Revisions Needed, Please.

Texting back & forth with a new friend on a Saturday night has inspired me to get my lazy ass off the couch and do some things that I have been wanting to do for awhile.  Yes, I should be studying for a so-called "final"... but that kind of thing can wait until the morning.  After my brain has had the proper rest it needs to intake Forensic shit.  Playing on the computer is something that happens late at night.  

Taken by Marilou of Twenty York Street @20YS twitter update

{jumper - Dynamite / elephant necklace - Forever 21 / pearl & gold chain necklace - Dynamite}

Now what kind of changes am I referring to?  Blog changes... of course.  I've been thinking and writing often about making changes but never actually defining what those changes are.  Blog changes are easy to focus and define at this moment, so that's what I'm going with. Currently my blog is anything and everything... and I don't think I'll change that.  What I'm thinking is more of the set-up and design change.  A way to organize the different topics.  I can appreciate that some people just want to see pictures or the fashion posts while not having to read about me weeping over the keyboard.  Also, I would like an easier way to add links to other blogs or specific posts... especially with some super secretive and exciting projects coming up. 

There's some ideas up in this crazy head of mine... But during the next week or two please bare with the changes and blunders you may see here.  And, please, if you have any suggestions... leave a comment or send off an email.  

That's it for now.  This computer geek is off to google formatting shit and probably send off frantic emails to helpful friends whenever I screw up.  Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday night. xo

The Weekend Report: Motorcycles & Fashion

Days off are nice... the house is finally quiet (with the exception of the birds) and my personal home-reno drill Sargent is at work.  Today I plan on staying in my lazy clothes while getting through the "to do" list. This past weekend started by mid-afternoon on Friday.  Surprisingly the morning meeting that I was so nervous about went well.  After meeting up with some good friends; Mo & YC for a late lunch, I was easily convinced to explore the mall with Mo.  Thankfully my parents got me a generous gift certificate to Dynamite.  

The unplanned shopping trip worked out perfectly because on Saturday morning I did a photo shoot for Marilou at 20YS. When ML first asked to to do a shoot with her, my reaction was major anxiety.  Honestly, a huge fear of mine is being in front of the camera. I tend to make random and awkward facial expressions when people are aiming a camera at me.  But Jose was incredibly supportive and patient during the whole process.   I'm super excited to see what he comes up with because he has a lot of talent, check him out at YouGotSquared. There are  a lot of amazing photographs showcased.    

ML & I with Cloud in the Sky Studios

I won't share many pictures from the shoot because I want to make people wait until 20YS posts them.  If you follow ML or myself on twitter, you can see a fewer sneak peaks. I want to thank Marilou and Jose for being really great.  I learned that cameras aren't so scary... and if I want nicer picture of myself, I need to stop being so nervous around cameras.

After the photo-shoot, I decided to go with J's advice on practicing to build comfort with the camera.  I must say that Chris was way better this time around with being the photographer.  I'm sure my behaviour of clumping around the yard while whining might contributed to this improvment compared to last time.  Next time maybe I'll try to be more mature in asking, but probably not.

Once in more appropriate motorcycle gear, Chris and I went for a ride.  We did a long stretch, about 90KM.  I really enjoyed the cruise along the river & canal but when we hit the highway I freaked out a bit.  It was my first time and the wind was surprisingly strong, once we were off the highway my hands were cramped onto Chris's side.  I much prefer going less than 100 KM/H on the bike.   

FYI pleather high-heeled boots are not the proper biking footwear.

The remainder of Saturday included landscaping our front yard, which looks more like a mud pit with random flowers all over it then a typical grass yard.  It's not fair that landscaping means heavy lifting and digging up dirt, which isn't fun activity.  We packed up about 50 patio large stones to give away.... again more heavy lifting.  Then finished the night by digging up all the pretty flowers on the lawn to replant in a garden.  

