A bit of this and that!

It's the new year, so I'll be better about posting....haha. No promises there but hopefully! Anyways since my last post all kind of things have happened. I am currently writing from North Carolina where I am visiting my sister for he holidays. These past two weeks of vacation have been a much need break from reality and I am not quite sure I will ever be ready for reality again.
Since coming home, I have caught up with friends, hugged everyone in my family (multiple times at that), taken my sisters engagement photos, caught up with a friend I made in Africa, brought in the New Year with the Avett Brothers, and had quality sister time with my best friend.
My New Year is definitely off to a great start. What did you all do for New Years? I'm not much of a New Years person, or a resolutions person, but I like the symbolizing behind the New Year. A clean slate. That's pretty cool.

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.

Autumn Senses | Vol. 5 from Kinfolk on Vimeo.

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!

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?

"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. 

{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!

{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.

Hearing: Wildfire- SBTRKT

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?

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! 

Costa Rica | 1 of 4

Costa Rica is such a wonderful country - the people, the weather, the views. It never ceases to amaze. One of the things I love about the country is all the bright colours. Everything is colourful. Walking down one street you will see houses and buildings that basically create a rainbow. The other great thing is all of the dogs. Seriously, everywhere you look there is new dog. I was in heaven.

On our first day in Heredia, we spent the day adventuring and passing out flyers for a conference happening that Sunday based on the movie Courageous. This was such a fun way to get to know the city. About 15 min into passing out flyers, the bottom fell out and we quickly ran to cover in the city center where we found a group of break dancers, cheerleaders and high school students. So cool!

If you want to see more Costa Rica pictures before I blog them, check out my facebook page (and like it too!) You can also see some instagram shots if you follow @haley_withers! Also, my photography store has free shipping through August 12th if you click this link :)

Have any of you ever been to Costa Rica? What was your favourite part of it?