Belated Anniversary

Honestly…I am not even sure how it happened…but A Fine Balance’s anniversary came and went over a month ago. I blame it on the lack of sunshine, taking pictures in -20C weather, and a boatload of craziness. AFB is officially 2 years old. And while it is still going through some growing pains, I’d have to say its coming along just fine. Thanks for all your support : ) looking forward to a crazy and fun 2013.

What I am Wearing:

Jacket: Canada Goose

Scarf: Christmas Gift

Boots:  Sorrel (so sad they were "permanently borrowed" from a stranger at the gym...

Leg Warmers: H&M

Top: Dress from Banana Republic (Factory)

Skirt: BB Dakota (Friend of a friends)

Pearls: Aldo

Gloves: Coach

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Nini Sketched

A little less than 2 months ago I saw a lovely post on one of my Favourite Blogger’s Baby Budget Blog. The post was a sketch/recreation of herself created by Dear Girl Wallflower. I was blown away! Through the blogging world I have come to meet people with so many styles, interests and talents. Having seen what Dear Girl could do , I just had to contact her to see if wouldn’t mind doing up a drawing of me. DG was absolutely wonderful and was more than happy to do a recreation of me with a photo I supplied her with. I loved what Dear Girl was able to capture and I have included some of the sketches below. You can check out the original post here. 

Thank you DG!

Photos I supplied DG to do the drawing

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Expecting the Unexpected?

What a conundrum that one is - right?

A few years back…ok…many years back tear-away pants were all the rage. Being a Human Kinetics Major, my go to wardrobe for school was sneakers, a t-shirt and of course (matching) tear-away pants. YEP the ones that had snap-on buttons all down the side. Talk about shapeless and unflattering (and also a moment where you look back and wonder "what was I thinking?"). What does this have to do with expecting the unexpected? Well…given that these pants were "airy", precautions had to be taken for potential mishaps. I learned that lesson once when one of the holes got caught on something and well….all the snap buttons came undone leaving what you would think would be a pretty embarrassing moment. But, I was prepared for such an occasion and always wore shorts underneath saving myself and others from indecent exposure!

Pinterest

It's the same with people. People never cease to amaze me. Their resilience, their compassion, their sheer will and effort at achieving their goals. Doing something that most people thought was absolutely impossible, and in short, making it POSSIBLE.

Pinterest

 Experience has also taught me that sometimes, along the way, some people can become misguided in which unexpected things occur. Sometimes the only thing you CAN do is: raise an eyebrow; do a double take (i.e. ask "did that just happen?"); scratch your head in bewilderment and ponder the following question - "why?". But the lesson I've learned tear-away pants style is being prepared is one thing but so is learning to LET GO of preparedness and EMBRACE the unexpected. Because no matter how much you anticipate, something will take you by surprise.

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Has something unexpected happened to you lately?

Back to the Future

It taking you all back to a September 5th 28 years ago when I was born. Yup I am celebrating another year in the world and am so thankful for everything that I have been blessed with.

First its about thanking the people who have made me, shaped me and helped grow into the person I am today. My family. All of you. Without you, your constant love, support, guidance I could not have become the woman I am today.

To all my friends EVERYWHERE. How can I thank you for the memories, the laughter, the friendship? You've been a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and always have a smile on your face for me.

My first birthday

This past year alone has been an amazing growing period. I found love and lost it, I learned that I am my own worst enemy, but I have more strength that I thought. I challenged myself and competed in my first fitness competition, suffered to highs and lows, started blogging, was able to see clearly, made new friends and am ready for new beginnings.

Can't wait to see what the future brings...

Blogger Profile - Head on Over to Petite Adventures!

I recently had the most amazing opportunity to be interviewed by another blogger. Please head on over to Petite Adventures for today's post!

Special shout out to Petite Adventures for taking the time to get to know me better! :)

Setting the Record Straight

Hey All,

I've had a bit of negativity directed towards the blog and while I am not going to point fingers or single anyone out, I just want to reiterate that sometimes when posting, I can be a bit quick to type. So things may be a bit misconstrued or misinterpreted. For one thing, I would not post a SINGLE picture or wear something that I didn't love or find promise in. 

I apologise to anyone who may have felt I devalued the amazing pieces I am given to wear or things I have in my own wardrobe. I do not take anything I have for granted. For those of you know know me, you know I would NEVER say something INTENTIONALLY to hurt someone.

