Thursday, December 12, 2013

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

In generaltraditional hearty breakfast food (think bacon, sausages, and eggs in any form) has never really done it for me, but I've always been a big fan of pancakes. Despite my love for them, however, I usually end up having them only once a year (on Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day, naturally). However, I was inspired by Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere's recent take on Apple Cinnamon Pancakes (using this Smitten Kitchen recipe), to try this seasonal variation out for myself. Perfect for this time of year, they are not only tasty and comforting, but leave your kitchen smelling heavenly as you whip them up. (Note: the recipe calls for three apples, but I found one was plenty, as I didn't want them to be overwhelmingly apple-y. And I used one teaspoon of cinnamon, which was perfect).

{Gathered ingredients--those random sachets on the right are salt btw...what can I say, I use what I've got!}

{The finished product...I wish you could smell them!}

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Embellishment

I've gotta say, I'm a big fan of the whole embellished-sweater trend that's going on right now. While I'm attracted to shiny, glitzy things, I'm actually pretty lazy about wearing jewellery (I'm not one for multiple necklaces and stacked-on bangles), so a top with built-in bling is right up my alley. Also, this post has just made me realise that I totally have a uniform for this time of year, as evidenced here. I guess a black top + grey skirt + berry lip is my comfort zone! Breaking out of this grey and black rut is definitely going to be one of my New Year's resolutions...





Floral beaded pullover - Banana Republic
Grey tweed skirt - Banana Republic
Rose-patterned tights - XOXO via Winners
Black patent flats - J. Crew
Lipstick - "Rebel" by MAC

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

DIY: Mermaid Costume

Halloween may be over now, but we just had to share Claudia's fantastic homemade mermaid costume with you! Neither Vicky nor I dressed up this year, but even if we had, I don't think we could have topped Claudia's amazing aquatic get-up.

A good mermaid costume should consist of an abundance of pearls and sequins, and Claudia incorporated these staples of under-the-sea couture into her outfit via a jewel-encrusted top and dazzling blue skirt/tail.

The top started off its life as a basic H&M bra, but was transformed in the space of an hour with glue-gunned-on blue gems (from Fabricland), pearls (from an old necklace), and a shimmery silver ribbon (found lying around the house, most likely from a chocolate box).

Crafting the "tail" (also from Fabricland) was a much less labour-intensive process--Claudia just secured the piece of fabric in place with a few safety pins, keeping the length as it was for that swishy, trailing effect.

Pearl jewellery, metallic sandals, and beachy waves completed the look, for an ensemble that would make Ariel sea-green with envy!


In terms of make-up, Claudia used the following:

-St Tropez Dark Bronzing Mousse 
-Ardell fake lashes
-'Full Moon' by Too Faced and Urban Decay's 'Faint' (from the Naked Basics palette) eyeshadow
-Bourjois' Khol & Contour in 'Bleu Original' for lining under the eyes
-Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Peppermint'






Tuesday, October 22, 2013

10 Items Inspired by Pantone's 2013 Fall Colours

Inspired by the colours chosen by Pantone for Fall 2013, we've compiled a selection of items in these autumnal hues...

pantone 2013 fall colors
Pantone Fall 2013
1. Emerald
Rich jewel tones are perfect for this time of year, and an emerald-coloured handbag would be a sophisticated accessory for an autumn outfit.
Mulberry handbag - mulberry.com

2. Mykonos Blue
In case you don't already know, the midi skirt is where it is at right now. Love it (Ali) or loathe it (Vicky), this demure length isn't going away any time soon. Save the feminine florals and pastel shades for spring and summer, and try one out in a deep, fall-appropriate shade like the Grecian-inspired Mykonos Blue.
J W Anderson skirt - net-a-porter.com
3. Linden Green
Unlike the other nine colours, Linden Green has a decidedly springlike air; a bit unexpected, perhaps, in a sea of saturated jewel tones, but surprisingly refreshing. A t-shirt in this shade would look fresh peeking out from a charcoal-grey or navy blazer.
J Crew j crew t shirt - jcrew.com

