I needed a change of scenery, so I decided to get some work done at the Virtue Cafe, which is nestled on the bottom level of the Hilton Canopy. This spot is a cozy little gem with the perfect vibe for getting into a productive zone. So, I grabbed my laptop, ordered a latte, and set up shop for the morning. But let me tell you about this latte—I went in for the usual, but my eye caught something on the menu called a “butterfly” matcha latte. Naturally, my curiosity got the best of me, so I had to try it. Y’all, it was this stunning blue color, thanks to butterfly pea flower, and the flavor was just as gorgeous. It had a subtle hint of vanilla that balanced out the matcha perfectly—definitely not overpowering.

As I was sipping my latte and getting into my work, I figured it was a good time to shoot some content. Even in 2024, it amazes me how people react when they see someone creating content in public. It’s like they can’t decide whether to be annoyed or impressed. But either way, I’m focused. I’ve been asked how I manage to get over the awkwardness of shooting content in public, and here’s the thing: I treat it like any other job. It’s my job, and I’m going to do it well. So, whether people are staring, side-eyeing, or even coming up to ask what I’m doing, I stay in my lane and get it done. That’s how you keep it professional and keep it moving.

Once I wrapped up my work, my mind wandered to this time I was in Toronto, and a guy asked me out to lunch. Now, this wasn’t just any lunch—this man didn’t even eat. He sat across from me and told me his job had given him food earlier, so he wasn’t hungry. Oh, and he didn’t offer to pay for my meal either. I was left wondering how someone could ask you out to lunch and then not even participate in it—whew, the memories.

After finishing up at Virtue, I decided to take advantage of the hotel’s location. The Hilton Canopy is perfectly situated near all the high-end designer stores you could dream of. I decided to take a stroll down to Alexander Wang to see if they had these shoes I’d been eyeing. Of course, I got distracted by all the fabulous clothes—how could I not? I tried on a few pieces, but nothing screamed “take me home,” so I left empty-handed.

Not to be deterred, I popped into “Winners,” which is the Canadian version of TJMAXX. I’ve been on my workout grind since I arrived, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to pick up some new workout gear. And I’m so proud of myself for staying consistent! With my new gear in tow, I made my way back to the Canopy.

The rest of the day was spent finishing up work and planning for the upcoming week. A productive day indeed.

Stay tuned for more.

If you’re new here, I did some influencer work for Orangetheory back in the States and absolutely loved the workout. So naturally, while staying at the Hilton Canopy in Toronto, I hoped to collaborate with the Orangetheory studio nearby. Unfortunately, nothing came of it, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from getting my sweat on.

I signed up for a class and headed over to the studio. The setup was slightly different from my home studio— for starters, the staff checks you in manually, which was a bit of a change for me. Also, no phones are allowed in the studio, which, as someone who vlogs their life, was disappointing. I love sharing my workouts with my audience, but I totally get the reasoning behind the rule. I did manage to film my pre-workout routine and capture a few moments of me walking in and out of the studio, so there’s still something to share with you all.

The workout itself was intense. I pushed myself harder than I had in a while and hit some new targets and goals, which felt amazing. I took a 9:30 class, but I made the rookie mistake of not eating beforehand. I was feeling great post-workout, drinking my water, and walking to Starbucks for a quick bite. But as I got closer, I started feeling really nauseous. My stomach was not happy with me. I ordered an egg white wrap, thinking it would help settle my stomach, but just my luck, the wrap fell out of the wrapper and hit the ground. There went my breakfast.

To make matters worse, I had to stop by the pharmacy on the way back to the hotel to get some Claritin D for my sinuses. Of course, they didn’t have the decongestant version here in Toronto, so I had to ask the pharmacist for a recommendation. Fingers crossed that whatever she suggested helps dry up my sinus drainage so I can start hearing better again. By this point, my stomach was in full-on rebellion.

