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!

Music obsession.

I haven't met many people that don't love music. Like many, it's a constant part of my life. I play it on the commute to work, at work with 1 headphone in, on the commute home, and all evening while I'm at home. Literally, constantly.  The best part of music is how we can identify with it in so many ways. Sometimes a certain artist's voice will evoke a particular feeling or mood. Sometimes the lyrics are just perfect. Sometimes it's how the notes flow from one to the next.

I'm always looking for new artists and albums. I love the radio for introducing me to someone new, but I never stop at just one song. I need the whole album. And if it's great, I need all the albums. Must have ALL THE ALBUMS.. Ahem, anyways.. an artist's album tells a story. And I love paying attention to the details, like how the songs are ordered, the strategic flow between them and the variety of emotions in each of the songs. If an artist doesn't put out a good album, I won't fall in love with them...

But some that I have fallen in love with include:

1) Lorde.
I'm sure most of us have heard her song "Royals", but the entire album is pretty great. She reminds me of a mix between Lana Del Rey and Tegan and Sara. And she's only 16. Now, what have I accomplished in my 7 extra years of life? Nothing close. This is one of my favourite songs - it's live, but still awesome.


2) Grouplove.
They just came out with the Spreading Rumours album, but I haven't been able to get into it as well as their previous disc, Never Trust a Happy Song, which is one of my absolute favourites. Either way, their new single is pretty stellar.

3) 30 Seconds to Mars
Okay, so this one sort of goes back to my emo days in high school. Yup, I was that girl. 30 Seconds to Mars totally rocked their new album Love Lust Faith + Dreams. Again, this whole disc tells such an awesome story. Each song flows into the next and before you know it, it's over and leaving you wanting more:

How do you like your music?

Wish List: Leather tote.

So I was able to knock the trench off my wishlist with this one I bought from The Gap.
Finally, one down, a million things left to go.

But - I want to start investing in key wardrobe pieces. Next up? A leather tote.

All of my purses are cheap. I love them to death, but they don't give that polished look that I'm looking for sometimes. Here are some real-leather styles that I'm totally obsessed with right now.

1. Michael Kors Jet Set striped.  

2.  Coach color-block tote. 

3. Zara leather shopper. 

4. Michael Kors Jet Set top-zip. 

5. Kate Spade Waverly Street Blaine. 

Do you save or splurge on your purses?

5 Spring Essentials.

Just my personal list of the 5 things that I really need this spring. Like, seriously need.

1. An amazing striped dress.

Source: brunchatsaks.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Stripes won't be leaving us just yet! They're sticking around for a little while longer. A big bold striped dress is the perfect way to welcome the sunshine and warmth back in your life!

I found a couple great ones from Banana Republic that are both awesome AND work appropriate: this and this.

2. Denim vest & studs.

Source: t-u-r-q-u-o-i-s--e.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

A denim vest is spring's response to the fur vest of fall.  Good luck trying to get that faux fur to keep you cool (hint: 'aint gunna happen). The denim vest, however, makes an awesome addition to anyone's closet (just think of how great your denim jacket is and imagine it without arms)!

Plus this one is über awesome 'cause it's got studded detail. Here's another great studded one from Forever 21. Maybe I'll pick that one up.

3. Camo... everything

Source: awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

The whole military style has been around for a while, but I love the more literal feel it's taking on this spring. Camo is everywhere. She's wearing a camo jacket here, but camo pants are popping up like the not-yet-flowers-of-spring.

Don't believe me? Forever 21 military jacket, GAP camo pants, Dynamite camo jegging and this H&M leopard print camo coat. Yeah, I'll be adding more camo to my closet, that's for sure.

4. Wedge sneakers

Source: thedaybookblog.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Leave it to Sydney to show us all how to perfect the sneaker wedge. Honestly, I hated these before I saw them on her. Now I'm in love. Talk about incredible influence this lady has. I'm so in love that I am ACTIVELY searching Pinterest for more inspiration on wedge sneakers. Which means I might convince myself I haaaaaave to have them.  Plus my fav shoe store, Call It Spring, has these for $60.

5. Anything with polka dots.

Source: thefancypantsreport.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Just like camo and stripes, polka dots are big creepers creeping up all over the place. One day it's on a shirt and next think you know, it's on ev-er-y-thing you buy.

I'm currently lusting over these polkadot pants, this (neon) polkadot bikini and this polka-dotted shirt-dress (though it is a bit on the short side....)

What tops your list of spring essentials?

While we're young.

Just a great read I came across the other day:

21 Ways You Should Take Advantage Of Your 20's.
I like #s 8, 9 aaaaand 18 :)
Also I need more friends to throw theme parties.

Enjoy, peeps.

Instapets.

I instagram too many pictures of my pets.

I can't help it when they do cute things.

I feel the need to document all of it.

Sorry. 

Books, books, books.

