We have had many weekends of snow and ice in Nova Scotia. As the days turn more to rain and wind, preparing for spring, I am so thankful for a home to be, for the small things to enjoy and the family we have and make with those around us.

Glossier Boy Brow & Brow Flick

Boy brow was introduced to me on my thirtieth birthday by a bestie. I find Glossier products simple and a less is more vibe which I love for my beauty routines.

Acrylic Photo Blocks

Gifted to me by my cousin, these two photos mean everything to me. I love having photos around, yet find the framing process taxing. These are a great way to showcase photos without the fanfare of trying to hang and frame.

The Little Book of Joy | Joanne Ruelos Diaz

We gifted this book to our daughter for Christmas as something we could all share as a family. Right now it lives on our dining room table where we can pick it up at any time and see the prompt for the day. The illustrations are sweet and joyful.

Rock

Found on a winter beach walk. I love the two tones of this one.

Atlas of the Heart | Brené Brown

Working through this book slowly alongside my aunt. Every month we schedule a chat about the latest chapter, how we feel about the unique concepts and emotions discussed within the pages and how we relate to them.

365 Block Calendar | Hobbry

I limit my amount of paper consumption as much as possible. Being a writer since I was a young child I have been gifted a lot of journals and wasted a lot of paper over the years. Now, I have more of a solid structure. I buy one type of pen for writing only, two types of journals for each year and about two other specific types of paper notebooks/pads. That way, although I may be tempted to buy the latest and cutest journal, I won’t.

Yet, there was something about this calendar block that spoke to me and thus far I have found it very helpful.
It’s a place I can put the very important daily to-dos/outcomes and know that despite my long list in my bullet journal, or the emails coming in, there on that pad are the most important things for the day.

Winter Candle Sample Pack | Okanagon Candle Co

Very happy to have experienced the winter sample pack. I love having these small candles about to light when desired. A little pick me up during the cold months.

One of the main themes this season for me has been ‘comfort’.
Much of Autumn has been revisiting comforting stories and elements from my past.
Seems fitting since Autumn is the season of cozy, cuddles and candles.

Succession Theme

It will probably take many rounds of revisiting this piece before I feel as if I have mastered it. That being said, every time I pull it out I feel a bit more confident with it. Succession is a gritty and edgy series about a media mogul family. Its musical compositions that play underneath the drama are unparalleled. Nicholas Britell is a master at creating these high-end yet very questionable vibes.

Canon EOS RP

A second-hand camera we were using bit the dust and over the course of the months following I contemplated what it would mean to invest in a new one that better suited my documentary needs. When I was about to pull the trigger a colleague and friend instinctively pointed me towards the camera that I would not regret investing in. His intuition and quick research saved me more than just regret. I have so much to learn in film/videography, but at least now I am one less step away from whipping out a camera, pressing record and capturing a moment.

Okanagan Fall Candle Sampler

I love candles and am working to find my favourite Canadian soy brands, despite the costs. Getting this sample pack allows me to get all the scents, and learn which candle is worth my future investment once I’ve burned through the packs. Did I mention I love candles?

At Home in Mitford | Jan Karon

While going through various waves of the pandemic I have been reminded of previous comfort reads and watches. At Home in Mitford was first given to me by my grandmother as a late teen. I remember reading it, enjoying it, but not falling down the rabbit hole that this series can cause. Being reminded of its small town and soothing plot recently, I picked it up again and am enjoying a slow, calming re-read of it.

Gilmore Girls

Another comfort watch, which many know and love. Gilmore Girls is a timeless series with so much heart and soul. Womanhood, motherhood, daughterhood and community all wrapped up in a quirky, quote-filled town called ‘Stars Hallow’.

Pothos

As we wait for our music / reading room couch to arrive I thought a new plant for the bookshelf would be a great idea. After research, I thought we’d start with a Pothos. So far, so good.

Spring Soy Candles

I sprung for the Spring set from Okanagan Candle Co. I have been sad to wait for my favourite local soy candle maker to start production again, but supporting another Canadian business, despite the distance seemed like a smart idea. I love that this pack lets you try all the candles to decide which one is your favourite.

Secret Garden

A secret, yet not so secret if you know me well, is that I ADORE a good Korean Drama. No matter how kitchy they can be, there is something so sweet and lovely about sinking into a limited series that attempts to embrace the ‘love story’ concept in the format of a KD. This series remains the best I have ever watched. Originally I watched this in 2011 and this would be my third rewatch of the series.

Origins Toner

I finally have landed on a toner that fits my skin type and current needs.

The Ordinary Cleanser

A gift on my birthday, and let’s just say “I see the light” in regards to ‘The Ordinary’.

