1086

I should probably do a little more studying and a little less watching Whose Line is it Anyway...

1077

I bought this album for a grand total of $3 (which is STEALING by the way). I love it. It's haunting and beautiful, and I love Chan Marshall's voice.
I am just as proud of this purchase as my $5 handmade bread box.
In fact, I'm going to use my $5 handmade bread box to hold my $3 Cat Power CD. (I'm living large right now for sure.)
I really don't know how I ever lived before I bought secondhand things.

1038

Recently, Esther passed on this Canon FTB film camera to me. I looked it up (and luckily enough, found the manual online), and it's from the 70's or something like that. Crazy right?

I think it's pretty safe to say that I've fallen in love with it. It's been so long since I've gotten pictures developed, and I'm so excited to the point that I've decided that I need to go and buy a ton of photo albums just to fill them up. 

I feel like it suits me, because film photography really isn't useful for anything these days apart from giving joy to hipsters, artsy folk, and sentimental people (I fall into the 'sentimental' category, by the way), because it's not as reliable as digital photography. I love that you don't know how the pictures are going to turn out, but I hate it at the same time, because I miss out on getting that "perfect" shot down pat. With this, you can't just take a picture, look to see if it turned out okay, and then adjust accordingly. Instead, you have to trust in your own skills, take an extra shot just in case, and then hope for the best.

And I'm still fairly noob with this whole photography business, so it's been a challenge. Half of the photos in my first roll turned out too dark, and I would say that none of them were phenomenal. My second roll was even worse, because I accidentally ripped it as I was taking the film out, so most of those pictures didn't end up turning out at all. I did get this vintage-y-looking effect on 4 of the pictures, which is kinda cool.. But I was still pretty choked that the rest of the 20 pictures were damaged beyond the point of even getting developed, and I knew that there were some good ones in there for sure.

And then there's the third roll, which is what made me feel like all my effort was actually going to towards something! Obviously, not all of the pictures turned out amazing, but I did get some that I'm pretty proud of. 

It does suck when you're really hoping for a shot to turn out nicely and it doesn't. But there's also something unexplainable about getting attached to a picture before you even see it, waiting for it, and then having the results be better than you expected. I'm weirdly excited about it.

I can't wait until my scanner gets fixed, and I actually show people what the pictures look like!

1036

Reasons why today was so wonderful:

1. I started off my morning by having a coffee interview with a French couple who started a website to promote "collaborative consumption" called Troc Exchange. Basically it encourages people to trade their items instead of throwing them out and creating more waste, and half of their revenue goes towards non-profit organizations. I don't know how to describe it, but sometimes people are so beautiful that it makes me want to cry. I admire their passion for change (and French accents) so much, and I didn't even notice when my tape recorder stopped, because I was so intent on listening to what they had to say. They were such appreciative and genuine people. Not to mention, their son is the absolute cutest thing in the world.

2. The sun is out! I spent my afternoon reading in the grass with Cookie, and napping in the sun. I finally finished the first book of Game of Thrones so I can start on my pile of books I picked up from my latest Value Village scavenge. And use the book mark I made at camp! And no, it's not ridiculous at all.

3. One of the loveliest short films I have ever seen:



4. It's Mama Ho's birthday! I made her dinner, and we had cake with the rest of the fam jam. She's on a break from her chemo for an indefinite amount of time (hopefully it will be a while!), so I'm glad she didn't have to spend her birthday in bed. Seriously, PTL!

5. I'm leaving for 3D Camp tomorrow, so I've been trying to finish a last-minute article, and pack. It's been so crazy, because I came back from camp not even 3 days ago. I guess procrastination does pay off because I haven't exactly finished unpacking from Cedar Springs..

1020

Things I Like:
#84.


I have a new favourite app!
It's called Cinemagram, and it's an app that makes a hybrid between picture and video! You can record a video, and then pick which part of the video you want to be still or animated.
Check out my first one:

Camera

It's free too, so get on it!

1018

Things I Like:
#83.



I still can't get over how absolutely adorable and talented these girls are. Seriously, 12 and 8 years old!

1005

kick, push, coast

998

I am REALLY stoked to write this blog post because it's all about FOOD! Here's a few things that I've been enjoying lately:

Greek Yogurt

I've heard so many things about how greek yogurt is good for you, and how it's low-fat and so full of protein so I decided to buy some and experiment. Texture-wise, it's more thick, so I get why some people don't like it, but I found some pretty good combinations with it (like with fresh-cut mangoes in the picture above)! I found a few more recipes online that I want to try, so I'm probably going to buy more in the near future.

Avocados

I probably sound like a health food nut or something, because I'm listing all these "super foods," but seriously, this stuff is good. 

I can always count on eating well whenever I go to Abby's, and when I went last week, I definitely was not disappointed. We made sandwiches with sliced avocados, peppered smoked salmon, and goat cheese. It sounds like a weird mix, but all the flavour explosion in my mouth worked for me. Plus, Abby made some quesadillas and homemade guacamole later in the day, and as usual, it was amazing.

