Beautiful, Unique...GiPSY Dharma

I think that a lot of people will agree that fashion is art and designers are artists. Fashion is so beautiful and there is a lot of talent in designing pieces; especially pieces that are truly unique and one of a kind. 

I was recently introduced to GiPSY Dharma and was instantly impressed with how beautiful and original the leather boots and clothing were. Seriously, look at how gorgeous everything is:

After getting over the pure artistry and craftsmanship, my next thought was how comfortable these boots look! The leather looks really soft and supple and the soles are flexible. From natural to bold colours, and flip flops to over the knee high boots, you are sure to find the ideal pair for you.  And those skirts? Perfect for a night out or a nice spring/summer day!

There are so many designs and products to pick from, it's hard to pick one favourite from the catalog! But if I HAD to pick a favourite, I would go with these two:

Red Knee High Leather Boots

Red and Black Leather Belt Skirt

Red is my favourite colour and I love the shade of red used for the boots. I also like the fact that even though these are knee high boots, you can lace them so that they are lower then the knee, fold over the top, etc...really style them to suit your taste.

As for the skirt...I like the black and red combination! The red isn't as vivid as the boots and the black isn't super black...I like the contrast-shade- of the colours. I also like the cut of the skirt. The asymmetrical cut is just beautiful. 

Something that I really like, is that the website not only has sizing information and advice on how to order the right size, but also information on how to measure your foot, which can be found under FAQ and Sizing.

I can't imagine wearing something from GiPSY Dharma and not feeling beautiful. In fact, just thinking about wearing one of their skirts or a pair of their boots makes me feel beautiful.

To see more of GiPSY Dharma products, check out their videos. You can also find them on Facebook.

***DISCLAIMER: I was compensated by GiPSY Dharma for this post. All content (minus photos) and opinions are my own. For my full Disclaimer Policy, please see my About page.***

Pretty Little Beauty Swap Reveal

My beautiful and sweet friend Justine, from Sleepy Single Girl, and Chelsee, from Southern Beauty Guide and Ange from Hairspray and Highheels recently hosted the Pretty Little Beauty Swap.

I was paired with a fellow Canadian, Nikki from Blushed On A Budget. It was fun getting to know Nikki and discovering that I currently live near where she grew up and she currently lives near where I grew up.

Anyway, here's the package that Nikki put together for me:

1. Baby Lips in Just Peachy (a really pretty, natural colour)
2. Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream (for split ends)
3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
4. Elizabeth Arden Creamide Purifying Cream Cleanser
5. Tweezers (I love the colour)
6. Epic Blend Lip Balm
7. Balea Hydrating Face Mask (I LOVE this brand and actually sent Nikki Balea products too)
8. Marc Anthony Repairing Macadamia Oil (I've heard tons of good things about macadamia oil but have never tried...I'm pretty excited about trying this product)
9. Argan Oil

As you can see, Nikki sent me a ton of great stuff and I'm excited to try everything out!

Thank you so, so, so much Nikki!! Want to know what I got Nikki, head over here to find out!

You can find the link up here, to see whatever else got. Thanks to Justine, Chelsee and Ange for hosting!

Hey! It's Ok

To be taking the day off of work to go on a 'road trip' with a friend. We are going to see a psychic. I'm looking forward to spending the day with my friend and the readings should be fun and interesting.

That I saw David Myles on Friday and had a chance to talk to him...he told me that he checked out my blog and that it was pretty cool! I'm still on a high from that comment =)
 

To be looking forward to a Brock Alumni event tomorrow...we're going skating! I don't (and won't) skate, but I'm looking forward to connecting with Brock Alumni and spending time with them.

That I have booked entire week off of work in March in an attempt to use up my vacation before the end of March. I can't even tell you the last time I took an entire week off...actually, I don't think I ever have...

To be counting down the days until my boss is back from mat leave. I miss her and I miss working for her...she is such a positive person and makes everything seem so exciting and fun. 

