new year...new me?

resolutions and goals....kinda the same thing, right? I definitely have some of both.  

This past year wasn't necessarily a bad year, but it wasn't necessarily a great year either, I'll settle for good. 

I've been dealing with what feels like a lot, but with 2014 already in motion, I know I'm not dealing with it alone.  I have learned that I have a great support system around me and I am truly thankful for them (you all know who you are :)).  It can get really easy to get down on yourself, but its even easier to get back up with some help.

My Life
A few of the things going on in my little head feel sometimes like they are all revolving around one thing, missing my Dad.  It's now been over a year since his passing and I'm still working towards being able to write/talk/express about it, but for now, I'm ok with that, and know it's a long journey.  When I flew home to see him and stayed through the holidays to mourn/spend time with my family.  I was away from work for about a month and a half, and the majority of that time was without pay.  And earlier that year, I was without work (by choice) for about two months.  That's over three months with no income, and a lot of flights home (and Canadian flights are soo pricey!)
All this being said is that debt has now become my acquaintance (we could never be friends).  I've already taken action in fixing this and taken on a part time job (back in September).

My biggest resolution/goal for 2014, to be debt free!! I'm on my way, but still have a lot of work to do.

My Love
The Bf is the love of my life, and this year, more than any of the other five years we've been together, I really want to show him how much I love him.  I know he knows, but I want to return the favor.  He loves me, treats me so well, and takes such good care of me, that I want him to know just how much I care about him (and it's a lot!)

My resolution is to be more in love!

My Career
I think it's a little funny that I talk about money in the section above about my life, but right now, my career isn't necessarily at top of mind.  I like my job(s), and I can deal with the daily grind.  I think what I want to work towards this new year is the idea of being more.  I want to envelope myself in all things creative, writing, blogging, sewing, photography, knitting, reading, and lots more, and just see where it takes me.  I think a big part of this is opening up my mind and saying yes to more things that pop up in life.

My resolution/goal is to say yes more!!

I wanted to add in this little article, as I think it'll be a great a push for me in the right direction blogging wise, and a great tool and resource to learn new things.

My Soul
I've been having this imaginary battle with myself to really ensure and prove to myself that I'm a good person and care about the world and those in it.  And I feel that volunteering is the perfect way to feel like part of the bigger picture.  I'm hoping where I end up volunteering that animals are involved.  I just love them so much!

Here are a couple of other great resolutions that I came across that I found really inspiring. one, two, three.  I can really relate to just about all of these things listed, and think we could all take a few of these things to heart.
What are some things your looking forward to in the new year? are you a goal or a resolution kinda person?

happy new year!

yes, there is a dog peeing right next to me, it's all I can see in this photo!!

The new year is now upon us and all over the internet bloggers have been sharing their year in review posts, which I totally enjoy reading and reminiscing on.  But, this year I thought I change it up and share my very own outfit post blooper reel! Usually when the Bf and I are trying to take photos, we tend to get a little silly.  He'll be trying to tell me to look in one direction, but I look the other way, or break into dance and laughter, and apparently I enjoy roaring like a lion.  You'll see what I mean.  So here's my photo heavy 2013 in review, along with my hilarious commentary.

 "If we could all just laugh at ourselves, in hard times or good times, it would be and incredible world."
                                                                                                               - Jena Malone

I'm a little star struck, but I don't care.

what stinks over there?

that's some major air, you'd think I just won the house behind me, but no, I don't live there. 

I'm trying really hard not to laugh when people were walking by.

Kea thought the peewee herman dance was hilarious.

Roar!!

Walk like an Egyptian.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

1990's Sears catalog model debut.

Snarl.

Don't steal my stuff.

This Holiday Season - 2013

This holiday season was a bit of a blur.  But looking back, we managed to have a few sweet moments.  

I really tried to make time to enjoy a few Christmas-y things.  

Including shopping for a real Christmas tree, I insist on a real tree.  Also watching all kinds of Christmas movies, Christmas Vacation, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and a few other sappy ones on Netflix.  

  

Kea also had an amazing 2nd birthday, with an amazing doggy cake from Three Dog Bakery.  Kea absolutely loved it, and it lasted a few days, so she had some great dinners.  

Ashly treated me to a showing of The Nutcracker.  It was both my first time seeing it, as well as any ballet.  And I absolutely loved it! The cutest little kids played the cutest little mice!

I got in a bit of baking, including trying chocolate truffles for the first time.  My big sister is the master, and I hope I at least lived up to her fame.

The Bf and I had a good Christmas Day, just us and the dog.  We did miss our families, and skype had to suffice.  This was my families first Christmas in my Mom's new house.  I haven't been there yet, and so wanted to be there to help christen the new place.  

Hope you all had an amazing holiday,  what were some of your highlights?

merry christmas eve

Tonight I am full of Christmas spirit and am sending it out into the world.  I hope it reaches you, wherever you may be.  Hug your loved ones a little tighter, add an extra drop of rum into that eggnog, and laugh a little harder when you watch Clark Griswold go sledding down the hill and into the Walmart parking lot.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.  

baby, it's cold outside

Wow, so the last two weeks just flew by.  Working retail during the holidays can sometimes take over your life, and it's barely December.  I have to admit though, I'm getting pretty excited for the holidays.  

This weekend I'm planning on decorating our apartment, picking out a tree (a real one, but a mini version about 3 feet tall), putting together my family's Christmas package (snailmail deadline is a comin'!). 

So, pretty much the funnest, most holiday filled weekend ever! 

Are you ready for the holidays? 

jacket: Forever 21

Sweater: Anthropologie

jeans: American Eagle

boots: Target

toque: Topshop

scarf and sunnies: H&M

double chins & garbage bins

top: Anthropologie

boyfriend jeans: American Eagle

necklace: Aldo

booties: H&M

This lady right here, she knows how to be classy.  Back alleys are a girls best friend.

I really enjoyed Thanksgiving weekend.  It actually felt long, and all the food was amazing.  And I must say, for our first time ever cooking a turkey, it couldn't have been more perfect.  

Mind you, I think we put garlic in absolutely every single dish, so forgive me if I keep my distance, I feel like the smell is just radiating off me!

Oh, and the best feeling after eating the amazing meal....unbuttoning my jeans.

happy thanksgiving

Just wanted to wish everyone, in Canada, a Happy Thanksgiving! Get outside and enjoy this fall weather!
We're having a couple of friends over and are going to attempt cooking my first turkey.  I'll let you know how it goes! All I know is that our apartment is going to be filled with the yummiest smells, great people, and lots to be thankful for.