Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween!! I think that this day of the dead sugar skull from Perfect Face Studio would be the perfect necklace to wear today! I hope that you all have the spookiest Halloween ever and make sure to fill your bellies with lots and lots of sugar and sweets!

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Love.

Karen

The Legend of Aino

The Finn's have the most amazing tradition of name giving. The baby is not actually given a name for weeks or sometimes months after the baby is born. During this time, the baby is simply referred to as baby or as in the case of my niece, we called her "the prairie princess" (which her Finnish grandmother came up with). Once the parents get to know the child and choose a name that they think would suit the personality of the baby, they have a baptismal ceremony where they announce the name. And since all of the baby's friends and family are they, everyone gets to find out the name at the same time. We were all so delighted when we found out that our one and only niece was named Aino Sophia. Aino - for her mothers grandmother and Sophia for her fathers grandmother (that is my grandmother too). Not only is it a beautiful name with lots of meaning but there is a Finnish legend of the name Aino which goes as follows.

"Kalevala epic starts with a singing competition between the old and wise Väinämöinen and the young Joukahainen, in which Väinämöinen comes out as the winner. Having lost the singing match and threatened with death, Joukahainen, in his despair, promises his sister Aino in marriage to Väinämöinen in exchange for his life. Aino’s mother, too, takes a favourable attitude towards this promise, but it is a shock to Aino. Driven to desperation, she runs to the lake shore and takes off her clothes to go swimming with the maids of Vellamo. She sits on stone, which sinks, and she drowns. She does not die, however, but continues her life as a maid of Vellamo – a mermaid. Later, when fishing, Väinämöinen catches Aino – landing her as a perch in his boat. When Väinämöinen does not recognize his dead fiancée, she escapes from the boat in the form of a woman, mocking the old man" Source

Wouldn't it be amazing to be named after a traditional legend? What does your name mean?? Are you named after someone or something?? 

P.S - I have to say that Aino is the most stylish little girl I have ever seen (her Finnish grandmother made her this cute little hat). But I think it is inevitable when you come from a long line of stylish ladies like her mommas family!! Welcome to the world Aino Sophia.

Love,

Karen

Shades of black and grey...

I must start by apologizing for the lack of outfit posts lately but I was busy getting settled in to St. John's living. In addition, I have been feeling a bit low on my outfit choices.  It is not that I do not own many clothes, I do, however, I just did not bring that many of them with me to St.John's. I was only able to bring two suitcases with me, and one of those was full of housewares. As a result I kinda feel like I am doing the 30 for 30 challenge, only it is not by choice!! So, to refresh my wardrobe I picked up this cute little number from Joe Fresh! Paired with a chambray shirt, I think it is the perfect outfit fall outfit!! 

Dress: Joe Fresh

Jean Shirt: Zara

Boots: Madewell

Love,

Karen

Come Into My Parlour

I feel like we are really getting into the Halloween season this year. But I am sure that it is just St. John's love affair with all things Halloween that is rubbing off on us. Last night we attended this spooking evening of ghost stories which not coincidentally were all centered around the parlour (which I never knew could be so spooky). Held in an old port cellar, the evening included as amazing glass of Newman's Port which was once aged in the very cellar we heard the stories in.  So, if you are in or around Newfoundland this week, make sure to check out this event as it was amazing!! 

Love,

Karen

Built By Wendy - Fall 2011

It is starting to get a bit chilly here on the east coast of Canada and I can't help but lust over Built By Wendy's Fall line. Not only will everything in the entire line keep you nice and warm but will also keep you looking super stylish. So thumbs up to Wendy for making clothes for girls in the north that like to look good while keeping toasty warm!! Here are a few of my favorites from the collection!!

