If I won the lottery...

I've thought about it, now and then.  What would I do if I won the lottery?   I know, for sure, that I would still want to work.  It may not necessarily be the same day job that I'm doing at the time, but I would be working nonetheless.   I'd spend my time on helping others, and would want my job to involve helping others.  Perhaps I would do it on a part time basis.

When I say help others, I mean to make an incredible impact, life changing even, to help others gain inner strength, grow, achieve their goals, and make all of our lives a more positive place to be.

If I won the lottery, and I'm taking about a large amount of money, I would spend much of it toward furthering my education.   I would do the following programs in full and in depth:

• Coaching (Adler or Erickson or both!)
• NLP (directly from creators themselves - Grinder and/or Bandler)
• Hypnosis 
• Energy Coaching
• Astrology
• Graphology (Hand Writing Analysis)
• Reiki

I find all of these areas very fascinating.   I enjoy learning and taking self-development courses.  I find it to be an amazing feeling to have the skill set and ability to help someone transform their lives to a world that that they once could have only dreamed about.  

I will eventually take most of these programs, slowly, as I am become able to afford them.  It is a challenge with the prices being what they are at the moment.   But I am the turtle not the rabbit, going nice and steady, nice and slow.

  

Day 2 at the Whole Life Expo with Gail Thackray

The second day I had class all day, but once that was done I walked over to help out with Gail's seminar.  I volunteered to take photos.  Speaking of, I took some with my camera because I felt her camera didn't give great results.  I have to remember to send her those photos next week!

I was the only volunteer on the first day, but on the second, there were many volunteers. I really connected with one of them.   I actually spoke with her for hours after the event was over!

I did ask for another blessing at the end of my second day.  You can never be too blessed!  This one was pretty intense.  She did spend quite a bit of time on me.    After Gail had blessed me, she told me that she had cleared away some stuff for me, so now my healing ability will be much stronger.

Gail asked me to pick a book when I asked for the blessing.  I really wanted the Reiki book.  I've wanted that one since I first saw she was selling it.   I just couldnt afford to buy anything extra at the time, so it was just a wish.  I was soo happy that Gail asked me to pick a book.  There were only 2 Reiki books left at the booth before we had left to go to the seminar room.   After she said that, I was sending it out to the universe hoping there would be one Reiki book left, and I was willing to wait until the books were packed from the booth, and brought down to the seminar room, at the very end.  Once the box of books from the booth arrived downstairs, I looked in, and there was exactly one Reiki book left!  I truly believe that I am lucky.  That book was meant for me!  I believe that when you open yourself to the universe, the universe does listening.  I was soo happy!

Gail signed the Reiki book, leaving a note saying 'You are a powerful healer'!  Wow!  That is actually what I want to be, a healer of sorts but how would she know?   I don't believe she wrote that for the other volunteers.   What did she see in me?  All she knew about me was that I was taking a course in NLP.   That note really did have quite an impact on me.

It was a great day!

Day 1 at the Whole Life Expo with Gail Thackray

I recently volunteered at the Whole Life Expo for Gail Thackray, Medium/Spiritual Educator (http://gailthackray.com).  I decided to do this, because I thought it would be interesting, educational, and but mainly because there was a spiritual element to it.   I personally have a growing interest in spirituality.

Gail started out learning Reiki, and eventually became a Reiki master.  She soon realized that she had the ability to talk to spirits of loved ones, and that started her on the path as a Psychic Medium.

At the Whole Life Expo, Gail offered everyone blessings/healings.   I handled the sales of her books.  I felt very much outside of my comfort zone when I first started, as I didn't really know much about her or her books, so I couldn't answer half of the questions people would ask me!  I did quickly pick up and understand what was going on.

Digby was working the vendor booth beside Gail.  He was selling crystals, which most were from the sacred site in Brazil where John of God is located.  These crystals said to be blessed and powerful.   Digby was a sweetheart.  He is such a gentle, loving person.   At one point he thanked me, calling me Angel, and that felt truly amazing!

I was surprised at how easily they trusted me with money.  I took several hundred US dollars from Gail, and also Digby.  I know I am trustworthy, but how would they know.   Both of them had come here with only American money.  I walked through the path to the Royal Bank on Front and Bay to exchange the cash for Canadian.

One of Gail's main purposes for being at the Expo was to let everyone know that John of God (http://www.johnofgod.com) was coming to Toronto in March!  John of God is a healer, that can even heal people remotely.   That is how Wayne Dyer was healed from leukemia.   I was so nervous volunteering, that I even called him John of Mars, instead of John of God, when describing it to customers.   Ooops.  A bit funny, but mostly embarrassing.

Gail was also at the Expo to share her experience in Brazil with John of God.  She wrote a wonderful book called 'Gail Thackray's Spiritual Journey Visiting John of God.  The book describes the details of her experience.   The book is well written and an easy read. It is said that this book has been contains energy, and if you put it under your pillow, you can feel the spirits working to heal you, as you would if you were at the sacred place in Brazil with John of God.   She sold a video as well, that was said to be so powerful, you can feel the energy as you watch the film.

I watched one customer in particular, as she placed each book by her stomach.  She was testing out the energy on each of the books.   She decided on purchasing the same book on Gail's Spiritual Journey.   I asked this woman about what she was doing, and she definitely felt something with this book.   I thought that was very cool.

One feeling I did get, is that for Gail, it wasn't so much about selling her books or video, as it was about offering blessings/healings, and making people aware about John of God's first visit to Canada.

After my first day of volunteering, I asked for a blessing from Gail as well before I went home.  She  gave me that same book, and told me to hold it near my heart, so she would be able to bless me and the book at the same time.  She signed my book and wrote 'You are already connected'.   I thought that was really cool, and wondered what made her decide to write that.

