it's the weekend!

What are you up to this weekend? We have plans to go for a big walk in High Park tomorrow and are entertaining D's aunt and uncle in Roncesvalles on Sunday. Looking forward to catching up with friends and family and maybe curling up on the couch and watching a movie. 

Whatever you have planned, stay warm, and have fun! xx

{ this week's flavors from Ed's: caramel nut crunch & raspberry sorbet }

{ being serenaded by Sam Smith }

{ sunset country drives }

 { boyfriend skills - dollar pancakes }

{ getting ready for valentine's day }

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Tricks to freshen up the look of your apartment when you get bored .

 How cozy would these fireplaces be to escape the cold?

A beautiful sweater.

These would add some fun sass to an everyday ponytail. 

A spice rack I would actually be into displaying.

I'd love a pair of simple gold hoop earrings, these are beautiful.

Cute summer sunnies.

A recipe I'm determined to master.

kitchen compromise

{ dishtowels }

Aren't these dishtowels adorable? I totally lucked out with a boyfriend who was taught that the boys do the dishes, and even luckier, he loves cooking with me! Even though these don't truthfully portray how things work in our house, still cute to hang off the oven door. 

j.crew sale (!)

There's nothing better than a really good sale, especially at J.Crew! There's 40-50% off sale items and there is a lot of good picking! My wishlist is a tad excessive, here are some of my top picks...

{ ring }

{ cuff }

{ oversized cardigan }

{ boyfriend sweater }

{ swing coat }

{ braid cuff }

{ cocoon coat }

just because

I'm dreaming of summer, sunshine, bike rides, crisp white wine, dinners on candlelit patios, picnics in the park and strappy, sexy sandals...

{ Stuart Weitzman }

{ L.A.M.B }

{ Rebecca Minkoff }

{ Rachel Zoe }

{Alexandre Birman }

gnocchi with zucchini & lamb sausage

You know those winter days that feel especially cold and long? Today was one of those days. I was happy to get home and put on a pair of slippers and all I was craving was comfort food. Gnocchi has got to be one of my favorite indulgences and sweet potato gnocchi somehow makes me feel a little less guilty. I pan fried some lamb sausage from our local butcher in mushroom butter, also from our local butcher, and used our mandoline to cut fresh zucchini into ribbons. When all combined in a simple homemade tomato sauce, it was impossible not to go back for seconds. 

tunes

Now that I've finished the Serial podcast (have you listened to it yet?!) I'm back to listening to music on my streetcar commute. I've downloaded some great new music and have found myself humming out loud long after I've taken my headphones out and the music is off. Here are a few of the songs stuck in my head these days...

Rather Be by New Eyes ft. Jess Glynne

When I Get My Hands On You by The New Basement Tapes

Wonderland by Taylor Swift 

Something in the Water by Carrie Underwood

Hold Back the River by James Bay

Waves by Mr. Probz

happy weekend

{ stopped by Target after news of their closing }

{ personalized treats }

{ a cozy hot water bottle to keep me warm at my desk }

{ seasonal ice cream }

How was your week and what fun do you have planned for the weekend? I got to get out of the office and spend the day on the ski hill today, so my weekend is off to an early and wonderful start. I have afternoon yoga planned and dinner at Nuit Social with two girlfriends tomorrow, followed by a Sunday spent on the couch with D watching Oscar nominated movies. 

Whatever you're up to, have yourself a great weekend. xx

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Here are a few fun links from around the web...

A quirky winter trend that I happen to love

I'm not so secretly hoping for a weekend getaway here

It's hard to know which products work but I want to try this

Five things to always keep around for last minute get togethers

I've heard great things and can't wait to watch this movie

My favorite wardrobe go-to is an easy to wear dress. Look at all these options! 

In the midst of the chilly winter days, these recipes are now bookmarked. 

