Dress: Oak + Fort / Poncho: Lord & Taylor / Shoes: Shelly’s London

Okay so I am totally one of those people who matches my outfit to the weather. If it’s sunny, bring on the whites and brights. Rainy and grey? Black and grey alllll day. Seriously though I make an active effort to not do this but I always end up wearing grey and black during the winter here in Vancouver. Because it rains, ALL THE TIME. 

On another note, I was cleaning out my childhood bedroom the other day because my parents were moving and found SO MUCH hilarious stuff. Photos of your pre-teen self are always traumatizing… I was having a very confusing combination of hysterical laughter/tears because the photos were SO RIDICULOUS. Why did I think high-top boots, 1-inch zipper jeans, and a crop top was an acceptable outfit to wear? I swear to god my mom just let me leave the house looking like that because she thought it was jokes and wanted to make fun of me in the future. I’m on to you mom…. 

Anyways, another one of the things I found was some of the birthday cards that my Omi and Opa (which is German for Grandma and Grandma) wrote me. They legit always write the best cards, because in each card there is an inspirational quote. Which somehow always seem to match my life perfectly at the time. I have taken photos of these quotes and pasted them all over my house for the past few years because they really are so motivating. Not to mention I have them on hand in my iPhone because sometimes you need a mobile reminder to get your ass moving. Since I found the original cards they were written in the other day, I thought I would share my favourites with you here today in hopes that you are also inspired by them.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

 – Colin L. Powell

These quotes are significant to me, because I identify so closely with them. Do you guys have any favourite quotes that inspire you? What do you think of these?? Comment below! I want to hear your fave inspirational quotes too 🙂

x,

Old photos bringing back great memories!

The other day I posted this photo on my instagram, after I had spent some time looking through old pics. So much fun to look back at all the awesome things we do! This was the last day of the ski season in April this year, and my god was it a good one. It was full on spring skiing, slush and all. Also, being a ginger sucks so bad sometimes. I legit got the worst burn from this day hahah. It was really nasty so I won’t go into details. You would think after 24 years of being a ginge I would have figured out sunscreen… apparently not. 😜

Anyways, these photos got my super excited for the upcoming ski season which is scheduled to start in under 3 weeks! For those of you who just started reading Skinny Belle (HI WELCOME I LOVE YOU 😀 ), skiing is the primary way I like to stay fit in the winter time. That being said I usually only have time to go on weekends because it is such a time commitment. Soooo, I have some great stuff I will be sharing with you soon about what I will be doing mid-week to stay fit! Stay tuned!

x,

Some random ramblings and love for ya’ll <3

Helllooooo from your highly over-caffeinated internet friend here! I have officially determined that I am not responsible enough to own a Nespresso Machine. I literally cannot stop drinking them. Do you guys have one too?? They are the best yet worst things ever. To give you perspective on how out of control I am atm, I have had 4 Nespresso coffees today. Obviously switching between the chocolate and caramal flavours (preference to caramel) because they are the best. AND NOW I HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY. (Crap.)

So here I am. Fully caffeinated, raring to go. This is probably the opportune time to go workout but I am on FIRE with my work so Ima just roll with this. Anyways, thought I would bring some realness to ya’ll today about my complete lack of self-restraint when it comes to Nespresso. Maybe one day I will be adult enough to have just one Nespresso in the morning. But alas, here we are. That day has yet to come. 😝

On another note, I just wanted to say in my highly caffeinated state I am rapid-fire thinking about how thankful I am that you come here and hang out in this corner of the internet. We’ve got a pretty special thing going on over here you guys. I love it when you comment and share your experiences with me, and the personal emails you send to my inbox are so fantastic to read. It is so great to have you in my life, so thank you for being you. 💕

Annnnndddd… FEEDBACK TIME!

With that, I want to know what you want to see more of here on Skinny Belle! After all, my goal is to connect with you as much as possible and make this a great place where we can all be the best versions of ourselves. So please, comment below and let me know what you want to read more of here on Skinny Belle! Want more personal posts? More outfits? More workouts? Tell me, and it shall be yours. Because I appreciate you and love you <3

COMMENT BELOW! 

x,

Las Vegas for the weekend!

