CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE

Feb 27, 2013

40 comments
I've really been into smoothies lately and I've been meaning to make this one and share it with you guys on the blog, forever! Mmmm, chocolate and peanut butter, is there anything better?! This concoction was seriously amazing... I even had to wrestle it out of Martin's hands to get a sip. ;) I especially love that this recipe is super healthy as well as sugar free. I'm all about indulging but I still want to stay healthy while doing it and this smoothie did just that. It gave me great energy + I really enjoyed adding the coco too - it's full of antioxidants and flavonoids. Yay, for guilt free treats!

You'll need: 
  • 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened coco (I use a premium dutch brand)
  • 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
  • 1 frozen and sliced banana
  • 1/4 cup greek yogart
Pop all your ingredients in a blender... blend & enjoy!! Let me know what you think... :)
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AN AFTER WORK DATE

Feb 25, 2013

36 comments
A trip down to the ocean was just what Martin & I needed. I don't know what it is, but the last few weeks have left me feeling so scattered. For March, I'd really like to get my butt in gear, and start fresh... new goals, create a blog schedule (it's been a challenge the last few months), change up my hair, finish decorating our place, and get out more with my honey. This winter in particular has been dragging on and I can't wait for spring to arrive. I'm sure I'll have a renewed pep to my step just from the new season. And... look at that sun! Martin & I have made it a priority to get more family time after work as well as mix up our usual routine. We usually pack up some food, grab our dog and head somewhere scenic to chill & unwind. Watching Scout chase birds, run circles around us, listen to the waves crash and take in that amazingly fresh air... definitley chases our troubles away!
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STYLE INSPIRATION

Feb 22, 2013

17 comments
Whoo-hoo, it's official! I'll be dying my hair red sometime next week and I can't wait! But, I don't think I'll go as red as last time. I plan on choosing a semi-permanent colour, so it won't be a forever commitment. Perfect! Today, I'm still feeling under the weather, which means I'm doing one of my favourite "un-winding activities" and creating style sheets. I own the same or very similar items as featured below, and when I'm in a "what to wear" pinch, these cheat sheets are a life saver. Lately, I've been choosing very simple & classic looks. However, come spring I'd like to update those classics with a more laid-back and boho kind of vibe...
Sorry I didn't include links to the items. Most of the pieces are from Polyvore, Madewell, the jeans are from Topshop and the jewelry/clutch is from my Stella & Dot online shop. Happy Friday, everyone!!
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DREAMING OF RED HAIR

Feb 21, 2013

38 comments
I'm feeling a little under the weather today, so as a result I've spent the day relaxing at home & sorting through old photos... and I dug these up. Wow, I can't believe they're from seven years ago. They were taken right after Martin & I got married. I have so many sweet memories from that summer. Getting engaged and planning our wedding was such an amazing time for the both of us. And I love my red hair! What do you think?! I'd love to switch back. I'm in desperate need of a refresher, my hair's been feeling so, so drab lately. Also, quick update! I just switched over to embedded comments and I'll be able to answer all of your questions directly from there. So if you have a question?!... Ask away, just be sure to check back in a day or two and I'll do my best to respond promptly to your comment/question. Thanks so much for reading guys, hope you're having a fab day!! xo
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Vacations And Moto Jackets

Feb 19, 2013

42 comments
It must be this cold weather we're having (brrr!) because I've been dreaming and diligently plotting our next getaway! I'm in desperate need of some glorious vacation time. We'd love to visit Gabriola Island, Sunshine Coast, and the Okanagon Valley come spring. I can't wait to indulge in all of my favourite down-time activities... the spa, massages, restaurants, wine, gorgeous ocean walks, and lots of sleeping in. Both Martin & I have been feeling pretty exhausted and overwhelmed lately, so this seems like a lovely solution. Yay for vacation planning!



Wow, I'm surprised it's taken so long to debut my Forever 21 moto jacket. I live in it most days + I love that it works with everything... pencil skirts, dresses, skinnies, and so lovely with tights & simple shorts too. Love, love! Well, hope your Tuesday is a fabulous one, friends. I'm gearing up for another dentist appointment (sigh) and tonight Martin & I are off to enjoy a mid-week date night: sunshine, Mexican food and couch cuddles/naps. Yes!

Outfit Details:
Jacket - Forever 21
Cami - Aritzia
Skinny Jeans - AE (similar)
Bracelets - Stella & Dot, Canada 
Ring - Stella & Dot, Canada
Shoes - Aldo (similar)
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Outfit Inspiration & Friday Favourites

Feb 15, 2013

14 comments
Hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Valentine's with friends or a special someone. I surprised Martin with a lovely dinner... I made pasta with a curry/lentil/goat cheese sauce. So good! We then ended it off with strawberries + melted chocolate and chilled on our couch. Kind of perfect, especially since I was recovering from a root canal. Ugh, right?! Oh the pain, and swelling. Not fun! Anywho, onto the outfit, I've been loving the look of blazers and dark denim lately - comfy and perfectly pulled together! Enjoy the links + a happy Friday everyone!!
1. Blazer 2. Earrings 3. Bracelet 4. Tank 5. Skinnies 6. Bag 7. Scarf 8. Boots
Things I'm loving:

Mad Men inspired cocktail dresses - perfect for date nights or to grab a drink.

Ah, these shoes!! Every girl deserves a shoe crush, right?!

I love the idea of adding this anchor ring to my spring accessories collection. Too cute!

This is the perfect weekend tote! Yes, please!!

These pretty little danglers would be perfect with jeans or a dress - such a pretty colour too.

