what's in your gym bag?

in the summer i used to wake up with that early sunshine. now when i get up at 5am it's pitch black out, but i still hustle it out of bed (quickly so i don't wait my deep sleeping hubby) and boot it to the gym in the mornings. let's just say it's basically become my morning alarm clock. because of this preset time, i've learned that a well packed bag, and even my routine while there, needs to be well-planned and well-organized. i'm always open to tips and suggestions from one gym rat to another on useful combo's for maximizing not only your workout, but also your "speedy post sweat, now i have to speed shower, dry off faster and hop into respectable work clothes and out the door routine." it's a lot to pack in! right now if you dumped out my gym bag, here is what you would find currently helping me in that "getting it all done" department. 

• Ear phones // for good tunes and good daily mantas of course!
• Klean Kanteen // a definite must for staying hydrated (and BPA free), sometimes i even add a lemon wedge to help kick start my clean eating for the day
• Tom's Deodorant  // a good all natural brand that still does the trick for the stinky and sweaty
• Under Armor Socks // out of all the socks i've tried, these seem to keep my feet cool and not clammy
• Nike runners // need i say more
• Burt's Bee's Facial Cleaning Towelettes // i use these as i'm running into the shower to clean off those pores
• Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash in Sweet Orange Vanilla  //  i'm all about the two and one as a way save time – this one is also green, clean and one of the best.
• NutraSea //  before i leave the gym i always make sure to pop my vitamins and especially my healthy fish oil
• Sephora Lush Flush Lip & Cheek Stain // once dressed and hair combed, i quickly apply this handy two in one make-up stain on my lips and apples of my cheeks to look fresh and ready for the work day 

Nude Never Goes out of Style

nude nail polish seems all the rage this fall season and i'm quickly jumping on board. I like mixing up my routine with a subtle nail colour, pairing it with plaids and richer tones in my clothing. a good ol' nude polish is a classic staple to own, just like that little black dress   or blazer. here are four nudes that go well with any skin tone for this season.

Buying & Wearing a Pair of Birkenstocks

pic 1 via, pic 2 via, pic 3 via

i have been a long time lover of the Birkenstock sandal. while they might not be everyone's taste in shoe style, they sure speak to the little granola lady in me. in all the years i've watched my good friends own and rave about these sandals, i've been hesitant to buy a pair for the fear of "the foot mold" process that i've understood can be a little painful to get through. i also have to admit that i didn't know anything about the purchasing process or how to find the perfect fit. well this summer i bit the bullet and finally bought my first pair, and i can tell you, i'm in serious heaven.

the most important thing to know is that Birkenstocks are designed to help contour to your foot. The bumps and grooves you see help to promote proper food health and prevent your foots natural desire to flatten over time without support. they also reinforce knee care being made of cork, and help with foot grip and circulation in your legs.

 if you are a newbie like me when it comes to buying Birkenstocks, here are a few things you need to know:

1. make sure to buy from a reputable dealer, there are lots of fakes out there so make sure you are getting the real ones.
2. know your exact shoe size as Birkenstocks need to be a perfect fit, if not ask a sales assistant to measure your foot
3. Birkenstocks come in a regular or narrow fit. if you don't have issues with shoes fitting or if you tend to have a wider foot, you're a regular fit.
4. open up all the buckles and then place your foot in the shoe, now do up the buckles starting at your toes. this step can make a big different in the fit and feel when trying them on, so be sure not to skip it when deciding how you like them
5. these sandals should push you back on your heels to promote good posture, so pay attention to see if that is happening when you try them on.
6. i  highly suggest wearing them around your home for an hour at a time to help break them in and get your feet accustomed.
7. most people i have spoken too say that it takes 1-2 weeks of wear before you notice them mold to your feet, so be patient.

i'm so happy with my new white pair and that i'm pretty certain i will be buying another pair in the very near future! my very happy feet have found their sole mate.

Polka Dot Nails for Spring

images via here, here and here

on sunday nights i have a quiet weekly ritual of pampering my nails and watching episodes of Suits on Netflix (oh! I love that show!). let's put it this way, i love really sundays! i would like to think that i'm someone who tries to have nice nails. although it may not ever look like that, i do try. low and behold without fail the day after i paint them i always manage to seriously chip one nail. i'm talking like a good whole half of one nail of polish is removed. urg. I'm learning just to accept it.  recently i stumbled across a picture of  polka dot nails for spring and i don't believe it can get any cuter. think pastel colours and clean white dots. Essie has a whole selection of beautiful spring time colours that i suggest you check out. after trying a few different methods, including what is referred to as the band-aid stencil method (i do not recommend this one), i have come to learn that the best way to to achieve this adorable look is with the end of a bobby pin or toothpick. play around with it when you do it. try creating larger and smaller dots, or clusters of dots near the tips. it's a fun look for spring that i highly recommend trying.

Polar Vortex Chic

image via

let's be honest. it is cold. not just cozy in a wool sweater cold, but ice in the bones cold. right now in Toronto, much like other areas, we are definitely going through an extreme cold snap, which has cleverly been nicknamed the #polarvortex. so while we load up our travel mugs with steamy hot coffee and beat down the static in our hair, here are a few of my recommended items to help you feel a little more chic and a little less frigid, while battling this final deep freeze phase before spring. stay warm friends!

pleated wool coat

aviators

itouch friendly gloves

big knit wool scarf

sequined hat

aztec wool knee high socks

burts bees lipbalm

aveda brilliant damage control spray

knee high sorels