The Barrel Tassel Knot

So I have been super busy with my summer school course. My final essay is due tomorrow, and then my parents come down from Canada to visit me here in Vermont, and we're driving off to Boston for the weekend!  I'm super excited- I haven't been in years.  However, I thought I'd do a quick post about this handy dandy guide I found on the Sperry Topsider facebook fan page.  It's a quick and easy guide to tying a barrel tassel knot for your boat shoes.  Enjoy!

xoxo,

Thank You!

I finally finished my assignment for my summer class, so I finally have time for fun again!  So first off, Thank you for all of the kind congratulations and to all of the new followers!  I am constantly overwhelmingly amazed by the kindness of all the wonderful ladies in the blog crowd.  The kind words of the comments and the posts I read bring smiles to my face. Thank You!

Second, a great big Thank You to Miss Southern Prep for The Stiletto Award!  It's so nice of her!  If you haven't checked out her blog yet, head on over.  She just graduated from high school and is heading off to college- so exciting!  I'm looking forward to living vicariously through her college experience.

First, let us understand the Stiletto... some words that describe it...

Classy – Strong -Exotic – Demure – Extreme – Ultra – Sexy - Bold – Funky

“Walking in extremely high heels is not something that the average woman (or man) will need to do in their everyday life. However, there are times when this skill may be required.” I want to salute the women who balance life, family, and relationships with style and class! Those women who share their experiences with us…who encourage us, inspire us, teach us, make us laugh and basically keep us going! You know who they are! While you read this blog, your family is looking at you wondering what the heck you are laughing about so hard…or why the tissue is necessary for internet browsing. It’s the one that the kids are excited about because a new post means a new craft project or family outing. The one that inspires you to be a better mom, friend, person in general. The one that reminds you that we are all “in this life together” and you’re not the only one going through the hard stuff. The one that you secretly wish your blog was like…

“Heels this high are not meant for clubbing or walking long distances in. They are mainly used for getting from the living room to the bedroom, from the car to the restaurant, or for a short stroll along the catwalk.”

If you’ve received this award, someone out there thinks you deserve it! Be proud! Display the badge with honor! You earned it…after all it means that you brought something special to at least one other person, and really, isn’t that what life’s all about?

THE RULES!

This blog award is meant to be shared, to be given out, to be bestowed upon any and ALL women who exemplify what the stiletto represents. If you’ve received this award, here’s what you do:

1. Display your Stiletto Badge of Honor on your sidebar! Wear it with pride…

2. BRAG ABOUT IT! -write a post about your award. Include the link to this page so everyone will understand what it’s all about!

3. SAY THANKS!

4. SHARE THE LOVE!

5. DO WHAT YOU DO!
Keep inspiring and encouraging and sharing your life! We love it & thank you!


I pass this wonderfully-worded award to the following bloggers:

Seersucker and Sundresses

The Life of a Suburban Princess

College Belle

Preppy Panache

And to any other wonderful blogger that has yet to be tagged with this award!

I'm also thrilled that it's finally officially summer!  I hope everyone's been enjoying there's so far.  I've noticed that many fellow bloggers are traveling, and I know I'm certainly looking forward to reading about all of the wonderful trips.  I'm heading home to Canada tomorrow for Canada Day and Independence Day weekend.  I'm so excited to see my parents and my friends again, and for the celebrations ahead.

xoxo,

Back in Burlington

So it has sure been an interesting last few weeks.  I started my internship at the Emily Post Institute, graduated, and fully moved down to Burlington, Vermont for the summer. Oh yeah, and my brother decided to finally get pop the question to his law school girlfriend, and then they got married three weeks later.  

So the day after I found out about my internship, I got  a call from my brother, telling me to clear May 21st, because he and his girlfriend were getting married.  Of course I was thrilled (and slightly shocked)!  My parents and I flew down to Miami (hence my long travel rant) for a lovely and intimate ceremony in her parents' backyard during sunset.  It was amazing to see the two together, so happy, and both their family and friends smiling from ear to ear.  I am so happy for my big brother!  I managed to take a few pictures, most of which turned out badly from where I was sitting, but I think this one of them with the officiant turned out well enough:

I left my parents in Miami, got in to Ottawa Saturday, packed up my car, and was then off to Burlington Sunday afternoon so that I could start work for Monday. I love it at the EPI.  Everyone is so nice, and I am absolutely impressed by what they are able to do with such a small staff.  I was also somewhat star-struck my first day, seeing various Posts around the office.  I've gotten a bit used to it since, but I still find myself a little in awe at times.  

