Notes & Observations Archives

AA Rummage Sale Tuesday, November 24, 2009 10:39 PM

Thought some of you might be interested in attending the American Apparel Rummage Sale this weekend in Toronto. Happy shopping!

Comments (10) | tags: events toronto

A family friend's English Setter fathered a litter (actually, two litters -- what a busy boy!) of puppies in August. They brought over a couple of the puppies in early September so I could meet them. And yes, I'm finally getting around to posting these pictures a month later.

Comments (24) | tags: photos

Holy smokes, I am completely blown away by the response to my previous post. I don't know what to say -- and I feel like I've been overusing this phrase, but I sincerely mean it: thank you so, so, so much for all the well wishes and words of encouragement. You have no idea how touched I was. Whenever I'm having a bad day, I will be referring back to all the comments you guys left.

Also, for those who want to do something, please consider giving blood to your local blood bank. Due to a low hemoglobin count, I received seven bags of blood during my two weeks in the hospital and it's all thanks to the generous donors. Plus there are a lot of people who need blood, everyday.

xoxo!

Comments (17) | tags: life

Room with a view at PMH.

Generally, I try to write little about my personal life on my blog, so I've been debating whether or not to post this. However, it's already affected my blog and will continue to affect how this blog will be over the next few months so hopefully I can use this to bring some awareness to the things I am and will be experiencing instead.

For those of you that have been following this blog, you'll know I've complained about some aches, pains, and fatigue. I don't know if all of it is related, but it turned out to be a lot bigger then that. At the beginning of August I was admitted into hospital where I proceeded to stay for two weeks (the reason I missed the Little City launch party -- the online shop is now open though!).

After numerous tests & biopsies, I ended up being diagnosed with a type of lymphoma. Most of you don't know this, but I'm already a childhood cancer survivor -- also a lymphoma. In fact, it seemingly looks like the same type of lymphoma, but the doctors are treating it as an entirely new case and not a relapse. They keep harping on the rarity of my case, and I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or worse. There's not much I can do but follow the plan, complete the rounds of chemotherapy, and hope for the best.

I haven't lost my interest in fashion or blogging, but posting will continue to be slow. I live mostly in pajamas and lounging around clothes these days (which I just realized I have very little of) and dream about the day I feel well enough to don tights & dresses again. Hopefully, once I feel stronger things will pick up around here again.

Before I end this, I wanted to thank a few bloggers who have been nothing short of wonderful. They've given me a lot of support over the last few weeks. K-Line, who has been checking on me every few days to see how I've been doing ever since I started complaining about feeling unwell. Sydney of Sydney Delicious, who saved me from hospital food by bringing yummy kalbi beef on rice that she made herself. The ladies from What's On the Outside..., Diana & Nathalie; they sent such a great care package. Monika, of Oh! The Light Today, who despite travelling through Korea still managed to find time to send emails. And of course, Delphine, although I have no idea if she reads this blog. These bloggers have been nothing short of amazing to me, and so have my friends & family. Thank you, thank you.

Comments (77) | tags: life

Little City is an online arts community & store created by my incredibly talented friend, Alyssa Bistonath, and three of her friends.

A launch party will be happening on August 13th at Starving Artist in Toronto and will feature amazing artwork from local and emerging talent, including yours truly. Prints will be available at affordable prices so if you're in the area, please stop by and check it out! I would say, come out to meet me, but due to unfortunate circumstances I won't be able to attend. But I do hope some of you Toronto readers come out and support Little City.

Comments (10) | tags: events toronto

Guess who's back
Back again
Yulanda's back
Tell your friends

Sorry, I've had that Eminem line stuck in my head all day!

The last week has been a bit of a whirlwind. I jetted off to Seoul for a few short days then back to Hong Kong for two days and now I'm clicking away from my bedroom here in Canada. Regular posting will resume shortly, hopefully -- that is if I don't get distracted by unpacking & laundry (yeah, right), admiring my purchases (very likely), catching up on teevee shows (been doing, which is why I waited until now to post), and sleeping (about to do)!

