Being Bold & My Mantra

With the coming of the new year, I am looking forward to many exciting opportunities and taking the blog to new places! There are also many intents I have for myself that relate to my day to day life, whether that be at home, in my career or in health. This post by fellow Toronto blogger Cassie Drake, An Architect Abroad, is a definite read! It really shows that we should be focusing on the whole process of achieving our newfound intents and how goal setting is sort of... well, short-sighted and leads to short-term results.  If you're in the process of goal mapping this year, you need to get over there to check it out. Totally gave me a new perspective on the whole new year's resolution idea!

I know that with all the exciting opportunities there will definitely be challenges and struggles along the way, as per every year! This year I am focusing on a new mantra. The bracelet I am wearing in this post was given to me by my mother for Christmas and I have barely taken it off since! It states "she believed she could, so she did". I absolutely love this quote! Every time I look down and see it I am constantly reminded that I am strong, powerful and capable of anything! Talk about inspirational, right?? Even though it's just a bracelet, having the words out there, on my wrist, is a powerful thing. I can look down and really reflect on the words, opposed to just hearing them in my head. After I received the bracelet I discovered MantraBand and their whole collection of inspirational pieces. There is really a special quote for everyone! 

The rest of the outfit may be simple, but it sure is bold. I am loving statement pieces lately and these Le Spec sunnies are my newest addition. First of all, can we talk about affordability?! I got them at Nordstrom and compared to similar styles they are such a steal. Gold, leopard and mirrored-- I love that they are fun, classic and totally retro. I also had been wanting to find some statement earrings and these pink bead tassels were the perfect pieces to pair with my (old, but classic) pink coat! The colours are a perfect match! The marble bag, which seems to make an appearance every winter, was truly a statement investment that I made a few years ago, but it's one that I get the most compliments on and offers to buy! It's become a timeless piece that I can't part with. I know it's sold out but I've linked some similar marble bags for you below. What do you think of pairing all the bold accessories together?

It's safe to say I am ready for a bold and bright year! How about you?

What I'm Wearing:

Le Specs sunglasses, MantraBand cuff, Wilfred Free leggings, RW & CO Mock Neck Sweater, Zara coat (similar), Cougar Boots, Rebecca Minkoff bag (similar), Francesa's earrings 

Shop the post:

Party Couture

Last week we celebrated my mother's birthday, and while she was out of the house I decided to do a bit of decorating. Since I was running late for class I opted for a quick and easy DIY tassel garland to hang above the buffet which held her flowers, cupcakes and gifts. I used some tissue paper I had lying around the house and followed the instructions found here (I won't bother going into detail because she does such a good job of explaining the process). I was a bit pressed for time so I couldn't fix some of the mistakes I made, like tangling/ripping the fringe, or cutting some tassels too short, but overall it looked lovely! It may not look identical to the infamous Confetti System, but it sure made an impression! She even kept it up for a few days! I'm already visualizing a red, cream and gold garland for my annual girls Christmas party. Try it out, and add a little pretty to your party! 

Graduand No More

Up until the day of my Convocation I really didn't feel like I was finished my degree. The routine of finishing exams had felt like any other Spring, so I truly wasn't in the graduating mindset. I woke up on the big day feeling serene and in a bizarre, dreamlike state, and entering my school for the last time, walking the halls and looking into old classrooms, felt so surreal. I remember waiting in the sea of graduands to get those sought after diplomas, thinking I will miss this, the lectures, the professors and the early morning walks through campus especially. Hearing my name being called and shaking the hands of my professors and esteemed colleagues was an amazing feeling of accomplishment. I may not know what's in store for me, but I can honestly say I am proud, anxious and unnerved at the same time.