After the YWCA 'Open Your Purse' Event I was feeling in need of a new handbag for myself, of course I couldn't afford anything as luxurious in terms of brand, so I braved the frigid temperatures of last week and headed to Deerfoot Mall. I already had something particular in mind. I wanted something suitable for not only now but spring 2010 as well. My favorite bags so far that I have seen have been from Nina Ricci. Her spring line has (for me) been really on trend. The size, shape and embellishments are just right. I think the over sized Mary Kate and Ashley homeless person bags are over. For spring, keeping the fundamentals of your bag feminine with a strong shape and a slight touch of edge (chains straps, minimal studs) is really where it at. It's more about feeling light and sophisticated, less about making a bold and obvious statement.

Of course I managed to find what I wanted for my budget. I am quite skilled in that area now. more of my holiday shopping while I was there. The best part was I ended up with more for myself than I had originally intended. While shopping for small gifts for people from the office and stocking stuffers for the family, I took full advantage of buy one get one half off sales and BOGO's. I would give the first item and I considered the second one that was free a gift for myself! The hard part came after the shopping when I had to return home. When taking transit in ridiculously cold weather, handling multiple shopping bags is less than desirable. However these days I try less to complain and let things like that affect me. Certain things in life just aren't worth the stress when you put it into perspective. For example: Everyday when I go to work, at the same spot, at the same time, There is this man walking with two little boys ( I would imagine taking them to school). He requires two arm braces to walk. It looks as though every step is a struggle. I see him everyday, regardless of the snow, the ice, the cold. I can't imagine how he does it. So if people like that, or like the women from the YWCA, can survive their situations, I really have no right to complain about a few bags weighing me down.

Since that shopping trip, I have been packing and re packing. Undecided if I should leave room in my suitcase to bring more back. Thinking about the clothes I gave away and could reclaim. When it comes to the past though whether it is a pair of jeans or a man, I think it is best to move on. I never did try to find my ex- the photog- on Facebook. Just like my clothes I left behind, all I can really do is wish him luck and hope he has a good home and somebody appreciates him. I think it really is better that way, in terms of packing anyways. I leave for Toronto this Friday, returning on the 29th. I still have no idea what I will do with myself for NYE. Cher is going with her BF to Hotel Arts for a masquerade ball, I was invited to Vinyl, C.O.P. and a few others as well but I really don't know what to expect from any of those parties. I may just forgo the festivities and stay home. It would save me alot of money. Which in typical style I am always short on.

Kath has informed me she can get me in anywhere and not to worry about tickets or anything. however, I would feel like a third wheel joining her and her newly acquired piece of jewellery. Her BF proposed to her last week. We found the dress two days later at ETHOS. It was one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences ever. She is so cut throat when dealing with salespeople who have attitude. I guess she doesn't make all her money from being a push over. So to join her and her fiance as they cling to each other in their newly discovered bliss... Might not be for me. Maybe I will just stay in Ontario for New Years. I guess anything is possible. I do feel as though I should start 2010 with a bang, in grandiose out of control style.