12 Stylish Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

A soft pink coat brightens up any blah day. Photo via 9to5chic.com

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em; or in the case of winter, dress like it. If you've got a case of the January blues, wondering when this deep freeze is going to end, sometimes all you have to do is peep your nose out of your parka to get inspired. Whether it's the crisp white snow, the powder blue and pink skies at sunset, or even all that grey slush at your feet, the soft pastel colours of winter are actually way prettier than black, and just might help you feel the calm after an ice storm.

Read on for 12 super stylish ways to beat the winter blues... 

(including this little beauty who looks very ready for a margarita, wouldn't you say?)

BRING IT ON: Fab Fitness Finds + a $100 SportChek Giveaway

Source: Pinterest

As I sit here polishing off my last box of Turtles (note to self: telling everyone who asks that you'd like Turtles for Christmas pretty much ensures that you'll also receive the gift of an extra 5 lbs over the hols), I am making my plan of rock-solid body attack. It goes a little something like this: start working out. 

It might sound simple, considering I exercised regularly until I had kids, but after sporadic attempts here and there, I have somehow lost my fitness mojo. And so 2014, we need to talk. You are my year. My year to get back at it. My year to prove that I'm still a lean, mean, pushup machine. My year to give this Turtle-fueled heart a little cardiac boost. I know that going to the gym isn't doing it for me anymore so dance classes, pilates, skiing, maybe even a little kickboxing will be my new go-to's. 2014, I'm making a commitment to you (and to me). 2014, we can do this. 

If you're feeling similarly motivated (and I'm not just talking Jan 1st fly-by-night resolutions here...), I want to help. First, check out the cute workout gear below. I consider pretty workout clothes the Jillian Michaels motivating equivalent (minus all the yelling). And if that's not enough?

We're giving away a $100 Gift Card to SportChek to help get you in gear for the brand new year.

SEE THE FULL POST HERE...

The Little Last-Minute Gift Guide

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

In the middle of all the rushing and fretting and trying to get it all done, I often need to take a little break to remember what this season is really all about: the presents. Okay fine, we all know that the gifts don't really matter - that it's the time spent with our family and friends that means everything. Yet, there really is nothing better than finding the perfect things for the ones you love.

If you're like me, you may have yet to even think about the stockings and all the random gifts you still need to pick up - from bus drivers to hairdressers to second cousins twice removed. So, I've rounded up the most fun toys, gifts and gadgets, all under $25 to help you check off your list, too.  The big day's less than 2 weeks away. Hope you're enjoying every single moment of the madness. #TGIF

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...

GIVE JOY: Your Holiday 2013 Guide

Photo: The Glamorous French Housewife.

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

With under a month left until the big day, we've all got presents and wrapping and parties on our minds. The holiday season is my absolute favourite time of the year and while I'm pretty stoked about a few of the things on my wishlist that I hope (fingers crossed) will find their way under the tree this year, I'm actually more excited about the gifts I'll be giving. My mom might be reading this blog post (thanks mom xo) so I won't spoil the surprise but let's just say that I was so excited about her gift that it's already bought, wrapped and labelled. And if you know me, you'll know that I am SO not that organized.

Giving is the best, especially when you find that perfect thing for somebody you love. To help, I've rounded up some of my favourite gifts right now, from the Maharaja Chai Oolong tea from Teavana that happens to be one of Oprah's Favourite Things this year, to the brand new XBox One gaming system that my husband really really wants (sorry, not happening), to some of the coolest new tech gadgets and toys out there this year. Happy shopping! Hope you find everything you're looking for (and more)...

READ MORE...

SAMCRO Chic: Biker Babe Essentials

Every woman should own a moto jacket, whether you ride or not. Sears Fall Look! Report

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

I could not possibly have less in common with biker gangs; I have two young kids, spend my days blogging about pretty shoes, and my current idea of a wild night involves a bottle of Pinot and possibly going to bed after midnight. If I'm lucky. I had a few bad girl moments in University - all-nighters fueled by Killer Kool-Aid, dates with a few bad boys, and one run-in with the law (speeding ticket), but other than that, my life has for the most part been happy, fulfilling and legal. Zzzz....

And so, I live my vicarious bad girl life through shows like Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy. Criminals, hard-core drugs, biker gangs, and the DEA - this is my life after 9 pm. Call it the SAMCRO effect or our inexplicable obsession with bad boys, but biker gear has never looked more appealing. From the essential moto bomber that started it all, to all of the biker babe spin-offs that now fill the racks, a little biker gear goes a long way to add some edge to your play-it-safe life - no run-ins with the law or bugs in the teeth required. Vroom, VROOM!

Read on to see my fav biker babe essentials...