Octopie Returns: From New York City.

Hello everyone! I'm happy to say that I am home from New York City unscathed! So sorry it's been so long since I've written anything on the blog. I've been working extra hard at the toy store since getting back. New York was everything I hoped it would be and more. Robert and I had so much fun walking all over the city, and eating so many different delicious vegan meals and treats. I loved the sense of magic I felt spending time there. It feels like anything could happen in New York. One of my favourite bits of magic were all of the fantastic musicians hiding in the subway stations and cars. They're all so talented and made our trip feel special.

The main reason for our trip was to attend the NY Toy Fair. Robert and I both work at a toy store, and this was the first time our bosses were able to take us to the fair. We got to meet hundreds of other people in the toy business and see what all of the new cool toys coming out will be. We had a blast playing with everything. I one day hope to own my own toy store, so this was a great experience for me!

One of my favourite moments of the trip was when we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. It's so gorgeous! And it gives you the perfect view of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. 

And one more treasure we discovered...a vegan doughnut shop called Dun-Well Doughnuts! This place is incredible. The owner was so kind to us and recommended other vegan eats and places we needed to check out. The entire shop is decorated in a very nice vintage theme, the doughnuts were incredible, and they played jazz the entire time. I hope I can revisit this place sometime soon in the future. 

Since coming back to Vancouver I've felt much more inspired at work and in life. One thing I did this week was go and see the new Studio Ghibli film called "The Secret World of Arrietty". I love everything Studio Ghibli has produced and this was no exception. Everything about it was beautiful and quirky. It was such a treat to watch. Today also happened to be a special day because it marks the first time I've ever gone to see a naturopath before. She's going to help my body get in tip-top shape and I can't wait to become the best vegan I can be.

Also, look forward to updates in Octopie! I just ordered nine new pairs of vintage earrings from Etsy and I can't wait to create new sweater clips for everyone. 

Farewell: New York City!

I'm writing to say my goodbyes! Tomorrow Robert and I head off to New York City for the annual Toy Fair! We get to spend four days adventuring around the big city... exploring neighborhoods, eating so much vegan food we want to barf, and riding the carousel in Stanley Park... and then we have four days of hard work previewing the new toys the world has to offer and deciding what to carry at our stores. I've never been to New York City before and don't really know what to expect. I'm so thrilled though! I want to go to the New Museum, walk by the place where Andy Warhol's factory was, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I'll be taking photos of EVERYTHING and look forward to sharing it all with you when I return on Feb. 17th.

I also want to wish you all an early Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate I baked my team of awesome staff at the toy store some vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes and we took some time to colour our favourite Disney princesses.


And last, but not least, I am happy to say that my new business cards just arrived! I love them!

Love always!

Film Photographs.

Taking 35mm film photographs is one of my favorite things in life. I love how magical it feels to set up the composition of a shot, click the shutter, take it into the shop and wait...and then to see how everything turns out once you have the photos back...it's something that has brought me happiness for many years. Today I wanted to share some of my recent photographs. Hope you like them!

Some of mine and Robert's vintage finds.

My birthday is in October and we had a pumpkin carving party.

My friend, Camilla.

Megan and Camilla at night.

In the summer Robert and I rode our bikes to Pender Island.

Robert enjoying a delicious vegan cinnamon bun in Seattle, WA.

I always love photos of clothes drying on a line.

My best friend, Rachael at the pumpkin patch.

As you can see, most of these photos are from October. Some of them are a part of my 365 project, where I take a photo with my SLR every day. I recently lost an entire roll of 36 photos for the project, and have since  stopped taking photos. I need to get back into it! I'm going to restart tomorrow! Wish me luck.

Friday Favorites.

It's that wonderful time again! Time for me to share the Etsy love and show you some of my favorite things I've found over the week. I enjoy doing themes for these so I thought I'd use my love of coffee/tea for inspiration! Enjoy.

Set of Two Charming Little Home Mugs by CircusBearVintage

Kaylah is my Etsy hero. I really look up to her and wanted to show some love towards her new  shop! There are so many beautiful things listed in there, but I especially love this set of adorable mugs. 

Cup Beach Print by teconlene

I'd love to hang this print right above where we keep  our  Bodum coffee maker.

Herbal/Chai Tea Kit by CraigsMarket

I really love the way their loose leaf teas are packaged. They'd make a fantastic gift!

Octopus Tea Ball Charmer by OwensAcres.

How could I miss this wonderful little octopus? I drink so much loose leaf tea I may have to pick him up.

Crochet Teacup Blue by SheepishKnitCrochet

I've been a fan of Meredith's shop and blog for quite some time. I love all of her crocheted tea cups, but especially the blue one!

Have an adventurous weekend!

Creative Expression.

photo by emmet gowin.

some days things aren't all peaches and roses. some days you want to throw a temper tantrum and cry and beat your fists. i'll be honest and say that i had a stressful day at the toy store today. but at the end of my shift my best friend met me at the door and we went on a hunt for treasures at the thrift store and craft supply store. we ate stir fry and talked about all of the crap on our minds. and then i came home and used my own hands to create three beautiful sweater clips i'm really proud of. i'm so happy i have this little outlet for my energy. i'm glad that making these clips gives me a new found peace of mind. i'm still new at being creative in this way and it still surprises me every time i make a new style. thanks for being a part of it with me.