BLEED FOR FASHION | Vancouver Blog

Rest in Peace Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

We will always love you.

XOXO,

This is What Makes Us Girls

2012-02-11T10:30:00.003-08:00

MUUBAAA JACKET, WILFRED FREE SWEATER, WILFRED HENLEY, J BRAND PANTS, GUCCI SHOES, OAK + FORT SCARF, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

A couple of things:

This is the first time in years my hair's been long enough to put up. You can't see the ridiculous amount of bobby pins I have in, but still, I'm making progress. Hooray!
Being told you made someone's day is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. I love my job(s).
Money, wealth and relationships: they make things easier, but by no means do they make things better.
People will try to tell you how to look, act and feel. Don't let them.
I'm currently reading three books simultaneously: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Does anyone else do this?
Work hard and give yourself everything you've ever wanted. I'm looking at you, Céline.

XOXO,

Color Blocking

2012-02-02T19:24:00.007-08:00

SANDRO JACKET, H&M TOP, WILFRED BLOUSE, RAG & BONE/JEAN JEANS, GUCCI SHOES, MICHAEL KORS WATCH, HERMES BRACELET

What I've been wearing lately, if you couldn't already tell: layered tops and bold/printed jeans. I'm currently waiting to receive these in the mail. Every girl needs a pair of snake-print denim, right?

My parents and nieces are arriving tomorrow from Calgary for a 5-day visit. I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family who loves me beyond any limit. Growing up, I didn't have the greatest relationship with my parents (or my sister for that matter, but that's a whole 'nother blog post). Yet, interestingly enough, me moving to Vancouver in 2007 really brought us closer together. It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and being 985 km apart definitely put things into perspective and made me realize how much my parents mean to me; not to mention how important it is to cherish the time we have together.

Having said that, here's to an amazing weekend ahead!

XOXO,

For the Love of Writing

2012-01-29T08:09:00.002-08:00

WU+SEN SWEATER, TALULA BOYFRIEND SHIRT, CURRENT/ELLIOTT LEOPARD JEANS, BURBERRY PRORSUM SHOES, T.BABATON HAT, CC SKYE NECKLACE

A spin-off to my post on December 12th, 2011:

"What happens when you fall in love with a writer? Lots of things might happen. That's the thing about writers. They're unpredictable. They might bring you eggs in bed for breakfast, or they might all but ignore you for days. They might bring you eggs in bed at three in the morning. Or they might wake you up for sex at three in the morning. Or make love at four in the afternoon. They might not sleep at all. Or they might sleep right through the alarm and forget to get you up for work. Or call you home from work to kill a spider. Or refuse to speak to you after finding out you've never seen To Kill A Mockingbird. Or spend the last of the rent money on five kinds of soap. Or sell your textbooks for cash halfway through the semester. Or leave you love notes in your pockets. Or wash your pants with Post-It notes in the pockets so your laundry comes out covered in bits of wet paper. They might cry if the Post-It notes are unread all over your pants. It's an unpredictable life.

But what happens if a writer falls in love with you?

This is a little more predictable. You will find your hemp necklace with the glass mushroom pendant around the neck of someone at a bus stop in a short story. Your favorite shoes will mysteriously disappear, and show up in a poem. The watch you always wear, the watch you own but never wear, the fact that you've never worn a watch: they suddenly belong to characters you’ve never known. And yet they're you. They're not you; they're someone else entirely, but they toss their hair like you. They use the same colloquialisms as you. They scratch their nose when they lie like you. Sometimes they will be narrators; sometimes protagonists, sometimes villains. Sometimes they will be nobodies, an unimportant, static prop. This might amuse you at first. Or confuse you. You might be bewildered when books turn into mirrors. You might try to see yourself how your beloved writer sees you when you read a poem about someone who has your middle name or prose about someone who has never seen To Kill A Mockingbird. These poems and novels and short stories, they will scatter into the wind. You will wonder if you're wandering through the pages of some story you’ve never even read. There's no way to know. And no way to erase it. Even if you leave, a part of you will always be left behind.

