What's Trending?...

It's almost a new year which means not only a fresh start in resolutions and goals but also in the fashion world. Here are a few of my favourite trends that I believe will take off in 2015!

Oversize Turtleneck Sweaters

Oversize turtleneck sweaters are not only extremely comfortable, but they look adorable and stylish. What's better than a warm sweater that blocks you from the cold winter winds, but makes you look cute too? They can be worn with jeans, skirts or like Charlize Theron, paired with leggings. Dressed up or dressed down, you can't go wrong with a big turtleneck! 

Faux Fur Vests

Faux fur vests are currently trending hard in the fashion world. Whether paired with a cute dress or tights and a blouse - like how Alessandra Ambrosio and I have done, the fur vest classes up any outfit. They come in many different colours and even patterns so you can mix, match and spice up any ensemble that may need a little something extra!

Big Hats 

Floppy hats, fedora hats, sun hats. Hats, hats, hats are always a good idea! They can add some sass to your outfit or they can help with a bad hair day - hats are never a bad idea. They work for all seasons, occasions and go with any look. Whether spicing up a cute halter like I did or giving a casual kick to a blazer like Emma Roberts did - hats are a must have staple in your wardrobe. 

Lifestyle Change Update Two!...

Hello friends! So it has been quite a while since my last blog post which is not very professional writer of me but hopefully I'll make up for my absence in my post today.

In April I updated you on my lifestyle change in which I had lost ten pounds. I am updating you again in this last cold month of the year, December with a big 6-0 number. I have lost sixty pounds since my start in March and I'm feeling amazing.

There are a whole bunch of things I want to say but the first thing is that I'm healthy, I'm happy and I'm extremely motivated to continue on my journey. Like I've said in previous blogposts, I have always struggled with my weight since I was twelve or thirteen. At the beginning it wasn't a main priority but as I got older it was always in the back of my mind. I remember thinking if there was a website that you could upload your picture to and alter yourself so you could see what you would look like thin - thinking that that would be the only way that I'd ever see myself with a "skinny figure". I remember going to clothing stores and taking a bunch of clothing items into the change room and by the time I finished, I was in tears. Rarely did anything fit me. I remember times when I was about to put a pair of pants on, I'd pray to God in my mind if he "could please allow the pair of pants to fit." I remember comparing my thighs to other girls thighs and saying, "both of her legs are like one of mine." I remember never ever participating in pool parties in the summer because I was too self conscious to be seen in a bathing suit. I remember getting an anonymous internet post on one of those "ask websites" saying, "why are you so fat?" Yes, these are all really horrible things to think about, but they are normal things to obsess over as a teenaged girl.

I tried multiple times to lose weight and every time I tried, it was going to be the time that I succeeded. Of course, I always failed. I always either became unmotivated after a few weeks or I just gave up because I thought it would be too hard. Everything is about body image, even if we don't want to believe it. Fashion, school, work, friends, relationships - everything. There's nothing wrong with being curvy or full figured, and I'm not saying that if you are, those things will be negatively affected. Though, if you aren't happy with how you look, if you don't feel comfortable with the way your body is, it will affect all of those things because you won't be ultimately happy and secure.

So after years and years of trying and failing, what worked this time? Well truth be told I can't give a straight answer, all I can say is that I changed my outlook on my situation. I thought positive, I stayed committed, and I put lots of dedication into it. Like the title says, this isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle change. Once I have reached my weight goal, my 'dieting' doesn't stop. It's a continuous lifestyle for the rest of my life. Exercise, healthy eating, treats and junk food in moderation. My worst fear after all of this is gaining the weight back, but I have to keep reminding myself that the path doesn't end once I have reached that ideal number.. it may get smoother or wider or straighter, but it keeps going.

At the beginning of my journey, I made a list of little goals that I wanted to hit. Proudly, almost all of those goals  have been checked off. Little things that may not seem like a big deal to some really mattered to me like: being able to wrap a towel all the way around myself, being able to cross my legs, being able to fit into some clothes that I had. All of these I have accomplished and so much more.. The great thing is, is that some of the clothes that I bought in the past that I alway said, "one day I'll be able to fit into this" are actually too big for me now!

