hello september + some goals

September is here, yes please!

I've always loved September. Something about that back to school feeling (even when you're not going back to school) feels so lovely. This Summer was really awesome, and flew by in a hot minute that's for sure. But as you can imagine, this girl is ready for fall - my favourite season.

Since we were up at the cabin last weekend, the first few days of September kinda slipped through the cracks. I am looking forward to some more down time in the next few weeks, especially this weekend because I plan to putter around the house, stay cosy and chill.

It's still Summer, and hot damn does it feel like it in Toronto. I am very very much looking forward to things winding down, the chilly sweater weather gracing us, and more cosy, snuggly days in our home with my babe and a coffee + a candle.

It's been a while since I've done my monthly goals and I thought it'd be fun to bring them back for a limited time only (lol)

SEPTEMBER:
+ record two more episodes on my podcast
+ read two books!
+ schedule time to do nothing
+ clean out my closet (and donate at least one bag of clothes)
+ start planning out our schedule & fun for christmas time (never too early obvi)
+ start some christmas shopping
+ order some new prints online
+ start planning our next trip!
+ bake something delicious

18 for 2018 update!

Hiiiiiiiii

So, it seems as though all of the sudden we're (more than) half way through the year! Woah! Annnnd, I made some goals the complete this year. After listening to one of my favourite podcasts "Happier" they talked about making specific attainable goals that you could cross off list. Instead of "eat healthier", one of your goals could be "try a new fitness class"

I came up with my 18 for 2018, some of which were big, fun things and some of which were little things. I have completed half so far but still have a ways to go!

A few of these are really in the works right now, like start my own podcast (I've got a name, and a plan and am hoping it's out very soon), I have been trying to spend more time reading and have read some awesome books, I got a book on learning to read tarot cards & have the cards!

Things have been kinda mayhem lately so doing anything in addition to what I already have on the go seems a bit unrealistic. Trying to take things one day at a time and crush it, and of course schedule some time to do nothing too.

Here's my list and what I've completed so far.  Montreal was lovely, my massage was good (but hurt quite a bit lol), I am loving the look of my blog right now, went to karaoke and sang some awesome tunes, got some cute new glasses, went on a road trip (to buffalo with my babe), have been rocking the pastel pink hair and am loving, got my nails did, and went on another amazing weekend trip with my mama.

Life is great!

18 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 (5/12)

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 weekend trip with my mom

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?!

f a l l . g o a l s

Well, it's officially fall even though it's close to 40 degrees out here in Toronto (woof)

I am so excited for it to cool down and for things to finally start feeling cosy and cool, as we approach my favourite time of year (fall - Christmas, what a dream!)

You guys know me, I always need to get my goals down! Here's what I have so far and I will add to it as we go, especially as soon we this sticky hot weather leaves us ;)

- make a delicious meal in the crock pot
- read two books
- publish five blog posts
- make hot toddies
- do a gallery wall in our room
- make our home the most hygge ever
- have coffee & baileys on our patio
- stock up on fall candles
- go to the one-of-a-kind show with my bff
- watch when harry met sally, mermaids & hocus pocus
- watch the new season of stranger things
- have a pumpkin spice latte, obvi
- dress up for halloween this year
- make a dessert
- watch a sunday football game
- fill our home with fall decor
- have a scary movie night
- make some homemade french onion soup
- make homemade mint tea
- have a creative night & get crafty
- listen to a new podcast
- book our air b&b's for our trip
- have cosy moments at our sweet home with my hubs

cute by jules (an update!)

Happy Wednesday Loves!

I wanted to share a little update on my cute by jules adventure! If you've been following along with me for the last while you'll know that in the fall I was lucky enough to be chosen by Etsy as the host of the 30 Day Etsy Challenge - together, with an amazing team of inspiring staff and mentors, I was able to open my own shop in 30 days! I also got to star in some really cool videos and be a part of a really great and supportive community.

I was able to open my own shop which was so incredible and something I've wanted to do for so long! However, I will admit the timing hasn't been great since I am also PLANNING MY WEDDING (!!!) hahaha :) I have some prints available in my shop but I want to add so many more and a bunch of new products as well. I love creating things and know this is just the beginning

My book of ideas is always growing and as soon as I have the time to focus on this I promise to crush it. I decided that after our wedding is over (and I get super sad that I don't have a big cute event to plan) that I will focus on my Etsy shop and grow it to be what I've always dreamed of ♥

Here are some photos of my handwritten quotes (still working on finding the perfect prints made at the right place!) but this is a good start.

Can't wait to add more things to my shop & spread some happiness and cuteness in to the world!:

Drink Free January!

Hello Loves!

So Pete and I decided a little while before Christmas that we're going to do a "Drink Free January" - there wasn't a ground breaking moment or incident that made us decide this or anything, it was just something we both wanted to do.

We are now less than five months away from our wedding (oh my gosh, what?) so we are really kicking things in to high gear. Spending way more time wedding planning, organizing, and getting things ready for our big day, and with that also means getting healthy!

Now, I should mention that we aren't hardcore boozers or anything. It's not like we need a drink every single day. It's just I think we can all agree that sometimes we drink just because we can, and it becomes a habit (just like so many others) and I think it's nice to know there are things like this we can live without for any given amount of time.

Here are five reasons why I am doing a drink free January:

• save money: Drinking can be pricey! Especially when you're going out and getting drinks from a restaurant or bar. I am always trying to get better at saving money in general and I think I've come a long way! The money I save this month from not drinking I am putting towards my Vegas fund (because I will definitely be drinking there! haha)

• challenge myself: I think with anything like this whether it be eating healthy, saving money or giving something up it's always good to challenge yourself and prove you can do something as long as you set your mind to it. It builds your confidence, and helps you to set bigger and better goals for the future.

• give my body a break: Over the Christmas holidays we had so many parties and events to go to that we were going out and doing things all week and on the weekends. On top of eating so many things always, we were getting drinks, attending holiday parties and hosting as well. With a new year, comes an opportunity for a fresh start! I am already feeling really good drinking lots of water, tea and well let's face it...coffee (because I am only HUMAN you guys!)

• work on getting healthy: I never really considered how much drinking can play a part on weight loss and getting healthy (I know that sounds crazy but it's true) and since we are really crushing it and working on making some changes, this is really good timing to get the ball rolling and really feel like we are making a difference. 

• prove i'm still really fun without drinking: Because let's be honest, sometimes we forget that we can still have fun even when we're sober! When we picture ourselves getting together to celebrate, meet up with friends or make plans, these all often involve drinking. This month will be a good reminder that you don't need alcohol to spend time with friends and enjoy yourself!

Do you have any big goals for January? Have you ever done a drink free month/challenge?

30 before 30 : the final list!

Happy Sunday // Happy Easter Everyone! ♥

It's been a wonderful long weekend so far. 

So, as you may of heard me mention, my 30th birthday is around the corner (woaaaah) and for the past 5 or 6 years I've been doing a before my birthday to-do list. It keeps me inspired to go on adventures and do fun & awesome things. I have officially written out all of my 30 before 30 goals and am stoked to start crossing them off! Here is my my final written list looks like, I will be keep tracking of them at the side of my blog >> to the right, and doing a few updates before the big day (August 16th!)

xo!