My Cause

If you know me chances are you already know my cause. Rain or shine each year (usually rain!) we take part in the Multiple Sclerosis walk for the cure with Marty's MomValerie who was diagnosed with MS in 1975.

She had an incredibly fascinating upbringing as the daughter of an Australian Ambassador who was born in New York and lived in Australia & Vietnam traveling the world brushing arms with a prestigious political community.

She was a model, a gymnast and swam in the Pan Am games. She is incredibly strong making life friends wherever she goes and will never let this horrible disease get her down. She is a role model for everyone around her and keeps us strong with the beauty of her bright smile and positive selfless attitude.

She is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met and I know her joy is Marty, Tiina and her family being around her. If there is anything I can do to help it's to raise money, in honour of Valerie, with hopes of finding a cure for this disease and the families that have been affected by it. The MS walk is hosted by the MS Society of Canada that provides tremendous support for those of the community with Canada having the highest rate of MS in the world. They also fund one of the only pediatric MS clinics for the rare cases of children as young as two years old being diagnosed.

I know everyone has their own cause that is close to their heart and for that reason I hesitate soliciting sponsors, but if you are able please visit my personal walk page to help support our "Val's Pals" team in the 2008 walk. Your pledge is greatly appreciated and means so much to Marty's Mom and our family. Thank you!

https://msofs.mssociety.ca/2008Walk/Sponsor.aspx?&PID=985281&L=2

When bad bathing suits happen to good people

Guilty of#4............................................Guilty of #9.........................Guilty of #8

After all the time I have spent on the beach in my days I am beginning to wonder about some obviously bold choices that are happening when people run away from their lives to tropical destinations.

I have a few questions to ask about 1/3 of the tourists who walked the beach in Cayman over the past week: Is there a shortage of mirrors on the island? Is bathing suit material slowly becoming extinct? Did you forget to pack your "good" suit and were forced to buy something 5 sizes too small in the hotel gift shop? Is your husband wearing your bikini bottom?

I have come to realize that people really must not care about what they look like in a bathing suit. I am by no means implying that I have a beach ready body (Lord knows I'm trying very hard to improve it) but I would like to at least think I know how to cover up my lumps, bumps and jiggly bits in respectable beach attire.

The offenders - You know who you are. I would like to address the top ten beach no-no's:

1) The "Itsy bitsy teeny weenie Grandma bikini" - yes, that is correct, I said Grandma. When I think of a Grandma I think of a sweet lady who likes tea, cookies and housecoats - not an outrageously scandalous bikini that doesn't support in the right places. Granted some Grandma's today look pretty good so please use the bikini at your own discretion

2) The "Hairy Scary" - Is that guy wearing a sweater on the beach? He must be hot...oh wait...that's not a sweater. Okay - let's take it upon ourselves to notice when it might be time to book that esthetics appointment so you are not scaring little ones on the beach

3) The "Is that person a local?" - How is it humanly possible that some people can tan themselves chocolate brown? Not to generalize but have you ever noticed it's usually someone who also might receive the seniors discount at the movie theatre? And why are they wearing Richard Simmons workout shorts? I don't get it

4) The "Banana hammock" - Please, Please...just say no - especially to the high cuts

5) The "Euro" - This was a name we collectively though of for those tight boy short bathing suits. The #1 offender was white as snow, looked like he was from Europe, didn't speak English and had a Burberry check print suit on. I'll never look at Burberry the same

6) The "Is she or isn't she" - Is that a baby bump, a post baby bump or did you just have a burger? Please avoid some possible awkward conversation moments and choose your suit wisely!

7) The "Cheek Eater" - I have never seen anything like it. It wasn't a thong and it wasn't a full bum but it certainly looked like she was going to have a hard time getting it off

8) The "Bring back the 80's multi-layer look" - I saw a lady wearing a beach cover up, water shoes and a neon pink wet suit vest over top, complete with visor. Her husband was also appropriately paired with a neon yellow t-shirt and shorts. Apparently the last time they were on the beach was in 1989

9) The "Please don't jump up and down" - I realize that you don't want tan lines but do you know they actually have very supportive strapless bathing suits?

