two thousand thirteen

As the holiday comes to an end I realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by amazing people so constantly and how many blessings my life contains. I hope with the beginning of a new year I will be able to recognize this and give thanks more regularly.

This year has included loads of beautiful memories, one of my most favorite being moving into a new home with D. A new chapter to our ever evolving life together, a future that looks bright and filled with love.

I couldn't imagine being happier than I am right now at 25 and am excited at the thought that even better things might lie ahead.
I hope your 2014 starts off with a bang. As always thank you for your support and encouragement on this little webspace of mine! xx

trimming the tree

One of my favorite parts of the first holiday in our own place has been getting our own Christmas tree. A few weeks ago we picked up a tree at a holiday tree lot on Roncesvalles and D carried it the ten blocks back to the house. We spent the afternoon with spiked cocoa - listening to holiday music and hanging lights and ornaments While some people prefer a "designer" tree, I'm all for filling a tree with meaningful ornaments that bring back happy memories.  big fan of a tree filled with ornaments that have special meanings and that fill you with happy memories. We had put away a few extra ornaments when my parents took down their tree last year, and we've added quite a few that we've picked up recently. A fun first year of a tradition that will continue for years to come.

  

christmas market

Last Monday we ventured over to the Distillery District for a walk around the Christmas Market. Being the beginning of the week, it was relatively quiet and we enjoyed strolling along the cobblestone streets and peeking in at all the booths and stores. The organizers really do a wonderful job creating a beautiful, winter wonderland and I'm already looking forward to next year.

{ Caught a glimpse of the big man himself }

{ We warmed up with a hot drink at Balzacs - the pretties coffee shop ever }

Happy to say that after two years, I think the Christmas Market is becoming one of D's and mine first annual traditions :) 

gift guide: for him

For the special dude in your life - your dad, brother, boyfriend or pal - all guys deserved to be spoiled this time of year. 

1. If your guy's a golfer, get him some personalized golf balls to show off when he hits the links in the spring. 

2. Keep him stylish and on time with a modern Timex watch. 

3. Let him brew his own beer with a beer making kit.

4. Wrap him up in a warm cashmere scarf. On sale now at J.Crew.

5. Make a homemade coupon for a night out at Barque, to hang out and chow down on smoked barbeque and beer.

6. Give him Bobby Orr's book so he can read all about the greatest hockey all star. 

7. Have him smelling all sorts of hunky with Big Sur Backpacker's Cologne.

8. Give him a gift that he will love and that you will benefit from too. An espresso machine would make the most delicious espresso drinks on weekend mornings. 

gift guide: for her

Are you still searching for that perfect gift for a special lady in your life? - Whether it's your mom, sister, aunt, girlfriend or best friend, here are some ideas that any woman is sure to love...

1. Treat her to a mani & pedi at the Four Seasons beautiful new spa.

2. Spoil her with a new delicate piece of jewelry. (Shopbop has super quick shipping and there's an extra 20% off on all sale items until Wednesday!)

3. Surprise her with a lush Jo Malone candle. Not necessarily something she would buy herself, but she would love filling a room with the fragrant, natural scent. The only trouble is choosing a scent!

4. For the girl with a green thumb, get her a Garden.In.A.Bag. Sure to freshen up any window sill - and you don't even need a pot - you just grow it in the bag!

5. A gift that will keep on giving all year long - a magazine subscription. 

Chatelaine, Toronto Life and Vogue would be my top picks. 

6. Get her a festive and stylish red Rebecca Minkoff bag. It would look just as cute with jeans and a t-shirt in the summer as it would with holiday attire.

7. Spoil her rotten with a soft cashmere sweater. Sure to be her go-to cozy sweater from Christmas day on.

8. Make her a homemade coupon for a date night at The Saint Tavern, to catch up over oysters and wine once the holidays have wound down. (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are buck-a-shuck!)

9. Gift some pretty Kate Spade stationary so that she can stay in touch with friends and write beautiful notes.

10. Buy her a beautiful piece of serveware for delicious cheese plates or scrumptious cakes.