where i'm at.

Here's a peek into my head this Thursday. I'm crushing on messy hair and rolled sleeves, craving to watch an episode of Friends (it's never on TV anymore!), and wishing everyone's favorite two-some a happy birthday. 

I took the month of May off (from what? Well, working for free, stressing about jobs/the future...) to go visit the West Coast. I think it's so funny how you can make the best plans and usually they don't happen. Yet - if you're open to it, somehow you always get what you need. For me, my vacation was a little less about working and rushing to squeeze in B.C. It was much more about spending time with three of my favorite people (it's been too long), searching for the perfect graphic tee (got it), catching up on important things like Mad Men and New Girl, and visiting my favorite coffee shop way too often. 

Now, I'm back in Montréal and happier than ever to be here. My drive back into the city was astounding - green leaves everywhere and at the moment my backyard looks like the secret garden. I'm praying for an excuse to stay here beyond September, but we'll see what happens.

xx Nat

. . . SURPRISE!

If you have never been thrown a surprise party then you need to get new friends. Well, maybe that is a little bit harsh, but you do need to give them a hard time for not throwing one for you! I am of the belief that everyone should have a surprise birthday at least once in their life as there is nothing quite like it. For some reason the victim of the surprise is always extremely frustrated with all their friends prior to the surprise, but I believe that is what makes it the best!

This year my boyfriend and some close friends attempted the impossible – to surprise me with a party. For the most part I try to stay humble, but when it comes to intuition I believe I am a cut above the average. However, on a sunny March eve a few of my close friends gathered in a quaint golf course banquet room and showered me with love, to my surprise. It was splendid. We ate, laughed, and communed. A few kind souls blessed me months ago and this past weekend I had the honour of repaying the favour for a much deserving beauty queen. This party was done in style. Here are a few photos from the evening...

 

 

 

xoxo rachel

time to head into the unknown.

Sharing this today because I love seeing wonderful people do exactly what they love and are meant to be doing with the people they care most about. I have the pleasure of knowing a couple of these folks, and today they graduate and head off on another journey, as do several of my friends (including our own Miss Rachel). Here's another song by Atlas for the road, an encouragement to all of you who feel like life keeps veering off of course (it's no secret that success is not a straight path), a reflection on farewells, and a big hug from me.

xx Nat

striped tees.

Groundbreaking, right? Who doesn't wish for the the certain "je ne sais quois" of a French woman once the layers start to come off? I bet you are wishing for the perfect striped shirt for summer too. I think mine might have royal blue stripes and be worn rolled to the elbow, like these ladies. If I could get a Kronenberg and a sailing boat to accompany it...well there goes the summer.

the promise of spring.

This beautiful sketch by Bernadette Pascua had me swooning today. Reminds me of that perfectly crisp time when Spring is starting and the winter jackets just start coming off. Toques are no longer necessary. And also, something about that flared leg looks so fresh (admittedly, I'm a skinny-legholic).

Today after dinner I stepped outside into the dusky streets and walked around the very calm neighbourhood. The air was still warm and the promise of summer evenings was very palpable. It's a tradition I intend to continue.

yoga talk.

Can someone (other than Garancé) please level with me here? When does one go from hot, sweaty mess to beautiful, stress-free yoga bliss?

I'm in the midst of trying to find the perfect exercise for me. Anyone who knows me will roll their eyes and say I've been doing that for the past five years (and they'd be right). I was so spoiled as a teenager, to constantly be involved in sports and never have to give a second thought to how I'd get my physical activity. But once university hit, everything unravelled.

Let's just say, one session at the gym was cut short by almost fainting off the treadmill, I've never been able to do a proper sit-up, and rock climbing equipment is just not that cheap! 

So, when does it get easier? Will I suddenly connect with this inner desire to stay perfectly fit no matter what the cost? And for me, the cost always chimes in dollars or having to strategically plan my showers! Plus, a girl can only walk up a steep hill on the way home so many times before she starts thinking, "This means I don't have to worry about the gym, right?" This summer, I think the trick will be challenging myself with something (I'm thinking tennis, or ballet...) or simply just making myself get outdoors and explore the city with a pair of sneakers on my feet. 

This is going to be a pretty constant battle for me. Although I agree with Garancé...I may be bored in the yoga studio or just counting down the sweaty minutes until I can be dry, but there is something that makes me walk on cloud nine when I leave the studio. 

nothing fancy, huh?

Nothing fancy today. Just a bit of my headspace, whether it be toques, film, how cool swimming pools look (just me?), sneakers, quilted leather, Cara, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, or struggling to play guitar.

I had the loveliest getaway to Ottawa this weekend (the bottom image is shot from space by Chris Hadfield). I can't recommend jumping on a bus and reconnecting with the people you care about, enough. Yes, pursuing dreams, careers, etc. is all well and good...but if you can't share it with people who make your heart soar, what good is it? That is obviously melodramatic, but you get where I'm going.