I heart these overalls

We made friends with the lilies, letting them be

They grew wild, uninhibited and free

For friends let friends live life as need be

 Friends simply want friends to be happy. 

For a while now, I wanted a pair of skinny jean overalls. This was easier said than done, as most were way out of my price range. But early this year, I found a pair on Aliexpress that fit my needs. The paticular seller I bought them from is no longer selling them, but searching "skinny denim overalls women" should turn them up. These were only $17.00  and I love them. They have a heart shaped pocket on the front, and embroidered hearts on the back pockets. While I was hoping for them to be a little more form fitting, I like the baggy roomy feel. They are super confortable, and I know I'll be wearing them for many suns and moons. The top is also from Aliexpress.com.

Banff: Mountains and Memories

The mountains and evergreens of Banff welcomed my friends and I this summer. A day was spent treking through the small town, while we took in the daily life of those that live there. Pastry shops, sushi and local boutiques were all stops along the way.

Though not far away, it feels like entering a different time. Perhaps it's the pace. Banff, being a small tow, feels like stepping into a time period where you still knew the nieghbor, and the local bar knows your order by heart.

 When you live in a place so long, without really venturing out (that includes outside your own perspective), you forget what it may look like to someone else. The drive to Banff had it's postcard picturesque moments that left me in awe of my own Province.

The rains began to fall; the fog decended, and the scene took on a a mystic eerie feel, that made one both worried and yet inspired. It's the kind of scene that is beautiful to stare at from ones window, safe indoors, but creates feelings of deep caution when you have to drive in it.

The rains slide down the mighty mountains, unaffecting it's majesty, and slipped into the lake, making little ripples that carried on seemingly endlessly. The weather was gratifying. Not too hot, nor too cold. The rains brought out the mosquitos who enthusiastically followed us through our walk.

One of my favorite things about going somewhere else is trying new food. That's also the downside, since new favorite treats cannot easily be accessed. But it gives me an excuse to go there again. In Banff is a Pastry shop that sells ice cream and a dessert called "Beaver Tail." The Beaver is a big part of Alberta culture, so the name is fitting. The dessert comes in a varity of flavors, but my friends and I opted for Skor and cream cheese. It was delicious! The pastry itself is rich and kind of sweet, but the skor, frosting, and caramel...divine.
The sushi in Banff was also tasty and well priced considering that Banff food can be a bit pricey.

 
It's nice to get out of the city, even if you don't go very far. See other sights, engage in different activites, and give yor senses something new to take in. We saw muesum exhibits, horses pulling tourists down the street and locals going on with their ordinary days. And I wonder if they ever take the time to see their lovely little towne the way we outsiders do.

Micha Boot Review

In May, I did an Alloy.com budget hall that included these boots. Known as the Micha Boot, I bought them for $59.90 and wanted to share my review of them with you.

What I love about them: These boots look great in person. I've received a ton of compliments on them. I was worried they wouldn't work with my wardrobe and style, but they look great with almost anything whether that be a summer dress, or denim, they just work. The crotched top helps to keep my legs cool on hot days. I was surprised by the quality of the boots. They also make for cute rainboots if it's not pouring heavily.

What I didn't love about them: These boots are easy to walk in and comfortable for the most part; however, my ankle bone was rubbing against the inside which made it a little uncomfortable. They feel better with socks on. Another thing to keep in mind is these boots are a size bigger. I usually buy a nine when buying boots but decided to go with an 8.5 based on reviews. The 8.5 is a good fit, but I may have been able to get away with an 8. I recommend going half a size or a size down from what you normally wear.

Flaws aside, I love these boots. They are very cute and perfect for summer.

Asos makes me wish it was summer

 
The beauty of end of season sales are the great deals, but the down side is waiting through all those month to wear the items. I recently got an adorable peplum playsuit from asos.com that makes me wish I was in warmer climates. I don't usually like the peplum style, but this one was so cute I could not resit.
In addition the skirt, I also got a horse chess piece ring. This at least I can wear throughout the year. Both were a great price. The ring is heavier than I expected and the playsuit is quite short, so I'll have to wear it perhaps a bit closer to home. To Canadian shoppers, asos.com does charge custom fees at the door so beware.

XX

Summer Was Here

Catch the sun in a photo, lock it in

 Press the summer rain into your skin 

Wear every flower in your hair

 Never forget summer was here.

Goldroom Fifteen

A late August sunset is partly clouded over. The winds rustle the dulling green leaves. The atmosphere is hazy, like looking through a foggy glass. It feels like you're struggling to remember the summer. Your mind is as cloudy as the sky above. Then, in the background of the evening stars, plays a song that brings it all back.

