Coffee talk: Why do I blog?

Time for some coffee talk...it's been one of those weeks where my life twisted and turned. And sweetie I'd love for you to send some positive vibes over my way. It took me a couple of days to realize that sitting down and writing can help. But when did this blog turn into a security blanket for me? Under the Sheets~shhh is there in times of good and ready to catch me if I fall.

Why do I blog?

I've been asked this question many times when I proudly talk about my little blog. At what point did I feel the need to share all of my thoughts with the world? My blanket includes every comment that I get, every picture I take and every thought for a post.

When times are busy I love to ask you to guest post and when times are slow I have somewhere to turn to be creative and free.

It seems when I 'm on a road something happens and I have to change my way. I seem to always land on my feet and can see later on see why the road has changed by a move or change of job. What advice would you give someone to keep their chin held up high ?

Newlywed first test drive

Imagine the newly married couple has just survived their wedding. They are looking at each other happy and continue to glance down at their left hands to see wedding rings. So what’s the one thing I’d advise them not to do after traveling 17 hours from San Francisco to Rome on their honeymoon? Uh rent a car and drive in a country they've never been to.

Could this be the first bumpy road in their new marriage?

OK so I’m being a little dramatic, but this was actually our honeymoon plan that we survived. A couple of weeks ago, we arrived in Rome and drove from the airport to a little town in Tuscany called Montalcino.

As Honey and I headed onto the Italian open road, our Fiat rental car was stuffed with suitcases, Italian translation books and maps. When we got lost, what saved us over and over was Honey’s iPhone. Thank g-d for Google maps! In fact I imagined myself writing this post to you while I fought through my jet lag and played front seat navigator to his driving. I would fall asleep, wake up, give him the next directions and then crash again.

Our true newlywed test came when we decided to drive from Montalcino to Florence for the day. Driving to Florence in the morning was amazing because we got to watch the sunrise over the Tuscan countryside. The pictures we took didn’t seem to do it justice. All the trouble started when we drove back from Florence to Montalcino leaving at 11 at night. I promise it took us 4 hours, three maps, iPhone apps and some breathing exercises to get us back to our Tuscan bed and breakfast.

After a long day of sightseeing in Florence we were lost, like really LOST. Our maps weren’t helping and we only had 16% left on the iPhone battery. If it wasn’t for the iPhone, I think we’d still be on an Italian highway driving in circles.

When it was all over it was our calm heads that got us through the newlywed driving. Well it wouldn’t have been the worst thing in the world if we had to sell all of our things and move to Italy, now would it? What was one of your first newlywed tests sweetie?

Dear noisy apartment neighbor

Why do I always feel better after I sit down and write to you my lovely readers? Well I've decided to use this post as therapy. You see, I wish I could tell my upstairs neighbor to think of others so instead I've written him a letter. And if your following my blog noisy neighbor, I hope you see this as a bit of fun.
~
Dear Noisy Neighbor,

You live directly above us, we've bumped into each other only a couple of times and yet I seem to know you more intimately then my friends. Let me start off by saying its not you, but blame the San Francisco paper thin walls. With that said I must tell you that I had no idea someone loves to watch The Office as much as you do. Is there a 12-step program for watching too many episodes? I can hear the beginning Office theme music, but its several nights a week over and over and over.

So you play your music too loud and forget that people live underneath you, but I think I have to draw the line when there are barks coming from your apartment D. Yes barks, ball throws and paw nails on the wood floors. It's great to know were allowed to have dogs in a 6 unit apartment.

Now I just found out that I'm not the only one feeling like this about you Apartment D because Honey called the landlord yesterday. Our garbage disposal wasn't working and a light bulb went out on a high ceiling. My landlord 'Annie' is so sweet and Honey called her to make the handyman arrangements.

The first sign came when Annie’s usual reaction about the light bulb was different. She asked that we pick up our own light bulbs and was a little snappy about it.

Honey said, "Of course no problem. "

Annie said, "OK, I’ll send the handyman over to Apartment D. "

"No, Annie this is Honey from Apartment B as in boy not D (the guy upstairs)."

Annie’s tone changed right away.

"Oh your Laura’s Honey don’t worry about the light bulb and we’ll take care of it right away."

