As a work-from-home mama of a very busy toddler, I find myself constantly having to adjust my lifestyle to ensure that I am living completely in sync with myself. The challenges of day-to-day life can certainly take their toll on a person, but I’ve found that encouraging balance in all aspects of my life has proven beneficial. For example, while I may not be getting as much sleep as I’d like in this point of my life thanks to mama-hood, I make it work by finding time for relaxation and “me-time”.

The most empowering thing about living in-sync is that the power totally lies within you – only you can make the positive changes in your life that, step-by-step, will allow you to start living your life to your full potential. Whether it be improving your health and fitness or tapping into your intellectual side, becoming in-tune with your inner self can not only improve your personal and work relationships, but you’ll also find yourself at your absolute best. And who doesn’t want to feel their absolute best?!

Here are five behaviours that successfully ‘In-Sync’ women actively pursue, and my methods of implementing each one of them into my daily lifestyle.

Active Lifestyle

Since becoming a mama, I’ve certainly increased my activity levels on all accounts, not only because I am now constantly on the go with my son Jack, but also because I recognize the importance in setting a good example for him through exercise and activity. Maintaining an active lifestyle is also important to me because I feel so much more balanced and “myself” when I’m out in nature, going for a bike ride or a long walk near the river.

Heathy Lifestyle

Having been Celiac for nearly fifteen years now, I maintain an everyday gluten-free diet that has improved my health vastly since I was a teenager. Beyond eating gluten-free, I try to listen to my body as much as possible and to supply it with nutrients accordingly. I’m typically drawn to a more plant-based diet these days and try to be conscious of everything I put in my body. Of course, again, I am a big fan of balance – so a glass of Prosecco with some gourmet gluten-free pizza is always on my list for a night out with friends.

Relaxation & Spirituality

I feel like in our busy and technology-obsessed lives, time for relaxation and spirituality is absolutely key for living a balanced and in-sync lifestyle. I use yoga and stretching as one way to get myself in the mindset for relaxation and inner reflection. Since I often stay up late working after my son has gone to bed, I try to improve my surroundings by using essential oils in a diffuser, drinking a calming tea and eliminating screen usage to prepare myself for bed.

Interests

Although I am one of the lucky few who get to do what they love for a living, I am still always seeking out new interests and hobbies. As a bit of a generalist, one day you might find me cultivating my love of watercolours, while the next I’ll be playing with new makeup and beauty techniques. It is so important to constantly be challenging your mind in new ways, so taking yourself to new places and experiences like art galleries, new movies or trying out a class or workshop are all great ways to instill that learning power within you.

Entrepreneurial

Lastly, being satisfied entrepreneurially also brings great balance and satisfaction to my life. I personally love to collaborate with people, so networking and meeting other like-minded individuals is something I try to incorporate into my life each and every single day.

It’s only when you feel totally in sync with your core that you can harness your greatest potential. Try to tap into your inner needs to discover how to balance yourself wholly – maybe one area in your life needs more attention than others right now. We are constantly adapting throughout our lives and making sure that your mind and body are in sync with one another will help you live with more balance and be a more successful, radiant person.

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Being InSync is that special state when body and mind are aligned, we are in touch with our core, and we are driven from within to achieve our full potential. The positivity that radiates from being InSync will benefit all aspects of a person’s life – at work, in personal relationships and in the all-important relationship with oneself. Activia is an expertly designed yogurt with exclusive B.L. Regularis, carefully selected ingredients and a refined texture. Activia, #LifeInSync.

This post was brought to you by Activia from Danone via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed here are those of the influencers and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Activia from Danone.

SUMMER BERRY PAVLOVA

This delicious dessert was the perfect compliment to an end of summer dinner. The meringues were fluffy and decadent while the whipped cream was tart and delicious with the addition of Greek yogurt. All of these ingredients were found at SPUD.ca. Scroll down to the bottom for my special coupon code for $20 off your first order with them!

Ingredients

For the meringue

Method

If you are interested in getting $20 of free groceries be sure to use my referral code: CRCAL-KUCKAI when you shop!

Spud.ca provided me with all of the delicious, fresh ingredients for this Summer Berry Pavlova in hopes that I would create something tasty in order to become a SPUD Ambassador. This recipe was adapted from Jamie Oliver’s pavlova recipe. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Some other fun things to note: SPUD will be carrying all things pet related shortly; they are working on becoming a one-stop shop & no more hauling those awful heavy bags home from the store!

