Spring is for...Moving!

We signed the papers and Jeff and I will officially be moving to Westboro on April 1st. Uh - say what? April 1st is only 8 days away? Guess I better start getting down to business...

Right now, Jeff and I live in a small condo that has two floors: carpet, two bedrooms, a computer nook, two bathrooms and an open concept kitchen/living room. We've been living together for about two years, and I have one question to ask:

..how in the heck have I accumulated so much STUFF?

I read a quote that said: "The things you own end up owning you". I started doing some research on living a more minimalistic lifestyle, and this really started to resonate with me.

Why do I feel the need to save the boxes and bags from every single designer purse, watch or article of clothing I've ever purchased? Why am I so attached to my broken old Mac computer that hasn't turned on in years? Why have I kept every single gift bag and piece of gift wrap, so intent on reusing it?

And it goes further then that. I'm a book hoarder, a clothes hoarder, a "thing" hoarder. I have an ashtray collection (I don't smoke), multiple "memory boxes" (old receipts don't qualify as memories...), the list goes on.

So I went through my house one room at a time and I thought: What is this item used for? When was the last time it was used? Where, in my new space, will I put this?

If I didn't have a concrete answer for all of the above, it went in the trash. 

(Or the overflowing donation bins I've been putting together.)

So whether you're making a move from a 1300square ft space to an 800 sq ft space like I am, or you just feel the need to purge your life, here's a friendly list to help you do so:

- Clothing: If I hadn't worn it in a year, it got donated. If it doesn't fit TODAY, it got donated (no more, oh it WILL fit in 6 months once I hit the gym!). If it has rips and holes, it got donated (no, I won't get around to patching that up).

- Decor: If it was not "unique", it got donated. I can only have so many dollar store glass vases and candy dishes.  If the frame/piece didn't fit in my new colour scheme, it was donated. There will always be more frames to be had! Those half burnt candles? Garbage.

- Beauty products: This was a big one. Any sort of old cream, facial product, etc that had not been touched in 6 months was thrown away. I have become more aware as to what's in my products recently, so if it contained parabens, toxins, etc. - garbage! Old makeup that's crusty and from my first year of college? Garbage. Perfume bottles that had less then 3 pumps left? Garbage. And the hair products! I decided to make  a big bin for my family and friends to fight over, as I had such a collection. Everything else? You guessed it. Garbage! Only keep what you use on a day to day. The rest is taking up space!

- Books: I am big on building a library. However, Jeff and I have a HUGE book collection. Knowing we're big readers, friends and family are always giving us the newest book we just 'have to read'. Most were fantastic, but if we had absolutely zero interest in the topic, we decided we would put together boxes to donate to our public library. 

- Craft supplies: This is a bad hoarding issue for me. I love little odds and ends that I may be able to glue and include in my scrapbook. That being said, I went through all of my gluesticks, threw out the dried up ones, consolidated all of my paper into one shelf, tape and scissors in one bowl, odds and ends in a box. Cutlery organizers are fantastic for keeping all of your paper clips, pens and sharpies nice and organized. Old shoe boxes keep my pictures from being bent. Throwing away any additional packaging and getting things organized and in their own place saved me a lot of space.

- Kitchen: you'll be so surprised at how many salad dressing and boxes of crackers you have in your cupboard that have expired. I went through every single bottle and box and chucked everything that was coming close to expiry. If a box of cookies was half empty, I consolidated it with another box. Or I ate the rest. Whatever works. ;). Tupperware had to have  a matching lid, or else - garbage. Any of my cutlery that was rusted - garbage.

So now I am leaving my little old condo with less then half of what I originally owned. And, I feel light. Honestly! I feel like I can breathe in my home, knowing that there isn't anything that isn't going to be useful or beautiful. Knick knacks - be gone! I don't need you anymore. I can't believe it took a move to get me to accomplish this.

To get a bit deep here: I think keeping "things" gave me a sense of safety. Oh, if my new Macbook ever breaks, I can repair this old one! What if I forget a birthday? I may need this ripped tissue paper last minute!  This bus transfer has sentimental value because it is from the day I did _____ (fill in the blank with irrelevant event). Truth is, I love shopping for gift wrap and I'm rarely unprepared for a birthday. I'm careful with my electronics, and god knows I would probably never be able to go back to my old Macbook circa 2000. I'm so much happier being surrounded with white space, helping me think more clearly and giving me less to clean up and store.

So now, I have 8 days to do some last minute tidying and make some big decisions: do I keep my green artificial Christmas tree, or the white one? As you can see, my life is really difficult these days. I also need to prepare the kitties for the "big car trip" to the new house. They didn't like that one so much the first time around...

