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Hello, Yellow!

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Hello everyone!

It’s been a looong time since I last posted, so I’m here to give you a little life update.

1. I got a cat! We rehomed him a few months ago. We named him Lupin after Remus Lupin from Harry Potter. He loves to follow us around the house and play with his tunnels. He is the first real pet I’ve ever had, and honestly the adjustment hasn’t been as difficult as I thought it would be. If you check my Insta Stories you will see him make quite a few appearances. It turns out I’m kind of a cat lady.

2. I got, and recovered from, severe cystic acne. I think this one deserves its own post, so I won’t go into too many details right now. But this is one of the reasons I’ve been a bit AWOL.

3. I started taking more time for myself. For the past three and a half years I’ve worked two jobs. I really enjoyed them both, but it also meant that I was working seven days a week. I finally reached the realization that this just wasn’t sustainable for me and my happiness, so I decided to leave my second job and spend more time with my family. I now have time to run errands, exercise, read, and get enough sleep.

4. I cut my hair! I’ve had long hair for the past ten years, and I really did love it. But after it took me almost an hour just to wash and brush my hair one day (I didn’t even brush it), I knew I was absolutely ready to make a big change. I cut off over a foot of hair and I haven’t looked back since. My morning routine is so much easier and I no longer have to worry about setting aside enough time to wash my hair.

I think that’s it for updates!

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sweater , jeans, shoes, hat

This yellow sweater is an absolute gem! Yellow is my happy colour. Every time I wear it I feel like I can take on anything. This sweater is particularly fantastic because it’s comfortable and it’s from a company that values sustainable, high quality fabrics. I’ve purchased a few items from them and they’ve all exceeded my expectations. This is not sponsored, by the way, I just really love their products. The yellow colour is sold out, but I’ve linked the same sweater in lilac.

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Thank you so much for reading! Let me know what topics you would like to see me cover in the comments.

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Featured

Jumpsuit for Joy

I absolutely love jumpsuits. They are as easy to outfit as dresses, but provide the security of pants. Not to mention, most of them are incredibly comfortable. This particular jumpsuit has been a favourite of mine this summer. The light, breathable fabric is absolutely perfect for those hot days. I decided to pair this jumpsuit with a classic denim jacket and white sneakers.

I’m also obsessed with this gorgeous bag from Shop Murphy. It’s the perfect shade of blush pink and it fits everything that I need. I paired it with a handkerchief for a more personalized look, but it’s absolutely adorable on it’s own as well.

jacket, jumpsuit, belt, bracelets, ring, bag, scarf, shoes

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Sincerely,

Kaylin J.

Featured

Embroidered Denim

One of my favourite trends for spring and summer is embroidered denim. The embroidery instantly elevates your basic outfit and turns it into something a little more unique. I absolutely love this pair of Pilcro jeans from Anthropologie. They are so comfortable! I love to pair them with a basic tee and Converse sneakers when I’m running errands or going out with friends.

P.S. If you are looking for a pair of skinny jeans as opposed to the boyfriend cut that I’m wearing, I would recommend this pair from Free People. And if you’re interested in trying the trend, but don’t want to break your budget, you could try this vest from Forever 21.

sunglasses, necklace, t-shirt, jeans, sneakers

Sincerely,

Kaylin J.

10 Gifts for the Book Lover

With Christmas quickly approaching, I decided to compile a list of books, and book related products, for the avid reader in your life. I’ve broken my ideas into categories so you can shop for any reader on your list.

1. Books for the young reader

Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

The Goosebumps series was a favourite of mine as a kid. The books are a little spooky, but mostly they are a ton of fun.

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

This was my first favourite book. Other E.B. White books, such as Charlotte’s Web, tend to be more popular, but this one was always more appealing to me. There’s something about a swan that plays a trumpet that is just so whimsical. I played trumpet when I took band in the later years of my life, and I’m fairly sure this book is the reason I decided to play that instrument.

The World’s of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones

I actually received this series as a Christmas gift when I was younger. They are really cool books that contain elements of fantasy and magic. The world that Jones has created is so unique, I highly recommend checking these out.

