New Addition to Our Place

Now when you come over for a visit, you will see a few changes at our place but the biggest one will be the upgrade in our living room TV. Today, Jordan and I went to Future Shop to purchase a 60" so that I can watch Grey's Anatomy better, or as Jordan says, this upgrade was for his gaming days. For those that know us very well, can vouched we are more than pleased with our purchase and look forward to hosting you all again, or for the first time.

Black Friday is also around the corner to which Canadian stores have been promoting their deals so that Canadians do not have to cross the boarder just for saving a few extra bucks. That's the reason we purchased it in house as opposed to taking Friday off and heading down to Buffalo. When Friday comes around, we will bring our receipt so that Future Shop can match the deal we have already found online. Once that is done, this TV would be the same as buying a 45" or 50". Keep this Canadian Black Friday going forward so I never have to wait hours at the boarder again.

Below you can see the TV taken with my iPhone while the X-Factor was airing.

Mistakes Made Only Make You Grow Stronger

Maybe mistakes are what make our fate... without them what would shape our lives? Maybe if we had never veered off course we wouldn't fall in love, have babies, or be who we are. After all, things change, so do cities, people come into your life and they go. But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart... and if you're very lucky, only a plane ride away!

 

Grouponing

Jordan and I have been trying to save more each day since we are thinking "big" for our future, however, one should always stop to enjoy the smaller things in life that make you happy. Even if this could mean a very small price to pay, but in the end worth it. 

A summer treat that can be enjoyed at half price is what we call satisfaction, especially if summer comes faster as it did last year - actually we did not even have a proper Canadian winter in the GTA thus I would say bring on last year's spring-for-winter weather so we can enjoy our Yogurty's much sooner!

As I have previously discussed in my March post of how good of a treat Yogurty's is, grab your Yogurty's Groupon Today!

I have learned...

...I have learned that we must free ourselves from negative people - Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven and likeminded. Relationships should help you, NOT hurt you. Surround yourself with people who reflect the person you want to be. Choose friends who you are proud to know, people you admire, who love and respect you - people who make your day a little brighter simply by being in it :) Life is just too damn short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. When you free yourself from negative people, you free yourself to be YOU - and being YOU is the only way to truly live and most importantly... to be be content.

Most Worn Tag Summer 2012

Now that Summer is nearing it's end, I wanted to blog about a tag that has gone around YouTube for the past two months. Girls posted videos answering a set of questions about their most worn items for this past summer and I thought it would be neat to show you some of my summer interests.

What is my most worn nail polish?
- Revlon Devil's Lure: to get this true maroon colour, one must do two to three coats

What is my most worn scent?
- Calvin Klein Euphoria: Notes of pomegranate, lotus blossom, black orchid, amber, violet and cream in the woods as described online. This perfume entices woman and the scent is invigorating once placed on the skin as in the bottle

What is my most worn hair product?
- L'Oreal Paris EverPure Shampoo and Conditioner: these are my first sulphate-free hair products that I have purchased and enjoyed using. Leaving my hair smelling of sweet rosemary, tangle-free and easy to style after every shower. Definitely trying out the EverStrong for a comparison of the same brand.
 

What is my most worn bag?

- Coach crossbody in nude: I bought this bag 

almost two summer's ago at the Fashion Outlets in New York and it has been my staple bag ever since.

What is my most worn shoes?
- Merona patent peep toe wedge heels from Target in blush: I wear these to work practically everyday as they go with anything plus they are very comfortable

What is my most worn accessory?

- Grandmother's gold ring and 

my black Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

What is my most worn clothing item?
- dresses


What is my most worn foundation?
- Revlon Whipped Creme foundation in Natural Tan: great coverage and matte finish for those with oily skin

What is my most worn blush?

- Nars Madley: perfect for my olive tanned skin tone 

with a hint of shimmer; perfect for summertime

 

What is my most worn lip product?
- Nars Turkish Delight: pretty pink colour with shiny gloss finish

 

What is my most worn mascara?

- L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes: fake lashes dupe, yes!

