international day of happiness + first day of sping

I N T E R N A T I O N A L     D A Y     O F    

 H A P P I N E S S

Oh, hello! So today is a special day for a few reasons! First off, it's the first day of SPRING! (and I could not be more ready for warmer weather, sunshine, fresh flowers, + adventures) Today is also the international day of HAPPINESS ♥

Not sure if you knew this about me, but happiness is something I'm kinda really into. Happiness and positivity aren't just things I talk about, post about or preach, they are vital to how I live my life! Heck, I love happiness so much that I managed to have a career that focuses on it!

When I'm not blogging, crafting, hosting, instagramming or exploring Toronto - I am working in my full time role at Culture Specialist (Happiness Officer) at a company called Uberflip. My focus is on creating a fun, inclusive and exciting experience for all of our employees! It's a role that aligns all of my passions and as you can imagine I am beyonddd happy to be in it.

To learn more about my career, you can read this blog post posted by Jobbio;

"How I got my job as Happiness Officer at Uberflip"

How and or/why am I so happy? - Truth is, it's all I've ever really known. I grew up with two amazing, supportive, kind parents, and two of the best big brothers (ever). Just before I was 18, my Dad passed away after some complications with a non life threatening disease. As you can imagine, this turned my world upside down. I had two choices after this experience - 1) I could focus on the negative impact this had on my life, and would most definitely have in the future or 2) I could channel all (or most of) my energy into being the person my Dad taught me to be, and dedicate my life to spreading happiness to those around me (it's the least I could do)

Besides working in a role based on happiness, I try to channel that energy in my personal life. I live my best, happiest life in my favourite city ever (Toronto) with my amazing husband Pete. I feel beyond thankful to have the most wonderful family, the greatest friends, and so many opportunities to do things that make me happy like travel, celebrate, spoil my friends, go to events, be a hostess, blog, explore Toronto etc...

I hope you all get a little happier after reading my blog and following me on Instagram ♥

I've mentioned it a few times lately, but I'm really hoping to start a podcast soon too! Yasssss. The main focus will of course be happiness. I plan to touch on work, love, friendship, and the things in life that make me happiest (in hopes they'll make you happy too!)

It seems as though I've got a lot to say on this topic (lol) so I better wrap it up. I now leave you with a few happy links to enjoy on this day of happinesssssss and first day of Spring! Check these out:

// Happier Podcast by Gretchen Rubin
// The Book of Lykke & The Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
// The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Health
// Magic Lessons Podcast by Elizabeth Gilbert
// 52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal
// Headspace Meditation App

happiness hacks!

Oh, hi you guys!

Oh my goodness. This past week & weekend has been a whirl wind. I could not be happier to be snuggled up on the couch with my hubs watching the Emmy's right now. I really need to take some time this week to relax and get some things done, because next weekend is going to be literally insane(ly) busy & amazing.

As you probably know by now, I am really in to happiness. I always love to share little snippets of happy on all social media outlets. I thought it would be fun to share a few of my own "happiness hacks"

- For a good nights sleep, put some lavender on your pillow before going to bed. Pete and I are so in to this. Also, we've decided that listening to a podcast before bed is legit the most amazing, zen way to fall asleep. (we're obsessed with serial btw)

- Have a "no plans" day every week! Ugh, I don't always take my own advice on this one but in most cases Monday is always my day to not make plans. This ensures that Pete and I have time together, can make a nice dinner and also that I can have an extra day to catch up and get stuff done after the weekend. This is also normally grocery/meal prep day and it's so needed.

- Always have something look forward to. I always love being able to look forward to at least one thing in the coming weeks/month that I am really excited about. This can be a dinner date, a plan for a night out or in with friends. I am generally one to plan ahead of time to ensure I can spend time with everyone and celebrate :)

- Pick out your outfit the night before. A shitty morning this week reminded me of this hack. If I am scrounging around in the morning looking for something to wear I often doubt my choice and keep changing and stressing out (yes, even for work) but if I take 5-10 minutes to get organized the night before and have everything ready for the next morning it makes my morning SO much happier!

- Keep a paper planner. Call me old fashioned but I love to still keep a paper planner/agenda to keep track of my life and exciting plans. I love having the visual of each week or month and see what is coming up/remember little things that are happening. Also, I just feel like I already spend too much time on my phone so this is an excuse to look at something on paper.

