Natalie Ho

Whoa! Can’t believe how quickly time flies, it’s already been one month since Kyle and I got engaged. We have been totally enjoying this time together, but not going to lie, I already starting checking a few items off my wedding planning task list!

I’m so excited to introduce this brand new segment with you on the blog today! Wedding Planning 101 is a new segment dedicated to sharing all the bits and bobs of my upcoming wedding planning journey! Every month, I’ll be telling you all about the to-dos I was able to accomplish. In addition to sharing with you what worked and what didn’t work so well during this process, I also aim to share with you all the mini (or maybe not so mini) DIY projects I plan on incorporating into our wedding. I will also try my best to list out the various Toronto local vendors I’ll be working with on our magical day.

Hello! Greeting you today with this fun DIY project that can be made into bracelets, necklaces, rings, and even home decor – DIY wired word art. I originally worked on this wired art project for a DIY Wired Kit I was collaborating on with Wander and Hunt. However due to changes in management, looks like these kits won’t be produced and sold after-all. I’m definitely a little bummed but onward and upwards! Lucky for you though, I’m more than happy to be sharing this DIY tutorial, even though these won’t be made as kits, you can easily purchase assorted jewelry wire at the local craft store.

I was recently introduced to Alex and Ani, a line of super fun charmed bracelets, now also available in at The Bay across Canada. I love that Alex and Ani products are infused with positive energy in three important ways.

First, the products themselves are manufactured (and infused) with positive intention in carefully selected American factories. Second, the symbols featured in our designs carry their own energy and are accompanied by thoughtfully crafted and meticulously researched meaning. Last, each design is positively intended to empower the wearer and reflect the unique qualities of the individual. Some pieces carry sentimental meaning; others are talismans of protection, power, or intention.

I’ve hand-picked a selection of bracelets that I adore and you can also see the set that I got. Read further to browse through my looks and shop directly!

Hello! Last weekend, I had the pleasure to host a fun DIY denim event with Joe Fresh at their flagship store in Toronto. Though the foot traffic was a tad light, we had a great time and I was able to show a few of you have to distress your denim… the proper way!

For those of you who weren’t able to make it to the event, here are the three (studded, distressed, and stenciled) simple step by step tutorials you can try at home. They are super fun and easy, and just in time for the cooler Fall weather! Do Denim Your Way!

Hello! Sad to say, but we’re approaching the last bit of summer. As much as I love Fall, the hot, Summer season is still my favourite of all. We get such a short summer in Toronto which to me me, makes it that much more special. Though we may be saying good-bye to the hot summery weather soon, but there’s still plenty of time for refreshing, cool treats!

Over the past weekend, I made a few of these Peach and Coconut frozen treats, it was perfect after our bike ride ride Sunday afternoon. I luckily already had all the ingredients (a big whopping three ingredients), so these were super effortless and incredibly tasty.

Yup, Yay, it’s Friday! Happy FRIYAY! A super quick post today sharing some some recent glimpses of my life. Would love to connect with you through Instagram! I promise to try my best to share inspirational and creative posts. So please follow and long and let’s become insta-friends! Search user “@mylittlesecrets_ca”!

Hello! So excited to share a little project I’ve been working on with Joe Fresh, just in time for back to school and the upcoming Fall season! When I think Fall, I think denim. I think about all the different types of new colours, styles, and cuts that get introduced in and around the Fall season.

I LOVE DIY-ing denim (some of my favourite past DIY Denim projects here and here). There is so much you can do yourself with denim and it’s insanely easy to achieve expert results all on your own!

I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting a “Do Denim Your Way” DIY in-store event with Joe Fresh this coming Saturday, Aug 23 at their Queen and Portland, Toronto location from 11:30 a.m. -1:oo p.m. The first 100 people to make an in-store denim purchase that day will receive their very own DIY kit to get started with one of these 3 looks – Distressed, Studded, or Stenciled.

Hello! It’s been some time since I’ve ran a giveaway, therefore, greeting you with a FABULOUS one today! Last week, Kyle and I went on a road trip down to Boston and Cape Cod area. It was fantastic and for those of you who read my last post, he surprised me with an ENGAGEMENT! *Happy Dance* … I digress.

Thanks to Henry’s Rentals, they generously lent me my favourite camera ever – the Fujifilm X100S and was lucky enough to snap these photos from our trip. For those of you who are unaware, not only do Henry’s sell and rent out photography equipment, their School of Imaging also offers an array of photography workshops and classes.

Lucky for you – I’m working with Henry’s to give you one pair of tickets (worth $175 each) to their upcoming Peller Estates (Niagara-on-the-Lake) Winery Photography Workshop!

Acne… it’s something that no one looks forward to but have experienced at some point in their lives. I battled with minor acne during my teenage years and then again sometime in my early twenties. I’m not sure what caused the break outs to happen, but trust me, it wasn’t a fun time. I remember I went twice weekly for a facial and treatment for three straight months until it all cleared up. That was a lot of time and financial commitment, however… totally worth it.

I’m happy to say that I no longer struggle with long term acne, however, during that .. ahem… time of the month, I still get attacked by the occasional blemish, and sometimes, they are so deep and sore.

So how do we treat Acne not only at the onset but how do we introduce a preventive daily regime to fight them off?

Bonjour! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I was vacationing in Boston last week and it was a super unforgettable trip! Kyle asked me to marry him during a romantic gondola ride. I was so surprised and it was a magical moment for us. I can’t wait to start planning our special day but we’ll take the rest of August to enjoy our time as a newly engaged couple, so exciting!

Now, back to this post! Last week, I shared some photos from my Shop for Jayu FW 2014 look book shoot. As promised, here are the remaining photos which by far are my most favourite. Since visiting Paris for the first time earlier this year, I have fallen in love with the Parisian culture. I put together this concept as how I imagine my perfect “day in Paris” to be. What can beat a day strolling through the Eiffel Tower with french macarons in hand sporting a beautiful outfit and a SUPER DUPER high top bun (thanks to the most talented Allison Kam)?!!!

For the life size DIY Eiffel Tower, I literally took a paint brush, some black paint and scribbled it on the back side of a roll wrapping paper. I loved the way it turned out, it totally pulled everything together. This would be a perfect addition to a Parisian themed bridal shower or party!