From Carly, With Love

Natural Deodorant Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 13:00:00 +0000

I'm a huge fan of natural products. I think it's important to be aware of what we put on our skin and in our bodies. Recently I've started making a lot of my beauty products myself. I don't wear a lot by way of makeup, but deodorant is obviously an essential! I've always hated the idea of antiperspirant - sweating is a natural occurring thing, it's something our bodies are suppose to do and need to do in order to remove toxins so we can function properly, it's not something that we should be inhibiting. That's why I prefer deodorant, it allows our bodies to still sweet, but regulates the odour that comes with it. Unfortunately women's deodorant is hard to come by, store shelves are filled with antiperspirant. I used men's deodorant for years before deciding to make my own.

I came across this recipe on Hummusbird. I've been using this deodorant for about six months now and I absolutely love it so I thought I'd share it with you all.

Here's what you'll need:

3/4 cup organic coconut oil (unrefined, virgin is best)
1 cup mixture of natural baking soda and organic arrowroot flour
15 - 20 drops organic essential oil

Here's what to do:

Mix the coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot flour together. Make sure it is mixed well so it becomes a smooth, creamy paste. Then mix in your essential oil. Store in an air tight container.

* The recipe on Hummusbird instructs to use 1/2 cup of each dry ingredient for regular skin or 1/4 cup baking soda and 3/4 cup arrowroot flour for sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin so I use the latter method and I haven't had any problems with irritation.

** Likewise, use 15 drops essential oil for sensitive skin or 20 drops for regular skin.

*** I used lemongrass essential oil, but feel free to pick a scent that invigorates you.

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The Value of Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:00:00 +0000

For so long I struggled with the idea of giving myself time off to just rest. I worked my mind and my body to the extreme day after day, week after week, and even year after year. I felt like if I wasn't constantly doing something than I was wasting time and being unproductive with my life. I'd eat meals in front of my computer, I'd study/work from 8am - 3am, only leaving my desk/bed to go to the bathroom or get another cup of tea, I'd live off 5 hours of sleep a night, and I'd never take time to see my friends or engage in any of my hobbies. Finally it came to the point where my body just shut down. It told me enough was enough and I was forced into taking time off to just relax.

However that experience made me realize the true value of allowing yourself to take a break. Now I live a much slower lifestyle, taking the time to care for myself and my relationships and giving my mind and body enough time to recharge.

Today I'm going to share with you 4 reasons why taking a break is essential for a healthy and productive life. I'll also give you some suggestions of things you may wish to try during your next break.

4 Reasons Why Taking A Break Is Essential For A Healthy And Productive Life

1. Taking a break allows you to stay focused and be more productive. We ask a lot of ourselves these days and so we often stretch our brain past its normal productivity zone. We think that by doing this we will end up accomplishing more things, but in reality we become fatigued and it causes us to become unfocused, distracted and zone out. Instead of spending that time staring blankly at your computer screen, stand up, walk away, and allow your brain time to refocus so you can start fresh and perform at a more optimum level when you return.

2. By taking a step away from your work every day and just escaping for a bit it allows time for you to become more inspired and ignites your creativity. Without that time to regroup and become inspired by your surroundings your creativity will not have time to grow. Creativity strikes at unpredictable moments, so it's important to keep your mind open for that possibility. Also, we always seem to solve problems or remember important things when we stop thinking about it (yes I'm talking about that eureka moment you have when you're showering or daydreaming). So stepping away from your work for a few moments will allow you to return with a fresh set of eyes.

3. Not giving yourself time to relax and enjoy other hobbies and passions in your life is a recipe for stress. By taking a break from your work you'll feel more balanced in your life and it'll help increase your motivation for when you do go back to your work.

4. Allowing yourself time to relax both physically and mentally will help to ensure that you don't experience burnout and lose interest in something you're very passionate about. If you become too demanding with your time and being focused on only one thing you will eventually start to feel drained as you'll be using up all your energy without giving yourself a chance to replenish. You'll become less engaged with the work you're doing and you'll no longer find a sense of joy in it.

Suggestions For Taking A Break

When you take a break it is important that you truly allow your mind to unwind. Browsing your Facebook or watching TV may seem restful to you, but the truth is your brain is still working hard to process all the information being thrown at it from these tasks. Instead of overwhelming yourself with useless data, allow yourself to rest both physically and mentally. Below are a few tips to hep you really unplug and recharge.

- do some yoga
- take a nap
- practice meditation or do some deep breathing exercises
- engage in some light reading
- listen to calm music
- go for a walk and get some fresh air
- daydream
- disconnect from all outside influences
- get outside
- watch the sunset/sunrise
- have a cup of tea
- go on vacation
- hang out with friends
- try Zentangle

Socks - gift // Jeans - Target // Sweater - Garage // Necklace - gift // Wooden Ring - Kensington Market

Do you allow yourself the time to recharge throughout each day? What suggestions do you have for people to help them get the most out of their breaks? Share in the comments.

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10 Ways To Live Freely

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 May 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Throughout the past year I've done a lot of soul searching. Somewhere along my path I became lost and confused and I was determined to fill my life with happiness once again. I feed off of adventure and the thrill of the unknown but for a few years I've felt something holding me back. I needed to learn to be fearless once again.

One of the best things I've done for myself is let go of all expectations and live solely for myself. So today I want to help you embrace your life and live freely..

10 Ways To Live Freely

1. Live in the moment - don't be afraid to break your routine, step outside your comfort zone, and take any opportunity that comes your way.

2. Follow your passions - listen to your heart and remember that you don't necessarily have to be good at whatever it is you feel passionate about, you just have to love it!

3. Do things with purpose - stop doing meaningless things.

4. Become more mindful of both your thoughts and your breathing.

5. Try to live a more simpler lifestyle - identify your needs versus your wants and be a conscious consumer; make sure you're aware of how you spend your money and where that money is going. And remember, money should not be the driving force within your life, it should be merely a tool among many others.

6. Find balance within your life and respect that space (work/life, social time/alone time)

7. Live only for yourself - stop comparing yourself to others, stop worrying what other people think, and stop trying to please everyone, just do what you want and what feels most natural for you.

8. Let go of anything you feel may be holding you back- learn the power of forgiveness.

9. Try something new - expand your horizons, indulge in new experiences, learn new things, meet new people, and make sure you go into each situation with an open mind, you never know, you may just find a new hobby. (Check out my friend Stefania over at The Something New for some great inspiration!)

10. Allow time and space for your mind, body, and soul to form a connection with nature to help you feel more fresh, less stressed, and to remind you that there's a whole world out there so try not to get too caught up in any one thing.

Side Note: As you can see, there's still snow on the ground in these photos. Not to worry, this is an old, unreleased, photo-shoot, all that white stuff has long since melted, the grass has sprouted and everything is luscious and green.

I wore almost this exact same outfit to a Free People interview I had back in January. It's so comfy and whimsical that I just feel very much myself in it so I thought wearing it to the interview would give me that extra bit of confidence I may have needed. Unfortunately I didn't get the job, but that's okay, it was a great experience in and of itself and the other girls being interviewed were all so lovely, so I'm truly happy for whoever the lucky lady was. Congrats!

