Colour

Greg and I share a love of colour (particularly when accenting white). These Aaron Dyer photos are a perfect visual representation of our shared love. Colour is such a positive force!

Nautical

Let's run away on yachts in the Mediterranean! Images via wit + delight. These havens provide plenty of opportunity to laze about in one of my many horizontal striped tops.

Toms

All my shoes and boots have salt stains; this is a historic pet peeve of mine. There are snow drifts surrounding our car. And our shovel finds permanent placement next to our front door. Despite these weather realities, I'm drawn to Toms. For every pair you purchase, one pair is given to a child in need. I'm particularly enjoying the striped and silver sequin varieties.

Update from Saturday, January 23: I tried to purchase a pair of shiny silver sequined Toms today, but the shop was all out of my size. Boo!

Earrings

This Christmas I have been blessed with endless generosity from my family and friends, near and far. Thank-you to each of you kind souls for your cards, gifts and warm wishes.

As she's far away, I'd like to thank my soon-to-be mother-in-law (MIL) for a collection of very lovely, thoughtful presents, particularly a set of retro earrings (complete with matching broach) that reflect both my love of buttons and my desire to learn about and be a part of my new family's history. Your collection of gifts to me was entirely generous and appreciated. Thank-you.

These earrings chase a similarly themed present from Christmas 2008. At that time, my MIL gave me a pair of earrings that Greg made from bike parts in 1992. He'd given them to his mom more than a decade earlier, and last year she passed them on to me. I was very touched by the gift. I've since decided that these presents, and the tins they came in (one a vintage tin that once belonged to Greg's great grandmother, the other a vintage cigarette case), will be passed along to our daughter or daughter-in-law or niece one day. What a lovely tradition Greg's mom has begun, and I look forward to continuing it.

Our little corner of the world has been aglow with possibility and excitement for the new year over the past few days. Happy New Year to all who might come across this post: many wishes for a happy 2010.

Engagement

Greg's asked me to marry him! Since popping the question last Thursday evening, we've been walking around in a smitten bubble. We're incredibly excited that we'll be husband and wife late next spring. Thank you to all our family and friends for your warm, kind words and unwavering support.

If curious, stay tuned for all our planning adventures (and misadventures) over the coming months. Image via Brooklyn Bride.

Poster XI

It sure has been a while. Positive poster via Decor8 via Freya Art & Design Workshop.

Den

Isn't this den perfect for snoozing mid-afternoon, cuddling a loved one or devouring a juicy novel? I love the idea of having a cozy casual room to enjoy these daily delights. Image via Design Sponge.  

Uniform

This morning, in typical Monday fashion, I threw on a favourite outfit - chunky green beads, a black v-neck t-shirt and a flouncy green and black skirt - to head to the office. I need simple on Monday mornings. For me, Monday is not a time for fussy buttons, stilettos, or pressed blouses. It also helps that it has been super hot in Edmonton over the past few days, which makes my outfit solidly work appropriate.

As I've gone about my work day, I've been enjoying my black t-shirt more and more. I like that the sleeves aren't short or tight, but yet the body of the shirt isn't baggy. I truly think I could make a uniform out of this t-shirt. I'm feeling very inclined to buy more of these American Apparel t-shirts in forest, navy, asphalt and white.

Speaking of uniforms, check out The Uniform Project. Beginning last month, this woman will be wearing one dress for a whole year to raise funds for the Akanksha Foundation's School Project to fund uniforms and other education expenses for slum children in India. Her daily outfits reflect the creativity students find when required to wear a uniform to school. Of all the ways she's worn the dress so far, here's my favourite.

Poster VII

What a fantastic mantra to tell yourself each morning before hopping out of bed. Poster available from erin jane.

Poster V

In case you're wondering, yes you can. 

To purchase see here.