Make it Work!

Traveling can be difficult. It brings on stresses, unexpected expenses, and at times can be time consuming. You sometimes find yourself asking if it is even worth it. 

It is

When you travel your stresses don't seem as big. I don't mean forget about them move on, if you do that your stress will become bigger. What I am referring to, is traveling is a stress reliever. It allows you to focus on something you usually wouldn't. This world has much to offer in beauty. Don't deprive yourself of what is out there. Here are some tips on how to make it happen.

- Look at your schedule. This is the most important tip. If you have any time free, a day, a week, a month. Whatever allows. Take that time to travel some place you've never been.

- Save Your money. You don't need thousands of dollars to travel. Save what you can afford. Don't go over what your budget allows.

- Budget. Instead of going out to eat while away, buy groceries, bring groceries, do what you can to plan meals before you find yourself spending more than needed.

- You don't need souvenirs. Yes, Souvenirs are fun, exciting, and can serve as a reminder or a memory of the fun you had while away. Instead of purchasing a souvenir MAKE a souvenir. Let your memories, stories, and photos be your memories. You can always take the photos you took and turn it into a unique souvenir ( photo albums, scrap books [ great time to reflect, de-stress, and of course serve as a hobby]).

Stay Tuned For more fun posts to come!

Hello Readers!

It has been a while since my last post. I had taken a much needed vacation and now, I am back and ready to give you new content! I have thought long and hard about where I want my blog to go and the topics I would like to cover, so with that said, I want to add traveling to my blog.


Thats right - traveling!

I am excited to starting writing topics on traveling! If you have been following my instagram or twitter, you will already know how much I love to travel ( even if it is just a short trip for the weekend).

Stay tuned for my next post where I let you know how to travel on a budget, sites to shop at for the best travel prices and places to travel for cheap!

-xo

Detox Time!

It has been a while since I've shared a post with my readers. Life has been a bit on the hectic side with lots of exciting experiences and adventures coming. I want to continue to inspire my readers and motivate my readers in all aspects of life. 

A beautiful full circle rainbow around the sun while at the lake

But I will be honest here, the past month or so has been filled with crappy food, little to no exercising and I can thank pneumonia for that. I am only now starting to feel better after a month of struggling to get out of bed, wanting to eat healthy food ( but could only stomach unhealthy food), and enjoy the warmer months! With all that being said, my body is feeling a bit neglected and let down. 

First "meal" since getting sick

Its time to detox!

There are detoxes you can buy, juice cleanses and so on. I am looking towards a lifestyle detox instead. As I stated, the past month I couldn't do much so at this point a lifestyle detox is much needed. I have a very active lifestyle, I workout about 4-5 days a week, sometimes 6 if I can squeeze it into my very busy lifestyle. 

So what am I up to?

- Little to no alcohol

- Little to no refined sugars

- Vegetarian / vegan meals

- Raw foods

- Increase in fruits and vegetables

- Increased workout intensity

- Lots of sleep (when possible)

These things already fit my lifestyle for the most part, if anything its going to be more controlled, with less fries (unless they are zucchini fries... I'll post the recipe after). I will also be jotting down my exercises, and daily food intake to track my progress and help keep me on track! 

Now here is my new workout plan that I intend to use in the short term. 


Day 1: Arms and Abs - Day 2: Legs - Day 3: Off or Cardio - Day 4: Back & Abs - Day 5: Cardio - Day 6: Legs - Day 7: Chest, Shoulders & Abs - Day 8: Off 
For Cardio I am mostly using the elliptical ( it is the one machine I am in love with at the moment), however I like to switch things up, between the elliptical - treadmill - and stationary bike. I am also looking into joining yoga classes, start up kickboxing again, and now that summer is here and the weather is nicer, tennis lessons.

Every morning when I wake up, I'm going to motivate myself to do a quick non strenuous workout as well to boost my energy and get the day started. 

20 Jumping Jacks
10 Crunches
5 Push ups
10 Calf raises
25 Russian twists
10 Squats
20 high knees
10 reverse crunches
30 sec plank (maybe up it to a minute once I've gotten comfortable at 30)
15 sec side plank

If you sit down and just take some time to work on new goals, you will find yourself motivated and ready to kick some butt.

As Summer has started, I am slightly adjusting my diet, trying to make the healthiest choices possible. I am ready to give my metabolism a boost, never skip a workout (even if I can't hit the gym, there are home workouts that can be done!). I can even pull out my rollerblades and check out the scenery! So, really there is no excuse for me to be lazy with all the activities and planning around me.

I hope my readers feel motivated, especially if you are like me and  had a set back due to sickness, never give up and keep going after what you want!

- XO

The Holiday Dilemma

We've all been there, we've all experienced it. What is it exactly? The Holiday Dilemma of course! Everything is closed, and unfortunately, sometimes you may find you didn't exactly pick up everything you needed the night or week before.

Well thats where I am as I write this. Its Easter and I'm experiencing the Holiday Dilemma. Our family got all of our last minute shopping done yesterday. We got the food, the spices, the treats and necessities needed for our big Easter dinner.

Sounds like we got everything we needed, right? Well.. While finishing up the dishes last night we quickly realized the dish soap was on its last run and the stores were closed.

I'm in the process of finishing a big batch of perogies, Taco Soup, and and fudge brownies ( I'll post recipes later) and there will be a need for soap if I want to have a clean kitchen before the guests arrive. Needless to say, I have been scrambling to find recipes, tips, solutions or anything to help with my situation.


While looking online I found a few solutions that I am eager to try.

