socks & sandals

{ images via the sartorialist }

I've been a little hesitant to join in on this socks and sandals look. While other girls pull it off effortlessly, anytime I've tried it I feel like a dorky school girl. After finding these gorgeous Loeffler Randall clogs - I'm on board! With the closed toe, they're winter worthy and paired with a patterned sock with a frilly or flirty cuff it would be a perfect, edgy addition to an outfit for going out with the girls.

{ Claudelie Platform Clog }

i'm going to share a secret

{ arc 16oz wine glass }

Gift giving has to be one of my favorite things to do. With it being that time in my life where friends are moving into their own places, housewarming gifts have been popular lately. Now, I'm spilling my little secret, in that these wine glasses from CB2 are so stylish and at the same time being so affordable - but I think they make the perfect gesture as a housewarming gift. You don't need to fill their cupboards, so I wrap up two-four glasses paired with a bottle of white wine to give to friends. Moving into your own place is an exciting accomplishment and is a grown-up step that in my opinion, should ofcourse be celebrated with some wine!

working girl accessories

{ sleek & modern travel mug }

{ a friendly lunch bag }

{ mustache push-pins to keep my endless "to-do" lists organized }

During my job search today I was temporarily side tracked by the adorable office and "working girl" accessories from CB2. This home decor store is a sister store of Crate & Barrel, geared to younger adults, which sort of explains why I find such a large amount of the inventory so beautifully stylish. While we definitely will revisit the site when we're apartment shopping, I was inspired by the work related accessories. In hopes of saving some easy money, I will be bringing my own coffee and packing a homemade lunch most days so these are perfect for daily use. 

Unfortunately, in order to bring my homemade coffee and lunch to work, I need a job... Time to check out of dream land and get back at it!

moroccan detailing

I found this jewelry box at Home Sense in Halifax when I was helping my best friend move into her new apartment. I was instantly in love with the Moroccan inspired, gold detailing and even though it might not have been the most practical purchase to bring back with me on the plane - I had to have it. I carefully picked out what I wanted to display and I've since filled it with some favorite polishes, lipsticks, lip balms and sugar scrub for smooth lips, hair accessories and some of the products that came in my Glymm box that I've been wanting to try. It's turned out to be the perfect little fancy addition to my bedroom vanity table. 

weekend fun in photos

It's been so wonderful having my younger sister and her boyfriend in town, visiting from Whistler. We've been keeping busy with fun activities and it just feels so good to have the family all together in one place! We had a great weekend together and spent today with close family friends, which was just icing on the cake. Hope you managed to have fun regardless of the rain and this Frankenstorm!

{ Beautiful heirloom carrots at the Sherway farmers market on Friday morning }

{ Treats from Soma Chocolatemaker - the coconut/toffee/chocolate clusters were my personal fave }

{ A yummy late lunch at Mill Street Brewhouse Pub in the Distillery District }

{MBA=Master of Beer Appreciation}

{ Sunday Funday - go-karting & pizza party with favorite, lifelong family friends }

{ New kicks. Aldo sneakers & Gap loafers }

{ Bubbly Prosecco imported from Italy at Pizza Libretto }

new look

As you may have noticed, Love Me Simply got a little mini makeover! I am so pleased and excited with the updated, fresh look! I couldn't have done it without the help of the lovely Miss Chambers, so big ups to a great friend. This feels like a happy accomplishment in the grand scheme of my little blog. Reason for celebration! Have a great weekend and I hope you like LMS's new look!xoxo

creative expressions

{color palette, brush and watercolor paper }

I've been on a bit of a creative whim lately and was inspired to pick up some watercolors. The only time I've ever used watercolors was in elementary school and with the new palette I had somewhat higher aspirations. I figured I'd start off with greeting cards and gift tags. I cut one of the pieces of watercolor paper into four and drew a simple graphic with a permanent marker then just added some color. On the back I just drew a simple postcard outline. For the gift tag, I decided to try mixing and blending the different blues. I think I would use a different brush or even a sponge next time to blend the colors a little better but I'm pleased with the results so far! I love the soft, milky result of the colors melting into the thick, textured paper and hopefully with practice I'll get even better. 

{ greeting card }

{ tags before paint }

{ tag after paint }

downey's farm

{ pumpkins! }

We took Drew's cousins three year old daughter to Downey's Farm last week and I think it's safe to say that all five of us had such a blasty blast. We used to go to Downey's Farm on field trips in elementary school and it is a place that brings back such happy fall memories. The sun came out during our visit and we spent the morning saying hello to goats, exploring the farm on a tractor ride, going down big green slides (over and over), racing around on peddle powered go-karts, wondering through a corn maze and veering totally off my cleanse diet by enjoying a home made pumpkin donut. 

If you're looking for a fun fall activity, go to Downey's! Visiting this farm is a fall tradition I plan on continuing for years to come!

