Sunday Social: Life

Welcome to the Sunday Social! This is my first one under my new blog name "The Diary of an Urban Housewife". I hope you'll bear with me while I make all the changes around the blog! 

In the meantime come and follow me:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Etsy

This is where you'll see all my posts about what we are doing around the city, get to see my life in pictures, and where I am selling my creations. I hope you'll join me, I love to see what everyone else is up to! :)

Img Credit

1. What do you value most in life? 

These two: 

Nothing better than seeing those two faces every day ;)

2. What do you think is the greatest invention in your life and why?

Hmmm this is an interesting question. Honestly there isn't anything since I've been born that has been invented that I don't think I could live without....but if I have to pick something I'd definitely say the INTERNET! 

Img Credit

This picture is completely unrelated, but without the internet we'd have never seen its awesomeness! 

3. What do you think is the secret to a good life? 

Happiness and acceptance. If you surround yourself with people and work that makes you happy, the accept you for who you are and surroundings that make you happy, and if you learn to accept people for who they are and love those you love for who they are, you really can't go wrong! :) 

4. What would you most like to be remembered for when you’re gone? 

Being a devoted wife, awesome mother, and great friend and daughter.

5. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of? Graduating university while working full time, being a wife, and mother. I taught my daughter to read while working with my husband to keep our daughter out of daycare. While doing all of this managed to sometimes exercise and cook a healthy meal every night. Sometimes I don't know how I did all I did in those days, then I take a nap because I remember my 20's were fairly sleepless so in my stay at home mom of a teenager 30's I let myself nap ;)

See you all next week for a Halloween Themed Sunday Social!

Sunday Social: Jobs

Today is all about jobs! Most people's least favourite subject! hehehe Once I found something I loved to do I never minded going to work in the mornings. Now that I get up everyday and am automatically at my "job"....it's even better! ;)

1. What is your dream job?
Having a successful Etsy store selling things I love to make....along with a "side" business of teaching different craft classes.

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn’t need to work for money, what would you do with your time?
I'd travel! I seriously would go everywhere and I would find places to volunteer and ways to help others with my knowledge and experience. Ideally I'd love to volunteer with young women (15-early 20's) in developing nations teaching them anything that could help them to live a better life! That's actually why I majored in political science but then realized that having a young child and family it would be difficult to dash off to the peace corp ;)

3. What piece of career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
When in University major in some area of education if you want to be a teacher of any kind. I didn't major in education and it makes it really difficult when I move to get my credentials changed over. Very frustrating, and living in a different country, even though it is still part of North America has an education degree requirement, there are no "certificates" for teaching to add to my bachelor's degree so that is one regret I have.

4. What would be your ideal “just for fun” job?
Is pinterest pinner a job?! hahaha

5. What was your first “real” job?
Well, I started my family young so my first "real" job was order entry for an advertising firm.

Sunday Social: Handbags

So, I have had the most awkward time with this post. I have now published it twice without it being complete! Some days, some days! Ha!



Today we are talking about something super girly: Purses! I love my purse organization, it's so easy to find things in my giant bags! I have such large ones because I live in a downtown core and walk everywhere so I need it to be able hold a water bottle, coffee mug, umbrella, heels...sometimes all at once! ;) I love handbags, but I'm not a handbag "dreamer". It's totally a spontaneous purchase for me when I get one! I love them, but don't love to "lust" over them! Anyway....read on:

1. What is your favorite handbag you’ve ever owned?
My favourite handbag is one of two:

2. What is your dream handbag you lust over?
Honestly, I love bags but I don't really have one I lust over, I'm not that into them! I had always wanted a coach bag and when I got the black one above that sort of satiated that "need". :)

3. What are the daily essentials in your purse or work bag? 
My daily essentials are my foldable flats, house keys (I don't drive everyday so I don't carry car keys on a regular basis), wallet, earbuds, phone, and "emergency kit". 

4. What’s in your purse (with pictures)?

The inside of my purse. Before I go anywhere I take a peek inside and make sure there isn't any "loose" stuff like receipts or whatever. That's how I make sure to keep it super clean ;)

This is everything inside (clockwise from left to right): foldable flats in the black bag, a diary for making lists, writing down cool stuff I see, etc, my "emergency" kit, house keys, ear buds, purse hanger, wallet, compact (was my grandmother's), and kleenex.

My emergency kit all packed up.

In my emergency kit: a mirror, bandaids, tampon, advil, babylips, perfume, dior glitter gloss (for days you just need a little extra fab ;)), two pens (one for regular writing, the other for marking important things), nail files (I have no idea why I have so many lol I did pair it down to one after this ;)), nail clippers, safety pins, bobby pin, carmex (I am from FL but have also lived in very cold climates I've learned you can never have enough glosses lol), a hair tie, a tiny note pad (incase I need to pass my number or email on to someone or take a short note), and two plastic bags (my daughter gets extreme motion sickness so the yellow bag is open and can be used for trash or sickness then tossed, the ziploc bag is in case we are on Transit and she gets sick we have a way to seal it up so it doesn't stink ;)).

