My Shoe Collection

Today I uploaded a new video to my youtube channel, and its all about shoes! I filmed a video called my shoe collection. It was actually pretty fun because I got to try on al my shoes again for fun. I love watching these videos on youtube, its a good way to see how styles look on and what sort of new shoes id be interested in. 

Check out the video here:

Thanks again for watching :) 

Xoxo D

Fall Decor 2013

Today I am going to show you my decor, some of it was recycled from last year with a few minor touches, some was newly purchased, and lots of it I just made. 

Check out last years decor here:

 http://desmenard.blogspot.ca/2012/09/autumn-decorations.html

I just bought this adorable cable knit candle holder this week. It was from Bath & Body Works. I am obsessed with the cable knit pattern this fall. I am hunting for the perfect white chunky cable knit sweater for myself. I am going to get smaller candles soon but they need to covered candles because the holder will get ruined so for now it has this oversized one in it.

Isn't this guy cute?! He is from Dollarama from the Halloween section. I think he is supposed to be a scary thing, but I quite like it and thought it would look nice with some sunflowers to make the eyes pop.

This pumpkin cage is from last year, I just filled it with some fake pumpkins and gourds, pinecones, and random twigs and pieces. I bought two fall scent candles from Bath & Body works. They are called Harvest Coffee & Heirloom Pear. The scents I really wanted were called Leaves & Marsh mellow fireside. They were sold out of both in the large size so I got a coupon and will go back later in the month to try again.

 This harvest basket was also from year but this time I added in some feathers from the craft section at the dollar store. 

This is my sad attempt at an embroidered pumpkin. I really wanted to get a bigger white pumpkin and some designs with gems but couldn't find at a decent price. So this was my compromise.

This display is another from last year. I am using a Chocolate scented candle for the piece and it smells amazing. 

The next item is new. I made it today. I don't really know what to call it, but lets say it's an autumn garland. You can also see my wine bottle vase from last year here too. Here's a close up:

 So the design is pretty self explanatory. I got everything from the dollar store :)

Another DIY project. I just bought 4 canvas boards from the dollar store and painted on some lettering, very simple and cheap and it looks awesome! 

The final item is this little black pumpkin. I just stabbed a fake leave through the stem to add some character. I know a pumpkin would never grow a maple leaf but I think it looks super cute! 

Happy Autumn Everyone ! 

Xoxo D

My Fall Inspiration 2013

This year I am loving the orange & rusty themes of fall.  Such gorgeous colors that really depict the season. I also love the use of acorns that I am seeing everywhere. I need to go on a hunt to get some! There are no oak tree's near our property so I will have to go find a bush somewhere. This year I am focusing on DIY decor because I am broke - shocker. I love to embrace my creative side, its not often I actually do that. Stay tuned for my own DIY fall decor blog post coming soon.

What are your favourite decorations for the Fall?

Check out last years inspiration board:

http://desmenard.blogspot.ca/2012/09/my-fall-inspiration.html

Xoxo D

September Bookshelf

Book # 1: The Rise of Nine - Pittacus Lore

★★★★★

Thought this was going to be the end of the series..the ending of the book tells me otherwise - thank god. Loved this one because of the focus on the legacies and introducing new characters. Finally getting to explore each ones legacies was awesome, its the reason I was drawn to the series in the first place. Wouldn't have minded a bit more love story in there but after reading you will know why they couldn't involve it, I won't spoil.

Book # 2: Confessions of a Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

★★★★

I loved reading this book. She reminds me of myself in her shopping obsession, except I'm not in debt like that. I actually sped through this book, it was such easy reading and so fun. Also pretty humorous. I will be reading more of her books just for some light weight reading on my overnights at work. Very enjoyable book so I gave it a 4 star.

Book # 3: Haters - Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

★★

About three chapters into this book I realized I had read this a very long time ago when I was in high school. I couldn't completely remember everything so I just went ahead and re-read the book. I am happy that the book wasn't about a typical out cast becoming popular by changing who she was and that's the end of the story.  Paski kept true to herself and still got what she wanted. The addition of the spiritual world was a little bit odd, not sure it fit in too well but wasn't off putting. I was actually shocked by the intimate scenes in the book. You can sort of tell Alisa was originally an adult writer  a little steamy, but great for me. However, this book was probably written for someone 5 years younger than me. All in all good read, but nothing SUPER spectacular.

