Toronto Blogger Meetup

So, Julie did a post about organizing a Toronto Blogger Meetup quite a while ago and I keep forgetting to mention it, so I figured I better just dedicate an entire post to it! I am so excited (and nervous) so pop by Julie's blog to get more details if you are interested!! All I can say is that it better be on a day that I can come or I may cry. (did you hear that Julie?)

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♥elycia

photos > cameras

On Sunday Ivan and I came across an antique market and decided to check it out. There were a bunch of different barns all filled with cool things. Unfortunately we got there just a few minutes before 4...and it closed at 4, oops! Oh well, now we're looking forward to checking it out some other Sunday. However, Ivan and I did pick up one thing each. Ivan got a stein to add to his collection and I got this adorable camera, I just can't resist mint coloured things!

So much fun! Have you found anything good lately?

♥elycia

what i did > new friends

On Saturday we had a super fun day full of thrifting, yummy food, visiting pet shops, talking about kitties, comparing countries, hanging out at the bookstore and riding water slides. Pretty much the perfect day.  Ivan and I can't wait to hang out with Kaylah and Kevin again! They are awesome.

We had the best time. Seriously, Ivan and I haven't had that much fun in a long time! I still kind of can't believe that the day actually happened! Good thing I have a bit of photographic evidence.

Have you been lucky enough to meet any blog friends in real life? I highly recommend it :)

♥elycia

a little present

Hello everyone :)

Look what my friend Tera drew me as a birthday surprise!

Tera is so sweet and really funny. I think her drawing style is so unique and fun! Thanks Tera!

I have seriously been in love with the blog community lately. Everyone is so kind and I am so happy that I decided to start my blog a year and a half ago! You guys are all so great and I am excited and happy about the new friends I am making! I'll be back later with a little peek at a blog friend turned into a real life friend! ;)

♥elycia

Sponsor Highlight - May

Hi, have you had a chance to meet my sponsors and pals this month? Well now is your chance!


Happy Kathy

Coffee and series junkie, love lover, people admirer, the meaning of life finder, jewellery maker, donuts eater, geology studier, books reader, lists writer, Metallica singer.

I really enjoy seeing people laugh and I am trying to make everyone happy through my creations!!

Sooo...this is just me!!xexe

blog // shop // twitter

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Marysza

Hi! I'm Agnes! I'm a redhead student of Business English. I love sewing, scrapbooking, photography, painting, drawing, nature, books, films and video games! I don't really like to write about myself. If you want to know me better, visit me blog - it's the best reflection of me :)

blog // shop // facebook

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One Sheepish Girl

My name is Meredith and I am a shy college student from Texas. I taught myself to knit about two years ago at a time when I was feeling lost and in desperate need of creativity in my life. From the very first stitch, I fell head over heels for knitting. Along the way, I've also taught myself crochet and opened up a shop on Etsy. My blog is where I share my love for these crafts, my inspirations, and occasional moments of stress as I make my way through college. Sometimes it is difficult for me to feel brave, but nothing has given me more confidence than finding something I love and chasing after it with all I have. Along this journey, I am finally starting to love the things that make me different.  

blog // shop // twitter // tumblr

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Sunny Sweet Pea

Hey I'm Jenny. I'm 26 years old and live in the UK. I'm a Welsh girl living in Norwich, England. Sunny Sweet Pea is my personal blog that I've been writing for just over two years. I basically write about my every day life - the movies I watch, the places I see, the books I read, the things I make, you get the picture. I love to read comments, reply to emails and read lots of lovely new blogs so be sure to say hi!

blog // shop // twitter
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Chandelier Jenny

Hi there! I'm Jenny from Chandelier Jenny, which is where I share my vintage finds, words and photos I'm inspired by, and my daily adventures. I enjoy domestic things such as crafting, baking, and taking photos of my animals. I hope you come say "hi" and maybe even find a little inspiration, too.

blog

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Peppermint Vintage

Hi! I'm Hilary. I've been thrifting and creating since middle school. I opened Peppermint Vintage in 2005 while earning a degree in merchandising. I sell vintage, vintage reconstructions, and handmade items for you and your home. I run Peppermint Vintage out of my home in North Texas and hope to one day open a physical location. I live with my boyfriend Wes and our two silly kitties, Minnie & Felix. Most of my free time is spent at the thrift store, listening to local music, and eating Tex Mex with Wes.

blog // shop // twitter // facebook

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Katie Did

Hey all! I'm Katie and I'm a 24 year old textile designer. I recently graduated from school, have moved back home with my man and am starting my own studio and business! I am a screen printer and have a recent love for hand embroidery. Besides textiles I love photography, the colour green and I have a mad love for coffee! My blog is my virtual sketchbook where I compile inspiration and what I'm working on. Hope to see you there!

