Today's post is a little different than the usual and it's definitely a rare occasion for the blog because James is making an appearance! (He HATES having his photo taken so I don't think you guys truly know how major this is! haha) Today I'm sharing a bit of a belated milestone for James and I as a little while back we celebrated five years together.

Holy man does time ever fly! Our relationship hasn't always been an easy one - dating long distance for a year, dealing with immigration and VISA issues (James is from the UK) and then buying our first home together made for some stressful times in our first few years but there's no one I'd rather have gone through those times with.

James and I have been through so much together but most of my favourite memories are those of our time spent at home, just enjoying being together. James and I try to plan at home date nights fairly regularly where we put together a cheese board, pour a glass of wine, set aside our phones and play a board game together. The older I get the more I realize how it's these little moments and the day to day memories that you make that really stand out over the course of time.

To mark the occasion I was thrilled to receive the most beautiful adjustable 14KT yellow gold interlocked rings bracelet from Paris Jewellers. I love classic pieces that work with any kind of look whether casual or dressy and this bracelet fits the bill perfectly! And - *cue cheese alert*, but James and I always talk about the importance of us being a partnership and well, the interlocking rings on the bracelet kind of represent just that.

In everything we do we always try to approach things as a team. Maintaining our relationship from opposite sides of the world and with a 7 hour time difference took a very consistent mutual effort; from making the time and sacrifices in our schedules to skype and facetime at odd hours and saving up to go on trips to visit each other. Then when James decided to move to Canada there were huge hurdles in getting him his work and travel VISAs and then securing his permanent residency. There's no way we could have done that without working together and supporting one another as a unit to make that happen. Buying and building our house took a huge amount of time and energy, compromise and communication but whenever we'd get upset or disagree we'd always take a step back and think of the big picture and remember we're in this together. Even the blog has been a team effort from day one. James has always been a part of this blog from helping with back end web stuff to being the man behind the lens. In everything we do, we always try to work as a team so I love that this bracelet acts as a visual reminder of our partnership and our love. (I know, I'm laying it on thick today guys but what can I say, reminiscing on 5 years makes a girl feel a bit lovey dovey!)

We decided to keep things pretty low key for our anniversary this year. Our actual anniversary fell during a pretty hectic time for both of us so it wasn't until a bit later we were able to take a step back and reflect a bit about how much has changed over the past 5 years and how lucky we feel to have one another. That's why I love these photos that Tracey was able to get of James and I in our home, being ourselves and doing what we normally do. As James isn't a fan of being IN photos, really these photos alone were a great gift but I won't lie, my pretty new gold bracelet definitely was a highlight for me too! haha

Paris Jewellers has so many gorgeous pieces that are perfect for amplifying those special moments whether they be an anniversary, the upcoming holidays, an engagement or birthday or any other special occasion. Sometimes when you've been with someone for awhile it's nice to go out of your way to surprise them with something a little extra special. Like I said I'm pretty in love with my bracelet (this girl loves gold!) but Paris Jewellers has so many other great gift ideas such as these beautiful diamond studs (so timeless, and what girl doesn't love diamonds?!), this gorgeous watch (a beautiful timepiece is such a thoughtful gift) and these stacking rings that would make for a great anniversary or wedding gift too!

If you’re looking to surprise someone in your life with an extra special gift this holiday season check out Paris Jewellers. They have some incredible Black Friday sales coming up and it feels great to support a Canadian owned and operated business. There are 28 locations in 4 provinces and if you’re in Edmonton like me you can visit them at Kingsway Garden Mall, West Edmonton Mall, Londonderry Mall, Terra Losa Centre, Mill Woods Town Centre and Sherwood Park Mall or, visit them online! Happy shopping! ;)

How do you guys like to mark an anniversary? Do you go all out with a fancy date night or are you a bit more casual with your celebration?

*Special thanks to Tracey Jazmin for taking these photos of James and I, I know I'll cherish these for years to come! And thank you to Paris Jewellers for helping James and I make this anniversary extra special with my gorgeous gold bracelet!

This post was made in partnership with Paris Jewellers but as always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog, without them I wouldn't be able to do what I love!

Celebrating Five Years