tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75708697436730451922024-02-07T00:47:48.957-07:00Retro ReporterAn Edmonton vintage lifestyle blogLaurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-19341875225184927772015-08-01T19:31:00.002-06:002015-08-01T19:31:50.822-06:00When it rains, it poursTo put it mildly, April, May and June were both the best and worst months of my life.<br />
<br />
In April, I was thrown into a provincial election campaign that was 28 consecutive 14-hour work days that culminated in a lot of blood, sweat and tears.<br />
<br />
And, oh yeah, an historic victory. The NDP (the folks I work for) went from being the 4th party in the Alberta legislature (with just 4 seats) to winning a majority government with 53 seats, wiping out a government that had been in power for 44 years. Even if you’re not into politics, I’m sure you realize this is a pretty big deal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/daveberta/17576901086/in/photolist-sMddjJ-sPx9KK-sPvKBM-rSGi3R-t7mNFy-fwb1Bd-rgkwmh-rgx4nx-sdcckf-sdkKa4-rgx6qF-rVLvtU-sdhJGc-sdcdiN-rgkvNU-rVLxdL-sxa4ui-pks7rd-qJxriY-r1Ya7B-qJGqca-r1Yc16-s8taAV-rQSFum-rR1NCV-s8jUU3-s8tbEi-rR1PCv-rbt1jC-s8jVSL-s8t9vD-s6b5TA-s6b8Y3-s8jYMJ-s8t8Mp-rbt4xG-s8pQCM-rQTYmN-8LYY12-ss6hK2-q5kcS6-r288Z2-r1Y9u4-r1Y6kP-qJGn8p-q57H7L-rygq7d-qU49Lk-vArLyz-uHCjYd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rachel Notley"><img alt="Rachel Notley" height="425" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/17576901086_5259f7c708_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel Notley and the NDP won the Alberta Election on May 5.<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/sMddjJ">Dave Cournoyer</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then just a few weeks later, my mom passed away. She had beaten breast cancer 10 years ago, but was diagnosed with Stage 4, metastasized to her bones, in October. <br />
<br />
She had just gotten back from Hawaii when the writ dropped in April, and had gone in for some routine tests soon after. Due to a series of unfortunate events (for lack of a better term) she never really left the hospital, and died June 17. It was very sudden and pretty unexpected. As you can imagine my whole family and I are pretty devastated. I have a lot more to say about the amazing person my mom is, but it deserves it's own post (once I'm able to write it).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/944502_396003387171373_602802384_n.jpg?oh=934b51c922e3f6ca41f9318b350cf10c&oe=564BEB39" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/944502_396003387171373_602802384_n.jpg?oh=934b51c922e3f6ca41f9318b350cf10c&oe=564BEB39" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
And then, my old bosses asked me to join their team in the Premier’s Office, and I received a promotion to what is my dream job. There was a lot of restructuring going on at work, so I was very stressed out about my future. It’s a really funny feeling, having a lot of your worries melt away at the drop of a hat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<blockquote align="center" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 75%; width: calc(75% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/5XP6ywjBQ1/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top">A photo posted by Laurie Callsen (@retroreporter)</a> on <time datetime="2015-07-20T15:38:07+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 20, 2015 at 8:38am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
I say this not only as a recap of where I’ve been since my last post at the end of March, but also as a precursor to my next post about my six-month shopping ban, which technically finished at the end of June. Stay tuned....<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-13610736554996403002015-03-28T17:02:00.000-06:002015-03-28T17:02:23.378-06:00Shopping Ban - Halfway Already?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I was getting ready this morning I did some mental math and realized that the end of March marks my halfway period through my 6-month shopping ban. This rocked me because:<br />
<br />
a) how the hell is it already April<br />
b) the last three months haven't been as hard as I thought<br />
<br />
So far, my greatest struggles have been with unexpected expenses and with not buying fast food for myself.<br />
<br />
In February, my logic board in my MacBook when kaput, and since I use my laptop for freelance, income, I couldn't not replace the board. So $600 later, I had a new backup drive and logic board (which was still cheaper than a new computer). Thanks to a few other big expenses, like new contacts, I had over $900 in credit card expenses In February. Crud.<br />
<br />
I have broken my fast food rule a number of times, mostly because I haven't had time in the morning to pack myself lunch for work. However, one thing that is helping is bringing in snacks to work to keep there, like yogurt, hummus, crackers etc so even on those days when I don't have a lunch I still have something to eat close at hand and I don't just go a grab a sandwich down the street.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NSJ9ZakdlE/VRcxT9YkvrI/AAAAAAAALqo/ETJEMPkWM2U/s1600/2015-03-17%2B18.43.41-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NSJ9ZakdlE/VRcxT9YkvrI/AAAAAAAALqo/ETJEMPkWM2U/s1600/2015-03-17%2B18.43.41-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I admit that I paid $20 to get spicy Thai chicken soup delivered to me when I was sick. <br />It was worth every penny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think what makes the shopping ban so easy for me is that fact that I am lazy. Seriously. It takes a lot of effort to coordinate with Ian to have the car, walk, bus or find a Pogo car (local car share) nearby. Depending on what the thing it, its easier just to go without it than to go through a lot of rigamarole to buy it. <b>I have to ask myself: is this really worth investing my time and/or money for this item?</b><br />
<br />
Take today, for example. I ended up taking a Pogo to the south side of the city to pick up a few allowed cosmetic and sewing items. That meant the clock was running on the car, and I was getting charged for every minute I was in the store. This encouraged me to get in and get out, and to not get pulled in by the fabrics and makeup, even though I would have really loved to browse.<br />
<br />
We live just outside the Pogo zone (where you are allowed to end your car reservation), so whether I'm travelling by bus, by foot, or by Pogo I have to limit myself to what I can carry, which means I won't be over-shopping. Pogo is really great for those times when buses aren't running where or when I need them to, or if I need to bring something that is too unwieldy for the bus.<br />
<br />
So I'm finding the shopping ban easy. But is it working? YES.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKTGkGMCPXk/VRcxaDe_O1I/AAAAAAAALqw/WFXc0uHY6eo/s1600/2015-03-23%2B20.05.03-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKTGkGMCPXk/VRcxaDe_O1I/AAAAAAAALqw/WFXc0uHY6eo/s1600/2015-03-23%2B20.05.03-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other things that are worth the rigamarole of coordinating schedules with your husband?<br />Long overdue haircuts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My original goal of this ban was twofold: to stop using my credit card for purchases that should be paid with cash (unlike internet purchases, donations, Pogo etc), and to pay down my credit card debt.<br />
<br />
In March, I am excited to say that I have put more payments on my credit card than I've put debt on it. While I still have $4,911 on my card, I put on $1,300 in payments on it just this month (and put $300 of debt), without my chequing account going to $0. Talk about progress! This was the whole point of the shopping ban and I am so excited to see results so quickly - I thought I wouldn't get to this point until the end.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-71495276722983077862015-02-11T14:04:00.002-07:002015-02-11T14:04:52.152-07:00How I slashed $250+ from my monthly spending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I alluded to in my previous post, Ian and I have made some financial changes to pay off our debt sooner while at the same time trying to make decisions that will work for us not just now, but several years in the future.<br />
<br />
So we did something that, on the surface, totally looks like we violated the shopping ban: We bought an SUV, and will soon be a single-car household (once Ian sells his Civic). It's a pre-owned (but barely!) 2015 Subaru Forester. It has great cargo space, great reliability ratings while at the same time has been an easy transition for me - someone who has been used to driving small vehicles - to get used to.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CSNlxl2Rgs/VNvB548eC3I/AAAAAAAALmQ/3vGujyUsokM/s1600/774_5421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CSNlxl2Rgs/VNvB548eC3I/AAAAAAAALmQ/3vGujyUsokM/s1600/774_5421.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
So how does this not violate my shopping ban?<br />
<ul>
<li>Since Ian and I are splitting the payments, I am actually saving $113 a month on car payments. We decided that since Ian will do the bulk of the driving, and can claim the payments (and 90% of the gas) for work, he will pay 2/3 of the payments, while I pay 1/3 since I won’t be driving it as much as him, and I have to pay for a transit pass.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In the same vein, we will now be splitting insurance payments, which will slightly lower than what I was paying by myself for my old car. That’s $100 in savings for the both of us! Ian was actually worried that his insurance would go up, since he’s splitting with someone under 25, but it turns out that his insurance company gave him a great rate (another rant for another is the fact that we even have to shop around for insurance instead of having publicly-funded insurance, but I digress...)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<style type="text/css">
.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#aaa;}
.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:3px 20px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#aaa;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}
.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:3px 20px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#aaa;color:#fff;background-color:#f38630;}
.tg .tg-z2zr{background-color:#FCFBE3}
</style>
<br />
<table class="tg">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th class="tg-031e">Old Budget</th>
<th class="tg-031e">New Budget</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-z2zr">$155 - Student Loan<br />
$50 - TFSA<br />
$200 - Sears Card<br />
$0 - House fund<br />
$90 - Transit<br />
$550 - Rent<br />
$250 - Groceries<br />
$150 - Utilities<br />
$300 - MC<br />
$41 - Union Dues<br />
$180 - Insurance<br />
$280 - Car<br />
$90 - Cell phone<br />
-----------<br />
$2,321 (93%)</td>
<td class="tg-z2zr">$155 - Student Loan<br />
$50 - TFSA<br />
$0 - Sears Card<br />
$150 - House fund<br />
$90 - Transit<br />
$550 - Rent<br />
$250 - Groceries<br />
$150 - Utilities<br />
$300 - MC<br />
$41 - Union Dues<br />
$165 - Car<br />
$80 - Insurance<br />
$40 - Cell phone<br />
-----------<br />
$2,021 (78%)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>My monthly budget is down $300</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Originally, the plan was to wait until April 2016, when my car was paid off, to privately sell both our cars (Ian’s has been paid off for a while) and buy one new-to-us SUV. However, having two cars that are too small for our lifestyle - big dog, camera gear, road trips to Calgary and Saskatchewan and eventually kids - were becoming more and more a pain in the ass.<br />
<br />
We briefly toyed with the idea of Ian taking over my car, it just wasn’t ideal. My Pontiac G5 Coupe was a great little car when I was 19 and fresh out of journalism school. It was not, however, that great once I married someone who was 6’3” with a German Shepard and tons of camera gear (fact - Ian’s gear can’t even fit in my car thanks to a small trunk opening).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkwFQ5aJwJ0/VNJZO54LoFI/AAAAAAAALl8/XWg-vtapz0c/s1600/D041.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkwFQ5aJwJ0/VNJZO54LoFI/AAAAAAAALl8/XWg-vtapz0c/s1600/D041.png" height="182" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am excited about being a single-car household, because not being able to dash out whenever I please to the mall or grocery store will really help rein in my spending.<br />
<br />
It will take a lot more effort (but less money) for me to go somewhere, meaning I will be making more conscious decisions about where and how I’m spending my money. It will also mean that I will explore my neighbourhood a little bit more, and will be walking (and, once summer comes, riding my bike) around Edmonton more and more, since it's easier for me to walk or catch a bus to Whyte Ave, but it's more work to get one to West Edmonton Mall. I think it's kind of funny that my mom is worried that I'll be totally housebound now - clearly she forgets that when I first moved to Edmonton for university I didn't have a car!<br />
<br />
I also changed my personal cell phone plan, seeing as I have a work phone that I use most of the time. I would cancel it completely, but 1) I am locked into a plan and it would cost $200 and 2) I don't really want to lose loyalty and/or having a phone in case I leave my job (which I don't plan on doing any time soon, but, you know.)<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-27583307808286708682015-02-01T14:45:00.001-07:002015-02-01T14:45:40.829-07:00Shopping Ban - Month One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I can’t believe it’s already been a month of my shopping ban, and so far I am feeling really good about my challenge!<br />
<br />
So far, these are the items I have purchased on my approved shopping list:<br />
<ul>
<li>Sugar scrub: $10</li>
<li>Sleeping Cap, nail foils, among other allowed cosmetics: $29.57</li>
<li>Buttons & extra yarn for my cardigan: $18.85*</li>
<li>Yarn for Baby Brolund’s Blanket (I’m going to be an auntieeeee!): $20.15*</li>
<li>Home/Office stuff (mainly little containers to hold baking ingredients and a microwave cover for the office): $13*</li>
<li>Shoe Repair (I forgot to put this one on my approved shopping list, but I had 3 pairs of shoes, including my winter boots, I needed to get fixed): $59.85</li>
</ul>
<b>Approved shopping this month: $151.42</b><br />
<i>*cash/debit/PayPal</i><br />
<br />
A lot of my approved shopping I wanted to get out of the way early, mostly because I had run out of what I needed. That $10 sugar scrub is going to last me a whole year, so no love lost. I also picked up a few other allowed cosmetics at the beginning of the year, because they all seem to run out at the same time. <br />
<br />
One of the other things I want to share is what I’m putting on my credit card versus what I’m paying cash for, because I need to stop the habit of using my credit card for everyday things and not being able to pay it off, or only paying off what is “new” that month and not working on the rest of the lump.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Credit card total: <b>-$5,899.56</b> (this is the highest it has ever been)<br />
<br />
So what did I put on it this month?<br />
<br />
<b>Total spent: -$442.31</b><br />
<br />
<u>Fees</u><br />
Interest Fee<span style="white-space: pre;">: </span>-$74.37<br />
<br />
<u>Needs</u><br />
Public Transport:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- $26.71<br />
Groceries<span style="white-space: pre;">: </span>-$15.85<br />
Public Transport:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-$114.00<br />
Groceries<span style="white-space: pre;">: </span>-$4.99<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
<u>Allowed Spending</u><br />
Date Night Dinner:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-$21.42<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Parking<span style="white-space: pre;">: </span>-$20.00<br />
Make-up/Skin care:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-$39.57<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<u>Income</u><br />
Reimbursement<span style="white-space: pre;">: </span>$746.44<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
<u>Unusual Spending</u><br />
Pharmacy<span style="white-space: pre;">: </span>-$13.05<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Shoe Repair<span style="white-space: pre;">: </span>-$59.85<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Dentist:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-$746.45<br />
Printing:-$52.49<br />
<br />
<i>(This isn’t all I spent this month, just what I put on my credit card)</i><br />
<br />
I had a pretty big expense on my card: $746 for my part of my wisdom tooth surgery. Luckily I have an HSA at work, so it was reimbursed, as you can see. The $13.05 pharmacy cost was for the five different drugs I was on. I am so thankful that I waited until this year to do my surgery, otherwise I would have had to spend $1,500+ on my teeth. Yuck.<br />
<br />
My transportation fee is high this month because I bought multiple bus ticket booklets instead of a January bus pass *and* I bought February’s bus pass, for some odd reason. I think I was on T3s at the time because now looking back I am unsure why I felt the need to put February’s bus pass on my January expense list. Anyway, dumb move, but it means a bit of movement in my February budget, I guess.<br />
<br />
