If you didn't know already, this weekend (number 8 on my summer bucket list) was pretty amazing for me. And it's all because of 5 men. And my sister, asked me if I wanted to go to a certain concert because her husband decided it wasn't his thing (win for me!). Who are these 5 men you ask? The one and only Backstreet Boys!
Let me tell you, they still got it. All of them (as seen here). Howie did a nice booty shake, but sadly I can't find a video. Just Youtube it, and I'm sure you'll find something close. And then there's Nick. Nick has had me, ever since I was 6 years old.
Feel free to read a little overview of how great the concert was here.
Anyway, it was amazing. So, here are my favourite five this week.
Favourite Howie:
Favourite Nick:
Age looks well on him, that's for sure.
Favourite Brian:
Favourite Kevin:
He was always one of my favourites.
Favourite AJ:
So now, feel free to go on with your day, preferably listening to BSB. And get excited for their movie. I know I am! ;)
My beautiful sister just got married!! I'm so happy! She made a beautiful bride! In the spirit of weddings, I've decided to make another post about it.
I got put in charge of the wedding playlist for the reception. Mostly I just tried to avoid Y.M.C.A., the Chicken Dance, and the Macarena. I also wanted to have songs that have a solid beat, that people will actually want to dance to. That being said, you have to keep in mind all generations that will be there and appeal to them too. So, there are a few songs, by request of my Mom and Dad, plus a few that older generations will appreciate.
So I was at the gym on Wednesday, and I had a really good playlist going, and I realized how important it is to have great music to motivate you while you're running. Good music takes your mind off of running, or at least motivates you to keep going - that is scientifically proven.
SO, I figured that I should make my own playlist of my favourite songs to help me on a run! Courtesy of 8tracks, here it is:
HELLO BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE! Thanks for stopping by! I quickly just want to thank everyone who has read my post on loving yourself/body and being kind to it and to others. It's my most popular post yet! It makes me so happy that people care about what I have to say and are getting something from it! You guys are the best!!
Now onto the business of the day. But not really business - it's actually fun! My favourite five of the week!! Woo!
Favourite Knowledge:
Seriously! Do it!
Favourite New Band:
TWIN FORKS! I went to see Phillip Phillips last night and they were the openers. Blew my mind. So talented. Plus I talked to them briefly after and they were super chill and genuine - very grateful for their fans. They've only been around for about a year, but I expect them to get big soon. Check em out!!
Favourite Snack Idea:
What, what!? Homemade fruit roll ups!! It's like my childhood!
Favourite Escape:
Currently we're having a second winter. Not cool mother nature. So I like to dream of places like this:
I'd be down for Bermuda.
Favourite Quote:
I think most of us have heard some variation of this before, but it's true. Celebrate the little successes. And when things are less than ideal, think about how you're growing. :)
Hi friends!! How are you attractive people doing?! Good. So, I'm in a great mood right now, and I just want to share some things that make me happy, m'kay?! Enjoy!
Favourite Music:
Some of the kids in this video can dance better than me! Props little ones. I swear, I want to have dancing little babies when I'm older. So presh.
Favourite Documentary:
So I first saw this documentary about 4 years ago....I think. I was in Kelowna, BC visiting some family, and they took my sister Sadie, my friend Jenna, and I to see the Happy Movie. I was seriously impressed! SUCH an enlightening movie! Since seeing it, I've become super interested in positive psychology. I can't wait till I can take the 400-level class in school!
Here's a little clip:
Why live life unhappily?
p.s. I bought a DVD at Lu Lu Lemon about a year after it came out, but I'm not sure if they have it anymore. If you can't find it anywhere else, check it out on their website.
Favourite Laugh:
I've talked about Remi Gaillard before. He is fearless and hilarious. And apparently making a movie?!? What! I'd go see that fo sho! Just watch. You'll love it....as long as it's not happening to you.
Favourite New Track:
Performed by the one, the only, REBELLEN!!!
I also just really love the pictures in the background.
Favourite Family:
My own!! OF COURSE! Haha. And no, this isn't one of those awkward family photos. Although it is comparable. Photographer: "Okay, funny faces!" My brother: (thinks) Imma whip off my shirt! Everyone else: Reactions are as shown above. Click.
If you read to the bottom of my post last week, I said that I'd give you a list of stocking stuffers for the Fittie (or Fitness-Freak) in your life. And I come through people! So here it is!
