A much needed impromptu getaway!

Tony has been traveling up a storm this month for work, in fact, by the time November is over, he will have taken four separate business trips, including one (back to) San Francisco. Talk a busy month for my uber hardworking chap!

The last jaunt of the month is closer to home. In fact, it's to that most gorgeous of Pacific Coast cities, Vancouver. It’s a drivable journey of just 4.5 hours and as such Tony asked if I'd like to tag along with him. Umm, super-duper yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



{Vancouver always hums with excitement, energy and culture, points all captured in this wonderful nighttime shot from 1951 of Granville's theater district at the time, and I can hardly wait to get back and experience that sense of vitality again. Vintage image via Museum of Vancouver.}


We just made plans to travel together a few days ago (and it is fully a business trip for him) and will be leaving early tomorrow morning, so unlike usual I didn't have time to save up my pennies in advance like I usually do when we take trips. That means I won't be doing scads of buying, be it for myself or my Etsy shop, but it being Vancouver, there's no way I'll come home empty handed. There are too many cool shops, be they vintage or otherwise, in that thriving city not to pick up a few must-have goodies. :)

As Tony will be working most of the time that we're there - which is until November 30th December 1st (the final date of our stay was changed during the trip itself) - I'll be taking my laptop along and getting some work and usual blogging related activities in, too (including posting this month's new vintage blogger interview and 2015's Vintage Holiday Shopping Guide). Though I also hope to make/have time to sightsee, do a little of that aforementioned shopping, perhaps visit a museum and/or gallery, and perhaps most importantly, simply unwind and relax as well.

While this isn't a full on vacation for either of us, it is as close as I'll come to one this year and I need it something fierce. I haven't done any traveling since our trip to Vancouver Island at the start of fall 2014, and as someone with a perpetual sense of wanderlust, this is such an awesome way for me to (very nearly) wrap up a year of incredibly hard work and no (prior) getaways.

So my sweet dears, this very morning (originally we'd thought we'd be leaving on Tuesday, but another work event arose for Tony tomorrow, so we're leaving today on the 22nd instead), I'm off to one of my favourite cities on the face of the earth for a week of fun, productivity, moments of tranquility, and hopefully a great vintage treasure or two as well!

If you want to tag along with us on this trip, be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I'll be posting lots of delightful snaps from our travels to good, ol' Van!

Wearing My Ultimate Unicorn of a Vintage Novelty Print Skirt

Outfit details

1950s green hair scarf (it's more grass green in real life than the bright sun makes it look here): Probably thrifted
White faux pearl stud earrings: Probably Claire's or eBay
1950s confetti lucite and real maple leaf brooch: Either a gift or from eBay, if memory serves me right
Black off-the-shoulder boat neck shirt: Joe Fresh
C. 1980s - 90s Brown leather and faux reptile skin belt: Thrifted
Gorgeous 1950s style Canadian novelty print skirt: Handmade gift from an incredible friend ♥
Red lace trimmed crinoline: Pettiskirt Style
Plastic bangle bracelets: Forever 21 & assorted sources
Vintage wood bangle bracelets: Thrifted
1940s/50s style brown leather wedge sandals: Yard sale find
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
Nail colour: Essie Red Nouveau


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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First and foremost I fully acknowledge that, yes, Squinty McSquinterton has returned again in full force and that she was accompanied by Weird Wind Face McGee this time around, too. Le sigh!!!

No matter though, this incredible 1950s style novelty print skirt had to be photographed while the temperature for single layered outfits was still accommodating and that trumped strong winds and harsh light. It could have been raining frogs on me that day and I would have still posted these photos! :)

For you see, in them I am wearing what is, really and truly, hands down my ultimate, dream, fantasy, holy grail of a novelty print skirt: one that entirely Canadian themed!!!

Ever since my teen years I have scoured countless shops online and off nearly obsessively for a vintage Canadian novelty print skirt from the 40s or 50s (assuming that such had even existed in the first place). I informed scores of vintage sellers I knew of my hunt and was willing to pay a premium to land such a skirt, but none was forthcoming.

