10 Things that Make Me Happy

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outfit details: Ripe Waffle Sweater Dress c/o Bootlegger, Similar Embellished Beanie, PINKSTIX Structure Tote

First of all, Happy Friday everyone! Are you as excited about the weekend as I am? I have to say, this week felt like it dragged on. The weather was insane all week (seriously, fellow Vancouverites would agree!) and the days felt long and busy. But lately, regardless of the daily bustle or the rain, I’ve been feeling really positive about life, and about what 2016 is going to bring. This last year was such an incredible year for me, and I am excited for the adventures that the new year will bring.

It must be this magical time of year that has made my excitement and enthusiasm for life pour into every part of my life. I have felt as though I am constantly uncovering things that I love – books, restaurants, blogs, and so much more. Sometimes, I believe that counting the little things now and again that have made you happy is so important to gaining a bit of perspective. Today I am excited to share 10 things that have made me happy lately, so click through to add some positive vibes to your Friday!

My NEW Layout

Though I have been blogging for the last four years, I feel like this year I really have found my way. Bloggers have always said that it takes time to really find your “voice” in blogging, but I didn’t realize how true that was until this year. Once I found that I discovered The UU’s “identity” I felt like it was time for a blog update. So, for the last few months I had been thinking it was time for a little refresh here on The UU. I wanted something that was a bit lighter and fun, and wanted to create more engaging and visual categories pages.

I swear, I probably drove Phil (the creative genius at pipdig.co) crazy with all my requests, and my vague ideas! But he took those ideas and was able to apply them to create this new layout which I love so much. Taking the plunge to creating this new layout makes me even more excited about the next year on The Urban Umbrella and all the incredible things I hope to accomplish.

Saje Cold Remedies

Since getting home from beautiful Puerto Vallarta, I have been battling a cold. Every time I go on vacation, I can almost guarantee that I’ll come home and get a cold, especially if something is going around the office or Jeremy has a cold. It has something to do with being used to the sun and warmth, and coming home to the system-shock of rain and cold that makes me immune system just decide to say “screw this!”.Now that we are onto week two of this cold, I feel like I am going a bit batty. Thankfully though, I have a few of my Saje Wellness favourites to get me through the last few days. From easing my headaches, clearing my mind to work, and helping me get to sleep, these Saje Wellness products have been essential to getting through the work week. I’ve used Saje Wellness products for years now, and I have found their natural remedies to have really helped me during the winter season.

Sequin Styles

The holidays always inspire me to add sequin pieces into my wardrobe. It just feels right during this time of year to be a bit more sparkly. I always find that sequin tops are an great way to instantly add a bit of glamour to a look, and can easily dress up a casual pair of jeans; while for a dressier look, stylish sequin skirts instantly makes an outfit appear more festive and playful.

Empowering Reads

I love reading, but there was a bit of time there last year that I fell out of my reading routine. Recently though, I’ve picked it back up and have been reading each night before hitting the hay. One of the books I read while I was on vacation was “GirlBoss” by Sophia Amoruso, and I have to say that I absolutely LOVED it.

I am all about empowering reads, and books that get you motivated to work a bit harder, and that’s exactly what Sophia’s Girl Boss is all about. After reading the entire book on the flight down to Puerto Vallarta, I felt completely ready to look at my goals from different angles and re-assess my definition of success, what I wanted to accomplish, and how I was going to do it. If you feel like you’re floundering with motivation, I highly recommend you pick up GirlBoss and get your read on!

Gumboots

While for some the holidays means snowy winter wonderlands, here in Vancouver – our winter usually means we’re dealing with cold rain. For this reason, there’s nothing that feels more essential during this time of year than some good ol’ practical gumboots! I picked up some dupe studded Valentino raniboots a few months back at Winners, and boy have they come in handy this fall. I love that nowadays, you can find rainboots that have a stylish element to them rather than just be basic and bland. And these not-so-bland rain boots were a total essential this passed week.

