Clock-wise From Top Centre: White Winter Hat | H&M, White Shirt with Skates on it | The GAP, Folded Pink Pyjamas | Joe Fresh, 'Everything's S'more Fun With You' Folded Pink Shirt | Carters, Blue Whale | Christmas gift from Auntie Nicole, Wodden Teddy Cut Outs | Melissa & Doug Gift from Grandma & Grandpa, White Heart Sweater | Carters, Red Nordic Pyjamas | Joe Fresh, Jeans | Second hand, Snowflake Pants | The Gap, Pink Nordic Pants | Joe Fresh, Stella Doll Diaper Bag & Accessories | Various Gifts from Grandma & Grandpa, Stella Doll | Indigo, Winter Boots | Joe Fresh, Pink Snow Suit Pants & Coat Set | Joe Fresh, Yellow Bird | Japan - Gift From Auntie Jasmine, 'Baby Roo I Love You' Book | Indigo - Valentines Day Gift from Mama & Dada, Little People Girl & Teddy | Gift from Grandma & Grandpa

After documenting my own wardrobe I thought I had recorded Zoës at the same time.  Come to find out, I had not.  During her lunch today I scoured the boxes for things I had packed away, items she had outgrown (pants) and pulled it together in a bit of a rush.  Either way, here we are.

The big stand outs are highlighted in this capture and although there are other items she wore this past winter season, none as often as these.  What is missing from this is the blue jogging pants from Carters she currently is wearing today.  ;)

Our favourites are without a doubt the cozy pink shirt 'Everything's S'more Fun With You ' from Carters , that White Winter Hat we bought her for her first winter, which she will definitely not fit next year, and that adorable winter jacket.  

Included in this capture are the toys and articles which have become her most favourite and most used this season.  Blue Whale is a must for every cuddle session and the Stella Doll "Dolly" is becoming the everyday "Dolly-does-what-I-do" friend.  The two "Little People" by Fisher Price were given to her as a pair on Dedication Day at Church and as a pair they must stay.  She only plays with them together.  

All in all, winter clothing is tough in toddler world with the constantly needing to be dressed and undressed.  As cute as all these items are, I won't complain when the only thing she has on is a loose romper or dress.  Plus... who can resist toddler arms, legs and bellies peeking out for a good romp outside.

Clockwise from top Left: Indigo Reading Socks , Pink Sparkle HeadBand | Winners, White Mittens | Bizou , Love Warrior by Glenneon Doyle Melton, Black Long Turtle Neck Quarter-length sleeves | Winners, Grey Hooded Button Sweater | Suzy Shiers, Folded Blue sweater | Passed on from Nicole, Pink Scarf | Suzy Shiers, Rose Gold Nail Polish | Essie, Simplicity Earrings | Modcloth.com , Champagne Toast | Bath and Body Works, Black gloves | Winners, A-line Grey Dress | modcloth.com, Grey Journal | Leuchtturm , Rose Gold Journal | Kate Spade, Ultra Repair Cream | First Aid Beauty, Grey Romper | From Jasmine Alexanders trip to Korea. Pink Sweater with White Ribbons / Aerie

Ultra Repair Cream recommendation from Beth Enman at Living While.  A true life savour during the harsh winds off the water during my winter walks.

As more seasons pass curating and developing a capsule wardrobe, I find the additions are becoming necessity or statement focused.  Winter season began, I took note of what needed to be replaced, added and eyed a statement item or two to complete the set, then I let it be.

For me, where I live, a four season wardrobe is not only enjoyable but necessary.  Halifax, NS is used to all kinds of weather, famous for it's fog and short summers.  From my perspective, it's more like our seasons have a bit of every mild version of a season inside them, but we do expierence every season fully.  Which means, things like winter gear, rain gear, beach gear, autumn jackets etc. are all things one needs.  We get frigid temps at times during the dead of winter, and absolutely sleepless heat temps late summer.

