Things I learned Today.

Things I learned Today.

by | Jan 7, 2017 | Tools for Awesome Living, Uncategorized

I have been trying my best as of late to learn and grow and take the things that I notice in my everyday life and figure out how to use them to better myself, my family and my business. It turns out if you take the negative experiences and the frustrating situations you deal with into learning experiences, you can learn a lot. So far it hasn’t taken away the frustration of the situation for me, but at least there was some benefit to it!

So here is what I took away from normal to not so great experiences today.

  1. Communication is VITAL. So SO important. Yup, in family, marriage, with your kids, and your business interactions. SO MUCH frustration can be avoided if you tell people your expectations and what they need to know, BEFORE they need to know it.
  2. It is so great to feel special. What little touches can you add to your every day to make the people that are special to you FEEL special.
  3. I am not sure what to learn from this other than not to do it…. but I was at the gas station today and I went in to pay which is rare for me but I had to pee. The line up was about 10 people long and there was only one cashier. She was trying to handle one guy who had about 100 lottery tickets to check while checking other people out. The owner or manager was talking to someone at the back of the station an when she left…he went to the back room…he didn’t help her. She was overwhelmed and stressed and the other agent was on her break, and when she came back asked where the manager was and they both rolled their eyes. I understand that it is good to delegate and whatnot, but its not good business to both leave your customers frustrated and your employees overwhelmed. Lesson learned. I think I already knew, but a good reminder!

 

New Years Party Time

New Years Party Time

by | Dec 30, 2016 | I like Pretty Things, Parties + Events, Uncategorized

New Years Party Time

I know New Years Eve is TOMORROW (yikes!) But I promise you that you can put together a fun little table set up in 5 simple sets.

  1. Pick up the new Year’s Eve “must haves” like party hats, noisemakers and poppers. I got all of my goods at Glow, and they had really fun Kits that had enough for 5-10 people all in one box for $20 (there were a bunch of options!) One of my favorite things to decorate with were the container full of gold, black, silver and white “mardi gras” style beads. They were great on the backs of the chairs, on the table, hanging from goblets and filling a vase for a centrepiece.
  2. Rent/Buy/Use a tablecloth and some chair covers, placemats or charger plates. If you don’t know why I think renting a few things is great you can check out the post here! Pick a simple centrepiece (I used a feather ball on top of a vase filled with beads!)
  3. Repurpose things that you have in your house! I used vases and crystal goblets & champagne flutes that I already had, as well as photo booth props (not shown) and candles. I love candles!
  4. Get inspiration from blogs, Pinterest etc but then make it your own! What I love about party decor is it’s not as precise as some things so you can have a lot of fun with it!
  5. Make a statement wall/piece that can second as a photo area later on!  You can use Christmas lights, balloons, fun fringe like me, a banner…whatever you’re feeling.

Layer it all together and VOILA! I am a big fan of a full table.

Quick Tip: There are so many Christmas decorations on sale right now that are black and gold, like 70% off on sale at Michaels!

Fun Fact : Paper plates still look fancy if you use a charger plate, and then you don’t have to wash dishes after the party. And it’s New Year’s Eve, let’s be real, you don’t want to clean when everyone leaves!

I truly hope that you have an AMAZING night tomorrow and that your 2017 if full of all the good things you want it to be!

I can’t wait to eat Chinese with friends and celebrate!!!

Black, White & Letting Go.

Black, White & Letting Go.

by | Dec 29, 2016 | Real Life. Real Thoughts., Tools for Awesome Living

Black, White & Letting Go.

28

December, 2016

Well crapper doodles, I have got to say that I cannot believe it’s the end of 2016. I wanted to write a post on how optimistic I am about 2017…and a few days ago I was. Not much has changed except a meeting with my lawyer. A meeting that made me go over the poop storm that was the last two years. To be completely honest, it has made me more sad than I could ever have imagined. I usually try to keep things light and fun, that’s how truly want to be but right now I am sad. I am sad thinking of what was lost in the last two years. The momentum that was lost in my business, the people I let down and hurt when I couldn’t control my emotions. I am sad that Addy remembers that I couldn’t remember things. That my beautiful 3 year old daughter (who is almost 5 now) would rub my back as I cried some days because I physically could not stand up.  The pain, the frustration of not being able to complete the simplest tasks, or communicate my thoughts, wanting to give the very best I could to my clients, but not having all of me to offer.