 

What is my most worn eye shadow?
- Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 palettes: beautiful range of warm tone colours (matte and shimmery colours). perfect for summer and fall/winter season

 



You can see most products are Fall scents and or colours, can you tell my favourite season is Autumn?

xo, Jessica

Le Creuset

As you are all aware of my recent move, I must now confess my perspective on "priority purchases" has slightly changed. I used to cross the Canada-USA border whenever I had a chance to shop for clothes, shoes, and accessories. Yesterday, proved to be enforce my first statement as I headed to the Fashion Outlets after waiting an hour and a half to cross the Lewiston Bridge. Target was the first stop made, but forgetting my list back in Canada definitely hurt me as I missed a few things needed for the new place. Luckily Marshall's was the next stop thinking I could look for kitchen appliances at a better price; and I was not mistaken.

A french brand which I was first introduced to by Jordan's mom: Le Creuset is a well known cast iron cookware manufacturer allowing home cooking to be very enjoyable. The better the appliance you use, the easier it becomes when preparing your everyday meals. I came out of Marshall's purchasing two things: one was a white ceramic bowl that was made in Portugal in which I will place Jordan's tomatoes and my first Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Round French Oven. I am thrilled to say I have crossed back into Canada with my sole purchases being for my kitchen and are being put to use as I typed this post.

Come on over for some home cooking!

xo Jessica

Moving into Central Park

It's that time of the year when people still believe in not wearing white after Labour Day. For me, I spent this past weekend worrying more about moving boxes, furniture, clothes, and shoes. For those that have followed my moving journey, every single one of my shoes made it through another trip to a new place Jordan and I can claimed our own.

This experience began the day Jordan took me to a view places as we were very eager to find a place that would suit us our personalities. The Realtor met us in the lobby of a building we had briefly researched on the internet and thought Jordan's grandfather, Stanley, would love to see. Stanley was ecstatic to view the place as he too has been looking for a new place to live. At the end of that day, Stanley and I both liked the two bedroom over the single; and Jordan definitely loved the place. With the various amenities that come with the condo, it was a confirmed selling point for us.

After various boxes, furniture, and plenty of clothes later, we have settled into our new beautiful place with plenty of privacy and things to do both in the building and surrounding areas. Jordan is most pleased as this is something we can both enjoy, cook the meals we love and grow closer together.

To my friends visiting from Ottawa: I do not want to hear that you cannot come visit because you don't want to bother; I managed to fit three beds into this two bedroom condo and you are more than welcome to come visit!

Summer Olympics 2012

Canada is such a great country and Canadians should stand proud for what this country has accomplished in both the recent winter Olympics as this summer Olympics. It took some fight but finally on day 3, Canada received its first medal given in synchronized driving. The continuation of these games have been very emotional to say the least, but have also been exciting to watch our Canadian athletes perform at what they do best. There were known athletes that came into these Olympics without hope in receiving a medal; some surprised the world winning at least bronze medals.

My favourite events to watch at the summer Olympics are the artistic gymnastics and the soccer games predominantly because these are two sports I have played competitively throughout the years. There are others which I have enjoyed watching such as the swimming events, track races, and the beach volleyball games. Since the soccer games began even before the Opening Ceremonies were televised, I would say soccer is what i watched the most these past two weeks. 

As even the most prestigious event which is the Olympics tried to have a smooth outcome, history has proven even these games cannot be perfect. Although, Canada is very proud of our lone gold medal won by trampoline artist Rosie MacLennan, the games would not go on without some disappointments. There was heartbreak, emotional tears, clocks which did not stop on time, disqualifications... history continues to demonstrate. 

There was a lot of controversy regarding officiating, graded scores, and execution levels as we saw these past two weeks; some athletes were granted their immediate appeals, other not so much. Unfortunately for the Canadian soccer women's team, the semi-final game will forever be in Canadian hearts as one of the most controversial game played at the Olympics. The game is over now and although the Americans cannot take back the words said against the Canadian team members or their attitudes leading up to their gold-medal game, articles such as this one will always be a reminder.

I wish not to dwell on what could have been especially since our women's soccer team made it to the podium with a bronze medal! I hope this will begin a soccer franzie in our country as soccer is becoming a national celebrated sport. Looking forward to the Woman World Cup in 2015 which gladly, Canada is hosting and I expect to see you there! 

