Read: Six Books for Female Empowerment

See, the world is falling apart.

When I flip through my newsfeed in the morning I'm hit with: terrorism, #BlackLivesMatter, and Donald Trump as the potential leader of the free world. It starts my day with a heavy heart, and a desire to stay under the covers. And yet, despite the serious world issues going on, yesterday, my feed was polluted with a Kardashian and Taylor Swift war? Lord save us all.

If you need a break from the gossip, below are six books written by strong, powerful, bold women to inspire you to tell your story, stand up for what you believe in, and never stay silent on the real issues that matter.

Even if that's taking down the queen of pop in a Snapchat feud. (just kidding - no bullying allowed).

Enjoy! x

the f word

Let's talk about failure.

Failure can feel like defeat, frustration, loss, heartbreak, pain, embarrassment.

The best way I can define it is standing on the edge of a wobbly diving board, making a gigantic leap...and belly flopping.

Sometimes, there is a bit of failure everyday - from not receiving the right text back, or missing the mark on a goal. Sometimes it takes a birthday, or big milestone to analyze where we dropped off the map, or became inadequate to achieve.

Last year, I read Brene Brown's, Rising Strong after going through multiple changes in my life. From health to relationships to career, I had a few "rumbles" as Brown likes to call them.

The Gesture

Spring forward!

It's time to embrace longer days that stretch out like a piece of gum stuck to an unfortunate shoe.

I remember moving to a new school in grade six, and my teacher giving my class a speech about how we would all turn into hormonal animals once spring arrived. Mostly, she was talking about the age shift from 11 to 12 years old, but I stared at her terrified. She then ended her verbal crusade by telling us to buy deodorant.

Spring brings upon the debut of naked ankles, and the movement towards a better version of the self. With an increase in sunshine, comes an increase in friendliness, health and happiness. Even though Toronto is still freezing, if the evening brightness has put you in a better mood, I challenge you to do something nice for another person.

2016: Things are totally gonna work out

Happy 2016! 

Every January, we step forward into another year with hope it will be better. We want to alleviate the thought that nothing ever changes, so we make resolutions. Mine are generally repetitive each turn: be healthier, write more, stress less, travel somewhere new. etc.

2015 was one of my more challenging years. And yet, I feel like I've been saying this for a few calendar flips now.  As a child, no one ever read me a book about a female heroine navigating her late twenties. I did partially learn how to slay (deadbeat) dragons and evil witches though.

Well, this year, instead of making resolutions because I haven't completed half the ones I made last year, I reflect. Below are some of my thoughts for getting through another year. Enjoy! x

The Charlie Brown Cloud

Have you ever felt stuck?

My friend Jen and I have a term called The Charlie Brown Cloud. You know how the cartoon Charlie Brown always seems to be doom and gloom, like a rain cloud is following him around? When Jen and I used to be coworkers and one of us would be in a bad mood, we'd ask each other,

"Is it a Charlie Brown Day?"

This summer, I found myself with plenty of Charlie Brown days. I had low energy, a packed schedule of weddings and showers, and my attitude was anything but cheery. Eventually I knew I had to start making some changes if I wanted to get to a better place.

Below are some of the things that changed my view. Enjoy!

Book Clubbin' - October Picks

There are two ways I read books. I either devour them with every spare moment I have, (before bed, on the subway, during breakfast) or I keep them by my bedside and slog through them.

While I read year-round, there is something about fall that ups my appetite for books, the way some people increase their Netflix binging. My three book recommendations couldn't be further linked or related, but they provide heartfelt, terrifying, and brilliant reads for whatever your mood is.

Eat Your Feelings - Homemade Pizza

Sometime over the past six months, I stopped cooking.

Whether it was getting back into an office routine, or summer being the epitome of eating outdoors, I became a "grab and go" kind of girl.

I used to be the type of person who always packed a lunch for work, and made homemade dinners 80% of the time. This summer, I found myself too tired to cook, and too lazy to make lunch. Fast-forward to the fall season, and I've wasted an exorbitant amount of money on food and I don't feel as great.

Recently, after another boring meal, I climbed my two-step ladder and grabbed some of my cookbooks collecting dust. I chose a recipe from one of my favourite food blogs, Smitten Kitchen, and set a lofty goal to make homemade pizza dough.

Weekly Mantra - The September Issue

With a one-two punch, summer is (almost) over.

My sister's face above (as we kid around at a wedding over the weekend) says it all. As another summer wraps up, I find myself complaining along with the rest of the "adults," that it went by too fast.

