Random Thursday: Top 5 Must-Read Blogs

Join Lin, Sarah and me for another week of Random Thursday! This week is all about blogs. We know you guys read at least one of ours regularly, since you're linking up (and thank you, thank you, thank you!), but we want to know: what other blogs can't you live without?

 
I don't read a lot of blogs, but the ones I do read regularly are awesome. You guys should totally check them out.

1. Linny's Vault

Lin asked that I portray her as Mila Kunis. Here you go, Lin.

Okay, so this is a bit predictable. But I absolutely LOVE Lin. I'm assuming most of you are right there with me, since you're part of this link-up! She's funny, witty, sarcastic and doesn't pull any punches. Not only that, but she's a great blog mentor - she has a couple of weekly link-ups you guys can join (Ten on Tuesday and Random Thursday), she spends a ton of time visiting other blogs and leaving awesome comments, which is actually how I "met" her, and she hosts regular blog swaps! Keep an eye on her - girl knows where it's at! Here's Lin (for reals this time):

2. The Bloggess

If you have never heard of The Bloggess (AKA Jenny Lawson) then I'm not even really sure you can call yourself a blogger. Seriously. I have never laughed so hard in my life as I have at some of her posts - my favourites are usually the transcriptions of conversations she has with her husband, Victor. But she does have a serious side. She suffers from anxiety disorder that often relegates her to the bathroom at events, and various other mental problems. She discusses the effect these have on her life openly and frankly, and her honesty makes me (and I assume many others) feel less alone on bad days. I absolutely adore this woman. She also published a book recently, Let's Pretend This Never Happened, which should go on your Christmas list!

3. David Thorne

I first came across this guy when everyone seemed to be talking about the Missing Missy post (if you've never read his blog before, start there). But once I started reading.... I just couldn't stop. Over the next week or so, I read the entire thing. Now, like much of the things I like, this isn't for everyone. I guarantee there's something on the blog to offend... well, pretty much everyone. Even me. (Warning: that Missy link has a few upsetting bits about injured cats in it - but the rest is so funny I'm willing to overlook them.) If you like very sarcastic, borderline (or overtly) offensive humour, you'll get a real kick out of this guy.

4. Lisa Eldridge

I've mentioned Lisa before in reference to her YouTube tutorials, but she also has an amazing blog as well that is full of tips, information and amazingly inspiring photos of celebrities and shoots she worked on. If you're at all interested in makeup, you have to check her out.

5. All of you guys!

I do my best to read and comment on every link up we get for Random Thursdays, and I've found several blogs that I absolutely love reading! So my #1 piece of advice if you're looking for some fresh reading is to click through the Random Thursday link-ups - I guarantee you'll find kindred spirits, thoughtful insights, and lots of giggles! We're so lucky to have such a fabulous group of bloggers join us every week!

And on that note - link up below!

VACATION!!

In case any of you notice me posting a bit less over the next two weeks and/or not responding to comments, don't worry - it's just because I'm on vacation! I've got a few posts scheduled while I'm gone, but I won't have a chance to check in at all until I get back.

In the meantime, go hang out with Lin, if you don't already (in which case, also, SHAME ON YOU because she's is amazing), she'll keep you entertained and give you some gut-wrenching giggle fits, I'm sure!

See you in a few weeks! :)

Fill in the _____ Friday

1. My favourite feeling in all the world is... *ahem.* Well. My very favourite feeling I'll just skip past cos... well... no one needs to hear details. But some more "appropriate" for sharing on the www are: When I'm snuggled all warm and cosy in bed with J. and a cat or two and it's raining, cold and miserable outside. Also like massages. And that first beer after a long, hot day.
2. My favourite smell is... I don't really have just one. I love LUSH's Pied de Pepper foot cream, also cinnamon buns, a home-cooked meal, apple pie, peppermint mochas.... there are a lot of them.
3. My favourite taste is.... again... there are a lot. Love beer, salty snacks, sharp cheddar, and pretty much anything with pesto in it.
4. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen was... some awesome graffiti in Germany. Seriously, that shit was dope. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera, so I can't share it with you, but it totally blew my socks off. Most of the countryside in England is pretty stunning, too - and I loved almost everything I saw in France.
5. The best sound ever is... well, definitely not my alarm clock. I dunno, maybe hearing the voice of someone you love. My cats' purring is pretty awesome too.
6. A smell that reminds me of my childhood is... wood smoke. I grew up on a small island and a lot of people there heat their homes with wood fireplaces, so that smell takes me back.
7. My favourite of all the senses is... hmmm. I don't really have one - they're all pretty important to me. They say smell evokes the strongest emotional response, but seeing where you're going and the faces of people you care about is pretty neat too (also reading). I love food, and life would be pretty bland if nothing had a flavour. I love music so I can't imagine not being able to hear, and touch? Well, see question 1. Yeah, pretty fond of all of 'em.