The people around you are a big part in the journey as well. My family is so supportive - always amazed at my success. They even help  me through the times where I get frustrated with the scale, telling me that I'm doing amazing and not to give up. My friends have all been incredible. I enjoy posting on social media about my success in hopes of inspiring and motivating others, and the responses have always been great. Someone who I have to mention - Nathalie T, always comments the most wonderful and kind motivational messages on all of my posts. She even inspired me to join yoga, and that's something that I have now started to incorporate into my life. Other people like Erin, Charlotte, Rachel, Caitlin, Emily, Mikaila, Carly, Shannon, Ally, Kristie, Julia, Sarah, Michelle, Colette, Emma, Aimee, Rose, Marisa, Edwina, Katherine, Aless, Alex, Gillian, Nicole, Vic and literally so many more (very sorry if I forgot to mention you, but believe me, you matter) have written me such amazing things. (I hope you all don't mind me mentioning you in here.) I even saw my old personal trainer the other day and when I went to say hi to her, she didn't recognize me at first. With a great support base, impossibility seems pathetic. Many people have told me that I am an inspiration and it feels incredible.

I want to post some pictures of my progress on here, some are a little embarrassing but nonetheless very almost unbelievable to look at in my eyes. Sometimes when I look at old photos of myself or old clothes I say, "did I really used to fit in that or be that big?"

My start in March (left) and what I am currently at (right).

Me at prom (left) in June 2012 and me wearing my prom dress now (right). 

 A vest I wore to a concert in March (left) and the same vest on me now (right). 

A pair of my old pants that fit me snug, now with room to fit my dog in. 

A little nervous to post this one but it makes me the most proud. Me in a bathing suit I bought from Victoria Secret in hopes of one day fitting into it (left) me wearing the bathing suit now (right).  (ALMOST THERE!!!) 

I won't really go into detail about what I am doing to reach my goal (as in food wise..) because it may be technical and boring, but if anyone wants tips or help with their own journey I'd be more than happy to help! Message me on FB, Instagram, Twitter, text, email, or whatever! I love being an inspiration to people and I'd love to help someone else achieve success on their own lifestyle change/journey. 

I'm not done yet, but I'm extremely happy with my results and I can't wait to start my life with the confidence and happiness I deserve. 

Twelve Hour Photo Challenge...

Hello! So I decided to take the twelve hour photo challenge - you take one photo every hour for twelve hours... it sounds really simple but you'd be surprised how quickly you can forget that you are taking a challenge. The hours also seem to fly by really quickly and by the time you know it, it's time for your next photo. So here is my result and my photos for the challenge...

Photo #1 - 10:38am 

My sister and I took a trip down to the Eaton Centre in Toronto for the day. My first photo is of us waiting at the bus stop. I'm wearing Steve Madden combat boots and my sister is wearing gelly shoes.

Photo #2 - 11:52am

In true Canadian fashion, I had to take a picture of this "We The North" sign at the Air Canada Centre. (Even though I know nothing about basketball whatsoever unless it's associated with One Tree Hill.) 

Photo #3 - 12:28pm

 This is my sister browsing the vinlys in HMV. She has a record player and was looking for a new record to play. My sister doesn't like this photo of herself but I think she looks fab!

Photo #4 - 1:12pm  

This photo was taken at Chapters. I'm obsessed with reading and I'm obsessed with purchasing a million books even though I have a million at home that I haven't started yet. I took this photo because I love fashion as well so I thought it represented two of my passions - reading and fashion. There's the beautiful Charlize Theron on the cover of a Dior book. 

Photo #5 - 2:42:pm

My fifth photo is of these cute vintage roller-skates that were on display in Urban Outfitters. I love how the tiffany blue and cheetah print contrast really well next to each other.

Photo #6 - 3:05pm

This sign was outside a place called "David's Tea" and I thought it was very clever how they wrote "Tea Birds" on the back of Danny Zuko's leather jacket. (Pun very much intended.) 

 Photo #7 - 4:21pm

This picture was taken on the train - on our way home from the Eaton Centre. There was quite a long line of graffiti displayed on cement walls and I thought it was very artsy and beautiful. 

Photo #8 - 5:40pm

My eighth photo is of a little patch of daisies (my favourite flower) growing in the middle of dirt, cement and grass. I think it creates a great juxtaposition - beauty and grace vs ugly and rough.   

