Monday, April 30, 2012

tiaraiconshadows

Skirt & Jacket- Gifted; Blouse- Thrifted; Tights, Sunglasses & Clutch- Aldo; Headband- Smart Set

Inspiration Monday {channeling Emma Watson}


Thank you for all your feel better wishes, I'm happy to say that after a weekend of watching way too many Youtube Videos, finally learning how to do a sock bun (will debut later this week), emptying all the kleenex boxes and drinking lots of lemon tea, I am on the mend.  

We did however have a medical scare with my man in the wee hours of Saturday (4:30 am to be exact).  He has gall bladder stones and has had four attacks since the fall (including one previous hospitalization) but this time he was doubled over in pain and informed the triage nurse  this was a 10 in regards to pain level.  They brought him into observation and after waiting, morphine, waiting and more morphine he was finally released and told that unless someone experiences 12-24 hours of gall bladder pain (he experienced 7), surgery is not immediate due to a lack of resources.  So tomorrow he is meeting with a specialist and hopefully a surgery date can be booked so that he doesn't have to go through that severe pain again.
 


He's feeling a lot better now and we even managed to make it out to Veg Fest on Sunday before taking these photos with their whimsical shadows.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

tiaraiconpicky/sicky

Dress- Smart Set; Jewellery- Sears; Bag & Shoes- Thrifted; Nail Polish- Mist by Joe Fresh

Picky= fussy about food, or selective with people (UrbanDictionary.com)

I'm quite a picky eater, which when you're already a veggie, limits your meal options drastically.  Mushrooms, shredded coconut, cantaloupe, eggplant and figs are just some of the items on my yuck list.  

Speaking of picky, I just bought this dress yesterday and already it has various picks and snags in the fabric, compliments of my cute but deadly bracelet.  According to e-How, I can simply pull the thread to the inside of the dress, tie in a small knot and apply clear nail polish to the thread to prevent further fraying.  (I also use clear nail polish on the inside band of my cheap cocktail rings to prevent my fingers from turning green, it's a quick and easy solution!)
 

Sicky= a way of speaking to indicate sickness in a cute way (UrbanDictionary.com)

I'm starting to come down with something, I spent the entire day sneezing, blowing my nose and coughing so am hoping to fend it off with some organic lemon tea and lots of sleep.


{P.S. I overexposed these photos because it showed the colours in the outfit better, I swear I'm not quite this vampire-esque in person...although then again maybe I am-referring to previous outfit photos, dang blasted Irish/Scottish/British mix!}

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

tiaraiconskinnies

Pants, Vest, Blouse, Scarf, Belt & Braceket- Thrifted; Jacket- Gifted from ML; Shoes- Suzy Shier; Ring- Sears; Nail Polish- Hawaiian Girl
I prefer feminine silhouettes like skirts and dresses but when I wear pants I gravitate towards skinnies.  I like the way they hug female curves and they can look either casual or professional, depending on how you style them.  Here's two ways that I've worn skinnies to work recently, with bright nails,  funky accessories and pointy toed heels.





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Top- Gap (Thrifted- worn like this); Pants- Old Navy; Shoes- Suzy Shier; Jewellery- Sears; Nail Polish- Plum Seduction by Revlon




Do you prefer skinnies or flares?

Monday, April 23, 2012

tiaraiconbuckle up

Pants- H&M; Blazer- Urban Outfitters; Top & Shoes- Thrifted; Necklaces- RW&CO; Ring- Sears; Nail Polish- Plum Seduction by Revlon

A week after my relaxing holiday, it's now back to reality with a dash of the post-vacation blues! Because I took a complete break from technology while in St. Kitts, my 8 e-mail accounts (5 work, 3 personal) were busting at the seams and various projects were calling my name upon return. Needless to say I'm about ready for another vacation, bring on the sandy beaches (especially since when I woke up this morning, Ottawa was covered in a light dusting of snow!) and rum punch!  Because I'm no Real Housewife, and life can't be one endless vacation, I brightened the week by dressing in my favourite coral pants and buying some playful new jewellery, like this belt buckle ring. 



When you return from vacation do you jump right back into your daily routine or does it take you a while to transition from all-play to non-stop work?

