#HelloProKItchenReno: The Big Reveal of My Kitchen Renovation
What a year… 2015 came with a lot of change, the biggest of which came in the form of my home transformation! If you followed along with my journey with the hashtag #HelloProKitchenReno, you’ll know the journey has ended! I shared an essay on Design*Sponge on this renovation and everything it entail
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’
Music Mix / 11.15
It’s been a while. I know, I know. Life has been busy and hectic and full of all kinds of stuff, but all the while, this music has been keeping me going. Enjoy this 22-track wonder on fall drives, at work, or just hanging around the house.
#HelloProKitchenReno: My DIY Kitchen Renovation
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you probably know that, for the past few months, I’ve been planing and gearing up for a kitchen renovation, which I’m proud (and nervous) to be executing and taking on all by myself onto of my work raising Piper, teaching, and taking on illustration and d
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
My Small Bedroom Makeover
Recently, I partnered with Leon’s Furniture to transform my bland, dark, storage-less bedroom into a cozy sanctuary with plenty of space for jammies and plants. Check out the video above (made by Wild and Light) to see the transformation unfold and get my insight into the design process. Get the full scoo
Styling My Shelf The Neutral, Minimal Way
I recently re-arranged the furniture in my living room (again, I know, I know) to accommodate our upcoming kitchen renovation, and I love it. My couch and TV placement has seen three different layouts now (see these posts for old layouts), and I’ve settled on this new layout which makes the room more cozy
Playlist No. 42 (Finally!)
After a short hiatus, my playlists are back! Thanks to those of you who have pushed for their return and commented saying how much you miss them — I feel bad. I missed them too — but life and work got in the way, the little buggers they can be 😉 In reflection, I’ve done […]
Is This What They Call Burnout?
Lately I’ve been shuddering when a new work email lands in my inbox. And it’s tough, because I feel so grateful to be “successful” in work, but on the other hand, I’m tired. And I can’t truly even name why. Some days, all I want to do is lie on my couch and watch Love [&helli
Things I Like: Artifact Uprising’s New Layflat Photo Album
I — like many — take a ton of photos. And most never see the light of day, let alone get printed and bound into a book. It was about time I actually printed my photos, and what better theme to focus on than my first (fur) baby, Piper. I’ve been an arms-reach fan of Artifact […]
Leon’s Launches Hello Yellow (+ Psst, I’m a Blogger)
Leon’s Furniture has stepped up their game. Over the past 6 months of working with them and frequenting their stores, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their selection and where the Leon’s brand is heading. In this time, they’ve gathered together an impressive list of contributors and ha
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 […]
My Home Tour on Design*Sponge
A few weeks ago, Grace, my Editor in Cheif at Design*Sponge asked the entire D*S team to open up their homes and show them off on the site. I was hesitant at first, as up until recently, I’ve been considering moving and have been house-hunting for nearly 6 months. It’s been an un-enjoyable process t
Week in Review: How Freelancing Has More Job Security than a 9-5, a Personal Essay, Desktop Wallpapers + More
1. I Quit My Job Today, And So Can You. Really enjoyed this article and found myself nodding along with my experience of quitting my job, tears and shame and all, only leading to happiness. 2. What To Do When The House of Your Dreams Doesn’t Become Yours. I shared a personal essay this week […]
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
Playlist No. 40
I’ve been busy lately with work and life in general, so I don’t have time to craft a pre-amble. But I will say, though this one is short, it’s also very sweet. And for those who don’t know it, to listen to a steady stream of all of my playlists strung together, just visit my […]
Playlist No. 39 – Introspective, Slow & Headphone-Worthy
This week’s mix is all atmospheric, headphones-necessary songs that are down-tempo and a bit moody and introspective. And apparently, an all-male mix this week! Enjoy and cheers to June just around the corner.