That printing fee of $52.49 was for our wedding thank you cards, and I’m splitting the cost with Ian. Everything else is pretty self explanatory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEjNkL-EKcM/VM6eEDVV9PI/AAAAAAAALlg/goBJN7jZmD0/s1600/D141.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEjNkL-EKcM/VM6eEDVV9PI/AAAAAAAALlg/goBJN7jZmD0/s1600/D141.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What this means, however, is that when I make my $300 payment at the beginning of February, I’m not really making any real progress on paying off my debt, which is really frustrating. But next month I know that at the very least I won’t be putting my $90 buss pass on my card (because I already have it), so that’s encouraging. My goal for all of this, of course, it to go every month without putting ANYTHING on my card.<br />
<br />
I should explain quickly how Ian and I do out bills since we don’t have joint accounts yet. He pays for most of our groceries, utilities, rent, etc and I reimburse him bi-weekly, when we get paid. It’s nice for me because I am only spending on groceries and utilities bi-monthly, and in cash. It probably seems like a weird system, but for us it works! I might do a full post on it later, but that’s the gist. So when I say groceries above, what I really mean is ice cream, soup and yogurt for me and my toothless mouth. <br />
<br />
So, that’s about a wrap for this month. I thought I did pretty good, but I spent more than I wanted to on getting approved shopping out of the way, which I suppose is the nature of the beast. Ian and I are eyeing a few moves that will help bring our expenses down, so stay tuned!<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-16128930428795459132015-01-27T15:09:00.000-07:002015-01-27T15:09:01.825-07:00Wedding Recap! Part TwoI’m back with the second part of the wedding wrap-up blog, focusing on the fashion of the day! <br />
<br />
Ian and I both knew that we wanted a classic, 1940s style for the wedding clothes, without being too kitschy, expensive or risky. <br />
<br />
While I really wanted to wear one of my Grandmas’ wedding dresses, but neither of them fit right. I contemplated looking for vintage dresses, but I was too scared to order online. What if they didn’t fit? What if there is damage the seller didn’t note? What is it wasn’t “the one”? Etc. And I had really no interest in going wedding dress shopping and paying eleventy-million dollars for something I’d wear once and wouldn’t be 100% me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFtL0lxCkbl9WTfBh92I071-M28OjFJ8FTD0kCfzXROou-lB4iFn64DhR8nxs3KEoWnZVDd1Q75pBadUFC5FcsK07IY0pKi0ILH5AGx0X5wpSCCq4LHox15c5OoBKE3MlkpDIUQXFL5Y/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFtL0lxCkbl9WTfBh92I071-M28OjFJ8FTD0kCfzXROou-lB4iFn64DhR8nxs3KEoWnZVDd1Q75pBadUFC5FcsK07IY0pKi0ILH5AGx0X5wpSCCq4LHox15c5OoBKE3MlkpDIUQXFL5Y/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0046.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at me, trying so hard not to bawl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
Instead I enlisted the very talented <a href="http://todoruk.com/">Todoruk Designs</a> to create a wedding dress that brought my favourite elements of both my Grandmas’ dresses together. The princess seams, sweetheart neckline and the light blue were all inspired by my Grandma Marchant’s dress, while my second layer, a white jacquard silk, bore a very strong resemblance to my Grandma C’s dress. <br />
<br />
Underneath, I wore pieces from What Katie Did - specifically the <a href="http://www.whatkatiedid.com/en_ca/product/557/1940s-satin-bra">CC09 bra</a>, the <a href="http://www.whatkatiedid.com/en_ca/product/691/1940s-cc41-style-satin-tap-panties">CC09 tap pants</a>, the <a href="http://www.whatkatiedid.com/en_ca/product/465/harlow-6-strap-deep-garter-belt">Harlow garter</a> and seamed stockings that I bought 4 years ago or so (but had never worn). <br />
<br />
I made my own veil - and am still in awe of how well it matches - with tulle and lace from Fabricland. It wasn’t perfect, but I really wanted something handmade and am pleased with how it turned out! I made it out of <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b4487-products-5568.php?page_id=153&search_control=display&list=search">this Butterick veil pattern</a>, using Look B but ditching the blusher and making it a bit shorter. Originally I was going to have the blusher as a separate piece, but I got really lazy and nixed it completely.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3KDk3T7Et6U05lyNDVFoDWjFtdu0KJ9QYlJtsbqAcu1gGBiKscnOBT1vDycvIfpM-_v_Hn-bYxC9fTiPoPBb1wlz36yGuEI5YBju8Kwc6cHc3gKF-3Ux8Hc1J7kSQ7NaJ_U3bFmpVAQ/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3KDk3T7Et6U05lyNDVFoDWjFtdu0KJ9QYlJtsbqAcu1gGBiKscnOBT1vDycvIfpM-_v_Hn-bYxC9fTiPoPBb1wlz36yGuEI5YBju8Kwc6cHc3gKF-3Ux8Hc1J7kSQ7NaJ_U3bFmpVAQ/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0038.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
I stitched it all by hand, because the last thing I wanted after mucking around with that tulle (cutting out tulle and tissue paper at the same time is something I am NEVER EVER repeating) was it getting eaten by my machine. All and all, I think it cost about $20 to make.<br />
<br />
My shoes were <a href="http://www.baitfootwear.com/#!product/prd1/1172245021/baylee-winter-white">Baylee Winter White</a> by BAIT. Now, there was a bit of drama with my shoes. I originally bought different BAIT shoes, which were blue, way back in August 2013, but I came to terms a few weeks before the wedding that while I liked the shoes in generally, they didn’t go with my dress as well as I’d hoped, and that I should buy the shoes I had been lusting over for a whole year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDoPgcw2AOE/VJNhq6nYUPI/AAAAAAAALbs/mOtdQOFDl0s/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDoPgcw2AOE/VJNhq6nYUPI/AAAAAAAALbs/mOtdQOFDl0s/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0083.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I bought the new shoes in my usual 8.5 size, three weeks before the wedding, but to my horror they didn’t fit! I think it was because BAIT used a different lining in this pair than they usually did. So I hastily sent them back and sent a panicked email to the company asking them to expedite the return because it was for my wedding. Generally they can’t send the replacements until they receive the first pair back, but luckily for me they made an exception and sent them to me once I sent the return package tracking information. <br />
<br />
When I got the size 8 shoes, they STILL didn’t really fit, but at this point I had to make do and so I bought a bunch of insoles and stuff that made them fit. In the end they looked beautiful, we very comfortable (I wore them all day and night with a very short breaking-in period) <i>and </i>I didn’t fall on my butt. Actually, I broke the cap off from dancing too hard - which I didn’t notice until I finally unpacked my wedding stuff when we got back from the honeymoon. <br />
<br />
Thanks to the generosity of my family members, I was able to wear the pearl necklace my Grandma Marchant had worn at her wedding, 70 years + one day before, and the earrings my Grandma Callsen wore to her wedding. I actually forgot to put them on, but luckily remembered once I got down to the lobby. Even now I get stressed looking at my getting ready photos and seeing that I’m not wearing them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7AZ5mxeo8A/VJNh265YKjI/AAAAAAAALdw/ASSqZ6uSKKg/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7AZ5mxeo8A/VJNh265YKjI/AAAAAAAALdw/ASSqZ6uSKKg/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0110.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
The vintage mink stole and muff I’m wearing in the outdoor photos were borrowed from my maid of honour Bailey. I was very warm wearing these as we walked through the snow, and everyone thought it was hilarious to ask me to stick their hands in my muff to warm up their fingers (myself included).<br />
<br />
Ian and Tom wore the <a href="http://www.blacklapel.com/suits/midnight-blue-suit.html">midnight blue suit from Black Lapel</a>, and Ian's shoes were by Ecco. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VA_gnk_8rjo/VJNg3nCzTSI/AAAAAAAALV4/qcTdQNFyZW4/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VA_gnk_8rjo/VJNg3nCzTSI/AAAAAAAALV4/qcTdQNFyZW4/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0045.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Apparently he had some family members running around for him on the morning of the wedding trying to find him a matching belt. I also gave him a <a href="http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=12052&langId=-1&catalogId=25005&categoryId=331221&cm_vc=331221&pn=&productId=22444544&imagePath=ME3027">beautiful watch from Fossil</a> that I am in love with and wish there was a women’s version.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.20thcenturyfoxy.com/en/1940s-fashion/so-foxy-retro-dress-navy">bridesmaid and groomslady dresses</a> were from 20th Century Foxy, and I thought they were stunning, and I’m told they were very comfortable.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9gQ9VHqmbQ/VJNiA_v71NI/AAAAAAAALfw/DFzvs7DIzdY/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9gQ9VHqmbQ/VJNiA_v71NI/AAAAAAAALfw/DFzvs7DIzdY/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0099.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Nicola, Ian’s groomslady, wore a sash to match the men’s ties. NOTE - if you are planning on ever getting a sash from David’s Bridal, give yourself plenty of time to order it in store. This was a last minute item that wasn’t available in store and had to be bought online, and the shipping cost more than the sash. But it looked amazing, and it’s our fault for not being on the ball.<br />
<br />
So, there's all the fashion stuff! </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-48113748072422719762015-01-10T09:03:00.001-07:002015-01-10T18:04:21.620-07:00My six-month shopping ban<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ursYJE9E_CV_sWD77jbRBgmjvuvlud3beHPz_tkhJAu8FNBoJbSsKcj1jA78xT9sF5cuF3IuQAkNCdO7Snb1W-7_T3IGOxd91uaKRKZRQteNVtJQlbjbOnKqaJc8uYDTVOy8ItKcyNU/s1600/shopping+ban_.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I’ve been thinking about doing this for a few weeks now, and I suppose with a new year getting underway it’s the perfect time to do it.<br />
<br />
As of January 1, I've undergone a six-month shopping ban.<br />
<br />
My shopping ban is inspired by one of my favourite Canadian personal finance bloggers, Cait of <a href="http://blondeonabudget.ca/" target="_blank">Blonde on a Budget</a>, who started her year-long shopping ban in July.<br />
<br />
My mantra for this challenge is:<i> Do I want/need this more than I want a house, or to be out of debt? </i>as those are my two main goals coming out of this. I doubt I will reach either of those goals after six months of a shopping ban, but I know I will be much closer than I would be without the ban.<br />
<br />
When I say ban, I don’t mean I can’t buy <i>anything</i>. But I did take a hard look at my needs versus wants, my shopping habits as well as some gaps in my wardrobe, and I’ve decided that there are a lot of things I can go without buying until July 1 (or longer).<br />
<br />
There’s a few reasons why 2015 is the perfect year for me to do this.<br />
<br />
<b>1) I accomplished a lot of my wardrobe goals in 2014</b><br />
<a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2014/01/wardrobe-goals-for-2014.html" target="_blank">Last year</a> at this time, I posted my wardrobe goals for 2014. Luckily I’ve hit on most of them, particularly in the shoe department. I bought a pair of sandals, everyday Oxfords, warm winter boots, and shoes I had been lusting over for more than a year (which I wore to our wedding). I didn’t do as good on the sewing front, except that I did sew up that green blouse. I do have plenty of fabric in my stash to make a few Smooth Sailing blouses, and work-appropriate blouses are in my allowed list.<br />
<br />
<b>2) I want 2016 to be the year Ian and I become homeowners</b><br />
I am so so so so so sick of living in a rental. I know a lot of people wax poetic about how great it is to rent, how you don’t have to do anything, etc etc but it just doesn’t work for us. For one thing, there are several issues, both cosmetic and structural, with the house that we rent that the landlord has yet to fix in the 2+ years we’ve both been here. Unfortunately, it’s also not easy for us to find another place to rent that will allow two cats and a big German Shepherd dog. So we’ve set our eyes on buying a house - and a real house, not a condo (No offense to those who do own condos, but I’m not keen on being a slave to a condo board and paying condo fees). Now that the wedding is done with, buying a house is the next leap we want/need to do before kidlets come along.<br />
<br />
Anyway, on to my ban rules (which are heavily inspired by <a href="http://blondeonabudget.ca/shopping-ban/" target="_blank">Cait’s rules</a>):<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em;">
<br />
<b>Banned items (not inclusive):</b><br />
Blu-Rays<br />
Books, magazines, etc<br />
Vinyl albums/online music<br />
Clothing (except allowed items, listed below)<br />
Jewelry<br />
Shoes<br />
Household items<br />
Take-out coffee, when I have access to a coffee maker.<br />
Take-out/restaurants, when I have access to a kitchen <br />
Electronics or appliances<br />
<br />
<b>Allowed items:</b><br />
Needs: Housing, groceries, etc<br />
Toiletry/cosmetic basics<br />
Transportation expenses (bus pass, insurance, car payments, maintenance, parking up to $270/six months)<br />
Pantyhose<br />
Gifts for others<br />
Date night out <i>once a month </i>(all the rest have to be $0)<br />
<br />
<b>Approved items - Home:</b><br />
New hampers<br />
Hat organization system<br />
Weekly flowers<br />
New Otterbox case for my phone<br />
<br />
<b>Approved items - Clothing:</b><br />
Knitting and fabric supplies up to $200, BUT<br />
I cannot buy anymore yarn until I use up my stash (except gifts for others)<br />
I cannot buy supplies for new sewing projects until I finish current projects and finish make-do and mend items (except gifts for others)<br />
3 classic, work appropriate button-up blouses (me-made or ready-made)<br />
Cardigan (me-made, in progress)<br />
fleece-lined mittens (me-made)<br />
2 pairs fleece-lined tights/knee-high socks (ready made)<br />
1 pair of wool stockings (ready made)<br />
<br />
<b>Approved Items - Beauty:</b><br />
Sleeping cap<br />
Glass nail file<br />
Sea salt scrub<br />
Gel nail polish foils<br />
<br /></div>
If I had started this ban 6 months ago, I would have saved <b>$1,196</b>, or 10% of my overall spending* (although some of that was probably allowed spending). I also would have cut down on the <b>$944</b>* I spent on restaurants, fast-food and coffee shops, for a total of <b>$2,140</b>.<br />
It’s interesting to note that when I look at the year as a whole, I spent $1,810* on shopping and $1,433* on restaurants/coffee/fast food, meaning I did much better in the first half of the year on curbing my shopping habits than in the latter part (and I already took wedding- and gift-related spending out of the equation).<br />
<i>*as calculated by Mint</i><br />
<br />
The main reason behind this ban is to lower my credit card debt and try to speed up paying it off. Besides doing the ban, I am also planning on lowering the payment I’m putting on my card each month. That sounds counter-intuitive, but after I make my $500 monthly payment, I have no money left over for other purchases, like a bus pass, groceries, etc, so I have to put all that on my credit card, which is pretty pointless and also racks up what I pay on interest.<br />
<br />
Being the realist that I am, I know this won’t be easy. In particular, the take-out food and coffee will be a big challenge. On hectic mornings, I usually skip breakfast at home and grab a big, cheap breakfast at work that, combined with some snacking, will carry me until supper time. I’m definitely going to miss that, but I plan on buying healthy, easy to take meals to keep at work - like cans of lentil soup, oatmeal, granola bars and nuts to keep at my desk - for those hectic days where I can’t seem to remember my head, let alone pack a lunch. This will be even more challenging since there is a chance we could be thrown into an election.<br />
<br />
There are some things that (I think) will be easier than others. Like I said, I am fairly set with my current wardrobe, outside my list of allowable items, so I don’t think I will hear the siren song to Etsy any time soon. I am pretty frugal as it is and don’t like buying what I know I can get for free, and rarely buy books or magazines anymore - instead I often check them out from the library, or through one of the library’s e-reading services. Ditto for music, although our beautiful and fairly new record player makes this one a little bit harder.<br />
<br />
The 6-month mark is not a hard and fast rule, but merely meant to be a checking in point where I can reevaluate what I need and what I don’t need, and to see where I am in my progress. I hope I have the willpower to extend it all the way until December 2015!<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-12160855001242928802014-12-19T12:16:00.001-07:002014-12-19T12:20:29.939-07:00Wedding Recap! Part OneWhile I am still on hiatus from blogging, I thought a blog post showing off our wedding photos and doing a bit of a recap of the day was in order.<br />
<br />
One of the many reasons we went with November 8 for our wedding was because I really wanted a winter wedding, but didn’t want it to be too cold for photos outside. But I was starting to get pretty nervous because even up to Friday night when I went to bed there wasn’t a single snowflake on the ground - even in Edmonton where it’s pretty common to be dashing through the snow on Halloween.<br />
<br />
So I thought we would be resigned to having a brown, leafless, icky background for wedding photos until....<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/vJJbtyDBYQ/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">A nice day for a white wedding! 😊 #laurieandian</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by Laurie Kucerak (@retroreporter) on <time datetime="2014-11-08T14:58:08+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 11, 2014 at 6:58am PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