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

tiaraiconhot & spicy like the mustard


"I'll be your tour guide today and my name is Dijon, and I'm hot and spicy like the mustard!" The people of St. Kitts are humorous, laid back, vivacious and hospitable and it's no surprise when you look at the beautiful landscape that they wake up to everyday.  Sure there was poverty (including the mangy cats I took to feeding on our resort) but overall it was a lovely place full of intriguing history (discovered by explorer Christopher Columbus, hence the island's name of St. Christopher, nicknamed St. Kitts), exciting adventures (including our 5 hour hike to Mount Liamuiga to see the inactive volcano) and local hot-spots (like Sunshine's Bar & Grill where I had some of the freshest veggie food imaginable!)

I kept my cell phone and laptop turned off all week, read two books, ran (and napped) on the beach and slow danced to live music (on a different beach), all while having fun with fashion.  Here are my vacation outfits, which all somehow managed to fit into one suitcase.

Left: Jumpsuit- Marshalls; Belt, Scarf & Heels- Thrifted; Purse- Aldo; Accessories- Macy's        Right: Dress- Marshalls; Vest- Gap; Sandals- Thrifted; Accessories- Sears & Joe Fresh
Left: Dress- Swapped; Blouse, Belt & Sandals- Thrifted; Necklace & Sunglasses- Aldo & Middle: Dress- Swapped; Belt, Blouse, Clutch, Earrings & Sandals- Thrifted & Right: Top- Marshalls; Skirt, Accessories & Sandals- Thrifted              

Left: Dress- Marshalls; Necklace & Purse- Aldo; Belt & Sandals- Thrifted; Hat- Marriott St. Kitts & Middle: Exercise Top & Pants- One Tooth Activewear & Right: Blouse, Necklace & Shorts- Thrifted

 

Left: Bathing Suit & Hat- Marshalls & Right: Hat- Marriott St. Kitts

Left: Top, Belt & Pants- Thrifted; Necklace- Local Vendor in St. Kitts & Middle: Vest- Gap; Skirt- Spoof; Necklace & Sandals- Thrifted & Right: Blouse, Belt, Shorts & Sandals- Thrifted & Necklace- Sears

Left: Top- Marshalls; Skirt- Spoof; Heels- Thrifted; Accessories- Macy's & Right: Dress, Belt & Heels- Thrifted; Flower- Blue Eyes Bridal

I may take my time (just like the people of St. Kitts), but I'll be coming by to say hi soon!

P.S. Thanks to everyone for your flying tips and positive thoughts, the turbulence was choppy but I kept calm and carried on! 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

tiaraiconup, up & away

Pants, Blouse & Necklace- Thrifted; Blazer- Marshalls; Shoes- Aldo (Gifted)

A fear that has developed over the years (besides my fear of elevators) is the fear of flying due to a)my fear of heights and b)plummeting 30K feet at a rapid pace sounds terrifying! So I'm a little scared of the up, up & away (please winds don't cause too much turbulence because then I turn into a white knuckled, swearing passenger that everyone glares at) but I'm ecstatic for the destination so please send positive vibes my way tomorrow morning!
Linking up to Thursdays are for Thrifters.
For my birthday last year, my best friend bought me my leopard print stilettos and this year she went for the disco babe look!

The beautiful hair clip created by Blue Eyes Bridal that I won in Coffee & Cardigans giveaway.  Can't wait to wear it with a summer ensemble & beachy hair in St. Kitts!


Have a wonderful Easter weekend everyone and see you back in the blogosphere in a week or so!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

tiaraicongreen with excitement

Jacket- Marshalls; Dress- Zara; Hat- Urban Outfitters; Shoes & Ring- Thrifted; Bracelet- Small Boutique in Montreal; Hosiery- Forever 21


I'm leaving envy at the door, today I'm green with excitement because in less than two days I will be lying on a beach in St. Kitts! It's my first all inclusive holiday and I'm slightly concerned that all my healthy living and fitness goals will take a hit from all the buffet style dining and pool-side cocktails.  Ah well it's called a vacation for a reason and if tequila starts seeping through my pores I'll know it's time to cut back!  


In this day and age everyone is so readily accessible by phone, computer, social media and pager (yes I still have one of those) it will be such a treat to have a week free of technology and the shackles of e-mail slavery! It shocks some people that I won't be checking work e-mails during my week off but that wouldn't be a very relaxing vacation now would it?

