Japanese Wellies From Much And Little ♥

Just picked myself up a pair of super cute Japanese Wellies from one of my favorite little shops on Main called Much And Little. I've been looking for a pair of rainboots that I could easily take on the go and wear without feeling dragged down (some rainboots are so darn heavy).

I've gone through several pairs now, and have to say this pair is my favorite. It's simplistic design is perfect for my lifestyle, they are so lightweight - when I first put them on it literally felt like I wasn't wearing anything, the boots have a buckle in the back to be cinched or worn loose, they can be rolled up (great for traveling around), and the rubber is crazily soft (think soft rubber like smooshy leather). They were originally made for rice field workers so they are very flexible and pliable.

Some pictures of the boots from Much And Little blog:

You can roll them up for travel!

Much And Little is another super adorable little shop along Main Street that just opened October of 2011. It really felt like home the first time I stepped in with the warm and comforting decor. The store truly lives up to it's description as being much and little with its well curated, simple and timeless goods for everyday and the grand occasion. It's really the perfect place to shop for gifts and trinkets.

 

The shop carries a variety of hard to find and gorgeous items from beautiful leather goods, Pendleton blankets, well-crafted and classic canvas totes and bags, to the perfect little striped tees from Small Trades (love them). I always find something amazing in this little room of treasures.

Some of my favorite items the store stocks are these beautiful fair trade handmade scissors made by a master artisan from India and these super cute ceramic cups from Pigeon Toe - the pop of color on the inside is such a pleasant surprise.

If you're around and visiting Main Street don't forget to stop by Much and Little for some lovely inspiration and goods ♥

xo

Lori

Patterned Hearts For Valentine's By 'Simple As That' ♥

I stumbled upon this super cute and easy little craft idea from Rebecca Cooper's blog Simple As That and had to share! It's a wonderful project for all ages and the end results are adorable ♥

For fully detailed instructions: Pretty Patterned Hearts

 

I'll definitely be making some of my own ♥

Happy Crafting!

xo 

Lori

Happy Lunar New Year ♥

May this year of the mighty dragon bring courage, strength, health, and passion to all of your lovely lives ♥

(Photos Via Tumblr)

xo
Lori

Escents Aromatherapy Moisturizing Butter

I picked this up on a whim a couple weeks ago from Escents Aromatherapy on Main. I have a very minor case of eczema on my upper arms (I have many patches of extremely dry, itchy and, literally, scaly looking skin). My doctor prescribed a cream he deemed very strong and would solve the problem, but it didn't work at all for me. The results were the same as when I had been using regular body lotion. I've tried a few products from Kiehl's, The Body Shop Body Butter (which I love for using on my body), good old Vaseline, Nivea, but none of them were able to moisten my dry spots.

Well, I am now dry-free and wonderfully moisturized after using Escents Moisturising Butter (Eczema Care). This product is also available as a Skin Repair Moisturizing Butter, which I have yet to try but has rave reviews! Escents products are proudly manufactured in British Columbia (hooray) and strive to be "born from nature". The ingredients in my moisturizing butter totally makes my skin hungry: Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Blend of Pure Essential Oils, Vitamin E oil and Carrot Oil ♥

The texture of this butter took me by surprise as it is definitely not lotion-creamy. It's almost like an oily and grainy spread. The grains slowly melt into your skin as you apply it. It's a bit on the oily side and takes a bit of time to dry, but I don't find it messy. It doesn't smell bad, but to me it doesn't smell good either. It's the smell of...well a mix of essential oils! Some might love the smell, while for others it might take a bit of getting used to - but all in all it does not smell bad.

 This is what it looks like straight out of its container. It kind of grossed me out at first.

 After a bit of rubbing and smoothing into my skin the little "grains" begin to melt.

 Ta-da! Now you see nothing - just happy, moisturized skin ♥

The instructions indicate to apply up to 4 times daily - I actually apply just once straight out of the shower and after 4 days I was already seeing a difference in my skin. I'm thinking because it's a thicker oily butter it is able to penetrate and sink into my skin better than a lotion or cream. It's a bit on the pricey side, almost $20 for less than half the size of a regular Body Shop body butter. But because I use it for spot treatment (and I'm guessing others would too) it'll last a long time. Don't forget - a little bit goes a long way.

