tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82212941317792245822024-03-06T01:12:10.790-05:00a collection of nothing & everythingnicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-634101391720421242014-08-09T21:25:00.003-04:002014-08-09T22:09:20.737-04:003 things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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3 things I'm loving right now<br /></div>
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1. Anthropologie gets me.<br />
If this store were a person, we would be besties with matching teeny tiny heart tattoos. In the meantime, I will dream shop, mentally decorate my home, and covet all things that come from this adorable shop.<br />
I love things that have an air of whimsy, that are slightly quirky, these <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-wall-vases/28791705.jsp#/" target="_blank">Cholet vases</a> hit the mark. I'm especially partial to the deer, it's so simple and sweet, an easy addition to any home... but especially mine.<br />
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2. Ring Love.<br />
Wow is this ever lovely.<br />
Earthy, organic, shiny.<br />
This is just one of many pieces from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/85181066/single-rose-gold-vermeil-pebble-ring?ref=favs_view_1" target="_blank">Colby June Jewelry</a> that totally speaks to my gypsy soul.<br />
Etsy is such an amazing hub for independent artists to make their mark. What I love about this designer in particular is that all the pieces are inspired by nature, and made with a commitment to sustainability. This rock ring is...rock solid... (...went there. Sorry not sorry!)<br />
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3. Oh sweet <a href="http://cambiedesign.com/" target="_blank">Cambie</a>.<br />
I am nothing if not a girl who loves a good quality blanket. But what's better than a blanket? A few things.<br />
a) A blankie that can double as a fashionable scarf (bonjour, Fall must have?)<br />
b) A product that supports a local business. Cambie is based out of Toronto, my home turf. While the products are sourced out of Peru, owner Camille Byrne works closely with the Peruvian designers, keeping products well made and environmentally conscious.<br />
In a nutshell, there's literally no downside to this foxy blanket.</div>
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<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-86584856091696184352014-05-09T15:26:00.000-04:002014-05-09T15:26:36.312-04:003 things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w8pEj8t6Q7k7GTwcqgJ7nPZB4wD2g_mYJ2Y1nCLoxTojOVE-E2sA9MSEXkPvRx8NOoWAFHOrdjE9VLOZixSV9FxKB8oF3y62WmCkZ3E-x8eQgP3Q5gFdSryqM9ZcJs7UXsSRj_I8Tuw/s1600/journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w8pEj8t6Q7k7GTwcqgJ7nPZB4wD2g_mYJ2Y1nCLoxTojOVE-E2sA9MSEXkPvRx8NOoWAFHOrdjE9VLOZixSV9FxKB8oF3y62WmCkZ3E-x8eQgP3Q5gFdSryqM9ZcJs7UXsSRj_I8Tuw/s1600/journal.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">3 things I'm loving this chilly northern Friday:</span></div>
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<br />1. How adorable is this seafoam green journal by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/185507911/leather-book-seafoam-green-handbound?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">Jackdaw</a> on Etsy?<br />It's tiny but substantial- the perfect size to slip in your purse for notes, or to pack away for travels abroad.</div>
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2. For all the avid tea drinkers and lip balm lovers out there I present the perfect blend of form and function: Earl Grey Lip Balm!<br />A blend of coconut oil, beeswax and essential oils gives <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/72867071/earl-grey-lip-balm-beeswax-cocoa-butter?ref=favs_view_22" target="_blank">Ripe Shop</a> the perfect combination for a creamy and soothing balm. </div>
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<br />3. I don't think I will ever get over my obsession with stacking rings.<br /><a href="http://www.shopvale.com/valejewelry/" target="_blank">Vale Jewelry</a> is among a coveted few in the category of dream rings. Simple and streamlined with a defined edginess, I feel compelled to blow le budget.</div>
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<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-47142175383941936542014-05-09T15:19:00.004-04:002014-05-09T15:25:15.717-04:00favourite things part deux<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;">things i like</span></u><br />
Oversized wool socks<br />
The lingering smell of campfire on your clothes<br />
Thunderstorms<br />
Messy Buns<br />
Ridiculous amounts of mascara<br />
The feel of wood floors on bare feet<br />
Book stores<br />
Room temperature tea.<br />
Piles of blankets & pillows<br />
Hazelnut Lattes<br />
Holding hands<br />
The smell of rain, lilacs & green apples<br />
Paris.<br />
Stacking rings<br />
Disney movies<br />
Cats<br />
Interesting words (1. fernweh 2. petrichor 3.sapiosexual)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQs0YYGrn_2TH0qZ-M89VJAKwp6_hqMZGuNSL9wlo2iy29WCUi5oJ9KCERzqki3c1uU8PC7c3-0Xr5BCjW4RUJk0rlEQeG1pZs6Z43LAsqtFnJ_8ADkM9TkhTJ04Ugi8Z9E4kT5Gcar8/s1600/fern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQs0YYGrn_2TH0qZ-M89VJAKwp6_hqMZGuNSL9wlo2iy29WCUi5oJ9KCERzqki3c1uU8PC7c3-0Xr5BCjW4RUJk0rlEQeG1pZs6Z43LAsqtFnJ_8ADkM9TkhTJ04Ugi8Z9E4kT5Gcar8/s1600/fern.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Travel</div>
Photography<br />
Family<br />
Friends<br />
Yoga<br />
Old books<br />
Harry Potter<br />
Parks & Recreation<br />
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Chocolate Covered Marshmallows</div>
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Chocolate Covered Cherries<br />...Everything Covered in Chocolate<br /><br /></div>
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...to be continued...</div>
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nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-86881233004137700522014-04-30T02:15:00.000-04:002014-04-30T02:15:07.766-04:00favourite thingsOnce upon a time ago, I was in love with making lists.<br /><br />Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good list?<br />Crazy people, that's who.<br /><br />Lists keep us organized, on task and, occasionally, grateful.<br /><br />I was 19, in Switzerland and homesick when I made my first favourite things list.<br />I wish my list was the kind of list that Oprah builds, you know, the one where all of her favourite things result in <i>free</i> things?<br />Ya, that would be great.<br /><br />But no, mine is far simpler.<br />While I was away, I decided I wanted to remember and remind myself about all of these things that filled me up and made me feel most myself, both home and away.<br />I closed my eyes and imagined myself in my happiest moments and really thought about what it was about these things that made me happy.<br /><br />I didn't realize it at the time, but I was making my first gratitude list.<br /><br />Where I live now doesn't always fill me with tremendous amounts of joy. In fact, often I feel lonely and lost.<br />The thing is about that though is that it's not up to my location to fix that, it's up to me.<br /><br />So what does this all mean?<br /><br />The return of the favourite things list! YAY!<br /><br />After a 10 year hiatus, it's time to bring it on back and take stock of the simple things.<br />Be prepared cyber world, coming up soon, the quintessential favourite things list of your truly.<br /><br />Until then, friends...<br /><br />xoxonicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-20506070474838409692012-01-23T01:59:00.000-05:002014-04-30T02:15:40.671-04:00OM my god.in accordance with the resolutions i have made and with it being january and all, a good place for a fresh start (or so the masses tell me) i have decided to really dive in with a health kick.<br />
<br />
shocking. i know. <br />
<br />
while my diet has always been a relatively clean, simple and healthy one, i have kicked it up a notch and revamped it! <br />
<br />
bonjour copious amounts of green tea; my favourites being of course from <a href="http://www.davidstea.com/" target="_blank">Davids Tea</a> with the christmas blend of elf help and the january super detox concoction of splash taking the lead here at the moment.<br />
with 2 new water bottles, my H20 intake is also at an all time high. <br />
yes, of course i need to make more frequent trips to the wash room, but my skin, hair and nails have honestly never looked healthier.<br />
<br />
i have adopted spaghetti squash as my go to pasta replacement plan.<br />
do i love pasta?<br />
madly. deliriously. my god do i love pasta. <br />
though through, well, more error than trial, i am sad to report that pasta is not a friend to the dieter. <br />
so ciao alfredo, hello tomatoes on vegetable starch replacement.<br />
<br />
le sigh.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER.<br />
<br />
yes, taking care of your body through the foods that you eat is not only helpful, but also essential in a journey to a more slender physique, there is also that other component. <br />
<br />
exercise.<br />
<br />
i can admit it... now... that i am lazy.<br />
<br />
there. <br />
i said it.<br />
<br />
its not easy to admit, but it is true. <br />
ive never been a gym bunny, and being a blond has led to that wretched red skin flare up post work out rather than the desired sweat-glow. <br />
acknowledging this means nothing though.<br />
without any sort of physical activity life adjustment i was going to be and always remain of the less toned variety of person.<br />
<br />
so, by happy karma filled coincidence, my yoga studio of choice <a href="http://inspireyoga.ca/" target="_blank">inspire yoga</a> had aligned itself with me and my hope for a more trim look. <br />
enter the 30 day challenge.<br />
30 days of yoga. <br />
every day. <br />
<br />
the cost of the 30 days was $99 for unlimited yoga during that time. and as luck would have it, a cheque in the mail arrived the day before the challenge began for $98. <br />
it had to be sign.<br />
so i did my part and signed up.<br />
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i am now on day 15 of the yoga challenge. <br />
through the larger intake of water, the more critical eye that i am casting over my diet, and sweating my ass off in 47 degree heat for an hour with a daily yoga session, in 2 weeks i have lost 6lbs. <br />
<br />
i dont feel more tired, i feel energised.<br />
i feel excited and proud that i have committed to this and am thus far succeeding, despite some days just wanting to stay at home. <br />
<br />
i am half way through and i see small changes that excite me! and i dont just mean changes in diet or weight, i mean changes in a life style! <br />
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i will report back on day 30 as to the success or failure of this attempt of being a 30 day yogi. <br />
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OM my god.<br />
<br />
... what have i gotten myself into?nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-16221700340238125692012-01-04T12:04:00.000-05:002012-01-04T12:04:55.686-05:00the revisit.the saying goes "when life give you lemons, make lemonade!"<br />
well i have to say, this past year has been quite the series of both... lemons and lemonade. as boyfriend (and the great dude) says, strikes and gutters. <br />
but i guess that is life!<br />
frustrating. amazing. upsetting. uplifting... it is a mix of everything. <br />
<u>but</u> this isnt going to be the big new years blog. <br />
its not going to be terribly detailed im afraid.<br />
this is a revisit.<br />
after a hiatus, much thought and much happenings, i decided that in order to go forwards i needed to go back. <br />
my very first blog involved a pretty hefty list of resolutions. <br />
first of all - i have since decided that i dont love the term resolution. i prefer goal.<br />
i dont want to resolve to do something, i want to actively work to pursue something... as a goal!<br />
secondly - some of these are in good shape, others.... well others are still a goal. <br />
<br />
so 4 months later, lets go back together.<br />
here are my goals. here are my hopes. <br />
i am not adding or getting rid of anything! they are what they are!<br />
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<u>the list</u>1. observe more, say less<br />
2. be patient<br />
3. stress less<br />
4. sleep less<br />
5. sweat more<br />
6. travel where you want to go<br />
7. run!<br />
8. take initiative<br />
9. complain less<br />
10. make more plans<br />
11. be positive!<br />
12. be green<br />
13. be ideal weight this year, if not now then it will never happen<br />
2012 is the year<br />
14. don't look too far into the future<br />
15. <u>be happy</u> <br />
<br />
on NYE this year, as the countdown came to an end and a kiss was had, boyfriend looked at me and said "<em>this is our year</em>" <br />
2012 is going to be a big year. its going to be our year. its going to be my year. <br />
<br />
this is another fresh start, january 2012. i will keep you posted as i actively work towards these goals and start making this my year.<br />
<br />
the blogging hiatus is over! HUZZAH!<br />
glad to be back at ye olde computer. <br />
<br />
i am so excited to see where this year brings me. but a la goal #14... i am not looking too far into the future.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-63193620586164193052011-11-11T11:20:00.003-05:002011-11-11T11:51:59.691-05:00DIY VS DDIYto do it yourself, or <u>dont</u> do it yourself.<br />
that is the question.<br />
<br />
DIY projects have so much appeal, so much pizazz! <br />
i've always considered myself to be a little crafty. i feel such a great sense of satisfaction when putting my energy towards something creative.<br />
<br />
also, of course, i long for one of these types of convos:<br />
"oh my god! i love your ___!"<br />
"oh gee thanks, i totally made _____ myself!"<br />
"no way! you are a goddess of handi-crafts and creativity."<br />
<br />
now thanks to the internet and sites like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">http://www.etsy.com/</a>, the DIYers of the world are having their hay day. if you like to spend your time and energy into building a craft this is YOUR time! its the day, the era of the DIYers. <br />
<br />
while i was away in california, i stumbled across some excellent DIY colour block moccasins thanks to the fabulous ladies at <a href="http://www.honestlywtf.com/">http://www.honestlywtf.com/</a> and since then have had not only an obsession with the site, but also with the idea of creating my own said mocs. <br />
as i have said once upon a time i am the proud owner of 4 pairs of these delightful, comfortable shoes (ps just found out the boyfriend is not a fan... go figure.) and was totally ok with sacrificing one pair to the arts gods. <br />
<br />
as a recap from an earlier blog:<br />
my inspiration: <a href="http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-color-block-moccasins/">http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-color-block-moccasins/</a><br />