They also now have a 2nd delivery day for more areas of the city and are continually adding more, huge news for many so spread the word to those who may have been SPUD.ca adverse for this reason.

As summertime winds down, it is time to give a proper send-off to the best season of all.  I connected with my friends at Neal’s Yard Remedies on Fourth Street to share some great botanical cocktail recipes that will take you from these last days of August well into the fall. Recipes & Photographs are courtesy of Kelsey Schiavon, NYR Canada.

At Neal’s Yard Remedies we truly believe that life is all about balance and know that by taking care of ourselves the best we can, inner health and outer beauty will be in perfect harmony. Of course we also know that summer can be a very difficult season to prioritize self-care! With all of the backyard barbeques, outdoor concerts and cheeky patio beverages, healthy choices can be hard to come by. So to help, we’ve created a few cocktail alternatives to help you make the most of your summer - without sacrificing your health!

Fuzzy Peach Kombucha Cocktail

Made with anti-inflammatory nettle, allergy fighting elderflower and True Buch Fuzzy Peach Kombucha for a perfectly seasonal treat! Kombucha is a delicious fermented tea elixir with roots dating back over 2000 years! It’s a wonderful tonic full of probiotics, enzymes and amino acids that help to support and balance gut bacteria. Optimal gut health has been linked to mental health, skin health and the overall ability of your body to digest and assimilate nutrients. Try it in this cocktail or on its own for a refreshing alternative on hot summer days!

Ingredients:

For the nettle & elderflower syrup:

½ cup nettle (available at NYR 4^th street)

½ cup elderflower (available at NYR 4^th street)

1/3 cup raw honey

3 cups water

For the cocktail:

½ oz nettle & elderflower syrup

1oz spirit of choice (we used gin!)

4oz True Buch Fuzzy Peach Kombucha

Directions:

• Add nettle and elderflower to 3 cups of water and simmer on medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Dissolve 1/3 cup raw honey to mixture and bring to a boil for approximately 5 minutes while the mixture thickens slightly. Allow to cool completely before straining into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated until use!
• Add ½ oz syrup, 1oz gin and 4oz of True Buch Fuzzy Peach Kombucha together and serve over ice!

Rose & Ginger Kombucha Cocktail

This soothing, refreshing cocktail is made with True Buch Ginger Kombucha (an excellent digestive tonic!) and easy homemade rose syrup to help inspire overall feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Rose petals are a wonderful source of vitamin C and calcium and if you have any leftover, this syrup can easily be added to smoothies, chia puddings or sparkling water for an unexpected treat.

Ingredients:

For the rose syrup:

1 cup rose petals (available at NYR 4^th street)

1/3 cup raw honey

3 cups water

1 lemon

1 orange

For the cocktail:

½ oz Rose Syrup

3oz True Buch Ginger Kombucha

3oz Sparkling wine

Directions:

• To make rose syrup add 1 cup rose petals to 3 cups water and simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Add 1/3 cup raw honey to mixture and bring to a boil for approximately 5 minutes while mixture thickens. Remove from heat, cool completely and strain into a mason jar. Add juice from ½ lemon and ½ orange and keep refrigerated until use!
• To make cocktail: Simply add the rose syrup, kombucha and sparkling wine together and serve over ice!

We hope you enjoy these delicious botanical cocktails!

Have a wonderful summer!

Visit Neal’s Yard Remedies on Fourth Street: 2207 4 St SW

While there are many reasons to head down to 4th Street this summer (um hello - parks, food, drinks and more!), here are five fantastic reasons to make your way down to Mission for a good time right now. Yes, right now.

♥ Herbaceacous Cocktails Workshop at Neal’s Yard Remedies

There is no better way to enjoy these last few weeks of summer than by enjoying some refreshing beverages in the sun. Neal’s Yard Remedies is hosting a fantastic workshop in their store Wednesday August 10th. This hands-on interactive class will teach you how to make your own healthy cocktails that will keep you feeling cool when the weather heats up! Come out for a fun night, and be prepared to have a cocktail, or mocktail - or two! Tickets are $50 for a 90 minute workshop. Not to be missed!

♥ Old School Burgers at Flipp’n Burgers

I recently checked this place out for a meal and was beyond excited to find that they had gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options - which is actually very hard to find at old school burger joints. The second location in the city (the other one is in Kensington) Flipp’n Burgers is located where the Mission Diner used to be on 4th Street. I love their old school vibe and their delicious burgers. Their french fries are to die for and come up with all sorts of dipping sauces like Basil Pesto Aioli. Yum.

