tips

Learning how to ask for help

Asking for help is garbage. It is the literal worst because A. I am an adult and B. I should be able to do things on my own and the fact that I can’t makes me want to scream and sink into the deepest pits of despair.

Because I am an adult and that is what adults do. Duh.

I can analyze and cross-analyse why I feel this way, but I think the easiest and probably most ludicrous way I can explain it is through the game Catan. The point of Catan is to build colonies on a plot of land along with other players who you can trade with and steal from and such in the hopes of winning the game. But when I play I always try to create a self-sufficient colony that doesn’t need outside help. We make do and survive off our own means. And yes: I almost always lose. Because in life, much like in Catan, you need to work with others to achieve your goals.

If I’m being honest this desire to be independent stems from a deep-seated fear that I am not enough. That I’m not smart enough, healthy enough, interesting enough, and not good enough. And by needing help I am proving to myself that I am not able to solve my problems from whatever I have within myself which to me constitutes as a failure.

Now, I am aware this is not true, and I acknowledge that having the privileged to ask for help is indeed a privilege that not everyone has access to and that I should be grateful and thankful to have the connections I do and the opportunities I do. But getting over this feeling of inadequacy takes time and it is incredibly frustrating.

I have always craved the acceptance and affirmation from other people. Especially when I was younger I would find myself looking to others to validate personal things in my life. And then I moved. I moved so far away from home and i was hard and I just started getting so worked up over not knowing how to do everyday things. Like guys, why did I never learn how to work with the CRA or banks in school? Where was the course where you are taught how to adult?! This sudden change made my desire to be capable and successful on my own flourish: a modern day Michelangelo if you will.

The best part about this weird thing I do is that if it’s about someone else I am a champion of seeking and getting the help you need. I am a strong believer in getting the help you need especially with mental health. But I am more patient and loving towards others than I am towards myself, and that is something I am working on. Alas it seems my hamartia is my pride.

Paradigm shifts take time: growing, learning, and healing take time. And getting the help you need is a gift that I am learning to embrace.

With all my love as always,

Lea

Happy Belated Birthday, Sailor Moon

This past Saturday, June 30^th, was my girl Sailor Moon’s birthday and to celebrate I wanted to do a little something special and share a couple of the things I found most impactful about the show and franchise. Growing up in the 90s I was exposed to a lot of cartoons (little did I know that this young exposure would become a lifelong passion of mine). Looking back at what I watched most religiously I am often inspired by shows like Cyber Six, Pokemon, Gargoyles, and of course Sailor Moon. These cartoons gave me a glimpse into these other worlds that were often a refuge for me. Looking back at everything I watched I remember Sailor Moon being the show that left the biggest impact. It wasn’t just the catchy theme song or the stunning animation, it was the risks the show took and the characters created that really stuck with me.

Sailor Moon really taught me was that you don’t have to be good at everything to save the world. More plainly put: you don’t have to be the best to be a good person, a quality that is perhaps the most important. Sailor Moon, known as Serena while I was a young girl watching the televised dubs and later as Usagi watching the show in its original context with subtitles, is a character that is both badass and hilarious. Apart from fight evil by moonlight Serena/Usagi is pretty much a classic teen: tired, hungry, lazy, not the best at math. She doesn’t necessarily scream “Hey I am here to save the day look at how great I am”. That’s because her strength of character is so much more important. It isn’t her brains or her brawns that make Sailor Moon so inspiring, it’s her heart. She gives a shit about people and about her planet. She is courageous, kind, and thoughtful towards friends and foes alike. She taught me that you don’t have to be the best, or the smartest, or the most athletic to save the world: all you needed was kindness and a good heart. But she didn’t work alone and the friends she did work with had qualities that made them dynamic and inspiring all on their own. The fact that all the members of the Sailor Scouts had complimentary skills and qualities lead them to be a successful team of fighters and friends was impactful. Being a team unit instead of individuals crusading to save the world alone fostered my love of team work because to me the best and most successful times in your life are often when you’re supporting and being supported by others.

There’s so much more I could say about my love for this franchise, but I want to keep it short and sweet. Sometimes shows we watch as children do not age well, but I feel as though Sailor Moon really does transcend from then to now. If you haven’t watched it I encourage you to give it a try, the franchise just released a reboot series, Sailor Moon Crystal, a couple years ago and it’s really hecking good.

Here’s to you, Usagi! Thank you for being the realest!

Lea

How to wear mesh this holiday season

Mesh is one of my favourite things right now. It adds such an interesting dimension into your. It’s lightweight enough for layering and it provides a dynamic element when used to provide extra coverage. Don’t feel comfortable in spaghetti straps? Mesh top under. Want to wear a slip dress or any summer dress or jumpsuit in winter? Mesh top under. It’s so versatile so why not adapt it for the holidays?

