I spent most of the day working on that documentary submission w/ Sean then picked up some packages from the office. It’s been months since I went there.
Went for an evening walk in the neighbourhood and it’s so beautiful. After being in the woods for months I’m really noticing all the colour, street art, greenery. I love this area so much.
I love the cottage but it feels good to be home.
Dirty blonde! LOL. I’m not a true bleach blonde, ok? I’ve been dying my hair since my first attempt with Sun In around grade 7. Remember this yellow bottle? I just looked it up and apparently it’s still around. ?Sean really likes this natural colour and lucky for him, I can’t lighten it again for the foreseeable future.
Today we are heading to the city to pick up Emily for the child switchover. Sean and I have been working on a big submission for a VR documentary and will be working at the house for 24 hours. This week he’s heading back up north w/ Emily for some dad-daughter time while I stay home. I didn’t expect to be away for 2.5 months and I need to get a few things sorted before heading back to the cottage.
I have a bit of anxiety about being around so many people but I’m also kind of excited to be home. I’ve hardly seen anyone for months and some days I find it really hard. I’m a social person and my friends are like family. If it’s nice out, I’d like to bike around a bit and see some friends IRL, at a safe distance.
Before heading out, I repotted some indoor plants, my propagations with their new roots, and planted some herbs. It’s finally warm enough for them to live outside. ? Do you like my gardening outfit? This hat is absolutely necessary, the bugs are out in full force. The mosquitos haven’t started yet but I am dreading them. Those buggers seem to love me so much and thank you but NO THANK YOU, PLS GO AWAY. My bites swell up and are itchy AF.
I have run over 60k this month and am shooting for 100K by May 31st. Over the past 6 months, I’ve gone from couch potato to at least 1K a day, so completing 100k in a month will be a big milestone.
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT.
Different boats = social distancing!??☀️We didn’t actually hang out with anyone on another boat but I guess we could have?! Had a nice day hanging out around the house, it was warm and sunny. We had some work to do in the afternoon for a Tuesday deadline. It’s so nice to have the boat in the water. She’s running well!
A box showed up at our door on Friday w/ this outfit and beer. Lol how did I get so lucky in this life?!?? I love the creativity of this summer collab w/ Hayley Elsaesser x Coors Slice. This print is tiny Corrs Light cans made by Hayley. The collection comes out Monday at 3pm here.
They’ve got summer swimwear, bucket hats, button-ups, and my fav item, a fanny pack cooler. So good! ???
HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT LONG WEEKEND!
PLS BE SAFE!
It’s the long weekend! I tried ice dye and it turned out so good. It’s a pretty easy technique using dye powder over ice. Chowie Wowie sent a surprise package with a dye kit this week so I went to town.
The ice dye process uses powder vs liquid and was pretty easy. I used the remaining powder mixed with water to also do traditional tie-dye. I discovered how to make hearts from a tutorial. Wrapping the garment in plastic for a couple hours helps make the colours brighter.
I’ve had this dress in my closet for ages and decided to tie-dye the bottom with bleach. I am so happy with it how it turned out. I might gift this one to a friend bc it’s a little big.
It felt nice to put on a summer dress and putter around the cottage. Did a bit of gardening and spent some time reading outside in the sun. We might put the boat in this afternoon!
Today was a good day. I did some work in the morning. We picked up the boat. Sean is dying to go wakeboarding. We went to Canadian Tire and I got my own, brand new lifejacket. I love it!
At 5 pm I joined Natalie and Christian for Truth, Dare, & Cocktails. It was hilarious. I miss them so much. Glad we all got to spend a week together in New Orleans in December. I also spent some time reading in the sun.
At night, I had a super fun Zoom hang out with some of my old besties from high school/college days. I miss them too. We laughed about the good ol’ days and shared how our lives have changed. I can’t wait to hang out in person once this is all over.
I really hope we get some sun tomorrow!
Raining. Long weekend. Quarantine. Guess this weather makes it easier to stay at home!? ?
This weekend I’m gonna do another round of tie-dye, finally got some colours. #Whatever shirt is from the gang at HideSeek, and these pants were V1 of my bleach dye. I tried to dye over another piece in The Recess Collection and ended up creating…a blank canvas! Whoops! ? I always did like things one of a kind! ???
I was so happy to find this jumpsuit in my closet. I ordered it last summer but it was too small. Thankfully my hard work has paid off and it fits perfectly now. I am not going to tie-dye this one! ?
