ship wrecked

I don't know if dedicating blog posts is a thing....but I'm going to do it anyway.

My sister Maggie is a true inspiration.  Years ago now, she left to go on an adventure and is still living it.  

She's taught me that beauty is by the sea.

Maggie, this one's for you!

If you'd like to learn of her adventure and how you could go on your own, two words.... Picton Castle.

must love dogs - Everett Crowley Park

We love taking Kea on walks and hikes, and we do have a few regular places and routes, but now and again it's fun to try somewhere new.  This past weekend we went to Everett Crowley Park, near the Burnaby boundary, to try out their trails.  They offer both on and off leash routes.  We usually prefer off leash for Kea.  She's really well behaved off leash and won't run off to far, that and she just enjoys herself that much more.  

The park had packed earth pathways that were easy on my joints, and were also nice and wide.  There were big trees lining the pathways with some short shrubbery.  The city is doing a lot of planning in this park, as there were lots of young trees and saplings as well.  It sits up top an escarpment with viewpoints of the Fraser River and near by farms.  The over all route we took was probably close to 4 km, so a good distance for Kea (and us) to get some exercise.   

This park was a little further away, so we did have to drive, but parking wasn't a problem.  There were a lot of free parking areas around.  

Kea also likes to be quite social on her walks, so there was a good amount of other dogs there for her to meet and play with.

All in all, Everett Crowley Park was a nice change to our regular scenery.  I'd recommend visiting before sunset, as the views won't disappoint.  Have fun!

washed ashore

Happy weekend everyone! I hope your enjoying this fabulous Vancouver weather....Not! wait....it Not still a thing?....No? I didn't think so.

Anyways, the rain is pouring in the city, the snow is falling in the mountains, and I'm lying on the couch under a blanket.  All is normal on the west side of the country.  

These photos were actually taken last weekend down at Kits Point Dog Beach (when the sun happened to be shining, than went behind a cloud right as we pulled out the camera).  There were a couple of boats that had washed ashore, broken and weathered.  It was kinda cool.  I took some photos that I'll share later this week.  

With my busy schedule, finding down time has been hard to find, so it was nice to walk around Kits for the afternoon with the Bf and Kea in tow and just mosey.  Those little moments really help me decompress.  

I'll let you (and me) get back to your weekend now.

coat: Forever 21 (old)

sweater: Anthropologie

jeans: American Eagle

baseball hat: Target

heat wave

dress: Target

boots & belt: American Eagle

bag: Miz Mooz

necklace: Gifted

We seem to be experiencing a bit of a heat wave here in Vancouver, and all I want to do is start wearing my fall clothing! So, to make a compromise with mother nature, I went for this daytime summer dress, but mixed it with brown leather accessories.  I was still very hot.  

A funny thing about this dress, when Target first opened in BC, it was nearly sold out in days (the influence of these ladies probably helped). And with my first trip to the store, I did try this dress on, but opted to pass, only because my 'yes' pile in the fitting room was too big.  But, when I was home a few weeks ago, in Ontario, this same dress was on the clearance rack for $8.99!! with a very full arrangement of sizes!! Just my luck! 

It's crazy how different the demographics are between the west and east coasts.  

Update: the weather has turned.... and now I want to wear shorts.

end of summer

Now that September is under way, I've been thinking about my summer to do list and how many things I got checked off.  I have to admit, I didn't get to everything, but there's still time.  

The Bf and I never made it paddle boarding, even with an online deal.  I still really want to try it someday.  

And we haven't made it to the Food Truck Festival, but it goes for another three weeks, so I'm making the time to go this weekend.  

Other than that, it's a big ol' check mark!

summer to do's

This summer things are a bit more relaxed and quiet.  The Bf is working a bit extra this season, so big trips and camping weekends aren't really options this year.  That's ok though, we're trying to enjoy some downtime, and experience more things in our own backyard.
I'm such a list maker and so, like previous years, I've made a summer to do list.  This year there are a few repeats from the past, but also a few new and exciting things to try.

1. Try paddle boarding for the first time (we can thank groupon for that!)
2. Hang out at a music festival - Squamish Valley Music Festival (check out the line up here)
3. Run a 5km - Planned for September!
4. Watch an outdoor movie
5. Take a day trip to White Rock
6. Swim as much a possible
7. Visit the Food Truck Festival (every Sunday in Olympic Village)
8. Have a yard sale
9. Read in the sunshine
10. Spend as much time with Kea as possible

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.

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!

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

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! 

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! 

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: