For momma...

So yesterday we got some news that I can only explain as gut-wrenching. Cams mom has been given a month at the best before cancer wins. I still have faith in my heart that she wil once again surprise all the doctors and specialists and keep fighting this horrible disease for longer than any of us suspect, but for the first time in my life I am forced to learn to accept the fact that I might lose someone whom I love so dearly. Almost one year ago to the day, we were brought out for a memorial and on that very day Judi announced to everyone that she will begin a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Cancer truly is one of the most difficult and heart breaking things that anyone will encounter in their lives. Whether they themselves have it, or their loved ones have to stand by and watch the person they hold so dear go through batteries of tests and doctors visits, along with chemo and never ending bruses from needles daily. Not to mention seeing the one they love frustrated by the fact that day to day tasks become more difficult if not impossible. Simple things, like taking a walk results in an afternoon nap and earlier than normal bedtime.

The first thing they were going to try is something called whipple surgery preformed by one of the best able surgeons for the job. Judi was certain she was going to come out of it with flying colors. She wrote each one of us notes saying how much she loved us via a poem and that we shouldnt worry because soon she will be cancer free. There is no cure for pancreatic cancer, and the surgery was our only shot at beating this monster. Never in my life had I prayed so hard that a poem would ring true, but unfortunately they were unable to remove the tumor because of its location. That was the second big blow.

Since then, months had gone by and some days I even managed to forget she was sick as I think she did too, at moments. Now that its almost rounded a year, the doctors are still surprised shes been able to stay relatively healthy and have her pain fairly under control since this type of cancer is very aggressive and most people don't make it very long after they are diagnosed. Personally I feel so blessed every day to have had so much time with her and it makes me believe there truly is something bigger than us, giving us the time we need to soak in every second. From the taste of her cooking, to the way she smiles at some silly story we told her about Gus.

Like I said, we are now truly taking in every drop of the days we get with her, memorizing her smile, the sound of her laughter. I can't imagine not having this woman in my life, she is my second mother and I know she loves me like a daughter. I would like to believe that shes being taken away becuase she has a bigger purpose such as helping lost souls find their way into heaven, or being that little voice in your head saying hold on... just another day?- but I can't help but feel ripped-off by God. I feel like I've only just met Judi, how can you be so cruel and try to take her away/how could you?? Our love is truly endless for this amazing woman and to think of not being able to call her whenever I need her makes my heart ache so deeply. Whenever I'm not with her, I'm thinking of her. Hoping the pain isn't that bad. Hoping she is laughing at whatever show they may be watching on their Boxee Box, and not worrying about us.

I know she isn't worried about herself, which just comes naturally to her, but she worries for her husband, her children, and all those who love her. How they will cope when she is gone. Its an easy thing to tell anyone not to worry, but for her to actually focus on herself, well I have seen first hand how difficult that is for her to do. Its like the gene for being self-serving is just missing for Judi. She cannot do it. A blessing and a curse in itself because all we want is for her to take care of herself, but all she wants is to take care of us, and help us through any problem we may be facing.

However long we get to spend our earthly time together, we will continue to cherish every second, share laughter, tears and hopefully a few more home cooked meals from momma as we get to laugh about something that really doesnt matter. As long as we are together thats all that matters for now...

Please pray for this family with me, that Judi can once again shock her doctors in another year from now.

For my daddy...

Since there is a mail strike going on, I realized I won't be able to get my fathers day card out to my dad. So to continue my new-found tradition of blogging the events that pass my every day life, I thought I would write a little bit about us.

I will be the first to admit we didn't always have the relationship we have today. At one point in my childhood I had to make the difficult decision of choosing between my old life, my mom and new baby sister, or moving to a new city where I knew nobody. Unfortunately I went about it in the worst way possible, by abruptly leaving the home I grew up in via taxi and moving into my moms place in the course of a mere few hours. It still makes me sick to my stomach to think of what I did to my dad, but I was afraid he would stop me if I didn't do it in the manner I did. I'll spare the painful details, but it resulted in us not speaking for a year. My mom finally forced me to spend a weekend at my dads place to make amends. And apologies were exchanged, but I don't think either of us felt the same about eachother after that point. The trust between us was lost, but we made nice as best we could.

