I had the great pleasure of spending my Saturday with Erin and Jill at the History Road Car Show at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskinwin, followed by lunch and shopping at Imagine Vintage in Camrose.

The skies were sunny, but boy was it windy! I apologize for these photos - my hair was a mess, my petticoat was showing AND I spilled coffee down my front during the drive. What a wreck.












We all found cars that we matched our outfits!





 And, of course, we also took a tour inside the museum.



It was so great to show my friends around the ole stomping grounds of Camrose and Wetaskiwin! I bought a new outfit in Camrose - but that's another post for another day. I really miss Camrose - it was a wonderful city filled with wonderful people.

XO Laurie

It's official, I'm changing jobs.


Starting March 18, I'll be the digital reporter for Metro Edmonton, a free daily newspaper in Edmonton. There are Metros all around the world, so even if you're not an Alberta reader you may recognize the name.

It's a brand new position, and I'll be joining a staff of two other female reporters where I'll be working mostly on stories tailored for the web, using multi-media elements (video, photo galleries etc). Basically, it's my dream job and you have no idea how excited I am.

I fully intend on continue channelling His Girl Friday. Photo from here

I'm also excited because we're moving back to Edmonton. I love Camrose and it will always have a special place in my heart, but Edmonton is a great city to start the next chapter in. Besides the fact that the wonderful Miss Bee is also a resident of the same city, it's the place where G was born and raised and where we met. I already know a lot about Edmonton so it's a much better fit.

I love the people I work with so much and it's sad to say goodbye. It's an amazing office to work with (if you are a journo and are interested in working in Camrose, please check out the job posting).

I will still be journeying back to Camrose from time to time. I really have to, since it has the most phenomenal vintage store I've ever been in and it's the only place my mom can find shoes in her size.

This is all very new, but I can't keep a secret very well (it's what makes me a great journalist). Besides this is such a life-changing thing that there's no way I'd be able to keep it out of the blog. Just be forewarned that the next month will be full of stories about packing, cleaning and moving.

So now starts the first part of this new chapter - househunting. Do we find a place for March and pay double rent (since I gave 30 days notice to my landlord on the 22, we can't be out financially until then) or do I commute back and forth for a few weeks until April? I guess we'll wait and see.

Another month, another shopping trip with Miss Bee. I really got the sweet end of the stick on this one, because not only did Miss Bee make the trip to Camrose with her guy, she also gave me a deep-tissue massage in the middle of my living room. If you are looking for a good masseuse in Edmonton, I highly recommend her. I was in pain for the next few days - but it was a good pain, if you know what I mean.

Anywhoodle, before that we went shopping. First we stopped in at Bra Necessities downtown, who just re-opened their store in a new location. I got the shock of my life when I found out I was wearing way too big of a band size. I should be wearing a 30 or 32 and I was wearing a 38 that day! I bought a new one at Bra Necessities, and at a hell of a bargain too:  regularly $144 for $38! I saved $106 - talk about being thrifty! Although my new one is an F (instead of my usual D) I actually feel lest chesty because it's not padded. That's fine by me, since I also feel so self-concious about my boobs.

After that shocking revelation, we went to good ole Imagine Vintage. Although Peggy is no longer sponsoring me, I love her store to bits so I'm still going to show off what I bought.

I didn't feel like taking photos of the hats, so just take my word for it that I found a white beret (yes, another one!) and a white hat, probably a 70s-does-30s. I'll show it to you eventually.

Pearl in shell clip-on earings. I may use these as dress clips or a sweater clip!

A 1950s brooch with plastic pearls

 

Size 8 Naturalizer shoes

1940s, 1950s and 1970s earrings, although the last two match!

I also brought home a dress with a broken zipper for an EXTREMELY low price on the hopes I can take it to the tailor and get it fixed. I loved it and it is by and Edmonton designer so I hope it can be saved (and that it fits me once it's back in shape). But that's another post for another day.

