Amazon Prime Day Travel Picks

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Hurry! Until July 11th at 11:59 p.m ET you can get your hands on my favourite deals from Amazon Prime Day. I've rounded up my favourite picks from the ultimate sale for all of you little travellers.

The Best Bag Deals

Best Tech Deals

Below are some other fire deals you don't want to miss!

• $25 back with a $50 Luxury Beauty Purchase
• Up to 70% off of Select Samsonite Luggage
• Save 40% when you buy $30 or more Maybelline New York, Garnier and L'Oreal Paris
• Up to 30% off of Clothing Shoes and More

Brushing up on My Skills

My grandfather always told my mum that education was the only thing that couldn't be taken from her. That stuck with me and inspired me to continue to learn and find things that would help me remain a student. Keep reading for how I’m brushing up on my skills as a jack of all trades.

Brush 1: Finishing Contour Brush | Brush 2: Flat Top Foundation Brush | Brush 3: Blender Brush

Attend a Digital Conference Not sure which conference I will attend or when, but before the year is over I will be heading to one. Maybe in Portugal? Stay tuned!

Actually use my Lynda.com Subscription While I found Lynda a bit overwhelming (so many options to choose from) I’m going to build a schedule for myself. Maybe I'll write educational blog posts based on what I learned! To keep me engaged with the post I will take notes too.

Read Two Books a Month On my trip (city guides coming soon!) I started reading Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers. I borrowed it from my work library and I highly recommend it. I used to read so much on public transportation. However, I switched over to podcasts when I started getting motion sickness while reading on the road. Next on my list is “The Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes, recommended to me by my good friend Sheetal.

Watch More Documentaries I love documentaries but I haven’t watched any in a while. The ones I tend to gravitate to have very stoic and sobering messages, so they can be heavy for casual watching. However, I’ve found that the best conversation starters have come from watching them. Any recommendations?

Ok, obviously Tweezerman’s brush line inspired this post! How gorgeous are these babies? I am more of a 'fingers for application' girl, but recently I started using brushes. Do you want to see a makeup look with them?

*Products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

Capturing Moments to Remember

I kept a journal when I was younger. In it I penned the mortifying truths of growing pains as my raw, unfiltered thoughts were released onto the pages. Some of these autobiographical chapters in my life were read by people close to me and misinterpreted as mean or callous. Really I just wrote freely from my mind and sometimes my inner dialogue was mean, but after careful thought, I would always try to act with empathy in mind.

So I've gone back and reread some of my scandalous secrets...like what my favourite personality quirk of my longstanding crush is (I still think he and I should totally get married) and what I really thought of my school 'friends'. I also discovered something else as I read on. The progression of my sassy edges whittling away into an agreeable more palatable person. It wasn't obvious at first until I picked up on a few cues that revealed a defeatist attitude.

 Shoes: H&M Jumpsuit: An oldie, but a goodie.

Without capturing those memories and leaving a time capsule for me to find I would have been doomed to repeat my past. Over the past year, I felt my edges fray, just like they did in middle school. While I haven't picked up writing in a journal again just yet, I did buy this adorable Instax Mini and a lot of film. I want to capture this summer in film and reflect at the end of it. I want the fun memories I make to be imprinted in my mind. I want to I remember that life is what you make it. It'll always have a little good, a lot of bad and maybe if you're lucky a little sass thrown in there too.

Do you guys do anything to remind you of your self-worth?

Show me your friends...

When I got the invite to Everafter Music Festival, I didn’t Tweet or post on Facebook first. No, I searched for Taylor’s contact in my phone and excitedly invited her to come with me. With the crazy headlining lineup of Flosstradamus, Skrillex, Zedd and other local artists I had to tell her to dust off her flower crown and short shorts.

[keep reading for how you can enter to WIN 2 tickets to Everafter Music Festival]

A while back, my friend, (who established himself quickly in his early 20s) expressed how unfortunate it was that his friends couldn’t afford to share the same memories as him. He wanted to travel the world and pop bottles of champagne wherever he went, but most of his friends were starving artists. At first, I thought he was being frivolous, but then I really thought about it.

Success and adventure aren’t fun without anyone to share it with. Sure some things are ok to do alone, but rooftops in Paris or baths in Istanbul are even better with someone you care about beside you.