I don’t blame myself for not sharing openly what I was going through, I didn’t want people to doubt my ability to do my job, I didn’t want people’s pity, or lack of understanding.  It was easier to just keep it to myself, but as with many things, I have learned that hiding them doesn’t make them go away.

Now I am feeling a lot better. Not 100% yet, but I have days where I don’t have headaches at all, days where my vision isn’t blurry, where I don’t have pain. And it’s a relief. I am so thankful for that.

However, I think that I need to grieve the loss of what was the last two years. Someone mentioned it at one point, and I kind of brushed it off…but I feel like I need to let it out.

That I didn’t get to see my children learn to ski. I couldn’t enjoy Finley’s silly toddler years as much as I wanted to. I spent more than 400 hours traveling to, and in treatment. I napped most days, and lost out on the opportunity to grow, create and do things that I loved. I didn’t go out to social events, missed special occasions. I constantly had to turn down my children’s invitations to play and on many occasions would scream in pain when they would try to play or jump on me, and then have to watch them cry, and I would cry, and they didn’t understand it at all.

I couldn’t really see. Not close up. Sometimes barely at all. I couldn’t read words. Not for more than a second at a time. I couldn’t trust my mind to know where I was standing, walking, going. I was covered in bruises from walking into things, I would fall over when bending down, and was constantly apologizing for my words, or lack thereof. I would fall in front of clients, and friends. I didn’t feel like myself and I couldn’t DO anything. I learned to type with my eyes closed, and trusted Siri to dictate more messages than I should have (and after all of that she still gets me wrong most of the time) and more than a dozen times, in a low moment, I considered closing the doors of my business. I felt so very inadequate. But I am so thankful that I persevered (and for my amazing clients who were so amazing and understanding!)

From anxiety, pain, bouts of depression, piles of medication and lack of ability to exercise I gained almost forty pounds. I did everything I had done previously to lose weight and nothing worked. Another way I was failing.  

Every doctor, physio, specialist pretty much agreed. It would be time. The best thing I could do was to NOT do. And from someone whose entire road map for success was navigated by completing things on a to-do list, this was no easy task.

I was tested. I failed some of those tests, barely passed others, but in everything I learned.

The Bible says (MSG James 1:2-4)

Consider it a sheer gift, friend, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure ,your faith-life is forced into the open and shows it’s true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

AND (MSG 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens.

Photograph by Me – This is Photography

So here I am. Starting my 33rd year, about to start 2017. Thanking God for all of this, because through the pain, through the many frustrations, I found myself. I found that I had my living all wrong. And we’ve been working through it, taking what I have learned and applying it to live the life that we want as a family . It’s why I started Encourage Inspire. I want people to have access to the learning that I had without going through a traumatic experience to get there.  

I have learned that I matter. I matter enough to put myself first sometimes. I matter enough to ask for my needs to be met. I matter enough to not feel the need to reply to emails at 3am and to realize my value is not determined by a to do list.

I have learned from so many amazing individuals that I believe were put on my path for a purpose that was specifically intended for me.

When I collected all of the things that my heart was drawn to this year, or that people gave to me, or I got as prizes or gifts at an event or retreat,,,the theme was consistent. Black, White and Gold. I have been drawn to gold things these last six months ago. But as I look around, I notice I have gold jewelry, gold pens, gold foil quotes, gold terrariums, a gentle reminder to my soul that through the fire, Gold is refined. I am going to be better, stronger and more precious for having endured. I know these times were dark, but in some ways I am starting fresh.

Job 23:10

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.nI believe I am going to come out better for what trials I have faced.

1 Peter 1:6-7 Living Bible (TLB)

6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.7 These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.

When you see my new years celebration & decorations, my goal planning, the jewlery I have been wearingm my new planner etc… you’ll see the gold is sprinkled throughout the black and white. 

Photograph by Me – This is Photography

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens..”

This is what I needed. I needed to work through this, and now I can be optimistic again. I am not a sum of my trials. I am not the mistakes I have made. I am not the pain I have felt. I am precious, gold, whose value is still going up. And this year is going to be a great one. I do not need to measure myself by the numbers being put forth to a lawyer,  I don’t need to be discouraged by what was, but believe that what lies ahead is great. I have some plans for 2017, some goals to work towards. But most importantly, I am here, with my family, getting well, and doing my very best. I went sledding with my kids yesterday. I laughed, I got freezing cold and it was wonderful. I am not sure I would have appreciated it as much without what I have gone through the last two years.

