The Big 5-0 Bucket List: My Quest for Adventure Before the Next Decade Begins

Forty-something. It’s a fascinating time, isn’t it? You’ve likely built a career, maybe raised a family, and navigated a fair few of life’s curve balls. But somewhere between the responsibilities and the routines, a little voice might start whispering: “What’s next?” For me, that voice has turned into a full-blown rallying cry, because I’m staring down the barrel of the big 5-0, and I’m not going quietly!

Instead of focusing on the milestone of turning fifty, I’m choosing to embrace the years leading up to it as a period of intentional living, new experiences, and personal growth. So, I’ve compiled my “Big 5-0 Bucket List” – 50 things I absolutely want to do, see, learn, and achieve before I blow out those half-century candles. Some are grand adventures, others are small but meaningful steps, and all of them are designed to make the next chapter of my life even richer.

Maybe you’re in the same boat, feeling that itch for something more as you approach this significant birthday. If so, I hope my list inspires you to create your own! Here’s what’s on my radar: 

  1. Travel To A New Continent (Asia, I’m Coming For You!). 
  1. Get A Tattoo 
  1. Go Skydiving 
  1. Take A Pilates Class 
  1. Train To Run A Marathon (Don’t Know If I Run One But I’d Like To Train For One) 
  1. Go Hot Air Ballooning For A Breathtaking Perspective 
  1. Take A Cooking Class In Another Country And Bring Those Flavors Home. 
  1. Attend A Major Sporting Event – The Energy Must Be Electric! 
  1. Do The Edge Walk At The CN Tower 
  1. Go To A Concert (Alone Or With Someone) 
  1. Visit Tobermory 
  1. Learn To Swim 
  1. Ride A Jet Ski 
  1. Experience A Major Music Festival And Soak In The Vibes. 
  1. Go Parasailing 
  1. Learn Conversational Italian 
  1. Learn A Beatles Song On The Drums 
  1. Read/Listen To 100 Classic Books And Expand My Literary Horizons. 
  1. Become More Involved In Social Media 
  1. Building Up My Client List 
  1. Learn Basic Car Maintenance – No More Relying Solely On The Mechanics! 
  1. Go Horseback Riding 
  1. Play A Round Of Golf 
  1. Being Able To Bench 100 Pounds – A Personal Fitness Goal I’m Determined To Achieve 
  1. Zipline Some Where Outside Of Canada 
  1. Take A Tennis Lesson 
  1. Try A New Craft (Sewing Or Embroidery) 
  1. Become Proficient In Video Editing – Time To Get Creative 
  1. Travel Travel Travel! 
  1. Take A New Work Out Class 
  1. Buy A New Car 
  1. Go On A Solo Date 
  1. Schedule More Quality Time With My Niece 
  1. Go Rock Climbing 
  1. Prioritize My Mental Health Workouts And A Healthier Diet 
  1. Learn To Ride A Bike 
  1. Renew My Israeli Passport (Controversial Yes, But It’s My Right To Have It) 
  1. Get Comfortable Saying Yes To Myself 
  1. Take A Glass Making Class 
  1. Ride The Maid Of The Mist 
  1. Take A Mixology Course 
  1. Create A Personal Time Capsule To Open At 60 
  1. Take A Dance Class (Burlesque Maybe) 
  1. Journal More Often 
  1. Take A Wine Making Class 
  1. Take An Archery Class 
  1. Go To A Painting Class 
  1. Create A Vision Board 
  1. Have A Professional Photoshoot And Get Some Nice Photos Of Myself 
  1. Have A Successful Business 

This list feels both exciting and a little daunting, but that’s the point, right? It’s about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and making these next few years truly count. I do feel that I may update or change this list depending on where I am in life, but I’ll allow myself the permission to do so.  

What’s on your pre-50 (or any age!) bucket list? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to live life to the fullest, no matter what the number on the birthday cake says. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some drums to hit.. 

Why I Am Rebranding

As some of you may notice, I recently shared that I was switching Instagram accounts. Well, really, I created a new Instagram account with my original name. Some of you have been wondering why and I’m here to share that, the biggest reason why I decided to make the new account was because my now old account have a lot of ghost followers, bots and I wasn’t getting the engagement and the algorithm wasn’t working in my favour.

