19 things to do in 2019

h e y   b e a u t i f u l

Well, I think we can all agree that the first two months of the year seem to of flown by! March is happening this upcoming week and I am all for it.

I am currently spending my Sunday at one of my favourite places in the city Make Lemonade ♥ - Rach has got an awesome new event called Side Hustle Sunday where she opens up her beautiful + inspiring space for a day of getting sh*t done. I am already so glad I'm here because I am definitely feeling those vibes.

Annnnd, I am proud of myself for having this list complete by the end of February! Ha! You may or may not know how much I love #goals in fact my post recent podcast episode is all about goals too.

So, here it is my loves! My 19 things to do in 2019 list! You know I will have like 30 other lists too, but this is a good start!

1. Make homemade pasta sauce
2. Switch my blog to squarespace (or a new platform)
3. Attend a creative conference
4. Watch the entire Mad Men series
5. Go on a road trip
6. Have 5 guests on Confetti Culture
7. Host friends over for brunch
8. Dye my hair a new colour
9. Host a cute AF giveaway
10. Complete my 19 cups of coffee challenge
11. Try 5 new cafes/restaurants in Toronto
12. Have a girls weekend away
13. Bake a cake
14. Finish #whishwedding scrapbook
15. Take a dance class in Toronto
16. Organize entire collection of photos
17. Fall in love with 5 new artist/bands/musicians
18. Get a tattoo in honour of my Uncle Al
19. Build a little outdoor garden oasis on our patio

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!

Oh heyyyyyy there! Happy Wednesday! Is it just me, or are the days and weeks flying by in literally seconds? It's insane. There's so much going on, and so many awesome things.

It's been a while since I've been able to give a little life update and just straight up chat about some great things, because why the heck not? The longer I've been blogging, the more I realize that it doesn't really matter what I post, as long as I'm happy with it. I think this kind of segment will be something I do more often, just sharing the love, ya know!?

And for that exact reason, I present to you some good f*cking things:

+ America by Childish Gambino - Ok, I just can't stop. I want to listen to this song all day everyday. I want to watch the video, I want to tweet at Childish Gambino, I want to shout from the rooftops "this song is everythingggg"

+ Toronto Flower Market - Ooooh baby. It's back, and there's even more than ever before. The Toronto Flower Market is honestly one of my favourite things about Spring/Summer in Toronto. Gimme all 'dem fresh flowers (and please let their be peonies!) I'm super excited to take my mom there this Saturday!

+ We're going to Montreal - I'm SO pumped for this. Pete and I are heading to Montreal for the long weekend and we couldn't be more excited. We've both never explored the city and we can't wait to wander around. We're taking the train there and then flying home, and will be eating a lot of bagels, poutine and drinking all of the coffee.

+ BBQ SZN - It's finally nice out in Toronto (knock on wood!) and Pete and I just filled the propane tank for the BBQ. It's only been a week and dinners have proven to be effing delicious and it feels like we have a world of options! I'm going to be sharing some fun recipes soon on the blog!

+ Buffalo + Hotel Henry - Pete and I headed to Buffalo for the day/night a few weeks ago for a little pick-me-up/Target run (lol) We found this super cool and trendy hotel to stay at there called "Hotel Henry" it was just gorgeous and had so much character and you should definitely stay there if and when you ever go to Buffalo.

+ Edit Seven - Tonight at the event I was at, I got to chat with the lovely Gracie Carroll for a long while. She's so awesome and I am so excited to follow along her new adventure at Edit Seven because my goodness is it ever a breath of fresh air and something we needed here in Toronto (and Canada!)

+ Last year my mom and I went on a little mother/daughter trip and it's becoming an annual thing because why the heck wouldn't it be? I am SO pumped because we're headed to The June Motel next month! (in June, how fitting!) I've wanted to check this gorgeous spot out since it opened and I am excited for a mini getaway with my #1 gal.

There you have it, life is good. SO GOOD! Hope you're having a lovely week!

18 for 2018.

H e l l o   M a y ! 

Um, what? As we enter the fourth month of the year, it seems appropriate that I finally share my 2018 goals, lolz. Leave it to me to be so specific that I needed to curate the perfect list.

