Links of the Week-Good Reads

I think these 2 photos that I found capture those moments I have when I cuddle up to a book. I feel like Im in a different world where my imagination can run wild. I love the feel of books in my hands and the sound that's created when I turn each page.

One of my most favorite pastimes is to read so I felt like dedicating this week's links to some good articles that I have come across online. Not exactly book recommendations but just some stuff that I enjoyed reading. Hope you like them too!

♥ This article here at Abundance Tapestry made me become more aware of my actions and how they reflect my beliefs
♥ Define your personal strengths
♥ 101 most inspiring quotes
♥ The beauty of entrepreneurs
♥ Self Motivational Skills
♥ A letter to men
♥ Use your senses to refresh your soul
♥ Overcoming procrastination using self-talk
♥ Fashion & Posture
♥ How to find your own unique blogging style
♥ Parisian Style

Links of the Week

I havent posted links for a while so here you go guys

♡ Fear vs Love. An article written by Amy Fabulous and I think its definitely a good read.Check out some of her other posts as well.
♡ i love Becks' hippie inspired look
♡ Wanting what you can't have
♡ Dramatis Personae has a 4 part series on Developing your wardrobe palette
♡ feel like daydreaming? these are such lovely photographs
♡ experiencing wanderlust? check out these city guides at Design Sponge

Links of the Week - Illustrators

photo credit { miss van }

"Art is not about thinking something up. Its about the opposite - getting something down."

I believe that creativity is a form of energy that passes thru each individual differently. It goes thru one end the same but comes out the other end transformed. Transformed into inspiration. Transformed by the artists' perspective of the world, life experience, their passions, hopes, fears... Its one of the most interesting things in life. No matter what kind of art you create whether it be in music, design, painting, drawing, cooking, it is most important to be in tune with urself and the creative energy around you. This is when art happens. The kind of art that speaks to others and touches their spirit.

Here are a few of my favorite artists. After visiting a few of the links I think you'll catch on to a reoccurring theme. Most of these artists i love because they have a mix of 2 contrasting elements which are combined very well. Innocent yet erotic, whimsical yet twisted, mysterious yet playful. It reminds me of the contrasting characteristics I possess within myself. Ive always had inner conflict bcos of my clashing traits but its artists like the ones below that inspire me to believe that 2 can exist simultaneously. You just have to find the creativity to mix them well together to create an unusual and unique character.

❥ Im going to start off my list of links with none other than Audrey Kawasaki. I know she's not new with some of you bcos her artwork is quite popular. I would love to own one of her pieces. In 3 words I would describe her work as: Innocent, seductive and sorrowful

❥ Curiouser and curiouser...KuKula's childhood imagination was nourished by a mix of fairy tale fantasies and World War II horror stories which was a result of being neighbors to Holocaust survivors. Her work is full of symbolism and is sweetly disturbing. It's kind of like having your heart ripped out and then placing a cherry on top. What are your interpretations of her pieces? It would be interesting to hear her own. But then it would lose it's magic. It is not the job of an artist to explain their work - it's the viewers' own perspective & interpretation of what is being expressed that makes a piece more interesting & makes it art

❥ Peter Winnett is a fashion illustrator

❥ Danny Roberts is another illustrator but he's also a photographer & a graphic designer. He does a lot of celebrity portraits and I love his style of art

❥ Ray Caesar. Very dark creations. His subjects look very ghostly and vampire-like. Have you ever found yourself in someplace old, dark....dusty...empty and you cant shake off the feeling that you're not alone? Like someone unseen is watching you and you cant help but feel a chill run down your spine? Well that's how I feel when I view his art. It is truly genius when the artist can conjure up feelings inside you. Another important component of art

❥ Very chic fashion illustrations created by Cassandra Rhodin. You might have seen some of her pieces floating around over the net

❥ Aya Takano is a Japanese pop artist. Her characters are usually nude...girlie figures with raw knees. lol* I get a sense of naivete and precocious sexuality in her work as she has a very vivid imagination, painting futuristic and lively worlds

Sticking to the Valentines Day theme, here's a list of a few things that I LOVE:

Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. I like to have it with flax and sunflower seed bread and press it between a grill. mmmm* the texture of the bread is perfect with the warm and gooey inside. I love this as an afternoon snack
Getting letters in the mail...the old fashioned way. I actually received one from Rozzie the other day. These little things make me happy. I also love to see how ppl's handwriting looks like. It's very interesting to me.
Reading. I am the biggest book worm. Im always reading 3 or 4 at a time. But after all the ones that I have read I'd have to say that The Alchemist and Eat Love Pray are my most favorite!!
Having a movie marathon. When Im taking a break from my action packed life I LOOVE watching movies
Sipping wine and having a good conversation over dinner. One of the best things in the world
Italian food. mmm i love love LOVE italian food. If you guys are in Calgary you HAVE to check out Mercado if you havent done so already. If you're in Vancouver check out Trattoria. Kobe meatballs...mmmm*
I love the words: sprinkle, mint, glamour, daydream
Japanese mags especially JELLY & nutz
Eating at Guu with Garlic
Dancing, Pouffy voluminous hair, Slumber parties, Whispering secrets, Chocolate fondue, Making messes, Falling in love, The smell of suntan lotion, Long summer nights, Freedom

photo credit: {steffilynn }

Getting Cupid's Attention

Valentines day is just around the corner. I've always loved Valentines Day. It's probly bcos im such a romantic at heart. Some ppl are so bitter about this day but really, why do they have to take things so seriously. Is it necessary to be so against it to the point where you fill yourself with anger? Stop being such a hater. I do agree that it is just another day. every day could be valentines if you wanted it to but its one of those little things that i look forward to.

The History of VDay: Cupid was born. Im still waiting for him to shoot one of his arrows my way. Hopefully I dont fall face flat into the floor when it happens. Maybe I should start wearing flats just in case. 4 inch heels would be killer to fall in =( Here are some ideas I brainstormed to get Cupid's attention. Let me run them by you.

❥ Sneak up behind him and scare him. Maybe that could startle him into accidentally shooting an arrow at me. But I gotta be clever about it and plan it so that a cute guy will be around to get shot too

❥ Buy him a few rounds of tequila and hope he gets trigger happy

❥ Offer to design him a new outfit. Cupid needs to look pimped out too

❥ If worst comes to worse I'll have to bribe him with sweets. I will use all the chocolates and candy I get for Valentines and leave a little trail of them behind me for him to follow. When he gets close enough I'll jump him and demand he hands over those arrows. Sometimes a girl needs to take things into her own hands hehe

Links of the Week

I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be a sparkling year filled with wonderful surprises. Do something different this year. be more active, be more creative, laugh more, relax more...whatever it is find a theme for 2012. Mine is to take more action in manifesting my dreams.

♥ Turn your bedroom into a place where you can relax and daydream. Fill it with things that speak to you. Here's a cool collection of inspiring spaces. Im in the process of redecorating my room. I stenciled my walls giving it a damasked look, played around with feng shui (if you're serious about Feng Shui check out Feng Shui for Dummies. Its an excellent book) and made a folding screen which is also going to be my vision board. All I got to do now is add in the details. This will be an ongoing process bcos I definitely dont have the $$ to buy everything all at once. Which brings me to the next thing...

♥ Get your finances in check. I received 2 books this xmas from my brother in-law. One of them being Suze Orman's Women & Money & Smart Cookies. Im pretty excited to start learning to become better at managing my finances. I feel that its important to be in more control when it comes to money. Last year I was definitely out of control with my spending..taking 2 major trips to LA and NYC and also going to Mexico twice. Soo worth it but now Im left to deal with debt which i have to take full responsibility for. Carpe Diem right? But we still need to learn how to balance it out.

photo credit {i.Anton}

♥ Do something you've always wanted to do. For me its belly dancing. Ive always been very drawn to it. I find the music so enticing and the fluid movements look so sensual and almost hypnotic. So I went ahead and enrolled in a class with Goddess Dance and I absoultely LOVE it. The way your body moves makes me feel very in touch with my feminine side. Its an empowering feeling.

