These are a few of my favourite things…

With gratitude and giving and kindness at the forefront of my mind this year, I thought it fitting to create a list of my favourite things. Some are actually things; some people; some feelings; some books… no matter what they are, they each brought so much Joy to my life this year and I’m thrilled to share them all with you.

1. Gratitude Journal

Every night for six months I wrote five things I was grateful for in a gratitude journal. I needed this. It was the beginning of me focusing on the things that I’m most grateful for… the things that are going well in my life. Now, I find myself noticing the amazing things around me, and stop to enjoy little things throughout the day—even if only for moments.

2. Brené Brown

At the beginning of this year I took an awesome course designed by Brené Brown through Oprah.com. It was wonderful. My favourite thing about this course was that it reconnected me to my inner child and love of silly, heart-felt art. Allowing myself to be creative like I was as a kid shifted so many things for me. Creating became such an important thing in our home that our tiny condo now has a fully-stocked art area. If you’re not familiar with Brené you can get a feel for her message in this popular TED Talk.

3. Pink Elephant

I love everything Pink Elephant. I own and use every one of their workbooks and frequently call on owner Carrie Klassen for marketing advice and editing work. She is such a generous, kind, whip-smart entrepreneur and I feel fortunate to call her a friend now too. {update: Carrie is now offering you $25 off at her bookstore, you just need to click through this link to get the special code.}

4. Online Shopping Launch

Getting the online personal shopper service out into the world was definitely one of my favourite things this year. I spent so many hours designing, and re-designing, this service and questionnaire and delivery method to find the combination that would serve you best. When I launched it into the world I felt so excited and it’s been such a joy-filled year serving women from all over the world through this amazing service.

5. Kate

Kate and I became fast friends a decade ago studying french in Chicoutimi, Quebec. Her friendship is one of my favourite things. She stretches me to try new things and be the best version of myself. I have so many beautiful friendships that I feel incredibly grateful for, but since a handful of my favourite things from this year are directly linked to Kate’s recommendations I wanted to highlight my friendship with her here. Kate has an amazing story to share—the best place to follow along is via her Instagram account.

6. Weekly Style Articles

In March, I made the commitment to post one free style advice article per week. This has been such a joyful experience for me, mostly because of the kind words I’ve received from you in response to these articles but also because it is a wonderful feeling to create a goal and stick to it. I love the connection I get to have with you each week through these awesome articles.

7. The Desire Map

I love everything Desire Maps! The idea of choosing how I want to feel and then making decisions on how I want to live and what I want to do based on whether or not those things line up with the way I want to feel—brilliant! Even though I use a digital calendar to keep on top of my schedule, I also use The Desire Map Planner as a just-for-me life planner.

8. Canva

Canva is the program I use to make all the beautiful graphics on this site. I love how easy it is to use and how much beauty it brings to all of our lives.

9. Blog Genie

Rita Barry at Blog Genie created so much ease for me this year in two potentially stressful situations—moving this site to wordpress and switching servers. She is extremely professional and really really knows her stuff. She kept me calm throughout the whole process and I am extremely grateful to her for that.

10. Farmer’s Market

Going to the Farmer’s Market most Sundays this summer was a highlight each week. All the fresh food made me so happy. I loved connecting with the farmers too but mostly I loved the food… especially the fresh-picked raspberries. They were gold!

11. Miracles

I’m currently working my way through May Cause Miracles and I really really like it. It takes dedication to work through the activities each day, but I can feel little miracles happening every day just by changing my focus. It’s lovely.

12. In Return

In Return is the feature film my husband wrote and directed in 2011. It’s first screening was at the Sudbury Film Festival in 2012 where it won the Audience Choice Award. This year, the general (Canadian) public has the chance to view this charming film set in Toronto. Our whole family invested so much time, energy, love and money in this film, it’s release was so exciting for all of us!

13. Vogue

Working with Vogue Italy this summer was a dream come true. It also spawned the idea to create some Free Toronto Shopping Tours for you to enjoy.

14. Cousin Love

Watching my cousin and lifelong friend walk down the aisle at her wedding this September made my heart feel so so happy.

15. Sarah Selecky

Sarah has infinite, heartfelt, genuine wisdom she share generously. I have immensely enjoyed receiving this wisdom from her both in-person and through her twice monthly letters.

16. Jenn & Her Horses

I met Jenn and her horses this summer on an entrepreneurial retreat. The equine experience was so profound I have spent time with them every month since. The horses have a way of cutting straight through it all to get right to the heart of things. I also really really love horses, so I have truly cherished my time with these big-hearted animals.

17. Style Makeover Launch

This was SO huge. I was afraid to put the style makeover package into the world, but the response has been AH-MAZING! I always knew in my heart it was the right thing for me. I really really love to teach people how to style themselves because I know you are the best person to style yourself if you know how. It feels totally wonderful that others innately know this too and are excited to learn what I have to give.

18. Roof Lounge

The Park Hyatt Roof Lounge is one of my favourite places in Toronto. It is rich in history and has a wonderful cozy feel. I use almost any excuse I know to have drinks and a cheese platter there while enjoying the beautiful view of Toronto’s downtown.

19. Sunday Mornings

A warm content-ness washes over me on those lovely Sunday mornings where nothing is planned and I can just lounge around in my pjs with my amazing little family. Coffee, Sinatra and play are often involved in some way… and of course the Farmer’s Market in the summer too. This is my favourite time to spend focused time with Audrey—sounds of her giggles dance through my head.

20. Artscape Youngplace

This is my favourite space to work creatively. It’s where I designed both of the style offerings available now. It’s where I write many of these free style advice articles. It feels like a home for creative entrepreneurs and artists of all kinds. I love how creatively inspired I feel there.

21. Backpack

When I told one of my clients I was looking for a backpack she mentioned one from Lululemon she adores. I wasn’t sure. It was black (I never wear black) and very sporty (sporty isn’t a word I would use to describe my style). But after a couple of months looking around I couldn’t find one that was anywhere near as practical as this amazing backpack… I snapped it up. I’m surprised and delighted to tell you that this is by far my favourite purchase this year! It has saved me so many times and made life simpler and you know how much I love that.

22. Wildwood

I feel so incredibly grateful to have enjoyed another summer at our beloved family cottage. It’s been for sale for a couple of years so I cherish every extra day I get to spend there.

23. Momentum

With a stunning daily photo and thought-provoking quote the chrome plug-in Momentum makes me feel happy every time I open a new window in my browser. Feeling good throughout the day is one of my favourite things.

…if you’re up for it I would love for you to hear about your favourite things from this year in the comments below. Who’s brought you joy? What do you feel grateful for?

{a couple of these links are affiliate links, which means I’ll get a bit of money if you click on them. it feels like a happy bonus for me when the true intent of this article is sharing my favourite things with you.}