Sarah's House: Master Ensuite

I’m sure I am not the only one tuning into Sarah’s House on Tuesday nights - it’s by far my favourite TV hour each week.  This week Sarah and her side-kick Tommy tackled the master bath; I was especially excited for this episode because I am patiently waiting for Newly Acquired Husband to give me the ‘green light’ to start and plan for our bathroom renos!  I'll admit it; I've added this bathroom to my inspiration file. 

Our bathroom is not 195 sq ft; and our reno will not be nearly as extensive, but I do like elements and want to share with you this grand (and glam) bathroom. 

What's not to love???

I love the double vanity and all of the storage that it offers.  Our current vanity is small with little to no practical storage, so my our new vanity will have all sorts of drawers and doors!

I also love the natural stone and various tones of green and grey that were incorporated; it makes the space feel soothing.   

Newly Acquired Husband and I have no plans of replacing our tub, but look at the freestanding one that Sarah added…a girl can dream right!?

courtesy of HGTV.ca

I am very excited for us to (eventually) begin this project; it’s still months away, but when I get the green light I'll be ready! :)

Does the 'Hollywood' Sign Exist?

My recent trip to LA sparked a desire to try and see the Hollywood sign - you know the famous one you see in movies and every episode of 'The Hills'!?

So while riding in the back of the cab along the various freeways from LAX to my hotel I was on the lookout for this...

photo courtesy Wikimedia.org

You would think it would be easy to spot!

Naturally I was BBM'ing a close friend and shared with her my thoughts that this sign didn't exist...to my surprise she disagreed said it existed; she's actually seen it.  

Determined now more than ever to see this sign I asked my crazy cab driver which way I should look; but he was too busy weaving in and out of traffic and listening to techno beats (live from a local club) to bother answering me.

I asked the hotel concierge about the sign when I arrived she said: “oh yes, it’s right over there; you will be able to see it from the night club upstairs”.  I was excited; I would be in that nightclub the very next day - I would for sure see the sign in the morning...or so I thought.  The sign is not visible when it’s rainy and overcast :( 

I've been to LA several times and have yet to see said sign.  And yet again I was unsuccessful.  I'm pretty sure it’s just a prop that they show us for fun to create a desire.

And then…just as I was about to board my plane home; someone sent me this…

The view from Drais Hollywood

*sigh* 

Travel Tip Tuesday

I spent my day trying to get a flight to LA for this coming weekend...tip: book a flight earlier than 4 days before take off!

Typically I avoid connecting flights (I'm sure we all do) I value my time; but days like today I had to bite the bullet.  I exhausted several airlines in an attempt to find a deal - but everything was coming in at $1400 ONE WAY!  I never thought it would cost to so much to get to Hollywood.  On a regular weekend it doesn't, on a regular weekend you get a flight for about $700 total.  But this weekend is not a regular weekend, this weekend the American Music Awards are taking place, so this weekend I will need to connect.

In light of today's travel woes; it's the perfect time to share with you tips for surviving connecting flights

1.      Whether your flight is non-stop or connecting delays are inevitable; if you have to connect the last thing you need is to miss your flight, so plan ahead.  I like to leave at least two hours in between flights

2.      Pack in a carry-on; if you have a tight connection chances are your checked  luggage won’t be making it, even if you do

3.      Depending on the length of your connection you may be able to leave the airport – it’s a good time to check out a city that you may not have otherwise visited. 

4.      Check-in for both flights at the same time – remind the check-in staff of this if they don’t do this for you.

5.      Be Zen – your travel time is naturally longer when connecting, so why dwell – it will make the travel feel so much longer

So my lesson of the day – book your flight in advance, it’ll save you your precious time (and money)! ;)

Safe Travels!

PMS!

Yesterday I had the privilege to spend the day with 500 amazing ladies (and a handful of gentleman and some Firefighters) in support of women's cancers.  I volunteer my time to help with Pamper Me Senseless (PMS); and I must say it’s up there on my list of “most rewarding experiences”.

