Three Blessings, Seven Days

If you spend any amount of time on Facebook, then you know from time to time there will be a challenge issued from your friends, there will be something that is posted, and you are tagged to continue it.  Such as the breast cancer bra color postings, where you will see status postings with a single word "red, blue, white" ... identifying the color of a bra as a collective voice in support of breast cancer survivors. 

The latest challenge to cross my timeline is the "3 Blessings in 7 Days".  A friend of mine tagged me in this post, and thus challenged me to post three blessings, three things for which I am thankful/grateful - each day - for seven days. And then tag two friends, to challenge them to do the same.

I don't normally take part in these Facebook challenges. Because, well .... to be honest, many of them are quite silly.  However, prior to being tagged, I had seen other friends posting their daily accounts, and it caught my attention. I really thought it was a good idea. I thought that it forced people to take a moment each day and focus on the blessings in their life.  It becomes so easy for us to focus on the trials and obstacles in our daily lives, that I think if we are given the opportunity to focus on the gifts, we should take that opportunity. 

I actually feel like this is an important exercise, and everyone should do it.  For at least one week.

So, I am taking this out of Facebook and bringing it here ... to you.  I challenge each of you to write down three things you are thankful for. Three things you are grateful for. Three blessings in your life.  If you want to share it on Facebook to inspire your friends, that's great. If you want to share them with me, please feel free to email them to info@enchantedessence.ca.  I would be delighted to read them!

I have saved mine from this past week and want to share them here with you. 

Day 1:

1.) The gift of another day.

2.) My health. Yes, my health. Although I have challenges, I know that there are people whose struggles are greater than my own.

3.) Thankful for my beautiful daughter, my awesome family and amazing friends.

Day 2:

1.) Thankful for my faith.

2.) Thankful for my home.

3.) Thankful for being Canadian.

Day 3:

1.) Thankful for my strength 

2.) Thankful for the hard times 

3.) Thankful for the lessons

Day 4:

1.) The four seasons in a year.

2.) Divine appointments.

3.) Nature

Day 5:

1.) Bentley, Zoe and Diva ~ and each of my fur babies who came before them.

2.) The gift of laughter

3.) Sunsets

Day 6:

1.) The 46yrs I've lived (so far) in this life.

2.) The wisdom I have gained over the years. 

3.) The time spent with my dad before he passed away.

Day 7:

1.) The Love I have known in my lifetime.

2.) My five senses, particularly my eyes, which allow me to see beauty all around me. 

