atlantic atlantis

Special Delivery.

2012-02-10T19:32:00.000-03:30

If I could be a professional mail sender/receiver my life would be perfect, I swear it. Nothing is more special than a carefully wrapped parcel sent in the mail. It makes my heart skip a beat! ♥

Coffee shop therapy: "what's the alternative?"

2012-02-09T19:56:00.000-03:30

My last trip downtown for coffee featured a now common theme: complacency. It's probably one of the things I fear most, the way regular people fear growing older or never finding true love.

Shaking my icy coffee beverage, I inside-yelled at Robert "I am terrified of a life of 9 to 5! Of defining my life by what I'm doing and not what I'm doing. Are there truly happy people? Are our parents happy? Is Oprah happy?! Is it about going to school to work? Working to retire?"

Robert raised up his hands in defense, "what's the alternative?" he asked.

I stopped, the rest of my rant dying on my tongue. Never had it been put so simply - no faux wisdom or platitudes clouding an answer that doesn't really exist.

What's the alternative? I didn't know how to respond then, I don't know now. However, the epiphany part to this coffee shop conversation is: I really want to find out.

I need to know the alternative.

P.S. That is Robert in the horse head, and I think he looks darling. :)

List: fight winter blues.

2012-02-08T20:03:00.000-03:30

February and I have never been friends. And March? A close twin of February.

We've had about five snow days already in 2012 around these parts. There are a couple feet of the white stuff on the ground right now. A balmy -14C (7F) while I'm writing. The winter blues? Very much prevalent on this little island.

But I'm fighting them! And so far I've been very successful. Here's how:

You might be saying to yourself: "Sarah, why are you using a picture of butter melting in a pan to depict plan adventures?" Well, that was my adventure last week! It was a long seven days of work and snow, and when Sunday rolled around I dragged my ass down to Sierra's house for brunch.

Armed only with bacon and Planet Earth, we settled in for an afternoon of our favourite meal and narrator (♥ David Attenborough). Cuddled under a blanket and sipping orange juice with way too much pulp, it was the sort of adventure I needed to start my week right. Adventures don't have to be big! They just have to feel good. :)

Trying new things makes you feel good. Whether it's picking up an instrument you've never played before or practicing a language you don't speak. Or hey, cooking a roast (yeah, none of us had done that before), which is what we did Saturday night! I give us a B+ overall (maybe a roaster would have helped?).

Good books. Enough said.

Pajamas and couch are okay! It's cold outside! As long as you aren't sitting there for days becoming personally invested in soap operas, it's all good. Also, friends and puppets make number four a whole lot more fun.

Get creative when you are with friends! I kind of fell in love with the idea of "the soup report" when I read this comic (also you should go read all of her comics, they are AMAZING FUNNY). I am determined to mix food, common interests, and my friends in a new and creative way!

I hope this helps during the remainder of the winter! Who knows, maybe you live somewhere warm and sunny and winter blues are as foreign to you as the plague. If that's the case, go fly a kite.

Keep warm, friends! ♥

Pink hair.

2012-02-07T21:14:00.000-03:30

I was downtown with a friend when we spotted a girl that we had both graduated with. After catching up and parting ways, I exclaimed "she looks exactly like she did in high school! She even has the same haircut!"

My friend looked at me, "uh, is your hair any different?" This question got stuck in my brain.

A couple of weeks later I was at my scarf buying mecca, when I spotted the change (I didn't know I was desperate for) sitting high on a shelf.

Thus, this is the story of how I came to dye my hair pink.

Maybe it's a part of my ongoing quarter life crisis, maybe I'm fulfilling childhood Barbie fantasies. Either way, I'm in love. ♥

Year in review: 2011.

2012-02-05T19:40:00.002-03:30

When I think about the beginning of 2011, I think about Lenore. She was preparing to move to the mainland at the end of January, so I was spending as much of my time with her as possible. I remember standing on her back deck in the snow and cold. Looking at her with tears in my eyes and saying “I can’t do it without you. Who will help me keep the bullshit at bay?”

This was the beginning of my year of goodbyes.

In February and March I huddled close to my friends (as I do every February and March, the hardest of the months on this frigid island). We drank and feasted and crafted and yelled and giggled. I look back on this time with a lot of fondness. There were important events that occurred during this time, the consequences of which are still playing out even now.

Thanks to 2011, April will forever be synonymous with Swedester. A gaggle of beautiful Swedes came to our island to partake in our oceans and culture. My heart was full. But with their arrival came news that our own Swede, Amkiram, was returning to her homeland in July.

All I remember about May is that Stephen Harper was given a majority government in Canada. It was the bleakest of moments, Daniel and I crying out at the television “No! Poor Papa Duceppe!” I try not to let politics get to me, but I remember driving home defeated like I was Michael Ignatieff himself. Oh, I also remember that Robyn graduated from university and her time in St. John's was over. Even though I knew for years that this was her departure date, the whole thing felt abrupt and sad!

June was Sierra, Amki, and Sarah time. Girl’s nights galore, secret talks, teary moments, and this overwhelming urgency to form a bond that we did not want an ocean to shatter.

July started fantastic. The first (... and only) camping trip of the year made my heart skip a beat. There were lots of beers on decks, many strolls downtown. There were bowling dates and park dates and just date dates.

Also in July, Amkiram moved back to Sweden. The day she left Sierra and I spent the afternoon sitting next to a pond eating ice-cream and writing zine pages. Although summer had consisted of terrible weather, the sky was an intense blue and the air warm. “What now?” I asked Sierra. She shrugged, saying something along the lines of “we keep going.”

August was a blur of brother, beaches, and oral surgery. Sierra and I took time to turn off our cellphones and visit tiny towns in the name of my university graduation. Ah yes, I knew I forgot something, the end of my undergrad career occurred in August as well.

September, ugh, September. I always try to hold on to summer. There were fantastic moments to be sure: skinny dipping for the first time, weekly trips to Halliday’s Meat Market, final park excursions, and an adventure to the nature reserve. I was also desperate to find a job. The whole hunt made me nervous, jobs were few and hunters plenty.

October: I FOUND A JOB. In an art gallery, with people I liked. Doing something I actually liked! October was redemption.

November I worked and worked and worked. They hired me during the busiest time of the year and we were doing auction after auction, show after show. I would get off work in the evening and promptly fall asleep. University-Sarah (of 4am bed times) was eradicated.

December came at lightning speed. Christmas was a little boring. And instead of having four weeks off, I had four days. Guess this is what they call growing up.

And this new year? I hope for adventure and spontaneity, new faces and new places. 2011 has guided me well, may the Sarah of 2012 be so lucky.

Filming fireworks.

2012-02-03T18:03:00.000-03:30

Back in October my old nanny gig mama called me: "What are you doing for New Year's Eve?" she asked. "It's October!" I exclaimed. "Who knows what they're doing two months from now?" "Sarah," she replied seriously "when it comes to the holidays, you have to plan ahead."

Long story short, I found myself babysitting New Year's Eve.

I'll be honest, I wasn't overly excited at the time. But once huddled together outside, watching fireworks the neighbourhood had got together and purchased (how cool is that?!), I couldn't stop smiling. Hugs and lovin' from three of the sweetest boys I know? Yes, please!

Sitting in their front yard, I remembered my first New Year's in St. John's, I had just moved here four months before and the few friends I had were all gone home for Christmas. I remember spending that night alone, watching the fireworks from my window. Five years later and I have a whole other family that welcome me with open arms.

There was definitely no better way to ring the new year in.

Coffee shop therapy.

2012-02-02T17:58:00.000-03:30

I have some of my best conversations in coffee shops. Next to my car (which is a haven for secrets), the coffee shops of this city have hosted my greatest epiphanies. I use them as therapy rooms, dumping grounds, a space for celebration or for solace.

They're where I feel no pressure. Where acquaintances have become my closest friends. There is history in the walls of Hava Java. The couch at Starbucks knows my voice (and Robyn's too ♥). Coffee and Company brings me joy, as well as my most favourite iced latte (with a shot of vanilla, please).

Countless times I've thought about writing a zine documenting these moments, these places. Maybe it's better they find a home here.

List: how people get here.

2012-02-01T17:56:00.001-03:30

My stats monitoring website allows me a unique look at the people who visit this blog. I'm not overly fascinated with how many people stop by, but I LOVE seeing what people search in Google and thus how they end up at Atlantic Atlantis.

Some of them are normal and not surprising, but some of them are pretty weird. Also, collectively I think they offer a really good overview of what this blog is about and even what I'm about.

So, here are 5 of my recent favourite: WEIRD THINGS PEOPLE SEARCH TO END UP AT ATLANTIC ATLANTIS.

5. "Cakes for Dentists" - I have no idea why that would bring you to my blog, but apparently there is someone out there desperately trying to reward their dentist with sweet baked goods... I thought dentists despised sugary snacks?

4. "Class Schedule Atlantis is Asleep Me" - Anyone who can decipher this one (is it a lyric or something?!) gets a shiny gold star!

3. "My Brain is Skipping Time" - IMPORTANT: There is NO remedy for your brain skipping time located anywhere on Atlantic Atlantis. That shit sounds scary - go get that checked, my friend.

2. "Bacon Apocalypse" - What a terrifying thought! Don't ever Google that again! We are bacon loving people around these parts.

1. "Anime with Guy Entering Another World Through Bathtub" - ... Um, what? I'm not sure I can even get my head around this one. So it's a guy who travels through... space? ... time? Where is this other "world"? And is this bathtub magical or science fueled? EXPLANATION NEEDED, DEAR GOOGLER. (... And why does this lead to my blog?!)

Oh, sweet search engines. ♥

Point B.

2012-01-31T14:04:00.000-03:30

I have watched this about a dozen times, I have watched the first poem no less than thirty. Each time I see new meaning, hear new words.

Song lyrics have always been important to me when choosing my most "favourite" songs. But maybe I should have been listening to spoken poetry all along. Because this stuff? It's amazing.

Twenty-three goals.

2011-12-13T21:40:00.000-03:30

It might be December, but here is my long-awaited 23 before 24 birthday goals list! I spent a ridiculous amount of time thinking about how I wanted to spend my 23rd year. This list is sort of an exploration of myself now that I am finished university. Things I've always wanted to do, both ordinary and extraordinary.

1. Travel. In particular: visit the friends I have scattered around the globe.

2. Read 25 books.

3. Write a zine (and don't be afraid to share it).

4. Shoot a gun.

5. See a concert, a play, and a musical.

6. Watch 5 classic movies I should have seen before now.

7. Do something physically demanding/challenging.

8. Open a savings account (and save some money!).

9. Learn to juggle.

10. Finish Nanny painting.

11. Learn to swim.

12. Find a new hoodie that I'll love as much as I love my well-worn Pink Floyd hoodie.

13. Organize or display all of my Instax photos.

14. Do something by myself that I would normally never do alone.

15. Be a guerrilla artist for a day.

16. Ride an amusement park ride.

17. See a palm tree.

18. Learn how to spot constellations.

19. Create my own book using Blurb.

20. Attend a knit circle.

21. Learn how to play a song on the accordion.

22. Take a ride on a train.

23. Be spontaneous.

Halloween costumes.

2011-11-16T22:40:00.000-03:30

2011 is coming to an end in a few weeks, dear friends. Can you imagine?

We are insane amounts of busy at the gallery, but I have to say I like it that way. Nonetheless, working six days a week is deeply impacting my social life. Things will be slower after Christmas I'm sure!

I have my birthday goals for the coming year almost finished, I'll be sure to share soon. It's hard deciding what... path I want this year to take. But there will be so much goodness. I'm giddy when I think about what's to come!

Speaking of birthdays, here are some photos from Halloween! I don't know a couple of these people (I kind of just went around snapping shots), but they were some of my favourite costumes. Robert's badass golfer costume included. :)

Happy list.

2011-11-09T23:14:00.000-03:30

Here are five things that have made me incredibly happy in the past week! Please share with me what has put a smile on your face too! ♥

1. All the birthday loving. This is a picture of the cake my coworkers bought me! Double chocolate deliciousness.

2. Christmas sweater shopping with Daniel and Sierra. Yes, we bought them. We have so many amazing Christmas plans already - can't wait!

3. This blog post could have been written by me. In fact, I'm fairly certain Robert and I've had the very same exchange at some party in the past. Love her explanation of "struggle and pursuit".

4. 30 challenges for 30 days - I am determined to do at least one!

5. This song has been on repeat for a week. And the video is a perfect pairing, dies for shadow puppets.

Television songs.

2011-11-01T22:26:00.000-02:30

When I'm at work, it's not uncommon for me to start humming to myself when I'm putting together a picture or fiddling with the computer. I've noticed quite a pattern...

I do one of two things: hum nursery rhymes and/or sing television songs. In honour of this, I wanted to share my most favourite TV songs. Sounds lame, but these are all SOLID GOLD. They never fail to make me burst out laughing.

If you've never heard them before, please have a listen. They're all so hilariously amazing.

Werewolf Bar Mitzfah - 30 Rock

Dream of the 90s (Is Alive in Portland) - Portlandia

Day Man - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor - Flight of the Conchords

Happy birthday to me.

