A Tuesday in Toronto

Earlier this week I took a little whirlwind, 2-day trip to Toronto with my lovely friend Sydney. We drove down on Tuesday morning and spent the afternoon wandering around downtown, doing some shopping and eating Thai food. Dundas Square was beautifully lit up for the Holidays so we had to stop for some pictures. Shopping and wandering and Thai food all seem like reasons enough to make the 2 hour trip to Toronto, however if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram or even on Facebook, you may have seen me post this picture a while ago.This my friends, was the real reason for our mid-week trip to the city. 

If you know me at all, you will know I love Bon Iver and have loved Bon Iver, with all of my heart, for years. I love For Emma, Forever Ago, and like all of his fans, waited patiently (or not so patiently) until this past year when he released Bon Iver, Bon Iver. Currently, Bon Iver holds 15 of the spots in my 25 most played list on iTunes. I’m literally obsessed.

You guys, it is just the most beautiful music. I can’t say enough about it.

They played one show earlier in the summer and it sold out so quickly I didn’t have a chance to get tickets. I was devastated. Then the Live Nation App on my phone (loooove iPhones) told me that he was playing another show. I waited up after a night shift and got tickets the minute I could. Thankfully I got two. And not just two tickets, two killer seats.

Fast forward to Tuesday night.

We get into Massey Hall (amaaaazing venue) and I literally start having difficulty breathing. I don`t remember much of the opening act except that she was super cute, British, and was amazing at the guitar.

Then out comes Justin and his band.I got chills as soon as they started playing Perth, and had chills for the next two hours. It`s hard to pick out highlights, but Flume is high up on the list. I cried.  I could not have helped myself if my life depended on it. I can`t even tell you how amazing it was. I simply can`t.

If you get the chance to go and see Bon Iver play live, do it. do it! DO IT! (yes that is me shouting at you)

I paid good money for our seats. Knowing what I know now, I would have paid at least double what I paid to go again.

The night kind of feels like a dream, I still get chills when I think about it and I honestly have not been able to listen to any music since. Nor do I want to.

For now, I will just live with my memories of the best concert I have ever been too.

Oh hey December.

Spending my first Christmas/Holiday season in like, forever, not having to worry about exams. Working my first Christmas (one of the joys of a career in healthcare). Putting together the perfect Holiday playlist including old favourites (Sarah McLachlan & Sufjan) and new ones too (Carole King, She & Him, Justin Bieber{I’m not even ashamed}). Christmas crafts (which I can only expect will involve a lot of silver glitter). Christmas shopping (yes, I’m one of those crazy people that loves the crowds that come Christmas shopping). Red Starbucks cups (probably too many). Packing and starting to move (yes, I found out I get to live in my dream apartment come January). Bon Iver (next week!!!!!!!!! {yes, that many exclamation points are absolutely  necessary}).

This is what my December is looking like. Hopefully yours looks as lovely as mine.

How to Scrapbook…

…when you haven’t in over a year. In six simple steps.

Step Number One: Get threatening tweets from your friends to get your ass in gear and make a layout. Please click for Exhibit A.Step Number Two: Clear off your desk. Clearly for me that was a bigger task than it might be for some. Luckily I had a big empty bed to clear it off too. (Notice I didn’t say clean it off). (You should note, I’m only a little embarrassed by the state of my desk. Most of my embarrassment stems from the empty juice boxes and chocolate bars.) Step Number Four: Pour yourself a glass of wine. You may choose to use this as either step one or step two.  You may also want to keep the bottle close by in case you need a refill.

Step Number Five: Find your favourite jumping off point for a layout. Something that works for you, that you keep going back to over and over again. Mine, as you can see is a piece of Kraft cardstock.

Step Six: (This is the final step, and the most important) Don’t think. Do. (The wine plays an important role in this step).Voila! Follow all of these steps and you too can have a completed layout like the one above. Yes, even after a year of not scrapbooking anything! (The title is kind of a play on words. Hello to my old friend Vicki, but also to my old friend scrapbooking. See what I did there? Good Right?)

And just let me know if you need help with step number one. I’d be more than happy to send you threatening tweets.

Happy Wednesday.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes.

Despite lyrical title of this blog post, and David Bowie – this post has nothing to do with David Bowie. Or music of any kind really.

