July 2018 PLAYLIST

Hey everyone!

 

I hope your summer is treating you well! We just celebrated Canada Day on July 1st, which means summer is really kicking off here. I know a lot of you have the 4th of July celebrations creeping up on you, so to all of my USA friends – have safe and be fun!

I have been getting lost in music lately and I had to share some of my favs with you guys.

• Summer Air – Italobrothers
• Midsummer Madness – 88rising (ft. Jodi, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers & AUGUST 08)
• Run – Matt Nathanson (ft. Sugarland)
• Love Ain’t – Eli Young Band
• You & Jennifer – bülow
• Glamorgan- Bryce Vine
• Vance Joy’s ENTIRE new album
• Mama’s Song – Carrie Underwood (tears)

Can’t wait to see what all of you are getting up to this July,

xx

SUMMER 2018 To-Read List

Hey everyone!

A change of pace from my post yesterday, but I want to hit a list of some must-read books for the 2018 summer season.

 The High Tide Club – Mary Kay Andrews

“The queen of the summer beach reads is releasing her latest novel, about an eccentric billionaire heiress, a young lawyer, and a group of former friends reuniting in a southern beach town. If you like stories about friendships, murder, love, and secrets in an impossibly gorgeous setting, this will be the summer read you can’t put down.” – Good Housekeeping

The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion

“From one of America’s iconic writers, a stunning book of electric honesty and passion. Joan Didion explores an intensely personal yet universal experience: a portrait of a marriage–and a life, in good times and bad–that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child.” – Amazon

The High Season: A Novel – Judy Blundell

“In a beach town overrun with vacationers and newly colonized by socialites, one woman goes to extreme lengths when the life she loves is upended. The ultimate summer read, this novel of money, class, and family is perfect for fans of Meg Wolitzer, Curtis Sittenfeld, and Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s The Nest.” – Good Reads

 

 

Peach – Emma Glass

“Something has happened to Peach. Staggering around the town streets in the aftermath of an assault, Peach feels a trickle of blood down her legs, a lingering smell of her anonymous attacker on her skin. It hurts to walk, but she manages to make her way to her home, where she stumbles into another oddly nightmarish reality: Her parents can’t seem to comprehend that anything has happened to their daughter.” – Bloomsbury

Milk and Honey – Rupi Kaur

“milk and honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. It is about the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. It is split into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose, deals with a different pain, heals a different heartache. milk and honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.” – Good Reads

 

I hope that you found a couple interesting reads to your list!

What are next up for your reading pleasure?

SUMMER DATE IDEAS

Hello lovelies,

For all of my people in the Western hemisphere, I hope summer is treating you well and that you’re getting plenty of well-SPF’ed sunshine! I know that summer is one of the most romantic seasons (whether you’re in a long-term relationship or playing the singles game), so I came up with a list of summer date ideas that’ll be worth checking out this season.

Hiking

• Okay, so I’m a little biased, and I live only 3 minutes away from Jasper and the Great Canadian Rockies! Sothroughout the summer, you can frequently find me hiking up a mountain. However, if you don’t have easy access to the mountains, you can still hike local trails!

Beach days

• Okay, so there might not be too many things more relaxing than a beach date with your beau. Rent a canoe, paddle board or kayaks to make the day a little more adventurous! Or even catch the sunset on the water.

Local/county fair

• Go walk the county fair, appreciate the street performers, snack on some cotton candy, win a teddy bear and MOST DEFINITELY take a romantic trip for two around the ferris wheel.
• Speaking of ferris wheel – I NEED TO GO TO BRIGHTON.

Volunteer

• I know that majority of non-profit organizations are looking for volunteers, and not to mention – ANIMAL SHELTERS! I volunteer at one of the local shelters in Edmonton, Alberta and I love it. Spend your date day making the world a better place!

• 

Berry Picking

• I know in Canada, we have lots of farmers that let people come through with buckets and pick berries, apples, vegetables, etc. Pinpoint a warm evening to do this with your handsome beau.

