My Favourite Albums of 2014

Just like the last post, I thought it would be fun to share with you my favourite albums of 2014.  Yes, not all of these albums came out this year.  These are the records I played and played and played some more.  Each of these represents a different artist, many a different genre, and that's a great snapshot of my taste in music. 

My Top Albums of 2014:

#8: In the Lonely Hour - Sam Smith

#7: Platinum - Miranda Lambert 

  #6: The New Classic - Iggy Azalea

 #5: Prism - Katy Perry

 #4: Same Trailer, Different Park - Kacey Musgraves

 #3: High Noon - Arkells

  #2: Beyonce - Beyonce

 #1: 1989 - Taylor Swift

My Favourite Songs of 2014

I wanted to share with you today my favourite songs of the year.  They aren't in any order but this was definitely part of my soundtrack for the past 12 months.  If you've been following me you will know this was an incredibly difficult year for me.  I've always turned to music since a very young age for comfort, company and an escape.  The following songs did just that for me. 

Shake it Off - Taylor Swift
This song was released in August just before Thomas' Autism diagnosis and it came out simultaneously with the music video.  The first time I heard the song/watched the video I had chills on my arms and tears in my eyes.  This is the song I'd been waiting for.  It easily raced up the play count on my iTunes reaching the top spot in a few short months.  I can say without a doubt this track will stand the test of time to be one of my favourites of life. If I ever meet Taylor Swift, I will, through tears, thank her for this piece of solace and strength.

Come to Light - Arkells

This is a song by a Canadian band that holds a special place in my heart as it was T's first concert last summer. This is a song I've kept on repeat on many walks, blasting in my earbuds. The lyrics could not speak more to Jer and I this year.

I'm Not the Only One - Sam Smith

I was late to the Sam Smith bandwagon and this was the song that won me over.  The gut-wrenching words and his voice stand alone.

Somebody Loves You - Betty Who

A highlight of 2014 was our trip to Vegas.  Both Emilie and I vlogged the entire experience and she ended her series with this song.  It always makes me think of her, our friendship and the incredible bond that grew in 2014. 

Bang Bang - Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj

We all need a good, feel-good, feel-sexy, girl power anthem and this was it for 2014.  I definitely was shakin' my booty in the bathroom doing my makeup and hardcore care dancin' to this jam.

Partition, Drunk in Love, Flawless - Beyonce
Yes I am cheating with this using three Beyonce songs.  I love them all. It's my blog, my list and I choose all three.  

Pop 101 - Marianas Trench

This song is so cheeky, hilarious and catchy that I just had to include it on my list.  The pop culture references alone make this song amazing.  They teach us what it takes to make a popular song in such a hilarious way.  And Josh Ramsay would know; he's behind Carly Rae Jepsen's Call Me Maybe! It's made me itch for a new Marianas Trench album as I can't wait to see what they have in store.

  Fancy - Iggy Azalea ft Charlie XCX
It was tough for me to pick just one Iggy Azalea song but I chose this one because it was the track that introduced her to me and to the world.  It's so poppy and catchy, yet edgy and unique.  We'd been looking for Iggy.

This is How We Do - Katy Perry
This is another song you can see me doing hardcore car dancing to! This year I  was all about songs and messages of self-love, acceptance and dancing to your own beat.  Katy Perry exudes that mantra and for that, I love her.

Wise Word Wednesday

Wise Word Wednesday

The Scarf Tag

Thanks to my boo Emilie for tagging me to do The Scarf Tag! I have never done one on my website before and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity as I am posting videos every day already on my YouTube channel for my Vlogmas Series.

You can see Emilie's version of the tag here.

Well, if you know anything about my sense of style, I love a good scarf! In fact, I have pretty much banned myself from adding any more to my collection.  Haha, yeah right ;)  If I come across a beautiful scarf, it's coming home with me.  Scarves are the perfect way to look put together with minimal effort. 

Here is the tag:

♥ Most expensive scarf in wardrobe: This beautiful leopard print scarf from Stella and Dot.  I know this piece will be a staple for years.

♥ Most favourite scarf This is such a tough one! I have many favourites! Right now I am loving my tartan scarf from Target which is pictured for question four, but I also love this multi-coloured number with skulls from Winners.  Most people wouldn't expect to see me in skulls and I like that!

 ♥ Most worn scarf This white one.  I bought it at the flagship Macy's store in New York City in 2008.  I absolutely love how it brightens my face and can add such a lift to any outfit.

 ♥ Newest scarf purchased This fabulous tartan print from Target which I just can't get enough of! 

 ♥ Which scarf would you purchase/like to own next I definitely need a new white scarf to replace my most worn as it's looking a little worse for wear!
Feel free to leave your answers in a comment. 
oxo Mare

A Little Catching Up To Do

Well, hello there.  Nice to see you again.  Yes, my little corner of the internet has been neglected recently and I am here to say sorry! Vlogging every day of the month seems to have been all-consuming!  Have you been keeping up to date with my Vlogmas Series on my YouTube channel? If not, no worries, it is ready and waiting for you!  

