Category Archives: Art

Blogmas | Las Vegas

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We recently went to Las Vegas!  This is actually my 5th trip to sincity (and 3rd trip with at least 1 kiddo!)

We tried to do some new things this time.  So sharing some of what we got up to!  All activities are family friendly (aka dooable for the kidos and the grandparents!

Hike in Zion National Park

After our Banff Trip, we knew our kids enjoyed hiking in nature.  So we weren’t going to let a 3hr drive stop us from experience that is Zion National Park.  There is a variety of hikes for all level of hikers but of course we stuck to the easy paved hikes.  I would have loved to spend another day or two there but doing the lower Emrald pools hike was a great taste of Zion. The views are breath taking.  And going in November meant you weren’t dealing with the desert heat.  

Venice Gondola Ride

This quick copy cat ride of the famous gondola experience in Venice is a great activity for any age. This is my 3rd ride, but my youngest one did this for the first time when she was 5 months old!
Although the ride is super quick (under 15 min) there is an opportunity to learn about vegas, hear a beautiful serenade and enjoy some time in a boat on the water (always relaxing)!

Flamingo Habitat

This place is a vibe!  In the middle of the Las Vegas strip is a gorgeous outdoor setting with palm, trees, waterfalls and cute animals!  This completely free activity is like a trip to a mini zoo.  Kids of all ages will love the animals and watching the fishes (which are mesmerizing to watch on the bridge).  

Seven Magic Mountains

7MM is an outdoor art display of stacked colourful boulders. It’s a great place to do an IG transition and they are even safe enough to climb (carefully ofcourse! for the perfect shot)
I did read if you got at 9am, you’ll beat the crowds, but we went mid afternoon to get the most sunshine!

Cereal Killersz

The Cereal Killerz Kitchen is actually a Cereal Bar. They have every cereal ever made + some rare ones that were only available for a short time and then of course some you haven’t head of! The best part was that they have alternative milk options! You can a classic cereal and milk bowl, or a millkshake. I would definite go back here next time!

Want more? Continue reading my Blogmas 2022 adventure here!

Blogmas | Intro & My Why

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Happy December 1st! Long time no talk ;)

I’m one of those (analogue) people who looooooooves scrolling through the archives of a blog. I love seeing the beginning of people’s stories. I find it inspiring.

When it comes to my own blog, I NEVER look through the archives. I find it so cringe that I end up making my older blog posts private!

But at least I have them there, I have the stories and the ideas from the beginning. And really it’s all about keeping up with the practice that I admire in others and even myself.

So I’ve decided to start a BLOGMAS!

What is Blogmas?

For the Tiktok kids in the back, “Blogmas” is a series of posts on a blog leading up to Christmas (Dec 25th). It can be done on any online medium (or even offline). But my first memory of it was watching vlogmas done by YouTubers in 2012.

Why am I doing Blogmas?

I’m doing it for both logical and emotional reasons. Logical because I want to be writing, creating and posting more often – discipline is the name of that game! From an emotional perspective because I want have memories 🙂 Also because I’ve officially reopened my Etsy shop, I want to ensure that I’m aligning all of my online presences and themes: Inspiration, Consistency, Happiness & Productivity.
Lastly, the hope is that I’ll learn something from participating in Blogmas that I can either share here on the blog or implement on my Etsy store.

How can YOU participate?

In any way really! It can be something online or unplugged. You can paint for 25 day. Share a new pic IG for 25 days. Create a youtube channel and start Vlogmas. You can volunteer at a soup kitchen for 25 days or learn a new skill for the next 25 days.

It’s all about staying consistent, creating, learning something & having fun!

And of course, be sure to check back over the next 24 days and follow along with my Blogmas!

A little lesson on Chakras

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A couple of years ago, I finally spent some time learning about Chakras.  They are the energy centers of the body.  And although 7 are the most commonly exercised Chakras – there are 100s in the body.

