Top 10 Things You'll Experience in Elmira

So this weekend I had the privilege of getting to the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival.
As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a sea of people and the nostalgic scent of pancakes and sausage and other good things. It was quite cold, however the endless sunshine made up for the lack in temperature. Here I met up with a few friends and we checked out the booths, ate soft pretzels and got free coffees from the Mcdonald's truck (well played, McDonalds), We also checked out the antique show and I scored a really neat 1950s classroom map for only $10. 

If you've never been, Elmira is a small town located around Kitchener/Waterloo area (an hour or so from Toronto) and is famous for it's Mennonites and maple syrup. It's my hometown (and really does have fantastic maple syrup) so it's always a treat to get over to the festival 

for some good food and small town charms. 

Like any small town though, there are certain things you are bound to hear and experience every day as a local. I know there's a good bunch of you from Elmira reading this (as well as some friends that are interested in the town I grew up in) - so this post is for you! 

Top 10 Things You'll Experience in Elmira

1) The joys of Sip 'N' Bite

This is to Elmira what Denny's is to city dwellers. It's a place to get together for an affordable meal downtown where all the action is (meaning buggy races and people walking their dogs). I personally love their breakfast! Another great restaurant is Crossroads just on the outskirts of town (amazing Mennonite home cooked meals in buffet style). Just try to make a reservation - it's usually quite busy!

2) Swerving your car to avoid driving into horse poop.

In Elmira, you share the road with the buggies. Horse manure is unavoidable.

 It also smells fantastic on hot summer days. 

3) Having an out-of-towner ask which Tim Horton's to meet at. 

Elmira only has one Tim Hortons.

4) Everyone's last name is either Bauman, Martin, Clemmer or Brubacher. 

And if it isn't, it will be. Unless you marry an out-of-towner. 

5) You'll know when it's noon on Saturday because every Saturday at noon the town fire alarm will go off and let you know that it's noon. 

Very practical for schedule keeping. I always knew when I was supposed to be eating lunch. Not because I was hungry, but because the town alarm would tell me it was lunchtime.

6) Traditional Elmira foods -  you can only get it in Elmira and the locals love it.

This includes more than homemade maple syrup, farm eggs and apple cider. Only in Elmira can you get the best Mennonite summer sausage. It's expensive, full of fat, and delicious. Here I'd also mention farmers sausage, apple butter and edible buggy whips (really long pepperoni stick type food). All available at the local Kitchen Kuttings. 

7) The Saturday before Easter weekend is when the town experiences it's busiest and most talked about day of the year. The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. 

And every year, the people of Elmira hope to themselves that this year the weather will be good.

 It usually isn't...but that doesn't stop the locals and tourists from having their fun.

8) Almost everything you'll need is conveniently located on one street.

Elmira's downtown includes one long street which everything conveniently branches off of - Arthur street. Here you'll find dentists, doctors, grocery stores, churches, gas stations and a bunch of other necessities and small shops. It makes it very easy to get around town!

9) You will have most likely attended Conestoga Bible Camp as a child and loved it

 (even if you weren't particularly religious). 

I have many fond memories of this place. The silly camp songs, taking the yellow bus with my school friends, peach juice from the Tuck shop and ridiculous counselor names and crushes

 just to name a few.

10) You'll know everyone and everyone will know you. 

(Whether you like it, or not.)

This isn't just an Elmira thing, it's a small town thing. The morals are high, the churches are full, and the people are friendly. You'll always bump into someone you know at the grocery store, in the Tim Hortons, or on the street. Should you need a hand, don't be surprised if a stranger gives it to you. Elmira has a strong community feeling to it, and you can tell that the people care.

Elmira's a great little town. If you're looking for a good place to do a day trip in or a place to settle down in and call home, I highly recommend it (Make sure to check out Donut's and Deli! A local hidden gem).

xoxo

Brittany

Spring Cleaning Mantra

Since we're all getting into spring cleaning mode, I'd like to share one of my favourite quotes from Pinterest. I try to keep this in mind, but sometimes it's hard not to buy into the consumerism mindset.

(Get it? Buy? I'm so punny!)

The next time you're cleaning out your closets, cupboards, garages etc, or you're in a store (online shopping in my case) think of this quote! Not only will it save you money but it will save you room in your house and peace of mind. It also works with the things you say and do, 

as well as with your relationships. 

Surround yourself every day with only things and people that inspire you. 

