I busted out the pale pink! This is OPI's "Sweet Heart" and it is one of my favourite colours.
Before you even start a nail regime, be sure to invest in good quality polishes. Jeni and I both like OPI polishes because they last longer and go on smoother (less coats needed). If I am buying another brand, I like to open it in the store and see if it has a wide brush- so much easier to apply!!
Other awesome tips that I heave learned over the years!
- If your hand is not that steady, apply vaseline to the edges of your nails. Nail polish won't stick to vaseline, so when your nails are dry you can just wipe off the vaseline AND extra polish! This tip works well for letting a kid do your nails too ;)
- Another tip is to do the dishes once your nails are dry- the extra polish will break off and disappear, leaving only the polish on your nails. Clean dishes are a sweet extra!
- Just wait a day and peel off the polish on your skins
- If it is winter and you just painted your toenails- there is still hope for getting your boots on! Apply oil (If you're at the salon, use cuticle oil. If you are at home- why are you wearing boots? haha) to your toes, wrap in plastic wrap, and put your socks over!
- If you DO invest in a professional manicure, bring your own polish! That way if you get a chip you can fix it yourself!
And I know, you are probably wondering why I don't have step by step photos. Well...I tried. But it is impossible to take action shots of doing your nails ;)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Let's Talk About Tech, Baby
Recently, there have been a lot of articles out there about unplugging from technology. It seems our lives have been run over with "gadgets" and many people have a really hard time turning it all off and just connecting with people. I don't think I have a hard time turning off my technology, but I do have a whack-load of technology in my tiny condo. I am not going to list it all out, but if I take into account computers, TVs, gaming, music, photography, etc I have about 15 different items of technology!
That is just insane. I remember when I went away to university I cancelled my cell phone because there was a FREE landline in my room. Now I have two cell phones! I also cancelled my cable for an entire year last year just for fun. But I found it too quiet living alone without a TV so I always found myself turning on movies.
When I think back to my childhood, we did have a Nintendo, but my brother rarely let me play it (haha). We also only watching one hour of TV and when I turned 12 and got a TV in my room it was on a timer to turn off at 10:10. I honestly remember a lot of time playing make believe. Do kids still do that?
When I think back to my favourite memories, none of them involve "watching TV" or "playing Angry Birds". So if we aren't making memories, why are we bothering to spend so much money on all this stuff? Honestly, 99% of the technology you own is a LUXURY. A TV and cable are NOT fixed expenses! While I think you need to have a phone, a smartphone with an expensive data plan is also a luxury you choose to have. I got most of my technology second hand or as gifts and I actively search for better deals on month carrying costs of my items.
When I cancelled my cable, I got Netflix. It is probably the best $8 I spend every month because I can watch so many TV shows and movies! Considering the price of cable in Toronto, it was money well spent. When I chose to get cable again, I chose a less expensive package and I love the channels I get on it.
Another point on contention with having lots of technology is storage. I keep all of my DVDs and Blu Rays in a CD binder to save space. I also have a universal remote and I thought I would take some time to discuss that! I used to have a bajillion remotes and I wanted to get something that would seamlessly control them all. For Christmas one year, my dad got me the Logitech Harmony 700.
This remote is super easy to set up and works amazing. My TV has a ridiculous amount of inputs, but the Logitech help line was able to help me get it all up and running. I also like that if something isn't working properly, I don't have to use trial and error to fix it- there is a help button which asks a bunch of yes or no questions and can fix the problem! My only complaint is that you cannot rename custom settings. That is kind of annoying but I rarely use my custom ones.
It is kind of funny how technology can take over our lives and then more technology comes out to help organize our lives. Have you seen those homes that run on Ipads? You can apparently run your whole house (think temperature, lighting, audio, etc) on an Ipad! Sometimes I am confident that I finally live in the future, but I really wonder what kind of world my kids will grow up.
Do you have a love/hate relationship with technology?
That is just insane. I remember when I went away to university I cancelled my cell phone because there was a FREE landline in my room. Now I have two cell phones! I also cancelled my cable for an entire year last year just for fun. But I found it too quiet living alone without a TV so I always found myself turning on movies.
When I think back to my childhood, we did have a Nintendo, but my brother rarely let me play it (haha). We also only watching one hour of TV and when I turned 12 and got a TV in my room it was on a timer to turn off at 10:10. I honestly remember a lot of time playing make believe. Do kids still do that?
When I think back to my favourite memories, none of them involve "watching TV" or "playing Angry Birds". So if we aren't making memories, why are we bothering to spend so much money on all this stuff? Honestly, 99% of the technology you own is a LUXURY. A TV and cable are NOT fixed expenses! While I think you need to have a phone, a smartphone with an expensive data plan is also a luxury you choose to have. I got most of my technology second hand or as gifts and I actively search for better deals on month carrying costs of my items.