As a child, those two months felt like an eternity; the only event signalling the end of the season were trips to Staples (previously known as Business Depot) to buy school supplies with my sister and cousins. We'd insist on separate carts, and speed in and out of the aisles, selecting colourful pens, and binders (depending on our grade) and then watch our mothers' faces recoil in horror as the totals appeared on the cash screen.

"But I neeeeeeeeed those markers," one of us would whine, while the other kids would nod in agreement.

Anyone still out there?

"But the thing about rising is we have to continue upward, the thing about going beyond is we have to keep going"- Cheryl Strayed

Hello readers!?

I feel like I owe you an explanation.

It's pretty apparent I've taken a hiatus from the blog. This is the longest I've gone in five years without writing something on this platform. As summer approached, I became consumed with work, friends, weddings, events and freelancing.

I was also plagued with a bit of social media fatigue, as my recent job involves a lot of content creation. I became stuck in my own head, with a scrolling screen repeating: I have nothing interesting to say. My life isn't aspirational. Instagram is all people really care about anyways. Blogs are dying.

There are always reasons why we stop doing something we love.

choose your own story

What's your path?

I use writing as a way to understand mine. During my 27th year, I wrote publicly and privately about lessons, change, hustling, and the power of positive thinking. This year I dealt with many unknowns, and navigated through some challenging times. I was tested in all areas of my life, both professionally and personally.

I can describe it as standing over a gleaming pool of darkness. You can't see anything beneath the surface, and you're equal parts enchanted and terrified. While daydreaming, you lose ground or you're pushed, and suddenly YOU ARE IN.

Your toes are snarled with hairballs and seaweed fingers envelop your waist. Your eyes are smudged from crying, because why wouldn't you be wearing mascara on your spiritual journey through a lake of sludge? You'll choke, and flail, and try to stay afloat, and just when you're about to drown, you'll find a way to kick back and look up.

You'll see a cloudless sky and it'll feel like the first time someone told you what the colour blue was.

The dirt will dissolve in fizzy black bubbles; you'll be clean again.

That is how I felt when I turned 28 last month.

what's your hustle?

Ever since Kate Lanphear became editor in chief of Maxim magazine, I've given the men's glossy a second look. I discovered the new version on a borrowed tablet. The paired down cover shots of Victoria Secret angels/models/superhumans Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge looked, dare I say, real? There was not globs of makeup, nests of hair extensions, or contrived poses to be found. 

This issue's theme is: hustle. 

What is hustle?

Weekly Mantra - Let certain things go..

This week's mantra is about being brave enough to turn over the sheets. Wait, maybe even throwing them out the window. As our North American cities thaw, ain't no thang like spring cleaning one's life!

“That is why it is so important to let certain things go. To release them. To cut loose. People need to understand that no one is playing with marked cards; sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Don't expect to get anything back, don't expect recognition for your efforts, don't expect your genius to be discovered or your love to be understood. Complete the circle. Not out of pride, inability or arrogance, but simply because whatever it is no longer fits in your life. Close the door, change the record, clean the house, get rid of the dust."― Paulo Coelho via Goodreads

Life Changers: Boxing

I was nervous to attend my first boxing class.

I’d never punched anything before, except maybe a time sheet at a part-time job.

I'm anti-violence at all costs, so I didn't know how much I'd enjoy hitting a heavy bag. I was also a bit insecure about not knowing how to properly throw a punch.

When I arrived at class, I was relived to see the equal mix of men and women, and was glad that I wasn’t alone in my fight. I initially thought taking boxing classes would be good to add to my fitness routine. I'd read how top supermodels like Gigi Hadid, or Adriana Lima have been using it as their main form of fitness. What I didn't anticipate was the mental clarity I'd receive after every class.

Boxing causes you to confront what you’re hiding. 

It forces you to concentrate, and let out any form of stress, or even surprisingly, joy. I assumed that boxing would be something that is beneficial only I'm feeling angry, or aggressive, instead, I can hit the bag, and think of my goals and aspirations. I can release any anxiousness I have over things I can’t control. By hitting something that doesn't hit back, I am able to let go.

As long as the bag is there, I can fight.

When I box, I look my worst. My curly hair frizzes into a halo from the sweat, and I get splotches on my cheeks from the in-between cardio and weight training. But when I’m done, I leave feeling two inches taller, healthier and more like myself than during any other workout.

I become a bit more of the woman that I imagine myself to be. Someone who is fearless, and in-tune with her body and mind. After I take a shower, I’m more compassionate to my reflection.