I thought it was odd that she didn't ask me if I wanted a blessing, but later realized, when reading her book, that her belief is that one should ask for it.

Just Dance 3

I bought Just Dance 3 for my Playstation 3 quite some time ago. Today I decided to open the package and try it out. I figured since I've been lazy about going to the gym, this will give me a bit of a cardio workout. And that it did.

The game looks a lot easier than it actually is. I seemed to only get one to two stars per song. I was shocked that it kept calling me Lazy, when I really was trying! I didnt like that too much. I guess I will need lots of practice to master that.

I decided to go through the Song list, and I saw a song that looked like it was Hindi words spelled in English. I decided to investigate further. The cartoon dancer was dressed in traditional indian clothing - a saree! So, I had to try this dance out.

It ended up being an indian song that I am familiar with. The name of the song was Kurio ko Uddar le Jana. I dont personally watch indian films or listen to indian music. Only on special or rare occasions will I watch a film. So it was very cool, to know this song. It was pretty easy to dance to, yet I still was only able to get two stars for my attempt.

Who would have thought - an indian song on Just Dance 3 ? Very cool.

Good Day

Ever have one of those days where things just seem to be going well. And even if it all doesnt go exactly as planned, you still feel pretty good. I had one of those days on Wednesday.

I had won a pair of screening movie passes for 'Frankenweenie' for Wednesday. I was pretty excited about this. It had been a while since I have won movie passes. Funny thing is, I actually won passes for the same film playing the week before in Mississauga. I wasnt able to make that showing because it was playing at the same time as my Spanish classes, and its really important that I do not miss any of my classes, if I want a passing grade. The course is only 4 weeks long, and twice a week. So there is a lot of material packed into each of those days.

I had arrived just about an hour before the movie started, and my friend was there waiting for me to arrive. Shortly after we lined up, they started letting people into the theatre. There was some crazy and ridiculous security checking going on. First they made everyone with a smartphone to drop it in a brown paper bag. Then there was a guy checking purses and bags. Lastly, there was another guy with a metal detector. Three steps just for a film? Insane. I still made it in with my not-very-smart-phone, that Im borrowing from a friend, because I broke mine. After the movie was over, and we were leaving, I actually heard someone say something about security not checking iPads, and kids recording via their iPads. I did enjoy the film. It was good, not great though.

I had a few Cineplex vouchers that just expired, and I went by Customer Service to ask if they would extend it. I was told he can't extend it, but that he would accept still accept it. Yayy!

My friend left right after the movie, which I wasn't happy about. Made me feel like it was a waste to come downtown just for a movie, because then its not really a free movie anymore since its costing me over $12 to take the GO bus downtown. He had to leave to do a Skype class meeting with his group. So, that is a good reason, but I just wish I had known before, so I would have asked someone else who did have time for me. The fun part is after the movie, chatting and talking about the film. Its not just about the film but its about connecting with friends, and I felt that I didnt get that in the end.

I almost went to see another movie afterward, to make the most of my time downtown, but then decided against it, and enjoyed my slow walk back to union station. I got to union station with 5 minutes to spare, but I had to reload my presto card, so I decided I would wait for the next bus. I then somehow managed to get a small tim hortons french vanilla cappucino for $1.05. Not sure how that happened. Then I took my time to walk over to the bus terminal. To my surprise, when I got there, the bus was just waiting for me! Ok, it wasnt waiting for me specifically, but there was a bus there, that just started to load people onto it, and the line wasnt a mile long, like it normally is. I'm guessing there was so many people, that they called in another bus, and I was in time to catch that. Saved me from waiting another 25 minutes for the next bus! Perfect timing!

So overall, it was a pretty good day! Go to see a screening of Frankenweenie before its released to the public, I got a deal on a cappuciino, and made it in time for the bus, all while taking my grand ol' time!

Deal Site vs. eBay

I was looking at a deal website this morning called DealTicker. I found many things I liked and was about to buy, due to the shopaholic in me, but then something happened. This idea came into the forefront. Not sure why, but my intuition told me to consider looking on eBay before I spend all that money on things I dont really need. I think one of the prices made me think twice, and I thought of eBay as a way to compare the price to make sure the deal really was worth it.

Low and behold, I am suprised I didnt realize this earlier, but the prices are vastly far apart. For example, a shoe organizer was $30 for two of them on the deal website, whereas on eBay, it was only $3 each, and I didnt have to buy two! That is a savings of $27 dollars, that's 90%. I was shocked. That goodness something caused that unconscious mind to do more investigation.

I was also looking at the iPod docking station on the deal website, $14 and it came with a stylus feather pen. I found both on eBay for a total of ~$4.50. That is a $10 savings, ~70% off!

I will still keep my eye on the deals websites, focusing more on services, and much less on products. I did end up buying the 6 package of negative ion sports watches for $4 total. Thats one price that eBay definately cant beat.

All in all, I will never see online product deals the same again.

Colour your world!

Yellow is the new colour I am considering.

I have been told that a yellow handkerchief will give me good luck!

 

Karma, Astrology and the Laws of Attraction

On different occasions, I had introduced the ideas of karma, astrology and the laws of attraction to a friend a few months back.  We talked about manifesting our desired outcomes by opening ourselves up and sending it out the universe; and about how karma and astrology affects us.  Ended up creating confusion.

She said to me - first you tell me that we can control our own destiny but positive thinking and using the universe to manifest our desires, and now you tell that karma and our astrological chart controls us?!   Which is it!?  

She was very confused.   I wasn't really sure what to say, or rather how to explain, as I do believe in all three - Eastern Astrologer (based on science:  precise logic of math and planetary cosmic energy), karma (which I believe to related to astrology), and the laws of attraction (I've never read the book, but I have been able to manifest outcomes by opening myself up to the universe).    If you asked me about this last year, my answer would have been different.   I have just had my eyes opened in many ways the first half of this year.  

