Outfit deets:
* H&M top.
* Wet Seat crochet shorts which I've posted on Instagram for a night out outfit.
* Vince Camuto 'Kastern' sandals (new-ish!) that I've worn with a peach tiered skirt.
* Accessories: MK watch, F21 wrap bracelet & Gucci sunnies (looking at these pictures I'm thinking, 'Where is my necklace?!').

Happy Friday!  So glad the weekend is here.  I have a super busy weekend lined up and I am actually off work today (hoorah!).  Initially we were going to Mt. Tremblant for my sister's bachelorette this weekend, hence why I took today off, but the plan has changed and we are staying local (but it's going to be a wicked time).

Today I have a bunch of boring stuff to do, errands, cleaning and running around, but tonight that all changes which I'm excited for.  Tomorrow is the bachelorette and Sunday is a Baby Shower for one of my closest friends.  Busy right?  Thank goodness for day's like today to get it all organized.

Have a great weekend!

Outfit deets:
* Brody Myles top via Winners, seen here with red pants and boots.
* InSight skirt (new!) via Winners.
* Vince Camuto 'Kastern' sandals (new-ish!) which you've seen with here with my crochet shorts.
* Payless nude pumps (new-ish!) which I've worn a lot including with dark denim skinnies and a purple top as well as with a thrifted purple dress.
* Accessories:  Aldo necklace, F21 square bangle & Gucci shades.

Let's talk about dating.

Dating can be fun.  Dating can be exciting.  Dating can be complicated, exhilarating and nerve-wracking.  Dating can be down-right disastrous.

I think we have all had our fair share of good, bad and ugly dating experiences.  My question is though, when you see red flags, when do you throw in the towel?  How bad does it have to get before you say goodbye?

I think it's important to set standards for yourself, of what you will and will not accept when it comes to choosing a romantic partner.  I think those standards can get a little foggy when you are wow'ed by other things that seem so great, and at the same time compromise is also important.  They always say hindsight is 20/20 so often looking back upon an experience you can say, 'Yes, there were many red flags that I chose to ignore'.

Be brave if you comment, what is the longest relationship you've had with someone that you knew was not a good fit for you?

Outfit deets:
* Mexx bubble top (old).
* Winners crochet skirt (new!), layered over a (aqua) Costa Blanca gauzy skirt I've had for a year but hadn't ripped the tags off until this day.  The crochet skirt has a same-colour slip/lining but it's somewhat translucent so I tucked that under the aqua skirt
* Kelsi Dagger 'Genelle' wedges (new!) that I scored at Winners for half the price they currently retail for.
* Accessories:  J.Crew necklace & Joe Fresh bangle (these two seem to go hand-in-hand).

In all my life, I never experienced anxiety.  I knew people who had it, touched it, felt it, but not me.  I didn't understand how it felt or why they couldn't shake it or what was going on in their bodies, that is, until I went through my divorce.

In the months leading up to us separating, I was panged with anxiety.  A 'perfect' life turned upside down, being pulled in opposite directions and my heart fighting with my head caused major anxiety to ensue.  I remember being in the shower trying to catch my breath and being unable to.  I finally understood what people meant when they said they suffered from anxiety.

The shortness of breath and jitter-like feelings came and went.  Some days I would be fine, other days it would come on suddenly like the snap of fingers.  It was incurable, and it simply had to be lived through. 

A few weeks ago, I was talking to my mom on the phone, all teary eyed and upset, I couldn't shake my anxiety over whatever emotions were passing through my body.  I confessed to her that I had never had anxiety before and she said up until the separation, my life had been a fairly flat line.  Not a flat line that was boring or unexciting, no no, there were many happy, exciting, wonderful times, but there were no real devastating times that crushed me to the core and shook me like my divorce has.  In a way, I should be so grateful to have experienced this wonderful life up until the ripe age of 27, but at the same time, facing anxiety has been, well, interesting, to say the least (and to put an optimistic spin on it).

And now, although much time has passed and I have moved forward and am in a pretty great place, the anxiety still rears its' ugly head every now and again and it's funny how not alone you really are.  A text from a good friend the other day sparked this post as she wrote to me, 'Do you ever get an insane amount of anxiety for no real reason at all?'  My answer? Yes (in big bold letters!).  On top of that, I had been feeling anxious all morning for no real reason. 

