Lean in. Lean on. Celebrating all the women in my life! Thank you.
#BeBoldForChange
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women
my ladies
Girls, let’s go out! 
I was reading a Design Mom Living With Kids post and the house reminded me of my favourite holiday movie Little Women… and then as I read on, there was a discussion about how long you should leave out your Christmas decorations. Most commenters suggested it’s very okay to wait until after January 6, which is the Epiphany but THEN someone else mentioned January 6 is also Little Women’s Christmas in Ireland.
What’s Little Women’s Christmas?
“Nollaig na mBan” or “Little Women’s Christmas” is an old custom that’s still celebrated by women all over Ireland. It goes back to the days when large families were the norm. Men never lifted a finger in the house to help, and were never expected to. If a man washed the dishes, he would be called an “auld woman” by other men. No full blooded Irish man was prepared to risk that!
But each year, after the Christmas holiday, tired women finally got a break – for one day, at least. On January 6th (the same day as the Epiphany), men would take over of the housework, offering women a chance to go out to relax with each other. (source)
This is amazing.
Apparently, women are still embracing this custom (the going out part) and I think that’s a great idea.
Photo source (I’m Beth)
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cold case
Winter is here. And with it comes the start of ski season.
To make the cold weather more bearable, I’ve recruited a new ski bunny to join me on the slopes and she asked me to make her a list of what to wear on and off the hill when we go away for a week in March.
The thing with skiing in the Maritimes is the weather is very unpredictable and usually pretty wet. Our winters are windy with high precipitation and it gets cold! Not a dry cold like other parts of Canada but an under-your-skin damp cold.
Fun right? Not always, which is why if you’re going to face this climate, you best be prepared and bundle up.
I’ve had the same ski jacket for more than ten years so I’m on the hunt for something which will keep me warm but look good and I have been eying the winter jackets from Fjällräven Canada.
I love wearing a light padded jacket with a shell on the slopes. The shell keeps the wind away and I stay toasty with the padded jacket underneath. If the sun comes out and the day warms up, off goes a layer! The Iceland Anorak is a great choice for every day wear – plus, I love the side zips and the big front pocket.
So with my new jackets picked, here are my On The Slopes and Après Ski essentials for our ski holiday:
- Fjällräven : Women’s Keb Eco-Shell Jacket
- Fjällräven : Women’s Keb Padded Jacket
- Burton : Women’s anon. Insight Goggles
- Smith : Women’s Holt Helmet
- Helly Hansen : Women’s Warm Freeze 1/2 Zip
- Helly Hansen : Women’s Warm Pant
- Smart Wool : PhD Slopestyle Medium Wenke Socks
- Fjällräven : Gear Duffel
- Smart Wool : Women’s Isto Sport Sweater
- The North Face : Women’s Sally Pants
- Fjällräven : Keb Fleece Balaclava
- Burton : Women’s GORE-TEX Mitt + Gore warm technology
- Fjällräven : Women’s Iceland Anorak
- Oakley : Women’s Forehand Sunglasses
- Lululemon : Women’s Studio Pant III (Lined)
- Fjällräven : Kiruna Beanie
- Fjällräven: Totepack No. 1
- Sorel : Women’s Out N About Leather Duck Boot
- Towsen : Après Ski Sweater
Happy trails!
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like me
Gift ideas for a girl like me… a mixuture of home sense, sports, comfort and style… I’ve got you covered!
15 things i found & pinned to the want board
- THE FUTURE IS FEMALE : lets keep fighting the fight (25% of t-shirt sale proceeds donated to Planned Parenthood)
- And speaking of women, this book is on my wish list : In The Company of Women
- Also a good page turner that I need to read for the book club I just joined
- A new ski jacket : my current jacket is old – perhaps a new one will make me a better skier?
- L.L.Bean’s Wicked Good Slippers : i can’t get over my slipper bootie crush
- A smart phone vase : how awesome would this be in a guest room? I don’t have a guest room but still…
- Or maybe a Heath Ceramics Multi-Stem vase : beautiful colours and simple designs
- Cactus Coasters : i don’t think I need to justify why this is amazing
- A comfy but stylish turtle neck sweater : because i am always cold and i am no longer planning to move to California for at least 4 more years
- A photogenic rack : because I like to take pictures of cookies
- Sage Aromagem diffuser : because i want to jump on the bandwagon that smells good
- A really nice throw like one of these from Caroline Z Hurley
- Running mitts : really warm running mitts (not gloves)
- Adorable ballet flats + great packaging + great colours = approve
- Calvin Klien Body Modern Cotton Fitted Sheet : sleeping on bedsheets that are as comfy as CK underwear sounds like a great idea!
Let me know what’s on your list!
Check out my updated favourite things lists
Check out my stocking stuffer ideas
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a few (more) of my favourite things
In 2014 I made a 50 under 50 favourite things list… it was epic and in my opinion, it still holds up:
So this year I am back with more things I love which may or may not be more than $50
10 more things I love, but they ain’t cheap 
- Hello Anna: I love my bottle opener. Amanda gifted her to me years ago and she’s never failed! Easy to use and fancy enough to keep on display so you never need to go rummaging through your gadget drawer in a moment of panic.
- And Speaking of wine, we are sharing a Case of Compassion from Feed Nova Scotia with Mike’s parents for the holiday festivities. Drinking for a good cause sounds like a great idea!
- I loved my SPIbelt… I miss my SPIbelt. I lost it on my travels and replaced it with another brand which is not as great. It was an awesome companion on long runs, carrying my phone, gummies, etc. and fit so nicely that I never felt it bouncing or moving.
- Cusinart Mini-Prep Plus Processor: I have had this for 10 years and it has survived many pestos and baby food creations – it’s small but mighty and I give it a big thumbs up.
- Booties: I just got these Clarks Taylor Shine Somerset Chelsea Boots on sale but I also love the Sam Edelman Petty in black. I think I need both.
- Tivoli Audio Model One radio: Another item from our 10-year club but still sounding strong – it’s pretty basic, and you can get more bells and whistles but it works well and plays daily in the kitchen.
- Mac Mini: We got a Mini four years ago when we ditched the cable. Although an Apple TV works great for Netflix, I love the Mini because it holds all of our movies and it links to our other devices. We keep it under the TV and it can take CDs, DVDs and USBs…etc. easily. There are times in life when you need a YouTube dance party, and the Mini delivers.
- Longchamp Large Tote Bag Le Pilage: The bag that can hold many (many) things but always make you feel classy. I love mine for traveling and think it’s a great alternative to a diaper bag if you are in need of a diaper bag.
- Le Creuset 4.2L Round French Oven: Le Creuset is amazing for cooking but even more amazing to clean. You can burn a full pot of soup in there and it will all just wash away in a jiffy. I love this size for making sauces and soups and especially risotto.
- Gym membership at Cyclone Group Fitness: I will be the first to tell you I don’t go as often as I’d like but when I do, I love it! Group fitness classes are a treat – especially when I spend so much time running alone. Find a gym that makes you happy – I like barre / TRX and spin which is why this place works for me!
Check out the original favourite things list to find links to all the items shown above
Check out my stocking stuffer ideas
And up next, my wish list!
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Hello Sunshine 