Watching now the closing ceremonies, reminds me of what the Olympics should be about. Unity within the nations without any public differentiations. As the athletes entered the stadium wearing their respective country's attire, I am glad the Olympic committee has kept the newly respective tradition to allow them to enter the closing ceremonies as one herd - one union - one global nation proud of what they have accomplished at these games. This statement outweighs anything that has happened these past two weeks and will bring nations closer to one another, hopefully.

Christine Sinclair: I am most proud to call you fellow Canadian especially seeing you hold our national flag with such pride and huge smile written across your face. Until Brazil 2016: GO CANADA GO!

With much Canadian pride, Jessica xo

Lazy Sundays

Another work week has simply flown by where sitting on the couch feels amazing right now. I am catching up on one of my favourite TV shows with the episodes airing one after the other. Due to my busy work and gym schedules, I do not have additional time allocated to watch television; that I watch my shows online or on internet sites such as YouTube.

What is nice about today is that Jordan and I spent an entire day with just him and I running errands, washing the car and spending time on the couch. Today is also one of those +32 degrees Celsius weather and the humidity is soaring high each time you step outdoors. This would have to be one of the most strangest seasons I have ever experienced: not only did we have a mild winter, but this summer feels like a desert. I am not complaining whatsoever. Thank you God for this beautiful weather and for another living day.

I have an extra smile on my face, perhaps because for the first time this whole year, my Ruska replied to my texts instantaneously. It is quite the accomplishment for her I must say. Rusk, I am so happy to hear you're doing great and that you're coming back to Canada in just a few months. I am very excited to see you darling so we can plan our next trip!

----------------------

I have come back to my computer to finish this post before the day ends. Jordan and I watched a few movies after I spoke with Ruska and now I am sitting in the living room, romote in hand and flipping between The Bachelorette and Teen Choice Awards. I am rooting for this Bachelorette to finally find a guy who she can love because she has been through so much.

Well I am off to bed now as Jordan is tired and I have left both shows tapping on the DVR. I love you darlings, have a great night!

Reporting

After a long work week...

Today is a relief putting my project report behind me since I gave it to the client this afternoon. I have not typed a post this past week as I have been working late in the office preparing the close out report. The client had stayed an additional business day to go over all that was to be accomplished for closing the project, which included a final written part us. As I was the one who spearheaded the report and all contents: documents, drawings, client references, memos... etc., it was important for me to be present at all business hours since engineers tend to work weird hours thus is why I accumulated extra overtime hours. In the end, the client was very impressed with the presentation of the final report, especially the organized way I placed all deliverables (documents and drawings being issued to the client) so that it was easy to follow.

Sorry I have been so MIA due to my workload, but I will try to write more often.

--------------------------------------

I am finally home watching some YouTube videos of my favourite gurus as Jordan is on a conference call with the Australia office. His everyday workday revolves around software development and having constant communication with Australia since our main servers are from there and his recent project is based out of there. Well it is almost 6:30PM and I can smell the wild salmon cooking downstairs -best maple syrup and lemon scent you could have in your house. Yummy! I shall make my way downstairs now, cheers!

Salsa Fest on St. Clair

Twice is better than nothing...

Here I am typing this post for the second time as I am not sure why my blogger ap deleted the draft I had worked on yesterday. Jordan and I woke up early to start the weekend: ate some lunch and headed to catch the Go-Train heading eastbound. We were on our way to meet Jason and his girlfriend as they were in town for Salsa Fest on St. Clair.

As we approach Toronto, the numerous overhead cranes appear to multiply in the downtown core. This city is bursting with the construction of condominiums where the piles of concrete is all you see. Critics claim that the abundance of condominiums will become an economic issue once people are not interested in purchasing. It is seen as "too much at once" which is alarming to Torontonians since it is their city that will become affected with more debt. Nothing is for certain, however, studies show that people who are in their late thirties up to the retirement age, are looking to settle in a house instead of a condo.

After a long subway ride heading north of the city, we arrive at St. Clair and Christie, which happened to be the beginning of the festival. It was a beautiful day to be outside enjoying the company of friends strolling the streets full of people see picture below.

St. Clair West

It was half past four in the afternoon and we were becoming hungry. As we walked the street, we were scouting what would be the best place to try some Latin cuisine. To my honour, we ended up choosing the Salvadorean kiosk located near the end of the festival which had pupusas, empanadas, tamales, and drinks. Everything tasted delicious but we were more thirsty afterwards since the sun was still beaming down, that we decided to grab some drinks and continue to walk the festival grounds.

