That time my Iphone died

Yesterday morning, we had to drive Isabella to school for her second last exam. 

Quite uneventful.

From there, Ava and I planned ot stop at the mall to do a few Christmas exchanges. I know, I know. On the way, I needed to make a quick call to a girlfriend. I dialed her number.

The phone never rang.

And then, it went dark.

I tried to power it back on with no success. 

I wondered if I had perhaps forgot to fully charge it? No matter.

We arrived at the mall and I left the phone in the car since obviously, it would be of no use to me. We stopped in at Winners {aka TJ Maxx} first. While strolling through the shoe aisles, I spied a fantastic pair of printed Coach ballet flats. On super sale, and in a size too small for me, I reached for my phone to quickly snap a photo and send it to a few gals who I knew might love these. 

Except. 

I had NO PHONE. 

source

With the exchange complete, we walked out into the mall.

A few steps in the distance, I noticed a few little amusement park type rides in the centre of the mall. I knew what would happen next since it always goes the same way. 

Ava ran towards them.

She tried each one out and decided to finally brave the usually dreaded "horsie". 

Up she climbed and I popped in a loonie.

It was a Kodak moment.

Except.

I had NO PHONE.

We shopped around, completed errands and I absent-mindedly reached for my phone on at least two different occasions to text one person or the other and once more to check an email that contained a J. Crew coupon code. Le sigh.

We were hungry.

I decided to sit down in a casual restaurant rather than brave the food court. We were seated and I said to Ava "we should call daddy to join us!"

Except. You guessed it. 

I had NO PHONE.

I seriously contemplated asking the folks at a neighbouring table to borrow their's. 

When is the last time you looked for a pay phone? Because I did that to and let me tell you, THERE ISN'T ANY. Anywhere!

source

The moment we got home, I quickly called my husband.

"Were you trying to reach me?? Because my phone DIED." dramatic pause.

He wasn't.

And I'm pretty sure that no one else was either.

This evening, as I sat finishing my dinner, I realized I couldn't live without my phone. 

I also realized that today was rather peaceful. 

source

What Ava Wore : Dreaming of Summer

I love Toronto.

It is like a small New York. Very similiar to Chicago. World class.

But the winters?

They are loooong.

This year may just be the worse one I've ever seen relative to the cold.

The kind that hurts when you're walking and the wind catches your face.

So today, even if just for a little, I'm dreaming of bare feet. warmth on little girl's shoulders. playing outdoors. and never-ending sunshine.

On Ava:
  tank - H + M Kids  // denim skirt - Baby Mexx |   top - Nordstrom // shorts - Gap Kids |  t-shirt - Gap Kids // jean skort - Old Navy

So, what's a girl to do when it's too cold to go out?
On line shop of course. 

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight 

Seriously contemplating trying to find the ballet flats in the largest size available. For me.
Don't judge.

Stay warm.

What I Wore : You CAN do Cropped

I am an 80's kid.

My favourite movies were all written by John Hughes.

I like Duran Duran. Depeche Mode. Dead or Alive.

Madonna. Well, I love Madonna.

I wore crop tops before all of the kids who are wearing crop tops today were even a thought.

I would not wear one again.

Unless of course, it was layered over a crisp white shirt.

sunglasses - ChicNova | shirt - Banana Republic | cropped sweater - Forever XXI {steal!}
skirt - Design History {no longer available / similiar} | necklace - J. Crew {no longer available / love this}
clutch - Rebecca Minkoff {no longer available / love this for the Spring} | booties - B. Makowsky 

If layers upon layers of rubber bracelets come back, I'm out. 

In case you were wondering. 

You like Me, You really like Me

source

So, after almost 3 years into this blogging game, I thought it only fitting to find out more about what the people who make it all worth doing think of this little space of mine.

The question was, how to do that + get reasonably honest feedback.

I asked you, lovely readers, to fill out a survey here + guess what?  
The results are in.
I cannot tell you how happy I was to read that you enjoy the blog.

From long-time readers to people who just recently found me, it was so nice to hear about what you most enjoy.
It was also nice to read that you don't "not enjoy" that much. If anything.

I write this blog for many reasons. First and foremost, for me. A creative outlet if you will.
Secondly, for my children. A space that I hope and pray they will want to look back upon one day. 
I back up my blog often + have considered making parts of it into a scrapbook of sorts. 
Just for them. {you can do that here}
I love that each of them are involved in some way. Even if, for a certain blog namesake, it may be unknowingly. 
I love the blogging community. The never-ending support. The online friendships that have become IRL friends.
I truly believe some things are meant to be. In many ways, this little blog saved me and made me part of something bigger when my own world seemed to be so small some days.

