Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Merry Christmas

Well, you may have noticed that things have been a little quiet around here, and for good reason.  
A couple of posts ago, including my last one, I have talked about someone close to me and cancer. 
Well, things have come to an end.
I'm coping the best I can, and keeping myself surrounded by family and friends.

I'm taking a break from just about everything, blog included.  That means that I'm planning on sitting back and enjoying reading all of your lovely blogs and you better show me all things Christmas.  I'm talking gift guides, party dressing, hanging the stockings by the chimney with care....the whole shi-bang!

In the meantime, I've updated my blog roll with all kinds of lovely ladies.
You may as well do some reading too!

I'll be back in the new year, see you then.
The Bf and our roomie decorated our apartment and Kea posed for a photo. 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

a real life story: part 2

I'm smiling today.  It's because I want to and I need to.  Remember this post, things are progressing.
My fingers crossed and thoughts are positive.  It's all I can do. 

Friday, November 16, 2012

private cafe

We've been without a dining room table for quite some time, and meals at the coffee table were getting a bit tiresome.  So, when this little dining set fell into our hands we were quite relieved.  
It made Saturday morning pretty much amazing, catching up on some magazines while eating fresh bread and homemade jam, along with a hot cup of tea.  Oh, and some fresh flowers really made it feel like my very own  private cafe, view included.
You may just find me there this weekend as well! Happy Friday!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

favourites: Home Office

 I've been obsessed lately with the thought of a home office.  A little space, within our little space, that is all my own.  A place for blogging, working on projects, and organization of all my little things.  I've been searching Pinterest for ideas and inspiration and so far these are some of my favourites.  I think the key is keeping things simple and clutter free, as well as personalizing your space.  Using photos, inspiring words and a touch of greenery will motivate me to actually get some work done.  
I also came across this amazing feature on The Anthology, Workspace.  It features the workspace of lovely local ladies, such as, Miss Melissa, Style Spy's Erica Lam, Alicia Fashionista, I'm the It Girl's Anya Georgijevic, and many others.  These ladies have amazing style and it carries into their home offices.  Check them out!
Let's see if I can come up with something just as inspiring.
home office 1, 2, 34

Monday, November 5, 2012

Desolation Resort

 During our long weekend away, mentioned here, we stayed at Desolation Resort in Powell River on the Sunshine Coast.  I had bought a Living Social Deal way back in the summer and booked it so far in advance that the anticipation was killing me!  I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived (minus the pouring rain), but our little cabin, full of amenities, was quaint and surrounded by tall trees and beautiful views.
We walked the grounds to take it all in, including the kayak and canoes, the clams, the bridge leading out to the dock, and the totem poll.  Definitely recommend!
this is solely my opinion.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

spooktacular skulls

I realize I'm a little late, but I thought I'd still share a bit of our Halloween/Autumn decor.  A friend told me about these skulls from the dollar store, and I knew right away they'd be prefect for the mantle.  The skulls came with coloured sequins in their eyes, so I ripped them out and coloured in the styrofoam with a charcoal pencil.  And I also put a few crows around our place.  Little did I know, Kea isn't a huge fan of them, so they are placed high enough that she can't get them.
Even though Halloween was 3 days ago, I'll be keeping these guys out for a little while longer.  At least until I can begin planning this years Holiday decor!

Take a look on my Instagram to see Drac-Kea!
@closetomyheart

Monday, October 29, 2012

a ferry ride

This past weekend the Bf and I took Friday off work and went for a long weekend away on the Sunshine Coast.  We had a full days drive including two ferry rides.  I don't know about you, but I love taking the ferry! I'm staring out the windows, leaning over the railings, and have to walk the whole ship to see out from every angle.  We made a couple of stops along the way too.  We walked around a couple of small towns, and found a lunch spot that looked out to the seaplanes.  
Even though it was a pretty gray weekend, we had a nice relaxing time.  It's hard not to when you're surrounded by such pretty views.
More views to come from our lakefront cabin!  Coming soon, stay tuned!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

freshly baked: white bread

And by oven, I mean breadmaker.  We've had it for so long and I kept saying 'let's make some bread', then, well, just didn't make any.  And I may have become a bread snob, freshly baked bread is the only way to go.  Just wait till I figure out to make all kinds of fancy breads.....garlic, olive, rosemary...oh my!

I want to thank all of you for your support and kind words from my last post.  Whether it was comments, facebook messages or tweets, I am truly touched and feel so well supported.  Thank you.

