Life Lately: November

I'm going to be honest and say that blogging has been kind of a chore for me lately. I go though stages. Sometimes, I'll feel completely inspired to create posts and share life. And then there will be times like this where it just feels like a challenge to think of anything to post. But despite that, it's not all that hard to put up the multitude of pictures I've been snapping this month, so at least you're getting a monthly update of my life! The beginning of the month was filled with a lot as I received my Christmas card designs and was working on putting together orders. And this last half of November, I've been dedicating time to more Christmas projects and gift planning! I'm getting pretty excited for what December has in store and the brisk weather we're having this week is giving me the winter thrills. 

From the top: // 1. Receiving any mail is fun, but when it's a box of cards that I designed, it's even more fun! You can purchase these in my shop in packs of 4 or 8. // 2. It's been gradual with the Christmas decorating, but slowly bits of festivity can be seen around our space. That Kinfolk issue has always been my favourite. // 3. This shot turned out blurry because I forgot my manual focus was on, but it still turned out to be one of my favourites. Uncle M and Asher reading Asher's favourite book, "Where's Dave?" (not recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months). // 4. The second instalment of holiday decor. You may remember my register makeover from last year. // 5. I've never been much good at sketching out my ideas. But I always have a million of them. So I'm practicing actually using my sketchbook to record everything floating in my head. // 6. A little embroidery project I'm working on (for spring, of all things!). Embroidery still continues to be one of my favourite things. See next picture. // 7. Our home starts to look a little more Scandinavian during the Christmas season. Find instructions for making your own cozy cottage pillow. // 8. Mary, Joseph and Jesus nestled among the air plant and cactus. Isn't that an accurate representation of Bethlehem? // 9. A pretty typical November evening- my projects strewn all over the floor while M works on report cards and we watch episodes of Gilmore Girls (my choice) or 30 Rock (his choice). // 10. Christmas candle chemistry. One of the best afternoons I've spent this whole month.

Now onto my project list for December. This includes lots of sweet baking and crafts galore! What does your December hold? 

Life Lately: October

It was a bit of a whirlwind kind of October (with a lot of rain thrown in!). But I managed to capture little bits of it here and there. Work and life both feel quite busy, but busy is good. I love having just enough going on to always have a project without feeling overwhelmed. And I feel that's exactly how October was. There were a few moments of overwhelm or melancholy, but mostly moments of delight, productivity, rest, and fun. Here are few of them:

From the top // 1. Thanksgiving with my newest handsome little nephew. He has definitely been one of my favourite moments about October. // 2. Making thanksgiving place cards for The Common Creative blog. // 3. A candle lit for my niece in heaven in honour of pregnancy and infant loss awareness day. // 4 + 5. Pear and ginger for the Pear Ginger jam I made. Recipe is posted on TCC blog. // 6. Cozy sundays of crocheting and watching Gilmore Girls. // 7. Did you see these? I added some Christmas cards to my Etsy shop. Pre-order yours here. // 8. A homemade loaf of cinnamon raisin bread makes the most enjoyable morning toast. This recipe was quite phenomenal! Find the recipe here. // 9. A celebration of another nephew's 4th birthday. This little guy loves trains and his day was filled with them!

I'm definitely looking forward to what November has in store. I expect cozy nights in with lots and lots of apple cider. Seeing as this has already been happening, I only imagine it will continue!

Life Lately: Iona Beach

I had meant to post this days ago. But somehow summer gets in the way, or at least, trying to enjoy the last days of it. I'm not looking forward to summer leaving- I feel like I haven't even begun to enjoy it! On the few days that M and I were able to get out together, we made sure to make the most of every moment. Last weekend, we took a small trip to Iona Beach. It felt like a small getaway or escape. This summer has honestly been a test of patience for us. M is a teacher and because of the strike, we have no idea when he'll be going back to work. Also because of that, we've been forced to stay home...no vacations in the budget for us. It becomes taxing emotionally, especially in a city that doesn't take time to slow down. Fortunately, there are many little escapes nearby and Iona Beach is one of those. We spent the evening wandering the shores, collecting driftwood, and staring out into the vast, endless ocean. Somehow, whenever we go to the beach, I'm transported back to the prairies, where I can see for miles and my heart becomes content (even if just for a moment). I long for peaceful days of wandering and I love that I receive that when going to the ocean. Here's to more peaceful days for September! (If this strike ever ends).

