THE END OF ONE CHAPTER...

And just as this blog began with nothing but hope and happiness, it ends with the same.

Coming back from England has not been an easy step to take and I have had to reshape my life in many ways, but I am still confident that it is the right decision for me. The adventurous spirit and continuous smile have not left, but they are now present for a different idea, a new chapter in my book.

This blog holds so many stories of a beautiful part of my life, a time when I needed something to hold onto and a dream to chase. As I read back, I will always be thankful for the moments that tested me, the moments that made me feel as though I was accomplishing the impossible and for the moments that brought me closer to those I love. 

I may be home, but my adventure is definitely not over. In fact, a whole new dream is just beginning. Having a year all to myself has helped me to discover who I am on my own, what I want for my future and who I want to become. So, although I am not miles away from home or completely on my own I am growing and changing, evolving into what I have always wished. I have eighteen months until my hopeful graduation date and I am going to take these months and enjoy them. I am going to laugh, to shop, to try new things and spend as much time as I can loving life.

So yes, My English Style Life is no longer relevant to who I am, but that does not mean my blogging days are over. Just like my life, I am simply taking a new path. My hope is that this new blog will hold just as many wonderful moments and will take me to places I cannot even dream of. I am thankful for what this blog has been for me and I look forward to the excitement and adventure in the new one! 

Goodbye My English Style Life...Hello Kate Lately!

www.katelatelywrites.blogspot.ca

OXFORD: WELCOME TO ENGLAND

I may not be living in Oxford, England, but that does not mean I did not have an amazing vacation for the two weeks I was there. We left the Maritimes on Wednesday afternoon, stopping over in Toronto before flying through the night towards London.

By the time we arrived it was 8:30am London time, which meant we felt as though it were only 4:30am! Needless to say, we needed coffee! We quickly located a cafe in the airport and enjoyed pastries and caffeine before heading out into the (rare) sunshine.

We then had to find the bus station and travel for over an hour in order to get to Oxford. We then had to get a cab and once we climbed into the car, we thought we were headed towards our vacation home. What we did not know is that there are many streets in Oxford with the same name, so you distinguish them by road, avenue, etc. So when we said Henley St, we failed to realize we meant Henley Rd. We were dropped off on a street of row homes, in front of a real fixer upper that we thought we had to spend the next week in. Thankfully, after a gas guy called another taxi we headed just outside the city and found Henley Rd, a beautiful and quaint place. Thankfully, our real vacation home was beautiful.

Unfortunately, we did not get any photos of our home, but this is the view from my window that shows Henley Rd and just how adorable it is. For the rest of the day we rested and tried to figure out the bus stops. Of course, we had not gotten any groceries, but the owner of the home had suggested we walk to this place called The Kings Arm. That night we had fish and chips, I tried (and loved) mushy peas, and we found our favorite Oxford restaurant. 

I already felt as though I wanted to go home, but looking back it was a great way to start our two week English adventure.

xo: kate

ANOTHER FORK IN THE ROAD

It has been a long time since I've updated on this blog and I'm sure many of you have noticed my absence. On September 5th I officially made it to Oxford, England and that's when everything changed.

As soon as we arrived I no longer felt excited, no longer felt hopeful or that sense of adventure that had so long been building inside of me. For a while, I tried to ignore it, but it did not take long to surface. I explored my emotions for a few days, wondering why I was feeling so down and chalked it up to nerves, but as the days went on I knew that wasn't the case. There were many days spent trying to fall in love with the city and many nights spent crying over the disappointment of Oxford not being what I thought it would be, but in the end I knew a decision had to be made. Unfortunately, it was another decision I had to make completely on my own.

I wavered back and forth, some days thinking I would return home and others thinking I would stick it out for at least a semester. Thankfully, a very wonderful friend suggested I go check out my school campus and my dorm room in hopes that it would help me come to a conclusion. Well, it did. After walking well outside the city center and coming to a not so wonderful looking campus, I was slowly wanting to return to St. Thomas. It wasn't until a taxi driver took us to my dorm that I was truly scared. In a locked gate, across from a stone wall, covered in barbed wire, was my residence. Located in a horrible neighborhood, I was standing in front of a building that was costing me more than I could ever afford.