If a writer falls in love with you, you can never die." — Unknown

It's funny how we set qualification for the right person to love. Before we meet anyone, we create this ideal of a significant other. Then when we actually meet someone, we try to mold that person into our ideal—and yet, deep in our hearts, we know that the person we truly love will always be the exception.

XOXO,

First Giveaway of 2012

2012-01-22T01:22:00.039-08:00

WILFRED FREE T-SHIRT, CURRENT/ELLIOTT LEOPARD JEANS, CLUB MONACO FAUX FUR SCARF, WASTED EFFORT BODY HARNESS COURTESY OF WASTED EFFORT, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

It's my pleasure to introduce you to WASTED EFFORT, a Vancouver-based jewelry line where all pieces are lovingly cut, shaped, soldered and polished by hand. I'm currently madly in love with this Etheline harness ($145), and thanks to Marie Foxall, founder and designer of WASTED EFFORT, one lucky reader will receive the same intricate geometric brass triangle and chain harness. Yay, twinsies!

Are you in it to win it? Here's how to enter: "Like" WASTED EFFORT and BLEED FOR FASHION on Facebook, and comment on this post with your name and email address. This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be chosen next Sunday, January 29th. Good luck!

ETA:

Aaaaaaand the winner is... Robyn! Congratulations, you'll be receiving an email from Marie shortly. Thank you to everyone else who entered!

XOXO,

Reaching New Heights

2012-01-16T17:00:00.012-08:00

H&M FAUX FUR JACKET, LOVERS + FRIENDS BLOUSE & SHORTS, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SHOES, GUCCI CLUTCH & HAT

Brunch on a Sunday with Alex, Matina and Peter equals a lot of catching up, lightweight bitchfest and laugh out loud conversations—taking Sunday Funday to a whole new level. I love my friends.

Thank you all for your lovely messages and well wishes on my new job. I've reached the halfway point in my in-store training; soon I'll be at Support Office. It's like tunnel vision. I got my eyes on the prize and everything else is simply a distraction that falls by the wayside.

Photos by Matina of Angela Matina

XOXO,

Here's to the Crazy Ones

2012-01-13T10:26:00.007-08:00

H&M MOTORCYCLE JACKET, WU+SEN BLOUSE, VICTOR BANKS SWEATER, LEVI'S DENIM SHORTS, GUCCI SHOES, CLUB MONACO FAUX FUR SCARF, CHANEL BAG, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? We make tools for these kinds of people. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." — Steve Jobs

Ever read/hear quotes and think to yourself, "Wow. That sounds good." Then later on, you go through an experience and remember that one particular quote? There's a difference between loving a good quote and living it.

Photos by Matina of Angela Matina (edited by Tessa of a mile in her heels)

XOXO,

Please Watch

2012-01-11T14:53:00.008-08:00

In continuation of the last one.

XOXO,

Meet Me at the Station

2012-01-08T15:14:00.012-08:00

TNA PARKA, WILFRED FREE SWEATER, ARMANI JEANS, GUCCI SHOES, CHANEL BAG, T.BABATON HAT

Friday's attire after being up since 5am. There's nothing like a pair of 5 3/4 inch platform sandals to keep you on your toes. Met with Tessa for lunch at Chill Winston, then some shopping at THE BOARD OF TRADE CO. I love picking at the minds of fellow creatives.

I was recently asked what I consider to be my greatest strength and weakness. Feel free to disagree: I believe my greatest strength is the ability to capture my emotions and feelings and translate it into a narrative stream of nouns, verbs and adjectives in as little words as possible. One of my ~~major, psychotic hatreds~~ pet peeves is when people just go on... and on... and on... and you're like, what was your point? I've also been told I can always see the best, brightest and most beautiful side of any given person. But secretly, my greatest weakness is that I can never see the good in myself.

On that note, I'm starting a second job tomorrow. New year, new career. I hope I don't fuck this up.

Photos by Tessa of a mile in her heels

XOXO,

Another Instagram Post

2011-12-30T22:22:00.008-08:00

This year has taken me on a journey that I never really expected to go on. It has challenged, strengthened, matured and blessed me immensely. I experienced the true meaning of happiness and enlightenment, and I allowed myself to fall in love.

