Tuesday was the first day of my work term and I'm not going to lie, it was really exciting to dress like a normal human rather than my same old boring black on blue combination I've been blessed with for the past two years.
Why I bought a pair of white pants is simply because I love them however no, it was not the smartest thing for me of all people to do. Two hours in, I spilt coffee on my shirt and pants. Go figure.
This might be one of my favourite outfits so far. It fits the bill for business casual and it's so so so comfortable. The top works for day and night because it has that handy little zipper I can lower a bit if I'm hitting the town. (Because I do that so often...)
Also, an FYI: as soon as my work term is over, I will have more time on my hands which means I will go back to using my DSLR for photos rather than my iPhone.
Blazer: Dynamite
Top: Smart Set
Pants: Garage
Flats: Call It Spring
Earrings: Forever 21
Lipstick: Limecrime Centrifuschia
2014 may be half way over but that doesn't mean you should overlook these 5 amazing trends for your home. I have to say, they're good ones.
1. Fur, fur and more FUR! I love that fur is in right now(Faux fur I might add). It has a place in almost any room in your home. If it's chic you're after, then throw a fluffy toss cushion on your sofa or accent chair to mix it up or if you're looking to achieve something that feels more rustic or industrial with a feminine edge, adding a fur throw can soften it up enough and give that little extra touch it needs so it doesn't appear to harsh.
2. Light woods. Something I was never a fan off but they have most definitely grown on me. For what seems like forever and a day, the craze has been dark wood. Lighter colored woods like oak, maple and walnut were phased out but have now made a comeback. The great thing about home decor now vs home decor 20 years ago is that then it wasn't "acceptable" to mix different types of wood. Now, it is totally acceptable to do such a thing. So don't panic. Buying all new pieces is not necessary. Mix and match those babies up.
3. Turquoise has been showing up in many, many homes in 2014 and not in small amounts either. I'm so glad people are jumping on the color band wagon. Something I've learned(and not from being a decorator) is that most people are scared of color but especially when it comes to putting it in your home. Color will liven up a room all on it's own. If painting saturated hues all over the walls is to much for you, choose one wall to paint that pop of color on. That will serve as the focal point of the room and then select a neutral shade to paint on the surrounding walls. If you thought about it, and thought about, and then thought about it some more and you just can't take the plunge, a desk chair is another great way to go.
4. Kitchens with added character are becoming more and more popular. A large amount of your time is spent in the kitchen: cooking, eating and entertaining. Why not give it some extra character like it deserves? Jewel tones and dramatic back splashes are the perfect way to do that. I love black, gold and white. It brings a whole new meaning to the word 'sharp'. Metallic's, deep purples and emerald also bring this look home. If you'd prefer something of a more simple look, try adding a chandelier with the tones incorporated into it for a little extra glam. Just be careful when using a large ceiling fixture. If the space is to small, find other ways to tie those tones in the room.
5. A softer classic. One of the things I enjoy most about black and white is the contrast they provide when paired together. What we`re seeing in 2014 is a much softer version of these two when paired with pastels. The white serves most of the room, while the black and pastels act as accents. It leaves the room feeling light and fresh. White furniture with mixed and matched toss cushions is a great way to achieve this look.
Crop tops are something I never pictured myself wearing. I always wanted to but I never thought it would happen. When I found this sweet little lacy number I fell in love with it and bought it full well knowing in the back of my mind, the chances of me ever wearing it are next to none but I just have to have it. I would try it on once in a while and then take it and t
say to myself "not today".
say to myself "not today".
Last night I went out with my girls to celebrate the end of school. I walked into my closet and instantly started to stress thinking to myself " I have nothing to wear" until I saw it, just hanging there, screaming to be worn. What the hell, right? I'm doing it.
If you're anything like me and you love the idea of a crop top but don't feel quite as secure as you'd like when wearing one, don't write them off just yet. It might just be what you're pairing them with that's the problem.
What I found worked for me was wearing them with something that had a pretty high waist. I also kept the rest of my outfit simple. Plain, black harem pants which are amazingly comfortable. (If you don't have a pair, get them!) A pair of colourful, beaded sandals for footwear.
