Back to Routine

Not sure about you, but the holidays were extremely indulgent with minimal exercise and a crazy amount of sugar. I mean after all, that's what it's all about, right?! Now that I'm back at work and things are slowly coming back to reality, I need to get my body in gear and back on routine. Here are some things that I do to make sure I'm back on track:

1. Exercise is key.

This one I actually don't usually have a hard time with. I naturally love to workout, be outside and get a good sweat in. Even while on holidays, I tried to hike most mornings, made it to the gym once (I mean better than not at all, right?!) and skied. Now that things are back to normal, I aim to go to 3-4 spin classes per week, yoga 1-2 times a week and run once a week. My yoga classes are restorative as I think it's important to have rest days and stretching is so essential. 

2. You are what you eat.

Sorry to break it to you - but it's true, everything you put in your mouth has an effect on your body, skin, hair, and overall energy levels. Now that the holidays are over I'm trying to limit my sugar intake and instead fuelling those cravings with natural sugars such as fruit. I find that if I don't have sweets stocked in my house, I won't eat them. 

3. Make sure to get those zzz's.

While on holidays our sleep cycle naturally tends to change. Late nights and sleep ins can be amazing, but they can also throw us off. Being back at work and having a 6:00am wake up call isn't pretty when we're used to an 8:30am sleep in. Making sure I'm starting my bedtime routine early is key which means limiting my screen time, eating dinner earlier and hitting the hay at a decent hour is so important.

4. Cut out the booze.

Ok this one is easier said than done. I'm trying to do "sober January" but so far (3 days in) I find it challenging and I may have already cheated. Oops. To make things a bit more realistic, I'm opting to not drink during the week, and instead indulge slightly on the weekends only. I immediately feel a difference in my skin and feel way more hydrated and rejuvenated. 

XO

Island Getaway

As the long weekend is fast approaching, I can hardly keep still knowing that it will be spent at our new cottage on Bowen Island. This past weekend was the moving weekend - literally loaded up the U-Haul to the brim with mattresses, bad frames, tables, chairs - you name it. As tiring and sore as it was hauling each item down (and up) the stairs, I could finally feel it all coming together. 

Some people may think I'm crazy that I will be spending the majority of the long weekend unpacking and setting up the new cottage - but to me, that is pure heaven. I love transforming blank canvases into something incredible. Being able to add a piece of furniture, or just the perfect pillow to a room can make a real difference.  

Bowen is never going to replace our cabin on Shawnigan Lake. However, it will be a close little getaway where I will bring my girlfriends for the weekend, or just go solo to get away from the craziness of the city. As soon as I hop on that ferry and leave the mainland, my body all of a sudden relaxes and knows that a few days of rest is waiting ahead.

Here's a few inspo pics of the transformation process & what I hope the new cabin will look like...

 

 // organized shelves //

// modern bed frames //

// communal eating area // 

// comfortable seating with industrial wooden accents //

images via Pinterest

XO

Merry & Bright

image via The Allure of Small Things

I still can't get over the fact that Christmas is less than two weeks away. Of course, I have still yet to purchase any of my Christmas presents, nor have sent out any Christmas cards. I always think that I will have ample time to get things done, but in reality (I should really have learnt this by now), Christmas always comes way faster than expected. Note to self: start early. 

Besides the hustle and bustle and lack of sleep, Christmas time is always a favorite time of the year for me. Even though I'm 26 years old and live on my own, I still treasure this time of year to spend with family and follow our holiday traditions. Here are a few things that I will be doing over the holiday season, and what I look forward to each Christmas:

1. Spending time with family & friends

2. Mom's holiday baking 

3. Opening presents in our PJ's

4. Mom's homemade cinnamon buns on Chirstmas morning

5. Picking out our real Christmas tree

6. Christmas lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

7. Drinks at The Wedgewood Hotel

8. Gingerbread houses at The Hyatt

9. Crantinis! 

10. Finding that perfect gift 

Merry Christmas!

