HIGH TEA

Cranberry scones, silver tea pots, liquor drenched pancakes and my Gamma Gamma ladies equals a new family tradition I've come to enjoy.

Yesterday all the wonderful girls in my family (cousins, mothers, aunts, second cousins and a little one on the day) headed to The Royal York Hotel for Sunday High Tea. The stunning ceiling high tree and the beautiful old clock in the entrance made me want to watch Titanic (you know when Leo stands at the top of the steps where he waits for Rose looking all dapper and polished?) and start to wrap Christmas gifts.

Even with my huge workload I wouldn't dare miss high tea with my Gamma Gammas. After a rough week I finally began to feel my cheery self coming back. I guess I can't resist the glitz and the glam of The Royal York- and a cream filled pastry. 

 

    

Lastly, today at school my fellow namesake-italian-twitterphenom Apetrigs brought me a delectable new tea to try. The name was enough to get my excited. She brought me one tea bag of dulce & banana (cute eh?) from DAVIDsTEA.

DAVIDsTea is sold through its online stores and at various retailers in Canada, selectively in Toronto. Amanda knows I live in the suburbs so she has my back. Nothing makes me happier than a good cup of tea (the smell of this tea is incredible) and a good friend. Well, Amanda also knows about the stock market and can trade stories about our nonnas. I know you want one- but find your own Amanda!

I say go start some traditions with the wonderful ladies in your life!

 

Oh Daisy, don’t we all wish we were as silly as you

The indicator of a great writer is their ability to connect with today's readers even their work stems from a time or era that has vanished.

I easily fell in love with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. It was recommended to me on a first date and my infatuation with Gatsby lasted longer than my interest in the boy. Fitzgerald captured the essence of the twenties while commenting on class divisions, luxury, desire, love and the tragedy that follows it all.

A notable quote:  “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired." –Nick Hornby, The Great Gatsby.   

We are broken into four categories. It is easy to find yourself in any one of these positions. I’ve been pursued, I’m testing the waters of pursuing, I’m always busy and lately I am lost in a cyclone of constant fatigue.

Everyday I wake up and ask my imaginary butler (Alfred/Jeeves/Martin whatever cliché butler name I desire) "May I have a tall glass of motivation with a side of super sonic energy? Hold the exhaustion. Oh and one bowl of positive pudding please." 

While this isn’t the most inspirational quote I’ve added to my blog roll I still find it relevant. Rather than looking at this quote as dismal and negative there is something to be learned from each position. The pursuit of anything in life (person, dream, idea, hope) is an inner challenge- a quest to see if you can actually reach your goal. The same goes for being pursued- it can be moving, shocking and flattering regardless of what is coming after you (job hunter, admirer etc.) and you have to decide to accept the proposal or not.

Lastly, being busy and tired are simple facts of life. In the end we will complain when we are bored and we will complain when we are ass backwards exhausted.

I believe you will know if your pursuit is in line with what your really searching for. Giving up and giving in to negativity will not benefit anyone. I'm trying to take my own advice. As long as what brings us to our knees in tears of tiredness is due to our inner pursuit of some sort of positive goal it may all be worth it. We can sleep when we’re old.

Special shout out to all of my PR classmates who are busy, tired and hoping the pursuit of a career will be well worth it. 

So I ask what category do you find yourself in lately?

SNAPSHOT JUDGMENT

Getting my photograph professionally taken can be one of the most disarming, awkward and out of body experiences I've ever encountered.

An intimate space is broken. You feel exposed. The bright flash and close lens mock you. I don't know how to pose. My face is not meant to be photographed that close up, I know that. I wonder if even the great beauties, models and muses ever felt nervous in front of a camera? Although it is scary, once you relax it is a little bit thrilling especially if you have a good person taking the photo.

I've been photographed before by THE Stefania Sgambelluri, one of my best friends. But this time I offered to help out my sister's boyfriend's sister Melissa DiPasquale (who also happens to have the same name as my sister but with no family relation) Confused yet?

Actually, we became friends online through our respective blogs. Melissa also mentioned my blog to her beautiful, interesting and superhero best friend Claudia and we in turn began checking out eachother's online work!

All in all, I finally got to meet both of my online friends last night for red velvet cupcakes and marvelous manicures. 

So Melissa took my portrait worked some photoshop magic and even wrote a too sweet blog post about me. So if you're curious once again how a non-model shapes up against the harsh lens check it out here.

