Low Tide

I am so burnt now.  We spent a few hours walking down to Spanish Banks with the dog, so she could play in the ocean and cool off.  Little did I know, the sun was beating down on the back of my neck and shoulders.  That's a lie, I knew it was happening.  I was a tiny bit sweaty.  I mean glowing...girls glow right?

Well, at least I didn't get it as bad as the Bf.  That reminds me, he needs another layer of Aloe Lotion.  

Be right back.

Ok, now that that's out of the way, I mentioned yesterday that I'm trying to spend lots of time outside (obviously! it's summer!), but I'm also trying to make the most of this long weekend as it is kind of like my last few days of freedom. 

I've been very well supported on this 'sabbatical' of sorts, but the time has come to pay some bills.  So, here I go, back into the real world.  I'm kind of excited to experience something different and new.  I've learned a lot in this time, and a lot of it is to do with my big picture, not just career wise.  

I'd like to give a shoutout to the Bf, of course, my sisters, for the many texts/skype conversations, and my parents for trusting in me.  Oh, and Kea for putting up with me being home more often (I'm sure she hated that).  I love you guys!  

Easy Breezy

Welcome to Day 1! Easy Breezy, right? As I got dressed I began to think of all the different outfits I'll be able to make out of my 30 items, and got kind of excited.  Fingers crossed that I still feel this way come Day 29.  We've been blessed with some great weather in Vancouver over the last week or so, and I've been trying to spend as much time outside as possible and I even made it out to watch all 3 nights of the fireworks!  

Hope your enjoying the long weekend so far!

1 down 29 to go!

30x30

Today kicks off the first day of my 30x30 challenge! 

You all probably know the blog Kendi Everyday (if not, where have you been!), and her amazing 30x30 challenge.  There are no real rules, but basically you pick 30 items from your closet to make outfits from for 30 days.  You can challenge yourself in so many different ways, so I've decided that during the 30 days, I'm not allowed to shop.  I'm hoping that this will help me appreciate what I already have, as well as save some moolah.  I also realized that I had to balance out clothing for daily wear, but also pick a fair amount of black clothing, to go with my new job.  I also decided to leave out shoes and accessories, mainly for the new job as well.  But, if you decide to follow along, or join in the fun, feel free to do so, or make any changes that suit your needs!

To help get me through the next 30 days, I've partnered up with a dear friend, Ashly.  

Her blog, Ashly & Monkey is soo sweet! Go check her out! You can follow along on our crazy adventure between both of our blogs, and we can't wait to keep you posted!  Wish us luck!

1. Pink Jeans - American Eagle Outfitters                   9. Cap Sleeve Dress - Gap

2. Black Tie-Waist Pant - Aritzia                              10. Black Tank Dress - H&M

3. Jeans - American Eagle Outfitters                         11. Denim Shorts - Joe Fresh

4. Black Jeans - Pink                                               12. Black Pencil Skirt - Le Chateau

5. Boyfriend Jeans - American Eagle Outfitters         13. Pink Shorts - American Eagle Outfitters

6.Striped Skirt - Boutique in Santa Monica              14. Floral Skirt - Boutique in Santa Monica 

7. Striped Dress - J.Crew                                       15. Sailboat Skirt - Anthropologie

8. Black Maxi Dress - Bootlegger

16. White V-Neck T - Pink                                         24. Black Cardigan - American Eagle Outfitters

17. Striped Tank - H&M                                             25. Grey Knit Tank - Anthropologie

18. Black Ruffle Tank - American Eagle Outfitters        26. Yellow Sleeveless Shirt - Anthropologie

19. Cheetah Tank - American Eagle Outfitters              27. Striped Long Sleeve T - Anthropologie

20. Mint T - Anthropologie                                          28. Heart Printed Blouse - Anthropologie

21. Striped T - Anthropologie                                      29. Coral Blazer - H&M

22. Chambray Shirt - American Eagle Outfitters           30. Pinstripe Blazer - American Eagle Outfitters 

23. White Knit Sweater - American Eagle Outfitters         

taste of summer

This summer I've been addicted to all things fresh fruit.  There's nothing that tastes better than in season cherries fresh from the market.  I think I could eat the whole basket in one sitting (don't judge me, you do it too!).  I've been finding that when I'm really craving something refreshing on a hot summer day, my go to is whatever fruit we have on hand, and it cools me down and fills me up.  On their own, or mixed with yogurt or salad, makes for a meal.

cherries, strawberries, peaches...oh my!

Look at me, being all healthy and not even knowing it!

I'm off to the market to get some more fruit!

natural light

I've been experimenting more and more with my DSLR, which also means my Bf is.  We've been playing with the idea of using natural light to create different effects.  These photos were taken just a little bit before the sunset started down by the dog beach, and we had a lot of fun trying things out.  Yes, there were a few that were so blown out from the sun that you couldn't even see me, but that's how you learn, right? 

Is anyone else as excited about the Olympics starting today?! Tonight I'm heading to a friends house for an opening ceremony party, and I've made us some medals to wear (ya know, for being so awesome).  It's going to be so fun all weekend watching all kinds of crazy sports and cheering on our country's athletes.  Hope you guys all have a wonderful weekend!! Go Canada Go!!

do you like my hat? oh wait, that's the sun.
skirt: boutique in Santa Monica, tank top, sandals: American Eagle, necklace: Le Chateau, sunnies: Anthropologie

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!

Express yourself

Just over a week ago, I attended the Grand Opening of Express at the Pacific Center, downtown Vancouver, put on by the amazing FASHION Magazine. It was such a great event, drinks, tiny appetizers, and lucky for us, a shopping discount! I brought along a friend and we had such a good time shopping around and really discovering the store. I found Express to be really on trend with bright coloured denim, dresses with feminine silhouettes and some great separates for suiting.   Some of my fave pieces included a high-low striped maxi dress, blue satin shorts, black with snakeskin detailed blouse (bought this one!) and the most perfect fitting leather blazer (wanna go back for this one!). Unfortunately, we got there a bit late and missed the celebrities, Glee's Mark Salling and 90210's Shenae Grimes, but heard they did an amazing job cutting the big ribbon.  Here are a few of my favourite photos!

Thanks so much Express and FASHION Magazine for a great night! and some swag ;)