small town, BIG SMILE

when it's warm outside, i've got the month of january...

2012-01-24T20:23:00.001-04:00

so, does anyone else find this weather a tad bit intimidating?? i'm not a fan of this wonky weather... it's warm, it's freezing, there's crazy wind chills, -30s temperatures, barely any snow, a snow storm, freezing weather, then rain and + temps?? what? this is NOT typical eastern canada weather in january.

i'm a true blood canadian. i like winter. i like snow. i like tooques, and scarves, and i have several parkas and coats and a snow suit to play in the snow. but the fact that i love winter isn't even the reason this is bothersome to me. i feel like mother nature is rebelling. it seems like these changes are pretty drastic, and not happening over millions of years, but just a few...

not to mention, for those of you who don't get snow... snow + rain + warm temperatures + back to cold temperatures... that equals ICE. lots and lots of ICE. which, even with grippy uggs and walking slowly... it's dangerous. i could barely close the patio door today. i kept slipping when i would push on it.

so basically, what i'm saying is...

dress, scarf, earrings: ruche

cardi: aerie

tights: american apparel

shoes: aldo

necklace: gift

.....

mother nature, please let winter be winter.

another way to wear shorts in winter...

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

remix part two of short shorts.

while it's still full-force-winter here in eastern canada, spring fashion and lookbooks are starting to make their appearance. hence why i chose to do a couple of posts with shorts.

it takes a lot of willpower to avoid shopping for items that you can't wear right now, yet you don't want to miss out on pieces you really like... and having them just sit in your closet waiting for the proper weather is no fun. well here's the good news: shorts & tights look great together!

today's key piece: ruche's romana dream bow shorts

in my first 'casual' look, i'm wearing a floral tank tucked in, brown tights, a brown cardi, brown boots, ivory crochet over the knee socks to add some interest between the tights and boots, with a crochet beanie that matches.

i'm a huge fan of layers, but i like to find ways to bring them together. i originally had on the marquess polka dot top (below), but i found it was kind of plain, and i needed some pattern for pop. this is why i chose the floral print. a bit of trial and error is always key, especially when layering. you want the right amount of interest, without making it look like your closet threw up on you.

my second 'dressier' version of these shorts is accomplished by adding more delicate details. this marquess lace polka dot top is feminine, but still interesting with it's pattern and detail. i normally wear cranberry tights with this, as it's really too cold for bare leg, but i wanted to show a version without tights. knee socks are a great alternative. coincidentally, these are a perfect match to my shorts.

i like to repeat details, so in focusing on the bow on the front of the shorts, i chose my tstrap shoes with a bow detail. add in a delicate necklace, and the look is complete.

   floral tank, crochet socks, shorts, lace top, tstraps: ruche
           tights: we love colors
           brown cardigan: pseudio
           crochet beanie: aritzia
           brown boots: urbanog
           knee socks: melissa's
           cameo necklace: gift

.....

there you have it. another way to dress up or dress down short shorts, and to wear them before spring is here! i have several shorts and rompers, and they're my favourite things to wear this winter.

who wears short shorts?

2012-01-22T17:52:00.004-04:00

black shorts, styled casually and dressy

i thought it would be fun to style the same top and shorts two ways, to show how easy it is to create different looks and feels in a matter of minutes.

today's pieces: demilla abode lace top & sweet black tea pocket shorts, both from ruche

in my first look, which i dub the 'casual' look, i added the top and shorts with some black tights, because it's cold here. any short pieces definitely need tights to keep the legs warm. i added a belt for shape, but i left my top untucked, for a more comfy-casual look. adding a beanie and black cowboy boots finished off my outfit.

in my second oufit, i tucked the blouse in, to make the outfit 'neater'. i kept the belt, because i like having a defined waist. i took off the beanie, and honestly, i would probably wear my hair in a high ballerina bun with this outfit, to even make it a bit more posh. while i kept my black tights, i traded in my cowboy boots for black t-strap shoes.

   blouse, shorts: ruche
         boots: marrs, aldo
         shoes: chelsea crew nolita's, lulu's
         beanie: urban oufitters
         tights: we love colors
         belt: melissa's
         necklace: etsy

.....

there you have it. a very simple way to dress up or dress down short shorts and a blouse.

birthday drinks!

2012-01-22T15:28:00.001-04:00

i almost forgot what it felt like to not be in lace, frills and florals. i bought this dress about a year ago, and have only worn it once. i now have a new rule that when i go someplace on weekends, i need to wear non-work outfits. well, that's what i attempted last night for melissa's birthday celebration! we went out for drinks and dinner, so i wanted to spice up my regular look a little. it was a difficult task!

i enjoyed the banana split martinis a tad too much, and had three. i know that doesn't seem like many, but for someone who rarely drinks... needless to say i was a chatty and giggly like a school girl all night. and then home and in my pj's by 9:00 pm. we're wild.

melissa loved her prezzie, michael kors sunnies to match her watch! :)

so happy she liked them! i was a bit stressed. sunglasses aren't the easiest item to buy for someone when they aren't with you to try them on. however, had she not liked them, i would've been okay with that. new sunnies for me!

dress, belt: ruche

   boots: aldo
           tights: we love color
           necklace: gift
           watch: guess

ruche spotted!

2012-01-20T15:46:00.003-04:00

guess where i am again?

over at ruche!

i've even earned myself a cute little guest blogger button!

perfect way to end the week, if i do say so myself.

to view my style file posts at ruche, you can just click my guest blogger button. it'll bring up any of my features.

yay!

a very happy friday to you!

awkward & awesome: the optometrist/record edition...

2012-01-19T20:27:00.002-04:00

awkward:

- going to the optometrist today and having her remember me from my last appointment nearly two years ago. the one where she put eye drops in my eyes. and i screamed, and closed my eyes... and told her the drops were in them when really, my eyes were shut super tight.

- the fact that instead of putting the drops in my eyes, she tried to trick me into thinking she was just going to 'look' at them with a jedi-type-contraption. then i panicked, and she told me the truth. she was going to touch my eyeball with it. MY EYEBALL! yea, that went over well...

- the fact that i need reading glasses... and i'm fussy. and she had to order me three different frames to try. let's hope one works, because imagine just how awkward it would be if none of them did. yikes!

awesome:

- my record player. the joy it brings me... vinyl, a glass of wine, and a bubble bath. is there anything better?? ok... maybe company with that... but i'm not there yet.

- the records that have arrived this week! two van morrison's and a joan jett 2 LP greatest hit!! i'm in heaven. truly, i am.

- my weekend plans... yes, i have plans. and it's not supposed to storm! can you hear me squealing??... underworld: awakening tomorrow, and birthday dinner & drinks saturday with melissa and her fam jam!

               dress, lace jacket, necklace: ruche
               tights: walmart
               shoes: aldo
               record player: gift! (uo)
               LP's: amazon

.....

i hope your week was as awkward and awesome as mine!

was there life before youtube?...

2012-01-18T20:00:00.003-04:00

i don't remember what life was like before youtube. or online video instructions. i use it so regularly these days, that i honestly have no inclination how i used to learn things before. youtube has been my teacher of french braiding and fishtail braiding. it helped me to check the belt on my turntable christmas morning... many bloggers use it for hair and makeup tutorials... (i'm not there yet, but soon hopefully)...

i was extremely excited when i noticed veronika of tick tock vintage posted a tutorial on how to do a french braided crown. she sported this a while back, and i loved it. i did attempt it then, but i had a hard time when i had to switch my hands and go in the other direction. her tutorial was helpful, and i got it on my first try.

it was neater this morning, before i had to wear a hood in the snowy, windy weather outside. i'll definitely be sporting this hairstyle regularly. i think it can both dress up and dress down an outfit.

dress, blouse, earrings: ruche
                boots: gift
                tights: we love color

again, i apologize for the abundance of indoor blog pictures. the temperatures here have been insanely cold, with crazy wind chills. please be patient. the weather will warm up in eastern canada yet again, and there will be more scenic and aesthetically pleasing pictures... someday... maybe in june.

happy birthday bestie...

2012-01-18T06:56:00.003-04:00

today is my bestie's 31st birthday. this gal has been my bestie since junior high. for her birthday, there's a few things i'd like to share with her:

1. you've turned me into a wino just as we enter our 30s. i'm truly grateful to be out of my beer 20s.

2. you are the best gift giver ever, and i'm pretty sure i'm still single because all exes feel inadequate next to you.

3. you are almost totally incapable of speaking badly about anyone, and so having you as my bestie really brings balance to my life. earth + water

4. you are beautiful, both inside and out.

5. you are my favourite chick-flick buddy, because you now cry in them too, and no longer am i the only mushy one.

6. you are my forever wing night buddy, because you know to pick the bad ones out of my basket.

7. you make the best birthday cakes, even if the first attempt crumbles to bits and pieces.

8. you are an amazing mama, and blessed me with an amazing godson who charms me with fish kisses and ringalos, to which my heart sometimes feels like it could burst, it's so full.

9. you are the best dressed person i know. aside from that stylin chick in the mirror of course.

10. you are my favourite ice-cream germ sharer on the planet.

i wish you the happiest of birthdays and an amazing 31st year.

loves.

i'm terribly awkward with boys...

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000-04:00

best sketches ever.

http://imterriblyawkwardwithboys.tumblr.com

i don't know if it's awesome or awkward how many of those fit my life...

ruche your closet!

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

as any of you who follow my blog on a regular/semi-regular/one time only visit... you're definitely aware that i'm a ruche fan, of both their clothing and blog.

ruche has just posted their suggestion on how to have a new closet in just one week.

the steps are easy enough, and i think it's realistic and can boost some creativity and motivation to actually sort out your closet.

are you ready to attempt it??

so am i.

;)

saturday night excitement...

