Your best accessory: Friends

I haven't been writing much lately. It's not because I haven't reached my goals, I have but somehow things have become overwhelming and stressful. The past few months have been a ride for me, some with amazing ups and some with real downs.

Last night at Bible Study I was struck by the passage we read.Philippians 1:6 says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." The grace that God gives is amazing. With my life feeling out of control, I lost the sight that God has a plan for my life, no matter how imperfect I may be, He loves me. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.

For months I have been dealing with issues around friends, their loyalty and feeling blamed for certain relationships breaking. Last night, I couldn't sleep. I took to my Bible and I took to paper. I started by writing out those people to whom I have felt hurt by and those who I have not yet forgiven. I know that we are supposed to forgive, because God forgives us, but somehow I can't seem to always forgive. In particular, those who have tried to break my relationship with my fiance and those who do not support our relationship. It's something that is very special to me, a relationship that I believe is meant to be. The man and I have a connection that is indescribable. In my times of despair, I go to him and he is there to pick me up. In times of great joy, he is the one I want to run to. No matter what is happening, we are a team and get through everything together. However strong we are, people can have a huge affect on our relationship. With certain friends not in the picture, or not supporting our relationship the stress can become more prominent than the reasons we fell in love and decided to get married.

After writing for a while I realized that I was deeply hurt that some people, who called themselves friends, do not support our relationship and have tried to create friction. I have always believed that you can tell a lot about a person by their friends. It made me questions the motives behind each person. Sometimes you can't predict what people are going to. Perhaps they are not happy in their lives, maybe they are jealous of our relationship. I don't know if I will ever know the answer to the questions, but all I can do is pray for them, the relationship and the stress it can cause all those involved.

I can't change how people feel and I can't change how they act but I can change the way I act and feel. For months I have been trying to forgive, but maybe I am not forgiving myself. I put a lot of trust into those people and the break of trust was a huge blow to me. I felt stupid for not seeing the signs before, even when those close to me pointed out that I should be careful. Sometimes other's can see more than you can. Why didn't I clue in?

I like to think of myself as a rather trusting person. I see good in people and I focus on that. My life has taught me, you can trust fully with your whole heart but be aware of those you are trusting. Looking back I can see warning signs, but I wanted everybody to get along. Even after I felt a betrayal or hurt, I would try and get past it. Forgive and forget. Sometimes though, forgetting isn't always easy. I have gone out of my way to make things right with all the people. I sucked up my pride to try and smooth things over for those I love the most. Unfortunately, the lack of response and caring towards me and my feelings has caused me to write those people off. I want nothing to do with them. I can forgive what they did but I cannot allow myself to be bullied and hurt.

I was left with more questions. If God can give grace to all people, even those who tried to kill Jesus, why can't I try to let those people into my life? Can I ever truly forgive them? How can I show grace?

With so many questions, I did learn that even when I am at my weakest God is in control. But He's not just in control of my life, He's in control of those people's lives as well. God has a plan, and all I can do is have faith. I may not understand but someday I will. God will use what has happened in the way He sees fit. Most of all, last night's written journal of pain turned into one of joy. I have amazing things in my life. I have an incredible family, who love me unconditionally. I have the best friends I could ever imagine. Ones who always stick up for me and are always on my side. They pick up me up when I am down and love me for who I am. Finally, I have a man who I love and loves me. A man who I am going to spend the rest of my life with - no matter what happens we have each other to lean on.

So, this is a long post but one that is straight from my heart. I hope everybody who reads this blog sees the love they have in their lives and stops to focus on it today, tomorrow and everyday. Take a look at those around you, those who love you and support you. Life can feel out of control, but have faith there is a plan and people are in your life for a reason.

Remember - your friends are your best accessory!
xoxo

Week 3: Don't stop believing.

Hi all!