You love the outfit posts. There will be more.
You want to see more "everyday" looks. I'll bring those on.
Even if they're not that glamorous.
You enjoy seeing what Ava Grace is wearing. Just wait to see what's in store this year! A fun new partnership with this brand. 
Ridiculously excited to share.
You care to find out what products I'm using. loving. hating.
And I am happy to share. And share some more.
Do I overshare? I might.
Glad you didn't ask me to stop. 
You're even ok with sponsored posts. 
Is there no end to your kindness? 
I promise to always disclose these. And to continue to promote only what I myself might want to see. Or try. 
I am nothing if I'm not honest and I will continue to be just that.
Will you do the same for me?
I hope so.

source

Thank you sweet readers. 
Thank you sweet friends.

Valentine's + A Zocorra Giveaway

Last Valentine's Day, my husband got me this leather trimmed red wool cape.

I have to say, I'm a sucker for all things red when it comes to Valentine's gifts.

Really, for any of the traditional items.
 Hearts. Chocolate. Jewellery.

Any combination of the above. 

Cape - Talbot's {sold out // love this one} | Dress - ABS by Allen Schwartz {not current - option} |
ring - c/o Zocorra | shoes - Nine West {not current - options one + two}

That stunning ring I'm sporting?
It was not a Valentine's Day gift. 
Not that Zocorra's "Emma" ring wouldn't make any Valentine happier.
Love?
Enter to win one in YOUR choice of gemstone below. And yes, those are real diamonds.
I know! I know!

Open to residents of Canada + the U.S. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking for the perfect Valentine's gift for someone special?

Use code ZOCORRAVALENTINE to take 20% off any purchase through Valentine's Day. 
Or pass it on. I'm not telling.

Shipping is free every day, on any purchase. 

Good Luck!

A Healthy New Year

I am a member of the Collective Bias Social Fabric Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. 

I, like just about everyone I know, had a goal set to eat healthier in the New Year. 

Drink more water. Eat less chocolate.

The simplest way to do this and succeed? Still eat what you love, only modified. 

Use ingredients with less fat content, more fibre.

Utilize lean meats.

And of course there's portion control. I hate that part. 

I was recently challenged to shop at one of the Loblaw family of stores {I visited our local Fortino's, recently revonated and FABULOUS} and use President's Choice Blue Menu products as part of a healthy recipe. 

I decided to replace a few of the key ingredients in one of my very favourite recipes with Blue Menu alternatives. 

The hunt was on! 

Olive oil, canned tomatoes + dry pasta were on the shopping list.

I was happy to find Blue Menu products side by side in the aisles I normally shopped for these products.

 Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

650 grams of extra lean ground beef 

1 medium sized onion {diced}

1 carrot {diced}

1 stalk of celery {diced}

Blue Menu omega oil

2 large cans of Blue Menu diced tomatoes 

salt to taste
parmigiano reggiano
1 package of Blue Menu whole grain Spaghetti

In a medium sized saucepan, over medium heat, place 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil and gently sautee the diced onion, carrot and celery until golden.
Add the ground beef and gently cook until no longer pink, stirring often.
Prepare your diced tomatoes by blending until smooth. 
Add the tomatoes to the meat and vegetable mixture.
Salt to taste.
TIP: Cook over low heat for a MINIMUM of 1 and a half hours. The longer you cook this sauce, the better it will be. 
I kid you not.

Once ready, bring water to a boil and add your spaghetti.
Cook according to instructions and test your pasta to ensure it is perfectly al dente.
Cover with sauce and mix until well coated.
To plate: Portion spaghetti, add sauce on top and sprinkle generously with parmigiano reggiano.

I have been making this exact recipe for years and always use good quality, canned italian tomatoes and olive oil. 
Although I have been known to try whole wheat or spelt pasta, I typically always return to white.
Now, I realize that by substituting just a few ingredients, the taste stays remarkably similiar to the original but with half the calories and double the fibre.

Buon Appetito.
And cheers to a Healthy New Year!

What I Wore : Muted

There are days when all you need to make an outfit truly special, is a little je ne sais quoi. 

It could be the perfect shoe, a must-have handbag or in this case, some neck sparkle in the form of a little rose de france quartz stone.

Fine jewellery has a way of making a girl feel extra special.

And this piece by New York's Zocorra is no exception.

necklace - c/o Zocorra | blouse - Zara {looks to be sold out / this one is great also} | leggings - Wilfred 
scarf - Wilfred {sold out} / similiar | booties - Michael Kors 

I'm excited to share the second of two look's, featuring an equally fabulous piece, with you on Friday.

There may or may not be giveaway involved.

Make It Up : Current Favourites

Winter in Canada.

What can I say about that?

It brings out the blahs in the best of them.

A new pretty lipstick can sometimes be just what a girls needs.

That, and a trip to Aruba.

Here are the items that are currently on rotation in my beauty arsenal.

1. So, apparently, I am very late to this superstar cult product party. Just google it and you will see countless reviews and you too may wonder where exactly you have been. This stings particularly hard for us Canadians since I must have walked by this clear little bottle countless times in my local drugstore where it has been readily available for years.
Can I just say, WOW? 
It removes the last trace of makeup {yes, you can do your entire face on lazy nights} without even a tiny bit of stinging? I will never be without it again.
In Canada // find it {sigh} at Shoppers Drug Mart. US, here.