The first way I use mesh in under a velvet slip dress with tights and heeled boots. I really love this look because for me I get to play with wearing a more fun dress without feeling too revealing. I also feel like the mesh turtleneck adds a level of grunge to this look which is something I am super into right now. I don’t really take myself too seriously so for this look, or any for that matter, I would throw my beloved Christmas cardigan on top for laughs and because it’s December and it’s cold. To complete the more edgy look I really recommend using boots that have some hardware on them or some metal elements.

The second way I use mesh is with a looser, white mesh mock turtle. I find this style of mesh has a more fishnet kind of feel which is really fun to play with. You can wear it over a white cami, but I just wore it over a white bralette. To offset the bareness of the mesh I paired it with fuller wide leg dress pants and some very classic beige pumps. I am really into mixing really classic and classy elements with grungier or edgy pieces because I really love the contrast it creates. You could throw that Christmas cardigan over this look as well because again it is still December and it is still cold!

I hope these tips helped you with your up coming holiday plans, and realistically if these looks fail there is always the holiday onesie!

Lea

Surviving rain season

Surprise! It rains a lot here in Vancouver. But just because it rains doesn’t mean you have to look like a waterproof creature! Heck no, friends! One of my favourite things about the fall is that I can wear my big, waterproof boots. They really help to toughen up regularly girly outfits which I love. Whether it’s with dresses, jeans, or culottes, bigger boots are multifunctional enough to yield comfort, water resistance, and style. And there are so many options out on the market now that there really is no reason for you to be walking around with wet socks. I have also found that having a raincoat that has a double zipper has been really helpful. I have zip the bottom half of my jacket up a bit so that walking or sitting on the train during my commute is easier and less restrictive. But, undone jackets are still my favourite.

DSC_1061 copy DSC_1070 copy

I hope you have found these tips helpful, and I hope your feet are no longer soaked from the rain! Remember: there is no shame in being practically dressed for the weather!

much love,

Lea

Taking your Summer favourites into Fall: part 3

Welcome to the this and final installation of “Taking your Summer favourites into Fall”! I think the unsung heroes of any successful Fall wardrobe would be denim and turtlenecks! If there is ever a time to dress denim heavy it would definitely unquestionably be in the Fall. Not only is denim pretty cozy, but it contrasts so nicely with the fire coloured leaves. As for turtlenecks, and honestly any collar, they add warmth and a vibe that says I’m warm and cute. Here are two different looks incorporating these ideas that denim and turtlenecks/collars.

DSC_0889 copy DSC_0899 copy

I paired two different denim tones with a rusty red mock-turtleneck here to give a little more of a casual, grungy feel which is so fun to do in Autumn.

DSC_0916 copy DSC_0919 copy

And here I went with a lighter denim jacket over a Fall coloured dress with tights and black boots. It’s just girly enough for me to handle!

I hope these two tips help you extend the life of your clothes further into the year!

Much love,

Lea

Taking your Summer favourites in Fall: part 1

For me Autumn starts when you feel the air change: what once was a warm southerly breeze is now a cool northern wind. To me, this not to subtle change, signifies the start of a new season. I personally am ready for cooler temperatures after the scorcher of a summer the west coast just had, and I hope the rain and cooler temperatures helps slow down and stop the forest fires we are experiencing in the interior. The hardest part about the changing seasons for me used to be putting away all of my summer clothes. This was until I realized if I pair them with warmer options I can actually wear them into the coming season.

Take my black strapless jumpsuit: on its own it is impractical for cooler temperatures, but paired with a long-sleeved turtleneck and a leather jacket it can easily change seasons and transition into fall.

DSC_0818 copy DSC_0821 copy DSC_0832 copy

I’m wearing it here with white sneakers, but it can easily be worn with black boots or blundstones if you get stuck in the rain.

So my first tip for extending the life of your summer faves is to layer! Layers are fun and add a lot of texture to your outfits which is perfect for fall.

Stay tuned for more tips!

Lea

What I Learned After a Year in Vancouver

So it looks like I’ve officially been in Vancouver for a year now and man what a year it has been. Now this isn’t the first time I’ve moved away from home, but this past year marked the first time I’ve been more than a two-hour drive away from my family. I feel like being so far away made me feel like more of an adult for some weird reason. I guess perhaps because I couldn’t just take my laundry to my parents or call asking them to come help me fix something I have been forced into unchartered waters of ~adulthood~. I have learned a lot this past year and I thought I would share some of my wisdom with you all so bear with me.

First of all I learned that when something says “Hand Wash” HAND WASH IT. Viscose will shrink and you will cry when your favourite little outfit is ruined. Actually I’ve learned a lot about laundry that you’d have thought I would have just learned in university. Not being a student shockingly changes how much you care about the quality of your clothes. SHOCKINGLY your boss might not find you rolling into work in sweats at 8:30am as cute as your prof/classmates might have. Learn to love washing in cold and laying out to dry. Your clothes will love you and your hydro bill will shrink (your clothes won’t though).

