A to Z.

A little bit about me...

I've seen this survey around the blog world and I knew I had to steal it. So well here you go!

A. Attached or single?
I guess you all know by now: Single. Happy & Alone? ah!

B. Best friend?
I have several besties. Love them all. 

C. Cake or pie?
Cake. But not chocolate cake. Okay so I'm completely addicted to Starbucks Cake Pops. Trying the cake pops was one of the best and worst decisions I've made. They are amazing (especially the Birthday Cake flavor yummy). This is like one of my all-time favorite sweet treats, ever. 

D. Day of choice?
Hmm. I love a good Friday. Work is ending, and the weekend has begun!

E. Essential Item?
I guess I’ll have to go with my Samsung Galaxy Note. I’d be lost without it.

F. Favorite color?
Why do i have to pick? I like lots of colors. Top 3 are black, coral and pink. 

G. Gummy bears or worms?
None. I don't have a sweet tooth. 

H. Home town?
Beautiful Montreal. Born and raised. 

Photo: ibackpackcanada.com

I. Favorite Indulgence?
Massages for sure, followed closely by pedicures.

J. January or July?
July all the way. I live in Montreal so it's pretty cold out here. 

K. Kids?
One day!

L. Life isn’t complete without?
Family & friends. Period.

M. Marriage date?
N/A. Let's work on getting me Prince Charming. 

N. Number of brothers/sisters?
Only child.

O. Oranges or Apples?
Apples. Apple crumble, apple pie, caramel apple...

P. Phobias?
Entomophobia (fear of insects). 


Q. Quotes?
Oh, don’t even get me started...

R. Reasons to smile?
Umm…there are so many! Laughing babies?

S. Season of choice?
Cozy fall. 

T. Tag 5 People.
Mimi from Luxy hair
Wendy's Lookbook
Tanya Burr
Sea of shoes
The Glamourai

U. Unknown fact about me?
I had my nose pierced in college.

V. Vegetable?
Sweet potatoes, holla.

W. Worst habit?
I’m slightly addicted to shopping... 
Snacking non-stop, even when not hungry...

X. Xray or Ultrasound?
huh?

Y. Your favorite food?
How can I possibly pick just one?! Would probably have to go with sushi. 

Z. Zodiac sign?
Taurus

Today's music

We freakin' love JT!

Check out his new music video!

My Summer Reading List! (part 1)

Books. books. I love books. 

Summer is a time when I try to catch-up on reading. My absolute favorites are Contemporary Romance and New Adult/YA.

So here are 5 books that demand to be read on hot, lazy summer days. 

1. Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan - Genre: Young Adult
LOVED this book. Reason to Breathe is an emotional roller coaster. I had so many emotions reading this book. It was nothing I expected. I thought it would be your typical love story - sure, the romance aspect is there - but not the way I expected it to go. Emma has been living with her uncle and his wife. She is tormented and physically abused by her aunt on a daily basis. She is counting down the day til she leaves. In school, Emma keeps to herself and only talks to Sara, her best friend. But a new boy, Evan Matthews, comes to school and in just one day everything changes. 

2. Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred - Genre: Romance
BREATHTAKING! Books like The Sweet Gum Tree are why I love to read. I was captivated from page one until last page. Beautiful love story of Alix and Nick. The story of their lives. We are introduced to a child (Alix) who innocently meets a boy (Nick) who has only known pain and abuse. Little Alix makes it her goal to keep the boy safe. So we are sent on the adventure that is Alix and Nick's life. Filled with beauty, symbolism, heartache, forgiveness, and an undying love - this ultimate love story turned out to be one of the greatest books I've read. 

3. Beautiful disaster by Jamie McGuire - Genre: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult
One thing is clear: everyone is talking about Beautiful Disaster! This book is being tagged as a younger version of Fifty Shades of Grey. Abby is the good girl. Desperate to escape the darkness of her past, Abby sees College as her new start. She is determined to stay on the right path; no drinking, no swearing. But then she meets Travis. The Bad boy, the fighter, the College's infamous one-night stand guy. So Abby and Travis embark on a dangerous friendship... This is the story of a completely dysfunctional and unhealthy relationship, but I couldn't put it down. Great book!