4. Acai
Try this dark, moody purple on your nails for a slick autumnal look.
Butter London dark purple nail polish - thehut.com

5. Samba
A deep, vivid red adds a powerful punch to any ensemble; if you find it a bit too overpowering in large doses, consider incorporating it into your look via a smart accessory, like this felt hat.
Wool felt hat e4hats.com

6. Koi
While bright orange is one of those colours that seamlessly crosses over from summer into fall, the cooler temperatures of this time of year require pieces in heavier materials. Consider working this colour into your wardrobe with a chic leather skirt or knit sweater.
Richard Nicoll side slit skirt - net-a-porter.com

7. Deep Lichen Green
Bright colours are all very well, but sometimes your mood calls for something a little more subdued--this soft, earthy green colour is perfect for such times, and a long, cosy cardi is the perfect piece to chill out in.
H M cardigan - hm.com

8. Vivacious
Pink is kind of the colour for coats this season. The runways for a/w 13 were awash in oversized outerwear in delicate, sorbet shades, but if pastels aren't really your thing, why not consider a coat in the vibrant Vivacious?
Dkny coat farfetch.com

9. Turbulence
It almost seems like no one wears plain blue denim anymore, what with the overwhelming variety of coloured and patterned jeans out there. However, nothing is more flattering to the figure than a solid dark wash, and if dark blue and black are a bit too boring for you, why not try out a pair in a dark grey?
Mango dark grey jeans - johnlewis.com

10. Carafe
Brown boots are an autumnal staple, and you're bound to get great mileage out of a pair in this rich, coffee-brown hue.
Tory Burch boots toryburch.com

Friday, August 16, 2013

Monochrome Magic

Monochrome was one of s/s 13's top trends, and is one that lends itself perfectly to this time of year. Right now the days are warm, but the imminence of fall gets us thinking to the style season ahead, and, unlike many of the typical trends of warm weather style (neon brights, splashy floral prints), this stark, pared-down palette can easily cross over into autumn.


In the spirit of all things black-and-white, I'll leave you with this excerpt from a haunting little poem I came across in one of my old textbooks. Maybe it'll inspire you to try out this slick trend!



"A white well 
In a black cave;
A bright shell
In a dark wave.


A white rose 
Black brambles hood;
Smooth bright snows
In a dark wood.


...A bright spark 
Where black ashes are;
In the smothering dark
One white star."


-from "Incantation" by Elinor Wylie (1921)


Untitled #25


1. Long-Sleeved Crop Top: Perfect worn over a black maxi-skirt.
topshop.com - topshop.com

2. Graphic Flower Earrings: Channel a '60s vibe with these cute earrings, big hair, and winged eyeliner.
dorothyperkins.com - dorothyperkins.com

3. Flared Dress: A sweet dress with a swingy skirt would look fantastic with brightly coloured tights when the chill sets in.
jonesandjonesfashion.com - jonesandjonesfashion.com

4. Heart-Dotted Phone Case: Simple yet oh so cute!
forevernew.com.au - forevernew.com.au

5. Structured Bag: A bag in a monochrome palette is sure to go with everything.
farfetch.com - farfetch.com

6. Stripy Jacket: An eye-catching little number like this would look equally great worn with skinny jeans or a skirt.
warehouse.co.uk - warehouse.co.uk

7. Patterned Heels: A sharp pair of black-and-white heels is the perfect backdrop for a bright pedi.
missselfridge.com - missselfridge.com

8. Loose Tank Top: A comfy tank in a bold, tribal print is the perfect accompaniment to leggings or skinnies.
topshop.com - topshop.com

9. Stripy Dress: Eye-catching stripes are the perfect backdrop for zingy, neon accessories.
shelikes.com - shelikes.com

10. Printed Jeans: Why wear plain denim when there are so many playfully printed jeans out there?
hm.com - hm.com

Monday, August 5, 2013

Happy Birthday, Little Blog!