As I mentioned in a previous post about the Happier podcast, I loved their "try this at home" for new years resolutions/goals. I always love making goals and lists but sometimes it can be tough when things are so general. For example, how do you cross off something like "drink more water" or "take more time to read". I'm one to really love physically crossing something off so this really spoke to me!

I will say this, and that is that I do have some other personal goals that I prefer not to share, but regardless - these are all things I do hope to accomplish this year.

A few things already got crossed off as this has been a work in progress clearly(!!!)

Anyway, HAPPY Spring! Did you make any goals for this year? If not, why not try 18 for 2018?!

jules' 18 things to do in 2018:
1. take a dance class

2. go to trivia night

3. make a #whishwedding scrapbook

4. get a massage

5. learn a song on ukele

6. go on a trip to montreal

7. revamp my blog

8. read 12 books (2/12)

9. meet baby ozzy

10. go to karaoke

11. get new glasses

12. go on a road trip

13. submit our wedding to a blog

14. colour my hair pastel pink

15. learn to read tarot cards

16. start my own podcast

17. get my nails done at her majesty's pleasure

18. go on a little weekend trip with my mama

for your rainy days!

Well, it's April 16th and it's still snowing, and freezing rain. Buttttt, here we are and as an eternal optimist I am hear to add a little sunshine into your gloomy days.

After a weekend of insane storms, crazy winds, snow, rain, hail and everything in between I had to get my sh*t together. After work today I braved the horrible weather to go get some cute af forest green rain booties, and a good, strong (and cute of course) umbrella.

// spring cleaning!
// go through those magazines you've had lying around
// read through cook books + mark some recipes to try
// do some baking
// listen to a podcast
// light some candles + meditate
// start that book you've been meaning to start
// re-arrange a room in your place to add a little spark to it
// have a movie marathon for some of your favourite flicks
// write a letter or a card (send snail mail)
// organize/go through your photos
// leave the house for a coffee (because that little break is actually so nice
// get inspired by some new blogs to follow
// listen to an old album that brings back great memories
// delete photos on your phone + laptop (+ back them up!)
// make a pot of tea, and relax with a couple cups
// buy fresh flowers (because when is this not the best idea ever?)
// colour in that cute colouring book you bought a while ago
// re-paint or spruce up an old piece of furtniture
// start a donation bag of old clothes, books, etc
// snuggle, cuddle, bundle up (live that hygge life)
// stay in your jammies all day, duh!

happy birthday to my boo (toronto)

h a p p y   b i r t h d a y ,

t o r o n t o !!!

Today is Toronto's birthday! My favourite city, and the place I call home. I love this city and feel beyond lucky to of been able to call it home for the past ten years! As soon as I was ready to live on my own, Toronto was where I wanted to be. In High School I'd take the go train downtown and walk around the city, shop, and admire the excitement of such a vibrant and diverse city.

I love Toronto for a lot of reasons. I've always been a city girl, and I am so thankful my hubby happens to share the love of city life as much as I do. We both love Toronto and are excited to stay living in the city rather than the suburbs. It's such a special city and we love to explore it together.

I love to share little bits and pieces of my love of Toronto on this blog and my Instagram for y'all! & I thought I'd do a little round up of some of my favourite Toronto posts today in honour of my boo's birthday today:

// leslie street spit:

// baddies:

// toronto flower market:

// make lemonade:

// kensington market :

// drake general store:

 // crown flora :

// v d e v maison :

// anice jewellery :

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

hello february + monthly goals!

Hooray! It's Februaryyyyy! ♥

I have to say, I really love February. It's a good month! Of course, I love it because it's Valentine's day, which is in my top 3 favourite holidays (lolol) but overall it's just good vibes.

We've got a really fun, jam packed month and a lot to look forward to which is always lovely. I started off the month right with an intense Krav Maga (self defense) class at work and I'm feeling really great. 

