Casey Gets Fit: Week 9

Current Weight: 157.8 (down 7.2 overall)
BMI: 24.7

Blah to only losing 0.2lbs this week! I over-ate on the weekend, but I also worked off more than enough calories through running so I don't think I am to fault for not losing a pound. Sometimes weight loss is crazy like that! BUT, I did do something else this week- I took measurements! I haven't taken them in about 5 weeks, but I felt like my clothes had been getting looser so I was curious.

Since February I have lost:
2.5" in my chest
1.5" at my natural waist
1.5" across my belly
1" at my hips
1.5" off my butt

Wahoo!! That is 8 less inches of Casey!! I also measured myself after work, not early AM or after a workout so those numbers are realistic. I am super happy with all of those numbers and I 100% feel it in my clothing. Last week I returned a pair of size 12 pants because they felt too baggy. The 10s did up, but were too tight when sitting. So my goal right now is to make it into those 10s (I haven't bought them yet)! And that is pretty exciting because last year I found myself being between a size 12-14!

As for my exercise, I was fighting off a cold last week so I didn't work out Tues-Friday, but Saturday I put in a 5K (at a fast pace!), and Sunday I ran 10K in under an hour! A new record for me!! I am also trying to plank every day and do one upper body workout per week and I definitely feel stronger, even when I am sitting and doing nothing. I got some new insoles for my running shoes (Dr. Scholl's Active Series), which has definitely put a pep in my step when I run. I have heard you are supposed to replace running shoes every 500 miles/800 km, but I have no idea how far I have run in mine...however my shoes are almost a year old so I am sure the insoles were getting flattened.

My 10K race is in just under two weeks and I am getting excited! I do a lot of 10K runs, but the spirit of a race is really exciting and I feel like I will get a good time just from the atmosphere. My original goal was to run it in 55 minutes, but I am a sloooow runner so I think I am going to be happy with anything under one hour!

New Wig in the Works!

I know I usually do my weekly fitness check in on Mondays, but I have some exciting news! Plus, I am sure no one has even noticed that I do a weigh in every Monday. :)

I ordered a new wig!!!!

This is super exciting and something I have been planning (and saving for) for a few months. My current wig is 3 years old and really starting to show it's age. I started doing some research into different wig technologies on an alopecia forum (www.alopeciaworld.com) and a LOT of people were talking about this product called a Freedom Wig.

Now, I have always bought my wigs through a wig seller in Toronto where I basically go in, tell them the length and colour I want and they bring me out options, I pick one and get it cut and styled, then I whip out my credit card, and I walk out with a new wig. But these Freedom Wigs are sold through just a couple reps in Canada (they are a New Zealand based company) and they are custom made for your head- which means you need to be measured and you select your colour from swatches, not trying on first. Eek!

What is a Freedom Wig, you ask? Basically, the wig cap is a newer technology. Instead of a soft, hand-sewn mesh cap, the Freedom Wig cap is silicon and fitted perfectly to the contours of your head. This allows the wig to "suction" to your head- which means you can do updos (ponytails!), go swimming with it on, ride rollercoasters, exercise, whatever! You might remember how I went to a wig launch  a couple of months ago for a similar wig, except that one glued on. This one I still remove daily as you cannot sleep in it (but not sleeping in a wig means it lasts longer). A Freedom Wig should last 3-5 years and can be repaired if it starts to lose hair (vs buying a whole new wig). Oh, and it is like half the price. #winning

So I got in contact with the Eastern Canada rep awhile back and I got sized for my new wig this weekend!! She lives in Winnipeg, but flies out once a month to do fittings with new customers so I met her in a hotel by the airport. You only need to get fitted once because as long as you don't gain a bunch of weight your head shape doesn't change- so you can order a 2nd wig years later without a refitting!

Traced out my new wig cap

The process was fairly straightforward- she expertly traced out the shape of the wig cap and then applied vaseline and plaster to get the shape. The hardest part for me was that I wasn't allowed to move my face or talk for 45 minutes! Pure torture- especially since I had brought my best friend Jeni along with me (she did the photos).

