The difference a year makes.

Hello all you beautiful creatures. 

So....it has been a year.

This space has been dormant, locked up, forgotten ....yes, for one year and one month. Last year I made the decision to tone-down my online presence, to enjoy a little privacy, and escape the stress that can sometime come with sharing so much of yourself with so many people. 

I've decided to revive this space- and with purpose.

Last year I shared my struggle with anxiety during a solo trip to Cuba. This year, I am experiencing a new struggle.  I've decided to share, as I did then, not only as a form of self-care for myself, but in a hope to help others, as well.  

But first, let’s recap a bit, shall we? Many things have changed in my world,  so allow me to bring you up to speed.

August 25^th, 2013 I turned 28...and it made me realize that 27 was the most beautiful, exiting, terrifying and amazing year of my life.  

I evolved. I stalled. I backtracked. I froze. I moved on, I changed, I evolved…

And I backtracked.

I cried. Laughed. Loved. Comitted. Ran. Hid. Shared. Reached out. 

Since I'm  being terribly cryptic , my year, in a very quick summary looked a little like this:

My short-lived career as a support worker exploded in my face. It proved to be horribly triggering for my anxiety. Also the company I worked for was just disgustingly immoral, unorganized and unprofessional. So, I quit. I accepted a job in the banking industry, with a very bright company where I felt instantly at-home. I can be myself, I’m appreciated, and I excel. 

27 became a magical number for me, because on April 27^th, at the age of 27^, I got married, after getting engaged on August 27^{th 2012.}  Our wedding was very small, non-traditional, quick, and perfect. 5 other people were present on my parent’s back patio, where we exchanged vows, rings , laughter and tears. We hopped  a quick flight down South to enjoy a warm and sunny honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. Everything was very last-minute, make-shift, casual, and I wouldn't change a thing. No matter how dark things get in my life, my wonderful husband is the one ray of sunshine that can always break through the clouds. He is truly my rock. 

Age 27 also saw :

-Nick and I lost one of our beloved pet birds, Agua. He passed away in my hands in January. We however, gained three new feathered family members (Norman Osbird, Brigitte Birdot, and Flyfree Bogart ) and our home is always full of happy song. 

-I gained 40 pounds and struggled with body image, emotional eating, and all those wonderful things...

- I started anti-anxiety medication for the first time in my life . Just before starting my new banking job in December, I finally reached out to my doctor, and admitted I needed some help. It worked for awhile, life was beautiful,  however, I ended up being terribly allergic to the medication, regressing horribly, and am now starting new medication. 

-I experienced crushing anxiety, loss, panic… and having my doctor putting me on medical  leave from my banking job.

With that last bullet point, you are right up to date- as I am currently typing from my couch, in my pyjamas, on my 4^th week of the above-mentioned medical/ stress leave.  I am a mess, but getting better , but I cannot deny is is  a struggle every day.

   

Sharing and writing  has been immensely therapeutic for me in the past. I’m turning to it again. I’ve decided to share my journey, much as I did last year.

I’m going to break my future posts down into weekly snapshots of my progress, or lack thereof.

So far, I’ve been sharing my journey with a smaller  group of friends online through Instagram and select facebook friends. The feedback has been very warm and encouraging. I’ve learned so much about friends and strangers who share this struggle , and we take solace in each other. I’ve been very honest and raw in sharing my ups and downs, and my self-care strategies.

Now, I’m going to review the last few weeks of photos…. And write.

So, I invite you  to read along.

Life is curiously circular and cyclical.... I’ve been here before, but things always change a slight bit.  Each time it is all the more profound and enlightening ... as well as terrifying. 

It’s good to be here again. I love you.

Xo


ps- 

For those of you not familiar with last year's Cuban entries, where I share my travel diary from my solo-trip, below are a few links to some posts, or you can search the tag "My Big Fat Cuban Vacation "
http://lenoralenoire.blogspot.ca/2012/04/my-big-fat-cuban-vacation-round-2.html

Stephanie

Save the date!!

Hello bunnies!!

I have some FANTASTIC NEWS.

Nick and I are getting married!