I used to always post my monthly goals on here and I thought it'd be fun to get these going again. They may be small, but it's all about the little things. So, here we go.

february goals:

+ Send some surprise valentines in the mail

+ Roll out my new blog layout - ooh la la, so excited

+ Spread some anonymous love around Toronto

+ Have a galentines day party with my bffs

+ Have a self-love/self-care day

+ Read The Sun & Her Flowers

+ Watch my favourite classic rom-coms

+ Plan a special surprise for my (very handsome) and funny valentine

happy new year + 2018 goals

Oh hello there, Happy Sunday and Happy New Year! It's been a while (oops) but I am beyond excited to be back in action and (hopefully) getting back into the habit of posting here regularly.

So, every year I make goals for the upcoming year! It's actually one of my favourite things to do. I've never been one for resolutions, but the idea of coming up with a list of things you want to try, explore or achieve has always been appealing to me! Esp since I am a list enthusiast ♥

This list is a work in progress and I am sure there will be plenty more to add in the coming weeks, but for now I'm happy to share what I've got. My list is of general goals, some habits, some dreams, and some that are things to do more often or try out.

I will say this too, that there are definitely some more personal goals I don't share on my blog or social media but are things I also hope to accomplish but like to keep to myself.


2  0  1  8     G  O  A  L  S  //
Book a massage or ten (finally!)
Get new glasses
Plan a girls weekend getaway trip
Get my blog re-done and give er' a little update
Try bullet journaling
Learn a song on Ukelele
Take a dance class
Read (at least) 12 books this year
Visit Carly and meet baby Ozzy
Take some classes/courses with my work learning credit
Practice meditation
Host a games night at our house
Cook more, try new recipes
Have more dinners at home with Pete
Listen to more podcasts
Write more letters
Eat more fruits and veggies
Plan our next trip/adventure
Do all the California blog posts I've got planned!
Do more hand lettering
Start putting delicious fruit in my water
Post on "cute by jules" Instagram more often
Explore new neighbourhoods and areas of Toronto
Go to Body Blitz for a spa day
Get a manicure at Her Majesty's Pleasure
Go to the movies more often
Do something cute & creative with all the prints/photos I have
Apply to get our wedding featured on a blog (I keep saying this!)
Post on my blog more often
Re-connect with old friends and make time to see them
Back up all my IPhone & IPhoto pictures
Practice more self-care and self-love
Take time every week to relax and re-charge

After getting caught up on my favourite podcast "Happier" I am also going to do another type of goal list for the year! On the podcast, they talked about doing 18 in 2018! 18 goals + things to do this year that can be checked off once completed. So instead of saying "I want to start taking more time to read" you could say "I want to read the book of Lykke" since that can be crossed off! I really loved this idea and am going to take some items from my above list and add some more to make my 18 in 2018 list. ♥ I am excited to have lots more awesome stuff to add.

Are you setting goals or making any lists for 2018?!

My Christmas To-Do-List!

It's the MOST wonderful timeeee of the year. ♥ Ok, can you even believe it? Christmas is less than a month away! Ooh boy it's going to be a good one. We've got a jam packed schedule of amazing things, and then on boxing day we're heading to California! ♥ Omg, so exciteddd :)

This Christmas is extra special (aren't they all!?) Because it's our first Christmas in our house! We moved in just after Christmas last year! I've done lots of decorating and this week we'll be getting our tree. I love real trees so much and am so excited to get ours and decorate it

Alright, so here it is..my Christmas to do list:
+ Get festive specials!
+ Go look at the Christmas windows at The Bay
+ Go see ELF, the musical
+ Watch Home Alone & Home Alone 2 in sequence
+ Order a plan cheese pizza ;)
+ Host our annual Christmas party
+ Have a baking day & make lots of delicious treats
+ Get a real tree & decorate it!
+ Go to the Toronto Christmas Market
+ Make our own Egg Nog! (yasss please)
+ Host our 8th annual Bestie Secret Santa at our place
+ Make our own homemade baileys
+ Do some hand lettering to Christmas quotes
+ Spread some anonymous Christmas love around Toronto
+ Go to the Evergreen Winter Market
+ Make a gingerbread house with Ivy & Jimmy
+ Do Christmas craftsssss
+ Get cute Christmas cards made
+ Volunteer over the holidays
+ Make a fresh Christmas wreath for our front door
+ Make a delicious Christmas punch
+ & Mail out lots of Christmas cards to friends & fam near and far
+ Watch alllll of my favourite Christmas movies (that's a lot)
+ Go to St.Lawrence Market
+ Make some DIY gifts
+ Drink lots of delicious hot toddies
+ Have a sleepover with the fam!
+ Go see the Christmas tree at Nathan Phillip's Square
+ Go on a Peppermint Mocha date
+ Go to some Christmas markets & craft shows
+ Go ice skating at an outdoor rink
+ Snuggle, obviously

