Happiness and Positivity

Life is all about learning and growing. Everyday influences the person you will be tomorrow. In life you seem to go through ups and downs, things change all the time. Some days are better than others, and some days you feel like you're on top of the world. People say that to achieve true happiness you must be happy with what you have today. I couldn't agree more with the statement. The thought that people are always chasing a better day, a better job, and a better life just baffles me. What is even more appalling is when people are always looking for the greener grass but do nothing about it. There is nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself and your life, but being happy with the one you have in the moment will help you achieve that. Great things do not come to people who just sit on their toochies watching Netflix everyday, and ordering UberEats. There are so many things you could be doing. Be a go-getter, a doer, a goal-setter, amphibious and work hard for what you want. Have a positive attitude everyday and try to look at the silver lining in every situation. If I could inspire even just one person in my life, that would truly be the greatest gift. You need to do what is best for you, and if the ones you love inspire you in any shape, way or form that is huge bonus. There are so many things you could do, little things everyday to help improve your life and remember how lucky you are just to be you!

When you wake up everyday, try to think positive thoughts. Think of what makes you happy, what you are grateful for and what you want to achieve today. It could be as little as having your meals prepped for the morning, or cleaning your room. 

Keep a positive Journal. At the end of each, write all the positive things you did that day. Write about things that made you happy, things that you learned or did and go back and read them from time to time.

Keep To-Do Lists. This is something I do every day. It keeps me productive and organized and makes sure everything I need to get done gets done and this helps me feel so accomplished at the end of the day! 

Exercise is so healthy for your overall health and has so many pyschological benefits as well. When have you ever done something active and felt like shit after? You release negative toxins from your body while keeping yourself in shape and full of energy! I have been trying to do at least 30 minutes every morning to keep me going and ready for the day ☺

Tune Out. Give yourself some you time everyday. Whether it is by yourself, with family or friends. Put your phone down and be present in the moment and enjoy it! It is amazing how great you feel when you don't have to worry for a while about work or other negative attributes of your everyday life.

Mostly, enjoy the simple little things and be grateful. There is a reason I chose to name my blog The Simple Little Things, because its those things that make life so great! The smell of a campfire on a summer night, a nice glass of Cab Sauv with good friends, the sound of popping champagne, the way it feels when my puppy gives me kisses, nights in with that special someone, and so much more. It's the little things that make your heart warm that makes life such a beautiful thing and we should never take those for granted. If you acknowledge them a little more every once in a while then what could make us happier. 

Cheers to another day, and new memories and lives filled with happy times and thoughts ...

Dee ♥ xo

The Windy City

Chicago.... home of beautiful skyscrapers, great comfort food, history, and unknown adventure. There is so much wonderful to see here and experience everyday so if you are looking for a fun city to explore for a quick weekend getaway I would highly recommend it! The food is off the charts yummy and don't even get me started on the beer selection... Goose Island.. congrats on officially becoming my favourite and let's get the ball moving on getting 312 up to Toronto oooookkaayyy! I mean, I need this in my life for those warm summer nights by the campfire, some good ol' country tunes with my old one of choice, which is you so common now. The city has something for everyone, whether you want top of line shopping or simply enjoy cruising along the waterfront on a bike you can find it here. I never realized how functional a city could be until I went to Chicago. All the cute little neighborhoods, there are times that you don't even remember you are in the city.  If you do find the time to go on a little adventure here are a list of things that are must sees according to moi :) 

The Navy Pier
Navy Pier is an iconic city landmark inspiring discovery and wonder. With lots of attractions, events and beautiful views there is nothing that the Navy Pier doesn't offer for a fun filled weekend in Chicago. Endless food options, a Ferris Wheel with amazing views, shops, the children's museum, and much more. If you have time stop into Harry Caray's Tavern for some mind blowing Nachos and a cold beer. Take a scroll around the pier by the water and see/get involved in all the activities they have going on! There is something new every weekend.

 

 

Shedd Aquarium 
Home to thousands of fish, mammals and wildlife the Shedd Aquarium is a great must see in Chicago for all visitors. Pet some fishies and starfish, bring the kids, go on a date its a fun time! If you decide to get the Chicago City Pass for around $90 US, this gives you VIP access to the aquarium and all of its exhibits. Watch an amazing show featuring dolphins, penguins and a cute little puppy. If you are able to book in advance, the aquarium also allows behind the scenes visits where you can interact with a penguin, or be a dolphin trainer for a day. Once you finish at the aquarium, stop just outside for a classic Chicago Style Hot Dog - ps. beware if you ask for ketchup you will get a death stare - don't say I didn't warn you! 

