July 2019 in Numbers

8 sets of visitors at the lake.  This is our favorite part of having a cabin and we love that our family and friends make the trek out to enjoy it with us.  We kicked off the first weekend in July with my parents, my aunt and uncle finally made it out finally, and my in-laws.  The girls also had several friends stay with us for extended periods of time over the month.  We made sure all their friends got out on the boat to rube and try various water sports, as well as beached.  I had a couple of girlfriends come and stay while the girls were at camp.  We biked, we talked, we beached, we walked.  To end off the month we were lucky to have our nephews (3.5 years and 10 months old).  August will bring less visitors but some of our favorites are coming for their annual stays and we can’t wait!!!

5 Books 

Beach Read 

**** I finished off the Singles Game by Lauren Weisgerber at the beginning of July.  It was an easy read and a great way to start the summer off.

Skip It

*** Inheritance by Dani Shapiro.   I hear Dani Shapiro speak on a podcast so this book intrigued me.  It was a relatively  easy read but there were things about it that I just didn’t connect to on an emotional level like I thought I would.   I only gave it three stars but I'll be interested to know what the rest of my book club thought of it.

Take It, Or Leave It

***  I listened to Girl Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis and it had a similar theme and message as Girl Wash Your Face.  It was easy to listen to while getting ready each morning but I am don't think it's at the top of my list of must reads.

Parenting Book
****  I also listened to Brene Browns, The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children With Courage, Compassion and Connection,  which I absolutely loved!!! It was a quick listen and this was my favorite reminder was, "our children our meant to push and test the boundaries.  We as parents are meant to hold them up."   I think it's so important to remember that some decisions they aren't really ready to make and that even when we aren't liked by our children, that we remind ourselves that our role is to love, protect and encourage them.  

BEST BOOK

***** Little Big Lies by Liane Moriaty.  Favorite book of the year.  I couldn't put it down.  Easy read.  Interesting characters.  Twists and turns.  Now I want to watch the HBO show.

2 happy campers!!!!  The girls went to an overnight camp for the first time ever and had the BEST time.  They both want to go again next year and I am so happy that their experience was so amazing. 

1 shed almost built.  Logan and my dad put this shed/bunkhouse together in a few days.  It’ll be completed fully with shingles and siding by the end of the summer.  I supervised.  😊 

2 DIY projects.  I am getting my craft on these days.  It started with the paddles, which inspired me to convert these old night tables that I found for $20 into these nautical inspired nightstands for the cabin.  I am thrilled with the final results.   I am so proud of them.

 

I also got a cricut and made my first project for the classroom.  I am adding some ribbons under each month so that I can display my students birthdays in the classroom.  I have many more projects that I want to use it for in my classroom and can’t wait to make them come to life.  Stay tuned and I'll share the final product on IG. 

37 years old!  I celebrated my 37th birthday here at the lake surrounded by my immediate family and friends.  Read all about it here.  

August long weekend begins today and it's going to be full of sunshine, good friend, family and good old fashioned fun!  Happy weekend everyone and stay safe on the roads.

Pattern Mixing: Polka Dots & Gingham

I love summer fashion.  I also love the easy lifestyle that comes with summer life.  Usually life in the city, during the school year is busy, busy, busy.  Most of you can agree with that I am sure.  A full-time, plus, working teacher/mom, the school year is busy.  I struggle to even get once a week content put together for the blog if I am being honest.  With warmer nights, longer days of summer, also comes a much-needed break and time for restoration.  I NEED this break from my teaching job.  Honestly, I couldn’t keep going.  I am so worn out by the end of June that I can hardly stand any talking or noise anymore.  I am tired of being over stimulated, working 10 + hours a day, and then coming home to another f/t time job.  I love the slow pace that summer brings.  I love it even more at the lake.  The day I wore this outfit my hubby and I went to the farmers market, craft show, took photos, read on our deck and still had a great day with the kids.  Now that’s a day of relaxation.
 

