The Hardest Part is Through

This past week was a hard one for me. Actually, this entire month has been a challenge, I’ve been on the verge of a meltdown since May 2017 started with birthday anxiety. I had a trip to Jamaica that started with an allergic reaction in my eyes, where I couldn’t see that well, it rained heaps, I missed my bf, and I got my period. When I got home I was overwhelmed with anxiety about work I needed to get done, and it was a short week. I went to the 1188 office every day to get the music video I directed wrapped up, and didn’t really have time to work (at home like usual) on blog things. The week finished week with a full day on set. I was so tired. Finally, on Saturday, it happened. I legit had a meltdown. Our car had a problem with the tire so I rented a car for the afternoon with my car sharing app and left around 11:15 to make it to Scarborough by 12:15. Well, no, that wasn’t happening. It took me 45 min to get to the DVP (highway downtown for non-TO peeps) and by then I was feeling super stressed after leaving the house in a huff w/ Sean. Then mum called and it opened the floodgates to me balling my eyes out, stuck in traffic. It seemed like everything around me was collapsing. Then, it started raining and the event I was about to drive an hour to was canceled. BUT, I was already on the DVP and still in traffic. I took a few deep breaths and decided to get off the highway. Didn’t really know where I was heading but the end goal was home. I decided to put on the Lumineers album and for…

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Sending Sun Vibes Into the Universe, I Can’t Stand The Rain!

OK OK OK, enough already. Omg! There was so much rain in Toronto before I went to Jamaica, then, it rained more there last week than the entire month, and now, now, Toronto is flooding like crazy. I PRAY FOR SUNSHINE. Did a sun salutation. Did a rain dance. Let’s all just think sunshiney bright happy thoughts and maybe we can make it go away. Oh, and don’t look at the forecast… ? Last week more rain fell in Jamaica than the average for ALL of May. Yesterday Toronto broke a record for rainfall. I blame @casiestewart — Avinash Singh (@Avinash__Singh) May 26, 2017

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You Will Always Find Happiness If You Do What You Love 

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Life, Lashes, and Rainy Days…

Smiling here but have been feeling so meh the last little while. I go through stages like this, now and again where I wonder about the Internet and if I’m burnt out? That might be the case or maybe it’s the weather… Ok so, about the lashes… Today I’m wearing false lashes bc last week in Jamaica I had a SUPER BAD reaction to the glue from eyelash extensions. At times I couldn’t see very well and it made me sad and homesick. Honestly, it was the worst. In another country, it was raining like crazy, I had puffy eyes, all sore and bloodshot. I’m used to having pretty great lashes (yeah I know why did I get them? urgh) and now mine are not so beautiful. Some are missing and I still feel like my eyes are dry. I probably should’ve listened to my friend when she told me to have a look at this information from reneerouleau.com just in case I needed any advice on what to do if you get puffy eyes. I really wish I had taken the time to look at this before I left for Jamaica. I think it’s fair to say that I won’t be making the same mistake again. But it definitely doesn’t feel good knowing that I have puffy eyes and no eyelashes, especially as I won’t have any for a while. It’ll be weeks for them to grow back and am crossing my fingers and everything I have, hoping they come back strong. What should I do? If you have tips please tell me! Planning to go home and spend a rainy night on the couch wearing jogging pants and writing. One great thing about this weather is taking the time to recharge your batteries or get ahead. That way…

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Best Prep for Tomorrow is Doing Your Best Today

Had a nice time at the cottage this weekend. It was cool and rainy but it was good to be home. I was soooo tired after Jamaica. I’ll blog about my favourite things from the trip later but if you saw my stories/posts, you’ll know it rained most of the time. ? It’s always nice getting away but on this trip, more than ever I really missed home and my bf. Went to the office today and it feels good to be back. Went back to yoga last night and I felt rusty and my back was a little sore. I skipped going today to work from the office and try and get ahead on my to-do list. I took a bit of a break from blogging and social media while I was away. Sometimes I didn’t even take my phone out! Since it rained heaps I almost finished my latest book ‘Into The Water’. Woke up to a nice blue sky outside our patio this morning. Really loving this weather but I’m still feeling super tired. I’m taking it easy rest fo the week with yoga and catching up on sleep. This weekend we’re heading back up to the cottage and I’m looking forward to doing some gardening and things outside. I think my body is drained from travel and stress and I need to reconnect myself with nature.  

