Currently

My real life friend Randalin {who blogs over at Harvesting Kale} has posted a few blog posts titled 'currently'.  These posts are basically as it sounds.  You  write about some things that are currently going on in your life.  Easy right?  Well Randalin has joined forces with another blogger friend, Wendy from This Amazing Day, to turn these posts into a weekly 'Currently' link up.

This is perfect because I have wanted to do one anyways so this is a great excuse to finally do it.  Support a friend and tell all my readers {you} a few new things about me. Thankfully Randalin provided some prompts otherwise I'd probably be sitting in front of an empty blogger screen.

Oh, oh, oh and I also caught wind that Jen from Perfectly Imperfect also has a similar currently link up - so I will be linking up there too.  

Cooking up a new blog design for Hope Squared.  Since April 2011 I have redesigned Hope Squared three times.  The current design has been in existence since January 2012.  I don't hate it but I am ready for a change.  However I am taking my time with this one because I want it to be perfect.  I know this is impossible.  But I am still cooking up ideas.  Do you have any suggestions?  I love to steal hear them.

Wearing dresses.  I made a pact with myself that this will be the summer that I wear mostly dresses.  It's made my mornings 100% easier.  There is nothing I hate more then picking out an outfit for the day.  Dresses have cut at least 10 minutes out of my morning.  Plus who feels ugly or uncomfortable in a dress?  I wish I could wear them year round.  I should just pack up my hobo stick {full of dresses} to California.  Anyone interested in an extended house guest?

Wanting to camp.  I want to be outside.  In the woods.  In the quiet.  With fresh air.   It's all I can think about.  I love the city {sometimes} but work has been stressful and I know a weekend in the woods, sitting by the fire, enjoying the quiet is what I need.  We are headed out this weekend - except the weather man is calling for rain.  Someone please do a rain dance for me so I can enjoy the weekend.  I really really want this.  Actually I need this. 

Listening to webinars.  I have been on a few this week.  It's exhausting.  I have always been a bad learner.  A full day of learning usually wipes me out.  I literally think that there are wheels in my head and they are constantly turning.  If I were a cartoon you'd probably see smoke come out of my ears from so much thinking.  I seriously analyze and think about everything.  This is both a good and bad quality. Bad because it really holds me back because I can get caught up and/or lost in simple concepts.  Not to mention extremely frustrated. 

Watching Photoshop tutorials on YouTube.  And if I am not watching design tutorials I am probably watching a clip of cute kittens or beagle puppies.  OMG - have you ever YouTubed beagle puppies?  Adorable.  If I ever consider getting a dog - it will be a beagle puppy.  A magical puppy that doesn't turn into a dog.  Do you know anyone breeding these?

Check out some other currently posts here

The escapist

I can't believe today is only Wednesday.  This week has been exhausting.  Emotionally.  Physically.  Mentally.  All of it.  That twitchy eye - yep still there.  The only saving grace is that I am off on Friday.  We bought a new tent.  And I get to pack our coolers with junk food, load our car and head three hours north to spend the weekend out of the city and in the woods.  Where I will undoubtedly drown my sorrows in marshmallows, beer, and fresh air.  That's right - we are going CAMPING!

But before that I need to make it through two more days.  Sometimes when I am bummed out - I look at old travel pictures.  I've been doing that a lot this week.  I remember asking Steve on a recent trip to Vietnam if he knew how I could trick myself to thinking I was in that exact location - doing that exact activity whenever I was having a bad day at home.  I tried really hard to soak in my surroundings.  And ever since, anytime I go somewhere new I soak in EVERYTHING.  Because I need to escape there sometimes.  It's so important.  Normally I escape here..

But, this week I've been thinking about Thailand.  Specifically our trip to the south.  This is where my mind has been as I've been  trying to get through each day.  

All photos are from a boat trip we took off of Railay Beach to some nearby Islands.  If you're interested you can check out my previous Thailand posts here - where I don't sound like a Nancy Negative.