Taylor and I met over 10 years ago through mutual acquaintances. We always ran in similar friend-groups but didn’t really get to know each other until she moved here from Ottawa. When people asked us how we met and got to know each other, she’d mention that she wasn’t down to be my friend at first. I can be excitable, embarrassing and just a bag full of energy. It didn’t vibe with Taylor’s too-cool-for-school (as I liked to call it) attitude. She really thought we couldn’t be friends since I was just too…well, too much for her to handle.

But after 4 years she learned to put up with me (while smiling I might add!) and I wormed my way into her little black heart. She became extremely important to me. She joined as one of 3 very close friends (hey Mila and Megan) that I loved dearly and who supported me through tough times and kept me in check. While I wrote this piece I got a bit emotional. Cliche, but I didn't know where I would be without my friends…my adopted family. Are your friends that important to you?

Here’s how to enter to win 2 tickets to Everafter Music Festival in Kitchener, so you can bring your BFF: Follow the link to this Instagram post, tag your bff and comment why they deserve to come with you.

The winner will be announced May 30. Winner must have and confirm their own transportation and accommodation to the festival to receive prize.

Curl power: The Strength of Loving your Curls

*Sponsored post 

I hated being different. Growing up I was, to say it nicely, weird. Bookish, outspoken and often misunderstood I didn’t fit into one social group. I wasn’t cool, but I also wasn’t uncool so I stood somewhere in the middle. One way of fitting in was to have straight hair.

Most of the girls I hung out with rocked waist-length weaves or flipped their fresh perms over their shoulders. My mum carefully braided my hair since I was a baby. I never chemically straightened my hair and thought of natural hair as my norm. However, it would be many years later until I understood the importance of embracing my curls.

As mentioned in a ‘Stuff Mom Never Told You’ podcast about Curly Hair, curls got a lot of hate in movies and TV. When a female lead would ‘transform’ from the awkward duckling, she was into a graceful swan gone was her ‘unruly’ mass of curls. Straight and silky her hair seemed to play a part in her newfound popular life. Gorging on ice-cream and watching these transformations unfold as a kid, my mum’s teachings escaped me.

Shopping channels and late night infomercials offered solutions to my kinky ‘problem’. Blow dryers with magical abilities and straighteners that did the impossible had me begging my mum to straighten my hair. Eventually, she caved and did it. Without the use of chemicals, my hair fell into more of a triangular shape than bone straight. But I rocked the style on my birthday and special holidays like I was hot stuff. Feeling too old for the cornrows I was accustomed to, I started wearing my hair in the curls it would wave into after I pulled out my flat twists. My afro drew attention from the guys I had crushes on and the girls I wanted to be friends with. Since then the power of my curls surprised me everyday. While the natural-movement was in full swing, my natural hair drew attention wherever I went. From sneaking looks in the middle of a conversation or blatant staring on the subway, people just couldn’t resist ‘em (or maybe I had something on my face?!).

Since embracing the power of my curls, I learned to accept a lot of other things about myself I would have given anything to change. Yes, it took other people appreciating my curls for me to realize their strength. But it showed me that I shouldn’t look to others to define what beautiful is to me, but to work with what I’ve already got!

*Giveaway is now closed*

I’ve partnered up with Dippity-Doo to give all of my curly-haired readers the chance to join the #DDCurlSquad with me and WIN the full Girls with Curls line. Start to embrace the power of your curls...you know you want to.

Enter via Rafflecopter below and follow the instructions carefully. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Reverse Bucket List

All the applause goes out to my girl   Dominique. Her reverse bucket list post really got me thinking. Imagine, instead of compiling a list of things I need to do I could compile a list of what I achieved?

I got a little intimate in my last post of 2015 and touched on some of the anxious feelings I let take over me a few times last year. Really it was an amazing year of highs and lows but I didn't step back and appreciate all that I experienced. So, here goes!

Starting my YouTube Channel  Ok not really starting my channel but really posting content on there that I liked. I was excited to share what I did in the city and the friends I keep with a small audience of friends I built over the years.

Running not one, but two, 10km races

I touched on why it was a big deal for me to run one race in my previous posts on social media and on here. When Adidas invited me to run another I was thrilled. I was so happy I challenged myself again (and this time through the elements of rain and cold November air) to cross the finish line.

Visiting the West Coast Last year I had the privilege of attending VidCon in Anaheim, California. Before the conference I was able to visit a family friend and spend some needed quality time with my mum. From hiking in the desert to lounging on Oxnard beach that trip reminded me that I needed to continue to explore the world around me and get out of my own head.