Today I just read an article online that discusses the answer to my friends question.   It discusses how the law of attraction (by Rhonda Byrne) is incomplete because it fails to discuss karma, which is a very important factor.   One cannot simply manifest any desire if your karma wont allow it.  

The article does not speak of astrology, but in my opinion, astrology is a useful tool to discover your karmas, and to minimize its effects.   With that knowledge, then one can work on a achieving a reasonable desired outcome.    It all starts with knowing yourself.   

Here is the article: 

http://electro-denizen.hubpages.com/hub/-Rhonda-Byrne-The-Secret

My happy posters

Just found my old posters!  Time for them to go back up!

New MAC brush set!

When I walked by the MAC counter at the Bay yesterday, I was stunned at what I saw!   I absolutely love the duo fibre brushes.  Those are the brushes with the white tips.  So, its no surprise that I was excited to see a new limited edition brush set containing only duo fibre brushes.   Now, that I think about it, I'm tempted to buy another!  Yes, I have already bought mine.  I am excited to start using them!

I love not just the look of these brushes, but also how soft and good it feels on my skin!  

The collection is called 'Beth Ditto'.  Her collection is online at maccosmetics.ca but for some reason I couldnt find the brush set collection online.   There are actually two special edition brush sets.  The other is not duo fibre.

See below.  Its kind of cool and funk with the colours on the brush holder case.

Here is the inside holding the brushes.  I haven't taken off the plastic around the brushes yet.

And what is this?

A warning label on the brush packaging.  This I did not expect.  I paid regular price for mislabelled brushes!    Something is several wrong with that!!!

I still love my new brushes, but mislabelling them and selling them at the retail level is just so very wrong.

Dynamite Stores Promotion

One of my favourite retail clothing stores is Dynamite.   The main reason for this is because I love the fit of their pants!   I have a difficult time buying pants anywhere else, that I don't even try any more.   The pants sold at Dynamite not only fit well but they also are very comfortable!

There is a promotion starting today (July 12) and goes until July 15.    See the image below.

For the actual coupon, please Like the Dynamite page at https://www.facebook.com/Dynamite and you can retreive the coupon there.  

The moment

I read this in the Metro newspaper this morning.   I just had to share:

The moment we open our eyes in the morning and come into consciousness is a precious opportunity.  At this moment, our ability to create the day is at its most powerful, and we can offer ourselves fully to the creative process by filling this moment with whatever inspires us most.  It may be that we want to be more generous, or it may be that we want to try to be more open to beauty in our daily lives. 

--Natasha Dern, Host of Buddha Lounge

Metro Newspaper, June 26, 2012

YSL Workshop

 I participated in the YSL Workshop today at the Bay.   I  learned several new tips and tricks, which made it worth spending the time alone.  I do admit I am a sucker for gifts and freebies though.   There was a gift for participating in the workshop.  I also got a gift for pre-ordering items.

I received a dual eye shadow in neutral colours for participating in the workshop.

For pre-ordering items, I received a mini gift pouch filled with 75ml Toner/Cleanser, YSL Bracelet, Black mini eye liner, mini mascara and 20ml cleansing foam.

At the end, each of us were able to get our makeup done.   Below is a photo of my eye makeup.  The makeup really made my brown eyes pop.   The lady did a really great job on my eyes - the photo doesnt do it any justice.

Here are some pics from the YSL Workshop lead by Dell Ashely that took place this afternoon.  Sorry some of them are blurry, and a bit dark.

Product Display

Another display

Handsome and nice gentleman serving appetizers

Appetizer

Dell Ashley

Dell Ashley talking about the YSL Skincare line

I'm looking forward to my one-on-one makeup application done by Dell Ashley himself tomorrow!

Karen Miller

While shopping at the Primm Outlet mall, I discovered a new retail store.  Its not new, but its new to me.  Its called Karen Millen.   I believe that this is a high end UK designer brand.   It is available in the US but not in Canada.  As I walked through the shop, I loved almost every pair of shoes they sold!  They do sell clothing as well, I just didn't have enough time to check it out!

The shoes at Karen Millen regularly sell at the retail price of $200 - $600 I believe.

I couldn't believe the deal I got on the following two heels!
Original retail value:  Between $200 - $300 each.
My price:   ~ $30 each.

 

My favourite buy were these heels below, made with Swarovski crystals.
Original retail value:  $599.
My price:  much less than half price.  I promised I wouldnt say.  ;)

I cant wait to wear them all!

The Precis dress is MINE!

I posted about a dress that I fell in love with in April.   I just couldn't justify buying it, one for the price, and two, I don't know where I would wear it.  I don't own any long dresses, and have no idea where I would wear it.    Well, guess what?!

I was doing some shopping to prepare for my trip to Vegas, and was walking through the Bay at Square One.   Then, the dress came to mind, and I decided to go and see if they had it still, and at that location.   They did!   Not only that, it was on sale, and there was only two left, one of which was in my size and fit perfectly!!!!   How could I say no?!  Vegas was the perfect excuse to buy it, especially under the circumstances (last one, and on sale).

That definitely made my day!

Here is the dress:

And here is the dress on me:

The dress did get me a lot of attention.   It shows more cleavage than I am used to, and comfortable with, but I am very happy with this buy.

Will miss Betsey Johnson

Its sad to say that Betsey Johnson will be going out of business.   I have been a devoted follower and shopper of the brand for some years now.

Today the prices had been slashed even more to 40% off the lowest price on everything.

I dropped by Betsey Johnson today, to pick up a pair of earrings.   Only a pair of earrings, as I have already done some crazy shopping at the outlet in Vaughan Mills in Toronto, and also at Primm Outlet in Las Vegas.   I should have known better.   I ended up with not only that pair of earrings, but also a cute ring, 3 dresses and this watch (see below)!

