October Favourites

I’m turning into a fall girl. The sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet as I go for a morning walk in the crisp air, bundled in layers of sweaters, scarves, knee socks, hats, and mitts, apple cider in my hands, boots warming my toes, in the presence of a rainbow of beautiful autumn colours in the environment. The smell of pumpkin chai tea steeping, pumpkin pie baking, pumpkin cinnamon candles burning, or fresh pumpkin seeds as you carve a jack-o-lantern. The taste of roasted squash, mashed turnips, diced rutabaga, or sweet corn. The beginning of cooler weather that is warm enough to withhold frost but cool enough that it prevents you from sweating. Saying grace around a feast of turkey and green beans in the company of my family on Thanksgiving. Haunted Houses, Scarecrows, Applesauce, Rain, Harvest, Butternut Squash Soup, Caramels, Trick or Treating, Raking, the list could go on and on. 1. Leather Driving Gloves 2. Posey Patch Cardigan 3. Fall Superfoods 4. Raw Edie Kalahari Purse 5. Cassette Society Spike Overall Skirt 6. Pins and Needles Chiffon Slit-Back Dress 7. Marlen Boots 8. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Mason Jar Candle 9. Talula Trooper Jacket

October snuck up on me. Although it feels like I’ve been at school for longer than 4 weeks, September as a whole really flew by. Like any new month comes a new opportunity for change. Although you don’t really need a fresh month as a reason to embark on new opportunities, I find it easier and almost more promising to do so.

I’m taking a month off from any major goals because I want to focus on just living. I’m not going to set any real expectations besides working on feeling good enough with my marks, my body, my nutrition choices and my social activities. I want to try Kabocha squash, I hope to post new recipes on the blog, I owe a few people letters especially with a new season having just started, I anticipate I’ll begin regularly reading blogs (and commenting) more often, I’m going to start knitting again, I will be making a DIY Halloween costume for myself, and there are a few meditation workshops on campus that I have signed up to take to better my health. Realistically blogging is going to be scarcer so I apologize for the odd timing or big gaps in between. Exams are approaching and school is my job so it should be a top priority.  Blogging still seems like a new concept in my world and with my ever-changing schedule I can’t expect perfection. Besides my life really isn’t that interesting any more, but my blog is a way to challenge myself to get out of my studying rut and complete a fun activity. That being said I’ve become involved in a lot of nutrition oriented clubs that seem applicable (hopefully not too boring) to share with you!

So I guess I do have intentions but nothing too big or major, because everyday presents new opportunities and a concrete schedule isn’t manageable because of daily surprises. My ambitions for the month are just small fun things some of which I’m already doing, some of which I’ve done in the past and should reintegrate, and some of which have always interested me and been on my to-do list. What do you home to accomplish this month? Which season is your favourite? Can you believe I worked at Starbucks last autumn and have never tried the Pumpkin Spice Latte? ♥ Molly

“Autumn is a second spring when ever leaf is a flower. ” – Albert Camus

“Autumn, the year’s last loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant 

MIMM # 10: Homecoming and More

Did you think I was still recovering from Homecoming? I know, this post is going up a little bit later than usual but rest assured that it isn’t because I am just waking up. My homecoming was fun, but definitely not wild which I’m sure you probably figured out by now based on my personality. I’m still working on finding a balance between social, educational and personal time which means blogging is taking a back seat for a little while but I don’t want to eliminate it from my life because sharing stories and connecting with other bloggers makes me feel marvelous.

You know what else is marvelous? Mondays! Especially thanks to Katie and her marvelous link-up.

Marvelous is getting together with friends whom you don’t get to see very often. Leah was up for Western’s homecoming so we had a lunch date at Thai Express. After she left I proceeded to get groceries because it was right next door and I figured I should make the most out of my outing. It’s still weird grocery shopping for myself as opposed to my family, but it feels marvelous to be independent. I even managed to find a 14-dollar dress that I think will pair nicely with my roots boots, cream knee socks and black leggings come the cooler weather.

Marvelous is taking Friday night off just to socialize with friends. Even though I am legal, I prefer to socialize without alcohol so Friday night I spent avoiding the parties and instead baking brownies and eating pizza in our floor’s lounge. Our residence has baking baskets that you can rent out which is full of pans, beaters, spatulas, wooden spoons, measuring cups and essentially any other equipment you’d need to bake. We kept it classy with box brownies (It’s hard to have all ingredients on hand when you are living in residence) that we devoured straight from the pan. I think that tells you just how marvelous they were.