Comments (31) | tags: 35mm hong kong photos seoul travel

Hurrah, working internet for my laptop! I returned from Yunnan province on the mainland late last night (the plane was delayed for several hours!) to discover my cousin had set up the wireless router. I previously couldn't get the internet to work when I plugged the ethernet cable directly into my laptop -- weird.

Anyway, this is from three weeks ago, but I wanted to show you my first purchase in Hong Kong. You'd think it'd be clothing of some sort, but since I had been suffering from Muji stationary withdrawal in Canada, it was the first place I went to as soon as I left the airport. Aside from a few Muji pens, I also bought some alphabet rubber stamps and various stationary products from a bookstore in my old 'hood when I went to school here (for a semester).

PS. Thank you everyone who has been visiting and commenting despite my lack of presence on the internet. I have over a thousand blog posts waiting for me in my Google Reader. Ack! I also have a ton of photos and purchases to share; I have no idea where to start!

Comments (20) | tags: stationary travel

Hey internet world, it's been a while. My cousin's internet connection and my Macbook have not been getting along. I've been documenting my purchases and have been dying to share it with you guys, unfortunately that may not be happening anytime soon. I'm also behind on my blog reading.

Right now I'm sitting in a hotel lobby in Taichung with my super handy iPod Touch. Taiwan has been great so far. Tomorrow I'm off to Taipei before heading back to Hong Kong. That's all for now, have a great weekend!

Comments (17) | tags: travel

Hong Kong and I will soon be reunited. I look forward to shopping and the photographing, but you can bet the first thing I will do upon deboarding the plane is head to the nearest street stall to indulge in some curry fish balls and papaya milk. They just don't taste the same in Toronto.

The photos in this post were taken during my six month stay in 2004 and my five week visit in 2007.

Comments (64) | tags: 35mm hong kong photos travel

All the entries posted in The Clothing Show ticket giveaway were tossed into a hat and three names were drawn out. And the winners are...

Congratulations Jane, Cheryl, and Brittany! I've already sent an email to the address provided so be on the lookout for that.

Thank you everyone who entered!

Comments (3) | tags: contests events

The spring edition of The Clothing Show in Toronto is coming up and the generous event organizers passed along three pairs of tickets for me to give to three lucky readers! The winner(s) and a friend can attend the show at The Better Living Centre on Exhibition Place grounds between May 1 - 3, 2009.

To enter, leave a comment on this post by April 10th, 11:59pm EST and I will randomly select three winners. Good luck!

Comments (32) | tags: contests events

Me goofing around, taken by my cousin.

Ashbridges Bay and Bluffer's Park on a sunny but cold Monday afternoon.

Comments (26) | tags: photos toronto

Thank you for all the kind words left on my previous entry. I really, really appreciate each comment. I know every blogger says this, but I seriously have the best readers ever. Hopefully Joys is doing what she enjoys most up in puppy heaven; chasing birds in big fields with her brothers, Tim (above, left) and the big brown dog seen in the last post.

Comments (5) | tags: family

My dearest dog was laid to rest on Thursday morning after being a part of my life for 17.5 years. I read that her breed (English Setter) typically lives for 12 years so I feel blessed that she gave me an extra 5.5 years. Although she was officially my dad's dog, she favoured me the most and was always one step behind me (even during all the visits to the breeder's before she came home with us). She was the best.

Comments (37) | tags: family

Though officially no longer the 14th, I figured better late then never -- hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

(I need to stop being so lazy with the posting thing.)

Comments (11) | tags: holidays photos

Photo: anthropologie.com

Wikipedia is like a Choose Your Own Adventure book. All these links to click that take me to another page and another page of random (and sometimes useless) bits of information. It's a great way to kill time while battling a bout of insomia and doing just that I came across a tidbit that made me even more wide awake -- Anthropologie opening in Toronto!

Upon googling I found out the store's move to the North was announced last fall. I blame the rock I have the tendency to hide under. Am I the last person to know about two-floor flagship Anthropologie store opening at Yorkville & Bellair?

Comments (33) | tags: anthropologie

Today marks one year since the launch of Little Thoughts. When this blog began, I never imagined there to be so many readers -- I was perfectly content with the idea of a handful of regular vistiors. So thank you everyone for taking the time to view my pictures and read my inane ramblings. I really appreciate all the support, linkage, comments, and kind words. You're an amazing bunch! If it were physically possible, I'd have everyone over for tea & cupcakes.