Along with the items pictured above I was also given another long grey/black sweater from Jasmine Alexander, purchased a pair of shorter brown boots to replace a pair I have been wearing for almost ten years and wore the Gap Dark Skinny Jeans and H&M Black Stretch Pants.

Winter, although cold inspired me this year.  It felt like a complete reset.  Maybe it was because I started the first day of the year standing in my best friends wedding in that grey dress.  Or maybe it's because I got to visioning and goal setting in that romper.  Or maybe, it's because I truly relaxed and enjoyed many cozy moments with my family in that cute warm pink sweater.

Either way, this capsule is my favourite so far.  

Cozy, Pretty & Me.

Polka Dot shirt From Hong Kong.  Seen many theatre and rehearsal days.  Completely stained in the arm pits and around the neck.  A sad but warm goodbye.

One of two winter house socks from Winners.  Didn't hold up well and bit the dust early. 

Spring Planning.  Bullet Journal. 2017

It's not a secret that this is my favorite time of year.  For me, Spring is reflective of a renewed mind, body and spirit.

Having expierenced two young deaths this winter in my own broader social circle, I realize that Spring may be painful to those around me.  It marks the continuation of living without.  It creates a point in time where everything alive is thriving and everything not alive, has passed.

But I'd like to think there is hope in spring.  Hope that there can be beauty after pain.  Hope that deep sorrow can be planted in this fresh soil and bring forth something, anything.  Anything to remind us that our grief is of value.

I am moved to deeply pray for those of us who know this pain, that we allow ourselves to be renewed again and again.  That we live as quiet reminders for those in the midst of the pain.

We need to be mindfully aware of what we are planting for those around us.  What will they see in our secret little garden? 

Spring's renewal in me:

MIND | Exploring the Film and Television Industry and claiming my value as a writer and creator has opened a 'Secret Garden' for me. I feel like Mary Lennox asking for her 'little bit of earth' and starting to see her garden grow.   I want to stay as hungry for learning, for inspiration and work as I feel now.

BODY | Enjoying the slow exploration of a beauty/hygiene routine.   Mindfully learning about products that I can use, or proper routines for skin care is becoming a meditation.  Slowly applying a hydrating night cream as I contemplate the days blessings and struggles.  

SOUL | Maintaining habits that are good for my overall wellness.  Sleep routines, healthy eating, quiet time, turning my phone off... simple daily check ins that are allowing me to thrive and strive in my life.  Underestimating the power of healthy habits is proving to be a misstep.  

Having not yet read on everything "Hygge" yet, knowing if I did, I would not stop.  I have captured five ways I have been using the quiet moments of Winter.

These are:  

1. Reviewing unfinished or old piano pieces along with the new to maintain skill and enjoyment.  
Having a baby stopped me from using my instrument fully for over a year.  Getting back into it with new goals and reasons is bringing joy.
What is a skill that you've let slide or could renew?

2. Skate / Winter walks.  
Being outdoors for a walk or skate refreshes me even on the bitter days.  The concept that it is 'too cold' to enjoy moving outdoors is so often, not true.
What is a time of day or activity you could enjoy outside?

3. Bullet Journaling.  
Spending the Winter weeks getting used to a full on bullet journal and all it can offer me, not only feeds my 'plan-happy-soul', but gives me a creative outlet that I enjoy.
What is an activity that would boost productivity but also be a source of enjoyment?

4. Reading.  
Taking the time to read a stack of books not only is rewarding and stimulating for the brain but it is absolutely fun to take the time to choose a group of titles and get to say you read them and share with others how you felt about each of them.  More table talk options.
What are a few titles that would be great to take off of your check list?  Or better yet, wheres your nearest library?  Peruse there.

5.  Podcasts.  
I am burning through my podcast list these days.  Maybe it is all the time indoors or having them on while I work to motivate me through maundane tasks, but I love them.  Right now I am fascinated with : "Missing Richard Simmons" , "The Goal Digger Podcast" , "Someone Knows Something" and "The Minimalists",  just to name a few.
Scroll through the topics on iTunes or other podcast platforms and you are bound to find something in your interests.