- Stock up on things on sale! This one can be tough for us because we don't have a very big place, but I always love to stock up on things we use often when they go on sale. This eliminates the stress of running out of something and having to hustle out to grab it. I am also a big fan of sales (I secretly love watching extreme couponers haha)

- Have a basket of party supplies on hand. Cards for all occasions, tissue paper, gift bags, ribbon, tags etc. I love having lots of go-to cute gift wrap and goodies on hand for little birthday gifts, house warming parties, goodbye gifts or a little "just because" surprise

make your own happy - what i've learned from "happier" podcast

m a k e   y o u r   o w n   h a p p y ♥

Since we got back from our Honeymoon I've been getting back to the regular routine of our lovely life here in Toronto. One of my goals for 2016 was to listen to more Podcasts, and to always keep learning (whether that means reading, listening, doing and experiencing new things always)

I came across the Happier podcast by Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft (Gretchen wrote The Happiness Project) and I really liked that book, and I reaaaaaaally like happiness. I know, I know - I am already a very happy person, but I really love learning about all sorts of habits of happy people. My goal is to get caught up on all 70 podcasts, and so far I'm about half way through the wonderful episodes! Here are a few (of my favourite) things I've learned so far from Happier:

• The one minute rule - Gretchen & Elizabeth give such a simple and amazing tip, which is if you have one minute to do something that has been on your to-do list or on your mind, do it! If it is something that will contribute to your overall happiness then get er' done! This could be as simple as hanging that coat up, putting that dish away or wiping down that counter. This one is one of my favourite things I've learned and I can honestly say that I am doing it every day. Just these little things that allow us to do all the things we can do in a day!
• Stop reading that book - How many times have you kept reading a book because you felt like you had to finish it? I've definitely done that a few times because it felt like the thing to do. The girls talk about how if you really don't enjoy the book, then put it down and find one you love!
• Have a place for everything - This is such a simple yet satisfying one. I do my best to organize our little home as best we can but I know that this is a big one I can totally improve on. Having a place for everything makes you feel at ease, and that when ever you need something you can confidently say you know exactly where it is.
• Relationships make people happiest - Studies show that one of the things that make us happiest are the relationships in our lives. Having an amazing relationship with my husband, friends, family and co-workers is something I invest so much of my time in and means so much to me! It doesn't mean you need to have tons of these relationships. Even just a small few who you can always count on will contribute to your own happy.
• Warm greetings & farewells - They talk about starting and ending each day with love. This is something that can be easily overlooked, naturally. It's a great idea to really start and end each day with a positive thought, gesture, hug, kiss, smile and warm vibe. No matter how you feel that day or in that moment, take the extra time to start & end the day with a warm greeting or farewell, it definitely makes every day better.
• Take fifteen minutes a day to brainstorm - This is another great and very simple happiness tip to implement in to your every day (or a few times a week if you can!) Take fifteen minutes of your day to work on something that is important to you. This can be related to work, an event your planning, a goal or dream you have, a cool idea for a blog post, anything! I am going to make a conscious effort to at dedicate at least fifteen minutes a day for this.
• Find/identify your special places - Everyone has at least one place that is really special and/or important to them! It could be a coffee shop, a park, a cottage, a place where you spent time growing up, somewhere in your own home, but where ever it is - identify that place so that if you need to spend some time there for a pick me up, or to get inspired then you know exactly where to go.
• Act the way you want to feel - Seems simple enough. I feel like this one can be tougher now a days with social media and the pressure to be, think or act a certain way. But when it comes down to it, it's quite simple - and that is to act the way you want to feel.

PS - That adorable sign that you see in the photo is from My Cinema Lighbox!

enjoy every moment (of your wedding day)

photo by jessica silva photography // flowers by blush & bloom

"enjoy every moment" was a piece of advice that was constantly given to me over the course of being engaged and planning our wedding. I knew it must be really important if everyone was telling me the same thing. So, I did just that. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single moment and look back on that day with nothing but the most happy memories & feelings of how everything went. I know that planning a wedding can be really stressful and time consuming, so I came up with a list of things you can do on your wedding day to enjoy every single moment! :

Take time to have special moments with your husband/wife. Even if it's just a hug or a kiss or a smile, take the time to share special little parts of your day with them. It sounds silly to remind you about this but with the craziness of the day it's not uncommon that this can happen. When I heard a song we both really loved I would go find Pete, or he'd come check in with me and make sure all was good. A friend gave me this advice & it was so helpful!