So, that is my purse. I try to keep is super organized so I never have to "dig" for stuff. What is the #1 thing you can't leave the house without it in your purse (aside from keys and wallet ;))??

Sunday Social: Blogging

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope everyone has had a fun and exciting weekend! I know we have....I will have a weekend recap coming up because we did a lot of fun things I want to tell everyone about! ;)

Anywhoodle, on to....



1. What is the name if your blog? Adjusting and Readjusting

2. What do you love most about blogging? I love sharing my passions and ideas with the world. I love posting tutorials or other fun things I've been making or buying with everyone. I also love sharing my travels and adventures with everyone.

3. Why did you start blogging? I started blogging after our latest move to Vancouver, BC. Prior to this move I mostly worked full time and didn't really feel like I had the time to just sit around and write, but now that I'm not working I figured this would be a great time for me to pursue something I am passionate about.

4. What is something you’d want to tell someone just starting out in the blog world? Don't listen to me because I am too new and have no idea what I am doing! If anyone has some great tips for me feel free to share! I am still trying to consistently break the 200 page visits a day mark lol

5. Biggest blogging learning experience you've had? Learning that blogger has a nifty little HTML button to click when you are publishing a post written in HTML *blush* I felt like an idiot, but felt so much more knowledgeable after that lol 

6. What are three blogs you love? I just wrote about that in my Sept 14th Blog Post for the September blogging challenge I am doing over at A Fresh Start on a budget! Check my post out here!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I have my menu plan coming up soon, but in the meantime if you want to check out my old menu's to get prepped for the week you can do that here! 

Sunday Social #7-All about fall!

1. What is your favorite fall activity?

Apple Picking and Pumpkin Picking! Last year was the first time we ever did apple picking and we had a great time. We time it at the beginning of October when we go and pick out our pumpkins for Halloween!

2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?

YES!!!

This is mine and hubby's Alma Mater. We love the knights and know that one of these days they will be a top contender football team! They are already so competitive in other sports, just need to boost that football team!

In our house we actually prefer NFL to College. We follow the Jags because they are our hometown team. We were both living in Jacksonville and in high school during the conception of the team, so they are near and dear to our hearts!

We follow these guys because my Dad went to college there and I grew up watching the Gators, the husband follows them because they are a great team and his Dad also follows them and is a huge fan.

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

The changing of the leaves. 

Tree's by the local primary school

Orange, berry-like foliage on a hike along the sea wall.

Being able to go and hike and see all the beautiful foliage. There is also a lot of apple picking and pumpkin patches to be had if you aren't afraid of a little driving.

Trees, sun, and fog on a hike up the Grouse Grind the the Peak of Grouse Mountain.

Evergreen's at the top of Grouse. Normally you can see the whole of the city of Vancouver from here, but this is classic fall weather for Vancouver.

We love apple picking and going to the pumpkin patch at Willow View Farms. We think they have the best farm around and everyone is super friendly.

4. What are your favorite fall staple outfits?

These are my staples for fall. They can all be found on my Fall 2013 Trends board on Pinterest. 

5. What things are you looking forward to most about this coming fall season?

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Tradition?

My favorite fall tradition is absolutely Halloween!! You can't beat getting to dress up and pretend to be your favorite character or a character from history for a night!!!
***get together a few pictures from halloween's past!

My favourite fall tradition is setting up our Christmas tree and decorating it the evening of American Thanksgiving. It is a lot of work, but is so worth it in the end!

So, that is what our fall will look like in a nutshell! This is such a fun time of year because even though the weather is changing, it is a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors and be grateful there is amazing produce to consume (and I mean real produce not that fake pumpkin crap Starbucks puts out). What are you most looking forward to this upcoming fall season?

Sunday Social #6-Summer review

Hello Sunday! I love Sunday's. I get to do Yoga at my local Lulu Lemon. Get my final workout of the week in, and just spend time with my hubby and the kiddo. This is our last one before going back to school so really looking forward to just relaxing and enjoying it.

This week's questions were super fun. I especially loved them because our weather has been rather dismal lately, more like fall, so it was nice to think about the warm, dry days once more!

1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?

I have two:

1. Seeing a sea turtle lay her eggs on the beach on a late night walk with my brother.

2. Taking my daughter kayaking and getting to see porpoises (or dolphins, not quite sure which they were lol).

2. What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer?

Please excuse the terrible "selfie"! But this was by far my favorite outfit! I loved the loosness of the shirt, it just sort of flowed...not to mention the color was gorgeous!! I also loved those white shorts. When I bought them they just felt like a pair you'd worn a million times and just just relax in them!

