Nobody else could ever hold it down like you.

Let's talk about role models.


But let's look at a different side of it. More like someone you can identify with, and has similar traits to you that make you feel a strange connection to them (whether you know them or not).

So think about everyone in your life (specifically the ones you are similar to), as well as any man or woman who you may look up to and aspire to one day be as captivating or motivating or exciting as they are. Who is your role model, or who are your role models?

If you still can't really think of anyone, begin with your traits. Ask a friend, and really think about what it is that makes you, well, you. Tell me, what are your traits?

Okay never mind, we'll talk about my traits first. I know I'm sarcastic, I've heard I'm funny, I love singing (and have been told I'm good at it), I'm a loyal friend, I'm relatively upbeat, and I'm cute (personal opinion really, agree or disagree, I know you're wrong :)). I have many other traits, but we'll start with the easy ones.

So I identify with three women. First one (and it will NEVER change) is my mother. I didn't realize until lately (which sucks I waited so long) that my mother is actually always there to listen to me and my crazy problems, and without just giving advice, she also, being a mother, welcomes my problems with warm, loving arms. I hope to one day be as loving and accepting of a mother as she is.

My two other role models are not related to me, and I've never met them, but I definitely identify with them.

Meghan Trainor. When I first heard her hit All About That Bass, I was hooked. And I'm sure most of you were too. Granted, I may have overplayed it and now, though I still get into it, it's less exciting when I hear it. But the meaning behind the song, and the damn empowerment I get listening to it, makes up for any overplaying I've done.

Meghan, though she is only 21 years old, understands the trials and tribulations that every young women goes through, and in her music, she tells us that no matter what, we are perfect. She's bubbly (I mean just listen to her music), we share musical talent (though her vocal skills put mine to shame), and we share a sort of confident femininity about ourselves that can not (and will not) be messed with. And I'm pretty sure she likes pink, and I know I sure do.

Last woman I look up to, is a YouTube sensation. Host of You Deserve A Drink, and a hilarious comedienne... None other than Mamrie Hart. This woman, I believe, is my soul mate. Or my "spirit animal", as some might say. Her quick wit, and killer puns make her one of the funniest women I've seen and heard. Just see for your damn self!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0jlMAF7rwU <--Harry Potter's Flaming Butterbeer. Just watch it. Seriously.

And I'm sorry, let me take a second to just promote Mamrie Hart. If you watch YouTubers a lot, you'll most likely have heard of Mamrie's friends Tyler Oakley, Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart... the list is endless, and they all appear on her show at least once. (She's also had Jamie Oliver on her show... I love him.) Not only does she host You Deserve A Drink, she also writes (having co-written an independent film called Camp Takota. Do check it out), acts, and does comedy tours with her hilarious friends Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart.

Okay that's enough. Just check her out, cause she's awesome. I definitely get a lot of my humor just from watching her. I can thank her for most of my hilarity. She's still one million times funnier than me, and I look up to not only how funny she is, but how she is chasing her dreams, and succeeding in everything I've seen her do. She leads a life with which she's happy, and what girl doesn't want to look up to someone who does that?

Do I, or do I not have pretty awesome role models to look up to? These women motivate me to be a better person, whether it's just for me, or whether it's for the benefit of other people's happiness.

So really think about it; who are your role models? Who inspires you to become a better person, and also makes you feel empowered? And why?

(HEY. YOU. YEAH I MEAN YOU. If you're reading this, and like it, and haven't told your friends about it... WHY HAVEN'T YOU TOLD YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT IT? Go on. Tell them how great my blog is. I'll wait.)

I'll put my little black dress on.

It has come to my attention that I never really knew what my 'type' of guy is. Well, all of you who don't really care and never really wondered, I've finally figured it out.

Scrawny, slightly greasy, European men. Agree or disagree with my taste, but I would absolutely love to take any of those men out on a date.

Here's a good question: if you could take your celebrity crush to any restaurant that you've ever been to (obviously on a date), which restaurant would you choose?

