Spence cropped jacket (thrifted), H&M dress (last seen here), Sirens leggings, Bamboo boots, Suzy belt, Emily Elizabeth necklace, g21 sunglasses, Swarovski bangle, Michael Kors bracelet & Bijoux Terner beaded bangle
You guys! Something totally exciting happened to me on Monday night. As some of you know, I do Zumba and have for two years. I absolutely love this cardio work out and as a former dancer, it's awesome to be doing choreographed dance again (unlike when I just randomly dance around the house).
Back to the story exciting-ness.
So I'm in class on Monday, waiting for our teacher to arrive. The class is set to start at 4:30pm, and there are about 30 women waiting. Well, 4:30pm came and went and still no teacher. A few minutes later, an employee of the gym told us our teacher was no where to be found and we could wait, but class would likely be canceled. As we all stood around feeling defeated, one woman pointed at me and said, 'You should teach the class!'. Another chimed in, 'Yeah, you're really good,' and then another, 'Yeah, do it!'. Next thing I know, I'm fetching my iPhone from my locker and hooking it up to the stereo system in the class, jumping on stage and teaching an hour long zumba class. What!? I know.
Urban Behaviour trench
15 comments
Often times I get comments or questions from you lovely readers in the comment section of my blog, which I love, but am always puzzled by how to respond. I don't like responding in the comment section because personally I don't go back to other people's blogs to see if they responded to me there, and typically try to respond on their blogs. However, there are some of you who either don't have blogs or post anonymously. and then I can't communicate with you. However, I'd love to open up this post for some random questions that I can answer in a seperate post.
For instance, someone anonymously asked me how I stay 'so slim and beautiful' when I eat so much 'fried calamari'. I'm super flattered (thank you) and I don't eat that much calamari. I do love treats, I love to indulge and I love to eat what I want, when I want, but I do work hard to stay healthy. Perfect body? Not by a long shot, but I watch what I eat (for instance, if I've been eating too many treats, I'll go back to eating clean and cut out treats for a couple days - which believe me, is difficult!), I do work out (even though I'm often dragging my butt to the gym with mad resistance) and always try to get extra steps in by taking the stairs, parking far away, etc. Every little bit helps.
So, I'm all ears, let's hear it, ask away.
You can always:
* ask me through Formspring
* contact me on Twitter
* send me an email (psst, it's on the sidebar)
PS - If no one asks anything, this is going to be suuuper awkward. I'll be like that one kid waiting for her friends to show up and everyone played a mean trick. Um. Humour me?
Apriori dress, Stitches skirt, Aldo wedges (last seen here & in brown here), Dynamite belt, Gucci shades,
Mexx, Suzy & Forever 21 bangles & Bay ring
It's that time: a new month, new resolutions. I figured why not make some resolutions each month (here's the March list), seems more feasible then creating a list for the entire year, no? The whole idea is that the resolutions have to be feasible (and sometimes enjoyable). So what's up, April? Let's do this:
1. Whiten my teeth. I bought Crest White Strips (totally been wanting to try them for a couple years but never pulled the trigger) and am on my way. We'll see what happens. They are on my teeth as I type... they feel funny. Oh, and my teeth are already feeling more sensitive (uh oh).
2. Figure out what the f I'm doing with my hair. Am I going to highlight it (the norm) super blonde or am I going to phase in the ombre look? I'm getting there with the ombre, but at this point it's just really bad roots that look greasy when they're clean.
3. Mail a special package (that's been sitting on my dresser for months) to a special friend (I'm such a procrastinator - ugh).
4. Buy a new car. Okay, this is a pretty big resolution for April but I'm serious about getting a new car and definitely want to have it in time for summer. I'm looking at one model but there are two engine types. I've test driven one and am taking the other out this Wednesday.
5. Make a clutch, a skirt and a scarf. I bought the fabric, now it's go time.
PS - no tights. I've officially ditched the tights. I did it before April too, mainly because I took a trip to Florida and never looked back (slash had a tan... so what if it was a spray tan).