Wine tasting

• This is for my 18+ (or 21+ in the USA) peeps, but a wine tasting date is a great idea! Book a wine tour, and sip on some alcohol in the summer sun
• Not to mention, is there any very more beautiful than a vineyard?

Star gazing

• All I’m saying, is that your boyfriend has a pickup truck, then lay down a blanket and drive out to a remote location. Pop some bubbly and just lay there and look at the BEAUTIFUL NIGHT SKY!

Driving range

• Go hit some balls and show that you’re a good sport! Besides, he can wrap his arms around you.

Let me know if you have any additional date ideas for the summer? I’ll be using them for me and mine!

Happy sunshine and summertime,

Shop here: www.muttsnmotivation.com 

Visit me here: www.instagram.com/celinadawdy

Writer, dog lover…and BUSINESS OWNER?

Hello all my lovely friends,

I apologise for my recent absence. I have had my sights set on a business venture that I am SO passionate in. As majority of you know, I am an avid animal lover. I own three of my own little rascals, that made my entire world spin around. I have been a volunteer at the local shelter for three years now, and have done fundraising on the side since I was a child.

I finally got the ball rolling on my own online shop! I sell apparel for animal lovers – and get this – a percentage of proceeds goes toward North American rescues! I am so excited to finally be doing something that makes my heart sing, while simultaneously giving back.

 

Here are a few samples of the things we are selling! Not to mention, we can have your favourite breed written in the FRIENDS font on the most cozy crewneck EVER!

Despite the fact that these samples look like they are geared toward the pitbull lover, I can customise any of the samples to fit the breed and/or name of your favourite fur-baby!

If you’re interested in checking it out, you can find me HERE.

I hope you all had a lovely long weekend, xx

February 2018 PLAYLIST

I’m back (already) with a peek into my phenomenal music favs. Hit me up for a little singer/songwriter, some EDM…you name it, I got it (except for you metal fans – I can’t get on board with that. I’m sorry.

• I’m Not Her by Clara Mae (brb, dancing in my panties with a glass of wine)
• Mine by Bazzi (you so fkn’ precious when you smiiiiile)
• We’re Going Home by Vance Joy (put it on the record: I want this to be my funeral song. With any luck, Vance Joy will be my mourning husband (love you so much))
• The Best You Had by Nina Nesbitt (irrelevant to my current relationship but I just DWELL on the time my shitty ex-boyfriend cheated on me and dated “the other girl” after)
• 13 and The Breakup and EVERYTHING by LANY (so glad I found this incredible team)
• Summer Air by Italobrothers (dreaming of warmer days)
• Never Be The Same by Camila Cabello (preach your girl-band breakaway, girl)

Okay, okay…I’m sorry. No country was included in the making of the list. In my defense, I live in Canada and it is snowy and -30 and country music is SO MUCH BETTER in a pair of daisy dukes, with a glass of iced tea on a sunny day.

Forever welcoming your song recommendations!

Happy Thursday (TOMORROW. IS. FRIDAY.)

 

Fitness Favs

Happy Humpday, lil’ lovebugs!

As some of you may know, I’ve found myself falling head over heels in love with fitness over the passed eight years or so. Over the past five, I have retired my position as a “Cardio Bunny” and have gotten lost in the weight room a time or two (or six times a week, religiously).

After binge-watching Whitney Simmons’ YouTube videos lately (whatever, I am CONVINCED we would eat HaloTop and throw down savage sarcasm every night of the week), I figured I would share a few of my fitness must haves with you!

lululemon.com

lululemon.com

lululemon.com

Lululemon Wunder Unders – $98 CAD

• These are my tried-and-true, my ride-or-die. I wear these to the gym, I wear these to work (casual office), I wear these to the grocery store. Wunder Under’s suck you right in and are ohhh so flattering (nobody to ever be the wiser that I ate an entire pizza last night in these bad-boys)

Lululemon Align Pants – $98 CAD

• Okay, okay. I’m new here. I just bought my first pair of Align’s about a month ago. Everyone was talkin’ about them and I was skeptical.  THESE. ARE BUTTER. Honestly, so soft. Not making my stomach look as flat as my Wunder Under’s, but I don’t even just feel like I’m on a cloud in these – I AM THE CLOUD. Highly recommended. Only downside to these is I sometimes literally feel self conscious that I forgot to put pants on because they feel hella naked.

