Monday Picks | B/W Staples

clockwise from top right: top | shorts | flats | clutch | sunglasses

It feels like a bittersweet Monday.

Some old pals came to visit for the weekend and you can bet that we had a wonderful time. You can also bet that we had some delicious meals. We shared a platter of tapas with sangrias, savoured some flaky croissants, tossed up our own salads, baked an apple crumble, enjoyed my husband's eggs benny neary breakfast specialty, basked in the sun while having sandwiches and (even more) salads on the patio, and we consumed a lot of decadent chocolates in between. But they've gone back to their homes now and I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness by being so far away from them. There's something to treasure about great friendships - especially ones that share the same passion about food as much as you do!

On a brighter note, our road trip to Sasquatch festival and Portland is coming up quickly! I wouldn't mind wearing this outfit while we're on our road trip. Can't ever go wrong with some black and white staples...

I'm already looking forward to the weekend - a long weekend at that too! 

Monday Picks | Cinco De Mayo

clockwise from top right: hat | clutch | huaraches | dress

Cinco de Mayo is next week and here's a little inspiration on what to wear to your friends' backyard fiesta! Don't forget to bring a little bright cactus for your host/hostess too!

Have a great week!

Monday Picks | Getaway

clockwise from top right: camera bag | dress | sandals | watch | hat

This past weekend, Garrett and I felt like true adventurers. We left Friday morning with no plans at all, just drove up the island and ended up in Tofino! I will share more photos from that trip later, but it made me realize that sometimes, it's nice to just be carefree and not worry so much. As some of you may know, I'm a planner when it comes to trips so it was a nice change. I feel like this is one of my favourite picks as of yet! I can see myself wearing every one of these items almost everyday this upcoming summer, especially with some of the road trips and festivals we have on our list!

How was your Easter weekend?

Monday Picks | Brighter Days

clockwise from top right: bistro set | lights | coasters | napkin | pillow

If you're following me on Instagram, you may have seen that post when we had our breakfast outside on our balcony this weekend. That was the inspiration for today's Monday Picks! 

Now that the days are brighter and warmer, it feels right to take your food outside. We currently only have our bistro folding set (we got ours from here), however, I plan on placing a few planters in as well! We have a pretty small balcony so I'm limited to certain things, but I'm thankful that we have one. Plus the kitchen window opens out to it - which I love. 

I only wish my husband didn't have his mountain bike in there... oh well, we all have to compromise right?

Monday Picks: Festival Essentials

clockwise from top right: camera | bracelets | steno book | sandals | vest

For some odd reason, when Coachella is around the corner, it feels like festival season is finally "upon us". No, I will not be going this year, sadly. But I will most certainly be going to Sasquatch and Pemberton Fest! We've been listening to a few bands we don't know of to familiarize ourselves and not feel like we "missed out" on any bands. Last time we went, I brought a fish-eye camera and a notebook (which I have yet to find...) to jot down funny things that happened! 

Will you be going to any festivals this year? If so, which ones and what are some of your essentials?

Monday Picks | Spring Heels

clockwise from top right: bologna | warren | wylde | braided | adesso 

Ever since I started following Wide Eyed Legless' "The Perfect Wardrobe" Series, I've only been purchasing five pieces in my wardrobe every three months (it's so good for the wallet as well as the husband's sanity). Well, as you know, tomorrow is April, so it's the start of another season for my wardrobe! The only problem is... I love all of these shoes (plus more that I didn't choose to go up)! I definitely have been eyeing a pair of clog sandals - I never thought I'd have those words come out of my mouth - but it's true. I've been doing lots of research, but if you have any thoughts on your favourite and why, please do share! But for now, I'll just dream that I can have all of these neutral pieces in my wardrobe...

Monday Picks | Explore

clockwise from top right: toque | print | mugs | blanket | thermos

This past weekend, Garrett and I went on a little adventure. We drove along the west coast of Vancouver Island and stopped at all of the parks/beaches along the way. Thankfully the weather was mild - it was neither too cold nor rainy! It's something we've been wanting to do for a while so it was nice to finally get the chance to! I will put up more photos from that trip on another post, but for now, here's a little collection to get you inspired to explore the great outdoors!

Monday Picks | Spring Gathering

clockwise from top right: pitcher | glasses | salad bowl | napkin | serving spoon

Last night we invited some friends over for a casual dinner gathering. We made pulled pork from the crock-pot and a coleslaw to complement it. We chatted about food, trips, marriage and generally had a great time. Garrett and I had a blast hosting and look forward to even more dinner parties this upcoming season!

Monday Picks | In The Bedroom

clockwise from top right: plant | print | pillow | bedside table | throw

Woo! We're in major spring mode over here! On the weekend, I wrote a huge list of tasks we needed to get done for spring cleaning and it feels so good to cross things off. We got rid of a few lot of things and all of a sudden it feels like we have more room in our place! It's mentally and visually appealing to have a space that's clean and organized.

