Quote of the Day

"Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly."

-Rose Franken

Happy Wedding Day, Erika & David!

(Photo via Le Love)

The Pursuit of Happiness

Tiffany's 10 Things That Make Me Terribly, Wonderfully Happy

1. Puppy licks

2. The smell of Paris at 6am when the patisseries are baking

3. My cozy, safe bed at the end of a long day

4. A day off with zero plans

5. Waterfront property

6. International airports

7. Health and family

8. The smell of a new car

9. Being free

10. Home decor stores

Thank you, my lovely Tiff! #2 made me so happy too! 

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

Quote of the Day

"Love is the difficult realization that something other than oneself is real."

-Iris Murdoch

For Erika & David

(Photo via Le Love)

Wedding Day

One more sleep. Tomorrow one of my best friends in the world is going to put on the most beautiful gown I have ever seen, pin a veil into her hair and walk down the aisle to marry one of the loveliest men I have ever met. Tomorrow is Erika and David's wedding and I absolutely know it is going to be the most beautiful of days. 

This couple seemed meant to be from the moment they started dating. There never seemed to be any hesitation or doubt about how they felt for each other; they fell in love as naturally as the shift of the tide. Erika and David's relationship has been a wonderful thing to witness and be a part of. They adore each other so much I know it is destined to work. But beyond their crazy love they care so deeply for each other as people, are thoughtful to each other and communicate so well. Their love is equal parts passion and friendship~ the very best kind, in my opinion. 

I know Erika is wonderfully lucky to have found David but David is profoundly fortunate to be marrying Erika. I met the beautiful bride eight years ago, as we wandered across Europe to study art history for two months. We stared at hundreds of paintings, explored endless cathedrals, slept in the coach for days on end, ate many cheap student-y meals and shopped like no one's business. In Switzerland I remember we stayed up until the morning light, talking endlessly about boys and love with Jess and Alexandra. It seems like a lifetime ago, but I still think about those nights. In the last few years we have grown incredibly close and we have always been there for each other, especially through both our choices of bad boyfriends. That streak came to an end when Erika met David. To see how much he loves her affirms to me that everything leading up to this point was worth it, because they have arrived here. 

Wedding day. I can't wait to stand up next to Erika as a bridesmaid as she marries the love of her life tomorrow. To my wonderful friend and her soon to be husband, the biggest congratulations in the world! I love you both. 

(Photos via A Cup of Jo) 

Quote of the Day

(Image via Paper Tissue)

The Pursuit of Happiness

Lauren's 10 Things That Make Me Terribly, Wonderfully Happy

1. Crisp, cold medium thread count sheets

2. An agenda-free Sunday

3. My grandparents. There are not enough words, they could fill all ten spots.

4. Love- the kind that endures beyond the fear of morning breath

5. Books, especially having the luxury to buy and build your own library, no matter how small

6. Education- it is a true gift

7. Gastrointestinally speaking, regularity

8. Recognition

9. Being moved to tears (of joy)- empathy can only be considered a true gift once confronted by those who are incapable of that particular emotion

10. Awareness 

Thank you, Lauren, for this incredible list! #9 gave me goosebumps~ it's so true! 

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

The Pursuit of Happiness

Paula's 10 Things That Make Me Terribly, Wonderfully Happy

1. Writing outdoors

2. Independent boutiques

3. Random acts of kindness

4. People saying hi to each other on the street

5. Eating

6. Good coffee

7. Independent films

8. Traveling

9. Good conversation and white wine

10. Listening to indie music while I cook and clean

Thank you for your lovely list, Paula! I can just picture you writing on the NYC steps above! 

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

Home

Last night while having drinks with Leah at West we rolled onto talking about the little project I've been working on and the happiness list she gave to me for this blog. My favourite pick of hers was #5~ the feeling of home, whether it be someone or somewhere. The physical idea of home has been rather transient for Leah over the past few years, as she has bounced between her birthplace in Regina, Saskatchewan and here in Vancouver several times. But I understood her words immediately, for just as Leah's idea of home is to be anywhere as long as it is with Greg, so we now feel about our friendship as well. 

Home is more than just a couch, a bed, a shower. It is where one feels safe and more themselves than any other place in the world. I have never felt particularly attached to any location I have lived. We moved a lot when I was a kid and the house we stayed the longest in I didn't particularly like. But a place is just a place. My home is now me and Lulu. But more than packing my animal in her carrier bag and wandering the city from apartment to apartment, my feeling of home is most complete when I'm with the people who understand me most in the world, specifically Leah and Greg. They are more than friends, they are my family. People I can turn to and go to no matter what I need, at any time and vice versa. They let me be me, encourage me to be me, crazy and all. I have never known friendship in this capacity and it inspires me everyday. 

I know nothing ever quite stays the same but I also know my feeling of home will always be with these two people and that nothing can ever change that, not even location. 

What or who makes you feel at home? What couldn't you live without? Where do you want to live more than anywhere else? 