Once it dried I had to move my face a lot to get it to separate from the skin (which is also why she put vaseline on first!). The photos of removing it were pretty funny so I had to share one :)

As for my wig- I ordered a dark brown with auburn undertones! I was worried about picking a colour because I am super indecisive, but the rep brought a couple of her own wigs (she is also a customer!) and I tried hers on and we all LOVED the colour on me so we just copied it! You can see it on her up above. The new wig will be longer than my current one too- it comes a few inches below my shoulders.

I had a couple friends pushing for blonde hair, but we found out that blonde wigs can take up to year to come in because sourcing long, unprocessed, blonde hair is very difficult. Wig hair generally comes from women either selling their hair or donations from places like Locks of Love. Most people don't know that places that Locks of Love actually only uses about 10% of the hair donations and sells the rest! I don't know WHY that is, but you may donate your hair for charity and I may end up paying big money for it. Also, long hair is hard to come by so every couple inches longer will cost about $1000 more. 

The ONLY downside I see with my new wig is that, while I can pull it up into a ponytail, one of my tattoos will probably show. They cut in baby hairs at the back to disguise the wig line, but I am not sure they will cover up that bad boy.

Oh well! I will just get some good make up for the odd day I decide to tie it up!

I cannot WAIT for my new wig. The two she had there were 1 year and 3 years old and they felt like brand new wigs (my hair feels all dried out and bleh these days). EEE!!! But I probably won't get it until the fall. Cue sad face! First they send me a cap to try on, made from my mold. Once I approve the cap the wig takes about 4 months. But I will keep you guys updated!

Hot Toddy Recipe

I am coming down with a cold. I spent Friday with my mom, who just confessed to me she has a cold, and then I also spent Thursday and Sunday with my dad who also has a bad cold! I should have seen this coming...

I am doing all sorts of things to try and head it off (vitamin C, oil of oregano, echinacea,  lots of water, rest), and one of the suggestions I got from Twitter was a hot toddy! I have made these before and they really do the trick, so I made a point of picking up some whiskey after work (I had everything else I needed on hand!). And if you don't drink, you can eliminate the booze- when I had a throat infection last month I basically lived off virgin hot toddies to get through work.

Here is my recipe for the perfect Hot Toddy!

Ingredients:
- 1 or 2 shots of whiskey or rum. I have also made this with tequila before, but whiskey or rum is probably better tasting. I just bought the cheapest whiskey I could find since I don't really taste it and I don't know my whiskeys anyway
- lemon juice (I prefer to use a couple real lemon slices, but I didn't have any)
- 1 tbsp honey
- pinch of cinnamon/nutmeg
- hot water or tea (I just use water since I add in lots of flavour with the spices)

Mix in a mug and then add hot water! You can use the lemon and spices to your taste too, and customize with anything else that sounds good to you. Then drink! The honey and lemon does wonders for a sore throat, so if you want you can just use those plus hot water.

Wish me luck in feeling better! I have no desire to be sick this week. It makes my Easter chocolate less delicious when I am stuffed up.

Pretty Turquoise Things

I have this rule about decorating my home- I don't buy things unless they are pretty. I have a theory that all pretty things automatically go together, so therefore it doesn't take much to make me say "yes" to pretty! Except sometimes pretty things are expensive and my biggest rule about home decorating is don't spend all my money.

I have been eyeing gorgeous lacquer and mirror boxes for awhile, even though I don't really have a need for one. I just think they are pretty! This past weekend I was at Winners (because that is where I generally can be found on weekends) and I found the prettiest mirrored box and it even had a turquoise pattern- and I am a fan of turquoise. I was expecting this box to be $60+ dollars like all the other ones I have seen, but low and behold, it was only $20 and the proceeds went to Shop for Hope, a charity devoted to helping women's shelters. Um, gorgeous, cheap, and for charity? I am in. PS- I also bought that gorgeous stuffed elephant on their webpage for my niece!

