Some of you may remember the post I wrote when I left the UK for Canada. Well, today marks one whole year since I arrived. Moving was a big decision for me; having to leave my mum on her own was always going to be tough. When I left I was still struggling to deal with a lot of things and, although often good at pretending, I definitely wasn’t happy.

Crap, careers & Craigslist

Things didn’t instantly fall into place when I got here. Finding a job was hard and when I did get one it was for several months at a crappy coffee chain (like Starbucks but a lot less cool) for awful bosses. When I visited England for Christmas, and saw all my friends and family that I had missed so much, I decided that come May 2012 I would return home.

My mind was all set, then a random job search on Craigslist had me discover a position for a startup called 500px. I applied and got the job; a position which involves blogging! And everything has changed. Whilst working as a barista I felt like things weren’t going the way I had hoped. That maybe I should move on to a new city and see if that’s where things would work out for me. Now I’m working for a company I really love; I’m excited to see what I will learn and where the company will go.

I know now my decision to return home was solely based on my career status. The job was really the only part of the puzzle that was missing from my life here. Because everything else is great! I have found friends here. Fantastic friends that I feel so lucky to have in my life. And I get to see my brother so much more than twice a year which means so much to me.

Dating disasters

Sure, I haven’t sorted the love part out yet but I’m actually not as bothered as I thought I would be. When I left I was thinking it was time to find a husband and settle down, but I’m really not in the same place I was back then. I’m having so much fun right now I’m not concerned about all that grown up stuff. Besides, my ridiculous encounters with men and internet dating disasters are keeping my friends amused so I think it can go on a little longer ;)

A year on I’m going through the paperwork of getting a work permit and, provided that all goes through fine, I will eventually be applying for permanent residency. I can’t say that Canada’s definitely the home for me long-term, who knows who I’ll meet or where life will take me, but right now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

It’s taken 7 years to get here but I can honestly say I’m happy. And I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring :)

Debs

It’s funny how old crafts can get rediscovered and become a new ‘modern’ trend. String art is definitely one of them. I know this stuff was around in the 70s because family members owned string art before I was born. Owls if I remember correctly, like this one.

Now it’s had a revamp with brighter coolers, more modern designs and larger installations. And guess what? I think it would look awesome in weddings! Funny that ;)

Debs

Awesome image credit: Jose Villa

Awesome image credit: Mi Belle Photography

Awesome image credit: Marie Labbancz via Style Me Pretty

So beautiful!

Debs

This beautiful dinner party inspiration is perfect for a spring wedding. Or a summer one for that matter. Actually any wedding, you may just want to tweak the colours. But you don’t have to. Do whatever you want!

I love the ribbons on the chairs, I love the flowers, I love the cute macaron place holders and you know I love the glass dome!

Awesome image credit: Tinywater Photography via Somewhere Splendid

For even more photos head over to Somewhere Splendid. You could even steal the blackboard idea too. And just switch up the quote to something more soppy. How about something like this :)

Debs

Ombre seems to have been a pretty big trend this year. And I, for one, am a fan. These ombre cookie cutter cakes from Glorious Treats are not only pretty but, fancy rose icing aside, I imagine they’d be pretty simple to make. With a few weeks to perfect your icing these would make an awesome DIY dessert for your guests that would look just as great as if you’d hired a fancy cake maker :)

Go check out how to make them here and remember they could be made in any colour :)

Debs