4. Consequences by Aleatha Romig - Genre: Thriller, Contemporary
Okay.... this book OWNED me! I really did abandon all my responsibilities  including sleeping, as this book consumed me from the first page to the end. I must say, it took me a second to wrap my head around the purpose of this story. Warning: this is NOT a love story, no romance. The book starts with Claire waking up in a room with no idea as to how she has gotten there. It does not take long for her to figure out that she is being held prisoner. Realization dawns on her as memories flood back of who she was with last. Anthony Rawlings. Tall, dark, handsome and apparently filthy rich (he's NO hero folks). Insane, intense and intriguing roller coaster ride!! And I LOVED every second of it!

5. Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella - Genre: Chick lit, Romance
Funny & cute story. Emma is 25 and has been through many jobs. She spills all her secrets to a stranger on a plane when she thinks they're about to die. She tells him everything including several things that could get her in trouble at work. But then, this strange guy turns out to be the co-founder of the company she works for. *wink*. A hilarious read! Sophie Kinsella is my go-to when I need something easy-going to cheer me up. 

Brunch at Lawrence

Life can be delicious!

Fan of English-style breakfasts? Lawrence is one of the best places for brunch in Montreal. 





Lawrence
5201 Blvd St-Laurent 
Montreal (QC) H2T 1S4






VIBE
Located in the heart of Mile-End (right on the corner of St-Laurent and Fairmount), Lawrence serves up typical English dishes with a French flare. This little restaurant is bright and airy with a minimalist & clean look. The restaurant's interior - a mix of vintage and industrial chic décor - is reminiscent of a British pub. 

FOOD
The menu has your typical breakfast dishes with a strong British style. Must-haves? The lemon doughnuts, french toast, and the authentic English breakfast with bacon, beans, eggs, blood sausage, etc. Okay, I wanted to try a traditional British breakfast so I ordered Kedgeree. What's Kedgeree? It's a traditional Anglo-Indian dish with a nice balance of spicy and smoky flavours. The dish is made from curried rice, smoked fish, boiled eggs, parsley and lemon juice. Yup, it literally transport you to Whales. *Note to myself: next time, I have to try the bloody mary. 

VERDICT
This is a cute place. Extremely local and very hipster, Lawrence is perfect for brunch and coffee. The menu is simple and the food is tasty. The space is a bit tight, but it's a bright space that makes you happy to be inside. Overall, this was a wonderful brunch experience that I would highly recommend. 
Pro - food, friendly staff, crowd.
Cons -  Be prepared for a bit of a wait (reservations available for 6 or more).

Cheers!

L.I.F.E

Follow your dreams.

Follow your dreams. I know I know... yes, what I wrote is true cliché and so cheesy. I know. But if you don't take your dream seriously, no one will. People are afraid to pursue their dreams, which is strange because it's what would make them happy. Following your dreams is something that is often put off. Sometimes, we're not confident enough or people discourage us. It's never the right time: too busy, lack of motivation or money. ''Yeah but''. I used to say those words. Yeah, but.. what about my job? Yeah, but... what about my boyfriend (or dog or whatever)? Seriously people, the "yeah but" will kill your dreams.

Dream BIG!! This doesn't mean everyone has to want to be the CEO of a company. Your dreams could be anything ranging from being a makeup artist to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to learning to scuba dive!  What I'm trying to say is don't limit yourself due to the fear of failure. 

At 27, I feel good about what I've accomplished. Okay so I haven't found Prince Charming (yet). I'm still a mess when it comes to personal finances. And well... I have a long way to go if I want to bring sexy back. Still, I feel good. I've done things that I never would have imagined possible. Studied abroad. Backpacked through Europe and Asia. Visited amazing places all over the world. Ate delicious food from different countries. Even so, I'm still working on the rest of the list. South Africa and South Korea are still at the top of my must-visit list. I want to get married, have children, own a home. Start my own business. Write a book. Learn to paint. Own a Céline bag *wink*. 