blog // shop

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Scissor Quirk

Michelle Clement is a 26-year old who works in children's animation and design, and makes goodies for her shop, Bubbly Shnooks, too! She loves living close to the ocean and getting her hands crafty in everything from scrapbooking to crocheting to sewing, and has a weak spot for singer-songwriters, hammocks, lattes, graphic tees, cardigans, tattoos, thrifted linens, and anything octopus! You can find her crafty adventures on her blog, Scissor Quirk.

blog // shop // twitter // flickr

Coupon Code: love, elycia readers can use code 'MayBlog' for 10% off of everything at Bubbly Shnooks 

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Heart Handmade

Hey everyone! My name is Claire from Heart Handmade UK. My blog is a place for all things crafty, design related, handmade and inspired, where I love to show off handmade creations and my favourite finds from around the web and from pretties posted to the Heart Handmade UK Flickr Group.

blog // twitter // flickr // facebook
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Desirous of Everything

Hi I'm Sarah from Desirous of Everything.  I'm a school librarian and writer who loves children's books and young adult lit.  I love blogging about those kinds of things but also my life in general and all the adventures it may bring.  Please stop by and stay hello, I'd love to meet you!

blog

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Nothing Happens Unless You Dream

Hi! I'm Claire and I live in London with my boyfriend Paul and little black kitty Sisco (As in San Francisco) My blog is a collection of my inspirations, loves and creations. Oh, and LOTS of cat photos! I also have an Etsy shop selling my creations. I LOVE to make things! Nothing makes me happier! Hope you can stop by!

blog // shop // twitter

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Jess Van Den

Hello lovely people! I'm Jess, an Aussie creative entrepreneur. I've tried and failed to narrow it down more than that, because I'm a blogger, maker, teacher, zine publisher & editor, and much more besides! I've always got a lot going on, what with running a full-time blog, 2 jewellery labels, and a quarterly print zine - *bespoke* - plus an e-course or e-book here or there! Suffice it to say, I never get bored.

P.S. I *love* chatting with other creative folk on twitter, and I especially love submissions to my zine, which is full of stories, interviews, tutorials and other features contributed by the creative community!

blog // shop // shop // twitter // zine

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Fluffyghost

Hi, I’m Mercedes over at Fluffyghost. I’m an 18 year old Graphic/Website designer as well as a Freelance Artist born and still living in the UK.

I run a little blog sharing my passions of handmade, craft, art, anime/manga, cats, mini projects, thrifting and tons more!

I’m in love with Japanese Culture, all things Kawaii & of course Food with faces. (I just can’t get enough of it!) As well as being a Sanrio & San-X addict. But I’m sure your find out soon enough.  I daydream far to much as well as always being branded as “weird” from a young child. Maybe I am, but I’m happy with that.

Life is finally starting to take tow and I can’t wait to see where it leads!

blog // shop // twitter // facebook

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Lily Love

My name is Diana Smith and I own Livy Love Designs and Livylove.com.  I love to design and get very inspired by fun prints like chevron or houndstooth.  I started my shop after my daughter was born and most of my prints revolve around Love.  My prints brighten up any room in your home and aim to make you smile each time you look at it!

blog // shop // twitter
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Kafe 80s

Hi! I'm Kristin from Kafe 80s. I'm from Winnipeg, Canada, a flower child at heart and am blissfully stuck in the 80s.  I love cats, taking pictures, baking/cooking, crafty things, 80s stuff and playing in my band Larrikin with my Australian boyfriend Aaron. I would love to meet you, feel free to stop by and say Hello! :)

blog // twitter // flickr

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Crafted Love

I'm Allison Kaye, a craftster and lover of all things handmade and vintage. I'm obsessed with weddings and so excited to come to Elycia's AND can finally start blogging about my own inspirations because I am newly engaged!

blog // shop // twitter

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Campfire Chic

I'm Kam of Campfire Chic, a 20-something blogger from Southern California. I really love being outdoors, I post about mycamping adventures, review local hikes, and talk about upcoming backpacking trips. I also post about blogging-related topicssuch as Search Engine Optimization, social media, and Google Analytics. I want to grow as a blogger and love sharing the helpful tools I find online.

blog // shop // twitter // facebook

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Under Those Neon Lights

Hi guys!