Change begins with oneself and grows from there. Forget New Years resolutions. Never wait till tomorrow to make yourself a better person or let the calendar dictate that for you. With that said, I wish you all a wonderful New Year and hope that 2012 brings you peace, joy, good health, prosperity and Christian Louboutin.

XOXO,

Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T00:00:00.012-08:00

WILFRED FREE CARDIGAN, VICTOR BANKS CARDIGAN, PARASUCO JEANS COURTESY OF PARASUCO, WILFRED BELT, SEE BY CHLOE SHOES, WU+SEN SCARF, GUCCI BACKPACK, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

Taken last Saturday, this is my last outfit post and second last post of 2011. It's ridiculous how fast this year has gone by. I've been doing a lot of thinking, reflecting, planning and goal making. I'm both grateful and humbled with how much my life has changed in just a matter of months. Sometimes you have to go back in order to go forward. I've met some of the most amazing people along the way, too.

This year is the first year I'll be spending Christmas without my parents. While I'm sad I won't be with my own family, I'm looking forward to spending it with my boyfriend and his family instead (whom I never met before). As for Boxing Day, I'm going to make it a point to stay home and avoid all the shopping malls and streets. Betty and I are going to Avicii that night. We're also going to Tiesto for New Year's Eve. Can't wait!

Photos by Matina of Angela Matina

XOXO,

Live Laugh Love

2011-12-19T01:28:00.012-08:00

"He has achieved success
who has lived well,
laughed often, and loved much;

who has enjoyed the trust of
pure women,

the respect of intelligent men and
the love of little children;

who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;

who has left the world better than he found it
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem or a rescued soul;

who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty
or failed to express it;

who has always looked for the best in others and
given them the best he had;

whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction." — Bessie Anderson Stanley

Written by Bessie Anderson Stanley in 1904, "Success" is a poem you may confuse with another poem that was widely attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. It was Emerson's version which I first came across many years ago, but today, I'd like to share with you the version by Bessie. Although it's important to give credit where it's due, even more important is the similar message behind both versions. At this point of my life, this is the definition of success I want to work towards to.

It only seems fitting that after my time in Nepal, I'd have the words "Live Laugh Love" tattooed in Nepali. Nepal and its people will always have a special place in my heart. Special thanks to Matina and her dad for the translation. I also had my tattoo artist touch up my forearm and ankle tattoo.

Ask yourself what's your definition of success. Are you presently living well, laughing often and loving much?

XOXO,

Book Lovers Never Go to Bed Alone

2011-12-12T17:06:00.008-08:00

SOURCE: TUMBLR

"Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You'll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She's the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That's the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She's the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she's kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author's making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee.

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce's Ulysses she's just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It's easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she's going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

She has to give it a shot somehow.

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2am clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She'll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she's sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn't burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you're better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes." — Rosemarie Urquico (in response to Charles Warnke's You Should Date An Illiterate Girl)

XOXO,

A Smile Goes a Long Way

2011-12-09T08:10:00.017-08:00

H&M MOTORCYCLE JACKET & FAUX FUR COLLAR, LE FOU BY WILFRED BLOUSE, LEOPARD JEANS COURTESY OF EGOCLOSET, YSL SHOES, LODIS CLUTCH COURTESY OF LODIS, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

I've had a few revelations and conclusions about myself. Acknowledging my own faults has been a hard pill to swallow, yet at the same time, humbling and empowering. After you've faced the worst, your days can only get better. This is all I can say to those who I know are having a difficult time at this point of their lives, although they may choose to hide it.

In the words of Kelly Cutrone, "Things will change: you won't feel this way forever. And anyway, sometimes the hardest lessons to learn are the ones your soul needs most." My soul is currently on fire. I don't need no water, let the motherfucker burn.

Photos by Tessa of a mile in her heels

XOXO,

Please Watch

2011-12-04T18:06:00.004-08:00

If these don't pull on your heartstrings, nothing will.

