Month: June 2021

Categories
Design & Decor Reflections & Lifestyle

Country Greenthumb: Yard Tour

It was so good to finally get the garden in! This is the latest we have waited to put it in. We stopped at two new greenhouses this year. 

First was Greenland in Sherwood Park. Oh my goodness it was overwhelming! They had everything from beautiful clothing and jewelry to incredible healthy, diverse and reasonably priced flowers, shrubs and trees to the most adorable garden decor and of course plant care products. This greenhouse also boasts a restaurant!

Our second stop was at Arber Greenhouse in Wetaskiwin. They had a special on hanging baskets; normally I make my own but WOW theirs were just so lush and full that I couldn’t resist… I picked up four of them for under the kitchen window. We also snagged our tomato plants there!

The remainder of our flowers were from a greenhouse in our own community. I loaded up my cart with a ton of flowers; begonias, geraniums and petunias mainly.

My garden hack this year… using a HUGE hanging basket I got from my brother-in-law and niece for my birthday and transplanting it into an equally huge barrel planter in one shot. Next year I’ll be using hanging baskets in our lower deck planters as well by simply snipping the hanger wires off. With the mosquitos being so terrible already it really saved me some time outside. 

And, speaking of those wretched bugs we also got a plethora of mosquito repelling plants such as basil, lavender, lemon bomb, marigolds and mint (but of course; be careful with mint it is invasive so always plant it in a separate planter).

We got a jump on the garden, by using our new greenhouse. You can check out it’s construction on my Instagram stories!

The vegetable garden was planted with potatoes, yellow and green zucchini, yellow and green beans, peas, carrots, onions and spaghetti squash.

It may not be the Chelsea Garden show or an interactive garden designed by Kate Middleton but it’s mine and I love it… Check out my garden!

Categories
Design & Decor

Decluttering Bug: Advice

concentrated woman carrying stack of cardboard boxes for relocation
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Spring is a very busy time in our household. Usually overtime is picking up for my husband at work and of course, for me, report card season is looming and school activities begin to take off again. Between all that, we need to get the outdoor chores taken care of. So I am forced to save my major in-house spring cleaning/decluttering for the summer. I spend the first few days relaxing and preparing for our annual fishing/camping trip, THEN, I get right to it! The purge is on! This year, I will also be travelling to my childhood home to help my mom declutter her house and prepare for a future move to Alberta.

Sometimes getting started is the toughest part. The sheer amount of items or rooms to go through is overwhelming. Sometimes we resist parting with items because we may need it later or it is something we think we are more attached to than we should be.

Although decluttering is a lot of work; that feeling of a truly clean, sorted and streamlined house feels fantastic. Once I declutter a space I give it a deep and thorough cleaning down to the baseboards.

This is what I have found works for me…

1. Schedule
I firmly schedule my declutter days; usually 1 large room per day or 2 smaller rooms per day.
M: Front entryway (closets, bench & laundry room)
T: Kitchen
W: Living Room, main bathroom & linen closet
R: Upstairs guest rooms
F: Downstairs guest rooms
S: Downstairs living room & bathroom
S: Storage room, larder & freezers

2. Removal
Check the hours of the organization that you will be taking your gently used items to. Check the hours of  your ‘eco-center’ and make several trips throughout the declutter process so you don’t get overwhelmed by the pile and aren’t tempted to retrieve previously tossed items. I also find it nice to have bins/tubs set up so it is all contained and can be moved out of the house and straight to the car right away.

3. System for Discarding
Decide how you want to determine items to be kept or discarded. You may find that the KonMari approach suits you best; this is where you pick up an item and ask yourself, “Does this item give me joy?” If yes, it is kept and if not it is discarded.

I however ask myself: “Have I used this in the last year?” If I haven’t then it has to go. There are items though that aren’t used in the last 12 months that just don’t factor in to my declutter spree; we all know what those are… the staples in our lives; mine being ornaments in my curio cabinet, books, wedding dress, items tied to childhood memories of my dad that I chose specifically to bring with me from BC to Alberta.

Even if I have used an item in the last year I still ask myself about how often I use the item, how long it has been since I used it last, will I use it again and ultimately, is this worth keeping? This works with everything from clothing to kitchenware to tools.

I have avoided doing a KEEP, MAYBE, TOSS pile in each room because I found that more often than not I ended up keeping the “maybe” items and was reluctant to actually put anything in the “toss” pile. This sort of approach can work well though for those who want to blitz through rooms and take only seconds to make a judgement call. You would then repeat the process of split second decision making of the “maybe” pile; KEEP or TOSS?

If the item belongs to my husband I ask him whether he wants the item or not; I NEVER throw out anything that is not mine. (So, don’t get too carried away; after all you may not get joy from the item or you may not have used it but someone else in your household may have).

4. Evaluate Your Organization Scheme
While you declutter and clean, put things back where they actually belong and if you can’t find a good spot for them it may be time to re-classify the item as clutter. This and the decluttering process allows you to take stock of what you have so you have a better idea of what you are running low on and what you don’t need to buy more of. 

Good luck! If you have any decluttering tips; please share them with us below in the COMMENTS section. 

Categories
Fashion

Bathing Suit Guide

people plunging into the pool
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

Summer is here so it’s time to bust out the bathing suits!… However, it isn’t that easy, some of us experience a lot of frustration trying to pick out the most flattering bathing suit for our figure. Have no fear, I am here to share a few helpful tips to take the stress out of shopping…

–>Small Bust??…
DO pick a swimsuit top that is either padded; has contouring features like boning, has a bold pattern or ruffles to add some “heft” to your chest!

DON’T go overboard with ruffles/extra material; there is a fine line between enhancing the appearance and trying too hard!

–>Busty??…
DO choose a bathing suit top like you would choose your bra. We know the importance of a properly fitting bra in everyday life–the same goes for your beachwear. This will give you support and keep “the girls” in place while you frolic in the sun. Suits with thicker straps are also a good choice.

DON’T choose a string bikini or choose a suit that comes in a generic size like small, medium, large, etc.

–>Narrow Shoulders??…
DO select a racerback top to make your shoulders seem wider or a suit that draws the eyes attention downward; maybe a nice V-neck or even a suit with ruffled straps.

DON’T take the (V-neck) plunge to far…you want to be comfortable in your swimwear and not constantly worrying about ‘falling out’ or constantly be re-adjusting.

–>Broad Shoulders??…
DO choose a suit with an asymmetrical neckline to divert the eyes or a suit that is solid in colour but has panels along the side for an hourglass effect.

DON’T choose a bathing suit that has a neckline or striped pattern that cuts straight across the body.

–>Flat Bottom??…
DO embrace the frills, ruffles, bright colours and funky patterns and consider a slightly “skimpier” bottom.

DON’T automatically default to super full coverage bottoms.

–>Full Booty??…
DO rock a suit that offers more coverage on the bottom (in addition to being a solid colour) but spice up the ensemble with a patterned top.

DON’T rock a string bikini or one that is high cut; trust us they ride up and you spend more time re-adjusting than having fun. Also, don’t choose a suit that has a ruffled bottom!

–>Short Torso??…
DO opt for a bathing suit that will draw the eye to your shoulders (ruffles, halter style top or asymmetrical neckline) paired with some low rise bottoms.

DON’T opt high waisted bottoms.

–>Short Legs??… 
DO choose a high cut suit or dare we say a thong.

DON’T choose a suit that is cut straight across. 

–>Athletic Build??…
DO go with swimsuit tops that have padded cups and come in feminine prints and/or bold colours.

DON’T go with bandeaus, boy-cut shorts or one pieces.

In addition to body shapes and sizes, there are also a few other concerns that many of us have when shopping for suits. That being said, if you are worried about….

1. The Spare Tire aka the Muffin Top aka the Love Handles (or whatever cute nickname we give it): Go with high waisted bottoms that extend past the navel.
2. Thick thighs: Go with bottoms that offer more coverage; or even suits with a skirt.
3. Back Fat: Thick straps and suits with a high back is the answer to this problem.
4. Belly Pooch: One pieces with ruching or one pieces with funky necklines will divert attention from your belly.
5. Cellulite: Tankinis can go a long way to helping you cover this up…if you so choose!
6. Scars, stretch marks, psoriasis, body acne or other skin issues:  Use the variety of cuts, lengths, details and fabrics (such as mesh) available to your advantage to hide or protect these areas of your body if you want. 
7. UV Protection: For those who are sun-sensitive, sun-conscious or burn easily going the long sleeved swim top route might be for you.

Based on the guide…
I would pick Tommy Bahama Pearl One-Piece swimsuit in black from Nordstrom!

Categories
Current Addictions

Stepping into Summer: Current Addictions

Ad·dic·tion
/əˈdikSH(ə)n/
noun

  1. the fact or condition of being dependent or “hooked” to a particular substance, thing, or activity

Book: The Winter of the Witch (Book 3 of Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy)
App: AllTrails
Workout: Select Tech Adjustable Dumbbells
Song: Dua Lipa’s We’re Good
Food:  Girl Guides Chocolatey Mint Cookie Blizzard
Drink: Kirkland Golden Margarita (Ready to Drink)
Movie: Wine Country
Cosmetic: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
Clothing: Spencer Small Dome Crossbody in yellow from Kate Spade
Jewellery: Cactus necklace
Product: JLab Wireless Ear Buds

Categories
Health & Beauty

New Season, but Same Old Condition

bunch of white oval medication tablets and white medication capsules
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Like 2.7 million Canadians I suffer from migraines. Previously I discussed what a migraine is and the things that get me through my “migraine hell,” however, what I failed to go over was how something seemingly benign as a change in the season can be crushing.