Always take time to have a laugh with your bridal party. Now, I had four bridesmaids. Two I've know for 25+ years, one for 15+ years and one is my awesome sister-in-law. So these ladies mean the world to me and are so fun to be around. The day before and the day of we had SO much fun. Making jokes, having drinks, taking photo's and just having an amazing time. Carly was my maid of honour and since our trip to Vegas for my Bachelorette we had a joke going that every time one of the girls did something for me she became my maid of honour. We did this all wedding weekend and just thinking about it makes me laugh so hard. Everyone was my maid of honour at some point and we had so much fun with our little jokes and constant giggles.

Stay off your phone! (or try to!) This is never easy for me, but other than snapping some selfies and the odd pic - I never really had my phone near me. Which to be honest, was really really nice. I've been to weddings before when the bride & groom are at the head table on their phones the whole time (which is totally fine too! it's an exciting day) but I feel like minimal time on your phone feels nice and helps you enjoy the day and be present for every moment.

Spend time with everyone, especially the people closest to you. There are so many people to see and so much going on. But Pete and I really tried to make time for the people we are closest with and people that came in for the wedding that we don't get to see often. It's definitely challenging to juggle your time, but a little extra hug or conversation with someone can be so special. Pete & I also made sure we went and visited every table to say thank you, and give out hugs! It was so fun doing this and I do think it's really important. As soon as we sat down for dinner we headed out to make our rounds to make sure we had time to see everyone, it was one of my favourite parts of our day.

It's your wedding & you'll cry if you want to! I think it's pretty much inevitable to have some serious tears happening on your wedding, and honestly just roll with it. I don't know what my cry count was but it started with the adorable wedding day texts and Facebook messages I got throughout the day. Also when my wedding flowers arrived and I couldn't believe my eyes and how perfect they were. Then again when I was about to put my dress on and my bridesmaid Jenna was already balling. When we stepped out of the limo and I saw my nephew Jimmy in his adorable get up, when basically everyone said their speeches, when we said our speech, when my brothers were MC-ing and being the best. So many happy tears happened. #embracethetears

Always be surrounded by people you love & who make you smile. I realize this can't be possible for everyone, but I had two of my best friends do my hair and makeup, my bridesmaids lovely sister do hair and one of my oldest and sweetest friends do our photo's. There was something SO special about being surrounded by people you know and love on your day. Looking back it was so wonderful to be able to enjoy such a big & important day with people I know and love. It really helped the day to feel natural, fun and so chill. We had the best day.

Take in all in. This sounds so cheesy but it's so true. I had some moments where I just looked around and looked at every little detail, everyone who was there and just felt so overwhelmed with joy. Its truly amazing to see a day you spend so much time planning come to life - there is something so special about that. Take some time to walk around the venue and see every little detail, this is something you planned and dreamed of for so long - you want to remember every single detail!

Make time for the things or traditions that mean most to you. I feel like while planning a wedding, people often get stressed on the timeline of the day, or what they do and don't have time for. I know it's a lot more common now a days to do a "first look" and take photo's before the wedding, which I totally understand (it definitely saves a lot of time!) But for us, there was no question that the first time Pete saw me was when I was walking down the aisle. And to be honest, that was one of the most special moments of the entire wedding for me - having my brothers walk me down the aisle and seeing Pete there (crying) while I walked down (lol), that was truly one of the happiest moments of my life. We took our photo's afterwards during cocktail hour and it worked out perfectly. We also made sure everyone who wanted to say a speech could, and our speech was a little long but it was so important to us to say all the things we said. A lot of people feel like they need to rush through the speeches but to me, they are one of the most important & special parts of the day. Embrace them! Give people the to chance to speak and if you're worried about length for some people just ask them to keep it on the shorter side and they will understand. Remember, it's YOUR day - don't worry about what anyone else will think. Do what you and your future husband/wife want!

Write it down. We left for our honeymoon the day after our wedding (which I highly recommend by the way!) and one of the first things I did was take out a little notebook and write down Pete and I's favourite moments from our big day. We just sat there chatting about our wedding and remembering the big moments, the little moments and everything in-between. I want to remember these moments forever and I keep thinking of more things to add. It's already been really special to have this. When we make a wedding photo book I want to include little memories, parts of speeches and quotes to make everything more personal and more "us".

& most of all - have the BEST day of your life! no doubt it will be!

You are a badass - What I learned from this amazing book!

