END OF A CHAPTER.

It's been about 3 months in the making, but I am officially calling a hiatus on blogging.

Right now there are just too many things happening in my life - most of them incredibly awesome - but they take up my time. And I just don't have the time to devote to blogging. I've lost inspiration, desire and the time needed to think up posts, photograph outfits, and the like.

I may be back. Who knows. This could be a temporary thing. The fact is I've found love in blogging, and may find it again some day. Just for now, life is getting in the way. And I'm not complaining.

You can still catch me on Twitter and Instagram though, I can't give those up ;) Plus I'll still be creeping your blogs; I'll never get tired of reading them.. So you'll see me around. I'm not gone for good.

Until next time.

THOUGHTS ON CHANGE.

The only thing constant in life is change.

According to Google, there are a few people who said this quote. The most common result is François de La Rochefoucauld, so let's just stick with that. 

It's one of my favourite quotes. It's a constant reminder that at any moment, things can change. Your life can be different. What you know can become what you knew as you take a step away from a life you set.

I try to remember to...
Never take anything for granted.
Always appreciate the people you love.
And never be scared to walk a new path.

Life will always present a new path. Often when you least expect it.

This quote has inspired thoughts of a second tattoo for a while now. A triangle (delta), representing change. Just a little one, on my ankle. Maybe this summer.

INSTA-UPDATES.

Favourite new lipstick: Rebel by MAC.

Retirement is just around the corner.

My mornings. Although not anymore...more details shortly!

Fighting the cold in knits and a toque. Canadian, eh?

Favourite treat: Nutella and peanut butter on toast.

I'm testing out a little blogging on my iPad!

Follow along my insta-adventures: itsmekelly

5 MORE REASONS WHY LIVING ALONE IS FAB.

Look guys, I'm in a blanket fort.

Last time I wrote one of these posts was when I was pretty new to being roommate-less.
But now that it's been 8 months, I feel much more educated. I have a slightly refined perspective. More reasons why being roommate-less is awesome.

1. You can sing along to any song you want. You can quote any movie you're watching. And you don't piss anyone off. Yes, I love doing both those things. No, no one likes hearing other people do either of those things. You definitely don't want to be around when I'm watching Harry Potter or listening to Lorde.

2. Curry. I can cook with curry. No one is like "eww it stinks". Although, if they said it like that seriously, I might question their taste in everything. Point being, no one gets mad at me for loving Indian and Thai food. Awesome-possum.

3. The entire shower is mine. Every ledge. Every inch. My shampoo. My conditioner. MY body wash. No cramped space. My face wash doesn't fall off it's spot. There's room for everything in there.

4. My couch has become a coat-rack. Or a "drop your clothes off here when you're lazy". It's a good thing I don't often have visitors, or they'd have nowhere to sit.

5. When I'm not putting them on the couch, I can do weird things like hang my clothes on the fridge handle, or from the hanging light, or even from the front door. And it doesn't get in anyone's way but mine. And no one judges me for having an over-flowing closest.

What would you do if you didn't have a roommate?

COFFEE DATE HAPPENING OVER HURRR.

Gooooooooood morning. Or should I say afternoon.. 

Let's have another coffee date today, shall we? As you know from past coffee dates, basically I talk about nothing important and take pictures about it. 

So how is everyone today? What are you enjoying?

 My Keurig is my favourite thing. Today it made me a Timothy's Cinnamon Pastry coffee. Add some maple syrup and almond milk and WOW. This thing is fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.

To accompany my coffee, I'm eating popcorn. I went to the movies with Marianna yesterday and we got ourselves some specialty popcorn. What you see here is a mix of Chocolate Caramel & Caramel popcorn. I'm very obviously enjoying my leftovers.

Except I haven't eaten lunch yet. Pictured here: cucumbers, hummus and cranberry bread with peanut butter. Not as exciting as the chocolate caramel popcorn, but I eat this to earn the popcorn. So it is good enough for me!

I've been breaking in a new pair of boots and I think they're out to get me. 2 weeks of wearing them, and all of a sudden my feet start to really hurt. When I walk it hurts - i.e. when the toes bend. So after a few days of comfy shoes and no relief I went to the clinic. Doctor told me that my bone's being stressed, and I need to stay off my feet or it could break.

Awesome. 

So in the nature of "not walking" ... I limped to an appointment I had a couple blocks away from me downtown this morning. I wore my hair like this. I never ever wear buns in public, so it felt pretty cray to do.

And because the wind has decided to attack the city, my ears were sodamncold and my big scarf helped. I wore it like this to keep warm, and it was fab. Thank you scarf, you have served me well over the years. 