2011-10-31T23:26:00.000-02:30

Today is my 23rd birthday, and I am so happy.

21 was a little cruel to me, 22 a smoother sail. I hope 23 is happily unpredictable. This will be an all new journey for me, one I am excited to embark on.

For the loyal readers who have wished me well and sent me comments and emails meant to ease my transition from student to a working lady - a huge thank you. I hope the blogging becomes less infrequent so that I can share the details of my less anxious heart.

I am three weeks into a job (yes! I am employed!) that I am absolutely loving at an art gallery. Every day I wake up excited for work, I spend the day surrounded by genuinely kind people and beautiful creations. This job was worth the wait.

Today as we stood around my desk at work, cutting the cake my fellow co-workers had surprised me with (so kind) I had this total moment. My effort to complete #18 on my birthday goals list, "rid myself and my life of negativity", had paid off. I've felt so at peace with my decisions lately, and though a surprisingly hard yearlong transition, I am now more often overwhelmed with gratitude than resentment.

I will do a post in dedication to that entire list soon (as well as my new one!), but for now I'll leave you with the kind words of bestie Robyn to me on my 23rd birthday. How could I not feel anything but gratitude when I have people like her in my life? ♥

MAD LOVE.

We're fated.

2011-10-23T22:55:00.000-02:30

Dear Robyn,

For the first time since we met over five years ago, I am not with you on your birthday. And it's your golden birthday. And I hate that I'm not there (or that you aren't here).

Today I have been reminiscing like crazy, thinking about all the silly things we've said and done during the course of our friendship. There were the monumental moments we always quote, like kite flying in the park or Guess Who? music jam.

However, there are also the little things. The moments that felt so routine at the time but turned out to be the very thread that tied us so closely together. Like the semester we took Modern Canadian Fiction together. How we'd bus there together because it was both our first class. The times we skipped it just to talk and giggle.

You are full of acceptance and compassion and understanding and strength and honesty. And you have given me one of the greatest friendships of my life. I SUPER LOVE YOU.

<3 <4 <5,

Thanksgiving 2011.

2011-10-15T11:46:00.000-02:30

Our annual Thanksgiving day celebrations were quite the success! A dozen of us got together this year to munch on turkey and veggies and be thankful for all the goodness in our lives.

It is only in situations like these that I realize just how good we have it. I think people get caught up in the "woe, is me" of life, continually one upping with the dreaded "well you think that's bad..." Negativity is so much easier to justify.

But then as I sit around a table, with friends I've had for years (and years and years) - and I'm awestruck. Everyone so healthy and happy and - dare I say it - blessed.

I wish I could be as grateful and thankful every day of my life as I am during turkey day.

For Lenore.

2011-10-08T18:34:00.000-02:30

Thanksgiving is probably my favourite holiday and I am so excited for tomorrow's festivities! If there is one holiday we do right, it's turkey day.

There will be a few faces missing this Thanksgiving, as every year is different. But alas, food and friends will still be in great supply. So many things to be thankful for.

And just for Lenore: Gracie is missing you this Thanksgiving, we wish you were here. ♥

Autumn: the mixed album.

2011-10-06T14:05:00.000-02:30

Another mixed album for Robyn completed! Yay! I titled this one Autumer (Autumn +Winter), but I'm not sure why. It is still definitely autumn, no need to wish the cold here any faster.

I really liked this one (and Robyn tells me she does too!). Each of these songs have some sort of person or story or memory attached. It's like an auditory time capsule.

Though she has left our little island for bigger and better things, I have missed Ms. Robyn every single day. It's a lonely place without a bestie nearby. ♥

Have a listen too, won't you?

1. Cosmic Love - Florence and the Machine

2. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) - Arcade Fire

3. Isobel - Bjork

4. Dead Hearts - Stars

5. For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti - Sufjan Stevens

6. California - Sarah Slean

7. Weightless - City and Colour

8. Challengers - The New Pornographers

9. Transatlanticism - Death Cab for Cutie

10. Vienna - Billy Joel

11. In Your Hands - Charlie Winston

12. My Body - Young the Giant

13. I'm Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys

The truth is.

2011-09-29T23:26:00.002-02:30

This time spent in limbo, without school or work has left me a lot of time to think about things - specifically myself. The truth is...

- Adventures happen when you let them happen.

- That clip of Susan Boyle auditioning on Britain's Got Talent? It makes me tear up. Every. Single. Time.

- Not being in school or having a job makes me question everything about myself.

- I have more fun lying in bed with my friends playing LIFE (yes, that game) on my iPod than I do going downtown on a pseudo party train.

- I always questioned why people always like me (seriously, I make a great first impression) when I am not much of a people person. I think it has something to do with sincerity and respect. The majority of the population seems to be lacking both and I guess I'm a welcomed relief.

- Instax photos make everyone pretty and every moment magical. One of the best gifts I've ever received!

- I got zero tan this summer and I'm sad. I sunscreened like crazy, so maybe it's my own fault? But not even a sandal tan, which is my definition of summer.

And the final truth? This limbo I'm in is a moment to be enjoyed and appreciated. Something will happen when it's supposed to, until then, I live life. ♥

Through the forest.

2011-09-26T15:48:00.000-02:30

This weekend was a reprieve from my crazy quarter-life crisis. I was determined to enjoy what I anticipate to be the last summerish weekend of the year. Autumn is in the air!

Saturday I woke up and immediately got a hold of Daniel and Philippe, telling them to meet me at the Farmer's Market. We enjoyed many delicious mini donuts before embarking on our next adventure: I have been aching to go to the nature reserve all summer. If you can't guess why, maybe my pictures will do the talking?

We hiked around the trails, being delighted at every bend and turn. Afterwards we stopped at the chip truck on the side of the road where we encountered the sweetest chip truck man ever to exist. My favourite part of going outside the city is relishing in the genuine kindness of strangers. Everyone says that Newfoundlanders are the sweetest people around, but I find it a little harder to come by within city limits.

And on the ride home? The most epic Jagged Little Pill singalong a girl could ever ask for. I have never smiled so much in a single day!

Chapter unwritten.

2011-09-22T23:34:00.000-02:30

Life has been all over the place, which I'm pretty sure is reflected in my blogging (or lack thereof). Those who take the time to update their own blogs, send me emails, and plan special dates with me - I love you.

I think if you've spoken to me in the past month or so, you've been greeted with a giant: "WHAT DO I DO NEXT?" instead of "hello". My future is ahead of me and by golly it's as cloudy as this city in the spring.

I try really hard not to take things for granted: the fact that I have options, an education, and people who push me to be the best person I can be. But this has been one of the few times in my life where I've been timid... where I've been scared.

I can see me all over, doing anything from making tacos for minimum wage to making policies for government. But I'm not sure what's going to make me happy. And I'm terrified of getting into a place or position that I can't get out of.

Contemplating every place from San Diego to Saskatchewan (really, I have) has left me exhausted and overwhelmed. I have never been the best decision maker.

I've been waiting for a sign. A whisper in my ear: "go here", "do this". So far, I've come up empty handed. Maybe it's naive of me to think a single solution is achievable. Maybe I'll never know until I go and do. Is it possible to narrow down what I want by crossing out all the things that I don't?

And that is why I've stalled out on blogging. I feel like I can't write my next chapter until I'm living it.

I've never done well with cliffhangers.

How to become an adult.

2011-09-12T22:38:00.000-02:30

Needed this. Need an Ilene! Who wants to be my Ilene?

There's a big hard sun.

2011-09-10T22:55:00.000-02:30

Where does the time go?

This is how I've spent my last couple weeks of summer. Curled up under tall trees with friends. We sit and talk. Play music. Play Battleship. Do crosswords.

There is no better feeling than the simplicity of sun and smiles.

I try not to dwell on the future, because I don't know what's going to happen! I've had a thousand thoughts, plans, ideas. A thousand moments of relief colliding with fear.

This year I've said goodbye to way too many lovely friends. So I'm trying to embrace what I have while I'm here, knowing that age leaves us vulnerable to change and discovery. This comfort is short-lived.

It's going to be a beautiful autumn, kids! Can you feel it? ♥

Our wonderful little trip.

2011-09-04T23:41:00.001-02:30

I picked Sierra up from work on Sunday afternoon, the car packed up and ready to hit the road asap. Homegirl was beyond frazzled, and on the verge of tears after a stressful shift. But after a change of clothes and a pull from the bottle of Captain Morgan's, the car took us pass the overpass and into everything I love about my province.

The time we spent together was so precious. I don't even really remember talking much, we were just present in the moment. Every problem had been left behind.

For anyone else, they might have been bored. We picked berries. We did crosswords. There was lots of 30 Rock and bad reality television. We ate at roadside diners. I cooked a lot of superb food, as Sierra is my favourite person to cook for (she appreciates and loves every morsel). We drove through communities so tiny that people waved at us as we drove by - it's the kind of stuff I live for.

Sierra and I also have this... thing we do. Whenever we are together (it started when we were roomies a couple years ago), we spontaneously burst into song. Often not any song you would have ever heard before. But one we make up right there on the spot. We've made up hundreds! Our favourites will certainly go down as "Mama Sarah Gonna Feed You" and "Baby, We Can Share a Knife (Forever)". This is a true story - judge if you have to.

So needless to say, there was a whole lot of smiling. A ton of relaxing. And just a peaceful silence that only true friends can achieve properly.

We wish you could have been there. ♥

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.

2011-09-01T13:44:00.000-02:30

Good day, ladies and gents! It has been awhile since I took pen to paper (fingers to keys?) and blogged straight from the depths of my head. Have you missed me like I've missed you?

A final thank you to Chrissy, Melanie, Jennifer, Erin, Teddi, Ruth, Sierra, Margot, and Annika! You ladies totally rocked my blog and every word of the guest posts was much appreciated. ♥

My wisdom teeth surgery was scary - I've never so much as had a stitch/broken bone/anything in my life! But everything is healing up nicely. Eating is still quite the chore, but other than a few foods I'm back on solids (THANK GOODNESS)!

My brother is gone back to the Arctic and it feels crazy lonely without him. He always comes for a month-long visit, which is wonderful. But then I get so used to having him around that it's always so depressing when he leaves. I will have to take part in some happy adventuring soon, please!

The little trip I took with Sierra out into Newfoundland's wilderness was perfection. We left so angry and stressed and within minutes of hitting the highway we were giggling and planning. This will have its own post soon, I'm so excited to share all the special details. ♥

And now it's back to the real world. Which feels very... unreal. This limbo between graduation and employment is not for me. There are definite perks: unlimited books (I just finished an amazing book), lots of sleep, and plenty of laughs. But the stress of applying for Serious Grown Up Jobs has me skittish. The inability to see my future is so scary.

All the same, I'm feeling real good. And my head feels so clear and confident. I'm proud of the work I've done, the decisions I'm making. I really feel like this is a moment of time I'll always look back on with sincere fondness.

And how about you?! What's going on in your neck of the woods?

Guest post: Annika takes on ice cream.

2011-08-30T15:00:00.006-02:30

And we are brought to our final guest post! Thank you to the nine ladies who helped me out and wrote some AWESOME stuff. If you missed them, please go back and read - such talented authors!

Our final post is written by Annika of All The Live Long Day and she has chose the best summer topic: ICE CREAM. And in a very self-sacrificing sort of way (oh, how she must have struggled!) she has reviewed ten yummy ice creams. Yummmmy. Take it away, Annika!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hello, Friends of Sarah!

My name is Annika and I normally blog at All The Live Long Day. I am very honoured to be hanging out at Atlantic Atlantis today, it is never boring here and Sarah is such a sweet blogger. Thank you, Missus, for letting me contribute my two cents!

I did not quite know what I wanted to write about when I boldly answered Sarah's call for guest bloggers. I have never written a guest post for anybody before. So when Sarah suggested SUMMER VACATION as a topic, I immediately thought ICE CREAM!

Summer and ice cream are a no-brainer and I consume a lot of the cold stuff when the weather is hot. Some ice cream makes me feel quite nostalgic, because it reminds me of my summers as a kid, when my friends and I would spend our pocket money on fries and ice cream lollies at the pool or meet up at the local gelateria to devour a huge sundae. I remember how cool and grown-up we felt.

I thought I'd look back on this summer and give you a list of some of the ice creams I have eaten. I am not sure whether you can get all of them everywhere on the planet or if some are specific to the UK, but I hope you enjoy the pictures and maybe it'll make you feel like sharing your own ice cream memories or preferences...

Here goes:

CRUNCHIE BLAST

The Box Says:

Explodes In Your Mouth!

Annika Says:

It sure does! Popping candy is a great addition to anything, so I love this ice cream. This is fashioned after the candy bar of the same name, which is honeycomb covered in chocolate. The orangey colour of the ice cream took some getting used to, but now I am sold! The chocolate coating is nice and thick, which is always a plus in my book.

CALIPPO

The Box Says:

Every Calippo is made with love.

Annika Says:

I love Calippo, because it was the ice lolly of choice during many visits to the local outdoor pool when I was a teenager. I had not eaten it in a while, but it's still good! A lot of orange flavour and very refreshing! The great thing about Calippo is that you don't have to take it out of its wrapper, so there is less potential for spillage. Clumsy me likes! The little highlight at the end: slurping the sweet, sticky melted remains out of the bottom of the tube...