Sweater - American Eagle // Slip Dress - Old (From England) // Tights - Primark (England) // Socks - Target // Boots - Primark (England) // Headband - Gift // Necklaces & Handchain - From Carly, With Love // Ring - Accessorize

What does living free mean to you? Join the conversation below.

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Spring Is In The Air

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

The sweet scented air,

A soft light and a warm breeze,

Spring is beckoning.

#EarthDay2015

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Today marks Earth Day Canada's 25th anniversary. That means for my entire life we've been celebrating Earth Day. And as long as I can remember, I've been doing my part to help protect our beautiful planet and prevent the effects of climate change.

There are so many ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint on a daily basis. And little changes add up and can have a big impact over time.

Transportation is one of the greatest contributors to a warming planet. It accounts for 24% of our carbon emissions. And yet there are so many cleaner alternatives out there to get you from point A to point B.

Here are some carbon-free options:

Walk
Run
Bike (if you don't have one, rent one, or use a bike share program)
Skateboard
Scooter
Rollerblade
Some people may be able to canoe or kayak to their destination

Or skate in the winter

Here are some less carbon-intensive alternatives:

Take public transportation
Carpool
Drive an electric vehicle (and charge it with renewable-sourced electricity)
Work from home
Use teleconference options for meetings
Instead of taking many shorter vacations, take one or two longer ones to reduce your amount of plane travel
If you do need to drive somewhere (as many of us do) consider buying carbon offsets, or use some of the other suggestions I've listed to offset your footprint

It's also important to make sure your vehicle is in good shape to increase the fuel efficiency of your car and reduce carbon emissions.

Make sure you:

Properly inflate your tires
Use the appropriate octane fuel for your vehicle
Drive the speed limit
Service your vehicle regularly
Don't idle! (It's so unnecessary)

There are so many other things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and to help the environment.

Use reusable water bottles, dishware, and cutlery
Don't litter
Take short showers or turn the water off while you're not rinsing
Eat more veggie or vegan meals
Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, cans (and remember to rinse out all your containers, otherwise they'll likely just end up in the landfill anyway)
Compost your green waste
Reuse your grey water
Take some bags along while you're out for a walk and pick up some garbage along your route (or organize a community clean-up - speak to your city, they'll usually supply you with gloves and garbage bags)
Turn the water off while you brush your teeth
Turn the lights off when you're not in the room
Unplug your appliances / electronics (even if they're off, they still use up energy when they're plugged in)
Think before printing
Read books / magazines via an e-reader
Only wash your clothes when they're actually dirty
Resort to a minimalist wardrobe
Don't use chemicals or pesticides (try making your own homemade, cleaner and greener versions)
Donate gently-used items instead of just throwing them away
Grow your own produce
Buy local

What I wore on my hike to Dewey's Island Nature Reserve...

Sunglasses - River Island (from England - old) // Buff - Buff // Tshirt - Forever 21 (old) // Pants - Old Navy (old) // Hiking Socks - Icebreaker from Algonquin Outfitters // Hiking Boots - Merrell from Threads Lifestyle

Climate change is a real issue. We live in an innovative, industrial society and although this has many benefits to us, it also causes many negative effects for our planet. Many of the actions we can take to reduce our carbon emissions are just as easy to do as if we didn't do them, so why not choose the greener alternative?

I'll leave you with something to consider - - - As I said, climate change is a real issue, with real effects, and "save the planet" is a term that you've no doubt heard numerous times. However, our planet has undergone at least 5 major ice ages in the Earth's history, species have become extinct and new species have developed, forests have burnt down only to have the land rejuvenate itself and learn to prosper again. Of course our activity has a large impact on the planet, of course this impact is mainly negative, however, the Earth has undergone many a disaster and despite all that, it continues to survive. Not everyone cares about climate issues, because not everyone cares about the planet (which is extremely unfortunate) but at the end of the day, I think our Earth will be alright, it's the human species we should be worried about. Our planet will live on, but because of the effects we have on this Earth, it is our species which will eventually become extinct.

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Earth Day Canada - "Earth Day Canada's mission is to foster and celebrate environmental respect, action and behaviour change that lessens our impact on the earth. Earth Day's international day of environmental action - April 22nd - touches the lives of millions of Canadians."

Learn more about Earth Day here.

What are your thoughts on climate change and global warming? Do you carbon offset your travels? What other things do you do to minimize the impact you have on our planet?

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A Final Farewell To Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 17:46:00 +0000

Two outfit posts back-to-back!? That's so unusual for me. My sister is my outfit photographer and our work schedules don't really match up so it's often hard for me to stay on top of my style posts. But when we're both around, I try to snap a few pics to share with you guys.

These photos were actually taken a few days ago. As you can see, there was still snow on the ground. But no more! The snow has finally all melted and we've had some really nice, warm, sunny days here. Hallelujah!

So here you go - what I wore on the final day of winter...

I'm one of those people who is always cold, so this is a good Spring outfit for me. It's fairly light but the cardigan just adds that bit of extra warmth which I always seem to need. I paired this outfit with a knit toque since it was still a little chilly and windy when I took these photos. But now that it's so much nicer out I'm going to lose the hat to make the outfit feel more appropriate for the season.

Hat - New Look (from England - old) // Tank top - H&M // Cardigan - H&M // Jeans - New Look (from England - old) // Boots - old (from England) // Necklace - From Carly, With Love // Bracelet - by Naharo! from Hearts and Crafts // Ring - Accessorize // Hakuna Matata ring - gift (similar on Etsy, here)

I'm wondering if other people retire their chunky knits after the winter, or do you wear them all year long like me? Let me know in the comments!

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Fall Into Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 16:30:00 +0000

So it still doesn't really feel like Spring where I live. We've had one or two warmer days, but for the most part you'd think it was Autumn. But considering my love for knit sweaters (and the fact that I just bought this one on sale at H&M a few days ago and don't want to wait another six months to wear it) I decided there's no shame in dressing for Fall when that's what the weather feels like.

I'm envious of all of you who have been able to break out the lighter layers but I know my time will come. For now I'll just enjoy the fact that I get to experience sweater-weather again and show off all my knits that have been hidden under bulky winter jackets for the past few months.

I also think this is the perfect outfit for when you're going on a date to the coffee shop with your bff. It's simple, casual, and comfy, without sacrificing that cool-girl vibe. And it's perfect for when you're in a rush and don't have a lot of time to spend getting ready. With minimal effort you can be out of bed and out the door in no time.

We all know black pairs well with anything, but damn does it look great with mustard yellow!

Sweater - H&M // Jeans - New Look (from England - old) // Boots - Payless (old) // Necklace and Hand Chain - From Carly With Love.

What do you guys think, is the colour combo and heavy material too much for Spring, or are you like me and just wear what feels right to you no matter the season?

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Easter Weekend At The Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

I'm lucky to live right on the lake; which means I have a beautiful backyard all year long. The weather at Easter changes so much every year, we never know what to expect. Sometimes it's sunny, green, and very hot, while other years it's a complete snow storm! This year it falls somewhere in the middle - sunny, warm-ish, but still a fair bit of snow on the ground. I must live in a weird area, because the snow is pretty much melted everywhere else around me, but my lawn is still covered in the white stuff and the lake is still frozen over.