For Sunday, Chris had more manual labour planned for us.   We traveled up to the Valley to help out with renovations for our Uncle.  As soon as we turned onto his road, the rain started.  Which was fine by me, the weather was warm enough for the rain to not suck.  The renovations meant more heavy lifting,  inside and out, the rainy & muddy conditions weren't so bad but it meant that we couldn't get some of the gardening done.  At the end of the day, we were treated to a yummy dinner then headed back home.  

Personally I prefer the colour pink on this bike.  Chris will most likely laugh really hard if I ask him to paint it so I'll just play on Photoshop until the day comes when he hands this baby down to me. That comment might sound weird to some people, but after a little "rolling down the hill incident" during this photo-op... I realized that 1) I need to take the course on riding and 2) get comfortable on a 250 before riding the 600 beast.      

Thanks for sticking through that report on the weekend... I'm shocked at that amount that I did.  Usually weekends for me are chill.  It was a fun weekend but I am glad to be resting, cleaning, studying, gardening and catching up on other random things today.  

Happy Monday Everyone!

Mama Would be Proud

The lovely and beautiful Marilou invited me to go with her to ROUGE: Ottawa's Ultimate Bacherlorette Party, on Saturday night.  This was a fun "non-wedding" event for a good cause.  The proceeds went to support the AIDS Committee of Ottawa. 

The only thing that was missing from this event was my good friend, Krista.  Her wedding is fast approaching and even though most of the details have been sorted out, there was tons of fun and ideas for her bachelorette.  Unfortunately my camera is a very basic "point & shoot"... and the lighting in clubs is never ideal... so please excuse the fuzziness of the pictures.  The bridal fashion show was very pretty.  Even though the dresses were all very beautiful, I kept my eyes on the hair pieces... they were all so funky.

Two hotties: ML from 20YS & Isobel of frAsh femme. & bel.

Isobel is the creative and talented designer of frAsh femme. & bel. 

Above is just one of many beautiful pieces created by Isobel.  The generous Marilou gave this necklace to me and I can't wait to show it off.  I first discovered Isobel's work when I attended The Posh Wedding Show, in February.   Her jewellery really stood out from all the other booths.  I enjoy the unique looks to the pieces.   Her spring/summer 2011 line is amazing and it's so cool that each piece is one of a kind.  

Yummy cupcakes were generously provided by Auntie Loo's Treats.  The most shocking discovery of the night was that the delicious treats were vegan.  Vegan! It really blows my mind that cupcakes can be diary and egg free.... and still taste amazing good.  It's dangerous for my waist line that she sells these amazing cupcakes at a cafe close to my work called Raw Sugar.   These cakes are also Auntie Loo's creations and look amazing.  My favourite is the orange one because it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.

Now on to my awkward moment of the night... 

It involved a pole, a scandalously dressed hottie as an instructor and ML recording the moment.  

I was so confused on how to turn around and slide down the pole.  With the first attempt, I lost my shoe.  And didn't do much better with round two.  Pole dancing is not a hidden talent of mine... no upper body strength and lack of grace are not pros for this activity

 ML was awesome, with confidence and humour she nailed the turn and slide.

Isobel is too cute.  I wasn't able to capture the moment too well with the crap-tastic camera of mine (it had a seizure during her turn and slide).  But she did great and the bow at the end was adorable.    

The pole dancing demonstrations and lessons were provided by 3Sixty.  The girls who were doing the demonstrations were amazing.  If I try to explain what they were able to do it doesn't seem to do it justice, so you're interested just check out the site's photo gallery.   What's really fun is that they will do Pole Parties... something that could be tons of fun for a bachelorette?! Non?! 

Playing Dress Up

I always do this: not think about what to wear to a party until a couple hours before.  I go into an anxious-like mode and don't have any idea what to wear.  Usually I don't take pictures when I raid my closet to play dress up.  But since this blog and the realization that I can send photographs to my girlie support I've started taking pictures since Ottawa Fashion Week. 

