tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70915878074018589932024-03-06T03:21:45.715-05:00burgundy girlsthe burgundy girls are
treading the waters
of style and substanceLaura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-62947348347739292062012-12-10T12:36:00.000-05:002012-12-10T12:36:00.568-05:00The best of the best: cat ring by Lazy Oaf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Amanda gave me an amazing early birthday pressie last weekend. It's perfect, since she knows I love all things cats. Jewellery from friends remains some of the best gifts I've ever gotten. Plus, doesn't he look a bit anxious? It'll be okay, little guy.</div>
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Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-56602828347246421032012-09-05T10:30:00.000-04:002012-09-05T10:30:03.910-04:00Review: Naked Princess Lipgloss in the August 2012 Glymm Box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Has it really been over two weeks since we've posted? I think we have both been so depressed by the end of the summer that we were drinking as many iced coffees, spending as much time outside, biking everywhere, and taking weekend trips out of town, ignoring the blog that will inevitably be here when we get tired of living our summer lives. Now that labour day is past though, we can dedicate more time to writing, reviewing, and creating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphensfhxceTJ-gTHDRmXAnfZUUc8har7Qnqpk8RjP8KlKL0au4u0xwPMhvoZ7XrPqt01blEMbBH3sdq6wukCgtptaPX3J-JI9wY3hIBlfqznbmbGCwI-D2fvEZzc51u2H_YBzy-yISudtpn/s1600/Swipe_77_Naked_Shine_Luscious_Lip_Gloss_6_.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphensfhxceTJ-gTHDRmXAnfZUUc8har7Qnqpk8RjP8KlKL0au4u0xwPMhvoZ7XrPqt01blEMbBH3sdq6wukCgtptaPX3J-JI9wY3hIBlfqznbmbGCwI-D2fvEZzc51u2H_YBzy-yISudtpn/s640/Swipe_77_Naked_Shine_Luscious_Lip_Gloss_6_.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got my <a href="http://www.glymm.com/" target="_blank">Glymm box </a>almost two weeks ago, and just like the last one I was pleasantly surprised at its contents. Rather than listing the contents of the box, which you can easily find <a href="http://myproducts.glymm.com/august/423884/" target="_blank">here</a> or on a million other blogs, I wanted to use products to the greatest benefit their tiny size could give. And I'm happy to report that I've fallen in love.<br />
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First, here are a few of the other noteworthy items that, if you're thinking about signing up for the monthly box, you can look forward to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk55GKHbOxkrEc-9TXwKP-cjQC2To6nv8__nwHNwerGwc9IwHwwKCnQmWs1Fu7hUOga_aVR4jXfTFDjyU1N8QlFYn7sWRkHOthPPxp7j_gVdTzqqTCVl6v-jWwoRD7fZaIiv7GbW8q9vQ0/s1600/glymm_vitamine_sea_mineralclaymask.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk55GKHbOxkrEc-9TXwKP-cjQC2To6nv8__nwHNwerGwc9IwHwwKCnQmWs1Fu7hUOga_aVR4jXfTFDjyU1N8QlFYn7sWRkHOthPPxp7j_gVdTzqqTCVl6v-jWwoRD7fZaIiv7GbW8q9vQ0/s320/glymm_vitamine_sea_mineralclaymask.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div>
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I love clay masks, so the mini pot by <a href="http://vitamineandsea.com/" target="_blank">Vitamine & Sea</a> was a real treat (and Canadian! which is awesome). But certainly not something I'll be buying more of.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.maicouture.com/" target="_blank">Mai Couture</a> cheek-tint paper, blotting paper–like sheets with a pretty pink colouring, were cool but don't at all compare to Tarte's Blushing Bride that I'll likely wear until the day I die.</div>
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Finding something special in <a href="http://www.nakedprincess.com/c-26-lip-body.aspx" target="_blank">Naked Princess</a> lipgloss really took me by surprise, and totally made me reevaluate being such a judgemental and cynical person—at least in terms of the judging a book by its cover style. I almost didn't even try this gloss, a decision I made based solely on its name. It's a really bad name, especially for an enlightened female who has come to see the term princess as almost derogatory and to whom a product named Naked Princess is the epitome of everything that is wrong with female beauty products. I also don't like gloss, how it feels tacky and your hair gets caught in it and it's usually shiny which is just not appealing to me. </div>
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But this lipgloss tastes, feels, smells amazing, and after I couldn't stretch the sample any longer than a week, I shelled out the <a href="http://www.glymm.com/new-arrivals/naked-shine-luscious-lip-gloss.html" target="_blank">25 odd dollars that it costs</a>. And I can't wait for it to arrive. The sample was in the Coral shade, which goes really well with my pale-pinky colouring, blonde hair, and blonde eyebrows. It doesn't look like shiny gloss; it makes my lips look the way they would ideally look all the time. </div>
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<i>All photos are from the Glymm website.</i></div>
Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-20498203383586396222012-08-15T10:30:00.000-04:002012-08-15T10:30:04.722-04:00Earth Girls are Easy<div style="text-align: center;">
I realized my jewellery box is growing stuffed with celestial goodies lately. What better way to show them off than to take them out a parsec? (Via Photobooth, of course – who do you take me for, Lance Bass?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JfxaNtgBHk8Dd5XmDYZWWgPJrIQFer-CuNpyOGow6eN9srVgnDZnaLrQ0QtLtFxDqcsA_aiGjFu9VVyb-zfX_w-aTxUJbdweY7344G7VIb9LKbtdfvnE-xKbll0uqOtWy7Q9JDlE-hc/s1600/Photo+180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JfxaNtgBHk8Dd5XmDYZWWgPJrIQFer-CuNpyOGow6eN9srVgnDZnaLrQ0QtLtFxDqcsA_aiGjFu9VVyb-zfX_w-aTxUJbdweY7344G7VIb9LKbtdfvnE-xKbll0uqOtWy7Q9JDlE-hc/s640/Photo+180.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These little gems from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BigTinsel"><b>Big Tinsel</b></a> are brand new to me – in fact, they were hand-delivered by their maker, Maria, just this past weekend (such service!). I can tell already these lightweight lovelies will be a staple in my regular rotation. If you'd like your own pair, move fast! They're <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86561734/clearance-triangulate-earrings">on clearance</a> and worth all 600 pennies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFbVpg3HV0IqWpoP8YwUfvrJKQ7VqZTm20te8DaZxGTel0p-czFMWD-xf5cX-jNUdF0aVfj9Qre7LbBIDLoxay5HlmiVJRDFntuax8bQq9Vi0XqqRWjlS-OMSdZnYwZ3t6lskVk0OXN4/s1600/Photo+184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFbVpg3HV0IqWpoP8YwUfvrJKQ7VqZTm20te8DaZxGTel0p-czFMWD-xf5cX-jNUdF0aVfj9Qre7LbBIDLoxay5HlmiVJRDFntuax8bQq9Vi0XqqRWjlS-OMSdZnYwZ3t6lskVk0OXN4/s640/Photo+184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a space cadet I am here, but seriously, that Vulcan pose took all my concentration. This cuff is a neat find I got at <b><a href="http://catbirdnyc.com/">Catbird</a></b> in Brooklyn, a site I'd admired a long time online and was so excited to stumble on during my trip in June. You'll be spoiled for choice but I was taken by this <a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=17960&cat=275&page=1">Astrological Cuff</a> by <b>Julie Nolan</b> – it's got my astrological constellation (Leo) drilled through the brushed brass. Here's a better shot, from Julie's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JulieNolan?ref=seller_info_count">Etsy shop</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5883423/il_570xN.327734018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5883423/il_570xN.327734018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63157326/leo-brass-constellation-cuff-bracelet">via</a></td></tr>
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You can really see how the brushed treatment makes it extra sparkly, just what you need for a little celestial magic. You can also see I'm wearing my new favourite pinky ring, which is really just a little ring of plumbing brass I got for 40 cents. Yes, I do my jewelry shopping at the hardware store too – earth girls are earthy too, I guess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh056jlSvbHvYdqFEoziUs0b4Fy2JQOHDy08mDwLf8RcWHaRzo44NiF879FvVUVdDm4Tz1y3Eagnl0VFUZS8WG5W4lausHpCLNnpstvo6jnNEIMBLPRM9rQRCkD6CVpWq6cQhqbV783jNY/s1600/Photo+189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh056jlSvbHvYdqFEoziUs0b4Fy2JQOHDy08mDwLf8RcWHaRzo44NiF879FvVUVdDm4Tz1y3Eagnl0VFUZS8WG5W4lausHpCLNnpstvo6jnNEIMBLPRM9rQRCkD6CVpWq6cQhqbV783jNY/s640/Photo+189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hey look ma, no hands in space! This one is my absolute favourite piece right now – I've been wearing it every other day at least, and find it gives just enough structure to those shapeless sack dresses I've been living in this summer. It's from designers <b><a href="http://www.axandapple.com/store/?page=store">Ax & Apple</a></b> and I got it at delicious gallery/shop <b><a href="http://www.magic-pony.com/brands/Ax-and-Apple.html">Magic Pony</a></b> (an indulgence only made possible because of a gift card from helping out on my boyfriend's film shoot). It was inspired by armor designs and gives a grounding space to those airier, soft structured looks I wear so often. It doesn't look like Magic Pony carries it anymore, but they've got a few other similar pieces and A&A has ones left on their site (and they offer it in steel too! Oooohhh...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oNuUX6XShIvwd6acMp2a1xBJcp-9LYiOxSTkC0nAMXO65Vinn7CiNROGStFkqsJlUFOFNTvNy0G1jg11-sZJTje2j7IsKidL4y8pFHtTyXYEQQopKPDq7SbymU5yNoRrLVk4reoPa3w/s1600/Photo+197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oNuUX6XShIvwd6acMp2a1xBJcp-9LYiOxSTkC0nAMXO65Vinn7CiNROGStFkqsJlUFOFNTvNy0G1jg11-sZJTje2j7IsKidL4y8pFHtTyXYEQQopKPDq7SbymU5yNoRrLVk4reoPa3w/s640/Photo+197.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last but not least, I picked up these dudes from <b>Urban Outfitters</b> a while ago – I normally try to avoid shopping there, but I saw these, didn't buy them and regretted it immensely, so when I happened to stop back in two weeks later and there was only one pair left, I knew what I had to do. Really, I'm just angry at myself for not grabbing a pair of <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wenvrsleep">We Never Sleep</a></b>'s <a href="http://www.clevernettle.com/blog/?p=2457">amazing earrings</a> in the crescent family last year. These ones do have a fun teardrop panel that is cream marble on the front and black enamel on the back, so they are super fun when they're swinging.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-80032566774306050122012-08-10T10:30:00.000-04:002012-08-10T11:50:48.388-04:00A Working Girl's Guide to Not Looking Like Shit: Josie Maran Argan Oil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.sephora.com/argan-oil-P218700" target="_blank">Sephora</a></td></tr>
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Sometimes the key to looking good is
all about getting to a point where you don’t feel the need to wear as much
makeup. Isn’t that the end goal anyways? Nobody wants to keep up the “zit spackling routine”
they developed in high school, and since we’re evolving our habits should too,
right?<br />
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So apart from the
obvious requirements of actually washing your face before bed and taking your
iron supplements, you can add one more non-committal step to your daily
routine: Josie Maran Argan Oil.
Beauty oil has been the talk of the town for some time now, and the cool thing
about it is you can use the product literally anywhere you want. Why the eff
have we been buying lotion SPECIFICALLY for our face when we could’ve been
buying oil and putting it EVERYWHERE. Your face! Your nails! Your hair! Argan
oil’s multi-purpose applications are truly a dream. I’ve also started to notice
a big difference in how I look sans make-up, way more fresh faced in the
mornings, which means I can take it easy on the foundation. Once applied, argan
oil doesn't feel greasy in the least bit. It's actually known for it's anti-aging
properties. If you need more proof, just look at <a href="http://www.google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&rlz=1C1CHFA_enCA484CA484&biw=1309&bih=627&tbm=isch&tbnid=iuslJUFl_9QQfM:&imgrefurl=http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2012/08/josie-maran-pure-simple-argan-skincare-ritual-qvc-exclusive-todays-special-value-giveaway.html&docid=sVEmfLiUBggosM&imgurl=http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Josie-Maran-Pure-Simple-Argan-Skincare-Ritual-1.jpg&w=606&h=609&ei=K04kUJneB6nD0QG3uYC4AQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=224&sig=111627048774756458374&page=3&tbnh=141&tbnw=150&start=46&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:18,s:46,i:278&tx=78&ty=78" target="_blank">Josie Maran</a>'s face (HANDSOME!).<br />
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Of course, the only issue here is price. A small .5 oz bottle will come up to $14, which is fine
because you are just trying it out, and you’re too young to commit. Unfortunately, if you find yourself falling in love with the product and want
to bulk barn it, going up a scale in size to the 1.7 oz comes up to $48. Major
bleh, but thank goodness for Sephora travel size samples.