Well I am in week 3 of bootycamp now and boy am I nervous for next weeks weigh in. I don't want to have sucky results, so for this week and next week (with the exception of Saturday - I have to at least try the deep fried butter balls at the EX - it's important to life), I am amping up my weight loss. I am taking stairs where ever I can (even though it hurts to move my legs up) and making better meal choices. Here is my meal plan for the next few weeks.
Morning:
2 Scrambled Eggs - This means I have to wake up early enough to make breakfast before I leave for work - arg - but thanks to my mama I have fresh eggs. I should visit her more often!
Veggie - With my scrambled eggs I like to have something to make them more exciting. Lately it's been tomato's my mom gave me when I was visiting her. She grew them herself, which makes me remember when I lived at home and we had breakfast as a family every morning before school. I have great parents!!!
Coffee - I will not cut this out. I can't and I won't! I have cut out the cream. It's very hard to drink black coffee. Lately I have cheated and put half & half in, sadly I must cut this out.
Lemon Water - Right after my shower, I down a glass of lemon water to jump start my day. I have no idea if this works but I feel good after I drink it and it's a glass of water!

Mid-Morning Snack:
V8 juice - I have to make sure I have enough salt in my system, since I have low blood pressure. V8 juice gives me exactly the boost I need, plus it makes me full for a couple hours!

Lunch:
Salad: My salad is not just any salad, no it's a super salad with chick peas, butter lettuce, celery, tomato's, cucumber, green peppers and balsamic vinegar. To top it off I normally have tuna, but sometimes switch to chicken. Depends on my mood!
Water: I try to drink 2 cups of water just with lunch. By this time I hopefully have drank up to 4 glasses. I have to pee a lot but at least it gets me up from my desk.

Dinner:
Meat: I'm allergic to shellfish and salmon, so I can't eat those which are normal diet foods but I do love to eat red meat and chicken - so that's what I shall have!
Veggies: Steamed or raw, veggies are my new best friend! I love zucchini- so I am going to eat a lot of grilled zucchini and chicken! I will also eat more broccoli - no cheese sauce :(
Water: More water - must keep drinking!!!


Ok - so that's my plan! As for week 3 of bootycamp, I do feel a big difference in myself. I can see where the inches are coming off, and I can see some toning happening - never thought I would say that! Yesterday was really painful though. I was sweating soooooo much - my hair was soaking and not one inch of my clothes were dry. Speaking of clothes - what would possess a girl to come to class wearing a push up bra? NOW I am not saying that you can't look good while working out, we all know I love fashion but come on, who are you trying to impress? We don't want to see you fall out of your little tank top - that I own but only wear under a sweater. You know the ones with the lace on top - nobody wants to see it - so please put it away. Thanks.

Back to me - today I feel bloated and tired. My legs hurt from the squats, my arms are sore from the push-ups and tricep push-ups, my shoulders hurt and mostly my abs hurt - especially when I sneeze or cough. It's a different sore though - I actually am happy to feel the pain. I know that I am getting stronger, but the bloating part - not fun! I read on the bootycamp forum that this is normal and it's just my body adjusting to the new exercises - but still - not in such a good mood today.

Funny story - yesterday when were doing these intense leg lifts that gave me a charlie horse, but Sandra told me to work through the pain and I did - which I can now feel today - anyway...my favourite bootycamper B, made me laugh soooo hard. When we had finished, she grabbed her legs and tried to do a split over her head - she said it was to take the focus of the pain away - but really it was the funniest thing I have ever heard/scene. Oh man, we laughed soo much. B cracks me up. Without her I don't think I would have so much fun - she seriously makes it fun every minute. Plus we have the same humour as Sandra - which makes it a big laughfest!

Onto laughing, my group is funny!! Not only do we work hard, but we laugh a lot and that makes it fun. Sandra is AMAZING. I really can't say it enough. She makes us laugh and fight all at the same time. B and I always look at each other and just laugh - sometimes no words need to be said!

Well...that was a lot of updating but let's hope my results are good next Thursday and let's hope B decides to stay for the next 4 weeks! I hope she does!!!

Till next time,

E xoxox

Why I do not weigh myself

Well, we are now finished week two of bootycamp. Now I have to say, bootycamp is still the hardest thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding.