Check out my other Thailand posts here:

Bangkok // Bangkok: Grand Palace // The Train to Chiang Mai // Chiang Dao Elephant Camp // Flight of The Gibbon //Chiang Rai // Railay Beach

How do you get through a rough week?  

Send Something Good

Back in April I signed up to be part of the Send Something Good project hosted by Gentri Lee, Is A Virtue, and Gastronomical Sovereignty.  In a nutshell you were matched with two bloggers - one that would send you a package and the other that you would send a package to.  The whole concept was that it was a secret until the package arrived.   Leading up to it I stalked the instagram hastag #sendsomethinggood like a maniac to see all the amazing things people were sending and receiving - all the while wondering if any of them were for me. Actually I wished they were all for me!!!

Before I even knew who I was matched with I decided that I was going to sew something.  Actually the whole reason I signed up for this was for an excuse to pull out my sewing machine.  Aprons are my specialty and I confidently decided that the person I was to send the package too would like an apron.  I mean who doesn't like aprons? 

My secret blogger receiver {I am sure there is a more eloquent way to describe this} was  Amelie Obscura and after reading her 'get to know me post' I was even more confident that she was going to love a handmade apron {was I right? I Hope so}.




Here's how the creating went down.  It took me a total of three sittings.  I liked it so much that I even contemplated keeping it. 

I am really bad at wrapping.  Some people can come up with such creative ways to wrap something that you don't even want to open it.  I figured since I put enough effort into making the apron I could justify using some polka dot tissue wrap and call it a day.  So I did.  Thankfully for some branded Send Something Good materials from Is A Virtue - my package looked official.

Now let's get to the most exciting part - let's look at what I got.  My secret blogger sender was Emily from All She Wrote Today.  When I arrived home to see the package I was so excited to rip into it.  Seriously getting packages in the mail is the equivalent to a kid in a candy store.  I grabbed my camera and got to business.

Almost every item was wrapped as cute as this one.

Here is all my loot.  I would tell you what each item is - but I think you can see for yourself.  I was super excited as I unwrapped each item.  I feel like Emily took the time to get to know me through my blog and that definitely made the package more meaningful.  OK but seriously  you're totally looking at those adorable owl salt and pepper shakers right?  I might have died when I opened them.  The odd thing is - the weekend prior to receiving this I was in the market for a new set.  However these babies are perfect.  I use them everyday.

So adorable right?  I love owls.  I am so glad that they are still hot right now.  Oh and those swedish fish - they didn't even last 30 minutes!

Oh and Emily melted my heart when I realized that she sent something for Basil.  We obviously busted into that too.  And he loved it.  Thank you so much Emily. 

You should definitely participate in a swap like this if/when the opportunity comes around.  It's a great way to network with other bloggers and get to know a few more friends along the way.  Thanks to Gentri, Katlyn, and Kristy for organizing this and providing such amazing communication.  I can't wait to see what everyone else sent & received. 

Let's check it out!!!

Friday's Letters

I didn't even  realize that today was Friday.  This is not an indication of a good week. Or a hangover {though I wish it was}  I actually only had a three day work week.  That might be sweet to some - but really all that means is I need to cram in the other two lost days of work somewhere in the mix.  My eye has been twitching since Wednesday.  So I was pleased when I left work today and found out it was the weekend. 

Dear Emily @ The Dashboard Diary Thank you so much for letting me redesign your space.  You were amazing to work with and I hope you love it as much as I loved pulling it together.  You've not only got an amazing name you clearly have got great taste.  I hope your fresh space inspires you to write a lot of new posts on all your adventures - especially your wedding planning.  P.S. Blog friends - go over and and check out Emily's new space.  And read about some of her past travels. P.P.S. Dear Lauren @ Our Crazy Ever After thanks for letting me donate this prize to your fabulous giveaway to a new up-and-coming blog. 

Dear Killbear Provincial Park are you ready for me to be in you next weekend?  I can't wait to meet you AND break out all my new camping gear.  Drink beer for brunch. And hang out by the fire.  Oh and not shower all weekend.  It's going to be awesome. Actually by the sounds of it -it's going to be like a normal weekend. Minus the bow-tie wearing cat.

