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.

I have been reflecting a lot lately on the beginnings of words, storytelling and creation in me.

It is not the beginning as far as when I became a storyteller per se, which I believe is an embedded truth in my DNA and life.
It is more how I have developed over the past decade.

Leaving one career.
And exploring another.

In my early twenties, I experienced a truly devastating situation. One that I have been brought back to again and again in my journey of healing. I am reminded of the damage that humanity can inflict on one another when not taking the greatest of care. Myself included.

This was the turning point for me.

I had a choice to make.

Either I let this take me out emotionally, spiritually, physically etc., or I take back my voice.

The Chronicles of the Dramatics Society has many moments where I look back and think of all the things I would change with the experience I have now.

And yet, it still has the heart and the soul of me embedded into it.

Doing this one small show was my first vital lesson that creativity and storytelling are about showing up with a vision, executing it to the best of my ability, and finding joy in the process.

Writing and producing this hour-long play, I found forgiveness for myself and others, space and grace for what is hard to explain and a deep desire to pursue this new side of myself—the side with a voice and a vision.

So albeit I wouldn’t claim this as high art or anything that is incredibly skilled, but that I am proud of it, its raw, vulnerable nature…

and that if I had chosen to stay silent in my pain, I would not be where I am today.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Blue Long Sleeve | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Crayons | source unknown, Robe | Winners, Reading socks | Indigo, Good Night Rebel Girls Book 1&2 | Indigo, Pyjamas | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Calico Critters | Christmas / Birthday gifts from family, Roots Joggers | Roots, Jeans | Old Navy, Baby doll | MiniKane , Pink Dress | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, School Books | Various family members, Ready Set Draw Activity | Auntie Jasmine & Uncle Tyler, Long Sleeves | Old Navy, The Compete Baking Books for Young Chefs | Indigo, Beads | Christmas Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Christmas Doll Dress | Handmade from Auntie Nicole

This season we have found that our growing girl is all about re-wearing her favourites to till they are thread bare. Many of the new purchases to fill out her wardrobe never got touched as she would rather wear her ‘favourites’.

New to Her

Cloud Pyjamas

A Christmas gift from her Mimi & Yeye, these pyjamas fit perfectly and are the sweetest things on her.

Jade Minikane Doll

With the help of her dear Auntie Nicole we were able to get this new baby doll in time for Christmas. To say it was her favourite gift is an understatement. She was in awe of this lifelike baby and she cares for it so tenderly. A purchase we will never regret.

Reading / Cozy Socks

Worn through a pair she received from a ‘great aunt’ two years back, she begged for replacements.

Still Going Strong

Roots Joggers

Although they are becoming shorter on her, these joggers are long lasting and her favourites. We will definitely replace when she has outgrown them.

White Robe

This beautiful robe is becoming smaller and smaller on her but she loves it so much. We love seeing the joy she gets from it.

Time to Go

What needs to go she’s been ‘over wearing’. It’s almost comical how hard it is to get her to wear anything else. A few items are not seen here as they were either on her body when this picture was taken, or in the wash. (yoga pants, shirt, pink and grey zip sweater)

What isn’t shown here:

Pink Zip Sweater, Old pair of Reading socks, Pants outgrown, Pyjamas outgrown

Kaitlyn Adair from Rebel Film Productions graciously invited me on her series ADHMe to discuss the in’s and out’s of self regulation and what it looks like to be productive.

Ep.2 Description
ADHMe episode two: Productivity

I talk with @byamygrace about productivity, tuning into self, and how to have one seriously organized week!

Amy’s self-regulation practices:
-Monday to Friday:
Wake up at 6am (have everything prepared the night before so wake up is cared for)
Block the day into 4 hour chunks and theme the blocks in a way you like. (Amy’s were glow up, production, creativity, and connection).
0 inbox-organize emails

-Weekend:
24 hours unplugged, free time

-Once during the week: write night, make it a thing.

-Be present to self. Reflect, consider, action.

Link Here <—-

Top Centre - Clockwise : Soyia & Kyo Winter Jacket | The Bay, Christmas Pyjamas | Suzy Shier, Cozy Love Soy Candle | Blooming Studio TO, Yoga Shirt | Lulu Lemon, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Cream - It Cosmetics | Sephora, Lotus Anti-Aging Moisturizer - Fresh | Sephora, Pleather Pants | RW&Co, Burgundy, Beige, Black Turtle Necks | RW & Co, Skinny Jeans | The Gap, Resilence Fragrance | Bailly, Henley Shirt | Aerie, Star Sweater | Aerie, Joggers | Roots, Sails Necklace | Dana Grund, Rose Gold Watch | Fossil, Brown Button Sweater | The Gap, Voyager - Diana Gaboldon | Chapters, Oversized Beige Sweater | H&M.

