With a new year, i've decided to start new altogether. Please find my new blog here.   xo.

Source: funstuffcafe.com via Brooke on Pinterest

I haven't wrote on here in a long time-- maybe it's for lack of time, unable to express my emotions out loud, or if it's just timing.

I guess a time comes when you realize that even the little stuff didn't make you as happy as it used to be. And that even though you can look around you and be thankful for it all, that not everything is quite all right. That you are not yourself; that you are too tired to think of all the little things that make other people happy (and you happy doing it for them), that it's hard to remain positive when the majority of your day is occupied with work, or thinking about it, that you have no energy at all, let alone creative energy. That you are stressed, pulled beyond your means. That you don't have the energy to be social because that's all you have been doing all day. So, I know what's making me unhappy.... Change it?

Dustin came home a few days ago after talking with a family friend: "In order to love somebody you need to love them, not only on your own terms= "You need to do what you have you to do"

It's hard for me to comprehend, or maybe it's all based out of fear, the idea of completely starting over. The idea of quitting my job, us selling our house so I can start something up of my own. Of course it's fear, and my insecurities, and a feeling of being completely overwhelmed by what would really make me happy, and what would I succeed at.

Then there is the fear of not being secure like we are now. I know and believe "Money Dosen't Buy Happiness" but it's nice and comfortable to be in a situation where we are well set up for our future and still have the extra room to enjoy ourselves.

But then I think of me, the changed me and thirst for something completely new and scary.

So stay tuned... a new adventure might be on it's way.

Source: etsy.com via Brooke on Pinterest

Inspired Spaces (NEW Segment)

Glitter Guide recently featured Erika Brechtel's beautiful Southern Californian home and I couldn't help but share myself... her perfectly styled home (right down to her coffee table books) couldn't be any more then perfect. See bedroom first... (Favourite)

Inspired: InStyle 2012 Spring Trends

My recent roadtirp reading material included the most recent issue of InStyle. Inspired by some of the new 2012 trends, I focused my shopping/wishlists on trying some of them:

Bright Day Dresses

I picked up this cute bright orange number from Forever 21 for under $25.00.

Bold Pastels

I'm lusting after these super cute skinnies from The Gap.

Hi-Gloss

This top came for $29.99 from H&M and will pair great with straight leg dress pants or a high waisted pencil skirt.

Pleats

Thinking of purchasing this pleated accordion maxi skirt on my next trip to American Apparel.

You can find more here.

Blue Moon Manicure

After being inspired to do something to spice up my nails a bit for an everyday look, I found this great tutorial on a blue moon manicure.
Using Chiara's chic pastel outfit for inspiration....

And here is what I came up with...

Hope this inspires to do this super easy nail makeover on your own... xo

So, after some searching my friend and I were looking for a original valentines day baking idea (We bake together every year). After a recent trip to Cupcake Conspiracy I got inspired on the idea of making Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes- after all what guy is not obsessed with bacon?!

So here are the results:

Valentines Day

am definitely getting into the Valentines day spirit with all of the adorable things to look at. Here are some of my favourites, and then some of my wishlist items: (hint hint hubby!)








I
Stationary // Cupcakes // Peonies // Studs // Whoopie Pies // Scents // Heart Banner // Nails

It's about the relationship.

Easy (& Amazing!) Dinner

I tried out this super easy and fresh recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen: Pasta Carbonara with Leeks and Lemons and had to share it with you! Needing only a few ingredients, and only a little time, this makes for the perfect dinner (and with the one of the main ingredients being bacon- the man will be pleased!).

As I look at the idea of a "New Years Resolution" in the past, the idea has always been a negative one to me. As I get older, I see more things in my life that I want to accomplish, or see a need for myself in simply, accomplishing- the joy of it and the simple purpose it brings.

So in 2012 I hope to... Pick a volunteer project, get more involved in our church, take more pictures and learn how to use my camera better, be more understanding with my husband and see marriage as more of a two-way street, run a half marathon (and work so I can run a full marathon in 2013!), renovate my blog space/name and write more often, create more (crafts, good food, photos; etc), and remember to be thankful EVERY minute of EVERY day and remember just how very blessed I am.


(Image via Ruffled)

Merry Christmas

I'm back! After a highly busy Christmas season, I have returned here on my very last day of Christmas holidays to post a few things we did to get in the Christmas spirit on our very first one of marriage...
The Christmas decorating started with this "mobile". Nikia and I hosted a Stella & Dot Trunk Show so I made this as a nice decoration for our table full of seasonal goodies... (Try these: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes)

Next it was time for a tree. We decided against a full length one as a)we didn't want to spend a lot of money, b) we couldn't find one that was nice for the amount of money we did want to spend and c)a tree on a table means the puppy can't get at it. Since it was already adorned in both pinecones and the lights, all it needed were some decorations. I traded my super girlie decorations (aka my "single" tree) for some pretty and natural decorations. My favourite ones came from Indigo.

I convinced Dustin to make a gingerbread house with me... I ended up doing the "construction" and he did most of the decorating... funny how that was....

I made "snickerdoodle" dog treats for a couple of our friends and packaged them in cellophane bags with some cute ribbon and twine.

I did some Christmas baking: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies, Mint Chocolate Square, Cranberry Bliss Bars, and Oatmeal Toffee Cookies.

I did all my Christmas shopping in the matter of one very busy day and some additional online shopping. Was surprised but happy to find this super cute wrapping paper at Home Outfitters of all places... then wrapped it up with some twine.

We even dressed Jack in his sunday best for the occasion.

Hope you all had a great Christmas, and enjoyed time with both family and friends! I definitely feel blessed this season.

Saying Thanks

-For my (new) little family... Dustin, and of course, Jack.

-For my (old) family... Mom, Dad, Jason, Jocelyn, Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles...

-For the beautiful home we have.

-For the beautiful summer weather we had.

-For trips we get to take, and have took...Maui,Calgary,Palm Springs...

-For the wonderful friends we have.

-For our new church.

-For the beautiful DSLR I have, and cliental to take pictures of.

-For the awesome food we get to eat tonight.

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD ... Psalm 116:17.

P.S. My thanksgiving recipes... Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding and Vanilla Bean Ice-Cream

It's hard to think about fall with all this beautiful weather outside... and a upcoming weekend of +29. But, these cupcakes are too good to be only a fall recipe...

Get it here

I picked up this book the other day at Mcnally in hopes of having my own Christmas cookie swap/party this year. Anyone want to come?

Labor Day Weekend

I really did enjoy my three day weekend. After a busy couple of weeks getting back into routine, it was nice to have a break. It was beautiful weather for September! Here are some of the highlights:

Dustin bought me a basket for my bike so we could take Jack along... it's my new favourite outdoor activity.
Shared this delicious French pastry in the lazy Sunday afternoon sun.
Shopped for wine at Cava... excited to try them all out.
Made these yummy muffins for sunday brunch.
Made/had a romantic dinner with my husband. Find the the recipe here.
Picked up this green tray at Home Sense... I love wasting away weekend afternoons there.
Picked up a cozy fall sweater for only $24... love Joe/Superstore.

Happy work week everybody!

Fall Wish List

Tawny Shingle Tote via Anthropologie

Michael Kors Midsized Chronograph Watch

Love & Knit Hand Knit Yellow Slouchy Hat via Etsy

Zara Striped Tunic

O'Neil Heimberg Grey Print Top via Lulu

Gap 1969 Super Lightweight Skinny Bootcut Jeans

Frye Company Caroline Lace-up Booties via Neiman Marcus