Other activities keeping me all 'winter-slap-happy' : renewing my hygiene routine, baths, finding new TV Shows, dreaming on pinterest, curating my Instagram, meal planning for the week and Using Oh She Glows cookbooks.

Relax, Renew, and Refine this Winter.

Spring is only a month away.

Clockwise from top centre :  Folded a second hand blue dress that has been featured before, Felt hat | Indigo, Cable Knit sweater | Suzie Shiers, Wine Dress | BCBGeneration, Socks | Bluenotes, Prestige Jeux Ginseng D'escargot | Korean Product from best friend, Second Hand Blue sweater | Given by another best friend, Folded Black shirt | H&M, Skinny Jeans | The Gap, Brown Faux leather Jacket | Bootlegger , Folded off white tank top | Forever21, Tufted Quarter Length Sleeve Shirt | Modcloth, Nautical Keds | Keds, Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin (Because I started reading it first day of Autumn) | Chapters, & Grey Duffle Bag | Hershal

This Autumn I was able to enjoy the results of my capsule wardrobing labour and I loved every minute of it.  Some items are missing from this shot, due to being busy and not carefully gathering every piece but on a whole, these are the main articles from the last season.

Three items pictured here that I am sad to part with after this season:  

Nautical Keds : I wore those beauties everywhere and wore them clean apart.  One shoe is fine, but the right shoe came apart along the sole and sides.  

Leaf Earrings:  Left behind by a friend who said to keep them, I've had these earrings for about two years and have always enjoyed wearing them.  They were old and not in the best condition but I was still sad when I lost it's partner.

Faux Leather Jacket: Bought in 2011 from (I believe Bootlegger), this jacket has been fun to pair with dresses, jeans, black pants, skirts etc.  It was the go to for an outfit boost.  After six years, the faux leather began to flake badly around the sleeves and collar.  Sigh...another one bites the dust.

Three items I am thrilled to have as additions this year:

Hershel Novel Duffle Bag:  I have always wanted a trendy duffle bag since being a teenager.  Sleepovers have a way of making you notice these things. Finally, I felt the time was right and found this lovely grey bag.  I love the style of Hershel, especially the shoe compartment in the Novel design.

BCBGeneration Wine Dress:  Bought from a boutique for my good friends wedding, this dress is perfect for autumn with it's wine tone and ability to pair with black hosiery and boots.  It's an Autumn dream dress.

Eye Cream "Prestige, Beaux Ginseng D'escargot" : Given to me by my bestie from her year in Korea this eye cream is a dream.  It rolls on underneath your eyes and has the perfect cooling affect.  Who knew I'd enjoy putting snail stuff on my face.  Take it from me, the Koreans know what they are doing regarding skin care.

It's been just over a year since starting to curate and develop capsule wardrobes and I am starting to see the benefits and careful deliberation pay off.

When you have less choices it frees you to make choices that are truly and abundantly reflective of you.  Now when I get dressed, I feel as if I am meeting with my true self and love the artistry of getting ready.  Sure, I may lust over the endless wracks of clothes in the mall, but in the end, it is those carefully selected pieces that truly give me joy, a sense of self and of purpose.

So long...farewell....

So epically sad to see these go.... they saw me through postpartum and many blues dances.

Winter Reflections - Amy Grace

In order for me to truly reflect, I have to set the stage.  The artistry of setting the atmosphere is half the process.  Don the attire, light the candle, crack open the new journal, play the music and surround myself with any tokens of meaning and symbolism.  

The stage has been set, the character (me) has arrived on mark and it's time to begin.

2016 I learned

• I can set in motion anything worthy of doing
• I love sharing work based off of real and relevant topics
• I crave likeminded individuals 
• I enjoy quality in food, clothes & media
• I am a natural at what I do

2017 I desire to

• Have a work practice that truly reflects my goals/visions
• Carefully curate lifestyle choices to reflect who I am
• Develop work relationships via sharing, collaborating and supporting
• Take myself out of my own box.  
• Claim my place as a creator, writer and woman

It seems I have been battling fear from the start and although those roots have been dug out, there are always remnants to weed out.  More and more I get that feeling I was made to be a bit of a fighter.  The timid girl who keeps getting pushed into fights she never wanted, and yet realizes it's the only way she'll get the chaos in order. 