Happy Spring!

7 Products To Help You Survive the Polar Vortex

This winter has been cold in Canada. Like, lose yourself in a snowbank, slip on the way to work because it's been freezing rain for 48 hours, cold. 

If you know me in real life, you know I could bake in the sun for days on end. So, needless to say, me and my body are NOT happy about this whole "polar vortex" thing we've been forced to endure.

Working in the beauty industry (mostly relating to hair and nail care), I thought that I had become fairly well versed in products. Turns out, I needed to completely switch up my routine when it came winter this year since the conditions have been SO severe. My skin was drier (understatement of the year...I could have EASILY been mistaken for a reptile my skin was so dry), my lips were cracked, my hands and elbows broke out in a rash, my cuticles were peeling, and my hair was breaking. I was in shambles.

In about a month, and with some fantastic advice and great product recommendations, I have completely turned my beauty regimen around and it's worked miracles for me. So much so, that I am writing a post because I feel everyone should be using the following to help them get through the next 31 days until Spring hits (and, let's be honest, have we EVER had an Easter here that hasn't had snow?).

1) Clinique/Moisture Surge Overnight Face Mask

When I woke up in the morning, my skin was so dry and tight it felt like I'd gone for Botox in my sleep. I knew I needed a hydrating mask that I could leave on overnight to lock in the moisture I was losing. After doing my research, I learned that Clinique was not only good for sensitive skin, but it doesn't test on animals: bonus. This product changed my life and I would 100% recommend. Use a dime sized amount, rub on face, see miracles in the morning. (Approx. $40, Clinique)

2) Caudalie/Thirst Quenching Moisture Serum

I put this on underneath of my moisturizer in the morning. It's oil free and hypoallergenic. Essentially, it balance moisture levels on the skin, helping you to not overproduce or underproduce natural oils. It gets everything back to normal. It doesn't replace a daily moisturizer. It's pricy, but worth it. ($48.00, Sephora)

3) Body Shop/Vitamin E Moisture Cream

A very basic daily moisturizer that hydrates the skin. I wanted something light, specifically because I was treating my face with the two intensive moisturizing products I mentioned above. This does the trick. ($17.00, Body Shop)

3) Bite/Agave Lip Mask

This was a game changer for me. Normally I can't wear lipstick in the winter because my lips are MUCH too dry and flaky. Put on a tiny bit of this product overnight, wake up and your lips are smooth as summer. Everyone should have this product! ($30.00, Sephora)

(Note - I also tried the Fresh lip treatment. Although not as intensive, I do love it and put it UNDER my lipstick every day, or wear it on it's own, to keep everything smooth).

4) Heavy Cream Intensive Hand Repair Balm/Cake

It contains 20% shea butter. I already knew that shea butter was an amazing product when it comes to dry hair, so I figured it would probably be great for the skin. Not only does it smell like cupcakes, but my dry elbows and hands disappeared after using it nightly after about a week. It is extremely thick, so a little goes a long way. It definitely would not replace a daily body moisturizer - only for dry patches! ($22.00, Murale)

5) CND/Solar Oil

My cuticles were peeling and my nails were falling apart. I'm a big fan of CND products (original creators of shellac), so I knew this would be a winner. It's a dry oil, so it absorbs instantly, and it has jojoba and vitamin e to relieve dryness. It will also absorb into the actual nail (even through polish!) to strengthen. ($11.90, Chatters)

6) AG/Reconstruct Anti-Breakage Mask

For extremely dry, damaged, and chemically processed hair.  Great, I (had) all of the above. AG is a more natural line that is certified cruelty free. It also is based out of Vancouver so it's Canadian! Obviously I have to support them. This mask is SO creamy and thick. AG products are also notorious for smelling amazing, this is no different. Leave on for 8-10 minutes one to two times a week. See your hair shine. ($35.00, Trade Secrets)

7) Macadamia/Healing Oil Treatment

Some people are afraid of putting oil in their hair. Please don't be one of those people. Serums, which were popular in the 90's, have made people afraid of making their hair look greasy. Fun fact: A hair serum sits on top of your hair, making it look shiny and greasy. An oil will absorb into your hair, treating it instantly while imparting shine. Use a very small amount daily, and see results in about a week! Macadamia oil is made from Macadamia seed oil and Argan oil, a lighter alternative to regular Moroccan oil to those of you that have finer hair like me. I use a pump and spread it throughout my hair. I have been doing this for 3 years now and rarely see any split ends. (Trade Secrets, $40.00)

This is me. We live in igloos up here in Canada. Seriously! (Just kidding. I don't live in there. But it DOES fit 10 adults comfortably and makes a super fun fort.)