Finishing my first year of University (woo) I delayed going back to school for YEARS. I know in my industry that school is a convention and that if you know the right people and develop the right skills you really don't need to attend. However there was so much I needed to learn. And while school is an uphill battle (I'll share a little later) I'm still in it and trying my best to be a sponge. I met some amazing educators with a passion for media and teaching like no other. It was infectious.

Embracing myself While this is a lifelong process I'm slowly getting into the swing of embracing me for me (and I couldn't be more excited).

Landing a client I really admire  I landed this client after another one phased out a project I had been working on for almost a year. It was tough but then this door swung right open for me as the other one shut in my face. I'm extremely grateful. Remember to never underestimate your network or the work you put out there. Someone is always watching.

I applied fake eyelashes for the first time by myself...and didn't die!

I'm slowly learning about the incredible illusion of makeup. Skincare was always ingrained in me as a kid but I only groomed my eyebrows and rocked lipgloss (even in high school) so makeup was foreign ground. While stepping up my game was a process (and I'm still learning) falsies were obviously the most daunting part. But I did it, over and over again! I love getting tips from Lelo who is one of my favourite makeup artists

Sharing my thoughts and dreams with you guys I am a pretty private person. As much as I share on social media and in conversations, I really guard myself and with good reason. Not everyone will share your dreams and perspective. In fact there are a lot of bad apples out there that may tear you down. I found that there's a fine balance between vulnerability and hiding away. A middle ground where I can be myself with my readers to hopefully help you guys out through showing my vulnerable side.

What's on your reverse bucket list?

9 Valentines Gifts You should get YOURSELF!

Since I was a kid I've spent Valentines Day counting down the hours until the real holiday, February 15th: 50% off of chocolate day. While dodging cupid's arrow I compiled a Valentines Day wish-list from me...to me. I'm a hopeless romantic...but I've never dated anyone who 'believed' in Valentines day. No flowers. No cards. No gifts. Now, I don't believe in the commercialism of the holiday or only making special effort on February 14th. But a little romance never hurt anyone right?

So shoutout to everyone else eating pop tarts in bed for 'brunch' on February 14th. Here are some gifts you can get YOURSELF.

Sera Wallet | Tiger of Sweden [here] 
A gorgeous wallet to hold all of the money you'll be saving by not buying anyone but yourself a gift #blessed.

Showcourt RQT Sneaker | Lacoste [here] 
For kicking anyone who's interested in you to the curb.

Mariesa Monrose Print Backpack | Ted Baker [here] 
You know, for all of the emotional baggage you're carrying.

Plattan Wireless  | Urbanears [here] 
Bluetooth and cordless since, (obvi) you don't want to be tied down. *plays Africa by Toto*

Super People Sunnies | Club Monaco [here] 
For all of the shade you'll be throwing to couples holding hands and brunching together.

Lingerie | La Vie En Rose [here] 
Sure only you and the nosy women at the gym will see it...but if there's a medical emergency at least the EMT's won't judge you.

Pre-cleanse | Dermalogica [here]  
Desi Perkins made me obsessed with this via her Snapchat. I watched the wonders of the pre-cleanse solution; one swipe and her makeup was gone...glitter eyeshadow included. Perfect for the mascara stains on my face after the New Years scene on, 'When Harry met Sally'.

Graceful Acrylic in Nude | Kiss Nails [here] 
These nails are gorgeous for up to a week of wiping your tears away. The oval shape is super natural and they can be applied with sticky tabs or for longer wear, nail glue. To take them off all you need is an acetone based solution and a little bit of soaking time.

Love Bridge Bracelet | Thomas Sabo [here] 
Since no one is around to tell you what to do, you can engrave whatever you want on your love bridge. I've probably got gamophobia since thinking about getting a tattoo makes me break into a sweat. Now you've got the chance to 'tattoo' your bracelet with whatever important message you'd want on your body. Probably, 'Pancakes'. (All seriousness, my love bridge says "Just Go", my catchphrase and life motto.)

If you will be single for Valentines Day too comment below in solidarity. 

*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

How You Gonna be Matte on Vacation?

Ok Kanye puns aside, I've searched for the perfect matte lip shade that will suit my top-lip heavy mouth for months. My cupid's bow is deep guys. While everyone else is going gaga over the Kylie Jenner lippies I'm not even gonna try getting one of them. It's near impossible.

Instead I collected and swatched some soft pink 'matte' shades (which suit me best) to decide which one is coming with me on my next vacation. There is nothing like a soft pink lip to subtly glam up a 'natural' faced look (concealer and a bit of mascara).