2. Hair elastics, bobby pins, headbands, etc - This one's obviously geared towards girls, but regardless, it is extremely necessary. If I go to the gym and I have everything but an elastic, I might not end up going. Or I'll settle for some lame stretching, or light cardio. Still, I think it looks silly if you're hair is down at the gym. It's like those girls who put excess makeup on to go to the gym. You're trying too hard girl. Plus, it'll clog your pores. This is how I feel about that:
3. Larabars, LUNA bars, or ClifBars - These puppies are tasty, and fit perfectly into a stocking! Personally I love the White Chocolate Macadamia flavour, but these are probably the tastiest protein bars I've ever had. No joke.
4. Headphones - Who doesn't like headphones that actually stay in your ears while you're running?! These Apple ones are good for a decent price, but if you can splurge, these Bose ones are amazing!
6. Mini Perfume/Cologne and Deodorant - The reason behind this is that it's not nice to smell after you go to the gym. If you don't have time to shower, at least use some of this! Sephora gives out tons! Especially if they're about to close. If you ask nicely, they'll help you out.
7. Sunnies - If you're a hard-core runner who braves the outdoors even in the Winter, these are a great idea! Just be careful, because sunnies don't look the same on everyone. They can look good on you, but might not on the giftee. I've heard great things about Oakley though, so check it out!
8. Tea - Perfect for cold weather, and perfect for cravings. I love having tea when I want some flavour, but don't want a lot of calories or sugar. I'm a supporter of Teavana! Seriously the best tea ever! Sorry all you David's Tea fans. Plus, this White Chocolate Peppermint Rooibos smells soooooooo good!
10. An Orange - See Mom! I do like them now! It's a nice way to start off your Christmas morning, and balance all that chocolate/candy you've already consumed 15 minutes since waking up. ;)
Today my internet was disastrous slow. So this post is being made late. Since I wasn't able to use the internet, I spent my day reading Harry Potter, napping, watching Melissa bake and eating the cookie dough baking, eating Oreos and whipped peanut butter, dancing to Dirty Dancing with my homegirl Mel (you should all go do that), and hanging out with my sister and her bf. Oh and studying too.....I do that. But alas, I spoke with my provider for an hour and the issue is now fixed. My Wi-Fi name is now Hogwarts also. I would consider it a successful call.
Side note: Have you seen this video? It's fleeping hilarious!
On a more important note! I made dinner tonight! It was delicious! My Pops told me to make it again = success. I adapted a recipe from The Biggest Loser cookbook. The original recipe was for Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry, but I had no sweet and sour sauce handy....so you make do. I had some peanut sauce leftover from a different stir-fry I made, so I used that instead. I'm happy it worked so well as a substitute.
I really want to get a good camera, but for now, my I-phone will have to do.
I tried black rice for the first time and it was surprisingly delicious! I was worried about it being dry or something, but it was super tasty. Anyway, enough talk! Here's the what you'll need!
Plus some minced garlic, not shown.
Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
(Serves 4)**
1 tbsp Cornstarch
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tsp Sesame Oil
1 cup of 1/2"-wide strips Onion
1 cup of 1/2"-wide strips Sweet Bell Peppers
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1/4 cup of Peanut (or other, such as Sweet & Sour) Sauce
Directions:
1. Thaw the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix well. Add the chicken and toss until the chicken pieces are throughly coated.
2. Cut up veggies and place a large wok/skillet on medium-high. When hot, add 1 tsp sesame oil, onion, pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the garlic softens and the veggies are crisp-tender, 2-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook or the garlic may burn. Transfer the veggies to a large bowl and cover to keep warm.
3. Return the pan to medium-high heat and add another 2 tsp of sesame oil and chicken. (The original recipe says to add it in halfs, but my wok was big enough, so I didn't feel the need to). Cook until the pieces are lightly browned. Stir the pieces regularly until the chicken is no longer pink, 4-6 minutes. Add the veggies back into the skillet to warm them up, if necessary, with the cooked chicken.
4. Transfer the chicken and veggies to a medium serving bowl, add the sauce, and mix until well combined. Divide the stir-fry among 4 plates with black or brown rice.
**(I used half a cup because I made a double recipe, which ended up feeding 5/6 though).
Make this baby. You will not regret it. And have a happy Tuesday night!!
Oh heyy there! Oh? You say it's not actually Wednesday? Oh, yeah. I definitely meant to post this yesterday. But hey, I get busy! I am human. But, better late than never, right?! Wednesday is humpday, which means we have officially made it halfway through the week. So let's celebrate shall we? :) In honour of humpday here are my favourite five things of the week! 1) Fav Vine:
Penguins are so stinking cute!!
Or this one -
I just love Harry Potter, and this is hilarious.
2) Fav Song:
Ed Sheeran, you just melt me. That voice. It's like silk in my ears. (Weird analogy? ...Maybe, haha).
This isn't the video I wanted, but I had a hard time putting the one I did want on here. Here's the better one. :)
