One Year Later...

Happy One Year Blogiversary!

Can you believe I've been doing this silly thing for a year now? It's funny to think about the turn life has taken since I started the blog. It's definitely been a year full of self-discovery. I think I've been out of my comfort zone more than I've been it it, which definitely keeps life exciting. I'm sad that my year in London is almost over, but I'm also excited about the many things I plan on packing into the summer that lies ahead of me.

I wish I had something amazing to write about today, but the words aren't flowing. I've just survived my 3rd VIVA and completed (as long as I pass) four out of five modules for my MA. It's fair to say my brain is on vacation for a few days until I can get the momentum to start preparing for the final show.

My weekend was great, but a little less eventful than the previous week. On Friday I met some friends for dinner in Brixton Village. After dinner we grabbed some beers and danced with the Village DJ until he closed down shop.

I spent Saturday setting up for our Show (opening next weekend), and then headed out in Shoreditch with the Canadian crew on Saturday night. 

A night bus bringing me home in time to see the sun rise meant for a lazy Sunday. H and I started to plan our adventure to Cinque Terre, and I watched the first episode of Mr. Selfridge. Have you seen it? Jeremy Piven is TERRRRRRRIBLE in it. I think he was put on this earth to play Ari Gold and Ari Gold only (Entourage). I'm selling it well aren't I? In all honesty, it's cute, and makes an attempt at filling my 'Downton Void'. I'm told it gets much better after episode 3.

I will let you know.

And because I don't have anything more exciting to tell you...

Here are some things I've come across and enjoyed in the last few weeks:

1) A late Realization that Will and Charles had ridden right by me during Trooping the Colour and I had no idea. A look back at my photos (see first picture above), and sure enough, there they were escorting Her Majesty. Guess I'll know for next time.

2) The Guide to Wearing Heels (Mom sent it to me prior to Ascot)

3) I think these Collages are Fantastic!

4) I need to get my hands on a camera bag/purse like this!

5) A potentially yummy casual summer recipe that I need to try.

6) A picnic perfect for Vancouver or London....or Seattle...or Portland...you get the idea!

7) Lastly, I need one of these in a EVERY colour.

Did you have a good weekend? I have some exciting adventures on the horizon, but I don't want to jinx things. 

Let's just say, I'm hoping to have some strawberries and cream in the near future :)

Off to the Races...

By the time you read this, we'll be setting our hats in place and heading for the train...

I've never been one to believe the tale of the Paper Bag Princess, so without further adieu, here's how we are styling ourselves for Ascot.

My Outfit:

Dress: Whistles (ON SALE!), Shoes: Nine West (old), Bracelet: JCREW, Yellow Clutch: Hobo, White Convertable Clutch: Banana Republic (ON SALE!) Sandals: Michael Kors (Old), Blazer: Zara (Old), Hat: John Lewis

S's Outfit:

Dress: Anthropologie, Clutch: Banana Republic (ON SALE!), Shoes: Zinda, Hat: Debenhams (ON SALE!)

Can one wear SPANX (not pictured!) in 27 degree heat? I'm about to find out. Can you believe the forecast is for 27 degrees and thunder showers? Just our luck. Keep your fingers crossed for us that this doesn't happen, otherwise I will be a very unhappy girl....but should anyone decide to elope last minute, my wedding outfit is set.

I have shown two purses. While I'd like to be bringing the contrasting yellow one, I'm taking the larger white one as I'm sneaky and I'm throwing my Michael Kors gold sandals in my purse. This girl will not make it an entire day in heals (without taking them off and throwing them at someone). I've never been before, but I'm quite certain that won't go over well in the Royal Enclosure.

Wish us luck!

Pictures later this week.

The Freakin' Weekend!

...but if you're not happy already, and the below photo doesn't help, I'm not sure I can help you.

Here's HRH playing t-ball (last week on his U.S. tour), while wearing the crap out of a crisp white shirt. Pretty certain he could wear a paper bag.

Back to me (since let's be honest, that's what this blog is really about)...

Yesterday was a good day.