I know I have talked about feeling anxious over the Internet and Social Media, and maybe you can bundle them all together, but sometimes I feel they are so separate and the worry that overwhelms me is simply hard to get rid of.  When I can't sleep, I try to make small notes in my iPhone; this 1) ensures I don't forget things come morning, and 2) allows me to let go of the things on my mind so I can sleep.  These notes are silly little things as simply as, 'Pick up tissue paper at the Dollar Store.  Clean the zippers on my OTK boots so they don't stick over the summer months.  Return the F21 top that doesn't fit.' etc.  They seem to help. 

The most recent thing I have come up with to battle my anxiety is to relax my knees.  Okay, I know this sounds a little bit absurd, but if you suffer from anxiety, I urge you to try it.  You need to really focus on your knees to relax them and in turn your whole body kind of exhales.  Our bodies get so tense throughout the day, especially if you're anxious, so to take even 15 seconds to relax your knees, will at least offer 15 seconds of relief.  Try it, I dare you!

Have you ever experienced anxiety?  Known someone who has?  Do you get what I'm talking about?

Outfit deets:
* Alexandre Bartlett top from Winners (old)
* Mexx bubble skirt (old) that's been worn with a navy and baby blue colour blocked top
* Accessories: J.Crew necklace & Joe Fresh bangle

Colour explosion!

When I wore this outfit I felt like I was wearing a lot of colour.  Looking at the photos now?  Not so much.

I think in person though. rocking three brights at once is not something that comes easy for most.  It certainly doesn't for me.  Wearing one bright is enough, two is slightly intimidating and three is something I never thought I'd go for... until now.

I've been pushing my 'fashion box' limits lately, and wearing lots of colour is part of that.  I used to be a big neutral person, but I'm trying to take advantage of the big colour-blocking (and neon) trend that is happening for this spring and summer.  It's actually gotten to the point where I'm now no longer even wanting to wear neutrals!  I am constantly going for the colours in my closet, versus the black and greys.  Success!

How do you feel about wearing a lot of colour ?


Later that day, some girlfriends and I went out for a movie and drinks, so I slipped on my neon pink shorts and kept the rest of the outfit the same.  Now how's that for adding even more colour!
 


Other ways I've multiple colours:
* Bright accessories: shades, pashmina & necklace
* Purple dress, orange necklace (a suggestion from a friend)
* Watermelon colours (I love this)
* The 'Easter threw up on me' outfit

 Outfit deets:
* Trixxi dress from Ross.  So I picked up this little number in Florida last year and it was a deep, bright sunny yellow.  I, at the time, was on a wash-my-new-clothes-before-wearing-them kick and tossed this in the wash when I got back home before I ever wore it.  Pulled it out 40 minutes later and I had a neon lime-ish coloured dress.  Wah wah.  I ended up letting it sit in my closet for the past year until (hoorah!) this year where neon is super in and I feel really excited (and 'ready') to wear it.  I tried to wear it last week only to discover the hemline felt too short for work so on Wednesday night I finally let the hem down (it was about two inches) and then finished the edge et voila!
* Aldo wedges which are somewhat of a go-to for me (hello, nude suede, they match all) and have been seen before with pink pants, twice, a leather mini skirt at night and also with nude fishnets.
* Accessories: Joe Fresh & Swarovski bangles (both birthday gifts from my sister from different years), Costa Blanca bangle & Emily Elizabeth 'Faith' necklace.

Happy Friday!  I'm so excited for the weekend and to sleep in!  Well, sort of.  Tomorrow there is a huge garage sale happening (it's an annual thing, which btw I missed last year, ugh) and it starts early; as in, I will be aiming to get there for 7:30am.  I know.  This is very unlike me, getting up early on the weekend, that is, but it's worth it for some of the bargains you can find.  I went two years ago and found some amazing crap, including a pair of real True Religion jeans for $5 (are you kidding me!?).

