Saturday, August 20, 2011

Welcome to London: Place-Columbia Road Flower Market, East LDN

Columbia Road Flower Market: 

Located in East London, just a ten minute walk from Brick Lane and Shoreditch, for anyone who likes a nice bouquet of flowers Columbia Road is a must-see. After learning about it through a friend's sister, it exceeded my expectations. When my dad and sister (both avid gardeners) visited a month ago I found it the perfect occasion to make the trek...

It originally started as a Saturday market, but as the Jewish population developed it moved to Sundays and the flower market developed. Some vendors still selling their flowers today have been established at the market since 1949!

Peonies! "One bunch for a fiver"

Open from 8am-~3 Sundays

A visit is not complete without stopping for lunch in one of the winding alleys lined with cafes & antique stalls. Above: a salt beef sandwich on bagel w/ pickle.

In fact I liked it so much I just had to go back. Above: with a chorizo sausage, grilled pepper, rocket & olive oil. More info on The Columbia Road Flower Market


While we're on the topic of flowers...
Kiehls Calendula Extract Toner. I bought a bottle a couple weeks ago when it recommended to me for soothing red skin & it was on sale! So I thought I would give it a go! If you have sensitive skin & don't like the burning alcohol feel of most toners, give this one a shot. Find it here.

Next time: the product(s) of my visits to Columbia Road!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Starting Now...

Ok I have failed at updating this as I promised.

But I have made it to London, attended the royal wedding (well actually just made it to west minster at 5am, until jet lag hit at 8am and I went back to bed as the guests were arriving. Minor failure, major to some)

I have decided to make this primarily photo blog from now on. I am more of a photo person, so will see how that approach works.

Last day in Halifax waiting for the air porter
Back home to a lovely Easter Sunday tea party. Deco courtesy of Sister Heather :) 

Tea Party Clan (minus a few) Was such a great day. 

Sheridan faves! 

Ok eyes are shutting & hotel internet is fading. 

London photos soon! xx

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Great Article in this Morning Globe & Mail, Happy Saturday!

A really good article on how luxury brands, such as Hermes, Chanel & Tod's, are creating value for customers through exposing them to the artisans behind their brands. 

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Bonne Anniversaire Juline! (About 8 years of french classes encompassed right there)

I finally was able to track down heart shaped balloons! I don't think I have been this excited in a while. I should have bought more. 

Juline popping her champagne birthday champagne. 

Midterm tomorrow so I better be off to bed. Goodnight!



Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Hey Snow!

I woke up early this morning, went to the gym, came home & made a pot of coffee and breakfast and then went to my econ class. It snowed a good 10cm in halifax last night and I knew they were calling for another hit  from the storm. By 12:30 classes had been cancelled. So here I am with an afternoon off...


My room feels like a snow globe right now.

I am attempting to knit my first sweater. Goal:to have it done by February 19th. So far: Back & 1/2 of front done....can I do it?

I made Curry last night. Turned out surprisingly well! I don't like all the richness of coconut milk you usually find in curries, so I used soya milk. Was good because it added some sweetness to counter the spice. Find the recipe here! Although I made some slight modifications (i didnt have red pepper seasoning). 

Juline's Birthday on Saturday! We are having a french themed potluck. Caaan't wait!

Monday, January 31, 2011

I think I can...I think I can...

I'm a nail biter. & on more occasions than I can count on my gnawed apart fingers, I have attempted to stop the awful habit. This time though...its happening.


Its sparitual "last tango". A bright bubble gum coral. I loove it. Progress to documented...


In other news: its January 31st! Meaning tomorrow February is here. My favourite month of the year. Which means Spring is on its way!

Friday, January 28, 2011

WEEHOO!

AHH! So officially I am eligible to work in the UK! Although this was probably the easiest part of the whole process (let the job apps begin!) I am SO excited to have this consent. Not to mention despite my slightly tea stained passport, it was approved meaning my passport should (knock on wood) be back in my hands just in time for my week long trip to London in T-minus THREE WEEKS!


I will not only be there for London Fashion Week buuut also my 22nd Birthday. I am excited to just explore the city & hopefully see a couple friends too. My list of places to go is quickly expanding. 
Can. Not. Wait. 

New J Crew, Old Hollywood!

I can always feel it in the air around the time a new J Crew catalogue is due to come out. My wardrobe seems stale, and I am in need of inspiration. This time around it was shot on the terrain of the hollywood hills.



Apparently they required a permit to shoot & in no time had news helicopters and fire trucks checking in on the situation.


The periwinkles, corals & yellows of spring give me hope!

Images courtesy of Jcrew.com
& for when I find myself spending my days back in an office...

More later, as I am off to my last class of the week. Woohoo!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Day Number One

Hello!

So after numerous attempts I have finally created a blog. Now I can't really promise too much as I have spent the last 4 years crunching numbers as an accounting major. HOWEVER I realize that is no excuse. Have to start somewhere. The other day I was thinking about this time last year & how much everything has changed. Then I looked a year ahead when it struck me this rate of change isn't about to slow down anytime soon. I am currently in school in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A Toronto suburb native I am naturally drawn to the city. However with the closing of my fourth year out east I have realized I couldn't have chosen a better city to study in. I have 8-months left of classes so am hoping to be able to document my last while in this great city.

My mom says writing down your thoughts is more therapeutic than anything. So continuously gives me journals while fully aware of my addiction to my computer. I do use the journals, though mainly for to do lists.

Here are a couple of the items:
-Step Class this afternoon. My first ever. Not sure whether or not long legs are an asset?
-Tomorrow's UK Border Agency Appointment. Have to get a passport photo for that still. They take your passport when you go to your appointment & keep it for who knows how long. I am just CROSSING MY FINGERS I get it back by February 19th as that is when I am LEAVING FOR LONDON for a week. Trust me...more on that later
-2 Assignments due Wednesday...keep plugging at those

Anyways, class is calling but just thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself to you all, who I will now think of as my invisible friends.