A very dear online friend of mine, and fellow vintage novelty print lover, was aware of my search and had done her best to track one down for me as well (this lady has mad skills when it comes to sourcing elusive vintage items), but we both continued to come up empty handed.

Unlike myself, she is sewer - and a very talented one at that, may I add. Last year as incredible Christmas present, she knocked the socks clean off of me when she surprised me with the gift of the incredibly lovely, immensely mid-century vintage looking Canadian print novelty skirt that I am sporting in these photos.

Time was not on our side on the busy day when Tony and I quickly grabbed these shots up Carmi Mountain here in Penticton, so hence the harsh sunlight (aka, we couldn't shot earlier or later in the day, when it would have been kinder and more flattering), epic squinting and weird faces at work here, but again, I simply could not go any long without sharing this skirt with all of you. It is a dream come true for a proud, patriotic vintage loving canuck like myself and I simply had to shout about it from the highest rooftop - or in this case, Mountain peak! :)

I cannot begin to thank my treasured friend enough for the gift of this awesome Mountie on horseback, canoe, First Nations and Inuit, wood grain, evergreen tree, and dog sled print skirt. It is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favourite novelty print garment I've ever owned and I still have a hard time (months after receiving it) wrapping my head around the fact that it is actually, really and truly, mine.

From the bottom of my heart, sweet friend, thank you for giving this vintage Canadian gal her unicorn 1950s garment. There are no words to adequately describe how much I love it! Please don't let my windswept face fool you, I was smiling up a storm, both on with my actual lips and in my heart as I posed for these photos atop that beautiful hill and let the dry, dusty green landscape highlight the phenomenal-ness of your amazing gift.

25 reasons why British Columbia is awesome

This is, without a doubt, a list that could stretch on for the rest of eternity. I say that with out a speck of bias. British Columbia doesn't, objectively, need a PR department, one has only to spend a few days here, especially if you're traveling around and seeing its stunning natural beauty to realize that there is something incredibly special about Canada's most westerly province.

Tomorrow is the August Civic holiday, also known as the August Long Weekend, the only official holiday that most Canadians get between Canada Day at the start of July and Labour Day on the first Monday is August. Here in British Columbia, it's also referred to as BC Day sometimes.

It is something of a midway point in the season, too, and as a child I remember that it always instilled a wave of panic in me, because I knew that school would be back in session in about five weeks. Not that I dreaded school, quite the contrary, but like most kids, I loved summer vacation even more and wasn't keen to see it end.



{The August long weekend, a time of fun, connecting with nature, great barbeques, and heading to the beach, if you live near one. It's basically the breather we all need in the middle of the summer to kick back, let lose and celebrate a lot of what makes summer so spectacular!}


This holiday is akin to what is commonly referred to as a bank holiday in Europe and does not have strong historical ties to any particular event or public figure. Interestingly, and rather unfortunately for those who live there, it is not even observed uniformly across the nation (Quebec, Newfoundland, and the Yukon don't formally observe it and some of the other provinces don't currently recognize it as a statutory holiday). Thankfully here in British Columbia we not only observe it, but it's a stat, which means that we get a day off from work and believe me, we put it to good use!

As you guys know, I'm flat out wild about my country and will talk about Canada until the cows, err, I mean, moose and bears, come home! Today, in celebration of the August Civic Holiday tomorrow and that fact that there are few times that can revival August when it comes to the sweeping beauty of my home province, I thought it would be tons of fun to share some fascinating facts about British Columbia here with all of you.

This is by no means an extensive list, but it touches on many of the many reasons why I absolutely love this corner of Canada, as well as some of the things that help it stand out from its other provincial and territorial peers.

So sit back, grab your favourite summer beverage (it is a holiday weekend after all) and join me on this fun, fast paced look at 25 reasons why British Columbia is awesome!!!

