Life is Short

Yesterday I had my monthly appointment with my shrink - yes, I see one. And I'm kind of proud of the fact that I went to seek out someone to talk to to sort out this "life" thing! Anyways, she's totally genius and has a book out called "The Integrity Model of Existential Psychotherapy," which basically states that we get stressed out and in bad places mentally because we engage in behaviours that conflict with our core values.

Since my main cause of stress in my life is my job, I thought I would take advantage of her career counseling services as well. This was my long-winded way of saying that I took the Myers-Briggs test, which is a personality test based on 4 dichotomies:

Extroversion vs. Introversion
Sensing vs. Intuition
Thinking vs. Feeling
Judgement vs. Perception

You're then given an acronym based on where you score highest. I am an INTJ (introverted-innovative-thinking-judgement) based person, (the second rarest type, might i add!), and it describes me perfectly... it's almost scary how well it pinpointed both my strengths and weaknesses.

These reults really helped to re-affirm the thought process that has been going through my head these last few months: That I will never be truly happy in my job unless I do somethign that has both an element of creativity and independence involved.

If you're interested in taking your own test, you can find a free one online here.
I'd love to hear how you scored!

In Conclusion: I've been toying with a business plan of my own for some months now, and this recent discovery combined with the Hollstee Manifesto (which was JUST brought to my attention and is now my favorite thing of the moment!), has convinced me to DIVE IN! While I won't be quitting my job anytime soon (I have issues with instability!) I'm going to make sure I devote time each week to developing my idea and establishing the steps I need to take to make my dream a reality.
I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress!

The Holstee Manifesto

The disco ball on the ceiling looks like tha chain that I'm wearin'

We were totally teased last week with the beautiful weather! This past weekend was awful, cold, and wet. Seriously Spring, you need to make up your mind. Poor Coco does not like the rain at all. It makes house-training a whole lot harder too!

My step-mother lent me Brad Pattison's book "unleashed" yesterday on dog training and I'm already half way through it. He's such a clever guy, and very easy to read. While I don't agree with everything he says (i LIKE giving my little girl treats when she's done somethign I'm impressed with, and I hardly think it's fair to keep my dog off the furniture when my cat, Milo, has free reign over the entire house) I do completely agree with his thoughts on asserting yourself as the alpha in the relationship, and how dogs respond best to non-verbal commands. Coco's already a pro on her leash and definitely is aware of when she does something I don't approve of. Whether you have a dog at home already, or are even considering making the addition to your family, I highly recommend picking this book up.

Also, how bomb is this necklace I recently re-found amongst boxes of junk? Awesome, I know. I'll get a better shot of it next time, I swear.

tee - Winners (2011); jeans - Tommy Hilfiger (2011); discoball - LeChateau (2009);
wedges - Fergie (2009)

title courtesy of Good Charlotte's "keep your hands off my girl"

Green is the new Black

... or at least that's how I feel after looking at these pics.
In retrospect, outdoor pics may not have been the best option for this outfit. WAY too much green! haha.

Worn Tues, May 18:

tee - F21 (2009)
belt - ??? (high school days)
bracelet - formerly mom's
skirt - Sympathy for the Rebel (2010)
flats - Aldo (2009)

Sorry for the slight blurriness... apparently if I don't take pics for a few days I lose what little picture taking skills I once had :)

So have I mentioned lately how much i LOVE dynamite*? Since there is no Forever21 or H&M in my vicinity (if I'm wrong, enlighten me! I haven't been in Ottawa for YEARS!), Dynamite has become my go-to for both basics and trendy pieces at affordable prices. On this particular occasion I was returning a dress I'd purchased for convocation (I've opted to make my own), and for the same price of that dress ($40 + tax) I was able to get FIVE new shirts and a fabulous belt. Do I know how to spend, or what?

In addition, I happened to pick up Kelly Cutrone's book, "If you have to cry, Go Outside."
Learning about her history while at the same time appreciating some of the intense lessons she's picked up along the way has just made me love this woman more. If you're looking for a light, quick read, I seriously recommend it.

*I don't work for Dynamite (anymore!), and they are NOT endorsing me. I just have an intense love for this store!

Something to do with My Free Time

First day back to class and I'm already done with the whole school scene. Not a good sign, haha.

Worn Mon, Jan. 11th:

cardigan - H&M
dolman top - F21
belt - Spring
pants - Miley/Max
boots - thrifted @ Just Like New

Yesterday I headed downtown to run a few errands and ended up at Chapters. Damn I love book stores. I know the selection online is better, and usually cheaper, but there's just something about browsing through crisp new books with a hot coffee that makes me all happy inside.

Anyways, in my browsing I found the most wonderful book and snatched it up right away.
Twinkle Sews is by designer Wenlan Chia of the line Twinkle by Wenlan, and actually shows you (complete with patterns) how to create some of her simpler designs and this season's trends.

She includes some awesome intricate features as well such as pleating, origami folds and pin-tucking, which is great to introduce design elements to beginners.
As someone who is definitely not a professional (never had a class), but loves to sew in her spare time, I'm recommending this book to everyone I know.
I'll be sure to share with you my future projects!