So I guess I’m not the only one who feels this way? My only question to you Apartment D guy is what do you hear from my apartment. Do you hear the theme song to General Hospital, talk on my phone too loud or my alarm go off in the morning? Well, I for sure know one thing, Annie seems happier to hear from us. xoxo Tell me lovely, what would you write to your noisy neighbor?

My favorite comments from you lovely followers...

I love looking back at posts on Under the Sheets~shhh to see what your comments. You, my lovely readers are what keeps me a typing away. So here are some the top commented posts over the past couple of months with my favorite comments.

Fashion rain retro chic
Raindrops keep falling on my head...but that doesn't mean I can't stay fashionable in the rain and retro chic. Sure my hair is wavy, my socks are wet and my umbrella has turned inside out, but at least I'm still smiling. Well lovelies, the rain has been falling over San Francisco for the past 12 days. And yes I am itching for some lovely sun, but it could always be worse...

Fav comment was:
karey m. said...
loving your space here...have been craving CRAVING good writing a pretty pics all at once.
this will do nicely! xoxo.

What’s on your bucket list?
So it looks like...I want to see the world, own my own property, be comfortable without debt and someday milk a cow...

1) Write a book
2) Be on my favorite soap opera (General Hospital)
3) Say a speech at a strangers wedding
4) Have two children
5) Dance ballet again
6) Learn to like tomatoes and eat spicy food
7) Watch an entire day from sun up to sun down

...

Fav comment was:
Party Box Design said...
fabulous bucket list!
gosh, I have thought about mine also... my list would be crazy long.
a few items..
- actually be a size 8!
- travel the world
- be on martha stewart
Not one but two wedding ceremonies

Over the last years, I have thought a lot about what our wedding could be like. I also understood that we come from two different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. So Honey and I decided that a combined wedding would be a wonderful way to bring everyone together...

Fav comment was:
Snappy Di said...
Relax....keep it as simple and yet as lovely as possible. Make it reflect who the two of you are and nothing more. Breathe!
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Should men wear purses?

Do you think men should wear purses? Last week, I saw the best segment on the Today Show about men wearing purses or sometimes fondly called a 'murse'. I remember the first time one of my favorite guy friends whipped out his designer man clutch before we went out to dinner. He seriously did! And to top it all off his murse went with his laid back outfit...

Fav comment was:

JMW said...Messenger bags and backpacks are still masculine looking, but I can't see any of the guys I know (okay, maybe a couple) using a murse.

Ah that was fun, thank you lovelies for leaving these wonderful comments and I hope you enjoyed some of these repeat posts. I'm looking for some new and fun topics. Do you have any suggestions?

Are work friends real?

It’s your first day at a new job and you have the usual first day jitters. You’re not sure where to put your lunch, where to sit and then you look up to see a new co-worker smiling back at you. It's your first work friend. These work smiles make my work environment something to look forward to. Yes, work is called work for a reason. I know we're hired for our abilities not because we can play well with others. And yet it’s the one co-worker who can’t share their toys with others that seem to make work life a more difficult experience.

When we are in grade school, we bond with the other students in our class so this seems natural in our adult work settings. Once you've learned to give and take, work friendships start developing.

Which reminds me of a great work memory... (Click here to check out some of my fav day at the office pics).

A couple of years ago I was working in a very fast paced, politically savvy and difficult advertising agency. And yet what made me happy was the friendship I created with my adjoining cube mate. My days were a lot happier with her sitting there. And when things got tough with the group I was working with, she was there to help cushion the blow. Within months, our work relationship turned friendly with dinners and chats. And about a year and a half later I stood up for her in her wedding.

But how did this work friendship develop from a work reference to a life long friend? It’s amazing to me how some work friends become casual followers on LinkedIn and you can never have a conversation with them again. Isn't this the way that social media works?

We feel connected without seeing the person again.

What is it about a work environment that makes you feel so closed off? Is it because we sit behind computers and email each other more then we talk? I bumped into a woman in the restroom today and asked how she was even though she sits across from me!

Some of my past co-workers I think of and smile. Some have gotten married, had babies and moved on to other jobs. Work friends exist because we are in the trenches together, but do you think that these friendships can last throughout time? Do you think work friends are real friends?

