Gabbana is a big Girl now...

Our youngest little bundle of joy went in for "the surgery" last week. The first night, she was happy to just lay down. Mr. G, was showing more signs of Daddy -sympathy pain .. than the actual patient.

Big brother Dolce, would not leave her side and even let her share his blanket...

By the third day ... Miss Gabbana was back to herself ... well ... herself with a pink cone!!! lol...

Her food bowl, disappears under the cone.

Let me tell you this Pink Cone did not stop her ... I actually think it gave her super powers.

I'm sure at this point Dolce and Gabbana are saying to each other...

  "She has the camera AGAIN!!!"

A better photo of the personalized cone from the Vet. 

Our vet and her staff are super with all their little furry patients.

Turning the faces away from mommy's camera ... and possibly saying...

"She is not leaving..."

Gabbana being her little Princess self, tucks her head inside her castle and places her Diva paw with pink bandage, where the IV was during surgery , out ... Yup, she is fine....

Creating A New Style ...

Most people are aware the clothes they put on each day silently speak volumes to the world, about their personality; how they see themselves; lifestyle; where they are in life and the social group they are (or want to be) part of. So, each day they are careful and meticulous about there wardrobe choices, regardless of their economic standing. This is of course "assuming" they are living life with no major detours, crisis or drama in sight.

Click here for outfit details

Looking back on my days working in the corporate world; I would be considering these options for my autumn wardrobe update. With a change of shoes and accessories this outfit would easily transition from day to an evening out, for cocktails or dinner with friends.
This outfit however, is totally impracticable for the daily life I now live and have lived for almost 6 years.

I can't speak for everyone going through a life detour, crisis or drama filled life... but I can tell you that my wardrobe went from the look above to this:

via

... day in and day out with little if any care for how people saw me. Yes in the early months post my accident this may have been understandable ... but this look was only up graded by sweat pants and t-shirts with runners for the following few years. Attending functions that required more than what I had become comfortable in, became a nightmare of anxiety, which only added to my already depressed outlook of life and this kept me in the catch 20/20 - until I found the strength to create a new wardrobe style I was stuck in my new "acquired style" and until I created a new wardrobe style, the strength just wasn't coming.

Via 
Lilly Pulitzer website click here

When I started blogging I was introduced to Lilly Pulitzer dresses which were a great help for creating a summer wardrobe of more than sweats. Being a dress no thought was required to match and upper or bottom piece; and they were super comfy.Unfortunately, not so practical for our Canadian autumns and winters. Being out of sweats, gave a little lift to my flat shoe wearing days.


It would take a couple more years before I would start creating a style that would better fit my new life. It than took me another year to actually transition to it. And this my friends is the  inspiration look I've designed to be my practicable look :

Click here for outfit details

I may no longer require clothes for a corporate career ~ but I still have the need to look polished and presentable for myself. Coordinating pieces of my wardrobe remains a challenge for me ~ my brain can become exhausted, quickly trying to figure out what goes with what. To make getting dressed easier with the help of loving family, friends and a devoted care team, we have come with strategies to help me put my best foot forward in the wardrobe area. I'll be sharing these strategies in future posts.

For now I just hope to inspire anyone who finds themselves lounging around in their pajamas or sweats day in day out, to see how with just a pair of khaki pants, white shirt and loafers they too can give their day a lift.                               

Looking at this inspiration outfit I created, I  think I would  add a scarf! 

Would you add a scarf?

Sharing this post with 

My Friday's Fancies * Fashion Friday * What Inspires Me Friday

Fashionista in Training

There is nothing more fun than shopping ... Except shopping with a future Fashionista!!! 

Just before school started, Miss M. came to stay with us in the country for a week. She is growing up so fast! 

To be able to see the world through her eyes and thoughts on things, is a true blessing.

Miss M. couldn't wait to show Uncle G. her new rain boots... Dolce decided he would give her a little paw assistance.

She picked the purple boots and choose the pink sock inserts ...

Looking ready for any school rainy days!! 

Browns is her NEW favourite shoe boutique ...

I think Dolce approves... But where is Miss Gabbana??

AHA! .... Gabbana!!!

PAPER? What Paper? 

It's Ruff Looking Good...

Thank you to everyone who has emailed asking when I'm going to share more photos of our newest family member. Miss Gabbana realized just what goes into looking Pawfettly Gorgeous!! Here are photos from her first bath.

Of course just like her brother Kiehl's is all "they" pawfer ... 

Miss Gabbana was not too happy that her after bath spray was not Kiehl's... ruff! ruff! ...

and voila .... Here she is after the dry and brush!!!

Grilled Chicken Breast, Salad and Pasta ~

One of the things I'll miss from summer ... eating from our garden.