MAGNUM GHANA

The Box Says:

Hazelnut Flavour Ice Cream With Chocolate Sauce Coated in Milk Chocolate

Annika Says:

Divine! Oh, Magnums, why do you tempt me so? Magnum surely is a classic by now and rightly so. My favourite up to this summer always used to be Magnum Almond, but Magnum Ghana has toppled that one off its pedestal easily. It's enrobed in the signature thick milk chocolate, and once you've licked (me) or bitten (my husband) your way through it, you will find the most creamy hazelnut ice cream with a chocolate sauce ripple. I hope this one is here to stay, as I have developed a serious addiction!

FRUIT PASTILLES LOLLY

The Box Says:

No artificial colours or flavours. Contains 25% fruit juice.

Annika Says:

Fruit Pastilles are little round, soft, sugar coated candies that have been made into ice cream in this case. This lolly is great for those days when you feel like you really need to stop eating chocolate ice cream, but it's still hot outside and you feel like only ice cream can help you cool down. These lollies appear to be really wholesome, and one only has 61 calories. What you get for feeling righteous is a fun-looking, rainbow-coloured water ice with really fresh and tart fruit flavours. And it lasts forever! But as with a lot of water ice lollies, the ice tends to start sliding off the stick when it's melting, so I'd keep near a pool when eating this.

CADBURY DAIRY MILK FRUIT & NUT

The Box Says:

Luxury Ice Cream

Annika Says:

Not quite as luxury as the Magnum Ghana, but still quite good. If you like fruit and nut chocolate (like me), you will like this, as the smooth vanilla ice cream is covered in a thick coat of milk chocolate speckled with currants and almonds. Not sure if it counts as one of your five-a-day, though...

FAB

The Box Says:

Real Strawberry and vanilla flavour ice lolly with a chocolate flavour coating and sugar strands.

Annika Says:

I do like Fab a lot, although i must admit that it's mostly about the looks in this relationship. I love the stripey appearance and the sprinkles, I think it does look fabulously retro. However, and despite the real strawberry juice that is being used to make this lolly, it tastes really bland. The vanilla ice is quite watery and the strawberry flavour is not very strong. So 10 points on looking cool, but in essence, Fab is leaving me cold.

FEAST

The Box Says:

This chunky ice cream is a feast for the senses.

Annika Says:

Hm. I think this ice cream is quite rock'n'roll. It's chocolate coating contains little cookie pieces. Underneath that, there is a nice, light chocolate layer and underneath that a kind of nougat chocolate core that stays solid even as you lick away the ice cream. I always save it to the last and then bite little chinks of to let disintegrate in my mouth. I always thought that Feast was a rather manly ice cream, not sure why. maybe because it feels so substantial. It has been around for ages, too, and has always been one of my go-to choices for a frozen chocolate hit.

SOLERO

The Box Says:

Exotic Explosion.

Annika Says:

Solero is another ice cream that I feel nostalgic about. Funny enough, also in conjunction with swimming. There were ice cream vending machines at my local swimming pool, and after I went swimming with my friends coming out of the changing rooms, hot from the exercise and drying my hair,. I would always pick one of these to cool me down. i love the combination of the exotic fruit sorbet and the delicious creamy vanilla ice cream with fruit ripples. By the time you had worked your way through the shell, the vanilla would always be at the exact gooey stage that I like.

SMARTIES CONE

The Box Says:

No artificial colours or flavours.

Annika Says:

The 'No artificial colours or flavours' is exactly why I don't really like Smarties anymore. Obviously, I see the point, but ever since the chemical enhancements were abandoned, Smarties have a slightly washed out look and their shell a funny sweet taste. Anyhow, I DO like this ice cream cone! The Smarties on top look really fun, and there are Smartie pieces mixed through the vanil;la flavour ice cream, as well. The ice cream itself is quite bland, though. The wafer is really nice and crispy and stays that way even as the ice cream starts melting. The ultimate discovery was what was below the ice cream: I absolutely love chocolate filled cones, and this one has about 5 centimetres of lovely solid chocolate at the bottom. Bliss!

MINI MILK

The Box Says:

Ice cream enriched with calcium.

Annika Says:

Mini Milk and I go way back. In nursery school, after lunch, us kids often got to pick our favourite flavour from a big tray that was carried around the table by one of our Kindergarten teachers. It comes in chocolate (yay), vanilla and strawberry. I wonder if it was calcium-enriched in the 80s, too, and that is why we got it as a treat? Mini Milk is a really simple ice cream lolly, it tastes like frozen milk. I remember that the packaging had drawings of proper milk cows on it, but those have now been updated to look like cartoon figures. What does that say about today's children? More TV, less countryside? Not sure...

***

So there you have it. My opinion on ice cream lollies. Feel like sharing an ice cream story or review of your own?

Annika

Guest post: Margot's garden goodness.

2011-08-29T15:00:00.004-02:30

Every spring I have big dreams of growing a luscious garden of vegetables and flowers. And every summer I plant a whole whack of... nothing. Womp womp. But Margot of Newfoundlander at Heart has put her plans to action and created such a jealous worthy garden. I die! Thanks for sharing, Margot. :)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hello all you lovely readers of Atlantic Atlantis! My name is Margot and I write a small blog called Newfoundlander at Heart. When I heard that Sarah was going to need a little help with some blog sitting I e-mailed her (late as I was) right away. I thought I would share a little about my adventures in my garden this summer!

Since the planting season began, I have been trying to give an update on my garden once a week. And it has been growing fairly well. We had a really wet spring, which made planting a bit of a difficult task. But I eventually got all the seeds, and seedlings in place. And this is what my garden map looked like:

We had a momma bird build a beautiful little nest, and lay 4 eggs near the garden. It was an incredible thing to watch. So bald and helpless when they first hatched, they quickly grew until they were too big for the nest, and one by one they all flew away!

I created a little fence to help my peas grow-up, out of things I found around the house and the yard. I was really happy with the way it turned out, and my peas are doing so well! (the DIY can be found here, if you are interested). And since I am getting married in September, my maid of honour thought it would be fun to ask people to bring me a plant from their garden for one of my wedding showers. I was a little overwhlemed, but look at that boot full of loot! Amazing! Eventually everything got a home in my garden, or on the deck.

July was very hot here in Central Ontario. And the plants grew very slowly. I made an effort to water them regularly, and they all survived! Then in August, we have had lots of rain! And now things are growing and flowering like crazy. Something tells me I am going to have a lot of produce to deal with right around the time I'll be up to my neck in final wedding prep. This poor little pepper was one of the early ones that got left on the plant too long - a snail got into it!

As I mentioned above, I am getting married in September (only about 4 weeks to go now), and I am going to be using some of the goodies I have in my garden, as well as others I have picked from local farmers in order to prepare some tasty favours for our guests. So excited! I think there will be a few left for us to enjoy :)

This summer has been wonderful. My garden has been a lot of hard work, but very rewarding! Thanks so much Sarah for letting me share about a few of my gardening adventures, I am no expert but I figure my trial and errors can likely help a few other aspiring gardeners. :)

xox

Guest post: Sierra's lovely poem.

2011-08-28T14:00:00.005-02:30

Ah, beautiful people - are you loving the guest posts as much as I do? Today's guest blogger is the lovely Ms. Sierra, a real deal friend of mine and talented poetess. LOVE. I'll let her explain the rest...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hello, dear readers of dearest Sarah's blog! I am IRL friend Sierra. It is such an honor to be writing this post for my sweet lady! Sarah and I have known each other for perhaps four years now, and in all that time I have always admired her craftiness, her blog-love and her sincere dedication towards both. Its been an inspiration to the procrastinator that is myself, thats for sure.

Under Sarah's guidance and tender proding, I started two of my own blogs this year. One is devoted to banter about my everyday life and my various fascinations (science, medicine, books, television, whatever) and the other is about one of the great loves of my life... poetry!

I've been writing for perhaps 11 or 12 years now, I don't even know exactly how long, but nothing makes me feel more at peace with myself. When I write poetry, I feel as though I am connecting to some inner, beautiful part of myself that cannot be accessed otherwise. Its like theres another me. She exists only on paper.

At Sarah's request, I wrote a poem for this post! She asked me to write about summer, and so I did - though I'm afraid its not terribly summery, as St. John's isn't the sunniest place in the world this summer. The weather is... well...

"these bizarre summer mornings -
wrapped in the paper thin arms
of a manic depressive sky,
who chokes out golden sunshine
like bursts of hearty laughter,
and furious rain
like so many maelstroms of tears.

but by afternoon, the sun has vanished
leaving us lost in the palest fog,
the sky empty and flat as concrete.
small timid breezes brush past us
gently on the cracked sidewalks,
like strangers, heads bent,
their eyes counting dead leaves.

between the monochrome jaws
of ocean and sky we wait.
our ancient houses, more colorful than prisms lean
towards the harbour. their windows, like hopeful eyes,
watch for a ship carrying the sun to drift in
through the jagged, craggy narrows - its sails
bursting with the most spectacular light."

So, I hope you all are having a sunnier summer by far than us. This has been so fun! I am so very excited to indulge in the rest of the featured guest posts Atlantic Atlantis has to offer! Happy reading, people.

XO

Guest post: Ruth visits Washington.

2011-08-27T16:00:00.003-02:30

Today I am holed up at home, being a sook over the fact that I am minus three teeth! Booo.

So let's all pretend we're elsewhere, shall we? How about beautiful Washington? Thankfully, Ruth of Superfluous Ambitions is here to help us all out! :)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hello everyone my name is Ruth and my summer vacation started off in late May after I had just finished the spring semester at Arizona State University. Since it was the end of the semester and I knew I was going to be taking summer courses and decided to take a last minute trip to Washington State. I had a week and a half off before the summer session started and took advantage of that time to visit my sister who lives in Washington.

I have never been to the Pacific Northwest and thought this would be the perfect time to see some place new. My friend Cal came along with me so I got spend some time quality time with my sister and my longtime friend Cal. While in Washington I got to visit Spokane and spent a weekend in Seattle. I even got to visit Idaho which was something I had not planned to do but glad I did.

While in Spokane I got to see the biggest wagon I had ever seen in my life. My daughter and my nephew were at the top so you can imagine just how big this thing is. I also got to see what life is like in a small city like Spokane.

While in Spokane I did not do much but just hung out with the sister and nephew. However I did get see a lot of beautiful parks and did a lot of walking. I was in Spokane for about two days and pretty much got to see everything that small city had to offer.

Then next part of the trip involved Seattle. Cal and I decided to get a rental car in order to get down to Seattle. The drive to Seattle was not a long drive and made me realize that Washington is not a very big state.

While in Seattle I got my first cup of latte art…

I got to shop at Pike Place Farmers Market and bought fresh salmon. I even got to go to the first Starbucks. I am a Starbucks nut so I could not leave Washington without visiting the first Starbucks. I also got to see a lot of the beautiful parks in Seattle and it shows that a great deal of effort is put into those parks to keep them beautiful.

I spent a total of three days in Seattle and drove back to Spokane. While I was back at Spokane my sister decided to take me to Idaho to a place called Tubb’s Hill and we hiked that hill. I was excited about the hike because after eating a lot of bad food in Seattle I needed to do something to burn some calories.

Sadly the time in Washington went by much too fast. I was sad to say goodbye but I knew it could not last forever. All I have are memories and I cannot wait to go to Washington again next year. I am thinking that next year I might fly into Portland, Oregon and then get a rental and drive all the way to Spokane. This trip was the highlight of my summer vacation and it was worth every dollar.

Jack Layton.

2011-08-27T10:37:00.000-02:30

A little interruption in our lovely guest posts...

The vast majority of Canadians will be glued to their television this afternoon. The state funeral for Jack Layton will be airing on the CBC and other networks. I will surely be watching.

I am big on voting for the person, not the party. But consistently I have put my "X" next to the federal NDP candidate in my riding. I have put their sign on my lawn. I have answered their calls for volunteers.

And the main reason for that is because of Jack Layton. The party is something of a hot mess, but the man who has led it for the past eight years has gained himself quite a large and loyal following. When Conservatives and Liberals couldn't stop deferring and deflecting, people looked to Jack to give it to them straight. Jean Chrétien said he showed how politics could be a "noble profession".

Sierra and I found out that Layton had died late Monday morning. We turned on the AM radio to catch the details (no internet or television) and tried to comprehend what had happened. Hearing that he had written a farewell letter, we pulled it up on my phone when we finally found cell service hours later. Sitting in one of Newfoundland's many tiny towns we had ourselves a cry and triumphantly declared that the rest of our trip was in Layton's honour.

It's just one of those things that leave you weary. And full of disbelief. He's a year older than my own father, who has also battled the same cancer.

Nonetheless, I'll try to follow Jack's final words of wisdom: "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

Guest post: Teddi's driving adventures.

2011-08-26T15:00:00.002-02:30

Gosh, I hope these posts look alright (layout wise of course) - I won't have internet access! Someone text me if they look wonky... oh wait, no cell service either. Ha!