Although I’ve spent a lot of time and energy building this particular account, I just felt that I needed something new and fresh and really find what my purpose is. So I decided to create a new account and although I am trying to transfer my posts from the old account to the new one, (it’s proving to be very challenging) I am deciding not to dwell on it to stress over it too much because the whole point of the new account is to start fresh and I can’t really start fresh if I continue using old content.

So with this new account, I intend to be more proactive showing myself more and sharing a lot more more than I ever have before I want to share about my day-to-day life, my day-to-day struggles, my wins, my losses, and just be authentically myself. This is going to be a challenge for me as I am a self diagnosed perfectionist so this will be a day-to-day stresser and challenge, but one that I need to do in order to grow.

I hope you all will join me on this journey. Hopefully, we can do this together. Not only do I want to share my life, I also want to know about yours, so let’s follow each other and get through this crazy thing we call life.

What Cooking Does For Me 

For the past few months, I have been sharing a lot of food that I have been creating, making and enjoying at home. There is something about making food that brings me a sense of peace, happiness and accomplishment.  

I really started to get into cooking during the pandemic, there was a lot of time I was home alone with not much to do. The one thing that really helped occupy my time was cooking. It was great to have something tangible to do and be creative with different ingredients and cuisines.  

For me, cooking transcends just sustenance; it’s a vibrant and deeply personal form of creative expression for a multitude of reasons: 

  • Sensory Engagement: Cooking ignites all your senses. The vibrant colors of fresh produce, the aromatic dance of spices in a hot pan, the satisfying sizzle of ingredients, the tactile experience of kneading dough, and, of course, the explosion of flavors on your palate all contribute to a rich and engaging experience. This sensory symphony can be incredibly stimulating and satisfying, much like engaging with paint, clay, or musical instruments. 
  • Experimentation and Innovation: The kitchen is your laboratory and your studio. You have the freedom to experiment with different ingredients, flavor combinations, and cooking techniques. Just like an artist explores different mediums and styles, a cook can try out new recipes, adapt old ones, or even invent entirely new dishes. This process of trial and error, of seeing what works and what doesn’t, fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. 
  • Personalization and Adaptation: Recipes are often just starting points. A home cook can personalize a dish to their own tastes, dietary needs, or the ingredients they have on hand. This act of adaptation and improvisation requires creative thinking and allows for a unique, individual stamp on the final product. It’s like a musician improvising a melody or a writer putting their own spin on a classic theme. 
  • Presentation as Art: The visual aspect of food is also a crucial element of creative expression. Plating a dish thoughtfully, using garnishes, and paying attention to color and texture transforms a meal into a work of art. This mindful presentation elevates the dining experience and showcases the cook’s artistic eye. 
  • Emotional Connection and Storytelling: Food often carries cultural significance and personal memories. Cooking a dish from your heritage or recreating a beloved family recipe can be a way to connect with the past and share your story with others. The act of nurturing and nourishing through food is itself a deeply expressive act, communicating care and connection. 
  • Mindfulness and Flow: The focused attention required in cooking can lead to a state of mindfulness and even “flow,” where you become completely absorbed in the task at hand, losing track of time and worries. This immersive experience can be incredibly therapeutic and creatively fulfilling. 

In essence, cooking provides a tangible outlet for imagination and ingenuity. It’s a craft where you can transform raw ingredients into something beautiful, delicious, and uniquely your own. The kitchen becomes a space for exploration, experimentation, and the joyful expression of creativity. 

There is so much more to why I love to cook, it’s not just putting food on a plate, it’s a more personal thing for me.  

