The past four weeks have been extremely polar. There are moments that I have enjoyed and others I cannot bear to relive. Ever since the news of COVID-19 and the strict precautions of the government, life has not been the same. I would be ignorant to compare my life to a prisoner but in the words of Katy Perry, I definitely feel “chained to the rhythm” of something unexplainable. Since childhood, I’ve been taught to remain optimistic and grateful for the positives that have blossomed from a dark period. With that being said, I’ve created a list of my “positives” that have come about during this pandemic.

I have made my relationship with acne a known struggle. Ever since high school, I’ve tried various products, completed numerous regimes and researched various methods to control breakouts. Thankfully, with the help of Dermalogica, I have acquired a more proactive, long-term approach to maintaining clear skin.

Now that January slowly comes to an end, I think it is appropriate to list the items that have powered me through a crazy month. Can’t lie, January has been filled with many blessings. From connecting with fellow creatives to starting my dream job, I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year has in store. That being said, I am more than confident these following products will be of tremendous value in the upcoming months.

This past weekend I visited Oshawa Centre, Oshawa’s premier shopping destination just footsteps away from Trent University. To my surprise, I found myself roaming the aisles of Zara and actually enjoying myself. The Spanish retailer is currently in the middle of their Winter Clearance and I couldn’t help but drop some bank on fashion-forward, yet timeless pieces. Here are my top menswear picks from this year’s Zara Sale!

With 2 weeks into the new year, I am glad that I have not lost my drive to accomplish some (if not all) of my goals. This year, I have elevated my desires and have focused on improving certain aspects of my life for long-term gain. Although attending Coachella has been one of my “resolutions” since high school, what happens after that? Will I feel empty again inside? Kicking off the new decade with a fresh perspective, I foresee my new goals to facilitate extended satisfaction.

My quest to expand my palette on plant-based food continues in high gear. With the long-term goal of eventually becoming completely plant-based, I realize that taste does not have to be compromised. This weekend, I checked out By Chloe, a new vegan restaurant at Yorkdale Mall. Located in the Restoration Hardware wing, the popular New York City established chain housed a variety of delicious meals crafted by celebrity chef, Chloe Coscarelli. With only 20 locations worldwide (and only 1 in Canada), By Chloe shows that great healthy, eating at an affordable price point can be achieved.

Five malls across three cities; that pretty much sums up my Black Friday weekend. When it comes to shopping, especially for others, I do not play. I take Christmas shopping on a budget seriously and I am always searching for fabulous items at low prices. Due to frigid temperatures and an ice storm, I was not able to hit up the outlets, but nonetheless, I did find some nice pieces to add to my wardrobe. Disclaimer: I won’t be featuring what I got for presents, since I’m all about a surprise. But, I’m stoked to show you guys what I was able to cop for 30% to 50% off! Here’s my 2019 Black Friday Haul.

The last Friday of November is not just any other day. As a self-proclaimed professional shopper, it comes as no surprise that Black Friday is, if not, my favourite day of the year. Waking up before dawn and heading to the outlets has been a family tradition ever since childhood. With years of Black Friday experience, I present to you my tips to conquer retail’s busiest day.

The holiday season is in full effect and with that comes frantic shopping. Budgets, sizing, colours and trends are some additional factors to consider while deciding who will receive a present under the tree. As a self-proclaimed mall rat with years of retail and shopping experience, I have compiled a list of my top favourite things that will make amazing stocking stuffers while not breaking the bank. Did I mention each item costs under $25? Without further adieu, I present to you my 2019 Holiday Gift Guide:

As November marks the beginning of the holiday season, holiday cups become a social media staple and store shelves are decked with soon-to-be wrapped presents. Although I love giving gifts to family and friends, this year I want to shift the focus to those that may have not experienced the warmth of the holiday season. For as long as I can remember, my family has participated in Operation Christmas Child to provide shoe boxes filled with necessities to impoverished communities. This holiday, I encourage you to join my family fill up shoe boxes that will provide a sense of hope to less fortunate children worldwide.

Primarily known for its relaxing beaches and local markets, Isla Mujeres is the fantasy land away from Cancun’s party scene. After a hectic year revolving around school and work, I longed for the opportunity to relax and explore a different way of living. Not only did I want to escape from Toronto’s fluctuating weather, but I needed to isolate myself from social media, instagram filters and a society extremely focused on purchasing the latest name brands. With the help of Contoy Adventures, I was able to recharge and regroup before heading back to a busy September schedule. My day at the island allowed me to participate in new activities, be present in the moment and celebrate my mom’s birthday… in the middle of the ocean.

This summer, I have been notoriously rocking the graphic tee. From laid back outfits at the beach to a dressier ensemble at brunch, I turn to graphic tees to incorporate an extra edge to my look without doing the most. Below are my favourite tees of the season and links to where they can be purchased!

Summer in Toronto is in full swing. As if the city isn’t already hectic as it is, summer in the city just elevates the stress. Rushing to an event in the middle of humid, sticky weather is never cute. That being said, I’ve noticed several items ranging from fashion, grooming, and tech that I just can’t live without. Here are my summer style essentials to get you powering through the day and chillin’ by night.