Life Lately: July

It's hard to believe July is already over and we're already well into August! Summer is going quickly and I'm not ready to accept that it's half over... It truly is my favourite season and I think July has always been my favourite month. The moods of summer capture me- the slow, relaxed attitude that everything seems to hold, the intense sunbeams that wash over you, and the way everything is thriving, especially in nature. It inspires me to thrive and live more in every moment of each day. I often find that winter forces me to just get through day after day with a lot of struggle and while I still have internal struggle in the summer, those outside sunny influences help me to live a little better through them. So here's what's been keeping me busy this July:

From the top // 1. So many beach days. We try and find any reason to go. I'm going on my second year living in a place that has such quick access to a beach and I'm trying to take advantage of it as often as I can! // 2 + 3. Speaking of beach days, I started off July by celebrating my 25th birthday on the beach! And, while everyone is usually disappeared on vacation during my birthday, I did get to celebrate with a couple close friends. We ate cake and enjoyed the sunshine- it was all I needed. // 4 + 5. M and I have been trying to get as many date days in as we can. It's been a little harder than we initially had planned because of the whole teacher-on-strike situation. He had originally planned to teach summer school and have the afternoons off, but we've enjoyed a few good weekends together to go on dates. These model shots were from our date in North Van to celebrate our 1 year anniversary! It was simple and sweet. // 6. Also on our anniversary, we made sure to stop by our favourite dessert place ever, Sweet Revenge. This place is phenomenal and very special for us. We've been going there for tasty treats from the very beginnings of our relationship. // 7. I've been making lots of yummy treats, including this massive + delicious pancake (dutch baby) which I shared on TCC blog. // 8. Coffee drinking and recipe planning galore. // 9. Planning and painting so many new projects! Keep your eyes out for more on this in the coming month :)

Life Lately: Saskatchewan Edition

I had the chance to travel back to the prairies over the past nine days and it was so very needed. I'm a major homebody and often find it very difficult to be away from Saskatchewan for long periods of time. This year has been the longest I've ever been away and it felt like a marathon...but I made it! And I found my time at home to be refreshing, reviving, and all things delightful. I celebrated my youngest sister's high school graduation, caught up with old friends, enjoyed spending time with family and generally just soaking up the land that I feel so connected to. My only complaint was that M couldn't make it this time around so he was very much missed by everyone. I made him feel better by bringing back a long link of farmer sausage! I didn't take too many pictures this trip, but just enough to capture a few of my favourite moments.

From the top // 1. This little face came to visit, too! I can't get enough of him. // 2. My absolute favourite thing to do around town. Her name is Liza and we go on prairie adventures together. // 3. A very delightful evening celebrating Canada's birthday and graduation with my family. The night, of course, ended off with fireworks (and mosquito bites). // 4. My sister and I ride our treasured bikes together. This place holds memories my wedding so we stopped to enjoy it for a few seconds...before getting eaten alive again by those pesky bugs. // 5. This is what life is about. This is where I find joy. // 6. Because this is the last high five I'll ever get to give my beloved old dog. 

Life Lately: May

I'm giving you a small glimpse into my life lately- you may recognize a few if you follow me on instagram. My days have been filled with all kinds of things. Days are becoming exciting as glimpses of summer start to make an appearance. There's all kinds of newness popping up all over the place and generally days are relaxing and creative. 

From the top // 1. A relaxing walk on the beach overlooking Vancouver downtown. This heron took off just as I was able to pull out my camera. // 2. Along the same beach are multitudes of small rabbits hopping all over and tame as can be- perhaps Peter lost his coat? // 3. A favourite pastime...collecting shells. // 4. My new business cards came in! I'm so pleased- they are exactly as I envisioned. // 4. Working on a project for The Common Creative blog. Keep your eyes peeled next week! // 5. I've added postcards to my shop! These are a great way to send a quick but special greeting. // 6. Enjoying the little bit of sunshine that we get streaming into our windows in the early morning.