I like my lips. In 2016 that's an odd thing to say when everyone is trying to plump, fluff and expand the amount of space theirs takes up. All power to those who want to change their lip size and to those who are keeping their original look. I think it's important to know what works for you and to not be afraid of trying new things.

Matte lips were a territory wasn't sure I was ready to fully embark on, so  Makeup Forever's Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick was a great 'transition choice'. It's subtly moisturizing and such a pretty colour but isn't a 'true' matte. The only true matte of the bunch was the LA Girl Matte Flat Gloss finish. It's not as moist as Maybelline's Creamy Matte lipstick but it doesn't transfer at all. If you need long-lasting matte lips and don't mind a bit of dryness go for it. I would need it in a colour with less auburn in it though. The By Kiss Matte Lip Lacquer was a gorgeous almost Barbie-pink that I'd need to do with muted eyes and a matching blush. The Kiss New York Moisture lippy was a drugstore dupe for Makeup Forever's Rouge Artist but not as pigmented. It would do on a more casual day.

The pale JMatte lipstick in Bare nude was a very light choice I borrowed from my mum. I'd only wear it if I were blending with a deeper shade since it's a bit chalky for me.

So...what's your favourite nude matte shade of the season?

*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

2016: The Year of Learning

I'm going to allow myself to grow in 2016. 2015 was a year of constantly playing catch up for me. I was texting my girl Janu and she asked me what the New Year has in store for me.

And I knew right away to answer: 2016 is going to be a learning 'playground' for me. An experiential year of challenging myself, falling down and getting back up. Don't get me wrong, I did a lot of that in 2015. But most of the time I was in too much of a stressed state to really reflect and apply those lessons.

I remember when a client decided to part ways with me right when everything else around me was crumbling (where I lived, my mum's health, school etc.) It was a losing battle. I was sinking into the stress and anxiety of my feelings. At times I felt like I couldn't breathe or move; choked and paralyzed by thinking there was no way out.

I knew I had to make a change so I did. I started meditating and praying more,  trained even harder for my 10km race and spent more time with my friends and family. It made a world of a difference but I was still guarded against getting rejected again. Don't get me wrong,  2015 was an amazing year. I did a lot to be proud of, however I don't want to waste the chance to repurpose the hardest moments as lessons to learn.

So here's to 2016. I won't ask it to be good to me...instead I'll make it amazing. Photos by: Nik Popalavsky

Back to Black

Many people usually take note of my 'colourful' personality. Those bright shades in my attitude and demeanour are usually reflected in my outfits and accessories too.  

However, lately, I've been feeling a little darker. Maybe it's the weather or exam season but I've been a bit more snarky and less bubbly. My fellow YouTuber/Classmate/Fave Person Kevy was able to capture a bit of that darkness for me (PS check out his blog. It's bravely intimate and I'm so proud of it!) with a quick impromptu shoot before we grabbed Shawarma and talked about life.

Jacket: Stella Nova | Boots GAP | Nylons Calvin Klein | Dress Dreamers [similar] | Hardware Ebay Canada

Later on that night, I went out to Media Profile's Holiday party with Max where we giggled on The Burroughs' rooftop and gazed over the nighttime skyline. The CN tower was lit in Christmas colours, reminding me that my birthday is just around the corner. Maybe dark-'Laish isn't just a phase...maybe I'm just finally grown up.

Accesories Gift Guide for Frequent Flyers

As a frequent traveller my holiday wish list is quite different from my friends’. Organizers, mini versions of beauty products, carry-on bags..my list could on forever. I tried to curate a unique bunch of things I either use frequently or really want to try.

1. Sanuk Bianca Shoes Apparently Sanuk shoes are super comfy. One of my fave bloggers, Marla from Trendstruck was rocking a pair in one of her recent snapchats (go follow her, she’s hilarious) and I loved them. If I’m wearing a pair of heels take a look in my purse; I’m guaranteed to have a pair of flats in there. I always wear flats to and in the airport. These flats would have been great for me this year when I took a day trip to NYC for a meeting! I could have thrown on a pair of heels after hopping off of the subway in Soho.

2. Packing Cubes from eBay Packing cubes are legendary among professional travellers for organization and space optimization. I’ve wanted a pack of them for a while so I sprung and got them off of eBay. I’ll let you know how they go!

3. Cabeau Neck Pillow I gave up on Neck pillows a while back until I got my Cabeau this summer. It’s like a plush and comfortable brace for your neck. I reviewed this pillow in my LA haul which you can watch on my YouTube channel.

