weekend tidbits

One ounce of the final weekend of summer was not wasted. Playing outside in the sun, new sandals for $19, a kitchsy candle holder, magnolia scented candle and racing at Delaware Speedway... what more could a girl ask for?

Good luck to all of my friends who start placement today, and happy first day of school to my friends and family! xo

summer is still alive!

It may be September and while fall may be my favourite season, I'm holding onto every morsel of summer I can get. That's why with temperatures in the 30s today and a long weekend on the horizon, summer is still very much alive in my mind.

Fall can wait until next week!

{All images found via my Pinterest board}

road trip recap

I had a blast road trippin' it up at St. Jacobs with my mom and sister yesterday. We went out for lunch, did a ton of shopping and saw some cool scenery and weather! Not only was it a great girl's day out, but I managed to cross off two items off my 12 Before 2012 list! I visited a flea/antique market (TONS of inspiration there) and I crossed off the clothing items I wanted to purchase. A successful day if you ask me!

What we wore.

We stopped in a furniture store and they had the most awe-inspiring displays and items. If only I had more money...

My dream bedroom. One day it will be mine.

A unique corkboard/whiteboard find at the antique store. I thought this would be a great DIY idea, and it could probably be done for way under $75. 

Of course we had to have num-nums. A strawberry and cream cheese roll up. Delish.

I think I did some really smart shopping. We went to an outlet mall, and I was able to get my winter coat for less than half price! A gorgeous black wool peacoat was originally $185, and marked down to $69.99. Of course I nabbed that up, along with a turquoise short sleeved sweater (for $15), and a great pair of statement earrings (for $1.99)! The clerk was even shocked at the low prices- talk about self-gratification! I also bought a structured jacket, a "pleather" jacket, a large clutch, new watch, 2 sweaters, and a professional yet fun laptop bag.... which I will share with you later. The day ended with a tornado warning, and my mom, sister and I spent the evening in our basement. A fairly eventful day!

In Bloom

Some random pictures of the seasonal blooms in my backyard ... this is why I love gardening!

I made this assorted pot for my sister's front porch.

Pots I made for our backyard.

Vibrant coleus

 

I love summer for the vibrant colours and the beauty of every single flower. In fact, I have a great idea for a post later this week- but you'll just have to wait and see! :) Have you done any gardening lately? Find any random/beautiful flowers? Do share!

returning home

I suppose y'all think I fell off the face of the earth. I apologize eternally for essentially disappearing this summer. Not only was I extremely busy working, tutoring and just enjoying my break, I also lacked motivation in the creativity/inspiration department. Lately, however, I've been overflowing with inspiration and thoughts, so naturally I had to come here- that's the reason why I created this blog in the first place. Sometimes, it felt like more of a chore than a joy, and that's totally not what I wanted from my creative little outlet here. Nonetheless, I intend to do at least a weekly post for the remainder of the summer, and then once school begins in September I will be back in full force! What about you- do you ever get uninspired and lack motivation for blogging? Or am I the only one?

via Patterson Maker on tumblr 

Preppin' for sunshine

Victoria Day weekend marks the kick off to summer in Canada. I worked a full weekend at the garden centre, and let me tell you, people are ready for summer to be here!! Considering we just celebrated it this past weekend, and my American friends are preparing to kick off summer this upcoming weekend, I compiled a list of summer essentials. 

From Forever 21: 

Basketweave Floppy Hat $6.50/ Sunglasses $6.80/ Crisscross Sandals $15.80/ Dots Handbag $15.80

From Old Navy:

Jersey Tank Top $22.94/ Distressed Denim Shorts $17.50/ Asymmetrical Open-Front Cardigan $28.99

From Sephora: 

Philosophy Superglossy Lip Gloss SPF 15 $16.50/ Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream for Face SPF 55 $19.50/ Laura Mercier Waterproof Mascara $20 

From Stella & Dot: 

Paradise Studs $26/ Sunset Bangle $74/ La Coco Necklace $64 

Cocktail image via

Let's just hope that Mother Nature lets up and allows us to bask in her glorious rays soon! 

Sometimes life happens

Oy, I've been gone for a long time. Life gets in the way. And if I've learned anything these past few weeks, it's that life is too short to take for granted. I apologize for my absence, but I'm going to try my hardest to post regularly now. Summertime is a busy time for me. I work 45+ hour weeks and have other things to take care of (student teaching, tutoring, gardening, etc).

So I thought I'd update you on my life and some things that have been happening in Tiffany-land lately.
My fourth year of university is finito, and I'm only one year away from being a certified teacher. I can't believe it. This time next year will be full of possibilities and potentially life-altering decisions. I've been contemplating a move to the southern states (Texas, specifically), which would mean a separation from my family and my comfort zone. It's scary, but super exciting at the same time. I'm giddy with the thought of all the potential possibilities for my future.

I've gone full out vegetarian, and have been for about a month and a half now. I've never felt happier or healthier. I know the choice is not for everyone, and I'm not preaching to you, but I do think in the long run it is a healthier lifestyle choice for me. My family has been very supportive and we've been trying out some delicious and meat-free dishes.

I've lost 45 pounds in total since I started trying to lose weight/make healthier choices. In about 9 months I've shed that weight, and it seems surreal to me. Losing 3( sometimes 4) sizes thus far has not only boosted my confidence, but also my willingness to try different styles. I still would like to lose an additional 20-25 pounds, but I'm going to continue with my healthy weight removal, regardless of how long it takes to reach my ultimate goal.

Finally, I've recently learned to cherish the things I take for granted in my life. My parents, my family, the small joys like sunshine, flowers, or a laugh can go a long way to make me happy. Sometimes we get caught up in the trivial things in life. I won't disagree that life is busy and that it's easy to get swept up with the ebb and flow of pressing daily matters, but I do thank the Lord every day for my family and everything that He's blessed me with. I take time each day to hug my parents, say "I Love You" a little more often, and apologize for my behaviour to others if it's unnecessary/rude.

That's all that's new with me lately. What about you, lovelies? Stay tuned for posts about some of my recent outfits and the bedroom-revival project I've been working on!!

Image found here

Blue Skies and Sunny Days

Due to the gloomy and rainy skies that cover my city today, I am wishing and hoping for warmer weather and brighter skies. To me, the ultimate summer colour combination is blue and yellow. Inspired by this photo, I went scouring about for some of the best yellow and blue items to prompt summer to come a little faster.  

heels, sundress, sandals, blue sunglasses, mug, yellow bag, diary, blue & yellow camisoles, Pride and Prejudice, polka dot dress, lamp, sheet set, flip flops, yellow sunglasses, blue handbag, flutter sleeved top