I definitely love to get outside as the seasons change from winter to spring. I need to feel the fresh air after spending too much time indoors during the winter. It's been a beautiful past few days, so I grabbed a mug of tea and headed outside for a nice nature walk.

10 Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water WITH HONEY Every Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:00:00 +0000

I'm sure you've all heard of the benefits of drinking lemon water every morning as the subject seems to have become very popular within the last year. For myself however, I like to kick it up a notch and add some honey into the mix.

When I was a child, my dad used to make me hot lemon and honey water whenever I was sick or had a sore throat (the kid-friendly version of a hot-toddy!) I loved the drink so much that as I grew older, I integrated it into my daily ritual. Before I was even aware of any of the benefits this drink had to offer, it became a staple in my diet.

I'm not a nutritionist, so I won't pretend to know all the benefits of drinking lemon water (if you're interested I suggest you look into things further). But based on the research I've done, I'm happy to share 10 healthy reasons why I've added a cup of warm lemon and honey water into my morning routine.

5 Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

1// Boosts your immune system. Since lemons have a high vitamin-C content they help your body fight off colds. Lemon also has a high potassium content which helps with the functioning of your nervous system. Mental health illnesses such as depression or anxiety can be caused by not having enough potassium in the blood, so adding lemon to your daily routine can help to combat this.

2// Aids in digestion. Lemon helps your liver to produce bile which your body requires in order to break down and digest food. This stimulates your digestive system and helps with feelings of indigestion, bloating, and constipation, as the lemon flushes out toxins from your body.

3// Clean, clear skin. The vitamin-C we receive from lemons is an important factor in getting healthy looking skin. By flushing toxins from your body, the lemon cleanses you from the inside out, which aids in the production of new blood cells to help freshen your skin.

4// Balances your body's pH levels to reduce pain. The alkalizing effect of lemons can help you maintain a higher pH level by removing acidity from the body. Diseases are more likely to occur in an acidic environment, so a higher pH level will help your body fight off diseases and also helps to reduce joint and muscle pain.

5// Freshens breath and improves oral health. The acidity of lemon cleanses your mouth by killing off bacteria and washing away decaying food. It also helps prevent gingivitis.

So Why Add The Honey?

1// Taste. Well for starters, honey is delicious! It sweetens the drink up which I find much more enjoyable and it gives the drink a soothing feeling that makes me feel nice and cozy as I start my day. Besides, I much rather start my morning on a sweet note than a sour one.

2// Fight off infection. Like lemons, honey is also a superfood, meaning it is jam-packed with essential nutrients, making it not only tasty, but healthy. Honey has antibacterial properties which will help your body fight off infection (hence why I drink this whenever I have a sore throat). When it's mixed with lemon and water (which both work to flush out your body) the mix cleanses your urinary tract. So if you're not a fan of cranberry juice (I'm addicted) then this is another way to help keep UTIs at bay.

3// Enhance your mood. Honey is also a natural energy booster, so for people like me who have a hard time waking up in the morning, adding some honey to your morning lemon water will put you in a better mood and help you feel less lethargic and more energized.

4// More clear skin. The alkaline effect of both lemon and honey also helps to kill bacteria in your body that can cause acne, giving you a much clearer complexion.

5// Helps you lose weight. Also like lemons, honey creates an alkaline effect in your stomach, which can help fight hunger cravings. Studies show that people with a more alkaline diet are more likely to lose weight faster.

How To Make The Drink

- Fill a glass with purified warm water (I like to boil the water completely and then let it cool to a drinkable temperature. It's important not to use cold water as cold beverages are harder for our bodies to process and we use up a lot more energy trying to process cold drinks)

- Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon (organic is better)

- Stir in 1 tsp. honey ( I prefer creamed, raw honey as unpasteurized honey retains all the nutrients and so is much healthier for you)

- Enjoy!

Do you drink warm lemon water each morning? How does it make you feel? If you've never had it with honey, give it a try and let me know what you think!

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10 Bohemian Spring Must-Haves

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:00:00 +0000

The weather is finally warming up (or so I hear, Ontario is still experiencing snow, freezing rain, and below zero temperatures) so it's time to shed the layers, pull the covers aside, and venture outdoors. To help prepare you for Spring, here are 10 Spring wardrobe essentials for all you boho babes out there.

10 Bohemian Spring Must-Haves

1// Vintage-inspired, flowy dresses.

2// Retro sunglasses.

3// Sun-kissed, beachy locks (I'm also loving the fishtail braid!)

4// A fringe cross-body bag.

5// Strappy sandals (if it's warm enough, try going with a pair of bare foot sandals!)

6// Light-weight, colourful scarves.

7// A floppy, wide-brim hat.

8// Accessories - bold, patterned headbands; lots of rings; funky earrings; hand chains (slave bracelets); bangles and heavy-metal bracelets; long necklaces; anklets. Jewelry is a must, you really can't go wrong, just think along the lines of tribal, ethnic, wood, feathers, beads, shells. But please don't wear it all at once!

9// Ponchos, kimonos, dusters, shawls, blanket scarves.

10// Floral patterns, Aztec patterns, turquoise, earthy tones.

So there you have it, 10 ways to transition your bohemian style into Spring. Like the season itself, bohemian style has a light, airy, and natural feel to it, so play that up and have fun with it!

Do you have a favourite bohemian item that is a must in your Spring wardrobe? Would you add anything else to this list?

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New Blog Design + My Favourite Canadian Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:30:00 +0000

Hello lovelies!! Did you notice something different about my blog today? I'm so excited to finally share my new blog design with you!! If you've been with me from the start, you've probably noticed me changing my blog theme about once a month (all lovely designs, but none were the perfect fit for me). If you're new to this blog, then be thankful that you didn't have to go through the confusion of a constantly changing web space.

I'm still tinkering with a few little changes to how my posts are displayed, but otherwise I'm proud to announce the new home of From Carly, With Love. Take a look around and let me know what you think!

In honour of my new blog design I thought it'd be fun to share some love and introduce you to a few of my favourite Canadian bloggers. I follow a fair amount of blogs written by people all over the world, but these lovely ladies all hold a special place in my heart simply because they're fellow Canadians (and because they're wonderful at what they do!)

Local Wanderer

www.localwanderer.com

Taylor and Elaine; two girls after my own heart. These West Coast babes are a huge inspiration to me. They're real, they're fun, and they produce gorgeous photographs. When I travel, I like to experience a place like a local would; really immerse myself into the culture and spend my time exploring the city as if it were my own instead of hitting up all the normal tourist attractions. That's why I looove Local Wanderer, they give an honest, behind the scenes look, at the places they visit, showing you the best places to eat and things to see and do so you feel like a part of the community rather than an outsider. Localism, not tourism is their motto and I couldn't agree more!

Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram

Rebecca Jacobs (Wanderdust)

www.rebecca-jacobs.com/wanderdust

Rebecca is such a creative soul. Her writing voice is intriguing, her photos have a beautiful faded look to them, and her graphic design work shows true talent. Rebecca loves to thrift shop and she mostly blogs about about her stylish outfits, showing that a "beautiful life doesn't have to come at the expense of our wallet, our ethics, our environment, or anything else." She also shares lots of blogging and photography tips as well as gorgeous posts about her travels and insights. Rebecca's blog truly captivates me, and it's one of the only blogs where I make sure to read every single post that she produces.