  • The Thrill of Creativity: I find joy in the imaginative aspect of cooking. Perhaps it’s the freedom to experiment with flavors, the challenge of putting your own spin on a classic dish, or the excitement of creating something entirely new. It’s like being an artist with ingredients as your medium, and the plate as your canvas. I get to make choices, take risks, and see my culinary visions come to life. 
  • The Solid Satisfaction of Accomplishment: There’s a unique sense of pride that comes from transforming raw ingredients into a nourishing and delicious meal. It’s a tangible achievement, something I can see, smell, and taste. Knowing I’ve created something with my hands, something that will sustain and bring pleasure, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a skill I’ve honed, and each successful dish reinforces that feeling of accomplishment. 
  • The Grounding Power of Control and Mindfulness: In the often-chaotic world, the kitchen can be my sanctuary. Cooking offers a space where I have control over the process, from selecting ingredients to the final presentation. The focused nature of chopping, stirring, and tasting brings me into the present moment, allowing me to quiet the mental chatter and engage fully with the task at hand. It’s a form of active meditation, where your attention is drawn to the sensory details and the unfolding transformation of the ingredients. 
  • The Deep Reward of Nourishment: Beyond the flavors and the process, there’s the fundamental act of caring for yourself and others through food. Knowing that I am providing nourishment for my body, fueling it with wholesome ingredients, adds another layer of satisfaction. When I cook for others, it’s an act of love and care, a way to connect and nurture those around you on a very fundamental level. 

Cooking for me is a holistic experience, it engages my mind, my senses, and my desire to care for myself and others. It’s a beautiful blend of artistry, skill, and heartfelt intention.  

Top Skin Care Myths You Should Stop Believing  

The skin care world is full of myths and misconceptions that can do more harm than good. In a world where social media is king and has become a loud voice in the client’s ear, it is up to professionals like me to work even harder to take care of our clients and their skin properly. Let us bust some of these common myths one by one.  

Number 1, you don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day or if you are staying indoors. The truth is UV rays penetrate clouds and windows causing premature aging and pigmentation to the skin. Always wear sunscreen daily and don’t forget to reapply.  

Number 2, oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. The truth is, skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin produce more oil to compensate. Choose a lightweight gel-based moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without feeling greasy.  

Number 3, natural skin care is always better. The truth is, while some natural ingredients are great, not everything natural is safe. For example, lemon juice can irritate the skin and coconut oil can clog your pores. Science backed skin care is often more effective and safer.  

Number 4, acne only happens to teenagers. The truth is, adult acne is real. Hormonal changes, stress, and diet can trigger breakouts at any age. Acne can be treated with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids under the recommendation of your skin care specialist.  

Number 5, pores open and closed with hot and cold water. The truth is, pores don’t have muscles to open or close. Hot water can temporarily loosen the pores to remove debris while cold water can reduce puffiness, but neither changes pore size permanently. 

Number 6, exfoliating every day is good for your skin. The truth is over exfoliating damages your skin barrier causing redness, irritation and breakouts. Stick to two to three times a week with gentle chemical affiliate exfoliants like AHA’s or BHA’s.  

Number 7, you only need anti aging products after 30. The truth is, prevention is key. Start using antioxidants like vitamin C, sunscreen and hydration in your 20’s to delay aging signs. Retinol can also be introduced in your late 20’s to boost collagen production.  

Number 8, higher SPF means you can skip reapplying. The truth is, no sunscreen lasts all day. Reapply every two hours or more often if you’re sweating or swimming. Even if you are using SPF 50.  

Number 9, toothpaste can cure pimples. The truth is, toothpaste can have harsh ingredients like menthol and baking soda, which can irritate the skin. Instead, use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for spot treatment, again under recommendation from your skin care specialist.  

Number 10, drinking more water clears your skin. The truth is hydration is important. Drinking water alone won’t magically cure acne and/or breakouts. Good skin care, diet and lifestyle play a bigger role in skin health.  

Number 11, Retinol thins the skin. The truth is, retinol actually thickens the skin over time by boosting collagen. Initial peeling is normal, but proper use, starting slow and using moisturizer makes it safe and effective.

Number 12, make up causes acne. The truth is, makeup itself isn’t the problem. It’s not removing it properly that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Always double cleanse at night to remove the makeup completely.

Number 13, if it burns, it’s working. The truth is, burning or stinging is a sign of irritation, not effectiveness. Some mild tingling from actives like vitamin C or AHA’s is okay, but pain means your skin barrier is compromised.  