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew – $78 CAD

• They make this in a long sleeve, a tee-shirt, a tank top. I have all of them. I’ll wear all of them this week.

apple.ca

sportchek.com

nike.ca

sportchek.com

Nike Dri-FIT Element – $100 CAD

• You running stairs on a warm Spring day? You going for a little jog? You playing golf? This Dri-FIT long sleeve will be your best friend.

Apple AirPods – $219 CAD

• Once upon a time, I briefly dated a very successful, kind man that gifted these to me for Christmas. Bless your kind soul. Best part? Workout with me and I’ll let you listen to one and we can jam out to the same song simultaneously. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING.

Fitbit Blaze – $249.99 CAD

• Designed to make me feel guilty for every lame workout I have 2k18.

Adidas Ultraboost – $239.99 CAD

• These are pure bliss. I have my eye on the Adidas NMD next (I see you, Whitney).

MAN BCAA’s – varying prices

• THEY HAVE A SWEDISH FISH FLAVOUR.
• But seriously, BCAA’s are essential in muscle recovery – and they taste good. Win, win.

Celucor C4 Pre-Workout – varying prices

• For the pump.

Really real picture of me pretending to like running stairs in my Lululemon Wunder Under crops and Swiftly Tech long sleeve.

What are your fitness favourites, must-have gear and products for a better pump?

 

Must-Watch Holiday Films

How I haven’t made this blog post in the history of my beloved blog is beyond me. I am a Christmas fanatic. Really. All November and December, I eat, breath and sleep Christmas.  So here, I present to you a Holiday watch list by a (self-proclaimed) professional.

Home Alone

• No doubt to get a couple of laughs from the fam when you’re watching a much-cuter version of Macaulay Culkin.

Santa Clause

• Tim Allen is like a Christmas movie king. He even stars in Christmas with the cranks as (once again), a grumpy old guy that finally sees Christmas spirit.

Elf

• Oh Will Farrel…THANK YOU.
• The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

The Grinch

• Did you know Taylor Momsen played Cindy Lou? Because I found that out like two years ago and it threw me for a loop. Still a classic though.

Step Mom

• Okay, this is just one of my all-time favourite movies ever. Susan Sarandon and Julia  Roberts are: A) beautiful and B) guaranteed to make me ugly-cry. Every. Single. Time.
• DO NOT FRET – this movie is not black and white.

Family Stone

• Award winning cast who includes Diane Keaton (yes), Sarah Jessica Parker (double yes) and Luke Wilson (drool). Oh, and also will MOST DEFINITELY make you ugly cry.

The Holiday

• You don’t have to ask me twice about that Christmas fettuccini, Kate. A wonderful and heart-warning drama about love, friendship and the holiday’s.

What Christmas movie are you settling in with for a long winters nap?

Best Christmas Gifts | FOR HER

Happy holidays, lovelies!

I hope the month of December is treating you well, and that you’re gearing up for the holidays – whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or anything else, I’m sure we can all agree that everybody just has a little more pep in their step this time of year.

I have put together a few Christmas gift ideas for the lovely lady in your life!

For The Beauty Lover

• Flowerbomb perfume from Sephora 
  • $90-$195
  • Okay, okay! I’m cheating…this was totally on my list last year. It just smells SO good. Not offensive to anyone, appropriate year-round. You can’t go wrong with it!
• Masking set from Sephora
  • $31
  • Every woman loves a little relaxation and mask-ation. Perfect stocking stuffer!

via sephora.com

For the Lovely Tech Geek

• Portable iPhone charger from Amazon
  • $27.99
  • It took me nearly 24 years to splurge on one of these, and in my humble opinion, I think they are absolutely necessary. Besides, this one is so chic.
• Marble Phonecase from Etsy 
  • $19.99
  • The marble trend just isn’t over yet.