4. Agape + Hesed Palm Leaf Print Case Victoria at Haute Canada is a talented designer with a generous heart. This clutch gets10 kids breakfast!  I'm over marble, so this banana/palm leaf patterned clutch or tablet case is a great alternative. For it to fit a 13" sized laptop, you can contact Victoria to customize it.

5. Sony Extra Bass XB950  The reason why I usually opt for earbuds when on a flight is: headphones usually start to hurt my ears after wearing them for while. I won these headphones last month (thanks Sony!) and I've been using them almost everyday and can honestly say: they never ever hurt. I fell asleep and woke up with them on and I felt no soreness at all. Aside from the extreme comfort the sound quality is also great. With the comfortable and sound blocking cushions sounds feel three dimensional and alive...which can also get a little creepy if you're listening to a track with footsteps or whispering.

6. AWAY Carry On When feeling overwhelmed at the airport a dying phone seems like the least of your concerns…until you need to get your boarding pass out. Or book your hotel while in the boarding line (I totally did that when on the way to Paris…).

I found the Away Carry-On on Product Hunt and I can’t wait for it’s launch next year. When you fly more than 4 times a year you learn how to pack strategically, especially if it’s a short trip. On most of my trips in the past 3 years I only brought a carry on and a knapsack. While the AWAY’s minimalist design and muted colours are nice, what drew me to this carry on was it’s internal phone charger. Compatible with tablets and phones you wouldn’t have to worry about digging through your stuff for a portable charger or laptop or be next to a wall outlet while at the airport.

7. Sony RX100 IV There are photos and videos I didn't shoot because I was either too embarrassed to whip out my massive DSLR or I just didn't want the inconvenience of carrying a large camera around with me. My favourite YouTubers all have vlogging cameras that capture their fun day-to-day adventures and I'd love to do the same. The Sony RX100's sensor is ridiculous and it shoots faster than other cameras it's size. With 4K shooting capabilities and a secret electronic view finder this a must-have on my list. [Watch a full review here]

8. Blanket Scarf from Halogen at Nordstrom I tend to run cold so I always keep a sweater or scarf nearby, no matter what season it is. I am a big fan of blanket scarves while on a plane. I can wear them to the airport as a jacket and on the plane as a scarf, but it won’t take up too much room in my luggage or purse when I arrive somewhere. That’s especially important if I’m headed somewhere warm and won’t even use the scarf while there.

9. Ralph Lauren City Tote There’s nothing like a bag that can fit everything you need in it. On flights you’re allowed to bring a personal bag on and if I’ve decided to not check in a big case I'd usually go for a knapsack. But if I have checked in luggage a roomy and stylish purse is the way to go. I've had my eye on this Ralph Lauren City tote for a while. It's the perfect dupe for the Prada double bag which I've wanted since Fleur de Force did a review a while back.

*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

Speak no Evil

In middle school, I thought the way to fit in was to cut others down. I felt that being nice only got me taken advantage of…so instead I was mean. Really mean. I wrote things on bathroom stalls I wish I hadn't. I publicly pointed out the faults in others that I hated in myself, all just to seem funny. But I hated it. I couldn’t stand it.

My spirit was uplifted when I sang in my school choir at seniors homes, volunteered at my library and served at a homeless shelter on Christmas. But I kept all of that to myself because it didn’t match my ‘follower’ mentality and actions.

But why did I keep doing it? I didn’t know my worth outside of how other’s measured it. So I chose to be mean so people would include me…so I could be kept around as the funny girl. So I wouldn’t be thought of as the weird girl who always wore skirts, was too chubby and desperate for friends. But that’s who I was. Rather than embrace it I was mean. This was difficult to write because I’ve worked so hard to separate myself from who I was when really I should accept it to learn from it. To teach me how to treat others. Instead of doing to them as they’ve done to me: do better. I had to learn who I was to know who I’m not. I’m proud to say that I don’t identify as a mean girl anymore. It doesn’t mean that I don’t occasionally have foot in mouth syndrome. Sometimes my mouth works faster than my consciousness and I slip up and say something I didn’t intend to be mean but was still insensitive or inappropriate. But I'm learning.

What came out of your mouth today? What did you hear around you? What did you see? Hearing, speaking and seeing No Evil isn't a passive thing; it's active. To not see, hear or say negative things against others you need to take a stand within yourself to speak up and stand up for those around you.

Just remember...before you can use your voice for others, you have to find it first. 

