Another Birthday!

I know it's late, but I have only just found a photo. Online pals, help me wish my friend, co-worker, and my momma's beau a happy birthday!

Sorry for the late post but it's  all yours!

Happy Smiley Birthday G!

Speaking of Seestor.....

Now that you've met my Seestor (it is her birthday you know) and that I briefly mentioned our trip to the Festival of Trees (my second trip), I figured that this post will mostly be photos of the Bee sisters ex-tree-vaganza. Hold onto your hats, here's section one, Seestor's shots.....

One of my favourite ornaments. Moss in crystal. Stunning.

A suspended tree of gifts!

Also a favourite! He reminds me of Watchmen's Archie.

Seestor managed to catch the light in this one. Good work!

A snapshot of one of the most unique and captivating trees: the Jesters.

We had a swell time. See you next year!

Seestor!

It's your birthday! What a joyous day for you!

A great big merry merry birthday to my dearest and beautiful lil Seestor! Your laugh is infectious and your smile is a delight. I have so much fun with you so let's keep the party rollin'!

This is my fave pic of seestor when she
was really lil. Best. Face. Ever.   :)

HAPPY 21!!!!!

all me luv

xoxo

k.

Festival of Trees: Bradley Bee Style, Night #1

This event was fantastic, so fantastic that I went two nights in a row. The first night I went with my friend E.Vee and the second night I went with Seestor. I was not so successful in getting some photos the first night, I got a few. We arrived later than planned due to our slower than average waitress at the local BPs.  Oh well, we got there and enjoyed every second of it. We took in the different gingerbread houses, the gift shop (I got the most beautiful little snowflake necklace!), and of course the trees. Oh the trees!

Here's what I got the first night:

Death Star gingerbread "house"! And a ghost tree!

That big blue tree is The Little Mermaid tree. Nothing but Disney under the sea.

Bamboozled is what comes to mind. And I was no way duped.

Also tres Grinchy!

Keep a weather eye, two more posts are on their way!

Previously On Breathe.....

.....I showed you some shoes (wedding and handcrafted), a necklace, and opened your heart to the world of Edmonton's super skilled and fashionable. I also gave a quick peek at what is on the blog today. Albeit it's really really late again, I will now fill you in a little secret of mine that really isn't all that secret. That "secret" is this: my zen centre, Greenland Garden Centre. When I am feeling stressed out or sad, that's the place I go. It's full of beautiful plants and flowers, home decor items and fashion accessories. At Halloween, it's got some of the best little knick knacks and gifts. And at Christmas, this place becomes magical. The only way to get the full effect and really feel the joy and peace of winter is to go to Greenland at night. It's been proclaimed as the largest indoor selection and display of Christmas trees. That title certainly doesn't disappoint. It's beautiful and calming. Bright and classic filled with feathers, glitter, pizzaz and soft textures. Cute snowmen, pudgy Santas, and graceful reindeer litter the interior of the building. Silk and fresh plants are available for purchase as well as silk and fresh wreaths, trees, and many other accoutrements for your holiday decorating. Photos don't do it justice so I only have a few little snapshots of what's hiding in there for you to indulge in.

Giant bauble ornaments hang above you throughout the land of trees.
Honestly, some of these are the size of my head. 

Accoutrements.

Aren't these superb?! Grinch trees! My favourite on is
the one with red and gold swirl ornament. Tres Grinchy.

Seriously, you must go here. It will lift your spirit and bring a smile to your face.

www.greenlandgarden.com


The other quick peek was about the Festival of Trees. There's a lot for the Festival, so it will get it's own post. Next!

Coming Up On Breathe.....

Greenland Garden Centre

Rosehips @ Greenland

The Festival of Trees

*drool

Also kitties, gaming, and Bradley's tree and tour.

Stay tuned folks!

Next Up

The Royal Bison Craft & Art Fair. This glorious event calls to all the yuppies, hipsters young and old, artists, and wannabe cool folk like myself. Over 70 vendors from around town were selected from a wide number of applications to showcase their work to the city. Their talent and skill ranged from baking to drawing to modifying found items into working electric lamps and guitar amps to handmade fine clothing to knitting, crocheting, and leather work. The list of awesomeness goes on and on.

Public service announcement for those wishing to go to the next one (which I believe is in 5-ish months): it is very busy and the walls were ready to burst due to the number of shoppers there. Not good with crowds? I insist on either going early and moving quickly (crowd permitting of course) or have a friend who loves to shop go for you, equipped with video feed so you can tag along from the comfort and safety of your own home.