 

 

Architectural Tour 
Chicago is home to some amazing architecture, and drowning in history! You can get tickets for this boat tour down the river at the Navy Pier or also with Groupon (make sure to check this out when visiting from outside of the city because you can find some great things to do for cheaper prices) You spend a good couple hours floating down the river where a professional guide take you through all the building and their historical and present significance with the city. It does get a little bit chilly on the water so bring a sweater if you're going any time outside of the summer months. The boat also offers complimentary drinks and cookies which are tres bien for your comfort and riding pleasure. 

 

 

Walking
Chicago is a very easy city to navigate through which makes it very easy to walk around. Take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile and have your credit card ready. With everything from Forever 21 to Prada everyone can shop or window shop in this neighborhood. Cabs can get pretty expensive so it's great that you can walk everywhere and take in the views. 
Stop by all the Chicago city parks and enjoy a nice Peet's Coffee, basically the Starbucks of Chicago for anyone who is wondering! They also offer great pastries and breakfast sandwiches and make for a great day to start the day! Don't forget to check out the fountain down by the water! It's absolutely massive and definitely worth the sight!

 

Biking
Although walking is always great, but if it's not your cup of tea then you can always rent a city bike and cruise through the city on a nice set of wheels. If you're from Toronto, its basically the exact same concept as a Bic Bike that you can pick up and drop off at the various locations all around the city! We went and road down the entire river walk all around Chicago, stopped by the Legendary Chicago Cloud, also known as the bean, and all around the water from Shedd Aquarium, to Navy Pier and all the parks in between. If you have limited time in the city you should for sure consider this as an option because you get from Point A to Point B super quick and really allows you maximize your time efficiently. 

Dining
Dinner - Ditka's Steakhouse 
If you're a meat eater, make sure you stop by this spot! It is probably one of the best meals I have ever had! Tender Steak, fresh sides and great wine makes for a good time! $$$
Drinks - Signature Lounge 
Located on the 95th floor at the John Hancock Centre, you will feel your ears pop as you go up, up, up! With amazing signature cocktails and mouth watering desserts you will experience the most breathtaking views of the city. If you go during the day, make sure you allow time for long wait times. If you just wish to go to the viewing area, its $30 a person to go up. If you are going to the signature lounge, entry is complimentary. We personally went at night, which is stunning and you get to see the whole city light up! 
Pizzzzza - Giordano's 
Don't even think about going to Chicago and not trying a traditional Chicago deep dish pizza! The gooy loads of cheese, perfectly crisp crust and that mouth watering sauce is something that you will dream about for years to come until your next visit to the big city! 
Beers - Goose Island 312, Matilda, Sofie .... yess yess yess!

 

Well, there you have it folks! Some of the highlights and must sees in Chicago! I hope you're adventures are full of every-lasting memories, endless photos, good food, and everything else you want it to be! 

Until next time beauties... 

Dee ♥♥ xo



 

2H, H, F, 2B, 4B

Beauty: It has such a broad meaning, varies from person to person... What are your perceptions of beauty and what does this word mean to you? 

Follow up response blog to come next week xo

An Open Letter to Myself

We all know it's hard to learn who you are and what you want.
Some of us just are so lost and maybe find comfort in pleasing people, or you find validation in doing it.

I am still trying each and every day to find my strength within myself. To do whats best for me, to let people go who do not need to be there nor really truly care if they are, to follow my heart, to achieve my dreams and my wants and do what truly make me happy. No doubt I have come a long way and for that I am proud of myself but it did not happen over night and it is not over and never will be. With each day and year I grow, I learn new things about myself, some things that I have known all along and just never listened to and some things that I never knew were there. I have made a lot of mistake in my life, and for that I want to apologize to myself...

I am sorry for all the times I doubted myself
I spent many nights crying myself to myself because I was upset about decisions I made both in the present and in the past. With every doubt, I obsessed over the negatives and drowned in my own sorrows and self pitty subconsciously knowing that in the end I would make it through each heartache. Every road block that life has thrown at me, I have in the end learned from it and tried to make myself better. From this moment on, I promise to believe in my strength, confidence and full potential when it comes to achieving my goals. Knowing my heart and knowing my worth.

I am sorry for hating you
Getting angry at myself for things that were at times out of my control and at times within it. At the end of the day I do love myself. I love my heart, I love my soul and I love the person that I am. I might sometimes be considered weak and soft because I overly care about other peoples feelings, and trying to always do the right thing and say the right thing. I hated myself for wanting to never give anyone the opportunity to say something bad about me because at the end of the day I was a nice person. Finally understanding that people are going to say what they want to say, For beating myself down because I compare myself to my peers who seem to have their lives figured out and are successful and still feeling like you are lost. For making me feel like I am a failure and I am not on the same stage as them. I know myself, and I don't hate you.