String of Pearls

A pick up from Bloom on a whim. Another lovely music / reading room additive.

On Grief and Grieving

A book I am studying for a project.

Checks and Balances Exfoliant

Another back to the basics product that I am highly in love with. Simple is best with me.

Winter was a season of a lot of sinking into the moments. Taking time to rest on snow days, working hard at the desk on paper work and pitches and staying connected with loved ones.

Air Pods | Apple

I was beyond thrilled to be given these from Jeremy for Christmas. If you know me, you would know that the amount of time I spend attached to headphones is a bit ludacris. Zoom meetings, researching, writing, working with background music, listening to podcasts as I do chores (not all appropriate to have on while a little is present), talking to friends and family while I fold laundry or whatever… headphones are a thing for me.
Needless to say…I use these at minimum 3 hours per day. At most, 6-7 hours.
Worth it.

Cozy Love Candle | Blooming Studio

I do my best to buy soy candles with safe products in them. This Etsy store was a great find and I have a small amount left I will be able to burn next winter.

Word Magnets | Indigo

I couldn’t find it on there website, but years ago I found a box at Indigo of magnetic poetry and recently found another set that was focused on more wellness inspiring words. Putting my old set and new set together I have found a renewed love for using words on my fridge.
I’m sure my friends and family are rolling their eyes heavenward at this quirk of mine. I adore this small but meaningful habit.

Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream | Fresh / Sephora

A pricy night cream. The one thing I will say…I ADORE the smell and I am a huge fan of ‘fresh’ as a company.

Sail Necklace | Dana Grund

A Christmas gift From Jeremy and our five year old. This necklace is a tribute to our first home. Where we could hear the sail boats make ‘ting ting ting’ sounds in the wind.

Cement planter with Evergreen branches | Winners

A small find this winter at Winners. I am not one for an overly decorated home. But I do love bringing a seasonal nature atmosphere into the home. These little cement planters encompassed that for us.

The Home Edit Life | Indigo

A Christmas gift from the ‘sis in law’. She knows my weaknesses.

Autumn 2020 Favourites

As we settle into our new home a few new things have settled in with us….

Denby Plates | William Ashley

For reasons that are overly complicated to explain, we found ourselves many years ago without any real plates. Being a romantic at times in all things atmosphere I let whimsy take the wheel and collected a few second-hand items that gave our apartment some charm. Once in our condo loft, replacing plates never seemed important. This time around, being that we are at home more than usual, it felt that investing in a set we adored was important if we could make it work. We did. I love the coastal colours of this denby set. It invites one to sit down and truly have a meal.

2019 Photo Collection | DeSerres Album

It took longer than I had wanted, but finally, during Autumn, I was able to finish the yearly collection of photos. I try to be minimal, but capture the year for Zoë (and at times, us) to look back on with fondness. The last pages are my favourite. Before the pandemic, with best friends and scheming of what is to come next.

Snowdonia Cheese | Atlantic Super Store

I believe we were introduced to this cheese last Christmas by Jeremy’s parents. We have started a family habit of sitting around and having charcuterie together. I’ll never complain about this new tradition. Snowdonia’s cheese is soft, full of taste and utterly divine. Try it!

Howards End by E.M.Forester | Indigo

I first saw this story in the Starz adaption limited series. A four-part episodic that laid out the characters, the plot and the dialogue in such a vivid manner that I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Finally, after a year of thinking about it I realized it would be best if I just read the darn thing. So here I am. Deliciously enjoying every sentence. The theme and core phrase of this book written in the 1920s about the changing classes in England is “only connect”. A simple phrase and value, but brought to today, still rings true. If our only goal in any interaction was to truly only every ‘connect’, how much more compassion, humanity, empathy, understanding, depth and insight would we see in the world?

Future Dew Serum | Glossier

I am still experimenting with this new little friend. I adore it. I do find it works (in giving that glow), but I am working on when it makes sense to use it on my very sensitive skin. Timing in my cycle and weather is everything in regards to skincare.

Balm Dot Calm | Glossier

A lovely gloss to give autumn & winter lips a kiss.

Fall Candle | Okanagon Candle Co.

Trying hard to remember to only indulge in the 100% soy candles. This was an expensive buy (all good soys' tend to be) but it lasted the whole season and I LOVED it.

Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman | Indigo

I admit I have not made anything from this yet, but I will. 2021 is going to see this cracked open and used or I will re-gift/donate. (this is how I roll ya’ll. Use it or give it.)

Summer was a season of giant shifts for us as a family and individually. Selling and moving from our little loft into a home was a job that took up most of our summer days, but in there we found some lovely little moments and here are a few things that made our summer special.