There were some beauties that got away. I had mentioned that I wanted some overshoes and then BAM, I spotted some - sadly they were size 7 (so if anyone has size 7 feet, there are beautiful black overshoes in Camrose waiting for you!).

Hello all! I just spent the most relaxing weekend away at the farm in Saskatchewan, doing nothing but visiting with family, reading and knitting (a post updating you on my knitting projects is coming soon!). I feel so great! Here I am, about to embark on the four-hour trip to the homeland. Nothing comfier for driving than loafers and roomy skirt.

beret: Joe Fresh | blouse: H&M | cami: Ricki's | wool skirt: Imagine Vintage  loafers: Imagine Vintage | wicker handbag: Imagine Vintage

I really missed getting to see everyone over Christmas, but it was nice to come home during a random weekend - there was no pressure, no where to go and it was all very quiet! I got to visit with both sets of grandparents too, but I could have been there for much longer than I actually was. I feel that my vintage and historical interests have brought me so close to my grandparents, who were growing up and raising families in the 40s and 50s.

My grandma Callsen had a few gifts for me. Last winter at this time my paternal grandparents and my parents went to California to settle my grandpa's cousin's estate. Dorothy had a lot of beautiful things, and my grandma is now passing some of those down to me.

I can't be sure of the date, but this is a silk Christian Dior dressing gown. I wish I had an art deco vanity to sit at every morning to wear this and do my makeup in.

I meant to do a close up of the label and embroidery. Trust me, it's Dior ;)

Grandma also passed on this Prada handbag! I know a little bit more about this, thanks to the authenticity certificate inside. Dorothy bought this in January 2002 at Saks Fifth Avenue for $426 (marked down from $610):


My mom also passed down some brooches to me.


The heart and the lady with the dog are more modern ones that she bought (I think I will pin the heart on a beret, it is too cute!). The Christmas tree was my great-grandmother's and I remember always seeing it in my mother's jewelry box as a kid, while the cameo brooch was given to my mom from my dad's mom (it has a photo of my dad in it). I am just so in love with them - I'm turning into a real brooch person, fancy that.

Well, it's that time of year again. Every year I tell myself that resolutions are silly, but I still end up doing them. It's fun to make goals for the year ahead, even if I don't stick to them. Maybe if I'm feeling really ambitious I'll design them nicely and stick them up to motivate me!

Blogging resolutions

Take better outfit photos



I am so lazy when it comes to my outfit photos. I have a tripod (and a remote somewhere, I think) but it just seems like so much effort to do the whole tripod-self-timer thing, but really I think the results will be better.

My favourite outfit photos, like the one above, are when G has taken them for me. Taking them in the mirror takes away from the over-all look I'm going for. So coming in 2012 I will be taking the extra effort to do better outfit photos and better outfit posts in general!

More variety in posts

 In 2012 I want to go to more vintage-geared events (especially now that I know of some people who might want to go with) and hope to draw on my journalism to do previews or reviews on events like the Wetaskiwin Air Show or a local music show or feature pieces on vintage/retro geared organizations like Sugar Swing or the Reynolds Museum. I would concentrate on places like Edmonton, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Red Deer and surrounding area, since those are reasonable places to travel for a blog. Maybe Calgary if it's really good.

I also want to do more reviews (I have a few ideas lined up) and also some knitting posts, since I have a few projects on the go now.

Personal resolutions

Be more social


This may sound like a silly resolution, but I mean it! Sometimes I can be very much a homebody and a loner, but I want to get out more, meet new people and create stronger friendships with the friends I already have. One lesson I've learned, both as a person and a journalist, is to step out of your comfort zone. I really wanted to go to the Alex Pangman show,  even though G didn't come with me. I'm glad that I did, because I got to see Nicole, who I hardly ever spend time with now that I live in a different city AND I met Miss Bee, a great blogger friend and partner in crime. I also stepped out of my comfort zone and asked Alex to sign a CD for my giveaway and we ended up having a great chat!

