Showing posts with label La-La Land Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La-La Land Life. Show all posts

30 Day Wellness Challenge

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Ever since giving birth I have been saying I am gonna get back and focus on my health, but postpartum is HARD. Took me ten months to feel sort of like myself again. While I did managed to go back to my pre pregnancy weight almost immediately after giving birth my weight is in weight places and makes me feel uncomfortable.

My goal has always been to feel good about myself and be comfortable in clothing not so much about being skinny or losing crazy amounts of weight. So I started a 30 day challenge for myself to focus on being more healthy from inside. These are simple things, I can incorporate in my everyday.

Starting weight: 90.8KG

In 30 days I m gonna focus on 5 things:
drink 3L of water
get 10,000 steps in
getting two movements in a week (yoga or gym or something)
journaling 

My baby is very active so I had to be mindful of things I can actually accomplish and set myself up for success. This 30 days are more of a health from within kind of focus - things that will help me be healthier not necessarily skinnier. 

So follow along here and on instagram. 

5 Things You Should Do Before the End of the Year

Friday, December 13, 2024

Setting yourself up for a successful new year requires a mix of reflection, preparation, and intention. Here are five things you should do before the end of the year to set yourself up for your best new year yet:

1. Reflect on the Past Year
Assess your growth: Take time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, what worked well, and what didn’t. Review your goals and achievements, both personal and professional. Celebrate your wins and learn from your challenges.

Journal or make a gratitude list: Writing down key lessons from the past year helps you gain perspective and shows you how far you've come. It’s a great way to foster a positive mindset for the year ahead.

2. Set Clear, Intentional Goals for the New Year
Create SMART goals: Identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for the year ahead. Whether it's in your career, health, or personal life, setting clear intentions will keep you motivated and focused.

Break them down: Don't just think about big yearly goals—break them down into smaller monthly or weekly tasks. This makes them more achievable and provides momentum.

3. Declutter Your Environment 
Clean your space: Start the new year with a fresh, organized environment. Clean out your workspace, home, and digital space (emails, files, etc.). A clutter-free space promotes mental clarity and productivity.

Purge unnecessary things: Get rid of items that no longer serve you—whether it’s physical clutter, old habits, or toxic relationships. Free up space for new opportunities.

4. Create a Financial Plan
Review your finances: Take stock of your financial health by reviewing your budget, savings, and investments. Assess any debt and make a plan for how to manage or pay it off in the new year.

Set a financial goal: Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a large purchase, or investing, having a clear financial goal will help guide your decisions throughout the year.

5. Prioritize Self-Care & Wellness
Assess your health: Make sure you’re taking care of both your physical and mental health. Schedule any necessary doctor visits or check-ups. Make a plan to adopt healthier habits, like regular exercise, eating well, or practicing mindfulness.

Create a self-care routine: Start the new year with practices that recharge you. Whether it's meditation, journaling, reading, or spending time with loved ones, having consistent self-care rituals will help you manage stress and stay balanced throughout the year.

By doing these five things before the end of the year, you'll not only close out this year on a positive note but also set the foundation for a successful, fulfilling new year.

Best Canadian Weekend Getaways: Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Friday, October 25, 2024