♥ Shokunin’s New Drinking Snacks Menu

It is no secret that Shokunin is one of my many favourite places to dine on 4th Street. They like to keep things fresh and exciting with inspired new cocktails and amazing bites by rotating things all of the time. They just launched a delicious new menu that people are already salivating over dishes like Yaki Onigiri and Squid Tempura. Pop in for a few share plates, some cocktails and great conversation.

♥ Bumble + Bumble Sale at Butter Beauty Parlour

In the spirit of summer, Butter Beauty Parlour currently has a sale on select Bumble + Bumble products that are perfect for achieving the best air-dried, summer mermaid waves. Products included for the 20% off sale are  Surf Infusion, Grooming Creme, Bb. Curl Defining Creme, Don’t Blow It (H)air Styler and Surf Spray. I use the last two all of the time and highly recommend them!

♥ Floating at Clear Float Spa

Summer seems to be flying by and I’m sure we could all use a bit of a break to slow down and enjoy the moment. It is the perfect time to book yourself in for a float at the recently opened Clear Float Spa. Take a one hour breather in one of their state-of-the-art float tanks and allow yourself to drift away into relaxation mode. They offer a $49 Alpha Intro which includes three floats in your first month. It is a great way to try out floating see how it can help reduce stress levels, increase mental clarity as well as many other health benefits!

Hello, my darling Internet pals. I nearly forgot tell you about some very important news that I recently announced. I’ve started a conference with one of my best buds Mike Morrison (you may know him as Mike’s Bloggity Blog). Mike founded SocialWest, a three-day all-encompassing social media conference. Since then we’ve partnered up to present NEXT BIG THING, a one-day conference-like experience for creative people. Hosted right here in Calgary, Alberta we plan to jam pack the day with amazing speakers, incredible networking experiences and everything else you want in a great learning experience (coffee, treats, parties, swag!).

Anyways, you can check it out for more information here - and be sure to sign up for our newsletter as we are announcing some really big news at the end of the month! Hope to see y’all there if you live in Calgary! xx

If there is one thing I love about summer it is the fact that I can get away with a lot less makeup. Not only does my skin colour ever so slightly (maybe not this year?), I also sweat way more in the summer so why waste precious foundation and makeup on super hot summer days? Regardless, I like to keep my makeup routine short and sweet so that I can quickly get ready and get on with my day.

I recently attended the FIRST EVER London Drugs #LDBeauty here in Calgary and it was an absolutely amazing evening full of makeup, cocktails, hair products, amazing food and great (new + old) friends! I ended up with a big bag of swag so I’ve been taking my time using each product and finding my favourites. Today’s look is super simple featuring a pink ombre lip. I’ll be blogging my other new favourite products from #LDBeauty soon!

I started by moisturizing my skin with La Roche-Posay’s Rosaliac UV Rich Cream followed by e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer. Seriously, this primer is AMAZING. And for only $8.99 I am obsessed with this product. I’ve found that some primers don’t absorb or lay flat - they ball up along the contours of your face. This primer is perfect though and very comparable to higher-end primers I’ve used in the past.

Since this look’s feature was the lips I also primed my lips with Almay’s Age Essentials Lip Treatment which has been in daily rotation since I received it at #LDBeauty. It has SPF30 and is also said to reduce lines around the mouth. Suddenly, just this year I’m starting to see those pesky lines appear so I’m kinda smearing this stuff on like crazy.

After I was primed up I used my favourite liquid foundation from NYX, Stay Matte But Not Flat in Ivory. Again, such a great product for an excellent price (only $10.99). I’ve been smoothing it on with my fingers all summer which I find offers me better coverage without looking too cakey.

One of my favourite products from #LDBeauty and the one I am most excited to see at London Drugs this fall is the Revolution Ultra Contour Palette. This new (to Canada) makeup brand is known for their epic palettes and this contour palette does not disappoint with eight stunning powders for perfect contouring and highlighting. I did some light contouring with the lightest brown powder in the palette and a swath of the sparkly gold strobe powder above my cheekbones. It is kind of hard to see in the photos as it was such a sunny day but I really love how soft and subtle you can get with these powders. As always, I was using the my favourite brushes from London Drugs - the Real Techniques Core Collection.

Next up I used Revlon’s adorable multi-purpose palette - Eyes, Cheeks + Lips in Berry in Love. Another great price - this palette is only $20 but includes six eye shadows, four lipsticks and a summery pink blush. I used the two soft purple middle eye shadows to create a bit of interest on my eyes. I used my all-time fave liquid liner L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Black and Annabelle’s new SUPERNOVA Mascara that will debut this fall. I used the blush from the Revlon palette - it really is the perfect pink for summer. My only complaint is that the lipsticks in the palette are too close to the blush - especially if you are not using the tiny brush provided.