I'm a very shy person, so it's hard for me to chit-chat with strangers, so it's definitely something to work on this year. There have been a few times when I've been out and about and people have said that they like my style. One cashier at the grocery store mentioned she liked my victory rolls (she actually knew what they were!) and I am kicking myself now for not mentioning my blog. G said he will help me make up Retro Reporter business cards fro the cigarette case he got me, so I think having that little piece of paper will give me a lot more confidence and a bit of a ice breaker.

Spend more time with my family

This is a tough one, simply because I live so far away and it's not always easy to just hop in the car and see my parents and grandparents. But I do have vacation time that I need to take off, and my goal is to go home and visit. I am so so so lucky to have both sets of grandparents still alive and healthy, so I need to take the time to get as much family history down on tape before it's too late!
I've already have done it once with my maternal grandparents, but I still need to get more info on the Callsen side. My Grandpa Callsen has also done a LOT of work on our family tree and has so much knowledge about not only our family, but our hometown.
(On a side note - aren't my grandparents stunning! Now you know why I am so good looking ;p)

Clean ALL the things
A major goal I have for 2012 is to follow this list to keep your house clean in 20 minutes over 30 days. The only problem is that I had the same goal last year... oops. But really, I don't want to waste my days off doing a massive cleaning of the house when I can spread it out over the week. And 20 minutes is nothing!

Be healthy and happy


I always seem like an anomaly because weight loss has never been a goal for me. I feel that I am at a good weight and love the way I look (this is not a dig at anyone who DOES want to lose weight - there is nothing wrong with that. Good on you! I just feel like I don't need to). However, one of my goals is to be more active and eat healthier. I think I actually ate healthier in college because I walked everywhere and rarely went out for food because it was so expensive (that's not to say that I actually ate healthy - I had a lot of tomato soup in J-school).

I do hope to get to the pool more often (that is ALWAYS one of my goals) but it is a hassle because lane swim is only at certain times that don't always work for me. So my new goal is to swim once a week (once I buy a new suit) AND do bike training once a week AND try to get into yoga. Ambitious but I think I hope I make it happen. For January my goal is to do one of those things once a week. Beginner yoga is Tuesday evenings and the best think about bike training is that the gym is open early and late! I used to swim all the time but since I've fallen out of shape, it's harder to get back into. I chose yoga and bike training to help me regain my breathing exercises and leg strength. I love swimming and I feel so good after - it really is stupid that I don't do it more.

I also want to use sustainable and active transportation more often. I've joined a noon knitting group at the library (more on that later) and since it's right around the corner from my office, I can walk. Rotaract is at Augustana, just a few blocks from my place, so I also walk. But I want MORE walking. It's so easy and in Camrose, we have so many urban parks and trails that it's pretty as well as smart.

All of these things make me feel so good during and after. I am literally glowing - so why don't I do it more often? It's because it's easier to sit on the couch and watch documentaries about Kim Jong-il, that's why.

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OK, I think that's all folks, but I may have more to add in the coming months - which is perfect! I should always be making new goals, not just at the beginning of the year, month or week.

What are your resolutions? I'd love to hear them!

xo Laurie

I woke up this morning to freezing rain. Lovely. Alberta weather has been so weird this year. Last year it was cold and we had the most snow in a decade. This winter has been mild (I think it got down to -20 once, which is usually the norm here) and there is barely any snow! Not that I'm complaining, I prefer -6 to -36!

But, like I said, freezing rain is no fun. It makes the roads and sidewalks all slick and wreaks havoc on curled hair. So for once I thought ahead and protected my noggin (and more importantly, my curls).


During my Boxing Day spree I noticed another maroon hat at Rowena, where I first got this one. Miss Bee tried to convince me to buy it (it was about $10 on sale) but I held back, since I've only worn this maroon one once. So I decided to bust it out today. It also matches my skirt.

This photo makes me look 8 ft wide. Ugh.