XO

Lake Time

I wait all year for this moment...a couple of days before I head to the lake with my family. Shawnigan Lake has been my summer home since I was born. My mom's dad bought the cabin when she was just 12 years old. It has stayed in the family ever since and I cannot thank my grandparents enough for making the best business decision ever. 

Over the next 10 days, I plan to go for long runs followed by a refreshing swim in the lake, coffee and a pastry at Oma's bakery, some waterskiing, and curling up in front of the fire with a good book. Let's just hope these next few days don't fly by...

images via Pinterest 

XO

Luxe Living

This post definitely matches the title of my blog. I have been actively searching for a place to live for the past two months and have been unsuccessful. Prices in Vancouver are astronomical, and finding a place that is in a good location, is clean, has a good landlord, etc is very difficult to come across. 

For the past three weeks, I thought I had found the place of my dreams. It was a laneway house located 1.5 blocks from where I currently live. It was brand spanking new and so so so beautiful. I even managed to get the owners to come down in price, but I waited too long to decide, and someone else snatched it up. I was heartbroken. I had started picturing myself living there, thinking about what pieces of furniture I may purchase...until POOF it was gone before my eyes. 

I agree, I have very champagne taste. I have always liked nice things. Especially when it comes to finding a place to live, I feel as though I can't really lower my expectations. Living in a hole and paying $1500 per month in rent just aint going to cut it. So, I am continuing this painful search and just hope *fingers crossed* that something beautiful pops up - or maybe the person who took the laneway might just back out ;) 

Here's a little inspiration of what I envision my place looking like: 

Eames chairs // Simple area rugs // Greys & whites // Cashmere throws // Black & white photos

Functional coffee tables // Tall windows // Industrial & Modern pieces

images via Pinterest 

XO

California Dreamin'

We've been pretty lucky this past month with the weather we've been getting. Compared to the rest of the country, we have certainly lucked out. That being said, it has been easy to start dreaming about summer and what trends to follow when it comes to fashion. I have always been a firm believer in casual & comfy clothes when summer rolls around. I am all about them denim cut offs and loose, boho tops. So naturally, I have been planning some summer trips while work and school are filling up my time and allowing me to day dream about sunny skies and palm trees.  

Here are a few looks I am coveting for S/S 2015:

 // Creamy white blouses with just enough shearness to them //

// Loose comfy tees & white Birks //

Here is a blouse I have on my wish list as well as these denim cutoffs.

images via Pinterest 

XO

Spring '15 Wishlist

With the weather slowly creeping up the thermometer, it's hard not to dream about the coming months. Don't get me wrong, winter is one of my favorite seasons. I love transitioning from fall to bundling up for the winter season. Celebrating Christmas with family and friends and jetting off somewhere warm if you are so lucky are all things I love about the winter months. BUT who doesn't get tired of the long, dark days and cold air that makes your skin crack? Let's just say I'm ready for a change. Below, I have listed a handful of items I am coveting for this coming spring season. 

Community Eros Tee // Asos Plimsolls

Camellia Lace Bralette // Buckingham Burberry Trench

Romper Room Essie Polish // First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Cream

XO

Cozyknits

With Christmas only less than 3 weeks away, the need to bundle up and find that perfect party dress is an essential. Vancouver however, seems to be a little late to the game. With temps reaching +14 here today, the Christmas season doesn't feel like it's even approaching. Therefore, finding the right (and appropriate) garments are needed during these weird weather days. Here are a few winter looks I came across and instantly fell in love with...

Treating knits as tees // Beautiful neutral sweaters with cropped denim 

Need to find myself some fur // Preppy school girl look 

\\ Gorgeous pastel colors layered to perfection //

images via Patterson Maker

XO

Bun Inspo

Since chopping off my hair fairly short, I haven't been able to pull up my hair and simply tie it in a casual bun. Part of me regrets cutting my locks so short for this very reason. I always have to style it each morning to get that perfect, lob look. As much as I love the lob, I still dream of having long hair to do different things to it. I guess it's true...we always want what we can't have.

