I have resolutions. As most of you know, I’m ALWAYS making resolutions, so you can’t be THAT surprised to see that my first post in ALMOST a week (I couldn’t hold out for the whole week…) is a long list of resolutions. Because, as you will see from this list, I resolve to be PERFECT in 2010. Yes, PERFECT. And, you know what, Gorgeouses? I’ve already started. See, for me, 2010 started last week. And so far so good. Except for tonight, when I splurged on some organic lollipops and, erm, a chai freaking f*ing latte, grrrrr….
A-ny-way….
Check it:
IN 2010, I RESOLVE….
1. To lose 25 pounds. And, yes, this belongs at the top of my list. Because LOOK at these videos of me — particularly the last one. I ran and reran it, like, a thousand times, NO KIDDING, trying harrrrd to deny that I looked rather large. And it DIDN’T HELP that….
MORE importantly, this resolution belongs at the top of my list because the better I feel about myself, the more I exercise and the healthier I eat, the better person I BECOME all ’round — the better, less anxious, MOTHER I become, the more PATIENT and CONFIDENT and INSPIRED and ENERGETIC I become. See this is KEY. SO, to get started on this goal, I’ve ALREADY begun my 30-Day Shred program….
I’m on DAY 7 of Level 1. I’m doing each level for 10 days (as prescribed by Shredheads). I haven’t lost a single pound this week, but I’m seeing some definition in my belly and shoulders again. So, as I tweeted the other day, I’m holding on tight to the fact that….
2. Hi, my name is Haley-O, and I’m a Shopaholic. Yes, à la Rebecca Bloomwood….
In fact, I’m watching the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic AS I WRITE this post – LOVE! Only I don’t spend my money on fabulously quirky designer clothes and accessories like Rebecca Bloomwood does, no. I spend tons of money on designer organic FOOD that often never gets used. So, I resolved to PLAN PLAN PLAN what I’m going to cook (speaking of which, have you SEEN my latest recipe, in which I actually USE my designer foods?), and BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET what I spend. Incidentally, I can’t take my eyes off Isla Fischer’s GLORIOUS red hair in this movie. Which reminds me….
3. I will get a hair cut. It is, like, GROSS long right now. But, TIME! There’s never any TIME!
4. WHICH reminds me of my resolution to KEEP AN AGENDA! In 2010 I will keep an agenda — TO THE HOUR. Because, as I mentioned JUST the other day….
5. I will go to the office at least twice a week.
6. I will write at least 2 brillers articles for Cottage Country PER WEEK.
7. I will be as patient with myself and others as my boss at Cottage Country has been with me….
8. I will practice yoga and meditate every day (even if it’s for 5-10 minutes).
9. I will brush my cats’ teeth.
10. As a little voice in my head told me (DO do DO do DO do DO do — it’s the twilight zone theme song, okay!?!) during my savasana meditation at the end of yesterday’s yoga session….
LIVE!
In the year 2010, I WILL LIVE. I’m not really sure exactly what that means, but I THINK it has something to do with worrying less and living more, with being in the PRESENT — whether I’m working, playing with the kids, cooking, exercising, or just chilling with my kitties….
OR! Chilling with my parents’ Chinese Crested Powder Puff “Olivia”…. Did I mention, I’m babysitting her? I love taking her EVERYWHERE with me. EVERYWHERE!
I’m a regular PARIS HILTON!
Check her out at the office HERE. She did NOT get along with the boss’s dog Taco at all. BUT, she DOTH love my MEENO (Minden)! Here she is, cuddling with Minden….
OY! Olivia’s deaf, by the way. Did I mention that?
Monkey: Yulivia! Yulivia! Come here!
Me: Honey, Olivia can’t hear you. She’s deaf, remember?
Monkey: Why? Can she not hear because her ears are down?
Hee…!
Did I mention it’sgrandma and papa’shere took me and the Monkey to The National Ballet of Canada’s (LOVE!) production of The Nutcracker? Here’s it’sgrandma and the Monkey chatting excitedly ahead of me….
And, here are the Monkey and me…. Ahhh, special moments! #TOOLONGHAIR!!!

We were so ridiculously lucky to have my absolute favourite male ballet dancer, PIOTR STANCZYK (see, I wrote about him HERE), dance the role of the Nutcracker….
LOVE!!!!!!!111oneone
And, incredibly, my favourite female ballet dancer, Sonia Rodriguez, danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy….
I was in HEAVEN. Didn’t want it to end. Papa’shere didn’t even fall asleep during the performance! Seriously, the show was so good I was fantasizing about it the next day. Loooooove. As I always like to say, the National Ballet of Canada is a Canadian GEM that is so worth our support. SWAN LAKE is coming in March! Toronto Gorgeouses, book your tix! (And, no, nobody pays me to say this!)
Did I mention it’sgrandma and papa’shere bought the Monkey a little porcelain ballerina at the Ballet Boutique, just before the show? Did I mention she dropped it during the intermission and the hand fell off and papa’shere was going to glue it but the Monkey wanted to take it home, so I said I’d glue it, but then, did I mention, the Rascal got hold of it and threw it on the ground and smashed it to pieces. So, did I mention, I went back to the The Nutcracker the following day, raved to the usher about Piotr Stanczyk, and bought her a new porcelain ballerina? DEEP BREATH. Did I mention that?
How many days do you think this porcelain ballerina is going to last before it’s smashed to pieces again?
Yes, in 2010, I’m going to live and LAUGH and LOVE more….
How about you, Gorgeouses?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Love!
xo Haley-O
P.S.: Did I mention there’s a wee contest going on over at Cheaty Goodies? If you haven’t seen it, get the FLIP over there because I’m giving away a FLIP CAMCORDER, and the contest closes DECEMBER 31st!






















