There are so many things I want to accomplish. I came across my50 not long ago. Great website where you can start a list - yeah, I'm a list maker by nature - of all the things you dream to do, set deadlines and add pictures. You can also list your lifetime achievements and build up a history of your life successes and accomplishments. Seriously people, writing down your dreams is the key to making them come true. We often keep lists of hopes, wishes and dreams in our heads, but few people write them down. This makes it harder for us to make plan to achieve our goals, track our progress, celebrate our success. 

So just do it. Set some concrete plans in motion. Think of yourself at 60 years old and living in a sea of regret because you didn't take advantage of the opportunities being offered to you. This is your time. This is your life. 

***
I am thankful for all the wonderful places I've been in my life. Yup, these pics were all taken by me. *proud*.

To be continued. 

High Five For Friday!

Yet again, Friday is here. And it's glorious.


Outfit of the day.

Jacket: Vero Moda

Blouse: Dynamite

Necklace: Mochico

Belt: Rudsak

Jeans: Flying Monkey

Handbag: Sandra Angelozzi, Femme carriere

Wedge sandals: Michael Kors

Have a nice weekend!

Lipstick lover: Guerlain Girly Rouge G Lipstick

I'm a girly girl. 

Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick - Color: Girly ($50). This is one of my favorite lipstick formulas. It conditions, plumps and makes my lips so smooth and healthy. The color does in fact stay on for many hours, up to something like six hours even when sipping cocktails. 

Oh, and I just love the scent of this lipstick!! This has nothing to do with the awful NARS lipgloss odor (and trust me I like NARS products). But is it just me, or does NARS lipgloss smell really bad? They all have an awful odor of plastic or something. Anyway, I just like the scent of Guerlain lipstick; it is subtle and unlike many other lipsticks it does not taste bad. Such a fabulous lipstick! Okay, now let me tell you about the packaging. The packaging alone is worth the high price tag. In one click, you have a luminous lipstick and a mirror. It was designed by the most talented jeweler from the Place Vendôme in Paris (Lorenz Baumer). Trust me... people will notice the cool packaging. My colleague asked me what I was doing with a mini vibrator the other day. ha ha! Yes, it looks like a pocket-sized vibrator which makes very interesting conversation. :) And yes, they are heavier than a piece of cheap plastic, but that's kind of the point isn't it? It's quality. 

Overall, this is an amazing lipstick. The price is really outrageous; however, every lady deserves to treat themselves every now and then. 

Recipe: Mango Lassi

Summertime.

Yesterday, I decided to make a mango lassi (first time!).  

What's a mango lassi? The drink is a cross between a smoothie and a milkshake. Mango lassis are typically associated with Indian cuisine. 

Ingredients:

- 1 large mango

- 1 cup of plain yogurt

- 1/2 cup of milk

- 3 tsp of sugar (or honey/agave)

- a pinch of cinnamon

- 1 cup of ice (optional ~ if you want a stronger flavored of mango lassi, skip the ice)

Add all the ingredient to a blender and whizz until smooth. Serve in a glass. Easy!

Bring Sexy Back: I Want to be a Beach Babe

Dear Journal, 

I hate my arms. 

I've always hated my arms. I'm the one who, even when younger, never rarely wore sleeveless. Okay, it's not healthy to say you hate part of yourself but I don't care - I hate my arms. So maybe my eyes may be playing tricks on me, but it seems like every time I look in the mirror, my arms double in size. Ladies, this is a call to arms. As in sexy, toned, lean arms. I have decided to officially declare my war on my arms. 

Work-out with the Tone It Up girls!
Not long ago, I came across Tone It UP (TIU) on Instagram, and I've been hooked ever since. If you have never heard of the Tone It Up girls, go to their website! You will love them. What's Tone It Up? TIU is a fitness, health, and lifestyle blog. It was started by two best friends, trainers: Karena & Katrina. Jane Fonda calls them the 'New Faces of Fitness' and Marie Claire names them the 'Power Duo'. Their faces are everywhere (billboards, fitness magazines, Oprah, Ellen...). They're cool California girls and their whole vibe is very beachy and friendly. They have amazing workout/motivation videos that just make you want to be a beach babe. 

