Happier Than Ever Vinyl | Billie Eilish

For my Winter record, I chose Billie’s crooning voice mixed with all those intense beats. This is my favourite record of hers so far. She captures that confusion, anger, heart ache and hopeful plot twist in a handful of songs.

Gold Note Pad | Duly Noted

I Christmas shopped around this particular square notepad for weeks. Finally, in the new year, I indulged in purchasing it for my desk.

[EDIT] Magazine Winter Edition | [EDIT]

I appreciate an artistic think piece packaged in a magazine, and [Edit] here in the Maritimes delivers such a thing. I enjoyed slowly reading a copy and encouraged anyone local to order the latest or another magazine that offers a similarly immersive experience in words, images, and culture.

Remedy Kombucha | Sobeys / Local Stores

This became a staple in our fridge during the many weeks of winter while I observed Lent. (this year, I chose to give up alcohol. Other years, social media, etc)
I love the lack of sugar in this kombucha brand, and my favourite flavour is not pictured here: mango passion.

Moleskin Pocket Notebooks | Duly Noted

Although can find these in many places, I like being able to purchase them from a more locally owned store. Duly Noted is a favourite of mine.

Vessels & Muses Oracle Deck | Zoë Pawlak

A Christmas gift from a best friend. These beautiful cards come with engaging journal prompts and thought pieces. Perfect for a creative spirit. I have taken to the habit of pulling a new card every new moon to meditate on and reflect over the month while I work.

Saje Extra Strength Pain Relieving Remedy | Saje

I often avoid looking at stores where I know I will become addicted to their aesthetics and products. As a reluctant shopper and self-proclaimed minimalist, I take each purchase seriously and have been hesitant to look at what Saje has to offer. My desire to maintain distance became impossible after an employee asked if she could roll this on my neck before I went deep into the city for a book club. I spent the rest of that evening feeling the soothing effects on my neck and shoulders.
I’m hooked.

Sunday Morning Print | Jasmine Alexander

Not yet framed, this print of Sunday Morning by Jasmine Alexander is among my favourites. I adore her new series with the remnants of life, conversation, and flavour hanging in the air between the art and the viewer.

Portraits by Birdy Vinyl | Amazon

Perhaps the most listened-to album of my 2023 year. I have always adored Birdy and found her lyrics hit a deeper spot of truth that only a handful would know and understand. Birdy finds a way to reinvent herself in Portraits yet remains true to her excellent vocal core.
( Raincatchers, Your Arms, Tears Don’t Fall )

The Last Mrs. Parish by Liv Constantine | Secondhand via a Friend

If you’ve talked to me about books, you’ll know one of my all-time favourite rapid reads is “The Last Mrs.Parish.” After reading a library copy, I rushed to my local bookstores to find a copy to add to my shelf of favourite titles, only to find that all the copies printed since were printed with a different cover. For me, it felt like the new covers flew against the whole story experience, and I decided to wait to try to find a copy of the original prints. This was many years ago now.
Cut to this Autumn helping a friend sort through books she was done holding on to, and after I squealed in surprise at finding the original cover, she encouraged me to take it. I look forward to my next re-read of the prequel and this beautiful first edition sega.

Black Blundstones | Soft Moc

For a solid decade, everyone has told me I need to get a pair of blundstones. With their ability to last for what seems to be ‘forever’ and their versatility, it’s a wonder why it took me so long. The price is difficult to swallow, but I can honestly say that it was well spent. I hope NEVER to need to circle back to pick up a pair of walking boots. (At least not for a LONG time)

Sound & Color Album by Alabama Shakes | Taz Records

The ultimate favourite thing of the summer is our record player and my first vinyl I purchased for myself ‘Sound & Color’ by Alabama Shakes.

SPF 40 Tinted Moisturizer by Origins | Sephora

I adore this moisturizer and love that I can put it on and know that my face has coverage from the sun before I go out.