I had a great swim in the morning, but the best part is, as I was leaving the pool, I was stopped by one of the lifeguards who told me they (the other guards) had been wondering what I was training for. She said I always looked so focused, she assumed I must be training for something! Umm..stroke the ego, stroke the ego! I struggled to casually hide how happy that comment made me. Truth be told, it's actually my 'scary face', intended for keeping slow swimmers out of my lane (by slow I just mean the ones that don't put their head under the water)...quite selfish really, and helping myself feel confident amongst the 'flip turny', speedo wearing ones. Long story short, when you are competitive (and slightly 'type A') like I am, those kind of comments go a LONG way. Pathetic.

I then took my enlarged head and went to meet my friend Rose. We spent the afternoon in the beautiful London sunshine photographing people in different spaces for our Art Project.  We are both quite excited about it, so it has been fun collaborating. Hopefully we can pull it off.

After we were finished, I left Rose and went to Sloane Square to try on (pretty much all of) the dresses in Peter Jones. I'm still slightly totally panicked about Ascot and what the heck I'm going to wear. I found some nice dresses, but the sticker shock was a little much. I'll go back if I find nothing else, but I'd like to keep the price down if I can.

The final great thing that happened, is that I arrived home to a note saying my mom had been released from hospital early (on good behaviour). If you remember what happened last time, you'll know this puts all of our minds at ease. I'm happy she's in great shape and will be recovering at home with the Murph dog...and dad.

So for my mom (and the rest of you) here's some 'Fun Finds' (a.k.a light reading) I stumbled across lately:

Before and After Pictures in Oklahoma (slide the bar to the right to change the picture)

Do you think my brothers would do this to me? .....yes!!

Basic Table Manners....illustrated!

One of the MANY reasons we love Jennifer Lawrence

Some of these are seriously funny.

Ok, who's going to buy this for me (or any of my family members for that matter!)??

A very cool art project.

Do you have exciting things planned this weekend? It's a bank holiday weekend here (if it feels like we just had one, we did), so I'm quite excited. The Canadian crew (see Bunga Bunga / Thanksgiving) is getting together for a liquid picnic (if the weather holds up) on Saturday, and then Sunday I have a friend's birthday. I'm not sure what Monday holds, but I'll make it count, I promise!

Happy weekend everyone!

The Ripper Tour / Pat's New Video.

Last night I absolutely froze my buns off. I left a group tutorial and headed to Tower Hill to meet one of my work friends (and the group of CW students she was with) to join in on a 'Jack the Ripper Tour'. For those who don't know, the weather in the UK has been playing tricks on us all winter long. Just when you get your hopes up that it's starting to warm up, the temperature drops drastically. Yesterday was one of those days. BRRRRRRRR!!!

The Ripper Tour was fantastically gruesome, but I was too cold to be scared. Brick Lane was dark and eery. I think the kids really enjoyed it.

I'm sure you realize that Jack was never caught right? The case is still considered open, but due to the lack of forensic evidence at the time, it makes things very difficult. What is really strange is that the killings just stopped.

Some say he died.

Others say he simply tired of the slaying and chose a new career path....

Hmm...

Alright, enough about Jack. I'm actually writing to share something I'm very excited about. I got home absolutely frozen, quickly made dinner (at 11:30pm), had a hot bath, and received a message from my brother with a link to his new video. I'm so excited about it because I thought (you can be the judge) that it was completely awesome. They produced it up at the ranch a few weeks ago. For those just tuning in, the band is called COLDWATER ROAD. Press the link to check out their website / Calendar of shows etc.

Have a look:




What are you up to this fine Thursday? I went for a swim this morning, did some laundry, (am clearly currently distracted by the blog), and hope to work a little on my paper, before heading to work with a group of 'young carers' on an art project.

After that, I'm looking forward to hanging out in the neighbourhood with a tall drink of water I had the pleasure of meeting last weekend (AB- that little puzzle is just to keep your mind wandering, while you wait for that baby of yours!).

I'm curious what everyone thinks of Pat's new video. PRETTY PLEASE, press the comment link below and let me / him know.

Fun.

Last night I stayed up far too late. I was initially sorting through Inns in the Cotswolds as potential for my parents (any suggestions?), while multitasking with friends on Viber. Before I knew it, it was 11:40pm and I had wanted to watch the latest episode of GIRLS.

The point of my story is....

There was a song at the end of the episode that I really liked. Sight of the Sun by Fun. I was disappointed that I couldn't buy the single off itunes (you have to buy the entire GIRLS soundtrack), but then I realized I didn't have any of their other music on my computer.

