Tag Archives: Life Lately

5 things to quit this week

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A few days ago, I realized that it had been some time since I picked up my camera and take some creative shots.  So I set up some items around my house, put on a cute outfit and cleaned up my desk to get some photography.

Sometimes I hold myself back from 1) actually taking the time to create with my camera and then 2) sharing it here on instagram. And I’m not entirely sure why. I think creativity was meant to be shared with the world. That doesn’t necessarily mean friends and family will like it or even agree with it – which is OK (I’m being taught this lesson over and over by different situations).

Also part of the creative process is taking some rest so you can come up with the crazy ideas that you plan to execute on. So picking up my camera after a few months of rest is something I need to give myself grace about.

With all that said, most times it’s the voice in our head is what’s stops us from doing the things we know will nourish our soul. So I’m sharing 5 things to quit this week which helped me get out of my creativity rut!

Staying in your comfort zone: Sometimes I think “it’s just easier to not shoot photos because then I don’t have to worry about them looking terrible”. And although this thought can be comforting, it’s actually creating more harm than good. Be consistent and be comfortable getting out of your comfort zone.

Overthinking: Ruminating, spinning, wondering why you did something a certain way or wishing all together you hadn’t done something at all. Such a terrible habit and so defeating to your self esteem. Instead, let your mind think about the thought/situation, ask yourself if it will matter in 5 years (in most cases it won’t) and then let your mind consider what was one good thing that came from the experience.

Sacrificing your own happiness/mental well being for others:  This is a simple and obvious one. It takes time to realize that you don’t need to be responsible for anyone’s happiness but your own.

Being afraid of being different: If you want to wear the hoop earrings – do it. If you want to compliment someone – go for it. If you want to be off camera during a meeting while everyone is one – don’t let it stop you. This one came in waves this week but you accepting yourself/your decision is the most important thing.

Ignoring your purpose: Whenever you hear that voice in your mind saying “you should pick up your camera/paint brush or take those dance lessons or spent an hour writing” don’t ignore it!

January Reads

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Reading Routine, Habits, Brain Boosters, Rituals, Best Self, Higher Self, Reading for pleasure, Reading for Fun, Thriller, Suspense, GoodReads, Bookstagram

I’ve been trying to read 20+ pages a day which has really helped me to read more efficiently.  And because of that I managed to finish 2 books in a little over a month!  I’m trying to diversify what I read because I’ll normally read business/strategy/career books and get bored and not want to read for a while.  Or read thriller/suspense/fiction one after another and then I feel like I’m consuming without learning anything.  So to prevent that – I switch it up (ie: thriller, followed by business, followed by fiction, followed by self growth, followed by thriller etc).  It’s a good way to stay motivated and the habit of reading a certain number of pages of day helps too!  Read on to see my reviews :)

How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

This book had me nodding in agreement throughout!  The authors present 12 habits that women specifically do to serve them well earlier in their career – actually end up holding them back when they further their career.  What I really like about this book is that they talk about women-specific behaviours that I’ve learned also learned from other sources (like women not speaking up for their accomplishments).  The peer reviewed sense of it really made me feel like these things I do are common to all women and I shouldn’t feel bad.  More specifically, the habits of building relationships and never leveraging them or try to be perfectionists – I was immediately able to see the habit in me and other women I knew. With each habit, the book provided an example and actions to overcome it.  A great book and something I will reference and read again.

Reading Routine, Habits, Brain Boosters, Rituals, Best Self, Higher Self, Reading for pleasure, Reading for Fun, Thriller, Suspense, GoodReads, Bookstagram

Find How Women Rise at Chapters Indigo (Canada)

Such a quiet place by Megan Miranda

This book is about a close knit community and the strange things they know about one another and the efforts they go to preserve what they believe to be the truth about their neighbours.  The story reads well and although I wouldn’t say it’s a page-turner, it was definitely something that kept me engrossed.  Harper’s roommate is sentenced to 20 years in prison for a crime.  But her conviction is overturned which sends all of her accusing neighbours into a frenzy (and against Ruby).  Including Harper, who although believed Ruby to be innocent, but now wants to remain on the inside with her community.  There are twists, turns and random pieces of information that don’t necessarily add to the story but are still interesting info about the characters.  Definitely a great vacation ready!  *fingers crossed* we’ll be able to take vacations this year ;)

Find Such a quiet place at Chapters Indigo (Canada)

Reading Routine, Habits, Brain Boosters, Rituals, Best Self, Higher Self, Reading for pleasure, Reading for Fun, Thriller, Suspense, GoodReads, Bookstagram

So glad I can come back to my self-care rituals

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This week was a great reminder as to why I need self care rituals.  On the days that I am pushed to my breaking point, by situations, by people, by context – it is my self care rituals that give me peace.

