So let’s take a moment to talk about YOU and your GOALS! Whether it’s about becoming happier, financially savvy, owning a home, starting a business or simply making it through the day - it's sometimes tough to achieve but hey, narrowing them down and going after them takes a bit of effort. We need to get real with ourselves, figure out what we want the most, and go after it. We can't be daydreamers for the rest of eternity and it's never too late - we're capable of achieving more than we can imagine, but we need to create a path for ourselves!

It took me four years of a computer engineering degree to realize that my true passion was in writing and marketing. But looking at the positive, I accomplished a degree that gave me valuable skills such as being a data geek that complements my current day job of being a social media coordinator quite well. Don't be afraid to switch jobs or your path in school because at the end of the day, you only live once, thus you should be doing what brings joy to you the most. With patience, we all find our true calling and grow as individuals.

I'm sharing some ways that truly helped me come out of my shell and prosper to where I am:

 Get to Know Yourself

This is probably the most important - knowing your strengths and weakness allow you to fill in the gaps but this goes beyond this - it's about knowing who you truly are as a person. This will help you be proud of who you are and communicate that across to others without hesitation. This will transpire to you writing better resumes, cover letters, meeting new people and acing interviews, because you took the time to do YOU!

Surround Yourself with "Beautiful" People

I'm talking about inner beauty folks, seriously. Step away from cliques, drama and gossip. Find your tribe of like-minded individuals who will help you grow. Every person is unique and has a story to tell or valuable lesson to teach, you choose your path and your friends.

Refine Your Tribe
Rid yourself of people who bring you down. I'm all for this as you cannot be friends with everyone and you slowly realize who is meant to be in your circle.

Meet New People
 Whether it is attending a networking session, joining a sport team or messaging someone you follow on Instagram, don't be afraid to connect with others and step outside your comfort zone.

Stop Comparing Yourself
Avoid comparing yourself to what you see on social media as that is a small fraction of the truth. You are your own person and be proud of it.

De-Clutter

We all have baggage one way or another that we are emotionally attached to. When you finally purge and rid yourself of all the clutter you've hoarded over a lifetime, trust me, it's quite freeing!

Turn Off Netflix

Thanks to friends recommendation, putting a hold on your Netflix binge is quite useful to get off the couch and reconnect with colleagues, family or friends.

Seek a Hobby

The world is your oyster in this aspect. Being passionate about something different is awesome and makes you attractive. You will create your own energy that will draw people in and it doesn't even matter what it's about as long as you are passionate about what you do! Everything else will simply fall into place!

Jot It Down

Whether it's a blog or going old should with pen and journal, writing is a therapeutic outlet for your thoughts and keeping track of your goals! Great way to stay accountable.

What are your goals for the year?

From fruits and vegetables to cheese curds, granola, beef, eggs, and more - the city of Kingston is in the perfect epicentre of local goodness between the Ottawa region and the picturesque Prince Edward County.  The perfect location to dig into local food year-round! 

Some of my favourites finds at the Kingston Memorial Farmers' Market on Sundays:

As summer approaches, things are changing - for the better and to spread community love! In recognition of Canada's 150th, the city of Kingston has taken part in the TD Common Ground Project flagship project of revitalizing Victoria Park, to help bring the community together.

Centrally located in proximity of our downtown core, Victoria Park holds a dear spot for many Kingstonians including myself. In the summer months, leagues are seen playing ball, students slacklining, evening barbecues, kids splashing around and students enjoying the sunshine. In the winter months, get your skates on as a community rink is installed and residents can be seen playing a good old game of hockey.

Residents are fortunate to have access to green space within Kingston, which sometimes is a rarity in other cities. As my adoptive hometown and a graduate of Queen's University, the ever so popular Victoria Park was my getaway for four years and still remains as I reside in a nearby neighbourhood.

The city of Kingston is filled with talented young folks and this summer, Blue Canoe Productions is proud to once again present the 2017 Juvenis Festival, Kingston’s youth arts festival. The festival runs from April 29 to May 7 and they've got loads of amazing events planned.