10) The "Metallic Lover" - There is a time and a place for everything and the beach is no place for metallic

There we have it. Just my opinion - not intended to offend anyone - just to create an awareness of avoiding as much visual pollution as possible while on the beach! Thank you for your time.

The Simple Things

Last night on my way home from Cayman I was part of a magical moment. I made two little friends on the plane - Sophie (5) and Ally (8). It was not only their first trip off the island but also their first time seeing snow. I remember them from the airport before we boarded - they were the only two kids with toques and scarves paired with their flip flops...so excited at every mention of the flight to Toronto over the speakers.

The entire flight they were talking about what it would be like to see the snow as their Dad told them stories of the city where he grew up. As we touched down Ally claimed she saw “magical mountains of white fluffy snow” while Sophie tried to push her aside to get a peek. Then the little ones lit up as the flight attendant announced "Welcome to Toronto - A special welcome to our little friends Sophie and Ally who are seeing snow for the first time" - everyone on the plane clapped so loud and long. I couldn't stop smiling at these little girls who were experiencing one of the happiest moments of their lives.

It's the simple things we take advantage of sometimes. Even when I was coming home from a warm place that feels like heaven to me, I couldn't help but have a new appreciation for the cold white stuff I usually try and avoid!

So long Christmas...hello yucky long boring winter days

Well, it's official - I'm sad. Being someone who typically celebrates Christmas for 25% of the year it's almost traumatizing for me to have to pack up the Christmas decorations... again! An even more traumatic experience was getting into my car on boxing day morning to hear regular music on 97.3...come on! Who is in charge of this? Can we please have a bit of a weaning off period between December 26th and January 1st where you play Christmas music perhaps for half day or something? Speaking of painful experiences has anyone taken a look at price tags after Boxing Day on Christmas paraphernalia you bought before the holidays? All I have to say is that Mr. Pottery Barn and his distant cousin Mr. Holt Renfrew should take up residence in the local hoosegow. Shame on you people....shame on you!

I'm very disgraced to report that yes, I was one of the crazy folk who ventured out to Sherway December 26th in search of an ivory velvet Christmas tree skirt. My experience was not great! Babies crying, merchandise flying up in the air, people pushing - Wow! Not to mention ridiculous lines for unsuspecting stores - the teeny bopper/Mom combos formed a line for Abercrombie about eight stores up. Even my Mom was flabbergasted and said she would rather go back when the sale wasn't on and pay full price then stand in that line for an hour - for what? To buy a pint sized shirt and meet "Jake" - who is actually a perfume they unwillingly spray on you as soon as you step foot in the front door? If my kid was waiting in that line she best have been saving her money for the year and planning to drop some big ones!

Anyway, I'm sad that Christmas is over but Happy to start a New Year.

What would make my New Year even happier? If all the snow, slush and cold weather would just leave as fast as the Christmas tunes on Boxing day. I find January - March a bit yucky and miserable but as quickly as time seems to be going the past little while I'm sure it will be over before we know it! Luckily I have a few trips down to Cayman planned during that time to help me get through it!

My Christmas was great as usual - It's such a special time with family and friends. We had a very generous delivery from Santa that was greatly appreciated, a wonderful dinner from chef Marty and the much anticipated arrival of our beautiful future god daughter Charlotte Rose Cichy on Boxing Day. We spent New Years up at the cottage where we continued with the great company and endless food accompanied by some extreme guitar hero and singsong (80's version) on PS2. I have actually come to appreciate Caribbean Queen...you go Billy. There were definitely a few surprise stars among our group. I'm not sure I would buy their album (sorry guys)

but let's just say they had some interesting techniques (i.e. British accents where they were not necessary) and managed impressively high scores - you know who you are! Surprise, Surprise...turns out my new camera has a video feature....we'll talk later.

With all the goodies I had consumed over the holidays I decided it would be appropriate to sign up for the intense 2 week, 6 session bootcamp which I'm mid-way through with Maggie. Contrary to previous postings I have grown quite fond of the workout and even made a mention on her main web page! http://www.sandrasbootcamp.com/index.html I'm going to keep working at it for the next few months and see what happens but I'm almost half way to my goal! Yippee!

Happy New Year!