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Chapters

A perfect summer read if you enjoy the intricacies and antics of families. These reads often give me a good laugh, a nod of understanding and if they are done right a sense of solidarity along with entertainment. Jenny did just that.

White Birkenstock Flip Flops | Softmoc

Admittedly I have had the same silly blue flip flops from Old Navy since I was 20. After 14 years I felt it was time to retire them. They were quite literally falling apart. I replaced them with these. Hopefully a solid pair of flip flops for pool / beach days.

T3 Single Pass Curl 0.75 inch Barrel Iron | Sephora

Over the past year I have committed to a shorter hair style. I enjoy the ease and lack of fuss it makes me feel, that being said, it unfortunately meant that my barrel iron I would use for waves or curls was too big for shorter hair. Hopefully this is a one and done purchase.

Pocket Rocks | White Point Beach

Every summer we go to White Point Beach to spend a week in the sand, waves and under the stars of its natural beauty. I always look for a token from that year and these were the precious stones I found and brought back with me to carry for the year.

Bug off Collection | Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre

This collection of plants was put in a shallow terra cotta bowl to ward off bugs. All plants that mosquitos and other pesky bugs don’t like. I liked the idea, and although I may buy these plants individually next year, I thought it made sense to give the collection a go.

White Leather Kids | Softmoc

Keds are my go-to shoes. Over spring, I picked up this pair for work days while in the house and using my standing desk.

Glossier You | Gift from the best friend

Sweetly given upon her arrival back to my province. On my first application, I was sent back to a time when the store JACOB used to be in Nova Scotia and how they would sell and give their fragrance. It was my favourite until the chain folded/moved out of every province. I remember being disappointed over it. This scent reminds me so much of that fragrance, and I love it.

Cannon 16 mm Lens | Birthday gift

The kit lens that came with my Cannon ER0S went with a 24 - 105 kit lens which, although significant, is a lot to tote around. This new lens captures a master-wide shot and gives a sense of intimacy. It provides a perspective that the other one can’t.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë | Chapters

Although I had a copy given to me years ago, it had baggage with the history of it. I decided this beautiful edition would be its replacement. I love the brush strokes and how it almost seems wet in appearance—art in its purest and raw form.

Anchor Paper Clip | Gift

A sweet gift from a friend away.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: An assortment of items laying on a table: Book titled ‘Fall on Your Knees’, Valentine Cards, a notebook with 2023 and Resonance written on the front pages, a ceramic decorative house, a tube of hand cream called made by ‘Fresh’, and a blue sweater.

& all of a sudden we are wrapping up the winter weeks…

Fall On Your Knees | Ann-Marie MacDonald

Canadian Author and playwright Ann-Marie writes beautifully, and I only wish I had read this years ago. The two-part plays are showing in my city, and it would be lovely to see them if possible.

Happy Valentines - Scratch Cards | Inklings

These valentines bought for our daughter to give to her classmates from a local store, Kept, were our way to support local rather than a box store.

Personal Bullet Journal | Bullet Journal Ryder Carrol

Every new year I create a new day planner based on the ‘bullet journal’ method created by Ryder Carrol. I am especially pleased with how this year’s creation turned out, as I am getting more and more specific in what works for me and what doesn’t.

Fresh Milk Hand Cream | Fresh

On those cold winter days at my desk, having a small tube of this cream has been a lovely pick me up when my hands feel extra dry.

Blue Fitness Hoodie | Lulu Lemon

Spoiled by my cousin for Christmas. She made sure I was toasty and trendy for 2023. I ADORE this hoodie.

Ceramic House | Chapters

A wee gift from my daughter for Christmas. I love the simplicity of this aesthetic along with the ability to switch on the house lights. Simple and understated. It gives a happy glow on winter evenings.

These are a few of my favourite things…

Summer Candles | Okanagan Candle Co.