What I have learned about myself, is that wearing heels all day while walking around might not be the most comfortable choice I could have made that morning. Even though they were merely wedges, my knees began to give out about eight in the afternoon and I had just arrived in the city four hours ago. I suppose I am becoming an old lady too fast, as Jason pointed out. I would have to say the most enjoyable part of the day, besides the food, was going back with the gang to Jason's hotel, sitting and resting before Jordan and I had to head home.

A good day to end the week of relaxation Jordan and I have enjoyed with each other. 


Happy Sunday!

Happy Canada Day!

to my Canadian loves:

I am most happy to be home this time around for Canada Day as I have been away from my mother, brother and friends since Christmas. Far too long for what has happened these past few months. I felt weird being at my mom's house because laying in my old bed while Jordan is beside me on his laptop brought a feeling of tranquility and happiness all at once; a feeling I have not felt for a while. Jordan even agrees about my mom's house bringing us peace and relaxation every time we visit. Thus is why we both look forward to visiting every chance we get.

Today is not only Canada's birthday, it is the final game of the Euro Cup between Spain and Italy. I had made plans with my friends to meet downtown to watch the game at a local pub. There was an hour wait for a table at Local Heroes so we decided to leave and walk towards the Beavertails looking around to see which place we could see the game. I remembered a small place above an Irish restaurant where Jordan, his family and myself had stopped for a bite to eat last Winter. The Pour House was where we stayed as it was full of patrons wearing red and white while eyes were glued to the TV screens watching the game.

My gringos showed up just after Spain scored their first goal so we ordered pitchers and food to enjoy the rest of the game. The sea of red and white patrons all cheered as Spain scored their second goal which confirmed the magnitude of Spanish fans. The disappointed Italians began to sunk in their seats as Spain scored their third and fourth goals to end the game 4-0. Spain are the defending and newly crowned champions of the Euro Cup 2012. Congratulations boys, you did me proud!

 As the day went on, we met up with some old friends and people I have not seen for years. Sandee was with me and I was most ecstatic to reunite with her. This is because she's one of my girls who really knows me and who has become a sister to me. Canada Day will forever be dear to Canadians as traditions continue to grow and the people you meet continue to be a part of your life. 

me and Sandee

two of my favourite men dressed alike for the occasion

fireworks

I will forever be an Ottawan as I was born here, grew up here, and my family and friends are residing here. I shall see you again very soon Ottawa. Much love to you.

 

 

Corporate Travels

These past two weeks have been a tad uneasy to say the least. There is plenty of excitement going on in my home life, personal life, and as an employee, I must admit my work life is splendid. After confirming I had my paperwork which is needed to travel crossboarders, I arrived at the airport this morning very late and I only had an hour to check in, go through customs and security. My plane was departing at 8:05 AM. Luckily, there are nice people living in the GTA who helped me bypass lines so I may make my flight. After a four hour flight, I find myself in the desert state of Arizona, across the continent and the furthest west I have ever travelled from home.


Working from the hotel and putting in hours for today feels different and very much at ease. It is just me in the room and it is quiet. I waited until the lunch hour to pick up the gift surprise I had told you about in Foster the People blogspot. I have searched in Canada and in the USA for these beauties which are in my proper size and it only took two months after my birthday. Leaving my hotel and turning the corner to find a trolley waiting for passengers to come aboard for free. The trolley is a city wide service that is predominantly used to take people around the the city of Scottsdale visiting all the tourist places with pitstops along the way.

The trolley led me to visit Fashion Square mall where you can find high end stores as well as great sales stores and great restaurant options for a bite to eat. As I walked through the mall, plenty of stores caught my attention, but I was on a mission to find Barney's.

Louboutin beauties

After some time in the mall, I boarded the trolley back to the hotel for a much needed shower. The weather is great in Arizona with no humidity that you encounter in southeastern Ontario but the summer heat is still in the high 100s (degrees Farenheight). Sweat dripped off my back as I waited for the trolley to come to a full stop and let the boarded passengers off first. The trolley took a different route this time, showing us the various street shops along N. Scottsdale Road which reminded me a little of El Salvador and San Marcos, Texas.