We haven't really put too much efforts in decorating our bedroom and now feels like the best time to put our personal touches in it. We scored this dresser from a while ago and now moved it in the bedroom, but we still need some major furniture pieces like bedside tables. We have a whole wall space that's blank right now and I can't wait to hang up some artwork to make it feel more personable. 

Spring cleaning is not always fun, but it's honestly so rewarding to be living in a clean space! 

Monday Picks | Beauty Essentials

clockwise from top right: eye liner | perfume | nail lacquer | lipstick | blush

Happy Monday everyone! Also, it's March. When did this happen?! Okay, back to the post...

I've never done a "beauty" themed post before, and trust me, it's because I'm not one to wear much make-up in the first place. But I thought I'd share some of my beauty essentials that I wear everyday.

eyeliner - works pretty great for adding a small winged tip to make my eyes pop

blush - adds a nice glow without having to put too much on

perfume - this was Garrett's first Christmas present to me and have been wearing it since

lipstick - okay, so I don't actually own this colour (yet), but am a huge fan of their matte lipsticks

nail lacquer - just got this colour a few days ago and really loving it so far

Even though I like a more natural look, it's fun to get dolled up every now and then, like on date nights! 

What are some of your beauty essentials? Do you have any other recommendations?

ps. this is not a sponsored post - simply sharing my personal thoughts!

Monday Picks | Losing My Marbles

clockwise from top right: scarf | tray | coasters | phone case | necklace

I was at the kitchen shop a while ago and couldn't help but admire this pastry board. Then a rolling pin. And then a mortar and pestle. All of them marbled. Oh dear. I think I may be losing my marbles for marble!

Monday Picks | Geometric Love

clockwise from top left: planters | pillow | cups | matches | candleholder

Squares, diamonds, and hexagons. Can't get enough of this trend and I quite enjoy the pops of colour in some of these pieces! It's also very convenient that they would go nicely in our home...

Monday Picks | Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

clockwise from top: flowers | hand balm | tote | knot ring | shades

Why hello! Here are some of my picks that would be great gifts for her this Valentine's Day. Since my husband is away, all I really want is to spend the day with him. But for now, I can dream that these are some things I could maybe have instead...

Monday Picks | Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

clockwise from top: soap | aftershave | bow tie | dopp kit | comb

Here are some ideas of what you could grab your guy for Valentine's Day. They don't have to hate the holiday because they feel they have to be the ones to buy gifts (but I wouldn't be one to turn down any)! Though my husband would never say he needed any of these things, I know for a fact he'd appreciate the gesture knowing I picked it for him!

Ps. The K.C. Atwood Aftershave Splash smells amazing! Definitely a favourite for both of us!

Monday Picks | Love Letters

01 clipboard | 02 xoxo | 03 love | 04 hearts | 05 stickers

One of my favourite parts about Valentine's day (other than the chocolates of course), is making love letters! I love a letter any day of the year, but there's something about putting a heart on everything this time of year! 

Monday Picks | Un Deux Trois

01 print | 02 specs | 03 cuff | 04 top | 05 hat

As some of you know, I've been on the lookout for the perfect black wool hat (see this post). They remind me of a cool, effortless and chic Parisian who finishes off her look with this staple. I always have a hard time finding one that fits, since I have a larger head. So if you have any suggestions, please let me know! Anyways, this is how I'd picture her style such a classic piece. Do you own one yourself? How do you style it?

Monday Picks | Kitchen Accessories

01 wood board | 02 recipe cards | 03 mortar & pestle | 04 wire basket | 05 table runner

It's hard to feel motivated to cook sometimes when it gets dark and dreary so early in the day. Dreaming about how good these pieces would look in my kitchen...

Monday Picks | Snowed In

01 robe | 02 chocolates | 03 teacup | 04 magazine | 05 candle

Today I have a little something for the East coasters who seem to be getting all the snow! I personally have this robe and I practically live in it on weekends. So no judgements here if you kept yourself warm in it all day! I hope these picks inspire you to kick back, relax and enjoy getting snowed in!

Monday Picks: Time To Relax

vinyl | heart pin | bubble bath | candle | throw

Last weekend a few of my girlfriends threw a surprise (by surprise, I mean, I was convinced I wasn't going to have one) bachelorette party for me! I had so much fun taking a break from "wedding" related things, and just being with my girlfriends! I figured, this post would help me wind down and relax as there's only less than two weeks to go until the big day! 

Ps. You may be wondering why the sequinned heart pin? Consider it a gold star for myself for accomplishing so much within the last few months!

Have a great week!

Monday Picks: Groomsmen Gift Ideas

book | flask | swiss army knife | folding comb | shave bundle

I thought it was going to be a challenge picking out gift ideas for groomsmen. I was wrong. Men are so much easier to shop for! There are tons of products out there that are great quality that come with excellent design too. Your groom's men don't have to be adventurous to like these items! I mean, how cool is that bike flask?