Finally - the ombre lips! I’ve been dying to try this trend for months but never found the perfect lip colour until I tried Revlon’s Ultra HD Matte Lipcolour in HD Obsession. First I dabbed Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer in Fair on my lips to create a soft and creamy base. Then starting from the middle of my lips I brushed on the matte lipcolour, getting gradually lighter as I worked my way out. I didn’t fill the colour in up to my upper lip line. Instead I used my Real Techniques Lip Brush to sweep the pink upwards - making sure it didn’t look too uniform. While you can definitely get a lot more dramatic with your ombre lip in the evening, I kept this one pretty sweet and simple for daytime. It was easy to touch-up and if some of it came off while sipping a coffee it didn’t look messy.

Lastly, the neutral metallic nail colour I am sporting is another new favourite. Part of the Sally Hansen Color Therapy Collection, this amazing new formula includes a healthy does of argan oil to keep your nails moisturized and smooth. The colour is Powder Room and it is the perfect pearly coppery pink. I haven’t taken it off since I got it at #LDBeauty.

The photos of me were taken by the talented 10 Cent (aka Lori Andrews)! Book her for your next lifestyle or blog shoot!

After a hiatus (pregnancy and such) of approximately two years, I am finally back on my bicycle and this time with my adorably cute and tiny passenger, Jack. I’ve had my bike for years now but just added the Yepp Maxi Bike Seat to my setup. Hailing from the Netherlands where bicycles and commuting with your child are as common as cars here in Canada, the Yepp bike seat is super strong and sturdy, well-designed and comfortable. We managed to pick up ours used while we were on holiday but they are pretty easy to find new or used if you are on the hunt for one.

MY BIKE:

✚ Linus Dutchi 8 Bicycle in Black

✚ Yepp Maxi Bike Seat in Black

* Both found locally in Calgary at BikeBike - 1501 17 Ave SW

BIKE WISH LIST:

✚ Basil Sweet Pink Bottle Basket - Great for stashing bottles of bubbly or rose on your way to a house party.

✚ Bookman Cup Holder

✚ Sahn Helmet - Vancouver-based company that makes the most beautiful helmets. I’m torn between matte black and glossy white. Thoughts?

✚ Basil Bike Crate in Neon Coral - I am pretty obsessed with plastic crates as it is so when I found this large neon coral crate from the Netherlands it immediately went to the top of my wishlist. How great would it look strapped to the front of a black and white bike?

There is nothing I love more than kids being kids. Playing hard, going on adventures and getting dirty. I’ve always believed that clothes are meant to be worn and enjoyed - not to be just saved for a special day (you probably will never see any of Jack’s clothes at a consignment shop, ha!). Redfish Kids, a local Canadian company based in Vancouver, BC, creates beautiful children’s clothing that are well-designed and durable. Each garment is locally made with an amazing attention to detail - each and every piece seems to have a certain uniqueness to it.

“Born out of a need to create clothing with “heart”, Redfish Kids Clothes are symbolic of our commitment to honour the strength and courage of our children and their unlimited potential to shape the future of our world.” Could their mission statement be any more uplifting and inspiring for parents?

They recently sent a package of goodies this way for Jack and his little friend Greta to enjoy. We all headed to the park for a fun playdate with these two blonde toddlers decked out in their Redfish Kids gear. I just love the matching striped shirts - absolutely so cute!

Baby Tofino Kimono || Baby Kuzi Navy & Lime || Kelly Skirt Key Lime || Electric Blue Floral Millie Dress || Chartreuese in Bloom Party Dress || Swing Dress || T-Lab Wooden Cat || Playforever Race Car ||

Thank you to Redfish Kids for gifting these outfits to Jack and Greta.

It is here, my friends – the Summer Solstice. And what a beautiful day to be celebrating it on at that. Not only is it the longest day of the year but today also marks the first time a Full Moon and the Summer Solstice have come together in over 70 years – a truly once in a lifetime experience. I’m out on Vancouver Island for the week so I am greatly looking forward to experiencing this solstice with family, surrounded by flowers, water and the fresh sea air.

Late last week I had a tarot card reading by the talented Tegan of Tarot Readings by Tegan. It was an absolutely eye-opening conversation and I was amazed by how in tune and accurate her readings were – more about that below! We also chatted about the Summer Solstice and how readers can take advantage of this occurrence.