I was actually tempted to buy more, but stopped myself, as I wanted to wait and see what is left when the prices get slashed even further.   For the items I did buy, I didnt want to take that risk.

The Vaughan Mills Outlet has officially closed I'm told and their remaining items have been sent to the Yorkville location.   Many items are only in single pieces, including the dresses I bought, so its come and get them while you can.    I even checked out the BetseyJohnson.com website, and there isnt really anything of my taste left to buy online!

I am really going to miss the cute and fun styles of Betsey Johnson.  Not sure how I will fill that void, but I am happy to hear that the brand will still be sold at the Bay in Canada and Macy's in the US.

Fun Betsey Johnson Watch

Beautiful Pearl necklace

Wow, I really went on a shopping spree today at the Bay's cosmetics and fragrances Gala.  My favorite and biggest purchase was this one beautiful pearl necklace.

The only reason I looked in that section was because the gold jewelery was 60% off.   The only thing that caught my eye in that area was this pearl necklace.   I was quizzing the sales associate who was helping me, on details of the quality of the necklace.   Turns out the sales associate was clueless.  Not blaming her - I don't think it was her area.  She was only there because it was super busy.  She would go back and forth asking the subject matter expert my questions.  Actually she wouldn't have had to go back and forth so many times if she listened to me and asked the right question.  I kept on paraphrasing the question over and over.  I did end up learning a bit more about pearls by doing so.

It turns out the majority of the cost of the necklace is for the gold and diamonds.  It is very small detail for a pretty penny if paying full price.  I was mainly interested in the pearls, not the minor detail which drove the price up.  I decided to purchase it anyhow.   It is so elegant and classy!   Perfect for me!

The reason why I was interested in looking at pearls is because I recently found out that it will increase my luck....or may be more like reduce any bad luck.   This is for my particular birth chart according to indian astrology so I  wouldn't recommend you follow in my footsteps here.   A family member of mine has a strong interest in Indian astrology, and he was the one that  gave me that piece of advice.   This is not the fake fun astrology we are used to in the western world.   This is real ancient science that's involved.  But enough about that.

I find it funny that I was never interested in pearls when I was younger.  I used to think it was for old people.  Betsey Johnson actually helped me drop that false belief with some of her fun pearl necklaces.  I actually bought a couple of them, but I'm thinking those are artificial.   I will have to ask next time.

I can't wait to wear it!

Precis Dress!

I enjoy browsing through Precis clothing.  I find it to be very feminine -  professional, and yet feminine sexy at the same time!


Saw this dress while window shopping yesterday, and fell in love with it. 

The photo doesnt do it any justice.... I just cant find an excuse to buy it - I mean that I dont know where I could wear it.... 


Suggestions? ;)   

Zellers liquidation

http://www.zellers.com/liquidation/en/default.aspx

Oreo

Oreo celebrating 100 years at the Eaton Centre

Lemongrass

I visited Lemongrass at Square One, Mississauga on Sunday evening with my Mother.  The one thing about going to a restaurant with my mom, is that she has a really good taste for food.  She can tell if the oil was old, and many things like that, of which I would be clueless about.   So, on our adventure at Lemongrass yesterday, my mom complained that the food was too cold.   She likes it steaming hot but it was lukewarm.   On top of that, half of it was warm, and the other half was cold.  This indicates that the food was MICROWAVED!!!    I convinced my mom to ask them to warm it for her.   She didn't want to, but I knew she wouldn't enjoy it lukewarm/cold, so eventually she did ask.   It is pretty disappointing to go out for dinner, and have microwaved chinese food!    I guess it must be true, that a lot of places may not make food fresh, but I guess I just don't want to know about it.  

Regardless, I enjoyed the food.  Its not the best I've had, but its definitely not the worst.   Funny thing though, eating the Sinagpore Vermicelli leftovers today, it tasted way better today than it did yesterday!  Oh, maybe it is because a bit of the Lemongrass chicken was mixed into it.

The top photo is of the Coconut-Peanut Chicken.    Bottom Right is the Singapore Vermicelli with Chicken and Shrimp and bottom left is the Lemongrass chicken.

Richtree

I didnt know there was a Richtree at College Park!  I will have to check it out one of these days...

Homeless in Yorkville?

I learned something interesting this weekend about those who beg on the streets of Yorkville.  Both yesterday and today I offered food to homeless people on the street, and in both instances they refused!!! 
The man today was begging in a loud voice about how he was soo hungry.  What a lie.  All he wanted was money.   Do these people have no shame?  When I offered him my leftovers he had had no interest.  So I walked away disgusted.
The first supposedly homeless man on Saturday was an older man who was sitting in the floor with a blanket.  When I asked him if he wanted my leftover noodles he said no!  That it had too much sodium. 
If someone is truly hungry they will eat anything.  Period! 
This was the first time Ive had homeless people refuse food.  It just reinforces my belief to never give them money. 

Vending Machine Fun

An odd thing happened to me.  Well, it happened in two parts.  I am taking a screenwriting workshop this weekend, and as part of the schedule we get two breaks.  One break is before lunch, and the other is after lunch.   The people attending this workshop seem to be from all walks of life.  It isnt a cheap workshop though,  I think I paid around $99 with a voucher deal but its claimed to be a value of $349.  I would be surprised if anyone paid full price though, as it is a lot of money for a basic course.

During the first break, I went down to the vending machine.   As I was looking for change, there was an middle aged man at the chips/chocolate vending machine.   As I was waiting for him to be done with the machine, I noticed that it seemed like he was having a difficult time with the machine.  So, I spoke with him and asked him if the machine was working and he got what he wanted.   He told me that he wanted the Caramilk, but the machine gave him an 'Oh Henry' instead, but he cant eat that, because he is allergic to nuts.    He offered for me to go ahead of him, but I said no, that I would wait.