Now I'm back home. I just finished making a slow cooker meal and now I'm rocking out to Snow Patrol's If there's a rocket tie me to it (my favourite song of theirs...uuughh god it's sooo goooood). 

In the slow cooker I've got a sort of beef stew, but I definitely didn't follow any recipes so wish me luck. Seriously, I am not a fancy cook. I need it.

What are you up to this fine sunday? Do anything fun over the weekend!?

TRAVEL: SYRACUSE OUTLETS.

My cousins and I drove to Syracuse a couple weekends ago. On the way down we took some roadtrip selfies, stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts (it's got nothing on Tim Hortons, no offence Dunkin'.), and enjoyed some American drinks. We used to have Mello Yellow, but haven't since I was a kid. It's funny how little things can be so different 2 hours away from me. Then we shopped for the day and ate dinner at Dino BBQ. I got the plate with the "smaller portions" and I still didn't finish it. So much meat oh my godddd. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs - where do you even start? The pulled pork was my favourite, but those mashed potatoes were heavenly and the mac'n'cheese was pretty darn good too.

As for shopping goes, we all bought a bunch of stuff. I suck and didn't get many pictures, but I'm sure you'll see some of the stuff coming up in outfit photos over the next little while. I bought a couple pairs of real suede Nine West flats, a new pair of Nike runners, some workout gear, a Columbia fleece pull-over, and my babies, these RayBan aviator sunnies.

They were my favourite deal. Reg $150. And I paid $80. #winning

Until next time, Syracuse.

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.

BALANCE.

Kokomio sweater (via Aritzia); Talula leggings (via Aritzia); Call it Spring boots

Castellammare bow necklace; Castellammare bow bangle

Hi again. It's been a while. 

I'm used to having posts saved up for busy times, such as the past few weeks. Instead, I blew through my few "back-ups" and now I've got nothing. That's why it's been quiet around here. 

I know I've mentioned this before, but it's been hard to get the time to blog as much as I would like to. Now that I'm starting my new job, I'm working minimum 10-hour days. Factor in bus rides and I'm away for 12+ hours a day. When I get home, I just want to veg. I'd like to work blogging back into my schedule, but when it feels like a chore I don't want to make time for it. 

I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again. It'll just be sporadic around here, at least until I figure out the balance that I need in this life. 

Photos courtesy of Line Andree

2014.

2013 is finally over.

Looking back, I've accomplished lots this year:
I moved out.
I got a sweet promotion at work.
I took some road trips and saw old friends.
I got my tattoo.
I saw Jimmy Eat World in concert. (super win!)

How did I feel about this year?
It was fine. But I still feel like something was missing.
Even though I truly did a lot.
Today I sit back and realize I'm grateful for everything I have.
For all the opportunities I've been given.
Because really, this year has been great. And I should see it that way.

Cheers to 2014. I hope next year brings you joy and peace. 

STORIES.

Via Pinterest*

Some stories stay with us forever.
We learn this from a young age, whether it's something we read in a book.
Or a movie we watched and fell in love with.
Or, as we get older, it's a story we've experienced.
Something that's happened in our life.
Something we'll never forget.

Some stories you wish you could forget, but they just haunt you. After so many years, I wonder if it'll be forever.

*I can't figure out the original source for this photo - if anyone knows please let me know.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES: PART I.

FESTIVITY #1: DATE NIGHT

A girlfriend & I had a Christmas date night a couple weekends ago. It was fantastic.

We went to town. in Ottawa, and got the ricotta stuffed meatballs and rosemary potatoes. 

Basically the most heavenly thing I'd eaten in months. 

Paired with a couple Townie cocktails each, dinner was fantastic.

So was the show. We got placed at the chef's bar, so we got to watch the food being prepped.

It was fun guessing what everything was. 

The care that goes into each plate? Man. Fascinating.

FESTIVITY #2: WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY

We had our workplace Christmas party at the War Museum last weekend.

It was such an awesome venue - I was really excited when we got to pose with the tanks!

Also, this dress was a huge hit and got many compliments. Thank you, eShakti!

It was a good night. We were dancing on chairs. It was that good.

Also it was a mini celebration for me... I got the promotion that I was working for.

Thank you for your luck everyone! It definitely worked!!!

To be continued....

LIFE LATELY.

My life lately has been...

AN EXPERIMENT
I've always had cystic acne on my chin. It's been mild, maybe 1-3 zits at a time. Until about 5 months ago when it was basically an explosion on my face. I had 15 at one point. I have no idea what caused it. Very little had changed in terms of my diet, product use, stress, etc.. According to the internets, acne in this area of the chin is hormonal. For the last 5 months I've made some lifestyle changes to try and figure it out. I've gone basically dairy-free, which has resulted in much lusting over ANYTHING cheesy. I've increased my intake of fruits & veggies, and seriously reduced my intake of refined sugar. I've started replacing my beauty products with natural alternatives. I've been keeping up with workouts as well, since they help manage hormone levels. There have been some improvements, but my skin is basically back to where it has always been. Still mild cystic acne, but now with discolouration (battle scars) from the episode.
I'm still working on figuring it out.