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<i>By Navi Lamba</i><br />
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<i>Did you miss Navi's last Working Girl's Guide? Do not fear—you can read it <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/07/a-working-girls-guide-to-not-looking-like-shit-caudelie.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>Burgundy Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08298930229412429619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-61107357146166255662012-07-30T10:30:00.000-04:002012-07-30T10:34:06.256-04:00Weekly Perks version 5.0<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://justtellmethatyouwantme.com/" target="_blank">via</a> </td></tr>
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<b>Just Tell Me That You Want Me</b> is a collection of Fleetwood Mac covers. It officially comes out August 14, but seeing as the internet scoffs at release dates, they're streaming songs at <a href="http://justtellmethatyouwantme.com/">their site</a>. You should listen to the Lykke Li one at the very least, but the New Pornos, Best Coast, MGMT, Karen Elson and The Kills are among the other contributors, so play around. -- Amanda<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hila-lumiere.blogspot.ca/2012/07/celebration-jessica-stanley.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+LeProjetDamour+(le+projet+d'amour)" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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It's nice to remember sometimes that in a world full of young people who love to go out and party, there are some (like us) who are just as content to stay home with a good friend, a beer, and a movie. I used to feel so inadequate, but in the past few years I've made peace with the fact that people are into different things. I love reading about people I respect and admire who have felt similarly. And as it turns out (though I feel like I kind of knew this about her already)<a a="" another="" href="http://hila-lumiere.blogspot.ca/2012/07/celebration-jessica-stanley.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+LeProjetDamour+(le+projet+d'amour)" introverts<="" is="" of="" one="" patti="" smith="" those="">. This blog post, whose author feels really strongly adverse to social events, also recommends a great </a><a href="http://guru.bafta.org/charlie-kaufman-screenwriters-lecture-video" target="_blank">Charlie Kaufmann speech</a>. -- Laura Kathleen<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sweetpotatochronicles.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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One of the many things I would do if I had a few more hours in the day is spend more time preparing stuff that I love to eat and drink. And as great as a cold beer is in the summer, I'd love to make fancy drinks that look good and taste even better. One of my fave blogs, <a href="http://www.sweetpotatochronicles.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Chronicles</a>, has <a href="http://www.sweetpotatochronicles.com/wordpress/2012/07/chef-notes-getting-saucy-with-simple-syrups/" target="_blank">recipes for simple syrups</a> that you can basically customize to make any flavour you want. Orange peel and rosemary syrup for a cocktail? Cilantro and mint? The opportunities and endless, and they're calling me. --Laura Kathleen<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tetw.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you are ever bored online ever again, you can refer to </span><a href="http://tetw.tumblr.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">The Electric Typewriter</a><span style="background-color: white;">'s list of </span><a href="http://tetw.tumblr.com/150_Essential_Articles_and_Essays" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">150 Essential Articles and Essays</a><span style="background-color: white;">. You've likely read a handful of these already (has any female who has ever dreamed of being a writer not read Didion's On Keeping a Notebook?) but they all look like the amazing 20-minute reads that'll bowl you over. I hope I'm not the only one who see's the list and is like "GAME ON. Summer goal." --Laura Kathleen</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fairytalenewsblog.blogspot.ca/2012/03/sunset-boulevard-and-snow-white.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fitzroyboutique.com/2011/08/style-icon-chloe-sevigny-in-last-days.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdreviews14/joan_crawford_collection.htm" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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I watched three amazing films while I was home sick last Thursday and Friday: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwxGbhclIGw" target="_blank">Sunset Boulevard</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoCyQcUh7Ug" target="_blank">The Last Days of Disco</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkrUc30A-wU" target="_blank">Mildred Pierce</a>. All amazing, and all highly recommended. Click on the movie names to check out the trailers. -- Laura Kathleen</div>
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Burgundy Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08298930229412429619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-42707476285218112732012-07-20T10:30:00.000-04:002012-07-23T15:46:57.159-04:00Review: July 2012 Glymm Box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While Amanda has been doing <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/05/review-april-luxe-box.html" target="_blank">Luxe box</a> <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/03/review-march-luxe-box.html" target="_blank">reviews</a> <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/02/review-february-luxe-box.html" target="_blank">forever</a> <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/02/review-january-luxe-box.html" target="_blank">now</a>, I was never that impressed with them; for a while now I've been looking to try a different kind of monthly sample box. I heard really great things about Glymm from the owner of beauty line who has worked with them and said that they really had their shit together. And after looking at the Glymm site (which is awesome (a magazine, a blog, and a place where you can actually shop for the products you love) and what they are doing on social media (engaging and listening, not just pushing out content) I decided on my next candidate.<br />
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Glymm is $12 a month and gets shipped around mid month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p-Fkq5HhimU769jAHXkRj5S-wtAc1ggEOn7DId66uu7rsBwb9X35QCGzwybybCyiKr8IpYnup2N247uhPv6Xha6rE4sw4pLXHo1V37NI94l4NOCJjJDSaMnSq9ZpxFhV1RBPkUn4RU1G/s1600/IMG_1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p-Fkq5HhimU769jAHXkRj5S-wtAc1ggEOn7DId66uu7rsBwb9X35QCGzwybybCyiKr8IpYnup2N247uhPv6Xha6rE4sw4pLXHo1V37NI94l4NOCJjJDSaMnSq9ZpxFhV1RBPkUn4RU1G/s400/IMG_1917.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The packaging might not be as pretty as the little black Luxe Box, but it's what on the inside that counts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn45_1CXj8qbQEDP0fd-wY9I4eb7WPPPpmFTUQRsyWJJyKThyphenhyphentEC55ccagm0YwlzM5c65HKOVmrPXv6Wr9REdF_TBp2M8xErh0L30XLrMXT8x-XqX9wPqv-lSbOW15B-hSYJz3oPgU7LtK/s1600/IMG_1916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn45_1CXj8qbQEDP0fd-wY9I4eb7WPPPpmFTUQRsyWJJyKThyphenhyphentEC55ccagm0YwlzM5c65HKOVmrPXv6Wr9REdF_TBp2M8xErh0L30XLrMXT8x-XqX9wPqv-lSbOW15B-hSYJz3oPgU7LtK/s400/IMG_1916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The little orange nylon bag is perfect for people like me who hoard little makeup bags. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8B00kfu73fPy1_r_EqfyHIuwRIAfJTMYa4koMLXSauBuJT68zKXbmHZDRe3sZPVUbeuqAZJdPfOFIaJ57xMtQ2_V5nmF-goScsnqLOn5i8qADesUSbwLAwN26BlDkK0Vr2U4jABEQFc/s1600/IMG_1915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8B00kfu73fPy1_r_EqfyHIuwRIAfJTMYa4koMLXSauBuJT68zKXbmHZDRe3sZPVUbeuqAZJdPfOFIaJ57xMtQ2_V5nmF-goScsnqLOn5i8qADesUSbwLAwN26BlDkK0Vr2U4jABEQFc/s400/IMG_1915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here are the goods. Quite a nice little package.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04FiSFVjEe25_y-IAxITeblWBN_POyBuQZglxw78jfzKo7QwE1iVvXhXPnMlypNE2hyphenhyphen9XqxKg9ZIH80GELp2LPGLrfiIj0cDXTstE3O0EN2WK9P2HSg_X1d8_O4IqVVxfw9SIbqotqvGO/s1600/IMG_1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04FiSFVjEe25_y-IAxITeblWBN_POyBuQZglxw78jfzKo7QwE1iVvXhXPnMlypNE2hyphenhyphen9XqxKg9ZIH80GELp2LPGLrfiIj0cDXTstE3O0EN2WK9P2HSg_X1d8_O4IqVVxfw9SIbqotqvGO/s400/IMG_1914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First up we got a little pot of exfoliator from Dirt. It smells amazing and is best used on your face. It's got a really grainy texture, and when you rinse it off it leaves a nice layer of moisture that you have to wash off. It left my skin feeling insanely soft, not greasy at all, and I'm still feeling the effects a few days later. This was definitely my fave product of the bunch.</div>
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I am under the belief that a lot of hair creams do exactly the same thing, and if it's doing that thing right, it'll keep your hair healthy, untangly, and somewhat shiny. I use all these creams and oils somewhat interchangeably and don't notice much of a difference—but I prefer products like this that you rinse out in the shower. </div>
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I was super sceptical when I saw that this hair perfume was vanilla scented (though 14-year-old me would have been psyched). I'm not much of a scent person to begin with, and a scent for your hair seems totally unnecessary. But I wanted to try it before I knocked it, and when I was walking home after a 9-hour day and my subtly sweet-smelling hair blew in my face, I was surprised in a really nice way. It was like a stop and smell the flowers moment. Would I ever buy this product? No. But I'll definitely use this little spray vial, especially before the summer's out.</div>
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I know Cyber Derm by reputation. They focus on a "new kind of moisture formula" with more medically safe and cosmetically trendy ingredients. They focus on different skin needs of their customers—this sample came with a hydrating sunscreen and a PM anti-age. This stuff is scentless and doesn't leave any kind of residue. It's a but unclear that this stuff is moisturizer and not sunscreen—honestly, it would have felt like the best sunscreen ever—which makes me curious and want to try more of Cyber Derm's stuff. S<span style="background-color: white;">ome reviews I've read are pretty negative about the packaging, but I think it's hilarious and it helps the product to stand out.</span></div>
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And lastly, a coupon for 25% nail polish on the website. I'm assuming it's a one-time thing, but seeing as they offer Butter and RGB, I'm pretty into it. </div>
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You can read more about all the products on their <a href="http://myproducts.glymm.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. </div>
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If you like what you see and want to try out a Glymm box, please use my referral link <a href="https://www.glymm.com/share/laura.maize" target="_blank">HERE</a> to sign up.<br />
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<i>You can check out all these pins and more on my </i></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauramaize/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="28" src="http://passets-lt.pinterest.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" /></a>
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</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-34483116634329309412012-07-19T10:30:00.000-04:002012-08-09T20:02:29.866-04:00A Working Girl's Guide to Not Looking Like Shit: Caudalie Beauty Elixir<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i> Hey all! This is our first guest post by our first honorary Burgundy Girl. Navi is amazing (you can read some more of her beauty writing <a href="http://ethnicaisle.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/sikh-bangs/" target="_blank">here</a>) and you'll be seeing her 'round these parts a lot more in the future.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/caudalie-beauty-elixir/3085313">Nordstom</a></td></tr>
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There’s something insidious about getting ready to work an 8
hour day; you know that once you walk in to your place of business the makeup
you started the day with will most probably disappear within the next couple of
hours. No thanks to a phenomenon I like to refer to as “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">computer face</i>” – it’s essentially the result of sitting in front of
a glowing box straining to see the humour in cat gifs, as your concealer melts
off your face. The face melt thing also has nothing to do with the fact that
you’ve been listening to Slayer all afternoon.
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Ladies, I have something that can help fight this. It’s a
beauty elixir by Caudalie – it’s a 2-in-1 toner/elixir mega combo. I like to
spray it on in the morning as a toner, and then keep it with me and spritz
throughout the day. A small bottle from Sephora comes up to $18 (before taxes),
and will last you a good 2 months (that is, if you don’t develop an addiction
to spraying your face in public spaces, in which case I’d bank a month).</div>
</div>Burgundy Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08298930229412429619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-28893210128637921062012-07-18T10:30:00.000-04:002012-07-18T10:51:40.140-04:00A Day in Food: Part One, The Annex<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Who is more qualified to talk about Toronto's food scene than me? Well, a lot of people. Those who hit the latest trendy eateries and food events, for one. Those who care about preparation methods and eating local and gastronomy, for another. And, you know, the food critic types writing about Oliver & Bonacini sell-your-firstborn-for-a-ribeye type joints.</div>
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But that's not how I eat. I like my food fantastic, fast, fairly inexpensive, and uncluttered by hype. Oh, I'm sure some of those hip places have tasty stuff, but let's get serious: I've got a short lead-time to hangry and a wallet brimming with those fluttery money moths. I'm not about to wait 2 hours to eat food prepared in the back of a truck.</div>
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I'm going to focus on my favourite neighbourhoods, and share some options for the four meals of the day (yes, you read that correctly). Feel a rumbling in your tummy? Then read on, friend.</div>
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Breakfast: <a href="http://victorycafe.ca/home/" style="font-weight: bold;">Victory Cafe</a>, $10 all in.</div>
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Sure, everyone knows the ol' Vic is great for drinks, but did you know they do brunch in the summer too? On that awesome, shady, spacious patio, no less? Stretch out and read the paper at a luxurious pace – this gem is often slow on the weekends, most likely because no one knows they serve brunch. It's a brief menu, which can be really nice on hangover days, because too much choice before a full cup of coffee is one hell of a trial.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enroute.aircanada.com/en/articles/summer-patio-roundup-1/page:2">via</a></td></tr>
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I'm a big believer that the potatoes denote the quality of a brunch joint, and these ones are pretty much my ideal: crispy on the edges but fluffy inside, heavy on the seasoned salt, tossed with ribboned herbs (basil, I think?). Plus they used to have the punny "Yolks for All Folks" as the name for the basic breakfast, which gives it bonus points even though it's not even called that anymore. Bonus points from beyond the menu grave.</div>
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Lunch: <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/ka-chi-toronto" style="font-weight: bold;">Ka Chi</a>, $10-15 all in.</div>
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Okay, this technically crosses over into Koreatown*, but this is my list, so hike those two blocks west of Bathurst, okay? Ka Chi is a basic establishment serving some of the awesomest comfort food you can imagine. Don't go for the decor – go for the tiny bowls of spouts, glass noodles, kimchi and marinated veggies served alongside your meal (called <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banchan">banchan</a></i>). Trust me, you won't understand how charming this is until you experience it for yourself.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://justalilhype.com/blog/alan/2010/08/17/ka-chi-korean-restaurant-toronto/">via</a></td></tr>
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My recommendation would be to go for the pork bone soup which is, as a dear friend once said, off the chain. You get a huge chunk of pork bone just covered in the tenderest pork I've ever experienced in a tangy broth filled with sprouts and potatoes and other veggies. It comes with a lime to squeeze on top which, though possibly inauthentic, can only mean good things for your tastebuds. Another notable menu item is the spicy bulgogi, which isn't spicy at all but rather sweet. Order that on the hot plate, not in the bowl and maximize your deliciousness.</div>
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*Note: there's also one in Kensington Market that is similarly excellent, if that's more convenient for you.</div>
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Dinner: <a href="http://www.roticuisineofindia.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Roti Cuisine of India</a>, $13 all in.</div>
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I share because I care, but don't blame me in a month when you realize you've got this place on speed dial and have gained 10 pounds from your twice-a-week takeout habit. This place is another one of those very barebones basic decor joints, but it's because they must invest everything they earn into churning out more of them sweet bricks of curried joy. For those of you unfamiliar with Indian roti, it's essentially curry folded up into a thin tortilla that tastes like pizza crust. It is god's most perfect creation.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogto.com/listings/restaurants/upload/2010/12/20101229-roticuisineofindia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.blogto.com/listings/restaurants/upload/2010/12/20101229-roticuisineofindia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/roti-cuisine-of-india-toronto">via</a></td></tr>
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I really like this place because a) they make my favourite roti in the city, b) they are conveniently located three blocks from my house, and c) everyone who works there seem like really nice, friendly human beings, and the food totally tastes better for it. I'm also very enamored by the fact that they offer a mild-to-medium spiciness for those who, like me, can handle more flavour than mild but aren't brave enough to start spicing above their weight class.</div>
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I get the mutter paneer every goddamn time because I'm so addicted to its goodness, but I know Laura loves the saag paneer, my boyfriend is monogamous with the butter chicken and friends who have ordered other things have been similarly pleased (and hooked – I have at least two friends who request we eat there every time they hang out at my place). BONUS POINTS: if you don't call ahead to place your order, you can kill your 15 minute wait time at the Shoppers Drug Mart next door, which is obviously the best place in the world to kill time.</div>
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Dessert: <b><a href="http://www.menchies.ca/">Menchies</a></b> / <b><a href="http://www.yogurtys.com/">Yogurty's</a></b>, $7ish all in.</div>
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I'm so torn, you guys. I've been loyal to Menchies since they opened over a year ago, and I still go there quite often. Their autumn flavours are some of the best ever (carrot cake, gingerbread) and they have a really solid group of toppings. Not extensive, but solid – all the hits are there (various nuts, Skor bits, cookie dough, fruits). They have a points card that gets rewarding pretty quickly, which is like crack for a bargain hunter me.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://life.nationalpost.com/2010/11/05/opening-menchies-frozen-yogurt-toronto/">via</a></td></tr>
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But I went to the new kid on the block, Yogurty's, two weeks ago, and I'll be damned if they didn't have a better selection of everything – a couple extra froyo flavours, at least double the toppings, more sauces, even the goddamn spoons came in a variety of colours (and were better designed). They had these gummy bears that were pastel coloured that tasted like sweet dreams. They had tiny dark chocolate cups filled with raspberry jelly. They had little Belgian waffles you could add to your bowl. But they do not have a points card.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.platoputas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/yogurtys8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://www.platoputas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/yogurtys8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.platoputas.com/2012/06/26/step-into-the-world-of-yogurtys/">via</a></td></tr>
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Really, the only reason why I'm still going to Menchies is the red velvet/cake batter swirl pump, the Nesquik cereal and the points card, especially since they have a pretty abrasive aesthetic going on. Your move, Yogurty's.</div>
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Bon appétit!</div>
</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-55259457045487542242012-07-13T10:00:00.000-04:002012-07-13T22:32:30.281-04:00Interview with Fieldguided<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Amanda showed me the blog <a href="http://blog.fieldguided.com/" target="_blank">Fieldguided</a> when we were living
together a couple of years ago. It was full of cats, music, flowers, clothes,
design, decorating, and beautiful photography. <span style="background-color: white;">I was instantly hooked. </span><span style="background-color: white;">It's because of this blog that I listen to Bill Callahan, shop at Robber, and grew out my bangs. A couple
months ago, I interviewed Anabela for a profile section in Vive Magazine. We
had coffee at Luna Café on Dovercourt and chatted about writing, blogging, creative
output, and how to keep a blog going for 5+ years.</span></div>
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<i>This interview is in the latest issue of Vive. It was cut
down due to space restrictions, but this, right here, is the whole shebang. Thanks Vive for letting me publish this here! </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYib9JC-YAwSI90q-nJ9QsHiFW4YZxngJc4IueKZRD8alDV2MZYKQGhhcBeU5_T_T9QUpSFLMnP7XiZZLBoOcyHDv69bfPksxTjqltlkkYkyFCaq1Ci9VIIVglcHhxILoXAXZRst5OcpQ0/s1600/fieldguided_retouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYib9JC-YAwSI90q-nJ9QsHiFW4YZxngJc4IueKZRD8alDV2MZYKQGhhcBeU5_T_T9QUpSFLMnP7XiZZLBoOcyHDv69bfPksxTjqltlkkYkyFCaq1Ci9VIIVglcHhxILoXAXZRst5OcpQ0/s640/fieldguided_retouch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Dan Epstein</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">When did you decide
to start blogging?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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AC: Well, I had a Livejournal, I think I started it in like
1999. I think I worked out my blogging related kinks then—because it was very
confessional. I think it was helpful because it just prevented me from having
that same tone later on. And then I stopped after a while. But I kind of liked
having a blog that was not private and that I could just write in whenever I
wanted. And I had a couple of other ones that I just started and stopped. I was
doing a Masters Degree in library studies and I had to take a very basic
computer type of class, and they had us create a blog as an assignment. So
Fieldguided actually started when I made it for a class. But I knew that I’d
continue with it anyway, because it was something I’d been meaning to do. I had
another blog that I was sort of phasing out at the time that was more specific
and focused. But I never intended for it to be read by more than five people. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i>"I can make an off-hand comment about a colour of lipstick that I’m interested in and I’ll get like six different people recommending different things that I should check out. I think that’s pretty cool."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>So you were
interested in writing before that? Or did the Livejournal thing just sort of
start you off?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: I mean I don’t consider myself a writer. I did go to
journalism school for a few years, so it’s always something that I’ve enjoyed.