This was just half of one of the halls in the venue hosting the Fair.
See? Lots of people. Lots of people taking lots of little steps to move
from vendor to vendor.

I was thrilled that two friends of mine were among the special selected 70! Jennie of The Pretty Knotty Sweatshoppe and Greg of the *Rya-ton Leatherworks. I have known Jennie for a handful of years and her work is fabulous! Trust me, the textures and materials she uses to create these gems are super soft and warm and fashionably on the mark. She has become rather well known the arts and style circles of this here fine city. She was featured on the Royal Bison's site and also a few times on Dress Me Dearly (local fashion blogger who keeps me updated on lovely things and goings on in Edmonton - a big thank you! to Janis even though we have yet to cross paths). Either way, check out this and that. Jennie also has a Facebook page and I highly recommend you head on over, say hi and check out her work. Don't forget: The Pretty Knotty Sweatshoppe. You'll love it. Promise.

Now, Greg has been here before. He is the one that resides in the most wonderful house in Edmonton. His house is in the process of renovations and looks spectacular from what I've seen. Upon our visit to the Fair, we discovered that Greg had accomplished the task he set before himself when his house modelled for me. The task was this: to make his own shoes. He did it! And they look and feel great! How cool is that?! Making your own shoes from scratch. He's so awesome. Greg and his lady (known from now on as Lady C) are wonderful warm people. Crafty and conscientious. While Greg cobbles shoes and cuts belts and elbow patch kits, Lady C is enriching her mind and heart with the artful self-sustainability of the Living Roof. I can't wait until we have dinner one night so she can tell me all about it and her future plans with incorporating it into their daily lives. Greg also has a Facebook page and a website. Please please please take a look at his shoes! They are wondrous! One of my favourite things is the belt that Greg made. My Birch Belt. It looks identical to birch bark, in fact you can hardly tell it's leather when placed next to a branch of the real deal. It's the only belt I wear with pants (it doesn't fit my dress' belt loops *sad face).

Here's a little peek at what I was able to snap from Greg's table:

Amazing items include shoes, belts, belt buckles,
elbow patch kits, wallets, and clog sandals.

I can't get enough of the blue shoes! Those are rad!

No rest for the skilled: creating at the Fair.

I must apologize to Jennie, I did not get any photos of your table. I felt bad that you basically had to stand the whole time in cramped quarters. I hope you had some opportunities to move out from behind the booth to walk around and enjoy a snack from Culina (most delicious place). Picture this friends: Jennie, beautiful and guarded by her towers of lovely warm cowls, scarves, and slippers. All displayed on shelves which she hand painted until the wee hours of the morning on Fair day #1. Again, no rest for the skilled.

I had a wonderful time! I will surely be at the next one and armed with lots of cash for many purchases (sorry Q). 

Thank you Jennie and Greg! And congratulations! I hope to see you both at the next Fair!

xoxo

Brace Yourself.....

This is the beginning of slew of Christmas posts. I have unfortunately fallen behind (really behind!) on my posts lately and I could explain to you why but I'd rather not because here I am, here we are! So let's take a little trip to a few weeks ago and walk the path of my own Christmas season.

First up: the company Christmas party. It was held at a country club near Beaumont and the roads leading there are barely lit by the distant lights of Edmonton. Once we arrived and were making our way up the main driveway, we encountered a majestic looking deer. Huge antlers! He was beautiful and didn't stick around. I figured the car must have spooked him.....what a chicken.

I chose to be brave and not wear tights or nylons with my little black lace dress. I say brave because it was chilly. It wasn't the usual -30C thank goodness, just cold enough that I could handle the brisk atmosphere and my fake Uggs would do for the travel there and back. I was also brave with my choice of footwear for the night. I wore the most beautiful blush patent leather pumps I've ever owned: my Steve Madden Trinitie pumps. I'm pretty good on my feet (walking and nerd dancing only) in these shoes and good thing too, these bad boys are my wedding day shoes. Bonus for you! Christmas post AND wedding sneak peek!!

I had worn these before and ripped the leather on the toe.
Q's brainpower + my brainpower = easy fix that's barely noticeable.
AND I didn't even wreck them at the party!! *high five*

I would also like to show off the necklace I wore because it's a major statement piece and I am anxiously waiting for the next time it adorns my collar. And no, this is not a wedding piece. Perhaps I'll show that off later. Maybe. We'll see if you get a lump of coal this year.