I’ll spare you the details, but I was basically stuck in my room for the rest of the day until about 4 p.m. when I finally started feeling better and was able to eat something. Lesson learned—never work out on an empty stomach. And I know better! Because of my stomach issues, I had to reschedule a massage collaboration, which was a bummer, but honestly, I was in no shape to lay on anyone’s table.
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I did manage to get some work done while I was holed up in my room, so that’s a win. And, hey, staying in kept me from spending money out and about in the city, so there’s that too.
Here’s to a better and more productive Wednesday! Stay tuned for more adventures.

Another day at the Hilton Canopy in Toronto. I’ve officially become a breakfast regular here—and honestly, I’m not mad about it! The food is consistently good, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This morning, I decided to combine work and pleasure by shooting some breakfast content. I went downstairs, set up my tripod, captured some footage, and then enjoyed my meal. But as much as I love the cozy vibes of my room, I wasn’t about to spend all day inside.

I've had Orangetheory on my mind since I got here. Back home, I did some influencer work with them and really enjoyed their classes. The gym at the Canopy is amazing, but I know if I really want to push myself, I need the structure and intensity of a class with an instructor. So, I decided to walk over to the Orangetheory studio and sign up for some classes. The app wouldn’t let me register due to my U.S. phone number, but I got around that by signing up in person. I’m aiming for three classes a week while I’m here—gotta keep this BAWDY in check, honey!

One thing I’ve learned since losing my Dad is that life is way too short, and health really is wealth. If your health isn’t on point, it can block so many opportunities and goals. At 38, I’m on a journey to become the best version of myself—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. So, when it comes to health, if I can control it, you better believe I’m doing everything I can to stay in top shape.

After signing up at OT, I decided to swing by Alo. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with this brand. They’ve mastered the art of blending workout gear with chic daywear. I picked up a few items that caught my eye, including some cute sweatsuit outfits—perfect for fall, which is just around the corner. They’re also ideal for traveling. By the way, if you’re thinking about stocking up on Alo goodies, you can use my code for 15% off! Link to Alo

Of course, no shopping trip is complete without a stop at Sephora! I initially went in for just a paddle brush, but you know how that goes—I ended up browsing a lot longer than planned. I’ll be doing a haul soon because Toronto’s Sephora has some products I’ve never seen in the States, and I can’t wait to share them with you all.

On my way back to the hotel, I made a quick stop for a smoothie—because we’ve got to keep it cute and healthy! But as luck would have it, just as I was leaving the smoothie spot, it started to sprinkle. I had about an 8-10 minute walk back to the hotel, and I swear, the rain just doesn’t like me these days. I even checked the weather before leaving Alo to make sure it wasn’t supposed to rain. About three minutes into my walk, the drizzle turned into a downpour. So, I walked like I’ve never walked before and made it back inside just in time before the real rain started.
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I managed to hit the gym later, ordered some food for dinner, did some writing, and called it a night. It was a productive day, and I’m feeling good about the rest of my time here in Toronto.
Stay tuned for more!

When you see the headline, "Yoga & Future," you might do a double-take. I know I did. The morning began with Yoga, and the evening ended with a Future concert—two totally different vibes but somehow, it worked.

While exploring Toronto, I met Cherry, a kindred spirit working at the Alo store. We instantly clicked and exchanged IG handles. She mentioned she was a yoga instructor and invited me to one of her Yoga Summer Series classes. So, I promised that I would attend her session the next time I was in town. Fast forward, I found myself on the rooftop of an amazing restaurant, ready to break a sweat with a stunning view of the Toronto skyline. The rooftop also featured pools, so after yoga, you could dive in and cool off. It was a whole vibe!

The morning started sunny and bright, perfect for yoga. But let me tell you, I haven’t done yoga in years, so I was in for a challenge. We were deep into the session (and I was deep into sweat) when it began to sprinkle. As a Black woman with natural hair, the idea of getting my edges wet was a no-go, so I started to gather my things. But wait, let me rewind a bit. You know I was filming the yoga session—because, of course, everything is content—when this girl in front of me decided to wave her hand right in front of my phone camera. Her friend apologized, but the damage was done. I tried to brush it off and not let it ruin my morning, but let’s be honest, it did get under my skin for a while.

