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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Simons Gatineau Haul: All dressed up and nowhere to go

Head to toe Simons, well almost! I love this outfit! It’s fun and flirty and perfect for the Holidays. It’s not a traditional holiday or winter colour scheme for that matter, but I don’t tend to stick with rules. This is a navy marino wool t-sweater paired with a pale pink tutu. I snatched up both pieces from Simons. I completed the look with a bright bib necklace and vintage Louis Vuitton Mary-Janes, and voila!

I don’t feel like doing a lot of talking, so let these gorgeous pictures speak for themselves! These are, once again, brought to you by the ever-talented Kristy Chapman Photography.

I have been hoarding these photos for a while, and I am so happy to share them with you, finally! This shoot was also meant to display my gorgeous kitchen… a.k.a. my bedroom. I love it! I live there 24/7! Thanks to my lovely husband who did all the work, almost 1 year ago!

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PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #5ive5ifteen

On Thursday, October 15, 2015, I attended #5ive5ifteen, an event hosted by Blackbook Lifestyle, an Ottawa based PR and Events company, who was celebrating five successful years in the business! This was a tag team event executed at the Arc Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of the downtown core, who coincidentally was also celebrating an anniversary, 15 years in the biz. Hence, #5ive5ifteen.

I headed to the event straight after work, and posted a typical outfit selfie on Instagram after a lady cat-called out of her window at me “I love your shoes!”. At the event, we were presented with the Arc Hotel’s latest menu items, developed by their new Executive Chef, Jason Peters. I have never been inside this hotel, much less eaten at their restaurant. That’s why I love attending these events, you really get to experience new places to eat and open your repertoire of evening outs. Between the chicken on a bed of couscous, to the skirt steak on polenta and magical scallops on a bed of pureed cauliflowers, I had the opportunity to sample what this hotel can offer. Delicious and healthy food. I was pleasantly surprised and my belly was full!

The entire event was executed flawlessly and once again we were left amazed with how Blackbook Lifestyle brings their events to life. Step and Repeat photographer at the entrance, famous models and handsome bouncers at the door, added to the red-carpet experience.

The drinks were flowing, the food was devoured and the dance floor was packed. I connected with new faces and chatted with familiar ones. I had a blast!  I truly hope there were no pictures of me dancing when the reggae came on though!

All in all, this was a great event and really allows Ottawa to showcase its local talent and thirst for social culture.

PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteenPR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteenPR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteenPR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen
PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteen PR Event: Blackbook Lifestyle and Arc Hotel celebrate #FiveFifteenParty photos by Eric Vance PHOTOGRAPHER + STYLIST
Media Wall photos by Quame Scott- Q3 Studio

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PR Event: Shepherd’s Fashion Show with Lynn Spence

Shepherd’s Fashion in Ottawa was hosting their Fall Fashion Week, and I attended their event on Friday, October 2. WOW! A combination of food, decor, fashion and gorgeous women looking their best. I love that about interior designers, they pay attention to detail in all facets of their life, not just interior design. They always look amazing and have great clothes! BONUS!

So naturally, I gravitated to this lovely giant tier tray adorned with champagne flutes. Yup, I love champagne. I also love that this store has a catwalk built into it!! How smart is that?! Gorgeous models strutted their fall looks down the curvy lane, while women shopped until they dropped!

The particularly fascinating component of this event was meeting the interior designers who decorated the newly expanded VIP dressing rooms at the Train yards location. What a wonderful concept! I wish I could have caught some better shots of the rooms, but i don’t have the right lens, and I am an amateur photographer! You will have to go see it for yourselves!

And last, but not least, I met Lynn Spence, noted Canadian Stylist on Cityline from Toronto. If you grew up in Toronto, like me, Fashion experts like Lynn and Jeanne Beker are part of your family, they are your teachers, your mentors. Everything we know about Canadian Fashion is because of these women.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. Head over to Shepherd’s, you’ll be glad you did!

Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Chantsy Ottawa Fashion Blogger Canadian Style Blog PR Event Fashion Show Shepherds Lynn Spence
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Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Chantsy Ottawa Fashion Blogger Canadian Style Blog PR Event Fashion Show Shepherds Lynn Spence
Privileged to be in this pic with a powerhouse of Canadian women! Lynn Spence, Marlene Shepherd and Kathy Donovan to name a few.
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