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A Look Inside The New Rexall at Brunswick House

If you’ve lived in Toronto for a while or went to uni here, you definitely have memories of the Brunswick House. That place was legendary. I lived in the Annex when I first moved to Toronto in 2005 and had a lot of crazy nights there filled with beer, dancing, and old friends. As our city continues to grow and change, a lot of old building are being torn down to make way for condos, lucky for this historic place, Rexall’s done a good job of preserving its charm and musical memories. Stayin’ true to the building’s history, Rexall worked with the City of Toronto’s Heritage Preservation Service and fully restored the building’s outdoor façade and a bunch of the interior. You’ll recognize the old keg barrel bar as the new cash counter. The chandeliers, mirrors, and signage are all original and you’ll find restored tin tiles on the ceiling. To celebrate the opening they hosted media & bloggers for the unveiling of the ‘Rexall Brunswick House Music Artifacts Exhibition’ curated by Alan Cross.  The Brunny was a music venue for over 100 years and they’ve got memorabilia on display from artists who played there including from Jeff Healey, K.D. Lang, Oscar Peterson, Downchild Blues Band, and Peter App. In other news, picked up some of these B12 strips I absolutely love. Been taking them for 2+ years now. There’s 2 in each package and they’re minty vitamins on ‘Listerine style‘ strips. Great for travel! Next time you need to run to Rexall, pop by the new Brunswick House flagship!      

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Let Success Be Your Noise

Had a great morning yoga session today. Feeling energized and have a jam packed day ahead. Saturday I’m going to Jamaica for a week. It’s the first time in years I’m going on a vacation-vacation that isn’t work. YAY! I’m travelling with @Lovesey as his guest and we’re gonna have SO MUCH FUN. We did Route 66 last year with Arizona Tourism then went hiking Sedona together. It was magical. Really looking forward to hot sun, beaches, and the food! ?? If you’re a lover of hiking, then check out https://www.dreamlandtours.net/day-tours/paria-canyon-vermilion-cliffs/the-wave-tour/ to see where your next adventure will take you! Posted the image below in my IG Story the other day and wanted to share here. Got a message from someone after posting who said it was just what they needed at the time. She mentioned theres a few people around her always shouting about their ‘success’, and I reminded her that’s often a sign they’re not really as successful as they seem. Actions speak louder than words and if you have success, it shows. I’ve always thought it’s better to talk about things you’ve done rather than going off about things you plan to do. Talk is cheap, baby. I love sharing my work and life but you usually don’t know about something until it’s happened! Work hard. stay humble. The race is long and in the end it’s only with yourself.

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Go All The Way

The last couple weeks have been kinda crazy for me, not just normal life and ‘blog stuff’ but I went out of my comfort zone and did a totally new work thing. I’ll share more on that but the point is, I learned a lot in the process, new skills, and things about myself. At the beginning of the project I was really excited, then I got discouraged,  followed by a wave of inspiration and creativity, then a breakdown. I thought about quitting, then got excited again, had some stress, and well you get the point. It wasn’t easy but I made it through. Sean was seriously so incredibly awesome dealing with me and encouraging me the whole time. He continued to remind me you have to work hard to get to the next level but it’s worth it. He says ‘You can do anything you put your mind to if you do the f&%king work.” I know I said this other day but, if you think about it, IT IS SO DAMN TRUE. You really CAN do anything, if you REALLY want to. You have to hustle you do something every single day to get closer to that goal. You can do anything! Yesterday I turned 35 (where did the time go right?!) and I had a really great day. I was thrilled to spend the day doing exactly what I want, with a clear head knowing I’m continuously evolving. I’m not sure if you’ve ever seen this video but you should watch it. Sean showed it to me years ago and I go back and watch it to remind me why I do things, the struggle, the joy. I watch it for inspiration and to clear my head. It’s a reminder live each day on your own terms. To do what you want. To go confidently in the…

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One Year Older, One Year Bolder! ?

