Our Overlanding Adventure through Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California
Last Labour Day Weekend, 2019, Mike, Piper and I hopped in our Jeep and headed South for California. Along the 1,800 mile drive, we camped throughout Oregon, drove the Rubicon Trail, ran along dunes with seals on California’s coastal beaches, and Piper even got a little high on opioids-by accident lol. And we
Appearance Does Not = Worth
How your body looks has nothing to do with what it can do. And what you can do when you stop caring is going to make you love yourself so much. I used to care a lot about my image. I often stopped myself from doing things until I felt ready. But the thing is, feeling […]
Swimsuits + Summer Vibes
Summer’s arrival was tardy here in British Columbia, but it did finally show up by August. Though night’s among the pines are cooler, daytime highs are in the 30s, and we are thriving! With access to two lakes within a block of home, we feel very very lucky and have been enjoying frequent swims and
The Best: Camo Clothes, Shoes and Accessories
Is there a more perfect pant than a camo cargo?! For whatever reason, I’ve always loved a good camo piece, so much so that I wore it thrice this week by accident. So I’ve scoured all my favourite brands for the best camo-print clothes, shoes and accessories available right now. And better yet, many are [&he
My Favourite Interviews as a Design*Sponge Editor + Remembering Old Work
From 2016 through ‘18, I worked as an Editor at one of the world’s most popular design blogs, Design*Sponge. All about making the art and design world personal, D*S achieved through a focus on the creative community, and although the blog is now closed, Grace Bonney (the owner of D*S) continues to champ
Overland Camping (and Why We Love it So Much)
Outdoor exploration has become part of the fabric of our daily lives. Since making the move to British Columbia from Ontario, it’s not unusual for us to spend a few hours or days a week in nature, discovering new trails with Piper, new beaches to chill at, and new mountains to climb. Besides exploring by [&he
Piper’s Top 100
The past 365 days of Piper’s life has undoubtedly been her best. Moving here greatly improved our quality of life, but the real winner is everyone’s favourite blue heeler border collie mix pup, Piper who turns five tomorrow. So today to celebrate the last day of 2019, I’ve rounded up 100 of my
Home To Win (For The Holidays)
This past year, I was invited back alongside HGTV Canada’s top builders, designers and real estate experts to renovate, restore and give away another beautiful home on Home To Win. This time around, I was partnered with Mike Holmes Jr. and it was our job to breathe new life into the living room and laundry [&
Introducing Sabrina’s Shop
For the last ten years, simply out of passion, I have been sourcing and sharing art, decor and products I find online. Curation is a natural inclination of mine—links + likes (where I share cool things, products and people I find online) and the playlists I create monthly are my longest-standing blog categori
Well in the Wild
If I had to sum up the past year of my life in a word or two, it’d be ‘finding alignment’. And the year before that, it was simply ‘getting to know myself’. Intentional or not, I’ve been shifting in directions more true to me since 2017. This journey started with a solo trip to [&hel
Work, Worth and Wellness
Wow. What an eye-opening month it has been. Ever since I shared that I was quitting Save My Reno, I’ve been bombarded with realizations about work, worth and wellness—themes that seem to have punctuated my adulthood. On the other side of listening to and acting on my instincts was not what I was expecti
I’ve Decided To Leave HGTVs ‘Save My Reno’
And while it’d be easier for me to simply leave it at that, I think you—and everyone who’s put their hard work into the show—deserve more of an answer. The truth is that when I found out the show was green-lit to film a third season, I felt uncertain and I couldn’t put my finger […]
The Pressure To Name It
Lately I’ve been feeling pressure to figure out exactly what I want to do. And that whatever that thing is, it be be done well and forever. When I say it aloud, I hear how absurd it sounds, but pressures, man! This has a little to do with getting older (never did I think I’d […]
Winging It
Lately I’ve been a bit frustrated, mostly with myself. For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with direction in my career. I, like many, have worked myriad jobs over the past decade. I’ve filled creative roles within advertising, tech, teaching and TV. But despite being proud of my achiev
The Results of Hibernating