Number 14, you can shrink your pores. The truth is, pore size is genetic. You can reduce their appearance with proper cleansing, exfoliation and ingredients like niacinamide and retinol, but they won’t permanently shrink.  

Final take away, skin care is about science, not myths. Understanding the facts will help you make better choices for healthy, glowing skin

The Power of Colour: How To Choose Makeup Shades That Enhance Your Features

Colour plays a pivotal role in how makeup can enhance your natural beauty. Understanding how to select the right shades for your complexion, eye colour, and hair tone can elevate your look from every day to extraordinary. Here’s a guide to help you harness the power of colour to bring out your best features.

Determine Your Undertone

Your skin’s undertone is the key to finding shades that complement your complexion. Undertones fall into three categories:

  • Cool: Pink, red, or bluish hues.
  • Warm: Yellow, peachy, or golden hues.
  • Neutral: A mix of both warm and cool undertones.

Tip: To identify your undertone, observe the veins on your wrist. Green veins indicate warm undertones, blue or purple veins suggest cool undertones, and a mix of both points to neutral undertones.

Choose Foundation and Concealer Shades

The foundation is the canvas of your makeup look. Select a shade that seamlessly blends into your skin, matching both your undertone and surface tone. Avoid shades that make your skin look ashy or overly orange.

  • Cool undertones: Go for foundations labeled with words like “porcelain,” “cool beige,” or “rosy.”
  • Warm undertones: Look for shades like “golden,” “honey,” or “sand.”
  • Neutral undertones: Neutral beige or shades described as “natural” are ideal.

Enhance Your Eyes

Eye makeup is a powerful way to make your eyes pop. The shades you choose should complement your eye colour:

  • Blue eyes: Copper, bronze, and warm brown tones enhance the contrast.
  • Green eyes: Purples, plums, and mauves accentuate the green.
  • Brown eyes: Most colors work well, but golds, greens, and blues add depth.
  • Hazel eyes: Golden tones or earthy greens bring out the complexity.

Find Your Perfect Lip Colour

Lipstick shades can transform your look instantly. Here’s how to find your ideal match:

  • Cool undertones: Choose blue-based reds, soft pinks, and berry shades.
  • Warm undertones: Coral, peach, and orange-reds are flattering.
  • Neutral undertones: You can experiment with a wide range of shades, from nude to bold hues.

Don’t Forget Blush and Bronzer

Blush adds life to your complexion, while bronzer provides warmth and dimension. Select shades that harmonize with your undertone:

  • Cool undertones: Rosy or plum blushes and taupe bronzers.
  • Warm undertones: Peachy or apricot blushes and golden bronzers.
  • Neutral undertones: Versatile shades like soft pink or warm beige.

Experiment and Have Fun

While guidelines are helpful, makeup is ultimately about self-expression. Don’t be afraid to try bold colours or step outside the rules. Confidence is the most flattering accessory you can wear.

By understanding your unique colouring and experimenting with shades that highlight your features, you can unlock the transformative power of makeup. Whether you’re going for a natural glow or a dramatic statement, the right colours can help you achieve your desired look effortlessly.

Achieving A Natural Glow: Skin Care Routines for Every Skin Type

A natural glow is the hallmark of healthy, radiant skin. But achieving it often requires a personalized approach, as different skin types have unique needs. Here’s my quick guide to skincare routines tailored to every skin type, ensuring you’re always putting your best face forward.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before diving into routines, it’s crucial to identify your skin type. Here are the main categories: Normal Skin: Balanced moisture and sebum levels, minimal imperfections. Dry Skin: Lacks hydration, feels tight or flaky. Oily Skin: Excess sebum production, prone to shine and breakouts. Combination Skin: Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with dry or normal cheeks. Reactive Skin: Easily irritated, often reacts to products or environmental factors.

General Skincare Tips

Regardless of skin type, some principles apply universally; Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin’s elasticity. Sun Protection: Always wear SPF 30 or higher to protect against UV damage. Healthy Diet: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids for glowing skin. Avoid foods that can cause skin irritations like spicy food and some dairy products. Adequate Sleep: Rest allows your skin to repair and rejuvenate.

