Love Token 80 - Passion

To have passion for life is to fully live.

What triggers our passion, what inspires us to invest in particular interests, hobbies, lifestyle?

The word passion danced ever so lightly on my brain this morning.

I love when I see a human being be fully passionate towards something.

That to me it is inspiring, it makes me want to re-look at my life and see if I am fully pursuing my passions and is a beautiful reminder to keep moving forward, to keep adding substance to this journey, to keep being present, to keep enjoying life.

Where did this train of thought ignite from on my lovely bus ride to work along the east coast of Victoria, BC?

Well ...two musical entities that are new to my libraby of lyrical delights:

1. Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More

They have been on my backburner of recent artists that I have been enjoying.

It has been a slow love affair but it has come into full fruition.

I think the catalyst was watching this band at the Grammy's - they were so "passionate" and such raw, true musical wonders.
Plus their omage to "O Brother Where Art Thou" outfits rocked!

This performance was what saved me from throwing a potato at my TV screen after the ridiculous theatrics of Lady Gaga - who seems ever so lately to care more about showboating and ego then about the "music"

(I do not even "not like" Gaga - maybe we have just grown apart)

Anywhoo - I think that could be a whole other topic...

...Back to the lovely Mumford & Sons

When I think of the under and over tones of this band I think Celtic/Folk/Hiillbilly collision of musical genius. To be honest, if you separated those music genres I really am only partial to Folk.

But the way they execute their album is so fresh and moving.

Yes that is what it was - I was moved by their performance and that was exciting to me...because it is not an everyday thing, and I love that.

I love how they constantly inter-change instruments throughout their performances - because it is not primarily about "them" but about their "music" - how refreshing.

2. Cee Lo Green: The Lady Killer

Another performance that evoked a different type of passion.

I love how Cee Lo doesn't give a "stick" about what the industry compels him to write, play or wear - he is passionate about his music and is passionate about having fun with it - keeping it light - not trying to be the symbol of music but a contributing factor.

I mean fair enough to say - you have Cee Lo Green's outfit ...

...and Lady Gaga's outfit (one of many "after" she hatched from her egg...)...

...both so extravagent but for different reasons.

Cee Lo doesn't take himself too seriously, Gaga does.
We get it "you were born that way" - now lighten up!


Cee Lo Green just rubs me a better way - I find him trying "less" hard to stand out and be something different - he is not constantly shouting from the roof tops

" I am different, look at me - hey look at me!!!" he is just - well, present!

(Man, how did this turn into a slight hate-on for Gaga?! - oh well - organic thought - I will leave it as be)

Either way his latest album is a hoot (yup a hoot) and his latest single is just icing on the fabulous cake of

The Lady Killer. 

So the love token this am - was feeling inspired to keep being passionate about life and it was triggered by these two gems above for completely different reasons.

So thank you to these musical treats and also a "must do for you" - if you want ;)

What moved you today?
What inspired you today?

I hope your day inspires and moves you to keep living a full and passionate life.

xo

M

Musical Philosophy

Something fun to check out and see if any of your favourite artists are on the posters.

musicphilosophy

xo

M

Love Token 79: A breath of freshness

A take a big inhale... as I pluck another basil leaf off my plant. 

I love the smell of fresh basil. 

I love the smell of fresh.

xo

M

Love Token 78 - A Day That Focuses on Hearts and Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love a day that loves and encourages LOVE.

Really...is it THAT awful folks? ;)

I don't care about the greedy goblins trying to make money off it - what is new really...that is every day!

I just love that in a world constantly faced with hardship and sadness there is a focused effort on the symbol of love.

Whether the concept of the day is genuine or not....it is offered to us for the taking and how we interpret it and use it, is of our own desires.

No one is forcing us into Hallmark to purchase big candy hearts and love grams :)

Let's focus on what it can really be about...if you want...caring, compassion, kindness, compliments, love...

Whether a hug today is a little tighter, a kiss a little longer or a simple statement of "you know I really love you".

It is a day that encourages and reminds us that as the days escape us and the routines can make life a little mundane - a little fresh pick me up of affection and love - can really brighten a day.

So jump up and down and have fun with a day of love, so we can just for a moment not focus on the oh too many days of hate, greed, violence and destruction. 

For those out there - you know who you are - you are the greatest most priceless gift I have ever received and hey - I LOVE YA!

xo

M

Love Token 77: Saturday Morning Starts

It is widely known, how you start your morning shapes the rest of your day. 

My love token this morning was what I selected to start my morning off with. 

1. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way Home Album

I love the Dixie Chicks. 

