Thursday, January 15, 2026

Mom-Day Adventure: A New Path at Blenkinsop Lake, a Very Wee Shop

Welcome to Mom-Day Adventures! Mom and I visited Blenkinsop Lake (home of her "boyfriend" Roy), but took a different route - it's all new! We last had a Mom-Day in this area way back here in May 2024. Shocking! 
We both left feeling invigorated, revived and contented. It's a good thing to have this time together. I love you, Mom! 

And this is what I wore. 
We continue to have spring-like weather, with temps in the double digits. No need for warmth, but layers are always practical. 

  • Denim suit - Smashed Lemon, Dots; last worn here for a Mom-Day at Mattick's Farm in August 2025
  • Cotton/sequin "Popcorn" top - Forever 21 Girls, thrifted; last seen here in July 2025 with these same boots
  • Leather boots - Doc Martens; last worn here (2nd outfit) in December 2025 for holiday shopping
  • Sleeveless coat (below) - Only, thrifted; last seen here in December 2025

The last time I wore this suit was for a Mom-Day - I must get more creative, but it did need its seasonal wearing! 
I layered the thin cotton-blend "sweatshirt" over a band tee (that I'll be sleeping in). 

I took the blazer off later in the evening when L and I went for dinner at Christie's Pub. 
Sparkly popcorn! 

It was warm enough not to need more than my sleeveless coat. 
I enjoyed having my sunglasses on. Incognito mode! 

The stuff: 
The scarf shifted around and drove me nuts all day. Despite my love for it, it's gotta go. 

  • Scarf - thrifted
  • Book pin - Boom, thrifted
  • Wool gloves - Parkhurst

Because I had so many pockets in my outfit (six!) I didn't need to carry a purse. 

Black and red bling:
I wore the pins on the lapel of the blazer. 

  • Belt - Madewell, consignment
  • Lucite/crystal bangle - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Sidney
  • Metal/carnelian cuff - thrifted
  • Silver loopy ring - consignment, Sidney
  • Silver/carnelian ring - thrifted
  • Anneke & Lars silver ring - vintage mall
  • Porcelain cat earrings - Winnie Tam
  • Audrey pin - consignment
  • Mink rose - thrifted

We parked in our usual spot a ways away from Blenkinsop Lake and began our stroll. 
Lovely blue sky peeking through. 

We could see Mt. Doug/PKOLS in the distance, and I spy a red gnome hat! 
It's Howard! 

I dashed ahead to use the washroom and caught Mom and part of the "Rings" sculpture on the right. 
She stopped and posed. I am my mother's daughter! 

We glanced to our right and looked at the inviting pond. 
We could hear a cacophony of mallard ducks! Let's go that way! 

Yup, that is a pond full of ducks. 
Much squawking and quacking. The sky was Drama every time we looked to the south. 

Farm Equipment Crossing. 
Look both ways! 

How's that for Cloud Drama? 
I had my Merlin app going intermittently. 

I detected two new birds for my Life List. 
The Brant (a Canada goose-ish large water bird) and the Fox Sparrow. 

Lots and lots of ducks. 
And we could hear Canada geese and lots of house finches. 

One lone mallard on the side near a puddle of water. 
"Go away, I'm sleeping."

A grumpy duck! 

We could only see Howard through the trees. 
We also saw the top of a Sphinx - this is the Galey Farms corn maze. 

A haunted house from the Hallowe'en version of the ride. 
The brown mountains behind it are fake! 

Time to head back - my stomach was growling.
Cyclists whizzed by us with no warning. Use your bells, idiots! 

As we neared the car, a bald eagle soared overhead. 
The last time we were in this area, we watched a red-winged blackbird attacking a baldie! 

May our shadows always be long. 
Every Mom-Day is a treasure. 

We went to the Monkey Tree Pub for lunch.
We both had very yummy prawn quesadillas! I was so full that I just had a salad for dinner! 

After hugging Mom goodbye, I walked to the nearest bus stop and headed back to town, stopping at the WIN Boutique for a quick look around. 

Well, I couldn't leave it there. 
This is such a gorgeous dress - the textile is lovely, it's beautifully made and it fits me perfectly. 

It's laid out to hide bra straps - I do love when dresses don't require annoying underwear. 
I will never wear it with the ugly matching belt. 

It has ginormous pockets! I could put my phone, and a couple of bread rolls in there. 
You can see the lovely textile there. Unfortunately, it is polyester, but it's a good quality woven brocade. 

As opposed to a printed dress, which I would NOT have bought. 
The reverse of the deep blue is pink! I love that! I didn't photograph it, but it's fully lined AND has an extra crinoline built in, with extra floofy netting! 

It has bra-strap holders. 
Be still my heart! 