Gabriella said, December 30th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I like all these resolutions!! But I really like your hair in that pic, it looks nice long!!
Gabriella´s last blog ..Four!
Blisschick said, December 31st, 2009 at 9:53 am
Hey! You need to join my World Wide Dump Your Scale Day (1/1/10)! Seriously, Haley, STOP TORTURING yourself with numbers. They are meaningless and MEAN.
YOU know when you weigh the right amount: You FEEL it. Let this be a time to learn to listen to the wisdom of your own body rather than succumbing to the tyranny of arbitrary numbers.
For example, did you know that BMI is just a MADE UP number that has no true scientific basis or meaning!?!? I read this great exercise physiology book by a NY Times investigative journalist and she debunked all this MYTH stuff that floats around in the exercise community and one of the biggest frauds is BMI.
Anyway, numbers mean nothing. You know you are healthy when you are glowing and have more energy and feel like you rule the world.

Blisschick´s last blog ..How to Overcome Brain Induced Lethargy
Stephanie @ Geezees said, December 31st, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Love your resolutions…Have a Happy and Safe New Years!
Stephanie @ Geezees´s last blog ..from baby to mommys little girl .. 3 years in the making …. Happy 2010
LAVENDULA said, December 31st, 2009 at 4:34 pm
hi haley i think you look so great but i am a shorty also and know what its like to be carrying excess weight around.those are some awesome resolutions.LIVE LOVE HAPPINESS JOY that pic of minden and yulivia is so cute.and glad you enjoyed the ballet its good to do nice things for yourself.
LG said, December 31st, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Ah ha ha – love the dog pics. Love Olivia’s sweater and that there’s a dog named Taco.
Also! I recently purchased the 30 Day Shred and it is soooo great! I’m not doing it for 30 days straight, just one of the levels a few times a week, but have noticed ab and arm results. Noticeable definition. (Ok, maybe only noticeable to me, but I’m happy!) It’s great to have an effective, stay-at-home 20 minute workout available.
I thought I was pretty in-shape but the first time I did level 1 my butt/legs hurt so bad the next day…
Anyway, happy new year, Haley. :0)
LG said, December 31st, 2009 at 7:12 pm
PS…have been listening to the podcast Yell at Your Fat from itunes and thought you may like it too…? The woman on it is vegan and, well, entertaining!
Teena in Toronto said, December 31st, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Happy new year, Haley!
I don’t make resolutions because I never keep ‘em.
But my “goal” for 2010 is to lose weight. The last couple months I’ve been fixing myself emotionally by seeing the hypnotherapist, doing past life regression and seeing a physiotherapist (apparently I take care of others better than myself). So I’m good to go for Monday!
I loved the Shopaholic books but hated the movie.
Teena in Toronto´s last blog ..Book ~ "Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret" (1970) Judy Blume
LD said, January 1st, 2010 at 9:52 am
I love that you make resolutions.
So do I. But this year I’m taking it easy on myself. I resolved to be kinder, to enjoy the gym and to learn to use chopsticks.
I figure if nothing else I’ve got the chopsticks thing!
Also ….
I think you look fine. Not fat.
maria said, January 2nd, 2010 at 9:28 am
I joined Jillian’s online program this week, which is such a coincidence! So far it looks good gives me a total workout, a food plan, tips, etc. I’m going to buy her work out DVD too, heard it’s great…anyway, I too am planning to do it all this year, I just turned 40 & plan on being at my best! I am also a BAD shopaholic, with everything…give me any kind of store, I’ll buy over budget everytime.
Wishing you all the best & I hope all your resolutions come easy for you! Happy 2010!
petitegourmand said, January 3rd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I agree with Gabriella, your hair looks fab!
good luck with all you resolutions and much love and happiness in 2010!
Marie-Christine said, January 3rd, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Brush your cats teeth??? Can we do that? Should we do that??? Please let me know, I’ll make it my new years resolution too!!!!
Happy new year to you too Haley!!! I’ll be hanging in there with you too, shredding with Jillian and eating healthy!!!
Big hug xoxoxox
Goofball said, January 4th, 2010 at 10:27 am
“In the year 2010, I WILL LIVE. I’m not really sure exactly what that means, but I THINK it has something to do with worrying less and living more”
seems contradictory to writing that you resolve to be perfect in 2010. Please don’t attempt to be perfect! Nobody is perfect and striving for it will only cause stress worries & anxiety.
laughing, living, enjoying….those sound like “perfect” resolutions. Enjoy!
Happy new year!!
Goofball´s last blog ..New year’s letters
ali said, January 4th, 2010 at 10:41 am
good luck, lady.
i didn’t make resolutions. I know I won’t keep them. I should probably make a resolution to drink more coffee and wear more yoga pants. I could totally do that!
happy 2010, Haley!
ali´s last blog ..I’m not sure I completed one entire thought in this post. But, at least the payoff pictures at the end are good. oh yes, they really are.
Denguy said, January 4th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I’m going to not miss book club meetings.
I missed out on the group photo.
Denguy´s last blog ..First Day Back
moosh in indy. said, January 4th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
My dad had a blind dog.
The entertainment and learning experiences from that were priceless. Especially when people would tell her to “watch out.”
Ballerina? Keep it out of reach of children and I give it a year.