Western Canada Fashion Week

So, after wanting to go for 4 years now, I finally made it to the hair/make-up/beauty night at WCFW.
There is meant to be a competition for each category. I was going mostly for the fantasy hair competition, but the rest of the show would be good to see as well. The website said the show is $25 and would run from 8-10:30pm.
This time frame and price includes seeing:
2 clothing lines
Fantasy hair competition
Fantasy make-up competition
Fantasy costume competition
2 shows from previous competition winners
2 shows from make-up/aesthetic schools

What actually happened:
Show runs from 8-8:40 then intermission, then 9-9:30 then it's over...
2 clothing lines
1 make-up school
2 shows from previous winners

It is fair and safe to say that I am hugely disappointed. I honestly wouldn't have spent the money on the ticket if I knew I wouldn't see any of what I actually went for.

On top of that, when we arrived at the building early to buy our tickets only a small front area was open. That's fine because we were there before doors opened. Once we got inside the main area (not the show space) we went to line up with everyone else to go get seats in the show room, a perfectly normal thing to do. We Canadians like our nice polite line-ups. A woman (who we later found out was the MC) came out, looked right at my friend and I who were front of the line and said "because you are the front I'm not letting you in until very last."
Needless to say, I was not happy. I arrived early and paid for a ticket. I'm in line like everyone else. I want to choose my seat and hope it's a good one just like everyone else. Grrr..
Anyway, I went to a different door and still got in first.... not that first is the most important thing, but when you arrive early and pay and wait you should have a good selection of seats.

Beyond all that, I barely enjoyed any of the show. This is very unfortunate for me.
The 2 previous winners did good shows. The make-up winner especially had an excellent concept and show. The other winner, which I think was also (make-up?) did a decent show, but the hair bothered me because it was all fake and basically didn't incorporate the models real hair at all. One girl was even wearing a baseball cap with a hair piece over it... not sure we were supposed to see the hat.....

Anyway, WCFW, I'd like to come back next year, in fact, I would like to be in the hair competition next year, but for that to happen you will need to get your shit together.

xoxo

Away

So, obviously I've had a little absence. I've been so busy with everything lately. Starting the new job and working there 5 days/week, 1 day at my other job, finishing my costume and visiting with out of town friends that are here for a while.. among other things.

I promise to be back very soon with lots of fun stuff!

Life and stuff..

A little update on life.

As you may or may not know, I am a licensed hair stylist. I love doing hair. Actually, I used to live doing hair and then due to environment and certain people, I fell very much out of love with hair. Having been away from it for a full year now I really feel like its time to go back and rekindle my old flame, I've missed it. Starting this week I will be working in a new salon and it seems like its going to be a really amazing place to be. It's surprised me that I'm finding myself so excited to go back. I wasn't sure if I ever would go back to be honest. I'm glad I am. Changing the way a person looks can do so much. It's thrilling for me to create the transformation, but its equally as amazing to see someone carry them self in a whole new way, rock a new look and have a different confidence. Maybe it's shallow, but I like it. 

Besides that, I'm also throwing myself into planning the perfect trip to Iceland. I simply cannot wait to explore again, I hoping to go in either Spring or Summer 2014! 

I've also been working on another cosplay costume for Edmonton's comic expo at the end of this month. It's more complicated than my last costume but that just makes it more fun to create!! Besides that costume, I have big plans to make another 2 more when it's finished. Every one gets a little more complicated and intricate than the last.

And as a last bit of life updating, my paleo diet has become much harder in a way. I feel like its going to take a lot of work and much more time to really transition into. Not to mention making meal plans so I know I'm actually eating. A bit of struggle isn't going to kill me though. In the long run I think this life choice is going to benefit me hugely. 

Here's to the future

xoxo

Side note, I've been writing my blog for over 1 year now and have over 200 posts!!!

Fall is coming!

As I was out a few days ago I noticed the first crunchy signs of fall. Little curled yellow and brown leaves scattered across side walks and lawns. Not many, mind you, but enough that I am now even more excited for autumn. My favorite season. Not to hot or to cold. Beautiful colors. Fabulous food. My favorite clothes, scarves. Apple cider, pumpkin everything... Life is good in fall time. 

I couldn't help myself. While I walked I just had to skip a little. I also just couldn't contain myself and I stepped on any crispy leaves in reach of my feet. The sound is so lovely and distinct. I can't wait for the season to be here in full. Though I'll miss the warm sun, I do love the rain. 

I also noticed some sweet, bright little fruits growing in the yard at my daddy's house. What a happy sight.

xoxo

Paleo week 4

Week 4 went quite well at first, and then went quickly down hill. All the way down the hill.