Obviously if you've traveled lots, this will be a difficult choice for you. I have traveled a decent amount (mostly the west coast of the U.S.A.), and this is difficult for me. But I'll try my best.

I guess it really depends on what sort of date it is. Is it casual? Do you want live music? Is it formal, or romantic? It's hard to decide which was the best restaurant I've ever been to unless I really know what sort of date it is. So I'll just remember all of the restaurants that really stood out to me on my travels, and make my decision that way (considering different types of dates, obviously).

Focusing on the West Coast of North America, because those travels are the most fresh and recent, we'll start in Canada to the places that I can remember.
Vancouver, BC: Now because Vancouver isn't far from where I live, I've visited friends there many times, so I can't pinpoint the pizza joints or the sushi restaurants that blew me away. I can, however, remember one tea time I had with my mother at The Urban Tea Merchant in downtown Vancouver. We went for their signature tea service, where I had a chocolate black tea (might've been herbal, it was a couple of years ago.), and we had some finger sandwiches, little canapes, and desserts. This would be amazing for a casual lunch date (pricey, but so worth it). Here's a before and after shot of our service:

So yummy!
Kelowna, BC: Now because Kelowna is even CLOSER than Vancouver, I know of many good restaurants to take someone to for a date. Old Vines restaurant at Quail's Gate Estate Winery is elegant, romantic and very relaxed, with incredible food and wines to pair with the atmosphere. I'd say for a romantic date, absolutely. RauDZ Regional Table is also a great place. It's sophisticated, relaxingly upbeat and has delicious food. Cocktails, made by their skilled and talented liquid Chefs, are also incredible. Pretty good I'd say for a romantically casual date.

There are too many restaurants I've been to in Kelowna to list all the good ones, so those are my top two.
Nelson, BC: One of my favorite towns that I've ever been to. Ever. Tucked away in the Selkirk mountain range, at the extreme west arm of Kootenay lake. Some hidden treasures in that town. The most amazing salmon burger I've ever had, at Rel-ish Bistro. Very casual dining; I would go there on a date or just out with friends. Very cool feel. Another Nelson treasure is Bibo. Very small, intimate and romantic restaurant with incredible Mediterranean inspired dishes. Amazing in the summer, though extremely warm, this would be great for a late night date, or after a movie dinner.
Here's some pictures of the food at these two restaurants:

Now, starting from the bottom of the American west coast (the most bottom place I've been that had memorable food):
San Fransisco, CA: Sadly, I have recently developed some sort of intolerance or allergy to garlic, which really sucks because one of my favorite meals ever was had at The Stinking Rose. What is in every dish at The Stinking Rose? You guessed it, piles and piles of garlic. Honestly, to eat there again, I would, without hesitation, sacrifice my gut. It's so worth it. It's located in North Beach, which is San Fransisco's Little Italy (extremely fitting), "Guests can enjoy treat-after-garlicky-treat in any of the restaurant's whimsical dining rooms decorated with colorful garlic characters, curious memorabilia and a mechanical miniature garlic factory. The world's largest garlic braid winds its way throughout the establishment, and festive murals, depicting a garlic bulb's view of San Francisco's history and culture, adorn the walls" (Quoted from thestinkingrose.com).

Ashland, OR: My family and I have traveled to Ashland for the Shakespeare festival approximately four times. This laid-back, idyllic town has lots to offer, especially during festival season. There are two restaurants from Ashland that I remember positively. Pasta Piatti, which is a new world Italian restaurant. Very casual, with amazing pizza. Some of the best I'd ever had. The second restaurant, which was the most recent one we went to, was called Loft Brasserie & Carpe Noctem Bar. A French restaurant, with the dining room located one level above the kitchen, but some amazing food and warming, romantic decor. (It helped that the server was witty as well.) Ashland is already a pretty romantic town, that both places would be good for any kind of date.