Ah, if only there was a home decor tip for storing a wig :). I am using the new box to store my nail polish, because I am fancy. I used to use a dollar store box, but I am pretty happy about this upgrade because there is finally room to store more polishes! To celebrate, I went out bought three more yesterday. I have an addiction.

I also picked up a set of 4 side plates!! Not part of the charity, but just pretty and needed to come home with me. I am trying to cut my addiction to buying pretty bowls by allowing myself to buy pretty plates. One day I shall find the perfect dinner plates and pasta bowls, and then I can finally toss my 5 year old, chipped set.

And lastly, this happened this weekend!

There is furniture and cushions on the balcony! Warm weather is in sight! It is still cool out most days and cold at night so I am keeping the plants indoors for a couple more weeks, but I was happy to make the balcony look a little cuter. I washed all the furniture and the floor on the weekend so it is looking much brighter and happier out here. The turquoise/green pillow isn't new- it used to be on my couch and then moved to the locker for a long time. I am thinking I am liking the colours with the navy striped pillows and yellow chair, so I think I will swap the flamingo pillow for the other matching pillow.

I am also now thinking apple green might be THE colour for the tabletop. What do you think?

Casey Gets Fit: Week 8

Current Weight: 158 (down 7 lbs overall)
BMI: 24.7

It is soo frustrating to lose weight sometimes. It happens slowly (unless you go all crazy on veggies and exercise, but I prefer to enjoy life while I lose the weight- and I hope to be able to keep it off easier by doing it this way!). I really really want to hit 155 and knowing it will probably take a MONTH to drop that 3 pounds can be depressing.

However, it is pretty fun to know I will get there, even if it takes time. Because I have a plan. A woman my height needs roughly 1800-2000 calories per day to maintain weight (this number really differs depending on where you look). A pound is roughly equal to 3500 calories. So by removing 500 calories per day I can expect to lose a pound a week. This is how my calorie counting app on my phone works and I have been working hard to stick to it and I am seeing roughly a pound lost per week! SCIENCE!

This week will be tough, because a certain Mr. E.B. showed up this weekend:

That Oh Henry bar is totally missing already. Mwahaha

But my diet plan is very simple- 1400 calories per day passes my mouth (maybe a touch more if I have had a really tough workout). That is all it is. So chocolates CAN be eaten, but I just need to watch out because if I eat too many there will be no calories left for dinner! I have been following this plan really well for 2 months now and it is so easy to follow because I do not deny myself anything- I have KD, pizza, chocolate, ice cream etc. I just watch the quantity and weigh my options when selecting something higher calorie. 

I think just jumping into "I will start my diet today" just doesn't work! You need a plan and you need to work hard to stick to it in the first few weeks while you make it a habit. I now track my calories and calculate my room for treat food without even thinking about it. 

Now excuse me while I figure out how much of that chocolate bunny I can eat today...

Happy Easter Weekend Everyone!

I know a lot of people are finished Lent yesterday, and I am pretty sure that means it is time to eat all yummy things! I hope the Easter Bunny is good to you and helps restock your chocolate and candy supplies, but if not, I thought I would share some delicious dessert recipes that I have blogged about.

I didn't do any Easter baking this year (sorry family), so please enjoy a gander at these yummy brownie cookies bombs I made last year!

Other yummy dessert recipes found (and taste tested by me) on Waffling:

Banana Cupcakes
Peppermint Candies
Colourful Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mini Apple and Pumpkin Pies
Pancake Cupcakes
Shortbread Cookies
Peanut Butter Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookie Cake

Please share your favourite dessert for Easter!

Kitchen Counter Organization

I have this spot on my kitchen counters that is generally used as a landing spot for all sorts of random things. I don't really use this little bit of counter for cooking or baking unless I am doing a really big recipe, so it generally collects other things like my Magic Bullet, my hair things, plates, bills, and random junk.