tips & tricks for busy bees

Well, it's no secret that I've always got a lot on the go and this Summer it seems like it's been crazier than ever! I am using this post partly as a way to remind myself of all these things.

The one crazy thing about Summer is that there is not only so much happening on the weekends, but the week days are just as jam packed! I'm definitely feeling that this Summer. I've done similar posts to this before, but it's something I always like to chat about so here's another. Below are a few of my tips & tricks to stay organized with a crazy and chaotic schedule ♥

c h o o s e   y o u r  "d a y   o f f"

I generally do my best to always have one day out of the week where I don't make any plans. Normally it's Monday, because for me that just makes the most sense and feels right with my schedule. I use Monday's as my day to catch up, plan for the week ahead and relax. This at least guarantees me one ~chill~ night a week too!

w r i t e   i t   a l l   d o w n

I use my bando paper planner to keep track of everything! I've always been one to use a paper planner vs. my iphone for stuff like this. As soon as anything pops up in my schedule I put it in my planner right away. Also, since Pete and I are always filling our schedule with fun plans, I also use a monthly calendar for us and put it up on the fridge to see all our plans in front of us. This has been clutch for keeping track!

t h i n k    a h e a d

Lately I've been all about planning waaaaay ahead, to the point where it seems silly! But, it's nice to be able to make time for everything (ok, most things) and this seems to be the trick. So when there doesn't seem to be any time for certain things in the near future, why schedule it for down the road. It's also wonderful to have lots to look forward to!

t a k e   t i m e   t o   d o   n o t h i n g

This is one I am not always the best at, but am definitely trying to improve on! The past two weekends we had weddings, both of which I was day of coordinating. Since I knew they'd be crazy busy and tiring, I made sure the rest of our weekend was extremely low key and relaxing. We did this both weekends and I have to say it was beyond amazing. I will definitely be more mindful of this and make it a regular thing.

n e v e r   s t o p   w r i t i n g   l i s t s

I actually would not be able to live my life without lists! It's probably one of my favourite activities (hahaha) But, for real - #listlove, I've got a notebook for my daily/weekly to-do lists and such, one for work, one for wedding planning & a few more here and there and in between. I most definitely wouldn't be nearly as organized as I am without all my lists!

hello summer! + to-do list!

Oh hello there strangers! Happy Sunday (+ Happy Prideeeeee!)

So I just realized it's been 20 days since my last blog post, oh my! Well I guess I don't need to explain that the past few months have been insanely busy (but just wonderful) and it's finally Summer. Feels like it's taking forever in Toronto this year. So here we are, a few days into Summer and it's already been justtttt amazing. I've been putting this list together for a few months and will probably keep adding to it, I've actually already done a few of them but wanted to share!

Hopefully I can squeeze in some more blogging this Summer too! 

The Hey Jules Summer To-Do List!:

• bike to sugar beach
• revamp our patio
• go to the leslieville flea
• host an awesome canada 150 bash
• get a new cute bike
• learn to bbq delicious food
• go to cherry beach
• celebrate toronto pride
• try out a new spot for patio drinks
• bike rides & baseball at christie pits
• read 3 books
• make delicious sangria
• try a new fitness class
• have a picnic in the park
• re-watch stranger things (probs on rainy days)
• get fresh goodies from a farmer's market
• go to the toronto flower market
• go to a outdoor concert
• try meditating outside
• do a diy project for our house
• go to a new fitness class
• make a delicious fruit based dessert

2017 Digital Cleanse!

d  i  g  i  t  a  l      c  l  e  a  n  s  e

Well, as soon as the new year start my mind gets filled with new, creative, fun ideas as well as things I'd love to improve or change. I don't like to call them resolutions, but more so GOALS.

