It's that time of year!  We are slowly starting think about what to buy our friends and family members for the upcoming holiday.  I've decided to put together a few gift guides this year, in hopes that it will make your gift buying that much easier!  I'll be sharing a few different guides over the next couple of weeks.  I have discovered so many incredible brands and companies through blogging and I want to share them with you!  I may also be hoping to find one of two of the items listed under the tree (you reading this hubs?!). Hahaha!

Today I'm sharing a few of my personal favourite items for "her".  These are items that I've used/have and love, or that constantly find their way to my shopping cart!  Enjoy!

1. Daniel Wellington Watch
2. Leigh Viner "Current" Print
3. Merino Wool Sweater
4. Philosophy Face Wash
5. Quilted Leather Tote Bag
6. True Skinny Ankle Jeans
7. Leah Alexandra "Bolero" Bracelet
8. Nike Sneaker
9. Wallet
10. Pink Stripe Ruffle Blouse
11. Mini Waffle Knit Hat
12. Poppy Barley 2.5 Stacked Heel Ankle Boot
13. Super Soft Plaid Scarf
14. Nest Rollerball (Indigo)

Truth be told, I'll probably be sharing another gift guide for her, because there are quite a few more items that I'd love to share with you!  Stay tuned!

Cheers,

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A Few of My Favourite Coffee Table Books

I'm in the midst of planning our holiday decor.  This is something that I absolutely enjoy.  From searching for the perfect ribbon to stocking up on the holiday essentials.  We've also begun putting together holiday parcels for family members, I'm trying not to get overly comfortable with the fact that we are somewhat organized this year, because time seems to always fly and we are left scrambling for last minute gifts!

If you have a reader on your list, today I thought I would share some of my favourite home decor and fashion books, all of which are available at Chapters!  I share a lot of shots of my books, but it's honestly because I cherish them so much!  You'll find links to the 9 books that are currently sitting on our coffee table and I promise to share some more of my favourites soon!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers,

Talbots Friends and Family Sale Picks!

 shoes / scarf / jeans / jacket / purse (all c/o)

With the arrival of the cooler temps comes the need to bundle up to stay warm!  I pretty much love this time of year.  No need for a heavy coat, but if you choose to wear one, you can keep it open.  Layers are welcome and scarves are a must!  You can still get away with wearing flats or ankle boots with your jeans folded up.

The Talbots Friends & Family sale is on now and you can save 30% off of your purchase with the code FRIENDS30 form now until November 9th!  They are on fire this season with amazing jackets, perfect plaids and colourful shoes.  Here are a few of my favourite picks, click through to see them all!

Weekly Recap

You guys, we had our very first snowfall yesterday!  Oh goodness, I did all I could to resist playing Christmas tunes!  Yes, I just said that!  Instead, I went out to source a few things for upcoming projects and while at HomeSense, I spotted a great selection of clearance Halloween decor.  I decorated the kitchen a little bit prior to the kids getting home from school.  We'll have to tackle outside this weekend.

I've decided that now is the time to get started on the laundry room.  We are in desperate need of organization and storage in this multifunctional space.  It's LONG overdue.  You can see what I have in mind here.  I'd like to have some open shelving above the sink and then cabinets above the washer and dryer.  I currently have my eye on IKEA cabinets or this line of ready-made cabinets from Lowe's.  I'm trying to decide if I want to go with white cabinetry or grey.  So hard to choose!

Before I go, here are this week's links!

• Almost time to roast some pumpkin seeds!
• Did you know that HomeSense is now carrying tile (and apparently wallpaper too!). It's true, here's the proof!
• Loving Lauren Conrad's home in the hills!
• A crazy awesome (and genius) way to make a knitted pie crust!
• This kitchen is rather dreamy, isn't it?
• Speaking of kitchens, this one also deserves a holla!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers,

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#BryanInc Giveaway Winner

Thank you so very much to everyone who entered the #BryanInc giveaway!  I'm so excited to hear that so many of you are loving the new series just as much as I am!