Living in the country with 13 plus acres of land makes for a busy summer, especially if you want to benefit from all that Mother Nature offers. Here the Vegetable Gardener (otherwise know as Mr. G.), tends to the garden's daily needs. Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, zucchini, egg plate, herbs,  are just some of the wonderful treats this garden provides.

 Today we are going to add some of the red leaf lettuce to our lunch plate.

The tomatoes are not quite ready, but are promising to be bountiful.

For our salad we will use market fresh tomatoes

We will be grilling portion size skinless and boneless chicken breasts (protein), seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil; sprinkling of paprika, turmeric, and Himalayan sea salt. 

Our garden fresh red leaf lettuce and market fresh tomatoes (vegetable) will be seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil, just a tap of Himalayan sea salt, pepper, Italian seasoning (without salt), and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar (you can substitute apple cider vinegar).

Our other side will be a vegetable infused whole grain pasta, cooked - drained and sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

To grill our chicken breast an indoor grill pan is used... to avoid adding additional oil.

Lunch is served...

(don't worry that the plate looks extra full ~ we use  small dinner plates. More in line to the size used in the 60's, to see the difference and how much the size of  dinner plates have  increased click here.)

So glad you came by for lunch today!!

Sharing this post with:
On the Menu Monday *  Mouth Watering Monday  * Melt in your mouth Monday *  Tempted My Tummy Tuesday  *  Tasty Tuesday * What’s Cooking Wednesday *  Full Plate Thursday  * Home and Garden Thursday *  Feasting in Fellowship Friday 

A Box of Teacups and Friendship

It is amazing how our Angels sometimes deliver their messages. Though I do write about my accident, I do like to keep things positive here. So when life is a bit of a 45 , I tend to retract and take a little break, rather than write about the aches, pains, and challenges of the moment. During my recent break, I was questioning whether my writing makes a difference to others.

As I'm going through this break and questioning I receive a package from a dear blog friend...who let's me know that my posts on tea - and taking the time to actually enjoy a cup of tea, have encouraged her to do that for herself. This made my day! But , she also wanted to pass along some teacups that she had ~ which she felt I would enjoy. To say that I was humbled by this gesture, would be an understatement.

When this HUGE box arrived ... I was speechless!

Inside you could see how much thoughtfulness and care each item had been packed with.

These are some of the teacups and goodies (lots of fragrance samples to try and strawberry chocolate tea) that I will certainly treasure these teacups of friendship. Each time I use one, I will be reminded that I did make a difference, and that I must continue.

Well, if one box was not enough ... a second box arrived a few days later.

With more lovelies and tea... over the next few weeks I will be sharing with you the beauty of these teacups.

My Dear friend N. you inspire me more than you will know, to give back to others and to keep the faith ~ HE really does have a plan for us all. To enjoying a cup of tea together, in heart and spirit. Hugs, C.

If you have not yet discovered The LBD Diaries blog I highly suggest you do. You will discover a blog author whose writing is inspiring, reminding us that no matter what twists and turns life takes us, we are still women.To always have faith and believe that God is right by our side, and when you are ready he will bring into your life more joy,love and happiness than we can imagine. She writes about her journey to getting back into her LBDs ~ and her Alpha Hubby who is truly her soul mate.You can read a little more about this witty, and special woman HERE. Pop on over and say hello, you will be happy you did.

sharing this post with:  The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays  ~Twig Studios for Sunday Show Off ~ Under the Table Dreaming for Sunday Showcase Party ~ Mosaic Monday ~ Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday  Table Top Tuesday ~  A Return to Loveliness Tuesday ~  between naps on the front porch Thursday ~ 

Mommy's Time Out ... You deserve it!

found this on line and had to share it. You can purchase it here.

Whether you are a mommy of  young children, older children or four legged children ~ all Mommies need a little time for themselves. This week-end marks the official start to Autumn 2012!!! What better way to welcome fall, than with a few hours (or afternoon or evening or whole day!!!) just for YOU!!!

Me Time by fallingoffahighheeledlife 

To give you some inspiration I'm sharing some items that would make my Time Out ... so much fun!! Of course a nice relaxing bubble bath; while enjoying some tea. After applying some luxurious body lotion and slipping into a comfy pajama, soft soft slippers and curling up on a chair with a great book or an issue of Tea Time or Town & Country magazine.

Spinach and Cheese Omelette Recipe ~ The Other Side of Thin

I have been re-learning many things about meal time that use to be second nature.This dish is one that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or a quick dinner. It's both tasty and nutritious.

ingredients:

4 - organic eggs (ours are courtesy of a neighbor on our road - 

whose chickens run free around their property)

1/2 Cup grated smoked Gouda cheese

1 Cup of fresh organic spinach

2 garlic cloves chopped

few sprigs fresh organic oregano, parsley, basil 

pinch of Himalayan sea salt

couple pinch of Tumeric

3-3 turns of the pepper mill 

1 Tbsp. olive oil 

Stepping into Autumn

Autumn 2012 by fallingoffahighheeledlife featuring jersey tops
Visit my Polyvore for complete outfit details

This ensemble would be my choice for a trip into the city to meet friends for brunch and an afternoon of shopping in Yorkville.