I am sorry for giving people the attention that they don't deserve
Providing attention and being overly sensitive to their feelings. Being a "people pleaser" and always wanting people to like me, and be the nice girl. Trying hard to have someone appreciate you that clearly doesn't and won't. The want for someone to see you for how great you think you are but they just don't and probably never will. Putting their needs above my own and making yourself feel like you were just a stepping stone in their life that was easily thrown on the ground. At the end of the day being invisible in their lives to only be left disappointed in the end. I am sorry for letting people take advantage and abuse my kindness and my heart while mistaking me for a weak person.

It is all okay now, I have come to terms with who I am, what I am, and the person I want to be. I appreciate myself and I appreciate my heart. I am kind, I am caring, I am strong, I am adventurous, and I am happy.

With life comes many ups and downs, if you let people walk all over you and spend time on people who do not see your worth and your value then you are wasting a precious gift. Life is all about growth, take the adventure and ride the wave. In the end be happy with who you are, what you have and enjoy the simple little things that make life great. I am far from perfect, I still have my struggles and they aren't going to stop... I'm still in my 20's I understand that. I will be my own support system and I will trust in my journey.

Always remember...
Somewhere, someone is happier with less than you have. One of the biggest mistakes is that I fail to remember is that where I am in life, this is not permanent.

Think only the best, look positively into the future. All those mistake that you have made will make you who you are. Pay attention to yourself and work on your own improvements. If you are lucky enough to find someone who appreciates the person that you are, just you as a person, hold on to them. Having someone see your soul and not your occupation, where you come from or mistakes you've made is a rare and something to be treasured. Having them know your flaws and admire them or want to be there for you is a beautiful thing.

As for yourself

You don't have to be perfect
You can make mistakes
You don't have to know what the rest of your future holds

It's enough to know where you are going tomorrow

Have a good one and Enjoy the wave Dee ❤ xo

A World of Magic - Walt Disney World Orlando

Taking a trip to the most magical place on earth as an adult was such an amazing experience. Having the chance to feel like a little kid again, hanging out with Mickey Mouse and I mean what girl doesn't want to feel like she'd a princess walking through Cinderella's castle? I went once before when I was about 10-11 but going when you're older is sure to bring all things wonderful back into your life! Taking your first steps into downtown USA, seeing the extravagant parades, and putting on your Minnie Mouse ears for the first... there is a reason to believe in magic. We were also super lucky because my brothers girlfriend was working there at the time so we had our own little tour guide who took care of our entire itinerary and really made sure we got to experience the best of the best! If you are planning a trip the best thing you can do is download the Disney World app! It shows you everything to do, wait times for attractions, lets you make reservations, purchase merchandise, view photos taken online and so much more!

We stayed at the Holiday Inn right outside of Disney which was great! If you have ever tried to plan a trip to Disney World then you know staying at a Disney resort can cost a pretty penny but staying right outside we only paid $224.00 CAN for 3 night! It was a bit outdated and not warm enough to use the pool when we went but it had a great bed and that's basically all we used it for. Uber's and Lift's are super accessible and super cheap so getting around was not a problem at all! Not to mention there was a McDonald's right next door so it was chicken fingers for breakfast errrrrday! ($5.00 for 20 whaaat?!!)

Alright so lets do this, 1.5 days to see as much as Disney World as we can.. what do you do... and GO! 

Day One...

After arriving late because of a delayed flight from Toronto just after 1pm, we started our magical adventure making our way to Disney's Animal Kingdom. If you are an animal lover like myself ♥ then this park will make you feel like Simba is going to run by you in about .065 seconds of walking through the gates. If you happen to go make sure you do the Kilimanjaro Safari! You drive through each continent on a Safari Truck and get up close and personal with real wild animals in this man made habitat Disney has created. Lions and Tigers and Bears... oh my! Now, I should warn you that you don't get to touch them or even get out of the truck but seeing the beauty of these amazing animals is truly, as Walt would say... magical. Take a walk through all the different little "country's" they have throughout the park and don't forget to take your picture with the tree of life. This park is a lot of walking and sightseeing, there are some fun activities and meet and greets as well but the line ups to meet your favourite character are super long (don't say I didn't warn you)!