I know that I did something good for myself, and it makes all the difference.

This post was sponsored by Clarisonic 

The List - Baby Models, Floral Prints & The New Potato

Apartment therapy - While studying in Florence last summer, I met Ashleigh from Perth, Australia while she was backpacking alone for six months around Europe. Since then, she's become an artist, creating the prettiest hand-drawn floral prints and quotes. Check out her Etsy shop for a spring art refresh.

Babies on the runways - Dolce & Gabbana featured model moms and their babies on the runway in Milan last week. Cue the awwwwws.

Men and Coffee - another Instagram guilty pleasure of my two favourite things combined.

Life Coach - Need a boost? My friend Jac recently launched her life coaching business. Need to set some goals, and get to where you want to be? Jac's your girl.

No sap songs -  I'm on a strict musical diet of overly confident, in your face, rap music. On repeat: Drake's If You're Reading This, You're Too Late, and Big Sean's Dark Sky Paradise.

George Clooney's Op-ed - Clooney writes an opinion piece in The New York Times on how the world mustn't forget about places like Darfur, even though the international attention on a newsworthy crisis is gone

The New Potato - My favourite online food destination features interviews with famous foodies (actors, chefs, celebrities) about their favourite restaurants, and other routines.

The Month of March

Emily Dickinson's poem, Part Five: The Single Hound, starts like this:

MARCH is the month of expectation,
The things we do not know

While March can be a month of hope, there is a sense that it will always be this way.

The salted slush comfortable on the ground; cold wind that nips on ears like a puppy that will never be trained; a profound darkness that trails us home at 5 p.m. But soon, light will flood our evenings and stretch out like a baby waking from slumber. We will smile at strangers on city streets, and all that is rotting will bloom green.

Winter will fold its cards, because it no longer has the winning hand. I say goodbye to February; a month of shallow breathing and hibernation. I fling my arm back, wave my floppy hand, but I do not turn my head. No, I keep my eyes forward.

One step at a time, until I feel sunshine.

New Weekly Mantra - The Crawl

Lately, I've been thinking about crawling.

Baby Kate has recently learned. I watch her zip around the room, and then swivel and sit around in her new location. We're all careful that she doesn't get hurt, or bump her head on coffee table poles, or couch ends. 

Although I learned to crawl many years ago, this month, I had to learn again. There was no one to protect me from the bumps, except that perhaps I needed to slam into a few things before getting to my destination. (And I'm still not there).  

These days, I use my apartment sliding doors to write notes, quotes, To-Do lists, and other things I find inspiring, so when I wake up, I see where I need to be. I've been reading Nymag's "Ask Polly" advice column for awhile now, and this week's mantra comes from it. 

Here it is, as scribbled on my walls. For more Polly, visit Nymag.com. Enjoy! x

My Top Five Books About Love

Reading about love or heartbreak can be cathartic.

It's validating to know that a fictional character, or a real person has experienced the same pain, or uplifting joy that we feel when we open ourselves up to another person. Just ask my new favourite Instagram account, Hot Dudes Reading.

Whether it's heartache, commitment, marriage, or self-exploration, it's hard to find a novel that doesn't focus on these themes in one way or another. I constantly read about love in all of its capacities, whether I'm in a relationship, newly single, heartbroken, or playing the field. It's a constant learning game, and I find it fascinating.

I don't have many views on Valentine's Day; I can take it or leave it depending on my romantic situation. However, February seems to be the month of love, hence this post.

Below are my top five books for whatever you're feeling!

1. This Is The Story Of A Happy Marriage - Author Ann Patchett's collection of essays focuses on her writing career, love for her dog, divorce, and new marriage. My favourite essay, the title of the book, has the simplest advice when it comes to relationships: "Does he make you a better person?"

2. Us: A Novel - For those who loved Nicholls' One Day, his second novel Us, introduces readers to Douglas and Connie, a middle-aged couple who's marriage is on the verge of ending. Connie wants it to end, Douglas does not. They go on a European adventure with their teenage son, Albie hoping to save it.

3. On Love - Alain de Botton's novel is written in short blurbs and describes a relationship from first glance, and idealization to skepticism and intimacy. It's a roller coaster ride, but aren't all relationships?

4. Americanah - This novel, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is my absolute favourite. While it has more important themes like racial politics, the love story between the main characters, Nigerian students Ifemelu and Obinze will break your heart in the best way possible. My favourite line, "She rested her head against his and felt, for the first time, what she would often feel with him: a self-affection. He made her like herself."