Quality over quantity in every aspect of life

 for simplicity and happiness.

xoxo

Brittany

Keeping it #Aeriereal

Alright, so I know this is a pretty minor accomplishment but I just want to mention how thrilled I am to have two of my photos in the same week featured not only on Aerie's style gallery but on Aerie's Instagram page. 

If you don't know already, Aerie is part of the American Eagle brand and sells lounge clothes and lingerie for college age students. They're affordable, they aren't overtly sexy (which I love) and they encourage positive body image by not retouching their models (hello, beautiful reality!).

So as one of my favourite brands, I feel very privileged to be able to share my photos and connect with other Aerie fans! If you happened to find my blog through the Instagram picture or Aerie's style gallery then I'd like to personally thank you for taking the time to check me out!
 It really means a lot to me. ♥ 

If you're interested, head over to Aerie's gallery to see if you can spot my two pictures as well as enjoy the other fabulous images posted by other #aeriereal ladies.

(I'll give you a hint -  one was a recent blog post image!) 

A Not-So-Kind Exchange Review

So this past weekend, I had the opportunity to finally visit the second hand buy and sell store in Toronto known as Kind Exchange. After the very impressive Buffalo Exchange in Los Angeles which was very organized and had prime condition/brand treasures, I had high hopes that Kind Exchange would be a somewhat similar store here in Toronto, Canada for recycling clothes.

 Unfortunately it was not at all what I expected. 

Here's the stitch.

My first impression was positive.

 There was trendy and upbeat music playing, numerous hip looking shoppers, and racks of mismatched clothing that filled me with glee...and then things went downhill.

My friend and I handed over our bags of clothing to be checked for selling. Right now they're taking spring clothes and I managed to collect several spring dresses (which included higher brands like Banana Republic and Modcloth items) as well as several lightweight tops and accessories - all in new or almost new condition. When we came back about 4 hours later after our things had been checked, we were both extremely disappointed with our low offers. 

Now, I've worked in retail, I study fashion business, and I even have a little experience with the buying process.

 I understand wholesale price and I get that the store needs to make a profit.

 However, the offers we got did not match up with the items we were selling.

(Beware...here comes the math)

For example, $5 for a like-new Banana Republic dress (little black dress - very classic piece which originally costed about $134) which they stated they'd sell for $25. I feel like with their clientele and busy location they could at least get $35 for this dress. 

In total I was offered $17 cash or $21 store credit for three new branded dresses and three nice necklaces which I believe the receipt said they'd make a profit of about $70 dollars from - maybe more (I've heard gossip about them marking up items later on...but I'm not sure if that's true, or not). 

Talk about a steal! 

Anyways, we took a look around just in case something caught our eye and could tempt us into taking store credit. While I did see a few cool items (like the coolest pair of vintage bell bottom jeans for $69...drool) majority of the stock seemed low end and low quality. The few pieces that I did pick out (an American Apparel skater skirt and an H&M blouse) looked good from a distance but up close both had obvious stains. The vintage rack was also unimpressive. Damaged and stained items with big price tags. 

I'm not sure if it was the locations we went to, the day we went, or what...but to be honest, I've seen better items at most other thrift stores. It just wasn't worth it for us.

As I mentioned before, the staff was really friendly, even when we told them we no longer wanted to sell our items so it wasn't all bad. I don't know if that's enough for me to ever go back though. 

So, with heavy hearts (and heavy bags), we lugged our clothes all the way home with the $5 total that we made between the two of us from selling some jewelry and a top.

 Just enough to buy some coffees for the long trip home. 

Have you ever tried selling/shopping at Kind Exchange? Maybe you had a better experience?

I'd like to hear about it! Comment below :)

xoxo

Brittany

Morning Thoughts: Spring Break-ups and Self-Love

A leisurely Sunday Self-Love day.
I spent some time reading about Saint Nicks, lounging around in my favourite Aerie bralette, drinking my new favourite tea (country peach  passion - it reminds me of summer!) and I treated myself to some all natural Pacifica moisurizer (amazing natural brand!) in Indian Coconut Nectar which I picked up downtown yesterday. #littleluxuries

Alright friends, this post is a little different and a little more personal from what I've been posting. To me, Recycle Of Life is about more than just thrifting and recycling. It's about a lifestyle which encourages positive progress - in the house, in the mind and in the world. It's about finding the beauty in everything and promoting a healthy and happy lifestyle as well as new ways of thinking. I hope you enjoy! xo

#Beyourownbae

Ah, March. Tis the season for Spring cleaning and Spring Break-ups. 

Haven't heard of this one? 

