i'm back!

i'm back!

the last 2 weeks were amazing! such a great vacation/roadtrip! i can't wait to tell you guys all about it, and share some photos too.  now the real fun begins....unemployment.  and i definitely don't mean that as a downer.  i'm really excited to get working on some upcoming projects!

hope you guys are enjoying your long weekend and Happy Canada Day!

p.s. Kea had an amazing trip too! this pooch loooves the beach!

farewell to something great

As the days go by this week, work is coming to an close and vacation is getting closer and closer, and so far, I'm feeling good.  I have to admit, I'm not too stressed or worried at what the future holds, and that's mainly because all I can seem to think about is vacation.  What I'm going to wear, eat, and see.  How much sleep and relaxing I'm going to get to do.  We all know how good I am at sleeping, so it's very important to any of my vacations.

This vacation feels like it's meaning a little more to me than any other.  Two weeks, on the road, exploring, as cheesey as it sounds, it feels like the a farewell from something great to an introduction to what lies ahead and gives me a great feeling of calm.  And I like that.

Things will definitely be quiet around here while I'm away, but follow along via twitter, and instagram to see what we're up to while on the road.

Have a great couple of weeks and see ya when we get back!!

purple dress

These photos were taken last week when the sun was actually shining in Vancouver.  This week, not so much.  It's been rainy and grey and it's making me crazy.  I know, I'm speaking to the stereotypical blogger conversation of weather, but when it's gloomy out for more than a day or two, there is nothing else to talk about except for how gloomy it is.  We're heading into the middle of June here people! 

Thank goodness in just over a week, the Bf, the dog and I will be piled into our car leaving for our road trip down the west coast.  We're taking the coastal highway all the way down to Los Angeles.  We'll be doing a bit of camping, and hotel-ing all along the way.

I couldn't be more excited!  

I guess technically I don't mind if it rains up until we leave, it'll make the feeling of vacation that much sweeter!

If anyone has suggestions of places to go, things to do and see along the coastal highway or in a few of our stops, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle, I'd love to hear them!

dress: h&m (last summer), belt: ae, boots: sample sale, necklace: gifted watch: anthropologie 

glass half full

Well, here I am with my freshly baked cookies and a glass of milk, to tell you about my latest news.  And if I can say, thank you to all the supportive comments on my mention of a change coming up.  I'm leaving my current job in retail management.  I've been feeling like it's time for a bit of a break.  I'm at a point in my life where I have all these 'things' that I want to try and the list has been growing as time goes by, so why not now.  I have a few plans in place, including a couple of courses, and the hope of some freelance writing and blogging, now it's just a matter of putting it all in motion.  Remember when I said I may need to lean on you for some support? This is kinda what I meant.  Any suggestions, contacts, advice or just moral support is kinda what I'm looking for.  It feels a bit scary to be trying out new things in a place where I don't know a lot of people, even after being here for a year and a half, but it's kind of exciting too.  I've always been a glass half full kinda gal.  Here goes nothing!

Kea

Sometimes I think she's misses being out in the desert somewhere in California.  She makes these little dark places to hide away in and sleeps.  Then she remembers she's here with us, her Mama and Papa, and sticks her head out and kinda gives us a little doggy smile.  

We've got a good one.  

sorbet

I apologize in advance if these photos blind you, but it was like, the most sunny day in Vancouver ever!  I'm not complaining, except for the fact that I was heading into work, but keep the sunnyness coming!

I was told I look like sorbet in this outfit,  and I kinda like that.  Who doesn't love ice cream?

I had a bit of a secondary thought to yesterday's post about outfit photos, another thing to keep in mind, is why don't I take photos of what I'm actually wearing for the day, and not dress for the photos.  I took that inspiration from Kendi, at Kendi Everyday.  You all have probably seen and are obsessed with her blog by now, if not, I linked her anyways, and you might live under a non-blogging rock.  She answers some great questions in her FAQ section and says that yes, if you see it on the blog, she wore it that day.   

Such a smart cookie.  and ice cream.

Top, Jeans, Necklace and Watch: Anthropologie, Bracelets: Gifts, Shoes: Ateliers (via Miss Mooze) Sunnies: Urban Outfitters 

Mom

Fashion has always been a part of my life.  Growing up a lot of my outfits were made by my Mom, she went to design school as a young lady and was and still is very good.  She's always inspired me.

Now with a blog and everything, the thought of outfits and outfit photos is kind of daunting.  You guys may have noticed that I've been trying to incorporate them more into my my blog and share photos of some of my favourite outfits.  But, when I get dressed and ready for them, the anxiety starts.....do I look on trend? I need to add more accessories! my hair is too puffy/flat! I look fat! I look too tall!  The list could go on for a while... and don't get me started on the awkwardness that starts when I'm in front of the camera.  Posing, trying to help the Bf figure out my camera and generally trying to look slim and hold a smile.
Another thing is, it can be hard to not compare yourself to other bloggers out there.  They're all so beautiful! Have lovely wardrobes! and are just down right amazing! Well, instead of comparing, I've got to think of them all as inspiration.  Some of you may know who you are ;) , some I'm sure may not even know I exist, and in the grand scheme of life, that's ok.  Thank you for beautiful inspiration everyday.

I've come to the realization that I can no longer kid myself with the idea of perfect photos every time, and getting it perfect the first time.  It all comes with practice.  So, outfit posts are here to stay, but as a work in progress.  (please don't judge me too hard!!)

I look at old photos of my Mom, and she looks so effortless and happy.  And I can't lie, she was/is such a cutie!  That's what I hope to get out of outfit photos.  Happy and effortless.  Who cares about the rest!

Any tips?

p.s. this photo is from about 1981, and unfortunately it's not me with my Mom, it's my older sister.  My photo collection is a little limited living in another province from the rest of my family.  But doesn't she look lovely in her printed blouse?!