Brainstorming vegetable garden ideas

I haven't had a garden in so long, not since I was a kid in fact, not a real one anyway. I've had lots of small versions...growing herbs, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes etc on decks and in half wine barrels, but I haven't had the full on real deal since I lived at home with my parents...and that my friends was a very long time ago.

Chris and I have been studying some different styles and measuring out our backyard to get a good idea of what we want and where we want our first real garden to be. Pinterest of course has been a real help. Here are a few pictures of ones I have been inspired by:

We are definitely going to do raised beds and since we are putting the garden in where our lawn is now, we are going to have grass in between the beds with enough room to mow in between each one.

Would love to hear some ideas of what has worked for you as well as book recommendations if you have any.

I can't wait to be eating veg straight out of our own garden!

Motivation Monday

I think this quote is a great reminder not to put things off. If you want to make something happen what are you waiting for? Tomorrow becomes next week, becomes next month, becomes next year and so on. Even if you only take a small step in the direction you want to go, it's better than standing still....

Don't wait...the time is now....

Sunday Deals and Steals

Whew! It's been a busy weekend so this post is getting up late but nothing I'm posting is time sensitive so if there is something you like you won't have missed it if you wait until tomorrow.

Like I said in Wednesday's post I've been loving the maxi dresses lately, in fact I took advantage of the Old Navy sale I posted about and bought this one. I can't wait until it arrives, but now I'm torn between which pair of Shoemint shoes I like best to wear with it...

Meredith:

 Or Lynne:

Thoughts??

Another maxi dress I found and thought was so pretty was this one from Mod Cloth for $47.99. The colour is gorgeous.

Sea the Sights Dress

And another dress I really liked was this one from LL Bean for $49.95 (free shipping!). I like all three colours shown and it looks like an easy spring/summer figure flattering style.

Summer Knit Dress

Check out this high low sweater from Forever 21 for only $11.99, definitely a deal (shipping is free on orders over $60).

Squared High-Low Sweater

Another F21 find was this awesome hot pink blazer for $27.99..yes please!

Buttoned Blazer

And how about this sweater for $12.99?

Striped Longline Sweater

And this fun top for $9.99?

Just Chic Tee

You just qualified for free shipping...you're welcome. ;)

Hope you had a great weekend!

So I went to a bird auction...

Yes, you read the heading of this blog post correctly. I am putting in an outdoor aviary and in my search for the birds I want I came across an ad for an upcoming bird auction. The Vancouver Island Cage Bird Society has an auction every year apparently so this was something I definitely wanted to check out.

The auction was held in the gym of a rec centre about an hour from me so Chris and I packed up the kiddies and headed out amidst the spring drizzle and made a day of it.

I could hear the birds chirping and singing as soon as I opened the main doors of the rec centre so the set up was easy to find. 

I think I was hoping for something a little grander but we poked about to see what was available.

Only three rows of tables holding cages, supplies and birds.

The auctioneer beginning the show. This guy was very nice and friendly to everyone. Ella did ask me why he was talking so fast. ;)

I didn't end up buying anything. There were some Gloster canaries there that I would have liked but they were going for a fairly good price. I tried to get some pics of the birds but they were hoping back and forth and looked a bit blurry. I found this image online so you can see what a Gloster looks like. Original image found here. Isn't he cute with his jaunty little cap? My friend Amanda said "he looks like a Beatle!".

The budgies were going very cheep (sorry, couldn't resist), with two birds and a cage selling for $6! They changed the rules after that and said no birds were to go for less than $5, which is very understandable. 

 Other than the Glosters and Budgies there were a couple of Java Rice finches, a few Society finches, a couple Canaries and not a a whole lot more.

I wish there had been more to see but the people were very nice and we had fun. I highly doubt Chris thought he would be going to bird auctions when he met me but I tell him I'm keeping his life interesting. ;)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Wardrobe Wednesday

 Another Wednesday is here, is it just me or have the days really been flying? 