My rituals are the the part of my day that make sure when I am out there taking care of everyone and everything else – that I also make time for myself and my wellness.

Self care rituals are THE FORMULA to support your mental wellbeing.

It’s a built in way that you do something for your mind, your body and your soul everyday.

Another reminder: Get enough sleep, have gratitude and always be present (aka put your phone down and you head up) 

It’s time for another chocolate cookie recipe

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It’s been 3 days of “back to remote” learning. 3 days too long!

Sending good vibes to all the parents who are finding themselves in the 3rd lockdown (which means doing everything all of the time).

With that said – I’ve got a few things to share 1) an amazing new cookie recipe and 2) a few things that are keeping me focused.

I’ll start with what’s keeping me focused:

  1. My morning routine! Meditate & Journal – helps to get my mind right and even if the days goes to sh!t, at least I took some time to set up my mindset
  2. A daily walk: I try and go in the morning but if meetings don’t allow for it, I get my dose of vitamin D and forrest vibes in the mid afternoon
  3. Daily workout: Whether it’s a fully body releasing stretch or a heavy lift day, workouts are a way to increase movement in my day after sitting at my own work desk or hunched over a JK’s desk
  4. Prioritizing a personal goal: whether it’s reading for 10 minutes, making some art or making progress on a project – making time for myself makes me feel good

And for the days when even the above doesn’t work, we will always have a great cookie ;)

Sharing a new recipe I tried: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie (because sometimes making cookies does WONDERS for the soul)

A new years Life Lately post

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I say life lately – but this is more of a brain dump!  (I started writing this post on Monday and it’s now Friday and I am finally getting around to hit the publish button)

Weekend Recap
We actually had a nice weekend.  Friday we were at a first birthday/Lohri party for a dear friend of mine’s daughter.  The party was at an Indian Banquet hall and I have to say it was so well done.  A play area for the kids, candy bar, amazing decor, well planned table games, even the entertainment was something new.  Although now I am more convinced to do a small intimate celebration for our Ellie.  I do feel kind of guilty for not doing the same things with both kids but I do have keep my sanity!

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Starting Meal-Prep
I did meal prep on the weekend in an effort to practice for the real deal in a few months.  Here is what I made:  Breakfast options included 2 days of oven baked omelettes, 2 days of green smoothies (to be paired with pb on toast), 1 day of oatmeal.  For mains I made slow cooker eggplant parmesan, buffalo cauliflower and we made a huge batch of brown rice.  Also I had a coconut chickpea stew in the freezer that I pulled out for dinner and lunch!  I’ve been eyeing these meal prep containers for over a year – I should just get them!

So what have I learned from meal prepping / using my slow cooker is that:

  • Meal prep 2.5 mains for use during the week as lunches or dinners
  • Prep veggies/legumes as the 0.5 for 1) above.  So things like the roasted cauliflower, roasted chickpeas, cooked black beans or steamed broccoli or peas (which I am doing next week).  These can be added to anything to make a meal more full (or to pasta or rice for kiddo meals).
  • Make a big batch of grains for use during the week.  I like to add some to a big salad and it can obviously be used as a base.
  • Prep some healthy snacks like energy bites or protein cookies (I didn’t do it this time but I will try next time)
  • Have tons of sauces, spreads, toppings and garnishes on hand.  I made a ranch dressing out of mayo, milk, onion powder and dill – it was so good and I was quite impressed.  I hate buying store bought dressing to only use it once or twice and then have it be a complete waste.   Other things we have used this week: cilantro, hot sauce, roasted sesame seeds, almond butter, cacao nibs etc
  • Plan your grocery run and make sure you have a list
  • Do the groceries before the weekend (if you can).  I find it very tiring and impossible to do the groceries on the weekend with the kids in tow and then to some how find the time to prep the food.  I haven’t figured out when to make the food (right now it’s a little at night and little in the morning and lots in between) so having the food in the house gives me some leeway.

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Watching
I am heavy into some royal history on Netflix.  Reason being two fold – I find the modern royals fascinating and I get a history lesson along the way.

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Fitness
The mister and I are trying to find out new norm for working out.  Gone are the days where we could spend upwards of an hour at the gym.  Having kids changes everything.  Do cardio, resistance training, some abs and of course stretch all in one session.   We’ve realized the best we can do is 15 minute intervals.  So we are starting again, starting small and slow.
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Reading
I just finished reading The Rushing Woman’s Syndrome.  It was actually a really great read for the point in my life where I am now.  I’d love to a review and share my favourite parts of the book in a later post (a girl can dream).  But after reading this book, I feel even more empowered to care for what I eat and how I treat myself #Selfcare.  I started reading Overdressed, and it’s already grabbed my attention.  And I still have to go back and finish reading Ishmael.

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PS: All images are from Tumblr (credited as found)