Oh and how I hesitate to share this, as I don’t want anyone to ever think I don’t love photographing weddings, or think I wasn’t careful to be sure to take the best care of my clients. I honored my commitments and had the best couples, and took on limited work so I could properly take care of those clients. I may have missed a few emails, or been a bit slower at social media, but all of my wonderful couples got their beautifully cultivated galleries on time. I would never have risked someone’s wedding.

And also, a little reminder to give people a little grace whenever you can, you have no idea what they may be going through!

Credits – New Years Decor & Big Sphere Balloons – Glow the Event Store

I’m Not Ready, but that Changes Nothing

I’m Not Ready, but that Changes Nothing

by | Dec 27, 2016 | Real Life. Real Thoughts., Tools for Awesome Living

I actually have another blog post in the cue, another wordy one with all the things I was feeling last week about the coming new year and then I have about a thousand other ideas in the brain. But here’s the deal. I needed to write tonight because my chest is tight, and anxiety feels high. I have learned that one of the best things that I can do is write, and that if my past experience continues, my words usually resonate with someone so here it goes.

In the post I have already written but haven’t yet shared (because the pictures aren’t quite right, and the quotes aren’t perfect yet) I talk about why my 2016 wasn’t my favorite, but that it was better than my 2015, and that I am believing that 2017 is going to be awesome.

And it IS. It IS going to be awesome. I believe that. But here’s the kicker that just kind of karate-chopped me in the gut after the excitement of Christmas came to a grinding halt when the kiddos went to bed. In the quiet it hit me. 2017 is going to be as awesome as I make it. And I don’t feel READY yet. But you know what? That doesn’t change anything at all. Me being not ready doesn’t make Jan 1st any further away…I can’t change that, but I can change ME.

The last month has been filled with lots of great things, doing healthy things for my body and mind, spending time to make my family healthy, getting ready for Christmas and doing not so fun business and legal paperwork. All great (or necessary) things. All on the way to what I want. BUT I don’t have my 2017 goal sheets (Power Sheets) done….or started…. I already have great things planned for the year, but they need to be launched and moved forward and I wanted to start the year all organized and set up for success and well, here I am 5 days out and sitting on the couch feeling panicked.

I know that 2017 will only be different if I choose to let it be but what I think I am feeling panicked about at this very moment is that I am not ready to start 2017 having it all together. I haven’t found some magical solution to give me more hours in the day, or the ability to be patient with my children in all circumstances, or to do all the things I want to just perfectly. I haven’t kicked sugar (to be honest its not actually in my goals yet, I am totally not in the commit stage there yet…) or even sent out my Christmas cards. When I look at it that way I am NOT READY FOR 2017!!! I am simply not there!!! However, when I remember that my worth is not determined by how many things I do, how much money I make or how organized my house is it simmers me down a little bit. Making 2017 amazing doesn’t mean that Jan 1st all of my ducks will be in a row. (If I go in expecting that, I will be HUGELY disappointed.)

Have you ever heard the saying: “Start the way you want to finish.” ? That’s my plan. If I start chipping away at things, a little at a time, I will get there. But just like it didn’t take me a week to gain 30lbs, I won’t lose it that quickly. And my house didn’t become disorganized in one day (though….I can’t actually remember it ever being really organized either…) I plan to start each day with optimism and hope, living towards the life that I want while being thankful for the beautiful moments and experiences that I have every day.

My mom used to have a sign up in her office that said “Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference”. It has stuck with me, and I am determined to keep a good attitude about 2017.

The pressure is off. I don’t need to strive for perfection. It’s been a rocky couple of years, and 2016 isn’t going to be perfect either. But I am going to continue on the path of faith, family and health, and expect great things from myself this year. Here is what my heart tells me that I want to do.

  • Make the people in my life feel as special and loved as they are. My parents, husband, children, siblings, friends, wedding clients, families I photograph. I want this year, no matter how many shoots I do, for my clients to feel SPECIAL. They so very much are, but this past couple of years I know that I have been more in survive than thrive mode. I want the people in my life to know how special they are. I want, no matter how busy I am (which is something I have learned that I in fact control!) for my family to feel like my first priority.
  • Do the same thing for myself. I need to treat myself like I matter (because I DO matter). I have found the most valuable way for me to process whether I am taking care of myself well, is whether I would want Addy and Finn to do/say something (or not do/say something). Would it make me happy if someone was being mean to Addy and she didn’t stand up for herself? Would I be ok with Finn not having a winter coat because “he could probably just layer up for this year and find something next year”? Would I be ok with them beating themselves up for making a mistake? Or would I let them eat ice cream every night? Um, heck no and a half. When I think about it, this measuring stick proves to be very useful, and also reminds me that I am a really great mom.
  • Nurture my creative self. I don’t want to get so stuck in doing something right that I don’t try anything new. II want to play again, and get out and do creative things that I haven’t done before and give myself room and time to colour, paint, journal, design, take photographs (for fun!) and dance. I really want to dance. And learn, and grow! See now I am getting excited for 2017 again!

