LOVE LIST - JULY MOOD // 09

HI JULY! SUMMMMMMER IS HERE! … and already flying by! Anyone else? I hate the pressure of feeling like I need to take advantage of every moment of summer because it’s too short. 

So here it is, my JULY MOOD(board). Time is not refundable, use it with intention - as you can see, I already feel like summer is flying by! But that’s time and I’m enjoying it and I hope you are too! We’ve had lots of out of town guests visits which is nice. I’ve been trying to catch up with friends, grab coffee with colleges, and sit on patios whenever possible. No big travel plans this summer but plan to spend lots of time in nature because nature is the best. I’m also trying to implement some new long term work habits and I’ll update you on those when results start trickling in.

For now, here are few things I’m loving at the moment:

I’m wearing …
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen 

This is my FAVE sunscreen. I use it daily and what I love most about it is that it is NOT greasy, a real natural finish, and it is CLEAR. Clear? Yes, it comes out clear. So when you accidentally get some in your hair or you run out the door and miss the crease in your nose, or smudge it on your shirt (like we all do), you don’t see it! Also, it does not smell. Like I don’t understand how they made this concoction but I’m here for it (and SPF in general) ☀️

I’m reading …

We’re halfway through the year, so I did a round up reel of all the books I’ve read so far this year. Summer is a great time to pick up that book that’s been sitting on your bedside table and enjoy a poolside summer read. In this month’s Book Club I’m  recommending my top three 2024 reads (that would all be great beach reads):
1. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
2. Just For Summer by Abby Jimenez
3. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Happy summer (the best) reading!

I’m crushing on…
Heinz x Kate Spade New York Collection

When you have a husband who loves ketchup as much as mine, you are drawn to the new Heinz x Kate Spade New York Collection when it pops up on your feed. Yes, this classic brand on a purse and loafers is very intriguing but also quite comical. I’m still a little confused by this quirky collab but it’s sparking all the feels. Do I go for a Heinz tote bag or keychain?

I’m watching…
Love Island USA Season 6

I’m HOOKED (and apparently I am not the only one says the Internet). I don’t know why. I have never watched this show before. Not sure how it even came on in the background a couple weeks ago… all I know is I can’t get enough of it right now. It’s really good (in that terrible-reality-mindless-brain-numb-cringe kind of way….) and I’m invested and obsessed. It’s on CRAVE… You’re welcome.

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ICYMI -

ANOTHER COOKBOOK in the world! I’m super excited that another cookbook is out and on bookshelves - The Young Forever Cookbook: More than 100 Delicious Recipes for Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life by Mark Hyman. This was a fun project to work on with a fab team - Kyla Zanardi as the photographer and Dara Sutin behind the recipe development and gorgeous food styling. We had a lot of creative freedom with this one, so I was able to work my art direction and prop styling magic ✨

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LOVE LIST - MAY MOOD // 08

HI MAY! Above is my MAY MOOD(board). Keep it Simple - that’s my plan for the summer. I’ve been itching for the simpler times. Not sure if this is the “good ol’ days” or small town vibes or even “the grass is always greener” idea… but life can get so busy and chaotic, and then time flies by. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially around summer time wanting to do it all. We feel we need to cram in as much as we can because our Summers are short. I’m going to keep is simple and enjoy.

Walk whenever possible. Get outside. Stop and smell the flowers. Literally. Patios, picnics, and play. Shoes off. Lots of sunscreen… and ice cream.

Below are a few things I’m loving at the moment:

I’m shopping … 
Joe Fresh x Jessi Cruickshank Collection 

So in the last newsletter I mentioned I was going to the Jessi Cruickshank live comedy show. So, it was a blast! At her show I entered a contest, as one (me) does… and I won! I won a gift card to Joe Fresh, makeup and gift box from Shoppers, and the new JF x Jessi Cruickshank collection for myself and a friend! So my sister Lisa took me to the show, so I took her to the contest. We showed up, not knowing what really to expect and Jessi surprised us. We had such a fun morning and left with shopping bags full… and there’s a good chance you’ll see me in this outfit this summer.