Inspire Me- Joy

Happy Monday!! I had another fantastic weekend full of family, friends and birthday celebrations. It was nice to spend time with the people who mean the most to me. 

I started the weekend off by going to a concert with my sister, we saw David Myles and Royal Wood. Both were amazing. I had the chance to talk to David Myles during the intermission and he told me that he had checked out my blog...how awesome is that?!?!? I'm still on a high from hearing that!

Saturday I went out with childhood friends and Sunday, my parents hosted a dinner for me, where I got to pick the menu. The only thing I wanted was my grandmother's lasagna, which she was nice enough to make. It was delicious!

I have another busy week ahead of me, sadly not too many fun things planned...mostly work- I have a fundraiser next week, so the next two-ish weeks will be super busy.

Here is this weeks inspiration:

 

There has been a lot going on in both my personal and professional life over the past few months. I have really struggled...don't get me wrong, there has been a lot of good and a lot of happy, but there has also been a lot of negative and frustration- I know I'm not the only one. Some days are difficult to get out of bed, to go to work, to be social. Again, I know we all have days like this.

Our days are what we make of them, as is our life. 

I am going to really focus on choosing joy this week; choosing to have good days, choosing to be happy and choosing not to let things/people get me down or frustrate me. 

Hope everyone has a great week!

Style & Hashtag

First of all, happy Friday! This seemed like a never ending week and I'm happy that the weekend is finally here! This weekend will be the last of my birthday celebrations, which will kick-off with a David Myles concert and end with a dinner hosted by my parents.

Also, the Olympics are wrapping up, with the closing ceremony on Sunday. I was unfortunately not able to watch as much of the Olympics as I had hoped, with the time difference and being at work during the events, I missed a lot. I was able to watch highlights and re-broadcasts, but it's not quite the same. 

I have been meaning to blog about the Olympic, but time got away on me. I know at the beginning of the Olympics, a lot of bloggers covered fashion, including the team uniforms. I'm a little behind in this, but better late then never. So here we go.

Hudson's Bay is responsible for Canada's Olympic uniforms and they also have an Olympic Collection. Here are some of my favourite pieces:

Reversible Quilted Jacket

Olympic Team Tee

Colourblock Zipped Hoodie

And, of course, the iconic red mittens:

2014 Olympic Red Mittens

I love these mitts! The mitts were introduced prior to the Vancouver 2010 games and these are the third edition (Vancouver, London, Sochi). Not only are these mitts nice and SUPER warm, but they are a great way to show support for Canada and Canadian Olympians. A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes towards supporting our Olympic athletes via the Canadian Olympic Foundation.

I also really love the tagline that Hudson's Bay uses for the Olympic collection, "We were made for this."

I love the tagline almost as much as I love the official Olympic Canada hashtag:

#WeAreWinter

Congratulations to all Olympic Athletes...while it's nice to win and 'bring home the gold', it's a really special opportunity to compete and represent your country on the world stage.

I hope everyone enjoys the last little bit of the Winter Olympics!!

Birthday Celebrations

As always, things have been really busy around here. While a lot of my time has been filled with work related activities, I've also managed to have some fun...including lots of birthday activities! 

Before I get too into this blog post, if you haven't entered my birthday giveaway yet (you could win $50), you should enter now.

I already shared my trip to Toronto, a generous birthday gift from my parents...I loved being able to celebrate my birthday with my brother, something I haven't been able to do in years. I also shared the birthday gift from my Secret Sister. The blanket is so incredibly warm and comfy. I have used it every single day since getting. 

I was fortunate enough to spend the night before my birthday with a friend. She and I regularly meet for dinner but this time she suggested that we head to a fancier restaurant for birthday celebrations. As always, it was nice to spend time with her and catch up. It was fun to try a new restaurant...the food was amazing! I had roasted chicken breast, which had goat cheese and pumpkin risotto...so good!!