Think about it. Every fall, school starts and people couple up to cozy down for winter. There's mitten hand holding, hot chocolate by the fire drinking and New Years kisses. Then suddenly, it's a new year, new you, and a fresh start in all aspects of life.

The Spring Break-Up is an annual occurrence for young lovers everywhere. It's the time of year where you're given the chance at fresh new starts and summer flings. 

 No, I'm not talking about myself (thaaaaaaank goodness). I have however noticed this with several of my friends right now and if you really think about it (go on, recall the times of year that you've had a breakup! I dare you.) - you might see it too. 

So this one goes out to all the broken-hearted sad-clowns out there. 

I know it's hard. 

I know how it feels to be bombarded with the Facebook updates about so-and-so's engagement or (yet another) wedding. I know how it feels to see all the Instagram pictures of happy couples or the infamous "bae" hashtags (cringe). I know how it feels to stand beside the couple on the train that just can't seem to keep their hands off each other (really - there's a hotel down the street, folks).  I know it leaves us all (especially on bad days) questioning our own relationship statuses and our own self-worth.

But here's the thing. 

Just because they're together, doesn't mean they're happy. 

AND

Just because you're alone, doesn't mean you have to be lonely. 

I am by no means condemning relationships. Relationships are fantastic! I do however believe though that in order to have a great relationship with anybody (romantic or otherwise), you need to have a great relationship with yourself first.

This means knowing yourself - your likes, dislikes, goals, values, dreams, and of course your flaws - knowing them, learning from them, and accepting them - and this takes time. This is why I recommend (even if you're in a relationship) that you set aside time to date yourself. You heard me right. Date. Yourself. 

Take yourself out and buy yourself a fancy coffee. Because you want to spend quality time with you.

Buy yourself flowers. Because you're fabulous (duh). 

Spend an extra few minutes in bed meditating and collecting your focus in the morning.

Wear something that makes you feel fantastic, and wear it for you. 

Put on some music and dance with yourself (Why, hello Beyonce).

Put on your sassiest lipstick and flirt with yourself in the mirror (How you doin'?).

Read a good poem or see a good film to inspire new emotions.

Cook for yourself a good meal and have that glass of wine.

Teach yourself something new.

Talk to that cute stranger.

Take risks.

We are all responsible for our own happiness. This is why I feel it's so important to spend some time alone so that you can create and develop yourself. Or re-develop yourself. Be your own bae. And if you're recently single, then now's an even more fantastic time to start. 

Life is meant to be lived, and you are meant to be loved.

And if all else fails... you can always get a cat. 

xoxo

Brittany

The Top 5 Things to NOT buy Thrift

Some of these may surprise you. They may even SHOCK you. Several months of quality inspection and research from my own experiences in thrifting retail has taught me a few things. Here are my top recommendations on some things NOT to buy or accept thrifted!

1) T-Shirts: Generally speaking, people don't get rid of their t-shirts until they are well worn out. For this reason, many of the t-shirts you'll find at thrift stores tend to be quite worn and faded. Which is great if you're just working or sleeping in it - otherwise the selection might be slim pickings.

2) Mattresses: Unless you personally know the person that is giving you a mattress, I do not recommend accepting or purchasing a used one. This has a lot more to do with the 'ick' factor (my 'ick' tolerance is quite high) and instead has more to do with the dreaded possibility of a bed bug infestation. Enough said.

3) Baby Items: Cribs, strollers, car seats and even some toys have been banned from sale in all respectable and well-known thrift stores. This is because of changing safety regulations. If you're considering buying one at a thrift store/garage sale, or are being offered one, keep this in mind. It's worth the extra money to purchase new, if it means your baby's safety. 

4) Pillows: I was a little torn on this one because I know we've all seen the perfect vintage throw pillow that would look totally chic with our bedspreads at one point or another, but I wouldn't recommend this one without hesitation. Pillows are a lot harder to wash than clothing or bedding, which makes them harder to really clean. The older the pillow, the more dust mites it's collected over the years. If you have allergies, this could be a problem! 

5) Rainboots: Ah, I've had a personal disappointment with this before. Since it's impossible to test whether a pair of wellies are waterproof before you actually purchase a pair, it can be a hit or miss for the quality. Even on close inspection, sometimes you can miss a small hole or loose binding. Something to look out for!

Do you have anything to add or thrift purchases you've regretted? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Comment below and let me know :)

xoxo

Brittany

The Top 5 Things to Buy Thrift

I've been shopping thrift and vintage for as long as I can remember. That along with several years of  retail experience (Value Village included!) and my general eye for deals and detail has created a shopping monster expert. Thus, here's a list of my top things to buy second hand.

