Taking a Break

Alright, it's crunch time at school right now, tons of essays due in a very short period of time. EEP! And because I'm a massive procrastinator I have barely started on them. Therefore blogging is going to take a cut back for the next couple of weeks, until early November. I'll try and post sporadically.

xoxo
Alysia

Simple Jam

I love Jam. Not crappy store bought jam, real homemade jam. It's the best. First thing in the morning a toasted English muffin with peanut butter and a dollop of jam? heavenly. I thought I'd share this super easy recipe I experimented with today to make yummy in my tummy strawberry jam (strawberries where 3 1lb cartons for $5 :D)

1lb of Strawberries, cut and washed
1/2 c. sugar
1 pkg of Gelatin

In a pot combine Strawberries & Sugar on medium high heat stirring occasionally until it starts to bubble. Reduce to Medium-Low heat for 40 minutes. Stir in Package of gelatin until absorbed. Let cool. Put in container/eat. Cook less for chunkier jam.

Super easy no?

xoxo
Alysia

Novelty Rings

When I saw this ring on AnniePants Etsy shop I fell in love. Who wouldn't want to declare their love of tea with this adorable ring?

xoxo
Alysia

Ralph Lauren : Rugby Line

I first found out about this off shoot of Ralph Lauren's line from commenter Samantha. After perusing the website I'm in love with it. Unfortunately the site is flash based so not pictures but the website is fabulous. Very prep-school tomboy looks for the girls. Blazers with large crests, cardigans with large crests, pretty much your standard Ralph Lauren feel, but a bit rougher, almost frayed. I have always loved Ralph Lauren for his simplistic American jet set feel and I think this line is a wonderful addition to his empire. Unfortunately it's not available in Canada, but here is the website anyways.

xoxo
Alysia

Vanilla Spice

The Body Shop has launched one of my favourite scents. Vanilla Spice is so lovely smelling, it drives me crazy! And right now the bodyshop is having a sale on, 3 for 33$ (at least on the US website, the Candian website seems to lack any details... hmmm... isn't it always the way?) My choices from this collection are the Hand Wash, the Shimmering Body Lotion, The Shower Gel, The Lip balm... lets just say the whole collection!

xoxo
Alysia

Happy Thaksgiving!

To all of you Canadians Happy Thanksgiving! I'm heading home tonight for the weekend so no new posts on Friday or Monday. Regular blogging will resume on Wednesday. Have a great weekend!

xoxo
Alysia

Tudor Style

Showtime has a great series of videos all about Tudor Fashion, reinterpreted in a modern way. Check it out here. They also have fashion trends reinterpreted with examples from recent collections. (ie. Florals, Volume...) Very fun. There is also a section about Henry VIII style vs. The Windsors, which is hilarious.

xoxo
Alysia

Nuit Blanche - Toronto

So Saturday this weekend was Nuit Blanche in Toronto (for those of you who don't know Nuit Blanche is an all night arts festival from Sun down to Sun up or 7pm - 7am) Toronto was divided up into 3 zones, I stayed in zone A because I knew it best (it where I live/work/go to school) At the ROM there was an exclusive concert by DJ Charles Kriel, which was kind of cool. Like the geek I am I checked out some lectures at the night school section and all in all it was a great night.

xoxo
Alysia

Colligate Cuteness

Being back at school makes me want to dress casual, but cute and put together. Here are some casual cute preppy colligate looks that I love.


This cute plaid shirt from the Gap is so easy to wear with jeans. It's lumberjack meets girly withe the puff sleeves and ruffles.



This cute cableknit cardigan from Old Navy makes me think of someone named Muffy or Buffy at the country club playing golf. Perfectally classic. And warm.



I'm also loving the sweater dress this fall and this one from Banana Republic is no exception.


xoxo
Alysia

Cute Overload : Shoes

These adorably cute Marc by Marc Jacobs rat shoes were way to cute not to post about. They also come in cow version.




Thanks to Cute Overload for the heads up. You can get them here on Amazon.

xoxo
Alysia

Styling Pooch

Owning a large dog can be somewhat hard when looking for cute doggy clothing, however Old Navy has come to the rescue! Cute AND affordable with sizes going up to XL (which will fit a dog OVER 75lbs) this is a great choice for dog owners. Here are some of my pics.