I’m reading …
The Idea of You

In this month’s Book Club I want to recommend: The Idea of You. You may have heard or seen the movie on Prime. If you haven’t watched it yet I recommend reading the book FIRST. The premise is that a mom takes her daughter to a concert and ends up starting a relationship with one of the boy band members. People say it’s inspired by One Direction and Harry Styles. I always love reading the book first and when I read this book I made sure not to know which actors were playing the main characters. When I watched the movie the actors were NOT what I envisioned!

I’m crushing on…

Embroidery Florals

I’ve been very into embroidery lately. I think it’s so cool what you can embroider and I love the texture it creates. I found this account on instagram (@fredi_boldt) and her clothes are just the cutest. Her videos are so calming to watch! I could watch them all day.

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ICYMI -

TWO COOKBOOKS have come out over the past two months that I helped style: 

Heydays at The June Motel: Beach Town Classics which I am so proud and IN LOVE with. I prop styled and art directed this one. I worked with an incredible team to bring this brand to life in the form of a cookbook. I got to spend two occasions at The June Motel Sauble Beach and it’s just so magical there. Heydays Restaurant is so delicious and we have been back as a family a few times now! This book has so many yummy recipes and brings all the feels. 10/10 recommend!!

Good Food, Good Mood: 100 Nourishing Recipes to Support Mind and Body Wellness is the second book that is now in the world. I had the privilege to help Tamara and Sarah source and plan all the props for their second cookbook. It turned out beautiful and I have been making so many of their nutrient rich and super tasty recipes. It is also so informative and I’ve learned so much from these ladies. A must-have for every kitchen!

If you want to receive my monthly updates and faves directly to your inbox… I would LOVE for you to subscribe! to my newsletter ❤️ Thanks for reading!

LOVE LIST - MARCH MOOD // 07

HEY MARCH! How is it March? Anyone else feeling this? Spring is definitely in the air and I hope you’ve been enjoying the beautiful weather as much as I have. I have been trying to walk daily, where I sneak in some quiet podcast listening but let’s be real, it’s usually pushing a double stroller around with whiny kids.

Above is my MARCH MOOD(board). It’s definitely reading Spring with lots of bright floral vibes. Nature is and always will be a place where I go for inspiration and I am feeling I’m needing it more than ever right now. It’s that time of year when the momentum of the new year is wearing off and things may not be going quite as planned, the way I vision-boarded... so I am reminding myself: Be messy and complicated and afraid and show up anyways.

Anyone looking for an accountability partner… I’m feeling like I need one in my life right about now! … and now here are a few specific things I am really into right now:

I’m creating … 
More Nostalgic Sticker Collages

So I’m still sticker collaging. I find it to be a great mindfullness activity - a relaxing, yet creative way to end the day. I finished my oversized 20x30” piece that is now hanging in the one of the boys room, Benson and I made sticker collage I Spy Valentine’s Day cards for his class, which were a great success, and I’ve been creating these smaller shaped sticker collages. So for now, I will continue to be sticking.

I’m listening to … 
Phone a Friend with Jessie Cruickshank

You may remember her from MTV Canada or The Hills After Show, or even her short stint on The Goods… well I couldn’t stand her when she was on any of those shows. Fast forward many years and I LOVE her and how hilarious she is… So much that I am actually going to her live show this weekend. Her podcast is literal LOL, talking about life, pop culture and everything “elder millennial”. She’s brings on weekly guests who she calls. Literally I look forward to every Thursday when she releases a new episode. So if you’re looking for a new listen… her new season starts next week.

I’m using … 
TYMO Hair Straightener

Okay, so this is definitely kind of random… but I’ve been loving my TYMO hair straightener. TikTok made me buy it and I’m glad I did. Specifically this video convinced me to add to cart on Amazon. It’s different from any other hair straightening product I’ve had before and it just works!

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ICYMI -

I loosely participated in a Pattern Challenge in the month of February.
Here are a couple of my favourites: Kelp, Peace, Things, and Magic ✨

If you want to receive my monthly updates and faves directly to your inbox… I would LOVE for you to subscribe! to my newsletter ❤️ Thanks for reading!

