Do you think you could go a day without shoes?

I know personally I have a love hate relationship with them. I love how cute they are and how they can really polish off an outfit, yet if given the choice to wear shoes or not, I more than likely would choose not to wear shoes because I love the feeling of the ground beneath my bare feet.

However in some parts of the world they don't get the luxury of a choice whether they want to wear shoes or not.
"10 year old Maria from Guatemala lives in the mountains and works in muddy terrain making farming difficult, both physically and economically. Maria has never owned a pair of new shoes. This leaves her exposed to infection, intestinal worms, and cold weather illness."
Join me along with thousands of other people all over the world on Tuesday April 5th, 2011 and help raise awareness and money for those that can't afford to have one pair of shoes let alone 6 that match with every outfit they own.


If you are interested in donating to the cause check out the website www.onedaywithoutshoes.com for more information, and please blog about this to spread the word ♥

I also highly suggest buying a pair of TOMS shoes. They are SO amazing and you can feel good about wearing them because for every pair you buy, one pair of shoes is given to a child in need. They are a bit on the pricey side but well worth it because they are super comfy, and they come in such cute materials and patterns too. They even have vegan friendly shoes!

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These are the pair I already own in black. My little sis got them for me for Christmas this year!


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Nice colour and they are in corduroy.

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Super cute wedges perfect for the summer.

Just make sure you don't wear your super awesome TOMS shoes on April 5th!

HAPPY BARE-FEET DAY EVERYONE!!

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Could You Go One Day Without Shoes?

by on Monday, March 28, 2011
Do you think you could go a day without shoes? I know personally I have a love hate relationship with them. I love how cute they are and ho...
I realize it's been a while since I've updated, but final essays and exams are slowly consuming my life. I have some fun things to share though, so hopefully this makes up for it.

Yesterday my boyfriend Greg and I drove down to Toronto to see the Tim Burton exhibit they have on display for one of our 'date days' as we call them. Seeing as we both go to different universities in different towns it can sometimes be hard to see each other so we plan these date days so that we can spend the entire day embarking on mini adventures.

Also, this adventure gave me an excuse to try out my new Polaroid app for my phone and I must say, I like the results.

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Moving on...the exhibit was AMAZING! It had a little bit of everything Tim has done. It had costumes from his movies like Catwoman's catsuit or Edward Scissorhands leather outfit. It also had many of the characters he used in his stop motion animations (Vincent, Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse Bride) and it had lots of his drawings and concept sketches. One of the coolest things I think they had was homework and drawings from when he was in highschool! It's amazing to see just how much he's created since then.

If you are a Tim Burton fan and live in Toronto, then I HIGHLY suggest you see the show before it closes on April 17th, you won't regret it!

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After the show, Greg and I went for lunch at The Pickle Barrel (yum!) and then did some shopping at Forever XXI and H&M. I got 4 new dresses, a skirt, a belt and some navy tights, so overall I think I did pretty good! I'm slowly trying to rework my wardrobe so this was a big start.

Then when we were heading back to the car we walked though an event being held to raise money and awareness about Epilepsy. They had buskers performing, girls walking around selling gorgeous purple cupcakes and a band playing. It was such a random thing to come across but it was so much fun! I was even wearing purple that day so I fit in with everyone else there.

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All in all, it was a fantastic day, and I can't wait for the next date day I get to go on with Greg!

Tim Burton Exhibit

by on Saturday, March 26, 2011
I realize it's been a while since I've updated, but final essays and exams are slowly consuming my life. I have some fun things to s...
Happy first day of spring everyone!

Spring honestly makes me so happy because everything gets off to a fresh start! I get to hear the sound of birds chirping in the morning, I start to do my spring cleaning, and school is wrapping up which means... dum dum dum duummmm.... REAL LIFE is going to begin for me! Aaah!

That's right, finally after 5 years of University I'll be graduating and becoming a real adult who won't be able to use school as an excuse to not grow up. It's bad I know, but if Neverland were real, I'd be on the next pixie flight there.