The best part is that this is a true celebration of youth arts in our fabulous city and highlights the passion that Kingston youth hold. But most importantly creates an opportunity in our community for all those to show off their work, perform, share their talents and experiences and learn.

Not only will Juvenis allow young souls to act, sing and dance their heart out, but it will also allow others interested to attend workshops and panel talks to gain confidence in their interests and skills in the arts. Neat right?!

 If you have a chance this week, go out and support Juvenis Festival!

Storefront Art Gallery returns to a mystery location in downtown Kingston. The art gallery will be facilitated by 2 youth curators: Christopher Grant in partnership with the Union Gallery, and photographer Claudia Pawlak who will be highlighting artwork and a performance series by LGBTQ youth in the storefront space. The curators are accepting submissions from local artists between the ages of 13-30. The gallery will be open from April 29-May 7 .

An original musical written by Ryan Cowl about the trials and tribulations of transitioning into high school and university after being homeschooled all your life. Directed by Mike Sheppard, this piece will run for 6 performances in the Baby Grand Theatre from Saturday, April 29- Sunday April 30. This is a ticketed event.

Blue Canoe’s storytelling coffeehouse returns with a special twist, teaming up with the Good Vibrations youth music coffeehouse at 99 York Street on Saturday, April 29 at 6pm.

This mentorship opportunity will pair one young, budding musician with a professional musician under 30 for a series of 4 different concerts featuring a total of 8 musicians. The series will conclude with a rocking jam session that will include all of the featured musicians. Sunday April 30- Thursday May 4 at Musiikki Café.

A series of artwork by youth from 13-30 will be installed at the Alibi throughout the entire month of May. In addition, there will be two 19+ Juvenis concert events at the Alibi featuring youth solo acts Kieran Labbe, Masha Nazina, Erika Lamon, and Evan Jackson on May 2 and May 4 at 9pm.

In partnership with Reelout Arts Project, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival and KFPL, a night of movie magic at the Screening Room on May 1, featuring the return of our 48 Film Competition and KFPL Youth Shorts.

A Kingston Poetry Collective project, co-presented by Kingston WritersFest, The Poetry Show welcomes Vancouver-based Johnny MacRae; and an open mic show, held on Tuesday, May 2 at the Mansion.

Blue Canoe’s all high school musical! This show features an all high school cast, crew and band. Zombie Prom is a 1950s horror comic book brought to life as a musical comedy film and then a stage production. May 3 to May 7 in the Baby Grand Theatre. This is a ticketed event.

An original dance piece, choreographed and directed by Kay Kenney. The show features a solo by Kay and a piece featuring cast of 7 local youth dancers, happening at the Studio Theatre in the Isabel Bader Centre from Thursday, May 4- Sunday, May 7. This is a ticketed event.

Taking the coveted Friday night slot, the all-ages Battle will be held at the Ale House on Friday, May 5 at 7:30pm. Six youth bands of a variety of genres will perform before a panel of celebrity judges for the chance to win the top prize. Judges include Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip, Miss Emily Fennell, Michael George, Zane Whitfield, and guest host Riley Jabour of 98.9 The Drive. This is a ticketed event.

This play series created by Scott Forster will uncover the depths of youth issues in the Kingston community that typically go unspoken. It features 4 original plays by youth about homelessness, post traumatic stress, abortion, and depression. Out of Sight, Out of Mind will be held at the Tett Centre Rehearsal Hall and will run for 5 performances from Saturday, May 6- Sunday, May 7. This is a ticketed event.

For festival schedule and more, visit www.juvenisfestival.ca

April showers bring May flowers!

Spring is upon us so let's celebrate with cupcakes evocative of the season. I'm quite excited about the lighter flavours of spring from raspberry to lemon and I've found the perfect local gal to satisfy my sweet tooth cravings. Meet Brianne of Bri Bakes Kitchen - a lover of all things pink. Her motto - there's always a reason to throw a party, so no wonder her passion involves crafting elaborate birthday cakes and decadent cupcakes.

What started off as a side hobby being highlighted on Instagram has now launched into a site in hopes Bri Bakes Kitchen Sweets find their way into your homes.

How pretty are these? Seriously who doesn't love a pop of colour and sprinkles!


Having a party? Or just having a night in with friends?

