The most spontaneous thing I've ever done

I'm not a spontaneous or risky person. I live a very routine and planned life and I like to keep it that way. Really exciting right?

You can find me here in less than two weeks!

I'm not saying I don't like to have fun and go out and do things, but I really don't enjoy spur of the moment plans or changes.

Yesterday, a friend and I, decided we would book a vacation. CCPR is over in less than two weeks and we thought we deserved a little getaway. Next thing you know we're debating which bikinis to bring.

At first it was a little terrifying. It meant getting up and leaving Toronto for a week, leaving my job and apartment. Each week I go to school Monday - Thursday and work Friday - Sunday. That is my routine, it happens every single week. As nice as the opportunity was to get away and lay on a beach for a week, I was a little scared to throw caution with the wind and get on a plane to Cuba.

However, I of course decided to go on the trip and we're leaving in 11 days. As soon as it was booked I couldn't be more excited for a well-deserved break.

Maybe this will teach me to let me hair down and live a little every once and awhile.

- JS

I'm a Christmas Shopping Pro

I adore something a lot of people can't stand. Christmas shopping.

But here's the thing. I don't step foot into crowded malls and fight over the last pair of leather gloves for my darling mother. For the past few years, I have done all of my shopping online. 

When people tell me they are too worried to shop online, worried something won't come as expected or won't fit properly, I can't believe my ears. Part of me wishes I didn't shop online, my bank account would be a lot less... empty. 

My sister, the EASIEST person to shop for on my  list. And yes, that is me!

But seriously who wants to get pushed and prodded by a bunch of strangers when you can stay at home in your pjs and do all your shopping with a few clicks? If you're worried about something not fitting or not living up to your expectations, the majority of stores offer easy returns at any of their locations. I have ordered from a large number of stores (oops) and rarely have had any issues. 

I am already done my Christmas shopping and it feels great. All of my presents have arrived in tip top condition and they are ready to be wrapped and put under the tree. 

Here a few of my top places for buying gifts:

Hudson's Bay (literally something for EVERYONE)

Indigo/Chapters (there are books about EVERYTHING)

HauteLook, Gilt & Beyond the Rack (even though you can't return at a store, they have many new things at extremely reduced prices everyday) 

Where do you do your Christmas shopping?

Wishing you the best of luck finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

- JS