After a restful week at home, Damaris and I are back in Edmonton, preparing ourselves to launch back into the student life. We took the evening off and walked down to my favourite coffee shop to indulge in a rich, wonderful latte. I brought along my “33 cups of coffee” book in which to document the details of my drink. My mom had this little note-book sent to me and I absolutely love it! Makes me feel like a true connoisseur of coffee! It’s little things like these that make me happy… not to mention my speckled nails and a good chat with my beautiful friend. : )

It is amazing what a little bit of fresh air can do for you when you are stuck inside all day studying for exams, writing assignments and essays. I  never make a major decision without going outside to clear my head and breath in some of that gorgeous mountain air we are so lucky to have.  I also wanted to include this song that I have been loving and listening to non-stop. Hope you get some inspiration from this and enjoy the music! If you are feeling overwhelmed from anything in life just remember to breathe! xx

Matilda Alt-J from B&B on Vimeo.

I used to faithfully journal everyday when I was little. It lasted years as my stack of fully-filled notebooks can testify. It was a way to remember the little things in life that made me happy, to let my imagination run wild, plan out the future, and deal with anything troubling. Fairly recently, I have heard how journaling can be hugely beneficial in dealing with stress and anxiety. Writing out emotions is a way of “venting,” or, releasing what is on your mind. This method of dealing with problems is extremely therapeutic and calming. People who journal regularly are said to be happier, more confidant and have a greater purpose in life; I whole-heartedly agree. Journaling is also a way to document your life, preserve memories, dream, question, and inspire. I absolutely love looking through my diaries; it’s like taking a trip in a time machine and listening to the heart of my younger self…remembering the precious, as well as the tough times. One of my resolutions this year is to write a daily journal and I encourage you to do the same! So far it’s been my favourite part of the day to curl up in a blanket with my journal and tea, reflecting and collecting my thoughts.

Just when we thought the weather was heading for the “Springy” direction, good old Canada changed her mind. That’s okay though, fresh snow and nippier weather help to cover up the melting mess of slush and mud and redecorate the trees in sparkling white garbs. We no longer have to puddle-hop and avoid the spray of vehicles speeding by. There will be a time for Spring, but that time is not yet here!

One of our favorite places to enjoy a warm cup of something is a place in Canmore called Communitea. It’s definitely a popular place for Mountain people! Both Michaela and I used to study there years ago with a large pot of tea and a treat. Now we come to discuss exciting new blog ideas!

The great thing about starting a new year is being able to have a fresh start. There is a giant list of resolutions that I could go on about; drink more water, read more, get more sleep, waste less. But instead of creating a list of things I should do, I am going to create a dream.  A dream to  be a  better person than I was yesterday. Weather it be eating one less square of chocolate than the day before, or listening to a friends story rather than going on about my own life, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and finding the good in bad. Having a new beginning won’t happen unless its from within.

This year I was in New York for my 21st birthday during the time that hurricane Sandy hit. We took a walk through Central Park the following day, to see all the damage was devastating. Though the entire park was fenced off, we noticed someone had pushed the fence through and people were walking around in the park, sooooo we decided to quickly walk down strawberry fields across from where John Lennon used to live. Among all the broken branches and fallen leaves someone had cleared the “imagine” plate and left some flowers. I thought that was really amazing, in the time of darkness that you could still find light in that amazing city.

So here is to having hope in a brighter future, that the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows and all that jazz!

Lots of love and good luck in the new year! xx

It’s been a slow recovery for me after being struck by the annual “Christmas flu”. Usually I manage to avoid the sickness but it seemed particularity infectious this year. Feeling somewhat improved today, I took a lazy pajama morning, curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee and a Kinfolk magazine. The pictures and stories are so inspiring and heartwarming…I wouldn’t mind doing this more often, whether I’m sick or not!

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. This sunday morning included  hot pancakes, cozy socks, thermal sweaters and flipping though old magazines. Usually we have a roast dinner, I am trying to perfect my Yorkshire puddings but having a hard time getting them to be the right texture.  Luckily gravy makes everything taste better:)

It is always so nice to become reunited with Adri again, even if its just for a short time. Catching up usually consists of warm Christmas drinks, winter walks and taking photos to document the beautiful scenery around us. Christmas feel so close and I can hardly wait to start baking and decorating for the holidays!

In honour of Halloween, I purchased this giraffe mask from American Apparel. Who knows if I may end up wearing it but it made for some cute pictures! Have a happy and safe halloween everyone!