Wednesday 28 August 2013

Nesting Ain't Just for Birds

I have a small obsession with home decor. It's probably one of my favourite things to pin about on pinterest and bedrooms are by far my favourite things to look at. I love to go over to people's houses and see their rooms and look at all of the personal touches that they've put in. Your bedroom is the place where you're allowed to decorate the most for yourself. I love that. 

My bedroom is of course, my favourite room of our new apartment. I've really been able to decorate it the way I've been wanting to. My last bedroom was Paris themed and by the time I got here I was very over that. My bedroom now reflects who I am a lot more. 

So, I thought I'd share some photos of my new room with you guys! Just a disclaimer: I'm no photographer. I do not know anything about capturing things in the right light and blah blah blah so bear with me here.
 Like the bedspread? I'm obsessed with it
 I wanted me desk to be extra pretty because it's where I'm going to be working a lot. My desk belonged to my stepdad's grandmother. It works perfectly in my room and the history of it makes it even more special.
 That little baby owl on my desk belonged to Jordan's grandpa. I never got to meet him but he seemed like a wonderful man. I was pleased as punch when Jordan told me I could have the owl. It meant so much to him and he knew that I loved owls so he told me to take it and put it to good use because it was just sitting in his closet. I love it dearly and make sure I'm always taking good care of it!
 I saw the idea for the clip boards here and although I didn't have any patterned clip boards I think they turned out alright. I got all of the pictures from pinterest. My favourite board is the one on the left! I love all of the little messages that I'll be able to look upon while I'm working.
 Ah my beautiful record player. I'm very very sad because something happened during the move and it isn't working right now but I will get it fixed soon and I'll be back to spinning my favourite records again!
 This is my bedside table with the beautiful new owl vase from my sister and Pat! I didn't have anything to put in it but it's just too beautiful to put away!
 Oh hey, there's me!

Well boys and girls, that is my new bedroom. I must leave now because Erika and her mom are here and they're starting to clean. I think I'll give them a hand!

xoTaylor

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Double Dueces...or something hip like that


That's right people...the big day is here...or just got here. It's officially midnight and I am officially 22. Cue some Taylor Swift...no seriously, I want today to be just like her video. I want red heart shaped sunglasses and a cat ear headband.

What does turning 22 mean? Well, nothing in particular...actually probably nothing at all. I've already gotten all my presents and they were all for my apartment (such an adult, aren't I?) Funny thing is that I was really excited about all of my "grown up" gifts! I got a new bedspread, an amazing owl vase, my very own magic bullet, and basically anything someone might need to survive but wouldn't think to buy on their own thanks to my wonderful and thoughtful mom. She is smart enough to know that there are some things that seem like they just "appear" when you're living at home but actually have to be bought...like shampoo and conditioner and all of those things. Now I won't have to worry about that for a while. What a doll!

I made a birthday playlist on grooveshark but I couldn't find out how to share it on here (womp womp). You can find it here though if you're interested. The songs seem pretty random but they all have some kind of connection to getting older or birthdays or age. It can get pretty hard to see the theme when I put songs like Bangarang on there by Skrillex because he's singing about the lost boys, who were in Peter Pan, who never wanted to grow up. See what I did there? Yeah I'm pretty convinced that if I ever owned a record store or bookstore that I'd have an insane filing system that only I understood. Radiohead? That goes under R. Nirvana? That goes under S for Suicide because Kurt Cobain killed himself. Seemingly no rhyme or reason...but actually quiet a complex one. But...I digress.

Now, I must go and get my beauty rest because I'm heading to my apartment tomorrow nice and early. My mom is taking me to get groceries and then her, my sister and I are going out for a birthday lunch. I'm excited!

xoTaylor (le birthday girl)

Monday 26 August 2013

On My Own

*Yeah...I brought a ridiculous amount of stuff*
This weekend I finally made the leap and moved out of my parents house and now I'm officially on my own. What does that mean? Oh just that I have about a million bills to pay but also that I am independent for the first time in my life and in complete control of my life. It's pretty cool. Just lying in my bed and looking around made me realize: this is all mine and it's all because of me, no one else. It was a pretty cool feeling.
 
