Brownie Addiction

 

The other day Mr. Nick and I had dinner at Brewsters and couldn't say no when offered deep fried brownies for dessert. How adorable (and trust me, also delicious) are these little brownie bites?  Obviously not the best dessert for frequent snacking. Oh no. No no no.

 

What are your favorite treats?

Dressing For Yourself

Smart Set Safari Dress, Vintage Scarf and belt, Luxxor Vintage Broach, Costa Blanca tights

I love styling this dress with color! The dress itself is sort of dull, but it works as a brilliant canvas, and there’s no limit to the combinations I can create with scarves, tights, and belts.  My mother does not approve of my brightly coloured tights... wait till she sees the new ones I'm ordering from We Love Colors. I'm thinking, gold, magenta, white... there are endless possibilities!

I once had a guy make a dig at me while wearing coloured tights, they were red and lacy and he made some kind of crack about how it looked like I had a terrible rash. He, of course, thought he was being funny but it took me a long time to get over that comment! Being able to look in the mirror in the morning after dressing and be 100% confident is so important to me – it takes effort and a little bit of courage to keep that confidence strong throughout the day. The results are so worth it! I feel so much better about myself when I’m dressed the way I want to be dressed. I don’t want to dress like my mother, or my sister, or that guy who didn’t like my tights. I want to dress like ME! So button it, naysayers. 

What’s more, if you ever find yourself being negative about someone else’s style – remember that they don’t necessarily want to dress like you! 

Haha, that turned into a bit of a soap box, but I hope you found it encouraging! I also kinda hope my sister reads this, that girl has no negative comment filter. ;) 

It's About Growth

I'm really excited to announce that as of today, I've started taking my first Blogging E-Course! Elsie's (A Beautiful Mess) Blog Love!

I'm really excited to expand the blog and grow as an individual and a blogger. What this blog is becoming is so important and exciting to me, it's really helped me on my personal style and life journey. I'm always evolving, and with a little more knowledge I would like the blog to reflect that! I look so forward to implementing some of the things I learn!

Plus, Elsie's E-courses are fantastic. I really encourage anyone who is thinking about doing one to go ahead, I bought the sewing e-course from Elsie previously and although I haven't done any of the projects before, I'm really looking forward to doing them when I have some time on my hands.

You Ain't Born Typical

Joe Fresh skirt, TOMS shoes, Pure (Alfred Sung) plaid shirt, ASOS necklace

Wore this outfit on Friday, nothing special, just casual Kaitlyn. Fun though, I love tying things at the waist to make them look different then usual. I kept saying to Nick when we took these pictures, crouch lower -- get the tree in there. Haha, he was not impressed. I'm going to make a professional outfit photographer out of him yet.

Exciting news! I have a few new blog features on the horizon as far as content goes, hopefully to start this Friday. Also, I'm working on a new blog design! When I started Light A Candle months ago I grabbed a picture of me that I liked off of Facebook and made a header out of it, but now that I have outfit photos on the go I want to make something that is more of a representation of what the blog is actually about which is not generally me standing in fields trying to look pretty.

Although that could still become a feature.

Just kidding. Look for a new design to premier sometime in the coming week! It will likely take me a bit of experimentation to get it right so forgive me if it feels like a construction zone around here for awhile.

Here, listen to an awesome song.

You're welcome. ;p

First Day

 

This is my little sister,  she graduated a year ago from high school, took some time off to figure out what she wanted to do, went through some serious pain and sorrow trying to get into the course she wanted, and now she's celebrating her first day back to school. I'm so proud of her! I was one of those kids who knew in elementary school what I wanted to do with my life, but it's been a real struggle for April, and a lot of other people I know. Finding yourself is never easy, but the journey is so worth it in the end. 

April, I know you're going to have a great couple years and when you're out -- you're gonna put that work ethic of yours to good use and achieve everything your heart desires.

Lovely Layers

Lace dress: ASOS, booties: The Bay, vest: Winners, bow: ASOS, belt: Smart Set, rings: LLYMRS

 I was really excited about this outfit because I DIY'd this pretty blue floral bow. Well... kinda. It was originally attached to an ill-fitting crop top I bought from ASOS and I just stitch ripped it off and sewed it to a pin back. Look at me being crafty. The boots are a new purchase, I bought them on sale from The Bay the other day and LOVE them. They're Expressions and super comfy, with lots of room for my wide toes.