Dear Bow-tie wearing cat dude your posing skills are getting seriously impressive.  I can't wait to pull together your 2013 calendar for the family this Chirstmas.  I am thinking this picture in particular will be the centerfold.

Dear Forget-Me-Nots I want to only plant you in my flower garden.  You're so tiny blue and pretty.  Why does Steve think you're a weed.  He's a weed. P.S. Dear Garden I promise I will pay attention to you sooner than later. 

Dear Sweet Brown I am sorry you got bronchitis.  It's true I ain't got time for that - so why would you?  I hope you're feeling better.  And I hope you got your cold pop.

Ball's Falls

One more reason why Canada is awesome {because you always need more reasons} - we kick off our first summer long weekend one week before the US.  Maybe this is the only time we are ahead of you all?  Oh wait we also celebrate T-giving in October.  We're rule breakers. The May 2-4 long weekend is usually full of summer cookouts.  Beer guzzling.  And the very brave will kick off the camping season. It usually rains. And is cold.  And dreary.  And depressing because we are all thinking that we are going to be blessed with a rainy summer.  However this year was as odd as our four snow falls winter.  It was hot.  It was basically amazing.

We had originally planned on camping - but our plans fell through.  The thought of not getting out of the city and getting a brush of nature wasn't sitting well with me.  I then consulted Google - because Siri isn't really that helpful.  Did you know that she can't access maps in Canada?  What up with that?  Balls. 

Speaking of Balls - Google informed me that there is a place nearby Toronto called Ball's Falls.  So I called Steve.  "Steve - Do you want to go to Balls Falls?" to which he replied "The answer is yes!"  All sorted.  We got up late on Sunday and headed out for an hour and half journey from Toronto to Lincoln, Ontario - home of Ball's Falls. I read there was a small hiking trail and some nice scenery.  Perfect - because that's all we were looking for.   And we weren't disappointed.

I wish we had prepared better because there was an awesome picnic area that we could have utilized.  I was getting hungry and was about to go yogi bear on some nearby picnickers so I quickly convinced Steve to make the 30 minute trek into Niagara Falls.  And it's official - each time I visit Niagara Falls I claim it will be my last.  It's not that I don't like it - it's just a zoo.  There are people EVERYWHERE.  The traffic is insane.  But we made the best of our short visit.  And seriously - Niagara Falls has got balls. 

I hope you fellow Canadian enjoyed the inaugural summer long weekend - and I hope my American pals enjoy theirs this weekend.  Add photos to instagram so I can be envious. 

Seven Questions

Check out this bride sneaking in a butt squeeze.  Everytime I see this picture I laugh.  What was I thinking?  My friend Krysten captured this gem {p.s. She co-authors a blog with her fiance about their home reno adventures - check it out sometime}. 

1. What's your favorite style for home decor? (eclectic, modern, shabby chic, etc.)

There is something about modern-asian styling done properly that makes my heart happy.  One of my favourite things about travelling in Asia is the excitement of how the room is going to be decorated.  It can either be done really well - or really bad.  An example of done well - this bathroom.  Wouldn't you want to hang out in there all.day.long?

{HGTV}

2. What is the best trip you have EVER been on?

This question is impossible to answer.  I have been on so many great trips.  My engagementversary to Vietnam, our wedding in Cuba, and our honeymooniversary in Thailand.  All three of those trips were equally as important.  But if I must choose one - I will choose our trip to Vietnam.  I love that country so much.  Here is a guest post I wrote on that trip  for Emily at Emmy June: Born in May. Don't get me wrong - Thailand wasn't exactly terrible.

3. If you could have an exotic pet, what would it be and why?

I want so badly to say a tiger.  But unfortunately I am afraid of their massive size and crazy strength.  We went to a Tiger Temple while in Thailand where we had an opportunity to get up  close and personal with tigers.  I still have conflicted feelings about it {I am still thinking about writing a post about it} - but all in all it confirmed that I don't think I want to own a full size tiger.  Or be in such close quarters with one.  A baby tiger maybe!  But seriously why wouldn't someone want to own a tiger?  Tigers are awesome. I need to stop being such a Wimpy McWimperson. 