I did end up moving in with my dad at the end of my twelfth year and proceeded to spend my first summer in the city partying with my friends. I came and left at all hours, and looking back on it, I didn't realize how selfish I was being. At the end of the summer, I was supposed to move down to Lethbridge to be with my high school boyfriend. Knowing in my heart that I couldn't do it (for various reasons I won't get into, because thats not what I'm blogging about!) My dad spent his whole day driving my sorry butt down there so I could break it off with my now ex (but best friend- like I said, another blog for another day) and patiently waited until I was ready to head back to Calgary to live with my dad and sister. That was the first eye opening experience that showed me my dad wasn't the bad guy I had made him out to be...

A few months had passed and I eventually got myself a job at a gift shop. I met a guy I thought was cool, and promptly moved in with him (I later found out he was a drug dealer- sorry daddy, I didn't know!!) so to make a long story short, my then 'flavor of the month' some would say, ended up in the hospital for a month in a drug induced coma, due to a severe asthma attack. Well my dad, once again, was there for me. I'm sure he didn't approve of anything I was doing at the time, but regardless, he loved me and was there for me when I most badly needed him. We started talking more often and I started opening up to him more about my life. When the dude and me didn't work out, daddy was up in a flash to move me out of the one-roomed basement we called our house and I was quickly back home again. This time more greatful to be there, for the things he had done for me general in the past few years and throughout my childhood.

Now a few years have passed, and I've done alot of growing and changing since then. He has married an incredible woman who I know makes him truly happy, and he has a whole new life up north to keep him busy. I say this with no resentment, becuase after everything he has gone through, nobody deserves true happiness more than him. I am so proud to be able to call him my father, through all our ups and downs, he has done his best to see me through them all and has always done what he thought was right as a father. His strength and wisdom has helped mold me into the woman I have become. I'm still working at my own fairy tale ending, but don't worry about what twists and turns life will throw at me next because I know I have his support and advice anytime I need it. Plus I have seen what life has thrown at him and know if he can do it, so can I, because I am my fathers daughter.

So this is my thankyou to my father, for EVERYTHING he has done for me, for thinking of me, and worrying about me and being there through some of my toughest times. Tougher times are still to come but I am SO greatful and lucky to have him here for me now and forever!

Summer is here!!

Well its always a beautiful day for a blog. I want to start telling everyone about our outdoor summer adventures. Hopefully they will include some hiking, but both of us are doing shift work and its hard for us to get one day off together let alone enough time to go hiking for more than a couple days.

We are hoping for mid July to get some time off to come back to Calgary and visit everyone we have missed so much because the trip is long overdue and I find myself missing everyone else more and more these days...

So last Sunday we were lucky enough to get the day off together and the weather was just gorgeous, so we went back to the place where we spent the summer last year. Spent the afternoon on Elliott Beach and reminisced with one of the guys that so kindly let us stay with him.

Log dog fetching his own sticks.

Gus enjoyed his usual stick fetching in the ocean while we all caught up on our lives together. At one point we had stopped throwing the sticks for Gus and he decided he would just fetch by himself, so into the water he went to find his own sticks. He just went out into the water on the hunt for driftwood and when he found one he would bring it back to shore, chew on it for a short while, then go back in for another. It was pretty cute that he can make his own fun like that.

Our friends' beautiful home.

I was able to spend an hour or so in the sun alone, got to do my nails, catch up on a few YouTube videos and get a nice little tan before the boys came back to visit bringing our Gus' beloved dog friend, Ziggy, who is now unfortunately deaf but he sure remembered us and it was clear he was happy to see Gus. Shortly after, we went back to the house where we stayed and visited with our friends and they gave us a wonderful and beautiful housewarming gift which consisted of a Japanese tea set with four cups, a cute little flat ware set (which I'll be using for my miso soup) and also a sushi making kit, complete with nori to wrap up our creations. It was extremely sweet and we both felt guilty that we hadn't been there to visit sooner (like I said our stupid busy schedules have prevented us from doing many things we have wanted to do so far.)

The plot where we pitched our tent for 2 months.

Afterwords, we went to a little pub outside of town for two 4 one steak night. The food wasn't fabulous but the company sure was! It was so fun having a double date, the first one in... well... ever! It couldn't have been with two more awesome people.

So overall, it was a very successful day complete with a manicure, dip in the ocean, & getting a slight tan. Here's to many more!

