Archive for category Simple pleasures in life!

Delights

I love when my husband is home at night…

  

after 5 wild business days last week getting back into the grind - I loved coming home to fun creations that my hubby had waiting for me.

Thanks for being my personal Chef Beazley.

To those that love to cook also – hope this inspires you to create a masterpiece at home!?

Live Inspired,
Robyn

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Choose the Stairs

My friend Dana shared this cool excerpt and video with me!

“”Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator and feel better” is something we often hear or read in the Sunday papers. Few people actually follow that advice. Can we get more people to take the stairs over the escalator by making it fun to do? See the results here.” – Unknown

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Perfect Long Weekend ch 2

The rest of the details on what I’ve coined as our Perfect L-O-N-G Weekend! (To read the first chapter)

After brunch on Sunday morning, we decided to take the drive to Waterton, that I had wanted to take all summer. We packed up and headed to Waterton National Park (the Canadian side of Glacier National Park in Montana) to explore the small touristy village. I packed a picnic in the sweet set (complete with blanket, cooler, champagne glasses, dishes and cutlery) our amazing friends Jen & Marshall gave us as an early Anniversary gift.

Just before we departed, I suggested we take our toothbrush and an extra pair of underwear – just in case we decide not to rush home. Since it was only Day 2 of the long weekend – we had lots of time to explore.

The weather was overcast; however the drive was still breathtaking. It’s not about the destination, but the chance to enjoy the journey together. Driving SW to Waterton:

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Enjoying our picnic lunch in the park. I found this fabulous copper tree in a shop. However, I sadly didn’t buy it – I should have!

Picnic Copper Tree

Then we decided to drive south – with Montana only minutes away. To the United States we went:

Chief Mountain Border Crossing

I love the drive south of the Chief Mountain border crossing. We even saw a black bear cub on the side of the road – but I wasn’t quick enough with my camera. We pulled over to enjoy this gorgeous sight – another couple from Tennessee stopped too and took our picture. It was slightly windy – gotta love my hair in this shot.

CIMG4960 CIMG4970 We then decided to head west towards Kalispell & Whitefish, MT:

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We pulled into the gorgeous Whitefish / Kalispell area and visited Wal Mart. Then we enjoyed a snack from Taco Bell and found a hotel room for the night. One of John’s favorite hobbies is to discover the wine selection in different stores. Luckily in Montana – wine is also be found in grocery stores.We had a blast looking at the selection and seeing what kind of deals we could take advantage of. I fell in love with the label of this Washington wine – Avery Lane & with a sale price of $6.19 – made it even more appealing.

Avery Lane Wine

Then I headed to the frozen section to scout out the cool snacks. I love ice cream. I fell for the mini ice cream tubs!!

Starbucks Ice Cream Ben & Jerrys Mini Ice Cream Mini Ice Cream More Mini Ice Cream

John tried to change my mind and select healthy strawberries – maybe even with chocolate to accompany the champagne we picked. However, I got my vote! Luckily we had champagne glasses in our picnic bag and were able to enjoy our late night treat at the hotel!

IceCream&Champagne IceCream&Champagne

We both preferred the Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor best! I was also really impressed by the Ballatore. My favorite champagne is Martini Asti – because I prerfer sweet over dry. We chose the Ballatore because it was also a Spumante and were satisfied – it was awesome! Oh – this entry is getting lengthy! I’ll save Day 3 of our l-o-n-g weekend for another post. I look forward to telling you all about the final day of our perfect roadtrip.

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Perfect Long Weekend

WOW! I honestly couldn’t have planned a more perfect September l-o-n-g weekend with the love of my life. The entire 3 days was completely spontaneous.

It started Friday afternoon after a crazy week at my Lethbridge College contract. It was my first week in high gear with instructors and students on campus and in class. I left quite exhausted.

John had sent me a text message that said, “Wanna date tonite?” Absolutely!

We enjoyed dinner at The Keg – it was a fabulous evening. I splurged and enjoyed one of my favorites – seafood. Luckily – the evening was a present – as we had a gift card that we were given in February!

JohnKeg LobsterButter

Mmm…I love butter to dip your entree in!

BreadButter RobynKeg Steak&Lobster BlueCheeseFilet

For dessert – I really wanted my favorite…cheesecake! We restaurant hoped and went to the Cheesecake Cafe. I had another gift card stashed away for there! If you ever feel the urge to give me a present – if you didn’t already catch on – I love gift cards!! He he…just joking. John and I love to give them away – so people can have fun nights out and pick what they would like from stores!

