You Know That Feeling, The One Like You’re Flying

Last night I went to an aerial yoga class at Fly Fitness . It was a media class and my first time trying it. Small group, couple friends in there, but MY GOD did I need that. I feel so fucking good! Seriously. I don’t usually swear (sorry mum) but that’s really how I feel. This summer has been a life changer, having the BR surgery, recovering, reading, thinking, and setting some goals has really made me feel good. I’ve spent a lot of time cottage chilling but September is like a fresh start, a new start. Last night took me back to sitting at opening circle at Anamaya in Costa Rica. We all sat around together and had an uplifting talk about intentions, positive thoughts, it was so wonderful. We connected and smiled and tbh thinking about it makes me feel all warm inside. Yes, it’s a bit cheese but if you were there, or you have been in a moment after a great class like like that, you know what I mean. Thank you Lisa Simone Richards for the invite. They studio gave me a 2 week unlimited pass so if anyone out there in the world wants to join me for a class I’m gonna give it a go. I’m going back for hardCORE reformer pilates tonight after I pick up Em from school. I’m really keen to get fit again and want to keep this momentum! Also, not having to wear multiple bras makes it that much better. Ha!   

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The Boxed Water #ReTree Project & Brands That Give Back

It doesn’t seem that long ago I was at WayHome North of Barrie. It was a lot more Coachella-ish this year with the huge ferris wheel. Aside from going to the festival, I spent a bunch of time in the lake at the cottage because it was SO HOT. I kept hydrated with Boxed Water and paired that with my TOMS sunnies & shoes for comfort & style, all while doing a bit of good for the world. ? ? I love when brands adopt a business model that gives back to an organization or cause. If you read my recent post on Skincare Stuff You’ll Find in My Summer Bag you’ll know that Boxed Water donates 2 trees for each mention of #ReTree on social. This summer alone, Boxed Water has planted 250,000 trees with the help of people like us. Their goal is to plant 1 million!  How is Boxed Water helping the environment? – 74% of packaging is made from trees, a renewable resource – They ship boxes flat to their filler, lowering our carbon footprint – They use a thin foil barrier for freshness and HDPE for the waterproof liner and cap – The entire carton is recyclable and 100% BPA free – Trees used in their boxes come from well-managed forests – As a member of 1% For The Planet, Boxed Water commits at least one percent of their total sales annually to reforestation The Biz Model of Giving Back I’ve gotten a few compliments on these shoes and glasses (above) and would you believe they’re TOMS? They’ve moved on from those canvas shoes we were all wearing a couple years ago to more fashion forward items that adopt their one-for-one model. It started with shoes and now the company provide glasses & sight surgery through eyewear, improved access to water, and more. TOMS paved the way for the buy-one give one model, inspiring others…

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You, You’re a Babe.

To be honest, I’m really excited to get my hair done today. I’m going full blonde and cutting it short-short. One of the great things about having short hair is changing it ALL THE TIME. Before my surgery last month I really wanted to change my look, but when I went to the salon the person doing my hair wasn’t the regular person and they didn’t do the best job or what I wanted. So, it’s not looking too cute right now. You can’t really tell how not cute because I carefully wear a veil of internet and you can’t see past the screen you are reading this on. ?? I’m going to update this post later with some photos. I hope you’re having a great week. I’m looking forward to being back up at the cottage and floating on the lake.  

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New Me, New Adventures, New Love for Life

Yesterday I went out on my bike for the first time in weeks. Since my surgery I’ve been trying to get out for a walk in the morning and then before sunset. I find leaving the house in the morning gets me in a good groove for the day. I have a coffee, soak up some sunshine, catch a  few Pokemon, take some photos, update Snapchat, all before 9am. ?✌? I caught a JYNX today and then saw a man drawing a Poké Ball in his notebook at the coffee shop. It’s amazing how much you learn about yourself going though a surgery or big life event. It was pretty hard at first not being able to reach for things or lift things but I managed. Sean has been really helpful in this whole process and tbh I’ve kinda liked not having to load the car for the cottage or carry groceries! (Thanks babe love you! He prob won’t read this ?)  I’m back in the kitchen making great snacks and have perfected a trick of using tongs to grab things high up. I found this darling little Tuck Shop around the corner from home yesterday. I was there just as it closed but they make all kinds of delicious (sounding) food I can’t wait to try. So, I popped into Wallace Espresso on Dupont instead and picked up some real fruit pops and a cup of the most incredibly delicious chocolate ice cream. The Junction Triangle is seriously evolving, there’s a bunch of great spots in the area now. There’s also a Rancho Relaxo on this same corner to fulfill the need for tacos. HUzzahhhh! This is a happy person on bike with wind in her hair. Watch the story on Snapchat here.  Perfect top for coffee walk @sarasaraduke @StoriaPR! ☀️☕️#butfirstcoffee…