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

The Something New

www.thesomethingnew.com

Stefania is beautiful and so are her views on how we live our life. The Something New is all about making time for yourself, reclaiming your life, trying new things, and learning how to really live. In Stefania's own words: "The Something New is a lifestyle blog dedicated to a movement. #SomethingNewSaturdays is an initiative to attempt something new every week. It can be as simple as picking something different off a menu or taking a new perspective on an old thought." I think in today's world, where we get so preoccupied with our work, consuming every piece of information out there, and our routine, it is really important to take the time to step away from all that and focus on getting the most out of your life that you can. Follow along with Stefania's journey as she tries new things in her life and I promise you'll be inspired to do the same.

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

The Fox and Fern

www.thefoxandfern.com

Jocelyn is filled with wonderful style inspiration. This girl really knows how to throw an outfit together. But what I love most about her is her love for the outdoors. She often pairs her outfit posts with shots of her in the mountains and talks about her hiking or snowshoeing adventures. (Man, I really need to get my butt in gear and move out west!) I love how Jocelyn's style is unique, it doesn't fit into any pre-labelled 'category', it's just her, and that's amazing! She has an outfit for every occasion, so no matter your taste, you're guaranteed to love her blog!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

The Cup of Life

www.theteacupoflife.com

A little different from the other blogs I've listed here, but still very much one of my favourites. If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with all things tea and so is Lu Ann. Her blog is a tea enthusiasts dream, filled with reviews of different types of tea or different tea companies, info on tea accessories, tips for steeping your tea, recipes for cooking with tea, and so much more! Tea is a very calming beverage and pairs well with your yoga or meditation practice. It's a healthy drink, packed full of delicious flavour, and it's a great drink to have to force yourself to take some well deserved relaxation time. If you want to learn more about tea or are interested in trying a different type of tea but don't know where to begin, Lu Ann's got you covered!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

What do you guys think of my new blog design? Do you have a favourite Canadian blogger that you love to follow? Let me know so I can check them out :)

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7 Ways To Spring Clean Your Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000

I may be getting ahead of myself here, but after a long, cold winter, I think it’s safe to say that spring is finally in the air. The snow is melting, vegetation is starting to sprout, birds are singing, and animals are coming out of hibernation. Spring is truly a season of renewal. So this year, instead of just dusting out your house, why not take some time to nurture and replenish your mind, body, and soul? Here are seven ways to indulge in a spiritual spring cleaning.

1. Journaling

There’s something so refreshing about sitting down with a piece of paper and a pen and just letting your thoughts flow out onto the page. Taking the time to write things down allows us to actually be conscious of our thoughts. Write about whatever comes to mind, don’t structure yourself, there’s no right or wrong way to journaling, just get everything out of your head so your mind no longer feels cluttered.

2. Let Nature Inspire You

Just like you’d open up the windows to air out your house after a long, stuffy winter, you also need to air out your soul. Step outside and breathe in that fresh spring air, feel the sun start to warm you up from the inside, take a walk to shake off all those cobwebs and witness the beautiful transformation that’s happening all around you.

3. Cleanse Your Body

Throughout the winter months we tend to eat more carb-filled foods and put on a little extra weight. That’s just our body’s way of trying to stay warm. But come spring, it’s time to toss those heavier foods aside and replace them with something lighter. Take the time to consider what you put into your body. By purging sugary foods, alcohol, unnecessary chemicals and opting instead for natural and organic foods, you won’t only feel healthier but you’ll have a lot more energy so you can get outdoors and take advantage of the beautiful weather!

4. Re-evaluate

You’ve probably created some bad habits over the winter months, what with spending so much time inside and all. Why not take this time to organize your priorities and eliminate senseless activities. Log out of your social media, put down the tv remote and spend your time doing something more productive and meaningful. By changing up your routine you’ll create new pathways to the brain and this will make you feel healthier and happier.

While you’re at it, why not re-evaluate your relationships as well. Vow to spend more time with the people that encourage you and who you can have fun with and stay away from those who constantly create a negative atmosphere. Your mood will be affected by the people you’re around and the environment you’re in, so if you’re serious about nourishing your soul, spend more time with people who positively enhance your mood.

5. Practice Yoga

We all know exercise is good for us; it calms our mind, reduces our stress, and helps to energize our bodies. Unfortunately for many of us, our exercising efforts tend to go downhill in the winter. Now is the time to get back into a routine. Yoga is a great way to recharge your mind, body, and soul and allows you to connect with your senses. I suggest trying some heart-opening poses like arching warrior, camel, upward facing dog, bow, or just a simple back-bend to help you feel light, centered, and joyous, and most importantly to help you foster a new appreciation for yourself.

6. Create Internal Space

It is important to create an internal space so you can separate positive from negative thoughts and so you can hear the whisperings of the mind as it guides you through life. Allow yourself some solitude; take a break from your daily rituals; turn off the tv, your cell phone, your computer and just check in with yourself on how things are going in your life. Allow yourself time to think, time to feel, and time to process all your thoughts and emotions. Engage in meditation, this will help you to sort through all the clutter in your mind and release all the thoughts that no longer serve you.

7. Create A Daily Mantra

By creating a daily mantra (a positive phrase or affirmative statement) it helps you to focus on what you want to get out of the day so you can reach your fullest potential. By repeating something positive to yourself it reminds you of your purpose for the day and helps to keep you in good spirits. Your mantra should be something that really speaks to who you are and how you’re feeling. It can be a single word – dream, create, forgive; a prayer; or even your favourite quote. There really are no rules, just find something that encourages you.

So this spring, take some time to honour yourself; open your heart, air out your mind, and embrace the rebirth or your spirit. I promise you your soul will flourish.

While you’re at it, now would also be a good time to evaluate your progress on those New Years Intentions you set for yourself back in January. Or if you never got around to it, why not spend some time now considering your values and how they can help you live a more intentional life.

Do any of these practices stand out to you? How do you like to spring clean your soul?
Let us know in the comments!

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Hôtel de Glace, Québec City

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 14:00:00 +0000

This past week Matt and I took an extended weekend and headed to beautiful Quebec City. Neither of us had been in over 10 years, so the whole experience felt excitingly new. The ultimate purpose of our trip was to visit Quebec's most breath-taking winter attraction; the Ice Hotel.

I had bought a one-night stay for Matt and I at the Hôtel de Glace, Québec City as part of his birthday / Christmas present so we had been dreaming of this adventure since December and it certainly did not disappoint! The Ice Hotel is a beautiful structure, built strictly from snow and ice. Like any ice sculpture, the craftsmanship that goes into building the hotel is astounding and it's truly a piece of art!

Upon check-in we took part in a guided tour of the hotel. The tours are open to everyone throughout the day, even if you are not a guest of the hotel, and they alternate every half hour between English- and French-speaking tours. After the tour you're also free to wander around the hotel and explore the rest of the rooms, enjoy the two ice slides, go snowshoeing, get a cocktail at the ice bar and enjoy a warm hot chocolate or caribou (a traditional Quebecois drink made up of warm wine, vodka and either whisky or brandy) and some delicious maple toffee from the sugar shack!