I sincerely enjoyed testing the seasons of candles from this Canadian company. From this collection ‘Dock’ and ‘Campfire’ are my favourite. For me, joy in seasonal decor is often found in the consumable products from nature, food and things we make to use during that time.

Out on the Wire | Jessica Abel

Spending the summer reading and listening to various insights and courses on audio storytelling. This book is one of those items that has surprised me. Written through the art form of comic strips, Jessica drives home the surprising but very real truth that audio storytelling is primarily and, firstly, a visual medium. Sounds conflicting? Pick up this book, and you’ll be amazed at how true it is.

Royal Conservatory Level 1 Books | Royal Conservatory

Recently I decided to go back to the basics of my piano theory and skills. I had a unique education in music, and although I had worked through levels of piano theory, I bounced around more than not, which irked my last piano teacher to no end. Getting these books for myself brings me a lot of joy, and although very basic in nature, I think we can all benefit from going back to the beginning of our skills and be reminded of where we started.

SPF Tinted Moisturizer | Origins

I have been using the same SPF moisturizer since 2015, so it was a shock to the routine when I was told they were discontinuing that specific one. I finally landed on this one, which I might love even more than my beloved ‘Neutrogena SPF daily moisturizer 45’. The tinted nature of this product creates a cleaner finish and still leaves room for a bit of touch-up under the eye. Simple and classic is how I like to do it over here.

Enchanted Garden Puzzle | Hobbry / Chapters

I love Hobbrys collab with Indigo, and it was a no-brainer when I saw this lush image released in their puzzle series. The simple pleasures of passing a table and putting a few pieces in before one goes about their day.
I do puzzles like I do my coffee. Slow and steady.

Previous Summer Favourite Things

2021
2020
2019
2018

Replica : When the Rain Stops | Sephora

A combined birthday / mothers day gift to myself in the form of scent. I like having a work day scent and a ‘at home, relaxing scent.’ When the Rain Stops is perfect for my at home mood.

Replica : Whispers in the Library | Sephora

A combined birthday / mothers day gift to myself in the form of scent. Whispers in the Library reminds me of sitting in a coffee shop and pouring over words. My version of a perfect work day.

Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder | Amazon

Although I have yet to truly deep dive this new beauty, I am going into the summer with goals that will incorporate it’s use. Knowing that I can lean on this recorder when I need to is the exhale and tech supportive I have needed.

Run Towards The Danger by Sarah Polley | Chapters

I like to say I was a fan of Sarah Polley before most of the people around me even knew she existed. I was following her work as an actor from an early age, and although I didn’t see her work that she produced / wrote / directed until my early twenties, I wasn’t that far behind. I felt like I was stumbling on a hidden gem of a soul that no one was talking about when I caught up with all her projects in the 2012/2013 era.
Sarah dares to work on things that others may shy away from. She does the internal work in her projects and it speaks to a deeper place than any indulgent television series could give me.
I consider her work and words a bit like therapy in the form of art. Deeply scary, provocative and healing all in one.

Piquettes | Benjamin Bridge

A close friend decided that I needed to be treated to her summer routine of having Piquettes on hand for my birthday. Sometimes the simplest of gestures are the most meaningful. The case I received came with four different kinds. Three alcoholic, and one non alcoholic. Each of them are light, summary and add a beautiful spring to my step. I am saving most of them for the summer months.

Pothos plant | Adopted plan from a moving bestie

The same friend who sneakily had the Piquettes delivered, also made her move to a neighbouring province. Having an abundance of house plants she asked if I was interested in taking a few more? I was thrilled to take this one specifically. This particular blend of Pothos was clearly worked hard on by her and I am dazzled by it.