XOXO,

This Week Through Instagram

2011-12-03T00:00:00.137-08:00

Note: I don't always post my Instagram photos on the Web, so if you have an account, feel free to follow me @bleedforfashion.

XOXO,

The Leaves Come Falling Down

2011-11-28T00:00:00.041-08:00

CLUB MONACO BOMBER PARKA & BELT, WU+SEN SWEATER, LEVI'S DENIM SHORTS, SAM EDELMAN SHOES, T.BABATON HAT, LOUIS VUITTON SCARF, CHANEL BAG

A tumble of words and I never said they would flow.

I've been wearing this WU+SEN sweater from THE BOARD OF TRADE CO. almost every day since I got it. It's so perfectly oversized and warm and comfy.
Thank you to all of those who entered the Parasuco Jeans giveaway. The winner will be announced tomorrow on Twitter. (This suggests you should probably follow me, too.) I don't do this enough, but I'd also like to express my gratitude to all of my readers for continuing to read and support this blog. I love you, I really do.
Opportunities have been coming my way lately. I won't reveal too much, except to say excited would be an understatement.
I'm on a new skin care regime with the help of the girls from SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic. In addition to regular chemical peels, I've switched from Priori to Osmosis and Rhonda Allison products. I've also cut out ~~all~~ ~~most~~ some dairy from my diet.
Looking forward to going to my first opera tomorrow. "For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo." — William Shakespeare

Photos by Peter of The Starving Stylist

XOXO,

THE BOARD OF TRADE CO. Collabo

2011-11-23T17:25:00.004-08:00

I love when I get to do things that are cooler than I am. Tessa asked me to ~~awkwardly pose~~ model for her collaboration shoot with THE BOARD OF TRADE CO. Located in Chinatown at 227 Union Street, this concept men's and women's clothing boutique aims to highlight and support Vancouver's growing creative community while providing excellent product quality at affordable price points.

Wearing pieces from their nu in-house women's line, WU+SEN, and knit accessories from HENDRIK.LOU—Tessa and I pulled each look with the guidance of David, co-owner of THE BOARD OF TRADE CO. and one of the nicest human beings you will ever meet. Be sure to check out the boutique's blog.

P.S. Have you entered my latest giveaway? You can win two pairs of jeans courtesy of Parasuco Jeans. For entry deets, click here.

XOXO,

2 for 1 Giveaway

2011-11-20T17:49:00.017-08:00

There's nothing like one great fitting pair of jeans, let alone two. The super awesome and wonderful folks at Parasuco Jeans generously sent me styles 8ISKO4 and 205RJO. Best of all, they're giving one lucky reader both pairs too! If you're like me and love the leather pants look, but were scared off by that episode of Friends where Ross wears leather pants and gets stuck in the bathroom, the 8ISKO4 (made from waxed denim) is the perfect alternative; and if you just want a versatile skinny jean that will form to your body and won't sag or lose its shape, the 205RJO is an absolute necessity.

Open to Canadian and US residents, to enter comment on this post with your name and email address, ~~do a headstand for 30 seconds~~ (just kidding!) and follow Parasuco Jeans on Twitter and tweet: "I just entered to win two pairs of @ParasucoJeans jeans on @bleedforfashion's blog!" Contest will run until next Monday, November 28th. Good luck!

XOXO,

Walk in the Park

2011-11-13T23:04:00.013-08:00

CLUB MONACO BOMBER PARKA, TALULA SWEATER, ALYTHEA SEQUIN SKIRT COURTESY OF SHOPPALU, BURBERRY PRORSUM SHOES, WILFRED SCARF, H&M FAUX FUR COLLAR, CHANEL BAG, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

I spent Remembrance Day weekend at home in Calgary to see my family and get fitted for my bridesmaid dress for Carrie and Jon's wedding. I'm so excited that you'd think I was the one getting married. Carrie is my closest and dearest friend and I'm absolutely honored to be one of the few chosen to stand next to her on the most joyous occasion of her life.

