Heat Wave

I love summer and I love the heat. Humidity does not phase me...my hair is a different story. I have been enjoying some me time (my children were whisked away to a cottage with their grandparents) and it's easy to get ready and have an enjoying day running errands without the kids. Can you see the serene look on my face?

It's been a week without the kids and I have to say I miss them terribly.

Blouse, Madewell (old). Skirt, c/o Tristan. Flip Flops, Tkees (old). Bracelet, Ann Taylor. Watch, Michael Kors (old). Bag, c/o Ecco.

This is the last photo where my phone was working. It just stopped. I can't wait to be told there is nothing they can do and I have to buy a new phone. I think I may go either Blackberry or Samsung. Any suggestions?

I'm linking up with:
Style Elixer
My Thrifty Chic
The DIY Dreamer
Real Girl Glam

LBD because of Vichy

When I am invited to PR events I get excited - it's time to play dress up! No kids tugging or pulling on me, I'm not wiping up spilled milk (or anything really) or getting grease on my clothes because someone didn't wash their hands or any. During Luminato, Toronto's Festival of Arts and Creativity I was able to attend Vichy's Skin Health Centre where I was given a complete skin work up and learned that my skin is extremely dehydrated. To be quite honest, I figure as much. I am still having a difficult time juggling kids, family, home responsibility and all the amazing opportunities blogging is bring me. I'm not taking care of myself or my skin as I should.

Vichy Canada sent me everything I needed (and them some) to help with my skin concerns and I'll be doing a full review of their products. My Vichy Products were mostly from the LIFTACTIV line, helps with aging and wrinkles, something I'm trying to slow down. I really enjoyed hearing about Vichy's commitment to helping those with sensitive skin and how much research goes into their products. I even met their head scientist, Sarah Gora, she has the most amazing Parisian accent that I could listen to all day.  I'm already obsessed with their Bare Skin Feel Lotion SPF 60 (feels like it moisturizes and is light) as well as their Lip Protection Stick SPF 30 (lipstick glides over it and application is smoother, that's why I keep it in my make up bag). Their Centre was located right next to the main stage so I figured I would dress up and wear my favourite summer LBD.

I have gotten my money's worth with this denim jacket. It just seems to go with everything.

These nude heels are my new summer go to's.

Me posing with my favourite products - LIFTACTIV Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes and Nutriextra Dry Oil.

Denim Jacket, The Gap. Dress, Bailey 44 (old). Shoes, Nine West. Clutch, Danier. Necklace, c/o Vivienne Kelly (sold out but similar here). Bracelet, c/o Cocoa Jewelry for Target.

I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde for WIWW, Because Shanna Said So, My Girlish Whims, The Pleated Poppy Blog & Whatever Goes Wednesday.

Summer is Officially Underway

School is out, Canada has been celebrated and now the real work starts...entertaining the kids before they go back to school. Well, not really entertain them (they need to figure that on their own), but have some stuff planned. To be honest, I don't have much planned for the kids. We were supposed to be enjoying all that Croatia has to offer and instead we'll be enjoying all that Windsor-Toronto-Sudbury-Manitoulin is offering during the summer. Thank God for their Croatian grandparents.

Sweater, blouse (old), Banana Republic. Shorts, Gap. Shoes, Cole Haan (old). Necklace, Ann Taylor (old). Bracelets, c/o Cocoa Jewelry for Target. Watch, Michael Kors (old).

I'm linking up with Plane Pretty, Style Elixer , Real Girl Glam, My Thrifty Chic, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy Blog, My Girlish Whims  and WIWW with Transatlantic Blonde today.

I Can't Resist a Maxi Dress

There are a few articles of clothing I "collect" and it's all because of my height. One of them is pants, if a pair of pants is long enough I swear there is an insane woman screaming in my head "YOU HAVE TO BUY THOSE PANTS, WHO CARES IF YOU HAVE 100 PAIRS IN YOUR CLOSET. THEY ARE LONG ENOUGH. YOU'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER PAIR LONG ENOUGH. RUN, DON'T WALK AND BUY THOSE PANTS". The other article is a maxi dress. Again if it is long enough, I will buy it nine times out of ten.

They are just great and versatile. Wear them to the park, zoo, cottage,  PR event, beach, sailing, riding a horse (okay I threw that one in to see who was paying attention), out for dinner, shopping, Costco or Centre Island. I mean you get the picture.

Dress, Joie. Shoes, Jimmy Choo. Necklace, Avon. Bracelet, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Sunglasses, Burberry.