Instead I decided to look into teaching English in South Korea... It's still a far away land I've never been to, but I'm guessing I'll definitely grow up there.

So to get the ball rolling, and to finally re-vamp my wardrobe which still has me wearing the latest clothing from my high school days I created a compilation of fashion finds I am currently in LOVE with.


If you couldn't tell by my blog layout or these items, my newest color obsessions are cream, pastel pinks and pastel turquoises, or as I call them, my 'Marie Antoinette' colours. Of course if you know me, you'll also know that black is a huge staple colour in my wardrobe, and while I've been trying for years to slowly get away from always wearing black, I still can't help but love certain pieces here and there.

What is your current inspiration for spring when it comes to fashion? I'd love to see!

Spring Style

by on Sunday, March 20, 2011
Happy first day of spring everyone! Spring honestly makes me so happy because everything gets off to a fresh start! I get to hear the sound ...
Normally I don't listen to Selena Gomez, but I think this song has a great message. My favourite line is "I’m no beauty queen, I’m just beautiful me"

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I hope you have a day as wonderful as you are. ^_^

I am SO excited!!! I got my partner for the craft swap happening over at Artichoke Designs today!

I can't wait to start crafting!

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(image: Raining Rita)

Now all I have to do is make a few trips to Michaels and Fabricland and see what inspires me. I already have a few ideas floating around in my head!

...SO EXCITED!

Craft Swap!

by on Wednesday, March 16, 2011
I am SO excited!!! I got my partner for the craft swap happening over at Artichoke Designs today! I can't wait to start crafting! (ima...
So today I was feeling especially inspired and decided to create an event at my university where the college I belong to* will create tons of inspirational post-it notes, posters and messages drawn with chalk all over the campus bridge that separates the east side from the west side.

I am SO excited for this because I have been a long time participant in Operation beautiful and to see a group of people to take over an entire campus with messages of positive encouragement just makes me so warm and fuzzy on the inside.

And the thing I love about this event is it doesn't matter if 2 or 20 people come help out because even leaving one message for someone to see counts as a success for me.

So on April 2nd, 2011, be ready Trent University, because you are going to come to school on Monday and be super surprised at all the love and kindness we have to offer! ♥


* A college is what my university calls it's residences because it houses residence, offices, and university departments all in the same building instead of having them separate. So my school has 5 of these, mine being Lady Eaton College named after Flora Eaton of the Eaton department store and shopping center fame.

Anyways, just thought I would share this because maybe now you will be inspired to go out and participate in Operation Beautiful yourself. You don't have to post notes all over a campus, but even leaving one at a local coffee shop or on the train can really brighten someone's day.





I honestly don't know how I haven't found these before, but I am in love!

Coloured versions of fashion plates from the 18th century. ♥ I found them in Lisa Kettell's flickr account, so go check them out! I'll post a few of my favourites just so you can see how beautiful they are!

*sigh* I wish we could still wear beautiful dresses like this even though they would be highly impractical in today's world. Oh well, a girl can dream!






Vintage Fashion Plates

by on Sunday, March 13, 2011
I honestly don't know how I haven't found these before, but I am in love! Coloured versions of fashion plates from the 18th century....
After a long week at work or school, I know life can sometimes be stressful and tiring.

Therefore I think the best way to forget about all the negativity of the week is to hear about something that is truly inspirational and makes you appreciate all that you have.

Perspective is something that gets lost in the everyday hustle and bustle of life and if we were to take just one day out of every week to appreciate how amazing our lives are then it would give us that new hope to make the following week a good one.


So for my first Feel Good Friday I bring you the story of Rick and Dick Hoyt.


You might already recognize these two from the Maxwell House commercial but that commercial only shows you a glimpse at how amazing these two men are. Honestly, this video made me bawl my eyes out the entire time because it was so moving.


Rick was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth when his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck causing a lack of oxygen flow. Many doctors has told the Hoyt's to institutionalize their son saying he would be nothing more than a 'vegetable'. However the Hoyt's refused to accept that and treated their son like they would any other child.


"In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."