On top of that, last night my girlfriend and I started a new tradition (I hope!), it's called, 'Winners Hopping' and it's all about visiting various Winners locations in one night.  We grabbed some quick dinner from the grocery store in between the two stores we managed to tackle and had a very successful night.  We both came home with a couple bags of goodies which I will share with you soon.

Lastly, I will be celebrating a friend's birthday on Saturday night, which I'm really looking forward to (girls night!) and in case my 7am rise-and-shine time is too brutal, I've alloted myself a few free hours during the day on Saturday to nap so I'm in top shape that evening.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Outfit deets:
* F21 jacket that I bought super on sale a couple years ago and am so glad I did because it's turned out to be the perfect coat.  I've worn it before in autumn and also in one of my first outfit posts (eep).
* Mexx dress that I've worn for Halloween as a sailor (and everyone thought I was a nurse) and once at the park where something embarassing happened.
* Diva Lounge wedges that are becoming a quick favourite.  Seen with denim shorts for my birthday, an Easter outfit and another white dress.
* Accessories: Bijoux Terner beaded necklace, Aldo gold necklace & Baby Phat glasses

Everytime I wear this dress, without fail, someone tells me I look like a nurse.  

With. Out. Fail.

Keep on keepin' on.

Outfit deets:
* Cantas tee (local boutique) that I've had for a few years
* F21 skirt that I also have in blue/black
* Sbicca wedges that I picked up in Florida last month
* Bijoux Terner necklace, F21 bangle & (faux) Rolex

So I picked up a Groupon for a Barre Method class pass and went for the first time on Monday night.  I am still sore.  Soo sore. 

I consider myself to be in pretty good shape; I try to get to the gym several times a week, I run frequently and can run a mile or more without stopping, I always take the stairs, I will park far away to get in more steps and sometimes go for power walks on my lunch hour.  I'm by no means the fittest, leanest girl, but I do like to try and be healthy.  I figured the Barre class would be tough, but was looking forward to it. Let me just start by saying, this class is no walk in the park.  

Using your own body resistance, small hand weights, a ballet bar, a resistance band and a small ball is all you need for this kick-ass, one hour class.  It's a combination of small, controlled movements that don't ever seem to end.  When you're tired and ready to give up, the instructor pushes you to keep going for quite a bit longer and there are often no rest periods in between movements.  It's killer, but such a good work out.  By the end of it, I was sweating buckets (highly attractive) and my legs were shaking so bad (anyone familiar with the knee-cap shakes?) I thought they were going to give out on me.  

My ribs feel bruised.  I can barely walk down the stairs.  I'm hurting, but it's a good hurt!!  I highly encourage anyone to give one of these classes a try if you like to push yourself and try something new.  The class targets your core, thighs and butt, and hell-o, who doesn't want to target those areas?

This is a (spray) tan tat.  The most permanent thing to a tattoo that I likely will ever have.  Tattoos kind of scare me, for me.  I enjoy them on others but would you believe I actually have nightmares about getting a tattoo and being so remorseful I turn to hysterics?  Weird.


Old Navy top, F21 skirt (last seen here), Guess heels (last seen here), Givenchy tights, H&M necklace, MK bracelet & F21 bangle

I finally wore this top after raving about it in my Boxing Day shopping video (okay fine, I wore it for an evening in one time, but that doesn't really count) and sure enough, I wasn't the only one that loved it.  Tons-o-compliments and I think it's just because it's so pretty, almost unexpected and I paired it with the girly skirt.  This is major girly-ness happening over here, and I kind of love it.  It's fun to dress feminine and really girly, for me anyways.

So, as I type this, I'm sitting at the airport (how cool is that?!) waiting for my flight.  I have some snacks packed to deter me from eating plane food (but I have to admit, I secretly kind of like it) and I'm pretty pumped I will be in Florida by this afternoon.  However, another reason as to why I'm even more excited for today?  I'm meeting Jamie from GlamLatte in Florida!  It was by total fluke that this is supposed to work out and we are both looking forward to it.  Basically, she is flying out and I am flying in, we're making our paths cross at the airport in order to have lunch and officially meet.  After two years of emailing, skyping and being BBFF's, it's about time!  Exciting!  I'll be sure to share photos.