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THIS is how you do a DIY project. these ladies have it down. i would highly recommend checking out their site for other brill ideas.<br />
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so, being rightly inspired i decided to take the plunge. i grabbed ye olde mocs, headed out to michaels for some fabric paint and started the process of revamping... out with the old in with the new!<br />
<br />
i decided to use my oldest and most faithful pair of mocs, the classic browns. and while i was perusing the section of fabric paints i had originally thought that i would want to use the adorable pastel green as the wtf gals had... but then i wanted to do gold. but then... i decided on hot pink. <br />
hot pink?<br />
what was i thinking?! <br />
definitely not a regular colour for me, but i decided to follow my gut and try it out. <br />
<br />
so here is the process:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz7GCqYwGWJhWBGtI8QBzN7i4bZ2Dg8PJVAxCqC7nzARXmrAhDhijePvRU8ZWry7SUK2xzDI26rd5w-LZ41Dasp83gKA0HvskcWnRYH0w0Cjn9Y_FmG2iTZ3KMBGtyqeVlJSUB_jSNiQ/s1600/mocs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz7GCqYwGWJhWBGtI8QBzN7i4bZ2Dg8PJVAxCqC7nzARXmrAhDhijePvRU8ZWry7SUK2xzDI26rd5w-LZ41Dasp83gKA0HvskcWnRYH0w0Cjn9Y_FmG2iTZ3KMBGtyqeVlJSUB_jSNiQ/s320/mocs1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so step 1: remove laces from clean mocs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">mine are especially ghetto so yes, they are clean, but sadly will always have that *ahem* vintagely chic dirt look about them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">then choose the foxy colour of your choice. as we know, i went with the foxiest of them all... hot pink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">here are the results:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_BSWvWom3iO0sAKo_55Ie_krqi7HR_l3IQMd9I2VxyulkFjiXoD12106wgCK-CDK91blRx9uiSpZc5FILD0G9v6GtNuTDPKb0sqkANuK2eZh7aVGuDT_niKAR8KQc0NS6BSaOgRosAg/s1600/mocs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_BSWvWom3iO0sAKo_55Ie_krqi7HR_l3IQMd9I2VxyulkFjiXoD12106wgCK-CDK91blRx9uiSpZc5FILD0G9v6GtNuTDPKb0sqkANuK2eZh7aVGuDT_niKAR8KQc0NS6BSaOgRosAg/s400/mocs2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">voila!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">im a little torn. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">do i like these? i think so... right?</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">they actually photograph lovely. i love the contrast between the brown and the pink, especially while the leaves are still down and that rich brown all over the ground. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but up close to me they just look like a diy project... and im not sure im down with that. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i can see brush strokes and after coats and coats of paint i can see brown. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but on the other hand they just look so neat! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i love colour block! i love a pop of colour! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so this is what i propose. i am going to wear them out a few times and see what the public has to say.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">will i get some side eye glances? will people ask what i was thinking? </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OR will they be met with mad applause and acceptance?! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">only time will tell. i am going to wear them a few more times over the course of the month of november and report back in december.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and i will answer the question, at least as far as mocs go: DIY vs DDIY</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">until then, i have a few more DIY projects up my sleeve. next up: chalk board wine glasses!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">inspired from here: <a href="http://www.alwaysorderdessert.com/2011/10/inspired-entertaining-diy-chalkboard.html">http://www.alwaysorderdessert.com/2011/10/inspired-entertaining-diy-chalkboard.html</a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">let the poll begin!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">shoes out and about day one: today.</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-28193169846341142512011-11-04T01:35:00.000-04:002011-11-04T01:35:34.920-04:00what to expect when youre expectingthis is not a tale of pregnancy. <br />
this phrase is extremely relevant for an adventure i had this past weekend. <br />
my adventure to fort mcmurray.<br />
<br />
the feeling is very hard to describe when you are first going to a place that you have never seen knowing that within the next few months it will be your home. <br />
<br />
the way most people do it is visit a place, fall in love, vow to move there and then<br />
a) never do and live thinking about the place they fell in love with then never moved to [not to be specific but oh i dont know... for example some place beautiful and romantic like say france]<br />
b) end up living there after having had a moving or wonderful or generally a great reason to move [like say a job... in france?]<br />
<br />
my situation is different. <br />
<br />
long term (6 years!) boyfriend moves to remote northern location. <br />
"girlfriend, when your work contract is done will you move to said remote northern location with me?"<br />
"... yes. where are we going?"<br />
"fort mcmurray."<br />
"say again?"<br />
<br />
unlike some, i know where this place is.<br />
having worked at a bar in edmonton at one point, this particular albertan frontier town was on my radar.<br />
fort mcmurray has a reputation for three things:<br />
1. alcohol<br />
2. cocaine<br />
3. prostitutes<br />
... not really my thing.<br />
knowing these things, knowing that my life was headed in that direction i did what any sensible girl would do: <strike>PANIC</strike> research.<br />
<br />
this plan, however, turned up many dead ends.<br />
fort mcmurrays situation is not helped in any way thanks to its uninformative website. research was a task that to be honest, just got too boring and difficult to continue.<br />
putting the search on the back burner, things move forward pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
early september everything is put into high gear. <br />
brilliant boyfriend moves, i begin my 6 week tour along the west coast of north america.<br />
internet in hotels is spotty, boyfriend is immersed in work. <br />
communication is not at an all time high to say the least.<br />
<br />
the common story that i hear from boyfriend whenever chats are available is this: do not believe the stories. do not get stuck on the stereotypes. this place is amazing. you will like it here. i promise.<br />
<br />
... interesting. <br />
<br />
the 6 weeks of this lag of tour comes to an end. <br />
i have fallen in love with b.c... kelowna in particular. <br />
i am now on a course due north to see what is to be my new home town. <br />
<br />
with baited breath i board the plane. yvr -ymm. a small plane. an empty plane. <br />
<br />
i will spare you the mush details of my reunion with boyfriend at the airport and tell you this:<br />
you can never expect what you do not know. <br />
first hand accounts do nothing. <br />
a truckers opinion at a bar is skewed. <br />
you can never know what to expect when you are expecting.<br />
<br />
i expected to hate. to endure. to have a stiff upper lip.<br />
i hoped to be optimistic. positive. hopeful.<br />
<br />
forget everything you have heard about this town. about how it is a hole or the place where hope goes to die. forget the stories of a friends friend or your co-workers brother who lived there and hated it. <br />
forget it. <br />
<br />
here is what i saw:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWeAGJS9GmbpHACu1iLvtO3EKtJtj2eHk9RrUMfZHH14qTC8XxhyphenhyphenwGRjEXv5hLJBE9Jhri4igjz4jQ_TaH9wDrxn-fmY3v_6AICCTmI7wgTns5BBAIayfO99l4f1iruVo0l-3CVFFCv0/s1600/nails%2521+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWeAGJS9GmbpHACu1iLvtO3EKtJtj2eHk9RrUMfZHH14qTC8XxhyphenhyphenwGRjEXv5hLJBE9Jhri4igjz4jQ_TaH9wDrxn-fmY3v_6AICCTmI7wgTns5BBAIayfO99l4f1iruVo0l-3CVFFCv0/s400/nails%2521+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i was struck by an incredible sense of potential and of endless possibilities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">to live in a place like this is an adventure, and yes im sure i will have some hard times and frustrations and the whole 9 yards of emotion, but having been to the place i had heard so many negative things about i am still shocked at how excited i am to explore this part of the great white north.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the ups and downs will be documented, but here we are. 8 months out before the move.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i am getting excited to go live in the forest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">who woulda thought?</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0Brampton, ON, Canada43.685271 -79.75992400000001243.562476 -79.889274000000015 43.808066000000004 -79.63057400000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-21149865138761964192011-10-25T15:29:00.000-04:002011-10-25T15:29:53.600-04:00how to: spend 6 hours on your nailstired of the same ol' thing on the tv?<br />
eyes too strained to enjoy the company of a good book or even a magazine?<br />
have many hours to spend but nothing to do and nowhere to go?<br />
<br />
well do i ever have the solution for you!<br />
<br />
last night i found myself in this very situation. <br />
a girl can only watch so many crime shows while staying in a hotel room ya know, so it was time to turn the tv off for a night.<br />
looking at my royal blue nails i had a flash of inspiration; during my days using stumble upon, i had come across an idea for nail art that seemed like i would never have the time to fiddle with. well! as luck would have it, i did have time to fiddle with it!<br />
<br />
enter water marble for nails.<br />
as seen here: <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/18BZdL/heynicenails.com/post/2766491113">http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/18BZdL/heynicenails.com/post/2766491113</a><br />
this technique looks beautiful, but also seems like the type of thing that could not only be messy, but extraordinarily frustrating. <br />
<br />
despite my reservations on the project, last night i decided to attempt the technique. <br />
<br />
step 1: gather your materials<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYsRo2F21HgRXsfkN411XzEpUmy518oXyTs9bluEgUvnkaM-43iBbbs6GBwKOSwhyphenhyphenytpTODwv9bRPnH-OP4vAlWLe4xSASVUT5q7MFTpw-E2OiN4mSiSI-sPeWVd4louQh-Oo5wPYQ6g/s1600/nails%2521+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYsRo2F21HgRXsfkN411XzEpUmy518oXyTs9bluEgUvnkaM-43iBbbs6GBwKOSwhyphenhyphenytpTODwv9bRPnH-OP4vAlWLe4xSASVUT5q7MFTpw-E2OiN4mSiSI-sPeWVd4louQh-Oo5wPYQ6g/s320/nails%2521+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">for this i gathered the only nail polishes that i have on the road with me me. classic, excellent essie to the rescue again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so for these nails, you need a base coat. i went with the blue because i was already wearing it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">logic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">you also need a cup with room temperature water, a stir stick or tooth pick and if youre not in a hotel room, i would say tape or something to go around your nails so you dont waste a bottle of nail polish remover like i did cleaning up... but we will get to that later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">step 2: drop nail polish into water, swirl with stir stick/tooth pick to create a pattern</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN65RNOam1R9UXltL3FWTEFUXr-wolqdvjotZyn0mMSYaF5ZlSOhjOFmkII2dd4-1ZUGSx7e1scs9EvsQ_-1L6Rh1Q4ZRXJuPD3UhAVT2IRPMef54zutprqefkoG7jeJtDV1yvBRQwVc/s1600/nails%2521+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN65RNOam1R9UXltL3FWTEFUXr-wolqdvjotZyn0mMSYaF5ZlSOhjOFmkII2dd4-1ZUGSx7e1scs9EvsQ_-1L6Rh1Q4ZRXJuPD3UhAVT2IRPMef54zutprqefkoG7jeJtDV1yvBRQwVc/s320/nails%2521+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c_AkEqcswWI19gN8LZmvVQ1QzDJnsXHkkFWvPzecs954QHhVFBe-0An5g4n5MA7PqXKQyRr0b_FCzL1QelDmNp5cAVWoCKnvjR_a-tSIUCUKVSitrooIL0k9Sr7OGV-zEqmQlvVJxPs/s1600/nails%2521+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c_AkEqcswWI19gN8LZmvVQ1QzDJnsXHkkFWvPzecs954QHhVFBe-0An5g4n5MA7PqXKQyRr0b_FCzL1QelDmNp5cAVWoCKnvjR_a-tSIUCUKVSitrooIL0k9Sr7OGV-zEqmQlvVJxPs/s320/nails%2521+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
this is the nail polish in the cup pre-swirl. but this is the first step of the process anyways!<br />
here is the problem with this step while travelling: i was dumb.<br />
i used one of the hotels glasses instead of the paper ones they provide for coffee... thus ruining and subsequently hiding all evidence of said glass cup.<br />
i eventually used the paper one, also ripped it in half to make it easier, which it did because....<br />
<br />
step 3: dip your fingers<br />
in a slight angle you have to set your fingers in the design that you most like in your swirl of polish. you have to do this pretty quickly because the polish water becomes a film that just causes a big mess. <br />
and so this is the part where having tape around your nail would be ideal because my hands ended up looking a little something like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Z9wUjDop7Xoed9vFgvQlhyotebhz4_Phy7RiJJYbLPDa0bSipKwlJXqqSs3ChvMxeQWropHMKn-nJ7HFwVToHWA8kOeK_dGT3H8UAeDfIczJm40j4uDS4Hoh85FTZgj1iA8gdVVZ-24/s1600/nails%2521+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Z9wUjDop7Xoed9vFgvQlhyotebhz4_Phy7RiJJYbLPDa0bSipKwlJXqqSs3ChvMxeQWropHMKn-nJ7HFwVToHWA8kOeK_dGT3H8UAeDfIczJm40j4uDS4Hoh85FTZgj1iA8gdVVZ-24/s320/nails%2521+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Opek3Hyma_qRGjJYd6XTc_4EvZxTOPIQs1QuV4L_n1vRFmxrQCwTgCWPBJVYcE-ue6KnqgyiVm99TLIJX8MWbav6l07_dRwkis1egIWxvB9DLIT2VJpYa_SmwzmJFepoKN38zJFkGio/s1600/nails%2521+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Opek3Hyma_qRGjJYd6XTc_4EvZxTOPIQs1QuV4L_n1vRFmxrQCwTgCWPBJVYcE-ue6KnqgyiVm99TLIJX8MWbav6l07_dRwkis1egIWxvB9DLIT2VJpYa_SmwzmJFepoKN38zJFkGio/s320/nails%2521+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0ilJrlYsiq6m_uEJqCwe1j2o5f30AEx3JyoJGmsdvP4LWkpOgDVrHtfO0ai8DVACXucEN3ODfaNF8M5as0Tz8or50lVj9YaudmvG1hnn41hfe1QX-jgQgVCZ5T6OXq_EywPnc8CvXuM/s1600/nails%2521+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0ilJrlYsiq6m_uEJqCwe1j2o5f30AEx3JyoJGmsdvP4LWkpOgDVrHtfO0ai8DVACXucEN3ODfaNF8M5as0Tz8or50lVj9YaudmvG1hnn41hfe1QX-jgQgVCZ5T6OXq_EywPnc8CvXuM/s320/nails%2521+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>so it looks neat for sure. <br />
but omg is it messy!<br />
though clean up and everything i ended up having to redo so many of these by nicking the nail with polish remover. on top of everything else, it is so hard to get nail polish of of your hands! <br />
