I'm Seeing Gold

What were you doing at 5:00am this morning? If you are Canadian,  I would guess you were up and glued to the olympic gold medal game. Or if you are like myself and "not Canadian" as my Dad so lovingly called me, you only lasted the first half hour before passing out again. I'm sorry, I tried! I think next time I have to watch anything at that ungodly hour I will have to leave the comfort of my home (and pillow) and join everyone in the pubs. 

But let's not get ahead of ourselves! I want to back track to last night and give huge props to Jesse and Aaron for feeding Jeff and I an unbelievable dinner. I wish that cooking skills ran in the family...shucks.  After filling our bellies we were en route! It was a chilly walk in heels, but we made it to the Roughnecks game in one piece. I must say that I love going to these games. I'm not a die hard sports fan by any means, but there are few things better than a loud and exciting atmosphere filled with beer, food & friends. For those of us who aren't necessarily there to study the game, lacrosse is a great sport to watch. The music never stops, the crowd never quiets, and the action is infinite! I had a great time. I am left wanting more!

After the game Jeff and I headed back home for an evening of Mad Men and ice cream. Our sleep was short and 4:00am rolled around much too soon, but nothing can get between my hockey crazed boyfriend and his sport. As mentioned I may have dozed off and missed all the action, but I need my beauty sleep. A big congratulations to Canada for showing the world that hockey is our sport!

As much as I hate to say it, the olympics aren't the only thing that came to a close today. Reading week is also dwindling away, as is my final semester. I'm not sure what to say, except c'est la vie! I hope that all my hard work over the last four years will show by this time next year. Say a little prayer! 

L.

Valentine's Day | Family Day

What a jam packed weekend I have had, and to think that it is only Saturday night. I can't help but wonder what the rest of Reading Week will have in store for me. Check out my latest video and the few pictures I snapped on our hike. 

Cheers,

L.

(not so) Wine Wednesdays with Allanaramaa: Blindfolded Makeup Challenge

If you've been longing for an inspirational work of art, look no further! This episode of Wine Wednesdays (minus the wine - blame it on our studiousness) is rich with culture and artistry. Watch as I paint my canvas, also known as Allana, and create the masterpiece of the century....blindfolded. Go ahead, give credit where credit is due. Not everyone is this talented.

January Favourites

January has been a great month. I could not have asked for a better start to 2014! But before we fly into February, I thought I would share my monthly favourites with all of you. 

1. DavidsTea: romantic collection

DavidsTea & I have gotten to know each other quite well, and this past month I have been indulging in the romantic collection.  I suppose you could say that these teas fulfill my longing desire for love and romance, on those days when the real thing is out of reach. Who wouldn't want a dose of warm fuzzies every day?

2. Indigo: Monogram Mug - L

There is just something about having your own personalized mug, especially when it is given as a gift. Seeing as I'm not the one who fills the cupboards in my home, I quite enjoy having a little piece of me here and there. Oh boy, I think that love tea is wearing off on me. Find your own at Indigo! 

3. Bamboo Grow Box: Amaryllis

Another unique (and fave) gift from Christmas this year! I wish I would have taken a picture of the original packaging. The round bamboo box was filled with packaged soil and chips and of course the bulb. Everything was sealed with a black lid and a ribbon wrapped around into a bow on top, so cute! I am so curious to see what this little plant is going to grow into!

4. Stocking Stuffer: Candle Holder

I wish I could be a little more specific about this candle holder, but unfortunately my only guess is that it was made at the North Pole! I love the rustic look and the way that the light shines through the designs. Whether I am sitting in my room doing homework or relaxing in the tub, this piece always adds a nice touch to the overall atmosphere and feel of the room.

5. Coconut Oil

My all in one cooking oil, moisturizer, body butter, hair mask, and most importantly my substitute for butter on popcorn! There are endless uses for coconut oil and I have listed only my most frequent uses for this diverse product. I haven't become loyal to a specific brand yet, but this super sized containter was definitely my favourite and most hilarious Christmas gift. Believe it or not, there is already a pretty big dent in this bad boy after only a month! 

4. AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 G Lens

I could say so much about this lens, but I will keep it brief. I don't think you can get a more dramatic difference from the standard kit lens in a more affordable manner. The wide aperture makes things quick, sharp, and ideal for low light conditions. If I could describe the lens in one word it would be bokeh. For more information, click here.

5. Isagenix IsaLean Shake: Creamy Dutch Chocolate

Isagenix could quite possibly be the company that I have been most loyal to over the past few years! The IsaLean shake is my breakfast of choice, especially on those mornings that I am on the go. There are so many ways that you can spice things up, so your taste buds never get bored. For more information on Isagenix products, visit my associate website: laurenmcmurray.isagenix.com

6. Young Living: Lavender 

There are a variety of essential oils out there, but if I had to chose just one I would always go back to Young Livings lavender. The scent is very soothing and for me personally I associate the smell with fond memories and great people. If I am ever in need of a calm to my storm, lavender does just the trick.

7. Urban Decay: Naked3

From shimmering pinks to matte neutrals, the Naked3 palette has a variety of shades that are perfect for those of us who are on the paler side. Why cover up your beauty when you can accentuate it?

8. Don Leòn: Merlot Syrah

I wouldn't consider myself a huge red wine-o, but this bottle may change that! I don't think I paid more than $10 for this bottle and it is dangerously smooth for a red. More please?



That's all I have for you this month! 

Until next time,

L.

Wine Wednesdays with Allanaramaa: TMI Tag

Weekend Update

Hey everyone,

I was having some technical difficulties, as we like to call it, this past week with my poor poor MacBook. Long story short, my computer was experiencing some power issues and needed a vacation to the Apple store. Luckily, she is back in action and appears to be working just fine now! Due to my lack of technology I was unable to post this video until today. So, my "Sharing Saturdays" piece has quickly become a "Talking Tuesdays" segment. Whoops! Anyways, please forgive the delay and give my latest video a view for an update on what went down this weekend!

My lovely discounted, outlet, steal of a deal Fossil purchase!

As you can see, my MacBook is once again happy and healthy! Praise the lord!

My long lost lover finally came to see me late Saturday night and before he had to head back home we went to The Lone Survivor. Let's just say that if it hadn't of been for the mass amount of snacks keeping me happy and distracted I probably would have shed a few tears. Any time I watch a "based on a true story" movie my emotions are kicked into high gear! I really enjoyed the movie, so if you're itching to purchase some popcorn and watch something on the big screen The Lone Survivor is a good choice.

Thanks for stopping by!

L.

To Blog or Vlog? That is the Question!

Well would you look at that, there ^ I am! 

Wow, it has been over two months since I posted anything for all of you. Where have I been? I am going to blame my absence on a series of BIG time busy moments. In other words, finals, the holidays, block week and the beginning of winter semester. With that being said, since it is now 2014, I decided I should make my first blog post of the year a little more exciting! I mean, who doesn't love a little audio/video entertainment? Thanks to a few lovely ladies (allanaramaa & hellsforchildren) I have been inspired to start vlogging again, Oh lawwwwwrdy, save me from myself! 

Enjoy,

L.