Secondly, Vancouver you are clique-y. I was warned about this before I got here and thought nothing of it. I’m fun, kind, and loud who wouldn’t wanna be my best friend?! A lot you actually. I learned that you can’t go into relationships at 100kms an hour: relationships take time and you can’t force all your weird on people right away because it can be a lot to handle. Learning this made me a better person. It made me understand that people have boundaries and it made me take a deep long look inward at my own boundaries. The nice thing about Vancouver being clique-y is that once you’re in, you’re in for life.

Thirdly, forget about owning anything ever. Vancouver’s market bubble is too high and renting is cool. Possessions tie you down anyway, and you’re a free spirit. Who needs credit, or equity, or anything.

Fourth, when in doubt complain about the weather! Vancouver has the weirdest weather and everyone here is always unhappy with it.

“It’s raining!”

“It’s hot and everything is on fire”

“There are cherry blossoms everywhere URG”

Trust me, it’s an easy topic of conversation if you ever get stuck and don’t know what to say.

Finally, I’ve learned that once you get a taste for seeing the mountains you can’t get away. They are captivating in every way. The west coast is stunning and there is so much to explore. Also everything I considered steep before I moved feels like a mole hill now in comparison.

It’s been a pretty crazy year out here, but I can honestly say I feel like I made the right choice. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

with love,

Lea

Exploring the world of Crystal Hills

I think there is something to be said about the healing powers of the earth. To be honest I am a firm believer in the idea that if you put energy into something you’ll get energy back. In the Renaissance and even more recently before modern medicine, healers believed if your mind was happy and at ease your body would too. I think that oils, aromatherapy and crystals have some serious merit when it comes to calming and cleansing your mind. So when Crystal Hills reached out to me about reviewing their products I was thrilled to try them out.

Crystal Hills blends oils, herbs, and crystals together to not only help sooth you, but to also help moisturize your skin. I tried their Crystal Dreams and their Crystal Harmony body serums over the course of about a month and a bit and I have to say I have never felt so pampered. I used Crystal Dreams, which is blended to help you relax for sleep more easily, at night before bed massaging it into my hands and arms, and I used Crystal Harmony, which is blended to help you find balance, in the morning to help me get my head straight before headed to work. Both serums smell amazing and don’t leave your skin oily, but feeling and smelling amazing. I personally would recommend both, if not Crystal Dreams more. I love anything that helps me unwind at night.

Crystal Hills’ farm and manufacturing center is located here in British Columbia out in the Okanagan and they boast a long list of impressive feats. They are certified organic/sustainably farmed or produced, vegan, cruelty free, and made with no preservatives. The company is also focused on minimizing their carbon footprint and they are striving towards a more sustainable future which I love.

I definitely recommend them, their products are absolutely lovely, and they have way more than just body serums! Check out Crystal Hill for yourselves and let me know what you think!

Love,

Lea

Oops I did it again

Hello friends!

It seems I let my life get the best of me which resulted in me abandoning my blog for a few months. But I’m back and I’m feeling refreshed. To be honest not a whole lot has happened in my life since I last posted I have just been crazy busy with work. I was feeling burnt out and tired so I switched to being part-time for a little bit to give me more free time to do things I enjoy like running, blogging, and going on adventures.

Speaking of adventures my friend and I went out of the city yesterday and explored the Abbostford tulip festival and it was stunning. We spent the day walking down rows upon rows of tulips with the sun and a little rain with us. It was amazing escaping from the sounds of construction and road rage to spend a day with a bunch of flowers and great company.

So from now on do expect more regular posts from me! Sorry for the radio silence, friends, from now on I am back!

Love,

Lea

It’s all in the details

My mother used to tell me when I was a little girl that less was more. She felt this was necessary to remind me, at age 5, as I piled on dresses, skirts, socks, and pretty much anything I could layer onto my little body. To reinforce this idea that perhaps “simple pictures are best” I remember reading that all the chicest women of France took off one accessory before leaving the house. This concept of being choosy with that I adorn myself with led me to be very detail oriented with my furnishings. It is for this reason that I am in love with Jord wood watches. They are beautifully designed and intricately made, and they have such a charming earthy feel to them that makes these watches truly unique. I really love the Frankie 35 Series (the one I’m wearing) because the face is a little smaller than some of their other collections, and as someone with baby wrists having a smaller face is necessary. The earthy tons of Jord’s watches I find really compliment the winter since it’s such a pale and dull season. The rich and warm colours of their watches bring a little hint of summer to any outfit making it a detail not to be missed. I’m not sure if the simple lesson that less is more was meant by my parents to teach me about accessorizing, but regardless it’s made so easy and chic with these watches! If you’re as obsessed with Jord as I am, check out my giveaway with them! There’s a link at the bottom of this post.

dsc_0250-copy ”JORD dsc_0353-copy

My watch, the Frankie 35 Series, is available here.

Follow this link to enter for a chance to win your own Jord wood watch. All entrants get a $25 discount code simply by entering the contest too. Let me know in the comments how you would style your watch if you won!

Love,

Lea

Luxury Wooden Watch
//www.woodwatches.com/widget-article/lovelylea