For all you out there with dry skin or minor eczema like me - you should visit an Escents and try the Moisturizing Butter (for eczema care or skin repair)! I definitely recommend it ♥

xo
Lori

Girl Crush: Amanda Seyfried ♥

I fell in love with Amanda Seyfried after watching Letters To Juilet (yes it's a typical romantic fairytale, but I'm sappy like that - plus these types of movies give my mind a complete break from everyday stress and too much thought). I love her (beautiful effortless-looking) hair and how she is such a fresh and pretty face. I think she's gorgeous and her clothing picks for events are breathtaking.

(Images via Tumblr)

I recently heard this song and had no idea it was Amanda Seyfried singing. I've watched Mamma Mia (love their rendition of Abba's "I Have A Dream" and "Our Last Summer"), but had no idea she actually recorded her songs. "Little House" has been playing on my stereo for the past couple of days now. I love it ♥


xo

Lori

IFound Gallery: The Place For DIY

(Photo Via Poser Series)

For all of you readers out there who love creating jewelry, crafting or anything DIY you should definitely check out the IFound Gallery on Main Street. I have been working in the Mount Pleasant area for over a year now and only newly discovered this fantastic shop a few months ago. IFound Gallery has an amazingly extensive collection of (vintage) findings, chains, semi precious stones, keys, pendants, vintage glasses, cameos, buttons, silk scarves (and many other things that don't come to mind right now) and they have a small section of vintage clothing. They also carry tools for jewelry making, Hypo cement glue, DIY books, and wire.

(Photos via Tumblr)

Word of advice: you might want to stop by when you're not in a rush. The first time I visited, I actually was in a rush to catch the bus before my ticket expired - well that failed horribly as I spent 2 hours in the shop and didn't even realize it.

I find their prices (though not the absolute best) are fairly decent and actually great if you're just doing a small project that does not require buying in bulk. I love their selection of chain, semi precious stones and metal pendants (there are some very cute sailboats, shells, and leaves) and also their "mixed chain bags" where you get a bit of many different chains.

For all those who do not live in Vancouver who would also love to browse IFound Gallery's collection and supplies, fear not! They have an online site as well as an Etsy shop!
After stopping by IFound Gallery, if you're still looking for jewelry bits and (better) stones Beadfreaks just a few blocks down should be your next stop. It may be a small store, but they have drawers and drawers and drawers of gorgeous stones and lots of little beads to finish off your project with (the stones of one of my best selling necklaces are from here).
If you're more of a knitter than a jewelry maker - also in the area you'll find Three Bags Full who describe themselves as the place for people who love to knit.
Main Street is a great place for creative minds and crafters.

I get most of my inspiration for making jewelry from nature as well as jewelry pieces I see in magazines and shops. I do love having a large amount of stones and chain so I can play around with shapes and how I might put them together - but that's very costly compared to knowing what you want to make and going to get what you need. Where do you get your creativity from? Have you made anything lately? 

 (Photos via Etsy)

xo

Lori

Etsy Picks Of The Month ♥

Because I love Etsy ♥

    Bronze Raven Claw Ring $54
    Pretty, cool, edgy and best of all - made in beautiful British Columbia ♥

 Coco Chanel Travel Mug $28

Simply classic. Each mug comes with a lid, holds a generous 16 oz. and measures 6" tall and 3 1/2" across the top. The interior of the mug can be changed to your desired color (otherwise this one is black), and if you prefer a different quote or other words, customization is available!

Air Plant Urchins $29
Because every room needs a touch of green. And what better way than these ultra low maintenace air plants in adorable sea urchins?

Opelle Botanist Leather Bag $334

A beautiful, simple and chic everyday bag, with plenty of space for all your essentials, front zippers for easy access to small items and super sturdy construction. Made in Canada ♥

Patona Brown Leather Bag $165

Slouchy, large sized hobo bag with removeable fur tail charm. Impeccable quality. Hand-made and finished with love in Uruguay. 

Oversized 'The Cut' Top $44

It's the tee you wear because when you slip it over your head you'll look and feel even better then you hoped for. This top has an over sized cut with fitted sleeves to make you feel girlie and modernly edgy all at once not to mention it's unbelievably chic. One of my wardrobe staples.