Black & Gold

photo(35) Shirt:  Club Monaco  Skirt:  The Lip Lounge (local boutique)
Belt:  Zara (old)  Necklace:  t+j Designs
Bracelet:  Tobi (here)  Watch:  Hermes

photo(39)

photo(38)photo(36)

Happy hump day everyone!  Are you looking for something classy and opulent yet refined?  Try wearing black and gold.  Black and gold is one of my favorite color combos.  Whether it be in clothing or jewelry, this combination is always elegant and sexy.

I just realized it’s our 14th year anniversary today.  Haha.  We’re not very big on anniversary.  We used to celebrate it with gifts and dinner but after two kids, we don’t tend to do much really.  Have a great day!

How do you wear black and gold?

Your Jo

What you see is what you get

photo(32)Sweater:  Forever 21 (here)  Jeans:  Forever 21 (similar)
Pumps:  Guess (similar) Bracelet:  CC Skye
Watch:  Nixon (in gold)  Bag:  Chanel (old)

photo(31) photo(33)

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.
-Lao Tzu

Happy Monday everyone!  Happy Victoria Day to my Canadian readers!

I’m a huge fan of Lao Tzu.  I love this quote because I can relate to it 100%.  When I first saw this sweater, I knew it was calling my name.  What you see is what you get.  I strongly believe that to be better in any aspect of your life – you must know who you are.  Getting to know yourself doesn’t happen over night.  It took me over 30 years (but it’s worth it!).  I gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and passions and fears.

In the process of understanding others and the world, I discovered self knowledge is my golden ticket – to joy, to peace and success.

- I used to live by the golden rule:  One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.  Not anymore.  I treat everyone the same and I do not expect others to treat me the same way.  If they do, I’d consider that a bonus.

- I admit, I’m extremely impatient.  Okay, I’m sure all my sisters would agree to this one.  I hate waiting in lines.  I hate waiting for my luggage.  I just hate waiting.  Don’t worry, I’m working on it.  Give me some time. :)

- I was told that I’m an open book.  I rarely hide my emotions.  When I feel happy, I let everyone know.  When I feel unhappy, it never lasts long.  That’s just the way I am.

- I’m learning to live authentically.  I’m very comfortable in my own skin.  I love myself and my body – that’s pretty authentic, isn’t it?  I’m learning how to simplify.  I’m learning to say NO and clear any clutter in my life.

- I embrace my sensitivity.  I used to think it’s a bad thing.  I’ve been lucky to realize that I’m kind and have great empathy for others.

- I accept the things I can’t change.  This is one of life’s greatest lessons but it’s well worth it once you’ve mastered it.

Thanks for reading everyone!  Finding yourself is truly an enlightening experience.  I hope you will get to know yourself really well soon.

Have I inspired you to tap into your inner world?

Your Jo

Review: Dorfman Pacific sunhat and FRAAS scarf

hat 1 photo 1Sun hat:  c/o Dorfman Pacific  Dress:  Local boutique
Shoes:  Forever 21 (love this pair)  Bracelets:  Coach, Forever 21, CC Skye
Rings:  Blue Ruby, Forever 21  Belt:  Aldo  Scarf:  c/o FRAAS

photo(4)

Happy Friday friends!  Summer is almost here!  What better time is it to wear a floppy sun hat?  I think it’s the best accessory for the summer.  I’m very happy to have the opportunity to review one of Dorfman Pacific’s hats.
[Read more...]

Your Jo

Safari

zebra 3Dress:  Tobi (love this maxi dress)  Rings:  Local boutique
Bracelets:  David Yurman (love this color), Tiffany & Co.
Cuff:  Forever 21 (similar in gold)

zebra 1

zebra 4

main.original.466x530Image via whowhatwear.com

Hi friends!  I’m no stranger to animal print but this is my only zebra print dress.  I adore zebra print.  It’s so fun and sassy.  I  know animal prints can be intimidating but I think everyone should have at least one animal print in their closet.  It just seem to never go out of style.

How do you wear zebra prints?

Your Jo

No Bake Marshmallow Cheesecake

IMG_6603Use the bottom of a glass to press the graham cracker into the pan for an even layer.

IMG_6656

IMG_6673

I always have a craving for sweets so when I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to make it.  This is the perfect recipe for people like me, who’s not too knowledgeable on baking but loves cheesecake.  I LOVE LOVE cheesecake!  Just thinking about it sets my mouth to watering for a big piece of light and fluffy cheesecake topped with chunky strawberry sauce.  This is an easy recipe and it tastes divine.  So, go ahead and try this recipe and be sweet and jolly.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there!  I wish you a very lovely day full of love and appreciation!

Main Ingredients:

2 cups of miniature-sized marshmallows
3/4 cup of milk
1 pack (250g) cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup whipping cream

Crust ingredients:

6 tablespoons of melted butter
1 2/3 cup of graham crackers
4 tablespoons of sugar

Strawberry Sauce Ingredients:

12 fresh or frozen strawberries
1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar

Directions:

1.  Make the crust by combining the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs and sugar by mixing until combined in a bowl.  Press the mixture into a 9″ round pan.
2.  Melt the marshmallows in milk over low heat in a saucepan.  Remove from heat once marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3.  Take a large bowl and beat cream cheese until smooth.  Slowly and gradually add the marshmallow mixture to the cream cheese and beat until smooth.  Let cool for 15-30 minutes.
4.  In a large bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff.  Gently fold the whipping cream into the cream marshmallow mixture until completely mixed and smooth, but do not over mix.  Spread the mixture into the graham crust.
5.  Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6.  Make the strawberry sauce by putting the strawberries and sugar in a bowl.  Refrigerate for 3 hours or until sugar is dissolved.  Put the mixture in a saucepan and cook for 10-15 minutes or until it thickens.
7.  Once the cheesecake has set in the fridge, pour the sauce over, and serve.  Enjoy!

Your Jo