But I’m not a writer. I think that’s a muscle that you have to flex from time
to time, and I’m really out of practice. I don’t do much writing on my blog.
But I’ve always enjoyed it—I used to have pen pals when I was a kid—now it’s
email pals, I guess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>If someone asked
you what kind of blog you have… I’m sure they do all the time.—how would you
describe it?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: It’s hard to say… it’s sort of everything. I try not to
make it about me, so I don’t really consider it a lifestyle blog. It’s not
about one thing in particular. I guess it’s about things that I like, and some
of it is my life, like photos about things in my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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People use “lifestyle” as a catchall, but then I look at
other blogs that are more lifestyle blogs, and that’s not me. It’s not a
fashion blog, it’s not a design blog, it’s just…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>I think it incorporates
a lot of those things though…</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: Yeah. I don’t think there is a term for it, really.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>You should make
one!</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: [Ha ha] Yeah, I should. But it’s funny, a lot of the
blogs I read are about exactly that—they’re about everything and nothing in
particular. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>What’s your favourite
part about having the blog part of Fiedguided?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: It still is really amazing to get feedback and comments
from people all over the place. I try not to pay too much attention to stats
and things like that, just because I would go crazy if I focused on that too
much. And, as I said before, I never intended to have an audience or like…
readers. And I still feel uncomfortable saying “my readers” because it’s like…
“Who are you?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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But it’s amazing. I can make an off-hand comment about a
colour of lipstick that I’m interested in and I’ll get like six different
people recommending different things that I should check out. I think that’s
pretty cool. It’s a little bit of dialogue with people all over. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><i>"When I’m feeling most uninspired, blah, whatever, it really does help to just force myself to go somewhere and take pictures and just do something even if it’s out of my comfort zone."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>What about some of
the experiences that have come from that? I know that you do lots of photo
stuff and you have your screen-printed bags, obviously. Did that come out of
having the blog?</i></span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: Yeah! Not just having my blog but also reading a lot of
other blogs and really feeling inspired to do something creative. Like I said,
I was doing my Masters in Library Studies and working at my current job, which
is at a library, typesetting books. I don’t really get to do anything very creative. So I was just
really inspired to do that kind of thing. Geoff has a background in art, so
that kind of helped. Everything that I know about photography is through him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But I’ve had so many amazing opportunities, I have to admit.
Like being able to have an online store, which is really cool. And not having
to worry too much about advertising and just rely more on word of mouth. I was
invited to be in a group photography show in London last year, and I don’t
think that would have happened if I didn’t have the blog. We were invited to take
part in a handmade market in Portland a couple years ago, called Little Winter—and
that wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have the blog, because they just
wouldn’t have known who I was. So these
experiences come from fostering relationships with other bloggers, I guess. A
lot of the friends I have now, in Toronto, are through blogging. I ended up
becoming good friends with Katie who has the <a href="http://thankyouok.blogspot.ca/">thank you/okay</a> blog—she had just
moved to Toronto and was looking for Toronto blogs, and then she found me and
we met and just got along really well. And same thing with Bre from <a href="http://www.scoutandcatalogue.com/">Scout Catalogue</a>… so yeah, it’s
pretty cool. It can be difficult to make new friends, but that’s something that
I started doing back in the Livejournal days. I once drove to Manhattan to stay
with somebody that I met on Livejournal, and it was really fun! So there have
been a lot of great things that have come through it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know that a lot of my blogging friends have had really bad
experiences in terms of people being anonymously mean to them or whatever. But
definitely, there have been so many good things that even if there had been
more of that coming I would still really enjoy that. It would still be
worthwhile. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Have you had any negative
experiences?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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AC: No. I mean I have
had the occasional anonymous comment that wasn’t very kind, but I don’t really
let those get to me, and I don’t take them seriously, because obviously they’re
just a one-dimensional. I mean, I don’t want it to happen. And sometimes I get
kind of cynical ad tired and I just don’t want to do it anymore because I don’t
have time. But I think I’ll always continue to do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At one point I was taking sponsorships, so I had ads on my
blog from independent businesses. And when I did that and I was taking people’s
money, I felt a lot of pressure to continue to blog constantly, like at least
three or four times a week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>Did you have to write
about specific things?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: No, when I set it up I never stipulated that that’s
something I would do. I didn’t really charge a lot—but I guess it’s hard to say
what’s a lot—and I had to try to make sure that people were happy with the
outcome. But I did feel a lot of… well I just did it to myself, the pressure,
because there more you post the more hits you get, the more hits they
potentially get.</div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">And that becomes a
financial transaction.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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AC: So that was a difficult period for me, in terms of angst
and like “What am I doing?” But it’s generally a really positive thig.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>So on a day-to-day
basis, it’s more a positive thing than a negative thing.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: Yeah. If anything ever flares up it’s not a big deal.
Every once in a while I’ll have a friend look at my blog and they’ll make a
comment and I’ll feel really misunderstood. Like… “NO! You know me! That’s not
me!” when they’ve suddenly lumped me in with like this Hello Giggles cupcake
thing. And I’m like “Really? Do you know me at all?” So when that sort of thing
happens I get a little frustrated, but it’s not a big deal.</div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>On the days when
you’re just coming up with creative content, and it’s really difficult, what do
you do for inspiration? Where do you go?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: I think that when it comes to that kind of thing—because
it happens all the time, like I’m just kind of constantly in a state of
that—these days I try to maintain a list of potential ideas, although I don’t
have anything on the list right now. But when it comes to that I try to… well I
try to create a lot of my own content. I really don’t like reposting things
that I’ve seen elsewhere. I did a post recently on a really cool photographer
that I hadn’t seen around very much—I hadn’t seen her blogged about on other
blogs and I thought her work was really beautiful, and that it would make my
blog look nice. So I’ll do that kind of thing from time to time, but I really
like it to make my own content. So when I’m feeling most uninspired, blah,
whatever, it really does help to just force myself to go somewhere and take
pictures and just do something even if it’s out of my comfort zone. Like a
while ago I visited the Fortnight Lingerie studio, and that was not the ideal
circumstance because they weren’t in production that day so they didn’t have a
lot going on. It was just a quiet day, and the lighting was terrible because it
was a really gloomy day and I didn’t have any special lighting with me or
anything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>But the pictures
turned out fine!</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: But I thought it looked really nice, and it was positive
for her. But I can be really shy. And she lives at the studio, too, so asking
“Can I come to your house/studio?” But she was really great about it. That’s
something that I have to force myself to do. But then it ended up being really
great and I was glad I did it. So it
usually comes down to taking pictures, or trying to do something different. But
it’s hard!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i>"I try not to swear [on the blog]. You never know which fairly religious person might be into tote bags."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>Have you ever been
recognized or approached by someone on the street?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: I have! Generally that mostly happens when we do sales,
like when we did the Holiday Market, when we’ve done a couple at <a href="http://theworkroom.ca/">The Workroom</a>, and I always have people come
up to me and say that they read the blog—which is really nice. But in terms of
people coming up to me on the street… it has happened once or twice. One time—this
is a few summers ago—I was on Bloor Street and I had this basket on me, and I
had just written about my baskets and someone recognized me. But it doesn’t happen too often. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since I work at U of T—in Robarts where there’s a lot of
young people around, some really… fashion blogger looking people—I’m always
worried that there might be somebody who reads my blog, because I’m just so
frumpy. Like when I go to get a coffee I just don’t look at anybody! I’m
usually grumpy at work, and I’m wearing whatever I threw on in the five minutes
I had. It’s not a big deal, but it’s in the back of my mind every once in a
while. If somebody makes eye contact for more than three seconds, I’m like…uh
oh. But that sounds really arrogant! It doesn’t really happen. And I think when
you’re in Toronto you’re generally safe from people approaching you randomly.
It doesn’t really happen very much. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">But you do share
quite a bit about your life, right? Like the neighbourhood where you live, and
stuff like that. So I’m sure there are people who feel like a bit of a kinship</span>.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: That reminds me! Somebody did leave me a comment a while
back saying that they saw me—I don’t know if it was regularly or if it was just
once—but that they saw me riding my bike along Harbord St. on my way to work,
and I was just like “Arrrrhhhh.” That would have been in the summer, and I would
have been all red and sweaty and on my way to work. But I thought that was
cute. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>Can you talk a
little bit about the separation between who you are online and who you are in
real life? Do you see a big difference?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AC: I don’t see a big difference, because it’s all in there.
There are certain things that I won’t talk about—especially on Twitter where it’s
much more immediate, it’s much more… I mean for somebody who tweets as much as
I do, there’s a chance to let a lot more slide.
It’s not as edited I guess. I try not to swear. Because you never know
like which fairly religious person might be into tote bags. And if there’s no
need then I’m not going to. So just little things like that. And I feel like
things like sarcasm do not travel well online, so I try to refrain from being
overly sarcastic or cynical or things that people might misinterpret and take
offense at.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">But that’s
something that you don’t necessarily restrain from in person?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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AC: No, in person I can be just as sarcastic and mean as
anybody else—with my friends anyway—but I try not to do that online. I just
don’t want to get into anything with anyone. It’s just not worth it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">What kind of advice
would you give to girls out there who are interested in starting a blog but
maybe don’t know how to start. How do you start it? Stick with it? </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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AC: I think definitely, and this might contradict what I
just said, I think it’s really important to be yourself. It sounds cheesy, but
people are really interested in other people. I think that the most popular
blogs out there are the ones where people constantly post pictures of their
lives, pictures of themselves, talk about themselves and what they’re doing.
People love that stuff, you know? They want to see who you are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s crazy to me how I can just write these repository-type
posts I have and feel ridiculous when I write them sometimes because I’m giving
my opinion on this thing. Sometimes I think… who cares? But people do care!
They like to read that kind of thing. So I think it’s important to not fake
it. I guess I sensor myself in some
ways—more like edit myself. But it’s still me, it’s still true to who I am and
I stand behind it. And then in terms of sticking with it? I don’t know… I’d
like to figure that out too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Five years is
pretty impressive!</span><br />
</i><br />
AC: Yeah, I mean if only five people read it I probably would have abandoned it
a long time ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Do you feel responsible
to your readers in some ways?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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AC: Not really, and I don’t know if that comes out of a kind
of self-deprecating streak where I’m just like “Ugh, nobody’s going to care if
I don’t write a blog post for three weeks,” but I’ll get a comment occasionally
that’s like “I’m always excited when you post” or something. So that’s nice.
And then on the other hand there’s the business end of things. I need to keep
my profile up and not let my stuff be forgotten. But here’s my advice: If you
don’t love it then don’t do it. Don’t keep it up because then there’s no point.
But if you enjoy it then you’ll find a way to stick with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: <i>Where do you see
Fieldguided going in the future?</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
AC: As the blog?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">LKM: </span><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Or as more than the
blog…</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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AC: That’s a good question, I wish I knew. I would love to
be able to do it full time, and I would love to expand the line, because it’s
so tiny at this point, which is just a matter of finances. But there’s so many
other things that I would love to do, but I just don’t know if that will
happen. We do have a couple of things in the works, a couple of collaborations,
but there are lots of other things that I’d like to get into. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I would <i>love</i> to be
able to do that full time, and to become a full-time business person and just
have the blog on the side. That’s the dream, but I don’t know if it’ll ever
happen. But if, in a year, we’re still going at the same pace, that’s fine too.