My favourite shades of the Maybelline Colour Sensational Creamy Mattes lipsticks in: Rich Ruby, Burgundy Blush, Nude Nuance, Vibrant Violet.

*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

Be Prepared

If you're following me on Twitter you might have noticed that I'm running another 10km race this November 1st with Adidas. This unique run takes place at 1am just before the clocks go backwards. So I'm spending my extra 60 minutes this year running with Taylor (our first time running together) in this pretty cool race. The most important thing I learned while training for another race is that you need to be prepared. Below I've listed a few ways that I got ready for this run.

The Right Shoes

What you wear to train really determines the outcome of your session. Whether you feel comfortable in your shoes and clothes is an integral part of your workout. Before the Brooks preview event I went online and used their Shoe Finder. The quiz was updated with detailed questions about my body and what shoes would suit my feet best. Because I pronate and run long distances on the concrete my 'answer' on the quiz was the Adrenaline GTS15. They are solid shoes. They keep my feet in the right position with every step I take and the support reminds me a bit of the orthotic inserts I had as a kid (can you tell I was really cool?)

What you listen to 

While I love me some songs with high bpm I actually listen to slower, melodic music when running. In my last post about running I mentioned that pacing myself was key to me not giving up or feeling like a failure. Since I move at a moderate pace my body doesn't get tired as fast and I can continue for longer distances. Until I hit the final stretch of my run, I blast movie sound tracks with swirling violins and dramatic chord progressions. Or very chill alternative and jazz songs I find on SoundCloud.  I train with my Jabra Sport Pulse bluetooth earbuds. It monitors my distance, heart rate, time, calories burned etc. While the sound quality isn't at Bose level, it pairs well with external apps like Spotify, Soundcloud or just iTunes. It's a really great device I never run without. [Read my full tech review on Tech Analyzer]

What you wear 

Hyba just opened at Eaton's Centre (video to come soon!) and I was super excited to get my hands on these duds. This matching outfit is extremely comfortable. I love the high waist on the pants (#nomuffintop) and how fitted the jacket is. I also like the notes of berry colour throughout the dark coordinates. (I also grabbed another pair of pants that I'm obsessed with from Hyba here. More to come on them soon!). If I don't want my phone flopping around in a pocket I'll usually bring My Tag Alongs pouch. In it I keep money or a debit card, chapstick (dry lips are horrible on a run), my keys and my public transportation pass (just in case). That's how I keep prepared...what about you guys?

*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

Commitment issues...

I have commitment issues. Committing to a schedule or a task is daunting for me. Don't get me wrong, I get things done. But I know I could do far more with my time and my effort if I just stuck to things. As I've gotten older I've put tools in place to make sure that I not only commit in words but in actions as well.

Wearing: Clarks shoes, Thrifted Jeans, GAP Jacket

I tell other people what I'm going to do: An engagement ring is taken seriously because it's a declaration. It's a manifestation of spoken commitment. Put a ring on whatever project it is you're working on! Seriously. Contemplate whatever it is you've got to do and then tell your biggest supporters about it. This is not only encouraging but holds you accountable to those you care about most.

I put away my distractions:  My phone, social media, snacks, friends...they all get ignored when I'm digging into whatever it is I've committed to doing. It's easier said than done and takes time to practice. If you schedule breaks for yourself you can look forward to checking Twitter once your task is finished in the allotted time. Have a reasonable end-time in mind and you won't stray from your task as easily.

I stop doubting myself:  Self-doubt is a downer. It really takes a toll on your confidence and work-ethic. I've learned to be confident in most things which allows me to dive in, unafraid of what's ahead. I get the tools I need to ensure my imminent success which then increases my confidence so I get get stuff done! Don't make promises you can't and won't keep:  I hate breaking my promises and I hate flaking out. So I've learned to say 'No'. When you don't commit to something you know you don't want or can't do it's relieving. It rids you of the pressure that leads to procrastination.

Elaisha Jade's Guide to Productivity

I'm still learning how to optimize the time I have. I recently interviewed Mike Williams from David & Co of Getting Things Done. It reminded me of the principles I learned and implemented after reading Getting Things Done (thanks mom). Check out what I've learned from the many mistakes I made after being a full-time student while working and juggling a social life for a year and the products that made it easier along the way.

