IAWH x Friends

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I couldn’t have been more pleased! I had the pleasure of officially launching the IAWH blog and online store and celebrating with a few of my entrepreneurial friends. It was such a lovely afternoon for a personal video and photoshoot, with nothing but sun to add to an already perfect day.

The day was filled with great food, wine, and even better conversation. We settled in quite nicely at the Designers Authentic Warehouse Loft; a creative, intimate space that made the day even more fun.

Thanks to our makeup artist Rahnell Branton the women arrived and were treated to a mini makeup session followed by tasty hors d’oeuvres and a Coconut Crusted Chicken Thai lunch prepared by our caterer, Maiya Griffith. It was an amazing day chatting with the ladies about family, business and our personal goals for 2017.

Thanks to everyone that helped me make the launch so memorable: my videographer Shawn Pinnock (aka Pplus), my makeup artist Rahnell Branton (Rahsthetics) and our personal chef for the day Maiya Griffith. 

And a very special thank you to the lovely ladies that helped me make the day possible, Shiva Burnett (Founder, Avazera), Sofia Stefou (Founder, On Brand Video) and Tia Thomas (Founder, Love & Light Jewels).

Thank you all, I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings your way!

Queendom

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I’m back up at the crack of dawn, not always by choice I might add. But it’s been a crazy several weeks. I’m pulling together something special for the blog this month and that’s been taking up all my time. More to come on that little surprise! But in the mean time, I have to update you on the latest additions to my music playlist.

You guys know I can’t get through my early morning/late night writing sessions without some good music. Some writers enjoy absolute silence while they create. Me on the other hand, music is what gets me going.

So who’s up next? Artist Austyn Leshawn that’s who. This new Toronto artist has my attention, her “Queendom” track is an absolute powerful ballot that can inspire women everywhere.

She’s definitely inspired me to get some work done.

On repeat:

• Queendom
• Guarantee

Weekly Wisdom: Opportunities

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Secret Supper Club Anyone?

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Shhh! I’ve got a secret. Well, not exactly. Other than I had a great night out this past Saturday and dined at one of the Food Networks Top Secret Supperclubs in the world. How lucky am I? Very. I love a good meal, glass of wine and meeting new people. And besides that, for one night I can avoid an over-crowded restaurant and can actually take some time to get to know the person sitting next to me.

Have you ever attended a secret supper club? It’s a cross between a dinner party and a restaurant, at a secret location, enjoying a great meal with a small group of friends or strangers.

If you don’t know what to expect. Expect to be fed that’s for sure. But for the newbies (like myself), here’s a few tidbits on secret supper club etiquette that will guarantee everyone in attendance has a great time!

• Don’t panic: you will receive instructions a day or two before you attend your dinner.
• Dress: unless stated in the instructions, dress comfortably to eat, relax and mingle among the group.
• Drinks: supper clubs are not licensed to sell alcohol. But you can bring your own. Your host will often recommend what type of alcohol (often wine) you could bring to pair nicely with the meal.
• Service: it’s not a normal restaurant. Expect service but not the same type of service as a fully staffed restaurant.
• Seating: you will most likely be sitting with strangers but it makes for a fun atmosphere.
• Help: depending on your host, some supper clubs welcome any help when things get too busy.
• Be on time! but not too early. If you arrive a few minutes early, you may get your choice of seating.

Bon Appetit!

When I Need To Unplug

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The past few months have been hard as a community. Our timelines have been bombarded with racially motivated acts that make the online world a difficult place to be at times.

If you’re anything like me, I find the internet an excellent place to get inspired by positive information, but on the other hand, it can be emotionally draining too.

So what do you do when it’s time to take a step back from what’s going on in the world? You find ways to unplug, clear your thoughts and take care of yourself.

Many of us don’t know how to take care of ourselves because we’re too busy taking care of others. Personally, I struggle with keeping still and worrying about what I have to do next, so I try my best to log off and log out from my online world — even for one full day.

Not sure how to escape the online madness? I use these simple “unconventional ways to unplug, log off and log out”— even for just a little while:

PHONES OFF NOW! I know this seems obvious to all of us, but you’d be surprised how many people are unable to willingly turn off their phones and leave it off. What works for me? I don’t recharge my phone when my phone battery is low. I do my best to wait until the next day to charge my phone, and I make sure to give myself some “me time” since I’m not constantly charging my phone.

YOU BETTER DANCE, GIRL! Music is a huge part of my life. Different styles of music are important to my overall energy for different reasons. I’m not saying to go pay for a dance class, I mean get off of that phone, put some music on and dance! Whenever I need to relax, release and think, I’m often twirling in my living room all by myself. If dancing isn’t your thing, then listen to calm music while you rest your mind and your heart.

CREATE SOMETHING. I’m a crafty person, I like crafts and I dabble in a little painting now and then. Sitting and using your hands to do anything that will force you to be patient, is a beautiful way to detach yourself from distractions. Grab one of your child’s (if you have any) colouring books and try staying within the lines. You will find this quite relaxing.

WRITE! At this very moment, I’m writing as I’m sitting on a Greyhound bus from a mini vacation in Montreal. I’m in the most relaxed state right now. Journaling is a big part of releasing good and bad emotions. Get a notebook or a piece of paper and write down the first words that comes to mind and then wait a second and expand on it. Don’t stop your flow. For the perfectionist out there: don’t check for spelling errors and mistakes etc. Just write whatever comes to mind and then expand on it. Consider what you really want to get out of your system.

How do you log off, log out and unplug?