So, as I watched, he put in his money into the machine again attempting to get a Caramilk again.  He told me he pressed C-6 last time, and I watched him try again.   I watched, as he pressed C, then 5.  He did not realize that he kept pressing C-5.   I noticed right away, and pointed it out to him.  He told me he couldnt really see.   I guess he has weak eye sight but he wasnt wearing glasses.   He put both Oh Henry bars on the top of the vending machine, and told me someone else can have it.

I felt bad for him.  Even though I was planning to get a bag of chips, I decided to get the Caramilk for him and I took the two Oh Henry bars.

Fast forward to the second break.  No one was around when I decided to get a can of Coke from the vending machine beside the one I used at first break.  I only had a five dollar bill, so had to go to the registration desk and get change.  I ended up with three loonies and 8 quarters.   I decided to use the quarters to buy the Coke.  My money kept getting spit back out by the machine.  I didnt realize this until almost all of my quarters had been put in.   I took back my quarters and tried one again.  Same thing.   I thought that was weird.  I decided to press the Coke button for the hell of it, and see what happened.   Guess what?!  A can of Coke came out.   I tried pressing it again, but nothing.

Basically today, I ended up with a free bar of chocolate and a free pop.   What are the chances?  Do these adults have no idea how to use a vending machine?   Someone must have put money in and walked away.   I'm just shocked....

Trips and falls

I am not sure what is going on with me.  I have been pretty clumsy the past two days.  Either yesterday morning or the morning before, my foot just slid on my driveway taking me to the ground.  It was like a sheet of ice but you couldnt tell.  The temperature was warming up quick too.
Now today I tripped climbing up the GO Train stairs to the top floor.  Im not even sure how I tripped there.  I think my boot just slipped on the dust/dirt :p   Im guessing 'll having bruising on my right thigh and left shin.  Thats where it hurt, and it hurt quite a bit. 
Its funny, that I felt like crying but it really didnt hurt that much.  I think I was more hurt that no one cared and no one asked if I was ok.  There was a man that was climbing the stairs in the other side at the same time as me who said  nothing.  There was even two guys behind me that said nothing.   Really.
Oh great, now Im starting to feel aches and pains... The side of my foot and my right knee :s. 
I think I'll have to buy grips for these boots. 

Facilitation

Next week, Tuesday, I will be playing the role of Facilitator for my Life Skills Class.  This will be my first time facilitating EVER!  I started getting that nervous feeling already yesrerday.   Ohh those stomache butterfies. 
I am the one who would go through great lengths to get out of doing any sort of presentations or speeches if I could find a way.  Ive always been the quiet and shy one.  Seemingly so reserved.  I almost didnt take this class because of the mandatory exercise of leading the class. 
Now the time has come.  My class is 7 days away. I had no idea what I wanted to do.  I couldnt prepare my lesson in advance because I dont know what topic the students before me will pick. 
Now, that todays class is over, I had the opportunity to discuss with the class their needs and feelings to take into consideration for creating my lesson plan.  I am really happy I had the opportunity to discuss this as now I have some great ideas
Its going to be one fun, challenging and memorable life skills lesson!  I cant wait !!!
 

The difference between a Winner and a Loser

Just saw someone post this link on facebook today.  I was explaining some of this to a friend earlier this week, so I thought I would re-post the link.

Enjoy!

Dinair at Sears

A few months ago, Sears picked up a new line of makeup.   I'm guessing this was one of their attempts to improve the Sears brand, in order to compete with the Bay.   The line was called Dinair, which is the originator of air brush makeup.

I think it was a great addition to Sears.   The staff at the Dinair Sears counter were super nice and very helpful. Too bad it was pulled just after 3 months.   I had originally thought it was Sears that pulled it, but I just found out that it was Dinair.    The staff had received a phone call one morning, and told to pack up and not come back.  It was a very sad day at Sears.

It sucks for people like me, who had bought the kit.  Luckily, I bought some extra colours.  But now, when I need re-fills, it will be a very annoying process, and possibly a difficult one.

Not sure why they decided to pull out.  But I do think they made one big mistake.

Advertising.   Products don't sell themselves.   I didn't see or hear of any advertising about Dinair at Sears.    I had originally walked by the counter a couple of times, and had no idea what it was about until I decided to stop and check it out.   Perhaps even advertising before it was launched to create anticipation, and then have a big launch event.   Maybe they did have a launch event, but I didn't know about it.

Disappointing.

My new iPad :)

   

Calvin Klein Sweater

You know you have a great sweater when even strangers love your sweater, even if it is staff members.   That happened to today when I bought this Calvin Klein open sweater today from the Bay on Queen.  It was the last one left, and the perfect size for me.  Its black, with shiny silver threads throughout, very thick and warm too.

I was at the Bay cash counter paying for another item, when another girl helping the cashier saw the Calvin Klein sweater. that I had put separate from the current purchase..  I wasn't paying for it just yet, as I didn't tried it on.   I was just paying for a designer Armani jacket.   The sales associate took the sweater out to get a better look at it.  I could tell she wanted one for herself.   I am always cautious or suspicious of sales people as I know they often dont have your best interest in mind.   In this case, I could trully tell she wanted one as well!

The regular price of the sweater was $74.50.  It was reduced to $37.19.   I received an additional 40% off the reduced price.   I paid only 30% off the regular price, saving me $52.15.  A total savings of 70%.

I'm glad I bought it too.  As today its super freezing at work!  As soon as I put the sweater on, I felt a world of difference.

Clearance items are an additional 40% off at the Bay right now.

Table topics

Best table topics 2 weeks in a row!  Wow, I've grown since I was a member about 5+ years ago.  I used to dread table topics but now I am the first to volunteer to speak!!!!

Happy "Single Awareness" Day !

Valentine's Day Surprise!