I feel like I have enough going on. I’m constantly busy and I kind of like it.
But it can be overwhelming. I don’t know, is that depressing? The same place in
a year? I’m pretty happy with how things have been going. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-74082317417028048602012-07-09T10:00:00.000-04:002012-07-09T10:00:07.976-04:00Weekly Perks e04<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Here's the fourth installation of our weekly content farming—or as we like to call it: content curation. </i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd_kpGc1y6wxzjflSo5HyxoOdX_D7CBj4NbzVNoYwzFfhHbrCXNf80KDwYaD1H5xvzTKMdC3-Oqnxl8O_2yWXI9vR_AmibWcDaEmvNnde-ujfOlEv9LFi9CwITseyuEpcqPN6gvkBcT2e/s1600/tumblr_ligi46YcRL1qha84jo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd_kpGc1y6wxzjflSo5HyxoOdX_D7CBj4NbzVNoYwzFfhHbrCXNf80KDwYaD1H5xvzTKMdC3-Oqnxl8O_2yWXI9vR_AmibWcDaEmvNnde-ujfOlEv9LFi9CwITseyuEpcqPN6gvkBcT2e/s640/tumblr_ligi46YcRL1qha84jo1_500.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://juliasegal.tumblr.com/post/26586988912" target="_blank">juliasega</a>l</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oB0NM6reiRE" width="420"></iframe></div>
<br />
Our friend Laura Jane (and her friends Liz and Jen) has an awesome blog called <a href="http://strawberryfieldswhatever.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Strawberry Fields Whatever</a>. It's about music and life and everything. I think I may be kindred spirits with Liz based on this one post she wrote called <a href="http://strawberryfieldswhatever.blogspot.ca/2012/07/my-top-6-summertime-muses.html" target="_blank">My Top 6 Summertime Muses</a>, which includes the Beastie Boys, the new Cat Power song, and her love for Springsteen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKJ7PgmHL8nwZQhH7-ijB_NJ4pXzlpEGIpWt3jrKVLiQaRiYS31ioR7IAWjyDL5-dk-5MiYPnKKYA25Zu_1DC6M2rxL_yLIbCs8O_kITYlrZQDbeI4WDFD4Od4RqNgCv8lNRXrPJgV8Nq/s1600/WWS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKJ7PgmHL8nwZQhH7-ijB_NJ4pXzlpEGIpWt3jrKVLiQaRiYS31ioR7IAWjyDL5-dk-5MiYPnKKYA25Zu_1DC6M2rxL_yLIbCs8O_kITYlrZQDbeI4WDFD4Od4RqNgCv8lNRXrPJgV8Nq/s400/WWS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the best articles I've read in a very long time – like, the kind that forced me to reassess life decisions. After reading <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/02/mac-mcclelland-free-online-shipping-warehouses-labor" target="_blank">I Was A Warehouse Wage Slave</a> by Mac McClelland, you'll never feel the same about Amazon et al. again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTdoLcJs7lTbUq7nlhK85K5f4Ucq-iilJVud07PXdiTcF4yIv4uzJTvKRWqqVCb8unMLBNzJifjYKqpwtuaZxEdhhG8RHdRn7aG9wIXzYXDBgRg6RIqFIFn93ZFvj922kehrYfhj07sEO/s1600/Photo+on+2012-07-08+at+22.39+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTdoLcJs7lTbUq7nlhK85K5f4Ucq-iilJVud07PXdiTcF4yIv4uzJTvKRWqqVCb8unMLBNzJifjYKqpwtuaZxEdhhG8RHdRn7aG9wIXzYXDBgRg6RIqFIFn93ZFvj922kehrYfhj07sEO/s400/Photo+on+2012-07-08+at+22.39+%232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I got this incredible <a href="http://www.cuchara.ca/" target="_blank">Cuchara</a> necklace today from Muttonhead on Ossington. I am completely obsessed. It's big and bright and heavy, and it feels really nice and substantial. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOjQLz0ofmeKtQsVwmggWDak5zE535qaaX6LX_GcdpyJpeo4xzV3hAn0QM1hyphenhyphenEeT9ABLP5XJlIk5pXEpT-Y0s-eB5ZHiK9vD1Cg8E-urGlwDraI5G8MbebK6Zmj2ZW9aryQUM3TWcBZJ3/s1600/tumblr_m6oxpzOIOz1r24e6ho1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOjQLz0ofmeKtQsVwmggWDak5zE535qaaX6LX_GcdpyJpeo4xzV3hAn0QM1hyphenhyphenEeT9ABLP5XJlIk5pXEpT-Y0s-eB5ZHiK9vD1Cg8E-urGlwDraI5G8MbebK6Zmj2ZW9aryQUM3TWcBZJ3/s640/tumblr_m6oxpzOIOz1r24e6ho1_500.jpg" width="467" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://zomromcom.tumblr.com/post/26628294874" target="_blank">Zomromcom</a></td></tr>
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I love this picture because it looks like these girls are just having a great time rollerskating and talking shit. I had such an amazing Sunday hanging out with some of my favourite girls and talking lots of shit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiRmSu8YwK_ONWaaIKIOSsDA4q8D3t9uTgQmSNSpgjdResb4_oVsXzwB6PbKWJhS1CohHP99kjKuXYgzLSt-1_tM0v8H1CL1l3AYv4jYXmDFuKjDRcM4AGhvnXGfwb09U_erSswDudx90/s1600/tk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiRmSu8YwK_ONWaaIKIOSsDA4q8D3t9uTgQmSNSpgjdResb4_oVsXzwB6PbKWJhS1CohHP99kjKuXYgzLSt-1_tM0v8H1CL1l3AYv4jYXmDFuKjDRcM4AGhvnXGfwb09U_erSswDudx90/s320/tk.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/top-knot-hairstyles" target="_blank">hair tutorial</a> (which I can't actually embed) shows you how to do two really cool top knots that are perfect for dirty-hair days and the summer heat. I especially love the super-teased bun and how much it looks like a birds nest. The aftermath of backcombing your hair can be really gross, but her tip of slathering it in oil before you shower makes it much easier to comb out. The one caveat of this awesome video, though, is that this cute, cool-glasses, tattooed girl makes a reference to Sideshow Bob and calls him "that crazy guy from the Simpsons." Like, c'mon, don't be lazy. Everyone knows his name. That's really dumb. </div>
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-47999021433734549202012-07-05T10:00:00.000-04:002012-07-05T11:13:17.365-04:00Beauty with the Burgundy Girls<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<i>We recently wrote an article that was published in the new <a href="http://www.vivemagazine.ca/">vive magazine</a> about some of our favourite beauty icons and we had so much fun with it that we just had to share it with you all. (Also, we had to cut the words down for the mag and wanted to share the full version online.) Check out the real deal by tracking down one of those elusive issues of vive at your favourite boutiques around the city. </i><br /><br /><br />Always looking to celebs for beauty inspiration? Us too. We love to take our cues from ladies who are outside the typical beauty box.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The look:</u><i> </i>The Back-to-Basics</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Mariel Hemingway</b></div>
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We love Mariel’s laidback approach to beauty, typified by her cool-girl appearance in Woody Allen’s <i>Manhattan</i>. An easy centre-part, a fresh (read: no makeup) face, and some major eyebrows put her delicate features on display. Don’t be afraid to try this bare-faced look–the strong brow (and maybe a little mascara and blush) will lead the way.<br /><br />Seen on: This simplicity can be seen on the off-duty looks of Cara Delevingne and Arizona Muse<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk2uXkjIeGBhyphenhyphen4bJVk3sTTv_msoeaC83lc_YFc1ych3ZR8xKYP_ZOBZwbWP4IRB7-MA3162vl_4dNoyyXRro0PwBYLZ-ja5MDXBBPwlZl8VTWxAN5hTGXTbwIYQnnyDWTjLC0cnBhG2KA/s1600/arizona+muse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk2uXkjIeGBhyphenhyphen4bJVk3sTTv_msoeaC83lc_YFc1ych3ZR8xKYP_ZOBZwbWP4IRB7-MA3162vl_4dNoyyXRro0PwBYLZ-ja5MDXBBPwlZl8VTWxAN5hTGXTbwIYQnnyDWTjLC0cnBhG2KA/s320/arizona+muse.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.666666984558105px;">A modern-day version</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><u style="background-color: white;">How to:</u></div>
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<b>To fill in those eyebrows, go for Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in “Medium brown”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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This two-toned powder will enhance your brows and make them look as naturally full as Mariel’s. Use a thin, angled brush to apply, and finish with a cream or wax to keep everything in place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Her flawless skin can be mimicked by a full layer of Garnier BB Cream in “Light/Medium”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This stuff–part sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, primer, foundation, and illuminizer–works wonders. Without caking on a lot of product, your skin will look radiant and, most importantly, clear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>A no-nonsense hairstyle is aided by Goody’s Quik Style Paddle Brush<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This brush a quick and easy way to get the moisture out your hair while getting those 100 strokes a day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The look</u><i>: </i>The Hot Mess</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtOyC1KmIlMmaxbfisxD1GMcqQxv4DPv0XgYvQ47HhpcZwH5PhAG_2rOVV9cl2ZYU6bOOUZRLNQC9BypvN8PYkm9ZPROjdiWiQZ9mCHcJVMfduUDCSFUzmX9s1FozrXoDBm2uCfg3qvbp/s1600/CourtneyLove3+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtOyC1KmIlMmaxbfisxD1GMcqQxv4DPv0XgYvQ47HhpcZwH5PhAG_2rOVV9cl2ZYU6bOOUZRLNQC9BypvN8PYkm9ZPROjdiWiQZ9mCHcJVMfduUDCSFUzmX9s1FozrXoDBm2uCfg3qvbp/s320/CourtneyLove3+%25281%2529.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Courtney Love<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /><br />With her babydoll dresses, combat boots, and ripped fishnets, Courtney Love’s grunge grrl style took the ‘90s by storm. At once little girl and hard rocker, her rough ’n tumble look straddles that period between being a teenager and a grown up—think “not a girl, not yet a woman,” but with chain-smoking and whiskey. Roll out of bed with last night’s makeup on, smear on some red lipstick, and you’re ready to roll.<br /><br />Seen on: This disheveled look (and bad-girl lifestyle) seems to come naturally to Taylor Momsen and Charlotte Free<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN-evl9vV0RJWlJ7jQU3uRbi6pUW_1S9y-xhJ96HZQXC973r8oNA1Ji8tmmFdW4VkWv3egtK_YfSmNe9_aBXGIKztuMUf-5y-ffdZamID9Em5rL9VYsXmrAXE_ag7aBtdahX1SSNoyUK9/s1600/Charlotte+Free+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN-evl9vV0RJWlJ7jQU3uRbi6pUW_1S9y-xhJ96HZQXC973r8oNA1Ji8tmmFdW4VkWv3egtK_YfSmNe9_aBXGIKztuMUf-5y-ffdZamID9Em5rL9VYsXmrAXE_ag7aBtdahX1SSNoyUK9/s320/Charlotte+Free+2.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.666666984558105px;">A little more wearable, no?</td></tr>
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<b>Make your lips pop with M.A.C lipstick in “Russian Red”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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A bold, bluish red with a matte finish, this lipstick’s got plenty of staying power–perfect for all-nighters. For extra security, apply a liner first–this will stop the colour from smudging out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Layer your eyes with Stila Smudge Crayon in “Black”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Hate taking off your makeup at night? This thick black pencil is perfect for layering on day after day. But for those who are more feint of heart, applying the kohl to your waterlines and smudging outwards will do the trick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Muss up your hair with Lakme K.Style Hottest: Chalk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Tap this fragrance-free dust on your roots and rough it up–you get all the matte texture and mega volume of bedhead, without a full 8 hours or a morning tumble in the hay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The look:</u> The Peacock</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtQipVcHcTqNFYzRkOWTYJyCpk3tkpkZ10oEKsNRN5T4Kdmq0IYBmxu8fgLqvlBC7TwlH6c6CHUxvuBYm2nHTpbyj19v4qPzneTmRgae7iwDF1Uxym_NvWp8zwKKO4QSoAtGzqtui9BM7/s1600/nicki-minaj-green-hair+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtQipVcHcTqNFYzRkOWTYJyCpk3tkpkZ10oEKsNRN5T4Kdmq0IYBmxu8fgLqvlBC7TwlH6c6CHUxvuBYm2nHTpbyj19v4qPzneTmRgae7iwDF1Uxym_NvWp8zwKKO4QSoAtGzqtui9BM7/s320/nicki-minaj-green-hair+%25281%2529.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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<b>Nicki Minaj<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />This hiphop babe likes to claim she’s not like Barbie, but her style is ripped right from little girls’ scrapbooks–exaggerated everything in technicolor hues, from toes to the top of her teased weaves. This master chameleon is comfortable in every colour, her style speaks to the fantasy of beauty generally, how playing dressup can be artfully done. Embrace her playful attitude by embracing rich colours–this is your time to shine, princess.<br /><br />Seen on: Other starlets rocking this over-the-top look are cat lady Katy Perry, M.I.A, and the rainbow-hued tresses of Azealia Banks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI1jDY02ExhpQfYMv3x9AvnJAnnwDnytC41KV4iqzyA0hrvZvmiRdfj-nmXn1yZnaCEPsp9_HhA_3ix-NqlN1jjIvCJvTWp1kZVH4AzjnacEHzXlwMCUYtUgjodR8yOgtceVPQNQQThjr/s1600/charlotee+free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI1jDY02ExhpQfYMv3x9AvnJAnnwDnytC41KV4iqzyA0hrvZvmiRdfj-nmXn1yZnaCEPsp9_HhA_3ix-NqlN1jjIvCJvTWp1kZVH4AzjnacEHzXlwMCUYtUgjodR8yOgtceVPQNQQThjr/s320/charlotee+free.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.666666984558105px;">Slightly more tame.</td></tr>
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<u>How to:</u><br />
<b>Paint your lids with Makeup Forever Aqua Cream in “21–Turquoise” or “18–Mauve”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We couldn’t decide which was more Ms. Minaj, but either one will do the trick. Since it’s cream eyeshadow, the colour will stay strong and won’t settle in your creases.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Pucker up with Smashbox Be Legendary Lips in “Pout”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Creamy pink lips are a staple for this gal. Make sure to get a highly pigmented colour for super opaque coverage. The more cotton candy coloured the better. You can even put some high shine gloss overtop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Have some fun with Colour Bug by Kevin Murphy in “Purple”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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These solid hair shadows are perfect for changeable colour creatures–in one night, out the next.</div>
<br /></div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-23659206440316872822012-06-25T11:00:00.000-04:002012-06-25T11:39:38.639-04:00Weekly Perks the Third<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">This article, </span><a href="http://www.pajiba.com/think_pieces/all-dogs-go-to-heaven-why-we-cannot-stomach-the-suffering-of-dogs-in-our-fiction.php" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">All Dogs Go To Heaven</a><span style="background-color: white;">, is a new-time favourite from one of my old-time favourite sites, Pajiba. Steven Lloyd Wilson unpacks why we feel so awful when dogs die in film, and it's pretty damning (answer: because dogs have the chivalry of knights, and we don't.)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeh8deEsNrpDK2I0pdrYdG3NYLeQwxVcFuNoXQuwci19wsSAnQEMmUjRRrnpSU8vYyoRaTDhJB6vFX2VTYRmLNgLOK8cTR3u-BA1BPnUJBYX6k3qzqgryuInQLO3bSRHPObhXztfC80k/s1600/beag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeh8deEsNrpDK2I0pdrYdG3NYLeQwxVcFuNoXQuwci19wsSAnQEMmUjRRrnpSU8vYyoRaTDhJB6vFX2VTYRmLNgLOK8cTR3u-BA1BPnUJBYX6k3qzqgryuInQLO3bSRHPObhXztfC80k/s400/beag.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought I'd use a picture of this <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/23059347" target="_blank">Basset Hound/Beagle puppy</a> that absolutely destroyed me on Petfinder.<br />It looks like he's getting adopted though, so no worries.</td></tr>
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I'm headed to New York this week, and pretty psyched to try out every goddamn place on <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/louie/map" target="_blank">Louis CK's list</a> of the best places in the city. I was sold at "Just dough dipped in grease and butter and honey and coconut." Do you have any other foodie or fun destinations you recommend I try while I'm there?</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"Man Up, Bieber", a GQ a</span><span style="background-color: white;">rticle about Justin Bieber's new "mature" public image had me shudder-laughing at work. It starts with this sentence: "I have been told specifically that I will be able to punch Justin Bieber in the face." It continues </span><a href="http://www.gq.com/entertainment/celebrities/201206/justin-bieber-gq-june-2012-interview" style="background-color: white;">here</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></div>