The tour took us through the hotel, showing us the main lobby and entryway, the bar, the 'indoor' ice slide, the chapel, and a few of the bedrooms. We learned that this was the 15th anniversary of the hotel and so the theme they chose for this year's ice carvings was 'Space-Time'. The carvings throughout the rooms take you on a journey through time, from the past into the future, each room with it's own story to tell.

For overnight guests, it's mandatory to sit in on an informational presentation that teaches you the proper way to get in and out of your nordic sleeping bag, where to put your belongings to keep them dry and how to enjoy your night without freezing your bum off! The sleeping bag is good for -29°C weather, however no matter the temperature outside, the internal temperature of the hotel always stays around -5°C to -6°C. That being said, the night we were there was one of the coldest nights of the year at -32°C so by 9:30pm there was only Matt and I and three other couples who were willing to brave the cold.

We enjoyed the ice slide, tried our hand at carving our own snow sculptures, enjoyed some drinks out of ice glasses at the beautiful ice bar (the prize for the best named cocktail goes to... the 'ski-do accident' which comes complete with a pine branch!) and then took some time to get warmed up in the hot tubs and sauna before venturing off to our ice room for bed.

In all honesty, I loved the experience and would do it again in a heartbeat! And I think that's saying a lot considering I'm the type of person who could be wearing three layers in the middle of summer and still be cold. There were people that didn't make it through the night and ended up sleeping on the couches in the indoor pavilion, and that's fine, this obviously isn't an experience that everyone will enjoy. However, if you follow the protocol of warming up in the spa and then drying your body and hair completely before bed, wearing the appropriate clothing and using your sleeping bag as instructed then you'll have a great night's sleep! The only hard part will be getting out of your warm sleeping bag in the morning, but don't worry, you can rush right inside the pavilion and warm up with a shower and yummy hot breakfast!

The Ice Hotel is open from January 3rd until March 22nd, 2015 so if you're interested in checking it out, you still have lots of time. There's also a great Groupon deal that gets you a one night stay for two people in a standard room that includes a free welcome cocktail and free breakfast, so keep your eye out for that!! I also highly recommend upgrading your room from the standard regular room to a theme suite. It does cost a bit extra money but it is absolutely worth it!

Has anyone else ever experienced Quebec's Hôtel de Glace? Or one of the Scandinavian ice hotels? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments.

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Toronto Tea Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:00:00 +0000

This past weekend I attended the Toronto Tea Festival which was held in the Toronto Reference Library. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a strong love for tea, so naturally I jumped at the opportunity to attend this festival.

The atmosphere was great. Most of my friends are coffee drinkers or only like the occasional bagged tea, so to be surrounded by other purveyors of loose leaf tea was very exciting for me.

Since high school I've been a fan of tea, drinking multiple cups per day, but it wasn't until the past year or so that I really embraced the world of tea. Tea offers so much to a wide variety of people and I'm happy to say that I'm interested in it all - the different types of tea, how it's grown, where it's grown, the culture of tea, the health benefits of tea, the different experiences that drinking tea can provide - it's all so fascinating to me, so much so that it has shaped the direction of my life as I've started studying to become a Certified Tea Sommelier (through the Tea Association of Canada) so I can one day own my own tea business. Just the thought of it makes my heart race with excitement and I spend days on end planning out all my ideas for my future business, that's how I know that I've truly found my calling.

So obviously attending the Tea Festival was a no brainer. I got to take in some talks by current business owners and tea enthusiasts; I watched performances of Chinese, Japanese and Korean tea ceremonies (my favourite part of the whole experience!); and of course, I explored all the wonderful vendors who were supplying information on tea, selling tea-wares and accessories, and selling various loose leaf teas along with yummy treats: tea-infused jellies, honey, sweet and savoury short bread and macaroons.

Although the tea festival is over for this year, don't fret, it's an annual event and I definitely suggest that you check it out next year. There's honestly something for everyone...

David's Tea - We all know them, they've become the big name in loose leaf tea. They have a wide variety of teas that will appeal to all taste buds, including some organic, kosher and fair trade options.

T By Daniel - This tea shop is not for me. After trying a few samples I feel like I'm drinking sugar syrup, not tea, and for someone who's not a big fan of sweets, this just isn't my thing. However, I'm sure many people would love it. Daniel has created a brand that adds a fun and adventurous flare to the industry.

Annanda Chaga - This was my favourite discovery of the event! The company handpicks 100% raw, wild chaga mushrooms from Northern Ontario and turns it into tea. They also sell chaga chunks and powders, as well as chaga soaps, shampoo, skin cream and natural extract. Chaga has so many health benefits and there's so many ways you can enjoy it so if you're into natural health and healing, you must check these guys out!

Bare English & Co. - Tea-infused organic, vegan, fair trade, gmo free, gluten free, all natural lip balm. Need I say more?

Flowers to Fragrance - Seriously, another favourite. Although not a tea shop, Flowers to Fragrance is a local lavender farm that grows lavender as well as other herbs and flowers and uses them to create handmade, 100% natural skin care products. As soon as summer hits, you can bet I'll be here checking out this beautiful farm!

Secret Teatime - These ladies make beautiful ceramic tea wares, my words can't begin to do them justice, you'll just have to check them out for yourselves. They also offer workshops on how to make your own cups, mugs, bowls, etc. I've always been interested in pottery, so I can't wait to give one of these workshops a try!

Pine and Bamboo Ceramics - The name itself is beautiful. These guys offer a variety of handmade Chinese, Korean and Canadian porcelain and stoneware ceramics. Again, everything is so pretty, you'll have to check it out for yourself.

I can't even begin to name them all, but there was also so many other wonderful boutique tea shops at the festival selling delicious loose leaf tea. I can't wait to check them all out in person and hopefully find a few new favourites!

Do you prefer drinking tea over coffee?

Do you have a favourite tea shop?

Let me know in the comments, I love to discover new brands!

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The Liebster Award

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 17:45:00 +0000

A big thank you to Sinead from Life of Sinead for nominating me for The Liebster Award.

The Liebster Award was created as a way for people to recognize and discover new bloggers.

The Rules:

// Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

// Answer the questions that they asked you.

// Nominate 11 other newbie bloggers (must have less than 2000 followers).

// Create 11 new questions for your nominees to answer.

// Notify your nominees through their social media or their blog.

Q + A (questions from Sinead)

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut. This is still my biggest dream. I don't know why I never followed through with this. I think it's one of those things where people think of it more as a childhood dream so I never really got the support from my family, friends or teachers to actually turn my dream into a reality. Looking back on it, I don't think I gave myself enough support either. I knew I desperately wanted to be an astronaut, but when it came time to go to university, I settled on being a lawyer instead. Now I'm no longer pursuing the law and my dream of one day going to space is still as alive as ever!

2. What is your most watched film?

Moulin Rouge. I absolutely love it. Plus I've been there, and that makes me love the film ever more.

