updates

So, you may have noticed the new name of my blog, Helloo Holly.  I've decided to bring things together with my shop on Etsy, Helloo Sailor and make all my different outlets a little more connected, and easier to find.
I'm working on a new logo and branding, and also looking for some help with site design (in case you know anyone!).  These changes have been a little while in the works, but hopefully soon to be finalized.
So please bear with me while we're under construction!
In the mean time, I've updated the listing of Helloo Sailor on this here blog, and if you see anything you like, head on over to my Etsy Shop!

five

So, you may have seen this going around on all kinds of social media, and now, it's finally made it's way over to me, via the beautiful Brooke, of Her Life Lately.
Here goes!

one ||  I'm the only person in my immediately family that goes by my given first name.  My parents both go by there middle names, and my sisters go by different versions of their first names.

two || I'm so happy to have Kea, our dog, in our lives.  It's like it was destiny for her to be ours.

three || I can compare pretty much anything in life to and episode of  'How I Met Your Mother' and/or 'The Simpsons'.  And have it actually make sense.

four || I've never been on an all inclusive vacation.  This needs to be fixed immediately.  Any takers?

five ||  As a child, I used to have a recurring dream.  It involved the lighthouse in the small town of our family cottage, and going up the round staircase over and over.  Sometimes it was a scary nightmare, sometimes it was nice and soothing.

Bet you didn't know these things about me!!
Brooke also tagged a couple of other bloggers, so check them out! Ashly of Ashly & Monkey, and Margot of Around the World and Back Again

Meeting my Idol - Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere

One thing I had the opportunity to do while back home in Ontario, was meet my biggest idol, Emily Schuman  of the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere.  She was celebrating her book, Cupcakes and Cashmere: A Guide for Defining Your Style, Reinventing Your Space, and Entertaining with Ease, with a book signing at Holt Renfrew on Bloor St in Toronto.  I happened to catch the event details on Twitter and thought, 'what are the chances?!'.  I had a copy already, (pre-ordered it from Amazon back in Dec!) and had the Bf overnight it to me in order to make it in time for the event.

I had my sisters in tow as we headed downtown, (same trip as the Hudson's Bay Christmas windows), and we ventured into the beautiful store.  They were holiday ready with carolers singing, free hot chocolate as you walked in from the cold, and in the area for the book signing, free cupcakes.  Very appropriate.

Emily's desk was surrounded by Holt's finest cashmere sweaters, fresh flowers, and teacups.

Once it was my turn for the hot seat, I walked right up and introduced myself, as did she.  We chatted for a few minutes as she signed my copy.  I told her that her blog was the first blog I'd ever read, and she was genuinely thankful for that.

Emily is just a peach; So friendly, easy going and even more beautiful in person.  I feel so inspired by her success and can't wait to see what's next for her! Congrats Emily!

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, 3, 4

afternoon reading

Guess what came in the mail yesterday? my very own copy of Cupcakes and Cashmere: A Guide for Defining your Style, Reinventing your Space and Entertaining with Ease.  I pre-ordered this book back in December and am so excited it's finally here! I've given the book a thorough flip though, but am about to dive right in for some in depth reading. 

Emily Schuman's blog Cupcakes and Cashmere is the first blog I ever read, and it's still my favourite.  Her style, beautiful photographs and the little snipits into her everyday life are just the start of getting to know her.   

She's one of the reasons I decided to start my own blog, and such an inspiration to all bloggers out there.  

 I linked the title of the book to Amazon.com so you can get your copy too!

guest blogging

Check out my guest post over at Save Big, Live Better.  It's all about how to dress for the holidays and use your favourite little black dress so many different ways!!  Click Here!!

And be sure to check out Julia's Facebook Page for all the latest updates on how to save!

*Update: Sorry! The link leading to my guest post wasn't working!  It's all fixed now!*

Guest Blogging

Hey Guys! Check out my first guest post over on the amazing blog, 

Save Big, Live Better.  

My article 'Dare to Compare - Fashion Done Right' is all about finding amazing pieces for your wardrobe at affordable prices and not breaking the bank with the designer options.

I think you'll really enjoy it!! Thanks so much Julia for having me!

Challenge the Everyday

I don't usually write my daily blog posts after reading everyone else's blogs, but today I was slightly distracted. I noticed the obvious theme in all of my favorites, everyone is challenging themselves this month. Whether it be the 30 for 30 Challenge*, spending habits, or fitness training, its all to better yourself and challenge the everyday.

I'm now inspired to put myself to the test and see how I can surprise myself. My challenge for the month of February is going to consist of a few different things.

1. Jog 4 times a week - I've mostly been getting to 3 times, but I think that one extra day will make the difference and bring me to a whole new level of healthy.

2. Create something with my own hands once a week - now this goal can fall into a few different categories. I'm a little bit crafty, so i knit and sew a little bit (I'm on a sewing halt though, as I'm waiting for my parents to mail me the new sewing machine I got for Christmas). And I enjoy baking and cooking as well. All these things will keep my brain creative, and will jump start my design skills.

3. Use my closet wisely - Creating outfits that use what I own, meanwhile keeping a little extra moo-la in my pocket.

These things may seem a small and insignificant, but I really do feel that when trying to better yourself, trying is the first step. Every baby step from there is at least a step in the right direction.

So, to all my favourite bloggers I commend all of you for your awesomness! and thank you for being such an inspiration.

And to my readers, thank you for your on going support. I am truly humbled by all the positive feedback I receive from you.

What are you doing to challenge yourself this month? Any words of wisdom?

The 30 for 30 Challenge is a program that Kendi started over at Kendi Everyday. It's an amazing way to put your fashion foot forward. Are you bold enough to try? I missed out on this month, but I think I just might have to try once the next one rolls around.

a pretty little space

I've been reminded that Valentine's Day is on its way. Just a couple of weeks away. So my brain needs to really start thinking of something special to do for my love. Maybe breakfast in bed, a candlelit dinner, or some yummy baked goods. We can see where this is all going....clearly I'm a little hungry right now.

image via foodmusings.ca

To celebrate the big day, one of my loveliest friends over at a pretty little space is having her first ever giveaway! Congratulations Rach!!

So, for all my lovely readers, go on over to her blog for a chance to win some wonderful Valentine's Day cards. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Here's the link to go right to the giveaway!! All you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment and you have a chance to win!!

guess what?

Just to let you lovelies know, one of my new years resolutions was published over at one of my favourite blogs, apartment 34. Of course, it was regarding my hope of petting more dogs. And for over the next month I get to exclusively pet this dog! I heart dog sitting.

Go on over to apartment 34, and check out her favourite resolutions for 2011.