Happy International Women's Day

Today is THE day to celebrate the achievements of women over the past century. While we have come along way from the first international women's day in 1911, I think we still have a long way to go to achieve true equality.

A few Stats which may be of interest to you!!

• Of the world's 1.3 billion poor people, it is estimated that nearly 70 per cent are women.
• Between 75 and 80 per cent of the world's 27 million refugees are women and children.

• Only 28 women have been elected heads of state or government in this century.

• Women hold 11.7 per cent of the seats in the world's parliaments.

• Of the world's nearly one billion illiterate adults, two-thirds are women

• Two-thirds of the 130 million children worldwide who are not in school are girls

• The majority of women earn on average about three-fourths of the pay of males for the same work, outside of the agricultural sector, in both developed and developing countries
• In most countries, women work approximately twice the unpaid time men do

• The value of women's unpaid housework and community work is estimated at between 10-35 per cent of GDP worldwide, amounting to $11 trillion in 1993.

Source

If you have some extra time kicking around, you should watch this documentary, "The F Word, " which  aired this week on CBC.

Are you doing anything to celebrate today? We are attending the Scene and Heard Women's Film Festival which is being presented in honor of International Women's Day.

Ciao,

Karen

T-Post - The World's First Wearable Magazine!

Have you ever heard of T-Post? It is the world's first news source that is printed on cotton!! Here's how it works. Every six months the company takes a few of the top headlines from around the world, then they get an artist to draw a corresponding image to match the news article. The news article is then printed on the inside of the Tee and the artist rendition is printed on the outside of the tee. When you subscribe, they mail you a brand new t-shirt every six weeks. 


I have been in love with the idea since I first heard about it!! As such, I have been gifting subscriptions every chance I get. With the last subscription I gifted, I got a free t-shirt of my very own (we actually ordered it is size Large for Dominic but it came in size small, so I guess it is mine). So, this is the maiden voyage of the T-Post shirt - definitely a conversation piece!!

Sunglasses: Raybans

Scarf: Joe Fresh

Leather Jacket: Mango

Cardigan: Vera Moda

T-Shirt: T-Post

Skirt: Pink by Victoria's Secret

Boots: Madewell

And finally a photo of my amazing and talented photographer/husband!

Love, 

Karen

Springs Top Trends - Color Block

It is finally Friday, so I thought I would leave you with a bit of style inspiration for your weekend wardrobe!!


There were a lot of bright, solid, colors on the Spring/Summer runways!! And while we haven't seen color like this in a long time, I know I know they will be welcomed in my wardrobe anytime!! 


Not only does it look great on the runway, but it is a super easy look to pull off at home!! To achieve this look try mixing contrast colors, like yellow and pink or pink and red as seen by  Ninna Ricci and Loewe. Or try layering different shades of the same color, like Aquilano Rimondi  and Lanvin!! 


I think red and orange are definitely going to be big colors this season. So think about that when you are creating your fabulous color pallet!!! And remember have fun!!

Ninna Ricci

Aquilano Rimondi 

Lanvin

Loewe




  Hope your weekend plans are filled with tons of goodness!! Dominic and I are going to make some delicious Thai food tonight!!

Puss och Kram,

Karen 

Bang Trim???

One of my daily reads is a Cup Of Joe, which I must say is a fabulous blog!! Anyways, today she has an excellent post on a hair tutorial. While I did enjoy the romantic look of the three little buns, I was more interested in her friend's bangs/fringe. I have been thinking about growing out my bangs for a while now, but I have been putting it off as it is much easier to get a bang trim than to deal with in between bangs!!  I love the look on her and I think it would be a easy way to grow out bangs!!! What do you think???

Hope you are having a fantastic day,

Karen

Studio Lisa Bengtsson

What's inspiring you lately?? We just moved into a new apartment and although we are unable to paint etc, I have been dreaming about how I am going to decorate our little house on the prairie. 


Since our entire house in decorated in a 60's modern/cottage look, I decided I would like to put some fun 60's inspired wall paper in our guest room/office. I am so in love with this wallpaper from Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson!! I think it would look superb combined with ultra simple white accent pieces.  

Ciao,

Karen

Wind Wind Go Away, Come Again Another Day.....

There is the craziest of crazy storms here in St.John's today with  gale force winds and icy cold snow!! And I can't help but think about the wonderful winter we had down South last year. It has been exactly one year since I was on this beautiful beach in Mexico. And I have been day dreaming about the hot sand on my feet, the warmth of the sun on my shoulders and the warm ocean breeze. 