I really dislike Valentines Day.  It reminds me of how alone I am.  Well, I've learned that its ok to be single.   I am enjoying the benefits of being single... like doing what I want, when I want.  I love that freedom.  I've also learned that I am enough, and I dont need a man to complete me.   I complete me.

The part that sucks is that on February 14th, the only thing I have to look forward to, is for the day to be over.

This Valentines day is going to be a pretty exciting one for me though.    My iPad2 is supposed to arrive!   Its the dream deal that I paid only $100 for.   I am soo excited!!!!

Leather Blazer Adventure

I decided to roam around the mall at lunch today, as I often do.  Major clearance sales are happening now.  I happened to come across a clearance leather jacket/blazer.  It was a Hugo Boss leather blazer regularly priced at just over $1000.   The current price?  A little over $400.   Big markdown but Ouch, still very pricey!  It was the only one left and surprisingly, it was in my size!

I tried it on and the fit was great, not perfect but great!  The cuffs would need to be hemmed for sure but thats a given.   The seams on the shoulder is just a lil bigger than it needs to be.  I guess there is just extra material there thats not needed.  The waist and chest area fit just right.   My main concern in addition to cost, is the shoulder area, and if alterations could be done, and how much it would cost.   I shared my concerns with the sales associate, who was nice enough to call the lady from alterations to come down and look at it for me.

When the store tailor came, I explained to her to that I wanted the shoulder seams taken in a bit.  The lady quoted me $120, and I'm not even sure if that included the cuffs !   Thats insane.   I could buy a an outfit at that price.  LOL.   Well, I could buy a lot with that dollar amount!  Alterations at that rate  is just out of the question.

A point to share, is that the alterations on the shoulder is a nice to have.  It would be fine without it.

I decided to put the blazer on hold.   I wanted to talk to my tailor first, and see if she could do it, and for how much.  Well, turns out my tailor CAN do it, and she will only charge between $25-$30, depending on how complicated it is.    

Hmmm.....  $120 or $30 ?    Just because it is a designer item, doesn't mean people should be ripped off on tailoring.  I was just shocked when the store tailor told me $120.  Really!?

I'm going to spend the weekend thinking about it, and then decide next week.  What would you do if it was you?

iPad2 for $100

I feel awesome.  I feel so great.  I am so very happy at the decisions I made today.  There was soo much going on. There just wasnt enough time to do it all.
The Bay was having an event for their new Philosophy line of products.   Also I think it was La Vie en Rose that was having a big promo with discounts and gift bags.  I normally would have took an early lunch and tried to check both out.  I am so happy I didnt.  My coworker had left at 11:30 to take his lunch.  I thought about taking mine then too but then decided not to.
My outcome for staying at my desk?  Just after 11:30am I get a notificatiin on my phone from dealfind.   A new dream deal was just posted!  Dream deals are a new perk/marketing idea that Dealfind just started.  As soon as I got the message, my heart skipped a beat and I felt the adrenaline running through me.   I knew I only had minutes to check out this deal and decide if I should buy it.  Every second mattered. 
I read the deal.  It was $100 for a 16gig iPad2.  OMG.  I couldnt believe it.   I have been hoping to win an iPad for a long time and to me, this was close enough to winning.  I had to buy this deal and buy it fast!  I scrambled to log in and attempted to make the purchase.  Next thing I know, I saw the word Cool! on my screen.  This means my buy went through.  I did it!!!!
Turns out I was the only one in Toronto to make a successful buy, of 3 in Ontario and 7 in Canada.  I feel so special, so lucky.  I have been on such a high all day today!!!!  I cant wait for it to arrive in the mail!

Old glasses

I cant believe I used to wear these!  It covers half of my face, lol!

Old map of Brampton

Note that there is no development north of Bovaird, east of Heart Lake Rd.  The map is from September 1987.

Brownies

I'm just going through my boxes of memorabilia from my childhood.  I found my Brownies Programme book.  That was a fun time.  I was in brownies for only a year, because I started at a late age.  I think brownies was for girls between 6 and 9.  I guess I must have been 8 turning 9 at the time.

I remember being such a go-getter.  Maybe I wanted to catch up with the other girls, but for some reason I don't think that was it.  By the end of that year, I had more brownie badges than most girls there.   I think I got between 14 and 17 of them.   Most of those girls had been there about 3 years, and had less than even half of that!

It makes me feel good when I get to look back on things like this.  That is why I love to keep things from my childhood.  

Now, if only I could get that drive back, that I used to have back then.

Sale sale sale

I went to the bay to check out the 70% off sale.  I was thinking that I would skip the jewelry section and go straight to clothes.  Well, when I got there, I decided to check if Betsey Johnson was on sale.  Big mistake.  No, Betsey wasnt on sale but then I decided to check the clearance section.  
O.m.g.  Soo many designer items were on clearance including Betsey Johnnson!!!!!  Most of the Betsey earrings I already had.  I was surprised to see them on clearance.  I was supposed to curb my spending for a while.  Oh, well....

I got some amazing deals on jewelry.  The greatest find was a Swarovski necklace that had a silver teddy bear on it.   Apparently customers were asking for it earlier but the Sales Associate had told them it was sold out.   What The Sales Associate did not know, was that it was placed in the clearance section!  Lucky me!  The necklace was originally $220 and I bought it at 76% off that price.    Wow!

Many Ralph Lauren, Nine West and Jessica Simpson items were on sale also.  I bought a very pretty purple necklace and bracelet set for about 70% off from the Lauren line of jewelry.

After my jewelry adventure, I decided to take a walk upstairs to the clothing section.   I was surprised to see that I felt like everything designer was on sale!  I saw more sale items than new season items!   Can you imagine... being surrounded by designer items all at 70% off, and in Toronto!