Mostly at the lake my uniform includes nothing more than foundation at the beginning of the day, a messy ponytail, and either a bathing suit or shorts/tee combo.   There are a few days that I like to get a little dressed up and feel like my trendy self.  😊  I adore these classic gingham shorts that I picked up last year, see HERE two other ways to style them.  When I saw my new polka dotted tee in the closet I just had the idea that the polka dots and gingham would be an ideal combination.  I LOVE how this outfit came together.  It’s adorable and perfect for a farmer’s market stroll, an espresso in a Parisian café, or a lunch date.  Don’t you agree?  I am also still using my straw purse from my summer, but I’ve added these straw, statement earrings.  LOVE.  They make a statement all on their own and have been on repeat with everything, jeans and a tee, summer dresses, rompers, etc.  They are perfect with everything and on sale for like $15 bucks.  You just can’t say NO. 

Have a great weekend everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Shop This Post:

Polka Dot Tee (sold out; similar)
Gingham Shorts (old; Old Navy similar)
Etereo Earrings (sold out; similar)

This is 37!

This is 37.   Yup, as I type this I am official 37.  What does that even mean?  Truth be told, I have no idea.  There are pros and cons to turning another year older, as with everything in life.  I don’t have a birthday week, or a birthday month, it’s not important to me and it’s not a priority what-so-ever.  What is a priority for me is that I have a day that nourishes my soul.  At this age that means acknowledgment from the people I love, and thank you all for the phone calls, messages, texts, etc. It means slowing down and taking a deep breath.  It means acknowledging and reflecting on all that is good in my life and how I came this point in my life.  I don’t need a fancy party, or a large gathering, because let’s face it, who would have to plan and organize it all?!?  ME.  On this day, I want to do and oversee as few things as possible. 

 

Here is what I know to be true at this point in my life. 

1.  I have a family that I love.  I have a husband that stands by me, encourages me and supports me.  I have two healthy, vibrant, strong willed daughters who I am truly proud of.   I have parents who have been my rocks in life, have modeled perseverance, work hard, kindness,  love and ambition.  I have a sister that has my back every time that truly matters.  I have two grandmothers still alive.  I have extended family that I trust with my hopes, dreams and my childrens’well being.  I have a village. 

2.  I have true friends.  I don’t need mean girls, or cliques, in my life.  Long gone are the days of needing to fit in or be popular.  My two friends, Amber and Ashley, stood up for me at my wedding 16 years ago and to this day, they are my most trusted confidants. They are grounding, They will call me, gently, on my shit.  And they will stand up for me every SINGLE TIME.  They are my family just as much as any blood relative.   Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and adding to my tribe of friends, who like the above support and fulfill me. They are people that I admire, aspire to be more like, find calming, uplifting and supportive.  I can honestly say, that I don’t really have toxic relationships in my life and I when I do, it’s easier to just distance myself from them. 

3.  My career.  I am proud truly proud of the work I do and all that I have accomplished.  Is there more I want to do?  Sure.  But the difference now is that I feel more confident that I can and also in the fact that learning can come in many forms, rather than just that of gaining more school experience.  While listening to Rachel Hollis’s newest book Girl Stop Apologizing, I realized that over the years I had developed more confidence in myself, in all aspects but also in my career.  She mentions that men apply for jobs if they feel they have at least 60% of the qualifications, while women wait to apply for jobs that they have 100% of the qualifications.  The issue with this is that we are ever rarely 100% qualified for anything.  I used to fall into this line of thinking often but with age I am getting better at taking risks and knowing that I can learn the things I don’t know.  The people I choose to surround myself with in my career are those who are passionate, compassionate, are both teachers and learners themselves, and are celebrate others and their own accomplishments equally. 

4.  My life.  I try to live my best life.  This past weekend my parents reminded me that I am now just a smidge older then when they arrived in Canada.  Their lives in upheaval.  Scared.  Penniless.  Without the English language.  Without normality.  Without a clear path. 

I have EVERYTHING and SO MUCH MORE than I need.  I am LUCKY.  I am GRATEFUL.  Right now, I am sitting on my porch, at my cabin, that I can afford to pay a mortgage and bills on, sure it means I have to budget and make sacrifices, but I have that choice.  I am relaxed, drinking a mug of hot tea, as my girls and their friend are settling in for the night.  I am in a safe place.  I have kind neighbors that accept me and never make me feel less than.  I am listening to the birds and can see a deer grazing in the forest just across the road. The beach is a mere 5 minute stroll from where I sit.  My life is SO GOOD and I know it.

So what’s different. 

