Friday, August 31, 2012

surprise!

We're going camping in the Okanagan for the long weekend! 
It's very last minute, like literally I'm writing this then running out the door!
So, please bare with me while I'm away.
This means no computer/internet, so no blog posts.  But don't worry, I'll still be taking photos of my final days of 30x30 challenge (the last day is Sept 2nd!) and will update you all when I get back! 

While I'm away let Ashly entertain you with her latest and final 30x30 outfits!

Have an wonderful long weekend!!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

almost there

Only 5 days left! 
I opened my closet door yesterday and said to all my other clothes, "I'll see you soon!"

So, remember back on Day 19/20 I was talking about a big Sale coming up that I really wanted to go to?
Well, after talking it over with Ashly and a couple of friends, I've decided to go....but, with a plan.
Operation: chic work clothes
I pulled out all of my black clothing in order to see what pieces I have and how many different outfits I could make with what I already own.  This taught me that the items that I currently have are a bit sporadic and I need a few key pieces to fill in the holes.
Here's what's on my list.  
1. Black Blazer
2. Black Trousers
3. Black light layers

I rationalized my decision like this:
I know that once my 30x30 challenge is over, I (with Ashly) plan on doing a little fall shopping.  But what I actually need is some work clothes for my new job (it's almost been a month already!).  I know I'll end up doing some of that shopping at the same store, and figured, why not shop at huge discount prices (who cares if it's last year/season), instead of getting something nearly identical for full price.  Now the thing that I need to remember is that, yes, it is a warehouse sale and I can't get out of control.  
I can't just buy everything.  
I need to shop smart and not go overboard!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

quick fix

You may remember that I ripped these pants way back on Day 6, well I finally got around to fixing them over the weekend.  It was actually a pretty quick fix and I'm glad to be wearing them again.  

Check out Ashly's latest outfits for our 30x30 challenge!
No more rip!!

Pattern Mixing

 When I first put on this heart printed blouse with my striped skirt, I was like...umm, weird?...but then it grew on me, and I loved it! I wore it out for a dog walk and a coffee.  
The other new thing about this outfit, is that I've never worn this blouse buttoned up all the way.  I felt it was screaming for a fun peter pan collar necklace, but since I don't own one, I improvised with print inspiration.
I think a peter pan collar necklace is on my fall must-have list!
See Ashly's latest 30x30 outfits!
I'm singin in the rain! wait, where'd my umbrella go?! 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Night Market

 I almost forgot that I had this dress in my 30x30 items.  And now I wish I wore it more often! Well, good thing There's still 8 days to go.  And, this was also the first time I've wore boots!  I love boots!
Clearly this was a good day.
Oh wait... I know what made it better, Deep Fried Cheesecake.  We went to the Richmond Night Market and looked around at all the booths full of cool (read: silly) stuff.  Last year the Bf and I went to the Night Market and saw the sign for this crazy dessert, but didn't give in.  This year, the Bf was talking about it before we even got out of the parking lot.  It's definitely a guilty pleasure and quite tasty, but I'll admit, that I could only handle a few bites.

Take a look at Ashly's latest 30x30 outfits!

garden walk

Finally, I'm catching up on my 30x30 posts! My only excuse is my computer has suddenly decided to be super slow and not letting me open different programs.  And then it just doesn't let me do anything, and takes forever to turn off or on.  So, that definitely makes it quite difficult to blog.
Fingers crossed it my computer doesn't shut off in the middle of this.....

And check in with Ashly for her latest 30x30 outfits!

Friday, August 24, 2012

torn

I'm having a moment of weakness.  Well, to be honest, I'm actually kind of upset.  As part of my 30x30 challenge I can't shop for these 30 days.  And there's a very large Sale that I was hoping to attend this year, since last year I heard about it after the fact.  I was planning on shopping this Sale for some chic work wear for great prices.  And maybe even peruse the rest for some good basics.  The sale is 4 days before my 30th day, sooo close to the finish line! 
I'm really torn as to whether or not to make an exception.  
Any thoughts? 

