I'm still here

I've been really M.I.A. haven't I?  Truth is I've been putting all my creative efforts into my schoolwork and I've been enjoying it.  Bet you didn't know that I am a huge nerd.  I wrote some really interesting essays this year on some fascinating topics (like this poetry project).  

I also had so many visitors in town these past two weeks.  First Evan, then my parents and then finally I stayed with my grandparents for Easter weekend.  It's been a crazy and wonderful two weeks but now that everything is winding down, I find myself slowing down as well.  Unfortunately I have exams right around the corner and so slowing down is not a good thing.  I have my study schedule at the ready  to set me straight.

Thanks for sticking with me guys!

Also, 16 days until no more long distance ever!

Ardene's flats / Hollister jeans / Jacob top / Gap Cardigan / Keltie Leanne Designs Necklace / Thrifted clutch

Skirts and Springtime

Let's not talk about how white my legs are and talk about skirts instead!  I have always wanted a skirt that fit snugly (is that really a word?) around my waist just like those cute 50s housewives.  Alas my waist is too small for a size four skirt and my hips are too big for a size two skirt.  So I always opt for size six so most of my skirts sit on my hips instead of where they are supposed to which is on my waist (like this one).  Weird right?

When eShakti contacted me to test out their customization feature I saw this skirt and said "done!"  Partly because the colour of it matched the crocuses that are blooming perfectly.  Partly because they mentioned Mad Men in the description and partly because customization means the kind of skirt I always wanted.  And guess what!?  It's nice and snug around my waist so I can prance around pretending to be Betty Draper.  Oh.  Yes.  

ps: Unfortunately I'm not having any bridesmaids at my weddings because eShakti's bridesmaid collection is too cute.  I'm totally crushing on this one.

Ardene's flats / skirt c/o eShakti / Stella McCartney top

Pattern Play

Some people are courageous and go for bold pattern mixing.  I like to keep it simple and subtle.  It's kind of like the perfect cup of coffee.  Simple with just a hint of a delicious flavour such as caramel.  How perfect does that sound right now?  Maybe a biscotti on the side?  

I spent the weekend at my grandparent's house and realized (once again) how blessed I am to be able to live near them.  Sometimes we work on sewing projects, sometimes we work in the garden or put up Christmas lights.  Sometimes we bake and sometimes we quietly drink our coffee and read the newspaper.  Sometimes we watch funny British dramas and sometimes I get to hear stories.  The stories are my favourite.  Life in the Netherlands, immigration to Canada, living all over Canada and starting a small business provide great material for hours of stories.  And no one loves stories more than I do.

I leave you this week with a little photo of spring in Victoria.  But to be honest, flowers like this line the streets year round, just begging to be taken home for my kitchen table. 

Canadian Tuxedo

I am currently enjoying the joys of full-length films on youtube.  Who knew there were such treasures? I just watched 10 things I hate about you and I've already loaded My Fake Fiancé.  While these films are great, they are also a huge time suck.  But they lure me in from the sidebar of Harlem Shake.  And before I know it, I'm halfway through an entire movie.  Yep.  But I'm working on my addiction and I accomplished so much this weekend despite my movie escapades.

If you take a look at my last post and compare it to this one you may notice a huge difference.  It's spring in Victoria!  And it is definitely still winter in Edmonton.  I'm seeing flowers everyone and the grass in the park is becoming lush and summery.  To celebrate the coming of spring I wanted to wear something worthy of the season.  I stared at my closet for awhile and realized that all of my tops are black or white.  So I raided Hillary's closet and came out with a Canadian Tuxedo which is always okay in my books.

jules&james flats and bracelet / H&M jeans / thrifted top / UK2LA necklace 

I just lost this top

Interesting things that happened to me today:

1. I flew over the mountains that I had just been skiing on yesterday.

2.  I watched about 20 videos of Jennifer Lawrence.

3. I accidentally bought lime yogurt instead of plain but now I'm OBSESSED!

4. I lost the shirt that I am wearing in the above photos.

5. I found a spider in my bed this morning when I woke up.

6. I realized I have been a very slow blogger this year and I apologize for my slothfulness.

7.  I discovered that "slothfulness" is a word.  I didn't make it up!

8. I got a whole row to myself on the airplane and it was awesome.

9. I arrived in Victoria and it was spring.  Instant mood-lifter and homesickness-banisher.

10. My suitcase almost flew out of my hand because it is so windy here.

Baretraps boots / Jessica Simpson Kiss Me Jeggings / Costa Blanca top / J.Crew cardigan / Keltie Leanne Designs necklace / H&M gold hair ring