Twenty-Something Diaries: Grown Up Christmas Gifts

Christmas can be the sweetest time of year but also very stressful. When it comes to gift giving, I'm always looking for new and fun ideas because let's get real, everyone can go out and get whatever they want. I've put together some ideas for gift giving to the adults in your life. Enjoy!

Let's start with the guys...

1. Unique piece of art. A map made with bottle caps.  *Cool Material Website*

2. Grooming Kits. Definitely an essentials; no one can go wrong with this!  *Cool Material Website*

3. Canada Toque! Love this for the winters we have and for couples, you can match.  *Chapters Indigo*

4. This flask is hilarious! A good gift for the guy who enjoys his laughs, and booze.  *Cool Material Website*

5. These are playing cards but the look of them are so modern and chic. It's a great stocking stuffer for the guy who loves playing cards in your life.  *Cool Material Website*

6. Desktop Table Tennis Vintage Case - I love this! Such a fun gift and portable to join any party.  *Chapters Indigo*

7. For the hockey lovers in your life, this is a great read. Also, a great way to start a book collection that's all about his favourites.  *Chapters Indigo*

8. Advice Mugs! Some of these mugs are hilarious and would make a great addition for the guy who loves his coffee. *Cool Material Website*

Now, time for the ladies...

1. Cookbooks! These are awesome to add to that aspiring chef's collection, or to start a collection. *Chapters Indigo*

2. Adult Coloring books and fancy pencil crayons to match! A perfect gift for the woman who needs a break or is super creative. Makes a great stocking stuffer too. *Chapters Indigo*

3. I absolutely love, love this! This my friends is thee perfect gift idea for the women who love their teas! Such a cute idea! *Chapters Indigo*

4. Expressive Pillows. This is perfect for someone who is redecorating, or just moved in to a new home. *Chapters Indigo*

5. Books! You can never go wrong with books that add to a collection. Whether it's mystery, comedy or drama, a good book is always a good idea. *Chapters Indigo*

6. No photo of this but a gift basket is always a good idea. Whether you fill it with things like chocolates, wine, a favorite movie or anything that you know they'll love. It offers variety to the those receiving and giving.

What's on your Christmas list?? Comment. Share.

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Xo

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday!!!

Living in Toronto, when it's cold outside, it's really cold and my skin continuously needs to be moisturized from the harsh winds and cold temperatures. Today I'll be sharing some of my favorite go to products that keep my skin healthy, glowing but most importantly, help keep my skin moisturized.

 **I've used Nivea for about 2-3 years now and it is the only brand of products that will not leave my skin dry, nor will my skin have any reactions to the products.**

1. Nivea Toner for Normal Skin - After washing my face and before moisturizing, this is a must for me.

2. Nivea Q10 Firming Body Lotion - I always make sure I moisturize, all over, to ensure that my skin doesn't become dry and itchy. This body lotion keeps your skin moisturized for the whole day plus the Q10 helps firm your skin.

3. Vaseline - Having cracked lips isn't fun, or attractive. This helps me keep my lips moist and healthy all the time. I have a small container in almost every purse!

4. Nivea Moisturizing Night Cream - After I wash my face and the toner is on, this goes on before bed. Keeps my face moisturized and glowing even when I'm asleep.

5. Nivea Moisturizing Day Cream - Helps keep the skin healthy during the day and for me, I don't put on a lot of make up but whatever I do put on, I feel like having this lotion at the base, ensures that there is something keeping my skin moist, even with make up on.

How do you ensure you keep your skin healthy? What are your go to products? 

Comment. Share.

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Xo

Twenty Something Diaries: "FAVORITES"

A new feature that I'll be doing for my readers is my monthly favorites. Each month I will be sharing what I'm loving the most and why! Today I'll be sharing some of my favorite things at the moment, for the month of October.

Enjoy!

1. Rimmel 9-in-1 BB Cream; I'm kind of obsessed with this new BB Cream that I am trying. It really keeps my skin moisturized all day, gives me great coverage, and smells great.

2. The new book by Mindy Kaling ("Why Not Me?"). It's funny and so far, I can totally relate to some parts of her childhood and teenage life!

3. My new Zen coloring book. A very close friend gave it to me for my birthday (she clearly knew I needed it) and I love it. It helps me zone out from reality when I need it and totally clears your mind. It lets you focus on something peaceful.

4. My new Kat Von D contouring kit! It was another awesome birthday gift. I didn't quiet know how to work the contouring before but with some help and trial and error (as you must do with many things in life, make up included), I think I'll be a pro in no time.

What's currently some of your favorite things? Comment. Share.

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Xo

Thursday Tips: "Beating the everyday blues"

Now that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is a good month and a half away (I don't even want to think about it), there isn't another holiday in between to look forward to. The leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping and the days are getting shorter. The way to beat the everyday blues? I've got some tips for you!

1. Make one day of the week a special one! Whether you choose to do date night with your partner or friends, or make a special dinner, do something different. It'll break up your week!

2. Explore the city! Go to festivals, food events or other events in the city. You never know how much fun you can have in your own backyard.

3. Treat yourself! Do something for yourself! Whether you get something for yourself, read a book you've wanted to read, or take a bubble bath; do something that makes you feel good!

How do you beat the everyday blues? Comment. Share.