1. According to leading authorities such as the United Nations, we have some of the most livable towns in the whole world

2. We have a fantastic living Victorian era gold rush ghost town called Barkerville (where I had my first "grownup" job in my teens, as a waitress)

3. There are hundreds upon hundreds of lakes and rivers in BC, making for some of the best fishing to be had anywhere in the world

4. Our official provincial animal is the ultra rare Spirit Bear, which is only found in BC!

5. British Columbia accounts for approx. 10% of Canada's total land mass size

6. We have some of the best ski hills in the world (they didn't host the 2010 winter Olympics here for nothing!)

7. The (huge!) Trans-Canada Highway starts in Victoria, BC and stretches out across all ten provinces

8. The first, and oldest, Chinatown in Canada is located in Victoria (only San Francisco's is older in North America)

9. BC has the closest thing anywhere in Canada to a desert, and it's located right here in the Okanagan Valley, where we live

10. This province has produced a lot of great artists, performers, musicians, scientists, and other seriously talents folks, ranging from Michael Bublé to David Suzuki to Emily Carr

11. Canada's tallest waterfall, Della Falls, resides in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island

12. We have some unbelievably gorgeous sunrises and sunsets

13. BC has a high number of annual Sasquatch sightings/encounters

14. The vast amount of stunningly beautiful, highly diverse wilderness makes it an outdoor enthusiast, camper, nature lover, or photographer's paradise!

15. There is plenty of world class surfing to be had here on the Pacific Ocean, especially in Tofino on Vancouver Island

16. We're the birthplace of the fabulously delicious Nanaimo bar!

17. Vancouver (and its surrounding area) is nicknamed Hollywood North, with many world famous movies and TV series being shot here each year (X-Files being one of the best known)

18. Orca whales!!!

19. We're an extremely tourist friendly province, which is great as BC begs to be explored from tip-to-tip and side-to-side

20. You can see the breathtaking Northern Lights from various parts of the province, including - but by no means limited to, the Rocky Mountains

21. We're home to Canada's smallest official town, Greenwood, BC (with a population of around 700 people)

22. BC produces a massive volume of fruit, vegetables, and spirits (particularly wine) each year, with the Lower Mainland and Okanagan Valley both excelling in these kinds of areas in particular

23. The Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver

24. We have the oldest operational movie theatre in Canada, Patricia Theatre, founded in 1913 and still going strong to this day in Powell River

25. A legendary lake monster named the Opogopo is said to inhabit Okanagan Lake, located right here in my own town!

{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}

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Now tell me you aren't itching to visit BC? If you do, be sure to shot me a line, if you're headed through the Okanagan, we could certainly try to plan a meet up, such as the one that I had with my lovely online friend, Rachel, last year.

Nearly ever corner of the globe has its charms, its strengths, and is fascinating facts. BC does not have a monopoly on such things in the slightest (nor is it necessarily the only place where you can find each of the things on this list), but it is an incredible province. I've lived in two others (Alberta and Ontario) and visited areas of two further provinces (Saskatchewan and Quebec) so far and while I loved each of them and would highly recommend spending time there to anyone, no other part of our vast nation has yet to grab my soul and heart alike quite like British Columbia.

While I'm quick to cite Calgary, Alberta as my favourite Canadian city, I really do believe that British Columbia will be my favourite province for all time. I was born here and though I've ventured fairly far afield at times (including living in Ireland for a while), I find that something akin to an internal magnet draws me back time and time again.

I've had the good fortunate to reside here again most recently since early 2012 and to welcome my Italian born and raised husband, Tony, into the BC fold for the first time in the process (he'd previously only lived in Ontario when it came to his time in Canada). I could happily live here for the rest of my life and I love knowing that no matter where I go in this vast, amazing world of our, British Columbia will always be home.

And you know, at the end of the day, that is the number one thing that makes BC awesome for me - though of course, the points highlighted here, and scores of others, certainly go a long way there as well!

