Monday 31 December 2018

links + loves (plus a major life update!)



I have honestly been terrible with blogging for the past little while. If I’m being completely honest, I’ve been focusing on my own mental health to get through 2018.
I wasn’t sure whether or not I was ready to publicly share it, but I think I am. In October, with everything going on with my criminal case, I tried to commit suicide. I overdosed on Tylenol 3s and sleeping pills. I’ve been focusing on my recovery for the past few months, which has taken a lot of my time and a huge toll on me. I figure tomorrow is a fresh start and hopefully 2019 is great for my recovery. I’m currently on a mixture of antidepressants and mood stabilizers, which have been helping significantly as well as a PRN for panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. I think I’m finally on the right road to recovery and I’m looking forward to what happens in my future.
Christmas really helped me heal as well, because I got to spend time with my loved ones and it reminded me how truly loved I am. I spent Christmas day with my mom and her boyfriend – we went to see his mom in her long term care home then I had Christmas dinner with my parents, my mom’s boyfriend’s son and his girlfriend. If you know me personally, you most likely know that planning Christmas this year was super stressful for me. Boxing Day was great for me, too. I did some shopping, I found some great deals on stuff for when I move. Then I went to my sister’s to exchange gifts and had some leftovers. Last but not least, it was Mater’s 7th birthday on the 26th! I can’t believe that Mater is so old already. It feels like just yesterday we were bringing him home.

Anyways, that’s my life in a nutshell. I thought I would give a little update now that I’m starting to feel better. I thought I would share some links for links & loves this week since it’s been a while since I posted.








Wednesday 19 December 2018

Indigo Wish List



Monday 17 December 2018

links + loves

Sunday 16 December 2018

my favourite affordable finds



Monday 10 December 2018

links + loves


Sunday 9 December 2018

Gifts for Her!


Wednesday 5 December 2018

December Wish List


Monday 3 December 2018

links + loves


Happy Monday!

Friday 30 November 2018

Cookbook & Coffee Table Book Gift Ideas


Thursday 22 November 2018

Gift Guide: for the Beauty Guru


I rarely post on Thursdays but I’m trying to increase the number of posts I’m making because I genuinely missed writing while I took my little break. With Black Friday approaching, I decided it would be a good idea to share some gift ideas to watch for. I have one more written to post tomorrow but it's a little different than yesterday and today, but still so much fun!

Wednesday 21 November 2018

Gift Guide: For the Entertainer


I honestly love that it’s the time of the year to give gifts! With all the Christmas parties and other festivities coming up, I thought I would share some great ideas for the person who loves to entertain.

Monday 19 November 2018

links & loves + my black friday mini wish list


Late in the day but happy Monday!

Sunday 11 November 2018

links + loves

Image via
Happy Monday!

Wednesday 7 November 2018

Gift Guide: For the person who has everything

Monday 5 November 2018

links + loves


Happy Monday!

Saturday 3 November 2018

November 2018 Wish list


It's been a while since I posted last. I’ve had some health issues lately related to the stress from what’s going on with the sexual abuse case so I’ve taken a bit of a step back for a bit. However, it’s November and Christmas is coming so I thought I would share my wish list - there’s so many cute ideas right now.

This sweater dress looks so cozy.

I love whisper tee’s, so the turtleneck version is a great option too!

This top is right up my alley, it’s so cute.

This teddy sweater looks extremely comfortable and perfect for cold mornings.

I want this shirt in every colour.

I want the tunic version of the shirt above in every colour.

I can see this pullover with leggings and a pair of Bean boots. Maybe it’s just me though?

I want this blanket scarf - one in every colour.

How cute is this shirtdress? It’s such a great dress for winter.

I’m not usually a blouse person but I just had to share these ones from Loft. I love them all!
Button V-Back Blouse (also not usually a colour person but this red is gorgeous)
Lacy Cutout Back Blouse
Mixed Stripe Utility Blouse
Cutout Peplum Top
Lacy Clipdot Sleeve Blouse
Cutout Clipdot Blouse (again, not a colour person but this is so cute!)
Chambray Peplum Top

I love these velvet skinny jeans - they’re a great option for holiday parties!

These Chelsea boots are so simple but they’re such a great option.

Love these tights - the colour of them is great.

I want these pants in every colour - especially the black, navy and camo.

This wrap is so nice!

I love this sweater - I love Roots hoodies but this kind of takes it up a notch.

I often forget Roots sells more than just logo sweaters. This poncho is definitely right up my alley and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

I want these boots socks so, so badly!

I love this crossbody bag.

It’s super expensive but this jacket is 100% worth the splurge.

I have loved AE and aerie’s Real Soft shirts have always been my favourite t-shirts. I am in love with this waffle henley top from the Real Soft shirts. I love the grey and maroon.