Marvelous is getting decked out in Purple for school spirit. Western’s homecoming football game was on Saturday against Queen’s University which the Mustangs (Western) won 51-30! I started the morning with a free pancake breakfast and lots of photos. I’d like to say I attended the game but I actually stayed home to study. I showed my support by using a purple highlighter and drinking a purple smoothie, which should count for something right? Instead of attending a kegger or a concert, a group of us went to Jack Astors for dinner complete with a trip to Masonville Mall. I warmed myself up with a cup of tea and a smile cookie from Tim Hortons. The London locations are fundraising for Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre.

Marvelous is group iMessaging with my mom and sisters. I love hearing what is going on with their lives, seeing pictures of everyone’s days, asking for advice or sharing what is on my mind. Lottie was in a Contest at the Fall Fair in my sister’s neighbourhood and she won for Most Hair! I think we can all agree that other 7 month olds are envious of Lottie’s cute curls and it was a well-deserved marvelous win! It’s so fun watching Lottie grow up and my family does a great job of making me feel as though I am there. Lottie will make a great food blogger some day because she loves Sweet Potato and Avocado! I might have to introduce her to Kabocha Squash soon! 

Marvelous is doing things differently. You can tell that my typical healthy eating went out the window this weekend, as did exercise. My mood has been a bit lower than normal which calls for change. Too many early mornings and late nights isn’t good, which is why I allowed my body to go to bed earlier than normal (I was asleep at 9:45 last night!) and sleep in past my usual exercise classes. No, I don’t plan of switching all salad for French fries, but I’m learning that having treats once in a while doesn’t hurt! It’s been way too long since I’ve had thai food, brownies, pizza, pancakes or cookies that weren’t made with “healthy” substitutions or in my own kitchen and it felt nice to eat them with minimal guilt. While I studied, I definitely was not as productive as I had hoped, but that is okay but you know what, I enjoyed myself! My weekend was different, but it was equally marvelous. What was marvelous about your weekend? Do you text your family members or do you prefer to phone them? Are you keen on parties or are simpler nights your thing? ♥ Molly

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Dr. Seuss quotes Graduation

Graduation is a milestone that every student looks forward to achieving. Yesterday my family congratulated my sister Emma for earning her Honours Specialization in Health Sciences with Distinction. For four years Emma has had perfect attendance as she dedicatedly studied (rehabilitation sciences) at the University of Western Ontario. Emma’s hard work really shone through earning her a Gold Medal for being the top of her graduating class. She also got to be the Gonfalon carrier for her faculty. There is something to be said about studying in the field of your interest. Emma’s passion led her to be rewarded with these privileges. While she is naturally very intelligent there is no denying that she invested extra hours into readings, lectures, studying and exams.

To say the least, I am one very proud sister. Emma truly embodies the role of a leader and yesterday was just one more event that helped us to remember all of her past accomplishments. Emma shares her wealth of knowledge in the London community by volunteering in positions such as “LIT” tutoring. I was thankful that yesterday’s weather brought sunshine and warmth. Even though the Health Science award lunch and graduating ceremony was held inside, the majority of the gatherings (Alumni reception and photo taking) were outdoors. I welcomed the fresh air as my family and I drove a total of four hours. Despite the prolonged periods of sitting, my toes still managed to get blisters. How does this always happen?

As Dr. Seuss would say “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened”. While this quote might be overused, it is the perfect saying to reference on a special day like convocation. After all, a graduation is not an end, it is the start of a new chapter in one’s life. Emma’s honours will open so many future doors and opportunities. Next year she will be continuing her education at the University of Toronto as she embarks on completing a Masters in Physiotherapy. I am excited to be her future practice patient.

Congratulations on a well-earned celebration to all graduates out there. The world is at your feet. I can appreciate how much hard work it takes to earn a grade, certificate, diploma, degree, doctorate and or other title. It must feel outstanding to have a final show and document for proof as to what you have completed.  … Or as Emma Donoghue, who received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Western yesterday, half-hearted joked, “was given”. In case you did not know, an Honorary Doctorate is something one is chosen, or elected to receive. I thought that Emma Donoghue, the author of “Room”, was a well-deserving candidate of this award. In appreciation, Emma Donoghue delivered a  very eloquent, well-versed, witty and rhyming speech. It was a piece that I thoroughly enjoyed and I hope that one day I share my convocation with a figure as interesting as Emma Donoghue.

June is a busy month for so many and for that reason I would encourage you all to take the time to reflect on the great things that have been happening around you. Change isn’t only present when rewarded. ♥ Molly

Oh the Places You’ll Go – “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” – Dr. Seuss