This past winter, I was not organizing with every body else a la Marie Kondo. I was actually hibernating—and kind of accumulating, actually… I had just moved across the country, and in doing so, we purged a lot of things that didn’t “spark”. After moving in, there was a lot of humming and hawing o
Why I Moved To Squamish
This post has been months in the making! But the more time that passes, the longer my list of reasons grows—and yeah, the more intimidating the thought of writing it all down becomes. So let me just start by sharing a small piece of where this little urge, this dream, came from… Rewind nearly two [&hell
Mike’s Hot n’ Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip
It’s January 1st, 2019. Happy New Years everyone! It’s 5° and sunny here in Squamish today, and we are parked on the couch, lounging in sweats watching The Office. This morning, we swung by McDonald’s to get Piper her birthday treat of hash browns (she turns 4 today!) and Breakfast Sandwiches
West Coast, Best Coast
I first fell in love with the west in Jasper, Alberta when I called its Canadian Rockies home for the better part of a year. For a few summers throughout my college years, my sisters and I would fly to Edmonton, take the bus from Edmonton to Jasper, Alberta, and park there working for the […]
Happy Birthday Piper (My Blue Heeler Collie Mix)
On January first Piper turned three, officially making her transition from puppy to adult doggo. Truthfully, even though I jokingly call her my old ball and chain, through this past year of change and growth, she’s been my constant: A routine I can count on every day; A greeting I can expect every time I
[GIVEAWAY] Blog Survey 2017: What Do You Want From Me?!
Hey you! Yes, you. Want to win a product of your choice from my shop? Then I need to hear from you! I’ve been meaning to connect with you guys for quite some time because you all feel so far away. Ironically, this week’s episode from the Chris Loves Julia podcast covered some real talk about [&hell
All The BTS Goodness from HGTV Canada’s Home To Win
Cash me on HGTV Canada’s Home To Win, how ’bout dat? Did you see last night’s episode?! (I may be biased as yours truly was on it, but it was a flippin’ hoot.) I worked with Rob Evans to design a pretty-in-pink guest suite and a breezy guest bathroom which we tag-teamed with Samanth
Fun Behind-The-Scenes From The Set of ‘Save My Reno’ (Airing Tomorrow on HGTV)
Tomorrow it the day! Ahhhhh! PS: How cool are Seb and I with our Flor swatches *insert sarcastic-face emoji here And wouldn’t you have it, I’m sick as a dog, but that won’t stop be from relishing in the joy of the premier of my new show, Save My Reno, starting tomorrow at 10pm on HGTV. Get
My New Tv Show ‘Save My Reno’ Premiers Wednesday April 5th @ 10pm on HGTV
As you may or may not know, over the past year, I’ve been working on a new HGTV series, ‘Save My Reno’. After months and months of hard work on 14 home renovations, it all begins airing next Wednesday April 5th at 10pm EST on HGTV. Sebastian (my co-host) and I are pumped and can’t wait
A Thank You Note
Currently: Lying on my basement floor catching my breath after an intense workout. Also currently: Feeling grateful. In the hustle and bustle of life, I took pause today (involuntarily in a very unglamorous, sweaty way). And whether it was the endorphins kicking in (likely a factor) or not, I was compelled to
Doing All Things With Intention
For a while, I lived as if fueled by the saying “move fast and break things.” I was young(er), eager, and willing to work hard. I was trying and testing and trying again. I opened every door even mildly offered to me. And I’m so glad I did. But now that some chips have fallen […]
Life Lately: Things I Can’t Show or Tell
My blog has always been the place I share all the things, all the time. But lately, I haven’t been able to because everything I’m working on is top secret and can’t be shared until early April when my show airs — Oh, and I totally forgot to mention, I’ve also hopped
Life With Piper, My Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix Mutt
Of all of the pages and pages of posts I’ve shared over the years, the one that still gets the most reads and comments is the post I shared about raising our pup, Piper. People far and wide have emailed me asking about her temperament, how I think she’d fare with young kids, etc.,&nbs
Life Lately: Filming + Fashion
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! I’ve gone from being a freelance homebody that barely left home to essentially becoming a nomad; living out of a bag, driving across the GTA from place to place, leaving a trail of granola bar crumbs, drywall dust, and hairspray. And actually wearing shoes on th
It Begins.
