April was a busy month for travel and work and so better than late than never, here's what went down...

At the beginning of the month, I did a morning segment on CTV Live for the first time--I was so nervous, but it went well, and I presented some Spring trends and shared an upcoming event that I was hosting at the mall I work with.  A couple weeks later, I styled and hosted the shoe fashion show that took place.

I shared a crochet crop top with high-waisted denim (did you see the super similar option I posted on the A.Co FB page last week?  Such a great price and comes in black too), a 70's inspired look with flared denim and a DIY off-the-shoulder top (love that post).

I picked up some new heels, which I've been wearing a ton, shared my must-have shoe for Summer and Marco and I took a weekend trip to Toronto where we took in a Raptors game and Jays game.


Finally, Marco and I were able to take a trip to Cancun for a week doing literally nothing, which was totally needed.  You can see a full recap of our trip + all the outfits I wore and details.

Sometimes I struggle with finding enough photos for the Monthly Recap, but March certainly was not one of them...

Kicking off the month, all the hard work of styling and hosting a teen fashion show came to fruition and was a great success.   I took over the social media accounts for Place d'Orleans (have you seen my current Insta take-over?) during our Spring Campaign photoshoot at Blumen Studios and saw myself on the mall posters at the mall.


Then of course, my birthday!  Marco took me to LA and while he worked, I met up with two Blogger friends separately:  Ashley from Pursuit of Shoes and Jamie from Glam Latte.  You can see a full recap of the trip here, and vlogs of day 1 & 2, day 3 and day 4.

Upon return from sunny California, my bestie took me out for my birthday, I did a greenhouse photoshoot for this event I'm hosting this weekend and re-opened my Etsy shop with some fun choker necklaces.

I scored my long-coveted PS11 bag #happybirthdaytome and we hosted Easter dinner with my grandparents.



A few related posts:

 
I'm a little late on the December recap--we're almost at the end of January, sheesh--but nonetheless, wanted to share this.
 
In December I tried Vera's burgers, went out for Marco's birthday and got the keys to my new condo.  We put up our tree and went out for dinner with friends.
 
 
I celebrated my Dad's birthday, and two Christmases.  I shared two outfit options for New Years Eve, a sparkly romper & a sequin dress & rang in the new year with Marco & a bunch of our friends at a club downtown.

I know I'm pretty behind on sharing this recap, but wanted to get it up anyway.

In November we helped Marco's mom get a new Christmas tree and spent a weekend with her.  I decorated our feather tree with some ribbon--and dicovered it cannot hold any real ornaments--and bought a few more monogrammed ornaments for the real tree, because I'm obsessed.

My best friend had her second baby, and I was in the delivery room for the birth, which was one of the best experiences of my life.  We attended the Booby Ball with a bunch of friends and I saw the Holiday results of the photoshoot I did back in August (video recap here), at Place d'Orleans.

I checked out the new Forever 21 Red store (and shared a huge haul video), shared an outfit with a cozy sweater and we hit up Tremblant for opening weekend.  I got a new camera, did some shopping, we got our first snowfall and finally, hosted a fondue friends-giving dinner to round out the month.


October has had some highs and lows, but we are still keepin' on.

We traveled back and forth to see Marco's family, I shared my travel style & we hosted Thanksgiving at our place.  I got some new peep-toe booties and wore a variation of this outfit every weekend.

We celebrated our friends wedding, helped pick apples in the in-laws garden and celebrated a friends birthday.

The saddest news of the month was putting down our family dog, Peanut, who would have been 16 this month.  Despite the fact that she lived a long and wonderful life, it doesn't make it easier.  We miss her so much.

I shared an outfit with my new OTK boots, we went to see Kevin Hart (man, we needed that laugh) and I started wearing socks #soundsweirdbuttrue 

I saw my photos on the doors of Place d'Orleans (the first photos of the photoshoot I did back in August; vlog of the day here), checked out the granite slabs for my condo, did some shopping and celebrated Halloween as a mermaid.