Today I bring you the gorgeous and HILARIOUS Ms. Teddi from Honeybee Lane. Teddi's post often have me in stitches, and she is known to leave the most quote worthy comments on my blog!

This guest post had me lolzing as well, and Teddi I'd just like to note that in my province you can turn right on a red and there are no trains. Oh, and no photograph ticket things - I would be in trouble if there were. Maybe you should consider Newfoundland when you move next. :)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hi, I'm Teddi, from Honeybee Lane. I'm guest posting for Sarah, while she graduates from college, and gets her wisdom teeth pulled. Been there, done both. Here's a story about a day full of driving adventures.

This is my car. I know it's old, but it's paid for.

I was running errands when, the traffic light turned red. I slammed on the brakes. Do you know where this is going?

(source)

In Texas, they have red light cameras. This means if you run a red light, the camera will take a photo of your car. Then they will send you a nice little ticket, in the mail, for $75.00. I've had 3 maybe 4 of these tickets, since I've moved here, 3 yrs. ago. Lovely, eh?

(source)

Most of those tickets were at one spot, on different days, when I was turning right, on a red light. I'm not perfect, but I never got a red light ticket before, in all my yrs. of driving, in the other state I lived in. Just saying.

The guy behind me, hits my car. My best option seemed to wait for the light to change, then pull off somewhere, and look at the damage.

Guy follows me to parking lot.

Guy: "Oh, sh#! I'm sorry. I'm on my way to a job interview."

I look at my car, and there's no damage, (whew)!

Me: "It's fine. Don't worry about it. You'll do great at your interview. Have a nice day."

(I wonder what kind of job he was applying for, wearing a tank top that showed off his tattoos, and shorts. I didn't ask though).

Back in my car, 30-40 minutes later, waiting in line, for a train to pass.

Guess what happened?

Different guy,hits my car. No, I didn't slam on brakes! My car was completely stopped. Are you freaking kidding me? This dude just backs his car up & acts like nothing happened. Note: I was still waiting for the train to finish zooming past. I decide it's probably no big deal. He didn't get out of his car. I didn't get out of mine. He just goes his merry way.

What are the chances of one car, being hit twice, in one day?

(source & book description)

Go to my friend's house, hrs. later. Traffic is bad, it takes an hr. and a half to pick her up, and go to store.

Where is everybody?

We were a week early, for our altered book project. I turned around, and back into the traffic we went. Yippee!

Wanna know who's gas light came on the way back, because she was low on fuel? Welcome to my life.

No, I didn't run out of gas.

Guest post: Erin's EPIC west coast vacation.

2011-08-25T14:00:00.006-02:30

When I told Erin of My Beautiful Disaster that the theme was the old school My Summer Vacation, I was REALLY hoping she'd write about the epic road trip she took a couple months ago. Lucky for me, she's a mind reader! Erin is one of the shining examples of why I love the blog world - such a connection with someone I've never even met!

Today Erin takes us on her adventure through Canada's west coast. The photographs have my heart!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

When Sarah put the call out to have guest posts on her blog, I jumped at the idea. I heart Sarah, she's amazing and I'm so glad to call her a friend!

I wanted to share my vacation this past year through BC with you all. It was a somewhat bittersweet road trip for me. A few weeks after I had taken this trip with my boyfriend we broke up, but continue remain good friends. Nonetheless I still have warm feelings from our adventure.

Our journey took us from Edmonton to Vancouver over the span of 6 days. Two days driving there, two days chilling, and then two days to get back home. My friend Jen had recently moved out to Vancouver to attend pastry school, so we were lucky enough to have a place to crash at. This was my first time ever being on the west coast and ever seeing the ocean, so it was pretty damn special for me.

So without further ado, here is a photo dump for your viewing pleasure.

Entering Jasper National Park

Rock slide on the highway!

So, that was my sneak peek into my vacation! I hope you enjoyed looking through these! I'm not sure if I'll do a road trip next year. We'll see. ;)

Guest post: Jennifer's lessons learned.

2011-08-24T15:30:00.003-02:30

Hellooo, loves! Today I am happy to share another sweet guest post, this one by Jennifer of What's Mine is Yours. She is sharing with us 20 lessons learned this summer! I'm all for number 13. And number 3 is so true! Enjoy!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Lessons learned this summer:

1. No matter what has to happen to make it possible, my children will have a stay-at-home parent.
2. Taking a walk before getting ice cream means you can get a large sundae and not feel bad about it.
3. There is an online tutorial for EVERYTHING!
4. Moving is a big old pain in the butt, but it is a great way to purge yourself of
unnecessary clutter.
5. Men need a good challenge every now and again--it keeps them on their toes.
6. No matter how wrong it is, itʼs really difﬁcult not to laugh when a kid gets hurt because heʼs being a little pecker-head (donʼt judge me--if you were there, youʼd understand).
7. Putting yourself out there and being friendly always pays off.
8. Drive-in movies are more fun with fried chicken and other fattening goodies.
9. Lips burn easily--wear chapstick with SPF. Every day.
10. Sometimes the world is not a fair, honest or safe place.
11. Our parents are not perfect.
12. Food tastes better when it belongs to, or was made by, someone else. Especially if that someone else is a cute boy.
13. Eat the cookie...buy the shoes. Trust me.
14. You canʼt teach an old cat new tricks.
15. Short hair is just better.
16. Even in the summer, 5 oʼclock in the morning is dark.
17. Be with someone who makes you feel beautiful.
18. Sometimes time really is money.
19. Watching someone you love enjoy their passion is as good as enjoying your own.
20. Summer always has a way of being too short but just the right length.

Guest post: Melanie paints with light.

2011-08-23T15:00:00.003-02:30

I wish you all could have seen my expression when I saw the guest post Melanie had sent me. It's no secret that I am obsessed with light painting! And Melanie's post had my inspiration flowing and ideas flying!

Thanks so much for all the tips, Melanie!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hello! I am Melanie from Smilesfrommel. I'm a freelance photographer and photography assistant in Toronto. I love photography in the summer the most. It's become a tradition for me to shoot night photos and light paintings every summer. I love the challenge in the technique & creating things that your eyes can't see - without Photoshop!!

What you'll need:

Darkness.

A tripod.

A camera that can be used manually.

Different types of light sources.

The key to creating these images is keeping the camera shutter open for an extended length of time. I usually have mine open for 20-30 seconds. (See your camera manual for how to do it on your model) Then, begin experimenting. This is the most fun, and a great way to be silly with friends.

You can use sparklers to have a friend trace you,


dance with a strobe light,

or use an LED flashlight. For this one I aimed the flashlight at Bry to light him first, then ran behind him and aimed the light at the lens to get the crazy squiggles. Warning - prepare to sweat :)

These two green ones were taken inside a dark room, with a Happy Meal light sabre, haha!

It's also fun to create multiple exposures in one shot. For this you'll need the same things, but also a flash of some kind. It doesn't need to be pricey - I've even used a point and shoot camera to illuminate the subject. You'll set the main camera for a long exposure and then use the flash to light the subject - flash - move over a few feet - flash and repeat for as many as you can squeeze in.

It took Bry & I about 20 tries to get this one just right. But check it out - no Photoshop!

If you do only one burst of flash, you can get a nice moody shot.

If you don't have the settings right, you can end up with ghosty friends - but it still looks good!

I hope you have fun on your summer vacation, and come show me if you take any night shots!

~mel

Guest post: Chrissy's summer love list.

2011-08-22T13:30:00.003-02:30

Our first guest post this week comes from the lovely Chrissy of Tiny Little Happies! And I think she did a lovely job of starting off my silly My Summer Vacation theme right... thanks so much, Chrissy!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

hello atlatntic atlantis readers! it's chrissy and i am super wicked excited to be visiting you today taking a break from my blog 'tiny little happies'.

when sarah told me that she would like me to write on the topic of summer vacation my first thought was 'uh, oh!' i'll be the first to admit that the summer heat and i aren't really the best of friends. but then i started thinking about all the awesome things that only come with summer, heat and sun be darned! things like...

* reality television. hello, big brother! hello, hell's kitchen! i love you and your entertaining goodness.
* pedicures. we ladies make our toes cute. let's show them off.

* iced coffee. what the pumpkin latte is to fall, iced coffee is to summer.

* evening walks. those aimless slow strolls through the neighbourhood that bring with them the possibility of adventure.

* summer blockbusters. x-men = boo yeah! we'll miss you, harry potter! welcome captain america!

* {did i mention iced coffee?}

this list could go on and on because the more you start searching for the positive the more you will find. my thanks to sarah for giving me this opportunity to reflect on just how awesome summer can be. now i guess it's fall be darned!

xoxo
chrissy

And I'm off.

2011-08-21T15:30:00.000-02:30

P.S. Guest posts start tomorrow, be excited!

Summer has me smiling.

2011-08-19T19:46:00.001-02:30

Hello, dearest lovelies!

Summer has finally returned to my little island and with the sun comes happy/joyful Sarah. She smiles. She is gracious. And she rarely gets on the computer because she's out having SO MUCH FUN.

... and I'm so done talking in third person, ha.

Here are some things that have contributed to my big smiles:

1. I'm sure 99% of you have already seen this, but I have to share. For those of you who don't know me well, I have a not-so-secret to tell you: I have such a mad crush on Anderson Cooper. And this video? KILLS ME (around 2:27 I die).

2. Grades are out, and it is official: I have the credits to graduate! I got this little note in the mail this week explaining how to convocate. Five years and all I get is a postcard? Oh well, it's the degree that counts. :)

3. One big worry I had weighing on my mind was that my car needed to go to the shop. And the mechanic estimated it would cost $1200! Bummmmer. Cars are so secretly expensive. However, in the end it only cost a quarter of that and it's as good as new. No more clunk clunk!

4. THE GUEST POSTS. Oh my word, the guest posts. When I put a call out for guest posts I was expecting maybe two or three people to step up (and that was after serious bribing!). But I have nine lovely posts to share with you while I'm away! AND THEY SERIOUSLY ROCK. Some of them must have took major time to put together and I am so honoured to be showcasing such talent on my little blog. They'll be starting Monday, keep an eye out! ♥

5. And finally, my Pepto-Bismol pink nails. I swear they didn't look that pink in the store. But I love them! They feel summery, and the ease of Sally Hansen's nail strips delights me. I am such a nail polish smudger normally!

What has your smile going from ear to ear? ♥

Enjoying it all.

2011-08-16T23:53:00.000-02:30

Ah, dear friends! School is OVER and the sun has arrived (sort of). I feel very confused, but incredibly happy. I feel like good things are coming, really and truly.

I've been away from my computer completely the last few days. I don't mind it at all after being glued to it for the last couple weeks of school. It feels good to read books without guilt, hang with friends and not have to keep looking at the time. I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

The guest posts are trickling in and I'm having such a fun time reading them! It feels like they're special secret posts just for me right now. ♥

The above picture is one I scrapped in mine and Robyn's special scrapbook (volume II)! Crafting is just another one of the perks of not being school. :)

The secret pressure of graduation.

2011-08-12T13:00:00.000-02:30

me: the moncton gig, sounds like you got your mind already made up?
Robyn: not at all!
the moment i think "okay, i have to do this", that's also the moment i panic
I just don't know if I have it in me, you know? normal people have it in them.
me: you are normal sweetie ♥
don't sell yourself short! you've proven your strength sooo many times! you just have to decide if it's worth the battle!
Robyn: NEEDS A SARAH HUG NOW
me: ♥ ♥ ♥
I AM SENDING IT THROUGH THE AIR THE BEST I CAN
Robyn: ♥
me: it's so hard
i'm terrified of making the wrong decision!
Robyn: it is! and I feel like it shouldn't be this hard... but it just is
me: what if i move somewhere as miserable as here! what if i pick a job that makes me feel like shit! what if i have panic attacks or live friendlessly
absolutely terrified
Robyn: we are the same person
me: i wish there was a goal in my head at least, but the only goal i've had for so long is GRADUATE and i still can't see past that
we are, and that's why we rock bestiedom hehe
Robyn: mmmhmmmm. and it's so scary being there! all graduated!
me: i never realized how much fear would come with graduation!
and pressure!
so much secret pressure!
Robyn: yes!
me: if i get asked one more time what my plan for the fall i'm going to go postal on someone

(stolen straight from mine and Robyn's last conversation)

If all goes right, I will be finished my undergraduate degree this week and moving on to the next chapter of my life.

This is all I've wanted for SO long.

For almost a quarter of my life I have been writing papers and taking tests and pulling all-nighters (not including K-12, then it's almost two decades - eek). I've taken 44 classes at my university. Modern American History. Controversies in International Political Economy. Folklore Research Methods. Feminist Political Theory. Deviance and Crime. And so. Many. More.

I never thought it could get harder than that. I never thought it could get scarier.

I was wrong. Growing up is so much scarier. So much more challenging.

But that's how it should be, right? I started out this year with the promise that I would live uncomfortably, that I would "take risks and do something scary".

I guess this it. Let's blow this popsicle stand!

Spending time with my brother.

2011-08-10T00:28:00.000-02:30

When I was growing up I couldn't understand how I fit into my family. I look nothing like my parents, and the only thing I inherited was my mother's impatience.

