Mellow Yellow

I'm a big fan of no-name brands, and putting forth some effort in comparison shopping generic versus name brand items. There are some things however that you just cannot buy an Equality version of and expect the same product; things like cotton swabs versus Q-tips (seriously, they are useless and actually hurt!)

Dollarama is great for quick and easy items that you don't expect to last too long such as kids birthday supplies, gum and candles. I read once that you should never buy anything electrical such as extension cords or food such as chocolate as often times, it's made, not to code in China.

I bought a jar of honey which came in a small bear like container and for a buck, I thought it would be great in our tea since we were all out. Let me tell you, we took one taste of this and tasted some sort of unnatural chemical that surely had my mind reeling to the earlier reports of melamine traces being found in dollar store products.

We immediately threw that jar of honey in the garbage. This post has nothing to do with the dollar store and everything to do with the colour yellow which is associated with gold, mustard, sand and honey.

Enjoy these sunny images and remember, don't skimp out on the luxuries of life.

Dollar store coat hangers: Yes.

Dollar store honey: No.

Anthropologie

A friend of mine who knows that I adore all things vintage, suggested I check out a site called Anthropologie. I've since seen Anthropologie cited in both fashion and home decor references alike.

Apparantly, this retail and online chain of stores is run by Urban Outfitters Inc and is targeted for women who live in a household with an annual income of more than $200,000.

I would never pay the prices that are listed however it's fun to see how the other half lives. There are a few unique pieces that if you really loved, you could justify paying for....over the course of a few years! I personally am filled with delight when I consider sleeping on these vintage love letter bed sheets.

The layered look - Don't wear it all at once.

I once wore a skirt over dress pants to a club and a male friend of mine chided me: "What, you couldn't decide between them so you wore both?" Bingo.

I don't know if it's the gypsy in me that draws interest to wearing multiple pieces at a time, but I do love pairing the usual with something that makes it unusual; whether its high socks peeking through the tops of knee boots, dresses over jeans or a bunch of accessories layered accordingly. In the fall I love the look of long sleeves peeking under short sleeves or a jean jacket paired with a cocktail dress. It's really all about the expected meeting the unexpected.

I had a friend/roommate that taught me a lot about personal style. I used to marvel at her talents of throwing things together and making them look good. I once saw her wear turquoise and blue and thought to myself that I would never think of wearing those two colours together.

Style to me is not wearing the most revealing clothes. I've often been complimented on my personal style but I'm usually covered up in multiple layers so if you love to be scantily clad and revealing, the layered look is not for you.

I admit, sometimes I look back on photos and think that I looked like a Christmas tree wearing multiple shades of colours and accessories, sometimes all at once. I've evolved a bit since 1999. You want to be careful to be subtle with the layers or you could end up looking like a grunge bohemian bag lady.

Here are some images to inspire you!

The Urban Cottage

I didn't realize just how close Brantford is to the old part of beautiful Ancaster. When the mood strikes us, we will take the scenic route home instead of the highway. This road leads us past a quaint and cute little store called The Urban Cottage.

Friday was the first time we had the chance to stop and take a gander. The merchandise ranged from gorgeous rustic vintage pieces to sleek and modern mirrored furniture. The smaller ticket items such as unique napkin ring holders, room spray or water glasses were priced reasonably. There was a young girl I would say in her mid twenties who was registering for her wedding gifts. I think she chose one of everything!

The owners were warm and friendly. Upon our exit I noticed on the chalkboard a cute little phrase which implied that style is the difference between a bunch of stuff in your house and a space that is designed to make your heart feel content. Home decor, both inside and out, has become such an important part of today's culture. When we de-clutter our home and living space, we de-clutter our lives.

The Urban Cottage had something for everyone whether you are a first time home owner, redecorating or just want a special gift for someone who has everything.

Me personally, I'm going back for a delectable smelling cucumber mint candle. And maybe a mirror. And a wine rack. And a wall sconce.

I better get a second job.

Bye for now!