3.) This exercise, which forced me to focus on the blessings in my life

~~~

If you would like to take part in this. This is the 'form' used to do so. Simply copy it and use it each day to fill in your own blessings and tag your friends to challenge them to do the same.

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Day 1 of 7 Gratefulness.

1.)
2.)
3.)

I challenge (Name) and (Name) to participate in the 3 things we are grateful for, for 7 days and tag 2 people each day !!!

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In The Rain

One of my favorite things to do when I was younger was to play in the rain. It was refreshing to walk around and splash in the puddles as you got soaked to the bone. And because you were young, you didn't care about your hair being mussed. 

It was fresh. It was freeing. And because the majority of people were running for shelter - trying to stay dry, the solitude was awesome. It was just you and nature. Even the sound of the cars were drowned out by the downpour and you were left alone with only the sound of the rain and your thoughts. 

My mother use to think I was crazy. It would be raining cats and dogs and I would excitedly head out the door. Mom would ask where I was going - "In to the rain." was my reply. I think she secretly got a kick out of it. I am never quite sure she ever understood. And that was okay. As an adult, I now see how easy it is to think my younger self to be crazy.  

But we are conditioned that way, aren't we? After all, what is the song we are all taught as children.... Rain, rain, go away, come again another day. Well, what is wrong with today? We see rain as being intrusive. An inconvenience. Rain delays in the ballgame, having your wedding rained out, indoor recess due to the rain. I ask you, what is really wrong with getting wet? Will we never dry off again? 

We are trained to care about things that really don't matter. We are in such a rush to get to some place - any place other than the one we are currently in at that moment. We are worried about our precious shoes and Lord forbid we get our hair wet! Or our eyeliner smudges! What would people think? 

I think that is what I love about the rain. The rain does not care about your perceived image. It is nature's baptism. It has a way of washing away the old, the dirty, the unnecessary. Leaving everything clean, anew. Including the one who dares to just stop and be still under it's showers.

How wonderful it would be if as adults we made it a priority to get back in touch with our inner-child. To give ourselves permission to be care-free. To forget the hustle and bustle. To not worry about our hair. To not care who might be watching as we dare to dance within the rhythm of the rain.

The "Count Your Blessings" Jar

One of the things that I am planning for 2014 is a Count Your Blessings jar and thought that I would share this not-so-new idea with those of you who may not have thought about this. Or maybe you have heard of this wonderful idea and have thought about doing it, and perhaps just never got it started.

2014 is 5 days away, which gives you ample time to find your Blessings jar.  Whether it is an old coffee pot, a vase, a canister, cookie jar, mason jar, a keepsake box, make it special, make it yours!  And as each day passes, keep your special jar in mind and jot down the special moments you experience throughout the year.

Special gifts you have received, "LOL" moments, achievements, trips you have taken, nature's beauty, memories worth saving, daily blessings. If it made you smile - jot it down and place that note into your jar.

December 31st of 2014 make yourself a hot chocolate and curl up with your jar and start reading through all of the beautiful moments that were given to you through the year.

What a wonderful way to mark the end of the year by Counting  Your Blessings!

Happy Sunday

I absolutley LOVE this and just had to share!!

Happy Sunday!!

Friendship

I feel like I may have touched on this at some point in the past. That is the trouble with blogging - after awhile it can become easy to duplicate topics. However, in this particular case I feel that you can never express too much love or gratitude.

I want to take a moment to give thanks for the friendships I have in my life.  Many people I have known since childhood and are very precious to me.  Some of you are new - and some I have never even met face-to-face, yet you have been on the journey with me through social media.

Quite simply - a friend does not need to be in the same room with you, to show you love and support.

I know that I am rich in my friendships. Many of whom have been with me through life's ups and downs. Births, deaths, good times, horrible times, raising children, finding love, surviving heartbreak, special occasions, milestones, lending a helping hand when times got rough, lifting me up in prayer when needed, taking moments out of your life to wish me a happy birthday, or other holiday greeting.

We've shared special moments, good-hearted laughter, some over a glass of wine, and some in a fb message. When spirit comes together and unite, is there any other light as bright?

I want to let all of my friends know - whether we've know each other 40 years, or a month, I value you. I appreciate you. And I love you.

"Where there are friends, there is wealth."

Take What You Need

I absolutely love these and have posted one before. But why not share this offering a second time?  

Take What You Need!

-Laura

What Do Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavours Say About You?

Here in Toronto we've been sweltering in a major heat-wave. Humidex readings averaging 45c/113f and if you are like me, you love to indulge in cool treats to help beat the heat.  But have you ever thought about what your favorite flavour of ice-cream says about you? Neither have I. But I saw a story on the news today, which got me to do some research on this very topic.  So, here is what I have come up with...