What a weekend! Jetted off to go on another Vegas adventure last weekend. Halloween weekend in Vegas?! Yes please. My favourite part of Halloween is checking out everyone’s costumes. It is always hilarious to see what people come up with. Let’s all ignore the fact that my costume was so–basic-it-hurts this year. I am a busy woman and didn’t have time to plan anything legit. I know, it’s no excuse. 😔 Next year I will get it together, because… #priorities. Halloween is practically a religious holiday to me haha. After college there are barely any opportunities to dress up anymore, so Halloween is pretty much it. And the sorority girl in me misses having at least one costume party every week. 😂

It was great to spend the weekend hanging out with friends, dancing, and enjoying a festive beverage or 6. Basically that weekend ate up my whole 20% of my 80/20 lifestyle for the week (click here if you haven’t read about the Skinny Belle lifestyle, it’s the best.) There were a lotttttt of sugary drinks and way too much delicious food happening. We had two equally fantastic dinners at Tao and Lavo. If you haven’t been, go. Yesterday. Such unreal spots. 

After a big weekend of eating and drinking, I am in full detox mode right now. Girl will be following my “recover from a weekend of overindulgence” plan, and practically bathing in coconut oil (<– it is magical and makes everything better.)

How were your Halloweekends?! If you have a blog/instagram, link it below in the comment section so I can check out your costumes! 

x,

Get your pasta, sans the wheat belly. 

I really am starting to think I take an abnormal amount of food photos. And I mean more than your average blogger. Food is literally always the best model. It never complains, it always looks BEAUTIFUL, and it just patiently sits there and lets me click away to my heart’s content until I have captured it from every angle humanly possible. Like I said, probably not normal.

But anyways, this Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is to die for. 

If you haven’t discovered the magical unicorn-like nature of Spaghetti Squash yet, get out from that rock you’ve been hiding under. I never thought something could make me as happy/satisfied/in love as pasta could (yes, love) but spaghetti squash comes pretty damn close. Considering it is a squash and all. 

Spaghetti Squash is really low in calories (!!!) and high in fibre. Both very good things. It also literally looks like pasta when you pull it out of it’s shell. Probably should’ve taken a photo of that too, but once I started eating it I pretty much didn’t take a breath until it was done. Oops. 

Want to make your own Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash? Here’s the recipe:

Ingreds:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• grated parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• Italian spice mix (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, etc)
• Pesto sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Half your squash lengthwise, and take out the seeds and yucky bits from the middle with a spoon.

Step 2: Lather up dat squash in olive oil, and put your Italian spice mix, salt, and pepper on the face of the squash. 

Step 3: Place your squash face-down on a baking sheet and bake for 35 – 40 mins. 

Step 4: Now, take the squash out of the oven and carefully flip over both sides to they are face up. Generously sprinkle your parmesan cheese (I am always very generous with my cheese) on top. Take your eggs and crack one into each of your squash halves. Add more parm.

Step 5: Get that pesto sauce ready and place a few dollops on top of the egg. Finally, add a bit more salt + pepper + spices on top and put that bad boy back in the oven for another 10.

Das how you do it friends 🙂

Thoughts?? Love? Hate? Are you on the spag squash train like me or do you have another “fake pasta” that you prefer? Comment below!

PS: Click here to get another fantastical spaghetti squash recipe. 

x,

Backpack: Beara Beara / Shoes: Converse / Sweater: Brandy Melville / Jacket: Aritzia

Meet my new baby, her name is Beara Beara. This beautiful backpack arrived on my doorstep the other day, and I could not have been happier. It is handcrafted with 100% natural leather, and because of that each bag is unique. How cool is that?! I am totally in love with things that are hand made, it really does make a difference.

Also this bag can hold SO MUCH STUFF. Which really is kind of dangerous for someone like me. I tend to have a very heavy purse because… what if. And let me tell you when it’s that 1% of the time that I need that random thing I have carried around in my bag for the last 6 months, I am one happy camper for having brought it along. Needless to say, big bag = more room for all my stuffs. Win win. 

Want to get this same bag? Check it out by clicking here! It is gorgeous, and trust me… you want it. Also check out Beara Beara’s website to take a look at the other beautiful bags they create. 

What do you guys think? You like??

x,

A perfectly lazy dinner 🙂

Okay is there anything better than a classic grilled cheese? I honestly don’t know. I have been known to be very passionate about my grilled cheese game. Do not (and I mean do not) mess with me while I am enjoying a grilled cheesy goodness. It is a little slice of heaven and we all need to indulge every once and a while. This recipe to be honest isn’t even really an “indulgence”, because I use my favourite Silver Hills Bakery Little Big Bread. That stuff is the best and saves you from all the nasty ingredients normally hiding in bread. Try it out, you will love it. 