That night, I decided to come home.

Over the past week I have had people tell me their opinions, some supportive and others quite the opposite, but regardless I know that this is my decision. I made the decision to move here and once again I am deciding to come home. I know that now, spending so much money and not loving this city, I would be miserable. Many have asked whether I want to try a semester, but if I hate it I have spent so much money and gotten no farther in school. There are so many options and in my mind all I want is to be happy.

Then comes the idea of regret. I may get home and wish I was in England, but I know in my heart that now is not the right time. This decision, by no means, has closed the door to me living over here, I have simply walked away for the time being. 

Returning home is quite scary for me. I realize there will be people ready to give hugs, comforting words and the support I need to move on. Others will believe I have done this for all the wrong reasons and hold anger or disappointment in their hearts. While I cannot control what other people say or think, what I can control is how I feel and today it is content. I feel at ease about my decision and if I begin to regret leaving England, I know it is only a few years until I can return. That is the wonderful thing about time, it keeps going on. 

So this is the road I have chosen. I believe the last eighteen months have been a learning experience with lessons that I will take with me as I move on in the future. I am a happier, more confident girl who is ready to take on more adventure and let life take me where it may. At the end of the day, I have to be able to look at myself and be happy with who I see. I have no one else to please, but me.

As far as the future goes? I will be returning home to continue my degree at St. Thomas. Between my Creative Writing major there, taking Marketing classes at UNB and Social Media courses online through UBC, I will graduate (hopefully!) in July 2015. From there, the world is mine! I would love to obtain an internship in either England, New York or California and let life take its course. This dream of England has been put on hold, but I can assure you all it is far from over.

xo: kate

GET READY, GET SET...GO?

(disneyskickinit.wikia.com)

There are no more days left...just hours. Hours until I zip up my (currently not packed) suitcases, hours until I leave the only home I've ever known and hours until I embark on the newest chapter of my life. It took fifteen years of dreaming and eighteen months of preparation, but it's here. I'm moving to England.

If you ask me how I'm feeling you will get a few different answers. Of course, I'm thrilled. This is the biggest dream I've ever had and it is going to be the most wonderful few years of my life. At the same time, I have had a horrible time saying goodbye to my friends and family. They are everything to me and I am choosing to do this all on my own. My final feeling is nerves. I am so nervous to be taking such a huge leap into an unknown world, but I know God has gone ahead of me and has it all planned out. That has proved true every step of the way. Still, one can't help but be nervous about all of the responsibilities and decisions I will now be making. It is a leap of faith, but one I am making with a huge smile on my face.

Tonight my house already feels different as my sister and the boy have already moved to their new home. So, I am missing the noise of a little one and the comfort of my best friend sitting across from me. Still, I will miss the sounds of my mom working in the kitchen and the conversations our family has during dinner. It was always those small moments that meant the most to me. This house has been my safe place, my healing place and the place where I was allowed to grow, discover and learn exactly who I am. I know that it will remain just that, forever: a place where I can return when I need healing or rest. No matter where I live, this will be home.

I hope that this chapter is one of adventure, of discovery and of happiness. I want to be challenged, to take chances and to live out every possible dream I have. I was given such a blessed life and there is no way I am going to waste a second of it.

Everything is done and in place, the prayers are being said, the hugs have been given...

the only thing left to do is fly.

xo: kate

MY GIRLS

There are only 8 days left! 

It's hard to believe we are finally into the single digit countdown, but being this close has made me quite nostalgic about this past year and about my life in general.

That said, I thought today I would blog about four very important people in my life: my best friends. I know, I know, you are not usually supposed to have more than one best friend, but there is no way I could ever choose between them. Some have been my friend for years and others for a very short time, but all have been nothing but supportive and happy for me during every stage in my life and I just wanted to thank them for it all.

