2013 Resolutions!

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Lesley

Hello hello!

As much as I’d like to say I’m not one to make resolutions, I totally am. I am, however, much less likely to just start & stop on January 1. I’m more likely to start on the following Monday. I don’t know why but Monday’s always seem like a good day to start something new.

Anyway, first things first. Here were my 2012 resolutions. So how did I do?

Actually not that bad!

1. Did I wear heels more often? Yes! Although it took me awhile to find more wearable daily heels. I found an excellent selection at The Bay and ended up buying three pairs of shoes in five minutes. I also found that Aldo is bringing in more low to mid heels. Fantastic.

One pair of my resolution shoes. A bit more boring than the usual party heels I lean to but a worthy investment since I wore them often. Heel’s still a bit high.

2. Project 365? Nope. I just can’t get it together with that. I’m not sure what it is with me. I think I just have a problem finding content that I think is worth a photo and in the end I take nothing.

3. Buy a home/condo? Result! Yes and it was the best thing I did all year, hands down.

4. Finished Rosetta Stone Italian? Nope. I had problems with my computer and ended up getting a little netbook to tide me over. I didn’t realized until after that there’s no CD drive. I’ll have to pick up an external and get back on it.

Onwards and upwards!

2013 Resolutions:

1. Learn how to sew!

This has been on my list for a long time now. I was so fortunate to receive a sewing machine from my parents for Christmas. How fantastic is it?! I’m terrified though. It looks like such a foreign object to me. Thank goodness for YouTube tutorials!

2. Be more active

This is such a vague resolution but it it’s kind of along the lines of saying yes more often or trying new things. I don’t mean active in an exclusively physical way but that wouldn’t hurt either.

3. Reduce clutter

I am such a clutter bug. I can’t stand dirty dishes or a dirty kitchen but a stack of six months worth of magazines? No bother at all. My condo has gotten so full of clutter over the past few months that it was really overwhelming. I’ve spent the past few days de-cluttering and it feels so freeing! I’m really going to make it my personal mission to stay on top of it.

4. Make more to-do lists!

I am a to-do list fiend when it comes to work. I’ve always got a notebook beside me full of all the things I need to focus on. Now, I need to start doing that in my personal life starting with all the things I still need to do in my condo. Ooh maybe I can turn that into a critical path…or is that too nerdy?

One of the many little things I want to update in my condo. Digital thermostat please!

That’s it! What are your personal goals / resolutions for 2013?

Current Crush Thursday: Fancy Knitted Socks

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Lesley

This month, you can link up at The Wright Stuff.

Ever since I began knitting just over a year ago, I’ve been dreaming of creating a pair of pretty, fancy socks. I have to admit that I’m a bit intimidated about the double pointed needles so I keep putting it off. I’ve found with knitting and crochet that things are a lot easier when you break it down step by step but I’m still nervous about it. I’ve decided to make a pair soon because I’d like to give them out to my parents and brother for Christmas presents. I better start practicing. Do you have any tips?

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What are you crushing on at the moment?

Sweet Charity : Take Off Your Clothes Winnipeg

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Lesley

Hello lovelies!

A couple of days ago I found out about a great new charity event happening in Winnipeg – Take Off Your Clothes. The event works like this: You turn in your previously loved clothing and receive vouchers for the big SWAP! On event day, you come down to the main event and pick up some clothes that others have donated. Fantastic idea! The best part is that all proceeds go to the Kids Help Phone here in Winnipeg. I love purging my closet so I’m really looking forward to this especially since I’m planning to move soon.

Save the Date!
April 21, 2012
11 am – 4 pm
Delta Winnipeg

Interested in joining in on the fun? Check out their Info Page and RSVP to their Facebook event page! Also, if you’re not in Winnipeg, check out their main web site as they have other upcoming events across the country.

See you there!

Tribute : Sandbox Magazine

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Lesley

Sidebar: I totally want that bunny in my life.

Nearly two years ago, I was in McNally Robinson checking out magazines and came across Sandbox for the first time. I was drawn to the magazine right away but it was only when I read the cover that I realized it was a local Winnipeg mag. Naturally, I flipped through it briefly and decided to purchase it right away. I’m a big believer in supporting Canadian Magazines because it’s only recently that we have quite a few to choose from. Currently, I subscribe to four (LouLou, Flare, Maclean’s & Elle Canada). I’m always afraid that if I don’t renew my subscription, they might stop producing it! However, they really never focus on Winnipeg or the Prairies in general. Well, that’s a whole other story. Back to Sandbox!