Here is my new beef, weight. I weighed myself day one for bootcamp. OK - I saw the number and thought - not bad, 10 pounds and you'll be where you want to be. Actually for me - mistake. I started to eat as small of meals as I could and cut out all the carbs. I was so dizzy and tired that after two days I ate an insane amount of sushi. So now, I am eating healthy, often and not limiting my carb intake. I have cut out a lot of carbs and made better decisions about what carbs I eat - but I eat them. I can't survive a full day's work on nothing but salad in my system! I am just not that kind of girl. Back to the weight - I weighed myself this morning after last nights bootycamp - down five pounds but there is a huge difference in my pants - more than five pounds. Which leads me to believe that I am actually gaining muscle and am not going focus on the number. It doesn't mean anything to me, it's how I look in my clothes! And my clothes are looking good! Everything is just a little bit big - in just two weeks! I can see a difference and I feel different.

Feeling different might have a lot more to do with the fact that Sandra, our instructor, pushes us and makes us go past our pushing point each time. She is so amazing that I have signed up for four more weeks. That means, eight weeks of bootycamp. I am confident that my inches are going to really come off after the six week mark. Well, let's hope because I have a wedding dress to fit into!!!

I think my favourite thing about bootycamp so far are the girls in my group. We have a real variety of personailites and ages. I love laughing and motivating each other. I have especially enjoyed meeting a new Canadian! Without her, I may not be having so much fun and laughter! She motivates me and has similar feelings about people in our group! With every group of girls, there are always somebody who feels above the rest of the group. I understand thinking you are the shizzle, but if you don't have the goods to back it up, stop the attitude. AND btw - if you bring a three year old ugly coach purse to your bootycamp and say loudly that your new coach purse shouldn't be put on the ground, expect to be made fun of. I am not perfect but hey, at least I know I am working hard and that everybody in the group is too.  Ok - that maybe a vent - but she had it coming :) hahah

I am really excited to see what the next few weeks have in store for me. I have a goal - and I can see it starting already! I hope everybody has had a great weekend and remember to eat right and exercise - don't starve yourself! REMEMBER - strut your stuff on the catwalk of life! Enjoy your life and own your body.

xoxo E

 

Name of the game: SORE

Well, last night kicked my butt! My first ever booty camp may have been the hardest physically draining thing I have ever done. Although I found it really hard and didn't seem to be able to complete everything with the ease and grace I had hoped, I did get the best workout I have ever had. For those who don't know what bootycamp is like, this is how my experience went!

First, I got there a little early - to make sure I knew exactly where to go and to get myself pumped. There was a class just finishing, so I sat back and watched them. I almost left - it looked so hard and I kept thinking, how am I supposed to do that??? Well, it was time for my class. As the other ladies strolled away. I set up my mat and met some of the girls in my group. Everybody is really nice and most of all, everybody except one girl (who was really motivational to us!) had never done bootycamp before. We were all virgins - that helped a lot! I didn't feel alone - I felt like I could do it because they could do it!

So - we started. Within minutes I was sweating and I hate to sweat. I didn't want the other girls to think I was really bad and out of shape, so I pushed myself to keep going and push past the sweat. Within a couple more minutes we were doing push-ups. Now, let me tell you - I don't do push-ups and can't even do a real one. I can only do them on my knees. I was thrilled to see that almost everybody else was doing them on their knees! Success - I did them. By this time, my arms were burning - so it was a welcome change to do some lunges. Never say that phrase again! I had no idea how many types of lunges there could be. HARD! I am sweating through my clothes (thank God I wore black) and everything was shaking. I thought I was going to throw up. Well, then we had to run. Oh gosh, more running, but this time it was zig zags. Then back to do more triceps, lunges, push-ups, abs, legs, running, lunges, lunges, lunges - ahhh stretch!

I have never felt so many feelings at once: throw-up, shake, burn, don't be a baby, don't disappoint, other people are doing it so can you, remember your wedding dress, if your sister can do it so can you, ouch this hurts, oh I can't breathe, no I can do this, count out loud, find something to focus on, there are so many bugs, breathe, you're doing it, crap you just fell, get back up, drink some water, no you'll have to pee, stop thinking and just work work work work, wow we're done and I want more!

