A true look at Canadian Winter Fashion in 2016

If you’re anything like me, getting dressed in the mornings these days, is harder than ever.

Forget trends and style for a minute. What on earth do I wear when there is 2 feet of snow and I don’t want to freeze my buns off, yet still want to look like I am not bundled in a duvet. Although, that sounds amazing.

Feeling uninspired? Me too! I know… Let’s head over to Pinterest!



What in the? How on earth is this “winter fashion”? I mean, yes, these are my #winterfashiongoals but so not functional.

Then I get photos like this…


  
  

Gorgeous ? I love it. I can totally shovel my driveway in those heels. I’ll skip the sox too… That’s extra laundry and plus, having feelings in your ankles is so 2015.

You catch my drift. I love all these inspirational pictures, but that’s what they are, inspiration. Also, the bare minimum to qualify for a winter fashion image requires a tiny big of snow on the ground.

There isn’t much available online that depicts what true fashionistas are sporting on the snowy slushy streets of  Canada. It’s also important to note that we, as Canadian fashion bloggers, have a duty to report on what true Canadian Fashion trends look like in 2016. I want to see boots, scarves, mittens, hats, parkas… The whole nine yards.

I found these pictures that make a bit more sense…


  
  
  
  

Have fun this winter. Stay warm and gorgeous!

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Transformation: Why vacationing scares me

Well here we are, it’s January 2016, exactly one year since I started my transformation journey. I just came back from a one week all-inclusive vacation in Cancun, and my worst nightmare has finally set in. I have no joke, gained 12 pounds. It all spiralled downhill since the Christmas celebrations in December. How could I have let this happen?

I promised I would be good. No desserts, no fried or breaded foods, light on the drinks. I got this. Nope. I was on a rampage, and could not help myself. I overindulged, over ate and over celebrated every, single, day. Now I am embarrassed, ashamed and I feel defeated. I need to find that motivation again. And fast!

“Tomorrow – I’m gonna have salad”, that’s been my mantra over the last year when I had a bad food day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not obsessed with food, it’s just that I’ve worked so hard to get where I am and all it took was a lousy glutinous week down south to ruin me! The worst part is the food wasn’t even that great. I mean, not really calorie worthy, ja feel?

I tried to be somewhat active. Went for walks, played beach volleyball, participated in the group Zumba class, floated in the water… but it was not nearly enough movement.

I just feel so bloated, and swollen. I feel like the combination of flying and sun does that to you. Maybe it’s from the plane ride? I am so scared to get weighed it at Weight Watchers… I feel like I need a good week to cleans the bad habits out of my system. You know, like “I’ll have the water and salad, hold the dressing” kinda meals for 7 days, while I quiver and sweat out the excess lard through my pores #Rehabstyle.

I know I can do this! I just need some motivation from you, my readers. I also have a new pair jeans I bought last month, I should use them as a motivational tool. They were the smallest size I’ve ever owned… I hope I can squeeze back into them soon. I won’t even try until I lose a few pounds. It would just be too cruel to do it now.

Other than that, my trip was excellent. Lots of relaxing, unplugging and creating of memories with my family.

Anyway, thanks for listening. Just needed to vent. ?

Strategically placed behind my husband and sucking in the tummy- the only way to take a photo in my bathing suit! Also, in this pic I’m wearing an Addition Elle bra as a bikini top (it’s on sale now!)! It’s so supportive, fun and comfortable.

PS- Please do not take this post as an opportunity to sell me any weight loss regimes, products or services. I am so tired of being bombarded with sales pitches, because I choose to talk about my weight. I got this. Thanks!

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In hindsight: Reviewing 2015 Goals

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Some of you may not know this about me, but I have been blogging for over five years. I started creative writing on my blog to get better at it and to use it as my public journal. An escpae for creative ideas and a place for me to look back on. Every year, since I started blogging, I evaluate the goals I have set for myself. This is the first time, that I am carrying over the “In hindsight” series, as they usually live on my “Me So Pritti” blog.

Here are the goals I set for myself in 2015 (from In Hindsight 4):

  1. Finish kitchen renos on time and on budget– YES! My sexy kitchen is done and we don’t have (that much) residual debt from it. Our current debt is from other bad habits (#shopaholic #2016resolution).
  2. Lose 25 lbs (joined Weight Watchers  a few weeks ago and getting a personal trainer in January)– YES! I have lost (on a good day) 20 lbs since I started my new weightless journey. I do really need to get back into high gear though.
  3. Do more activities as a family (zoo, camping, vacations, road trips)- YES! We went to Papanack Zoo this year, we went camping in Ithaca this summer and visited friends in Thunder Bay and we are leaving for Cancun on Saturday!
  4. Get guitar lessons- Unfortunately not achieved.
  5. Perform an open Mic- Unfortunately not achieved.
  6. Buy my husband a truck of his dreams (SAVE!)- Soooooo, I bought a new car instead and he has my old SUV which is his new truck?
  7. Get myself a new car (SAVE MORE!)- yes! See #6. Look at me killing 2 birds with one stone.
  8. Travel to Italy or Armenia (SAVE EVEN MORE!)- I wish. All hope is not lost.
  9. Kick butt at Go-to Girl- Can’t wait to share what I have been working on for the new year!!!
  10. Nurture my plus-size fashion blog Mode XLusive– I am going to go ahead and say HELLZ YESSS!!
  11. 5 year plan… buy a second house, have another baby… a girl this time 😉 Sadly, nothing to report on this front.

I love this. I love seeing where my head was at. I can remember vividly what I was going through last December. I was stressed out, just like I am now, but the priorities were different. The focus has shifted. I really recommend this exercise to everyone!

Ok, now for 2016:

  1. BUDGET-Get a grip on spending, pay off small credit card debt and start mega-saving.
  2. HEALTH- Maintain weight loss and lose more if possible (no pressure). Maintain workout schedule and running. All this while protecting my lower back and shoulder.
  3. FAMILY- More of it; time and members. Register Victor for swimming and gymnastics.
  4. WORK & LIFE BALANCE- Finds ways and time to tune out and to kick butt all at the same time.
  5. ART- Start painting and drawing again.
  6. MUSIC- Get guitar lessons and perform an open mike song.
  7. VACATION- insert Italy/Armenia trip here. Also See #1.
  8. WRITING- Start my first kids book, have an article published on Huffington Post and take on more paid work.
  9. DECLUTTER- my life, my house, my friends, my stuff, my clothes.
  10. MODE XLUSIVE- keep blogging, grow my Instagram account and do more TV gigs.
  11. FIVE YEAR PLAN- Buy a second house as a rental unit.

Ok, I think that about sums it all up! Whoa, I have a LOT of work to do, and I better get started! What about you? Do you set yourself goals? Do you review your past year? What stood out for you the most? Have I possibly inspired you to do the same?

Thanks again for tuning in and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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