My most embarrassing moment

I’ve had several, but this has to be my most embarrassing moment. Hold on sweetie as I share with you a dark secret that happened to me in high school. I can't wait to hear about yours...

Did I rebel in high school? No, but at one point I cut my hair and dyed it red. Did I throw caution to the wind and not care about grades? Nah, I was usually the teachers pet. Did I get into a scandal with my friend's boyfriend? No way! I usually helped my friends with their relationship problems.

Ah, high school how I miss thee!

My most embarrassing moment happened when I was trying out for the dance team at school. Sure this doesn’t sound traumatizing, but trust me it so was.

After moving to Newport Beach, CA from Toronto I thought I could fit in with dance. Surely my new peers would forget about my Canadian accent while I was dancing. The thing I forgot was my brother was also at my high school and he had other plans for the dancers (like throwing Milk-Bones at the cheerleaders).

So my horrible, years in therapy, worst moment ever, please don't tell anyone came when I had to audition in front of the entire school to make the dance team.

To make the team, we had to perform in the school gym so our peers would vote. It was half based on skill and half a popularity contest. Right before it was my turn to try out, I started to help my younger dance competitors with their portion which was different to mine. I stood proudly on the sidelines as the girls I had helped performed.

*Picture courtesy of the movie Grease while dancing at Rydell High.

Then came my turn, the music started and I began to dance the younger girls dance.

I froze in front of the entire school...

And since I was the only Canadian girl, it was pretty hard to cover up my frozen performance as I finished most of my sentences with eh! So how did I recover from my most embarrassing moment? The dance team gave me another shot and let me try out later in the day. And I was voted in. OK now I'm ready to hear your most embarrassing moment? I promise to keep your secret.

Over the top award for you!

One of my favorite blogs my teacups in peony had a wonderful one-word post that I wanted to share with you. (Congrats on your recent engagement sweetie!) I love sharing in the fun and passing her award to other deserving bloggers.

SO I pass the 'Over the Top' blogging award to the following lovely ladies. Each has a unique way of seeing the world. And I'm pretty sure they all dream in color.

If you haven't yet, check out their wonderful blogs.

London Zest

La Mia Vita
Leah
Candyfloss & Persie
Not your Average Ordinary

Congrats ladies, now pass out the award to whomever you would like!

So now for the drum roll, my answers to the one-word post. I hope you like my answers and I agree with 'my teacups' it's not easy to do.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk.
2. Your hair? Wavy.
3. Your mother? Complicated.
4. Your father? Confidant.
5. Your favorite food? TJ’s.
6. Your dream last night? Warm.
7. Your favorite drink? Tea.
8. Your dream/goal? Boutique.
9. What room are you in? Bedroom.
10. Your hobby? Photography.
11. Your fear? Flying.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Playground.
13. Where were you last night? Party.
14. Something that you aren’t? Untrustworthy.
15. Muffins? Chocolate.
16. Wish list item? Purse.
17. Where did you grow up? Toronto.
18. Last thing you did? Vitamins.
19. What are you wearing? Scarf.
20. Your TV? MadMen.
21. Your pets? Soon.
22. Friends? Blessed.
23. Your life? Musical.
24. Your mood? Content.
25. Missing someone? Yup.
26. Vehicle? Legs.
27. Something you’re not wearing? Bloomers.
28. Your favorite store? Ambiance.
29. Your favorite color? Blue.
30. When was the last time you laughed? 5mins.
31. Last time you cried? Saturday.
32. Your best friend? Tied.
33. One place that I go to over and over? Walgreens.
34. One person who emails me regularly? You.
35. Favorite place to eat? Bobo’s.

Now it's your turn to play along. Link back and play along. Tag sweetie your it!

Retro writing and blogging 101

I love finding ideas in my every day to blog about. I am also in love with photography. And, once I discovered the term retro blogging, I was hooked. Retro blogging is exactly how I feel. I can tell a story through my words or guide readers through pictures. But what do I do if I hit writer's block or blog burnout? Let's enter my Retro Writing and blogging 101 class...