Of course, I tried some new foods again, made things up, looked up recipes, stalked pinterest for food ideas when I should have been sleeping, etc.. This is nothing new.
What is, is my being a hungry hungry hippo ALL THE TIME! Honestly, it's a bit irritating when you want to just go about your day and live your life but all you can think about is food. This is really not ideal for me. The whole point of changing the way I approached food and the kinds of foods I'm eating, was so that I didn't feel like food ruled my life. This week, it ruled. With an iron fist.
"Feed me now!" The belly would say, and I would.
5 minutes later, "Feed me again, woman!!!" And I wouldn't, even though I wanted to. You can only eat so much at once and you can only take so many breaks at work to go eat.
Enough is enough. Water would have to do. Take it or leave it, Hippo.

By the end of the week I caved and went for real food. Cheating all the way. I still feel no guilt about this, If it keeps me sane and makes me full for a little longer, I'll take it. But then I did it again and again and before I knew it, the whole weekend was pretty much a cheat. Oh well.
The "time off" from thoughts of what to eat made me feel so much better, even though the food itself did not make me feel spectacular.

On to the food of the week. 

After going to the mall on Tuesday and smelling the bit of heaven that is Cinnzeo cinnamon buns, I was wanting one sooo bad. I did manage to resist but when I got home I went right to researching a paleo version. Nothing will ever be quite like that without any actual sugar, but I did have a pretty delicious microwave teacup cake. The perfect invention. Single serving, made in 5 minutes and delicious. Other than the actual cinnamon bun at the mall, I'm not sure what more I could ask for. 

I also made baked zucchini (my current obsession) and eggplant topped with ground elk meat sauce. Very tasty. 

A few other little updates. I started feeling a cold coming on this week. I think probably from the changes I've made with everything since I don't see how it can be weather related at the moment. Nothing a little ColdFx can't fix. It saves me every time!

I also started counting calories some. Not in the usual way like when people try to control the intake to lose weight, but instead I was making sure I'm getting enough calories. I've found it hard on some days to eat enough. With so many of my calories previously going to grain and dairy, I've had to work really hard to make enough other food to fill that space. It's a work in progress for sure.

And that's 1 month in! The transition should technically be over, but considering my cheating I don't really think it is. I'll keep working and easing in.
xoxo

Stuff your socks!

I just wanted to share with everyone that I have just opened my shop on Etsy! I would love if you came to check it out and supported me.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InsideSantasboots?ref=search_shop_redirect
Click the link and it will take you right to my little shop!!!

Since I love Christmas so much and making things by hand gives me worlds of satisfaction, I put those 2 things together and am offering personalized handmade stockings! Yay!
All the stockings come with your name across the top and a picture front and centre.

Come visit me!
xoxo

Paleo week 3

At the beginning of the week I was finally feeling like I had the energy and I felt ok enough to run again. Finally! I wanted to during week 2 but I felt like I would probably pass out from how bad my headaches are.
Not to say this week was pain free. Monday to Friday went quite well but my head was feeling angry again on Saturday and Sunday. Damn sugar!

My energy levels were definitely up and I am still feeling really good about the decision to get into this. That being said, I kind of cheated. Kind of a lot. Just for 1 special occasion meal though. No guilt here.
For Chad's birthday I took him out for dinner and I really just wanted us to enjoy without any fuss. I had food I love, a little dessert and then that was all. I went home to bed, woke up the next day and went back to my new eating patterns. I have to admit though, I didn't feel super great after eating things I had cut out. Honestly, I really am ok with that. Once in a while you just need to live.

As with previous weeks, I tried out some new recipes and foods and made some things from scratch.

I tried acorn squash for the first time and mostly enjoyed it. The skin is a bit waxy for my liking though.
How do I go about making squash/yams/sweet potatoes crispy in the oven instead of getting soft??

Moving on, I was also trying to decide what to do with my open carton of coconut milk and so I made a few smoothies and some "ice cream." Both very tasty.
For the smoothie, coconut milk, honey, banana and berries in a blender and BAM! Tasty health goodness.
For the ice cream, Banana, coconut milk, honey and cashews in the blender then in the freezer. This would work much better in a popsicle tray because it becomes quite hard as opposed to creamy like real ice cream.

Next, I was finally able to find bacon with no sugar in it!! Such exciting stuff!

I made 2 tomato dishes. The first was a meat sauce for "pasta" with ground elk, bacon, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Plus a little this or that.
With the left over tomato stuff, I also made ketchup. Its super tasty! I had it with baked yam wedges.

Next week will be over soon and that's 1 month in.
The future looks bright and healthy!

xoxo