Today our blog turns one year old! It's hard to believe that this time last year we were writing our first post and planning out others for the weeks--and months--ahead (we were so damn organised back in the early days!) Although we've been pretty lax on the posting front these days, we still are committed to keeping this little blog up and running, so keep an eye out for some of the upcoming posts we're planning: some outfit posts, a few more Thursday Travels' and Shop Spotlights, and a brand-new series--Style for Your Shape. Thanks so much for reading, and here's to the next year!

I want a giant one of these for my birthday.
http://worldofvieta.tumblr.com/post/2794839976/i-want-a-giant-one-of-these-for-my-birthday


Monday, July 29, 2013

10 Items For Summer

Happy Summer, everyone! We hope you're all enjoying yours! Here's our final instalment of the seasonal 10 Items series, in which we share our top picks for summer! Happy shopping and wearing :-)


summer



1. A Maxi Dress
I absolutely live in maxi dresses during the summer; they are just so comfortable, flattering to every body type, easy to pack, easy to style, and they hide a multitude of sins! If you still have your suspicions regarding their wearability, I urge you to just try one--I guarantee you'll be a convert ;-)
Floral maxi dress - newlook.com

2. A Wide-Brimmed Hat
A beachy hat not only gives your outfit a put-together, chic feel--it also has health benefits too, by protecting the delicate skin on your face from the harsh rays of the sun. Win win!
Lalù straw beach hat - pret-a-beaute.com

3. A Little White Dress
A cool, crisp white dress is an absolute summer must. Check out our round-up of favourite LWD styles here.
Miss Selfridge strap prom dress - missselfridge.com

4. A Fun Pair of Sandals
By 'fun', we mean something a bit quirky and colourful, like these gorgeous aquamarine ones. Pretty much everyone has a pair of practical sandals in a neutral shade, but bright colours can be just as versatile. 
Ankle tie shoes - makemechic.com

5. A Pair of Luxe Shorts
Ditch the Daisy Dukes in favour of something a tad more sophisticated, like these fab jacquard shorts, which can be dressed down for day with a casual tank and sandals, or up for night with heels.
Elizabeth and james shorts shoplesnouvelles.com

6. A Kaftan
A folkloric, embroidered kaftan is such a ubiquitous summer holiday essential that it's almost a cliche at this point, but for a reason: it's the perfect thing to throw on over your swimsuit and looks fabulous with a tan and tousled, beachy waves.
River island - riverisland.com

7. A Swimsuit
Bikinis are all very well, but there is something so sweetly retro and cool about one-pieces in bold colours (and then of course there's the fact that they are infinitely more forgiving).
Norma Kamali pinup swimsuit shoplesnouvelles.com

8. A Pair of Espadrilles
Every girl should have a pair of espadrilles, either with or without wedge heels, in her wardrobe: they're the ultimate shoe of summer.
Lauren Ralph Lauren espadrilles shoes - macys.com

9. A Pair of White Jeans
Yes, they can be scary, but they're just so darn summery: the perfect accompaniment to nautical tops and colourful sandals. (Just keep your Tide-to-Go pen handy--you're gonna need it with these bad boys!)
Citizens of Humanity denim skinny jeans mytheresa.com

10. A Beach Tote

Even if you don't plan on setting foot on a beach this summer, a large, colourful bag is still the most seasonally-appropriate option for lugging around all your stuff on a daily basis. 
Two s Company jute tote bag - sundancebeach.com

10 Things to Do in July

Can you believe that this is our last ever monthly 10 Things list?! Where has the past year gone! (If you're interested, you can revisit our first 10 Things list--for August--here). We'll miss creating these monthly suggestions of things to do, but we have plenty of other "10" lists in the works, so stay tuned! 