2012-01-14T22:46:00.001-04:00

it snowed thursday night, and friday... then it switched to freezing rain friday afternoon/night... then today, it snowed again. and flurries. and a lot of wind. the result? homebound. my excitement? i just ordered the king harvest LP. i kept telling myself i'd wait and find the dancing in the moonlight single, and not pay $20+ for a whole album where i only like one song.

i lied to myself.

i gave up.

album purchased!

yes, i'm excited. so for a homebound weekend, i'm a pretty happy gal right now.

bask in my happiness by listening to the tune:

it's been a favourite of mine for years, on my ipod, now on my iphone... and it's only right that it's one of my first LP purchases.

love.

what i'm lusting this week...

2012-01-12T16:45:00.000-04:00

in my non-shopping attitude, i'm in full on wanting mode.

a 'few' of the items on my want list this week?

this romper from lulu's... very practical, seeing as i can't wear it to work, and i already have an abundance of non-work clothing. but hey, that's the point of 'wanting' is it not?

i'm still in love with these seychelle shoes. clearly i should've invested in them back in october.

these gray cords from ruche. i have on a brown velvet pair as we speak (figuratively... literally as we write/read). i love them.

again, another item i've had my eye on since it came online. i love this maxi. i just can't figure out how i'd wear it to work.

this purse. i actually may end up splurging on this one soon, as i've been wanting a boxy style purse for some time, and i'm crazy-madly-in-love with this one.

these tights. in any colour. again, i'm so practical.

i've been loving this dress since the fall. i so wish it came in another colour. mustard doesn't bode well with my complexion.

this cutie that just came back in stock at modcloth.

are you detecting a trend yet?? hehe love this dress.

not shopping is HARD!

i don't recommend it.

so go shop. and buy me something.

calling all bloggers...

2012-01-11T20:40:00.001-04:00

i just had an idea...

the delightful dozen is currently looking for five replacement bloggers for some of their current bloggers who are leaving. unfortunately, it's not open to bloggers outside of the US.

my idea:

why not start one of our own?

granted, it'll be hard to find 12 bloggers immediately... but i'd definitely like to start up a blog with the same idea, but with less bloggers at the beginning. i have some ideas for recurring posts, and of course i'd love for anyone else who's chosen for this to submit ideas as well! it's a collaberation of bloggers.

a few things to keep in mind:

i'm canadian, so in order to swap items, please state if you are from canada and willing to ship internationally or not. this will be a key factor in deciding who will 'make the cut'... depending on how many are within canada, and who's willing to ship internationally. (i am willing, so please, if you are from outside of canada, feel free to submit your info to apply!!)

a few of the ideas will be:

1. to swap clothing, which of course will lead to posts once a few of us have shared the item.

2. we'll each take turns with our own post, so depending on how many of us, that may be once a week, or a few times a month. please keep this in mind.

3. little surprise swaps at various times of the year.

4. posts with a favourite item listed by each blogger.

5. a review of a movie/book/album.

of course all of these are just ideas! subject to change depending on the participants feelings and opinions.

please email me with your name, country you reside in, why you would like to be a part of this, and your blog url.

jana.godin@gmail.com

when old and new collide...

2012-01-11T17:55:00.001-04:00

don't you just love when an 'old' piece of clothing suddenly becomes a favourite again? i just 'refound' an old tank top. it's oversized, and long. when i bought it, i styled it over skinny jeans, with a belt at my waist. now i'm kind of over that style for the most part, so this top has been sitting in my closet, unworn, for some time. then last weekend, i realized it looks great with a new pair of shorts i just got. since wearing it that one time, i've suddenly found more use for it!

when i bought this lace top, it was because i absolutely loved it over the floral dress in the lookbook. the fact that you could still see the detailing of the dress through the top was something i hadn't really considered before with other lace pieces. so when i wear this top with a skirt, i feel very limited, since i normally wear a cream tank underneath.

top, tank, skirt, shoes, earrings, belt: ruche

tights: american apparel

necklace: gift

enter my old/new favourite. when i decided to wear this skirt today (i tend to aim for midi-length skirts and dresses on meeting days at work), i realized how nicely my floral tank would go with it, tucked in, with a belt over the skirt, and a cardigan. so as i'm getting this outfit ready and hanging it all together, i'm also putting away some clean laundry. enter this top. and it dawns on me. this would look good! i decided to tuck it in with the tank top, as oppose to my usual over-the-skirt/dress, with a belt at the waist.

the result? i'm quite pleased with it.

here's a glimpse at my old floral tank.

via instagram

ps... does my post title bring anything to mind? a song perhaps??
it was my inspiration for the title...
teeheehee

revamp...

2012-01-11T07:30:00.000-04:00

i've been looking at other blogs lately, and felt mine needed some sprucing up... a revamp of sorts. 'randomness at it's finest...' suited me a few years ago, when my life was more on the random side... moving around, finding new jobs, meeting new people. let's be honest. lately i'm a little less than random.

i've been bouncing around a few ideas for a few weeks, and i was hoping to have it changed by the new year... but i just couldn't decide. and it hit me last night... 'small town, big smile'... very much suits my personality. i find it often more difficult to describe oneself than others. this is the issue i was having with my blog. to find a title, a colour scheme... a template? you want readers to feel a bit of yourself when they read/view your blog. mine just wasn't cutting it. i feel the template definitely still needs tweaking. right colours... mint, cream, red... so me. but simple? plain? the problem is that i like pattern, but i don't want it to take away from the photos. we'll see what i manage to come up with in the weeks to come.

so... opinions? what do you think? do you like it? is it me? will you grab my button??

:)

j.

the trews...

2012-01-10T13:55:00.000-04:00

yesterday i bought tickets for myself and my soul buddy 'max' (a la grumpy old men, we've nicknamed each other max and john... it suits us when we're together) to the upcoming Trews concert at the end of the month. i'm beyond excited. not only do i love this band, but i'm ashamed to admit that i haven't been to a concert since i've moved home from ottawa... me... miss live music. it's shameful, i know.

i've mentioned the trews in a previous post. they're a canadian band from the maritimes, which naturally makes me love them even more. i'm just a tad biased. it really can't be helped.

in preparation for this concert, i just purchased their newest album on vinyl.

it arrived at work today... i'm anxious to get home and try it out.

... my favourite single is 'hopeless'... from one of their older albums, 'house of ill fame', released in 2003... perhaps you've heard it.

check it out.

not to mention they're quite easy on the eyes as well as the ears.
bonus.

;)

j.

awesome & awkward: dance moves edition...

2012-01-05T18:29:00.002-04:00

cardi, top, skirt, belt, earrings: ruche, boots: shelly's (from karmaloop), tights: american apparel

.....

today is thursday! awkward and awesome day!

i'm going to do it a little bit backwards today...

awesome:

- starting the new year off in a new office, with a new contract, and an email signature

- the fact that it doesnt take much to make me happy

- these boots.

- ordering records... i'm beyond excited that i just placed the order, imagine when they come in??

- my record player... i'm in love with it.

awkward:

- popping in your boss's office tuesday morning and saying "happy 2010!!"... apparently i go back a year instead of ahead... next time, stick to 'happy new year!'

- trying to follow the instructions on hooking up an xm radio, and where to hide the wires. really? had i done it myself, i would've been running over the wires...

- my dance moves!

wouldn't you love to hit up the dance floor with me??

no really, wanna hit up the dance floor with me?? i'm in a dancing mood!

the return of mint...

2012-01-04T19:55:00.000-04:00

blouse, skirt, shoes: ruche, tights: we love colors

.....

i'll let you in on a little secret i discovered this week: i hate malls. i can't even begin to tell you how out of character this is for me. i used to love malls, even if i wasn't going to buy anything... just to wander, look at stuff, try stuff on. and now? hate it. it's crowded, sales people are either attacking you trying to get a sale, or ignoring you altogether when you actually need help.

enter online shopping. which i have to say, i'm borderline addicted to (although that's coming to an end, now that i'm house-saving)... i can't complain, i have quite an assortment in my closet as it is, and i just love mixing and matching new outfits every sunday for the upcoming work-week. and thankfully, right before i found out i was getting that contract at work (which was what i was waiting for to commit to buying a house), i made a few orders with some longer, more meeting-appropriate pieces for work.

in the past year, i've made it onto ruche's style file and blogger roundup. i'm there yet again, with a 2011 recap. you can see it here.

this year, while i'm instituting a personal budget, i'll have to be more creative with outfits, and not get stuck in a routine of go-to outfits. keep me in line if you see lots of repeats!

inspired...

2012-01-03T18:06:00.002-04:00

dress & necklace: ruche, tights: american apparel, shoes: aldo, belt: melissa's

.....

just a quick post since i've already posted today! have you checked out yesterday's sweetheart's blog?? i found her via instagram, and i'm swooning over her style. she's so romantical. and she almost always has on white/cream tights... so... i figure, i can do it! cream tights are really an effort for me. i find i either look like a little girl or alice in wonderland. but i just love them on everyone else... so after looking at her blog last night, i was inspired.

i didn't quite pull it off as she does, but hopefully with some time and effort, i'll get it!

a new year, a new perspective...

2012-01-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

in continuing with my last post... although 2012 isn't necessarily a beginning, it's definitely a new perspective on things. i've come to several realizations, which have helped me to set some new goals...

i've just turned 30. i had a very fulfilled decade of my 20's. i did a bit of traveling, appropriate to my 20's i believe... focused more on going down south instead of seeing the sights i definitely feel more drawn to now. i fell in love... and fell in love again and again. which also lead to some serious heartbreak, but it always seems to mend just fine, without too many permanent scars.

i've moved around quite a bit, tried different schools and jobs. doing this has left me with the courage to be alone. i can move to a new city where i know no one, i can meet new people, see new things, and have brand new experiences that i might have otherwise been afraid to do.

i can move back to a small town, where honestly, i never thought i'd want to return to permanently. i've accepted that i am in fact a country girl. i like a slow pace, taking my time, not feeling rushed. i like quiet. i like home.

i found a job that i find fulfilling, but that i can leave work issues at work. i had a very hard time with this in the past, but no longer. i learn something new all the time, and while some tasks are tedious, i still enjoy them. i like that i'm in an environment where i was thrown into learning all new things, and i've succeeded quite well.

and on that note, i have news: my job started december 2010, with the intent of it being only a 2 month contract. after much hard work over the past year, i've just been moved into my own office, and was offered at least another year's work. which, fingers crossed, turns into permanent! i'm extremely excited over this, and it's left me with motivation for this new year.

in 2012, i hope to:

1 - purchase my own home. now that i'm not terrified to be unemployed next week, it's time to make that commitment.

