new blog look. same positive vibes

//  T  H  U  R  S  D  A  Y

You may notice my blog got a little makeover! H O O R A Y! Nothing drastic, but a little refresh because to be honest, it just felt like the time was right.

For a while I was exploring other blogs and websites to get inspiration and try and find ideas for what I should do next, what types of layouts are hot right now and make the most sense for me. Buuuut, something really resignated with me from The Goal Digger Podcast - they talked about when you're looking to update your blog/website, how you shouldn't look to others for inspiration, but rather think of other ways to find what inspires you and what will feel right for your blog. It's so true!

And you know what? I am a very simple girl when it comes to this kinda stuff. My blog has had the same layout since I started blogging, and it's actually my favourite type of blog to read. Everything you're looking for is right in front of you. Obviously the evolution of blogs has given us all the fancy widgets, suggested posts, requests for info for email lists and so on. But the truth is, I don't need all those things right now.

I'm a full time workin' gal who is absolutely LOVING her career, I've got a side hustle, a husband, and a fun life with lots on the go, and this blog is just something I do for fun! I hope to inspire people in some way, spread some happiness and positivity online, share things I love and think you will too, and post about things that are truly me. I promise you that what you see on here, the way I write and share on this blog are totally, authentically Jules!

I will say this, I am looking forward to this new little face lift and hoping it will inspire me to post on here more regularly! I was checking out how many blog posts I did in 2017, and it was only 40! I'd love to get close to doubling that number this year, and I hope you'll follow along!

Hope you're having a great week, we're almost there! ♥

Robbie Burns Day Event

Happy Monday! Today is Robbie Burns Day!: the annual celebratory tribe to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) Celebrated on, or about, the Bard's birthday, January 25th, Burns suppers range from stentoriously formal gatherings of formal gatherings of esthetes and scholars to uproariously informal rave-ups of drunkards and louts.

Last week Pete and I were lucky enough to attend an incredible Robbie Burns celebration at Brassai in Toronto. We sat with wonderful bloggers and influencers and made new friends while tasting the most delicious whiskey. We enjoyed tastings of Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Laphroaig and Glen Garioch. We fancy, huh?

Pete is a big whiskey fan and has always loved the drink. Since I am more of a sweet drink kind of girl, I like cocktails instead of my drinks neat or on ice. They were making absolutely delicious whiskey cocktails, read on for one of the recipes we got to try at the event!

We got to taste a three course meal that was absolutely incredible. Each course was paired with an extremely delicious cocktail. We also did a tasting of six different types of whiskey. It was so interesting to hear about how the whiskey is made and all kinds of ingredients in each kind. We detected the flavours in each by smelling and tasting every one (it was a very entertaining Wednesday night!) 

Here are some beautiful photo's from our night, captured by Rick Vyrostko Photography

Auchentoshan & Ale (this one was my favourite!)

Ingredients: 

• 35 mL Auchentoshan American Oak
• 30 mL Lemon juice
• 30 mL Honey syrup
• 90 mL Citrus Pale Ale
• 1 Lemon wedge for garnish 

Directions: 

• Combine Auchentoshan, lemon juice and honey syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake vigorously and strain into a collins glass with or without ice. 
• Top with beer and garnish with a lemon

Why You Should Keep Blogging

Why You Should Keep Blogging...

Oh hello there. Hope you're having a great week so far! I've wanted to write this post for a while and I think I am writing it now to kind of convince myself, and practice what I preach.

I have good days and bad days when it comes to blogging. One week I am so inspired and excited about my blog, ready to take on new projects, connect with fellow bloggers, and spend time to create killer posts. And some weeks I feel let down, frustrated and like I have no ideas or drive to keep posting. I think this is something a lot of bloggers struggle with because it can be really hard at times. 

I've been blogging for over 5 years now and it's always been something I've really loved to do. I think the hardest part is trying to constantly stand out, create new and different content, and hope that people will come back to read more. No matter what it doesn't feel good to think that nobody is reading or commenting and it makes is tough to keep on going.

Last August I re-branded my blog from The Life Of a Cupcake to Hey Jules. I knew if I was going to keep blogging I needed to make some changes and help define my brand and blog to represent who I truly am. I am happy with what I've created here, and I really try to be better  every day.