So what is the deal with spring and migraines???

Springtime in Alberta is an interesting season. Sometimes on one day we can experience all four seasons. This frequent shifting between sunshine and rain is indicative of the changes in barometric pressure. In addition to this weather roller coaster afflicting migraine sufferers; there are also allergies! Allergies bring sneezing, runny noses, itchy and watery eyes as well as sinus inflammation.

Therefore; April showers not only bring May flowers but they also bring lots of weather triggers for me and others. which then flows into June. 

What about the other seasons???

Summer
It can still be a stormy season in Alberta; but the weather is a lot warmer and humid. I call this the “sweaty season” it is during this season where people tend to get themselves dehydrated. I know I struggle with staying hydrated. Although it can be nice having longer days; it also wreaks havoc on sleep patterns. As a teacher, summer is a season of mixed emotions. I look forward to my time off yet I am sad that I am parted from my students. But, I am also sad because I know that summer brings what the American Migraine Foundation refers to as “stress let down headache[s]” so once my stress is just suddenly over or gone I usually end up with a migraine.

Fall
This season is not all pumpkin spice and everything nice; the temperature cools off, pressure changes, the wind starts picking up and our sleep patterns are once again getting messed with as the days become shorter. Also, I experience a massive increase in my stress level since school is back in session and hunting season begins.

Winter
The winter in Alberta can be brutal and extreme. This past winter we missed four days of school because the temperature stayed below -40 for too long. And, the snowstorms…oh so much snow and oh so much change in pressure! We most commonly associate dehydration with the summer months but it is and can be an issue during cold, dry months as well.

Categories
Fashion

Fashion Icons

clothes hanged on clothes rack
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

I follow a number of fashion blogs including; Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor, What Kate Wore, What Meghan Wore, Carly the Prepster, The Budget Fashionista, Simply Elsa and MANY more. My best friend and I also enjoy analyzing the fashions worn by celebrities at weddings and award shows. We both have our own fashion and designer preferences. You can also see my love of fashion through my various “Outfit Challenge” posts. I thought it might be a neat idea to do a feature about (and celebrate) the icons I look up to for fashion.

1. Audrey Hepburn
After watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s as a young teenage girl; I fell in love with the idea of the Little Black Dress (LBD) that has become synonymous with Audrey Hepburn. Whenever I have a formal event to go to I ALWAYS default to a black dress. I dress it up with statement jewellery. Wearing a LBD gives you a lot of fashion flexibility; you don’t have to worry about matching, it is flattering for every skin tone and figure, it makes you look elegant and classy and lastly but most importantly: it  NEVER goes out of style. 

2. Jackie O
This fashion icon’s oversized sunglasses, and peacoats caught my eye and something I like to emulate in my everyday fashion choices. Many looks can be achieved with a peacoat; from tomboy to dressy. My favourite off the clock peacoat ensemble is a black sweater and jeans with flats or boots. My favourite work peacoat ensemble is with well fitting dress pants, flowy blouse, heeled boots or wedges. The key for me is finding a flattering cut/length and buying it in several colours: black, brown/beige and a funky colour. Oversized sunglasses are an enduring favourite because they add star quality, make our faces appear smaller and allow us the freedom to go sans make-up in addition to extra protection from the sun.

3. Kate Middleton (The Duchess of Cambridge)
As an avid reader of What Kate Wore and being a huge Kate Middleton fan I know that that lady LOVES her wedges! This was a fashion bandwagon I jumped on in 2011. I even went so far as to order a pair of Dune wedges (the ones that Kate wore when she visited Australia with Prince William) for my wedding. I have wedges with the espadrille sole and with the cork sole. Wedges are comfortable and are perfect for both dressy and casual occasions.

4. Meghan Markle (The Duchess of Sussex)
You can’t possibly deny that Meghan Markle’s purse/handbag game is STRONG! From clutches to designer totes she has an enviable collection. My all time favourite Meghan pieces include:
-Givenchy’s black satin minaudière with jewel clasp clutch
-Everlane’s Cognac tote
-Stella McCartney’s Falabella shaggy deer faux leather reversible tote
-Victoria Beckham’s vanity top handle leather tote
-Givenchy’s GV3 Mini in grained leather and suede cross-body / clutch bag
-Gabriela Hearst’s demi satin tote
-J Crew’s bag fan rattan clutch,
-Mulberry’s Clifton style bag
-Altuzarra ‘Ghianda’ top handle mini bag in navy
-Fendi’s Peekaboo Essential in black calfskin
-Carolina Herrera’s ivory and gold clutch from the Trooping of the Colour (June 2018)

5. Elsa Schiaparelli
When it comes to jewellery I am a little bit of a magpie (something my husband reminds me of frequently). There are some well made and beautiful costume jewellery out there which allows me to add some sparkle to my outfits and life without the hefty price tag. My jewellery tastes are inspired by Elsa Schiaparelli because of her whimsical nature.

