Happy Happenings

{tanning and bubblegum}

Time is a tricky thing, "an illusion" like the great Abert Einstein once said.  One moment you feel like you are waiting (as patiently as possible) for what feels like an eternity for a certain event or happening and then what seems like overnight, or in the blink of an eye, time speeds up, days fast forward and everything you have been waiting for turns into memories and journal entries.  This past year, I have had so much to look forward to and get excited for that it feels like my whole life has been set in fast forward.  Just the other day, I had to stop everything that I was doing and just take a moment to take it all in.  I needed a few minutes to realize that it is once again summer, something that I look forward to from September until April.  To realize how far I have come in just a year, how much I have changed, and how happy I am.  To realize that I have survived many things that I never thought I could have and I have come out far stronger than I ever thought was imaginable.  I also came to the realization that I need more moments like this.  I need to make time last.  Take everything in. Because before you know it, all you have left are memories.  These are a few memories that flew by but still continue to make me happy.

 

{blue nails and blue skies}

{reading in the shade}

{baking cupcakes for birthdays}

 

{vintage mixed china}

Across the Ocean

JNBY scarf, Forever 21 sunglasses

and denim shirt, H&M bikini,

shorts from New York.

 

I was so excited to go sailing and take advantage of our Summer-esq weather at the beginning of May that I did not even realize I channeled my inner pin-up through my outfit choice.  So far “Summer” has been filled with the sun, the ocean, the beach, cocktails and amazing friends.  It was even warm enough for us to jump in the ocean, something that I have not done in almost 7 years.  A sure sign that this will be the best summer yet! Especially since I am now friends with someone who has a beautiful sailboat and is willing to take it out whenever the sun is shining and the ocean breeze is strong enough.

 

 

 

 

Slow and Simple Melody

Aldo sunglasses, Forever 21 romper and bracelet,

Lily Aldridge for Velvet jacket,

Michael Kors watch, and Spring booties

 

 

The streets around my apartment become breathtaking once spring finally rolls around and the rain decides to give us a break.  The cherry blossoms and flowers added to the incredible ocean views will make you feel bad for not spending a gorgeous day outside.  For a few blocks, you actually forget that you are pretty much living in the center of Vancouver.  The heat from the sun makes the breeze off the water refreshing, perfect temperature for a light jacket even at seven in the evening.  Hopefully the weather will only get better from here. Counting down the days till summer!

 

 

 

 

 



Lemon Lemon Cupcakes

 

 

My inspirational grandmother just celebrated her 90^th birthday.  There aren’t too many gifts that you can buy someone who had lived such an incredible life as she has.  Plus, I can’t really beat my Christmas present to her which was a painting I did of her and my grandfather.  So I decided that cupcakes would be a perfect gift that she could share with everyone.  I found the cake stand at a thrift shop for $3, which was a price I could not refuse.  A few days later my mother and I found cupcake wrappers that matched the stand perfectly.  I figured a lemon cupcake would capture the freshness of Spring and compliment the primary coloured flowers.  I found this recipe and decided to fill them full of lemon pastry filling.  The result was far better than I had ever imagined it to be.  The cupcakes were a hit, I even overheard someone said they were the best cupcake they had ever eaten and that they would gladly pay money for them.  Hands down the best compliment I have ever received when it comes to my baking.

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Home

 

Back.  Again.

These past few months have been life changing.  Many ups and downs, good memories and bad, made new friends, and lost old.  Over the past 10 months, I have found myself. I finally decided that it was time to take a look at my life to make sure that I am headed in the right direction. Best decision of my 24 years.   I now know who I am and what I want.  This was no easy task.  The real, raw  You is a hard thing to face and come to terms with.  Realizing your good traits is easy, but coming to terms with your bad is a challenge all in its own.  This decision led to many other unexpected things.  I found new hobbies like yoga and cake decorating.  I read more.  I like to spend more time alone.  I am closer with my best friends which I never thought was possible.  I lead a healthier, mostly gluten free lifestyle.  I can talk about my feelings and understand others better.  I have become a better listener.  Over all, I am happy.  Really happy.  I have come to recognize that I am independent, I am a leader, I am a lady with poise and etiquette, I excel under pressure, I am opinionated and I stand up for myself.  I have a backbone and I will not let anyone take advantage of me or try to control my life.  Through the help of my friends, I have found out that I have become wiser and I can give really good advice if the time comes.  That was the best realization of all.

Then there are the bad qualities but I have discovered the positive in them.  I like to run away.  Either from pain, life or boredom.  If any of those things decide to linger around too long then I am gone.  The most beautiful places are discovered when you don’t know where you are going.  I am indecisive.  When it comes to where I live, my career choice, what to wear and even what I should buy from the grocery store.  I feel like I should give everywhere and everything a try before I have to make up my mind.  You never know how good something can be unless you give it a chance.   

All of these traits keep life interesting.  They give me many new opportunities and make me excited for the new day.  Who knows where I will end up but I feel like it is all about the journey.  I may disappear for awhile, but I will never get lost and I will always find my way back.