Just as an FYI my heart rate, sitting here at my computer is at 100BPM So obviously the words haven’t quite done it yet. Going to take a Pause.

Just did some deep breathing and a few minutes in prayer and now, now I am down to 70BPM.

I am so thankful for the tools that I have learned this year, and can’t wait to learn more and share more in 2017.

I am planning to take a few hours on Thursday to set goals and make plans for 2017. Anyone else with me?

Oh what a roller coaster my brain can be. Such fun! lol!

Last Minute & Local Christmas Shopping

Last Minute & Local Christmas Shopping

by | Dec 17, 2016 | Uncategorized

Christmas is only 9 days away!!!

I am so excited but as it gets closer I keep remembering things I forgot. I am not too worried about it, I have some ideas up my sleeve and I thought that I would share a few things that you can still get in time for Christmas. Totally local, totally awesome, and things that I love! (and yes some of them are from my businesses, but what kind of businesswoman would I be if I didn’t love what I have to offer!) I hope you’re excited for Christmas.

Boudoir

I really believe that boudoir is an amazing thing for every woman to do! If you haven’t read about my first boudoir experience you should read it here. It is such an amazing experience. I have never had a woman upset it was purchased as a gift for her and as far as I know every woman has loved the experience! So definitely a win. We have mini sessions coming up again Jan 15th and they are an amazing price including professional hair, makeup, spray tan and beautiful & sexy photos by yours truly at the Alt Hotel!

 

Bennett’s Boxes

I was recently introduced to this new local business. You can purchase pre-curated or custom made boxes with Canadian made products that are all fabulous! I was gifted a beautiful custom box for my birthday and got one to give away for Christmas. I opened them both up (I wanted to take pictures of them all pretty) but I could NOT get the bow tied back up. So top tip on this one…don’t open it up to sneak a peak! Trust that they have packaged it perfectly and included an information card for details on all of the products in the box. You’ll never make a bow as pretty as theirs, so just trust that it’s perfect inside

 Oceanstone

Have you been here? It’s an AMAZING spot and a weekend away is never a bad idea! Buy a gift certificate for a cozy winter escape, or a sweet summer adventure.

Awesome Life Retreat!!!

Speaking of Oceanstone… it’s where we are hosting our Awesome Life Retreat this year! We only have 20 seats and this is the first place we’re announcing them! Blog readers get first dibs! A weekend of growth, learning, relaxing and enjoying great food, scenery and amazing accommodations. The focus is on living your best life! You can use the code : earlybird to get $50 off booking. It’s a great gift, I promise!

A gift certificate tour.

I have actually been meaning to do this for someone, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. But I think it’s a pretty nifty idea! For this idea you buy gift certificates (big or small) at a few places that make your friend or loved one tour around and pick a little thing at places they love. I used to think gift certificates were a silly gift, but then, when I grew up, and cash would end up going to things like bills, and necessities…the gift certificate became a win! It meant that I could spoil myself with permission! And who doesn’t love that?? For me a perfect little downtown gift certificate tour would include Duly Noted (what a cute little shop with so many fun little stationery items! I feel spoiled every time I get to pick something out there!) or Kept Shop, I love all the little things. Not necessities but little cute things that you feel ok buying as a gift for yourself. Actually you could find gifts for lots of people at these cute local shops as well! It would have to include Layers Cupcakes (I am guessing you could buy a gift certificate for just one cupcake….but a half dozen is always a good bet!) and a flower shop (faves are Props or Halifax Flower Shop) and your recipient can pick up a couple blooms to make them feel special! Gift certificates can be super personal and let someone feel completely spoiled! Maybe a favorite restaurant, dessert spot or coffee shop. If they love candy or reading, enough for a book or a bag of candy at Sweet Janes! I can’t wait to do this for someone soon!

Use What You’ve Got!

