LIFE LATELY.

Life lately has been made up of the following:

Family gatherings

Puppy dogs and favourite people

Going out on the town

Lots of fantastic food and drink

Games upon games of Cards Against Humanity

Because my cousin was visiting, this year felt like an extended holiday. I am so grateful for her visit, and it's been a blast spending so much time with the people I love. This was one of the best holidays in years.

I hope you all had a great holiday season. Back to the grind of 5-day work weeks and winter blues. 

Until next time.

ART IS IN & A SHOPPING TRIP.

This past weekend was fantastic. Thanksgiving is always an amazing time of the year, but lucky us, we had three days of sunshine and warm weather. With turkey eating and relaxation time filling up Sunday & Monday, my cousin Renee and I met up for some lunch and shopping on Saturday.

We first stopped at Art Is In Bakery. If you are from Ottawa and haven't been here, you're missing out. It would take you weeks to try everything. From pastries to meals, they offer a wide range of food for your breakfast, lunch or snacking needs. I had the chocolate chip & peanut butter cookie and there were real peanuts inside it. For serious. It was the best cookie I've ever had.

Then we walked from my place to the Rideau Centre, passing through some of Ottawa's beautiful downtown greenery. It reminded me of a minuscule version of central park, just because of all the people on benches reading, chatting or just enjoying a coffee. Okay- so there's no one on these benches, but I swear we passed tonnes!

To end the day we did a bit of shopping. And by a bit I mean she did a lot, and I did some. I finally splurged on a sweater from American Apparel that I have been eyeing for a few months now. Can't wait to show that off to you all soon.

Until next time!

Story of my life. Literally.

More and more I'm glad to be able to share my life and stories on this blog rather than just pictures of my outfit. I came across a few interesting ways for you guys to get to know me better, and I'd like to turn some into posts.

Today I'm challenging myself to teach you a little more about me, by telling you the story of my life in only 250 words. Here it goes!

I was born just over 23 and a half years ago, into an amazing and loving family. I am extremely blessed and very lucky to have them all in my life. With my mom being French-Canadian, love and family is the most important thing in life and I've grown up to value it.

When I was 3 I started Kindergarten because I was born late in the year, and apparently I cried a lot. When I was 9 I fell off my bike pretty bad and scarred my knee. It's still there. That same year, I had my first real boy crush, and it lasted through four years of elementary (I don't stray!). When I was 9 I also met my best friends who have still been with me over these last 13 (almost 14) years of my life. I love them to pieces. 

When I was 13 I started high school and was obsessed with Good Charlotte. I went all "punk" for a couple of years (not a joke). When I was 16 I started to grow up and realized how complicated life was. I also started dating a boy who, in the end, taught me so many lessons about love, life and myself. 

When I was 17 I went away to University and graduated 4 years later at the top of my class. At 22, I was tasked with finding out who I was, what I was doing, and where I was going. At 23, I'm still trying to figure it out. Also, I have learned that life will always be complicated.

Your turn. Think you could sum your life up in 250 words? 

Yesterday's shenanigans.

Just a quick outfit post. Yesterday was my wonderful cousin's sweet 16th birthday. Naturally we had to have a family dinner!

Isn't she the cutest?!

Skreened top; GT skirt; Walmart shoes; GAP bag; Aldo sunnies

(this was a pretty discount outfit now that I think about it...)

Can I just point out that it's not fair she looks older than 16? All of my cousins seemed to get this gene except myself. I feel like I've always looked my age, and at times even younger. But her? I think she could get away with at least 18 years old...

Happy birthday Renee!

That time I went to a 60th bday party.

Thanks to the little bro for taking these shots.
I went to my uncle's 60th bday party. Turns out he drove by while I was taking these pictures.
I think I'm so smooth doing it before going inside to say hi.
Nope. Totally got called out.
Oh well, I've gotten used to it.

Then this happened:

A random party-goer spammed my Instagram shot of me and my little bro. Cool?

Also, that night I learned some things. In case you were wondering, common topics of conversation at a 60th bday party are: medical and drug expenses, pensions and how screwed the younger generation is (typically followed by cackling laughter), hospital visits and the role of government in old age.

Good times.

Today I'm thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend! As always, this holiday means reflecting upon all of the things that I am thankful for at this very moment. Here are a few of 'em that have stood out over the last little while.

I am thankful for:

Mothers.

It was her birthday Saturday :)

And mothers just rock. Dunno what I'd do without her!

Warm cups of coffee (& tea).

Coffee does such a good job of getting the day started when it's too cold to function.

I add maple syrup instead of sugar. So much better.

Warm comfort foods.

Oatmeal is warm, and like coffee, keeps me from freezing as the temps drop. 

I eat it out of a measuring cup. Because I'm lazy.

Country living.

The forest in my backyard. Autumn is my favourite time to pay a visit.

As much as the country is "inconvenient", it's much more beautiful than the city.

Best friends.

Especially ones who have moved 6 hours away who,

when they come back for a weekend, make time to visit you :)

Autumn nature.

The changing colours of the leaves brings a smile to my face. 

Being surrounded by the changing trees, I can't help but appreciate the beauty that is nature. 

I'm thankful that I get to experience the changing seasons.

What are you thankful for?

Meet Charlie!

Hey all! My parents just got a new puppy, and to be honest, he's just too cute not to give him his own blog post! Charlie's a 9-week old Golden Retriever pup.

Don't be fooled by his fluff and cute face - he's a total pain in the butt. He chews everything and can't figure out that peeing inside is a bad idea. He's so much work! I gotta admit, I'm definitely a cat person....though he is so cute....

What about you guys? Are you a cat or dog person?

He's so grown up!

Yesterday my little bro officially graduated high school and received his diploma. I'm so proud of him!!!

It's pretty crazy going back to high school. My brother and I are four years apart, so we haven't attended the same school, at the same time, in forever.  It was fun seeing some of my teachers again, though. Not much has changed in the last four years :)

And because this weekend is Thanksgiving weekend for Canadians, I've had my first turkey dinner of three. I know, isn't that crazy? Three turkey dinners. I'm pretty excited.