We woke up to a winter wonderland! It probably wasn’t that welcome of a sight for those driving a long way for the wedding, or for those more accustomed to warmer climates like Vancouver and Toronto, but I was really happy.<br />
<br />
<i>I’ll do a second post on outfits, hair & makeup and decor; there are several stories to tell that I don’t want to condense.</i><br />
<br />
Obviously, the day was wonderful. The worst things that happened was that we ordered way (way WAY) too much cake - which we donated to a local shelter - and that I danced so hard I broke my shoe.<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/vixlTBDBfX/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">I don't always dance all night... but when I do it's at my own wedding and apparently there are some casualties. #laurieandian #laurieandiantheaftermath</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by Laurie Kucerak (@retroreporter) on <time datetime="2014-11-18T13:49:59+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 11, 2014 at 5:49am PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
Our venue was the beautiful Freemasons’ Hall downtown. I would encourage EVERYONE, no matter the occasion, to consider booking the hall for their next Edmonton event. Ken and Angel are wonderful hosts who bent over backwards to make our special day possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9AWnduzvQYqXWKhMyNxYmhcVGLeQoNtBTa2_qQtSMTdmknLT9TpgYr1KfJtp4hJCqGOmMBFObmZUXrek58Wo1u99XSd_YYNzJoyKDi32cUmPTkWH8fGYHQgvZpQHneRDclXgi6Yhbyo/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9AWnduzvQYqXWKhMyNxYmhcVGLeQoNtBTa2_qQtSMTdmknLT9TpgYr1KfJtp4hJCqGOmMBFObmZUXrek58Wo1u99XSd_YYNzJoyKDi32cUmPTkWH8fGYHQgvZpQHneRDclXgi6Yhbyo/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0079.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They hosted our ceremony and reception, catered, and did 99% of the set up and take down, outside of what we brought in ourselves. Also, everything was the fraction of the price of other halls in Edmonton and none of them offered the beauty of the 80 year old hall nor the service.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjS8qBxSD8Y/VJNhB0EWwgI/AAAAAAAALW8/tWT9kP8Lows/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjS8qBxSD8Y/VJNhB0EWwgI/AAAAAAAALW8/tWT9kP8Lows/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0048.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We did our photos at the Alberta Legislature, where I now work and where Ian and I had our first date. Since we were trying to do the wedding as affordable as possible, it was easier for us to take the train (there was a station next to the hall directly to the Legislature).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLtZoPQeawc/VJNhsxAOb7I/AAAAAAAALcw/vi0aNKZEyAE/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLtZoPQeawc/VJNhsxAOb7I/AAAAAAAALcw/vi0aNKZEyAE/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0085.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ4YRycxnSI/VJOHDyrvGnI/AAAAAAAALhI/fFodqPivyhY/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ4YRycxnSI/VJOHDyrvGnI/AAAAAAAALhI/fFodqPivyhY/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0091.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo8WmB1yBq0KX2BGP44CoCGSwJme4dKvkIKqEpFaRq9vGglE7FnuFh9ZYSRB3gV2U0w2UILcW0p0SkaiptFM-k6ghHKc2wLWg-hO_1y7qw2g_0A2_HV7KxhWFbHx9b3ICSU7i8Uv_ZOw/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo8WmB1yBq0KX2BGP44CoCGSwJme4dKvkIKqEpFaRq9vGglE7FnuFh9ZYSRB3gV2U0w2UILcW0p0SkaiptFM-k6ghHKc2wLWg-hO_1y7qw2g_0A2_HV7KxhWFbHx9b3ICSU7i8Uv_ZOw/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0125.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When we got to the Leg we were disappointed to see that the steps were being occupied by a rally - purely because of selfish, photographic reasons, of course - but after shooting in a different location, we came back around to find that the crowd had mostly dispersed, and all that were left were a few people, as well as LED tea lights in the shape of a heart. We couldn’t pass up that photo opportunity!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_wt0dxk4Cg/VJNf5tuNP5I/AAAAAAAALTI/MGypEDDYjio/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_wt0dxk4Cg/VJNf5tuNP5I/AAAAAAAALTI/MGypEDDYjio/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0120.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All of our photos were by <a href="http://www.jordanverlage.com/" target="_blank">Jordan Verlage</a>. Being a photographer himself, Ian was the one tasked with finding a photographer for our wedding and we loved having Jordan document our day. As an award winning photojournalist, he captured everything beautifully (and stealthily).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lwRDsUMv6A/VJNgWUayhRI/AAAAAAAALSM/Oz58iKLQcPA/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lwRDsUMv6A/VJNgWUayhRI/AAAAAAAALSM/Oz58iKLQcPA/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0010.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFns9_CR0mM/VJNgq-GGeqI/AAAAAAAALZU/ZYdMOizoebo/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFns9_CR0mM/VJNgq-GGeqI/AAAAAAAALZU/ZYdMOizoebo/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0024.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mine and my bridesmaids hair was done by the wonderful Krista Dee, who I was so happy to have drive up from Calgary to spend the day with us, along with her hubby and little one Solanah! She did a great job and my hair withstood wind, snow, dancing and more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Abf3nuts25A/VJNgHkz572I/AAAAAAAALQc/udZHgbjEmNs/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Abf3nuts25A/VJNgHkz572I/AAAAAAAALQc/udZHgbjEmNs/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0149.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our DJs - who I give credit to when our guests say it was the best wedding they’ve been to - were Krista and Devin of <a href="http://newleysound.com/" target="_blank">Newley Sound</a>. If you ever need DJs for anything, I highly recommend snapping these two up! They are an amazing duo, and the kind of folks where it took us 3 hours to do a consultation meeting because we were too busy chatting to get down to business. Special props to Krista, who was DJing at 35 weeks pregnant. They're also as weird as us, which is a nice bonus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDO--9W7QMI/VJNkoM1hQVI/AAAAAAAALgg/OGr6JyBF-Sg/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDO--9W7QMI/VJNkoM1hQVI/AAAAAAAALgg/OGr6JyBF-Sg/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0156.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Instead of a dance with my dad, he and I opted to sing and play Stand By Me, while Ian and his mom danced. My dad and I have always bonded over a love of music, and I loved being able to do this with him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KmzIxn9uEI/VJNf-bKK8lI/AAAAAAAALTI/clXHs6DILdg/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KmzIxn9uEI/VJNf-bKK8lI/AAAAAAAALTI/clXHs6DILdg/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0140.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Following the parental dance was our first dance as husband and wife to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guVjJC9A_hM" target="_blank">Chances by Jill Barber</a>.... which then immediately went into Shake It Off by Taylor Swift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phc27bK2Kpo/VJNgPaWfLDI/AAAAAAAALQ4/CS00WWFp9O8/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phc27bK2Kpo/VJNgPaWfLDI/AAAAAAAALQ4/CS00WWFp9O8/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0144.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was so grateful to have my best friends Bailey and Heather, as well as my little sister Maryanne, standing beside me as I said my vows. And it was great to see Ian’s best friends Tom and Nicola beside him; since they live in BC, we don’t get to see each other very often (I actually met Nicola for the first time the day before).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkVM14Vfho0/VJNhrBVmx5I/AAAAAAAALbw/KcLK6qzjpH4/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkVM14Vfho0/VJNhrBVmx5I/AAAAAAAALbw/KcLK6qzjpH4/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0082.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All in all, it was the most amazing day. I can’t believe it’s already been a month and a half since we tied the knot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKgFOPsmn7U/VJNiJ8LW44I/AAAAAAAALf4/Q13D31iIDug/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKgFOPsmn7U/VJNiJ8LW44I/AAAAAAAALf4/Q13D31iIDug/s1600/IanLaurieBEST-Verlage-0053.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-85505920267762825902014-09-03T14:53:00.005-06:002014-09-03T14:53:42.312-06:00Burnt OutI hate to admit it, but I think the time has come to declare what I’ve known in my heart for a long while: I am burnt out on blogging.
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ4XD10M3Xc/VAdvWb7qjuI/AAAAAAAAK0E/uNSUQkwKAtc/s1600/sexist_advertising_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ4XD10M3Xc/VAdvWb7qjuI/AAAAAAAAK0E/uNSUQkwKAtc/s1600/sexist_advertising_5.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is definitely how I feel lately. But I don’t even drink beer. What the hell have I done?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I recently wrote in my ECAMP article <a href="http://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2014/08/29/edmontons-world-war-ii-heroines/">Edmonton’s WWII Heroines</a>, one parallel that I find between modern days and the 1940s is the expectation for women to do it all - housework, a steady job, volunteerism, social events - with a smile. (How’s that for a shameless plug that’s still relevant?)<br />
<br />
There’s no denying that I’ve taken a step back from this blog lately. But I think what I have been in denial about is that I want to blog, I just don’t have the time to do it. <br />
<br />
But I don’t want to blog. At least, not right now.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6u3IslDZIwLBPwW_FWVL7Vcmo-RPjjTTw-MVcgr4kV4z8SBS1VAkGzHnDOjzJwlk7Aqhp9sLh8jWDW1m55VlfgRwpIGIPwydiwqOY2kM1u7sztnnIwJ7hxxnah44bFd0Hsc-kXUzsIM/s1600/MW025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6u3IslDZIwLBPwW_FWVL7Vcmo-RPjjTTw-MVcgr4kV4z8SBS1VAkGzHnDOjzJwlk7Aqhp9sLh8jWDW1m55VlfgRwpIGIPwydiwqOY2kM1u7sztnnIwJ7hxxnah44bFd0Hsc-kXUzsIM/s1600/MW025.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accurate representation of how I look whenever I think about blogging.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I have a Google Drive folder filled with half-started blog posts that have gone nowhere. I used to see blogging as a release, another creative outlet, but now it’s this nagging thing in the back of my mind that I procrastinate doing. And I think that the moment you stop enjoying something - particularly something that’s a hobby - you should step back from it before you make yourself hate it. <br /><br />I honestly feel like I don’t have much to contribute to the blogging community anymore. Don’t get me wrong: I still love dressing vintage, reading other blogs, sewing, knitting and chatting with other vintage lovers online, but I no longer feel like Retro Reporter is the right outlet for expressing myself. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While there are still blog posts I’m interested in doing - particularly post-wedding - I just don’t have the energy for the daily, weekly, or even monthly posts when I frankly have other things I’d rather do. And as someone who spends all day on the computer, on social media, frankly it’s become the last thing I want to do when I get home, even if it’s a completely different topic.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-te37foOrY1Q/VAdvcGh5BUI/AAAAAAAAK0g/czEgjKrhhZA/s1600/NW018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-te37foOrY1Q/VAdvcGh5BUI/AAAAAAAAK0g/czEgjKrhhZA/s1600/NW018.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />For the next little while, I am going to put Retro Reporter, and my blog Facebook page, on hiatus. I may come back after my wedding. I may not. I may be gone for a long time and then decide to pick things back up in a few months or years. <br /><br />I am still going to be on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/retroreporter">Instagram</a> and may even get back into <a href="http://www.twitter.com/retrolaurie">Twitter</a>. If you’re interested in keeping touch, feel free to add me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laurie.callsen">Facebook</a> (just let me know if you’re coming from my blog, because I won’t just add random strangers). </div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-2987232562871463182014-08-06T12:11:00.001-06:002014-08-06T12:30:18.722-06:00Sewing Redux: Beach Girl - a 1936 Sports Halter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6F9GE25WEa8/U-JzjVDQCrI/AAAAAAAAH1I/e6kL2cgrOsY/s1600/beach+girl+title+v3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6F9GE25WEa8/U-JzjVDQCrI/AAAAAAAAH1I/e6kL2cgrOsY/s1600/beach+girl+title+v3.png" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I’m back with another sewing project! This time it’s my version of the 1936 Sports Halter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLZ01zrAzAhtO6OGp4m-kQUXv4JOeo4Lf1j8aRkECd7HPX5PxnijvTlJ_rb0vmw3FaqBvsoZZhr_KKvGkcootuYMYHhvV_9M9UYnzwXxKXAPTd3Bc7qPj5EFxwR6r_iurH7bz6aaCQFE/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+full+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLZ01zrAzAhtO6OGp4m-kQUXv4JOeo4Lf1j8aRkECd7HPX5PxnijvTlJ_rb0vmw3FaqBvsoZZhr_KKvGkcootuYMYHhvV_9M9UYnzwXxKXAPTd3Bc7qPj5EFxwR6r_iurH7bz6aaCQFE/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+full+front.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit details:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1936 Sports Halter playsuit - me made, pattern by Eva Dress</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sandals - Sears</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pineapple Earrings: Estate Sale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Engagement ring substitute - a piece from a ring sizing kit to quell my anxiety about not having my ring while it's getting its matching wedding band custom made</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I actually debated not posting these photos because I don't like how I look (too squinty! Not sucking in enough!) but c'est la vie. I neglected to do something that I've done with most other sewing projects - a trial run! After wearing this to Heritage festival I found that I didn't put the snaps on the top in the right place and didn't take in the shorts enough, so they fall well below my natural waist and just make it look like my pants are about to fall off. Blech.<br />
<br />
Anyway... I bought the pattern earlier this spring from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409353712588/" target="_blank">EvaDress Patterns</a>, and I am very impressed with the company! It was shipped quickly, was printed on heavy paper, and packed nicely in a ziplock bag (which I prefer over those fiddly paper envelopes that I can never fit the pattern back into).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BC80ykmZGJ0/U-Aw_S9omkI/AAAAAAAAHzc/Qx5e99y-Bdo/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+upper+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BC80ykmZGJ0/U-Aw_S9omkI/AAAAAAAAHzc/Qx5e99y-Bdo/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+upper+front.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had high ambitions of finishing it in early July, but since I sew at a sloth’s pace, I just finished it on the August Long weekend, just in time to take photos at Heritage Festival with my gal pal Heather.<br />
