Tuesday, September 30, 2014

A Look Back at September


Here we are the end of September and it's definitely Fall in these parts.  Marco and I kicked off September by traveling to New York to celebrate our anniversary (see a short two-minute video here).  When we got back, I bought several bikinis--on sale!--from Ardene, since my shopping during our trip was minimal.

I looked after Peanut one weekend and found a mirror for my walk-in closet.  I made three-ingredient peanut butter cookies (recipe here), bought some new boots and went to a party where a friend brought the most amazing, gourmet, meatballs.

I detailed my car, shared my first Fall outfit of the year and got the new iPhone 6 (thanks to a very generous boyfriend).  I shared an almost-all-black outfit, obsessed over these two-ingredient pancakes, and since I was supposed to travel to Vegas but fell ill at the last minute, I shared my tips and tricks on packing for a four-day holiday in only a carry-on.


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Monday, September 29, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Friday was a gorgeous, sunny and warm day that I spent inside sick.  In fact, I'm still fighting this ridiculous cold that started over a week ago!  Can you believe that?  I went to the Doctor mid-week and she said this new strain of colds are hanging on for up to two weeks, so, it's not uncommon that mine is sticking around.  That said, I'm getting better and better by the day and coughing less and less.  The above photo is a pic of the beautiful sunset on Friday night.


On Saturday morning, this furry girl woke me up super early and since Marco was still suffering from minor jet lag, I got up and then she proceeded to ignore me... unless I left the room where extreme meowing ensued.  And so, we hung out in the sunny living room.



On Saturday afternoon I decided to put on make-up, real clothes--goodbye sweats!--and leave the house for the first time in a week (beside's my Doc appointment).  I took it slow and just poked around Home Sense and Winners and grabbed a couple necessity groceries.  I definitely felt it when I got home and had to lie down for a couple hours although it was really nice to get out.

 More photos after the jump...
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Friday, September 26, 2014

What to Pack for Vegas | One Carry-On Suitcase


As you know, I was supposed to travel to Vegas last weekend for four days but had to cancel my trip due to falling ill.  Since I was all packed and ready to go, I thought it could be useful to share how I managed to pack everything into a carry-on suitcase!

As someone who tends to overpack, I can honestly say I was pretty proud of myself for narrowing it down to just one small suitcase and a duffle bag.  I discovered a few tips and tricks while packing for this trip too and wanted to share.

Click to see what's inside my suitcase...
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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Healthy Two-Ingredient Pancakes


After sharing this photo on Instagram and having it blow up, I figured I had to share this super simple, gluten-free, dairy-free, healthy pancake recipe that I discovered it through Blogilates.

These pancakes are light, fluffy and best eaten stacked with some fruit on the side.  You could use syrup but I found the fruit was enough sweetness and I wanted to keep it as guilt-free as possible.

Click through to see how to make them...
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

NEW YORK CITY VIDEO DIARY


If you're already subscribed to my YouTube channel, you've already seen this video; I upload new videos every week too, so worth clicking over.   However, if you haven't seen this, here is a quickie two-minute recap of my trip to New York City this month.


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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Tall Boots & Layers for Fall

Outfit deets:
* Ashley B jacket (old) which you've seen with raw-hem denim and with a skirt and booties.
* Jacob thin-knit sweater from my Back-to-School Lookbook.
* Nitrogen pants (old) which are actually olive green and you've seen with a cognac leather jacket and a cozy sweater cape.
* Maxgreat boots (new!) from Marshalls.
* Accessories: Dynamite scarf (new!), Aldo bag, F21 necklace & Michael Kors sunnies (similar).

I'm the kind of shopper that when I see something I like, I will usually debate it by walking around the store for a while, ensuring I don't find anything I like more before rushing to the cash.  Also, while I love to shop and do shop often, I frequently leave empty handed.  That said, sometimes there are items that you see and it's like an instant click; you know it's coming home with you.

That can be said for these boots I recently picked up at Marshalls.  I was sub-conciously looking for a pair of tall, black, leather boots with a chunky heel that would be work-appropriate, but also comfortable enough to wear on weekends.  When I spotted these, I tried them on immediately and did a little happy dance when they fit knowing there was no question, they were coming home with me.  

I have since worn them multiple times, including to work, out shopping and running errands and have to say, despite being a pretty simple looking boot, they get tons of compliments.  I couldn't find a link online, but if you're in Ottawa, run to Marshalls at Trainyards and scoop yourself a pair.


