SUMMER starts nowish (year five!)

And just like that, it’s summer again! This is how I feel:

Hello, long weekend and hello to the official start of my fifth annual 100 Days of Summer: Let’s Do it list where I try and make the most of the sweetest but shortest season with a bucket list on 100 things to do. I may not get it all done, but here’s hoping… And, I hope you can join in on some of the fun.

The rules are simple, summer starts this weekend (the long weekend of May) and ends on the last day of September.

Note: I always start with the ones I’ve yet to complete… There are also pick-ups from previous years because awesomeness is always worth repeating. Oh, and the bolded ones are from my forty before forty list.

100 Days of Summer

  1. see Shakespeare by the Sea**** 
  2. ride a slip & slide***  
  3. hike Cape Chignecto** 
  4. have a water balloon fight** 
  5. go to a concert*
  6. hike the Skyline Trail
  7. start designing my 2019 calendars*
  8. sleep in a tent*
  9. play croquette* 
  10. dance in the rain* 
  11. tie dye* 
  12. clean my office*
  13. go tidal bore rafting* 
    ***
  14. run the full Rum Runners Trail (but not all at once – it’s 119 km!)
  15. buy a pair of white jeans
  16. buy a silk blouse
  17. apply sunscreen every freaking day
  18. host a cocktail potluck (with biscuits)
  19. make pickles
  20. change a tire. change the oil. learn these skills.
  21. paddleboard
  22. tube down a river
  23. picnic in a park
  24. hangout in a hammock
  25. dinner on the waterfront
  26. dinner on a patio
  27. and drinks to go!
  28. relay once, relay twice
  29. read a magazine outside
  30. visit Kouchibouguac National Park
  31. bike to the market
  32. bike across the bridge
  33. bike a trail
  34. ride a ferry
  35. get bangs
  36. high five all seven of my nephews and nieces (but not all at once)
  37. have a Butterbeer
  38. swim in the Lido Pool (Chester)
  39. go to a drive-in
  40. dinner at The Canteen
  41. go antiquing
  42. eat from a food truck
  43. go for a beach walk
  44. eat corn on the cob
  45. run through a sprinkler
  46. wash the windows
  47. hear bagpipes
  48. have a campfire
  49. smores and (veggie) dog roasting
  50. run the trail to Laurencetown beach
  51. day trip to Lunenburg (eat at the Salt Shaker Deli)
  52. eat strawberry shortcake for supper
  53. explore a new country
  54. swim in the lake
  55. swim in the ocean
  56. swim in the river
  57. run a marathon
  58. run through the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin)
  59. lay in the grass
  60. travel by train
  61. travel by plane
  62. get a pedicure
  63. have a lunch date
  64. have a brunch date
  65. night swim
  66. bake for a friend
  67. buy flowers for a friend
  68. host a bbq
  69. eat peas from the pod
  70. watercolour
  71. run the 30km trail to the Tatamagouche market and celebrate with a beer at the Tatamagouche Brewery
  72. go strawberry picking
  73. make jam
  74. make rhubarb pie
  75. eat a lobster roll
  76. family-time in PEI
  77. run and jump off a dock without knowing the tempterature of the water
  78. only use the clothesline
  79. mail a card or letter every week (life list goal)
  80. buy a coco clock in Germany (life list goal)
  81. drink my morning coffee outside
  82. drink beer from a cooler
  83. oysters with a cocktail
  84. build a sand castle
  85. go for a walk in Shubie Park
  86. go for a walk in Point Pleasant Park
  87. go for a run and jump in the water right after
  88. go prom-watching in the Public Gardens
  89. after work meetup at the Stillwell Beer Garden
  90. outdoor pizza party
  91. learn and perform the full Footloose dance
  92. run the gulf shore loop in Pugwash
  93. plant some flowers
  94. yoga on the beach
  95. go sailing
  96. go to a yard sale
  97. run up the Needham hill stairs with David… 3 times in a row
  98. watch the sunrise at the beach
  99. watch the sunset at the beach
  100. play hooky

*2017 not completed
**2016/2017 not completed
***2015/2016/2017 not completed
****2014/2015/2016/2017 not completed.

Here are my lists from 20172016 / 2015 / 2014

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twenty-five favourites

Step aside Oprah, I have a list too and it’s fit for a princess!

Meghan’s favourite 2017!