and can you believe at this point, this is what success looked like. <br />
<br />
step 4: reevaluate.<br />
you've come this far.<br />
you re not happy with the results.<br />
do you leave it? move on? fully aware of the time and tears that's gone into this only for a sub par set of nails? <br />
NO! <br />
you re-do what needs to be redone. <br />
<br />
i even came up with a quick fix - before the nail polish is dry after the dip, take a damp tissue and get rid of the excess nail polish! it makes clean up with straight up removed better. <br />
i tried fiddling with different techniques and patterns and in the end, as a first attempt, it was worth it.<br />
<br />
step 5: enjoy the mess<br />
yes. you will make a mess.<br />
this is a piece of art, not a project!<br />
there is a reason they call this trend "<em>nail art</em>" <br />
after literally 6 hours of trying this, here is my space:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fcek2SBoPOa_uhkHxz0oWBNfELlQMwBWzzwH_I6u02Ou_l0vtDXUrwzbSQb9sf3bXiM2Tm6CXZWC3Jn6EdQ88QDiaIk65FA1EZUb7tcdCNg9MFsnc5buk8ZlZBe4VHWVN547HpWpQao/s1600/nails%2521+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fcek2SBoPOa_uhkHxz0oWBNfELlQMwBWzzwH_I6u02Ou_l0vtDXUrwzbSQb9sf3bXiM2Tm6CXZWC3Jn6EdQ88QDiaIk65FA1EZUb7tcdCNg9MFsnc5buk8ZlZBe4VHWVN547HpWpQao/s320/nails%2521+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIF8kKJg-vKUbW4iCy8cC5Z3Z23TzbHiC2pGYwqd_toQJvBUaXQs3ogTRlgM7V-tuMC8HMbW9iGxVlRN1-Y4wi9cwviD8oE4vc7zdf0oZyXxHPB9A_hPk8R22NXxA0ggmwVR3dc_8TZA/s1600/nails%2521+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIF8kKJg-vKUbW4iCy8cC5Z3Z23TzbHiC2pGYwqd_toQJvBUaXQs3ogTRlgM7V-tuMC8HMbW9iGxVlRN1-Y4wi9cwviD8oE4vc7zdf0oZyXxHPB9A_hPk8R22NXxA0ggmwVR3dc_8TZA/s320/nails%2521+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and finally...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">step 6: basque. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">enjoy the fruits of your labour, even if its not the prettiest, enjoy that you spent time on yourself with just yourself... or a friend. but you took time to just do something for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">here is what my end results look like:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7uNtMw59tG1L7LcrozaGsYGzo6Tep4m6ma-MuT_SAgjpNfCT8FMTCTBmDcK1h-4ERbmgXhsg3k7o9JIzEmIEQvXRp6ZtxENe1iTFCGLwC8TIeWHvBenM1yy9jW_y8wdaXUWJGnrNi5g/s1600/nails%2521+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7uNtMw59tG1L7LcrozaGsYGzo6Tep4m6ma-MuT_SAgjpNfCT8FMTCTBmDcK1h-4ERbmgXhsg3k7o9JIzEmIEQvXRp6ZtxENe1iTFCGLwC8TIeWHvBenM1yy9jW_y8wdaXUWJGnrNi5g/s320/nails%2521+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the edges are rough and it needs some cleaning up around the sides, but all in all i would call this attempt a success. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so upon reflection:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">would i do this again? probably not. it took a lot of time and a lot of nail polish and a lot of nail polish remover.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">that being said, it might be better when i have all of the necessary materials at hand and now that i have a better idea of what it is like it might move faster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i would also do this in a ventilated room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">or in a room with a window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i might have killed some brain cells working on this project and am in desperate need to get out and have some fresh air in my lungs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i did enjoy having some me time, and if even one stranger compliments the end result, i will feel validated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">good luck with your DIY if you choose to turn your nails into a piece of art too.</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0Vancouver, BC, Canada49.261226 -123.113926849.2016675 -123.2147628 49.3207845 -123.0130908tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-30466739364945220432011-10-21T01:12:00.001-04:002011-11-11T13:15:06.844-05:00peachlandthe place is as dreamy as its name. <br />
<br />
peachland is part of the okanagan region and is lakeside to the brilliantly lovely okanagan lake. <br />
its a quiet little town that would so easily be overlooked by just driving by, but a quick jaunt over to the left hand side of of hwy 97 brings you to the picturesque little town. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRF4m1Ufb6nD7KpM9pOulaOlIcVig_eJNdTYzRJnP2drX3LwkQghuP0sfd_y2WvDumtNgR_O9LtpHafBytjmH9nK9vuKZHkxR56VPJ0Kct3iKSFBdsn9Me20f2nDwj9jLuaYzvYx9hyc/s1600/peachland+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRF4m1Ufb6nD7KpM9pOulaOlIcVig_eJNdTYzRJnP2drX3LwkQghuP0sfd_y2WvDumtNgR_O9LtpHafBytjmH9nK9vuKZHkxR56VPJ0Kct3iKSFBdsn9Me20f2nDwj9jLuaYzvYx9hyc/s320/peachland+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhhkQwWoMU_tvfD4d1KTJVCp3VQyFEgRU2WvieStlPifcfwS-CcqfGh5blWEboDUSbXq7b82-feQyuVB2XgstudU6YgRe7teHfjCJVyogQBLSYXFL7MxcB48lfaE3Ox8vNOI8SeoefGs/s1600/peachland+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhhkQwWoMU_tvfD4d1KTJVCp3VQyFEgRU2WvieStlPifcfwS-CcqfGh5blWEboDUSbXq7b82-feQyuVB2XgstudU6YgRe7teHfjCJVyogQBLSYXFL7MxcB48lfaE3Ox8vNOI8SeoefGs/s320/peachland+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDlcrlLJBbN-LGsgiKjtAS90RLCboDTgg7e5CUBfZPAoH8ZFc1nF3gyZrW27Bd1YPm65lac1B2Lbbgj-pLJ4tSQlcblXSZYV_PugPs6A5ASb03zdYz4X9NZYHxs7DQfr6OdlWhyLGDjU/s1600/peachland+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDlcrlLJBbN-LGsgiKjtAS90RLCboDTgg7e5CUBfZPAoH8ZFc1nF3gyZrW27Bd1YPm65lac1B2Lbbgj-pLJ4tSQlcblXSZYV_PugPs6A5ASb03zdYz4X9NZYHxs7DQfr6OdlWhyLGDjU/s320/peachland+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
i met with my cousin shayne, local resident of this brilliant little town, and while under the weather, said cousin still made my hike up pincushion trail- the steepest hike in peachland.<br />
<br />
well, it was beaut.<br />
truly it was. <br />
we arrived to our lookout point at dusk and the sky was a cottony pink and blue. <br />
having not been totally well this vertical hike winded me to say the least, but luckily, the view from the top made it all worth it. <br />
<br />
and so, here are the fruits of my labour; the view in all its glory:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_5G_99zgbkZZIK5SPpHd4-R79_AQRfOsTp8GyKVjgCBSvUc1Knm9goUQlwTDh06d6J1zQc32FR1bsLA5MMaV6wmHaYQq2054Ffd-D6KRr3Yun0Adfp4_YgEhpdNon37yT6sheHnX6pM/s1600/peachland+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_5G_99zgbkZZIK5SPpHd4-R79_AQRfOsTp8GyKVjgCBSvUc1Knm9goUQlwTDh06d6J1zQc32FR1bsLA5MMaV6wmHaYQq2054Ffd-D6KRr3Yun0Adfp4_YgEhpdNon37yT6sheHnX6pM/s320/peachland+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmvteZVEtAy_v0sJxwAKMRi4fi27nvPYMPtHqv0MIgAXkrEFp6KYUK1xg3nOZcNTJvReKA5YaPxkGH8KdJgWBJ3bhk8AxZgsYR9yGL3sRqMVSXywgGG0ZDDGA3u5DuPG5-vMopDhKc68/s1600/peachland+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmvteZVEtAy_v0sJxwAKMRi4fi27nvPYMPtHqv0MIgAXkrEFp6KYUK1xg3nOZcNTJvReKA5YaPxkGH8KdJgWBJ3bhk8AxZgsYR9yGL3sRqMVSXywgGG0ZDDGA3u5DuPG5-vMopDhKc68/s320/peachland+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
these photos on the whole are on the darker side, but they are all totally representative of what peachland is all about. <br />
mountains, water, sunset.<br />
happiness.<br />
<br />
i am truly going to miss the okanagan, but stay tuned for next weeks adventures in van city where i am going to explore the following:<br />
fashion<br />
food <br />
drinks.<br />
<br />
i have 6 nights in the big city and plan to take full advantage, starting back to the basics with doing my nails with some nail art tomorrow night and possibly a delicious basil gimlet. <br />
... actually, why wait? <br />
to the bar!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-57989351722756879852011-10-19T01:48:00.000-04:002011-10-19T01:48:18.848-04:00accidental protestori love BC.<br />
so much. <br />
<br />
as i explore kelowna and prepare to head back to vancouver in a few short days i cant help but fall deeper and deeper in love with this glorious province. <br />
at the same time, im in a bit of a bind. i am truly enjoying life here, and yet, it is not in the cards for me to move here. <br />
as the days slowly pass by i find myself closer to the day where i will inevitably be moving to fort mcmurray, alberta. <br />
i dont know what it looks like, or what to expect. i hear different accounts of what its like up there all the time, and so in my mind it is now a kelowna clone. a clone-a.<br />
(im so funny.)<br />
in a week i will be visiting my future home for the first time. with any luck, there will be no snow and the weather wont be bone chilling and i can find some similarities between this place i have come to adore and the place which i will soon be calling home.<br />
<br />
until then though! BC! ooooh mountains and lakes... you are infectious! how can i cure myself of you?! <br />
my time here started off in vancouver and my first weekend i decided to explore the sights and sounds of downtown.<br />
i took the sky train. <br />
brilliant.<br />
i can use my bberry while i travel! convenient. <br />
my adventure on this above ground subway brought me right downtown to the city centre. <br />
suddenly i heard something.<br />
calls and shouts. the voices of many sounding like white noise. <br />
i followed it, of course.<br />
<br />
occupy vancouver.<br />
<br />
aaaah yes!<br />
i should have known. <br />
it was occupy the world day with protests from stockholm to toronto to vancouver.<br />
the first world occupants coming together to protest first world problems. <br />
<br />
this was my very first protest! hooray!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VIsb5eTGOVig9Sxcp3g-dhkMRBYo5Y9KKdgEEWD8C9PVpoU4je6CoY70BqsIctLOebueyG75qcI7VJVmEhCnqBuUh57JnkxPpyR3J-vto1RYDl8fxuPFfRfWmVgLk3u5YfcKqTKlrYY/s1600/protest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VIsb5eTGOVig9Sxcp3g-dhkMRBYo5Y9KKdgEEWD8C9PVpoU4je6CoY70BqsIctLOebueyG75qcI7VJVmEhCnqBuUh57JnkxPpyR3J-vto1RYDl8fxuPFfRfWmVgLk3u5YfcKqTKlrYY/s400/protest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">people had something to say about everything and anything!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">there were 5,000 people gathered in front of the art gallery, ready to share their feelings on how injust this world is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">my thoughts:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">protesting, especially peaceful, is an excellent way to be heard... or is it? i cant really decide to be honest. is being a part of a mass, especially one that is basically now just a trendy mass, the best way to get a message across?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i have my doubts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">my take-aways:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">protests are an excellent place for taking photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblmSjrNIuflxV92lNvR1eXLu7czSJK58Wz7DhVmSt-EpfqcAk_he_WKQx_tnOwcSwImtpb7UEKBkw85tXlwng4utYsemA7h7yig2sdshyM5foJylgn5ydBxeuN01MNd1mYAWdPT1V4u4/s1600/Vancouver+019+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblmSjrNIuflxV92lNvR1eXLu7czSJK58Wz7DhVmSt-EpfqcAk_he_WKQx_tnOwcSwImtpb7UEKBkw85tXlwng4utYsemA7h7yig2sdshyM5foJylgn5ydBxeuN01MNd1mYAWdPT1V4u4/s400/Vancouver+019+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i saw that mob mentality can happen pretty fast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a big group people who are all looking for an outlet, its interesting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i was accidentally a part of the global movement of occupy the world which got me to thinking: is there something i believed in enough to have me mobilize? to have me march, rain or shine, to sleep in a tent for days in protest? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... i dont know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i may not agree with what people protest over sometimes, but being a part of this, even if i was just an accidental protestor, made me really thankful that there are people in this world who would do these things, and who are ready to stand up and share their hope for a better world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so i guess final thought:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">kudos occupy the world.</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0Kelowna, BC, Canada49.880100000000013 -119.443649.753844500000014 -119.5784235 50.006355500000012 -119.30877650000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-8946012281933406962011-10-17T00:34:00.000-04:002011-10-17T00:37:09.368-04:00beautiful british columbiathings i have noticed:<br />
<br />
1. Toms <br />
these shoes are on nearly every human being of every age.<br />
... especially in kelowna.<br />
toms also appear in never before seen colours and patterns. <br />
so, with all of these shoes around i cant help but think to myself: are the people of kelowna socially conscious or just consciously trendy?<br />
<br />
2. Weather<br />
apparently residents here have very little or no regard for the actual temperature.<br />
its cold! why are you wearing flip flops!<br />
i seem to be in a constant state of shivering while the locals seem either content of borderline uncomfortably warm. <br />
<br />
3. <strike>Fashion</strike> Style<br />
did you know that vancouver was voted #3 worst dressed city in the world? <br />
thanks to BC being the mecca, the birthplace of lululemon, the amount of althletic wear being worn out and about for any occassion has led to this dismal ranking on a global scale.<br />
vancouver is the bottom of the fashion food chain.<br />
i, however, have found that people here dress awesomely. even more impressive than the californians.<br />
... i also own 27 pieces of lululemon, so what does that say about me?<br />
<br />
4. Right of Way<br />
pedestrians first.<br />
cars dont honk at people walking, or bikers, in fact their entire road system is set up for foot traffic.<br />
flashing green lights are at most intersections, and not to be confused with those of ontario which mean advance left turn, mighty dangerous to the unknowing driver, <em>these</em> green lights mean the intersection is pedestrian controlled, giving anyone on foot a 24/7 right of way.<br />
<br />
5. Company<br />
people go out in the day and hang out.<br />
blenz in kelowna, for example, has been busy since my arrival at 11am, and long lines persisted for the 4 hours that i sat there... yes, 4 hours. <br />
but people werent just coming on their own or just coming and going... they came in packs.<br />
to hang out, to chat, to visit. <br />
there was always noise! pleasant noise: laughter, volume and the mumble of conversation. <br />