We picked up this beautiful big kale the garden centre last weekend and SHE IS THRIVING. Hoping to spend some time in the garden this weekend getting it ready for summer.
Hope you are doing ok. Reach out to me anytime. I’m around, in the woods, hoping for sunshine, and filling carts w/ things I probably won’t buy.
Something that has really been lifting me up is @Ryan Heffington’s Sweatfest dance class, it’s on Saturday at 3pm EST via IG Live. If you need a BOOST check out yesterday’s class on his IGTV. I’ve been having dance parties w/ Jen_kirsch & Jo on Houseparty and doing the class together. It fills me with so much love and light I just about float right off the ground. ☁️☁️☁️☀️?????
Please, if you are going out this weekend, stay safe. Miss you. ?
Right now, more than ever we need to support our friends! We are all in this together and we will get through it by being there for each other, at a distance!
Social media is an amazing tool to share the things you love, you like, and support others. This tweet has been pinned to the top of my Twitter profile for over a year!
Last night I joined in a pop-culture trivia game on Facebook hosted by my friend Alex. Follow her on IG @lexniko, I love the content she creates and she’s funny AF.
Today my friend Mariah sent me a message about her latest project, a film called Pamela & Ivy. I know I don’t do movies reviews often but today her message came just as I was about to have lunch. So, I watched it and put a few notes into a post here. You can also watch the full 16-minute film in the post or on YouTube.
Mariah and I had been internet friends for a little while and last year we met for a coffee date. It was so since to meet face-to-face! I am inspired by her work and how much she has accomplished at a young age. She founded GTE Productions at 21 and is an award-winning actress & filmmaker. Her talent is out of this world!
After lunch, I went to the post office to ship a wee package of a card & friendship bracelet + an item from Knixwear. I am so impressed with their customer service! A couple of weeks ago I placed an order from the warehouse sale and when the package arrived, the order wasn’t correct. That same afternoon I was refunded for the missing items and they asked that the wrong size item I received was gifted to a friend or Women’s Shelter. I loved that idea so I sent it to a friend!
If you love creating content and know someone who is making it, tell them, share their posts with your friends. We all need to stick together!
My friend Mariah messaged me today about her latest project Pamala & Ivy. I know I don’t write film reviews that often but this film was written and produced by Canadian women in film and I am happy to show some support!
I watched the 16-minute feature over lunch. You can watch it below or on YouTube.
Pamela & Ivy is the untold, female-made, feminist origin story of DC antiheroine Poison Ivy. The film is beautifully shot and although short, has strong characters. I was taken in from the first 60 seconds. I am so proud this was created by someone I know and by strong Canadian women in film.
Watch Pamela & Ivy Below!
GTE Presents: A film by Leah McKendrick Produced by Mariah Owen PAMELA & IVY Every Villain Has An Origin. #PamelaAndIvyFilm
I keep a stack of creative books beside my computer on the table where I work in the kitchen. Sometimes when I’m feeling a creative block, unmotivated, or sad, I grab one and open it to a random page. For mother’s Day, I opened Rupi Kaur‘s ‘the sun and her flowers‘ to a poem with advice from a mum. Today, I opened Adam J. Kurtz book ‘Things Are What You Make of Them‘ to this page. Most of the time, the universe seems to know exactly what I need and presents a message on the page. I see you.
What even is fashion? My Quarantine Style this week has been a bit wild. It’s still quite cold up here so I need to layer up. It’s hard to believe the long weekend is days away and we had a couple of flurries today. SPRING WHERE ARE YOU!? Here’s hoping we jump right into summer! Next week we might crack temps over 20 degrees.
I AM REALLY READY FOR SOME HOT SUN.
This week, for the first time since the start of Iso, I really fell behind on my daily diary. From 2008-2012 I blogged pretty much every single day. I enjoy the routine of doing things, documenting them, and writing it down. It’s amazing how therapeutic a diary can be. So many times I’ve gone back to a special day, a keyword, a month, an image, to remember the moment. I love to see how things have changed, how the world was, or to reflect on who I was at the time.
I have grown and changed a lot over the 15 years I’ve had this blog. I think I’ll change a lot through COVID-19 too. The current situation is forcing us all to reevaluate what matters, who matters, and how we can be better humans.
We all have the ability to take a birds-eye view of our lives right now. The world is in transition and so are we.
Side note, I learned how to do a hair wrap with a t-shirt thanks to my friend Jak! Grab a large shirt and check out her DIY on Instagram!