  1. Cashmere Hoodie – Everlane (splurge):
    Because I am always cold. Plus it’s pink!
  2. Full-On Luxtreme Tights – Lululemon:
    Because I plan to do a spring marathon and need more winter tights.
  3. Necklace – Catbird:
    Because it’s Catbird and it’s pretty.
  4. Pajama Pants – J.Crew:
    Because I need something warm to throw on when I come in from running.
  5. Watercolors – Sakura 24-Colors:
    Because of #24 on my forty before forty: “
    Buy watercolours. Watercolour.”
  6.  Everyday Watercolor: Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days:
    Because I have no clue how to watercolour.
  7. Online Photography Class – Minimalist Baker:
    Because I plan to spend more time with my camera and need inspiration and a guiding hand.
  8. Run Fast Eat Slow – Cookbook:
    Because I want to run fast and eat slow.
  9. iPhone Case – Apple:
    Because Erin Mac has one and now I want one too.
  10. Pre-Fold Coffee Filters – Chemex:
    Because I ran out and the grocery store cone filters suck.
  11. Satsuma Shower Gel – The Body Shop:
    Because Satsuma reminds me of the 1990s and that’s not a bad thing.
  12. Wicked Good Slippers – L.L. Bean:
    See #4
  13. 1/4-Zip Fleece – Patagonia:
    Because it’s the best feel-good, fits well, casual but not frumpy fleece.
  14. Earbuds – JBL:
    Because I’ve been running with broken earbuds for 8 months.
  15. Wireless remote control – Nikon:
    See #7
  16. Wireless Mobile Adapter – Nikon:
    See #7
  17. Capri Blue Candle – Anthropologie:
    Because I’ve been told this is what makes all of the Anthropologies stores smell so good.
  18. Cute hat – Oiselle:
    Because I like Oiselle and I like this toque!
  19. Dream Cream – Lush:
    Because it lives up to its name.
  20. Sea Spray – Lush:
    Because the ocean can never be close enough.
  21. Cosmetic Bag – Rifle Paper Co.:
    Because I’m dreaming of great travelling adventures in 2018.
  22. Dry Shampoo – Living Proof:
    Because I’m a girl who washes my hair every third day.
  23. Mirror – Ikea:
    Because I have no idea what I look like from the waist down (we don’t have a great full-length mirror in the house).
  24. Potato Ricer – OXO Good Grips:
    Because I hate poorly mashed, mashed potatoes.
  25. Running Socks – Smartwool:
    Because I ruined a half-dozen pairs of running socks this year + Santa always gives socks in stockings, right?

What about you? Tell me what’s on your list!

psst. If you like what you’re reading, please subscribe and share.Happy holidays! xomeg

**

here’s the last list I made, way back in 2014 with a small update in 2016.

100 reasons why summer is the best

Lets do this. Back by popular demand: Summer! And what’s summer without my 100 days of summer to-do wish list? The rules are simple and I welcome all of you to join in with your own list – it started this (long) weekend and ends on September 30. Get what you can get done because summer is here for a short time so it is best to make it a good time.

This year’s list. Many are pick-ups from last year because why rock the boat when the boat was awesome?