{ fending off/feeding goats } 

{ duck protecting lamb }

{ a seriously speedy, big green slide }

{ a very happy little girl }

{ teagie was giggling uncontrollably in the back, yelling "faster! faster!" }

{ the most competitive couple. (note: girls won!) }

{ bravely boarding the pirate ship }

{ blow up bouncy horses that were so much more appropriate for three year olds }

{ nostalgia =  Downey's corn maze }

 { moment of weakness. totally worth it }

{ singing and dancing skeletons (we had to peel teagan's hands off that fence when we left) }

just because

{ it's not everyday that you find a intact moose skull sitting on a log }

goals

As I've mentioned before, the days of traveling are over and the job search has officially started. While I am so excited to get started on this new chapter of my life, it is totally intimidating. I haven't been on the job search in a long time and I was having a tough time pinpointing a starting point. Toronto is a big city with endless opportunity, I just didn't know how to grasp it in a way that benefits me. I was browsing Pinterest last night and came across a goal list and it was an idea that really clicked with me. I stopped by Michaels for a few supplies today and came up with what you see below. The idea of setting both weekly and monthly goals seems do-able. Another part of making my goal lists that I think is important to mention, is setting goals that are attainable. I set goals that are realistic and that I feel I can accomplish in the timelines chosen. While the idea of living at home, unemployed doesn't seem too great, I don't think I'd be feeling any better about things if I wasn't able to accomplish any of the goals I set. The job search is daunting but I think I've found a way to start off that will hopefully lead to success!

Do you set goals for yourself? Would you ever make a goal list? 

fish tacos

While we were out West we had friends from Vancouver to the house and decided to give a go at homemade fish tacos. Being on the West coast we sourced some amazing fresh pacific cod which worked perfectly in tacos - but any mild fish would work. We sorta guessed at the toppings and chose fresh ingredients that would taste good with the fish. We had avocado mixed with feta cheese, purple cabbage, a homemade aioli, salsa and tons of fresh lime. With a little prep, this meal was super easy to throw together with guests and fun to eat.  Being dubbed "the best fish tacos I've ever had" by one of our guests, these have definitely become one of our favorite meals! 

{ salsa (sooo yummy): mango, red onion, jalepeno, red pepper, cilantro }

cleanse update: day 5

Well, we've made it to day 5! I've had my moments of doubting why the heck we chose to do a seven cleanse (which might have included a little whining - sorry D) but overall, I'm feeling good. In five days I've lost six and a half pounds and feel lighter, healthier and just feel better. I'm not the best with sticking to diets and eating restrictions and I've had a couple slip ups, (the worst being the fresh pumpkin donut I had at a farm today.... by the way - totally worth it!) but D has been such a great motivator. I don't think I could ever successfully complete a cleanse on my own. We have two more days to go and have stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies to make it through. At some points of the week the food has felt somewhat bland and boring but when it comes down to it, it's how we should be eating. The food plan promotes healthy, clean eating and we've just become too accustomed to eating unhealthily. We don't plan on sticking to as strict of an eating plan come Monday but we do plan on making healthy, natural choices and practicing more self control! I sort of feared it would be a week full of salad but it hasn't been the case at all. Incase you're curious, here are a few of my instagram meal shots from this week!

{ rice noodles, ground chicken and fresh tomatoes }

 { arugula, spinach, pear, scallops }

{ tilapia, basmati rice, asparagus, broccoli }

cleanse

This morning, D and I started a seven day cleanse. After Europe (seven weeks of wine, cheese and prosciutto), camp (ten weeks of fried, unhealthy, bland, repetitive foods) and B.C (four weeks of seafood drowned in butter) we felt the need to flush our bodies of the excesses we've been indulging in. It's our first cleanse and we decided on one from GNC that was recommended for first timers - as it is not too intense (the one we're doing is on sale here). 

There's a food guide that has an itemized eating plan and a list of foods to eat. We loaded up on fresh fruit and veggies as well as lean meat and fish. After finishing day 1, I'm not hungry and am satisfied with what we got to eat - which is usually where I lose interest with diets and cleanses! 

Each day, you take nine pills(plus a daily multi vitamin- separate from the cleanse) plus a packet of fibre mixed with water or fresh juice.  

I was a little worried I wasn't going to be very motivated to stick with this, but having someone to encourage me throughout the week - I think we'll have a successful week! I'll update you later on in the week.

I'm curious, have you done a cleanse before? How long was it? What were you allowed to eat and drink?! DId you lose any weight? Would you do another one?

happy weekend

{ Image of Algonquin Park }

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I am so thankful for your support and encouragement with the blog, I so do appreciate it :)
And if you have any room left after stuffing yourself silly with turkey, give William Sonoma's Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Bread with Pecan Pumpkin Butter a try - it's my favorite fall treat!