Mums, step-moms, grandmas, sisters, pet mums, plant mums, sister and friends who are there for us with mum love, today is for you.
Had a nice chat with my mum and then went to a garden centre. We Facetimed Sean’s mum and had her pick out a big beautiful hanging plant to go at the cottage front door.
In the evening, I did a self-care spa including a foot mask, face mask, and watched Dead to Me in bed while drinking rosé. It was nice! Good show.
Sending special love to my mum who had been a source of strength and inspiration every day of my life. I love you so much! She always has good advice, a creative idea, or the right thing to say when I need it.
Would you believe it snowed if I didn’t have a photo to prove it!? Yes, May 9th, 2020, snow. Not just any snow, a full blanket of tiny snowballs coated everything around us.
I had a small birthday party on Zoom last night and it was super fun! I’m quite proud of myself for not staying up too late or drinking too much. Woke up today feeling good but also like I needed rest. I did not run today. Decided to take a day to recharge my batteries. Having a birthday can take a lot out of you, add the anxiety of your birthday in a pandemic and it’s kinda overwhelming. I am truly blessed to have such a great group of friends. Lauren started a thing where each person took a minute to say what they liked most about me and it was so nice. I feel loved and appreciated! THANK YOU FRIENDS!
Sean and I had a productive day of watching ENTIRE SEASONS of both Hollywood (miniseries) and Into the Night. Both shows were good. Very different vibes as Hollywood is sexy, fun, and dramatic while Into The Night is a doomsday thriller. Next up, I’m going to tackle S2 of Dead to Me which I think I can finish in a day. The way this is going we’re going to need summer or more shows! If you have any recos, please share!
Thank you! I had the best day and it’s mostly bc of you, friends, family. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Grateful to have you in my life and appreciate your love. I often have anxiety around my birthday and this year, I somehow felt calm amidst all the chaos.
I ran 4K with Sean in the morning and we did a meditation on a rock in the woods. He surprised me with a bunch of useful presents then cooked a huge BBQ for dinner. I opened a few goodies from friends and loved getting messages from around the world. At 8pm I had a Zoom party and my favourite thing was each friend taking a moment to share what they loved about me. It was like a Casie Conference of Love! I don’t remember the last time I had a birthday party but this was better than I could have imagined.
Will never forget my Quarantine Birthday and can’t wait to hug IRL when this is over. ????
Today was very active! The sun makes me want to get outside, I really hope the temperature warms up soon. Ran 2k in the morning and then walked for 8k in the late afternoon. I was listening to my latest book on Audible, Witch by Lisa Lister. I feel so calm in nature, sun on the face, wind in the trees, listening to the sound of the woods. Even saw a couple flowers blooming!
My friend Cheryl sent me a beautiful Gratitude Journal from her company Please Notes. I’m going to do my first entry the day after my birthday. I love keeping my online diary of daily activities but this type of journal is great for personal reflection. Thank you Cheryl! Check out her other journals, notes, decals, and items to keep you inspired here.
This day was the first time I saw any friends IRL in months. I was so nice to visit at a safe distance to laugh, smile, and be together. It was hard to be so close and not hug each other. I love hugs.
Had a nice shower and out on a dress before heading out on a drive around the city. It was a beautiful day, I had tunes on and the sunroof open.
Michelle’s birthday is the day after mine (May 9th) and for the last couple of years, we’ve celebrated together. We will celebrate again once this is all over! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!
Before heading back to the cottage we stopped by Jen’s place to safely say hi to her and her dad. She drew a birthday message on the driveway for me. I was so excited, laughing, and jumping up and down. I can’t wait to hang out again.
Some of my BFFs started receiving their packages and it’s a way for us to stay connected. We’re all rocking friendship bracelets I made last week. I sent each package with a little handmade card filled with good vibes.
I can’t wait to be together again. Tomorrow I’m gonna decorate for my birthday and make my own cake. I think we might do a Zoom party on Friday.
Sending good vibes. Love you xo
I came across this image and it was just what I needed at the time. Today was a very challenging parenting day, it took all my energy and I hardly got anything done. The air was thick and finally, once the child went to bed, we let it all go and soaked in the hot tub.
Tomorrow we are taking Em back to her mum and Sean and I will be here alone for a week. My birthday is on Friday. I’m planning to do a drive-by and see some friends IRL before coming back to the cottage. I can’t wait to see their faces again.
The sun will set you free. She is there for you. She loves you. She will hug you with her warmth and shine down on you. Turn your face to the sun and let her warmth fall on your face.
