Tamara's Surprise Party

Sorry I haven't posted about this sooner, it's just been crazy in my life right now.

So last weekend I was insanely busy preparing for Tamara's Surprise Birthday Party.

I really hate lying so it was hard to be constantly lying to her face and I kept having to make up excuses for the party she had planned for herself.

I even heard she was mad at me because I had pushed her dinner party until later because I had to "work" (total lie.. I just needed prep time and she scheduled her dinner party SO early so it would've been difficult to get everyone at my house earlier).

Anyway all of Friday, I spent cleaning my house.

All of Saturday I spent cooking and decorating.

When the party finally happened, Tamara said she had an idea because people were acting suspicious.

She was extremely happy and she even cried a little!!!

I was definitely happy to see my best friend so touched that everyone could be there to make her party a success...especially since she thought nobody cared.

Me Tamara and her Sister Amanda who helped me Plan.

I bet you feel bad now about being such a PRINCESS eh Tamara?

Just teasing!!!

The whole time at the party I was such a stress case though. I was constantly trying to make sure there was food and drinks on the table and that everyone was happy and content.

The party was a definite success.

Tamara and Paula popping the champagne!

No surprise though that I ended up in bed at 12:30. I'm getting old, maybe.

Weekly Gratitude: April 29th.

Hello everyone!
What a busy week this has been!!!
Let's take a moment to look at the things that I am most thankful for this week.

• Easter weekend! It was so lovely!!! It was time spent with family and friends. It definitely brought a great start to my week.
• Getting to sleep beside John every night! I wish we could do that all the time.

• Tina Fey's book "Bossypants". It's absolutely hilarious and brings a smile to my face!

• Vancouver beating Chicago and winning their first game against Nashville last night! Stanley Cup here we come?! P.S. I LOVE Roberto Luongo! He's an amazing goalie. I don't care what anyone says.

• Thanks to work for keeping me REALLY busy this week. It's nice to feel like I have purpose, you know?!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Xoxo.

Inspirational Wednesdays: A Nice Gesture

I think that people have a certain mentality of what works in terms of kindness.
In order to brighten someone's day, you don't have to go out of your way in making them happy, for example, you don't need to spend tons of money on them to see them smile.

Something I like to do, which is very basic, is while walking in the hallways at work, just flash a quick smile at someone and say "Hello, how are you?".

In doing this, you are accomplishing two things:

1. Brightening someone's day...including your own. (Smiles are good for your health, you know :) )

2. Striking up potential conversation which is boosting your social skills and general well being.

Also, in terms of my own personal life, like friends, family and my boyfriend, I like to go out of my way to do little things that will make them smile. Like if I hear that they wanted something or enjoyed something, I'll try and make it happen for them. Like if I know John really needs a  coffee one day, I'll grab him one from upstairs at work and bring it to his office for him. It's a really easy way to boost your relationship with people to know you are doing them good.

This post was inspired today because John let me know he had a treat for me in his office. So I go downstairs and he brought me a coffee but then he's like "I have one more treat for you". And I guess someone at work was selling Avon and he bought some for me. The package consisted of Vanilla Body Cream, Body Wash and Body Spray. It was a really small but very nice gesture that definitely made my day a little brighter.

So the next time you know something that will make someone close to you happy and it's a reasonable gesture, do it for them. You will help make your relationship with that person more satisfying and lengthy and you'll be helping yourself be happy as well.

Doing nice gestures for others is definitely a very big mood booster. Just remember that!

Go Canucks!!!!!!!!!!!

Would just like to say that after a long 7 games, Vancouver has FINALLY beat Chicago after 2 years!!!!!!!

Yes, the Canucks truly are champions.

Vancouver vs. Nashville on Thursday.

Hmmm... what member can I pick on from THAT team?

P.s. Who knew that I would ever care about Hockey?
Huh.

Such a sad little Blackhawk.

Rocky Road Cake Pop!

Get one!
They are so good!

Easter Sunday!

I don't think I've ever been so full in my entire life.
Yesterday me, my Mom, my Sister and John all went for Brunch. I've never seen so much food.
They had everything from a variety of cheese, to vegetables and fruit, to salads, to seafood, to french toast with strawberries/caramel sauce (so delicious!) to your standard breakfast items to roast and lamb. Not to mention the crazy amount of desserts that were offered.
I definitely ate my $30 worth.

Then at night I went to John's family's (I had never met this side of the family yet!) house for a Turkey dinner. What a spread!
I ate SO much (I was probably still a little full from Brunch). I already felt like my body was being weighed down when a cookie was offered until dessert was served. And of course, I couldn't say no. I had a hard time eating the cookie. And then the most delcious dessert was served. It was some sort of chocolate/banana cream pie. Oh my gosh. Amazing.

