Welcome to LuvBuv! My name is Theresa and I hope you enjoy my blog about life and all the little things that make life interesting. This blog covers a variety of topics including relationships, well-being, family life, and juicy lil' tidbits.
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By Theresa
Every year after the gift-opening frenzy dies down and the last gingerbread cookie has been eaten; we are left with the same thing – a few unwanted gifts. Whether the gift giver meant well but missed the mark, or whether there was no thought put in it at all (like the uncle who gave my husband the same George Foreman grill two years in a row), we are stuck contemplating what to do with these leftover gifts.
Aside from filling up our landfill with something perfectly usable, here are a few ideas on ways to unload your unwanted Christmas presents:
1. Donate – There are a ton of non-profits and charities that could use that extra toaster you don’t want. Pick your favourite one, drop off that unwanted gift, and feel good afterwards.
By Theresa
So you only have a few shopping days left until the big day and you have a long list of people to buy for and no clue what to get them. It might be a bit late in the game now to change things up, but next year, try suggesting one of these alternative gift exchange ideas that will cut down your shopping list, save you money, and hopefully spice up your holiday celebrations.
Secret Santa
Once upon a time, my shopping list was doubled because we used to exchange gifts with my very large extended family which includes dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Then someone came up with the bright idea to have a Secret Santa gift exchange instead. We set a price limit, wrote our names on pieces of paper along with three things we wanted within the price range (just in case the gift-giver was stumped for ideas), and randomly drew names from a hat.
By Theresa
While a part of me is sad to see summer end for another year, I also look forward to autumn with its colourful leaves, crisp air, and an excuse to cuddle indoors. Some of you may be dreading the change in colder weather, but autumn can be as cozy as your favourite pair of jeans if you have a few creature comforts to help with the transition.
By Theresa
Now that autumn is just around the corner, I always get a bit sad that our short-lived summer months are coming to an end. Who doesn’t like summer? Summer means vacations, beaches, trashy magazines, ice cream, hot dogs, summer flings, and lots of get-togethers with family and friends.
Here are five ways you can incorporate summer into your life year-round:
Bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. There’s nothing like freshly cut flowers, and lots of potted plants indoors to remind you of the lush green summer months. If you are a lazy gardener like me, buy a cactus.
By Theresa
Summer is the time to kick back, relax and enjoy a few simple pleasures in life. When was the last time you looked at the clouds, felt the warm sun on your face and daydreamed? Here are a few fun things to do this summer without breaking your wallet.
By Theresa
For a lot of people, the warm weather means hanging out on the patio, going to parties, and for some, consuming copious amounts of alcohol. Aside from the health benefits, wine is seen as a classy drink and sales show that wine is quickly gaining ground over the popularity of beer in North America.
I took an introduction to wine course a few years ago and had a great time learning about different grapes, food pairing, and of course tasting the different wines. (Has anyone ever thought about how disgusting it is to spit out your wine after you’ve swirled it in your mouth into a communal spit bucket?)
There were a few pretentious people in the class—one student claimed a certain red wine tasted like her “grandmother’s spice cupboard”—but for the most part, the wine enthusiasts were just excited to learn and taste.
Here is a quick introduction to what I learned in my wine course to the seven main grape varieties broken down into white and black (red) grapes.
By Theresa
We all have that pair of jeans sitting in our closet collecting dust. You’ve either lost/gained weight, regretted your purchase immediately after you came home, or have loved/worn those jeans to death. Whatever your reason for not wearing them anymore, here are five ideas of what you can do with your old jeans instead of chucking them.
By Theresa
Being more “green” doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, many green practices are good for you and your wallet. Here are ten relatively painless ways to be more environmentally-friendly.
By Theresa
Get up. Eat Breakfast. Change into work clothes. Take the bus to work. See the same people on the bus. Go to work. Take the bus home. See the same people on the bus again. Eat dinner. Wash dishes. Relax. Go to bed. Repeat four more times before the weekend. This routine is a reality for many people with a regular 9-5 job. Although there is comfort in consistency, too much of it can be soul-wrenching and dull.
By Theresa
As a child I loved colouring books, drawing and making crafts. Naturally, this interest in art led to my enrolment in university art classes. Sadly years of arts and crafts time did not prepare me for the drudgery discipline required of university-level art classes. While actually trying to make art, I came to appreciate more the works of others (and sadly realized my shortcomings in the artistic department). A few art history classes put into perspective the enormity of works by Michelangelo, Da Vinci and modern artists like Jackson Pollock.
So while the art gods failed to bless me with artistic genius, I still appreciate art and enjoy drawing and painting. For those of you who say things like, “What’s the purpose of this piece?” and “I don’t understand art” I can relate. Even after all of those art history classes, there is still some art that baffles me. But with an open mind and a bit of art history knowledge there is an artist or art movement out there for everyone.
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