I removed the dishes for your viewing pleasure. And you can ignore the drill battery in the upper right corner- it is no longer works and I need to properly dispose of it. Oh and ignore all the mess in the hallway on the right- those are the pillows that are waiting to go on the balcony (Spring! Where did you go??)

Everything else I need to stay on the counter. The pink things are my shampoo and conditioner. I wear a wig and wash my hair in the kitchen sink with the vegetable sprayer so I need to keep this kind of stuff in my kitchen. I have tried keeping it in the bathroom but it always comes back out and then I am too lazy to put it away.

I have a theory that everything looks neater when in a tray. I did this in my bathroom and never looked back! So for the past little bit I have been on the lookout for the perfect tray for this space to corral all these random things- and last night I finally found one at Marshalls.

They had a bunch of sizes, and I wasn't sure what size I needed...but I think I picked right! It fits everything just right. It was $25 too, so not cheap but not terribly expensive for such a pretty tray. I love the mother of pearl finish and that it goes with the beige backsplash. Plus it will be easy to wipe clean, which is handy since I am pretty messy :)

Oh and this isn't a wide-angle trick, the long edges are actually curved. I love that all these random things finally have a pretty place to go and that more than half the countertop is now clean (and ready for more dirty dishes to pile up on it).

Do you have a go-to trick for looking instantly organized?

In Defense of White Appliances

You may have noticed that my kitchen has white appliances.

If you watch House Hunters (and the like) on HGTV, you may have noticed that a lot of people don't like white appliances.

This needs to change!

I happen to love my appliances. They do an amazing job keeping my food cold, then hot, then cleaning the plates I eat off of :). I also LIKE that they are white. I find they blend in more, and match the white furniture that adorns the rest of the condo. I am not sure why there is this trend to making your appliances more noticeable...it is like trying to make your furnace more visible!

Now, I am not going against stainless steel, white, or even pink appliances! Different rooms call for difference styles, and that is why different coloured appliances exist in the first place. I just feel like for my space, white is the best option and I hope that when I go to sell one day the people touring my place don't go all HGTV on me.

Here are some other great kitchens with white appliances!

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So tell me- what is your favourite "line" from House Hunters? Mine was the lady who almost didn't buy a house because the kitchen didn't have a built in microwave. I know it is a fixed show, but I do love the crazy things people pick on!!

I Can See Clearly Now...

The mud is gone! On my windows, that is.

This weekend I finally found nice enough weather/free time that allowed me to spend a couple hours to wash wash wash those nasty windows! I hate how I can barely see out of them during the winter- and my windows are all sheltered from direct weather! Window washing is pretty boring but I basically do this
- Fill bucket with soapy water (I threw in some vinegar too)
- Use a squeegee to sop that stuff all over the windows. I don't bother squeegeeing them clear yet
- Empty bucket (in sink- downstairs neighbours don't like unexpected showers) and refill with soapy vinegar water
- Squeegee again, but this time wipe clean after
- Finish with glass cleaner and paper towels. Do inside windows too

I didn't quite finish as I ran out of glass cleaner and papertowel- so the railing and the dividing wall are still a bit dirty- but it is a HUGE improvement and the whole condo looks cleaner!

Also this happened:

Yay furniture is out!! It needs a good cleaning, but I needed to pick up a good scrub brush as a sponge just wasn't cutting it. The cushions are waiting patiently in the hall :). Sorry the colours are a little washed out, it was an awkward time of day apparently.

In not too long it will hopefully look like this again out here:

I do have a bit of a to-do list for out here (though I am very happy with this "room"!)

1. Paint top of table
The table is so worn out from exposure and I think it would be fun to paint it a bright colour! What do you think? What colour?

2. Redo Black Trim
I never really liked how the black trim turned out- I think maybe something beefier is needed? And it would need to be nailed down (unlike this one, that is attached by heavy duty velcro).

