a design desire

We're a couple years away from buying our first house, and there's no doubt our current place is just about filled to the brim with furniture and accessories, but I hope that one day we might have space for a piece of furniture upholstered in crushed velvet. There's something so luxurious about the way furniture looks when covered in velvet. The jewel tone colors and lush texture is so comfortable and inviting while at the same time appearing structural and stylish. It appeals to me in a way that I do not see fading any time soon.

(Confession: I once owned an antique orange crushed velvet chair and (for some reason) decided I didn't like the look of it... Upside: my in-laws had it re-upholstered for my graduation gift and it's now a gorgeous soft blue and is a staple piece in our bedroom :) )

Below are some images that recently re-ignited my love and desire....

{ all images via lark & linen }

the face wash debate

I wish I had glowing, radiant, clear skin... but I just don't. I get pimples, have blotchy redness, I need to wash my face twice a day and feel most confident with make-up on. At times I've felt self-conscious about my skin, but really, if I feel comfortable in my routine and feel better with some make-up on, who cares what anyone else thinks.. (ah the realizations of growing up)...

That being said I do my best to take care of what I've got. My skin is typically very sensitive and will dry out quickly, so it's difficult finding a face wash that satisfies that need for a 'deep down clean' that I crave, while  avoiding dry flakiness. I usually look for a wash with salicylic acid and have recently learned about the other over-the-counter acne remedy benzoyl peroxide.
Into the Gloss is my go-to blog reference for all things beauty, so I was thrilled when they broke it down, comparing the ingredients and what they're best suited for... Take a read here. I think I'm still a salicylic acid girl for now...

inspiring encouragement

Since I was younger I've always had a passion for design. When my parents let me re-decorate my bedroom, I flipped through the Ikea catalogue over and over and sketched out how I pictured my new bedroom in my head. Years later, my style has matured and I feel there is a creative stream constantly running through my mind. I have zero complaints about the path I've chosen thus far, but I do often wonder if I'll ever have the guts to pursue a creative career path. This article about 'How to Become a Designer Without Going to Design School' set off a lightbulb in my head - other people are successful in design without a four year design degree?! In today's workforce, where it seems an honors bachelor degree barely sets you apart from the competition, it's refreshing and encouraging to know that, with some seriously hard work, my dreams could become a reality. I know right now isn't the right time, but maybe one day in the future, I'll become a designer....

My inspiration: "How to Become a Designer Without Going to Design School"

happy weekend

{ had to say goodbye to this little guy this week }

What do you have planned for this weekend? I'm having a bit of a self indulgent weekend with a massage on Saturday and a hair cut on Sunday. D and I are also going to activate our spinning passes and try a class on Saturday afternoon! Whatever you have planned, I hope you enjoy yourself! 

Here are some photos from my week and a few links from the web....

{ this candle smells AMAZING (seriously, go get one) }

{ tuesday night drinks with friends} 

{ homemade snacks to delivery to a friend who has been working hard }

{ a fun house warming gift for an upcoming trip }

+ + + + +

I know I'm the 'annoying girl who's been in a relationship so long she forgets about the grimy details of dating', but I think these 7 upsides of dating are great tips for staying positive about dating.

A beautiful monogrammed ring

This 'Most Shocking Second a Day' video broke my heart

Adorable Christmas gift tag printables

Luxurious and affordable marble accessories

I'm having major wanderlust after reading this travel guide 

wedding etiquette tips

I'm at that age where weddings are becoming a more frequented event. We're growing up and each year it seems more friends are getting hitched! - Weddings are the best reason to celebrate wonderful friends and family members! That being said, with wedding being such a happy event, it's always interesting hearing the dialogue about weddings. I feel like each family and culture has their own 'rules' about how the wedding process should be navigated - and it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to stay in check! Whether it's dress code, the 'plus-one', gift-giving, RSVP-ing or how to be on your best behavior - this discussion on Vogue.com really provided some interesting feedback and some tips that will definitely come in handy when I receive my next invite. Regardless of all the opinions, I think sticking with your gut is the best way to go - with all the wedding hoopla - if you're decisions are coming from a good, loving place, you can't go wrong!