Blush Toned Dresses

Feminine blush pink dresses have really caught my eye lately. Year-round, blush is one my favourite colours and lately I’ve found that I’ve been even more drawn to it. As such a feminine and airy colour, I feel like a blush dress is a really pretty and soft choice for these wintery months. It’s so easy to always turn to our favourite LBD’s, but sometimes it’s a bit more fun to our little blush dresses, instead.

Trip Planning

Now that I am back form Puerto Vallarta, I am already onto planning my next trip. There’s very few things that get me as excited as the idea of travel does. I love going away, exploring, and creating new adventures for myself. This next trip I am especially excited for as it’s going to be the first trip to Europe that Jeremy & I have ever taken together! We’ve gone separately before, and have always talked about how we’d like to go together – and we’re finally going to do it! I can’t wait to share more details with you all… but that’s it for now!

Future Mrs. Planner

I recently received my Future Mrs. Planner and I seriously cannot wait to get using it. While our wedding isn’t until 2017, I am a planner so I just know this book will come in handy soon. I think it will be such a beautiful momento to look back on one day and see all the things we were inspired by, as see all the little details of our big day.

We have began planning a teeny bit. We’ve been searching for venues, but have found it really challenging to find one that’s both within our budget and the style we like. If you know of any rustic or garden wedding venues in Vancouver that aren’t crazy expensive – Please, let me know!

Little Getaways

I love staycations, but even more than that – I love mini getaways. Getting out of town for a few days is always a great way to gain a little inspiration and shake a creative block. This weekend Jer & I are heading down to Seattle for a mini getaway and to get done some holiday shopping. The last two weeks since getting home have been busy busy busy at our house. Jer has been swamped at work, and I’ve been buried under paperwork and e-mails, and it feels like we’ve barely seen eachother! Well, except for at 5AM each morning when we wake up for work – but that doesn’t really count. I can’t wait to turn off the computer and head away for a weekend of work-free fun with my favourite person.

Happy for Holidays

I’ve been getting completely into the holiday spirit. Perhaps its because my work is playing Christmas music from dawn til dusk, or because the streets have been decorated in pretty twinkling lights, but I have really felt excited about the holidays. I almost feel like a little kid, counting down to the big day – except now I am less concerned about what presents I’ll be opening, and more excited about the gifts I am giving my wonderful friends and family.I’ve been so excited in-fact, that I actually have been planning away a few SUPER exciting holidays giveaways for you all! To stay up to date and receive alerts for the giveaways please subscribe to my Holiday Giveaway Mailing list here!

Comments

Closet Fashionista says

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Such a fun outfit, I love all the photos 🙂 The plaid scarf is the perfect way to make that dress more festive 😀
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Live-Style20 says

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great look ; -))

i invite to me too

http://www.live-style20.blogspot.com

Launna says

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Awe Bree, I am so thrilled you are so happy… I like your new blog layout, it is so you… When I had mine done last year, I drove poor Kaye crazy but she was able to do an amazing job xox

Anonymous says

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I never comment really but wanted to now because this post is so cute. I really like the outfit its so cosy. Your layout is really cute now too. I like the pink.

🙂 🙂

Diana Vilic says

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Such a cute post!
Diana | http://www.dianavilic.com

ChocolateFashionCoffee says

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love this look!

ChocolateFashionCoffee
ChocolateFashionCoffee Facebook Page

Jackie says

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I loved reading this post! Your positivity is pretty contagious and reading it made me happy for you…and lead me to reflect on my 2015. A lot has changed in the past year for me too, both on my blog and in my personal life, so there's a lot to be happy about!

Jackie
Something About That

Jenn says

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One of my favorite posts from you. I think people sometimes forget to stop and just live in the moment! Being happy is so important and I'm glad you've been enjoying the holidays so far. I am wicked excited for Christmas, you have no idea!

a small bit | bloglovin | twitter

Bella B says

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Aww Bree you look so good, I love that dress with that scarf!!

http://xoxobella.com

Amy Johnson says

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Such a cute, warm outfit! Love the scarf.

Elise Von E says

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SO pretty!! Love you dress, scarf, hat and booties! Great look!

xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com