As I grew older I could see similarities in some of my other relatives. How I could very well be a younger version of my aunt. My eyes looking back at me from my grandmother's face.

But what we lack in physical similarities, my brother and I make up for in everything else.

We have the same dumb sense of humour (poop jokes are STILL funny!). The same awful taste in movies and television shows. The same outlook on life.

There are differences, the only books he has read since finishing school is the Harry Potter series - and that's about the only novels I haven't carted home from Chapters or the library. There isn't a gaming system he hasn't owned, and yet the only gaming I've ever done was on my Gameboy in my youth.

We know each other so well it's freaky sometimes. I disabled his iPad's password on the second guess (boy, did that piss him off - ha!). Speaking off pissed off, no one has the ability to get me screaming or crying in less than sixty seconds except him. We share the same beliefs concerning marriage, politics, Facebook - and let me tell you, I'm society's outlier on all those fronts.

Though nearly ten years separate us, we're the same person.

And I'm so glad he's home for the month of August! Eee! ♥

I need your help: a call out for guest posts!

2011-08-06T23:28:00.000-02:30

Sooo... I have a favour to ask! Or maybe, an opportunity to offer, depends how you look at it. :)

I will be venturing away from the city for a few nights in honour of finishing school (I CAN'T WAIT TO TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT). Then the day after I return, I will be having oral surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed - yuck!

This means I'll be away from the blog world for a week and rather than leaving my blog lovers hanging, I'd love to show off some guest posts! I have the most amazing blog friends and I'm hoping some of them will come through for me. ♥

SO! If you have a blog, even if you're a real life friend or a happily lurking reader, I'd love to showcase you on Atlantic Atlantis! Here are the details:

1. Email me by AUGUST 9TH (atlanticatlantis(at)gmail(dot)com) to let me know you'd like to participate and help me out in my time of need!

2. You'll have to send me your post by AUGUST 19TH so that I have a couple days to organize and schedule them. You can write about whatever you want, but I'll have some ideas handy if you're stumped. :)

3. Sit back and feel good about yourself - you've just helped out a friend AND got more exposure for your blog! Yay, you!

I know guest posts can be a little intimidating, but there is nothing scary about my quaint little blog! The guest posts I've done on other blogs in the past have always been fun and have increased my readership every time.

So remember, email me at atlanticatlantis(at)gmail(dot)com if you're interested or have any questions! I love you all so much for even reading this far - ha! ♥

Such gifts.

2011-08-05T16:21:00.000-02:30

I have watched this video of bestie Robyn and her hometown bestie Leanne about a thousand times today. You can't see their faces, but I swear it's them! Is there a way to put a video on repeat if it's being played from YouTube?

Such perfection! I love their voices together, I want more please!

And Robyn's daddy playing the guitar? That's always my favourite part of her little song videos. SO PRECIOUS. I mean, come on, have you seen their family rendition of the "Bed Intruder Song"?

I miss you every single day, girrrl. ♥

Managing the end of love.

2011-08-04T16:13:00.002-02:30

(source)

This summer has been a crazy season, and many of the people I love have ended long and beautiful relationships.

Amki's last post on her blog was all about being single. At the end she asks "What do you guys think is good help to heal the break-up wounds? What should you avoid in a break-up? What do you enjoy about being single? What sucks about it?"

So I'm here to give it to you straight, dear friends. FIVE TIPS: HOW TO GET OVER A BREAK-UP. I'm no expert, but maybe someone out there will find a little bit of help in my unwise wisdom.

1. PEOPLE YOU LOVE. You can't get over anything without the people you love spoon feeding you ice-cream and dragging you outside for fun things when your misery becomes overwhelming.

2. RADICAL SELF-LOVE. In the words of Gala Darling, "Let’s get busy adoring ourselves!" People often lose themselves in a relationship. Now is the time for hot baths! With cocktails! And a good book! Write and read poems, buy sweet presents, indulge in fancy coffee and tea, explore who you are. Get to know who you are (just YOU!) and what makes you amazing. ♥

3. MUSIC. In a relationship you start to associate certain songs with the other person. Now is the time to discover the music that speaks to you as a single person!

4. LETTER WRITING. Just because I'm selfish and I want lots of letters, hehe. But seriously, I find letter writing really therapeutic. It's a way to be social without having to be social!

5. HOBBIES. New ones, old ones. Practice something that gives you pleasure, discover something that nurtures your heart.

There are tons more, it's all about getting into a relationship with yourself. This whole post is corny, but matters of the heart generally are! And if you have never seen this before, please watch this video. I watch it every now and then and it fills me with inspiration and peace!

Who else has some words of wisdom?

You get what you give.

2011-08-02T23:14:00.000-02:30

I have to believe what you put out there you get back. I have no reason not to!

When I was a kid, I would hoard any money I received, sure I'd need it for that special something. When I finally parted with it, an influx of new wealth always followed. The restoration of what I had put out there.

I think the fact that I am sort of a recluse would surprise a lot of people who I am acquainted with superficially. Surprised because outwardly I come across really friendly and sociable.

It's really just a matter of putting your best self out there!

I hold doors, use manners, make introductions, excuse mistakes, make small talk, and try to be as sincere as possible. A lot of people miss that last one.

But, like I said, I believe what you put out there you'll get back.

Those who exude no effort. Those who put nothing into their friendships or relationships (time, self, trust etc). Those who treat the waiter with disdain or others as inferior. Those people get nothing back except a reassurance that their insecurities are sound.

Is that karma or the golden rule? Either way, it's worth the effort. ♥

Chimney Jesus and other great things.

2011-07-28T23:02:00.000-02:30

With the exception of Amki's departure (PS thank you for all the sweet sweet lovin' in the comments of my last post), I've been feeling pretty rock 'em sock 'em great lately!

Here are some reasons why:

1. This dude. Who saved my ass and holla'ed at me a couple weekends ago. Taking his advice to heart, despite the ridiculousness which are his green pants.

2. Chimney Jesus. Yeah, I'm giving credit where credit is due. I FOUND JESUS ON A CHIMNEY - CAN YOU SEE HIM?!

3. Zine making! Love it! Putting my typewriter to good use.

And things that haven't been photographed...

4. Getting work done and trying REALLY hard to stay on top of the school game. Final stretch!

5. Reading blog posts. So many great blog posts lately!

6. Bonding with Sierra as there are no other lady friends in existence. Too many dicks on the dance floor.

7. GREAT BOOKS. Oh hi books, miss me? I've read like five books in the past two weeks. Such a good feeling. ♥

8. Getting seven hours of sleep every night! I go through periods of not sleeping... at all. So I'm enjoying this the most.

9. New crisp cotton sheets - yummy. Helps the sleeps.

10. I GAVE UP CAFFEINE. I know, crazy huh? No coffee, tea, pop. No sweet delicious iced coffees on my way to or from school. Sigh. It's been over a month now and after a few weeks of a general gross feeling I am loving it.

What has got you feeling good? What has got you feeling bad? Do you like zines? Can you see chimney Jesus? I want to hear all about what's going on!

Amkiram.

2011-07-24T19:19:00.004-02:30

I am not going to do this post justice, but I will sure try...

Three years ago Sierra informed us that a girl she met on an online poetry forum was coming for a visit. We poked fun and thought nothing more about the Swede who probably wouldn't last in Newfoundland the entire week she was slated to stay. We were wrong.

After spending hundreds of days with us, she will be returning to her homeland tomorrow.

When her relatives came to visit earlier this year I asked them if they could see why Amki had decided to stay, "well it's obviously because of the people. All of you - her friends."

I wish I could put into words who Amkiram is.

She is the most loyal, honest, and trustworthy friend I have ever had.

She is all viking. A total artist. A true romantic (sometimes frustratingly so ♥). She is fearless. She is selfless. Full of wanderlust and adventure. She's inspiring and captivating. Her physical beauty is overshadowed by her inner beauty that beams from her very eyes, straight from her soul.

I don't know how she has changed me, I only know she has. And for the better. So much better.

When Amki told me she was going back to Sweden, I kind of just shrugged my shoulders. We had stole her once, we could do it again.

But as the return date drew closer I began to realize that Amki was already on her newest path, her latest adventure. And though it breaks my heart, I have made peace with this. Here she was stranded in a perpetual limbo of immigration battles. In Sweden, university awaits. A chance to grow and learn. How could we compete?

I said my goodbyes today, through the tears and involuntary "please don't go"s. Looking into her eyes I saw the conviction and strength that is the backbone of who Amkiram is.

As I was walking out her front door, she gave me the last piece of Amki-ness that I will get for some time: "Please stay true to yourself. Don't let people change you because they're not comfortable. You are honest and amazing and don't change that because someone else thinks you should."

I promised I'd stay strong, said one last "I love you", and fled.

Amkiram, you will always be in my heart. I don't have a head full of wishes and dreams for your future, because I know whatever you decide to do will be a reality. You will live the best and most amazing life that you could ever live.

I have no fears, only love.

We stopped the rain.

2011-07-20T21:38:00.001-02:30

Last night standing outside in the eff-ing rain I grew more and more angry (and wet). As if sensing my bitterness, the rain poured even harder.

Luckily I was with two of the loveliest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And one of them, the pretty Swedish princess, started yelling at the sky. "Chocolate!!!" she screamed to the heavens. "Good friends!!!" "Cheese - all kinds of cheese!!!"

As if sensing my confusion, Amki answered my unasked question "I am putting good things out into the universe, and this will stop the rain. My happiness will make it cease!"

Continuing, Sierra and I scoffed at her. Until... the rain seemed just a little lighter. Maybe it was my imagination, but I wasn't taking any chances. "Good wine!!!" I yelled. "Warm baths!!!" "More chocolate!!!" "Sexy cops!!!"

The three of us standing around in the dark of Sierra's driveway were PLEADING with the sky in a way no one watching would ever understand. And the rain grew lighter. And the rain grew even lighter. And the rain ceased.

We looked at each other in joyful amazement, on this, our last girls' night ever. We had used our love to conquer the skies.

If there has been anything that pretty Swedish princess has taught me? Goodness wins. Beauty triumphs. Power is found in the one who believes they have it.

Moving odds.

2011-07-18T22:40:00.001-02:30

We are over halfway through July! How did that happen? I'm not sure.

I don't like wishing away my summer, but I'm EXTREMELY excited for August to arrive. August brings the end of university. My brother will be visiting for the entire month. I'm betting the weather might even be nicer!

Tonight I am searching for jobs, both near and far. I'm realizing it's incredibly rewarding to be not tied down anywhere. I think people should start taking bets on where I'll end up next.

1/4 odds for the Arctic. 1/80 for San Diego. 1/2 for somewhere in between those places.

Do you live somewhere amazing? Tell me about it! Maybe I'll move there... ♥

If you thought I forgot.

2011-07-15T21:28:00.003-02:30

Every night before bed I spend about an hour or so going through my iTunes. I pick out songs or albums and just lie there and listen. I remember where I was when I first heard a song. Or what album played soundtrack to a particular time in my life.

Like how I can't hear Alexisonfire's Crisis or Emily Haines' Knives Don't Have Your Back without picturing myself sitting on the bus my first year of university. The Kaiser Chief's Yours Truly, Angry Mob or Tegan and Sara's The Con saw me trekking through Nunavut. Metric's Fantasies was my entire time in our little love shack on Merrymeeting. Santogold's self-titled will ALWAYS be the summer that stole mine and Robyn's heart. Red Hot Chili Pepper's Blood Sex Sugar Magik played on repeat during the last summer I spent in my hometown.

I could keep going. For a really long time.

I've been giving a lot of thought to how my music tastes have evolved over the years. How they've expanded. Exponentially. It's not a bad thing, right?

All the same, I still get tingles when I hear Death Cab for Cutie's "Transatlanticism". I still get wound up when I hear any Rage Against the Machine. Sufjan Stevens' bellowing about Michigan or Illinois will always make my knees weak.

And Raffi? Raffi can keep up the good work.

Best Monday ever.

2011-07-14T17:43:00.000-02:30

Most awkward family photo ever? Quite possibly. But Allan looks right sweet!

Best Monday ever was, as the name would suggest, the best Monday ever. After bidding farewell to our dear Robyn, Heather and I met up with some of the fam-jam in the park.

We picnicked with McDonalds and Burger King (such a classy bunch), played frisbee (though the wind didn't like that), and sat around laughing and listening to the pretty strum of Phil's guitar.

Sigh. I wish I was lying in the sun once again! Today it's pissing rain, quelle surprise.

Do you spend a lot of time in the park? ♥

I'm getting better at this.

2011-07-13T22:42:00.001-02:30

Amki and I tried our hand at painting with light again! I am definitely getting the hang of this stuff (see previous attempts here!). By summer's end I will be creating the Mona Lisa! Maybe.

If you're curious, I made the boat in homage to Atlantic Atlantis (we tried spelling it and failed in an epic sort of way). And the last picture is "NL ♥" and a little doodle of my island.

Oh, and if anyone asks, the picture before that is... scissors. Get your mind out of the gutter!

The couch.