PS my mom got me a white Christmas apron with Holly all over it – since it’s name appropriate I’m sort of feeling like I could get away with this one year round to spread a little cheer when baking anytime and not just during the holidays – what do you think? Am I pushing it?

I attract random conversation

It's true. As weird as it may seem I appear to be a random conversation magnet. No matter where I am - a plane, the mall, just walking about – at least once a week or so a complete stranger will strike up an unprovoked conversation revealing to me their most personal information and thoughts that typically lasts about 25 minutes or longer!

Some of my past encounters include:

• At the mall – a girl pulled me aside to ask me my opinion on a laundry basket and she began talking about the décor in her house, her favourite TV shows, her family and what she was having for dinner. She only stopped at the announcement that the store was closing in 10 minutes!


• On a plane - speaking to a lady who owns a manufacturing plant in Montreal that supplies La Senza and Victoria’s Secret who later introduced me to her family and friends as "my Holly" and invited me to visit her warehouse and pick some things to take home


• In an elevator – a man told me about how his wife just woke up one morning and said she was leaving with the kids and they had been married for 6 years….and on and on...hey, they are not all positive!

Maybe I’m just a sucker for ‘trying’ to be nice. In describing myself I would say I strive to be a people pleasing perfectionist – it’s just something that makes me feel good. I always make an effort to achieve eye contact, give a pleasant greeting and smile. I also try and listen to my best ability - if someone is talking they want to be heard. I do believe being ‘nice’ can get you far in life (personal and business) through the beneficial relationships you build and networking you conduct but you also get the immediate satisfaction of making someone's day just a little bit brighter even with a simple gesture.

You often only have a few seconds to leave an impression through your words, behaviour or actions. Being 'nice' doesn't take much effort and builds a tremendous and incredible sense of trust and integrity. It's a feel good action all around. I would like to try and do this more in the new year and have it at the top of my list as something to continuously work on.

If you have not yet experienced the benefits of being nice - or tried your best at it - now is the time to put it to the test.

Tis the season for random acts of kindness. Let's all be nice.

What happened to Christmas?

My Christmas Tree is now a "Holiday Tree" and my work Christmas party was called a "Year end gathering" - What happened to Christmas?

In doing some research I came across some interesting statistics.

Over the years:

• Three out of four employers no longer put up Christmas decorations in the workplace for fear of offending political correctness policing


• The royal mail has removed any Christian references from its Christmas stamps
  
• Some places have banned children from sitting on Santa's lap ( FYI Nana’s comment to this was “poor little bastards can’t even enjoy the holidays anymore”)


• The Red Cross banned Christmas nativity decorations from its UK charity shops in case of offending customers of other faiths

I do agree that Christmas has been drawn away from it's true meaning and become more commercialized but it's up to each individual on how they choose to celebrate. Through the years we continue traditions and new ones are added but these days with PC knocking down the door traditions are becoming short lived or distorted.

There are many pressures pushing us towards a Non-denominational Christmas holiday but supports such as the American Center for Law and Justice work to protect religious and constitutional freedoms stating: "It is important to note that nothing in the US Constitution prohibits students in public schools from exercising their constitutional right to express their religious beliefs - especially during the Christmas season. And, there are constitutional ways to celebrate Christmas in the public square as well." Not to say that I don't realize we are living in a continually growing diversified community but we need to create a common understanding for holidays celebrated and respect them as well as the people that believe in them. A Christmas without hope is not Christmas at all.

Here's a great version of a politically correct Christmas card greeting if you are interested:

"Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all."

...I'll stick to the good old "Merry Christmas" thank you very much!

I'm going to be a Mom....God Mom that is! (Let's not get carried away people!)

About a week ago I was asked the great honour of becoming a God Mom to Natalie and Mark's bundle of joy to be. This little one arrives in about two weeks time and I can’t wait to meet them. I am looking forward to watching this little person grow and being there to support and guide them along the way…and to spoil them with all the treats Mom & Dad won’t let them have!

So, its official - Auntie Holly is expanding the clan! I can't wait for all these soon to be babies to arrive... I'm expecting my little Cichy (which I know will be a Charlotte!), my Rice-Swing bean and hopefully soon Cora will be a big sister and a little Letto will be in the oven!

