2018 - Lessons Learned

Longtime readers of this blog will know that there's nothing like the end of the year to turn me into a nostalgic mush. I had written about some of my biggest lessons learned last year for 2017, and the lessons certainly continued well into 2018. This year saw the growth of my business, continued travel and so many incredible opportunities that I am so grateful for. 2018 was also a year that I started to prioritize balance, particularly in the work/life area, and gave myself permission to say no to jobs and opportunities when I felt like they were at a sacrifice to my mental health. Overall, I look back at 2018 fondly as a year of growth, both personally and professionally with many lessons learned along the way that helped to shape a healthier outlook on life.

There Will Always Be Opportunity

The biggest change in my outlook from 2017 to 2018, and one of my greatest lessons learned this year is that just because you turn down an opportunity, does not mean that there will never be another that comes along. Although I've always passed on opportunities that I felt did not align with my personal brand, 2018 was the first time that I said "no" because I recognized that I would not be able to comfortably fulfil them without it taking a toll on my mental health. I'll be honest, I really struggled with this at first. When you work for yourself, it can be incredibly difficult to turn down jobs - especially when you're responsible for bills, savings and keeping yourself afloat. I worried that just because I said no to one opportunity that it could mean the end of others coming my way. What I learned in 2018 is to trust my own instincts and know that there will always be opportunity to work hard towards. The expression 'when one door closes, another door opens' really does have something to it! Trust your own instincts and have confidence in your abilities - the next big adventure is just around the corner.

I Am In Control Of My Media Intake

Social media was definitely a hot-button topic all year, specifically how a curated version of reality affects others. Instagram is definitely at the core of most debates, with arguments about how seeing a highlight reel of someone's life can negatively affect someone's perception of their own life. While I would never deny that there's a lot of truth to these arguments, in 2018 I finally figured out my own way of controlling the media I consumed and how it made me feel - I simply unfollowed anyone who brought out negative emotions in myself. It sounds so simple, but if you're struggling with the negative affects of social media I would highly suggest the same practice. See someone buying their following or engagement and it's making you mad? Unfollow! It's amazing how my relationship with social media changed for the better in 2018 when I took control of the content that I was consuming.

You Get What You Put Out

Another lesson that was a big one for me this year was that the energy you put out into the world is the energy that you get back. To be honest, I've known this to be true for some time which is why I try to keep things positive, but in 2018 I learned that the saying rings true even down to the smallest of details. I'll use an example; maybe I was having a bad day, or wanted to vent and complain about a minor inconvenience in my life. Typically my usual routine would be to log onto Twitter and complain -  and more often times than not, my venting sessions would be met by joined complaints and with others joining in. I understand that it's naive to think that life is all sunshine and rainbows, but stay with me: typically when you step back and think about the big picture, if you have your health and people that you love, it kind of is. When it comes to life, I feel best when focusing on the positive and leaving the negative thoughts for when it's truly warranted. Put out positive energy into the world and you'll get that same energy back, tenfold.

What do you guys think? What has been some of your greatest lessons for 2018? Are you looking forward to the new year? Let me know!

xo Joëlle

My Favourite Places in Hamilton, Ontario

Once November draws to an end, so does my traveling schedule for the year. While I'm not one to get on an airplane during the snowy months of late-November and December (I actually hate traveling during the holidays) it doesn't bother me much since there's so many amazing places to explore that are just a short car-trip away from downtown Toronto. Lately I've been really enjoying taking the short drive to Hamilton, Ontario to explore it's vibrant restaurant and café scene.

While I've been having the best time exploring and trying out new spots in a city that isn't my own, there's been a few places that have quickly become my favourite and a must-visit anytime that I find myself in Hamilton. These places speak to my little pink soul in terms of décor, food, friendliness of staff and just general amazingness.

Without further ado, here's a list of some of my favourite places to visit when I find myself in Hamilton, Ontario.

