Quitters Never Win (Unless They're Smokers)

My Dad was a smoker for many years. I have memories of driving around in our Toyota Tercel and him smoking with the window open and having the ashes drift into the back and into my hair. Gross, I know. You'd think I would've known better, but I started smoking when I was in first year university. Funny thing is I didn't even like it! I would often leave full packages of cigarettes on the subway vowing never to buy another pack because they made me nauseous. Over time I started smoking entire packs and eventually, I was actually addicted. Bummer.

I've tried to quit several times and actually managed for six months straight a little over a year ago. That was until I started a new job, got stressed, bummed a smoke from a coworker and the rest is history. When I really think about it, the thing I like most about smoking is talking to other smokers. It serves as an excellent excuse for a break and ask any smoker - we almost automatically have a bond.

My BF HATES CIGARETTES for all the obvious reasons. Probably because his Dad smoked too. Unlike me, he was never stupid enough to start. So, for our four year anniversary, he got me an electronic cigarette. Apparently they're not available in Canada because Health Canada is under the impression that people will end up suffering from nicotine poisoning or addition (hey, wait, aren't smokers already addicted???)

The e-cig is a pretty neat device. The individual stick consists of a rechargeable battery, an atomizer, and a cartridge filled with liquid nicotine. You simply press on the black button on the center, inhale and release. What comes out of your mouth looks just like cigarette smoke and you can get the liquid in any flavour you like (right now I have apple and kiwi). The silver case holds an additional battery, an additional atomizer and two cartridges filled with fluid.

It's awesome because I get to go outside with the smokers, but I'm not filling my lungs with crazy toxins. I'm pretty low-key so I try to make it look like I'm smoking a regular cig and most times I succeed. Other times I have to explain what it is and usually people are quite fascinated. Best part? I can smoke it indoors because it leaves absolutely no scent behind. I'm also satisfied afterward because I've ingested the nicotine I was craving. A little while ago, I smoked a real cigarette and found that it's not all that pleasant. I know this'll sound weird, but inhaling the real thing is really hot and pretty gross. With the e-cig, it's a fairly nice experience.

I know that there are less expensive models around, but this one is just under $200 with the liquids. I don't think I would've purchased this for myself (hello, shoes? purses?!)
However, I think it's a pretty awesome device and is worth trying for those serious about quitting.

Smoking the future,

Diana

Turning Into A Bag Lady

At the end of next week, I'll be the only full-time writer at work. The other writer decided to bail and gave her two weeks on Monday. Though I totally support it, it's kinda stressing me out. It means I'm solo till they find a replacement and I'll have to train someone new.

What does Diana do when she's buggin'? She starts spendin'.

I got the pictured MJ tote on sale at Holts and I justified with:
"Oh, it's almost summer and it's lightweight. I'm stressed out. If I'm stressed I'll eat, but if I buy this I won't eat because I won't have money and then I won't gain weight. Yes. Yes. I should buy it."

Totally F'd, I know, but I don't regret it. It's big enough for everything I was squeezing into my much smaller purse. However, part of me wishes I had waited and purchased this:





I found out about Jack & Marjorie after looking for online retailers that may be interested in carrying Lime Shop stuff. Their bags are made from recycled materials and the design is just killer. I dunno, I might just pass on eating for the rest of the week, because I really want that bag!!!

Crazy About Canvas,
Diana

Always Use Protection

I bought my Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch back in February and meant to protect it's soft, beautiful, navy suede skin with Danier Leather's leather and suede protector. I just never got around to it.

I would pull crazy things like switching my purse last minute if I woke up to a rainy morning. Even better, if I happened to have the purse on me and it would start to rain, I would wear it cross body style underneath my coat and look like either a misshaped pregnant lady, or someone who was going to bust out something crazy underneath her coat. I didn't care. As long as my purse was covered from water, that's all that mattered.

We got some pretty heavy rain last week. My brother and I had driven back to my place together and as I unlocked the front door of the house, he took the gentlemanly courtesy of unloading the car with our bags, including my purse, which usually rides in my back seat when I have a passenger. Anyway, my brother's a smart man and knows my handbags are my babies, (I have issues, I know) and so he sandwiched my purse between two other bags.

Unfortunately, it was somehow exposed to some drops of rain which have left permanent markings. I've since taken the time to spray it, but the damage is done. Remember ladies (and gents), always, always, ALWAYS use protection.

::: Nathalie

Denim Goodness

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. My mind has been occupied with baking and crafting. I better watch out or I'll be joining Diana at Booty Camp... (no offence D. It's awesome you're going.)

Anyhow, I've been meaning to post about my latest fashion obsession. BLUE! Denim shorts, chambray shirt dress, blue and white striped sundress, blue and white striped cropped, loose t-shirt. I'm not kidding. Those are the last few items of clothing I've bought. If it's blue and denim, I want it! (I'll post pics soon, promise.)

But guess what I saw today on Shopbop? The MBMJ Quilty Denim Lila Satchel. So adorable! Would I look like a total freak in all blue?

::: Nathalie

If It's Supposed to Make You Stronger, It Could Probably Kill You

There's no way I'm wearing a bikini this summer. But, when I started seeing tweets and blog posts about Booty Camp Fitness and how their program can get you bikini-ready in 8 weeks I couldn't help but be intrigued. I don't want to say this because it makes me sound weak and cliche, but I've got some issues with my body. I lost some weight last year, only to gain a little under half of it back. I'm hella pissed at myself, but at least I'm starting to do something about it.