Cheesecake Cafe CheesecakeChoices
So many choices…
Desserts CheesecakeBars

After a filling supper – we selected cheesecake bars. There were two choices – Plain and Orange. My darling husband loves variety – so of course – we selected one of each choice to taste against one another. We enjoyed this fabulous course at home!

Dessert at home

The next morning – Saturday – we got up and helped our friends Richard, Lisa, and Gabriel move. We enjoyed  walk through the Lethbridge coulees in the afternoon. Dinner at home – that consisted of fresh Taber corn! Then we drove back to Lethbridge on Saturday night – to witness the High Level Bridge 100th Anniversary lighting.

High Level Bridge

On Sunday morning, Chef Beazley got creative and made Cheese Souffles and his newly famous potato patties.

Cheese Souffles

Then…to read the rest of the story.

I just uploaded 65 pictures that I want to share with you about what I’ve coined as our Perfect L-O-N-G Weekend and that would make a very long entry!!

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Patio Drinks

I’ve sat down 3 different times today to write a serious, inspiring blog entry – that you can learn more about the entrepreneurial side of me. However, I keep getting sidetracked.

It’s summer and I keep imagining what you’re all doing for fun. Where are YOU going/have gone on vacation? How are YOU taking advantage of the beautiful summer weather? Please comment – I want to hear about YOU!!

Warning – no negativity allowed – only positive thoughts. He he…if you live in the deep south of the USA where it is 105F – please don’t think us Canadians are feeling sorry for you ;) Just joking – most of us would trade locations with you any day. If you don’t have vacation time OR your checking account isn’t overflowing with spending money – tell us about the daycations & staycations you’re enjoying. I know you’re creative and making the most of any opportunity life is providing you. Tanning on your deck, golfing, hanging out friends, whatever!

On the weekend – John & I had a fun date after church. We had a bit of time before going to watch a friend’s son play soccer. John was craving a taco and the only tex-mex fast food place was on the other end of town. SO we settled for the Original Joe’s patio for nachos! You might think we sound like an oxymoron – Christians enjoying a cocktail on a Sunday after church. However, we just like to have fun socially and enjoy taking advantage of our couple months of nice weather. Who am I kidding, trying to defend being Canadian ;)

When our cold drinks came out – we giggled. Depending on the day or our mood – John and I could easily interchange our beverages – just like a lot of things. Did you know that John & I don’t have particular sides of the bed we sleep on? Or one more common, we don’t have assigned seating at our table.

This time – which drink do you think is mine & which one is John’s?

PatioDrinks

JohnPatio RobynPatio

Don’t forgetI would LOVE to hear about the highlights of your summer thus far please!! Comment away… even those of you that are virgins at making on comments on this blog – but are so amazing at visiting and revisiting my blog. Thank you for your support. I’d really love to read your comment…

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Singing Out Loud

Hope you’ve had an amazing weekend!

My marvelous husband’s Star Birthday is tomorrow and I gave him his gift early ;)

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(Thank goodness for our Costco rebate check – I could treat him!)

John has been talking about an iPod for a while. He LOVES music (and thinks I should be able to identify the artist and name of song on que – however that is part of the “opposite” skills that brought our relationship together!). My auctioneer hubby also wanted to upload clips from sales he’d done to learn from and improve. Always learning…that’s what life is all about.

ipod

Thanks to my beautiful friends Tam & Nolan – I was surprised with an iPod Shuffle a few weeks ago!

Our friends Johnny and Jen kindly shared their playlists with us while they were here. So John had a HUGE head start to his library of music. He has honestly been so addicted to iTunes for the past 1 1/2 days. I love it – he’s so excited to learn everything. John was busy compiling music for his work trip tomorrow with his new toy. I wanted to spend time with him – so I made myself at home next time surfing the net.

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I had no idea John was going to get so many hours of entertainment out of this present! Out of nowhere John informs me he’s going to mow the lawn. When I turned to look at him – he was so cute!!

HappyHubby

I was doing some things inside when I hear this loud voice singing away. I thought it was the computer still playing iTunes but no – it was John! He was outside mowing and just givener!!

Ha ha – I’m laughing WITH! It was amazing to hear my hubby’s voice singing out loud with the music on his new iPod.

SingingMower

That’s what life is all about. Sing like no one is listening ;)

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Fresh & Colorful

We returned home on Sunday night from our trip to  Texas and my 12 days at the Calgary Stampede. There was absolutely NO food in the house. Well, I guess I’m exaggerating a bit. There were condiments and canned goods.

