I Saved Penelope's Life

07 May 2015

bunny

I Saved Penelope's Life

Remember a few weeks ago I wrote about Penelope being sick? It's okay if you don't remember, you can read all about it HERE to read all about it. Any who, the other day, I took Penelope back to the vet for a check up to see whether or not she has been improving or not.

Lately, Penelope has been doing really well. She's been eating her lettuce, and on a few occasions, I found her eating some hay (although she used to never touch it). I'm not sure if it is the heat that is evaporating the water, or if it is Penelope drinking water, all I know she is actually being hydrated because I'm starting to see her pee on my bed (which, let me tell you, is not fun changing me sheets every few hours). She hasn't been eating carrots, which she used to love, but I guess lettuce is better than nothing, right?

Oddly, she's been having a weird craving for bread. And, I say this in confidence because whenever I eat a sandwich, or have a cracker out, she would pull out her cuteness in an attempt to get a bite. By this, I mean, she would go on her hind-legs with her adorable eyes, and use her forearms and hands to rest on ur legs while looking at you. I of course say no, for her health of course; but my dad falls for her cuteness every time...

Anyways, when the vet saw us, he was actually impressed with me. He told me he actually expected Penelope to leave us the day after we first saw him. I guess I should have known when he called the next day asking how she was doing. He really complimented me on giving Penelope her daily dosage of freshly squeezed pineapple juice, and papaya tablets. When he used a stethoscope to listen to her tummy, he said he can really hear an improvement.

Lesson of the day: papaya tablets are a must in Penelope's diet.

I think me making an effort to give her what she needs, and what is she suppose to have, without feeling too sad about making her feel betrayed, really saved her life. I am happy I took her to the vet that day, and not a day later like I originally planned. I am also happy I didn't give up when she resisted the pineapple juice and papaya tablets. 

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The Long Nails are Back!

06 May 2015

my looks

The Long Nails are Back!

Yes! My long nails are back! 

The other day my sister decided she wanted to get her nails done. And, in the spare of the moment, I just couldn't resist! I've had acrylic nails done before, everything from a weird random design, to french tip. I've also had many different shapes, the most recent being the pointy claw look (click HERE to see that).

I know acrylic nails are bad for nails, well for mine anyway, but I still spent the $30 to get my nails done. Why? Well, it is summer, and I decided to treat myself!  Why not give the illusion that my nails can actually grow long without breaking, right?

I actually got my nails shorter than usual. Learning from my previous experience with acrylic nails, and learning just after 2 weeks you can instead refill them as opposed to taking them off, and getting them again, I decided to get my nails short. But, looking at my nails, I know they are not short. According to the nice lady who did them for me, these were short... so, I simply agreed while she continued the process. 

The picture actually makes the red of the nails much more lighter than they really are. I actually got the red colour called, relentless ruby from OPI. So, if you're looking for a seductive red, Relentless Ruby should be your first pick!

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Book Review: Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

05 May 2015

book review

Book Review: Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I found my way into the cutest used book store, and found myself buying my first "chick-lit" novel (post found HERE). At first, I was bit skeptical about what a chick-lit novel really was. But, the title, Then Came You attracted my attention.  You know how people say, "Don't judge a book by its cover"? Well, you shouldn't with this book. 

At first the title, Then Came You, made me assume it would be a romantic type of novel where a girl had everything set in place for herself, until, unexpectedly, a man would waltz into her life and change everything - her perspective of life, her ideas, and habits, everything. But, that was not what this book was about. I should have realized that the moment I read the back of the book, which briefly introduced 3 of the 4 main characters that I was about to read about.

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Summary

According to Good Reads:

The lives of four very different women intertwine in unexpected ways in this new novel by best selling author Jennifer Weiner (In Her Shoes; Best Friends Forever). Each woman has a problem: Princeton senior Jules Wildgren needs money to help her dad cure his addiction; Pennsylvania housewife Annie Barrow is gasping to stay financially afloat; India Bishop yearns to have a child, an urge that her stepdaughter Bettina can only regard with deeply skepticism until she finds herself in a most unexpected situation. Interlocking dramas designed to ensnare; bound to be a bestseller.

Back of the novel:

Jules is a gifted college student - but at a personal cost. She has acquaintances instead of friends and a father battling addiction. When she discovers she can earn much needed money by donating her eggs, she believes she has finally found a way to save him.