For the Netflix + Chill Kinda Girl

• Faux Fur Robe from Pottery Barn 
  • $136
  • I think I’ve finally found the only robe that could be considered good-looking.
• Bath set from Lush 
  • Varying prices to fit your budget!
  • Bonus tip: Lush bath bombs in her stocking. You’re welcome.
• Diffuser from Amazon 
  • $49.99
  • Now imagine this: throw another gift under the tree with her favourite essential oils. Voila!

For the Dog Lover

• Namastay Home With My Dog crew neck from Treat Dreams 
  • $57.99
  • Oh…and 10% of proceeds go toward animal shelters. Feel good while you shop.
• Blow a picture of her dog up into a canvas
  • You’ll lock her down for sure
• Custom Dog Phone Case at Etsy 
  • $17.99
  • Or just put her dog on her phone case

NOTE TO THE READER: I AM RESISTING PUTTING MY NEST CAM ON HERE THAT I USE TO TALK TO/SPY ON MY DOGS WHILE I AM AT WORK.

For the Fitness Enthusiast

• Resistance Bands from Amazon
  • $22.99
  • These always come in handy on leg day. Besides, it’s a non-pervy way to tell her how much you love her peach!
• Adidas NMD
  • $130
  • Okay these are super fly. Not to mention, Whitney Simmons wears them. Whitney Simmons wore flip flops and army pants, so I wore flip flops and army pants.

So have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, lovelies! What’s on your wish list?

Best Halloween/Autumnal Flicks

Hello lovelies,

I am curled up on my couch with a cup of chai tea, my pumpkin candle lit, and my heated blanket on. Fall has officially hit in Canada and I am cozy as can be…with my little movie schedule leading up until Halloween.

I can’t be the only Canadian 90’s gal that fondly remembers the both the kid-friendly Halloween flicks and the bone-chilling, 80’s-90’s horror films that lit up my entire October attitude. So here we go with a mix of the nostalgic family movies, all the way up a couple adult horrors that will really remind you that it’s not summer anymore (kind of a horror in itself).

1. Halloweentown – please PLEASE tell me that you remember the adventures of sweet little Marnie and her kookie (AKA batshit crazy) witch grandmother (AKA DEBBIE REYNOLDS – PREACH)! Ahhh this is a classic. If you’re going to watch anything this fall, make it Halloweentown (BONUS: it’s ultra kid friendly and BRILLIANT).
2. Hocus Pocus – okay this just speaks for itself. Watching Sarah Jessica Parker go boy crazy as a witch is just too good (even though I’m still a die-hard for watching her go boy-crazy in a pink tu-tu alongside Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda).
3. Halloween – Michael Myers. Halloween night on 1963. Inability to sleep for weeks. SIGN. ME. UP.
4. Friday the 13th – Okay this is just a given following Halloween. You have to really dive in to the best slasher films before 2000.
5. Scream – In the way of horror movies, I see this a classic. So cheesy. So scary. With a cameo of young Drew Barrymore.

What are your Halloween must-watch movies?

With love and gore,

June 2017 PLAYLIST

Hey lovelies,

I hope your June is going well so far! In Alberta (Canada), it’s finally lush and green, with the addition of a few incredible thunderstorms. I have been enjoying the weather – that won’t last long enough hear – alongside some music I would love to share with you!

• Get What You Give – Felix Cartal 
• Bad at Love – Halsey 
• Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan (oldieee!!!)
• Alaska (SOHN Remix) – Maggie Rogers
• Kansas City – The New Basement Tapes
  • A band completely worth checking out. Made up of Jim James, Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford, Taylor Goldsmith and Rhiannon Giddens, these artists recreate unrecorded Bob Dylan songs.
• Every Morning – Sugar Ray (throwback to the 90’s, sitting in a little restaurant listening to Sugar Ray and Nickleback)
• Cringe (Stripped) – Matt Maeson (soooo much soul)
• Once – Maren Morris (the feels)

What have been your summer ’17 anthems so far?

Sending my positive energy your way xo.

Light and love,