Keep reading to learn how you can WIN a prize pack worth over $100CAD featuring Saje Wellness, Nuvango and Phantom Glass

Write everything down I know this is super basic, but I’m not just talking about your everyday unorganized schedule/task sheet scribbled on a crumpled sheet of paper. I use Google Calendar to schedule everything. Class and study time, events, group meetings, picking up groceries, tests and exams…it’s all in there. That schedule comes from a sheet of things I know I have ‘To Do’. I aggregate my task list into things I have to do for Me, School, Work and ElaishaJade.com then I sort them by importance before I schedule them. Once it’s finished I am able to relax and think about whatever is in front of me at instead of worrying about what I need to do. Plus it's fun to do when you've got a pretty notebook from Indigo and this Darth Vader Pen from Cross pens (it's on my wish list guys).

Keep Fuelled Hunger is a big distraction and excuse for me when studying. As mentioned in my LA haul I love Kind Bars. They’re pretty nutritious and the nut ones are bulky enough to keep me going during class or a deep study session. Earlier this year I enjoyed trying out Fresh Restaurant's line of cold pressed juice. I don’t drink cow’s milk and I love how filling almond milks are so they’re usually a go-to alternative for me while studying too. The Strawberry Blonde flavour from Fresh is a yummy choice when I want a sweet treat.

Stay organized My notes, my schedule and my assets are each in one place. Even though I’m taking 6 courses this semester I only have one notebook. I grabbed a multi-subject notebook from Walmart when doing my back to school shopping. My LaCie is 1TB so I don’t carry around 12 USB keys or 2 hard rives to handle the high resolution assets that I use as a media student and YouTuber.

Engage your senses  When interviewing Dr. Debora Serani about controlling our mood during the winter months she mentioned engaging our senses as a great way to modify how we feel. I already mentioned taste but for sound and scent I have some pretty cool suggestions. I visited Saje’s Eaton’s Centre location in August to buy a Quick Study oil for the diffuser they gave me last year. It’s a very sharp scent with citrus and woody notes. The smell not only grabs your attention but helps you focus on the task at hand unlike their more relaxing fragrances. I mentioned in my 23 things about me video that I am extremely sensitive to sound. To get in the zone I also control what I hear around me. I either want complete silence or I throw on a good playlist or album that matches how long I’ll be studying. I briefly tried and loved Sony’s MDR-1ADAC headphones at their trade show earlier this year. They bring song quality to another level which is perfect for media-geeks like me.

Alright CONTEST time: Phantom Glass, Nuvango and Saje Wellness want to keep you productive and in style with me this season. I've been using Phantom Glass for over a year now and it's protected my phone from damage after some klutzy falls. As well my phone is protected by it's Nuvango marble case which is so cute I got the matching one for my laptop too. They also have some cool threads available online too so be sure to check them out. Finally, Saje Wellness as I mentioned in my post has some incredible products. They were sweet enough to include the  At my Desk Remedy Bar (which includes a roller ball featuring the productivity enhancing Quick Study for easy use on the go).

Entering to win is easy. Check out the Raffle Copter below!

This contest closes on October 21st and the winner will be announced on October 23rd. Open to Canadian residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Embrace What you Can't Change

What can't you change in your life that you're fighting? Stop resisting. Embrace it. When the September Heat Wave hit I was pretty upset. It's fall. I wanted turtlenecks and suede, not summer-sweat while mid-TIFF. But I didn't fight it and stubbornly throw on my fall coat. Instead I took a walk through a park wearing my unseasonably sleeveless jumper from Anthropologie's label, Elevenses.  

There's a lot in life that we can't change. Rather than resisting, make it easier on yourself by facing your problems head on. I'm learning how to brave my 'un-changeable' situations with my chin up and a smile on my face.

*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

Happy Dirty 30 La Vie En Rose

I was super excited when La Vie En Rose invited me out to their 30th Anniversary event last week. I was able to browse through the concept store with the usual press-posse and check out their 30th Anniversary collection.

[Thanks to SheDoestheCity for the shot!]

Lace, satin and frills are all over my recent vlog of the event below.

I left with some lovely gifts and there will be a few more on the way. What do you think of my picks from their 30th Anniversary collection below.

Elaisha Goes...to TIFF Blog 1: My Picks

I have this thing with movie trailers...I can't get enough of them. I'm insatiable. I decided to check out the TIFF Trailer playlist to choose my top picks hitting screens across downtown Toronto this festival season. Some really stood out and I hope I can fit them into my schedule between industry sessions and press events.  Below are my picks and why these picks they made it on my list. Click the title if you’d like to learn more about the film; my blurbs are not a synopsis.