Okay so back to my arms... I want sexy toned arms!! I will follow this routine (3 times a week... yes I can!). Bring on the tank tops!!!

Dream Bag : Celine Luggage Tote‏

Jumping on the Céline bandwagon

I was at Holt Renfrew (Canada equivalent of Barneys) the other day. My colleague wanted to see some LV bags. And that made me think of my dream bag... 

I am completely in love with the Celine Luggage Tote.  It's dreamy, beautiful and I love every color it comes in. It's been available for a few years now, yet I still adore it. I'm convinced it would be the icing on the cake to my wardrobe. It would definitely fit perfectly with my casual-chic look. Well, a girl can dream, right?

The Celine bags are classy, elegant, unique and fierce. The tote bag was first revealed in 2010 and it was an instant hit. They are all over Paris, London, New York. These bag are a Must have for all the handbag lovers *wink to myself*. 

Every hot celeb has been spotted rocking different types, colors and shapes of this bag. 

Okay so The Celine bags are very pricey and so very restricted. 

Sizes come in (smallest to largest): Nano < Micro < Mini < Medium
Nano Shopper: the smallest
Micro Shopper: hard to find

Mini: the most common one

Medium Shopper: straps don't fit over the shoulders
Shoulder Shopper: straps fit over the shoulders

Prices:
Celine Nano Luggage Bag: 2,300 USD
Celine Micro Luggage Bag: 2,200 USD
Celine Mini Luggage Bag: 2,100 USD
Celine Medium Luggage Bag: 3,100 USD

Yes, I am a dreamer. So tell me - what is your most coveted handbag?

Review: NARS products

Oh NARS, I love you!

For the month of July, I didn't buy any makeup. It's nuts I know. I think it's a mixture of busy-ness, summertime and me being frugal (remember?). Ah..but at the moment, I'm kinda loving all things NARS. I have love them most of the time but right now I'm using more of their products at the same time than I probably ever have. 

So here's my review.

1. Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder ($39.00) - What it is: a translucent powder for all skintones that creates a soft matte finish. I have normal to oily skin (especially oily when the weather gets hot and humid) and I was looking for something to put on my BB cream to make my T-zone less shiny and this does the trick. 

2. NARS illuminator Coppacabanna ($36.00) - I LOVE. This illuminator gives my face a subtle glow that I love. It makes my skin appear to have some healthy color. A little goes a long way. Copacabana adds a beautiful illumination to foundation or can be used on its own for a little shimmer on shoulder and decollete. 

3. NARS The Multiple South Beach ($46) - All-in-one. Highlights, sculpts, and warm the eyes, cheeks, lips... I have used it regularly as a blush. 

4. NARS Orgasm Blush ($32.00) is described as a "peachy pink with golden shimmer". Love the color and you look like you just glow (Ah, you saw the name). In the packaging, the color looks like an intense pink, but it actually goes on sheer. I love it. Very subtle on my skin (I have medium/tan skin). It was voted as the Best Blush for Fair to Medium Skin by InStyle (2013 Best Beauty Buys). 

5. NARS lipstick Barberella ($30) - Soft coral with a little baby pink added in. It goes on well, doesn't smudge all over the place and has pretty good staying power when used with a liner. 

6. NARS lipgloss Wonder ($29) - I'm not a gloss girl. I hate sticky lip glosses (my hair hates it the most). But this one is not sticky and the color is gorgeous. I wear it over the lipstick Barberella. 

7. NARS lipgloss Turkish delight ($29) - Okay this lipgloss is probably the most known (partly due to Kim K) but really. The color, very baby pink, is awful on me!! It looks like paste on my lips and the formula is hateful. But what is the most disgusting is the smell. eww. 

8. NARS Lip Liner Fantasia ($25) - Great liner. I like the color because it's neutral. 

Best. Brunch. Ever

Good morning everyone!

It's no longer a secret, I love brunches!! So  I went to L'Arrivage last week and really, this place is definitely on my top list. Certainly one of the best in Montreal. 

