Some Summer Tips in the Form of this Rant

Nick's a hard worker. Too hard a worker for this girl. He's working two jobs and most days I feel like we're ships passing in the night. I get home at 5, and he leaves for work at 4:30. What ends up happening is that when we do have an evening together we just want to stay in and watch a movie and have a good long cuddle. Sometimes I make dinner, sometimes we order in. Sometimes we devour a TV series (Community season two is only our most recent victim, following the likes of LOST, Castle, Sarah Connor Chronicles, Life on Mars, Twin Peaks, and How I Met your Mother. We have a lot of DVD box sets.) Sometimes we watch a movie. Sometimes we just watch that Chopped or Iron Chef marathon on our only good channel, The Food Network.

The point is, we don't get out much.

Weekends have always been that one time when we can sleep until 11, have a delicious homemade brunch (my favorite meal to eat, and to cook), and get out in the sun and, you know, do something. We go to the farmers market, or the Muttart Conservatory. We walk around the lake with my parents or visit the Art Gallery of Alberta. Sometimes we go to see a movie, hey, at least it's a change of scenery. 

What's been happening lately is that Nick has been working weekends, instead he'll end up with two days off midweek (when I'm working my 9-5). This means that we don't get that quality doing something time that I really need to feel like a human being, and I'm left in the apartment alone all weekend.

Maybe this wouldn't be an issue if I knew how to drive. I could go visit my friends or family, I could drive to the river valley and take a walk, I could go to the mall. As it is public transit takes an hour to get me anywhere and I usually just say no thank you and watch TV all weekend. In the winter months this doesn't bother me, but when it's 24 degrees outside and sunny it drives me insane.

No, the answer is not that I need to get my license (thanks guys, I totally heard you suggest that) but I think I have found an answer, at least a partial, kinda helpful one that has me feeling a lot better about the situation.

The answer is: I need to learn to be brave on my own. You know, enjoy my own company.

I used to be a pro at this when I was a kid (perhaps I was anti-social, I'm going to keep using the word brave). I would sneak off and instead of playing with friends at summer camp I could be found sketching or painting or reading a good book. Sometimes I just sat and listened to nature and enjoyed my tweenager-idea of introspective thought. I didn't need a friend to keep me entertained or feel like my weekend was productive, and I certainly didn't need a boy. Eww.

I didn't date until I was nineteen guys, and it's only been about three years and somehow a lot of how I identify with myself, and see my self worth has changed. Nick and I spent the first two and a half years of our relationship pretty much with each other every single day and somehow moving in together has given us more space instead of less of it.

So now, with all this new-fangled space I have I'm learning to fill it with things that make me happy and make me feel good. And I'm not talking about watching reality television all day and laughing at what horrible people there are out there. Although that can boost my mood.

In the last week I've made more of an effort to get out there and make plans around both of our schedules. Monday Nick was working late but instead of saying no when a friend invited me to attend a movie premier downtown I said yes. This meant busing to a part of the city I don't bus to very often, walking around where I have a small percent chance of being stabbed, and doing something fun without my man. And you know what, it made me feel good! Really good! I felt brave and empowered by even that simple thing.

Then, on Tuesday, I worked around Nicks Schedule and made plans to go back downtown for a fun dinner at a Mexican restaurant! On Wednesday I walked to Superstore and did our grocery shopping... alone. It made me feel amazing that I didn't chicken out even though we needed milk and I knew it was going to be heavy -- I bought it anyway and carried all four bags of groceries home by myself without once complaining out loud (which is good because my neighbors would have probably thought I was crazy).

Then, I used my groceries to make the healthy, delicious dinner pictured above. Avocado mash on toast with fruit. Nick doesn't believe in meals that don't include some form of meat, so I can take advantage of his absence to eat what I want, including those vegetables he has no interest in.


So I'm learning to get out of my comfort zone and do things that I might otherwise have been hesitant to do. I know carrying a jug of milk doesn't sound like such a big deal, but it's the very first time I have freely offered to go to the store and do all of our grocery shopping without Nick picking me up after to bring the groceries home. I felt like a bloody Amazon!

