Catch of the Day! | Girly Guide to: Fishing

I love being outdoors- the sun, water, fresh air- doing activities that are less than glamorous. Mudding, hiking, sea-dooing and fishing are just a few of the outdoor summer activities I enjoy on a regular basis. If you're anything like me- outdoorsy but girly- it can be hard to balance enjoying the great outdoors while protecting your manicure!

Fear not my adventure lovin' ladies. I have a few tips and tricks to help keep you looking fresh faced and gorgeous all day while enjoying the less than beauty guru approved outdoor activities that you love!

Today I am going to focus on fishing. I love to go fishing! Being out on a boat in the sun for hours on end is enough to make me happy, but throw in the thrill of catching a fish- the fight to reel it in, that feeling in your stomach when you realize its a big one!- and you've got me hook, line and sinker. 

1. Think Pink

I like to use pink equiptment when I'm doing activities that aren't exactly feminine. I know it really doesn't make a whole lot of difference in the fishing itself. However, I think being surrounded by pink helps to keep your girly side on the surface. Also, they're all super cute!

Even my fishing rod and reel are pink! I got this rod and reel set from Bass Pro Shop about four years ago and I still love it just as much!

2. Get Girl Gloves

I would strongly suggest getting yourself a pair of fishing gloves for baiting hooks and taking off fish. Baiting hooks is just kind of gross in my opinion and slimy fish can slip out of small hands. Having a pair of fishing gloves that have grips on the fingers and palm is a life saver when trying to unhook a squirmy slimy fish with baby hands!

3. Bring a Book
Spending hours out on the lake is so relaxing but when you're not catching any fish it can get a touch boring. Bringing a book to read keeps you in the tech free, open air mindset while still providing you a little something to keep you occupied. 

4. Bring Layers
This particular day of fishing I started off with just a bikini on and ended up in this outfit. As the sun goes down and the wind picks up, it gets really chilly out on a lake! Bringing long pants and a sweater can never hurt, even if you don't end up putting them on!

I hope this post is helpful to you outdoorsy ladies who respect clean nails! Do you have any tips for fisher-women out there? Leave a comment below!

Also, let me know if there are any other Girly Guide ideas I could post about!

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo

I've Been AWOL | Update

Oh my gosh. We are nineteen days into July and I have yet to post on this blog. I don't think I've ever gone this long without posting. It's so freakin' bizarre. 

I got so caught up with the whole daily vlogging thing for my happiness project that I completely neglected this blog. After sixty days of vlogging I realized that I didn't really enjoy it- it wasn't really my thing. Firstly I don't even enjoy getting my photo taken, so watching back videos of myself was super cringe-worthy. The second reason I stopped vlogging was that it dawned on me that my happiness project is quite a private journey and I'd prefer to document it in a more private way- say a diary or something.

To get back into blogging, I thought it only right that I do a little update/photo diary of my life over the past twenty days. Enjoy!

Father's day is kind of like the kick off to summer in my family. It's the first big barbecue of the year and (usually) the first really nice day of summer. It was such a lovely day spent outside with so many of the people I love and cherish.

Paul moved back home too! It's so nice to have him here. He's one of my best friends and we always have such a great time together.

I've had some lovely times with my cousins out on the lake at camp! From fishing to seadooing, we've been having a blast and making the most of summer!

As per summer standards, I have been living every free moment in my bikini. There's nothing better than getting outside by the water, soaking up the sun, and lounging around in a bikini!

As if family fishing adventures aren't already perfect, family fishing adventures at sunset is a sure way to soothe the soul. The views alone are stunning. Add in the thrill of catching fish. Enter spending time with your amazing family. Perfect evening if you ask me!

I SHOT A FREAKIN' WEDDING! On the ninth of July my wedding photographer virginity was gracefully swept away by Shannon and George as they allowed me to capture the glory and beauty of their wedding day.

Logan's back!! It's so great to be reunited with my summer time partner in crime. We've had some lovely beach days and spent far too much money at the mall! Every girl (and person) deserves a best friend like Log!

The summer student I'm supporting at The Home Depot was awarded an employee of the month badge for friendliest customer service! He and I were both over the moon about it- he definitely deserves this!

I have discovered a new favourite place, right near my house, that's perfect for sitting alone and reflecting on life. This little space has been such a blessing with how hectic my life has gotten!

I've been keeping on track with my fitness and I feel GREAT! It's a little easier to stay in shape when you're working a physically demanding job so I hope I can keep it up when I get back into school.

How is your summer going so far? Please do let me know in a comment!

I solemnly swear, here and now, to NEVER go this long without blogging again!

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo

Turning Twenty-One | Personal + Review

I mentioned in my last post, 20 things I learned being 20, that my birthday just passed! With a birthday comes a party. I didn't do anything big- just a get together with the family. It was a really lovely time. 

 My cousin and his girlfriend invited me snow machining with them for the day before my family came around for dinner. We went for about four hours through the bush trails, stopping for lunch at this super cool snow machining hot spot. They serve amazing pub food and have every beer you could think of!

To have a party you obviously have to invite people! I came by Paperless Post earlier in the month and I knew I wanted to choose from the amazing selection of birthday invitations that they have to offer!

 Paperless Post has plenty of free templates to choose from. You then go in and customize the details of the party. You're able to choose your text, layout, etc. and totally make it your own!

Once you've designed your invitation the way you like it, all that's left is to invite people! The invitation goes directly to their e-mail inbox. This is so perfect! No paper waste and no chance of the invitation getting lost!

 The Paperless Post invitation comes to your inbox in a cute envelope. Once you click on it there is an animated opening of the envelope and removing of the invitation. It's such a cute way to receive an invitation! And the best part? When you receive the invitation you can automatically add it to your Google, Outlook, iCal, or Yahoo calendar!

My birthday was an absolutely lovely time surrounded by the people I love and all the things I love! My cakes were cinnamon sugar cakes with vanilla-cinnamon buttercream. All homemade of course by yours truly! I'm sure it's weird to some people that I made my own birthday cakes but I insisted as I LOVE to bake but don't get the opportunity now that I don't have an oven to use. 

I had the perfect birthday in my opinion- on the trails doing what I love, then in my home with the people I love. How would you spend your perfect birthday? Please do let me know in a comment- I'd love to know!

Thanks for reading & check back to see what KatieDidd, xo