Weekend notes & link love #19

Image via M loves M

Image via Sugar and Charm

Image via House of Turquoise

Image via Style me Pretty Living

Image via Pinch of Yum

Image via Gal Meets Glam

Image via I heart organizing

Image via House of Turquoise

Image via Alex Testere

Image via Jessica Comingore

Garance’s letter to her 20-year old self really resonated with me, especially since I celebrated my own birthday over the weekend (although I still have 11 years to go until 40 :). So much wisdom, so many beautiful and inspiring words! (via Garance Doré)

The most comprehensive guide to diy floral arrangements I’ve ever come across. So many useful tips! (via I heart organizing)

How to deal with disappointment. (via Camille Styles)

Definitely going to try these 10 tips on how to increase your efficiency at work. (via Domaine)

Fell in love with this sumptuous home full of subtle shades of sea. How gorgeous is the breakfast nook with a cozy bench? I love! (via House of Turquoise)

Another day, another stunning white kitchen. I never seem to tire of them! (via Style me pretty living)

Berry cocktails & edible flowers. You can’t really beat that. (via Sugar and Charm)

“And so, ladies. You don’t have to be a boss. You don’t have to build up, expand, grow, increase. You can simply be what you are, what you know, what you enjoy. Sometimes it’s leaning in – to an empire, to a tower, to a mahogany desk. Other times, it’s leaning against the pantry door, wondering what’s for dinner.” No one masters meaningful words and sentences quite like Erin. She always wins with honesty! (via Design for Mankind)

15 easy tips to destress your day. I could really use this right now! (via Brit & Co.)

Favorite food-centered Instagram discoveries of the week: Pinch of Yum, Emily Blincoe, Alexander Testere and Jessica Comingore. 

Julia and Ted Baker. The best sartorial combo ever, closely followed by Mara and Ted Baker. Too pretty! (via Gal meets glam and M loves M)

How to launch a dream business while working full time, by women who really did it. (via Stylist)

Real talk: Birthday girl

Gorgeous bouquet I got from my parents

So, in the midst of all the work-related craziness that’s been my life lately, I somehow turned 29 yesterday. And let me tell you, it feels pretty darn amazing. The celebrations were rather low key – just a small family gathering at our country house. Never have been one for huge and wild parties, this is exactly what I love – the people I love most all gathered in one place, surrounded by great food, plenty of wine, lots of laughter and love. The best thing in the world, in my humble opinion!

One thing I’m trying to do each year on my birthday, is to stop for a moment, sit down and think about the year of my life that’s just come to a close. And this time, I feel nothing but the deepest gratitude. 28 was a fantastic year for me. It has taught me a lot about myself, my strengths and my weaknesses. It has tested my capabilities in more than one way, and I feel that I’ve grown as a woman, as a daughted, as a businesswoman. And that’s a wonderful feeling, my friends.

This was the year when I spent several months running our family business. When I bought my first apartment and managed its renovation all by myself (and to be completely honest I earned so many grey hairs in the process!). Just thinking about how I felt the first night I spent at home still makes me a little bit emotional. But I’m not going to pretend like it was all easy. This was also the year of loss. of heartbreak, of worrying, of self-doubt. There were too many sleepless nights when I was worrying about not being good enough. When I doubted that I could make it all happen. When I was wondering what was going to happen with my life.

I still experience some of those feelings from time to time. I guess we all do. But I’m so grateful to say that I’m in such a great and happy place right now. I have a place to call home, where I’m excited to wake up each morning, and to go to sleep every night. I have a wonderful family that stands by my side no matter what.  I have a job that I love and that fulfills my entrepreneurial spirit. Besides my birthday, I’ve also recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of me joining the family business, and I’m still pretty excited to go to the office every morning. When I think of it all, it makes me feel incredibly grateful and humbled.

I know this post may sound like one huge brag, even if that’s not what I wanted. I have written it mainly for myself. To remind myself of all the amazing things that have happened to me. Of all the great things I’ve accomplished. Of all the wonderful people that are part of my life. I wanted to remind myself of how important it is to focus on what’s working and to stop dwelling so much on what’s not. I’m a born worrier, and too often I can almost worry myself sick, especially when life’s not going exactly according to my plans (does it ever, really?) But writing all this down made me realize how super excited I am to see what the last year of my 20’s has in store for me! Besides that ankle I managed to sprain this morning, obviously. Let’s see, shall we?

PS: Over the years I’ve developed this little tradition of bringing my mom flowers for my birthday. It’s rather obvious that without her, there would be no me. She is the most caring, selfless and kind person I know, and she’s not only the most wonderful mom I could ask for, she’s also my best friend to whom I can confide with everything that’s going on in my life – good and bad alike. That’s why I always make sure that she knows how much I love and appreciate her. If you are lucky to have your mom love you and support you through whatever life throws your way, be sure to hug her extra tight today. And tomorrow. And everyday, if possible. She deserves it.