Second, I do borrow a lot of clothing from Auntie R and I have also borrowed from Auntie B and been given hand me downs from both of them. In addition to their generosity, I've been given clothes to borrow from my  sis, my cousin and of course clothes swaps!

Since prepping for the competition, I have found that while I can still fit into some of my clothes MOST do not fit. I am so lucky that I have an extended family who are willing to share their wardrobes with me so I don't have to wear the same things everyday, nor break the bank in purchasing more clothes. 

These pictures were taken a few weeks before the competition and Kat so graciously took these pictures. 

What I am wearing (I am happy to report that all articles for once are my own :))

Skirt: Club Monaco

Shirt: Mango

Jewelry: Bracelets (Gift)

               Necklace: Aldo

Shoes: DKNYC

What do you do when your upset? How do you cope? How do you let go? 

Florals, Friends and Finding the Balance

Recently I have come to realise that participating in this fitness competition has and is raising a lot of eyebrows for many people. And many people have questioned my reasons for doing this and the misconceptions that have followed with it.

Please let me assure you that this has NOT been for weight loss, but to work towards a bigger goal of testing myself - my mental and physical capabilities and to challenge myself to something I have thought was unattainable.  Just like any sport, athletes must train for months at a time, have strict regimens, and eat certain foods. Of course there is an "off season". But the next 3 and half weeks are critical for me. This is the last leg of the contest prep.

I have been EVER SO LUCKY to have both silent and vocal cheerleaders in my corner. My true friends and family have upped the ante so to speak and have rallied against me with the last amount of strength I need to see this through. You all have been so wonderful. The constant emails, phone calls, messages and tweets have left me speechless from the support I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH. And please note I will need it now more than ever :P

As for Foes...I have come to battle my own inhibitions. I have learned to silence the negative voice in my head and look ONLY at the positives. The past 8 months have not been about a "Bikini", but about achieving something bigger. 

I learned that its about MOTIVATION. And an inner strength to get to that ideal condition - for most, its not about being a figure competitor but maybe something else, maybe to be a ballerina, or a hockey player, or even Olympic athlete. Its 90% ATTITUDE.

I thought it was time to also share some pictures from the Angie's Fashion Show I attended almost a month ago now! 

What I am Wearing:

Floral Dress: Frou Frou (designer - local)

Shoes: Nine West (these KILLED me by the end of the night)

Jewelry: Bracelet (bought in India on my Travels)

Belt: BCBG

Celebrating the Persian New Year

Friends,

I have been meaning to write a post for you all weekend, but sadly, my computer crashed : ( so while it was being fixed I followed many of my friends on Twitter to get updates on Ottawa Fashion Week and the great local designers who were debuted. I was so hoping to be there and join in but alas, was unable to take part, BUT count me in for next year!

Today is a special day for me. I am celebrating Navroz (the Persian new year). Navroz (Nowruz), a festival commemorating the beginning of a new year and the first day of spring. More generally, it signifies a time of spiritual renewal, physical rejuvenation, as well as the spirit of gratitude for blessings and an outlook of hope and optimism towards the future.
What a fitting day for what this blog is all about and I am so happy I get to share it with all of you! Today's outfit felt inspired by Navroz, and the celebration of spring so today is the day for green to signify growth and renewal.

What I am Wearing

Not sure if you can see it in the photo,

But my Water-bottle is visible in the

Left haha!

Sweater: Forever 21
Leggings: Aritzia
Shoes: DKNYC
Jewellery: COACH 

XOXO - N

A Fine Balance

Friends,

I hope all of you have had an amazing weekend, and while I did miss my post for Monday, Tuesday seems like a good a day as any to tell you about my Monday Escapade!

I had the pleasure of having dinner with an old roommate who was in town and as the conversation flowed, so did the drinks (Cognac on the rocks)…There goes my splurge for the week!

Inherently I am a bookworm and I just feel in love with his t-shirt, so thought I would post that today instead of an outfit. So fitting especially in the times that we live in…



The No. 2 Pencil is Mightier Than the Sword….
If any of you are interested in this T-shirt, it is available at Roadtrip in the Market (or Trustfund)

As I was walking home from such a refreshing evening, with a little skip in my step, I ended up taking a HUGE dive and falling right on the corner of Besserer and Nicholas. Needless to say, my legs were sprawled, my bags went flying, and I had to get right back up and pretend as if nothing had happened. Mortifying and so much for chic! I also have ended up with a huge purple-y bruise on my left hip and thigh (where I landed). In the end, the lesson I guess is we all lose our balance sometimes, you just have to brush yourself off, and get right back up.

XOXO

N