Can I just mention quickly how much I love John's family? Everyone I've met has just been so welcoming and kind. I just felt so involved with this side in particular though. I think because they seem very similar to my family. There were a lot of members at this Easter Dinner and I also have lots of members in my family so it was neat to see the similarities.

His little cousin was only 12 and I felt like I was talking to a 16 year old.

Also, we prayed before we ate which is something I'm not used to but... I really liked it.
It was nice and different for me. But it made me feel really good.

Anyway, let's just say that when we got home, I barely moved for the rest of the night and accidentally missed the 2nd period of the Canucks vs BlackHawks game because I took a Turkey Nap.

(Canucks lost by the way. Boo.)

My body is still being weighed down my food and LUCKY ME.. I get another Turkey Dinner tonight.

I'm going to explode.

Should Have Posted This On April 21st. So Let's Just Pretend.

April 21st was a special day!
It marked ONE whole year of blogging!

That is a LONG time for me!

Thanks everyone for reading. :)

I appreciate your comments and support!

Love love!

Weekly Gratitude: April 22nd

 

Happy Friday everyone!

It's actually GOOD FRIDAY today so if you're lucky like me, you get today off! Woo!!!

This week has been not too bad. But let's take a look at the high points of the week and take a minute to say what I'm thankful for...after all, it is a special day.

• Thank you to my BFF Tamara! It's her birthday today! She's 22! And we're in for a GOOD weekend :D wooo! She's been there for me in the best of times and in the worst of times. Thanks Tam! Hope your day is phenomonal!
• Thank you to a clean house. Sometimes when you clean, don't you just feel accomplished and like you can just finally relax?
• Thank you to my family for loving my BF! It's kind of cute when John has bro-mances with my Dad and Uncle over hockey. Haha!
• Thank you to Camilla for featuring me in her new magazine The Violet!! You seriously need to check out this online mag! It's so uplifting.
• Thank you to the sun! You're finally showing yourself and I love you for it!
• Thank you for this upcoming weekend. It's going to be full of family and friends and nothing gets better!

Have a great Easter everyone! xoxo

Duncan Keith: Want to Know a Fun Game?

It's called the I HATE DUNCAN KEITH GAME!!!
Terribly sorry to all of the Chicago BlackHawk fans out there!!!

Tonight is the FIFTH game between Chicago and Vancouver so me and my BF are going to play a little game.

We're going to grab some drinks to have in front of the TV and everytime the announcer says "DUNCAN KEITH" we drink.

It's a way to make his annoying exposure bearable.

I'm sure he's an amazing hockey player which is WHY the announcer says his name so much, but that doesn't mean he doesn't annoy me.

Once again, terribly sorry.

Not a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks? Or maybe you ARE a fan?
Everytime the announcer says DUNCAN KEITH take a drink! WOO!

Lifestyle Thursdays: Delicious Appetizers

Stuck on what to make for dinner?
Try some of these delicious appetizers instead!

SPRING VEGGIE PIZZA

What You Need 2 pkg. (235 g each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls 1 tub (250 g) Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread 1/2 cup Miracle Whip Dressing 1 tsp. dill weed 1/2 tsp. onion salt 1 cup each chopped sugar snap peas and quartered cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup each sliced radishes, chopped yellow peppers and shredded carrots 3 green onions, chopped Make ItHEAT oven to 375°F.



UNROLL dough; separate into 4 rectangles. Press onto bottom and up sides of 15x10x1-inch pan to form crust, firmly pressing seams and perforations together to seal.


BAKE 11 to 13 min. or until golden brown; cool.


MIX cream cheese spread, dressing, dill weed and onion salt until well blended. Spread onto crust; top with remaining ingredients. Refrigerate 2 hours.




MEDITERRANEAN DIP

what you need:  pkg (250 g) Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 cup Miracle Whip Dressing 1 cup each: chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and sliced black olives 1 pkg. Kraft Feta with Oregano, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Cracked Peppercorns Cheese Pita bread wedges make it


COMBINE cream cheese and dressing. Spread on bottom of 9 inch (23 cm) pie plate or serving platter.

TOP with tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. Sprinkle with cheese.

SERVE with wedges of pita bread.

WONTON BITES

What You Need: 24 won ton wrappers 1/2 cup shredded Kraft Monterey Jack Cheese 1/2 cup shredded Cracker Barrel Cheddar Cheese 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni 1/2 cup Kraft Rancher's Choice Dressing 1/4 cup chopped green peppers 1/4 cup chopped red peppers Make ItHEAT oven to 350ºF.


SPRAY 24 muffin cups with cooking spray. Gently place 1 won ton wrapper in each cup, with edges of wrappers extending up sides of cups.

BAKE 5 to 7 min. or until lightly browned. (Do not overbake.) Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients.