So, here they are.

Meet my BEST FRIENDS.

BRIDGET

NICKNAMES

Bridge, Bee, Beaver

WHERE YOU MET

I believe it was Grade 7, although we did not become really close until Grade 8.

I don't remember how we met.

FAVORITE MEMORY

There are way too many to choose from. We've been through a lot together. Just to name a few: St. John, Quebec, High School Musical, Graduation and the list could continue forever.

WHY YOU LOVE HER

She understands me like no other friend ever has. It's probably because we've grown up in very similar families, but she just always understands exactly how I feel or what I'm thinking.

AN INSIDE JOKE

FLUMP. Enough said.

THANK YOU

For standing by me for years, for continuously making me laugh, for making me feel important and for returning to my life without any questions. 

(You can find Bridge at www.girlplusmaritimes.blogspot.ca)

JORDAN

NICKNAMES

Jord, JJ

WHERE YOU MET

Well, this is a long story! Our families have known one another for years, but it wasn't until Jordan got married that I realized I wanted to be friends with her. So, I emailed her and we became friends within a few months. We like to say I stalked her...

FAVORITE MEMORY

Once again, that's hard. Probably all the snack nights at her house, laughing until I cried or the trip we took to Toronto. That's where I realized we really are best friends.

WHY YOU LOVE HER

She has a faith that is incredibly inspiring. Her happiness is addicting and her belief in my future has encouraged my own belief in it. She has such a positive spirit and you cannot help but smile around her.

AN INSIDE JOKE

Anything that was said in Toronto!

THANK YOU

For answering that strange email and for giving me advice. You inspire me, have given me such hope for the future and have given me a model of what a real marriage should be.

MARIAH

NICKNAMES

Mrs. BarronBark

WHERE YOU MET

She was hired just after me when I started my second job last fall. My first opinion of her was quickly changed.

FAVORITE MEMORY

Definitely her wedding! It was an honor to be there and celebrate with her...plus the dancing was awesome!

WHY YOU LOVE HER

She just loves life. I love to have in depth conversations with her and being open to different views of the world. She has such a loving heart and would do anything for everyone, yet she is also a fashionista and of course I can relate to that! Plus, she comes with Donald and he's just a bonus!

AN INSIDE JOKE

"Can I get something started?"

THANK YOU

For being my friend! It has been such a short time, yet you have been so supportive and loving through it all. You included me in your special day and made our shifts together so memorable.

JEZZIE

NICKNAMES

Jezzabella Beatrice, Jezzabelle

WHERE YOU MET

I met her at work too! I can't remember when we first started talking, but I feel as though I've known her for years.

FAVORITE MEMORY

There are a lot! All the dinners we have eaten together, the car rides we have taken, the movies we've watched. They are all my favorite.

WHY YOU LOVE HER

She is such a gentle person, the complete opposite of me. Her heart is so big and she is such an intelligent person. She has an amazing sense of humor and reminds me so much of my sister. (Which is probably why we get along so well!) Her presence alone makes me feel comforted and happy.

AN INSIDE JOKE

All the secret names for the attractive men at work!

THANK YOU

For being a constant in my life. You are there whenever I need you. You have shared so much of yourself with me in such a short time and made me feel important and loved.

Bridget, Jordan, Mariah and Jezzie. Those four names mean so much to me. They are such incredible women with such bright futures and I am blessed to be a part of them. No matter where I am or which people become my new friends, these four girls will have a special place in my heart. They have gone above and beyond for me and I don't know if I will ever be able to repay them. All I can do is say: 

Thank you for being my friend, I love you.

xo: kate

MY BRITISH WISH LIST

Playsuit, BOOHOO // Earrings, TOPSHOP // Boots, TOPSHOP

Nail Polish, ESSIE // Eye Shadow, MAC // Beanie, TOPSHOP

Just a few BRITISH things I would love to add to my ever growing closet...

xo: kate

OOTD: MAXI GIRL

There is less than two weeks until I leave for England and while I am beyond excited, I realize that I will be leaving the constant sun and hot weather behind. That means that I will also be leaving a lot of my summer wardrobe in my closet here. So, I have twelve days left to wear as many sundresses and shorts as I possibly can. Today was a day full of errands and walking downtown, so I wanted something fairly simple. This maxi dress is probably my favorite because of it's simple design and extreme comfort level.