Kicking into a new year, new work projects and a new routine made me realize that although I have comfort in working from home during the pandemic, I do miss pulling out more of my ‘eventing’ clothes. It’s clearly reflected here that my main focus is comfort, with a professional flare.

New To Me

SOYIA & KYO Jacket

This purchase took me over five years to make. During pregnancy in the fall/winter 2014/2015 I broke the zipper of my winter jacket to a point where it didn’t make financial sense to try to fix it. Since then I have been able to get by with older jackets and more than a year ago I purchased a nice wool jacket with a good hood. That being said, one cannot wear a wool jacket while playing in the snow without causing it damage. This year I bit the bullet and purchased this hefty jacket which will hopefully last me decades.
So far, it’s living up to my expectations.

LuLu Lemon Long Sleeve

For the longest time I have wanted an exercise top with long sleeves. I often go elsewhere for workout clothes, but upon much research this top came one of th highest recommended. I love it. Again, another pricey purchase I am hoping will last me many years.

Brown Knit Button Sweater

I have a confession to make. I convinced Jeremy to buy this. He isn’t one to spend time thinking about what he needs. I usually do this for him as I get tired of him putting himself last. But the real sneaky side of me, has to admit, that as women, we all know that mens sweaters are the best, and I may be wearing this more than he is at this point. I will take it off the moment he turns around and it’s obvious he wants it for the day… but, I grew up watching my mom walk around the house in my dads sweaters… it’s a thing. Hard not to do it myself.

Still Going Strong

Pleather Plants

I adore these pants from RW&Co. Being black they go with everything, and they are stretchy so it’s not an uncomfortable wear. One would have to tare these out of my cold and dead hands. I love them that much.

Turtle Necks

I took a break from turtle necks when I left my interpreting career. I needed to find a new me. But now that I am fully rooted into a different profession and feeling (mostly) confident about my place in it…I have to admit, welcoming turtle necks back into my life is like embracing a serious side of myself that I had missed. I love them and in the maritime chill of the autumn/winter, they do more than just make me feel snappy. They are so cozy.

Time To Go

Reading / cozy socks

I have worn my thick socks around the house to the point of holes. It’s no real surprise. They can only last so long. I will have to retire a pair or two by Spring.

Thankfully I have built my winter / autumn wardrobe up well now that not much has to be tossed or replaced.
Next year, I will try to focus on getting a pair of winter walking boots (for trails and nature walking) as the two boots I have now are best suited for city or side walk walking.

2020 threw us all for a loop.

Every. Single. One. Of. Us.

One way I have found that has kept me afloat in my own processing of it, is to pursue work that lifts up others and brings the real, along with the unique to the forefront.

It was a no brainer for me to produce this beautiful project ‘Owning It’, alongside CBC producer Natalie Dobbin and photo/videographer Claire Fraser to create a three episode series featuring local to Halifax businesses owners who are finding unique ways to ‘own’ their businesses and life.

For more on this project, check out this landing page where you can listen to the interviews, read the articles and deep dive in these amazing individuals and the businesses they continue to cultivate.

Owning It

Zen in the Art of Writing | Ray Bradbury

I was immediately taken by these essays in their simplicity and directness. It reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert and Anne Lamott all mixed together. I appreciate anyone who can find a way to put the art of writing into terms of both practicality and mystically. Both sacred and and not all at once.

Howards End | E.M. Forster

Howards end is a must read for anyone. Clearly we havn’t learned the lessons in this book yet and although set in the early 1900’s when so much was changing in society, we still see that need to cross the boarders of ‘the others’ and as Margret would say “Only Connect”. That is the entire point of this novel. If that we could only stop over analyzing everyone, and everything and just simply ‘connect’ with the other, we might find that we have something to learn, find and understand in ‘the other’.

Untamed | Glennon Doyle

Opening with a clear and beautiful analogy about a captive cheetah trained to chase a rabbit to stretch it’s legs and the wild in each of us (especially women) who society has trained us to stay poised, tame and quiet in our place, this book has it’s punches and it was a lovely slow read to digest. I would suggest this read to anyone who wants to ponder words, but also with the understanding that this reads more like a journal in the second half.