2 - lose the last 15 lbs of the 20 lbs i've gained since working here (there's a constant supply of chocolate here... it's clearly dangerous).

3 - get back into running and hiking, and maybe zumba... i was more energetic, and i miss that.

4 - listen to my gut and follow my instincts. this also coincides with:

5 - stop putting my life on hold for love. while i'm not against finding someone new and starting a new relationship, i want my focus and effort to be directed towards my own life right now. it's time for me ME and less US for a change. my own life needs to get on track.

6 - actually use my new snowshoes this winter, and if that goes well:

7 - buy a bike for the summer.

and finally

8 - spend more time with my loved ones.

there you have it folks. my goals for the new year, although it's really a task list that i hope to maintain, and not just achieve in 2012. i think it's tangible with some work.

a much accepted ending...

2012-01-01T09:56:00.000-04:00

2011 was the year i committed to maintaining my blog...

every other year, i would start, then become too busy... find reasons not to blog... postpone and procrastinate.

this past year, i'm proud to say i kept it up.

it's also the year i started coming out of my fashion-shell, and finally found a style that was 'me'...

i've always loved vintage looks and antiques... and finally, my wardrobe has come to follow this style. and for the first time in a long time, i feel comfortable with my image.

some of 2011's favourite outfits:

truth be told, 2011 was also a year i kind of lost myself. i fell back into a more lazy groove, stopped zumba and working out, which then left me with less energy than i was accustomed to. my lifestyle kind of dwindled down the drain, and i didn't do as much as i normally did.

i also fell back into a relationship that maybe i shouldn't have. it took a lot of energy and effort, and i put a lot of things hold that i was aiming for in 2011. while i don't regret it, sometimes we need to remember that things ended for a reason the first time. i'm happy to at least say i won't have the "what if's" later in life... but at the same time, i need to learn to trust my gut, and sometimes ignore my heart. i do wear my heart on my sleeve, and admittedly, it sometimes causes more pain than happiness. i'm sad to say that this time, it resulted in me losing a childhood friend. at least for the time being.

lesson learned. i hope.

i don't want you to think that this year was entirely a bad one. it was far from it, filled with many good memories, meeting new people, and coming to some realizations that will hopefully help me to fulfill my goals for 2012. rather than post about them in my little 2011 recap, i'll do so with my first official 2012 post.

a very happy new year to everyone!!

2011-12-30T14:48:00.001-04:00

top: ruche, pants: gap, necklace: gift, boots: gift from avery

.....

avery is quite possibly the world's best 2 year old shopper. he gets me the most awesomest of prezzies. these booties were my christmas present this year. adorable and comfortable. the only 'downside'?? they're worst to lace up than skates!

you should've seen me this morning trying to figure them out... it took me probably 3 minutes to get one laced up. at which point i had to text melissa and say "oh my god you should see me trying to lace these boots up"... to which she replies "oh trust me, i know"... (she also got them as a christmas prezzie)...

but once the hard work of lacing them up is done, they are so much fun to wear.

also, these jeggings?? worth the $80? so yes. they are incredibly comfortable. like a second skin. mind you i got them with a 60% off coupon, so i didn't pay the $80. but i so would have.

happy end of december!!

i actually have plans tonight and tomorrow (amazing, i know)... so i'll be back on sunday to post about my NYE.

see you all in 2012!

i left my brain behind...

2011-12-28T19:02:00.002-04:00

dress, cardi, earrings, necklace, belt: ruche, tights: american apparel, boots: shelly's boots (from karmaloop... cheaper boots and cheaper shipping!)

.....

ya gotta love a three day work week. especially when it starts out on a serious lack of sleep the night before. followed by spilling orange juice on your dress almost as soon as you sit at your desk. then, when you're notified that the server is going to be down for maintenance, and you think 'no problem, i have work that i can do without my computer', so you spend 10 minutes grabbing those files, sorting them, getting the labels ready to label each item... and you realize... nope, i need my excel sheet to know which label goes on what. finally, it's lunch. oh, but after lunch, the finance department meeting. in which it seems your brain just isn't functioning. the worst part? it seems to be spreading. no one's brain is functioning. everyone is giddy and funny...

the good part?? everyone is giddy and funny, and no one is cranky.

thankfully it's hump day.

i couldn't survive 4 more work days after this one.

baby its... warm outside...

2011-12-27T17:04:00.001-04:00

dress, belt, knee socks, earrings, floral pins: ruche, scarf: ae, tights: american apparel, boots: urbanog

.....

christmas is over. back to work tomorrow. how does it go by so quickly? weeks of preparing, and in a blink of the eye, it's over for another year. so sad.

i'm hoping santa was very good to everyone! he definitely found my house. apparently i was on the extreme nice list this year. i was spoiled by my parents and my bestie, friends, family, and coworkers. i really have the most amazing people in my life. and for that, i'm truly thankful.

today was a whopping +1 degree celsius. that's very warm for this time of year. mind you i was a tad chilly when i was taking these pics sans coat, it's a definite welcome from the -20s we had last week. mind you it's reasons like this that i probably end up catching colds...

so, a few more days till we ring in 2012. what are your new years wishes? plans? resolutions?

i'm still working on mine, but i'll definitely share come the new year.

oh christmas tree(s)...

2011-12-22T20:21:00.002-04:00

i'm a tad bit obsessed with christmas. have you noticed?

my official christmas season starts on november 12th. early right? wrong.

i have four trees to decorate. four.

plus the one at work.

this is my mom's tree... and her railing... and a few little decorations.

her colour scheme is brown, amber, bronze, gold and cream, with a smidgen of lime...

then there's my tree...

vintage inspired with lots of gold, cream, light blues and mints...

i found it a little bland, so i added some red!

did i mention i have two trees? but not enough room for both... so i brought it to the cottage.

a black tree, with white mesh, pewter, cream/white, silver, and blue ornaments.

then there's the 'family' tree. the real tree, with a hodge podge assortment of ornaments we've been collecting since i was a baby.

also, christmas eve, we all add an ornament with our name and birth year on it.

very days of our lives...

outside... we can't forget that!

white lights, garland and trees, with red mesh, x 2 doors. and white lights on the front of the house.

baking!

butter tarts, with a french style pastry.

yummm..

my treat tins are a hot commodity around here.

a select few close friends and family, and coworkers gets to enjoy these treats.

martha stewart: beware!

green eyed girl...

2011-12-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

i've always liked trying to play up my googley green eyes. lately, melissa's constant sharing of new eye makeup tips has me motivated to try some new stuff too. i was very dependant on my regular MAC eye regime: phloof! in the inner corners, jest on the lid, and handwritten as a subtle liner.

enter too faced. melissa loaned it to me to test try some new shades. instant love.

but pretty similar to my daily shadows...

then i was introduced to urban decay's naked. and i thought, 'now there's an idea. get some more light neutrals, but a few darker, sparklier, riskier shades!'

so i ordered it from sephora.

a nice palette, wouldn't you say?? lots of warm neutrals, with a splash of pinks and taupes, and some blue tones.

surprise surprise, my faves are:

thinking outside the box clearly isn't my strong point.

so in the past month, my eye obsession got a little out of hand, with my eyelash extensions, naked shadows, bioelements eye makeup remover (good for the extensions, and doubles as an all over makeup remover... bang for the buck!), eyelash extension mascara for the times i want some extra oumpf, and the Urban Decay eye primer that came with my naked palette.

who knew primer helped keep eyeshadow in place so much longer??

i also may have splurged on two lip butters with my sephora purchase...

because who doesn't pretty lips that feel oh so smooth??

clinique colour surge butter shine lipstick in:

apple brandy & adore u

so pretty.

so smooth.

i love being a girl.

an ornament swap!

2011-12-21T18:41:00.000-04:00

back in november, i found an ornament swap that micaela (of dolce vita) was hosting! such a great idea! i love christmas! i love sharing spirit! so why not??

my ornament swapper was holly, from running in stilettos.

the plan:

find an ornement for $10, pack it with lots of fluff and stuff so it doesn't break, include a card stating why you chose the ornament you did, mail it out... then wait for your ornament to arrive.

and arrive it did, last thursday.

a gorgeous glass bulb with feathers inside, and a colourful card filled with warm wishes from holly.

thank you holly for the lovely surprise!

and thank you micaela for hosting this swap.

merry christmas week!!

christmas luncheon...

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

hendrix likes to get in on the blog pics.

our first ever family photo

cardi, top, belt, skirt, shoes, earrings: ruche, bow: redvelvet, vintage cameo necklace: birthday gift from melissa

.....

it's christmas week!!!

(this is what i've been running around squealing to everyone for the past 2 days)

yesterday we had our staff christmas luncheon, where we all bring in a gender neutral prezzie, and draw names. it's a chinese gift exchange (i think), where you can either take a wrapped present, or steal someone else's. it's a hoot. i scored an awesome Second Cup gift basket full of hot drinks and chocolates. which is the gift i wanted. it'll keep me nice and warm over the upcoming cold weather months.

have i mentioned i'm totally smittin' with this bow in my hair?? i could wear it everyday. i have a feeling i'll be ordering it in other colours. had some difficulties getting it to stay in place when i first tried it out, but with a bit of practice (and back-combing), i've got it now! you can look forward to seeing it appear in this weeks upcoming christmas week posts. :)

ps. it's hump day. we've made it past the first half of the week that leads to my favourite day of the year: christmas eve! whoop!!

plaid & bows!

2011-12-17T18:33:00.001-04:00

hendrix's collar/bowtie: neck candy collars
coat, dress: ruche, scarf: roots, hair bow: red velvet, boots: aldo marrs boots, tights: american apparel

.....

we took our christmas photos today!

aren't we just the corniest??

i love it.

dear santa...