And then, it started to pour. I was already inside by then, thank goodness, because that rain was not playing around. When it didn’t let up, I made a decision—yoga was officially canceled for the day. Instead, I opted for brunch, which turned out to be a much-needed respite after the morning's events.

After resting up, I prepped for the night ahead: a Future concert. Why not, right? I was in town, he was in town, and though I wasn’t up-to-date on all his new hits, I figured it would be a fun experience. The concert was supposed to start at 8 PM, so in true auntie fashion, I arrived a little early, grabbed a Bloody Mary and some popcorn, and settled in.

But this is Future we’re talking about—of course, the concert didn’t start until almost 9:30 PM. By that time, I was fighting sleep, but when the show finally started, it was worth the wait. Still, I couldn’t help but notice something odd: why does no one in Toronto dance? I mean, I was surrounded by young people, and all they did was jump up and down, if they moved at all. Back home, everyone would’ve been “throwing it in a circle,” as they say. It was strange to see such a different concert vibe, but hey, different cultures, right?

In classic auntie style, I left the concert early to avoid the post-show traffic and was in bed by 11:30 PM, already rubbing my feet together and feeling cozy.

Stay tuned for more adventures—because this journey is just getting started!

Saturday’s in Toronto hit a little different, and today was no exception. It’s been a whirlwind since I lost my Dad. After he passed, I found myself on the move a lot more. Staying in Cincinnati was tough—it still is—but back then, the pain was so fresh and raw. Travel became my escape. Toronto was one of those places I found solace in, so I decided to head back for a few days.

A little backstory: A couple of months before, while shooting my first international hotel campaign here in Toronto, I met someone. We grabbed a drink and instantly connected. We spent hours talking, and I left feeling like I had found a real friend. We stayed in touch, and by December, he offered to take me to a Raptors game. If you know me, you know I love catching a vibe at NBA games in different cities. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the energy, the people-watching, and soaking in the atmosphere.

But after that trip, he ghosted me. Nothing major went down between us—maybe he expected more, and when that didn’t happen, he decided to disappear. At that time, I was nowhere near ready to be in a relationship or even entertain the thought. My mind was still too heavy with grief. But still, the ghosting stung. We stayed connected on social media, but the vibe was off.

Fast forward almost two years later, out of the blue, he reached out. He wanted to apologize for ghosting me. Being the Pisces that I am, I was open to it. I figured we could chat the next time I was in Toronto. I wasn’t looking for anything to come from it—I just wanted closure.

So, we met up for lunch today. We talked, hashed things out, and moved on. I appreciated the apology. Not many men circle back to explain themselves, even years later. But hey, a win is a win!
After lunch, I decided to stay downtown and hit the Eaton Centre mall. Now, here’s the thing—I didn’t pack enough clothes for this trip. In my defense, I wasn’t feeling great before I left and kind of just threw whatever into my suitcase. Big mistake! I ended up with workout gear and baddie outfits, but nothing for casual, daytime outings. The mall was packed (why do I do this to myself on a Saturday?), and I didn’t find anything I needed. So, I called it a day and headed back to the Canopy.
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All in all, it wasn’t a bad Saturday in Toronto. Sometimes, you just need a simple day with a little shopping, some good food, and a bit of closure. Here’s to better packing next time!

One of the things I absolutely can't skip when I'm in Toronto is a visit to one of my favorite consignment stores—VSP. I stumbled upon this gem last year while living here, and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer. VSP has an incredible range of designer pieces at prices that make you want to throw your wallet at them. And let’s not forget the “girl math” bonus—since the U.S. dollar is stronger, shopping here feels like an even better deal!

