a handy gadget

{ utensil and tablet holder, $60 }

Do you ever use your ipad when trying new recipes? You adjust the settings so that the screen doesn't go dark every thirty seconds, but then you're still left awkwardly trying to move the ipad with sticky fingers when you realize you need to roll out the cookie dough exactly where you put the ipad?

This sleek stone piece would solve everything. It would allow you to display and access frequently used kitchen tools, while at the same time holding your ipad in place. It would be great for following recipes, or even watching Netflix or listening to music while you're making dinner.

must-have jeans

{ The Form by AYR }

So apparently these jeans had a 600 person wait list. They're 100% cotton, have no stretch, but will give a little with wear. They combine every of-the-moment jean trend into one stylish pair that are worthy of the price tag. Wish-listed.

RIO 2016

{ Egypt versus Germany in beach volleyball }

Over the weekend, someone asked me "On a scale of 1-10 how excited are you about the Rio Olympics?" I wasn't sure of my answer, because honestly I hadn't paid a whole lot of attention leading up to the games. But as soon as we turned on the opening ceremonies, that familiar excitement washed over me and we've been glued to the TV at every opportunity.

Personally, the Olymics always make me so proud to be a Canadian. I'm proud of all of the athletes who have dedicated their lives to representing our country and the sacrifices they, their families and their couches have made. I can still remember being in Vancouver for the 2010 winter games and screaming my heart out, as we cheered on the Canadian athletes.

This year, I can't help but stop to think about the bigger picture. As the Afghanistan athletes walked into the opening ceremonies, there were only male athletes, and the announcers spoke to their all-male team, noting that it's not for lack of interest by females in Afghanistan but rather fear of showing interest, that there are no female athletes. Women are scared to show interest in sport.

I grew up playing sports, always encouraged to participate and try out for school teams. My parents coached our all-girls soccer team and were always positive and supportive. It fostered a great confidence in me, I made countless new friends and was tough the importance of team work. I struggle knowing not all girls are given equal opportunity and I hope that I get to experience and see change in my lifetime.

In the same breath, I love that the games bring the world together. Differences and diversity is celebrated. The above photo went viral of an Egyptian athlete competing against a German athlete. The volleyball governing body (not the formal title) recently changed the rules on the sports uniforms to be more inclusive of personal and ethnic preferences, which is a welcome acknowledgement and inclusive amendment.

I don't know about you but the Olympics give me all sorts of feels!

GO CANADA GO!

hotel crush

As we've been starting to research honeymoon destinations, I'm really into boutique hotels, brimming with color and character, and with hotel bars that are guaranteed to whip up the tastiest cocktails. 

Not that Tennessee is necessarily a honeymoon destination of choice, but between the music scene in Nashville and the barbeque in Memphis, I can see how The Dwell Hotel would definitely be mandatory stop over to round out a future trip to Tennessee. 

The hotel has sixteen rooms, each with it's own vibrant personality. I'd love to stay in the Flamingo room or the New Yorker with the lovely little patio - perfect for pre-dinner drinks. 

{ photos via Design Sponge }

wedding update

Well, as you may have noticed by my lack of blog posts, life has been busy and wedding planning is to blame! Although there is still a lengthy 'to-do' list, we've made some exciting progress...

Venue: We're getting married at 99 Sudbury. We researched a lot of venues and the selection was limited for unique downtown spaces that can accommodate 200 guests but 99 Sudbury was the second space we saw and is a big blank canvas. We took our parents to check it out last week and it was so exciting seeing the space again and imagining what it will transform into the night of the wedding.

Dress: I've ordered my dress! I'm keeping my cards close to my chest on this one, but it feels so great to have found a wedding dress. We had 8 different appointments and I think I tried on over 40 dresses; and as much fun as it was, I'm glad the search is over and I'm so thankful to have such a patient Momma. 