This was my second favorite thing:

3. What is one thing you wish you'd gotten to do this summer?
We actually got to do quite a bit. I wish we'd gotten in the one big hike, Grouse Grind like I had wanted to....but, those things happen. We still may have a little time yet, but we will see.

Img Credit

4. What was your favorite song of the summer?


5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer?
Favorite Movie: Man of Steel


TV Show: Newsroom


So, that's it. My summer in review! What was your favorite part of summer? Are you starting to see signs of fall like we are?

Sunday Social #5-Childhood

Well, being a kid was tons of fun...what about being a kid isn't tons of fun?! So, here's a little about my childhood...

1. What do you miss most about being a kid?

Absolutely no responsibility. Playing outside until dark, and some days even after when we'd get a good game of flashlight tag going. Getting hurt and not being embarrassed about it. 

2. Dd you have a nickname growing up? What was it?

Katie was what everyone called me, mostly. My uncle did call me Katerbear a lot though. 

3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess?

Play on the see-saw and get "bumped" on it lol

4. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher mostly is what I can remember. Once I got into high school I remember wanting to go into advertising....

5. Did you participate in any school activities?

Not really. I was in drama club at one point and the yearbook committee, but otherwise I wasn't too into after school sponsored activities. I danced 4 days a week outside of school and did aerobics and walking at home so those were my "fun" things. :P

6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about?

Ummmm....I don't really know. I know one time I went to bed mad & they got a picture of me sleeping with my arms crossed, and when I was 3 I bit my bother's nose (he's 8 years older than me) lol

Well, that's a little bit about my childhood in a nutshell. What is your favourite childhood memory?

Sunday Social #4

Happy Sunday, all!!! Wow, what a week it has been. I am out this weekend with a small injury, but am hoping to be back on my workouts by mid week! I got the teenager off to camp, talked to her last night apparently being a counselor was a lot more work than she realized...but, work is good for them, right?! Any way, on to some fun stuff for Sunday...

1. What is something you've always wanted to do but are afraid of?

Bungee jumping. I'm not really afraid of much and I love stuff that gets my adrenaline going. I'd really love to bungee jump, but don't know if I'd have the guts to go for it...unless I was on the Amazing Race.

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I really hate these questions. Thank heavens this isn't an interview, this is usually where I bomb. Seriously, I have no idea. Ideally the husband could find a project to work on somewhere in Europe so we could be working and traveling Europe together with our daughter.

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2013?

I am looking forward to celebrating all of our birthday's and the holiday's with my husband and daughter.....and getting new living room furniture. We need it!

4. What are your hopes for your blog?

My hopes for my blog are that I will find my blogging niche and that it will grow to have an audience that loves to read what I have to say everyday! I also hope to network and make some local blogging buddies!!!

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?

No I do not always see myself living in our current city. I love where I live in Vancouver, BC, but since the husband is in a project based business I know this isn't our last stop. I wouldn't be sad if it was because I do love this city, but given his business and our penchant for seeing the world....I know we have many more places to live before we "settle down". 

6. What is your morning routine?

Wake up

Lay in bed for about 10 minutes gathering my thoughts and adding things to my to-do list

Use the bathroom

Wash my hands

Brush my teeth

Throw on my workout gear

Wake the kiddo up

Put in a load of laundry

Unload the Dishwasher

Make us breakfast

Clean up breakfast

Sweep

Check my email/fb/etc

Get her off to school (this one & the one before are interchangeable lol)

Get the husband up and off to work

Make the bed

Vacuum

Workout

Shower, Dress, Make-up etc

Have protein green smoothie

Take a deep breath

These were fun questions this week. Now that I look at my morning routine it's pretty hectic, but it's usually over by 10 or 11 in the morning. What is your morning routine like? By the time you get to work or get everyone out of the house are you ready for a nap like I usually am?! 

Hope you all have a great Sunday!!!

Sunday Social #3

.


1. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher or an actress. I am a teacher.

2. What was your favorite way to kill time as a kid?

Taking walks or riding my bike.

3. When did you get your first cell phone?

When I was 17, same time as when I started driving. My parents did it for pure convenience in the event I was in an accident I could lock all my doors and call 911.

4. What is your favorite magazine to read?

Self.

5. What is the one random object people would be surprised to find in your purse?

 Two plastic bags. I always keep them in there and am constantly getting asked as to why I have them. I have two because one is a ziploc gallon size bag, the other is a thick Forever 21 bag. I have them because we do a lot of traveling and my kiddo gets seriously car sick...especially on the train in the summer. The ziploc is for the train just incase she gets sick I can close it up after so the smell doesn't get to anyone, the forever 21 bag is for when we are traveling in the car, it is super thick so if she gets sick it all stays in one place!