Some posts you may have missed:

 
September was the worst month of the year, as we lost Marco's father.  I talk a bit more about it here, but wanted to share that right away before getting into a few happier moments that were had before that.
 
We celebrated our anniversary in Montebello at the beginning of the month, which was really special.  We stayed overnight, had massages and a great dinner.
 
We watched our close friends get married and danced the night away (remember the engagement party, bridal shower & bachelorette?), I tried out Pure Kitchen with a friend (#yum) and met up with my out-of-town cousins for dinner one evening.  I shared a video on what shoes to wear with flares, worked out and cheered on the Jays.
 
 
 
Related posts:
 
 
Happy September 1st!  August was kind of quiet around these parts but still busy in real life.
 
 
 
I shared a casual, Summer outfit, went to Montreal for the bachelorette, went to a modeling audition and took in the Light Show on Parliament Hill in the Nation's Capital.
 

I'm a little bit late on this recap but August has come in with a rumble and I've been on the go!  Regardless, July was awesome and who doesn't love one of the quintessential Summer months?

The beginning of the month came in with a bang with the birth of my second nephew on Canada Day (July 1) -- a week before he was due!  I visited him and my sister in the hospital and held his tiny newness, so amazing.  From there we went to Canada Day festivities at a friend's place despite the pouring rain.

I picked up a couple halter-style bikini tops (loving that trend from this weekend; want this one so bad), shared an all-neutrals--errthang outfit, looked after Peanut for a weekend and detailed my car for Summer.  We went to see Kanye at Bluesfest, I picked up these amazing pointed-toe lace-up flat and started to highlight the crap out of my face #strobingftw


I picked up some new kicks for the gym, swooned over the palm print romper that I didn't buy, and ordered the same lace up shoes in black.  I celebrated a friends birthday and did a bit of shopping at Forever 21, scoring a side slit top (huge trend for Fall!).  Finally, I started a new series on the blog called Friday Finds where I share some cool links from around the web.


June has come and gone and the only thing that is calming me is that Summer technically just began...otherwise, here comes the cliché: how is it the end of June already!?

In June I shared a ton of outfit posts, but that first pic and that last pic are my favourites.  I picked up a pair of wedges that I had been coveting for over a year and shared some of my Instagram / selfie outfits in a post (with links to purchase almost everything).

The highlight of June was a big birthday bash for a friend mid-month.  The host thought of everything from amazing food, lighting, a wicked outdoor scene and even a DJ who spun the best music all night long.  

I shared my new lace-up heels and bucket bag in an outfit post (from my Bag & Shoe Haul video), got more wear out of that floral romper, shared my purchases from our trip to Italy, and checked out a new rooftop patio with my guy one night.

It rained a ton, I wore my new fave muscle tee and shared how to update your wardrobe on a budget for Summer.  I picked out some new shades (which were included in my 7 Great Styles Under $25 post), got the coolest sports bra (under $20!) and got the new Triangl Bambi bikini.

Finally, something new to add to this month's recap, my June playlist--all my fave songs that I've been killing in the gym, in the car and at parties when I sneak take-over the music.


Related posts:

 
May was pretty awesome, and while nothing extraordinary happened and no trips were taken, the weather was beautiful and clearly I purchased several pairs of shoes--it doesn't get much better than that!
 
In May I shared a Spring Lookbook video, dressed down my boyfriend jeans, bought some new Supra kicks (also love these & these) that I have been wearing all the time at the gym and we had Marco's family come for a visit.  Later in the month we celebrated my mom's birthday with a donut cake, I had one of my best sandwiches of life from the gym's smoothie bar (what the whaaaa?!) and dressed up my boyfriend jeans.
 
I got my first pair of Stan Smiths, embraced the boho trend with a kimono and flares, and Marco and I went for a casual date night one weekend (I used this self tanner).  I met a girlfriend for dinner at El Camino (like last Summer), did some shopping and shared my Summer Shoe & Bag Picks.
 
I picked up some sweet gladiator sandals (similar options here & here), met my friend's new baby, wore these new lace-up heels almost daily and took in a beautiful sunset on the last day of the month with my man.
 