Also Become a follower of:

http://andyshowgirl.blogspot.com

Melissa's photography (which includes the definitely-could-be-a-model Claudia) is fantastic.

You'll be seeing her photos for years to come. xo

BOOK CLUBBIN

In one sitting I read About Alice.

I went to my public library today and checked out two books. I haven't read anything lately just to read. Internet reading does not count. School gets in the way and with 14 assignments due in 19 days I really shouldn't be reading for leisure.

Oh and the book is only 78 pages so i'm not a super speed reader or anything.

Anyways, Calvin Trillen's About Alice is a sort-of biography, memoir for his wife. The book focuses on Alice's life from the eyes of her husband. She sadly died of heart failure in her late fifties due to radiation damage to her heart from her treatment for lung cancer back in the seventies.

The book isn't about death though. It is about this one man's love and admiration for his wife. By the end of the book you wish you knew Alice. The way she viewed the world, the way she contributed to life both through her various works and through helping other people who were battling illness. Trillin wrote for The New Yorker and most of his pieces were either about his wife or for her. She was his muse. After reading you hope someone will view you the way Calvin viewed Alice from the moment he met her.

That's how it should be.

I don't want to give too much away and I'm not a book reviewer but if you're looking for a heartfelt quick read check it out.

Review of the second book I picked up to come. I really should do some homework. 

Clean Up

Today I wish my life was a whiteboard. 

I want to take a giant eraser and wipe everything clean. Neatly scrub away the mess and eliminate everything that leaves me feeling like a dried up marker. A fresh slate.
 
If only it was that simple. 

Choices make up life. Good, bad or otherwise. You make the decision to move forward not knowing where it will lead. Blindly taking a leap. Hoping for the best. Regret is easy, sticking by a choice despite the outcome is hard.

My inner board is full of lines, scribbles and squiggles as if a young child had gone haywire with coloured markers.

I know I will look back and be able to decode the random lines as if they were actually a road map leading me back to a safe place.

I’m just not quite there. The streaks are still wet and I’m waiting for them to fade.

Even though I can’t see it I know there is still a tiny area of untouched white space shouting:

“Hey hey look at me! Everything’s going to be a-okay!”

Just patiently waiting to be filled up with colour again.

Don’t you just love cryptic metaphors?

Maybe you can somehow relate to this or maybe you’re just as confused as I am.

POP POP POP goes the CULTURE

Dear Sunday,

Here is a round-up of some notable things I partook in over the weekend.

Please let the weekdays fly by.

Yours truly, xo

Museum Memories: On Friday I went with some PR lovelies to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). We went to see the Vanity Fair Exhibit. The photographs range from vintage photos to modern day celebrity shots. The exhibit features beautiful, interesting, iconic people such as  Princess Diana, Robert Deniro, Aldous Huxley and Madonna to name a few. It is interesting to see who they chose to feature. You are not allowed to take photographs so you'll just have to go check it out yourself.  Note to self: somehow end up in Vanity Fair magazine, photographed or editorial. Dream big. 

Beyond the exhibit we also went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the dinosaurs. The scrolls were interesting but also a bit unnerving. I mean there are scrolls that can predict the apocalypse and I won’t even watch 2012. The dinosaurs were awesome but scary. Jurassic Park was not my favourite movie as a child. Spielberg scared the childhood snot out of me.

 

 

New Moon: Dare I say that I’m a converted Twilight fan? Okay, that may be going a bit too far but New Moon actually kept me interested and rooting for Team Jacob, wait no Team Edward, wait no.

Overall the movie feeds into your little bits of secret fears  and delights. Unrequited love, danger, rejection, fantasy, death and friendship. 

I will still point out some problems. Brief Spoiler alert. When Edward leaves Bella she goes into a deep depression for months. She gives up her friends, eating, and even partakes in dangerous acts. I think it is absolutely fantastic that we are telling young girls that it is justifiable to completely give up your life because your boyfriend leaves you. Lame.

Twilight also preaches this idea of holding out for “one true love” no matter what. I’m no school guidance teacher but this can either be refreshing or very problematic. I mean is it realistic to wait for someone like Edward Cullen to sweep you off your feet? Is it healthy to teach girls that it is fine to always go back to someone despite danger or common sense. I feel sorry for the non-vampire pre-pubescent boys of today trying to land a date to the school dance. Ouch.