it is wonderful.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-74273636711175166242011-10-12T00:49:00.000-04:002011-10-12T00:49:55.646-04:00walk awhile with me & share the wonderous worlds i've known<div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><em>“The bridge will only take you halfway there, to those mysterious lands you long to see. Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fair, and moonlit woods where unicorns run free. So come and walk awhile with me and share the twisting trails and wondrous worlds I’ve known. But this bridge will only take you halfway there. The last few steps you have to take alone.” </em></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">– Shel Silverstein</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">my month in california has come to an end. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">isnt it strange how time has this amazing ability to pass both quickly and slowly at the same time? </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">well, as i was so kindly reminded by the streets of LA, all things are relative.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35QK19Wys481IqXmO7Pc355wQT59Ymu87zvoTGUARiqHCRo2eH2hEHSmgl3PUgM1n8MD-QsMpWsxFPIpG7bMamPB2TUmuQw58K-GWrZTecF5JlvaNUXUOBIWKLBiWTkt1wbdeA2nHJXM/s1600/california+603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35QK19Wys481IqXmO7Pc355wQT59Ymu87zvoTGUARiqHCRo2eH2hEHSmgl3PUgM1n8MD-QsMpWsxFPIpG7bMamPB2TUmuQw58K-GWrZTecF5JlvaNUXUOBIWKLBiWTkt1wbdeA2nHJXM/s320/california+603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">time is of course no exception. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">and while my time here is over, and has passed at a glacial pace as well as in the blink of an eye, i have been looking back and taking some time to reflect. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">there has been good, and bad, and simply ok. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">i have been to the mountains, the valleys and to the ocean, and i have compiled some lists and as always, probably too many pictures. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">and so, with that in mind, here is my time in California in lists and in pictures:</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><em>the highlights</em></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">1. napa </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">perhaps the wineries were not explored, maybe the mountains were not hiked, and maybe the wine bars were not experienced. but it doesnt matter. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">napa is on this highlight list because it is a place that i would certainly come back to. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">i want to experience the wine train, taste a grape straight from the vine, and re-walk the alleys of downtown.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">this is a re-visit and i would recommend this place to anyone. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">2. whole foods</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">yes, we have this at home, i know. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">but here in LA there is one around the corner. and have i taken advantage? yes. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">as a wise friend once said, "it looks like whole foods exploded in your fridge... how cliche" </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">indeed.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">i will miss my easy access to this grocery store and my daily trips to the comprehensive salad bar. i will miss a whole area of vegan food and garlic and saffron rice. i will miss my fridge being well stocked on works dime.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">i ate well and healthy thanks to whole foods.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">3. my re-newed love of friendship bracelets and craftiness</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">being away from my friends and family has allowed me to explore some potential for excellent crafting in the future (ie. moccasin alteration and this: <a href="http://unsimpleliving.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/melted-crayon-art/">http://unsimpleliving.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/melted-crayon-art/</a>) </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">as well as a huge love for the friendship bracelet revival. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">colourful string is apparently my bestie on the road. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">4. buenos dias sabrina </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">having a friend visit is always incredible. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">having a friend visit at the perfect time? priceless. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">3 days of adventure, singing in cars, exploring alley ways, roof top parties and lounging on beaches.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">the past few days must have an abrieviated highlight reel of its own:</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
a) el matador beach<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOqZvVLNhsWBH6W1-qjy6CB-HqvXHI8Iv68TuAUhEFdvzH4vcLHAolkv8JDVtkaCg9Ct1km9OFdH_VlWEUXVowTMapqXIIbP0CFw2gJ3k9CM9EeMPIRjDLUol9OioOQw7qmn6fZq7nyE/s1600/beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOqZvVLNhsWBH6W1-qjy6CB-HqvXHI8Iv68TuAUhEFdvzH4vcLHAolkv8JDVtkaCg9Ct1km9OFdH_VlWEUXVowTMapqXIIbP0CFw2gJ3k9CM9EeMPIRjDLUol9OioOQw7qmn6fZq7nyE/s400/beach1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">a secluded, secret beach of pacific hwy 1 just outside of malibu, el matador beach is home to brilliant sea birds, starfish, waves crashing against the shore, secret caves, and secluded beaches. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">good company doesnt hurt anything either.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">b) a romantic ride on the solar powered ferris wheel</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">ok, well maybe it wasnt especially romantic, but it was a ferris wheel. and it was on the santa monica pier.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">and it did over look the ocean and the ride involved sunset. so maybe it was a little romantic.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin20dvL5i6hPuFI8Foe5ClOFCgOVZXd9i9IVjIXZChUEoiXfq-1I-PpznOGhaODhFvwy8jaRdMB5fsyIH9U5W1gKLGl4qq7SOjjV3i7hThWh-pv8RDx5q39P0bVndLnYmNvjkOC21mFMA/s1600/ferris+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin20dvL5i6hPuFI8Foe5ClOFCgOVZXd9i9IVjIXZChUEoiXfq-1I-PpznOGhaODhFvwy8jaRdMB5fsyIH9U5W1gKLGl4qq7SOjjV3i7hThWh-pv8RDx5q39P0bVndLnYmNvjkOC21mFMA/s400/ferris+wheel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">c) the getty museum</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwxHQ45x-OmDKmh5oWi0SeE4xeThK1UZv5NeBXhLWmuLiDCqruehSoI1FyJDAayaAShla96iBG2dMan9H8N2YUhTLZJ8hhof4G8wRvF1cMsUa_y1M_a4Y67yMlJyGyFObCZtRMFC_LO4/s1600/getty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwxHQ45x-OmDKmh5oWi0SeE4xeThK1UZv5NeBXhLWmuLiDCqruehSoI1FyJDAayaAShla96iBG2dMan9H8N2YUhTLZJ8hhof4G8wRvF1cMsUa_y1M_a4Y67yMlJyGyFObCZtRMFC_LO4/s400/getty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a mixture of hillside, gardens, architecture, city and gardens. the getty is a tour on the outside is just as interesting as the art filled rooms upon rooms on the inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this place was the pleasant ville of museums. white people, dressed in white, with white umbrellas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i did like it, but i think i prefer a little bit more of a boho feel in museums. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
d) brunch at bottega louie</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.bottegalouie.com/">http://www.bottegalouie.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">visit the website. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">drool for yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">picture sex & the city-esque brunch. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">4. LA street art </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLhrbhv5crk77QijIiTRiMTfAulQ9ued8AKQ8dWeOzJ2wcOSwuaK62htr9VojUqmuyg3Ue7SOkz3tGGRsa_-8QHhbb7Dn8IngLUfQsp2D5wipwtggTbQGpxvuJUa748_A8NDMNKtELAQ/s1600/california+574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLhrbhv5crk77QijIiTRiMTfAulQ9ued8AKQ8dWeOzJ2wcOSwuaK62htr9VojUqmuyg3Ue7SOkz3tGGRsa_-8QHhbb7Dn8IngLUfQsp2D5wipwtggTbQGpxvuJUa748_A8NDMNKtELAQ/s320/california+574.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">there is a difference between street art and graffiti. between mess and beauty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">la street is a fantastic blend of political and social commentary and beauty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the arts district in la has the most fantastic art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i will share a few of my favourites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dBw1dwMJKuJjPVlyQzI6bYsaSgsOPBtTj6ZF2sl4BvV2Vk9VbyR2PtSMLj8OZfiqAgKtMiNPyFgOly3dkOUULC1kgFXg-fQVQf7XQsBr-ec2JphlkC6e5DvED7S3rKeTsOCn_mncWDk/s1600/SA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dBw1dwMJKuJjPVlyQzI6bYsaSgsOPBtTj6ZF2sl4BvV2Vk9VbyR2PtSMLj8OZfiqAgKtMiNPyFgOly3dkOUULC1kgFXg-fQVQf7XQsBr-ec2JphlkC6e5DvED7S3rKeTsOCn_mncWDk/s400/SA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GSY06RLzcosQvCW8blUnoUr0yaf21FdpOPIbKpW6_Dre7RF6N-rGuoXTeUpXXveTvrf9PED-t7zYe7VFcqHnXnPZG_nmjUlieAmYhg1FBLjDsGZRgByKNdzUl2Gxp2AbekHsuLmMLqw/s1600/laSA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GSY06RLzcosQvCW8blUnoUr0yaf21FdpOPIbKpW6_Dre7RF6N-rGuoXTeUpXXveTvrf9PED-t7zYe7VFcqHnXnPZG_nmjUlieAmYhg1FBLjDsGZRgByKNdzUl2Gxp2AbekHsuLmMLqw/s640/laSA.jpg" width="489" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9Gb9R3VRTmAOMpOkt4-ypp4m4kO4QXGlnAQDeImIPDYiMIecxrsFJBE-WzMgFwmuzxeGr340tQztw_eKhHQ3xbTNW4p-Lik8DyrCLyXnTqvk6XMXABsfrn7o2A5s8vQxy7Y_W6yQdPY/s1600/LASA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9Gb9R3VRTmAOMpOkt4-ypp4m4kO4QXGlnAQDeImIPDYiMIecxrsFJBE-WzMgFwmuzxeGr340tQztw_eKhHQ3xbTNW4p-Lik8DyrCLyXnTqvk6XMXABsfrn7o2A5s8vQxy7Y_W6yQdPY/s400/LASA2.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
5. venice beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the ridiculous amounts of jersey shore clothes, bright colours, roller blades, long boards, jewelery... amazing. i will not soon forget venice beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i actually returned to venice beach during my stay here, at night with the brilliant sabrina. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the abandoned beach had a totally different feel. it was definitely sketch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFIc5IOm7xA4jkLACvD7t4Kw3B3nxHOWbfZCC1APJ_10K-_TQf23SDi-rdJFhQY-Rg1gtut9bwskzBmrm6_O1PUny2am3AMm4DxaL9a89oqaNZbII2s9xjM97QsrNdWyL3UxSR601WzY/s1600/IMG_7810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFIc5IOm7xA4jkLACvD7t4Kw3B3nxHOWbfZCC1APJ_10K-_TQf23SDi-rdJFhQY-Rg1gtut9bwskzBmrm6_O1PUny2am3AMm4DxaL9a89oqaNZbII2s9xjM97QsrNdWyL3UxSR601WzY/s320/IMG_7810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but low and behold, a firey beacon called us from above, and we found ourselves on top of a hotel with outdoor fire lanterns overlooking the greater los angeles area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">totally pretentious and moonlit, this was yet another different venice, complete with aerial views of police cruisers combing the beach and lapd helicopters using their spotlight on the boardwalk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">aaaaah venice....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. being confused as a california girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">aaaah the day came. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">strolling about town and having someone ask me for directions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this is how the convo went:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">angelina jolie: "hello there! i seem to be lost, can you point me in the direction of the kodak theatre"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">me: "oh im sorry! im not from here actually!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a.j: "no way! with the sweetly styled blond hair, excellent accessories and overall efortlessly chic appearance i thought you were a california girl"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">me: "ooooh ange, thanks but i am but a pasty gal from toronto with dreams of looking like palo alto gal"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">exagerated? slightly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but, someone did ask for directions, asked me where i was from and told me i looked like a californian. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so no, i am sorry, i did not get a chance to properly document the awesome dress styles of the locals, but i did witness it for a month, and i guess it rubbed off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">there were of course frustrations along the way and reasons that would have me not want to come back to california, but resolution #11 states: be positive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i will take these highlights, and the many others that i did not list and keep them as my memories of sunny california, and leave behind the negativity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">being grateful can come in many different ways, and i do feel lucky and thankful for these 3.5 weeks here on the coast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">fare thee well california, and now onto the great white north... vancouver tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Nbaf-3cMGWa8vOLGw3IKDfaR3K8zL917V5prxwRFPq62DFz1uYiGUgBd29jMMI600ZtHQO1lKRboye8CLtoZ9mJzDHGO-_wLitOkgTTTapY9W0Ri1lklTVri9ZiMk8MMV_lJYJFBLdw/s1600/california+180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Nbaf-3cMGWa8vOLGw3IKDfaR3K8zL917V5prxwRFPq62DFz1uYiGUgBd29jMMI600ZtHQO1lKRboye8CLtoZ9mJzDHGO-_wLitOkgTTTapY9W0Ri1lklTVri9ZiMk8MMV_lJYJFBLdw/s400/california+180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.7354072 -118.50012840000001 34.369061200000004 -117.9872414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-24363116400475051742011-10-06T03:24:00.000-04:002014-04-30T02:18:32.832-04:00dream catchers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1sjVASOTA_aj3j8YxMUg1GuOxqmY7cpel69pU_6g0nqlkpLcLDQZe8L5ACpAJVtCMGGu1kxDFJ1O0COBIFzN2uPHDwqLyAg1iqKSenBgG_Ww-IOlOR0cF5bpBzZbHRGDIrsYBkPCe4s/s1600/dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1sjVASOTA_aj3j8YxMUg1GuOxqmY7cpel69pU_6g0nqlkpLcLDQZe8L5ACpAJVtCMGGu1kxDFJ1O0COBIFzN2uPHDwqLyAg1iqKSenBgG_Ww-IOlOR0cF5bpBzZbHRGDIrsYBkPCe4s/s320/dream.jpg" height="239" kca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
during my stay here in california, for one reason or another, i have become obsessed with dream catchers. <br />
i dont know why suddenly they catch my eye when they are hanging on someones rear view mirror, a shop window, or on a wire over a boardwalk shop on venice beach... but they do. <br />
dream catchers are said to allow positive dreams to slip through the web to the sleeper while the negative dreams are caught in the web and would die in the morning light.<br />
