happiness.

I stumbled on this article a few weeks ago, and for whatever reason, it really struck a chord with me.

As I read the piece, I immediately started thinking about my answers. The farther I got, the more I started thinking about how many answers have changed - especially over the past year.

I think this might be a great addition to goal lists. Taking a moment to check in and see where one is on our goal paths is always a good idea, but so is answering the eternal question: Am I happy? 

If not (or you're on your way, this is a good list to start with.

8 Things Every Happy Woman Should have 

A go-to drink 

Gin and tonic, extra limes. 

Whiskey sour. 

A go-to karaoke song

Lose Yourself, Eminem & Careless Whisper, George Michael

A uniform

Monday to Friday: pencil skirts, lady-like dresses and a good leather jacket. Heels.

Weekend: Well-loved boyfriend jeans, tank top, big scarf and blazer/jacket. Flats. 

Always: Three silver bracelets my father got me in Mexico. Left wrist. Good manicure and pedicure. 

A hair stylist they love

I only trust my locks to one stylist, and she's in the Okanagan. Truth: every time I was back home from Toronto, whether I needed it or not, I got a haircut. 

An exercise routine 

It's no secret that dancing is my go-to and favourite form of exercise. Being in the studio a few times a week, with a couple yoga classes (and if I'm lucky, time to jump in the pool for a swim) keeps my mind and body in check. 

A hobby 

When I'm not dancing and working, I love to sip good cocktails with good friends, see live music in small venues, blog, cook and most recently, explore new neighbourhoods.  

A best friend 

I'm lucky enough to have a couple incredible girlfriends from various stages and parts of my life. There are 3-4 women from high school, university, my dance life, Toronto and Vancouver who would jump on a plane if I needed them (and vice versa). 

A healthy sense of self

Funny enough, during a Saturday night hangout, my friend and I fell onto this topic. That's when I realized three things about myself: 

1. Life is too short not to listen to good music 

2. I'm over trying to be perfect - my goal is to be as good as I can be

3. Compete with myself, not others 

top5.

I've hit a milestone - this is my one thousandth blog post! 

To celebrate, the sunshine has finally peeked her head out of winter here in Toronto - this weekend really does feel like the official start to sping.

With that, I feel like it's time to cap off March with a top five. Here are a few things that have been at the top of my playlist, heavily used in my kitchen or just on my mind.

Mexican lime juicer. 

Throw away any other juicers for lemons and limes, The Mexican lime juicer  is just the way to go. 

It's easy to use and has a small strainer so you'll never have seeds in your drink. 

This is my absolute must-have for my kitchen for summer 2013. 

High waisted shorts. 

Part pinup doll, part modern. Plus, high waisted shorts will make any one's legs look about a million miles long - just make sure to find the right cut for your hips and bum. 

Pair with cat eye sunglasses and a cherry cola for maximum effect. 

Adventure Club remixes. 

After hearing "Lullabies" and "Crave You", I have totally changed my mind about dubstep music. I realize now there are varying degrees of remixes - like anything, there's very amateur to professional. 

The team between the Adventure Club remixes are simply the best. 

Check out "Lullabies (Adventure Club Remix)" by Yuna above. 

Sergio Bustamante. 

 

Along the Malecon, a large pedestrian walkway in Puerto Vallarta, there is a plethora of public art. My mother's and my favourite artist, Sergio Bustamante created this amazing piece called "In Search of Reason". It's highly interactive, as you can climb up the iron ladder overlooking the ocean. 

I have a full post about Sergio Bustamante and other Mexican art coming up soon, but for now,  here's a little taste. 

WWBD. 

I'm always looking for new things to teach in class and inspire my students. For whatever reason, I came up with WWBD, and it has just stuck. 

When in doubt, what would Beyonce do? 

I saw smiles creep onto several of my student's faces, and instantly take on their "Sacha Fierce" character. Needless to say, I think it worked. 

Happy Easter and more to come next week! 

limes.

It's officially my summer break and I'm excited to start ticking things off my to-do and to-see list of activities, book and movies. One of the other things that I'm playing with are summer drink recipes that are easy to make (more time to be out loving the sun and socializing) and yummy. Lately, I've been obsessed with pink lemonade - here's my latest concoction.

Portia' Pink Lemonade:
- fill up a glass with pink lemonade
- top off with a touch of raspberry vodka
- add the juice of half a lime
- ice

Stir well and enjoy! This is very much determined on how strong you want it to be - it's very refreshing in the afternoon! I also threw in a couple of sliced strawberries and put it in a Mason jar for my finesse.

Happy Weekend!