My friend was sweet enough (and thoughtful) to get me a gift to mark the occasion:

Sparkling wine, chocolate cigars, candy sticks and an owl that is engraved with 'give a hoot' on the back, plus a card. How cute (and great) is all of this???

I took my actually birthday off, so I didn't have to go to work. My plan to sleep in didn't pan out, so I started my day (around 7am) by watching Legally Blonde, one of my favourite movies. It was a lazing morning, spent in pj's eating breakfast and watching movie/tv. Around 10:30, I got my act together and headed out. 

Since all of my friends were at work, I had decided to spend the day at Chapters (a bookstore); browsing and enjoying my birthday drink from Starbucks. I spent hours browsing and was happy (and surprised) to see that they are now carrying Kate Spade products! My Secret Sister also gave my gift card to this store (part of the reason why I was there) and I used it to buy this:

This book not only looks perfect on my coffee table, but it's a really neat book to flip through. I like reading the write ups, quotes, explanations and, of course, looking at all of the images.

After a bit more shopping, I came home to read, relax and prepare for the real birthday celebrations.

A dear friend of mine volunteered to host, which I appreciate and was super nice of her. There was a super strict dress code of pajamas's...which everyone followed. At my request, she made Kraft Dinner (mac & cheese). She also made nachos and had a delicious cake. After dinner, we broke up into teams to play Cranium (which my time won) and after that played cards. It was a really great night and I truly enjoyed myself.

On Saturday, I headed to my parents weekend home, where I celebrated with them. We started the weekend off with lunch followed by shopping. We had dinner at home, where I got to request the meal (steak and onion rings) and my parents gave me another present- a trip, destination TBD.

On Sunday, we went out for breakfast more shopping, spent the afternoon reading and then off to my favourite restaurant for dinner, where we planned the last of my birthday celebrations. It was nice to spend so much time with my parents and not have to 'share' them with my siblings.

This weekend will mark the last of the birthday celebrations;

Friday- David Myles concert with my sister
Saturday- Dinner and night out with childhood friends
Sunday- Dinner hosted by my parents

As you can see, A LOT of birthday activity this year...I have been spoiled and incredibly blessed. I can't wait for this weekend and everything it will entail!

Over The Mountains, Under The Stars

Happy Wednesday! I am so happy that this week is half over and that it's a short week. While I would love to get in some extra sleep, time to read, etc...I'm actually counting down the days to my last weekend of birthday celebrations. 

My parents are hosting a lunch (or maybe it's dinner...I can't remember, but it IS a meal, I know that much) for me on Sunday, Saturday I will be celebrating with childhood friends and Friday I will be going to a concert with my sister- We'll be seeing David Myles!!

My love for David Myles is WELL documented here and everyone who knows me, knows how much of a fan I am, including Heather, who sent me a song via David Myles for Valentine's day/my birthday.

Every day is better if there's some David Myles in it, so here you go:

Have you entered my birthday giveaway for $50? If not, you can enter here.

Hey! It's Ok

To be have had a great birthday and long weekend (thanks Family Day). A re-cap of my birthday will be on the blog later this week.

That I will be seeing David Myles on Friday! I've been looking forward to this for weeks and it's finally here!! Well, almost.

To be feeling a bit under the weather. I know that I should spend the day resting and trying to get better, but I have A LOT Of work to do- with an event in 2.5 weeks, wrapping up the last event and not being in the office most of last week.

That I have a lot of vacation days to use by the end of March. Like 14 days. I'm running out of time.

To be giving someone the chance to win $50! You can enter here.

Valentine's Baby

Valentine's Day.

The Hallmark Holiday.

Ugh.

This is probably the only "holiday" that more people hate than actually like. Sure, if you are in a relationship, or in love with love, you probably like Valentine's Day. Flowers, candy, romance...or, pressure to finding the perfect gift and planning a romantic evening.