LOVE LIST - JANUARY MOOD // 06

HAPPY 2024! I love reflecting on the previous year and it’s crazy to realize how much happens in a year. A year is a long time! Above is my JANUARY MOOD(board). Kind of a vision board. Kind of winter vibes. Sort of how I am feeling right now. Setting goals. Embracing winter. Trying to create healthy work and life habits and routines… and I am reminding myself: Don’t spend another year doing the same shit. It’s going to be a good one!

For this year I decided to choose a word to really focus on. My word for 2024 is CLARITY - in different aspects of my life including work goals, day-to-day tasks, streamlining and my productivity. A couple other words for this year are SIMPLIFY (and not overthinking), and CONFIDENCE (in sharing, showing up and going after what I want). Do you choose a word (or three) for your year? Let me know if you do!!

… and now here are a few specific things I am really into right now:

I’m creating … 
Nostalgic Sticker Collages

Over the holidays, I tried to slow down and do things I usually don’t make time for. I did two puzzles! I couldn’t tell you the last time I did a puzzle - but it’s so relaxing! I even got a felt mat that allows me to roll it up when I’m not working on it. I’ve been collaging IRL - thanks to the inspo from a Collage Night at Issues Magazine Shop that I attended. But what I am really excited about is that I also started playing around with stickers! I used to LOVE stickers and have the fondest memories visiting the magical Sandylion Sticker Factory as a kid (anyone??). I brought out my old sticker collection and have been creating sticker stories and collages. This is a sneak peak of an oversized 20x30” piece that I am making for one of my boys' bedrooms. The nostalgia is real!!

I’m loving my … 
JSTORY PLANNER (Large Size)

JSTORY is a Korean paper company that makes minimal planners. I love the simplicity (see my word)... I do use it simultaneously with a plain lined Moleskine notebook for extra note taking, and to-do list writing room. They have a variety of sizes and colours and also weekly planners. If I were to design a planner it would be clean and simple like this but I would definitely add a few extras. I LOVE stationary and planners and am curious what planner you use? What are your must-haves in a planner?

I’m reading … 
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

This is kind of like a little Book Club and it will be a part of every newsletter. One of my goals from 2023 was to trade in scrolling and read every night before bed. It has made a huge difference in my sleep and I really look forward to reading every night! Last year I read just over 20 books and I plan to surpass that this year. If you’re on Goodreads let’s follow each other! Part of Your World was my fave book I’ve read recently. It’s a really easy feel-good story. Perfect if you’re just getting back into reading!

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ICYMI -

A new Pattern Crush Blog Post is up on The Mom Lists. Pattern Crush: is a blog series where I post some of my favourite patterned products that I am totally crushing on. This roundup is a cozy one!

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LOVE LIST - NOVEMBER MOOD // 05

It’s already November… October feels like a blur as the world feels like it’s been flipped upside down. I usually look forward to gathering my visual thoughts to create a mood board but honestly, this month it has been hard to find inspiration. I have not really been in the mood for much. Like many, I have been glued to my phone watching the hate that is going on in the world. My saves have been of news videos and impactful and thoughtful facts and quotes. As unmotivated as I was, I also felt it was important to share this love list and share a bit of feel-good and lightness. I am writing this love list letter because really LOVE is what we need right now.

This is my final LOVE LIST for 2022.
Wishing everyone (a very early) Happy Holidays and New Year.

Above is my NOVEMBER MOOD(board). Embracing calmness and comfort (and some yummy treats).

… and now here are a few specific things I am really into right now, all are Jewish centred companies:

I’m sending … 
Everyday Yiddish Cards

I am a huge fan of Everyday Yiddish’s greeting cards. They are dedicated to celebrating Yiddish language and Jewish culture in all its glory, sarcasm and wit. They are not only hilarious and nostalgic but also beautifully designed by graphic designer, Jody Kamen.

I’m shopping at … 
Via Maris

When I say the most gorgeous modern Judaica, I mean it. Via Maris curates Jewish objects — some of the oldest design objects in the world and often very traditional looking and impractical — but designed in the Modernist tradition. How stunning?

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If you want to receive my monthly updates and faves directly to your inbox… I would LOVE for you to subscribe! to my newsletter ❤️ Thanks for reading!