Also, I have to give a special thanks to the wonderful Fruchtzwerg who encouraged me to start the blog in the first place! So those of you who enjoy my blog, remember to thank her :) She's the best!

Comments (45) | tags: birthday www

Clearly the unchecked boxes mean I've accomplished nothing this weekend. Unless this quasi-post counts.

My excuse? I'm sick. Don't worry, I'm on the mend.

Comments (31)

A brief conversation at 12:01 AM on December 30th, between my brother and I.

Brother: Happy birthday, geek.
Me: Happy birthday, loser.

Ahh, sibling love. Yes, we share the same birthday, yes, it's today, and yes, I'm barely getting this post in before the day is over!

Dress: Erin Fetherston for Target. Glass heart pendant: self-assembled. Black fleece jacket: Community. Grey ribbed wool leggings: H&M. Black booties: Splendid China Tower.

What was in that box from my parents? Well, you can check it out below.

I've been really spoiled this past week, with Christmas then my birthday. I'm not going to lie -- it feels nice. I also received a purse, a box Ferrero Rocher chocolates, a C.O. Bigelow lip gloss, and some Bath & Body Works products. I'm going to smell nice in the new year :)

Comments (46) | tags: birthday childhood daily wear family holidays work

Merry Christmas everyone! Hopefully Santa makes it down your chimney. Enjoy the day and eat lots of delicious foods!

Comments (11) | tags: childhood christmas holidays

Hey Toronto readers (or readers willing to relocate)!

FASHION Magazine is looking for an online intern (just to clarify, this isn't an internship to be done online) who will aide the Online Editor with all things web-content related. A PDF copy of the application details can be downloaded here. According to their website, there are currently opportunities available for a beauty internship and a features internship as well. If you're interested in fashion and / or magazines, you should apply!

Remember the internship I had over the summer? Well, I was their photo intern and it was such a great experience (otherwise I wouldn't dedicate an entire post to encourage others to intern there!). The designers and editors at the magazine are all such talented and fantastic people.

Comments (7) | tags: fashion magazine magazines

In less then two weeks, I'll be boarding an aeroplane and jetting off to New York for five fabulous nights. It's my first time leaving this city for an overnight in over eighteen months. Anyone who knows me knows that is practically a lifetime, because I've never been stuck in Toronto for that long; at least not since I took my first trip (DC & Virginia) at one & a half.

The friend (hi Devon!) I'm staying with is an amazing resource, but I'd still love some suggestions on food and shopping from locals and visitors alike! As for places to visit, I'm planning to drag the friend traveling with me (kicking and screaming, no doubt) to MoMA and the Guggenheim. If there's anyone into photography, I'd love some suggestions on interesting parts of the city for photographing outside the touristy places.

The photos in this entry are from my last visit to the city in February 2005. Hopefully this time won't be as cold!

Comments (41) | tags: new york photos travel

It was forever ago when I was tagged on three separate occassions by Fruchtzwerg's Island, Fashion Diciple, and K-Line to reveal six unspectacular quirks of mine. I have many quirks, but because my friends and family are used to them, I don't give much thought to my quirks so I had to really think about them. After this, I bet no one is going to tag me again because I took two months to do a simple meme!

The Rules
· Link the person who tagged you.
· Mention the rules in your blog.
· Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
· Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.

1. I often joke I eat about once every hour. I'm about small but frequent meals. However, after ten o'clock at night I'm constantly eating; everything from small snacks to full blown meals. Tonight's late night snacks included: leftover pad thai, carrot sticks with dip, crackers, and Dad's oatmeal cookies.

2. If you tell me your birthday or an important fact about yourself, I won't remember it, but I will remember the random details about your life (ie. the time my friend hid her report card from her parents until after the Foo Fighters concert -- the last time I mentioned it to her she couldn't even remember this).

3. My left hand is used for writing and eating and my right hand is used for throwing, hitting, crocheting, and cutting with scissors.

4. Lever 2000 is one of my favourite scents. Also, when something smells good I can sit there sniffing it forever.

5. One of my favourite things to watch on teevee are infomercials for cleaning products. I love it when the grim and dirt magically disappears with the use of the product that's being advertised.