While I love this dress it is sheer, I had to purchase a slip. When I wear it to the pool I won't be wearing the slip. Over the Victoria Day long weekend (here in Canada) I was getting ready to wear it out with the family when my husband told me he could see my underpants. I was in a hotel room in Ottawa, my children proceeded to all try and see if they could see my underpants. They could. Oh the squeals of delight and child commentary that followed.

Lots of you are telling me you can't wear a maxi because of this, that or the other. I say there is a maxi out for you. Read this post I did for Yorkdale Shopping Centre to help find the maxi for you.

I'm linking up with Style Elixir, Transatlantic Blonde (WIWW), My Thrifty Chic, Suburbs Mama and The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.

Monday Morning Cargo's

When these J Brand cargos first came out a few years ago I was smitten with them. Loved the cut and idea of skinny cargos because cargo pants are known to add bulk to our thighs but there was something feminine and sexy at the same time about these. I wore them a lot and then as with most things in our closet I wore them too much and got bored with them. I haven't worn them since the fall, I pulled them out of my closet last week and dressed them up with a basic white tee and a blazer, I was quite happy with the result. 

Cargo Pants, J Brand (old). Blazer, Cassis (old). T-Shirt, The Gap. Shoes, Prada. Belt, Tory Burch (old). Handbag, Louis Vuitton (old). Necklace, Stella & Dot. Bracelets, J Crew, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Watch, Michael Kors (old).

I am joining the YOLO blog hop and Transatlantic Blonde WIWW getting inspiration from other great bloggers.

A Bit of Sparkle

I wore this outfit when I officially became part of the Yorkdale Mall Style Council. I walked around the mall happy...and then was stopped seven times and asked where I got my top...and blazer. Proud to say Tristan! Best part? The blazer is made in Canada.

That's all I have for tonight. I'm back on The Marilyn Denis Show this morning, May 31, on CTV. Need to get my beauty sleep. I'm modelling shorts and how to wear them in your 30s.

Blazer & Top, Tristan. Jeans, J Brand (old). Shoes, Prada. Handbag, Danier. Belt, Tory Burch (old). Bracelets, F21 (old). 

Yellow Checks - Inspired by Louis Vuitton

This coat from Zara is inspired by the Louis Vuitton collection. I just love it and had to have it. I adore yellow and it cheers me up, especially during those dreary days like yesterday.

I appreciate a clutch that also has a strap. I hate going to dinner parties where I have food in one hand, a drink in another and trying to hold my handbag in a third that I don't have. This handbag helps when third hands are in short supply.

Coat, Zara. Jeans, J Brand (old). T-Shirt, The Gap. Belt, Tory Burch (old). Shoes, Prada. Necklace, Ann Taylor (old).Bracelet, Joe Fresh (old). Handbag, Danier. Sunglasses, c/o Jeanne Beker. 


I am still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 9. 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy for WIWW. Check out what other bloggers are wearing here and Transatlantic blonde here.

Back in Black with Vivienne Kelly

When I received this hand-crafted, hand-painted statement necklace I knew that I wanted it to shine and be the focus of the outfit. I went back to black.

 The detail and texture of this necklace make it special. I also loved the tasselled jewelry bag it came in!

Top, Ann Taylor (old). Pants, Yoga Jeans. Necklace, c/o Vivienne Kelly (here). Shoes, Jimmy Choo (old). Handbag, Danier (old). Cuff, Joe Fresh (old).

I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account and you can't vote from your smart phones or tablets. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore. Check out what the other bloggers wore here.

Riding a Mother's Day & Birthday High

I enjoyed a weekend with friends and family and I had my annual Burger King Mother's Day dinner. I hope everyone else had a great weekend.

Blazer, Banana Republic. Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, AG (old). Shoes, Stone Ridge (old). Necklace, Banana Republic. Bracelet, J Crew.


I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account and you can't vote from your smart phones or tablets. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

Mother's Day and My Birthday

Let's take a look at the outfit first...

Jean Jacket & Chambray Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, Yoga Jeans (old). Necklace, Banana Republic. Bracelet, Cocoa Jewelry. Watch, Michael Kors (old). Shoes, Naturalizer (old). Sunglasses, Burberry (old).

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and so is my birthday – I am turning 38. This last year has been amazing for me because of this little blog.  I’m not famous or making any money (yet…it is a goal) but it’s nice to have something that is mine. I’ve gotten to go to WMC Fashion Week and tweet for QMI agency, attend Clothing Previews, been featured in the Toronto Sun and given some great products (clothing, accessories, perfume, skin care products, tablet etc.). I even made it to TV as one of the winners of The Marilyn Denis Show’s Real Canadian Women Model Search. The best experience was the most recent - I partnered with Pomp and Pageantry, a Toronto boutique, for their month-long celebration of Moms. They had a little photo shoot for my children and I and the pictures were perfect. Pomp and Pageantry will be donating 10% of their sales during the month of May to MumNet. The mother's group that has been a staple in my life since the birth of my daughter.