I signed up for a 4 week session with Booty Camp Fitness about a month ago and today was my first class. We were told to introduce ourselves within the group and find a buddy. You and your buddy are supposed to see the instructor together, then get weighed and measured. Luckily, the girl I paired up with was really nice and not judgmental at all. We talked about our body issues and turns out we both have a food problem (um, y'know, eating too much of it?). After sitting around waiting for everyone else to complete their weigh-in/measurements, we started the workout. I was seeing a personal trainer and going to hot yoga quite a bit, so I'm totally cool with working hard and being in wicked pain. This boot camp takes it to an entirely new level. The class was held in an auditorium and we were forced to do intense exercises from one end to the other. I drank my entire bottle of water 15 minutes into the class.

To be totally honest, it was brutal but I know this kind of workout twice a week is sure to get you results. A few of the girls were complaining that the pace was too much, and that they had attended the same boot camp before and were eased into the exercises. I've got to agree. I'm not in the best shape, but I generally don't have difficulty keeping up in intermediate aerobics classes so I know this was tough. I even found myself sitting out on one set of exercises due to be lightheaded but that's my fault, I ate a small lunch and didn't have a snack before I went.

Overall, a positive experience. I had a rough time walking around to buy groceries after the class (so awkward, walking like the first time I went horseback riding - but that's another story for another day). All my parts hurt, but I can't wait to go back. And when I want to eat that 600 calorie muffin for breakfast, all I gotta do is look at my weight and body measurements to deter me (ouch!).

Not Dead Yet,
Diana

Making Friends Can Be Too Easy

Dear Blog,

I'm really sorry I've been neglecting you. My personal and professional life have been kinda, well, crappy. Just when things were starting to normalize, I made new 'friend'. This friend has made an unwelcome, pestering impression and now I'm doing my best not to let it get to me.

This 'friend' is actually a distrubing pimple that's made a home above my left eyebrow. It's such a bummer, especially because my bangs fall on the right side of my face, making it look even more prominent.

I'm pretty good with my skin care routine. Recently, I've been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser, Cucumber Herbal Toner, Ultra Facial Cream, and Avocado Eye Treatment (yeah, I kinda went crazy at Holt's a few weeks ago, don't judge me!). Anyhow, the rest of my skin looks pretty awesome, except for that one dreaded spot. WAA.

Blog, I'll try my best to write more. I know you get sad when we're not around.

Love,
Pimple Girl

With A Little Love

I got my Little City order yesterday of Yulanda Yee's Cinnamon Hearts.

I remember instantly falling for the simplicity of this photograph. Yulanda always had a way of capturing inanimate objects and making them absolutely beautiful by breathing life into them.

Anyway, I'd intended on buying this piece when Yulanda was still with us and it broke my heart to purchase them the day after she passed.

The Little City folks okay'ed it with her family first, and once approved, I was notified and told that proceeds would go to the Lymphoma Foundation of Canada.

I bought 2 pieces, one for myself and one for Diana, who had known Yulanda for years from their younger blogger days.

I'm glad to have this piece to always remember her by. Even if, I don't think I could forget her. She was an amazing, talented, good person. I miss our dear friend a lot.

::: Nathalie

Meet the new addition to my family.

I have an announcement.

I am the proud mother of a brand new pair of Miu Miu Buffalo Ribbon Cocco's. I picked them up at discount rack at Browns, from $475 down to $199.

Diana saw them first and nearly lost her mind. Size 6 1/2 sitting with the size 8's. When she showed them to me, I nearly lost it.

Now when someone says, "Cute shoes." I can respond with, "Thanks." (This is my queue to flip my hair like I'm the shit.) "They're Miu Miu."(Just kidding.)

::: Nathalie

(I realize the jeans in the fourth picture are completely inappropriate for these babies.)

Who needs "influence"?

The real deal, MBMJ Petal to the Metal Cross Body

Alexander Wang rip off bags at H&M, $14.95

The real deal, Nathalie's Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch

If you read our blog, you'll know that Diana and I are handbag snobs. It just kinda happened one day. After buying our first designer bag, there was no way we could go back to anything else. Since then, we've been able to spot which designer "influenced" the significantly less expensive version.

This past weekend, we ducked into Town Shoes for a quick look. Diana handed me a bag that looked strikingly like the Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Cross Body.

"When did they start selling MBMJ?" I asked. But it wasn't. It was their house brand.

Then today, at H&M, we walked by a display of Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch "influenced" bags. I'm gonna pull the snob card here and tell you that I have the real deal in my closet. So I asked Diana "Am I a sucker for spending big bucks on my bag or does H&M suck for replicating it?" Diana's a good friend and told me H&M sucked. Plus, their version is pretty awful as "influenced" items goes. Apparently $14.95 gets you the latest "it" bag.

::: Nathalie

Bye Bye FCUK (kinda)

When I was considerably heavier (we're taking 20 pounds here), I could go into an French Connection store and fit into a size 8 or 10. Um, vanity sizing much? Some of the pieces were cute and it made a chubster feel pretty awesome. Their garment measurements make absolutely no sense. Some of their pieces are teeny tiny, while others could easily fit a family from a third world country (not mine, we're not that small). I haven't shopped there in over a year and kinda forgot about the place in general.

Today, I found out that they're closing all but six of their American stores.

They usually have decent sales, so I can only imagine what it'll be like in the upcoming weeks.

-D