half moon bay

We had such a wonderful time on vacation. We pulled off the surprise and spent five wonderful days visiting with family and friends. It's so easy to fall more in love with British Columbia everytime we return. We had tons of fun while away and I plan on sharing photos all week. Here are some if you care to take a look... 

surprise

We arrived in Sechelt, B.C. this afternoon and completely surprised D's dad for his 60th birthday. It was SO hard to keep it a secret as our excitement built leading up to the trip - but I'm so happy we managed to keep it under wraps. Surprises are the best - especially when it involves the people you love the most!

In an effort to disconnect, unwind and relax, I'm going to take a break from blogging while we're away on vacation. I'll have fun B.C photos up next week, but in the meantime, here are a few fun posts from around the web...

Aren't these little lights so pretty... there's forty different colors to choose from!

I was so curious to see the 'afters' to these 'befores'

The cutest little announcement + funniest baby jumper

Tips to avoid bare-ing it all in crop tops

This recipe would be great to accompany backyard beers

I started reading this book on the plane and I love it so far

Which pair (or three) would you choose from this iconic collection

I am seriously obsessed with this bathroom sink

Austin, Texas is on my "must-travel-to-soon" list and I could handle bunking up here



I was so intrigued by this documentary
 

Ah-hem, this is totally girl talk, but you should definitely bookmark these waxing tips

Forget a baked potato bar, I want to host a brunch with a bagel bar (and grapefruit mimosas)

I'm sort of secretly hoping we might enjoy some of these at some point while on vacation



And in tribute to the hilarious legend, Robin Williams - this video.

little bag bargains

{ iconic faux crocodile crossbody }

{ faux leather crossbody satchel }

{ faux croc trapeze bag }

{ mini crossbody trapeze bag }

I'm always on the look out for a good deal and these bags definitely bit the bill - all these stylish little bags are under $40 from Forever 21. Neutral but stylish bags are a great basic addition to any outfit, and are one of my favorite accessories. While I would support investing in a good leather tote or a go-to designer bag, it's fun to find bargains for easy accessorizing.

ten summer beers

D and I are all about craft beers as of late, we love trying new picks every time we do a beer run. I actually ordered a commercial 'light' beer last week and couldn't drink it because it tasted so watery and flavorless compared to other brews we've been tending to drink. I was excited to read this list of the ten best summer beers available at the LCBO - it seems we have some taste testing to do! Check out the list and pick up some beers to celebrate the fast approaching weekend.

P.S. - 10 Toronto Patio Spots Locals Don't Want You to Discover!! 

cooking inspiration

I've found myself a little un-inspired when it comes to cooking these days. I don't know if work is tuckering me out but I want to work at re-inspiring myself and have fun getting back into the kitchen. Here are some recipes I plan on printing out and pinning to the fridge to remind myself of the potentially delicious benefits of working towards my goal.

{ pasta al limone }

{ cold noodles with miso, lime and ginger  }

{ chorizo dogs & grilled corn }

{ heirloom summer herb frittata }

{ beer battered fried shrimp and pickles }

{ french silk pie }

packing tips

{ via }

As a chronic over-packer I'm always looking for tips on how to better organize myself prior to vacation. Packing for short trips can sometimes be overwhelming - for me, planning ahead and laying things out days in advance saves me from throwing in tons of extra pieces last minute. If you have any fun weekend trips coming up - read the "3-day Packing List" on Into the Gloss.

a surprising combo

rose + salt & vinegar chips 

coloring inside the lines

{ No Bleeding Lips }

I love wearing lipstick to punch up a neutral make-up palette but find it less than beautiful when the color bleeds outside my lips. When I expressed my frustration to the girl helping me at Sephora recently she had a simple solution - No Bleeding Lips. I really shouldn't have been surprised - that store seriously has everything.  It's a clear, waxy-like lip pencil that you outline your lips with before applying lipstick. It keeps the color exactly where you want it - on your lips!

wonderland

 

When my sister was recently in town, after surprising my mom on her birthday, we told her that we had a full day at Wonderland planned! I hadn't been in a few years but had such fond memories of screaming my head off as we whizzed and whirled around on the rides when we were younger. My memory definitely served me right and we had the best time - riding as many roller coasters we could, even going to the water park and chowing down on a massive funnel cake (my first ever!). The day only reminded me that family time is the best time, and it was such a great way to send a day together. If you make it to the park you must ride the two new coasters - Behemoth and Leviathan! Oh, and fun Wonderland fact - when you buy your day pass - it's actually valid for a second visit to the park! 

wanderlust wednesday: lake houses

{ ten best: lake houses }

I couldn't help but dream of a waterfront get away after looking through these beautiful lake houses on Camille Styles last week. There's really nothing better than lounging lake side or sea side... While we managed to escape the city a couple of times we're hoping to make it up north at least once more this summer!