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.
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!
En route back to the city after a v chill time at the cottage this weekend. I took a bunch of naps and spent hours reading. I’m at so it’s important to recharge your batteries. I like to take breaks from my phone and totally zone out. It was pretty windy/cool out so we’ve not started on the outdoor yard work (hence the naps/?). Cottage life is great but it is also a lot of work!
Last week I wasn’t feeling super great or inspired but the cottage cured me and I’m so ready to make this week awesome.
It’s finally spring and each week is nicer than the one before.
I’m looking forward to a couple events I’ll be covering this week. Emily and I are doing Tae Kwon Do and I’m liking it. Feels good to be back in a uniform after being away from martial arts for…oh y’know, 20 YEARS! I book my yoga classes at the start of the week and try not to miss them as things get busy, hopefully I make them all. Threw some SPIN in the mix too!
As you are welllll aware I spend heaps of time at the cottage over the summer. One thing our whole cottage crew knows is that I have the best internet. I’ve been with Telus for a looooong time and their mobile network is seriously amazing.
When we’re driving along Southwood Road there’s a few spots where service drops, but not for me. We always use my phone to stream music from because my network literally, never misses a beat. ??
Middle of the lake? No problem.
When we’re on the dock, it’s common for people on ‘other’ carriers to lose signal or miss calls. Not me! ?? I’m always popping on my WIFI hotspot to offer our guests uninterrupted scrolling. We’ve even given my number as a phone contact since I’m on Canada/Ontario’s largest 4G LTE network.
Wondering about coverage in your area?
Check out the Telus interactive coverage map HERE. Below is a screenshot of Muskoka, all purple means 4G LTE across the whole area. I’ve got the bandwidth to download or stream Netflix using my mobile connection.
In Ontario, TELUS ranks highest, with its customers experiencing the lowest incidence of calling problems in the region.
Humble Brag ?⤵️
According to the J.D. Power 2016 Canadian Wireless Network Quality Study, TELUS ranks among the highest in overall wireless network quality across Canada.
Aside from a strong mobile network they have an incredible human network of people on Team Telus and do lots of great stuff across Canada. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of some awesome charity and giving back initiatives through my work with them. They’re also the #1 national communications provider for customer service. Proud to be part of Team Telus and happy to share what makes them a great company to work with. Check out the website at telus.com and see the whole group of #TeamTelus advocates here.
On that note, despite having an amazing network, it’s important to take some time to disconnect. At least with Telus, I can share and document my relaxing when I’m ready!
Here’s to a many more great cottage weekends!
Only a few more weeks till the NEW iPHONE!
Over the last few months I’ve been on a journey to take better care of myself. I feel better on the outside and inside, with more energy, and I’m less hard on myself.
Every spring I do a big clean on the house but I never really thought about cleansing myself? I’m getting rid of old habits, old friends, old thoughts, and setting new intentions. This year is different!
NEW YEAR, NEW ME
Here’s a few tips I’ve discovered that have helped me feel happy and healthy. I’m making this year a great one by making small changes in my lifestyle.
Exercise
You don’t have to go hardcore but it’s really important to be active and exercise. I’ve open to trying just about any workout and last week I did Function 45, that is a hardcore 45minute circuit workout. I’m planning t give it a go for 2 weeks to kick my summer bod into high gear. I’ve been going to yoga 3-4 times a week since the end of January which I find calms my mind and has started to lean out my bod while making me stronger.
Drink Heaps of Water
An old tip but a really good one. More water will energize you, help your skin, and it helps me snack a little less. After my LA trip in January, I saw a bunch of girls at yoga with the Bkr water bottles and I ordered on on Amazon right away. I take it with me everywhere now and I find I drink heaps more water.
It had been a LONG time since I went to the dentist. When I finally went, my teeth looked good and I felt great.