pretty cool, right?!<br />
<br />
i would like to think that my new obsession has something to do with something more than their bright colours, their many feathers and boho vibe. <br />
i'd like to think that im drawn to the history and the stories of these little circles being able to ward of bad dreams. <br />
...but i dont.<br />
i think i like them aesthetically. <br />
im sorry. its true. <br />
<br />
the whole native trend isnt just a piece of canadiana, it can be found all the way down south here in california. <br />
moccasins, feather earrings, totem symbols and fringe on shirts... its brilliant! <br />
i myself am the proud owner of not one, not two, not three but four pairs of mocs. <br />
admittedly that total just shocked me too, i might have a problem that needs addressing, but for the time being i am in my element! <br />
in fact, thanks to those brilliant gals at <a href="http://www.honestlywtf.com/">http://www.honestlywtf.com/</a> i have my next project already lined up for when i get home: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmqzHWg8xYH7ygrMbL57Bt4lTOX2BJLnlovsQbfA8iNYWFeETSaW9teUNQYQemb2E8WcP_XNnGA9noYAMAcf9eFv6b5hzEhl3FRuDriQKaMxWQi4fmB02pVM3baTxkkQnL9Ewf92bQkg/s1600/shoes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmqzHWg8xYH7ygrMbL57Bt4lTOX2BJLnlovsQbfA8iNYWFeETSaW9teUNQYQemb2E8WcP_XNnGA9noYAMAcf9eFv6b5hzEhl3FRuDriQKaMxWQi4fmB02pVM3baTxkkQnL9Ewf92bQkg/s320/shoes.bmp" height="182" kca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
out with the old, in with the update! <br />
want to do yours too? check out this excellent tutorial and i will share my progress too once i am back home in november. <br />
<a href="http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-color-block-moccasins/"><span style="color: #990000;">http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-color-block-moccasins/</span></a><br />
<br />
since being away i have really been inspired to become more crafty! i have so many crafty ideas in my head, i cannot wait for the chance to execute. <br />
<br />
work has robbed me of my daily energy and errgo of my chance to get out and explore LA as well as my chance to explore and photograph california style at its best. <br />
though i am not admiting defeat i will say this much: i have failed to show true cali style, to which i will ammend this weekend.<br />
my brilliant friend sabrina is coming to visit me this weekend and together we will explore street art, french cafes, and be judgemental and appreciative of the way the gals here in LA dress. <br />
i will find examples of the abundance of dream catchers, native style as well as the undone-chic-ness that is the californian girl! <br />
<br />
as bedtime approaches and i sit in this lonely hotel room i kind of think its funny that i would really like a dream catcher hanging over my bed. <br />
maybe it turns out i do like them for more than their loooks. <br />
bonne nuit.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-64343266527057578362011-10-03T02:22:00.000-04:002011-10-03T02:24:37.998-04:00a different veniceive always dreamed of going to venice. <br />
since my grandmother gave me a tape of vivaldis symphonies intertwined with stories of the masquerade of venice, i needed to go to the city on stilts. <br />
<br />
well, being in california for work i cant exactly hop a plane and go to italy, but woah hello! im in the LA area.. totally able to go to a different venice.<br />
<br />
to go to venice beach had been in the plan yesterday,but i didnt make it that far. in fact, i barely made it out of my hotel suite at all.<br />
a little sad, yes.<br />
but the truth is i really really liked taking the day to not drive and really not do much of anything. <br />
... and i didnt. i built another bracelet, read the hobbit and watched way too much law & order. <br />
but behold! i made an excellent little bracelet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhll00S9FrTbH1abuUUcJUFu1krLJgEYRmrm3CxhCYzO-BrUlnqzS14lAj15FhtUJxTBJbfZLnNYuUjONzZBmcHR-6b0NMPBFLVP5yY4OsJVTUL7P1toUZBsK36Q0yPYYDG8w8TQfFu7yM/s1600/california+238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhll00S9FrTbH1abuUUcJUFu1krLJgEYRmrm3CxhCYzO-BrUlnqzS14lAj15FhtUJxTBJbfZLnNYuUjONzZBmcHR-6b0NMPBFLVP5yY4OsJVTUL7P1toUZBsK36Q0yPYYDG8w8TQfFu7yM/s320/california+238.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">on the left is the one i made a few days ago, on the right is the one i made yesterday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the one on the right is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a) simply a million times better</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">b) filled with colour superiority</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">c) enhanced execution</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* bracelet on left is by chance the exact same colours as the cover of the copy of the hobbit i am reading. unintentional influence much?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">these are still not finished. they need bling and some pazzaz. as part of my quest to become a california fashionista i need the appropriate californian accessories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/"><span style="color: black;">http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ok, so since yesterday was such an epic fail in plans i decided to give it a go today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">did i succeed?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">yes i did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIOt515RfBj5eb3cDV9QBgKrBsnDE3W0xKBfaijEm_II1V_y0V-a4L1zQ0_-lbONj0rlQqhKV94HykE6d02OWcHLguLlTE5m1q28YYg_JPt7psB15q-o8uPalQ5X8tJ531FG-EBCWFQc/s1600/california+243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIOt515RfBj5eb3cDV9QBgKrBsnDE3W0xKBfaijEm_II1V_y0V-a4L1zQ0_-lbONj0rlQqhKV94HykE6d02OWcHLguLlTE5m1q28YYg_JPt7psB15q-o8uPalQ5X8tJ531FG-EBCWFQc/s320/california+243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">venice beach, california.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... man am i ever glad i came.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">aaah venice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a place where the gals dress a little skanky and a little trashy and the guys are pumped full of roids and love their tank tops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">it was wonderful, but at the same time, a little frustrating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">why?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">well. because i was hoping to find you (and me) some excellent examples of what california style looks like. and maybe i did in its own way, but no photos of the peeps. it was the jersey shore of the west! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this week, long beach, maybe new port beach, and definitely downtown... i will find these fashionable people and learn from them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but in the mean time, allow me to share. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdqWZppU-Dry36if7aD4b1wfKJblW9iGci4A_E5k__dswV3BuCXvJ86Y-VLCRMFNju6Ap-ybQMSzAoTx1EYeZIP6G4CDrOTxufu64jGGYVek_CyOVjJMIJWffyE1AxXJiZsG2Owi13Nw/s1600/california+248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdqWZppU-Dry36if7aD4b1wfKJblW9iGci4A_E5k__dswV3BuCXvJ86Y-VLCRMFNju6Ap-ybQMSzAoTx1EYeZIP6G4CDrOTxufu64jGGYVek_CyOVjJMIJWffyE1AxXJiZsG2Owi13Nw/s320/california+248.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">venice has an excellent amount of street art</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK-MWy3x29TKf4jx-GkyeG-cF8U0OHz0jVq23DCHA0CGbsgGg520pczc-SfYwy0MkuzgSgaRhVv-38krv_ESFqillF5M_iI6oFXpHs6AieRpWBoHK1aI4igaJDNFmrbTBlD8Lm43K0iw/s1600/california+257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK-MWy3x29TKf4jx-GkyeG-cF8U0OHz0jVq23DCHA0CGbsgGg520pczc-SfYwy0MkuzgSgaRhVv-38krv_ESFqillF5M_iI6oFXpHs6AieRpWBoHK1aI4igaJDNFmrbTBlD8Lm43K0iw/s320/california+257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> copious amounts of bikes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdYx8fSnFthM5-QaPYhDg_ScUoRnD2Oxq88-0CMjLlQeLTEyh_iTXhcdOp1T6kufWEyIyWboOo0Q0s7nS2dpXdM6Ts0WaHLhgLqXWPV9fEiTPGueyJVfHKYMtYZfdqLPjsgjdQdI_VzA/s320/california+262.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the ocean</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijciihuwZuPD3Y-dRIFH09nKrWbC1yvC8YN508ITXDT9vCdVvugChCws7A0AbQGdJjNFMHSOlRDmV2ipyujmqXfJAGagE4Y-hwHCx53gEhmOw5YCjwjRn0e5U4oicA3eoPkDnSDH9IOKY/s1600/california+289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijciihuwZuPD3Y-dRIFH09nKrWbC1yvC8YN508ITXDT9vCdVvugChCws7A0AbQGdJjNFMHSOlRDmV2ipyujmqXfJAGagE4Y-hwHCx53gEhmOw5YCjwjRn0e5U4oicA3eoPkDnSDH9IOKY/s320/california+289.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and the best part, these guys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdW-QvKJtRS6xHvz7QdAu5g7W5qH12HZDCr51I-6esO8uICbvhkrAnmDThKrfS7etT6Sm_rqzjyS2If99pUWFWohEW-50Nf-dY6oi9HAbUbR_nxxjwNSFsNzP_YzYYYCNz9Ms2Vwfx1I/s1600/california+260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdW-QvKJtRS6xHvz7QdAu5g7W5qH12HZDCr51I-6esO8uICbvhkrAnmDThKrfS7etT6Sm_rqzjyS2If99pUWFWohEW-50Nf-dY6oi9HAbUbR_nxxjwNSFsNzP_YzYYYCNz9Ms2Vwfx1I/s320/california+260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">please note their signs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"shitty advice - $1"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"lost"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"questions for a dollar!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"nice things!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">brilliant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>venice is a place that i just fell in love with. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">it was raunchy and corny. there were people from all walks of life. and it was brilliant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">im excited now to explore the many other beaches of the greater LA area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i dont expect anything to be quite like venice, but i think if there is ocean, if there is a boardwalk and some interesting folk i will like it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">oh! and on my quest today i made a purchase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffAg3H_fn7y0V82xuPJXFrAMAxEvm6r-fejEIViWjQnhZLEHpsrHNdwIRIQlpDAdPA0Nl_wSbZDsZUVvNjMM4teWOmFiwpdVVDx1tvmUEtFlYy3pcdrl6Nm396CEANM-ljGVKEa6ycRw/s1600/california+292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffAg3H_fn7y0V82xuPJXFrAMAxEvm6r-fejEIViWjQnhZLEHpsrHNdwIRIQlpDAdPA0Nl_wSbZDsZUVvNjMM4teWOmFiwpdVVDx1tvmUEtFlYy3pcdrl6Nm396CEANM-ljGVKEa6ycRw/s320/california+292.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">aaaah. the perfect souvenir from venice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">resolution #15: be happy... check.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-49866775818408313752011-10-01T02:15:00.000-04:002011-10-01T02:15:35.485-04:00california one<blockquote>and the road a-winding goes from golden gate to roaring cliffside, and the light is low as our hearts become sweetly untied beneath the sun of california one. </blockquote>i am curently in a gigantic suite all to myself in LA, having left the north of california yesterday. <br />
<br />
the whole bay area was pretty much excellent, beautiful and sunny. but i was definitely ready to move on and i cant help but think but one day, maybe years down the line, i will find myself back in northern cali, back in napa... you will find me on the wine train.<br />
<br />
to celebrate a week and a half of early mornings and hours of driving, i decided to get up early and go for a drive! <br />
visiting this part of the country, there was no way that i could leave without driving the famously gorgeous hwy california 1.<br />
<br />
the journey took me up and downs some massive green mountains, through winding roads and small mountain towns including the lovely half moon bay.<br />
i had no idea what to expect as the entire drive was going to be based on how ridiculously varied the landscape had been for the first hour. <br />
<br />
but then it happened. <br />
spoon came on the ipod shuffle, i summon you of all songs.<br />
the mountains slowly gave way and all of a sudden there was ocean. miles and miles of ocean. <br />
my eyes teared up.<br />
i have never seen anything like it, and despite all the annoyances and frustrations of my time in the bay area, everything all of a sudden just seemed worth it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT-GDytMUN6k5iiO_J1Ml9K86oBqQlZ8v-Nv1kfEVr_yce_y7WiRdblub2SQVLZQtEMjD0QbgmyueLLTcFCQs0NYhZbVjGfqTlKsKVxQKU6zIIbqKBcTg26e8qBosLbYtVecLM1ELfFs/s1600/california+145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT-GDytMUN6k5iiO_J1Ml9K86oBqQlZ8v-Nv1kfEVr_yce_y7WiRdblub2SQVLZQtEMjD0QbgmyueLLTcFCQs0NYhZbVjGfqTlKsKVxQKU6zIIbqKBcTg26e8qBosLbYtVecLM1ELfFs/s320/california+145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">it was just beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">there were stops all along the way so plenty of opportunities to stop to take some photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNC0j3FfioIdN4NLfhGr07-3DXRhpolFTTS8FHLasywa-0PhZsBHJHR50Frp80Vz0nn73KtFNzjc2r87KmnM9kb2O21I3uKJfNyngCmeovOLtSgv3M-vVe-5Q_92iX4ZrMMAr2y_XcSk/s1600/california+156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNC0j3FfioIdN4NLfhGr07-3DXRhpolFTTS8FHLasywa-0PhZsBHJHR50Frp80Vz0nn73KtFNzjc2r87KmnM9kb2O21I3uKJfNyngCmeovOLtSgv3M-vVe-5Q_92iX4ZrMMAr2y_XcSk/s320/california+156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCmWinUk7-O41Da64ETJhrZ6Q44Ec1LMYq_TDgrHQyA5OM_gbzFebNy9RtnUXn9EYSv2DH3HTilTV0sGWXM23j5ApRRkQdgcgaUT6ERRlJaxk1-xjP6BQ1-i4uVi7h2GRhxrH04V_hl4/s1600/california+233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCmWinUk7-O41Da64ETJhrZ6Q44Ec1LMYq_TDgrHQyA5OM_gbzFebNy9RtnUXn9EYSv2DH3HTilTV0sGWXM23j5ApRRkQdgcgaUT6ERRlJaxk1-xjP6BQ1-i4uVi7h2GRhxrH04V_hl4/s320/california+233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">there are ridiculous loads of pictures, but these are just a few of my favourites. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this was the first time i had ever thought that i could spend the rest of my life beside the ocean. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the smell of the air, the cool breeze... everything was so ideal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">my desire to stay forever was most certainly amplified by how fantastic the weather was. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">sunshine, the sound of the waves crashing against the beach and the cliffs... my god it was ideal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i was reminded of a poem... im so tacky. but its true! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i dont know much about poetry, and do you think i remember verses? hell no. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">except for one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">edgar allan poe who said</div><blockquote>i stand amid the roar of a surf tormented shore, and i hold within my hand grains of the golden sand. ... is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream?</blockquote>thats how i felt. fully. <br />