The last year has been challenging for many, the economic state of many countries, including Canada has made travel harder. 2019 poses an interesting time for adventures in Canada, with the economy in a downturn, huge changes in government and currency exchange, our money is worth a little lot less when traveling outside of Canada. On the flip side, traveling to Canada from many places is a steal of a deal and luckily for us all, Canada is an amazing place to visit and explore. I m have been working on a must see list of places in Canada and to kick off the series we went to Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
KananaskisNordic Spa is a different take on modern-day wellbeing. Inspired by Scandinavian wellness traditions and the bold ruggedness of the Canadian Rocky surroundings make for a perfect weekend getaway. The spa is located at PomeroyKananaskis Mountain Lodge and is  a Canadian-designed alpine sanctuary created for contemporary lifestyles.
If you are looking to truly relax, reconnect and leave feeling rejuvenated, this is a place for you. Crystal and I used this opportunity to truly unplug, unwind and just be in the moment at this  spa getaway that soothes and rejuvenates the body and mind. The Nordic Spa in Alberta take advantage of the unique offerings while embracing the natural beauty that surrounds you and it allows you to be still; its helps heal body, mind and soul.
The entire point is to chill, relax and take in the amazingness of it all. Hot, warm, cold, rest, repeat in a series of hot, warm and cold plunge pools, three types of saunas (Barrel Sauna, Banya Sauna and Finnish Sauna), a Steam Cabin infused with select aromatherapy oils and an exfoliation cabin for self-exfoliation of the skin.
We stayed at the Pomeroy more for ease of access and because one of the packages available includes spa access that has in and out privileges. Those privileges are great so you can head out to lunch or dinner and than return to the spa. The accommodations, service and amen ties at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge were wonderful. From the moment you pulled up, to check in and room service we were greeted by very polite and helpful staff. The rooms were specious, with a fire place and we had a balcony that overlooked the spa. 
There was multiple places to eat at the hotel as well, all the food we tried, including room service was done well and was Delicious. 
The drive from Canmore or Banff is not long, and its fairly picturesque. You can stay at any of the 100 hotels that are in the Kananaskis area, and that get the day passes to the Nordic Spa which are $70/person.  We purposely chose to go on a week day because on weekends and holidays there is a waiting list. 

There are multiple hikes, trails and actives while at Kananaskis. Depending on the season anything from horse back riding, to rafting to snowshoeing is an option. 
Snowshoe in Kananaskis Country - $55.62
Hike through a winter wonderland in the heart of the Canadian Rockies on snowshoes! Enjoy an exhilarating 5-hour daytrip to an amazing lunch spot surrounded by limestone peaks of the Canadian Rockies, while learning about the flora, fauna, geography and history of the area. Snowshoes are included.
Crystal and I went on a hike an explored the trail around the spa. Troll Falls hike was easy, and it took about and hour.  The trail around the spa is about 20 minutes and the scenery is beautiful, with some awesome lookouts.
Kananaskis River Rafting Adventure - $80.93 Enjoy a beautiful day rafting down the picturesque Kananaskis River in Alberta, Canada. 1.5 - 2 hours on the turquoise waters of the Kananaskis River, one of Alberta’s most pristine waterways. This excursion is an ideal introduction to the thrill of whitewater rafting, and is great for families or groups on the class 1-3 rapids. Spot local wildlife and soak up Canada’s unparalleled beauty as you cruise down this beautiful river. Includes optional pick-up and drop-off in Banff and Canmore.

This getaway is perfect for anyone who needs a break or to relax; couples who are looking for a romantic weekend away; girls trips; bachelor/bachelorette weekends. The Nordic spa is 18+ only so if you have kids, this might not be the best fit. 

Have you guys been? What do you think? 

*this post contains affiliate links.

The Secret to Staying Motivated (Even When You Don't Feel Like It)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Have you ever found yourself lacking motivation to tackle the tasks on your to-do list? It's a common struggle that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and defeated. But what if I told you that staying motivated is not only crucial to our success, but also our overall well-being? In this article, we'll dive into the science behind motivation and offer practical tips to help you stay motivated, even when you don't feel like it. From setting inspiring goals to embracing failure, we'll provide a roadmap for achieving success and living your best life. So, let's get started!,

Understanding Motivation
To truly understand motivation, it's important to recognize that it is a complex state of mind that is influenced by a wide variety of internal and external factors. These factors can include everything from our biological makeup to our environment, relationships, and experiences. In order to cultivate and maintain motivation, it's essential to identify what truly inspires and drives us.

One effective strategy for staying motivated is to set goals that inspire us. When we have a clear vision of what we want to achieve and a plan for getting there, we are more likely to stay focused and energized. However, not all goals are created equal. In order to truly inspire us, goals should be meaningful, challenging, and aligned with our values and passions.

When setting goals, it's also important to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only makes them more feasible to achieve, but also allows us to track our progress and celebrate our successes along the way. Additionally, it can be helpful to establish a support system of friends, family, or colleagues who can provide encouragement and accountability.

