We had such a lovely time this weekend. I finally caught up on blog posts and took some time to relax. Sean had his last wakeboard rip of the season before we took the boat out. I finished my book and soaked up the sun on our new outdoor lounge set. It was so hot out!

We watched a bunch of shows this weekend and finished Tell me Your Secrets on Prime, and on Netflix, we watched On the Verge, The Chair, Untold: Caitlyn Jenner, and Nine Perfect Strangers. Overall, pretty productive considering relaxation was my goal. ?

Heading back to the city early tomorrow morning to vote and get to work. Feeling refreshed and gonna try and carry this vibe with me as long as I can!

Watch my weekend recap video here!

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Hit the open road after work and headed up north. I can’t wait to be back up there and sit by the lake, read, relax. I’d gotten a bit behind on the blog and feel good to have caught up. Keeping this diary is very therapeutic and although I’m not doing much, it feels good to keep memories.

We’ve been in this pandemic for over 500 days and without documenting, they all kinda mix together into a blur. When I started blogging 16 years ago, one of my main goals was to keep more memories. Now looking back, I’m so glad to have this archive of my life.

Here’s to a wonderful weekend and soaking up the last lovely days of summer!

Took myself on a little date after work and biked down to Queen West. Felt inspired by this post from Olivia Herricks Design, she posted a reel where you screenshot to get your mantra for the day. I love the idea of ‘sit outside in silence with no agenda’. See the post here to get your own!

Got dressed up and went over to Brock & Lauren’s after work. He did a surprise proposal! I’m so excited for two of my BFFs to be getting married! They’re so great together, congrats guys!

Sean and I also attended the TIFF premiere of the Triumph film ‘Rock & Roll Machine’. It was nice to be out for an event but to be honest, it was also weird. I’m so not used to being inside an event venue with a large group. Didn’t stay long and went back over to celebrate with Lauren & Brock.

Lauren asked me to be her Maid of Honor. I’ve never been involved in planning a wedding before. Ahhhhh! Blondetourage wedding ftw!

Had a nice bike ride after work and then met Michelle in a park. It was so lovely out, hanging onto these last summer days. Absolutely love that evening sun, magic hour.

I’ve been wearing this cute smiley ring from Santa Isla all summer and it makes me happy each time.

Came home to a few packages and I was so excited to open them! I ordered a few new outfits for fall and almost everything fits perfectly. At this point, I am happy to shop online instead of going to a store. I still think about going to the mall a few weeks back and I don’t want to go back. Pandemic anxiety is real!

I haven’t been shopping much but it’s amazing how great it feels to put on a new outfit! You are looking at the face of a woman who is refreshed and ready to take on the week. Here’s to making it a good one!

Worked from the cottage today to avoid long weekend traffic back to the city. It’s been so nice being up here the last few days. I know I’ve said it a ton of times but I love it up here so much. The lake, trees, garden, long walks in the woods.

Have you heard of ‘Forest Bathing’? Originating in Japan, it’s known as Shinrin Yoku which translates to “forest bath”. The practice of “bathing” in the atmosphere of the forest. To partake, simply walk through the woods, enjoying the presence of the trees and absorb the quiet benefits of forest therapy.

Highly recommend spending a few days in the woods, it will do amazing things for your soul.

Years ago I was with Sean and Emily at a family media event and one of the hosts was going around asking people their favourite activity. Most people said a sport or hobby and when they came to me, I said ‘sitting‘. She said ‘that’s not an activity‘, but I beg to differ. I love sitting on a couch, plane, boat, bike, beach, pretty much anywhere.

The art of sitting and being present where you are takes practice. I’ve wanted to get a nice patio set for the cottage for a while and today we found one on sale at Canadian Tire. The photos above are me in the front seat with a huge piece of the set and cushions around. I am very excited to sit on this down by the dock! Reading outside is one of my fav activities up here and our new set has enough room for at least two people to fully stretch out.

You can find me here, by the lake. Out of office for a few days. Soaking up the sun or sinking into the couch.

Read a lot of my book today! Currently reading You Love Me by Karoline Kepnes, the third book in the YOU series. I thought S3 of it for Netflix was candles but it’s not. Kinda wish I hadn’t read it now!

I am so ready for the weekend. I can’t wait to cook food, read my book, try to sleep in, and spend time in the sun.