Huge thanks to The Little Things We Do for the blanks!

Random Thursday: All Things Halloween

Time to get spooky with Random Thursday! Join Lin, Sarah and me to find out what Halloween is all about!

I'm heading off on vacation the day after Halloween this year, so I won't be going big because I'll be busy packing! However, here are some Halloweeny links and ideas for you!

1. Pixiwoo - Corpse Bride Tutorial

 
2. Awesome costumes!

3. Zombie car stickers (you can totally rock these year-round, btw).

4. Candy, candy, candy!

5. Awesome. I would totally do this if I had a kid. (Which is why I probably shouldn't have one.)

What do you love about Halloween? Did you turn your home into a creepy haunted house or come up with the world's best costume? Share and link up below!

Holiday Blog Swap!!

Who doesn't love a good blog swap? And with the holidays coming up - whichever holiday you subscribe to - getting a lovely package full of seasonal treats in the mail sounds like a wonderful idea! So with that in mind, Lin, Amber and myself are hosting an extra special blog swap - the Holiday Blog Swap! Now's your chance to share some of your seasonal faves with fellow bloggers and make sure that they get something awesome to unwrap!

How can you join in the fun, you ask? Well, it's pretty darn simple. Here's what you need to know:

• The swap is open to all regular bloggers (must have posted 6+ times in the last 30 days)
•  Swap is open to everyone everywhere - but we understand that shipping can get a bit pricey, so if you prefer to be matched up with someone in your country, just let us know!
• Sign up is open for 7 days, and 7 days only - so make sure to submit your info to us ASAP! (Deadline is Sunday, November 18th)
• You can put anything you consider seasonal and fun in the package, with a value of $20 minimum (not including shipping). Spend some time perusing your swap partner's blog for ideas and of course, if you're really stuck - just ask them what they like!
• You must have your package in the mail no later than December 3rd to make sure you beat the holiday rush!
• Don't forget to snap some pics and post about your packages as soon as you get them so we can all see your loot!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me, otherwise join in the holiday fun below! 

Fill in the _____ Friday

1.  One thing I plan on doing to relax this weekend is... watch TV in my pyjamas. You know, when I'm not at the dentist or cleaning up or packing or doing any of the other thousand things I need to do!
2. A big pet peeve of mine is... when people are inconsiderate on public transit. Or, you know, in general. If there's a line-up, wait your turn. If someone clearly needs a seat, give yours up. If you have a backpack, take the damn thing off. And remember - just because you can't see the people behind you doesn't mean they're not there. 
3. I am really loving... spending time with my friends. Seriously, they're pretty awesome.
4. The rain is... all over my damn parade. Not loving.
5. My favourite girly indulgence is... do peppermint mochas count as "girly?" No? Okay, makeup then.
6. A song I always get stuck in my head is... hmmm. I don't actually know... but usually it's the really annoying ones that stick and are there for like a day. Never the good ones. And more often than not it's a jingle, like the Bounty one. So irritating.
7. The best cure for stress is... beer.

 Thanks to Lauren at The Little Things We Do for the blanks!

Random Thursday: Things I Love About Fall

Ready for another Thursday with Lin, Sarah and me? Here's this week's topic:

You might have noticed that the days have been getting shorter, the weather has been getting cooler, and, if you live on the west coast of Canada, that your socks are never really dry. That's right, it's officially fall. And with it comes some recognizable signs that the seasons have changed. Here are some of the less unpleasant things that spell out "fall" to me!

1. Rain boots and umbrellas.

It's wet here. You pretty much can't live here without them.

2. The colour orange.

Between pumpkins and leaves changing, this colour seems to be EVERYWHERE this month!

3. Slippers and blankets.

My new house is COLD. I've got these slippers from Mountain Equipment that are basically sleeping bags made into booties...can't live without them. J. also got me these HUGE fleece blankets for Christmas a few years ago, and I spend the winters wrapped up in them burrito-style. I have bad circulation. It's a matter of survival.

4. Hot drinks.

Anything from tea to hot chocolate to lattes - fall is all about anything that will warm me up!

5. Moisturizer.

Terrible circulation = very dry skin, so as soon as the leaves start to turn I stock up on moisturizer and lip balm. Seriously, I have like three different kinds of each on my desk and in my purse.

6. Scarves.

I LOVE scarves. Not only do they provide the opportunity to add a pop of colour to my otherwise denim, black and grey outfits, but they keep me warm and cosy and stop the wind from going down my neck.

That's about it for me! What are your favourite things about fall? And what can't you live without? Link up and share!