As friends and co-workers went home and the night began to wind down, we decided that the party wasn't really over, WE were the party. The group simultaneously high fived each other (not really, but I wish that's what happened) at the plan to move from middle-of-nowhere country club to our new home (tour still to come). Mother and Seestor were out of town so the whole house was ours. Logical choice. Obvious choice. Who doesn't have a house party when their parents aren't home? I can say in truth that was my first one and it was like 5 people. Big step in my social standing. Remember, I'm dorky. 

After a few large empty bottles of vodka and rum, and many arm wrestling matches, our wonderful guests made their way home safely. It was such a fun night and great way to kick off the season. Thank you so much everyone! 

xoxo

Because The Comment Box Would Be Too Long

My friend Erinn did a new post today. A post that is very similar to those emails that your friends send you with little tidbits about them and then you are supposed to fill it out about yourself and forward it to a bunch of friends. I don't know why, but I have always liked completing those. Although I generally put jackass answers for funzees, I will try to do non-jackass answers for you.

Who I Am...

I am...a wee bit dorky.

I wish...I was more creative.....and had more time for crafts. seestor would really get into photography. she's amazing at it.

I want...(currently) to dye my hair (sans salon) but keep the highlights the sun left.

I have...3 perfect and weird cats.

I hate...brussel sprouts.

I fear...open water. sorry ocean, you're beautiful but there are too many things that make me uneasy.

I hear...bad sitcom jokes.

I search...for the perfect shot in everyday things. (beautiful christmas photos to come!)

I wonder...about the next 5 years and where we will be.

I regret...nothing.

I love...so many people for so many different reasons. But Q makes my heart fizzle.

I ache...well my heart does, when I see others hurt or struggle.

I always...try to make Q laugh at least once a day. he's got the best smile.

I usually...plan my outfits for work/weekend plans the night before. it's a long process, creativity in clothing.

I am not...very good at having serious conversations (especially when asked for advice, I'm a better listener). I'm generally super emotional and have little to no control over the tear ducts.

I dance...a lot and it's awful. I tend to forget that Q is around and can see me. Again, dorky.

I sing...Florence + the machine in the car. All the time. And only alone. Ceremonials is amazing. Lungs will never go out of style.

I never...go without earrings in (except for sleep time). the piercing holes close up abnormally quick even though they're fully healed. 

I sometimes...feel that I am similar to Zooey Deschanel. She's a hip kat.

I crave...hot chocolate every morning at work.
I know...that nothing is perfect. But Floyd is.     ;)

I cry...at the drop of a hat, sad cry or happy cry, drop of a hat.

I am not always...right.

I lose...most arguments and nearly all arm wrestling matches.

I am confused...about things now and again like everyone else.

I need...to stop needlessly spending money. although the $7 DVD of She-Ra and He-Man: A Christmas Special was a total necessity.

I should...strive to be better everyday.

Your turn: Who Are You?

MORE TEA PARTY!

Alright, show #2: Flames Central, Calgary, Saturday night. I had a beautiful and peaceful drive down.

The little red glow on the left side is the bottom of a rainbow believe it or not.
It was like having two suns. 

I had some time to kill before I caught up with Stevie and her man, so I decided to drive up Centre Street. I had never gone up that way before and figured, what the hell. What the hell indeed! I ended up in a beautiful area filled with huge homes that looked like the belonged in a magazine for modern homes and museum architecture. This is an area of wealth, not just material riches but the view that these people have of downtown Calgary is amazing.

Must say that I'm becoming a big fan of Calgary.

I met up with Stevie for the show and after getting turned around 3 times in downtown Calgary (too many one ways, and not in the direction we needed), we finally found a sweet and super cheap parkade with heated underground parking. Walking two and half blocks wasn't nearly as bad knowing we had a warm car waiting for us. Once we found our way out of the parkade and trekked through the cold, we ended up waiting in line to enter the venue for at least 15 - 20 minutes. Doesn't sound like much, but it feels like an eternity when it's nearly -25C outside. Luckily we had real printed tickets and we were bumped to the front of the line and welcomed the heat of the great indoors. My lovely friend Bashmore was not able to attend the show due to her roboknee but did create a link for us to some friends of hers that were at the show. These new friends happened to be the first to enter the venue and were able to grab the best seats in the house and save some for us. Stevie and I made some new friends that night: Cassy and Mike.

Mike (not nearly as far away as he looks here), Cassy, and Stevie.
A BIG HUGE THANK YOU HUG TO CASSY AND MIKE FOR SAVING US SEATS!

I can't thank you enough for that.