The lucky winner of the prize pack is Brenda!  Congrats, Brenda!

We've been enjoying a little of downtime, but I have to admit, that the holiday planning has begun!  I'll be sharing some incredible collabs soon, so stay tuned!

Cheers,

Weekly Recap

Mikasa dishes

So the other day, I decided to go to HomeSense to buy a cake stand.  As always, I toured the store instead of heading directly to where I needed to go.  And oh my goodness, you guys, I found the most stunning set of white dinnerware!  I honestly stood there for a good 20 mins trying to decide if I should buy the set or not.  I have to tell you that I've been looking for a beautiful, well made white set of dishes for a few years now.  The others were either too expensive, sold as an entire set, or the design wasn't exactly what I was looking for. HomeSense completely took me by surprise by having exactly what I was looking for, when I wasn't looking for it!

After some thought, I decided to take the pieces home.  I just couldn't pass them up.  I ended up with 10 place settings (minus the cups, we love our mug collection) and so far, I'm beyond thrilled with them!

Before I go, here are some of my favourite links from this week:

• Love this art DIY!
• I've been looking for a pair of jeans that I didn't have to roll up when wearing ankle boots, these ones fit the bill (I had to size up)
• The newly renovated Williams-Sonoma store in Yorkdale looks amazing and I can't wait to visit!
• I'm toying with the idea of getting a round table for our kitchen, this photo is making it easy to say "yes"
• Ahhh, the art of layering during the fall months
• How gorgeous are the photos (and outfit, of course) from this post on Julia's blog?  Jaw.drop.  I heart fall (and Julia's incredibly fashion sense!)

Have a lovely weekend and PS don't forget to enter this fantastic giveaway!

Cheers,

Julie

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Bryan Inc & An Amazing Giveaway!

You all know how much I absolutely love love love HGTV Canada!  Have you been watching their new shows?  I have to say that I'm so excited to jump into fall with some fantastic television to watch!

The first episode of Bryan Inc aired on Sept 25th, please tell me you watched it! (psst, if you didn't, you can watch the episodes that have aired here). In this brand new series, Bryan has hired a new project manager, can you guess who?  Yup, his fabulous wife, Sarah!  I've always enjoyed watching this couple work together, but this is a completely different role for both of them!  I can assure you however, that you'll love the dynamic between this husband and wife duo as they buy, renovate and sell homes for profit.

photo credit: HGTV Canada

In this series, we go behind the scenes of how decisions are made at Bryan Inc. and follow along as Sarah gets used to her new role.  Of course the couple doesn't always see eye to eye on all of the decisions that have to be made, but quite honestly, they are so fun to watch as they always end up finding the perfect solution to any hurdle they may face.  From strict budgets, to construction delays, to balancing work and family life, they are seeing it all!  I'm absolutely loving the show and can not wait to see the two homes when they are done!

photo credit: HGTV Canada

The show airs Sunday nights on HGTV Canada at 10pm EST!

To help celebrate the new series, the brilliant team at HGTV along with Bryan and Sarah want to give one lucky reader an incredible prize pack!  The winner will receive a surprise Sarah Delivered box (please note: the winner may not receive the same box as I did, but it will definitely be just as good!) as well as a signed copy of Bryan's Book: Measure Twice.

HGTV Canada was kind enough to send me my very own prize pack (thank you!).  I received the September "Sarah Delivered" box, "revive".  It includes the most delicious products that have been hand picked by Sarah and her team!  After looking through Bryan's book, I couldn't help but smile at how well they were able to capture his personality! They help walk you through the most common home DIYs with step-by-step instructions.  I have a feeling that we'll be referring to this book quite a bit in the near future!

To enter follow the steps below.  Open to Canadian Residents, contest closes Sunday, October 24rd, 2016 at 12:00am EST.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cheers,

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A Lavender "Hello"

It's a gloomy Monday here, overcast skies and the lightest drizzle (which is supposed to be followed by a more substantial downpour later this afternoon).  It's the kind of day that you just want to curl up with a good book and cozy blanket next to the fire.