A couple weekends ago my girl friend took me out to Mangia for an awesome birthday dinner. I'd never heard of the place before, let alone been there, and it was a fabulous experience. It wasn't too busy for a Saturday night, but the service, food and decor were awesome. The place is decorated with deep red walls, a dark wood bar area, chic cream chairs and a couple buttery leather booths in cream. The food is Italian and the atmosphere is chic, modern and casual fine dining. We had one of the best seats in the house, right beside the window and had such a great evening. Thanks CB.
George cape (last seen here), American Apparel top (last seen here), Garage tank, Sirens leggings,
Bamboo boots (last see here), Ardene & H&M bangles
Have you ever had someone you find your blog? Someone that wasn't supposed to find it? Okay, I say that very lightly because obviously as bloggers we all know that your blog could be 'found' at anytime by anyone, especially if your friends and family know about it. I accept that, and really there isn't anyone I feel shouldn't see it, but when you think of certain people that won't see it... and then they do... yeah. It's not awkward, it's not embarrassing, it's a different type of emotion - am I alone here? All that to say, someone came across my blog, someone I didn't necessarily expect to come across it and it was surprising. Yes. Good word. Surprising. I also think that if you're not a blogger or a blog reader, it's hard to understand this thing we do called blogging. For me, it's a creative outlet. I love being able to share my creativity, style, DIY's, inspiration, etc. with you all. Just as I love to read other blogs for the same reasons. The blogging community was something completely foreign to me over a year ago, and now it's this fantastic thing that I'm a part of, and it feels so great. It's like a great place to go to daydream, express yourself, vent, gather inspiration and make friends. With that said, thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you who reads (and comments) and to those who come back regularly. You make this so much better and I love being here.
...this track. Morning, noon and night. (It's becoming an obsession, really).
Just a few new additions to the room. These arrived while I was in Florida, so sadly I haven't worn them yet. C'mon summer, I wanna wear these sandals. As far as the wedges go, I'm planning a DIY for them and have already ordered the supplies, so stay tuned.
Must be something about those back zippers...
These don't seem to be available in nude anymore but I did find them here in smaller sizes
Husband and I went on a lil' date the other night to a new place we'd never been to (thanks for the recommendation LM) and loved it. We got dolled up, didn't have a reservation (they don't take 'em between 6pm and 8pm) and were seated pretty quickly despite the restaurant being packed. (I actually think they made a table for us while we waited - how's that for service?). The food was delicious and we had a fantastic time. I pretended it was my 'birthday dinner' since hubs picked up the tab (love that) but still had to be the DD and get us home. Ha.
Costa Blanca jacket (last seen here), Mexx leather skirt (last seen here), Aldo wedges (last seen here), Club Monaco scarf, Joe Fresh gloves, Givenchy tights & Aldo clutch
So I've been keeping a bit of a secret: I've been sick for the past week. I know, I know, I've kept up the charade of being fine... er, well, online at least... in person, not so much. You see, last Monday I woke up feeling crappy; sore throat, headache, you know the symptoms. Despite feeling this way, I headed to work as it wasn't awful and no need to take a sick day.
The following Tuesday, I felt worse, much worse, but again went to work. Talking hurt my throat, my head was ridiculously congested and I felt like a ton of bricks were inside my head. Sheesh. My boss noticed and sent me home at noon. I stopped at Walmart on my way home to get something, anything that would combat this cold. I picked up Buckley's Cold & Sinus tablets. I'd never tried them before but figured I had nothing to lose. After spending the afternoon in bed, resting (watching tv, surfing the 'net on my laptop and being relatively bored), I was starting to feel better. By dinner time my sore throat was almost extinct and I'd turned into a Buckley's lover overnight... er... within hours.