My two analytical points aside (sorry my media studies degree will not cease to poke its ugly head out at all times) the movie is actually quite good. The acting is better. The budget is bigger giving us better special effects. I especially loved the werewolves. Their presence on screen was more interesting than a bunch of pale vampires pouncing around. Oh and the last question Edward asks Bella leaves you wanting more even if you hated the entire movie.

The movie also has a insanely good soundtrack. Artists like Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie, OK Go and Muse lend their musical talents to this money making blockbuster.

I don’t think I’ll start reading the series or searching for boys who sparkle in the sun. But if you have any small interest in the Twilight saga I would check it out.

Team Edward wait Team Jacob. Oh nevermind.

Window Shopping: The various window displays for Holt Renfrew are beautifully strange. They leave me with a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. I mean swan headed people and snowman heads? I get the "heeby jeebs" but I still can’t look away and I want more. Oh give me more. 

 

 

 

How was your weekend? Only 9 or so hours till Monday. Ick!

SPOTLIGHT ON: Beauty Careers

I remember the day she arrived to take my place.

I was finishing up my beauty internship at FASHION Magazine and heading back to university. I was feeling territorial and had mixed emotions about leaving. I mean, who wants to give up a job where your daily tasks include hanging out in a giant closet of beauty products and attending cool makeup events?

With bright blonde hair and deep blue eyes, the new Amanda arrived and I was ready to show her the ropes. She was bubbly, friendly and a fellow beauty addict. I immediately knew they had chosen the perfect person to take my place.

A year and a half later she’s also moved on from FASHION and is now the Public Relations Assistant for Revlon Canada.

I interviewed Amanda Losier to give notamodel readers some insider beauty advice. Enjoy!

Q: What beauty product can you not live without?

A: It is impossible for me to pick just one! For the sake of this interview I will narrow it down to two. Pressed Powder foundation: to cover up any imperfections and blemishes. (Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation is great for touch-ups on the go and the price is right!) Pink Lip gloss: to brighten up my entire face. (Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in "Pink Afterglow" is one of my favourites) As long as my skin looks great and my lips are stained pink, I'm good to go!

Q: Can you offer some advice for people who want to break into the beauty industry?

A: If there's one thing I've learned it is to not be intimidated if you don't have any experience. There are plenty of internships available which will be a stepping-stone to gaining experience, contacts and future opportunities. Networking is very important and don't be afraid to contact people to ask for help or information. With the way the job market is these days, it's all about who you know and being in the right place at the right time. Ask around. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Also, the beauty industry isn't glamourous all the time as some may assume (some days I'm stuck in a warehouse packing boxes all day covered in dust and tape) it's important to have realistic expectations.

Q: What is the best part about your job?

A: The variety and being surrounded by beauty products all day. Every day is different and I get to deal with all aspects of the beauty industry through my job. There are always new and exciting projects, events and products.

Q: Who is your beauty icon?

A: Barbie has been my beauty icon for as long as I can remember. She was a big part of my childhood and still has an influence on my personal style. Needless to say, I was thrilled when Barbie turned 50 this year and became the inspiration for many beauty and fashion brands. Barbie really is the ultimate glamour girl.

Do You Remember?

Nostalgia comes in two forms.

Sometimes it tickles underneath your chin like a rare blue feather and makes you giggle. Other moments it scoops you up like King Kong's left hand and leaves you suffocating, reeling under its firm grip.

What you miss isn't just the memory but the people and the person you used to be in that fragment of time. Those people are gone (whether literally or figuratively). You wonder will I ever become nostalgic for the moment I'm living in right now?

Things I'm nostalgic for:
 
University living: my roommates. the smell of my favourite bar. running into everyone you know. kitchen dance parties. walking on the stony brick campus on a sunny day. the morning after. the afternoon after. gourmet bagels. long train rides home. three girls waiting for me after a first date. four closets full of clothes.

My grandfather: his smile. his brown sweater vest. the way he looked at me as if I was actually the light of the world and how he could make me believe it, just for a second. the way he called the couch a chesterfield. his hazel eyes. the pen he always kept in his shirt pocket.

European vacations: icy creamy gelato. seeing everything for the first time. getting lost in Paris. getting lost in Venice. cold, tangy sangria in Barcelona. feeling small. feeling new. laughing till I can't breathe with my best friend. concerning my days only with my next photo and my next meal.