But of course, there are things to do!  I did however take a bit of time to put together a few cards this morning.  This delicious lavender from Terre Bleu needs to be passed along.  It smells divine, in the softest way.

A simple piece of washi tape secures a few sprigs of lavender to the front of a card, hopefully making a beautiful friend or family member's day.

Do you love the scent of lavender?

Wishing you a fantastic week, friends!

Cheers,

It's Friday - This Week's Links

It's Friiiidayyyy!  Wowza!  Why on earth do short weeks always feel so long!  Honestly though, the past two weeks have been the longest.

Okay, enough complaining!  I'm pretty excited to have taken my trench coat for a spin for the first time.  This is (believe it or not) the first trench that I've ever owned.  It's on the longer side, so I was a little nervous about how it would look on, since I'm not so tall, but I'm happy with it!  Bonus!  It's currently on sale AND you can save an additional 40%.  Mic. Drop.  I totally had to search up how to neatly tie the belt at the back on pinterest, I went with this one, but there are few others that I will eventually try.

trench // boots // purse (c/o) // jeans (similar)

Before I go, I wanted to leave you with a few links that caught my eye this week, here they are!

• This photo from One Kings Lane's insta has me completely obsessed 
• I'm a huge fan of Jillian Harris for several reasons. The girl is amazing, she works hard, loves those around her with all of her heart and is beyond talented.  If you haven't had a chance to read her birth story, stop what you're doing and go there now.  You can find the post here.
• This photo has me dreaming of fall in every which way
• I posted this photo on Instagram, but needed to tell you that this stuff made my glass stove top shine.  Like. shine.  Smells delicious too!
• Rose gold and pink, yes please!

Have a lovely weekend!

Cheers,

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Minted Print - Melanie Severin

BlogPodium was pretty darn amazing this year, I can't lie.  I'm still smiling thinking of all of the wonderful bloggers that I had a chance to meet IRL.

I am thankful to have left the conference with this stunning art print by Melanie Severin (a fellow Canadian!).  It's honestly so beautiful and the frame colour compliments the print perfectly!  The only issue I'm having is trying to decide where to place it!  Originally I thought it would make for a great jumping off point for our powder room makeover, but then it found it's way into my office and now I'm loving how it looks in the family room!

Melanie's work can be found at Minted and honestly, her pieces are just lovely!  She also sells cards!

Cheers,

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Ankle Boots & Plaid Scarf

We have the day off here today as it's Thanksgiving.  The day will be spent relaxing and enjoying each other's company.  For the first time in weeks if not months, we don't have a busy schedule, we actually have nothing to do (other than clean, but honestly, that can wait) because I just want to enjoy now and those around us.

I recently ordered a pair of Poppy Barley's Two Point Five Ankle Boots after searching for the perfect pair for almost a year!  I am so very happy with them.  I love Poppy Barley, their brand, their story, their mission, their products.  They are a great Canadian company and I have a feeling that there will be another pair of boots walking into our home in the near future (honestly though, have you seen their City Boot?!).

sweater // jeans (similar) // jacket (similar) // purse (c/o) // boots // glasses (similar) // scarf (similar)

Have a fantastic Monday, friends!

Cheers,
Julie

Fall Plaid

We were treated to some rather high temps last week, which was nice, but I'm aok with the temperature being more fall like this weekend.

After a bit of rain in the morning, the skies cleared and we took the opportunity to head down to the river for a little walk.  I'm not sure what it is about being by the water, but it just soothes the soul.

I hope all of my Canadian friends have the most wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  I've linked to my outfit below, the jacket and top are similar, but from the same companies!

Cheers,
Julie

Tips On How To Creatively Display Your Art

Happy Monday!

I'm super excited to be over at the Comfortable House Blog, an inspiring blog created by the lovely team at La-Z-Boy.  I'm sharing tips on how to creatively display your art around your home!  Art is an incredible way to add personality to your home.

You can find the post here and while you're there, be sure to check out the other fantastic posts!

Cheers,

Julie