Music Monday: Top 5 Songs of 2012

Happy New Years Eve everyone!!! Can you believe 2012 is already over? We survived another apocalypse and Snooki had a baby. 2012 has been an amazing and eventful year for me. I have met some amazing people, lived in the most beautiful place in the world, met Paul, it was by far one of the best years I've had in my life to date. 2012 was such a learning experience for me I've grown as a person and learned so many things about myself, wouldn't change this year for anything. I just hope 2013 will bring me many more joys. 

2012 was a great year in music. I have discovered many amazing artists and songs this year so I doubt I could possibly make a countdown of the best songs from 2012, but here are 5 nothing less than memorable songs from 2012.

1. Every Single Night - Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple is nothing less than a musical goddess. It was a long 7 years since her last album Extraordinary Machine (2005) and she blessed us with a fourth album release this year The Idler Wheel (2012). Her jazzy sound and lyrical imagery speak to the darkest of minds. Every Single Night is my favourite on the album with morbid yet beautiful lyrics such as "The rib is the shell and the heart is the yolk and I just made a meal for us both to choke on". 

2. Yet Again - Grizzly Bear

Yet Again is a single from Grizzly Bear's new album Shields (2012). Grizzly Bear has been known for their unique sound, and the album Shields went even further with their most adventurous songs. 'Yet again' Grizzly Bear puts fourth an incredibly unique album with songs such as Yet Again.

3. Body of Work - The Mynabirds

I stumbled upon Body of Work not too long ago and it quickly became one of my favourites. Not only is the song nothing short from incredible, but the music video is beautifully done. The video is so much fun, I literally get up and dance every time I watch it. You may recognize the song if you are a Gossip Girl fan as it featured in one of their episodes. I don't know too much about The Mynabirds so I had to do a little research, they formed in 2009 as a collective of musicians fronted by Laura Burhenn and they just finished a tour in the mid-west (wish I knew so I could of seen them while I was out there). Make sure to check more of their songs out.

4. Campfires - Meg and Dia

If you are a fan of the Voice you will recognize the sounds of Dia Frampton. I have been a fan of Meg and Dia for YEARS and when I saw Dia Frampton on the show I almost had a heart attack because I didn't want her to become a sell-out but then I had immediate support and voted every week for her. Her sound is so unique and unlike anything the music industry has ever heard. Meg and Dia as a duo have been kind of MIA for a while so when they released a demo to Campfires I was ecstatic. This song is quite different from their usual sound, but it may be my favourite song by them. 

5. Breakers - Local Natives

Breakers is a single from Local Native's album Hummingbird which will be released early 2013. Local Natives have an eclectic adventurous sound that I admire. Believe me when I say I'll be one of the first to grab their album when it comes out. They are going on a tour in 2013 and unfortunately Toronto is all sold out, but if tickets aren't sold out at your local venue be sure to check them out. 

Happy New Years!!

Weekly Round Up

Tomorrow is New Years Eve can you believe it!? I can't... because I have nothing to wear. Literally blowing up my friends cell phones asking to borrow something. No heels, no dress, no nothing. What's a girl to do? Anyways for the weekly roundup today I've decided to change it slightly. Every week I'll post my favourite things "to eat, to wear, to listen, to decorate, to see and to create" meaning I'll pin some delicious food, cute clothes or accessories, a song or band, something for the house, a nice picture and a DIY. Enjoy!

TO EAT

1. Apple and Marshmallow treats that look just like mushrooms!

TO WEAR

2. Vanilla Meringue Off Shoulder Dress from ThreadScene

TO LISTEN

3. Marina and the Diamonds - Boyfriend Cover

TO DECORATE

4. Loving this Tree Decal

TO SEE

5. This wicked cool kid

TO CREATE

6. DIY Confetti Slingshot is perfect for your NYE party!

OOTD: Family Christmas

I know everyone is SICK of Christmas posts.... not to mention Christmas has passed, but I had my family Christmas with all of my mom's side of the family today so I will make a final Christmas post. I had dressed up quite festive (the male's in the family said it looked like an elf puked on me) but I did score compliments from the females in the family who obviously have great taste. My family is BIG there are 10 first cousins and another 12 second cousins then a bunch of aunts and uncles, it can get kind of crazy but it was definitely nice to see all of my family that I haven't seen in a while. I'm sad to say I probably will skip out on a outfit post for New Years since the dress I purchased for New Years didn't even make it in time (even when I ordered it three weeks ago) now I have NO idea what I will wear since all my clothes are back in Hamilton and I'm in London (dilemma). Since I don't have a tripod (yet) I had to ask my Mother to take the pictures of me.. I learned that trying to teach your Mother to use a camera is like trying to train an elephant to do a back flip but thanks Mom!!

