thrift shop finds and friendly links

I was by my local thrift shop last week and fond a few amazing things and thought I'd share with you. I bought two blazers, a purse and a set of four bowls all for around $30! On the red blazer, I might change the buttons depending on what new ones I can find. And on the green one, I'm trying to determine, shoulder pads or no shoulder pads. I'm pretty happy with what I bought and my love for thrifting is growing. Have any of you gotten any great finds lately?

There are a ton of giveaways on a bunch of awesome blogs that I read fairly regularly and thought I'd give you guys the heads-up! Who doesn't love winning stuff?!

• Rockstar Diaries has a set of 3 things that they're giving away right now! more chances to win!
• La Mita Vita is giving away some great Body Shop products!
• A Cup of Jo is giving away a great bag by Moop! and $1000 shopping spree with EmersonMade!!
• Kendi Everyday is giving away a $50 giftcard from Spotted Moth!
• Miss Melissa is giving away a $50 giftcard for The Vintage Valley!!

So many chances to win some super great stuff! Bloggers are so generous, don't ya think?

travel tuesday - Brighton, Eastbourne and Lewes, England

This weeks destination is a little bit of a combo. My Bf and I visited all of these places within a couple of days, all while visiting a family friend. Brighton, Eastbourne and Lewes are typical small English towns filled with heritage buildings, cafes on every corner and churches, oh the churches. It makes me want to stop and peek in every window and door, just to find out whats in there. While visiting with some of the best company in all of England, we went for a hike, we had a beach BBQ, played rock games, and watched fireworks. On our hike we visited a place called Beachyhead. Its apparently a common place in the area for people to commit suicide (jumping off the cliff), the local church continues to do drive-bys' to watch for lingering souls and offer a listening ear. I found it to be a very eerie, yet peaceful place. I heard a few of the stories, and well, theres no need to end this post on a sad note.Again, if/when you go to England, make sure to see the countryside and take sometime to trek through some small towns and villages. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

p.s. You can still get sunburnt when its cloudy.

p.p.s.You'd be amazed what fun you can have with a pebble beach.

p.p.p.s. I love lighthouses.

weekend roundup

What a lovely weekend.

Saturday I was busy working on some upcoming stuff for Stylust (check out the latest artical!). There's gonna be some exciting things coming up soon and I couldn't be happier about it. I also managed to sneak in a little baking, Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf, using this recipe. Mmmmm! I sprinkled a little cinnamon on the top, oh man! My kitchen smelled amazing! Oh, and I spent the evening watching girly movies on television. (and may I recommend Banana Chocolate Chip French Toast, so tasty!)

Sunday my Bf and I went to the Portobello West Market. We've been once before, during the holidays, and there is just so much to look at. I love that its a place for local artists and designers to display their work and network together. I get a lot of ideas for my own craftiness. I've come to the conclusion that I'd one day like to have my own shop, most likely through my blog or etsy. But I guess thats just a bit of a dream (hopefully not too far off ;))

Oh! and I totally forgot! This Saturday was my best friends baby shower at home, in Ontario. One of my sisters went to represent the Ostler girls. I was so sad that I couldn't be there. I feel like I'm missing all the good stuff!

Hello, my name is Jeffery Campbell

Well everyone, here they are! My new babies!! Aren't they pretty?

I'm really happy with them and they fit perfectly.

...Jealous?...

(Sorry, I had to rub it in a little bit. ;))

Jeans, top, belt watch: American Eagle, Blazer: Bootlegger, Bracelets: Europe trip Boots: won!

This post is also a bit an of attempt to be an outfit post. I've always wanted my blog to have a bit more of a fashion feeling to it. I love everything to do with the industry and I am slowly gaining experience within it. I love the idea of personal style blogs and expressing yourself through your outfits. I didn't start out with that type of content for a few reasons; I had just moved across the country and was living out of my suitcase for a while, I would go days without leaving the house, due to being unemployed, and lastly, I haven't been the happiest with my appearance, focusing on my body.

While my Bf and I were travelling this past summer/fall, I gave in to every indulgence possible, which meant packing on the pounds (thanks alot Italy! pizza and pasta everyday, straight to my bottom!), I gained somewhere between 10-15 pounds. Lucky for me, right before we left I had randomly lost a bit of weight, so once I gained, it felt like a lot more than it was.

Anyways, I'm still dealing with it, and I'm not quite back to where I'd like to be, but I'm getting there. Weight is just a number and all I want to do is feel happy and healthy, all while fitting into my favourite jeans.

Snow-Shoeing on Mt. Seymour

I definitely recommend this activity to everyone, any age, any fitness level. There are different trails that offer all levels of difficulty, as well as areas to make your own trails and just simply hit up the back country. The views and your surroundings are worth it in itself. I hope to make it out one more time before the season is over. Here are some (nearly all) of the photos from our outdoor adventure.