You probably don’t know this about me but for just over 2 years I’ve been tracking my alcohol use with an app called Sunnyside. This app has had a huge impact on my life and I feel it’s truly helped change my mindset around drinking and encouraged me to be more mindful in other areas of my life.

I was recently on the Sunnyside Podcast talking about how I use the app, scroll down to watch or listen!

For years I went out all the time to media events, product launches, restaurant openings, and parties. Most of it has been documented here! In 2020, I started to take a healthier approach to my life by going to the gym, running, and eating healthier. This was just before the pandemic, and although I stuck to my workouts, there were times during that period when I consumed more alcohol than I cared to admit.

I reached a point where I decided something had to change, I wasn’t looking to go totally sober but I knew that drinking regularly was having a negative impact. I’m unsure how I found Sunnyside, but I’m glad I did. I started with a trial which included setting up text alerts, tracking dry days, and being intentional with the times I was going to consume alcohol.

The trial moved to 3 months and I began paying for the app. Now, two years later, I can confidently say it’s had a huge impact. I’ve swapped all the random events for weight lifting and yoga and am much more intentional when I do attend something.

Watch this video to hear my story with the Sunnyside app or listen to the podcast here on your favourite platform.

Today marks 745 days with Sunnyside and I have no plans to quit the app. I enjoy the text alerts and reminders to help me stick to my goals. It’s amazing how making one mindful change can impact on other areas of your life. Using the app was something I kept to myself for a long time but over the past two years, more and more friends have started drinking less or going sober. I’ve enjoyed these conversations and finding other fun ways to go out than sitting at a bar.

If you’d like to give Sunnyside a try, use my link here to sign up for a free trial. You’ll be glad you did! If you have any questions about my experience or want to share your own story, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram.

Earlier this year at SXSW in Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Elley Cheng, President of Pantone. In this exclusive interview, Cheng discussed the profound impact of colour on communication and branding + shared an exciting collaboration with Grammy-nominated Tierra Whack. I also had to ask her, what’s your fav colour?!

Known for its widely used colour-matching system, Pantone sees colour as more than aesthetics, it’s a language that conveys emotions, messages, and brand identities.

Colour and Culture

After noticing that Elley wore Pantone shoes, we discussed evolving colour trends in culture and society. Elley pointed out that colours are constantly evolving, with their meanings shifting over time. For example, the evolution of pink illustrates a dynamic relationship between colour and culture, from gender norms to millennial pink, and the evolving brand of Barbie. “Color doesn’t stay static, just as culture doesn’t stay static,” Elley mentioned how pink has “gone through a vibe shift.” What was once a colour with limited gender connotations, pink now carries diverse and complex cultural significance.

Understanding these cultural shifts is an important consideration for brands as they craft their identities and messages. As Cheng emphasized, “We want to showcase the way colour can express a thought, a brand’s meaning, or what they stand for. It’s the most direct and quickest way to hit the person’s psychology.”

Building a Brand with Passion

Elley highlighted Pantone’s role in facilitating communication through collaborations, such as the recent partnership with Grammy-nominated rapper Tierra Whack for her album release. Working with conceptual artist Alex Da Corte, a curated palette of colours was inspired by Whack’s persona and artistic vision. This collaboration is a testament to how colour can powerfully express a brand or person’s identity.

“Color and culture are very strongly tied because one creates and reinforces the other,” this interaction is evident in how brands use colour to connect to current cultural landscapes while shaping future trends. Pantone’s initiatives, such as the Pantone Color of the Year, reflect this understanding, helping brands align their visual identities with broader cultural movements.

Pantone’s Role in the Creative Industry

The influence of Pantone extends beyond colour matching to encompass a broader impact on the creative industry. Cheng mentioned her SXSW panel with Monotype, Getty Images, and Canva, which focussed on current issues in brand-building and their implications for the future of creativity. The conversation explored how brands can navigate the complex interplay of colour and culture to create meaningful connections with their audiences. Listen to the panel here.