Yesterday was my birthday and thank you for all the warm wishes! ? Had a wonderful birthday eve and entire day. In the past I’ve blogged a whole bunch of activities and crazy party but this year was different. I wanted to relax, have a cake, and go to yoga. ??? Sometimes I get really weird around my birthday and want to hide away in my cave, not talking to anyone. I hate to planning anything and the whole idea of it gives me anxiety. I don’t need to go crazy on my birthday, I celebrate my damn self all year! So, when May 8th rolls around, all I really wanna to do for my birthday, is chill TF out. So, that’s exactly what I did! One of the best things of my day was Sean taking the day off to hang out and recharge his batteries too. It was so nice to go for a long walk in the neighbourhood, look at the houses, antique shops, and have lunch together. He did treat me to a little something from Jacobs the jeweller, my favourite, which was so lovely, but I would never expect gifts. This year I really didn’t care about getting things you buy in a store but moments, simple things, memories. 10 Great Things I Did on My Birthday Got a whole bunch of helium balloons and put them in the house! They’re still up! Morning drive in the sunshine listening to my a fav album (JAIN – full Zanaka album ??) Went for a walk with Sean around the ‘hood + got some new records Free birthday coffee at Starbucks ordered w/ the app so my name was spelled right Mexican food ? Laying on the couch scrolling in nap mode Fresh flowers + fresh sheets…

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Friday Fri-Yay for Reals!

Oh man this week has been so busy. The house is a mess, and although it’s Friday, it ain’t ova’. Tomorrow we shoot this music video and it’s gonna be along day. Soon as we’re done shooting, off to the cottage we go! I love spending my birthday weekend at the cottage just chilling the ffff out. I left my Kobo there 2 weeks ago and have been missing it so much. I was right in the middle of an intense thriller book!  Yesterday I worked with acclaimed Canadian Director + Revolver Films founder, Don Allan, to submit a directors treatment for MuchFACT. The fund supports the Canadian music community through $$ and promotion of music videos and other content for all media platforms. Gah! It’s crazy to be doing something new and different. It’s a bit stressful  but I love it. Thankful for Sean and the ability to learn from him and everyone at 1188/Revolver. Who knows where I’ll be in 5 years!?!?   Found this pencil today when I started making a list. I love wring in pencil. Years ago I remember writing about ‘pencil on paper twill’ and how I liked the way it scratched across. Pencils with sayings are my fav.

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Watch More Eps of The @Netflix Dinner party!

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Bring on Those May Flowers! 

Oh spring how I have missed you! The last week I’ve been a bit slack on writing my ol’ diary as I’ve been in pre-production for the first ever music video I’m directing with 1188/Revolver Films. It’s exciting to do something I’ve never done but it’s also hard work and learning something new has it’s challenges. I know it will be awesome but until then, I’m a bit anxious about the whole thing! Gahhhh. Sean reminds me all the time: ‘You can do anything you put your mind to, IF YOU DO THE F*N WORK.‘ We film this weekend, crunch time! In other news, May is my fav month and Monday is my birthday! I’m not planning to do anything crazy, all I really want to do is go to yoga and eat cake. I’ve asked a couple friends to come to class with me on Monday night and I think I’ll bring a cake for after. ALSO, on the 13th I’m going to Jamaica! I’m Lovesey’s guest for a week long all-inclusive in Ocho Rios and I can’t wait for that either. The last couple months have been super busy and I’m planning to wear next to nothing and do next to nothing for 7 whole days.  

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Our Netflix Show is Live! Ep1: Are You A Betty or Veronica?

Last month I filmed a 6 episode show with Netflix at Wallace Studios in Toronto. It was put together by Netflix USA and Andrew Dobson from dobbernationloves.com and hosted by Jonny Morton Schuster (who is also Kiwi btw!). Other cast members include Nelia, OG blog babe who writes styleblog.ca and Amanda who writes a family travel/style blog. There are 7 episodes in the whole series and I can’t wait to share them all with you! I’ve not seen final cuts yet, super excited! Gahhhhhh. The first episode ‘Are You A Betty or Veronica?‘ is us mostly talking about Riverdale. I’ve been obsessed with this show since it started. I would deff say I’m more of a Veronica than Betty. Don’t be fooled by the blonde hair!  The show is the ‘Dobbernation Loves Dinner Party’ where we all sit around a set that looks like Andrew’s apartment and gossip about discuss our fav shows. We sat around drinking from local brews from Mill Street Brewery and food from La Cubana. There’s some great sound bites throughout the whole things but from this ep my fav is when Jonny said: ‘Betty in the streets Veronica in the sheets!” There will be new eps all week. I would love to do more stuff like this!  Have a great day my friends!

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