
February 17th, 2016
2016: Back To Basics
GET CREATIVE: I’m probably most excited about this. I’ve talked about it before but back when I was a kid I had a massive art table in our unfinished cold basement. I didn’t care that it creeped me out, or that it was usually freezing, that place was my haven. I would spend hours drawing, painting, crafting…anything and everything. No, I’m not the best illustrator, or painter, or diy-er but it’s so much fun! As I became a pre-teen I became obsessed with magazines. I would clip out hundreds of pages and make my own booklets with all the images that inspired me. I did this for years and still reference them to this day…old school pinterest let me tell you! The last few years I’ve missed using my hands to create. I’ve started to carve out a bit of time each week to simply create something. No pressure, no rules just to have some fun and get away from my phone and computer. It’s already gotten my creative juices flowing and makes me feel even more productive and fired up. I’ll be sure to post more about this in the months to come, stay tuned!
FIT & HEALTHY: Truthfully, this has never been my area of expertise. I’ve always had a pretty good metabolism and for the most part could eat whatever I wanted (within reason) and exercise very little and keep up an average healthy lifestyle. That has all changed now that I’m pregnant. I’m not going to pretend I haven’t indulged in the rare *ahem* McChicken but overall I’ve been consumed with researching and learning what foods I should be eating. I always loved a good smoothie, but now I’m obsessed with trying new combinations and loading in as much goodness as possible. For those of you who have been reading the blog you’ll know I’m not the most domestic gal, but I’ve never felt more inspired than now to get in the kitchen and learn to do it all. Stay tuned for the months to come for the return of the ‘Domesticate Me‘ series. For fitness, I read somewhere online you should break a sweat every single day. I can’t go too hardcore right now but that doesn’t mean I can dance around the condo, do some light cardio or hit up a pre-natal yoga class to keep my body healthy!
KINDNESS: Lately when I’m online all I can think about is where is the love?! I think simple kindness is something people forget. It always pains me when I see a mean, rude or unnecessary comment on other’s social accounts. But, I’m not here to talk about the problem because that just breaths more life into it. Instead I’m going to talk about focusing on kindness. There are certain people I follow online that no matter what day it is are always post uplifting and inspiring content. I love that and it inspires me to strive to do the same. For example: Jeremy Cowart a photographer who I’ve followed for years (not to mention he is the founder of Help Portrait) He is always sharing incredible, positive & inspiring things. The world is filled with beautiful, kind people if you’re looking for them! Smile at a stranger, wish someone a good day or simply hold the door open for someone else. Whenever I’m in a bad mood, doing simple acts of kindness always makes me feel better. I want to focus more on sprinkling on the kindness in the little moments each day and incorporating it into the blog. Bringing light to all the wonderful people in this world and focusing on them! Kindness is contagious…pass it on!
ORGANIZATION: I’ll admit, I’ve never really had a problem with organization. At the end of my work day I flip open a fresh new page in my Simplified Planner and jot down the important ‘to-do’s for the following day. Last year this time I had just started the 90 Day Year Program which continues to be a huge part of how I plan, prioritize and schedule my months. This year I was so lucky to receive Lara Casey’s Power Sheets, my gosh they are so fun. There is a space to write everything. If you’re not already a fan I’d encourage you to go check her shop out asap! As our condo continues to get done (we are almost there!) I’ve become even more obsessed with making storage everywhere I can. If everything has a place, cleaning up is easy and fun. Now with a baby on the way I cannot wait to get the nursery started and of course have everything organized as best as I can! My only wish for this year is for Canada to get The Container Store…my gosh what a dream that would be!
Hope you all enjoyed getting a peek into my plans for 2016!
Hi Anna !
Let me start by saying congrats on the new addition. Pregnancy is such a blessing and beautiful time! Oh and I love creativity and how that's expressed through your photography! I'd love to see more blogger photography tips. Things you've learned as you've progressed over the years. Thank you for being so open! Many blessing to you and your family !
Such great goals for the new year!!
I love your "back to basics" year. Sometimes, life gets so busy that you forget to create just for yourself and for the fun of it! I'm so excited for you guys and your new little person. Congratulations! Also, let's start a petition for The Container Store. 🙂
i love all the photos and advice you shared in this post.. kisses
Hi Anna! Congratulations! Sending you a BIG virtual hug, lots of love and positive energy! <3
Loved this post, so simple yet so helpful.
I would love a series on your journey of starting the business, how you got started, Is it important having a mentor, is logo and branding necessary since the beginning and other tips that you think might be helpful.
Yes I would also love to know your favourite Instagrammers, photographers and other people who inspire you.
Thank you so much for all the inspiration.<3
Hi Anna,
Where did you get your binder??
Ohhhh girl, this post gets me pumped!! Love it (especially the kindness part!!) XX
I love your planner!! Where is it from?
-Maggie http://www.thatgirlmags.com
Love this post, so authentic and heartfelt.
Can't wait to see what 2016 brings for you.
Kristi
This was a good post. Sometimes we really try to complicate things. I am going to go back to basics for a while and see what happens!
http://alanssnapshot.com
Love the idea of creating just for the sake of it! It's been on the back of my mind for so long, but for some reason I needed a kind of permission… I think your post was the permission I needed! Thank you!!
Wonderful Post..Really Appreciated!
Big Thanks from:
AmoreVitaPhotos
Thanks you for all you ideas, experience and sharing with us !