2. I have a confession to make. I do not believe in spending crazy amounts of money on mascara. I just never saw a difference. I know, I know. 
Until, I received this little number as a sample. Now, I actually SAVE it for evenings out. Mostly because I don't want to pay to buy the full size one. 
It makes lashes perfectly long and I have yet to see the teeniest flake underneath the eye. Like, ever. 
Find it here. 

3. 4. 5. Ah, MAC. What can I say that I haven't said before?
Still my very favourite lipsticks. The colour selection is just unbeatable. 
I will say, this is the first time I've tried a matte lipstick in a while and was pleasantly surprised.
It is also the first time I've purchase a pro long wearing lip liner and the claim is true. This baby DOES NOT come off until you decide to take it off.
Read: reapply your lipstick unless you want to be caught with just lip liner on. Not good for anyone.
please me // bombshell // in anticipation liner {links > search for shade}

6. I've just been newly introduced to the Rodan + Fields line by this gal. I used ProActiv line for years so while the brand wasn't new, all the new goodies certainly were. 
I ordered a few items {some of which I have yet to try} and am just loving this microdermabrasion lip treatment. Definitely worth checking out. 
Find it here. 

7. So, my skin has been giving me a crazy hard time as of late. Adult acne combined with dryness. Just a nightmare. 
I finally fixed that problem after visiting the dermatologist and asking him if just perhaps I might be going through puberty again? No such luck. 
If you care to know what helped, feel free to email me here.
I'm now using these 2 products from an esthetic line called PCA Skin; targetted to repair sun damage/dark spots. The first is the cleanser which foams with the sponge and the second is a lotion I apply afterwards. 
Will let you know how that goes but for now, am really enjoying them.
Find them here + here. 

8. I thought I should include this lovely little find. Although I can't say for sure whether or not it is repairing anything; it definitely makes my hair smell beyond divine. 
Available here or at your local drugstore.  

9. This foundation makes the list as something I just know will become a favourite but which I cannot find ANYWHERE. My local drugstore carries the Bourjois product but not this particular foundation which I have heard countless beauty bloggers rave about. 
I must have it. 
Available online, here. I just really want to try it first. Sigh. 

10. I may have mentioned this little lovely before but it is so good, it's worth mentioning again. And, I do tell anyone who will listen to pick it up ASAP. 
I'm using the "lillith" but all of the shades are just lovely. Bonus points for working on cheeks AND lips. The glow it gives? Priceless. 
Available at Sephora, here. 

So, did any of your favourites make the list?
Any others you might recommend trying?

Stay warm today. It's a cold one!

Before I Shop : A Review + Giveaway

Before I Shop is a new online site created by the team that brought you coupons.com

The site allows avid shoppers like me a space to see product reviews, images, and deals all in one convenient location.

I love that so many of the stores I frequent are already a part of their amazing roster with many more being added.

Here is a peek at who you can already find!

If you're like me, you have a "plan of attack" when hitting the mall.

Lord knows I don't have time to visit every.single.store to find the items I am looking for.

You can find coupon codes to use on-line or just a snapshot of whatever sale may be going on at the time. 

Before I Shop allows me to check out who has what deals and even see real-life reviews of products from the respective retailers.

I recently picked up what may be my favourite scarf of all time at Forever XXI {find it here} + shared both a photograph and review on the site allowing other visitors to see how I styled it and my thoughts on the product. 

Next time you shop, I encourage you to visit the site before you make a buying decision.
Just think of all the time you will save + how many MORE stores you'll be able to visit. 
You know you were thinking it. 

The team at Before I Shop has generously offered up my U.S. readers a chance at a $50 e-gift card to the Before I Shop retailer of YOUR choice.
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Before I Shop. All opinions are strictly my own. 

What Ava Wore : Seeing Stars

If it were up to me not that it's not, ahem I would dress Ava in navy every day. 

I love it with denim.

I love it with red. yellow. pink. white.
Add stars + I am just over the moon. Pun intended.

sweater - Baby Gap {no longer available / similiar} | jeans - H + M Kids
jacket - Tommy Hilfiger | boots - Target 

If I'm being totally honest, I wish this sweater came in my size.
Heck, I wish most of her clothes came in my size.
Except for maybe the gold lame boots.

Happy Thursday friends.

What I Wore : Cozy

There are days that are just made for sweatshirts. 
This is one of those days. 

 

sunglasses - RayBan | earrings - c/o Hillberg + Berk | scarf - Forever XXI
sweatshirt - Pleione {no longer available / option} | jeans - Express {sold out / my new faves here}
boots - Brown's Couture {not current // similar} | handbag - Deux Lux {last seasons / similar (VERY limited quantities)}

 Hope you're keeping cozy wherever you are.