Maxi Dress, GAP // Sunglasses, OLD NAVY // Watch, AMERICAN EAGLE

Sandals, Borrowed // Bag, FRENCHYS // Lipstick, MAYBELLINE

This is the first summer my house has had an air conditioner and on days like this, it is a definite blessing! Although, I am sure I will miss the heat once it's gone. This outfit was perfect for a sweltering day and I look forward to donning this beautiful maxi once again next summer!

xo: kate

AUTUMN 2013 TREND ALERT: GREY

Nailpolish, TOPSHOP // Dress, TOPSHOP // Booties, ASOS // Brogues, ASOS // 
Sweater, RIVER ISLAND // Scarf, ZALANDO

Autumn is right around the corner! According to Harper Bazaar magazine, one of the biggest trends this fall/winter season will be GREY. So, I have decided to go on a little hunt for some of the United Kingdoms most fashion forward (and pocket friendly!) grey items. Whether it's nail polish from Topshop or brogues from ASOS, there is a place for a pop of grey in every wardrobe. I cannot wait to be sporting it this autumn season! How will you incorporate the trend?

xo: kate

ITS NOT GOODBYE.

My family has always told me that we will never truly say goodbye. So on Saturday August 10 2013 as I hung up the final decorations, I was reminded that this party was not to say goodbye, but to celebrate my accomplishment and my upcoming adventure.

I had spent months planning this party. I am somewhat of a perfectionist and control freak, so although this party was in honor of me, I still had to plan every last detail. It was a beautiful day.

I knew that I wanted to use the colors of the Union Jack, but after doing some research I found another blogger who had done a blue and red party. Her post inspired me and I knew that I had found the perfect theme for my day. This amazing (and quite addictive) blog is Mirabelle Creations. (www.mirabellecreations.blogspot.ca)

 

From her blog I got the color scheme, the idea for duck tape flowers and even cute little cupcake toppers. Her cupcake toppers were not quite what I wanted, so I decided to take her idea and run with it. Seeing as I am moving to a continent where many languages are spoken, I took nine different languages and put them on the cupcake toppers. Everyone had a blast trying to pronounce all the words!

She also made the beautiful note cards that were passed around and written on. It shows Canada and England with hearts in the place I come from and the place I am going. It added a special touch and I look forward to receiving one each week while I am away!

It was the best party I could have asked for. There were a few people missing that would have made the day perfect, but even though my sister and best friend are living across the country right now I know they were thinking of me that day. There were also two wonderful women who put a lot of work into this day: my mother made all of the cupcakes and scones, which took her many hours and tasted amazing, and my neighbor (and second mother) Nancy, who made my favorite cookies and decorated them in my colors. I felt so loved to have these two women put that much effort in to make my day special.

I just want to thank anyone who came to help me celebrate that day. It was amazing to see how many people I have in my life who have supported me, prayed for me and loved me throughout my life. I look forward to sharing this next chapter and all the rest with you.

xo: kate

SUMMER BUCKET LIST #3: FUNDY!

Most people have one place that will always remind them of their childhood, of the summers they spent growing and learning. For me, this place is Fundy.

Growing up, my family and I would travel to the small town of Alma, New Brunswick and camp out at Fundy. Our days were spent hiking trails, swimming in Bennett Lake, walking on the ocean floor at low tide and eating as much seafood and as many sticky buns as we could possibly handle.

So naturally, Fundy ended up on my Summer Bucket List.

We started out on Sunday morning and, after a small detour through a very beautiful, mountainous area (in other words, my dad got lost), we arrived just after lunch. Our first stop? Hiking trails! After finishing the first trail, we still had lots of time and decided to head towards our favorite trail, Dickson Falls. I have so many memories in that trail and the calm and quiet of the water and woods was just what I needed.