We very unromantically decided to 'put a ring on it' while in the car on August 27th, while discussing how ridiculous the wedding industry is.

Nick: " We should just elope while in Vegas in March"
Me: " Sounds like a plan to me!"

Then we proceeded to discuss what kind of rings we'd like, our very non-traditional wedding plans, and the plan for me to take his name.

Neither of us want a big wedding, or any kind of ceremony at all, really.
We've decided to have a small celebration with friends and family on March 22nd before our Vegas vacation on the 27th. No church, no vows, no flowers, no 'colors', nada. Just two crazy kids in love celebrating with those they hold dear, some food, music, and a silly photo booth. We will have a lawyer come in for about 10 minutes to sign the papers to make it all legal and such , then we will be jetting off to VEGAS!

We may have a cheesy Elvis drive-thru wedding while in Vegas, and will certainly be taking advantage of the fact it will also be Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly weekender, to celebrate with our international friends!



This weekend, we took a drive out to my favorite antique shop, Angel Mist Treasures, in Stoney Creek , to do some ring shopping. The owner, Denise, knows me to a tee, and always has exactly what I'm looking for, even without telling her the details. It is a lil uncanny!  I knew I'd find my dream ring at Angel Mist, and I was right.


It was very important to me to find an antique ring, and Denise had the perfect set. A 1952 white gold and diamond engagement ring and matching wedding band. My heart fluttered, Denise had goosebumps, and Nick also approved.


For Nick, we are looking at ancient Viking rings from a museum shop online. It's also important to him to have a ring with character!

 

So there you have it. We are doing something we always said we wouldn't.... but I couldn't be happier!

If any of you will be at VLV in March, be sure to come celebrate with us!!!

xoxo
Lenora

The big 2-7 with the best friends one could ever ask for!

Hello bunnies!

Today is my 27th birthday!

I thought I'd share a few photos from yesterday's festivities while I wait for more to unfold this evening!

Nick had to work, but was sure to leave me little love notes around...

Kaycie and I started the day off with a fancy little brunch with a Victorian Tea Party theme. 

We had pastries, fresh berries, bacon, eggs, and most importantly....mimosas! 

Later that evening, my very best friends in the world, Kaycie, Dylan, Sue, and my wonderful boyfriend Nick, had a little soiree planed for me! They took me out for a lovely dinner, followed by drinks and board games chez Sue & Justine.

I did fingerwaves and pincurls in my hair and pinned it up in a faux 20s style bob. I absolutely love this length on me, and am highly considering chopping my hair off.

 Sue and Justine have a little hobby farm with lots of chickens, ducks and turkeys, all free-range. This lil guy came trotting up to the deck to say hello and posed for some photos.

Off to the Green House restaurant. Unfortunately the service was terrible (2 hours for our food, rude servers, undercooked food...and I have a touch of food poisoning) but we made the most of it!

Back to Sue & Justine's for card games and birthday presents. Dylan gave me this wonderful vintage Jesus statue, which will go perfectly with my creepy religious-iconography wall in my living room. Yep, I collect creepy Jesus things!

Silly crowns for everyone, and Dylan in a dress. We played Cards Against Humanity- my all time favorite! The dirty version of Apples to Apples!

All in all, it was a very magical night, and I am so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life!!!


Today, on my actual birthday, I'm giving thanks to my parents for what they did 27 years go, and for all the hard work that ensued.

Also, many thanks to my friends past, present, and future..even those bad few I've lost along the way- you've all helped me become the person I am today.

Thanks to my haters, who've pushed me to DO more. Thanks to my lovers, who encouraged me to LOVE and LEARN more.

So so SO many thanks to my true love, Nick, for being my rock, my inspiration, my support, my joy.

So yes, happy birthday to me- but the real celebration is not only existing, but enjoying it with all the beautiful people in this world.

XOXOXOX

DIY Shop sign- before and after!

Hello bunnies!

So lately I have been setting up little Le Noire Vintage pop up shops at events (burlesque shows , rockabilly shows, etc) and I've been very much in need of a SIGN.

I especially needed a sign since next month, I will be vending at the 1st Maritime Rockabilly Shakedown Festival!

