Sunday, January 31, 2016

Gym Outfit Ideas + Instagram Selfies


F21 TANK - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  LEGGINGS  |  SHOES

Happy Sunday ladies!  If you have signed up for the A.Co Newsletter, you know I've started a new Instagram fitness account.  I share various exercises and tons of outfits I like to wear to the gym.  It's kind of a 'more real' Instagram where you can get to know me a little better but also we can motivate each other with our workouts.

That said, I know some of you ladies have asked where I've picked up various things I'm wearing so I thought I'd put it all together in a post with shopping links so you can scoop up some of these great pieces for yourself.  Looking good to feel good is half the battle!  #amiright



TANK  |  LULULEMON LEGGINGS (SIMILAR, LESS EXPENSIVE)
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Saturday, January 30, 2016

A Look Back at 2015

Every year I do an annual recap and this year I thought it would be fun to do one through video.  2015 started off great, and some great things happened.  We visited Vegas and Italy, we skied a lot and rented a cottage in the Summer with 20 friends.  We celebrated our good friends who got married, welcomed two new nephews (my best friend & sister both had their second babies) and ate some great food.

However, there were some very sad times, as we lost Marco's Dad suddenly which was tremendously devastating and had to say goodbye to our family dog, Peanut.

I'm going to let the video and happier moments do the 'talking' and as always, thanks for watching!


More related links after the jump...

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Fun Gym Shoes

 
You ladies know I'm a sucker for a good high-top and mostly wear those for the gym.  I used to really love trainers, but since I'm not running on a treadmill, flat footed shoes are great for lifting weights.  So with that, today I'm sharing a few favourites that are currently available online that I'm oogling.
 
I always love a fresh white shoe, but the grey denim Supra Skytops in the first row are really doing it for me.  I already own that style and they are a great way to ease into a high-top shoe.
 
The woven black ones are super cute, I like the colour of the Pumas, and while the Air Max isn't something I would normally gravitate towards, I'm feeling the speckled print on them.
 
I already own the Supra Society kicks in grey and they are totally badass (but definitely a little futuristic--Marco always jokes I'm wearing my Marty McFly shoes).  I'm really feeling the perforated shoes, it adds a little something extra and the last black pair of Creative Recreations would be on my wish list if I didn't already have a similar pair.

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Friday, January 29, 2016

The Secret to a Long Lasting Relationship



I am always intrigued by relationships and how people make them work with each others' quirks (you know you have them!).  I love hearing how couples met and what they love most about each other, but I equally love hearing about what keeps them together.

So with that, I canvassed friends and family to get their opinions and advice on what it takes to make a relationship last....

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

Friday Finds ... on a Thursday



Happy Thursday!  I know this is weird having the Friday Finds on a Thursday, but I have a really fun post for tomorrow that isn't quite done--but will be for tomorrow.

How's your week been?  I'm definitely ready for the weekend--but am excited to be heading out to dinner with a girlfriend tonight.  On Saturday, we are finally celebrating Christmas with my sister and her little family and then having a birthday celebration for my Grammy.  Hope you are well! xo


What a fun, sparkly NYE party (would be awesome for a birthday!).

Next on the shoe wish list.

11 powerful graphics that will make you realize how incredibly short life is.

Cast iron chocolate chip cookies.  #nom

I love everything about this.

Man-approved brussel sprouts.  Sort of.

What a cool chair.

The next newsletter goes out tomorrow morning--like super early--with my go-to secret on how I pair my bracelets.  It's free and you can sign up here, if you'd like.


Photo of Eve being distant.



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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Florida Clothing Haul


While in Florida a couple weeks ago, of course some shopping was done so today I'm sharing the haul, complete with links to everything I bought (so you can score them too!).

As always, thanks for watching! xo

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Monday, January 25, 2016

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps


FOREVER 21 TOP - SOLD OUT (SIMILAR)  |  LEGGINGS

Big smiles on Friday night once the workout is complete.  I've been battling some anxiety lately and working out really helps me turn my focus on something else--it's actually one of the few times it disappears for a bit.  