2011-12-17T10:37:00.002-04:00

it is exactly one week until my favourite day of the year.

christmas eve.

a day spent with family and friends, lots of food, laughs, and presents!!

a day i spend a month and a half preparing for.

to commemorate the fact that it's one week away, here's my christmas wish list:

the fujifilm mini instax camera.

urban outfitters exclusive crosley turn table (which i just happen to know is currently sitting under the tree, taunting me)

a couple of van morrison LPs... because... well. i love his music.

a vintage plaid thermos set, to carry all my yummy keurig drinks on the go.

especially while snowshoeing this winter! (the family all got snowshoes from santa this year, so we can use the cottage in the winter)

a few more records: mumford & sons 'sigh no more', and florence and the machine 'ceremonials'.

i have both on my ipod, and listen to them all.the.time.

i'd love me some forest green (or as i call it, christmas green) nail polish.

something similar to this butter london mayhaps??

and finally, the album i've been listening to since it came out in october... a very she & him christmas.

because really, what's the point of getting a record player for christmas, without having this to play on it??

and these Shelly's prairie boots.

oh wait, i purchased these as my christmas gift to myself!

teeheehee

dear santa: i've been a very good girl.

;)

as promised...

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

this gorgeous creature? my bestest bud for the past 12+ years.

meet chloe.

i got this kitty right after my high school graduation, and we've been a family ever since. she's lived in fredericton with me during my university days, moved to montreal while i studied interior design...

she's been on numerous flights and road trips with me, and gets insanely motion sick.

i guarantee i know every spot from here to ottawa that were regular pull-overs for her.

after montreal, was ottawa. we lived there for two years, before moving back to NB to be closer to our family, and adopting her fur-brother, hendrix.

she's very lazy, and likes to snooze all day. especially if there's a sunny spot on the floor.

or on my stomach. or pillow. under the blankets curled up with me...

she also likes sneezing in my face.

she always meets me at the door when i get home. unless her brother is super hyper, so she waits for me in the safe zone: on the stairs. knowing i'll come see her as soon as i drop my purse and take off my shoes. she starts with letting me pet her, then meowing, telling me all about her day, and the sort of trouble her brother caused.

she somehow knows when i need snuggles, and is always there for me.

we've been through thick and thin, us gals.

this last photo was taken of us right before we left ottawa. she wanted to say hi to gram and melissa, tell them we'd be home soon.

because she's sweet like that.

i loves her big time.

peel it off...

2011-12-14T19:23:00.001-04:00

i chopped my hair off...

just kidding!

somewhere amidst all these layers, my bum is hiding...

cardi, skirt, floral pins: ruche, blouse: melissa's (ruche), shoes: aldo, infinity scarf: ae, necklace & bracelet: tiffany's

.....

could i BE wearing any more clothes??
i'm basically in love with layering, if you haven't noticed. teeheehee

as i'm sure you can tell, i had a hair appointment last night. i know, it's obvious every time i have one, because something is always different. my bangs are shorter, due to the fact that i'm terrible at trimming them, and i wanted them to be a decent length for next weekend. and my ombre bottom is a bit darker. which i love. i've been going a shade darker for the past few times, slowly getting braver and getting it smack on this time!

also, i received me double velvet bow from red velvet yesterday! had a bit of an issue getting it to stay in my fine hair, but after a helpful email from sweet emma, i got it! it looks yellow in these pics, but it's just the lighting. it's a nice cream, perfect with my green dress for christmas eve!! (my favourite day of the year).

happy wednesday!

when my dress and christmas tree matches...

2011-12-12T18:37:00.005-04:00

dress, shoes, belt: borrowed from melissa (ruche, asos, unknown), top: ruche, tights: american apparel

.....

today i had a serious case of the mondays. serious. i am *so happy* it's almost over. complete with ruining my fave pair of tights. thank you hendrix. i now agree with grampy, you are a shithead. (but i still love you)...

this week is a busy week! work and home. year end is always a crazy time of year. mix that with everyone trying to get things done before the holidays, CRAZIER. add to that trying to get all your personal christmas stuff done... yowza! this week consists of baking, hair appointment, decorating at melissa's for avery's 2nd birthday party, the party itself, did i mention baking? then mailing?? yea, it's possible some people (ashley) won't be getting their christmas goodies before christmas. i'm sorry.

on that note, i haven't even taken my christmas photo with hendrix yet. for someone who starts christmas season on november 12th, you'd think i'd be way more on the ball than i am. i have no idea what's up this year. note to self for next year: start earlier!!

happy monday.

but better yet: happy almost tuesday.

guest post...

2011-12-10T19:57:00.001-04:00

hey! i'm over here...

talking about Christmases past with my bff.

come see :)

the eyelash extension adventure...

2011-12-10T19:14:00.003-04:00

before:

after:

i actually have girly eyes!!! i'm lovin it! :)

i've been wanting eyelash extensions for a while now, but i didn't know anyone who had them done, and i wanted an opinion/someone to take to first. i'm TERRIFIED of stuff in my eyes. if only you could see me attempting eye drops (picture rachel/monica from friends, the eye drop scene... yup, that's me). so having eyelash extensions was a tad scary for me.

but after talking with a friend, and seeing the dramatic difference, i just had to try it.
i opted for the less natural, 'cat eye' look. i had planned on the natural, because i was nervous i would find it too extreme for every day. but, i love it!

i feel so girly. and especially having bangs, i think the added pop of the extended lashes at the ends were a good idea, seeing as sometimes part of my eyes are hidden anyway.

loves.

a christmas party...

2011-12-10T10:51:00.004-04:00

getting ready!

dress: heartmycloset, earrings: ruche, belt & shoes: borrowed from melissa

.....

my work christmas party was last night! it's a little intimadating, work gatherings. i'm quite shy until i know you and get comfortable, so i have some difficulty with mingling. it's definitely made easier when you're surrounded by a great team who constantly has you in stitches, such was my realization last night.

hair how to was inspired ruche's tutorial. i wanted to keep my bangs, so i opted out of the bump. super easy hairstyle though, and it really doesn't take as long as you would thing!

i kept my makeup pretty simple, too faced natural pallet, with heaven on the lids/corner of my eye, push up blended the crease, and erotica as a liner. add some mascara, and red lipstick, and i was ready to go!

now i'm excited to wear this dress a different way for xmas eve!! :)

j.

dots, frills & bows...

2011-12-07T18:09:00.002-04:00

dress: borrowed from melissa (ruche), shoes: ... uh oh! don't remember the site... tights: we love colors, watch: guess

.....

today was the first real snowday. as in, roads were bad, plows were out, i hauled out my parka. it was awesome. first eskimo day of the winter!
i'm a true canadian. i love winters and snow. part of this is because i put aside my style worries, and dress for warmth. parka, toque, uggs... the works. i look about 12 years old, but i don't complain of the cold! work was torture today. all i could do was stare out the window and wish to make a snowman! it didn't happen (sadface)... hopefully soon!

speaking of snow and winter... christmas is nearing!! my shopping is almost finished, the decorating is finished, the wrapping as finished as it can be until the shopping is finished... and the baking... has commenced. i made my dad's scotch cookies (with the blasted cherries) this weekend. 178 scotch cookies. now comes the rest of the cookies, tarts, and bark. not to mention friday is my work party, saturday i have free Titan hockey tickets... next week i get to decorate for avery's birthday party on friday... where's the baking time???
i'm thinking i'll be getting less sleep in the next couple of weeks.
that being said, i should go bake.

:)

the help...

2011-12-06T20:27:00.003-04:00

dress & necklace: ruche, cardi: ae, shoes: aldo, tights: we love colors, belt: borrowed from melissa

.....

the help. i watched the movie tonight. i wanted to go see it in theatre, but i didn't get around to it. i really wish i'd gone alone. it's the type of movie i enjoyed renting alone, so i would've loved it in theatre alone as well... so i've been waiting months for the dvd release (which was today). i started watching it almost immediately when i got home from work. my opinion? it was amazing. such a touching story, so heart breaking at times. it just squeezed my heart. it helps that i love emma stone. and the fashion in the movie.

i wanted to read the book, and didn't. i seem to have done a lot of "didn'ts" with The Help. but i'm going to. i've just purchased it from kobo. a friend of mine says that she didn't like the movie after the book, so i guess this is one of those times where i'm happy i watched it first, because i loved it. i thought each of the woman nailed the characters emotions. i'm looking forward to reading all of it with further detail and description. i'm sure i'll need a box of tissues, but it will be worth it.

i recommend you watch it.
i'll let you know if i recommend if you should read it.

:)

j.

this dog, i love...

2011-12-05T18:39:00.003-04:00

dress & shoes: ruche, top: ruche (borrowed from this lady), watch: guess, tights: american apparel

.....

please don't judge my dog by his collar... i know, it's in rough shape... he has a new one, but i'm saving it for christmas photos. he likes to play in the field/woods, so his collars tend to fray (see below)... and i want his new one to be fresh for photos. then, thankfully, he'll be stylin in his new tartan.

so this dog? total pest. whines all the time. always wants attention. torments his uncle (my parent's dog), hogs the bed, and the blankets... sometimes head bunts me when he leans back too fast for a snuggle. and the worst: when he rolls in his poop outside. i know, i dont get it either. this results in a bath, and a lecture, at which point i say repeatedly, "if it smells this bad to me, and you have heightened sense of smell, WHY do you do this??" i know. gross. (terrible two's possibly?)

but even with the bad, the good shines through...

he's great. he snuggles all the time. curls up and keeps me warm. gives me kisses every day. smiles at me when i get up in the morning, when i get home from work, and when i say 'hen coming to bed?'... he leans in for a hug, curls up on my lap, puts his head on my shoulder... he's one of my two best friends (post on best friend #2 coming up this week).

he's my #1 man.

he's my hendrix.
aka hen
aka drix
aka henny
aka henny poo
aka snuggle bunny
aka shithead (his grandfather's pet name for him)

when friday blends into saturday unawares...