The move went pretty well. I was terrified that we wouldn't be able to fit everything in Erika's dad's trailer. I was bringing everything. I was the only one with a kitchen table and chairs, a couch and all of those things so I had a lot to bring. Luckily we fit everything and then headed to our new home. We had tons of help thanks to our wonderful families so we were unloaded pretty quickly. After we set up my bed and all ate I relieved my mom, stepdad, sister and brother-in-law of their duties so I could focus on unpacking. I'm someone who would prefer to unpack alone. I'd rather not have other people "helping" because it actually leaves me feeling frazzled because then I'm having to instruct someone the whole time and try to tell them where to put stuff that doesn't have a place yet. Luckily tricky Ikea furniture gave me my wish. Erika needed to put together a dresser and her and her mom asked Jordan for help. It took them 2 and a half hours! It looked very frusterating but gave me the free time I needed to unpack.

After the evil Ikea dresser was assembeled and Erika was unpacked, she sent her parents on their way and then Jordan, Erika, Jon and I went out for dinner. I love when the four of us hang out. It's always fun. We all came home and were too exhausted to watch a movie so we all went to bed. I loved staying in my apartment. I loved waking up and having my best friend in the room next to me so that we could make breakfast together and talk and just hang out. It's like you're always having fun because you've always got your best friend with you. I think Jordan enjoyed staying there too. He better have because he's gonna have to come visit me!

Jordan and I came home on Sunday because we had to go to his grandma's birthday party. Now I'm home until tomorrow and then I'm going back to my apartment for good. I miss it already!

Well, I think that's enough of an update for now. I have lots more to tell you but I'll save it for another post, don't want to overload you just yet!

Have a happy Monday!

xoTaylor

Soaking up the Last Seconds of Summer



It seems that once again, summer is coming to an end. It's sad because I never feel like I get enough out of summer. I need to make a list next year. There's so much to get in that I always forget about like beach days, hikes, bike rides...but it's too late now! Frowny face.

Because summer is coming to an end, Jordan and I decided to do something fun outdoors. We went on a canoe ride on Friday. We canoed for two whole hours! It was gorgeous though and Jordan did most of the work so I can't really complain there. I even got a bit of a suntan.

Boy was it a busy weekend! I moved (but I'll fill you in on that in another post), I got lots of early birthday presents for my birthday on Tuesday, got to spend my first night in my apartment, had coffee with a friend and ate ice cream cake TWICE! What a good weekend.

This week I am
- Finishing up at Davlyn
- Looking for a part time job in Toronto
-Getting my life organized before I start my job as Associate Editor next week
-Getting myself back on track eating-wise (not only did I have ice cream cake twice but I also had Belgium waffles for lunch one day, Menchie's frozen yogurt last night and I may have even had a few too many cookies!) Hey, it was kind of my birthday weekend. I had to soak it up.

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend too! Stay tuned to hear about my move!

xoTaylor

Secret(s) of the Week



I couldn't resist using both of these secrets this week. Too perfect. Just goes to show: different stroke for different folks, my friends.

xoTaylor

Wednesday 21 August 2013

Getting Things Done


*What I've been doing all week*

So I must apologize in advance because I don't know how wonderful of a blogger I will be during this transition from living at home to moving to the big city. Let's all hope that I can stay on top of things but I am already running around like a madwoman and this week will only get busier.
 
This is my last week as an intern so I am trying to finish all of my projects before I leave. It's proving to be incredibly difficult. I have a ton left to do and I feel like I lost my biggest helper (the girl I have been working a lot finished her internship last week.) I wish I could keep sending her stuff and get her to keep helping me edit and finish projects haha. Just goes to show that good help is hard to find! On top of my internship work, I am also working tonight and tomorrow night from 3-7 at my secretary job so that I can have Friday off. Jordan took Today, tomorrow and Friday off for a little break and we want to spend the day together on Friday because it's my last day before I move!
 
So basically, I have been very busy this week and I will only find myself getting busier. I might go crazy but let's hope not. If you don't hear from me until next week that is why!
 