Playlist No. 38
I had a bit of a crazy weekend in my personal life; in exciting ways and not-so-nice ways. I don’t quite have the energy to craft a big intro, so forgive me, but trust it’s a good one. Music always soothes my soul and is a cure-all, so this week’s mix is just for me […]
Week in Review: Pingszoo, Java Elixr, the freelancer’s dilema, Royal Doultons + more
1. Pingszoo, one of my favourite illustrators, has been keeping me smiling (and kicking my butt too work harder on my illustrations!) 2. Ah, time or money, the freelancer’s dilemma. 3. Marianne Beck creates a typeface out of neatly overlapped scraps. 4. I love coffee. I also love feeling healthy. So Java
Behind the Scenes Process of a Portrait Illustration
I often get asked how I create my illustrations, so today I’m tearing down that wall of mystery and walking you through my file, layers and process of a recent illustration of mine. A lot of people warn against sharing these kinds of “illustration secrets”, but helping others grow creatively i
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
New Life For a Foliage Embroidered Canvas
A few weeks ago, I scored this awesome framed hand-embroidered canvas artwork at my local Re-Store for $8. And I completely ruined it. The shot below was taken in the store (next to many other adorable embroidered pieces, unfortunately none which had any sign on them of who made them). I fell in love with [&hel
Spring Changes Around My Home
My living room has gone through a few iterations when it comes to furniture. Rugs, couches, plants and side tables have come and gone. But up until last week, my gallery wall had remained the same. This was my set-up when I first moved in 18 months ago: The few months that followed saw a […]
Playlist No. 36
LEISURE, a new band from Auckland, NZ leads the way with my favorite kind of song — one that has a slow melody and fast beat. After that is an instrumental track that is anything but boring. It may, in fact, be super duper (pun intended). Then some blues by Jimi Charles Moody feeds my […]
Inspired By: Light Teal
For the longest time, teal conjured up images of nautical-themed rooms or distressed vintage furniture for me, all of which aren’t my cup of tea. But lately I’ve been having a new appreciation for the hue, when pale and light. I still can’t quite love fully-saturated teal, and I may never, but
Playlist No. 35
Today’s mix features an impressive track from 18 year old Aurora Aksnes from Bergen, Norway who goes by her first-name only, some good fun from Jordan Bratton ft. Chance the Rapper, a track from Fat Possum (who I just discovered last week), a catchy track from Tenterhook, new Misun (who’s always good at
On Quitting Your Job, Freelancing, and the Pros and Pitfalls of Both
I feel like everywhere I look lately, I’m spotting articles encouraging people to quit their jobs and freelance instead. For those of you who hate sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, looking at running your own business or freelancing is not the solution. You’ll likely be parked on that office
Week in Review: Cactus paintings, a levitating light, win $100 to spend on ceramics + more
1. Wednesday was National Earth Day, which is the perfect segue to Kwang-ho Lee’s gorgeous and romantic paintings of cacti and other plants. The exhibition opened this week at Kukje Gallery, in Seoul. (via designboom) 2. I love a good DIY wall art project. This oversize tool art idea is customizable and cos
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 […]
Playlist No. 34
This week’s mix features half hip-hop (from Black Milk ft. BADBADNOTGOOD, Kanye ft. Kendrick Lamar, and De La Soul ft. Nas) and half alternative electronic (from NoMBe, Vérité and The Japanese House). Enjoy your day and happy listening! Friday is only 2 sleeps away. [soundcloud url=”https://api.so
Ceramic Loveliness from The Pursuits of Happiness
I totally resonate with April Brimer. After working digitally as a commercial photographer for years, she was craving something more analog. In 2013, April caved and dove head-first into the world and possibilities of ceramics. Her darling line of ceramic housewares, jewelry and objects, The Pursuits of Happine
Playlist No. 33
This week I’m so utterly pressed for time I nearly dropped the ball on this playlist, but I could never do that to you guys–or myself. Music is one of the only things that will keep me sane the next few weeks. So enjoy this week’s playlist which features a mix of a few of […]
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 […]
Week in Review: Behance, New VSCO Presets, How To Self-Promote Without Being Annoying + More
1. Are you on Behance? When I first graduated, I used Behance all the time to explore creative work and publish my own portfolio, and it let to a lot of work for me! But I seem to have neglected it lately, so I’m trying to up my Behance game again and just uploaded my […]
Seven Years and Four Blogs Later: What I’ve Learned From Blogging
I first started blogging back in 2008 when I was 18 and attending art school. I mostly shared video skits (before Vine, people!), scribbles from my notebook and excerpts of self-discovery. After art school in 2012, I started a blog called We Are Not Special which I used as a platform to share my personal proje
Playlist No. 30 (And a New Design?)