I was on crunch time to get back to the hotel because of the three hour difference from Toronto and I wanted to skype with Jordan before he headed off to bed. I miss him terribly even if I had just seen him this morning after waking up. When you are in a committed relationship and have shared many things together, you come to realise how much that person makes you feel when you are with them and when you are not. I love you baby and I'm glad we were able to use modern technology so I can see your face.

I am looking forward to this week as I am in Arizona for business helping out our sister office with some training and document management of the engineering projects being handled in Scottsdale. This is a learning opportunity for me and I am most excited to meet new Hatchlings.

See all my Ottawans next Saturday!

Foster The People on a Tuesday Night

Taking the 407 is such a peaceful drive especially when there are only a few cars driving along side of you. Jordan, his mom and I are off to see Foster the People perform live in just a couple hours. They are a group of men who sing pop rock headlining their single "Pumped up Kicks" which I am sure you have all heard.

I have never seen Toronto highways with such clearance and non-congestic traffic especially around 4:45 in the afternoon. We left work early in case we were to hit bumper to bumper traffic... It appears we will have more time to eat dinner after all.

I am enjoying my last week here in Canadaland, as my American cousins call it, before I am to travel for a work assignment to Arizona. I should be arriving next Monday morning, working remotely that day from the hotel, loosing the jet lag hopefully and then picking up a gift I put on hold at Barney's.

When I come back to Canada next Friday, Jordan is picking me up and we are headed north towards the capital city of Ottawa. I am looking forward to seeing my mom, little brother, Hector and all my friends whom I have missed so much. Sandee darling you must stay that weekend and not go camping. Vero get ready for some concert T-shirt making, Brendis will jay be with you? Jason here is your official shutout, yes I cannot wait to see you too buddy. There are many others to mention and I too look forward to seeing you, downtown Ottawa perhaps on July 1st?

I am off to my concert as we have just arrived.

Hugs and kisses always,
Jessica

MamaJo + Dbart's Nuptials

Two years after popping the question, Dbart is now legally entitled to call MamaJo his wife. As I type this post, their current location must be flying over the Atlantic Ocean enjoying some bubbly and the joy of being "official" to one another. 

As I walked through the doors of the Artifacts Room at the Liberty Grand, the ushers directed us towards the left where a room was filled with blue-accent lights and chandelier lights dangling from the ceiling. An open bar awaited for patrons after they made their way past Jo and Damian's engagement pictures and various servers with hors d'oeuvres. Jordan and I ordered our usual drinks and sat down on the white couches that were adorned with silver chandeliers. With all the decor in the cocktail area, I was only anticipating what the reception was going to look like. The couple and their families did a marvellous job with the detailed touches of the cocktail area along with the room next door which opened up to true class. 

When the curtains were opened to the crowd, the reception could not have looked any better with the blue-accented and chandelier lights continuing on to the other side of the hall. It looked endless. After the bridal party, Jo walked into the room holding hands with Damian, which was the first time I saw them glowing, relaxed, and extremely happy all at once. This day was a long two-year journey to finally sharing the moment with their families and closest friends. Jo's ivory-cream dress was designed by Vera Wang and was beautifully paired with blue satin heels and a bouquet of red roses which was a perfect contrast to her light skin. She looked absolutely stunning and sure met my expectations for throwing a party.

The best thing about the wedding wasn't just the open bar, the hall decor, the dress (although very pretty), or even the food that left me full. It was at around 10:30 PM where the garter was to be taken off the bride's leg by her groom's mouth - the party hit an extra peak of entertainment. I wished I had recorded the scene and I hope a guest uploads it to Jo's page. The newlyweds sure know how to put on a show! Jo and Damian's relationship is a playful, amusing and loving one and I am blessed to have them as friends in my life. A wedding at the Liberty Grand has never disappointed and this was one to top the charts.

me with the bride, MamaJo

the shoes

Vera Wang dress

me and my blue-eyed prince

love these two, congrats!

Euro Cup Fever

For all you soccer fanatics, another anticipated tournament has just begun and will be closely watched around the globe for the next three weeks. I decided to watch yesterday's game opener of Poland vs. Greece at a local Boston Pizza with a couple of my colleagues. GTA workers are one of the craziest soccer fans and it feels good being in an environment when an anticipated tournament is showing on the television screens. 