With the cold weather coming this adorable parka will help your puppy stay warm on the slopes.



This cute little jacket is great for fall days when you're going for walks.



My favourite out of the bunch let your pooch declare it's superior bloodline with this truly royal hoodie.

xoxo
Alysia

images from Oldnavy.com

Lela Rose Spring 2008

I love the saturated colours at Lela Rose this spring. The navy jacket with the green skirt is my favourite colour wise, and I'm loving those dresses.

xoxo
Alysia

photos from style.com

Tory Burch Spring 2008

This collection by Tory Burch is very collegiate feeling to me. Lots of cardigans which I love. And I'm glad I'm noticing gladiator sandals again.

xoxo
Alysia

photos from style.com

Drinks : Bottlegreen

I was first introduced to Bottlegreen a few years back at a garden show. The bubbly drinks offered for sample where tasty and I bought a bottle. A couple of years later I noticed Bottlegreen in my supermarket, much to my delight. I've only ever tried the Pressé's, which are light and refreshing. My favourite flavours are Citrus, Ginger & Lemongrass and Elderflower. On visiting their website I'm excited to see they offer sherbet as well as drinks. Give it a try whether you're entertaining or want a break from sparkling water.

xoxo
Alysia

Peter Som Spring 2008

I love love love this collection. It's fresh, girly with just the right punches of colour. Loving the full knee length skirts.

xoxo
Alysia

photos from style.com

Samples : Origins

Right now at Origins counters you can get five free samples of their top 10 rated products. All you have to do is sit down with an Origins employee and discuss what you want/your concerns from/about your skin. It takes about 5-10 minutes and the samples are really nice

xoxo
Alysia

Happy Birthday To Me

So I am turning 21 on Friday and seeing as there is no boyfriend to buy me expensive gifts, I do that for myself. This year I went all out and splurged.



This cute little BCBG top (like I need another navy top) is great for fall. I can wear it on the warmer days by itself, or cooler days with a jacket. Even in winter if I pair it with a long sleeve t-shirt it works.



My purse of the year (this year it's two) This lovely Micheal Micheal Kors shoulder bag is great. It's just big enough to fit my books for school so it does double duty. Mines in a more chocolate brown rather than the tan shown here.

I also got myself a new leather jacket for fall shown here from danier. The leather is so supple and soft <3 and the buttons have a cool crest on them with lions.

Needless to say I spoiled myself thoroughly.

xoxo
Alysia

Decorating : French Touches

This adorable tea light holder from Teatro Verde is a great way to bring Paris home. I have mine on my coffee table, and I've seen them used as center pieces.

xoxo
Alysia

Back To School Shopping : Part Three

Because I hate wearing contacts and I have a new obsession with eyeglasses I thought I should get a new pair for back to school.


These purple ones from Furla are great. They play to my funky side and I love how they add flair to boring outfits.



Not new but I can finally use this (I have to hide some of my purchases when I'm living at home during the summer) the Coach Legacy Slim Tote I was coveting earlier this year. It fits my laptop plus all my other stuff.



I finally got around to checking out Forever 21 (which just opened in Canada this summer) and this cute little top caught my eye. I like the hearts and the pockets.

That's it so far! I sure do spoil myself.

xoxo
Alysia

Back to School Shopping : Part Deux

Things I don't have pictures of yet: A cute purple striped sweater from RW&Co, a Gorgy grey tweed bell sleeve jacket from Joe Fresh, and a Blue and Cream striped sweater featured in Wish Magazine from Joe Fresh (don't you hate it when websites don't have what you bought on them?)



What's back to school without new makeup? I picked up Chanel's Glossimer Lip gloss in the lovely shade of Praline Giggle (which is the exact shade of my lips!)



Yet another 3/4 length cable knit sweater from gap, but in grey.



A girl can never have to many pairs of jeans, and these Olivia fit by Mavi are great. I have them in a darker wash then shown, but they are just perfection.

xoxo
Alysia