2011-07-12T17:45:00.001-02:30

This girl was in town for the weekend. And boy oh boy oh boy, did I need our chatz supreme! More than ever.

For the second time in five years, we managed to snag the couch in Starbucks (the first time was so epic, Robyn made a pop up scrapbook page about it). This place is where we've spent hours talking and giggling and whispering and yelling and whining and gasping and everything.

I'm not even surprised that when I was at my most crumbly and distressed last week, she arrived the next day. It always seems to work out that way.

And I KNOW you are all dying to see this pop up paper creation. So straight from Volume I of Sarah and Robyn's scrapbook:

Where is your go-to spot for talksy time with friends?

Predictability comes with its faults.

2011-07-09T19:17:00.000-02:30

I have been feeling really... unfulfilled lately. I'm not sure why! All I do is seriously amazing things with amazing people. Like the above photos would suggest, my friends and I are enjoying summer at every turn (read about George Street here!).

I think I've gotten caught up in the monotony of it all. Even after nights of laughing and playing. After days of school and me time. I'm still... wanting. I'm still unfulfilled.

It was around this time last year that I came to the realization that I am done with my city. That this isn't the place for me anymore. But it's hard coming to grips with that when I don't know where my place is.

With the end of my university career looming (one month!) it weighs on me everyday. That I've grown up. That what used to make me happy doesn't anymore. That adventures are now obligations. That everything and everyone around me is so predictable that I'm half convinced I'm psychic (though DanDan might have put that thought in my head ♥).

I need more. And I'm at that awkward place where I don't know how to extend my reach.

Do ya feel me?

Sunny sunny goodness.

2011-07-06T21:04:00.000-02:30

First, dear friends, I want to thank you. Remember when I begged and pleaded for some good weather karma? The collective requests must have worked!

Ever since the beginning of July the weather in my fair city has been absolutely scrumptious. All up in those twenties, with today being the best of all. My body is waking up from it's slumber, and my mind is ready to party.

The result? Adventures ahoy. So many fun moments in the last few days. But it also means less blog posts! I'm betting you understand. ♥

When we went camping the weekend we lucked into a super awesome site. We were assigned a different one but ended up swapping with some grandpa so he could be closer to his daughter. It pays to be kind!

We also met a truly lovely couple who lent us both ax and wine screw (two things you apparently should never camp without). And when we failed to start our fire properly, there they appeared without even requesting it. The oddest and most amazing was the 2am drop off of some wood so we could continue our laughs until sunrise. Very special!

Today, despite the great weather, I am under the weather. So it looks to me like an early night is in my future. Bonsoir!

Summer has finally come.

2011-07-03T23:03:00.000-02:30

At around 5am Friday night (... Saturday morning?), I drunkenly exclaimed "I'm going camping tomorrow!" Met with jeers, my decision was unshakable. It was supposed to be sunny, it was a long weekend - I was going camping.

The next morning (... the same morning?), still shaky on my feet, I reserved the last camping site available in the entire park. Stopping only for groceries, booze, and company, an adventure began.

The night was warm, the people met once we arrived were AMAZING (which I will certainly tell tales of soon). Stars shining. More spidey wieners than I care to remember. And another liquor filled sunrise with people I love.

I've never smiled so much in a twenty-four hour period.

Who else adventured this weekend, lovely friends?

Sweet Swede.

2011-06-30T23:59:00.000-02:30

Amki's last month in Newfoundland is upon us and I am TERRIFIED. For the past three years she has been a constant in my life and to think of a girl's night without my main girl is incredibly upsetting.

We had ourselves a little date the weekend, during which Amki compiled a list of things she wanted to complete before she leaves:

1. Go to The Sprout (a vegetarian restaurant we took her to when she first moved here that she hasn't been back to since ♥).

2. Go bowling (Amki has never been bowling!).

3. Sunrise on Signal Hill (something I've been saying for years I'd like to do, but it never feels like the right time to get up at 4am).

4. Visit Karaoke Kops.

5. Dine at a new restaurant (the one I was talking about was Raymond's, Amki! Though this article lists a lot of promising places offering Newfoundland cuisine).

6. Dance with friends.

7. Go to the beach.

8. Go to park with Joey.

9. Have craft night (LOVE!).

10. Have a Jane Austen tea party (I think I would like to plan this for you, Amki, if you'll let me!).

A very sweet list. Maybe some outdoor movie viewings and Shakespeare by the Sea should be added? Just saying.

What's on your summer list, dear friends?

Saturday shenanigans.

2011-06-29T18:03:00.000-02:30

Saturday was spent sitting around the campfire, having a few drinks with friends, and enjoying Ms. Lopo's birthday. It was the perfect way to celebrate finishing exams as well. :)

It was actually warm enough to sit around outside all night (... with blankets and winter coats). Yours truly had on leggings and a little sweater, however I certainly did not feel anything but the warmth of rum.

When I get home... around 5am, with the sun up and greeting me I WAS FREEZING (no more rum). I woke up the next morning in bed with my flannel pj bottoms and fuzzy socks. Also, I had wrapped myself in my snuggie and gotten under every blanket I possessed. I'm not quite sure I remember doing this.

There are not too many nights like these anymore. Some people might roll their eyes or pass judgment at our shenanigans. Me? I treasure them.

You're only young once, am I right?

Catching up on life.

2011-06-27T22:58:00.001-02:30

After spending the past few weeks cooped up and studying, I have been relishing in my brief freedom from the books. I find the transition from being super studious to super social kind of alarming. But it feels even more lovely than I remember when I'm back into the normal routine of life. :)

Today was just for me (ugh, I love those days - how I've missed you, ME days!).

It involved:

- The Kennedys miniseries that aired on the History channel (SO good, have you seen?).

- A nice few child-sized yogurts (they were on sale at Wal-Mart, hehe).

- Pharaoh. Yes, that game. Newfangled games are way too much, classic Pharaoh keeps me so amused.

- Some art journal doodling.

- Lotsss of blog reading.

Can you tell I just wanted to shut my brain down for a bit? ♥

What are your guilty pleasures? What do you do when you have a moment (or a day!) to yourself?

Madly in love with these ladies.

2011-06-26T22:36:00.000-02:30

Ah, girl's nights. Is there anything more special? Once a month Amki, Sierra, and I try to get together and have an evening to ourselves. It can be hard when dealing with schedules and other people, but it's always worth the effort.

We had breakfast for supper (our FAVOURITE), copious amounts of fruit (I've never tasted better raspberries), brie and crackers (brie is my favourite cheese and Amki never forgets that ♥), and sushi (none for me, thanks!).

Before you ask: yes, we did eat the vast majority of that food. Minus the melons, there was a lot of remaining melon. And then Amki might have dug into some Ben and Jerry's. And I may have cracked open some Munchos. Sierra just went for a second bottle of wine.

What can I say? On special occasions we're quite the gluttons.

But it's okay, we ventured downtown later that evening and danced it off. :)

Sometimes I have too much fun with Picnik:

I love how it looks like one long picture with repeated versions of ourselves. I wish it was a ribbon. Or tape. I'd put that shit on everything.

Oh, mister sun.

2011-06-24T21:05:00.001-02:30

(source)

In June:

- It has rained 22 days out of 24.

- The average temperature has been 11C/52F (today it felt like 2C/36F with the windchill).

- It hasn't reached 20C/68F once.

- Other than a handful of afternoons, it has been non-stop fog.

What does this mean?

It means I'm sad. And it means the people of this city are on the verge of going nutters. When you live in a place that has such harsh weather conditions (my city is the foggiest, snowiest, wettest, windiest, and cloudiest city in Canada), you come to rely on the summer.

After snow and cold and snow and blizzards and snow, you expect anything that resembles sunshine and warmth to break through at some point. It just has to! And when you don't get that by July 1st... YOU START TO FREAK. Because in the back of your mind you're thinking, "in three months time winter will creep back in." AND YOU START TO FREAK. AGAIN.

A lack of vitamin D will do crazy things to a person.

Everyone has been talking about Saturday (tomorrow). "It's suppose to be nice on Saturday!", "Going to be great on Saturday!", "Not suppose to rain on Saturday I hear!" et cetera.

I just checked the weather. Saturday? Rain. Cloud. Fog.

So this is where I send an eye-twitching plea out into the blog world and up to the heavens: can someone please tell the sun to shine down on me?

The song seems almost cruel now.

Not responsible enough for a laptop.

2011-06-23T22:57:00.000-02:30

I don't have a Facebook, did you know that? Don't want one either. I'm not being hard to get along with! It's just not for me.

However, stuff like this still makes me laugh:

See more here. It's the small lolz in life that get me through weeks like this one. Just two more exams! ♥

It's harder than it looks.

2011-06-22T19:59:00.000-02:30

A second attempt (here's the first!) at painting with light! It's pretty hard to figure out, I'm not going to lie. Any tips on exposure length?

P.S. Can you make out what we were spelling? ♥

A trip down memory lane... prom edition.

2011-06-21T19:03:00.001-02:30

Well today we are going to have a little blast from the past! I'm probably going to regret this, but we'll see...

After coming to the SHOCKING conclusion that I am closer to my ten year reunion than I am my high school grad I dove back in time this week. Going through old high school pictures (L-O-LZZZ) can be both a treat and pure torture.

Let's have a look at seventeen year-old Sarah at the prom-izzle, hmmm? Some sweet she is.

I look mad pale in that second photo. Actually, I went to a tanning both in the weeks leading up to grad so I wouldn't come across goth. Yes folks, this is me tanned.

I remember that this day was in May and it was the HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR. By the end of the ceremony my hair was practically straight and my make-up was long gone. Them's the breaks!

I also remember being mad pissed at Robert (who was my "grand march" partner - is that even a real thing?) when he told me he was wearing a white tux and a striped shirt. Of course he would have to clash with my easy going black (I'd post a picture but he reads my blog and would be mad, ha)!

Speaking of that black ensemble... having a little bit of a "what was I thinking" moment now. Don't get me wrong, it could have been much worse. I didn't want a princess dress (unlike my high school bestie there and pretty much every other girl). I don't regret going for the more... demure look. Even if i come across a little funereal.

AND THAT WAS OUR TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, FOLKS. Hope you enjoyed it! Thoughts on your high school grad? Was it a moment to treasure or a total disaster? I'd love love love to see pictures! :)

Oh, and that was the last time I wore a dress. No lie.

Life on the go.

2011-06-20T14:40:00.001-02:30

Although I have my camera on me 90% of the time, there are those few times I forget it or don't think I'll need it.

I use my cellphone camera in these moments, and I have to say the quality is pretty decent. I also use it to photograph things I see in stores that I want to buy! It's really just too handy.

Here is a glimpse of some pictures from the past couple months, gotta remember the lower pixel memories as well. :)

Going clockwise from top left: 1) Gourmet sodas - YUM. I ended up buying the root beer ones! 2) Amki encased in electrical tape - things seem so funny when you're drinking. 3) Galvanized tubs - I want one SO BAD. Some girls ache for shoes and dresses, I want a giant metal tub. 4) The biggest grapes I have ever seen. 5) Amki sings karaoke - Celine Dion lovers for life! 6) Dom's pizza - I ate every slice myself, well worth the road trip bingo exchange.

My cellphone has more megapixels than my first digital camera, ha. I find that hilarious. ♥

Weather, friends, girls, and fools.

2011-06-19T17:57:00.000-02:30

It's cold here today. Again. 8C/46F and looking nothing like mid-June (WHAT IS GOING ON, IT'S MID JUNE?!). Oy.

Let's collectively avoid the real world for a moment here, shall we? Here are some things from the internet that grabbed my attention this weekend:

1. Seeing one of the best things I have ever made on Robyn's blog. I cut out black and white pictures of us and stuck them to coloured magazine pages. And I cut out coloured photos and stuck them to black and white newspaper pages. Then I put it all in a frame. And I bled. A lot.

In fact, I bled so much I had to return the frame at the last minute and get a different one. Lotta tears shed over this piece. Nothing good comes easy, amiright?

2. You know I love Beyonce - you know I am team Beyonce all the way. But this video isn't really about her anyway, so watch.

3. Nothing worse than trying to defend or explain yourself to someone who will never get it. Found here.

Anyone experiencing a real deal summer? SHARE WITH ME SO THAT I MAY IMAGINE IT. ♥

Beer chicken.

2011-06-18T19:28:00.000-02:30

Know what's better than chicken? BEER CHICKEN.

When Joe invited me over for supper, I assumed it meant barbecue. When is it not barbecue? I was surprised to find a chicken in the oven, let me tell you. When I saw the beer can sticking out (and the little sailor hat) it all made more sense.

Between that and salads and ham and butterless corn and toffee chocolate cheesecake, I left a very happy lady. Good food, good friends. Love it!

I am in hibernation mode like crazy for the rest of this weekend. Do I even need to say why (school, ahem)?

But I will be dreaming of beer chicken! Ever try? ♥

Make love, not war.

2011-06-17T15:32:00.000-02:30

If you live anywhere in North America (and especially if you live in Canada), you heard about the Vancouver riots that took place the night before last. The embarrassing part of this story? The riots were due to the loss of the Stanley Cup - hockey.