1. Celebrate Canada Day
Canada Day Flag
















http://www.canada-day.ca

Kick off the month of July by celebrating all things Canadian on the first. Even if you don't have the same ties to the country that we do, you can still use it as an excuse to indulge in a stack of maple syrup-drenched pancakes, read some Margaret Atwood, or listen to an exclusively Canadian playlist on your iPod.

2. Celebrate the Fourth of July

http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2012/07/02/where-to-watch-fireworks-in-massachusetts-this-4th-of-july/

Happy Fourth of July, Americans! No doubt you'll go all out on your special day, but those of us who don't live in the Land of the Free can still take advantage of the festivities by watching all the fabulously elaborate concerts on TV. 

3. Celebrate Bastille Day
A picture of fireworks and the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day in Paris

http://www.stoffersgroup.com/vive-la-france-how-to-celebrate-bastille-day/bastille-day-fireworks/


The 14th of July is Bastille Day--France's day for patriotic pride. While it may not be your home country, it's the perfect excuse for indulging in some Gallic delights, whether that be a dainty serving of macarons, or a fresh-out-of-the-oven baguette. 

4. Partake in a Poolside Party
Vegas Pool Party
http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/nevada/las-vegas/vegas-pool-party

Cool down from the hot temperatures in the most refreshing way possible--that is, poolside, and preferably with an icy cold drink in hand.


5. Hail Down an Ice Cream Van
photo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lomokev/7034881665/

Indulge your inner child and satisfy a sweet tooth by answering the siren call of the ice cream van next time you hear one doing the rounds in your neighbourhood.

6. Go to a Farmers Market

http://www.artpictures.co.uk/gifp0959.htm

There is something so wholesome and summery about farmers markets--and you're bound to find one somewhere in your vicinity during these warmer months.

7. Go on a Road Trip

http://kassyaugustine.tumblr.com

Whether it's a grand All-American monthlong affair, or an afternoon drive to a little town an hour away from where you live, there's nothing like hitting the road to get away from it all. 

8. Watch the Tennis at Wimbledon
The Digital Side Of Wimbledon 2013 – Who Is Doing What
http://www.theuksportsnetwork.com/the-digital-side-of-wimbledon-2013-who-is-doing-what

Did you watch the showdown between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic on the 7th of July? Nailbiting stuff, right?! We never realised watching tennis could be so edge-of-your-seat!

9. Go Camping
Glamping is the new camping: photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy.http://www.henandhammock.co.uk/helpingtheenvironment/index.aspx?id=2722

Well, first off, a disclaimer: we're not really camping girls ourselves, to be honest. But if it's your thing, then go all out and enjoy some time in the wilderness!

10. Make a Summer Playlist
Granville Online | Ultimate Summer Playlist
http://www.bcliving.ca/entertainment/granville-onlines-ultimate-summer-playlist

A playlist of summery songs is the perfect accompaniment to all your warm-weather fun--from listening to at the beach on your iPod to playing at a party for all to enjoy. And, when you're feeling a bit down in the depths of winter, listening to those songs will bring back a flood of happy, summertime memories. 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Thirty Years

A very special Happy Anniversary to our parents, who celebrate thirty years of marriage today!!! Congratulations, Mum and Dad!! We love you and hope you have a wonderful day. Here's to the next thirty!




Monday, July 1, 2013

10 Things to Do in June

Soooo. This blog. Believe it or not, we're still committed to it (her?) as it approaches its first birthday in August (they grow up so fast! Sniff sniff). We know we've been pretty lax on the posting front, but we're working on it, we promise! We hope you enjoy our belated suggestions for May and June (many of which can apply throughout the summer months), and we hope your summer is going fantastically thus far :-)

1. Make Your Own Summer Bucket List
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/summer%20bucket%20list

We enjoy giving monthly suggestions here on the blog, but only you can decide what exactly you want to achieve over the summer! Half the fun of summer activities is the planning stage; if you're a fellow list person, go all out and handwrite an elaborate bucket list (complete with illustrations!) of all that you'd like to cram in over the next few months.