Happy Sunday, my friends!

Inspired by: Lark & Linen Toronto home

Images by Heidi Lau for Style me Pretty Living

Another Monday morning, another hectic (but thankfully short) week ahead of me. No complaining here. I have a perfectly relaxing weekend behind me, and a birthday weekend ahead of me, so I’m nothing but excited about what is to come. And while I’ll spend the next few hours tackling my never-ending to do list, I’ll leave you with a few snapshots from one of the prettiest homes I’ve seen in a while. Jacquelyn’s blog Lark & Linen has been a favorite for quite some time, but I’ve only recently stumbled upon her feature on Style me Pretty Living, and couldn’t help but marvel at her perfect taste and style in decorating (no surprise here, the gal runs her own decorating business, after all!). Major home envy happening around here, guys.

The color palette is soothingly neutral, with just the perfect pop of color here and there. Of course, the bedroom made me want to pack my bags and move right in. But what really caught my eye was how Jacquelyn managed to seamlessly incorporate her workspace into the more traditional living/dining room combo. In my own home, the living room currently feels the most “unfinished” (when it comes to allocating my budget, kitchen and bedroom were my priorities), and I’m still thinking about how to incorporate my own workspace in there so it wouldn’t feel like an eyesore. Which desk and chair should I choose? How do I hide all the cables? What about the printer? How do I tackle the lighting? Should I single out the space or should I try to make it fit in seamlessly? I’m definitely taking notes from this space, but I would love to hear your input, too. Do you have a workspace in your home? How did you go about decorating it? Please, do share, any piece of advice would be much appreciated around here!

Currently inspired by, #5

I’m quite surprised to say this (because usually I’m the first one to complain about the time passing), but I’m extremely happy that’s it’s already May. First things first, it’s my birthday month, and I’m pretty excited to see what my last year of twenties has in store. And secondly, April really really kicked my ass, in work, financial and emotional department alike. Of course, I was finally able to move into my new apartmen (which is by far the best thing that’s happened to me this year), but aside from that, all I did these past 30 days was working, worrying and riding an exhausting emotional roller coaster. I’m definitely ready to leave all that behind, and kick off the new month in a more optimistic and positive manner.

I have whole three days off ahead of me, and I have absolutely no set plans, which feels like such a luxury! All I’m planning to do is pottering around in my apartment, watching ice hockey world championships that start today, cook and bake something delicious, read in bed, and most of all, avoid my email as much as possible. Anyone else with me?

So without further ado, I’m wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and here’s what I’m hoping to do in the upcoming three days:

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

one: Tidying up my apartment. Admittedly, this one doesn’t seem that much glamorous, but it’s really something I’m looking forward to. My work has been capturing so much of my mental capacities, that I feel like some good ole manual work is entirely in order. You know, that don’t-think-just-scrub-those-tiles-vigorously kind.

Cleaning out the bathroom, tending to my herb garden, ironing, even sweeping up the floors…I’m willing to try anything to get my mind off purchase orders, delivery deadlines, missing stock and impatient clients.

Image via Tiny white daisies

two: Making a trip to the farmers’ market. The tiny one in my home town has been in business for exactly one week, and I can’t wait to benefit from my Saturday morning to take a stroll among the stalls, breathe in the fresh scent of herbs, meet old friends among the market-holders and make new ones, and come home with a bag full of fresh produce. And then be at a complete loss as how to use it, and spend the rest of my morning scouring Pinterest for inspiration and recipes. #businessasusual

Image via Rose & Ivy

three: Perusing Rose & Ivy magazine and blog. I’ve discovered this one thanks to Victora’s rave review, and I have to admit, I’m intrigued. The combination of food and decor never gets old, and Alison’s still life photography is simply breathtaking! I’m really looking forward to falling down the rabbit hole of inspiration!

Image via Make life easier

four: Reading in bed. In the morning. This is wild, I know. I’ve been known to wake up at exactly 5:32 am each morning, and while I really love kicking off my day early, sometimes I find myself daydreaming about lazy weekend mornings spent lounging around in my pajamas, with a cup of café au lait nearby, with a captivating book in my hands (I finally cracked this one open last night, and so far, so good!). Now that I’m living all by myself, I’m ready to give this tempting concept a try!

Image via Cottage life

five: Throwing my agenda, to do list and schedule away, and do whatever I fancy at the moment. This, my friends, is my current idea of perfection!

.Happy long weekend, guys!