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I already have the perfect yarn to start <a href="http://erica-knits.blogspot.ca/2010/09/triangle-loop-free-knitting-pattern.html" target="_blank">this beautiful cowl</a> I've been eying for a while on Erica Knits. However, I'm not allowed until I have a couple projects cast off beforehand. Hands, get to work.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/11/01/give.up.perfection/index.html" target="_blank">This</a> is a good reminder that the pursuit of perfection is fruitless affair. Thanks <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/11/01/give.up.perfection/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a> (and <a href="http://drinkyourjuice.tumblr.com/post/25443683948/the-root-of-the-word-courage-is-cor-the-latin" target="_blank">Christine</a>) for pointing it out.</div>
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<i style="background-color: white;">The root of the word courage is cor -- the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage had a very different definition than it does today. Courage originally meant to speak one's mind by telling all one's heart.</i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;">Over time, this definition has changed, and, today, courage is more synonymous with being heroic. Heroics are important and we certainly need heroes, but I think we've lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we're feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage.</i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;">Heroics are often about putting our life on the line. Courage is about putting our vulnerability on the line.</i></div>
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*Just to note: we're getting back on track 'round these parts.</div>
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Thanks for sticking around, you lovelies.</div>
</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-43233058014429309232012-06-18T10:00:00.000-04:002012-06-18T10:00:01.575-04:00Weekly Perks, pt. 2<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
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<i>Please enjoy our obsessions of the week.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wa0i1i6KMN5Vcx5jNvqZxN8P5ELPoqlYtIhGbjkdZxE-T-C0p9-UnQ-hlElU2XrxCeHzGnNshceS1A9GULYQXRuQ9u6eIWm3TTl6W3Tu0LFCKNKGc8VaD8JMXMvUzcd6xNIsAnZKpQaf/s1600/FischerZSoLongPS-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wa0i1i6KMN5Vcx5jNvqZxN8P5ELPoqlYtIhGbjkdZxE-T-C0p9-UnQ-hlElU2XrxCeHzGnNshceS1A9GULYQXRuQ9u6eIWm3TTl6W3Tu0LFCKNKGc8VaD8JMXMvUzcd6xNIsAnZKpQaf/s400/FischerZSoLongPS-300x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.somanyrecordssolittletime.com/" target="_blank">So Many Records, So Little Time</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The website </span><a href="http://www.somanyrecordssolittletime.com/" target="_blank">So Many Records, So Little Time</a><span style="font-size: small;"> is one of the places I go when I'm in a music rut. Its constantly giving amazing recommendations—my favourite being a recent post on Fischer-Z. I can't stop listening to these guys. They're Brian Eno and Roxy Music-esque with a little bit of The Police thrown in there? But in a good way. </span><a href="http://www.somanyrecordssolittletime.com/records/FischerZ.mp3" target="_blank">Check out the song</a><span style="font-size: small;"> that started it all (for me).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.anywho.dk/2012/06/14/stella-mccartney-ss13-garden-party/" target="_blank">Anywho</a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I can't really believe it's that time of year again, but Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 Collection has touched down and it's too cute to be true. I love the patterns, the lady-like silhouettes (even though they are the worst possible shape for my own figure, they look superb on others). These snaps taken at a garden party celebrating the season's release are the perfect setting for the collection to first be seen. Bonus points for making the whole look more playful by adding those star glasses.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://thefoodisoutthere.com/2012/06/05/fortune-500-million-dolla-lime-and-pistachio-cookies/" target="_blank">The Food is Out There</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">I haven't tried these amazing lime and pistachio cookies, but they're made by Club Sandwich, a baking company run by my friend Genna that has never made anything less than insanely delicious. You can get the recipe here—but for you non-baking cookie monsters, you can also get her to bake them for you by placing an </span><a href="mailto:clubsandwichplease@gmail.com" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">email order</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">.</span></div>
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Via <a href="http://thehairpin.com/2012/06/mr-rogers?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thehairpin%2FBdYj+%28The+Hairpin%29" target="_blank">The Hairpin</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When Mister Rogers' show ended, he gave an amazing goodbye speech that honestly makes me cry every time I hear it. </span><a href="http://thehairpin.com/2012/06/mr-rogers?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thehairpin%2FBdYj+%28The+Hairpin%29" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Do you want to cry</a><span style="text-align: left;">? Do you want to remember what a good fuckin' dude he was? If you grew up in the Neighbourhood then you'll probably get a serious heart boner from watching it.</span></div>
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I've seriously been digging this mashup of Biggie vs. the Strokes all week. Crazy classics from two different eras, made entirely fresh all over again.</div>
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And one last thing—you've got to check out <a href="http://juliasegal.tumblr.com/post/24459999707" target="_blank">this gif</a>. I'm not going to tell you anything about it, you've just gotta trust me on this one. </div>
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</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-12410109182309791272012-06-15T10:00:00.000-04:002012-06-15T10:00:01.795-04:00Chicago architecture, by boat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>I went to Chicago last month, and was truly inspired by the unique forms of the buildings in the downtown core. I snapped a bunch of pictures o</i><i>n the architectural boat tour,</i><i> hoping to capture the various shapes and textures of the skyline. I'm so happy with how they turned out—grainy, contrasty, and imperfect.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDfuyNOBcg8ZAFDCb9k_6fwDl6pxBbVnFf1dtlFgAd5NHasePjWfi8ev6zhFQDwOxJ7sN6dSq1QB79ZLayoLkZCybZaDQilKpVP-7yFCnFr3fZRMKhF75pPBG5-_o_RKuo7d3emR5M7vp/s1600/000075700017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDfuyNOBcg8ZAFDCb9k_6fwDl6pxBbVnFf1dtlFgAd5NHasePjWfi8ev6zhFQDwOxJ7sN6dSq1QB79ZLayoLkZCybZaDQilKpVP-7yFCnFr3fZRMKhF75pPBG5-_o_RKuo7d3emR5M7vp/s640/000075700017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: center;">All photos were taken with my (shared) Olympus OM1.</i></div>
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</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-25977578344293794142012-06-08T10:00:00.000-04:002012-06-08T10:00:02.437-04:00Laura's Netflix Recomendations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Got the shitty Canadian version of Netflix but not sure what to watch? Don't worry—you don't HAVE TO watch the <i>IT Crowd</i>, <i>Undercover Boss</i>, or <i>Shakespeare in Love</i>. Here are my five most recent Netflix watches—this awesome list will not only give you a peak into my social life (which, lately, has consisted of Netflix only) but it will open your eyes to the good stuff that you can watch for $8 a month.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/29/38-arrested-development/" target="_blank">StuffWhitePeopleLike</a><br />
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<b>Arrested Development:</b></div>
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Noone hasn't seen this show, right? It's easy to pick up an episode here and there, but have you watched it, episode for episode, from beginning to end? You should. It's better that way. And you're going to have to prep sometime for that <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2011/10/02/arrested-development-television-show-one-more-season-mitch-hurwitz-ron-howard/" target="_blank">new season</a> that's eventually going to air. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyEJH90Jeb_ccZmxCIPJuOGoGNwzkLZ2Wbkp41U7bPAASRAglyIciQ4l7a0bzL3k7QAeYh8KYjw0Xpzo6j7MJJqihcKEtvbxScbf0yTnE5yPYYRyzW9w59s8XVD0dGYsC_eIUxb_tpJQP/s1600/1230526689739_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyEJH90Jeb_ccZmxCIPJuOGoGNwzkLZ2Wbkp41U7bPAASRAglyIciQ4l7a0bzL3k7QAeYh8KYjw0Xpzo6j7MJJqihcKEtvbxScbf0yTnE5yPYYRyzW9w59s8XVD0dGYsC_eIUxb_tpJQP/s320/1230526689739_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://jimberkin.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/hitchapalooza-17-special-tv-edition-alfred-hitchcock-presentsthe-alfred-hitchcock-hour/" target="_blank">JimBerkin</a><br />
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<b>Alfred Hitchcock Presents:</b></div>
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These half-hour shorts are full of the spookiness of Hitchcock's feature-length films, with some seriously dry humour coming from Hitchcock himself in between scenes. I love this show, but I can't watch too many at once (or when it's dark out, or when I'm alone) because of its ominously dark and dreary view on life in the '50s. Haven't seen it before? Think <i>The Twilight Zone </i>but with better cinematography. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://soundtrackcentral.blogspot.ca/2009/11/fierce-creatures.html" target="_blank">SoundTrackCentral</a><br />
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<b>Fierce Creatures:</b></div>
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This one shouldn't really be on the list because it is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. One lonely night when I was flipping through the titles, I read the summary of this and my interest was piqued. "In this follow-up to <i>A Fish Called Wanda</i> (this is where I pressed play, btw) failing zoo owner McCain brings in new manager Rollo, who implements a 'fierce creatures only' policy." This is misleading in so many ways. While it starred the same amazing team of John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin<i>, </i>it's a serious blasphemy to call this a follow-up. It was full of jokes about killing animals, orgies, and other things that would probably excite Luka Magnotta (too soon?). BUT if you want to see something hilariously bad, give it a try.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmtLTxE3BmjpM_5L1cl0pEsqOQEkVW9fNcllRwMNTcsz0G8QTr-QjicnolMHi37E5219rGlG4uKiKMct3zGBNhuZ4Cxfmvj89L_3fKb_MapyUdq5lIbSEbB2tcuVLWNaQLS1WGuAf9xqQ/s1600/buccaneers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmtLTxE3BmjpM_5L1cl0pEsqOQEkVW9fNcllRwMNTcsz0G8QTr-QjicnolMHi37E5219rGlG4uKiKMct3zGBNhuZ4Cxfmvj89L_3fKb_MapyUdq5lIbSEbB2tcuVLWNaQLS1WGuAf9xqQ/s320/buccaneers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://madameguillotine.org.uk/2011/03/21/the-buccaneers/" target="_blank">MadammeGuillotine</a><br />
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<b>The Buccaneers:</b></div>
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I love me some period dramas. This was a '90s BBC miniseries that never really took off—but I like it just the same. Four American sisters (including a young, hot Mina Sorvino) travel to London to look for husbands. And hilarity ensues! These "new-money" American girls make fools of themselves, are lucky and unlucky with love, and make for charming television.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmBCHcu3qZXTl5UzjqWPMiNX3I0hlwsmC8Bid0hlUC44OE-4gz8tZHqm9DpquAVl6TGsEzhNrkIJe1ez6BJeRZB0PMWIxE6IHqvd9wNNAWKmMDm-yO0zbNcsHPl8y5SHk-Os27twwSvor/s1600/this_is_england1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmBCHcu3qZXTl5UzjqWPMiNX3I0hlwsmC8Bid0hlUC44OE-4gz8tZHqm9DpquAVl6TGsEzhNrkIJe1ez6BJeRZB0PMWIxE6IHqvd9wNNAWKmMDm-yO0zbNcsHPl8y5SHk-Os27twwSvor/s320/this_is_england1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://warp.net/films/this-is-england/this-is-england-feature-out-this-week" target="_blank">Warp</a><br />
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<b>This is England:</b></div>
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The best in the <i>This is England</i> series (which includes sequels in TV mini-series form) is set in 1983 in Britain's skinhead subculture. Despite a few shitty skinheads who make trouble for everyone else (ie: the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_National_Front" target="_blank">National Front</a> dudes) they are a bunch of sweet, fun-loving kids. The sequels take place in '86 and '88 (with '90 coming out this year) and follow the same group of friends through their 20s. Shit gets really rough with them—and you might not believe me after watching this one, but it's the most light-hearted of the series. </div>
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</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-490327049003534792012-06-06T11:00:00.000-04:002012-06-06T11:00:00.181-04:00Film Review: The Waning Charms of Moonrise KingdomI saw <i>Moonrise Kingdom</i> on Friday night. We were a large group, occupying nearly a row of the packed theatre, and I had publicized the viewing as Phase One in an evening of revelry, followed by a party at my house. As such, and with a predominance of film-fan friends, “how did you like the new Wes Anderson movie?” was a common question at the post-screening shindig. I had the unhappy task of shrugging my shoulders. <br />
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Yeah, I didn’t like it all that much. It’s not that it was bad – it’s certainly a breath of fresh air compared to most of what’s onscreen these days. But if you’re looking for a review that will pay lip-service to the overhyped film, you might want to look elsewhere. Hey, it’s sporting a <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/moonrise_kingdom/" target="_blank">95% review average on Rotten Tomatoes</a> – don’t worry, you’ll find someone else, likely more eloquent, whose tastes better suit your tastes. But if you a) like dissenting opinions and b) don't mind spoiling certain inessential aspects, read on. <b>(Note: consider this a big ol’ SPOILER WARNING for the rest of the review. No, seriously, the next thing I write is a SPOILER.) </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.honeykennedy.com/content/uploads/2012/05/honey-kennedy-moonrise-kingdom-wes-anderson-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://www.honeykennedy.com/content/uploads/2012/05/honey-kennedy-moonrise-kingdom-wes-anderson-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.honeykennedy.com/2012/05/moonrise-kingdom/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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Really, everything went downhill for me after the dog died. I hate that’s what ultimately what killed it for me, but I’ve just got to be honest, man. I’m okay with a dog death if it serves the movie. <i>Old Yeller</i>? Totally. <i>The Thing</i>? Fuck yeah. Hell, even Cheese’s dog in <i>The Wire</i> had some gravitas. But in <i>Moonrise Kingdom</i>, we get a gruesome image of a very dead dog, which no one seems to give a fuck about. Seriously? A loyal, highly trained, adorable dog gets this exchange as a eulogy?</div>
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SUZY: Was he a good dog?<br />
SAM: Who’s to say?</blockquote>
Later, there’s an offhand mention about the dog’s death made to the owner, who seems to give even less of a fuck – I believe he says, “It couldn’t be helped.” (He’s a bully, mind you, but I guess him liking his own dog is too much to ask for).<br />