When I got home and took the time to read it from cover to cover I was completely besotted. Not only were they covering what I already love about Winnipeg, they were also covering things I knew absolutely nothing about. The people and places that aren’t generally covered by our mainstream media. I loved it. I also loved seeing the people I know featured in the magazine. Why not? Winnipeg is a very interesting and vibrant city with secret gems that even those of us who live here don’t always know about. Plus, the photography, design and styling is flawless. I was always so impressed by their issues. To me, they were never just a fantastic local magazine, they were a fantastic magazine full stop. I mean, just check out some photos from the final issue:

Gorgeous!

Anyway, recently the Sandbox crew announced that they would be retiring the magazine as it is known and amagalmating it with already established publications and companies. Of course, I was sad but I’m still excited that Sandbox will be staying around in any capacity. Winnipeg is such an interesting and diverse community and it’s so great to see our creativity on display in a different way.

Adieu Sandbox and Congratulations on such a fabulous run!

Pretty Things: New Coach purse!

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Lesley

My parents have been in Florida for the past week. While they were away, I took care of their home and my beloved Sprinkles. In return, I asked them to pick me up a purse at the coach outlet in Jacksonville if they found something they’d think I’d like. I gave them a lot of rules about what I would and would not like so I wasn’t sure they’d come back with anything. I’m a bit picky.

I think they did really well. I love that it’s pink, leather (versus fabric) and a classic style. I really like smaller bags and tend to buy them even though they’re not the most practical for day to day. That’s what makes them special! Originally, I was meant to pay them back for it but they decided to gift it to me considering that one of their fluorescent light bulbs went out, I had a run in with the security alarm, I washed their oven, smoke detector batteries needed replacing and I had to sleep on the couch last night instead of staying at my place. That was because my Dad lost his keys and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the house unlocked. Oh and I was woken up at 2:30 am. Well deserved I’d say. Well deserved.

Don’t you just love the pink lining?

I’m really way too cheap to purchase this at regular price (listed at $198) but it’s nice to have something like this as a treat. Also, can I just say that you don’t know how bad your camera is until you want to do something (like focus on something specific) and you can’t. Frustrating! I hope I get enough air miles soon for an SLR!

Ready for the Weekend : January 27 edition

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Lesley

This was such an intense week for meetings. I was running out to a meeting or running back from one to join an online webinar. One meeting went past 10 pm at night. I don’t think I recovered from that at all. Story of my life. I’m really looking forward to an easy, breezy weekend. Here’s what I’m up to for the next couple of days:

1. A Midwinter’s Dream Fashion Show
I’ve been offered a ticket through work and I’m really excited about it. I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’ t heard of this event before but it’s only its second year. I’m a big fan of Hair FX so I can’t wait to see what they come up with. Plus, I’m really excited about the swag bag. I’ll be hitting up the mall tomorrow to find something “sparkling dress attire” appropriate. It’s always great to have the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause in a fun and fabulous way.

2. Pining for Beauty Boxes
While reading UK beauty blogs, I get so jealous of all the beauty box options. When I first heard of them, I googled like crazy to find Canadian options and I couldn’t find any. A few months later, I found one through a LouLou magazine email. I signed up immediately, thinking it was the only option and then I found out there were lots to choose from including my dream beauty box – Glossybox. I’m so excited. I’ve signed up for 3 (I would have done 4 but Topbox is full at the moment. ). It’s a bit ridiculous but for $10 a month, it’s hard not to at least try it out. I don’t imagine I’ll keep them all but I’d like to try it out anyway. I’m actually a perfect candidate for these boxes because I’m really picky. I won’t buy beauty products that aren’t cruelty-free or that come in recyclable packaging. I also don’t buy any soap/shampoo that isn’t biodegradable. It’s so hard to find products that meet my requirements but when I find them, I stick with them! I’m very loyal. If the products don’t have enough for me to choose from, I’ll cancel but for now, I’m super excited.

Here’s what I’ve subscribed to:

You can check out youtube for reviews of the first two boxes. However, Glossybox is brand new in Canada and won’t be shipping until March. Very exciting to be part of the initial launch.