1.  My body aches.  You guys, it really aches already.  It breaks my heart to think that I may need to hang up my running shoes, or my wakeboard up soon.  I’ve really made it a priority to try to get a handle on my back the past few months by doing physio, rolling daily, chiropractor, massage, yoga, etc. and every time I feel hopefully something just goes out of alignment, or a muscle seizes and I feel discouraged.  I am not ready to give up yet, but that’s something I am struggling deeply with.

2.  Energy.  I used to run, like full on run, on 6 or less hours of sleep.  I was game and ready for anything.  I’ve always been an early riser, but this past year, and probably the past few years, I’ve felt the energy slipping away.  I am bone tired after work.  I drag myself out of my bed to workout in the am, dreading it but knowing that is’ the only time to make it happen.  I am falling asleep at the dinner table, so I now have a 10 -15 quite time that really does the trick.  I still do a lot but I am quickly realizing I don’t have the same energy I had in my 20s and once again I am not overly comfortable with that change. 

So there are just a few random thoughts about turning a year older.  I had an amazing day at the beach with my family and a more amazing evening with our lake family in the evening.  I was showed with cake, daisy’s and one of the most creative gifts in my life, all things from 1982.  It was simple and PERFECT. 

 

 

That's a Wrap

A little play on words today, that's a "wrap" on my role as a consultant with our school division and I am featuring this bright and cheery wrap top.  This is my last "office" outfit post for the summer and really indefinitely.  Today marks the last day of my role as a consultant.  The four years have flown by and it's hard to believe that that much time has already passed.  I remember it so clearly, coming into the office, feeling extremely unsure of myself, not having a clue what the role entailed and being terrified that they were going to discover I was an impostor.  Over the four years I was blessed to work with encouraging mentors, supportive colleagues and team members, and inspiring teachers.  So though I am sad to be leaving the role behind, I am also grateful that I had this opportunity.  The role lent me down a path of learning with, from and alongside many different people, from different perspectives, and as a result I am confident that I have gained the skills and friendships, that I can lean on as I enter a new role next year.  I will be taking on the position of vice- principal and also heading up a new pilot program for junior kindergarten in that school.  It's a new adventure altogether and I am excited to trade in some of my fancier day-to-day outfits for some more casual looks.  NOT to worry though, my high heels and pretty dresses won't be exiting completely they just may be in rotation to more casual outfits :)  

 

This outfit is one that I would classify into multiple categories, office, classroom, brunch, errands around town, etc. I purchased this bright and cheery top at the Loft while in Edmonton with my sister a couple of months ago.  Funny thing is we both purchased the same top so I likely won't be getting that one as a hand-me-down pile next year.  I was immediately drawn to the bright color of the top, and though I was adamant that I wasn't going to buy any more "yellow", I clearly had little self-restraint when it came down to it.  I really enjoy the wrap look on tops and dresses, so I wanted to add that detail into my closet.  It structures my body shape so nicely, cinching in at the waist with a pretty bow and separating my top and bottom, giving me definition. Overall, this is an outfit that will be on repeat for me this summer as it's super easy to pull together and the top would look super cute  paired with some denim shorts.  

Speaking of shorts, it's officially "summer" for me so we are packing up and moving to the lake for the next six weeks.  I am hoping to get some clarity on where I want to take the blog in the next year and what are some reasonable expectations.  See you next Friday!  

Shop This Post:

Top (sold out)  Option #1, Option #2

ON White Jeans

Zara Straw Bag (old) Similar 

Life Lately: Spring Edition

6 workdays left.  5 school days.  Being a teacher, my life revolves more or less around the school calendar.  I feel tired. I need the summer break.  The sun on my face.  Early morning runs, followed by drinking coffee and reading on my deck.  I want to spend days with my children in a slow and laid back sort of way.  No agenda.  No plans.  No on-going hustle and bustle. 

Now don't get me wrong, I love our life and it's a blessing to have a life thats so full of activity, friends, and family.  In fact today's post is actually all about reflecting on all the goodness that has happen in the last month.  Let's take a peak.

Concerts!!!! 

Three and a half years ago, I took Halie and Anya, to their first concert, Justin Bieber, read here.  That evening is  one of the memories I treasure the most; not because I cared for Bieber but because my girls were so excited.  Halie was quoted saying after the concert, "mama, I had tears.  They were tears of joy." 