Frats Cucina

Take one look at the décor at Frats Cucina and you can see why this beautiful restaurant tops my list as favourite spot in Hamilton. What keeps me coming back is their food - omg, the food. Napoli-style pizzas made fresh in-house, charcuterie boards, delicious salads - everything is just so good. I love how the menu is a beautiful mix of traditional Italian fare, with modern elements and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Wether you're in the mood for a quick drink, or an all-out feast, I would definitely give Frats Cucina a try.

Hello Baked

Imagine the most beautiful little shop that houses and entire wall of bulk candy, offers a curated section of local gift offerings and smells like freshly baked cookies. That's Hello Baked for you. You  may recognized Hello Baked's beautiful iced sugar cookies from events and vendors all over the GTA, those little beauties are made and sold at this beautiful shop too. Owner Jessica is such a sweet woman and, fun fact - we actually discovered that we were in the same elementary school class decades ago. Such a small world! Whether it's for a box of candy or just to enjoy the scenery, I always make it a point to stop into Hello Baked while in Hamilton (hint - check out the mural on the side of the shop. You can't miss it!)

Synonym

Part café, part bistro, part bookshop, Synonym is a recent discovery for me and has quickly landed a spot on my must-visit list every time that I find myself in Hamilton. The coffee and matcha selection is excellent, and I'm partial to any café that offers oat milk as a dairy alternative. Decor is simple yet purposeful and front of the space boasts amazing light, while the back nooks are perfect if you're craving a more subdued area. All around a solid café with great atmosphere, a friendly staff and delicious coffee to boot. Make sure to stop into Synonym, at the very least to grab an oat-milk matcha latte for the drive back to Toronto.

Although these three places top my list as must-visit spots to hit up the next time you're in Hamilton, there's also a few other establishments that I've really enjoyed but have only been able to visit once:

• Nutty Butter Café
• The Heather
• Emerald Café
• The French Bistro

What do you guys think? Are there any places in Hamilton that you've really been enjoying? Keep in mind that this post is written from the perspective of a Toronto-based girl visiting the area, so I'm definitely no expert! Let me know!

xo Joëlle

Time Is On My Side, Yes It Is

I'm going to be cliché and repeat what everyone has been saying lately but where has November gone? And aside from that, where has 2018 gone? As we enter the last month of the year, I'm feeling incredibly nostalgic and while it seems as though the 2018 has flown by, when I really stop to think about it so much has happened. The whole process has got me thinking about time; specifically our relationship with it.

Does this ever happen to you? You had a specific goal, an aspiration or even a milestone and you become so fixated on it that you almost feel as though life will really start when you get there. Although I've gotten better about this over the years, this concept of delaying life to start at a specific point was something that I was guilty of.

I'll give you an example. After blogging for years and finally admitting to myself that pursuing it full-time was something that I wanted to do, I became fixated on that goal. In my mind, I was simply just existing for the time when I would be able to make a career out of my blog a reality. Any time up until that point should be used to hustle one step closer to the goal, because that is when life will truly begin for me. I was the same way when I decided that I wanted out of Funeral Services in favour of a desk job. Just living for the goal.

The thing is, as I reflect back on my journey and life up until this point, life didn't stop. Time didn't stop. All of the months and years that were passing as I tried to reach my ultimate goal were still happening, and there was so much that was happening with it. Mentally, I was absent. So focused on the future that I was missing everything going on in the present.

Now I'm currently living in the place that I was fighting so hard to get to, I can reflect back on my journey to this point and realize how silly it is to think that your life will start when you get to a certain goal. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy and grateful to have made it to my goal of working for this blog full-time, but I'm not living any more or any less after getting here. I still enjoy the same comforts I previously did, still have bad days, still have hard times. Life didn't start once I got to a certain point, I just allowed myself to let go and start living a little more in the present.

My point in all of his is to be present and enjoy the journey. The journey includes laughter, tears, beauty, heartbreak, triumphs and failures. The same goes for when you achieve the goal you have set out for yourself. Working and hustling towards a certain goal is amazing, but don't forget to be mindful of the present. This is life, we've got one crack at it - may as well be here for every single moment.