Some fun Ice-Cream facts about your favorite flavours!!

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Vanilla: There is nothing plain about Vanilla. In fact, if you love Vanilla, you are actually a colorful, dramatic risk taker who relies more on intuition than logic. Emotionally expressive and idealistic, you tend to set high goals for yourself, and push yourself to meet and exceed them. On the romantic front, you tend to rely on secure romantic relationships that fulfill your emotional needs while working toward future objectives.

Chocolate: You’re more likely to be dramatic, lively, charming, flirtatious, seductive and gullible.

Very Berry Strawberry: You’re more likely to be a tolerant, devoted and an introvert.

Mint Chocolate Chip: As a Mint Chocolate Chip lover, you tend to be ambitious and confident… yet a little skeptical about life. You are a realist who prepares for the future, needing a solid plan to feel secure. While your stubbornness is a business asset, it can add a challenging element to your relationships. Nonetheless, your loyalty, honesty and dependability create lasting friendships and close family ties.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: You’re more likely to be ambitious, competitive and a visionary.

Double Chocolate Chunk: If you love Double Chocolate Chunk, you tend to be lively, creative and dramatic. Always the life of the party, you charm everyone you meet with your enthusiasm and sense of style. You enjoy being in the spotlight and prefer to be in the company of friends rather than left alone to reflect on life. You prefer passion and excitement in your romantic relationships, and require a lot of attention from your mate.

Pralines ‘n Cream: You’re more likely to be loving, supportive and prefer to avoid the spotlight.

Jamoca: You’re more likely to be scrupulous, conscientious and a moral perfectionist.

Chocolate Chip: As a chocolate chip lover, you are competitive and accomplished; no victory is sweet without a little hard work. Although you are competent and ambitious in love and work, you are generous with your time and money, never taking your blessings for granted. Your captivating personality makes you a shining star in social situations

Rainbow Sherbet: You’re more likely to be analytic, decisive and pessimistic.

Rocky Road: If you opt for the rich, indulgent taste of Rocky Road, you tend to be a balanced mixture of charm and practicality. While you are outgoing and engaging in social situations, in the business world you tend to be more aggressive and goal-oriented. You enjoy being catered to, and appreciate the finer things in life. You are very sensitive to minor slights and respond best to encouragement rather than criticism.

Butter Pecan: If your favorite flavor is Butter Pecan, you might be characterized as the perfect worker. You are devoted, conscientious, respectful and fiscally conservative. You hold high standards for right and wrong and show integrity in all of your actions. This includes an extreme sensitivity for others’ feelings. You aren’t one to wear your heart on your sleeve; it takes a little encouragement from close friends and family to share your deepest thoughts.

Coffee: As a coffee lover, you are lively, dramatic and flirtatious – thriving on the passion of the moment. Because you throw yourself into all that you do, you tend to be over-committed, starting new projects without finishing old ones. You tend to become bored by dull relationships and thrive on new and exciting ventures.

Strawberry: A love for strawberry reveals a thoughtful, logical person who carefully weighs each option before making decisions. More a follower than a leader, you are content and effective working behind the scenes and out of the limelight. In relationships, you are often characterized as shy and reserved. Although you don’t fall head-over-heels in love at first sight, once you commit to a relationship, you are loyal and supportive.

Proud To Live In Toronto

With the recent events in the news about Toronto’s Mayor, Rob Ford, allegedly being captured on video smoking crack, Toronto has taken quite a beating in the media. Night time comedians are taking pot shots at Toronto, and my beautiful city seems to be the butt of everyone’s jokes.

Let me begin by saying that at first I was embarrassed.  Hands Down – our Mayor is an idiot. I do not know whether or not the allegations are true. And to be quite honest, at this point it really does not matter. In my opinion he needs to resign. His on-going antics are an embarrassment to the city and the people who live here.  With that said, I am a PROUD Torontonian. I was born and raised here and I hold my head up high and claim my home proudly, despite a handful of idiot politicians who happen to sit in office at the moment.  And let’s be honest – shall we?  Idiots are not exclusive to Toronto, or Canada. The World as a whole is full of them. And the vast majority of them were sadly elected into office by the people.

With all of that said, I want to dedicate this post to shining the spotlight on the beautiful city I call home.

With a mixture of historical and modern architecture, Toronto is truly a sight to behold. The core of the city with its skyscrapers and condominiums, are intertwined with tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian heritage buildings and homes.  Pictured above is our breathtaking skyline, which sits on the edge of Lake Ontario – one of Canada’s Five Great Lakes.