Leggings & Life...

Well I have just found a perfect spot for myself! The harbour, of course, as close to the water as I can get without getting wet feet.

I get to watch the tide come in but also (and more importantly) I get to people watch! Yeah, creepy I know, but its been a little hobby of mine for a while now whenever I'm in a public place. I enjoy watching people- I might judge a bit yes. Ex. Girls who wear leggings with nothing covering their bums... its not cute ladies, its gross. Nobody wants to see your butt jiggling with every move you make...

The mall is the best place for people watching- its amazing, and funny to see all these people (typically girls) who get dressed up to go to Wal Mart. See the following link: PeopleOfWalMart. Fur and high heels included- Oh and not forgetting wayyy overdone hair and makeup. Most of those who do this are under the age of 18, have nothing else to dress up for, and its probably the highlight of their week. The same goes for new or young mothers who feel worn and used who have a goal of the afternoon to spin a few husbands heads around 180 degrees.

So they get to have their few hours of prancing around from store to store, and entertain me at the same time. I enjoy watching these characters, see how they interact with store employees, who they are with and guess the relationships between them (is that her dad or her husband?). Its even funner watching the men who watch said girls/women. They oogle and stare and then turn around just to see me with a look of disgust while I watched this male oogle a 15 year old girl. They get reaaly flustered and its veery funny! See link #2: RandomCreepyGuy.com. HOWEVER, I digress... I was trying to talk about pretty scenery and life changing experiences here! Seriously, though, next time your at a mall just sit in one of the squishy chairs for five minutes and observe the people around you...

So I'm sitting here with this beautiful scene around me. Everyone walking down the pier in their summery clothes with their dogs, holding hands with their sweeties. There is a dock for the puddle jumper to land nearby (Goes from Vancouver to here) and they have just recently built a dock for cruise ships to come in and we had our first boat from Sweden come in a month or so ago, so soon I will get to people watch foreigners too!

Its a busy little port, people coming and going constantly, and I am so grateful to call this place my home. I think I've mentioned that a couple hundred times already, but still feels new to me, especially now that we get to experience a full summer and get to watch the tourists and wayward travellers trickle in.

Now here is where it gets deep...

Lately I've been finding myself thinking often about where I was at this time last year. It was a bit different to say the least! I didn't know what I was going to do with my life at a time when everything was so uncertain. I have been so blessed to have someone by my side through all my consistent challenges and changes. We also managed to have fun getting to know each other and going on adventures in the along the way.

Even when I would worry on a daily basis about where I was going to be living next, or what job I might try my hand at, Cam would support me and encourage me to overcome each step as it came. It was wonderful to have that constant support and be given the extra push I needed, when I needed it.

Now as I look out onto the water I think back on how far we've come and how we are now considered to be one of those happy couples holding hands with our dog dragging us behind him. And we are, although we are not perfect we are about as happy as a couple and a pup could be. We have our health, our jobs, our home, and even though we know there will be rough patches coming our way sooner or later, I know I have him, and I hope he knows he has me- to give him the love and care he will be needing when that time comes.

To an amazing boyfriend...

This is the part where I brag about my boyfriend and get all mushy. Its his birthday today and if you don't want to read it, dont!

So we first started dating on Febrary 14th, 2010.  At the time I was living with my best friend Ryan, and Cam and I lived quite a ways apart. He also was without a cell at the time which leads me into one of my first favorite memories. Cam would call me from his house before he would head down for mine. It would always take about half an hour so I would let the dog know around the time that Cam was expected that 'Cam is coming over'
I have a picture somewhere of this, but after I said it, Gus would stand on my bed with his paws on the window sill, his head barely peeking out the window, watching, and waiting for Cam to get there.
I always knew when his car would drive up, whether I was on my computer or watching tv, that he was here because I would just see Gus' tail start wiggling and he only did it for Cam.

 
Cam loves this dog like no other. He takes him to the puppy park daily, and they both give me the puppy eyes when I say no to giving Gus people food. He is always making sure the dogs needs are met and that he is happy (which includes Gus sleeping in the middle of us on occasion, as well as letting Gus have his half of the bed and us sharing the other half.) He teaches this dog new tricks and if we are doing something quiet like reading or laying in bed he will say very quietly 'Jen. JEN! to get me to look over and see whatever cute thing the dog is doing. They are an adorable couple and I do fear if he ever decides to leave me, that the dog would choose his father in a custody case.