I wore this outfit on Tuesday last week when we went out for dinner and a movie with some friends. If anyone cares to know, I really enjoyed Fright Night. Good old fashioned fun that one.

Mr. Nicks birthday party was this past Saturday, and we had a great time eating delicious guitar shaped birthday cake, and watching terrible horror movies on Netflix. We indulged ourselves in Black Sheep (horror film about zombie sheep), Megashark vs. Crocosaurus, and Killer Klowns From Outer Space. I may have fell asleep during that last one. Haha. I am notoriously sleepy past 11pm. 

 

A New Kind of Cool

Dress: H&M, Shirt: Smart Set, TOMS shoes, Earrings: Smart Set

 I was very proud of this outfit. It might not seem like much, but it marks a special turning point in my creative outfit putting-together-ness. You see, this dress doesn't have sleeves, but I didn't like the flimsiness of the neckline so I layered it over a shirt with floaty sleeves, and, huzzah, a dress with floaty sleeves! How cool is that? I know, I know, it seems so mundane, but it really made this dress more wearable so I'm quite pleased. Who knew that simple rules of addition applied to clothes. (shirt + dress= dress with shirt!) Remixing can be so rewarding.

Have fantastic weekends everyone, do something fun outside and enjoy this last bout of warm weather.

If I Could Polka ...

H&M blouse and socks, Expressions shoes, Dorothy Perkins skirt and belt, Necklace: gift! Thanks April ;) Hair clip: handmade vendor.

 This outfit might come off as a bit fancy for an average day at work, I did feel rather... funeral-esque, but there's nothing wrong with dressing up on a daily basis. I hold to that. After years of college, and working retail I feel like I've earned the right to turn my everyday life into a fancy dress party.

In other  news, Nicks birthday party is on Saturday and I am very excited! This time I'm not going to worry about hostessing. Haha. We'll be spending a few hours at a local gaming cafe, and then heading to his house for a barbeque. This time I'll take pics!

The rest of the week and subsequent weekend are promising to be pretty mundane, if it's nice I would really like to get to the river for some sun. We'll see if it happens, we always seem to get wrapped up with other plans.

Happy 22!

In case you were wondering where I was yesterday, I was off celebrating the 22nd birthday of this handsome fellow.

We had a great time (you can see my plans for entertaining our families here). Almost everything went off without a hitch. I did overfill some of the orange cakes, and they burbled out a bit, but they were still delicious! Being busy with the whole hostess thing I didn't take any pictures myself, (I know, terrible me!) but my dad did snap a few of our slow boil and Nick with his orange birthday cake.

I'll be back shortly with an outfit!

Crimson Carnation

Shirt: Polly Magoo's, Skirt: Dorothy Perkins, Belt: Joe Fresh, Sunglasses: H&M, Shoes: TOMS

Tuesday last week I wore this outfit, it was a lovely day. Bright, sunny, warm. Nick spent the evening with his friends and I caught up with my long lost bestie Amy, who I met in elementary school. She and I were in touch up until the end of high school, and luckily we were able to reunite a few months ago. She and I live very close to each other still, but we're both busy girls, her especially, so it's hard to meet up!

It was Amy's birthday this last weekend so tonight we're going to go out for dinner and a movie, and this time I'm bringing along Nick and a few friends to make it a party. Amy is a fantastic, sociable person who does great with new people so I'm excited to introduce her to a few of my lifes most importants!

It's so fantastic when you have friends who you just gel with, and even though you haven't spoken in three years when you do pick up the phone (or in our case, message them on Facebook) the conversation is just as easy as ever. Another good sign, when the person seems genuinely excited to hear from you! ;)

Tomorrow I'll let you know how Fright Night is! I'm excited to see it (David Tennant for the win) but, as the movie was my choice, I'm a little nervous about it sucking. Haha, let's hope for the best.

PS. I'm loving the sparkly manicure trend, but damn are those things hard to remove. I literally had to soak my nails in polish remover just to get these sparkly tips off. Worth it? Maybe...

Newest Acquisitions

I thought, as an afternoon feature, I would share some of my newest acquisitions with you. I recently purchased this Shop Ruche dress, which looked amazing in their latest lookbook, as well as this adorable vintage fox bangle, a pair of clear sunglasses (I know, I'm that person!) and some tan wedge booties (not pictured, I actually bought these in a bonnified store!). I feel like, although I'm desperately still clinging to summer, I've already embraced fall fashion. This morning I put on one too many layers and had to remove a few. I had to remind myself it's supposed to be 20 degrees today and your office currently doesn't have any air conditioning!

