Instagram Update

I promise I'm not neglecting my blog on purpose. I have no Internet and no laptop, the library is the best I have for right now. Once I get a new laptop and Internet I have plenty of plans for this lil' ol blog of mine! Here are some Instagram photos of my life lately

This is our current mantel set up in our living room. Our apartment is still a work in progress It's a bit of a mess right now so I won't show you the rest of it until I'm satisfied.

Paul doesn't approve of this Bart Simpson shirt, and neither does the lady at the LCBO but I rock it no matter what. I bought it at Rabbit Cave, the stylish store owner named Summer (great name) has some wicked stuff there, go check it out! 

We gave Duke a little tent for himself to camp out in. Surprisingly, he fits in it and even more surprisingly he absolutely loves it. Well, we think... he has ripped it up to bits already but still relaxes in it after a hard day. 

If you live in Hamilton you HAVE to try the Gorilla Cheese Food Truck, it is amazing. This is the Lumberjack Grilled Cheese (Granny Apples, maple syrup, bacon, cheddar.. can't get more Canadian than that eh?) 

Like what you see? Follow me on Instagram

Featured Frugal Female: Sometimes Z Takes Pictures

Tell us about yourself and your blog.
Hey! I'm Z and I run Sometimes Z Takes Pictures. I love going to sketchy pop punk concerts, eating gnarly burgers, and occasionally snapping a few photos.

What is your favourite item in your closet that is under $25?
I'd honestly have to go with the hi-lo skirt in my photo. I work retail and try to buy as much as possible when we have our 60% sale for staff. I usually hate the hi-lo trend but I loved the color and uniqueness of this skirt and it goes with EVERYTHING. I guess you could say I'm one for statement pieces.

What drug store beauty product can you not live without?
One of those liquid eyeliner pens. I have naturally long lashes so usually the only thing I do for makeup in the morning is put on a bit of eyeliner.

Are you more likely to thrift shop or buy brand new?
I almost always buy brand new. I grew up in a small town where there weren't many thrifting options, but most of my reasoning is that I just don't have the time. I get bored easily when shopping and I find it really hard to concentrate on the "potential" of a piece. When I look at any article of clothing, I immediately start to think of all the different remixing and wear possibilities it has. If I don't see that immediately, then I don't usually bother to buy it.

What are you most likely to splurge on?
Definitely a show stopping statement dress. My closet is full of them (cough cough thanks to Modcloth...) and I never get tired of it. All you really need is to throw it on, and you have an insta-outfit! Perfect for someone who's always waking up late... 

Best budget-saving advice?
If you find an item and are on the fence, leave it be and see if you remember it in a day or two. I've had some pieces just straight up HAUNT ME until I have to run back to wherever it is and buy them. But about ninety percent of the time...I forget completely. Also, if you're on a budget DON'T SHOP. Whenever my spending is tight (usually/always), I don't let myself "casually scroll through Modcloth" or "go to the mall just to look around." Out of sight, out of mind and all that. :] 

Make sure to follow Z on Bloglovin', Facebook, and Twitter

Thanks Z!

Music Monday

Hi everyone! I know I've been MIA for the past week and a bit, but my faithful laptop has officially failed me and I don't have Internet in my apartment yet so I'm unable to sneak onto Paul's laptop. I'm oldschooling it at the library to let you know what's been going on in my life! First off I'm excited to announce that I've gotten a job as a Brand Ambassador with this awesome company Just Eat, if you haven't heard of it it's this neat website where you type in your postal code/zip code, type of food you want to eat (Indian, Italian, Chinese, American, Pizza etc.) and it shows you all the delicious options near your area! Then you can simply order your food right there. It's a pretty neat idea, and after much research and meeting the team I'm super excited to be working for them, it's a cool group of people, I'll be talking more about it when I start in September!

For Music Monday I'll be entertaining you with recent shows that I've been to. Last Saturday my friend Holly and her two friends from her hometown and I all went to Edge Fest in Toronto where we got the opportunity to see bands such as Capital Cities, Band of Horses, The Lumineers and more!