It’s gonna be ok.
WATCH THIS ?
Today was a great day! I ran 2k in the morning and baked sweet potato brownies. Sean returned to the cottage with Emily in the afternoon.
I did some gardening in this great outfit then made a run to town for some supplies. Our friends stopped by in their boat and might take Sean wakeboarding tomorrow.
For dinner, we made taco bowls as a family, had dairy-free ice cream sundaes for dessert, then watched The Matrix.
Picked myself up some flowers at the grocery and had the nicest chat with a lovely lady named Nora who was working at the store.
It was such a beautiful day. So happy it’s MAY!
Wow does it ever feel great to get dressed in an outfit, do my hair and wear makeup! I’m not sure the last day I did this! I figured since I was leaving the house I’d pull myself together.
Went to the post office today and have made friends w/ Judy, our local essential worker postage lady. Each visit I’ve been bringing her a little surprise as a thank you for receiving my packages and working during this time. I am SO EXCITED to run in my new shoes, they’re beautiful and feel amazing. Will have to wait till it dries up a bit outside, it’s been pretty rainy.
I know it’s annoying but this is my fav meme of the YEAR! May is my FAV month, my birthday and it’s when the weather *usually* starts to warm up., may I am here for you and all your Taurus glory! One week until the day it’s all about meeeeee! LOL!
I spent the day mostly on the couch watching Outer Banks. It’s not a great show but I’m heavily invested now and want to complete my task. Ate some leftovers. Made some cards & bracelets to send to friends. It’s totally ok to not feel like doing anything or to lack motivation during this time.
If you survived another day, that in itself is an accomplishment. We are in the middle of a global pandemic and it’s hard to deal with.
Tomorrow is a new day.
#TakeOutDay is a nationwide effort to help our favourite local restaurants by ordering takeout. The national campaign was started by Canada Takeout in an effort to help Canada’s hard-hit food industry and is now being co-signed by celebrities, chefs, and notable Canadians nationwide.
I chatted with a few notable Canadians to find out their fav spots to eat in the Muskoka region. See tweet below or read it here.
Last week we ordered takeout from Muskoka Beer Spa, they’re offering pizza from pie Muskoka, beer & food from Clear Lake Brewing, and several other local items. We even got meat pies! ?
For more information on how you can help, visit CanadaTakeout.com.
Personally, today was a good day. Ran 4k in the morning and took Sean’s route down the road and though Balfour Woods. It felt great to be out in nature and I made it back just before the rain. For lunch, I made tortilla soup with leftovers and then tried a recipe for sweet potato gnocchi. It was my first time and they turned out pretty good! Watched Netflix at night and made bracelets to send to friends in the mail.
Parenting wise, today was a very challenging day.
Was not feeling great today. Felt sluggish and unmotivated. Did not exercise. Started a new book, read outside in the sun. Hung some new plants in the kitchen window. Had a dip in the hot tub. My arm has been very sore. Have been applying CBD cream and heating pad all day. Made a nice lentil coconut curry for dinner with rice. Took an afternoon nap and then went to bed at 8 pm.
Tomorrow is a new day. Still have about 10k to conquer on my monthly NTC Challenge so hoping to get up early and go outside like I used to. I think my body and mind are exhausted. It’s ok to rest. This whole experience is tiring. Read a great article on Medium, see below.
I finally made bread! I didn’t take a photo because tbh, it wasn’t that pretty. I’ll try again but I turned out pretty flat, a flatbread. ?It tasted great right out of the oven with some butter.
Today was a lazy day and I did next to nothing other than baking bread and eating it. Took a 24 -hour break from Instagram to laze around and recharge my batteries. Found this book from my childhood and am rediscovering my love for bracelet making. We’ll see how I get on with this, would be nice to send these to friends in the mail.
I spent most the day home alone as Seen was picking up Emily. It was such a beautiful day! Spent some time reading outside then did LA choreographer Ryan Heffington’s SWEATFEST dance workout on the patio. Emma Stone (actress) was there!
This workout has been giving me so much life lately. The steps are easy to follow and it will leave you feeling happy, lighter, and sweaty. The next classes are likely going to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 1 pm EST on IG at @ryan.heffington.
We put the dock in the water just before sunset when Sean got back. We both had to go in the water and it WAS SO COLD. At home Sean grabbed a few huge mirror doors we salvaged and this week I hope to use them for a creative shoot and maybe make a wooden trim.
