A few nights ago, my family and I were discussing post-secondary education, specifically university institutions, and how, really, they aren’t so great in terms of the educational curriculum they offer. This may be a bold statement, and I realize this stance varies significantly depending on the subject matter or specific area of study one may … More Acknowledging flaws in post-secondary education
Not too long ago, an individual my family has known for many, many years passed away. This certain person wasn’t technically our own family, but may as well have, and we were and remain to be rather saddened to learn of their passing. After I heard the news, I started thinking about death. I realize … More Recognizing the intricacies of grief
Happiness is something all of us should have the opportunity to experience over the course of our lives. Without it, life would be rather bleak, and I’m not exactly sure what our planet would look like or how it would function in the absence of joy. It is disheartening to acknowledge that there are some … More Here’s how to be happier
There are a few items in the fashion industry that have been kicking around for quite a while now, with no intentions of disappearing anytime soon. Some examples, off the top of my head, include Crocs, Birkenstock sandals, and Lululemon athletic pants. These fashion staples are seemingly timeless in regards to their long-standing presence in … More Are TNA parkas worth the money?
Chronic illnesses are a real bitch. There isn’t much sense in sugar-coating the matter, because that would be a disservice to anyone who, like myself, lives with chronic illness(es); they’re frustrating, discouraging, and relentless, and they aren’t something I would wish on anyone. Chronic illness as a topic is a rather vast one, and by … More The reality of living with a chronic illness
Facebook Marketplace, for anyone who has ever used it, can be a bit of a shit show. You see something you’re interested in and send a message to the seller, only to never hear back; you make the trip to see the item you’re intrigued by in person only to discover it does not resemble, … More The beauty of Facebook Marketplace
This past weekend, my fiancé and I attended a wedding for good friends of ours. The groom has been one of Blaine’s best friends since they were kiddos, and his now wife has also become a good friend of ours over the past few years. Blaine was a groomsman in this wedding (as he is … More The beauty of being yourself, unapologetically
Quite a few years ago, my sister, as a surprise for my birthday, purchased us both passes to attend a makeup convention in Toronto. That birthday still stands out in my mind today because it was such a unique and different experience from anything I would typically do for myself, and she and I had … More Have you heard of Cake Beauty?
I had a rather engaging conversation with my mom and dad recently regarding COVID-19. More specifically, we were discussing all of the controversy and differing opinions pertaining to the coronavirus vaccination, and whether or not this entire pandemic has collectively encouraged us as people to become selfish. After the chat I had with my parents, … More Has COVID made us selfish?
I will be completely honest in admitting I am not someone who necessarily deals with stress well, depending on what it is that is causing me stress. I will say, however, that over the past few years, I have improved in terms of how I deal with stressors and the effects they have on my … More Tips for handling stress
This summer has not been one for me in terms of getting stung by bastard insects. I was stung by a hornet about a week ago on my neck, and as I sit here writing this post, my arm is throbbing thanks to two yellow-jacket stings on my forearm and my hand. I was doing … More Check out this natural remedy for wasp stings
I very much feel as though COVID-19, among other negative outcomes, has caused a lot of us to become lazy in the context of communication. The reason I say this occurrence is a byproduct of the coronavirus is because I’ve certainly noticed more issues pertaining to communication and a lack of it since this pandemic … More Have we forgotten how to communicate?
I’ve been debating whether or not to write a post addressing the many opinions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine as I’m typically not one to address highly controversial topics here on my blog. I have come to the realization, however, that I’m tired of remaining quiet on the topic, and so here we are. Allow me … More Can’t we all just get along?