I'm looking for new reading glasses and these just might be the ones. So classic & chic!

A two-tone clutch seems like a fantastic new addition to my closet + the price point is fab.

Jeffrey Campbell can do no wrong... these sweet little flats are too precious for words.


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Date Night

Feb 14, 2013

19 comments
Just a few days ago, Martin picked me up after work for a quick & impromptu date. We decided to grab hot chocolate at Starbucks + some fresh strawberries and pineapple. As dusk set in, we sat in our car by the ocean with our dog squeezed in between us (aww!), chatted about our day and brainstormed on a few fun things we'd like to do together. We'd love to mix up our routine and try something new... like horseback riding, do more day trips, work out together, go for dinner in the city more often (we've been lazy), visit an art gallery or two, and learn tennis this summer - I used to take lessons regularly but it's been sooo long. When we bought our condo a few years ago, we were thrilled to have our own tennis courts. But go figure, we haven't used them once. Let's hope we'll be changing that soon enough! Alright, Happy Valentines Day! What's everyone up to?... xo
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Weekend Polka Dots

Feb 12, 2013

46 comments
I'm pretty certain every girl should own a polka dot pencil skirt! Mine has been such a fun + worthy investment. It works seamlessly in my wardrobe and works great for pattern mixing too. I love pairing mine with floral patterns, animal print, or even fun & preppy stripes. What's your favourite polka dot pattern mix?! Come spring, I'm sure I'll be playing around with this skirt a lot. Yay, spring... I can't wait!



Martin & I just enjoyed a super relaxing long weekend here in BC. We went shopping and I finally visited J.Crew - I'm pretty much in love with all things preppy and classic at the moment. Then we went to Banana Republic and I bought a fantastic light grey knit blazer and spring-ready stripey tops. Sunday we visited West Vancouver (I went to high school there), enjoyed a gorgeous seawall walk, ate frozen yogurt (chocolate and fresh fruit) and drove by the beautiful estate homes. I topped it all off with guilt-free condo loafing: TV, yummy snacks, cozy slippers, comfy sweats and a top knot. Really, what more could a girl ask for?! ;)

Outfit Details:

Scarf - Thrifted
Jacket - H&M (similar)
Skirt - Forever21(similar)
Bracelets - Stella & Dot, Canada
Tights - Modcloth
Shoes - Aldo (similar)
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Stella & Dot Launch Party

Feb 8, 2013

22 comments
Just this past weekend, I hosted a Stella & Dot launch party at my home with a few girlfriends, plus a few lovely bloggers stopped by: Alicia & Kendra. I had so much fun putting everything together, setting up my display and getting all the party bits lined up. I served chocolate & pink frosted cupcakes, fresh strawberries, dark chocolate, and sparkling water infused with pink grapefruit. Mmmm. So good! It's my goal to do two parties a month. I absolutely love getting out, showing the jewelry, socializing with friends and meeting new faces. Any other Stella & Dot reps out there?! If you've ever considered joining the Stella & Dot team, let me know, I'd be more than happy to help!

Well, this weekend (long weekend, in fact) my hubby & I are off to enjoy our weekly date night... tea, dessert + watch the sun go down. So lovely, right?! I can't wait! On Saturday, we're taking Martin's brother shopping for a new wardrobe as well as having dinner in the city. I'm so looking forward to all of it and we're supposed to have lots, and lots, of sun! Finally! Happy Friday, friends!

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An Early Valentines

Feb 5, 2013

29 comments
Hello! I feel like it's been so quiet around here... it's been a busy, busy last couple of weeks. I've been buried in work! I couldn't resist popping in today though, to share my early Valentine's gift with you... my newly upgraded engagement ring. I've always loved the look of emeralds - they're so classic and I adore the clean lines. I've paired mine here with Stella & Dot's Stackable Deco Ring. So pretty, love the vintage look it lends!

This week, I'm hoping to get caught up on all my blogging stuff: emails, comments, and get my outfit posts all lined up. I'll be back later this week with a re-cap of my first Stella & Dot party which I hosted in our home just this past weekend. A big thank you to my lovely guests! As for the rest of today, I'll be ordering jewelry samples as well as the prettiest business cards. I also visited Staples the other day. Okay seriously, what is it about office supplies?! I find them way too fun. Pretty pens, heart shaped sticky notes, adorable note books. Yup, I went a little Staples crazy! Well, thanks for letting me ramble, guys. I'll see you a little later this week. How's your week going?!...

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Wintertime Loft Gathering

Feb 1, 2013

20 comments
Hello and happy Friday everyone! I'm pretty darn excited for the weekend. It's been a busy work week + I've been missing my hubby time. I'll definitley be making up for it this weekend though. Waffles, walks, and lots of fireside naps are absolutely in my future. Yes! What's your plan for the weekend?!...

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a blogger gathering with my pal Lynn of Hearted Girl. I loved catching up with the girls and I hope to organize a city dinner next. Perhaps something in March. I must say, the Vancouver blogging community is so warm & welcoming. I feel very lucky to be part of such a fabulous group of women. We even Skyped in our beloved Cee of Coco & Vera (a Vancouver regular) who recently moved to Paris. A big thank you to Lynn for being the world's most fabulous host, and to all the girls who made it down that day! xo

The lovely ladies, from left to right: Robyn - What's Hanging, Leonie - The Signature Bow, Me, Kendra - Piece of Cake Piece of Mind, Mina - Glitter In My Veins, Lynn - Hearted Girl, Sheryl - Dollar Foolish Closet Wise, Randa - The Unprecedented  
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