This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions)." - teamhoyt.com

If you would like to know more about Team Hoyt, I highly suggest you check out their website. They have everything from how it all started to a list of events they will be attending. Take a look if you have time. You won't regret the warm and fuzzy feeling you will get afterwards.

And now I leave you with a post from one of my favourite sites, GivesMeHope.


"My best guy friend asked me to prom. The day after I was told that I needed a kidney transplant.

I came downstairs when the doorbell rang on prom night, and I was greeted by my parents, sister and date all in tears.

"Instead of a corsage, I brought you a kidney," he said.

Mike, you and your amazingness GMH.

I also want to say that I hope all my Japanese friends and their loved ones are safe after the earthquake and tsunamis. Do what you can to help these people out whether it's through positive thoughts or any donations you can manage. ♥ My thoughts are with you all.



I often find that when I'm bored I search the internet for pictures of bento boxes. There is something so whimsical and fun that I can't help myself. One day when I have children I will make them adorable little bentos such as these and they will be the envy of all their friends.

Until then I'll just smile at how delightful it would be to see this when you open up your lunch box. Yum!


I love Hello Kitty, but I think I love the bees more.


What a cute sign. That must have taken forever to cut.

Rolly polly Pandas! Super cute!

These two pictures of the pigs make me SO happy when I look at them!

The squinting one is so cute! I love their little noses!


And for my nerdy side: Wall-e and Eve! Made by the wonderful Anna The Red. Her bentos are so awesome!

Hopefully these little bentos put a smile on your face like they did mine ♥



Bento Box Love

by on Thursday, March 10, 2011
I often find that when I'm bored I search the internet for pictures of bento boxes. There is something so whimsical and fun that I can&#...
This blog is off to a great start!

...Or at least it would be if I had posted something on Tuesday and Wednesday.

To be fair though, I've been busy the past two days trying to get my blog to look pretty. I know it's
very busy looking, but I am the kind of person who thrives off organized chaos, so for now this is how it's going to stay.

The only thing I can't figure out is how to I get the middle section that's white to not be white?



Layout

by on Thursday, March 10, 2011
This blog is off to a great start! ...Or at least it would be if I had posted something on Tuesday and Wednesday. To be fair though, I'v...
Hello and welcome to Wanderlust & Whimsy! My little corner of the internet where I like to share adventures, inspiration and pretty things!

I thought as a fun way to introduce myself I would put together a collage I like to call 'The ABC's of Me', that way you can kind of get a feel for my interests in a fun and colorful way (because as you will soon find out, I love colorful things!) So without further adieu, here it is:

blog wanderlust whimsy megan about me
A ♥  Alice in Wonderland. this has always been one of my favourite childhood books. I currently own 5 different copies of it because I like to collect different published versions. My oldest copy is over 100 years old which I think is pretty neat!

B ♥  Baking. I LOVE baking! Cupcakes and cakes are my favourite to bake and decorate, and I find it such a fun way to relieve stress or sadness. I tend to only bake for others though because I have no use for 2 dozen cupcakes sitting around my house. ^_^

C ♥  Cosplay. I love making costumes and getting dressed up for conventions. I also love being inspired by other cosplayers. In this picture is of the always stunning Yaya Han.

D ♥  Drawing. I like to draw when I'm bored or procrastinating, and though I don't draw often, I'm always trying to improve.

E ♥  Entertaining. I love throwing parties, especially if they have fun themes to them! I also love entertaining because it's a great way to enjoy good food and good friends! Two of my all time favourite things in life!

F ♥  Fashion. High fashion, runway, editorial, street, everyday. You name it, I love it. As a kid I wanted to be a fashion designer (but that was only if being an Egyptian archeologist didn't pan out... I was a dreamer.)

G ♥  Glitter. I love anything that sparkles and shines. Or to quote London Tipton "It... has ...SPARKLES!!!" - a catch phrase I often use in everyday life.

H ♥  Harry Potter. I have grown up with the wizarding world of Harry Potter since I was 11 and it has always had a big place in my heart. It was one of the first series of books I really enjoyed, and still do to this day.