Photo #9 - 6:43pm

 I actually stopped my car at the side of the road to capture this photo. There were two horses eating grass in a field and it was so serene that I couldn't pass the photo opportunity up.

Photo #10 - 7:25

This is a photo of my boots kicked up on the back of the movie theatre seats, and getting ready to watch "Sex Tape". (Rebel)

Photo #11 - 8:42pm

My eleventh photo had to be a picture of the actual movie playing because I didn't have any other choice since it was clearly pitch black in the room. It's a bit blurry but you can still see the gorgeous Cameron Diaz.

Photo #12 - 9:58pm

This photo was actually an accident. I saw my cat sleeping in this basket and went to take a photo of him but when I snapped the photo, he began to yawn. He isn't mad at me I swear.

Photo #13 - 10:30pm

My last photo represents my night and relaxation time - a cup of coffee, sitting on the couch with some candles lit and watching some TV.

Look Of The Day...

My look of the day is a casual, everyday look that can be worn to the mall or into town, or for a nice stroll in the park on a warm summery day. I have on an aqua crop top paired with black polka dotted harem pants. My black strappy wedges match perfectly with my straw hat, and I added a periwinkle coloured shoulder purse.

                                  

Park Bench Daydreamer . . . 

Strike a Pose . . .

 Purse & Bag . . . 

Going for a Stroll . . .

Warm Breezes . . .

Accessorize It . . . 

hat - my closet/ crop top - H&M/ pants - H&M/ shoes - Michael Kors/ purse - The Bay/ 

Skin Care Routine...

Obviously, one of the most important morning and nightly tasks for us girls (and some boys) is the repetitive, routinely and ever so frequently forgotten skin care regime. We all have to do it, we all sometimes (mostly) forget to do it but it's something we (and I) should start getting used to. Over the last six months I would say that I have gotten a lot better at reminding myself to complete my facial-care routine every night. This is sometimes annoying because after a long day, all you want to do is brush your teeth, splash some water over your face, run a brush through your hair and call it a night. But, I've now worked it into my nightly routine because let's face it, (pun intended) your skin is extremely important. Here is my nightly skin care routine and some of the products that I use...

 
The first step in my skin care routine is cleansing. Cleansing is extremely important because it helps remove left over make-up that your make-up remover didn't get off, dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells and excess oil. When cleansing, it's important to wet your face with warm water - not too hot in order to avoid irritating or shocking your skin, take a dime size amount of cleanser and use your fingers to gently massage the cleanser into your skin in circular motions. The type of cleanser you decide to use is completely up to personal preference and whatever works best for your skin. What works for my face might not work for yours. You may have to test and experiment with a few different kinds until you find what works best for your skin. Some make-up stores like Sephora will give you samples of products if you ask.
The cleanser I use is called Spectro which comes in four different types: Blemish-Prone Skin - fragrance-free, Blemish-Prone Skin - lightly scented, Combination Skin - fragrance-free and Dry Skin - fragrance-free. Going with a fragrance-free cleanser is my choice because fragrances can sometimes irritate your skin. I use the combination skin Spectro cleanser. I really like this cleanser because it kind of feels like a gel which is very gentle on the skin and doesn't dry my skin out. You can visit the Spectro website for more product information, skin care advice and finding the perfect product for your skin.

The next step in my skin care routine is toning. Toning is important because it's basically a completion of the cleansing step - removing any dirt or bacteria that the cleanser left behind. It also hydrates and nourishes your skin and most importantly restores your skin's pH balance. (Your skin's pH balance basically refers to the acidity of your skin. Too high is no good.) Some toners come in liquid form in which you can use a small amount on a cotton ball or pad and gently rub it into your skin. The product that I use, Clearskin Proffesional, comes in pre-soaked toner pads that I run all around my face.

The third step in my skin care routine is moisturizing. Your skin rejuvenates itself during the night and moisturizing your skin before bed has actually been proven to be beneficial to your skin. Moisturizing hydrates your skin and keeps it from becoming dehydrated. My own personal advice with moisturizing is to use a face cream that is not scented and doesn't contain perfumes - because your skin could potentially be sensitive to these. I use the cream Avon Care Moisturizer Replenish which contains sunflower seed oil. I find this cream to be extremely hydrating and it makes my skin feel nice and soft. You can also use this cream as a daytime moisturizer (added bonus: it contains SPF 15.)