Stay Warm,

Karen

The Meridian 66!!

We happened to have our camera with us, when we were out for a walk on the harbour yesterday, so we thought we would snap a few pics. Although the outfit is not that exciting, it IS one of my everyday outfits!! I have been loving my leopard print belt and wearing with almost every outfit!! It just seems to give the look a lit but of pizazz!!! I would however, love a black leather satchel bag to complete the outfit!! I am still searching for the perfect one!!! And when I find it, I will be sure to let you know!

This is one of my favorite boats that has been sitting in the habour since we got here. I absolutely love the color as it reminds me of hot tropical seas, even though the boat is sitting in near freezing water. 

Shirt: Joe Fresh

Pants: Zara

Belt: Madewell

Boots: Madewell

Coat: Filippa K

Snood: J Crew

I hope you have some wonderful weekend plans in store. We having a bit of a dinner party which should be exciting!! Have a fantastic weekend!!

Muchos Besos,

Karen

Rosey Posey.....

I know that this rose salve has been popular for a long time but I have actually never tried it, until recently, when my sister bought it for me for Christmas!! And I finally know what all of the rage is about, as it is amazing!!! 

A multi-purpose salve, it provides moisture to all parts of your body including lips, elbows and knees, and  even minor burns. Not only does it make your lips super soft, but it gives them the perfect tinge of a dewy ruby red!! Plus, it comes in the cutest of tins, that I love carrying around in my purse!!! So, if you haven't tried it, I suggest you do!!!

Ciao,

Karen

And the Winner is.........

The lucky winner of the give-away, who gets to choose from one of two amazing necklaces is.......drum roll please.... Rachel from Rachel's Blog (Make sure to check out her blog for amazing blog for some great inspiration)!!!! So Happy for you and I am sure that you will enjoy every second of your new necklace!!  

Source

Thank you so much for everyone else that participated!!! If you really feel like you would love to have one of those necklaces, please don't hesitate to contact me,  as I am sure I could hook you up with the designer!!

Cheers,

Karen

Some Mid Week Street Style Inspiration!!

I was feeling like I needed a bit of inspiration to get dressed this morning. So, I turned to my most trusted style blog, Stockholm Street Style to get some ideas for today's outfit!! These are the looks which caught my eye and why!!

I love how she really worked the brown color pallet and the gold bow is a nice change from the black one we have been seeing everywhere.

She makes this outfit look so effortless and beautiful!! I would love to wear this today!!!

Love the pop of color that the pink pants give her!! Plus I have a pink pair of jeans which may be able to give a similar look!

This look is so simple, but I somehow love it!!

The layers of black that this girl has going on is amazing!! A perfect winter look!!

Well I am off to put all of this inspiration to good use!! Hope you are having a wonderful day!!

All my love,

Karen

Summer Memories

I feel like I have been away from the blog forever. In reality, we have just moved into a new apartment and we still don't have our internet connection hooked up!! I hope to have everything up and running by tomorrow!!

I love this print entitled, "Summer Memories" by Kristy Bee, who has a great collection of romantic and vintage inspired photography on her etsy shop!!! 

When we lived in Taiwan, we kept a fan similar to this one at the end of our bed to keep us cool at night. The fan was our saving grace - I don't think I could have stood the heat without it!! I can't wait to feel heat like that again!!

      Remember, today is the last day to enter the give-away!!

Ciao,
Karen

Navy Seal!!

Although the snow keeps falling, the sun is getting warmer and it is starting to feel like spring!!! Although it is our first winter here in St.John's, we have heard that the snow will entirely gone by March - which is only a few weeks away!!

I was so inspired by the beautiful french pouf that I posted about yesterday, that I thought I would wear my very own pouf from h&m. I think it looks lovely worn with this newly purchased shirt from Joe Fresh which was a steal of a deal at $10.00. I suggest that everybody go down to their neighborhood Joe Fresh and buy at least one shirt, as they come in a variety of colors. For only  $10.00, you can add a super versatile piece to your wardrobe - a definite must!!

Check out our little, rather big seal friend, just chillin' out on some ice in the middle of St. John's!! I think this seal is definitely a city girl!! 

Make sure to check out my give-away!! There are only a few days left to enter your name into the draw!!

Love,
Karen

Le Pouf Rose!!

