Dear DiaryDress UpOh so PrettySips, Sweets & Snacks

It’s been a big month of growth, change, and most of all figuring out what really truly makes me happy, which means picking out my favourites was easier than usual because I’d already really broken it down. Writing, readings, good music, tea, and candles are truly staples when it comes to making my heart happy, and each item on this list plays into that main end goal.

A word of caution- a few of these items were special treasures that I picked up in LA and cannot be purchased online. For this, I am deeply sorry, but sometimes the best things are those that you can only scoop up in a certain place at a certain time.

And no, the colour scheme wasn’t on purpose… that’s just what my life looks like!

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The Happiness Planner //

Writing a diary has always been important to me, but for years I’ve let the habit slip away, letting busyness stand in my way. When I spotted the Happiness Planner at Anthropologie about a month ago I was totally smitten, but it took me awhile to get started on filling it in simply because the whole exercise really makes you think, and it’s hard! Can’t wait to track my progress over the next 100 days.

Playster //

Books, movies and music all in one place? Yes please! I’m always looking for in-office playlists, and this is the perfect hands off approach to keeping things lively without having to think about it too much. Plus, it’s a great way to take books along when I travel without adding any weight! Get a free 90-day trial with code “Pastel90” (active until Sept.27th only!)

Lolli and Pops //

If you haven’t met Lolli and Pops yet, you’re in for a treat- literally! This confectionary company makes the prettiest chocolate bars, truffles and sweets you ever did see. Current office favourites: the Ice Cream Shoppe Truffle Set and S’mores Bar.

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Circle back to the part about music above! I love listening to tunes everywhere I go, but often the fuss of getting tangled in my purse or dog leash while wearing headphones stops me from putting them on. Sudio changed all that with their sleek wireless pink and rose gold design, and I’m pretty much constantly dancing now that I own these babies!

Negarin //

It’s very difficult to find good pastel clothing in this day and age, but Negarin does us proud with their enchanting cuts, silky fabrics, and fantastic milky colour scheme (no matter what the season).

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Alfred Tea //

With a tea-related post on here almost every single week, I’m sure you can imagine just HOW much I freaked out walking into Alfred Tea Room. I started off ordering a rose coconut milk bubble tea and left with armfuls of merchandise and bags of tea (including lollipops with flower seeds in the sticks!) If I lived in LA, I’d live here every day.

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My mom always told me I like boy smells, so it makes sense that this epic candle brand comprised of more “masculine” scents has stolen my heart. Also, that packaging!

Dear Diary

August has always been a bittersweet time for me. On one hand, it’s the end of summer, which always hurts my heart a bit as a sunshine girl, and growing up I knew it was only a matter of time till I would have to head back to school. On the other hand it’s the gateway to Fall fashion, it’s a great month for local produce, and it just so happens to be my BIRTHDAY MONTH!

I’m not going to lie: August’s list of favourites is a bit of a mashup due to my mixed feelings about this time of year. It’s a little bit back to school and a little bit sugary, but mostly it’s a farewell to Summer as told through some of my best finds from Summer 2016:

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Sorelle & Co. Bakery //

I cannot repeat enough how much I adore this bakery. Brand new on the scene here in Toronto, Sorelle & Co. is completely vegan, gluten free, soy free AND nut free! I had the pleasure of attending their opening event and in all realness everything from the blended iced tea slushes to the grilled cheese sandwiches was crazy delicious. I couldn’t have been more excited when they sent not one but TWO birthday cakes for my party this past month, and they absolutely did not disappoint. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, I highly recommend you try everything you can from this beautiful spot.

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Ban.do Stationary //

I always had a soft spot for Back to School – there was something so wonderfully exciting about picking out my new stationary and lunch box, curating each year into specific themes and colour schemes. When Ban.do sent me some pieces from their amazing new collection, I felt like an excited schoolgirl stocking up on pens and notebooks all over again.

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Sunnylife Decor //

Sunnylife has been on my favourite brands list since last summer when the flamingo pool float first stole my heart, but it wasn’t until this past month that I finally came into ownership of a few of their cute items! My current top picks? Their adorable ice cream ice cube trays and matching ice cream candles!

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David’s Tea Summer 2016 Collection //

You know what’s great about tea? You can make it iced or hot depending on the season, which means it’s something you can look forward to all year round. It was love at first sip when I tried the David’s Tea summer collection earlier this season, and I can’t wait to rediscover these flavourful blends as hot teas in the Fall.

