Wednesday, November 21, 2012

L'Automne

While winter is fast approaching here, but I think Thanksgiving is the perfect time to think about all the wonderful things about the fall season. The leaves, the colours, the smells, the chill in the wind, the warmth of pumpkin-y baked goods, and the list goes on. Fall and winter are my two favourite seasons, mainly because I love the fashion associated with them and also because the mood around those seasons is so unexplainable and beautiful. I think Kinfolk did an amazing job capturing the essence of fall (as always) in this short little video.


And on a more personal note, I just got back from spending a fun evening with some girls from my community group. I am really growing to love all of them (and the boys too!) and look forward to spending at least one night a week with them. Tonight was a shower for a lady from Initiative who just had a baby boy. He was TOO cute. I can't get over it. I seriously should not be allowed to hang out with children, baby envy forever. 

I hope you are all having a wonderful week, and for those celebrating, have a wonderful thanksgiving tomorrow!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

American Thanksgiving, Musings, and Life in General

Why hello there, to all my new followers and all those who have put up with my LONG MIA sessions recently. But, as school is coming to a close (who am I kidding, more like as school is getting more serious), I am trying to focus a bit on my blog, my friends and life.

Since, I am an American, stuck up here in Canada for the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving, I have rounded up two southern girls to celebrate with me! Not being with family on Thanksgiving is still a bit weird, but growing up happens and moving out happens and it's new. Everything is new. And this is different, but not bad different, just different different.

So here is to new traditions!

On another note, way back in October (honestly feels like years ago), the Canadian celebrated their Thanksgiving and I was lucky enough to join in on this celebration of thankfulness! I was invited to one of my best friends places in Ontario. It was nothing short of magical. We spent the long weekend roaming around her tiny town, wandering in the forest, chatting with her family and eating SO much food. I have nothing to complain about.
Please explain to me how life gets any better than this. Also, there were about a million more photos that I didn't post but I'm sure they will show up at one point!

What are you thankful for this holiday season?


Saturday, October 20, 2012

"Personally I like going places where I don’t speak the language, don’t know anybody, don’t know my way around and don’t have any delusions that I’m in control. Disoriented, even frightened, I feel alive, awake in ways I never am at home."
Michael Mewshaw 

As many of you have probably figured out by not, traveling is my passion. I love the excitement of a new place, or even a same place that I get to revisit. I love soaking in life and experiences; languages and site; food and drink. The only problem with being an adventurer, is the times that lack adventure. The times when routine sets in and you have to settle your mind somehow. This is me right now. I am having a difficult time being content with life currently. I long to be on a plane, long to be taken to a far away land. Contentment is a double edged sword as I look at. Being content where you are is good, but never stop striving for what is in store for you.  I am trying my hardest to seek what he wants for me, and learning day by day what that is. 


Thursday, September 20, 2012

{Live Without an Off Switch}

Hello all, and welcome new followers! So sorry for the crazy lack of posting but this school thing and job this is a bit overwhelming. Thanks so much for the sweet comments on my new home and enjoyed reading all of them :) 
Today is the release date of the latest edition of Off Switch magazine, which I was featured in! The theme of this issue is "Lessons Learned" and I wrote a story about my Kenyan Adventures. Katie, the head girl behind this amazing magazine, has this to say about Off Switch, "Off Switch Magazine is a quarterly print magazine aimed at inspiring readers to live without an off switch. By showcasing the talent of folks around the country who are following their passions with energy and enthusiasm, we hope to motivate others to pursue their dreams." I would highly recommend checking out Off Switch and maybe buying a copy for your self! I am so blessed to be a part of this and can't wait till my copy arrives!

Forgot to add the link! But you can find the Volume 4 here.


 I have several more exciting posts coming soon :) 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

{New Home}

After a long week of moving and unpacking and buying (lots of buying, thanks mom!), the apartment is almost all ready for life! Sorry about the long hiatus, I am just sure you were all on the edge of your seat waiting to hear about my life... haha, or not. This apartment is so perfect- perfect location, perfect size and with the perfect room mate! Here are a few photos of our living room and kitchen.
We have been enjoying exploring our new area and being in the center of things. Its a whole different world over here! Now its relaxation and adventures until school starts! And in other exciting news, I am now working for a wonderful wedding photography company here in Montreal, Blushing Brides Studio. Check them out! It is such an amazing opportunity and I can't wait to see what comes of it!

Have an awesome Tuesday everyone!