The funny thing about nostalgia is just as quickly as it comes- it leaves.

As if none of it ever happened at all.

That good old new hip mind numbing beat

When I’m happy, sad, anxious or excited- nothing sets my mood aflame like music. It can intensify an emotion, a moment or a memory. But you already knew that.

I’m always on the lookout for the next great band or song that will affect me physically. You know, those songs that hurt your heart, give you goose bumps or just make you smile. Chocolate may provide some with endorphins, I say give me music.
 

Today’s pick: Portugal. The Man Their style can only be described as indie-soul-alternative-good-for-a-long-drive-in-your-car-music. Their album The Satanic Satanist brings a wide array of emotionally charged song lyrics and strong vocals. It's all about the voice for me. You can have a great band, but if I can't connect with the voice- the rest gets drowned out.

I’m definitely not a music critic but my ears know what they like.

If you look real high you just might find sitting in the stars glistening, glistening.. - The Sun, PTM

I dare you to give them a listen- I'd love to hear your favourite bands, songs or artists of the moment!

Feel free to comment or write to me at: write.notamodel@gmail.com

SUNDAY MUSE

I’m an old soul.

Sometimes I feel I was meant to live in a different era. Our overtly crass culture serves sex on the side of toast and table dancing trumps dinner parties. I love Sinatra, slow dancing and haute hosiery. Class doesn’t sell nearly as well as crotchless pants.

Sometimes I wish for just a little more Hepburn and just a little less Gaga. Only sometimes though. 1


“Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”
-Audrey Hepburn

Lately I find myself worrying about the future. Thinking about it. Hypothesizing about it. Romanticizing it. I need to slow down and focus on one thing: the moment I am in right now. That is all I really have. It is all anyone really has. Welcome to my Sunday.

Now if only I could perfect winged eyeliner.

1- Lady Gaga is inspirational in her own way and I respect her for her audacity. She works it out like no other. Oh and I'm in love with her new song. I want your love and I want your revenge I want your love, I dont want to be friends.

THE FOOD DIARIES: Pasta Pandemonium

“You can make pasta with painted nails?” my grandmother asks.

While driving over to her house today, I realized that my mint green nails would freak her out. I told her that the nail polish wouldn’t come off when we made the pasta. I knew that was her concern.

I’m not a great cook. I can only master “student dishes” such as: rice, ready made pasta, stir-fry and salads. Living away from home did not turn me into the next Giada De Laurentiis. However, I really want to learn how to cook. I knew the perfect person to help me out- my grandmother. Not only is she the greatest chef in the world (sidenote: every Italian person thinks their grandmother is the best cook) but it would also give me the opportunity to spend some QT with her. 

I believe everything tastes better homemade or grown out of a garden. My grandmother would never succumb to heating up a frozen dinner laden with preservatives. Her choice of snack is not a bag of Doritos.

Nonna Assunta (as we call her) and I chatted about cooking. She explained that back in her day if a woman didn’t know how to cook she was not considered a good candidate for marriage. It was a vital skill. She understands that today people don't have to know how to cook. They can buy their dinner if they want. She told me that I don’t need to learn how to cook for a man, but more for myself and eventually one day for my family. Smart lady eh?

My Food Diaries have begun. First on the list- HOMEMADE PASTA.

Start with eggs (it is your choice how many to use) and flour (we used half white and half whole wheat I like whole wheat because it is healthier. Make a mound and place the eggs in the middle. 

Mix until dough becomes firm and turn into a roll. Cut into circles.

 

Use pasta machine to flatten and lengthen the pasta. When ready, choose pasta setting and put through. We chose to make Spaghetti and Tagliatelle.

 

 

Let hang dry and then cook for a delicious homemade meal!

So that's the final product! My arms hurt and there is flour all over my phone and camera. My grandmother is a strong lady and I'm just learning.

It's all mouth watering worth it.

GLOW BABY GLOW

Receiving a compliment on your skin can be disarming at first.