Actually, randomly I sometimes get people telling me I look like David Bowie among a few other  people, including, most recently, the lead singer of Japan according to the Fed Ex guy. But I think he looks like David Bowie sooo…Anyways, I never really saw the resemblance aside from the fact that we’re both blonde and have kind of angular faces. Until I took that picture above. In that picture I totally see at least a hint of a resemblance where before I saw nothing. So, cool right?

So I guess I lied this post does have something to do with David Bowie. But that’s not why I sat down to write this post.

Today I saw, and applied to live in the most amazing apartment. So, basically I’m freaking out. If I can’t live in this apartment I don’t want to live anywhere else and I’ll live on the street. Ok maybe not, but I’m freaking out. The landlady said that she has a couple coming back to see the place tomorrow and to take some measurements before they give their final say. If they say no, then it’s mine and I get the keys sometime in December with it officially being mine in January.  So send me all the well wishes, thoughts, prayers, good vibes etc. that you can muster up on this Tuesday evening.

She’s calling me tomorrow to let me know, so basically I’m dying. Right now I’m test driving my holiday playlist while starting to put up a Christmas decorations and drinking some kitty wine to keep myself from thinking about it until my roommate comes home at which time I’m going for sushi. So,

gahhhhh.

Winter Winds.

Hello Kiddos.

Just popping in to say that I saw Santa this weekend. No big deal.

I spent my Saturday night with some lovelies taking in the local Santa Clause parade. Starbucks` Christmas coffees in hand, of course.  Tonight, I am once again sipping on Starbucks`and enjoying The Family Stone, my very first holiday movie of the season. I can only imagine its just a matter of time until my iTunes is playing Christmas music and my little apartment is all decked out for the season.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Holiday season has arrived. And as you can see we are quite thrilled about it. Happy Sunday!

Haunting.

Ok. So I know Halloween is over but the title of this blog post actually has nothing to do with Halloween aside from the fact that I threw in a picture of myself on Halloween. Those of you who follow me on Twitter may have already seen it and to answer potential questions: Yes, I did do the makeup on my own. It took 2.5 hours on the first night, and about 2 on the second night. No, that is not my real hair haha. 

But onto the real reason for this little post, Flo.

People who follow me on Twitter may also know that I pre-ordered this album and when it was available for download on Monday, I listened to it all day. Since Monday, I have listened to literally nothing else, but Ceremonials over, and over and over. Many dance parties have happened all over my apartment since Monday.

I’m not yet sure if I think this album is “better” than the first, but there is no question that this is a strong follow up to her first album (which I loved and still listen to very frequently).

You guys, this album is really good. My favourite tracks (today anyways) are Only If for a Night and Never Let Me Go. AND, you can go here to listen to the whole album. So GO RIGHT NOW and be sure to listen to my faves!

Florence Welch is beautiful and her voice is haunting. Simply beautiful. 

(Photobooth) What I’m Wearing

Ok, so I know I literally just blogged about my new camera (which I am loving) however I was getting ready this morning and was ready to head out the door when I glimpsed myself in the mirror and said, “Damn, I look good today. I should share this outfit.” But, since I was just about to head out the door I didn’t have time to take some proper outfit photos. The solution? A photobooth What I’m Wearing shoot. So this is what I wore to run some errands earlier today. I give you, my errand running, mall-walking, denim on denim ensemble.

Outfit Details: Denim shirt: H&M; Jeans: American Eagle; Bag: Hurley (seen here); Watch: Fossil; Belt: thrifted.

Aaaaaand, no shoes!!!!!!!

Kidding, I wore my Toms. But obviously I wasn’t wearing any when I took these pictures.

Happy Monday kiddos!

Things I Learned About Myself at a Backstreet Boys Concert

So, if you’ve never done it, going to a concert from one of your favourite childhood bands in your adult life is a really crazy/weird/exciting/enlightening experience. Here is a (potentially embarrassing) collection of things I learned/musings/thoughts on the day after a Backstreet Boys Concert.