Sicario 

Denis Villeneuve nabbed and kept my attention since I screened left the theatre shocked and emotionally drained after watching Incendies (2010). While he didn't write this film, he worked again with cinematographer, Roger Deakins, who was behind the grit of Prisoners (2013). Every time I leave a Villeneuve film I feel like my world is off balance...and I like that a lot. I call him the cliffhanger king.

Legend

This film made the cut not only because Tom Hardy is 'Parent Trapping' the whole thing by playing the role of twins in the film (which must have been tiring) but he’s a good actor with a knack for picking out suitable films. Even if his old MySpace pictures are terrible…

Black

I. Can't. WAIT. While this star-crossed lovers tale has been done over and over again I've never seen it from this type of perspective. I've also only seen one film with two directors so it'll be interesting to see how this pans out too.

Keeper

I have high hopes for the French films this season. Seems like this teen-pregnancy story will be told with a touch of naïveté, grandiosity and heartbreak without the dramatics of, '16 and Pregnant'. Hopefully another gem in contemporary French cinema.

Beeba Boys

Based on true stories and characters of violent gang crimes by ruthless criminals. No this isn't an American film about American gangs. It's a Canadian film set in...wait for it: Canada. Oh and it's an Indo-Canadian themed movie with a wide North American release starring big names in Indian cinema.

Urban Hymn

There is no movie-love like platonic love. I find that while romantic love in movies can be riveting and initially attention grabbing, unless it’s a film like 'Like, Crazy' with an unconventional love-story it just follows the romantic comedy or tragic love-story template. From using the London Riots to set the mood of the film to the pain of the social worker as she takes a troubled girl under her wing I'm excited to check this out.

Remember

Christopher Plummer must really love his job. He’s still at it. While it seems that this role won’t push any grave limits it will be nice to watch him on the screen again for what may be his final project before retirement. Oh and Nneka Elliott will make a cameo as a news reporter

Wedding Doll

I'm definitely going to cry when watching this one. Snickers bar in hand. Not sure how the casting and even direction handled

Lamb

I've never watched a movie set in Ethiopia and the story seemed intriguing. Hopefully I’ll be able watch more Ethiopian cinema soon, but for now I’ll start here.

Honorable Mentions

Box

As I open my Eyes

Homesick

Summertime

Brooklyn

Firesong

Downriver

Ville Marie

17 Days of Summer

September 23rd is the last day of summer. There are 17 days left. How are you going to make the most of it? Keep reading for how I'm going to soak up the last bit of summer.

Change things up  My extension braids are out and the fro is now free. I may regret taking them out with the busyness of TIFF and the back to school time but I wanted a fun change to usher in the new season. Wear white after labour day 'Cause why not? Not wearing white after labour day is a classist tradition that I've never followed. While evidence of my lunch may be on my ivory pants, at least I looked good for an hour or two. Go somewhere you haven't before... I explored the adorable park in my pictures when out west staying with a family friend. After some investigating I found out that the whole perimeter is turned into a skating park in winter! This year I'm also hitting the industry track at TIFF for the first time and I can't wait. I've gone every year for the past 4 years but this will be a bit different.  Some cool updates on TIFF to come soon!

Get organized I just did a big room purge and clean-up so I'll have a clear mind when the busy season kicks in. That way I'll spend less time indoors looking for the perfect booties to wear and more time actually wearing them.

Make a Playlist To celebrate the transition I made a playlist on my Soundcloud (of course). The summer nostalgia is so real.

Even though fall is quickly approaching it doesn't mean that you have to lock yourself away. Embrace it. Make the most of the it's-too-hot-for-this-sweater-why-did-I-wear-it weather before you're swimming in a sea of jackets on the streetcar.

10 VidCon 2015 Memories I'll Never Forget

After retuning from California, I've reminisced many times over the laughter and learning I took part in at VidCon as an industry attendee. 10 memories really stick out to me and I wanted to share them with you as I publish the final vlog from my Elaisha Goes...to VidCon series.

 (click here to get the joke)

I also loved that he reminded the wanderlust filled audience that travel doesn't change you-you ultimately change yourself. Travel can be a vehicle for change only if you allow it to be.

 (Watch his video here)

A photo posted by Elaisha (@elaishajade) on Jul 24, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT

I have some 'lost' footage of that night and I'm debating whether I should put it up.

You can check out all 4 of my VidCon vlogs below!

Watch VidCon Day 1

Watch VidCon Day 2

Watch VidCon Day 3

Watch VidCon Day 4