Where Have I Been?

I have to admit, I've been a below average blogger over here on Dream Catcher. Don't worry, I have an explanation: I have another blog, I have for a while now.

Dream Catcher will always be near and dear to my heart. It's a blog space without any rules, the main theme of this blog is me, meaning that it's whatever I want it to be. My other blog is focused on me as a budding career woman, prospering adult, and everything else that I am and have begun to become.

I'm not giving up on Dream Catcher, it's not going anywhere, I've just chosen to focus more on my other blog. I'll still continue to stop by every once in a while and share, but my main focus is Children with Chequebooks.

Follow along with Children with Chequebooks so you can get all my updates!

xoTaylor

Songs on Repeat

When I like a song, I really like it. I tend to even overdo it but hey, when it's good, it's good.

Here are a couple of songs that have been on repeat in my room lately:

Jack White does no wrong in my eyes. I'm beyond excited for his new cd!

I'm obsessed with this live version of Riptide. B-eaut!

Lorde's cd in general has been on repeat but this one is great. 

Tennis Court is another favourite. 

Enjoy and I hope you get obsessed too!

xoTaylor

Currently

*I hope this summer brings me some new records*

watching old school MTV. I watched Laguna Beach, then The Hills, and now I'm on to The City. The moral of the story here is that I need to find something more productive to do with my time. 

listening to some new music. Some of my loves lately are this, this, and this. 

drinking coffee. Second cup of the day and it's not even noon yet. I'd call this a successful morning. 

reading Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. I thought I would be way more into this book than I have been so far. I probably need to give it a little more attention. I've had a car for the past week so that means no taking the bus, which means less time spent reading. 

trying to improve my work ethic. I'd call myself a hard worker, I just want to be the kind of person who has intense concentration in all areas of my life, whether it's at the gym or sitting at my desk. 

learning that a simple life is usually a happier one. Now that I'm moving home at the end of the month I really want to simplify things. I want to live without clutter. This is hard for me because I really, really get attached to my material goods. I don't even feel ashamed saying that because I bought everything so I think I should love them dearly :)

dreaming of summertime. I'll be back in my hometown by the end of the month and that has led me to dreaming of a summer of trips to the market, hanging by the pool, bike rides, ice cream dates and day trips to the beach!

loving the fact that spring has finally arrived. There may still be a chill in the air but I'm still running around town with my windows down!

feeling happy and motivated.

Have a lovely Thursday. It's almost the weekend!

xoTaylor

Hair Revival

Sometimes life gets tough and your bills take all your money and you put off getting a haircut for months on end. Before my haircut last week I hadn't sat in the salon chair in 5 months. It was brutal.

My bangs were almost non-existent which was driving me NUTS.

Luckily my wonderful mother called me up the day before I was supposed to come home for the weekend and told me that she had made (and paid) for a last minute hair appointment for me the next day *cue choirs singing and little baby angels flying around with trumpets*

Now I have my bangs back, my dead ends gone, and I'm ready to take on the world (okay…that was a bit dramatic).

Anywhooo… in other news I'm spending the weekend trekking downtown everyday for a leadership conference that work is sending me to. I'm kind of nervous. It's hard for me to spend time with a bunch of people I don't know but hopefully I'll learn lots and have a good time!

I've also got moving on my brain! We're officially moving in 37 days. It stresses me out to look at all the crap I've brought to this apartment. Especially when I have to think about how I'm downsizing big time back to my old bedroom. Guess I better start simplifying!

Have a good weekend!

xoTaylor

The Final Decision

This is a post that I've been dreading writing for a couple of weeks now.

I mentioned earlier that we had been trying to decide whether we should move out of our apartment early or not. Erika and I were flip-flopping and so scared about making a decision. Eventually we gave ourselves until the upcoming Sunday to make a decision. We would have time to think and then by Sunday, the decision would be final.

By the time Sunday came so many things had changed. Kristina wasn't sure about B.C anymore, Erika had found herself set on one decision, only for us to give her new information and send her back into the decision process, and I was flip-flopping myself.

My decision came down to this: I missed home, which is typical for anyone, but I don't feel like my life really revolves around being in Toronto. I'm here and I'm enjoying it, but I'm also finding myself pulled back home a lot because that's where I love to be, with the people I love. I'm also living a life where I live to work here, something I wouldn't be doing if I were to move home. I'm not happy with working a retail job that I'm miserable at and just scraping by at the end of each month. Furthermore, things have only gotten tighter as the holidays have ended and all my retail shifts have dried up. At this point it just financially makes sense for me to move home.

