Style Bee - Life Lately - Jan 2020

LIFE LATELY – JANUARY 2020

01.31.20

If you’ve been reading Style Bee for a while, you might remember that I used to share Life Lately posts more often. I fell out of the rhythm last year and after looking back I realized how much this series helps me stay present. These posts give me a reason to capture small daily moments and to pause each month to assemble the elements, both large and small, that stood out.

This year I’m going to do my best to check in at the end of each month with a quick look back and some behind the scenes snaps. I hope you’ll enjoy this gently curated window into my daily life. Now here’s a look at January 2020!


{ WOMAN VASE by RACHEL SAUNDERS CERAMICS }


JANUARY THEME: TAKING IT SLOW


This month, my top priority has been to take each day one at a time and ease into the year. This time last year, I was not in a good place and as I was coming out of a very negative headspace, I decided to plan ahead, giving myself some space to rest and reset creatively at the start of 2020. I did this by limiting self-imposed deadlines, brand partnerships and any social media commitments, while shifting my focus to planning, organizing and establishing a new rhythm. I’m fortunate that I’m in control of my own schedule and that the industry I’m in is generally quiet in January, which allows for a slower pace.

That being said, it can be really hard to make room for downtime. This is true no matter what industry you work in but I think it can be especially tough when your work is primarily shared on social platforms. I’ve had to fight off that little voice that says, “You’re being lazy.”, “You’re not cut out for this business.” or “No one else needs time off, so why do you?”. I just kept responding with, “I trust that this is right for me and I’m going to follow through.“.

I can definitely say that I’ve already started to feel the positive effects of this month’s slower pace and my creative energy tank is starting to fill back up. I’ve realized that if I’m the core of my business and I’m not thriving, I cannot expect it to either.



During this slow start to the year I’ve been getting back into a workout routine. I find if I’m able to get in the habit when I’m not so busy, it’s easier to follow through when I am. I’ve been trying out p.volve after reading some rave reviews and snagging the equipment on sale. So far I LOVE the workouts and I genuinely can’t wait to get moving everyday.

In addition to making time for physical fitness, I’m continuing with therapy and it’s been amazing to see how much has changed I started going last year. Making space to go slow instead of expecting myself to be a content machine during winter has made a massive difference but it’s probably not an approach I would have taken if left to my own devices. If you’re on the fence about therapy, I cannot recommend it enough!



SIDE PROJECT


As I mentioned in my 2019 Conclusion post, I’m currently enrolled in an interior design program (part-time), which was another reason to ease into the year. Getting going with my courses and sorting out an effective work/study schedule has been really important to help stave off the feelings of overwhelm.

So far the program has been great. I’m starting to learn all the things I’d hoped to and realizing that much of my existing design knowledge is transferable to a new discipline has been exciting. More to come on my interior design adventure but be sure to follow my \\ SPACES // board on Pinterest in the meantime!



DOBBY & EVIE


Can you tell who my favourite subjects are?

Things at home have been a bit topsy turvy with Dobby having a rough start to the year. He had an accident over the holidays, which led to the discovery of dental disease, resulting in a need for dental surgery to extract the affected teeth. Luckily, it was only his incisors that needed to go but he’s had a slower recovery than we’d hoped. Seeing the poor little bear in pain has been absolutely heart breaking but he knows how much we love him and it’s just a matter of being patient while he heals.

Worth mentioning is the Zen Collar, which I’ve received many questions about. It’s an inflatable little donut (not unlike a travel peanut) that goes around a dog’s neck and stops them from getting to any wounds that need to heal. They’re more comfortable to wear and allow them to rest better. I bought one for Dobby to wear instead of the hard, sharp, large and undignified plastic cone that the vet sent him home with. It worked out great and prevented him for getting to the stitches on a small leg wound and from scratching at his mouth. The reviews on Amazon are not all glowing but we think it’s awesome! The medium fit him perfect.

Evie on the other hand, is her usual sassy self and has been taking full advantage of his slowed pace. They snooze together on the couch or in the sun and she is always in search of the coziest spot in our chilly old house. Vents, puffer coats and under blankets are her favourites places.



STYLE


My style has been all about coziness this month. I’m basically living in slippers and wearing sweater coats and comfy pants like it’s my job!

I’ve been loving this ribbed lounge set I bought from KOTN, which I had to share in case you’re in the market for some super cute and very comfy matching separates (there are 4 lovely colours).



LINKS I’VE LOVED


In addition to sharing personal updates, I thought it would be fun to share some links to things that made me stop in awe, stop to think or stop & laugh.

Music: Basia Bulat, one of my favourite Canadian musicians, has a new single ‘Your Girl‘ and the accompanying music video is as delightful and charming as Basia herself. I love the muted tones, green fields and, of course, the Percherons (a beautiful breed of draft horse)!

Drool-Worthy: Amber Interiors shared a tour of her home renovation (still in progress) and I can’t stop thinking about all the special details it has. Oh and I might never be the same having seen the most stunning Water Works Atlas shower system ever that rings in between a cute $13K – $36K USD (eep!).

Industry: My blogger pal Andrea shared this podcast episode with me and I found it really insightful. It’s from A Drink With James about the renewed power of blogs and how brands are seeing the exponential difference of working with influencers that have a platform of their own (rather than those using an IG account only). The second half of the episode was a great interview with Whitney Alese @thereclaimed and both segments are definitely worth a listen for anyone in the influencer industry.

