weekly (un)wind: goodbye, summer

(a beautiful august wedding)

I know I sound like someone that should be quoted on shit girls say, but this summer has gone by so quickly.

Summer has always been my favorite season. My worst nightmare is bulky clothing and itchy sweaters. I should really move somewhere that's hot year round. I was hoping for an Indian summer that lasted until late September, but the weather lately has been the complete opposite!

I'll always remember this summer as a season that stretched me to my limits, work-wise. Even though I can place a lot of pressure and be very hard on myself, I love to see my personal growth. 
                  

(date nights w/ jeff, boat rides & a brand new book from my favorite bloggers) 

 

Outside of work, I am so happy I had the opportunity this summer to take a getaway to Toronto, see a couple amazing concerts, spend the day at a cottage with some of my closest friends, and have endless valencia oranges at Starbucks with Jeff.

 

(beach reads)

A perfect summer wedding, decorating my place in bright pops of colour, eating my weight (and maybe more..) in sushi, reading a few great (and not-so-great) books, "blurred lines", and my new tattoo will always remind me of summer 2013.

Jeff loves fall, and I have to say that I'm excited to have nice hair again - ugh, humidity. Ever since I've been out of school, I still see the start of September as a time for getting back to routine.

                        (project life - my new scrapbook! having fun remembering the details from the last few months.)

One of my best friends was talking about her personal goals now that she's finished university. I place a lot of focus on my work, and I would like to find a better work/life balance and achieve some of my personal goals. Some are silly, and some are things that have been on my list for a long time. Maybe one day I'll share them here!

Coming from someone that has never been able to keep a personal agenda for more then a month, I really want a way to keep myself motivated. This seems easy enough - make a concrete list, cross it off when something gets done. We'll see how I do!

What's on your list of "goals" this fall? 

Sam

Weekly (un)Wind

I'm a day late on my Weekly (un)Wind. I have good reason though! Drum roll...I have the weekend off! So yesterday, I was actually able to celebrate Friday to the fullest. I think I said "TGIF" so many times that I started to annoy Jeff.
(Remember TGIF that used to be on ABC in the 90's? Boy Meets World..You Wish..Sabrina the Teenage Witch..Teen Angel..am I dating myself yet?)
 
See above picture for what I spent my evening doing. Relaxing on the patio, reading a book, having a drink, enjoying the heat. Happy girl!  

Last weekend was a long weekend for us in Canada, and Jeff and I took advantage and went to Preston street. We went for a coffee, took a long walk, had a delicious lunch and went to the (above) craft sale. I couldn't resist taking home the Giraffe print.

Cheesy quotes and cartoon cats make for the best bookmarks. Pictured right are my new "knuckle rings". Sounds tough, until you see the tiny heart and bow bands. Ha.

 

New notebooks are my favorite. Finding new designer notebooks for half price at Winners makes it even better!

Although I have two little kitties, I was a total dog lover growing up. Pictured left is my parents  rescue dog, Tucker. He is the sweetest (not so little) puppy you could ever meet. He just turned one, so naturally we had a full-on birthday party for him, gifts and cake included. 

On the right, Jeff's parents asked us to watch their two chihuahuas, Dora and Diego, while they went on vacation. How sweet is the little heart on her head? 

Lastly...I got my tattoo! Tuesday was a big day for me. I made an appointment last minute at Living Colour on Dalhousie in downtown Ottawa. In this post I mentioned my tattoo, and where I got the idea from. I brought my mom with me (which was a blessing) because no one warned me how badly coloured tattoos hurt. Tears were shed. Seriously. But, I absolutely love it, and now I have it for life!

---

I heard it's supposed to storm here in Ottawa tomorrow, so it's the perfect day to snuggle in bed and get lost in your favorite book (or blog!). Here are some links to keep you company:

- My new desktop is available for download here. I love opening my computer to a little bit of inspiration.
- I thought I'd seen all there was in nail art before I stumbled upon...nail jewellery? I think I like it...
- My favorite advice article ever written.
- Couldn't help but have a giggle at Vanity Fair's "Amanda Bynes Coluring Book" (Like I said..I'm a 90's baby..I grew up watching "The Amanda Show"!)
- Creative ways to use a disposable camera - I want to try them all!
- This print on Etsy was made for me, I'm fairly certain.
- "Why powerful women make the greatest friends" - A must read.

Happy Sunday!