Change is in the Air...

Change is something that forces us from our comfort zone.

Change may not always be something we  initiated, and often 
blind sides us. But we can can take back control - by finding the opportunity(ies) in change instead of letting it (change) take us down.

Change comes with its own built in grieving/adjustment period and the length of this period is as individual as we are. I have come to refer to this time as "Life in Transition". Life as we knew it or the person we were no longer fit - in the present; and the future is unknown.

Change makes us look deep within ourselves and find strength we did not know existed. With this strength guiding us we are able to do our personal best and than some. 




Until we are ready to move forward, it may feel that we have been defeated by change. But this feeling will pass and we will conquer change. For one thing is constant with change ... IT will always be there urging us towards our life's purpose. Often in ways that we could not have imagined. 

Change is won when during our "Life in Transition" period we find our self going from surviving to Thriving; the choice to move towards Thriving is ours.  

As the plantings of summer make way for the harvest of autumn, it is the perfect time to look at what changes have been planted in our life and start harvesting the opportunities instead of focusing on the weeds that may also have taken root!

For me post accident, I have found the opportunity of giving to others, by sharing my story and journey. 

What opportunities have you found within changes in your life, that at first you thought there could be no good in it?

Getting Back To Regular ...

...posting with a few changes.

Hello dear friends and readers of High Heeled Life, summer ~ its hot, humid, dry, carefree days are almost a distance memory and the brilliant warm reds, oranges, browns and yellows of autumn beckon new adventures and changes. The first half of 2012 has been a myriad of emotions, ups and downs on my road to creating Me and my Life. 

One of the biggest changes came when I had to face the reality - that I am not able to return to a corporate career. Something that various rehab therapists had elude to for some time. But  I was in denial until the neuropsychologist put it in black and white. As I read the report it was like a ton of bricks ~ "not able to return to full time or part-time work. Part-time volunteering within a structured environment "may be" suitable". It's amazing how seeing something in writing really makes it REAL. 

So, after a few weeks of drawn out depression, tantrums, and crying - I picked myself up and decided, if volunteering is going to be it then I'm going to be the best volunteer I can be!

Blog writing Direction: 

Blogging is a medium through which I can volunteer my time ~ via writing. 

When I started in 2010 it was to help with my speech therapy. Over time it became about sharing my journey. Over the past month or so I have been going back and rereading my posts. I wanted to get a feeling about what I was blogging about and determined if it's a path I wanted to continue. As you may have noticed with some of the recent posts and the look of the blog itself things are changing. 

With help from friends and their wonderful patience and guidance, the direction I hope to take my blog writing in is about Life and Transition. Through my story, journey and experiences I hope to inspire others to not give up their dreams; to live in and enjoy each moment; that no matter the reason for the detour which sent their life into transition ~ WE are the architect and writer of how WE LIVE our life!

Whats New?:

TABS~ Hopefully the changes within the tabs will make it easier to locate your topic of reading choice and to find information concerning High Heeled Life on this blog.

Meet Celia - background on me with photo

Life After Trauma & Brain Injury? - A bit about Brain Injury and where links will be found for posts I write related Trauma and Brain injury.

Afternoon Tea - the therapeutic value I have discovered and where links to posts I write relating to tea and sharing some of my teacups will be found.

Series Posts - From time to time I will write a series of posts on a particular topic, all links to posts in each series will be easily found here.

BlogLand Friends, Shops & Reads -  These are My Personal Recommendations for: blogs I find inspiring, informative and read often. Shops owned by blog friends, I shop from or plan to shop from - that I feel offer products to to help create a High Heeled Life. Reads books I've purchased and read, published by blogging friends, these books either bring inspiration, motivation, enlightenment, laughter or thought provocation from reading.

Book Reviews - Books that have been sent to me for reviewing. I have read and share my opinion on it's topic and writing. 

Contact, Advertise & Press - Information on how to contact me. Opportunities for advertising on High Heeled Life. Press links to stories or feature posts written about High Heeled Life.

EDITORIAL~ at this time there is no editorial calendar plan for posts, but I will do my best to write about regular topics at the same time during the week. Topics will include Life & Style; Next Life Chapter; Fitness; Holistic Healing; Travel; Body, Mind and Spirit; and Life as it happens.

Thank you to everyone who has visited (commented) during my sporadic posting and blog presence these past couple of months. There are a few more things to complete this week ... and then it's back to regular posting..

I hope you will enjoy the new changes and that you will always find a piece of inspiration when you visit.