Wish me luck for the rest of this wild week!
 
xoTaylor

Monday 19 August 2013

Weekend Update


This weekend I got to see some very beautiful people get married.

And I got to wear a pretty dress:


Taryn and Dave's wedding was beautiful! Taryn, of course, looked gorgeous! Their first dance was so cute, the bridesmaids dresses were beautiful and Tessa (her maid of honour and sister, and one of my oldest and closest friends) cried during her speech, which made me cry too.

Taryn and Dave have a beautiful baby names Shay, who is 9 months old. I was in charge of taking care of her for the night. Because I am around Jackson so much, Taryn thought I would be perfect to watch Shay on their big day. I was, of course, very happy to help. Shay was pretty fussy all during dinner because it had been such a long day for her. There is just no reasoning with babies! The two of us headed out right after dessert. I just wanted to get that sleepy baby home and to bed. I stayed at Taryn and Dave's for the night and Taryn's mom came over early to relieve me of my duties. It was all pretty easy after I got Shay to bed. I read and watched episodes of Sex and the City until bed. Not too shabby.

I woke up at 8am the next day when I heard Shay crying and Taryn's mom go in to get her (I was officially relieved of my duties and ready to get my butt home!) I got dressed, chatted with Taryn's mom for a few and then headed home. It was eery to be home early and not have my mom or stepdad up yet. I made some coffee and breakfast and sat out on the porch reading. Those two lazy bums didn't show their faces until 11:30! Sheesh! The day was spent taking apart my bed, cleaning the garage and moving things up there to make it easier for the move this weekend. It's weird that my room is empty and that I'm sleeping in the spare room. I can't even believe I'm moving this weekend. It doesn't feel real.

This week is my last week as an intern before I have a week off and then officially start as an Associate Editor. Pretty crazy right? Well, I have a ton to get done before the end of this week so I have to focus.

Have a fabulous Monday.

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week


xoTaylor

Friday 16 August 2013

The Inevitable

*New Mantra*

With moving comes the inevitable task of re-evaluating all of your worldly possessions. This is very hard for me because my possessions (mainly my clothing) are all I have to show for all of the work that I've done over the last 8 years. I haven't spent my money on a car, I didn't buy a lot of furniture, mostly I just bought clothes. Also, like most other women, I am very attached to the possibility of wearing something. I have lots of shirts that I haven't worn in over a year but maybe...one day...I just might want to. I'm the worst like that.

The problem is that I'm going from a massive walk-in closet to one that is half the size. Therefore, I really need to downsize. Bummer! I've also been spending a lot of my free time mentally planning out where I want everything in my room to go. I can't help but be an A-type with things like that.

Mainly, I'm just super excited to move in! Yesterday my mom, stepdad and I took two car loads of stuff to my apartment. I took 3/4 of my clothes, all my kitchen stuff, all my knickknacks and anything that I won't be using for the next week that would fit in the car. Most of the stuff left to take is the big stuff like my bed, couch etc. I don't know how it's all gonna fit in Erika's dad's trailer but she assures me it will (still feel anxiety about it anyways!).

Tomorrow is Taryn's wedding! I've been appointed to take care of her baby all day/night. It will be quite the task but I'm happy to do it for such a beautiful couple. Also, I cry at weddings so there will definitely be some of that going on. Mostly I'm excited to get all dolled up! I have two dresses in the running but I'm not deciding until tomorrow. Whatever feels right is the one that will win.

Well, I should get back to work. Have a happy happy happy Friday!

xoTaylor

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Well I guess this is growing up


You know you're getting older when you ask for things for your apartment but...as Blink 182 once said "I guess this is growing up."

That's right people, I'm turning 22 very soon (two weeks to be exact!) While I'm not a big fan of birthdays, I am a fan of presents. Why, do you ask, am I not a big fan of the old bday? Well, do you ever feel like there's such a pressure to do something. You're supposed to have a huge party or spend the whole night with your friends or be greeted by a giant cake...or something. That kind of pressure usually puts a damper on the day. I usually just want to just hang out and enjoy the day in the laziest way possible. And everyone really kind of milks their birthdays, yah know? You're not special because you were born...everyone was born. Enjoy your presents and shut up! That's why I like Halloween. No one needs to feel the pressure of getting anyone gifts, you get to dress up as whatever you want and there is always candy. Best.holiday.ever.

