things to do when it's cold af outside

h a p p y    m o n  d a y

// It's really, really cold (and snowy!) in Toronto. Today felt like -20 and we're still in the process of getting a big snowfall. Not gonna lie, in some ways I really love it! But, I've gotta say - I am truly enjoying these cozy, chilly, calm moments at home during the dark days of winter.

Every day that passes by I'm reminded of all the things to do during these frigid cold days. We had a very chill, but productive weekend and I feel like it was truly the perfect mix of relax + get sh*t done. The cold had me thinking of a post to share about 25 things to do when it's v cold out:

1. have one seriously magical bubblebath
2. spend time looking through your cookbooks
3. play a board game, or several!
4. go through old photos + organize them
5. put together a surprise package to send to someone you love
6. have a tea party, and why not add cookies?
7. listen to old CD's/albums and ~feel~ that nostalgia
8. stay in your PJ's and read a good book
9. bake something delicious you've always wanted to make
10. discover (and fall in love) with some new podcasts
11. re-watch your favourite movies
12. have a friends marathon (let's be honest, this is good for all seasons)
13. invite a pal over for an inspiration/crafty session
14. make a french press of coffee and keep filling her up
15. visit a coffee shop in your hood with a notebook and good book
16. marie kondo your home and do a good little purge
17. make a beautiful, delicious charcuterie board
18. call your mom/dad/grandma/grandpa/old friend/bestie
19. make a list of goals + dreams
20. do research to plan your next trip/big adventure
21. pamper yourself by doing your nails, face masks, and beyond
22. go for a (little) walk to get some fresh air/get out of the house
23. take some photo's in the beautiful, bright sunlight
24. get crafty and create something, because that's the best
25. light some candles/palo santo, and meditate +/or find your zen

tell me something good + happy november

g  o  o  d     t  h  i  n  g  s

Happy first day of November! I've been getting in the habit of doing little updates more often and it's been lovely. So much happens between my posts and it's nice to kinda share some love and fun about what's happening in my life.

Here are some good things to share with y'all:

// Cali Love - Pete and I are in planning mode and are so pumped. We've booked our flights, car, and places to stay for most destinations and I am honestly beyond excited to go back to California! More about our trip and plan coming soon!

// Podcastin' - On Monday I took a fun workshop on launching a podcast. Yes, I already have one but there is so much more to learn and that really inspired me to get my sh*t together and there are lots of exciting things to come.

// #BOOKS - I am SO excited because this weekend I am going to the Penguin Books Warehouse sale with my big bros. My brother Dave works at Penguin and is taking us. Books are cheap cheap cheap and I am gong to stock up for the winter and for gifts too!

// Target - Ohhhh baby. I have no words to describe how excited I am to go to Target. I am heading there next weekend with my bffs and I can't wait for a girls road trip and trip to Buffalo featuring several Target locations (we're obsessed)

// Netflix - Ok I know Halloween is over but if you like scary stuff, you should definitely watch The Haunting Of Hill House. Pete and I watched it and I personally thought it was SO good. But also really really really scary so don't say I didn't warn you!

// Hygge Sundays - Now that it's officially fall weather and the days are getting shorter and it's all chilly out, it's time for hygge season! Pete and I are starting a new thing where Sundays are hygge days! We drink coffee, clean, make dinner, get cozy, and enjoy perfectly lovely and quiet moments together.

cosy bedroom vibes with parabo press

Ohhh baby, fall is finally here. Not sure about where you live, but here in Toronto September-October is this kinda awkward time where none of us know if it's going to be hot af or starting to get chilly. We had some really random hot days in October that served no purpose other than to truly confuse the heck out of all of us!

But, it seems as though fall is finally here, in fact the last few days have really been quite chilly. I'm talkin' time to wear slippers inside and put extra blankets on the bed kinda chilly.

We're getting our home ready for hygge season and that means little new additions and ways to switch it up and make sure we're even cosier than ever before.