♥ Get in touch with your girlie side. Wear some pretty bows.Or how bout some floral necklaces?

♥ Invite more love into your life. Write more love letters. The Lost Art of Letter Writing. Scented Letters. Japanese Scented Pencils. There's nothing more delightful then receiving a hand written note. Dont be afraid to express yourself. Or get your dainty manicured hands dirty and start making handmade gifts. Check out some DIY projects and freebies at Creature Comforts and also i do it yourself is filled with lovely diy articles. BTW ill be adding a DIY section to my blog =P

♥ Start a blog. Here's a book of blog stars maybe they can help inspire you or read this article: 9 Tips to Start Blogging Successfully. Everyone has different reasons to start a blog...to make money, to share knowledge, to connect with other ppl with the same interests, to use as a creative outlet...the list goes on. Try it =)

♥ What kind of things do you collect? I collect postcards from the places I've traveled to. I also collect stationary. There's something about pretty blank pieces of paper that excites me. I also collect unicorns. obviously. =P Collecting things is a fun hobby just as long as it doesnt turn into clutter.

♥ Get a calender. I've been writing in a calender for years now. I jot down little notes on what I do each day so I can look back & remember things if I need to.

Links of the Week

photo credit: ME

{ catching the sunrise, Mexico }

Ive been quite the jet setter this year & I couldnt be more than grateful for all these opportunities to travel. I would love Paris to be my next destination. But now Im back home and ready to work my little bum off...and that definitely includes posting entries more often. If you guys have anything you want to see more of on my blog shoot me a msg. *Pew peww*

♥ Hansel and Gretel themed editorial

♥ nothingelegant is a store on etsy carrying the cutest products from korea.
I really adore their Rabbit Index Postit set I want I want I want!

♥ When i dream this is what it looks like...

♥ If you haven't noticed, braids are back in. It reminds me of my childhood when I used to braid my sister's hair.
Here is a cute Braid tutorial

♥ Love these collages from missDIORCouture

♥ Advice from Amy Astley (editor in chief Teen Vogue)

Links of the Week

{ Lady Gaga Hello Kitty }

♡ Closet Cravings is a blog I stumbled upon just recently. You find out what celebs are wearing & where you can buy it.
♡ How to make the legging trend work for you
♡Chanel recently launched a new handbag line called Chanel Coco Cocoon
♡ How do you make lipstick? From Doo Deere
♡ Halloween is coming up. Michelle Phan's Barbie Transformation Tutorial
♡ Supervillainess...goes well with my Halloween super hero project. Also check out Sombre heroines at CherryBlossomGirl.

Links of the Week

Your only point of power is in the present moment

There is so much wisdom in this. The only time you can make decisions and be happy is right now. You cant do it in the past bcos it doesnt exist and you cant make decisions in the future bcos it hasnt come yet. You can only take control of your life in the present moment. Accept where you are and realize you have the power to create the future you want. Here are some empowering links to start off the week. Enjoy.

♥ There are 2 really great articles Ive just read recently from The Personal Excellence Blog. Goal Achievement and Discover your Purpose. It is very informative due to the fact that each article is detailed and broken down into steps. It's a very good read and worth the time.

♥ “Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses” – Marilyn vos Savant. Do what you're good at

♥ I love this article. I read it a while ago and it has stuck with me ever since. Languishing in the Genius Trap You can always get better at what you do. And also 8 ways to Build your Creative Skill Set

♥ Soulful Relationships

♥ This song never fails to uplift my spirits. It always makes my heart smile. Do you have a song that does this for you?

♥ Saying no

♥ Something I wrote a long time ago on my old blog:

i*ve often struggled with my own sense of identity. who am i in this big world & where do i fit in? My appearence has changed & will continue to. Each day I experience moods, emotions & inner states that sometimes are so contrasting that I seem to be different ppl with each different circumstance that i come across. All these external changes can effect me inwardly just as inner change can alter you externally. But is there something that always remains the same? how do we know who we are?

well...i believe in a soul.I guess its not really who u are as an individual but how we experience God in us. We are all connected bcos we all share that essence inside. We CAN define ourselves as individuals but that doesnt explain who we really are esp since so much can change within & outside of us. Ultimately, who i am is who you are, who you are is who i am.