The Miniaturist | Jessie Burton

I forced myself to slow down upon reading this one, as the narrative is mysterious, intriguing and fully flushed out. I enjoyed learning about this woman and the house she resides in with every page and chapter. Knowing that there is a mini series to enjoy only makes this read sweeter still. One for the memory books.

Film & Television Series

Before Sunset | for the beautiful artistry of relational dynamics and the capture of stream of conscious conversation.
Killing Eve S03 | for the beautiful through line of thrilling dynamics mixed with an irresistible comedic affect.
Julies Greenroom S01 | for the absolute joy of Julie Andrews & Jim Henson Puppets in one project.

In late 2020 I ended up riffing a pilot episode idea with my husband as we were getting ready for bed.

The more we talked, the more we got excited about the idea. Within minutes of showering, nightly skin-care routine, and plugging in our iPhones, it felt like an opening scene was taking shape.

I ended up writing that scene to humour him and myself.

I let him read it over Christmas break.

Cut to the new year, and I knew I wanted to work on this concept more, but how?

I had other projects to attend to.

So we decided to set a goal of a specific page number a week.

It has been a rewarding and fun experience.

He gets to read and enjoy the development process of making something from nothing once a week, and I get to have a specific type of accountability that keeps me current with my goals.

In this, it’s not about perfection, but about the progress and attempt to continue the narrative.

Who knows where this one will lead us, but it’s connecting us in something I am working on. It’s an enjoyable and challenging diversion that grows me and, it gives us something to discuss that is more than just “what’s the next chore that needs to be tackled?”

We made a goal at the end of 2020 to start to make an effort into dining together more.

Our current lives as a family doesn’t lend itself to the traditional ‘family dinner’ every night, but we do find joy in eating and experiencing that togetherness through the creation of food, atmosphere and conversation.

It seemed the best way around this was to pick a handful of recipes out at the top of the month and make sure that we make the effort of enjoying those meals together however and whenever we make them. It also means that during the times we are busy, we can fill in with our fav meals or our go to healthy fillers (salads, smoothies, oatmeal etc)

As a sampling
For the month of February we settled on the following:

DINNER

Spicy Pesto and Asparagus and Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Phone Box Red Wine

FIKA / COFFEE BREAK

Linzer Cookies

We also choose a new / seasonal recipe for:

Breakfast
Lunch
Happy Hour
Dessert

Doing this at the top of the month allows us the freedom to go with the flow of our week, not put too much pressure on when we can have a sit down meal / dining time together, but it also gives us the motivation to find ourselves in the kitchen with music on and enjoy the foods of the season.

Let’s just say that this month was a lot of chocolate, and decadent recipes.

Cora & Karen Lynds

Boutique owners of KC Label

This lovely mother and daughter-in-law duo started their small boutique business after getting momentum from the masks they were making for friends and family.

Cora being a full time masters student, often works on her side of the business in the evenings and Karen during the day or whenever she sees she has time for it. Their approach is to go at a pace that fits their day and life in the moment.

Both Cora and Karen are passionate about keeping their business model light, part time and full of fun.

INSTA LIVE <——

MORE CORA & KAREN

WEBSITE

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/KCLabel

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/label_kc/

Rebecca MacDonald

Real Estate Agent

Rebecca ‘end goal’ was to become a real estate agent. With the awareness that there were going to be barriers due to her young age, at the time, and the constant ups and downs of the housing market, Rebecca grew other skill sets (graduating as an American Sign Language Interpreter) while also keeping real estate as something to study and grow into.

When asked about her values in the work she does, for Rebecca it all comes down to honesty. She treats her clients like family members and says she remains transparent for them. She recognizes that she is able to observe and take note of her clients values, long and short term goals. She looks for her them to be excited and at peace with their decisions.

What it all comes down to for Rebecca:

She protects her clients interests like she would her own.

INSTA LIVE <——-

MORE REBECCA

INSTAGRAM

https://instagram.com/realestatebyrebeccaig?igshid=19dakx0a6qzc3

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateByRebecca

CODE NAME HELEN | ARIEL LAWHON

This was a joy to read. A riveting narrative on a woman who equipped herself and used her wits and skill to further the war efforts. I especially adored reading the dynamic of the man at home behind this fierce and savvy woman.

THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY | RYAN HOLIDAY

This was a welcome read entering a new year. Ryan was able to deliver a compact book with bite size chapters that were chock full of tidbits and new ways to look at life and it’s challenges. It’s easy to get discouraged by a problem, but to get creative and look at it at different angles is enlightening. I would re read this at random any day.

Films / Television Series of Note

Spinning Out S01 - because I miss figure skating & was devastated that this didn’t have a second season.
Younger S01 - because my cousin other half told me to indulge and it’s a great laugh.
Before Sunrise - because I am watching the triliogy over again…it’s that good. (if you actually want real dialogue, real people, real love, real complexities.)
The Undoing S01 - because Hugh Grant as a complex character was everything we needed & Nicole Kidman is on fire…as always.

Happy New year to everyone who continues to make Brilliansea a vibrant and growing community!!

2020 may have derailed our plans, but in many ways, it allowed us to see how we can focus in on community more, make connections with those outside our own province, and look at our values in a new way.

Here is what we got planned so far:

Expect in Studio Interviews

When possible, we are going to record in studio again at a minimal and maintainable rate. Without setting number goals, we are aiming to take opportunities safely as they occur and are hopeful to begin releasing one studio interview a month starting early this year. We miss those spotlight vibes and hope to bring them back to you.

Expect Insta Lives

It seems important that we maintain insta live interviews, not just for pandemic reasons, but also to reach others we may not be able to interview easily in person. This allows us to delve deeper in the world of different mediums, backgrounds and range in our interviews.

Expect More Engagement

We want to know what you want. And this means talking to you more.
What do you enjoy seeing from us the most?
Re-posts, interviews, lives, outdoor events, collaborations?
We genuinely want to know how to serve you.

Expect Mindfulness

The one thing we have naturally evolved into, is to wanting to create space that isn’t about the hustle of creators, entrepreneurs and innovators, but about what it takes, what it looks like and how to care for oneself and one another. This means we don’t want to be the feed and platform that feeds the monster that says you need to die to yourself to create, be seen and be heard. We want to share what others are up to, learning, and doing to commune, to celebrate and to collaborate.

We expect great things to come from this new year and it’s been a shake up for everyone, so now it’s time to shake out and press in to new things, new perspective and a new way of doing things.

After a hard year, it seemed fitting to me that the tracks on this winter seasons playlist were both hopeful with a few reflective tones.

Winter 2021 Playlist

Stand Outs

New Kind of Beautiful | Lindsey Rey

Opening with Lindsey Rey. I first heard this song in December when the last episode of Greys Anatomy aired before the Christmas break. As always the amazing Alexandra Patsavas brings a greys episode to a close with epic tracks. This one felt so timely for the world, for the families, for the souls, for the singular person.

“A new way a new road, to a new kind of beautiful…..not like it was before.”

Want | Birdtalker

This is another soul cry track moving into the new year. We have seen division, terror, systemic racism and endless pain. When I heard this track a few months ago, it moved me. This is my heart cry for my work, my family and how I move through the world.

“I don’t wanna have a dagger tounge. I dont want my words to be a weapon, but a healing balm.”

Vincent | Ellie Goulding

This song has always been a favourite of mine. I first heard Josh Groban sing it when I was a teen and fell in love. It was around the time I began learning how to figure skate and how every song to me, was an opportunity to dream of choreography. Ellie’s rendition brings me back to that feeling of limitlessness I felt in those days and how much pain I was coming into the realization that the world was holding. A bittersweet tune full of bittersweet memories.

“Now I think I know. What you tried to say to me. And how you suffered for your sanity, how you tried to set them free.”

High | Miley Cyrus

Miley’s voice gets me every time. That genuine rasp she’s had since she was a kid, that rebel heart. Sometimes I have to roll my eyes at her antics, but there is no denying when she lays down tracks with her vocals, she has something that is unique to her and this is one of those for me. Oh, there is Miley putting beats and vocals to something I can feel my heart respond to.

“And you, like a rolling stone, always building cities on the hearts that you broke.”

24 / 6 | TIFFANY SHLAIN

This read all about taking a day to rest and unplug from screens was right up my ally. If you know me at all, you know that as a personal rule I am unplugged on Saturdays. This puts another spin and perspective on why that might be the best thing for you.

THE MOMENT OF LIFT | MELINDA GATES

I loved getting Melindas perspective on all things work/mothering and passion for both. Her relationship with her husband is one that they have honed and harnessed to inspire, collaborate with and love each other.