When we decided, on a whim, to buy tickets to the NKOTBSB (New Kids on the Block + Backstreet Boys) show yesterday morning for the show last night I was obviously excited, because I love going to shows and I also loved BSB in my early teens. However, I was not at all prepared for how excited I actually was when BSB came out. Let’s have some real talk for a minute here ok? You’ve all see how crazy the little tweens go when they see Justin Bieber. Or maybe you remember or have seen the way people used to react to the Beatles. You guys, that was me last night. I don’t know what came over me (actually I do, it was my 8-12 year old self, that used to dance around my room to BSB) but I can only imagine how ridiculous I must have looked last night. And the amazing thing is, I don’t even care because almost everyone else who was there was doing the same thing. So I totally went to this show to see the Backstreet Boys. I think NKOTB were just a bit before my time in that they were still around when I was in my boy band phase however, they had their heyday when I was too young to remember. However, I was surprised to learn that I knew a lot more NKOTB songs than I thought I did going into the concert. Which resulted in me singing many of their songs at the top of my lungs as well, when I had really planned to use the NKOTB songs to rest my voice for the next BSB song. Needless to say  my voice was a little sore last night.

Speaking of singing at the top of my lungs, BSB songs are right in my perfect vocal range. I need to keep this in mind the next time I go to Karaoke. Also some of the dance moves I find myself pulling on during dance parties are very similar to the sweet boy band dance moves that NKOTBSB were pulling out last night. No doubt an influence of me watching BSB music videos all those years. But, with the singing and the dancing I’m wondering if I missed my calling. I should find out if they want to replace Kevin.  Back in my hardcore BSB days, I was always a Brian fan. He was always my favourite. After last night, I’m pretty sure AJ is my new favourite member of BSB. Brian is still a close second, and his highlighter pink shoes were super rad, and I don’t know why but AJ has taken Brian’s place as my favourite Backstreet Boy. While I was singing at the top of my lungs and learning some new boy band dance moves for my next dance party, I realized that I actually still really like BSB music. Like, I’m listening to it right now, and I think I’ll be listening to it for at least a few more days. And on top of that, I’m not even ashamed haha. I think part of the reason why I still like it is nostalgic, but let’s be honest, it’s good music.

The show itself was actually amazing. Really, really well done. It was interesting to see how NKOTBSB shared the stage and the finale was really cool. Also it was the final show of the tour so it was really sentimental/special for the guys and you could tell watching the concert (at one point AJ even came out in shiny gold briefs and a tank top to party boy NKOTB while they were singing – maybe a contributing factor to him being my new fave).

So there you go, concerts can be a soul-searching/learning experience. lol Go and learn something about yourself friends.

xo Jer

Well Hello There.

Hello kiddos. A very happy Sunday to you all. What you are seeing up there is the very first picture taken by my brand new friend, Rebel T3i (!!!).  T3i this is my blog and its lovely readers, readers Rebel. Say hi…I feel much better now that you’ve all been formally introduced because you’re going to be seeing a lot of each other around here I’m sure.

My new friend there was a reward/gift for myself. For graduating and getting a big person job mostly but also because I did a much deep clean of this apartment on Friday/Saturday. So I decided to pop out yesterday afternoon and pick up my new little friend here.

For those of you who have been following my little blog here for a long time you’ll know how thrilled I am to finally have myself a nice DSLR because I have been toying with the idea on this blog forEVER. However, the ridiculously excited face you see there is twofold. First and foremost it is because of my new camera (which I have yet to name…so if you have any suggestions I’d love to hear them) but second of all it is because tonight I will be going to see the Backstreet Boys. That smile is the 11 (or so) year old in myself that used to dance around to Black and Blue with my cousin in her bedroom. We just decided to see if there were still tickets available last night and when there were and we confirmed the payment, I only screamed a little bit. Needless to say I’m listening to Backstreet Boys as I type, brushing up on the lyrics so I can sing along to all of the songs.

So yeah, that’s what I’m up to this evening. How was your weekend?

What I Wore

So with the new design I’m planning on trying out some new things. One of the features I’m really drawn to on other peoples blogs are What I (We) Wore posts. And since such a big part of my life has to do with clothes (shopping, fashion magazines and blogs, etc.) I figured I would venture into the world of What I Wore posts. So please bear with me and my cheesy/ridiculous faces and poses as I try to find my What I Wore groove. Also please excuse the blue leash running across the bottom of that photo. I was walking Archie when I decided to take pics. ha!

With that I give you  my first installment – What I Wore for my new blog photos.

These were taken in days gone by. Days when the air was cool enough that it was comfortable to wear a (p)leather jacket and a flannel shirt. Right now? Not so much. In fact right now its so hot that I can frequently be found around my apartment not wearing pants. TMI? Maybe, I don’t mind.