A couple of things work best for me. First, I like to use a blank word document and write any ideas that come to mind. I try to remove all judgment and criticism. If I like an idea then I start to create or search for pictures.

Links are researched next to prove my points. I might jot down a couple of lines and then I walk away from the computer and let the idea sit in me and form.

And sure sometimes, I really should be wearing this T-shirt while listening to friends and family tell stories. Once in a while I hear myself saying out loud, "Now that would make a great post."





Between you and me, I miss the color and feel of pens for when I used to write my short stories. Now its the clicking of the keyboard that tells me I'm home and feeling creative and ready to blog.



Coffee shops are amazing for my creativity, especially if I have some music to rock out to. The coffee shop is not my work, or home and the smell of the coffee let's me know its time to create.



I get asked by my friends, family and followers of this blog how do I come up with so many topics. My response is, "How can't I?" I have so many thoughts, ideas and experiences bubbling inside. To write it all out has been a gift.

I love the blog advice, to become a success you need to live, eat and breath your blog...and I do. It has become a joy to work on and other times I just stare blankly at the screen. So the next time I start to feel writer's block, I will remember to go the coffee shop and think retro blogging 101. What tips so you use when you feel blocked for posts?

Top Under the Sheets-shhh posts of 2009

I am very excited to share with you the top posts of Under the Sheets-shhh of 2009. One of my lovely followers recently told me that I come up with unique posts that have a creative, positive and humorous flair. Thank you for the lovely compliment. I hope you enjoy or enjoy again some of these posts. I can't wait to write more...
~

1) Can I ask you something? When did I change from being called a Miss to a Ma'am? But I think that the bigger question is how am I supposed to accept being called a Ma'am gracefully…Can I Tweet the Question Ma’am vs. miss?

2) Drum roll please…my plans over the next year is to let you in on my life more and share with you my present day experiences. I would love to combine my two loves of writing with the lifestyle pictures. How does this sound to you my lovelies…Happy Blogaversary to Under the Sheets-shhh

3) Has the following ever happened to you? You’re looking over the dinner menu at a restaurant and your eyes skim right over the entrées and skip to the dessert section. When the waitress comes to take your order, all you want to do is skip dinner and eat dessert. Words like chocolate mousse…Chocolate addicts unite

4) I was recently reading a woman's magazine where they did an interview with Courtney Cox. It was a good interview, but what struck me was how she answered the question, “What makes you feel sexy and feminine?” She answered that she feels feminine when her legs are shaved…What makes you feel feminine?

5) After a long day at work, your honey calls to say that he’ll be home for dinner soon. Oh, and he’ll be bringing some of his co-workers who are visiting from out of town. Don’t get your knickers all in a bunch. For dinner, you can make these quick and easy recipes that will make you the perfect hostess…Quick and easy 'cheap and cheerful' recipes

6) Do older women and younger men relationships work? Trust me they do. In fact, I'm marrying a younger man as Honey and I are one of those couples. Shocked…Older women with a younger man?

7) I agree with the concept, that some people love to fly through a party and effortlessly mingle with every partygoer. I am a self-proclaimed social butterfly, who makes sure that everyone is having a good time at a party and feeling comfortable... Social butterfly inspiration

8) San Francisco the weather has changed. Right now our nights are cooler then New York and our days are bright and brisk. After I tweeted, I secretly like it when its cooler a friend wrote back, "You can take the girl out of Canada"! This is so true. I am loving these warm, cozy retro pictures. All I want are some fuzzy socks, tomato soup and hot chocolate. So bundle up and enjoy...Baby, it’s cold outside

~

Sweetie that was fun! I can't wait to read your new comments on these posts. Do you have a favorite one? I do. Can you guess which one it is? I'll give you a hint...I wish people still called me Miss. Have a wonderful day!

Guest post on Birthday Girl's blog

I am super excited for you to read my guest post today on Birthday Girl's blog. Her eye for design, clean and classic pictures and her warmth comes through in each post. Plus we just found out that we live near each other. Not to worry, I asked Becca to write a post for Under the Sheets in the upcoming weeks. And hopefully we'll meet for coffee soon. Oh I feel an interview post coming...