A picture Cam insisted I take.

We had so much fun while our relationship was still new, went to tons of movies, ate out constantly (which led to us both putting on weight!) went to public events, and my favorite of all, he introduced me to my new love- back country hiking.
The first time we went, I can't say it was my favorite. It was a short hike, only 9K to our destination, and even though he was taking it easy on me by taking most of the weight, I had never done something like that with so much weight on my back. I had no clue what I was supposed to do, how to start a fire, or make a tree hang to keep the animals out of our food, but he helped me and showed me how to manage in the wild, and keep clean at the same time! It was Gus' first time in the wilderness as well and it was very funny watching him learn to adapt to his new environment.
I remember the first or second night we were there, it started raining and the three of us sat under a tarp with a fire to protect us. Gus was terrified. He couldn't see as much as he would like to and his head was constantly moving, trying to see what vicious things may be in the looming darkness. It had been a long day and the poor dog was exhausted but refused to lay down on the dirt or come to me under the tarp because the smoke from the fire hurt his eyes and nose. So he just sat there, at the edge of the tarp, where he could breathe the fresh air- and be exposed to the rain. Never in my life have a seen such a miserable animal and needless to say, despite the poor dogs misery, it was quite funny to watch.
He kept me safe from bears, and boiled me warm water to wash my face with, and overall, he took care of us. But that was nothing out of the ordinary.
We were blessed to share part of spring, summer, and part of fall off work together which made us further able to dedicate our time to slowing down the pace of life, and enjoy each day, while exploring new avenues and taking our lives in a new, exciting direction...
That included us moving out to Vancouver island.
The first time Cam introduced me to the idea was when we first moved in together. One day, while walking down the street he first said to me 'lets put our stuff in storage and go hiking for the summer.' The way he presented me with the idea though, made it sound like we would be homeless, and essentially we would be! Leaving all of my 'stuff' in storage and just taking off for the summer, without any plans of the future or where we would end up was a horrifying thing to me at the time.
We were already planning on coming out to attend his nieces' memorial, and had decided to spend some holiday time while we were here- and on the way, with hikes and enjoying the land. However, the unexpected still managed to find us and deliver us the debilitating blow of learning his beautiful mother would be diagnosed with cancer, and the official announcement was made on the same day as the memorial.

Alishas memorial

 

That sealed our fate. We would be making the move to the island. I spent many nights that summer in tears over the fact that I would be leaving my family and friends for a new life that I knew nothing about. Cam was always the strong one, able to reassure me and help me look on the bright side of life, and he is still very much that way.

We spent almost two months, including some of that time in the mountains with just us, the dog and nature (and a UFO encounter!) in a tent. Blessed with two wonderful friends here on the island who allowed us to borrow a little plot back in the trees behind their house for our 'bedroom', we slept under the stars (and many times to the sound of rain) and waking with the morning light... and that damn rooster!
Gus fell in love with the ocean, as did I. Cam and I fell further in love with eachother and our new life.

The lawn Gus spent his summer on.

Our days usually consisted of a breakfast on the balcony while watching Gus chase his bunny around on the massive front lawn, followed by a walk to the beach just down the road. (the area we were staying in was very secluded and mostly quiet.) Sometimes I would spend the day with Gus on the beach, sometimes I would go into town with Cam and spend the day with his momma and step dad. We would spend the majority of our time outdoors, swimming, or exploring new beaches and our new home. 

We were essentially spending 24/7 together and through that time I learned more about myself than I ever had before. I learned to take risks and that things do eventually work themselves out. That life is too short to ever take advantage of and to enjoy the moments and laughter with the ones you love. All of this thanks to my true love.

After a month of R&R, I decided to start looking for work. Not a week after I started applying did I get a job. It all happened very fast and before we knew it, I was working for a wonderful, established company and we were moving into our new house. Cam also got a job which I am jealous of, working for the health region, and our new life is only getting better as the summer gets near.
I wouldn't be where I am today if it hadn't been for him. He pushed me, and continues to push when I need it, to embrace change and the unexpected and to just go with it. Because if we fight against reality and change, it will be that much harder for us to look forward to the future.