Ultimately, understanding motivation is about paying attention to our own unique needs and drivers. By setting inspiring goals and cultivating supportive relationships, we can stay motivated and achieve our dreams, even during the most challenging times.,

Setting Goals that Inspire
When it comes to setting goals, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the grandness of our aspirations. However, we can actually hinder our motivation by setting unrealistic or unattainable goals. Instead, it's important to set goals that inspire us and push us to improve, while also being able to realistically achieve them. This can mean breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, or setting specific, measurable, and achievable targets. By setting inspiring goals that we are capable of achieving, we can maintain our enthusiasm and motivation throughout the process.

In addition to setting inspiring goals, cultivating a supportive environment can also help us stay motivated. Having individuals in our lives who encourage us and hold us accountable can make a world of difference. This can mean teaming up with a workout buddy or finding a mentor to provide guidance and support. The right support system can not only lift us up when we are feeling defeated, but can also challenge us to strive for greater success.

Creating a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment and setting inspiring goals go hand-in-hand in maintaining motivation. When we surround ourselves with individuals who believe in us and set goals that excite us, we can tap into our deepest potential and achieve even our loftiest dreams.,

Having a supportive environment can make all the difference when it comes to staying motivated. It's important to have people in our lives who encourage us, hold us accountable, and challenge us to strive for greatness. This can mean finding a workout buddy or a mentor who can offer guidance and support. When we surround ourselves with individuals who believe in us and set goals that excite us, we can tap into our deepest potential and achieve even our loftiest dreams.

In addition to having a support system, breaking down tasks into manageable steps can also help us stay motivated. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks, we can build momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. This combination of a supportive environment and manageable tasks can keep us motivated and on track towards achieving our goals.

Breaking Down Tasks into Manageable Steps
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by a goal that seems too big to tackle. When we're faced with a daunting task, it's tempting to put it off or avoid it altogether. However, breaking down that goal into smaller, more manageable steps can help us stay motivated and focused.

By focusing on one small step at a time, we can build momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. This builds confidence and helps to keep us motivated to push forward.

For example, if you're trying to write a book, the idea of writing an entire novel can be intimidating. But if you break it down into smaller tasks, such as writing a certain number of words each day or completing one chapter at a time, it becomes more manageable.

Having a supportive environment and breaking down tasks into smaller steps work hand-in-hand to keep us motivated. By achieving small wins along the way, we can celebrate our progress and stay motivated to work towards our larger goals.

Celebrating Small Wins
Another key to staying motivated is celebrating small wins. When we set large goals for ourselves, it's easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged when progress seems slow. By breaking down those goals into smaller tasks and celebrating each step along the way, we can maintain a positive attitude and feel a sense of accomplishment.

For example, if you're trying to learn a new skill, such as playing an instrument or a sport, it can be frustrating to feel like you're not improving quickly enough. However, by focusing on small victories, such as mastering a particular technique or hitting a personal best, you can celebrate your progress and stay motivated to continue practicing and improving.

Celebrating small wins not only helps us stay motivated, but it also boosts our confidence and reinforces positive habits. By recognizing the progress we've made, we're more likely to stay committed to our goals and push through any obstacles or setbacks.

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success
No one enjoys failing. It's an uncomfortable feeling that can leave us questioning our abilities and our worth. However, failure is an inevitable part of the learning process, and it's essential to embrace it as a stepping stone to success.

When we fail, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and make adjustments for the future. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, we can use that experience to grow and improve. We can analyze what didn't work and figure out a new approach to achieve our goals.

Moreover, failure can also motivate us to work even harder. When we experience setbacks, it's easy to become discouraged and give up. But those who are successful know that failure is just a temporary setback. It's a challenge to be overcome, and it requires perseverance and determination to keep going.

Embracing failure requires a shift in mindset, but it can be incredibly beneficial in the long run. When we accept that failure is a natural part of the process, we're more resilient and better equipped to handle any obstacles that come our way. We learn to take risks and push ourselves out of our comfort zones, knowing that even if we fail, we'll learn from the experience and come back stronger.

By learning how to bounce back from setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth, we can stay motivated and achieve our goals.

Staying motivated is not always easy, but it's essential if we want to achieve our goals and create a fulfilling life. By understanding the science behind motivation, setting inspiring goals, creating a supportive environment, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, celebrating small wins, and embracing failure, we can stay motivated even when we don't feel like it. Remember, motivation is a process, not a constant state. So, take action today and start living your best life. As Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."

