HELLO 2013! 2012 IN REVIEW

Happy 2013 everyone! I love the refreshing energy that a New Year brings! I woke up New Years day to the gorgeous sun shining on a calm, snow-covered Toronto. It had been pretty grey the days before. It felt magical! The chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to better myself from the year before felt so possible.

On New Years Eve, Darcy and I rang in 2013 quietly with our good friends Katy and Tony amongst champagne, smoked Old Fashions, good laughs and wishes.

On New Year’s Day we hung out with our friends Jehn and Tim at their house. They host an annual “New Years Day Hangover” brunch for their friends every year. Tim is an insanely good cook, so it’s a real treat! I’m talking homemade everything: bread, pâté, pork leg, jams, chutneys, bread pudding, donuts and more! There was such a good energy in the house —I always end up meeting new and interesting people, which is always awesome. We capped off the afternoon with a brisk walk through High Park.

2012 WRAP UP

2012 was a significant year. I had some very inspiring and challenging experiences that have pushed me forward creatively. Some highlights:

BLOG LOVE

One major thing was starting this blog back in October and the choice to put myself out into the world and web in new way. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience so far!

I attended The Blogcademy in New York and got to learn from the amazing and talented Shauna Haider, Gala Darling and Kat Williams. I also met so many awesome bloggers that I’ve been keeping in touch with. It’s awesome to be part of such a supportive blogging community that is growing by the day!

My friend and co-worker, Jamie Franklin, who also attended the Blogcademy with me, has been a huge source of inspiration! She was a great support system for me when we simultaneously started our blogs. She never ceases to amaze me with her music, film and theatrix knowledge and insight!

Along with Jamie, a few other Blogcademy buds live right here in Toronto: Reverie Time and Rubies and Ribbon. They are such great girls and I’m thankful to have met them. We’ve already had a Blogcademy coffee date reunion. I know there will be more in 2013!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

I went to New York multiple times last year exploring Brooklyn. I airbnb‘d in Bushwick, Crown Heights and Williamsburg. So many inspiring events took place while there.

I drew type with Mike Perry at a workshop as part of his Wondering Around Wandering exhibition.

I spontaneously attended the Type Director’s Club annual exhibition at Cooper Union during a summer trip. Visitors got a keepsake designed by designer Jessica Hische.

I stayed at the artsy A Cabin in a Loft in Bushwick, Brooklyn and learned about the owners’ art project Eternity Stew.

PHOTOSHOOTS AND CAMPAIGNS

 

I assisted on an awesome editorial shoot with Alex Evans, Myles Sexton and Talia Brown

Some of my favourite Bluenotes campaigns took place this year. The Holiday 2012 campaign was very successful and the photoshoot was such a blast!  The Spring 2012 campaign is another fave.

HELLO 2013!

When I think of the last 6 months in particular, I’ve basically been working all the time, with occasional short trips to New York for inspiration!  I wouldn’t say that I had the most balanced life—I just worked a lot. My day job of course, and then back home for freelance and blogging. I barely had time to do my dishes! I did not see friends as much and missed out on Thanksgiving and a few other significant events.

I am feeling extremely positive and hopeful about this year ahead! Of course, there is always the cliché talk around New Years for resolutions (yada yada yada) that are often contrived and fade quickly after a month. I personally have many goals and changes that I want to make in 2013 and am hanging onto the good vibes and not loosing sight! Here are a few key areas I’ll be focusing on:

BLOGGING 

This has been a work in progress! I’m still trying to find my rhythm and pace. I’m working on new content ideas and updates to my social media outlets.

YOGA

I need yoga back in my life — it’s  one of my favourite things!  However, I’ve so easily gotten myself out of the habit of going consistently over the years. Darcy just got me a pass to Downward Dog and it’s just the push I need! Ashtanga Vinyasa is my favourite type of yoga—long and fast classes are my preference. The workout is amazing! I also love the meditative nature of the practice.

ORGANIZING + SIMPLIFYING

This year I really want to live with less. Being the Piscean collector that I am, I have a knack for keep a lot of stuff around. I’m in a serious mood to throw out things that I’ve held onto for years that are just taking up space. Darcy and I are on a serious cleaning and de-cluttering rampage around our living space. I want to have fewer things, but use them more often. I’m also going through my computer and emails and just cleaning up all around!

DESIGN

I’m always trying to better myself as a designer—keeping up-to-date on techniques, reading books and gaining inspiration from the world around me. I want to be the best that I can be and always challenge myself.  I am thankful for all those that have been reading my blog and the positive support and feedback that I’ve received. I  look forward to what this New Year brings and hope that it treats you well!

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