While we're on the topic of weddings... how beautiful are these new David Yurman engagement rings..

turkey meatballs

I met up with a girlfriend recently and she mentioned these turkey meatballs she had recently made with quinoa and spinach. They sounded so delicious and hearty, plus a tray of meatballs would mean leftovers for days! Feeling inspired, I picked up everything I needed at the grocery store. I added in chopped dried cranberries for an extra tang and some grated parmesan for a salty richness. We enjoyed them fresh out of the oven with lemon ricotta spaghetti, but they were great for lunch the next day too.

How To Make: Turkey Meatballs

1 pkg lean ground turkey

large bunch of spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup of dried cranberries, roughly chopped

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1.5 cups of cooked quinoa

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

For seasoning I used:

2 tbsp dijon mustard

1 tbsp chopped garlic

garlic salt

white pepper

1. Combine ingredients in large bowl, mixing thoroughly.

2. Scoop and roll into 2 inch balls.

3. Line a baking tray and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

christmas wrapping

It happened... This past week as I was picking up a frame at Potterybarn for a project I'm working on with a friend these adorable Christmas stickers caught my eye and I just couldn't resist. It was my first Christmas-themed purchase(!!!) 

When it comes to the holidays (or any time of year really), I adore spending time picking out special gifts for loved ones. While I completely recognize, that when you get down to it, the most important part of the holiday is spending time with family and friends, I love the opportunity to bring a smile to a friends face with a little present. No matter what's wrapped up inside, I feel presentation is everything. There are so many affordable options for wrapping and decor these days, it allows for all your gifts to have an extra special touch. 

All four of these papers from Chapters are $5 per roll - the patterns are stylish and festive and there's even the guide lines printed on the pack (as a gift giver who wraps a lot of gifts - this was like hitting the jackpot!). I can't wait to have a pile of gifts all gorgeously wrapped under the tree, the season is fast approaching!

{ buffalo plaid }

{ antler wrap }

{ woodgrain trees }

{ cabin wrap }

an organized beauty routine

Our bathroom vanity cupboard recently got a much needed make over. I wish I had taken a 'before' photo to fully depict how depressing it was searching through the pile of items stacked on top of each other every morning. 

I've been looking for some sort of organizing tool and was thrilled to find this metal rack at Target. The depth of the unit just fit within the cupboard and there were different sized mesh trays that could be purchased as add-ons. I was able to organize the products I use daily, so that they're easily accessible and I sorted my make-up into individual trays making them quick to grab as I'm getting ready in the morning. And ofcourse, I have my travel make-up bag stored under the sink for weekends away or sleepovers. 

With a morning routine that doesn't have much variety, it's amazing how big of an impact this simple change has really had. 

{ sample scents & lipsticks are all neatly visible and grouped together }

{ jewelry is beautifully displayed on my ceramic dish from barcelona }

{ regularly used beauty products stay displayed on the countertop }

{ my eye products are stored in my decorative 'la duree' macaron box from paris }

{ and all my make-up 'must haves' are stored nicely for my morning routine }

a creamy carry all

{ heather tote in bone }

While a love a classic little clutch as much as the next woman, for my day to day commuting, I always need something larger. My daily essentials include my wallet, beauty pouch, agenda, whatever book I'm currently reading, my coffee thermos and lunch/snacks.. a small bag just won't cut it! If I'm heading out for dinner or drinks after work, I'll usually throw a smaller bag in for later, but this beautiful bone colored tote would be a beautiful carry-all for everyday. I've been putting off investing in a large leather tote, and I think this would be a perfect in-between purse. 

toronto cooks

{ toronto cooks: 100 signature recipes from toronto's best restaurants }

When we ventured out for doughnuts on Sunday morning, as D was settling up, I browsed around the shop and noticed they were selling this awesome cookbook - Toronto Cooks: 100 Signature Recipes from the City's Best Restaurants. As a foodie loving, restaurant go-er, I'm dying to sit down with a glass of wine and drool over each and every recipe. I'm sure it's a mix of customer loved, taste tested recipes -  and whipping one up would be a fun way to make a night in at home feel extra special. The note of encouragement from the Amazon review describing the recipes as "ultimately doable for the home chef" wipes away any hesitation that the recipes might prove too difficult to re-create.

What restaurant dishes do you go back for over and over again? A big part of my love of eating out is the experience at certain restaurants but here are a few of my favorite dishes that I've returned many a time for:

Ile Flottante at Le Select Bistro

the Rueben at 416 Snack Bar

Spicy Tuna roll at Blowfish

Pierogi at The Saint Tavern

Blueberry Pancakes at Mildred's Temple Kitchen