Local: I love a good bottle glass of vino and was thrilled to discover the Toronto-based duo, Nicole & Krysta (@grapewitches). They curate a natural wine club subscription, host monthly events and share recommendations for unique finds from the LCBO.

A FEW MORE IG ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW:

1. @emmahoareau is my go-to ‘skinfluencer’ and I’m incredibly thankful for all the advice, expertise and insight she offers about skincare and beauty. Some of her recommendations have really worked out and my best friend Allie and I are constantly taking notes!

2. I discovered Jenea Brown @jnaydaily last year and her incredible energy, plant collection and interior style always stop me mid scroll.

3. My latest feline follow is @a_cat_called_agatha, a hilarious and very fluffy gal living her best life. But shhhhh, don’t tell Evie I follow her.

4. I’m highly intrigued by @slowentrepreneur, an account that’s coming soon with a focus on helping hard-working entrepreneurs repave the road to success, the slow way. Sounds right up my alley!

5. Oh and I basically save every single outfit that @anoukyve shares.


Style Bee - Life Lately - Jan 2020

{ This shot of Dobby in the living room perfectly sums up my January mood. }


Before I sign off I must wish a very Happy Birthday to my Mum! We love you lots and can’t wait to celebrate tonight!


Thanks for tuning into this little peek behind the scenes but enough about me, how was your January?

I’d love to hear about what you’ve been up to!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. steph says:

    oh i love posts like these! there is so much beauty and joy in the every day if only we take the time to notice it. i have a similar series but with lots of anxiety at the end of last year i also decided to slow way down. i’m only just getting around to posting September: https://tps-steph.blogspot.com/2020/02/0055-september-favorites.html
    ps. love that you are open about therapy! i opt for introspection (aka journaling) and nature therapy but definitely want to write more openly about mental health since i work in the field and it is so important / stigmatized.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Steph! Good for you for slowing down, it can be tough to do but it’s definitely necessary sometimes. Thank you for the encouragement in sharing my experience with therapy. So great that you’ve found a therapeutic approach that works for you too. Time in nature is incredibly healing! I hope your February has been going well. xo

  2. Ragnhid says:

    Love your post!

    Also adore the look of the plant in the last plant picture. If you know the name of the plant, I would love to know.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Itโ€™s called a Peperomia obtusifolia and itโ€™s one of my favourites! Iโ€™ve had this one for several years and it loves a corner with lots of indirect sunlight.

  3. Andrea H says:

    I can’t communicate enough how much I respect you for carving a path to slowing down. That is so wise. And so is your note about how you must be thriving for your business to thrive. I couldn’t agree more! My natural pace is fast, to a fault, but I’ve been thinking about what you’ve been doing, and it’s encouraging me to ask hard questions and decide what kind of pace of life I truly want to live.

    Much love to you friend!
    (Also, that last IG account you linked, so good!)

    • Lee the Bee says:

      You’re the best Andrea! Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement. I’m in awe of how much you’re able to accomplish on top of being a mum to 3 kiddos and 2 pups! Wish we could exchange a little slow-pace for fast-pace tendencies ๐Ÿ˜›

      Much love to you too friend. xo

      (so freaking chic right!?)

  4. Rebecca says:

    Thank you for talking openly about how much you have benefited from therapy! I think it is so important for people to hear that from people they respect. ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Diane says:

    Could you point us to some reviews of p.volve that you think are accurate? Thanks!

  6. gracie says:

    I have also gotten back into a workout routine this month and have been doing the Madeline Moves workouts (she has her own app, but also great IG page). It is nice when you actually look forward to your workout!

  7. Melissa says:

    One of my favorite instagrams to follow is @1bike1world. Itโ€™s a guy from Scotland who decided to bike around the world and about a year ago he found a tiny kitten when he was in Eastern Europe. He adopted her and they are biking the world together. His posts always make me smile The cat is a hoot – she rides a basket on the front of the bike, walks on a leash and is super social. He takes her everywhere- she sits at tables in cafes.

  8. Brenda says:

    I’m curious about your interior design course! Is it online or are you actually attending classes? How much time does it take up? I have often wished I had gone into interior design, I have been told by a few people that I should do it. My kids are in the process of growing up and moving out and I need something to fill my time!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Brenda, The course is online through Conestoga College (Interior Decorating Residential) and you can take as few or as many (up to 5 I think) courses as you’d like at a time. I’m taking 2 this semester and the registrar advised that with a full-time job that’s the most you want to take at a time. So far this has been very true and it’s more time-consuming than I was anticipating but still manageable. I really enjoy learning the content too so I take my time. There are 12 courses in the program. I think you should absolutely look into it!

  9. Linda says:

    Enjoyed hearing about your wellness routine & truly glad that you found routines that are working for you!!
    โ€œHappy Birthday to your Momโ€!!๐Ÿง๐Ÿง๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿฐ
    Looking forward to seeing more of your new hair
    Cheers!

  10. minju says:

    happy birthday to your mum! i adore the single leaf you have in the vase you got for christmas. the vase itself is stunning and the leaf just complements it perfectly. sending you lots of support in taking it slow this january ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Minju! Your lovely note about that photo encouraged me to share it on my instagram ๐Ÿ™‚ Hope you’re having a great week! xo

  11. AnnaTork says:

    What a great read and piece! Loving this :))