Pete and I were trying to decide what to put above our bed. We knew we needed some sort of print or photo but couldn't decide. After looking through some photos of last years trip to Joshua Tree we realized that was the *exact* print that would be perfect for our above our bed (so we can dream about Joshua Tree every night, obviiiiii)

As soon as we decided on the photo to get printed, I hit up my favourite place to print beautiful photos - Parabo Press! What a dream. And since I am such a visual, crafty, kitschy kind of gal I still absolutely love to get actual prints made. Nowadays it's so tough to even find a place that prints photos, and this is a way to not only do that, but do it from your own home (while in your jammies!)

I'm always beyond excited to receive my prints from Parabo and this was no different. The packaging is beautiful and so unique and the quality of the photos are top notch. This print turned out perfectly and it was just what our room needed. 

If you've been saying forever that you want to get some prints done, then let's make it happen! You can use my code HEYXO for 25% off your prints // offer valid until October 31st!

HAPPY PRINTING, BABES!

looking for lykke

LYKKE ;;

THE DANISH SEARCH FOR THE WORLD'S HAPPIEST PEOPLE.

If you've been reading my blog or following me for a while, then you know my love for Hygge & Happiness. You can read my post if you don't know about Hygge yet, but *basically* it's about creating a quiet, cosy, sweet life with those you love most. It's really just an experience that is so simply and easy to create.

When Meik Wiking announced his book (I loved the Little Book Of Hygge) I obviously knew I'd want to read it. Not only that, but last Fall Meik did a talk and book signing in Toronto and I got to meet him (!!!) Tried to keep my chill, obvs. Meik is the CEO at The Happiness Research Institute. How f*cking cool is that? He was obviously so wonderful and very kind.

This book did not disappoint. The Little Book Of Lykke (pronounced "Lou-ga") is a true quest for happiness and it's a breath of fresh air, if you will. This book is a hunt for finding out how to live a wonderful life. So, as I read it (during our trip to California) I highlighted my favourite parts or some snippets and quotes I knew I'd want to share with you all.

I'm all about spreading and sharing happiness hacks, trips and tips with anyone I possibly can. Meik has a passion for happiness that excites me so much!

And, I promise to continue #Look4Lykke everywhere I go - but for now, I'll share some of my favourite snipets from The Book Of Lykke by Meik Wiking ♥ (ALSO! Meik, chat with meeeee, I'm really happy I swear. lol)

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"Let's put a positive spin on the phrase "If you want to see something, say something. If you see something that increases the happiness of you, your community or the world as a whole, talk about it, write about it, film it, photograph it - pass it on"

"What we at the Happiness Research Institute and the World Happiness Report find is that the happiest countries have a strong sense of community, and the happiest people have someone they can rely on in times of need. That is why there is no coincidence that Danes are not only amongst the happiest people in the world but are also among the ones who meet most often with their friends and family and trust that their friends will catch them if they fall"

"Think of a time when you felt happy or - feel free to tone it down a bit - a time you felt good, or laughed or smiled. Bring that memory to mind and try to remember the details of the situation"

"Expect and understand that reaching your goal might make you happy - but only for a while. We continuously raise the bar for what we want or feel we need in order to be happy. Getting your book published will make you happy for a while, and then you adjust your ambition to hitting the Sunday Times best seller list, becoming a global phenomenon."

"Across cultures, there seems to be one thing that all parents wish for their children: good health. Good health enables us to play, to seek out adventures, to pursue happiness."

"No people can be truly happy if they do not feel hat they are choosing the course of their life" - World Happiness Report 2012

"If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap. If you want happiness for a day - go fishing. If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else" (Chinese Proverb)

"There is an important word in Brazil, simpatico. It refers to a range of desirable social qualities - to be friendly, nice, agreeable and good natured, a person who is fun to be with and pleasant to deal with. It is a social quality. Brazilians want to be seen as simpatico.

8 Happiness Tips:

1) Eat like the French - create rituals of food and fire.

Make time to eat. Reclaim your lunchtime and sit with friends, family, colleagues, and enjoy eating your food slowly and with company.

2) Do it like the Dutch - Celebrate Neighbours Day

Make the effort to speak to your neighbours. Meet them for a coffee, help them in the shared garden or just stop to chat the next time you see then

3) Create critical analogue mass

Encourage your friends and family to have tech-free periods during the week, avoid the temptation to check your phone, and detox digitally.