When I cancelled my cable, I got Netflix. It is probably the best $8 I spend every month because I can watch so many TV shows and movies! Considering the price of cable in Toronto, it was money well spent. When I chose to get cable again, I chose a less expensive package and I love the channels I get on it.
Another point on contention with having lots of technology is storage. I keep all of my DVDs and Blu Rays in a CD binder to save space. I also have a universal remote and I thought I would take some time to discuss that! I used to have a bajillion remotes and I wanted to get something that would seamlessly control them all. For Christmas one year, my dad got me the Logitech Harmony 700.
This remote is super easy to set up and works amazing. My TV has a ridiculous amount of inputs, but the Logitech help line was able to help me get it all up and running. I also like that if something isn't working properly, I don't have to use trial and error to fix it- there is a help button which asks a bunch of yes or no questions and can fix the problem! My only complaint is that you cannot rename custom settings. That is kind of annoying but I rarely use my custom ones.
It is kind of funny how technology can take over our lives and then more technology comes out to help organize our lives. Have you seen those homes that run on Ipads? You can apparently run your whole house (think temperature, lighting, audio, etc) on an Ipad! Sometimes I am confident that I finally live in the future, but I really wonder what kind of world my kids will grow up.
Do you have a love/hate relationship with technology?
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Fifth Wall
If you are picking paint colours for your place you probably look around you- but do you ever look UP? There is another surface up there that doesn't need to be a boring ol white blank slate! Maybe you are stuck with popcorn ceilings and then this is only a pipe dream. Maybe you are stuck with CEMENT popcorn ceiling and are secretly crying inside ever since you realized there was wall up there crying for colour.
Some people think you shouldn't paint a ceiling because it makes the ceiling appear lower. But take a gander at this sexiness and tell me you don't want to reconsider:
Now I may be one of those people with cement popcorn ceilings forged in the depths of hell, but I do have a smoother surface over the kitchen and the bathroom!!! I don't think I will paint the kitchen (that would be weird with no walls, wouldn't it)...but I am eying that bathroom ceiling. Did I ever tell you my condo bathroom is only 7ft tall? Seriously, this bachelor studio couldn't be any less "loft-like" if it tried.
Ok, it has been five minutes and now I am totally considering painting the kitchen ceiling. I really need to buy a place with more walls.
Some people think you shouldn't paint a ceiling because it makes the ceiling appear lower. But take a gander at this sexiness and tell me you don't want to reconsider:
 |
| House to Home |
 |
| Apartment Therapy |
 |
| Vintage Revivals |
 |
| 4 Men 1 Lady |
 |
| Inviting Home |
 |
| Homedit |
 |
| Chic Geek |
 |
| Fauxology |
 |
| Fauxology |
Ok, it has been five minutes and now I am totally considering painting the kitchen ceiling. I really need to buy a place with more walls.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
A Shoe-per Improvement!
A weekend where I pick up a drill is a weekend I consider productive, and this was one of those weekends! Of course, it would have been more productive if I had picked tiles too, but a girl can't fulfill all her dreams in 2 days, can she?
This weekend I decided to tackle this problem:
Can't see the problem? Let's move in closer:
Yes, this may sound shocking, but my $10 shoe rack completely fell apart and I had a total shoe-valanche. This rack is pure evil. First, it was like 2 inches longer than the box said. And then it would NOT go together and constantly fell apart. I finally got it together and then 6 months later, this happened. I guess you get what you pay for! So it was time for something a little more permanent and less breaky-breaky.
I picked out a simple white metal shelving thingy online, but my Canadian Tire didn't stock it. Therefore I call on Mr. Dad to find it and went to his hardware store and got an inexpensive rail unit that attaches to the wall. I have no idea what it cost- sorry! But I don't think it was terribly expensive and he already owned the rails that I used.
First thing to do was clean out the closet.
This obviously led to the question- why do I own so many shoes?
I seriously wear two pairs of shoes. My expensive and uber-comfy Clarks flats and my Rockport boat shoes. This fall and winter I will add in a single pair of boots, which I will wear every day. Yet I own like 20 pairs of shoes! And I realize this is probably 1% of some women's closets, but it is still silly. I don't even wear heels (at the tender age of 26 I am already turning into a crotchety old lady). But shoes are beautiful and I cannot stand to toss them. They decorate my closet!
Back to the closet- it was now cleared and ready for install!
