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! ♥

life, lately [ a summer update ]

// Happy Sunday! ♥ Long time, no talk (or write!) I do feel like there's so much to say and so much that has happened so I will do my best to fill y'all in

- Summer is hereeee! It's been a weird, very rainy one but it's here. & before we know it, it'll be gone! We've pretty much got plans for every weekend for the rest of the Summer and lots to look forward to.

- Weddings, weddings, weddings! You may of remembered me blogging about it a few months back, but I've got a little #sidehustle going on :) -- day-of wedding coordinating! I had my first one one Friday (+ it also happened to be my good pals' wedding) it was just lovely and it felt good to get my first one under my belt. Wedding #2 is happening next Saturday!

- Work is wonderful. I am now now five months into my new job and am just loving it so much. I feel so lucky to be there and to do something I truly love (plan events + make people happy!) It's been busy, but really fun, challenging, and rewarding. I'm so happy!

- Our home is really feeling like home. It has for a while now, but revamping our patio was the icing on the cake and looks sooooo good (I am going to do some before & after photos in a post soon) We've still got some things to do here and there, but things are really coming together and we're loving it (did I mention it's a five minute walk from work?) Our next big project is doing some work to the bedroom to make it as pretty as the rest of the house.

- Wedded bliss! It's been over a year since Pete and I got married, and over NINE of us being together, and I just can't help but gush over him still. We spent the last two days relaxing (actually though), snuggling, walking, adventuring, cleaning, starting to plan our next trip (!!), and just having the best time. I am just so lucky to do life with someone so amazing.

- Catch me on Instagrammm if you want some more constant dedicated life updates :) - I hated stories at first and now I really love doing them. If you don't follow me then let's bee besties + make it happen @heyjulesxo - it's just so much easier to share little bits and pieces there.

& if you still read this little ol' blog, then thank you for not giving up on me! I will still be updating when I can and hopefully more often than I have been lately! I'm not going to lie, it is always on at least one of my "to-do-lists" hehe

xo

self love + smithery style!

o h      h e y    g o r g e o u s !!! 

It's me, Jules! I'm alive & well and keeping busy as a bee as per usual. I've been wanting to do this post for weeks but it was a very special one and something I did not want to rush!

In February I was lucky enough to be chosen by the incredible ladies from Smithery Style to take part in their Spring Photoshoot! I was beyond honoured to be asked to do this, and was so intrigued because of what Smithery is all about.

Self Love is a phrase I've been hearing a lot of lately, along with Self Care. They are both so important to living a happy, care free life in the skin you're in. This is definitely something important to me and something I've also struggled with for a long time. I've always been more of a curvy lady and on some days I embrace it and love it, and others I feel sad and disappointed with the way I look. It's definitely easier said than done to feel confident and proud of the way you look at times. Places like Smithery help women feel confident and proud about what they wear - and I just love that!

Mavis and Rena are the beautiful and inspiring women behind Smithery Style and I am beyond thankful I've connected with them and learned what their brand is all about. It was nice to try something new and step outside my usual fashion choices (dresses!)

You can use the Shape Finder on their website to find out your shape and learn more about the best, most flattering styles for you. I loved learning more about my shape and different pieces that would be a good fit for me. 

Who are Smithery? "We're a Canadian e-boutique where the best Go-To's for every body shape are curated, styled, and modeled on real women. As stylesmiths, we're taking the guesswork out of style, size, and fit by supplying the measurements for every model and every item in every size. Our favourite part? Each Smithery box comes with styling tips for your new finds."

When the ladies asked me to be a model for their Spring shoot, I was over the moon! I was so inspired by all the creative, sweet and inspiring women who were there that day! It was a full day of fun with pretty outfits, photography, laughs and confetti! I got to wear a number of different outfits (including PANTS which I never ever wear) I loved playing dress up, and trying new things.

We had such a blast and I left feeling better than ever. I got to meet lots of amazing (new) boss babes too, all these beautiful humans were a part of our wonderful day:

Leisse from Leisse Wilcox

Natalie from Nest Design Studio

Lisa from Le Dolci

Laurel from Mint Floral Co

Photos by Lauren Miller 

Hair by Aylin Carolina

This day and the whole experience was super uplifting. I am going to continue to embrace my curves and body and make taking care of myself and feeling (and looking) good a priority for me. I signed up for a gym membership and am taking weekly classes at work too. I've also been doing some meditating (which I am loving) and am just trying to spend more time relaxing, unwinding and being unplugged.

Oh, and the best part? I am offering you $20 OFF any purchase $100 or more - head to Smithery Style and use the code HEYJULES at check out! 

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

Work + Life Blog Post! My Full Time Job

Oh hello, and Happy Thursday! ♥

Something I always find interesting about bloggers is finding out about what they do for their full time jobs. I realize there are bloggers out there who blog full time, but for everyone else - it's something I really love to know!

You really feel like you get to know someone via their social media and blogs especially after you've been following them for a while. My full time job is pretty damn awesome, and something that I feel people would think reflects who I am (even if that means just knowing me from my blog or social media outlets)

One of my work besties Amy has started a series on her blog called Work + Life

"Work + Life is an interview series giving insight into career paths for non-traditional roles. When I was in school it was difficult to see what any chosen career path would really look like, and I barely knew the kinds of roles that existed in my field. This series gives a glimpse into the day-to-day life of work, uncovers the best (and worst) parts of the job, looks into personal career paths, and introduces us to driven people in interesting places."

For my full time job, I work at a student travel company in Toronto called I Love Travel and I am a "Culture Coordinator" AKA my main focus is making people happy, and spending my time interacting with staff members, planning fun events and parties, and always focusing on keeping the workplace a positive place to be. Here's a little piece of the intro Ames wrote about me (she is so darn sweet)

"Julie is one of my favourite people ever… she has such an infectious positivity and fierce humour that the first time I met her I knew that I needed to be her friend. We met while working together at the student travel company I Love Travel, where Julie is responsible for the hundreds of little things that turn ‘work’ into a place to grow, learn, and create lifelong friendships. She has been nicknamed “Julie Ross Christmas” for her love of the holiday, and she is so beloved at work that she gets marriage proposals regularly. Read on to hear which companies inspire her and some [good] advice on finding your dream job."

Read the full Work + Life post! + you can also follow Amy on Instagram!

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?

Celebrate Every Day - DIY Confetti Packets!

Well, Happy Sunday Beautiful! I hope your day was absolutely magical. I definitely had an awesome day (and weekend.) Over the past week I've realized a few things, and one of them is that every single day is a celebration. When it really comes down to it, not everything is ever going to be perfect, and maybe we don't always get everything that we want - but if you're healthy, and you've got a home, and a job, and people to love and people who love you...then you're truly lucky. Sometimes things need to happen for us to realize this, and it is always a good reminder.

Now, I am sure you've noticed that I really like celebrations! I like sparkles, and paper straws, pretty napkins, confetti, party hats, treats bags and any added touch to make a party special. I recently got a giant bag of sparkly confetti, and thought I really ought to make some confetti packets!

What you'll need:

• a giant bag of confetti
• mini clear goodie bags
• a stapler
• plain brown labels
• felt tip pen
• the will to cover your home in confetti

// took my giant bag of confetti, and stuffed each about three quarters full

// shake em off to get the confetti packed down and looking cute as can be

// fold bag in half and staple both sides down

// write a cute word or phrase on a label and stick it on!

// i usually add some washii tape over the top in the end too!

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