Well...now that I've sufficiently put down birthdays and how shallow they tend to be, I am going to follow up with an equally shallow and possibly hypocritically statement: I am excited to get my presents. That's the child in me. I asked if we could celebrate my birthday on the 23rd (4 days before my actual birthday) because I'm moving on the 24th and I know that I'm getting tons of apartment stuff and want to use it ASAP. That's just good planning right there.

So now that I have sufficiently rambled and then went on to make a statement that completely puts my rant to shame, I am going to share a couple of coming of age songs. It just feels fitting because I'm basically considering moving out to be my bat mitzvah and it is pretty symbolic that it falls so close to my birthday.

So without further a due:

*OKAY how fitting is it that this song is about growing up AND it says "nobody likes you when you're 22." This is officially my birthday song this year. "
*The song for which this blog post was named*
*Seriously...how could I not add this song*
*I have love this song for a long time because it has always reminded me NOT to grow up. *

I'm including the lyrics for Vienna waits for you because they are seriously so amazing and should basically be my life mantra. The best/ most meaningful to me lyrics are bolded.

Slow down, you crazy child 
You're so ambitious for a juvenile 
But then if you're so smart, then tell me 
Why are you still so afraid? 


Where's the fire, what's the hurry about? 
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out 

You've got so much to do 
And only so many hours in a day 

But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you get old 

You're gonna kick off before you even 
Get halfway through 
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you

Slow down, you're doing fine 
You can't be everything you want to be 
Before your time 

Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight 
Tonight,
Too bad but it's the life you lead 
You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need 
Though you can see when you're wrong, you know 
You can't always see when you're right. you're right 

You've got your passion, you've got your pride But don't you know that only fools are satisfied? 
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true 
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? 

Slow down, you crazy child 
And take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile 
It's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two 

When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? 
And you know that when the truth is told 
That you can get what you want or you can just get old 
You're gonna kick off before you even get half through 
Why don't you realize, Vienna waits for you 
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Seriously....this song is pure gold. It's beautiful. I first heard it when I was 13 and I'm glad my 13-year-old-self was smart enough to recognize that kind of beauty. Play this song at my funeral...seriously.

Anyways...now that I've gone from new life to death, I think I should leave.

Have a wonderful day tomorrow kitty cats!

xoTaylor

Secret of the Weel


Truth.

xoTaylor

And the madness begins...


So we have moved on from the stress of finding an apartment to the stress of moving into an apartment. No one tells you about all of the little details that come with moving out, like how you need insurance for tenants or how you need seperate accounts for your utilities or how you will probably leave these things to the very last minute.

Erika and I went to sign the lease yesterday and after we realized that our landlord can't meet us on the 15th to give us our keys we decided to try to get all of our paperwork and stuff ready for today so Kristina can pick up the keys today. Unfortunately that has been found to be an impossible feat so now I'll probably have to go up on Wendesday...or super early on Thursday. So frustrating but it will all be taken care of soon so this is just a momentary blip.

Can you believe I'm going to be moving out and on my own in 11 days? I can't! This will be the first time I've ever had to pay bills and really take care of myself. While I am incredibly stressed, I'm also really excited. I guess I will just try my best to stay calm over this time and let everything play out. I even went to yoga last night to try and destress (it kind of worked).

Well, I must get back to work. Gotta make that money that's gonna help keep me alive once I get to the big city!

xoTaylor

Thursday 8 August 2013

Peter Pan and I have a lot in common


We both enjoy the collars that he was named after and we both do not want to grow up. Unfortunately, unlike Mr. Pan, I have to grow up. If this is the case then I might as well do it in a way that I enjoy. Which brings me on to my next piece of news: we got an apartment!