I want to pay off my school bills and get a car and start saving money. I don't want to scrape by anymore. I want to be able to contribute something to my future home, the one I plan on being able to buy, instead of spending years renting and throwing my money away.

But here is what's great:

I have always said that I wanted to move out and live with my best friend and guess what? I did. And it was an amazing experience. I still love her the same way I did when we moved in. I'm sure I'll miss her like crazy when our bedroom doors aren't down the hall from each other.

Also, I've learned a ridiculous amount about responsibility and being an adult. I think this decision may even be a testament to that. Yes, I'm moving back home, but I'm doing so to further my life in a different way. I don't want to have student debts that I can't pay off and I want to be able to save money and start creating my life.

This was a great year. A great and very hard year, but it was great. I met people, I went out on my own, I learned so many things, and I had fun.

So I am moving on to the next phase in my life without regret. I'm ready for what is coming next and I'll forever look back and smile at every happy, stressful, fun, crazy, and amazing moment that I had in Toronto.

xoTaylor

Currently

watching Runaway Bride. I watched Pretty Woman this weekend and so I figured this was only a natural progression. 

listening to the radio. I got one for Christmas and I love listening to it. It's like a surprise playlist everyday!

drinking water. My friend and I are in a health competition and we have to drink 8 glasses a day. It's so much harder than it sounds.

reading Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. It's good but I'm not completely obsessed with it like I though I would be. I'm excited to move on to 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northrup.

trying to make myself workout more. Why must I feel so lazy?

learning to be happy in my current situation. No matter what I'm doing it is a stage in my life right now and I should just enjoy it while it lasts.

dreaming of warmer weather, sandals, walks outside and iced coffee.

loving all of the people in my life. I'm so lucky for every single amazing person who I call my friend or family.

feeling optimistic.

Have a lovely Thursday. It's almost the weekend!

xoTaylor

Busy Life

*Pretty colours on my desk*

I've been trying to keep myself busy lately. I find that I get a bit depressed when I sit around the apartment too much so I made a resolution to go out and enjoy myself!

Yesterday my roommate, Kristina, and I went out on a thrifting trip. I got a sweet flannel shirt and as much as she tried, she didn't find anything. Womp womp. Later that night I met up with my friend, Erica, from work and we saw Monuments Men. I always love getting to chat with her and it's good to get together outside of work where no one can tell us to stop talking and get back to work haha!

Today after I finished work I bundled up and set out for a little adventure in the city. I headed to the World's Biggest Bookstore (which it actually isn't but hey, you can't blame them for trying!) Everything is 50% because it's closing at the end of the month. So sad to see a Toronto landmark like that shut down but I'm glad I got to go! Oh and I got the A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book for half price! So excited! I've been wanting it since it came out this summer.

After that I decided to just walk around the city and see where I got. I grabbed a coffee and picked a direction. I ended up walking by the old Maple Leaf Gardens arena, which is now a Loblaws grocery store. I heard it was cool to see how they'd turned an arena into a grocery store and that they'd kept some memorabilia inside. It was so cool in there. Not just because there were still original seats and amazing memories from the landmark, but because this was like the mecca of all grocery stores. It honestly was more like a gourmet food market. I mean, they had mushrooms that cost $250.00 per serving, and a sushi bar, and a bakery and it was wild.

Other things that happened while I was downtown:
* I saw a guy fall off of his unicycle and laughed (why are you unicycling in downtown Toronto dude?)
* I gave a homeless man money and he asked me for more (rudeee)
* I bought this:

Isn't it beauttiiffuull?

Now I'm sitting in bed watching Netflix and knitting.

Pretty solid day if I do say so myself.

xoTaylor

Decisions, Decisions

Things are beyond crazy over here.

We recently had a huge decision fall into our lap over at the apartment. Kristina will be leaving for the summer to go to B.C so she asked Erika and I what we want to do about the apartment. Do we want her to sublet her room or do we want to see if we can end our lease early?

We told her to ask about ending our lease early and then all of a sudden it was all happening. Our landlord agreed, she put the apartment online and she has people coming to view it tomorrow. We're actually still deciding what we want and she's already thinking we're done.

The worst part is that Erika is in Florida right now…oh and we're both flip-flopping.