Cutting to the chase...I forgot how much I like this song of theirs. It's from last summer, but it's great.

Some tunes for your Wednesday. Today I'm off to meet the CW Art trip at the National Gallery, and then possibly join them (after my tutorial) on a Jack the Ripper Tour. I'm getting nervous...

Forget Paris (The Anti-Shop).

Some of you may have realized by my disgruntled facebook posts and sour Instagram pics that I'm not in Paris. Argh!

I'm most upset that I don't get to catch up with my friends, one of which I won't see as she's moving across the country before I get back home to Vancouver.

What happened?

They got bumped from their plane at YVR. Long story short, I would have arrived in Paris with no friends and no place to stay. Luckily, a VERY nice man at the St. Pancras station (sidenote: Have you been there? It's AMAZING), put a note on my account so that I could exchange my non-refundable ticket. I WILL get to Paris before this year in London is over, it's just a matter of when and with who. Tall, ginger, and handsome? Here's to hoping.

How might one cheer themselves up after such a disappointment? Shopping of course!

Unfortunately my current student bank balance will not allow for such extra curricular activities, so I decided to 'virtual shop'. In case you were wondering, this was not therapeutic in the least. This was absolute torture.

Regardless, below are some items I desperately want........and cannot afford.

Item Details:

Zara shoulder pad dress, £60 / AllSaints print top, £72 / Hollister Co. ankle length jeans, £23 / J.Crew anchor bikini, £32 / J.Crew anchor bikini, £31 / J.Crew retro halter bikini, £31 / J.Crew polka dot swimwear, £29 / Hunter knee length boots / Zara moccasin shoes, £53 / Mango strappy platform sandals, £80 / L.K.Bennett patent heels / Marni color block tote, £595 / Water resistant watch, £130 / AllSaints printed scarve, £97 / J.Crew Girls' cowgirl roll-up jean short, £33


And if you weren't tempted by my 'wants', you can browse Gwyneth Paltrow's gently used items as she Spring Cleans. I'm serious. Click HERE. It's for Charity people!

Any Big Plans this weekend? I wish I could say I had some. I have brunch planned with 'N' on Sunday, and will do my very best to make up for the lack of Paris photos with some London excitement. Fingers crossed!


Lastly, in the spirit of NOT being in PARIS, and so that he knows I actually read his emails, this just in, from my father.

WATCH THIS.

Off to Paris...

By the time you read this, I'll be on the Eurostar heading to Paris. I've got a few stops on my personal check list of things to do, but mostly I'll be catching up with friends from home, and tagging along with our group from school. Hopefully you can expect lots of great photos next week....

Until then, here are some things to keep you inspired:

I've never made these from scratch, but it looks fun.

Feel like reading an interesting love story? Check out this blog. Click on 'Love Story' on the left.

....if you did the above, I'm sure you just lost an hour of your day! Hard to stop reading wasn't it?!!

Sushi Etiquette. I wish I never read this. Pretty certain I've mastered the entire 'don't' list.

Redecorate your facebook with these fancy timeline photos.

A friend of a friend started this custom made dress website. Great classic dresses!

Ready to get your green on? St. Patrick's Day Style Tips.

Back Sunday! Have a great weekend!

Something to Remember...

Happy Friday Everyone,

This week I reminded myself of a quote that my friends and I always used to spout (usually in jest, while attempting to cheer one of us up), it's an old faithful, extremely obvious but rings true..

"If the train doesn't stop at your station....it's not your train."

This one even puts me in a good mood when I'm late for the Southern line from Clapham Junction :)

(it will definitely make said friend laugh if you shake your head from side to side, wave your finger, and replace each 'your' with 'cho'....try it!)

Now, because I've neglected you this week (I've had my nose in the books and haven't been much fun), I've got a great website for you. The blog is called 'Quite Continental' and every February the host  creates a February Charm School. Click HERE.

Big plans this weekend? I'm going to continue reading all day and then head out locally to cause some trouble with a friend from the 01235. Very excited!

Train image.

Throwing Stones...

Happy Friday!

What are your plans this weekend?