Well, happy Sunday, everyone! Hope you are all having a GREAT day!!!

Sunday Social: Random Questions

1. What are 3 items you can't live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don't count)?

If we are just talking tangible items here I'd have to say my iPhone (I've done it, but boy is it difficult when you're used to having a map at your finger tips ;)), mascara (can perk your eyes up in an instant!), and my workout DVDs!

2. What is your all time favorite book? Why?

My all time favourite book(s) is/are probably the Beauty Series written by Anne Rice under a pen name. I've never read books quite like those. My second fave of all time would be Flower's in the Attic.

3. What is something you'd like to accomplish before the end of 2013?

Get all of my photo's organized and have at least half of them in scrapbooks. We'll see if it's successful...

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be?

Probably 1999 it was the year I got married and the year I had my kiddo...it was a year of change!!!

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?

That I tend to be shy at first but if you talk to me I warm up quickly and you'd probably wish you'd never started talking to me!!! :P

I hope everyone is having a great Sunday!!!

Sunday Social: Food Talk!

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Macaroni  and cheese for sure!

2. What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?

Same as above, Macaroni and Cheese.

3. What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?

Rocky Mountain Oysters! My uncle came to visit us in Denver & he said he'd treat us to them...you'd think after the incident with gator when I was about 10 I'd have learned to be a little more weary about what I eat around him..... haha

4. What foods do you avoid at all costs?

White bread and refined sugar. The things it does to my body I just can't cope with.

5. What meal reminds you of your childhood?

Saucey pork twist. It was a favourite meal of mine that my Mom made.

6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.

Hmmmmmmm one of my favourite recipes...I don't have many that I have invented but my mother has one she always made when we were kids. Over the years thanks to technology I've come to find this is actually a fairly common recipe but it goes by many different names. We call the recipe "Magic Cookie Bars" but, I know they are also referred to as 7 Layer Bars (although there aren't 7 ingredients so this perplexes me)

Magic Cookie Bars (adapted over the years lol)

Make a basic graham cracker crust

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs

In a 9X13 pan put butter in the bottom and stick in 350 degree oven (176 Celsius) and let stick of butter melt. Carefully add graham cracker crumbs and combine with a fork, press into the bottom of the pan. Let back for 10-12 minutes to "set". When done let cool.

Next gather the following:

• 1 can sweet and condensed milk
• 1 cup of coconut flakes 
• 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips

When crust is done cooling pour sweet and condensed milk over crust and spread with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the sweet & condensed milk and then do the same with the coconut. 

*I have made it without the coconut for my husband and he loves them that way. I also hear people add chopped walnuts to them sometimes. Personally I think nuts unless ground finely into a crust or something ruin dessert lol 

This was a favourite of mine and my brothers as a kid. I remember the whole pan would disappear within hours of them being done. Also, when my family and I moved back "home" to where my hubby & I grew up (where our parents live) for a short time in 2008 my brother & his family came for that Christmas and I made those and they disappeared quickly! ;)

I may have to make some of those now! :P

Sunday Social: TV Edition!

Happy Sunday!

My Sunday posts tend to be 100% totally, completely, and utterly random! When looking for different ways to get my blog name out there and looking at other blogs I came across this: the Sunday Social! So fun right?! I think it's fun anyway...so here we go, time to learn tons of random stuffs about ME!!! :D

1. What is your favorite TV as a kid?  

As a very, very small child I loved She-ra Princess of Power! Then, as a bigger kid I loved all the TGIF shows-Family Matters or Step by Step were probably my favorite though! 

2. What is your current favorite TV show? 

Newsroom or True Blood for sure! I cold watch & rewatch every season so far every day. 

3. Which reality show would you NEVER do? 

Survivor. I don't like how they basically starve, then have to rehabilitate their bodies to get them used to eating again..

4. Which reality show would you LOVE to do? 

The Amazing Race. I'd love the chance to see the world while getting to rappel buildings or mountains, eat interesting cuisine, and just see tons of stuff off the beaten path! 

5. What is the TV personality/character that you feel is most like you? 

Hmmm....this is a tough one. I don't really think I'm like any one character out there honestly. I think I'm a combo of say Carrie Bradshaw (because I love fashion & make-up), Sabrina the Teenage Witch because I love adventure and don't like when things get too mundane, and Martha Stewart since I love DIY stuff and cooking!

6. Which TV character would you want to date? 

Eric Northman from True Blood. Who wouldn't want to date that body?! 

Image Credit

Well, I hope you liked my first chance to join in on the Sunday Social! I thought this was fun! What did you think???