The Beginner Photography Workshop. Bring whatever camera you have (Iphone, Point and Shoot or Digital SLR) and we will help you to learn to use it better. We’re spending two Tuesday evenings in January together in Bedford, learning, practicing and one on one time, less technical and more very practical lessons!

*This post was partially sponsored by Benett’s Boxes. As always opinions expressed are completely my own!

Winter Wonderland – A Simple White Table

Winter Wonderland – A Simple White Table

by | Dec 12, 2016 | I like Pretty Things, Parties + Events, Uncategorized

I don’t know about you, but I have been loving simplicity lately. I have enjoyed weekends at home with my family (although I have to admit that I go a little bit batty when I’ve been home for more than a day at a time), a tidy home, a calmer schedule and a paired down wardrobe. Simple is just nice for me right now.

As I watch the snow floating (blowing) by our windows I thought it would be a perfect time to post this beautifully simple table. There is something that just calms the world when it is covered in a white blanket of freshly fallen snow. I am always amazed by what a quality tablecloth and chair covers can do. I love the simple cleanness of the look.

I wanted to show how you could take many of the same main elements as in our rustic look (simple wreathes and garlands) to see what an impact adding the white tablecloth and chair covers made. I loved that simple table but I wanted to take it up another notch by adding some glittery elements! A little crystal on the garland, in martini glasses, and the charger plates made the white go glam! And I stand by the hand lettered place cards! They make everyone feel so special! I actually went to a party the other night and they had signs and bar menus made by Amy, and it added such an amazing element to the evening! Top Notch ladies!!

Now that the kiddos are getting bigger it’s more difficult to fit them at the adult table, and well…white linen just seems like a bad idea when it comes to littles so I thought they would appreciate a cute little set up all of their own! Most people have a coffee table that is a good height for children, and glow has little ottomans with lots if covers available that were just about the perfect size. I used snowflake decorations as the charger plate and then two colored plates stacked (another cute little touch that added another visual element) and then used a little silver pine-cone to finish the look.

Credits

Photography by : This is Photography

Super cute hand lettered place cards : Calligraphy by Amy

All greenery : Twig & Twine Floristry

Glow for White Tables :

Crystal Garland

White Swag Chair Covers

White Poly Tablecloth

White Matte Satin Napkins

Silver Rhinestone Charger Plates

Glow for the Children’s Table :

Red Ottomans

Silver Snowflake Decoration

White & Red Plastic Plates from our Solids Collection

Red Plastic Cutlery from our Solids Collection

Red/White Paper Straws

Silver Pine-cones

Table : Wicker Emporium

Chairs: Ikea

Let’s Finish Strong, the Year’s not Over Yet!

Let’s Finish Strong, the Year’s not Over Yet!

by | Dec 9, 2016 | Real Life. Real Thoughts., Tools for Awesome Living

“It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish it”

The pastor at my old church was known for using this saying a lot. And I am thankful for it! It’s one of those things that has stuck with me for years. I hear it when I am tired or feel like giving up or at times of the year where it seems like it would make sense to just coast.

It seems like the easy thing to do is just relax until 2016 wraps up and start fresh for 2017. But you know what? Three weeks (four when I started writing this!) is still a very long time, about a twelfth of the year. If we counted out the four weeks at the end of summer, and the four weeks at the end of school, well then we just gave up about a quarter of the year. I feel like I’d be pretty upset with myself if I just let this time go by without any focus. Maybe you’re focused ALL the time and need the holidays to be more relaxed. thats c

I am REALLY not into the “what’s your excuse” hub-bub. Actually it ticks me off. One of my pet peeves. “What’s your excuse” for not losing weight? Or working out every day? Oh my good gracious!!! Every time I see these posts I want to lose my mind! Here is the thing. Just because YOUR priority is to do these things right now, it doesn’t have to be everyone’s!

Excuse : a reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense.

Asking “what’s your excuse” means that you think that people are GUILTY of something. There is no fault in weight loss not being my primary focus! Yes, being healthy is good. Yes, taking care of your body is good. Yes, being at a healthy weight is good. A lot of other things are good as well.

Feeding the hungry.

Playing with your kids.

Giving money to the poor.

Creating.

Being there for friends.

Reading.

Studying.

So many good things. And we get to choose. People don’t often ask “what’s your excuse for not giving all of your money to those in need” but somehow it became acceptable to pressure people into feeling guilt of not putting their appearance first (yes, yes, health too, but often not the true focus).