  1. go on a sail boat**
  2. watch an outdoor movie**
  3. play corn hole**
  4. see Shakespeare by the Sea**
  5. fly a kite**
  6. play sandbar soccer*
  7. drive in a convertible* (Larry promised he’d take me out this summer)
  8. try rock climbing* (Kristin said she’s go with me)
  9. drink a road rocket “kidding” *
  10. ride a slip & slide*
  11. visit magic mountain*
    NOTE: the above 11 items are * 2015 not completed **2014/2015 not completed. Third time a charm?
  12. swim in a lake
  13. swim in the ocean
  14. swim in the Wallace River
  15. make homemade ice cream
  16. hike Cape Chignecto
  17. visit Victoria Park and climb Jacob’s Ladder
  18. sunrise at the beach
  19. sunset at the beach
  20. find a waterfall (Amanda’s idea)
  21. go to a country fair (Amanda’s idea)
  22. ride shot gun in a car driven by Amanda to either item 21 or 22!
  23. learn photography… for reals
  24. make sweet tea
  25. have a lunch date
  26. have a brunch date
  27. have a post-work beer date at the Stillwell beer garden
  28. go to a wedding
  29. bike a trail
  30. hike a trail
  31. run a trail
  32. attend a festival
  33. send a postcard
  34. send a parcel
  35. ride a train
  36. ride a ferry
  37. ride a bike (with David) to bike and bean
  38. run to bike and bean
  39. do a pull-up (just one)
  40. go strawberry picking
  41. make strawberry jam
  42. train for a marathon
  43. sleep in a tent
  44. make campfire Kraft Dinner (must remember to bring a pot)
  45. go for a run and jump in the water right after
  46. have a party (or two)
  47. attend a party
  48. watch the movie The Man In The Moon
  49. watch the movie My Girl
  50. watch all of the Star Wars movies with David (in order of release dates)
  51. make a batch of beets
  52. have ice cream for supper
  53. buy a fern
  54. get a pedicure
  55. eat on an outdoor patio
  56. drink on an outdoor patio
  57. play croquette
  58. play washer toss
  59. night swim
  60. have a bbq at least once a week
  61. go two 5 different farmer’s markets
  62. drink my morning coffee outside
  63. have a water balloon fight
  64. accidentally get a sunburn
  65. picnic at the ocean
  66. picnic at Public Gardens
  67. make iced coffee
  68. make lemonade
  69. watch Lemonade
  70. run in 5 races
  71. plant herbs
  72. run the golf shore loop (again)
  73. go to the 2016 Canadian Sprint Canoe Kayak Championship in Dartmouth
  74. cheer for a friend
  75. have fresh flowers in the house always
  76. make rhubarb pie
  77. stand up paddle board
  78. kayak down the river
  79. tube down the river
  80. hang out on the Halifax waterfront
  81. go to the Tattoo
  82. build a sand castle
  83. buy a summer dress
  84. hear bag pipes
  85. watch a parade
  86. dance
  87. watch fireworks
  88. play hooky
  89. read a magazine outside
  90. buy a pineapple
  91. get crafty
  92. eat from a food truck
  93. only use the clothesline
  94. go to the Shore Club (I’ve never been!)
  95. visit a cottage
  96. drink beer from a cooler
  97. get muddy
  98. get sandy
  99. go to a yard sale
  100. mow the lawn

You can see last year’s list here and the results here and 2014’s list here and the results here – I have repeated a lot of items because they’re too much fun not to not do! ScoutsHonorPaper_GreatSummerCard from here

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fifty six reasons why i love ikea

I decided to walk around my house and survey everything Ikea. Sadly, what I am about to show is not everything, as there are retired items in the basement – the place where things go to die. To clarify, we once lived in Montreal and spent many Saturday mornings dining on $1.99 breakfast and strolling around the store – making some of these pieces vintage … who says Ikea doesn’t last?!?

Do others have this much Ikea? Let me know! 

The entry and hallway: 1. Discontinued? (similar)  / 2. Siguard Bench (no longer available in red, pitty) / 3. Portis Hat and Coat Stand / 4. Olunda framed alphabet poster (discontinued?)Hallway1 Entry1Hallway2The kitchen/living/dining room: 5. & 6. Assorted glassware / 7. Bekvam Step Stool (stained black) / 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Kids dishware, placemats and a glass pitcher / 13. Garbage bin for dog food (similar) / 14. Paper napkins / 15. Serving bowl (discontinued) / 16. Blanda Blank Serving Bowl / 17. A sampling of my collection of assorted pictures frames / 18. Read about our fauxdenza here / 19. Blomster Candlesticks (set of 3) / 20. Tejn Faux Sheepskin / 21. Marius Stool / 22. A sampling of my collection of assorted flower pots / 23. Bud vase (discontinued but similar options here)Kitchen1 Kitchen2 Kitchen3Kitchen5 Kitchen6Kitchen7Kitchen8Living1Living2Living3Living4The bathrooms: 24. Patrull Bathtub mat / 25. Dannskar Bathroom Faucet / 26. Lillangen Sink Cabinet / 27. Step Stool (similar) / 28. Mirror (discontinued but this is a beauty) / 29. Stacked narrow cabinets (similar)Bathroom1 Bathroom2 Bathroom3 bathroom4The office and playroom: 30. This is an Expedit (RIP) but the Kallax is similar  / 31. Alex Drawer unit / 32. Erik (discontinued in red) / 33. Trofast (perfect for lego!) / 34. Liatorp Sideboard / 35. Mala Easel / 36. Mula blocks with wagonoffice1 office2 Playroom1 Playroom2 Playroom3 Playroom4The bedrooms: 37. Similar / 38. Ol’ faithful (aka Poang!) / 39. Soften Rug / 40. Raskog Utility Cart / 41. Lillerod Rug / 42. Henry 2 (Gosig Golden) / 43. Smila Stjarna lamp / 44. Nyponros Duvet cover and pillow case (2 sets) / 45. Rast 3-Drawer Chest (stained blue) / 46. Tveblad Cushion cover (discontinued) / 47. Fagleboda Handles / 48. Bekvam Step Stool (stained blue) / 49. Alang Table Lamp / 50. Hemnes 3-Drawer Chest / 51. Valby Ruta Rug / 52. Hemnes Nightstand / 53. Fjell Bed Frame / 54. Malm 6-Drawer Chest (similar) / 55. Jute rug (similar) / 56. Wardrobe (similarDavid1 David2 David3 David4 Master1 Master2 Master3 Spare1 Spare2From their website: To become a leader in life at home in the Halifax marketplace we need to truly connect with people and helping them live a better everyday life at home. Before the store opens, IKEA will do 100 home visits, interviewing people in their homes to get a deep understanding of their needs, dreams and frustrations in and around the home. The new store will reflect the market with relevant, affordable home furnishing solutions and local architecture. Our intention is not to mirror what people have in their homes today, but to help people live a better everyday life at home and show them new ideas to solve their needs.