VSP is nestled in the charming Queen West neighborhood, which is as trendy as it sounds. The store carries all my favorite luxury brands—Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Dior, and so many more. Like any consignment shop, it’s a bit of a treasure hunt, but that's part of the fun! This time, I struck gold with a pair of vintage Versace frames. I don’t have anything like them in my collection, and the moment I tried them on, my whole vibe shifted—I had to get them!

After spending more time (and money) at VSP than I intended, I headed back to the Hilton Canopy for some much-needed food. I tried their Korean Fried Chicken, and let me tell you, it was everything! Crispy, flavorful, and paired with a side salad, it was the perfect lunch after a morning of shopping.

Later in the evening, I decided to check out a cute lobby bar at the York Hotel that I’d heard good things about. The vibe was cozy and chic, exactly what I needed. I ordered my go-to cocktail, a French 75, and sipped it while taking in the ambiance. It was the perfect way to wind down the day.
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I’m starting to think I should do a series on luxury hotel bars—who knows, maybe I'll even find a sugar daddy along the way! What do y’all think?
Stay tuned for more adventures!

After being stuck in bed in Toronto for what felt like forever, the antibiotics finally started doing their thing. I’m not back to 100%—still can’t hear properly out of my left ear—but enough was enough. A girl’s gotta get OUTSIDE!

I was thrilled to be invited to a Girls Night Out hosted by Revery Hotel and Empress 1908 Gin. Honestly, anything with “1908” in the name has to be good, right? (Sorors, you know what I mean!) So, I pulled myself together, got dressed up, and headed out for the night.

When I arrived at the Revery Hotel, I was absolutely blown away. This place is STUNNING. As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with the vibes—think red velvet decor, a DJ spinning tunes, and just an overall luxurious atmosphere. It was the perfect setting to shake off the last remnants of being cooped up in my hotel.

I made my way upstairs to their restaurant, and let me tell you, the decor there was even more fabulous. Plush pink velvet everywhere—it was so cute, I immediately wanted to redecorate my house! The bar was showcasing two signature Empress Gin cocktails, and I couldn’t resist trying the Lavender Haze. This dreamy purple drink, made with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Lavender, Honey Syrup, and Lemon, was just as delicious as it sounds. I wanted to try the other cocktail, the Starlight, which featured Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, Cardamom, Rose, and Lemon, but I decided to pace myself since I’m still on the mend.

Next, we moved into a private dining room where the culinary magic happened. The menu was packed with delicious options, and I indulged in everything from focaccia bread with various spreads to a refreshing watermelon salad that quickly became my favorite. The duck was succulent, the paella was perfectly seasoned, and the tortellini? So good, I’ll be dreaming about it until I go back. We ended the meal with a decadent dessert of Red Velvet Tartufo and macaroons—pure bliss.

The evening wrapped up with some fabulous goodie bags and the chance to connect with some amazing Canadian creators. It was a night to remember, and I’m so grateful for the invite from Revery Hotel and Empress 1908 Gin. I’ll definitely be back to enjoy more of what this incredible place has to offer.
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Stay tuned for more adventures as I continue my journey living abroad!

So, it’s Day 7 of living abroad, and y’all know what that means—a girl’s gotta get her nails done! Now, finding a new nail tech in a different country is no easy feat, especially when you’re loyal to your usual one. But I didn’t have time to get my nails done before leaving, so I had no choice but to venture out in Toronto and find a spot that could deliver.

I turned to my trusty Instagram to scope out nail salons in the area. If you know me, you know I’m not here for anything “basic.” I need my nails to have that little extra something—some razzle dazzle, you know? After scrolling through a few options, I found a place that looked promising. Their design work was on point, so I decided to book an appointment.

The salon wasn’t too far from the Hilton Canopy, which was super convenient. It was inside a mall, and to my delight, I even discovered a Marshall’s in there too! Talk about a win-win. Now, let me tell you, I was a bit nervous at first. The design I wanted was pretty intricate—airbrush with delicate lines and circles. It could’ve easily gone wrong, but my nail tech did an amazing job.