I woke up Wednesday ready to face the day and headed into work. Still taking the meds, it relieved my sinus congested, my throat was tolerable and I felt like I was on the mend. Turns out, not so much. This is where it gets worse: that night I woke up at 3am to let the dog out. While waiting for her to come in, I started feeling super nauseous and immediately started sweating (like, buckets). I brought the dog in and ran to the bathroom where nothing happened except I continued to feel horrible. I quickly tried to make my way to bed and passed out in the hallway. This has never happened to me before and I was only out for a few seconds, but, whoa. Hubs immediately came to the rescue and eventually helped me to bed.
The next morning I got up, and you guessed it, was ready to head into work, but started to feel those symptoms wash over me. I quickly got back into bed and it eventually subsided. I called in sick and went to the Doctor later that day. She told me it could have been the meds or the virus itself (also, I don't take a lot of meds, ever, so my body could have been in shock from it), but the symptoms I had (nausea and sweating) are common signs you are about to faint and if you experience them, you should lie down immediately, wherever you are (note to self).
I stayed home Friday as well and am still not fully recovered. I went back to work yesterday and felt better-ish but started feeling awful in the afternoon. I'm definitely on the mend, but this damn cold is running a lot longer of a course than I'm used to. So now ya know. Have any of you ever had a really bad sinus cold?
Husband took these photos the other night after our date and it was fa-reeeezing. We made it work though by taking a page from Jentine's book and throwing on the high-beams and creating a midnight photoshoot.
Revlon 'Silver Screen' | OPI 'Shatter'
If you haven't heard of OPI 'Shatter', you might be living under a rock. This stuff is blowing up and it's awesome. I picked up a bottle about a week ago and it was perfect timing as my silver mani was starting to chip a bit. I touched up the tips and then applied the shatter and my nails were instantly 'done' again. T
his stuff is super cool, it starts to 'shatter' within 5 - 10 seconds (right before your eyes) and dries pretty quickly too (and you just apply one coat). The next day I had three compliments before lunch time (and one was from a guy).
It's going to be hard to resist putting this over every colour I paint my nails now. Husband even liked it so much he let me paint one of his toenails (shhh don't tell).
On the weekend, my good friend took me out for brunch for my birthday. We went to our favourite spot and had an amazing meal (and conversation, of course). She also gifted me with the most fabulous gift (but you'll have to wait and see. Hint). and then we partook in some retail therapy afterward. A truly fantastic birthday celebration. Thanks SS.
I found this amazing post called, 'A Better Life in 100 Ways', and while I can't remember how I found this article (I think a friend tweeted it, but I can't remember who), thank you, it's been so insightful.
While reading the list, each point hit some part of me, some points really stuck with me and some even motivated me. I live every day trying to be the best version of myself, but sometimes that motto slips through the cracks. We can only be the best we can be, but it's a conscious decision to do so.
If you don't want to read the whole list, here are a few of my favourites:
1. Accept Your Mistakes
You’re human. We, humans, are making mistakes. Accept what you did wrong and try to do better next time. No need to punish yourself forever. In fact, accepting your mistakes is the only way to make them disappear.
2. Accept Your Friends Mistakes
Maybe you got hurt by somebody. Happens. Just accept it and deal with it. People are making mistakes and if you can accept that for yourself, accept it for your friends too. In the end, all you need from them is their love.
* so often this reigns true with me and reading this clears all the bullshit and puts things in perspective. We only need our friends' love, and if they're still offering that to us, and they're trying their best, we can try our best to move past their mistakes too.
9. Create and Keep a Morning Phrase
Whatever you say to yourself in the morning, it will most likely come true during the day. Why not taking advantage of it? Create a simple morning phrase and say it to yourself first thing in the morning. Is that simple.
21. Be Better, Not Perfect
Striving too much for perfection will ruin your life. It will wipe out all those little imperfections which are making you… human. Being better, on the other side, is rewarding. Look back at the yesterday you and just say: I’m better!
