Simply Sara

My most challenging new year’s resolution is to begin training in hopes of being able to hike the Chilkoot trail in 2012.  I don’t know about everyone else out there but I definitely find that it helps to set small goals along the way in order to stay motivated.  So I’ve decided that once I reach certain points along my journey I will reward myself with something amazing, I’m leaning towards buying a kayak as my first reward; something like the dragonfly from advanced elements.

I know this is an extravagant reward but I need to make sure its something that I really want and that I won’t just go and buy on a regular basis for example I can’t pick something like a new pair of shoes because having new shoes/clothes is part of my job, (at least that’s how I rationalize it ). Adam is helping me out with getting into shape and he has already picked out the prize he would like for reaching his first goal:

Just a quick post to show some of the items that I would like to help me get through the rest of the winter season….

Great Shearling jacket….this one is from Aritzia:

Ilse Jacobsen rain boots:

Tailored wool trousers:

trust me, there is many more items but I don’t want to bore you!!!!

Despite starting the new year off with a cold I’m very excited to welcome 2011. I know this is going to be a big year with lots of exciting things planned, most notably my intention to move to Vancouver.  I have been living in KW for way too long now and I am so ready for a new adventure in the most beautiful city ever.  I have already started applying for jobs out there but I have a suspicion that it will be tricky to get a position when I am half way across the country.  I was out in Vancouver for a few interviews in October and I was hoping that would allow me to stay permanently but alas the timing was not there.  On the bright side I did get to do some amazing sight seeing.

I fell in love with the city on this visit so I now impatiently wait for the perfect opportunity that will allow me to pack my bags and hop on that plane to take me to my new home.  Honestly, if nothing turns up by April you may find me just flying out there and hoping for the best while begging my cousin to let me crash on her couch.

As promised my New Year’s Resolutions are here….

#1 – Move to Vancouver (subset of this resolution is to drive west and see as much of Canada as I can on the way)

This is a big one but it is also the resolution I am most determined to see through.  I’ve lived in Ontario for the entire 29 years of my life and I’m ready for a change and what better place to do that then the most beautiful city I have ever been too.

#2 – Hike the Chilkoot trail

This is a rather large resolution which may be carried forward to 2012 but the training and preparation begins now.  This is a journey that my parents and older brother made when I was very young and it’s something that I would like to experience for myself. Plus a resolution to train for an exciting adventure has a much higher success rate than to say I want to get into better shape.

#3 – Stretch on a daily basis

This one is part of resolution #2 but it’s also because there is no better feeling than a good morning stretch.

#4 -  Learn how to Sew

One of the most amazing gifts I received this season was a beautiful sewing machine, I can’t wait to take a few courses so I can start making some great pieces or at the very least be able to make alterations.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!!  I know 2011 is going to be great!!!!

Well I guess you can tell things got a little hectic and my blog was slightly neglected this year.  Fear not, coming in 2011 is the new and improved Simply Sara.

Starting January 1st look for more regular posts with of course the first post being new years resolutions….hmm resolution #1 blog more often.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

I truly understand the expression “When it rains, it pours”.  I have found this to be true so many times in my life, sometimes in small ways other times in very meaningful ways.  One of the silliest ways, I’m sure we’ve all experienced, is when you’re shopping for that one perfect item and it’s no where to be found.  And then all of a sudden (usually when you have no money to spend) you see those amazing heels, great dress, or what-have-you in every single window display as you’re walking down the street.

Recently I have been feeling lots of rain, my fridge died, my external hard drive crashed, and I’m convinced my car is making weird noises.  I can’t wait for the sun to shine again.

While picking up a few groceries last night I found myself wondering how I spent $100 when all I needed was a couple tomatoes, and all I can say is that Joseph Mimran is a genius. The Joe Fresh collection is impossible to ignore; cute pieces at amazingly affordable prices.

Here are a few summer pieces I’ve picked up recently (sorry for the poor picture quality)

And of course the cutest item, this bathing suit for my niece Sophia.

I’m still hopeful that the job I’m dreaming of is out there somewhere.

There is nothing I love more than a beautiful loft.  One of my many hobbies is obsessively flipping through real estate ads looking for my dream loft.  In the future I would like to buy a piece of an old building and renovate to my hearts content.

I consider myself very fortunate to have my first home be a loft (the banner on this site is actually my building before renovations).  I love my apartment; it’s a beautiful old shoe factory with floor to ceiling windows (that’s right, I live in a shoe factory!!!), 12′ ceilings, exposed duct work, beautiful old pillars and polished concrete floors.

So from all my browsing I have compiled a list of things I would like in my dream loft:

- 2 levels with the upper level over looking the lower level

- lots of storage space

- exposed brick

- exposed beams and duct work

- lots of windows

but the biggest requirement is that it must be a hard loft…I don’t want a condo designed to look like a loft.

For the longest time I was convinced that I was blessed when it came to finding hair stylists.  I’ve had 3 great stylists but all of which have moved on to other avenues and now I can’t seem to find a stylist who I click with.  Since I lost my last stylist I’ve had 3 bad hair experiences.  The first cost a fortune and barely any hair was cut off, the second took off way to much hair and I spent 2 months looking like I was recovering from brain surgery (they practically shaved one side of my head) and today I received a ‘Mom’ hair cut—all I need are those horrible jeans!!!

Please can someone pass on the name of a stylist in the KW area in hopes of ending my streak of bad luck.

The style I wanted:

The style I received (maybe a slight exaggeration but you get the idea):