And it was NWT! (new with tags).
It's likely from the (sadly) now-closed The Bay department store (they carried this line), and it was probably put on the floor with first sticker with the discounted price, and then reduced to $112.95. 

Of course, I did not pay that. It was $38.95, which is an excellent price for a beautiful Eliza J dress. 
This is a dress that can be "badassed up" easily, and the colours go with a lot of my wardrobe. I'm excited to wear it

As I was dashing out the door to walk to town, I noticed that the cleaners had found Whateley's and Barnabas' catnip ice cream cone. 
"I will love this forever."           "I feel funny!"


And now, my friends, I'm signing off for the weekend.
May your days be filled with warm naps and snuggles. Thanks for being here.

14 comments:

  1. Yay for each and every Mom Day Adventure! I immediately noticed the Star pin on Helen’s coat and then your Audrey pin. Both are delightful gifts to the eye. I always get a kick out of your pants suit! The color, pattern and cut speak to me of gentle power, pizzazz and confidence; a perfect message to convey through clothing.
    Have you ever walked the corn maze?
    I LOVE the dress you found! It is a style I enjoy wearing. The floral pattern means there are multiple options for color and accessories. The style can be worn with all types of footwear, plus it can be worn as is or with a top underneath, and it can be jazzed up to send any message you like. Ooo, you are sure to have fun playing with possible looks!
    We are driving 90 minutes north and inland today to meet friends at a French restaurant, one of three restaurants run by the CIA (Culinary Institute of America.) It’s a school for learning all aspects of having a restaurant. We’ve been to the American style one, and after today there will remain the Italian one. We are looking forward to this as a respite! When we return home I will take your words and the picture of Barnabas and Whateley to heart. ❤️
    Happy Weekend! Cheers, Laurie

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    1. I feel the same! It's been 5 years of Mom-Days (I should do a summary sometime, with links to all of them), and I'm grateful for every single one. Thanks so much for noticing the details, Laurie! It's the most comfy suit ever, and four pockets!
      No, I've never been to Galey Farms. I don't enjoy things with a lot of people; I'm not good with crowds.
      Thank you! Me too! It's a GORGEOUS dress and I'm excited to wear it (likely for the VFF Gala coming up! shhhh....top secret, hee hee).
      Ooh, that sounds like fun! I hope you enjoyed your respite from the maaaadness. Warm naps and snuggles for all!

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  2. Look at those snugglebums...what gorgeous boys they are!
    A smashing walk even though we didn't get to see Roy! I can't believe that mountain range is fake, that's insane. Your look like a total rockstar in your trousersuit!
    Have a fabulous weekend, dear Sheila! xxx

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    1. They are so lovely - I would just stay home all day with them if I could, Vix.
      Thanks so much! It was a gorgeous day and such a great treat to be out in nature with Mom.
      Thank you, dear Vix! Right back at you!

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  3. What a nice day with your mum, Shiela.
    I can't wait to see that dress on you, it looks beautiful. X

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    1. Thank you, Jess! I'll be wearing the dress in the next few weeks!

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  4. I'm glad you were blessed with suitable weather for a good Mom-day. I like that the popcorn and the shoes seem to complement each other, and I also like your Mom's sweater - great colour and style, and the pendant works perfectly. As for the kitties, they snuggled up very tidily!

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    1. Me too! I deliberately matched the shoes and sweater - why not yellow with red leopard, right? Mom always looks great - I learned from her!
      Aren't the boys the cutest? They frequently sleep together.

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  5. Your kitties are so cute! I love that suit on you and the popcorn tee is just amazing with it! I always enjoy seeing your nature pics too. I'm glad it's warming up for you and you are getting some spring like weather! :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Mica! I adore this suit and the sequined top too! It's cold but at least it's sunny! I hope it stays that way.

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  6. Oh, how I love the sparkly popcorn top with that suit! What a lovely day you had with your mum; she is simply glowing in that pale turquoise boat neck! (Love her necklace, too…) Your shadow photo grabbed me!
    And the two kittens curled up all cuddly…my heart!
    Cheers, ReaderRita

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    1. It's a fun mix, isn't it, Rita? Thank you! It's always fun to see Mom and enjoy nature. She always accessorizes perfectly. I love shadow pictures!
      I know, right? AWWW.

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  7. Always lovely to see your Mom!, and you rock that suit (one of my favourite ones ever!) with badass accessories and fab style!
    Lovely dress too, totally understand you had to get it, the pattern and quality look both Fabulous!.
    Those furry boys are stealing the show totally! ;DD
    besos

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    1. It's one of my faves too, Monica, thank you!
      I did have to get it - it will get well-loved with me. I know, those kitties always pull focus!

      Delete

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