Coffee has secret powers… Other than the obvious power of giving us a little energy surge when needed, like when prepping for a big exam or studying all night,  coffee has strong powers in enhancing communication.

The immediate reaction for me when I sit down with someone, cup in hand, is of relaxation and the desire to talk, discuss and ponder my life and that of my caffeinated partner.

The warmth of the cup delivers a deep sigh of quiet contemplation and the conversation takes flight. Work, relationships, education, recipes, fashion – no topic is off limits.

Once the cup has been emptied and enjoyed, I am back to my busy mind but feel more refreshed. It is the coffee’s secret power in communication that brings me back to it and keeps me seeking for more coffee partners! Who wants a cup?

Cup of Coffee!

There are many benefits of summer. Being out of school, temperatures getting warmer, pretty sandals, and much, much more. These are all great, fantastic things about summer… however there is one pro that outweighs all the rest. And that is that all of the yummy fruits are in season finally, after a winter of being deprived of sweet, watery, berries.

All of the times I’m forced to resort to frozen berries and fruit for smoothies or cereal I cringe and dream of summer time feasts of the vitamin rich little odd shapes and sized treats, bursting with flavour.

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This spring and summer I decided to start writing down my goals. I was hardly ever the type of person to plan things in advance, let alone to document them. However, after sitting next to a rather inspirational person on a plane last year, I knew the time had come to make use of some of his wisdom.

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After the busy school months, the murky waters of my backyard swamp slowly begin to clear into a beautiful blue paradise and I am reminded of the joys of summer pool leisure.  The stores are beginning  to sell ridiculous yet desirable pool toys and floaters and I am doing my sunscreen inventory. Lazy days by the pool with friends are a staple of my summers. Although pool days are relaxing there is a strict schedule that one must follow: tan, swim, tan, swim, eat bbq and repeat. Yes I know, very strenuous but, I think that all the hard work we students do during school months allow this kind of schedule. If you are taking summer courses make sure to give yourself at least one day off for pool leisure days. You can thank me later.

Best way to cool off

Summer is finally here, yet the weather doesn’t always corporate. In Cape Breton we generally have beautiful summers in which we can fully enjoy the splendor that is island living. However, that doesn’t guarantee beach days every day. And for those who have a full or part time job, sometimes that week of vacation is more enjoyably spent in the sun, and, away from home or other worries.

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I spent three years working at a local grocery store. I could return any item to its proper shelf. I could look at an item and name which of the 8 aisles it came from, not to mention all the non-grocery departments. This grocery store was my sea and I was its navigator. That was until I moved to St. Andrews. Since moving here I am ashamed to say that I have lost my navigating knack.

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There are always the hours. Unfortunately, living in the staff accommodation of a luxury resort hotel in a seaside resort town these hours start to mean very little. I’ve stopped counting time in days, hours, or days. The only time periods I recognize are the times when I work, the times when I sleep, and the times in between. I call this the St. Andrews Effect.

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While catching up on some local Cape news I found something that truly makes me happy, and jealous of everyone at home.

It’s the “Going Gaga” competition that 9.49 The Cape is hosting. All you have to do is get Gaga-inspired and grab a friend to take some pictures. The grand prize is a sweet free trip to see the one and only Lady Gaga in Toronto in July.

If I was home, I would grab all of the craziest clothes and jewelry possible and get creative. Of course it would be easier to redo one of her photos already, but hey, if anything, Gaga loves to be unique and so should you!

The contest sounds like a lot of fun, and even if you don’t win, you will have some great pictures to share on Facebook, and I’m sure lots of laughs. So pump up some “Alejandro” or “Telephone” and get your best Gaga face on.

As Gaga says: “I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be – and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth.”

Work it Capers, make your dreams of seeing Gaga live reality!

For more contest information, go to http://949thecape.com/

During this time of the year I find myself driven crazy over weeds and find it imparative to get out and tidy my home’s garden. Not only does it get me out in the fresh air and sun to work on my tan (while wearing sunscreen of corse), but it makes me very excited as I bring order to what was once so unappealing. When Cape Breton’s vegetation comes into full bloom it is so beautiful and lush.

My Garden

Being from a design background, I look at the garden as a canvas and enjoy working in this medium very much. Get outside today, you might surprise yourself with an enjoyment for gardening . Maybe there should be a CBU gardening club… anyone interested?

As a kid, nothing brought more excitement than going to the zoo. We would pack up our things, bring some snacks and off we would go (with smiles on our faces!)

Over the years I went to the same zoo numerous times, and saw the same animals, and some new faces over and over again. I never got bored though, or unimpressed by their grandeur. My love of these different shapes, sizes, roars and quacks has only grown as I visit more zoo’s, across the world.

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