25. Avoid Fighting
Fighting is the biggest energy leak of your being. Trying to prove another guy wrong is so against your true nature. You’re here to acknowledge life’s wonders, not to prove anybody’s wrong. They’re not wrong, just have different opinions. And that’s part of life.
40. Start a Monthly Challenge
Being it physical, mental or social. Intend to acquire something new in your life in 30 days. Improve your health using new methods, or your relationships by starting new things together. Make it count. And count on it.
42. Follow a Coincidence
Well, there aren’t any coincidences, I lied. Everything has a purpose. If you witness something which may seem like a coincidence, then you’re very lucky, you just got a sign. Follow it with trust, it will lead you well.
48. Break Up with a Person You Don't Really Like
Maybe you’re friend with somebody just by habit, chemistry being dead for a long time now. Just break it up. Tell him. Ok, let’s unfriend us, this will not work. It will bring up something you thought you lost it long ago: courage.
* this is hard, I've been there, I've done that. That's not to say I don't miss those people now, but at the time it was the right decision.
65. Say Something Nice to Somebody
Just like that. Out of the blue. Pick an unknown person and say something nice. After the initial surprise you’ll be amazed by the unmasked joy and gratitude they’re expressing. Admit it: you would like that too, right?
77. One More Second
Create the habit of looking at things for one more second. Spend one more second before taking an important decision. Delay something. Time will follow your intention and open some unexpected window for you. Slow it down a little.
85. Laugh
This time is not about smiling. It’s about laughing. Don’t you ever miss another opportunity to laugh. Especially at yourself. The longer your laughing sessions, the shorter your misery ones. Looks like a nice deal, isn’t it?
87. Trust Your Emotions
Don’t underestimate your emotions. Or overestimate them. Your emotions are your feed-back system and for that they are very important. Trying to ignore your emotions is like depriving yourself from lights in a car running in the middle of the night.
97. Make Your Own Rules
And stick with them. Go for what works for you, not the others. Go for what you want, not the others. Including me. Make your own system and be proud of it. You may upset some people in the process, but hey, that’s life.
100. No Regrets
Regretting something is another form of not accepting reality. What you can do about it now? It’s gone. It doesn’t exist anymore. Focus on what you can change: your present moment. Not yesterday, not tomorrow. Now. Live now.
Dunkin Donuts 'Cool Latta' - I drank a few of these. We don't have Dunkin Donuts in Canada and these are way better than Iced Caps from Tim Hortons. Oh, and btw, that's a medium. Love those Americans.
During my trip to Florida, I kept a bit of a photo diary with my iPhone whenever I could. Sometimes I didn't bring my camera with me (shocker) or only had a second to snap a quick shot. I'm missing the warm weather a ton but the snow here is melting and despite temperatures being below zero still, Spring is on it's way.
Daytona Beach
The cart from my trip to Ross with my mom. That store is amazing and we clearly don't have that in Canada, either.
A solo evening at the beach.
My favourite beer which often comes 2-for-1 at many restaurants (another fantastic American thing). The one on the left was from my dinner at the Washington airport on my way home. Ending my trip and keepin' it classy: a solo beer and burger.
One morning, during my run, there were tons of seagulls congregated on the beach, just standing around. I stopped running, pulled my iPhone from my armband and snapped a shot.
Daytona Bike Week (psst, spot the dog?)
Various Beach Shots
Clockwise from top left: (1) Peanut butter M&M's (2) Buffalo Chicken Sandwich from Chili's (my fave) (3) Side Ceaser Salad from Chili's (4) Chips & bean dip from Chili's (5) My almost-everyday breakfast, toast with peanut butter and banana and a huge glass of milk (6) Chips and salsa from El Toucan (7) My Dad checking out how they make Salt Water Taffee in Daytona Beach (8) Chicken Enchilladas from El Toucan (9) Candy Apples in Daytona Beach (10) Cowboy Burger from AppleBee's (11) Steak dinner (which was horrible so I exchanged it for number nine) at AppleBee's
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