I have been spending a lot of my time trying to catch up on chores around the house that I've gotten behind on. A lot of them involve getting down and dirty scrubbing so those days aren't worth taking an OOTD pic. Mostly because it's old jeans/lululemon pants, my husbands t shirt, hair in a messy bun and no make up. Not so pretty but definitely functional. My spring cleaning is in full swing!

So here are a couple of pictures where I did put an effort in. ;)

 Cardigan: Hautelook sometime last year

Top: Calvin Klein

Jeans: Warehouse One

Flats: Shoe Warehouse

Necklace: gift

Chambray shirt: Winners

Camisole: Bootlegger

Jeans: Old Navy rockstar style

Loafers: Wal Mart

Bracelets: Hello Berry

Necklace: gift

T shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Warehouse One

Shoes: TOMS

That's it for this one...pretty basic..lol.

The weather here has been so lovely and really warming up. It's almost time to break out the dresses (yay!!). Have you found any styles that you love?

I've really been into maxi dresses lately, here's one from Old Navy that I'm diggin' right now. It comes in a ton of different colours and it's only $32.94.

Smocked Maxi Tube Dress

And you can't go wrong with a wrap dress, especially when it's as cute as this one! Again, great colour selection and only $32.94.

Cap-Sleeved Wrap Dress

Here's my link up to the The Pleated Poppy for what I wore Wednesday. 

Hope you're having a great day!

Motivation Monday

I tried to sign into Blogger several times today and it was giving me issues so I wasn't able to get a blog post up until now....and now is 10 at night. I don't know what was going on but I'm glad it's back now.

 I spent all day cleaning today, that was my workout for the day, but it was a lot of scrubbing outside in the sun so it was good.

I haven't gotten on the scale all week which is really unusual for me (I generally get a little obsessive) but I haven't been doing well in the eating department so it must just be fear that's keeping me off.

I'm struggling to stay on track lately. There just seems like so many other fun things to do than worry about my diet. :S

I have been feeling so good lately, just in general. I'm happy and motivated, and loving life. I think it's the sun. 

I'm also really trying hard to cut the negative out of my life, it's like poison and it seeps into everything you do. It's amazing how much better everything is when you just let things go and look on the bright side.

Today is Earth Day, and a happy one to you. :)

This picture was posted by Filson today on Facebook along with this great quote:

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air"

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I couldn't have said it better myself. I hope you were able to enjoy the outdoors today.

Sunday Deals and Steals

Happy sunny Sunday morning! Here are some great deals and fun finds I came across this week.

These great sandals from Modcloth are only $27.99, and I love the green colour.

Coastline Stroll Sandal

Another pair of cute sandals I found were these ones from ASOS for $43.23. The upper is made of real leather.

FOREST Leather Flat Sandals

And one more pair of shoes...these ones are on eBay for $23.99 with free shipping!

 Pointed Toe Ballet Flats

Love this bag from Shoedazzle for just $39.95

ShoeDazzle

And speaking of bags, have you seen these Boat and Tote bags from LL Bean? The medium sized one would make the perfect beach bag and it's only $26.95 and shipping is free. These bags are super durable and would last forever, and you can even have them monogrammed. There are eight different colours to choose from so lots of variety. I'll be getting one. 

Open-Top Boat and Tote Bag

Love this long sleeve tee with the faux leather detailing, and it's only $28.71.

 Shoulder Contrast PU Leather Loose T-Shirt

Loving this Chevron Wave Dress from Fash Forward Boutique for $39.99. If you are a fan of theirs on Facebook they have a great giveaway going on right now for a maxi dress I LOVE. Check them out.

Chevron Wave Dress

And speaking of maxi dresses, I'm loving this one from ASOS. Sizes are really limited but it's only $29.93 so if they have your size..lucky you!

