Daily

Loneliness and subconscious busyness

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The past two weekends in a row, my husband had been gone (first weekend: Santa Monica biking with his Canadian pals, and this weekend he went to NYC to run the half marathon). Truthfully I was a little nervous being on my lonesome for the first time, since my Dad passed away. Usually when I’m bored, I called my Dad for a chat in the evenings, since my Dad stayed up much later than my Mom. Well, now that he’s not here any more, I knew for sure I would get a little stir-crazy in the evenings and feel the loneliness kick in.

While I think it’s okay to mourn and be sad, I don’t want to live in a state of sadness or sink into a slump. Sure, I have heavyhearted moments where I shed a few tears, thinking that I won’t see/speak to my favourite person in the world any more (in fact writing that made my eyes tear up a little, geeze). But like I said I had made big plans for the two weekends, and kept busy.

Alfie-walksI’m in the process of editing some photos from when Lauren and I went to Fort Funston off leash dog beach with our two pups, and our two Lexus cars to review, I had a blast, and literally had to cross my legs because I thought I was going to pee from laughing so hard. Lauren is hilarious, and I love that she moved closer to where I live. That means we can hang out as often as possible. Yay! By the way, I can’t wait to share the photos from Fort Funston with you guys. It’s coming! I got a new phone and don’t really know how to get the photos off it yet. Technology is hard.

Explore-SFSince I had the Lexus RX 450 to review for a week, I spent a full day having a bit of me time and drove to San Francisco to explore the city a bit, and browse some areas I was unfamiliar with. I scoped out Japan Town, shopped some art stores, went to a cool coffee spot, and then had an acai bowl at a place just around the corner from Dolores Park (which by the way, I witnessed a truly scary fight a few minutes after relaxing in the park. And ya knows now, this lil’ newfie got the eff out of there as soon as THAT happened. Because: guns are allowed in ‘Murica, and I’m frightened to death lol).

ANYWAY. I had a grand ol’ time in SF, and even watched the sunset on the drive home. I mean, really. When is the last time you sat on top of a gigantic hill, and watched the sun set? It’s so relaxing.Sunsets

Another thing that kept me busy was Snapchat. Do you guys have it? Add me if you do: spiffykerms. When people asked me if I had it last year, I was all NOWAI, isn’t that for hooking up? But apparently it’s all changed now and it’s fun and not weird. I’m addicted to it, and I think it’s so hilarious. I don’t even need friends on there, I just laugh at MY OWN snapchats all day long. It’s ridiculous.

declutterThen oh my gosh I compiled all my makeup, skincare, body care, hair care (you name it) into one big ol’ pile, bought some famous MUJI acrylic drawers, realized I had an embarrassing amount of items (because I get PR samples all the time, and apparently don’t go through them enough to declutter), and decided to keep a tiny bit, donate (Shauna, Krista — You coming down for a visit here any time soon? I’m keeping the bag just for you two to go through!) a shiz-ton, and throw out a few old pieces. I’m quite happy with the smaller size of makeup I now have, and it doesn’t overwhelm me any more. I blurred the photo because I think I want to do a blog post about it. I filmed a YouTube video on it, which I’ve yet to edit/upload — stay tuned if you’re interested.

Riding-bikesSo all-in-all I would say I had a decent two weekends in a row. I did get lonely at times missing my husband, but that’s what phone calls, bike rides, solo-runs with Alfie, and voice notes to Megan were all about. Staying in touch, verbally! It helped.

How have all you been doing lately?

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Newfoundland, Travel

Froze me arse off at Middle Cove Beach

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hEADERI guess you can call today’s post a little bit of a throwback Thursday, since these photos were from January! Everyone needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the going-on’s and we decided to head out for some lunch, and sight-seeing.

Laugh-at-MiddleCove

Middle-Cove-BeachIf there’s one thing I hate, it’s being cold. I look like two-tonne-Annie wrapped up in all my gear here in the photos I’m showing you from back home, and ya’know what? What odds what I looked like. I was toasty warm. But those views! Unbeatable, and Middle Cove is always a place I enjoy visiting when I go back home to Newfoundland.

CheersIn fact, I’m wearing my Dad’s sweater underneath my coat :) I took it back with me, to California too. I wear it when I want to be close with him. It works!

Middle-Cove

HugsMom, My husband and I took a trip out to Middle Cove beach after a feed of fish’n’ chips with my husbands parents, shortly after my Father passed away. If you’ve never been to By The Beach restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and Bell Island, with the crashing waves against The Rock (Newfoundland’s nick name, if you’re unfamiliar) you’re missing out. Not one person I spoke to, didn’t like their good ol’ feed. I’m not one to ask which place is best for a fish’n chips spot because I don’t like the stuff (I know, am I really a true Newfoundlander?). I ordered chicken’ n chips … it was equally as tasty!Ice-waterfall

It was a blistering cold day, but we took a detour on our way home with our full bellies, and drove to Middle Cove Beach where we had a time giggling and taking pictures and simply relaxing after a stressful January.

Love seeing Mr. Spiffykerms look and feel so relaxed. Smiling-at-sea

Ice(All photos taken by my Mom…and edits by me. Sorry Mom!)

Middle Cove Beach
Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, NL A1K 5A7, Canada

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Beauty, Daily, Photos, Reviews

Indigena Skincare (Made in Newfoundland!)

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Indigena NewfoundlandA few months ago, I was invited to check out Indigena, a local skincare provider made in Newfoundland!

I made the short drive down to the town of Torbay and I can only presume the owner gets her inspiration from the views outside her window. All you could see was ocean, it was incredible. I know that the owner hunts for her product right on the rocky beach sides, gathering supplies and then making her products straight from the source. You can read more about Indigena here.

My sister-in-law is right into skincare products the same as I am, so I brought her along with me.

map-and-scrubIf I had to take a wild guess, I would assume the yummy smelling Blueberry Bliss sugar scrub is their #1 seller. The aroma of fresh blueberries fills the room once you open up the top. It is however, a premium product and will cost you quite a penny for the full sized (shown in this post). The Bake Apple Bliss is even more pricey. Yikes! So use sparingly or use during a special occasion. Knowing that you’re using all natural and cruelty free products that we can all actually pronounce is a wonderful thing. The scrubs are abrasive, but they are gentle enough to use a few times per week.

HelperLike any scrub, you can use it on every inch of your body (scoop out a small bit using the sea shell provided, and scrub your lips with it!). I primarily use it for exfoliation when I want to prep my skin to do a self-tan routine.

I’m excited to scope out the other goodies Indigena has. I love lathering myself in body butters when I get out of the shower, since I’m forever prone to dry skin. I think it’d be a nice product to use, and why not support local when you can?

If you’re local to St. John’s, Newfoundland you can pick up Indigiena products at Lester’s Farm.

Indigena-body-scrubsDisclaimer: I was given complimentary Indigena products. However, I was not asked to write a review about the products, these are my honest opinions. 

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