Category Archives: Portrait Photography

Blogmas | The biggest lesson I learned this year

Posted on by
Reply

I was recently scrolling through TikTok and some someone post about what the biggest lesson that they learned this year. Without even watching the full post – I immediately thought about mine…(goes to show how mindless show intense my multi tasking is!)

I figured it would make a great blogmas post…

The biggest lesson I learned this year was maintaining consistency with my self growth practices.

Now as I’m saying that I realize it sounds very simplistic. But I realized not being consistent actually creates bad habits. Or rather, being consistent creates good habits. And for me those habits are helping me grow and develop.

So here’s the kicker: I find myself only being consistent with my self growth and development rituals (quality journaling, outdoors walks, forrest baths, deep meditation, creating content, making art, reading, learning) when I’m needing to change* something. And then, as soon as I achieve* that something I for some reason decide to de-prioritize those rituals.

Maybe that de-prioritization comes naturally because that thing I achieved takes up more of my time. But I’ve realized that I can’t let it. I need to be consistent with my rituals because they are the only thing that will support me in the long run.

Want more? Follow my Blogmas 2022 journey here!

Blogmas | 50 ways to level up

Posted on by
4

I love reading productivity and lifestyle hacks!  But when they are written in the form of lists – they make it easier to follow!  It’s almost like a mental checklist that I can create in my head and tick off the things that I am already doing and then plan for the things I want to try.

Sharing a list of 50 ways to LEVEL UP.  From accessorizing your outfits to planning your week, this list includes tons of ways to do and be better.  And even though it’s not in your face obvious, all of these activities help to nourish your mind and soul so you can show up and be your best self!

Would love to hear if you try any of these out!  Or maybe what you’d add to the list?

  1. Practice Gratitude
  2. Invest in quality, not quantity
  3. Read 1 book a month
  4. Develop a skin care routine that works for you
  5. Dress well, always! (even at home)
  6. Pick and use a signature scent
  7. Learning everyday is a must
  8. Focus on your mental health
  9. Plan your day, week, month & year to focus on your goals
  10. Listen to podcasts or Ted Talks
  11. Pamper yourself regularly
  12. Make your home cozy
  13. Prioritize your friendships
  14. Meditate
  15. Wear clean shoes (whitest whites, polished or stained)
  16. Use a silk pillow case
  17. Clean your makeup brushes regularly
  18. Create > Consume
  19. Regular face massages
  20. Cut out toxic people and activities
  21. Take yourself out on a date, be comfy being on your own (without feeling alone)
  22. Have a hair care routine
  23. Get 6-8 hours of sleep
  24. Habit stack, time block and batch create
  25. Work on building your confidence & self-esteem
  26. Organize your home
  27. Watch TV shows/movies that inspire your sense of style/fashion
  28. Build your online brand (personal & professional)
  29. Buy yourself some flowers
  30. Be your own stylist with what you have in your closet (take pictures and create outfits)
  31. Maintain good posture
  32. Don’t think about other people’s opinion of you (it is their own reflection)
  33. Wear a natural make up look
  34. Elevate any outfit with 1 luxury handbag
  35. Do things that you are afraid of
  36. Schedule in “self care days” 
  37. Exfoliate your skin
  38. Try one extravagant accessory (gloves, channel broach, beret)
  39. Train yourself to relax without a screen
  40. Wake up before 8am and go to sleep before 11pm
  41. Start a yoga or pilates practice
  42. Challenge yourself
  43. Do 2 face masks weekly
  44. Progress > Perfection
  45. Keep your space tidy
  46. Journal daily
  47. Create a vision board
  48. Build a morning routine
  49. Accessorize your outfits!
  50. Walk & Exercise daily

Want more? Follow my Blogmas 2022 adventure here

Blogmas | Intro & My Why

Posted on by
Reply

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!

Things I think are worth knowing about spirituality

Posted on by
Reply

I know spirituality (ie: not religion) is becoming more main stream and I love that for the collective human experience.  Below sharing a few interesting things about spirituality (and life!) that are really worth knowing.