4) Move more each day
Built more movement into your daily routine: take the stairs, have a meeting while going for a walk and park as far away from the supermarket entrance as possible

5) Start talking about mental health
Next time you ask someone how they are doing, have a real interest in their answer and do no accept fine"

6) Smile and chat to strangers
Hand out smiles and friendly remarks. They are free.

7) Don't ask, just help
Bypass the whole "Let me know if there is anything I or we can do thing. You know what to do.

8) Become a Raktvist
Start doing little Random Acts of Kindness

Hygge Sunday Playlist

Hello Sunday ♥

It's been a lovely, chill, hygge weekend over here. Pete and I are snuggled up on the couch watching a new show on Netflix (Seven Seconds) and I was reminded of some chill tunes I wanted to share.

In the spirit of cosy, chilly, quiet days. Here are some of my favourite ~zen like~ jams:

1. Skinny Love by Bon Iver
2. Simple Song by The Shins
3. Blue Moon by Beck
4. Heart of Gold by Neil Young
5. Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton
6. Brandy Alexander by Feist
7. Wildflowers by Tom Petty
8. Gravity by Joh Mayer
9. The Girl by City & Colour
10. The Weekend by SZA
11. Million Reasons by Lady Gaga
12. Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing - Marvin Gaye

valentine's day + netflix lovin'

h   e   l   l   o      m   o   n   d   a   y   ! ! !

It's love week, and if you know me then you know that I love love and Valentine's Day ♥ (a lot)

I thought it would be fun to do a little round up of shows and movies all about loveeeee! So, I've always liked Valentine's Day because regardless if you are in a relationship, I've always taken this as an opportunity to celebrate love of all kinds!

So, these are all movies or shows that are currently on Netflix (Canada) that I've watched and liked loved. Some are traditionally about love, and some are about different kinds of love. Love is love and it's beautiful in all forms!

Here's to a week filled with all of the love (and maybe some netflix, popcorn & a cosy blanket)

Here are sixteen shows or movies with the same common theme;   L O V E ♥

Drinking Buddies // Prob one of my fave movies of recent years! Olivia Wilde + Jake Johnson=♥

Forgetting Sarah Marshall // This one always makes me laugh and has the best cast.

About Time // This was such a sweet movie, and Rachel McAdams is so dreamy.

Beginners // Pete and I absolutely love this movie. I find it heart breakingly sweet.

Wedding Crashers // I've seen it tons of times and it still holds up as being awesome.

The Notebook // How can I not include this one? Gives me all the feels.

Sixteen Candles // One of my favourite classic movies. Teenage love at it's all time high.

Finding Dory // I remember sobbing when I saw this in theatres, a perfect love story about family.

Band Aid // Absolutely LOVED this one. Made me lol and was just such a fun story.

50 First Dates // This is such a sweet movie and Drew Barrymore is (always) so friggin' cute.

Love // Modern day love story with cute hipsters who are stylish and cute in every way.

This Is Us // I have no words to describe the amount of love that this show displays.

Love Actually // Christmas + endless love stories, what' not to love?

He's Just Not That Into You // This is a classic rom-com that I tend to watch over and over.

Master Of None // Aziz Ansari is love. Adore the entire cast and the vibes of this show.

The F Word // An adorable love story (that is filmed in Toronto) so double the love.

filling your home with hygge!

Ok, so it seems as though fall is finalllllllllly here to stay (for the most part) and as a hygge enthusiast, I could not be more excited! ♥

If you haven't heard me talk about hygge before (first of all, where have you been?!) and also you can read a bit more here on my previous post. 

Also, here is a definition that I took from the Visit Denmark website.

"Hygge is as Danish as pork roast and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that’s hygge too. There's nothing more hygge than sitting round a table, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world?"

To me, hygge means being cosy with people I love. Being wrapped in a blanket, reading a book, putting on a warm pair of socks, watching snow slowly fall, lighting candles all around our house, laughing, drinking coffee, tea or a cup of hot chocolate. It means playing a board game, sitting outside when it's a bit chilly, having friends over for dinner and drinks, being snuggled up with my husband. It's about enjoying every moment you have, with everything you've got.