Friday, August 17, 2012

{Heading off...}

....for the last time this summer! This summer has gone by crazy fast, but has been a blast. I have had the opportunity to travel and serve all over the world, while putting my camera to good use. This summer has been such a fun one, but also more difficult than any other summer. It was hard leaving behind my friends and life in Montreal to come back home for the summer, but it was nice reconnecting with old friends and my family. I am beyond blessed to have them. 

That being said, I head off for Montreal tomorrow with my mom for a whirl wind trip of apartment shopping and decorating! Can't wait :) Be prepared for several apartment posts! 

Now I am off to pack...last second packing never hurt anyone, right? I will leave you with my "5 senses" for the week.

Seeing: Madmen Season 5 (I got into the show a bit late and watched all 5 seasons this summer, no shame)
Tasting: LENTILS.
Smelling: Coffee in the morning, tea at night
Feeling: my yoga mat :)


And a photo of my dad and I from our "date" the other night :)

How are you dealing with summer coming to an end?



Thursday, August 16, 2012

{Homemade Larabars}

As many of you may know, I am somewhat of a health freak. Just a bit. Kind of. Anyways, Larabars are one of my favourite snacks because they are all natural, use organic ingredients and taste delicious! When I was browsing the web the other day I found this awesome recipe to make my own, so I had to try it. This recipe is for Mocha Chocolate Larabars, but feel free to play with the flavours and see what you can come up with!
These taste just like the real thing (maybe even better!) just make sure to get high quality ingredients :)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup walnuts
1 1/4 cup packed organic dates (pitted)
3 tbsp unsweetened coco powder (i used dark chocolate powder! yum)
1 tsp instant coffee
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips


To Make:
Add nuts and dates to a food processor and blend well. Then ass in coco powder, coffee, vanilla, and chocolate chips until the consistency is moldable. Remove from the food processor and mold into whatever shapes you want! 

Store them in the fridge and wait about two hours before you try your first one! 

Easy as that! 


Hope you enjoy them as much as I did! Definitely going to become a staple in my house :) Let me know if you like them/what flavours you come up with!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Costa Rica | San Jose + an overnight stay in Mexico City

Traveling is always an adventure, and very rarely the one you had initially planned! This trip was no different for sure! The last day we spent in downtown San Jose doing all the regular tourist things - seeing the Teatro Nacional, finding cute souvenirs at the outdoor market, driving past the new stadium, and just wondering around downtown. 

And then, we went to fly home. Let's just say the flight didn't run as smoothly as the trip itself. It all began when our flight was rerouted through Cancun, then Mexico City, then home. Now that doesn't sound so bad right? Well there was a little storm (or maybe not so little, but it sounds cuter if you say little) in Cancun, so that flight was delayed which then caused us to miss our connecting flight which then caused us to sleep over in the the Mexico City airport. No food, no hotel. The Joys of Traveling! But the cool thing about that, I can now say I have slept in an airport. Check that off the bucket list. 

And that does it for the Costa Rica posts! I head back to school in a few days and couldn't be more excited. Ready for the adventures to begin!

Other Costa Rica Posts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Follow me on other sites: Pinterest, Instagram: @haley_withers, Facebook, Twitter

Also, it would be awesome if you would stop by my print shop and help support Children of Promise with your purchase! 






Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Costa Rica | 3 of 4

This is just a post of compiled photos that I don't really know what to say about them. I find it hard putting trips into words, well find most things hard to put into words. This post is from the day we spent at the market, the children's camp and feeding the homeless. Such a great experience. I really wish I could take you all so you could see it first hand. 
Don't you just love the girl on the motorcycle with heels on? So crazy. I would consider that a death wish, but maybe something I should work on... :)

Other Costa Rica Posts: 1, 2, 3, 4









Monday, August 13, 2012

Costa Rica | Volcán Poás

On one of our off days, we went to Poas Volcano which is one of my favourite things in Costa Rica. Poas is an active volcano (yes, I can say I have survived 2 volcanoes now!) and we were told that it has just had a minor eruption about 3 days before we went. Pretty cool, huh? On the other side of the crater, there is a lagoon which was so beautiful. It is crazy to think that on the other side of a lava spewing machine there can be such a peaceful lake area. But hey, creation is pretty cool eh?

And for those of you who need to get through a Monday morning, here is a nice song to give your ears. Also, check out my facebook page for some new photography I have been doing. I did my first real photoshoot this other day and had such a blast! 

For other Costa Rica Posts: 1, 2 (from last year), 3