Annie married her high school sweetheart and became a mother. After years of struggling to support her family she think she's found a way to recover a sense of purpose and bring some extra cash.

India has changed everything about herself and when she falls for a wealthy older man, Marcus, she decides a baby will ensure her happy-ever-after. But she must turn to Annie and Jules to help make her dream come true. 

Then each of their plans is thrown into disarray when Marcus' daughter, intent on protecting her father, becomes convinced that his new wide is not what she seems . . . 

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My Thoughts

When I first opened the book, I was honestly surprised at how well the story gripped me into the pages. Although I was super busy that week, I did not want to put the book down. I found myself even bringing the book with me wherever I went. For example, when I knew I was suppose to pick up my sister from the GO Station, I found myself leaving at least 30 minutes earlier than usual so that I would have a 30 extra minute to read the book.

It was a real turn-pager in my opinion. Each chapter was based on the perspective of a different character. There were four women, all of whom were in different relatable stages of their lives. At first, I personally felt that I related to Jules because of the way she thinks. She usually likes to get away from her hectic campus life to be alone elsewhere. And, although she knew she was beautiful, she didn't really show too much of it. She would still dress in her sweat pants, wear her hair in a ponytail, and just wear a simple eyeliner-mascara look. What made me love her character much more was how much she really cared for her father; and what she was willing to do to help him. That is something I can most definitely relate to. Other than those attributes, I don't think we related in other situations.

Another character I found myself starting to relate to was surprising Annie. I think what realized I could basically be her, was when I read how she and her husband made love. The relationship between Annie and her husband, Frank, reminded me of the relationship between Jay and I - from the colours of skin, to his values and my wants. I found her character really related, which made me really start thinking more into my future.

The other two characters, India and Bettina, were complete opposites, both with lives I found interesting. Overall, all 4 characters were in different stages of their lives, and all connected in a way that resulted them meeting at the end - which I thought was very exciting!

Favourite Quotes:

"He's a fish. You're a big girl. Play him in easy, and remember: you're smarter than he is." - India

"You got a man?" he persisted.
"None of your business."
"Taking that as a no," he said cheerfully... - Bettina

My Rating:  4.5/5 
Overall, I found myself loving this book! Like I said, it was a real page turner, and was definitely interesting reading from the different perspectives of 4 completely different women, from different social and financial backgrounds. I loved the idea of the book, and I especially loved the characters. There is no doubt that Jennifer Weiner has a way with words, that makes reading fun, and easy!

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May Edition: Monthly Wishes

04 May 2015

monthly goals

May Edition: Monthly Wishes

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It is May already? I swear just yesterday it was the first day of April, and I was stressing over about starting to study for exams, and finishing all my papers that were due shortly. Now, it is May, I'm on summer vacation, and about to start my fourth year of university in summer school. I am loving the weather, and I cannot wait to get mad at the sun for darkening my skin, while I hang out int he sun without sun protection!
Any who, it is the beginning of May, and that means goal setting time. Hopefully these goals will help me accomplish what I need to complete or get done or wish to do during the month of May! 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Month's Wishes

Well, from the looks of it, it doesn't seem that I've actually posted down my goals for last month. But, looking at the weekly wishes post from last month, it was apparent that I wanted to hit the gym 4-5 times a week. Because I was off from school, I clearly didn't do it.. oops! My other goal was to blog more regularly. I think after my exams I was more successful with that goal. And, my other goal was to plan in general; which I definitely think was successful! 
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This Month's Wishes

1. Get a summer body. I learnt one of my friends will be celebrating her birthday next month at Wasaga beach. This means... I need to get my summer body (or at least a nice looking tummy) in one month. This month's exercise plan will solely focused on this in addition to others like my arms and booty.
2. Blog more. Quality is better than quantity. SO, instead of the mindset of "blogging everyday", I rather have more post more meaningful posts that I genuinely enjoy writing. 
3. Make and save money. I need to start making and saving money for the 2015-2016 year school year. The goal is to make, and actually save it. I'm notorious for spending the money I make... I think this summer I'm going to have to choose wisely on what I choose to spend my money on; especially if I do not want to increase my student loans. 
4. Read a book. Last month I successful read one book. I know, not impressive. But, this month, hopefully before summer school starts, I'll be able to finish two books. 
5. Kill summer school! I shouldn't have any excuses this summer. I am only taking one course during the first two months of summer school, and a different course in the last two months of summer school. So, really, I have one subject per semester. This gives me more time to study and put more of an effort into these courses, and hopefully come out with an A in each course. 