Dress/Belt: August Wrinkle, Tights: H&M, Earrings c/o: Pony Chops Shop

And if you are having a bad day check out this hilarious and adorable picture of my little cousin:

Friday Frugal Fashion Finds: Feline

In my senior year of High School I was voted most likely to be a crazy cat lady, makes sense since I freakin' love cats. For today’s Friday Frugal Fashion Finds I’m going to show you the most frugal feline finds under fifty (say that five times fast). Grab your favourite feline friend and enjoy. 

1. Pink Grosgrain and Black Silk Cat Eye Mask

2. Cat Face Flats

3. Vintage Cateye Glasses

 4. CATS Tote Bag

5. Love Cats Tote Bag

6. Cats & Cross Bones Sweatshirt

7. Just Kitten T-Shirt

Featuring Pony Chops

Happy Thursday everyone! Today has been a lazy day for me. It's the first time I went out in my hometown London in almost a year and now I'm being lazy aka recovering. A few weeks back I won a contest from Chantal at Pony Chops where I received one of her AMAZING custom made Russian Dolls. I was so impressed that I had to make a post praising this lovely girl. 

The Santa Russian Dolls I received: 

How adorable are they!?

Here are some of my other favourite Russian Dolls that she makes and sells:

She doesn't just make Russian Dolls, oh no, this girl does it all: 

Make sure you check out Chantal's blog and shop

Frugal Fashion Finds: Boxing Day

Happy Boxing Day everyone! I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas. I spent the day travelling from 530 AM and didn't get home until around 8:30 PM so I didn't start opening gifts until about 9 PM. I hope Santa treated everyone to what they wanted since all of us were on the nice list this year of course. What would my blog be if I didn't share some of the online Boxing Day sales that are going on? Here are some sales you should check out:

Forever 21: (For Canada) Free Shipping no minimum, 30% off sale items, bonus 50% off sale items (code 50HOLIDAY), 50% off boots

Urban Outfitters: Free Shipping over $50, All BDJ Jeans and Standard Cloth jeans now $39, 50% off outerwear, 20% off select headphones

Asos: Sale up to 50% off 

Click Etsy for over 12,000 boxing day sale items

Anthropologie: Extra 30% off sale items enter WOW30 at checkout

Fred Flare: Take extra 15% off enter FIRECRACKER at checkout

Click Nasty Gal for sale items + free shipping $50+ (RIDICULOUS SALE, bought 4 things for $75)

Sephora: 20% extra on sale items enter EXTRA20 at checkout

She Inside: 50% off today only

Click Topshop: for sales

Modcloth: Up to 50% on already sale items

Happy shopping!

Music Monday

It's my favourite day of my BLOG week (not actually week) Music Monday. I know you all are probably getting sick of Christmas music (I'm not) but before you boycott Christmas music forever, please listen to this AMAZING version of Baby It's Cold Outside by Haley Reinhart & Casey Abrams. I had posted a different version of this song on Facebook and a Facebook friend had blessed me with this amazing cover. Check it out and Merry Christmas! 

Christmas Eve Blues

While everyone is hyped up about Christmas tomorrow, I'm pretty upset because this is the last day I get to spend with Paul. If you are a new follower, Paul and I are in a long distance relationship and I have no idea the next time I'll be able to see him. Could be two-four months before I see him again so today is a pretty sad day. On the bright side, I've had an amazing time with my wonderful boyfriend.

Yesterday was our Christmas since today Paul has to work. One thing that Paul has over me is that he can cook. I have yet to perfect macaroni and cheese, I'm a TERRIBLE cook. Paul spoils me a little... and by a little I mean a lot. For breakfast he made me bacon, scrambled eggs and french toast (I wish I took a picture of it it was so delicious) and at night he made homemade spinach dip for an appetizer and for dinner he made turkey, broccoli, mashed potatoes, stuffing, the works.

 

           Morning we exchanged gifts. Paul unfortunately had his credit card information stolen so he didn't have many options to shop for me since Jasper is a tourist town, but he got me the perfect presents. I got Paul: Socks (what a terrible gift Summer!! On the contrary, nothing makes Paul more happy than new socks, he was ecstatic), Cherry Coke (you can't get Cherry Coke in Alberta and it's his favourite), his own mini Man Cave since he keeps insisting that when we live together we need to design it into a Man Cave (and that's never going to happen) so I got him his own little Man Cave kit, and a book on the best Goalies ever in the NHL. Paul got me a wooden candle holder, a snow globe with deer inside, PS I Love You (I'm a sucker for rom-coms), Werther Originals, Swedish Berries, Cookies N Cream chocolate bar (he wants me to get fat apparently) and Poker themed chocolate (we love poker). Our gifts were perfect for each other with little inside jokes for each gift. It was perfect.

Duke and Paul opening their gifts.

