Hiatus

I honestly didn't mean to be gone for so long.

What was intended to be a week long break to refresh and recharge has somehow turned into not only weeks away, but months.

But, sometimes these things happen for a reason.

By nature, I'm an introvert who doesn't really like to be the centre of attention. Writing a personal style blog was fun and something that pushed my personal boundaries (I guess you would say it's my Lean In activity - putting myself out there is the thing that scares me), but a few months ago it became a chore. It seemed as though all of my free time was spent working on growing my blog and its following, putting together outfits and thinking of creative ways to re-wear what I already owned (growing discontent with my closet and a modest clothing budget really didn't help), and trying to stay ahead of (or at least with) the curve.

Honestly, it became exhausting.

I pushed along for as long as I could, but I started to notice that I just didn't have the words. The content was suffering, and for someone who started a blog because they love to write, it just didn't seem right.

So I took a step back.

At first I felt guilty that I was neglecting my baby, but then I felt relieved - not having yet another schedule to follow felt like a weight had been lifted. So, for the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to focus on me - my day job, my volunteer activities, my personal life, and more recently, my chaotic move (how is it that moving five blocks is more difficult and takes longer than moving across five provinces?!)

However, as nice as the break was, I've found myself missing the blogging community and my creative outlet in the past few weeks. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I'd like to come back, if you (the blogging/fashion community) will have me.

Petite Adventures won't be a dedicated personal style blog - although, those might pop up occasionally - but will be more well rounded to reflect my loves (and sometimes loathes) in life.

So, stay tuned...

Family Day

Today is a holiday in parts of Canada, including Ontario - hurray! - and, it also happens to be my birthday. Because my family lives out west, I've decided to spend this day (Sunday: the sequel, as I like to think of it) doing everything that I love. So, while I'm basking in the gloriousness of my couch (and not getting dressed, unless you count sweatpants), I thought we'd check out the week that was, via my instagram feed (follow me @petiteadventure).

We had a bit of a snowstorm.

After repeated droppings (and in a couple of cases, an accidental flinging)
my iPhone case decided it no long wanted to stay together. Break-up of the century.

One of my favourite looks from last week

My favourite look from last week, worn to Dress for Success

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a surprised robot.

Waiting for my Birthday boots. They stayed in this spot 'in transit' for two days.

To forget the fact that Canada Post lied to me about my boots' delivery date, I did a bit of Bikram's yoga.

Finally, my boots arrived - hurray!

And, so did my ice cream maker!

Took my boots for their trial run

In the foyer, work bound.

In the foyer, en route to the gym.

I did a little impulse shopping at Forever 21. The pencil skirt collection grows!

Spent some time with Steve, bonding over our favourite topic.

Completely owned my weekend to-do list (this was taking Saturday afternoon)

Made the most delicious (unhealthiest) dessert: warm cinnamon apples.

Braved the -14C (felt like -21C) temperatures to check out WinterBrewed

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

Petite Resolutions Recap: The Third Quarter

Alright sports fans, we're about to start the fourth quarter (holy crap, there are only three months left in 2012 - doesn't it feel like this year just started? Only me? Okay...) This seems like the perfect time to check in on my petite resolutions for 2012 (read the original post here, the first quarter recap here, and the half-way mark recap here).

1) Read More - goal: read at least one book each month; read before bed instead of TV

Quarter 3 recap: I kind of fell off the reading wagon in both July and September (I blame not reading in September on 1) traveling; 2) having the travel plague; and 3) trying to cope with regular life. I have no excuses for why I couldn't finish a book in July - in my defence I have read 20 books this year, so, basing it on math alone, I've totally already met this goal.) To get me back into the swing of things I have a big stack of books out from the library. Fall seems like the perfect time to make up for those two black marks on my record. 

2) Volunteer

Q3: In my efforts to become more involved in the community (and be less of a hermit) I've picked a couple of organizations to volunteer with throughout the year. And, although they both just re-started after the summer, they've been keeping me more than busy with meetings, interviews, countless back-and-forth emails and admin tasks (I really didn't ease myself into not being a hermit; right off the deep end I dove!) Even though it's been a shock to the system to be so busy, it's fantastic and I can't wait to get more involved as the year wears on. 

3) Write more

Q3: Over the summer, inspired after reading the Happiness Project (If you haven't read it, run, don't walk and get a copy; seriously - it's that good!) I sat myself down and really looked at my blog and thought long and hard about what I wanted to do with this space. So, I set myself a few goals that I'll work on over the next three months. I realize I'm being very vague, but let's just say - so far, so good!