We are really not as seperate as we make ourselves to be bcos when you really touch on that essence inside it activates something we cant define. We start connecting with each other instead of setting ourselves apart...we see the innocence in others that we also recognize in ourselves. Sometimes we are brought to tears when someone has done something out of the kindness of their heart for us bcos their soul literally touched ours.

We always look up when we pray to God...thinking that he is somewhere up there or outside of us but what we dont realize is that God is IN us & when he speaks he speaks inside ur heart or in the actions & words of another person. If only we stop and take time to listen we would see lil signs that there is more than meets the eye. And if we paid more attention to ourselves inwardly, we can begin to open our eyes and that makes a world of a difference.

Links of the Week

mmm* designer cupcakes. I wonder if they taste as good as they look

♡ Lately Ive been feeling so burnt out from trying to balance out my life. So many things demand my attention.
Here's an article that helped: 9 Tips to Give Yourself an Energy Boost and also: A Guide for the Overwhelmed

♡ This song never fails to uplift me. Im so feeling it right now =)

♡ Tips for creating a happier you, How to Maximize Ur Pleasure and Joy and The Art of Smiling

♡ Sesame Magazine

♡ Delicious breakfast photos. Id love to wake up to this every morning...

♡ Aspiring Couture is a fashion blog/boutique I stumbled upon that features original work from aspiring designers

let me lay in the sun while the breeze carries me away

{ credit: yvetterinufio on flickr }

{ ♥ } I dont know what to write about but I feel like writing. My mind goes blank when I try but somewhere within me there is something alive...waiting to be expressed like a caged tigress ready to escape the moment she can. I feel that I have been saying less but feeling more... trying to grasp the new lessons I have recently learned about life and of myself. Sometimes I feel so sick of being earthbound.... like Im tied to an anchor... weighing me down when my spirit wants to fly. Fly like a purple helium balloon that was unexpectedly let go of. But I do realize that in order to attain any true fullfillment in this earthly realm I've also got to learn how to ground myself. I will, but not today. Let me float a little longer. The view is amazing up here

♥ Vintage Fashion: Take a look at these past magazine spreads from Vogue & Harpers
♥ Pretty jewelery by Alex Monroe. Birds and the bees and the blossoms
♥ Hear all the different accents from all around the world
♥ How to quiet your mind
♥ Need something refreshing for hot summery weather? pink lemonade recipe

Spring Cleaning

{ hmm...im kinda bothered by how lifeless the models look. but i love the styling in these photos }

Spring is so refreshing. Well maybe not in Canada cos its still pretty cold outside and there's still snow on the ground =( But nonetheless it is here... time to sweep out the dusty emotional residue, clear out your mind...replenish and give new life to your soul. Here's a lil list to help you on your way...

♥ Get a new haircut or a trim to get rid of dry ends caused by winter
♥ Clean out your closet and get rid of anything that you no longer wear. You'll be surprised how good this will feel. Our closet is full of emotional baggage. Just let go.
♥ Plan a swap party where you and your gfs get together and swap the clothes you decided to get rid of from your closet clean-up. Someone else trash is another's treasure.
♥ Paint your toes a bright color! I'm going to paint mine either pink or yellow tomorrow. What do you guys think?
♥ Try a new lipstick shade. I think I'll sit this one out =P

{ Jen Gotch }

♥ Look for a four leaf clover
♥ Spray on a refreshing scent. I usually wear "D&G Light Blue" during spring/summer and "Gucci Rush" during fall/winter. I know they're not new scents but I love them.
♥ Wear a flower in your hair
♥ Buy new bed sheets and pillow cases. Urban Outfitters have some pretty cool ones. And these His and Her pillow cases by Human Touch are adorable ( I like this one).