Listening is something most of us likely do not consider to be a skill, but rather an innate characteristic of being a human being. I disagree, however, as I do, in fact, consider listening to be a skill, and I firmly believe it is a skill most of us could use some assistance with. I … More Listening: a how-to guide
I’m at a point in my life in which I’ve grown rather tired of meticulously filling in and carving out my eyebrows to enable them to look as though they grow perfectly on my face. It’s time consuming, frustrating, and, for me, personally, somewhat stupid. I decided to embrace a more natural eyebrow look this … More e.l.f. Wow Brow: a hidden gem
Graphic design is one of those things that we may not necessarily realize the importance of. Graphic design is literally everywhere; signage, menus, magazine covers, logos … the list goes on. We see it daily, yet a lot of us don’t necessarily realize just how pivotal graphic design is considering we are immersed within it … More In need of a graphic designer? Read this
It’s no secret to anyone who reads my blog somewhat consistently that acne has been a constant in my life for quite a while. I actually have more acne now, as an adult, than I did when I was a teenager and going through puberty, which is a rather strong indication of my luck with … More Here’s why you need to try Rael’s pimple patches
Blaine and I, a few evenings ago, decided to watch a movie titled Ma via Netflix. We had been contemplating watching it for a few days, so we decided to give it a shot and see whether or not our suspicion was warranted. I am sad to report it was not. Ma “is a 2019 … More Have you seen ‘Ma’?
I am a firm believer in recognizing someone’s efforts and a job well done when appropriate. Perhaps this stems from a history of working at jobs where hard work goes unnoticed, because I’ve endured a few (like most of us, but regardless of where the incentive comes from to applaud people when appropriate, it is … More Giving credit where credit is due
Watermelon and salad might not seem like the most common food combination, but trust me when I say you haven’t lived until you’ve tried it. I had watermelon salad for the first time when I was still in high school, and I still haven’t forgotten it, in case you needed reassurance that it really is … More Here’s how to make watermelon salad
Venting, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, typically involves a person unloading their stresses, anguish or frustration with a given situation via conversation with someone. It is something probably all of us have engaged with at some point or another, and a lot of us associate the concept of venting with positivity; getting things off … More Venting: good or bad?
Within the past few years, things like acceptance, diversity and representation have, in a way, dominated social constructions. There has been a tremendous push to acknowledge and advocate for those among us who have had their voices silenced and have been rejected for a significant length of time, and for good reasons. While the pressure … More Have we gone too far with inclusivity?
Second chances are, I would argue, a controversial topic for a lot of us. Based on my own interactions and conversations with people on the matter, it seems as though we are either in favour of giving them, or we are entirely against it, with no in between. I had a conversation with my fiancé … More How do you feel about second chances?
A couple of nights ago, Blaine and I watched a movie via Netflix titled Aftermath. After viewing the trailer, we decided to give it a shot, and allow me to inform you we were not disappointed. Aftermath stars Ashley Greene and Shawn Ashmore, a couple who aren’t exactly in the best place in regards to … More Have you seen ‘Aftermath’?
I think it’s safe to say that the years 2020 and 2021 have brought with them a variety of new and unfamiliar terms. Some are easier to figure out than others, but one in particular that a lot of people struggle to understand, myself included up until recently, is gaslighting. When I first heard this … More Don’t know what gaslighting is? Read this
I am someone, I have learned over the past few years, who doesn’t necessarily do well when faced with a panic-inducing scenario. When I say I don’t do well, I’m making reference to my complete inability to be able to think clearly and/or logically in a moment of panic, and, really, this is not exactly … More Finding logic in panic
Music really is an incredible thing. It has the power to unite us, or divide us, depending on someone’s music preferences, and it serves as the perfect muse for most of us going about our days. I thought it might be fun to share with all of you some of my favourite songs of all … More What are some of your favourite songs?
The other day my mom and I had a good chat discussing the concept of appreciation, and how, unfortunately, it seems to have become a lost art. She was telling me about a situation in which she gave someone the benefit of the doubt to show kindness and empathy, only to end up being a … More Appreciation: a thing of the past
While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it is common knowledge, the concept of exercise being a means to alleviate the severity of depression isn’t exactly news. There have been many studies conducted on the topic, and while there has been strong evidence to support this belief for a while now, it has … More It’s official: exercise really can help combat depression
I find it a little disappointing I’m even writing a post on this topic, because, really, to answer the title of this post, you should respect service industry workers because it’s human decency. That’s really all there is to it, but, unfortunately, I’m finding we are collectively needing this reminder because I work in the … More This is why you should respect service industry workers