I got home on Friday night and Marco made us tacos and we just relaxed for a while, and ultimately decided to get a workout in around 10pm.  It was definitely what I needed and then I went home and finished editing my Vlogmas videos.  So, if you're interested, you can see Christmas Eve and Christmas Day videos up now.  #finallyitsdone 



On Saturday morning...
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Saturday, January 23, 2016

A Look Back at December

 
I'm a little late on the December recap--we're almost at the end of January, sheesh--but nonetheless, wanted to share this.
 
In December I tried Vera's burgers, went out for Marco's birthday and got the keys to my new condo.  We put up our tree and went out for dinner with friends.
 
 
I celebrated my Dad's birthday, and two Christmases.  I shared two outfit options for New Years Eve, a sparkly romper & a sequin dress & rang in the new year with Marco & a bunch of our friends at a club downtown.
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Friday, January 22, 2016

Friday Finds



TGIF it's just about the weekend!  Who's ready?  #mememe

So this weekend I'm planning to get organized as Dominique & I are having a clothing sale on Sunday.  Otherwise, take it easy and just enjoy some down time.  Have a great weekend!



My current fave polishes in the rotation: red, grey, burgundy & navy.

I can't stop laughing at this.


An interesting article on marrying your gay best friend.

How amazing would these be with denim skinnies?

Scuba diving with James Bond's trainer.




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Thursday, January 21, 2016

Recent Eats


Chicken Fajitas are a favourite, make that staple, in our household, and Marco's Mom even joked once that it's my signature dish!  I actually wasn't aware of that until I realized it's my go-to when I'm trying to come up with ideas for dinner or have invited a girlfriend over.  

Lately we have been loving these corn tortillas from Produce Depot.  They aren't the healthiest, but I try to keep it to two, max, and if I'm still hungry I'll just pile chicken, beans and veggies on my plate afterwards on it's own with hot sauce.  Also, the Cholula hot sauce is the bomb for tacos/fajitas.

See more eats after the jump...
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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Tampa & Orlando Photo Diary


Hi ladies!  I spent last week in Tampa with the boyfriend and it was a nice break for the frigid temperatures here at home.  My days were mostly spent exploring Tampa, the various shopping it had to offer, little restaurants to eat at and relaxing at the hotel.  

Since Marco was working, I had a ton of time to myself, but we did head to Orlando for the weekend and take in some sights.  We didn't make it to Disneyworld, unfortunately, but perhaps in the future at some point.

Since this post is super photo-heavy, I'm going to put everything after the jump and let the photos do the talking.  I will do a separate post with outfit details of any looks I shared.  As always, thanks for reading...


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Monday, January 18, 2016

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps


SWEATER (MORE OPTIONS HERE)  |  URBAN PLANET LEGGINGS (SIMILAR) |  BOOTIES  | JACKET

And we're back in Ottawa!  We flew home from Florida on Saturday morning and it was a little depressing seeing the snow as we landed.  I am definitely a warm weather girl at heart, but having a little time away does break up a the winter a bit, so there's that.



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Friday, January 15, 2016

Friday Finds


Happy Friday!  What are you up to this weekend?  We fly home tomorrow and have a family dinner on Saturday and hope to relax a bit on Sunday before getting back into the work swing of things--well, for me at least.  Hope you have a great weekend & here are some fun links from around the web to kick things off...



Scored these boots yesterday (similar in red).



A winter salad that looks delicious.




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Thursday, January 14, 2016

Instagram Outfits & Selfies


LEATHER JACKET  |  BRA  |  TEE

So many of you have asked about this bra each time I wear it and it's just an inexpensive bralette I picked up at Urban Planet about a year ago.  That said, I've linked a ton of inexpensive options here.

The leather jacket was my Christmas gift from Marco that I'm completely smitten with and something I've wanted for two years.  I will add that I knew what I was getting and he purchased it on Cyber Monday and saved 30% #score




H&M DRESS - NEW ISH (ALSO LOVE THIS ONE)

I can't find this dress online but I picked it up at the end of November so I'm sure it's still kicking around in store.  I paired it with some gold accessories but think rose gold would look even better.  I love that this dress is longer in length, great for my 5'11 frame but also would be so chic on shorter girls, hitting above or around mid-calf.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Off the Shoulder Sweater with White Skinnies + Hello from Florida!