The future still scares me sometimes, but I have this man in my life who stands by my side and supports me- despite my many flaws, and can look towards the future with me and smile.
I love you baby more than anything, I'm thrilled you are a part of my life, and am truly and completely blessed that you chose me to be in yours.
Looking forward to many more birthdays (especially mine this year, since I'm getting you your dream pair of night-vision goggles!)
Happy birthday, Cam!
Love Jen.

My new toy!

The keyboard on my laptop has not worked for a very long time. I always used the plug in type which was big and clunky and longer than the laptop itself. So,  in Best Buy yesterday, I saw this sweet little babe, and it was love at first type. Its curved and the clicking is very quiet, similar to a laptop keyboard but you don't have to have your whole computer in your lap to blog or chat.

What won me over, however is the cute factor! It makes me feel so dainty to be typing on something so small and just look at the teeny tiny USB plug!!!
The way the extra buttons are strategically placed is a wonderful positive. The delete button is on the far right side so I don't have to look down to use it, and the arrow buttons are no longer four, but have been merged into one super itty bitty button! It does not come with a numerical keypad though, many people don't use this frequently enough to miss it as well as some buttons I can't even name because I never use them. The common ones are smartly placed up top with the F buttons. (see pic)

Overall, if this keyboard was good enough for me to blog about and for $50 it is well worth the cost. So if you are in need of a keyboard- whether you spilled something on your laptop, or just want something smaller on your desk, stop in at Future Shop or Best Buy and just take a look at this fun little toy!

Next on my wishlist is the wireless arc mouse to match.

Have techy suggestions for me? Leave me a comment and let me know, I love new toys!

Where is spring?!

Since moving out to the island from Calgary, the weather has been considerably milder for me, to say the least. I don't think we had a single day that went below 15 degrees, however, sunshine is scant.
Its really affected my mood in the past months. Sunshine really makes me happy! Every morning here usually starts out with a clear sky and false promises of a beautiful day, however, by noon, its overcast and if its not raining, its about to or it already has.

The dog doesn't even enjoy going for walks and it seems like he trudges along because he knows of the impending foot rinse off waiting for him when we get home. Plus hes put on weight because we put off trips and walks due to rain or impending rain. Actually, now that I think of it, we have all put on weight!

No, I don't want to take vitamins to supplement for sunshine. Nothing can replace the warmth on your face or walking wherever you want in flip flops and a tank top without people thinking your nuts (people are trying to pull it off at this point but between the puddles and the not quite warm enough weather either their parents will be blamed for under-dressing them or they will get looks resembling 'its not summer yet, hun...'

I just want summer to hurry up and get here! Considering this is my first winter here, you would think the island would show off a little more and say 'heyy its still a little tropical here, so you can have a little ray of warmth but only a little so stay and hold on and see what spring is really like!'

Granted, the long standing residents of the island are all saying 'Its been a bad winter... raining so much... not normally so wet...' and I so badly want to believe them. I want to believe that this time next year the winter will be a little shorter, a little drier, but for now it looks like I'm just going to have to be patient, and keep dreaming of the day the island decides summer is officially here and we can spend our days on the beach... with a nice cold drink and be happy soaking up some vitamin D.

Mooned you!

This picture just does not do it justice. Tonight we had a perigee moon, which basically means that the moon is about 50,000 k closer to earth than it has in the last twenty years. I got to play around with my camera a bit to try to get the best pic I could, and this is what I came up with. You really can't tell how big or bright it is, and I could only imagine what it was like when it was rising buuut I forgot until it was well into the sky.

So thats it people, go outside and enjoy the moon before its too late!

Growing, growing, grown?

Its a beautiful day, and early this morning I got a wake up call. A small reminder from a perfect stranger why I love my family and why I can thank them for making me the person I am today.

No, we didn't have the perfect life, or the perfect family, but through all our flaws, we grew... matured... and realized that even though it might not all be good, we can still do the right thing and be the bigger person. That means standing up for yourself, or other people. Its selflessly putting yourself out there, going where people won't go and being proud of who you are.

The people who raise you, however, still play a role in the things you pick up. ie. passive aggressiveness, manipulation, love, TRUST- its up to you what you absorb and what you reject. Its a choice you make and its unfair to blame the ones who made you. So you might as well thank them for trying!