Time for a Staycation: How to Kick Back, Relax, and Vacation in Edmonton With Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West

Monday, September 2, 2024

Winter is when many of us would like to get away, but let's get real: if you're on a budget, balancing mortgage payments and savings for the future, saving money for  your next vacation might not be exactly in reach. Luckily, you don't need to spend your entire savings on your next adventure this winter: a staycation can be just as (or even more) relaxing.
Stay-cations are pretty great—plus less stressful and more affordable. I recently had a little staycation at Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West
So what makes a good stay-cation?

A great place to stay.
 The Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West rooms are incredible - they are specious, modern and very comfortable. With recent upgrades and renos it's a new and refreshing stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West and it has everything you need to make your trip an excellent and memorable one.

Great food. 
A staycation is the perfect time to get dressed up and have a good meal at a local restaurant so bring your significant other or a girlfriend and treat yourself. While staying at the hotel we ended up at AQUA Bistro restaurant. The service was great, food was very well presented and tasted delicious. The ambiance was good and relaxing and the everything on the menu is priced well. The hotel stay includes breakfast at AQUA and let me tell you - that was so good.


A place to relax and recharge.
Is there anything better than sitting in the hot tub after a long day to relax. The pool and hot tub at the Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West are perfect for chilling c and enjoying good company. 

The hotel also offers a gym and with my 2020 goals still going strong it was awesome to get a run in.

What do you look for in a perfect staycation?













Our stay was c/o Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West - all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support letterstoLALAland.com

Free (or fairly inexpensive) things to do in Edmonton and area this Summer

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Summer is officially here so I gathered a list of thing to do in Edmonton and area (for free or fairly inexpensive): 

Free activities at EPL (kids birth to 3) including baby lap time and sing, learn, play.

Family photo shoot at a studio for $10.99 (you get a 15 min session in studio and all the photos).

Visit Alberta Legislature and get a tour. The tours are free, and the groups are perfect for exploring and hanging out.

Picnic with family at a park (Rundle, Borden, Terwillegar, Victoria park to name a few) - pack a blanket, snacks and some toys and enjoy!
Day trip to a lake (Buffalo lake, Seba, Alberta Beach or Mons). While these require driving the beaches are free, so you can bring food, toys and enjoy sunshine. 

Head to a farmers market (from Strathcona, Callingwood, 124 grand market) - pick up some fresh produce and treats and hang out. 

Visit at The University of Alberta Observatory on Thursday for free. Access is free every Thursday and great way to do something different.

Take a free Bus Transportation to Elk Island National Park and explore. Busses run from end of June through Summer. Perfect way to explore the park, see some animals and explore. 

Check out Queen Mary’s Night Market (June to September), it’s free and they have lots of vendors and music.

How are you spending your Summer?

How To Truly Connect To & Understand Culture

Monday, February 19, 2024

Pexels - CC0 License


Culture is a big word, and it can mean many things at once. While it might elicit something of a groan to start an article like this, culture is anything that connects people and provides a common fabric of experience. So for instance, even the office at your place of work can have its own culture. Two people can develop their own culture of understanding after being friends for a decade.

But culture as we know it often relates to people, sometimes born out of geographical locations, ethnicities, shared culture heritage, and values. In some cases, cultures can connect and blend into something new. We need only look to many Gen Z individuals whose slang becomes a blend of many different cultures, creating a brand new method of communication. The internet itself is homogenizing the way we speak and connect, which is why the skull face emoji, once a relatively ominous symbol, is now considered an emblem to use when recognizing the humor in something. That’s a cultural change.

Perhaps you have a set of exciting travel experiences coming up. Maybe you’re wondering exactly how to get the best of culture and learn the most while you’re there. Never fear, because in this post we’ll discuss how to truly connect to and understand culture, which should inspire you to have the best time possible:

It’s All About Gastronomy
From delicious cuisine to the cultural centers of a nation’s food production, experiencing the true bounty of that particular part of Earth is a wonderful thing. It’s why heading on Tailor Made Wine Tours France can be such a great way to experience various countries because they show you the essence and the history behind the biggest movers, shakers, and preserving experts of the great winemaking tradition. Exploring a nation through your taste buds is not only smart, it’s appreciated by the locals.