Book # 4: Frozen Beneath - Brain Horeck

★★★★

The reason I gave this book 4 stars is because for me, it touched home (not the aliens but the location). The story takes place in a town that I've spent a lot of my teenage time occupying and its not everyday you get a local writer from where we are. It was so awesome to read the story and know what the places & images that the author is trying to paint actually look like. The Riverside Pub is actually a real place, that was an awesome touch. Being an avid outdoors"wo"men myself, it was a fun read. Also, he clearly did a lot of research about NORAD and military tactics and all that stuff, unless he was part of that scene in his past. However, I thought the climax to the resolve of the conflict happened really quickly and almost too effortlessly - I won't give any spoilers. I forgave the author after reading the last paragraph of the entire book. So clever. sequel * hint hint.  

What books have you read this month? Anything worth sharing or recommending?

D

*reviews linked with my goodreads.com account

5 Signs Fluffy Isn't Well

Sometimes detecting your pets pain can be a hard task to accomplish and generally over looked by most owners. This is because cats are experts at masking their pain, no matter how bad. This is instinctual behaviour that is normal in all cat breeds. Showing signs of pain in the wild could turn your  beloved Fluffy into dinner for a predator that is much stronger and faster, thus the incredible pain hiding talents.  Please do not get down on yourself if you were unable to detect that Fluffy was in pain at one point in his life because even the best of us cannot detect it at times. Instead, take these helpful hints into consideration and next time you think Fluffy isn't acting like himself go through this checklist. 

1. Not Eating/Drinking - This is the number one red flag. Generally when Fluffy feels ill the first thing you will notice is untouched food or water.  This can sometimes be irrelevant if you have a finicky eater or a cat who grazes. You know your pets eating patterns better than anyone else so if something seems off then it likely is.  

2. Hiding - Another common report for owners is that Fluffy is hiding out under the bed or somewhere inaccessible to most humans (or predators). The owners are absolutely right when they say "hiding". Fluffy is trying to hide out from danger as he likely does not feel strong enough to fight if need be. 

3. Lethargic - If Fluffy suddenly wants to sleep 24/7 and is usually running around playing most hours the day, chances are he is not feeling well. This is a bit harder to access in our couch potato cats but if Fluffy doesn't even want to get up for his favourite treat you should be concerned.    

4. Aggression - Unexplained aggression is a good indicator of pain. If you can see no other reason for the aggression (new pet member, usual temperament, irritation from over-stimulation) pain is likely the cause especially if Fluffy gets aggressive when you are handling him. Be very careful with an aggressive cat and handle gently to avoid further pain and thus further aggression. 

5. Vocalizing -  A cat in severe pain will vocalize loud and frequently and usually sounds different from their normal meow or cry. Sometimes cats get frisky and just like to talk (such as the Siamese breed). If you have had your cat for a while now you should be able to tell the difference, you will know when its vocalizing vs. just talking. 

If Fluffy is experiencing any or a combination of the above symptoms, please don't hesitate to give your veterinarian a call. They are there to help, and if it's after hours give your local emergency clinic a call. Better to be safe than sorry.

(some crude humour, thats actually just kitten food hehe)

Xoxo D

BarkBox

Ok, so I stumbled across this awesome program today called Bark Box. It is similar to the companies like Ipsy and Birch Box. If you are not familiar with those, let me explain. 

You sign up for a subscription for a fee of anywhere from $10-$20 depending which style/company you chose. Then, every month they send you a mystery box of goodies. In the beauty boxes you would usually get 3-5 items of new beauty products some sample sizes, some full sized. So this program is the same. You pay $19/month and get a monthly boxed shipped to your puppy friend! You will get "four or more carefully selected products and presents for your dog – anything from toys, bones and all-natural treats to hygiene products and innovative new gadgets!". You can customize your box to fit the size of your pet ie. small, medium, large. Shipping is free and you don't have to commit for a year, you can do 1, 3, or 6 month terms with the ability to cancel at any time. PLUS 10% of proceeds go to rescues...I think that is just awesome ! (p.s. if you receive an item your pup just loves, the website will sell more of that item to you at a greater rate)

Check it out:  https://barkbox.com/

I am dying to get my hands on a subscription but I have two issues. First, I am currently broke so its going to need to wait until next week. And I am going to do some more research into products you receive because sadly we cannot get Coco to rarely ever play with toys. If I am going to end up getting 90% toys there might not be a point my girl but I think this is awesome for anyone else with a dog. I guess I could always gift my toys to my dogs away from home, or donate to work for our strays :) I will keep you updated! If I end up subscribing I will post my un-boxing and show everyone what I received. Let me know what you think of this awesome program. 