as i sat on the waters edge thats how i felt. for the first time since i arrived in california. i felt like i was living in a dream.<br />
<br />
it all came to a bit of a halt when we came to the end of the coastal drive... at santa cruz. <br />
santa cruz is decidedly not my favourite place on earth. so much so that i literally did not take one photo as it would have been a waste of space... and my camera is digital. so figure that out. <br />
<br />
it was like the altlantic city of california...you know, like the idea is on the right track but the execution is poor. <br />
<br />
the next day i was off to the second lag of my journey, LA.<br />
i had to prepare! <br />
<br />
so, step one: nails. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZKHNsXD3f11CBdJLdcQpSQ4K3jLjSEiU3RE9LzZcoNKsgLvRgb97PpWzJq9J_2rlzE63odRHcLnCJ2kVaJhl5VXmK_MEGUKgmDFhUpV83JGvOwnv5pgBS8OStEzNe8TNzcB4t3EBWh0/s1600/Santa+Cruz-20110929-00054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZKHNsXD3f11CBdJLdcQpSQ4K3jLjSEiU3RE9LzZcoNKsgLvRgb97PpWzJq9J_2rlzE63odRHcLnCJ2kVaJhl5VXmK_MEGUKgmDFhUpV83JGvOwnv5pgBS8OStEzNe8TNzcB4t3EBWh0/s320/Santa+Cruz-20110929-00054.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
no more summer colours for now, i am putting on some LA glam! <br />
gold nailpolish a la sally hansen. <br />
my inspiration being of course the gals from honestly wtf<br />
<a href="http://honestlywtf.com/beauty/good-as-gold/">http://honestlywtf.com/beauty/good-as-gold/</a><br />
<br />
... thats as far as ive gotten so far. <br />
i hope to enjoy time at the beach tomorrow, venice beach to be exact. i hope to take my best friend, my camera.<br />
i hope that i can truly capture the awesomeness that is california style, because it truly is awesome. <br />
so that is my goal for my time here in LA- capture the essence of california style through pics! <br />
<br />
challenge accepted. <br />
<br />
OH! also, speaking of challenges... voila the results of my current project:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxrP9Ns-i-RRFw-hw69mFFGbnQw2uF_d717VqJ9PG3bE8n0hU3dJJF4Y4GwDFo0DCcD-_f0GVq7YZ3PgY8Ydhofw6Nh6k47ryKnQJOG8n6uIz08w1pzBetPVyGhF65RFEmMzFyQ5cQe4/s1600/california+236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxrP9Ns-i-RRFw-hw69mFFGbnQw2uF_d717VqJ9PG3bE8n0hU3dJJF4Y4GwDFo0DCcD-_f0GVq7YZ3PgY8Ydhofw6Nh6k47ryKnQJOG8n6uIz08w1pzBetPVyGhF65RFEmMzFyQ5cQe4/s320/california+236.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><br />
ooh la! it is not finished yet! stage one of the project is complete. plus its a trial run and it went better thean i thought. so success. <br />
so now i think im going to have to wait until vancouver to complete the project, but it is promising. <br />
<br />
LA is going to be a few weeks of some experiments and projects. <br />
i hope to truly immerse myself in all that the city of angels has to offer. <br />
<br />
california here we come.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-88135077310745592542011-09-28T01:50:00.000-04:002011-10-01T02:18:51.697-04:00china beach & the golden gateadventures abound!<br />
<br />
today was the first day i had the opportunity to explore the immediate san francisco area. <br />
like much of my california experience, with this adventure there were many pros and cons. <br />
<br />
pros:<br />
1. the ocean<br />
2. clean city<br />
3. colourful buildings and clean architechture<br />
<br />
cons:<br />
1. traffic: worse than in toronto! nutty drivers on top of it too!<br />
2. a bit boring. yes, i found san francisco a bit boring! who would have thought? maybe it was the area, but i just thought it was like any other city ive been to, but on a slant. <br />
3. driving on the hills! how do people do this? i thought i was going to slam the poor rental car into people behind and in front of me.<br />
4. parking. no place to park. as if i was going to park streetside- parallel parking? i think not. and then! any parking garage was a minimum of $20. <br />
<br />
however. despite the pros and cons, the days tour started off with a bang. <br />
searching for a place to get some good shots of the golden gate bridge that was not a "golden gate vista" tourist area, i turned off the gps and used good old fashion intuition to guess where i would want to go.<br />
<br />
thank you gut feeling:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXQyp5Msbxi9OL5D2Z9n2o3ycyfyXCEQQK5BvFm4WI5cmz9Vo1Ml5-T3jjDYkot9hhxhnNabKgxR6t6sPx9TEDhhkO4TtuQuPYiEUamQ4tsvXVErJ4ejh3GlTYCtGcPJC9NuQcuSbIjM/s1600/california+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXQyp5Msbxi9OL5D2Z9n2o3ycyfyXCEQQK5BvFm4WI5cmz9Vo1Ml5-T3jjDYkot9hhxhnNabKgxR6t6sPx9TEDhhkO4TtuQuPYiEUamQ4tsvXVErJ4ejh3GlTYCtGcPJC9NuQcuSbIjM/s320/california+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
this is the ocean. <br />
this is the beach.<br />
that is the bridge. <br />
<br />
brilliant success. <br />
<br />
over joyed with my findings, i took off my moccasins and explored the beach. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsIeBtuXj8210fHgN5SxLhpw4g6T6OPNip5BD-4r6ZiUtjVBDXvYsMxrRQmn-J56LI7oK8n-Oj2THQqCTZQDjXgT7IvU3bHkKJWZAfHQb1i5BcMgGZvdjdcqEl8qJqhj090ovkZwmU34/s1600/california+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsIeBtuXj8210fHgN5SxLhpw4g6T6OPNip5BD-4r6ZiUtjVBDXvYsMxrRQmn-J56LI7oK8n-Oj2THQqCTZQDjXgT7IvU3bHkKJWZAfHQb1i5BcMgGZvdjdcqEl8qJqhj090ovkZwmU34/s320/california+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FncUDXiP78YEUHBTr1NSJppk__u1988VyxtIGZ2LIPEymYy_1cm4xRPfUFOblIYLvHoxgKQ1HpLwJAo7tTbNNlszXT7hdX6Y41F2icoR_p6wZyqZalt6QTKVvAxEIHDSUDm30BQg99k/s1600/california+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FncUDXiP78YEUHBTr1NSJppk__u1988VyxtIGZ2LIPEymYy_1cm4xRPfUFOblIYLvHoxgKQ1HpLwJAo7tTbNNlszXT7hdX6Y41F2icoR_p6wZyqZalt6QTKVvAxEIHDSUDm30BQg99k/s320/california+064.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cIl2NBJA8gXnYXEP868iL5uRSWmDxT9P7YACG5kF7vJ6HYmE911M8pf9X8B2EMkNcnqhHic_5Wy_i9tcCqjQuzdRfNilxjtilmdh5Cq8rhW6PYGvrHn46mU4b9z4dkX0Mza8V3sBMM0/s1600/california+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cIl2NBJA8gXnYXEP868iL5uRSWmDxT9P7YACG5kF7vJ6HYmE911M8pf9X8B2EMkNcnqhHic_5Wy_i9tcCqjQuzdRfNilxjtilmdh5Cq8rhW6PYGvrHn46mU4b9z4dkX0Mza8V3sBMM0/s320/california+065.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9aiUuSBZOVmfVBKsSkvv7E-zTH-KPHgJerBtaSLd387mMJtKC7JAqeC3rtC1Pmh_BoUV95H3ekRosz98b3lsAe53UgGcYEyPsGycMM4ikGDr6vFDH80_RmXGIVuAV__J3EvSmSP9EO8/s1600/california+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9aiUuSBZOVmfVBKsSkvv7E-zTH-KPHgJerBtaSLd387mMJtKC7JAqeC3rtC1Pmh_BoUV95H3ekRosz98b3lsAe53UgGcYEyPsGycMM4ikGDr6vFDH80_RmXGIVuAV__J3EvSmSP9EO8/s320/california+082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
i loved the ocean. everythign about it.<br />
i loved the sound. the smell. the feel of the air. i could have sat and watched it for hours and hours and hours. <br />
<br />
coolest thing, there was a woman fishing! <br />
FISHING. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyhv0A74ZN9XTNDW5v_tsj7mLX0EoE97JITIb7AY_I2I0Cp4_hXS-_i6VZcRIx5iUjZHW-NFbfQxMxb5zKkwAmadAz2AGXUN1OsbKwtJrh49v72S_RQ7N-YTNdfjeh6mKws9bOpPYKnY/s1600/california+103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyhv0A74ZN9XTNDW5v_tsj7mLX0EoE97JITIb7AY_I2I0Cp4_hXS-_i6VZcRIx5iUjZHW-NFbfQxMxb5zKkwAmadAz2AGXUN1OsbKwtJrh49v72S_RQ7N-YTNdfjeh6mKws9bOpPYKnY/s320/california+103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>in the ocean. <br />
<br />
people do fun things in the ocean. <br />
<br />
and then, out of the ocean and away from the awesomness, and into the city. <br />
hills.<br />
oh my god driving on hills i would cry about walking up. <br />
<br />
WHY?<br />
<br />
why would people build a city like this? if i was obese and was like, in my 50s i would totally have had that life ending heart attack.<br />
<br />
it was cool though.<br />
finding a place to park in china town i took the natural route of a lazy person, downhill.<br />
brought me out to the harbour where i experienced sea gulls (ahem... did you know theyre actually called herring gulls? thank you ornitholigist boyfriend) of an unusual size... SGOUS.<br />
<br />
allow me to demonstrate said SGOUS:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S_henQT7cCB1KYnmZUj6PeKZW4cbTmR99wQ-p9QD-3pRXQadTQjtMQhT55DwWvoVplYD8iUVvQyRTWZC953_QjIgVFIoDb2RjLocSrKgPQfiRMiPBYGzuZaemOsXs0RwNM_YrHbac8M/s1600/california+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S_henQT7cCB1KYnmZUj6PeKZW4cbTmR99wQ-p9QD-3pRXQadTQjtMQhT55DwWvoVplYD8iUVvQyRTWZC953_QjIgVFIoDb2RjLocSrKgPQfiRMiPBYGzuZaemOsXs0RwNM_YrHbac8M/s320/california+125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sea Gull of Unusual Size... SGOUS in all its glory. <br />
<br />
i then had a delish meal seaside at The Plant- Cafe Organic. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnLjzfGn8cGwJ-JMJpiuY3bi4MvmfAiWKaDAlC2jZ2k4JEmkDUI-4LPZhmiopjvbmudROiEm8UjsvmgSfzs4Ks15DKB5saif4q2upKONVDbq-5EORY165DT7Wm3uJUj7F0Zq5bZU0kmM/s1600/california+131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnLjzfGn8cGwJ-JMJpiuY3bi4MvmfAiWKaDAlC2jZ2k4JEmkDUI-4LPZhmiopjvbmudROiEm8UjsvmgSfzs4Ks15DKB5saif4q2upKONVDbq-5EORY165DT7Wm3uJUj7F0Zq5bZU0kmM/s320/california+131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
yum! hummus plate! pesto and lemon hummus' with pita, garden salad and the greenest olives i have ever seen in my life. <br />
the whole restaurant was filled with 30 something groups of ladies with a heck of a lot of make up- not the atmosphere that i had hoped to find in a organic cafe in san fran.<br />
where were the trendy people?<br />
<br />
having spoken to my sister, i had felt inspired to explore california style with analysis through photos... but there was noone to use as my subject. <br />
<br />
fail. <br />
<br />
where were the people when i needed them! <br />
its ok though. i will find them and analyze cali style soon. <br />
<br />
however! in true san franciscan style, the trollies were out and about. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfRfklEUKcD07BPQ_Cy85Pk4fSI6CIJKIT90oXq72Cp3Js4fTvhBTfLbjZRMI-YXrHCnN_C1dV1trEavBF5EExe7wgIlsHQbUH5JWMO-luJMw9dJjyoG8tkSmL61tS2ykLdobrL7WV3s/s1600/california+138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfRfklEUKcD07BPQ_Cy85Pk4fSI6CIJKIT90oXq72Cp3Js4fTvhBTfLbjZRMI-YXrHCnN_C1dV1trEavBF5EExe7wgIlsHQbUH5JWMO-luJMw9dJjyoG8tkSmL61tS2ykLdobrL7WV3s/s320/california+138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>that was exciting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxhcj9-QbnNlmMdckpIrcM457vqadNxq6lG5cRwUhePblp9YrYjRNblUySms8V2zbp2bqtClmYdeRg3KSlyJH9VMtBup6UyGMiJna-IXRFihWyuBqCYiduwur4hzf-9ac8M2021aL1-0/s1600/california+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxhcj9-QbnNlmMdckpIrcM457vqadNxq6lG5cRwUhePblp9YrYjRNblUySms8V2zbp2bqtClmYdeRg3KSlyJH9VMtBup6UyGMiJna-IXRFihWyuBqCYiduwur4hzf-9ac8M2021aL1-0/s320/california+140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
oh california.<br />
you make me happy.<br />
<br />
in my second week here i am feeling ready to move on from san fran. tomorrow is the big sur, a coastal drive and then thursday its hello to the big time: LA. <br />
<br />
i think the drive tomorrow will do wonders for a couple of my goals for this week: <br />
1. be happy<br />
2. be positive<br />
<br />
goodbye san francisco- tomorrow, hello santa cruz.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-4958232804710148742011-09-26T00:27:00.000-04:002011-09-26T00:27:01.638-04:00sunday inspirationi am in yet another new place in california!<br />
<br />
salut Oakland!<br />
<br />
upon review and reflection, i think its fair to say that yesterday was a down day. <br />
looking back on what i hope to achieve this year, the way i was thinking and feeling, though legitimate is not conducive to achieving these goals!<br />
therefore, new state of mind is in order... 5 more weeks to go on the road after all!<br />
<br />
as it is sunday and the start of a new week i plan on focusing on the following of my resolutions:<br />
1. sweat more<br />
2. complain less<br />
3. be positive<br />
4. be happy<br />
<br />
with these thoughts in mind, i have decided that this week, i am going to take some time for my self - for self improvement and just for fun!<br />
<br />
step one: eat and exercise excellently!<br />
enter whole foods.<br />
yes, whole foods exists in the canada, but not as readily as it is here in sunny california. my favourite thing at whole foods has got to be the salad bar. it has everything!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aDg-Mt6ZrNAlK5gNGiHVqYRLyOhfW07yJbFLKcQb-uX46eeZcAXirlehZfxGZ0TPtWpvjTtOOPRx9-smddoXNEPC2ho69hpDgUrZyfUE0Y85rRqbwgmMV-ThoQaI5nsoW0gS7PGeVKE/s1600/california+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aDg-Mt6ZrNAlK5gNGiHVqYRLyOhfW07yJbFLKcQb-uX46eeZcAXirlehZfxGZ0TPtWpvjTtOOPRx9-smddoXNEPC2ho69hpDgUrZyfUE0Y85rRqbwgmMV-ThoQaI5nsoW0gS7PGeVKE/s320/california+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">grilled tofu, chic peas, red & green peppers, kidney beans, peas, corn, celery, green and red onion with a sprinkle of parmesan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">delicious and nutritious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">during this week, i will make a more concentrated effort to eat excellently and work out diligently. to track my successes (and i guess failures... eeep) i will be using <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">www.myfitnesspal.com</a> it is an excellent site built to be customizable to your goals! tres helpful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">step two: take time for self</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">well, on the road and being exhausted and busy can make it incredibly difficult to make time to just be and to take care of yourself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but it must be done! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">today, i took time for myself by spending a little too much money on nail polish (which for some reason always makes me feel better) and giving my hands a little TLC.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcQ6vkXHkpN9w02uMw6bFXFZx4o4HieubGzxWJP2tuJVz-yvYLTmkFN0iscSO27SWPuKSpor5BB3_YEbnue4fssDfgR-E0SJuxWBblxI12gykYg2sxyxhXbXUEkwI85mRuGCQMWqZZVI/s1600/california+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcQ6vkXHkpN9w02uMw6bFXFZx4o4HieubGzxWJP2tuJVz-yvYLTmkFN0iscSO27SWPuKSpor5BB3_YEbnue4fssDfgR-E0SJuxWBblxI12gykYg2sxyxhXbXUEkwI85mRuGCQMWqZZVI/s320/california+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
aaaah essie. your colour pallet makes me so happy. <br />
the 3 lower are the newest in my collection, and while i understand that they are very sunny and summery, i figure while in this warm part of the country it couldnt hurt to indulge in a little sunshine. <br />
<br />
following the word of the wise from <a href="http://www.honestlywtf.com/"><span style="color: purple;">www.honestlywtf.com</span></a> i felt totally inspired to try something new!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-nail-art/">http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-nail-art/</a><br />