But before I got to that, I wanted to see how many shoes I could fit across. I wanted to install along the side, instead of the back, because I like to tuck my vacuum in the back and out of sight. The side wall is 35" deep and the back is only 31" across. That is 4" of pure shoe space. I put a rack together and saw how many shoes could fit before I hit 35". Luckily four pairs could easily fit in 30" so I could install my bars anywhere I like (they are easily adjustable from 24" to 42").
Installing the racks on the wall is super easy- IN THEORY! I would have never ever guessed that the stupid wall in the closet is stupid CEMENT. I get the outer walls being cement- but a tiny closet wall?? I could only get my drill to go in about a centimeter, I swear. argh.
Ok, I will admit that is irrational. But I was tired. It was probably just some tough studs. Should have used my pointy drill bits (technical term).
To remedy that, I did this:
Yup, I cut my plugs down the size. Because the screws are not terribly long and the rails being about half an inch deep, they actually didn't need to go super deep into the wall. At least I hope so, because I don't want to deal with another shoe-valanche.
Then I had rails installed and they were level! Go me!
The actual shoe racks just snap into place and through the magic of the internet they quickly went from this:
To this!
They stuck out much farther from the wall than I expected (There are three depths for men's shoes, women's and kids. I chose the women's one, even though I have giant man feet). I kinda think maybe I should have put this rack along the back...but then I'd have to move coats and vacuums and crap to get back there. So I don't know!! But for now I am too lazy to move it.
Yes, I did end up shifting the height of each shelf so I could hang my organizer for gloves and clutches. And I added a wall hook for my bag of reusable bags. I think it is looking nice and organized now! I also have a couple more rails I may install up higher to put shelves on for more storage.
I also purged a couple shoes. Maybe I should start wearing heels again??
This weekend I decided to tackle this problem:
Can't see the problem? Let's move in closer:
Yes, this may sound shocking, but my $10 shoe rack completely fell apart and I had a total shoe-valanche. This rack is pure evil. First, it was like 2 inches longer than the box said. And then it would NOT go together and constantly fell apart. I finally got it together and then 6 months later, this happened. I guess you get what you pay for! So it was time for something a little more permanent and less breaky-breaky.
I picked out a simple white metal shelving thingy online, but my Canadian Tire didn't stock it. Therefore I call on Mr. Dad to find it and went to his hardware store and got an inexpensive rail unit that attaches to the wall. I have no idea what it cost- sorry! But I don't think it was terribly expensive and he already owned the rails that I used.
First thing to do was clean out the closet.
This obviously led to the question- why do I own so many shoes?
I seriously wear two pairs of shoes. My expensive and uber-comfy Clarks flats and my Rockport boat shoes. This fall and winter I will add in a single pair of boots, which I will wear every day. Yet I own like 20 pairs of shoes! And I realize this is probably 1% of some women's closets, but it is still silly. I don't even wear heels (at the tender age of 26 I am already turning into a crotchety old lady). But shoes are beautiful and I cannot stand to toss them. They decorate my closet!
Back to the closet- it was now cleared and ready for install!
But before I got to that, I wanted to see how many shoes I could fit across. I wanted to install along the side, instead of the back, because I like to tuck my vacuum in the back and out of sight. The side wall is 35" deep and the back is only 31" across. That is 4" of pure shoe space. I put a rack together and saw how many shoes could fit before I hit 35". Luckily four pairs could easily fit in 30" so I could install my bars anywhere I like (they are easily adjustable from 24" to 42").
Installing the racks on the wall is super easy- IN THEORY! I would have never ever guessed that the stupid wall in the closet is stupid CEMENT. I get the outer walls being cement- but a tiny closet wall?? I could only get my drill to go in about a centimeter, I swear. argh.
Ok, I will admit that is irrational. But I was tired. It was probably just some tough studs. Should have used my pointy drill bits (technical term).
To remedy that, I did this:
Yup, I cut my plugs down the size. Because the screws are not terribly long and the rails being about half an inch deep, they actually didn't need to go super deep into the wall. At least I hope so, because I don't want to deal with another shoe-valanche.
Then I had rails installed and they were level! Go me!
The actual shoe racks just snap into place and through the magic of the internet they quickly went from this:
To this!
They stuck out much farther from the wall than I expected (There are three depths for men's shoes, women's and kids. I chose the women's one, even though I have giant man feet). I kinda think maybe I should have put this rack along the back...but then I'd have to move coats and vacuums and crap to get back there. So I don't know!! But for now I am too lazy to move it.
Yes, I did end up shifting the height of each shelf so I could hang my organizer for gloves and clutches. And I added a wall hook for my bag of reusable bags. I think it is looking nice and organized now! I also have a couple more rails I may install up higher to put shelves on for more storage.