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Writing Prompt Wednesdays

Writing Prompt Wednesday

I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.

What about you?

Categories
Health & Beauty

The Best [Hair] Tutorials

With many personal services being shut down with the spikes in COVID-19 cases here since 2020; I haven’t been to the salon in SO SO SO SO LOOOONG! I ended up relying on hair tutorials to get me through. I am literally the WORST at doing my own hair and I cannot tell you how many videos I watched, how many styles/tips I tried (and failed). But these 3 tutorials are the ones that worked for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpSUbepwvw0&t=131s
Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

Parental Loss

fashion man people woman
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Father’s Day will be June 20th this year. Traditionally on these days children celebrate and thank their mothers and fathers for all that they have done for them. Sometimes surprising the revered parent with breakfast in bed or a family dinner out at a nice restaurant. The day is complete with gifts, a nice handmade card or perhaps a bouquet of flowers and a box of their favourite chocolates. For me; these days are bittersweet. These days, in addition to my father’s birthdays, death day and really every special occasion in my life. Instead of thanking him, I am remembering him, and wishing he was still here. I know I am not alone in feeling so. Feeling nostalgic, I wanted to share my experience of parental loss with you.

My dad and I shared a very close bond; the memories I have of him are too numerous to even begin to start sharing. I was the typical ‘Daddy’s Girl.’ His death on June 13 2002 hit me HARD. He had been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, three years earlier when I was in seventh grade. Like many children, I figured he would simply live forever. I didn’t really understand how this illness could take him from me; he had survived so much already in his short 48 years on this Earth. From a horrible industrial accident that required over 15 surgeries, then of course complications from those surgeries, thyroid issues and in general immense pain on a daily basis. He endured all that while running his own business and looking after my mother, myself and his own mother who suffered a massive stroke and was paralyzed on the left side. He endured without complaint.

I spent a lot of time with him at the Cancer Clinic; sitting with him while he had chemotherapy. Again my junior high self didn’t really understand; we had spent lots of time at the hospital over the years even prior to ‘The Big C’ and he always came home… I will never forget the night he died; the phone rang… CODE BLUE, the nurse told my mother. She came into my room and suggested I get dressed because there was a chance that “Dad may pass away.” By the time we arrive at the hospital he was gone. I was sick to my stomach. 

As a teenager, just freshly 16 years of age I felt isolated in my grief. I didn’t feel comfortable asking for help or talking to anyone; even my own grieving family. It is safe to say that I wanted to suffer in silence; swallow my grief. It wasn’t healthy and that’s definitely why I became angry. I slammed a few doors, became self-destructive and lashed out at people who were simply trying to help. Basically I spiralled. This huge traumatic event in my life brought a lot of unwanted attention to me and my family. Don’t get me wrong; I can’t even begin to thank those who stepped up to show us kindness and compassion at that difficult time, but as a typical teenager it was overwhelming. I just wanted to be normal, I wanted everyone to think that I was okay, that I was a strong mother-fucker (excuse the language) because I was 16 and all 16 year old think they are invincible (and that we know better, when clearly we don’t). It irked me incredibly to be known as the “girl whose dad just died,” that label made me burn with embarrassment. My dad died around the time that MSN Messenger was super popular; so I spent hours locked away downstairs in the office ‘talking’ to my friends completing ignoring my own suffering family.

As I was reading up about grief during adolescence, recently, I found my aforementioned behaviour was extremely common. While I clacked away on the keyboard; chatting, I thought about my life. I thought a lot; I thought a lot about a lot of things. I thought about all the activities I used to do with my dad and that I would NEVER be able to do them with him again. I thought about all the things in my life that he would never be apart of. I had never been a religious person, but this grievous, life shattering event even made me think that there couldn’t possibly be a God –since he had let this happen to me and my family. And of course I thought: “What the fuck am I going to do now?” But, the memorial service happened, the ashes were scattered, life went on: high school graduation, university, teaching, marriage…

We all survived the grief. It did get easier as the years went on, however I have shed quite a few tears composing this post but I didn’t fall to pieces like I did back then. I am thankful that I had a dad like him and that I was able to cultivate 16 years of awesome memories with him. I miss my dad and I wish he was still here. But I think the life I have led up to this point would have made him proud and that makes my heart happy. 

Categories
Writing Prompt Wednesdays

Writing Prompt Wednesday

I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.

What about you?