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A detached sensibility isn’t new territory for Anderson – his characters are known for their dry patois and reserved emotions. Nor is he a stranger to inserting violence into his cutesy, twee worlds – injuries have always looked exaggeratedly realistic (<i>The Royal Tenenbaums</i>, <i>The Darjeeling Limited</i>) and <i>Fantastic Mr. Fox</i> in particular played up its more brutal, animal instincts. I do understand the dog’s death as a way to temper the whimsy of the film, a theme that’s recalled continually throughout, but something about this moment rang unsettlingly callous to me. Yes, there are real stakes in this surreal world, but seeing the consequences doesn’t affect any of the characters. Suzy and Sam move on from the senseless death, unfazed, continuing on as if nothing has happened. It’s a cold, inhumane response to a pretty disturbing image, and I wasn’t sure how to root for characters who plainly felt no empathy for a defenseless animal.*<br />
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This brings me to another point – the two kids as “emotionally disturbed”. It’s one of those facts repeated throughout the film by pretty much everyone close to the kids, even though I think we see very little of that. What we do see are sensitive, overlooked kids who obviously feel frustrated and lash out occasionally. We see a montage of their sample outbursts – Suzy lunges after a girl in class, Sam throws a punch at a teen who outsizes him by a lot – but these attempts seem clumsy, in the heat of the moment, unprepared and unpremeditated. They seem like the attempts of kids who are out of their element, the actions of a bookish, isolated girl and a runty, orphaned boy. The film understands that these are just kids looking for an emotional connection and finally, after being alone for so long, recognizing familiarity in one another. <br />
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But I’m not sure how to reconcile that with the dog. I feel like it’s not the characters’ shortcoming, it’s the film’s. It’s playing with the idea of the ramifications of childish violence, fairly overtly (think the too-tall treehouse or the lefthanded scissors), but ultimately the dog is treated as collateral damage. It holds as much emotional heft as the piece of wood that falls from the treehouse. At the end of the film, Snoopy’s corpse is likely still just lying out there in the woods, likely not even missed.<br />
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There are other things that can be said about the film too. Willis and Norton and Swinton come out well, Murray has a couple great one-liners, but McDormand is given sadly little to do. The aesthetic is great, all 60s Americana and warm colours and Hank Williams and Boy Scout badges, but skews a little precious. Overall though, I was left with a somewhat hollow feeling – a feeling that the reserved nature of Anderson’s characters isn’t just elaborate artifice, but an actual lacking of depth and interest. It’s masked by great actors (in particular, Willis does a great job in this film), but when left to developing actors, they feel as blank as they’re written. <i>Moonrise Kingdom</i>, more so than any other Anderson movie, exposes the seams in his filmmaking – he is all shots and technicality and set dressing, and his excellent eye for casting allows him to free himself of considering performances. This works well when you’ve got, say, Bill Murray to make your dialogue hum with a rich inner life, but it falls flat in the hands of lesser talents, even when they look the part (sorry, Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman).</div>
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Anyway, it IS a film worth seeing on the big screen. It’s flawed, yes, but significantly less so than most other movies coming out this year. And it is a spectacle – big, golden and beautiful, brimming with neat little flourishes and rewarding to a careful eye. But don’t believe the hype – this is not the best Wes Anderson film by a long shot, and I just hope he continues to challenge himself not just aesthetically, but with a deeper exploration of his characters’ interior lives.</div>
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<i>*Also, I just wanted to note a bias here: I am a dog owner, so this moment likely hit me more strongly because of that. However, I think it's likely still something that would have disturbed me a year ago, before I owned a dog, but it might be one of those things like when a kid dies in a movie, and you don't understand the true depth of that emotion until you've had a child, you know?</i></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-86793710409488387022012-06-04T10:00:00.000-04:002012-06-04T10:00:00.961-04:00Weekly Perks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>FYI: We are starting a weekly post to come out each Monday morning—the working title is Weekly Perks—and it's going to be an </i><i>amalgamated </i><i>list of links, pictures, memes, recipes, articles, or anything else we've found online that we want to share with you. We're really good at the internet (and we've really filted down the cute cat photos) so take a look at what we're excited about this week.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">via <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/daily/tag/joanne-kates/" target="_blank">Toronto Life</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: left;">Joanne Kates, easily Toronto's most famous food critic, ended her 38-year column for the <i>Globe</i> last week. You should definitely read her </span><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/resaturant-reviews/joanne-kates-signs-off-after-38-years-as-the-globes-restaurant-critic/article4216633/" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;">last </span>article</a><span style="text-align: left;">—it'll teach you a lot about how Toronto's food scene has changed in the last quarter century, and about the </span><span style="text-align: left;">peril</span><span style="text-align: left;">s of eating at restaurants and keeping her true identity a secret. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Also, read her hilarious </span><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/career-highs-career-lows/article4210629/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Career Highs, Career Lows</a><span style="text-align: left;">. Food is a very important part of our lives (only second to sleep, with sex a far third) so we're soaking up all we can get of her writing while we still can.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">via <a href="http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?330044" target="_blank">Resident Advisor</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://soundcloud.com/farbfernseher/welcome-to-the-room-12" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; text-align: left;" target="_blank">This link</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;"> will take you to an amazing monthly radio show that's broadcast out of a bar in Berlin. Welcome to the Room is addictive. It's low-key enough to be background music but it's upbeat—it's dancey but it's also completely calming. The 12th show was released a week ago, but you're going to want to go back into the archives and </span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/farbfernseher" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; text-align: left;" target="_blank">listen to them all</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">. </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBpx9uZrZvHOi-fqTlaRW00DPxZnuBJMbmzZS3MroRahu8rQIIReSY6THu3mEq-hqwLt9MWJlFyk9ozEWZuUy-wlEtFSRCM6Jint-Z7CZhpcNFgUm8stCOOTYPt6WUYcn4yrO3EdBYZ1C/s1600/helenmirren.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBpx9uZrZvHOi-fqTlaRW00DPxZnuBJMbmzZS3MroRahu8rQIIReSY6THu3mEq-hqwLt9MWJlFyk9ozEWZuUy-wlEtFSRCM6Jint-Z7CZhpcNFgUm8stCOOTYPt6WUYcn4yrO3EdBYZ1C/s400/helenmirren.gif" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">via <a href="http://wilderquarterly.com/2012/05/in-pictures-helen-mirren-has-her-very-own-plant/" target="_blank">Wilder Quarterly</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: left;">There's an amazing magazine called </span><a href="http://wilderquarterly.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Wilder Quarterly</a><span style="text-align: left;"> that I've never gotten the chance to see with my own eyes. It's a publication for "people enthralled by the natural world," which just means that if you like plants, flowers, herbs, food, farmers, etc. then this is right up your alley. And just as it is with many great magazines, the blog (free, and with more frequent updates) is totally worth your time. </span><a href="http://wilderquarterly.com/blog/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Check it out here</a><span style="text-align: left;">—you'll see some beautiful travel photos, tips on growing tomatoes, and Helen Mirren with a carnivorous plant that was named after her. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSgBiHXHqCNUOP8N1dU8kEK1OVZUXPckAAIE3U7013TisGl6vs_tf64MuEBuhTvUK-e2kRCgZyj6K40TCad8dZfcPq7ZQs1mXX_hm5RhNwvhj4kUH5wyyqZV8UhWkUls76curZVJO85C_/s1600/221470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSgBiHXHqCNUOP8N1dU8kEK1OVZUXPckAAIE3U7013TisGl6vs_tf64MuEBuhTvUK-e2kRCgZyj6K40TCad8dZfcPq7ZQs1mXX_hm5RhNwvhj4kUH5wyyqZV8UhWkUls76curZVJO85C_/s400/221470.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">via <a href="http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/1983/Givenchy_SS12_Patent_Leather_Pointed_Sandals" target="_blank">Another Mag</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Good flat sandals are hard to find—seriously, I have one pair that I like and I wear them even though they tear up my feet and have no arch support. But <a href="http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/1983/Givenchy_SS12_Patent_Leather_Pointed_Sandals" target="_blank">these</a>. <a href="http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/1983/Givenchy_SS12_Patent_Leather_Pointed_Sandals" target="_blank">THESE</a>! It'll never happen, but I'll still dream about them. Forever.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oN7aKNi3KhaaFcgOkB570AXt-aJhxai6lM93iWXPJ4XOh6S9xNfNL9K-yjP8wdu_lI1QGFobnGbp-FMGspGUFlV1MHtKgwlHLl1TME_fufs9P4-7mcXTod56mrt4n4rOhWPXWsRPE476/s1600/Natalie-Blouin-Insiders-Guide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oN7aKNi3KhaaFcgOkB570AXt-aJhxai6lM93iWXPJ4XOh6S9xNfNL9K-yjP8wdu_lI1QGFobnGbp-FMGspGUFlV1MHtKgwlHLl1TME_fufs9P4-7mcXTod56mrt4n4rOhWPXWsRPE476/s400/Natalie-Blouin-Insiders-Guide3.jpg" width="245" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">via <a href="http://www.b-insider.com/2012/insiders-guide-natalie-blouin-hair-and-make-up-artist/" target="_blank">B Insider</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">I found <a href="http://www.b-insider.com/2012/insiders-guide-natalie-blouin-hair-and-make-up-artist/" target="_blank">this feature</a> on hair and makeup artist Natalie Blouin in the B Insider to be really inspiring—I dug around in my makeup bag to find similar items to the products that she recommends, and I feel like I've already learned a lot. Sometimes it's just nice to read something that an expert has written on a topic that you love. (Sustainable food production? The upcoming American election? No... I'm talking about makeup.) Lots of good advice here. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/06/03/magazine/innovations-issue.html" target="_blank">The NYT</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">And lastly, this NYT article on the </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/06/03/magazine/innovations-issue.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; text-align: left;" target="_blank">32 Innovations that will Change Your Tomorrow</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">. Amazing stuff (I need that Morning Multitasker and the Shutup Gun, like yesterday) but the layout of the page is an amazing gradation of colours. Hats off to whoever came up with that one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy this week's recommendations! We'll have a post or two for you this coming week. Take it easy!</span></div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-9024466342508975792012-05-28T12:00:00.000-04:002012-05-28T12:00:04.862-04:00Gettin' Jiggy Wit ItThanks, Will Smith, for making my day twice, in completely unrelated ways.<br />
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This first – this quote from <a href="http://necolebitchie.com/2012/05/24/will-smith-on-allowing-willow-to-cut-her-hair-she-has-got-to-have-command-of-her-body/" target="_blank">an interview</a> with <i>Parade</i>:<br />
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"We let Willow cut her hair. When you have a little girl, it’s like how can you teach her that you’re in control of her body? If I teach her that I’m in charge of whether or not she can touch her hair, she’s going to replace me with some other man when she goes out in the world. She can’t cut my hair but that’s her hair. She has got to have command of her body. So when she goes out into the world, she’s going out with a command that it is hers. She is used to making those decisions herself. We try to keep giving them those decisions until they can hold the full weight of their lives.”</blockquote>
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I love how much he wants to empower his kids. I love that he's trying to create individuals who learn how to make actual choices. And I love that he wants his daughter to be a strong woman, who doesn't just replace her dad with a partner one day.</div>
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And secondly, for this moment on the <i>Graham Norton Show</i> (thanks for the tipoff, <a href="http://italianblue.tumblr.com/post/23900077313/will-smith-proves-hes-still-cool-by-singing-the-fresh" target="_blank">Karen</a>):</div>
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Yeah, I sang along too.<br />
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Also note: I can't think about Will Smith anymore without thinking of this stellar <i>Grantland </i>article Bill Simmons wrote about a year ago called "<a href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6716942/view/full/bill-simmons-ryan-reynolds-smith-perception-success-hollywood" target="_blank">The Movie Star</a>", about how Will Smith is the only true movie star working today, and how that has been his dedicated goal above all else. It really is a fascinating look into how success works, and how Smith was able to essentially game the Hollywood system. I mean, the mere fact alone that I remember an internet article from a year ago speaks to its potency.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-11863081810478296262012-05-17T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-17T10:00:02.197-04:00Hair DIY: Alice Dellal-inspired hair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I frequently lament having boring hair. It's blonde, it's generally all one length, and it just kind of sits there—after years of mistreatment, I'm too attached to it to make the plunge into any kind of coveted edgy style. I'm always playing around with ways to make my hair look a little different day-to-day. Enter Alice Dellal. I've been drooling over her hair since she came into my consciousness—the colour, the waves, the shaved side—and I wanted to share a way to imitate her look without fully taking the plunge. So here is my first solo video hair tutorial! (What, you think I'd let <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2011/08/hair-diy-simple-roll.html" target="_blank">Amanda</a> have all the fun?)</div>
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<b>You'll need:</b></div>
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To make this style last you should use a strong hold hairspray—it'll keep your inevitable side-frizzies away. You can also mess up the fuller side of your hair by scrunching it up with your hands and adding some more hairspray to the bulk. The messier the better. Alternatively, you can give yourself generous waves with a flat iron and a good <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olPR07r2ZTs&feature=related" target="_blank">faux-finger waves tutorial</a>. </div>
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Pair this style with heavily lined eyes, and a dark lip, and you'll have the look down pat. </div>