Dress - c/o Dynamite, Boots - Zara

What do you guys think? I would love to hear your perceptions on time. Thank you so much for reading; those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile know that an impending new year always makes me very sappy.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

xo Joëlle

All photos by the talented Jessica of Charuk Studios 

5 Days In The Florida Keys

About a week ago I woke up in my Toronto condo, to open the blinds and be confronted by snow. I couldn't think of a greater sign pointing towards a sunny getaway; fortunately, the very next morning I was boarding a plane on my way to the Florida Keys.

The Florida Keys had always been a bucket-list destination for me. I wanderlusted over photos of pink sunsets, pastel-coloured houses and endless seafood. Though my expectations were high, nothing could have prepared me for how truly magical the Florida Keys are. The beautiful weather, vibrant colours, incredible food and warm people have truly captured my heart and after 5 days, I'm already wanting to go back for more. Here's a detailed itinerary of 5 days, 4 nights in the Florida Keys - what we did, where we stayed, what we ate and the beauty that we experienced along the way.

Day 1

After a short, direct flight from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale our group made the hour and a half drive to Islamorada for a two night stay before we traveled further south to reach Key West. The sunshine and warm weather that greeted us upon exiting the airport was enough to keep excitement  high as we drove through beautiful Florida to reach our final destination.

• Stopping for lunch along the way at The Fish House Restaurant  in Key Largo set a very high bar as the first meal of the trip. The Fish House uses fresh, locally caught seafood to prepare dishes on their vast menu. We feasted on a seafood sampler platter, and I enjoyed a rock crab salad that boasted a heaping amount of fresh crab. We also tried our first of many Key Lime Pies of the trip, each being a little different than the next. The meal was outstanding, and exactly what the doctor ordered after a morning of travel.

• After a short drive, we arrived at our first property of the trip, the Amara Cay Resort. Recognized by the Conde Nast Traveler 2017 Reader's Choice Awards as a top resort in the Florida Keys, the Amara Cay property is absolutely stunning and certainly takes curating a beautiful and relaxing guest experience to heart. My room was ground level, with a stunning ocean-view terrace and elegant decor. Although affected by Hurricane Irma, the Amara Cay Resort was about to rebuild and improve upon their ocean-front property in just 3 months! My goal is to visit the property for an entire week in the future and just relax, drink in-hand listening to the sound of the ocean.

• After relaxing at Amara Cay Resort for a few hours (and experiencing a gorgeous Florida Keys sunset from their private beach) we were off to dinner. Our meal was experienced at Angler and Ale, a new restaurant opened at the Hawks Kay resort. The restaurant was the perfect mix of upscale and comfortable, serving freshly-caught seafood in a chic environment. Our group dined on the patio and, although it was too dark to see the ocean, to be eating dinner while waves crashed in the background was a real treat. I really enjoyed my coconut and almond shrimp (the pink shrimp in The Keys is phenomenal) and devoured a lobster mac & cheese. Ending the meal with another Key Lime Pie, this one with a meringue on top, closed out an incredible first day in the Florida Keys.  

Day 2 

After waking up with sunlight gently streaming in my room and the sound of the ocean in the distance, I couldn't help but spend an extra few minutes in my cozy bed just being present and soaking in the experience. It was the start of another incredible day in the Florida Keys, and the fun had just begun.

• Breakfast was enjoyed at Hungry Tarpon, an unassuming ocean-side property that not only served generous breakfast portions from a large menu, but also offers the chance to wander over to Robbie's Marina after ordering to feed a tarpon fish. For those of you who were keeping up with my Instagram stories, you will remember my encounter with a tarpon fish. A few dollars buys you a bucket of small fish to hold out over the water and laugh (or scream in terror in my case) when a large tarpon fish breach's the water to snatch the fish with their huge mouth. My Lord, what an experience! My subsequent lobster frittata was enjoyed with a side of adrenaline, and made for a breakfast that I wouldn't soon forget

• Next on the agenda was a visit to the Turtle Hospital, an establishment that serves to rescue wild sea turtles in distress and treat their injuries with the ultimate goal being to release them back into the wild. We learned all about the different types of sea turtles, and their various injuries - many of which being man-made. The experience certainly gave me a whole new perspective on our consumer-driven society and how excess use of plastics affects our oceans. We were then introduced to the hospital's resident sea turtles, including a newborn sea turtle that was just rescued that same-day! The experience was incredibly educational, eye-opening and an absolute must during your next visit to the Florida Keys.