3. Where is your favourite place you've ever visited?

I don't know if I can choose. I've been to so many places and I love them all. I lived in Sheffield, England for two years so that would definitely have to be a favourite. Also Peniche, Portugal where I learned to surf. And Nice, France is simply beautiful.

4. What was the last book you read?

Currently reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. If you haven't watched the movie, go do that right now! It's my favourite movie (after Moulin Rouge of course).

5. Who is your current favourite blogger?

I have a few blogs that I check fairly regularly. I'm not sure I can pick one favourite so I'll give you three: BLDG 25 - Free People, Sara Libby and Ready Gypset Go.

6. Which do you prefer, cats or dogs?

Dogs all the way. I'm allergic to cats. Actually I'm allergic to dogs too but I've always had one so I'm used to them. I have a six year old Springer Spaniel named Belle. Fun Fact: Since my dad was a child, and all through my life, my family has only had Springer Spaniels and they've all been named Belle.

7. What were your New Years Resolutions, if any, and have you stuck to them?

This year I decided to set Intentions for myself instead of Resolutions. Intentions are more about embracing who you are on the inside and becoming more self-aware. They involve figuring out what your values are and then putting those values into actions.

I actually wrote a whole blog post on this which you can read here. Achieving my Intentions will take a lot of time and energy but I'm happy to say that after one month of practicing them, I'm well on my way to living a happier life.

Some of my 2015 Intentions are:

// To allow myself space and time for creativity.

// To always make time to travel and explore.
// To be the creator of my own life.
// To create a deeper connection with nature.
// To live a more simple and minimalistic lifestyle.

8. What is something you would change about yourself, if anything?

I'm very happy with who I am, although I do wish I could draw and I wish I could sing.

9. What is your favourite social media site?

Instagram. And Pinterest. Both are very inspiring.

10. What is your most prized possession?

I have two. One is a heart shaped silver necklace that my parents bought for me when I was one year old on a trip we took to Denmark, they saved it and gave it to me as my grade 8 graduation gift.

The second is my very own star! (See question #1 about my love for space). For my birthday this year my boyfriend named a star after me. I cried my eyes out. It's something I've always wanted but I never told him. I was filled with emotion when I unwrapped a photo of my star and all the paper work that goes with it.

11. What is something you do every day without fail?

Read. I always make time for it. Not only do I learn a lot this way, but it's also very therapeutic for me and I always carve some time out within each day for me to just relax.

Here Are My Nominees...

Rebecca - Wanderdust

Steph - Peachy Life

Kathryn - Our Wolf Song

Rhiannon - Paperclips and Peonies

Tia - Tia In Control

Stefania - The Something New

Jennifer + Katie - Like Her Like Me

Natasha - A Design Rookie

Brittany - Bonjour B

Kari - Eighty Twenty Almanac

Laida - Made In Porcelain

My Questions

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. What is your favourite quote?

3. Who or what inspires you the most?

4. What is your favourite song?

5. What is your favourite book?

6. What is your favourite sport?

7. Who is your favourite blogger?

8. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

9. What is something that you want to blog about but haven't yet?

10. Do you speak another language?

11. What would your dream job be?

I hope my nominees will participate in this. As small and/or new bloggers, this is a great way to support each other and help other people discover our blogs. Have fun!!

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A Simpler Life - Embracing Minimalism

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000

The other day I wrote a post on my Instagram about how people, the world over, are slaves to consumerism. One of the intentions I set for myself this year (which you can read about here), and ultimately for the rest of my life, is to live a much more simplistic lifestyle than what I currently enjoy. So combining those two thought processes, I thought I'd elaborate on them here.

Please keep in mind that I am by no way trying to impose my beliefs onto others or judge the lifestyle that many people lead. I am merely discussing my views on how I believe I can have a happier experience in this amazing gift of life.

The Power of Consumerism

Taking a step back, and looking at how we humans interact and live on a daily basis, an outsider may describe us as zombies. The majority of us are stuck in the same routine. We spend most of our time indoors, surfing the internet or watching re-run after re-run on t.v., consuming so much garbage that we ultimately forget how to think or act for ourselves. Instead of living our own journey, figuring out for ourselves what makes us happy, we've essentially been brainwashed by mainstream, corporate messages that tell us how to live our lives. And that's just the mental clutter. Think of all the excess we have in our lives - at least one McDonalds in every town, a Tim Horton's or Starbucks on every corner, sure the convenience can be nice on occasion, but when did we get so busy that we couldn't feed ourselves or brew ourselves a cup of coffee in the morning? What about the 10 pairs of jeans you have hanging in the back of your closet? What about everyone's rush to get the latest iPhone, even though the one you bought only 12 months ago was the most powerful computer system this world has ever seen? In my mind, these things are simply unnecessary and are a major cause of the overall unhappiness of the world. We've created a culture of always wanting more but the fact of the matter is, we really don't need it. So what if you have last year's iPhone!? Look around you, compared to millions of people on this Earth, you live an extremely privileged life. You've got it good my friend!

It's easy to blame it all on politicians, the economy and big corporations, but the problem with that is there'll never be a resolution, corporations will always want you to buy their products so they'll always push that message on to you. The power to change has to come from you. You are free to make choices that affect how you live your life. If you're willing to change your mindset, then you may realize that you already have all you need to live a happy and fulfilled life.

You've heard it time and time again, that money can't buy happiness, and yet we all still continue to go down this path. But what if you did the opposite? Instead of filling your life with more and more 'things' to make you happy, what if you tried to eliminate the overabundance of 'things' you already own from your life. You bought them to make you happy in the first place, and yet you're still in the exact same situation now as you were then, craving more material things to fill a void in your life. Why spend your money on things that you have to work so hard to afford and then never have time to enjoy them because all your time goes into your work so you can afford these things in the first place? It makes no sense. So maybe consumerism isn't the answer to your happiness, maybe it's minimalism.

So what is minimalism?

Minimalism is essentially removing all the clutter from your life so you're left with very few personal possessions. I've heard people say you have to own less than 100 things, or less than 60 things to be considered a minimalist, but I don't think there's really one set definition of minimalism that suits everybody. We're all different and this is something we have to interpret in the face of our individual lives. I see minimalism as a way to relieve ourselves from the burden of consumerism, a way to find happiness without the need for possessions. There's so much more joy in life that passes us by each day because we're simply too busy or too greedy to notice it. I want to rediscover that joy.

It wasn't until very recently that I started to introduce this concept into my life, however I became aware of my need for it years ago. In 2010 I moved to England for a year as part of a law exchange program with my university. I ended up bringing 4 suitcases plus my carry-on of stuff with me to England and returned home with 6 suitcases. (To put this in perspective, my best friend just moved to Australia for a two year law program and she only brought a carry-on and one suitcase - that was smaller than any of my 6). It was ridiculous. But I felt like I needed to bring all of my possessions with me to feel comfortable and be happy. Looking back on it now though, I didn't even use half of the things that I had lugged half way across the world with me. It was a colossal waste of effort and money. What I thought would make me happy, actually caused me unhappiness in the long run by costing me so much money and eating up a good chunk of my savings.

