It's been a weird month. What happened initially was that I was feeling a little down and lacking energy and just could not bring myself to write an entry. That's (one) of the unfortunate parts of being bi-polar - you start all these endeavors when you're super manic and then abandon them when you're starting to feel low. I was pretty bummed, especially since I had just shelled out some money on advertising (oh no, I'm luring people to an inactive page!) but what can ya do.

I'm still not out of my slump, but now there's more stuff going on. My parents just finished helping my grandma move to Canada from Florida so it's a bit hectic with that and my grandpa was just released from the hospital, maybe a little earlier than he should have been, considering he's on an IV and on oxygen. I've practically moved back in with my parents in the meantime to lend a helping hand and give my gramps some companionship.

However, not everything is bad! I got paid some money for house sitting while my parents were away in Florida, packing up my gram's house, I got to go in for work at an ad agency that I get to work at sporadically throughout the year and I got my first Share-a-Sale cheque. Can you say rolling in money? For me anyways!

In other exciting news, I was featured on the Modcloth blog (my fourth time!) It was a total surprise and I didn't even know until some friends on Facebook had tagged me. It really brightened my day and I was so happy to be featured alongside my friends, Elana and Pamada.

As for the other reason I'm here, I'm announcing a really cool opportunity from Modcloth! I myself can't participate because it's for US citizens only, but you creative ladies Stateside better get on this STAT!

 

The dresses from the swatches (as far as I can tell) are as follows:

Cartoon Deer - Cheeriest and Dearest Dress - $94.99

Dogs on Red - Graceful Greenery Dress in Dog Park  - $155.99

Yellow and White Stripes - Difference Between White and Saffron Dress $47.99

Rainbow Dots - Chipper and Cheery Dress - $87.99

Bowling Pins - Rock and Bowl Dress - $87.99

Colourful Food - Good Enough to Eat Dress - $69.99

Blue Toile - Be Outside Dress in Delft - $74.99

Blue/Red Chevron - Lauren Moffatt Over and Overlook Dress - $409.99

Leaves - Paint a Picturesque Dress in Leaves - $124.99

Mint Floral - Day Off the Grid Dress in Mint - Plus Size - $49.99

There were a few couldn't find that I can only assume have been discontinued. I was too afraid to look in the abyss that is Pinterest/Google.

A few of the key details are as follows -

Submissions are accepted until 9:01am PST this Valentine's Day, 2/14. So sorry for the lack of advance notice! Like I said, a little hectic around here!

Fabric designs are to be designed using the "Air of Adorable Dress" template. This dress has been made in loads of other cute styles. Whatever choice they end up going with will be in good company!

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Special guest judge, Amanda Needham, the costume designer of Portlandia will help determine the finalists! After that, the Modcloth community will vote on the Be the Buyer page. I think this is so rad. She has such a good eye for fashion. There are so many characters on Portlandia (mostly portrayed by Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen) and they have such unique quirks and different fashion personalities. She is able to transform the actors into totally different people! Yet at the same time, while watching the show, I ALWAYS want to own what they are wearing, even if they are supposed to be a dowdy person.

Sounds really cool right? I'd love for her to take a look at something I had whipped up!

If this sounds like your cup of tea, head over to the Modcloth blog and read the full contest rules. They were a little lengthy so I decided to spare you on here.

As for other things, I've spent way, way too much money recently. Mostly because I had more than usual. I'm going to try some of the things I read in this blog post about ways to distract yourself from shopping. A little too late for this month, but definitely going to use it in the future!

Hope you all are doing well! That's all for me! Talk soon!

A Very Goat-y Birthday!

I have to clarify. It wasn't my birthday. That was last month. My blogging friend, Nicole of Mercantile 519 reached out to me and invited me to her 25th birthday last weekend at local petting zoo, agricultural shop and general fun time extravaganza, Colasanti's in Leamington, Ontario.

I was a little worried about going at first, since I literally wouldn't know a single person there (not even the person inviting me!) but Nicole and I hit it off instantly. It just must be that innate camaraderie that comes with blogging!

Outfit Details

Coat - Plaid About You Coat - Tulle

Shirt (underneath, you can see the bow dangling out) - Barista in the City Top in Red - Modcloth (sold out but still available in Black and Jade)

Jeans - Silvers, given to me by sister

Boots - Wal-Mart

Hat - Icings

If you like Nicole's outfit and would like the details, you can head over to her blog and ask away! I'm 99% certain she knit the scarf herself.

The goats were mad aggressive! Of course we wanted to feed the little, cute ones, so when we'd give them food, the big ones would come and head butt them out of the way. Sometimes, the little ones would just be standing around, minding their own business and a super resentful, big goat would just flip him over for no reason! Such jerks!

The guy outside with the horns was insane. I think he may have head butted too many things. He doesn't look all there. The little deer was so cute! It would prance alongside you and follow wherever the food went.

As for other things going on in my life, I've been feeling sort of blah. One of my huge goals for New Year's was to take blogging photos outside. Unfortunately, we've been pelted with the worst weather in my memory. It's freezing cold walking around bundled up in a parka and other winter attire. I feel sick to my stomach if I take my gloves off for a second to do anything. It's hovered around -15 to -25C (that's between 5 F and -13 degree F for the Americans reading this.) Basically, there is no way outfit photos are happening outside. It really dampened my spirits because it was such a huge goal for me, and even though doing backend website stuff was a goal too, I felt really defeated not being able to do what I initially wanted. I thought about shooting my planned outfits at my parent's house like I had been originally doing, but it just didn't seem good enough. It was like I was going to give up if I couldn't do it perfect.

I literally was on the verge of giving up. I'm one of those people if I can't give 100%, I don't want to do it at all. I don't do things  half way. Which is why I think my house is always a pig sty. When I do clean it, it has to be immaculate. No half hearted straightening up. I have to go Martha Stewart on everybody, like I was sent personally from Pinterest. It's so hard to remember that it's okay to do a little bit, things don't have to be perfect, etc. What actually got me motivated to write this post is what my fortune cookie had said. I threw the paper out so I don't remember what it says exactly but it was something like, "You have to believe in yourself before others will." Yes! I'm so doubtful of my abilities. I know I'm not the talent queen but I never even give myself a chance. Must start really working on that last New Year's goal more - be positive. If only it were that easy! I may have already cancelled my Pic Monkey subscription but it's not too late yet! I can still bounce back from the negativity and get back in the game.

How are your New Year's goals going? Which ones are you having the most trouble with?

Top photo - Image credit: cole123rf / 123RF Stock Photo

Colasanti's photos - courtesy of Candace McCort