January 30, 2014

worst blogger award goes to.....

 Me!!!! 
What can I say... I have been a terrible blogger and the reason why you might ask...
plain laziness and a lack of inspiration.
Hopefully, February will be a better blogging month!

As for my 2014 Reading Challenge... Book 4 of my 40 book goals is completed!!!


La poussière du temps Tome 3 - Sur le boulevard
by Michel David

Now on to book 5... not sure what it is going to be yet but I know that I want to read something English!!


January 24, 2014

the pit & the peak link-up

I live for link-ups! 
Lately, I have been fuelling this blog with only link-ups. 
It gives me a reason to write....

button

Thanks Jen and Allie for creating this link-up.

The Pit
It is a toss up between not having my Bidou home all week. He has been in Perou and he will be in San Diego all next week for business. Or the fact that I only completed my 10,000 daily steps once this week. I am blaming it on the freezing weather.

The Peak
Actually, the peak will be hapenning this evening. I am meeting my friend Christine after work for a Spa evening at Spa Nordik
A hot spa, a massage and some relaxation is on the menu for this evening.

Wishing all of my blogging friends a great weekend!

January 21, 2014

another book link-up thanks to Kate - love!

Don't you just adore the blogsphere?? This morning I had ABSOLUTELY nothing to write about. I thought about writing about the frigging COLD weather. It's like -40C with the wind shield factor outside or about how hard it is to walk in -40C weather since my daily goal is to walk 10,000 steps. But then I decided to link-up with Pink Hells, Pink Truck and Life with a side of coffee since their link-up as to do with BOOKS. Thanks Kate !

What are you reading right now?
I am reading La Poussière du Temps - Sur le boulevard - tome 3 by a French Canadian author named Michel David. This author always writes tretralogies (fancy word that means 4 books... I needed to look that one up!). What I LOVE about this author is that he writes stories that revolves around families during the late 1890's through 1950's and all of his stories are based in Quebec - a lot of history!!

Out of the 16 books that will be turned into a movie adaption, which one are you most looking forward to seeing this year?? See link.
Without a doubt, The Fault in our Stars. I bawled reading the book so I can just image what I am going to look like in the movie theatre.

What was the worst book you've ever read??
I love to be entertained when I read. I usually read the first 100 pages of a book... and if I need to force myself to read... I usually ditch the book. I recently couldn't finish The Last Letter from your Lover by Jojo Moyes. :(

What foods or beverages have you spilled on a book while reading?? Anything good??
I can honestly say that I have not spilled anything good on a book (maybe only a drop of coffee here and there), however, back in the 1990's my dog destroyed a copy of Mommy Deareast by Christina Crawford.  Was that a sign or what??

Do you picture characters as popular film or tv actors?? Or do you create a whole new person in your head?
Sometimes I do but not always. Like recently, I read House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and since it is her memoir, I was able to google pictures of her. It turns out that she is a dead ringer to Princess Kate but if you would have asked me what she looked liked.... I would have said someone like very thin and ugly!

Out of all the authors you've read books by, who's brain would you want to pick the most?
I am a huge Lisa Genova fan, therefore, I would love to find out where she comes up with her ideas!

This was fun… !!!! I will definitely be back next month for another link-up!

Pink Heels Pink Truck


January 20, 2014

Life lately

I love taking on-line courses. I usually take one course per semester and it fits perfectly in my schedule. The last couple of years I have been working towards a Nursing Unit Clerk certificate through a local college. Last Tuesday was the start of the winter session. When I opened the syllabus for the course, I noticed that there was no final written exam only quizzes and assignments. I therefore decided there and then to sign up for another course. So English Fundamentals is the second on-line course that I am taking this semester. I felt so ambitious last Tuesday...  Now I think I am regretting it!

I bought a Fitbit Zip over the weekend. I know I am suppose to be on a spending freeze but I really really wanted needed it. A great motivation tool to get me active and stay focus on shedding a couple of pounds before bikini swimsuit season. My goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day and to increase my water intake.

I watched this movie twice over the weekend. The first time on Saturday night with Bidou then again Sunday morning. It is no blockbuster nor Grammy Award worthy movie… just a simple little movie about real people and a real relationship.


I did not read much during the weekend. However, Bidou left this morning for Peru then he needs to stop in San Diego for business and he will be gone for more than a week. Therefore, I foresee many lonely evenings ahead with just me, a book and Kloé! 

How was your weekend??
Have you seen "Enough Said"?