Attend Cultural Events & Festivals
You might consider an event, holiday or seasonal activity as unrepresentative of what the culture is, but that’s not always the case. Sure, an event might be a limited span of time in which many different perspectives come together, but how a culture enjoys a certain event, especially if they have their own take on it, can be enlightening. For example, Thanksgiving in the US is very unique, while the American take on Halloween is also much louder, bolder and more celebratory than in other countries. Moreover, some hold amazing traditions, such as the carnival in Venice. Attending cultural events is not only fun, it can help you understand what a country and its culture values.

Understand Basic Communicative Signifiers
Some countries, like Italy, talk using their hands and are quite expressive. Others are more reserved. Many have figures of speech that might sound a little odd to you, but are benign or even welcoming to them. For example, if a British person welcomes you by saying “You alright?” - they’re not necessarily concerned with your health or worried about you, they’re greeting you. This is just one example. Learning the common fixtures and signifiers of day to day conversation can help you flow more easily from place to place, and have fun doing so. Luckily, the internet is a great resource, as are travel guides.

With this travel advice, you’re sure to better connect and understand culture going forward.

A Fresh, Mindful Approach to Goal Setting

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Happy New Year!! Hoping that 2024 brings us all health, happiness and abundance. After last year, this year I am committed to making an effort to be more mindful. From how I approach life, self care, and more specifically goal-setting and focusing on things I am thankful for.

Sometimes in November, every Monday morning I started writing down three goals or things I want to accomplish and three things I'm grateful for. I wrote these in my day timer and the whole thing took no longer than five minutes but helped me to visualize and arrange the week ahead. I found that this helped me feel better and that not everything is crazy and out of control. However my agenda was not so conducive to this, so I created one that is – think of it as 5 minute journal within a day timer. 

While you can you sticky notes, your day timer, a simple note book - goal setting for the week and writing down at least 3 things you are grateful every week will help enormously. For one, it will help keep you organized, but more importantly put into focus the good things. Sure, those things are small sometimes but small victories are just as important. 

How do you goal set?

Ready, Set, Goal

Monday, January 1, 2024

This year we are all about intention, and getting shit done. I do the best when I plan and have things to work towards to so here is to making 2024 filed with goals, plans and ambitions that will help us look and feel our best.

The start of a new year marks an opportunity to reflect on life, and think about the future. Sure New Year resolutions get a bad rap for encouraging unrealistic goals that most people forget or fall off doing mid February but I look at it very differently; Writing down and embracing achievable goals, that are more of a work in process, and if you stick with them will slowly make new, attainable routines and habits that will make you feel great about yourself.

The fact that January 1st is on a Monday is a perfect re-set and start to a new year. 
Here are few of my goals for 2024 :

Start a gratitude and mindfulness journal.

Build a better budget.

Read 15 books this year.

Make the blog work/make this space a priority.

Make $50 extra a week.

De-clutter my home. 

What are your goals for 2024?



Life, lately

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 was one of the hardest years of my life, but somehow filled with most amazing moments too. Its also been a year when I had to learn the most about myself and how to deal with stress, anxiety and bordering depression.  To top dealing with a hard year, life seems to be going a million miles an hour. Between work, trying to revive the blog (yeah 2023 took more of a hit on it than 2020 did), my relationship, trying to figure out life without my mom around I felt like I have been drowning for  better part of 2023.

Grief is a hell of thing, but with all that pain came burst of clarity. While I still cry most days, and have a hard time with losing my mom, I think I m finally learning how to cope. Its a small step but a step to being in a better place mentally for when my baby comes here. 

Few years ago,  I started blogging as a way to have something that was just “mine”, something I would have control over and to help me deal with the voices inside my head. Somewhere along the way other things took over and the blog took a back seat. Lately I felt so overwhelmed, alone, and had completely lost my sense of self. So in 2024 other than focusing on keeping a tiny human alive, the blog, and this space will be my  main focuses. 

2023 was so hard but filled with many happy memories and events that changed the trajectory of my life, as I know it. Highlights of this year include : Birth of the most precious and perfect person, AKA my niece Ajla; Seeing our baby in 3D! and getting engaged.



 
growing baby P and weekly iron infusions 

How was your 2023?

