A Few Favourite Things

So it's been a while since I've posted here, and I won't apologize -- I've just been happily living my life for the last month or so. My New Year's resolution this year was to spend less time documenting and planning my life, and more time living it. So just take my absence from this space as an indication that I'm succeeding in that.

It's been a big month. I've been making lots of plans, figuring things out for next semester at school, and enjoying my summer as much as possible. On top of the usual daily routine, I've fostered the most beautiful dog from the RSPCA (but their policy prohibits me from sharing photos until he's ready for adoption). However, I have found some time to slow down and enjoy the everyday, and I wanted to share some of that with you here. I thought I might share my 'favourites,' but instead of material possessions, focus instead on events/activities/recipes (although there are a couple new things I want to share!)

Lazy afternoons reading

I've been reading a lot lately, which has been lovely and much-needed. There's something delightfully comforting about reading on the couch while it rains down on the windows. I recently finished The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion and loved it just as much as the first Rosie novel. Don's narration is so refreshing and not frustrating, as I find many narrators to be. Right now I'm reading Diana Gabaldon's Dragonfly in Amber, the second in her Outlander series. I've absolutely been swept up in Claire and Jamie's story, and love DG's writing and Claire's narration. I'm up to date with the TV show so I can't wait to finish this novel and get on to the next one.

And watching some television

A couple of great shows I've been watching lately have kept me entertained in the evenings. Master of None, Aziz Ansari's show, was a seriously entertaining but light-hearted watch. Well cast and with clever humour, it was the perfect kind of show to watch over a couple of rainy days in bed. Then I started Please Like Me, created by Australian comedian Josh Thomas. It is a wonderfully optimistic show that deals with complicated issues in a tasteful way. I really liked that the main character, Josh, didn't seem to have any idea what he was doing as he entered adulthood, which I found very relatable and realistic. Finally, I've just finished the the first season of Jane the Virgin. I had watched a few episodes a while back but never got into the story, but recently I rented the season from the library and found myself totally invested in the storyline. While the premise is a little ridiculous, the characters are complex and interesting, and I love it now!

Planning for the next few months

I'm such a planner that I've been busy making lists and calendars and checklists to get ready for the next semester. Without even trying, I find myself with five jobs/roles on top of classes, so I'm in for a very busy few months on campus. I bought a new diary from Kikki.K (that has lots of little illustrations to colour in) and I've been using Apple Calendars and Google docs to make plans and lists so I'm all ready to go. It just makes me so happy to colour code and highlight things so I've really been enjoying that.

New additions to the wardrobe

While I didn't set out to shop too much this summer, I have picked up a few nice new pieces that I adore. I bought a pair of Blundestone 585 boots recently and have practically been living in them, they're so comfortable! They go with just about anything and I love love love them to bits. I also stopped in Chapel St. the other day and bought a lovely pair of cotton pants at Sussan, as well as a tunic dress and jacket in the Ishka sale (honestly I don't know of a better sale than an Ishka sale!) I love the colours of these pieces and they are all soft and made of cotton, which is just awesome.

Delicious breakfasts

I recently picked up the PB2 powdered peanut butter in chocolate flavour, and have been loving that so far! My favourite breakfast lately has been oats with chia and flax seeds, some chopped banana and the PB2 chocolate drizzled on top. So good! I'm also pretty obsessed with overnight oats- basically just oats and chia left to soak in coconut/almond milk and coconut yoghurt overnight. Top with some fresh fruit and it's a quick and delicious breakfast on the go.

x B

Brands I Love: Toast

By nature I am poor at making decisions, and this translates to my wardrobe choices. My style changes frequently and drastically, but there are a few brands that I have loved regardless of my current taste, I think because their clothing is so versatile and timeless.

I first found Toast a couple of years ago, and since then they have quickly become one of my favourite brands. Not only are their styles to die for, but their artistic team is so great, and they release a look-book each season which is always incredible. Although they are not a cheap brand, the quality is outstanding and they do have good sales. I picked up a few things last year, including two of my now-favourite skirts and a lovely cardigan.

Here are some of my favourite photos from their A/W15 collections:

What is your favourite brand? Or like me, do you also have many? Let me know!

x B

Wish List: November

This month has been one of those where I just want everything! Do you ever have those? I feel like whenever I see something I like, I start thinking about whether I can afford it, and it's not a great state of mind to be in. I've started keeping a wish list on Pinterest that I update often, which helps me avoid impulse purchases. I thought I would share a few things I wish I owned right now!

1. LL Bean Donegal Wool Blazer. This is so pretty and honestly I may just buy it. I think it would go with everything and be good dressed up or down.
2. Porselli Oxblood Suede flats. Classic, they don't really need an explanation! I love a good pair of ballet flats.
3. The North Circular Marl Beanie. Lily Cole started this brand a few years ago, and I love it. They use sustainable materials, and everything is handmade by 'Grannies' in the UK.
4. Lily Lambert Pavo perfume. I tried this on months ago and fell in love with it, but can't find it anywhere! I may just buy it online! To me, it smells like the perfect mix between a relaxing yoga afternoon and romantic evening. It's dark and lovely.