Caterpillar Roll from Sushi California

I've had this roll twice in a week, and I think it's because of my renewed love for avocados. That, or I just really enjoy the novelty of the fact that the roll really does resemble a caterpillar. Either way, I go to Sushi California so often that it's not even funny, so this will probably become a staple to my diet.

Red Velvet Cupcake from Cupcakes

I LOVE red velvet cupcakes, because they always come with that phenomenal cream cheese icing. I've always thought that Cupcakes has been a little overpriced, but I also find that I never regret buying a cupcake as soon as I take my first bite. Their icing is always so thick and creamy, but it never gets too rich or sweet either. My mouth is watering just reliving the moment of eating this cupcake!

Nachos from Foundation

I've been dying to check out Foundation for their renown nachos, and also because I have a soft spot for vegetarian food. The place itself is pretty grubby, and the service is absolutely terrible, but if you like hipster things (seriously, glass jars as cups. You can't get more hipster than that) and vegetarian food, this is the place to go. Actually, even if you don't particularly like vegetarian food, I still say give this place a try. I don't know what it is, but these nachos were seriously the bomb. I can't wait to go back and try other things on their menu!

High Tea at Faubourg

I haven't had high tea in forever, so I was really excited to try out this quaint French place on W41st. They also have a coffee shop attached, and I'm definitely going back for some of their pastries. I was a little bit disappointed that they didn't have a huge selection of teas, but nonetheless, it was still pretty good. And I say pretty good, because it wasn't the best I've had, but it was better than okay. Some of the finger sandwiches and desserts were seriously prime. And I could barely understand what our waiter was saying through his French accent, so you know it has to be legit. The coffee shop was bustling, but the afternoon tea section was pretty quiet, so it was relaxing to just sit for a while and chat with a few of the lovely ladies in my life.

But anyways, I'm going to tie up the post with the theme from tonight that somewhat relates to food:

"You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows" - Psalm 23:5

I guess this would be a reminder to myself that what God gives to me isn't just a table of food. He gives me a huge feast that is overflowing with a never-ending source of replenishment, especially when my heart aches like it does right now. He will just keep giving more and more, and He will never stop.

983

My Casio Retro Gold Watch finally came in the mail today! I've never been someone to wear watches, but I saw my friend with this one, and I wanted to get one immediately, 'cause it's so vintage-looking.

I'm 80% sure it's fake (what else can you expect for $30?). And my dad looked at it and said, "Why do you have a man watch?" But I love it.

982

Things I Like:
#82.

This online art gallery of Pokemon prints:

http://pokemonbattleroyale.tumblr.com/

151 artists each chose one of the original 151 Pokemon and created a piece representing the Pokemon. It's pretty sweet, and it's interesting to see the different kinds of art and interpretations. I really want a print.. But they're kinda expensive.

930

Things I Like:
#81.

I spent a sunny Saturday afternoon at Granville Island today. We did a photo scavenger with Food Society, so we had a good time taking awkward pictures and running around the market doing challenges. I've only been there twice, and both times were at night, so it was a lot of fun exploring the area with all its quaint shops, gorgeous waterfront view, and endless amount of buskers. I bet Emily Carr students get inspired just by being there alone. It's probably even more lovely in the summer, so I hope I'll go there with some of my girls when the weather gets warm!

I've heard a lot about the Granville Island Tea Company, so I was excited to finally be able to buy some tea from the shop! A friend recommended Brandied Apple, and the woman at the counter recommended us Lady Londonderry (which is strawberry and papaya flavored), and I love fruity teas so I'm stoked to try them! We also bought some candied and flavored smoked salmon, which is always a treat, so life is good right now.

Today, I also watched Hugo, which is such a beautiful film. It's set in old Paris (which I absolutely adore because everyone looks so classy!) and is about a boy who lives in a train station. The movie was extremely well-done and you won't be able to help falling in love with the characters. I highly recommend to anyone who reads this to see it!

Also, I would like to live in a floating house. Maybe not a pink one, but I can't imagine living anywhere that isn't close to water... And I guess this is literally the closest you can get!
That is all. Goodnight!

913

Sometimes I don't realize how much pressure I put on myself until I realize I'm still shaking 4 hours after everything's over. And that my body is going, "Wtf are you doing to yourself?"
But I was pretty stoked to finally fall into my bed at the end of the day, and see that this was chilling on my pillow:

And then I realized that I miss when it was you, and not a piece of silicone, that was the best part of my day.

907

Things I Like:
#80.

I can never get enough woven, patterned sweaters and cardigans. It's a bit of an addiction.
I bought this one off a friend for $2. So sweet!

901

Things I Like:
#79.

My mom just gave me this True Color Mocha Latte Eyeshadow Quad by Avon in Latte, Beige, Iced Coffee and Espresso. I like it mostly because of the coffee-themed color names and partly because they're colors anybody could pull off.

I finally got around to painting the cup that Lem got me 2 Christmases ago. It's not even close to perfect, but I think that gives it character.... Right? Anyways, it probably holds the amount of liquid equivalent to two mugs, so I can drink tea until I pee my pants without having to go down to the kitchen for a refill.