FILL won ton cups with cheese mixture. Bake 6 to 8 min. or until cheese is melted.

Source: Kraft Canada

It's Friday, Friday, Gotta Get Down on Friday! (I mean Thursday)!

That's right, everyone!
It's the long weekend!

And this weekend is going to be spectacular!

Here's the agenda:

Tonight: It's my little cousin's birthday party! After that me and the Baby are going to watch the Canucks play. Now let me tell you, I never used to hold an interest in Hockey AT ALL but now I'm sort of starting to like it! My heart races in the last 10 minutes of the game if the score is close and what not. Is it possible, that I, Jessica Kutok am a hockey fan? You better believe it! So weird. My very life is changing before my eyes.

Friday: Hangin out all day... with no sense of a plan! Friday night going to see Water for Elephants with Tamara for her birthday ...Vanessa and Paula are coming along too! I love those girls!!!

Saturday: We're going to Montana's for Tam's Bday!! Im so excited. Going out for dinner is awesome. Unfortunately,  I work 12-7:30 though for street team. I feel bad because I couldn't say no and it's Tam's birthday. TAMARA DON'T BE MAD!!! Thank you for changing your reservation! It means a lot :)! So excited to spend Saturday night with you! The big 22!!!! You should feel very happy!

Sunday: Easter festivities!! Going for a brunch with my Mom and Sister for yummy chocolate fountains of fruit! And then going to John's families for some yummy delicious Easter Dinner!

Monday: Work. :( And then having turkey dinner with my family!

It's going to be a great weekend!

I'll be sure to post lots of pictures!

Have a great weekend! xoxo.

Meg's Giveaway

Hey Everyone! I entered a giveaway!

I hope I win!
Wish me luck!
EEEEE


Meg's Giveaway

Inspirational Wednesday's: Keeping Those Who Matter Close To You

I've been thinking a lot lately about those who matter most to me.

Who my true friends are and the people who do for me as I would do for them.

If you think about it really carefully for a minute, how many people in your life do you have an equal relationship with?

How many people do you have that natural connection with?

Would you feel comfortable just calling up that girl from work on the weekend and ask her if she wants to go for a drink or would you prefer to hang out with somebody else like another friend or a boyfriend?

I've always been a firm believer on keeping those around who have a postiive influence on your life as opposed to a negative one.

So I have a question for myself (and maybe those going throu a similar situation)?

I sometimes feel like I'm too nice. Maybe a bit naive.

When am I able to take charge of my feelings and know how to stick up for myself?

When will I be able to not let other people's hurtful words or interferences get in the way of my life?

I always let people affect me so much, especially people who I'm not even that close with.

I'm definitely a "pleaser" but I really need to get back on the track of knowing the people who truly matter.

I can't keep getting hurt feelings because I want to be someone's friend.

Who would I rather hang out with? That's the question I need to ask myself.

I'm sorry if this made no sense. I'm just ranting.

Thunder Bay Isn't All That Bad

Thunder Bay, Ontario courtesy my cell phone.

John's Birthday Present

So recently, it was my Johnnycakes birthday.

Now let me tell you, my John is impossible to shop for...

he doesn't tell you anything he wants!

So, I had to get creative...along with some small gifts, I also got him this:

Unfortunately, we wanted to bring the cake around to show our families and it ended up breaking. This was his expression afterwards (let's just say he was NOT in a good mood):

Look at poor R2D2 and his slit right in the middle :(.

Hope everyones days are great!!!!!!

Kitties!

Recently, me and John went to his family's house for his Grandma's birthday.

His family is definitely full of cat lovers but I've never seen cats like these...

Meet the Mancoon Cats...absolutely massive (i LOVE these):

How beautiful is the snowy white one? So pretty!

The Animals in my Life

Meet Cujo and Walter...the funniest pair on planet Earth:

He's a taco!!!!!!!!!!!! How cute right?

Ready to fight crime...

Just moochin' like there's no tomorrow.

Meet Bella and Nova...my more hyperactive Love's:

My Mom and Nova cuddling on the couch. This isn't a rare occurence.. it's actually extremely normal.

My bella Bella!

Tina Fey: Bossypants

"First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Bea......uty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.


Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.


What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.


May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.


Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.


O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.


And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.


And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.


“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes."

-Tina Fey's Prayer, BossyPants




This sort of made me tear up...but just a bit.

Looking Ahead: Places I Want To Go

Being at the young age of 21, I often think about the things that I want in my future. These include getting married, having a family and a career, a nice house to call home. But I can't turn my back on something I really really want...and that is to travel. I feel like before I can do all those other things, I want to see the world. But if life happens and my plan is changed and my list becomes out of order, I will have to accept that.

But for now, I can still dream.