6. Sometimes I am too embarrassed to tell the server how much cream and sugar I want in my tea because I put in at least four creamers and four packets of sugar. This is because my grandma used to make it for me this way. When I was little I would beg for some of her tea and she'd give me a third of a mug of tea and load it with milk and sugar.

By now, I think everyone who wanted to do this meme already has so I'm not going to tag anyone.

Comments (21) | tags: meme

In honour of Mother's Day, I thought I'd post these photographs of my mom and her friends looking stylishly fabulous in Hong Kong during the late '60s.

Happy Mother's Day to K-Line and to any mothers who may be reading this!

(I realize Mother's Day is almost over but I was busy spending the day with my mommy instead of my computer.)

Comments (14) | tags: family

I don't usually like to make off-topic posts, but lately my life seems to be a series of unfortunate events that have consumed much of my thoughts. Yesterday we had to put our not-quite-eight year old dog, Tim, down. He had a heart tumour that we were not aware of.

Seemingly healthy and lively, up until the weekend, Tim showed no indications of something being wrong inside his body. Last week he was still batting me with his paws, running around the yard, jumping like a puppy, and generally doing things characteristically Timmy. We took him to the emergency clinic yesterday where the vet took x-rays. He said the prognosis was grave and Tim's body was already shutting down. The best option was to put him to sleep so he wouldn't have to suffer. Everything still feels unreal to me.

On a brighter note my grandma might be released from the hospital tomorrow.

My dad took a photo of me photographing Tim in Saskatchewan (2005). I don't have a scanner otherwise I would post those photos.

I had planned to take new pictures of him when the weather was warmer. I had even been thinking of including him in some outfit photos so you could all adore him as much as I did, but I guess he'll be remembered on this blog with these pictures instead.

Comments (26) | tags: family off topic

This afternoon I received the below press release in my inbox for Fashion magazine's Reporter Search 08, a contest targeted at Canadian fashion bloggers. I'm not sure who else knows about this contest, but I thought it would be an interesting opportunity for some of you. Good luck to those who enter!

Calling all fashionistas! FASHION Magazine is looking to add 10 savvy fashion writers to its team of regional reporters. The call for submissions for Reporter Search 2008 begins today and runs until June 1.

A panel of FASHION Magazine editors will select 20 semi-finalists; however, the ultimate decision will rest with the public. From July 8 to August 8, Canadians will have the chance to vote for their favourite Reporter Search candidate at fashionmagazine.com. During this public voting phase, photo galleries, video clips, bios and blog entries will be posted for each finalist.

The top 10 finalists will become key players on fashionmagazine.com for one year and hold the bragging rights of working for Canada's best read fashion magazine (source: PMB 2008). The candidate who generates the most public votes will win a trip to New York City , provided courtesy of NYC & Co.

For more information, click on the above Reporter Search header which I nicked off their website. I hate posting an entry without an image.

Comments (7) | tags: contests magazines

K-Line tagged me to do the 8 Things survey, so here goes!

8 Things I am Passionate About
1. Photography
2. Good food
3. Continuing to improve and not plateau
4. Art & design
5. Mango lychee freezies
6. Random adventures and discovering new things
7. Fashion (obviously, considering the subject of the blog)
8. ...does shopping count?

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die
1. Travel the world (I know, everyone says this)
2. Hang out with panda bears in China
3. Complete, or at least start, all those photo projects I keep thinking about
4. Learn printmaking
5. Attend an opera (soon!) and a ballet
6. Eat delicious pho in Vietnam (thanks to Anthony Bourdain)
7. Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway
8. Learn how to sew

8 Things I Say Often
1. I'm hungry
2. Is there anything to eat?
3. Mmm...(insert name of food I'm craving)
4. Ummm
5. I don't know
6. What?
7. Hoho
8. (sigh) So much for trying to eat healthy

8 Books I Have Read Lately
I haven't done much reading in the past couple of years so this year I decided to embark on the 50 book challenge to check off some books that have been sitting on my shelf for years. I've completely fallen behind and don't have eight books to list. If anyone has book recommendations feel free to make suggestions.