Friendship Lamp

On a whim, we sent a lamp to both ourselves and our long-distance besties in British Columbia to have a little fun while living on opposite ends of the country during a pandemic. It felt foolish at first, but all five of us have enjoyed the fun and colourful warmth it brings us to know that we are thinking of each other through our days.

Glitter in the Air

I have always liked this song. I have been practicing more now that we are settled into our new home and seeing it all come together.

Lightfoot and Wolfville Rosé

For our anniversary we went to our favourite vineyard for a private tasting and lunch. This was one of the Rosé’s we had and I adored it. Had to bring it home as a little nod from our day.

Lightfoot and Wolfville Tote

In their shop, Lightfoot had this tote for sale and I have to say, one of the things that I have always adored about the vineyard and farm is their branding. They have a beautifully romantic way of summarizing their values and history in their images.

IKEA Water Glasses

During our kitchen reno in 2019 and since we had multiple water glasses break for various reasons. (washing glassware in a shallow bathroom sink for six weeks may have something to do with it) It has left us moving into a new house with just five water glasses left and all mismatched from various sets. Picking up a pack of these glasses is a wonderful way of celebrating hosting in our new home and welcoming a new season in our lives.

Daisy Jones and the Six

I picked up this book during my first venture out of the house after the strict pandemic restrictions lifted. It served as a lovely summer read that had the taste of “A Star is Born”.

Sunglasses

So glad that I pulled for us to both get prescription sunglasses earlier this year. They made this summer’s nature walks, drives and the few beach days we could squeeze in so much more enjoyable. Huge thanks to All About Eyeware for making that happen during the spring months.

As the world digests a new challenge, a collection of favourite things never hurt anybody….Take pleasure in the little things around you in all this uncertainty.

Succession Sheet Music

If you haven’t heard the theme music for the Television Series Succession, one quick listen will tell you why I have been working away this season at this piece.

Radiance Perfecting Serum - Pearlessence

A Christmas gift. I love it for it’s packaging and how it makes me feel after I apply it.

Grey Notes Pillow | Indigo

I’ve had these pillows for a while and due to our home Reno last year and issues I had to pack them away. I since replaced the inserts with non-down inserts and am happy to have them back on our couches and chairs.

Sand & Fog Candle | Cinnamon Noel

I couldn’t get my hands on a local soy candle maker for the holiday season, so I went off my usual resolve and bought this one. I am still trying to mostly buy Soy / natural candles.

The Fiery Cross | Diana Gabaldon

While reading the fifth instalment of the Outlander Series, I am also watching the fifth season of the hit Starz television series in order to study how books to television series adaptations occur.

Light Foot & Wolfville 2014 Sparkling Wine

We adore not just the wine but also the business of Lightfoot & Wolfville. They honour the history of the land they occupy, the culture of farming and winemaking and also those who consume their product are able to see and be apart of honouring that culture by becoming more aware of the natural rhythms of each season. Saving this for a special time.

Winter | An Anthology

Another book in the season anthology series collective by Melissa Harrison. Love reading the little poems and excerpts as the season progresses.

Brown Purse | Modcloth

For one solid year, I searched for a proper replacement for my last favourite brown purse which bit the dust early 2019. Finally found this and it is filling the hole for me.

Reading Light |

Spring was a very full three months of home upheaval and yet through it all, these little things brightened up the renovation slog and put a smile on my face.

Turkish Dish Towel

Found a set of two of these at Winners and got incredibly excited. This towel has that Turkish design to it but the inside is very absorbent for drying dishes when needed. (A harder thing to find than one would realize)

Lightfoot & Wolfville Riesling Wine

A beautiful reminder of lunch and tour of the Lightfoot & Wolfville Winery during my 30th birthday weekend. I cherish the memory of the time with my oldest and close friends that day and am in no hurry to open this bottle. I admire how this specific vineyard runs and do their best to nurture and cultivate the land that has been in their family for generations.

Eternal Optimist Essie Nail Polish

Adore this light toned pink nail polish. Something between nude and pink.

The Secret Garden | Francis Hodgson Burnett

Every Spring I give this classic a re-read or a rewatch of the film. Each time I feel renewed and find new mysterys within.

Learn Me Right Sheet Music

Learn Me Right debuted in the Disney film “Brave”. This song became an anthem of mine as I was learning to become a more fuller version of myself. It speaks of grace, humanity and the ability for renewal.

Puff.Me.Light

I adore the time with my hair stylist & this time around she used a ‘puff.me’ product and it was everything. I believe I ordered the lighter version of what she used in my hair.

