Pink Peonies, with Love

The Lumineers on Heart of Dixie

2011-12-06T02:03:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you hear something that you know is striking gold. The Lumineer's song "Hey Ho" is just like an amazingly warm cup of your favourite tea. It goes down smooth, and you feel warmed up.

Pumpkin Spiced Quinoa

2011-11-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

I had some left over pumpkin puree after making pumpkin muffins, so I decided to make a simple pumpkin spiced quinoa breakfast for J and I. It tastes like pumpkin pie without any pie guilt. Throw in some spices, some almond milk and you're set.

Xmas Dream Wish List 2011

2011-11-29T02:20:00.003-05:00

featuring a zip around wallet

Burberry long sleeve party dress
$1,695 - neimanmarcus.com

BCBG Max Azria chiffon evening dress
$448 - bcbg.com

Victoria s secret
$40 - victoriassecret.com

Sam Edelman high heel pumps
$297 - my-wardrobe.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors tote bag
$348 - michaelkors.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs zip around wallet
$218 - bloomingdales.com

Lola Rose daisy ring
£125 - liberty.co.uk

Cartier vintage gold jewelry
$3,495 - parkandbond.com

Onyx jewelry
$165 - maxandchloe.com

Burberry shawl
$440 - stylebop.com

BCBG Max azria
$30 - bcbg.com

Sultra The Bombshell 1"
$130 - sephora.com

MAC Brush Roll (Small) No Color One Size
$40 - nordstrom.com

Versace, with Love

2011-11-26T22:57:00.000-05:00

Winter is not the most opportune time to buy sunglasses since a lot of styles are not out yet for the new year, but the sun shines year round, and it's always good to be protected. That's why I chose to cave recently and get a pair of classic style and shaped black Versace sunglasses (polarized) to keep my peepers safe year round, and help driving with the glare off the upcoming snow. I loved that they were not too big for my face and were exactly the style I was looking for out of a classic pair.

Have you ever bought a seemingly off-season purchase? Or do you stock up on staples that go on sale?

Soup Soothes, Butternut Squash Soup

2011-11-24T02:30:00.003-05:00

I live in Canada. This means it gets cold here in the winter, really really cold. There are just so few things in life that warm up the soul in this kind of weather like soup can. I have two versions of butternut squash soup that I make, one with roasted garlic, and this one which is with apples, nutmeg, and spices. Soup, movies, blankets, loving company...nothing better!

First Shot

2011-11-23T18:32:00.000-05:00

I finally have a new camera! I have the best in-laws ever. Now, I have to get the hang of it! This is the first shot I took with my new Nikon and with my new f1.8 50mm lens, right out of the box while looking up on our wall above our bed. Bare with me, so much to learn that grade 10 photography didn't implant.

Clever Ads based on Clever Ads

2011-11-04T16:31:00.003-04:00

hehehe oh Puss in Boots

Chrome

2011-11-04T13:06:00.004-04:00

I just got this polish in my goodie bag at an event last night, and I was so curious of how it would look on I had to put it on today! It is a true colour, so with 2 coats it looks like the polish in the bottle. It's part of Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure line, which I'm not sure what that means but the brush is oval/flat so it's a very easy seamless application and way better than traditional drugstore brushes. It dries fast, and I love this Black Platinum 304 colour that looks like a gunmetal/chrome colour! It's softer than a full-out black, looks Grey in some lights, almost navy in others, blacker still in others, but still an edgy colour with class. Great for fall and the upcoming winter weather!

Pillow

2011-11-03T14:05:00.002-04:00

I just saw this wonderful post from A Cup of Jo about a pillow for long distance couples. It glows when your partner has gone to bed, and has their heart beat. So sweet. I'm not in a long distance relationship, but I can totally see how this could be a cute way to connect.

Gold

2011-11-02T21:21:00.003-04:00

To catch you up, I paid off my full school loan, I am now a Mrs, I adventured in Punta Cana, bought a food processor, picked some apples, I interned at a P.R company for the Toronto International Film Festival, meetings, I modeled with Mr J for wedding photographers, I went to LG Toronto Fashion Week : Partied for Tosca Delfino, the Oceana Ball, finally got an amazing Nikon camera that makes me shake at the thought of the cost of it, made some business cards, and finally Vancouver. It has been a packed 2 months(yes all that in 2 months) but I've missed you. Now that you're updated, don't be too mad at the MIA, I thought of you often.

I did manage to buy something cute today though, 3 black crows for 74 cents each and some glittery skeletons also 74 cents (love post season scores), and this Bath & Body Works car freshener

It almost looks like a compact. Even after the holidays, it will add glam to your car and won't be boring.

Jessica Simpson and Vera Wang for Peoples!

2011-10-02T17:39:00.001-04:00

Jessica Simpson and Vera Wang are both designing and releasing lines through Peoples Jewellers in October 2011, just in time for the holidays!

2011-08-30T15:28:00.001-04:00

BSS | Breakfast Interrupted from Bruton Stroube Studios on Vimeo.

thylane lena-rose blondeau

2011-07-29T14:52:00.001-04:00

10 year old French fashion Model Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau

Free Stuff on your Birthday

2011-07-12T11:33:00.009-04:00

So I mentioned a few weeks ago that on my birthday we spent the day getting as many free things as we could. Not all of these places are very fancy, but no required purchase! It was a really great day spent at the beach afterwards, and J started it off with angel food cake in bed, since angel food cake is a family tradition for him on almost every occasion.

I was really impressed that he baked it himself!

Free Day:

The Break Down:
-Dennys Full Breakfast
-24(2 dozen) bagels
- Marble Slab ice cream with toppings in waffle cone
-Licks full home burger combo with fries and drink
-Applebees anything off the menu, so a new steak and shrimp entree (wouldn't pick that menu item again)
-xtra large any Booster Juice
Not pictured:
-Baskin Robbins ice cream
-and Starbucks drink

There are other places that offer free things for lunch/dinner, but there's only so many hours in the day and we planned it out to have all our courses covered through the day and shared everything. There are still bagels in our freezer, and we might even do this all again for Js birthday in the winter because it was so much fun. Imagine, your birth, as currency!