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</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-89745613393205641432012-05-10T10:18:00.002-04:002012-05-10T10:18:35.970-04:00Summer Statement Pieces<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now that it's May I think we can finally count on the warm weather being here to stay—and with warm weather comes the excitement of summer shopping. You're probably ready to spend your pennies on pretty things that will make you feel alive after being bogged down in wool all winter. Summer wardrobe shopping is the most rewarding (other than that now elusive back-to-school-shopping) simply because it's not about practicality, but the dream of patio drinking, bike riding, laying around, and staying outside all day. With those ideals in mind, take a look at some of my top picks for the coming months.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handpiece by <a href="http://needsupply.com/womens/new-items/cina-handpiece.html" target="_blank">Need Supply</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neon Crochet Tail Top by <a href="http://www.nastygal.com/clothes/crochet-tail-top" target="_blank">Nasty Gal</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQunY2rdiI53PncMWuEg8xyfzXLFElGnuNkIJxGtB3IySGGEW8MS0NOezAcxV0nmI3usUdfthyGHVxs6FFiJ9ngyioye8kKXtXIyj0L8Y2Svvf99aodjzooulsn3bPsIlNJqBikM2yih2/s1600/ng2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQunY2rdiI53PncMWuEg8xyfzXLFElGnuNkIJxGtB3IySGGEW8MS0NOezAcxV0nmI3usUdfthyGHVxs6FFiJ9ngyioye8kKXtXIyj0L8Y2Svvf99aodjzooulsn3bPsIlNJqBikM2yih2/s400/ng2.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastel Blazer by <a href="http://www.nastygal.com/clothes/drape-pocket-blazer" target="_blank">Nasty Gal</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOxEvZ0V5X31FbfPn34m8oZqk5yexGfDAEZeV5JgeIMTdMBeZICpGtY6MAWNcoXOMPiSvm13QQ-tLrPKtKrbNdo0xfq0w1SxdiUcnShKc4BuiPoOUm_EjLyQw2zMb-qbPclhYk3ux8JcL/s1600/ng3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOxEvZ0V5X31FbfPn34m8oZqk5yexGfDAEZeV5JgeIMTdMBeZICpGtY6MAWNcoXOMPiSvm13QQ-tLrPKtKrbNdo0xfq0w1SxdiUcnShKc4BuiPoOUm_EjLyQw2zMb-qbPclhYk3ux8JcL/s400/ng3.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal Brow Sunglasses by <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=4846906&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208555&parent_categoryId=204484&pageSize=200" target="_blank">Unique</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxInWxCLoyvuGKZaFTdH9EP5TJo8OQm6n1QpPzpINCWD75elxxZteFe3_M74-0LTMqzW-ESMHrCPSwPb2XHOkT3BInfqKyIUvqJW4bPnhUYffYwY4T1y9vV6rk0SJYX26_lsEPwDYSSDk/s1600/ng4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxInWxCLoyvuGKZaFTdH9EP5TJo8OQm6n1QpPzpINCWD75elxxZteFe3_M74-0LTMqzW-ESMHrCPSwPb2XHOkT3BInfqKyIUvqJW4bPnhUYffYwY4T1y9vV6rk0SJYX26_lsEPwDYSSDk/s400/ng4.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floral pants by <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5485473&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208528&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20" target="_blank">Topshop</a></td></tr>
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<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BkbTItQp8cMdaiIDkXXjcxJHt1i_vJCP_Dt01tSFJIcUE-QYi4zrFBHNpj4hv7HRq0b2lF-DQGhlZrZH4IRImWX-aqSHAIP_yWNhhsvO91i46lHfEEi5-rdYpJOlrA_gIJ5FOji4P2bQ/s1600/ng5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BkbTItQp8cMdaiIDkXXjcxJHt1i_vJCP_Dt01tSFJIcUE-QYi4zrFBHNpj4hv7HRq0b2lF-DQGhlZrZH4IRImWX-aqSHAIP_yWNhhsvO91i46lHfEEi5-rdYpJOlrA_gIJ5FOji4P2bQ/s400/ng5.jpg" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print shorts by <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=whatsnew_all&ProductID=2000041581&VariantID=" target="_blank">Forever 21</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80RufCPn0T1Fe4m7nUvtfNEpD8chVztwKrXdMSTH9vOVBUC0YHL3gpfUTy_6tv4JdPi-NslaKKc5HU0iwbKj6yatkXdTnpry1XcbitsFTVpveuSABmfHBC25PTr3mBqzQjtOzb3SzK7F0/s1600/ng6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80RufCPn0T1Fe4m7nUvtfNEpD8chVztwKrXdMSTH9vOVBUC0YHL3gpfUTy_6tv4JdPi-NslaKKc5HU0iwbKj6yatkXdTnpry1XcbitsFTVpveuSABmfHBC25PTr3mBqzQjtOzb3SzK7F0/s400/ng6.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floral Cap by <a href="http://shop.karenwalker.com/products/the-american-girl-hat-painterly" target="_blank">Karen Walker</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVWFzLvbMmWEzo-eO94eFftYmcYhoiunZU7yQhHWYuTXckdFEGijRh6b-ku8PX4fr-D4aDVaUxjVvg1xCTSBitAdjK0hTjGVrF0B6yY44Dnb-ecQpRL9Jgl0Z5T3xYWaWvYdXlBct60ZK/s1600/ng6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVWFzLvbMmWEzo-eO94eFftYmcYhoiunZU7yQhHWYuTXckdFEGijRh6b-ku8PX4fr-D4aDVaUxjVvg1xCTSBitAdjK0hTjGVrF0B6yY44Dnb-ecQpRL9Jgl0Z5T3xYWaWvYdXlBct60ZK/s400/ng6.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawstring Dress via <a href="http://www.dusendusen.com/product/cutouts-drawstring-dress" target="_blank">Dusen Dusen</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreBP46i5j1ilaM0tPXgukeuhR-Kkg2cNqDyPcFxQfauuQxP5N2fx0Mijv1-NiXFLY89UVsfSin-LF-_o-76L9SvjAnGnKgsyTjTwwRKyfaiPynXl1WYB2PpHQfiYl8W-0n6xteTI_tP7M/s1600/ng7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreBP46i5j1ilaM0tPXgukeuhR-Kkg2cNqDyPcFxQfauuQxP5N2fx0Mijv1-NiXFLY89UVsfSin-LF-_o-76L9SvjAnGnKgsyTjTwwRKyfaiPynXl1WYB2PpHQfiYl8W-0n6xteTI_tP7M/s320/ng7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sequin Clutch via <a href="http://scoutandcatalogue.bigcartel.com/product/libro-clutch-rose-gold-shine" target="_blank">Scout & Catalogue</a></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-43347923082466455672012-05-08T10:30:00.000-04:002012-05-08T10:30:01.819-04:00An Uncommon Fruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fact: avocados are technically <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado" target="_blank">berries</a>.</div>
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Fact: their skin looks like <a href="http://www.google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1052&bih=679&tbm=isch&tbnid=_VzTf0sDB-RjxM:&imgrefurl=http://jerks.edublogs.org/komodo-dragon/&docid=T9NOUKw_HySzmM&imgurl=http://jerks.edublogs.org/files/2011/04/komodo-dragon-1io486j.jpg&w=470&h=329&ei=YWOoT7m-BcLc0QGP9Pm4BQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=745&vpy=203&dur=1476&hovh=188&hovw=268&tx=108&ty=98&sig=105233273459656035943&page=2&tbnh=151&tbnw=209&start=13&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:13,i:129" target="_blank">dragons</a>.</div>
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Fact: they are really good for you –</div>
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rich in potassium, B vitamins, vitamin E, and fibre (also, monounsaturated fats, which are the good kind that lower cholestreol).</div>
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Fact: these are all just preamble to the fact that they are crazy delicious, and the perfect, refreshing sort of food for these warming days. I usually eat them raw, sliced on top of a sandwich or taco, or even spooned out of the skin with just a touch of salt sprinkled on top. But recent recipes have got me thinking I my need to upgrade my preparation methods.</div>
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<a href="http://acozykitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Avocado-Pesto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://acozykitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Avocado-Pesto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://acozykitchen.com/avocado-pesto-pasta/" target="_blank">Avocado Pesto Pasta from A Cozy Kitchen</a> looks like straight-up goodness. Basil, lemon and almonds, diced up with some of everyone's fave green fruit? Too, too much. I was sold at "vegan comfort food."</div>
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<a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/avocado-mac-and-cheese.jpg?9d7bd4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/avocado-mac-and-cheese.jpg?9d7bd4" width="422" /></a></div>
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Or, you know, there's this <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/stovetop-avocado-mac-and-cheese/" target="_blank">Stovetop Avocado Mac & Cheese from Two Peas & Their Pod</a> which look fucking phenomenal (and also, not too difficult to make – no prolonged bake time!). The avocado sauce has lime and cilantro in it before being added to a cheesy base and OMG I KNOW.</div>
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Avocado Egg Salad two ways: the first, from <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/07/avocado-egg-salad/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5932046259_b7504ab038_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5932046259_b7504ab038_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Creamy and cool, this classic sports old-school chives and a smooth texture.</div>
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Or maybe you'd rather try this new take:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2BhfayjNO4/T54UKtbKpEI/AAAAAAAAQMU/8_yp-m65_Lk/avocado%252520egg%252520salad%252520sandwich%252520072_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2BhfayjNO4/T54UKtbKpEI/AAAAAAAAQMU/8_yp-m65_Lk/avocado%252520egg%252520salad%252520sandwich%252520072_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.honeywhatscooking.com/2012/04/avocado-egg-salad-sandwich-perfect-for.html" target="_blank">This one from Honey, What's Cooking?</a> boasts a chunkier texture, plus has the addition of watercress for a little peppery flavour. Hot damn, don't that look mouthwatering?</div>
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<a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/features/wp-content/uploads/nacho-grilled-cheese-stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.tastespotting.com/features/wp-content/uploads/nacho-grilled-cheese-stack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's also this <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/features/wp-content/uploads/nacho-grilled-cheese-stack.jpg" target="_blank">Nacho Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Guacamole from the Tastespotting blog</a>. No big, right? Just a hand held version of everyone's favourite bar food, right? No big.</div>
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<a href="http://www.apronstringsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/DSC6897-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.apronstringsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/DSC6897-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.apronstringsblog.com/entrees/avocado-egg-recipe-breakfast/" target="_blank">Eggs in Avocado Slices from Apron Strings</a> looks like the perfect way to start any day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rSpOe_I_mxjoJkIQwtR8DOqrThduH8k4oDCo6JrnSbds_Vm4x7O2kbcDh7xGgPil1l-ziaLhhSZ7Tn-zJkzGoXwGTPxoKfetNn41sUDlfc1Gdq-qf7yyID0OgJzcISKT5SQU608E15Y/s640/8978+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rSpOe_I_mxjoJkIQwtR8DOqrThduH8k4oDCo6JrnSbds_Vm4x7O2kbcDh7xGgPil1l-ziaLhhSZ7Tn-zJkzGoXwGTPxoKfetNn41sUDlfc1Gdq-qf7yyID0OgJzcISKT5SQU608E15Y/s640/8978+closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rSpOe_I_mxjoJkIQwtR8DOqrThduH8k4oDCo6JrnSbds_Vm4x7O2kbcDh7xGgPil1l-ziaLhhSZ7Tn-zJkzGoXwGTPxoKfetNn41sUDlfc1Gdq-qf7yyID0OgJzcISKT5SQU608E15Y/s640/8978+closeup.jpg" target="_blank">Just A Spoonful Of...</a> updates a classic Caprese salad with added avocado.</div>
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I have to stop, guys. I'm too hungry now.</div>
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What are your favourite avocado recipes?</div>
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<br /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-411346527800754382012-05-03T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-03T10:00:00.841-04:00How to Move Without Going Crazy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz-tMbkBiB4yZYmKNEVHhICnPvU8tffG72TPbLZ7tC1m9X4ezLLza_3SHbLP0XKdfYTynknRHBj6rYJvOLSKKK38NpQoCPmisICI1ldGiw3xvBkG6pWaSEejs5o6V7ISHsSlQkHJBOg-T/s1600/moving20men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz-tMbkBiB4yZYmKNEVHhICnPvU8tffG72TPbLZ7tC1m9X4ezLLza_3SHbLP0XKdfYTynknRHBj6rYJvOLSKKK38NpQoCPmisICI1ldGiw3xvBkG6pWaSEejs5o6V7ISHsSlQkHJBOg-T/s400/moving20men.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://homagenews.blogspot.ca/2012/03/homage-is-moving.html" target="_blank">HomageNews</a></td></tr>
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Moving—even the word strikes me with that familiar crippling fear of change and uprooting. And yet I have moved (on average) once a year for the past five years. I have picked up all of my belongings (usually with the help of a boyfriend, brother, and strong male friend) and put them in a new apartment, house, or building. Each time I think that it'll be a while before I have to do it again. But, you see, I've got wandering eyes when it comes to the apartment market. There are so many possibilities in what is out there—new neighbourhoods beckon, cheaper rent would save me so much money, and a backyard or balcony would be oooooh so nice. And yet there are so many risks involved with getting a new place—at least there are if you are as comfort-driven and neurotic as me. </div>
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I've just settled into a new place. I've now had three sleeps in a new apartment and my stomach is finally unknotting itself and I'm starting to relax into the idea that I won't hate it here. Isn't that a terrible thing to think? But moving is scary and can be very stressful—you don't know how you are going to feel about a place that you've signed a lease for until you sleep in the place for at least one night. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeWlIl_9p079yNqNWd3o1Asg8SqVFO_e8dLmvxjnQ3nK2jGthpQCWFt67oU29koiHxDRqpW-KeAyB7ov-SqAtDsHOuC5TxYZH4b1AqS73mnSwU9bYeq2LuJ3HXFwORcUhdFyV_a3ojMy_/s1600/moving_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeWlIl_9p079yNqNWd3o1Asg8SqVFO_e8dLmvxjnQ3nK2jGthpQCWFt67oU29koiHxDRqpW-KeAyB7ov-SqAtDsHOuC5TxYZH4b1AqS73mnSwU9bYeq2LuJ3HXFwORcUhdFyV_a3ojMy_/s320/moving_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://ponitaslife.blogspot.ca/2011_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Ponita</a></td></tr>
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Some of the biggest stresses about a new apartment are things that you have very little control over where you're going to be until you're past the point of getting out of it. That being said, you can increase your chances of finding a good place by doing some research and by knowing exactly what's important to you. Need lots of natural light? Don't care about access to an outdoor space? Know these things before you look. Here's what I've learned (through much trial and error) is important to me.<br />
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<b>1. Neighbourhood, and proximity to life</b><br />
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I'm now living definitely off the beaten track, and I think I'm okay with that. It's not in the middle of nowhere, and it's really close by to some of the coolest people I know, but it's not downtown. I look out the window and I can see the buildings of the city and I think <i>I am in the middle of nowhere</i> but I know that really I'm not. I'm not even as far as the Junction, and lots of people live there! I'm takings walks around the neighbourhood to get to know the place a little bit, and feeling kind of proud that I'm not basing where I want to live on where is popular with other people but where there is reasonably priced rent, a bigger apartment than I'm used to, and lots of interesting things to discover.<br />
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<b>2. Noise</b><br />
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The apartment I just moved out of was the first floor of an old house that was connected to the houses on either side. The floors, walls, and ceilings were so thin that I could hear everyone around me at all times—I could hear their conversations, and feel the bass in their music. It really sucked. My new building was made for lots of people to live in, and the noise is so much less of an issue. I still worry that my neighbours can hear my late-night movie watching or 24/7 Patsy Cline records, but since I can't really hear them I'm realizing that it's not going to be an issue.<br />
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<b>3. Landlords</b><br />