Let me let you in on a little secret...come in a little closer...promise not to tell? OK I love guest posting on blogs. Especially when our blogs have a lot in common. It's like a happy little blog marriage.

And who wouldn't fall in love with a Birthday Girl that reminds you to celebrate your life? Under the Sheets~shhh readers, my guest post will remind you of another post...Come back and tell me which one... Have a great day lovelies!

Bad sleeping habits

I hope you enjoyed this dream/sleep week on Under the Sheets~shhh. I enjoyed revisiting sleepovers and bedtime stories. A couple of weeks ago, I read a wonderful post on Lillies and Grapes blog. Enjoyed it so much that I tweeted about her post. It made me stop and think about my own bad sleep habits.

Foetus
Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

As far back as I can remember I've curled myself up into a little ball to fall asleep. My sleep position needs to be just right. Who do I think I am, Goldilocks? When I was recovering from major knee surgery, I had to sleep on my back and I never seemed to rest peacefully. Honestly, I've never been described as tough on the outside, but sensitive at heart. However, I have been told that I'm too nice.

So here is my top ten bad sleeping habits. (Click here to catch up with some other top ten posts).

10) I still enjoy a warm glass of milk to lull me to sleep. How old am I?
9) Our bedroom is a cave, blackout curtains and all.
8) I have been known to wear ear plugs. They fall out in the middle of the night, never to be seen again!
7) I sleep in pajama outfits. Seriously…
6) It takes me forever to find a comfortable position on my pillow.
5) At the end of the day I get in bed and I let out an “Ahhhh!”
4) I need about 7 hours of sleep. (I know this will go out the window as soon as I have kids.)
3) Be aware that I cuddle. If you don’t like it then get out of the way.
2) Some of my dreams are so vivid that I find myself running in bed.
And my number one worst sleeping habit is:
1) I’ve been known to talk in my sleep. My father used to say, “I would make a horrible spy!”

Thanx lovelies I feel so much better for analyzing my own sleep habits. Tonight I'm going to rebel and maybe not use ear plugs. Wow, watch out world. Let me know which sleep number made you groan out loud?

Get to know you; Facebook quiz

Do you take Facebook quizzes, surveys and accept gifts from your Facebook friends? I usually don't, but was recently sent this quiz and thought it would be a fun way for us to get to know each other better. Be sure to play along and link back.

Are you ready for this creative and in-depth interview...

Facebook Fun

1. What is your favorite color?
Blue...all shades of blue because it changes the color of my eyes.

2. When is your birthday?
April 25th.

3. The book on your nightstand now?
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal

4. Favorite pizza?
Pizza Orgasmica..cheese, little sauce makes it just right.

5. Top hobby?
Writing.

6. One thing that scares you?
Flying.

7. What drives you?
Gratitude.

8. Pet peeves?
Towels on the floor.

9. Last movie you saw in the theater?
This is it Michael Jackson... simply amazing.

10. Morning person or late night owl?
Morning person and I prefer working out in the mornings.

11. What are you wearing right NOW?
Black Lululemon pants and a Bebe hoody. I'm such a comfy cliche!

12. One outrageous thing you did in the last week?
Dressed up like a green M&M. You should have heard the cat calls!

13. Cats or dogs?
Dogs… medium sized with a calm disposition. The kind that like to snuggle, but will also chase after a ball.

14. Favorite fragrance?
Mark Jacobs Daisy.

15. Camping or Luxurious Spa?
Spa...are you shocked?

16. Favorite tea?
Earl gray with milk and sugar.

17. One person who can ALWAYS make you laugh?
My brother W who lives in Toronto.

18. Favorite time of the day?
The morning after a rainy night. When the air is crisp and you can see a hint of breath when you exhale.

19. One thing you look forward to?
Our upcoming wedding day...ahhhh

20. One place you wanna visit soon?
Italy would be a dream come true

Now its your turn to take this Facebook quiz and be sure to link back to Under the Sheets~shhh. If you let me know about your interview/post, I promise to link back. Isn't this a fun weekend post? Were you surprised by any of my answers?

Sexy high heel shoes...

Picking the right shoes to go with the outfit takes time. Sometime too much time. Shoes can really make or break an outfit. Don't you agree? No, its not rocket science and the world will not come to an end if you pick the wrong shoes, but its fun shooting for perfection.