What me? Are you sure? Can't you see my giant pores? How about the oil slick that I feel on my forehead? Ick! (Sidenote: I don't know how to take compliments)

My latest skincare gem: Origins Modern Friction Microdermabrasion

Seriously, I am not the poster girl for great skin but this stuff makes my complexion shine brighter than Edward Cullen when he steps into the sun. 1

With ingredients like rice starch, aloe and peppermint- this grainy scrub helps get rid of dead skin cells, patchy spots and helps with nasty previous skin damage. Microdermabrasion also helps to rejuvenate skin cells more than a regular exfoliator. While you can go get microdermabrasion done at your dermatologist's office- you'll probably leave with red, irritated skin and a large bill.

Origins is also a natural skincare line that uses plant and organic ingredients. They are also earth and animal friendly. Canadians can get Origins products at The Bay. Lately I've been more conscious of what I put on my skin. The chemicals in certain makeup products will blow your mind. But I try to find a balance.

The stuff can be a little pricey (around $40) but it does last a really long time. Oh and compliments on my skin at 9 in the morning doesn't garner a price tag.

1- I'm not a Twihard or whatever those fans are called and I thought that scene in the movie was incredibly cheesy. Rob Patt does have killer bone structure and lots of hair. I'm a fan of guys with good hair.

HE PUT A RING ON IT

What do I know about getting married? Well absolutely nothing to be quite honest, but I ask you to humour me.

Since the time Cinderella lost that damn glass slipper to current reality television shows like Bulging Brides or ridiculously insulting movies like Bride Wars, women are given images to glamourize and internalize the idea of getting married. In my opinion, a big white dress and a shiny diamond ring are fun, exciting things to yearn for BUT they are still just things.

To me, the romantic part of an engagement goes beyond the ring. It lies in the question.  The idea of someone asking you to walk down the rocky path of life with them. Someone asking you to face the hardships together. To greet happiness with outstretched arms. A promise to combat sadness side by side. To watch as each wrinkle creeps onto one another's face. To watch as life changes and families grow. 

It is a promise to remember just how happy two people are right now and continue to never lose the ability to bring out the best in one another. 

To put this post into context- (and not freak out anyone in my life because I'm suddenly talking about marriage) but my beautiful cousin and her super sweet boyfriend had a very exciting weekend.

So I take this moment to say:

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRIS AND DIANE 

 who got engaged in N.Y.C over the weekend! I wish you guys only the best. I couldn't be happier for two people. Love you!

The C-WORD

Go ahead and say it. I dare you. I double dare you. Use a word that drips with controversy. A word that is splashed across magazine covers, book covers and song lyrics.

Confidence |ˈkänfədəns; -fəˌdens|noun • a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.

We are told to be confident everyday from our parents, teachers, celebrities and mentors. The key to happiness and self-acceptance is confidence. Confident people get the job, the relationships and the success.

But to me confidence is easy to define but harder to achieve.

There is no step by step guide. The word is just thrust upon us.

Is confidence not caring about what others think? Is confidence standing up straight when walking into a room? Is it looking in the mirror and liking what you see? Is it buying a new shade of lipstick and feeling good?

Personally, I feel confidence comes with age and experience. In a world where we value youth over EVERYTHING. I tend to find the most confident people are older, wiser and calmer.

I find myself gaining more confidence and self- acceptance as I leave my adolescent years behind and venture off into my twenties. I am getting more assertive. I care less about other people’s opinions on my style or life choices. Yet, I still get insecure about everything from my looks to my writing abilities.

Confident people either make others around them feel good or insecure.

There is also a fine line between confident and cocky. We’re told to love ourselves but wait, don’t love yourself too much. No one likes a bragger or an ego filled maniac. Here’s looking at you Kanye.

Overall, I think no one is ever 100% confident all the time. If they appear to be they're wearing a mask. Confidence is all about small moments of feeling at peace with yourself. The trick is to try and capture those fleeting moments and continue to feel those emotions a little bit everyday.

My lovely readers, if you are feeling confident I beg you to spread your energy. Compliment a friend’s outfit or look a stranger in the eye.

The C-word- go ahead & say it loud.

Winter Fresh

It is a little known fact that I work harder when my nails are painted. There is something about the way my fingers look holding a pen or typing on a keyboard that brightens things up. 

So when I read FASHION Magazine's Daily Steal  I knew I had found my motivation. The pick comes from my former boss and beauty director extraordinaire, Adriana Ermter so I knew it had to be good.

Essie's newest nail shade in "Mint Candy Apple" is a vibrant turquoise green. After reading her post I had the urge to go out and pick up my own bottle.