I think I know what I want…but our decisions effect each other. I'm giving her time to think because she needs to have a feeling one way or another. I don't want her to make a decision and regret it. I know we're both feeling a lot of emotions right now, and we don't want to make a decision that we will later regret and we both are looking at the other one wondering what's best.

We have until Monday. 7 more days and we have to be decided.

It's really hard but the decision will come. I know that whatever decision we make that I will look forward and make it positive.

Also- I'm feeling a very lonely and lethargic feeling right now. I spent literally ALL afternoon doing nothing. Lying on the couch and watching American Horror Story and Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

To balance this out I'm going to take myself downtown tomorrow afternoon. I just heard that The Worlds Biggest Bookstore is closing this month! I'm going to go explore it for my first, and probably last time.

Hopefully a trip out will make me feel better.

Until then, I've got decisions on my mind.

xoTaylor

Feelings

*Some love I found in my coffee mug yesterday*

I've been feeling a bit of sadness lately. I just miss my family and being home and being able to see Jordan whenever I want. And I also feel like I have a lack of purpose in Toronto right now. I feel like I moved here to be closer to the city but I never get to experience it because it's way too cold to spend my nights walking the streets. I feel like I basically just came out here to work. It's a bit disheartening.

I know this feeling will pass but right now it's pretty strong. I just want it to be spring already so I can go and do something. Whether it's alone or with someone, I just want to experience something other than my apartment or work. And I feel this strong pull to go back home right now and I don't want that. I want to spend time alone and experience things but I'm still always feeling a need to find a way to go home for a few days.

I work from 5pm-12pm tonight and then I have an on-call on Friday and work all day Saturday. That should be a good distraction for now. The hopefully Jordan will come up on Saturday night.

Until then I'll just use these to get me by:

 *Thanks J.G.L. You're a doll*

*This is something I never want to forget. It's so important.*

xoTaylor

Obsession Tuesday

Yes…I made up the idea of Obsession Tuesday just now. And no…I may never repeat this but I am obsessed with something right now and I have to share with you.

This weekend I watched The White Striped documentary Under the Great White Northern Lights.

It follows them on their amazing Canadian tour in 2007. A live cd also came from this tour. I bought the cd a few years ago and I was in love with it. So amazing. I finally got around to watching this documentary and my obsession continues.

They are just such an amazing band. I love all of their music but I also just love Meg and Jack. They're just so damn cool. And there so many different things that other bands don't that keeps them creative and totally inspiring. During this tour they played tons of free shows that they would tell people about hours or even minutes before. They played everywhere from bowling alleys, to parking lots, to schools, and even on a boat with the crowd sitting on the beach. They also don't have a set list during their shows which means they make up all up as they go along. That means that every show is completely different and fresh for them and everyone else. They are just true musicians and I can't say enough good stuff about them.

And did I mention that they are just so damn cool?

I wouldn't really recommend this documentary unless you're a pretty big fan. It had a lot of stuff that I loved but I think that might have just been because I love them. But you should love them too so give it a try! It's reallllyyy good.

My favourite part was just learning more about Meg and Jack. They seem to be pretty private so it was really interesting.

Now if you'll go excuse me, I'm off to go watch tons of youtube videos of them in interviews pre-band breakup.

Happy Tuesday!

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week

It's National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. If you know someone who may have an eating disorder HELP THEM. Talk to them. If you are struggling with an eating disorder know that there's always someone to talk to and help you.

Support.

xoTaylor

Sick Days

It's been a bit of a whirlwind for me lately. Sunday morning Erika and I drove back to our hometown so she could see her family and so I could grab a car. I hung around for a while to grab lunch with Jordan and get a little quality time in before I had to back to Toronto to work for the night. Since I got back to Toronto a little earlier I decided to clean my room and pack a bag because I was planning on going back home for a few days and I figured I might as well just make the trek again that night. Doing the same 40 minute drive twice in one day isn't too fun but waking up early the next day to do it isn't any better.

It's a good thing that I went home the night before because I spent all night waking up with horrible stomach pains. I've never felt this before. It felt like someone was taking my stomach and wringing it out like a wash cloth. I woke up the next morning feeling like I'd been beaten up in my sleep. My whole body was sore, I had a headache and a fever. It wasn't too bad until I thought I could take a shower and do my hair. I felt like I was going to be sick and faint at the same time. Jordan was on his way to pick me up and by the time he got there I got in his car and just started crying. When we got to his house we asked his mom, who's a nurse, what to do and she gave me a long hug while rubbing my back and telling me what her "get better" plan was for me. After some pills I took a nice, long nap and woke up feeling a bit better. I could finally have at least a piece of toast. I kept feeling better all night, with the help of more pills and by the next morning I was all better.

