My Little Black Dress For Any Day Or Evening Out

Jun 21, 2017

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It’s almost the beginning of summer and let me tell you, I can’t wait. I’ve had about enough of the gloomy weather. Our April showers seem to be extended until June. Isn’t something about the sun that just automatically makes you smile. Well, whether rain or shine, I have the perfect black dress that is perfect in any undecided weather.  The combined faux leather bottom and t-shirt tie-dye top gives me the option to dress it up (with a scrappy heel) or add something a bit more casual (personally, I’d throw on a pair of all black converse and be done with it). Instead I opted for something in-between. I paired it with my favourite black ankle-bootie with a heel.

Asymmetric Combination Dress // Zara

Black High Heeled Bootie // Zara

Hat // H&M

 

Like I said, if I could, I would pair all my outfits with converse

 

Love,

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How To Change That One Room In Your Home On A Budget

Jun 19, 2017

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It’s here! Summer that is. And there’s no better way to bring that summer feeling right into your home by brightening up your space. I’m always on the look out for unique and affordable home decor to add to my living space. And most importantly item’s that won’t break my bank account. With a few dollars, a little time and a bit of an imagination, you can add the finishing touches to any space in your home by shopping at the most unlikely places.

 vintage suitcases | Value Village

1. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are great and not just for clothing, either. You never really know what you’ll find there. The trick with thrifting is to make regular visits, since their stock is forever changing. I once found an authentic L. V. bag, donated to Value Village for an in-store fundraiser. Luckily, I was the one to take it home. At most thrift stores, prices are fairly reasonable and if you have a good eye, you can easily find pieces to compliment your space for less than a few dollars. Take some time and visit your local thrift stores like Habitat For Humanity Restore and Salvation Army to see what they have to offer.

 Girl In The Garage | two previously scratched tables beautifully hand painted

2. Yard Sales, Garage Sales

Always keep your eyes and ears open for yard and garage sales in your area, which usually happen on the weekends.   Yard sale pricing is usually much cheaper than thrift stores and quite often you can negotiate a much better deal with the host of the sale. Especially, when you’re buying more than one item!

3.  Ebay, Craigslist, Kijiji (Online Shopping)

Most people don’t realize it but online sites like Ebay, Craigslist and Kijiji are sure ways to find some really good home furnishing deals. Good sellers have multiple, clear images and detailed descriptions to help sell their items.  I always start with setting my price at the lowest price-point using their advanced search tools options and then increase my prices from there. I’ve lucked out and scored a solid real wood headboard and dressing table for $200.00 in one day.

Shhhhh! A little secret. Check regularly and type in the word FREE. You never know what you will find for the price of gas.

 

Love,

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Today Matters

Apr 26, 2017

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I love to read. I mean, cuddled up with a good hardcover book on a quiet day with absolutely no distractions what-so-ever kind of reading. With my hectic schedule, I don’t often get time to sit and read the way I used to. Don’t get me wrong I read other blogs, watch videos, podcasts and read an e-book or two. But gone are the days, where I have an entire weekend to finish a book from start to finish.

I remember as a child refusing to go to bed because I just had to finish “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Okay, maybe I’m dating myself with the Judy Blume series but my point is, I have always enjoyed a good book, whether it be for personal development, educational purposes or for pure pleasure.

Today’s recommendation: Today Matters, by John C. Maxwell

Topic: Motivational, Personal Development

Why read it: Because today really does matter (insert corny joke). Honestly, it’s a realistic approach to understanding what matters today to allow for success tomorrow and gives you 12 simple practices to guarantee that success.  My son was gifted with this book after he participated in a Toastmasters public speaking workshop. I asked (okay forced) him to read at least 10 pages each day. His personal review, “It showed me how to be more positive.”

Enjoy!

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A Few of My Favourite Things

Apr 5, 2017

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I know the official day of chocolate, flowers and gift-giving is over. But there’s alway’s a reason to say I love you, right? If you’re every stumped on what to get for that special someone, here’s a few of my favourite personal gifts that would make the ideal present for the one you love.

HOME: my compact size Sunbeam humidifier (top photo) works great to minimize the dry air in any small to medium size room. Honestly, it was the funky red colour that caught my attention. It may be small but the cool mist will last for several hours.

PERFUME: most women love perfume and I’m one for sweet smelling fragrances. You can’t go wrong with Clinique ~ Happy and Yves Saint Laurent ~ Paris. You only need just a touch (according to my grandmother) and the fragrance will stay with you throughout the evening or that special night out.

Another favourite of mine from the Clinique Happy collection is their Sugared Petal and Berry Blush Gelato body cremes another soft but sweet smelling fragrance great for those casual dates.

ACCESSORIES: I often get complimented on my red Adidas sports watch. It goes well with any casual outfit when I’m out with friends or just out and about running my errands. The best part is, it’s waterproof!

And last but definitely not least, what woman wouldn’t love anything from Tiffany & Co.? I’m a little protective of this piece, so I don’t wear it everyday but I’m sure you could find a reason to.

What’s your favourite gift?

Happy shopping!

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IAWH x Friends

Dec 15, 2016

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I couldn’t have been more pleased! I had the pleasure of officially launching the IAWH blog and online store and celebrating with a few of my entrepreneurial friends. It was such a lovely afternoon for a personal video and photoshoot, with nothing but sun to add to an already perfect day.

The day was filled with great food, wine, and even better conversation. We settled in quite nicely at the Designers Authentic Warehouse Loft; a creative, intimate space that made the day even more fun.

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Thanks to our makeup artist Rahnell Branton the women arrived and were treated to a mini makeup session followed by tasty hors d’oeuvres and a Coconut Crusted Chicken Thai lunch prepared by our caterer, Maiya Griffith. It was an amazing day chatting with the ladies about family, business and our personal goals for 2017.

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Thanks to everyone that helped me make the launch so memorable: my videographer Shawn Pinnock (aka Pplus), my makeup artist Rahnell Branton (Rahsthetics) and our personal chef for the day Maiya Griffith. 

And a very special thank you to the lovely ladies that helped me make the day possible, Shiva Burnett (Founder, Avazera), Sofia Stefou (Founder, On Brand Video) and Tia Thomas (Founder, Love & Light Jewels).

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Thank you all, I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings your way!

 

 

 

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