 

                                       4. Do you snore? (you can be honest, we're all friends here.) 

Does a monkey like bananas? Yes! Yes I do. I snore as if I were a 440 lbs man. It's super attractive. You should want to have sleepovers with me. I even drool.  I know the icing on the cake.  Get in line.

5. Your car breaks down on the side of the road, what do you do?

This wouldn't happen since I don't drive.  So here is my new question.

5. Where’s Waldo?

{source}

Has anyone downloaded and test out the Where' Waldo ap yet? 

6. What's one item that has been on your wishlist lately?

I have wanted an Epiphane camera bag so badly for awhile now. Specifically the Slate Blue Ginger bag.  Every time I see it my heart flutters a little.  I just can't justify buying one.  Remember I have difficulty parting with my money.  I try to come up with valid reasons why I need to buy one. But I just never have taken the plunge.  Better believe that I will own one by the end of the year.  Side note -  If you either own one or happen to purchase one please don't tell me because I don't want to feel envious of you. 

{Epiphanie}

{Epiphanie}

7. It's almost Summer (or winter if you live in the Southern Hemisphere), what are you looking forward to most?

Well look no further - I just wrote a post about my summer wish list this week. But to be honest - what I am looking forward to the most is camping.  We already booked our second trip.  Oddly enough our second trip is planned before our first trip.  We like to do things backwards.

My Anthem{s}

I am a sucker for a good music challenge and today Lena from Mom 2 Memphis and Ruby has provided me with just that.  For her Tuesday 10 series the topic was 'Soundtrack to Your Life' - I decided to break it down into segments of my day so you could get an idea of what type of music I'd be listening to during that time of day and not necessarily the song choice - because I get bored of songs quickly so I'd need variety.  Here it is 10 songs that depict the average day in E-Ho's life.



Let me explain a little.

1. Dragon Force: first of all I never listen to this band - but I honestly think they would be awesome to wake up to.   Each day should start as glorious as this.  Making your coffee - reading the paper - throwing your fists.

2. Queen:The perfect shower music.  I could probably listen to Don't Stop Me Now everyday - and if it weren't for the risk of slipping in to tub I'd bust out these sweet moves.  Don't think I haven't tried to copy this choreograph.



3. Lady Gaga - Just Dance:  This has been my jam since the first time I heard it.  If I could pick only one life anthem it would have to be this.  This song would play everywhere I go and for any montages.

4. Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart:  Since Steve and I carpool to work together we would listen to this to and from work.  We would sing it together.  It was our first dance song.  But if we got tired of this song - I would make Steve learn the words to Meatloaf's - Paradise By the Dashboard Light.  Best duet song ever. 

5. Radio - The Hot Water Music Version:  I would put this song on repeat to get me through the work day. 

6. Sweetness - Jimmy Eat World:  I would cook dinner to this.  Or any punk rock song you threw at me.

7. Imma Be - The Black Eyed Peas:  I don't know what it is about this song - but it's perfect for doing dishes.  Whenever I hear it - I think I should do the dishes.  Let's be honest - I don't listen to it that much.

8. Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake:  Am I old for still liking this song?  I don't care.  It's awesome man.  I'd totally break it down in my kitchen to some J.T. after my chores were done.

9. Grillz - Nelly:  Do I need to explain this?  I am a sucker for hip hop.  Good and especially bad.  There I said it.  I'm not afraid to admit that I liked Nelly in his band-aid sporting days.  I mean - the dude sings about grillz?  It's hilarious.  I don't think J.T. would be enough for me - so I'd need to really dance off the day with Nelly.  Or The Notorious B.I.G. .  Or Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg. 

10.  The Diamond Sea - Sonic Youth:  The perfect sleep song. It's nearly 19 minutes long.  I would never make it through the song.

What songs would you include in your personal soundtrack?