The game began with the ball being more on Greece's side as Poland continued to push and push demonstrating their hosting skills are not just about sharing the stadiums, but actually performing well in their pool. After about five mintues, the Polaks got around the greeks defencemen and scored the first goal of the tournament. The group of Polish workers sitting at the table next to us, got up and cheered so loud that they almost knowcked their pitchers of beer over. Yes they were very happy!

Right now, I am sitting down in front of the television watching Germany play a mean game against Portugal... and it is already a close game. No score yet but both teams are very hungry for a goal. Winning in this pool is important as it holds the consistent powerhouse of Germany and the latest World Cup finalists that is the Netherlands, so there is a lot on the line for this group.

I am more eager to watch tomorrow's match of Spain vs. Italy. This year's Group C pertains of two teams you see regularly in world tournaments and two others who are quite green. Ireland being the first time qualifying to this type of tournament may be a fan favourite but that game that will be played against Spain, the point will go to the Spaniards. I can say as defending champions of the last Euro Cup, Spain is my favourite and I will be cheering them on.


Here's to some great game of soccer,
Jessica

It's pleut-ing

raining with a side of wine:

Came home from work a tad tired than usual and all I wanted to do was undress and rest. However, my stomach would not allow me to do so. Jordan began prepping the rice and chicken for some Indian style curry while I decided to bake some tilapia covered in panko crumbs. If you have never tried panko check this website for Asian creations using Panko, they are Asian-born crumbs and are much healthier for you. 

It was shining bright today, making it 24 degrees Celsius for the current temperature that we felt tilapia would be ideal on such a beautiful day. We began to cook/bake tonight's dinner that suddenly, it began pouring rain. It was very windy and the rain was coming down very strong. I decided to capture this moment using my iPhone, but I just noticed you might not be able to see the drops of hail as it is not very clear. The rain seemed as though it would not stop and the hail was hitting the top of the BBQ cover while the drops later fell to the ground. Sure was  something for the history books especially since there was no sign of hail after the storm passed through.

 

Nothing beats a curry, fish, and salad dinner like a nice glass of wine:

Cheers to my lovelies,

Jessica xo

Lobster Feast with a side of FIFA

This weekend was really busy for me as Jordan and I were rearranging our room and doing a lot of Spring Cleaning. I can see what people call it Spring Cleaning as some do purge a lot of things that are probably never used. As for myself, I can admit I fall into that category. I have filled two bags full for a donation to Salvation Army since I am in a position to donate to those less fortunate. I have loved my things dearly and when they were used/worn, they were my absolute favourite. Now, I must come to terms that some things are better to be donated or thrown out.

Today is a lovely Sunday compared to Friday where it poured in the GTA like there was a hurricane coming through the city. This day is perfect for the FIFA qualifiers match Canada vs. USA - but first, I will join my colleagues on a lobster feast. 

Days after the game:

I am sitting down days after, writing a continuation of my drafted blog post regarding the soccer game and lobster feast. It is always nice to see my colleagues and share moments with them since my close friends are living in Ottawa/abroad in Europe as it is very difficult to make friendships in a new place if you do not take the time to spend quality time with new people. These folks are educated, responsible, career-oriented but most importantly, very respectful. We had a great time cooking up three live lobsters for all to share.

Though it would have been a better time if Jordan came, it is nice to share some time apart at times. While sitting at the BMO field, it made me realize that I would much rather be home nestled in bed or cuddled with him. Partly because the game was not the greatest even though Canada played better than the USA, but mostly because I do miss him when we are apart. I wanted to come home and see him, but the game had merely just hit half time. Being with someone you love is a great gift and it does make you understand the meaning of selfless and putting the other first when decisions are to be made. Never take what you have for granted for you never know what tomorrow might bring. I can honestly tell you, I have the best boyfriend in the world whom I love dearly.

Love always,

Jessica xox

Holding up the live lobsters

Going for the first bite

Canada vs. USA FIFA qualifiers

Coconut Water on a HOT Saturday

Trying to sleep in on a lazy Saturday but when I opened my eyes, the clock only read 7:15 AM. So much for sleeping in today. As you all know by my last post, my little-tall brother Sebastian came to Toronto last weekend for his Volleyball Nationals Tournament which made me excited to see him play in over a year. It has been a year since I moved to the Greater Toronto Area, away from my family and close friends in Ottawa, but predominantly, I am no longer able to see Sebastian play on a regular basis which saddens me. Thus when he told me his nationals were taking place in Toronto this year, I was super excited to see him.

