This summer was great, I went on a few adventures with friends, spent a good amount of time on boats, and made a lot of memories. So long sweet summer, you were nice.

I was recently sent a Buddha Board to review and after a couple of weeks using it, it’s a great way to relax and get a little creative. I recently started using one, and it’s quickly become a nice way to disconnect. I like to use it while I watch shows instead of scrolling on my phone or sitting in the sun while listening to a book. Inspired by the Zen idea of living in the moment, the Buddha Board lets you “paint” with water, as it dries, your creation slowly fades away. It’s a simple yet beautiful way to release stress and be present. There’s something so calming about watching your art disappear, leaving you with a clean slate and a clear mind. Buddha Board is based in Vancouver, Canada and was founded in 2000. They’ve been featured in the Oprah Magazine, The Today Show, Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Bustle and many more. It’s a great little tool for relaxation, whether you’re doodling after a busy day or just taking a mindful break. I love how it helps me disconnect, even for just a few minutes. Plus, it’s a great gift ($17.95 – $37.95) for anyone who could use more peace and creativity in their life. You can find it on Amazon here in both large and small sizes. If you’re looking for a simple way to unwind, give the Buddha Board a try, it’s meditation in motion.

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…