Long story short, I ended up with a few items.   My greatest find was a Tahari brand suit jacket.   I absolutely loved it when I saw it.   It is all black, but has an animal print on it in black, making it very subtle.   The regular price?  $538.  My price?  $128.     Wow!  What a deal!  I can't wait to wear it!

Next year I am waiting until mid-January to do my Boxing day shopping!  

Daily Affirmations.

Daily Affirmations.  Do you have any?   Have you ever tried?  Affirmations really work.  

Affirmations are self-talk.   This can benefit you're whole well being, and change your world.   I can actually be a lot of fun too.   Be playful, be serious, be what you want about it.

Just try it!

Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself.

Designer Clearance

I'm at the Bay, my favourite shop.  Everything seems to be on sale here in the Designer section. Im talking all high end brands.  Time to cash in on my reward points!
Check out the designer clearance before its all gone! 

Kothur indian cuisine

Located on Yonge St, south of Bloor.

Butter Chicken and Malai Kofta

Be an Optimist Prime

It "saves" to Ask!

I was in the Eaton centre killing time before class.  I decided to check out the Trade Secrets shop since I was passing it.  This is a relatively new shop for me.  Ive always known about it but I've never really entered the shop.  I think this was my third time coming here. 

I was looking at all the nail polish packages, new products and not-so-new.  This one package caught my attention.  It was a product that supposedly instantly dries you nails!  The package deal was that you would get a free nailpolish.  The particular nail polish was called something like 'dim sum'.  I'm hoping I dont already have that colour.  I do own a lot of nailpolish, and dont really remember their names.

The package read that the nailpolish was free.  This means that you would be paying for the insta dry and the nail polish was a gift with purchase.  Well, that sounded really good to me! 

I checked the price of the package.  It was about $17.95.   I checked the price of the Insta Dry.  It was $14.95.   Wait a minute here.  I see a discrepancy.  So when I got the attention of the sales associate, I explained it to her.  She brought this issue to the attention of her manager, who agreed to sell it to me for $14.95 without a huff or a puff.  I know its only three dollars but every penny counts these days and plus, it was false advertising.   I'm happy.

Thank you Trade Secrets for excellence in customer service!!!

Last week's shoe craze

The bags at the bottom contain 5 pairs of shoes from Sterling shoes.  This shop is going out of business.  Hence why so many shoes - all were 70% off.

The two yellow bags are 'the bay' bags and contain one pair of heels each.  Again, this was another amazing clearance event.

In total 7 new pairs of shoes which will eventually make it home.  They currently sit in my locker at work.

Shoe Sale Adventure

Sterling Shoes is closing down.   Their shoes have now be set to 70% and accessories are 80% off.  Just last week their shoes were only 60% off.  I guess the permanent closure deadline is coming fast.   I had wipe out the Bramalea City Centre location of both its trouser socks and the gel foot protector products.  At  80% off you cant go wrong.  I did end my buying my rainboots from there as well. I think it may have taken me at least an half hour to decide whether to buy it or not, haha.

I didnt realize there was a Sterling Shoes location at the Eaton Centre as well.  It is sort of hidden, beside the escalator near Sears.   I dropped by this location two nights ago, just minutes before the mall closed.   I ended up buying almost all of the trouser socks they had.  I think I bought 9 pairs of trouser socks and 7 pairs of gel shoe inserts.   My bill should have been almost $100 but with the 80% discount I ended up paying less than $20.  Amazing deal !

I dropped by the shop again yesterday at lunch, as I didn't have time to look at the heels.  Well, I ended up leaving with 5 pairs of heels, each 70% off !  The brands I bought included Guess, Nine West, BlowFish and  Fergalicious.

Now Im thinking, ok...thats more than enough shoes but it was hard to resist.  I mean come on, how often do you get nice heels at 70% off?  Not often enough.  Thats for sure.

So today I went to the bay store to get a price adjustment on a purse.  On my way out, I passed the shoe department.  Big mistake.  I was surprised to see a lot of people roaming around that area.  The sale was only 15% off and that was only in your bay card too. 

As I walked toward the exit, guess what happened!?   A silver Nine West heel caught my attention, which actually was in my size!   It was regularly $130 but marked for clearance as $99.  I couldnt believe it was selling for so high.  My inner voice told me to ask if there was an additional discount on top of the $99, in addition to the 15%.   So I asked.  It turns out the current price of the high heels was $49.99.  Well,  thats more like it!  With the discount  and tax the final price was $48 and some change.  Not cheap but an awesome deal but a high quality heel! 

I also ended up buying a killer pair of black rocker boots.   There are silver studs all over it.  Crazy.

I really need to find a good shoe saver/organizer so I can get rid of my shoe boxes and still keep my heels in great condition.  Hope I find one soon.

I (Heart) Betsey's New Collection

I love Betsey Johnson's new jewelry collection, and its just in time for Valentines day.  

I actually really dislike Valentines day, as I always seem to be single around that time of year.  BUT  I do love hearts, and I really love the way Betsey Johnson has used colour and hearts in this collection.   I find the dark pink, (can I call it magenta?) to be absolutely beautiful.  I love that its a darker shade, as it will look awesome on me!   

The earrings in the pic below is just one item in the new collection.  I'll be purchasing these earrings on Friday (and likely, more of the matching collection)!

http://www.betseyjohnson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12427154

My lunch hour

Today I was supposed to have a laser appointment at Salon Daniel during my lunch hour.  I got there about 15 mins early.  I checked in and went right upstairs.  I was told that it would be a few minutes as they were having an issue with the machine and someone was on the phone with a technician.   I sat patiently thinking Im guessing I'll have to re-schedule.   I was later offered green tea, due to the wait, which I gladly accepted.    Minutes after I was given the tea, I was told a technician had to be sent, that it may take 24 hours to be in service again.  Due to my patience, they offered me laser on an extra body part for my next session.  They also told me to relax, stay and enjoy the tea before I left, which I did.  Yayyy me for keeping quiet and exhibiting patience.   Patience is a skill I lost somewhat years ago.  It was nice to see it pop up again.  It was good to see me calm, after a few days of just being in a bad mood.  I haven't had that happen to me in a long time too.  Well, I don't remember ever having days of being in a bad mood actually.   Though, I have gone through a phase of hating the world, but thats the past now.  I've grown a whole lot since then.

