Looking Cool When It's Cold Out

Hey friends!

So since arriving in Canada, I have been trying to settle in to a routine of some sort and it's actually a lot harder than I thought! One of my major distractions has been the freedom of going out to walk with my family's dog Toby. He is part hound and part mutt and loves nothing more than to run free in the woods and so that's where we take him. Whilst out galavanting, I thought I would take the opportunity to check out whether I had made a wise weather appropriate coat for Canada.

As the weather has started to get colder, my favourite cute winter coats were no longer cutting it, and I needed something that was warm, friendly for running about in and easy to clean, but of course, that still looked awesome. I went on a search and it was harder than I thought, because finding good quality and very warm coats in plus size is still difficult, even here in Canada.

I was really glad to find this Concept K two tone faux fur hood parka* from one of my favourite online shops, Navabi. This coat is an absolute must for anyone that spends time outdoors, lives somewhere that gets real cold but that also still wants to feel stylish and cool.

I have worn my new coat loads since the temperature dropped, including to an epic Christmas market with a giant tree,  and here are a few of my favourite things about it. It has a sort of faux-vest layer on the inside, which means that if you drive, you can unzip the actual coat for ease of movement, but still feel warm and cozy.

The two toned arms and body make it feel upscale and cool which is a nice touch. It has great deep pockets, a huge hood and good cuffs and neck coverage to shield you from the rain, wind and snow. You feel warm and safe in this coat - no amount of bad weather is going to leave you cold and wet - it's an absolute winner. I would recommend that you buy your true size, as I sized up and find it a bit big. I am wearing a UK 22 and have lots of room for layers and anything else I want to wear underneath.
Thank you again Navabi, for providing us with beautiful, practical, plus size garments - I know this coat will be in my wardrobe for several seasons, keeping me toasty.

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Happy New Year And All That Good Stuff

Hello everyone and happy New Year!

Apologies first off for the silence over the month of January, but I promise I have a good excuse. I spent the best part of January in Canada with my fiance, Steven, visiting family and friends and showing him around Toronto. With all the excitement of being tourists and seeing everyone, I was completely wrapped up and busy and didn't spend much time near my computer. But, I am back in London now and have so much to share with you - so expect a busy February on here.

Before anything else - I have a few fun photos to share from our trip - it was cold, snowy and just so magical!

   Here is our couple selfie :)

We tried to cram in as much touristy stuff as possible, which included a trip to the frozen Niagara Falls - which I have never seen in winter. It was pretty neat to see the mist almost frozen mid air but the falls still pouring over with such a force.

After the falls we went to Buffalo and enjoyed girly pink martini's with our dinner.

While I was home, I also chopped off the awful mullet I was unintentionally growing. I look forward to getting to see my lovely stylist Laurie at Mad Factory Salon in Toronto because she always knows what to do with my mop.

Near the end of our trip, we were lucky enough to be invited to stay at a friends cottage up north of Toronto.  This is not far from the area that we are considering for our wedding, although it will be less snowy when we get married I hope. It became quite the adventure, when the weather took over and our car broke down, but we managed to have a fantastic time in the snow.

Steve enjoying his mini ice rink on the lake:

Pre snow angel position:

Snow Selfie:

It was such a great trip, although it went way too quick, and it was so nice to see all my family and friends back home.

Have you been to Canada and jumped in this much snow!? Tell me about it!

XXToodalookatie

A weekend in the Alps

Hello everyone!

Sorry for my major period of neglect for my blog - I have been so busy at work  that I haven`t had the energy or time to write anything that would interest you all.  I also don`t want to bore you with general everyday stuff so only try and post when I do something interesting or exciting. Anyways, I want to start off by thanking everyone for the birthday wishes you sent me, by skype, facebook and e-mail - it was so nice that you all thought of me on my big day. :) I will be doing a post on my birthday festivities soon but first, I want to tell you about my weekend in the French Alps.

About 2 weeks ago, myself and 3 friends headed 6 hours outside of Paris to the town of Combloux (in the Mont Blanc region) of the French Alps. We rented a car for the weekend and a little chalet styled apartment on top of a hill. It doesn't matter where you are in this region, everything is spectacular. They have been without snow for over a month so there was a lot of grass and dirt poking through the snow all over but even still, it was incredible.

We spent two days snowboarding and despite my boots being ultra uncomfortable I got through it and had a great time. The weather was warm so we sat on the patio at lunch over looking the alps all the way to Switzerland!

I was super excited to see hot air balloons as well! I have added that to my to do list in life - ride in real a hot air ballon. They are really very majestic in the sky and look like they would provide an amazing view of everything around you.  It was a super weekend filled with snowboarding, hot chocolate, raclette (mmmm) and a picture perfect view in every direction.  I could have stayed forever and abandoned Paris to be a ski bum in the Alps - oh what a life!

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