I can’t lie I would love to receive some extravagant gifts – an outrageously expensive handbag, red soled shoes, jewelry in a little blue box or a convertible in the driveway (if I’m going to wish, I’m wishing BIG). However, this year there are other things that need to be purchased like Adidas running shoes, dance lessons, books and a toy dragon because my youngest is POTTY TRAINED!!! Honestly best gift is not having any of them in diapers. See? This is all it takes to make me happy…plus a stop at Burger King (click here to learn more).

I often get asked “How do you do it? How do you find the time to shower, let alone dress?” There is no easy answer, no formula or schedule I follow.  I give myself the time I need to feel my best because I AM WORTH IT.  Those are four very easy words to write, yet very hard words to believe. I give the best of myself to my family. I do laundry, I hug the hurt, restrain them when stitches are being applied, I clean up after sickness, I am there to answer the questions, I wipe away the tears, I listen to childhood problems and the politics of the playground. I use my high school French, I feel their pain, physical or emotional and know life will only get harder. I give everything of myself and I complain about it, I suffer silently, I am a martyr and I am selfish.

Life may start at point A but it never ends in a perfectly straight line to point B, why would motherhood? Motherhood is easy and then difficult by noon. I often wonder how the hell I got here – stay at home mother of four and three of those little people are boys! There are times I throw my hands up in defeat and then I give myself a minute to calm down and push my way through until bedtime. Then when everyone is asleep I pour myself a glass of wine and curse and then I thank God I have the four little monkeys. I am blessed to be a mother because the alternative would break my heart.

If you feel the need to get me something all I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore. Check out what the other bloggers wore here.

Anyway Happy Mother's Day!

Drop it Like It's Hot

The weather has been AMAZING!! I've been wearing maxi dresses and skirts all week. This one from Target is really long and really comfortable, except the criss cross top won't stay closed (RIP Chris Kelly). I had to pin it shut, but not before I flashed every person at the Ecco Fall Preview.

Jacket, Gap. Dress, Target. Necklace, Avon. Bracelet, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Clutch, Jeanne Lottie. Flip Flops, Tory Burch (old). Sunglasses, Ray Ban (old).

I am still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 6. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5.

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy. Check out what other blogger are wearing here.

Day and Night

Some of us go from the office to an evening out. Here's my little quick change option.

My son had a little problem staying straight up. He was fine, no worries.

Blazer & Skirt, Banana Republic. Blouse, Joe Fresh (old). Jeans, Adriano Goldschmied (old). Shoes, Jimmy Choo (old). Purse, Furla (old). Necklaces, Cocoa Jewelry here & here. Bracelets, Cocoa Jewelry here & here.

I'm still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Competition. You can vote for me here if you'd like. It's a Facebook Competition. 50 Bloggers showing of their denim style. I'm on page 6. The link doesn't work on tablets or smart phones. 

My Cocoa Jewelry Giveaway for $100 gift card ends Sunday. You still have a few more days to enter. Good Luck and have a great weekend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easy Like Sunday Morning

I really enjoy looking at other blogs to see what other women are wearing. I love seeing the full skirts that are in, great ankle pants with kitten heels as well as all the dresses that spring has sprung. The thing is I can't wear lots of these items for various reasons. For example, those great full skirts are too short on me, the ankle pants become poorly executed capris because they are also too short on me and the dresses...well I can wear the dresses but that usually only happens on Sundays (note to self, I need to wear more dresses). They also help to inspire me, but not today.

Spring to me is all about re-birth, dusting the snow off and embracing the warmth that is coming on stronger every day. Wardrobe transitions don't have to be extreme, they can be Easy, Easy Like Sunday Morning (without the break up the song is about). Today it's about light knits, t-shirts and jeans; no bulky coats and heavy fabrics that are synonymous with winter. On Monday's I sometimes help at my children's school serving hot lunches. You will also usually find me at the grocery store or Costco (usually both) re-stocking our shelves after the weekend. When the weather gets warmer I will be wearing great skirts and dresses to run these errands but for now I'm sticking to denim. Easy. Me.

These brogues have been a hit and I am pretty sure are sold out on the Canadian Gap website. The neutral colour goes with everything. They were very reasonably priced and are leather. I am a snob about leather shoes. Maybe its an age thing, I haven't worn synthetic faux leather shoes since my early 20s. Don't ever get me started on acrylic fabrics as well.

T-shirt, Jeans & Shoes - The Gap

Cardigan - Left on Houston (old)

Scarf - Winners (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - Medugorje (gift, little shout out to my BiH readers)