(For the uninitiated, Heritage Festival is like a cultural fair, with dancing, demonstrations, souvenirs and, most importantly, FOOD from hundreds of countries in the beautiful Hawrelak Park. It’s by far my favourite festival in Edmonton, because food.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZt-NsnjvnE9jhuCC8cwMSP7-FEbwGSFU3E_oOflCG5-oNfbpsI5pqokI8boN1bKQ9va3Cn2qwYvCgIzlUnYXhhbHy85okuhoYSaoYHspJR663tj7WarcY_tbLMcDIqT-FhXY8RqfuRs/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZt-NsnjvnE9jhuCC8cwMSP7-FEbwGSFU3E_oOflCG5-oNfbpsI5pqokI8boN1bKQ9va3Cn2qwYvCgIzlUnYXhhbHy85okuhoYSaoYHspJR663tj7WarcY_tbLMcDIqT-FhXY8RqfuRs/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+top.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I used this blue novelty print Hawaiian cotton, which has Hawaiian “stickers” on it depicting beach girls and Hawaiian scenes from the 30s to the 60s. It’s slightly anachronistic for a 1930s playsuit, but how could you NOT make a playsuit from this fabric? I got this fabric from my parents last August for my birthday, and I’m so excited that I finally have something to wear made from it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfTWLdwxwFo/U-Aw8RyY7SI/AAAAAAAAHzo/7qQjJb7jly0/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+Waistband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfTWLdwxwFo/U-Aw8RyY7SI/AAAAAAAAHzo/7qQjJb7jly0/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+Waistband.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There’s two reasons it took me so long to make this playsuit. One is that I was making some seriously derpy sewing mistakes. The fabric loops confused me, despite doing them in previous projects, I failed hard on the zipper pocket (despite doing it perfectly on my skirt) and sewed the snaps on the wrong side. Like I said, just silly little mistakes. Clearly I need to do more than 1 project every season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yyMirvOGt8/U-Aw9rW-exI/AAAAAAAAHzg/7Z_HbWy6YRc/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+full+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yyMirvOGt8/U-Aw9rW-exI/AAAAAAAAHzg/7Z_HbWy6YRc/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+full+back.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The other thing that slowed me down, but in a good way, was the lining of the halter top. Once I decided that I would make this playsuit, I realized that I didn’t have a bra to wear with it, as my only strapless bra is a longline. Rather than buy another strapless bra (I seriously just bought that longline one, and I just bought my wedding bra, and I need to buy another everyday bra, so I’m kind of sick of bras) I decided to make a sew in one, and I’m glad I did. This top shows A LOT of skin, so much that I’m not sure I could hide a strapless bra in there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgVKpIxiAo5BEjBfZuUpANBKanjfG1Vl8DLOw1b6WyXTNFCYxl6tDdwjB-7Rh4eFXn5BpMy4indveLV6ky1WvW4gQSjTuTX6XXVVr4RUheGHx5XtGZ_H3kzF2y9jO_KRB2HNswU67LgM/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+bra+lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgVKpIxiAo5BEjBfZuUpANBKanjfG1Vl8DLOw1b6WyXTNFCYxl6tDdwjB-7Rh4eFXn5BpMy4indveLV6ky1WvW4gQSjTuTX6XXVVr4RUheGHx5XtGZ_H3kzF2y9jO_KRB2HNswU67LgM/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+bra+lining.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So I followed <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409353943787/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> to make a built-in bra. I cut another halter piece that ended at my bra band line, then sewed on some elastic. The elastic is only attached to the front of the lining, and hangs free from from the halter waistband in the back. I kind of just eyeballed everything, and it worked! I’m so pleased with myself, and it is great support. I may be tempted to do this in a few other tops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zmQnHT0CD8/U-Aw6EovmLI/AAAAAAAAHys/pFe1VjyLRiY/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+Collar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zmQnHT0CD8/U-Aw6EovmLI/AAAAAAAAHys/pFe1VjyLRiY/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+Collar.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My other favourite thing about this top, which kind of gets lost due to the busy print, is those giant collars. Strangely enough, I had no issues with adding the collars, despite my wide range of other silly problems with this top, and confusion last time I made something with collars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IEp_yQjbxo/U-Aw8MzREgI/AAAAAAAAHzw/9pPiTeqZs6A/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+Snaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IEp_yQjbxo/U-Aw8MzREgI/AAAAAAAAHzw/9pPiTeqZs6A/s1600/Beach+Girl+-+Snaps.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I did a bit of creative troubleshooting with this make. While I love rompers, playsuits etc etc, I hate having to get all the way naked to go to the washroom, especially since the top requires three different closures. So, instead of following the pattern instructions to sew the top and the shorts together, I added snaps instead. Sneaky sneaky.<br />
<br />
The shorts are really weird because there’s no real waistband; the instructions actually call for you to use bias tape to finish the shorts waist and hem. Since I didn’t feel like mucking around making my own tape, I just turned them in. If I ever make this playsuit again, or even just the shorts, I think I would add an actual waistband with interfacing. It's just doesn’t feel like enough support to keep it up (especially considering this is called a “sports halter”) on it's own, so in the future I'm going to wear it with a matching elastic belt.<br />
<br />
This is definitely going to become a summer favourite, and I plan on wearing it every day when I get home from work and have to sit in my un-air conditioned house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Photos by Heather McIntyre / Laurie Callsen</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-10730501249595328772014-06-10T15:02:00.002-06:002014-06-10T15:02:48.080-06:00Musings on a self-made wardrobeLately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my wardrobe: what I want in it, what I want out of it, and how I use clothing to express myself. But I also find myself thinking a lot more about where I want my clothes to be coming from.<br />
<br />
So I decided to take a bit of a different take on the Me-Made May Pledge. Instead of pledging to wear X amount of me-made clothing in May, I’ve used last month to seriously assess my wardrobe, and here are some of my personal epiphanies from this retrospective.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Use expensive vintage and reproduction for inspiration</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMHw--_LJGw/U2ey-8hm-pI/AAAAAAAAHtU/qCkcQtrcRVU/s1600/B5209+mood+board+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMHw--_LJGw/U2ey-8hm-pI/AAAAAAAAHtU/qCkcQtrcRVU/s1600/B5209+mood+board+3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
I’ve been lusting after pretty much every dress in the Trashy Diva collection, but particularly the Daisy Mae one. Sadly, no matter how much I love it, I know that $163 for a summer dress that I will likely only wear once or twice a year is not the best idea for my budget.<br />
<br />
When I was looking for good project for the black broadcloth I bought for a circle skirt that I don’t feel like making anymore, I came across the <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5209-products-7476.php?page_id=371" target="_blank">Butterick 5209 pattern</a>, which has a close-enough silhouette to the Daisy Mae. And since I am not an all-black dress kind of person, I am going to make it my own with poppies embroidered on the waistband.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Make what I can, buy what I can’t</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnPm46leHQuJoK6bk1S8SvCuf4fXlfEMdxZm45PJ9Ck87dS3pL7bXR7C1InUwev49CQ7JoZQJSW0IFN1Nje_cluEcqzuyL1fcV6ruhyphenhyphent2utgOVEfsvT4DxDkg4QoDxqKtLkSfnm-uC5k/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_front2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnPm46leHQuJoK6bk1S8SvCuf4fXlfEMdxZm45PJ9Ck87dS3pL7bXR7C1InUwev49CQ7JoZQJSW0IFN1Nje_cluEcqzuyL1fcV6ruhyphenhyphent2utgOVEfsvT4DxDkg4QoDxqKtLkSfnm-uC5k/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_front2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I recognize that I am not the most amazing seamstress (yet) and will probably never have a wardrobe that is even 50% handmade. I also recognize that there are some pieces I enjoy doing more than others. So I’ve decided that I will splurge on making pieces that I wouldn’t be able to make myself yet - like blazers, jackets, trousers - or anything where it is more cost effective to buy it rather than make it (like socks and skivvies). <br />
<br />
That means I’m going to focus on blouses, dresses and skirts for the time being, and hope to start making my own lounge and sleepwear soon. This doesn’t mean I’ll never ever ever make my own pants or jackets, but I know that they require a much higher skill level than what I have right now.<br />
<br />
This also means I can save money (well maybe. Sewing and knitting are damn expensive hobbies) to buy stuff I really can’t make, like kick ass shoes and kitschy brooches.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Skip the so-so items to splurge on the superb</h3>
This could also be titled “curbing the impulse buys”. There have been so many things that I’ve bought on a whim because:<br />
1) it was cheap and it didn’t fit me but maybe I could modify it or sell it.<br />
2) it was cheap and it had some damage but maybe I could mend it.<br />
3) it was cheap and I wasn’t crazy about it but maybe I’d grow to love it.<br />
<br />
Aaaand all of those things have pretty much ended up in a Goodwill donation bin or some other form of being given away. I can only imagine what pricy items I could have bought instead of throwing my money on things I never wore!<br />
<br />
This is where something like Pinterest is really great. I have the opportunity to pin something to my Wishlist board, and if I keep coming on back to it, I know that it’s something I should invest in. If not, then I know it was only a momentary lust or heart palpitation. If I know there’s something I’m looking for specifically, like my pair of HeyDay trousers, I subscribe to all their social media outlets to make sure I get the word if something is going on sale. If you sign up for ModCloth an add to your wishlist, they notify you if something is going out of stock. I’ve also noticed that Pinterest will give you a heads up if something is on sale.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzCZC9AFSUA/U5dw0sUwH_I/AAAAAAAAHv4/IJle5c7Q8y4/s1600/Pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzCZC9AFSUA/U5dw0sUwH_I/AAAAAAAAHv4/IJle5c7Q8y4/s1600/Pinterest.png" height="496" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Pinterest wishlist, with very few things I have actually bought for myself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also am slowly learning to invest in great staples. One night when I had a coffee date with a friend and it was -40*C, I learned that my bus home from work stops running at 6:30 pm, so I had the unbridled joy of walking nine blocks home in boots that were sorta functional but definitely not made for those temperatures. The next week I bought myself some nice knee-high faux fur boots that are good to -30 (also, this was February so they were 40% off).<br />
<br />
Lesson learned, and now I’m on the hunt to find <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/laurie_callsen/vintage-inspired-shoes/" target="_blank">great shoes</a> for commuting to work that are 1) mildly comfortable (I take the bus, so transit-friendly is important) and 2) mildly vintage-appropriate. I’m looking for some chunky, low-heeled oxfords that fit the bill, if anyone has seen any!<br />
<br />
Wow, I didn’t intend this post to be as long as it came out to be. Thanks for sticking with me. If you were just scrolling through, here’s the TLDR version: Make what I can, pony up the big bucks for things I can’t and that are investment pieces, and stop buying clothes that I’m not 100% in love with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-43882565247690915882014-05-11T18:59:00.000-06:002014-05-11T18:59:19.131-06:00Sewing Redux: Spring has Sprung! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s post is showing off my latest sewing project, the <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1976-misses-plus-size-1940s-vintage-sportswear.aspx" target="_blank">Simplicity 3688</a> blouse. You may recall the skirt from <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2014/01/sewing-redux-simplicity-1590-3688.html" target="_blank">this set</a> that I made a while back, and now here’s the blouse to match!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1f67c9ad-ede5-ee8d-6718-d53474517260" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq0B_w7G8ssgUlVHnjBEgMtLh0snzdvpVLXCL8a7ikZGmT09iChOv3W5bYVVoZlS3igW47knZcNzYalVxonAPziZJW5RgZfeowFA9Lx_YXCQUZ0jWzRPs7nblHcE6oiEBN_SstcwZQ4U/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq0B_w7G8ssgUlVHnjBEgMtLh0snzdvpVLXCL8a7ikZGmT09iChOv3W5bYVVoZlS3igW47knZcNzYalVxonAPziZJW5RgZfeowFA9Lx_YXCQUZ0jWzRPs7nblHcE6oiEBN_SstcwZQ4U/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_full.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The blouse is made out of some mystery bargain-bin fabric from Fabricland that is likely some polyester blend, as it actually melted when I was ironing the bias tape for the neckline. Luckily I had accidently cut two of the bias tape, so it didn’t set me back at all. Still, it is a good reminder to always check what setting your iron is on before you go to town.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's also very billowy, as you can see in these photos. I didn't realize it was so windy when we were out for our little photoshoot. I also didn't realize that the blouse was so sheer.... eep.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnPm46leHQuJoK6bk1S8SvCuf4fXlfEMdxZm45PJ9Ck87dS3pL7bXR7C1InUwev49CQ7JoZQJSW0IFN1Nje_cluEcqzuyL1fcV6ruhyphenhyphent2utgOVEfsvT4DxDkg4QoDxqKtLkSfnm-uC5k/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_front2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnPm46leHQuJoK6bk1S8SvCuf4fXlfEMdxZm45PJ9Ck87dS3pL7bXR7C1InUwev49CQ7JoZQJSW0IFN1Nje_cluEcqzuyL1fcV6ruhyphenhyphent2utgOVEfsvT4DxDkg4QoDxqKtLkSfnm-uC5k/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_front2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My biggest struggle with this blouse was that I looked at the body measurements to pick the size to sew instead of noting the finished garment measurements. This particular blouse had 5 inches of ease, so I ended up taking in the seams quite a bit. Thankfully that was the only faffy part of the blouse: there’s no interfacing (well, there’s supposed to be but I skipped that step because it didn’t make sense; I think you were supposed to make your own shoulder pads, but I found the shoulders to be quite strong without, thank you very much), no buttonholes to make and no zippers to insert. A quick and easy project!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSOK8xWpek/U3AanCNbR7I/AAAAAAAAHuo/zCXiGEUNn3k/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_shoulder-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSOK8xWpek/U3AanCNbR7I/AAAAAAAAHuo/zCXiGEUNn3k/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_shoulder-back.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The only real variation I did on this blouse was making a binding loop for the button out of some leftover fabric instead of the recommended thread loop. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr9eH6YJZ10/U3AakiKTWSI/AAAAAAAAHt4/ve4auvGmiOI/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr9eH6YJZ10/U3AakiKTWSI/AAAAAAAAHt4/ve4auvGmiOI/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_button.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I just found the thread loop way too finicky to make, but my bias loop turned out great. And I just love the vintage button I found in my stash - it matches perfectly.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4acVz_NHBnk/U3AanYJ8jiI/AAAAAAAAHuw/EYd14VGD1PY/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_shoulder-side2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4acVz_NHBnk/U3AanYJ8jiI/AAAAAAAAHuw/EYd14VGD1PY/s1600/Spring+has+Sprung_shoulder-side2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another annoyance but not a big deal is that I neglected to ease the sleeves at the same time, and instead eased and sewed in one then the other, which caused one sleeve to be puffier than the other (or so I think). Next time I will definitely ease them both at the same time so they match.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love this blouse and will definitely be making it again. It was a great redemption blouse after the </span><a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2014/01/sewing-redux-simplicity-1590-3688.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">finicky red peplum blouse</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I made this winter that nearly did me in. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next on my sewing table? My version of the <a href="http://www.trashydiva.com/shop/TrashyDiva_DaisyMaeDress_Yellow" target="_blank">Trashy Diva Daisy</a> dress, but one that’s fall/winter appropriate using <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5209-products-7476.php" target="_blank">Butterick 5209</a>. Stay tuned!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMHw--_LJGw/U2ey-8hm-pI/AAAAAAAAHtU/qCkcQtrcRVU/s1600/B5209+mood+board+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMHw--_LJGw/U2ey-8hm-pI/AAAAAAAAHtU/qCkcQtrcRVU/s1600/B5209+mood+board+3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Photos by IK Creative</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-86056841912603942892014-04-27T10:19:00.000-06:002014-04-27T10:19:05.073-06:00Life Lately<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh goodness, what a hiatus I’ve been on. This blog has been embarrassingly neglected! Yikes. So I thought I would fill you guys in on what has kept me so busy lately. </span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 1.15;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/85c19f8ab9a911e3b4660e7130835a1f_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/85c19f8ab9a911e3b4660e7130835a1f_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alberta Legislature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-f413b612-a3e4-6cd4-8849-cf23ef5742e7">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My new job</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First and foremost, I have really thrown myself into my new job as Communications Assistant <span style="background-color: white;">for </span></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://albertandp.ca/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Alberta’s NDP Opposition Caucus</a></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which I started in late February. I am part of a three-person comms team, and work with seven other awesome staffers to support four </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">incredible</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> MLAs stand up for what’s really important to Albertans. In my day-to-day work, I do a lot of social media and website work, as well as coordinate some marketing efforts - so I’m very behind the scenes. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>
<br /></div>