These will be the perfect way to end a long week!

 Order your fabulous creations now at www.bribakeskitchen.com

Bon appetit!

The city of Kingston is awakening from the untempered  winter weather with some truly delightful and vibrant new spots in the downtown core. This spring, we welcome some new fun filled additions within the same block that certainly require mention and will be at the top of your bucket list.

Inspired by the thriving cafe culture of Melbourne, Australia, Northside is located in the old but beautiful Turk's building on Princess Street. This cafe is where breakfast is served all day, coffee is a way of life and bright vibes can be found. 

Where: 281 Princess Street, Kingston, ON

Where: 275 Princess St, Kingston, ON

-xoxo

After a whirlwind trip to Iceland last year, I definitely caught the travel bug and am already planning my next trip. Beautiful in its own way - Iceland was truly reminiscent of another world with its uninhabited landscape of jagged lava rock, fields of brightly coloured green moss, hot springs, towering waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes.

But it also is home to a vibrant chic capital called Reykjavik.


For being such a small city, Reykjavik offers quite a lot of architecture, activities and to be honest strange things. It’s artsy, it’s sophisticated, but also traditional and old and pretty much everything is within walking distance.

You'll instantly fall in love with this city along the shoreline - get ready to have your camera glued to your hand as every corner is filled with hidden gems.

When You Arrive

So, you’ve arrived on an early flight to Keflavik Airport. How do you get to Reykjavik? Well, it's as simple as booking your airport transportation through Flybus in advance. It was easy enough to book our tickets online, indicate your arrival date and voila! Buses depart Keflavik Airport 35-40 minutes after every flight arrival so stretch your legs a bit, enjoy the pleasures of a beverage, browse the restaurants and get a glance at what Iceland has to offer.

Enjoy a Morning Coffee

Need a kick of caffeine? Well Reykjavik has a thriving coffee scene that doesn't involve a Starbucks. Sorry to burst your bubble but this city delights itself in the simple pleasures of coffee and unwinding. A favourite by locals, Reykjavik Roasters is a coffee shop that should be visited if you have an appreciation for high-quality coffee and a sweet tooth!

Admire Hallgrimskirkja

You won’t miss this one. Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland and perhaps the most iconic part of the Reykjavik skyline. The style of the building is supposed to resemble the lava flows of the Icelandic landscape.

 At the top of every tourists list is this stunning church - not only is the building quite the spectacular sight, it also offers great views from the top of the building overlooking the whole city for an added cost, while the church itself is free to enter.

Discover the Street Art

Known for it's creative and artistic culture - street art around the city of Reykjavik is evidence of just that and unlike other cities, openly embraced. Large murals cover the sides of buildings and walls at city parks. The endless display of colourful art is easily consumed by locals and tourists. As you stroll through the streets, admire the character of the city especially on Laugavegur, as presented through its unique artwork.

Visit the Harbourfront

A scenic stroll along the waterfront is must. With the serene mountain views of Esjan in the distant across the water, the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture or the old shipping harbour - you will be in for a treat. With a mix of modern and old - you'll be surprised with edible delights, unique architecture and cute boutiques.

 Visit the Harpa Concert Hall

Definitely check out Harpa, the modern glass and metal concert hall on the waterfront. You can’t miss it - its futuristic framework is quite beautiful. A place to be admired from not only the outside, Harpa allows visitors to wander around inside and marvel at its splendid design.

Stunning Architecture

Reykjavik's architecture is consumed by modern flare with touch of traditional influences. The city is known for its unexpected yet charming buildings with incredible personality that takes inspiration from the rich and dramatic landscapes.

Where To Eat

Relax at Blue Lagoon

No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon before heading out of town. This is your chance to relax and unwind in the soothing, blue waters at Iceland's most popular dream oasis. If this isn't on your bucket list, then my friend it should be!

To make your trip worthwhile, pre-book your tickets for their opening time slot of 8AM and avoid the crowds. Don't forget to bring your own flip flops and microfibre towel - these two items will come in quite handy if you'll be staying at a hostel in Reykjavik.

Stay tuned as I share more posts about my adventures in Iceland!

-xoxo