4) Spend less - use the library, make lunches

Q3: Let's just say that when I'm in Canada, I'm great at this resolution; when I was in Europe, not so much. But, let's focus on the positives: since getting back I've been diligently making my lunches, and bringing breakfast to work (even coffee - I haven't set foot in a Tim Horton's or Starbucks in the last 10 days). And, I love the library - its equidistance between work and home - so it's easy to stick with that one.

5) save 10% of each pay cheque

Q3: This happens automatically, so... no skin off my back.

6) Pay off Visa Card

Q3: This goal haunts me. I get so close to making my dream of having a zero balance a reality and then I have to pay for something like graphic design classes, or perogies and beer in Poland. One day I'll get there... one day...

7) Pay off student debt

Q3: Slowly... chipping... away... However, just the other day I was reading an article about the Obamas and Michelle said that it took them until 2004 to pay off their student loans. I've paid off half in four years, so I'd say I'm doing pretty good. Yes, I realize that the Obamas are both graduates of Ivy League universities and Law School, but whatevs, I take my inspiration where I can get it.

8) Drink more water

9) Eat more fruits, vegetables & berries

10) Eat less pasta, dairy

Q3: I'm good at 2/3 of this set - so, no too shabby, but room for improvement.

11) Go to the gym 3 times a week

Q3: Not to toot my own horn, but I have been killing this goal of late. After my trip (where I walked a ton so technically I wasn't slacking while I was away) I took a week off to try and cure my travel plague. When I realized this nasty bug was slowly getting better (and I wasn't going to terrify other gym goers with my cough) I jumped back into the gym as fast as I could. So far I've stuck with my routine and am averaging 4 workouts a week; however, none of those workouts has come in the morning, which was one of my fall goals. I guess some people just aren't meant to be at the gym at 6 a.m.

12) be patient, breathe

13) Stop being so lazy

14) Stop being scared - of failure, of standing out

15) don't think, DO!

Q3: Compared to the rest of the year, I feel like I've been doing a much better job at practicing these four resolutions of late. I've definitely been more confident and less scared, and much less lazy - all-in-all, I like the direction I'm going in as we head into the fourth quarter.

16) go to Europe, see Paris, Stockholm

Q3: Done and done! While I didn't see Paris (there's always next year), I did spend almost a week exploring Stockholm, and in total spent three weeks in Europe. It was amazing; an adventure for the record books (read about it here). The only downside from my little sojourn across the pond is that I now have a severe case of the travel bug and am eager to get back out there as soon as I can. Plans for 2013 are well underway!

As we head into the last three months of the year - how are you doing on your resolutions? Have you set new goals for fall?

Let's Connect:
BLOGLOVIN | CHICTOPIA | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER

Travel Diary: Moscow

For two cities located just 632.59km apart in the same same country, St. Petersburg and Moscow could not be more different.

While St Petersburg had an air of history and elegance, Moscow felt like communism, or at least what I believe communism would feel like: expansive streets, ominous tall houses looming over you wherever you looked and police everywhere. As a Canadian, it wasn't something I ever expected walking into the capital of the world's biggest country. But, I rolled with the punches. By the end of our three day stay I was used to walking through metal detectors and showing the contents of my purse to police to access to public places, like the Kremlin. 

Even with the police presence throughout the city, we were still able to fill our days with sightseeing (although sadly we couldn't get into Red Square, which was closed; therefore denying me the chance to see Lenin's Mausoleum), museum visits, and guided tours of statue park (where communist statues are kept) and of the Moscow subway, complete with communist era propaganda mosaics.

Not at all what I was expecting, but cool nonetheless.

One of Moscow's seven tall houses

The Kremlin walls

Gardens outside the Kremlin

One of the many police security lines I went through during my stay

St. Basil's

As close as I could get to Red Square,
which was closed all three days we were in Moscow

What I Wore

For our night out in Moscow we had VIP service at Pacha nightclub, and for this I thought there was no better time than to pull out the purple jeans.

Moscow was ready for purple jeans!

Top - Aritzia; Jeans - Forever 21; Heels & Clutch - Aldo

Now, I'm not normally a club girl; I used to be, but have grown out of that stage. But, that didn't stop me from dancing, singing and laughing until 5 am. It made for a very long last day in Moscow, but it was certainly one of the nights I will never forget.

Much like this entire trip!

I hope you've enjoyed my Travel Diary this week.
I'm now taking suggestions on where to travel to next - the travel bug has bitten and it's bitten hard!