I'm learning not to say no when people invite me out just because it's a little inconvenient and I like to be home by 9 so I can go to bed at 10. I'm learning to go to bed at 11.

I'm learning that it doesn't count to buy tons of books on, patterns for, and supplies to start a sewing project if you don't actually do it, and that I miss painting, and I should paint again.

I'm learning to enjoy a book again! I think studying literature for three years put a stop to a lot of my reading ventures, in fact I can't rightly recall the last really good book I enjoyed. This week I've loaded my Kobo with five new books and promised to read them all before Summer ends.

And most of all, I'm learning to make compromises instead of demands. Instead of "you need to take Saturday off, I don't care if you get fired, I need you to be with me on Saturday so we can do something fun!" This week I said "It totally sucks you're working all weekend long on this holiday weekend, how about I book a day off when you're not working and we have an early weekend."

Best decision ever. Knowing that our time together was precious we celebrated Canada day three days early. We went to a new outdoor pool we had never tried, walked down Whyte Avenue and bought cookbooks and novelty trinkets. We ate at our favorite restaurants and then, only then, did we come home, exhausted and sun burned, to finish Community.The perfect summer day.

This is a crazy long post, and I apologize, if you're still reading you're practically a saint in my eyes, but I just thought that there might be someone out there who was feeling a little depressed this summer and not sure about what to do with themselves. Or maybe you're going through a rough patch with your significant other, or maybe you're single all of a sudden and aren't used to enjoying the summer months alone. Compromise on how you spend your time, get in those things you love, and be brave enough to get out of your comfort zone. Those are my summer tips right now.

Oh, and go have some avocado toast. It's delicious.

An Easy Fix

I've been searching for the perfect maxi dress for months and ... I'm still searching. I bought this one from Lulu's and although I'm pleased with the quality, and the skirt is fully lined (which is an awesome bonus) the top doesn't fit me very well. I think I'm going to cut it off and attach a different tank top! We'll see if I ever get around to that. It sounds super simple but at the same time I'm intimidated by even basic sewing tasks! I have many many similar sewing projects I would like to undertake before summer is over. I purchased a dress from ASOS recently and it fits really horribly. Still, I feel like if it were a skirt and a crop top I would like it more... haha. Easy? Maybe.... we'll see how easy a fix it turns out to be!

 

Shoes from Shoe Warehouse, LuLu's maxi dress, Joe Fresh belt, gifted necklace

Camping Essentials

I have a confession. I haven't been camping for many many years.

When I was a kid we used to camp all the time, but it got to the point where we all agreed we would rather camp out in a hotel with running water then at a campsite with communal out houses.

Now that I'm with Mr. Nick I've discovered that he has a major aversion to camping (something about a snowstorm in August ruining his childhood) -- and although the desire for the great outdoors seems to be rising in my city girl spirit I have doubts about whether I'll be able to convince him to abandon comfort in place of a tent. My father suggested staying close to the campsite in a hotel and then spending the day at the river/campground. I think he's on to something.

Anyway, if I were going to be spending a night in the great outdoors this is what I would pack!

1. A bathing suit. Whether it's just to beat the heat or you're camping at a beach you may want to pack one of these.
2. A big comfy, slouchy sweater. In the evenings it's going to get chilly and this baby will fit over whatever you happen to be wearing. I can just imagine snuggling by a fire in this cozy sweater.
3. Some cute shorts are great -- but I would also suggest a pair of long pants in case wherever you're camping is bug infested.
4. Camping gear! I'm talking a tent, cooler, food, portable grill etc. etc.
5. I never was before, but I'm slowly becoming a one bag girl. When I was a kid I had to have every marker, pencil crayon, sketch book, novel, and board game I owned along for the trip but these days all I don't need much to keep me entertained!
6. I usually would take a pair of good boots for walking through the woods/hiking/etc. but also sandals or comfy flats for casual lounging.
7. And sunscreen! (also, bug-spray. Serious.)