Their strong sense of self, their belief to rise against and the genuine emotion that is captured in their music.

Children lose their youth too soon

Watching war made us immune

And I've got all the world to lose

But I just want to hold on to the

Easy silence that you make for me

It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me

And the peaceful quiet you create for me

And the way you keep the world at bay for me

 - Easy Silence, TDC

2. Vanity Fair Magazine 

This is one of my favourite magazines. It has such thought provoking well written, non-preachy articles. My mind always spins into worldly thoughts after I put down a good read from VF - which I love and appreciate.

3. Home Brewed Coffee

I just got  a coffee machine last month and I am really enjoying the convenience and fun of waking up to the smell of lovely java

All three combined equals a great kick start to a relaxing and lovely Saturday and an amazing love token.

How did you start your day today?

xo

M

Reminds Me How Much I Love This Book

Michaela Lynch

Have you read "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer?

If not, you should - it is great! Read it about a year ago and the quote above is reminding me how much I enjoyed it.

xo

M

Have YOU Read it Yet?

I stumbled across this a few months back - but wasn't able to post it - I posted it via my Facebook account but wanted to share it here as well.

The SuperForest Humanifesto (the real point of it all)...

SuperForest

A great positivity blog.

xo

M

do NOTHING for two minutes

I really like this...

Even if you are stuck in your 4x4 cubicle in the dead of winter...click this link...close your eyes and imagine your peaceful paradise.

Do Nothing For 2 Minutes

xo

M

Love Token 76 - "What would you do if I sang out of tune...

...Would you stand up and walk out on me?

Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song

And I'll try not to sing out of key.

"With A Little Help From My Friends"- Joe Cocker

The Wonder Years

On air from 1988-1993 and what a great show.

It is strange - this show always sits in the back of my mind...maybe because it was prime time during my childhood (7-12) and I grew up with the characters.

Whether it is the theme song dancing through my mind - or life images that remind me of the show, it always comes back to me.

I was going through my google reader and came across this photo and I am sure we all remember the pining love Kevin had for Winnie Cooper and hoping that our secret crushes were feeling like Kevin but just couldnt express it.

Oh Elementary School Yard Love

Really...who didn't love Winnie Cooper and Kevin Arnold?!

The Wonder Years supported the romantics, the concept of love, the trials and tribulations of young love *sigh* it was....

AMAZING.

Now of course the real back drop was set in th 60's during the REAL trials and tribulations of turbulant social times and showcasing raising a family in that era.... But it was cleverly contrasted with the search for love.

War, Peace, Love - always a constant theme in everything....

My new street that I live on has houses clearly from that era - that every time I drive down the streets in my area I feel like I have time warped back 50 years and am IN "The Wonder Years" - to be honest - it rocks!

The Wonder Years brings warm fuzzies to me - which in turn led to it being my love token for today.

I will definitely need to invest in purchasing this series and re-watch it again -17 years later

So with that thought in my mind (and as strange as it may seem to some) when I go home today, I will sing the sweet tune of Joe Cocker and hope that all the Kevin Arnold's and Winnie Cooper's of the world find each other and grab hold of that LOVE...I sure know I found mine...

Tight Squeezes.

xo

M

Love Token 75 - E-Window Shopping the 2011 Spring Line from Elie Saab

Loving what Elie Saab is doing for her Spring 2011 line.

Good way to day dream about buying beautiful and fantastic clothes.

xo
M

Love Token 74 - 2011 Mantra's

My motivators for the year of 2011.

1. Endure it or Enjoy it - NEVER fear it.

2. Ghandi's top 10 fundamentals for changing the world

Ice Cream Is Better With A Fork

xo

M

The Power of Vulnerability

Ok, ok ok....

It has been stupid long since I last posted.

Marriage, Honeymoon, Moving Across the Country ...starting a new life and new unknown and now I am JUST starting to feel settled.

What a whirlwind of months it has been.

I am dedicated to this blog to the concept and now that my feet are more grounded - it will return as a self-reflection tool and a mind, body soul experience once again.

To kick things off - I stumbled across this TED talks video via Tristan Prettyman's SUPER awesome blog - she added a visual to it at the end of her blog that I LOVE.

Tristan Prettyman rocks - as she should since she will be marrying Jason Mraz one day.

The perfect collison of two souls united.

Here is the pic - let it inspire, and open up a part of you that you may have not paid attention to in the last little while.