2011-12-02T20:52:00.002-04:00

top (dress): asos, belt: ruche, jeans: ae, boots: aldo, watch: guess

.....

it's seven minutes past midnight. on friday. well, technically saturday. what am i up to? i'm just heading to bed... after four hours of wrapping christmas presents. four hours... not bad right?? almost done. except this is day four of wrapping. i get to wrap all of the family presents. from me, from my parents, to mom from dad, to dad from mom... to me from my parents... crazy. for some reason, most of my christmas obsessions seemed to have skipped a generation. my parents aren't bakers, or big decorators, or christmas wrappers who are OCD and need perfect corners... i get these from my nanny (murchie). so, alas, i get to wrap ALL.THE.PRESENTS.

and bake hundreds of goodies. which i need to start asap.

what else did i do on this exciting friday?? well... mom and i went to the cottage. our cottage. that my parents just bought yesterday. uber exciting. so we went to the cottage to put up a tree. (again with my obsession). well, the electric heat wouldn't turn on. yay. day 2 of owning the cottage and already a problem! there's a wood stove, but my mom didn't feel comfortable starting a fire and leaving shortly after. so after two hours of freezing (literally), fighting with the heat, being bundled in a blanket, we left. with the christmas tree still in the box. so that's a task i'll revisit tomorrow!

on a bright note: it's december! which means it's officially officially christmas season to practically everyone, and i'll seem less crazy for having all of my decorations up (since november 12th) and the rest of the population will start to join me!!

AND it snowed tonight. just a dusting, but still, the ground is white. yay christmas!

:)

happy friday! (saturday)

j.

yay for darkness... at 5:00pm...

2011-11-28T20:20:00.004-04:00

cardi, dress, belt, earrings: ruche, tights: we love colors, watch: guess, boots: aldo

.....

i love winter. if you've read my blog, you know this already. love snow. however, i'd love it even more if we decided to skip the daylight savings time and keep that extra hour of sun in the afternoon. gotta love getting home from work at 5:00pm and having to take indoor photos with a flash. i swear, i did have some cute pictures... the flash just didn't feel like going off with those photos. i'll try harder folks. fyi: this sweater is basically the warmest, coziest sweater on the planet. i can't even begin to tell you how much i love having it hug me all day long. if only they had it in gray. and cream. and red. :)

on another note, i bought myself a keurig last week. i know, i'm slow... had a tassimo first, but i like flavoured coffee, so... i've been testing out lots of flavours over the past few days, and i have to say... irish cream? yea, really not a fan. the hot cocoa though?? wow! tastes like cake batter!! so yumm.

actually, i think i'll go help myself to a cup of hot cocoa now.

night folks!

:)

how we wear it: tell tale rose dress...

2011-11-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

it's been a while since i've done one of these posts! thought it was about time.
staple piece: melissa's tell tale rose dress

on me:
first pic: lace jacket and belt, ruche, wedges: aldo
second pic: belt: ruche, shoes: aldo

on melissa:

pic one: cardi, belt, tights & shoes: ruche
pic two: tights: american apparel, shoes: asos
pic three: cardi: costa blanca, tights: american apparel, shoes: aldo

tell tale rose dress from Ruche

.....

this dress is a favourite of both melissa and myself. i regret not having bought it, and now there's none left in my size. it's such a great piece, and so versatile. not to mention it twirls really nicely!!

both of my looks are from the hot summer months, sans tights. that's a hint melissa, i need to borrow this dress again!!
dress swap soon??

:)

a veg weekend...

2011-11-26T20:22:00.007-04:00

cape & lace dolman top under: ruche, jeans: ae, boots: aldo

.....

so basically, this weekend is a 100% 'me' weekend. last night i went for my run on the treadmill while watching big bang theory, took a nice relaxing bubble bath, tossed on some lululemons, grabbed a glass of wine (my last bottle from the konzelmann, i may cry), had the christmas lights all on, a nice pellet stove fire, and watch crazy stupid love. perfect veg night.

have you seen crazy stupid love? if not, be prepared to drool. i thought i loved ryan gosling in the notebook. really, i did. and still do. but the corny dirty dancing scene? wow. it's no wonder i'm single, i don't think it's possible for guys to compare to these romantic movies that leave me wanting THAT. i keep thinking i can be swept off my feet with the right broom, but i think i might be holding out for ryan gosling's broom.

if you want to see the clip i'm referring to, here it is:

on another note, i went on a hunt today for a gold tree topper. while i was unsuccessful, i did find some red ornaments to fill the bare spots in my tree. as well as a few records. i'll share more on my current record craze another time. but don't be fooled, no i did not wear heals while out shopping. today's outfit post was actually my casual friday work outfit. did i mention i feel like sherlock holmes in this cape? give me a deerstalker cap and a magnifying glass and i'd be all set!

happy weekend!
may yours be filled with vegginess and ryan gosling as well.

:)

awkward & awesome

2011-11-24T18:58:00.002-04:00

dress: little houses, shoes & belt: ruche, tights: we love colors

.....

awkward:

- being in the costco men's underwear section with my mother, looking at the underwear trying to find the style my father likes (as if that isn't awkward enough) and hearing my mother say "wow, those are nice looking nuts" (very loudly)... as i turn around in horror, she was actually referring to a jar of glazed nuts, randomly set aside in the underwear aisle. yes, people heard her. and stared. and laughed.

- ok, i can only think of one awkwardness in the past week... which is awesome, and leads to:

awesome:

- booking time off for a trip to connecticut for NYE with some single girls.

- my cozy dress. it's sweatshirt material. love it.

- that tomorrow is a much need friday and i'm spending the weekend alone with the fur kids. much needed veg time. i'm stoked.

- breaking dawn part 1. jacob was shirtless in the first 10 seconds. i'm embracing singleness.

- treadmill + big bang theory dvd's ... hello workout that i LOVE and just zooms right by!!

happy thursday.

:)

twice the fun...

2011-11-15T17:47:00.005-04:00

pouffy dress!! (and my work id tag... oops!)

dress, cardigan, coat & earrings: ruche, shoes: lulu's, tights: american apparel, scarf: gift

.....

today, i was obviously subconsciously in a very matching mood. i somehow managed to match EVERYTHING, and wear two of it! from the teal coat to the teal tights, the black dress with the black shoes, the lace scarf with my lace cardigan, and finally the pearls on the cardigan to the pearls on my earrings!
this coming from someone who rarely has matching socks.
not to mention this entire outfit was not preplanned, but a very "i need a quick outfit" rash decision from the closet this morning.
but i will admit to this: that dress makes me brave with tights. i'm not sure if it's because it's all so neutral, so i can be a bit wilder with the tights or what... but normally i'm very hesitant with colourful tights. not with this dress!
and coloured tights are FUN tights!

also... i'm suddenly obsessing over new years eve plans... i don't know what to do. i've been invited to go to foxwoods with some friends, but it would require me to take 3 additional days off of work... and i was kind of hoping to save my vacay for a trip down south. ya know, the kind that requires spf 45. i'd love to head to NL and have a long overdue visit with one of my best buddies, but flights are expensive, and i'm hoping to convince her to join me on said down south trip... what are your plans?? suggestions for a single girl? (NYE is worst than valentine's day for singles)

:/

j.

'romantical'...

2011-11-14T19:00:00.004-04:00

lace top & belt: ruche, dress: h&m, tights: we love colors, shoes: aldo, cameo: birthday gift from bestie.

.....

so... i maybe did a major blogger booboo. it's not my fault! it gets dark so flippin early now! who's idea was daylight savings time anyhow?? today was an overcast day, so by the time quitting time rolls around, it was pretty dark. add a 20 minute commute to that, and a few minutes to putt around the house, and, well... by the time i got outside to grab a few blog pics, it was dark. and yes, i could've taken them indoors instead, but, i was sort of in a rush.

i had to put up my christmas tree!
...ok, my second christmas tree. i'm basically buddy the elf, and once november 12th rolls around, all christmas breaks loose!

i'll try to be a better blogger picture poser taker. melissa might disown me for my dark outdoor pic with a flash. gasp! and the worst part? i had a cute outfit on. melissa said it was romantical. so, with some old west and seventies editing, i tried to make them look romantical. i think they look borderline horror flick style.

sorry.

j.

buddy the elf! what's your favourite colour??
hehehehe

true patriot love... there was never more.

2011-11-11T20:29:00.005-04:00

heroes. everyone automatically assumes they have super powers and a cape. when in reality, they're regular men with an extraordinary amount of courage and selflessness.

this was taken before my grandfather (whom i called 'popeye', far right) left for WWII.
the gentleman on the left, with my uncle Harvey in his arms, didn't come home.

at a train station, waiting to deport. my grandfather is the second from the left.

my grandfather's medals, which he left to me.
these are my most prized possession, and mean the world to me.

his hat is on the top, his brother's is on the bottom, William Murchie (known to family and friends as Earl). he was a US paratrooper.

my grandfather, Albert Murchie.
my hero.

.....

remembrance day is a very big day in my family. it's a day that i spent outside as a child, with my mother, grandfather, aunts and cousins, at the ceremonies, paying my respect. even at a young age, even if i didn't understand all of the details and hardships, i understood the importance of this day. each year, the importance grows more, and the respect grows stronger.
as does the sorrow.

i cannot begin to tell you what this man meant to me. as a child, he was my fun popeye, who was always there to 'rescue' me. i wasn't a fan of sitters, and i'd usually think up some excuse for him to come to my aid. and he always did, and we would spend the day together.
i remember his kindness, his laugh, his smirk, and the way he would sit in his rocking chair at the kitchen window and twiddle his thumbs. a habit i've inherited when i'm rocking and lost in thought.

though he died before i turned ten, he had already made such an impact on my life that today, twenty years later, he is still my hero and the man i compare men to. he had an amazing heart, was beyond generous and compassionate.

when i think of what he endured during the war, being a prisoner in the camps... what he would have been through, experiences, seen, heard... it twists my heart. and yet he returned to his family, and spent his life giving all he had.

today, and every year, when i hear amazing grace played on the bagpipes, i tear up. being a Murchie, of Scottish heritage, i've always loved bagpipes. and let's be honest, tartan. by the time the last post plays on the bugle, i'm a full blown mess, sniffling, tears running down my face. i do so without shame or embarrassment. i cry for the soldiers in front of me, who've lived through war and battles. i cry for the soldiers lost. i cry for the soldiers who are still fighting for peace. i cry for my popeye.

i look at the veterans before me, and wish i could go up to each one and thank them for all they did. let them know how appreciated they are. every day. it's impossible to thank every soldier, but i hope by seeing us out there, with a poppy over our hearts, they know it's out of love.

from an amazing Canadian band, the Trews, here's a song dedicated to our soldiers:

for any of you who might not have made it to a ceremony today, here's amazing grace on the bagpipes:

and finally, the last post, on bugle...

lest we forget.

fall back...