There appears to be a bit of a baby boom happening at the moment so I have been trying to avoid that water cooler! It seems as though most people I know are due in and around Christmas and the next boom will deliver in the spring! I think two of my favourite things are weddings and babies so with Sam’s wedding ahead and all my little arrivals I’m pretty well in my glory right now!

See you soon little guys!

PS Here is a picture of baby Cora at about 6 months and Natalie due any day now!

These are a few of my favourite things...

In honour of Oprah’s amazingly generous “Favourite Things” episode, I thought I would share some of my favourite things….although unfortunately I will not be able to provide each reader with a free sample! We can’t all bring home Oprah’s paycheck!

Why is my list better than Oprah’s? Because some of her items are strictly product placement ads and mine are genuinely tested goods that I would like to share with my circle of friends!

Some of my favourite things are people (my family and friends), places (Cayman) and seasons (Christmas)…but for the purpose of my list I’ll focus on gift ideas, personal goodies and hot shopping & eating stops.

My Favourite Things

See’s Candies : You know how I love my sweets - which makes workout Bootcamp difficult. I was originally introduced to See’s when Sam was living in LA and now they deliver to Canada! You can customize your own personal mix of chocolates - I recommend the Raspberry Cream!

Anything Elie Tahari : Did you know Elie Tahari is a man – it’s true, Marty was not impressed! He always has amazing clothes and even though it’s usually a bit of a splurge the quality and style makes it all worthwhile! Another favourite is Nanette Lepore.

Candles : There are two amazing stores for candles: Williams Sonoma and Belle de Provence in Bayview Village. What do I have on now? Well thank you for asking - A Peppermint oil candle from WS and a Cherry Lothantique candle from Belle de Provence.

Massages and Pedicures from the Stillwater Spa : Girls, if you have not been there get on the phone ASAP and book yourself a relaxing day to enjoy the best massage and pedicure in the city at the Hyatt Stillwater Spa in Yorkville!

Breakfast at the Park Hyatt : Breakfast could very well be my favourite meal of the day. I usually only have a yoghurt or fruit in the morning during the week but I enjoy the occasional weekend treat of going out!

Anything from Teatro Verde : Unique gifts & trinket heaven

Kiss Me Mascara : This mascara is amazing. It doesn’t run, stays on all day and comes off with water in ‘tubes’. You can get it at Trade Secrets.

Crème de la Mer : Okay, another splurge but again definitely worth it. I have been using the cream and eye cream for about 2 ½ years and it has been great for my dry skin.

Yves Saint Laurent Radiant Touch concealer : This stuff can mask even the worst of tired eyes or blemishes!

Kultura: If you have not been to this restaurant, you are missing out! I love the tapas style set up and the fun drink menu! (try the Molly Ringwald)

Frederic Fekkai shampoo & conditioner : Once again a splurge but my dry highlighted hair just soaks it up and feels nice and silky even after a blow dry

Tall Non-fat Tazo Chai latte from Starbucks : Tis the season for Christmassy tasting warm treats! I also like Peppermint Mocha's! Yum!

Pretty ribbon from Michaels : I’m a fan of stylish gift giving and every gift looks fantastic with a real ribbon bow on the top. Michaels always has great colours and styles even on sale!

Style at Home magazine : Definitely worth a subscription! Great ideas for decorating and local shopping stops.

Dentyne ice Frostbites gum : They are small but pack a punch!

Presidents Choice Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge Crackle Ice cream : This one does not need an explanation – I love it so much that when it’s not in the freezer section of the g-store during the months of October to February I ask for it at customer service…I know I’m a bit nuts about this one!

Chicken Fajitas from Jack Astors : Yeah well, I had to put it in here.

Spanx : I feel it is my womanly obligation to share Spanx with those of you who have been out of the loop! Love them! Everyone has got some little jiggly bits they would like to smooth out right? Especially after the See’s Candies, Candy Cane ice cream and chicken fajitas! I like the ones that are very high waisted so they don’t cut you off in the middle. Spanx also makes great reversible – yes, that’s right, I said reversible – Black / Brown opaque panty hose!

So that’s my list for now. I’ll keep thinking and update! What are your favourites?