Personal Touch: Favorite Colors and Merchandise

After chatting about colour, collaborations and branding, I couldn’t help but ask Elley a very important question…what’s your favourite colour? In a characteristically Pantone response, she shared her love for deeper shades of red, a colour she finds energizing and attention-grabbing. “There’s this level of energy and excitement in red, and at the same time, it has a deep sophistication.” Her preference highlights the emotional and psychological impact that specific colours can have, both personally and professionally.

Pantone has expanded their palette into consumer products, including books and lifestyle goods, catering to all who love colour beyond professional use. This move signifies Pantone’s recognition of colour’s role in personal expression and style, hinting at future endeavours to bring their iconic colours into everyday fashion.

As a company deeply rooted in the world of colour, Pantone continues to shape artistic expression, brand identity, and cultural trends through its innovative collaborations and products. Elley Cheng’s insights at SXSW show the dynamic relationship between colour and culture, highlighting the importance of agility and authenticity in branding.

Pantone’s projects and partnerships promise to keep the brand ahead of the colourful conversations that influence how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

This past weekend I joined Natalie for a sip & snack event called Feastie Food Festival at Henderson Brewery. It was such a beautiful day and we arrived just in time to catch the media tour. There was heaps of great food + we got to make our own cocktails & sample a few of others.

Putting a spotlight on Local, BIPOC & Female-owned Small Businesses, while Pairing with Really Good Drinks…

As the founder of Evelyn Chick Projects (ECP), Evelyn leads a premier hospitality agency offering beverage consultancy, event management, and custom cocktail experiences. She also runs Ahma, a pop-up event space, and Simpl Things, a day-to-night bar in Parkdale. Additionally, she recently authored and published ‘For The Love of Cocktails’.

Had a feeling it was going to rain so we set up a perfect spot inside the brewery to watch the storm roll in. It was crazy windy!

Thank you to the team at Bubblegum Canada for having us. Super fun! If you’d like to learn more about the vendors or other events, visit feastie.ca.

Can you believe it? It’s already mid-June! This year is flying by! It feels like we were setting our New Year’s resolutions just yesterday, and now we’re soaking up the sun, savouring long days, and making the most of every beautiful moment.

Summer is in full swing, and I couldn’t be happier. There’s something magical about this time of year that brings out the best in all of us. My favorite thing to do is simply be outside. Whether it’s a long afternoon walk or an impromptu picnic with friends, being outdoors is my absolute favorite. There’s nothing like the feeling of the sun on your skin and a gentle breeze to remind you of the simple joys in life.

Have been doing a lot of 5K+ walks lately. I love exploring new neighborhoods and rediscovering familiar ones. There’s always something new to see and appreciate! Walking is a great way to clear my mind and get some exercise. Parks are another perfect spot for summer, I like to bring a blanket, snacks, hydration, and lounge in the sun.

Summer is all about creating memories with people you love. As we dive into the heart of 2024, let’s make the most of every sunny day and warm night. Embrace the spontaneity, cherish the laughter, and soak in all the summer goodness.

Here’s to an amazing June and an even better summer!

Last week my two BFFs and I stopped by the new Awkward Portrait Studio by Awkward Family Photos to preview it before opening weekend. Lauren, Sarah, and I were joined by the lovely Greta (Lauren’s cat) for a super cute photoshoot. Scroll down for a link to my giveaway for your own session. 😁

Once you arrive at the pop-up you can pick your backgrounds and use any of their many props. It’s located at Richmond & Bathurst and each 30-minute studio session includes 2 backdrops and 10 digital photos. You can also buy printed photos, merch, or the official Awkward Family Photos book.

I have posted a giveaway on my Instagram for a FREE portrait session. ENTER HERE! The winner will be announced Friday. You must be following me and @awkwardportraitstudio. The session is for 30 mins and you can bring up to 8 people! Pets are welcome.

If I were to do it again I would plan much more awkward outfits and weird poses. They have iPads where you can view all the background choices and get inspired by awkward ways to pose. Some of them are seriously hilarious! I planned for us all to bring denim jackets at the last minute and I love these ones so much.

Awkward Family Photos – How It All Started

Childhood BFFs Mike and Doug started the website in May 2009 after Mike saw an awkward vacation photo hanging in his parents’ house. Thinking there were probably heaps of other people with their own awkward family images, they created a friendly place where everyone could share and celebrate their awkward family moments. Book your family or friends session here and see us on their website.