It's been three years, since I've been able to wear high heels because of my knee surgeries. Sure sometimes I miss them, but I've learned to rock the cute flat boots and kitten heels. I'd still love for someone to compliment me on my new style.

So is it creepy or flattering if a man compliments you on your shoes?

Let me explain the question…

This week, I went out to lunch with a male co-worker/friend of four years. We went to the Boxed Lunch Company restaurant in the San Francisco financial district. As we waited in line to order food, my friend pointed out the amazing red mary-jane high-heeled shoes the woman in front of us was wearing. He noticed her shoes before I did. And you know, what he was right.

They were fabulous!

To work, she was wearing a tailored gray suit, with a wide black belt and perfect boutique earrings. But the piece de resistance was her choice to wear red heels. And so I told my male/married friend to compliment her on her shoes.

To my surprise he didn't tell her, but continued to admire them from afar.

Would you appreciate someone pointing out your hard work or does it depend on the compliment giver? To answer my own question, I think it depends on who the compliment giver is. So today will you join me in trying an experiment? Today let's go out and give three people a compliment. It could be our own ‘pay it forward’ little secret. Comment below and tell me if you're with me. Have a good Friday lovelies!

Top ten reasons you’ve been in San Francisco for too long…

Living in San Francisco for six years could really change a person. I thought I would last in the city for six months, but have felt the cleaner air, cooler temperatures and laid back lifestyle change me.

I’ve gotten use to conversations about hiking, yoga positions and Silicon Valley. And even when I leave San Francisco to travel, I miss the beauty. Here are the top ten reasons you know you’ve been in San Francisco too long…(Click here to read the top ten Toronto reasons.)

10) You’ve tried to be a vegetarian, a vegan, consumer of only free-range/ sustainably raised meats and organic fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market. Wait, which one am I today?

9) You haven’t owned a car in years, forget what its like to put things in a trunk and have a perfect driving record.

8) Due to the hills and a knee injury, you have stopped wearing high heels.

7) You own so many umbrellas and scarves, that they are spread around your house and work. You’ve even left one on the cable car.

6) Protests don’t even faze you, and neither does the Gay Pride Parade. After seeing the parade

you think, “Oh are they naked again this year?”

5) While at a restaurant, you ask to take the leftover’s home, but find yourself giving them to the homeless.

4) You’ve worn black LuLulemon pants to a job interview. Sure yoga wear can be dress-up too!

3) During a dinner party, debate begins about the best iPhone applications.

2) You can’t sleep at night without the sound of the cable car bells.

Drum roll please...And the number one reason you know you’ve lived in San Francisco for too

long is: Your not surprised when it goes from 80 degrees and sunny to 50 degrees and foggy in a matter of minutes.

Or is it that you've worn some flowers in your hair? Speaking of flowers check out the fabulous Nanny Goat in Panties post today. Let me let you in on a little secret, the Bay Area Blogger network lunch that she's talking about was me and us... No worries Nanny Goat about the free lunch. You'll get me next time =)

Today's the day I start my book!

Where would you start to write a book? Would you start writing the beginning, middle or end? Or would you create chapters and then work on a chapter that speaks to you?

Throughout my life, I've had friends and family suggest that I write a book. And it seems like a natural thing for me to do because of my manic depression upbringing. Another reason is because I love to help and reach out to people.

I wondered, what's stopping me from sitting down and writing the book that is inside of me? Where does the writer's block come from? Is there room on the bookshelves for another book?

And then it happened...

I interviewed an amazing published writer who made writing a book seem possible to me. I gave her my reasons for not writing and she shot each one down. She encouraged me to use my voice and her advice to me was to start writing.

Just start ...

So today is the day that I will be at my local coffee shop 'starting' to write a book about my upbringing with manic depression in a warm, sarcastic and funny way. I want to recap my story in a way that shows no matter what happens in life, hope is still around the corner. Most people ask me, after hearing my story, how I kept smiling? I simply answered, that I choose to smile.

Today I'll start by writing one chapter and take it from there... nice and easy. Should I really take the book plunge? Tell me what topic would you write your first book on?