Bandeau Maxi Dress

That's it for this week, let me know what tickled your fancy. ;)

My current playlist

 So sorry about no Pinspiration Friday post yesterday but I wanted to share a pic of last week's project, growing away like crazy.

I haven't shared my current playlist in awhile so I thought that would be fun. I've been finding all kinds of new songs that I've been enjoying so without further ado here they are in no particular order:

You Send Me by Caught a Ghost - love this cover of Sam Cooke's original.

Hero by Loma Vista - a nice mellow song that sports a bit of a Simon and Garfunkel feel.

Down the Road by C2C - wonderfully weird, this song has a little bit of everything.

I'm Shakin' by Jack White - a fun remake of Little Willie John's original that you can find here.

New Low by Middle Class Rut - this is an old song but I've been enjoying it.

Mama's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert - this is a hard hitting country song that has gotten me through some treadmill runs.

Still Into You by Paramore - Another great running song.

What You Know by Two Door Cinema Club - this is another older song but I'm loving it. 

A-Punk by Vampire Weekend - another oldie but goodie.

Just Keep Breathing by We The Kings - kind of an anthem type song, another good one for the treadmill.

Heads Will Roll by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs - another old one but I love it. 

Listening to lots of alternative stuff lately, and quite a bit of older stuff rediscovered thanks to wishing I was attending Coachella the last two weekends and listening to the bands that were playing.

Hope you're having a great weekend, see you tomorrow for Sunday Deals and Steals! 

A Liebster Award

Thank you so much to Lindsey at High Heels and Training Wheels for nominating me for a Liebster award...too cool! :)

A Liebster award is a fun way to get to know other bloggers and a chance for me to tell you about the bloggers I enjoy.

I have been given a list of 11 questions to answer about myself so here goes....

1.) Why did you start blogging?

I was feeling a little lost actually, and really wanted a place where I could talk about the things I enjoyed and connect with people. I wasn't completely sure what I was going to talk about hence the name Random Thoughts... :)

2.) What has been your favourite part about it?

I love being able to talk about beauty products and clothes, my weekly struggle to lose the baby weight, fun things to cook and eat...it's like having a journal that anyone can read. Sometimes it can be hard to put yourself out there but the positive feedback I have received from my awesome readers is my favourite part of all. Thank you for taking the time to tell me you enjoy reading. 

3.) Have you learned anything from your experience?

I've learned how much I enjoy writing! I didn't realize that my daily posts would become so important to me but if I miss a day for whatever reason (sickness, travel etc...) it really feels like my day isn't complete.

4.) What blogs do you go to for inspiration and why?

I have several that I visit regularly and they all add to my life and inspire me in different ways, whether it's new fashions, good eats, travel, beauty reviews, home decor or just life in general I love them all. Here are some that I enjoy:

The Londoner

A CUP OF JO

the daybook

Day Old News

Skinnytaste

5.) In lalaland where you could do whatever you wanted, what would be the perfect day for you?

This one is tough...there are so many things I would want to do...I couldn't fit them all into one day and make it perfect...I'm working on a perfect/imperfect life. ;)

6.) If you could live anywhere where would it be and why?

Again, another tough one. I think life is where/what you make it and while I would love to travel I'm happy to live wherever my family is.

7.) How would you describe yourself and the kind of blogger you are?

I would say my blog is a lifestyle blog. I'm just trying to find my own way in the world and I talk about my day to day doing just that.

8.) What is your favourite thing to wear?

I love my jeans. I also love heels but being a stay at home mom there isn't a lot of call to wear them, I do try though. ;)

9.) What would you call your style?

Casual/traditional. I like to wear more of the basics with bright pops of colour.

10.) Coffee or Tea?

 Tea

11.) What are you most proud of?

My kids. They are my world, and my heart swells with pride for them everyday. I love seeing them take the time to be kind to other people and I hope they go on to do great things in this world.