 
Related posts:
 
 

Almost half of April was spent in Italy, which is why it's dominating this recap but it was seriously a trip of a lifetime, so let's jump in.

In April I shared my Top 5 Spring Trends video and we left for Italy.  We flew to Florence and traveled south (Rome, Amalfi, Positano, Capri) before returning back to Florence to fly out almost two weeks later.  It was my first time overseas, in Europe, everything, so it was quite an experience!


When we came back, we spent the third weekend in April skiing at Mont. Tremblant, which was so awesome!  It was warm and there were dirt patches and it was just so fun to get one last ski day in before Summer without freezing our butts off, for once.  We took a mini-road trip to the US, filmed a Spring lookbook (which will be out in a few days!) and I shared a pair of my fave heels in an outfit post.

Bring on May (flowers) & even warmer weather!

 
March is always a fave month for me, despite the cooler temps, because yay, birthday month!  That is always a plus and this birthday was awesome and kind of spanned over a couple of weeks, so, let's jump into March.
 
I kicked off the month working on a styling and hosting job for a fashion show (which I promise the video is coming, I just need to edit the footage and the plane ride to Italy will be the perfect time).  I celebrated my bestie's little guy's first birthday, and went snowboarding.
 
My good friend took me to Town for my birthday, I tried a new foundation (verdict: long lasting, matte & oxidizes to darker than shown in the tube; really like it) and shared my current workout playlist.
 
I bought some new items to transition into Spring (like that bikini top, hell-o!), my bestie took me to Soca for my birthday and I traveled to Las Vegas on my acutal birthday!  I spent the day sitting on a patio and then doing some shopping before Marco flew in to meet me and took me to dinner.
 
I completed a month-long plank challenge, picked the finishes for my new condo and spent a final weekend at Tremblant, snowboarding.  I picked up a new wallet, celebrated a special friend's baby shower and was treated for one final birthday dinner by another.
 
I know I'm a little behind on this recap of February, but better late than never.  Oh February.  You've been....cold.
 
We kicked off the month hosting a SuperBowl party at our place which was inclusive of tons of people and man food.  It snowed a lot, I shared my Dutch fish tail braid video tutorial and we spent a weekend away in Tremblant with friends.
 
I shared my picks for Valentines Day gifts for her, worked out every weekend and moved my desk in my closet / office space.
 
I picked up a couple items from Target since they are closing in Canada, bundled up in layers to keep warm and celebrated Valentines Day with Marco.
 
I spent many hours at the mall prepping for a Fashion Show I was styling and hosting, shared my recent eats (those pancakes tho), and got pedicures with my bestie #overdue.  I finally scooped up some NYX Butter Glosses (Apple Strudel & Crème Brule) and shared my hair tutorial for this pulled-apart Dutch braid.

January was damn cold but we made the most of it by skiing every weekend except the last (we got a few mild days in there, by fluke and fortune).  I shared my three New Year Resolutions, we went to Tremblant overnight and I shared a uniform of sorts in an outfit post.

I made a lot of two-ingredient pancakes, rocked a fishtail braid several times and again, more snowboarding.  My condo is coming along but still won't be ready for a year, I bought a new hat with a real fur pom-pom (super on sale), and shared some of my favourite Christmas gifts (did you see the cell phone case that lights up?! The best for selfies!).

I showed my leg/butt workout routine, had a big dinner with friends (potluck style) and shared my tips on how to style grey denim.  I got some new bindings for my board (white, Burton Stiletto, which is the girl version of the Custom--if you're familiar with that kind of thing) and Marco surprised me with a Roxy hoodie (first clothing purchase he's ever bought me).

Finally, finished the month by hosting a surprise engagement party for our friends and doing a little January sale shopping at Zara.


Related:

 
December was a very busy month (for everyone!) and my main focus was to be organized for the holidays to avoid unnecessary stress and getting sick.  Last year, I got really sick just before the holidays just from getting totally run down and stressing myself out over all there is to do.  So, this year, my plan was to start early and be as organized as possible--something that isn't naturally my strong suit.
 
