diy polka dot manicure

Jun 27, 2013

1) You'll need a base coat, top coat (for the polka dots) and a pencil. I also like to have Q-tips & polish remover handy... perfect for quick touch ups.
2) Apply your base coat.
 3) Now dab your pencil in the polish and use a gentle hand to apply your polka dots.
4) And voila, all done! 

Well, I guess my polka dots aren't exactly perfect, but still, I was excited to give this fun polka dot manicure a try. I found it via Pinterest and the original content is from Syl and Sam. Next time, I'd love to do a mint + white or use a grey base coat and add neon yellow polka dots. Sky's the limit, really. If you guys try this, be sure to let me know... I'd love to see your results!

xo veronika

new in shop and a promo code

Jun 26, 2013

I've been busy, busy updating my Etsy shop... and I'm excited to see it filling up. Here's a look at a few of my newest creations - be sure to head on over and take a peek at the rest. And (yay!) I'm also doing a one day 10% off sale. Use promo code: friendsandfamily

xo veronika

PS - I just lowered my shipping prices too!

over the weekend

Jun 24, 2013

1. Patio time with my blogging bestie - Lynn of Hearted Girl
2. Photographing new items for my Etsy shop and watching this guy snooze
3. A date with my handsome one
4. Enjoying a dairy & sugar free chocolate ice-cream. Um, total heaven!
5. Spending an afternoon puttering around our village and wearing my summer uniform
6. Savouring a couple of hours at our favourite & newly discovered ocean-side park

I so needed this past weekend. It was quiet, unencumbered and life felt blissfully simple. We spent the weekend close to home and did a few fun things here & there. On Saturday, we watched our local parade - it was happening a few steps from our house, so how could we resist? My personal favourite was the teddy bear float. Yup, totally awesome... I felt like a happy, grinning kid. Haha, just thinking about it puts a smile on my face.

There was lots of fabulous food this weekend too. I've been continuing on with my 21 day sugar-free cleanse. Honestly, it's getting easier and easier. Thank heavens! I'm also hoping to experiment with a few sugar-free desserts this week. Although, last night I sliced up some banana with raw almond butter, and that did the trick. Tonight, I'll be experimenting with a sugar & dairy free chocolate chia seed pudding. I'll be sure to share the recipe on the blog this week or the next.

Well... other than that, it's business as usual. Today, I'm hoping to spend a bit of time writing out goals for my Etsy shop as well as plan out which craft fairs I'll be attending in the fall. I'm also filling my calender with Stella & Dot parties for the month of July... and last but not least, planning out content + a few day trips for the blog. Nothing like a great weekend to help recharge for a productive week ahead, right?

xo veronika 

my madewell picks

Jun 22, 2013





Yup, combing the madewell website over the weekend is a favourite pastime around here. This season, my wishlist is long... I can't wait to fill my closet with pretty dresses, tops, skirts + sandals from one of my favourite online shops. Also, in other news I'm doing a 21 day sugar free diet. Wish me luck! So far I'm craving sugar like a madwomen but I'm sticking to my promise and looking forward to feeling like a better me - oh so soon. Happy weekend, everyone!

deep cove

Jun 20, 2013

Just this past weekend, Martin & I were craving some R&R, so we decided to head to Deep Cove in North Vancouver. Fun fact: I grew up in North Van. Anyone else?! It was a great little day and we couldn't have picked a better spot for unwinding. I was so happy to be snapping photos, chomping on sushi, watching Scout explore the area, and just loving life. I honestly believe that when we go through our greatest hardships, we appreciate the good in our lives that much more. In spite of everything, I feel blessed!

When we got home, I decided to look up the history of Deep Cove. I've been there a million times yet I don't know that much about it. I was intrigued to learn that the first permanent residents were John and Rhoda Moore in 1919 and they opened the first store in the area in 1927. In 1940, poet and novelist Malcolm Lowry and his wife Margerie lived on and off in a squatters shack over the span of 14 years. Apparently, squatter shacks lined the beaches of Roche Point and housed the Dollar Mill workers but people left because of The Great Depression. I was excited to find this neat little photo of the area from the Deep Cove Heritage Society. Hopefully, Martin & I can pop in there the next time we are in the area and I can find out a bit more.

xo veronika

what i wore

Jun 18, 2013

Outfit Details:
Blazer - Forever 21
Dress - Thrifted
Bracelet - Stella & Dot
Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell

It feels so fantastic to be back with an outfit post. Even though my family & I are going through a difficult time, I'm doing my best to move forward and do things I love... like blogging, running my Etsy shop, keeping up with friends and taking time to re-coup.

This season, my love of midi length dresses is still going strong and I've been layering them with crisp little jackets (for day) or knit cardy's for chillier nights. Personally, I prefer longer hemlines as I feel they lend a classier and more elegant look to my outfits. What do you guys think, what's your preferred length? And, here's a few midi length dresses that I'm currently crushing on: this yellow one is phenomenal, a bold floral print one seems like the ultimate must have, and lastly, who can resist this adorable polka dot one?! Can't wait to snag a few for my closet!

xo veronika

friday links + a promo code

Jun 14, 2013


I thought I'd have a little more time to blog this week but I've had very little time to myself. We are still going to the hospital after work each day to visit my mom... bringing her flowers, magazines, and telling her lots of positive anecdotes from our week. Oh and (haha) I've been stealing her pudding... it's so tasty. I love that our company brings her so much joy and I'm glad I can be there for her during this difficult time.