These are my goals for the month. If you made a post sharing your goals for the month of May, leave a link below in the comments, and I would love to hop over to your blog and leave you some encouragement!

Have a great Monday, xo

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A Well Needed Introduction! | Blog Everyday in May: Day 1 & 2

03 May 2015

blog challenge

A Well Needed Introduction! | Blog Everyday in May: Day 1 & 2

Well, hello there fellow bloggers! In an attempt to bring out my creative side, I decided it was about time I rejoined a blogging challenge! So, with that being said; today's prompt should be an easy one! But, because I joined the prompt a day late, I'm combining both Day 1 and Day 2 prompts in today's post! Here we go..

Day 1: Introduce Yourself! AND Day 2: 5 Photos that Tell My Story

Let's get the basics out of the way..  My name is Vanessa, but people usually just call me Nessa, or Vee. I am a 20 year old full time student enrolled at the University of Toronto about to begin my journey as a 4th year undergraduate student. I'm currently completely an Honours Bachelor of Science degree double majoring in Psychology and Anthropology. As much as I complain about the school system, I love learning, and therefore, I actually enjoy my classes. 

I think it is safe to say that I am very short, probably the shortest 20 year old in my family. With that being said, I'm 5'1 feet tall, and I used to be average height in comparison to my elementary school friends.. So, I really don't know if it was the lack of milk, or the non-existent short gene in my family that made me "short"; but, like I said, it is safe to call me short. 

I have only one sister, her name is Ashley, and she is 19 years old. People usually get confused about our age difference, because according to the school system, we are separated by 2 years; but looking at our date of birth, we are only 1 year and 4 months apart. We literally grew up receiving questions of us being twins. Eh, we eventually got used to it as our parents would often time confuse us when addressing us. But, lately, we actually haven't been receiving those "I get you guys so confused" remarks. I think it is just easier to remember that Ashley is the taller one.

Yes, I have a man in my life for almost 5 years. I do in fact like to keep that part of my life on the private side. Which is probably why you never see a photo of him and I together posted on my blog, or Facebook, or twitter. I learnt from my past that some people act like they care; but deep down are just wishing/hoping bad and negative energy towards me. So, I rather keep my positivity (a.k.a Jay) away from all of that!

I have the cutest bunny in the world! Her name is Penelope, and she has turned into something more than just a pet for me. She is so cuddly, and furry, and just a bundle of cuteness I cannot get over. You probably already know so much about her because of how much I show her off. She's been in my life for more than a year now... Hopefully, she will stay in my life a little longer!

I think that is pretty much the gist of me. As you can tell, I really cannot go on and on about myself... it actually gets me nervous and I start to feel self-conscious because I don't want to give that vibe that, "its all about me"... because that's really not me. I'm more of a people person; and I think it is the  truth when I say, I usually put others before me- and I really don't mind helping another person out.

Well, that's me!

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I'm linking up with the Blog Everyday in May challenge hosted by Belinda at Found Love Now What. Check out the prompts for the month! (click HERE)! 

 

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Silent Sunday #54

silent sunday

Silent Sunday #54

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FREEBIES: May 2015 Desktop and Phone Calendar

01 May 2015

freebies

FREEBIES: May 2015 Desktop and Phone Calendar

During my few days, well weeks, off from school, I've been making an effort to make my blog more up to date. That included changing most of my past post blog pictures, updating some of my tabs, and really just customizing most of my links. As I was going through some of my categories, I realized my "FREEBIES" tab was lacking. In fact, the last time I created a freebie was LAST May. 

So, because today is the first day of May, why not start it back up and share with you a Freebie May 2015 desktop?!

Downloading this background is easy. Simply right click on the image and select "save as", and save the image into a file of your choice. On your phone, you can simply save the image into your camera role, or even screen capture the image. Enjoy!

background image via

background image via

background image via

background image via

Note; If you're like me and have sticky notes and folders all over your desktop, you can use the phone calendars as desktop calendars. Take a look below to see an example!

 

Disclaimer:

This images aren't mine. Links linking back to original photos can be found under each desktop calendar. 

Note: The first image belongs to 55Laney69 and changes were made to the images - adding the text for the calendar portion, and brightening up the images. The background image was found HERE.

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