As well here is the link of the video that this image refers to:

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

Enjoy!

xo

M

Love Token 73 - Amore La Musique

To be quite honest, after being so absorbed with putting together the wedding music playlists down to an exact sequential science, for the first time I was acks sick of music! I was bored --- heard the same songs too many times, that silence was golden...but then like a breath of fresh air, in a two week window time span, music wooed me back into the love affiar I have always had with it and I have fallen in love with two new artists.

That is the great thing about music, it is always changing the game, the dynamic, if you do a little digging and really throw yourself out there to experience it all.

Whether it is Kanye West reminding us of the good life or David Grey proclaiming about the One he Love's or the always wonderful feeling that John Mayer provides when he explains the moment of free falling and when Priscilla Ahn tells us about a dream she had... it all is magical, fun, different and striking to the emotions.

A couple weeks ago I was at the John Mayer concert and was lucky enough to stay for the after party. The artist that was playing at the after party a la rooftop was the most beautiful voice I have ever heard in quite sometime....hello JUSTIN NOZUKA - this guy was amazing live and he literally put me into a trance. So this is a love token that I was able to give myself but really it is also a must do for you to check out. He has a combination of Justin Timberlake swag with the melodic beauty of Jason Mraz. High 5!

The following week I was provided the opportunity to go see a band at Dakota Tavern (great west-end T.O bar). The band was described to me as 3 swedish sisters who have a Dixie Chicks vibe that are a self-proclaimed "kill-billy" "mad-country" genre. As an avid fan of the Dixie Chicks I was very intrigued and to see them in such an intimate setting and I was really looking forward to it.

These girls KILLED it - their vocal range, enthusiasm, energy and raw musical talent on their instruments was efffing astounding. They are called Baskery and if you ever hear they are in town - check them out. Their album is not yet released in Canada so keep your eyes and ears peeled. Another love token that is a must do for you!

So thank you Justin Nozuka and Baskery for re-igniting my music love flame and providing me with a fresh breath of melodic lyrical air.

xo

M

Love Token 72 - I DID

Well I am back, but almost 2 months later!

This summer has been a whirlwind of occasions... but oh so amazing.

The wedding went great, the best love token is being surrounded by friends, family and pure genuine love and the rest is just background noise... so the wedding was a great success and very moving experience.

Matt and I then hopped on a plane to pay a visit to the beautiful country of Greece.

Greece was incredible. To visit a land with so much history is such a valued experience. The beauty of Greece is something I am glad we were able to conquer. Minus the current government state, the essence, the culture and the pace of Greece is something I truly respect. Our honeymoon was a blissful 2 weeks, that did not go too fast or too slow ...but juuust right.

As if all this wasn't enough on our plate, Matt and I have decided to uproot and trek out to Victoria, BC. You only go around once so sometimes you need to just jump in and explore.

We are looking forward to the drive out across Canada and seeing what this country looks like beyond the border of Ontario.

So that is the update, I wed, I mooned and I am now uprooting - all 3 great and exciting things to add a wonderful element to my life.

xo

M

Update Update! Tokens of Love

Yikes!

It has been almost a month since my last post - where did June go?

I have been a busy little worker bee in the last month or so - so many big "moments" coming up in my life where a page is turned, heck a new chapter will start.

Rest assured, the pursuit of receiving and spreading the love has not ceased... I have just been a little slackish on my documenting.

So here is a snapshot of what has been going on in the last month or so.

1. Dum Dum De Dum..... As the wedding nears, the planning builds, and the days become busier and my whole schedule and normal routine has changed (for now) - but I am embracing the planning and knowing that I will be stone cold bored after the wedding due to the habit of always having something to do prior.

2. Trying to squeeze in as many zZzZ's as possible during this busy time!

3. Giving my lovely pets lots of love and snuggles and they are so snuggly and lovable back - it really is the best kind of comfort.

4. Visiting cottages and having great times with friends out of the smoggy city

5. Paying homage to my one and only sunshine that has peaked it's head out in early March and refuses to leave - and I do not want it to -- EVER!

6. Hanging out with great friends having amazing chats and excellent quality time

Hope all of you are having an amazing summer and post July 17th - my blogging will get back to normal

xo

M

THNX THNX THNX

Such a great blog to view. Great concept. Simple yet effective. Thanks goes a long way.

http://thxthxthx.com/

xo

M

Love Token 71 - In Beauty Spa

Yesterday I took advantage of a spa deal where you go get a facial for $50. I jumped on that band wagon and had my first time experience at In Beauty Spa.
The staff was great the facial was amazing and they gave me 40% of my next appt .... ammaaaaazing.

Check it out if you are in the Yorkville area, they also have a location in Richmond Hill and Scarborough.

http://www.inbeautyspa.com/

xo

M

Once again - All you Need is Love

It is true.