Over the past 5 years this team has worked countless hours and come together to raise over $400,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society...I am proud to say that I have been a part of it!

What is PMS you say?  It’s about the women!  It’s about surviving, sharing and laughing!  It’s about the celebration!  Ladies get to spend their time shopping, shopping and even more shopping.. They can be pampered by 4 of our lovely vendors from within our community.  Pampering includes the opportunity to get their nails, hair or make up done or sign up for a short massage.  After they have spent all of their hard-earned dollars they enjoy a delicious meal and a fashion show with collections from local stores and designers.  Up next are the silent and noisy auctions, a keynote speaker and some entertainment to round out the day.  And finally, a celebration isn’t complete without a goodie bag to take home! :)   

This year we had Carole Bertuzzi Luciani as our keynote speaker; the crowd loved her, you can find out more about her here.  I do hope that one day you will be fortunate enough to hear her speak; yesterday was a first for me and it was a moodivational!  KW Glee also wowed us – there is some serious budding talent in this area.

I enjoy volunteering I find it to be a very rewarding experience - this week I am excited to be able to volunteer with Free the Children's We Day Waterloo.  
  Here are a few photos from PMS

Main Ballroom

Main Stage

Silent Auction

Travel Tip Tuesday

I like to think that I am a well seasoned traveller - business traveller that is; and as such I'd like to pass along some of my tips and tricks to you!  I'll be doing a short post each week...on Tuesdays ;)

It's a personal goal of mine to at least attempt to travel without checking luggage; not always attainable but I certainly give it my best!  To me, it is a form of art to be able to travel light and you wouldn't believe the time it will save you once you are at the airport!

If you are not one of the blessed and lucky ones that can achieve this goal I have listed what I think are "essentials" for your carry-on.  They will make your travel smooth and hassle free – all while keeping your carry-on within the restricted weight limit ;)

My Top 10

1.       Passport and ID: You can't go anywhere without your passport - treat this as your most prized possession while on the road.  Likewise, if you have a VISA to enter a country you will want to keep this with you.

2.     Money: I like to keep my money where I can see it; in my pocket!  

3.      Itinerary and Tickets: I usually put everything into my trusty BlackBerry so I have it handy, but I also like to keep a hard copy on me just in case.  You will need this information for filling out customs forms etc

4.     Valuables: Keep your expensive jewelry with you (or leave it at home); if you like love costume jewelry like I do and wear it every day, toss this into your checked luggage.  Keep your camera with you; you just never know when you may want to capture the moment.    

5.     Toiletries: I like to keep my toothbrush and toothpaste handy (especially for longer or over night flights); I also carry my contact lens solution and make-up remover wipes to freshen up (airplane air isn't exactly skin friendly).  Be sure that any liquids you pack are under 100ml and they all fit into one small clear plastic bag or they'll snag it at security.

6.     Medications: Travel can be so unpredictable so it's good to have these on you in the event you need to take them while en route.  It's always good to have a copy of your prescription or a Dr's note too – security could be having a bad day and decide to take it out on you J

7.     Music and Headphones: I like to travel with the noise cancelling headphones myself.  You can thank me when you are sitting beside someone that snores or have a crying baby nearby.  

8.     Change of Clothes: Depending on the length of your trip you may want to throw in a quick change of clothes in so you can feel refreshed at touchdown.  I like to add my bikini when heading somewhere warm - I figure if I have this and my toothbrush I am set for the week should my luggage get lost.

9.     Hand Sanitizer: You are trapped inside of an airplane with 300 other people for x number of hours...do you know the number of germs you will come in contact with?  Certainly not the cleanest space.  I keep my travel size hand sanitizer within arm’s reach and you should too!  

10:  Laptop: *sigh* 

All of these items are light weight and easy to fit into any carry-on.  Just remember anything you bring you have to carry (it says so in the name) J  

Travel safe and travel lightly friends!