A former boss taught me a simple lesson once which was to always "Step Up The Fancy" in my work. I was encouraged to take my work to the next level to set myself apart from the crowd and to elevate my skills. I've decided to apply this message to other parts of my life, meaning that I will strive to do things that are a little more special whenever I can. Whether it's spending a lazy Saturday afternoon with a picnic at the beach, or venturing to a different part of the city to experience vintage shopping for the first time, I hope to put in extra effort to shake up my routine, travel off the beaten path and to find enjoyment in the simple things in life.
| Shirt: Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Fitted Dress Shirt | Pant: Joe Fresh Crop Pant | Bag: Escada | Shoes: L.K. Bennett |
Stepping up the fancy need not be expensive or posh, rather, I will take every effort to do things that are out of the ordinary, where I am more present in the moment and appreciative of the new experience in front of me.
| Belt: Mossimo Supply Co. Thread Braid Tri Color Belt from Target | Scarf: Louis Féraud (vintage) |
This week I ventured to Yorkville to stop and smell the tulips. There's a beautiful thing that happens to Bloor Street in the Spring - the flower beds that line the street overflow with tulips. The tulips are planted in what appears to be in perfect tight rows and give the street an extra dose of polish. For a moment, you forget that you are on Bloor Street in Toronto, and you feel like you are standing on Park Avenue in New York City.
I met a friend for dinner at La Société after admiring the tulips and I couldn't help but snap a few pics. I started off dinner on an open patio overlooking Bloor Street with a glass of prosecco. Bubbly is such a simple pleasure because it gives me cause to celebrate something, even if no standard celebrations are due. I ordered the roasted sea scallops which were tender, cooked slightly translucent on the inside, with a caramel coloured sear marks on the top and bottom. They were accompanied by boudin noir and caramalized apples.
After fully enjoying the meal, I discovered that boudin noir translates to 'blood sausage' - a food of which, up until this point I had been completely fearful! Perhaps, sometimes you learn things about yourself (and your likes) unknowingly, that you wouldn't otherwise discover.
I hope to write about a new way in which I Step Up The Fancy in my life each week. Please share your experiences, or things for me to try, by leaving a comment below!