The Lumineers

We unfortunately missed some bands that we wanted to see (The Great Bloomers, Dinosaur Bones and a few others) but we still got to see some awesome bands. Capital Cities who sing the catchy song Safe and Sound were so much fun live! I was actually shocked how much I enjoyed them. They made cheesy dance numbers to their songs which you couldn't help but join in and dance too, they have an incredible trumpet player, there music is just so damn catchy and you can really see how much they care about their fans. If there is one thing that will make me fall in love with a band is how they interact with their fans, and after 10 million views on their Safe and Sound video they are still such modest guys. I can't wait to see Capital Cities again live.

Another band I was stoked to see was Band of Horses, I have been a fan for years and this was the first time I got to see them live. I can't say I was blown away by them live, they didn't do anything that made them stand out, other than their awesome music. I still love them, but I don't have much to say about their set

The closing band was 2013's biggest indie band of the year The Lumineers. I have nothing to say but wow. They were jaw dropping amazing. Every set just made you want to cry, their stage was full of chandeliers and props that just illuminated the band. It was absolutely pouring rain and I was wearing my favourite dress that is now ruined, but standing out their watching them play was worth sacrificing the dress. Near the end of their set, the band members went out into the middle of the crowd to play. Fortunately, my friend and I were in the perfect spot and I became a fan girl after shaking drummer Jeremiah's hand. I would pay mega bucks to go see them again, they are just... wow.  

Me Up close and wet with The Lumineers

On Friday Holly and I went to go see The Sheepdogs, the devishly handsome rock n roll band from Saskatoon. This was my second time seeing them and Holly's third time seeing them live, and like usual they didn't disappoint. I can say with confidence that they are the best rock band of this generation, probably the only real rock out there right now. 

The Sheepdogs

Of course Holly and I fought our way to the front to see them rock out. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Ewan Currie, guitarist Leot Hanson, bassist Ryan Gullen and drummer Sam Corbett as well as Ewan's brother Shamus on tour with them. This band makes me proud to be a Canadian, blessing the world with some real music.

Weekly Roundup

This week has been one hell of a week. Paul and I traveled 4000 miles across the country in a cramped car and a cat. We arrived to our new 1930's walk up apartment and have been constantly unpacked and shopping for furniture. I have never in my life broke out and it's either the new make up I'm wearing or how stressed out I am but I will not be taking a picture of myself until my face clears up... or  going out in public. Stressed and tired is an understatement, who knew moving would be so stressful! I don't have any internet at my place right now so I'm currently slacking on emails and blogging, bare with me!

TO EAT

Some girls like diamond rings, I prefer Crispy Baked BBQ Onion Rings

TO WEAR

I'm currently on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket for fall, this one is a serious contender.

TO LISTEN

I recently saw Capital Cities on Saturday at Edge Fest in Toronto, and they are so much fun live! Especially their trumpet and flawless dance moves. 

TO DECORATE

This hammock chair is too perfect. 

TO SEE

TO CREATE

Following the leather theme, this DIY leather clutch is too cute!

Featured Frugal Female: BreAnna @ Peacoats And Plaid

Tell us about yourself and your blog:

I'm a mommy by day and a dance teacher by night. I call myself a "die-hard creator", so I'm constantly working on some DIY/craft project or being creative in some crazy way. My blog is where I share all of that and more.

What is your favourite item in your closet that is under $25? 

My black maxi skirt that I got from Target. It goes with everything, and it's so comfy.

What drug store beauty product can you not live without?

Palladio Dual Wet/Dry foundation. It's the closest replacement I've found for my expensive salon brand foundation, dare I say I actually like it better...

Are you more likely to thrift shop or buy brand new?

Most definitely thrift shop. And more times than not, when I'm out "regular" shopping I'll turn down something because I know I can find it at a thrift store for way cheaper!

What are you most likely to splurge on?

Being that I was a hair stylist for 5 years, I have a hard time using "store brand" hair care products. The shampoo and conditioner that I currently use retails at $30 for a normal sized bottle :/ Luckily I still get my pro discount on products.

Best budget-saving advice?:

Take the time to do your research. Is it worth the money? Could you find it somewhere cheaper online? And when all else fails... coupons, coupons, coupons! 

Make sure to follow BreAnna on her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter