All posts filed under: Life

SIGNS YOU WERE ALWAYS MEANT TO BE A WRITER

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I read a post on Thought Catalog called, “17 Signs You Were Always Meant To Be A Writer“ and wanted to share five of my favourite points (all are soooooo true): 1. You know the pure ecstasy of filling out the last page in a journal and retiring it to the sacred area you store your other weathered-down journals. (Furthermore, you know the pure ecstasy of, then, opening the first page of a new journal and how it represents a whole new world of possibility.) 2. After a few days of not writing, you start to become irritated, frustrated, and you have this sensation of being emotionally backed-up. Once you start writing—after, presumably, procrastinating the writing for minimum two hours—you suddenly feel freer, lighter, and more at ease. 3. If someone pulls out a quote of your writing to compliment your writing skills, you fall in love with them a little bit in that moment. 4. You have never let your life be easy. You have willingly sludged through your past pain, welcomed in breakdowns, …

I’M OFFICIALLY 24 – HERE’S EVERYTHING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR

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If you remember, last year I set goals of everything I wanted to achieve at 23. This is how I did: 1. I WILL move to New York City. Williamsburg, Brooklyn preferably. …It’s actually laughable at how impossible this was yet, I still thought it was achievable. First step: Need to marry super handsome and successful American man (flexible on the handsome). 2. I WILL get my first full-time PAID job. …Couldn’t be happier or more proud. 3. I WILL eat healthier. …I started taking vitamins, cut down on alcohol consumption and learned to make delicious, nutritious meals. Pat on the back for me. 4. I WILL admit and apologize when I’m wrong. …I’m getting better. I’ll roll my eyes when apologizing, but I’m apologizing nonetheless. Take what you can get. 5. I WILL (not only) shake-hands with new people I meet, but genuinely try to get to know them. I want to ask as many people who influence me to give me a list of their favourite books, songs and movies so I can introduce myself to new …

Tips to avoid becoming stressed or overwhelmed

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Here’s the latest blog post I wrote for Lotus Leaf Style! 🙂 When deadlines and due dates are prominent in your work schedule, you rarely have time for yourself. The thrill of a busy office can keep you on your toes, but let’s take a moment to look at the state of your chipped nails and how the only new bags you’re carrying, are the ones under your eyes. #HotMess Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or high levels of anxiety when it comes to deadlines or stressing whether you’re even doing a good job. You have high expectations of yourself and your work, but if you want to be more productive, you need to be selfish, take yourself away for a moment and concentrate on you! Here are a few tips that can help you de-stress in times in need: 1) Learn to say “NO!” As I previously mentioned, being selfish can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. Whether your neighbour is asking to help paint their garage this weekend or your demanding boyfriend/girlfriend …

Summer List 2014 – ACCOMPLISHED GOALS

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SUMMER 2014 IS OVER! You know what that means… I GET TO SHARE HOW MANY SUMMER GOALS I ACCOMPLISHED and unaccomplished THIS YEAR! If you’re not caught up, click HERE to read the summer list update I wrote in July. I completed all but one goal this summer (sensitive subject I don’t want to talk about it). Other than that, I crossed off everything else – pretty proud of myself! ACCOMPLISHED SUMMER GOALS OF 2014 1. Go to an Asian grocery store and buy a cart full of unknown food, then haul it. These were my favourite purchase from the day. Matcha Green Tea Kit Kat bars, if you haven’t tried them, what are you doing with your life. 2. Make an ultimate summer playlist. 3. Watch an entire series of a TV show I’ve never seen before. SUITS!!! I’m all caught up. 😉 4. Volunteer. 5. Complete writing my book. Ok, listen. Technically I didn’t finish writing a book but I’m going to tell you why I’m still crossing it off. I’ve learned that a writer …

How to get over self-doubt

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In elementary school I was terrible at math. When it came to fractions, algebra or geometry I was never able to wrap my head around the concept of solving even the simplest of equations. It’s not for a lack of trying, I’d go to school early before the day began and forced my poor grade 8 teacher to sit down with me and explain her lessons one-on-one. When I didn’t understand, I got frustrated and was constantly upset because I was the only one in the class who was applying myself yet, not achieving results. I’ll never forget the moment at my grade 8 graduation when my teacher handed out individual cards to the class with a personalized message. When I opened mine it said, “you can achieve amazing things Jessica, you just need to have a little more faith in yourself.” In more situations than not, I still get self-conscious, nervous and expect the worse in every situation. Why? Because I’m human. We all have moments where we feel overwhelmed and insecure. However, I’ve …