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Xo

Twenty Something Diaries: "Adding to Tradition"

Adding to Tradition...

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, second to Christmas of course! But I love both holidays for the idea of spending time with family and friends and enjoying company. The traditional Thanksgiving can be a bit repetitive each year. This year I wanted to make it a little more fun.

I decided to take of the crazes of this generation and put it to work. A selfie stick and selfie props. I created props that were Thanksgiving themed, so when my family and I get together tomorrow, I know we'll have a blast taking different photos. Don't worry, I plan to share them on the blog too.

Here are some other ideas to make the Traditional Thanksgiving a tad more fun:

- Make your own dessert table; Bake a batch of cupcakes or cookies and have all the fixings (icing, sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc.) ready for your friends and family. Everyone can decorate and enjoy their own.

- Board games; A really fun way to get people involved, socializing and doing something other than sitting on their phones.

- Baking competition; Pick one dessert and have two or three people make their own versions and the family can enjoy trying each one and declaring a winner.

- Thanksgiving/Fall crafts; This is great for families that have a lot of younger children. You're able to get them involved in something and keep them busy and avoid them running around the house.

What do you do for Thanksgiving?

Comment. Share.

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Xo

Fall Essentials

The leaves are changing over, there's Pumpkin Spice everything (everywhere) and that means it's my favorite season! I love everything that has to do with the season Fall, but I adore Fall Fashion the most! Here are my FALL ESSENTIALS 

(And most at cost effective prices too!).

FALL ESSENTIALS:

*Please note Designer/Store/Brand & Price are in bold*

1. A Knit Sweater; I found this piece while I was on my end of summer trip at H&M and I believe it was $7. It has the knit & leather put together and it's super comfortable too!

2. A HUGE scarf; This scarf is from Aritzia and one the best presents I've ever received. I have another in black and I wear them all fall/winter long. This is the most expensive piece in this outfit. It retails at $85 but I know I  wear it all the time, so I get the use of out it.

3. The Skinny Jean; I could totally live in these jeans (given that I had a pair for each day of course!). These are from Forever XXI and retail at $9-$12 a pair. 

(CHEAP, CHEAP)...I know but these are perfect for everyday (especially being in the field I am); I'll save my designer jeans for when I'm not running after little humans in classrooms.

4. A good pair of flats; I love these flats from Old Navy. They are super comfortable, the color goes with almost everything and they were a great find at only $19.95.

These two aren't essentials but some of my favorite pieces:

5. This "Wishing Bracelet - Arrow" from Stella and Dot at $19 was a great piece to add to my collection. It's something I wear almost everyday. The arrow also has a very special meaning to me.

6. "Follow Your Arrow" bracelet from All the Wire ($30) is such a beautiful piece. I definitely do wear this everyday and again, the arrow has a very special meaning to me and this helps me remember every time I see it. The company also has such a great meaning behind it and I love purchasing items that I know are made with love and meaning.

What are some of your favorite pieces for Fall? 

Comment. Share.

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Xo

Twenty Something Diaries: "Young Women, Big Dreams"

Twenty Something Diaries Series:

"Young Women, Big Dreams"

Ambition and drive for success is something I believe to be two very important features in individuals. I find it even more important for young women to have this drive for success. I am continuously pushing myself to be a better individual and I admire women, especially young women in today's society, who not only empower themselves, but one another. Last week was the second of a three part special feature in the Twenty Something Diaries Series about young women and their big dreams. In case you missed it, these blog posts will feature young, ambitious and inspiring women that I've grown up with, or worked with, that are becoming amazing women in today's society. 

The third edition of this series features a young woman who is the definition of hard work and ambition. I've had the privilege of growing up with her and watching her grown into a smart, talented and beautiful young woman. Read my interview with Narelle Allen.

 Narelle, tell us a little bit about yourselves.

Hello, my name is Narelle Allen. I am 23 years old. There’s nothing really crucial to know about me. Black is my favorite color (it’s a color to me), that is pretty much all you need to know about me. 

What is your current career path/area of study?

I just Graduated Special Events Planning at George Brown College, I definitely want to pursue Event Planning, and one day open my own company (that is my dream). I have been in the event planning industry for almost 3 years and have truly always wanted to pursue event planning.  I work full time at an RESP company at the moment!!

What’s on your plate currently?

I just got a new place (SUPER  YAY!), I work with an event planner on the weekends/ whenever I can ... and, oh yeah and I work Monday – Friday, so super busyyyyy!!!

What motivates you?/What drives you to succeed?

 I am inspired daily, by everything.

At the beginning of this year what motivated me to succeed in school was knowing I’m going to graduate and knowing that I am one step closer to my dream.

Then working full time since March motivated me to save for my own place/ save for my future, pay off any debt I have (OSAP)

Now working full time + doing event planning on the side motivates me for my future.

To start my own business, to save to put a down payment on a condo. To just save in general, nothing BAD can come out of saving your money.

I’ve also learnt to spend my money on experiences, try to go as much new places as possible, try and experience as much new food and scenery as possible because ... why not?

 I just set yearly and monthly goals and challenge myself to reach them.

Future plans for yourself?

 To just be happy no matter what I am doing in my life. I can’t predict my future, but I can control my attitude.

Would like to add anything else?

 Never ever give up on anything/ anyone that is important to you, ever. 

Comment. Share.

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Xo