See how Ashly is doing with our x challenge! 
She had a moment of weakness too, see how she coped!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

growth spurt

 So, Kea is going through another growth spurt over the last 2 weeks or so.  I first noticed it in her rib cage, her chest has dropped and then comes back up thinner near her stomach.  Her legs too, the upper area is looking thicker with muscle.  
We switched her food over the last week to adult food, and she's been loving it.  It's funny though to notice the difference in her eating habits.  Puppy food has a higher amount of protein compared to adult food, to help their little bodies have enough good stuff to grow.  So that meant that she's felt hungrier throughout the day.  We're still adjusting and she is too, but I have to say, it's amazing to see my girl grow up! She's about 9 months now, and she's going to one year old before we know it!

Check out Ashly's latest 30x30 outfit!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

twirling

 Do you ever just want to twirl? Wearing a dress or skirt gives me that feeling.  And I usually follow through (When no one is looking....heck, when anyone is looking).  
This was a work outfit, with my black cardigan on top at some point.  And I also think when we took these photos, I had just woken up form a nap.  Hence the messy hair (that I didn't touch up), the no makeup (that I didn't re-apply), and well, probably the twirling (that I loved).
That is all.  
Oh wait! Don't forget to check in with Ashly, over at Ashly & Monkey!! 
She's looking super smart in her stripes!

weeeeee!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Farmers Market

Sunday is Farmers Market Day, so pretty much the best day ever.  I don't know if I should be allowed to go on my own next time though.  I may have gone a little bit overboard with all of the fresh fruits and veggies, and cheese, and bread.  Hey, at least we'll be eating really well this week!

There we go, back to normal.  These photos are much better than the last ;)
Check out Ashley's latest outfits!

half way

So, Ashly and I are finally half way through our 30x30 challenge.  And to celebrate, you get to see a crappy self-portrait of moi! I apologize in advance for my lack of exciting photos for this post.  Don't judge me.
Ashly and I, along with the boys in tow, hit up the beach for the afternoon on Saturday (with my camera forgotten at home), so this outfit contains a (hidden) bikini, and yes, a long sleeve chambray shirt.  The weather turned rather quickly, so the beach day didn't last quite as long as we'd hoped.  
Wow, I think I'm not making any of this sound as fun as it actually was.  
Two words people.... Bocce Ball! 

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Happy Weekend!

I'm so glad it's the weekend!
It's been a long, hectic week and I'm ready to just have a lazy, sunny weekend.  
We have a friend in town for while and she's staying with us while she settles in to the city.  It's so great to have a familiar face around. She'll be pretty busy with work, but we'll get to show her some of the sights over the course of her stay.
It's been great this summer playing tourist.  Between having my oldest sister here, friends visiting and the great weather, we've had a pretty busy summer.  I do however, have a few things left on my summer list.
1. Go swimming (more than just wading in the ocean)
2. See an outdoor movie
3. Visit a night market

I think I can fit in a few fun things!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Pink is the new neutral

When I put this outfit together, I didn't quite realize how neutral is actually is.  I thought that these pink jeans came off a lot brighter, but now that I'm seeing them like this, I really like the idea of using them as a neutral in my wardrobe.  
What girl doesn't love pink, right?! 
Can you imagine these pink jeans with a chunky knit sweater, brown leather boots, and maybe throw a scarf in there too?! Wow, I can't seem to get my mind of Fall Fashion!
Go visit Ashly, of Ashly & Monkey, see her latest outfits! And yes, we both are becoming obsessed with all things fall!
 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Neon

 Neon has been such a huge trend out there, and this blouse is my try at it.  So far, I've really only tried the trend with accessories, mainly jewellery, so let's just say I'm jumping out of my comfort zone.  
Speaking of trends, fall is all I can think about! I literally have a list of favourite things I just might need to invest in when this 30x30 challenge is all over.  Ashly and I may have to celebrate with a little shopping trip!
Hopefully we can contain ourselves over the next 19 days!

Kea's got her fast ears on! 

Casual Stripes

 This top has easily become one of my favourites, and I just know it's going to be a staple in my wardrobe come the fall.  I already have ideas of how I can dress it up with skirts and trousers.  
I'm always a sucker for stripes. 

One third done!! Celebrate with me and Ashly!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Clean Car

 We spent our Sunday afternoon cleaning the car....yes, it was riveting.  But, it needed to be done.  We still hadn't cleaned it from our road trip, let's just say Kea left a beach worth of sand in there.  
So, this was my first official 'weekend'.  I haven't worked a Monday to Friday gig in years and it felt pretty good.  However I think I'm going to have to get better at the Sunday night unwind, in order to feel refreshed and ready for the new week.  Any suggestions?