This meal almost verges on not even being a recipe because it is so simple, but I will fill you in anyways because I love ya’ll. 

Okay here is what you do:

Step 1: Get nonstick pan (I accidentally typod “pan” to “man” and almost didn’t correct it because… lol a nonstick man.) and heat to medium/low heat. 

Step 2: Slice sharp cheddar cheese (or gruyere, swiss, whatever you have in the fridge) and put between two slices of bread. 

Step 3: Slowly heat bread in pan until juuuuust brown. Then flip and do the same on the other side until the cheese is all melty and delicious. 

Step 4: Get some tomato soup heated up for dipping purposes (I like this one) and take your grilled cheese off the pan and enjoy!!

So simple, almost not a recipe. This is legit the perfect lazy fall dinner, that will leave you oh so satisfied. Also side note, I will disown you as a friend if you microwave your grilled cheese. That is ratchet and nobody needs that microwave business in their life, especially when it comes to something as important as grilled cheese. You understand. 😜

K so tell me, is anyone else out there as passionate about grilled cheese as I am? COMMENT BELOW! So I don’t feel lonely and weird. hehe 😋

x,

Jacket: Aritzia / Sunnies: Rayban / Shirt: Oak + Fort / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Yeeessssss. Had the best/most relaxing weekend ever. Sometimes it is really difficult for me to slow down for a bit and just chill. I would say I am largely a type-A personality which means I am both very ambitious and impatient. Two traits that can be very stressful when paired together haha. When it comes to my career/life/business, I want it now and I want it to be the best it can possibly be. You know? So every once and a while I feel the need to just stop, and relax for a few days. This weekend happened to be one of those times and was it ever glorious.

So in the spirit of relaxing, I am going to go meet my bestie Leah for a walk around the Seawall here in Vancouver. Hope you guys got some time to relax this weekend too!

x,

Homemade dressing + salad for a protein packed lunch!

I felt that it was totally necessary to add the “it’s more exciting than it sounds” in the title of this post. Because really, when has anyone (who isn’t criminally insane) jumped for joy at the words “lentil salad.” Pretty much the lamest two words ever. That being said, I pinky swear (which is the most serious of swears) that you will be absolutely losing it over how great this salad and dressing are. This is good shit my friends.

Salad ingreds:

• 1 can lentils (green ones)
• ½ medium red onion diced
• Chopped roma tomatos
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh Italian parsley
• Avocado

Dressing ingreds:

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp coarse seeded mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• juice ½ lemon
• 5 tbsp white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
• Coarse sea salt

K guys, you ready? Lets do it. 

Step 1: Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing. Set aside.

Step 2: Open your can of lentils and put into a pasta strainer. Rinse them with water until all the gross lentil “juice” is grained. Strain out all the water so the lentils are as dry as you can get them. (This step is so necessary. The smell of the inside of canned goods is seriously weird if you don’t rinse them lol.)

Step 3: Chop up your red onion, roma tomatoes, and parsley. Combine in a bowl with your drained lentils.

Step 4: Add the dressing to the salad, and top with chopped avocado. Crack a little more salt & pepper on top and you are done!

Make this in the evening for a great protein-packed lunch at work. More protein = less hungry = happiness. Nobody likes the 4 o’clock hangries in the office. 😜

Okay so tell me… Have I convinced you guys to try this recipe yet?! It is the freakin’ bomb so please give it a go and let me know what you think. 😘

x,

Jacket: Bernardo / Jeans: Citizens / Shirt: Oak + Fort / Boots: Small shop in Milan

This jacket though. Can you be in love with an inanimate object? I know I can lol. Pretty sure I have at least a dozen hot n’ heavy romantic relationships with clothing items. Normal? Definitely not. But hey, whatcha gonna do. I am what I am. 😉

Anywho, thank you to my friends at Bernardo for this beauttttiful leather jacket. Like I said, totally in love with it. There is just something so timeless (yet seriously badass) about a good leather jacket. They are definitely a staple in my world. 

Want this jacket? Click here to pick up one for yourself! They are on sale at Nordstrom right now!!! 🎉🎉🎉

Since fall is up on us, I decided to pair this bad boy with an all-black outfit. Clearly I was feeling the leather this day because I went the whole nine yards and added the knee-high leather boots too. Leather on leather? Yes please. So into it. 

What do you guys think? Would you rock the leather on leather look? Comment below!

x,