Can you believe it is December 15th? Only ten days until Christmas? How did this happen? 2014 was easily the fastest passing year in my life.  I will be posting some fun wrap-up entries over the next couple of weeks as I always do.  I will look back on the year and ahead to 2015.

What has been keeping you busy?  Christmas parties, shopping, wrapping, preparing, etc no doubt.  Tomorrow I will be buying my very last gift and am thrilled to have that portion of the season complete!

As you have been neglected, I wanted to put this out to YOU.  What kinds of blog posts would you like to see on here? More beauty, fashion, mom, books...

What would YOU like?

Thanks for sticking with me and being patient.

oxox Mare

Wise Word Wednesday

Wise Word Wednesday

Vlogmas Returns

Today is the last day of November and also the night before the beginning of Vlogmas!  In case you aren't familiar, Vlogmas is a fun tradition on YouTube where many creators post vlogs every day in December.  I first started in 2012:

We had so much fun in 2012 during Vlogmas.  The most exciting part was Thomas' first steps!  

Most vloggers do Vlogmas from December 1st to 24th or 25th, but I like to round out the entire month to include Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.  That's what I also did in 2013:

Last year's Vlogmas was filled with trips to Vancouver as well as hosting a NYE party and ringing in the new year with our loving friends.  It's fun to vlog every day and December is an exciting month to document.  Tomorrow we start Vlogmas 2014!  The first video will be posted on December 2nd and then every day after that until January 1st.  

Until then, feel free to peruse the last two seasons of Vlogmas a la Mare right here.

Wise Word Wednesday

Throw Back Thursday

I just had to share this with you.  My aunt found an old letter that I wrote her in high school.  In it was this poem.  She wasn't sure if I wrote it, but I have looked for it online and can't find it anywhere.  So, I am thinking this is an original Mare from the late '90s.

 

It’s Time

the sun may wake you,

but the day kicks you,

out of bed.

right onto the tracks of that moving train

called life.

question is though, are you going to drive

or just go along for the ride?

it’s your day.

every day.

wake up & smell it. 



Wise Word Wednesday

Favourite Fall Things Tag

Mare's Music Monday

Hello and Happy Monday!  I had no idea this amazing song was coming together but I can't wait to get home and buy it on iTunes.  There are countless talented UK stars in this video, singing the classic song Do They Know It's Christmas?  This version is donating money to the Ebola crisis and within the first five minutes more than one million pounds was raised. 

oxox Mare

Wise Word Wednesday

Thank You

 I wish my words could convey how deeply touched I have been by so many of  you over the past few days.  When I decided to speak about Thomas and Our Story, my intention was to help the OSNS Child Development Centre and to show our family's appreciation for their tireless work.  Never did I ever think that I would benefit as well.  And I have, over and over again.  The hundreds of messages I received have moved me to tears countless times.  Your messages of support, love and understanding have been overwhelming.  I actually had to step away a few times to really acknowledge to myself what was happening.  What is happening.  I have been flooded on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and in person by your backing.  Thank you for enveloping our family with such a deep love.  The struggles we face are very similar to the things many of you are going through and the stories you have shared with me privately have been extremely touching.  Parenthood and all the nuances that come with it can make for a lonely place at times.  I no longer feel alone.  Instead, I feel lifted up with light and hope and strength.  

Many of you have thanked me for being brave enough to speak out.  

I thank you.

oxox
If you would like to help the OSNS Child Development Centre, the telethon is this Sunday: 
Details here

Wise Word Wednesday

Our Story

You may think because you see photos and videos of me online and hear me on the radio that I am an open book. 

I am not. 

I've been grappling with sharing a part of my life with you for years.  

Yes, years.

I always knew there would be the right time to talk publicly about this aspect of our lives and our family and today the opportunity presented itself. 

Here's the audio of what I opened up about:

Listen Here

 As I use my platform and position for a positive, please take a moment to look at the OSNS Child Development Centre.  They are a huge help for us, Thomas and hundreds of families. 

Their telethon is this weekend.  Here is a link for their Facebook pages:

OSNS

OSNS Telethon Page

You can stream the telethon online Sunday:

OSNS Website

Thank you. 

There is only love. 

oxox Mare

Nail of the Day

Ok.  Clearly I am not the best at doing my nails.  But, I should be a great example of 'who cares?'!  Honestly, for years I always wanted to have painted nails but was intimidated because I was not very good at the technique.  Then I decided...who cares?  I love to have painted nails and have had a colour on them for probably three years consecutively now.  

Hello tangent! 

Morale of the story: if you want to paint your nails, do it! 

Anyway...today's Nail of the Day is Bahama Mama by Essie. Love it. Creamy, beautiful formula and lasted very well. 

Still loving that Essie!