2011-11-07T17:18:00.004-04:00

dress, cardi, shoes: ruche, tights: walmart, belt: from dress c/o peacock plume/the clothes horse contest, watch: guess

.....

the end of daylight savings time. who doesn't love when the clock falls back?? while i love the extra hour of sleep, i have to say, when it falls on a weekend, it doesn't really feel like an extra hour of sleep. it also leaves me super confuddled for monday. this morning? my alarm was set for 06:25. the same time it's always set for. my body, however, was still set on daylight savings time, and woke up at 05:30. do you think i could fall back asleep? of course not. so that 'extra hour' of sleep that i got yesterday morning?? well, let's just say i don't feel it made up for my lack of an hour's sleep this morning.

it'll be an early night tonight indeed. and not just because it's 17:44 and already pitch dark out.

j.

ps... to share a quote i fell in love with on ruche's facebook wall today:
"i'd rather have flowers on my table than diamonds on my neck." - emma goldman

too true.

the return of brutus...

2011-11-03T17:25:00.005-03:00

top, belt, shoes: ruche
dress: c/o ruche
tights: we love colors
watch: guess
cameo necklace: gift from melissa

.....

when i lived in montreal many moons ago, i developed the nickname 'brutus'... the fact being that my best montreal friend (who's from NL), chris, was probably a good 5" shorter than i am. this tiny little bubbly thing. and next to her, i felt, and looked, like brutus. from popeye. flattering, i know.
this is how i feel again today, taking pictures in front of my love seat. i feel ginormous, in the height sense. it probably doesnt help that my tripod is broken, and so the camera is angled up at me, and not level... hence making me appear even larger!
(note to self: buy new tripod)

however, these awkward pictures are fitting, as it's awkward and awesome thursday!

awkward:

- that lovely dover shift dress i wore yesterday?? its adorable. i love it. i actually wore it two weeks ago. with light blue undies. seemed acceptable when i looked in the mirror in my bedroom. however, the mirror at work, under brighter lights, was a completely different story.
embarrassing.

- having to ask your pharmacist, who's one of your best friend's older sister, birth control advice.
fun times.

- the shirt i have on. it has several snaps in the back. they like to periodically unsnap during the day. the hard to reach ones.

- the happy birthday song. and everyone singing it to you. and staring.

- the holes in my closet doors where there should be hardware! i hated them, took them off with every intention to replace them, and haven't... it's been about 6 years... oops!

awesome:

- birthday cake! and birthday cake! and a third birthday cake!! and the fact that birthday calories don't count, and so i had large portions of all three cakes.

- vintage cameos. and that my bff bought me the prettiest 1940s cameo ever. love.

- the fact that michael kors was established the same year i was born... and so i think it's a sign that i should buy more. (i like to justify unnecessary shopping)...

- cunard restaurant chinese food... it's to die for. and the fact that my parent's picked up a huge scoff of it yesterday on their drive back from moncton. i'm tempted to go to the miramichi this weekend just for more. so yum.

- bath and bodyworks christmas scents. i love them. 'tis the season is basically what christmas normally smells like in my parent's house... and now it's bottled! amazing.

happy thursday!
(tomorrow's friday!! booyah!)

:)
j.

happy hump day...

2011-11-02T17:38:00.006-03:00

dress, scarf, tights, shoes: ruche, necklace: birthday gift from melissa

i stole this outfit from ruche here
.....

happy hump day... a phrase i hear often, but never really feel. sure, it's the middle of the work week, we're almost back to friday, but the middle isn't the end, and there's still 2 more days to go!
however...
today was a happy hump day. i finally have a reason to say it.
i have some new projects to help with coming up at work, and i love learning new things. especially interesting things! i've had a rough week, and today, things are looking up, and i'm seeing the glass half full again.
it's a good feeling.
i've missed it.

:)

j.

animal love...

2011-11-01T18:28:00.003-03:00

being an animal lover, every sad story i hear brings tears to my eyes. i wish i had the ability to adopt every animal in need of a loving home, because my fur babies are my loves. unfortunately, that's not realistic. but helping is.

there was a recent seizure on yet another puppy mill in the province. the animals have been split up between many of the shelters, trying desperately to find home for these fur balls.

if you're looking to add some fur love to your family, please help one who needs a loving home. my family adopted jack, our bernese/golden mix, and he's a dream. all of my future animals will come from shelters.

i'm sharing some links, hoping you can help in some way.
adopt.
donate.
anything helps.

SPCA NB

Gloucester SPCA
Restigouche SPCA

for the full scoop on this sad sad story, check out CBC news.

new album tuesday...

2011-11-01T17:55:00.004-03:00

dress & cardi: ruche, tights: we love colors, shoes: lulu's, necklace: etsy

.....

this is the second week in a row an album came out that i'm uber excited about. florence and the machine just released their new album, ceremonials. i'll admit, i hadn't heard many of their old songs, but one loved to lodge itself in my head, and i really didn't mind! so, when i saw the new album was being released today, i set a reminder, and purchased it first thing this morning. there's a whopping twenty-one songs on it! i don't remember the last time an album had more than 12! seriously, $13.99 for 21 songs?? that's a steal. verdict? i'm loving it so far. but this is coming from a woman who's listened to nothing but christmas songs (from a very she & him christmas) for the past week straight...

it's november first... 11 more days until christmas officially hits this house. we've always waited until after remembrance day (more on why on Remembrance day itself)... but i'm quite excited for christmas this year. i'm looking forward to decorating, snow, and listening to my music without people looking at me like i'm looney!!

happy tuesday all.
and happy november 1st.

j.

thirty...

2011-10-30T13:25:00.005-03:00

michael kors iphone wallet/purse.
1981 was a fine year to be established indeed.

a birthday card, written out by avery. how cute is he? so thoughtful.
not to mention he gave me a ruche gift certifcate.
he's so thoughtful!!

what 30 looks like: back to bangs!

birthday snappies with my bestie!

drinks and dinner at nectar! so yummy.

and... getting spoiled.

a big thank you to everyone who made this birthday extra special.
thirty is a big number, and you all helped me to start it off on the right foot.

thank you all.

loves.
xoxo

fall coat for fall weather!!

2011-10-25T17:33:00.002-03:00

top, skirt, belt, coat, earrings: ruche, shoes: aldo, tights: we love colors, hole in tights: me

:(

so, in the collection of tights i received yesterday, these were my fave. the mocha coloured tights. and i managed to put a big hole in them my first time wearing them. i'm not the happiest of campers at the moment. sure, i could always order another pair... but... it took a long time for this order to ship (without notice of the order being held to wait on one pair of tights)... and the duty on them... it just doesnt seem worth it. i'm undecided.

on a happier note: i got my coat in! after debating for a while over which coat to get, and finally deciding on the secret ballad coat, it arrived! fits perfectly, and the colour is ah-may-zing. it's much more teal than it looks, and it's just so vibrant. i'm quite in love.

yay for tuesdays.
kinda.

she&him...

2011-10-24T19:50:00.003-03:00

their christmas album released today!!
a very she & him christmas...
you should buy it!!

(my fave track)

ps... only two months until christmas eve! my favourite day of the year :)

baby it's cold outside...

2011-10-24T19:32:00.003-03:00

dress & scarf: ruche, tights: american apparel, shoes: aldo, necklace: etsy (gift)

.....

today was an exciting day, filled with lots of goodies and surprises! and who doesn't love a nice surprise?? my mother stopped in to visit melissa and drop off a get well card from me... and to pick up some tights from a shared order of we love colors. to my (happy) surprise, melissa added a few extras to my package!! a birthday card (torture) that i can't open until thursday. my birthday celebration isn't on my actual birthday, and she's thoughtful enough to make sure i have a card to open on the actual day. seriously, love this chick.
AND!! the She&Him christmas album came out today!! my fave actress, zooey deschanel, is the singer of this group. and let me tell you, this christmas album is probably the best christmas album i've heard. and that's saying something!! i had a reminder set in my iCal (geek, i know), but before i could order it after work, melissa surprised me yet again by ordering it and giving me a copy. so october 24th was spent listening to zooey's vocals... over and over again.

today's goodies!! with a new ruche dress that arrived too!

normally i'm not a fan of monday's, but today definitely started my birthday week off on a pretty sweet note.

:)
j.

love seat find...

2011-10-18T17:35:00.002-03:00

i love antiques. especially victorian/queen anne style, fine lines, very feminine... so when i spotted this beauty at a local antique shop, i just had to have it!!! and the price?? $250. a steal right? i thought so. except it was 50% off on top of that. so yes, i bought it!

isn't she gorgeous??

and it just fits perfectly in my bedroom.

my bedroom... it looks like i planned it to match chloe's colours, but it just happened that way. she does blend in well though!

my desk area.

dresser with a vintage suitcase, painted light blue and scuffed up.

and my new love seat. loves.

in keeping with today's theme...