• Lunch for the day was enjoyed at The Keys Fisheries - a casual ocean-side eatery that boasts some of the freshest seafood in the Florida Keys. I enjoyed scallops, mahimahi, lobster tail and fresh shrimp - all cooked simply with a light spice. The meal was incredible, easily one of my favourites of the entire trip.

• After a pit-stop at The Amara Cay resort to relax and enjoy a sunset-soaked cocktail, we were off to check out a local brewery that's actually founded and operated by a fellow Canadian! The Florida Keys Brewing Co. appealed to my little hippie heart, operating in the Morada Way's Arts and Cultural District, complete with works from local artisans and a communal terrace. The beer itself is infused with local ingredients; key limes, citrus and local honey. With over 19 brews on-tap, all made on-site, there's sure to be a beer for everyone

• The evening was capped off with an incredible dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. Y'all, Morada Bay is my jam. The area is so free-spirited and relaxed, while curating an authentic vibe and experience. Morada Bay Beach Café carried on the spirit of Morada Bay, with a beautiful courtyard where patrons dine by the ocean, under the stars. Complete with a vintage air stream on-site that served as a boutique, this property had me at hello. Blending Caribbean and American flavours, we all enjoyed our seafood-heavy dinner and went to bed stuffed. What an incredible end to a great day.

Day 3 - 

Enjoying one last sunrise at the beautiful Amara Cay Resort, it was time to have an on-site breakfast, pack up and continue our travels further south to Key West. The morning was bittersweet; as much as I enjoyed our time in Islamorada and at the Amara Cay Resort, I was excited to discover a new area in the Florida Keys.

• Our day begun with a visit to the Bahia Honda State Park, a 500-acre state park that offers camping, biking, picnicking and swimming in their shallow, warm-watered beaches. I opted to explore on-foot, and had a great time taking in the panoramic ocean views.

• Exploring a vast state park in the Florida heat builds an appetite, so a stop at No Name Pub was exactly what the doctor ordered. A blink-and-you'll-miss-it establishment, The No Name Pub is certainly something to see - the entire establishment is lined with one dollar bills! We enjoyed shrimp pizza with both classic tomato sauce and an Alfredo sauce - delicious. 

• We then arrived at our new home-away-from-home, the 24 North Hotel. Located right at the point of entry to Key West, the 24 North Hotel has everything that you could possibly want in a property: it's super central, boasts a beautiful heated pool and has a Starbucks on-site! Swoon! My room overlooked the ocean, which was a nice treat. For those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile, you'll know how important having access to espresso-based drinks in a hotel is for me, so the Starbucks on-site was a huge selling feature to me. It's the little things!

• Our group then took a quick taxi ride into the heart of Key West, Mallory Square, to be able to catch the sunset. The sunsets in Key West are legendary, and being able to experience the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration is certainly an experience I won't soon forget. We purchased a couple of margaritas right on the pier, found a spot with a great view and sipped away as we watched the sky explode into warm colours as the sun gently set. Cheering along with the crowds, the whole experience was nothing short of magical. 

• The evening was capped off with a delicious dinner at Turtle Kraals which included, you guessed it - copious amounts of seafood! Our server for the meal was quite possibly the most charming man in Key West, and we enjoyed our dinner as he gave us Key West tips that only someone local to the area would know. 

Day 4 - 

Up bright and early with the sunrise, with a Starbucks Americano in-hand, we started the day off with an impromptu swim in 24 North's beautiful pool. If this is November weather in the Florida Keys, then I'll take it.

• Our day started off with a bang, with a boat adventure with the Island Adventure Eco Tour provided by Fury Water Adventures. The tour was a highlight of the entire trip for me; cruising through the ocean, stopping only to snorkel and explore a natural mangrove on kayak. We then had some free time to hang out on a sandbar, with beer in-hand and just enjoy the beauty of the ocean. What an incredible morning in Key West, cultivating memories that I'll keep with me forever.

• After the thrill of our boat tour, we had ample time to explore Key West on our own. I had no idea how much there is to-do, and how many activities there are available in Key West. There seems to be something for everyone; wether you want to party the day away, spend time shopping or explore historical landmarks and cultural activities. Didier and I chose to check out a few notable places known to Key West. Up first was Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the home where Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway spent nearly ten years living and writing, drawing inspiration from beautiful Key West. The museum was like stepping back in time, and we had a ton of fun exploring the gardens and meeting the many resident felines.  Our next stop was a visit to The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, where lush greenery, hundreds of butterflies and even two resident flamingos greet you. I enjoyed this garden oasis, a calm sanctuary and reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Key West.

• Our last dinner of the trip was enjoyed at Matt's Stock Island Kitchen and Bar, located in the Perry Hotel Key West. Talk about going out with a bang; this dinner was one of my favourites. The seafood was the same outstanding quality that we had come to expect throughout our trip through Key West, with a more modern and upscale twist. We all shared a beautifully-presented seafood tower and I enjoyed a lobster tail to myself for dinner. With delicious food and award-winning ambiance, Matt's Stock Island Kitchen and Bar is one of those restaurants that I can't just experience once, so it's on my must-visit list for when I return to Key West.

Day 5 -

Waking up to the Key West sunshine on our last morning already cultivated that familiar feeling of nostalgia; our time in The Florida Keys had come to an end. The entire day passed by as a blur, as I wanted to soak up as much sunshine and beauty of the Florida Keys before traveling home to snowy Toronto.

• Breakfast was enjoyed at Blue Haven, a Key West institution serving up generous portions of seafood laden breakfast in a colourful environment. I enjoyed my last taste of fresh shrimp, this time served as a Benedict, and last few bites of key lime pie. After tasting countless amounts of key lime pie throughout the trip, I can confidently say that the pie at Blue Haven is some of the best out there.

• After packing our bags and checking out of 24 North, we took a quick taxi ride to the Key West Airport, making a short trip to Atlanta to catch our connecting flight to Toronto. 

Going into this trip, I knew that I was going to enjoy the Florida Keys - I mean, sunshine, blue ocean, seafood - what's not to like? What I wasn't expecting was how taken I would become with the culture, pride and warmth that Florida Keys showed us. 

What drew me to The Keys in the first place was achieved on this trip, but it's what lies beneath the surface - the people I met, the local pride - that's what will stay with me forever, and what will keep me coming back for more. 

Many thanks to The Florida Keys for your unparalleled hospitality. I can't wait to see you again soon.

xo Joëlle

Thank you to The Florida Keys for hosting me on this trip. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

OOTD - What I've Been Wearing Lately

Get ready you guys, because today's post is a super exciting 'What I've Been Wearing Lately' post! Seriously though, I have so many poignant and personal blog posts started and half-finished, but I've been finding it hard lately to sit down and concentrate. I'm not sure if it's the weather (who else struggles when Summer turns to Fall) or just the fact that I've been making a conscious effort to leave the house more and attend events, but lately my mind has been all over the place. As a result I feel as though my blog is suffering, and that's the last thing that I want to happen. This coming week my goal is to find a a routine, or even potentially a new space, that allows my head to slow down, focus and concentrate.

In the meantime though, check out what I've been wearing! You'll see a lot of repeat items (hello, I've been wearing the red boots that I picked up from Zara everyday since I got them) but that's just me. As much as I would love to always rock different clothes, I just simply don't have the budget - or the space!

Blouse - Zara, Skirt - Forever 21 (similar), Boots - Zara

Hat - Forever 21 (similar)

Dress - c/o Ciao Sea

Skirt - c/o Ciao Sea, Sweater - Zara, Boots - Zara
Jacket - Reiss (old)

Dress - Zara, Beret - H&M (similar)

What do you guys think? Do you also struggle with keeping concentration this time of year? Have you ever explored a co-working space? Let me know!

xo Joëlle