Wise Word Wednesday

Mare's Music Monday

Three Book Reviews

My Current Song of Comfort

Happy Saturday!  Today I want to share with you a song by the Arkells that both Jer and I have been loving lately.  I quoted it in his birthday card a few weeks ago and just love the message of this track.  We've been going through an incredibly tough time this year (something I will probably finally share in the weeks to come) and this song has brought great comfort.  

It's a reminder that no matter how bleak or dark a situation you are in, 

"And in time

the things that hurt today

will begin to fade away".

Nail of the Day

Today's Nail of the Day was clearly impossible to photograph! No matter what light or angles I tried, it was so difficult to truly capture this shade by Essie.  Eternal Optimist is a recent purchase of mine but has quickly become a favourite.  I wore this for two weeks straight.  This never happens! I painted my nails the same colour over and over I just love it so much.  It was a beautiful, subtle shade and one that wears very well.  I love a shade like this because it doesn't show the chips.  This would be a fabulous option if you don't like to paint your nails very often or if it really bothers you to see chips. 

The name suckered me in, obviously! But the colour speaks for itself.  It's a lovely creamy shade, perfect for fall.  

Wise Word Wednesday

Today I Rapped

Today I lost a bet on our show for Monday Night Football and had to rap Nicki Minaj's Super Bass.  My cohost and I do this every week.  We get listeners to suggest ideas for the punishment.  We've done all kinds of random things over the past few years!  So far this year, I had to help a listener pack her moving van.  Farm has had to drink pickle juice, jump in the cold lake and eat two packs of hot cinnamon gum.

Today I 'rapped'.  Here's what it sounded like:
Click Here 

I won't even karaoke in Mexico with a room filled with strangers and then had to do this?!?

My job is not a normal job ;)

oxox Mare

Random Acts of Kindness

Have you ever had a random act of kindness presented to you?  It doesn't take much; sometimes I even think just a nice smile from a stranger or someone holding the door open can turn a day around.  I was actually fortunate enough to be gifted TWO random acts of kindness this weekend. 

Friday, I was about to pay for parking when a lovely gentleman and his wife stopped me and offered their parking ticket.  There was still more than an hour of paid parking left and they were leaving.  How nice is that? Such a simple gesture, but completely made my day!

Then, yesterday we were out for a little family lunch at Boston Pizza.  They currently have a promotion where if you make a donation to a certain charity, you get five free kids meals.  A complete stranger made a donation and then asked the restaurant's hostess to give it to us anonymously.  What?!?  He had left by the time we knew what happened.  But again, such a lovely random act of kindness.

It touched both Jeremy and I that a complete stranger would give us this gift.  Again, small but very impacting.

Have you ever performed a random act of kindness? Maybe this post will inspire you to do so! 

oxox Mare

The Magic Towel Trick

This is going to seem like a very random Shout Out Saturday, but it's changing my laundry routine immensely! 

Back story: I seriously need a new dryer.  Any load takes about two hours to dry.  TWO HOURS.  In a house where laundry is my job, that adds up quickly with our clothes, linens, towels etc.  It can be a very overwhelming task to tackle.

Then, my friend suggested I add a dry towel in the mix.  I have NO idea why, but I tried it this weekend and BAM! 

LIFE. CHANGED. 

My loads took a fraction of the time to dry and actually came out hot.  Revolutionary!

I wanted to share this magic trick with you.  Even if you have a perfectly good dryer, why not cut down the drying time?  Who wants to spend hours waiting for the laundry? Also, it should help with your bills as the dryer will run for less time.

I used this old beach towel to make sure there wouldn't be any added lint. 

Let me know if you try this!

Fall Nail Polish Picks

To follow up on yesterday's post on my 5 Fall Fashion Must-Haves, I thought it would be fun to dust off a video I did this time last year.  Although it's a year old, these fall nail polish picks are still beautiful and great for the season.

5 Fall Fashion Must-Haves

Wise Word Wednesday

Thankful



Canadian Thanksgiving is tomorrow! I thought it would be a fitting time to ask you,

What are you thankful for?

Tell me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

I want to share the love and a grateful spirit today. 

No matter what you are going through, there is always something to highlight and hold on to. 

oxox Mare

Shout Out Saturday

 

Today I am giving a Shout Out Saturday to the love my life, best friend, partner and the guy who makes me laugh every single day. 

Today is Jeremy's birthday and if I were to use it as an excuse to list all the reasons he is the single best man in the world, I would fill the internet.  There would be no more space for anyone else to ever write a thing. 

But I wanted to pen a few words today anyway.

 

He is supportive like no one else has ever been. 

He is the most hilarious person I know. 

He is the most studious, responsible employee. 

He is fiercely protective.

He is caring and considerate, but knows his self-worth.

He is the reason I am confident and never afraid to be 100% authentic, as he leads by example.

He is truly my partner, as no matter what road blocks life serves, he is right beside me, paving a way through.

 

To know my love for Jeremy is to look in our son's eyes when he looks at his dad.  It's a love and admiration so pure and unending.

 

oxox Mare