There’s no such thing as settling down…

January 31, 2012January 31, 2012 | ilovevaluevillage

If there’s one thing some of my single friends misunderstand about long term relationships or marriage, is that you don’t settle down when you get marry or committ to someone long term. It’s quite the opposite.

Your life is far from settled, since your journey is just begun. Being committed to someone for life, really gives you the freedom to dive into the things you are passionate about. The nice thing about marriage is that you have someone to catch you if you fall.

Since being married, I’ve push myself further towards my passions and I can do that because there’s someone next to me, pushing me to try harder, to go out of my comfort zone. Though I’ve been married for less than 6 months, I can’t imagine that I will someday be a shell of my former self. If the early stages are a indication, I’ll continue to chugg along, pushing myself to reach higher and further, for the things I am passionate about. Like any marriage, there will always be ups and downs. That is also what I mean about no such thing as “settled down”, you’ll have highs and lows. During the low periods, you wont’ feel “settled” at all.

Okay, Okay…back to what this blog is all about. I found a gorgeous silk scarf the last time I was at Goodwill. I can see myself strolling the cobble stone streets in europe this summer with this scarf wrapped around my neck.

100% Silk Scarf: Goodwill for $5 (and another $5 to dry clean)

The Club Monaco Silk Scarf below for $150

Club Monaco scarve (see more lightweight scarves)

If it’s good enough for Zsuzsanna M. Zsohar, it’s good enough for me…

January 12, 2012January 12, 2012 | ilovevaluevillage

For those of you who don’t know,Zsuzsanna M. Zsohar is the wife of Michael Ignatieff (former leader of the Liberal Party). A few years ago, I was at Scarborough Civic Centre while he was campaigning. It was interesting hearing him talk in person and try to relate to the low income and disenfranchised folks.

He comes to mind because his wife, Zsuzsanna shops at Goodwill. Even though she patronizes the shops in Yorkville, I have heard that she likes to shop at Goodwill every now and then. She even has a favourite store location.

Michael Ignatieff with wife and Goodwill shopper Zsuzsanna M. Zsohar

My favourite goodwill location to donate is the Scarborough Eastown location at Brimley and Eglinton Avenue. I was there just last week with ML dropping some old clothes and books off. It was a nice day and I was able to capture a clear picture on my phone of the storefront. It does not look like much, but this location provides a great avenue for folks to buy clothes and also provides great job training. I also spotted a few grew item’s that I am dying to share next week.

Making it better…

January 1, 2012January 1, 2012 | ilovevaluevillage

Happy New Year!! It’s been a great 2011 for me. As with every passing year, I learn a little more, feel a little more humble and just thank the heavens that I get another year to make myself and my surroundings better.

I have some personal and professional projects planned. A new marriage to work on and new friendships to nurture. What can’t be neglected are friends that have been there, thick and through, family that will always love and support my flawed self.

During the holidays, I made a trip to Goodwill to try to create my first vlog. It did not go well, but I did manage to find a few pieces to start a new series called “Style It”. I found a straw tote that can easily be paired with all the resort pieces I’ve been seeing.

Bag: Goodwill for $3

I would Style It with this easy and comfy outfit. The weather in Toronto has been so nice, I wouldn’t have any hesitation debuing this bag. (can’t believe it’s 7 above zero on January 1!)