• Baking Soda + vinegar
• Laundry Soap
• Hot Water ( Scalding)
• Good Scrubbing

It is possible to not use soap at all, however that would require a lot of hot water and soaking - not to mention, for me... I won't be satisfied without soaping my dishes and scrubbing them clean. 

Wish me luck !

Happy Easter

Challenge Yourself

 This will be a quick inspiration blurb for all you readers out there. I want you to challenge yourself 

Pick something and challenge it.

When you find that what challenges or scares you and you face it head on you will find that you become happier, stronger and wiser. I know that sounds cliche but it is true. Everything that takes you away from your comfort zone allows for self growth. 

Where to start?

• Find what challenges you want to overcome! 
• Make a list if theres more than one
• Set a deadline for your accomplishment 
• Don't be afraid of the outcome or what others think
• Let go of all apprehensions

Once you've found what you want to accomplish and you've created a plan go for it. You will struggle, and it won't be easy but its worth it. Worth every minute, every thought and every emotion put into what you are seeking out to do. 

Undecided on where to start? Start small, here are some of my favourites that I consistently have on my list.

Becoming a better person

In all aspects of the word. One small good deed could change the way you feel and how you view your day. Even letting someone go before you at the grocery store because they have more items can change your perspective. Start the day off thinking positive and positive actions will be returned

Step outside my comfort zone

This year I am going one step further with my acting, writing and business prospects. I have decided to put my acting lessons  to good use. I've done background work in past, but after talking to producers and people within the media industry I have been encouraged to share my work and even do some auditions. That said some exciting new adventures are coming my way. First stop California for an audition for a comedy school. I am well aware chances of getting in are slim ( not doubting myself, however with tons of auditions by people who have been doing this their whole lives - they will be the ones getting a better opportunity) I'm doing it for experience and a chance to say I did it. I am still a bit shy so I'm hoping this will also help break that mould for me.

Try something new

 I haven't quite found my something new. I thought it would be going to Coachella in two weeks, however  I travel frequently. I believe I want my something new to be venturing off and doing something on my own while I'm out that way. I will update later if I can find something new. 



Most importantly love yourself every step of the way

I love you !

Tell me whats up with you! :)

The Busy Life

We all lead busy lives, including myself ( I feel I never get a moments peace). Lets admit it, it gets exhausting. Sometimes life can move so quickly that we are constantly finding that there is not much time for you and everything you want to take on.

You Need To Make Time For You

I have never really been the type to get alone time. I have always been the victim of the "too busy for that ". Until recently that is. I've come to learn that you cannot neglect yourself. Happiness always starts with you - embrace it and indulge a little. When you love yourself you will find room for excitement and growth and learn more about yourself, things you never would have known. Being comfortable with yourself is important - it allows you to take on experiences, and try new things. In my opinion, I feel people view alone time as being the outcast, uncool, or having a boring lifestyle. Being alone doesn't have to mean that, and doesn't mean you're alone or lonely. It means you are comfortable with who you are and allows you to explore what you enjoy to become a happier you. It does take practice, self love and appreciation - but it is worth it.

Listen to your heart, your mind, your soul

As I said earlier, I am no stranger to the busy life, so sometimes making a schedule is the best possible way to find your inner peace and moment. Even if you schedule 30 minutes of time for yourself a week you're on the right track!

What are my personal favourites?

gym
There are a lot of people who insist on going to the gym with people. I fall into this category, sometimes. But mostly enjoy and appreciate going on my own. It's a moment of just me, my music and focusing on my routine. It's my time to reflect and think while doing something I love.

yoga
There are many different types of yoga, and everyone can benefit from. It's great meditation - clear your mind of all stresses!

Writing
Yes, I know writing may be a career for some but take a different angle or approach. Try writing something different from your usual routine.

Hobbies

Anything you enjoy doing, or have thought about doing but have yet to get the chance due to prior commitments. 

A Walk
Fresh air is wonderful! It clears out your lungs and allows you to enjoy the beauty that is around you. New to a city? Explore it! You'll find more enjoyment by going for a walk or a hike alone than if you were in a group (talking can sometimes make you miss the little things).

Disconnect

Probably one of my favourites. Disconnect from your phone or your social media. Spend time reading a new book, learning a new recipe or just thinking.

You are truly wonderful and you need a little you time to enjoy life. 

Breath in Breath out and smile

Bucket List

I have one hectic life. I am constantly planning and working on my next topic, goal, or adventure. With all that I take on in life I must make a bucket list to make sure I achieve everything that is important to me. Life is short and goes by fast. I refuse to let it pass me by. I don't want to restrict myself but I also don't wish to look back on life wishing I could have done more. The thing is, I'm very open so my bucket list will continue to grow and change and thats OK.  Right now I have two sets of bucket lists; one is general life goals,

+ Have a family

+ Smile more

+ Be a better person 

+ Meet new people

+ Inspire people

+ Buy a house

Seems simple enough. Bucket lists don't necessarily have to be extreme. Although, with that in mind, I do have a second bucket list. A list that is a tad on the extreme side and meets the adrenaline junkie part of me. If I complete even half of my second bucket list, even that will be okay.

+ Travel the world

+ Finish writing my book

+ Publish my children's books

+ Complete a photography book of places I've been

+ Teach something overseas

+ Skydive

+ Coachella

+ EDC

+ Osheaga

+ Build a home in Africa

Where would I like to travel? Thats easy, Thailand, Australia, Europe (again), Peru/ South America, East Coast of Canada, Hawaii, Jamaica and the list continues, but those are my top places. This world has so much to experience and everyday I am constantly finding new things to add to my bucket list, things simple and doable each day, and things worth waiting and saving for. Ask yourself whats on your bucket list. You may be surprised at how easily attainable they are.