Don't even get me started on finding a "valentine"...that special someone to buy you overpriced flowers that wull die in 3 days and/or plan this overly romantic evening that really only happens in movies.

If I sound bitter, it's because I am.

I'm not bitter because I'm anti-love/romance or because I don't have someone "special" to spend this "special" day with or even because I had a bad experience in the past-which.

No, I'm bitter because Valentine's Day overshadows my birthday.

That's right, I'm a Valentine's Baby.

Do you know how tough it is to share the joyous occasion of your birth with Valentine's Day???

Sure, no one forgets your birthday because it's on Valentine's Day, until the actual day...then they're too busy with Valentine's Day- either hating the day because they are single, full of excitement because of what their "love" has planned or sweating bullets that the romantic evening.gesture they have planned might not be enough.

Most people celebrate their birthday by going out with friends...not me. Either my friends are busy with their Valentine's Day plans (relationship) or they are too depressed to do anything (singletons). And if you can get people to come out...HA! Everywhere is celebrating Valentine's Day. Everywhere is hosting a love/couple thing or it's a singles event. Valentine's theme all around. For the birthday girl/guy, this is not enjoyable.

If you are lucky enough to get a reservation at a restaurant, that's not really better. Restaurants always run Valentine's specials, for couples, or they have a limited menu. So, I can't even go to my favourite restaurant and order my favourite dish...because it's not on the menu that night.

Let's talk about presents...I'm not big on presents but getting a combined Valentine/birthday present is not cool, especially if it's something like flowers or a box of chocolate. If you are going to give a combined gift, make it good! Not to mention, other people get presents on my birthday and if I'm in a relationship, I get to give someone a present. Really??? How is that fair?! Or even fun?

Valentine's Babies aren't even uncommon. The son of a family friend was born an hour before me and a childhood classmate's sister was also born on Valentine's Day. As I got older, I met more and more people that share my date of birth. Whenever I've gone out for my birthday- either for a drink after work or out for dinner- there is always a handful of people also celebrating their birthday.

I beg you, if you know someone who is a Valentine's Baby, don't forget to wish them a happy birthday and, if you can, go out of your way to celebrate their birthday- it will mean a lot to them. Trust me. If you really want to be supportive, boycott this fake holiday and instead solely celebrate the day they entered this world.

Valentine's Day does make me bitter, but if you had to share your birthday with this "holiday", I think you'd be bitter too.



To celebrate my birthday, someone is going to win $50 cash! My sweet friend Amber is hosting, but you can enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hush, Charming Apple & Toronto Fun

One of my birthday presents this year from my parents was an overnight trip to anywhere I can get to by train. I decided to go to Toronto. While I go to Toronto a couple of times a year, I hadn't been to Toronto with my parents and sister (or to visit my brother) in a couple of years. I thought it would be fun to spend time in the city with my family. 

Unfortunately, at the last minute, my sister wasn't able to come. This ended up working out better...yes, I know that sounds horrible, but I will explain in a bit. 

My parents and I stayed at the Eaton Chelsea, which is where we always stay, so I highly recommend it! This beautiful property is located in downtown Toronto, between Bay and Yonge streets...walking distance to a ton of great shopping, entertainment and restaurant options.

 

My parents and I got to Toronto in the early afternoon and headed to Elephant & Castle for lunch. I had hoped to spend the afternoon wondering around the Distillery District-I LOVE this area! It's so pretty with the old buildings and tons of interesting shops, galleries and cafes-but it was too cold to spend long periods of time outside. We ended up walking to the Eaton Centre, stopping in at a number of shops along the way. 

Winterlicious (Jan 31-Feb 13) was taking place while we were in Toronto. This is a city wide event with over 200 restaurants offering prix fixe menus. It's a great (and affordable) way to try different restaurants. Today is the last day of Winterlicious but Summerlicious will be happening in July...I totally plan on going back to Toronto for this!

I had heard a ton of great things about Hush and was happy that we were able to get reservations. It was an interesting venue, exactly what I expected for a restaurant located across the street from TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) Bell Lightbox. I loved the venue and I loved the food even more!

I ended up ordering the Wild Mushroom Bruschetta (wild mushroom, arugula and goat cheese) as my appetizer, my entree was the Parmesan Crusted Chicken (pictured), and the pumpkin and salted caramel brownie for dessert. Everything was as mouthwatering as it sounds and looks! 

After dinner, we headed to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)...which was the one thing I wanted to do for my birthday. AGO has an amazing collection. While I love modern and contemporary art, I was really interested in the Canadian collection; which includes First Nation, Group of Seven and Emily Carr pieces.

Remember how I said it ended up being a good thing my sister couldn't come? We had originally planned to go to AGO during the day because my sister is 18 and underage. When I found out she couldn't come, I immediately changed our plans so that we could go to First Thursdays, which is a 19+ event. 

On the first Thursday of every month, AGO host an event from 7pm-11:30pm. They have live music, a DJ, special collections, installations, talks...food and drinks are for sale...all the galleries are open, so guests can view the collections. 

Part of First Thursday that we attended included something called Order Up! Basically, you were randomly given a food item to make such as rotting popcorn or antique squid. My brother was tasked with making a 'charming apple' (pictured...although you can't see the raised eyebrow). The organizer saw my brothers creation and was so impressed, that he took it to be displayed!

You can find a full list of what was offered at the First Thursday I attended, here.

This was such an amazing and fun event! If you are planning a trip to Toronto, definitely plan to be there for the first Thursday of the month...this is an event not to be missed. My brother and I are both really into museums and art galleries, so we knew this was an event we'd enjoy. My dad liked it so much, that he's already planning our next family trip to Toronto specifically around First Thursdays.

After we were done at AGO, we headed back (with my brother) to our hotel. We went to the hotel lunge (T Bar), where we had a couple of drinks and hung out for a bit. It was so great to see my brother and spend time with him. 

The next morning we had breakfast at our hotel, at Bb 33 Bistro and Brasserie. It was a really great breakfast buffet that included Eggs Benedict. My mom was anxious to get home (and it was going to be another cold day), so we headed home right after breakfast

Thanks to my parents for an amazing birthday present and to my brother for rearranging his schedule (including arranging to leave work early). I had a fantastic time in Toronto and can't wait to go back!

I also want to thank Teresa and Vanessa from Tourism Toronto for helping me plan my trip and for letting me know about The Junction (an "up and coming" area in Toronto, that I will be making a point of visiting soon). They both had a ton of ideas and suggestion...thanks ladies!

Favourite Five

Yesterday I shared 30 Things In 30 Years and today I thought I would share Favourite Five (which was completely taken from Flare Magazine). 

1. Delish Dish:
Thyme on 21's Rolled Souffle. I tried to find a picture, but couldn't find one, so you will have to settle for this description: the souffle is so light and fluffy and is stuffed with spinach, goat cheese and roasted red pepper and comes with a sundried tomato cream sauce. Mouthwatering. 

2. Best Bouquet:
Gerbera Daisy...I love how simple and colourful these flowers are.

 

Image from ftd

3. Post Impressionist Inspiration:

Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh. I love this painting; the vibrant colours and the dreamy night sky. Even though it was painted in 1888, the cafe terrace could easily be any modern day cafe. In fact, it reminds me of several Starbucks' terraces/patios I have sat on and enjoyed a cup of coffee.

Image from wikipedia

4. Style Icon:Ivanka Trump. She always looks so pulled together, classy, elegant and appropriate (not to mention pretty!). 

 

Image from eonline

Image from NYC Run Fashion

Image from InStyle

Image from Redbook

5. Flick Pick:

Clueless...this is one of my all time favourite movies and I can watch over and over. 

Image from wikipedia

30 Things In 30 Years

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I will be 30 on Friday. I don't feel 30 and apparently I don't look 30 either. Over the past (almost) 30 years, I have made so many memories and have had the opportunity to experience so many things. 