So here are my thoughts, you will surprise yourself. You don't have to athletic to do bootycamp. You don't have to be able to do push-ups. You don't have to know how to do anything, they teach you and push you to your breaking point and then a little above that. At one point I felt like giving up - I was dripping with sweat, my legs felt like jelly and I thought I was going to throw up but I was pushing past it and trying to do the best I could do. They don't ask for more! The other girls are a great motivation. I am excited to get to know them and most of all change our bodies together. Working out in a community fills some social need I have but pushes me to do my best. I can't give up because I'd be letting these girls down and we can push each other to succeed. We are all there for different reasons, but we can help each other push past the pain and reach our goals.

Finally I just want to say how AMAZING my instructor Sandra is. Not only is she a great example of how to be fit and own your body, she pushes you past where you think you can go. She doesn't yell at you or make you feel stupid, rather she holds your head up and gives you the perfect motivation. I am so lucky to have her teaching me and showing me how to succeed. I do not want to disappoint her - so I am going to work as hard as possible! I will make her proud!!!

So with that I say, don't quit and don't give up! You can do it - and you can make a difference in your body. Focus on what you want and push past the pain. The next day you will feel sore - so sore in fact that I did not do my hair today - hurt to much to put my hands up. BUT it's worth it. I feel really confident that I can drop the inches and tone myself up! I can feel the muscles already - and that means they are working. With an incredible instructor like Sandra and amazing bootycamp team members, I know I will reach my goal. It may be hard but it's worth it. If you want to challenge yourself, do bootycamp. I have my sister and my friend Nat to thank for pushing me to do bootycamp! It works for them and it will work for you.

Tomorrow is another bootycamp - wish me luck!

xoxo E

Bootycamp starts tonight

Hello there all your fashionisa's! It's been to long since I blogged and well, I am taking you on my journey to fitness! As some of you know, I am engaged. I have already found my wedding dress and am having it altered in just a few short months. So - I decided I wanted to look like a movie star for my big day. After seeing how amazing my sister Sarah and my friend Natasha did, I knew this may just be the push I need to be lean for my wedding day.

Ok - so first thing is first. You can't be a fashionista without coordinating your outfit right? Even while working out, I pride myself on looking my best. First I am a shoe addict. I knew that without the right sneaker I would not be able to properly work out. I took my fiance on a hunt for the right shoe. It took many hours and some sweating but we found the perfect shoe at the Adidas outlet store in Vaughn Mills. They have great little blue accents and incredible support- the perfect shoe for me!

Onto the clothes! Thanks to sister Sarah, I went to Joe Fresh and bought the cutest work out gear! I am so excited to wear them. I feel really good in the little shorts and tank top. I have pants to put on over my shorts but considering that it' 40 degrees out and 100% humidity - I'll take my chances with just the shorts!

So - what kind of fashionista would I be without coordination? Well, my yoga mat - it's the same blue that's in my shoes! Whoot whoot for coordination!

Onto the serious part of the blog...
Why do I want to attend booty camp? I know that I will never be a size 0 and I know that I will never look like a stick. I love food too much! But since I have gotten engaged, I wanted to be the best I can be on my wedding day. I don't care about my weight, it's about how I feel. Lately I haven't been strick on my diet and have crept back up to a size 6. It's time to get that back down! My goal is go down to a size 4. I know that with booty camp I will be able to lose inches and be toned! Most of all - confidence is key to any fashionista. So, ladies - don't starve youself, energize yourself. I hope you all join me on this journey!

Till tomorrow
xoxo E

GLEEFUL

There are only a couple shows that have caused my social life to be put on the back burner and Glee is one of those shows. Since the beginning, I have been a major gleek! Although in highschool I was into drama and choir, I never got to really do competitions like they do. I feel I can live a fantasy in one hour. Glee takes me into another world - a world of song, dance and fashion. Did you notice that each character has their own personal style? I could go on forever about their style but there are just a few who really stand out to me.