After getting dressed for this 25 degrees Celsius weather, Jordan and I went to William's Cafe for breakfast: I had eggs Benedict with a green tea latte (my usual) and Jordan had chicken panini pesto. We were so hungry that we finished eating in about half the time it usually takes us. This was a good thing since we were on a mission today to complete a few errands. Our first stop: Phillips Jewellers to replace Sebastian's gold chain necklace I bought him with a shorter-lengthen one. Sebastian: I will not post a picture here since you read my blogs, therefore you will just have to wait to see it in person, the chain is absolutely beautiful.

After the jewellers, I decided to take Jordan to the South African store a colleague had taken me during yesterday's lunchtime. If any of you like beef jerky then you will like South Africa's famous Biltong. The Biltong Bar located inside the South African store literally looks like pieces of meat hanging from a steel bar that can be cut up into bite sized pieces and enjoyed right off the rack.

Can you spot the non-fatty ones?

Our third errand was to Whole Foods to buy a case of coconut water. For those that are still hearing the buzz around this healthy drink and are hesitating, read this article. Jordan bought us a case full that we can have for the week, I personally think it will be gone within days since he loves drinking it. See picture below which shows how much is gone after buying the case this morning.

There were 12 in this case when we bought it

We then came home to refresh up with the coconut water and as you can see by the picture above, four bottles are already gone. I must admit, the brands in Canada are a bit sweetened for my liking since I have tried real coconuts in El Salvador and nothing compares to the real fruit. After reading the article I linked in the last paragraph, I am on a hunt for the brand called ZICO containing 16% of your daily potassium intake with zero percent fat. My kind of drink especially during my hot-summer soccer seasons.


Freshen up with some coconut water and let me know what brands you like!

Happy Saturday,
Jessica xox.

Seb's Volleyball Nationals Tournament

little bro comes to town:

The nice thing about living in the GTA is that Toronto hosts plenty of events, conferences, national games and to my benefit, my little brother's volleyball tournament. Since this year's Nationals are being held in downtown Toronto, I am able to watch Sebastian play all weekend long.

Yesterday, I took him sightseeing of Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre, and explore the outdoor shops beside the Lawrence Market. Since it was around lunchtime after visiting the market, we headed on over to the The Old Spaghetti Factory located at 54 The Esplanade which to our hungry bellies, they had just opened for the day and we were sat down right away. On the menu you could partake in all sort of pastas but my brother Sebastian opted for the traditional spaghetti with spicy sauce. I, on the other hand, decided to take a more Italian approach in ordering the pesto tortellini. I thoroughly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Toronto as it is a must see from the inside! Beautifully decorated in a child-old english-esque feeling once you walk through the doors.

with my little-TALL brother at Dundas Square

Then came 2:00PM while shopping at Eaton Centre and it was time to drive Sebastian to his first Nationals game. Taking the subway back to where we had parked the car, we checked the GPS to realize it was a short distance to the Direct Energy Centre. This made us very happy as there was a Blue Jays game occurring around this time and we did not want to be stuck in traffic. 

Jordan and I sat down on the Mavericks side (Sebastian's volleyball club team from Ottawa) to help cheer on the team. The game started shortly after and boy was I surprised with my brother's talent! Sebastian has an ability to spike the ball with 'power' across court while also digging balls shot over from the opponent's side. The boys played a really good first game winning both first sets. The second game which commenced at 630PM looked like it was going to be another easy take. The first set was a scrambling game making the boys on Sebastian's team to be a little uncoordinated when relays were taking place or when two boys would go for the same ball without calling it. The Mavericks lost that first set. 

They changed sides of the court to begin the second set. Some would call it fate, others would call it "this side of the court is magical", Jordan simply said it was an intense-sitting-at-the-edge-of-my-seat game where the Mavericks began to play as the team I saw the game previous. They worked together as a team helped each other out when the ball was fumbled and most importantly their faces showed they were enjoying playing the game. Second set came to a finish with the Mavericks winning making the game tied 1-1. They must now play a third set up to 15 points and changing sides when either team reaches 8. This set was the deciding factor of which team was to receive the winning point for standing purposes. This was not an easy set to watch either. We were all at the edges of our seats because there were times when I could not look when the Mavericks served because some points were lost with missed serves. Jordan was even cheering for the Mavericks with cheering words I have never heard him say before and this was his first time watching volleyball. Later that day, Jordan told me he fun watching my brother play which makes me happy but I am more glad those two get along.