& since hygge season is in full effect come fall & winter, here are a few things to do to stock your home with that hygge kind of feeling:

- blankets

- sweaters

- books & magazines

- candles, all the candlessss

- flowers

- coffee & tea, hot chocolate (and let's say wine too!)

- a fire (if that's an option!)

- cosy jammies

- board games

- warm socks

We've got a busy week or two here but then things slow down a bit. & before we know it, Christmas will be here again (two months tomorrow!) So, I've got so many hyyge plans in the works!

oh hello, september!

Well, would you look at that? All the sudden Summer is basically over and we're saying hello to September. What? How?! For realz?!

Even though I absolutely positively LOVE fall, I am still sad to see Summer go. It's been a really really busy & awesome one! It also seems like it was gone in a flash. I feel like we did so much and such a great variety of stuff. 

Labour day weekend is upon us and want to know why I'm extra excited? We're finally going to RELAX & spend some time at home in our city! We've had so many cottage weekends and plans outside the city that we haven't got to spend much time in Toronto this Summer. It's also been so crazy busy with work and other things that Pete and I haven't been able to spend much time together - so I am extra happy to spend time with him.

So, now let's talk about September. Definitely one of my favourrrite months of the year. Here are five reasons why I love September, and why you should too! 

September is like January 2.0. It's a great excuse for a fresh start, and a time to make some happy, and exciting changes, make some goals and get on track. I've always looked at September in this way even after being done school. I love that feeling of a new season, a fresh start and an excuse to get on track, make lots of lists and have things to look forward to.

HYGGE! (hoo-ga) If you don't know about hygge yet, read my blog post about it and get researchinghhg. As the weather changes and it gets cooler out, I love the feeling of getting cosy, lighting candles, unplugging, spending time with family and friends and just enjoying every moment big & small that life has to offer.

I love Summer but I find it can be overwhelming with all that's going on. Not only were our weekends booked up with fun plans and events, but more often that not, during the week we had plans as well! As things wind down, I am beyond excited to be able to spend more time to relax (even if that means just during the week) This is something I am always working on and trying to make sure I am making time for.

If you haven't noticed, all planners start in August/September which not only means it's time for a cute new planner (lol), but also it's time to get organized and start filling in special dates and things that will be happening in coming months. I love the feeling of putting all important dates in my planner & calendar and getting on track for fall and dare I say it....the holidays!

Now that we've got our own home, I have to remind myself to enjoy it! Summer is filled with park hangs, patios, the beach, cottages and everywhere in-between. September & fall is the perfect time to enjoy cosy nights at home. Looking forward to cooking meals together (seems like it hasn't happened in forever!), cleaning and organizing our home, chillin' with my hubby, enjoying our patio and just enjoying the cosiness of our home.

all about hygge + how it's changed my life!

Happy (Snowy) Friday, Darlin's ♥

So, my guess is by now...at some point in time, you have heard or read about Hygge (pronounced Hoo-Ga) and if you haven't? well you've come to the right place!

So, about a year ago my brother Joe started talking to me about this thing called "Hygge" and being a classic little sister I was all "okayyyy bro sounds cool whatevs" - my brother had said that I needed to learn more about it, because it was totally "me". He mentioned it a bunch more times until I finally took some time to read about and learn that OMG, this was totallllllly my jam.

Hygge is about sharing special moments with special people. It's about being cosy, about staying home, about enjoying every moment. It's about the little things in life, cosying up in a blanket and drinking a delicious coffee (or tea!) it's about spending time with people who you love that make you truly happy. It's about living your (best) most cosy life.

I read the little book of hygge - the danish way to live well by Meik Wiking and it was just magic. It further confirmed that Hygge is a way of life that is veryyyyy Jules!

This is my first Hygge post of many more to come! But for now, I hope you will learn a little something about this Danish way to live well

Here's a little description of Hygge from the book - "Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down. You may be having an endless conversation about the small or big things in life - or just be comfortable in each other's silent company - or simply just be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea."