2011-10-13T18:35:00.002-03:00

awkward & awesome: rag rolling your hair!

jacket, shoes, dress: ruche (dress borrowed from melissa), tights: american apparel, watch: guess

.....

i'm an avid reader of some of my favourite blogs. lifestyles, fashion, home decor, recipes, crafts... there's so much inspiration to be found! hairstyles included! one of my favourite bloggers, katie, has amazing hair. ah-may-zing. the colour, the cut, the way she styles it. i'd kill for her hair. so i happened to notice a while back she had a tutorial on elsie's blog for rag rolling your hair! and her's is just too adorable. so i tried it out. my plan was to test it out on a weekend, but that just didn't happen. tuesday night i attempted it. well... it was a failed attempt. i woke up wednesday morning, late, since i didnt have to wash/style my hair, and found i had super tight ringlets!! so, i thought i'd wet a comb and try to loosen them. wow. bad idea. BAD. hello white afro. in a bun my hair went.

so, last night, i made a second attempt. brave or crazy? i'm not quite sure. so, this time, i didn't put roll them as tight, or as high. the result? super cute little curls ONLY at the bottom of my hair! i got several compliments today at work. so, when i'm having a super tired night, i'll rag roll my hair so i can sleep in the next morning.

awkward: getting them seriously wrong the first time around.
awesome: comfy to sleep in, cute the next morning.

tutorial can be found here.

:)

awkward & awesome: the fairisle edition...

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000-03:00

it's no secret, i love christmas. a lot. and i think that's the cause of my love for all things fairisle and holiday-ish. and so we have my awkward and awesome... awkward, because, well, it can be borderline (or not so borderline) tacky... but awesome because it's holiday wear!!!

fairisle socks? yes please! from topshop

apple cider me tunic from modcloth

cardi also from modcloth

cardi (also available in sweater version) from topshop

mittens from asos

and these adorable shorts from threadsence

so awkward. so awesome.
so me!

:)

when tuesdays are mondays...

2011-10-11T19:11:00.004-03:00

top, cardi, belt, skirt, necklace: ruche, teal tights: american apparel, shoes: aldo

.....

short work weeks are great, no doubt. only 4 days of work and then it's the weekend again. woohoo! but the only thing is managing to cram 5 days worth of work in to 4. not that i'm complaining, but it is tough. i spend precious work time just trying to prioritize my stuff, and schedule it all in. then comes the part where i can never remember which day it is! and then once i do realize 'hey it's tuesday! not monday!' i have to remember my monday list of to-do's!

that being said, i also got confused with monday being a sunday, and i missed 'hart of dixie' last night. thank goodness for catching up online!!

so confusing!!

but so worth it!

:)

a very thanksgiving weekend...

2011-10-07T18:50:00.005-03:00

dress, shoes, belt: ruche, tights: american apparel, watch: guess

.....

ruche + pumpkin treat = a very happy thanksgiving
.....

happy thanksgiving to all my fellow canadian bloggers!! this weekend was a very thanksgiving weekend indeed, filled with lots of food, pumpkin desserts, and fall scenery!!

i tested out a pumpkin pecan jar recipe i found on pinterest, and it was a hit at home and work. perfect combination of sweet & salty! not to mention everything just seems extra fun in a jar, with ribbon to boot.

mixing the ingredients!!

everything is funner with matryoshka/babushka doll measuring cups and spoons!

ready to pop the jars in the oven!!

cool, and decorate!

ready to give out!

perfect with a scoop of icecream on top!

recipe:

ingredients ~

1 can (15oz) pumpkin
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
(or 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon allspice)
1 boxed cake mix (white or yellow cake)
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
3/4 cup butter, melted

Directions ~
1. Preheat oven to 350*F
2. In a large bowl add the first 5 ingredients, and whisk together until fully combined.
3. Lightly spray 12, 1/2 pint jars with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Use a measuring cup to put about 1/2 cup pumpkin mixture into each jar.
5. Sprinkle two rounded tablespoon of dry cake mix on top of pumpkin layer, in each jar.
6. Then sprinkle on one rounded tablespoon of chopped pecans in each jar.
7. Pour one tablespoon of melted butter on top (of each jar).
8. Bake jars on a large baking sheet (so they are easy to put in and out of the oven) for about 40 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the center of a jar comes out clean, and dessert is golden brown.
9. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving.

Before serving, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

a very happy thanksgiving to you! more fall pics to follow!

:)

which one??

2011-10-06T21:05:00.000-03:00

help!! i dont know which one to order!!

what do you think??

patience is a virtue...

2011-10-06T08:00:00.000-03:00

... or so i'm told.

Ruche launched their newest lookbook, 'autumn reflections', a little over a week ago. on the 26th to be exact. how do i know?? because i just happened to make an order that very same day. filled with items from the book.

this top. oh yea, it's gorgeous. photographer stephanie williams posted a sneak peek to this weeeeeeeeeeks ago, and i've been drooling ever since. so when the lookbook was up, i had to make an order.

and this cape?? hello cuteness. i love floral details. not to mention, it's going to look amazing with my birthday attire. sorry, not posting my outfit yet. that'll come with the event :)

and finally, this outfit. well, most of it. the dress, scarf, and tights. i have similar shoes that'll look perfect with it. i just looooove this outfit. so romantic, so vintage, so ME!

the downside? i also ordered my birthday shoes. which means it's going to get stopped at the border. larger shipments always do, and a cape + shoes?? yup. border alert. the duty? worth it. the wait?? torture!!

did i mention i want to move into that house?
because i do.

:)

a birthday list {revised}...

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-03:00

so a while back, i posted my 30th birthday wishlist... after much thought and deliberation, i've somewhat tweaked it.

i still LOVE this tiffany key necklace

but i also love these simple tiffany studs.

i still love this sweatshirt

i would love a real cameo... i've loved them forever, and i'd love to own one.
this one from etsy is super pretty.

some vintage luggage would be sweet for future travels!... preferably of the samsonite kind. :)

love this get up and go shoulder bag from modcloth

and this call you honey bag also from modcloth

(in other words, i'd love a vintage-y bag, without it being $300 from coach... as much as i love coach, i'm just too rough on a purse to spend that much on it)...

but my #1 super birthday item would be to see this

and this...

in NYC :)

new dress from a new shop!

2011-09-27T18:14:00.003-03:00

dress: asos, belt: came with dress from peacock plume, shoes: ruche, watch: guess

.....

i know, this outfit is a little baggy. i should've sized down, but it was my first asos order. live and learn. i'm skinnier than i look in my mind. bonus: i scored FIVE whopping compliments today! score!

i know it seems like i'm slacking with the blog posts. it's truly not the case. my weekend was bland, and basically spent with a heavy duty closet clean out. i believe it's the first time i've actually had empty hangers! normally when i make space, it's because new things are waiting. but this time, i've actually made progress. and yes, i'm proud. i also put some of the items in better shape online to sell. and so far, i've made some extra cash! (no, i haven't spent it on ruche's new lookbook... that was a credit... and my budget for birthday shoes...) hehehe
yes, i admit, i did make a pretty hefty order from ruche yesterday. BUT i was honestly saving a credit for this lookbook!

and proudest moment: i went to zumba yesterday. i've been getting on the treadmill lately, because my extra pounds aren't magically disintegrating like i'd hoped. the treadmill wasn't cutting it. the fact that i have control over the speed = not a good thing. i really don't push myself that hard. zumba! yay! i didn't go to my usual class, with the girls i've met and become regulars with. i went to a new class, that's way closer, and much more convenient for me. 20 minute commute to work, then 30 minutes to zumba? nope, i cant spend almost 2 hours a day driving. the result? it was fun! i'm going to aim to go back every monday and wednesday, and get myself back into a routine! so exciting!

:)

wish me luck!

j.

cheers to the freakin weekend...

2011-09-23T21:41:00.003-03:00

tank, shoes: ruche, cardi: costa blanca, jeans: ae, necklace & bracelet: gifts, earrings: etsy, bandeau: aritzia

.....

this quote, or song lyric, has been plastered all over my news feed today on facebook. i'm not even a fan of the song, but now, of course, it's lodged in my head. which i find rather annoying. it's kind of like my craving for st huberts earlier today... it was also lodged in my head, and i desperately needed some. so my momma and i drove to town to pick some up. it was de-lish. and now i'm beyond full. it's probably the only restaurant where i eat too much... and i really did.

i'm currently on a website hunt to find a site to watch game of thrones (the beloved series i'm currently reading) with melissa. she's my go-to internet searcher. if i need to find something, she's my source. girl's got mad browsing skillz. unfortunately the only times it comes on tv (hbo) is in the middle of the night/morning on thursdays. booo

wish us luck on our search. and if you have any helpful hints, link me please!!

:)
happy weekend!

on the flip side of things...

2011-09-22T22:30:00.001-03:00

mums the word dress: navy cardi/bordeaux tights vs coral cardi/navy tights... switching it up!

dress: borrowed from melissa (ruche), cardi & belt: also ruche, necklace: gift (etsy), bordeaux tights: american apparel, shoes: aldo

.....

when in doubt, switch up tight/cardi colours! easy fix for a new twist on an old outfit!

.....

awkward:

- mentioning to curtis that i'm bummed i'm not going away this weekend (as was planned), because i needed bras and i wanted some from aerie.

- curtis: do you want me to pick some up for you? do you know your size?

- me: oohh yea maybe! yes i know my size!

- (at the same time) curtis: 34 Training??

me: 34B

- me: what? training?? that's insulting!

- curtis: B?? wow that's generous!
it's not summer anymore, you don't need to leave room to air them out!

(he's lucky i love him)...

- having 9 people in a house, with one toilet not functioning, and only one other...

- extra awkward?? having just met/barely knowing half of them...

- having your tights make fart noises every time you move in your seat with a meeting with your boss. professional.

- buying a premade greek salad for lunch, only to sit there picking out all of the tomatoes, black olives, and cucumbers... with other people sitting with you. laughing. picky? me? nooooo.....

- growing out your bangs. yep, after almost 30 years of bangs, i'm growing them out. first time EVA!! be proud of me.

awesome:

- my new shoes from ruche. i have actually worn them this week, i've just been picture lazy.

- fall is here! officially! whoop whoop!!! favourite season baby!!

- vampire diaries, and the new show the secret circle!