Solid Gold Overcoat



Popcorn Crew



Solid Gold Dot Knit Dress





Geometric Cardigan

Love,

Karen

Halloween Costume Ideas

Have you started to think about your halloween costume yet?? We were thinking about going as mary Poppins and the Chimney Sweep. It is not that scary but I think we have all of the necessary components of the costume so we won't have to buy that much. I would love to know what you are going as?? Do you and your partner dress up as a couple or by yourself??

Photos via pinterest

Love,

Karen

Timber Timbre

Halloween is just around the corner and St.John's is buzzing with all sorts of eerie activities in anticipation of the scariest day of the year. One such event, which we are attending this evening, is the Band "Timber Timbre". Known for their dark sound, their appropriately titled album "Creep on Creepin' On" will be sure to impress.  I can't wait!! 



Happy Saturday,

Karen

Turquoise and Caicos

This is my top nail color this week. Not only do I love the name (turquoise and Caicos), but the color makes me feel happy every time I look at my nails!! My sister painted my nails before and I left to St.John's and I must comment on the amazing job she did as they looked perfect for almost an entire week. Thanks Sonia!!

Love ,
Karen

Back in Beautiful St.John's

After six months of bee keeping in Saskatchewan, Dominic and I are back in Beautiful St.John's, Newfoundland! And since Dominic came 2 weeks before me, I was more than elated to be back here!! Sadly, we will only be in St.John's until the end of December at which time Dominic will be finished his Masters of Science. Since we are here for such a short time, we are going to try and take in as much as this amazing little city has to offer!! Our October and November schedule is quickly filling up with great shows, some dinner parties with some wonderful friends and even some cultural events!! But don't worry, I will be sure to keep you posted on the happenings around here!!

Love,

Karen

Do It Yourself - Pin Cushion

It is getting to be that time of year when it is starts to get colder and darker and suddenly indoor projects seem to be that much more appealing. When I saw this cute little project a few weeks ago, I knew that it would be a perfect winter project not only because it its relatively easy but it is super functional and I think it would instantly add to the decor of any sewing room. Plus, you can replace the color of the fabric and spools inside to match the decor of your room.

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Love,

Karen

Paris Chic

Lately I have been missing my short hair and I think this Parisian Beauty just inspired me to cut my hair again. I love everything about her hair - a bit edgy but also pretty at the same time!! What do you think?

Photo via The Satorialist

Love,

Karen

Interior Inspiration - How to Style Your T.V!

Dominic and I have never had a T.V before. We always thought that we could be more productive without it because there are so many other things to do besides watching T.V. Nevertheless, we have always watched a lot of movies/t.v shows on our computers. So we finally broke down and bought a T.V so that we could watch movies on a bigger screen. It is not one of those crazy big T.V's but just big enough for us. Now, the only problem is that we need to find a space to put the new T.V. After seeing these homes, I think that I am more partial to hanging the T.V on the wall. How did you incorporate your T.V into your house????   

      

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Happy Weekend,

Karen

Best Friends Forever

It seems like all of the cool girls are wearing friendship bracelets. And no longer is this trend just for kids but finaly adults get to join in on the fun of trading and collecting friendship bracelets.  I Love this collection of bff bracelets from Be Charmed Designs which is available at poppytalkhandmade.com.

Love,
Karen

99 red balloons go by...

We have had the most beautiful fall in Saskatchewan. The weather was hot, the sun was shining and the color of the autumn leaves were absolutely breath taking. Hence the amazing backdrop!!

If you are a regular follower of my blog, it probably seems like I have been posting a lot of pictures of this tank top. Well, it is true, I have been, but only because I love it. My mom always told me that if you love something, you should be allowed to wear it as much as you would like. And this is definitely the case with  this tank top!! I just can't seem to get enough of the   sweet little stripes and the soft form fitting cotton that seem to look amazing with everything I pair it with! 

 

tank top: T. Babaton (from Aritzia)

skirt: United Colors of Benetton

shoes: Repetto

p.s - just wanted to say thanks to my husband, who is the wonderful photographer behind these amazing photos!!


Love,
Karen