January 14, 2014

what bidou told me once

The following is a true conversation that occurred a couple of years ago between my darling husband of almost 10 years and myself... don't worry we are still happily married! 

Me: "Do you think if we wouldn't be married, we would at least be Facebook friends?"

Bidou: "I really don't think so!"

Me  : "Why?"

Bidou: "You know... we don't have a lot in common"!

Me: "okay!" 

Note - For some reason, I cannot get this link-up button any smaller!
I guess Amanda really wanted to make sure we did not forget to link-up lol!!
Voyage of the Mee Mee

January 13, 2014

weekend

I do not have much to say this morning, therefore.... picture recap of the weekend!

Breakfast with Bidou at my favourite breakfast/lunch restaurant - Cora
This was so so good and since it is made with egg whites... it was healthy. Bonus!

Since the spending freeze, I have been trying to stay out of the malls but needed to go to the Apple Store for Bidou. I was so tempted in buying this Michael Kors' mini ipad clutch. Maybe after the spending freeze!!

I finished reading Book 3 of my 40 book reading challenge.
Do yourself a favour and read this book! 

And my favourite pic of the weekend!
The loves of my life!

January 10, 2014

new followers, skincare and facials



This little korner of mine is growing and I am so excited. Welcome to Kate from Another Clean Slate. Kate is an avid reader therefore, I knew that I would like Kate from the start. You read a lot... you are automatically my new best friend. Also I would like to welcome Angie from Angie's Angle. She has the cutest little dog named Miss Roxy.

Now for the today's subject - Skincare and Facials! but first a little background with regards to my facial skin. As a teenager, I did not have a great complexion. Pimples and I were best friends. Then in my late 20's, my dermatologist prescribed the medication Accutane at a very low dosage. It help a a lot. Since being in my mid-30's and my 40's, I have been taking great care of my skin. I buy high end products and get facials 4 times a year. 

Here are the skincare products that I use. For my everyday skincare, I use GM Collin. This company was founded in France but is now based in Montreal, Quebec (love to use Canadian stuff!). Another skincare company that I use is Aquafolio. I must admit, that I do spend a great amount of money for these products but they are worth it.

Products I use for my daily morning and night regime


I use these products once a week... usually on Wednesday nights

Then on Sunday evenings... I use these.

I really enjoy the pampering and relaxation when receiving a facial treatment. There are great benefits to facial treatments. My skin always looks so cleansed and fresh (and a little red) when leaving the spa that is why I always schedule them for late evenings. I have a scheduled facial treatment for tonight (and yes it is included in my spending freeze). What a great way to finish off this busy week!


Do you get facial treatments on a regular basis??

January 9, 2014

Spaniels are my kind of dog

I have always been a lover of dogs but I must admit that I have a crush on all Spaniel breed dogs and I think it is because of their sad little faces. Growing up we briefing owned an English Springer Spaniel called Tammy but then learned that my brother was allergic to dogs therefore we gave her to my grandparents.

As an adult and living on my own, I adopted an 8 month old American Cocker Spaniel named Camille from the SPCA. That little four paw creature brought me so much joy during her 15 years. She passed away in November 2012. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of my baby girl!

Camille in 2006

Recently we welcomed a King Charles Cavalier named Kloé into our home and she has been the highlight of my life. You can read about it here.

Since welcoming her into our lives, I have learned that King Charles Cavaliers are affectionate, playful, intelligent little dogs. Cavaliers are not kennel dogs. Because of four hundred years of close contact with their owners and their development as lap dogs, they make wonderful companions. They are happy, outgoing, loving little dogs who want to love you and be loved, to run and play in a safe place, and to sleep in soft beds. 

I have included this link if you are interested in finding out more about King Charles Cavaliers.

Thanks Jade and Karly Kim for giving me yet another reason to write about my Kloé.

Jade and Oak

January 8, 2014

Wednesday's love ~ the short and sweet version

Loving that I am already reading Book 3 of the year (my 40 book reading challenge) ~ A House in the Sky and this book is a pager turner. Thanks Jen for the recommendation.


Loving that I am on track in regards to my spending freeze. See my rules and regulations here.

Loving that Downton Abbey Season 4 is finally on North American television.

Loving that Costco replaced my broken Keurig coffee machine for FREE even though I purchased it a little over 2 years ago.

And finally Loving this recent picture I took of my baby girl~ Kloé ! This is what happens when I decide to fold every blanket on couch!


What are you loving this week??

January 6, 2014

most depressing day of the year & weekend recap

I heard on the news this morning that today is the most depressing day of the year! Very interesting since I am feeling fabulous this morning. It's back to work and back to a normal routine ~ finally! Yes guys... I love routines!