Portland, OR: I've been to Portland a couple of times, but the first time I just had some fast food. The next time, we stayed one night and had dinner at a restaurant called EastBurn. Not only did I have an incredibly smooth chocolate shake porter for a beverage, I also had their pasta special. It was the best I'd had in a long time. Extremely simple, papardelle noodles tossed with asparagus and mushrooms, in a goat cheese cream sauce, and sure I could've made it myself at home, but the execution of this dish was amazing. Unforgettable meal. Definitely a spot for a casual date.

(The Elephant is a drawing I did on the awesome brown paper table cloths, and it's saying "This chocolate shake porter is delicious!".)

Seattle, WA: The best is always saved for last. Not only is Seattle my favorite city (it's the only city I've visited where I've felt safe and not uncomfortable walking around), but this restaurant is my new favorite restaurant. I'm very much into Cajun/Creole, authentic New Orleans cuisine (trust me, it's my next city to visit), and this restaurant delivers. Toulouse Petit. Though they brought me the wrong salad to begin with (I ordered a pork belly and arugula salad, they brought a pesto caprese salad), it was on the house and both are in a tie for being a couple of the best salads I've had. My gumbo, though I got it spicier than I should've, made me fall in love with gumbos. I wouldn't just date at this restaurant, I'd live there.

So I guess my answer is that I'd take any of those men at the top to Seattle for some gumbo and beignets.

Just as a thought, if you're ever checking any of these cities/towns out, I highly recommend these hot spots, and hope that if you do,you have just as great of an experience as I had (if not a better one).

(Sidenote: though I've never been out on a date, these are really just my choices for my perfect date.)

If you freaky, then own it.

So today is St. Valentine's Day.

Now that I've acknowledged it, it's time to move on.

Oh wait, I was going to talk about the Valentine's cards I got. Shoot.

Anyway, have any of you ever been ashamed or embarrassed about something you like? Or called it a guilty pleasure so that you didn't feel alone when you talked to someone else about it? Trust me. I'm definitely the epitome of that. I have had my fair share of favorite TV shows, bands, artists, what have you, that I felt embarrassed about in the past. Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Lizzie McGuire, McFLY, Busted... the list goes on.

I know what some of you are thinking, "Why diss Lizzie McGuire? That's a Disney channel classic!" But at the time, how many people obsessed over it? I talked to maybe one friend about it, which is why it was a guilty pleasure.

Back then, in my teen years (and really, anyone can relate to this), I did everything I could to fit in, and if that meant not talking about things that weren't considered 'cool', then I definitely didn't talk about any of my guilty pleasures.

But nowadays? I let my freak flag fly. I don't care who knows that I'm obsessed with, yes, you guessed it ladies and gentlemen, One Direction.

Truth be known, I'm not crazy obsessed; I can't justify spending $80+ on a concert ticket (but that's because I could use that money for bills... sucks being an adult...), and I don't keep up on the latest news about them, but I definitely can't get through a car ride without listening to at LEAST ONE song of theirs.

I'll tell you what, I also don't care if anyone hears it, or hears me sing The Best Song Ever at the top of my lungs. I'll tell you why, because once I started realizing that my favorite things were really just for me, and I stopped caring what everyone says. People definitely make fun of me for this obsession, but instead of feeling ashamed, I brush it off and listen to more One Direction. Because who cares what I like? Only I should.

So let YOUR freak flag fly, guys. You like something no one else does? Flaunt that. Don't let anyone else get you down about the things that you love. It makes you who you are, and you are one in seven billion.

Don't be ashamed, guys. I'm not, and I used to get embarrassed by almost everything. Now...

Yes, those ARE One Direction trading cards, given to me as a gift by a close friend of mine. And...

Yes, THOSE are One Direction Valentines. With stickers.

See how I'm now flaunting the fact that I am a 25 year old woman with a healthy obsession with a band that gets ridiculed by almost everyone around me? Because I don't care what people think anymore; judge all you want, it won't make me love them any less.

Moral of this story is: don't stop loving something just because it gets ridiculed. Keep your 'guilty pleasure' in your life, and damnit, be proud of it!

So happy Valentine's Day you beautiful freaks! :D
ps. if you're wondering, Harry Styles.