I heard one of the night time comedian’s comment that there is nothing to do in Toronto. Well, anyone who lives here or has ever visited here knows that is just nonsense. Toronto’s attractions and appeals are endless. I could write an entire novel on everything that Toronto has to offer, but let me list a few of the high points for you.

The CN Tower; which happens to be the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere. And if that isn’t thrilling enough, you can now live on the edge – quite literally, the Edge Walk is a new feature of the tower where by you can experience a thrilling hands-free walk around the ledge of the Tower overlooking Toronto.

The Toronto Islands, which offer a picturesque family fun spot just 20 minutes from the heart of the city by way of the Toronto Island ferry. With the skyline as the backdrop, you can enjoy beaches, biking trails, picnics, and spend the day with your children at Centerville, a seasonal carnival atmosphere with rides, eats, treats, where generations of families have shared good times and made memories together for decades.

St. Lawrence Market, which just happens to have been called the World’s best food market by National Geographic!

The Hockey Hall of Fame.  The Canadian Walk of Fame. Museums. Parks – including High Park, which happens to sit on 400 acres of land and boasts Canada’s largest Cherry Blossom festivals when the trees bloom in May. Our Beautiful Harbor front, Beaches – which are among the best in the world as proclaimed by the internationally recognized Blue Flag Program. Restaurants and dining experiences from around the world. The Theatre District. Entertainment District. Distillery District. The Pride District. The Canadian National Exhibition. Canada’s Wonderland. Casa Loma – North America’s only castle. The Toronto Zoo, which happens be one of the largest in the world!  I cannot fail to mention one of my favorite childhood places to visit; Riverdale Farm. Yes! A quaint sense of country in the middle of the City!  And opening this summer is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada!

As I said, I can only name but a few of the gems of this beautiful city. But let’s take a look at some of the celebrations hosted in Toronto.

We can begin with our huge New Year Celebrations. Caribana, North America’s largest Caribbean Street Festival, drawing over 1.5 million tourists to our great city each summer. Toronto Pride Parade.  It should be noted here that Toronto will be hosting the World Pride events in 2014. The Pan AM and Parapan AM Games will be hosted by Toronto in July 2015!   We cannot forget about Jolly Old Saint Nick, who has visited Toronto in one of North America’s largest parades since 1905.  All of this and much more, including; Luminato, Summerlicious,, Nuit Blanche, The TD Jazz Festival, The Canadian International Autoshow,  The Toronto International Film Festival, which has put Toronto on the map as Hollywood North!

I want to end this post with some fun facts I found on the web about Toronto:


City Facts

1. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and home to over 5.7 million people
2. Toronto is the capital city of the province of Ontario
3. Toronto is the largest financial center in Canada.
4. There are 100 + languages spoken throughout the city of Toronto
5. Just over 30 per cent of Toronto residents speak a language other than English or French at home.
6. Over half of Toronto’s labour force has a university degree or college diploma
7. Toronto is Canada’s number one tourist destination
8. Toronto residents hold more university educations than in any other country, in the world, based on percentage of population. Source OECD – 2003
9. 180 million customers live and work within a day’s drive of Toronto, including 125 million Americans or roughly 40 per cent of the U.S. population.
10. More people live in Toronto than in Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces combined
11. Half of Toronto’s population (1,237,720) was born outside of Canada, up from 48 per cent in 1996.
12. Niagara Falls is just over an hour’s drive from Toronto
13. Toronto has over 8,000 restaurants
14. Toronto has over 35,000 hotel rooms

North American Facts

1. Toronto is North America’s 5th-largest city after Mexico City, New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
2. North America’s largest continuous underground pedestrian system PATH, connects about 1200 stores and restaurants, 50 office towers, five subway stations, Union Station, six major hotels and several entertainment centers under Toronto’s financial core.
3. Toronto’s public transit system is the second largest in North America and has the highest per capita ridership rate on the continent.
4. About 25% of films produced in Hollywood are actually filmed in Toronto, making it North America’s 3rd largest TV and movie production venue.
5. The Caribana parade is the largest single-day parade and largest Caribbean festival in North America.
6. Toronto has the only, real castle in all of North America. You will never forget “Casa Loma” (home on hill) with vista views of both, the downtown, skyline of Toronto and of Great Lake Ontario.
7. The TSX Group – the third-largest stock exchange in North American and seventh largest in the world based on market capitalization – is the world leader in mining sector listings.
8. The Direct Energy Centre (formerly the National Trade Centre) is the 3rd largest exhibit facility in North America with over 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space

World Facts

1. Yonge Street is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest street in the world, stretching 1,896 km from the lakeshore in Toronto, north to Rainy River, Ontario, near the Minnesota border.
2. Toronto is home to the world’s second tallest free-standing structure, the CN Tower standing 1,815 feet (553 meters) tall.
3. The Toronto Zoo is the third largest in the world and is home to more than 5000 animals