This Morning I'm heading for a swim, and then am off to the hospital to (hopefully) get the results of my MRI. You may remember I went for this appointment more than three weeks ago, waited an hour (they were running behind), got into the doctor's office, only to be told the MRI was there, but the report had not been delivered. At this point (weeks ago), I  thought my foot was "on the mend" (that's me speaking British), so I wasn't very concerned....until the week of my birthday and Copenhagen. The soreness came back and I was quickly back to square one.

Yes, the gift that keeps on giving.

Enough about that.

Big plans tonight-

I'm heading to check out a few bands with a friend and some of his friends, and then we've got a date on the couch to watch Legends of the Fall. I'm looking forward to a relaxing Friday evening with 'Back-from-battle-Brad', I mean 'Tristan'. After that, it's nose in the paper for most of the weekend unfortunately. I do have a funny story about the last time I watched 'Legends of the Fall', but I'm not ready to tell you yet. My ego hasn't quite recovered...

In the mean time, I'll leave you with this...


I'm Sure I look like this with my dominant arm (on a good day), but it made me giggle none the less.

Throwback Thursday.

In honour of 'Throwback Thursday', I will show you what I received via text message from my mom earlier in the week...

This is me, circa 1989 or 90 (that's a complete guess) up at the ranch.

Thank you Mom for this vivid reminder of my acid-washed 'Canadian tuxedo'.

Now for those who aren't satisfied with my little personal flashback, and would like more to read while you finish your coffee, here are some gems I literally 'stumbled upon' or 'pinned' over the course of the week...I mean, as I was working on my paper 

(of course).

A special sink for your laundry room made to wash your delicates....

The return of the turtleneck...

Great style on the streets of London this week...(London Fashion Week)

My brothers would have LOVED this...

Hmm...this makes a difficult thing a little easier...

My efforts were never this polished, but I tried. For those of you with kids....this is definitely Swedish for common sense.

Think I'll print this off for my kitchen...

If you don't know the song, you might not find this as funny as I did...

A little bit of Art. Not sure if I believe it, but check out these amazing pencil portraits. Thoughts? Have I been fooled?

Feeling in the mood for some baking? Here's a cute hostess gift...

Ummm, and THIS happened on Tuesday in MY NEIGHBOURHOOD and I had NO IDEA (you'd think anybody in my life who cares about me in the slightest would have given me a heads up). Nope, I missed it.

Oh, but there's one more thing. If you have a couple of minutes (and have not already been harassed via email or FB by me) I would love for you to help me with some research for my MA. I'm currently focusing my next paper and art exhibition on the themes of Place and Identity. In particular, the impact of one on the other.

I've created a VERY EASY and QUICK 20 question survey.

Please follow the link, if you have a few minutes. 

Place & Identity  

Thank you in advance, 

I am COMPLETELY GRATEFUL!

Four Finds...

I can feel a cold coming on. I promised myself I'd be in bed by 9:30pm. It's 9:36. This will be a quick one.

Four Great Recent Discoveries:

1) Creative Paper Crafts just in time for Valentine's day...(as seen on Bohemian Vintage)

2) Homemade Tea Bags using your favourite loose leaf...press the link for the step by step (Cupcakes and Cashmere).

3) Awesome Personalized Stationary you can order online...(as seen on Cup of Jo)

4) And this AMAZING WHITE QUILT that given my recent focus on place, being, and mapping, I'm pretty certain I need. I have to credit S with finding this, but now I'm obsessed.

There are many more cities on the company website and you can even request places that are meaningful to you. How cool is that? I also love the ski hill maps.

I love that it's white and you can dress it up as you please. I also love that if you didn't realize what you were looking at, you might miss it.

Very cool.

Insta-January.

Lately, it seems as though I'm starting every second post with an apology for being M.I.A. Again, I'm sorry! Unfortunately my MA has taken over as of late. January is ridiculously crazy with papers due, Vivas and exhibitions, so I'm hoping once the dust has settled, I'll be able to get back to more regular posts.

Evidence that I have been working.

What's new?

1) I woke up to snow this morning. Just a skiff, but I wouldn't be shocked if my train to class tonight is delayed. London is worse than Vancouver in that respect.

2) My favourite London Blogger is hosting a get together on Saturday which I'm hoping to make it to as long as I can get my paper and artwork finished in time. There's at least 50 London bloggers going, and Rosie has organized £4 pizzas. It should be an excellent opportunity to pick some brains.