This weekend is my final weekend before my life takes a new turn — a turn I’ve been anxiously waiting for and anticipating since early 2016. As I write this, I’m sitting in my backyard listening to the hiss of the cicadas, Piper lying on the grass at my side, and soaking it all in. […]
You’ve Come a Long Way, Champ
For the past few days, I’ve been undergoing the arduous task of individually editing every single one of my blog posts. Yes, it was a major pain in the butt, but it also forced me to reflect on how far I’ve come in the last two years—on many fronts. While looking through old posts, I could have easily
HGTV Canada Greenlights Two New Original Series Introducing Three New Experts (And I’m One of Them)!
Let me set the scene… Yesterday, I woke up to Piper (equipped with a goopy eye-infection) nudging me with a smelly toy, spent my morning feeling ill and mushy from eating leftover pasta that had gone bad, and my afternoon skimming the clearance rack at Winners while donning an inside-out top. Life is g
Backyard Oasis: Mini Update + Cost Breakdown
My backyard oasis is 98% done! I must admit, it took a bit longer than I anticipated due to some last-minute changes to decor, but the last of my goodies are slated to arrive next week. A few days ago my Unison Home items arrived (pictured above), and it’s totally rewarding to see my mood board come [&h
Life Lately: I Got a Lob, Tea for Cocktails, The Dramatic Tale of One Pergola + Some Cheap Home Updates
I got a lob! I rarely get my hair cut and choose to live with dead ends on the reg, but it was due time I get a healthy cut, so my blonde tips (which were as dry as hay) are gonezo! I hope it grows out a few inches by August (for a big reason I’ll […]
Troubleshooting
Full disclosure: I have been guilty of approaching my work and career with a utilitarian mindset for years, and it’s finally run its course. And as a result, my portfolio is almost entirely made up of images created to satisfy a stiff brief. These images are strange to me. And these images don’t b
Game of Homes Season Two is Coming — And I’m a Guest Judge
Last October, in the midst of my kitchen renovation, I woke up at 4:30 am on a balmy morning and hopped into a warm van en route to a stadium holding four houses, once destined for the wrecking ball. If you watched Game of Homes, Season 1, you know the drill, but for those of […]
Featured in: 55 Women Making Work We’re Obsessed With
In celebration of International Woman’s Day earlier this week, I woke up to discover I was featured in Format Magazine’s list of 55 talented women in creative fields that they love. Go have a look and get ready to be inspired. And while you’re at it, browse the mag and bookmark it. I check it
Get The Look: My Home Studio / Office Reveal
My home office has been nearly a year in the making. I once worked in the smaller bedroom adjacent to it, but after we took over the basement and Shawn moved his office downstairs, it was time for an upgrade — but it didn’t come without a cost. In the before photos, you’ll see the […]
15 Designers’ New Year Resolutions for 2016 on Creative Bloq
I was asked by Computer Arts (AKA Creative Bloq online) to share my 2016 resolution as a designer along with 14 other cool people. What’s mine?… Lately, the creative and social landscape of the industry seems repetitive to me — which has stunted me from creating just for the sake of it out of fear
Life Lately: December iPhone Photo Dump
This months photo dump features a few snaps from my life, most of which I’ve shared on Instagram. After selling my Gus* sofa on Kijiji (found it uncomfortable although the quality was amazing), I hunted for affordable comfort and snatched up this yellow number, the Gramercy from The Bay. The frame’
October Woes, a Stuffy Nose, but The Coffee Flows
Last month, I blogged about my first experience using Caffeine Rebel‘s coffee subscription service, and this month, I was met again with three aromatic bags of the good stuff at my doorstep — this time, from Ceremony Coffee Roasters. And I have to tell you, it couldn’t have come at a better
Life Lately: ‘Making It’ in Miami
A few weeks ago, I flew to Miami to speak at Making It, a conference for women in creative industries. It was amazing to say the least, and I had a blast exploring Miami. For the 40 hours I was there, I crammed in a lot of sight-seeing, shopping, hanging with locals, and chatting with […]
Fun Work, Rejected Offers, and Cathardic Gardening