After I left the salon, I went on my merry way to hop on a street-car only to find a woman vomiting on the street-car right in front of me.  Oh how not nice.  Someone helped her get immediately off.  

I decided to go to the Eaton Centre for the rest of my lunch hour and just my New York Fries gift certificate.  Yes, I know I am a voucher queen, but this was an actually old style gift certificate.  I ordered the Veggie Works, with extra sour cream and veggies, and a gravy on the side.  Oh boy, do I regret that.   I can feel my energy level just drop after that.   Anyhow, the gift certificate was worth ten dollars, so I wanted to make sure I used it all.

I ate my so-called meal at the Urban Eatery food court.   As I sat there, I saw a man eating his lunch on one of the highchairs.   I saw his wallet fall to the ground almost under his chair.  I think I may have even heard it fall too.   He didn't even notice!  I was surprised.   So, I walked up to him, and told him that he dropped something.     He looked on his right at the floor, close to me.  I said, "No, the other side".   He looked down, then got off to pick it up.  I walked back to my seat before he could thank me.  As I sat down, I noticed that he had an 'Oh my gawd' look on his face.   He was so shocked, and I'm sure relieved.  Thats my good deed for that day.  What's yours?

Winter Wonderland

Seems like Toronto got quite a bit of snow on Friday...  Niagara Falls got a lot of snow on Friday... but in Brampton, very little snow, which all melted.  I find this shocking!   I left my home this morning for work, in a pretty snowless area to get downtown to find snow and slush all over the sidewalks.   Really?!

This is a pic from Niagara Falls.

Shoe polisher

Isnt that the coolest looking shoe polisher Ever!

Managers Reception

Bahama Mama, a Sex on the beach and snacks at the Managers Reception, Niagara Falls.

Snow!!

Look at all that snow already!  This parking lot is always full.  Not today....

The Body Works --Video

"The Body Works".   I dont remember this, but the name does sound familiar.  Watch this and have a laugh!

Fun in the rain

I bought my first pair of rain boots last week.  Well I actually bought a cool pair that had a leopard print on it for boxing week online, but I had to return it because the fit wasnt right.   I'm actually glad I returned them, because I like the one in the photos better!   Being plain black, I can wear it with anything.   Plus its long!!   Over the knee it goes, and as you can see, I can even fold it too.

No more do I need to worry about my socks getting wet, the rain seeping through my boots, nope. No more.
Its actually wayy more fun too, as you can step through puddles without a worry in the world.

Very cool.   And to think my mom was trying to convince me out of buying rain boots, saying I would never wear it.

Let the fun times begin!  I'm not afraid of a little rain!

;)

S~

Smile.... For doggie

The highlight of my day today was when a young  woman came onto the ttc and sat beside me with her cute gray dog.  It was such a quiet obedient dog.   When I looked across to the other side, there was a rather large overweight man with the hugest smile on his face as he watched the cute dog.  The happiness in his eyes just made my day.  It was a very cool moment.

Fingers, Rings, and Meanings

Check this out:

I choose to display the above image because I actually do wear a ring in my index finger!

Right now, I'm looking for a ring to wear on my Little Finger.  Interesting to read the meaning of that:

If you want to read more on this topic, go to http://www.squidoo.com/meaning-of-ring.

S~

Good Morning Mr Sun

This is a cool thing to see in the morning....  the sun is rising!

S~

Inner Buzz

I feel an inner buzz.   Its hard to explain.  Its like a lift on the inside... no, not physically, but more like emotionally.   I just came from my first class for Life Skills Coaching class, module three. After this course is completed, I will be a George Brown certified Life Skills Coach!

I had a great class today.  It was much better than I expected.  I think that where some of the buzz is coming from.   Have you ever silenced or ignored that little voice on your shoulder that reminds you of your fears?  Have you ever just taken action and not even thought about it?  I feel that I did that today.   That I didnt think things through a million times.  I didnt think about how stupid my question, answer or statement may have sounded.  I just shared my thoughts and ideas whenever I could.  Not only that, I even opened myself up and shared my life experiences, part of my identity you could say.   Thats a scary thing to do, especially when you are someone like me, who loves her walls... oh how I love those protective walls.   But you know you what?!  It felt great.

Though I do have to say, that I just realized I must have mentally prepared myself for class today.   It wasn't really a conscious effort.  I tend to be quiet and shy in groups.   I was very quiet in module 1.   I opened up a bit more in module 2.     A turning point for me, was actually feedback I got on the last day from the facilitator that he would have liked it if I had spoken up more in class because my insights and impressions would have helped the groups growth!  I was shocked to read that, as I guess I underestimated my ability and the value of my experiences.  I am grateful to have received that feedback, and I plan on using that feedback, to  'Unleashing the Soni Within'.  

Its going to be an awesome year!

S~

Lottery Mania

This is my first blog on blogger.    I wanted try to blogspot site that allowed for others to comment on it if they wished.

The highlight of my day today had to do with my lottery tickets....

I had about 20 lottery tickets sitting around that needed to be checked for months now.  Well, maybe since November.  I do check them myself online, but I always double check in store.   So now, I had about 5 scratch tickets and 15 or so Lotto Max tickets.

Finally today I decided to validate them in store.  I came out with 3 free plays of Lotto Max and $39 !  Not too bad.

Wish me luck on the next draw for my free plays!

S~