Finding inspiration

Sometimes inspiration comes from the smallest things. Today, it comes from the succulent my sister bought me and its little glass home. It also comes from my citrine crystal. Citrine, a form of quartz is meant to promote optimism and dissolve negative energy. Whether I actually believe in the power of healing crystals, having one beside my work station, or near me when I eat breakfast can't hurt. My family also welcomed a new baby girl this weekend, Kate, and she's a doll.  

It's Monday, and after a long weekend it's easy to have the blues or that sluggish feeling that comes from over indulgence. Whatever today brings, find the small things around you to bring a little bit of inspiration to get through the day or week.

Find the gratitude, and the rest will follow.

And on the fifth day, she had internet! (installed)

I've officially moved into my new apartment!

Here's what I've learned:

• Remind me to stay put: Every time I move, I vow not to do it again for at least 5 years. The amount of lugging, packing, sorting and organizing is exhausting. Don't get me started on setting up new accounts, writing checks and cleaning someone else's bathtub. 
• Minimalism is hotter than Jared Leto's man bun: The moment I don't think I have a lot of stuff, I end up with 28 boxes full of stuff. Moving makes me want to streamline everything. Do I need that stack of old magazines? (no, yes, no, yes) Do I need more than one sweater the shade of a highlighter? (no, yes, no). Making sure to donate clothes to charity, and sort through items that I can give to friends/family helps me reduce clutter and start fresh. Apparently that's one secret to happiness.

Speaking of reducing things, here are a few things I'm living without: 

• Science Ovens: When I first looked at my apartment, I almost didn't want to live in it because of the gargantuan microwave. It took up the entire counter of the kitchenette. I mean, WHERE WOULD I CHOP MY BEETS?! Finally, I decided not to make a decision based on one removable appliance. The first day I moved in, I made sure to motion to my father to unplug the beast and take it with him. My parents offered to give me theirs, but I declined. I'm going to try and live like my grandmother did. She didn't use a microwave, and she's the best cook I know. The whole thing reminded me of Jennifer Lawrence's character in American Hustle when she calls the microwave (which was a novelty in the seventies) a "science oven, that takes all the nutrition out of food." 
• Surfing Channels: When budgeting new expenses, I decided to forgo cable. I don't really need it, the way I need groceries or a place to sleep. I can spend the time I normally would flipping channels, flipping the pages of a book. Now before I sound like a high and mighty jerk, don't worry, I have Netflix, and friends with cable that I can bother when I want to watch The Academy Awards. 
• Humans: As mentioned, this is my first place without a roommate. I was nervous at first to try it on my own, but so far, so good. The freedom of living alone has allowed me to walk around scantily clad at all hours, and blast music while brushing my teeth in the morning. I do miss my roommate (because she is the best) but we talk so much, it's like I never left. 

The above photo features my first shot at putting something together. I bought the tray for $4.99 at Value Village, and the other items were gifts (my mom bought me the blue and white china tea pot; my sister and her best friend gave me the plants). The postcard I picked up at Me & Mine, a Toronto restaurant that serves the best brunch. I then framed it. 

I hope whoever comes to visit feels warmly greeted to meet my new space.

I'm already fondly acquainted.

Apartment Therapy

I originally asked my best girl Emily if I could take her portrait for my Everyday Beauty series this past weekend. I appeared at her apartment with my camera in tow, but she wasn't feeling her best for a close-up. Note: even without a lick of makeup, this girl looks better than the most dolled up doll.

Anyways, since I had my camera with me, I asked if I could shoot her apartment instead. I've been visiting Em at her bachelor apartment for the past two years when we reconnected after attending the same university program. It's a place where I can go to cuddle up with a faux-fur blanket, drink homemade Italian vanilla soda and have a therapy-like chat with someone who gets IT.

The space is white on white on white but Emily's eye for vintage (fur, fur, fur) and obsession with gold gives it an eclectic vibe. It's the type of space that screams her spirit, not Style at Home.

Below are some photos I took from my visit. Hello Jane Fonda! x