I ♥  Imagining. I love to imagine and I believe you can accomplish whatever it is you want in life if only you can imagine it.

J ♥  Jack Skellington. Ok so I cheated for this one because it encompass two of my favourite things that don't start with J. The first is Tim Burton. I find him inspiring and his creativity never ceases to amaze me. Secondly this represents my love for Halloween. Halloween is my all time favourite holiday. More than Christmas, Thanksgiving and Valentines day.

K ♥  Kitschy things. Especially dresses with crazy prints such as this, this or this! I think these prints display the fun and quirky personality I have and I'm not afraid to show it!

L ♥  Learning. If being a student was a full time, paying job then I would totally do that as a profession. There are so many interesting subjects that I want to learn about and they don't have to be school related either. It could be a new recipe, a new way to do my hair or a fun DIY. There's just so much information out there and I want to learn more!

M ♥  Makeup. While on an everyday basis, I don't normally wear makeup, I still find it to be such a beautiful thing. I especially like over the top makeup that is more artistic than realistic. Pictured above is Lime Crime. Her makeup is gorgeous and comes in such fun colours.

N ♥  Nail Polish. I like nail polish because it's an easy and fun way to bring colour and pattern into whatever you are wearing.

O ♥  Old English. Fun fact, I can read Old English. It's older than Shakespeare and Chaucer in case you were wondering just how old it is. It was honestly one of my all time favourite subjects to take during university.

P ♥  Photography. I love taking pictures whether they are my attempts at good photography or everyday snapshots. Documenting my life through images is something I've always done, and I find photography to be a great medium to express ideas, events and everyday life.

Q ♥  QWERTY. I spend a lot of time on my computer whether it's on Photoshop, the internet or writing essays for class. I don't know what I would do without it, and I'm not afraid to admit that.

R ♥  Rococo. Anything that has to do with the rococo period, Marie Antoinette, Versailles, damask, chandeliers, etc I am in love with.

S ♥  Sewing. I love being able to make clothing, costumes and accessories for myself, it's gives a lot of freedom to your wardrobe!

T ♥  Travel. I took this picture during the month I spent living in Shanghai, China and since then I've spent a year living in Florida, working as part of Disney World's Cultural Representative Program. Personally I think you can learn so much from travel that you never would in any classroom and so it is my goal in life to travel to as many places in the world as I can.

U ♥  Unicorns. More importantly The Last Unicorn. This movie has been one of my all time favourites since I was 4 years old. When I was little my mom would let me pick a movie to rent every week from the store and every time I would pick this movie. The story is so sad but beautiful and I love the animation.

V ♥  Vintage. Vintage clothes, furniture, accessories, decor, houses, cars etc. I find it all to have a certain charm that most things produced today just don't possess.

W ♥  Wanderlust & Whimsy. No I'm not talking about my blog, I'm talking about these two words in general. They are both words that I use to describe my life. Wanderlust describes my need to constantly travel and try new things and whimsy describes the beauty and magic I like to look for in everyday life.

X ♥  X-men. I am a huge X-men nerd! My two favourite X-men as you can probably guess are Rogue and Gambit, followed closely by a fellow Canadian, Wolverine. Don't ever mention Cyclops to me though, because I can't stand him.

Y ♥  Yes. Yes is the one word that I have a love/ hate relationship. I love it because I like to help people, I like being positive and I like when things work out well in the end, but at the same time I have a bad habit of wanting to help everyone and stretching myself too thin because I say yes to helping everyone I can.

Z ♥  Zebra print. Ok this was a cop-out. But I do appreciate a good zebra print. I also really enjoy damask, floral, stripes, polka dots and super kitschy prints too.

Well, hopefully this has helped you get to know me a bit better! And here's hoping I can get to know you a bit better in turn!

Take care lovelies!
♥ Megan

The ABC's of Me

by on Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Hello and welcome to Wanderlust & Whimsy! My little corner of the internet where I like to share adventures, inspiration and pretty thin...