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I've been pretty lucky when it comes to landlords, but I've heard some real horror stories. Having a good landlord is really important, when you get a leaky ceiling, a broken fridge, or bedbugs (which we will all have gotten soon, if we haven't already) you need someone that's going to be on your side and help you out. A Google search is usually all it takes to unearth the really bad ones, but if you have a good landlord it's kind of invaluable.<br />
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<b>4. Windows</b><br />
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It's been about three years since I've been able to lay in bed and look out the window, and I'm totally obsessed (in fact, that's what I'm doing right now). I love that I can see the sky, the CN tower, birds, a giant sign for the Brick, a couple billboards, and the backs of lots of houses. I have window sills that I can sit on and look dreamily out of and watch trains go by. I'm only on the third floor but I can see the city. It's very cool.<br />
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<b>5. The perfect place for the cat's litter box.</b><br />
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A good little nook or cranny to stick that stinky box is so important—you don't want it just sitting in the middle your living room or bathroom. Find the perfect space for your cat to shit and you might just find your dream apartment.<br />
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</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-57715632269371553662012-05-01T12:00:00.000-04:002012-05-01T12:46:14.567-04:00Review: April Luxe BoxJust in the nick of time, I received my April Luxe Box on the last day of the month. You know the drill <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/search/label/luxe%20box" target="_blank">by now</a> – black packaging, personalized sticker, yadda yadda yadda.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPWR6PldjAuNjkq1-6Sm2jeQMsY0lOQ6vunT37BTMDLll7hEQT_4SdmODZZpHeQMsaI5ljhrNAr4_iLg6HA0V13Iz3WGksJ3DTGTO-yfhae2YuZl5HO4TE7KKAvzYe3aikhwjB_4yAg4/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPWR6PldjAuNjkq1-6Sm2jeQMsY0lOQ6vunT37BTMDLll7hEQT_4SdmODZZpHeQMsaI5ljhrNAr4_iLg6HA0V13Iz3WGksJ3DTGTO-yfhae2YuZl5HO4TE7KKAvzYe3aikhwjB_4yAg4/s640/IMG_1022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our first glimpse at the goods!</div>
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First up, LB sent this little daffodil pin in honour of their partnership with the <b>Canadian Cancer Society</b>. They made a donation on behalf of the Luxe Box community, which is great, but the pin isn't really my cup of tea. I'll pin it to my bulletin board for a bit of extra colour, I guess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix11x4smoq25oeoHF8H0ZigddBGQI07bhtnQeUv9vN2mG1pL802NEEMImMTtPDEH7tx2pb9mJYjp3e-6MUxb6Qnv0bmVKUuouH3AFoEcvDSmofp4IPZTiYaqG6_9Vvrb8rAHhnrKAhSrE/s1600/IMG_1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix11x4smoq25oeoHF8H0ZigddBGQI07bhtnQeUv9vN2mG1pL802NEEMImMTtPDEH7tx2pb9mJYjp3e-6MUxb6Qnv0bmVKUuouH3AFoEcvDSmofp4IPZTiYaqG6_9Vvrb8rAHhnrKAhSrE/s640/IMG_1026.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hey! It's one of my favourite products ever! <b>Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat</b> is one beauty item I use all the time and recommend to anyone who'll listen long enough. I find it really prolongs the life of my mani and dries my nails to the touch in about a minute. It really is great stuff – I have a full size already, so I'll probably pass this on to a friend to share the gospel. (Note: the little LB card said they's included a full size bottle, but as you can see, a full-sized product this is not.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr7EuWAiUTEPb9Eie_ulGtvzzaOJfz-kKQK4STt29bHHkY9Z6Ki-kfWL3c8liPusMJYtwVIRIs1_UlbXdgi7z1wCxzsBBFW9y3cQk0KHIhxDclI-h5KYrCvyYP3oi9uwQaGJB1lSLliE/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr7EuWAiUTEPb9Eie_ulGtvzzaOJfz-kKQK4STt29bHHkY9Z6Ki-kfWL3c8liPusMJYtwVIRIs1_UlbXdgi7z1wCxzsBBFW9y3cQk0KHIhxDclI-h5KYrCvyYP3oi9uwQaGJB1lSLliE/s640/IMG_1025.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next up, I got this sample of <b>Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask</b>, which, let's be real, is a mouthful to say. It claims to restore just-coloured silkiness and increase colour longevity, which is always good for gals like me who colour their hair often. Haven't tried this yet, but likely will soon, because "just-coloured silkiness" is just the kind of claim I find difficult to resist.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWHn0NpDV_w80_NU54kSZVD8PpGLzfpzNjVcF-5PbrXNeqxYFmjPkD0gQbrcw4Qk0_YZ76l6LQFDfLMdB3lMLj9VADbZZmsm5PH3uJrCPw-IesD8NH4ju4AqyEXMGVYXf9aU2VCZPNVk/s1600/IMG_1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWHn0NpDV_w80_NU54kSZVD8PpGLzfpzNjVcF-5PbrXNeqxYFmjPkD0gQbrcw4Qk0_YZ76l6LQFDfLMdB3lMLj9VADbZZmsm5PH3uJrCPw-IesD8NH4ju4AqyEXMGVYXf9aU2VCZPNVk/s640/IMG_1029.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I got these generously sized samples of <b>Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo & Conditioner</b>. They claim to offer weightless, silicone-free nourishment for your hair, and that you can "feel the difference with one use". I tried them out this morning, and sure? I guess? My hair feels pretty good today, but I actually took the time to blow dry it, so that could account for the difference. It's definitely not a vast change, but at only $6 a bottle, this probably stand the best chance of being an actual purchase I'd make.</div>
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Oh, and Charlie approves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nOmWyYBirQ4yaI0Obq76uki-tKN5RTLE37YqB-HVGXhXno4PIb3rDoAGa0zoALBUCS_zNCtU_0LatAvR11NMHE5W5imgBE1qtV3AlnGjt2pLsUNoTd2Qd3d5KGi2WKWF2jZgKzLhi30/s1600/IMG_1030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nOmWyYBirQ4yaI0Obq76uki-tKN5RTLE37YqB-HVGXhXno4PIb3rDoAGa0zoALBUCS_zNCtU_0LatAvR11NMHE5W5imgBE1qtV3AlnGjt2pLsUNoTd2Qd3d5KGi2WKWF2jZgKzLhi30/s640/IMG_1030.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUG-vLZivAuj0l2BZWfetsn86vNmsBTTkj4gVA6NBzvrWfh78ov3Jj6aJZqJtqrMaBhwe1sakxqgqI3D_sbwlH-hxBQyvf2ifdD7E3VNxfpNWkVFIoSUUvPHkar6qciTppXEk1QWFxzA/s1600/IMG_1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUG-vLZivAuj0l2BZWfetsn86vNmsBTTkj4gVA6NBzvrWfh78ov3Jj6aJZqJtqrMaBhwe1sakxqgqI3D_sbwlH-hxBQyvf2ifdD7E3VNxfpNWkVFIoSUUvPHkar6qciTppXEk1QWFxzA/s640/IMG_1031.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The only thing left is my First in Line Program pick, which is a pair of underwear from a company called <b>Panty By Post</b>. I really liked that this was included as a First In Line choice, and that we were able to select our size and style (between hipster and thong). I picked hipster and I'm not sure which style I'll be receiving, but it doesn't really matter – based on their <a href="http://www.pantybypost.com/gallery/panty_gallery/" target="_blank">photo gallery</a>, they're all pretty cute, and priced at $25-30 for a single pair, it's a really good deal. I should be getting these sometime soon.</div>
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And that's it! Overall thoughts? Decent box. I'd probably be disappointed if what I received was all I was getting, but the addition of the underwear really caps it off, and means I'll have a second surprise later this month. I really prefer getting hair products to skincare ones because I have such sensitive skin, so spreads like this are pretty ideal for me. A lot of other reviewers seem to be hitting Luxe Box fatigue, but I still enjoy receiving mine every month. </div>
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If you would like to try Luxe Box for yourself and enjoyed reading my review,</div>
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Charlie would love it if you'd <a href="http://luxebox.loosebutton.com/friend-sign-up?referrer=ZmFjZWZjOTM=">use my referral code</a>.</div>
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Previous Luxe Box Reviews</div>
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<a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2011/10/review-luxe-box.html">October</a> / <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2011/11/review-november-luxe-box.html">November</a> / <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2011/12/review-december-luxe-box.html">December</a> / <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/02/review-january-luxe-box.html">January</a> / <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/02/review-february-luxe-box.html">February</a> / <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/03/review-march-luxe-box.html" target="_blank">March</a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-74864703067697733392012-04-25T11:00:00.000-04:002012-04-25T11:00:08.451-04:00In StitchesThough I've not been online much of late, my hands have been far from idle. Making things and crafting has always ben a big part of what keeps me sane, and more often than not, that's channeled as knitting. Calming, meditative and easy to tote around, it's a way for my hands to fidget productively. Considering it's such a regular part of my life, it's surprising I don't write about it more often. It might have something to do with the fact that during busy times, I often find myself starting more projects than I could hope to finish, so it's always a relief when I actually reach the end of one.<br />
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I started knitting my first lace project a while ago, and had always been intimidated by the openness of the patterns – how was I supposed to pick up my stitches when one would inevitably drop? How could I follow those patterns that read like Greek? And yet somehow, I reached the end of this one.<br />
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I shouldn't have worried so much. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/haruni" target="_blank">Haruni</a> is a wonderfully written pattern, with lots of helpful advice sprinkled throughout. The main body is worked in a simple stitch pattern, very easy to memorize, and the leafy edging is easy to read.<br />
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More than anything, this shawl required patience – my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/beingclear/haruni" target="_blank">Ravelry entry</a> tells me I started in early September, only to finish in March, a solid half a year after I had cast on. And I finally got to experience the difference that blocking your work makes – that's washing it, then pinning it into the shape you want and letting it air dry, to "set" the stitches. Though I don't know if knitting lace regularly is for me, I'm glad I did it. I BEAT you, Haruni. (You can find my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/beingclear/haruni" target="_blank">project notes here</a>.)<br />
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Lately, I've actually been crocheting more often than knitting. There's been this long-simmering feud between knitting and crocheting camps, both believing their craft to be the best, with many native knitters preferring to think of crochet hooks merely as "dropped stitch fixers". While knitting is a lot more economical (crochet uses roughly 3 times the yarn of knitting) and offers a lighter weight, smoother end product, I'm finding the speed and ease of crocheting to be a lot more instantly gratifying, and I certainly like it much better for fussy laceweight yarns.<br />
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Case in point: I started that <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/two-color-cowl/" target="_blank">Purl Bee two-colour cowl</a> I had been on about for so long, and I love working on it.<br />
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I'd tried using this Malabrigo Lace in a few knitting projects, but the super soft, single-spun merino was too sticky – the yarn would felt on itself and be a terrible pain to rip back. I much prefer it in this pattern, where the multiple knots add strength to the loose spin, and the softly undulating colours of the yarn don't pool up noticeably.<br />
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The original pattern called for using two colours, but I'm going to use up all of this before I even think about buying a second colour, and with another whole skein to go, it's going to be quite unnecessary. And as you can see, I've been using the bag that came with my<a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/02/new-neutrals.html" target="_blank"> LL Bean flats</a> as a project bag, which has been the perfect size. I can't wait to start wearing this tiny woolen wonder come early fall. (You can find my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/beingclear/two-tone-crochet-cowl" target="_blank">project notes here</a>.)<br />
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But before then, I need a spring scarf, so I cast on the EXACT SAME PATTERN in a heavier gauge. Believe me, I know it looks vastly different.<br />
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I spotted this hand-dyed cotton on a recent pop into Romni and couldn't resist. The colours just scream spring poesy to me. And would you believe I only cast on an extra 10 stitches and it rests below my chest, as opposed to up around my neck? What a difference gauge makes. In a lot of ways, these are polar opposites – one light and airy and soft-spoken and woolly, the other bright and garish and chunky cotton (I can throw it in the washing machine even!). They are practical wardrobe stables in entirely different ways, all stemming from <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/two-color-cowl/" target="_blank">the same pattern</a> – which is itself an elaboration on classic <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=granny+square&hl=en&safe=off&prmd=imvnsl&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=CRKXT7a6G4KOgwey4bDlDQ&ved=0CDkQsAQ&biw=1052&bih=606&sei=CxKXT-3CLa3H6AGJsNCNDg" target="_blank">granny square</a> crochet. (You can find my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/beingclear/two-tone-crochet-cowl-2" target="_blank">project notes here</a>.)<br />
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I promise, I'll check in on these two projects and show you the finished results!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06873337833281166982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091587807401858993.post-41500175726500347682012-04-24T10:00:00.000-04:002012-04-24T11:44:23.596-04:00Beauty tutorials<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love watching videos of people telling me how to do simple, everyday things that I should already know how to do. And I do this exactly for the same reason that I am an obsessive Googler, write down everything <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/" target="_blank">Penelope Trunk</a> says, and save every tumblr post that lists ways to be creative, get out of a bad mood, accomplish your goals, or get the perfect wardrobe staples—because it's so much easier to follow someone else's tried and true advice and instructions than thinking it through for myself. Sound a bit pathetic? Maybe, but I like getting advice from people who are really passionate, and it in turn inspires me to live better, and sometimes to <a href="http://www.burgundygirls.com/2012/04/our-seven-deadly-sins-of-beauty.html" target="_blank">give my own advice</a>.<br />
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Anyway, here are some of my current favourite beauty and makeup videos. If you have any that you love, please let me know!<br />
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<b>The Persian Babe:</b><br />
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<b>Hey Kayli:</b><br />
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<b>Loepsie:</b><br />
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<b>BEAUTYetc:</b><br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ubR9lkjEJIg" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Cut by Fred:</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/40409673" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>The Take Home Series:</b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36602202?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe>
</div>Laura Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075781707276362147noreply@blogger.com2