In December we celebrated Marco's birthday at our place with friends.  The next day, we headed to Toronto for a long weekend away to celebrate just the two of us.  We stayed downtown at the Sheraton and ate at some great places, did some shopping and enjoyed the city.  I shared vlogs of our three days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
 
I tried to get to the gym as much as possible but also tried not to give myself a hard time when I didn't (just with it being such a busy time trying to cook, clean, decorate, buy and wrap gifts and generally hold it altogether).  However, I did share my shoulders workout.  I got a couple new phone cases for the iPhone 6 (white haired girl & lips), we hosted a Secret Santa evening with 16 friends (cut to the 14 minute mark on this video to see some footage of the party) and I got a almond manicure.
 
I went snowboarding a couple times, finished wrapping gifts, shared my Holiday Lookbook video, and hosted a turkey dinner for fun.  My BFF and I did our annual gift exchange, I went to Marco's Christmas party and picked up some new boots (I switched out the laces for black ones).  Lastly, we celebrated our third Christmas together with both our families.
 
 
Related:
 

 
I love doing these recaps because although I put my life 'out there', the day-to-day feels and is mostly ordinary but looking back each month makes me appreciate more-so the things I did and what happened.  I have had friends say that my weekends look so thrilling but I think it's just a pretty photo that makes take-out and a movie look much more fancy than it actually is (as I sit in my pajamas and binge on ginger snaps).  For me, these recaps are like counting your blessings and help remind me that things could always be worse and to appreciate what you have.
 
Enough mush, onto the recap!
 
In November a group of us went to the Wine & Food Show and also tried out The Albion Rooms for a friend's birthday.  We saw our first snow fall (yuck!) and I shared how I went from never running to running 5km.
 
I got some new shoes, saw progress on my condo and went to a late-Canadian-Thanksgiving with the Barbados crew (which turned into a onesie party).  Marco surprised me with a new iPad--best boyfriend award, I swear, that guy--I checked out The Scone Witch with a friend and did some damage at Marshalls.  I washed my car, bought a couple new headbands and we put up our tree! 
 
I shared a huge bikini haul video, my trip to Barbados part 1, part 2 and part 3.  Lastly, I filmed my holiday lookbook and got some new bindings for snowboarding season.
 
Happy December!


Related posts:
* A Look Back at October
* A Look Back at November 2013
* All my monthly recaps
 
I know I'm a few days late but I couldn't not share this recap.  October just might be my favourite month of the year (provided it doesn't snow, which it didn't) with the fashion/layers, cooler temps, changing leaves and the ability to cover up a few extra desserts underneath said extra layers (hehe).
 
In October I finally finished our bed by purchasing decorative pillows which I spent weeks searching for, I put the gym in our building to use several times and picked up some new burgundy heels.  The most exciting part of last month was visiting Barbados with six friends for over a week.  We had such a great time and since our friend is Bajan and his now fiancĂ© (they got engaged while there!) had been eight times, we were in great hands to see more than anyone would otherwise (even more photos here).
 
Other than that, I shared some new boots in a layered up outfit post, we bought a new chair for our living room (see the full condo tour here), and hosted a dinner with three other couples.  I rocked some new booties, cooked my first turkey for my family, got back to the gym and celebrated Halloween with two costumes: mimes & a pink flamingo!
 
 
Related posts:

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.


Related:


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!


Related posts:

 
So July has come and gone and we are heading into August, which I love because we are still in warm, sunny, summer months but Fall fashion starts making an appearance in stores and not that I want to wish away this weather, but I'm a big Autumn fan.
 
 
I kept up with my workout schedule, ate at El Camino, Pure Gelato & Tennessy Willems.  I spent weekend time with a friend on a patio (and shopping!), played tennis with my guy and shared one of my favourite outfit posts.
 
I showed you our 'finished' living room (is it ever really finished?), went to the Katy Perry concert, and bought some new Supra kicks.  Sarah sent me flowers when I was not feeling well, Marco and I went to Kingston for the day (and brought Peanut with us) and saw Bruno Mars in concert.
 
 
Related posts:
 
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