The last step in my skin care routine is what I call De-Pimping. This is when you've finished your three step system, have a cleaned, toned and moisturized face and now have a perfect view of those pesky little blemishes you covered up during the day. What I like to do is use a blemish treatment on my "pimps" and leave it over night. I usually find that by the morning, the treatment gets rid of redness and sometimes even reduces the size of them - until they officially disappear. The product I use is called Clean and Clear Invisible Blemish Treatment. This is a clear gel medicine that penetrates all the way to your pores and treats pimples. It can be applied during the daytime as well or even under make-up. I've also found that a homemade remedy version of blemish treatments is to apply a small amount of toothpaste over your pimples and leave it on over night. This has a good result as well.

Above are all of the products that I use nightly. You can find them at Walmart, Target, Shoppers Drug Mart or through Avon. The first product in the black container is something that I didn't mention in my skin care routine because this skin product is something that I use when I'm in the shower. It's called Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub which you can pick up at the store Lush. This product scrubs away all dirt, dead skin and blockage. It's great as an exfoliator, especially in the shower when your pores are open. It also hydrates your skin and leaves it feeling very soft. I really recommend this product to all skin types.

So that is my nightly skin-care routine. I hope that I provided you with some good advice, tips or product ideas!  

Summer Shoe Must Haves...

Summer is not summer without a cute pair of shoes, am I right? Whether you're going out dancing, in to town, to a romantic dinner or a red carpet event, the shoes you wear are the finishing touch to your A-list look. In your wardrobe you need a variety of shoes that are perfect for all occasions, outfits and events. Here are what I think are the necessary shoe must-haves for the summer...

Sandals

I'm a really big fan of these gladiator style sandals because they are a casual day shoe yet can be dressed up to go out with. They basically go with anything - dresses, shorts, skirts, maxi's and still look adorable. The good thing with these is that there are thousands of different styles and colours so you can get one to match basically anything you want. (And they are easy to throw in your car after you've worked all day in a pair of heels and need to relieve your feet.)

Wedge Heels

Wedges are a definite go-to shoe in the summer time mostly because they follow the two most important rules in the shoe accessory area - they're fashionable and comfortable. Not only can you find them in a variety of different colours, styles and even materials, the "wedge" heel makes them extremely easy and comfortable to walk in for long periods of time. They go amazing with any outfit and also help your legs look leaner and longer! 

Nude Heels 

Nude heels are an essential in your summer wardrobe because they are a neutral and can go with a lot of your more bold summer colours. They are perfect for floral prints and busier patterns that need simpler accessories. Whether you are going with a pump, wedge or sling-back, having a pair or two of a nude colour heel will help you when you are in desperate need for that perfect shoe! 

Flats 

Every lady requires a flat in her wardrobe to benefit her comfort and quick dressing needs. They're comfy, easy to put on and look good with everything! They are good to throw in your bag for when your heels become painful, and are extremely versatile - appropriate for going to the mall, dinner or a job interview. They also come in many styles and colours so you can load your closet up with them and never get bored! 

Running Shoes 

Whether you prefer Converse, Keds or Nike's, a pair of running shoes is great to have this summer for when you want to get a little sporty. Hikes, tennis dates or a walk in the park, a pair of colourful sneakers will do the trick! Also cute with a pair of capri pants, you can accessorize with cute patterned or colourful runners when it's a little too chilly for opened toed shoes.  

Fashion Friday...

This Fashion Friday it's all about the best trends for the spring/summer. Pantsuits, crop top and pant/skirt outfits and patterned prints are seen everywhere from red carpet events, the runway and at premiers. Even certain colours like cobalt blue and coral are ruling the fashion scene this season. Take a look at what the in trends are this season...

PANTSUITS

I've mentioned pantsuits quite a few times in my blog posts because I love them so much. They are so trendy and cute and make anyone look classy and fresh. The fashionable girls above all look fabulous in their colourful pantsuits. Shailene Woodley wore an adorable beige vest pantsuit with white tennis shoes for CinemaCom in Las Vegas. Her short pixie cut and tomboyish outfit pair really well together.
Emma Watson wore a tuxedo-esque pantsuit to David Letterman. Paired with black slingback pumps and a pulled back hairstyle and she shines bright.
Selena Gomez wore a similar tuxedo style pantsuit in a bold red colour to We Day. She too added a black pump to the ensemble that allows the suit to pop.
Lorde wore a bubble gum pink pantsuit with a black crop top underneath when she preformed her set at this years Coachella. Her signature big hair and dark lipstick 'goth' up the preppy pink look enough for her personal style.

