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. 

weekend fun in photos

It's been so wonderful having my younger sister and her boyfriend in town, visiting from Whistler. We've been keeping busy with fun activities and it just feels so good to have the family all together in one place! We had a great weekend together and spent today with close family friends, which was just icing on the cake. Hope you managed to have fun regardless of the rain and this Frankenstorm!

{ Beautiful heirloom carrots at the Sherway farmers market on Friday morning }

{ Treats from Soma Chocolatemaker - the coconut/toffee/chocolate clusters were my personal fave }

{ A yummy late lunch at Mill Street Brewhouse Pub in the Distillery District }

{MBA=Master of Beer Appreciation}

{ Sunday Funday - go-karting & pizza party with favorite, lifelong family friends }

{ New kicks. Aldo sneakers & Gap loafers }

{ Bubbly Prosecco imported from Italy at Pizza Libretto }

new look

As you may have noticed, Love Me Simply got a little mini makeover! I am so pleased and excited with the updated, fresh look! I couldn't have done it without the help of the lovely Miss Chambers, so big ups to a great friend. This feels like a happy accomplishment in the grand scheme of my little blog. Reason for celebration! Have a great weekend and I hope you like LMS's new look!xoxo

creative expressions

{color palette, brush and watercolor paper }

I've been on a bit of a creative whim lately and was inspired to pick up some watercolors. The only time I've ever used watercolors was in elementary school and with the new palette I had somewhat higher aspirations. I figured I'd start off with greeting cards and gift tags. I cut one of the pieces of watercolor paper into four and drew a simple graphic with a permanent marker then just added some color. On the back I just drew a simple postcard outline. For the gift tag, I decided to try mixing and blending the different blues. I think I would use a different brush or even a sponge next time to blend the colors a little better but I'm pleased with the results so far! I love the soft, milky result of the colors melting into the thick, textured paper and hopefully with practice I'll get even better. 

{ greeting card }

{ tags before paint }

{ tag after paint }

downey's farm

{ pumpkins! }

We took Drew's cousins three year old daughter to Downey's Farm last week and I think it's safe to say that all five of us had such a blasty blast. We used to go to Downey's Farm on field trips in elementary school and it is a place that brings back such happy fall memories. The sun came out during our visit and we spent the morning saying hello to goats, exploring the farm on a tractor ride, going down big green slides (over and over), racing around on peddle powered go-karts, wondering through a corn maze and veering totally off my cleanse diet by enjoying a home made pumpkin donut. 

If you're looking for a fun fall activity, go to Downey's! Visiting this farm is a fall tradition I plan on continuing for years to come!

{ fending off/feeding goats } 

{ duck protecting lamb }

{ a seriously speedy, big green slide }

{ a very happy little girl }

{ teagie was giggling uncontrollably in the back, yelling "faster! faster!" }

{ the most competitive couple. (note: girls won!) }

{ bravely boarding the pirate ship }

{ blow up bouncy horses that were so much more appropriate for three year olds }

{ nostalgia =  Downey's corn maze }

 { moment of weakness. totally worth it }

{ singing and dancing skeletons (we had to peel teagan's hands off that fence when we left) }