I also have fully lost my voice today, it will be an interesting day at work in sales when I can't speak. :p

2011-07-11T11:41:00.000-04:00

Getting sick in the summer is really not fun! There are worse things, but when the weathers nice you need all the energy you can get with the sun! I'm okay though, it's just Strep, but I want you to go outside and enjoy the weather for me and tell me all about it! :) Have a wonderful Monday!

2011-07-08T08:43:00.001-04:00

Source: Refinery 29

2011-07-07T23:50:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to say a big Thank You and Hi! to all my new and old public followers(friends!), just hit 50! I am really excited and happy to have you join me here, and I look forward to having you visit my little blogiverse :) Lots of Love.

Despicable Me

2011-07-07T09:03:00.001-04:00

National Kissing Day!

2011-07-06T16:52:00.001-04:00

Why not! Make sure to plant a kiss on your loved ones.

this third ones US! :)

What's for Dinner Tonight?

2011-07-06T14:26:00.002-04:00

What's on the stove, and in the oven right now for Dinner- as always all homemade, but these are just stock pictures of what I'm making :p - (before I head off to work).

Homemade Chicken Soup

Rustic Sweet Potato Fries

Chickpea, Cranberry, Bean salad

Oatmeal raisin cookies

Pretty Inspiration

2011-07-06T12:53:00.002-04:00

Thought I'd give you a look into more photos of pretty things and inspiration

Wedding Signs

2011-07-05T11:19:00.002-04:00

We spent the weekend building signs for the wedding, and with only 5 weekends left I am trying to stay on top of every thing. We got labels, signs, favors, chairs, trays and stands all sourced and completed. We have to still find some more strands of clear(white) lights on white cord for our tent, which is proving to be difficult in the summer and some how every one has green corded ones. Other than that we have so much vintage furniture in our apartment right now we could open a store. I'm having a blast planning though, and really happy we decided to do this ourselves. My lovely mother-in-law helped so much this weekend, that I don't know how we would have done all that we did without her. I am very lucky to have the best in-law family.

Eyes

2011-06-29T11:54:00.006-04:00

I have been recently giving the test run to the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller. I was skeptical at first before trying this out, but as soon as I put it on the little silver ball was cold to my eye and I thought it felt nice. The serum, when it dried really did bring down the puff in morning eyes and I liked the cold as a morning wake-up. The eye roller helps by stimulating skin micro-circulation, which helps your eyes deal with the extra fluid, while the serum has things like Pro-Vitamin B5. I didn't think the application would continue to be cold, but it has kept up. The eye-roller doesn't stop you from getting puffy eyes, it deals with the puffy eyes you get. Overall I'd give it 3.5 *,with Love* out of 5.

This is a personal review, I have not been paid for my opinion.

Something Borrowed

2011-06-27T03:34:00.003-04:00

I'll be posting our free-day b-day soon, but we watched Something Borrowed this weekend and so I thought I'd ask how you liked this movie? I've never read the book, but heard the movie was good before watching. I like the standard female girlie appeal of the movie and who doesn't love a good love story, but it just wasn't that great (when coming into it with no expectations from the plot). It's sad that some people can relate to this movie or have a friend, either girl, like this. Both of them are realistically horrible friends to each other at the core of it, drooling over some guy (or guys). Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad movie and I should not expect strong, confident, female roles in a chick-flick- it's just a spin on a classic plot that shows love winning over friendship, and I ended not really siding with any character. Maybe that is what the book does and the movie succeeded in making no one the hero, but I finished thinking they all deserve to be single or cliched "deserve each other" since they're such a mess. The last few minutes of the movie are the only standard fluffy feel, and it's her picking up his dry cleaning. What do you think?

Birthday!

2011-06-25T00:02:00.001-04:00

So today IS my birthday, I am another year older. I am happy to grow and learn, but could I keep doing it wrinkle free? I have been spoiled already for my graduation, and with that being so close to my birthday and the upcoming wedding I came up with the idea to spend my birthday collecting all the free things I could get. J has made a day out of it and it includes a bunch of meals, beauty products, free desserts, coffees, bagels, movies, and admission to a few places in the city. It's a part tacky and a part brilliant and I think it is just perfect. There will be plenty of years to get other birthday extravagances and just-because gifts, so why not!

Taylor the Latte Boy

2011-06-24T15:18:00.005-04:00

With the Starbucks proposal, I was reminded of this song. I like this Susan Egan version, and she's the voice of some Disney girls including Meg from Hercules. Enjoy, and try to not mind the fan slideshow it's sadly attached to!

Post- Grad

2011-06-24T12:48:00.004-04:00

We watching Post-Grad this morning , as in 1am this morning. J has to obviously work today, and I'll be going to work in a few hours so we're both probably walking zombies right now. We have been watching Gilmore Girls for the last few months, and finally finished it two nights ago so we have a big Stars Hallow void. I am lucky that J sits there and watches cheesy movies like this with me. It was a cute movie, and a kind of continuation for Rory since GG finished with her graduating and going into news reporting. I also wanted to watch it because I am in the same post-grad mode where the world is said to be my oyster coming from one of the top schools in Canada, and yet job applications and interviews are a reality. It's an exciting world out there, and traveling is a big part of that dream so I can't wait to see what the world holds.

Me post- regalia with my degree, being cheeky

Starbucks Proposal

2011-06-23T13:35:00.005-04:00

I am very lucky to be with the most thoughtful man I can ever imagine meeting. Our whole relationship he has been nothing but gracious and caring to me and makes each day special. I do the same and I think we are the perfect superhero duo. Every night is date night at our house, and no matter what we have to do something is planned or spontaneously created as a cute little date (but never ever forced) and we believe our magic will never cease...and after 9 years of friendship and love we think we're on to something. One day I may share my engagement story, it was very special and thoughtfully planned out as all things J are, but for now I would like to show you another engagement proposal. This melted my heart, and the little things, the details are what get me! I love seeing men inspired and the women whom inspire them. I don't want any woman I know to settle for anything less than what makes her heart race, her mind fuzzy and her own fairytale a reality. It is possible, do not let anyone tell you it's not. I promise. True Love does move mountains, and in this case it recreated a first date in the middle of a forest. Enjoy!