Pyramid Mountain in Jasper

Paul and I made a list of activities we wanted to do while I was visiting

Eat French Toast and drink Hot Chocolate

Beer and burgers at Whistle Stop Pub (our favourite pub in town)

Visit the Christmas Shops in town

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk

Chop down our own Christmas tree

Decorate our Christmas Tree

Buy our very first Christmas Ornament

Bake Christmas cookies

Go skating

Go sledding (since neither of us ski/snowboard)

Wine and cheese night

Make Christmas cocktails

Watch Christmas Movies:

Home Alone (1 & 2)

Love Actually (my favourite Christmas movie)

Elf

Bad Santa

Christmas With the Cranks

A Christmas Story

Its a Wonderful Life

The Grinch 

A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas

The Family Stone

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Frosty the Snowman

The day we wanted to do the Ice Walk it was -30 degrees so that was a bust, the lake hadn't frozen completely so we were unable to go skating, sledding we didn't get to, we watched Home Alone 3 instead of 1 & 2 (it was on TV) and the rest of the movies we will probably watch tonight as well as make Christmas Cocktails tonight. Overall I had an amazing time with Paul and I will be counting down the days until I get to see him again.

Merry Christmas Eve

 I also learned how to take Bokeh photos! 

Weekly Roundup

Only two days until Christmas! Which means in two days I leave Jasper. Not looking forward to it, Paul and I have had an amazing week with each other I don't want to leave yet. Paul and I are celebrating our Christmas today since it is the last day he has off work before I leave. I'll post all about it tomorrow! Here are some of my favourite things I found on the web this week:

1. Mountain Maker 8 x 10 print

2. Suede Renegade Skater Skirt

3. How awesome is this Arizona Christmas Tree

4. Gift DIY Drums from A Beautiful Mess

5. Crostini with Brie Cheese, Strawberries, Honey & Basil Recipe

Hope everyone had a fabulous week! Remember you only have a few more days to finish up your Christmas shopping!!

1 MONTH ANNIVERSARY

Happy 1 month to Oh Summer Candy! It's officially been one month since Oh Summer Candy was launched! I'm so happy with what I have accomplished in just one month. I've connected with fabulous bloggers and even met one! I've learned a lot in this one month and I can't wait to learn more. I have so many ideas and things that I want to accomplish with this blog and this first month is just a stepping stone to what Oh Summer Candy will be able to do! I thank everyone who has visited, followed and commented. I hope you all keep reading and thank you all for your support!

First month:

29 posts

4,816 views

160 daily average views

86 comments

39 GFC followers

9 bloglovin' follwers

395 Twitter followers

280 Instagram followers

234 Pinterest followers

Thank you SO SO SO SO SO SO SO much. I can't wait for what comes next! If you have any ideas for this blog, or content you want to see more of or content that keeps you coming to this blog please let me know, I appreciate all feedback. 

End of the World Confessions

The day has come. December 21, 2012, the supposed end of the world... just like Y2K, 666, and a thousand other apocalyptic predictions that never actually happened. But it’s only noon where I am so I still have twelve hours left to survive this prediction. On Twitter #EndOfTheWorldConfessions have been trending so I thought it would be nice to share with you some of my confessions that I have never told anyone. They're embarrassing so please don’t make fun of me, or do I don’t really care. 

Confession 1: Legally Blonde is my favourite movie

Usually when people ask me what my favourite movie is I just say Breakfast Club since that is probably my second favourite and not as embarrassing to say. I first saw Legally Blonde when I was 7 years old and since then have easily watched it over 200 times. I’m not exaggerating. I can recite you the entire movie. I made sure I saw the sequel the opening day and I can GLADLY say I only saw the sequel once since it was awful. When my Grandma asked me what musical I wanted to see when we went to London, England I had to see the Legally Blonde Musical which I was also very disappointed in (worst musical ever) but the movie is by far my favourite movie of all time. This is the only time I will ever admit to it, so if you didn’t read it here, you won’t hear it from me.

Confession 2: I have to sleep with my mouth closed in case aliens will come and suck my teeth out while I’m sleeping.

When I was 5 I had these friends across from my Grandma’s house who had this book on aliens. It was an extremely graphic book of aliens that looked totally real with specific names and characteristics of these aliens. One of the aliens was said to suck out your teeth while you’re sleeping. Ever since then I can’t sleep with my mouth open. “If you’re asleep how do you know” I wouldn’t fall asleep unless my mouth was closed and now it has just become habit to sleep with my mouth closed. 