Skin Care Routine

No matter what skin type you have or if you have specific skin concerns; the routine is the same. The basis of an ‘ideal’ skin care routine is as follows:

Morning Routine – Cleanse, Eye Cream, Serum (Vitamin C), Moisturizer, Sunscreen (nonnegotiable)

Evening Routine – Cleanse (double cleanse if needed), Eye Cream, Serum (Retinol), Moisturizer.

This has been the winning combination for myself and my clients. Not all products are for everyone, it is so important that each product is best suited for your skin.

Extra Tips for a Radiant Glow

Bi-Weekly or Weekly Masks: Use clay masks for oily skin, hydrating masks for dry skin, and soothing masks for reactive skin. Masking can add an additional boost to your daily skin care routine. Facial Massage: Stimulates circulation and enhances product absorption, using a guasha and/or a facial roller can enhance your skin’s natural radiance and can also plump the skin in the process. Avoid Excess Active Ingredients: Staying away from products that have actives such as acids can strip natural oils in the skin and can worsen dryness or prompt excess oil production.

If you are struggling with putting together the perfect skin care routine, call on me, your Skin’s Best Friend; and let’s talk skin! Remember, skin care is personal, it has to fit your skin’s needs and get the glow up that you desire. Achieving a natural glow is not about perfection but consistency and care. By understanding your skin’s needs and tailoring your routine, you’re well on your way to radiant, healthy skin every day.

Why I Haven’t Been Active In The Blogging

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. To be honest, the reason why is because I haven’t been feeling motivated to do so and another big reason why is I don’t know what you want to read about or know about or want my perspective on. To say that I’ve been feeling insecure about posting is an understatement because it’s true I do feel a little insecure about what to post.

This blog was created to share my personal experiences, my stories, my life, my career and how I’m navigating through this life, but then I have allowed myself to fall into the trap of being super self-conscience. I’ve seen other creators on different social media platforms looking successful, getting engagements, being invited to events and I feel somewhat inadequate and I feel like maybe I’m not doing this right. I really did this for myself, but I would also like to add value. I want to feel like I am making a positive impact and a positive spin on things that others may have experienced and we can swap and share stories.

I guess I’m in a crossroads right now cause I’m not really sure exactly what to write about. I’ve been hearing musings and people talking about chat GPT, which I think is some form of AI and I simply wrote into it, ‘what do I write about in my personal blog?’ and the first thing that it came up with was personal stories, something that others could find relatable and/or inspiring, moments of triumph, challenges you’ve overcome or simply amusing antidotes. Seeing all of that just kind of stuck with me because I’m feeling a bit vulnerable right now and I want to be able to share myself openly and I want to be relatable. I’m just a person trying to live day-to-day as happily and as healthy and as positively as I can. I would love nothing more than to be able to express myself this way and I chose a blog because I do enjoy writing. It lets me escape for an undetermined amount of time depending on what I’m writing about and I want to continue this.

I hope that whatever I do write about does add some value to some people and allows you to know me a little bit better. I am raising my metaphorical pen to paper in an effort to share more and providing some motivation to do better in my blogging, if for anything just to be able to express myself.

Favourite Products – Makeup Edition

As most of you know, I always talk about skin care because I’m very passionate about it, it’s part of my job as a medical aesthetician. I don’t even really like calling it a job because it just makes me so happy getting to do what I love to do on the daily. One other thing that I am passionate about is makeup. The reason why I love makeup so much is because it allows me to show people who I am through another creative means.

Now I’m not a full glam, over the top, precise placement type of makeup artist. Makeup for me is something that I enjoy and that I like to experiment with, it allows me to show of my creative side and express myself any way I want. When it comes to makeup looks, I’m not the type of girl that does full glam makeup all day every day; though I do appreciate and aspire for that look, it’s just not something that I do all the time, I would say that I have several makeup looks that I like to do, but it always depends on what I’m actually doing and what the occasion is. For instance, if I’m working and seeing clients, I will do a full face of makeup. I do want to present myself professionally and well put together and then I have days where I am not seeing clients, I am not going out to an event, but may be running some errands and if I don’t feel like going out with no makeup, I will do the “no makeup look“. The no makeup look for me starts off with a blemish bomb or a skin tint as my foundation, (instead of a full fledge cover-up foundation) or I’ll use a powder foundation instead of doing the double up and using a cream or liquid foundation, and then applying a powder foundation on top. Usually for my “no makeup makeup look” I will do a neutral matte eyeshadow, lots and lots and lots of mascara, because I do love mascara. Then a tiny bit of blush, some highlighter because I do love to sparkle, a nude lip and I am out the door.