Festive Canada Day Edition of 25 Vintage Deals Under $100

Hark, what is that? Is it the sound of Canada Day fireworks exploding in the distance? Probably not quite yet, but soon, in just nine days, such will certainly be the case and I couldn't be happier about that point.
 
As I've blogged about numerous times over the years (such as in this post), I flat out love Canada Day. In fact, it vies with Christmas for my second favourite holiday of the year. We Canadians, in general, aren't overly boisterous about our patriotism, but it runs as deep as the great oceans that flank our mighty nation, and my heart smiles each July 1st when my fellow countrymen and women join together to celebrate the birthday of our treasured land.
 
In honour of Canada Day and so much that is good and beautiful (and cute!) about the second largest country - in terms of landmass - in the world, with less than two weeks to go until this special celebration, I thought it would be fun to roundup 25 budget-friendly vintage, vintage appropriate, and handmade finds that speak to the soul of this peaceful, vast, animal filled, maple syrup loving nation.
 
So pull up a camping chair, put on your favourite red and white outfit, pour yourself a Molson (or some SunRype apple juice) and enjoy this thoroughly Canadian selection of affordable items that channel none of than the spirit of my home and native land itself!




1. Nature, elegance and Canadian pride combine in this timelessly pretty mid-century gold tone maple leaf Sarah Coventry brooch, which is bedecked with a single, classic faux pearl. Perfect for Canada Day, autumn, and the whole year round alike! $16.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




2. Oh, how I madly adore this fun, creative 8 x 10 print proclaiming a line from Canada's national anthem. It would be especially fantastic in a summer cottage, family room, or home library. $9.00 from Northern Rustication.




3. Help your pup get in on the patriotic fashion fun with this delightfully cool handmade detachable pet bow tie that would ensure that Fido or Fluffy looked especially dapper on Canada Day. $15.00 from Danes and Divas.




4. Looking for a great way to add a fun hit of red to your Canada Day ensemble? May I suggest this classic 1950s style double layer crinoline - it will also be especially handy for Valentine's Day and Christmas. Available in modern ladies sizes petite - large. $42.99 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




5. I am beyond in love with this modern, thoroughly timeless looking sterling silver Canada silhouette necklace. It would be ideal to wear here on Canadian soil or when traveling abroad to keep your homeland especially close to your heart. $21.35 from Ivy By Design.




6.Gussy up any vintage or modern ensemble with this big, fun handmade maple leaf print scarf that could easily be worn around your neck or head, or tied to a handbag handle. $16.65 from Endure Designs.



7.Whip up a miniature version of Canada's largest land animal when you put this adorable metal moose cookie cuter to good use (be if for cookies, pie crust shapes, fondant cutouts, or anything else you can dream up). $3.60 from Kreative Baking Shop.



8. Crisp, clean, and in very good shape for its age, this c. 1940s half apron features highlights from the Western Canadian provinces and would be especially good choice for both Canada Day and the August long weekend (particularly if you live in this portion of the country). $19.00 from My Victorian Closet.



9. Talk about a serious contender for the cutest set of themed earrings ever: a round faced little beaver - one of Canada's most emblematic animals - and the "log" that it has skillfully whittled down, both represented in a pair of post earrings. Tres adorable!!! $18.47 from Creatureshire.




10. A few months ago I had the pleasure of obtaining a mixed lot of various antique and vintage paper ephemera from the easterly Canadian maritime province of Nova Scotia, numerous items of which I've listed in the shop already. Amongst that fun treasure trove of paper goods, this beautiful Edwardian photo postcard is my favourite piece and I like thinking about where it might end up next in its venerable life. $4.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




11. Handcrafted from genuine vintage 1943 pennies, these eye-catchingly elegant coin cuff links would be the ideal accessory for a July 1st wedding. $15.99 from Subway Cufflinks.




12. Available in various infant, child, and adult sizes, this handmade, wonderfully cute headband would be the ideal way to quite literally top off any Canada Day outfit! $5.00 from Details NS (who also have a cute Canadian themed red and white hair slip set available for the same price).