Rachel, the wannabe star, her sweet yet want to be bad sweaters and mini-skirts. Her fashion reminds me of an early Britney Spears. She was sweet and school girlish but with a twist (and yes when Hit me Baby One more Time came out I did get furry hair accessories - not my finest fashion moment but it's Brit Brit so it's ok!) I do like how this season she is getting a little more stylish - but not over the top. I'm excited to see where she goes.

Mr. Schuester, the hot and talented teacher (insert pause to drool). With his incredible head of wavy hair that makes you want to reach through the tv and touch it, Mr. S has a hip yet appropriate. Did you notice that his fashion became less formal and more funky when he started working with the glee club? His suit turned into a fantstic jean and suit jacket. He has a major Justin Timberlake vibe - who I think normally dresses sharp!

Mercedes Jones, the soul powerhouse. Her style is just as big as her voice. Every episode I am excited to see what she has on. I could never pull off her looks but I take parts of her look and make it work for me. I don't do sneakers and I could never pull off her foot atire but I love her graphic tees and jackets. She always looks funky and always gives me chills when she hits her high notes.

Although I like all the characters and respect their talent and style, these three always stand out and always make me take notice. Tonight is the night for glee! Enjoy and let me know who you thought looked good!

How to cheer in style!

I love baseball! It's my favourite sport, although it's just edging out Hockey. When I was younger my Aunty Jo used to take my sister and I to Blue Jays games. Some of my best memories are the Jays game. Not only did we get to hang out with our cool and fun Aunty Jo, but we got to yell, boo, eat hot dogs and even high five total strangers! Life seemed perfect for those few hours in those sticky plastic seats. I used to admire those who dressed for the occassion with their cute Jays hats, shirts and signs! I never did understand why girls would wear short skirts or heals to the game - I understand now a little more but I still think it's stupid. Those seats can get sticky - and you can't really cross your legs very easily. Just the other day I was at the opening game and I saw girls wearing those short little skirts. I saw more then I wish to have seen. It got me to thinking, why can't girls dress appropriatly for the game?

I understand that some girls are desperate and some have no self-esteem, but seriously how comfortable can you be at a baseball game in little skirts and heals? I would like to think that a guy likes a girl in a cute, stylish, comfortable outfit just as much as a slutty ones. So, what do I wear? I always try to include some Blue Jay Blue in my outfit. I normally will wear jeans but when it's hot and the dome is open - shorts - not booty shorts but shorts. My choice of shoe is a flat closed toe, mainly because I hate people stepping on my feet but again when it's hot - flip flops. This year I have bought a fantstic vintage inspired Blue Jays tee - which I am very excited to wear to the next game!

Whatever your sporting event may be, girls I beg of you, don't show your booty. We are there to watch a game, cheer and boo (inset major boo for Alex Rios here - hisssssssssss). Dress for the occassion - not the man. Fashion is for you, it's what inspires you. Trying to impress somebody else is just as bad as buying a fake Fendi.

REMEBER: The street is your catwalk. So, walk it out!

Always look on the bright side of life...

I walk into work in the morning, I normally feel a little grumpy. I hate the morning - although I look refreshed my insides are saying please please please go back to sleep! Since I started working at my current company, the commute is a little longer. I have a chance to grab a coffee, listen to some music, people watch but mostly just prepare for the busy day ahead. I try to be more deliberate with my clothing choices. Working downtown has it's perks, I got out a lot more now after work but I have to be careful about what shoes I am wearing. Let's be realistic here - you can't always wear heals for walking when you have a full 10 hour day ahead of you, if not longer. Since it's nicer out - I tend to wear flip flops, flats or nice sandles to work and then change into fantastic pumps.

