date idea: circus class

I came across these pictures of us at Firefly Theatre's A Taste of the Circus class from a while back.

It was so fun. We learned a bit about the trapeze, vertical rope, aerial silks (those were my fav!) and we had a go at juggling. Scott and I both like to fit in some exercise into our dates, so this was perfect for us. Plus, I think it's important to try out new things with your main squeeze.

We laughed and laughed at our lack of grace and in my case, lack of upper body strength. The top right picture shows how far I made it up the vertical rope. Ha! Meanwhile, Scott was able to climb the rope and touch the roof in no time at all. Such a show off, that guy (;

Would you take a circus class? Yes, or no way? It just so happens that Firefly is offering two classes this summer. I would highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a cool date idea or birthday present.

It was such an awesome experience that I'd  love go again!

p.s. Remember when Carrie took to the trapeze on Sex and the City? On our next visit to New York, we're definitely going to visit the Trapeze School featured on that episode. Too cool.

we're going to charleston!

 

Our anniversary trip is finally booked, y'all! Scott and I are going to Charleston, South Carolina! We're crazy excited and cannot wait to spend a week exploring its quaint neighbourhoods, plantations (especially this one), Waterfront Park and the historic City Market. The trip will be so romantic and a much needed shot in the arm after our seven month long winter. Oh, and the food! Just thinking about the delicious things we're going to eat is enough to keep me from sleeping for the next two weeks.

We're staying at the charming Zero George - a boutique hotel recently named to Travel + Leisure's It List: The Best New Hotels. Usually, we're not too fussy about where we stay as long as it's clean, comfortable and not too spendy, but this is our 10th anniversary getaway so we decided to splurge. I'm looking forward  to drinking sweet tea on that gorgeous veranda (:

Have you ever been to Charleston? Any advice on what to see, do and eat? We'd love to hear! Thank you so much for any tips!

p.s. Charleston has been on my mind since February. Grazie to everyone who weighed in way back then!

Photos by Zero George and hanneorla.

style: my first guest post!

Hey friends! Today you can find me guest posting over at blah blah birds. The ladybirds (Dyan, Toni & Jennifer) asked me to participate in a special series which follows a pretty pink Cambridge satchel (yup, the one in the pic!) on its North American travels. The bag is a regular jet setter and has already visited bloggers in New York, Atlanta, DC, Jersey and LA before making its way to me in Edmonton. Cool, right!?

Hop on over to their blog to check out how I styled the Cambridge satchel!

p.s. didja hear? all kinds of lovely is now on facebook. hope to see you there (:

eat: coconut cake with lemon glaze

I made this coconut cake for our book club, last night. It got rave reviews - which made me so happy because it was my first attempt at making it. Who knew coconut and lemon would make such a great couple?

In non-cake related news, all kinds of lovely is now on facebook (I'm SO late to the party). Pop by and say hello!

Happy Monday, friends!

p.s. This is the book we just finished reading. Now, we're on to this one.

etsy: mother's day gift idea

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12-- about two weeks away! Wouldn't this print make the most wonderful gift? It's from one of my fav etsy shops, oh my deer, and is also available as a card and poster.

I love the verse's timeless, poignant message. Although I'm not religious, it appeals to my spiritual side.

What do you think?

p.s. I also like this card and this sweet vase.

loving... emerson's emerald dress

I've had a crush on the fashions from Emerson Fry (formerly Emerson Made) for some time now, but this emerald green dress trumps them all. Effortless, chic and easily worn with flat sandals or a pair of strappy heels, I'd like to bring it (and these) on my summer trip to Charleston - which by the way, procrastinator me hasn't even booked yet - surprise surprise (:

Hope you're having a fantastic week!

Dajana

style: my new fav tshirt

Y'all! I'd like to introduce you to my new fav tshirt. It's fantastic - soft material, doesn't hug your tummy and is made in Austin, Texas by the lovely Kacie from mamacase prints on etsy. I love this shirt and put it on soon as I got it in the mail - it's loose and comfy but still has a flattering fit.

Kacie specializes in original screen printed baby and kid shirts (love this one!) but also does custom adult orders. Make sure to check out her shop!

Happy Thursday!

p.s. Wondering why a Canadian girl has such an affinity for y'all? Well, it became one of my fav sayings after I visited Dallas in 1998. I had won a free trip to see Ricky Martin in concert.  Don’t judge (:  That's also the same time I tried my first ever deep fried Monte Cristo sandwich, served with a side of jelly. So good and yet so bad!

lucy's 7. and as sweet as ever.

Just look at that face! Is it any wonder that we couldn't resist welcoming her into our lives seven years ago?

She may have added 65 pounds to her frame, but she's just as lovable now as she was then.

Happy birthday sweet Lucy! You're going to the dog park today, birthday girl (:

p.s. I wasn't always keen on being a dog owner. Remember this post?

hello birthday!

I'm turning 38 today! And you know what? It feels pretty dang good (I seriously always thought old people just said that to feel better about life, but no, it's really true!). I’ve enjoyed each year of my thirties - even the challenging ones. I think it’s because I feel more settled in who I am and am more confident, secure, and creative than I ever was in my twenties. There are still plenty of things to figure out in your thirties, but it seems like there is less uncertainty and turmoil. And who doesn’t like that?

So how am I celebrating today? I took the day off from work, am getting my hair done (someone else shampooing your hair is the best gift!), will probably visit this place for a wee bit (ha!), and then I’m off to dinner at Sabor Divino with some of my favourite peeps. Choco-cayenne mousse, here I come!

I'm also looking forward to having lunch with my mom. Thanks to a great idea from my fav blog, A Cup of Joe, I'm bringing her flowers. She deserves it. After all, it was a life changing day for her, too.

Here's to another great year of thirties bliss! I have to make these last two count, y'know (:

p.s. Happy Easter weekend, friends!

loving... zara's online shopping

Did you hear the collective squeal of delight across Canada last week when Zara introduced online shopping? That was the sound of a bunch of very happy Canadians! And frankly, it's about time. There isn’t anything more annoying than finding something you really like online only to realize that shipping to Canada isn’t an option (this happens far too often, I think).

I've always loved Zara and am most excited about being able to buy shoes online (I already have a couple of pairs & couldn't be happier with how comfy & chic they are). I'm also not a huge fan of shopping in store. The larger shoe sizes always seem to fly off the shelves first and is it only me, or are their change rooms mini-sized?

Here are some of the things that made it into my first shopping cart:










If you haven't already heard, the prices are the same as in stores, there's free delivery if you spend $50+ (with eco-friendly packaging, no less) and you can make returns within a month at local stores or, and this is so cool, have them picked up from your digs at no charge. Plus, there’s a new app, too, so shopping on your smartphone or tablet is even more streamlined.

Have you shopped online with Zara yet? What did you think?

p.s. Happy weekend!!