That's right people, Toronto is happening. We are signing the lease on Monday and we get the keys Thursday. Can you believe that?? We won't be moving in that soon though. We'll move in slowly for a week and then officially bring all our stuff there on the 24th. I'm super excited. It's super cute and has hardwood floors, and a washer and dryer (which is a big deal) and I got the biggest room (fate was on my side). Now I need to worry about packing which is always such a pain.

Mostly I'm excited to be on my own and near the city and living with my best friend. Gosh there's so much change to come! I can't wait to show you my new digs when we get there!

xoTaylor

Tuesday 6 August 2013

The Big City

*Obligatory picture of the CN Tower that won't be necessary when I'm a city dweller!*

Yesterday was kind of a perfect day. Jordan and I woke up at our leisure and lazed around all afternoon (as I informed you in my last post). After Erika and Jon picked us up and we headed off to the big city. We went to see an apartment but I am not gonna talk too much about that for superstitious reasons. The four of us went downtown and out for dinner after. It was dee-licious. After Erika, Jordan and I headed home I bribed Erika with Menchies if she would go for a jog with Tessa and I. We`re pretty counterproductive like that. So after our jog the three of us piled into the car so that we could pile frozen yogurt into our bellies. I looove me some fro-yo with assorted toppings. Whoever invented this idea is my hero.

I am so excited to live in the city soon. I just love the fact that I`m going to be on my own and independent for the first time in my life. I can come and go as I please, do whatever I want and finally feel complete freedom. It`s going to be super tough but so rewarding. Plus, I`ll finally be close to a big city like I`ve dreamed about since I can remember.

Well kids, I leave you with that. I`m off to daydream about my big city life while pretending to work all day.

xoTaylor

Monday 5 August 2013

Summertime Happiness

*Best part of summer? The hydrangeas are in full bloom!*

Long weekends are the best. Amiright? Of course I am! 

Yesterday Jordan and I spent the day at the trailer with my family. He played golf while us ladies sat around snacking and chatting. Jordan and I left after dinner and came home to spend time with Erika and Jon. The four of us hung out in the hot tub and watched a movie afterwards. It was a nice relaxing Sunday.

Today Jordan and I have been lazing around hard.  We woke up a couple of hours ago and have yet to get out of our pyjamas. We're great like that. At 2 Erika and Jon are picking us up to go to Toronto. Erika and I are going to do a little apartment hunting and then the four of us are gonna go out for dinner. Should be a fun day.

This week I will be:
- Only working three days (woot woot)
- Going to a filming of Citytv's Fashion Friday in Toronto (that's why I'm only working three days). Apparently you get sweet loot bags at the end with designer swag. So excited.
- Trying to get some running in (I'm training for a 7K obstacle course in September)
- Maybe getting some fake nails (I don't know why but I'm feeling a need to get some haha)

Yeah...I have a very useless week ahead of me. That's what you get when you only work 3 days and you are coming off of a long weekend and looking forward to another one.

Have a good week!

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week

Sometimes...so do I.

xoTaylor

Saturday 3 August 2013

Saturday Night


Sometimes your boyfriend is with the boys and your best friend is with her boyfriend and all of the other ladies that you love are busy doing something-or-other and you find yourself at home alone on a Saturday night. How do you feel about this? Well it's definitely nothing to feel bad about! Nights alone are to be treasured!  I used to be pretty bummed when I was in high school if there was nothing going on on a Saturday night but now I like it. I get to hang out in my pyjamas, watch chick flicks and get my laundry done. Oh how I savour these nights.

Today was a pretty good day too as far as days go.

Today I:
- Worked out in the morning with Tessa
-Went out for lunch with Jordan
-Spent the afternoon shopping (where I spent a tad too much money but am totally okay with it)
-Made dinner with Jordan
-Went out for frozen yogurt
-Took a fabulous nap
- Smiled a lot

Tomorrow Jordan and I are going to the trailer for the day. It should be a good day with lots of family and friends. I also get Monday off so I'm pretty excited about the fact that the weekend is only half over.

Have a wonderful night pals. I know I will.

xoTaylor