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Good Day Hair Products //

Locally handcrafted and sold in Kensington Market, Good Day’s line of hair products is totally cruelty free, perfectly packaged, and oh my word do they ever smell crazy good! I mean really, does it get better than a bottle of shampoo with a unicorn on the label that smells like orange creamsicle? No, no it doesn’t. Side note: this is also where I get my hair cut and coloured by Jaymi and I can’t recommend it enough if you’re in the market for pastel locks!

What where your favourite Summer finds this year?

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Dear Diary

This month’s edit is short, sweet, and most importantly, simple. I’ve been working really hard to simplify my life lately: go out less, drink more water and cold-pressed juice, be outdoors as much as possible, and consume LESS whenever I can. This means I’ve been cooking at home, mending old clothing, and being extra selective about what I let into my life.

July’s list is about my current essentials, the things that make me smile every single day!

Dose Juice // I first spotted these sleek, colourful juices on the shelf at Whole Foods and it quickly became tradition to grab one every time I trekked up there to grocery shop. With healthy living on my mind, I’ve decided to try one of their cleanse programs this month with Josh (you know what they say about the couple that cleanses together…) Stay tuned for updates!

Folk Fortune // I like my life to feel like a tropical vacation at all times, and my little wicker slipper & sun hat set from Folk Fortune really help with the wishful thinking! Handmade in Vancouver, I’m already eyeing a woven basket to match too!

Lovestar // I’ve been in love with Lovestar for years and years, and finally having not one but two of their heart-shaped mountable vases often feels totally surreal. I’ve never been more inspired to play with fresh blooms!

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Melon // Does she mean melon? Like actual melon? That’s right, no product link here. I am all about melon right now! Growing up I always ate around Honeydew and Cantaloupe in my fruit salad, but this hot Canadian summer I simply cannot get enough! If anyone has some amazing melon recipes I’m all ears!

Coqui Coqui Perfume // I never ever buy the same perfume twice because I am just far too indecisive, but I met my match when I sniffed Coqui Coqui’s original coconut fragrance, Coco Coco. This stuff is pure sunshine coconut sunscreen goodness, and I am desperate to plan a trip to their Mexican Perfumeria to see them bottling the scent of summer in person!

The Good Twin Co. // Who doesn’t love great stationary? The iridescent foil writing and quirky details on this company’s goods are just the right amount of weird.

Dear DiaryOh so Pretty

Just in the knick of time- our June edit is here! I know May was in the beginning of the month, but I figure end of month works too if it means I get more time to test and review products properly. Better for both of us, right?

This month’s roundup of RAOP Picks (aka my favourite finds of the month) is almost all within the exact same colour scheme, and primarily beauty-based. Perhaps it was the fun YSL events I attended over the past 30 days, or our #RAOPpowderroom project that spurred the beauty cabinet upgrade, but I’m definitely really feeling these beautiful products for the summer:

1. YSL Beauty

I don’t know what happened, but YSL really swept me off my feet over the past few weeks. I had the pleasure of attending a special breakfast to celebrate their Mon Paris fragrance launch, and the love affair really grew from there. My top picks? Touche Eclat Blur Primer and Vinyl Couture Mascara in gold.

2. Lovefresh

Locally made with Love, this brand is all natural, cruelty-free, and they have the best natural deodorants in the game! Also, How cute is this pink body scrub?

3. Sonix Sunglasses

Hello new fave sunglasses brand!The packaging from Sonix is unreal cute, and I love their fun use of colour in the frames.

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4. Cherry Pick Statement Jewellery

Who doesn’t need a good statement necklace? Cherry Pick is my go-to place to shop for sparkles of all sorts.

5. Tocca

I’ve always been a huge fan of the TOCCA candles and the unique way they name them and give them little “stories” to tell, but their line has really hit it out of the park recently! I can’t even wrap my head around how much I love the idea of a hair fragrance (coming soon!)

6. Repetto Ballet Flats

I picked up these flats on my trip to Nice, and they immediately became a new must have. Their comfortable, classy, and go with everything- plus they’re made by a legit ballet shoe company in Paris!

7. Davines Your Hair Assistant

We already know how much I adore Davines (they’re generally the online haircare brand I use), and this new collection’s pretty blush and black packaging really won me over. If you get a chance to sniff this line, prepare to swoon!

8. Eternally in Amber Hair accessories

The perfect addition to my pristine haircare routine, these tortoiseshell combs are as useful as they are beautiful.