I was looking at the news coverage, hanging my head in shame (IT'S HOCKEY, B'YS) when a photo stopped me. And I know I'm not the only one. Anyone who saw this photo (millions, I'm sure) paused for a moment.

The picture was taken from here, and a short story behind the photo can be found here.

I wonder what it is about the juxtaposition of this photo that makes us stop and think. Something to do with humanity, I'm sure. I'm not prepared to get that deep on a Friday afternoon.

Make love, not war this weekend, kids! ♥

ATC swap: the cards.

2011-06-16T16:06:00.000-02:30

Remember the Grow ATC swap? Well as far as I know, everyone who signed up played along - and they made some seriously cute things.

The ATC featured above was the one Margot made for me! My very first fabric ATC, exciting! I scanned it instead of photographing it so you could see the details. Thanks so much, Margot!

Here are three other swap participants' ATCs (pictures stolen from their blogs!), from top: Kate's, Teddi's, and Kaitlyn's. SO AMAZING.

Kaitlyn was my swap partner and I made her ATC out of washi tape and old book pages. Picture stolen from her blog because I was too stun to take one before I sent it. :)

Thanks so much for playing along, ladies! Shawnacy and Lenore, I want to see yours too! ♥

Missing the mail.

2011-06-15T22:28:00.001-02:30

I have a lot of fun blog posts in the works that I'm really excited about! School has me swamped, but this little corner of the internet gives me so much joy. I need to remember to take the time for the fun stuff too!

Sooo mail. If you aren't from Canada you might not know this, but our postal system is on strike. YES. I KNOW.

It should be illegal, but it isn't and I am suffering because of it. Does anyone know if you can still put things in the mail and if they will still be delivered (albeit, slowly)?

I have so many lovely things waiting to be sent out!

Before strike times started Lenore sent me another installment of Sarah Sm and Lenore's Adventures into Adulthood. I DIE. You make my heart sing, lovely. ♥

How've you been doing? Hating on the mail strike too?

Robyn's spring mix (and bottles).

2011-06-13T22:09:00.000-02:30

Bestie Robyn's Spring Mix leaves my heart on fire! Especially number fifteen. Go listen!

As I mentioned in a previous post, Robyn gave me a little present!

Pretty vintage bottles rescued from her grandmother's attic! After seeing her collection I became mad jealous, so she retrieved some for me as well. SO SWEET.

Any ideas what I should do with them? ♥

Chart lust.

2011-06-12T20:34:00.001-02:30

I love charts. Lucky for me, there is a website with lots of fun charts. It's called I Love Charts, cute huh?

NERD. ♥

Shipwrecked.

2011-06-11T21:11:00.000-02:30

Staying in all weekend blows! I miss my friends.

Ah, well. My research paper is coming along nicely (thank goodness). And I've got the Bluths to keep me company. :)

(found here)

Anyone else stuck home this weekend? ♥

Figuring out the future.

2011-06-10T20:54:00.001-02:30

I'm staying inside this weekend to finish my research paper. It's due Monday. And it's a doozy.

In the past few weeks, I've asked the people who know me best the following questions: "Where do you realistically see me in ten years? What kind of job can you see me having?"

I wanted straightforward answers with detailed explanations.

Here are some of the answers I collected in my survey:
- Journalist (this one popped up a lot, surprisingly)
- Public Relations
- Party planner (I love you, Sierra)
- Author/writer
- Blogger
- Entrepreneur/Small business owner
- "Politician"

Let me just say, this was an incredibly fascinating study. I was:
1. Truly made giddy by the amount of faith my friends have in my intelligence and their general belief in me. Some of the nicest compliments ever, really and truly.
2. Surprised by the common themes in their responses (I'm not sure I've ever expressed a desire to be a journalist... or an entrepreneur).
3. Left more confused than ever.

I'm going to figure this all out. I'M GOING TO FIGURE THIS ALL OUT.

Do you know what you want to be doing in ten years time? Are you doing what you want to be doing? Are there people out there who are living their dream?

Don't date a girl that reads.

2011-06-09T19:41:00.001-02:30

(found here)

I would love to post the entirety of this article here on my blog, but I think that's plagiarism. It is beautiful and meaningful and should be given to every guy upon graduation from high school. Most would throw it out, some might pretend to comprehend. But for those few boys who get it... oh, how I ache for those boys!

Here's a small chunk of Warnke's "You Should Date an Illiterate Girl", go read the rest here. At least pretend to comprehend, won't you?

...

"Do it, because a girl who reads understands syntax. Literature has taught her that moments of tenderness come in sporadic but knowable intervals. A girl who reads knows that life is not planar; she knows, and rightly demands, that the ebb comes along with the flow of disappointment. A girl who has read up on her syntax senses the irregular pauses—the hesitation of breath—endemic to a lie. A girl who reads perceives the difference between a parenthetical moment of anger and the entrenched habits of someone whose bitter cynicism will run on, run on well past any point of reason, or purpose, run on far after she has packed a suitcase and said a reluctant goodbye and she has decided that I am an ellipsis and not a period and run on and run on. Syntax that knows the rhythm and cadence of a life well lived.

Date a girl who doesn’t read because the girl who reads knows the importance of plot. She can trace out the demarcations of a prologue and the sharp ridges of a climax. She feels them in her skin. The girl who reads will be patient with an intermission and expedite a denouement. But of all things, the girl who reads knows most the ineluctable significance of an end. She is comfortable with them. She has bid farewell to a thousand heroes with only a twinge of sadness.

Don’t date a girl who reads because girls who read are the storytellers. You with the Joyce, you with the Nabokov, you with the Woolf. You there in the library, on the platform of the metro, you in the corner of the café, you in the window of your room. You, who make my life so god damned difficult. The girl who reads has spun out the account of her life and it is bursting with meaning."

Connections and birthday goal #3.

2011-06-08T19:32:00.002-02:30

Once my Google Reader surpassed 300 unread posts, I knew we had a problem.

I'm slowly making my way through the amazing posts I've been missing. So if you haven't received a comment from me in ages: I don't hate your blog suddenly, haha.

My favourite thing about blogging is the connections you make, and I sincerely treasure every single one.

Laura of Radiator Tunes included me in a list of her favourite bloggers yesterday and I'm totally honoured. She mentioned this infamous "connection" she feels when she reads my blog and there is probably no better compliment! (ALSO, WHY IS EVERYONE FROM BALTIMORE SO COOL? SOMETHING IN THE WATER?!)

She also mentioned my birthday goals which I have completely neglected to talk about in quite some time!

Number three on my list is "Read 12 books", which doesn't sound like a lot. But when you're in university? It's a lot. I'm halfway there!

Don't judge my book selections, please. I'm sensitive. HA. :)

Anyone read anything good lately that they can recommend?

Farmer's market fun.

2011-06-07T22:42:00.000-02:30

This weekend I had a fun little date with Ms. Jillian!

Jillian has been absent from my life until recently - she was off in Vancouver working on a Masters in Children's Literature (AND SHE GOT TO MEET KIT PEARSON, I DIE). But now she's back, and I see a lot of Farmer's Market and coffee dates in my future.

I have to say though, severely disappointed by the first Farmer's Market of the year. My favourite cookie lady was nowhere to be found. MINI DOUGHNUT MAN, I MISS YOU. And the Waffle Lady ran out of waffles before I could have one. And it was packed, like super-duper crazy packed.

However, Jillian totally brought the adventure back around and took me downtown to the Rocket. UM, YUM. Fresh bread, cheese, coffee, sweet treats. We got mean delicious sandwiches and sat outside bitching and catching up. The weather was so nice, I actually got a sunburn!

Are you a farmer's market fan? ♥

Gratitude.

2011-06-06T23:28:00.002-02:30

(I should be embarrassed of my dusty mirror and my bad hair day. I am not.)

Do you ever have those days where you feel incredibly grateful for everything and everyone around you?

I feel like that today.

It may or may not have something to do with the fact that I just booked a church. No, I am not getting married. More on all this later. BE EXCITED.

My "future" is imminent. I have been asked "what are you doing in the fall?" so many times in the past six months that it is impossible to count. I'm learning to embrace it. I'm figuring out what I want that imminent "future" to look like.

I will write that book I keep vaguely mentioning. I will wear out my passport. I will learn French. I will not put all my eggs in one basket. I will work towards a job I can be proud of.

These next few months are going to be ones to look forward to, not dread. Got to keep the feelings of gratitude.

What do you feel grateful for?

Overwhelmed with ideas.

2011-06-05T23:41:00.001-02:30

(source)

After our brief experiment with light painting I became enamored.

I've been researching and Googling and seeking any and all information I can on how to perfect the next round.

Yesterday I picked up forty sparklers. So I will need some volunteers sometime soon to help me out with creating a masterpiece!

Photography is amazing. ♥

Super summer haircuts.

2011-06-04T20:09:00.001-02:30

Up until last night my two lovelies, Sierra and Amki (pictured here at Gerard's birthday party a handful of weeks ago), had long luscious locks. That is no more.

About twenty minutes after exclaiming "I feel pretty drunk", Sierra and Amki decided that it would be a good time for me to give them haircuts. I was nervous, they weren't talking about a trim - they wanted it GONE. Sierra a pixie cut and Amki a bob, something neither of them had done before.

Three hours later we emerged from the bathroom - victorious! Even tipsy, I can create art.

P.S. Thanks for all the exam well wishes! I think it went really well. :)

Living in the sprawl.

2011-06-02T22:09:00.000-02:30

Big... BIG exam tomorrow so I am super out of commission tonight. However, if you'd like hear what I'm hearing (on repeat... over and over and over) download this FANTASTIC album.

I know the true Arcade Fire fans didn't think it was all that, but I'm in love.

Especially this song.

Good lyrics mean more to me than almost anything when it comes to liking a song. And the lyrics for this song make me ache. In a very good way.

Are you having a magnificently fun night or a boring normal one or a super stressful one? Rest assured, dear friends, the weekend is just on the horizon!

How I cope.

2011-06-01T23:43:00.000-02:30

Oh, school. When will you leave me alone?

I have been putting in a lot of extra effort this semester, it being my last and all. I have only received two grades back so far on tests/exams and they were both in the 90s so obviously it's paying off.

But it eats me! I have such a hard time balancing school time, social time, and me time. I never know when I'm engaged too deeply in one and neglecting the others. It's a constant battle within the confines of my mind.

Here's what helps me cope:

1. Pinterest - I reward myself after reading tedious and depressing journal articles with a serious perusal of Pinterest's pins. GET ON IT.
2. Lemonade - all the time, all kinds. Currently addicted to Aquafina's strawberry lemonade vitamin water.
3. Sudoku - for those really boring classes where not going isn't an option but paying attention the whole time is highly unlikely. Don't judge.
4. Brief spurts of social interaction - looking forward to coffee dates, bbq times, and party extravaganzas are usually the only things that help me get through those rough days.
5. Imminent graduation - Just two. And a half. More months. I CAN DO THIS.

Bento obsessed.

2011-05-31T20:50:00.000-02:30

I am obsessed - OBSESSED - with bento.

I love everything about it, it makes me want to pack cute lunches every single day (and I don't even take lunches anymore!).

For many years, I was a paper bag princess. Peanut butter sandwich, apple juice, granola bar, and some piece of fruit in a brown paper bag. Every. Day.

If only I could have a do-over! Because bento is so fricking adorable.

What do you pack for lunch?

(images found here)

Obligatory graduate post #1.

2011-05-30T23:49:00.000-02:30

Holy shit, I love this lady.

I love everything about her. She is the kind of friend lonely people ache for. She is the kind of best friend you would only find in a novel or a movie.

I got to spend some time with Ms. Robyn while she was back in the city for convocation this weekend. We talked. And talked. And talked. I couldn't shut up, I wanted her input and advice about everything. There are about three people in this world I trust WHOLEHEARTEDLY. She is number one.

I am so proud of her strength and honesty. These are probably two of the most important traits in the world to me and bestie Robyn has them in spades. YOU SO GOOD, GIRL.

Everyone is probably sick of hearing it, but I gotta say it again: you rock my world, Ro-yn.

P.S. Don't ya just die for the cake monster face?

P.P.S. Anddd the cake with the face on it?! Those never get old, I'm sorry.

Spring: the mixed album.

2011-05-29T19:12:00.000-02:30

I gave Robyn my Spring Mix on Friday, so now I'm free to share with you! I'm loving allll these songs, this was a good one. :)

My weekend started off on a very big bang. I've been trying to recover ever since. More on that later!

I have midterms this week (womp womp), and CANNOT find the motivation to buckle down and get my work done. Studying and sunshine are not very good friends.

How was your weekend, my loves? ♥

Holy crap, it's sunny here.

2011-05-27T15:39:00.000-02:30

(found here)

Won't you excuse me? I have some major partying to do today and a whole lot of sunshine to enjoy. It's 21C here (and actually sunny, not overcast) today - I'VE GOT SO MUCH VITAMIN D TO CATCH UP ON.

Since I am from a cold bitter island plunked in the middle of the Atlantic: could you tell me what to do? What do you do when it's sunny? I'm sure I can't recall. Kites, right? Maybe a backyard beer or two...