3. Reading Clash of Kings
The Song of Fire & Ice series continues!

4. Knitting
The blanket isn’t going to knit itself.

5. Enjoying my new David’s Tea purchases:

Kanpe (herbal) is on top and smells so divine. Kind of like that really tangy filling in jelly doughnuts. FYI – all money from the sales of this tea go to KANPE. Organic North African Mint (green tea) is on the bottom.

What are your plans for the weekend? Any sparkling dress attire suggestions?

Tribute to Pat Butcher

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Lesley

As previously mentioned, I adore British Soaps. The thing with soaps is that you get so attached to characters that when they die on tv, you feel the need to grieve. I’m thinking of you Jack Duckworth! I heard through the grapevine that Eastenders’ Pat Butcher was going to die over Christmas. I was DEVASTATED! I love Pat with her saucy side-eyes and constant battles on the square. Although Pat has a few more years in Canada (we’re so behind), I had to cheat and watch her last scenes online. I think I have to be emotionally prepared to part with her. lol.

Without a doubt, Pat’s signature is her earrings. They were big, bold and most likely to be acrylic. Love! In honour of Pat, I put together a few gorgeous earrings that I think she’d love.

Photo from the Eastenders website.

Pat Butcher Tribute by prettylittlepinkthings featuring 14k earrings
Gold chain earrings; Suzanna Dai clear earrings; Amrita Singh tear drop earrings; Kendra Scott 14k earrings; Yochi Design stud earrings; Cuteberry zebra earrings; 1928 teardrop earrings

Here’s me in my own Pat inspired earrings! It’s kind of a weird angle but I wanted to show them off! I got these at Le Chateau years ago.

Have you ever been devastated by a fictional characters death? Tell me all! I don’t want to feel like the only crazy person out there.

WIPW: 2012 Resolutions!

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Lesley

Since I’m still working on my pillow (one side down!), I thought I’d get a bit more introspective for my work-in-progress Wednesday with a few 2012 Resolutions. I’m actually someone who loves resolutions and even when I don’t follow them through, it’s nice to have something on a list to check off. Something about writing it out and releasing it to the universe makes you feel like anything is possible.

1. Wear heels more often. Working from home definitely makes me lazy on this front. I want to but I’m just so disorganized. I’m also 5’8 and sometimes I feel way too big because most heels are 5 inches. Well, I should say the heels I buy. lol. Those are the hottest shoes though! I do like the look of these booties from Aldo and they’re on sale.

2. Project 365: 3rd time’s the charm! I so want to capture a photo a day. Now with instagram, it can’t get any easier.

3. Buy a home (or condo). So scary but I’m so ready for it. I have all my ducks in a row, I just have to find a place and move before my lease is up at the end of August.

4. Finish Rosetta Stone Italian. So far, I can say things like, La donna guida una macchina. (The woman drives a car.) But hey, I’m only on disc 1.

Do you have any resolutions or 2012 wishes?

Coat Update: Please look after this bear.

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Lesley

I know you’re all waiting with baited breath to find out what coat I bought…lol so here it is:

Photo Credit

Except I got it in black. Not a big change from the peacoat but it is a lot more practical for Winnipeg winters considering this has a hood, and does up at the neck. I’ve always been a bit worried about toggles. I thought they were a bit too Paddington Bear for my liking but then again, Pads does dress quite well.

Crush on Coats

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Lesley

The weather has really gotten chilly in the past week. When it hits -18C on a consistant basis, it’s time to invest in a new coat. I have pretty much stayed with the traditional peacoat since I was in my early teens. In my opinion, the peacoat is really the most transitional coat you can own. It’s perfect for day or night, works perfectly with jeans or your New Year’s Eve dress. I have a feeling that this year I’ll be back in black because it offers so many more colour options for accessories than my current fire engine red. However, I can’t help but love these muted tones below in the periwinkle and the gray. So delicate and pretty. The best part about a wool peacoat, is that it keeps the wind out and keeps you warm! Very important for those chilly Winnipeg winters. I always love a cream peacoat and have actually worn one before. However, I found out the hard way that cream + Starbucks’ peppermint mochas = many trips to the drycleaner!

I’m hoping to be practical tomorrow and stay with the classic black but it’s oh so tempting to go for colour. Who knows what I’ll find out there tomorrow but here are the current coats I’m loving: