I'm sorry. I'm here.

I'm so sorry. I've been completely awol. My life has been crazy lately to say the least. I've been so busy it seems like I've not had a chance to sit at my laptop and write a post (I say this with little conviction as I'm sure I have had the time, however have used it for other things). The only reason I'm taking the time to write this now is because I'm bogged down with an awful stomach flu. 

No matter the circumstance that brought me to this, I am here and I am writing. Since it's been a month and three days since my last post (two months since my last personal post) I thought it would only be appropriate to catch you up on what has been happening in my life. 

Josh and I went to Toronto to see a Blue Jays game (which turned into seeing two Blue Jays Games!). We had a great time staying in downtown TO. Not only did we see the Jays but we also went to the Ripley's Aquarium and Vaughn Mills for some shopping.

I did a charity run! My friend Michelle and I entered Run The Great Lakes which raises money for a local hospice facility. We finished five kilometres in thirty-two minutes (which if you're a serious runner sucks, but if you're me and just getting back into it, is amazing!)

This little guy turned THREE. What the actual heck? I can't believe Tate is already three years old. It seems like just yesterday I was holding a six pound newborn in my arms.

This. Freakin. Highlighter. My goodness, check out E.L.F. highlighters and you will not be disappointed. 

I'm working for CLA again job coaching intellectually disabled students. The girl I'm paired with is an absolute riot. I adore her and am having an amazing summer.

I've been to the beach exactly one time... so there's proof I've truly been busy!

Canada celebrated it's 150th birthday! Unfortunately July first didn't go off as planned, however I was able to make up for it a few days later by lighting sparklers with a girlfriend of mine.

Josh's family dog sat his friends dog, Leslie. Her and Oakley become best friends quickly and now that she's gone home he seems to almost be going through a break up! She's still a puppy so her energy is high. It was an absolute blast having her around.

Sixty pounds dropped, I've finally hit my goal size. I started my weight loss journey at size twelve and I'm now a size two. I know it's not about the numbers but it was a goal of mine and I'm so proud I accomplished it.

I got my hair done again and it's freakin' amazing. I'm beyond obsessed with it. Pinterest worthy or what? Check out Liv's Instagram to see more of her amazing work!

Josh and I went to a Stag & Doe just this past weekend (where we won absolutely nothing). We had a blast with a few friends, and he even danced with me! 

These past couple months have been phenomenal and I've been selfish with keeping it all to myself. I promise to post more often! 

Beach Bummin' It | Tips + Photo Diary

I don't know about you, but as soon as the temperature is above twenty two degrees Celsius and the sun is out I just want to spend every waking second at the beach! As a self proclaimed 'beach bum', I have become somewhat of a professional with having successful beach trips! Today I'm going to share with you a few tips for a perfect beach day!

Tip number one is obviously to check the weather prior to going out. Once you've determined it's a good day to be a beach bum, the next step is to pack a bag full of essentials. For me, the beach means no makeup; however, I always bring a chapstick with SPF in it. In my beach bag, I always pack sunglasses, a towel, my beach rug+pillow, a good book and a bottle of water. Birkenstocks are my footwear of choice when heading off to the beach.

I always like to wear a summer dress over my bikini when heading to the beach. This helps me to avoid those strange lines that shorts can leave on your tummy. Not to mention that awkward moment when you go to take your shorts off and your bikini bottoms start to come along off with them!

The next tip I have is just lounge! Catch some rays and soak in that vitamin D. I don't personally use sunscreen but I do make sure I eat plenty of sun blocking foods the day before I have beach plans. This includes tomatoes, carrots, dark chocolate, and tuna. If I see my skin beginning to get pink I throw on a light cotton beach cover up.

My gorgeous best friend, Logan, who came along with me to the beach was kind enough to be my golden hour model while I played around with my camera. How stunning is she!? There's nothing better than some sunset pictures on the beach.

Then she decided to try her hand at it. After a quick briefing in photography she snapped these shots of me!

This impromptu photoshoot leads me to my last beach bum tip: bring your bestie. There's nothing better than lounging in the sun with your best girlfriend and talking each other's ear off about everything and anything!

I hope you all are getting to the beach as much as possible this summer! Do you have any beach related tips? Do let me know!

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