My name is Ashley and you can find me at underthoseneonlights.blogspot.com.  I'm in love with graphic design, photography, crocheting, beading, crafting, drawing, painting, my kitties, my huge dog Ru and my amazing fiance Zach!  I'd love for you to stop by my little piece of the internet and say hi!

blog // shop

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Tumbleweeds

Tumbleweeds is a collaborative partnership between me, Beca, and my super rad boyfriend, Doug. It is a place where we can share our gypsy treasure and handmade wares with friends all over the world. When we're not peddling goods, we both work full time (a carpenter - him, and a pastry chef - me,) play house with a brood of four legged babes, take lots of photos, travel around Southern California in our beast of a van and eat lots of junk food! You know, typical grown-up stuff! You can visit our shop, or say hi at the blog. I tweet, too. 

blog // shop // twitter

♥elycia

ps. if you are interested in sponsoring my blog in June send me an email at loveelycia@gmail.com. I still have a few small and large spots available!

Giveaway - Fluffyghost

Hi! So, unfortunately, and kind of alarmingly since the wedding is fast approaching, I don't have anything wedding related to share this week. oops! So instead, Mercedes is here to host a giveaway! Take it away...

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Hi, I’m Mercedes & I am Fluffyghost. I run a small business over at Etsy selling jewellery, accessories, plush & one off pieces of art for the home. My jewellery takes on the styles of Fairy Lolita, Kawaii kitsch, bohemian, & alternative. My products are child & adult friendly so there’s always something for everyone!

I’m inspired by Japanese culture from traditional to modern Japan such as Harajuku, Lolita, and Gyaru. (Gosh there’s just to many to name!)

I like to incorporate fantasy into everyday life & add that extra bit of cuteness. I believe in making my products to the very best quality any handmade product could be! So if you’re searching for something special with that extra bit of handmade love, then Fluffyghost Etsy is for you!

Up for grabs is this super cute bracelet from Fluffyghost!

How to enter:
1. Visit Fluffy Ghost and tell me your favourite item!

Additional Entries:
2. Spread the word about the giveaway.
3. Visit Sadie's blog and say hello!

Today is the grand opening of Fluffyghost so make sure you stop by the shop!

I will announce the winner June 2nd!

♥elycia

5 fave friday

I was poking around on etsy for the first time in a while last night so I though this could be the all etsy edition :)

5. this photo

via

Lola's Room has some of my favourite photography ever. It is so dreamy and pretty.

4. this drawing

via

So cute!

3. Moorea's rings

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This heart one is so sweet.

2. this dress (too bad i'm not an xs!)

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1. this ring

via

So cute!!

I have a to do list as tall as me today so I better get to it! I need to put together a bunch of guest posts, including a video blog, do some painting, some photography, paint my nails, you know...all the important stuff! I hope you all have a great day. And...tomorrow I am doing something so so so exciting. (I'll tell you about it later :)

♥elycia

Giveaway Winner - Luxe Stitch Vintage

Hello friends!

Thank you all so much for the lovely birthday wishes, you really made my day! I'm just popping in to announce the winner of the Luxe Stitch Giveaway! And the winner is...miss teacups and bubble baths herself...

Carly!!

Carly is so awesome. If you don't already follow her blog you should definitely pop by!

I have a super busy day tomorrow...actually today. Wow it's late...I better head to bed! Talk to you soon!

♥elycia

28 things - thing 28

ya! I had so much fun sharing these 28 things and from your comments I think you guys enjoyed it too! That makes me so happy. I know that some of the things I shared were kind of weird but I really think it is these little quirks that make people special and interesting. I love finding out strange details about people so if you do your own version of '28 things' let me know, I would love to check it out. And don't worry, there is still a lot about me that you don't know...I haven't given away all my secrets so stay tuned ;)

♥elycia

thing 1 ... thing 2 ... thing 3 ... thing 4 ... thing 5 ... thing 6 ... thing 7 ... thing 8 ... thing 9 ...thing 10 ... thing 11 ... thing 12 ... thing 13 ... things 14 - 17 ... thing 18 - 27

28 things - thing 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

I actually probably hate the word more. Yuck!!

19. I play the drums...on a sparkly purple drum set. I'll show you a photo one day.

20. I often don't buy things because I think to myself "I could make that". Whether or not I end up actually making it is another story.

21. I have two large puppets. Their names are Ricky and Lucy. Sometimes I think I am really funny and I make them do silly things like pick their noses.

22. With a lot of things I am either a perfectionist or a total disaster. There is kind of no middle ground.

23. I am a 'jack of all trades', I sometimes wish that I had one thing I am really good at.

24. I would love to be in a sitcom. I think I should be the new Michael Scott on the office. Only problem is...I am not a good actor.

Mine is the purple one. Ivan and I got these toothbrushes on the exact same day.

