VANCOUVER
Thought I'd share some photos of my quick trip to Vancouver last week. Now James & I weren't the only ones celebrating. My good friend, Courtney & I got to celebrate our 4 year friendiversary! Four years ago right after Illuminate, I went to Vancouver to visit Rachel to shop and rest. It also happened to be the Olympics. Rachel was living in a cute suite in Kits with her friend Courtney. Now Courtney and I knew each other but we weren't "friends friends", just more acquaintance type friends. Unfortunately Rachel had to work most of my time there, but Courtney magically was off. You might think it was coincidence but I'm thinking God wanted us to be friends, ha. We joke that Rachel left Courtney to babysit me but it was actually quite beautiful because we became good friends because of those three days! We went on many olympic adventures and had a bunch of fun together. Courtney is now one of my besties (and was one of my bridesmaids) and I love her to the moon and back.
Courtney and I went over on the 9 ferry last Wednesday as James had to catch a later ferry due to school. We celebrated our 4 year friendiversary over beignets at 49th Parallel. (oh my gosh, I'm still dreaming of those dang beignets.) It was a quick but wonderful date as she had to jet off to babysit the Norman kiddos and I had to begin working on the models.
James and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day a little bit early and stay in a hotel instead of the usual friend's floor. It was a good choice. In the morning we ate a delicious breakfast at Cafe Medina and then scouted Top Shop. To be honest, I was definitely disappointed with their Spring collection. Too many weird colour combos and Asian patterns for my liking. We had to catch the 1pm ferry back so we didn't have enough time to go to Zara (sad times, sad times indeed.)
Man, I love visiting the big city. I really wish we could get around to visiting more. Why does the ferry have to be so pricey? #buildabridge
Happy Thursday :)
s.s.♥.
p.s. all these photos were taken on my iPhone and most appear on instagram, if you don't follow me you can do it here :)
OVERNIGHT WAFFLES
On Christmas morning I ate the BEST waffles I had ever eaten in my entire life. Better than any waffle that I have tried in a restaurant. For realz.
They were perfectly crunchy on the outside yet soft and scrumptious on the inside. My mind and taste buds were right out blown. I could eat those waffles for days on days on days.
I got the recipe from my sister in law who had made them on Christmas and when I starting planning my One Word brunch, I knew I HAD to make these waffles for the ladies.
They're called overnight waffles because you make the batter the night before and then leave it on the kitchen counter to work its magic. That may sound freaky to those of you concerned with "food poisoning and all" but I've had these twice and so far, I'm good to go. They're really, really, really good so please do yourself a favour this weekend and make these puppies.
recipe from smitten kitchen
To eat these the best way possible, make sure you have toppings on toppings on toppings. We had nutella, cookie butter, whip cream, fruit, syrup and butter.
all photos by Amy Gary Photography
Are you drooling yet?
Yep, now go and make these waffles.
over & out,
s.s.♥.
YOU&HER
I had the honour of attending the you&her Vancouver launch. I also got to attend the Victoria launch (and James' band, LIIRA performed at it!) I've talked to you about you&her before but just incase you need a refresher..you&her is a lingerie company started by my friend Christina Norman. Years ago, Christina learned that girls in Africa were dropping out of school at the age of puberty. Basically girls start getting their periods and because of lack of pads and undies, they are forced to miss school. They soon get so far behind in their studies that they have to drop out of school altogether. These uneducated girls immediately are vulnerable and most find themselves in hard situations like getting taken advantage of, getting hiv, getting pregnant, etc. (You can read more on this issue here!)
So Christina learned all this and she did what sadly most of us wouldn't do; she decided do something about it. She (a wife and mother of 3!!!) drew up a business plan and figured out how to raise awareness and raise money to give these lovely African girls a future.
you&her sells top quality underwear made in Vancouver. The profits are used to provide undies for girls in Zambia. You buying a pair = pairs for African girls. It's a win-win situation people.
So now that you know what you&her is, check out the launch!
I went over early to apply makeup on the models. Ok, to be honest, I was a little skeptical of a fashion show. BUT let me tell you, Christina and the ladies (Mahkeela & team) worked hard to make it tasteful. This was NOT Victoria Secret. They had real women covered in robes and pieces who were walking with a smile on their face. It wasn't sexualized, it was joyful. It was so refreshing to see.
Christina shared a beautiful speech to get our hearts on track with the vision followed by the auction. My friend generously gifted me (and James lols) the robe at the Victoria launch. If you can get your hands on it, dooo it. Every time I wear it, I feel like the most beautiful girl in the whole world.
It was so nice to catch up with Vancouver friends. The night had such a charm to it.
all photos by Katie Mills Photography
Now go and buy undies and help build a future for these girls in Africa!
xo,
s.s.♥
ONE WORD 2014 // NADIA
Nadia has been one of my dear friends for almost nine years now. She is a constant encouragement to me and I am so thankful for our friendship! Here she be...
I was inspired by Laura’s decision to choose ONE WORD to set the tone for her year. I have simply chosen a word in past years, one that I truly believe God has whispered in my ear. He has promised to unfold new and beautiful perspectives with this word over the coming year.
This year as the new year was unfolding, and truth be told i was a wee bit late on choosing my word. My dear friend Jessyca who lives in San Diego and I were skyping when we decided to ask God to reveal words to us to choose for each other. I chose RUN for her and she chose DRIVE for me.
It is beautiful How God confirmed these choices in the next week. As jess and I speak often we were skyping only a few days later and without thinking I told her that my greatest struggle in that moment was that I was trying to find my drive... She quickly reminded me of my word for the year. In that week she decided to begin training for a marathon! We laughed about it but she believes that a literal “run” is not what God was speaking. I love how listening to God’s promises can often draw us together. As my life can take many twists and turns It will leave me wondering what exactly God is doing in the current season. Since I have been home from California I have been striving for many things and God’s heart has shown me that all I need to do is be with him. He has shown me great favor and I am piecing together my drive in life. When I was in school I learned a great deal about dream interpretation. In this you learn that cars and vehicles often symbolize ministry. It is hard to know exactly where God is taking me in this season. What I know for sure is that I have some incredible and beautiful friends to go there with. At the moment I am still finding my drive and whether it is about “ministry” or simple everyday life. I am going to choose my vehicle and find my drive!!
all photos by Amy Gary Photography
Thank you Nadia for sharing! Love you girl :)
HAAPPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!
xo,
s.s.♥.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!
image via honestlywtf
Happy Valentine's Day!
Those three words usually spark 2 reactions: 1. lovey dovey fireworks in your heart or 2. ugggh. Regardless of your reaction, I want you to take in this verse today:
Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way! -Jude 1 MSG
There is a love that is larger than romantic love. A love that stretches wider, longer, deeper and higher than any Nicholas Spark's novel could. You are loved by God with this love and it is an everlasting love. He loves you, He loves you, He loves you.
So relax today. Rest today. And open your heart because His love is on the way.
xoxo,
s.s.♥.