Exactly what they had on their first date!

WIFEY!

Congratulations card and jack Johnson...a concert they went to together!

How gorgeous is that vintage inspired ring?! love

All photos from Green Wedding Shoes via Mikaela Ruth

Birthday, with Love

2011-06-22T17:33:00.002-04:00

Birthday weekend coming! (Saturday)What's on or was on your wishlist? xoxo

First Day of Summer

2011-06-21T13:19:00.006-04:00

Today is the first day of summer!

What are some of your plans for the warm weather? I'm spending the first day of summer at work, but there's still plenty of summer left to get out there and enjoy, and I am excited for all the adventures. My birthday is this weekend so lots of little things to get done before I am another year older.

Strawberry and Meringue

2011-06-20T13:31:00.009-04:00

fishyface

oh hi :)

This weekend started off with J's friend visiting from Montreal and us going to some NXNE concerts in Toronto. NXNE is a giant concert event in the city that promotes some well known bands as well as try to premier a lot of the best up and comers. I watched the band Stars at Yonge and Dundas Square with some university and college friends, and then headed over to meet J to watch his childhood friend's band Nash which you can hear below

Find more artists like Nash at Myspace Music

followed by 24 hour french toast at Franz.

We also got the final dress fitting in for the wedding, and spent the rest of the time rebelling from other wedding tasks. We decided to enjoy some of the amazing weather, and what originally started as a drive to pick strawberries ended up with us buying random treats around the city. This does not seem like the best move considering breathing is minimal in my dress, but it's summer and well I'll worry about that later. We went to the Apple Factory and got some lemon meringue pie, chips, and apple cider.

I convinced J that we should try chips we would not normally get or have tried, and so we decided on these two. There was also a bag of Lays Roast chicken and Worcester sauce, but my convincing didn't work well enough to get J to try those. Getting J to eat chips over salad has been a wonderful accomplishment in our partnership haha

We stocked our fridge, and today I'm making some soup and J's going to come home and make some chili. By the way, it was Fathers Day here in Canada, so I hope everyone showed the fathers and father-figure's in their life some love.

Elm Hill Cookies

2011-06-16T12:52:00.008-04:00

Photo from Elm Hill Cookies

We drove to Oakville to enjoy some Elm Hill Cookies, a cookie and milk bar, after hearing a lot about them from friends in the area. The cookies are so delicious, and each is individual and perfect. The ingredients are fresh and authentic so you know your indulgence is worth it. We ended up getting a bunch of them to try out because we couldn't make up our minds. The shop also has taster samples all around so we were able to try a few before narrowing down our choices. The woopie pies are apparently receiving a celebrity of their own, and the one we tried was really delicious. I really really want to try the black raspberry and dark chocolate meringue pillows

Photo from Elm Hill Cookies

but sadly on the day we went they didn't have any because the warm air wasn't making it easy for them to get the proper texture.

Fruit and nut bar

Carrot cake woopie pie

Green Matcha cookie

Lemon cookies with blueberry

cranberry, white chocolate, nuts, oatmeal-(and a lot more) basically everything

oreo-like cookie

Cherry, dark chocolate, orange zest

Pistachio

We ate the Kerr Street Cookie and the Amazin' Raisin before I could take a photo, but believe me when I say they were both delicious.

I couldn't pick just one favourite, I guess I'll have to try them again :). They also have a milk bar where you can sit and enjoy your cookies and milk (or coffee) and the decor is as sweet as their creations. Such a sweet concept, and they can also make any cookie creation for any occasion.

Photo from Elm Hill Cookies

Flea Market

2011-06-14T15:42:00.001-04:00

The weekend was spent watching Season 6 of Gilmore Girls together, and back up to wine country to do more check-ins for the wedding. On the drive around the area, we stumbled upon a flea market. Apparently this happens every week in the summer, but it felt like we entered another world. I see some of my favourite bloggers find these staples in their communities, but I figured their more affluent in the states than in Canada, especially so close to the city. We didn't end up buying anything, but there were cute nik-naks everywhere among some of the odds and ends. I think we'll be back a few times over the summer, even if it's just to feel like we're part of a new world from the movies.

How cool would these streets lights look in a modern bachelor condo down town as part of the decor!

I have been buying old pieces for years now, and at my age that seemed odd to some friends (who doesn't want typewriters?!), but now with shows like Canadian Pickers, and other vintage and collector hunters....I feel right at home, though I would love my own show too. Last summer when we had our garage sale to raise money for our wedding, we ended up selling a lot of amazing things, and actually had private buyers come at 7am to take over 2000 of J's CD and DVD collection off his hands (said it was the largest private collection they've ever seen). This was my first experience with "hunters" and I know they under-paid us, but it was interesting to see how the duo worked. Our apartment is small, so we really couldn't keep the clutter anyway. I know some of you are experienced at hunting too, so any tips for selling or buying negotiation tactics?

X-men

2011-06-13T09:58:00.001-04:00

J and I were given tickets to the new X-men movie, and decided to finally use them last week. I have always loved X-men, even the cheesy offshoots of movies and shows. I don't follow it close enough to know every detail and storyline, but I get the general plot and enjoy the visuals. I know new releases can be tricky for fans, and I know people who haven't seen the movie yet because they're scared that it wont live up to their expectations of X-men. I liked it. There was some awkward scripting, but overall my opinion of going to the movies is to enjoy the entertainment. It was fun to watch, we laughed at some of the funny aspects, but overall we left feeling we enjoyed it for what it was. January Jones proved to be the same dew eyed one dimensional character she is in MadMen, I'm yet to see her be anything else. It worked since Magneto was pretty much dressed and acting like Draper from MadMen and we love MM. Magneto was a stud throughout

The best part of the movie was probably the Wolverine guest appearance. Although it mat not make all fans happy, I still think it is worth seeing, and we really enjoyed the movie night out together.