3. Buy New Plants
Most of these plants have died (and in the last couple weeks the tree-like one has really started to go downhill). I don't mind buying new plants though- that one should be fun!

I don't think too much else is needed out here- do you have any suggestions on some changes?

PS- I wrote this post on Monday night when it was warm. I am just dreaming of being out on this balcony right now because it is supposed to get COLD again for a couple days. Argh Canada! Just bring me summer, please!

Casey Gets Fit: Week 7

Current Weight: 158.8 (down 6.2 lbs overall)
BMI: 24.9

Woohoo! My BMI is now considered in the "normal weight range"! That is pretty exciting :) 

This week was tough. I lost 2.2lbs, but it wasn't through any sort of crazy dieting or exercise. It was stress. Holy Moly did stress take a toll on me this week. It was just one of those weeks where everything went wrong at work. I won't get into details. I lost my appetite from it all, but I was still eating around the same calories so I don't think I lost the weight from not eating! Just stress itself...eating away at Casey.

However by Thursday/Friday the stress had dissipated somewhat and I actually found it hard to not overeat once my appetite comes back. Kind of how you can lose a lot of weight with the stomach flu, but once you are better all you want to do is eat! I was also pretty good with exercise this week too- no strength workout but I ran about 25km over the course of the week (10K last Sunday, 5K on Mon, Thurs, Sat). Getting geared up for my 10K run in only a month!

I've got to say, while I am super happy to being pretty close to 1lbs weight loss per week (my goal), it is sure isn't easy some days! I am learning a lot about portion control and how much I actually need to eat in a meal or a snack. I am also getting pretty good and not eating things that aren't delicious (like a snack that I thought would be yummers...but isn't...I just don't finish it!)

But I am getting so much better and learning that I can actually survive on UNDER 1400 calories if I am eating lots of healthy, filling foods. There really is no secret to weight loss except to eat less and move more. Calorie counting has been the bees knees for me to be able to stay on track, because even fruit adds up fast on the ol' intake list! I also signed up for two 10Ks and a 15K this summer (WHO AM I??) and those goals ensure that I am getting up and moving at least every other day. And I try not to eat more on workout days because really, you do not burn a lot of calories in a 5K. Sorry. It's true :(

So I am going to leave you today and celebrate my 6.2lbs weight loss...with a coke zero and a 8K run. Le sigh.

Today's Pump You Up Song: Push Push by Kat Deluna

Indigo Spring/Summer Launch

Hi. Remember me? I used to blog. And then life hit me square in the face with some personal stress and some work stress. Long hours this week meant I was getting home, eating some dinner, and climbing my stressed out body into bed. Sigh. But things have started to turn around! Hurrah!

Anyway, last week I was invited to go to the launch of Indigo/Chapter's Spring and Summer Collection! It was pretty fun. I got a media bracelet and people kept bringing me food. My kinda party. Anyway I wandered around and I snapped some shots of the beautiful things that caught my eye.

I think Indigo has the most beautiful accessories. The scarves, the jewellery, the pretty tea tins. I swooooon every time I go in. I pet the blankets, smell all the candles, and try on the bracelets. They even have adorable entertaining dishes now- like mason jar shot glasses. I mean, c'mon. Adorbs. I tried to take shots of just the new lines, but some other gorgeous things caught my eye and my lens!

Did you know that Indigo now sells Etsy items? They were such lovely items! I liked the Toronto candle, but I will admit that it smelled more like pine trees than Toronto. And this, people, is a very good thing. Especially if you have ever walked downwind of the meat processing plant in King West. Also, I really love journals, but I suck at journalling so I always just stare wistfully at them.

My two favourite items?

1. These Salad Spoons

I don't even like salad, so I will probably never have a need for these, but I loved the ombre paint on the handles. So pretty!!!

2. This Easter Dinner Setup

I loved the idea of a little nest for the plates. And the egg cups were so pretty!! I should mention here that I never eat hard or soft boiled eggs. So I never will have use of these egg cups! Why do I love all the things I have no use for??