REFLECTION | ELIZABETH LIM

A fun rapid read twist on what happens after Mulan causes the avalanche.

ONCE UPON A RIVER | DIANE SETTERFEILD

At times, I struggled to keep track of the characters of this one. If you love a good plot twist, and major character weaving, this is a good one.

UNTAMED | GLENNON DOYLE

Does this really need any explanation? Glennon speaks to the heart of personal identity, womanhood and all that we have struggled to overcome in a society that repeats its mistakes over and over again.

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER | DIANA GABALDON

I admit, I found myself skimming sections of this huge novel. Mostly, because as this is an “aside” to the series of a side and main character, I accidentally fell into thinking I had already read sections, when really it was more zoomed in moments, filling in the gaps and giving us insight into what John & Jamie got up to while Claire was in the future.

THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM | MARIE BENEDICT

An interesting take on a woman during WWII trying to navigate the pursuit and marriage of a dangerous man. I found it interesting. The main character a delightful read.

Entering 2021, there was a strong rising up in me to embrace the growth and shifts that had occurred in 2020, not with a rebellion, but with a spirit of quiet confidence.

Much has shifted in the personal and professional aspects of life this year that it seems the only way to continue is to merely that: continue.

Sometimes one needs a shakeup, and other times, one needs to allow the growth from before to allow the next wave of change and progression to continue.

Flow

noun 1 [in singular] the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream: the flow of water into the pond.

I have recently come into an awareness of how to harness my daily rhythms to allow me to work more openly and efficiently. Starting work at six o'clock am, getting the bulk of my tasks down first thing to free up my mind for any lingering or surprising tasks/events has allowed me the creative space to be innovative in my work.

It's easy to get caught up with the busywork. Scrolling on social media, answering emails and falling down rabbit holes when researching.

Embracing the idea that I can plan my days to flow in a natural way instead of trying to cram every second with a to-do list and inevitably numbing my mind with scrolling as breaks that were inefficient methods of pretending productivity was a game-changer.

The questions I keep coming back to:

How can I harness this new awareness?

How can I not lose what I have learned?

How can I go into a new year and not forget?

And there it came.

The concept of flow.

That you can go from one thing to another with a steady and continuous movement. That it doesn't need to crash or bang, or even shout. That it can be as simple and beautiful as the quiet confidence of moving from one year to the next.

Throughout this new year, I hope to continue the work I have begun. To push projects into production and to the writers' rooms, be them physical or virtual.

I will remember the rest that is required when working hard to create and collaborate. I will set up boundaries to keep myself from getting distracted with the mindless busywork that seeks to distract me, like fast food.

I will remember that to create is to also allow the concept of flow to produce a rhythm that is as sustainable as it is in motion.

I heard the rumble beneath my feet.
A storm warning.
I think we all heard it.
I think we all knew that 2020 would change us.
I’m not sure that any of us knew how much.

How much wreckage, ache and wounds it would leave in its wake.

The people who died.
The people who suffered.
The people who wailed for a nation and a world to wake up.
The people who lost incomes and opportunities.
The people who were trapped.

2020 was a year I proclaimed boldness over my life. I knew that if I was to continue in the direction I was heading, I would need to harness my fears and daily make choices that went against my own tendencies to anxiety. So with an understanding of what it would mean to be bold, I went into the year asking for the grace to keep space for myself and others as I navigated the unknowns, and the confidence to trust the calling.

And then it began.

My steadfast and strong grandfather being taken by cancer in mere weeks, gripping onto my cousin as we grappled with the loss we just couldn’t comprehend and the realization that we couldn’t hold a funeral. The world announcing a pandemic, and staying home to stay safe. Thirty-three people murdered near our city by a man dressed as a police officer. Watching the outcry of the Black Lives Matter movement and discussing the systemic racism found in every corner of our world, including our own mixed-race family. Finding that our current home might not be the best place for our little family to continue growing, trying to sell our little home and find a new one. Kidney stones. Sending our daughter to her first year of a public school during a pandemic with masks in her pockets. A grandmother diagnosed with cancer….

But I see it there.

Boldness.

It’s a golden thread.