Save the Date: I was so impressed with our Minted engagement party invites, that we used the same template for our save the dates. I liked the idea of having a similar design for both the engagement invite and the save the date, so it's streamline and then we can introduce a new aesthetic with the wedding invite. I'm a huge stationery nerd, so I've really enjoyed this tiny part of planning. 

Bridal Party: We've officially asked all our bridesmaids & groomsmen to be a special part of the day! I have two bridesmaids - one childhood friend and one friend from university, and my sister is my maid of honor. We're going to forego the uniform bridesmaid look and they'll each wear a floor length black gown of their choosing! I'm looking forward to a few more shopping trips :) As for bachelorette celebrations, the four of us are spending a weekend in Miami in January and I'm so looking forward to a mini girls getaway!

Engagement Party: We were lucky enough to get to celebrate our engagement with family and friends last Saturday at a party hosted at my parents house. D's parents and grandma flew into town and it wouldn't have been the same without them there. Food Dudes, who we're using for the wedding, did the catering and the food was so delicious, it was a fun and tasty test run! It was so much fun mingling and chatting with everyone, and the night ended with swimming and a dance party. 

We're currently working on (1) finding a photographer to work with, (2) booking a band (which feels super important, because they're responsible for the dance party) and (3) meeting with florists!

There will still be more to do, but during the planning process, we've tried to set small goals and priorities to work towards and its worked for D and I. We set aside time to tackle researching vendors or making decisions and we celebrate the progress we make. Thankfully, it's made the planning process very enjoyable up to this point!

{ bridal photos via Sash & Bustle Intagram }

to start the week off

{ the Haven at Loversland }

This weekend passed by quickly, but nevertheless, was very much enjoyed. D and I had a late date night at Midfield Wine Bar on Friday, which I can see becoming a local go-to. Saturday started off with massages and we sort of lazed around and ran errands the rest of the weekend. The weather was so great yesterday that we did manage to sneak in a little time by the pool. 

Happy Monday!

{ the cutest beer glasses at Bandit Brewery }

{ the biggest bowl of citron act as the loveliest kitchen decor }

{ buttered popcorn + chardonnay for Bachelorette Mondays }

{ the perfect napkins for a girls night in }

just because

{ Vince Camuto Embossed Gladiator Sandal, on sale for $78.75 }

happy weekend

{ homemade birthday cake baked with love }

It was a hot and humid week in Toronto and luckily the rain held off long enough to enjoy D's birthday last night. I planned a surprise party and teamed up with our parents to get him a big new barbecue! I'm so pleased to report I had a very happy fiancé yesterday, and if felt so good to spoil him rotten - I can't think of a man more deserving of the love and attention. 

I was up early to go wedding dress shopping (again) but am excited that I might have just found the dress...! D and I are meeting with a florist tomorrow and it feels good to be working away at the wedding to-do list. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.xx

+ + + + + 

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

Must see summer movies

I want to get a Drybar blow out when we're in NYC at the end of the summer!

How Sophie the Giraffe grew in popularity

Wedding horror stories

This looks like a summer make-up must have

A striped shirt with a bit of sass

How to get over jet lag

Lovely before + after photos 

{ pickle bar @ Capalansky's }

{ salted nutella cookie }

{ enjoying a taste of Kelowna }

{ a beautiful baby card for a pregnant friend }

just because

{ Elsie suede pumps }

I just purchased my first pair of gorgeous Italian made suede heels from J.Crew. Aren't they beautiful! And they're still on sale..

comfort first

{ wilfred allant pant }

As of late, my work schedule involves regular after hour meetings, which means I'm at the office until late. When meeting, I always make an effort to look professional and put together, but I also like my business attire to be comfortable because I'm in it for 12+ hours. I picked up these pants in black at Aritzia over the weekend when I was browsing their sale. They're loose and comfortable but paired with a crisp blouse, still look sharp and classic. They actually kind of feel like dressy sweatpants.. that look killer with heels!