Love - what a powerful word that has rocked the human condition in all directions.

I am a strong believer that all a person needs is love. (Yes a hippie mentality - but so what?)

When I say that, I mean love in all forms

Romantic, Platonic, Pet Love, Spiritual Love, Mother Earth Love, and so on....

One does not have to only feel complete with romantic love as love takes all forms and shapes, and I feel lately there is this strange perception/slant on how to be in a romantic relationship and live happily ever after is the only sign of true happiness and real love.

Fear has been instilled via romantic comedies, online dating portals, etc. that you NEED a romantic relationship to find real love.

I strongly disagree, being in a long-term relationship is not for everyone and without it does not deny the love factor.

Romantic love should just be a want, a desire, a series of events that unfold - it should not be the end goal - for it takes the beauty out of the means to get there.

I know some of you are reading and thinking "says the girl who is in love and getting married", but seriously, think about it...

For myself, I found romantic love and found joy in being in a long-term relationship but I would never assume that is what everyone should aim to have or that I am more complete than a friend of mine who is not in a relationship.

Love should be admired and appreciated at all levels, no?

I hope everyone out there finds what they love most and want they want most and goes for it because of their own true desires.

Life is long so really take time to think about what you want and what you love.

Do not let societal labels put you in that pressure box of "all you need is romantic love"

xo

M

Love Token 70 - Hello Sunshine!

Taking away the fear of global warming - us Ontario folks sure had an easy breezy winter and a very early start to spring and summer.

The weather this week is reminding me of the weather in Australia and I just love it!

The sun is forcing itself into my pores and it feels much closer to the earth than it should be for this time of year.

I cannot remember it being so bright in the city for a long time - *sigh* the sun is a magical force, the way it can alter moods, put a skip in people's step, get people to lighten up and take it easy (that maybe it isn't all that bad).

My mind, body and soul is super content with the weather - and I wish the same for all of you.

So today, wave to the almighty sun and let it shine into your spirit.

xo

M

Love Token 69 - Brain Game

Lately, my mind has been spinning with ideas, thoughts, concepts etc. Not just for the blog but in general - maybe it is the Spring that has intertwined with the whole aspect of fresh new beginning - but whatever it is I feel my creative juices flowing and I cannot keep up with wheel spinning in my head.

I think a lot of it has to do with creating ideas/concepts for the upcoming wedding that has kick started this energy...but whatever it is --- I like it and I am just going to enjoy the ride.

So here is to my love token of embracing the magestic mysterious workings of the brain and more specifically my brain.

xo

M

Love Token 68 - TGIF Pedicures

Today at lunch I scheduled myself to get a pedicure - what a great way to use an hr break from work. 

Loving my ready for spring fuschia pink toes!

xo

M

Love Token 67 - Canine Kisses

A dog is a human's best friend. 

It is sooo true

The amount of happiness that has come into our lives since getting our dog Louis is indescribable

He is the best

My love token today is the kisses he gives me every day, the snuggles, the nudges - just all around unconditional love. 

Right back at ya Lou!

xo

M

Love Token 66 - Cookie Monster

Hello my name is Melissa and I am a cookie monster.

I really love cookies...and it might even be my top sweet tooth craving.

There is nothing better than a perfectly baked cookie

My treat today after lunch was a cookie - and even though it is not the best cookie I have ever had - it is still delicious.

So if you are having a bad day - treat yourself to a cookie - it is uplifting... really!

xo

M

Love Token 65: Tutti Frutti - Adding a stroke of colour to the day

www.keepcalmgallery.com

In a state of mind - where black white and gray aren't cutting it today - so colouring up my bored mind.

xo

M

Your Choice

http://datavis.tumblr.com/page/13#421852593

Love Token 64 - Music Bubble

Image by Fruity Oblivion via FFFFound

I have been in a music bubble the last week or so, I have neglected my love for music in the last little while. During my project of putting together my wedding playlist - I realized how much I miss finding new artists and combining different playlists (this was all I used to do back in the day).

So here is to putting in some QT with one of my all time loves - music.

xo 

M

Love Token 63 - Johnson's Baby Shampoo

It is a guilty pleasure.

Once a week I will wash my hair with Johnson's Baby Shampoo because I love the smell.

No more than one day per week because my 'adult' hair is thick and it really does not do much in terms of washing - but I cannot help it - I love the smell

So why not right?!

The correlation between smell and memories is a powerful thing - and for some reason it brings back good memories.