Here are some of the places I would love to see:

New York City

Hawaii

 Australia

 Lake Tahoe

 Los Angeles

 New Zealand

Paris

And last but not least...

Disney World!

This one is special because I'm actually going next year with my family! In April or May. Please don't tell me either of these months are hurricane season though.. that would be just a little bit of a damper!

I'm curious... where do you all want to go?!



Cupcakes!

I don't think I've ever had such an intense craving for cupcakes in my entire life.



I think it's from all the blog posts about Sprinkles in places like L.A. and New York.

So the God's must have heard about my craving because what opened up in my little city? A Cupcake Place!! Yep! I'm so lucky!

Sure it's no Gourmet Cupcake but whatever. It's still a cupcake! YAY!

I'm going there today at lunch and I'm going to get a whole pack!

My Funny Weekend

Lately I've just been insanely happy.
I have very little to complain about and this weekend was another example of why my life is so good right now!

Friday: I had tons of fun at a comedy show. The headliner was John Camponera! He was HIlarious!!! SOO funny. I was crying laughing. And then afterwards we went to the Madhouse (a local bar) where I sat with him and some of the opener comedians, and I felt so happy because I was making the headliner die laughing. Who knew I was so funny? Ha!

Saturday: I went to an ice show that I won tickets for but me and my friends left early because we were SO bored (sorry, kids!). So we went to the mall! Where I spent more money that I don't have (sigh). After that, my Boy came over and we ordered pizza and wings and watched Scream 2. Unfortnately, Johnnycakes fell asleep so I was up by myself watching this movie... not impressed. So I turned it off and I STILL don't know who the killer is (sshhhh don't tell me!). We went to sleep at 11 that night. Yeah, I'm only 21 and that was my Saturday. Oh well, I wouldn't change it for the world! :)

Sunday: John and I went and saw Rio. It was REALLY cute. I recommend if you are in the mood for some light hearted animation. After that, I went to the gym (thank goodness!) and then had dinner with my family. Also, have you ever heard of the book "the Game of Thrones"? The TV show premiered last night on HBO so we went over to our friend Trevor and Taryn's house to watch it. It was good. Also Vancouver won last night! In your face Chicago. :)

P.S. I never used to be a Hockey fan but dating one of the biggest hockey fans in the world is quickly changing that. My heart was racing in the last 10 minutes of the game last night. I would have been so sad if Chicago scored.

P.P.S (or is it P.S.S.? I'm not sure...): I'm so excited for what my future has in store for me regarding so many different things. I can't wait for what comes next! :) Hopefully involving some sort of independence...

Monday Sleeze: Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller

I'm beyond over this.

Clean up your acts...you have kids!

P.S. Look at how beautiful she is? And look how much she's screwing her life up.

So sad.

Fashion Post: Summer with Tights

Hey everyone!
So this is my first fashion post.
Now, I'm not much of a "fashionista" but sometimes I can put together a cute little outfit.

It's almost summer time and you know what that means, right?
Summer dresses!
But if you work in an office building, it might be deemed appropriate to wear short articles of clothing.

So that's why I've been reppin' them with the tights! Take a look!

It's still Spring so when I'm outside, it always looks nice to wear a fashionable trench. I like to wear beige heels to but the ones I have kill my feet! The black shoes work too.

Here's me and my ridiculous posing skills. The look without the trench!

Sorry, I don't have the best quality camera!

Have a great weekend!

Trench: Suzy Shier
Tank: Winners
Skirt: Suzy Shier
Shoes: Aldo 
Ring: Handmedown.

Weekly Gratitude: April 15th

If you've read my previous post you know how inspired I feel right now.
It's been such a great week and today is just such a great day to do a Weekly Gratitude...so here it goes!

• Thank you so much to my love for giving me such a fantastic week. I feel like we're in such a great place and I couldn't be happier with you. Also, thanks for taking such amazing care of me throughout my recovery. You were always by my side, holding me, wiping my tears, getting me ice cream. :) I'll never forget that.

• Thank you sooooo much for whoever made "Soul Surfer". One of the most inpsirational, uplifting movies I have ever seen. Truly amazing. I can't wait to give back to the world in some way and this movie has definitely gave me a boost in the right direction.
• Thank you to my dogs for always putting a smile on my face. You boys are just too goofy!


• Thanks to places like Wal Mart and Ardenes for allowing me to be such a thrifty shopper! $10 shoes? Yes please!!!!!
• Thanks to the weekend! You couldn't have come sooner and I'm very anxious for you. It's definitely going to be a good one.
• Thanks to Spring for being semi warm enough for me to wear my cute summer dresses! Yay Summer!
• Thanks to my satin pillow sheets. I think you are helping with my skin (stupid acne!) and you are just so nice to rest my head on!
• Thanks to CP's. Always brightens my day. :) hehe.

Love love.

What are you thankful for?!