I am now preparing to watch Sebastian play his round two of volleyball games so I am leaving you all with pictures from his first game. Enjoy!

Happy sunny Victoria Monday,
Jessica xo

SERVE

More than half a thousand dollars

Have you ever felt your mouth to think a huge baseball must be inside my jaw to explain the pain. However looking in the mirror, you see a perfectly figured face staring back at you? This is as a result of an hour-long dentist visit.

I was not aware I would be receiving three fillings today because based on my last trip to the dentist two were left to complete, but of course after receiving my bill for nearly six hundred dollars that my insurance paid for, I was definitely taken aback. The pain which I am enduring while I type this post is the most unbearable pain I have ever felt -actually there was this other time in Ottawa where I had to get an endodontic assessment which was extremely excruciating- not even the extraction of my wisdom teeth hurt as much as my right side currently does. Placing the palm of my right hand on my bottom jaw and gently moving my hand towards my ear, I can still feel the tingly feeling from the frozen anesthesia that is slowly wearing off. As I glide my forefingers inside my ear, the feeling is as swollen as a cantaloupe, maybe because I am craving this fruit and cannot eat for another hour or until the swelling comes down. To my dismay it might have to be until the latter one occurs as I am terrified to bit the inside of my jaw and cause bleeding.

Dr. Lee is lucky I like her because regardless of my post-appointment feeling, she is the most soft spoken and gentle dentist I have ever had. I cannot be upset with her, even if she banged the appliances against the adjacent teeth at times, and for almost taking my forehead off with another one. She will forever be the kindest dentist in my books for having removed my wisdom teeth two months ago leaving me with a perfectly healed jaw and no sign of bruises as I had previously read in online reviews.

Lesson: don't always believe what you read, experience it first hand and judge upon that. Endure pain because the end result will be exactly what you are looking for.

I will now go and watch re-runs of Khloe and Lamar, will they finally admit she is not a biological Kardashian? Maybe this is all for publicity and in fact she is a Kardashian... let's not get too caught up in the Kardashian clan. I like their sense of [fashion] style but their life is very chaotic for my liking.


Side-swept mouth-ling,
Jessica

Dia de las Madres/ Mother's Day

Today is the day in which Canada celebrates the most important person in Canadians' lives for the reason that she is special, admirable, the bearer of your life, and simply because she is your MOM. Mothers around North America -excluding Mexico in some parts- celebrated this day with gifts, flowers, food and family moments in honour of ol' dear mum. 

my mom

I had put together an intimate gift for my mom which included makeup products, bath products and accessories to store the makeup in. She has always admired my love for makeup and my growing collection that I decided to buy her a couple of my favourite products just for her. Since for Salvadoreans Mother's Day is always celebrated on May 10th, I decided to mail my gift on Monday May 7th hoping that it were to arrive on the day of or before May 10th. To my utmost luck, my gift arrived on the morning of May 10th and the phone calls from my mother began ringing that afternoon. She was very surprised when I finally answered my phone after my work day as she thanked me for the intimate touch on the products.

Since today is based on the Canadian tradition, Jordan, his sister Mandy and I invited their mom Judy and Mandy's mother-in-law for brunch at Coppola's http://www.coppolas.ca/ which is an Italian restaurant in the city St. Catherine's, Ontario that had the entire restaurant set-up into a buffet style for the special day. I do not think the pictures do the place justice but Coppola's has become a favourite restaurant of Jordan's and mine since the service and food are always excellent. 

pictures from Coppola's brunch

Jordan also enjoys taking pictures of me whenever we are together as you can see with the few I posted below from this morning's brunch.

such a beautiful day to keep smiling

a painting from within Coppola's

Remembering that today is about family: I am also very proud to be related to these lovely ladies who are also moms.

My cousin Roxy with daughter Chloe and mi Tia Gloria

My cousin Karen after giving birth to baby Leah and my aunt happy with her new grandchild pictured below.