{dress: Sirens/tights: Hue}

{dress: Sirens/tights: Hue/blazer: Smart Set/boots: Le Chateau} 

{shirt: Forever 21/skirt: Target/shoes: Boutique in China Town, Victoria BC}

(shirt: Forever21/skirt: Guess/shoes: Boutique in China Town, Victoria BC} 

{skirt: Forever 21/blazer: Smart Set/skirt: Guess}

{shirt: Forever21/cardigan: Forever 21/skirt: Guess/shoes: Winners}

 {shirt: Forever 21/sweater vest: Dynamite/skirt: Target}

Voted Favorite by: my mom, Chris & Jaclyn

 {sequence dress: Sirens/black dress: Sirens}

Voted favorite by: my mom & Chris

{sweater: Dynamite/skirt: Target/tights: Hue/boots: Le Chateau} 

{blouse: ?? store in Tampa FL/skirt: Target/tights: Hue/boots: Le Chateau}

{blouse: ?? store in Tampa FL/skirt: Target/shoes: Boutique in China Town, Victoria BC}

Of course, I went with none of these.

Chris says that I'm mean today.  It took a few hours for me to calm down after the crap-tastic day at work.  

{purple T-sweater ~ H&M/gray cardigan ~ thrift/ skirt ~ Rietmans/ necklace ~ Urban Behaviour} 

I look so tired.  This is me: stressed and very tired.

Tomorrow we are planning on having the in-laws over for dinner.  It should be tons of fun.   There will be lots of food, wine and laughs. One of my favorite things about having a house is being able to throw parties.  

I'm all over the place today....
Tomorrow is another day though.  I'm hoping things will be better.

"I climbed the fruit trees before school, after school and after homework to get the fruit.  The best are at the top...." - Mario. The tallest thing I've ever climbed for food is the kitchen counter (usually to get the cookies from the top shelf).  Family dinners are always full of laughs and tales of the old days.  Chris and I had a wonderful time this evening with Katrina, Mario, Maria, Sabrina and of course, the adorable Gabriella.   After dinner we hung out with some cousins for a very short bit.  Now we veg till bedtime. 

I'm not too sure where to direct this post... I've been MIA for most of this week to study for my second midterm.  I'm feeling all dazzed and confused... it's hard to remember what the heck I did this past week. The only things circulating in my head have been the topics of "obedience, aggression, group dynamics, boys vs girls..etc...".  I don't want to think about school for the next 24 hours. 

{skirt - Express/blouse - thrift/cardigan - thrift/tights-Joe}

Saturday came... went for a long ride with my Love... wrote the damn the midterm... and then relief came.  This time though, I feel more confident about this test.  After the long return ride home on the CBR600, I went into mad-crazed-cleaning mode for the dinner date with Jaclyn and her boyfriend.

While the pasta cooked, we watched "Grown Ups".  Jaclyn knows about my crush for Kevin James and totally outed me in front of the boys.  Not cool J, not cool.  Jaclyn made a yummy pasta dish and brought great wine & chocolate.   I ate way too much but enjoyed every mouthful.  We stayed around the dinner table for hours just chatting and laughing about the old days and whatever other silly topic came up.  

 

Our Big Suck, Jake, provided much entertainment and cuddles for us in a very "attention seeking" kinda way.  I'm still trying to peer pressure Jaclyn into moving to Ottawa.  It's sad that she is two hours away.  We used to spend almost everyday together during our high school years... now we see each other every few months *pout*.

{cardigan-Smart Set/skinny jeans - Smart Set/navy tube top - thrift}

Tomorrow... *sigh*... Nothing is planned.  Wait.  Sleeping in is planned.

Is it still okay to show your bra strap in your mid-twenties?  Hummm... the questions I come up with but never answer myself. 

Ottawa Fashion Week

Ottawa Fashion Week 2010, has come and gone. I was really excited to go, because I've never been to a fashion show before.  The idea of going seemed so glamorous.  Saturday was the only day I could go, so I got tickets for Morgan and myself.  It was going to be a girls night.  

