Music Monday - Happy Autumn

Photo taken from Mode Reporters

Jenae & I planned an Autumn Party, or a Fall Fête as we called it, this past weekend. We had so much fun brainstorming and planning our activities, decorations & menu and even more fun putting it all into action together.

 In the process of making a music playlist
for the party, both Jenae & I came to the same conclusion -- it's difficult to find nice Fall or Autumn music that isn't super depressing! We wanted the guests to have fun and not be bummed out by our music. After a lengthy search we were able to find what we were looking for!

Let me know if you like this playlist 

or if you can think of any other "Happy Autumn" 

songs that should be on our list for next year!

Grey Sky Daydreaming..

Is there any place you'd rather be on a chilly, autumn day? Me either.

Look up more adorable videos by Olive Us here. =)

The Final Piece of the Puzzle

I finished my classes 6 months ago. I started my job 4 months ago. I received my CRNE "pass" results 3 months ago. And  I walked across the stage 3 days ago. It's all finished now -- all the little pieces are in place and I'm a Registered Nurse! It's the end of an era for me, but as the saying goes, it's the beginning of something new and exciting. Another huge thank-you to all my friends and family who continue to support me as I transition out of university! Here are some of my favourite pictures from the big day:

My nearest & dearest from the BSN program (L to R: Anna, Margui, Julia, Allyson)

Ten Ways to Better Days

Image taken from here

A bit of real talk here. I know self-confidence struggles aren't universal, but it definitely isn't an uncommon issue..especially for someone fresh out of university and working hard at a brand new job or career. Most days are good, but I think some of these tips will be helpful on the days when things don't seem to be going the best or I'm putting too much on myself. While they may seem a bit obvious or cliché, I think they are really good reminders -- things that we forget to do even though we know they are in our best interest.

10 Ways to Improve your Self-Confidence 

1. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are totally unique, and have different talents, abilities and strengths.

2. Never criticise or put yourself down. There are plenty of others who will do that for you. You need to be your biggest, and you greatest, fan. Be understanding, gentle and kind to yourself.

3. Consciously accept every compliment you get and see them as accurate and genuinely meant. Don’t brush them off as stupid, wrong, or meaningless.

4. Keep affirming yourself until it changes how you feel. It may feel false at first when you say something like “I accept myself completely– and believe I’m valuable”. But as you constantly repeat it you’ll find that, over time, you do accept and value the person that you are.

5. Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people. If you hang out with people who always put you down, and never seem to like or approve of your ideas, then you’ll soon stop believing in yourself as well (and it will also crush your creativity).

6. Make a list of your successes and accomplishments – like playing an instrument, learning how to cook, passing an exam, graduating from high school, or getting into college, or receiving an award. Review this list often – and be proud of yourself!

7. Make a list of your positive qualities and traits. Are you an honest, reliable and caring friend? Do you make time for others? Do you try to do your best? Again, review this list often, and get into the habit of focusing on your positive qualities and traits.

8. Spend your time doing things that you are good at, and enjoy. We become more alive when we’re doing things we love - and that naturally increases our self-confidence (as we’re being our true selves and not just acting out a role).

9. Get involved. If you sit on the sidelines and avoid all challenges then you won’t be able to achieve much in life. But if you push through the feelings of anxiety and fear, then you’ll grow, be successful, and have higher self esteem.

10. Be true to yourself; live a life that’s really “you”. Don’t let other people decide what you should do, or what is best for you, or who they think that you should be. You only have one life – choose your own path – just be you!

The Best Mom

“I used to say that I was the apple and my mom was the tree, and I certainly didn’t fall very far. But that’s not entirely accurate. If my mom is the tree, then I’m the bird that grew up in its branches.

She protected me and showed me that, even on the highest of branches, there was nothing to be afraid of. She encouraged me to explore and gave me a solid foundation to come home to. I didn’t fall from her. I flew because of her.” – Melody Fletcher

 I love you, Mom! Xo

My Secret Stash of Happy Moments

Once in awhile when I'm stuck at the hospital for 12 (or 16) hours and I just want to be at home, I can get a little bit down. It always helps me to retrieve a good memory from a happy day to remind myself that, "Hey, your life is actually pretty swell. Stop pouting, you have it good!"

Images taken from my Instagram account. Come follow me!

During the past week or so there has definitely been an abundance of those happy moments and memories to add to my stash! The weather has been gorgeous and sunny (think suntanning with a thick novel and iced coffee), there was a holiday long weekend (yay! family time!), a Menchie's Frozen Yogourt shop opened (I've already been there a sickening number of times) and of course, Meeko was just being super handsome like allll the time (still gets me after a year and a half)! Let's not forget the things I couldn't capture with my cellphone camera, like phone and skype dates with best friends, lengthy bubble baths & sleeping in until 11am! I head back to work tomorrow but I think I'm all set! =)