1) Books: Let's be serious here. If there are already 95989047697 copies of Steven King's The Stand already printed and half of these are available on a Talize shelf, is it really necessary to buy a brand new copy made from new materials? Do the trees and printing presses a favour and buy your books used. It's a whole lot cheaper and besides, who doesn't love that old paper smell?

2) Furniture: Assuming there are no safety issues, buying used furniture is a great way to add personality and character to your home design. Especially dressers and desks - hello DIY project! Bed frames, lamps and tables are all great too. I'd just recommend leaving any mattresses alone...There are some things that just can't be unseen.

3) Dishes: This is a personal favourite of mine and works well if you've got a smaller family since you can't always find a matching set of 6-8 for everything. It's for that reason that I actually love it! Create your own mix and match set of dishes - it makes dining super personal and fun on unique hand chosen dishes. I personally like to mix a bunch of bold florals (but that's just me). 

4) Formal Wear: You may be surprised at this one but I highly recommend this if you've got a prom or fancy event coming up! Since most people only wear their formal dresses a couple times (some even just once) you're sure to find things in the plenty and great condition. 

5) Children's Clothes: Clothes in general are always great thrifted, but kids clothes specifically are a great buy. Most kids don't start caring about brands until they're in around middle school, so now's when you have the opportunity to dress them for less. Kids grow fast too, so it's a lot more economical to buy used clothing during these years (it's for that reason exactly that the selection is generally in great condition too!).

Do you have anything that you've had a lot of luck with while thrifting that you'd add to this list? Comment below and let me know! :)

Tune in next time for top 5 things NOT to buy thrift!

xoxo

Brittany

The Pros and Cons of Thrifting

This is a picture of my good friend and fellow blogger Pati Pedroso who can rock mom jeans like no other!
 Photo credit: Samantha Marshall

Thrifting is like mom jeans. You either love it and think it's super trendy and so much fun to do (wear)... or you hate it and think it's tacky or even gross. You can either rock thrifting and earn points for style (and savings!), or you're just awkward with it and don't even know where/how to start (do I wear a belt with these or...?). I've got friends that fall on either end of the spectrum. One friend of mine in particular can't stand thrifting, mostly because she finds the layout of thrift stores to be too overwhelming and unorganized. I know another friend that thinks it's gross unsanitary to wear other peoples clothes and would never even think about shopping in one. And then, there's me (and maybe you too!). 

The pirate. The hunter. The adventure seeker. The DIYer. The money saver. 

We're the ones that find the thrill in the chaos. 

The excitement in the hunt.

The victorious feeling when we find such a good deal that we run out of the store, bag in hand, with the biggest smile - as if we won the Nobel Prize for Fabulous Frugality or something.

Yes indeed, there are prizes to be won in the world of second hand.

1st Prize goes to saving money by buying/sharing used clothing/goods

2nd Prize goes to doing better for the environment by recycling 

3rd Prize goes to any money given to charities through any store donations

Runner ups go to finding one of a kind items that the regular mall just can't compete with and having the opportunity to donate your own stuff and giving someone else the opportunity to love your junk. One person's trash is another person's treasure, right!?

I do however want to throw out my top tips for a happy thrift - these are things I constantly remind myself when I'm out hunting. And because I'm so fond of lists...

1) Just because it's cheap, does not mean it's good. If you don't LOVE it, won't WEAR it and won't USE it - don't BUY it. It'll help keep your house and closet clutter free and be better for your wallet.

2) Don't get discouraged if something you really like doesn't fit you. If you really like it, consider getting it tailored to your size (if you have basic sewing skills, you might even be able to do this yourself). It should still end up costing much less than buying brand new!

3) Always. Inspect. Quality. Depending on the thrift store you're at, a basic quality check should have already been done but many times things are missed. And if you're particular like me, you'll find it really disappointing when you get home and find a stain or rip that you didn't expect. Most thrift stores only offer exchanges and not refunds too, so it's worth it to take the extra time to double check for flaws before purchase.

More tips to come later this week! Stay tuned :)

xoxo 

Brittany

Travel Essentials & Spring Bucket List

Hello friends & Welcome Spring!

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the snow is finally melting here in Toronto. Throw aside your shovels and parkas...it's a new season for adventures!