Today I’m featured on Allure Magazine in an article by Beth Sobol about peoples love for beauty products that are now discontinued. For YEARS my go-to face makeup was ‘Hello Flawless‘ by Benefit Cosmetics. I never left home without it, ever. In the article I called it ‘Photoshop for your face’, it really was THAT GOOD.

A couple years ago, I found it at a liquidation pop-up in Muskoka after being discontinued for years. Read my story, and a few from some die-hard beauty product fans on allure.com. Thanks Beth!

This month started with the Solar Eclipse in Aries, right in the middle of Mercury Retrograde. I booked an astrology reading for the Aries Full and my fav astrologist, Kait Fowlie, gave me some things to think about and reminders that I’m on the right track.

Toronto only had a partial eclipse but it was so wild to watch it happen! The sky went dark like nighttime but it was the middle of the day. I was outside for the whole event and did a cold plunge on the roof during the minutes of darkness.

I’ve been focussed on my workouts lately, my weeks have been filled with yoga, pilates, running, weight training, and lots of long walks. I even started a tap class! I am very out of practise as it’s been 20+ years but it’s a super fun way to burn calories. I love it!

My fav season (Taurus!) is just around the corner and my birthday is in a couple weeks. Here’s to seeing clearly and making my dreams come true!

In just a few days the sun will set at 7pm, and we’ll be one hour ahead. I can’t wait. Have been loving the sunshine and warmer temps lately. Spring isn’t far!

Here’s a few things I’m Enjoying:

• My friend Jeremy Potvin is finally sharing his recipes with the world! Check out his Substack here and sign up to receive ingredient lists and amazing recipes to make your heart & family happy. You’ll wanna order this fancy salt. My wekeend task is to bake the chocolate cake. 🎂

• This tiny portable tripod has been so useful! Fits in your bag, is sturdy and you can pop it up easily for photos. Who needs a photographer!

• Two really cute things I’ve ordered from Amazon lately are this little pill organizer. I am determined to take my vitamins this year! Also this set of hair bows, honestly they just look so adorable and really fancy up second-day hair.

• If you’re looking for a little something to boost your mood every single day, check out the Smiley BB ring by Santa Isla. I met the founder when I was a speaker in her college class, we stayed friends, now she has this amazing company. I wear my smiley almost every day!

• I used to spend $$$ on my gym each month and discovered I could do the same classes, plus yoga + more with ClassPass. I’ve been using it for about 6 months now and seriously love it. If you wanna join me for a class sometime. Sign up here for a free month + 20 credits!

• While I’m here sharing the goods, if you’re shopping online and don’t have Rakuten, what are you doing? Sign up here and get cash back on purchases. It adds up!

It feels like spring feels like it’s playing hide and seek, last week we had double digits temps and today we’re under a blanket of snow. There’s only 3 weeks before the time change and we’ll have brighter days. Good things come to those who wait, right?

My workouts have become my go-to therapy. There’s nothing like a good sweat sesh to boost those endorphins and kick winter SAD to the curb. I’ve been hitting the gym, yoga & pilates classes, and lots of long walks outside. These moments of movement are like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day.

As I’m here hustling through the last stretch of winter, I’m to sending good vibes your way. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, know that warmer days are just around the corner. Spring might be playing hard to get, but we’re not backing down.

Stay warm, stay active, and remember – the flowers will bloom, and so will you. 🌷✨💖

If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while, you’ll remember last year when I posted about my first venture into textile design. Using a piece of my art made on iPad Pro, I uploaded the image to Weaver & Loom‘s digital platform and the process of creating my first rug began. 🤗 Fast forward to 2023, and I’m heading to Miami with the Weaver & Loom team!

The first image below is my design from iPad, the second is a rendering of my 18 x 18 sample, the third is a color strike rendering of my 31 different colours, and the last image is my hand-knotted sample. The day I received my sample I was SO excited I decided to have a photo shoot with it! I was blown away by the construction and how vibrant the colours were.

Going through the rug-making process with Weaver & Loom was incredible, as my rug went through production, I received updates from the weavers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Here’s my rug on the loom!