Here is a random list of 30 things I've done in the past 30 years.

1. Danced at Disney- When I was in grade 7, my dance school was invited to dance at Disney. For a week, we were part of a professional company, dancing on Disney stages (5 performances) and taking workshops with Disney dancers and choreographers.
2. Traveled- I've had the opportunity to travel the US eastern seaboard, all over Ontario, Montreal, Australia, Portugal, Mexico, Spain, Jamaica. I've seen beautiful sites, experienced new places and relaxed on beaches. 
3. Bought a beautiful antique piece...it's so unique and I loved it from the start!
4. Summered. I spent 4 or 5 summers with my sweet, sweet friend Daniel. Each summer was more memorable than the last, thanks to Daniel. It was like living in a TV show. 
5. Dated interesting people- authors, athletes, musicians, business tycoons, academics. They were relationships that didn't last, but they made great stories and they guys (for the most part), were great.
6. Been published in not one but two magazines! So what if it was just tweets...I've still been published (Flare, Town & Country)
7. Beta Sigma Phi- I joined a sorority and met some amazing girls. They have added another level of fun and socialization to my life. 
8. Education- BA in Communications, Post Grad in Event Management, Continuing Education in Basic Insurance Broker to become a Registered Insurance Broker, Professional Designation Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB).
9. I was part of a Dragon Boat team.
10. Raised over $100,000 in a single fiscal year for Alzheimer's disease. 
11. Started a scholarship (with my dad), which is awarded to two graduating students each year.
12. Graduated high school a year early. Did that one by mistake...but still did it. 
13. Started this blog...giving me so many opportunities, experiences and getting to meet some many other amazing bloggers who have turned into friends.
14. Survived a tornado. That was a scary and trying experience. But I lived to tell the tale.
15. Nominated for two Chamber of Commerce Awards- Best Fundraising Campaign, Best Marketing & PR Campaign.
16. Met David Myles...I'm a HUGE fan of his and have had the opportunity to see him in concert 3 times (with a fourth later this month and, hopefully, a fifth time in March). After concert #2 and #3, I had the chance to talk to him. He's such a nice guy!
17. Have been blessed with amazing family...especially my mom and dad. 
18. Had a wild, whirlwind romance. 
19. Received Catholic Student of the Year and Christian Service Awards when I graduated from high school.
20. Worked on a commercial that was shown in three different markets. 
21. Have known people who were hard to say goodbye too. 
22. Had a piece of artwork made just for me- my grandfather took one of my pictures from my trip to Portugal and painted it for me.
23. Submitted a policy that became part of the platform for a national political party.
24. I learned how to pump gas.
25. I left a legacy- when I was younger, I told the Mayor that instead of filling in an old pool and making in a green space, he should put in tennis courts. Based on our conversation and the info I gave him, he had city staff looking into it. That old pool is now home to beach volleyball courts, because of me.
26. Fell in love.
27. Successful transitioned from a job in insurance to a career in non-profit fundraising. 
28. Beta tested a beer- a went to a brewery and they were working on a new beer, which I got to taste and provide feedback on.
29. Celebrated the Boston Bruins winning the Stanly Cup, with the a Boston Bruin and the Stanly Cup.
30. Blessed to have 30 wonderful, amazing, crazy, tragic, almost magic, beautiful years.

Town & Country

A lot of girls growing up dream of being in magazines. Seventeen, Glamor, Elle, Vogue...those types of fashion/beauty magazines. I wanted to be in Town & Country magazine. 

My great-aunt was a subscriber to Town & Country. Every summer when I would visit, I would flip through her old copies and dream of being in the magazine. I loved the art, the homes, the travel, the clothes, the decor items, the parties... I loved reading about people and their charitable giving, what they were doing and how they were doing it. I loved how classy and elegant everything in the magazine was. 