Dynamite top, Bongo pants, Aldo wedge booties | Bumper booties, H&M & F21 necklaces,
 Michael Kors watch & various bracelets

I wasn't planning on posting these photos (ha!  Note the different shoe on different foot?  Ghet-toeee).  I took them one morning before work when debating between the two pairs of booties, hoping seeing it in photos would help me decide.

Do you guys ever really, really want to like something or wear something with your outfit but when you put it on, you know it's just not working?  Same for me with this outfit.  I really wanted to wear the Aldo wedge booties, but ultimately decided on the other ones as they felt more fitted to the outfit.

Which booties would you pick?

Jessica Simpson blazer, Jules & James tank, Smart Set cami, Old Navy pants (last seen here), Aldo heels (last seen here), Ardene & F21 necklaces, Charlotte Russe ring, Swarovski, Costa Blanca & F21 bangles

Do you ever lose things?

I have never lost things before but lately my good habit seems to be changing.  Blame it on moving a few too many times, or just being simply unorganized but it's happening.  And it's frustrating.

Namely, one of my favourite necklaces has been misplaced.  It could be in a few places, but if I knew which places, it wouldn't be missing!  It's frustrating because I was always so diligent with keeping track of things and now I can't seem to help it!
 

Are you the winner of the Towne & Reese earrings?  Find out here.
 Max Studio top (last seen here), H&M jeans (last seen here), Aldo wedges (last seen here), Suzy earrings, Costa Blanca bangles, Charlotte Russe & Sirens rings

This weekend I'm heading out of a town for a birthday celebration, but not before checking out a movie tonight and spending some good time relaxing.  It's been semi-good to get back to work this week (mind you, I do miss sleeping in) as far as the routine goes, but I'm still happy the weekend is here!  Have a wonderful weekend!

 Alfred Sung dress, unknown tights, Aldo boots, Ardene necklace, Swarovski, F21 & Costa Blanca 
bangles & Charlotte Russe ring

I'm on a diet.  Ha.  Haha.  Hahaha.  That is laughable because I don't do diets (you think I have that kind of will power?).  So, I guess I'm not really on a diet, but as I sit here and type this, my stomach is growling despite just eating (cottage cheese with berries).  I am certainly watching my intake since completely over indulging throughout the holidays, and am trying to get back to eating clean.  However, I'm starving.  How starving?  I just ate two Vitamin C pills to drown out of cries of my angry stomach.

Okay, so I'm not that hungry, I have eaten today, and eaten well.  An egg white omelet for breakfast (with cheese and broccoli), an apple for a snack, turkey soup, (10) almonds and the cottage cheese.  Tonight I have plans for grilled chicken (going to use my panini press instead of my oven) and a large side salad with cherry tomatos and low-fat feta.  Are you bored yet?

I wouldn't say this is a New Years Resolution (that's far too cliché), just a kick start to get back into my regular routine.  You see, over the past few months I have been indulging maybe slightly too much.  Not to the point that's it necessarily noticeable to others (is it!?) but it is to me.  And I don't like it.  One bit.  Something must be done.  Also, I'm not really digging the way it's making me feel, and when that happens, it's time to kick your own butt, hence, precisely what I'm doing.

While perusing YouTube the other day, I came across a BodyRock.tv workout they had posted, which prompted me to their site (I had a friend who used to do their workouts and she raved about them).  Sure enough, tight lean bodies, friendly (and likeable) attitudes, and simple (but killer) workouts you can do in your own living room (or at the gym, if you have a membership like I do).  Awesome.  I'm taking one of the workouts (it's seven minutes; pu-leeze, you can do anything for seven minutes) to the gym tonight and going to give it a try after I hit the cardio.  Also, I was able to download the Gymboss interval timer app on my iPhone versus forking out the cash to purchase one, which means no waiting to try these workouts 'properly' and no excuses.

I find I often need some sort of variation, kick-start or newness for my workouts.  Zumba seems to be the only thing I've stuck with consistently (almost three years) but everything else gets pretty boring.  I recently tried Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  Phew!  What a doozy.  Seriously killer.  There are three workouts (level 1, 2, and 3) and you do each for ten days before moving onto the next.  I certainly couldn't discipline myself to workout for 30 days in a row, but when I was lacking motivation to hit the gym, it was nice to go home and have an alternative in my living room.  That said, it didn't last long before I was unmotivated to workout from home, so back to the gym I went.