Let's Connect:
BLOGLOVIN | CHICTOPIA | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER

Travel Diary: St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg was definitely the highlight of my time abroad. We spent three action-packed days exploring all that the city had to offer; from Peterhof Gardens to the Hermitage (the Romanov Winter Palace) to Peter and Paul's Fortress (where all the Czars and Czarinas are buried) to the Leningrad Memorial, we saw it all. And drank a lot of vodka (when in Rome, right?!) 

Peterhof Gardens

Peterhof Gardens - looking out onto the Baltic Sea 

 

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood 

The Hermitage (Romanov Winter Palace)  

St. Issac's Cathedral

I even climbed the 262 steps to the top of the Colonnade at St Isaac's Cathedral to get a birds-eye view of the city. It was absolutely terrifying to be up so high, and I didn't let go of the railing the entire time, but to see St. Petersburg that way was unbelievable, especially since it happened to be during one of the rare times that the sun was shining during our stay. Totally worth the crippling fear I felt the whole 15 minutes we were up there.

St. Petersburg as seen from the Colonnade of St. Isaac's

St. Petersburg as seen from the Colonnade of St. Isaac's

The Ballet

 Alexandrinskyi Theatre Sankt

As a huge Russian history nerd (and secret Doctor Zhivago fan) I can't tell you how incredible it was to be in St Petersburg, a city with so much history, and a city that is still so beautiful after all this time (having 24 carat gold all over the statues and buildings doesn't hurt). Too see all the sites that I've been reading about for years, and to walk through the Romanov Palace; it was three days I'll never forget.

What I Wore

For our big night out in St. Petersburg (it seems we had one big night out per city) we went to the ballet and then off to a nightclub, so I had to wear something that would be appropriate in both of these very diverse settings. While finding an outfit that would fit both venues would be difficult on a normal day, it was extra difficult trying to do so when living out of a suitcase - damn me for not packing my ball-gown!

With limited options I decided to go Vogue Paris chic with skinny jeans, heels and confidence - I figured if I walked with confidence I could get away with anything - and I did! Or, maybe it was just that we were at the ballet on a Wednesday and the dress code wasn't as strict, but I'd like to think my confidence played a part.

Sweater - Zara; Tank & Necklace - Smart Set; Jeans - H&M;
Wedges & Clutch - Aldo  

Turns out it was the perfect ensemble; but then again, when has Emmanuelle Alt ever steered anyone wrong?!

Let's Connect:
BLOGLOVIN | CHICTOPIA | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER

Travel Diary: Minsk, Warsaw, Berlin

For the last week of my adventure (we're jumping ahead a few days, trust me, it's for the best...) my time was split between Minsk, Warsaw and Berlin. 

Minsk

Minsk was not a place I had ever thought about visiting, and honestly, had the tour not stopped there I never would have gone, but I am so glad that I did; Minsk was stunning. Although we only spent one night in Minsk, I had a blast exploring the city, bowling and taking in the local entertainment.

Brest Fortress

Warsaw

The day we spent in Warsaw was one of the most beautiful of the trip. The sun was shining, the breeze was warm; it was perfect for exploring the Polish capital. After spending the morning on a bus tour, which took us to all the key sights and drove us through the Warsaw Ghetto (that was very surreal), we enjoyed a delicious perogi lunch before settling in for an afternoon of beers and people-watching along Warsaw's main street. It was absolutely glorious day!

Berlin

By the time we arrived in Berlin, the travel plague had firmly taken hold; I was sick and just getting sicker. Although I'd been a little sick through most of the trip I was able to push through and keep exploring, that did not happen in Berlin. I spent one day touring the city and that was it. The last day of my trip I spent quarantined in my hotel room drinking tea and watching old documentaries on CNBC (the only English channel I could get). 

Even though the end of my stay in Berlin wasn't great, I'm so glad I spent my one semi-healthy day by taking in a walking tour of the city. I can't tell you how surreal it was to see so many historic sites that I've read about for years, like the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial and what remained of the Berlin Wall. 

The Brandenburg Gate

Holocaust Memorial

The Berlin Wall (what remains)

What I Wore

Although I wasn't able to frolic through Europe's cobblestone street in my sundress, I did have the chance to wear it a few times throughout the trip. Whether it was due to distance (700km+ Minsk to Warsaw), border delays (Belarus to Poland) or crazy Russian traffic (pretty much everywhere in Russia), there were more than a few days where we spent at least six hours on the bus - and on those days I broke out the sundress. Cute enough that when we did get off the bus I didn't feel like a schlub, but comfortable enough that when we finally arrived in Moscow after 11 hours I didn't feel absolutely horrible. 

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Old Navy; Sandals - Zellers

Let's Connect:
BLOGLOVIN | CHICTOPIA | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER