jumping the gun

Ok, I might have jumped the gun just a little bit buying my Christmas cards already, but Christmas is only forty-seven sleeps away. Sending holiday greeting cards (or any snail mail) is one of my favorite things to do and I always look forward to finding "my card" each year. This year I went for something a bit more fun-and glittery!- and got a great deal on the box of 12 at Home Sense. And of course, I needed a festive candy cane pen to write them all with ;)
I'd love to know, do you send holiday cards? Do you like receiving Christmas cards? (just so you know, you're nuts if you say no... :)

tuxedo trouser (+ shopbop sale!)

{ J Brand Katharine Tux Trouser }

{ Tibi Tuxedo Beatles Pant }

{ Current/Elliot Crop Tux Velveteen Pant }

I'm really digging the classic aesthetic the tuxedo stripe is adding to plain 'ol pants. It's a little bit masculine while being sexy at the same time. I'd choose the Tibi pants for a classy twist to the daily work wardrobe and the J Brand velvet pants to spice up an outfit for upcoming Christmas parties. 

You can pick up all three of the above styles on Shopbop, and maybe check out their huge SALE going on right now. Shopbop sales are the best, perhaps get a start on early Christmas shopping?!

obama for president!

When Barack was a senator in Illinois my Aunt and Uncle took my Grandma to see him speak. They lived in Milwaukee and had seen him speak before and knew, that as an American citizen, my Grandma had to see him. They listened to him speak and my Grandma got to meet him after his speech. My little eighty year old Grandma returned home to us in Mississauga, telling us she had met the next President of the United States. His name was Barack Obama. Low and behold my Grandma was right, and the day before she passed away my Mom was proud to share that he was elected as the 44th President of the United States. In her delicate state my Grandma squeezed my Mom's hand, her only way of celebrating and sharing her joy of such a wonderful man being chosen by the American people.

Watching CNN right now, my stomach is churning just imagining Mitt Romney being elected as President. I can only hope the American people pull through and make the right decision. Obama for President! #vote #Obama2012

the royal

This past weekend, D and I took my Grandma to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair at the Direct Energy Centre. I vaguely remember visiting the fair as a youngster but couldn't really recall what to expect. The fair was celebrating 90 years and even my Grandma told us how she visited the fair as a student 70 years ago. We spent a few hours walking around exploring. We tasted some of the amazing meats and cheeses from Ontario farms, and came home with some feta and flavored goats cheeses. We browsed the equestrian fashions - which are actually quite stylish! The leather boot selection was drool worthy - there was even a shop that would custom fit the boot of your choice - with over 200 style options. We finished off by visiting the farm animals, my favorites being the piglets and chicks - really doesn't get much cuter than baby farm animals. The fair is on until November 11, if you're looking for a fun way to spend a few hours, I'd suggest checking out The Royal!

wishlisted

{ Navy Envelope Bag }

{ Geometrical Illusion Pouch }

{ Geometrical Illusion Pouch }

I am in love with every single bag on Coriumi's Etsy shop. A husband and wife duo from Lithuania create screen printed leather bags, each one original and unique.  The geometrical patterns are right up my alley, adding a simple yet detailed aesthetic. Even better, price wise the bags are totally reasonable. These bags are officially the first item on my Christmas wishlist, the only problem will be choosing which one I want!

bouldering

{ Our friend Drew at Climber's Rock }

Earlier on this week we joined friends at their rock climbing gym, Climber's Rock in Burlington. D and I had been once before and we thought my sister and her boyfriend might enjoy it, so we asked our friends if we could tag along this week. You can walk in off the street and its about $20 for a day pass and shoe rental. 

It is a little intimidating at first because some of the climbers are really good, but everyones really friendly and the routes are labelled with tape so you're able to choose routes that meet your skill level. 

I was more comfortable returning to the gym a second time and really enjoyed challenging myself. There were about three different times where I tried a new route and wasn't able to complete it the first time. I would walk away and re-examine my approach and try again and really push myself to succeed. 

Now, I don't mean to sound to intense about rock climbing, but it felt really good to really push my physical and psychological strength! Leaving, I was really proud of what I accomplished and look forward to returning and challenging myself even more! It's a wonderful environment too - with people who are so encouraging and supportive!

What we did was called bouldering, so you aren't roped into a harness like you might think. The walls that you climb aren't too tall and the floor is a thick padded matt so it doesn't hurt if you fall. So you can approach the wall in your own time and there's no pressure!

If you're looking for something fun and different to try, I would definitely suggest bouldering! I must warn you though, expect the sorest forearms you've ever had! 

socks & sandals

{ images via the sartorialist }

I've been a little hesitant to join in on this socks and sandals look. While other girls pull it off effortlessly, anytime I've tried it I feel like a dorky school girl. After finding these gorgeous Loeffler Randall clogs - I'm on board! With the closed toe, they're winter worthy and paired with a patterned sock with a frilly or flirty cuff it would be a perfect, edgy addition to an outfit for going out with the girls.

{ Claudelie Platform Clog }

i'm going to share a secret

{ arc 16oz wine glass }

Gift giving has to be one of my favorite things to do. With it being that time in my life where friends are moving into their own places, housewarming gifts have been popular lately. Now, I'm spilling my little secret, in that these wine glasses from CB2 are so stylish and at the same time being so affordable - but I think they make the perfect gesture as a housewarming gift. You don't need to fill their cupboards, so I wrap up two-four glasses paired with a bottle of white wine to give to friends. Moving into your own place is an exciting accomplishment and is a grown-up step that in my opinion, should ofcourse be celebrated with some wine!

working girl accessories

{ sleek & modern travel mug }

{ a friendly lunch bag }

{ mustache push-pins to keep my endless "to-do" lists organized }

During my job search today I was temporarily side tracked by the adorable office and "working girl" accessories from CB2. This home decor store is a sister store of Crate & Barrel, geared to younger adults, which sort of explains why I find such a large amount of the inventory so beautifully stylish. While we definitely will revisit the site when we're apartment shopping, I was inspired by the work related accessories. In hopes of saving some easy money, I will be bringing my own coffee and packing a homemade lunch most days so these are perfect for daily use. 

Unfortunately, in order to bring my homemade coffee and lunch to work, I need a job... Time to check out of dream land and get back at it!

moroccan detailing

I found this jewelry box at Home Sense in Halifax when I was helping my best friend move into her new apartment. I was instantly in love with the Moroccan inspired, gold detailing and even though it might not have been the most practical purchase to bring back with me on the plane - I had to have it. I carefully picked out what I wanted to display and I've since filled it with some favorite polishes, lipsticks, lip balms and sugar scrub for smooth lips, hair accessories and some of the products that came in my Glymm box that I've been wanting to try. It's turned out to be the perfect little fancy addition to my bedroom vanity table.