Feeling Summery

Looking at the stats for my blog, I sense I have a few readers who are into fashion. I've received many emails asking why I stopped documenting my 30 for 30 challenge and that they wanted to see more of my outfits. I'm not sure why, I still don't think my wardrobe is anything to be inspired by! BUT, since you asked, I decided I might start taking more pictures of my outifts, when I'm actually wearing something that I think is worth photographing. And you might completely disagree with my choice of photographical outfits, and that's fine! I don't claim to have any fashion sense what so ever! :)

Today I felt very summery. I just bought this new skirt from Old Navy the other day, along with the tank top, and thought today was a good day to wear them. As we got ready for church this morning the sun was shining through the windows, beckoning me to wear something fresh and summery. And so I did. Along with one of my favourite pairs of heels that I just bought in Australia. Love them. This is how the combo looked...

This is my husband taking pictures of me...

This afternoon looks like it will consist of a trip to the "swinging cool" (what my daughter calls the swimming pool), a cold beer on the deck, and more chapters of Velvet Elvis read. (And can I just say that I'm being blown away by this book? There will be many blogs coming with thoughts and revelations from this book. I have to read it again once I finish and actually journal my thoughts, because there are too many to keep track of! In the meantime, you should read the book so you'll know what I'm talking about! It's Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell.)

Enjoy your sunny Sunday! Hopefully I'll be able to pop in a little more often this next week! We've got some exciting things coming up in the next few weeks that are taking up a lot of my time! Will write about those this week yet too!

A Day With A Friend

My friend, Robyn, and I see each other quite often. At least once every two weeks. We only met 6 months ago but she's one of my closest friends already. We're kindred spirits, in a way. Today we met at her house, just the two of us, no baby. We started our morning with a cup of tea and talked about our 30 for 30 challenge and what we've learned about ourselves through it, so far. After we sipped the last of our teas I showed Robyn a few tricks for styling her hair.

We had planned to do a mini photo shoot of each other today to use for our own marketing materials. Thankfully the day was so gorgeous which made for some great lighting and just a great photo day! We were outside for about an hour and then came back to her flat to warm up from the chilly winter air. As we uploaded our photos into her computer we started on lunch. I chopped some veggies while Robyn sauteed the onions for a delicious scrambled eggs meal, and smoothies to drink which were amazing! (Robyn is quite the chef!)

We dined on her white dining room table and talked about exciting things that are happening in our lives and discussed marriage and religion and life and photography. Hours passed by though it only felt like minutes. I made the long trek home and James picked up samosas for dinner. A perfect Friday.

Here are just a few pictures that I took of Robyn today, more to come after Vegas (which is only two more sleeps away!!!!!!) Robyn, you are so gorgeous and your eyes are so killer! Thanks for today =)

Amongst the clutter of a Vancouver alley, Robyn could still be in a state of namaste! =) (That was probably such wrong yoga terminology but you get the drift!)

We swapped our photos after we were done so we could do our own editing, so these are two of me that Robyn took. Have I mentioned how much I love alley ways for photo shoots? Random wooden crates, HELLO! You are my favourite! =) Oh, and this is Day Eighteen: black leggings, soft pink silk skirt (broke the rules and bought this one yesterday!), black long sleeve shirt, grey blazer/jacket, brown boots, purple scarf.

Like I said, two more sleeps till Vegas, baby!! I'll have my lap top with so I'm sure I'll be popping in to update on my experience a few times. Looking forward to spending time with a good friend and soaking in as much information as I can!

Day 12 & 13 - A wedding and a night in.

Saturday was spent at a friend's wedding. Rain aside, it was a wonderful wedding and beautiful bride! Sunday was a day of rest. We went to church and then stayed in for the rest of the night, joined by friends for Pizza Night (it had to be Sunday night since it didn't happen on Saturday night.)