Photos by Serena Rivard.

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps


Happy Monday everyone!  I had quite a crappy weekend and it starts with the above photo.  I never mentioned it on here because I wanted to surprise you with a blog post like, 'Hello from Vegas!' as I was supposed to fly out on Saturday morning and meet Marco down there (he was traveling for work).  Sadly, some craziness went down health-wise causing me to cancel my flight three hours prior to my departure.

Click to read more...
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Friday, September 19, 2014

What I Purchased in NYC


Today I'm sharing the very mini haul of items I purchased during our trip to New York City.  I love to shop while on vacation but my first priority for this trip was to spend time and money towards experiences versus tangible items (a first for me!).

That said, I couldn't come home complete empty handed, so here is a look at the few things I picked up...

Michael Kors sunglasses (from Century 21; similar).

Branch necklace (from Forever 21; similar)

Initial necklace (from H&M; similar)

Cross-body bag, perfect for traveling (from Forever 21; similar with real leather)

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Anniversary Dinner at Hudson Clearwater in NYC


During our three-day (anniversary) trip to New York City, I knew Hudson Clearwater was a place I wanted to try.  Joanna raved about it on her blog years ago, and I kept it in my back pocket for the future which happened to be the weekend before last.

More photos after the jump...
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Monday, September 15, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

 The weekend was pre-kicked off to a great start by meeting Sarah for lunch on Friday.  We met at Montana's and got the usual: Lunch trio (soup, half sandwich and salad).
 
 
I stayed at my parent's place on Friday night while they were out of town to look after Peanut.
 

I took advantage of being at their place to detail my car (sorry no video on this, someone requested it, but it was getting dark real quick and I didn't bring my camera since it was so impromptu).

More photos after the jump... 
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Sunday, September 14, 2014

How many times do you give someone a second chance?


It's not (Let's Chat) Wednesday but this is something that's been on my mind for a while and wanted to get your guys input / thoughts on.

Making new friends is not easy, as we get older, it's harder to meet and connect with someone to truly call them a friend.  Most people's circles are established, but, I am definitely a believer in never having too many friends.  That said, people can be flaky and after watching this short, funny video on how cell phones have made people flakier, I started to wonder: can you ever rely on anyone?

Now, I know there are people in your life (and mine) that can be relied on, but when making new friends, how many chances do you give them before writing them off?  My biggest complaint is when you make plans with a new friend and they cancel...  and cancel again.  How many chances do you give someone to become a friend?

As far as current friends, I think it's fair to be a bit more flexible, if you can; things come up, plans can change and if you really know someone, they likely aren't doing it on purpose to because they don't care.

I think two chances is fair game when it comes to a new friend.  If we make plans twice, and both times you cancel on me, I'm not going out of my way to set aside time when there is plenty I could be doing with my time instead.  Your thoughts?  How many times do you give someone a second chance?

(Photo from this outfit post).
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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Brunch at The Grey Dog in NYC


Our first breakfast in New York City was at The Grey Dog in Chelsea.  I had read about it through a link from a blog but I can't remember where.  It sounded exactly like something we were looking for:  off the beaten path, hipster-esque, home-cooking with breakfast classics.

We walked almost three kilometres--from Times Square; but next time we'll know to take the subway--to finally arrive at a rustic, coffeehouse on a quieter street lined with town homes and apartments.

More photos after the jump...
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

BCBG Black Zipper Pumps


Outfit deets:
* Amanda & Chelsea sleevless blazer.
* Sam & Veda tank.
* Zara pants (new!).
* Accessories: F21 necklaces & earrings, Deux Lux bag, Le Chateau cuff, Gorjana bangle & H&M rings.

If you follow me on Instagram (I'm acoest1984), you've seen these shoes I purchased a few weeks back.  I searched four Winners to find them and was so excited to finally get my hands on a pair!

They have really nice padding for the bottom of your foot but they do run a little snug.  I got my normal size (10) but they definitely need to be worked in and stretched out a bit; however, since they're real leather, it shouldn't be a problem over time.

As far as the outfit, I'm loving these pants--I'm a huge black pant lover, especially for work, and these take my regular skinnies up a notch.  I especially love the side zipper and  a cool seam that runs up the back of the legs to back pockets--so much so that I tried to get them in navy after buying these but they were sold out.  