The thing I'm most excited about is shedding my Canadian spring-time layers and donning light dresses, colourful bathing suits and fun summer hats!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

tiaraiconblack bean & avocado salad

I'm not a cook and even microwaving a bag of popcorn used to cause me kitchen anxiety but after taking a few vegetarian cooking classes at Credible Edibles (Green Cuisine; Vegan Easter Feast & Cooking with Chocolate), I'm starting to relax and realize that cooking is less about perfection and more about creativity.  Here is a fresh and easy black bean & avocado salad recipe I found in a thrifted cookbook that would be perfect with a pitcher of sangria and a good book on a hot summer's day!

{Adapted from The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook}
Prep time: 15 mins + overnight soaking
Total cooking time: 1.5 hours
Serves: 4

Salad 
250g (8oz) dried black beans
1 red onion, chopped
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
375g (12oz) canned corn kernels, drained
90g (3oz) fresh coriander (I used cilantro instead), roughly chopped
2 avocados, peeled and chopped
1 mango, peeled and chopped
150g (4.75oz) rocket leaves

Dressing
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 small red chili, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 
Salt and pepper to taste
(I also added approx 1/2 cup of salsa for more colour and flavour)

1. Soak the beans in cold water overnight.  Rinse; drain.  Place the beans into a large heavy-based pan, cover with water and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until tender.  Drain and cool slightly.
2. Place the beans, onion, tomatoes, pepper, corn, coriander/cilantro, avocado, mango and rocket into a large bowl and toss to combine.
3. To make dressing- place all ingredients in a bowl, whisk, pour over the salad and serve.  (I poured salsa over the salad afterwards for some added zestiness!)

You know what else black beans are delicious in? Black bean brownies! I know what you're thinking but honestly this sugar free, vegan dessert (that I learned how to bake at Credible Edibles) is divine- I will share this recipe with you soon!

Jeans, Jacket, Jeans, Shoes, Ring, Belt & Scarf- Thrifted; Top- Swapped; Nail Polish- Flirt by Revlon

And even though I'm well on my way to becoming a domestic goddess (ha!) I forgo the apron for a coral jacket and flight attendant-esque scarf when I'm cooking up a storm!


Monday, April 2, 2012

tiaraiconweekend wear

This weekend was a nice balance of work and play, I spent time with friends, indulged in some fashion and enjoyed some down-time which was a much appreciated rarity.
Dress- Marshalls; Jacket & Shoes- Gifted; Hosiery- Betsey Johnson; Purse & Necklace- Thrifted
On Friday night I was invited to attend a Pre-Junos cocktail party hosted by RW&CO.  The event took place in a penthouse suite (used for outfitting celebrities such as Simple Plan, Sam Roberts & Down with Webster) at the Westin Ottawa, (one of the city's swankiest hotels) and guests were treated to elegant hors d'oeuvres, fruity cocktails and were able to preview RW&CO's new spring/summer collection.
The RW&CO mannequins have the best seats in the house- looking out at our Parliament buildings.
A new thrifted purse from Goodwill (only $5) and my bag of RW&CO goodies (I managed to buy 8 necklaces with my $25 gift card!)

Skirt, Top, Blazer & Scarf- Thrifted; Hosiery- Lilac Lingerie; Ring- H&M; Shoes- Charlotte Russe

This is what I wore to work on Saturday for a makeup program soft launch (isn't my job fun!) It's still quite brisk in Ottawa so pantyhose and layers are a must! I'm linking up this outfit to Inspiration Monday, mine being the Canuck cold weather version!


Tutu- Winners; Sparkly Vest- Vintage; Necklace & Bracelets- Sears; Boots- Aldo
I don't like to make a big deal of my Birthday (which was March 22nd) and usually don't have a party but this year my best friend decided to host a soiree for me on Saturday night and it was a fun, intimate evening with 10 friends, lots of candy, sushi, homemade vegan cupcakes and dancing (actually that was just me Zumba dancing in the living room after a few cocktails!) Plus it gave me an excuse to wear my black tutu, sparkly vintage vest and thigh high boots for a look that screamed showgirl!



And then on Sunday I cleaned, did laundry and organized my house which can be quite the relaxing activity when you have nothing else planned! I wore my pjs all day and ate left-over B-day cupcakes for breakfast- now that's what I call a food day!

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How was your weekend?