EXHAUSTING
I know we all go through this, but things are just that much harder when you get home from work and it's dark out. Basically motivating yourself is impossible. I only work an 8.5 hour day, but during that entire time I don't turn my brain off. The private sector is go-go-go, and since I'm hourly and can't work overtime, there's a lot of stuff I need to get done. I'm not complaining, I LOVE being busy. It's why I went into the private sector in the first place. I like a challenge. But recently it's fried my brain and when I get home, all I want to do is snuggle into my bed with Netflix. The lack of sun and a fresh blanket of snow isn't helping, either.

REWARDING
With all this craziness at work, some opportunities have come up. I've been working hard for something, and it looks like Monday will be the "make it or break it" day. Wish me luck, because my success with this basically decides my future. Dun dun dunnnn.

EXCITING
My cousin from Denmark is coming to Canada for Christmas!!! I haven't seen her in TWO years! I am so incredibly excited to spend a few weeks with her. Although I have a grown-up job now, I was able to swing a day off so I can cram in some serious family time and cousin lovin' (not in a weird way, you weirdos). Can't wait to see you, Line!

QUOTE OF THE DAY.

via

Doesn't this quote basically sum up life? 

We live day in and day out, doing basically the same thing.

But the world is constantly evolving; you are constantly growing. 

Life can feel stagnant, but behind the scenes things are changing. 

Slowly, perhaps... but they're changing. 

And you're changing with them. 

GOOD-BYE FALL.

I took this photo a number of weeks ago, when the trees were changing colours and the grass was starting to lose it's lustre. 

As I sit here, large snowflakes are tumbling past my window. I can't see the ground from this angle, but I imagine it's much different than this. 

Today I start playing Christmas music. It only seems fitting with the first snowfall of the year. The holiday season is starting. 

But I feel alone. 

It's an odd feeling. Like I should be experiencing this time with someone else - family, friends, anybody. 

But I'm sitting by myself in my apartment staring out the window. There's nothing wrong with being by myself, except this feels like a sort-of-magical-moment and I wish I didn't have to experience it alone. 

Maybe it's the Christmas music making me emotional.

Or maybe it's the snow.

Or maybe it's that I still don't have snow boots and I need to go get groceries.

Damn. 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: SHOP LOCAL.

Isn't Christmas gift shopping basically impossible? Or am I the only one who feels this way? These days it can be hard to find something personal for people. At least at the mall. Sometimes you need to look elsewhere.

This year I'm shopping local, keeping my business inside Ottawa for Christmas gifts. Why? Well, along with the unique-ness of the gifts, I also get to support entrepreneurs from my region and give back a bit to my community. What better way to spread Christmas cheer?

If you're in Ottawa (or even if you're not, and you like to explore new and unique shops), here are a few really great places to pick up gift ideas:

1) Castellammare Jewellery.

Castellammare Jewellery Sparkle Ribbon Bow Necklace in rose gold

I haven't stopped talking about Ottawa-based jewellery company Castellammare Jewellery for a reason. For that jewellery loving friend/wife/girlfriend/mom, this could be your one-stop-shop. Quality product at a great price. And so much rose gold. You are guaranteed to find something for everyone. Check out the regular shop here, and their Etsy shop here. Sometimes they have a slightly different selection on both sites.

2) Purple Urchin.

Purple Urchin was started a few years back in Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa, Ontario. Basically they make soap and other skin/beauty products with no chemicals. Most of their products are 100% vegan-friendly and all are 100% vegetarian friendly and biodegradable. I was at Terra20 this weekend and picked up a few of their products, including their lip balm, chocolate face mask, and lemon meringue hand balm (all pictured above), as gifts. They've got an online store too, which is a bonus!

3) Locally-Owned Restaurants.

(Pictured: Grilled Octapus @ Town. Kelly & Jenna, I knew this photo would come in handy one day!)

Who's tired of Lonestar, East Side Mario's and Boston Pizza, raise their hand. *raises hand*. If you're going to take your friend, family or significant other out for a great meal, treat them to a local hot-spot.  Something native to the area. Over the last few years, Ottawa has developed a unique array of original restaurants. One of my recent favourites is Town. Focusing on locally sourced food, they say every dish is a story about the great region we live in. Personally, I love their ricotta stuffed meatballs and their grilled octapus is delish. I've got a Christmas dinner date with a girlfriend, and I'm excited to try something else fantastically tasty.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There's much more to choose from, if you look hard enough :)

Now, I wish you luck with the rest of your Christmas shopping. Please wish me luck, too, cause I'm not done just yet...