PS- I feel like I need to mention here that my birthday is coming up next month. And Indigo has the prettiest stuff. AHEM. That is all.

Anywho, that was the fun of my Thursday last week! As a thank you for coming Indigo gave me an awesome mug and candle (and caramel popcorn that I am regifting because those calories ain't fitting in my daily goal). However, they did not ask me to write anything- I just wanted to share the eye candy with you guys because it is only ONE month until Mother's Day! I know my mom would like any of this stuff :)

Casey Gets Fit: Week 6

Current Weight: 161 (down 4 lbs overall)
BMI: 25.2

Losing weight is not easy. I have lost only 4 lbs in 6 weeks!! But if you consider I gained like 2 lbs in Mexico, I guess you could say I "lost" 6 lbs. I was hoping to be 160 this week, as I saw 160.8 on Wednesday morning, but I guess I shall settle for 161, which is what is consistently said after that. Still- 0.2 down is still DOWN, so yay! I also had a really good strength workout this week (in addition to a few runs) so I am hoping to see some muscle start forming! My goal is 1 strength workout and 3 runs every week (2 shorter, and one long)

This weekend I was a little piggy. My week was pretty perfect with calories and workouts, but Friday I was having a horrible day (including getting majorly puddle splashed on my way home from work!!), and I texted Cam that I was in no mood to cook so he brought over pizza. BUT- I only had 3 slices, unlike old Casey who would have hoovered 5-6! Baby steps, people. Then on Saturday I met my friend Jeni for lunch and the healthy options didn't appeal to me so I got eggs benedict- but it actually wasn't very good. We has had to apricot/prosecco drinks which were absolutely delish!

Side note here- I don't enjoy most salads. And the ones I do like actually end up being higher calories than some non-salad options! Salads can often be quite a diet ruiner depending on what is on them. So don't just get salad because it is "healthy"- be careful and make sure it isn't laden with delicious high-calorie dressing and toppings. As well, if I am eating out I am not going to order something I don't like and pay good money for it. I try to order the healthiest option of the foods I want to eat on the menu and then watch my calories at other meals or workout to make up for it. I ain't pay $18 for a cruddy salad :)

Anywho- I find tracking what I am eating at restaurants pretty hard so I entered it in my calorie counter, but I'm not sure if it was right. And theeeen I had a girls night planned! My friends Steph and Erika came into the city and we went to C'est What for dinner and beer (yum). I ordered a tortilla pizza- because I make them at home all the time and know they actually aren't a diet killer. It wasn't cheesy and I didn't eat the whole thing so I am hoping it was a good choice! I also turned down the option of sharing an appetizer. After dinner we went to see 50 Shades: The Musical. OMG it was hillllarious!! I was not expecting it to be so funny.

Hmm...where am I going with this post? I ate some junk on Friday and Saturday.

BUT THEN I RAN 10K ON SUNDAY MORNING!

Boo-yah baby! My time was 1:03 and I was doing 10 minute runs with 1 minute walks and I loved this method. I was able to maintain a pace between 6:15 and 6:20 the whole time, and maintaining a pace is hard so I was proud of this!

I don't think having a "bad eating day" means you should just pig out and start fresh the next day. I also don't really believe in "starting fresh". Nonono! I decided I am going to make up for my bad day! So on Sunday I was spot on with my calories (even enjoying some ice creamity cream from McDs). However, I got super ill on Sunday, so I was out of commission during my prime snacking hours so I can't claim all the glory. I am really prone to feeling ill on Sundays. Lord knows why.

Hey...maybe week 7 will see the 150s????

Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Icing

I was trying to fix my tabs last week (btw it is really messed and I think I need to delete them all because I can't edit any!), and I realized I hadn't done a recipe since December! Now, sometimes I feel a little silly doing recipes because I don't come up with them myself- but then again who doesn't loving sharing a good recipe that they tried out?

So today I present: Banana cupcakes with chocolate icing!