Happy Monday, You beautiful people! My apologies on my lack of blog posts lately! It's been crazy busy but seriously awesome and life is really good. I've wanted to do this post for a while, and I've finally gathered some of my favourite parts of You are a Badass by Jen Sincero - while reading this book I hi lighted all of my favourite lines, quotes and points. If you're looking for some fun, light hearted motivation then definitely give this book a read! Here are some of the ones I love(d) most:

Be your  best, do your best, demand the best, expect the best, receive the best, and put your best out into the world so everyone can receive your best, too.

• You are loved. Massively. Ferociously. Unconditionally. The universe is totally freaking out about how awesome you are. It's got you wrapped in a warm gorilla hug or adoration. It wants to give you everything you desire. It wants you to be happy. It wants you to see you it sees in you. 
• We're all busy, but it's the people who make enjoying their lives a priority who, um, enjoy their lives.
• Take care of yourself as if you're the most awesome person you've ever met
• Living a life on purpose is available to everyone
• What you choose to focus on becomes your reality
• Everything you do along your journey contributes to where you're going
• Read magazines that interest you, talk to as many people as you can, hang out in places where people who share your interests hangout. Put yourself out there and you never know what you might learn that will inform you of your next move, or whom you might meet that will present you with your next opportunity.
• Be grateful for all you are and all that you're becoming
• Follow what feels good in the moment, every moment and it will lead you through the most excellent life.
• Surround yourself with people who act out their big ideas, who take action on making a positive change in the world and who see nothing as out of their reach
• If you want to attract good things and feelings into your life, send awesomeness out to everyone around you. 
• It was about no longer being the kind of person who takes what she can get, and finally becoming the kind of person who creates exactly what she wants
• If you're serious about changing your life, you'll find a way. If you're not, you'll find an excuse
• Stopping and noticing throughout the day all the things that you can be grateful for is a great way to keep your frequency high at all times. So try to remember to do it all day long, but at the very least make it part of your evert day routine 

You are powerful. You are loved. You are surrounded by miracles. Believe, really believe that what you desire is here and available to you. You can have it all.  Love yourself. 

You are a Badass!

there's so much to celebrate!

First off, I just want to say HAPPY Canada Day to my fellow Canadian bloggers and readers! I honestly love this country so much and could not be more proud of where I'm from. I will be celebrating this weekend at the cabin with 10 of my bestest pals! 

The last few months have been absolutely amazing, and I am just a walking smile. I cannot believe it's been almost two months since Pete proposed! Time most definitely flies when you're having fun and the most happy excited girl ever. 

I am really trying to take it all in and enjoy every moment right now. There's so much going on, and we always have a jam packed schedule but I wouldn't have it any other way! :)

Here are some fun & exciting things that have been happening lately/are happening soon

+ we booked our wedding venue! (in love!) + set our date! May 28th, 2016

+ we ordered our save the dates, from my favourite place ever: Minted!

+ we asked our bridal party to be part of our special day (they all said yes!)

+ we're heading to the cabin this weekend for a weekend of friendship + fun!

+ i booked an appointment for next week to try on wedding dresses (omg, i know)

+ i did the CN tower edge walk a few weekends ago, craziest thing i've ever done!

+ it's been one year since we moved in to our new cute-as-can-be apartment!

+ we've got a jam packed summer filled with so much fun stuff

Life is really really good, and I hope you agree!

& I will leave you with one of my favourite words ever:

cel·e·brate

ˈseləˌbrāt/

verb

1. 1.

   publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.

   "they were celebrating their wedding anniversary at a restaurant"

   synonyms:

   commemorate, observe, mark, keep, honor, remember, memorialize "they were celebrating their wedding anniversary"

1. 
   

   
   

   

   
   

Let's Celebrate!

Happy Tuesday! // Let's Celebrate, Shall we?

I truly do try to find a reason to celebrate every single day. Whether it's giving a co-worker a gold star, giving a friend a high five or a hug, spending time with someone I love, or planning my next party or get-together, celebrating is something I think we should always do more of!

There's always going to be stressful parts of our lives, bills to pay, groceries to buy and things to tie us down and stress us out, but instead of letting it all bother you and bring you down, let's try to take some time out of every day/week/month to CELEBRATE!

cel·e·brate

ˈseləˌbrāt/

verb

1. 1. 

   publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.

Social gathering or enjoyable activity? I am ALL about that life.

What are you celebrating this week?

happiness will find you.

I absolutely love this saying! It's a good reminder if you're ever going through a tough time. Happiness will always find it's way back to you.

This video makes me really happy.

My cutie pal Toni's "big list" is adorable and makes me happy.

I am SO happy, and the countdown is on until our Ireland & Scotland trip

// Hoping you find happiness today and this week. Monday, you've been good to us.