So, why keep blogging? Well, I will tell you why I am going to keep on going..

Blogging brings out my creative side, I go on adventures so I can share them on my blog, I share my favourite parts about my favourite city, I document some of the most amazing and special times of my life, I do more crafts so that I can share a DIY, I've made some awesome friends online who then become my pen pals, I get to look back at my life and reflect of some of the most wonderful memories. 

I need to remind myself that this blog is for me and I post here because I want to and because I enjoy it. I am never going to have a million followers or quit my job to become a blogger, but if I am lucky enough to influence anyone in a positive way then I am beyond happy with what i'm doing. This post is a reminder to me to not give up. I hope if you're doubting yourself and your blog then you will feel the same way after reading this!

I always want to be learning. I want to grow my blog, I want to make a difference, I want to focus on the positive things in life, I want to make connections with awesome bloggers, I want to work with brands that I love, I want to share my travel adventures, I want to blog because it's what I truly love to do. So, HOORAY! Badass Blogger Babe now in full effect.

Why do you blog, and why do you think you should keep blogging?

Favourite Blog Posts from 2014!

*Happy New Year Everyone!!!*

We had such a fun NYE with my bestie Carly and her hubby Derek. We made yummy drinks and some delicious fajitas, watched funny youtube videos, had a dance party, played games and laughed so much it was perfect. Pete and I were in our jammies all day relaxing. We finally became human and got up and ready & went out for a delicious dinner and worked on our 2015 goals together.

Here is a wrap up of some of my favourite blog posts from 2014(!!!) ;

The announcement of my new blog ; Hey Jules! One of my most awesome moments of 2014 for sure! So excited this came to life after a lot of hard work and I can't wait to see whats to come! Welcome Hey Jules Post

>>>  The most delicious homemade french onion soup ever! A yummy hearty meal to make once it gets cosy inside and chilly outside. Homemade French Onion Soup Post

<<< One of my favourite meals to make, easy, healthy and most of all delicious! Get fancy and Mexican with these Tostadas! Homemade Tostadas Post














DIY Mothers Day mason jar vase. Easy-peasy and cute and crafty. If you're looking for a last minute gift idea (for any occasion really check out this Mothers Day DIY Post

>>> Cute By Jules cute-as-can-be peach & sky blue baby shower! Check out the creative styling I did for my besties sisters baby girl shower. Baby Shower Post

<<< A sneak peak in to our (old) place and all sorts of cute & colourful things that make our place home. Cute Everything Post

>>> Some of my tips and tricks to hosting a special, colourful, cute and fun get together or party! Being a hostess with a mosses, how to be a wonderful host, post

We  moved in to a new apartment, which we love so very much. This post is some bits and pieces of our new home and how we made it colourful and full of love. New home post

>>> I looooove Sunday's. A post about my favourite type of meal to have. Pete & I are the masters at making the perfect little snack trays that look beautiful and taste delicious. Sunday snacks are the best post

<<< Casamigos Tequila is a new love of mine! I had the pleasure of meeting Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman (we were missing George Clooney) and learning how it's made and how it all started. Casamigos House of Friends Post

Casamigos Blogger Event at Soho House

Happy (almost) Friday!

On Monday night I fell in love, with a little something called Tequila! Yeah, you heard me. It's my new thing. 

I was chosen as one of five bloggers to attend a private event at Soho House in Toronto on Monday night for Casamigos Tequila. It was a freezing cold, gloomy night and my day was quite Monday-ish if I must say. I arrived at the beautiful Soho House and headed to the top floor to a beautifully lit, cosy spot where we got the real Tequila experience. 

I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman who are two of the three creators of Casamigos. Who is the third you ask? Well you may of heard of him, his name is George Clooney.

Rande and Mike were such genuinely nice guys who truly care about their product. Since I have a lot of love for entrepenuers, I was instantly excited and engaged to hear them talk about how they got here and how Casamigos became what it is today. It's obvious these guys (who are also besties) care about each other, and of course...about creating the most delicious tequila out there.

We sipped Tequila on the rocks, and also had it in what may very well be the best cocktail that's ever graced my lips! I got to try the Blanco and Reposado. Rande told us about how much time and energy went in to creating the three Casamigos Tequila's. They originally wanted to create the drink for themselves to enjoy, until realizing it could be something so much more.