Happy Weekend

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Mine sounds like it'll be pretty laid back. Tonight we're heading to a friends house for dinner and board games, and on Saturday I'm hoping to visit the farmers market with my Mum (and maybe some garage sale-ing too). I'm also planning on doing several loads of laundry, hanging a curtain in the bathroom to hide our open shelving, organizing the wardrobe, and doing a deep clean in the kitchen. Wish me luck. ;)

Yellow is for Summer

I bought this flower headband from ASOS a couple weeks ago and I have to say, I didn't think I would love it as much as I do! Paired with my favorite H&M cardigan (in sunny summer yellow) I feel like it's time for outdoor patio parties and garden picnics. In the winter I gravitate towards reds and browns, but in the summer I'm all about the yellow and navy blue!

I bought these shoes on a bit of a whim last week, I've been wearing my saltwater sandals a lot and although they're very comfy and I don't find they hurt my feet in the usual places (around the toes) because they're so flat and unpadded I find that I get blisters on the bottom of my heels! They're not rubbing on anything, so I'm not sure why. I guess my feet just aren't used to flat soles. Anyway, I bought these flats because the insoles have a little heel cushion, however, now they're rubbing on my poor toes! But only on the right foot! Haha. A girl can't win.

 

Shoes from the Shoe Warehouse, Jessica Simpson jeans from The Bay, H&M cardigan and blouse, ASOS flower headband

Not Bad After All

The world that is. ;)

Not much to post today, so instead I'll share this amazing video from Coca Cola with you!

 Makes me all warm and squishy inside.


 Happy Hump Day!

Summer Wedding Essentials

Today we'll briefly discuss summer wedding essentials -- if you haven't attended one yet this summer, you probably will be sometime in the next two months and that's because it's wedding season! Last year we were happy to attend two different summer weddings, and this year one of Nick's buddies is getting married on the 7th of July. Not sure what I'm going to wear yet, but it'll probably be something along these lines.

1. A pretty mint dress is right on trend this summer, and will look adorable at an indoor, or outdoor wedding.
2. I would add a little bit of extra fanciness by adding a lace detachable collar. Romwe has a huge selection!
3. An adorable bag in mint, yellow and peach is fun, and a smaller bag is a little fancier then my usually giant purse.
4. I love these wedges. Seriously, they look so comfy and are the perfect neutral shoes for an outfit like this.
5. The yellow cardigan may come out if it's chilly, or goes late.
6. Sunglasses are a must if you're attending an outdoor ceremony, and you might as well make them heart shaped.
7. Sunscreen. Always sunscreen.
8. Lastly, a sheer, moisturizing gloss is perfect for summer!

Of course you should probably also take a gift for the bride and groom. If you're into that.

Teal and Yellow

Where is the summer going? In Edmonton we have June through August to get in trips to the beach, outdoor festivals, barbequing, camping, picnics, and all of those other summer activities. We spend the rest of the year patiently waiting until the first day of 20+ weather. Last summer it rained for two months and so far this June, I've gotten zero summer activity days in. 

Rain rain go away or I'm gonna punch you in the face. 

It certainly doesn't help that Nick is working two jobs this summer and I'm on salary at NAIT now (which means I have to wait until I accrue vacation days and can't just skip out whenever the sun peaks out from the clouds) both of these things are huge blessings which allow us to live on our own and buy furniture and you know... groceries, but right now I'm missing those hot summer days of my youth when I was home all summer and spent my time painting, riding bikes, playing in the sprinkler, and so on. 

At least I have twirly dresses to fall back on when I need a little fun in my life. 

Urban Outfitters tights, Expressions wedges, H&M cardigan and dress, Smart Set scarf

A Big Heart

Happy Friday everyone! For some reason it's felt like a rather long week. I'm excited to spend tomorrow relaxing (and maybe venturing to the farmers market...) and on Sunday, celebrating my Dad!

I've received a few pretties in the mail this week (all the things I splurged on during my birthday week are arriving -- this girl knows how to stretch out a birthday for sure), and I can't wait to share some of them with you!

In the mean time, here's an outfit I wore last week on a work day.

Smart Set skirt, Anthropologie cardigan, H&M blouse and boots, gifted necklace (Originally from Metalsmiths) and ring

 

 You guys are probably getting sick of this one corner in my living room aren't you? Too bad, haha, I happen to think it's a very photogenic corner!

 What are your plans for this fathers day weekend?

Bike Ride Essentials

Today, we continue my series of summer essentials with Bike Ride essentials. So far we've covered road tripping, picnic-ing, and festival-ing. Yes, those are words.

This post is kind of inspired by avid bike rider and all around gorgeous lady Elizabeth, of Delightfully-Tacky.com

1. Well obviously you are going to need a bike. And it might as well be a pretty vintage style bike in a gorgeous seafoam green. I actually have my eye on a a very similar bike, however, the fact that I have not gone bike riding in two years is making me think that might not be a great investment at the moment. Maybe someday when I'm living near a beautiful bike trail and not an LRT line.

2. A casual, light weight dress will be the perfect bike attire for a warm summer day.

3. And since you're wearing a dress, I would suggest a pair of bike shorts like these to cover up and help you avoid any accidental flashing incidents.

4. It's a fact -- TOM's are super comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear. They're perfect for biking.

5. Sunscreen is a must. For every summer activity.

6. Be safe! Wear a helmet. But while you're at it you might as well wear a cute helmet, and get one of these to make it even cuter.

7. A cute necklace that looks like a retro/steampunk bike? Ironic! I like it!

8. A waterbottle is probably a good idea depending on how far you will be riding and how hot it is outside.

9. And a pair of sunglasses are definitely an essential. Buying big, square black ones are optional but Kaitlyn approved.

Colourful Summer

This outfit is one that made me happy. You know, bright colorful plaid and a crisp red skirt make for a pretty good feeling. It was an emergency outfit I threw on after spending the day in my PJ's and having to suddenly go out.

Speaking of spending the weekend in PJ's, that's exactly what I did this past weekend. Not my fault you see, it was rainy and bleak the whole time. I admit to putting on my comfy dress to go for dinner with friends on Sunday night, but that's about it. Usually in the winter I'm OK with staying in like that but now that it's summer I'm praying for a hot, sunny day to take my new bathing suit for a swim.  Problem is here in Alberta it's either raining, I'm working, or we can't get to a beach. The best swimming is two and a half hours away. Sometimes it sucks being landlocked.

In other news, the apartment is really shaping up lately -- we have some fun throw pillows and a new rug warming up the place. Hopefully tonight we'll be moving the last of our boxes downstairs to our new storage unit, and I'm really hoping to get some blackout curtains for the bedroom! The only thing life is missing lately is a little kitten... every time I think about it I want it more! It doesn't help that my doctor told me I probably shouldn't get a cat since I'm allergic (What does he know?).

Dorothy Perkins skirt and belt, GAP plaid shirt

Firwood, Or, Why I love Regina Spektor

I know today is Friday and traditionally Mondays have been the musical day of the week, but I can't contain it any longer and absolutely must share the new Regina Spektor album with you.

I first fell in love with Regina back in 2006 when she dropped "Begin to Hope" on us (download "On the Radio"), and I was a huge, big fat fan of Regina's last album "Far"  when it came out in 2009 (Try my favorite tune, "Machine"). Now I am sooo sooo pleased with her newest release "What we Saw from the Cheap Seats". Take the time to listen to my favorites, "Firewood", and "Oh Marcello". (Oh and "Jessica"... and "How"...)

I think what's so amazing about Regina is how different her music is, she doesn't try and fit within some little box someone built for her -- she's always doing things a little bit differently. Here are some great examples of how creative she can get: Chemo Limo, Oedipus, Ode to Divorce.

Besides being a creative genius, I find her music very emotional, and insightful. Some of my favorite lyrics are by Regina. Right now my desktop wallpaper says "Love what you have and you'll have more love" from her song "Firewood", but for a long time my favorite lyric was from "On the Radio"(the video is adorable BTW).

"No, this is how it works/You peer inside yourself/You take the things you like/And try to love the things you took/And then you take that love you made/And stick it into some/Someone else's heart/
Pumping someone else's blood/And walking arm in arm/You hope it don't get harmed/But even if it does/You'll just do it all again..."