Now with all that being said, I’m going to share with you my top three things that I absolutely love and cannot live without. The first thing, which I believe I gave a clue just a few sentences ago is mascara. I’m not one for lash extensions or applying strip lashes daily. I personally don’t have the patience for strip lash daily application and when it comes to lash extensions unfortunately I cannot do it because I do have alopecia. I’ve learned from my last lash extensions experience that it also pertains to my lashes and not just my hair, so they fell out quite quickly and it was not pretty. I have been using lash growing serums the first being from EyEnvy and now I am using the one from Miskoka Beauty; I have been able to maintain healthier, stronger and thicker looking lashes, and with the right mascara I can create the illusion that I am wearing lash extensions or strip lashes. My absolute favourite mascara that I will sing to the high heavens about every single time is the classic black mascara from Chanel. This mascara I have been using for almost 10 years and will always go back to it. I’ve tried other mascaras, but for me personally, nothing has been able to top, to stand up to, to stand beside or go over the quality of the Chanel mascara in my opinion. I love this mascara. I love the texture of it; the brush applicator is something that’s very unique as well, not only does it make my top lashes look great, it also makes my bottom lashes look good too and that’s really hard to find in a mascara. Because I use the lash growing serum, my bottom lashes have grown longer too and using other types of mascaras I’ve noticed that it makes my bottom lashes look super long, super clumpy and it’s not a pretty look. I’m already self-conscious about my under eyes, I don’t need the focus of clumpy mascara on my bottom lashes to bring attention to it. Chanel Mascara in any colour really but obviously black will be the classic choice, it will always be my number one choice and my number one recommendation if anyone were to ask.

The second thing that I absolutely love, will always put on and cannot live without is highlighter. There’s just something about having a nice highlighter that makes me happy. I would say that I have more highlighters than I do blushes believe it or not. My absolute favourite one is from Mac cosmetics (a lot of my makeup is from Mac) and the product in particular that I love the most, (and there many) is the Extra Dimension Skin Finish in the shade Show Gold, the reason why I love this one is because it is a soft gold, but also has a tint of pink in it; it really gives a natural rose gold colour when applied to the skin; it’s my absolute favorite. I use it all the time especially when I’m going out and it just gives my blush a nice pop and I absolutely love it! So shout out to MAC: please do not just discontinue this colour unless you come up with a better one because this the best.

The last thing I want to share is not a makeup product but actually a makeup tool. Once I picked this up, it has been a total game changer for me. What I am talking about is a concealer brush, actually, I’m not 100% sure if it is officially a concealer brush but I use it as a concealer brush. It’s the Mac brush number 270S and honestly since I have gotten this brush and have used it to apply my concealer and blend out my concealer it has been such a game changer and gives me a near flawless look when applying my makeup. I am already self-conscious about my under eyes, I feel like I have raccoon eyes so I already have trouble finding the right concealer shade, but then not being able to apply it properly because I don’t have the right tools makes it even worse. This brush has been amazing for me and my makeup looks and I have to shout out the lovely Mac artist at Sherway Gardens for the recommendation.

These are a few of my favourite things and if you want to know more, I will definitely share some more. If there are things that you want me to review, or talk about, or share more of my experiences, please sound off in the comments and let me know because I want to hear from you!

My Own Skin Insecurities

As a skin care specialist, my clients look to me to give them advice, and to steer them in the right direction to ensure that they have beautiful, healthy, glowing skin. I have been fortunate in my own skin journey that my skin right now looks almost flawless as some of my clients so generously say, but it’s not flawless and it’s definitely not perfect.