</span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can’t and won’t promise this blog won’t get political from time to time, as politics is now my life. Will you see a lot more orange in my outfit posts? You betcha. Will I start writing long blog posts about pension legislation and curriculum rewrites? Unlikely, as I get enough of that at work. But I will never apologize for talking politics. I know a lot of other fashion blogs that even get the teensy bit political always seem to have some sort of disclaimer at the beginning apologizing in advance for getting a little deep on a fashion blog, which I think is ridiculous. As long as you’re expressing your opinion in a respectful way, I think there is a place for politics and fashion (I love to talk about why I love the 40s because it’s not just the styles but also the deeper socio-economic meaning behind the clothing... but that’s another story for another day). </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://origincache-frc.fbcdn.net/1799782_240386269482212_1883931648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://origincache-frc.fbcdn.net/1799782_240386269482212_1883931648_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So that’s one big reason I haven’t been posting. I love my job, I can get very fired up at work and I am always happy to be there, which means I inadvertently am staying later than I did at my last job. When I first started with the NDP I was so hungry for </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">real</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> work that I was honestly starving all the time and just exhausted, and would fall asleep as soon as I got home. It didn’t help that the proverbial shit hit the fan in the Legislature right after I started (culminating in the Premier resigning). I honestly haven’t sewed, knit or done anything else blog worthy since we went to the <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2014/02/in-photos-edmontons-neon-light-museum.html" target="_blank">Neon Sign Museum</a> (which was the weekend before I started my new job)</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that I’ve been at the NDP for 2 months, and with session ending in a few weeks, I’ve fallen into a better routine and am trying to get the rest of my life in order. I went to the pool for the first time in two months on Friday. Ugh, remind me to never do that again! What a waste of $80 to have a gym membership and not go. Not to mention the pain my butt was in after. I’ve also been able to get back into baking, cooking, knitting and sewing. And, of course, with my new job comes a little bit more money, so I’m able to buy a few more clothes - expect some outfit posts soon. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Other things I’ve been busy attending to? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wedding planning</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh yes, that old hat. There are only 195 days (!!) until I am Mrs. Kucerak, and Ian and I have been chugging along quite well in checking things off the to-do list. Despite the fact that we’re not getting married until November, it seems like there are only 4 months until the wedding, since July and August are notoriously fast, people will be on holidays so it will be hard to coordinate things, et cetera. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luckily there really isn’t too much “big stuff” to do: the invites are ready to go to the printer, I had my second wedding dress appointment (I’m getting my dress custom-made, and plan on blogging about the experience), the hall, DJs, commissioner have been booked since last summer, and we have </span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://jordanverlage.com/" target="_blank">an amazing wedding photographer</a></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I expect September and October will pick up again, when we start ordering flowers and cake, making seating charts and finalizing details, but it will be nice to have most things in place over the summer.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What’s next?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, firstly I have had a post that I’ve been meaning to write since DECEMBER, and am still as excited about it as I was then. How sad is that? I feel terribly, but I really, really hope I will have time to do it soon. It’s one of those things that I’ve been avoiding because I didn’t have the time to do it justice.... but now it’s just time to buckle down and DO IT, for crying out loud. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://origincache-prn.fbcdn.net/10249094_854800691201668_1202742994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://origincache-prn.fbcdn.net/10249094_854800691201668_1202742994_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Following that post, I will shortly be finishing up a new blouse. All I need to do is attach the second sleeve, hem the blouse and make a fabric loop; it should only take me a few hours (it’s a puffed sleeve blouse, otherwise it would be done already) but sewing is one of those things where I can’t dedicate a few hours to get lost in it, I just can’t do it. I *want* to sew, but can never find the time. Sigh. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other than that, who knows! Ian and I are heading to Toronto in 3 weeks (I will get that blouse done for our trip if it kills me!) so there will hopefully be something vintagey to come out of it. We’re going to meet a bunch of his family, hopefully go to the </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.fashionhistorymuseum.com/" target="_blank">Fashion History Museum</a> in Cambridge and hit up Niagara for a pre-wedding honeymoon. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ta-ta for now! Hopefully I will have some more interesting things to post in the weeks to come.</span></span></div>
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-49315124079049652332014-03-08T17:29:00.002-07:002014-03-08T17:29:15.151-07:002014 Goals: 2-month check inHey all!<br />
<br />
Around the New Year I wrote a post outlining all my <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2014/01/good-riddance-2013.html" target="_blank">personal goals for 2014</a>, as well as my <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2014/01/wardrobe-goals-for-2014.html" target="_blank">fashion goals for 2014</a>, and I wanted to do a quick two month (and a few days) check in on my progress. I think one of the reason people don't take action on their goals is that they set 'em and forget 'em, so I think a check in every two months will hold me accountable, without it being too boring for your readers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49KpOuLY9DddNF1J3QFZWRJ86X58NUnMi82TT9rrWkVMBMN3nhuWBFgjOU-WFR6WfexvMA3u4MMtazf-40nju7TnEYJJBFmVvBFxu02LiiH1D5gpE5xXLm0vL-ubuE59XSq32yyH-xtk/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49KpOuLY9DddNF1J3QFZWRJ86X58NUnMi82TT9rrWkVMBMN3nhuWBFgjOU-WFR6WfexvMA3u4MMtazf-40nju7TnEYJJBFmVvBFxu02LiiH1D5gpE5xXLm0vL-ubuE59XSq32yyH-xtk/s1600/writing.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Write more - PASS</b><br />
When I made this goal, I really didn't say what more meant. Did I mean up my blog posts? Do more freelance writing?<br />
In this checkup, I'll define my goal as blogging 1x a week, which I haven't really been doing so far - I'm at 5 (well, 6 including this one) instead of 8. That being said, I do have one regular freelance client, as well as a new full-time job that has a lot more writing, so I'll let this one go as a pass, with a promise to get up to speed in the coming months on my blogging.<br />
<br />
<b>Relax - FAIL</b><br />
Yeah, again I really didn't quantify what relax more means, so I'll say that it means sticking to my <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2013/09/routine-setting-schedule-for-fun.html" target="_blank">fun schedule</a> I made back in September. I haven't been doing very good at this one so far in 2014 - I think I've only been to one knitting night, and I haven't been swimming in 3 weeks. Yikes.<br />
<br />
<b>#3GoodThings - PASS</b><br />
I've kept up with this really well, although I've stopped posting it every day on Instagram.<br />
<br />
<b>Swimming/Lifeguarding - FAIL</b><br />
I've yet to find my work/life balance with my new job, so this isn't even on the stove, let alone the backburner.<br />
<br />
<b>Stop Drinking - PASS</b><br />
Still not a drop since November! There's been times where I've certainly been craving a drink after a long or stressful day, but honestly a pop or virgin Caesar hits the spot just as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT3N2rn5w1g/UsY2Rvq3hJI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Qr4l3gzHC6A/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT3N2rn5w1g/UsY2Rvq3hJI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Qr4l3gzHC6A/s1600/money.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Frugality - PASS</b><br />
I did a bit of shopping this winter, but many things hit off my wardrobe to-do: I bought vintage overshoes, a new novelty brooch and deliciously warm winter boots that were 50% off.<br />
I also bought some new glasses, which were also on my wardrobe goal list, so I don't feel too bad about those either.<br />
I did accrue a bit more credit card debt thanks to some medical expenses, but I have my reimbursement cheque, so I'll be able to get back to square one!<br />
In terms of planned spending, I've got my eyes on the Nexus 7 tablet (or, more likely, the Nexus 8, which is rumoured to be coming out in July) as well as a few other vintage wardrobe staples. I've even made a spreadsheet of my wishlist with costs, so I can figure out how much I have to save and for how long in order to buy the item.<br />
<br />
<b>Less Waste - FAIL</b><br />
I haven't really noticed a decrease in our waste, but I am monitoring our food useage closely so I know what we can eat before it goes bad and what we can't. We're also considering signing up for an <a href="http://theorganicbox.ca/" target="_blank">Organic Box</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Downpayment/Savings - PASS</b><br />
Hard to say if this is a pass or fail at this point, since it's going to take a while to save up. I've decided to make my TFSA my downpayment fund, and I'll also be putting half of my tax rebate in there this year (the other half will go to my savings account), which will bump me up to ~$600 of the $12,000 I'd like to save up. So I'll give it a pass based on the fact that, slowly but surely, my little fund is starting to grow.<br />
I also foresee paying off my credit card debt happening a little faster than I anticipated when I made these goals, since I got a nice raise with my new job.<br />
<br />
<b>Charity contributions - PASS</b><br />
I've donated to charity in January and February - I'm just switching my giving cycle to mid-month instead of the beginning of the month, so March will be ticked off soon too.<br />
<br />
<b>Time - FAIL</b><br />
I haven't done much volunteer work yet, but I do have some ideas up my sleeve.<br />
<br />
<b>Blood Donations - PASS</b><br />
I gave blood in January, and I am booked in for March! Both of these times I brought/am bringing a newbie to give blood and encouraging them to do the same next time they give.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Final score: 7/11</b><br />
Not too bad in my opinion! How are you coming with your New Years Resolutions?<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-10238945859732825212014-02-23T14:36:00.000-07:002014-02-23T14:36:07.935-07:00In photos: Edmonton's Neon Light MuseumOn Friday night, as part of the celebrating my new job, Ian and my friend Heather took me out for dinner and to the launch of <a href="http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/2014/neon-sign-museum-flickers-into-light.aspx" target="_blank">Edmonton's Neon Sign Museum</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUiGqKsIZP1ShqPp4AmWxR3OzlXiFLkPUllDwoFfBkfRci_P-lruu_PIjBHpKARr0uHjZo3BcIvkXiBf8Sn_t8N8Tu_v3pwZ4rjZjxLof4AYdFd935w3xa9I2N5pyQWZ15t-Ll65WotU/s1600/20140221IK0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUiGqKsIZP1ShqPp4AmWxR3OzlXiFLkPUllDwoFfBkfRci_P-lruu_PIjBHpKARr0uHjZo3BcIvkXiBf8Sn_t8N8Tu_v3pwZ4rjZjxLof4AYdFd935w3xa9I2N5pyQWZ15t-Ll65WotU/s1600/20140221IK0030.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The museum is a collection of restored vintage signs from Edmonton's neon age, all installed outside the Telus building at the corner of 104 Ave and 104 Street. While only eight are up right now, there will be 12 (or hopefully even more!) in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbWBXrkKJhM/UwppASAIBII/AAAAAAAAHoE/kC2f_wsZyRg/s1600/20140221IK0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbWBXrkKJhM/UwppASAIBII/AAAAAAAAHoE/kC2f_wsZyRg/s1600/20140221IK0025.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Z-TDe5Opk/Uwpo-yy6UJI/AAAAAAAAHn8/bKtr4dQ80pg/s1600/20140221IK0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Z-TDe5Opk/Uwpo-yy6UJI/AAAAAAAAHn8/bKtr4dQ80pg/s1600/20140221IK0019.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuZsU5OO_OnPK5nYTPpSDPtw7h9WeL4BMLX-6OcjTKV4nlE6g_TMTlp80t-ZOaxNgQvVKPPtRbkq_m59bkK1TM_dDsbBdzTTNpPggcaOMto-TmVct6zYMBJ_PAb0-FBwMtyweW3VD6tM/s1600/20140221IK0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuZsU5OO_OnPK5nYTPpSDPtw7h9WeL4BMLX-6OcjTKV4nlE6g_TMTlp80t-ZOaxNgQvVKPPtRbkq_m59bkK1TM_dDsbBdzTTNpPggcaOMto-TmVct6zYMBJ_PAb0-FBwMtyweW3VD6tM/s1600/20140221IK0024.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHp0PZmRv48/Uwpo-6eZM4I/AAAAAAAAHnw/X8lQvQjRESs/s1600/20140221IK0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHp0PZmRv48/Uwpo-6eZM4I/AAAAAAAAHnw/X8lQvQjRESs/s1600/20140221IK0017.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's such an innovative use of spacing on an otherwise unremarkable building (sorry Telus), in one of Edmonton's up-and-coming historical neighbourhoods, and will hopefully inspire <a href="http://metronews.ca/voices/footnotes/949130/led-will-never-touch-neon-in-its-pure-form/" target="_blank">new neon ventures in the future</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfhmbJwFDW8/UwppBBNxNHI/AAAAAAAAHoU/KC64aZ4xTUQ/s1600/20140221IK0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfhmbJwFDW8/UwppBBNxNHI/AAAAAAAAHoU/KC64aZ4xTUQ/s1600/20140221IK0029.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To see some photos from the installation, check out Ian's photos for the <a href="http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/02/07/edmonton-neon-museum-set-to-open" target="_blank">Edmonton Sun</a>. All photos above copyright Ian Kucerak / IK Creative.<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-30326306150990858992014-02-09T13:38:00.000-07:002014-02-09T13:38:04.849-07:00Send her Victorious!Like nearly every vintage knitter, I participated in By Gum By Golly's <a href="http://bygumbygolly.com/tag/knit-for-victory/" target="_blank">Knit for Victory</a> challenge this winter, hosted by the ever inspiring Tasha. And man oh man, do I ever feel victorious after finishing my project!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5Hw1VmkCO8/UvfafXwe7aI/AAAAAAAAHiI/mIUlN9JlhRw/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5Hw1VmkCO8/UvfafXwe7aI/AAAAAAAAHiI/mIUlN9JlhRw/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_01.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I chose the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clara-16" target="_blank">Clara sweater</a>, a redesign of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/your-victory-jumper" target="_blank">1940s Victory Jumper</a>, by <a href="http://www.strongandstone.com/" target="_blank">Rohn Strong</a>. I used Knit Pick's Swish Worsted, a very yummy Merino wool (full Ravelry project page <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LaurieCallsen/clara" target="_blank">here</a>) in dark red, blue and white. While it's not very Canadiana-patriosm, I'd say that it's still authentic because in the 1940s we were flying a flag that used a Union Jack (plus, that colour combination is my favourite right now, as seen in my last <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2014/01/sewing-redux-simplicity-1590-3688.html" target="_blank">me-made wardrobe projects</a>). Thus the ode to the Monarchy in the title. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For those of you that followed along my knitting progress on Instagram, you'll know that my project was fraught with suspense. I started after Christmas, and quickly knit up the sleeves (I am never knitting sleeves last again). However, as I got halfway through the front, I started running out of the dark blue wool. Hastily I ordered another skein and put the project on hiatus for about a week to wait for the extra yarn to show up. The knit along finished Jan. 31, and I cast off with 24 hours to spare. I had to jet home on a lunch break to take these photos to be counted in the Flickr pool.<br />
<br />
Note: for anyone considering to do a striped sweater like this, learn how to <a href="http://sockpr0n.blogspot.ca/2006/10/how-to-weave-in-ends-while-knitting.html" target="_blank">weave in your ends as you go</a> without the colour showing through. It saves SO. MUCH. TIME. I'm also very proud of my seaming and stripe matching skills.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EjTXUNMET8/UvfaezHKmPI/AAAAAAAAHiE/QU7E-cqu-sQ/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EjTXUNMET8/UvfaezHKmPI/AAAAAAAAHiE/QU7E-cqu-sQ/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_03.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also ran into some issues with the writing of the pattern, as the pattern doesn't account for the increases you make as you knit once you start binding off the armholes. Luckily I was able to contact Rohn and to work out the issue. You certainly can't do that with vintage patterns!<br />
<br />