This cardigan is super cute, too. I want one in every colour.

This quarter-zip sweater looks so comfortable. So does this pullover quarter-zip.

Last but not least, I desperately want a pair of Thinsulate Bean boots. They’re the perfect winter boot.

Tuesday 23 October 2018

If I had $5 000


Every season, I do a "If I had $5000 post" which is basically as though I got to be on the show What Not to Wear. I loved that show when I was younger and I honestly think this is such a fun post that switches things up a bit! It takes a while but I honestly love it.
(PS here's an old post I did for spring 2018 of it)

Old Navy

Total at Old Navy: $1 351.08
Total Remaining: $3 648.92

J. Crew Factory

Total at J. Crew Factory: $449.00
Total Spent: $1 800.08
Total Remaining: $3 199.92

Loft

Total at Loft: $1 693.03
Total Spent: $3 493.11
Total Remaining: $1 506.89

H&M

A-Line Dress in Black (I actually have this dress & I love it!)
Total at H&M: $680.77
Total Spent: $4173.88
Total Remaining: $826.12

DSW

Total at DSW: $489.93
Total Spent: $4 663.81
Total Remaining: $336.19

Madewell

Total Spent at Madewell: $359.38
Total Spent: $5 023.19
Total Remaining: -$23.19

This is the first time ever that I’ve gone over the $5 000. Oops! However, I would never need to buy clothes again.

For $5 023.19, this is what I would get:
15 basic T’s
16 blouses
15 sweaters
5 cardigans
11 dresses
11 pairs of pants
7 pairs of jeans
2 skirts
6 jackets/blazers
7 pairs of shoes
4 scarves


If you ever watched What Not to Wear, you would know that post shopping spree, the people on the show underwent a hair & makeup makeover. I thought I would also share two hairstyles that I love + makeup products that I would use for an everyday look with this wardrobe.
Image via
Image via

Beauty routine:


Foundation | Concealer | Blush (this is my go-to now!) | Setting Spray | Eyebrow Pencil | Eyeshadow Palette | Lipstick (in touch of spice)

Monday 22 October 2018

links + loves



Happy Monday!

Sunday 14 October 2018

links + loves

Happy Monday!

Wednesday 10 October 2018

Why I've Been So MIA Lately.

Image via

I'm not ready to disclose everything, yet. I'm ready to share some but not all of what's been going on in my life lately. It's something that has been so big in the news right now and I need to share my story.

Trigger warning: I'm talking about sexual abuse in this post. 

Right now, our media headlines have been filled with stories about Brett Kavanaugh and what he did to Dr. Ford. Plus throw in Bill Cosby's sentencing and you have a lengthy amount of triggers for rape survivors. With the #metoo movement and #whyIdidn'treport hashtag, we're seeing more and more women coming forward with what's happened to them. It's empowering to see how many women feel the strength to come forward. It's baffling. It's wonderful though that women are finally getting their voices. In mid July, I got mine.

Mid July, I shared a story with my mom about being sexually abused by a family member when I was growing up. I was humiliated, frightening. I shook the entire time I talked about it. I finally felt comfortable telling my mom as I had stopped talking to said family member. My mom was horrified and disgusted, as you would expect. She encouraged me to go to the police but I wasn't ready yet.

Come August, I was camping with my boyfriend. I was having a nightmare about the family member and what had happened. He had to wake me up so I would stop screaming. That weekend, I finally had the courage to speak to a police officer for closure. A uniformed officer asked me what I needed to speak to an officer about. I yelled it out. He then called in a female officer, stating that women typically prefer to speak to women officers. I remember sitting in the lobby of my local police station, shaking, convinced that it would go nowhere. The officer that I spoke to was amazing. She gave me her cell phone number so I could call her if I ever needed to chat about the case and told me that she would forward my case onto a detective.

A week later, I was in a police station again.

I talked to the detectives and I explained what happened in detail. The interview lasted about an hour. She promised me that she was going to get me justice. Weeks went by and I felt as though nothing was going to happen. I felt as though I hit a wall.

On September 14, I was driving down the road around 9 am. There was a police cruiser that I passed. I just knew in my gut that my family member was in there. At about 5:30 that night, I got the call. He was arrested and confessed to the detective. It felt like I was finally getting justice. He's currently out on bail (he isn't allowed within a certain distance of me as part of his conditions) but I have faith that it will work out in my favour. His first court date is less than a week away.

It's not often that women feel as though they can come forward and they can get justice. My advice is to go. Advocate for yourself, ask to speak to detectives. Get the justice that you deserve. It's overwhelming and scary but it's worth it.