- the fact that i remembered to turn on my tv tonight. must...remember...every...thursday...

- the second book in the game of thrones series: clash of kings. also awesome. seriously, read them.

:)

head to toe...

2011-09-19T19:01:00.003-03:00

cardi, skirt, ring, belt, shoes: ruche

.....

can you tell ruche is my favourite online shop?? head to toe ruche today! and another order just arrived. who says mondays are all bad?

i'd love to sit and chat, but i'm yet to pick out my outfit for tomorrow (and iron if necessary)... not to mention kobo tells me i'm 90% finished my current read (still on a game of thrones), and i'm just dying to get to the end! it reminds me of the outlander series... lots of action/love/bit of magic... and i tend to skim some of the long battle details, but i'm hooked on it!
read it!

:)

hey boo-boo...

2011-09-18T21:15:00.000-03:00

...how's about handing me one of them pic-a-nic baskets??

this weekend we were in edmundston with curtis's fam-jam again. saturday was a gorgeous day! we hit up the US to browse a bit, then hit the gardens for what will probably be our last visit this year...

loved the flowers on the lily-pads!

there were TONS of ducks! usually there's maybe 10-20... but i'd guestimate closer to 70 this visit!

and we finally got to have our gardens picnic!!

we hit up our fave take out restaurant for some seafood snacks, grabbed my lunch bag and a blanket, and off we went.

the grass was wet from the rain the day before, so we had our little pow-wow in the gazebo.

on me: cardi: ruche, romper: lulu's, sunnies: cassis
on him: hoodie: ae, shorts: marks work wearhouse

and the best? the picnic was his idea. i loves him. <3

on my way home, i just had to stop and grab this pic...

i'm a true country gal. i just loves me some bales of hay! and fields of hay... and wheat... and straw... ;)

j.

longest week ever...

2011-09-14T18:17:00.003-03:00

dress, shoes, bracelet, belt: ruche, sweater: borrowed from melissa (from fredflare), khaki tights: american apparel

.....

i swear this week is in slow motion, and i'm debating the cause:
- last night i had a nail appointment (sorry, i didnt take a pic to post), and my appointments are usually on thursday... so according to my nails it should be friday.
- last week was a short work week with the holiday, so this week seems extra long.
- i haven't seen curtis since the long weekend, and i swear the longer it's been since i've seen him, the more time slows down to torture me.
- i haven't been sleeping well at all, so waking up is brutal and a very long process, and the day drags on because i have the stupids and no energy.
- because i have a hair appointment tomorrow night, and i'm so excited to *hopefully* have hair i like again!

so after that long list.... is it friday yet???

:(

days go by...

2011-09-12T20:12:00.006-03:00

belt, ring, dress, shoes: ruche, forest tights: american apparel

.....
(are you proud of me?? i own ALL of the clothing i had on today!! a rare occurrence as of late)
.....

...and while i love being back in rural nb, i've become lazy, and slow paced... i was never wild and crazy, but i definitely went out and lived more when i lived in cities than i do now. and i find lately i miss that so much. and while i miss this, i will admit that it's not because there is nothing to do here, or nothing to see. it's that while the options are there, they are less obvious, and i need to start opening my eyes, finding and creating things to do and see.

and with my declaration of missing aspects of my old city lives, i will make an effort to thoroughly enjoy and see my rural nb...

it seems thinking it is never enough, saying it aloud sometimes helps, but writing it down for others to read and remind you of helps to 'set it in stone'...

:)
j.

awkward & awesome: the picture edition...

2011-09-08T17:41:00.005-03:00

dress: swap item from melissa (from ruche), tights & necklace: ruche, cardi: costa blanca, shoes & earrings: aldo

AWKWARD:

-the fact that i'm twirling in this pic, but it actually (accurately) resembles my daily dance moves

-my face in this pic... wowza.

-and this one! tyra would not be impressed...

AWESOME:

-braided hair!

- poptarts! and my thoughts that follow poptarts (1. all that's missing is breakfast beer, and 2. bubbles bed)... i know, those arent thoughts you follow... but they're funny to those who know the story.

-this book. awesomeness extreme.

- cuddle pupps. and wow do i miss them. a lot.
(i save this for last because it's the awesomest of all).

happy thursday!
:)

conversion inspiration...

2011-09-07T19:05:00.004-03:00

inspiration/outfit

top, belt, shoes: ruche, skirt: yesstyle, taupe sheer tights: american apparel

.....

my outfit today was inspired by ruche's conversion 7 from their newest outfit-ideas. being one of the warmer days lately, it was a perfect day for fluttery sleeves, sans cardigan. a rare occurrence to be sure. and i swear, my belt was actually around my waist today. not sure what happened in these pics...

on another note, i started an excellent book today!! ... well, being three chapters in and hooked, either it's amazing, or i'm about to be incredibly let down. i vote for the former thanks very much. george r.r. martin's a game of thrones series, book one, a song of fire and ice. wowzers. honestly, i'm warning you now that my blog posts may be lacking as i'll be spending my time reading!! you should check it out :)

happy hump day (yay for short work weeks!)

:)

j.

when summer blends into fall...

2011-09-06T18:09:00.004-03:00

dress & cardi: borrowed from melissa (ruche & fred flare), bordeaux tights: american apparel, shoes: lulu's , ring: blush envy

.....

finally, cardi & tights without feeling like i'm not used to Canadian summers, being so bundled up in our warmest season. autumn weather is arriving, and i've even spotted a few leaves changing on the trees. this marks my favourite time of year: layers!

tights, sweaters, scarves, hats... i love it all. and it's almost here!! can you feel my excitement??

fall also brings two other things i love: my birthday (see below for my ultimate wish list!), and halloween! although we still haven't yet picked out a costume... which is stressful, because i like to always like my costume better than last years, which is tough, because last year i LOVED my costume.

any suggestions??

:)

j.

wishlist... only 1 month and 21 days away...

2011-09-06T08:00:00.002-03:00

... from the big 3-0. and here's my dream wishlist, which is irrational and very greedy of me. but hey, a girl can dream...

hunter wellies in original green

hunter socks in cream

pride & prejudice sweatshirt, a fave novel & movie :)

roots iphone 4 case in walnut

coach kristin hobo in parchment

seychelles 'clue' booties

a tiffany key pendant/chain

.....

i'm not demanding at all

;)

hehe

...to be continued, i'm sure.

so i'm a day late, what of it??

2011-09-02T12:20:00.000-03:00

dress: h&m, cardi, belt, shoes, kneesocks: ruche

.....

yesterday was an uber busy day (you're about to hear about some of it), and i didn't get a chance to blog, so my awkward and awesome, which i've been skipping lately, is back today. we'll pretend it's thursday. (except that we're really really all happy it's friday, yes??)

awkward:

- getting my hair done and wanting ombre, only to end up with a big stripe from espresso to blonde. yikes! (its fixed, no tears...)

- having someone come in to the office, attempting to say 'perfect!' but actually saying 'purse!'... yes, i did that. smooooooooth.

- wearing a dress (the dress in today's outfit post actually), and having to adjust it EVERY. TIME. I. STOOD. UP. seriously. it has an underskirt, shorter than the dress... and it just bunched up every time i sat down. fun stuff. and yes, it was noticed that i did this.

- basically all of my poses above. you should've seen the 'bad' ones. ouff. i dont know what it is when melissa takes my pics, but i just get crazy goofy. (second pose?? yea that was my "i'm the king of the world!!" pose, and i did it about five times, each time almost falling from leaning forward).

awesome:

- clothing swaps with melissa! you should see the goodies i scored.

- two new dresses arriving from asos. oh so pretty.

- that it's friday (i've had a rough week)

- it's a long weekend!! (that i get to spend with my hunny!)

- my iphone, and that it offers companionship wherever i go. angry birds, cut the rope, instagram, netflix... hello hours of entertainment.

- i ordered my 30th birthday dress. wanna see it?? well you can't. here's to hoping it fits and it's purdy in person!

happy weekend to all! be good.

:)

iPhones are inspirational!

2011-08-30T18:17:00.006-03:00

... for blog topics!

a little bit of sunshine

i like to match my ruche with my dog (hendrix)

dress c/o ruche, shoes: borrowed from melissa (from ruche), belt & necklace: ruche, cardi: pseudio, cappuccino tights: american apparel

.....

i'm still not 100% used to my iPhone. this causes abrupt fits of giggles throughout the day for both myself and melissa. because we could be on damn you auto correc t .com about 50 times a day, i'm sure.

some of our most popular words:
(autocorrected - what we meant to type)

Pisa - pissed
veiled - cripes (thats me)
Lara - lata
lays - lata (it's a hard word to say!)
Banaba - bahahaha
he'll - hell
puff - ouff
Co Kay Jet - (can't write the word here, but it's sooo not that)
CDs - ffs

needless to say, our daily text convos are always interesting.

back on the topic of damnyouautocorrect.com, last night was the first night i looked at it. and i almost wet the bed laughing so hard. it might be a side effect from the muscle relaxers i'm on... not quite sure. but when i was reading them to a coworker this morning, i seemed to have the same reaction as last night.

you should definitely check that site out if you haven't already.

in other news: thursday melissa and i are swapping again! whoop! and yes, i will (regrettably) be giving her back her malibus. sadface. mind you with ruche's new lookbook out yesterday, i've ordered up a couple of snazzy brown shoes for myself. finally. i may be uber predictable, but not very practical.

here's a peek at the lookbook, you should check it out :)

finally...

2011-08-29T18:40:00.003-03:00

dress, socks: ruche, shoes: lulu's, necklace: etsy

.....

so these adorable socks? i've only owned them for about 9 months now... and as melissa said, i'm finally getting to wear them! because (also finally) i invested in a pair of black shoes. i'm quite impressed with this outfit, and the coordinating black bows.

so in spite of irene, today was rain free. not that you could tell from my ensemble (below)... i bundled up for rain and wind! apparently we got the rain last night, and the wind today. never the less, rainboots are fun to wear, even when it isn't raining.

coat: lululemon, boots: roxy

:)
j.