Outfit Details: Jacket: Urban Behavior; Flannel: Thrifted; Tee: American Apparel; Jeans: American Eagle; Shoes: Converse; Spider Necklace: Aldo.

Ps. I took these with the self timer on my camera and so there were a number that didn’t turn out. However I was surprised by something. I give you the evidence…

These are two of probably 8 or 10 photos where I noticed how long my K9 teeth are. Upon closer inspection in my bathroom mirror, and various comparisons with friends and family I have come to realize I do in fact, have abnormally long K9s. Dare I say, vampire long??

I also chose these two pictures in particular not only because you can see how long my teeth are but I am also running my tongue along my teeth. Which only adds to the sexy/brooding/vampy/Twilight/True Blood feel of the pictures. I can assure you I do not have a taste for blood of any kind. Seriously, I don’t even eat red meat.

Ok so this has been my first What I Wore post and I’m rambling about my vampire teeth. Like I said, bear with me.

xoj

Freshness.

So this blog has been pretty sleepy for a while, that’s why I’m exited to welcome you to my new blog friends!

Actually its the same blog, just with a major, MA-jor facelift. I was tired with the way my old blog was looking, it was essentially the same as when I first started blogging three years ago. So, I’ve had a good break from blogging, but for the past little while I’ve been feeling the blogging bug again.

So, for the past week or so I’ve been working tirelessly to make this a place I wanted to spend more time. It took a lot of late nights, a lot of Googling HTML and CSS tutorials, lots of  swear words shouted out loud, at the top of my lungs when things didn’t work out and then lots of long, hard dance parties when they finally did work out. But despite the hard work, and I think because of it I’m even more thrilled with the way things have turned out here and I’m hoping this is a place where you want to spend more time too.

So take a look around, my fresh new blog. Click things, and see what adventures they take you on. You’ll notice however a few of the links in the navigation bar at the top bring you back to the home page, but that will change very soon hopefully.

Also, if you have any burning questions you want answered in my FAQ page you can leave them in the comments or you can email them to me using one of the links on this page.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m excited to be back and I hope you’ll come back again and again.

love, love Jeremy

this mess.

please excuse me while i tidy up the little mess around here. you know, the one on the blog, not necessarily the one in my room. which as you can see, is pretty bad. piles on the desk, clothes on my chair – hence my working from the bed. actually i always work from the bed even when my desk + chair is cleared however rarely that may be. ha!

anyways. i’m currently gathering inspiration, designing and executing a teeny little blog redesign. nothing major, just a little sprucing up to make this place a place where i want to be spending more time. hopefully a little face lift will give me the inspiration i need to start blogging a little more regularly.

so please don’t mind the mess around here over the next little while, good chance things could look pretty crazy as i work on this space, especially since i don’t really know what i’m doing and am only hoping things turn out the way i’m envisioning. ha.

love youuuu.

jeremyk123

omg he blogged!! aaaand scrapbooked?!?

oh heyy.

so yup, for those of you who don’t follow me on twitter and see my frequent, ridiculous tweets – i am still alive.  for those of you who only follow me on my blog, and who only know me through my blog then i can completely understand why you might have thought i was dead on account of the fact that i haven’t blogged in well over a month and a half.

why did i stop you ask? well it was partly because i didn’t have a computer for a while and got out of the habit of it. but it was also because i just wasn’t feeling it.

so then what brings me back is naturally the next question on your mind. well one thing is a sweet comment on my last post from the lovely Sasha. also this past week my senses have been on overload from new york fashion week.

i don’t know what it is but fashion gets me so creatively excited. there is just something about it. i don’t think i’ll blog about it here, i tweet about it pretty frequently though so check it out on twitter. really quickly though, some highlights from the fw’11 shows so far are proenza schouler, marc jacobs, alice + olivia and rodarte (obvs).

anyways, for the time being i’m back. and while i’m here, i’ll share a layout i finished yesterday.

This is for the February Creative Type prompt. (check out what the other girls came up and play along for yourself right here) it is also the start of my documenting my trip to india. i think i’ve finally decided how i’m going to document it on paper which will no doubt lead to me blogging about it. so yay for that.

anyways, i’m sorry for this random collection of thoughts and ramblings and the extra long hiatus. but i’m back and i’m glad to be back. i missed all of you :)

xoxojer