Click HERE to see Ashly's latest outfit!!
 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Rocks and Rivers

 The Bf and I spent our Saturday outdoors, it was just so lovely out, it was hard not too.  However, outfit photos kinda, accidentally took the back burner, hence no awkward posing and full body shots.
2 great things that happened on Saturday, firstly, while taking these photos Kea was splashing around in the river, and then out of no where, she began swimming! Now, Kea loves to splash around along the shoreline, but has only recently started full-on swimming. And she usually has to get a running start from the sloping shoreline, but this time she was already belly deep into the river standing atop some rocks, and then splash! she swam across and back again!! I think the other hikers around must have heard me, because I squealed as high pitch eeeeeee!! And if you know me, it was very high and very squeaky ;) 
I'm a proud mama of my water loving pup.
Secondly, I went to yoga at Kits Beach with Ashly, to finish off her Seawheeze Half Marathon Day.  And let me tell you, doing your practice and while watching the sunset and matching your breath to the waves is just magical.  I haven't done any yoga since the winter, so I was a bit rusty (read: struggling), but I managed to push through.  I'm definitely participating in beach yoga again!
Look at my girl go!!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

TGIF

Week 1 done! 
So far through this challenge, I feel like I haven't worn as much of my 30 items as I should have.  I guess work is to blame for that, but still.  I'm looking forward to see what next week brings, as I get closer to
 half way.  
I was pretty tired come the end of this week, but in the best way possible.  I feel like I've achieved something, both completing my first week of work, and of this challenge!! 
We had a pretty easy Friday night, a visit to the dog beach, burgers, and a movie.  
Sounds good to me!
Have a great weekend!

Check out Ashly's Day 6 outfit! And see how two words, from yours truly, saved her from a shopping temptation!!!


Friday, August 10, 2012

Work Wear - Black

I am so happy it's Friday! 
I made it through my first week of work and ready for the next one.  After enjoying a weekend, of course.
Wearing all black has been a bit of a challenge, but I'm getting used to it.  I think though, after this 30x30 challenge is all said and done, I'm going to have to invest in a few more black pieces. 
It's kind of surprising, black is such a basic and it's what most women feel comfortable wearing.  Yet, I find a) that I don't own that much black and b) that don't I wear it often. 
I've found that as I'm getting older, black has been sneaking into my closet more and more, but still pretty much only in basics.  So, maybe it's a sign of my maturity.... hahaha, I didn't have myself fooled either.

If you want to see what my 30 items are click HERE!
You guys better check in with Ashly! And wish her luck running the Seawheeze Half Marathon!!

Can you believe that I ripped my pants 5 minutes before being done work for the day?!
Luckily it was on the seam, and I think I can fix them.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

2 Days of...zzz

Yes, these photos are at night.
Yes, I look very tired in them.
Yes, only one photo per day due to the prior statement.
And Yes, I wore other outfits during the day at work and didn't document them.
Bare with me while I get used to my new schedule!
I have to wear all black at work, so I've been very good and wearing black only out of my 30 items, high five! So that does add a little bit more of a challenge to my....challenge.
We have some friends in town so both of these photos were taken while out visiting with them after work.  On Day 4, I managed to totally change out of work clothes, but Day 5...not so much.  I changed out my black cardigan for my chambray shirt and called it a night.
Here's to a better effort tomorrow!

Click HERE to see Ashly's Day 3 & Day 4 outfit!!

p.s. Just to clarify, each Day's outfit is posted the following day.  So, look forward to seeing Day 6 (today Thursday), up tomorrow, Friday!!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Grey Skies

I feel so remix-y in this outfit! I'm wearing my black maxi dress and made it kinda into a skirt by layering my mint t over top.  And it's only Day 3!  I'm so resourceful. 
It was pretty grey outside and kept almost raining so we took photos in our 'dining' room.  We are currently without a dining room table and without one this room is very empty.  Kea has somehow taken it over with all her toys, sneaky thing!  What I'd really like in there is an old door refurbished into a table.  Keeping the integrity of the door, but making it an even surface by placing a glass piece over the top.   
If/when this ever happens, I'll be sure to show you.  
For now, we eat dinner on the floor, or at the coffee table.  

Click HERE to see Ashly's Day 2 outfit!  She's so cute!