If you know me, you'll know I've been searching for MONTHS now for the perfect vintage leather travel bag for such adventures and weekend trips. And I have found it just in time for spring! Pictured is a few of my travel essentials - a notebook for jotting down brilliant thoughts that I'd otherwise forget, a camera for capturing moments, Burt's Bees lip balm, a thrifted paisley blanket scarf ($7 from Talize) and a thrifted genuine leather travel bag. This bag is SO DREAMY. The quality is astounding and it has so many pockets, a plaid interior and that gorgeous already-worn-in look to it. I paid $19.99 American dollars for this baby from a Goodwill in LA. A steal if you ask me. I already know it's one of my *forever* pieces. I can't wait to take this out on the town!

And since it's finally warm enough to actually leave the house (can I get an AMEN?) and there's actually a clear path from my door to the bus stop - this will be happening very soon! Thus, I've begun planning a sort of Spring bucket list.

1) Buy some flowers from the market 

Not just flowers. Market flowers! Because this means actually leaving my comfortable little home (and putting on pants a dress), soaking up some culture and associating with other people who are just as happy as I am to be basking in some sunshine. 

2) Visit my friends that live downtown

It's been a long winter and I've really avoided leaving the house. At. All. Costs. Being a hermit is great and all, but sometimes you gotta socialize. Plus, who doesn't love a good opportunity to dress up! I mean, you never know who you'll meet when you're out and about downtown Toronto...

  Future husband Ryan Gosling is technically a local, after all ;)

3) Pick up some plants and start planning the garden

Home grown flowers and veggies? Yes please! But what to plant... I'm guessing we'll try carnations, zucchini and carrots (maybe peas?) as I've had luck with those in the past. Do you have any recommendations of veggies that you've had luck with? Let me know, if you do!

4) Spring Cleaning & Downsizing

Downsize, downsize, downsize. I have yet to completely master the minimalist lifestyle, but I'm working on it. First stop - the closet!

And that's only the beginning. Do you have anything planned for your Spring bucket list yet? I'd love to hear it!

xoxo

Brittany

Today's Thrifting Finds

Ahhh. Nothing feels better than coming home after a long day and settling in for the night. I've put my hair up, taken my pants off, and boiled a nice cup of chai tea to accompany me for this blog post. Cheers for it being (almost) Friday! Tonight tea, tomorrow wine. 

So this week we had a bit of flurries, and if there's one thing that you should do when there's a snow storm going on, it's take cover and hibernate go thrifting. So naturally, I headed to the nearest Salvation Army and scored some new gems! 

Luckily, I was by myself so I could really get down to business. If you've shopped with me before, you'll know that I take FOREVER because I want to check everything out and evaluate the quality of every item before I actually commit to a purchase. This day I took about 25 minutes in the mug aisle alone. There were just so many to look at! My hard work paid off however because I found this adorable pastel pink and teal tea set for about $6/pair. Very cottage chic.

I also took my time walking down the linen aisle. There were a lot of vintage floral sheets from the 60s and 70s - my favourite decade for prints. Among these I found this floral tablecloth displayed in the photograph. For being 50+ years old, the colours are still quite vibrant and the linen is in great condition. It's a perfect addition to a retro kitchen! And looks quite nice with the tea cups, I might add ;)

And in case you're wondering - the brown suitcase in the photograph is also a thrifting score. I managed to find it at a Toronto Value Village (Queens) for only $5 in like new condition. What a find.

Can I get an amen?!

xoxo

Brittany

Every Vintage Piece Has a Story

Hello friends!

Though I'd bring a little sunshine to your day. And by that, I mean I'll show you a cute dress. 

This little gem is a London, ON Value Village find! I managed to buy it with my staff discount during the several months that I worked there, so I was able to get it for a steal at $7! (Remind me again why I still don't work there, when CLEARLY there are treasures to be found??). I also managed to score the statement necklace from a different Value Village in Toronto for about $5 (the one on Queens, if you're local).

This dress has spring written all over it. Vibrant florals, sweet strawberries and a little surprise under the skirt...(my favourite part) -  one layer of fabulous white crinoline for added dramatic flair! Even though it's a 90s dress, it's got a very 50s feel to it. And in case you're wondering - it's a vintage Smart Set (early 90s) AND made in Canada. Cool, right!? 

But HOLD UP. It gets better. 

On closer inspection, under the tag, is the stamp label for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. If you're a fashion history buff, or just interested in history like I am, this should fascinate you. I did a little research and historically, the union stood for the protection of female workers and supporting local business. It isn't around anymore today because it eventually merged with another union and of course, clothing manufacturing greatly decreased in North America.

This is exactly why I love thrifting and vintage. Everything's got a story!

xoxo

Brittany

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