PS Check out my Dad's Hollywood debut! (It's at 4:25 - 5:40 min. in the video) http://btqnetbeta2.com/videos.php

My Maggie

I must say when she first arrived I was not very happy. I was 8 when she was born. I was excited about the idea of having a little sister and then when she came home everyone wanted to hold her, play with her….my family, my friends…everyone! I was very jealous of the new little Maggie but slowly warmed up to having a sister and have not looked back since.

I can honestly say she could have been one of the cutest little kids I have ever seen. When I think of memories they are all of her wanting to follow me, play with me, be with me. She was made up of the sweetest disposition in a little girl you could ever ask for. With our 8 year age gap I missed a lot of her High School years while I was at University and now that she’s at University we don’t see each other all the time but try when we can. Even when I see her now I still expect the little 6 year old Maggie with her round Mickey Mouse glasses, big blue eyes and eyelashes so long they skim the lenses to show up at my door.

We have done so many incredible things together from African safari’s to shopping in New York and from scuba diving with sharks to tubing at the cottage. She was the maid of honour at my wedding and even though she might not realize it now I hope she knows that I’m proud to call her my sister and can’t believe the beautiful, generous and kind hearted woman she has become.

My Maggie turned 20 today and I’m feeling old. I would like to think of myself as very adaptive and typically embracing of change in my career and workplace – when it comes to family life I like things to stay the same. I don’t want my family and friends to get old, I don’t want traditions to be broken, I don’t like relationships to change. With time moving so quickly days roll into months and before your know it years have passed. For this reason I always try and keep family close and relish the moments we share together. I actually spend a larger part of holiday dinners, family functions and time with friends admiring their unique personalities, memorizing the moment and thinking how blessed I am to have them in my life.

Even if you can sometimes have a horrible sense of direction, be incredibly messy, unorganized and more often than not steal my clothes you “borrowed”, I am always here for you Maggie forever and always.

Happy Birthday.

Special Delivery!

Every Wednesday is ‘soup & sandwiches’ night – Marty makes a delicious new soup (yesterday was cheddar with crispy tortilla) and sammys on the panini maker for my family. It’s my favourite meal of the week and yesterday’s added special delivery made it even more fabulous!

What was the special delivery you ask? Let me explain…I don’t think of myself to be that crazy of a shoe gal but about eight months ago I fell in love. I had been stalking this pair of black patent leather Christian Louboutin’s. Each time I was at the mall I would visit them - but only to admire from a distance. After about two months of this nonsense I picked them up...month three I started to inquire and month four I tried them on only to find out that my size as well as this style was sold out across Canada and the U.S.

How on earth could this possibly be? This is where my mission began – ‘mission desperately need and must have them’. More realistically it was a blessing in disguise as the situation was more like ‘they are gone and you couldn’t afford them anyway so consider that a sign’. My sister and Mom just returned from an NY shopping trip where my Mom found them for me, wrapped them up and gave them to me as a late birthday day present. Thank you Mom & Dad!

As you might have guessed I wore those babies last night in my PJ’s to watch Private Practice on my couch and I’m doing it again tonight for Grey’s! Talk about a much better selection in NY! So, looks like I need somewhere special to go and sport my new pumps…any ideas?

PS My little niece Cora went pee in the potty for the first time today!…okay, maybe that was over share but it’s an exciting day in Auntie Holly’s world! Congratulations my little monkey!

Jumping on the blog bandwagon

Well hello there! Welcome to my blog – I’m new to this so please be patient with me while I set this up right. I have been a long time reader of some of my most favourite blogs such as ‘my two pennies’ and ‘this n’ that’ so I decided to give my own a try.

It didn’t take long to think of a name for a few reasons:

1) I think I was intended to be a fish – honestly…growing up I took swimming to lifeguard and scuba diving to Divemaster. I am a (warm!) water junkie!

2) My aquarium = my world – The name sounds appropriate to share with everyone what is happening within my little ecosystem!

3) I am a natural beach bum – For those of you who have seen my house, you know exactly what I mean! Shells and ocean inspired colours everywhere – sorry Marty! I am very intrigued by the sea and places such as Cayman feel like a second home to me – not just the ocean but the people, pace of life and health especially in the Caribbean is amazing.

So here we go…
I hope you’ll come back for more!

PS Here is one of my underwater scuba photos