However, because of the counting error I think the neckline is a little wonky. Rohn suggested I have 18 stitches for each shoulder as the pattern originally suggested and bind off a wider collar, but I think next time I would bind in off in the ratio suggested in the original, as I find that the way I did it made a wider, squareish neckline. I'm going to try and block the squareness out of the collar; failing that, I'll go back and make the collar a bit longer, but decrease some stitches to get a rounder neckline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlR_BdIFI8Y/UvfagkOnzCI/AAAAAAAAHiU/gTXh5OHpIdw/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlR_BdIFI8Y/UvfagkOnzCI/AAAAAAAAHiU/gTXh5OHpIdw/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_05.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also, I did not get the puffy sleeve result. In fact, I had to sew up some of the armpit because the sleeve didn't take up all the armhole. No idea how that happened!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ca2JaNT_SA0/UvfagQnZaXI/AAAAAAAAHiY/JofHAmcWqF0/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ca2JaNT_SA0/UvfagQnZaXI/AAAAAAAAHiY/JofHAmcWqF0/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_04.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Regardless, this is definitely going to be a wardrobe staple! It's so comfy and not itchy at all, and the wool is a beautiful colour. I am in love with Knit Picks wool, and highly recommend it. All in all, a very successful project that took me only 40 days - hiatus included!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiBLVdDnSK-NyiN0x6Qhn1OaCsKjWP1Ym8J6veH8rn8ZcUR8VlN7qGL62S0s_bIEgIT6IMA4kKbsK0ZtaunTajSmroEkWUUTohustWUJ9qYHeZadZjwA9nsEuHI7jChzyyzOrpT-jJuw/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiBLVdDnSK-NyiN0x6Qhn1OaCsKjWP1Ym8J6veH8rn8ZcUR8VlN7qGL62S0s_bIEgIT6IMA4kKbsK0ZtaunTajSmroEkWUUTohustWUJ9qYHeZadZjwA9nsEuHI7jChzyyzOrpT-jJuw/s1600/Knit+For+Victory_02.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-26126078373348413992014-01-17T16:22:00.003-07:002014-01-17T16:22:56.109-07:00Sewing Redux: Simplicity 1590 & 3688Why the hell doesn't Simplicity come up with nicer names for their patterns other than a bunch of boring numbers? Anyway, I digress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQD0jKD9hSY/UtdpklxdihI/AAAAAAAAHeI/fDC713pX1n4/s1600/Simplicity+1590%252B3688+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQD0jKD9hSY/UtdpklxdihI/AAAAAAAAHeI/fDC713pX1n4/s1600/Simplicity+1590%252B3688+v2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finally, here is a redux of my latest two sewing ventures: a forties peplum blouse (1590) and skirt (3688), both Simplicity reprints.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352085933/"></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409351197823/"></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<br />
First up, the skirt. I am IN LOVE with this skirt. I wear it at least every other day. Being in between the sizes of Simplicity I chose to make a 14, but regretted it as it was 3 inches too big. I took in the waist but it's STILL a little too big. Oy vey! Neither these photos nor the pattern art above really does it justice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9lnKXRItUw/UtdhzPb4giI/AAAAAAAAHdA/_011YN2YF3w/s1600/Simplicity1590-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9lnKXRItUw/UtdhzPb4giI/AAAAAAAAHdA/_011YN2YF3w/s1600/Simplicity1590-full.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Other than the sizing, this skirt is perfect. It was so easy to sew up, has lovely seaming and I even deviated from the pattern to add pockets, including a pocket on the side zipper with a little Instagram advice from Naomi of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artheliasattic">Arthelia's Attic</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6sJ9Xm3tgo/Utdh0iWGjaI/AAAAAAAAHdc/EI0TTgHuwYc/s1600/Simplicity1590-skirtpocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6sJ9Xm3tgo/Utdh0iWGjaI/AAAAAAAAHdc/EI0TTgHuwYc/s1600/Simplicity1590-skirtpocket.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The only thing I would do differently on the next one (oh, and there will be a next one!) is to not chicken out on the side fastening and do a button & hole instead of a T-bar (in fact, I find that I love button holes and may never make anything with a snap or zipper again). I used a lightweight suiting in navy and it has a lovely all-season wear. So far this is my favourite me-made wardrobe item and the most worn.<br />
<br />
Next up is the peplum blouse, which was the antithesis of the navy skirt, unfortunately. I'm chalking it up to trying too many new things at once, including:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>slippery and unforgiving fabric (which shows up terribly in photos, by the way)</li>
<li>peplum</li>
<li>buttonholes (which I love, but still, it's new)</li>
<li>collars </li>
</ul>
<div>
I think any one of these challenges would have been fine on its own, but as a combination it was a very trying time trying to get everything on the straight and narrow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igStj0xlKyI/Utdh0MQn78I/AAAAAAAAHdY/mGAHbpqUt30/s1600/Simplicity1590-profile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igStj0xlKyI/Utdh0MQn78I/AAAAAAAAHdY/mGAHbpqUt30/s1600/Simplicity1590-profile2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That peplum reaaaally got me. I should have just ignored the wording of the pattern instructions and looked at the picture instead. It's still not 100% right - it's definitely too high up - but I can't fix it without all the ripping out showing, as you can see below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M7mIlGv4IBQOE2vpjXvXVXcj6HHsh8pWmSRV3THq-MqQOce71OIxWa_Zuh4eOYfq7Y-QRJMf3TZFKaeGLKa0oOii8edWF4LVHxB6RHQ2mxOjJJazHFv4auEigfpEj7-Ed5BWepZ-Bso/s1600/Simplicity1590-ties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M7mIlGv4IBQOE2vpjXvXVXcj6HHsh8pWmSRV3THq-MqQOce71OIxWa_Zuh4eOYfq7Y-QRJMf3TZFKaeGLKa0oOii8edWF4LVHxB6RHQ2mxOjJJazHFv4auEigfpEj7-Ed5BWepZ-Bso/s1600/Simplicity1590-ties.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, I bit the bullet and sewed this one as a 12 instead of a 14, and it fits perfectly (if I wear a garter belt) but it makes the ties useless. The ties also highlight the fact that the peplum is sewn on too high. You can also see the snags from ripping out in this photo. Since the ties are attached on the inside I may just take them out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExPGzOpNan3XbU64E7VC66X8_5ieqp56yGq_xKiyPgPDCcR-i333KvOJGOOpWEmZhKUjDdKhyphenhyphenSBJeFiwl5Wsu2EYXRm0jZiKzqM64ER3NBK8B2rwyrVYM07gIia9YN_M-R-p1BFzt28w/s1600/Simplicity1590-peplum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExPGzOpNan3XbU64E7VC66X8_5ieqp56yGq_xKiyPgPDCcR-i333KvOJGOOpWEmZhKUjDdKhyphenhyphenSBJeFiwl5Wsu2EYXRm0jZiKzqM64ER3NBK8B2rwyrVYM07gIia9YN_M-R-p1BFzt28w/s1600/Simplicity1590-peplum.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The collar was also a big pain in the rear. Since it was my first time making a collar I got confused and actually sewed the shoulders shut without attaching the collar in between, so it was just hanging there by its basting. So once I figured out that it had to go in between, I had to do MORE ripping out (the 'ole Clover really got a workout this time around) and stitching. I think the collar is a bit too short in the back, which causes some curling of the collar. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do, however, really like the buttons and buttonholes. The original pattern calls for a little bow tie too, but after I made it and held it up, I really didn't like the way it looked and left it out. I can't stand things buttoned high on my short neck (speaking of which, the pattern also called for another button, can you believe it?).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9haqppEU40Q/UtdhyIiSgPI/AAAAAAAAHcs/KySVRfMrNSM/s1600/Simplicity1590-buttons%252Bcollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9haqppEU40Q/UtdhyIiSgPI/AAAAAAAAHcs/KySVRfMrNSM/s1600/Simplicity1590-buttons%252Bcollar.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
The buttonholes were a challenge, but I'm really proud of myself. I was practicing the buttonholes and the last part of my buttonholer was just doing lazy zig-zags instead of matching the first part, so I ended up drawing the buttonholes on and manually machine stitching them. It took me 16 tries to get the perfect formula, but now I'm not scared of buttonholes anymore!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Rzovv959PY/UtdhyK_5sEI/AAAAAAAAHc0/ABMpPeUw14I/s1600/Simplicity1590-buttonholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Rzovv959PY/UtdhyK_5sEI/AAAAAAAAHc0/ABMpPeUw14I/s1600/Simplicity1590-buttonholes.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
Nothing much to say here other than I love these buttons. I think it's funny that I picked blue buttons for this blouse when my latest knitting project is also blue and dark red (and white). </div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV3cwEcsRTUbLR2alJKfBCqohsRJqtisLXy37o54Oy1FcGYowbJDnYHgin4l2HeaWcLeWLDIPadEazd6rHu8ti_3UlIZtmfneJyaF6ZzTETzY4WnGI7d-9m0pTm7GtawFcMpCL1Scc3A/s1600/Simplicity1590-buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV3cwEcsRTUbLR2alJKfBCqohsRJqtisLXy37o54Oy1FcGYowbJDnYHgin4l2HeaWcLeWLDIPadEazd6rHu8ti_3UlIZtmfneJyaF6ZzTETzY4WnGI7d-9m0pTm7GtawFcMpCL1Scc3A/s1600/Simplicity1590-buttons.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also declined to do a narrow hem because it was waaaay too finicky with the slippery stuff, so I did a catch hem by hand instead while bingeing on Downton Abbey. I'm also excited to sew something with set-in sleeves for my next project, as I've realized that the first two blouses I've done were kimono sleeves. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRsi2gZv9xg/Utdh1iITKgI/AAAAAAAAHdw/fA1y7HVgHLg/s1600/Simplicity1590-sleeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRsi2gZv9xg/Utdh1iITKgI/AAAAAAAAHdw/fA1y7HVgHLg/s1600/Simplicity1590-sleeves.jpg" height="370" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Well, that's all I have to say on this one! I really like the blouse and will wear it, because it's still wearable despite all of the little things I pointed out, plus no one on the street would really notice anyway. Have you made either of these garments? What were your experiences like?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PS - thanks to my darling Ian for the photos! It was -9 (15.8 to Americans) when we were out taking these photos, and it was a wee bit chilly. </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-33459004902415217272014-01-08T16:02:00.000-07:002014-01-08T16:02:08.282-07:00Wardrobe goals for 2014Lately I've been inspired by Tasha and Rochelle when they examined <a href="http://bygumbygolly.com/2013/12/a-full-closet-and-nothing-to-wear-my-fledging-plans-for-2014/" target="_blank">how they want to expand their wardrobes for 2014</a> and their <a href="http://luckylucille.com/2014/01/my-twelve-pattern-challenge/" target="_blank">sewing goals for 2014</a>, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and make some goals for myself!<br />
<br />
<b>More blouses</b><br />
I have plenty of winter skirts and summer dresses, but one thing I do lack all year round are some good ole blouses. I am currently sewing a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352085933/" target="_blank">1940s button-up collared peplum top</a> (first time doing buttonholes, collars and peplums, all in a slippery, unforgiving fabric too. WHY, PAST LAURIE, WHY?!) and have a few more tops I'd like to tackle at my sewing table:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352709341/"></a> <a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352708852/"></a><br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409351197823/"></a><br /></div>
I've made the skirt from this group and wear it ALL THE TIME, so I want to make the blouse that goes with too.<br />
<br />
<br />
Do you have any blouse pattern suggestions for me? I am having a hard time finding structured blouse patterns. All of the ones I seem to find are too....well, blousey. I like ones that will accentuate my waist.<br />
<br />
<b>Buy more shoes</b><br />
Yes, this is actually a goal of mine. As much as I LOVE shoes, I don't have a lot of them and the ones I do have I wear to death (I am terrified of the day that my beloved Mary Jane heels bite the dust). And when I do buy shoes, I tend to buy them cheaply (even though I know that they won't support my high arches) because I am so rough on them.<br />
The last time I bought new, not-on-sale shoes were my wedding shoes (and I can't wait to wear the hell out of them come November 9!) and before that I think it was my winter boots (which were cheap because they are fashionable and unlined). There are definitely some holes in my shoe wardrobe, so on my shoe wish list for 2014:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352709196/"></a><br /></div>
Warm winter boots: <a href="http://www.sorelfootwear.ca/Women%E2%80%99s-Cate-the-Great%E2%84%A2-Deco-Boot/NL1927,en_CA,pd.html" target="_blank">Sorel's Cate the Great</a><br />
I am totally going to wait until these are on sale at the end of season because even though they will last me for a decade I am still frugal. They aren't the most vintage-looking boot out there, but damn it, they're gorgeous! These would be great for snowshoeing, hiking and playing with the dog.<br />
<br />
Overshoes<br />
This is actually knocked off the list today thanks to Brittany's <a href="http://instagram.com/vavoomvintage" target="_blank">Instagram</a> sale! The ones I bought from her need a little love, but I am so excited to have some to call my very own for those days when I need to wear boots but want to wear heels.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409351638241/"></a><br /></div>
Sandals: <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-sandals/outer-bank-on-it-sandal-in-brown" target="_blank">Salt Water Sandals</a><br />
So this is the awkward moment where I admit that I only own one pair of sandals. For just $40, I will rectify that this spring with these beauties! I may actually splurge and get *two*.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352469496/"></a><br /></div>
Icing shoes: <a href="http://www.baitfootwear.com/#!product/prd1/1172245021/baylee-winter-white" target="_blank">Baylee</a> by BAIT<br />
These are pretty much the most gorgeous shoes I've ever seen. In fact, I wish that I had seen them before I bought my BAIT wedding shoes (that said, I am hoping my bridesmaid with size 8 feet will snatch them up to wear :D). White shoes will only be practical for a very short time, but who cares. They're amazing and I am definitely keeping an eye on BAIT's website in hopes they go on sale.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>More accessories</b><br />
I love vintage statement accessories, but again my collection is woefully lacking. I especially love novelty brooches, and here's a few I'd love to bring into the fold.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352091501/"></a> <a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352709449/"></a> <br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352709474/"></a>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Another key accessory I <i>need</i> to invest in this year is a new pair of 1940s appropriate glasses. I don't really have anything that fits the Forties bill, and I really need to get my eyes checked. As soon as that happens, I can't wait to embrace my four-eyedness. I love wearing glasses and I think it's a great way to finish off a look, but now that my style is more 40s than 50s, I don't wear my cat eyes as often (not to mention the fact that the prescription needs updating).<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352434145/"></a> <a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409352434142/"></a> <br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188799409351564800/"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well that's some of my wardrobe goals for this year. Do you have anything you want (or need) to add to your 2014 wardrobe?<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-10078632954206043822014-01-02T21:08:00.001-07:002014-01-02T21:08:10.927-07:00Good riddance 2013!Honestly, I am really not sad to see 2013.<br />
<br />
While it was a great year in some aspects - like getting engaged, working on paying off debt and some new blogging opportunities - it really sucked in others - like losing my job, losing friends and losing interest in things I love.<br />
<br />
I've felt very stifled and stuck in a rut lately, and I'm hoping a new year can bring a refreshed outlook on life. As one is wont to do at this time of year, I'm taking some time to regroup and take a look at what I want to focus on in 2014.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Write more, write better</b></h2>
I want to do more and better blogging, and expand my vintage/history writing to other websites, magazines and companies.<br />
<br />
I only posted 54 blogs in 2013, compared to 88 in the first year of Retro Reporter. While I always argue quality over quantity, I don't think my heart has been into blogging lately, and it makes me sad because I love blogging, vintage and history more than anything! I want to do it MORE but feel like I never have time, but I know I need to make time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49KpOuLY9DddNF1J3QFZWRJ86X58NUnMi82TT9rrWkVMBMN3nhuWBFgjOU-WFR6WfexvMA3u4MMtazf-40nju7TnEYJJBFmVvBFxu02LiiH1D5gpE5xXLm0vL-ubuE59XSq32yyH-xtk/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49KpOuLY9DddNF1J3QFZWRJ86X58NUnMi82TT9rrWkVMBMN3nhuWBFgjOU-WFR6WfexvMA3u4MMtazf-40nju7TnEYJJBFmVvBFxu02LiiH1D5gpE5xXLm0vL-ubuE59XSq32yyH-xtk/s1600/writing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tackorama.net/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm also struggling with compensation for blogging. While I blog here for myself and my readers, it does take time to write, take photos etc and when I do that for outside companies (either in my space or theirs) I would like to see something in return, but at the same time I don't want to feel like I'm a money grubber. I also want to expand Retro Reporter and bring in guest bloggers of my own, but I want to compensate them - even though I make only a few cents a month via Google Ads.<br />