It’s been an odd, unpredictable, but generally nice spring. I’ve been busier with work than I anticipated, which is always a welcome surprise since, as a freelancer, I never know if I’ll make $2,000 in a month of $20,000. I started working with a digital agency in Toronto a few months ag
A Sea of Trouble(maker)s and Stripes
My bedroom makeover is nearly complete! I had just built my bed and threw on my new sheets from Unison Home when a little miss named Piper decided to take advantage of the moment. Everyday around 6pm is golden hour in our bedroom, and as strange as it is to say, the dust that floats […]
Magnolia’s, Cherry Blossoms and a Dog Named Piper
I’ve always been a fan of pink, but at this time of year, that love blooms tenfold (pun intended). The smell of spring is in the air—which, in my neighbourhood, is the smell of cherry blossoms and magnolias. Though I don’t have any on my property (unfortunately), these few shots were taken on my m
Meet Piper the Blue Heeler, Border Collie Mix
Okay, I thought I wouldn’t be that person, but here I am, sharing a video of my dog. Shawn made this video the other day and I keep re-playing it and watching it over and over again like a lunatic, when I have the real thing right in front of me. She just sits and […]
Raising (and Training) Piper, my Blue Heeler/Border Collie Mix Puppy
Piper is one month old, but it feels like a year since I got her at just 8 weeks young. It’s been an overwhelming month of bites and interrupted sleep and sacrifice—and love and cuteness. But more than anything, a lot of work and frustration. If you have a blue heeler or collie pup, you […]
This Week in Photos: My Life (and Home) Has Forever Changed Thanks To A Dog Named Piper
My gosh, what a week it’s been. On Sunday March 15th, we got a puppy. It was a decision we had been in the midst of making for years, but it finally dawned on Shawn and I that we could responsibly take this on finally–we work from home with lots of time and love to […]
Ello… Is It Me You’re Looking For? (Where The Ladies At?)
A few months ago I got an invite to join *Ello and I finally did just that. I don’t really know how it works, but nonetheless I’ve spent some time on there and I’m left thinking: “where the ladies at?!” After sifting through my friend’s friends, dude after dude appeared, pepp
Lately, in Photos
I’ve been a long-time Warby Parker fan, but I’ll just come out with it — my head is wide, and a lot of their trendier frames aren’t large enough for my face. So on a recent internet search, I came across Clearly (AKA Clearly Contacts) and bought myself two pairs. This may the beginnin
This Week Month in Photos
I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve shared some of my life behind the scenes, so feast your eyes on some shots from my Instagram and some that have been sitting in my iPhone’s Camera Roll for months. I found these Kenneth Cole Reaction black slip-ons from Winners a few weeks back. These [
My Handmade Illustrated Quilted Blanket
Back in the fall I was asked to participate in an art show called ‘Objects Have Stories’ in Toronto. Me and 21 other top-tier Canadian illustrators were tasked to make a handmade tactile item to be displayed and sold at MADE for $200. Remember that pattern I made a while back that I posted about? [&
This Week In Photos
Wishing a very fond farewell to fall with these photos from last week when it was still golden and the air was crisp but warm. Flash forward to today in Ontario and it’s -10 and everything is masked in white. Oy vey. I’ll admit, it’s pretty but I’ll pass on the temperature! Anyhow, all o
This Week In Photos: Gorgeous November Light
Last week I launched a new double-sided, concealed zipper throw pillow in my online shop! Inspired by birch trees and the beauty of nature, met with geometric and bold shapes, the front is geometric taupe, dusty pink, black and white with hand-drawn textured stripes and dots. The back is black with pink dotted
This Week in Photos
Last Saturday, we had a couple over for dinner and Shawn snapped this shot of me rushing around getting ready. Fitting four of us comfortably around our small not-a-dining-table-table requires a few optical illusions and calculated table setting. For dessert I made fool-proof apple crisp. I don’t measure,
How Yoga Helped Me Stop Over-Working
This article was first published in Computer Arts Magazine’s July 2014 issue. “Hi, My name is Sabrina and I’m a freelance workaholic.” You’re a freelancer. You’re constantly working — whether it’s on an actual task or on finding the next one. Even on your (forced) nights off, y