<br />
a little sunday inspiration going into the next week. <br />
i like to think i did the girls proud- here is my recreation:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoxY62u3R5o7btrI7I5Wdm4M4mEJ4Ovf8fSmEb3nt7ISRzkWFrc6pKCaJHZa_7tEdIQBK0PbJ_NZPlB4_qZk_oHDASfCskLc-tL3I3LTVskcLREKuKEqFtKBGCXDNYjapfTHoE6Grbeo/s1600/california+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoxY62u3R5o7btrI7I5Wdm4M4mEJ4Ovf8fSmEb3nt7ISRzkWFrc6pKCaJHZa_7tEdIQBK0PbJ_NZPlB4_qZk_oHDASfCskLc-tL3I3LTVskcLREKuKEqFtKBGCXDNYjapfTHoE6Grbeo/s320/california+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUEi99tITNBj7ONiLwXaXDU2Gl97Mgg7p4sjvd2_GBLh0Tyz2z15Ylg3or4dT-QKAzu54tM8ERI7O0FndTzHKjoxS-tOsjfMHAJ7Xk8RXNx7GJbCCansPCYu2_jW4AhYwizVHjYlNfMk/s1600/california+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUEi99tITNBj7ONiLwXaXDU2Gl97Mgg7p4sjvd2_GBLh0Tyz2z15Ylg3or4dT-QKAzu54tM8ERI7O0FndTzHKjoxS-tOsjfMHAJ7Xk8RXNx7GJbCCansPCYu2_jW4AhYwizVHjYlNfMk/s320/california+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpNVu3anuG1cq0mpjlMbuGw8nG0D9a8gIybg77cMTpDL2RDKiAfIVUfvkuZjQcA7lojOKEdtTcSrXILHM4KoXtz-yqD1L3Oa4XqB3Ubo8dxEgfPV4icmY7ElHxung5E2NX99j2BknmSo/s1600/california+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpNVu3anuG1cq0mpjlMbuGw8nG0D9a8gIybg77cMTpDL2RDKiAfIVUfvkuZjQcA7lojOKEdtTcSrXILHM4KoXtz-yqD1L3Oa4XqB3Ubo8dxEgfPV4icmY7ElHxung5E2NX99j2BknmSo/s320/california+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>yes, yes. i admit it.<br />
<br />
... i had a photo shoot of my nail art. <br />
... and my glittery gold coach wristlet.<br />
sigh.<br />
<br />
i learned a couple of things though in my adventures in dabbling in nail art.<br />
1. taking the time to do my nails and zone out and think of nothing but not smudging my colours for half an hour or so truly was therapeutic in its own right. it felt genuinely good to not be thinking about anything of great importance (who am i kidding... i was totally thinking that getting it just right was of great importance, but you know what i mean)<br />
2. i really do love that little bag. <br />
<br />
step three: enjoy a hobby<br />
i love books. <br />
i love them to the core of my being. and loving books and reading books is an excellent hobby. <br />
and while this week i will continue to read (currently a re-read of the hobbit), i am going to go retro style and re-hobbify by fiddling with some string. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkHBigvuZY5bHHmQf24vOkJnnuU0fKCQbxvc4x8XW1DcAMQOJDQATJpCjG9CiASxuiUfOzbX81zIZX1PL4sb45xmJVA-JcstrTs8oDSzqVKn7rtlTFSsvPza4VcT5F2rE__wmNNVQ8Yw/s1600/california+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkHBigvuZY5bHHmQf24vOkJnnuU0fKCQbxvc4x8XW1DcAMQOJDQATJpCjG9CiASxuiUfOzbX81zIZX1PL4sb45xmJVA-JcstrTs8oDSzqVKn7rtlTFSsvPza4VcT5F2rE__wmNNVQ8Yw/s320/california+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
with the come back of the ever lovely friendship bracelet i found myself buying these re-vamped colourful accessories. <br />
and then i found myself annoyed! <br />
i know how to make these! why would i spend upwards of $15 on these? because they have bling? i can add bling! oh can i ever add bling. <br />
<br />
so my project this week: build a blinged out piece of string art. <br />
so it begins!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsNdByTIwGSHPjayhhNf2XrZwoNYl7qZGA5SaSVwXfnzpxFyGlR4p_Ju6xbucnWSeuw-vebhrJ-3NZ2pXOGNRqbQaHebaqr-BkwCGgxqjJ4OznOuSjGT53VFd05mFnC5axhwMPvS4eQM/s1600/california+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsNdByTIwGSHPjayhhNf2XrZwoNYl7qZGA5SaSVwXfnzpxFyGlR4p_Ju6xbucnWSeuw-vebhrJ-3NZ2pXOGNRqbQaHebaqr-BkwCGgxqjJ4OznOuSjGT53VFd05mFnC5axhwMPvS4eQM/s320/california+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">stage one! lets see how far we can get this bad boy in a week, shall we? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i hope i remember how to do this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so i feel as though im setting myself up for success. i hope i can work to keep my goals in mind and have a positive, productive and happy week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-87001479247052967452011-09-24T23:51:00.000-04:002011-09-24T23:52:08.905-04:00new shoes in napai went for a walk today.<br />
<br />
in my new shoes!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbsPRL09XhW7D690vNY2pDw45GZLMBJxdHJpOVWkEskwpIfvis_x3WxNAsG7SaLHGlldEdntmLkxALMQoCEN2GrH9__hNSO-c9HQobU7sAAlvXkVfhsIu-4LKl6JM80mUJaLh3fpxUvk/s1600/california+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbsPRL09XhW7D690vNY2pDw45GZLMBJxdHJpOVWkEskwpIfvis_x3WxNAsG7SaLHGlldEdntmLkxALMQoCEN2GrH9__hNSO-c9HQobU7sAAlvXkVfhsIu-4LKl6JM80mUJaLh3fpxUvk/s320/california+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ok, yes. i went shopping again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i bought some cute things, some pretty things, but no things that i regret. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. coral flats - nine west</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. pearl necklace on hot pink string - j.crew</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. glitter gold wristlet - coach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. vintage scarf - betty's girls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i went shopping and i walked around napa, which by the way is a quiet and beautiful place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">it didnt seem like there were many locals out and about, but there were plenty of tourists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the tourists are mostly middle ages couples, probably happy to escape their teenage children. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">to my disapointment, there were very few cafes. there were however, many many wine bars and were i with a friend, or my manfriend, we would have throroughly enjoyed the streets of downtown napa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">on every corner there was a place to sit with a glass of wine and some tapas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm70Rb1bufKl9EAs4QcEFGTwLepGce5yyPq2O3b5NqSxGMFkXh7Ii_x-hbKDe-AZppknAPdzCILYFSLgjjtbkbQ01aB0xDGycsVrx74__QTaarTfdJHwKrWGfgWa_S1r792Ld_26DOSA/s1600/california+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm70Rb1bufKl9EAs4QcEFGTwLepGce5yyPq2O3b5NqSxGMFkXh7Ii_x-hbKDe-AZppknAPdzCILYFSLgjjtbkbQ01aB0xDGycsVrx74__QTaarTfdJHwKrWGfgWa_S1r792Ld_26DOSA/s320/california+016.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the streets were clean and the whole downtown are had a vibe that said "hey world! we have a lot of money! but we also take care of the environment, our people and make great wine!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D7_uAxu-x7Wde0lV7lmsqIq71J7roO7JCkSV-9RQsQAQkrzGFGNdgkv0V7gi5ZQH1vkpuPtKhBJpZXd0kSXgEWtqyJdbIRzHgLeHX40Bupg6rhTPAsEROrJO5jprLdBiIzQgIv2iIQs/s1600/california+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D7_uAxu-x7Wde0lV7lmsqIq71J7roO7JCkSV-9RQsQAQkrzGFGNdgkv0V7gi5ZQH1vkpuPtKhBJpZXd0kSXgEWtqyJdbIRzHgLeHX40Bupg6rhTPAsEROrJO5jprLdBiIzQgIv2iIQs/s320/california+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_dusq0GovjPGm4vEXn8PPq0wPOcOzmldSCO5lGvM0X4J5Ye-bw5bVsS_I7XTQN_YHHbVXey2XeCke-RyWbzjCHSA9qYoC62d-CYfRMYHS9tRmnF3-EM42e5lLQS8cUmU_eln_UGj6uI/s1600/california+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_dusq0GovjPGm4vEXn8PPq0wPOcOzmldSCO5lGvM0X4J5Ye-bw5bVsS_I7XTQN_YHHbVXey2XeCke-RyWbzjCHSA9qYoC62d-CYfRMYHS9tRmnF3-EM42e5lLQS8cUmU_eln_UGj6uI/s320/california+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydnfO-Dmdb1FlLRhZ5BizOmdnt4HNjkUN3apBGzm3LkYVYdwi8aKTigtwYUySF8TmOpX6KHr8qLKB6bhMcXESo91v5XcUzj04E5FKxWIRc23247mma9OSq7aPWAxy1pzhnY_Qf8Zwi2o/s1600/california+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydnfO-Dmdb1FlLRhZ5BizOmdnt4HNjkUN3apBGzm3LkYVYdwi8aKTigtwYUySF8TmOpX6KHr8qLKB6bhMcXESo91v5XcUzj04E5FKxWIRc23247mma9OSq7aPWAxy1pzhnY_Qf8Zwi2o/s320/california+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-OuNtcIY3jugl9nGEWnbmdhuS0WfAb3QaT0Umxmns_sIWl93Yst-vjRjw501OWivI239otBiuhx0UiRleSSyeSPvp1zeLlbnf1BlReb-_UBEXHJg6XDIlsYoF_l-jduNDgqhZz8pGfI/s1600/california+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-OuNtcIY3jugl9nGEWnbmdhuS0WfAb3QaT0Umxmns_sIWl93Yst-vjRjw501OWivI239otBiuhx0UiRleSSyeSPvp1zeLlbnf1BlReb-_UBEXHJg6XDIlsYoF_l-jduNDgqhZz8pGfI/s320/california+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i think napa is a place i would have loved... but maybe its just that its the first weekend after a long week, or maybe i am under the weather... i dont know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but i dont feel like i have enjoyed napa as i should have. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i would like to come back here again- when im not tired, when im not here for work, when im here on my own terms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">while in napa, i have been shopping instead of hiking and exploring. instead of sitting in the sun or having a drink of wine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i think that i have been doing this because i am homesick already. on the first lag of my 6 week trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5 weeks to go, many more places to see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">hopefully my new shoes give me a new outlook as well as a new outfit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-44829553571617768872011-09-24T00:22:00.000-04:002011-09-25T21:37:23.496-04:00napa? wine not?!oh arent i funny? <br />
i made a pun! <br />
but c'est vraie. i am in wine country unexpectedly, and i could not be happier. <br />
having originally been off to roseville, california, you can not imagine my glee when a slight confusion had us heading to the wrong place, and we were actually expected in napa. <br />
<br />
so i am not just staying in wine country, i am staying in an absolute dream home in napa. <br />
with the last minute changes it was difficult to get a hotel, so the teacher whose school i would be visiting the next day kindly opened her mothers second napan home to us. <br />
<br />
was it going to be a shack? a dive?<br />
would we have to be there all weekend? <br />
what to expect! <br />
but then we pulled up:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcwpBUanoC8Nr48X33b5sFZLQdW241q9d-9qdWHSxOSp7SS9nCYGqQms8BfrHRY9Hr2MeFaKPoAS-5v1enMcgCTgiM82p6J1rD6ymEEMqI8OCwirQT6Qcv31b990nne3Yo8hekxzqScI/s1600/IMG_9360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcwpBUanoC8Nr48X33b5sFZLQdW241q9d-9qdWHSxOSp7SS9nCYGqQms8BfrHRY9Hr2MeFaKPoAS-5v1enMcgCTgiM82p6J1rD6ymEEMqI8OCwirQT6Qcv31b990nne3Yo8hekxzqScI/s320/IMG_9360.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this picture hardly does it justice. HARDLY. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the place is an absolute palace and my tour partner and i have it all to ourselves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">brilliant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">we have yet to go and explore napa, the vineyards and downtown are on the schedule for tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this area is totally different from the bay area of san francisco- people are way more casual except for the tourists apparently, who are for the most part dressed head to toe in ann taylor one piece suits, wide brimmed hats and dark sunglasses... i suppose that is one look for visiting the vinyards! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">as i sit in my temporary mansion, i cant help but feel totally grateful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i am in california! in NAPA! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so i do as the napans (safe to assume thats what they are called?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i grab a glass and a bottle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JxktBn36PTphz2Xq8Qo8QQL3yoOV2F6SASvoba20c7Beiv2AaPihuAf5YB5eOETZOzhUbmRGET9zS4Az2EgDaQrqDlTiue-JR08KozHqTRxXOM231tw17qiEJSvomrYKv1Pbq0pncBg/s1600/IMG_9364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JxktBn36PTphz2Xq8Qo8QQL3yoOV2F6SASvoba20c7Beiv2AaPihuAf5YB5eOETZOzhUbmRGET9zS4Az2EgDaQrqDlTiue-JR08KozHqTRxXOM231tw17qiEJSvomrYKv1Pbq0pncBg/s320/IMG_9364.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">last night i was introduced to pepper ridge sauvignon blanc, and today on my own i made a terrible attempt at finding a wine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">mesmerized by the bottle of my choices extravagant label, i failed to read what it actually was...a wine from new zealand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">fail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">it is called eco love and is an organic wine grown in at an eco sustainable certified vinyard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so thats cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the most surprising thing to me was this: after having had the wine last night that was just out of control excellent, and then having this wine i wasnt crazy about i could actually taste the difference! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i can never taste the difference! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">maybe i am wrapped up in the charm of a napa, but dare i say i even have a new favourite?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this evening i spent some quality time with none other than myself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">with tour being as crazy as its been it's been hard to spend time just being.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i bought my new zealand wine (what a napa fail.), grabbed vogue and the hobbit and sat in the backyard beside an apple tree. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH0hepMpXQ2ZHK5OM3ZkH_Wvz_gd6JlUiMLNfoySfUrTSF8jIO4gjINosju6Gtcu9YdCej9RoPsqSdH5GM-9d_zV5Zrf4_jkILMaRI7T3Mhb8U1lShsA3fUpy70ghrhi84WkUxcR6OkI/s1600/IMG_9394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH0hepMpXQ2ZHK5OM3ZkH_Wvz_gd6JlUiMLNfoySfUrTSF8jIO4gjINosju6Gtcu9YdCej9RoPsqSdH5GM-9d_zV5Zrf4_jkILMaRI7T3Mhb8U1lShsA3fUpy70ghrhi84WkUxcR6OkI/s320/IMG_9394.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">tomorrow i venture down town and to the vinyards, i am hoping that i will finally be able to put my camera to good use and get some good shots in! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">word on the street here is that there is a castle and some excellent hiking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... also a j.crew outlet. woooah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">it's been a long first week in california.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">truth be told, i am exhausted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we've been all over the place, i have started a quest for self improvement, there is a time difference... there is only one thing left to do. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">i must napa in napa.