When I get to work, most days I come up in the back door and take the stairs up (it's how I allow myself to eat chocolate everyday!).  Then I change my shoes and get my coffee in my fantastic bright green mug that screams NOTICE ME! There is always a group of ladies having breakfast, chatting away and making me think "how are they so chipper - it's not evne 8:30am yet." As I walk in, I always hear - "what shoes do you have on today?" They all laugh at how funky and fantastic my shoes are - and then talk about how they used to wear them when they were young! It makes my day and I become chipper (which is how I normally am - just not when I haven't had coffee).

I do love shoes and I love to look at whathttp://www.thecheapgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/picture-31.png others are wearing. I think they make the perfect statement. It's like a mullet for your feet. Business up top, party on the bottom! New obsession - Town Shoes's Barbie Collection - in particular their peep toe bootie. Oh how I want these. My feet would be happy! Also am in love with Steve Maddens Vanissa - gorg shoe! I want it bad :) Do you have a favourite shoe? Let me know fashionistas! Till next time - remember make the street your catwalk!

What are you wearing?

I had a very odd experience this morning. With the nice weather I decided it was time to not wear a coat. Ok, well it wasn’t that warm and I shivered through most of my trip to work but hey my outfits are much cuter without a coat. After being squished into the subway by freakishly massive tall men in suits (honestly, I couldn’t see over them and I’m sure none of them knew I was there) for what seemed like forever, I went outside to catch my streetcar and grab a coffee. Thankfully the streetcar was not full. I stood by the back, with an open window blowing my hair around while the sun warmly shinned in on my head. It was a great moment. Unfortunately the moment was just that, a moment. This quite attractive looking man was getting off the streetcar. I could see him inching closer and closer to me. I kept moving further and further away. After several minutes of this, I gave him a frown (I wanted to growl but I thought that might be a little over the top). He looked stunned for a moment and then asked me “what are you wearing?” I said, “What do you mean?” He came a little closer and said, “You smell really good. What are you wearing?” Now, I didn’t know what he was talking about. I work in a scent free environment and have already been in trouble a couple times for having perfume on. As he started for the door, I looked at him and said, “Gain detergent. I just did laundry.” With a look of shock and horror, he promptly missed the step and fell out of the streetcar. I started to laugh and shrugged my shoulders. I had no idea detergent could really make somebody fall out of a streetcar. I am still confused about the conversation or why he was so shocked. I guess I’ll never know…or maybe I will run into him tomorrow on the streetcar!

My advice to all fashionistas out there – if you are going to do laundry try and get a scent! Currently I use Gain Original Fresh, but if you want to personalize your laundry give any soap/make-up shop a try. Most have a liquid you can add to your laundry to really make a statement.

Stay fresh and stay clean!

Girls Just Wanna Have FUN!!!

Every couple months my girls and I get all dressed up for girls night. We leave the men at home and dance the night away. This month we decided to check out mink. None of us had been there but had heard they had great music, so we thought why not give it a try. What a fun night!

As per usual - we did a photo shoot before we left the house - always a must do with your girlfriends! These girls are the best girls you could ask for! Each has their own individual style and all are the most gorgeous, sweet, funny and fantastic girls you will meet. I am so lucky to have them!

Nat: Not only is she an incredible writer but she has a funky yet classic style. My fav style for Nat is her fantastic pink Jessica Simpson coat with a fabulous tank and pant with a pair of killer heals. She is our sexy mama – roar!

Chris: Don't let her shy approach fool you; she has a giggle you will never forget. She is always glamorous and lives by the rule Coco Chanel made famous – before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take something off. Always cool, always fun – she is our shy kitten ;)

Tal: Tyra ain’t got nothing on Tal! She is loud, she is sassy and you better be ready for your cheeks to hurt because this girl will have you laughing all night. Always fierce, her funky yet curvy dresses always make a statement. Tal is our Divalious Tiger!

Em: With her blue eyes stunning men around Toronto, Em’s neutral toned clothes with pops of colour are trendy and fun. Boys beware – she is on the prowl! Always with a joke and coloured Shoe, Em is our Sparkly Cowgirl!

ME: I love to make a statement – for this night I decided to use an amazing hat from Boa Apparel. I love an item you gotta own!

Next time you go out for a night on the town, make a statement and always remember – girls night is only for the fashionably daring!