Jelly Jam

2011-06-10T14:45:00.002-04:00

I have a developing jam addiction. It kind of reminds me of candy, while still pretending to be fruit. After J and I pigged out on 3 bags of sour gummie candies,mars bars, and kitkats last night while watching a season 6 marathon of Gilmore Girls, I woke up this morning craving more sweets. Can you imagine that I was once marrying a healthy eating person? Corrupted to the dark treats side ;) I love strawberry and apricot, but I'm not too picky.

The best jam I've ever had was at a B&B where they served homemade strawberry jam. Anyone share this little sweet tooth with me? Originally me and J were going to give jars of homemade jam to our wedding guests as guest favours, but they're not as easy to make as I thought and with a high level of possibly messing them up we found an alternative gift that we love just as much. I don't know if a jam sandwich is any better for you than a bowl of sugary cereal, but that's okay with me. * another favourite of J and I's is peanutbutter and honey sandwiches.

Skipping the 'poo

2011-06-09T08:56:00.003-04:00

So I've been reading and hearing a lot about girls who stopped using shampoo in an effort to make their hair get back to being naturally healthier. Has any of you ever done this? I find I have to wash my hair every day or it gets greasy right away. My hair is super fine, as in even when I worked at a salon they couldn't believe how fine it was or what to do with it. fun hair. I'm curious if something like this would actually work, or catch on. The oily smell of the scalp is something I would think would bother a few people trying this too. If it works for you I think it's a time saver and a life saver, so great for you, tell me about what you do instead of using shampoo, just conditioner? What do you ladies think, would you do without the 'poo?

Here we go

2011-06-07T12:05:00.004-04:00

up and onwards! 

Yesterday was my graduation ceremony! J and my mom came to watch me get all formal, wear a hot gown and furry collar, and mark the start of a life long "professional" career...well the hunt for one. It was a lot of fun, and the campus is so beautiful. After getting an expensive frame for my degree, we celebrated by having waffle sandwiches and crepes in the city before enjoying the amazing weather.

Breaker High

2011-06-04T10:56:00.007-04:00

yum

I had a few favourite shows growing up, and seeing this photo on another blog reminded me of some of these shows. From Power Rangers to Sabrina the Teenage Witch and many in between I had a lot of gems that I would run home from the pool to watch. A few years later I had two other favourite after school shows which were based out of Canada (which is rare to like because we never have the same quality production on our own shows). One show was called Student Bodies (and years later I ended up on a date with one of the guys I grew up watching- that was a funny night and a large age difference) and another show was called Breaker High. This show would feature an up and coming actor by the name of Ryan Gosling who would continue to star in a few Canadian family channel TV movies for the years to come and has now become one of the biggest and best actors of our generation in Hollywood. So I thought it would be fun to give you just one short clip of a TV show I loved that lasted a few seasons about a High School on a ship featuring a face or two you can probably recognize (and with a lot of funny Canadian stereotypes). Toronto is a small film world in general, and when I was doing the acting thing, it was fun to see how we're a different beast here just trying to pay our dues to get into bigger things over the border.

Love

2011-06-03T12:12:00.002-04:00

Emilio De La Morena dress (see more orange dresses)

These I steal for you - Etsy

bcbg

Diane Von Furstenberg

IT!

My friend is in town from Ottawa so we're off to lay around the park and hopefully pick my nail-polish colour for the wedding. This weekend J's family is in from Montreal for a cancer marathon, so we will have a family packed weekend. My soon to be sister in law is staying with us (love her), and we're having a massive family BBQ rounding the weekend off with the mothers having a brunch. Hope you lovelies are able to get out and enjoy your weekend to the fullest!

2011-06-02T11:38:00.001-04:00

Sneak peak of our secret day-of getting ready headquarters! :)

I am in love.

2011-06-01T12:59:00.003-04:00

I didn't think of myself as too crafty of a person, but I am really good on my feet and usually figure things out...so I'm getting the hang of things. With the wedding coming, I have been inspired by the blogging world and taken on so many ideas for DIY projects that I can't wait to either mess up or make magical success stories. I have managed to make a wreath for our home, and we're trying to figure out our wedding invites this week since we had the bright idea of doing them all ourselves haha. It's a lot of work, and I admire people who do giant orders for places like Etsy. Some of the other ideas I am playing with for the wedding are as follows:

I believe most photos are from Oncewed

Brace Yourself

2011-05-31T12:03:00.002-04:00

When in university, I got into the habit of "saving" all my good clothes for a later date, and wearing what I could live without to class. Now don't worry, I didn't wear sweatpants or ripped up t-shirts, but I often had to run off to work after class and seeing as my uniform is all black, colour was greatly missed. I still work at the same place while I look for a transitional career role, but on my days off I always tend to reach for things with colour. Lately I have been obsessed with bracelets, and the pop they add to an outfit. Earrings are fine and dandy, but I can't wear fake ones for long without my ears turning green and burning, I know that's a sexy picture, so I try to use my nails, rings, necklaces,bags, and bracelets, to add the needed punch. I am still getting use to the clinking sound when layering a few, but I think the noise is overruled by how pretty a few nice pieces on your arm looks. What is your go-to summer colour addition?