Casamigos is named after George and Rande's homes in Mexico, which means "House Of Friends" which I absolutely love. #HouseOfFriends // Rande and Mike were talking about George's wedding in Italy and how they brought 100 cases of Casamigos to drink for the three day celebration! Sounds like a pretty amazing time to me.

What sets Casamigos apart from other Tequila's? “Casamigos Reposado is smooth and clean with hints of caramel, while Casamigos Blanco is crisp and clear, with subtle hints of vanilla and a smooth finish. Both are great served neat or on the rocks, and are the perfect base for premium cocktails,” says Gerber. Before going into the bottle, each batch is tasted and approved by our master distiller, as well as Gerber and Clooney, to ensure the highest quality. Each batch is then numbered and signed by Gerber and Clooney. Casamigos’ authentic minimalist design reflects the men who created it." 

Above photo's c/o ASPR

I've always liked Tequila but would rarely have it in anything other than a shot. After this event I've grown to love the taste of the Casamigos Tequila and am excited to drink it on the rocks on a cold winter's night, and also create a delicious Christmas Cocktail with a couple splashes of tequila!

Here are a few of my photos from the event, and my vintage bar cart with my new favourite drink!

“We love tequila. On the rocks, by the shot, at times, straight from the bottle,” say George Clooney and Rande Gerber. “We are excited to bring Casamigos to Canada. It’s a great feeling to share something we created, drink and are extremely proud of,”

For more information on Casamigos Tequila, please visit www.casamigostequila.com, follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/casamigos tequila, and on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest @Casamigos

Unwrapped - Forever 21 Holiday Event!

Happy Sunday // Official kick off to the Christmas season everyone! ♥

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of leading a DIY craft station at the Forever 21 Holiday Event in Toronto. The event was held at an awesome new bar in Toronto called Thoroughbred (the food and drinks were perfection and I can't wait to go back)

This year, Forever 21's events were DIY themed which as you can imagine, is totally me! When the wonderful ladies at ASCPR asked if I could host a DIY Christmas craft station, I was 110% on board. All of the guests of the event got to get crafty with me and got to go home with something creative and sparkly that they made themselves. I loved leading this because I heard so many people say how they aren't crafty or hadn't done a DIY in forever, and after spending some time at the table with all the glitter and bling, they realized just how much fun crafting can be! There was also a cookie decorating station for everyone to decorate their cookie of choice.  #domestic

For our crafts we did Christmas Ornament Bulbs ; the guests of the event got to choose what they wanted to put inside, sequins, sparkles, bells, holly, and F21 jewels that they put inside or took apart and added to the fun! Everyone was so creative and lovely!

They could also stamp mini burlap bags with stamps or hand paint them! Everyone took their creation home in a  brown paper bag that was customized with holiday stamps and a Forever 21 tag.

I am loving the holiday collection at Forever 21, I bought a pretty dress from there to wear at the event and stocked up on all of the most sparkly jewellery ever. I am going to be back soon to pick up a few more dresses for my Christmas parties! I obviously need to wear a different one to each party. Duh!

Below are some photos from the event, mostly my crafting paradise :

What I learned from Blog Podium : Part Two

Oh hi there! Happy Wednesday to you all

Tonight I am excited to share the rest of my Blog Podium wrap up post! I am still getting back in to the swing of things and trying to get on top of this whole blogging thing again. Sometimes I cannot believe how quickly the weeks go by. Before I know it, the weekend is here again and there is tons going on! So bare with me, and I hope you enjoy part two of what I learned at Blog Podium!