Well on Monday night we had an opportunity to recreate that pure joy for both girls by going to  Shawn Mendes.  They screamed.  They sang.  They danced.  They loved.  They cried tears of joy once again.   My husband and I just sat in awe.   If you follow my IG stories, you know that we had a specail way to surprise them with concert tickets.  They went on an alphabet scavenger hunt, followed by an invitation to unscramble some of the letters, to spell Shawn Mendes.  It was SO MUCH FUN!!!

I also was lucky enough to go to see Carrie Underwood in concert just a few weeks ago.  Absolute blast and I sported a cute outfit with my cowboy boots, check it out here.

 

Father's Day

We spent a low-key weekend at the lake.  We were able to enjoy a quite morning by the fire with our favorite dad/husband with simple, homemade gifts. 

Family

May brought  us the best gift EVER.  My aunt, Jasminka, made it out to SK. from Seattle for a few days.  Her time with us was much too short.  My aunt is who I want to grow up to be.  She has forever been fun, silly, loving, and she has taken life in stride.  She has raised two amazing men, my cousins, and my children absolutely adore her.

My uncle came for a visit as well and we were lucky to spend a few evenings over some good food and conversation with him as well. 

Friends

Friends are family that you choose.  We were able to finally catch up with some of our favorites.   Life is so busy as parents it's hard to make everyone's schedules work, but regardless how long it's been some friends are just easy to reconnect with and make it feel like old times.  Of course I wish it was more frequent but I'll take the times we carve out as a gift.  Love these peeps.

Reading

I've been reading more and writing less it seems.  I have fallen out of the habit of having a blogging schedule.  Honestly, I just don't know how to fix it at this time, maybe I'll do some reflecting on it this summer (also if you have advice please share).  That being said, I am reading more.  A month or so ago I read a personal goal a blogger set for herself (can't remember which one, sorry) was  to read one chapter a day.  That really struck with me and I've been making time to read one chapter a day too.  I try to sit on the deck right after work to help me unwind.  It's become a really nice way to end the workday and begin our family time in the evening.

Packing

I am almost done with my role as a consultant.  I am packing up my space.  I feel good.  I feel excited for this next chapter!  I feel ready.

Wearing

Thanks to everyone for the kind words on my fashion posts lately.  You make me soooooo happy and I feel more confident after I read your words of encouragement.  Here is a few things I've been wearing lately but they haven't made it up on the blog.

Your turn!  What are some of the highlights from you spring.

Hanging With My Bestie in Cowboy Boots

This city girl got to go a little country last Friday night!  You guys I don't think I can ever go back to regular concert seats.  We were on the floor, close enough to touch miss Carrie Underwood, no wonder I feel like she is a bestie now.  LOL.  She might not know my "last name" (if you are a Carrie Underwood fan you'll get that) but for 2 hours straight I felt like I was a part of her little show.  My friend Heather and I bought these tickets last July when they went on sale and we had a blast spending Friday night dancing and singing.  I've mentioned my friend Heather a few times over the years on the blog, she is intelligent, kind, and brings a calming and collected presence into my life.  I always feel inspired, reflective and happier when I spend time with her.  

The Carrie Cry Pretty tour and stage was unreal.  You guys, she just had a baby like 4.5 months ago and she killed it.  Working that stage for 2 hours is all the cardio that girl needs.  She did not STOP.  Plus every single costume change made this girls mouth drop open.  I wish I could be in her closet.

Speaking of outfits and closets, I picked out my outfit at least a month prior to the concert.  I love my cowboy boots, see here and here, but I don't really wear them on a regular basis, so anytime an opportunity remotely presents itself, I am all over that.  Knowing that the weather was going to be nice I went classic with a little denim skirt, printed tank top and my duster cardigan.  Added a little subtle bling with my rose gold hoops, fabfitfun "love" necklace and a thrifted cross-body bag.  I bought NOTHING, all from my closet and I love how it came together.  Truth be told, I've actually worn this exact outfit twice now, once for a cabaret and the concert.  

What would you style cowboy boots with?

Shop This Post:
Aritia Cowboy Boots (old; similar)
Jean Skirt (old; Walmart; Gap; Shein)
Cardigan (old; similar)