Do's

2011-05-30T14:01:00.002-04:00

This weekend has been all wedding related. We drove up to our wedding location and stopped in at the Inn's we're picking between and have to make a choice between them soon. The weather was alright but chilly and I still wore shorts in protest. The best part was us having a picnic and spending time together in a joint labour of love. The hurdles that come up when you do a DIY wedding are pretty interesting. I've seen good and bad human nature, but mostly the extreme giving, loving, and completely selfless nature of people. It has been a beautiful lesson so far and I feel so happy to have met so many wonderful people along the journey. I am left with a sense of gratitude and I wouldn't change a thing about this journey with my bestfriend. It has made me even more business savvy, understanding, flexible and adaptable and reflective.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend and have a beautiful week.

xo

Zip It

2011-05-28T01:46:00.002-04:00

I am on the lookout for a pretty zip up wallet. I have lost too many cards out of my wallet the last few weeks, that I feel the only way to keep them safe is to zip them in for the ride. There's been a few that I've seen that I've fallen in love with, but with the wedding and the overpriced honeymoon (oh boy, another story for another time) I can not justify the purchase just yet. These are just a few that I've seen that hit the spot.

bcbg

coach

And my birthdays coming in June...wink wink haha This ones so cute, and I'm loving it in coral and grey...best part? It's $20!

urban outfitters

Summer Soda

2011-05-27T12:24:00.000-04:00

Hurry up sun! We miss you, we really do!

xoxo

This or That

2011-05-26T14:53:00.001-04:00

Wedding finger nails (not toes) (vintage, garden, winery wedding)

Essie Ballet Slippers *Versus* Essie Fiji

Essie Ballet Slippers

Essie Fiji

Or suggest one of your own! I want to wear a bright or coloured nail polish on my toes, so thinking for something lighter on my fingers

Blooming Spring

2011-05-26T09:29:00.001-04:00

frillr

Guess who is back! I started this blog last summer and have missed you guys! Although I don't want to make excuses, I started my final year of university and it ate up my time while planning a wedding and working but missed you, so love me again? I love you! :) I have now graduated with an HBA and get to embark on the exciting journey of convincing others that I'm pretty awesome, so hire me! As well as it's now almost 2 months till the wedding! Can you believe that? I'm so excited.

The weather in Toronto, Ontario has been very much ruled by rain these days, but there's nothing better than BBQ season and pool parties so I can't wait for the sun to start spending more time out with us. I found these wedges that I'm pretty hooked on for the spring/summer, what do you think? They're sky high wedges, and the bright colours are so fun, and perfect to pare with other brights or the seasons crisp whites.

shopstyle

xmas 2010 "wish" list

2010-11-12T21:23:00.010-05:00

What's on yours?

2010-08-24T11:16:00.000-04:00

Regis and Kelly filmed on the opposite side of this little area

I loved that little shops and gems were only a few minutes away in any direction. Charlotte Town has tourists coming through (and probably will have more soon now that Regis and Kelly have been there) but it really is as lovely as they made it out to be on the show. It was never over run by people, and it only got busy on Wednesday evenings for ladies night. The little old part of town was so cute, and the food anywhere you went was amazing. It really felt like a little world on its own, with all the local artisan galleries, jewerly, and cafes that people love without the polution, smells, and rude people (everyone is so so nice!!).We ventured around a lot while there because we only used the car to go to other parts of the island.

Ice Cream

2010-08-23T14:27:00.000-04:00

Steps from Js aunts place was ice cream, salt water taffy, nuts, candy, and everything in between that I think we had ice cream every day. (oops)

Cows served us well for 12 days, amazing ice cream in PEI thats voted one of the best in the world, the creamery is out of this world.

Ferry Odd Parents

2010-08-17T15:39:00.004-04:00

We took the ferry onto Prince Edward Island from Nova Scotia (it's free) and although it was cold outside with the rain, we went on deck to watch some finned friends swimming beside the ferry. If you are going to visit P.E.I while driving, make sure to take the ferry at least one way (the massive bridge is also a sight....so do both!).
On the ferry we happened to bump into a P.E.I local (you may have heard of him) Chef Michael Smith.
He was so nice, and pulled out our map and made drawings of all the places to go and things to do that are going to give us a true P.E.I experience, minus the tourist feel.(we did it all!) It was a complete surprise to run into Chef Michael on our ferry, but it gets even better because J and Chef Michael know each other through their professions and are fans of each other. We are fans of Chef Michael Smith's cooking and shows on the Food Network, and Chef Michael is a big fan of J's band and music(he's been spinning the CD for 2 months!), and we got a gracious surprise in our mail a while ago so it was a perfect opportunity to thank him.

Though it rained while pulling in, the next 12 days were filled with complete tropical warm weather and it started right when we pulled into J's aunts house with the sky clearing up and this welcoming our arrival.

2010-08-10T10:05:00.000-04:00

We're almost there guys! Almost at P.E.I! Hanging in there? It's so nice looking through the pictures myself because it throws me right back, and makes me want another vacation asap.

2010-08-09T17:51:00.001-04:00

Don't worry I didn't pull out a lobster trap (you can get in trouble for that sort of thing). The trap was just hanging out on the beach stuck in sand, so it worked out great. :)

Cabot Trail

2010-08-06T10:34:00.000-04:00

The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway through a National Park in Nova Scotia. It's one of the most scenic routes in the world. I have so may picture's so will break the post up in two and filter through, and if you're interested in more information about the Trail, check out their website.

Cape Breton

2010-08-04T11:04:00.002-04:00

Cape Breton Nova Scotia was a great stop.What is amazing about having gone on this road trip is that all the places we visited were surrounded by the ocean, so there are beaches literally every where and because there are so many they are not over crowded at all. (as you can see). I don't think pool could ever top the ocean.

We were just driving when we saw some cars stopped on the side of the road so decided to see what was around the area that was causing people to stop, and it happened to be the beach. We needed some sun and to stretch our legs so decided to enjoy the warm beautiful weather, the salty ocean water and air, and the warm sand and breath taking views. It's amazing that this is the backyard option of so many people

Vampires

2010-08-03T11:33:00.001-04:00

stretching our legs in New Brunswick

We camped three nights along the way to Prince Edward Island. The mosquitoes were crazy in the forest camping grounds. I'm use to a few hours north of Toronto camping, which is for pansies in comparison! I get a bit of an allergic reaction from bug bites these days, so I ran around gracefully flailing my arms and spraying my clothes.