When I grow up, I want this in my house:

Source: Safdie Rabines Architects

Now, to get this I need a few things like money, an actual house, a good architect... but most of all, books.

Over the last year I've focused on reading for fun. Before that it was textbooks upon textbooks, and I never wanted to spend more time reading because my eyes hurt from studying. Yes, that is my story and I'm sticking to it. But now I have pretty much all the time in the world to read books that I actually like.

So here I am, asking all of my wonderful readers, do you have any book recommendations? I'm not picky and I like to have an open mind when it comes to reading, so any suggestions are much appreciated. I have list ready to write them all down, I promise!

Unexpected gifts.

They're the best. Just like these earrings.

They were an unexpected gift from Marianna, owner of the Etsy shop Castellammare designs.  I mentioned how much I absolutely LOVED her rose gold pieces, and she sent me my favourite earrings in the collection as a Christmas gift.

Aren't they beautiful? I wore them on New Years Eve with my outfit (that you will see in a post coming very soon). I love how delicate and feminine they are. The hammered effect is my favourite.

Her spring preview collection is gorgeous too! If you're looking to spruce up your jewellery wardrobe, I would suggest browsing her collections - you may find just the piece you're looking for.

Also note that Sarah over at Coming Unstitched is having a giveaway where you can help design a piece for Castellammare Designs! If design is your thing, check it out!


Note: Earrings were gifted c/o Castellammare designs. I featured them in this post because, frankly, I am in love with them. And her shop. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Etsy love: Amanda Catherine Designs

If you follow me on Pinterest, or in case you've started to notice here, I love reading little inspirational notes. A while back, I read a blog that featured Amanda Catherine Designs, a little Etsy shop that features fun and affordable prints. Since then, I've fallen in love with the shop and prints.

Here are a few of my favourites:

 

I just want to buy all of them... All.Of.Them. 

Note that this was not a sponsored post - just felt like sharing an awesome find with those who might also find it awesome. :)

After the storm.

So about that snow storm we had...
It was a fun drive into work on Friday morning. And then drive home Friday night.
The world might as well have ended because of the number of car/bus/cop accidents that I heard about and saw.

At least the pup seems to be enjoying the fresh foot of snow. As long as he's got his stick :)

Current favourites: Urban Outfitters.

One Line a Day notebook // Reversible knit cardigan // Chevron shower curtain // Wall pocket  // Chiffon button down // Head massager - who doesn't need one? 

Seriously. Give me all of it. 

I'm off visiting...

Today I'm over at Sarah's blog, Coming Unstitched. She's got some people guest-posting while she's away on her honeymoon! She got married on my birthday, which mean's we're connected in a very special way ;) Sort of... 

Come over and visit! In the spirit of her wedding, I'm talking about the clothes I'm pretty much married to :)

The dress.

So I know a number of you wanted to see my birthday dress. Sorry for iPhone quality photos, but that's all we had:

Why this dress? Because every single other one I tried on sucked. And this one had studs. Anything that makes me feel bad-ass is good in my books - if you don't remember, I discussed it in this post. 

But it was pretty perfect. I tried to explain to a friend what I was looking for, which was: a dress that was fun but not too crazy, sexy but not "I'm a hoe", pretty but not too girly, said "let's party" but not "all I do is party". Somehow this dress was able to meet all criteria! 

And here's a picture of some of my bffs for good measure:

And now I'm going to say that I've decided to take a short break from the blogging world. Not that I don't love you all, but I'm feeling a little burnt out. I'll make a short stop in on Friday because I'll be guest-posting for someone special, but otherwise I won't be back 'til Monday.

Hope you all have a wonderful week filled with more motivation than I seem to have right now!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Whether you celebrated over the weekend, planned something for tonight, or have decided to watch movies instead, I hope you eat your weight in candy. Mostly because then I won't feel so bad. :)

I didn't get a great shot of my costume... Camera's just don't come out much when I'm around friends. I was a lumberjill (duh, the girl version), which wasn't all that exciting. It was a cheap and accessible costume that only involved buying a pair of suspenders and an axe (which was on clearance, scoooore!).

What was/is your costume for Halloween? 

My favourite place.

Joe Fresh sweater; The Bay button-down (men's); American Eagle jegging; Walmart boots; H&M socks; Old Navy scarf

Everyone's got a favourite place. A place that speaks to them. 

A place where they can go to get away from it all; where they can clear their head.

This is my place. 

I can walk around back here for hours just listening to my music. 

It is a little discomforting going deep into the woods since there have been bear sightings in the neighbourhood over the summer. You never really know if you're going to come across something, so I stick to the main path.

Aside from that, there's nothing that I love more than the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet. 

And the feeling of fresh air on my face.

Or the rays of sun peeking through the trees, warming my skin.

A part of me can't wait until the snow falls, because then this place becomes a winter wonderland. 

Do you have a favourite place?

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?

Current shoe crushes.

The wedge, The Western, The Colour-Block, The Moto-boot, The Stud

Seriously, I would die for any one of these shoes....