O U T F I T  D E E T S :  OFF THE SHOULDER SWEATER (ALSO IN GREY)  |  DIY RIPPED SKINNIES (SMILAR)  |  BOOTIES -- ON SALE!

Hello from Florida!  I arrived on Friday night and Uber'ed over to the hotel.  Marco is here for work for two weeks, so I flew down to spend the second week with him and get away from the cold.  We ended up going to Orlando on the weekend, about an hour drive, and spent the night.  I will share a full recap of the trip when I'm back, but didn't want to duplicate photos in a Weekend Recap, hope you don't mind?

The shopping here is awesome, especially with all the outlets and if you've been following me on Snapchat (I'm acoest1984), you have seen a few purchases.  That said, I will be sharing a full haul video of everything soon.

In other news, the weather is beautiful, not too hot, not too cold and we taking advantage of being here to try out some fun restaurants and take in the sights. Hope you're having a great week!

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Friday, January 8, 2016

Friday Finds



Winter is definitely here and we've been battling temperatures of -30C this week and plenty of snow. That said, I'm headed to sunny Tampa, Florida today to spend a week and could not be more excited!  If you have any restaurant suggestions, please let me know, we'd love to try out some great spots. Hope you have a great weekend!


We are totally hooked on this Netflix show


12 Canadian places you won't believe exist.



A few workouts I shared on my Facebook page here & here if you're looking to switch up your routine for the new year.

This made me LOL, especially #5!



Photo:  RAMPAGE BOOTS - OLD (SIMILAR)


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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Turtleneck Layers & My Favourite Leggings


O U T F I T  D E E T S :  TURTLENECK SWEATER (LOVE THIS)  |  LAYERING TEE  |  LEGGINGS  |  BOOTIES (WANT THESE)  |  BAG  |  NAIL COLOUR

Since picking up these leggings, I have been living in them...and not just in the gym.  So much so that I gifted my bestie with a pair for Christmas and picked up a second pair in a wine colour.  They are the comfiest leggings I own and essentially all I want to wear lately!  

For the holidays, I dressed them up with this chunky sweater Marco's Mom got for me, which paired well with the scooped hemline of the tee underneath.  These booties have gotten a ton of play since picking them up in the Fall, I would highly recommend--super comfortable, versatile and now on sale!


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Monday, January 4, 2016

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps + New Years Eve Pics


Hello ladies and happy Monday!  I'll be honest, I was really not looking forward to the three day weekend coming to a close--I need a vacation!  Who's with me?

The photo above was snapped on New Years Eve--we went out to a club with a big group of friends and had a great time.  The music was awesome and we had reserved a booth so, as silly as it sounds, it was nice to have a place to sit at times!

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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year ladies!  I know, I'm a few days late but hopefully you don't mind me taking a few days to recover and relax.  I'll be sharing a full recap of the weekend tomorrow but wanted to hope on and say hello.

First, wanted to send a big hug to all of you that come and hang out with me, whether daily or every now and again--thanks for keeping up, sending love and all the support.  I love connecting with you on here, so thank you.

Finally, the little collage above is a fun option where you can find your most liked photos on Instagram from the year; you can make yours here.  Also, if you'd like to follow along on Instagram, I post a ton on that there never makes it to the blog (I'm acoest1984).

Hope you had a great weekend and see you tomorrow!

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My Picks for the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale



Hi ladies--as promised, today is the last day but if you're in a shopping mood, I'm sharing my picks from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale.

The Hunter Boots above in red aren't on sale but they have a pair with a cool zipper up the back that are.  These boots never go on sale, so if you're looking for a pair, now is the time to scoop 'em up.

MY PICKS (CLICK TO SHOP)

The crisp white blazer is so pretty and simplistic, perfect with some distressed denim or to the office with a pencil skirt.  I'm loving the lace on the velvet shorts and they are such a great price point.   

The long dress is on the pricier side (under $300 though) and would be beautiful for a special occasion and of course I had to throw in a short LBD.  

Fringe, collars and flared denim are all things I'm still really loving, and you can never go wrong with distressed, black skinnies.



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