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-32297970328443859532011-09-22T02:56:00.000-04:002011-09-22T03:05:22.642-04:00corte madera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">After a morning working, i had no choice but to take the car and drive to the bay,where i spent the afternoon exploring the area just outside sarasota and san fran.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">the highway and side roads are nearly consumed by giant trees, rolling hills and delightful little views of the bay. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">so, another con for my list here in california: the views are so incredible. the sky, the water, the trees... everything is picture perfect but there is NEVER a place to stop and capture it! my goodness, jerry brown: your state is beautiful: build some lookout points! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">luckily for me, i found myself in the bay area in a harbour near dusk. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">it's so hard to believe that people actually live in a place this beautiful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF2vMowebu7IzMMaODmW2C7OnZ0Mh2IOmChgCQpcdME08sIfH7ubCOkLAFF7kjfnwrcy99UNIsYdfh3kZ4_P03KrOMH-XseiXwNqVtDEt7qVnRtcGIpa3NpZPNj8dSVmVhA23q4TpMnM/s1600/california+266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF2vMowebu7IzMMaODmW2C7OnZ0Mh2IOmChgCQpcdME08sIfH7ubCOkLAFF7kjfnwrcy99UNIsYdfh3kZ4_P03KrOMH-XseiXwNqVtDEt7qVnRtcGIpa3NpZPNj8dSVmVhA23q4TpMnM/s320/california+266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">but before my time harbour side, my adventures today brought me to a high end outdoor mall. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">at first it looked like your average run of the mill mall, but turns out that once you pass through a stone wall its an entirely different world.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">anthropologie.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">j. crew</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">free people</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">... the list goes on and on!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">stores canada wishes it could house!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">and then there i was. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">failing at my attempt to be fashionable due to having come straight from work. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">tshirt, jeans, toms, hardly what one would expect from a californian! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">i was surrounded by people who fit into that indescribably effortlessly effort-ful californian style. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">the plan was to not buy anything. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">yup.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">i was attempting the impossible and failed at the very first hurdle. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">1: starbucks. tall non-fat tazo chai latte. yum.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">2: browse anthropologie. purchase made.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">3: browse j.crew. purchase made.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">4: browse madewell. purchase... well, made.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">5. browse free people: no purchase! success</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">6. lulu: no purchase</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">7. juicy couture: damn it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">here are the fruits of my labour:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9z4EM02updYF709vCZTNmzAD3px4NNSR1eHzssz_oXWBlvhmNAIt57ibXyOZHLuXHJZ6A6ZL398G_SH8JLE8SGT5sFtZ5BNSTJxwrBSnXRFeEcbiGFELKW-rQO3lRD-t-ptpP7MRD9w/s1600/california+271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9z4EM02updYF709vCZTNmzAD3px4NNSR1eHzssz_oXWBlvhmNAIt57ibXyOZHLuXHJZ6A6ZL398G_SH8JLE8SGT5sFtZ5BNSTJxwrBSnXRFeEcbiGFELKW-rQO3lRD-t-ptpP7MRD9w/s320/california+271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">1. polka dot headband - Anthropologie</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">2. beaded, glitter headband - j.crew</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">3. royal blue scarf - madewell</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">4.embellished friendship bracelet - juicy couture</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">5. vanity fair for good measure.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">ok. so accessorizing to get the california look is going well. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">the budget... not going so well. but also kind of going well considering i AM in california and i have only made a few purchases! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">i wont be in the big cities again until next week, so hopefully that keeps everything in check, but you never know! its the small towns with all their small town charms that have those incredible little boutiques! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st">dear me: practice restraint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.madewell.com/index.jsp"><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">http://www.madewell.com/index.jsp</span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp"><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp</span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.freepeople.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">http://www.freepeople.com/</span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-48057346930592651352011-09-20T20:50:00.000-04:002011-09-20T20:50:32.314-04:00california stylewell, i will say one thing about california: it truly does make one want to spend far too much time on appearance... like the whole nine yards, hair, make up, nails, clothes... AND THEN, after spending all that time on said appearance the end goal being to look like you have spent no time at all! <br />
<br />
california style. at its finest. <br />
<br />
so i have yet to be in san francisco or LA, but in palo alto and san mateo, the look is chic and undone. i am loving the messy buns and beach waves, but with a mix of the fall season with scarves and boots... vivid brights, sheer lace, heels. <br />
im also kind of loving that friendship braceletes are back with a vengance, but this time around the brightly coloured string has some fun embelishments, like stones and charms. <br />
<br />
so while i noticed all this fun cali style, i decided that while im here, even though im working it could be a fun time to take more time for myself.<br />
maybe i should spend more than 3 minutes on my make up? maybe i should actually check to make sure that half of my hair isnt still curly post round brush blow dry? the answer to all these questions and more is YES! <br />
<br />
so i bought myself a little inspiration:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUUueLncdDqdHk4CeHW5_AVjAO38tmEsBARfDxzKu5kPskeJkwJ08Z1xcjLT-n5Bd34l4f8Q6iRI4doxl3s9SSFa08vkjlwK5YxmwLD8mn2GXRcijkhBEAIW2qGgGNPVip3mIyBJHxMg/s1600/San+Jose-20110920-00013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUUueLncdDqdHk4CeHW5_AVjAO38tmEsBARfDxzKu5kPskeJkwJ08Z1xcjLT-n5Bd34l4f8Q6iRI4doxl3s9SSFa08vkjlwK5YxmwLD8mn2GXRcijkhBEAIW2qGgGNPVip3mIyBJHxMg/s320/San+Jose-20110920-00013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">in true california style, i sat in a starbucks and read the local magazine, aptly names california style! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(side note: kate bosworth- can you be any more excellent?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this little gem cost me only $5 and is full of little tid bits on where to shop and how to "get the look"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 weeks in cali, i guess i should give it a go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i guess i was on the right track because just as i temporarily left life behind i had begun to dabble in nail art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">essie nail polish is my best friend on the road and it turns out that to purchase in the states is considerably cheaper, so spend more time on my nails? check!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbco2fNMl0Dkh27qdjKu-z80dwDLQFRW6C0AjPiY-AF4qJPDh0DK856BNv9oREq-woOESsSMYfKpygza7PpsOnOLL6Tua8JiqXk7K8JBk0k95ll5IDjpc6VYHi53p1wrIOZzc7-_UwFw/s1600/IMG_9107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbco2fNMl0Dkh27qdjKu-z80dwDLQFRW6C0AjPiY-AF4qJPDh0DK856BNv9oREq-woOESsSMYfKpygza7PpsOnOLL6Tua8JiqXk7K8JBk0k95ll5IDjpc6VYHi53p1wrIOZzc7-_UwFw/s320/IMG_9107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">also, i have been eating better! a night sans pizza! check this out:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eDCdSjIC0S2Pn_UR5ishpGHnZCqE7Vm-R4CVzCLZEBs1IBHOyaJMjtSfuHfiBYlYOzZqFTcUDjmKf5l7frqkrxPQcjwAnJElkfVfSrb0rPdIyTaHForTIj9Syn-2BY96Ymhc3wB549M/s1600/San+Mateo-20110919-00010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eDCdSjIC0S2Pn_UR5ishpGHnZCqE7Vm-R4CVzCLZEBs1IBHOyaJMjtSfuHfiBYlYOzZqFTcUDjmKf5l7frqkrxPQcjwAnJElkfVfSrb0rPdIyTaHForTIj9Syn-2BY96Ymhc3wB549M/s320/San+Mateo-20110919-00010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">after leaving the mountains it turns ou that real food does exist! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">poached peach salad with blue cheese and walnuts on spinach with a side of pea and barley soup. delish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">tomorrow im off for an evening in san francisco. i will do my nails, add some eye liner and see how it goes.</div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-4384754615283223242011-09-20T02:31:00.000-04:002011-09-20T02:32:42.856-04:00california & the town of the butterfly, Mariposai am currently in california.<br />
im here on tour and so far i have to say... i have mixed feelings. <br />
<br />
pros:<br />
1. the weather. brilliant.<br />
its hot, but not humid. literally, there has not been one cloud in the sky<br />
2. the view! mountains one minute, bays the next! <br />
3. fields of windmills! i know this is controversial and some might have issues with it but man... forward thinking eco friendly. <br />
<br />
cons:<br />
1. the view. right, i know... wasnt this a pro? yes. it was. BUT i have to be honest. there are hills and mountains, but everything is yellow. the heat here doesnt allow for big green growth! it has its own charm, but im not sure about it all yet. <br />
2. ah food. so far the only option has been pizza! to be fair a) we were in remote mariposa. and b) it was free. im sure this will soon become a pro.<br />
<br />
My first stop in california took me to the small town of mariposa. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUIQAxcyXGo3vS3T_ziSq58nXQEwbA3bYVQdGyiN_MmtBdepCozGeBs4j4bvJ5RcABFUQbr2B1iaCIafQfyvPMF6aTeIF_RQbWiDIaJTARQ_3uxoDpknNfQn7AM4z3X002Ca-YdFO35U/s1600/IMG_9192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUIQAxcyXGo3vS3T_ziSq58nXQEwbA3bYVQdGyiN_MmtBdepCozGeBs4j4bvJ5RcABFUQbr2B1iaCIafQfyvPMF6aTeIF_RQbWiDIaJTARQ_3uxoDpknNfQn7AM4z3X002Ca-YdFO35U/s320/IMG_9192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
up in the mountains, this is a small town that was founded during the american gold rush and evidence of its history is found throughout the town. it has old saloon style doors and those funny little posts to tie your horse on while you go back into said saloon for a beer. <br />
there was also an abundance of stray cats and american flags. <br />
the flags being everywhere was way more expected than all the cats, including the one that was outside my hotel room scratching at the door all night. <br />
<br />
mariposa is 3 hours away from the hustle and bustle of the bay area of san francisco, and sadly, most of the most beautiful parts of the drive do not allow for stops for photo opps. <br />
most of the drive is only 2 shades: yellow and blue. blue sky yellow hills and fields.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3225vfQshdAhUWXK8JHP4G3oVcXFUj59RFBYAiyoCRAnA_Jk0iCPg6yfcxgt2HG4ucOEJcL-GjNSvXPo1nraengQzK1AaDiri5hXRpTXiloSrJ63C5H3hX5L0EyZZpFxrCCQYfQYSaU/s1600/IMG_9213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3225vfQshdAhUWXK8JHP4G3oVcXFUj59RFBYAiyoCRAnA_Jk0iCPg6yfcxgt2HG4ucOEJcL-GjNSvXPo1nraengQzK1AaDiri5hXRpTXiloSrJ63C5H3hX5L0EyZZpFxrCCQYfQYSaU/s320/IMG_9213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLanQRZjFqgx711SJViuvoOPHsdSiH2fGrC4dapmHIT7cXX38mQzfoFF4n1tWkd3xNwvxpOqTMROeLlENiLDZ7RUZzaSy3MZZJG7FmLNd1TrFJSA_8MLpO0-YEGz3FW2beKl9-Ju9qWU/s1600/IMG_9247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLanQRZjFqgx711SJViuvoOPHsdSiH2fGrC4dapmHIT7cXX38mQzfoFF4n1tWkd3xNwvxpOqTMROeLlENiLDZ7RUZzaSy3MZZJG7FmLNd1TrFJSA_8MLpO0-YEGz3FW2beKl9-Ju9qWU/s320/IMG_9247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
... and of course there the awesome amounts eco friendly energy sources.<br />
<br />
i truly hope that as my time here passes i will have some time to wander the streets or climb a mountain or two. with the nature of work and my schedule i know it will be a bit of a challenge, but i am excited to explore the cities, large and small, and the amazing nature that surrounds and inspires the residents of california.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221294131779224582.post-59605598589150961622011-09-19T01:48:00.000-04:002011-09-19T02:16:15.275-04:00Anno Nuovo, Vita NuovaNew Year, New Life.<br />
my motto & my mantra from this day forth, i do declare! <br />
<br />
(i realize that i am starting my new year in september and not in january, i am not calendar-challenged... BUT for the sake of argument, and with my job, my year truly does run on a september-september calendar.)<br />
<br />
In any case... in may this past year i made a list of 20-something resolutions that failed to take flight. <br />
why am i sharing this? <br />
well. good question. <br />
the point is i didnt share them. i didnt pursue them. my resolutions sat in a notebook as a sad reminder of what i wanted for myself and failed to achieve. <br />
nuts to that!<br />
the reason i share this with you, friend, is that by putting it out there, right there in the open, i am choosing to hold myself accountable to YOU. <br />
<br />
these selected 15 resolutions are back on the table for new life!<br />
things happen... people you love move away, your job sucks, you miss your friends and family... whatever it is... and you loose sight of what you want. <br />
over the next year, these are my resolutions that i am openly pursuing, and i hope you call me out when i stray.<br />
<br />
happy new year to me! <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>the list</u><br />
1. observe more, say less<br />
2. be patient<br />
3. stress less<br />
4. sleep less<br />
5. sweat more<br />
6. travel where you want to go<br />
7. run!<br />
8. take initiative<br />
9. complain less<br />
10. make more plans<br />
11. be positive!<br />
12. be green<br />
13. be ideal weight this year, if not now then it will never happen<br />
14. don't look too far into the future<br />
15. <u>be happy</u>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763330684833374971noreply@blogger.com0