Source: shopruche.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

Source: ebay.ca via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

From the Page and 50 Outfits!

Joanna from A Cup of Joe posted this photo some time last week:

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

She was focusing in on the girl on the far right wearing the mustard skirt and jean top, and since I own a mustard skirt I figured I could give the look a try! It didn't come out quite that classy but I don't really wear heels to work so I went for sandals, and my jean top is a bit big on me! Grr. I wish I could alter clothes, I have so many items that are just a lllliiiitle bit off. Anyone have some good clothes altering tips or tricks?

Taking these photos was another adventure in self photography, I had to use a broken old tripod because my father absconded with the good one. I suppose it's fair since the tripod belongs to him...  I should really buy my own. ;)

I didn't have as much time to experiment with my photos this time because it started to rain!

Dorothy Perkins top, ASOS skirt, Topshop Necklace

By the way, can you believe this is my 50th outfit post? I hardly can! How exciting is that? Well... you're probably not as excited as I am.

I have some really fun outfits coming up for you, and I'm going to be introducing a new feature to the blog on Friday! I'm really excited about it so I hope it goes over well!

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Oh, and like the blog on Facebook!

Fall Colors

In anticipation of fall I've collected a few items to share my favorite fall trends: dark green, rust, maxi lengths, and satchels. I think my first fall purchase will be a (if not this) green maxi skirt.

Fall Fashion by light0a0candle featuring knit scarves

You can click on the image to see the details.

What kinds of clothing do you like to rock in the fall season?

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A Study In Scarlet

Shirt: Marks, Skirt: Dorothy Perkins, Flats: Ardenes

I think the above picture might be one of my favorites of all time, I've been trying to think of new and exciting places to take my outfit pictures and I figured my new orange skirt would look nice offset by good ol' Scarlet here, my dad's old Ambassador. Nick kept saying, stand in front of the rust spot! But I kind of like seeing how she's aged.

Necklace was a gift! (Thanks Amy)

I loved this outfit, (color blocking for the win!) but I couldn't help feeling like a nurse when I looked down at my crisp white button down and white shoes. Haha, for some reason that says nurse to me. I think the flower in my hair helped make it feel more 'me'.

Hair clip: H&M

A part of me is starting to feel really excited for fall at this point -- the fashions, the sales, the layering, the leaves turning, the pumpkin pie -- but another part of me (most of me) is sad that summer is coming to an end. Not yet! I tell it, stay a little longer. I still feel like the best part of my summer was robbed from me by the accident, and living in Canada where summer lasts for 3 months out of 12, it's just not fair! Stick around, I beg, just a little longer. But the wind answers with a cold gust and the leaves shiver on the trees.

I'm not sure how this blog is going to fair during the winter, I may have to buy a set of photography lights so I can take outfit photo's in doors! Already I'm looking forward to next spring. It's been a beautiful season this year, perhaps not always weather wise, but personally. Other then the blotch on my life that was June, I really feel like life is blossoming.

What are you most looking forward to about the coming fall season?

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Nutella Stuffed French Toast

 This was an exciting meal. I had Mr. Nick coming over for brunch so  I wanted to surprise him by making our usual french toast a little more exciting. I didn't use an exact recipe (I tend to look at several online recipes and take a little bit from each) but there is one you can try here.

Basically I cut extra thick slices of crusty bread and used a paring knife to make a little pocket in the center of each. I then spooned nutella into the pockets and used 3 eggs, some milk, a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla to dip my extra thick slices of bread into.

I also tried breading one slice by rolling it in crushed almonds and cereal before adding it to the hot pan. (the one on the left in the bottom pic) Over the two methods, I think I prefer the chocolatey one best!

Polka Dots & Lace

Blouse: H&M, Dress: Vera Moda (ASOS)

 I'm really excited about this new blouse I purchased from H&M, it's so light and floaty! I wore this outfit on Sunday, Nick was working so I convinced my father to take my outfit photos. He wasn't quite as patient with me as Mr. Nick. I don't think any of the full body photos turned out -- first the camera was on the wrong setting and they were looking all grainy, and then it was too dark, and then too light. Haha, I know it's great for Nick to get more hours at work since he's saving for school but I can't wait till he's done this string of evening shifts! Perhaps selfishly, I don't mind when he works during the day but in the evening he's meant to be with me!