1. Shopaholic & Baby - Sophie Kinsella
2. The Ladies' Lending Library - Janice Kulyk Keefer
3. Living History - Hillary Rodham Clinton
4. Kitchen - Banana Yoshimoto
5. Youth In Revolt - C.D. Payne
6. Manufacturing Consent - Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky (reading)
7. A Wild Sheep Chase - Haruki Murakami (reading)

8 Songs I Could Listen To Over and Over
1. Living Room Is Empty - French Kicks
2. Fruit Fly - Nada Surf
3. Playground Love - Air
4. Next Exit - Interpol
5. A Track and a Train - Shout Out Louds
6. Parade - Garbage
7. The Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2

8 Things That Attract Me to My Best Friends
1. Humour
2. Sense of adventure
3. Indulges in late night food runs with me
4. Shared interests
5. Honest
6. Reliable
7. Mutual respect
8. Not being judgmental when I'm being stupid

I am tagging:
Fashion, Art and Mess
Fruchtzwerg's Island
Hot Off the Sales Rack
Madame Mode

I apologize if you've already done this survey -- I have bad short term memory!

Comments (17) | tags: meme

Over the past several weeks, my little blog was given the Thinking Blogger Award, not once but twice. First, the adorably fashionable Annah from Fashion, Art and Mess bestowed this award on me, followed by the lovely and always stylish Fruchtzwerg over at Fruchtzwerg's Island. I can't find the words to express how honoured I am, especially since my blog is only a little over two months old! Thank you, thank you Annah and Fruchtzwerg!

Along with this award, there are some questions to be answered:

What's the story behind the name of your blog and your nickname?
I'm possibly the worst at titling things so I browsed through my collection of CDs, book titles, etc. until I found something fitting. In this case, Bloc Party provided me with a name. As for my nickname, it's my real name so no story there.

Why did you start blogging in the first place?
I'm an internerd and have had some sort of online blogging presence since 1997. I started a style-related blog because my friends are sick of hearing me swoon over a pair of shoes I'm currently lusting or what my latest purchases are. I began regularly reading a few fashion/style blogs and soon realized there were other people out there that like reading and talking about these sort of things. Also, Fruchtzwerg gave me a bit of encouragement to start a blog.

What has been your best blogging related experience?
What about the worst?
My best blogging related experience would be being able to communicate with others interested fashion and style. As for worst experience...none yet! This community of bloggers have been accepting and inspiring so far.

What do you think will happen to your blog in 2008?
I'm not sure what will happen to my blog in 2008, but I want to continue posting regularly and hopefully people will be interested in reading what I have to say.

I'm supposed to pass this award onto others, which is why I've taken so long to post about this; I wasn't sure who to tag because it seems like everyone has already been tagged at some point. Instead I'm going to conserve my tagging efforts for another post to come soon.

Comments (4) | tags: awards

I will be without internet until the weekend. Posting will resume then because I haven't been able to figure out how to set up scheduled posting.

For now I will leave you with this June 1950 British Vogue cover shot by the great Irving Penn. It's one of my favourite covers.

Comments (4) | tags: irving penn photography vogue

During last night's jaunt on the Forever 21 website, I came across a dress that looked oddly familiar on their US site...

On the left is a dress I bought from H&M in spring 2006. There are some minor differences such as: the F21 dress doesn't have a tie at the back, the bib & neck ruffle both appear a bit shorter, and the pinstripes are a different colour because the F21 website lists their dress as "sage" (mine is navy). I wonder if the F21 dress comes from the same factory.

Comments (6) | tags: forever 21 h&m

So...first post. I've never been good at writing a first post or introductory post. Instead I will talk about this photo (the same as the one in the header).

This photo was taken in New York (2005) when I went to visit a friend. While she was at work I played dress-up with her shoe closet. These are her fabulous yellow terry pumps.

When I was a little girl I used to do the same with my mammy's shoes. I guess some things never change.

I know there are a million and one fashion and style related blogs out there. I'm not expecting to contribute anything new -- there are many well-written and well-researched blogs. This is just a place for my (little) thoughts on things I see and hear and stumble across.

Hello and welcome :)

Comments (3) | tags: childhood little thoughts shoes travel