And the funny thing is that I AM working at losing weight. I don’t think there is anything wrong with trying to be fit and healthy. I just remember feeling so angry when I saw those posts. It is so easy to judge someone when we don’t see what they are really going through. Be careful of that. So that was a rabbit trail of a rant….

What I was MEANING to talk about is that a lot can happen in three weeks. We all know that new year’s resolutions are pretty much crap, so why hold off on doing what we want until January 1st. We can start now. Not by setting lofty, nice sounding accolades, but my figuring out what you want out of life, and the steps that you can take to get there. Goal setting is where it’s at! I have great aspirations for 2017 but that doesn’t mean I am ready to close the book on 2016. There are lots of good and positive things that can still happen this year.

There are lots of parties and festivities (Both my husband and I’s birthdays are next week and my daughters is the week after Christmas….so I get that for sure!) but it doesn’t mean that I should write off the entire month/rest of the year. My personality loves goals and points and charts, so I created this healthy habits star chart for myself. Cheesy, yes. Helpful, also yes!

 

This may not work for you, but just because you didn’t meet ALL of your goals for 2016 doesn’t mean you have to give up now! There are probably some that you can still action. And if not, make some weekly SMART goals for the rest of the year. (but hey if you want to just relax and enjoy the rest of the year in indulgence, you will get no judgement from me!)

I just know that I love feeling like I have accomplished things, and when things are all over the place, busy, hectic and out of routine, I love being able to see that I still did healthy things for me, my family and my business. But maybe it’s simpler for you, eat one vegetable a day. Go for a 20 minute walk this week. Do something kind for a stranger. I don’t know what lines up with what your goals and values, but there’s likely something there!

I am excited to finish the year strong! Stronger than I started. Excited for what is to come and thankful for the rest of this year that is not yet done! (and to keep me accountable until the end, I will be sharing my star chart by Jan 3)

I will encourage you though, to start planning for your 2017. If you want next year to be different than this year was, you need to make it that way. Plan the things that you want! More on this in coming weeks!

I’d love to hear what you plan on doing to finish the year strong!

Gilmore Girls Revival Party

Gilmore Girls Revival Party

by | Dec 2, 2016 | Parties + Events

I am a huge Gilmore Girls fan. I don’t know if it was the struggles of Lorelai and Rory’s love stories, the relationship between mother and daughter or the love for all the food…but it was always a fun show with humor and lightness and all of the beautiful appreciation and small time charm.

I wasn’t a huge fan of how the series ended, but c’est la vie right? But when I heard about the Netlflix revival I was SO excited. I mean sadly excited. Maybe embarrassingly excited. I put out a little poll on “the Facebook” as my dad calls it, to see if anyone else might be interested in a viewing party. I think we can tell by now, hosting people is something I love, and that comes very honestly to me. I grew up in a hospitality home, cooking for people, entertaining, owning restaurants and always having something in the works. And I have learned that this type of creative outlet serves me really well.

SO people were in, and my mom, my beautiful Loralei (with the poise of Emily) offered to host the party at her house. I was determined to “keep things simple” so that I could really enjoy the evening. But then the ideas kind of got away with me.

A wedding planner years ago was sharing thoughts with a bride on a budget and mentioned that if you’re on a budget a good way to use your resources is to pick one or two things to invest in that will really create a “Wow”. It’s part of the reason I almost always create one vignette at a party that I host, and has always stuck with me. I decided that for this party the “wow” would be in the welcome. A hollywood style red carpet viewing arrival (where I knew that we would take pictures as well!)

The red carpet, drapes, and red ropes/stanchions and beautiful balloons all came from GLOW. The easel and mirror I borrowed from home and the prints were from Staples. (If you haven’t heard of this before you can get really big prints for a really good price by ordering engineering prints. I have used them for Finley’s birthday party background, my to do list smiley face trackers, the calendar I posted from Hand Lettering and both the Gilmore Girls Now Playing sign and Team Jess/Logan/Dean posters. They are a great option for something quick and are only available in black and white (so I wouldn’t recommend them for getting your wedding photos printed).

Oh and it can’t be a Gilmore Girls Party without all of the food! I opened it up and made some suggestions on what people could bring that Rory and Lorelei consumed on a regular basis. We had taquitos, french fries (the devil’s starchy fingers), pop tarts (I forgot how much I liked these), pizza, Chinese, donuts, “Mallomars” and “red vines” (Viva Puffs and Twizzlers…because we’re Canadian eh?) To drink we had Founder’s Day punch without the Punch, The Rory, and of course coffee coffee coffee.