I'm really excited to be the only vintage clothing seller, as well as the only antiques vendor!

So, what to do about a sign?! I had a VERY tight budget, so I was worried it would be a challenge.  Luckily, I acquired  a 1920s school house chalkboard that was in need of some TLC -- FOR FREE!

With a lil elbow grease, a few layers of chalk board paint, some wood glue in the joints and hinges, new nails, teacup print ribbon, old keys, old photos....

and VOILA!

Total cost: $25! 

 I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. The perfect mix of antique, kitsch, and DIY !

Also, holy crap I LOVE liquid chalk markers!! No dust! 

That's all for today folks! 

XOXO

Lenora

Must be the season of the.....mint

Hello my bunnies!

Is everyone enjoying this beautiful summer we are experiencing? My garden is absolutely loving all the sunshine, particularly, as previously mentioned- my mint plants.

What is  one to do when your mint is beyond plentiful?

Stuff it in everything you possibly can!

I finally revived my long-neglected cooking blog to share a recipe for gluten-free chocolate mint muffins.

They are TO DIE FOR.

Click on over to FAT GLAM KITCHEN to see the recipe

Of course, the real reason I sat down to write today, was to share today's project:

Home grown mint TEA!

After grinding up my test batch of 3 types of dried mint,  I used a metal tea steeper plus about a spoonful of dried mint- and voila! Delicious, flavorful, soothing tea! Much better and tastier then store bought!

It was time to cute a generous amount of all 5 varieties of my mint (Mojito, spearmint, chocolate mint, berries and cream, and english mint) to be strung up and dried, to make a powerhouse 5-mint tea blend!

I am very pleased with how many uses I've found for all the beauties growing in my garden lately.
Our mint was grown for the sole purpose of enjoying a refreshing mojito every now and then, and has evolved into playing a major role in our kitchen. Spinach gets tucked into almost every dish- from smoothies, to omelettes, to stir fry.  Green beans are snacked upon, free off the vine, or tossed into salads, stews, or steamed for a delicious side.

What is your favorite thing growing in your garden this year?

xox
Lenora

A little bit more garden...this time, in the sunlight.

Hello bunnies,

After last night's post , I thought I'd share a bit more. This time, some progress in the sunshine.

Everything is coming in fantastically!
Today I planted lots of radish seed for sprouts. I absolutely love their tangy taste in salads!!
I also planted lots of cilantro and sage for a later harvest. Kale sprouts are coming in well for an early fall harvest.

All in all, I'm very happy with my 1st attempt at urban gardening. Lots of trial and error, many restarts and frizzled, dead leaves... but so much learning! It is immensely satisfying, and will surely be done again next year!

xox
Lenora

A warm summer night at home, sweet home.

Hello bunnies!

A couple of you on Tumblr/Twitter were asking for garden updates, so I thought I would oblige!

I only felt inspired to take some photos after sun-set this evening, which took this little 'photoshoot' in a more home-decor direction rather than urban garden-centric.

Fresh mint is drying in the window tonight, hanging from binder clip, and coriander seeds are drying in a metal tea steeper. In our house hold, every day items have multiple uses, especially office supplies! 

Mint is not the only thing that is extremely plentiful in our garden at the moment. Our green beans,
sweet snap peas, kale, oregano, hot peppers, purple peppers and climbing spinach are also abundant.

Particularly the spinach. 

I am very surprised, we started this spinach from seeds back in late May, and in the last three weeks, it has exploded into a maze of twisting vines and thick leaves. We eat spinach almost every day in some way- it is wonderful!  Climbing spinach is a bit thicker compared to regular spinach, and has a heartier, earthier flavor. Fantastic in stir fry or chopped in salads, quiches and feta & spinach pies. 

 Not much else to report, really. We are looking forward to harvesting some more green beans and strawberries in coming days. Tonight we feasted on a quinoa salad with fresh sweet snap peas and other local fresh veggies from the gardens of other friends.

How are your gardens growing?

I'll leave you with one of my favorite things in my kitchen...just because!!

xoxo
Lenora