2. Go For a Run
Outdoor Running Series
http://ehow-blog.com/how-to-breathe-during-running/

Did you know that the 5th of June is National Running Day? Nope, neither did we, and while it's not the most thrilling-sounding holiday for exercise-phobes such as ourselves, if running is your thing, go out and have a...celebratory...run! (Maybe wear a costume or something?! And then reward yourself with cake :-)


3. Go To a Festival






















http://www.motelrocks.co.uk/tag/motel-fashion/

It's the time of the season when festivals are in full force, and while Glastonbury might not be on your agenda this year, there's bound to be some sort of music/cultural festival happening in your vicinity that's worth checking out.

4. Have a Garden Party

http://madeleinelamour.blogspot.ca/2011/07/throwing-garden-party.html

Barbecues are all very well, but sometimes it's nice to introduce a bit of old-school formality into your life. Make this a slightly prim and proper, genteel affair at which everyone dresses up in frothy pastel frocks and dainty nibbles are served on delicate china plates.

5. Celebrate Father's Day
Theodor Alexander Weber

http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/artwork.php?artworkid=37157&size=large

Sunday the 16th of June is Father's Day: the perfect opportunity to make a big fuss of your dad (or father figure). Whether his recreation of choice is golfing or hiking, or simply taking in a movie, celebrate in style!

6. Celebrate Bloomsday



http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Bloomsday-Tracing-James-Joyces-Ulysses-through-the-streets-of-Dublin---PHOTOS-123936964.html


The 16th of June also happens to be Bloomsday--the day on which, in 1904, the events of James Joyce's Ulysses unfold in Dublin. If you're a big fan of the book (neither of us have read it), you can partake in the Joycean-themed events to be found in most cities worldwide.

7. Partake in World Sauntering Day

https://www.facebook.com/XLIreland

If #2 is not really your thing, you may be more in favour of partaking in World Sauntering Day, observed on the 19th of June; a day to simply take things easy, stroll around at your leisure, people watch, and soak up the summer vibes.


8. Celebrate Summer Solstice

http://www.templeilluminatus.com/group/beacons-for-love-and-light/forum/topics/summer-solstice-meditation-stonehenge-06-21-2013

June 21st, aka the Summer Solstice, officially marks the first day of summer. Weather permitting, it's the perfect occasion to perhaps organise #4 or #10.

9. Wander a Flea Market

http://design2share.com/design2share-qa/2012/8/22/tips-for-haggling-and-navigating-local-flea-markets.html

Some cities have year-round flea markets, but there is something so distinctly summery about wandering leisurely around one, admiring the random bric-a-brac and objets d'arts. Summer is also the perfect time for working on DIY projects, so be on the look-out for items that could be transformed with a few simple alterations or a lick of paint.

10. Dine Alfresco




















http://www.masala.com/16089-al-fresco-dining-at-ottomans

There are few things more enjoyable than dining outside on a sunny afternoon or balmy evening. Whether your location of choice is the patio of a favourite restaurant or your apartment balcony, enjoy this summery pastime however you see fit.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Ten Things to Do in May

This post has been a looong time in coming, but we hope you enjoyed your May! 

1. Celebrate May Day
Young girls dancing around a Maypole
http://furtherglory.wordpress.com/tag/maypole/

The first of the month was traditionally viewed as a time to herald in the start of the summer season. While your plans for the day probably don't include dancing around a maypole, you can still mark the occasion by donning a floral frock or going on a walk round your local park.

2. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Gatlinburg Cinco De Mayo





















http://www.elkspringsresort.com/gatlinburg_cabins_blog/ole-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-in-gatlinburg-tn/

Even if you're not Mexican, you can celebrate the 5th of May by indulging in all this vibrant country has to offer, whether that be noshing on tacos, sipping on a Corona, or listening to some mariachi.