Day 12: grey silk tunic tucked into a black pencil skirt, fishnet stockings, black leather boots (not part of my 30 for 30 but I had to make an exception since my grey and brown boots were too casual for such an occasion!), and pearl necklace. Not shown in picture was my fuschia cardigan. (ok, how do you spell fuscia? fuschia? every which way I try spelling it comes up wrong according to my computer but it has no options for how to properly spell it!)

Day 13: black leggings, taupe skirt, fuscia t-shirt, ivory knit sweater, brown boots.

Day Eleven - Pearls

I felt the need to get slightly more dressed up today than my previous days. Not that I'm doing anything super fancy, in fact, I'll be doing quite the opposite. I'm going to Walmart tonight. Woo hoo. (That was the most sarcastic 'woo hoo' you'll ever read.) Errands need to be made, and Walmart tends to have the cheapest prices for the particular items that I need to purchase. One of my purchases will be a notebook for WPPI! That's exciting! =) No really, it is!

9 days until I leave for Vegas and get my mind overloaded with amazingly useful information for me and my business. I'm already excited to come home from Vegas and start implementing the knowledge that I gain from the speakers that I'll be hearing while out there.

Anyway, here is today's much too fancy outfit for Walmart, but dang it, I'll be the best dressed Walmartee there! =)

Day 11: black leggings, black tweed skirt, black long sleeve shirt, fuscia cardigan, grey boots, pearl necklace, uber poofed hair. Do I look like a martian? I feel like I might look like Brain from 'Pinky and the Brain.' No? Yes? Oy. Please tell me if I do!!!

Day Ten - A Visit

I've been in touch with the couple that adopted Meetzy from us last week. It's been so nice to hear what's been going on over there and how Meetzy is (or isn't!) adapting to her new home. I decided to go visit her today, mainly because I missed her, but also because I thought maybe having me around might help her to come out from under the couch.

And it did! As soon as I walked in the room where she was hiding I called her name and she scooted out to greet me! It was so nice to see her again and that she remembered me. I brought a few things from home to leave with her so she could feel comforted and she instantly embraced those objects! I stayed for awhile and we watched Meetzy finally emerge from her little room and explore the rest of the house for the first time. It was so nice to see her wandering around. When I left she started meowing and stood in front of the door. It was really sweet. I got to hold her and get some snuggles in before I left. And I just heard that since I left she's stayed out of her room and is in the office with her new owner, so that makes me so happy!

Side note: It's too cold outside. Technically every outfit I take pictures of should have my nice thick coat overtop, but I sacrifice for nice pictures! I'm looking forward to attempting this again in the spring or summer when it's a little warmer out! And we need to change up the photo location a bit. How boring is my complex?!!

Today is Day ten of the challenge. It includes: skinny jeans (not the black ones, though the pictures make them look black), purple printed top, beige wedge heels, gold braided belt, charcoal cowl. After I uploaded the pictures onto my computer I realized my belt was a little lop sided. Sorry. Thanks for noticing, James! =)

Here is the last 10 days in review:

Day Nine - Refreshed

I finally got my hair done last night. It's amazing how different I feel after getting my hair done (blonde and brown foils). I actually cut my bangs a couple days ago because they were driving me insane. I like a short fringe. I didn't do an outfit yesterday because I just wasn't feeling it, so today I went through my options and was very happy with my result, again.

Day Nine: skinny jeans, silk animal print tank top, teal snakeskin flats, black cropped jacket, purple scarf from the thrift store!

Day Eight - Thrifted

Yesterday was a good day. I met a friend for coffee and discussed our thoughts on the last two chapters of a book that we've been reading together. Time just flies by when we're together. The conversation dives right into the real matters of life. I sipped my grande no water chai latte as I listened to my friend share plans of an upcoming trip. I shared my excitement for both of MY upcoming trips. I love being excited with my friends and their plans and goals and futures. Such a great way to start my Monday morning.