For the next little rant, please take the word 'parent' as someone who has an understanding of what it takes to raise a child, or have beautiful kids of their own. Whether you are an older sibling watching them grow, or are very close to a child in your family or even a close friend. Basically a kid you would consider your blood and would only want the very best for.


When we were kids we relied on our family to feed, clothe, and care for us. As they were teaching us right and wrong, our minds were developing their own sense of what was/is right and wrong. For example! (and this is what prompted me to write today, so thank you crazy stranger)

-One parent may feel that their children should be subjected to every horrible thing in the world, because, after all, that's reality right? They should just get used to it.
-Another parent however may feel the need to protect their kids. Why subject children to war, crime or fighting. Even further, how to even explain it to them? These parents feel that the kids should be kept in the dark, let them be kids until reality hits.

If your asking my opinion, I don't agree with either. I don't think any parent would. There are so many grey scales on this topic, but in the end it is up to the parent to decide what the child should or should not be subjected to. On that note, I also feel that it is nobody elses place to tell you what that child should be subjected to.
I feel that on one end, anyone who truly loves their child would never cast them to the wind, allowing them to be hit with whatever reality became them. Instead they would protect their baby, but not shelter them from every big bad wolf. Touchy subjects will at some point have to be explained, but not directly if there is no need. No eight year old needs to understand why people are dying every day over diamonds, but they do need to know about things that affect their daily life. Family issues for example. They don't need a play by play to get them down, but its only fair to explain the end result and what will happen next IF IT PERTAINS TO THEM.

There is no way to control what the child themselves absorbs, or how perceptive they are of situations (kids are smart and usually know whats going on anyways) and when all is said and done, what will be, will be.

If your child is already grown and is everything you had hoped they would be then congrats, they learned well! If there have been bumps along the way, conflict, and tears, then welcome to the real world. I've never heard anyone say they had the perfect parents, actually most of the time you only hear about what someone will do differently than them- don't get me wrong, they tried their best and hopefully you love them for it like I do mine. My parents are passionate about our happiness, they would give their lives, like I would mine. So all we can hope for, is to be our parents' version 2.0, new and improved!

Photos & Photoshopping

Well his tongue is sticking out and there is febreeze in the background but this is the best we could do. It all started when I was doing my hair in front of the bed and he jumped up and put his ear on my belly. Aww. I have a picture of that too but its pre-makeup and I'm not up to that much Photo shopping right now.
Still when I decided we were going to take these pictures he was all for it, some of them you can see me trying to get a good frame while hes sitting so patiently on the bed. Its pretty darn cute. OK I'll show you just one of those...

It makes me laugh! I've got about four of them, sometimes with me as a blur on the side. One thing I learned about my camera though is that the timer won't stay on between pictures which is very annoying because you get pictures such as those.
I also have a video of him watching a video of him that I want to put up because his head is nearly turning upside down watching himself and hearing us on the computer. Its adorable. Ok gotta get ready for work I just wanted to share. Bye!!

Day off work...

So it was a wonderful lazy day at home until you notice, uh oh its quarter to six, she will be home in 15 minutes!

• At that point you get your butt off the computer and run into the bathroom to take a 5 minute shower, washing all important areas.
• Towel dry as you shuffle to the bedroom, make the bed and pick up any clothes (including socks and underwear) that have nested under the blankets on the floor.
• Check the bathroom to make sure the toilet is flushed, the seat is down and there are no weird tooth cleaning devices left on the counter
• Rush to the kitchen to do the dishes, and to the living room/computer area to make sure all evidence of your lazyness has been cleaned up ie. Pepsi cans and chocolate wrappers.
• Pick up dog toys so dog looks like he has kept the home nice and tidy as well.
• Stand at front door with dog anxiously awaiting your arrival and to make it look like all you did that day was slave away at keeping the house in pristine condition.

Its ok baby thats how my days off are too. Love you!

My favorite scents and smells

Thinking about what in the world I was going to write about, my mind started to wander when I got a whiff of my Peppermint wall flower and it got my thinking about my most favorite smells.

So in no particular order, here we go!

1.

Bath and Body Works released a peach scented body lotion a few years ago now, and then they discontinued it!! Peach is my absolute favorite smell and this lotion is heaven so I was soo disappointed to find out it wasn't on the shelves anymore. So I hopped on eBay and bought four bottles of the stuff and I'm making those babies last!