I only had one horse fly or black fly get me; I didn't feel it but J noticed blood was on my neck, and unless Twilight vampires live in Nova Scotia, it was one of those suckers!

Flow Free like the Tides

2010-07-29T13:05:00.004-04:00

The views along the drive through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were so pretty. During stops you should have seen all the bugs that were splattered on the front of Js car and on the windows, lots of 'Bugs Life' critters went splat.

McLobster! We did not try the sandwich, but I'm sure it is heart-attack inducing just the same. I hear Mc's likes to have different local ingredients on the menu in different parts of the world, I guess it is their way of having international flare. It has been so long that I personally could not tell you how many years I have avoided this place.

There's J in a cave that normally gets filled with water at Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick. I was not allowed to look up during the drive to the rocks because it was a surprise so I was reading one of the books I had picked (Happiness- which felt like torture. It was pretty hard to get through, though I did, because I found it juvenile and poorly written; I read 5 books a week during the school year so I'm picky now because I only get to fit in a few books a summer for "leisure")

All I was told was to bring shoes that I don't mind getting completely dirty. I brought my Pink Circa skate shoes that are a size or so too small because I got them for a donation in support of the Skate 4 Cancer foundation run by my dear friend Rob Dyer. Though they didn't get as dirty as we thought, there is a bit of mud around because the ocean was, you know, just visiting. The rocks were so fun to trek around. The tide goes in and out each day so at one point in the day it will be covered in water and you have to visit by kayak, otherwise if you wait you can go when the tide is out and walk on the ocean floor and see the caves and nature at it's best. They are also the highest tides in the world.

We were told by the information booth that there is a beach on the other side of the rocks that often gets missed but is worth the short walk. J and I walked quickly through the forest so I would avoid being attacked by bugs and ended up coming out in an area full of red sand and a natural habitat for so many creatures that people are not allowed to venture onto the further untouched sands.

Hogwarts

2010-07-28T13:30:00.001-04:00

Photo from Post Secret

Ditto!

Quebec City

2010-07-26T16:32:00.005-04:00

Me and J started out our road trip by heading from Toronto to Montreal. As I mentioned before, J is originally from Montreal so he is no stranger to those parts. We made a trip to Costco before arriving and bought the road trip basics like giant muffins and cereal in bulk, then headed over to visit his sister and her bf in a part of Montreal called NDG before crashing for the night.

Our first stop was Quebec City. I have never been to QC before, but have heard how pretty it is and how the streets feel as though you have landed in Europe. We happened to have stumbled on a summer street festival happening in Quebec City before heading into Old Quebec, and it was full of people enjoying the little shops and warm weather.

There is lots to see and do in Old Quebec with plenty of shops, restaurants, and beautiful sights. We decided to check out a Gelato place that we had heard of from J's brother to give us some sugar fuel for a day in the sun.

I'm wearing that ring I mentioned before here

We shared a Pistachio Gelato and it was SO yummy! The heat started melting it so we had to eat it quick, but it was pretty dense so held up okay for the most part.

Artisans and street performers are out and about everywhere too, these guys were kind of funny..they did a little strip down to womens PJs and juggled fire.

We ended up going for lunch at a cute little appetizer place because we wanted something light since we had a car full of food and it really hit the spot. We had some fresh bread with dips, and the carbs filled us up before the road.

Question? Do you find it difficult to read if I write in between photos, or would you rather I put the pictures up for you and write at the bottom or top of the page? Just curious what would be easiest for you :)

Go Where the Wind Takes You

2010-07-24T11:42:00.002-04:00

I'm home from the road trip to Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island! Did you miss me? Here's a sneak peek

All Photo by Me unless linked otherwise - The Flower Pot Rocks, Hopewell Rocks, NB

It was nice to sit back and have minimal technology for a little bit although I cheated and had Js Iphone to keep me occupied for parts of the drive (the ones not in the middle of nowhere). I have over 900 photos to work through and organize so I will be posting lots of photos and stories for you.

Photo from The Stir

Did anyone watch Live with Regis and Kelly in P.E.I? It really is as beautiful as they showed, and I would even argue it's as nice as many of the "tropical" destination vacations. They filmed the show a two minute walk from where we were staying in Old Charlotte Town. Our two week vacation saw nothing but SUN except for the day when we were driving in to P.E.I and the day we left, it was unbelievable.

Photo by Me - P.E.I Charlotte Town, Day 1

Argyle Shore, P.E.I

P.E.I

Moos Ice cream in Baddeck, Nova Scotia

East Point Lighthouse, P.E.I

Me on Richmond St Charlotte Town, P.E.I

Roadtrip Romance

2010-07-09T02:13:00.011-04:00

We leave for our road trip today. We are going to Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and finally P.E.I. ( Prince Edward Island) . There is lots of camping, adventures, and seafood planned! Please forgive me for the missing postings and still follow and comment because I love reading and knowing you're peaking in! I will be back in two weeks armed with loads of pictures and stories. I will be checking in from J's Iphone, it's a long drive so I'll have some time! See you soon!

What do you have planned for this summer? Any fun trips, or just soaking up the sun?

J'adore Montreal

2010-07-08T15:28:00.002-04:00

When J and I head back to Montreal to visit his family every few weeks, we always have a wonderful time. There is never a dull moment, and the whole family is extremely close.

J jokes about his family being the "Flanders" family but it makes his disposition really wonderful. I know these principals will add only great things to our life together. With amazing company, energy, and food, it is a pleasure to visit the "in-laws". I know there are horror stories often, but sometimes you get lucky.

Do you SEE that?! it's the size of an oven! I wish I had some right now.

Montreal is so beautiful, and the little town J's family is settled in makes me feel like I'm in a different world compared to the bustling city of Toronto back home. I love that the french language is all over the place, makes me want to learn more of it from what elementary school provided.

I really need to start planning a Paris trip to utilize J's fluency in french.

