I had no idea...

...that Longchamp offered personalization for the LePliage. When did this happen? I feel truly ashamed that I was not aware of this development.

Personalized Longchamp LePliage Nylon Tote

Personalization is offered for both the nylon and leather models. While I would prefer the LeCuir, Longchamp only offers this model with short handles. And of course, it is more than double the price of the nylon bag. It's practical, classic, and cute.

Available here. I just may have to add to my collection.

my work bag

This is my 'work bag'. It's perfect -- red, It, and big enough to hold everything I need and more:

• 3 different sizes of zippered cases containing 1) the largest for makeup; 2) the medium for feminine stuff; 3) smallest for iPhone and mophie cables and chargers;
• case for sunglasses (from C Wonder - big, black, and very cat eye);
• reading glasses case (from Kate Spade - pink, smallish, and cat eye), for the 2.00 reading glasses I need to wear in addition to my bi-focal contacts; 
• iphone wristlet (Tory Burch black ), for cards, cash, iPhone -- the only thing I carry with me if I'm picking up coffee or groceries or whatever;
• a red file folder mysteriously labeled 'Personal' which means bills and other stuff I've been meaning to deal with and will get to later;
• scarf.

During the work week, I'll carry my pink Starbucks thermos with almond milk coffee from home, and the day's supply of food for work. While it's inconvenient that my office doesn't have a coffee place or any decent places for lunch in the building, I don't mind brown bagging it. In addition to my trusty thermos, I'll sometimes have fruit, and a glass container with protein and veggies for lunch. 

And there's still plenty of room for my Macbook… and shoes!

coveting…studs!

Lately I've been into navy -- schoolboy blazers with gold buttons, the darkest blue jeans, tuxedo blazers, nautical striped shirts, sheaths, cashmere boyfriend sweaters topped with skinny ankle pants. We just can't go wrong with navy.

And these are THE perfect pair of shoes that goes with all of the above.

Valentino rockstuds in dark blue leather. And believe it or not, a 2 1/2" heel is the perfect height both for work and dancing. Amaaaaayzing!

Mind over mattress

Sunday morning before 9am, and I'm sitting at my local Starbucks…

Before Toronto's tragically long and frigid winter arrived early last November and stayed for half a year --I was still wearing my furry high heeled Uggs boots and my cashmere toque last week--my Sunday mornings were spent at this very Starbucks sipping a tall cup of dark roast, reading the NY Times (and later taking off with the book review and Style sections). But then winter hit and much of my Sundays were spent in bed. Not even the NYT Style section or CBS Sunday morning could lure me out of bed by 9am. That's why we have PVR, and the NYT online, I reasoned. Let's not even talk about weekdays, when although I set my alarm for 5:30am, I'd still roll out of bed at 7am.

But that's all in the past.

Now that winter has finally left (so long, hope to see you never), I've decided to start fresh with new habits that will make me a better, more productive and successful person. Yes, I've been reading Robin Sharma.

First off, I have decided to win the battle of 'mind over mattress' and wake up at 5am on weekdays. You see, I've been working REALLY long hours at my new job (which I love, but more on that later), and 10 or 12 hour days are pretty normal. Now if I arrive at 7 am, working a 10 hour day still means I get to leave at 5pm.  And NO, it is NOT possible for me to get to work any earlier than 7, as waking up before dawn cracks causes me to move in SLOOOOOOOW motion, and it takes me a full 90 minutes to get my ass out of the house and in my car even if if I don't wash my hair.

It takes 66 days to form a habit, says RobinSharma (who will always be referred to as RobinSharma, never just Robin, or Sharma, or Mr Sharma), and my new habit is 8 days old.

Youtube wouldn't let me post RobinSharma's video on "How to Wake Up Early", but you'll find it here.

I love having the extra hours in the day; I highly recommend it.

Next up: getting back in the HOT room.