Archives for April 2017

In full bloom.

“Flowers… are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I see flowers as a part of nature that’s universally aesthetically pleasing. The varieties of colours, shapes, and sizes make flowers so pretty to look at. I find it interesting that such a thing could be so pleasurable. From a bouquet in a vase at home, to landscaping, or growing in the wild, flowers are enjoyable by simply looking at them or to just knowing they are around you. Flowers are a way to say ‘thank you’, ‘I love you’, ‘you’re appreciated’, or ‘with sympathy’. I cannot think of another gift that is so versatile or can convey so many things. Simply stated, flowers make me happy.

I bought this particular bouquet of ranunculus from a local horticulturist, Shelley Chappus of Chappus Farms. I first saw her flowers on Intagram and was (and still is) wowed by their beauty. Paired with a breezy floral dress, I was ready to enjoy the splendours of spring!

Dress: Chicwish. Earrings: J.Crew (old, loving these). Bracelet: Kate Spade. Watch: Chanel. Shoes: Franco Sarto. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Ravishing. Flowers: Chappus Farm.

Fashion

Cut it out.

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar de la Renta

I am loving this season’s cutout trend! This dress is one of a few that I have recently purchased with a cutout detail. Though it’s not practical for work, it’s super fun on the weekends. I paired it with other hot trends, pompom earrings and Cult Gaia’s ark bag. Though this outfit is all about what’s “in” right now, I still find it fits my style. When shopping, I’m conscious of the latest trends, but I try not to buy into them too much because I don’t want to forfeit my personal style and vibe. I guess it’s just convenient when the trends match with your tastes!

More on my handbag – this bag is everywhere in the blogging world and Instagram. I don’t always like having the same accessories as everyone else, but this bag caught my attention because it’s just so cool looking. I purchased the large, and although the small would have fit my frame better, the large is big enough for everything I need to carry in a handbag. My bag is full in the pictures, so as you can see, it’s not as transparent as it would seem to be.

What spring/summer trends are you loving? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Urban Outfitters. Bag: Cult Gaia. Shoes: Vicenza (old, similar here). Sunglasses: Celine. Earrings: Siam Hill Tribes. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

Fashion

Here comes the sun.

“Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees.” – Rumi

Though we had a very mild winter, I’m so happy to see (and feel) that spring is here. Frankly, there is nothing more freeing than not having to wear nylons! I feel more comfortable and more myself in warmer temperatures, and because of my weight loss I have so many new dresses I’m pretty pumped to wear. This particular dress caught my eye because of its bold pattern that reminds me of a circus tent. Not only that, but it’ll come in handy on spirit days at the high school I teach at because our colours are orange and blue.

Besides the warmer temperatures and sporting new dresses, I enjoy spring because it feels like a fresh start, a new beginning. The birds are chirping, people are out of hibernation, the leaves and flowers are blossoming, my cat stays outside all night (which allows me to have better sleep each night), and everyone’s general attitude seems to be more upbeat.

What are your favourite things about spring? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Birds of North America. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Shoes: Le Chateau. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella&Dot. Necklace: Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Lady Danger.

Philosophy

On laughter.

“Laughter is nothing else but sudden glory arising from some sudden conception of some eminency in ourselves, by comparison with the infirmity of others, or with our own formerly. ” – Thomas Hobbes

Sometimes it feels as if our world is only filled with anger, hate, and violence. It’s normal to think this considering what we consistently read in the news and are exposed to through the media. This negativity can make us feel frustrated, stressed, and overwhelmed. What we all need is a little more laughter in our lives. We are only on this planet for a finite amount of time, so why spend it angry and sad when you can smile and be happy and thankful for all the things that are truly beautiful? I too get caught up in this cycle of negativity, that’s what it’s important to smile and find joy in the little things in life.

When I was in my undergraduate I took a course in clown doctoring (yes, that was a course, and yes it was as awesome as it sounds) and I still remember what I learned about the numerous benefits laughter and humour have on individuals. Laughter has many physiological effects such as longevity, reduction in pain, enhancement of relaxation responses, improvement in immunity, and improvement in blood and lymph flow. In addition, laughter has many psychological effects, such as improvement in mood, reduction in anxiety, ability to cope with terminal illnesses, and is positively associated with creativity, self esteem, and emotional stability (Hassad). It’s not just biological, but social too. When we share smiles and laughter, we can build as a community and bond with each other. Making others laugh creates the sense of being liked, and the pleasure of laughter is multiplied when shared. Humour also builds therapeutic relationships, and relieves tension, and protects dignity and self worth (Dean).

The benefits of laughter are plentiful. By lessening feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, and frustration, laughing provides an emotional catharsis. Inner tensions dissolve and you are able to let your mind be free from constraints when you are willing to let yourself laugh. Whether it is doing something silly yourself, or watching or hearing others, humour can really be the best form of medicine.

Since January I have dedicated my spare time to a local theatre group’s production of the Tony Award winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (though I do not portray either of those characters in the play). I play Cassandra, a free-spirited clairvoyant house maid, which has been a fantastic experience for me as an actress and as a person because it has allowed me to help people smile and laugh, which is an incredible thing to do. Along with my fantastic cast, crew, and director, we have been given the opportunity and the power to satirize and share smiles with our audience.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike runs for two more weekends (April 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15) at Kordazone Theatre, 2520 Seminole Street, Windsor.