4. Toronto is the third largest center for English language theatre in the world, behind New York City and London.
5. Toronto is a world leader in digital microwave transmission, satellite communications services and data distribution networks.
6. Rogers Centre (formerly Skydome) – the world’s first stadium to have a fully retractable roof

Economic Facts

1. Toronto is the largest and most important financial center in all of Canada and the fourth largest in North America. Only New York city, Chicago and Los Angeles are larger.
2. Financial center of Canada, 3rd largest in North America, employing 205,000 in financial sector
3. Toronto is home to Canada’s 5 largest banks, 50 foreign bank subsidiaries and branches, and 112 securities firms.
4. The film industry supports 28,000 jobs in Toronto and annually contributes $1.5 billion to the economy
5. Toronto’s tourism industry generated $3.34 billion in direct expenditures in the year 2000
6. There are about 87,900 tourism related jobs in Toronto


With all of that, let me just say once again that not only am I a proud Torontonian, but I am blessed to live in the best City, in the best Country in the World!  And if you have never had the pleasure of visiting our great city, I encourage you to do so!

EE Has Another New Look

So, the previous background was causing issues and as a result, I had to re-do the new look. lol

I think this one works better anyway. Funny how that happens!

Enjoy!

-Laura

Earth Hour 2013

Earth Hour 2013 is taking place this evening (March 23rd) between 8:30 - 9:30 pm local time.

Please pay respect to Mother Earth and join others world-wide by shutting off the lights tonight.  And just as a safety reminder if you are taking part, please do not leave your candles unattended.

Wishing you a Happy and SAFE Earth Hour!!!

Welcome New Friends!

Welcome new friends!

You have landed at my blog and I hope you are enjoying yourself as you browse through the pages of Enchanted Essence.  You will immediately notice two thing (I hope.) The first is that there are many topics available here - so there is sure to be something of interest to everyone.  And secondly, that I am delighted, humbled and blessed in knowing that you are here! 

I do hope that you will feel welcomed to return often as new content is added all the time - and I know that you will not want to miss a minute of it!

Be sure to follow Enchanted Essence on Twitter and join our new Facebook page, so you won't miss a single beat!

Simply mosey on over to the Contact page for direct links to the Twitter and Fb pages,, and we will see each other again soon!

Until then...

Walk in Beauty, Love & Light ...

-Laura

Seven Brilliant Quotes

Quotes are passed on through time for a reason.  Because they are powerful. Meaningful. Thought provoking.  Wisdom never becomes outdated!  I happen to be a lover of knowledge, and yes - quotes are knowledge because they force us to think.  They invite us to look at things differently and have personal 'Aha' moments.  Aren't those the best? 

I hope the words of these great men in history give you some food for thought!

Rock THE Vote!

Today is the day.  Americans will vote in their next President.  After months - and months - and months of campaigning ... weeks of debates ... it all comes down to the ballot boxes.

Democrat or Republican - the one common thread among all of my American friends is that you have the right to Vote and that right needs to be exercised!!

As a Canadian, I will not get into who I am rooting for - because it simply does not matter in the context of this posting ... though my friends already know who my vote would go to! ;-)

So ... friends ... get off the computer ...  put on your jackets and get down to your local polling stations and exercise one of the freedoms that we in North America enjoy!

Rock THE Vote!!!

Welcome New Friends!

I have recently been posting the link to this blog on sharing sites and groups.  And due to the increase of recent traffic, I thought it was time to officially welcome new readers - new friends!

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Laura, and Enchanted Essence is my home.  Well, my home is really in Toronto, Canada, but EE is my home away from home here in the online world.

I am a single mom in my mid 40's, and through this venue I strive to share my thoughts, opinions, life journeys, recipes, tips & tricks, spiritual growth, celebrations ... and so much more!

I have always loved to write.  As a young girl I would keep daily journals, write poetry and short stories. And have always wanted to write a book.  Honestly,  I really feel that one day I will have a book published ... I'm just not quite sure what that book is yet!  But I do know it is in there somewhere!! lol

So in the meantime, here I am ... combining the best of two worlds.  I get to write, and I get to share my little corner of the world with all of you!

With all of that said;  WELCOME New Friends, to ENCHANTED ESSENCE!!  

I hope you find something here to interest you, and that you will visit often!

Don't forget to follow me on TWITTER !!  

Blessings

I love this.  It sure puts things in perspective!

(Click to enlarge image for easier reading.)

I am most definitely Blessed!!!

Choices

... I choose to let life Strengthen me.


Love and Light

Believe

... and never stop!

Living In Harmony

Fabulous!

Doggy Shrubs

I saw this earlier today and instantly made it me Facebook Timeline Cover.  Just looking at it makes me happy and I wanted to share it ...  :-)

The girl looks a bit mean .. but the boy puppy is just adorable!!

Love it!!

Hope you do too!!

:-)

Book Of Life

The Book Of Life ~ By: David Kracov

I just saw this... and you know that I had to share!  

Simply beautiful!