26. I can play the trumpet. I learned in high school and about a year ago we bought a used one. I'm not as good as I used to be but it's still fun!

27, I'm sure I have mentioned this before, but I'm a total hoarder. The new part is that I have a plan to make my hoarded items more organized so that I can call them collections. Good plan?

eep! only one thing left to share tomorrow!

♥elycia

thing 1 ... thing 2 ... thing 3 ... thing 4 ... thing 5 ... thing 6 ... thing 7 ... thing 8 ... thing 9 ...thing 10 ... thing 11 ... thing 12 ... thing 13 ... things 14 - 17

ps. Susannah just started her own version of 28 things! Check it out :) so fun!!

28 things - things 14, 15, 16 & 17

No it doesn't hurt, I just like making weird faces.

15. Sometimes I am really bad at following through with things. Case in point...these 28 things! I had great plans to do an awesome photo for each one but sometimes things get a little busy. I'm sure everyone can relate to this!

16. As much as I love animals I can't watch movies that are heavily based on animals because I get too upset if they die. Spoiler alert: 'I am Legend' made me sob. Not just during that one part either...but for the whole rest of the movie anytime I thought about it. I'm so wimpy!!

17. I am famously bad at dealing with change. Before when my mom was thinking of moving, everyone in my family that she mentioned it to responded with "Have you told elycia? Is she ok with this?" I feel like over the years I have become better at dealing but I have earned myself quite a reputation!

♥elycia

thing 1 ... thing 2 ... thing 3 ... thing 4 ... thing 5 ... thing 6 ... thing 7 ... thing 8 ... thing 9 ...thing 10 ... thing 11 ... thing 12 ... thing 13

what i wore > red

Head to Toe:

headband - made by me

dress - c/o ModCloth

cardigan - H&M

tights - Walmart?

shoes - Winners

You may have seen a sneak peek of this dress on Thursday if you follow me on Instagram. I put together this outfit because we had been trapped in fog for days and I needed something bright! I felt very fun; a man in the grocery store even stopped me to tell me he loved my outfit! Normally that might weird me out but he seemed nice so it was ok. By the afternoon the fog had disappeared and we snapped some photos in the backyard while my cake was in the oven baking.

♥elycia

ps. I'm going to get back on track with the 28 things posts this week! I promise to share all 28 before my birthday on the 26th :)

wedding

As I mentioned, I have had wedding showers the past two weekends. The first one was put on by Ivan's mom and the second by my dad's three sisters. They were very different from each other and both were lovely. I was a bit nervous about being the centre of attention at the showers but I really enjoyed myself and felt great that so many people wanted to do something special for me. (although my "speeches" were painfully awkward and i'm sure very uncomfortable to witness, ha!)

Here are some photos from the first shower...actually just one photo.

(me and 3/4 bridesmaids)

My mom has a bunch of great photos being held hostage on her camera. Ivan's mom's husband is a chef and he and Ivan prepared an amazing vegan meal for everyone. We also had tons of desserts which were also vegan (almost all of them!). It was fantastic!

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The second shower was at my aunt's house up in Strathroy. My aunt and cousin did an incredible job decorating, everything looked so cute. It was a very special day; I received some of my Grandma Watson's old things and my cousin made me a corsage out of our Grandma's old fabric and buttons. My Grandma Watson was a very crafty lady and way ahead of her time when it came to recycling/repurposing/restyling/reusing. Another thing my Grandma used to do was take a person's name and write a word that describes them for each letter. My aunts did one for me and it was so sweet! However, dumb dumb elycia left it at their house so I can't share it with you! Here are a few photos from the day.

While the ladies were doing the shower thing, the men and boys spent the day together.

Ivan and my cousin (actually 2nd cousin). Aren't his glasses awesome?!

my 2nd cousins, my cousin (MOH) and one of the bridesmaids! My mom told us to pose like this, haha!

my mom!!

my new favourite photo of ivan and i. you can get a good look at the corsage too! I love the turquoise button!

We also had a bit of Instax fun. Everyone loves this camera! People were saying that when my cousin and I stood next to each other they felt like they were back in the 50s. I'm ok with that! So...I made him take an instant photo with me, haha. Time warp?

Oh, and by the way, this cool guy and his vegan friend made me the best vegan cupcakes ever! Chocolate cupcakes with a raspberry inside and chocolate ganache! So sweet (the cupcakes, and the fact that they made them).

And, as Thursday pointed out, it's not a shower unless you end up wearing something covered in bows...

Haha! I actually kind of loved this bow covered apron (my aunt made the apron!). I left it on way longer than required.

I really love spending time with family and friends and I absolutely can't wait to have everyone together at the wedding!!

♥elycia