13. As their name would imply, Canadian geese are a very (!) common sight in this country, and now you can add one more to your own jewelry box flock when you pick up this charming vintage leather bird brooch, which is currently on sale (at the time of writing) for just $4.00 from Morse Code Vintage.




14. Red and ivory 1940s style mesh peep toe spectator heels for Canada Day (or any point in the year)? Yes, pretty please! Available in modern ladies half sizes 6 - 10. $73.99 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




15. Canada's cuisine is incredibly diverse, rich, and enjoyable, melding influences from countless cultures that have helped to enrich and create the wonderful tapestry that is our population. This fun vintage recipe booklet called Cooking Canada Chicken shines the spotlight on scores of poultry recipes that echo those influences and are sure to make for tasty eating on Canada Day and all year round. $8.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




16. You simply could not find a more Canada Day perfect pair of fabric button bobby pins than these classic Canadian flag charmers. $6.00 for a pair of two bobby pins from Rachel O's.




17. Canada is blessed with a huge array of animals from coast to coast, top to bottom, including in many parts of the country (especially those where wilderness reigns strong still), wolves, one of my personal favourite wild critters. As such, this darling laser cut wolf brooch is just the thing to make any outfit worthy of howling in delight about! :) $12.98 from Mini Felts.




18. Let this adorable pair of vintage wooden Royal Canadian Mounted Police salt and pepper shakers stand guard on your table. They're practical, patriotic, and sure to spark lots of fun dinner party conversations! $18.00 from Shake That Thang.




19. I think it's safe to say that more souvenir items have been created over the years featuring Niagara Falls than for any other destination in Canada. One such example of which is this charming vintage miniature pink souvenir vase featuring a colour photo of the majestic Falls themselves - it would look so cute and festive as a bud vase on a Canada Day table. $6.00 from Val in the Valley.




20. Looking to brush up on your Canadian knowledge or just pick up some neat facts you might have heard before? Bring home this charming vintage soft cover book entitled Quick Facts About Canada and you'll be covered there big time! $7.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




21. I am soooo enamored with fabulously pretty, Canadian themed 1950s faux pearl and gold tone sweater/cardigan clip. Quick! Someone else nab it quick, before I give into temptation! :) $20.00 from Hey Viv! on Etsy.




22. Ever wondered what the big, beautiful province of Quebec looked like during the earliest decades of the last century? Flip through this photo packed 16 page tourist guide booklet from the 1930s and find out! $7.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




23.What an elegant, thoroughly darling vintage square scarf! It features a lovely array of Canadian provincial flowers and some of this country's most common song birds, measures 26 inches, and would rock as a headscarf. $12.00 from Little Sewing Bird.




24. Give yourself the gift of an instant collection with this charming group of vintage Canadian wall pennants, which would be great for any Canada Day celebration or used as the classic decor pieces that they are all year round. $28.00 for all seven pennants from Douglas Vintage.




25. And last, but most certainly not least, this strikingly lovely c. 1930s brass and red enamel maple leaf bracelet, which sings so sublimely of the art deco era it hails from. I can't image a vintage loving Canadian lass alive who wouldn't adore adding this beautiful piece to her stylish wardrobe. $22.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.

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With a bit of luck, I'll be be feeling well enough that day to attend the July 1st fireworks show that our town puts on each year. It's not terribly long, but it is thoroughly gorgeous, thanks in no small part to the fact this festive pyrotechnics display is shot off over Okanagan Lake, the dazzling, instantly fleeting shooting stars tumbling to the glassine water below.

It's no small part of the reason why I enjoy this day so much and is something I look forward to all the more because it's one of only two fireworks shows here in Penticton each year (the other being on New Year's Eve).

No matter what I do or where I go on July 1st, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be decked out in a Canadian themed outfit (watch for a post featuring it later in July), revved up and ready to celebrate all that makes Canada the fantastic, inspiring, marvelous nation that it is. I can hardly wait, eh!