It’s in those quiet moments of attempting to hold each other close in the grief despite past traumas and pain. In that persistence in writing applications despite a lack of work opportunities. In the discussions with those in Women in Film about how to better support our BIPOC community. Trusting that our next home was waiting for us as we did the work of preparing and searching. Accepting sponsorship to take online classes from a producer and writer in England and learning how to collaborate with colleagues in new ways. Advocating for my own physical health in an emergency room. Supporting our daughter through so much change into her first year of school. Pitching ideas to broadcasters and honouring contracts. Finding a new sense of ourselves after so much heartache and pain.

& so,

We’ve suffered, and we’ve come out battered and a bit wounded.

I would also argue, that a lot of that wounding and reshaping…

It was for a way to be made new in this new decade.

We are called to new things.

If we stay the same,

Live the way we always have lived

See-through the same lens we’ve always been viewing it all through,

We’ll never be truly becoming.

Making the bold next right move has transformed the way I look at things. The world is a place full of beauty, and full of pain. How we hold space for both of those truths is something that will define us and those around us.

I want to continue into the next year continuing the work that boldness showed me.

It’s possible to call out what is dangerous, what is systemic and harmful and not lose the grace and perspective that allows us to recognize the pain and wounds that have shaped the situations before us.

Ever complex, ever-evolving, ever-changing and always needing someone to hold space for the next bold right thing.

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.)

Amy Trefry

Actor, Producer & Filmmaker

Amy can be found working hard on various projects in both pre-production and production while also making sure to cultivate and continue a supportive collective atmosphere in the Atlantic film and television industry.

Amy is passionate about harnessing her fears through her creative work and has a tenacity that keeps her grounded and open to embracing vulnerability.

She also happens to use her broad experiences in life as a way to connect to the projects and those she works with on a deeper and connective level.

INSTA LIVE INTERVIEW <——

MORE AMY

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Top Centre - Clockwise: Blue Jumper with Red/white T | H&M, Aristocats & Lady and the Tramp T’s | H&M, Beautiful and Strong Pyjamas | The Children’s Place, Pink Jumper | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Anna & Elsa Art | Etsy, Flower Jeans | Old Navy, Tiger Sweater | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Masks | Old Navy & Staples, Black Cat shirt | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Snack bag with Teddy Grahams | Super Store, Zoë Apron | Amazon, Etsy & A friends Cricket, Pink Yoga Shirt | Old Navy, Pink Hoodie | H&m, Blue foral & Mustard Long sleeve | Old Navy, Animal upon Animal | Amazon / Watch It Played recommendation, Monkeys in a Barrel | Autumn Weekend gift from Grandma

*Not pictured here: Schoolbag, Lunch Bag & Supplies, Yoga Pants & a few pairs of pants currently in the wash.

New To Her

Disney Graphic T’s

For her first ‘back to school’ capsule. A fun way to start her first year in elementary school. Missing here, 101 Dalmations graphic T. I have kept that one for in the new year for when we watch 101 Dalmations for the first time.

Beautiful and Strong Pyjamas

Like a weed, she grew out of her long sleeve/pant pyjamas and wore a hole through one specific set. I ordered this pair when they went on sale. She ADORES them.

Elsa & Anna Print

A fun purchase for both her and her pre-school friends’ birthday/rooms. Although I don’t want to be that person that gives boring gifts to Zoes friends etc, I also don’t want to be part of the ‘clutter culture’ where what I/we give is meaningless. Who knows how long the girls will be into Frozen, but for this season of their life, a fun print of Anna & Elsa together seemed fitting.

Apron

I ordered this plain apron from amazon, a baking show inspired pin from Etsy, & a friend offered to cricket her name onto the apron & voila, a Great Canadian Baking show costume for Halloween. (she gets such enjoyment out of watching the show).

Yoga Wear

With gym class three times a week and growing out of ALL her pants within a month, we had to scramble to solve the ‘fitness’ wear issue. Thankfully Old Navy has simple affordable athletic wear sets one can quickly order and this top along with the yoga pants (she was probably wearing them when I took this picture) gets worn once or twice a week.

Still Going Strong

Tiger Sweater

First worn last autumn and oversized, this sweater still has a lot of life left with Zoë and it is one of the cutest second-hand items ever.

Pink Hoodie

Purchased for school, we are getting lots of wear with this basic staple.

Long Sleeves

Every kid needs those simple long sleeves to take them through the year.

Time to Go

Pairs of Pyjamas

Not pictured here are 2-3 pyjama sets that she has grown out of / worn through.

Pair of sneakers / skates

Not pictured here are a pair of Zara sneakers & figure skates that have been outgrown.