Fifteen by Goldroom Featuring Chela

August Arrives

August sneaks up on you like a kitten in the grass, eyeing a butterfly that has perched itself onto a fully blossomed flower whose leaves are beginning to show signs of age.

Like the butterfly, resting peaceful in the sun, you are suddenly shaken as a tiny innocent paw reaches out to touch you.

 August means no harm, but it appears out of nowhere forcing you to look back on the time you had and the time you have left.

You scan your summer to-do list, still hopeful. It's only August. September hasn't made it's way around yet.

 Like the butterfly, you swiftly move off to another corner of  the garden, locating another resting place to feel what is left of summer on your wings.

August doesn't let you fully rest. Your insides are fluttering with all you still wish to accomplish.

 I will leave my sun on you a little while longer, Autumn says. I will grant you a little more time.

 Like the sweet playful kitten, Autumn moves back to a quiet corner, watching you, reminding you that it is only a matter of time before there is no more time left.

Dress:Yesstyle//Belt:Yesstyle//Shoes:Thrift Store//Tights:Ardene

When you feel life is unfair remember this

When you feel life is unfair--that the pressure is too much, or you are exhausted from trying, remember that the flowers must start out as buds. They must wait for the rains and the sun to come and go. Up and out from the ground, they must push themselves in order to be the beauties we all stop and admire. Do not be afraid of life's challenges. Celebrate the rain, the sun, and before long you will be like the blossomed flower: beautiful and admirable.

Photo is my own. The wild rose is native to my Province.

XX 

Hey there, July

Hey there July, have you come to break my heart or kick start it? Are you looking for a victim or a friend? I could be smiling, tearing up from summer time laughter or shedding streaks of summer time blues. July, you bring so much excitment. The thrill of your arrival is too much for one girl sometimes.

 Ah, but you never make any promises, not real ones anyway. Sunny days, heated nights, sun soaked memories and stormy thunderous serenades. July can make you do anything and be anything. It can leave you blissed from summer sweetness as you run through the streets chasing your summer star or leave you wading through it's pool of summer sadness.

Hey there July, will you make me smile or make me cry?

Top:Asian market//Skirt:thrifted//Boots:gift//Belt:Yesstyle.com

So Test Me June

Life is full of tests isn't it? Minor ones, major ones, some you can prepare for and others you never saw coming.

It feels good, doesn't it, to pass life's challenges I mean. But what if you know you're failing. It is possible to feel like a complete failure at some of the tests life throws at you. Or to feel tired of the constant preparation for the next big hurdle.

Take a deep breath. 

That's what I tell myself. As I stand outside watching the world change into a beauty of flora, I breathe in summer. I breathe in life.

 There are days when I want life to give me a break. Stop testing me I plead. I need time to just be, to breathe.

 But then I remember everyone shares this story. Everyone is being tested. And without a life's challenges how would I know what I was capable of. Would I love summer as much if I never endured winter?

 The hardships of life can be in there own way, rewarding. They draw out your strength. They help you get creative, assertive, aware.

With each test I come into a kind of summer, a self blossoming. And despite knowing there is another test just around the corner I take the time to breathe, to be proud of myself, and to reassure myself "I can do it"

 So if you must June, test me. Bring on your thunder storms and cloudy days. I won't begrudge you. Bring me rains for my garden. Help me blossom.

Hat:thrifted//Top:amyflyingakite//Pants:Jacobs//Ring:JuliesJewelryStore

Sweet September

September is my favorite month. It’s undeceive and compromising. With it we find the colorful death of summer. It is kind enough to make us bid adieu without a bleak or melancholic attitude.

It brings us winds of change that host cinnamon spices mixed with the sweet scent of what is left of summer. It contains a beauty woven into knitted scarfs and plaid skirts.

September says hello by awakening your senses and pulling out your dreams from the sandy castles of summer.

Not quite autumn but not entirely summery, September is a month for those that like to live in between and for those who enjoy both nostalgia and the hopes of a tomorrow not yet realized.

It is bitter sweet. It is gentle, cradling you in enough warmth to let you say goodbye. New beginnings and old memories live simultaneously in this month of colorful splendor.

 It can’t keep summer forever, but it can keep it long enough to let you remember you had it. It is a sneaky month, trading lush green grass for rainbow infused trees. You know the season is dying but it isn’t a death that is drenched in dreary despair. It is a death that reminds you that you are alive, the world is alive and a new season lives in place of the old one.

 Say farewell to your summer wishes; let them slumber, and trade them for the dreams of September. 

GIF credit:  http://geekchiic.tumblr.com/post/9668441602