L'Arrivage 
350 Place Royale
Corner of de la Commune H2Y 3Y5












VIBE
L'Arrivage is located at the second floor of the Pointe Callière Museum in Old Montreal. With its polished look, this little restaurant/bistro gets great light from its large windows. But what really amazed me was the impressive view you get from the balcony. I strongly recommend to sit outside. There are approx. ten tables and you get this great view of the harbor. 

photo: pacmusee.qc.ca

FOOD

L'Arrivage offers an interesting weekend brunch. The menu has many items, some of which are more lunch than brunch. There is two sections on the menu: an à la carte section & a main menu (with choice of entrée, main dish and a dessert). My mind was already made up before even looking at the menu. Gargantua!!! Okay so the Gargantua ($17) is basically a sampling of their menu - Eggs Benedict, French toast, yogurt, potatoes, quiche, blood pudding, marmalade. What can I say more? Best. Brunch. Ever. 

VERDICT

I was really impressed because I did not expect this...like at all. This is a hidden gem (ideal spot for a date or family event). I have nothing bad to say. The food is of excellent quality, tasty and the presentation is brilliant. Plus, the prices aren't that crazy. Okay folks, this is not for everyone...the menu is more refined.  If you expect eggs & bacon dishes, don't go there.But for those of you who like to try new food, this is definitely a place to go. I enjoyed L'Arrivage and I strongly recommend to all the food lovers out there. 

Pro - I like the fact you can make reservations. The view is amazing! Bonus: going to the museum after your brunch can be fun. 
Cons - N/A

To All My Single Ladies

Dear Journal,

Prince charming isn't here.

Okay, I get it. You all want some juicy details about my single life. I guess ‘my situation’ has captivated a lot of you guys since Happy & Alone has become the most popular post on my blog. So I get it, you want more stories about my personal life. Honestly, I don’t know where to start. 

As a little girl I thought that meeting prince charming, falling in love, and living happily ever after was the entire point of you know…being a woman? In my little girl mind, not being married by at least age 25 would have been a disaster.

Now, at 27, I'm feeling more alone than ever. Let’s be honest here: we all believe somewhere in this world there is one person who is perfect for us, right? If we are the girl in the corner, the one in the shadows, the one who is awkward or not as pretty as the others, the shy one, the fat one, the tomboy – anyway you get it – no matter what, Prince Charming will see us and in his eyes, we will be beautiful, wonderful and perfect. So we wait for him. We cling to the idea that our own Prince Charming will soon be along and we'll get our day in the sun. What we aren't taught is that sometimes Prince Charming doesn't come along. 

To all my single ladies out there…

• Quit waiting - Prince Charming isn't going to show up at your door, ring the bell and say: "Wow, I finally found you". 
• Live your life and have fun! - Prince Charming isn't the answer to your lackluster life. You're responsible for your own entertainment, your own hobbies, your own enjoyment in life. 
• Enjoy your friendships - Friends & family are an important part of your life. They will always be there for you (even if it doesn't work with Prince Charming). 
• Be financially independent - Many girls continue to hold a belief that they will marry a rich man and he will pay for everything. Girlfriend, don't be a gold digger. Never rely on a man for money. If you support yourself financially, you won't have to worry about anyone leaving you and you can make choices you couldn't otherwise make. 

Remember, life goes on regardless of whether or not you've found Prince Charming. 

More confessions? click here

Casual Friday

Happy Friday everyone!!

Since it is casual Friday I decided to keep it simple but yet chic. 

Today's outfit:

Jacket & shoes: Zara

Jeans & top: Banana Republic. 

Handbag: Sandra Angelozzi, Femme carriere

Watch: American Eagle 

Have a nice weekend!!

Girl meets debt : Oops I did it again

Dear Journal,

Seduced by summer sale.

Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping! Okay, so I had a mini shopping spree. I know I'm not supposed to shop but... come on, it's summer. End of July means Summer Sale. And the shopaholic in me definitely not want to miss a sale. 

People, being frugal is HARD. 

So yesterday after work, instead of going home like a good girl, I decided to just "look around". This is bad, really bad, for my wallet.