Ikea, call me.

Read here for my Ikea wish list.

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Tomato, tomahto

You say Ikeya, I say Ikea!

Now that we are finally getting our beloved Ikea back, it is time we all learn how to pronounce it.

It’s Ie-KAY-A, not I-KEY-A. I know this because I watched this YouTube video AND it’s how I had always pronounced it … until recently, when I finally jumped on the Ikeya train. Never again my friends. Never again.

Text from Erin:

FullSizeRender

But I digress. What I am actually here to write about is, what’s on my wish list for the big opening – in 14-16 months. I get to visit Ikea once a year when I make my annual pilgrimage to the holiday office party in Montreal. Jessica happily joins me in a slow stroll through the store and she listens to me say over and over “It’s just not fair” … “Do you think I can fit this in a carry-on?” … “If only Halifax had an Ikea” … “Did you know Halifax once had an Ikea?” … Honestly, I annoy myself with all the whining.

That’s why it was so exciting when I got the news that Halifax is getting a store! Turns out, the whole city freaked.

Now I’m no fool, I know what good quality is and I know that Ikea is not always known for that. I also know that if given the choice, I’d much rather furnish my whole house from Design Within Reach… but my budget does not match that store. So with this in mind, here are TEN items I have been ikying (get it? eyeing):

VITTSJÖ Shelving unit, white or red, glass, $59.00 ::: because it’s crisp, clean and an easy-to-spray piece of shelving. I’ve seen people spray it gold and it looks 3-x-fancier. However in red, I think it will work in our non-existent basement rec. room.
ea5bc56c9b44b65b095d001738e72830STOCKSUND Sofa, Ljungen light red, $849.00 ::: because it’s red and sharp. It’d be more awesome if they release a navy or deep green version in 14-16 months. Just saying.
ba39e4ec29dd452ef8aa615bed7faf59KNAPPER Standing mirror, white, $49.99 ::: because we do not have a full length mirror in our house. I never match because I can only see 1/4 of myself at a time.
fd0943820378af7412ec90db50a72cd5ALVINE RUTA Rug, flatwoven, white/yellow handmade, $299.00 ::: because we need a new rug for our living room. this will do but in all honestly, it’s not the one… I am still looking.
b0b83526d9924667eecd4e072e191b1e
STRANDMON Wing chair, Skiftebo green, $399.00 ::: because it reminds me of the movie Beetlejuice, in a good way. It makes me smile.
596422847c77d5314cb7e1050b5967d6
TURBO Clothes rack, indoor/outdoor, black, $49.99 ::: because my wardrobe (an Ikea wardrobe) is literally busting at the seams and we do not have closets in our house. A few of these would be awesome in our dressing room… which is actually the spare room (I will explain another time).
426c9dc344058ae6eda019f2f4dfe06c
SINNERLIG Serving plate, assorted colors, $12.99 ::: because they look like Denby but a lot cheaper.
905d794d31eee10c738a33de89c8e611NORDLI Bed frame, white, $349.00 ::: because at some point in the future (14-16 months) I’d love to have a proper spare room and get rid of the crappy futon we make our guest sleep on. It’s very sad. No wonder no one visits.
fa6e92fd7404a64d496f738a9036155d
STOCKHOLM TV bench, walnut veneer, $499.00 / and STOCKHOLM Nesting tables, set of 2, walnut veneer, $299.00 ::: because I need furniture for our non-existent basement rec. room.
a8ed47d3758429594220056968f4aca5stockholm-nesting-tables-set-of-__0212224_PE350629_S4How about you? Are you excited? I am.

This is PART ONE of my Swedish celebration. Check back for more posts including: My current collection, my Ikea favourites, and more!

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