"Minimalism is about getting rid of the things in your life that don't add value so you can focus on the things that do." - - Colin Wright

The benefits of minimalism

Acquiring a minimalist lifestyle is not easy, and I've barely made a dent in eliminating some of my unnecessary belongings, but I'm already starting to feel a sense of happiness and empowerment over my own life. Physical clutter leads to mental clutter and by reducing the amount of things sitting around on shelves collecting dust, my mind has started to free up because it has one less thing to worry about. My goal in life is ultimately to be a full-time traveler, so having less possessions makes me happier as it's easier to see that dream come to fruition knowing that I don't have as many things to pack up or leave behind. It's really amazing how one small action can make such a huge impact on my dreams.

After deciding to switch career paths and focus on my creativity as opposed to the law, I was worrying myself crazy with how I was ever going to support myself financially. But after adopting a minimalist mindset, I've found peace in realizing that I only need to make enough money to sustain my lifestyle, so by living a simpler way of life, I won't have as many financial burdens weighing me down. What good is it anyway to work so hard to afford to be able to live but never have the time to actually live? That realization did wonders in terms of my level of happiness.

The important thing to keep in mind though is that it's not the act of minimalism that makes you happy, it's the opportunities that you gain because of living a minimalist life that ultimately contribute to your happiness. Getting rid of all your possessions is not the key to happiness. But by getting rid of all the extra clutter in your life, you begin to realize what is truly important to you - you may spend more time outdoors, strengthening relationships with your friends and family, improving your health, pursuing your passions, and these are what bring happiness into your life!

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Warm Winter Wishes From Target & Roots

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Despite the -30°C weather we've been having lately, I desperately needed to get outdoors and shoot some outfit posts for you guys. Nothing beats natural light, and I was really getting fed up with the dull, yellow light in my house, not only in terms of photography but just in general. I hate being cooped up inside, so sometimes I just have to brave the cold! (Even if I only make it as far as my front door).

I'm absolutely loving cute patterned leggings recently and right now these ones from Roots would have to be my favourite. Not only do they look adorable, but they're perfect for winter as the inside is lined with warm, fuzzy fleece. They're so cozy I even wore them to bed one night because I simply could not take them off!

I also love how well these leggings pair with this cardigan from Target. The colours really compliment each other and it makes for a stylish yet comfortable outfit that you can wear out and about, not just around the house.

Cardigan from Target (similar here) // Fleece Leggings from Roots (similar here) // Silver Ring from & Other Stories // Beanie, Boots, Necklace, Bead Bracelets and Gunmetal Ring are all old.

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Are You Tired of Counting Sheep?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Getting enough good quality sleep is one of the most important things we can do to improve our health and wellbeing. There's tons of research out there proving that getting at least 7 - 9 hours of sleep a night can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, reduce your stress, and improve your memory and overall cognitive functioning. But in a world where technology has become our best friend and success at work seems to be people's number one priority, getting a good night's rest is becoming ever so rare.

I, like many people I know, seem to suffer from bouts of insomnia. I lay awake in bed for hours, tossing and turning, my mind thinking up a storm, before finally dozing off at two or three in the morning. Sometimes sleep eludes me entirely, or I'll only drift off for a few minutes here and there, leaving me exhausted and unproductive the following day.

I've learned a few tricks over the years to help me fall asleep (and stay asleep) so I thought I'd share them with you...

Image Source

10 Ways To Help You Fall Asleep At Night

Avoid the little blue light. Light in general, but especially blue light, (that one that comes for your t.v., laptop, and cell phone) suppresses our body's production of melatonin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep and wake cycles. I made a rule for myself to turn off all electronic devices by 8:30pm every night so my body has time to adjust before bed. But I know sometimes that's easier said than done, so I've also downloaded a free app on my phone called Twilight that dims the light on my screen according to the time of day, adding a red filter to my screen instead of the harsh blue light. Twilight is for Android devices but there's a similar app for iPhone users called f.lux.

Set up a bedtime routine. Go to bed at the same time every night. Read a book or write in your journal before bed. By following the same ritual night after night, it's like training your body to know when it's time for bed. Eventually when you do these things, your body will respond by being tired, helping you to fall asleep faster.

Take a hot bath. The heat itself will make you tired and the relaxation will put your mind at ease.

Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Drinking alcohol may cause you to pass out, but we all know that the quality of sleep we get after drinking is terrible. Also, the caffeine in coffee, tea (especially black tea), chocolate and soda pop will keep you up at night. So stay away from these things at least 5 hours before bed (as caffeine can stay in your system for up to 5-6 hours).

Exercise. We all know exercise is good for your health in general, both physically and mentally, but it also tires you out (in a good way) and improves the quality of your sleep.

Don't nap! I know it's tempting sometimes, but napping messes up your body's normal sleeping cycle, causing you to be more awake later in the night when it's time for bed.

Keep your bedroom cool. For some people, this may not seem like a very pleasant option, especially in the winter, but I promise you if you turn your heat down before you go to bed you'll have a much more pleasant sleep.

Use your bed only for sleeping. I'm terrible at this one, I don't have a desk and I like to be comfy when I work, so I'm constantly propped up in bed working away on my laptop. But when it comes time to sleep, I seem to end up out on the couch more often than not, simply because my body can't relax in the same environment it's been working in all day. So only use your bed for sleeping, and ... well ... you know ;)

Have a hot drink. Remember, no caffeine, but other hot drinks, like warm milk, soothe you, making it easier to fall asleep, especially some herbal teas like chamomile which actually have natural properties in them that help you sleep.

Create a bedtime playlist. I find I fall asleep easier when I have soft music playing very quietly in the background. Make a playlist on your iPod of your favourite slow songs and listen to it as you're laying in bed. Chances are you'll be asleep before the playlist is over. What's on my playlist? Lots and lots of Ed Sheeran!

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Etches On The Windowpane

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:30:00 +0000

Misty mornings,

Etches on the windowpane,

Winter's frosty breath.

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Scandinave Spa - Blue Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:30:00 +0000

I can't say I'm one for really indulging in luxury. I hardly ever wear makeup, I haven't done anything with my hair in over two years, and I've only ever had one mani/pedi in my entire 25 years on this Earth. That being said, I absolutely love a good spa day, and there's no where better than the Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain, especially after a long day on the slopes!

One of my good friends is Finnish and she would always talk about the power that these baths had on her physical and mental relaxation. I was so intrigued by the idea, so when my boyfriend surprised me with a trip here for my birthday, I was over the moon excited!

Walking into the spa, you truly feel like you've escaped from all the activity that Collingwood and Blue Mountain has to offer. The spa is nestled right in a forest and offers an authentic Scandinavian bath experience. The setting is so natural and serene and allows you to take a step back from your busy life and enjoy some relaxation time in a beautiful outdoor environment. I try to be as connected to nature as possible, so being able to breathe the fresh air and hear and see all the wildlife around me really put me in the most tranquil state I've been been in.

What Does The Spa Do For Me?

The Scandinavian bath experience uses a technique known as hydrotherapy which focuses on the healing properties of water. The hot and cold stimuli helps to remove toxins from your body, reduce inflammation, release endorphins that help reduces stress, soothe your muscles and stimulate blood circulation.