H&M bow hair band

 Tonight we're planning on visiting the fringe -- not sure what we'll be seeing or if we'll just be taking in the sights and sounds. Of course I haven't seen Nick in three days so I'm fine with whatever we're doing as long as we're together! Those of you who are in Edmonton, what shows have you gone to see if any? Any favorites, or duds?

Necklace Urban Outfitters (gift)

I feel very much like it should be Friday today. I'm excited to perhaps do some shopping this weekend, I need to get to Sephora, and I have an Urban Outfitters gift card burning a hole in my pocket. Anyone have exciting weekend plans? I feel like any day could be the last day of good weather (it's quite touch and go in Edmonton) so I'm getting anxious to have my last hurrah at the beach. Perhaps I'll be able to get away this weekend. Wish me luck!

PS. You may have noticed a new edition to the side bar. I now have a facebook page for the blog. Networked blogs was kind of a lame way of doing things on facebook, so I decided to take the plunge and put a page up. You can click 'facebook' in the side bar and then hit 'like' on the page to stay up to date with posts. Thanks! 

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One Week

Guess what? Exciting news! It's only a week until Mr. Nick, boyfriend extraordinaire, turns 22! There is a brief span of time, between my birthday and his, when I get to tease him about being a child (will the roles some day reverse?) and this time is swiftly drawing to its yearly close.

This year, I'm excited to be planning a family campfire party with his family and mine. We have a fire pit in our backyard (you can see it in my previous post!) which is seldom used and I've been dreaming about roasting marshmallows and all kinds of goodies.

I've created a pin board as inspiration for our fiery feast which you can glimpse in it's entirety here, but for now I'll share with you a few things I'm definitely including in our celebration of another wonderful year.

Source: elizabethannedesigns.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

Hobo eclairs made from Pillsbury crescent dough!

Source: bread-and-honey.blogspot.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

How awesome are these cakes baked in the coals inside of orange peels?

Source: chow.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

And of course, the boozy campfire cheese!

I think it's going to be a blast, as long as we're not all eaten alive by mosquito's!

Oh Happy Day

Linen Trousers: Forever 21

 I was so proud of myself on Friday, Nick was working, and my parents and my sister were out, so I was all alone (with the cat!) and in the position to fend for myself. It was lovely outside, and my cat kept looking at me with that face that says "Please, will you let me go outside so I can roll in the dirt and chase dragon flies?" so I said, OK Missy! Let's go. And we went into the backyard together and while she did those things, I set up the tripod and took my own outfit photos!

White Top: Winners, Platforms: Blowfish

 Now, if you recall, which you may not, the first time I took my own outfit photos it was winter and the only square of backyard available to me was the back porch so all my pictures were cropped oddly and out of focus. This time however, I had lots of room to set things up, check my focus and play around. Not all the pictures turned out, but these ones are OK! Yay! Obviously I had some fun in post production as well, but they're in focus and I have feet! That's definitely an improvement.

Base color is Gosh, grey color is revlon

 I was really excited to share my 'manicure', I don't have a lot of funds available for salon manicures so I'm always experimenting with nail polish on my own. I found a tutorial here for leopard print nails and I tried it out! Didn't turn out perfectly .... which is unsurprising. I'm a very impatient person and it shows here. When I applied my top coat I managed to smudge the sharpie... haha. oops. My middle finger nail, above, is the only one that didn't smudge! I do want to try again, however, with different colors.

Necklace: Dorothy Perkins

 I wore this outfit to work on Friday and everyone kept commenting on my high shoes. People even remarked, you're like a different person! What, because I'm taller? Haha.  I did feel quite different, towering over everyone. Also... descending stairs became a problem. Unlike when I'm wearing heels and know exactly where my toes are, in platforms I can't feel where the bottom of my feet are so I tend to trip slightly down the stairs, always stepping too low. Besides that, sitting down was also a problem. I was much higher then usual and therefore my but was much farther from the seat of my chair then I was used to. Every time I sat down it was a rush and a thump, as I sat down too firmly.

Lizard ring: Aldo Accessories, Watch: Ardene's

 Soo... perhaps I won't be wearing my Garren Platforms to work for awhile after this experience. I need to get used to being so high up first!

Blowfish Garren Platforms - and yes, that's my tripod in the frame.

I'm very proud of these photos. I think I'll be braver and take more of my own photos in the future. It allows me to be more creative and express more of my own photography style, which I think is very important for my blog!

What about you other style bloggers, how do you/who does take your photos? And does it matter to you whether they're creative and expressive or is showing the outfit what matters most?

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