I found the banana cupcake recipe HERE
I found the chocolate icing recipe HERE

It is my boss' birthday this week and I decided this is an excellent occasion for cupcakes (a cupcasion, as I like to call such moments). He was a big fan of the banana muffins I brought in a month ago, so I thought he would appreciate banana cupcakes! And the man never turns down chocolate :)

I was going to take photos of all the steps, but y'all know what bananas and flour look like, and everyone has seen batter. So I just skipped right to the delicious afters. The recipe makes 14 cupcakes, which is kind of random.

I also want to point out that I made 12 in the oven and I just popped the remaining batter into my cupcake maker (yes, I have a cupcake maker). I found the cupcake maker made harder, darker cupcakes, but the insides weren't cooking so putting them in for too long couldn't be avoided! The recipe calls for only 300F, so I think it is safe to say that banana cupcakes need to be baked long and low. I can't adjust the temperature of the cupcake maker.

However, icing fixes everything so they are still going to be eaten! Most likely by me :)

Cupcake Recipe:
3 mashed bananas (I used frozen ones. Just defrost on the counter, cut off the bottom, and squeeze out!)
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
3/4 vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
3 table spoons buttermilk (I used one tbsp of lemon juice, mixed in with 1/3 cup of milk. Let sit for 10 minutes, then scoop out 3 tbsp)

Preheat oven to 300F. Lightly beat the bananas and sugar together. Add in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vegetable oil. Stir in flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. Pour into cupcake pan (grease the pan first or use cups). Lick bowl and beaters. Bake for 30 minutes.

Icing Recipe (I halved the original, but it was plenty still for 14 cupcakes):
1/2 cup softened butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
2.5 cups icing sugar (I guesstimated this)
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tablespoons of milk

Mix butter and cocoa together, then add in other ingredients. Play with the milk and icing sugar until you get the right consistency for you.

As of writing this I haven't tried one yet, as I have hit my calories for today and these suckers are about 350 calories each! But if the reviews are to be trusted, these suckers are gonna be worth every calorie.

Future Condo Dreaming

Even though I love love love my little condo, I sometimes fantasize about my next place and getting to decorate from scratch! Now I understand why all these bloggers keep buying new homes! I am thinking of making the transition in the fall but I still have a lot of research to do into the selling/buying process. It is scary. And sometimes I can't imagine leaving my little home.

I digress.

I am sure once I buy the new condo I will be over the moon and 100% ready for this new adventure! Plus, then I will know what kind of space I am working with and start planning out the style and colour scheme I want. Some days I am thinking lots of colours, other days muted. Some days modern, other days traditional. I am all over the map, but hopefully the condo will dictate the style (I will probably end up with a modern condo, based on the areas and condos I am already stalking online).

Here are some looks I am crushing on right now:

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This room has a bit too much whimsy for my style, but I love all the textures! I want a brick wall. Sigh..darn modern condos!! We shall see if a brick-look would work for the future Casa Casey.

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I love the detail added to an otherwise standard-grade wall. Cherish Toronto recently did something similar so I know this is something I could attempt! And those sconces! My current condo is always so dark, so figuring out lighting in the next place is key.

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I am thinking of going beige instead of grey in the next condo (again, depends how the actual condo I get looks and feels). I love this living room as an example of mixing grey and beige because I have a grey couch I intend on keeping!

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I like how this room is bright and airy! I also am crushing on accent chairs recently. I only have a loveseat, so I am can definitely see me needing an accent chair or two when I have a bigger space!

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Ok, this condo is an amazing mix of colours! But what I really love is how when you look closely you can see this is a modern condo too, like I will probably have! Just goes to show what the right style and colour choices can do to make a condo look homey and unique.

I am so excited to get started that some moments I feel like putting up my condo for sale right now! But I know patience is best and I have some big expenses this year that I would like to complete before I start. Plus, one more summer here will be great! Oh how happy I am that spring is finally starting to show it's face!!