By the end of the week, I had my car packed up again and drove back up to Canada for graduation weekend (at this point I was already growing tired of driving).  I was also super happy to see my parents again.  Of course it had only been a week, but I still missed my mommy, and I'll admit it!  My parents threw a wonderful brunch celebration for me and invited some family friends.  Most people have known me since I was a wee tot, so it was strange for them to see me as a college grad.  But it was nice to be able to celebrate such an occasion with people that have seen me grow up (minus the 10 year gap I was in FL). 

I then packed up my car (see a trend?) and left for Kingston in the evening to return to school and to see DW again.  I love going back to Kingston during the summer.  It's stressful during the school year, but so calm during the summer, with beautiful Lake Ontario full of sail boats.  We immediately starting planning our brunch for Monday.  Our ceremony was Monday morning, after which we had a reception with our Commerce professors and administration, and then a brunch which DW and I organized for our families.  It was the first time I had seen many of my professors in years, and it was such a stroll down memory lane.  I even got a teaching assistant offer for next year!  The ceremony was of course emotional for me.  As soon as I entered the hall, saw the mass of people there to see us graduates, my eyes starting tearing up.  It was the first moment I felt like a graduate.  It took a lot of might to keep back the tears, but I somehow managed.  I didn't see my parents during the ceremony, but DW had a perfect view of them and said they were crying while I got up and received my diploma and was hooded (we don't do hats, we get hooded).  My father's not a very emotional man, so it's hard to believe he had been tearing up, but I do believe he was proud of me.  

The brunch was a smashing success, everyone loved the chocolate mousse I made, but I was so stressed out about it beforehand that I didn't really get a chance to take many pictures of me in my grad garb. 

Here I am with DW before we got our gowns.  I had purchased a new pink Lilly dress in NYC for the occasion (as mentioned in my last post), but was informed by my friends that it was too pink (as if there can be such a thing).  I conceded (just this once) and instead went with the classic Worth Shift.  The anticipation was driving me mad at this point!  I kinda wanted to get it over with, only because I was very worried that I would trip on stage (I am a horrible klutz, so this was a very big possibility).

And here I am going up with my diploma to get hooded.  This may just be one of my favorite candid shots.  I can't believe how happy I look!  Of course this picture doesn't show how nervous I was.  I got up to the Chancellor and just froze.  It took a minute to remember I was to shake his hand.  I was so happy to sit back down again.

By Tuesday early morning I was on the road again, stopped by Ottawa briefly to pick up some  things from home, and then drove through Montreal, crossed the border, and then made it into Burlington again by that night.  Of  course when I opened the door to the place I am subletting for the summer, the power was out.  The new tenants, from whom I am subletting, had just transferred over the utilities to their names, but the power had been shut off in the few days before they moved in.  It was not a happy first day.  Thankfully I awoke the next morning to electricity!  I was a happy camper to be able to have a hot shower again. 

I've been working at the EPI for a couple of weeks now, and I can't be any happier.  I've been working on a new website, learning new web development concepts in the process.  Keep an eye out for the launch of the new site!

I suppose that's all for now.  I don't have internet in the new place, so I'm getting by with the little connections I can get here and there in random coffee shops.  Hopefully I'll be getting a connection soon enough to be more consistent with my updates.  And I'll post pictures of Burlington- it's such a cute, storybook-esque place.

Happy almost-weekend!

xoxo,

Too Much Travel!

With NYC, Miami, and then my temporary move to Vermont, I have spent far too much time traveling (and not enough catching up on blogging).  I realized that within a one week period, I had been on 10 (yes 10!) flights.  Holy Moly am I ever tired of airports and airplanes.  So in the spirit of traveling, here are some of my top necessities for those that also find themselves living out of their carry-ons for hours at a time.

A magazine- for when your brain just refuses to concentrate on the work you've brought with you. 

A wrap/scarf-  I've found that no airport or plane is ever consistent with its temperature control, so a wrap is a great way to stay warm when the ac is super strong, and it can double as a blanket when you find yourself asleep huddled into a ball while waiting for your flight.

Hand sanitizer- always necessary!