There you have it. A fool-proof way to mask yourself (literally) against the harsh cold of the polar vortex. Honestly, some of the products I listed above are pricy. I do realize that: but I'm a big advocate of "you get what you pay for". Since they use less water and filler, they're more concentrated and will last longer! The ingredients are pure, the companies are ethical, and the truth is: they work. I can always justify the cost when I know that a product is going to work.

Think I'm missing something from my list? Message me and let me know!

(un)Finished: In Transition

 

Time to do some major catch-up!

Jeff and I have been laying low lately. I have been loving my quiet time: taking baths, starting (very hard and frustrating) 1000 piece puzzles, reading a book a week, being able to finally make a dent in my very long "I'll read it later" list of internet articles. Listening to  Beyoncé on repeat. Eating all my favorite foods! February has been a very indulgent month for "me" time.

We have also been on the hunt for a new home, looking at apartments every weekend. It's fun to see an empty space and try to picture yourself living there. I love where we are now, but it isn't hard to become obsessed when you see modern white finishings and a fresh bagel shop next door. It looks like we may be looking at an April 1st move in date - the day Jeff and I celebrate our five year anniversary! I couldn't imagine a better way to spend it then settling in our new place. I have also had a few interviews (hint, the "transition" title of this post). I don't want to jinx anything, so that's all I'll say about it here!

      

 

We planned a last minute roadtrip to visit some friends in Toronto in January. I LOVE roadtrips. I also love having great travel buddies! We're all pretty similar in the way that we don't always plan ahead: this time, it led us to some pretty hilarious and unexpected adventures.

We spent quite a bit of time at Bellwoods brewery, where the boys dreamed of brewing beer and starting their own business. Of course, we also had to stop in at every bakery and burger joint until we couldn't fit any more food in us if we tried (trips that revolve around food = win!). We even managed to squeeze in some shopping time on Queen Street. 

Before heading home on Sunday, we went to the Drake Hotel for brunch. Jeff had told me that it was incredible (not only the food, but the decor and ambience was very unique). Made-to-order blueberry scones and chicken and waffles are their signature items, and I can honestly say there isn't a day that has gone by since where I haven't thought about that meal. Ah-mazing.

Their general store is attached to the hotel, and it was a full-on hipster hangout. I can't say I didn't love the selection of quirky merchandise though - this is where I saw the above Gin & Tonic card. I think it was made for me. Instead, I walked out with more then a few rolls of washi tape and the new Kendrick Lamar record. Totally guilty.

 

Despite MAJOR sickness going around in our household, I was spoiled with a three course meal this Valentine's day - see above for our delicious Mediterranean eggplant/lobster pasta dishes! I am SO grateful to live with a good cook. He's a pretty good boyfriend too I guess ;). 

I told Jeff I would make dessert, and my strawberries and cream cake turned out pretty delicious.  And pretty cute too! I feel like it's okay to compliment myself, mainly because I have no problem admitting that there has been so. many. failed. recipes in my past...Ha. I adapted the recipe from Gimme Some Oven. My favorite part of baking this cake was definitely reading the sayings on all of the hearts before I stuck them on. "My Pet" and "Baby Luv" were my favorites.

I just realized most of this post revolves around food. I guess I'm okay with that, because most of my life revolves around food as well! In fact, it's just about time for me to sleep so I can dream about the vanilla latte and fresh chocolate chip muffins I'm going to have in the morning...

What are you eating this weekend? 

(un)common: what will make you different?

“You have to be tougher. You have to learn the way to beat your path through, to make yourself felt, and make yourself necessary.”  

 - Grace Coddington

Mark Cuban spent 7 years developing his first business idea.

Steve Jobs started the largest technology company in his parents garage.

The founder of second cup was once a panhandler on Toronto streets, homeless. 

Jay-Z sold CD's from his car and lived in one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Brooklyn.

---

"Everyone tells you how they're going to be "special", but few do the work to get there. Do the work."

- Mark Cuban

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Don't trade in what you want for yourself in the future for what you want now. Create opportunities. Don't get comfortable because it's easy. Don't cry when things get hard. 

What I'm pondering on today.

Sam

(un)Acheivable: Do what you love

 

(shamless puppy picture...Tucker is the best brother I never had growing up)

I know a lot of my friends and loved ones have been asking me "where I've been lately". I thought I'd take some time to shed some light on my current situation!