Bringing the waistline up higher provides a focal point for the eye causing the eye to focus on the most slender part of your body and creating more of an hour glass figure.
Top: Winners
Pants: Dynamite
Shoes: Aldo
Bracelet: Forever 21
Clutch: Smart Set
I don't mean to brag but I'm a pretty damn good cook most of the time. Now that I'm nearing the last week of my classes(hooray!) I find myself motivated to cook and get back into my kitchen. I'm pretty sure I almost forgot how to use a knife. #judgeaway.
Besides the point, for the last year my diet has been anything but good... I went through healthy phases but it never lasted long and because of my love for large amounts of food and working with new time restrictions(ie. being a mother, working and attending classes) I gained the dreaded "freshman fifteen".... except it was only twelve pounds and yes that three pound difference is worth mentioning. Gaining it is so much easier then losing it. There lies my next challenge.
About two, maybe three weeks ago I was making sweet corn on the cob for supper and couldn't decide what else to make with it. I started looking through the fridge and cupboards pulling anything and everything. Here's what I came up with.
Ingredients:
Besides the point, for the last year my diet has been anything but good... I went through healthy phases but it never lasted long and because of my love for large amounts of food and working with new time restrictions(ie. being a mother, working and attending classes) I gained the dreaded "freshman fifteen".... except it was only twelve pounds and yes that three pound difference is worth mentioning. Gaining it is so much easier then losing it. There lies my next challenge.
About two, maybe three weeks ago I was making sweet corn on the cob for supper and couldn't decide what else to make with it. I started looking through the fridge and cupboards pulling anything and everything. Here's what I came up with.
Ingredients:
- Romaine Lettuce
- Medium Cheddar Cheese - cubed or shredded.
- 1 Avocado - cubed
- 1 1/2 Large Hot House Tomato's - sliced and cut into small pieces
- Half of a Large Cucumber - cut into circles and then quartered
- Unsalted Almonds - cut
- Dried Cranberries - I put about 1/4 - 1/3 of a cup in a large salad bowl.
- Maple Bacon - cooked and then cut into pieces
- Balsamic Vinaigrette.
*Note* - I can't remember that last time I used bacon bits from a jar and put them in a salad. Ew. I promise you that if you cook your own bacon and then slice it into little, tiny pieces, you will enjoy your salads so much more. Also, I cook my bacon on low until it's cooked but not crispy. I prefer soft bacon rather than stiff bacon. However, if you prefer your bacon crispy, then by all means turn the heat up and watch it burn.
Has bacon ever looked so satisfying? You may die just looking at this picture.
Let me know what you think if you try this recipe.
"OMG! She lives!?" is what you might say if you were one of my many blog followers that were enraged by my online absence over the last year.
Without going into to much detail, (because we all hate those people who vomit their entire life story all over the internet even though we all secretly want to know whats up) I will say this past year has been hands down the hardest year of my life. So much happened and so much changed. Some good and unfortunately, some bad.
To focus on the good, I am beyond happy to announce to my special 6 followers and whoever else might just be reading this but not following (hint hint) I am officially done school! I guess I'm getting a little a head of myself. Officially, I will attending my last class Friday July 18, 2014.
I will very soon be able to call myself an Interior Decorator. Exciting.
Keep an eye out on my blog for Fashion, Interior Decorating, and Food posts. Most people when choosing to blog, pick one concentrated area that they're passionate about and write about it. I am passionate about so many things. What can I say?
Without going into to much detail, (because we all hate those people who vomit their entire life story all over the internet even though we all secretly want to know whats up) I will say this past year has been hands down the hardest year of my life. So much happened and so much changed. Some good and unfortunately, some bad.
To focus on the good, I am beyond happy to announce to my special 6 followers and whoever else might just be reading this but not following (hint hint) I am officially done school! I guess I'm getting a little a head of myself. Officially, I will attending my last class Friday July 18, 2014.
I will very soon be able to call myself an Interior Decorator. Exciting.
Keep an eye out on my blog for Fashion, Interior Decorating, and Food posts. Most people when choosing to blog, pick one concentrated area that they're passionate about and write about it. I am passionate about so many things. What can I say?