I had braces in high school so (my parents) spent a lot of money and I spent a lot of time in a dental chair, I don’t want any of that to go to waste. I’d had a little tiny stain in the front of my teeth for years and in one recent visit, my dentist got rid of it. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, you might want to contact your dentist for a check up, or you could look at this Dentist in Greenbelt for an idea of the sort of dental treatments that are on offer to you. You only have one set of teeth and it’s really important you take care of them. However, I’m not looking forward to being older as dental insurance for seniors is expensive. You can compare providers with the help of Let’s Say Thanks which might help you save a little. I guess it’s just a part of life!
Regular dental appointments will save you $$$ in the long run. Make a priority to visit your local dentist or if you were like me and didn’t have one, find a new one at youroralhealth.ca/yourteethareworthit.
Get a Fresh Cut
Since my hair is super short I get a cut A LOT. However, a fresh cut or shave can do wonders for your self-confidence, positive attitude, and personal style. I recently cut my hair super short again and I FEEL FAB-U-LOUS. I’ve been going to Sassoon Toronto in Yorkville and they do a killer blonde.
SLEEP
Something I’ve been really working on it going to bed at a reasonable hour. For years I would sit up late and work away on the blog or client things and I’d be exhausted. So, instead of lazy eyelids or falling sleep on the couch, I stop and go to bed. You are only one human and there are only so many hours in a day. Go easy on yourself, you need sleep.
Watch What You Eat
I don’t claim to be a health nut but I’ve been trying to eat healthier. I recommend keeping healthy snacks on hand and in your purse at all times. Cut your portions in half. Save it for later! It’s ok to eat a burger and fries or have a beer but not at every meal or every day. Moderation is key.
Just think how great you’ll feel after doing yoga, going to the dentist, a healthy lunch, a haircut, and heaps of water! You’ll be ready for a great sleep knowing you fed your body and mind really well.
I found this photo in a box of tax receipts and it gave me such a warm feeling. I’m pretty sure mum has this costume still hanging up in a closet at home. When I was about 9 my jazz class did a competition number to the Inspector Gadget song and to this day I still remember some of it.
I spent heaps of time at the dance studio as a kid. I started ballet around 3 and a half, had my first recital at 5, and spent a few years competing. I went all over Ontario, NY, and the National American Dance Championships in South Carolina a couple times.
First ballet Recital, 5 years Old, Fluffy Cloud
I distinctly remember times ballet was hard. Sometimes I hated it. I’d be crying after class, begging mum to let me quit. But she never did.And thank god for that.
Although it was tough, dance taught me so much.
It taught me hold my head high when I walk, how to enter a room, how to be on stage. I learned to not give up.
I’m so thankful for the decade I spent dancing as kid. For my teacher Miss Lisa at Meyerhofer Academy in Cambridge. I’m grateful for mum who taught me to persevere through all the tough times. Also thankful for all the late nights, mum sat at the kitchen table making ballet skirts for the studio to pay for it.
As I get older ,I appreciate more and more the hard work I put in when I was younger. This week Emily and I signed up for Tae Kwon Do. It’s her first go and my first time back in 20 years. [Side note: WHERE DID THE TIME GO, HOW AM I THAT OLD?]
TDK is another thing I spent a few years doing that taught me so much. I have my green belt, won an Ontario trophy for 3rd in sparring, and once broke a guys jaw with a roundhouse kick.
Before signing up this week I inquired about it twice over the last year and I’m glad I finally did it. Even after all these years, the five tenants of Tae Kwon Do have never left my memory.
I’ve been working hard at yoga the last couple months and I feel so much stronger in my muscles and my mind. I’m not sure if I’ve lost many lbs but I’ve for sure made some muscle and lost some of that muffin ’round the middle.
This post is a reminder: Don’t give up. When something is hard you have to push through to get to the next level. It’s like playing a really hard video game, and working hard to beat The Boss, and make it to the next level.
When you get there, it’s always worth it. And you can do it again.