ETA:

Do you ever feel like you aren't enough and too much at the same time? You're not pretty enough, not smart enough, not talented enough. You're too emotional, too needy, too sensitive. I'm obviously referring to myself and the situations in which I put myself in. My self-esteem has reached a new low. Now, don't get me wrong. I count my blessings and thank God/Universe/whatever for everything I got, but my life is far from rainbows, unicorns and candy canes. Everyone has their own personal struggles. This is mine.

XOXO,

A Real Human Being

2011-11-06T08:16:00.008-08:00

ALICE + OLIVIA BLAZER, VINCE TANK TOP, J BRAND PANTS, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SHOES, LOUIS VUITTON SCARF, CHANEL BAG, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

I spent this past week catching up with old friends—Skype with Mae, bowling at REVS with Betty, tea time at Après-midi Teahouse with Alex and brunch at Two Chefs and a Table with Peter—all the while reacquainting myself with the city. I also watched Drive. Why didn't you write me, Ryan? Why?

On a different note, there's something to be said about a person who thinks they know everything and a person who knows they don't. If there's one thing life has taught me, it's that the more I learn, the less I know. We often treat pride as one of our strengths, when in reality, it's simply our greatest weakness. I should know because I have plenty of it. I once said if you want something (or someone) and you feel it's worth it, don't let it go without fighting for it. Sometimes the simplest gesture will make the world of difference. Now, if only I could take my own advice.

Pardon me and my chaotic mind.

Photos by Peter of The Starving Stylist

XOXO,

Let's All Go to the Barre

2011-11-04T11:42:00.002-07:00

First and foremost, before I go any further, let me just say that I love to workout, but I hate going to the gym. Up until a couple of months ago, my primary form of exercise was walking, walking and more walking (shopping malls count, right?). I decided it was time to add something to compliment my not-so-exciting walking regime, and conveniently enough, that something was in my own backyard.

When I say I'm going to the "Barre", I don't mean the club. I'm referring to Barre Fitness. Located in Yaletown, this studio offers several different classes based on ballet, pilates and strength and flexibility training, all designed for one purpose: to help you achieve a dancer's body. Now who wouldn't want one of those?

I took my first class back in July after a friend recommended it to me and was immediately hooked. I left with wonderfully wobbly legs and it wasn't long before I started seeing results. I initially sat in the corner hoping not to get noticed, but quickly realized there's no hiding at Barre Fitness. Co-founders, Ella Jotie and Michele Murgel, have created an "intimate, personalized atmosphere with classes taught in groups of 20 people or less. The customized group setting allows instructors to focus attention on each student; ensuring proper techniques and maximized results are always achieved."

Classes are choreographed to music and range from Barre Bootcamp, a fast-paced and high intensity class not for the faint of heart, to Barre Flow, a slower-paced but equally as challenging class with a deep focus on elongation and breath. My personal favorite is (go figure) Barre Fitness, an energetic class for total body conditioning with just the right amount of ass kicking. Also offered is Raise the Barre, which takes place every Sunday morning at 10:45am. A minimum of $10 donation from all participants is required and 100% of the proceeds goes to charity. For the month of November, Barre Fitness is proud to be supporting AIDS Vancouver.

As well as for the month of November, I'm pleased to announce I'm a contributor to the Barre Blogger Series, and will continue to share my Barre thoughts and stories on the Barre Fitness blog every Friday. Stay tuned next week where I'll discuss "Barre Style", and I don't mean Lululemon pants and a TNA hoodie.

XOXO,

Back to Bangs

2011-10-31T11:42:00.012-07:00

H&M MOTORCYCLE JACKET, SANDRO SHIRT, PAIGE JEANS, CLUB MONACO BELT, ALEXANDER WANG CLUTCH, MICHAEL KORS WATCH

The title is self-explanatory. Went to see my friend and hairstylist, Calvyn, for a much needed cut last week. I really am growing my hair out.