Her lipstick stain is a work of art.

Trying to make yourself feel great every single day (especially when in general you just don't feel up to waking up) is hard. Putting those pants on that used to fit perfectly, and now make you look like you have long lumpy thighs, or applying your usually smooth liquid liner and looking like you gave a child a permanent marker and told him to 'have at it'.

But there must be something we all do every single day to help just even get through the day.

Most people will tell you (or at least they told me) that you have to be happy with yourself before you can be happy with anything else in life. But I pose one question to them: when it's hard enough just getting up and starting your day, let alone being happy about it, what makes you think I can be happy with myself?

So what do I do? Whatever I want. Obviously. Within reason, you should just be doing whatever you want to feel awesome and happy and beautiful, because no one can take that away from you. Whether it's curling your hair every day, or wearing glitter eyeshadow every day, or wearing a pearl necklace every day. Whatever it is that makes you feel good and feel happy, do that every day! It'll start to get better, I promise.

I've begun my positive life change by wearing lipstick every single day. I know what you're thinking: how come I'm not accepting my face the way it is? You just cut it out. My face is awesome, and I know that. I'm just accentuating the greatness.

Now, let me tell you about which brands and colors I use. I'll start up by saying that I'm not one to have expensive makeup; I have different priorities than some girls, and therefore I don't see the need to spend lots of money on lipstick for myself. So I use brands bought at your local pharmacy.

First in the lineup, is a MAC color, and yes I know, MAC is expensive but HEY. I felt like splurging, k? First lipstick I ever bought. The color is called Girl About Town. And it looks like this:

Vibrant right? And yes, it is the best quality lipstick I own, and yes, it's totally worth the money, but that doesn't mean you should break the bank every time, my friends!
The next in line is Rimmel London, Kate Moss edition, and the color is an orange-y coral. No name, looks like this:

I wear this one when I'm feeling fun and crazy. Not all the time, but once in a while. It's a matte color, so no shine, and super long lasting. Don't be fooled though, these lipsticks will all still rub off on things, despite what any advertisement will say.
Next is another Rimmel London, Kate Moss edition color. I love Rimmel London, clearly. This color is more of an every day color:

Subtle, light, feminine, but still empowering and beautifying. Again, it's a matte color, and again, long lasting, but will rub off. Just be careful (without being too prissy) about your lipsticks, girls!
And last, but certainly not least, is my staple red lip color. Brand: Revlon. Name: Fire & Ice. And it goes like this:

I never used to be one for bright red colors. Especially near my face (I have a very Scottish complexion, and red will make me look like a lobster). That being said, I LOVE WEARING RED LIPSTICK. Do you want to just feel like a real woman? Wear red lipstick. Do you want to feel sexy? Wear red lipstick. Do you want to feel fun? Wear red lipstick. This is the most empowering lip color I have ever worn, and it's so classic, that I really do feel like the woman I am.

Ladies (and even gentlemen), don't be afraid to go bold. Wear lipstick every day! (Or whatever you want, wear liquid liner every day, whatever it is you fancy.) Just make sure you do something to make you feel empowered, sexy and confident.

Other than the one splurge on the MAC color, these lipsticks did not break my bank. In fact, they are all under 10$. Into it? Go check out your local Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, or any pharmacy/grocery store that sells makeup.

And remember to always find a man who ruins your lipstick, not your mascara. ;)

The Beauty of the Green.

I decided after a short bit of work this morning, that I was going to treat myself to some Tim Horton's for accomplishing a great deal of organization of paperwork. I guess I should mention that I am trying to eat healthy with my roommate; we have been cutting down on sugars and portion sizes, and resisting the urge to binge eat high sodium snacks. So when I order from Tim Horton's, it's usually a bagel with cream cheese (holy high fat, Batman), and one of those heavenly steeped teas with two milks and two sugars.

As I pulled my car up to the drive-thru, I noticed a line of approximately ten cars. The Universe is clearly not letting me give in to my cravings and temptations, and I greatly appreciate it. I came home to eat a small bowl of cereal with flax, and a nice steaming cup of chai green tea.