RETURN OF: THE COFFEE DATE.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Well mostly ladies.

Do you remember our coffee dates? Well, last time we had one was back here when I made all you jealous of my Easter candy stash (I just made myself jealous looking back).

Well, now that the cold weather has returned, I can start drinking coffee again without getting the sweats. For reals.

This means, return of the coffee date!

Actually today I'm drinking tea. It's called Alpine Punch from David's Tea. It's part of their winter collection, but I'm lucky I still had some left-over from last winter. It's a rooibos tea with apples, almond flakes and some coconut. Sounds wacky, but I think it tastes pretty fruity and awesome. I put in a bit of maple syrup as a sweetner and it's good to go!

Yesterday I got my hair chopped off. You'll still see a few outfit photos in the queue where it's longer, but soon, my friends... Yeah okay, maybe 3-4 inches isn't a big deal but it's cray for me. It's above my boobs now! Oh god, I just said boobs on my blog... Moving on.

My parents got me some new fuzzy socks for my birthday. I've been wearing them all weekend. They're better than slippers, I swear. It's like walking on clouds when they're new!

Yesterday I went to the mall with a plan and a list. I had a bunch of things to buy for myself that I've put off (oh hello winter, yes I will need snow boots soon, I am aware). But you know what? I only completed about half my list. Half! That's pathetic. And I didn't even find winter boots. Why are they all so gosh darn expensive?! Worst part is, the longer I leave it, the busier Christmas shopping is gonna get, and THEN I'm fighting people.  :\ 

Happy Sunday, hope you're all having a relaxing weekend!

FEATURE: BABES & GENTS CLOTHING.

Can I just say I love Ottawa? I'm so lucky to have grown up near such a great city, and moving downtown was the best decision I made. But part of what's awesome about Ottawa is the budding entrepreneurship. As you all know, I've been working with Castellammare Jewellery, an Ottawa-based online jewellery store. And today I get to introduce you to Babes & Gents Clothing, a new streetwear brand from Ottawa. 

I had the chance to interview Amir, owner of Babes & Gents Clothing, to learn more about the brand and clothing line. Also, these awesome shots? From their lookbook - check it!

What made you decide to start your own clothing line?

I come from a visual art background (acrylic paintings) but I never could connect with my customers, so after a friend suggested to put my art on tees and sell them, a spark went off.

I love how closely Babes & Gents is tied into art. Why did you make this a focus?

The focus of the brand is changing for the next spring/summer collection, but art will always be part of the brand, since it’s a big part of me. And to answer your question, I got into this business because of the art, and now I’ve realized that I got to treat it more as a business, simply because the best art doesn’t necessarily always sell!

Your brand generously donates 10% of its profits to UNICEF. What inspired this decision?

I’ve been taught to always give back from what I make to people who need it the most, and also because I believe people (especially children) are a lot more important than dogs or the environment.

Where do you draw inspiration for your shirt designs?

This first collection was based on all my art aspirations, and I wanted to give a taste of what is to come in the next 5 years. Each design will become its own collection in the near future.
Back to your question though, these works all have different inspirations behind them, and those inspirations come to life a little bit more with the feel that one might get by looking at the look-book (check out the look-book here).

If you could get Babes & Gents on any celebrity in the world, who would you chose to show off your clothing?

I would have to go with Kanye West. He is my idol in every way, especially on the creativity front. 

There you have it folks!

Check out Babes & Gents here.

Personally, I've got my eye on the cute love birds crop tank. 

You can follow along on twitter here.

*Photos courtesy of Babes & Gents lookbook. 

ON TURNING 24.

Forever 21 sweater; Gap jeans; Call it spring boots; Joe Fresh jacket; 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse

So yesterday was my birthday. I turned 24. And you know, I don't feel any different.
I guess that's what happens when you're the baby. You're born late in the year, when everyone else around you has already hit that age. You're the last one, so it doesn't feel new.

I didn't do too much this year, but I saw some of the people that I love.
I went for brunch with Marianna on Saturday. We went to Art Is In Bakery, and I've explained my love for this place already here. This is where she took these outfit shots for me. Thank you!!!

Then in the evening I went for dinner with another friend, and we went back to her place, opened a bottle of wine and hung out. What else do girls do best?

On Sunday, I went for dinner with my family and then came home and had some pretty great berry flan dessert. Flan. The word flan will forever be funny to me.

I might be 24, but I never said I was mature. :)