I'm happy to be popping in today though, and sharing a cute little video from one of our evening walks as well as some of my favourite links with you. And... I'm doing a fun promo for my Etsy shop, Shore. Use code: FREESHIPPING to get free shipping today & all weekend long. Yay! Happy Friday, everyone!

Here are a few of my favourite links from this past week:

1. Ruche has so many gorgeous dresses right now. Seriously, I want them all. I'm especially in love with this one & this one. Oh man, and this one too!

2. A slightly older post but I loved reading Elsie's post on perfection. So true, our lives and homes are not always perfect, even though we save the best moments for our blogs.

3. What a talented lady. I was totally blown away by Kimbra's live performance for Triple J's, Like A Version program - such an inspiring voice and artist.

4. Oooh, tweed & leather. What a pretty combo for a spring/summer clutch and this one is truly lovely, especially in yellow.

5. Creme brulee with tarragon cream and blackberry. Need I say more?!

6. A few simple exercises I'd love to incorporate into my morning routine. I really need to get back on the exercise wagon!

7. Hello, shoe crush. I swear, each season Madewell seems to have the most perfect shoes and these ones are perfectly adorable.

8. This ruffled patchwork + recycled bag from Uncommon Goods is so cute! Perfect for a laid-back summer day. 

finding a bit of solitude

Jun 11, 2013

A few photos from our beach walk... I took these with my iphone and then edited them with Rad Lab - love how they turned out. This week has been much calmer, thank goodness. Last week was incredibly tough as Martin & I spent much of it feeling crazy stressed and frazzled. My mom has since stabilized (what a relief) but she's still in the hospital. At this point, there are quiet a few issues with her heart, and she's unable to fully stand or walk on her own without her heart going completely crazy. So the doctors are working to get that under control. 

In the midst of all this, Martin & I are trying to resume as much of our normal schedule as possible + we're trying to take care of ourselves as best as we can. Food and sleep have been non-existent at times and we both look beyond tired. However, I'm hoping to take a few days off this week: clean the condo, pay our bills, get to the hair salon and hopefully organize a few posts for the blog. Normal, is sounding so good & therapeutic right about now.

And lastly, thank you! For your prayers, tweets and emails. We're thrilled to know that so many of you are holding my mom in your thoughts & prayers and wishing her a speedy recovery! It's lightened our hearts, and put a smile on my face. We miss her terribly. Thank you for the love & support, everyone! 

xo veronika  


pulling together

Jun 7, 2013

What a week. We've been pulling together as a family and trying our best to keep our heads above water. Originally, I didn't intend to say anything, but for me, it's hard to write a lifestyle blog and not be up front about what's happening in my life.

My dear, sweet mom & best friend was rushed to ICU on Monday and has been there ever since - we're very lucky that she's pulling through. However, she still has a rocky road ahead of her and is facing some serious rehabilitation. I've spent my days & nights at the hospital, holding her hand while she's been unconscious, and I prayed countless times. I'm thrilled those prayers were answered. To those of you who have lost a parent, my heart goes out to you. It's undoubtedly one of the most difficult things to face and the spiral of emotions is overwhelming. My mom is young and healthy and this has come as a complete shock to our family.

In the meantime, I'll still be popping in and blogging + keeping my Etsy shop going. Honestly, it's nice to keep as much of my routine as possible. However, I might be a little slow answering emails and comments, so bare with me. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted...

xo veronika

what i wore

Jun 5, 2013

Knit Hat - H&M
Necklace - my Etsy shop
Denim Jacket - H&M
Top - Jacob 
Skinnies - American Eagle
Shoes - Zara 

Oh my gosh, can we pretend I haven't worn these shoes on the blog a million times? Haha, thanks! ;) I wore this outfit when Martin & I went bowling in the city for his birthday, and I decided to re-create it for the blog/our day of errands a week later. Well, that and... I was having one of those brain numbing moments where I couldn't put an outfit together to save my life. Gotta love those days, right?!...

Have you guys ever worn double denim? I never thought I would be a fan but I loved pairing my denim jacket with my light wash skinnies. I think breaking it up with pattern and textures really helped pull it off too... I'll definitley be trying it again!

xo veronika

over the weekend

Jun 3, 2013

(heading down to the ocean to catch the sunset)
(blue, blue skies)
(most evenings end off with a visit to the pier and an ice-cream date)
 (gooey and so good: gluten free waffles, coffee Greek yogurt, maple syrup, bananas & blueberries)
(a typical weekend morning)
(the lounging experts)
 (and my weekend uniform... super soft tunic and the comfiest tights, ever!)

I desperately needed this past weekend. Lately, married life has been way too busy. Martin's been working hard, and working most weekends. The time we have spent together has been a whole lot of busy... running errands and sorting through the details of life. I'm honestly not the most patient wife when that happens. But I try, I really try, to stay patient. So having a weekend where we are schedule-free and can spend quality time together... well, it's pure magic.

Saturday was spent cleaning the condo together, then we made a fantastic lunch: red pepper & tomato soup along with oven baked cheese toast. We walked over to our sea-side village and grabbed a bottle of wine, sat on our patio, ate dinner and this gal got a foot massage. Thank you hubby. There was also shameless & guilt free late night waffle eating. And smiles! On Sunday we woke up feeling fabulously refreshed and ventured out for a hike. We found the most amazing spot... mountains, beach, trains, piers and a 30 minute long seawall walk which was all off-leash for our dog. It was great!

Also (yay), I had my first few orders from my Etsy shop over the weekend. Thank you to the lovely ladies that made their purchases this weekend. I can't wait to ship out your items! On that note, hope your Monday is shaping up to be a good one.

xo veronika

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