I am so in love with this French Pouf from Ban.do!! I think it would be the perfect accessory for a valentines extravaganza!! Speaking of, what are your plans??? Dominic and I were planning on going to Raymonds, which is supposedly the coolest restaurant in town. However, since it is brand new, it seems as though they are already booked for the day of love. So, it is our weekend mission to find a replacement restaurant. Wish us luck!!

P.S - I also love the model's headband and the perfect color of her lips. I think I am due for a new pink lipstick!! How about you??

Ciao,

Karen

Happy Second Birthday To The Sweetest Little Boy!!

Yesterday, it was my nephew Otto's birthday. We talked to him on SKYPE and it really made me miss the little guys back in Saskatchewan. So, I thought I would post a picture of him. I know I am a bit biased but he is one of the smartest, sweetest and cutest two year olds I have ever seen!!

Happy Birthday Little Buddy!!

Love Aunty Karen and Uncle Dodo!!

Steven Allan Spring 2011

Have you seen the new Steven Allan Spring Summer Lookbook?? It is full of great summer dresses and beautiful hats that will have you dreaming about hot sand, the spray of the ocean and ice cold margaritas!! 


And check out the amazing espadrilles that the models are wearing!! I am so happy to see them out and about again this season!! I didn't get a pair last season but it is on my must have list this season (NOTE: It should be on yours too)!!

All My Love,

Karen

50's Inspired Wall Clock

I have been searching for this exact clock for ever. And now that I found it at Cosas - an online Swedish store, specializing in handicrafts from Sweden and around the world, they do not send to Canada.  I guess my search will have to continue - such a shame!!! 

If anyone knows of an online store where I can get such a clock and they will ship to Canada - please let me know!!

Hej Da,

Karen

Time For Another Give-Away!!!

It's time for another give-away!!!! These necklaces were made my friend Jordan Zakoor - who you may also remember from these photo shoots, when she came to visit me in Mexico last winter. 


Jordan's creativity and her love for fashion have resulted in an amazing collection of jewelry. Often showcasing her designs with her stylish and trendy outfits, I, along with many others have fallen in love with her collection!! So, I thought that you may also enjoy the chance at having one of her unique and one of a kind designs. Chosen by a random generated calculator, the lucky winner will get to choose from one of these two great necklaces. You can also check out the necklace here, when I wore it for last weeks photo shoot!! 

There are only two simple rules!!! 

1. You must be a follower of my blog on Blogger, Bloglovin or become a new follower.

2. Leave me a message telling me that you are a follower and give me your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

The draw is open to all readers - international and local!!
Draw closes Sunday February 20, 2011!!

Good Luck,

Karen

Chocolate Love

Since moving to St.John's we have been hearing a lot about this cute little, European Deli/Bakery called Manna European Bakery. So today, we finally checked it out and were pleasantly surprised with a great selection of Euro-style bread!! 

Luckily for me, they also sold these delicious, love inspired Belgian chocolates. We bought them for our dessert tonight but I think they would make the perfect Valentines gift for the one you love!

XOX,
Karen

Cute as a Button!!

Love this collection of white buttons!! It would look perfect in our white on white, Swedish inspired house!! I may just have to order them as I think I have the perfect spot for them!!

Hope you are having a wonderful day,

Karen

A Sunday Drive.....

Since we have moved to St. John's, we have started a bit of a habit of going for Sunday Drives. While I thoroughly enjoy these countryside drives, we primary take these drives so that Dominic can search out  potential surf spots. As we are never really sure where we are going, since we sometimes drive a little, sometimes walk a little, and sometimes we even hike a little, I am always unsure of what to wear!! I am however, getting a lot better at learning how to dress for the weather here in St. John's. I have learnt that on any given day, and at any given time it may rain, snow, sleet, hail, be cloudy or sunny etc etc. 

One way to get around this rapid changing weather is to layer, layer, layer - I can't stress that enough. I have been finding all sorts of layering options in my wardrobe - giving me a ton of possibilities. While I have been mostly wearing black and dark colors this winter - the sun on Sunday inspired me to put some color on!!! My entire outfit was actually inspired by the necklace that I am wearing in the photos - I think it looks a bit like a Free People add. Anyways, the necklace is made by my super creative, super talented friend Jordan Zakoor. Make sure to take a good look because I am going to giving a necklace from her collection away later on this week!!

Dominic particularly enjoyed these photos because just behind me is a newly found surf spot, but unfortunately for him it was flat!!

Necklace: Made By Jordan

Tank: H & M

Shirt: Cameo

Cardigan: Madewell

Belt: Vintage

Boots: Frye

Hasta La Proxima,

Karen