When I was old enough to pay for my own magazine subscriptions, Town & Country was the magazine I subscribed too. I loved Pamela Fiori's version of the T&C and was sad to see her go. After she left, the new editor made too many drastic changes and took away the spirit of T&C, in my opinion. Jay Fielding became the editor and I love what he's done with the magazine. He brought T&C into the modern era, updating it to be relevant to today but when back to the true spirit and class of the T&C I grew up with.

Anyway, that childhood dream of being in Town & Country?

The last 'Overheard on Twitter' and right above 'We Asked, You Answered'...That's my tweet!!! In the November 2013 issue of Town & Country!!!

I was a little behind in my magazine reading, so I just saw it a couple of weeks ago. I can't even describe my surprise and excitement at having my tweet published in T&C!! Thank you, thank you, thank you to whoever was in charge of picking the tweets to be published!

As mentioned, being in T&C was a lifelong dream of mine. I've been kind of down about my upcoming birthday. Around this time of year, I was look back and evaluate my life; where am I, what am I doing, what have I accomplished?

Seeing my tweet in T&C and realizing my dream of being in the magazine came true, was huge for me and made me feel a million times better about turning another year older. I accomplished something, a dream item, on my bucket list. 

I don't care what ANYONE says, having my tweet published in T&C totally counts as "Melissa being in T&C."

9 Day Countdown

My birthday is in 9 days and I feel like the celebrations have officially begun! 

I had a Sorority meeting/program last night and my Secret Sister totally spoiled me!

 

I got a beautiful (and warm!), throw blanket, a notebook, gift certificate to Indigo (bookstore), wax tarts from Yankee Candle and scented sachets for my closet. How great is all of this stuff?!?

I'm meeting a friend tonight for drinks...we are making up for our missed girls night on Saturday. I'm really looking forward to it.

Tomorrow, I am heading to Toronto with my family. Because this trip is a gift for my birthday, we are going to get to do what I want! I know that maybe sounds horrible and selfish...my family is usually able to find stuff we all want to do or are interested in...but this time, I got to make all the decisions. But, I picked things I think my family will enjoy too!

We are going to an event at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and going to Hush, which is participating in Winterlicious, for dinner. If it's not too cold, I'm hoping to walk around the Distillery District.

It should be pretty fun and I'm really looking forward to having a couple of days off to spend with my family. 

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time.

To be looking forward to my trip to Toronto! I'm still in the planning process, but it should be a fun trip!

That I had a great visit with a co-worker who is on mat leave and her adorable daughter yesterday. It was so nice to see them and catch up. Plus, I didn't have to hold the baby.
 

To be under another storm watch...fingers crossed for a snow day tomorrow, but safe driving conditions Thursday morning.

That I didn't watch the Superbowl, not even for the commercials. I just don't care about the game and they show different commercials in Canada than in the US, so it's not the same.

To want to go back to sleep. I'm exhausted.

That I received an email on the weekend that held some sad for me news. Something that had been part of my life for the past 14 years would no longer exist within the next two weeks. A final date, or last day, could not be given. So, I'm going to wake up one day...and it just won't be there.

 

Inspire Me- Celebration

Here we are at another Monday...but not just any Monday, the first Monday of February! Today kicks off a month long birthday celebration. It's also Justine's birthday week!

I was hoping to start the official birthday celebrations this weekend, Brock basketball game with friends and girls night, but the weather prevented that from happening. Little disappointed, but it happens and it's really ok. 

 

Later this week, I will be heading to Toronto for some birthday fun with my parents and brother. Unfortunately, my sister isn't able to come...which is disappointed, but it also means that I can go to a 19+ event now. 

 

Here is this weeks inspiration:

 

 

This is one of my favourite quotes. I think it's so important to have fun every day, even if it's just a couple of minutes. Every year, February is a struggle for me but this year, I'm going to keep this quote in mind. I'm going to live this month as a celebration and just have fun.