Winter Date Night Ideas

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Winter sounds great in theory, but I for one am cold at plus 10 but in an attempt to spend more time doing things, I came up with a list of date night ideas. This is your go-to guide if you want to go on a non-conventional date this winter. Although it may be alluring to stay home rather than deal with the bother, an outside date might be well worth it.

Build a snowman

Have a movie night

Go sledding

Go ice skating

Do hot yoga

Check out holiday lights

Play video games

Put up Holiday decorations

Make Christmas ornaments

Go and see a play


Six Things to do for Christmas in October

Saturday, October 14, 2023

You might think it's a little weird to start Christmas preparations in the middle of the summer, but that's when I do it. However, it seems reasonable to begin crafting and purchasing Christmas gifts in October. I'm here to help you get organized and complete your Christmas-related tasks. Please let me know whether you have begun working on your Christmas projects in a comment.

Make a list - check it twice
Getting organized is the first step - this way you are not over buying and you know how much money you will need or if you to find alternate solutions.
  • Gift list
  • Decoration list
  • Christmas cards list
  • Party lists
  • Recipe lists
  • Cleaning and organizing lists
Research, Research and Budget
From sales to stores, to points, to bonuses with purchase - you want to maximize your money and impact. You won't feel the pressure if you start setting aside a small amount of money each pay period. Be sensible and keep in mind that Christmas isn't about the stuff. You can do the envelope challenge 

Schedule your family photos
If you book early you might find a better deal, plus more time to plan. If you cannot afford a photographer this also give you enough time to test out and learn how to take photos yourself. here is few tips on how to take your own headshots. 

Start Shopping
I like to buy a few things ahead of time because it's challenging to fit all of the holiday shopping into one month's budget. Additionally, it will spread out expenditure over the coming months.

Make handmade gifts
Home made gifts can mean more than bought gifts. October is a perfect time to start working on your handmade gifts. here are some ideas but the possibilities for homemade gifts are endless:


Clean and Organize 
I like to do one room or closet every two weeks or so. I try and keep my house 10 min to guest ready but ever since I became pregnant not some much. So I made a list of things to de-clutter and organize. 


Fall Date Night Ideas

Monday, October 9, 2023

Fall is here and it might be the prettiest season - the scenery is changing but its still warm enough to get outside. It can be hard to arrange the ideal date night, including deciding where to go and what to do... for this reason, we've put up a list of the most romantic fall date ideas for couples:

Visit a pumpkin patch
Pick up a PSL, go for a walk and take some cute photos. If you are in Canada you can visit Pumpkins after dark.

Carve pumpkins
Spending time together and getting creative. Carving pumpkins can be a fun and inexpensive activity for couples.

Go apple picking
If Hallmark thought us anything  iconic fall date than going apple picking together 

Go to a corn maze
Get lost and explore!

Visit a haunted house

Take a cooking class
Learn how to make pasta or pizza - learning something together is a great way to grow your relationship.  

Visit the mountains

Have a Fall picnic
You'll need to bring along are a sturdy blanket, napkins, and forks, some wine or tea or hot chocolate and your favorite charcutier board ingredients and enjoy.  

Go for a hike
Fall leaves and changing scenery is so petty, so go for a hike or a long walk.

Have a scary movie marathon
There’s just something about having a scary movie marathon on late Autumn night that feels so right. It’s the perfect Halloween season activity to enjoy with your loved one. We recommend Halloween or Scream or A Nightmare On Elm Street.

Saving Money by Making Extra Money

Monday, October 2, 2023

Saving money seems more important than ever, so maybe looking at it differently is something to try this season, like saving money by making some extra cash. There is a ton of ways to make extra money, especially only but here are few that are simple and easy to start:

Sell Sell Sell
Selling what you don’t need anymore, can make you some easy cash. Sometimes we all buy things that we don't actually don’t need or we picked them up because they are on sale. Those items can easily be sold on a second-hand sales website or at a local market place, or garage sales. Market place is sometimes a pain with al the "is this available" but most of us (well many) spend a ton of time online anyways so answering those questions is not hard, and few bucks here and few bucks there make a difference.

