Recent Decisions/ Excitement

I've got a lot to be excited about going on in the next year, 

so I figured I'd share a bit. 

1. I'm going to Osheaga! 

After years and years of fighting with

my parents about attending the festival 

with friends, 

they've finally allowed me to go!

Huge s/o to mom for

hooking me up with an air miles ticket B-)

LOVE U. 

2. Toronto???

Finally being reintroduced with Eastern Canada, 

upon graduating my program in the fall, I've

decided to head over to Toronto.

One of my best friends ever, Erin, was

sharing stories of her struggle to find

a proper roommate, which was funny

at first to consider going, but was never

really a solid plan. Then, after a few things in
Vancouver going South,
 I decided I'd like to be closer to home.

So I asked Erin if she was still in need of

a partner in crime, and luckily she still was!

I'm so incredibly excited for this journey. 

Although it was a bit of an impulse decision,

I couldn't be more excited. 

And, of course I made a pros/cons list to go with that,

in which Toronto's pros totally crushed it over 

Vancouver's for the opportunities and industry it

houses.. Not to mention the fact that I'd be closer

to family (aka nick/nova scotia).

There really wasn't any reason not to! 

It'll be a hilarious task to actually move all my things there though. 

3. Workin' a second job like a bo$$

I've recently obtained a second job at my

all-time favourite Vancouver restaurant to

help me save for all of the above. 

It's been so lovely so far, and there's no

doubt in my mind it'll continue to rock! 

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5 - march 2015

taking the five senses thing and running with it, 

naturally, 

i went on to create a mood board series of what my perfect mix of things are this month. 

 sight

1. nordic design / the city of bergen

2. headscarves paired with elegant dresses (a twist on femininity)

3. embracing natural tones in hair and skin like ana kraš / jeanne damas

smell

1. fresh cilantro 

2. sea breeze / salt water

3. magnolias 

sound

1. nick drake

2. steve gunn

3. devendra banhart's 'mala'

taste

1. rooibos iced tea

2. sourdough / provolone grilled chs

3. strawberry rhubarb pie

touch

1. thick linen

2. lived-in denim

3. fluffy kitten cuddles

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On Going Short

Well, it was a misty Thursday morning, and I hit the streets pretty early to get a few things checked off my mental to-do list. I'd stopped in to work to collect my pay stub, gone for a few groceries, and I found myself in Gastown. "Hm.." I thought as I passed by Bangtown (that ultra cool hair saloon which offers its guests great service, and a beer while they wait). Next thing I knew, my head was in the sink for a wash! I'd first went in just to inquire, and they fit me in right then and there. Natalie took care of me, and man does that girl know what she's doing! I had a few images of what I'd been wanting for a while all pinned to a board on Pinterest, and I didn't even end up showing her. You can just tell she loves what she does, and that she takes great pride in providing all clients with a killer new 'do. She also offers FREE fringe trims so that girls like me don't take matters into their own hands when their bangs get too long and butcher them with a pair of kitchen scissors. (See here) What a service!

Overall, I couldn't be happier with how this turned out. I've even done it myself, and the lines are so perfect that I couldn't possibly screw it up when styling it! I'll certainly become a regular client of Natalie's, no questions asked. 10/10.

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New New New

HAPPY LATE NEW YEAR EVERYONE! 2014 was one of the best years of my life. So much was accomplished within those 12 months. Looking back, I still can't believe it all went so well. This year is looking just as promising, if not way more! Very excited to continue working so hard at my program, making delicious food, discovering new music to listen to, exploring the beautiful city I'm so lucky to live in, and enjoying the company of my absolutely wonderful friends. 

I'd like to thank everyone who has been encouraging and optimistic, not to just me but to everyone around them. Having good spirits surround you definitely makes it much easier to push to new heights and achieve much more than was ever planned. I wish everyone a great year to come, and I hope everyone is able to give it all they got to make it one of a kind. 

Here are some images I took just to get me psyched on what's to come. 

Sweater in photo #6 from Zara

On Feeling Fab

1. Play dress up.

Yes, you've read that correctly. Playing dress up is not only for toddlers without direction. In fact, it's much more than that. There's nothing I find better than piling all of my fanciest garments on top of one another and pouting for a sweet full length mirror selfie. 

Like the picture shown above, you can take your costume to the next level by adding some heels, or posing in a way that looks both comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time.

2. Make yourself a (somewhat) gourmet meal. 
As Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love would do, indulge in a meal made for royalty. Make it into a multiple course extravaganza with ingredients you've found all over the kitchen, all while consuming an entire box of wine in the process. Go crazy with it!

Now for me, pasta is my all-time favourite thing to make/eat. Actually, now that I think of it, I don't really make much else. Just many many different types of pasta.. Many many different types. Mmmm. But yes, here I've made my signature pasta dish, which consists of: onions, onions, more onions, spinach, pepper, and the secret ingredient, TOMATO SOUP FOR THE SAUCE! I kid you not, this stuff is delicious! Spoon that mixture over some cracked black pepper fettuccine noodles, and you're good to go. In this case, I was under the drinking age, so rather than popping the cork to a delightful bottle of chardonnay (LOL), I paired the dish with some pellegrino. L-U-X-U-R-Y.

3. Create a themed playlist, and turn your bedroom into a stage. (Not literally, but you get what I mean)
I don't know a soul who truly truly doesn't get the slightest bit of joy from dancing. Whether it be thrashing your head or waltzing around gracefully like a princess, dancing makes you feel ultra-cool, especially during times of trouble. With this one, I'd say you could add some pizazz by layering tip #1 and choosing a snazzy ensemble to accompany your killer dance moves. Trust me when I say it takes the feeling of fabulousness to the next level.

By clicking Brigitte Bardot above, this page will be transformed into an 8tracks playlist to accompany you in your room dancing endeavours. I included all of my favourites to hop around to. You can thank me later.

4. Grab a drink solo!

I know what you're thinking. "Why would anyone want to be seen at a restaurant alone?" And my question to follow that question would be: WHY THE SHIT NOT? There's something so mysterious about a lady sipping a cosmo toute seule. 

On a trip to Edmonton, I found myself aimlessly wandering West Edmonton Mall as I had been all morning and the entire two days prior. I was alone because my brother had brought a friend, and my parents went off on their own. I was passing the same stores over and over and felt a bit parched, so I braved the ever-so taboo thing for people my age to do, and that's asking the host at Boston Pizza for a table for one. I actually enjoyed sipping my cosmopolitan while people watching for that brief chill session. It was peaceful not feeling obligated to keep up a huge conversation with another person. Felt mysterious. Try it sometime!

And that's all there is to it. 

Hope you're all having a great week so far!

Keep it cool,

Jaime