To see a list of all animal kingdoms attractions Click Here :)

Okay.. off to Epcot! I feel like Epcot is probably the most underrated theme park in the bunch. It sounds kinda boring and the whole concept is more focused on the world rather than Disney and its like okay cool but I came for the mouse you know? It ended up being my favourite land of the bunch! It might of helped that the weekend we chose to go happened to be the food & wine festival but who knows haha... It was absolutely amazing and you really feel like you are walking all around the planet in an hour. Greeted by Spaceship Earth upon entry (that's that big dome you see everywhere) we walked straight through all the beginning exhibits straight to the World Showcase. Of course right as you walk up Canada is going to be on your right hand side because we are just oh so friendly 😏 you can then continue on to see the UK, France, Morocco, Japan, America, Italy, Germany, China, Norway and more! A little inside fun fact: everyone who works in the each country in Epcot is actually brought in from that country to work there. It gives it a real sense of authenticity and thousands of people from all over the world apply to come here and work. Make sure you try some of all the amazing food options, check out the gift shops that are catered to each location and watch the fireworks at the end of the night! If you are a fan of rides my top 2 from my entire Disney experience were here. The first is called Mission: Space which is a centrifugal motion simulator thrill ride that simulates what an astronaut might experience aboard a spacecraft on a mission to Mars, from the higher g-force of liftoff to the speculative hypersleep. You might not want to forget a plastic bag for this one, I handle motion quite well and even I was feeling a little tummy turned after this ride! The second and by far my favourite was Soarin' which is a 4D ride that you sit in a row of seats and it brings you up into the air and holds you there. There is then a floor to ceiling video playing that simulates as if you are soarin' all around the world with wide open wings! Be amazed by the scents, mist and views of this beautiful planet in a 5 minute glide.

To see a list of all epcots attractions Click Here :)

You could imagine that by this time we got a little bit hungry so we decided to head to Downtown Disney for a late night bite!  The streets filled with neon lights, located right on the water, you can really feel all the excitement everyone is experiencing. Lots of great restaurants and gift shops and activities for the whole family and if you want to get a little time away from little ones.... come and get your drink on!

Day Two...

Being a professional sleeper, Day Two was not such an early start! (ps. this is actually very unusual for me on a vacation) We had reservations for Be Our Guest - the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant in Magic Kingdom! This restaurant is absolutely amazing, I seriously thought I was Belle walking into Prince Adams castle. The grand ballroom, west wing and dining room is straight out the movie and the food was tres tres bien! It is basically impossible to get a reservation so make sure you book ASAP because it books up months in advance. Take a stroll and dine in one of Disney's iconic movies and feel the magic. Right after lunch we started walking around the park. Some rides I would highly recommend are Monsters Inc. Scare Floor - an interactive comedy show hosted by Mikey himself where they actually pick people out of the audience and make fun of them its a good time! Space Mountain, Pirates of the Carribean, and Splash Mountain. Please note that on Splash Mountain, you will get wet no matter how hard you try and TRUST ME i tried! 

There is clearly a reason Magic Kingdom was called that, it is truly magical. Filled with so many different lands you feel as if you are taking a trip through time. From Tomorrowland, to Downtown USA, to the desserts of Agraba you will not be disappointed even as an adult. The parades are spectacular and extravagant and you can't help but have happiness beam from your body. Daily shows hard held right in front of Cinerella's castle and you get to see all your favourite Disney stars sing and dance iconic songs. 

For dinner we ate at Liberty Tree Tavern - a family style old America restaurant that's all you can eat. Enjoy slow cooked beef and turkey, salad, amazing Mac n Cheese, mashed potatoes and so much more. The best part is you keep going until you have a food baby and are ready to crawl out of the park. Big don't miss*** the fireworks at magic kingdom at the end of the night are beautiful! Watch Tinkerbell fly up over Cinderella's castle and the night explode into colours and lights of beauty.   

Lastly we headed to the Disney Boardwalk for a late night walk and to see the yacht club. Little did we know we ended up on a little gaitor hunt in the big lake that the boardwalk surrounds. Probably not the best idea so you may want to scratch that from your itinerary even though we didn't see any according to me... they thought they say one but whatevaaa. All in all 4 parks in a day and a half seemed pretty accomplished to me! Disney is a place where anything can happen so let it happen.... 

Until next time, we love you Mickey Mouse! 

 

Oh deer, Oh deer

 

Throughout the world Deer symbolizes tenderness tempered with strength. This allows Deer spirit to act even when obstacles challenge the path. Deer also comes as a playmate for our inner child reminding us of innocent times where the smallest flower provided a smile and excitement. 

She acts as a reminder of the power of love and compassion. 

When you put aside ego and let yourself walk a mile in another’s forest, much of your ire naturally falls off burdened shoulders.

The World is Yours

People think that everything is your life has to occur at a certain time. There is a time and place for everything. We are always growing and changing. Our wants, our needs, and our dreams. They say the key to truly living a happy life is being happy with each day that you have and the point in which you are. Savour every moment, enjoy it, live it, and smile through it. You can be anything you want to be. Hard work, dedication and passion are all positive driving factors but just take it day by day. Don't let anyone beat you down including yourself. You are in control and you are your own compass, allow it to drive you when the time is right, it will all come.