<br />
I also want to explore other writing/photography freelance opportunities, but again I have no idea where to start. I really struggle with putting myself out there and selling my talents and I know that needs to change. I already have a few ideas of what I'd like to do, which includes combining my talents with my hubby-to-be's. So stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Self-care</h2>
<div>
I am sure this is a goal I set every year but I always seem to do good on it, so it's in there again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ0-FABh-UG7J1gA3Y8KonPipwkq9DYNep20GFwlYbpNRqWZ_YxwJq8xjYKb_i_tusHozmCxvVtqA-94pLExpHqxCXPD2ZmVD9RiLlFJimj0ftk9aYYFubHHo-tZ1twDcpTkkd9tP_DA/s1600/relaxing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ0-FABh-UG7J1gA3Y8KonPipwkq9DYNep20GFwlYbpNRqWZ_YxwJq8xjYKb_i_tusHozmCxvVtqA-94pLExpHqxCXPD2ZmVD9RiLlFJimj0ftk9aYYFubHHo-tZ1twDcpTkkd9tP_DA/s400/relaxing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tackorama.net/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<b>Relax: </b>Aside from the usual medical stuff - going to the dentist, getting my eyes checked, getting a physical etc etc. - I also want to take more time to relax and do things that make me relaxed, even if it's something like doing the dishes, because I know when the dishes start to stack up I get twitchy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>#3goodthings: </b>I also want to start doing the #3goodthings challenge on Instagram, where I post about what 3 good things happened that day (pretty self explanatory). I plan on getting an agenda to write in every night and post photos of my good things so I also have a hard copy to reflect on at the end of the year as well as a digital gratitude post. I'm conflicted on doing this because on one hand it's good to reflect on the good, but I don't want to be one of those people with a "my life is perfect" online persona, so expect lots of silver linings (For example, yesterday I hit a snowbank in my own driveway AND cracked my bumper getting out of said snowbank, but at least I met my new neighbour who helped me get out of trouble!)<br />
<br />
<b>Lifeguarding & Teaching: </b>I've gotten the ball rolling on getting re-certified as a lifeguard and swimming teacher. I used to do both when I was in high school, but never transferred my teaching awards to Alberta or kept up with my lifeguarding, which I really regret as it's something that would have come in handy when I was laid off.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpoPMO_I11T4_3OSLu7L5E5ig8p7Tt3ZgxJ88koLKavHREzjurIUut5iv4J0ijzzr0DEdinAtllRe6OGwClkWIeBXUl6IGGXJRcfQ1zX4RH4MzFXO-G23HXWgLgLrjV7dEQFVKM82mrc/s1600/swiming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpoPMO_I11T4_3OSLu7L5E5ig8p7Tt3ZgxJ88koLKavHREzjurIUut5iv4J0ijzzr0DEdinAtllRe6OGwClkWIeBXUl6IGGXJRcfQ1zX4RH4MzFXO-G23HXWgLgLrjV7dEQFVKM82mrc/s400/swiming.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tackorama.net/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I don't plan to quit my job and start teaching as soon as I'm re-certified, but it is nice to have the option, especially for when I start having kids. Plus, is it ever a bad thing to know how to save someone's life? Probably not.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Stop drinking:</b> Now before anyone (especially my mom) freaks out and thinks I'm a closet alcoholic - I'm not. I probably averaged two drinks a week. I just don't like the kind of person I can become when I drink. I get sleepy, which makes me grumpy, which makes me argumentative, which makes me depressed. Sometimes that doesn't happen, but most of the time it does. It's not stopping me from going out and having fun, plus I can always ensure that I'm the DD for friends. It will also save money in the long run. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My last drink (that I recall - it's the last one that shows up on my bank statement anyway) was a celebratory gin and tonic after the City and Memory heritage symposium this fall. Like I said, I didn't drink a lot so I haven't noticed a big difference, but I certainly do miss having a gin and tonic after work to unwind, or a Caesar with friends (luckily I've found the perfect way of asking for a virgin Caesar: with a shot of water to thin it out) but I hope that will fade in time. Instead I have a nice tea, or a pop or some sparkling juice. </div>
<div>
I'm still on the fence about whether or not I will have champagne at the wedding, at least for toasts. Part of me is like "It's your wedding, live a little!" but the other part a) doesn't want to fall off the wagon and b) knows my tolerance will be so low at that point that I'll just fall over. </div>
<h2>
Save wisely, spend wisely</h2>
Money has become quite the theme on this blog, so I have a number of goals under this one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT3N2rn5w1g/UsY2Rvq3hJI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Qr4l3gzHC6A/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT3N2rn5w1g/UsY2Rvq3hJI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Qr4l3gzHC6A/s1600/money.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tackorama.net/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Frugality : </b>Being a vintage girl I am proud to say that the majority of my clothes are second hand. If I do buy new clothing, it's rarely full price (the last thing I remember paying full price for is my wedding shoes in August in Vegas) - it would either be on sale and <i>something I've wanted for a while</i> or as compensation for blogging.<br />
Now I want to expand that mindset to other things. Want a new food processor, or $200 winter boots or a vacation? We need to put that money away AHEAD of time instead of paying it (and interest!) off after. I've learned that the hard way (and my debt isn't that bad compared to some people's) and I'm not interested in continuing on that road.<br />
<br />
<b>Less Waste: </b>I want Ian and I to reduce our waste drastically in 2014. We already recycle heavily (he is a B.C. boy after all) and use reusable containers, so my goal is geared towards food waste. Primarily I want us to stop buying food that we don't eat (or make sure we eat all our food) and stop throwing out food scraps, and instead compost (we have a big compost bin in the backyard that we don't even use). I'm unsure about how the compost one will go, since we'd need another bin (we have so many bins in our kitchen) and I think it will attract our garbage loving cats and dog. Any suggestions?<br />
<br />
<b>Start saving for a downpayment: </b>As I mentioned previously I am well on my way to having my portion of the wedding saved up for, but instead of stoping my savings plan, I'm going to continue to save for our downpayment on top of my TFSA.<br />
I've created a payment plan so I would be credit card debt free by next December, but I'm already four months ahead of that plan, which means I can save even more money! Ideally Ian and I would like to have $25K for a downpayment and we already have $10K, so it would take me 37 months ($7,500 / $200 a month) to save up my half. BUT that $200 is based on still having credit card debt to pay off; once it's done I can split my monthly payment between the downpayment and my student loan or car loan.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Give What I Can</h2>
<b>Money: </b>I've always budgeted in my Mint for charitable contributions, but I've rarely actually doled that cash out unless I'm explicitly asked by someone on behalf of a charity. No more! I created a spreadsheet of 12 charities that are close to my heart and attached a month to them so on each first of the month I can just go into the spreadsheet and go donate (like a bill, but with tax deductible warm fuzzies after)<br />
<br />
<b>Time:</b> I also want to start giving my time, especially when I can incorporate my skills, like knitting or teaching others to knit, writing, photography, etc. The possibilities are endless! If anyone reading this works for a non-profit and thinks they can use my skills, please get in touch!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Blood: </b>I am a big believer in donating blood. Not only do I know a few people who have had blood transfusions, I am also a rare blood type - O+ (for those who don't know, that means I can only receive O+ or O- blood, but anyone who is Rh+ can receive my blood).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5XASJwqYlw/UsY2RvMHs4I/AAAAAAAAHY4/S82ojESKV8I/s1600/blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5XASJwqYlw/UsY2RvMHs4I/AAAAAAAAHY4/S82ojESKV8I/s1600/blood.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This has nothing to do with blood, but it's just so damn weird that I had to share.<br /><a href="http://www.tackorama.net/" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Giving blood is relatively quick and painless if you are a healthy donor, and can be done every 56 days, meaning you can give 6 times a year! There are also very, very few health risks for donors - I happen to get a little woozy when I donate, but I think it's the fact that I get so nervous (I'm not particularly fond of needles) that I am going to faint that I almost faint. Winner, right here.<br />
<br />
<br />
SO there is my long-winded photo-less first post of 2014. Have you made resolutions?<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-20234833511148667142013-12-13T11:19:00.000-07:002013-12-13T11:19:15.188-07:00TGIF: Finally getting into the Christmas SpiritWell, I have FINALLY gotten into the Christmas spirit. It's only taken me two weeks longer than usual. I've been feeling under the weather lately, plus Ian hasn't been around (we always put up the tree together) so we didn't get a chance to put the tree up last night. If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/retroreporter" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/retroreporterblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you'll know that we recently adopted a new kitty - or, he adopted us. So we've only put up with lights and tree without the decorations to see if he's going to be nice or not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/4e5dcbbc640011e39adb0e2348ec20c2_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/4e5dcbbc640011e39adb0e2348ec20c2_8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Saturday morning before Ian goes to work we'll put up the rest of the decorations and whatnot. I'm excited to get our home back into the Kitschmas spirit!<br />
<br />
<b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Low of my week:</b><span style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> Honestly, this has been a grand week. I suppose the low would be how exhausted I was on Wednesday, but that was due to a positive - swimming 750m & then doing a 45 minute deep-water fitness class. Maybe it was Archie's little accident last night - we put him in the bathroom so he wouldn't attack the tree, but I would have rather cleaned up a down tree compared to what I did have to clean up :( poor little guy...</span><br />
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">High of my week: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I've had a damn good week, so there's going to be a few here.</span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Entertainment:</i> going to the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/concert_dates.php" target="_blank">Vinyl Cafe Christmas</a> show with Ian. We went last year and loved it, so we decided to make it an annual tradition. We got much better seats, and one of my favourite bands <a href="http://www.goodlovelies.com/site/" target="_blank">The Good Lovelies</a> were the musical guests. It really got me into the Christmas spirit.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/03cc13d6607911e39b501226303f8d71_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/03cc13d6607911e39b501226303f8d71_8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/99510d68607811e38e6512353404eac4_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/99510d68607811e38e6512353404eac4_8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Financal</i>: Well this is more of a month-so-far versus week, but I was elated when I r</span><span style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">ealized that I put a HUUUUGE dent into my financial plan, and I'm only halfway through the month. I worked a 12-hour day in November, meaning that I got a pretty big bonus, plus I</span><span style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> (finally) cashed a cheque from a freelance project I did. Both of those meant I was able to put $1,200 on my credit card after paying bills, tucking away $600 for Christmas shopping & the wedding. Putting away $1,200 versus the $400 I had budgeted for meant I jumped all the way to my April goal for paying off my credit card debt. Merry Christmas to me!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I'll let my chart speak for itself here. Check out that last column and compare December to November! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4y6GdHX5tc/UqtO9Kt3E5I/AAAAAAAAHXE/16526Jokq_0/s1600/finance+goals+-+December.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4y6GdHX5tc/UqtO9Kt3E5I/AAAAAAAAHXE/16526Jokq_0/s1600/finance+goals+-+December.png" height="238" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just noticed that the Chequing Balance for December is wrong. Oops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A blog post I loved: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Well this is YouTube versus a blog post, but it's how to do <a href="http://youtu.be/_yYn0l1TnLQ" target="_blank">vintage curls with a hot iron</a> by PinUpDollAshleyMarie. I don't use heat well (I have lots of burn scars to prove it) but I can't believe how gorgeous her set turned out! </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Best money I spent: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$70 on getting my hair cut! I love my salon, <a href="http://mousybrowns.com/" target="_blank">Mousy Browns</a> - they always treat me so nicely, my stylist Paige is great (friendly without being too nosey) and can cut a great middy! Plus it's close to home and they always send me packing with a few goodies to tide me over the next 6 weeks. </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Weekend Plans: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Finishing up my Christmas shopping, giving my bestie Heather a vintage makeover and taking her to the <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2013/12/meet-jivin-belles.html" target="_blank">Jivin' Belles concert</a>! </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hope y'all have a good weekend and a fabulous December! </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-59748066940511598102013-12-06T15:10:00.000-07:002013-12-13T11:02:11.433-07:00Meet the Jivin' Belles!A week and a bit ago, I was delighted to discover that there is a 1940s close harmony group in Edmonton called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JivinBellesMusic" target="_blank">The Jivin' Belles</a> - and I was even more delighted to meet up with them for a quick chat about their upcoming benefit concert for the <a href="http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/" target="_blank">Edmonton Humane Society</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z7ghZnEV5LCtmCrW0MTn1QxU1YuyrOxhXkl2yhdGX7vGau-VjL9mx-jRfvIHUC8r9YUQDz8DdaWqA5pzrGzsZh1VuGcAvSC7uSx2Qty_zzIwzVZ_M3oAsw1eibnvP6HO-ccK5QQn3XY/s1600/jivin+belles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z7ghZnEV5LCtmCrW0MTn1QxU1YuyrOxhXkl2yhdGX7vGau-VjL9mx-jRfvIHUC8r9YUQDz8DdaWqA5pzrGzsZh1VuGcAvSC7uSx2Qty_zzIwzVZ_M3oAsw1eibnvP6HO-ccK5QQn3XY/s640/jivin+belles+2.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The trio - Emily, Kate and Mallory - have known each other for the past three years, as students at Grant MacEwan University's music program, but have only been singing as the Jivin' Belles for a few weeks. They're accompanied by a piano, stand-up bass, guitar and <span style="background-color: white;">drums</span>, played by fellow MacEwan students.<br />
<br />
All three say they have an appreciation of close harmony and music of days gone by, and their Christmas repertoire is heavily influenced by Bing Crosby's tunes with the Andrews Sisters from the White Christmas album.<br />
<br />
"I grew up listening to 'White Christmas', and as a vocalist especially I think we're drawn to that tight,synchronized harmony. It's funny, because I'll show that record to some people and they're just like 'meh.' How do you not love this?!" said Mallory.<br />
"I think there is more precision in having to be in sync with two other people. It's that much more of a challenge, because it is completely synchronized to the millisecond. It's so admirable of the Andrews Sisters, that they were able to get it so exact."<br />
<br />
If you're heading to the December 15th concert, expect a wide open dance floor - the ladies hope that all attendees take advantage of the swinging tunes and get the dance floor hopping. And YES, a 1940s dress code is strictly encouraged (if you need to go shopping, you know who to call).<br />
<br />
The concert is December 15 at 7 pm at the Sawmill Banquet Hall. Check out details, including ticket information, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/632763566765809/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i1JeYXTycII" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-89719951586772468312013-12-02T14:39:00.001-07:002013-12-02T14:49:58.298-07:00End of an Era: A brief look at Edmonton's WWII aviation historyThis weekend marked the end of an era in one of the biggest industries in Edmonton's history when the City Centre Airport (aka the Municipal Airport aka Blatchford Field) saw its last takeoff.<br />