My skin hasn’t always been the best. I’ve definitely struggled with breakouts, pigmentation, my face shape; all of it has been an issue for me whether all at once, or at different points in my life. I would say that I really started taking care of my skin and actually noticing my skin when I was in my mid 20s. It is ‘super late’ but growing up I was never was taught how to take care of my skin; it was more so covering up my skin with makeup.

As some of you know, I have gone through and still kind of going through my weight loss journey, the significant portion of it happened back in 2013 when I had gastric bypass surgery. You can imagine with a massive change like that my body was going through the motions and with all the different medications that I was taking and also having polycystic ovary syndrome, it was just wreaking havoc on my skin. At the time, I didn’t know what to do so I just kind of let it ride out and hope for the best. It wasn’t until I decided to make a career shift in my life and went to school for aesthetics and beauty that I started realizing how important taking care of my skin is from the inside and the outside. Once I started school I was on the path to building my skin care routine. I do have to admit that while I was in school my skin was absolutely horrible because each week we were doing treatments on each other, and with my skin being overstimulated and introducing new ingredients, it definitely was not a pretty sight. However, once I graduated and got all the certifications that I needed I was on my way to customizing my own skin care routine and really listening to my body and my skin.

As I started losing weight and with recommendations by my doctor to reduce slowly the medication that I was taking, I noticed my skin was doing a lot better not just from the outside, but even from the inside too. (this was when I truly saw with my own eyes how taking care of the body can impact me inside and outside) While I was building a better skin care routine for myself I noticed that I wasn’t breaking out as much, understanding that I need sunscreen all day every day was definitely a big help. Using sunscreen every day I did see that I didn’t get any new pigmentation spots from the sun and I also noticed that my pores were getting smaller. As I continued on my own personal skin care journey, I was really grateful for all the opportunities that I got, and still continue to have learning about different products and different product lines not just for myself, but for others too.

Fast forward to today I still have my insecurities. I have texture in my skin mostly on my right side. I have pigmentation just below my orbital bone. I have a few fine lines on my forehead. I get the occasional break out during that time of the month, and I have pores. Oh and also let’s not forget blackheads I am prone to blackheads, so I don’t go around saying that I have perfect skin when I absolutely know I don’t, far from it. Even with all of these insecurities, I can still show that my skin can have these imperfections and still look good. I have left the house without any makeup on and not feel so anxious about it because I know that my skin is healthy and protects. And even though with these imperfections I can maintain that healthy glow and use professional treatments, stick to a solid routine and use specific products to treat those imperfections and feel good about it.

So please whatever you do, don’t think or believe that the ultimate goal in skin care is to have perfect skin because there’s no such thing as the ultimate goal. The intention is to have healthy, glowing skin and that can be achieved, how you ask? Just call on your Aestie Bestie! I have your back and your skin!

40 Before 40 – Sports/Outdoor Activities Edition

I’m not one for sports. I’ve never been one for playing sports or really being so much invested in sports except for hockey; that was the one sport that I grew up with because my brother played hockey, my cousins played hockey, my dad watches hockey, and my uncles watch hockey. It was something that was a bonding thing with family and just grew up with and truly enjoy. But honestly; I’m no expert by any means, I enjoy the sport and I’m a fan (Go Leafs Go!).

I was never really the active girl growing up in school. Physical education was my least favourite class that I had to do, I would do almost anything, or come up with any excuse in order to avoid it. I believe it was the fear of failure. That I’m not fast enough, that I’m not good enough, that I’m not athletic enough and not able to compete at the level I am supposed to; it just stayed with me into my adult life. I never really confronted that fear, it never was a priority for me because my life choices never brought me down the physical activity path. Now that I’m older I am learning to be more physically active, I’m going to the gym regularly and building up my endurance. While walking on the treadmill viewing a hiking trail, it really got me thinking that maybe I should revisit some of the things that I’ve wanted to do growing up, but was always scared to do.

