If you haven’t had a chance to sneak away for a real vacation this summer, don’t worry – there is still plenty of time to jet off for a couple nights and absorb some serious rest and relaxation. While I used to be one of the most notorious overpackers, I have since learned how to be a bit more savvy in the items that must come along for the ride. Especially when there goal is to recharge rather than get all dressed up for night time debauchery.

The most important thing to keep in mind is keeping things casual, comfortable and …read more

There’s nothing much that I like better than a nice visit to the spa. The atmosphere, the treatments, the relaxation, the pampering, the decadent feel of taking time just for myself. In my early days of visiting a spa, I neglected some of the little details that could have made a great experience even better. Not so anymore!
Here are a few tips that can make your spa visit a wonderful experience:
Arrive early. I think at least half an hour is best. There will be some paperwork to fill out, you’ll want to get undressed and into a robe, and …read more

This week I finally booked the time off I needed to breathe for a moment, relax a little bit, and step back from the daily grind of work. I’m fortunate enough to have a job that is both hectic and fulfilling – but there are days where frazzled doesn’t quite describe my state of mind!
In these times, justifying a full blown vacation didn’t seem right. My husband and I talked about where we could go and what we could do and both decided that right now it makes sense to stay put and enjoy what our city of Toronto has …read more

Even though I am looking outside at a lot of clouds and rain, I know summer is right around the corner. There are a zillion signs staring me in the face every day – which makes it hard to ignore. Other than the bright, fresh new season smell in the air, here are the ten biggest indicators that Summer is well on it’s way.

I walk out the front door without my jacket – and don’t regret it.
My shedding-like -crazy cat snuggles up on one of my scarves, leaving huge tufts of hair behind…and I don’t even mind. (That much.)
Tourists and …read more

This evening I did the thing that every married girl tries occasionally…I assumed that my husband would be able to do something about those pesky knots in my back.
Needless to say, I was wrong. Unless I’m prepared to send him to massage therapy school, there is going to have to be an alternative, and fast because my back and neck are no longer quietly pestering me quietly…there’s a full on strike happening here.
If you’re feeling the same way, but don’t think you have the time to pull yourself away from life to take the time for an hour of ultimate …read more

I have a bad habit of waking up way past a good hour for making my Saturdays all they can  be. So I started thinking about what I could do to plan ahead, set my alarm (albeit a little later than normal), and have something planned for the day ahead. Leaving it wide open can be really nice too – but just by varying it up, I expect to be reflecting on a fulfilling weekend when I find myself back at the office on Monday.

Try a new restaurant.

Get a makeover at Sephora.

Grab coffee and explore a new neighborhood.

Try an at-home …read more