Sunglasses- especially if you're super tired for an early morning flight, these are great for take-off and landing

A healthy snack- If you're crossing borders, fruits and veggies are a no-no, so try to pack something that at least tastes like real fruit.  I find various nuts are also good, if unsalted (remember no liquids, and beverages in airports can be expensive, so no need to make yourself extra thirsty!).  

Gum-  My ears can be sensitive to the change in pressure, so I chew gum to help my ears 'pop'.  And I love the extra kick of energy I get from these!

Ipod with good headphones- I load mine up with several days worth of news podcasts to stay entertained (and informed!)  I also create various playlists- one for napping, one for waking up from my nap, one for reading, and one to seat-dance to.

Flip flops- easiest to get on an off in security lines.  Plus their super comfortable.  Although I wouldn't recommend them if you have limited time between flights and have to run in the airport.  I'm a klutz and tend to trip when I run in my flip flops, so if I have to run, I wear comfy ballet flats.

Big headband or a hat-  My hair always gets kinda frizzy when I fly, so I always bring a big headband or a hat to cover my bad hair.  And this one from Vineyard Vines is amazingly cute!

Notebooks-  You never know when inspiration is going to strike!  I love Moleskin notebooks.  I alway have one on me to jot down random thought.  I'm also always making lists and plans, which tend to get lost in my mind unless I write them down.

Pens-  For writing in notebooks and for filling out necessary travel documents like customs declaration forms and travel tags.

Lysol to go- For those of us who are a germaphobes.

Throat Lozenges- My throat tends to get dry very easily on planes, so I always keep a couple of these on hand.  

Emergen-C- This stuff i great!  It gives me a boost of energy and vitamins, and it's great for travel. If I have room I normally bring a small Nalgene with me so I can fill it with water after security and add one of these packets.  They're also pretty yummy.

Zip top tote-  I love Lands' End's zip top tote.  I always bring my large black and pink one when I travel because it fits so much, has plenty of pockets for easy organization, and has the added security of a zip top.  I'm always worried someone can reach into my purse and steal my passport, ipod, wallet, etc, so this bag gives me a little peace of mind.

For those of you traveling this summer, may your flights be on time, the people sitting around you be kind, and your destinations be fabulous!

xoxo,

A Weekend in NYC

To celebrate finishing my degree, I met up with some friends from exchange in New York City. I had an amazing time! We were there for only three days, but we did so much. We had a picnic and rode bikes in Central Park, saw some art at the Modern Museum of Art, partied in the Financial District, and had some yummy food. While my friends recovered during the morning and early afternoons, I went out on my own to explore the city and do a little shopping (Hello, Lilly!). Before this trip I wasn't the biggest fan of NYC, but now I want to move there! It has an unmatchable variety, in people, in style, in food. I could never be bored in such a city. Here are some photos from my trip:

I stepped into Lilly Pulitzer, and the ladies who worked there were so unbelievably kind!  I was trying to find something special to wear to my graduation, and they helped me find the perfect dress.  I'll be sure to post a picture after the ceremony.

Hello, Kitty!

I took a Modern Art class this year, and it was amazing to be able to see all of the works I studied in person.  I only had an hour and a half in the museum, so I didn't get to really study the works carefully, but it was still incredible to see things first hand!

Stopped for a coffee in Bryant Park.  I love how busy the park was.  It's great that in such a busy city, people will still come out and sit on the lawn with their loved ones to relax.

I just loved the bright colors in Wholefoods.  We came here to stock up on goodies for our picnic.  I have never seen such a massive Wholefoods in my life!  It was at least three times larger than my old Wholefoods back in Orlando.

Our picnic spot.  We rented bikes so that we could go a little deeper into Central Park.  I definitely recommend renting a bike if you plan on visiting NYC.  We biked the entirety of the park, and it was so much fun.

This group of young guys whipped out their instruments and played all day. They were amazing!  Little babies were dancing to their swing and jazz melodies.  The cutest little girl kept going up to their money hat and fishing for money.  Her mother eventually had to hold her.  But the guys also thought she was super cute and laughed every time she "fished."

A little fashionista in training?

Strawberry Fields in Central Park.  We saw Yoko Ono walking out, as we were walking in!  I had to do a double take to make sure it was her.  The others missed her, but I caught a glimpse.

I LOVE the New York Times.  I wish I could have bumped elbows with Maureen Dowd or Paul Krugman, but unfortunately no such luck.  

I was so sad to leave, and eagerly await my return.  I hope to see NYC in my future!  Now off to Miami on Thursday!

xoxo,