We are merely reflections of each other

Love is the only emotion that vibrates from the soul

Your thoughts create your reality

The moon enhances psychic powers

The sun unlocks DNA

Crystals are found in tech devices

You are what you eat

FOUR experiences not to miss on your trip to Banff

Posted on by
1

It’s been about 4 weeks since we got back from our trip to Calgary & BC (more lovingly known by most as “the Banff trip”)

I’ve yet to go through all my photos, but I figured this would be a good way to start. I read a lot of travel guides and blog posts ahead of our trip about what to see and do on #TheBanffTrip.

So I figure it only fair that I share my tips too! (my way of paying it forward). And nooo this list does not include Lake Louise (a bit of let down in my opinion!).

I’m sharing FOUR experiences that you can’t miss when in Calgary & BC (aka on your own Banff trip). These are great options to add to your itinerary if you are travelling with family/kids or if you want to try things off the beaten path (without the need to extensive gear or training!)

I should say that most of these attractions technically are in BC but considering how close everything is to each other, most people would still consider these things on their Banff Trip.

I’ve also shared our travel vlog – hopefully it provides some inspiration for a future trip.

  • Glacier (paid) Tour

Most people will tell you to check out the Glacier field by taking a small hike to the base of the glacier (aka the snout…just doesn’t sound nice). If you just see the base, you will not get the magnificent views, history/information and fresh (drinkable) glacier water. This can only be experienced by paying for the tour.

  • Peyto Lake

A moderate hike uphill and you get views of a turquoise lake surrounded by mountains (both with trees and snow peaks). And although there were crowds, it was way better here than to be herded like cattle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Make sure to detour and check out this lake.

  • Takakkaw Falls

This is an easy-moderate hike with a surprise ending! The cool (read: cold) spray from the waterfall. Getting to most waterfalls can be a trek, but this is mostly paved which made it easier for my kids.

  • Jasper Gondola

We didn’t do the popular Banff Gondola (to be honest didn’t even want to). I found this attraction by a simple google search …and I honestly think this was way better. The views are stunning and you can even hike further up the summit. It was windy up there so be sure to bring a touq and some layers. The mountains in the distance look unreal!

Be productive when you are not motivated

Posted on by
Reply

We all have those days (heck maybe weeks) where productivity wains and we feel less than stellar about the work we aren’t getting done.  I have a few thoughts on that, one being that productivity ebbs & flows – it’s all part of the process.  Secondly, I ALWAYS say no to hustle culture.  I mean, like the rest of us …I want it all (progressive career, great marriage, be a loving mother, hang with my friends, drink 3L of water and workout daily) – but I remember that REST will help me accomplish all the things.

  1. Take a break from your workplace 
    Essentially you want to remove yourself from you current situation. Whether that means taking a walk, going to a coffee shop or sitting on your deck.  Changing your environment (and in short order) will provide a new perspective as well as a break so you can come back with a fresh mind.
  2. Put your phone in another room: 
    Staying off your socials, not constantly checking chat/emails or other apps  will help to eliminate distractions (which when providing a false/high dopamine fix will further prevent one from getting work done).  I’m yet to master this …let alone try it… But we all know mindless doom scrolling and social media comparisons, can put you in a funk. So an easy way to remove distractions is to time block your phone breaks.  
  3. Complete the smallest – easiest task: 
    What is important here is create the impression of progress on our minds.  One small task could be finishing a bottle of water or sending an email you are dreading.  Once you complete that task, and mark it off your list – it will create an automatic momentum and willingness to keep going!
  4. Use the momentum and a focused playlist to keep going:
    Once you’ve completed one task, use the that feeling to keep you going on to something else.  Sometimes it helps to play your favourite music or a brown noise playlist. Keep on single tasking till you get three of your top priorities completed.

Outfit details:
Dress: Old | Shoes: Aldo | Purse: Chanel | Sunnies: Amazon