Xoxo D 

Fashion I Can't Get Behind

This is something new I am going to try to keep doing. Fashion pieces I just do not like. There's a good chance you might see me sporting some of them months down the road because some times I say I don't like but then months later it grows on me. The items in these features are statements I haven't been able to get behind for months, so chances are that I will not.  So anyways, hope you enjoy, and let me know what your opinions are!

Suspender Leggings

Leggings: Forever21

I have yet to see these styled in a way that is attractive. The giant cut outs just seem too "try hard" to me. It's not like they are any higher than shorts but it just seems wrong. I don't know, something about it just isn't flattering in my opinion. It doesn't help that this specific pair look like a velvet material - just wrong. The models footwear brings me to my next item....

Big Ugly Boots   Lace-up Welt Boots

boots: charlotterusse

 K, so many people are probably thinking I'm crazy because EVERYONE wears these but ugh no. They are like a gross cross between rain boots and combats like Dr. Martens. So many people are probably going to shun me because I hate Dr. Martens.  *Flinches* There is a fine line between this style and a feminine biker/combat boot. But the keyword here is feminine. 

Hi-low Blouses

blouse one: Forever21

Let me just clarify, its not all hi-low clothing I dislike. Basically just these over the top blouses. A hi low skirt or dress is really pretty and elegant but these blouses are just sloppy. It looks as though you have a weird tail. The only functional use I have come too for the flap is to tuck it in the back on your pants/shorts/skirt/whatever to create a more loose tuck-in...but NO ONE DOES THAT. They just leave the flap, well, flapping in the wind. 

Heel-less Heels

 pumps: Gojane

booties: Gojane

 If we have a heel less heel, what do we have left? These shoes are just an eye soar in my opinion. And I can't even imagine how hard they must be to walk in. Luckily, these are fading out for the winter season but they were everywhere in spring/summer collections. Also that star on the leopard pair is just tacky.

Hopefully I haven't offended anyone. Just keep in mind that these are my personal opinions for my own style. Everyone has their own style and it's okay to be different :) 

xoxo D

New Video!

Here I am with another new video, yay! 

A short but sweet clothing haul from my Toronto weekend trip with my girlfriends and the boys.  This may be getting annoying but feel free like like, comment or subscribe because every bit helps :) 

Thanks,

 xoxo D

New Video!

My third youtube video went live yesterday afternoon. I am pleased with myself that I actually kept going after video # 1. That's a bit of an achievement on its own haha!

Summer-Into-Fall Outfit Transitions

I show you 3 ways to keep your favourite summer pieces useful into the colder fall months.

Anyways give the video a watch if you like and give me some support. Thanks!

xoxo D

TV Fashion Crush

Pretty Little Lairs 

S4E12

Hanna Marin

I love the Indigo leather jacket paired with those buttercup skinny jeans and the citrine purse. She has the best style, always so colourful and she doesn't end up looking like a 5 year old in the process. She also manages to wear a patterned shirt underneath and pull that off.  I want this outfit in my closet.

xo D

New Video!

Today I finally posted my second youtube video. I got it half done then held off because I was sick but alas it is up!

Feel free to check it out and let me know what you thought.

xo D

Outfit of the Day # 4

OOTD: Floral Print Pants

Top: Bluenotes

Jeans: Urban Planet

Booties: Urban Planet

Zipper Bracelet: Won at Arcade

First of all I want to say sorry that the photo's are so crappy. Second of all, THESE SHOES. I am in love and once its gets cooler out I will probably wear these as much as I wear my Birkenstocks right now - which is a lot. I have been dying to get my hands on a pair of these for a long time and I found these for the great price of $30. So comfortable and dynamic and a really good staple pair to have. I am sure you will see them around here a few more times. Also love these jeans. Being floral I am not sure how they will transition into fall, do you think I could pull them off in fall/winter or should they be packed away during the colder months? Let me know ! 

D