PATTERNED CROP TOPS AND MATCHING BOTTOMS

Matching patterns and prints are extremely in this season. Not only are they adorable but they're extremely easy to throw on and not worry about matching your outfit. Whether it's a patterned pant set or printed skirt ensemble, you can't go wrong with a matching top and bottom this summer. 

Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix fashioned a cute black and white aztec printed crop top and pant set and matched it with solid black pumps. She looks very modern and chic and ready to hit the stage. 

Cher Lloyd sported an adorable lace blue and white floral crop top and skirt ensemble with white strappy heals. The british singer adds a rocky edge to the look by showing off her awesome tats.

Selena Gomez flaunts her fit midriff with this patterned turquoise blue crop top and pant outfit. She as well adds white heels to the look and throws in a cute pair of sunglasses for a perfect summery look. 

MEDIUM-SHORT HAIR

First it was all about the short pixie cut. Everyone was cutting off their long locks to get the adorable Twiggy like hairstyle. This season it's all about shoulder length/medium-short hair. I personally love this style. Don't get me wrong I love long hair, but this shorter look is perfect for the summer time - especially when you want to hit the beach. This style looks good straight, like Kylie Jenner's hair or with a few waves like Emma Roberts and Lily Collins do's. Or you could add lots of curls similar to Ashley Benson's look. Love this new style! 

COBALT BLUE

One of my favourite colour trends this season is the ever so bold and gorgeous cobalt blue. This is different from a royal blue or navy blue - it's much brighter and stands out incredibly. Uma Thurman looks fabulous in this floor length, figure hugging cobalt blue gown. Cobalt blue is trending in not only clothes but accessories too. A bold chunky necklace goes great with a white outfit to add a pop of colour. Cobalt blue nails look adorable for the upcoming spring weather. Pair cobalt blue heels with your ensemble to wow the crowd. This colour is definitely a must have this season. 

CORAL

Coral is another trending colour this season that is so beautiful. This is definitely a go-to colour for the summer time - the bold colour against tan skin gives your skin a great glow, like Doutzen Kroes has modelled in her coral bikini. Emma Stone fashions a cute coral mini dress which she paired with bright yellow pumps (awesome choice.) Coral blazers are also a great addition for you summer wardrobe like the one Blake Lively is sporting. One of my favourite lipstick colours is coral just like Cara Delevingne's bright lip. This colour can be worn in many different ways and is an absolute must have this season! 

Lifestyle Change Update One!...

Hello friends! So like I said about three weeks ago I am going to give you an update of how my 'lifestyle change' has been going. I started March 25th and it is now April 11th (making it about three weeks) and my results are that I've lost ten pounds. A pretty good start if I do say so myself (if I do say so myself, if I do say so myself....pun intended.) At the beginning it was kind of hard because I had to give up all junk food and coffee (dying.) I thought I was going to go through a withdrawal because I literally had at least two coffees a day and now I haven't had one cup in three weeks. Also, at night when I feel like having something sweet or salty - I've had to tell myself no and have something that's healthier for a snack. Whenever I get a craving where I just want to eat some ice cream or have some chips I just tell myself that it's only going to be like this for a few months and then I can treat myself. I also keep a Victoria Secret bathing suit that I bought for myself hanging on my wall that gives me motivation. My goal is to fit into it by July.

One thing that I've learned about changing my lifestyle is that the only thing that you need to fear is yourself. I've come to a realization that there's nothing in the way or stopping me from getting what I want - except me. Food is just food. Sure it tastes amazing and smells incredible but if you think about it, you chew it, swallow it down, digest it and then it's gone and forgotten fifteen minutes later.
Over the past three weeks I have learned to only eat when I am hungry. To be honest, I have gotten into such a habit of eating three meals a day and two snacks that I don't even think about eating until I can feel my stomach gurgling.

