1 Year Anniversary

It was around this time last year that I started thinking about writing a style blog and now as we approach 2013, I can't believe a full year has already passed. 2012 will certainly be marked as a significant year, full of milestones, surprises, and adventure, and this blog has served well as a great journal and outlet for capturing and expressing some of the moments that made up the last 12 months. It's funny and pleasantly surprising how a simple photo can recollect so many memories of what a particular day entailed. Theses were some of my favourites (both photos and days).

Sending out a giant thank you to Steve - awesome fiancé and photographer extraordinaire - for clicking away even when your fingers were almost too cold to feel the camera. And to everyone who followed along the past year - I am forever grateful for your continued encouragement and support! Cheers to 2013!

 - Melissa
xo

Liking Lately

A candle from Banana Republic that fills up our living room with scents of woodsy pine trees (to compensate for our fake tree).

My favourite wrapping accessory this year - owl name tags. 

Fresh clementines.

Currently obsessed with tiny bow bracelets - love this glittery one for the holidays. 

Homemade cookies (recipes here, here and here) prepared as hostess gifts.  The maple-glazed snowflake cookies are my favourite. 

Just a few things putting me in the festive spirit today.
Happy Christmas Eve! 

Red on Red

Shirt: Gap (cute blue version here); Skirt: Zara (similar); Ankle Boots: Urban Outfitters (similar); Faux-Fur Stole: H&M

With Christmas only 5 days away I have been trying to get sufficient ware out of all things "christmas-y" that I own. That includes this red buffalo plaid top and bright red nail polish with a touch of sparkle. 

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The Perfect Hostess Gift

Holiday season usually calls for plenty of gatherings with friends and family. Since we'll

be attending a few rather than hosting this year, I have been trying to decide on the perfect

homemade hostess gift. These are some of the treats I'm debating between. 

Which one's your favorite?

Reindeer Cake Pops

Double Chocolate Mint Cookies - recipe here

Red and Green M&M Cookies

Maple Snowflake Cookies - recipe here

"North Pole" Cupcakes with Snowy Frosting 

Sugar Cookies topped with crushed Candy Canes - recipe here

Life Lately

I can't believe there's only 7 more days till Christmas! There always seems to be a build up of anticipation after Thanksgiving and then somehow mid December creeps up quick and out of nowhere. That being said, I hope your holiday preparations are going smoothly and you're finding time to relax and enjoy the little indulgences that make this time of year so special. Here are some things that have been making me happy lately.

1. A thin, gold, asymmetrical ring that my mom used to wear in the 80's (that I happily acquired over the weekend). 

2. Holiday gift wrapping - most people dislike it, but it's definitely in my top 5 for favorite things to do this time of year.

3. Traditional Christmas movie marathons for nights when it's too cold to venture outside. 

4. First turkey carve of the season at a friend's holiday party.

5. A figure skater providing holiday entertainment at Holt Renfrew.

6. Glittery nails that feel appropriately merry. 

7. My parent's dog, Zorro, who seems to get cuter everytime I see him. 

8. Long-sleeve dresses, statement necklaces, and faux-fur. 

9. A special card that arrived in the mail for me recently.  

Have a great week! 

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Bold and Bright

Dress: H&M (new); Faux-Fur Vest: Banana Republic; Necklace: Joe Fresh; Heels: Zara; Tights: Joe Fresh; Earrings: Forever 21 

I wore this little number over the weekend to a friend's birthday bash. I saw the dress at H&M recently and was immediately drawn to the long sleeves (it's freezing in Toronto!) and bright neon colour. It feels structured without being stiff, bright without being expected, and certainly proved to hold up on the dance floor. I'm now on the hunt for a sparkly holiday party dress - anyone have any suggestions?

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