Myself and a few of the girls has custom shirts made from KoolT’s in Halifax, and I have to say that they can do almost anything and whipped these up for us in just a couple of days. Having shirts we all liked a lot means we can wear them again. I am wanting to be more “In Omnia Paratus” (ready for anything) so it’s a great fit for me (both literally and figuratively) and we got photos taken with our “teams”. Poor Dean. It’s not I don’t like him, just not as Rory’s love interest. BUT I have to say, at the end of the four new episodes I am not sure I would still be team Logan or Team Rory. Actually not very happy with those two at the moment. The end of the last episode had me frantically googling if Gilmore Girls was going to have a re-revival on Netflix. I didn’t find an answer, but if they do, you can expect a re-revival viewing party from me, because it was just so fun! Even if it wasn’t the best TV I have ever seen. Or hey, maybe a Gilmore Girls party just as an excuse to get together and have all the tasty treats!

Thanks to all the ladies who came, shared food, laughed and yelled at the TV with me (*ahem love you Stephanie**) and to Glow for hooking us up with such a cool Red Carpet welcome!

Create a Stunning + Stylish Holiday Table

Create a Stunning + Stylish Holiday Table

by | Dec 1, 2016 | Parties + Events, Uncategorized

I love all the pretty things. I often avoid Pinterest because I get pulled into the pretty. Instagram is the same way. There are so many beautiful things out there! So I thought I would throw my hat in the ring and show you my take on some simple (but awesome) Holiday tablescapes.

I like for my house to be beautiful but I am also wanting it to be more SIMPLE.  I am working on it for 2017, for my house to be clean and uncluttered. I have BIG goals in this arena, and the best part is that I can SEE it in my mind, I believe it’s actually going to happen. I know I am going to need to get my butt into gear (and I’ve already been talking to a life coach and a home design/organizer/stager, because this poop is gonna get done!) All that said,  I wanted to create pretty things for Christmas. I wanted to have pretty tables, and create pretty pictures without thinking I had to have ALL THE THINGS. You see, there are places that already have all the things. I am sure your city or town has them, and here in Halifax I have found GLOW. Yes. They have the things. And you can RENT them.

Yup, back in the day (***ahem*** last year***) I wouldn’t have rented. I would have said something along the lines of, well I could just BUY it for a little bit more (well usually two or three times more…) and then I HAVE it. Some things this legitimately works for, like the Christmas decorations I have up in my home for about 8 weeks, cake plates that I use at every single event I host. But those things you use for one fancy dinner? The extra large linens? I have come to learn, is that if you buy things so that you have them…then you HAVE them. Yup. I know, its rocket science! When you HAVE them, you HAVE them…in your home…taking up space… Maybe that’s not an issue for me, I didn’t realize it was for me until I started doing this learning on what it means for me to be well. I realized I wanted things more simple.

I’m trying to get rid of all the things ; to declutter, simplify, clean and organize. But when I have totes full of things that I “might use again someday” it kind of goes against that end goal. Definitely there are things worth investing in but if you don’t need to HAVE all the things, maybe you can rent some of the things and get the same look (or even better!) This is growth for me people.

For this little styled table I partnered with GLOW, Twig & Twine Floristry and Calligraphy by Amy. I was actually supposed to have friends over for dinner to show off this pretty set up, but fall sickness kicked that plan in the butt!

If you have never tried building a beautiful tablescape, I think you should give it a try. It’s another great way to let those creative juices flow. This table had the beautiful greenery as the base. I liked it plain with just the greenery, but it’s fun to keep building on it. Danielle (Twig and Twine) had hooked us up with some more spruce sprigs and magnolia (cool leaves!) to layer with the main garland table runner and then we layered on top and around that. We added candles of different styles (gold, tall tapers and wooden candleholders). And then we added the personalized hand lettered placecards for the finishing touch. I LOVE place cards. (and Amy is doing a Holiday special for up to 8 hand lettered place cards for just $20. I would recommend this for making the table extra special!) You can for sure put a place card right on a napkin, but the slicing into a pinecone or using the mini wreath added a little extra depth to the look! There are a million ways to place place cards, but I think these ones worked best for this look! 

I hope you like what we put together and that it inspires you to give holiday table styling a try! Stay tuned for turning this greenery into glam later this week! 