What are your current shoe crushes?

Blogger Spotlight: Alyx of Every Day is a New Adventure

Ladies and gents, today is September's blogger spotlight and I wanted to introduce you to someone who I have been following for the last forever.  Meet Alyx, from Every Day is a New Adventure. Seriously, she gives me my daily dose of humour and I love reading her witty and hilarious posts about the random things going on in her life. I don't read many blogs that aren't primarily style blogs, but hers is a must-read! She's that special. Take it away, Alyx!

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Hi there, you awesome person, you! You're probably wondering who the heck I think I am, taking over Kelly's space. Well... I'm Alyx. And this is me.

I know you're probably all really disappointed that I'm not Kelly, and that's totally understandable. I mean, I'm sure you were expecting a super fabulous outfit, and I don't want to disappoint you, so that's what I'm going to give you.

Kind of. Instead of super fabulous outfits, I will give you super horrible outfits. The ones that will cause you to point and laugh, and, consequently wonder what the heck I was thinking.

In my defense, I was like, 5. But really? I don't even think this was fashionable in the 90s when I was wearing it. Ugh. I shudder to think that I left the house in that.

Note to self: don't ever buy a dress with giant strawberries on it for your daughter. Giant fruit is never a good idea. Unless you're eating it.

I would tell you that none of these things were my fault, because I was too young to know better, but then I whip out this picture, and you know that that's a lie.

This horrible outfit really was all my fault. What was I thinking? I don't even know what you call this thing - a jumper? Either way, it makes me look about 50 pounds heavier than I actually was, and hits my legs in the totally wrong place. IDK, it was just a bad choice. I wish someone would have told me that I looked like a freaking blimp with cankles. Not a good choice.

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed a good chuckle at my expense. If you're not too embarrassed to be seen with me, I hope you'll stop by my part of the internet to say hello!! 

Long weekends.

Usually I don't post on long weekends but today I wanted to share with you some of my recent(ish) Insagrams. If you follow me on Twitter you've likely seen these already. That's okay, I'm gunna make you look at them again!

So I went shopping... Thank you for Labour Day sales!

Some of these receipts are for less than $10.. so it's not as bad as it looks.

At least that's what I tell myself. 

Mid-shop snack. Thinking of my bff Jenna while enjoying this treat! 

I love my job. Mostly because the cafeteria is incredible. 

It's still been hot, but I'm bringing touches of fall to my summer outfits.

When I tell people I wake up at 5:30, they just think it's early.

Here's visual proof: On my drive to work I get to see the sunrise.

I might be heading up to the beach today. It'll be one of the last times I can head up before it gets too cold and fall comes around. Sometimes there's nothing more soothing than reading a book and relaxing in the beautiful outdoors.

Other than that my long weekend has been taken up by shopping, listening to music almost non-stop, reading, Skype dates, watching movies and lounging around the house. Doing the things that I love keeps me from thinking about some of the recent changes in life. It's been helping.

I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekends too :)

Blogger Spotlight: Sarah of Coming Unstitched

It's already past mid-August and I'm going to cry. It means summer's coming to a close. But, on the bright side it means that I have another blogger for you guys to meet! If you haven't met her yet, here's Sarah from Coming Unstitched. She just celebrated her 1st blogiversary last week, but she's already made herself a name in the blogging community. I just love her personal shopper posts (she tempts me to buy things...), and her new "unstitch me" series is wonderful.  I love that she generates discussion about fashion, but other real-life situations as well. Get to know her, you'll probably love her just as much as I do. 

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Hey, hey guys!  I'm Sarah and I blog over at Coming Unstitched.  It's my corner of the interwebs where I show my personal style (when I'm not wearing my pajamas that is), talk about my upcoming wedding (seriously, it's getting reeeeeally close), and shop for you (well, I don't actually BUY anything for you, just tell YOU what YOU should buy-- and suggest that you then give it to me).  I've just celebrated my one year of blogging which was pretty mind blowing if you ask me.  I started my blog because I was bullied into it (seriously) and thinking that no one would want to read what little ol' me would have to say, but now, over 1500 readers later I guess I was wrong.  

Now, I don't like to play favorites with my clothes, but let's be honest, we all have our favorites- just like people who have kids.  There is ALWAYS a favorite (don't deny it).  I have a favorite cat (Batman- who is a girl and doesn't fly or save people nearly as often as she should) and I'm pretty sure that's the same thing as having kids.  Where was I?  Oh right, favorite clothes.  My favorites include American Eagle jeans (still not sure why they haven't hired me as a spokesmodel), clothes that are a bit oversized, and black and white.  But luckily for you I show a bit more variety than that.  Below are a few of my favorites that I've featured on the blog (shhh, don't tell the other clothes).

Now get your booty over to my blog and say hi!  And then go to Facebook and "like" me there.  Oh, and THEN go to Twitter and follow me there!