What does the Summer Solstice mean for all people?

Tegan: The Summer Solstice is the mid-point of the year when we enjoy the longest days because the sun has reached it’s highest point in the northern sky. Basically this is very positive and “bright” energy. Unique to this year, the Sun is travelling beside the planet Venus which helps soften the heavier challenges we may be coming up against at this time.

What is one thing people can do to take advantage of the energy of the solstice?

Tegan: What I find fascinating, is this year’s solstice is packed with some planetary aspects that are tremendously potent and stirring things up in all aspects of our lives. For example, dynamics that have become riddled with manipulation causing fear and control through disillusionment could start to crack open. As we start to see more clearly during this solstice, we can get a peek into the reality or truth of the situation. Unfortunately, this can be a very shocking wake up call. However, it helps us move forward in finding our power to reinstate strength and stability in parts of our life that have been hurting for a very long time. There is an abundance of healing and growth energy during this solstice period. Depending on what is happening for us at this time, there are options to move forward in brave new ways to bring deeper levels of prosperity and wellness into our lives.

What are your recommendations for the month ahead?

Tegan: One recommendation to help yourself, is to slow down and breathe. Feel into the situation with more depth and begin to let go of what is not working. The first wave of response is usually emotionally based and very subjective causing reactions and arguments to triggered. When we are ready to truly grow and love as deeply as we dream, we will make a choice to move forward with both our intelligence and our heart in partnership. The upcoming solstice is the perfect time to change any behaviour patterns that feel stagnant and gently explore the new path that is calling you onward.

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Thank you, Tegan for this amazing guidance as we move forward into the second half of the year.

If you are interested in having a tarot card reading done by Tegan, I highly recommend her services. I had an hour long session with her and it was very eye-opening and thought-provoking – even inspiring! It was all done via Skype which was very cool. We covered all aspects of my life from career to big decisions to family. She was very open to me directing the reading and asking specific questions that I wanted answers to. I found her incredibly insightful and left the reading feeling refreshed and inspired to move forward this summer.

You can book with Tegan online here or if you live in Vancouver or Tofino you can have a tarot card reading done in person – send her a note for more details. Happy Solstice everyone!

Photo by Rich Stapleton for Cereal

Folks, festival season is officially upon us and Sled Island is set to take over the city in less than a week! We’ve teamed up with our friends at Avi Urban , the developers behind Duke At Mission, to create the Ultimate Sled Island Experience for one lucky winner and their very lucky plus one – valued at over $800!

Not everyone may know this, but 4^th Street is home to the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival. We are big fans of everything that they do and we love how they support the other local businesses on 4^th Street. We’ve partnered with some great local businesses to make this experience one-of-a-kind, showcasing how 4^th Street can be your Sled Island homebase as you navigate from rock show to rock show. Food, drink, fashion and wellness services are to be found on every block.

TO ENTER: Follow @4thStreetCalgary on Instagram and leave a comment telling us why you love Sled Island and tag a friend to spread the word! Winner must be able to attend Sled Island June 22-26, 2016. Winner will be drawn on June 19th at 8pm MST and announced on Monday June 20th! Good Luck!

What You Get:

2 – Sled Island Discovery Passes thanks to our friends at Avi Urban | Duke at Mission

$50 Gift Card for Pre-show Drinks + Snacks at The Mission

$100 Gift Card for Famoso Pizzeria

$50 Gift Card for Weekend Brunch at Anju

Post-Sled Float at Clear Float Spa

$50 Gift Card for Juice Because Post-Sled Recovery Juices

1 - Sled Island Care Package from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Calgary By Bike maps (www.calgarybybike.ca)

Save Big on 4^th Street with your Sled Island Wristband!

These participating businesses are offering great incentives to #shoplocal with your Sled Island wristband!

Amaranth(1407 4th St. SW)
10% off

Anju (344 17th Ave. SW)
Promo Sled Island dish for the table

Phil & Sebastian(2207 4th St. SW)
10% off coffee drinks

Feisty Consignment (#12, 2100 4th St. SW)
15% off new merchandise

Shelf Life Books(1302 4th St. SW)
20% off

Butter Beauty Bar(2429 4th St. SW)
$10% off service

Clear Float Spa (105-1800 4 St SW)
10% with promo code #sledisland either in-store or online.

Yoga Santosha(320-1800 4th St. SW)
Free classes for passholders, half price drop-ins for ticketholders from June 20 - 26

Bicycle Photo courtesy of Sled Island.