3. Observe National Beverage Day 
National Beverage Day is the 6th of May, and presents the perfect excuse to test out some summery libations, or even create your own and impress all your friends come barbecue season.

4. Partake in McHappy Day

http://www.cknw.com/eventcalendar/Details.aspx?ID=361618

If you've read our post on Ljubljana here, you'll know our views on McDonalds. (Basically, we pretty much love the place). But just in case you needed some coaxing to pay a visit to Mickey D's, the fact that the 8th of May is McHappy Day should persuade you, as proceeds from sales go to children's charities.

5. Get Bikini Ready
the ultimate bikini-ready countdown
http://heidiklum.aol.com/category/style-files/the-ultimate-bikini-ready-countdown/

After one last gluttonous hurrah (see #4), it's time to get yourself ready for bikini season (if you so desire, of course. No pressure). Check out some lighter meal options (May is National Salad Month, after all!), and take advantage of the longer, warmer days to get in some more outdoor exercise.


6. Celebrate Mother's Day
pino a mother s love painting
http://www.oilpaintings-sales.com/oil-paintings/pino-a-mother-s-love-77278.html

While Ireland and the UK celebrated their mothers two months ago, Sunday, May 12th is North America's Mother's Day: the perfect opportunity to spoil your mama (or mother figure) rotten!

6. Watch the Eurovision
Romania’s ‘It’s My Life’ a knocking Eurovision each-way bet
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/novelty/eurovision/romanias-its-my-life-a-knocking-eurovision-each-way-bet_155171.html

It's hideously tacky and grotesquely cheesy...but we love the Eurovision--it's a prime example of something so bad that it's good. For the uninitiated, Buzzfeed provides a very detailed guide here, and if you watched the finals on the 18th of May, we hope you enjoy this recap of The 11 Most Absurd Moments of Eurovision 2013 here (totally with her on Romania...they were our favourites this year, along with Greece.) And yes, we were inexplicably mortified and utterly despondent that Ireland came dead last. Ohhhh, the shame!

7. Enjoy the May Long Weekend
long weekend
http://kassiastclair.com/have-a-relaxing-long-weekend/

The last Monday in May marks Victoria Day in Canada and Memorial Day in the U.S. (and it's also a bank holiday in the UK), so long weekends all around! Enjoy yours however you see fit, whether that includes camping, picnicking, or just catching up on sleep.

8. Fill Your Space With Fresh Flowers
How to accessorize a desk
http://inmyownstyle.com/2012/03/my-found-desk-gets-a-high-gloss-makeover.html

A home filled with fresh flowers is a surefire way to brighten your day and get you in the mood for summer! Even a single, small bunch near your workspace is enough to make a tough day a bit cheerier.


9. Go For a Bike Ride
chic-cycle
http://www.designcatwalk.com/cycle-chic/

The third week in May is National Bike Week, so why not take the opportunity to explore your city by bicycle? (Heels optional). If you don't have your own, many cities offer rental services--perfect if you want to go for the occasional cycle without having to commit to buying your own bike.

10. Have a Day in the Park
File:A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat, 1884.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_Sunday_on_La_Grande_Jatte,_Georges_Seurat,_1884.jpg

May often has an abundance of perfectly pleasant days, weather-wise: sunny and warm, without being oppressively hot. Take advantage of the late spring temperatures by planning a day in the park, complete with snacks, blankets, music, magazines, frisbees, footballs...whatever constitutes good entertainment for you, really.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

10 Things to Do in April

Sorry for being AWOL this past month...things have been insanely busy with finals, work, and packing for Ali's upcoming move to Vancouver! We hope this has been a rewarding month for you all, and hope you enjoy this re-cap of things to do/have done in April!

1. Play a Prank on April Fool's Day
[15%255B5%255D.jpg]
http://grahamsdownunderthoughts.blogspot.ca/2012/04/april-fools-day-vintage-postcards.html

A well-planned prank may cause momentary mayhem, but is the only fitting way to welcome in the month of April, in our opinion. So long as the mischief doesn't cause any lasting emotional or physical harm, we say prank away!

2. Celebrate Siblings Day 
Portrait of the Artist's Sisters and Brother
http://www.theslideprojector.com/art6/art6lecturepresentations/art6lecture4.html

Celebrate your siblings on the 10th of April, which just so happens to be National Siblings Day. Love them or loathe them, you and your kindred have a lifetime of shared memories, so spend some time together reminiscing on the good old days.

3. Celebrate National Humour Month
We suppose it's only fitting for the month that starts off with a day of mischief to be assigned National Humour Month! Obviously, laughter should be an integral part of your life year-round, but this month take some extra time to watch funny shows, read humorous books/articles etc...(If you're looking for some comedic suggestions, we cannot recommend the Australian comedian Chris Lilley highly enough - Summer Heights High, We Can Be Heroes, and Angry Boys have us in stitches - and we defy you to not laugh at the hilarity to be found on BuzzFeed). 

4. Observe Stress Awareness Month
stressed student
http://calibermag.org/articles/in-hindsight-thankful-for-a-break/stressed-student/

The clever people who assign causes to each month clearly don't do this arbitrarily: all things considered, as students we definitely find April to be the cruellest month. Final exams, multiple essay deadlines, etc., etc. can take their toll on your sanity, but make sure you take some time to just chill and re-energise...and remember, the end is nigh!

5. Observe Earth Day
42-16875340















http://www.mobilecommons.com/blog/2011/04/earth-day-goes-mobile/

The 22nd of April is Earth Day, so show some love to our planet, whether that be cleaning up litter at your local park, recycling, using less electricity around the house, or riding your bike to work. We are certainly not the greenest people around so don't have the authority to be too preachy, but it really doesn't take that much effort to do these little environmentally-friendly things.

6. Observe Shakespeare's Birthday

http://archaeosoup.com/bard-memories-why-shakespeares-stratford-deserves-a-second-chance/

Shakespeare's exact date of birth is uncertain, but is traditionally celebrated on the 23rd of April. Not a whole lot is actually known about the man himself, but he is arguably the most influential figure in the history of English literature. Whether you take some time to read one of his plays or sonnets, or even just watch a movie like 10 Things I Hate About You (based on The Taming of the Shrew) or She's The Man (based on Twelfth Night), celebrate the day accordingly.

7. Celebrate St George's Day http://www.britainfirst.org/events/st-georges-day-rally-21st-april-berkshire/

The 23rd of April also marks the English celebration of St George's Day. First observed as a holiday in 1399 to celebrate the legendary soldier who saved a princess and slew a dragon, the day soon became on par with Christmas in terms of hype. Nowadays it's not as big a deal, but serves as a fitting day to celebrate all that is English.

8. Observe Poetry Reading Day 


The Lake Isle of Innisfree poem in handwritten italic calligraphy with spring blossom illustration
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/30755796@N04/5418728612/

The delightful Poetry Reading Day is celebrated on the 28th of April, and serves as the perfect excuse to reacquaint yourself with favourite old poems and share them with others, as well as discover some new ones.

9. Observe Hairstyle Appreciation Day
Christina Aguilera
http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/celebrity-style/50-worst-celebrity-hairstyles-of-all-time#8

The last day of April has the glorious honour of being Hairstyle Appreciation Day, so observe the day accordingly by both dishing out compliments to people with fabulous locks, and being awestruck by some of the more gruesome examples to be found in Hairstyle History. This is a fantastic round-up of the 50 Worst Celebrity Hairstyles of All Time. Enjoy!

10. Go For a Springtime Stroll in the Park
https://www.facebook.com/visittoronto?filter=2

Spring is a magical time of year, and what better way to witness the natural glories of the season than by paying a trip to your local park? Take countless pictures of the cherry blossom, inhale the smell of freshly cut grass, and bask in the mild sunshine.