I need this giant bunny

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Saw this photo on the ELLE UK Instagram page and I’m pretty sure I lost my cool. I want this bunny. I want it now. Once I settle down a bit (which will be in approximately 5…10…maybe 15 years from now), I’m going to purchase one and name her Marigold. She will be fierce, cuddly and be best friends with myself and Cleopatra. I can’t wait to start this wonderful, perfect family. That is all.

Robin Williams Remembered

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The passing of Robin Williams has impacted all of us. He was one of few actors of our time whose passion and talent made the viewer laugh though his various roles that dealt with loss and love. I owe so much of my childhood to him through the lessons he taught, the laughs he gave, and more importantly, the hope he instilled. “Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day, make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular.” “There’s three things in this world that you need: Respect for all kinds of life, a nice bowel movement on a regular basis and a navy blazer.” My mom is writing as a guest contributor today. She met Robin in Toronto during the winter of 1977 when he was …

Infinite Possibilities

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Last night, my friend Katie and I shared the hammock in my backyard as we gazed upon tiny flashing lights from soaring airplanes above. “Where do you think that plane is going?” “Bermuda, probably.” We laughed and continued to point out other airplanes passing by. We guessed which exotic locations they were off to and felt jealous of the adventures those passengers were about to embark on, or stories others have as they fly back home. “Do you ever think about how small we are?” “What do you mean?” “We live on this earth, we work, get married, retire and then we die. That’s it. We just, die.” “Yeah. I do think about that, a lot actually. It makes me want to get up and go places, do something before life just..ends.” “If you were to reincarnate, what would you want to be?” “An otter. Or a really pretty Christmas tree.” Katie and I laughed, mostly at how long we held that conversation without cracking a joke. As our hammock gently rocked, the smell of mid-summer dew from freshly …

This is how I feel…

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…when I walk outside to discover it’s cold and raining. Does summer not know it’s July? If I see snow before September rolls around, I’m moving to Death Valley, California (which, upon Googling, is the hottest place on earth and currently 46°C – TAKE ME THERE).

Summer List Update – 2014

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Hiii! I hope you’re all well and enjoying your sum-sum-summah! Finally, I have found some time to update you on my summer to-do list (we’re halfway there people). I’m a tad sleepy this morning since my family and I went on a rafting trip in Paris, Ontario yesterday for 6 hours – twas a lovely time with great company and perfect weather. Without further ado, here is my update! JESSICA’S SUMMER GOALS 2014 – click HERE for full list. 2. Make an ultimate summer playlist. Pshhh, easy. Click HERE for playlist! 4. Volunteer. Packed lunches at the OXOMillionMeals event – one million meals for one million people across North America! I even ran into supermodels like Stacey McKenzie (she’s like, so gorg). 6. Join a fitness class. Since I’m training for my half-marathon in October, I’ve concluded THAT is my fitness class because..I make the rules here. Also, I want to thank everyone who has given me words of encouragement and helpful tips on how to properly prepare for it. 🙂 8. Participate in the “Color Me Rad” 5K …

Lavish picnic, upcoming project & half-marathon training

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Hi all, Guess what? I went for a 6K run this morning! It felt good to get outside and be active on the first official day of SUMMMAAAHH! Speaking of which, my summer goals are going swimmingly, but we’re not talking about that today (although look for an update soon – you’re going to be so proud). I’m writing this post to give a little inside scoop of what I’ve been up to as of late: Recently went to Trinity Bellwoods and had a romantic picnic with the Lotus Leaf crew. We hung out, played Cards Against Humanity and drank pitchers of yummy sangria. The perfect post-work activity. Thanks again Tori for setting all this up for us! Earlier this week I collaborated with online shopping site “BRIKA” and DIY/lifestyle blog “My Little Secrets” to film a fun how-to video! If you’re someone who loves making super cute jewellery for the summer season, you won’t want to miss out on this one. I am editing now and hopefully it will be posted on the blog next week! Below are my snazzy …