My lips feel constantly chapped, I plan on picking one of these up this weekend. 

etsy tips

Talk of Etsy has been all over the blogs lately, and it's pretty understandable. It's an accessible way to shop unique, creative, one-of-a-kind goods. Whether you're looking for - jewelry, clothing, furniture, food- you're sure to find it on Etsy. My single experience was a good one, when I ordered a personalized hanger for a soon-to-be bride and I have nothing but good feedback. I got exactly what I ordered, on time and for a reasonable price. It is a website that can be slightly overwhelming to navigate so I'm always sure to soak up any tips or take note of any favorite shops. Incase you're interested, see below:

Here are some stylish home accessories that would add a unique flare to any space

Ten hats from creative etsy designers to keep warm in

Finally, most useful, tips for navigating the never ending amazingness that is etsy.

a good read: the rosie effect

{ The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion }

I just finished the sequel to The Rosie Project and am so disappointed the story is over. Don Tillman is just as goofy and lovable in the second book, after he and Rosie have moved to New York. The best comparison I can make for Don is Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory. He is clueless of all social cues and gets himself into quite the predicaments. The story an easy and fun read but still enjoyable and worthwhile.

tuesday tunes

D and I scored last minute tickets to the Sam Smith concert tonight and I can't wait! We somehow went the entire summer without going to a concert, which happens to be one of my most favorites things to do, so this feels long overdue. I took D to his first concert (Coldplay) when we first started dating and I feel there's such a special connection experiencing the live music together.

I'll be listening to Sam Smith all day long in preparation, here are a few of the songs I'm most looking forward to hearing live...

I'm Not the Only One

Money on my Mind

Stay with Me

Leave Your Lover

have a great weekend

{ a wool wall installation that my sister made }

What plans do you have this weekend? I have yet to mention that I was asked to stand as maid of honor for one of my oldest, best friends. It is such an exciting and important responsibility, it feels pretty cool to have the task of supporting and loving her through such a wonderful life event. That being shared, we're off to shop for wedding dresses this weekend! I also have a friends birthday dinner tomorrow night at this place and D suggested going skating in High Park on Sunday, so it's shaping up to be a good weekend!

Whatever you have planned, I hope you enjoy your weekend. xx

{ beauty products brought back from france in a beautiful box }

{ cannot wait to try recipes from this new cookbook }

{ first time cooking arctic char that turned out wonderfully }

do-it-yourself inspiration

With the rise of blogging, bloggers and blogs - the blogosphere has come to offer pretty great do-it-yourself tutorials. I'm always browsing my favorite blogs for inspiration and ideas and find it pretty amazing how creative and resourceful some women are. Even as an obsessive and creative person, I'll admit some do-it-yourself projects can be overwhelming and I simply don't have the time to invest. But I'll also share that there's such a positive sense of accomplishment when you are able to complete a beautiful craft and display it or gift it knowing that you made it yourself.

Here are two cool crafts I've bookmarked for a rainy day...

{ Gold Leaf Vase }

{ Blush Pink Sheepskin }

west coast winter

After Christmas in Whistler we headed to Sechelt to celebrate New Years at D's parents house. The house over looks the ocean and the weather was considerably warmer than in the mountains. We had friends from Vancouver visit while we were there and on New Years Day we set out for the first hike of the year. From the house we took a short walk up the road and were on a wooded trail in no time. It was like we were in a Disney movie - adventuring through a frosted forest. As we continued on the trail, the forest became lush and green with natural light filtering through the trees. The photos only do partial justice, but they were too beautiful not to share! I hope your 2015 is filled with adventure and time spent outdoors!

printstagram

How cool are these desk calendars? For $40 Prinstagram will print 365 of your Instagram photos into a desk calendar! I'd love to flip through photos day-by-day reminiscing about old memories. 

Check out the other neat products here. I also love the posters, magnets and contact cards!

favorite golden globe gowns

Golden Globes is hands down my favorite awards show. All the stars are laid back, socializing, drinking and having fun - I always find it the most enjoyable show to watch. The red carpet is always the best part of any awards show in my opinion and I thought I would share some of my fashion favorites...

(ps. check out @ellenvonunwerth on instagram for the most candid celeb shots from last night)

{ photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 }