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 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.