Before Morgan came over I raided my closet to put together an outfit.

Of course none of these outfits made the cut.  By the last outfit of my black skinny jeans and purple tank, I was ready to burst.  That feeling of having nothing to wear was too overwhelming.  Morgan was due to come over to my place in a few hours, so I hit up the closest mall to pick up some new items.  It's not always the best idea to shop when you feel like you have nothing, because there's that tendency of buying too much.  But I tried to keep a clear head on what I wanted and not purchase everything in sight. 

I got a pair of essential - thick cotton - black leggings, a super cozy blue/grey sweater, a deep purple sweater, an adorable ivory rose headband and a dark grey bennie.  Done.  My style for the fashion show was going to be far from glamorous.  Just fresh & casual.  

When Morgan came over my tension just faded and we got down to the business of dolling up.  She is super talented at styling and I was very appreciative that she helped me out with my hair & false lashes.

The fashion show was amazing! I wish that we could have gone to all of the nights.  Both Morgan and I promised each other that next time we will prepare ahead of time to make sure our schedules are free for the whole week. 

The line-up Saturday night included: LABEL, Flood and Robicheau, Andrew Majtenyi, Jana Hanzel, Judy Design and Rachel Sin. It was so hard to pick out which designer was my favorite because they were all so good and different from each other. 

Flood and Robicheau had amazing bright colours and playful designs. The collection was fun!  Next summer my "got-to-have" is a bright jumper from F&R collection. 

Judy Design had a great rocker feel to her clothes, they were urban and wearable!  The music selection was great.  The opening song was Marilyn Manson, and poor Morgan got a punch in the arm from me due to my excitement (sorry Mo, but when Chris isn't around, I tend to punch the nearest person when I get too excited).  Each outfit was awesome, eager to see more, I was sad when her lineup was over. 

Jana Hanzel threw in a nice twist of having a violin musician playing at the beginning of her line-up.  The outfits to follow were classy and beautiful.  I wanted so many of them to add into my "work-appropriate" collection.  I loved the enlarged bows and flowers the models wore in their hair. 

Rachel Sin *sigh* xo is all that can describe her.  Je adore! I envied all the ladies who walked around the gallery wearing her dresses.

One of the big highlights of that night for me was meeting the beautiful ML, from Twenty York Street. She's a super talented Ottawa fashion blogger.  She's also really nice! If you haven't checked her out yet, do it!!!  She has great taste and is down-to-earth. It was too bad that we didn't have much time to chat but she was super busy with meeting & greeting others.   

I think this photograph is the best representation of how awkward I felt in front of the OFW poster. ML had her friends pointing cameras at us then Mo with my camera...  Too many cameras!  Which one to smile awkwardly at?!?!  My anxiety confession to ML relieved some of my nervousness because she was so friendly.  We laughed, I sighed.. after 2 minutes of photo-taking I had enough. 

after OFW self pics

 

 

My biggest regret was not taking a picture of Morgan.  She looked so pretty!!!  She always looks beautiful, but she was especially dolled up for OFW.  I continuously peer pressure her to start up a blog.  Mo would be so good at it!  She is so talented, that I know that she would be tons of followers and people adoring her style.

My second biggest regret of the night: leaving my camera in my purse for the majority of the time.  But thank goodness for fellow Ottawa Bloggers!  Including Twenty York Street, there are two other beautiful bloggers in town that I follow and enjoy reading.

Methodical Melrose has written a great review of Ottawa Fashion Week.  What I like about Melrose's is that she has great style.  Her clothes are what I would love to have in my closet. Then there's Pop Champagne, who has reviewed each day: One, Two and Three of OFW.  She also has an interview with the very talented designer, Adrain Wu.  Champagne is funny and full of fun celebrity gossip, local events and fashion.   It's everything that defines Pop. I like reading her "Around Ottawa" section, the events she follows are  interesting.  So check out all the wonderful links above to see the beautiful fashion trends and read the talented bloggers.