While we were driving around I saw this: It's a PINK door! I think it actually looks really really good against the greenery and the gray brick. I would have never thought to do this, but it's a nice shade and an eye catcher.

Summer Cleavage

2010-07-07T20:18:00.004-04:00

Toe Cleavage, that is.

Just picked up these L.A.M.B Dagan sandals and was crushing on these too. Share your thoughts.

both L.A.M.B, Photos from Endless

Juicy Photos from Zappos

Blitch

2010-07-07T12:45:00.007-04:00

Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2010 photo

Blitch - A fierce, sassy, strong female blogger. Attitude and Beauty in one awesome package.

Book Bound Island

2010-07-06T22:16:00.008-04:00

all pictures from Chapters Indigo

So far these are the books I have lined up for the two week road trip from Toronto to Prince Edward Island. I hear they are pretty good and I have been meaning to jump into them for awhile. Do you have any other great book suggestions? Or any books you are still meaning to pick up? I read just about everything and get through books quickly so love adding a good book to a day out in the sun.

photos of P.E.I, from Zhome

Tickled Pink

2010-07-05T10:44:00.002-04:00

I have never really been a fan of rice krispy squares. I find the prepackaged ones at the grocery stores and even at cafes are always too sweet and seem a little stale. J on the other hand loves these treats, and we have been making them at home. Rice Krispy squares are one of the easiest desserts to make. They are SO much better when they are made fresh, and we just eat them hot and out of the pan (manners?). I love throwing in things like chocolate chips and fruits, and even just a little bit of fun colour to the vanilla.

The pictures might not be the most appetizing, but I think everything tastes a little better when it is pink.

2010-07-04T21:10:00.001-04:00

J sneaked some photos while we explored around the shop after our bike ride. I love these shops in every city that have just about everything pretty.

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T11:08:00.003-04:00

It's a long weekend here, but I will be seeing you very very soon! Hope you have a great weekend in any part of the world! xoxo

Yay or Nay?

2010-06-30T11:13:00.003-04:00

I just had to grab this ring in turquoise when I first saw it, but still thinking of coral earrings, bracelets, or even something that is less colourful like this
I am looking for a fun accessory for summer, so anything goes. - share your thoughts!

Summer Corals, Ocean Views

2010-06-29T11:16:00.001-04:00

Vintage straw purse with rainbow piping, Vintage blue and white stripped blazer, Vintage white PJ top with lace trimming, Steve Madden peep toe shoes, AE skinny jeans. Fossil watch.

Vintage ring, Vintage black with white polka dot earrings.

Revlon nail polish. Love this colour for summer. It's a coral red so you get a ting of orange and pink wrapped up in the red for a perfect fun colour without going orange peel.

and Maybelline New York lip colour in Coral Crush instantly dresses up any look. I normally don't wear bright pinks or reds on my lips but this colour is foolproof in a coral mix and is my number one choice for the summer when not on the beach.

There you have it,my day time birthday outfit.

In Bloom

2010-06-28T11:20:00.001-04:00

This weekend was so lovely, I celebrated my birthday with the people I love and had some good food. J sent all these packages and flowers to my door while he was in Seattle but he should have warned me so that I would have been dressed in time, it was really funny being on the phone then jumping up and scrambling for pants.

Apricot Walnut Cranberry Scones! Out of this world. We went for Afternoon Tea at the tea house nearby, and J was still stranded in Seattle with delay after delay and then in Chicago so he was unable to attend. A little into our meal, J pops in the door and rushes in coming straight from the airport with a sweet card and ready to eat after not sleeping for 30 hours but did not want to miss my birthday celebrations. His energy and personality just brightens up the room and the best birthday treat was having everyone I care about in one place.

Everything was so good, and although the food looks tiny, it was really filling!

Style Never Gets Old

2010-06-27T12:05:00.002-04:00

Our Engagement Session fromYoung Hearts

I find that I have grown to appreciate the items in my mothers jewelry box. Although I might have written off her odds and ends for years in the past, it was not until I hit my 20s that I started to take another peek into her items and start "borrowing" them. Recently she gave me most of her collection so you will see them pop up every so often on this blog. Sometimes the best finds are in the family. It is as though you have decades of treasure hunting done for you and ready to be reworked and re-loved.

Coffee Camera

2010-06-26T17:45:00.001-04:00

Photojojo

My little camera has seen better days. It had a coffee date with my thermos and ended up swimming in it at work. When it dried it was all fuzzy then eventually started to work again but it seems to be a little off from the stickiness. Anyone have hookups so I can take pretty pictures for you? Otherwise, please bare with me and my photos as the quality is going to be a little wonky till I can find a substitute.

Photocritic

And I'll Dance If I Want To

2010-06-25T00:18:00.006-04:00

Roberto Cavalli for H&M

Photo found at Zimbio.com

It's my birthday today! It has been a great year with lots of traveling, moving, and getting engaged.I don't feel one bit older just yet....forever young!

By Young Hearts from our engagement shoot. Have a wonderful weekend!

Paul Anka

2010-06-24T00:02:00.004-04:00

I miss this crazy boy, does that make me a cat lady? Sadly our building doesn't allow pets so he is in good hands with my super glamorous classmate Agnes. Pet-wise, J and I really want both a beige frenchie and chocolate labradoodle in the future. Perfect mix of active dog, and lazy house brat---yes please!

I was packing for a long day of work on set of some movie, and he was not too pleased with the idea.

He has a thing for celebrity gossip.

Yes I named him Paul Anka, maybe that's why he was such a trouble maker.There are teeth marks on my laptop, I wonder if that voids any warranty.

Earthquake

2010-06-23T14:05:00.004-04:00

Well Ontario, the border of Quebec, and some parts of America just felt a 5.5 earthquake. It lasted about 30 seconds. Nothing damaged or hurt on my end (just thought it may be the train). As most people know the city is going security crazy right now for the G20 anyway, so the news is all over this.

Love like this...