Before I added the hat, I felt very librarian-ish (which I love!) but once I added the hat I felt more journalistic. Maybe it will give me some motivation at work. It's amazing how one accessory can totally change up an outfit.


I also love the maroon hat paired with my mustard coat (hindsight says I should have worn my teal scarf instead of red. Harumph!)

Outfit details: maroon hat - Rowena | sweater and skirt - Imagine Vintage | boots - Spring 

I just had one of those days today. First of all I'm getting my first cold of the season (achoo!), which had to happened RIGHT before Christmas. Secondly, I had a bout of rude people in my life today.

I was at the mall to pick up a parcel my mom sent me, and it was really big an awkward. While walking from one of the mall to the other I my phone slipped out of my pocket twice and no one tried to help me grab it, so I tried to pick it up while not letting go of my package.

Secondly, the mall was crowded and people were standing in the middle of the traffic just jibber-jabbering away. I would like to give a shout-out to the one nice lady who did open the door for me on the way to my car. Getting this giant parcel in my

car was also a feat, and an old man even laughed at me while I was fighting with it to get into my car! The piece de la resistance is when I was leaving the mall parking lot and someone rear-ended me and then drove off without stopping. Thanks dude! Luckily both my car and I escaped without a scratch, but still.
[/END RANT]

OK, I feel better. luckily there was lots of things to distract me from this less-than-lovely day, like G making me a brie-cheddar-Italian sausage omelette when I got home and my fabulous re-shaped and thinned middy!

The parcel from my mom was filled with our Christmas presents, so now we have piles of presents under our tiny tree!

The other item in the box was these shoes my Auntie Val bought for me in Maui! They are so cute, I love yellow. With an insole they fit great and I'm sure they will perk me up on many a grey day.


Things that are also making me happy: I FINALLY finished my Advent calendar last night. I may not believe in Baby Jesus but I LOVE everything Christmas. The poinsettia ornament is my favourite - I keep meaning to make a larger one to glue on a bobby pin for my hair!


I also get cheered up whenever I look at these fab photos Davin took of me and G last weekend. (All photos (c) Dreaming Outdoors Photography - click to enlarge)





 I like the kissing ones because I'm not making dumb facial expressions. And here is on of my favourites - it's even my tablet background.

What do you do to cheer yourself up after a less-than-ideal day?

This is a bit of a random smattering of photos from our weekend.

First up, we did a photo shoot with our friend Davin of Dreaming Outdoors Photography. We went to the Bailey Theatre and the Camrose Railway Museum to do some fun retro photos. I'll post some more another day but this is one of my favourites:


Then we bummed around the house. I have the Christmas tree up, but I have far more decorating to do, whenever I find the time.

My poinsettia is still alive, only because G takes care of it for me.

Christmas cards!

ready for wrapping

 We eventually made our way to Edmonton to celebrate G's best friend JT's birthday. Being the wild party animal that I am, I knitted and napped while the guys played board games.

In the morning, I met up with fellow blogger Miss Bee for lunch at DaDeO's (mmm, po'boys) and antique hunting. I was able to pass off the Alex Pangman CD she won in my giveaway, while she gave me a beautiful vintage hat and some homemade Christmas baking - she is too sweet! (Also, I fail at taking photos while I'm out and about, clearly).


This is the hat, along with a beautiful camel-coloured skirt with black piping I got at the Old Strathcona Antique Mall. Matchy-matchy.


While we were out I also picked up this Gil Elvgren pin-up calendar.


And since Bailey mentioned how giant my purse was and how I can never find anything in it, I decided to do a what-is-in-my-bag post as well.

All the stuff that was in my purse today...

wallet, checkbook, gum, make-up bag, sunglasses etc

beret, ear muffs, mitts, LiveLocal pamphlet, notebooks, a reusable shopping bag

random crap: phone charger, knitting, expired coupons and receipts

AND in that make-up bag I have:

Maybe I do have too much stuff...