3) On New Year's Eve, I had a visit with one of my best friends, her husband, and their new baby boy. This was my first chance to meet Kieran (since I was in London when he was born in October). He's adorable, and I'm still in shock that they are parents! Amazing!

My first chance to hold the little man.

Mom and Baby.

Proud Dad.

4) On Thursday I had an MRI on my foot. Finally, I know. The brilliant part is, the regular hospital I've been going to, outsourced me to a private clinic. They called and asked me what day I'd like to come in. Seriously. Upon arrival, the sitting room was stacked with current magazines (I had brought my own...expecting the worst), and I was asked if I'd like tea or coffee. During my MRI, they gave me headphones and asked me what type of music I'd prefer to listen to. Wow. If I wasn't a starving art student (exaggeration, starving is one thing I'm not...thanks S!), I could get used to this two-tiered system. Back to the main point, I don't have the results yet, but keep your fingers crossed that the scan shows some sort of bone growth. We want to avoid surgery people!

5) On Friday night I had an awesome night at the pub with two of my favourite MKNers. I can't remember when the last time I saw those boys was. I'm looking forward to the Danbee/MKN reunion in February (for those who don't know, this is the camp I worked at for 11 summers in Massachusetts).

MKN Bromance. A night at the Pub with Asa and Paul

6) On Sunday night, S made a scrumptious dinner, which I should have blogged (sorry- was busy painting), and M came over to watch 'The Impossible'. Have you seen it? It's about the Tsunami in Thailand. Excellent acting by Naomi Watts, though I'm definitely exhibiting early signs of post-traumatic stress syndrome. There was a point when we had to pause the film so that I could go get more kleenex. Embarrassing. I'm not sure why I put myself through that. It's kind of like watching Titanic in that respect. I can't say I didn't know what I was in for.

7) I am always on the search for the ideal cosmetic bag. Over the Christmas holiday, I think I found it. The company is called Apple & Bee. They are based out of Australia. While this thing isn't ideal for the overnight getaway, it certainly holds absolutely everything you'd need for an actual vacation. For me, in our current 'minimalist' flat in London, it's perfect. I can keep everything accessible, hanging on the wall, and organized. Check out the website as they come in lots of sized, and there are some great patterns.  For you Vancouverites, I found it at Front & Company on Main Street.

Amazing right?

New Years Bling.

New Year's Day- working on the paper beside the stream in YVR (heading back to London)

Jet Lag (over 10 days now...what's wrong with me!)

Misty Day on route to the pool.

Xmas tree Carnage. The sidewalks in Battersea are covered.

Hoping this will cure the jet lag prior to my 3hr night class.

What I eat for breakfast EVERY single day...I'm not joking. EVERY single day (Oat bran, almonds, rasberries, blueberries, apple, and yoghurt)

Works in Progress. 

 They're not finished yet... I'll post when they're done, and ready for the show.

...and London Grinds to a halt

The Beast actually kept going, but it wouldn't take much more than this to bring the city to a stand still. I will be writing a paper all week, but I'll try and get at least one more post in before the weekend. I will also bring my Camera on Saturday to the blogger event so you can see how that goes down, and meet some of my new 'virtual friends'.

If you get bored, you can always follow me on Instagram.  Search for: beyondtheblueumbrella

Kate in Colour.

My friend Nicola sent me a similar version of the Queen's colour palette sometime last year (also from vogue). I had it taped to the white board at the front of my art room (the kids rolled their eyes). 

This similar version of the lovely Kate is hitting the shelves right now in British Vogue.

I look at this and wonder what it would be like to have so many pretty dresses to choose from....sigh. 

A girl can dream.

image.

What are my favourites you ask?

Ok, I'll tell you....

Line 1: 9th from the left

Line 2: 2nd from the right and 7th from the left

Line 3: 4th from the left and 2nd from the right

Line 4: 1st and 2nd from the left


What is your all time favourite Kate look? Leave a comment by pressing the comment link below.

Christmas Party Kick-off.

It's a beautiful crisp winter day in London, and tonight I'm heading to my first Christmas party of the season.

Here's the outfit. There's a reason there's only one shoe there. Can you picture this with my walking moon boot? Didn't think so. It's going to happen. It has to happen. I'll keep you posted.

Mango black cocktail dress / Opaque tight, £7.45 / Calvin Klein high heels, £56 / Gold envelope clutch / J.Crew j crew jewelry, £78 / Miso feather earrings / Essie nail polish, £4.97

Three things.

image.