KarlLagerfeld Patten Leather Flats

I hunted for a pair of black flats for a long time. Coming across this pair was everything and thankfully my mama bequeathed them to me for my birthday (I may have hinted at her to jump at a timely sale….). So thankful to have them in my life. Perfect for dressing up and dressing down. Jeans or dress, they stand alone. I almost want to set aside some cash to buy more pairs for when I wear these out. And I will wear them out, because they are my FAVOURITE!

Glossier paint, Highlighter & Boybrow Products

A 30th birthday gift from the bestie & literally everything perfect for a busy and ‘no muss no fuss’ woman like me. Sure, I like to be polished and classy but on the daily’s I am more a ‘wear these 5 outfits on rotation’ and use these few main products ‘to boost the face awakening thing’. Give me simple & minimal any day!

Cotton Foxhound Candle

Having a candle to burn throughout the current season is a pleasure of mine that I adore keeping up. The Cotton candle was a lovely fresh sent for Spring made locally. (Nova Scotia)

Autumn literally flew by.

Here are a few of my favs from the season:

MIDLINER PENS

These pens are perfection for my bullet journaling. Goodbye mediocre highlighters & random coloured pens. Midliners are where it’s at!
I found these at Michaels.

FOREVER 21 PURSE ‘14

Bought this purse in New York City in 2014 when my then brown purse fell apart. & it’s just now that it itself is falling apart. My beloved favourite. I adore a purse in this tone & style. 4 years is a good life when you are one of 2 purses on rotation.

ESSIE NAIL POLISH | BORDEAUX

I wanted a better seasonal tone. This one felt just right.

PARENTHOOD SERIES

You’ve heard it many times. This Series is everything. Currently it’s on Amazon Prime Video.

BATH & BODY WORKS AROMATHERAPY | FOCUS BODY CREAM

I enjoy having a cream in my bathroom. Here is the updated purchase.

CURATING FAMILY PHOTO ALBUMS 2015 - Present

Finally completed my 2018 goal of curating our family photos into a nice album. Highlighting the ups and downs since becoming a family of 3. This album I found at DeSerres downtown Halifax.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

As soon as November hits, I start Christmas baking and this is the one staple my mom passed down to me I will never go without. These Chocolate peanut Butter balls pass every test. They are essential.

NIVEA SMOOTH CARE HAND CREAM

Gifted to me in the Maid of Honour gift package from my cousin/sister-in-law from her wedding. This cream blew me away. I adore it & am savouring it.

INDIGO 2 TONE SCARF

Purchased at the top of the season, this scarf can be a wrap, a decorative additive to an outfit or a literal item to keep one warm. It’s so multi-faceted. I am so glad I bought it.

Spring has kept me on my toes and amidst the weeks that have flown by I have found these items have brought joy into my life.  
Clockwise from Middle.

1. Darling Magazine Issue #19. - A gift from best friend Jasmine Alexander.  She knows how much I adore creatively driven work and this magazine does creative women to a whole new level.  

2. WE : A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel -  I purchased this book to read over the Spring months.  It is a beautiful ode to what the elements of living an intentional whole life would look like for any person.  It also specifies  what it means to also carry womanhood along with these values and is a perfect way to drive home how important values of 'honesty, kindness, grace etc' in life and with each other as women.  I will re-read this when I need a boost.

3. Succulent in Mini Planter  - The planter painted by my Best Friend Nicole Payzant and daughter Zoë for my birthday.  It was such a touching item to receive and filled me with joy to know that they both enjoy time together doing various activities.  The succulent is a perfect addition to my spring decor. 

4. White Life Factory Water Bottle - I had a light blue bottle that broke when I dropped it without the lid attached.  They have since come out with many designs and sizes, but I realized that white is just fine for me.  I adore this brand, due to the glass (I don't like metal made bottles that leave an aftertaste of the metal) , and shape.

5. Sephora Face Sheet Masks - A gift from my husband and daughter on Mothers Day.   These masks are fun and good to have around when I feel my skin needs a bit of self care.

6. Essie Nail Polish  - A new shade for every season is a fun thing to look forward to.

7. Fiction by L.A. Eyeworks Eye Glasses - As a first time eye glass wearer I didn't know what to think, but not that I have these I realize how blurred my vision had become for long distance and TV screens.  I love how this pair makes me feel more of myself.  I don't feel different.  Just more of me. 

8.  LA LA LAND Film - Growing up I loved collecting movies.  It's hard in a culture where media is becoming more and more stored electronically to collect copies.  I made the decision as I embraced a more minimalist/intentional life that I would commit to buying and collecting musicals.  Musicals are not only a childhood enjoyment for me, but my favourite art form.  Having a copy of a musical fills me with joy.