Photos by Serena Rivard.

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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

NEW YORK CITY RECAP



I'm back from NYC with a whole lot of photos that I'm hoping you would like to see!  While it was a quick trip and we didn't get to see everything--is that even possible in one trip anyway?--it was a wonderful getaway.  

This post is photo heavy so I'm putting it all after the jump.


We left super early on Thursday morning to fly out.  We flew Porter, which was a really nice change, and took advantage of the lounge at the airport to drink our caffeine and and wake up.



Tons of photos after the jump...
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Monday, September 8, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

As you know, I was in NYC for four days (Thursday through Sunday) and so that pretty much takes up my weekend recap, however, since we did arrive home shortly afternoon, I still have a few snaps I'd like to share, if you'd like to see...


After hanging out at home for a bit, I decided to run out to Ardene to check out their swimsuit selection...


More after the jump...
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Covet


I saw these at Macy's while in NYC and can't stop thinking about them.  I didn't buy them, nor even try them on, because technically they are not something I need to spend my money on right now, but these are so amazing I had to share them here.  They also come in a olive-brown option.

I'll be back later today with a few non-New York weekend snaps and will have a full recap of my trip tomorrow.  Thanks for stopping by & for being patient while I get my photos together.

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Friday, September 5, 2014

I'm in New York City!

 
Happy Friday from NYC!  Marco and I are here for a few days in the big apple to celebrate our anniversary. This is my first time here (shock is usually the look on people's faces when I state that...) and we are staying in Times Square being full on tourists!

We arrived mid-afternoon yesterday and were able to check into our hotel. We unpacked a little then ended up snoozing a couple hours away. So zonked from being up at 5:30am. Despite it technically being less than three hours flying time, we had a connecting flight with a layover and also flew into Newark and grabbed a shuttle into the city--so, all time consuming but still so wonderful to be able to fly (versus the eight hour drive). 

When we finally woke up, we got ready and headed out in search of some grub. We took the subway down to Yankee Stadium and caught a game against the Red Sox, then back to Times Square to shop and poke around... at 11pm!  The city really does not sleep. 

I am, of course, snapping photos and vlogging and will share more photos next week. In the meantime, follow me on Instagram if you'd like (I'm acoest1984), to see more. Have a great weekend!
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Thursday, September 4, 2014

A Ruffle & Skirt in the Sunflower Patch

Outfit deets:
* Winners top.
* Jacob skirt.
* Zara basic heels.
* Accessories: Ardene sunnies, Emily Elizabeth necklace, Michael Kors stud bangle, Vince Camuto leather bracelet & Aldo bangle.

We found this amazing sunflower patch and knew we'd have to use it shoot an outfit post.  Only days early they were holding their faces high to the sky, soaking up the afternoon sun but by the time we arrived, they were heavy and starting to fall.  Still beautiful nonetheless.

Hope you're all having a great week!


Photos by Serena Rivard.

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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

A Look Back at August


September is here and while I can't wait to bundle up in boots, leggings, leather jackets and beanies, I'm secretly hoping for an Indian Summer to prolong the warm weather for as long as possible.

In August I celebrated my nephew's first birthday (in a maxi dress I made last summer), shared my recipe for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and filmed a quick and easy hair tutorial on my go-to bun.  I bought a cool earring cuff (from H&M), went to a cottage with 15 friends for a weekend (see the three-minute video recap here) and participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (and yes, I donated too).

I showed you my secret to making dresses appear longer, tried ramen for the first time (meh), and shared my looks for Back-to-School in a video.  I celebrated my bestie's birthday, bought a couple pairs of heels and shared an outfit with a top that's been on repeat all summer.

Marco bought me a hat, I took full advantage of the rooftop garden we have here (hello basil!) and we hosted am all-night party at our place to round out the Labour Day weekend.

Happy September!


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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Saturday morning gym sesh: arm day.

I usually do arms (biceps & triceps) on Friday evening but had a birthday party to attend so skipped my workout.  I didn't take any photos at the party, but it was a really cool home-wine-tasting get together with plenty of delicious food as well.  


Post workout brunch at Salt.


We spent Saturday afternoon at our new friend's pad, on the rooftop pool soaking up the last days of summer.  As excited as I am for Fall, I am not looking forward to putting away my sandals and what comes after that (snow, ack!).

 More photos after the jump...
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