I've been to Cafe Deux Soleil a few times before, but I've only ever gotten drinks there. My girls and I decided to have lunch there. All their food is vegetarian, and some of it is only mediocre... But the wrap I got was AMAZING. It's just vegetables and rice... But it's not JUST vegetables and rice. There was so much flavor and the bean sprouts were wonderful. I was full, but I kept eating because it was just that good. I would definitely go back again just for that wrap.

I love hitting up hipster vintage places. There's a certain smell to shops like that, and it always feel welcoming. I'm pretty cautious when it comes to buying used clothes, and vintage shops tend to jack up the prices a little bit, but I still love the process of looking through everything. And occasionally, I'll find something good!

This is what my friend Abby has hanging over her bed. She always decorates her room really nice, and it never fails to look really homey. I wish my room was neat enough to make it worth decorating like this.

Home-made cookies. There's not much more to say.

898

Things I Like:
#78.

My polka-dot panda iPhone case - a recent, and in my opinion, freaking adorable, purchase from my online shopping excursions.

893

Things I Like:
#77.

I was looking through my blog, and I forgot how much fun it is to do Things I Like posts, so here's a short one about two of many wonderful gifts that I received for my birthday!

I guess word spread around that I really like nail polish. The first three are from American Apparel. Two are lovely pastel shades, Dynasty and Rouge, and the third is Smoke Dazzle Metallic (I'm currently rocking this right now). The one on the far right is Magnetic Polish from Nails Inc. It's SO cool and makes me feel like I actually know something about nail art. When you put it on, it's just a solid color, but then when you put a magnet over it, patterns come out! I know there's some scientific explanation about how the electrons move and blahblahblah, but to me, it's more like magic. Screw Sauder, I think I'm on my way to becoming a manicurist!

My cousin got me this gorgeous journal, and I'm so excited to use it! I'm actually going to forgo writing in it to start yet another mini-project: an art journal! Going through high school, I did band, so I always felt like I missed art classes. They were always so chill. I'm not great at drawing or anything of the sort, but I'll definitely have a lot of fun finding more creative ways to show where I'm at in life apart from writing.

I was going to do more because I received a lot of amazing gifts (like that one-meter long bar of chocolate the boys got me.. I mean, where did they even find that?) ... But I'm not going to because I'm suddenly lazy. Goodnight!

863

Things I Like
#76.

Salsa, avacado hummus (Guacamole AND hummus together??) and Nutella.
It always starts as a snack, and somehow, turns into a meal.

Playlist #2.

My friend's birthday was last week, and since he lives in Kansas, I mailed him a mixed CD. This list is made up of tracks that either have been my solid favourites for a very long time or are songs that I know I will love for many days to come. Here it is, The Andrew Mix!
Happy Birthday friend and see you soon!



Oviedo - Blind Pilot
3 Rounds and a Sound - Blind Pilot
The Beat Stuff - Hannah Georgas
Peach Plum Pear - Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy)
The Indie Queens Are Waiting - Dan Mangan
Robots - Dan Mangan
Consolation Prizes - Phoenix
Daylight - Matt & Kim
Sleepyhead - Passion Pit
This Woman's Work - Greg Laswell
Reasons to Love You - Meiko
Safe Travels - Peter and the Wolf
Excuses - The Morning Benders
Promises - The Morning Benders
Futile Devices - Sufjan Stevens
Blue Skies - Noah and the Whale
Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear
No Intention - The Dirty Projectors
Casmir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens

861

Things I Like
#75.

I finally got my Pinterest invitation in my email, and I have been spending my entire morning on the site. I'm really excited about it, because Pinterest is a way for me to finally organize all the things I find on the internet that inspire me. I spend a considerable amount of time surfing blogs and the "Pin It" tab that I have in my bookmarks bar is super convenient.
Here's a link to my Pinterest!

860

There is always something relieving about crying over something for the first time, even if you think it won't help anything.
There's nothing strong about keeping it in, because that's not keepin' it real.

Things I Like
#74.

The winter season and my tendency to shop in the men's section feeds my addiction to buying knitted pullovers and Christmas-esque sweaters. This is fueling my less-than-needed shopping habits, but hey, I find a look that I dig, and I stick with it okay?

858

Things I Like
#73.

My mom recently gave me this tea set by Tea Forte, and I fell in love with it immediately. First of all, their triangle-shaped tea bags are absolutely adorable, and my favourite colour so happens to be green. I've never really had a need for tea trays before since I usually just throw leaves into a pot to brew tea*, but this one actually serves its purpose, because you're definitely going to get more than one cup of tea out of each bag. And doesn't it just look so nice all together? This set only comes with standard teas like Earl Grey and Chamomile, and as much as I love trying new flavours (like David Tea's Chocolate Chili Chai??? I haven't tried it but let me know how it is if you do), the basics are always good to have. I've been browsing their site fighting the temptation to fill our tea cupboard with more boxes of exotic teas with fancy names that my parents keep telling me to stop buying and tea accessories that we really don't need. All in all, this is the perfect companion for all the books in my shelf that are half-finished that I am DEFINITELY going to finish this break.

*this is mostly because I'm lazy and don't like walking up and down the stairs for refills... and if I spill anymore liquids on our carpet, my parents are going to slaughter me