5. Love Poems - Pablo Neruda's mini book of poems, will have you seduced. Apparently he wrote them on the island of Capri for his lover Matilde. I carry this with me when I fly.

Weekly Mantra - Don't try to hold on to the wave..

Last week I found myself a wee bit stressed.

Stress is something that can easily be handled, or spiral out of control like a roll of toilet paper a toddler carries around the house. This week's mantra comes from the first page of a book I have, but haven't read, Ali Smith's Artful. I opened the page, and there it was, the answer I needed.

The interesting message in this quote, is that as long as we are here, there will be always be something else that comes along, if we're open and willing to receive it. There will be another opportunity, another love, another bus to catch. We just have to give up trying to control the outcome, and let things be.

Enjoy!

The List - The best fashion campaign, new shades, and how to fall in love with anyone

Photo credit left / Warby Parker / right Juergen Teller courtesy of Celine 

1. This made waves all over the web last week, but Joan Didion for Celine is everything. It features a literary icon and an octogenarian, in a campaign generally reserved for neither. Celine can do no wrong. (Photo right)

2. I smiled during this entire video! Young Italian boys were asked to slap a girl, and their response was brilliant. If children can believe in anti-violence (probably through being raised with strong morals) adults have zero excuse.

3. My favourite eye wear company, Warby Parker just launched their spring collection. With eight new shapes and six new colours the possibilities are endless. (Photo left)

4. The Paris publication, Charlie Hebdo has created over 5 million copies of this week's issue in the right of free speech. Je Suis Charlie.

5. My favourite New York Times column, Modern Love had an interesting article this week titled, "To Fall in Love With Anyone, Do This." The column explores the idea of falling in love through using a technique by psychologist Arthur Aron. It involves answering 36 questions, and staring into someone's eyes for 4 minutes. While it may seem like a strange premise, the writer really makes her point, and it's one of the best I've read.

7 Lessons I Learned in 2014

We convince ourselves of absolute truths all the time.

We say, I will always do this; I will never do that; I would behave differently as a mother/boss/bride/ when my turn comes along. And yet, we really don't know anything until faced with the circumstance.

2014 was a mind-trip. Everything I thought I knew about myself, my career and my relationships sucker punched me in the face. I watched my identity blur. I received a smack down in relinquishing control. I became an expert in adaptation. Change or be changed, became my theme.

Below are seven lessons I learned this year:

1. I am not just my job - The first question people ask when they meet someone is, "What do you do?" It is a defining question, and something I struggled a lot with in the latter half of 2014. For almost four years, I worked in an agency, in public relations, and then one day, I didn't. Before this year, I also didn't like to identify myself as a writer, because in my mind, I wasn't a real one yet. But with time, I started to find my identity beyond self-consciously answering a question at a dinner party. And guess what? I was still the same person.

2. Count the small things - This year, I got published in a print magazine, became a freelancer, gained my first real client, and started putting myself out there more as a writer. My family also welcomed two new little members, Kate and Lorenzo. While these wins may seem small on someone else's scale, they became the biggest gratitudes of my year.

3. Sea salt is medicine - Travel is never frivolous. I credit my summer trip to Greece for bringing me back to life. I hung out under cliffs. I wrote in notebooks again. And I remember floating on my back in the middle of the Ionian sea and thinking, I am the luckiest girl in the world. 

4. Scout's Honour - This year, I had to face up to some truths. Was I really upset, or was my ego taking a hit? Am I acting like a victim, or should I change my outlook? Am I saying no because of my pride, or my heart? This year I chose to tackle the questions, instead of my usual reaction of lacing up my sneakers, and running in the opposite direction. I messed up a lot along the way, but I learned more than I lost.

5. What yellow brick road? I became a time traveller in 2014. The moment I thought a door was shut, or a road had a dead-end, I found myself turning around and walking back. I created fresh starts from old paths (which makes zero sense) but for some reason, it worked.

6. Finish something - I've been talking about the process of writing a first draft of my young adult novel for an entire year. This November, I finally finished it. While the first attempt was a disaster, (re: plot holes, character flaws and spelling mistakes) it had a beginning, middle and an end. And now I'm officially on draft two!

7. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a pink coat - I don't wear pink. I don't buy pink. I don't even like pink lipstick. And yet, two weeks ago I was in Zara and I just had to have this pink faux fur coat. (See photo above) It has become my cotton-candy accessory during the greyest of winters. And I'm still breathing.

So here's to 2015 - a new year, a new outlook and a fresh start! x