Confession 3: I have Trichotillomania

It isn’t as serious as it sounds. Nor is it a ride at Six Flags. And if you’ve ever been my boyfriend this one doesn’t seem as much as a confession. I love to pull hair out. It’s a comfort thing, and I just love to do it. Not to mention a lot of my friends would ask why I don’t shave my legs as often well, it’s because I like to pluck them. Others hate the feeling of having their eyebrows waxed, I LOVE the feeling of having my eyebrows waxed. My boyfriend’s absolutely hate this because when I’m bored I’ll just start plucking the hairs out of their body. I used to have it really bad when I was 13 and started pulling hair out of my head which I didn’t think was a big deal since I have SO MUCH HAIR but then I started realizing I had bald spots so I stopped. It’s not noticeable since I just pluck little hairs but you may see me once in a while plucking my eyebrows or ripping hairs out of my boyfriends body. I always need to be doing something such as  biting my nails, tapping my fingers on a desk, shaking my leg or pulling hairs.

Confession 4: I have permanent hiccups

This isn’t really a confession that NOBODY knows but more for people who read my blog and don’t know me. I have permanent hiccups. Seriously. I have a hiccup one every 15-45 minutes constantly through the day. They don’t sound like regular hiccups they kind of sound like I’m saying ‘hey’. They can get really loud, so they can be quite embarrassing if I’m in my lecture hall and I hiccup and then a hundred people look around wondering what that noise was. People always ask me if its annoys me or if I have asked a doctor. The doctor says if it doesn’t hurt I shouldn’t worry about it. It doesn’t really bother me, I think it bothers other people more than it bothers me. I’ve had them since I was around 10 so I’m pretty used to it. A lot of people get a laugh out of it. I’m just the girl with the permanent hiccups.

What are some of your confessions? 

Lumberjacks

Summer here. Yesterday I went Christmas Tree chopping with my boyfriend Paul and his roommate Corey. I transformed myself into the greatest lumberjack who ever lived. And by the greatest lumberjack who ever lived I wore plaid and watched the boys chop down the tree. A girl can dream right!? It was an awesome experience and I'd love to do it again. The tree isn't that big but there isn't much room in Paul's apartment. I've always wanted to go and chop down my own tree, not only is it fun but it's FREE (frugal bonus). Another Christmas activity crossed off my list!

The boys are sporting their lumberjack plaid nicely. 

Lumberjacks in Love

Our final product. How does it look!? Ignore the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in the background .. it's not Paul's (I would never date a TML fan) 

Have you ever chopped down your own tree?

Frugal Fashion Finds: Mary Jane Fashion

Happy hump day everyone! I hope your week has been going well so far. I have had an AMAZING week here in Jasper. On Monday it was Paul’s staff Christmas party but he had to work the actual party so I went with some of our friends (I used to work here as well). It was honestly the best time I have had in a while! I haven’t seen any of these people in about 4 months, it made me really miss everyone and going has convinced me to come work here next year! Jasper is an amazing place and I made great friends and memories last summer and I can’t wait to make more memories when I come back permanently. Today Paul, his roommate and I are going to go chop down a Christmas tree lumberjack style. I dressed up in plaid and now I’m ready to go! 

For today’s Frugal Fashion Find I found Mary Jane Fashion.  MJF is founded in the UK and offers celebrity style fashion at affordable prices.  MJF’s states: “We aim to be exciting and innovative, offering out customers the fashions, footwear and accessories that they want, when they want. To stay in touch with the ever changing trends within our market we have developed a dynamic and very responsive organization”

Here are a few of my favourite frugal find’s for New Years from MJF:

1. Nude Suedette Studded Back Cut Away Wedges

2. Wine Mesh Skater Studded Dress

3. Pink High Waisted Sparkly Sequin Hotpants

4. Black PU Sleeve Button Up Blazer

5. Stone Satin Sheen Flippy Skater Skirt

Check out their Shop , Blog and Twitter

Also make sure when you are about to buy, type in WINTER20 at their check out for 20% off

Music Monday: Covers

For today’s Music Monday I made a playlist of my favourite covers. Covers by Nirvana, Iron & Wine, Arctic Monkeys and more. Enjoy!

Cover me up from summercandy on 8tracks Radio.

1. Heaven - Brandi Carlile (Original: Bryan Adams)

2. Whatever You Like - Anya Marina (Original: T.I.)

3. The Man Who Sold the World - Nirvana (Original: David Bowie)

4. Jolene - The White Stripes (Original: Dolly Parton)

5. Baby I’m Yours - Arctic Monkeys (Original: Barbara Lewis)

6. Such Great Heights - Iron & Wine (Original: The Postal Service)

7. Free Fallin’ - John Mayer (Original: Tom Petty)

8. Hey Ya - Obadiah Parker (Original: Outkast)

9. You’re The One That I Want - Angus & Julia Stone (Original: Olivia Newton John & John Travolta)

10. Crazy - The Kooks (Original: Gnarles Barkley) 

11. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley (Original: Leonard Cohen)

What are your favourite covers?