What is making you happy today?

International Day of Happiness

Happy Friday // 

Happy International Day of Happiness // 

Happy Spring!

Wow, today was a really good day! So many good vibes and wonderful moments. Surprised one of my besties with birthday surprises at work, went for sushi lunch with awesome buds, made mimosas for everyone at the office, and it was so warm and sunny in Toronto that I walked home from work. I ran in to 2 of my favourite people on the way home, picked up some fresh flowers, and a gift for a friend and there we have it, HAPPINESS! Here's last years blog post on International Day of Happiness!

Some things making me happy lately:

Waking up to the most beautiful skies, and being about the see the CN tower from my balcony.

This story was so beautiful - this boy Odin is turning 13 today, and none of the kids he invited to his birthday party replied to his invite. His Mom made a Facebook page and thousands of people have been sending him happy birthday messages and showing up to go bowling for his party! It's so refreshing when things like this happen and we can all focus on the good things that still happen every single day.

My favourite girl sent me this blog post this morning with the most amazing quote - "When Spring came there were no problems except where to be happiest" 

The Google header for the first day of Spring made me really happy today.

Simply searching the #InternationalDayOfHappiness hashtag on social media. SO much happy!

Constantly remembering why I am so lucky and having absolutely nothing to complain about. This print makes for a perfect mantra and I think everyone would agree!

Speaking of a mantra, I had so much fun writing my mantra for my blog. It perfectly describes how I feel about life in general and this blog! :

live life to it's fullest, and do everything with a smile. radiate positivity. always stay inspired, and inspire others. read more books, take more trips and always keep learning. adventure is out there! spread happiness every day and do all things with love. never give up and never grow up. focus on the things in life that make you happy. always say i love you. create, celebrate and never forget how lucky you are. cherish every moment, life is what you make it! 

life is SO good. Today and every day I am so thankful to live my life in a positive way that constantly brings so much happiness. I am surrounded by so many incredible people who make me happy every single day. I hope you found some happy today, and continue to do so every day.

"don't feel deflated, you're so awesome"

// HAPPY MONDAY //

I wouldn't say I hate Monday's, but I have never necessarily loved them. Recently I've decided the change my view on the poor day that gets so much negativity from everyone. If any day of the week gets bullied, it's definitely Monday. So, here I am with my new found love for the day! Care to join the Monday movement with me?

Yesterday was a beautiful Sunny day in Toronto. I headed to the post office to pick up a parcel that had arrived for me, and then headed to Kensington Market. As soon as I got home, I put on some Etta James and opened the most perfect, sparkly package of all time.

You may of read a blog post I did a few months ago about my Girl Crush/Life Hero Tiffany Pratt and having the opportunity to meet her at an event in November. Well, in February Tiff lead an awesome DIY event for Forever 21, and we got to meet again, and well if I do say so myself - become besties a little bit (hehehe!) Tiff is one of the most beautiful, creative, dynamic people I've ever met and I am legit honoured to now be able to call her my friend. If I am ever feeling bummed or in need of some inspiration, I can alwayyyyys get it from her. Everything she touches turns to gold (or should I say, turns to glitter!)

Take a peak at this amazing sparkle explosion she sent me! It made my day (week)! and was a perfect way to start my week on the right foot. And, yes she has her own custom hot pink sharpies! Check out Tiffany if you want some to add some happiness in to your day (trust me, you do)

My Craft Room!

Oh, hello there! Happy Wednesday, you're half way there!

It's been a great week so far, and I am feeling good,  productive and happy with how 2015 has been going so far. One of my 2015 goals was to spend more time in my craft room. This little room of sparkly, colourful creative inspiration has been a work in progress. I finally have it almost perfect!

I love it because it's filled with so many amazing things that inspire me to be creative. Things from my travels, memories, inspirational quotes, love notes, and colourful happiness everywhere.

Here are some photo's of my cutie pie craft room // cute by jules headquarters! ♥

Sparkle in 2015 ; An Outfit Post

Ok 2015, let's do this!

Today I am doing my first outfit post of the year! Like I mentioned before I am so beyond stoked for 2015 and I think it's going to be  a sparkly and colourful year. So ready greatness!

I just freshened my pink & it's got me feeling all kinds of sassy!

Here are the details on my outfit ;

Perfect Sparkly Top ; Forever 21

Necklace ; Forever 21

Skirt ; Target

Toque ; Black Market

Coat ; Forever 21

=