New Year, New Goals

As 2011 comes to a close, I decided to take a quick look back at the biggest goal I set for myself. Competing.

When I make a commitment, whether or not I want to do it, I follow through. Don't get me wrong, my dream of competing was realised. And though I had many ups and downs along the way,  I did something I thought was impossible. For me the hardest part was conquering a deeper fear. A fear of being on stage and not making a fool of myself. Worst case scenario, having my suit malfunction!

With 2012 just around the corner new goals are being put down to paper and I am going to make them a reality. A new date has been set for my next competition March 31, 2012. This means another round of kicking my own butt, and I am hoping all of you will be around for the second ride! I'm most grateful for the love and support you all have showered me with and it all started with this blog. I am looking forward to writing more and getting back full swing into what has brought me so much joy.

I also received some more pictures from my fitness photoshoot with Andrew. I cant wait to share more of these pictures with you in another post.

What goals are you setting for the new year?

Guest Post: Dressing for Wellness through Hard Times

Many of us forget that dressign for our body types can actually make us feel good, especially when times are tough. The following is a guest post from Jackie Clark who is research assistant the Mesothelioma CancerAlliance. Jackie has a bachelors degree in English and a minor in fitness and nutrition.

When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it completely changes your outlook on life. Patients that suffer from various terminal diseases often focus on the statistical survival rates and how much time they have left, instead of focusing on themselves and what they can do to make their time left memorable.

Taking the time to care for yourself can help you get through the hard times. While working may not necessarily be an option, keeping yourself groomed and dressing nicely can truly change the way you feel about things.

Clothes can be more empowering than people give them credit for. Feeling good about yourself on the outside can help you heal the hurt, confusion and pain on the inside. Empowering yourself through how you dress does not mean you have to overdo it. Personally I have found that offering advise and taking my close loved ones diagnosed with cancer to their appointments and then the mall really enhances their overall spirit. Seeing the smile on my aunt’s face as she walked out of her first chemotherapy session in her new blouse was priceless.

Instead of wearing go-to comfort clothes, try something new such as a trendy sweater or fashionable blouse. Another option would be to take a simple back shirt for example and pair it with a warm patterned scarf. It takes what would normally be a simple outfit and makes it fun and trendy.

 Another tip I would like to emphasize is accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Adding a chunky bracelet or an eye-stealing ring can turn any outfit into a show-stopping piece. Other accessories include shoes and purses. Boots of all types, cowboy, leather and Uggs are very in and seem to the leading trend now and for many years down the road. Any boot flat or heeled can turn skinny jeans into a cute outfit and pair that with an oversize bag and you cannot help but feel beautiful with our without a cancer diagnosis.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is life altering and never easy. It’s painful in a way that most people do not understand. However, just because you get that diagnosis does not mean you should ever give up on yourself. You are still you, diagnosis or not. Dress like you are cancer free and you will be!

Read more posts by Jackie here: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jackie/

Fall-tering

The past few weeks have been busy beyond belief. Somewhere between insanity and plain having lost my marbles, I've decided that I can manage three jobs, gym, studying, cooking? and have a semblance of a personal life. Most people tell me to cut back, but my problem is I ENJOY having things that keep me occupied and busy. I am a bit tired, but I feel that having this drive keeps me in balance. Personally, I prefer to do SOMETHING rather than plant my butt in front of the sofa most evenings. Granted, I do enjoy curling up to a great movie now and then, but ask me about what's going on in the world of television and I really don't have a clue.

And I have to be honest. In recent days, MOST mornings I scramble to get ready and be at work on time. So my outfits stray towards the simple, classic and my favourite NO-FAILS.

Personally I find a great button up shirt can be dressed up or down in so many ways. I decided to pair my burnt orange coloured shirt with a classic black skirt. My twist - a funky pair of rust coloured boots to change the outfit and its look.

 What I am Wearing:
Skirt: Smart Set
Blouse: Simons
Boots: Town Shoes 
Hat: F21
Scarf: Gift

How do you deal with the time crunch? What are your thoughts on multiple jobs? How do you wind-down?

Bang On

As promised, I am committing to produce one quality post a week. 

This week's dilemma is a discussion on hair...again. As most of you know I received the Hana Professional Flat Iron. ave I mentioned that I am in love?

But my question today is about bangs. It seems every now and again, I get the urge to do a fringe. On the days it works, well...It look fabulous.

And the days, it doesn't....It can be a nightmare.


What are your thoughts? Bang on this winter season?

xoxo

Hana Hair Heaven

Friends,

I have to apologise for being MIA for a MONTH! I haven't forgotten about the blog or the lovely bloggers out there that I follow and I have been following but havent had the opportunity to post. Sometimes life has a way of getting complicated and taking over. I'm going to promise to get back into it and start off with at least one post a week. 


Please forgive me!

Today, after a month and a half waiting for a product to arrive I am finally able to discuss a product I was asked to review. I am feeling so humbled that there are companies out there that think I would be a good person to discuss tools that most women use - Today's post is about the Flat Iron.


We've all been there....Looking for the right straightener to make our hair look smooth and straight.


Hana Salon sent me an amazing package of goodies but for the most part it has been to review their flat iron. 