So here is to my Johnson's Baby Shampoo smelling hair for the week.

xo

M

Love Token 62 - Forest Hill Village Was In My Blind Spot?

This October I will have lived on the border of Forest Hill for 3 years.
Two weeks ago I just stumbled across Forest Hill Village
5 minutes from my house is this wonderful little side street that looks like a small town was cut and pasted right in mid-town Toronto and I was oblivious.
It has a great breakfast spot, cute local stores, a Starbucks, some great dining out restaurants and a yoga studio plus much more.

Two weeks ago I just found this place, better late than never I suppose!

xo

M

Good Taste

Fashion and me have a longstanding relationship, I have loved clothes and style since my mom started letting me put together my own outfits as a wee tot. 

When I was a little girl I loved combining colours, textures and accessories. 

My fashion motto is, you only live once, so you may as well look good... photo's are eternal. 

In the last decade or so, the term 'label whore' has developed in the fashion world. 

To me a label whore is someone who is lost in the world of fashion so goes directly to the labels all the time to serve as an easy guide of what works and what doesn't. However, I wouldn't call them 'label whore' as they depend on these labels to help boost their fashion confidence, maybe a more positive spin would be 'fashionista in training'?

Note to readers

Label whores do not equal style. 

Why I like a balance of great fashion designers (they got well liked for a reason...) I stand on the side of the fence where good taste doesn't mean expensive or marked with a label. 

Fashion to me is like a form of art, except instead of hanging this piece of art on the wall, you love it soooo much that you take the ultimate stance and wear it. 

I have never been a fan of labels like Louis Vuitton or Coach, as I do not understand why a beautiful purse needs to have acronyms scribbled all across it. 

To me it is just like buying a Picasso piece of art where he decided to scribble his name all over it to remind the art lover who painted it...strange....but that is just my opinion. 

It is not about  the letters on a shirt, purse, belt... it is about the structure, the combination of fabrics that make a fashion item amazing, not always the name behind it. 

That is why it is important to always remember that good taste doesn't mean expensive (yes I said it again). Good taste means having an eye for great pieces of clothing, shoes, accessories and combining them. 

Support local designers

Support commercial designers

Support thrift shops

Support the whole aspect of it

Support what works best for you - you are after all the one wearing it. 

Now I am not saying I have the best taste out there, but I do have fun with it and I know what works for me. 

Fashion is fun, just do not put yourself in that 'label whore' box. 

xo

M

Love Token 61 - Insert Body Here

http://thebeautyfile.blogspot.com/

This is my chosen love token today - to imagine myself in this picture - because it rocks and it includes *sigh* yellow!

Do it as well, why not?

Happy Friday!

xo

M

Love Token 60 - Mars Bars Rice Krispie Squares

 I kid you not!

My (new favourite) co-worker brought in home-made Mars Bars Rice Krispie Squares.
To be honest, I am not even a huge fan of Mars Bars - but combined with Rice Krispie's ----- oooh boy.
Delicious - and apparently this male had no trouble whipping them up in 10 minutes.
I enjoyed it so much, I was even able to sneak a few home to Matt.

So take this as a love token/must do for you, if you haven't experienced this gloriousness already!

www.recipezaar.com

Ingredients

• 4 regular-size Mars bars
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups Rice Krispies
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Melt butter and Mars bars over med-low heat in a large saucepan until smooth.

2. 2

   Remove from heat; stir in Rice Krispies cereal, and nuts, (if using).

3. 3

   Press into a greased 8x8 pan.

4. 4

   Top with chocolate chips, and place under broiler for 30 seconds Remove from oven and spread chocolate evenly over squares.

5. 5

   Store in fridge.

6. 6

   Cut into squares, and serve.

xo

M

Escape to Your Place of Serenity

We all deserve a "time-out" to catch our breath. So whatever your place of escape is, go for it and enjoy!

xo

M

Love Token 59 - Cleaning Out My Closet

It is a must this weekend and I kind of enjoy it. Hold on to your hats ladies, I am cleaning out my closet.

xo

M

KATE SPADE NY

I have always been a fan of Kate Spade New York- but her latest line is just so fun and chic.

The perfect combination of "playful sophistication"

If my pocket book allowed it - I would buy everything on this website, no doubt about it.

xo

M

Love Token 58 - Take a HINT

Last weekend I stumbled across this refreshing new water drink. I was never a fan of flavoured water, it always had a weird sweet taste to me. But this new line called HINT is the perfect "natural combination".

I was pleasantly surprised.

xo

M

Love Token 57 - Loving me some Java Joe on Ice

Had some really delicious iced coffee this morning

xo

M