Sell your strengths 
Are you good at making shirts? Books? Earrings? Good at coding things? You can pretty much sell any products online. If you are creative and especially if you have a circut you can sell shirts or bags. If you are good at making earrings or jewelry you can sell it on Etsy or market place or even social media. If you are good at creating notebooks or journals, you can sell them on amazon KDP or Etsy. If you are good at coding you can offer your services via Fiverr or create blogger or workspace templates you can sell online.  

Become a UGC creator
a UGC creator is a content creator (as the name says it) who “specializes” in creating content that looks user-generated, personal, authentic, and unique to that person's style – but of course, it's sponsored (paid by a brand/company). So if you are good with social media and creative you can make money creating content for brands and get paid of it. 

Sell Stock Photos Online
Most of us have pretty good cameras on our phones or if photography is your hobby, you can turn it into a cash-making business. Sites like Shutterstock, Deposit Photos, Getty Images and iStockPhoto allow you to upload your photos and sell them for money.

You can use the money you made towards a savings account, pay your debts down or anything you would like.

Save Money By Going Back to Basics

Monday, September 25, 2023


Life, work, health and finances can often feel very complex and overly busy. All this complex and busy-ness can have a negative impact on achieving what matters most and leave you feeling overwhelmed. This is why going back to the basics is so is important. When you adopt a back to basics approach especially with your finances you are proactively focusing on the things that make the most difference, kind of like a re-set.

Here is few things you can adopt to have a financial re-set and go back to basics... some of this advice sounds so basic and you might think its pointless but try it for 60 days, if you don't notice the difference that go back to normal. I tried this for month of August and September and not only did my budget and bank account see the difference but I actually enjoyed it, a lot.

Not buying lunch or coffee
I love PSL (probably more than an average person) and am very lazy when it comes to making lunch as it so much easier to order in. So my coffee order is usually $2.50 to $6.95 per day (average 4.75) about five times a week, I was spending $24 on average. So I went and bough ground coffee and pumpkin spice creamer and milk, for $22.25. This made me coffee for 3.5 weeks. It did take me couple days to perfect a perfect latter and it might be better than Starbuck PSL.

Another thing I tried, I made lunch for both my partner and me Monday to Friday, which saved us a ton of money as we were not spending money going out to grab lunch. I did try to figure out what meals I would make before going to grocery store and making a shopping list, I also looked at sales via app called reebee, and we would shop where things we needed were on sale, and in stores that price match showed them the deal on flyers. We still did things on weekend, as eating out was a treat. Buying groceries and cooking at home not only provides family time, but it can save you a bundle.

Collect and use points
I know its a pain to sign up for all the points at all the stores but if you shop at same places all the time maximize the points. For example Optimum points, you can collect them while grocery shopping, beauty supplies even gas - so get the app, sign up for bonuses and redeem your points on bonus redemption day. We started exclusively shopping where we can collect PC Optimum points, and we collected $50 worth of points in about 40 days, I know its not a life changing amount BUT any money is worth it.

Simplify and organize your activates
This might sounds silly, but gas is expensive, so plan your week ahead. This way you can go to run errands same day you go to the gym, or already driving to meet friends. A friend of mine would make a errands list, along with a shopping list, and if they forgot something they would go without it until the next time they go shopping. This saved them time, but also money on gas.

How do you save money? Will be trying these back to basic tips?

Pregnancy Must Haves - To Make Your Everyday Life Easier

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

There is so much information about what you will need while pregnant, I personally found it very overwhelming. Here are the things I bought and would highly recommend:

Pregnancy Pillow
This things is a game changer, I would recommend getting one just for sleeping even if you are not pregnant. Its super soft and comfy easy to wash. I picked up this one and love it.

This Jumpsuit
At this point comfort is everything and this jumpsuit is comfy, it fits great and has a lot of stretch still in it. The back is little low but since we are going into colder months I will be layering it with sweaters and jackets. It also comes in 3 colors and is currently on sale. 

I was fortunate enough to have very few symptoms but I did get headaches so this thing was a game changer. It's so pretty, easy to use, works very well, soft and comfortable.

I needed something that would be long enough so I can wear it with my pre maternity clothes. 

This was not a physical purchase but ovia pregnancy's app has been great - weekly updates, ability to track medication, appointments etc.



Lightweight, non-greasy and has hopefully will help with not getting stretchmarks. I love this moisturizer, my belly doesn’t feel tight or itchy and it's scent free. 
DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS