As we head into Halloween weekend, I’m looking forward to some fun for the kids. They are growing up and I think this is probably the very last year for trick-or-treating. I want them to just enjoy the spirit of the holiday. 🎃This is Coco’s first Halloween, so the focus is actually on his costume. I voted caterpillar but “killer doll” won as the costume of choice in my house full of boys. He makes a cute “killer doll”! 😈

I haven’t bought treats yet, and I won’t pick them up until the last minute tomorrow. I have learned my lesson. If they are lingering around the house ahead of the big event, they get gobbled up. Last minute shopping is a technique I use to keep my health goals on track and keep temptation out of the house. I also buy treats I personally don’t even like! This way, I’m not tempted to indulge. I will likely pick out a tootsie roll or two from my sons’ bags, and that will be it. 🍬 

If you read “Elevate The Everyday”, you will know that I discuss anti-nibbling techniques I have used specifically around Halloween. I tell the story of the “Green Pumpkin” in Chapter 6. If you have young children, I encourage you to check it out. This fun little family tradition served me well for a good number of years when my kids were ages 3-10. It definitely limited some of the candy binge and likely saved a few teeth in the process.

Have a wonderful, spooky weekend! Stay safe. 🎃 👻 

In 1990 I participated in a school art trip to New York City. This was a very big deal for a small-town Canadian girl! 🇨🇦🌇 One of the highlights of the trip was meeting @cindycrawford and @lindaevangelistawhile they were doing a photo shoot outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Chapter 19 of my book, “Elevate Your Personal Style” is titled “Accept and Appreciate Your Body”. It tells the story of this meeting, and what my impressions were. I’ll give you a hint, standing next to and comparing yourself to a supermodel at the tender age of 15 does nothing for one’s body image! 🙉 Thankfully I now view the body parts that were under scrutiny in a much more positive light! 💕

I’m assuming many of you out there binge watched “Emily in Paris”. I did a controlled version of binge watching in order to stretch the entertainment out for several days. 10 episodes/ 2 = 5 evenings of escapism. That’s just a little glimpse into how my accountant’s mind operates in life!

I found it to be fun bubble-gum entertainment and watched it mainly for the swoon-worthy scenes of Paris. I definitely crave tucking myself into a little corner of a quaint café, or getting lost along a cobblestone street. That being said, I’m also quite happy with my current surroundings, and am trying to soak up the natural beauty on my doorstep instead of constantly dreaming of exciting and exotic locations. My life as “Jennifer in Nova Scotia” is as far away from “Emily in Paris” as one could imagine! With travel on the backburner for quite some time, this fall/winter I’m really going to focus on what my current environment has to offer. These days it is crisp and colorful hikes in the woods with Coco that I am enjoying the most. What have you been up to in your neck of the woods that feels ordinary but also extraordinary? ✨

It’s just another typical day at home for me with the kids back to school after a long weekend. The mercury has taken a noted dip the last few days, and the sight of frost this morning made me well aware of what lies ahead! ❄️☃️

I decided to go for a casual, yet elevated look when compiling today’s outfit. I’m just wearing black jeans and a white t-shirt, topped off with one of my favorite second-hand finds. This bouclé jacket by @smythebrand is from their 2013 collection. Although it is 7 years old, I think it looks relevant, modern and fabulous. I also think it has a bit of a Chanel vibe going on. I see this particular jacket on the second-hand market quite often, so it is still widely available. I mentioned this particular piece in Chapter 5 of my book “Elevate Your Personal Style” when discussing my winter wardrobe plan. I imagine pairing it with black dress pants or over a black dress during the holidays for a festive touch.

It received a thumbs up from my very critical 14-year-old son this morning. On the way to school he noted that a close-up view of the fabric revealed many interesting details – such as a hint of silver thread. He’s not usually this generous with his assessments of my outfits so this is a good sign!

I just wanted to share another example of elevating your everyday looks with something special that was purchased second-hand and deeply discounted.

If you have read either of my books, you know that I am a CPA in Canada (@cpa.canada) . I worked for a multi-national firm before I left the accounting industry fourteen years ago to raise my children. I always thought that once my children were raised, I would return to a financial career in some form. I guess I have chosen to venture in another direction! That being said, lately I have been thinking about how the skills I learned as an accountant have helped me reach my goal of becoming a self-published author. Having strong attention to detail is something that certainly came in handy when editing (my husband, also an accountant, helped with this task). I also think my time in the accounting industry helped me develop strong communication skills and the ability to take on and complete a large project. I can’t deny, it also gave me some good comical content for my books! 😂🧮

Is anyone else doing something today that feels like the polar opposite of what they originally planned and studied for? I’d love to hear your stories of discovering a new path in life!

Today is a typical day at home for me. I got my workout in and the kids off to school. I’m going to spend the morning doing a bit of writing and work on my computer. I’ve also got a pumpkin pie to make for this weekend’s 🇨🇦Thanksgiving dinner (I make a frozen vegan version so I can do this well in advance of the event.) I will leave the house at 1:45pm to pick up the kids from school (the day is so short!). Once we are home, my time will be spent packing tomorrow’s lunches, prepping supper and helping with homework. I’m basically not going out in public! (or at least when I do, I am not getting out of the car).

It’s so easy to get in a rut with your dressing when you live an “at home” life or don’t have any special plans. In the first chapter of my book, “Elevate Your Personal Style”, I talk about the importance of adopting a movie star mindset! You are the leading lady of your own show, so why not show up as the best version of yourself each and every day?

Last night before bed I was perusing Pinterest for inspiration and pinned the second image of Clémence Poésy to my style board. It served as inspiration for my own movie star outfit today.

On this typical day at home, I reached for this dreamy Isabel Marant blouse. This is the one I discuss in chapter 6 of my book that I got for a steal on Poshmark! It’s no harder to reach for this blouse than a plain t-shirt. Sure, it is delicate, and I will have to handwash it after a few wears, but what am I saving it for? Our clothes are meant to be worn and enjoyed today! Your movie-start self deserves to look and feel her best! 
🤩😘 

Simple clean lines. I’m drawn to them. (Maybe it is the spreadsheet loving accountant in me 🧮) I know this time of year many of us are drawn to big cozy scarves, but I’ve been playing around with this tiny one lately. Its small size and simple design make it easy to pair with a necklace without feeling too fussy! Scarves are one of my favourite accessories. How do you like to wear yours?

I did something fun recently that I have been wanting to do since I was 10 years old! I had my “colors done”, just like my mom did back in the eighties! It’s a bit more sophisticated and refined these days. The seasonal colors are now broken down into subgroups of the four main categories of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

I wasn’t surprised to learn I’m a True Winter. It confirms my love of navy, black and deep rich reds. I had mine done “virtually” by @uniquetoyoucolour . It was as easy as sending in a few makeup-free photos and answering a short questionnaire. I was most curious to learn what versions of white or off-white would suit me. It turns out true white looks best on me, which makes sense now that I have this information. It doesn’t mean I’ll be sticking to my colors in a strict sense (I still love gold jewelry!), but I think it will help me be more focused and discerning with my style choices.

Thank you @glamoroushabits for inspiring me to do this! Has anyone else had a seasonal color analysis performed in recent years? 🌈

Amazon just dropped off the paperback copy of my new book! It’s even cuter in person 🥰 It also looks adorable next to its older sister! 💕

I’m feeling very flattered to be sitting next to the lovely, talented and inspiring @fionaferrisnzon Amazon’s hot new release chart under Style & Clothing! I’m still in the middle of taking her “Create Your Dream Life as a Successful Author” course and her wisdom is guiding me along my journey!

Thank you again to everyone who has purchased my books and who is supporting me on this journey! Have a wonderful weekend 🥰💕

I just wanted to let you know that the paperback version of my book, "Elevate Your Personal Style" is now available on Amazon. I know a lot of people like to hold a solid book in their hands! I tend to purchase hard copies of books I know I will want to re-read for future inspiration.
For some reason the Amazon description under paperback is not showing the list of chapters as it does on the Kindle description. 

Here they are:
1.Adopt a Movie Star Mindset
2.Discover Your Personal Style
3.Take It to the Next Level
4.Take an Inventory
5.Create a Master Plan and Wish List
6.Get Friendly with Your Budget
7.Become a Savvy Shopper
8.Adopt a Window-Shopping Mindset
9.Merchandise Your Products
10.Dress for the Part
11.Express Yourself with Accessories
12.Add Some Magic to Your Step
13.Build a Beautiful Foundation of Intimates
14.Get Active in Your Activewear
15.Put Your Best Face Forward
16.Pamper Your Hands and Feet
17.Add a Spritz of Joy
18.Provide Your Belongings With TLC
19.Accept and Appreciate Your Body
20.Find Your Inner Ballerina
21.Seek Grace in Expression

Also, the “look inside” feature is great because it gives you a good taste of the book; including the introduction, chapter 1 and a solid chunk of chapter 2.

I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who just purchased my book in Kindle format. I really appreciate your support and I hope you enjoy it! Please be sure to let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear your comments and feedback.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of self-publishing a book is coming up with the cover design. They say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but I hope in my case you do! I’m in love with my cover, and in particular the precious artwork it features. I used a stock image on my first book, ‘Elevate the Everyday’. I loved the sweet image of the pink ballet flats so much, I reached out to the artist. Her name is Elka Silenkova and you can find her @flourishellis . This time around I provided her with a list of images I wanted and she custom-painted them for me. She is so kind, generous, sweet and talented. I’m so lucky to have discovered her! Thank you @flourishellis for bringing my dream cover to life! Please check her out!

Shoes make a powerful statement, and that is why I featured them on the covers of both my books. They have the power to elevate your outfit and your outlook each day! In particular, I wanted to feature flat shoes – the ideal choice for the “Everyday Woman”. I wanted to emphasize that one doesn’t need to be walking around in 3-inch heels to look fabulous. Flats are a practical way to provide an elevated look to your everyday!