I'm curious - where do you guys buy your work clothes? My favorites places are: Banana Republic, Zara, Club Monaco, BCBG, RW&CO, Mexx...

Yesterday, I went to RW & CO - a Canadian brand, yay! - and found GREAT deals. If you like casual-chic clothes at affordable prices, this is your place! Yup, it's perfect for the office (ps: their markdown is usually on Wednesday).

Here's my latest haul:

I bought the Studded Crossbody Bag (on sale: $30) and the Reptile Clutch ($20)

Photo: realliferunway.com

Flat sandal: RW&CO ~ Price: $55 (on sale: $22)

Open-toe pump: RW&CO ~ Price: $80 (on sale: $25)

Last but not least.. Handbag Sandra Angelozzi ~ Price: $110 (on sale: $30)

I know I have to work on my shopping problem... And yes, I bought a Starbucks coffee this morning. 

I'm so screwed. 

Music to Keep You Motivated

My Workout playlist 

Nina Dobrev from Vampire Diaries

Now that summer is officially in full swing (and bringing the heat!!), you want your playlist to pop. The right song can inspire you to run an extra mile. Here are my top picks for the ultimate summer playlist. 

1. Gettin' Dumb - Will.i.am ft. 2NE1 (love this song!!)
2. Come & Get It - Selena Gomez
3. Acapella - Karmin
4. Priyanka Chopra - Exotic ft. Pitbull
5. Ooh La La - Britney Spears
6. We Can't Stop - Miley Cyrus
7. Feel this moment - Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera
8. Follow the Leaders - Wisin & Yandel ft. JLo
9. Don't You Worry Child - Swedish House Mafia
10. Goin' In - JLo ft. Flo Rida
11. Commander - Kelly Rowland
12. Heart attack - Demi Lovato
13. Damaged - Danity Kane
14. Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas
15. Call your Girlfriend - Robyn
16. Clash Like - Alesso vs Nervo & Nicky
17. Grown Woman - Beyonce
18. Run the World - Beyonce
19. Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
20. Anything Could Happen - Ellie Goulding
21. Love Lock Down - Kanye West
22. Crazy in Love - Beyonce
23. Let's Go - Will. i. am
24. Judas - Lady gaga
25. Gentleman - Psy
26. I'm Out - Ciara ft Nicki Minaj
27. Scheibe - Lady Gaga
28. Fine China - Chris Brown
29. Bad romance - Lady Gaga
30. Falling In Love - 2NE1
31. Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
32. Get Lucky - Daft Punk

Check out my playlist on youtube: see below or click here

Follow my journey to skinnyville: click here

Happy & Alone

Dear Journal,

I'm in love with myself. 

When I asked my girlfriends about my blog, they all said they are big fans of my Dear Journal posts. According to them, I should share more of my personal life (especially my love life). 

So here I am. Wondering what to write... 

Okay, let's start from the beginning.  My status. Yes, I'm single. It seems to be that in every social situation, I'm asked the dreaded question: "Do you have a boyfriend?" As always, I smile and respond: "No, I'm single." Then come the awkward responses. 

• Maybe you're too picky - True. I want to meet someone that I have things in common with. Someone whom I'm attracted to and who is a good person. Why would I want to go out with someone who does not meet the criteria?
• Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find someone soon - Gee thanks, because that's what I need to hear.
• You don't need a boyfriend, they are more trouble than they are worth - Yeah, that's easy for you to say. You're the one in a relationship. 
• Live it up while you can - I already do!! But really, thanks for the advice.
• If you're online dating: Maybe you need to try meeting people in person.  
• But then, if you're trying to meet people in person: Maybe you need to try online dating. Seriously, it's so annoying how non-singles always assume that we don't know what we're doing. I know what I'm comfortable with and what works for me. 

And the BEST one: How is it possible that a girl like you is single? Seriously, if I knew, I'd already have a boyfriend! Once again, I'd rather be alone than with someone who is wrong for me. 

How on earth are you supposed to answer to these questions!!! 

To be continued. 

For more confessions, click here.