Because green tea, ladies and gentlemen, is incredible. We're all aware of the antioxidants, metabolism boosting, and cancer prevention benefits of green tea, am I right? Well here's a big shock. All green tea studies have inconclusive evidence for all of these benefits. However, I did a little research (because I swear by green tea's health benefits), and found a couple of points that I'd like to mention:

• Though there is no real sturdy evidence that green tea helps prevent or treat cancer, there is, however, limited evidence (found in 2014 by Meta-Analyses) showing a lower risk of lung cancer in women. (Yay!)
• Studies have found that green tea has been associated with a reduced risk of strokes. Green tea also has been known to lower blood pressure by minimal amounts, over a 3-6 month period.

So that's still pretty cool right? What is the point of informing you of the super unsure facts about green tea? Well because I am living proof that green tea, not only in the drinkable form, is amazing for women and men alike.

Every time I enjoy a cup of green tea, though it doesn't give me energy like coffee does, it makes me feel at LEAST 85% better than I am already feeling. My joints don't feel stiff, my stomach and intestine region have zero pains (which is actually a common problem with me, but that's saved for another day), and I feel more alert. Maybe a placebo effect, you may ask? No! I dare say. I've been drinking green tea since I was a teenager. I didn't know how awesome it was then, I just liked it.

I'll tell you what, I've never had acne in my life. Well, at least a face full of acne. I got very lucky in my teen years. My t-zone was my problem area, and it wasn't even a problem. Occasional pimples around the time of my period? I mean, why would I complain? Well, because I was a teenager. I've now come to the realization that HEY. EVERYONE GETS ZITS. GET OVER IT. NO ONE CARES. IT'S A REGULAR THING. WELCOME TO LIFE.

If I could have a nickel for every time someone complimented my blemish-free, smooth as shit, evenly toned skin, I'd be several dollars richer. I'm going to let you in on my secret, ladies and gents. St. Ive's Blemish Control Green Tea Cleanser. I've been using it since I was in my late teens, and I will never use another product for my face. (Except for the Apricot Scrub from St. Ives. But only like, twice a week.) What are the benefits of this cleanser? WELL...:

• 100% natural extracts.
• Paraben-free
• Oil free
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypoallergenic

Also! The key ingredients are green tea (obvie), olive oil, and olive leaf extract. I know what you're thinking, it says oil free so why does it contain olive oil? You just simmer down, okay. Olive oil is the bee's knees. The cat's pajamas. The creme de la creme. Put that shit in your hair and holy crap. Rub it on your body and mother trucker. It's the ultimate natural lotion. So with the 2% of salicylic acid to help kill all those blackheads and blemishes, that olive oil is in there to rejuvinate your damn skin cells. And that's all I want to hear about this olive oil thing!

So there you have it. This is how awesome green tea is. So go pick yourself up a bottle of St. Ive's Blemish Control Green Tea Cleanser, make yourself a giant pot of green tea (because to really reap the benefits, you need to have 7+ cups a day), and bask in the beautiful healthiness of this gift from the Earth.

Woah, woah, woah, she's a lady.

I am not the best. I'm 25, I don't have my career 100% figured out yet. My love life exists about as much as unicorns do, I'm not the ideal weight I should be, and just like many other people, I definitely have health problems.

But damnit, I am a big beautiful woman and I love myself. Maybe I'm over-emotional (okay, that's not a 'maybe' kind of statement), but it has taken me my whole life to be happy with myself, and finally I am.

I'm not one to toot my own horn (who am I kidding, of course I am; I'm awesome), but I've had many girls and women compliment plenty of things about me, whether it's my makeup or hair or style choices, and I'd like to share what advice and life tips & tricks I may have for all you ladies, girls, boys, men, queens, kings or whoever wants to listen to what I have to say.

Everyone should feel beautiful and happy with themselves, and if I can do my part to help, I sure as hell am going to.