2.

The other thing I stocked up on after I found out was discontinued was the Coconut Crush body lotion. That stuff smells wonderful and I get compliments every time I wear it. I literally had a man smelling up and down my arm Morticia Adams style one night (it wasn't creepy I knew him haha.)
I love coconut scents in general, it just reminds me of laying all day on the beach but smells better than sunscreen. It also reminds me of a barbie I had when I was a kid. She came with tropical scented hair and a tiny coconut scented perfume solid.
As for the coconut shampoo, my boyfriend loves the smell of my hair after I use it. (along with the vanilla conditioner, which leads me to my next picture!)

3.

VANILLA! Who doesn't love the smell of vanilla. This conditioner makes my hair so soft and the scent is so relaxing, especially in the bath after a long days work. Its one of those timeless smells- whether in a house spray, deodorant, or in a candle, that should be a staple in any home.

4. & 5.

Speaking of vanilla, and baths, two of my most favorite bath bombs from lush are both soothing and fun. Vanilla Fountain is the ultimate relaxing fizzer (vanilla stick included) that is one of the most moisturizing bombs you can get from lush (bombs underlined because the bubble bars are wayy better for moisturizing) and it leaves you with a soft vanilla scent on your skin.
Cinders on the other hand is alot of fun. Described as a spicy cinnamon-y scent its packed with what I can only describe as pop rocks as it fizzes and crackles when you toss it in a full bath. Its the perfect Christmas bath bomb to make you miss grandmas house. The only downside is that it kind of turns your bath water a pee yellow... kind of awkward if your significant other were to walk into the bathroom while your mid soak... but we wont go there. ITS A NICE SMELL OK I DIDN'T PEE!

6.

Continuing on with the Christmas scents. Another household staple (in mine anyways) is mint. I have fallen in love with the Twisted Peppermint scent from BBW. It is the perfect mix of peppermint and candy cane. The hint of sweet just makes me crave candy canes, or those sugar cookies that have candy cane sprinkles mmmm.... I tried so hard to get my hands on a candle or anything else in the same fragrance but they flew off the shelves never to be seen again. Must have been Mrs. Clauses' favorite wall flower too. So all I have left is this one little vial. I can't decide whether I want to use it right away or risk waiting until next Christmas to use it (do you think it will go bad?) I'll have to do some research on that one because this smell is so wonderful. 

7.

 

Peach Bellini. Need I say more? YUM! I think I mentioned I love anything peach so to have my whole house fill up with the smell of a peach alcoholic beverage is heaven! OK it really smells like peach juice with extra sugar in it but super sweet to the point where it will make your teeth hurt In small doses it is just delicious! I don't recommend tasting it however because it will neither get you drunk nor will it taste like peaches.

8.

Speaking of wonderful fruity house smells, this glorious detergent has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. People with allergies- stay far far away because most with sensitive skin react to this one, but to the leather skinned, pour it in by the gallon! There is also a matching fabric softener for ultimate fruityness.

9.

Fave summer scent! Biotherm Eau d' energie awakening fragrance mist. Described as a 'light, delicate fragrance from sun drenched fruits (orange pulp, sweet mandarin, and lemon) leaves skin feeling energized and fresh. Vitamin E moistens and softens the skin for a smooth, velvety touch.' Such a beautiful morning or summer body spray. It also comes in a body lotion which I've been using very sparingly for the last couple summers. If I didn't have so many other products to be using up I would be repurchasing this one for the coming months, but its at the bottom of my future-to-buy list.

10.

Last but not least, my most favorite smell of them all! I only allow my boyfriend to use it when we are together because I don't want a drop wasted on anyone else. Since I can't describe it as anything other than 'makes me want to melt into his arms' I'll allow Chanel: 'the fresh, sensual men's fragrance gets a burst of energy from an infusion of sparkling citrus. The sporty scent, exudes a new found freedom, a sense of spontaneity, a non-stop vitality.' 

Yeahh I'm not sure if he has a new found freedom or a sense of spontaneity and they can't really seem to describe it much better than me so if your looking for a good cologne for your boy then get a whiff of this next time your getting mauled by sales people at the perfume counter.

OK I've talked enough! Bye!!