I started reading "Just One Year" by Gayle Forman during the weekend. It is the sequel of  "Just One Day". I also had my first of four lattes allowed during my spending freeze (see here for my rules and regulations).


I made these on Sunday for my lunches this week. Instead of having them for breakfast, I will have them for lunch with a salad. Don't they look yummy? eggs, red peppers, oignons, cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro. Bake in oven at 350 for 25 minutes.


I have never mentioned it on the blog but I LOVE to play cards. My Daddy, Bidou and I play this particular card game that we call "neuf" (French word for the number nine) every time we get together and always on Sundays after supper.

How was your weekend??
Are you feeling depressed today??

January 3, 2014

2014 reading challenge and new follower

I promised myself that I would welcome every new member that joins Kouisse's Korner as a follower via Google. Bienvenue to Stephanie from Not Entirely Perfect!! Stephanie recently wrote a post on planners that I just loved reading. Thanks for joining and being my 9th follower. 

There is no secret that I love to read. I actually prefer reading than watching television or a movie. I was 19 years old when I read my first real book ~  Family Album by Danielle Steel. I had never heard of Danielle Steel back then and remember devouring and collecting all of her books during my 20's. I only started discovering other authors in my 30's (so glad that I saw the light and ditched Danielle Steel). And since then, I have been hooked to the best pastime ever.

I love to challenge myself to reading goals.  Last year's reading goal was 40 books but I only read 30 books (and hopefully one day it will be 52 books).  You can find my list of books here.  I am challenging myself again this year to read 40 books.  I love to keep track of the books I read in a small green notepad that I have had for years but recently I have been using Goodreads and love it. Goodreads is the largest site for readers and recommendations in the world. If you are a member of Goodreads please do not hesitate to add me as your friend (please click here).

Last night I finished (book 1 of 40) reading Souvenirs de la Banlieue - les jumeaux". It is the 6th and last book of a French Canadian series from Rosette Laberge. 


Have you set a reading challenge for 2014??



January 2, 2014

rules and regulations of January spending freeze

Life According to Steph

When I read that Steph from Life according to Steph regularly does spending freezes, I was impressed and I told myself that it is something I should do.  Even though, I do keep track of my daily spending and follow a monthly budget... I do go overboard on some areas. 

The following are my rules and my regulations that I have set for myself regarding the spending freeze effective from January 2nd to January 31st. Bidou will be so so happy!! :)

When it comes to spending $$ on daily purchases a.k.a. my problem areas!

No daily morning coffee run to Tim Horton - instead I will drink the "terrible" free coffee that is offered at my employers.

I have acquired two $10 gift cards (one at Starbucks and the other one at Second Cup) for my weekend or night time lattes. That makes 4 lattes in a month... it should be plenty!

No magazine or book purchases.

When it comes spending $$ on beauty stuff - another one of my problem areas!

My monthly hair appointment is scheduled for January 16th - I refuse to cancel it! I am 43 years old and have grey hair. Enough said!

I have a facial scheduled for January 10th - I will use the gift certificate that I received as a Christmas gift from the bosses at work.

No make-up, facial/body creams or hair products.  I have enough stuff at home to last a couple of months, at least! 

Last September, I promised my friend Christine that we would schedule a thermal experience with massage at the Nordik Spa\Nature for sometime in January. Exact date has yet to be scheduled.

When it comes to Kloé's needs
She does NOT need another bed, coat, sweater, toy or treat.

When it comes to clothes and shoes
I have enough clothes in my closet to wear something different every day for 2 weeks (at least!)

When it comes to spending $$ on lunches
I am pretty good when it comes to bringing my lunch to work. I usually just eat out on Friday's. However, during this budget freeze, I will bring my lunch everyday. single. day.

When it comes to grocery shopping
I will make a list of the items I need at the grocery store. If it is not on the list... I am not allowed to purchase it. My pantry is full so use it!

When it comes to eating out with Bidou
A budget of $100 is set for this category.... see how this will work out!

When it comes to weekend\nightly activities
I only have one activity planned. It is with my 12-year old nephew on January 25th. Money will be spent there.  A budget of $75 has been set.  I love to spoil that baby-boy-that-is-growing-up-way-too-fast of mine!

When it comes to renting movies
I am only allowed to buy 2 rentals via itunes since we use Apple TV. We pay a monthly subscription to Netflix therefore we will use is more. 

Please wish me luck! I will need it! :)