For exercise I've started walking with my mom at least three times a week. We walk about 5k each time so that's about 15k a week. I also try to go to yoga once a week too, which is very strengthening for the body. Doing other physical activities besides dragging yourself to the gym is good because you don't get bored. For me, the hardest part is just getting to the gym - once I'm there I'm good. Walking is something that is fun because I can look at the scenery, talk with my mom and just enjoy the outdoors.

Drinking water is also something that I've started to increase. I always drank water in the past - it was rare that I had juice or anything else, but now I aim to drink four bottles a day. One in the morning before noon, one after noon, one around dinner and one at night. I always put a Crystal Light in my third water bottle as sort of a reward for drinking two bottles and so I don't get bored of just drinking plain water all day.

As for food I've taken pictures of most of my meals so I can talk about the things I eat for each meal...

For breakfast I usually have fruit - mostly berries like strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. Sometimes I'll have an apple and adding a little bit of cinnamon tastes really delicious. Days when I don't feel like fruit I'll make scrambled egg whites with vegetables like peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and onion or I'll make a turkey and cheese scrambled egg white which is really good as well. There's also this type of flat bread called "matzah bread" and I'll sometimes have a piece of that with low fat cream cheese. 

I've been waking up really early recently so I eat breakfast at 8 or 9 o'clock and by the time it's 11 o'clock I don't want to eat lunch just yet so I have a snack. If I don't have fruit for breakfast then I'll have some berries for a snack. Since I have given up coffee I have started drinking tea - my favourite is vanilla rooibos from Starbucks. Green tea is also really good and it's also really healthy and cleans out your system. Other snacks that I have are jello cups. Jello is also really good for when I get a sugar craving, I'll have one of these and my craving will be satisfied. 

For lunch there are many options of what I eat. Sometimes I'll have a salad - either spinach leaves or head lettuce. I'll put some vegetables in and chicken or turkey and top it off with low fat italian dressing. I also really like making tuna salad on Ryvita snack breads topped with bean sprouts. Lettuce wraps are another option - romain lettuce leaves with diced vegetables and low fat italian dressing. I also have had quesadillas with Kraft no fat cheese slices and chicken or turkey. 

For dinner I always have some sort of protein so that I won't be hungry through out the night. Stir fry with chicken or scallops is really good. I've recently been in a soup mood so I've been making my own home made soups. I'll put chicken, spinach, broccoli, bean sprouts (because they are like noodles,) onions and zucchini. When I have soup I'll usually make a small whole wheat tortilla with either oregano or cream cheese on it. I have also made chicken nachos with a whole wheat tortilla, salsa, chicken, onions, peppers and Kraft no fat cheese slices. When I feel like fish I'll make tilapia with vegetables and tomatoes (tomatoes and tilapia goes really good together.) I've also made home made onion rings - onions dipped in egg whites and covered with crushed melba toast. When I get tired of chicken and fish I'll make mini turkey burgers and a side salad. 

Dessert, everyone's favourite meal.. because I have been eliminating all junk foods and sweets I have had to improvise when it comes to dessert. I came up with a 'mock crepe' idea. I cut up apples and roll them up in a whole wheat tortilla. Then I microwave it for about 45 seconds and the apples become very soft. I cover the tortilla with a bit of greek yogurt, fruit and some cinnamon. It's very tasty. I also found this chocolate sauce that is called 'Walden's Chocolate Syrup'. It's literally no calories, no fat, no sugar and glutton free. I dip strawberries in the sauce, refrigerate them for 30 minutes and I have my own healthy chocolate dipped strawberries. 

Something that is very important when watching your diet is portion sizes. You can eat chicken and vegetables for dinner but if you over do the amount you are eating, it's not going to work. Here are the amount of portions I have each day of food. 

Protein - 7 oz a day (not all in one meal) 

Vegetables - 16 oz a day

Fruit - 10 oz a day

Bread Substitutes - 2 different portions (when I say bread substitutes I mean tortillas, crackers, melba toast, matzah bread - anything that isn't actually bread) 

That is pretty much the amount of food I eat in one day. It's very filling if you portion it out right. 

So here's my first update for my lifestyle change, I'll be sure to update again soon with new results. Thanks for reading! 

PS.. I've added a poll on my blog where you can rate it! Take the poll and tell me what you think of my blog!