The best thing to ever come out of starting this blog is all of the wonderful people I've had the privilege of meeting, both online and in real life. I was thrilled to recently have the chance to meet Matina of Angela Matina as she was a tremendous help in getting me prepared for my trip to Nepal. Having lived there for 10 years, Matina kindly offered to answer any questions I had via email. I instantly connected with her in a way I couldn't with anyone else.

In regards to my last few posts, I was asked an interesting question by Santina of Style by Santina, who had also spent time in Nepal: "Is it strange to step right back into a life that is so far from the one you were living in Nepal?" The answer is yes. When traveling abroad, one naturally worries about culture shock, but nobody warns you of reverse culture shock. The moment I stepped off the plane at YVR, the environment was simultaneously so familiar yet so foreign that it threw me completely. Even now, when I wander the downtown sidewalks, I feel both at home and displaced. I want to be somewhere completely new again, where nobody knows me and yesterday and tomorrow doesn't matter.

Maybe it's true what they say about how you can't ever go home again, or maybe you can and that's the problem—nothing ever changes. Everything carried on just the way it did before I left. This all seemed so wildly different and difficult to me because it was I who had transformed. My time in Nepal has definitely given me a new outlook on my life and how I want to live it. I'm still struggling to make sense of it all, but I know that I'm not back in Vancouver permanently. For more highlights of my journey, you can read my interview with United Planet here.

Photos by Matina of Angela Matina

XOXO,

Brighter Than the Sun

2011-10-24T22:52:00.009-07:00

H&M SWEATER, SHIRT & PANTS, YSL SHOES, WILFRED HAT, GUCCI BAG, RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES

Tessa and I went to Liberty Bakery on Main Street to indulge our sweet desires and talk about our latest adventures. To me, fall is the most beautiful time of the year. I actually don't think I can communicate in coherent sentences how I feel about the season. It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach just thinking of the crisp air, the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet, the cozy sweaters, the whip cream melting into a mug of hot chocolate and pumpkin flavored everything.

Now that I'm back in Vancouver, I've been looking into local volunteer opportunities. No matter the bullshit that I'm facing, someone out there could always use my help. Remember: Stay humble and give back. You never know when you're changing someone's life, or saving it.

Photos by Tessa of a mile in her heels

XOXO,

Nepal Quest Part 2

2011-10-21T12:00:00.024-07:00

When I decided to partake in this journey I wasn't under the false illusion that I would change the world in 4 weeks. I'm too much of a realist. What I did hope for was to leave a lasting impression on the children. Little did I realize that I needed them more than they needed me.

As I walked through the gate that led into the OCCED/Nepal children's home on my first day, I imagined that the 28 children inside would be sitting quietly on the floor, feeling sad because they were orphans—many of them were left on the doorstep by family, while others were found wandering the streets and brought to the orphanage by the police—but instead, I was immediately tackled by a gang of excited children. Some were shy and hesitated to approach me; however, after only a couple of hours they wouldn't let go of me, holding my hand, touching my forearm tattoo, sitting on my lap and fighting for my attention.

I had brought gifts for them. Donations from family, friends and readers, some of whom had generously given a cash donation, which proved to be an invaluable gift. I honestly can't thank those of you who contributed enough. The money donated provided six months worth of food, as well as healthcare for the children and educational materials. This will last approximately one year. Other gifts such as pencils, crayons, coloring books and miscellaneous toys were treasures to the children. To see their faces light up at the sight of something that many take for granted was heartfelt.

I worked at the orphanage Sunday to Friday 10am to 4pm. I helped the children with their homework, but mostly just spent time playing with them. I also assisted the didis (big sisters) in their general work. Volunteering requires so little in the way of prerequisite. You don't need any formal qualifications or training; only that you make the decision to show up, to open your mind and heart to the people you are trying to help, and that you do as you are asked once you arrive.

Despite the poverty and corruption in Nepal, I was amazed at the warmth and positivity of the people I met. Even though at times it was difficult, it was the most fulfilling and enriching experience of my life. The truly hardest part of the trip was saying goodbye to the children and staff of OCCED/Nepal, to my host family and to Social Tours, who was the best support group I could ever ask for. Dhanybhad.

XOXO,