Insta-whore

1. kBBQ + Sushi = stuffed dead Roya (it's a delicacy in these parts)
2. Paint chips stolen from Home Depot to be used in a special project I have planned
3. David's Tea is a perfect example of creating your own customer base - before they came to town I DIDN'T EVEN DRINK TEA GUISE. Now I'm obsessed.
4. The hipster goddess that is my little sister.
5. A painting said sister drew. I hate her for being flawless (Oh well, at least I'm older. Right?!)
6. New scarf from Urban Outfitters that I creeped for like a month before buying since I like most sane people have an aversion to 30 dollars scarves. But alas, I caved.
7. #ARMPARTY (self-explanatory and yes, I had to. Sorry.)
8. Space Invaders mural on a house on my street. How come my house isn't this cool?
9. My mother being her lovely self
10. Zara booties that will haunt my nightmares.

I suspect I am rapidly becoming one of those Instagram people who everyone hates but as such a long time Blackberry user I need a few days to revel in the **amazingness** that is Android. that's right, I finally upgraded to a Samsung Gaalxy S3 after spilling nail polish remover on my last phone (RIP Blackberry) and I haven't put it down since I got it five days ago.

In other news, I got back from Lollapalooza about a week ago and it was seriously the best time of my life. I mentioned in my last post that I was heading there alone as my plans with my friend who was supposed to accompany me fell through - to anyone who is thinking about going to a festival or on a trip by themselves, do it. Don't hold yourself back or have regrets about things you wanted to do but didn't because you didn't have someone else around. I had an amazing time at Lolla - saw artists I had been wanted to see for ages, met some incredibly cool people, and got to experience the lovely city of Chicago. My one recommendation would be to stay somewhere like a youth hostel if you can - it was a great, friendly environment that helped me make a lot of friends.

I would post pictures of my time at Lollapalooza but the reality of the situation is that I was either too busy dancing to take any or looking like a hot mess in the few that I did take. You'll just have to take my word that it was amazing - or even better, go check it out yourselves next year.

my life in food photos

Food I've made in the last week - or at least some of it, I'm too lazy to take pictures of everything. Eat well, live well.

I have not been this happy in ages. Or more, content. It's not over the moon elation, but things seem calm and alright and I can't remember ever feeling like that. I'm currently on a shopping ban (full disclosure: I did slip up and buy a pair of high-waisted shorts at a thrift store last week for $10 bucks but they are !awesome!) and I feel like that might be helpful in the happiness department - it's a bit like I'm detoxing myself from all my unnecessary wants & "needs". 

Plus, I have to save money because I'm heading to Lollapalooza!!!!! in NINETEEN DAYS and I cannot wait. I'm actually going by myself, as my housemate who was supposed to come with me can no longer go, which is a bummer. I did consider not going, but I've been wanting to go for years and I saved hard to make sure I could go this year, so I'm going to live life to the fullest and go on my first solo travel experience. Fingers crossed that it's a positive one.

Joe (Keeps Me Looking) Fresh

As you have probably guessed, I am very bad with quips/being witty/good titles but hey, I tried. This is basically a haul post to show you all the shit I have bought from Joe Fresh in the past week - for what I consider pretty awesome prices. As a Canadian I am proud to represent anything that comes out of this country so I hope you won't tire of me constantly hyping my friend Joe.

 

Neon is to fashion bloggers as shiny objects are to magpies, this I will admit. Even though I love neon epic amounts, I held back on buying any neon items of clothing because I'm trying to invest in classic wardrobe pieces right now with the little money I have - and I don't want anything to look dated. That being said, this was one of those pieces that you try on in the dressing room and suddenly nothing else matters - you've got to have it. And so here I am, a blogger cliche once again (but loving it.) This 100% silk shirt was $39 - if you're looking for an affordable Equipment blouse alternative, Joe's got your back.

 

I have been looking for a cheap black maxi skirt forever. I love the concept of a maxi skirt but knew I probably wouldn't get much wear out of it so I knew I didn't want to spend too much on one. Found this one on sale at my local Joe Fresh for $10.

I kept looking at this blouse but I was usually in a rush or busy doing something else when I spotted it. It took me forever to get around to buying it - but when I finally did, it was on sale for $15! (Don't you love when that happens?) I am a sucker for anything with a snakeskin print.


Now it's time for a shopping ban. We'll see how long that lasts....

hiyamoon

After I accidentally dropped and shattered my last crystal bullet necklace, I immediately set out on a mad hunt for a new one. Just got this baby in the mail, and I'm in love. Got it off hiyamoon on Etsy -- be sure to check him out!

P.S. I promise this post was not an excuse to take pictures of my rack.

Life Can Be Cruel, If You're a Dreamer.

People are always telling me that I must not shop in stores, because every time they ask me where I got something, I say "online". After the haul I've received these past two weeks, I've got to acknowledge that they might have a point.

1. Black Milk Hooded Bodysuit. It's a little hard to see laid out on the bed here, but trust me - it'll pay for itself in spades if I ever have to play Beyonce, Lady Gaga or a Sith Lord in some type of musical. Valid reason for buying, right? I thought so too.
2. Studded Loafers, bought off EBay to fulfill my Louboutin Rollerball dreams. Will be a useful covert weapon against creepers in darkened alleyways.
3. Equipment Signature Blouse in Chinese Red. The colour of this thing is stunning in real life. Tip for all my bargain hunters - Revolve offers 30% discount for first-time buyers that is valid for Equipment shirts. I paid 145USD for this instead of 274CAD+tax at Holt Renfrew. Winning.
4. Sunglasses off EBay, inspired by the infamous Prada Baroque collection of sunnies. Lets be real, I'm too poor for real Prada glasses unless they're being partially covered by my insurance.
5. Ring off EBay, inspired by the YSL Arty. Again, in my current financial state I really can't be bothered to splurge on what is basically glorified costume jewelry.
6. Vintage Coach Abbie Purse, bought off Etsy (seriously the best place online to find vintage Coach.) It's seriously the most beautiful shade of lavender, and since I've been wearing mostly black/grey/white lately it adds a really delicate touch of colour to all my outfits which I'm loving. 
7. Black Milk White Wallpaper Dress, bought to fulfill my lifelong dream of blending into a wall a la Garden State. Damask prints for the win!