The Pursuit of Happiness

Chris's 10 Things That Make Me Terribly, Wonderfully Happy

1. My morning cup of coffee

2. The way the desert smells after it rains. The air is fresh and redolent of creosote. 

3. Reading aloud to my wife while playing with her hair as she falls asleep

4. A good book and a hot bubble bath

5. My mother's homemade sour cream enchiladas

6. Being published

7. Swimming laps in your own pool. There's nothing but the sound of your breathing and your heartbeat as you cut through the water. Very contemplative.

8. Successfully navigating a foreign country

9. Having your work recognized by people you admire

10. Wrestling with my Frenchie

11. Feeling grateful for everything I have because a friend asked me to write down what made me happiest

Thank you, Chris, for your beautiful and heartfelt list! I loved this one so much. 

ps- The above photo is not Alfie Lopez, but still pretty darn cute! 

Quote of the Day

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

-Soren Kierkegaard

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

A Moment in Time

So this is what love feels like: Cuddling with a wet two year old, straight out of the pool. Green eyes and black curly hair. Hysterical laughter at being called "silly goose". A five year old whispering "I love you". Deep concentration while watching The Wiggles. Baby kisses.

Jamie, 2, with her cousin Keifer, 3.

Keira, 5

Jamie, the little ham, jumping in the pool, again and again and again....

Deep concentration.

Cuddling and colouring with my girl.

Dear Keira & Jamie,

I miss you so much when I don't see you. I wish you didn't live in Calgary, which may as well be the end of the world for as much as I get to see you two amazing little beings growing and changing. Jamie, you wouldn't even speak at Christmas for your shyness and now you are a little performer! When did that happen? I wish I knew. Keira, your confidence even at 5 assures me that you will always find your way in the world. So now I won't see you again until Christmas, when I will eagerly discover more new things about you two. I can't wait. xoxoxo

Little Notes

Dear feet,

Thank you for holding me up for 6 hours yesterday in very high heels and not scream at me in pain at the end of the night. I think we are finally beginning to understand each other.

Dear adorable top in French Connection with bunnies on it,

I need to have you. Please wait for payday for me. Thank you.

Dear Rangoli,

That dessert was the greatest thing ever. I am so glad you are in my neighbourhood. Finally, I know somewhere to go around here.

Dear Soy Toffee Nut Latte,

Thank you for making me happy (and awake, and less of a monster) every single morning. You are my constant companion~ and I am super okay with that.

Dear cute family on table 29 last night,

You melted my heart. Thank you. 

Dear my baby cousins,

I am so excited to see you today and hug you so tight until you squirm. I can't believe how big you are getting and that I haven't seen you since Christmas. I'm going to take a thousand photos of you and give you a hundred kisses. I wish your grown ups didn't live in Calgary with you. 

Dear life,

You feel kinda beautiful today. Keep it coming. 

Love, Ally xo

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

Life Lesson

(Image via Paper Tissue)

The Pursuit of Happiness

My Mom's 10 Things That Make Me Terribly, Wonderfully Happy

1. The orange cat crawling into my arms at night, happy and content

2. Happy, healthy children

3. Candlelight dinners outside with friends

4. A good book, a rainy day and a sofa

5. Coffee dates (morning, noon, night) with friends who listen

6. Beaches, lakes, rivers, puddles

7. The crispness of the air in fall and bundled up in a cozy sweater

8. A job I love

9. Giving

10. The day after Christmas when I can finally put my feet up!

Thank you, Mom, for your list! Your child is happy and lucky to have you! 

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

Best Look of the Week

It's Friday again and while normally I would do a round up of my top 5 looks, this week everyone else was blown out of the water so really there is no need for a countdown. There is only one look this week that was so incredible so as to garner mention and when looking at this photo, need I say more? 

Angelina Jolie attended the Los Angeles premiere of boyfriend Brad Pitt's film Inglorious Basterds this week in a Michael Kors leather strapless dress (who knew Michael Kors to be so amazingly edgy?) and Christian Dior gladiator heels. My jaw drops in awe of this woman (I know I don't need to remind anyone that this is a mother of 6). Her loose hair and lack of jewelry only focus more attention on those killer heels and her annoyingly flawless figure! The only thing I can say is..... if only!

Watch Who Looked Hot This Week on People.com here. 

The Pursuit of Happiness

Nic's 10 Things That Make Me Terribly, Wonderfully Happy

1. Pastries- the sugary kind, not the buttery kind

2. Puppies with paws and ears that are too big

3. Walking in the rain in my rubber boots

4. Shopping at Christmastime

5. Catching people performing random acts of kindness

6. Sharing an inside joke through a glance

7. Wearing something new and knowing you look fabulous

8. Themed parties

9. Crying during every movie ever made- it makes me aware that I have feelings!

10. My besties- I heart you and would die without you!

Thank you, Nicole, for your beautiful words! This one made me cry! As for #10, the feeling is very mutual! 

 

Nic, I couldn't decide on just one photo so here is my montage! xo