The Sip

Earlier this week, Stef and I wanted to go for post-work drinks, but instead of knocking ourselves over with cocktails, we decided to fuel our bods with smoothies and fresh juice. We checked out Bolt Fresh Bar on Queen West in Toronto. Bolt has plenty of healthy options to choose from, including juices, smoothies, grain bowls and salads. We chose a Greena Colada and Spicy Citrus juice and started the week off on a healthier note. I wore my favourite sweater and scarf from my favourite store, Madewell, and my new cherished J.Crew necklace that I received as a gift over the weekend. Can you believe we still have to wear a scarf at the end of April?

If you're looking for a healthy weeknight option, Bolt is located at 1170 Queen St. West. I mean, who wants to head into the office hungover? Below are the photos that Stef took on our walk back. Enjoy!

The Sweater Diaries

I stole a bunch of my father's old sweaters.

The steal was quite easy, as I don't think he's touched these sweaters since the nineties. I shook the dust off, and took them back to my city closet.

I worked with them. I belted a soft, black velvety one and wore it to work on casual Friday. I cut a large dark green one into a crop knit. Despite alterations, the only find that never needed an adjustment was an oversized cream-coloured crew neck sweater. Wearing it feels like being cocooned in a blanket, except while being fully dressed and not sitting on the couch watching Netflix.

My best friend Stef told me that I need to embrace a more undone look. Since 90s grunge is making a fashion comeback, I understood her sentiment. The shoot brings with it two-day old blow-out hair, where my corkscrews are fighting to get back to their natural state. They never like being pulled straight anyways.

Photos by Stefania Sgambelluri also known as the queen of Dr. Martens and leather backpacks; jeans are Madewell's Skinny Skinny.

And then there's the sweater.

Mellow Yellow

When trapped in one's own mind, the best cure is to go outside.

Let the sunshine tickle your ankles. Let the warm breeze lick your face. Let the scent of freshly cut grass smack you in the forehead. Shake some ice cubes around. Listen to the sound. Sluuuuurp anything through a straw. Ride a bike. Pet a dog. Phone a friend to meet you in the park. People watch. Put on a cap and go for a jog. Slick some colour on your lips, cheeks or eyelids. Laugh. Move. Relax.

Forget why you felt trapped in the first place.

These are all the signs of a mellow season, or the road to a better self. I've been working on becoming my better self. Lately, no matter how I am feeling, it seems that the cure is always outside. There are the big decisions (more on that to come) and there are the small decisions; the easy ones. The ones that involve enjoying the small elements of a big world.

Below are some photos Stef took when I phoned a friend (her) and we spent the day hanging around our local park. My hair is also a bit more yellow, if you haven't noticed. (Shirt: Madewell, Sunglasses, Joe Fresh)

Enjoy! x