Once our hikes were finished and we were satisfied with where we had been, we headed down into Alma for the rest of the day. We drove straight to the bakery and picked up squares, brownies, brown bread and...sticky buns! This place is famous for them and, thankfully, we got there before closing!

With our pastries packed safely in the car, we parked at the beach and headed towards the ocean floor. Low tide was in late afternoon, so we took off our shoes and began to walk.

My dad is not a huge fan of walking in the sand, so while he headed back towards the boardwalk, Mom and I were determined to chase the ocean.

Although the wind was slightly INSANE we braved it and after walking over rocks, barnacles, through mud and water, we made it to the ocean! Mind you, the conversation I had with my mother in this beautiful surrounding was worth the gross feeling underneath my feet. Plus, we decided that this would be what us Maritimers call a pedicure!

Our feet in the ocean! We did it!

By the time we made it to the freezing cold Bay of Fundy, I was starving. So, we turned around and that is when we realized just how far we had walked. The view was incredible!

No matter where we looked, there was sand, sky and little bits of water. It reminded me just how vast our country is...and this is only a very small part of it! After taking in the absolute beauty of this corner of the country, we walked back and towards dinner!

It is tradition that when in Fundy, we eat on the deck at a small seafood restaurant overlooking the beach. They have a beautiful view and the most delicious seafood.

With scallops, clams and fish within our reach, we dug in. It had been a long day and we were all famished! Of course, I enjoyed every bite, knowing that it would be quite a while before Maritime seafood would be on my plate again! The smell of the salty ocean, combined with the taste of clams made for a perfect ending to a perfect day.

It was wonderful to just relax and explore for the day, especially in Fundy. It is the only place that makes you feel like a small child, even when you're twenty years old! I am so glad it was on my list!

xo: Kate

AND THE LIST GOES ON...

...well I'm certainly making a quick dent in my Summer Bucket List. 

Adventure #2: Afternoon at the Cottage

 Close family friends of ours have a quaint cottage on a small lake about an hour outside of the city. We spend many afternoons every summer at this place, but until last weekend I had not been yet this summer. As soon as we arrived, I felt happy, calm and completely relaxed. This place holds many wonderful memories for my family and I.

After his nap, my little sidekick and his parents joined us out at the lake. Just as I grew up here, Hunter has done the same. Every summer we have brought him here and he now walks around as if he owns the place. We hung out on the deck for a while, eating kale chips, drinking coolers and just chatting before Hunter convinced my dad to take him down to the water.

He has Grandpa wrapped around his little finger!

It was really nice to just spend an afternoon with my family. We are usually so busy, coming and going, that we don't get the chance to just relax with one another. Another plus? It was blistering hot and humid in the city, but beautifully sunny and breezy at the cottage. One of the many perks of escaping to the lake.

While relaxing, chatting and eating a delicious barbecue was definitely a great way to spend my day, it was the small walk I took with my big sister and Hunter that I loved most.

It gave my sister and I some time to just talk and reflect on how we were both feeling. Neither of us are looking forward to leaving home, but we know that it is time for us to create our own lives. I may fight with her often, but I will miss her constant presence in my life. This walk was just what I needed to reassure myself that I can still be her little sister, even from miles and miles away.

Plus, who can resist a little boy running down the lane towards you?

All in all, it was a great day.

I will remember it until next summer, when I return to the beloved cottage once again.

xo:kate

SUMMER BUCKET LIST #1

47 DAYS LEFT

No...I'm not panicking at all. Okay, maybe a bit.

Up until now it seemed so far away, but now there is less than seven weeks until I board that plane. When I woke up this morning, I decided to get myself back on track and ready to start my new chapter of life!

This past year has been really difficult for me, dealing with anxiety, depression and all the tasks that come along with my new adventure. I am beyond proud to say that I have made it through the tunnel!