Naturally, coming up with this 40 before 40 list I have included some outdoor activities and sport themed activities to accomplish. One thing that I definitely want to do is rock climbing, now I understand that there is indoor and outdoor but I’m not sure if there’s a difference between the two as far as me being an amateur and wanting to do this. I’m thinking probably indoor rock climbing would be safer for me as an amateur so that is definitely something that I want to do. If I were to do something like this outdoors it would be rappelling, going down a mountain sounds easier and more realistic for me than trying to climb it (maybe)

I don’t want to be afraid to do these things, so this is really going to be a challenge for me not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.

Another thing I wrote down is to play tennis. Tennis a sport that I’ve never watched or really ever gotten into as a fan but I feel like it’s a sport that I could potentially be good at. I believe it could be a confidence booster as a sports player; I remember in high school playing badminton and feeling like ‘hey I can actually play this and you know what I am pretty decent at it’ so I thought maybe as an upgrade from badminton, know maybe tennis could be something that I could definitely try and be decent at too. Tennis is not an extreme sport, it’s not a sport where there’s a lot of equipment involved and I think I would genuinely enjoy it and not feel a lot of pressure.

Now I’m not one for the winter season, but something that I would love to do is actually go snowboarding. I’ve done skiing in the past, I didn’t really enjoy it because I was scared out of my mind and I believe I was in grade eight or nine when I did it for the first time. I think that snowboarding is just so much cooler, I believe being on a solid board versus two might be more stable for me. I could be wrong, but that’s how I think of it in my mind and just concentrating on my balance, my legs and my core versus skiing you have to make sure that your legs are placed a certain way and you have the sticks in your hand. It just seems like too much, so I believe snowboarding might be easier for me. So that’s something that I would love to do hopefully this winter.

Now the next two things might be a little bit strange, but it is something that I am wanting to do, (maybe I have a little aggression that I need to pull out!) The two things that I have written next on my list is to go axe throwing and to go to a gun range and shoot a gun. Now I’m not one for violence, anyone who knows me well knows that I’m not one for violence or confrontation or anything like that. But seeing these activities in different places and even on social media like the axe throwing I just think it’s really cool and very interesting. To me, it’s almost like playing darts, but with a much bigger ‘dart’ and obviously a larger target. I will admit I am one of those girls that listens to true crime podcasts and I watch criminal minds and CSI was my favourite show when I was in high school and university so the idea of being able to shoot a gun at a target would be something so exhilarating to experience. For the record, it’ll be the one time just to get it out of my system.  

One other activity that I have done in the past, but not to its full experience would be like to go horseback, whether on a trail or on a professional course of some sort. I would love to be able to experience that. I would be open to taking a few lessons and connect with a horse before riding it; I have never done anything like that before so I that would be something really cool to experience. It does look like a lot of fun, people that I’ve spoken to who have done horseback riding say it’s very calming, very relaxing and the connection that you have with the horses is just something really special.

One more extreme thing that I would like to do is to ride a motorcycle. I’m not sure exactly what the qualifications are in order to do that that is something that one time, it is something I definitely have to look into but it would be something so wicked to do. When I say ride a motorcycle, I don’t mean ride from my house to somewhere; I would love to do it like on a track or on a course of some sort, somewhere in a controlled setting. I’m not here to gain a few licenses to drive a car and a motorcycle and a four-wheeler or anything like that these are just one offs that I would love to do and be able to say that I’ve done it.

I know I’ve mentioned in a previous post that I don’t know how to swim and yet I do have a few things on my list that include water. Again, it’s those things that I’ve been wanting to do for a while, but because of my own fear and others telling me I can’t do it, I just want to do it even more. I want to go jet skiing. I want to go parasailing. I want to try surfing and do whatever I can to experience any type of water activity. I believe this stems from watching some reality shows like Housewives and Below Deck and seeing how much fun people have doing these types of activities and I just think to myself ‘this looks like so much fun I want to be able to do that’ I am putting this out into the universe that I can do all of these things and more by the time I turn forty years old. I am manifesting, I am praying, I am hoping, and I am wishing for all of this to happen and I will keep you all updated on my progress.

If you have any suggestions, any ideas, if you think I should add anything else to my list, know any places I should check out or even want to join me feel free to drop a comment send me an email or reach out on social media. I look forward to hearing from all of you. Thank you so much for following me on this crazy journey and I will see you all very soon.