Another great way to start a Monday morning is to feel great in what you're wearing. That was my yesterday. I loved my outfit for the eighth day of my 30 for 30 challenge. I'm realizing more and more what kind of outfits and styles and types of clothing I prefer. Comfort is the biggest factor in what makes me love an outfit. And then is scarves and comfy shoes. I have two items in yesterday's outfit that I found at the thrift store. I love finding those gems amongst the grossness of used clothing!

Day 8: black skinny jeans, white long sleeve shirt, grey jacket, beige wedge heels, thrifted silk scarf, thrifted yellow clutch, white feather ear rings.

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday. I'm getting my hair freshened up tonight so tomorrow's outfit will look much better without roots! Oh, and I'm skipping today's outfit. It's an at home day and I just want to lay low!

Weekend In Review

This weekend was busy. Friday night we brought Meetzy, our cat, away to her new home. It was hard, but  knowing that she went to a fabulous new home and family made it a LOT easier. And we'll be able to visit her still, so that makes me so happy!

Saturday was spent cleaning the bejeepers out of our house! Any fabric that could be taken down was de-linted/de-furred and washed. I even turned my ivory kitchen curtains light blue from washing a blue couch cushion cover with it. But I think I saved it, all but one corner. Thanks to a LOOOT of baking soda and water.

In the afternoon we had some friends over for pizza night but first two of my girlfriends and I headed to one of my favourite thrift stores and did some browsing and purchasing. I bought two scarves and a fun clutch (which you will see tomorrow from today's outfit). When we were done there we bought the necessary ingredients for Pizza Night and enjoyed a fabulous evening together. While pizza was being consumed we watched Inception and took a break part way through so Kerry and I could make home made chai. Mmmmm. So good!

Sunday meant church in the morning and a relaxing afternoon, partially. I was still in cleaning/organizing mode. And then we joined a Super Bowl party for the last half of the game. I didn't watch. I actually don't even know who won. =)

We didn't have time for official pictures on Friday and Saturday so the quality is crap from our point and shoot camera. And yes, I cropped my head off for Day 6 because I wasn't a fan of my hair that day. Well, I'm not a fan of it any day right now because it's dying to be redone! (No pun intended!) The skirt in Day 6 was the one that I switched for the black flowy skirt. Wasn't a fan of the black one after trying it on with a few tops. So this one took it's place.

Day 5: skinny jeans, ivory sweater, black t-shirt, brown boots, teal scarf
Day 6: black long sleeve, black leggings, brown tweed skirt, brown boots, gold necklace

And here is Sunday's outfit. Day 7: black skinny jeans, pink polka dot shirt, fuscia cardigan, gold belt, grey boots

I just booked another wedding for 2011 so I'm going to celebrate, somehow. Maybe with a walk outside in the sunshine with my Girlie? Sounds good to me! That will be my 9th wedding for the year!

Day Four

Yesterday was a dress up day. A few casual outfits to start off the challenge, so I wanted to try something a little more sophisticated. White, high neck shirt; black pencil skirt; fishnet stockings; grey heeled boots.

Love the back of the stockings! The sparkly line, but you can't see the sparkles in the picture! Oh and Cheyenne running around in the back is pretty awesome too.

I like the pink arm jabbing out of my side!

Oh, and we're bringing Meetzy away tonight now, like, in an hour!! =( I just had a really good long snuggle on the couch with her, so I'm ready to part ways.

Day Three

Two posts in one day. Is this allowed? My daughter is still sleeping. Still. Like, as in, she hasn't woken up at all yet since we put her to bed last night. She woke up once early this morning with a fever but went back to sleep. And is still sleeping.

I can't remember the last time I woke up before her, had a shower and breakfast alone, and now even got some work done! Unreal. I'm glad she's sleeping off the fever though.

Yesterday was Day Three of my 30 for 30 challenge. I'm really enjoying this project. I'm one of those people that would, normally, stay in my pajamas all day if I wasn't going out of the house. But now that I'm kind of forced to get dressed, and to actually make myself look presentable because I know my picture is going to be taken, I have much more motivation to get dressed in the morning! Ok, not the morning, but at least the afternoon! =)

I feel like so far this challenge is quite easy. But it's only Day Four today. I can still put on all my staple outfits and not have to think creatively or outside of the box yet. Watch Day Twenty-Two come along and I'll be totally stuck!