This is where we sat:

Best seats in the house for sure (next to practically sitting on the stage like many people in the crowd). In the past, I never had the chance to see the same band (my favourite or not) play two nights in a row. It goes without saying that this was an opportunity that I could not miss. It was a blast and definitely interesting to see the differences between the two performances. Performance of The Tea Party was fantastic both nights, but Calgary seemed to give them more energy. Why? Because the crowd was so full of life and excitement that it fed the stage, naturally the guys get pretty pumped up from that, so it reciprocates. There was no denying that the Calgary fan base kicked the Edmonton fan base in the ass. Which is sad because Edmonton is usually the rowdy one. Either way, I got two shows. Plus! Get this! Bassist/keyboardist Stuart Chatwood and I caught eyes during a few songs. I was singing along (of course) and he shot me a full sweet teeth smile and wave. How cool is that?! VERY! It didn't happen once, but at least four times throughout the show and then a couple more at the end as he left the stage. I'm pretty confident in my knowledge of Tea Party songs that the only time I stopped singing along was to scream at the top of my lungs, matched with an applause for them throughout the night. I'm not just a super fan, I'm a true admirer of their work, their art, and a smile and some waves make all the difference. It made me feel good, great even! I imagine it to be this: A personal and special acknowledgment from him, out of all the fans in the room, he saw that I was right there along with him/them, every note, every measure. Every beat. I will add that feeling to memory box and ride on that wave until the next show (summer 2012!).

Due to such an amazing vantage point, I was able to get some good photos. I regretfully left the camera in the car, but never before have I been so grateful to have an iPhone (Q, thank you for "bullying" me into getting one). A good chunk of the shots turned out blurry due to the guys' constant motion but I don't care, I had a birds eye view and was able to actually WATCH them play, to see the instruments and the grace and focus with which they play them. It was wonderful. Stuart was focused and played with such calm fluidity, he was graceful and a natural. He is one with his bass. I'm sure he could do it in his sleep. Jeff Martin: you can tell that his guitars are an extension of his body. Music runs in his veins. Jeff Burrows: best drummer of all time! Such power and accuracy. And he's f*cking quick too! Watch the video or any live performance footage of "Save Me" and you'll see. Let me know your thoughts after you pick your jaw up off the floor. Anyways, enough babbling, I will now bombard you with photos from Calgary's show.

A cup of tea in between songs.

My favourite moment that I didn't think I captured. Although blurry :(

That's just a tiny taste. Photos are a bit grainy but I think it's pretty friggin' good for an iPhone and some gentle fog machine use. Enjoy?

I surely did!

WE surely did.

PS: A big shout out and super thanks to the lovely Bashmore for letting me use her comfy couch as my bed. I'm delighted that you remember my pillow preference and made the couch-bed to my specifications. And thanks for the brunch and shopping date. We met a Pharaoh! That guy is slick. Anubis, you are mine. Thanks m'dear!

THE TEA PARTY!

Oh my goodness, I have been busting at the seams to share this with you all. This past weekend I attended a couple of concerts. The first one was on Friday night at the Edmonton Event Centre: The Tea Party! They're baaaaaack!!!!! Holy sh*t I am so excited about this! I waited 6 years thinking that they would never join forces again, but my #1 favourite band is back together and better than ever. I was a mess of emotions (sounds a little odd for a rock concert but with music filled with such power, emotions are all over the place). They played many many favourites and some songs that I had never heard them play live before. Not only did they play my faves so loud that my organs shook, they also played Zeppelin's "Kashmir" inserted into "Save Me". HOLY SH*T. AMAZING SHOW. I only snapped a handful of photos from the show because I choose to drink it all in and enjoy (plus I knew I would get more shots at the next show). Here's what we got (aside from my totally awesome shirt, seen here at the bottom):

Moi et Jenny Babe.

Mr. Babe & my babe, Q.

Q, Kristy, and Dennis.
So many good friends to share the show with!

Now I know that these photos of the stage and the guys aren't the greatest but it's just a frame of reference for you to see how "close" we were.

After the show, I was all a-flitter. Super happy and ready to get movin' to Calgary for the show at Flames Central the next night. The high of the show was heightened with the beauty we stumbled into on the way back to the car. West Edmonton Mall is decorated with some of the most beautiful Christmas trees and lights and all things shiny and pretty:

I heart these big flowers that hang over one of the newly renovated seating areas.
A total fairytale feeling in this spot. I love WEM late at night when there's no one around.

Stay tuned, Calgary show is coming up!