We’ve been thinking about painting the bathroom with the Chantilly Lace that’s leftover from the bathroom renovation at home. It will be a big change but a nice refresh! Sean’s mum said we could paint it last summer but we’ve not taken the leap yet. ?

Bon weekend!

Sean and I went on an adventure to Gravenhurst after work. One of our fav spots to visit is Currie’s Music & Antique Goods. They’ve got heaps of music equipment, records, and in the back, there’s a section with vintage clothes. I’ve gotten some real gems here! Today picked up this lovely red hat with a sequin star.

Stopped into a Rustix for a coffee and since it was closing time, they gave it to me for free! I also found a Fiddle Fig for $15 (50% off!) at the grocery store which is a steal because I’ve paid over $50 for one the same size. Overall a great time!

Also, we have so many peppers from the garden!

Take yourself on a bike ride in the sun. Feel the wind in your hair. Sit in the grass and read a book. Watch the sunset. Learn to love yourself. Listen to your favourite music. Take a picture to remember the moment.

Romance yourself.

I went to IKEA with April just after opening at 9am. It was my first trip inside since before the pandemic. I did click and collect a couple of months ago but going inside is such a different experience. I always end up getting a few extra things and come home with new towels and a big mirror.

I helped April with something for her work then biked home. It was definitely too hot for this jumpsuit.

Bonga was in town for the day and stopped by on his bike. I heard him arrive before I got the text, this bike is FAST and LOUD. We got ice cream in the neighbourhood and went for a walk.

Tomorrow I’m going on my first flight since January 2020. Flair Airlines invited me on a media trip to Montreal for a fashion show to see their new uniforms and meet tennis star, Genie Bouchard. Must be in bed at a good hour because I’m scheduled to be at YYZ by 5:30 am. Ahhhhh!

I’m nervous/excited, not sure how travel has changed due to covid. We’ll see in the AM!

This is probably my fav outfit right now. Not sure where Sean got this old Harley shirt but, it’s mine now. My neon snakeskin shorts are perfect for bike rides. I can only imagine if someone with an actual motorcycle saw me wearing this, then my bike, they’d probably say ‘nice ride‘. ? I added andsome sparkly lights and sunflowers to the basket before meeting Michelle in Bellwoods.

I really wish I could have gotten a tattoo today. I’ve gotten 6 tattoos on Friday the 13th and consider it a lucky day. Got dressed up in something cute after work and took some photos instead.

Long live summer & cheers to the weeeeeeeekend!

Wowza, after almost a year I made a return to the office! I spent the afternoon working at Hvr in Yorkville and it was great to be back. I won’t be working there every day but it was great to see the gang and work in the same room.

Saw this guy from the office balcony, maxing out that patio bro!

Went for a bike ride (again!) in the evening and noticed Door Number Two vintage near our place was open. I’ve gone past here so many times during Covid and it’s never been open. Such a cute shop with 3 floors of treasures. I got a pair of green wedge sandals to wear at Val’s wedding next weekend (Emily’s mum).

Really enjoyed the Daily Calm meditation the Calm app today. I haven’t mentioned it recently but I absolutely love this app. I bought the paid version last summer and have been using it nearly every day. I find it helps w/ sleep, focus, and anxiety.

My fav part from today was something like, “You have no power over how the universe may respond to your actions. … We must realize that control is an illusion, it is only by accepting our lack of control do we find peace.”

It was SO hot out today. Biked over to visit Cory Lee after work and went for a swim in her pool. Great to catch up under the sun while cooling down in the water. The title from this post comes from the video I posted on IG, watch it here or click below.

I love summer.

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As much as I loved being away this weekend it was great to sleep in my own bed and wake up in my room. Feeling refreshed, tanned, and ready to take on the week.

Comin’ at the live from the lake! Set up my WFH space on the dining table and had a productive day at work. It’s so nice to be able to work from anywhere. I’m really enjoying my role at Funday and what we’ve been creating with Hvr.

The view here is absolutely stunning! We’ve been visiting this same cottage on Stoney lake for about 4 years.

How about this for a view? haha. Did a poll w/ this filter on IG. I made a kinda hot dude, bit of a Bieber vibe.

On the way home, we stopped by Cityplace, Sean and I both used to live here in these neighbouring condos.

We passed by Michelle’s place to meet Beau, her new puppy, so cute!