A mellow mix of some new songs from some of my favorite artists, perfect for the office or your commute. A bit of folk, indie, instrumental, low-key hip hop and alt. electronic. Enjoy and Happy Wednesday to you and yours! PS: I made a new feature image design for my playlists to change it up. […]
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 […]
Music Playlist No. 29
Good thing I made most of this playlist last week because I’ve been a bit distracted this week with the newest addition to our family, Piper! Yes, we got a puppy and I’ll be sure to post far too many photos on my personal Instagram and Twitter, sorry not sorry. She’s a Blue Heeler Border [&hel
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
Playlist No. 28
This week’s mix features Fyfe, Black Honey, Elle King, Flako, The Weather Station, Freedom Fry and Jay Electronica, for good measure. Enjoy! [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/86267420″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=t
Week In Review: Vice’s ‘Killing Cancer’, Firefox Emojis, 300 Free Resources +
1. Vice HBO just released a YouTube mini-documentary report on killing cancer (and how they can now). It’s a fascinating 45 minute watch that everyone should see. 2. A massive list of 300 free things put together by awesome people. Anything and everything you could ever need resource-wise for automation,
The Unexpected Result of Laziness
It’s not in my nature to sit still. Even when I don’t have anything to work on, I make work for myself. But lately, I’ve been singing a different tune… Last week I went on a family vacation to Cuba and, and I saw it as a great opportunity to get some creative personal work […]
Playlist No. 27 – Hip Hop ft. Logic, Drake, Action Bronson, Rob Viktum, Kanye & Flip
Alright, it’s about that time for a hip hop playlist! It’s old news by now, but Drake’s new album, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, is pretty awesome and is at the top of all the charts. I’ve been a fan of Drake since his EP, but I’ll admit he lost me for a [&helli
Playlist No. 26 ft. Young Fathers, Absofacto, Hippo Campus, EXGF, BinkBeats & Sylvan Esso
Ola! I’m coming to you from the past (which isn’t as exciting as the future, I know) to share this week’s playlist, which is numero 26! I’m likely lying on the beach in Varadero, Cuba right now (aaaaand cue Instagram photo), but I couldn’t bear to miss a week without sharing a new
My Small Galley Kitchen Made Better With Wire Chairs from Structube
A few weeks back, I visited Structube’s Liberty Village location and fooled around hand-picked my most coveted furniture pieces from their store to create a curated collection for Valentine’s Day, supported by this video by Wild and Light. One of the pieces I picked were their Wire chairs (which I l
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
Playlist No. 24 – New Kendrick Lamar, Amason, Waju, Rag’N’Bone Man, Hollow Coves, Other Lives & Dorthia Cottrell
This week’s mix features the new Kendrick Lamar track, The Blacker The Berry, and some Waju before mellowing out with songs from Amason, Rag’N’Bone Man, Hollow Coves, Other Lives and Dorthia Cottrell (who I thought was a dude based on her voice until I Googled it, in a very good way! Coolest v
Why It’s Time To Burn Your Business Plan
I once heard that planning is actually just guessing in disguise, and it’s stuck with me since. I mean think about it: You don’t plan to have a brilliant idea—rather, it hits you as you go about living your life. That’s exactly what the term “lightbulb moment” describes, and it happens completel
Music Mix / 02.19
I’m feeling super chill this week, which calls for a chill, indie electronic mix this week. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/77517531″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true̶
Hustlers: Jon Lo of The Happy Mundane
I first found Jon Lo on Instagram and have been following him every since. He’s a seasoned blogger who helped pave the path for the rest of us, all while running his design business and collaborating on projects with other brands such as his newest project, The Octopian. Our conversations started in early
Playlist No. 22 – 50 Track Wonder!
This week I, for no good reason, decided to put together a 50 track playlist with a random mix of slow, fun, folk, hip hop and everything in between for a solid 3 hours of listening fun. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/75006423″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&am
Propagating Succulents: An Update on My Plants
I’m obsessed with my plants. It’s borderline concerning to my friends, but it makes me so genuinely happy to watch a leaf uncurl on my pothos or a new shoot to grow from my palms or the leaves of my jades reach for the light. But what’s even more satisfying is growing new plants from […
Playlist No. 21 ft. Marika Hackman, Ghostly, BADBADNOTGOOD, Violents Music, George Ezra & More
Eight tracks this week, guys. One of which is from Elsie Larson (of A Beautiful Mess’) husband, Jeremy. And some Ghostface Killah ’cause why not? [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/71628969″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&am
What I Learned from Hosting a Collaborative Art Project On Social Media
Organizing a free-for-all open-source art project is a huge undertaking. If I’m being honest, the first year of #365DaysofType was easier–and I made and designed every single number myself. Overall, this project was more about managing expectations, staying organized and chasing people than I had an
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 [