Thing one.

Last night I finished class, was starving, cold and ready to come home, only to find that my train was cancelled. I had to then take a different train into London Bridge, get on the tube to Waterloo, and then take another train to Clapham Junction. Keep in mind, this all at 9pm. I'm hungry and tired. I did however, find it amusing, that despite all of this, I kept catching myself skipping through the various stations (well..not really skipping with the broken foot), feeling pretty awesome, and thinking, "I'm in London". Yes, "I'm in London". It felt similar to the Chinese Fortune Cookies that you open up, read your fortune, and then everyone at the table chants  "in bed!"to the end of it (sure enough making every fortune that much better).

I can't believe that after three months in this new world the novelty hasn't worn off.

"My train was cancelled and I just had to take three trains home....in London"....bloody brilliant.

Thing two.

On a similar note, I have yet to tire of seeing foxes in the city. I know that they are scavengers, similar to raccoons, and skunks (in Vancouver), but still get excited every time I see one. When I come home late on the weekends, I keep my fingers crossed that the neighbourhood foxes will be out on the prowl. As long as it's the wee hours of the morning, they usually are.

image.

Early this morning (5am),  I heard a repetitive tapping / scratching noise. I looked out my window to see two young foxes wrestling each other on the deck. They were somersaulting over one another, up and down the multiple platforms. At home, I would be angry that I'd been awoken from my sleep, but here, I sat and watched them for ten minutes before laying my head back down on the pillow.

After all, these were foxes...in London!

Click here to see the down side of the city's fox population.


Thing three.

And then this happened.

Yes, I went for my appointment at the fracture clinic this morning (as my foot wasn't healing), and they insisted on putting a 'plaster' on it. So I am now with crutches, hobbling around ('Tiny Tim style'- not the North American armpit crutches), on public transport. I'm scared to check the weather (as I have no clue how one uses an umbrella with these puppies), and I'm resisting the purchase of a back pack. Surely I can figure something out?

I had a quick session with a (cute) physiotherapist in the hospital, and now you can find me talking to myself while attempting to navigate the stairs in the various stations, "good foot first up, bad foot first down". It took me 20 minutes to crutch home from Clapham Junction (a walk I had down to 11 with my walking boot on).

The next three weeks will be interesting.

Top Shop Jacket.

Happy Friday!

Just a quick post as I have a very busy day today. I also stayed up too late last night catching up on episodes of Downton. Along similar lines, where can a girl get one of these?

image.

Now for something else I'm currently pining over. This oversized men's blazer (top shop). Need.

image.

And here it is again...it's following me. Sigh.

image.

Why the busy day? I have to get to the pool by 7:30am (yeah, I know, good luck with that), in order to get my swim accomplished (that sounds like I'm training for something. I'm not. Swimming is the only exercise I can do right now with a broken foot), so that I can get to Heathrow in time to pick up my best friend! Yes, she's staying with me for the next 10 days.

I smell trouble...

Halloween 2008.

Her timing is perfect, as I still have some touristy things to check off my own list. 

Here are some of the many things on our list (She doesn't know about 'the list' yet):

1. Columbia Road Flower market

2. Smithfields meat market (early morning for wholesale)
3. Climb the dome at St Pauls Cathedral
4. Tour the houses of Parliament
5. Vodka Martinis at the 'Dukes Hotel' (James bond's Iam Flemming used to frequent)
6. Kensington Roof gardens

7. Portobello Market / Notting Hill (still haven't been)

8. GO TO GORDON'S...AGAIN

Any other suggestions? 

Click on the word 'comment' below this post, and leave us some ideas. I'll be sure and blog some of our London adventures next week.

The Sketchbook Project.

Happy Friday Everyone,

How cool is this?

If I didn't feel a need to hold on to everything I'm creating this year, I'd be all over this project.

If you want to participate, you have until January 15th to complete your sketchbooks, but unfortunately I'm late on the ball, and today is the last day of the London Exhibition...guess I won't get to see it until I'm back in North America. When the show is not on tour, the permanent collection is at the Brooklyn Library.

This is the Sketchbook Project's first time overseas, but here are some photos from when it was in Vancouver.

You can find out more about the Sketchbook Project here.