Monday, October 22, 2012

a real life story

I've been trying to decide whether or not I was going share this story on my blog.  I've been back and forth as to the line of privacy, and I came to the conclusion that it's something I need to share, in order to help myself process all that's happening.
Someone close to me has been diagnosed with cancer.  And I'm really scared about it.
I'm keeping it together, for the most part, but some days it's really hard.  Today was one of those days.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

polka dotted

Wow, what a week! Work has been a bit crazy the last two and a half weeks.  I've been on a blitz of no days off and long hours in order to get everything done and looking it's best and for some big events (including TopShop opening today!).  
I've been a bit of a hermit due to the lack of sleep and crazy work schedule, so last weekend when we had a friend in town, it was nice to dress up (not in black) and go out for a fun dinner at The Eatery. It's one of my favourite sushi places in Vancouver, both for the food and the crazy decor.  
I'm looking forward to a weekend off and plan on catching up on things around the house (ie. giant mountains of laundry and dishes) and my fave TV shows.  Thanks goodness for having a pvr!
Happy almost Friday!

Follow me on Instagram and see some photos of opening day at TOPSHOP Vancouver!! 
@closetomyheart


blouse: Joe Fresh, jeans: AE, Boots: Sample Sale, Necklace: Stella & Dot

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

happy thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great long weekend! Mine was filled with....well, lots of work actually.  But, I managed to squeeze in a little family time, and some turkey.  Saturday was a great day to get outside, so the Bf, Kea and I went out to Sasamat Lake for a hike.  We did a loop around the lake and stopped in a sunny spot for a picnic lunch and let the pooch go for a swim.  
It's moments like these that I really feel thankful for our little family.
Oh! and a shoutout to the rest of the fam.... I'm so thankful for you guys too! Love you! 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

favourites - fall trends

cozy knits
Fall is fully upon us now, as we get into October, and I find that fall fashion is sometimes easier to shop for now compared to end of August/start of September.  I take a lot of my style inspiration from everyday people on the street, bloggers, and magazines, so I take my time observing and letting it all soak in before taking the next step.  Now, I may be a little different in my next step, but, I'm all about my favourites.  It's important to have your seasonal staples in your wardrobe, but I update those pieces with my absolute favourite trends.  These are a few photos of inspiration.  Thoughts?

p.s. You may have noticed, I'm all about favourites, so a new feature on the blog is going to be all about my favourites! It could be about trends, books, decor, food, it really could be about anything.... perhaps those close to my heart... ;)
the colour burgundy
leather everything
peplum and stripes
photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Friday, September 28, 2012

Sit.Stay.Love

Anthropologie put on a great event this past weekend, Sit.Stay.Love.  A pet adoption and supply drive partnered with the BCSPCA.  I think it was the cutest thing I've ever seen, hello! homemade pupcakes! 
There were snacks and drinks for both the customers and the dogs, along with all the best dog appropriate home decor, dachshund tea towel anyone?
The Bf and I stopped by to support and for Kea to make a few friends. 
She loved it, treats and petting from everyone, spoiled girl.

They had a small selections of dogs that were looking for forever homes, and hopefully each one of them will find one.  The store had 2 different times set up to meet the pups, but by the evening the little guys were tuckered out from putting their best paw forward, so had to head back to the shelter (hence no photos of the dogs :( ).
For those of you that know me well, you know I am a big supporter of adopting animals.  There are so many out there that are looking for some love, and if I can toot our own horn (well, Kea's horn), we have the best dog.  We couldn't be a happier family.

To take a look at dogs for adoption check out the BCSPCA website.
And keep watch at Anthropologie for upcoming events! 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

the brightest pants there ever was

These are the brightest pants....ever.  I sometimes get strange looks for wearing them, most likely do to their highlighter glow, but I wear them anyway! They scream summer time to me, being so bright and all, but I was really trying to think of how I could transition them into to fall.  A comfy sweater seemed to do the trick.  
I`ll be honest, I may not be able to pull off these bright jeans in the middle of January, but if you challenge me, I just might have to try!   
jeans: AG from Anthropologie, sweater: h&m, necklace: Stella & Dot, purse: Urban Behavior (super old)


Monday, September 24, 2012

RACHEL Rachel Roy & The Bay

This past Friday at the Bay, Downtown Vancouver, Rachel Roy was unveiling her latest fall RACHEL collection.  The lovely lady was doing a meet and greet with fans and was genuinely excited to be meeting and talking with everyone.  And I have to say, her smile is absolutely infectious!
The party was filled with local bloggers, some of the Bay's most stylish fashionistas and of course some delicious goodies and drinks.  It was such a great night!
You can find Rachel's line in the White Space at The Bay, Downtown Vancouver.  As well as her website.
I'm new to the RACHEL line, but I definitely found a few pieces that I'm seriously coveting.  
Here are a few of my favourite pieces: