happy 4th of July!

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wishing my American readers a happy long weekend, from one proud Canadian who knows all about sidewalk lemonade stands x

put a crown on it. 12.

you can't look past the daisy when thinking of summer floral crowns…and neither could i! to re-invent this sunny day staple, instead of a simple crown, i made it into a hat (well, that's what i'm calling it). i used the most picture perfect, crisp, tall, white daisies you have ever seen from garlands in sydney. my bangs were getting quite long around this time, so i parted them down the middle (which i never ever do) for a very 60's flower child do. the dress and sunnies give it a bit of a 90's spin for a fun little drew barrymore inspired moment, maybe? needless to say, i am very happy with how this headpiece turned out for the floral crown series and i love the blue skies that went with it. do you have a favourite yet?

Photography: Fiona Galbraith Crown & Styling: Nicole Valentine Don

put a crown on it. 11.

the sunshiney season is well and truly pouring in down under, so what better time to introduce the next creation in the floral crown series (it has been awhile). i thought i would start with the marigold (french and african varieties by name, but both mexican in origin, who knew?) - a humble flower that seems to fly under the radar. there is nothing quite like the punchiness of their unique orangey, golden hue; the buds shone right through the summer haze, just like i was hoping they would (yay!). *side note: i reallllly wanted to make something with marigolds last november for day of the dead, but you would not believe how difficult they are to come by in Sydney. this crown was actually made up of about 10 different plants, all of which all now potted and thriving in the yard (…except for maybe one, ahem…), but seriously, there is no such thing as a bunch of marigolds in this crazy town. on my search i learned that the Spanish word for marigold is Caléndula and the Aztec word is Cempasúchil or they are simply referred to as Flor de Muertos- Flower of the Dead.

et voilà:

Photography: Fiona Galbraith Crown & Styling: Nicole Valentine Don

a very merry backyard christmas.

being from Canada, but living in Australia, i have experienced a few christmases down under. it is always a bit strange and never quite feels like christmas at all. since i am home in the great white north these holidays, i thought i would embrace what it means to have this traditionally north american holiday in the sunshine. photographer Fiona Galbraith and i wanted to create a sort of daggy backyard christmas and not use too many custom holiday motifs (except tinsel). the result is a colourful, haphazard, outdoor setting amidst the ever-present aussie hills hoist. merry christmas and happy holidays to all, no matter where you are celebrating. enjoy your time with family and friends- that's what it's all about!! the transcontinental affair will be back after a short break. peace and love xoxo

Photography: Fiona Galbraith Styling by: Nicole Valentine Don

bougainvillea love.

i've spent countless summers oohing and ahhhing over the glory that is the bougainvillea. they truly are a spectacle of colours and vibrance. today, i bought my own little plant of the fuschia pink variety, so that i can have my own slice of mediterranean heaven at home. i can't wait for it start growing crazy!

 

pinterest

the polar express.

feeling a bit nostalgic for my childhood summers after seeing these photos posted over on fieldguided of the Canadian National Exhibition rides. i love the polar express, but i'm not sure i was ever game enough to go on the zipper!

here

my biggest inspiration.

thinking of my momma today (always) and decided it was about time i shared these photos with you. i don't really need stevie nicks and the rolling stones as idols of 70's style, just look at my mom!

instagr.am.vancouver.

we are on the homestretch now, but still very busy (and exhausted) with our trip. i thought i would start sharing the instagram version of events for those of you who do not follow me. there are thousands of photos (and counting) to go through when i get home, but for now here is a taste of our adventures:

inukshuk love:

i was an inukshuk:

my family; little sister, cousins, momma & aunt:

little sister and mother dearest:

my cousin and i flanking a polaroid of my mom and her parents under a cherry blossomed tree:

one talented stranger et moi:

a friend called Candy:

mountains in the clouds:

follow me @little_nicki_

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

cheers to my favourite person in the whole wide world/woman i most want to be like (or at least come close to, some day).

you make me strive to be a better and kinder person every single day momma. i love you to itty bitty pieces xoxo

dance dance dance.

i love this little sunshiny park session with lykke li and bon iver. it's SO special. feels like something from another time, another era entirely.

today has been inspired by:

tahitian black pearls, tie-dye & tans

front yard fun.

is this not one of the cutest childhood photos you've ever seen?! these are my cousins having a ball in the front yard probably 15- 20 years ago. i get to see them these holidays- yay!
p.s. i think bangs were in ;)

some birthday magic.

i had such a beautiful day with beautiful friends- thank you x

i love this one, but the garbage bins make me cringe a little...