Verdict: The bright colour takes some getting used to especially when I usually opt for dark nails in the fall. However with each pound on my keyboard I feel as fresh as a sprig of mint. 

Sidenote: I'm not the greatest manicurist, but I'm sure I'll be a pro by the end of the month.

So step out of your beauty comfort zone and try something new!

FOR MINA

Go hug your mom. 

As aforementioned, I'm not a fan of celebrating things, people or ideas just on designated holidays.

So why wait till May to show your mom you care? I came home last week with surprise flowers for my mom. They were plain Mums (no pun intended) and granted from the grocery store- but they were my small gesture to her. 

I'll admit that I can be a HUGE BRAT to my mother. Scratch that and think of a better word that starts with a B. Now scratch that and choose any other word you want.

Okay, I'm not that terrible, but I can be super moody in the morning. I take her for granted. I mumble answers to her many questions.

And do you know what she does? She still makes me a tea, packs me a lunch and asks me about my day. She still tells me I look nice when I get dressed up and she listens to me. My mom wants me to succeed and be happy more than anyone in this world. (You too Dad)

So while DVF is inspirational, I'll give you a quote from my own Mama Bear saved from an e-mail when I used to live away from home:

"Best life advice I can give you is...DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE ELSE NOT TODAY OR EVER...your looks, your ideas, your opinions are unique and belong only to you. You own all of it."

At only 4ft11 my mom definitely doesn't have the stature of a model. However, this vintage photo of her in Rome, Italy proves otherwise:

xo 

Welcome to THE FRUMP SHOW

Oh hello there early mornings, late hours and eggplant coloured bags under my eyes.

The Frump Show is when you really don't have any time to get ready. You wake up late. You had a rough night. You can’t find an outfit to wear. You glance at the clock, scream profanities and run out the door— with one shoe on.

Lately I find myself making many appearances on The Frump Show. Pretty soon they’re going to ask me to co-host.

So here are my tips to looking fresh in a flash:

EYEBROWS When your eyebrows are groomed, your entire face looks more polished. If you find yourself looking like Martin Scorsese, you should do a little tweaking- I mean tweezing.

CONCEALER When I wake up in the morning looking like I've had a throw down with Angelina Jolie circa Mr & Mrs. Smith a little concealer goes a long way.  I personally don’t do the heavy foundation or goopy face paint. My concealer of choice: Boing by Benefit.

PINS, HEADBANDS, PONYS- OH MY Bobby pins and headbands are easy fixes to messy hair. Anything with a bow, jewel or sparkle instantly takes the attention off your face. And who really wants people looking at your face at a time like this?


While these tips are helpful, sometimes you just have to embrace your inner Frump Show and strut down the street with your frizzy hair, tired eyes and mismatched socks. It takes a brave woman to embrace her natural side (even if it is against her own will).

If Your Dog is FABULOUS Raise Your Hand, If Not Raise Your Standards

It’s time for a status update on my fitness challenge.

To be honest, I haven’t exactly been meeting or exceeding the expectations I set out for myself.

Cardio? Nope. Strength training? Nope. Hot yoga? Nope. 

So what exactly have I been doing for the past few weeks since I set this tedious goal?

Well for one, walking my dog.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my dog BAILEY. Or as my sister has named him: Bailey Milo Horton. Ridiculous right?

Bailey is a 6 month old Shihpoo. He enjoys liver treats, biting my favourite shoes (R.I.P black leather bow flats and suede ankle boots) and cuddling with each member of my family. He has a kind temperament and isn’t one of those god awful yapper dogs. Ugh nothing is worse than a yappy dog.

It does help that he is pretty. Oh so pretty.

Lately, the only exercise I’ve been getting is walking Bailey. I bundle up and we set off into the great suburban sidewalks. He sniffs, explores and kisses life on the mouth. I look forward to our walks. After a long stressful day at school and a tiring commute home- the last thing my body should do is sit down in front of a computer or on a couch. Bailey gets my lazy ass on my feet. I can clear my head, breathe some fresh air and see the world through his eyes. Bailey gives me a new perspective on my stresses. After our walk my homework and troublesome woes do not seem that unmanageable.

So I haven’t completely ditched my fitness goal- I’ve just found an alternative method of getting on my feet. I’l let you know how the rest comes along!

Do you have a pet? Do you enjoy fall walks?

Bailey would love to hear your comments!