Now here are the blogs I chose to nominate:

Sweetie Pie Style

The Spotted Owl

WhatWouldGwynethDo

Miss Natty's Beauty Diary

Day Old News

the daybook

L's Fashion Dish

Cupcakes for Breakfast

The Simply Luxurious Life

La Dolce Vita

 The Pleated Poppy

The Rules:

{1} Each blogger should answer the questions the tagger has set for you.

{2} Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award on to and link them in your post.

{3} Create 11 new questions for the chosen bloggers.

{4} Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

{5} Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.

{6} No tag-backs!!

Here are the questions:

1.) Why did you start blogging?

2.) What kind of blog do you have?

3.) What is your favourite thing about blogging?

4.) If you had a super power what would it be?

5.) Top five favourite songs at the moment?

6.) City or country?

7.) Where would you most like to visit?

8.) What are two of your goals for 2013?

9.) Who is your style icon?

10.)  Top two favourite books you've recently read?

11.) Favourite beauty product and why?

And here are 11 random facts about me:

I'm 5'9. I love dogs, Dobermans in particular. I wish I was a runner (I'm working on it!). I don't like sushi. My favourite movie is Casino Royale. I do NOT have a green thumb (working on that too!). I love poultry. My moms shrimp salad is one of my comfort foods. The "Sister" Jane Foxhunting Mysteries is one of my favourite series of books. I love researching dog pedigrees. I grew up riding horses but haven't been on one in over ten years.

Now you know a little more about me. :) 

Hope you're having a great Thursday!

Wardrobe Wednesday

It's hump day! Which means that here on the blog it's Wardrobe Wednesday. I only have pictures of three outfits this week, not really sure why that is, but there will be more next week.

Chambray top: Winners

Camisole: Warehouse One

Skinny jeans: Old Navy rockstar style

Boots: Winners

The bracelets I'm wearing are from helloberry and they are having a great Mother's Day sale at the moment so be sure to check them out.

  

 My nails are polished with this great bright cherry red polish from Julep.

Cardigan: Old Navy

Top: Old Navy

Camisole: Bootlegger

Jeans: Old Navy Flirt style in skinny

 These great loafers I picked up for a song (a.k.a. on clearance for $15) at Wal Mart. They are the George brand and super comfortable. So comfy in fact I used them over the weekend to show dogs, and if you have never been to a dog show before than I will tell you right now it's a long day on your feet and you better have good footwear. 

Chambray shirt: Winners

Camisole: Warehouse One

Skinny jeans: Old Navy rockstar style

Shoes: TOMS 

Bracelets: G21

Hope you are having a great week!

 Here's my link up with The Pleated Poppy.

Ipsy monthly beauty bag

I finally received my first package from Ipsy yesterday and I'm excited to share it with you. Ipsy is a monthly cosmetics program where you sign up, pay $10 per month (shipping in the US is free but it is $5 to Canada) and Ipsy sends you an assortment of cosmetics as well as a new cosmetic bag every month. There is a wait list so once you are signed up it takes a little while before you are getting the packages ( it took about two weeks for me).

Love that the package is hot pink..so fun!

Cosmetic bag and cards...

These cards were an invite to a beauty get together in L.A. and several deals to purchase cosmetics (percentages off, free lip balms with purchase etc..).

Time to look inside...

Powder Play from Big Sexy Hair which is a texturizing powder.

Nail polish...

A pretty nude colour called Love at First Byte.

A full size blush from Be a Bombshell in Sweet Cheeks.

Great colour payoff in this blush, will be trying it out today..

An eye shadow duo from Two Cosmetics.

This duo was called Heartache.

Less than impressive colour payoff in the eye shadows. This is after several swipes with my finger.

That's it! I'm excited to try everything out to get a better idea of how they look and how long they last. You know I love these monthly programs. They are a great way to try out a few new products you wouldn't normally try or even know about, and Ispy is very reasonably priced.

Are you currently signed up with any monthly programs? Which ones are your favourite? Please share! :)