♥ Take a dance class
♥ Plan a road trip with your girlfriends
♥ Make a list of the ppl you've been holding a grudge against or resentful towards. Give the reasons why you feel that way towards them. Ask yourself is it worth holding onto these negative emotions? What good does it do for you? Learn the art of forgiveness
♥ Buy some fresh flowers. If you can try to buy local flowers because the ones that are imported usually have been sprayed by pesticides that are banned in North America. Not good for us and definitely not good for the environment

{ millalove on etsy }

♥ Curl your hair and feel them bounce around when you walk in your new spring shoes =)
♥ Share with someone one of your secrets
♥ Be a camera whore and devote an hour to taking pictures of yourself in your most favorite outfits. Make pouty faces, practice ur sexy face, find ur best angle, be silly, have fun and make love to the camera.
♥ Experiment and get creative with the clothes you have. Play around with accessories, match things you wouldn't normally put together bcos sometimes great outfits happen by accident. Remember to document them with a photograph
♥ Make out with your bf in the backseat of his car
♥ Buy a nice journal and start writing in it
♥ Take out your pencil and sketch pad and draw yourself
♥ Read about fairies. They look after nature and what better time to learn about them

♥ Change your wallpaper. This is mine. I got it from Kindred
♥ Give yourself a flirty look by trying a pair of fake eyelashes on. Use individual ones and place them at the corners of your eyes
♥ Make a scrapbook of your best memories
♥ Freshen up your complexion by going for a facial or giving yourself one

Do you have anything to add to this list? I'd love to know so send me some of your sweet loving =)

Links of the Week

{ credit }

♥ Beauty is in the Brain of the Beholder. An interesting article on how men and women's brain work differently when processing beauty
♥ How to speak Fashionese
♥ An article by Steve Pavlina on Overcoming Jealousy. I really enjoying reading his blog. It's filled with self-help topics
♥ Check out these lovely lovely spring wallpapers
♥ My Skins: This line of lingerie comes in 20 different shades of nude to match you and comes in a variety of styles as well. Great cuts, invisible lines and are made with very comfortable fabrics. It even has an online measurement guide to help you figure out your size.
♥ Workout in style. Designer yoga mats: Gucci and LV
♥ Lovely dresses by Sarah Seven

Maybe she's born with it...maybe it's photoshop. Photoshop works wonders.
Checkout these links to see what i mean:

♥glennferon

♥digitalpablo

♥xiaxue

♥metacafe.com

♥sex lies and photoshop

Links of the Week - Style

There are no set rules for how to dress and how to have style but there are always guidelines and tips you can choose to follow or add to your knowledge. Dressing up should be fun. That's what I love about being a girl.

♥ "Dear woman of the world: Everyone deserves the right to self-expression, especially if it is not conflicting with another person’s life...." read more
♥ Gala's guide to dressing up and choosing sunglasses that suit you
♥ Guide to Outstanding Personal Style from Doo Deere's blog
♥ Do a closet cleanse. There's a lot of emotional residue hanging in our closets. The jeans that will eventually fit you again after you lose 5 pounds, the dress that you wore on your first date, the "lucky" blazer that you wore which got you your dream job, the teeny bikini that no longer fits but you keep because it reminds you of "supposed" happier times when you were younger and thinner.... Ask yourself, does everything deserve to be there? Try not to hold onto things you no longer need. I promise you, you'll feel ten pounds lighter =P
♥ Improve your posture. It makes a big difference. Mentally it helps you feel more confident & physically you look slimmer and taller. As a bonus your clothes will look better bcos they are falling where they're supposed to

♥ I love looking through japanese fashion magazines. They are full of styling ideas.
♥ Browse stylish clothing at Chictopia
♥ Ask yourself: "Am I wearing the clothes, or are the clothes wearing me." Why is it that some ppl can pull off wearing outrageous items of clothing while others look like they are trying too hard? It's because the ppl who can pull things off know themselves, they know who they are. Intead of letting clothing define them, they use it to express themselves and their personality. There is a difference.
♥ Best designer deals on the web
♥ 5 Rules for Timeless Style
♥ Book recommendation: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style by Tim Gunn. "Its is important to note that there is a difference between homage and parody. While we encourage you to draw inspiration from your favorite inventors, this does not give you free rein to dress as an Angelina Jolie or Martha impersonator. Real style is achieved when accenting your signature look with one of theirs"