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Post-Op Update 

It’s been just over a week since my surgery and I’m feeling more like myself today, finally. I didn’t realize how much having huge boobs affected my mental health. Everyday when I got dressed I’d try an find an outfit that carefully hid them enough not to be obnoxious but also looked cute. I actually feel a big weight off not only my chest but my shoulders in an emotional way. It was so easy for me to make a huge mess trying to find something to wear each day. Clothes mountain was a regular occurrence, I’d try things on then toss ’em on the bed or floor with frustration. I’m so glad I didn’t get rid of clothes that were a little too small, I can wear them now! Last week I wore a jacket from Nasty Gal I ordered online about 2 years ago and it fit like a charm. Before last week, it looked unbalanced and too small to sit nicely on the chest. I’m a size 4 at most stores and often I’d get a tops size L or a 10 just to fit them in. Now, so many of my dresses, button down shirts, and T-shirts actually fit. They’re not stressed at the buttons or stretched. It feels amazing!  The whole process of going through surgery was less horrifying and painful than I imagined. My surgeon, Dr. Rice, was really great and his staff helped calm my nerves through the whole process. For the first 3 days I was really in pain, couldn’t move much, needed pain killers. The next 2 days I was feeling good, able to walk around. On the 6th day I felt so great after my post-op appointment. I went out for dinner, then met up with friends, stayed up late, and had a few drinks. In hindsight, this was…

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Here We Go! Weight Off My Shoulders ??

Sitting in the waiting room with my sister. An hour from now I’ll be in surgery. I can’t wait to have new boobs and ditch some of this weight! I’m looking forward to this all being over and starting a new workout regime in a couple weeks. I’ll be able to wear cute workout clothes for once! And only 1 bra! In other news, someone’s dad decided the waiting room for surgery was a great place to listen to all the different bird sounds from a bird watching website. I politely asked him to get headphones or stop. I’m in hospital clothes (he wasn’t) so I feel like I can do that rn.

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Take The Sushine Wherever You Go

Good morning from Trinity Bellwoods! I was on my way to the office when I decided to have a little hangout with my computer. If you missed my Facebook LIVE you can watch it here.  It’s absolutely stunning out today!

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Muskoka For The Win, Amazing Cottage Weekend ✔️

It’s like a mini vacation with every visit, like hitting the reset button. ?????? Today Sean and I had the best day, ice cream and a car show, then Grand Electric Muskoka for tacos and ceviche. ??? TBH I like the Grand Electric Muskoka vibe WAY better than the Queen West location, not as loud and the staff are higher on the chill scale.?

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Been Using Miracle 10 for 3 Months – Here’s My Results!

I get heaps of beauty products and I try to use them all but, I only have one face. I often share them with mum, my sisters or friends. A couple months ago I was invited to The 10 Spot to try out Miracle 10 and get a mani. In searching email I found out that I was first contacted in 2013 about this product, created by a Canadian skin care company and developed by The Plastic Surgery Skincare Clinic Inc. I kinda suck at sticking to a beauty regime but I gave Miracle 10  try for 2 months and actually documented my face as it changed. This product was gifted to me and I didn’t have to blog about it BUT I noticed a difference and since I took all those selfies I owe it to myself to share! 

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Getting this Off My Chest ?

I’m not really sure how to share this with the world but since I’ve been documenting here for a decade, it’s probably the best spot!  About a month ago I got a phone call that changed my life. Today is the first step before a HUGE life change. I’m getting a breast reduction. I’ve been talking about doing this since I grew them 20 years ago. ??  Last year I went to a doctor and got a referral to a great surgeon. At my appointment he took some measurements and sent the info to OHIP. I didn’t hear anything for about 6 months and then I got the call. Today my sister is coming to my pre-op appointment. I’m not feeling too nervous because I’ve actually waited a lifetime for this. I’ve had back pain and dents in my shoulders for too long! I was considering not writing about it but reading other people’s stories on the RealSelf forum has really helped with anxiety and motivation.  Hopefully at least one person reading this finds it helpful or inspiring. Hopefully the appointment today goes well. Nervous excited is my favourite feeling. ? UPDATE: My appointment was amazing! My sister and I loved meeting the staff, we had a bunch of laughs and felt like the nurse was one of my friends. I’m pleased to know I won’t be on bed rest and will be totally ok to walk around post surgery, it’s even encouraged. The stitches dissolve which is good bc I’ve seen some gross photos. They take out 50% of the weight and I can’t wait (haha) to know what THAT feels like. I’m soooooo looking forward to being able to run without having them bounce around and exercising in normal exercise not wearing a pile of bras/clothes to hide/secure them.…

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