2010-06-22T22:49:00.006-04:00

I'm in love with all the photos, and with almost 100 shots for me to choose from, I wanted to still share some with you. Young Hearts dove into my mind and heart and created something that I could have only dreamed. Both me and J feel so lucky to have found the vision in Alex and Cheryl that we wanted for our photos, and they spent time getting to know us before planning out our shoot. They have a ton more of our shoot on their blog as well as other couples they have done. I think you'll agree that they really understand how to capture love.

Sneak Peek

2010-06-22T01:39:00.002-04:00

Look, it's me! Thanks to the lovely team of Alex and Cheryl from Young Hearts , me and J had our engagement photos taken a few weeks back to the tune of our love of vintage. These ladies have some serious talent, and I had so much fun playing dress up in my own closet for the shoot with their help. There are so many great photos to look through, but don't worry I'll share some more again soon.(and you can sneak your own peak on their site as well).

Sweet Aroma of Summer

2010-06-21T12:30:00.002-04:00

Warm weather on the weekend always feels extra sweet; combine that with great adventures and people and well it only gets better. I am in love with Aroma hot chocolate. There really is nothing in Toronto that compares to the quality and taste of the yummy drinks that pop out from the kitchen when you get called for over the speakers. The hot chocolate is worth the visit every time, and although they offer other great drinks I must say nothing has topped the taste of real melted chocolate in hot soy milk.

With major competition on all the other corners of the busy street, obviously they are doing something very right to keep the patio full and the inside filled with hungry and thirsty customers. It is difficult getting a seat inside with all the laptop coffee lovers, but regardless there is no better reason to get a hot drink in even hotter summer weather.

It only got sweeter though, with a lovely sneak peek at our engagement photo shoot with Young Hearts done by the lovey Alex and Cheryl. These ladies make me feel silly happy at the amount of talent and vision they share that encompasses their 'models' personalities. I will share some more photos with you very soon.With J going to Seattle for a week on business, the pictures will keep me smiling till he lands safe and sound back in Toronto.

Darling, Sweet like Mint

2010-06-18T10:11:00.000-04:00

Soaking Solutions

2010-06-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

Lush is a company that makes handmade bath products and cosmetics. They're generally known for their bath bombs. A friend gave me a gift set for my birthday last year and I've been trying each item so this is the

Think Pink Bath Bomb

A pink candy-topped treat with intoxicating tonka bean absolute and a sweet vanilla fragrance

Added some good reading material, Canadian House and Home.
Inspiration for future D.I.Y projects

The water turns pink, and the little hearts and flowers are set free to float around in the water.

The colour was fun, and the little hearts and flowers in the bath are a sweet touch, but the vanilla scent was not very detectable. Still a fun gift, and a nice excuse to spend some time relaxing if you're looking for unique additions to your bath.

The Village Metropolis

2010-06-16T11:47:00.003-04:00

I can't help but fall in love with this neighbourhood every time I go for a bike ride or am in the mood for some ice cream. The European feel of the street in an otherwise standard suburb is the perfect setting for stay-cations. What more does a girl need when there's a cupcake shop, tea room, ice cream parlour, clock tower, and cute shops at every corner. Though at heart I'm a true city girl, there's a nice feeling to be able to choose to go between the hustle of the city and to relax in a tucked away nook of the metropolis.

Girls Gotta Wine

2010-06-14T10:56:00.005-04:00

Had a wonderful weekend hosting an old friend over for some rose, fruit, cheese, and great conversation. It really is hard to compete with good company, and it was such a pleasure to have a nice night in after a busy week. With another busy week ahead, little nights in are a great remedy to a packed schedule. With my birthday coming up, we're planning a big roadtrip, more details to come soon.

City Adventures

2010-06-11T23:06:00.004-04:00

One of my favourite features of the city itself is the university.It sounds really odd, but no matter how stressful university can be somehow the beauty of the buildings make it easier. I stumbled upon preparations for Convocation, and can't believe I'll be there this time next year celebrating the journey. I love the whole look and feel of the school, and I would love to spend some time exploring all the hidden nooks one day.

Some say the buildings are haunted...

The library is massive, and a giant labyrinth. It also happens to look like a turkey from another angle, but I snapped this shot from a different side while walking around. I explored the city during an errand, and it just so happens that the weather really could not have been any better.

I passed The Bata Shoe Museum on my walk, and for someone who loves shoes I can't believe I still have not gone. This will serve as a reminder to take that on in the to-do list.

And as unattractive as a picture of street-meat with sauerkraut can look, I could not resist. I haven't had street-meat sausage in years. I do a lot of cooking and baking myself, but sometimes there's nothing like the basics. In this case, I could have passed on the indulgence. I had about 1 minute to eat this before literally running back for my bus so it didn't result in any savoring. Maybe it'll be a few more years before I decide on that as a lunch option again.

For now, I can't wait to jump into bed with a good book and some tea. Have a wonderful weekend!

Tiny Bubbles

2010-06-10T22:54:00.002-04:00

On the drive home the sky decided to be exceptionally beautiful. The beautiful sight made the crash on the coach soon after that much sweeter.

The watermelon bubble tea with tapioca also helped sweeten up the day. I find that you either love or hate this drink, but I personally find it a fun indulgence every so often. I've had two in the last seven days, uh oh. Maybe I'll take it easy once I've tried them all. Love it? Hate it? Favourite flavour?

p.s sorry about the photo quality...the cellphone had to do the trick today!

Eat a Cupcake

2010-06-09T17:42:00.003-04:00

The weather right now in Toronto is pretty gloomy and chilly. I was going to bake some of my famous oatmeal raisin cookies but the weather made me just as slouchy. To pick up the spirits I decided to walk over to the local cupcake shop and get six delicious cupcakes: Red velvet, two raspberry, mint chocolate, and two marble really hit the spot (well one marble). I couldn't resist and snagged one up before I could take the photo, and boy was it good. The remaining survivors are lounging out before they magically disappear too.