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I am spoiled rotten! John went grocery shopping today and filled our home with amazing ingredients to prepare fantastic meals, snacks and drinks!! I always love when he goes, because not only does he buy and put them all away. He buys more exciting items than me AND presents them in the kitchen with so much class.

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Our home is full of fresh and colorful groceries! Thanks John.

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Date Night

I had an absolutely perfect date night with my soul mate.

We started off by going to the movies. I LOVED The ProposalI laughed SO much!! I HIGHLY recommend.

theproposal

Parts of the movie reminded me of John and I’s cross border courtship!! He he… Swept off my feet by a Texan.

We then took a long walk at one of our favorite places – Henderson Lake. This is where we got married on October 5, 2006!

ourwedding

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Just For Fun

A few months ago, I confessed 25 Random Things about me in a Facebook note craze.

24. For relaxation I love to get pedicures, take baths, get my hair done, read & wonder the aisles of Costco or Wal-Mart for hours!

Here is an example of my quirky side:

I ran into Wal Mart last night to buy eggs. I was on the phone browsing and got a bit sidetracked. I love to randomly wonder aisles and look for cool things. Many people would go to electronics, cosmetics, maybe even clothes. Not me, I go straight for stationery!

Last night this unique, unfamiliar pattern caught my eye.

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Do you see it??  Down below the orange poster board! It’s got a pattern…very peculiar compared to the normal offering of large poster paper. The investigation began!

PatternPaper

Ha ha…simply amazing! Funky bordered poster paper. You may now be thinking, “WHICH one did I pick?”

None of them actually! I didn’t have a “use” for them, yet. If I can justify the purchase for an exciting project, I’ll be back.

Just down the aisle I was attracted to this fabulous print on a photo album. Very “western inspired”, reminded me of a wicked pair of cowboy boots I discovered yesterday.

(From reading Cactus Creek Daily, who was featuring The Gypsy Wagon, who carries Heritage Boots. I love how the power of referrals work – one website to the next!)

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I rounded the corner and the choirs starting singing. This is a beautiful sight:

Greeting Cards

I love scoping out the note cards. Today, these were my top picks.

Cards

However, I left the store without any stationery, just my eggs…and some green grapes for John to return home to! 

Crystal and Laura, this is what I was doing when talking to you yesterday afternoon! He he…

Have an amazing weekend full of color and fun patterns. “Creating excitement from simple things in life, make each day more amazing”, Robyn Beazley. Mmm…I think I’m going to make that one of my new quotes – I love it!!

Live with Passion,
The “colorful” Bird

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Baa Ram Ewe

I should have bought a sheep yesterday at the 4H sale. It’s been a wild week and our lawn didn’t get the attention that it usually does. From the house & deck the grass in the backyard didn’t look this bad! Then I got the lawn mower out and it almost got lost in the pasture, I mean lawn!

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I thought about leaving it until John came home later this week. My fantastic fast talking Auctioneer flew to Vancouver Island this morning for a sale. I was very envious when he sent me the view from his balcony! I am imagining the sound he is hearing as he goes to sleep…

ocean

Back to my exciting afternoon. I wonder how tall the field would have been when he returned to mow? My amazing husband used to own a landscaping business. He is very particular about how the grass is cut. Straight lines and precision are expected. Every time the lawn is mowed, we do it a different direction to avoid having the same lines.

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Well, since I let the backyard get out of hand, I had to dump out the bag every couple passes!

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House Rule: Mmm…John’s rule, the lawn mower must be washed off after every use. I appreciate that our belongings are taken care of, kept clean, and able to hold their value. The picture of under the mower is taken “BEFORE”!

washmower   washunder 

I had an interesting realization this afternoon. I was mowing our front lawn and a couple unfamiliar ladies rode their bikes past. I said “Hi” and they stopped to ask me a question. One lady made a unique comment about the fact that I was “mowing more than just our own lawn”. I replied “Yes, our neighbors and us take turns mowing. In the winter we also shovel each others walks quite often”. This lady was shocked! You may be also, but we are used to it. John and I don’t see much point in mowing half of the lawn. Our yard looks beautiful when its all groomed at the same time.

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Since we travel quite a bit, we love knowing that if we’re gone – that our lawn in the summer or sidewalk and drive in the winter is taken care of. Our neighbors are gone lots also, so we just Pay It Forward.

I dare you to surprise someone in your life – with a kind gesture. It’s so nice waking up to the snow removed in the winter or a beautiful yard to drive up to.

I’m off to get clean.

Cheers, Miss Green – I’m absolutely covered.

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