On a side note I would love to see your table stylings this Holiday season! Please comment with a link or tag us in a post so we can see what you’re up to!

Sources

GLOW

Wood Slabs

Wood Lanterns

Silver & Gold Candle Holders

Crossback Chairs

Vintage Wood Boxes

Twig & Twine

Wreaths

Mini Wreaths

Greenery/Magnolias/Garland Table Runner

Calligraphy by Amy – Hand Lettered Place Cards

Tapered Candle Holders – Value Village

Table & Bench – Wicker Emporium

Wooden Tealight Holders – Gift from my Dad – Unknown Source

Linen Napkins – Homesense

Weight Watchers – Two Lies and a Truth

Weight Watchers – Two Lies and a Truth

by | Nov 23, 2016 | Tasty Food + Recipes, Tools for Awesome Living

Weight Watchers. It works. As I am sure a lot of other things work, it’s all about balance and consistency. I am sure if you consistently do Beachbody, or Aitkins or whatever you decide, it will work. But what I love about Weight Watchers is the ability to treat yourself. It means that most of the time I don’t feel deprived. It means I can create fun foods I like and work on recipes using point math (yes, I actually enjoy this, except when I calculate that the cake I want is 200 pts and I only have 3 left for the day…)

I sit at my desk writing this post, way too late and hungry. Looking at these pictures I cannot imagine why on earth today I have been not wanting to stick to this. The food looks great. And it WAS great. But today I was having a little “I want to eat all the things” pity party. Maybe it is all the Gilmore Girls trivia studying and party planning. How do those beautiful women eat all of the bad foods and look so good. Oh RIGHT, its TV, not real life!

But here are some of my favorite finds in my first 4 weeks back on the Weight Watchers train (and down 10.4 lbs, YAY)

I haven’t eaten any of my FIT POINTS to date, but I have a goal of earning 100 points knowing that I will want some extra treats at the gilmore girls viewing party this Friday (stay tuned for more!!)

On week one back on track I really wanted to go to Darrell’s  (if you haven’t eaten there before…you should try it! Consistently tasty, never dissapoints. Wraps, burgers and the most amazing Darrel Fries!) But on week one I was feeling very “stay on track” and so I decided to make my own diner-esque meal.

I made burgers from extra lean ground beef. Weighed them and added SO MANY VEGGIES, a thin cheese slice and sauted mushrooms (with just a tiny spray of non stick spray) I used a sprouted grain english muffin as the bun and just a tad of BBQ sauce, ketchup and mustard. The sweet potato fries I made with only a TSP of extra virgin olive oil. The key to these turning out well is my pampered chef baking stone cookie sheets! Awesome! But the REAL winner is the garlic curry “aoili”.  2 TBSP non fat plain greek yogurt, a pinch of sea salt, curry powder and Epicure garlic aoili spice. Stir and let sit in the fridge 10 minutes or more. 0 spts – maybe 1. But when I put it in it was 0. The sweet potato fries are somewhere between 4-6pts. I have plugged it in on the app a few different ways, but it lands somewhere there.

All together, Burger fries and aioli a 16pt dinner. Well worth it for the tasty diner inspired meal.

I promise I will always be honest with my weight watchers/healthy meals and their quality/taste. I remember when I did weight watcher many moons ago and I had one friend who SWORE that cocoa powder and cottage cheese blended up tasted JUST like chocolate mousse. LIES I tell you. LIES.

I have been trying new things, experimenting with flavors , trying to health up some recipes and I can tell you that cauliflower pizza crust is NOT the same same as regular crust. I can also tell you that frozen banana whip is NOT the same as ice cream, it’s actually not bad if you are looking for a sweet treat.

But so far my win has been spaghetti squash. Now, it’s not the exact same as pasta, because well to do that it would have to actually be pasta! But if you add flavour or sauce it seems just like angel hair! And best part of all…. its NO POINTS. Zip Zilch Nadda! I have it almost every other day. WIth sauted chicken veggies and garlic, a “Creamy” alfredo style sauce or homemade marinara (Also no points!) and meatballs. So many options for a pasta lover for me!

The quickest way to get perfect spaghetti squash is to cut it in half the long way, then cut out the seeds and “innerds”. Place flat side down on a plate and pour some water on it (about a quarter of a cup) and microwave 12-14 minutes. Take out and shred the squash with a fork. Maybe I’ll do a step by step next time!

Which “pasta” recipe would you like to have first?