<br />
The once thriving airport has been closed to make way for a commercial and residential development (one that I am actually very eager to see), but its passing was marked with several ceremonies and events this week. Sadly I only got to visit one lecture as I was under the weather all week, but I wanted to share some WWII history of this airport, as I think it's largely unknown - both in Edmonton and around the world! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu_h-9nmVVk/Upz8q2j0UGI/AAAAAAAAHVE/InYn25d0c-c/s1600/Hangar%252C+Blatchford+Field%252C+1937++City+of+Edmonton+Archives+EA-160-1332.jpg"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu_h-9nmVVk/Upz8q2j0UGI/AAAAAAAAHVE/InYn25d0c-c/s400/Hangar%252C+Blatchford+Field%252C+1937++City+of+Edmonton+Archives+EA-160-1332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A small city in northern Canada seems an unlikely player in World War II, but my now-hometown of Edmonton, Alberta was the <a href="http://www.edmontonheritage.ca/go/blog/a-century-in-the-air">busiest in the world</a>, with 840 aircraft movements in one day. The airport grew so big that the army moved to build a new airfield north of the city, where CFB Edmonton/Steele Barracks is still located and operates today. During WWII, Edmonton's population grew by 22,000 people! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzLFk3yMSzQUaldSKpU8-_M0u7hn8DoGfLCLDYUU0aYawdvpMl0WlmlcOPm17lAYpT0beHVRs2gvtWQUF7H_02zfJqTUZzuJqFbERROnoUrjGO97iQtLVbJqBpSX9Qjr_WYmP8v5leWY/s1600/ResizedWingParade2copy+-+Alberta+Aviation+Museum.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzLFk3yMSzQUaldSKpU8-_M0u7hn8DoGfLCLDYUU0aYawdvpMl0WlmlcOPm17lAYpT0beHVRs2gvtWQUF7H_02zfJqTUZzuJqFbERROnoUrjGO97iQtLVbJqBpSX9Qjr_WYmP8v5leWY/s640/ResizedWingParade2copy+-+Alberta+Aviation+Museum.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Edmonton was the start of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Staging_Route">Northwest Staging Route</a>, a number of air strips heading north to Alaska created in autumn 1940. The route was chosen for several reasons, mostly to ensure American communication with Alaska wasn’t cut off, and the route was invulnerable to attack. The route also provided safe travel for diplomats travelling between the US and Russia. At the same time, the Americans were building the Alaskan Highway to connect the airports, starting in Edmonton. <br />
<br />
Edmonton’s airport Blatchford Field was the first licensed airport in Canada, and during the war it (then operating as RCAF Station Edmonton, and would later become our smaller commercial airport) was also home to the Air Force Base and training schools. As you can imagine, this brought a lot of airmen to Edmonton from across the prairies.<br />
<br />
(In fact, if it weren’t for the RCAF Edmonton base, I wouldn’t be alive. My grandmother grew up in Edmonton and was a secretary for the Americans while they built the Alaskan Highway. My grandfather joined the RCAF and was stationed in Edmonton. They met at a dance, and the rest is history! In the 1950s, the dairy where my grandma spent her youth was sold to the government and became CFB Namao, and is now a fancy suburb.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4q0Cu_EK-24/Upz8raHmJkI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/gdK_Ko1M0tk/s1600/ResizedStudentNav++-+Alberta+Aviation+Museum.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4q0Cu_EK-24/Upz8raHmJkI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/gdK_Ko1M0tk/s640/ResizedStudentNav++-+Alberta+Aviation+Museum.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The Americans delivered <a href="http://www.wopmay.com/adventures/rcafRescue.htm">fighter and bomber aircraft </a>to Russia via the North West Staging Route, with about 8,000 passing through the Edmonton airport. Many planes crashed, either due to weather, pilot error or mechanical failure, and Edmonton WWI hero Wop May created his own civilian para-rescue team to save men from needless death. Long-range air traffic control was also developed in Edmonton, by having a number of landline phones connected to the Edmonton airfield - crews would call in to Edmonton to see what was happening in their destination.<br />
<br />
Blatchford Field was taken over by the city in 1946 and became a small commercial airport for several decades until our International Airport opened in 1960, but is officially closed and will become a new city development. I look forward to see how the city will preserve an important but overlooked part of our heritage - luckily, the <a href="http://www.albertaaviationmuseum.com/">Alberta Aviation Museum</a> will remain open, with a focus on Edmonton's aviation history. <br />
<br />
I've been lucky to visit the aviation museum for a few assignments (<a href="http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/279402/edmonton-pilots-inspirational-hawk-airplane-makes-final-city-centre-airport-landing/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/354135/slideshow-historical-bomber-lands-at-edmonton-city-centre-airport-to-celebrate-northwest-staging-route/" target="_blank">here</a>), and Ian and I actually had our <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2012/09/vintage-in-edmonton-b-17-flying-fortress.html" target="_blank">second date</a> there (and the rest is history!)<br />
<br />
All photos from <a href="http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=462036">Alberta Aviation Museum Archives</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-32302144866674731672013-11-22T11:18:00.002-07:002013-11-22T11:18:20.031-07:00Holiday coupon code from eShakti!Hi all! Just a quick blog post to let you know about an offer <a href="http://bit.ly/18Ghkv4" target="_blank">eShakti</a> is offering to my readers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z60CdF3goE0YqoUTt-SScFFqI2oPwBfrk_HkSCKmmX4JMYVwj5v69MQ-H9FrKYs4DqC7yvySyesqUVfebauLAG48Xyqa7NibcbHVNc_jM0mAhbUQTqRx5NnMpXsaJQzMFZ-nRCqkAw4/s1600/eshakti+referall+Nov+22+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="eshakti coupon retro reporter vintage girl shopping" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z60CdF3goE0YqoUTt-SScFFqI2oPwBfrk_HkSCKmmX4JMYVwj5v69MQ-H9FrKYs4DqC7yvySyesqUVfebauLAG48Xyqa7NibcbHVNc_jM0mAhbUQTqRx5NnMpXsaJQzMFZ-nRCqkAw4/s400/eshakti+referall+Nov+22+copy.jpg" title="" width="346" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a new holiday frock, or maybe some warm separates to get you through the long winter ahead, now is the perfect time to check out eShakti. Every new customer at eShakti who uses coupon code <b>LAURIE6NQF</b> on their first purchase will get a $30 coupon! But hurry, the coupon is only valid until November 30. Happy shopping!<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-31249631883971598042013-11-18T17:00:00.000-07:002013-11-18T17:00:14.839-07:00Wedding Wednesday: Why November?I totally meant to post this two Wednesdays ago, but life got in the way! Sigh.<br />
<br />
Anyway, in a return to my Wedding Wednesday posts, I thought I would talk about why I am choosing to have my wedding in November - not a very busy time for weddings in Northern Alberta! I don't know if everyone puts this much thought into their wedding date, but a) it's a pretty big day in your life and b) I wanted to make sure the timing was right. So here is my rationale...<br />
<br />
<b>Not as busy</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KB9-XxcQZo/UMzB3Nae1iI/AAAAAAAAGac/_4D-8yJams8/s1600/IK-Dec13-fortedm-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KB9-XxcQZo/UMzB3Nae1iI/AAAAAAAAGac/_4D-8yJams8/s400/IK-Dec13-fortedm-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus, Edmonton in winter is beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seems like there's always that year when <i>everyone </i>you know gets married between May and September and you're at a wedding every weekend. It's also the time of year when prices for wedding related stuff goes through the roof! By having our wedding in November, we've already saved some money on booking things. We've also booked things very early, meaning that we are guaranteed the date we picked (unless something beyond our control happens). The day itself is special to me (more on that later) so I really wanted to make sure it was available.<br />
<br />
That said, we know that there are some people who won't be able to make it because it's November. These days, November = Christmas, so some may not be able to afford it or take time off so close to the holidays, which is understandable.<br />
<br />
<b>FDS (Farmer's Daughter Syndrome)</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ9qiIQX_1w/UoqO6J_JChI/AAAAAAAAHT4/nDLp8mIhiMA/s1600/2WWwomenland+-+http-%253A%253Awww.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk%253A2WWlandarmy.htm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ9qiIQX_1w/UoqO6J_JChI/AAAAAAAAHT4/nDLp8mIhiMA/s320/2WWwomenland+-+http-%253A%253Awww.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk%253A2WWlandarmy.htm.JPG" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWlandarmy.htm" target="_blank">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am a farmer's daughter through and through, and when it comes to farming, any day between May to September is pretty much off-limits. My parents already commit to a farm-free weekend in July for the Little Valley Jamboree, so I didn't want to ask them to take another weekend off for the wedding (and yes, there was plenty of talk about just getting married at the Jamboree, but we've picked Edmonton). November means harvest is over and done with, but it shouldn't be <i>too</i> wintery for travelling, outdoor photos, and the like. *knock on wood*<br />
<br />
<b>Sentimental reasons</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciSMETsoVcM/TuKjLE6YpyI/AAAAAAAAETU/qH74P27Ywr8/s1600/train+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciSMETsoVcM/TuKjLE6YpyI/AAAAAAAAETU/qH74P27Ywr8/s400/train+station.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken the day after Grandpa and Grandma got married.<br />
Note the open-toed shoes! Mine are peep toes too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you all know by now, I am a big fan of the 1940s and I am a big fan of Edmonton. Well an important tidbit of my family history happened in 1940s Edmonton - my maternal Grandparents got married! On November 7, 1944, to be exact. Our wedding will be 70 years + one day to their wedding date. The plus a day is simply because we wanted our wedding on a Saturday versus a Friday. Both of my grandparents on my mom's side have passed, so I thought this would be a neat way to honour them. We are also going to incorporate other family and their weddings into ours, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Did you have a rationale behind your wedding date, or did you just pick an open day at you dream venue?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-25659804175802996282013-10-27T16:36:00.000-06:002013-10-27T16:36:06.452-06:00Sunday Snippets: Going grey!I think I'm going to have to start doing my wrap-up posts on Sundays or Mondays instead of Fridays, judging by my track record. Plus it's so easy to wrap-up my weekend once it's done! So TGIFs have turned into Sunday Snippets.<br />
<br />
I was mentally all over the place this week. It seemed like a busy week and I didn't get any Laurie time, which made me go a little stir-crazy near the end (the PMS hormones likely didn't help anything). Then I went a little nuts over the weekend(s) and did a bunch of cleaning, which in some aspects helped my stress but then I think about how much I still have to do instead of celebrating what I've done. Luckily I took two long walks this weekend to decompress, but I feel guilty that I barely made it to the pool this month. Sigh. Even just sitting here, thinking about all I have to do this weekend and next week makes me want to crawl into bed and never come out.<br />
<br />
Hopefully November will be much better in terms of balancing life out - I am so ready for October to be over. I'm especially looking forward to going home for a 4-day weekend to spend Remembrance Day with my family. When November rolls around it will be 4 months since I last saw them (which means Ian and I have been engaged for almost 4 months - time flies!) at the Jamboree, but the Jamboree is soooooo busy that it feels like it was much longer than that. I'm looking forward to being able to spend some quality time with my folks, and to let Daisy run around the farm.<br />
<br />
I also know that my eShakti giveaway is over, so I'll be going through the entries soon. I had a lot of entries that didn't qualify, so I'll have to do a lot of moderating. I also forgot to ask people to leave contact information (derp) so hopefully it won't be a pain rounding up winners.<br />
<br />
Speaking of my giveaway, eShakti made and shipped two duplicate dresses, and despite telling me that they would be sending me a shipping label, I haven't seen it. If anyone is my size (roughly 36-30-37) and <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2013/10/fall-for-eshakti-review-giveaway.html" target="_blank">interested in the dress I reviewed</a>, let me know. I will happily give it away to the first taker, as long as they pay for shipping (local pick-up is free). Just leave me a comment with contact info.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
•••</div>
<br />
<b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Low of my week:</b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Financially: Eating out three days in a row - supper Friday and Saturday night, and breakfast Sunday morning. It was semi-healthy food (sushi, virgin caesars, taco salad and then pancakes) but there were probably better ways to spend $60! Personally: Plucking out my first grey hair! If that's not indicative of what kind of week/month I had, I don't know what is.</span><br style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;" /><b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">High of my week: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Going for two hour+ walks on the weekend (including one after a skiff of snow - lovely!); having a very productive Friday at work; coming home to supper already made (meatloaf + brussell sprouts, yum yum!); hanging out with Bee & Heather; meeting our perspective wedding DJs. </span><br style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;" /><b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A blog post I loved: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Urgh, I didn't read to many blogs this </span><br />
<b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Best money I spent: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$16 to go see The Day of the Doctor in 3D next month and $40 on wool stockings. </span><br style="color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;" /><b style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Week look-ahead: </b><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">visiting my bank to talk about a Line of Credit/overdraft protection; </span><span style="border: 0px; color: #121212; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">going to H&R Block to get my 2010 taxes sorted (hopefully for once and for all); <a href="http://www.retro-reporter.com/2013/10/discover-edmontons-history-at-city.html" target="_blank">City & Memory Symposium</a>! </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7570869743673045192.post-68640214940579051952013-10-24T16:42:00.002-06:002013-10-24T16:42:20.600-06:00Discover Edmonton's history at City & Memory SymposiumOn November 1 & 2, the Edmonton Heritage Council and Edmonton Historical Society are presenting a symposium on Edmonton's history called <a href="http://www.edmontonheritage.ca/programs1/symposium-2013/" target="_blank">City & Memory</a> and <strike>for some reason still unknown to me </strike>they've asked me to be on one of the panels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0m6cqVjHcI/Ummh6TrRzgI/AAAAAAAAHPE/g8IyRHRpD-A/s1600/SymposiumLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0m6cqVjHcI/Ummh6TrRzgI/AAAAAAAAHPE/g8IyRHRpD-A/s1600/SymposiumLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am super excited to be partaking in the panel "Hepcats to Hipsters: Throwback Fashion in Edmonton", alongside Angela from Swish Vintage and Joy, a clothing and textiles curator for the provincial historic sites. We'll be talking about vintage and the unique (or not so unique) challenges and opportunities Edmonton presents to those who dress vintage or have an interest in historical fashion.<br />
<br />
Have I mentioned that I'm super excited? Not only do I get to partake in the symposium as a panel member, I also get to sit in the other discussions happening during the symposium. If you're interested, the full program is <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonheritage.ca%2Fdefault%2Fassets%2FFile%2FSymposium2013SessionsSpeakers_V2.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm particularly looking forward to Ken Brown's keynote on Friday night, as well as a few others. Of course, some that I really want to go to are happening at the same time. Where did I put that time turner....<br />
<br />
I hope to see some locals at the symposium! Feel free to RSVP on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/415112555256383/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and tweet with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23yegheritage&src=hash" target="_blank">#yegheritage</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23yegvintage&src=typd&f=realtime" target="_blank">#yegvintage</a>.<br />
<br />
Now, what to wear?!<div class="blogger-post-footer">(c) 2011 - Laurie Callsen</div>Laurie Callsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04611059169735506082noreply@blogger.com4