This is my year to claim it.

Claim.

Wrapping up 2016 was a type of aching surrender.  A type of allowing ones spirit to fall into what life was bringing together.  Maybe it is the writer within me, the type of ways in which I see these life moments happening, or maybe, it's the way Gods spirit moves within me.  

I have been drowning in the ocean trying to maintain my heart this past season.  Often aching for the right time, words and authenticity just out of reach.  

Craving intimacy in people.  Aching over thoughtlessness.  Doubting the depth of projects.  

Loving deeply the child.  Cherishing the celebrations.  Surprised by the creativity.

A new year to live and there is a burning thrill to be gaining new ground and discovering new parts of myself.  Claiming my right and talents as a writer and performer.  Curating work and discoveries without shame. 

Letting go of the expectation to be understood and allowing my faith in Grace to carry me into the wilderness of creative living. 

3:32pm | Water Bottle half empty | Quiet, but for the fan

Autumn wreath, blanket and candle out.  Wardrobe capsule set in drawers.  Lists made and dates written down.  

A new season with new work.

One doesn't sit down to work without the intention.  Conscious or unconscious.  Intentions follow us like shadows.  That is why at age twenty "Amy: With Intentions" was born: a little personal blog for the little intentions of a little spirit.   That blog has since been retired, but the meaning behind it remains tucked inside a pocket of my heart.

byamygrace is getting an 'intentions' overhaul.  Autumn is bringing a less is more concept to this little place on the world wide web.  I want you to love this corner, as if you were stepping into my creative room, sitting with me and having a chat.

So grab a chair, a mug full of something and enjoy the shift.

*Oh, & happy Autumn...I think it might change us.  

©2014 Jeremy Lai

“renew |riˈn(y)o͞o|
verb [ with obj. ]
resume (an activity) after an interruption
give fresh life or strength to.”

— New Oxford American Dictionary

"Go through your scripts and highlight every time a 'season' is referenced."  He said from his place behind the piano.  This musical director means what he says.  His appearance, though always relaxed, holds a specificity to it, that draws one in.  He is relaxed enough, but because he knows exactly where he has to be with every note.  

It was this that triggered thoughts on the word of the week.

Spring Awakening may just be a musical to take stage in less than a month, but it is becoming a title that means more than just teenage awareness.

Seasons are apparent in the city of Halifax.  Our Summers are glorious and full of cars rushing to the coast to catch a wave or spot on a sandy beach.  Autumns are crisp and crunchy with starbucks coffee in hand as people walk in and out of places to be.  Winters are (like with any east coast weather) unpredictable and windy.  Snow falls and turns to slush, and trees are barren.

Spring

Spring in Halifax, is an awakening of life.  Suddenly, outdoor resturaunt patios are being put into place, the faces of people along the streets are no longer hidden by hoods and scarves, and doors are open for the fresh air to flow through.

As a creative, I need fresh air.  So frustrated I was one night with my rolling thoughts keeping me awake, that I rushed to the windows (which had a plastic insulation shrink wrap over them to conserve on energy) ripping them down I shoved the window open to take in the cold, but dewey air of winter turning spring.

And this is what it means to give fresh life or strength to.  We need that air to rush through our lungs to even think better.

I need to breathe without being restricted, held, suffocated.

Our perspective on life can be suffocating.

Limiting.

Allowing money, timelines, status, plans to be the reason for anything...

It suffocates the life-breath.

Creatives may speak about this more, but even those who don't take on the label need to breathe.

"The fear of what is next is just your bodies way of asking "What is next?".  It is a way for your body to see 'what are  the things that are important for you in the next part of your journey?'"  - Danielle Doiron (Halifax, Actor & Friend)

And this I breathe with.  I see the renewing with the opening of windows. 

I highlight the seasons of life in script and in my walk through this journey...