Giveaway winner.

2011-05-26T21:31:00.000-02:30

I pulled the giveaway winner's name from a hat this morning! And by that I mean I used a random number generator online. :)

Congratulations, Frau! Please email me (atlanticatlantis(at)gmail(dot)com) with your mailing address! And thanks to everyone who entered, I think it was a very successful first giveaway.

Bestie Robyn is back in town for the weekend! YAY. We had the most epic ol' hangout this afternoon. AND SHE GOT ME A PRESENT. I will show you all soon. :)

This song has been stuck in my head all day, enjoy:

Who knew.

2011-05-25T18:17:00.000-02:30

In the last handful of weeks I have been given a number of little blog awards. They come with no cash prize, no gold trophy. But they feel SO good - it makes it seem like I'm doing something right around this blogosphere.

The Lovely Blog Award (x2!) is from Jane at Love Makes the Girl and Ashley at Topography Toward a Parallel Universe. The Sunshine Award is from Miss A. at Your Key to My Heart. And The Vesatile Blogger and Stylish Blogger Awards are both from Beth over at Deer Little Fawn. Thank you so much ladies! ♥

I am now required to list seven things about myself, and pass the award along. I've done this sort of thing before! Previous facts can be found here and here.

Here we go...

ONE.
I am confrontational. Wanna fight?

TWO.
I am REALLY good with names. Sometimes I feel bad. I'll meet someone once and then four or five years later stumble upon them again and be all "Hi, so-and-such." I see them struggling to place me because normal people don't retain such information. I'm betting it will benefit me someday when I have a grown-up job!

THREE.
Those Jennifer Hudson commercials for Weight Watchers where she's singing Feeling Good makes me want to smash my TV. Stop. Singing.

FOUR.
I'm scared for summer to start because I know as soon as it does it will be over and snowing again. No more snow. :(

FIVE.
This year has been so good to me. I feel so grateful for my health and happiness, two things that have not always been a constant.

SIX.
I'm hankering for a haircut. But I'm also toying with growing it long again - I miss Attila the hair!

SEVEN.
The last episode of Oprah was today and it killed me. She is an idol of mine (I know it's not cool to say that, but I don't care!).

Instead of passing these awards on to a bunch of others, I challenge you to go check out the wonderful women who bestowed them on me! They all have fantastic blogs. :)

Giveaway ends at midnight (my time)!

May two-four twenty-eleven.

2011-05-24T18:09:00.001-02:30

It was a long weekend here in Canada, May two-four (aka Victoria's Day)!

It is usually the first camping weekend of the year as all the provincial parks open up for the summer. But this year that was certainly not happening as it called for rain, snow, and thundershowers. No thanks!

However, I did get out of the city with a handful of loves for a return to Flat Rock (featured here and here)!

We sat around the entire night shooting the shit. Hooked up the Kinect in the green house (and I thought people looked dumb when they played the Wii - ha!). Took a late night adventure out to the barn. And apparently it was a night for fancy hats. It was perfection. ♥

The only thing that could have made it better was homemade heart-shaped Belgian waffles. Oh wait, we had that too. WITH MAPLE BUTTER. And maple syrup - real maple syrup.

Gosh, I'm a lucky lady!

What did you get up to this weekend?

P.S. Tomorrow is the last day for the giveaway, so if you haven't entered, get on it!

Ready for the rave.

2011-05-23T20:19:00.000-02:30

I kept hearing everyone in the blog world rave about Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips. And now they've finallyyy come to Canada! Of course I bought the most obnoxious set I could find, but I love them. They were super easy to apply, no mess at all.

Have you tried? Do you think they're worth the money?

Oh, and have you entered the giveaway? ♥

"Just chillin'."

2011-05-22T14:58:00.001-02:30

I bet that kid saw the federal election results, made me feel real lousy too.

Who knows, the next craft or lifestyle blog you stumble upon might be secretly written by a fifty year old dude. SO DON'T AGREE TO MEET THEM AT THE MALL.

Remember everyone, safety first!

P.S. Giveaway fun ends this week!

A truth universally acknowledged.

2011-05-21T18:38:00.000-02:30

(source)

The last couple of weeks I have had my nose buried in some Victorian novels. I finished Pride and Prejudice a few days ago, a novel I first read in high school. Well, read it in a way only a high school girl can. Fast and poorly, skimming over words and stumbling over old English.

Rereading it made me feel all empowered and impassioned. I don't think there's a single person on this planet who couldn't learn something from Jane Austen's best seller!

This weekend I am hoping to finish Anne Brontë's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall! What are you currently reading? ♥

P.S. Check out my lovely giveaway if you haven't already!

How did I get here.

2011-05-20T16:07:00.000-02:30

(source)

I always find myself in the most unpredictable situations. I wonder if other people are the same, or if there is some cosmic wavelength that has me on the how'd-I-get-here path.

Like last weekend when I found myself in a cab with a stranger at nearly 4am. Don't fret, the stranger was unceremoniously dumped on the side of the road.

How'd I end up there?

Or how on Wednesday when I dragged my sleep deprived self to my early morning class. Only to spend approximately twenty minutes or so listening wide-eyed to my professor describe the effects of sodomy. With visual aids.

How'd I end up there?

Or how about two weeks ago, I was literally lying on my friends' floor moaning in fictitious pain about how I had no future. And then yesterday I was there once again jumping for joy (really, jumping!) yelling "everything's coming up Milhouse!"

How'd I end up there?

You see, dearest friends, sometimes I wonder about me. Because if life is a series of choices, then what in the hell am I doing?

P.S. Have you entered the giveaway? ♥

Happy 25.

2011-05-19T15:38:00.002-02:30

With the weather getting warmer and warmer (today it's 16 degrees, eee!), the fam-jam and I have been up to more amazing shenanigans. It's incredibly hard to party with a daunting five feet of snow on the ground.

Lately, whenever I'm with my friends, at some point in the evening I burst out: I AM MADLY IN LOVE WITH ALL OF YOU. It's just beyond cool in my books to have a group of twenty somethings who:

1) Happily sing along with you when you start a round of "God said to Noah, there's going to be a floody floody!"
2) Sculpt a steak from ice-cream for the birthday boy who isn't fond of cake but loves his meat
3) Love to raid the dollar and craft stores for pirate paraphernalia, wooden windmills, sparklers, glowsticks - and ANYTHING ELSE REMOTELY EXCITING
4) Have dance parties to 90s music and know every single word to every single song
5) Refuse to stop dancing to smoke the hookah and end up smoking the hookah while dancing

They never cease to amaze me and fill my heart with joy. Any other shenanigan loving people out there? ♥

P.S. Giveaway! Enter! Now! Let's be besties!

Giveaway: a token of my love.

2011-05-18T15:27:00.001-02:30

Yay, this is my first ever giveaway! In honour of my five year blogging anniversary and because I'm madly in love with everyone who hangs out around Atlantic Atlantis, I wanted to do something to show that I care. It's nothing extravagant, but it's from the heart. ♥

For the giveaway, I started by thinking up things I would like to win (hehe)! I came up with paper, pretty, practical, and music. I think my little love package encompasses this well:

- A pretty little notebook (very similar to the one I use for all of my blog brainstorms!)
- Essie nail polish in "In Stitches" (Essie nail polish is the best nail polish I have ever used)
- A copy of my Spring Mix CD (remember Winter's?) with a lovely handmade case

There are four ways to enter to win (and please, oh please, leave a comment for each!):
1. Leave a comment with a link to your favourite blog right now!
2. Be a follower of this blog through Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin'!
3. Blog about this giveaway (leave a link)!
4. Tweet about this giveaway (leave a link)!

You have until midnight on May 25th to enter! Good luck, my friends! ♥

Sparkle sparkle.

2011-05-17T19:00:00.002-02:30

Last night was magical. In celebration of a friend turning a quarter century old, we got together to grill meat and dance our asses off. Pictures to come, I'm sure.

But this was one of my favourite moments - I love when my friends humour me. ♥

We practiced drawing into the night with sparklers and a long exposure! Have you ever tried?

P.S. I'm going to be hosting my first giveaway tomorrow! Drop around and see what's up for grabs. :)

Notes from a blogger.

2011-05-16T16:56:00.000-02:30

May marks my five year blog anniversary (I had one other blog before this one)!

I've always been known as the blogger in my group of friends. I can't count how many time over the years I've said "I'll blog it." Or how many questions I've received about content, HTML, posts, motivation, photography, et cetera.

In honour of this, I decided to offer up five "tips" to blogging! This is how I BLOG. Nothing impressive! This isn't sage wisdom here, just a look into my blogging mind. ♥

1. CONTENT IS KEY.

People like short and sweet - the most popular blogs have an average of 250 words per post (I can't remember where I read that). A super long post can be daunting to read and is often just skimmed.

And people really like pictures! I shoot with a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. And for editing I have a Premium subscription to Picnik.

2. The best thing that comes from blogging? THE CONNECTIONS. Treasure them.

Gosh, the fascinating people I've met through blogging! Amazing. I've learned and grown so much from this online reality.

But a note: online collaboration can be hard. I've had three shared blogs (multiple authors) in the past five years and they've all failed miserably in the first month. It's much like a school group project, everyone needs to be invested. And don't allow yourself to be exploited!

3. If you have a good post/blog idea: WRITE IT DOWN.

Or you'll forget. I have a whole blog book! I carry it everywhere.

4. BE CONSISTENT.

In your posting. In your content. In your demeanor. Or people will stop paying attention. Or worse, get mad.

5. GENUINE IS EVERYTHING.

Never try and be something you're not, then blogging stops being fun. Also, I only comment on blogs I respect/like/can relate to. It is very noticeable when people go follower trolling. Ew.

Would you agree? And any tips for me? :)

I need a breakfast how-to.

2011-05-15T14:54:00.000-02:30

First, a note on my post from yesterday. The comments were so awesome to read, I loved the differences of opinion! It also sounds like some of you have lucked out in your choice of partner - hold fast, dear friends.

Now, breakfast time!

(source)

I am having serious breakfast struggles. I don't like to eat breakfast (I know that's bad!) and often don't eat until around 1pm or so. But with early morning classes this summer I am faced with a dilemma - severe hunger by the end of my first class.

However, when I wake up, the last thing I want to do is eat! I forced myself to eat a bowl of cereal on Wednesday, but it was not substantial enough. My stomach started growling in class and I faced obvious judgment from the girl sitting next to me.

Friday I had a couple boiled eggs which totally did the trick hunger wise. But I thought I was going to be sick while I was eating them, it was just way too much for my sleep deprived body.

So I guess I'm asking, what the heck do people eat for breakfast before school/work? HELP A GIRL OUT, PLEASE. ♥

P.S. This is seriously one of the most hilarious blog posts I've read in a long time. Envy Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City? Ever wonder how she does it? Hint: she doesn't. Read about how much it actually costs to live like Carrie.

Chivalry: it's dead.

2011-05-14T16:14:00.000-02:30

Let me tell you about a special little moment I had a few weeks ago.

It was the last day bestie Robyn and I hung out before she moved away. When Heather and I dropped her off at her house, Robyn's dear old man friend was waiting to take her to supper. This man is an elderly man from Robyn's church, and she often dines with him and his wife after Sunday service.

Here's where my heart stops.

This man pulled up, hobbled out of his car, and... opened the car door for Robyn. As soon as it happened, Heather and I looked at each other and exploded - "Did he just get out of the car to open up her door?" "Did Robyn's grandpa friend really just open her door?!" Friends, it was like we had witnessed a miracle - no, it was like we had seen a mirage.

Driving away Heather hastily texted our question to Robyn: "DID HE JUST GET OUT OF THE CAR TO OPEN YOUR DOOR FOR YOU?!"

Robyn's response? "He always does that!"

After five full minutes of chatting about how wonderfully sweet the moment was, I stopped. "What does it say about our generation that we're both overwhelmed by the gesture of opening a car door?" I asked Heather.

I don't remember her response, or the rest of the conversation really. All I remember is the bereft feeling.

There is still kindness in the world, don't get me wrong. But chivalry? It's dead.

Ombre hair.

2011-05-13T19:49:00.001-02:30

(images from Pinterest)

On my last post (which was deleted, then restored - sans comments, thanks blogger) I mentioned my desire for ombre hair. Oh, how I want!

Blog love Teddi commented that she had no idea what ombre hair is! So I'm here to share a tiny explanation of my latest wish.

The basic premise is dark to light, a transition of colour in the hair. It's not limited to brown and blonde, I've seen it done in all sorts of colours! Whatever colours used, it's always beautiful. ♥

Are you on the ombre hair train? Ugly or pretty?

Right now.

2011-05-12T15:40:00.000-02:30

Yeah, I have really weird classes this semester. But I had to change and rearrange them all on Monday after the university cancelled the one class I needed to graduate this semester.

And the last sentiment is very much true. I'm so grateful for my Ma (who has run away to Jamaica this month, good on her). So blessed with the most amazing and caring friends a girl could ever ask for.

And so totally thankful for all the wonderful people out there who read my blog and leave love and help whenever I come calling. You, dearest peeps, rock my world! I shall bestow a physical token of my love upon you soon. ♥