My Little Secrets

A DIY and Lifestyle Blog

Food & Drink :: 3 “Sweet” Ways to Enjoy Nespresso on Ice

Just how many ways can you enjoy coffee? Lots!

Last weekend, I hosted my two fellow Nespresso babes, Dani from Girls of TO and Esther of This Wild Heart for a fun (and coffee) filled afternoon at my home! I adore these two ladies, they often fuel my inspiration and I am so thrilled to collaborate with them on this month’s post. The three of us have been concocting all sorts of delicious Nespresso recipes via our respective blogs, but we really wanted to push the envelope this month and decided to join forces and see just how creative we can get! As we near the end of Summer, we wanted to center our recipes one last time on the limited release of Nespresso On Ice.

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Travel :: What Makes a Hotel So Great {Review of Andaz Ottawa Byward Market}

I’ve stayed over 500 nights in hotels.

I’d like to think that I know a thing or two when it comes to staying in hotels. In my earlier life as a consultant, I’ve stayed my fair share. One year, I stayed nearly three months straight in hotels, and let me tell you, unless you’re staying in utmost luxury, it’s not that glamorous! I’ve made many observations throughout the years about hotels and definitely have my top list of memorable ones.

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Food & Drink :: 5 Drool-worthy Nespresso on Ice Coffee Recipes

I hope you’ve got plans to entertain friends and family this weekend because I’ve got 5 amazing NESPRESSO ON ICE recipes for you!

Happy Friday! Last month, I introduced the new release of Nespresso Leggero on Ice and Intenso on Ice  to kick off your Summer, I must say, I’m still swooning over these two coffees! Now, as much as I like enjoying them over ice with some agave or simple syrup, I was curious just about how many varieties I could come up with.

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Travel :: Surprise Anniversary Weekend Getaway c/o La Marca Prosecco

It was our two-year wedding anniversary near the end of June. But due to our insanely busy schedules, coupled with a somewhat last minute gallbladder surgery I was notified of, we didn’t get the chance to plan an eventful celebratory weekend this year as we had hoped.

When I found out that our friends at La Marca Prosecco prearranged a surprise weekend getaway for Kyle and I to celebrate our belated anniversary, we were ecstatic! It’s not often that someone plans on my behalf, so I was incredibly appreciative of this thoughtful sparkly gesture.

Our weekend was full of surprises, great eats, adventures, and lots of La Marca bubbly while relaxing, of course!

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Home :: Master Bathroom Renovation Inspiration

Since our kitchen renovation last year, I’ve been itching to kick off more renovation projects!

I was so thrilled when The Home Depot Canada and Delta Faucet agreed to partner with us on our master bathroom renovations. I know some of you have been following along, and our renovations was recently completed. Though I’m not quite ready for the big reveal, just yet but I wanted to share a glimpse of our inspiration with you!

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Home :: 3 reasons why I own a Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Purifier

Let me ask you a question, do you think that indoor air is better than outside air? Answer to that question is false because inside air pollution can be up to five times worse! Poor indoor air quality can be triggered in the home by some inconspicuous items such as scented candles, air fresheners, rugs, cushions and even cleaning supplies. And since we take 20,000 breaths a day, and much of that likely while we’re sleeping, means if you don’t have a proactive approach of purifying indoor air, you’re consuming a number of pollutants into your body.

I’ve owned my Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Purifier for nearly a year now (read my first review here) and I’m really happy with this device. Originally, I enjoyed the unit’s cooling and heating features, but over time, I’ve noticed the positive results of the purifying capabilities and when I’ve found ourselves most dependent on it.

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{Summer} Beauty :: Pool Side Must Haves

Life is good because it’s finally pool season! A couple of weekends ago I was invited to join some beauties for some good ol’ pool party fun! Not sure if any of you do this, but during the summer months, I’ve got a pre-packed pool bag ready to go at all times because I really don’t want to waste anytime packing my stuff in case someone calls for a last minute party!

Besides the usual list of pool bag items such as sunscreen, a towel, change of clothes, and a hat, I also like to bring along a Panasonic’s new Nanoe™ Compact Travel Hair Dryer because I want to be able to immediately wash the chlorine out of my hair and style it before heading out again!

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Outfit :: Summer Fresh on Laniakea Beach

It’s been nearly ten years since I’ve traveled on vacation with my family. In May, as a group of 11, we embarked on a week-long trip to Hawaii. We adventured around the island of Oahu and we couldn’t have asked for a better time! It was my first time in Hawaii, and it’s no lie when they say that it is paradise!

Seeing that getting the entire family out to Hawaii is likely a once in a lifetime kind of experience, I surprised my sister and mom with matching swimwear and outfits from Joe Fresh’s recent collection in collaboration with lemlem, an artisan-driven collection of women’s, men’s, children’s and home goods made entirely in Africa.

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Beauty {giveaway} :: Time Saving Tips to Gain an Extra Hour a Day

Many people often ask how I manage to juggle so many different priorities. From a full time job, to creating content, attending events, and more recently managing the renovation chaos that’s been happening at home as we speak. How do I find time to relax, enjoy my hobbies, and spend time with those I love?

There isn’t some secret voodoo magic to it. It all comes down to resilience, effective time management, and finding ways throughout the day to save a bit of time here and there. But, some days, I spend way too much time getting ready in the morning or just before bed. Washing and drying my hair may turn into an hour ordeal and when I’ve decided its time for a face mask, well, I may convince myself it’s time for a full on in home two-hour facial.

The truth is, most of us wished the days were longer so we can find the time to nourish and pamper ourselves without feeling rushed and pressed for time. So, wouldn’t it be great if we all had an extra hour a day?

Today, I’ve partnered with AVEENO® to share some of my recent beauty discoveries that have helped me regain an extra hour back in my day!

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Food & Drink :: Delightful Prosecco Cocktails to Make Everyday Sparkle

Many of us tend to reserve bubbly and sparkling cocktails only for special occasions. However, I disagree! I believe everyday deserves a sparkling moment and I’ve come to really enjoy and appreciate the luxurious taste of La Marca Prosecco that embodies elegance yet versatility, which makes it the perfect choice to elevate any day of the week.

To showcase the variety of vibrant bouquet notes of golden apple, white peaches and honeysuckle, I’m sharing a few delightful ways to enjoy a glass of La Marca Prosecco with friends this Summer by the pool or at home!

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