Bloggers & Brands :

• Don't focus on numbers. Focus on content and building community
• After working with a brand, share positive feedback along with stats and media links
• Be professional, honest and enthusiastic!
• Treat your blog like a business, even if it's a hobby
• YOU are a business
• ALWAYS answer emails (within 48 hours if you can!) * I need to get better at this!
• Keep learning, creating and reading

Words of wisdom/Building Successes :

• Goal setting is a massive tool you need to use ; set goals for your blog
• Decide what your skill set is
• Treat everybody like their someone really important
• Don't count on instant gratification, good things take time
• Pick 3 things that you stand for
• Create a blog & brand that is purely yours
• Success is not only measured in money. You will lose the passion very quickly if you only care about money
• Become an inspiration. Re-inspire yourself on your passions on bringing in new elements
• Blogging helps make you find your voice
• Be confident about your information and opinions. Captivate your audience

Closing Notes/Take aways/ Things to remember :

• Become a digital influencer, focus on what you like best
• BE YOURSELF ; find your natural skills
• Celebrate your successes
• If you keep doing what you love, eventually someone will notice
• It's not all about metrics and numbers and fame, it's about make a difference, finding your voice and doing what you love
• Remember why you starting blogging, and focus on why you really love doing it

What I learned from Blog Podium : Part One

So like I mentioned before, this past weekend I got the chance to go to Blog Podium. I went two years ago, but missed last years. Blog Podium is a conference in Toronto for Design & Lifestyle Bloggers. Since I just launched my new blog and am getting back in to the groove, I thought the timing was perfect to get inspired! My babe bought me a ticket to the conference for my 30th birthday and I am so glad that I went!

I am still feeling so driven after Saturday, and I have so many ideas that my head my explode.  When we arrived at the conference we got a cute-as-can-be notebook from Minted for the day. I literally almost filled the whole book up!

I realized that since I have A LOT of notes,  I will make this in to a two part series to make sure I let you all know just how much awesome stuff I learned. Let's be blogger besties.

Making your blog reflect YOU! :

• Your blog is free branding. Make sure your blog symbolizes who you are!
• Utilize the things you love and marry that to your blog
• Ditch your pride / Take risks / Believe in yourself / Trust others / Become a better you
• Write a mantra for your blog! (I am so excited to do this)
• Use Facebook groups to connect and network and share
• "Focus on your content and the rest will take care of itself"
• You are what you blog!

When it comes to photography on your blog :

• If you take a photo of something that's pretty, you have way better chance of success (photograph it well and right!)
• Have a consistent style when it comes to photo taking
• Use props to tell your story
• Make sure the hero in the photo is obvious
• Define a colour palette and keep your colour consistent
• Natural light is always best
• Build your own brand
• Make a style guide for your blog ; create a mood board, make your look, decide on your colours and style, do search (whose work do you love?)
• Light can make or break your photo
• Choose small props
• Buy a ruler, and use it!

Bloggers & Brands :

• Keep your pitch short (about one page)
• Network with other bloggers
• Make a list of bloggers and brands you want to work with
• NBB - Never Be Boring
• Create a facebook page for your brand
• Use LinkedIn to connect with brands
• Make sure your pitch looks pretty
• Always leave a personal note when contacting a blogger or brand
• Think of yourself as the reader as well as the writer
• Always ask yourself "Would I read this?"
• No matter what, always hit "preview" and check for errors or typos before posting
• Create shareable, well written content
• Don't just tweet links - be active and build engagement

More bloggy goodness coming soon! Love ya all.

a new name for my blog!

Happy Sunday Beautiful!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I have been a bit under the weather (blargh) but feel better after getting lot's of fresh air this morning and going for a nice long walk.

Friday was extremely exciting because my baby nephew was born! Hooray! James (Jimmy) was born late Friday afternoon and I am beyond stoked to be an aunt again ♥ Photo's coming soon! :)

So, I've been doing a lot of thinking of the last month or so about my blog and I have decided that I want to change things up a bit! At first, I felt a bit hesitant and unsure if I want to change the name or anything for that matter, and I decided that it definitely feels right.

"The Life Of A Cupcake" has been such a fun and fitting name for this blog for about 6 years! But, as much as I will always love to bake cupcakes and the general cuteness of them it doesn't feel fitting for me and my blog anymore.

I think if I have the perfect new name and direction for my blog, that constantly updating it and having fresh, fun and cute posts will just come so naturally. I have so many ideas of what I want to write about and know that this change will be fun and exciting for me.

With my 30th birthday just about 4 months ago, the timing seems perfect! I will spend the next month or two coming up with the most perfect new name for my blog & layout as well. This is such a fun "30 before 30" project as well.

The main focus of this blog will still be very much the same ; happiness, positivity, everything cute, crafty, toronto, love and adventures! Can't wait for what's to come.

LOVE you all.
xo