Here are a few photos of some my fave bun looks:

Perfect for being on the go. Simply knot it at the back and it's easily work appropriate.

Super cute and stylish. Keeps stray hairs away from the face in a sophisticted way.

Reminds me of my highschool days. Youthful yet an element of rugged chic.

images via Could I Have That? 

XO

Fall Inspo

I can't believe we are well into the month of October already. Gone are the days of wearing your bathing suit as a staple, feeling as though the days never get dark & roasting marshmellows around the fire. As sad as that may be to say goodbye to all of those things for another year, I am just as excited to welcome a new season--one of my faves, actually. 

What I love about fall is the crisp air, when the leaves turn a vibrant yellow and orange, and when cozy knits are an essential. That transformation from airy summer dresses to layering on fabrics is something that has always made me feel good. Watching the iconic Paris, London & NY Fashion weeks are obviously part of why I love transitioning into fall. I mean, who wouldn't be excited?

So on that note, here are a few of my fall inspirations...

Cozy knits used to layer :: Knee high boots paired with a knit dress

Statement clutches :: Long grey vests

Fur vests (preferably in black) :: Camel colored coats

Menswear inspired patent flats

images via Patterson Maker & Zara

XO

It's Time

There's always something crazy about the way the summer months seem to slip by so fast each year. Perhaps it's because we enjoy every second of them or perhaps it's because especially here in Vancouver, we only really get a couple months of hot, nice weather. 

So this morning when I woke up, I was surprised to hear the pitter-patter of rain against my window and groaned as I realized it was the first day back to school. As much as it is exciting to see everyone again and get taught new and interesting course subjects, it is still difficult to fathom after having enjoyed an incredible summer. 

Here is something I've been eyeing for the last few weeks that ties in with my "It's Time" post...

image via Patterson Maker

It's something about the simplicity, femininity and vintageness that draws my attention to this stunning watch. I love how the trends are changing from clunky, mens inspired watches to a much more dainty look. 

Some good ones can be found here & here. 

XO

Lake Time Get-Away

So it's that time of the year that I look forward to the most. Not only is it summertime where the flowers are in full bloom, the days are longer, and I don't feel guilty constantly eating ice cream, but it is also time to head to the lake. 

Shawnigan Lake has been my little retreat every summer since I was born. My mom's father bought it when she was just ten years old. After he passed away 2 years later, my Nana had the option of selling the cabin or keeping it. She decided to keep it and drive up from Edmonton every summer and spend two weeks out of the year cleaning it and getting it ready for the next summer. I am so thankful she did what she did because I would not be who I am today without having shared so many memories there that I will never forget. So tomorrow is the day that we all pack into the car and head to the ferry terminal to start our journey to the best place on earth. I literally cannot wait. 

Here are a few images that remind me of the lake...

Wild flowers // Fresh fruit from the farmer's market //

// Being silly with family & friends //

 

// Coffee on the deck first thing in the morning //

 

// Summer essentials //

// Stripes + jean cut-offs + fedora //

images via Patterson Maker & Could I Have That?

XO

Trend Tuesday

I know I usually do Trend Thursday posts, but I simply couldn't resist waiting a couple more days to post this. This summer, there's been a lot of skort spottings which I absolutely love. I remember the days when skorts were my go-to necessity. They simply became "uncool" and I'm so happy they've returned with a new edgy flare. 

This one caught my eye with its two-toned coolness. A perfect staple for a warm summer night paired with a basic white tee or tank and some strappy sandals. 

image via Patterson Maker

XO

Long Weekend

What's not to love when the sun's shinning, people are out and about, and there's an extra day to enjoy it all? Long weekends are THE best. Enjoy yours whether you're packing for a short get-away, strolling down to the farmers market, or just relaxing and spending time with family & friends. 

images via Patterson Maker

XO