You can stand under my umbrella...ella...ella...eh..eh...eh...eh

Today was a rainy day - actually the last few days have been rainy days. Everywhere I turn, somebody hates the rain. Although I understand how frustrating it is to be stuck in traffic, outside waiting for a bus/streetcar (even getting a huge puddle splashed all over you - hmmm drivers can you not slow down when you see a person on the sidewalk) or even have frizzed out hair from the moisture - I am proud to say I LOVE THE RAIN! The rain smells so delightful and everything glistens with little tiny drops of rain. The best part of a rainy day are the outfits!

People comment every rainy day on how good I make a rainy day look - even strangers on the street!  I like to think of myself as the rain diva as I strut my stuff down the sidewalk and jump in puddles.Today a photographer asked if she could take my picture while jumping in puddles. She was from a local paper - so I was happy to pose.

So, what does my rainy day look like? My outfit always consists of my black trench coat (which is waterproof and has a hood), my fantastic bright yellow rubber boots, a fabulous hat (I love a 1920's bowler hat feminzed with a bow or flower) and a unique umbrella.

The great thing about the rain is you can brighten it up with just a little bright coloured boot! I often want to tell girls in black rain boots to get one with a pattern, colour or anything really. Show your personality in your boots. I like to be cheerful, those boots make me cheerful. There have been some great designer rubber boots lately in colours that make me swoon. If designer boot is what you want check out the Fendi Graffiti Rain Boot (around $225), Burberry Check Rain Boot (from $195 - $250) or Kate Spade New York "Randi" Rain Boot (around $125).

If it's cheaper you want check out Aldo's Nesbit ($35 - $45) or my personal favourite Hunter Short Gloss (mine are citrine - around $50).

Now umbrellas - people tend to forget about the umbrella. Umbrellas are just as important as your purse, braclets or even your shoes! Show your unique style with a fantastic umbrella and remember - buy one that looks just as pretty on the inside so you have a view too. I love to check out local stores for cool and unique umbrellas.

Whatever your style, go out and be bold. In the rain, we all need somebody to brighten our day. Maybe you'll have somebody stand under your umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh, eh....

Spring Awakening!

Spring is by far my favourite season. Unlike the cold harsh Toronto winter (although not to bad this year), spring gives me a sense of rebirth. Yesterday I decided to put winter behind me and find a new look. I have a system for each season. First I change my make-up, then my accessories and finally I change my hair. I am happy to say, step one is complete!

With my tax refund burning a hole in my pocket I decided to visit the Eatons Centre. With a smell of fresh rain in the air, I grazed through store after store. After a hard day at work, shopping gives me a jolt of excitement that no caffine can do. I live for the days I get to go shopping.

After looking through the entire mall, I settled on the MAC make-up store. What a grand store. The make-up artists are always way cooler than I am and somehow I think that impressing them means something to my esteem. I pull out my best lines and make them laugh. As we were laughing and trying different lipsticks, a light flashed before our eyes. A girl was taking a picture of herself after getting her make-up done. I had seen her when she came in - plain as a baked potatoe. Thank God for make-up, she actually looked human. I will never understand people who don't wear any make-up at all. Really, a coat of mascara and bit of gloss is all you need to not look so...well I should stop before I offend. Anyway, as my eyes slowly came back to normal, there it was. The lipstick for me!

Viva Glam Cyndi, a limited edition lipstick named for Cyndi Lauper. At first, in the store, the colour looks weird. TRY IT ON! This colour looks good on everybody. It's bright, it's fun and most of all IT LOOKS GOOD. Compliments are at an all time high today. My lips look amazing, the colour has stayed all day and my teeth look shiney and white. I smile more and I feel way more confident. Yes - you need to go out and buy this lipstick. Paired with this incredible lipstick, I bought a fantastic shimmery blue eye pencil with a light gray shadow. I feel like it's a little 80's Guess model, but I look good. My eyes are popping and the lipstick - well I can't get over how much I love the lipstick.

Thank God for Spring! It's time to change my accessories!