who said that spring has sprung??? and a Pandora

These pictures were taken "for real" last Saturday morning ~

a real Winter Wonderland in Gatineau, Quebec ~ Yikes!

Introducing my new Pandora bangle ~

So in love with my "I love my dog" charm!

no hunter boots for me and new challenge!

Yesterday was Day 19 of my 10,000 steps a day challenge where I challenged myself to walk 10,000 steps a day for 21 consecutive days to earn the right to buy myself a pair of Hunter boots. You can read about my pledge here! 

So far I should have walked 190,000 steps but have only walked 163,748 steps. I am 26,252 steps behind schedule. So this means that I would need to walk 23,126 steps a day for the next 2 days and there is no way that I will  accomplish it! Therefore, challenged FAILED and NO Hunter boots for me!!!  I am blaming this failure on a number of things but my number one reason is the weather! This winter has been brutal.

(source)

With this being said, I am challenging myself once again to walk an average of 10,000 steps a day for the next 21 days starting Saturday, March 22nd. And my reward will be a pair of Hunter Boots!

Do you give yourself rewards for accomplishing stuff??

my love for pandora

The obsession started many years ago. I remember the first time I saw one, I just knew that I NEEDED the bracelet with many charms. I even picked up the pamphlet and gave it to Bidou in hopes that he would catch on and purchase one for our upcoming weeding anniversary. It never happened until Christmas 2011. I was actually in total shock when I received it because I had given up hope of ever owning one!

I LOVE and CHERISH my Pandora bracelet! Every charm I own has a meaning.

This weekend Epochs (where the Pandora jewellery is sold in my area) is holding an amazing sale. When purchasing for more than $125 you receive the Pandora bangle for free. The bangle has been on my wishlist for a while, therefore, I think I will be going all out... and getting myself a couple of new charms over the weekend!!

Do you own a Pandora bracelet??

my home ~ gatineau, quebec

I was born, raised, went to school and lived throughout most of my young adult life in Gatineau, Quebec. In 2005, I married a Canadian Army Officer and we moved a little bit all over. When Bidou retired from the army in 2011, we decided that we needed to settle some roots and we moved back to my home town of Gatineau in the province of Québec.

 ~My top reasons why I love where I live ~

I love that we have very distinct seasons in Gatineau. It is very hot and humid in the summer. We have great foliage in the fall. We have tons of snow and freezing weather (actually, I am so ready to move on... to spring) in the winter then the spring brings rain and the flowers start to bloom.

I love that you can find poutine at every street corner in Gatineau and in any city throughout Quebec!  Poutine is made up of french fries, brown gravy and cheese curds and it is immensely fattening and good! 

I love that Starbucks cafes have FINALLY arrived in Gatineau. I can now enjoy my favorite hot beverage within a 5 minute drive from my house.

I love that Gatineau is just across the river from Canada's National Capital. Who can guess what city I am referring to?

I love that my entire family (my Daddy, my sister, my brother and their families) lives in Gatineau.

I love that in Gatineau I can run into friends/family/acquaintances whenever I eat out in a restaurant, go shopping at the mall, attend a sporting event etc. There is always someone I know!!

I love that Gatineau is the 4th biggest city in the province of Quebec and hosts many annual events like the hot air ballon festival.

and these are my ten six favorite things!  Thanks Brianna!