Here is mini less on the 7 chakras shown above:

  1. Root Chakra – Represented by the colour red is located near your tail bone.  When this chakra is balanced, you’ll feel safe and grounded both physically and emotionally.
  2. Sacral Chakra – Represented by the colour orange is located right below your belly button.  This chakra is connected to our feelings of self worth and helps us harness our creativity.
  3. Solar Plexus Chakra – Indicated by the colour yellow and located in the upper abdomen.  This chakra supports our confidence, power & self esteem
  4. Heart Chakra – This is the green chakra and is right over your heart.  When aligned, we feel free to give love and also feel loved.
  5. Throat Chakra – This is the colour turquoise and is on our throat/neck area.  It governs our ability to speak our mind and heart with confidence.  It also allows us to listen with compassion.
  6. Third eye Chakra – Represented by the colour indigo and sits between our eye brows.  It supports imagination and provides intuitive powers.
  7. Crown Chakra – Indicated by a violet (ultra violet or white) colour and sits above our head.  When balanced we feel connected to our life’s purpose and one consciousness spirituality.

Stay tuned for an upcoming Chakra lesson on how to balance and strengthen your Chakras.

5 personal growth quotes that will make you rethink your purpose

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I know I’ve stumbled upon these quotes multiple times, but just recently they hit different.

It made me reflect on my purpose, direction and priorities.  And also gave me more motivation. Though,  I must say, quotes are flaky and can’t always provide inspiration.  On occasion they can make you stand up, re-evaluate and take action.

So please feel free to reflect on the words and enjoy the sunflower pics I took at Robintide Farms

What we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do.

We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.

It’s Never Too Late To Be What You Might Have Been

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

 

Collision Conf

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Sharing a tiny review of my experience at Collision Conference 2022 in Toronto

What is Collision Conf: 
It’s the leading tech conference in North America.  The conference is made up booths, several stages for speakers/panels/fireside chats, master classes and workshops. The topics are wide ranging from human centric AI, diversity in tech to purpose-led products.  

What I like best about the conference?
The energy by far was a vibe. Idea sharing, Innovation and creativity was everywhere from the conversations between people, the talks on stage or the information learned at booths.

My favourite master class/workshop:
I attended a talk about table talk exercises – which delivered both standard IT practices but also innovative testing methods (great information for my current role). I also really really enjoyed a talk about purpose led business (good people doing good people).

My favourite booth?
The Women in Tech lounge – obviously! Although technically not a booth it was just a great space to hang out, grab a coffee, meeting people or catch up with colleagues. It was my home base!

Goals

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Give yourself a goal. Give yourself a deadline.  Give yourself a challenge. Give yourself a nudge.  When you’re acting with a purpose you’re acting with clarity, discipline, and effectiveness. When there has to be a way, you find a way.  Want to get more done? Give yourself more to do.  Give yourself some ambitious and realistic expectations. Give yourself the effort, discipline, passion and persistence necessary to meet those expectations.  Give yourself a clear and compelling direction. And discover for yourself just how much good you can do.

— Ralph Marston

Even the most organized and inspired individuals feel demotivated and overwhelmed at times.  I love setting goals (yearly, quarterly, even daily), I get excited to reach milestones and check things off my list.  One thing I’m learning to appreciate more – is the journey.

Today is one of those days … I just didn’t feel productive or excited about what I had set out to accomplish.  Well …..that’s not entirely true – I’ve been feel like this for a few weeks now. 

So I’m writing this post as a reminder…

It’s not about the destination, but the journey. I’m reminded to enjoy the process, both the highs and lows.

It’s totally okay to have quiet days, off days or days where your feel like you are just in a funk.

On those days, learn to take a break, find rest and lean into your emotions. When you don’t want to work, instead journal, try meditation, take hot girl walks, listen to podcasts and make art. But if that’s too much, read in bed, drink lots of coffee (++ water) and binge your favourite show.

And remember, this too shall pass.   <3