I feel bad for everyone in my life. I feel as though I've been an absent friend and family member because I've been so wrapped up in everything going on with this case. I know it's all going to work out in the end and I know that the important people will stay by my side. I'm so sorry to everyone I've been MIA to, and I'm sorry that I haven't been keeping up with my blog while this is going on. I'm thankful for my mom, my boyfriend and my friends who haven't left my side through this process.

I'm looking forward to getting justice for what's happened to me. It's time for me to heal and come to terms about what happened. I hope that one day I can share some advice about what this moment in my life has taught me.

Sunday 7 October 2018

links + loves


I've been super missing-in-action on the blog lately. It's been driving me insane but life has been crazy lately. I'm sharing a blog post on Wednesday that goes more in depth and has been one of the most personal posts I'll ever write. For now though, here's some links I've stumbled upon the past few days.

I love this guilty pleasure list, it makes me want to write one of my own!

I've been dodging the Brett Kavanaugh/Dr. Ford situation in the media. However, I loved this post from the protests.

Everything you need to know about CBD oil.

This cardigan looks so cozy!

The scariest ghost stories ever, straight from Reddit.

11 plants that clean the air more than air purifiers.

Love these ankle boots and they're under $50.

Will always love this purse - and this colour.

I love Halsey's new single.

Friday 28 September 2018

My 4 Favourite Autobiographies


The other day I was sharing autobiography recommendations to one of my girlfriends. While we were talking, I thought it was a good idea to share some of my favourite autobiographies! I love a good autobiography, especially if they're a lighter read. I typically pick up a good autobiography if I can read it in a day or two and don't have to put my focus onto the book.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and other concerns) by Mindy Kaling
This is definitely in my top three favourite autobiographies. There's something about Mindy Kaling's writing in this book that just got me. It is based on her rise to fame and stories from The Office. The one thing that I love about this book, and that sticks out to me, is that it's written more as a comedic self-help book compared to the typical autobiography. My favourite part of this whole book? When Mindy shares the alternative titles she had for the book. My two favourites are: "There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it" and "Sometimes you just have to put on lip gloss and pretend to be psyched."

And of course, my absolute favourite quote from the entire book:
"I’m only marginally qualified to be giving advice at all. My body mass index is certainly not ideal, I frequently use my debit card to buy things that cost less than three dollars because I never have cash on me, and my bedroom is so untidy it looks like vandals ransacked the Anthropologie Sale section. I’m kind of a mess."

Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling
This is Mindy Kaling's second autobiography, that's just as good as the first. This book is written as a series of personal essays including ex-boyfriends, secrets for the beauty industry and the fixation of weight on women in the entertainment industry. One of my absolute favourite parts of the whole book is when she talks about proper tailoring; she explains a time when she wore an Old Navy dress that she had properly tailored and received more compliments on it than expensive dresses she bought.

My favourite quote from the book:
"Playful arguments would become fits of uncontrollable laughter, and, like magic, that experience would be crystallized into a private joke, and the private joke would get boiled down to a simple phrase, which became a souvenir of the entire experience. For years to come, the phrase alone could uncork hours of renewed laughter. And as everyone knows, the best kind of laughter is laughter born of a shared memory."

Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham
If you've read my blog for a while, you know that I'm a diehard Gilmore Girls fan. I loved this book so, so much. It shares Lauren Graham's story from when she was young until the Gilmore Girls revival. Plus, she includes some great pictures from behind the scenes at the revival. She also shares little details from her time on Gilmore Girls, from meeting Alexis Bledel for the first time in Toronto to stealing a jacket from the set. There's so many great tales from her GG and Parenthood days. It's definitely a great, quick read. I've read it four times now and can typically finish it in a day or two.

My favourite quote from the book:
"In my experience, there’s no secret to accomplishing almost any goal worth pursuing."

Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
I'll admit, I didn't love this as much as I loved Mindy Kaling's books but it did have some funny moments. Similar to Why Not Me, it's a series of personal essays about Anna Kendrick's personal and professional life. I think one thing that I love about Anna Kendrick is that her filmography is so wide - from movies like Pitch Perfect to movies like Drinking Buddies; she has such an appeal to her. It genuinely feels like you're spending an afternoon with your bestie when you read this book.

I have to share two quotes I loved from this book:
"Wear the Spanx. You might not want to squeeze them over your ass in the morning, but when you see that mac and cheese at lunch (do it, you beautiful monster) you’ll be glad they’re there, doing the lord’s work."

"I gave up on being nice. I started putting more value on other qualities instead: passion, bravery, intelligence, practicality, humor, patience, fairness, sensitivity. Those last three might seem like they are covered by 'nice,”'but make no mistake, they are not. A person who smiles a lot and remembers everyone’s birthday can turn out to be undercover crazy, a compulsive thief, and boring to boot. I don’t put a lot of stock in nice. I’d prefer to be around people who have any of the above qualities over “niceness,” and I’d prefer it if that applied to me, too."