Sorry for the gushing. But you should really buy her album. ;p 

Who are your favorite musical talents? Here's my previous post on why I love Kimbra, but I also love Brandi Carlile (who has a new album coming out soon too!), Serena Ryder, Ani Difranco, Florence and The Machine, The Decemberists, Rilo Kiley, and Basia Bulat. It's hard to pick favorites isn't it...

A Birthday Outfit

 I wore this outfit last Friday, my birthday day. I purchased this dress three years ago as a birthday gift to me and it's never let me down. This year I purchased wayyy too many things as a birthday gift for me. Haha, including this lovely Anthropologie cardigan. I've been pretty much pairing it with every single outfit lately. What's not to love about fun summer colored stripes?

On Friday we went for lunch with my family at Cora's, then my sister, Nick and I headed to The Mall (That's the infamous West Edmonton Mall) to do some more shopping. I had my eye on an area rug from Home Outfitters and luck was on my side when I discovered it was on sale! In the evening we changed into fancier footwear and attended Nick's sisters junior high graduation. Fun was had by all, and we finished the day with some steak and lobster at the Outback Steakhouse. Pretty much the best day ever if you ask this birthday girl.

Urban Outfitters chevron dress, Anthropologie striped cardigan, saltwater sandals, necklace is crafts by nesli on Etsy

3 Years

Today we're celebrating 3 years as a couple. When I was a kid I would dream about, you know, the one. What would he be like? When would we meet? I couldn't have imagined then that he would be so kind, compassionate, generous (especially with his time), and encouraging. He makes loving him so darn easy, I think I wanna do it for forever.

Picnic essentials

As a continuation of my Summer activity essentials series which I began with road tripping, and festival-ing (New word. You're welcome.) the next thing I want to share is my list of Summer picnic essentials! There's something really very special about a summer picnic whether you're accompanied by your significant other, close family, friends, or just a good book! Although I must admit the last picnic Mr. Nick and I had involved a cloud of marauding mosquito's and a hasty escape. 

Picnic essentials by light0a0candle featuring sheer tops

1. A parasol is a picnic essential... just because. Actually, they have a perfectly reasonable reason for being on your picnic packing list, and that is shade. Sometimes  you won't want to sit on the cool damp grass under a tree but instead would like to be warmed by the sun -- but because you're smart you'll also want to provide yourself with a little bit of shade and thus, you will be packing a pretty parasol.
2. An adorable floral, red, or gingham dress would be a good option for a picnic, especially if this is a romantic picnic.
3. A little coverup is another way of protecting yourself from suns harmful rays in the dead heat of summer. Making it pink is what makes it a picnic essential.
4. A satchel like this one will hold, not only your day to day essentials, but also your camera and anything that doesn't fit in your basket.
5. Lets continue that yellow from your satchel into your practical but also adorable footware, just in case you have to hike a little to get to your ideal picnic spot. These shoes are also good for easily kicking off into the grass when you arrive there.
6. A good picnic basket and gingham blanket will make your picnic feel more legit.
7. And of course, some sun screen (and perhaps some bugspray) will keep you safe and comfortable outside all afternoon. 

How to Build a Wardrobe: Layering With a Maxi Dress

This is a pretty fun outfit for me (despite it needing a bit of colour! Maybe a neon belt would do it?). I purchased this maxi dress last year from Shop Ruche  but haven't worn it very often. It works great hear, because of all its buttons, as a extra long vest! I get to show off the hemline of my bodycon dress without feeling too exposed and summer layering is always fun.

If you forgot how else I wore this bodycon dress here's a reminder: I layered it under a sheer vintage piece, as well as a sheer maxi skirt! I don't think this will be the last you see of the little brown dress.

Today is my Birthday

Picture from my birthday last year!

Today is my 23 birthday!

It's been an exciting year of firsts for me: first move away from home, first time living with a boy, first time buying a sofa, first time hanging a picture, first time signing a lease, first car accident, first school friend to get married, first lawsuit, first friend to direct a million dollar movie, first time having bangs, and more.

I'm hoping this next year is also filled with firsts.