Hello Neighbour Puzzle by Hobbry | Chapters

I fell in love with the Hobbry brand when I saw the Indigo / Hobbry collab at Chapters. Something about the way Hobbry creates puzzles for the various seasons at my favourite box book store tickled me. Despite there being a million different puzzles in the world, I love a good collaboration and am loyal to brands I am impressed by. I am doing my best to only collect Hobbry/Indigo collabs for the foreseeable future.
*puzzles are an activity that deeply ties be back to my late paternal grandparents. The act of doing one is a nostalgic comfort.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Coffee Mug | Jaw Pottery, Rain Jacket | London Fog, Pre School work books | Amazon, Rainboots | Hunter, Quote squares | Birthday gift from Jasmine, Blue-light glasses | Amazon, Spring Anthology | Amazon, Rhythms of Renewal | Amazon, Bye Bye Under Eye | Sephora, Soy Candle - Rain | Saje, Pillow Cover | Indigo, Iridescent Wine goblet | Winners

Indigo Pillow Covers

I adore having seasonal decor but in a minimal sense. Getting my hands on these pillow covers allows me to change up the look without investing in more pillows.

Pre School Workbooks

These workbooks along with the Kiwi Crate Co. were a blessed addition to our lives during the worst of the pandemic. Learning helped tire our preschool/grade primary ready kid out and helped her feel more confident daily.

Quote Squares

Knowing I like slipping words in the corners of my home, Jasmine smartly sent me these for my 31st. Any words from Maya Angelou are sure to shake you a little.

Rain Gear

In Nova Scotia, not having rain gear is absolutely ridiculous. I finally got rain boots (my old ones had bit the dust almost two years ago & invested in a high quality rain jacket.

Rhythms of Renewal

Listening to the author of this book in a podcast interview by happenstance as the pandemic restrictions hit made me order the book. Couldn’t be more perfectly timed.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Fraiser Fir | Hammock, a.k.a. Thornbloom, Grateful, Thankful, Blessed Tea Towel | Winners, Tan Knit Sweater | H&M, Gold Tray | IKEA, Wine Glass | IKEA, Seeing Stars Essie Nail Polish | Shoppers Drug Mart, Glasses | All About Eyeware Optical, Glossier Highlighter | Gift for my 30th Birthday from Jasmine Alexander, Autumn Anthology | Amazon, Brown Silk Shirt | Suzy Shier, Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati | Lend from my Aunt

Frasier Fir Aromatic Candle

I first found this candle with my mom last Christmas. We both entered the Hammock store and stopped instantly in awe at the way this candle smells exactly like a real Christmas tree. This year I had to buy one. Especially knowing their business was suffering due to storm damage affecting their access to their flagship store downtown Halifax. It was a small thing to buy, yet I made sure to purchase this candle from them.

Grateful, Thankful, Blessed Tea Towel

With a newly renovated kitchen comes the desire to decorate it. That being said, I am always careful with decorations. I realize that personally, I tire of them easily. Focusing on seasonal decorations is a great way for me to enjoy decorating without boring too fast. I adore this set which reminds me of what Thanksgiving and the preparation for Christmas is all about.

Tan/Brown Knit Sweater

Mid Autumn, I was on the hunt for good deals. When I saw this sweater at H&M I was hooked. It was exactly what I wanted in a knit sweater. Loose, warm, complimentary and a muted tone. It is so warm. A luxury.

Wine Glasses

During our kitchen renovation this year, for some odd reason, we ended up breaking multiple water & wine glasses. I decided to look at what IKEA had to offer and was so pleased with this line. Previously I had stemless goblets. I adore those and still have three left, but there is something about these stemmed goblets that just speak to me.

Seeing Stars Nail Polish

Simply put, I am embracing brown this year and this nail polish color is making it happen for me.

Glasses

Getting my prescription updated this year led me to get a new set of glasses. I have a newer black pair that look similar to my old ones and this pair which I am enjoying wearing for a less aggressive look. I love that I can pop these on at a more formal event and feel that they are not taking away from my makeup / overall look.

Glossier Highlighter

Jasmine gave me this highlighter for my 30th birthday and I am still loving and using it. I love the way it adds a slight brightness to the face without being overt.