Yesterday's outfit has been my Go-To outfit lately. So comfortable. And I like the colours! I found an old black silk belt in my drawer the other day and thought why not see if it works on my head? I think it does. Maybe? No? Ok, I'll put it away!! haha. No, seriously, you guys have to let me know if I'm looking like a nerd over here!

Has anyone else secretly started this challenge themselves? If so, I want to know!

Here we go, Day Three. Black leggings, taupe skirt, white cami (hidden), purple t-shirt, fuscia cardigan, zebra belt (best purchase ever! well, so were the boots. It's a toss up!), teal scarf and black satin belt on head. I'm definitely more of a scarf person than I am a necklace person. I've realized that more over the last few weeks!

These next few pictures are so, so dear to me. I will explain why in tomorrow's post. This is my furbaby, Meetzy.

My Everyday - The Dungeon & Day Two

I've mentioned the fact that I work in The Dungeon. I refer to it as such because it's not a very fresh, airy environment. My office is literally in the back of our garage, behind the wall in front of me is the earth, and lots of it. This space was originally made to serve as my salon when I worked from home as a hair stylist. Now that I'm not doing that professionally anymore it's kind of converted into the everything room. It now serves as salon/office/cellar/storage, all at the same time. I do have a heater in here which makes it a little warmer and not so drab. But I do fantasize about my next house and office with a window and bright white furniture and decor. It will be lovely.

But for now, this serves as my work space, and it works quite well. Aside from the few times I've heard that darn mouse rummaging around in our garage! So, to help you envision where I'm at right now, at this very moment while I'm typing away, I took some pictures.

This is my desk, and on the opposite wall is my hair station.

And just behind me is my sink.

I didn't take a picture of the other corner, but that's where my sit down hair dryer is and a mound of chairs and stuff. Directly to my right is the wine rack and the current carboy of fermenting wine. Mm. No, I don't drink wine while I work. But that just gave me a great idea! HA! Just kidding. It's only 2:13pm.

And, Day Two of my 30 for 30 challenge was yesterday. It was a casual day, my only outing was to go to my massage appointment and then we had our Life Group meeting at our house. My hair looks fancy but it's not. A few bobby pins placed in inconspicuous places, a subtle french braid on one side, and a small black silk bow and VOILA! You have a non-stress, 5 minute cute updo. I'm thinking I should add a 30 for 30 hairstyle remix challenge. Yesterday's updo was still from the same hair as Monday.

Anyway, this was my outfit... black skinny jeans with a gold braided belt, hot pink cotton t-shirt, grey 3/4 length cardigan, white scarf, awesome teal snakeskin flats from Nine West. Thanks again to my hubby for taking the pictures!

Happy Tuesday!

30 For 30 Begins

I was introduced to Kendi's blog only a few weeks ago but instantly fell in love with her writing and her wardrobe! I got so many inspirations for my own style (or lack there of at the time!) Apparently there's this thing called 30 for 30 where you pick 30 items of clothing including shoes but not accessories and for 30 days you have to make 30 different outfits with only those 30 chosen items. It's supposed to challenge you to make the most of the clothing that you already own. Remix, it's called.

So my friend and I decided to partake in our own 30 for 30 challenge this month. I went through my entire closet and tried on different items together to get an idea of what could work. I ended up with these final 30 items layed out for your quite poorly. I shouldn't have cropped them so tight! But you get the idea, and you'll see them in their entirety when I'm actually wearing them!

We started Day One yesterday. I decided to go simple. Play it safe. Like my new boots? I do. My husband will be my 30 for 30 photographer, get him all practiced up so he can 2nd shoot for me this year at some of my weddings! And yes, I need some modeling practice!

We'll see what today's outfit will be!