I wish I could find the words to describe passion, but the best way I can put it is this:

Getting so incredibly stoked about an idea or a project, that when I close my eyes my stomach does flip flops. I internally have a dance party to Da Rude's Sandstorm. It's like being on a sugar high of some sort of skittles/pop rocks/fun dip/nerds concoction.  Basically it's the kind of excited that has me jumping on my couch circa Tom-Cruise-on-Oprah.

(What do you mean this isn't the Websters definition of "passion"? Am I the only one who is comfortable using Tom Cruise in a comparison? Oh...)

This last month I've been having the above feelings more frequently then not, and I think this is how I've come to realize that business is my passion. I could say I've been fairly lucky, but I'm starting to believe recently that there isn't such thing as "luck". Luck actually looks a lot like putting overtime in at work, thinking and reflecting 24/7, and finding yourself in odd situations that somehow lead to creative opportunities. However it's happened, I've found myself in a pretty great place. Business is booming. Literally!

Granted, at first I was very nervous. This meant choosing a lifestyle: one that left little free time, no weekends, no "lazing around". Less partying (& I have been known to love a good party). A lifestyle I saw my parents choose and never quite understood.

I always saw others and thought: so-and-so is so musically talented, good at math, excelling at sports. You get the idea: I think we've all felt that way before. There's so much out there. I guess sometimes you have to try a few things before you find what you're meant to do.

It's sad because I don't believe enough people go out and find (or are given the opportunity) to find something they're truly passionate about. With having so many social anxieties in high school, there isn't really much opportunity to learn who you "are" until after you're out in the real world! And even then, there is so much pressure to choose a university and a career path by the age of 17 that how is anyone supposed to find that thing that they're meant to do?

Anyways: Lots of big ideas, lots of inspirational people, lots of work to be done - but I've definitely found that when you have the passion, the work comes secondary.

 (always leaving time to be with my little family & enjoying what little relaxing time I do have!)

Sam

(september) is the new (october)

 

Hello, Kate!

Today I'm happy because...

- the chilly weather means snuggling under all of my blankets, watching Orange is the New Black and ordering pho soup for takeout (mmm)
- All of the e-courses from A Beautiful Mess are on sale 25% off (how am I supposed to choose just one!?)
- I took a leap of faith and mixed my love for scrapbooking with my love for collaging (pictures to come!)
- You can order 6 issues of Vogue for $6 here (seriously.)
- I'm reading a book that I'm prematurely declaring the next Harry Potter - the cover also glows in the dark (!!)
- Jeff has begun taking out his camera again and he really has a knack for it. I love watching him do something he loves.

I'm only 17 days late to the season, but Happy September. I've come to terms that September is the new October. As in, I am okay with the fact that we will not be getting anymore 30 degree days as we've had in past Septembers. Chilly weather prevails - I'm ready to embrace fall now! Well, fall sweaters anyways.

Sam

weekly (un)wind: goodbye, summer

(a beautiful august wedding)

I know I sound like someone that should be quoted on shit girls say, but this summer has gone by so quickly.

Summer has always been my favorite season. My worst nightmare is bulky clothing and itchy sweaters. I should really move somewhere that's hot year round. I was hoping for an Indian summer that lasted until late September, but the weather lately has been the complete opposite!

I'll always remember this summer as a season that stretched me to my limits, work-wise. Even though I can place a lot of pressure and be very hard on myself, I love to see my personal growth. 
                  

(date nights w/ jeff, boat rides & a brand new book from my favorite bloggers) 

 

Outside of work, I am so happy I had the opportunity this summer to take a getaway to Toronto, see a couple amazing concerts, spend the day at a cottage with some of my closest friends, and have endless valencia oranges at Starbucks with Jeff.

 

(beach reads)

A perfect summer wedding, decorating my place in bright pops of colour, eating my weight (and maybe more..) in sushi, reading a few great (and not-so-great) books, "blurred lines", and my new tattoo will always remind me of summer 2013.

Jeff loves fall, and I have to say that I'm excited to have nice hair again - ugh, humidity. Ever since I've been out of school, I still see the start of September as a time for getting back to routine.

                        (project life - my new scrapbook! having fun remembering the details from the last few months.)

One of my best friends was talking about her personal goals now that she's finished university. I place a lot of focus on my work, and I would like to find a better work/life balance and achieve some of my personal goals. Some are silly, and some are things that have been on my list for a long time. Maybe one day I'll share them here!

Coming from someone that has never been able to keep a personal agenda for more then a month, I really want a way to keep myself motivated. This seems easy enough - make a concrete list, cross it off when something gets done. We'll see how I do!

What's on your list of "goals" this fall? 

Sam