How cool is all this stuff? Can I say the eyeliner is working fabulously! :)

The Hana Professional Flat Iron - surprised me! I have been an avid CHI user for years and was unsure of whether or not I could change over. I am in love! I'll be showing you pictures of the final product in a different post but I wanted to show you some of the things that they sent me. I have to say its one of the Best Flat Iron's I have used in a long time and believe me this hair has gone through many different types of straighteners. And, it has a two year warranty!

One product I will be ordering to try from Hana is their Moroccan Oil. Cant wait to tell you all about it when I have had a chance to use it too!

 Have you used a HANA Product before?

Say Yes To The Dress

As promised here are some more pictures from my Bridal Gown shoot from this past August. As I mentioned Andrew the talented photographer who's taken pictures of me here and here, was the creative lens behind the photos. Luxe Bridal Boutique of Ottawa generously lent out these dress and gave me (seriously?) the opportunity to wear them. Words escape me! What a great experience this was...so you get to relive it with me.

  A big Thank you to all who gave me this opportunity!

Blushing Bride

Ok

CLEARLY not blushing….nor a bride. But, this past August, I was given this AMAZING opportunity to be a model for Luxe Bridal Boutique in Ottawa and do a photoshoot in some of their gorgeous gowns. I'd like to backtrack here for a minute and just point out that I am NOT a model. I have no experience behind a camera (minus the "shoots" that Kat and I take). But I have to say, this was one of the most AMAZING experiences of my life. If it hadn't been for Andrew, I'm not sure I would have done the shoot at all. But, the fact that he saw something in me - well….I was floored, humbled and taken aback!

The pictures were taken at the brand new Ottawa Convention Centre and the hope was to do a "stylised" Bridal shoot. One thing I wasn't so thrilled about….my makeup. We won't go there but all in all I enjoyed the experience.  My Hair was done by the fabulous Cut+Blo designer and owner off of Murray St.

Apologies again for slacking on posts. I havent really taken any photos for the last little bit, because as I have said…feeling uninspired by my closet these days.  Hopefully, this will tide you all over until I get some of that inspiration back. Part two of pictures will be posted shortly!

XOXO

N

Blue Bird

I've been slacking lately. I know. Apologies for not responding to your lovely comments or posting on your blogs! I have every intention of catching up and getting back into the swing of things. I've been feeling very uninspired by my closet lately. I have things to pull together outfits no doubt. But….my biggest deterrent to finding things that are "Wearable" is that the closet is in utter chaos these days. Must go though it all reorganise ASAP.

On top of the closet confessions, I've had some pretty tough days with tummy troubles back in full swing. This time around we are cutting out veggies/fibre from my diet because it seems to irritate me more than give me the nutrients I need. Talk about bummer because A) I love veggies and B) I hate the toll its taking on my body and the pleasure I get from eating broccoli. Yes I know I am slightly different ;). Looking forward to my Doctors appt in one month to figure out if this is still a bad case of IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, potential stomach ulcers? or some other Gastro-intestinal related issue. I want answers!

On the bright side - Starting a new workout schedule on Monday with a 4 day cycle! Time to gain more muscle, get toned and stop getting through half-a$$ed workouts. Most of all, get back to my early am routines! I have the rest of this week to take it easier. But, no nonsense Monday's are beginning. Who's in with me :)

Summer seems to be coming to an end too, so the next few posts will be the last of the outfits worn on warmer days. Kat took these photos of me and we played around with the setting and some of the photos had a blue tinge. Loved the effect, though we're not exactly sure how or why it happened!

What I am Wearing:
Dress: Target
Blazer: Zara
Shoes: Nine West (these are one of the pairs I purchased in Miami - love the silver flats!)
Necklace: Gifted

Inner Circle

I have been VERY MIA on both the blog and commenting the past few weeks so first, APOLOGIES! I love you all and the support you've given me and I am constantly thinking about the great inspiration out there. I need to tap back in! I promise I will be back in full swing soon!

As the saying goes, when it rains it pours and well, that's pretty much my life in a nutshell these days. Both personally and professionally, things have been growing. I'm so thrilled at the new opportunities and challenges that I am being blessed with everyday. I'm learning to change my attitude in the way I see myself, others and the world and am making strides to see the positives in every situation.

I have recently been reading a book on leadership and one thing that has been discussed is who you keep in your inner circle. In my case its many of you who I find strength in, particularly in places I am weak. So thank you for having such a positive impact on me. You are not forgotten.

What I am Wearing:
Ruffled Top: F21
Skirt: Vintage (thrifted)
Belt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Ralph Lauren (these shoes used to be comfy….)

Who do you keep in your inner circle?

Back to the Future

It taking you all back to a September 5th 28 years ago when I was born. Yup I am celebrating another year in the world and am so thankful for everything that I have been blessed with.

First its about thanking the people who have made me, shaped me and helped grow into the person I am today. My family. All of you. Without you, your constant love, support, guidance I could not have become the woman I am today.

To all my friends EVERYWHERE. How can I thank you for the memories, the laughter, the friendship? You've been a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and always have a smile on your face for me.

My first birthday

This past year alone has been an amazing growing period. I found love and lost it, I learned that I am my own worst enemy, but I have more strength that I thought. I challenged myself and competed in my first fitness competition, suffered to highs and lows, started blogging, was able to see clearly, made new friends and am ready for new beginnings.

Can't wait to see what the future brings...