Honestly,  I can't get over the kindness of some people. I know Jordan and his mother really didn't feel like they did much for me but it was soo needed that day. I felt like I was dying and all I really needed was someone to rub my back, or tuck me in, or just make me feel better when I cried and they did that for me. I got Jordan some chocolate and his mom a cute little succulent to say thank you. They're so kind.

I'm still in my hometown today but I'll be heading back later tonight. I'll be back this weekend for my nephew's birthday. I'm excited for that!

Also: please note that the photos above are NOT from my sick day. If someone took a photo of me that day then you would probably be cringing right now. Thank God for no photographic evidence of that fateful day!

xoTaylor

Happy Day of Love!

Today is Valentine's Day…if you haven't already been reminded by the 10 million posts on social media, or those intense pink and red aisles of every store you have been into lately. Unfortunately I don't get to see my love today :( I work…and we're also an hour away from each other but that's okay. I sent him his valentine this morning:

It's from Lord of the Rings and it's super nerdy but we always get a laugh out of that quote.

Since I don't get to get to see my love tonight, I've declared myself as my stand-in Valentine. Jordan will always be my Valentine, but he's not here so all that love goes to ME! I made a delicious breakfast, lounged around, worked out, made a smoothy and a delicious salad and have basically spent almost every other second watching tv in bed. It's the perfect day. Except for the fact that I have to work tonight. Oh WELL!

Don't forget to show yourself some love this Valentines day!

xoTaylor

Today is a Good Day

Today is a good day. Not for any particular reason, but it just feels good. Even when I was doing mundane things like sitting on the bus, I noticed little things that made me feel happy.

I worked my editing job until two and then lazed around for an hour while I waited to call in at 3 to see if I had to work my retail job tonight. And I didn't! Yay. So I got ready and headed out for an afternoon date with myself.

I needed to get some new books to read (I read TWO in Punta Cana) and wanted to take myself to dinner at Panera. I strolled through the mall on the way to Chapters and ended up buying a few things. I also bought a couple books at Chapters.

Here's my haul:

I got 12 Years a Slave By Solomon Northrup and Slaughterhouse Five By Kurt Vonnegut. I think I'll read Kurt's first. I've heard good things. I'm really excited about my new iPhone case. It was only $12. Score. My favourite find is my purse. I've been dying to find one like the one Marnie has been carrying around on GIRLS but hers is $450 so that was a big no. Mine was $30 and the closest I've come across so I'm happy! Thanks Forever 21!

By the time I was done I had kind of blew my budget for the day (whoops) and it was still kind of early so I decided to just go home. I stopped at the grocery store on the way for milk and jam and they had frozen pizza for $3. And it was the fancy kind! I told you think was a good day.

Now I've got the whole night ahead of me to do whatever I want. AND I don't have to work until tomorrow afternoon so I can stay up late. Ahh the good life.

Here's to the little things!

xoTaylor

We Went to Punta Cana!

Jordan and I took a wonderful, wonderful week-long trip to Punta Cana! It was SO great to get away from this frigid Canadian winter and leave our work behind!

I didn't have my good camera (because I'm a very forgetful person and forgot my charger and memory card) so these are all photos that I snapped with my iPhone.

All we did all week was lay on the beach. It was wonderful. We drank tons of pina coladas and got as much sun as our pale bodies would allow.

Until next time sunshine!

xoTaylor

Dress, Meet Sweater

Do you ever feel like you just need to dress up for no reason? That's how I felt on Monday. I was getting ready to drive back to my hometown for the night and I had a comfy outfit all picked out when I decided that it was a day to feel a tad special. So I grabbed some tights, a dress and my favourite sweater and tried to make magic happen.

My dress may have been a tad wrinkly from living in a drawer since the summertime but I still felt pretty dang cute. It was a very comfy outfit, while still feeling a little special.

I high recommend going the dress route to get out of a slump.

In other news: there are only 4 more days left until I go on vacation! I am beyond excited to get out of this miserable cold! On top of that I have a nail appointment Sunday. Can't wait to start the pampering and relaxation! Mostly I can't believe that I'll have 9 days off from BOTH of my jobs. I haven't had this in about six months. It's much deserved.