2. Books for the young adult fiction lover

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Will Grayson, Will Grayson tells the story of two young men who are both named Will Grayson. This book features a high school musical, unique characters, and a touch of teen angst. It’s a really unique book and it’s definitely worth the read.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

I read this book for the first time as a teenager and I recently reread it. It’s smart, touching, and altogether fascinating. It really makes you think about the importance of personal freedoms.

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

This novel tells the story of a young man whose life is turned upside down after he suffers an accident. He begins to question all of his previous life choices and discovers what’s really important to him.

3. Apparel for the bibliophile

Out of Print Clothing offers a variety of book related products. They sell socks, bags, clothing for all ages, and other bookish accessories.

4. Cozy reading accessories

For someone who might already have a ton of books, cozy accessories are a great option. A pillow, blanket, candle, or hot water bottle can all compliment the reading experience. This candle is one of my favourite items of all time, but any scented candle makes a great gift.

5. For the HBO lover

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Fans of the TV show will love the series. It’s full of story lines, characters, and details that differ from the show and add another dimension to the world of Westeros.

6. For the Harry Potter lover

Harry Potter: Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling

These books are absolutely gorgeous. Only the first two books in the series have been released, but I can’t wait to buy the rest.

Funko Pops

These little figurines make great gifts or stocking stuffers. They are super affordable and add a little flair to a bookshelf.

The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz

With everything from Spotted Dick to Rock Cakes, this book will take all of your Harry Potter parties up a notch.

7. For the person who loves to lend books

The Personal Library Kit

This gift is perfect for the reader who loves to share their books with you. It’s a fun way to label your books and to make sure they get returned to their owner.

8. For the writer

Ready, Set, Novel!: A Workbook by Lindsey Grant, Tavia Stewart-Streit, Chris Baty

This interactive workbook will give your writer friend the kick in the pants they need to get started on their novel.

A Notebook

A notebook is always a great gift. I use this notebook to write down all of the books I read. It’s my favourite way to keep track of which books I’ve read and how many times I’ve read them.

Seven Year Pen

This pen is cute, and it’s long-lasting feature helps to reduce waste. I like this specific model because I collect unicorns, but there are several other designs available.

9. For the young reader who loves female centered comedies

The Fab Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison

This series is hilarious, ridiculous, and completely silly. Georgia Nicolson is such an endearing character and her narration is an absolute delight.

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

The movie might be good, but the book is fantastic. As you can probably tell by how worn my copy is, I absolutely adored this book as a teenager. Mia is such an incredibly relatable character, and the entire series is an absolute blast.

10. For the romantic

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

One Plus One is by the same author as Me Before You. The quirky characters and the romantic aspect make the book feel fresh and honest.

Sincerely,

Kaylin J.

Outfitting with StyleWe

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With the weather getting colder layers have become absolutely essential. I recently had the opportunity to shop with StyleWe. It was my first time visiting their website and I was impressed with the vast selection of items. The sizing on the website is different than usual Canadian and U.S. sizing, but the website posts convenient size converters with each item, so it’s easy to find out which size you should be ordering. My items arrived quickly and I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of each piece. StyleWe also had excellent customer service, making sure that my package was delivered successfully.

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The first piece that I ordered was this super cozy sweater. It’s a wool blend sweater, but it is so soft and not itchy at all. I styled this piece with a classic chambray top, distressed jeggings, fringe booties, and a choker. I love the comfort and simplicity of this outfit. It’s perfect for a day out with friends, or a casual night at the movies.

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You can shop this sweater here for under $50.

The second piece I ordered was this incredible jacket. I cannot begin to explain how much I love this layer. It fits perfectly and the colours are so vibrant. It’s very well-made and it’s something that I’ll be able to wear for years. I styled this piece with a tulle skirt (that my mom made for me), a graphic tee, red booties, and a fun lip.

You can buy this jacket here for less than $50.

Sincerely,

Kaylin J.