Wednesday 26 September 2018

The Perfect Fall Home Decor on Amazon


Monday 24 September 2018

links + loves

Image via
Good morning and happy Monday!

Wednesday 19 September 2018

September Wishlist



I usually use the first Wednesday of every month to share my monthly wish list. Since I took a mini hiatus, I didn’t get to share my post. With that being said, I thought I would share it now.

P.S. as always, I’m constantly updating my Pinterest wishlist + my sidebar! So be sure to check out both!

I was going to post a Friday beauty post… until I accidentally agreed to work a 12 hour night shift as a support worker shift after working an 8 hour shift at my regular job on Thursday… plus realized after all of that, I have a doctor’s appointment at 11:30 Friday morning. So I’ll be trying to squeeze in every minute of sleep that I can the next day or two.

Is it just me or do these pants look like the most comfortable pants ever?

These pants, too.

I’ve fallen in love with knot front tops this season, and this one in antique bark is something I would live in.

I want this scarf in every single colour. I especially love the striped slate white and space dye white silver spoon.

This sweater looks so warm and cozy! I 100% would wear this all the time. Plus it’s only $30.

I tried this sweater on and kick myself in the butt for not buying it right away. It’s so perfect for cold days.

I also tried this sweater on, and again – kick myself for not buying it. It’s only $15, too and the perfect work sweater.

I love Lou & Grey’s products – especially if they’re on sale. I’m definitely holding out for Loft to have a 40% off sale for these items:
·         Dolman Sweater Tunic (I’m obsessed with the grey!)
·         Striped Rolled Sweater
·         Tweed Hoodie Top
·         Texturist Open Cardigan
·         Waterfall Cardigan
·         Upstate Track Pants

I’ve had my eye on these pants (in both grey and black) for the past year or two.

Is it just me or does this sweater not look like the most comfortable thing ever?

Love this blouse for fall.

Loving these leggings, they’re so simple but the faux leather detail makes them a little more exciting!

This cardigan coat is the perfect layering piece for cooler weather. I love both colours.

I’ve loved Old Navy’s peacoats since I was in high school. This year’s peacoat is no different. Comes in six colours, all gorgeous (and five are neutrals!) – I especially love the camel and grey colours.

I’ve fallen in love with these tops this fall! I picked up the grey and I’m itching for the burgundy and cream colours!

What’s on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments!

Sunday 16 September 2018

links + loves


My posting has gotten so, so bad and I'm so sorry! I can't believe I haven't even done links + loves for the past few weeks. Life has just gotten in the way. I can't say much right now and probably won't for a while but I just have a lot going on in my personal life plus some changes with work (in a good way!). I've debated doing a hiatus but I honestly love writing and find it to be a stress relief. I'm definitely going to try to update more but please bare with me!

I thought I would take the time to do a quick links + loves today and will have posts on Wednesday and hopefully Friday!

45 DIY Halloween decorations that are so easy it's scary.

A great product to stock up on before cold season starts!

How comfy does this cardigan look for fall?

Love these pants, they're so versatile and look so comfortable!

There's something about this Nike tank top that I love.

Obsessed with Carrie Underwood's new single.

Why size 12 isn't plus sized.

20 low-carb dinners you can prep on Sunday nights.

I love Justin Hartley from This Is Us and this article made me love him more.

Speaking of This Is Us... 11 Things You Need to Know About This Is Us Season 3.


Sunday 26 August 2018

links + loves



I’ve been so MIA lately it’s crazy! I’m hoping to get back into a regular posting routine come September again. Plus, maybe then I’ll be able to share what (or who) has been keeping me so busy lately.


Love these French toast skewers! If you’re gluten free, you can definitely use GF bread!

Love these boots for fall!

Loving this jacket, it gives me serious Rory Gilmore vibes.

Obsessed with this basic t-shirt.

Also with this knit kimono.

Last for clothing/accessories, I’m loving this toque in grey! I feel like it’s the definition of Canadian.





16 book club books based on old favourites (I’ll read these all by myself, though!).

Sunday 19 August 2018

links + loves

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Happy Monday!

Monday 13 August 2018

links + loves (plus a mini photo shoot!)


Dress (I live in it & it’s only $20!) // Sunglasses  // Lipstick (in Kitten Heels)

Wednesday 8 August 2018

What’s In My Makeup Bag: Drugstore Edition


Had this been three years ago, this post would not exist. I used to be that girl that lived in Sephora and MAC and could easily drop $300 a month on makeup. Now that I’ve grown up, I’ve come to realize that there’s some really good brands at great prices. Personally my favourites are NYX and ELF, but I own quite a bit of Maybelline products, too.