A new year is a perfect time for a fresh start, and I truly love a fresh start. These aren't my 2017 goals, but are some things I've been thinking about doing for myself, and thought it would be good and useful to share with you all as well.

I really want to get organized for the year, and my 2017 goals will be up here soon I promise. Some of which will include social media related goals, but also spending time away from it more often.

For now, here are some of my 2017 digital cleanse ideas for y'all to start the year off right!

Finally accept that iPhone update, giiiiirl!
Ok, it's time. I've been ignoring this message for MONTHS and now I need to step up and just accept it. I really hate change (in some ways) and I tend to avoid iPhone updates as I fear things are going to change so much and I won't like the new changes. But, the fact of the matter is, it needs to happen eventually annnnnd more often than not it takes like one day to get used to it. So, there you have it, you heard it here first - I am going to do the update for my phone.

Delete photo's from your iPhone!
if you're anything like me you take anywhere from 10-30 photo's of the same thing before getting that perfect instagram worthy shot! This fills up your phone with photo's at a rapid rate. I am taking my own advice because I currently have 10,351 photo's on my phone. YES, that's TEN THOUSAND (lol, i've got lots of work to do!) And while you're at it, back up the phones on to a usb or your computer! I do not do this enough and if something happened to my phone I would be devastated. Ok, I am going to do this too, I swear.

Clear out that email inbox (or those if you've got more than one!)
This feels so good and is so necessary. Go through and archive, delete or file your emails to clean out dat inbox! Sadly, I have a few unanswered emails here and there on my accounts. Mostly stuff that came in over the holidays that I didn't get around to. It's always nice to go in to each account, and just clear our your inbox to start the year off fresh and on the right foot!

Unsubscribe from newsletters/brands you don't care about!
I do this every year and it's so wonderful. I feel like after a while every time I check my email(s) I am constantly deleting and archiving emails I simply do not care about. It just clogs up my inbox and
I am just opening up to an inbox filled with spammy newsletters and sales. I just sticking to the ones I really love and actually enjoy reading.

Find new blogs, websites, + instagram accounts that inspire you!
This is something I really want to take some extra time to do this year! I honestly love finding new, creative, wonderful, inspiring people to connect with on the internet. In some ways the digital world can be really overwhelming and overpowering, but it's also so damn great. I have made so many positive connections with people online and it's just so cool. I want to continue to connect with really great people, who inspire me and keep me a creative gal who wants to continue to learn and be better.

My Christmas Bucket List

Happy Sunday Darlin's

Pete and I had a JAM PACKED weekend of fun! We are relaxing now after a very productive little Sunday, the best day of the week ♥

So, you guys know me and my love of lists, goals and writing things down - and one thing I always like to do is make a christmas bucket list! It's all hustle and bustle during my favourite season, so I always like to make time to do some of my favourite things.

Here are a few snaps of this years list, I've already knocked a few off so far, and can't wait to continue on with the fun.

Setting goals can be really rewarding and refreshing. I like to actually write them out and physically cross them or check them off the list once complete! I generally always post my current goals up in my craft room and then also list them on the side of my blog, so that I can hold my self accountable!

Here are some of my Christmas goals ♥ :

• Host a Christmas party!
• Make mulled wine!
• Get Festive Specials!
• Go Skating (outside!)
• See "The Night Before"!
• Have a Christmas baking day!
• Send Christmas snail mail
• Have a Christmas movie marathon!
• Participate in a Christmas card swap!
• Buy 3 gift from local artists/vendors!
• Go to the Toronto Christmas Market!
• Have a Christmas craft day!
• Post anonymous love around Toronto!
• Watch Home Alone & order a plain cheese pizza!
• Take a friend out for Pepermint Mochas!
• Mail out all of our Christmas cards!

Do you have a list of Christmasy things you want to do this year?