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

Though I don’t consider myself a digitally-inclined person in any respect, it’s pretty much impossible for me not to spend a big chunk of every day on Instagram.

I guess I have a slightly different relationship with Instagram than most people because it’s such a massive component of my career. Though you may already know my Instagram account, you probably aren’t aware that Johanna and I also run RAOP Creative on the side, a mini-agency that helps other businesses with their social media presence through content creation. Basically, we’re on the internet all day everyday either as our own brand, or as another brand entirely, which makes us hyper aware of all sorts of trends and themes going on out there.

There’s so much talent to fall in love with on instagram, but we can’t help but play favourites sometimes! This week we’ve rounded up some of the most colourful, fun, addictive feeds in all the land… or at least in our books!

SugarandCloth

// Sugar and Cloth

Ashley Rose is truly a genius when it comes to DIY projects and pretty event styling. This lovely lady creates the most beautiful pieces of furniture, perfect painted macarons, and recently had the most amazing colour wall for photos painted in Houston! Plus her kitchen is seriously what dreams are made of.

Fluffegram

// Fluffegram 

Do you have a sweet tooth? Fluffegram is basically a fairy floss wizard who lives in Australia making just about everything out of cotton candy- cake, burgers, milkshakes, spaghetti and pretty much anything else you can dream up!

AwwSam

// Aww.Sam

Sam originally caught our eye when she started making donuts that look like flamingos, swans, rainbows and sparkly heart emojis. These days we can’t get enough of her colourful outfits and amazing studio space- perhaps a visit to NYC for a photoshoot collaboration is in order?

AlfredTea

// Alfred Tea

If you know anything about Team RAOP, you know how much we love tea. We were heartbroken when we realized our Cali trip dates narrowly missed the opening of Alfred Tea, a new blush pink tea shop on Melrose, but it will definitely be on our must see list when we head back to the West Coast.

JennaRaeCakes

// Jenna Rae Cakes

I don’t really believe in “too pretty to eat”- that is, until I found Jenna Rae Cakes. I haven’t yet had the chance to visit this Canadian bakery myself, but I know when I finally trek to Winnipeg I’ll likely be spending my entire savings account on cotton candy cakes and fuzzy peach macarons. Every single treat they create is out of this world pastel amazing.

All images via. Instagram