We're having the most hygge weekend ever this weekend. Starting with today! I'm currently snuggled up on the couch with a blanket while the snow is falling down outside! I'm going to make a coffee, read my book and then make dinner for Pete and I. Below are a few photo's from our new house and how cosy & hygge it is:

Happy New Year + Hello 2017!

Oh hello there and Happy 2017 to all you beautiful humans.

I can't believe 2017 is finally here. I'm not gonna lie,. 2016 was a really really great year for me, and I almost feel guilty. A lot of things happened in 2016 that were not great, some things absolutely horrible..but lots of good things happened too!

And you guys know me, I'm not one to dwell on the things that sucked or were horrible, but more so focus on the really lovely, happy, wonderful things that happened instead.

I plan on doing a full wrap up of 2016 post soon, and also my favourite posts from the year! But for now I will do a quick glimpse in to the awesomeness that happened this year ♥

• My besties surprised me with my ticket to Vegas!
• Was treated to the most magical wedding shower(s)!
• Went to Vegas for 5 days for my bachelorette with my bestest friends!
• Did SOOOO many (sparkly) DIY's!
• GOT MARRIED TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!
• Went on the most amazing Honeymoon to Spain & England!
• Celebrated Toronto PRIDE as always!
• Experienced so many amazing cottage weekends!
• Went to a bunch of really awesome events in Toronto!
• Bought lots of fresh flowers at the Toronto Flower Market!
• Drank lots of cider at Toronto Beerfest!
• Spent lots of happy sunny time hanging out in Bellwoods!
• Went on a (reallyyyy) fun road trip to Pittsburgh with Pete, my bro Dave & Mikey!
• Went to a total of five weddings! 
• Got to be a bridesmaid for the 7th time!
• Got to MC a wedding for the 3rd time!
• Got a new job!
• Started getting reaaaaally in to #hygge!
• Had such a lovely, magical, special Christmas!
• WE BOUGHT OUR FIRST EVER HOUSE, in Toronto!

As I write this I am cosy on our couch with my hubby, watching Top Chef. I still can't believe we have our own house, and I cannot wait to share photo's soon. We'll be spending a lot of time in the next few months getting settled in to our home and I could not be happier to just spend time with Pete, and really relax and recharge.

2016 wrap up and 2017 goals coming soon!

Hygge Themed Gift Guide

Oh hello my loves! I was able to sneak in this blog post tonight after one amazingly crazy busy weekend! Knocked a lot more things of my Christmas to-do list :) 12 more days!

So, I haven't been able to share much about this on my blog yet, but one of my favourite things in life right now is something called Hygge ♥ (and I have a feeling you will love it soon too)

"In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that’s hygge too. There's nothing more hygge than sitting round a table, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are the happiest people in the world?"

I decided to share a Hygge inspired gift guide for you all!:

1. The little book of Hygge by Penguin Books - I started reading this and I am already SO in to it. I have been so busy lately that I haven't had much time for reading but once we are moved in to our new place I will be getting cosy in my jammies and reading the whole thing

2. Muskoka Campfire Candle from Smells like Canada - I know the lovely and talented gal responsible for these amazing creations. Natalie is awesome and she hand makes all of these candles from her own home! Not only are they Canadian AF but they smell SO good. Candles are also the most hygge thing ever.

3. The cosiest reading socks ever from Chapters! I know the idea of getting specific socks for reading is crazy, but when it's -20 and you're trying to stay warm inside, these will make you so so happy.

4. The most delicious coffee with an awesome mug to match from Calgary Heritage Roasting Co! I love these guys, and not only are they ridiculously handsome, but they make some SERIOUSLY delicious coffee, not to mention some really wonderful merch.

5. Some wonderful (and beautiful) tea from Sloane Tea! I love Sloane Tea especially because the tins are literally just so gorgeous. After you drink up and feel warm and cosy, you can use your 

6. Matches in a jar from Urban Outfitters - Because let's be honest, how cute are matches in general? And very Hygge! I have a little jar of them and I love the way they look styled on a book shelf. They are perfect to the light your hygge candles to get you feeling cosy to the max.