I originally had plans to run some other errands after getting my nails done, but the design took a little longer than expected. I didn’t mind, though, because the detail was so worth it. It cost me about $115 CAD, which is roughly under $100 USD—honestly, a steal for the quality I got! Back in the States, I would’ve paid way more for something like this.

Check out the pictures of what I wanted vs. what I got—how do you think she did? I’m seriously impressed.

After my nail appointment, I spotted a Chipotle nearby. With more work waiting for me at the hotel, I wanted something familiar and quick. And let me tell you, Chipotle tastes so much better in Toronto than in the U.S. for some reason! The only thing I need to get used to is the wooden forks they use here instead of the plastic ones. I mean, what is Chipotle if you can’t take a handful of black plastic forks with your to-go order, right?
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I grabbed my food, ordered a Lyft, and headed back to the Hilton Canopy to catch up on some writing and posting. After being under the weather, it felt good to be a little more productive.
What will tomorrow bring? Stay tuned to find out!

Hey loves, it’s Day 6 of living abroad, and my sinuses are still trying to hold me back. I’m so over it! I met up with a friend yesterday and decided to head out to one of my favorite spots, Cactus Club, to grab my favorite wings. I had to get out of the hotel and see the world beyond my room.

I really wanted to have a drink and let loose a bit, but with these sinus meds and antibiotics, I had to hold back. To make matters worse, I’ve been struggling to hear out of one ear because of my sinuses draining. Every time I talk, it feels like I’m underwater, and let me tell you, your girl is beyond frustrated.

Being in good health is something I’ll never take for granted again. I was supposed to be at Copenhagen Fashion Week, but traveling with a sinus infection isn’t the best idea, especially with the air pressure on a plane. The last thing I wanted was to fly, only to be miserable or end up feeling even worse. I’ve worked so hard to get invited to some of those shows; I’ve been dreaming about going for the past two years! But I guess everything happens for a reason.

All I want right now is to get back to being 100% me. I haven’t been able to work out, really start exploring, or get out and about in Toronto like I had planned. Most of my time has been spent in my hotel room—which, don’t get me wrong, I completely love—but the world outside is calling my name, and I’m ready to answer!

I think I’ve called my mom more times than she’d like in the past few days, but sometimes you just need that comfort, you know? Cheers to getting back to 100% me soon! Here’s hoping that tomorrow is the day I finally feel like myself again.
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Thanks for all the love and positive vibes you’ve been sending my way. It means the world to me! Stay tuned for more updates, and I promise I’ll be back out there living my best life soon.

Hey everyone! One thing about me, I’m going to bounce back. After a few rough days, I had to get dressed and look like something! My sinuses are still messed up, and I can barely hear out of my right ear, but a boss babe’s day must go on!

I decided to head downstairs to Dia for breakfast while doing some work. The food here is always amazing, and the tea over the last few days has been saving my life 🥹. Their Greek omelette has become one of my newest breakfast favorites. I haven’t been able to work out, so it’s been a great healthy option to help with my bawdy goals.

The atmosphere at Dia is so inspiring and perfect for getting things done. The natural light, cozy seating, and delicious food make it an ideal spot to catch up on work and enjoy a good meal. As I sipped my tea and savored my omelette, I felt a renewed sense of energy and motivation.

Despite my sinus issues, I managed to get through my to-do list and even brainstorm some new ideas for my blog. There’s something about being in a new environment that sparks creativity and productivity. I’m grateful for this opportunity to be in Toronto and experience all that it has to offer.
Day 5 is looking up, and I’m feeling much better. Make sure you’re following my journey on my blog, and don’t forget to send your girl some love! Your support and positive vibes mean the world to me.
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As I continue my "eat, pray, love" journey, I’m reminded of the importance of resilience and self-care. Even when things get tough, it’s crucial to take care of yourself, find joy in the little things, and keep pushing forward. I’m excited to share more of my adventures with you all and can’t wait to see what the rest of this journey holds.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of this incredible experience with me!