2016 October

Autumn has officially arrived and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I love everything about this season – sweaters, London fogs, blanket scarves, halloween, pumpkin pie, pumpkin candles, pumpkin spiced lattes… okay let’s me be real, pumpkin EVERYTHING. I love it!

This past weekend, my bestie Liz Mannegren (from MommyMannegren – check out her blog if you haven’t already), her family (husband, son, sister) and myself went on our traditional pumpkin picking adventure. The Pumpkin Patch in Richmond, British Columbia (Canada) has been our pumpkin patch of choice for the past two years. It has everything! Dancing vegetables, goats, roosters, fresh apples, a train ride, mini donuts and pumpkins galore. They even take you on a tractor ride with one of the workers performing songs for the kiddies to sing along to as you travel the short way to the patch.

Each person is allowed one pumpkin. This year there were tons of great options! It was also a treat to watch little Alistair walk amongst the pumpkins and pick his very own. It’s even more adorable when he tries to lift them up! Ah! I can’t wait until I have my own husband and little one to bring along. I already know I’ll be an emotional mess if I have a kid, and Liz and I’s little ones go off and find pumpkins together. I cry. (Disclaimer: I am definitely no where close to having my own little family, but it sure does pull my heartstrings when I think about the potential of it. If the good Lord wills it, of course.)

Moving on!!

One thing that Liz and I learnt from last year is that you need to bring rain boots. If you don’t, your favourite white converse will turn a nice shade of brown. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience. Now because I want to start talking more about fashion on this here blog, let me tell you about my outfit of choice. I like to stay comfortable. Jeans, rain boots and a trusty toque is my go to choice! Outfit details can be found on the left hand side under photos.

Pro Tip – The pumpkin patch is a great activity for all! But if you have a little one, little siblings, or want to become nanny of the year, I suggest going early (right as it opens). It’s less busy and you will get a great parking spot. Plus this way, you can make a day of it. Pumpkin picking in the AM, followed by lunch. We like to go to The Old Spaghetti Factory afterwards!

All in all, this is probably one of my all time favourite autumnal activities to do!

What activities do you and your family enjoy doing during the fall season?

J. xx

“Holy crap, I’m 25!”

That was the first thing I thought when I woke up last Friday: Holy Crap. I’m 25.

It feels like it was last week that I had just turned 21. I was dating a super cute guy, in my fourth year of college and was supposed to graduate, find a cool job and change the world. That was what I had planned but of course plans change. Instead, I’m single, didn’t graduate and took a couple years off to figure myself out before deciding to go back and finish. I did however manage to find a super cool job at my home church, started my own photography and creative business, and (I think) I’m playing my part in changing the world. Sure, it’s not exactly where I thought I’d be four years ago, but hey! That’s totally okay.

Twenty-five can be terrifying. It’s a quarter of a century. A whole quarter of my life (assuming I’m living to 100) is over. I’m also 99% sure I’ve already had a quarter-life crisis. (They’re a thing, okay?!) Many of my friends have established themselves in solid careers. Many of them are married and have little ones running about. While some of them are still single, they’re travelling the world and experiencing new and exciting things. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pity game. “Woe is me, a 25 year old spinster who still lives at home, whose only date in the last year is taking her dog for a walk, who still gets asked if she’s in high school. Please, everyone, play your tiny violins and feel sorry for me.” Alright… please don’t tell me I’m the only one who has felt like Bridget Jones is their spirit animal.

Even though 25 has hit me like a ton of bricks and I’ve questioned every single one of my life decisions over the past two and a half decades, I’m proud to say that I’m happy with where life has taken me. It isn’t the most ideal situation. Sure, living at home at 25 can be challenging. “No mom, you can’t ground me for coming home after 11…” Sure, being a single wedding photographer can be lonely. Yes, playing with my best friends son makes my ovaries cry out, asking when I’ll make my own mini-me. And yes, not having a full time job is scary but at least I’m dong what I love to do. But this is the season that I’m in right now. I’m not going to settle for anything.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learnt, is that things happen for a reason. My own plans don’t necessary mean it’s the same plans that the big guy upstairs has. I know that He get’s me. I know that the good Lord know’s my heart, desires, and passions. I know that He’s placed me where I am for a time, and with His grace and a lot of hard work and effort on my part, He’ll bless me abundantly.

So for all those twenty-five year olds out there – or other’s who feel the same as me, don’t worry! Everyone’s journey is different. Just because your best friend may be married to a super hunky husband, with three kids with and a killer career, doesn’t mean your life is bland, lame, and pointless. The plan for your life might look different than theirs, and that’s a-okay. It’s just as special as someone else’s. Embrace your now. Keep working hard for your dreams and don’t give up. You’ve got this thing!

Archives for October 2016

Pumpkin Picking

Twenty-Five!!