Autumn Anthology

Just as the last anthologies, I enjoy having each book in this series to read the natural rhythms of the seasons as the seasons unfold. I am a woman of seasons if you haven’t already gotten the hint….

Brown Silk Blouse

I am learning to re-love brown this year. I find it a comforting warm color to wear and the silk itself which is just so darn sexy.

Into the Wilderness - Sarah Donati

A lend from my Aunt in PEI this past summer. A good distraction while I wait for Outlander series season 5 to come out so that I can read book #5 The Fiery Cross.

This summer flew by fast for me. It didn’t feel as if I had enough time to truly enjoy the weeks of warmth, but I was able to find a few favourite things…

Strapless Romper

Aerie has become a place I reference when I am looking for something cozy and within my style. Finding this romper has been the staple of my first summer as an official ‘thirty something’. I adore it. It makes me feel completely comfortable, while also feeling very 100% me.

Anne of Green Gables 1985 Series

This Television Movie Series has been with me my whole life. I don’t remember when I first watched it and I don’t remember it ever not being in my life. I remember that my mother had it recorded on two VHS tapes. They were stored in her vanity drawers. Sacred tapes that weren’t out in the “kids” ‘free for all’ cupboard downstairs. At first, I remember it was something she brought out in the summer time and as the years passed I remember being able to sneak into her room and pop it in whenever inspired. This is a timeless adaption and I love coming back to it over the years.

Champagne Toast Candle

A simple single wick candle from Bath and Body Works. I love the name & the simple sweet scent.

French Affair Essie Nail Polish

Pink is a hard colour to fall in love with for me. It’s a colour of my youth and yet I am learning to find which shades of pink can follow into my adulthood. This is one of those colours. It’s electric, sexy and so much fun to wear.

Photo Album #2

Completing our second family album wasn’t easy during such a busy season, but I did. & so glad that Zoë can flip through our memories.

Summer Anthology

I have a thing for seasons and this collection has a way of bringing the words and the atmosphere of the season together.

With A Twist Kate Spade Dish Towel

Nothing says Summer more than this.

IKEA Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids

Adoring IKEA’s glass jars with bamboo lids for the ‘finally’ renovated kitchen.

Glass White Pen

A bit addictive to write on all the jars in our kitchen.

Here are a few of my Winter Favourites…

Outlander & Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

The Outlander series has always been in my periphery. It wasn’t until this Winter that I decided to pick up a copy to see what all the fuss is about. To say I like it would be an understatement. I LOVE IT! I have been swept away in Diana’s beautiful way of weaving history, romance, time travel, science fiction, drama, comedy and so much more. This woman is a master at creating a world that one doesn’t just get swept into, but falls into and never wants to return.

ROOTS Cabin Socks

I have been slyly wearing my husbands Cabin socks for over a year now and figured it was high time I got myself my own set. I LOVE how these are perfect in boots and keep the toes warm and dry.

Homemade Kale Smoothies

Good for whatever ailes you. There is nothing like a Kale Smoothie after indulging in holiday sweets, or just to boost the immune system.

Bedazzled Black Mittens

I may have MAJORLY hinted to my mother that I liked the look of these mittens at Bootlegger before Christmas. The biggest surprise upon receiving them was how warm they actually are. Warmer than any mitten I have ever owned.

Presidents Choice Hot Red Pepper Jelly

We have always liked this jelly on a cracker with harvarti cheese, BUT, for about a month after Christmas finding this Jelly was almost impossible. Finally it is back in stock and we may have gone mad over it….

Essie Bourdeaux Nail Polish

It’s just a great winter red…what more can I say.

QUO Best Dressed nail Polish

Classy, sassy and a bit bad assy.

Peppermint Scented Candle

A gift given from a close friend with a lovely holiday scent that isn’t too strong.

Blue/Grey Blanket

So utterly soft and comfortable. We have been LOVING this blanket the whole season since receiving it at Christmas time from my Aunt and Uncle. We comment about how much we love this blanket at least once a week.