How To Use The Spa

To truly take in the full benefits of a hydrotherapy spa like this one, you really need to use each element of the spa, and in the appropriate order.

First - spend some time getting hot and sweaty in one of three hot tubs (each set at a different temperature so you can choose whichever your prefer) or in the eucalyptus steam room - my favourite!

Second - take a (quick) dip in the one of three cold plunge pools (also each at a different temperature), use the nordic shower, or if it's winter, roll in the snow!

Third - relax in one of three room temperature cabins - take a nap, read a book - so your body can reset to it's normal temperature.

Fourth - do it all again! Over and over as many times as you wish until your skin is so pruney you decide enough is enough.

I know the cold plunge sounds absolutely terrifying, and unfortunately I've seen many people not use it, but I strongly urge you to take advantage of it to really get the whole experience. And I promise it's not as bad as it seems. It's cold, that's for sure, but after going through the entire cycle I can honestly say I've never felt more clean, pure and refreshed in my entire life.

While you're here, I also suggest you go the extra mile and indulge in a massage. Combining a massage with the hydrotherapy was really an out of body experience for me.

If you're not in the Collingwood area, the Scandinave Spa has sister spas located at Whistler, Mont-Tremblant and Montreal.

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2015 New Year's Intentions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:30:00 +0000

It's been a while since my last post. Don't worry, I didn't forget about you, I just took time to practice what I preach. The holiday season is the time to slow down and connect with your friends and family, so I took a break form blogging and social media and instead focused on me. But now that all the celebrations have ended and people are headed back to school and work, I figured it was time for me to get back at it too!

The New Year has always been seen as a time of change, a time to commit to bettering yourself. Each year people make a list of resolutions that often include things such as going to the gym, eating healthy, quitting smoking, etc. And after about a month, we get too busy in our lives and forget these resolutions were ever made until the following December when we feel bad for forgetting about them and scramble to meet all our goals before the year is over.

Instead of resolutions, I, like many of my fellow yoginis and boho babes out there, prefer to set intentions. So what's the difference?

Resolutions seem to be based on 'wants' or 'needs'. They give off an "I'm not good enough" vibe and so the focus of them seems to be on fixing yourself - assuming that there's a problem with you that needs to be solved.

Intentions on the other hand are about embracing who you are. They focus on the inner you, your soul, and they help you find a way to let your natural light shine through. Intentions are all about self-awareness. They reflect who you are on the inside and allow you to change yourself from the inside out, not 'fix' yourself from the outside in.

By setting intentions for ourselves, we can create a sense of balance and alignment within our life. Intentions help you to rid your mind of negative thinking patterns and behaviours and replace those with habits that add some focus to your life. They help you to align who you are at the present moment, with who you truly want to be by finding harmony amongst your dreams, goals and passions.

So what are my intentions for 2015?

Recently I've been trying to organize all my thoughts, ideas and dreams in my head into some kind of life plan. I've been trying to eliminate a lot of the stressors in my life and ultimately work on finding peace and happiness. So my main intention for 2015 is to be the creator of my own life. I want to follow my own path without feeling like I have to live up to other people's expectations. I want to be truly myself (a person who has become lost over the last few years) even if who I am isn't recognized within society as who a 25 year old Canadian girl should be. My intentions to help me along this journey are to be present at all times, to learn to forgive, to accept what is and to create a deeper connection with nature. Some activities that will help me achieve these are practicing yoga daily, journaling and finding the time to incorporate more travel and adventure into my life.

The New Year is a time of rebirth. Set some intentions to guide you along your journey, just remember to be gentle with yourself.

Slippers are from Marks.

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Comfy Roots Pullover Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:00:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to me!

Today I turn 25 and as an early birthday gift, I received this lovely Roots pullover sweater from my sister.

My style is focused on being casual and comfortable, so this sweater suits me perfectly. It's lightweight but still warm and it's very soft and cozy. I also love how simple this sweater is - it can be dressed up or dressed down and it's perfect for layering. Also, it's purple, my favourite colour, so obviously I'm in love.

I wanted to look stylish for my birthday, but I'm always cold so sometimes I find it hard to balance style with warmth. That's where this sweater comes in, it's perfect for that. I paired this sweater with a simple black skirt and some thick tights, to keep me warm and and cozy while also looking done up for the occasion.

I also added a gold head piece to amp up the outfit just a bit. The head piece is actually just a metal head band that I decided to wear like a crown. Get creative! You likely have lots of clothes and accessories that are versatile and can be worn in ways other than their intended use, you just have to experiment.

As I mentioned, this sweater was a gift. I can't find the exact one online, however some gorgeous patterned pullovers that are similar in style can be found on the Roots website, here // Headband from Accessorize // Tights from Primark // Skirt from River Island // Socks were a gift.

I apologize that the picture quality isn't the best. It's very cold and snowy out so I wasn't able to get outside and take photos. I settled for a festive look, although the lighting in my house isn't great.

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The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: For The Outdoorsy, Bohemian Gal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 15:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again when we have to start thinking about finding that perfect present for our friends and family. I've put together a gift guide of some of my favourite wish-list items to help you find the perfect gift for that whimsical, nature lover in your life!

1. Crosley Record Player from Urban Outfitters // 2. Nakiska Slippers by Sorel // 3. La Playa Collection Blanket by Give Perf // 4. The Winter Boot by Blundstone // 5. Magical Thinking Mystic Folk Tapestry by Urban Outfitters // 6. Tattered Up Shred Slip by Free People // 7. Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush by Got Wood // 8. Atlas Elektra All-Terrain Snowshoes from MEC // 9. Leather Ring Set (Peace Sign Ring and Native American Inspired Bead Ring) by Eco Design Project

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Cold Hands, Warm Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 15:00:00 +0000

For years I've been on the search for the perfect oversized cardigan - something warm and cozy, stylishly knit and large enough to wrap myself in. Oh, and it needed to have a hood!

I found one that I truly fell in love with and for three years I put it on my birthday / Christmas wish-list and for three years I never received it. When I went to put it on my list this year I was devastated to see that it was sold out and would not be coming back in stock. (Why I never bought it for myself, I have no idea).

So when my friends and I went shopping at the new Tanger Outlets in Kanata a few weekends ago and I came across an almost identical cardigan at Boathouse I snatched it up right away! I've honestly never been so in love with a sweater before!! (You can ask my friends, since I bought it I've done nothing but rave about it and show it off).

I swear I wear this sweater almost every day. I'm afraid it's going to get worn out faster than anything I've ever owned just because of how much use it gets.

I've styled this sweater to show you a typical "day in the life of Carly" outfit. My style is focused on being casual and comfortable while also showing off my personality. Outfit details can be found below.

Sweater by Debut from Boathouse // Long Sleeve by H&M, similar (here) // Jeans by New Look, similar (here) // Hat from Ebay // Carly Conquest Short Boots by Sorel // Necklace handmade by me (available soon) // Watch by Urban Outfitters, similar (here) // Bracelet by Nharo! from Hearts and Crafts // Ring by Accessorize // Hakuna Matata Ring - gift, similar on Etsy (here)

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Season of White

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 17:00:00 +0000

Cool, foggy morning

The trees are lean, fragile, bare

Winter is coming.

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