I also purged a couple shoes. Maybe I should start wearing heels again??
Monday, September 10, 2012
I Want to Go Tile Shopping!
This weekend my friend and I made plans to go to this giant tile store in the city (discount tile store! woo-hoo!) but it was CLOSED. On a Saturday!! Why on Earth would a tile store not be open on a Saturday? That is like, optimal tile-shopping day in my opinion. And then all the other tile stores were closed by like 5pm and it was already 4pm so we never went tile shopping. Yes, I am terrible at planning tile-shopping trips.
Planning a bathroom reno is hard. Way harder than I expected. See, if you gave me 5 choices, I could totally pick out one! But right now I have unlimited bathroom options and I am drowning in choice!! I change my mind every single day. I think if I can pick tiles, perhaps I will gain a vision. I am 100% behind white or light grey tiles for the floor and shower, so then other choices and switcheroos would be super easy. Neutrals for the win!
But here are my thinkerings so far and I want you to weigh in!
1. Extending the tile:
What if I extended the shower tile all the way on this wall behind the toilet? That might be different and fun! Plus then I could always stare and smile at my pretty shower tile.
2. Beadboard or board and batten or wainscoting or something fun like that??
I love this look, but my bathroom is super small and it might not be big enough to bother.
3. Paint colour?
Sometimes all I can think of doing is to paint the bathroom some super fun colour, like hot-pink! Because I am a single gal and this may be my only chance to paint a room a super girly colour (of course I would repaint for resale...let's not be silly). But then I start to doubt my idea of getting a dark vanity because I don't know if it would look as good with bright paint as white would. And trust me, when you are comparing the awesomeness of hot pink versus navy and yellow, it would be nice to know that both go with the vanity.
4. Should I replace the medicine cabinet with something larger and offers more storage? Or what about open shelving with pretty baskets? Why do I have so much crap in my bathroom? These are the ideas that keep me up at night.
Besides the 600 design decisions I am agonizing over, I am also trying to figure out budget. I can guesstimate the cost of a vanity and tile, as my friend just did a similar reno and she advised me on the awesome deals she scored at the tile store that closes on Saturdays. But I have no clue on contractors. I don't want to tile the shower myself because I have never done tiles and you don't want to screw up where water damage could be involved! And now that people know I am renovating, contractor friend of friends are coming out of the woodwork and I am wary to working with friends or family because it can be hard to be honest with their work.
Oh, but in good reno news, I found out the pool on the 9th floor has a change room and said change room has a shower and a toilet! yay! So I can stay clean during my reno! But hopefully I will have a toilet because I don't know if they lock that room at night. haha. Maybe I should befriend my neighbour?
End of story- if I end up with 5 contractors who make me board and batten out of tiles and paint the walls hot pink and navy stripes, you can totally understand.
Design is hard.
Planning a bathroom reno is hard. Way harder than I expected. See, if you gave me 5 choices, I could totally pick out one! But right now I have unlimited bathroom options and I am drowning in choice!! I change my mind every single day. I think if I can pick tiles, perhaps I will gain a vision. I am 100% behind white or light grey tiles for the floor and shower, so then other choices and switcheroos would be super easy. Neutrals for the win!
But here are my thinkerings so far and I want you to weigh in!
1. Extending the tile:
What if I extended the shower tile all the way on this wall behind the toilet? That might be different and fun! Plus then I could always stare and smile at my pretty shower tile.
2. Beadboard or board and batten or wainscoting or something fun like that??
 |
| Source |
3. Paint colour?
 |
| Source |
4. Should I replace the medicine cabinet with something larger and offers more storage? Or what about open shelving with pretty baskets? Why do I have so much crap in my bathroom? These are the ideas that keep me up at night.
Besides the 600 design decisions I am agonizing over, I am also trying to figure out budget. I can guesstimate the cost of a vanity and tile, as my friend just did a similar reno and she advised me on the awesome deals she scored at the tile store that closes on Saturdays. But I have no clue on contractors. I don't want to tile the shower myself because I have never done tiles and you don't want to screw up where water damage could be involved! And now that people know I am renovating, contractor friend of friends are coming out of the woodwork and I am wary to working with friends or family because it can be hard to be honest with their work.
Oh, but in good reno news, I found out the pool on the 9th floor has a change room and said change room has a shower and a toilet! yay! So I can stay clean during my reno! But hopefully I will have a toilet because I don't know if they lock that room at night. haha. Maybe I should befriend my neighbour?
End of story- if I end up with 5 contractors who make me board and batten out of tiles and paint the walls hot pink and navy stripes, you can totally understand.
Design is hard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)