So don't mind me because for the next few days my mind is going to be focused on palm trees, pina coladas and sun beams!

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week

That's just sad.

xoTaylor

Seizing the Day…or Whatever

*PB&J Stuffed French Toast. Mmmmmm*

Today I don't have to work until 4pm which is basically like a day off for me. So much time to do things before work! I planned to wake up by at least 10am but my body work me up at 9:30 instead. I'm not mad about it because I got the start the day even earlier to made the delicious breakfast you see above. It.was.amazing.

Today I am doing a tiny bit of work for the magazine. I need to get all my ducks in a row because I'M LEAVING FOR VACATION IN 8 DAYS! That's right people. Jordan and I have booked a vacation to Punta Cana and I'm beyond excited. I can't wait to be warm again. I really need to work on my tan and 9 days off of work is going to be seriously amazing. I really need this after basically killing myself to get through the holiday season. Now all I need is a couple new books to read on the beach.

I also plan to get some kind of workout in today. Everything just feels better when you've worked out. I bought a two week unlimited pass to hot yoga and it will expire really soon and I've only used it once. I still don't think I want to use it again. It was fun but…it was also super hot and took a hour and a half and I could just as easily do the 30 Day Shred in 30 minutes. Hooray for wasting money! (not).

Now I'll leave you with a picture of something I wore this week. I was pretty proud of this collaboration…even though the necklace broke this week. I'll remember it fondly:

xoTaylor

Get Dressed

It's kind of a big deal these days when I actually get myself dressed in something that isn't an outfit for work. Most days I don't even get dressed until I have to get ready for work, where I'm only allowed to wear black and white. I do work today but I felt the need to finally break out my new shirt and cardigan. I'm pretty smitten with the combo as you can see.

What's new with me?

* I've been working a lot (as always)
* I've been getting back into working out (Finally broke out Gillian Michael's 30 Day Shred AND got a two week pass to hot yoga…which is actually the weirdest thing ever. Never sweat so much in my life!)
* We're having a party at our apartment on Saturday so I'm half excited for that/half nervous because it's going to be all my roommates friends which means barely anyone I know (but one of my New Years Resolutions was to put myself out there and meet new people so I'm keeping positive).
* I'm getting my nails done with a girl from work tomorrow. We're so excited. Can't wait to get pampered!

Also: I walked to the liquor store this morning because I won't be able to go before the party.
1. I think it's kind of sketchy to go to the liquor store before 4pm…but I did it anyways
2. I think it's also strange to be carrying a coffee and a bottle of wine (that just shows how I shouldn't have been buying liquor in the morning haha)
3. I got home and looked like this:

Oh the trials and tribulations of wearing a headband. Nat cute.

Anyways kids, I must be off. Gotta go experience the day or whatever.

xoTaylor

So This Is the New Year...

New Years Eve was simply wonderful. Maybe one of my favourite yet!

Erika, Jon, Jordan and I all left out apartment after glasses of champagne and lots of time spent in front of the mirror and headed downtown to a friend's house party. I may or may not have gotten us lost (whoops) but we eventually found our way!

It was a fun night where we got to see some friends from home and also got to meet lots of new people.

Don't let our fancy appearance fool you. The reality of the situation is that by 2:30am Jordan and I were sitting on the kitchen floor eating pizza (and I love love loved it).

Jordan ended up staying at the apartment until the 4th with me. We spent lots of time watching documentaries and episodes of Iron Chef America. We also went out for dinner a couple times, saw The Wolf on Wall Street, saw some friends and went to Evil Dead: The Musical (probably my favourite part. It was hilarious!)

It was a good break!

Then last night we travelled home because my parents were having his parents over for dinner. It was nice having everyone sitting around the table just chatting and enjoying a meal together.

After that I went out for coffee with my friend Tessa and we ended up chatting until 1:30am! We haven't been able to talk for so long because she's been in Vancouver so we had a million things to catch up on. I'm going to cry when she goes back on the 9th!

I came back to the apartment today with Erika and then had to work. Most importantly: this snow storm is a pain in my butt! I froze all the way home and then immediately made a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup (the perfect snow day meal).

Then I made this:

It's the perfect way to display my pictures from my new Polaroid and the instagram pictures I printed a while back. I love it!

Well kids…I think I'm finally going to go write out my New Years Resolutions! It's never too late!!

xoTaylor