And now?  Well now I just found out that my favourite Zumba instructor might not be teaching anymore (the only time I can actually guarantee I will get my ass to the gym) and I want to cry (dra-ma-tic).  She was there when I started doing Zumba as a participant.  She started out by helping another instructor, she would teach one song a few times, and slowly she would teach half the class until she took over and it became her class.  She's amazing, and I don't want her to leave.  Wah wah.

That's all.  Happy eating.


 Mexx top, Smart Set cami, H&M pants (last seen here), Aldo wedges (last seen here), Emily Elizabeth necklace, Aldo & Charlotte Russe rings

I'm so excited; today is my last day of work for (get this) 10 days!  I had to take three days worth of holidays and in return I get 10 days off.  So.  Pumped.

Today I'm playing Elf to Santa at work as employees are encouraged to bring their kids in.  We always have a huge potluck and the kids get to see Santa.  It's organized well, too; the parents buy a $2-$3 gift for their child, wrap it and write their name on it.  Then they give it to our Admin who coordinates the whole thing.  She ensures Santa gets the gifts so when the children sit on Santa's lap, they get a little gift.  It's super sweet.  I will be Santa's helper.  A friend and co-worker will be taking photos so I'll try and get one of me and Santa to share with you all.  Fun!




 Joe Fresh top & skirt, Aldo wedges (last seen here), unknown tights, Club Monaco belt, 
Ardene necklace & Costa Blanca bangles

These photos were taken at 5:10pm.  Welcome to November.  It gets dark so early now, it's almost depressing.  The only thing that is saving me is the still-visible grass.  If you could advise the weather man to prepare the snow for Christmas Eve, that'd be great.  Just great.

When I put on this skirt with the chocolate brown fishnets, it just felt too scandalous for work.  The skirt is somewhat on the short side for me but I didn't want to give up the look of texture on my legs.  In a quick decision (as I was running late) I decided to try layering my tights and it worked.  Chocolate brown opaque tights underneath the chocolate brown fishnets I had initially chosen. 
 
 Smart Set trench coat (thrifted) & Stitches fur stole
My girl friend just got engaged!  Guess who has been asked to be the (lucky) MOH?  Yours truly.  That's riiiight.  Which means I'm going to have mega hands full as my sister has also asked me to be her MOH and the weddings are within a month of each other and happening next September and October.  Wowee!

A couple weeks ago we went wedding dress shopping for her, for the first time evah and it was awesome.  She's already narrowed it down to two.  Or so we thought.  We are now going to be checking out more bridal shops tonight!  

I, of course, played photographer and ensured to get multiple pictures of her in every dress she tried on  and while I can't show you those, I can show you the photo I snapped while waiting for her to emerge in the beautiful white dress.  Oh hello there, it is I, your local Maid of Honour, just hangin' out in the dressing room waiting for the beautiful bride. 
Joe Fresh top, H&M skirt, Ardene flats, Liliana wedges (last seen here), g21 sunnies,
Ardene necklace, Swarovski & Costa Blanca bangle(s)

I've skipped a few months and haven't been on the ball with the resolutions... maybe I should have had my New Year Resolutions include writing resolutions every month. Oh well. Regardless, August is off to a great start and I'd like to keep the momentum going. Here are my top resolutions for the last full month of summer:

1. Spend time lake-side (at a cottage).

2. Use Instagram more often.

3. Get back into thrifting (it's been soo long).

4. Save more money (does this mean I should cross off number three?).

5.  Wear the clothes I've purchased that still have tags on them.

6.  Run 1km without stopping. Complete!

7.  Wear sunscreen on the tops of my hands everyday.


Did you notice the shoe switch?

Also, I bought these navy Ardene flats and within wearing them twice, sadly, the sole started coming away from the shoe.  I haven't had the chance to try and return them yet and was thinking I might try and superglue them.  I love the colour and they are super comf, plus, for $14, if superglue works, it could be worth it.  Have you ever superglued your shoe soles?
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