So, in order to make sure that I do not waste another moment of my summer, I have created a "Summer Bucket List". It is a list of things I want to do, places I want to go and memories I want to create in the next seven weeks. Most are simple things that have become traditions in my family and I refuse to break tradition...ever.

Today was beautiful, so Mom, Hunter and I took advantage of the weather and headed off to the beach. Thankfully, it is only a fifteen minute drive from our house and perfect for a sunny afternoon.

We spent a few hours playing in the sand and swimming in the beautiful water. Hunter had an absolute ball and I am sure he could have stayed there all day. I loved being outdoors and surrounded by trees. These moments are bittersweet, because while they are wonderful they are also the last moments I will spend in Canada for a while. The next time I am home, it will be covered in snow! Instead of dwelling on that (awful) thought, I just soaked up the sun and had a wonderful day.

The beach was not the only productive thing I did today! Last summer I read a book that really motivated me and so I decided to re-read it over the next few weeks. It is called The Everygirl's Guide to Life by Maria Menounos. It is such an amazing book and I'm already finding helpful tips and encouraging words.

Anyone who has been around me over the past three days knows that I tried the military diet (a Pinterest find!), but they also know that I struggled with being tired and even a bit shaky. Clearly, it wasn't the diet for me. So, once I completed the three days and weighed myself (four pounds gone!), I decided to find a different strategy. After doing a bit of research, I have decided to try "Clean Eating". This includes no processed foods, chemicals or anything I cannot pronounce. Today was the start and it went well!

For breakfast, I made a blueberry, egg, oat ensemble and although it is pictured with strawberries, I went with peaches. It was SO good...and clean!

For lunch, I decided on homemade chocolate granola (skrebtsova.blogspot.ca). It was amazing! After baking it, I paired it with a bit of skim milk and blueberries. I was missing a few ingredients, but substituted with other types of nuts. Also, I have enough for at least three more lunches!

For dinner, we had barbecued chicken, roasted peaches, a blueberry and pecan salad and homemade biscuits. Overall, I ate well today! I'm just hoping I can keep it up!

I have one thing crossed off my Summer Bucket List, but there are many more to go!

MR & MRS

"MARRIAGE is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day."

- Barbara De Angelis

THEY'RE MARRIED!

On Saturday, July 13 2013, two beautiful people became husband and wife and I am blessed to call them my friends. I met Mariah nine months ago at work and since then I have spent a lot of time getting to know her and Don, the wonderful man she loves. From the moment we met, they have made me feel right at home in their presence, sharing laughter, lots of food and even more love. I feel privileged to have witnessed their incredible love for one another and thrilled to have been a part of their special day.

Although, I did not get any photos of the ceremony itself (because I was too busy sobbing and smiling while watching them exchange vows), I did manage to capture some of the celebration.

Mariah and Don put so much time and effort into their day and chose beautiful colors. I was amazed at the beauty and detail of the head table. The sparkle and elegance immediately reminded me of Mariah.

When I was hired nine months ago, I was happy to have a second job. I never expected to meet two girls who would support me, love me and continuously make me laugh throughout this past year. It felt a bit surreal to be sitting with Jezzie, watching Mariah get married, but I would not have had it any other way.

One of Mariah`s bridesmaids came all the way from Australia and brought her English friend, Hugo! I was thrilled that he sat at our table and grilled him with quite a few questions. (Thankfully, he was nothing but polite and gave me some tips!) We had a cup of tea together and our table gave him a very good Canadian welcome.

I managed to steal the bride and groom quickly for a photo. They never stopped smiling all day and it warmed my heart to see how perfect the day had turned out for them. (Also...their cake was delicious!)

The party went late into the night and the dance floor was constantly full of people celebrating this married couple. It is hard to believe that after so much planning, their day is over and they are officially husband and wife. Although, I know that the excitement, happiness and love in Don and Mariah`s life is far from over. They will have many more adventures together and I look forward to watching them fall even more in love. Their kindness and commitment to one another is inspiring and I only hope that someday I can have a love story like that of Mariah and Donald.