Sweater: https://www.stylewe.com/product/camel-casual-wool-blend-geometric-cape-67316.html

Jacket: https://www.stylewe.com/product/black-abstract-3-4-sleeve-polyester-embroidered-cropped-jacket-19368.html

Site: https://www.stylewe.com/

My Fall Outfits

Here in Alberta, fall is quickly coming to an end. I’ve decided to celebrate the end of my favourite fashion season by sharing a few of my fall outfits. A few of the items that I’m wearing are no longer available, but I’ve linked similar pieces.

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scarf, ring, cardigan, dress, clogs, flowers

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hat, bracelet, necklace, jacket, top, leggings, boots

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necklace, jacket, dress, boots

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hat, shirt, cardigan, jeans, oxfords

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shawl, dress, belt, boots

Sincerely,

Kaylin J.

Spooky Books to Read in October

1. The Fireman by Joe Hill

The Fireman is an apocalyptic story about a highly contagious, and deadly, disease. Hill crafts an environment in which the infected are rejected from society and forced to live an isolated existence. Although the circumstances are entirely fictional, the human reactions are hauntingly realistic. This is a real page turner, I couldn’t put it down!

2. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Written by the author of Gone Girl, Dark Places is a thrilling mystery about a woman who survived a mass murder several years prior. Although the suspected murderer has been in prison for years, the novel works to uncover the events that occurred in the days leading up to the murders. I’m very rarely surprised by the outcome of a story, but this one kept me guessing.

3. Room by Emma Donoghue

Room is told from the perspective of a 5 year old boy who has spent his entire life in captivity. It’s a very dark novel, but it’s unique format makes it worth reading.

4. Asylum by Madeleine Roux

This young adult fiction novel is about a teen who is attending a college summer school program. Because the regular dormitories are closed, the students are forced to stay in a building that once functioned as an insane asylum. A series of strange events occur and several mysteries are uncovered. It’s a fun read and there are a few sequels which I have yet to dive into.

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5. The Shining and Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

The Shining is the most terrifying book I’ve ever read. I had seen the movie several times before I decided to read the book and, let me tell you, the book is significantly more frightening. The imagery, suspense, and terror that Stephen King creates are phenomenal.

It’s sequel, Doctor Sleep, is not as terrifying as The Shining. However, it is interesting to see what has happened to Danny and to learn more about the world that King has so skillfully crafted.

6. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

Retired rock star Judas Coyne has a love for the macabre. He has a massive collection of dark objects and is pleased to add a haunted funeral suit to his collection. This leads to a series of terrifying events that center around a powerful ghostly figure.

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7. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

If you want to read something that is spooky, but definitely not scary, I would suggest this incredible series. It was one of my favourites growing up. It’s coming to Netflix as a series in a couple of months, so now would be a good time to check out the books.

8. The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe by Edgar Allen Poe

If you don’t have time to read a full length novel before Halloween, I would suggest reading one of Edgar Allen Poe’s tales. You’ve probably read The Raven before, but it’s the perfect time of year to revisit this classic tale.

P.S. If you’re a big fan of Poe, I would suggest adding these socks to your wardrobe.

9. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children isn’t necessarily scary, but it is a little bit creepy. The most thrilling aspect of this book is the inclusion of several vintage photographs that are integrated into the story. It’s a quick read with creative characters.

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10. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

It’s been several years since I’ve read this novel, but it’s a chilling classic about a couple of terrifying serial killers. It’s definitely worth checking out.

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11. My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

Set in the 80’s, My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a campy tale about friendship, growing up, and possession. It’s campy, fun, and pretty terrifying.

12. The Walking Dead The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman

If you’re a fan of horror, zombies, or apocalyptic fiction, I would highly recommend checking out this series. It’s about the decline of humanity and the humans in the story end up presenting a significantly larger threat than the un-dead.

13. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

What could be more fitting for Halloween than a book about magic, witches, and monsters? Any of the books in the series are worth reading, but I would highly recommend reading at least one of them before Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is released.

Thanks for reading!