Feeling Zen During Moving Times

Transition is hard on everyone! Change can be scary because you can’t see the other side. So I lean on faith to believe it will all be OK and it’s all happening for a reason. I love when I can actually visualize two forks in the road. Two starts to two different chapters. This has happened many times in my life. But it’s how you handle it, how you grow from it, how you push to see the light, jump through the hoop and not look back that changes you.

Moving can be very tough. Everything you’ve touched is turned upside down. I’ve moved so many times that the longest address I’ve ever had was 5 years in San Francisco. 5 years… can you imagine? I know many people who have moved twice in their life or their children live in the same house they once lived in.

What are the benefits of moving so many times…there are some I promise! I know how to build a home, I can put pictures up fast, how to learn from each move and appreciate where I settle. We loved our community in Marin, California. And then the call came about 9 months ago to get International work experience.

At first the talks were about Australia…this threw me on a loop of wow we can do this, what an incredible adventure, but so far away from everything we know. Since we had recently traveled to Singapore and Thailand, with our then 3-year-old, to visit our expat NorCal friends, we had an idea of what their experience had been like and they even learned to speak Thai.

Just as I was wrapping my brain around that move the words Canada and Toronto and Montreal came up. No way I thought! And of course, this job opportunity was back in my hometown.

And so, we all jumped…

We moved outside of Toronto a week ago and we’ve been working hard for about a month to make it happen. It still feels like a new country move, but also familiar as I was born here, but have been gone for so long. It keeps hitting me that I’ve missed the Canadian way, as they are friendly, wonderful, courteous, smart, people, and how my friends and family keep welcoming me home. And yet, I look over at my husband and daughter and I feel like things are new.

What an incredible opportunity for all of us. Saying goodbye to California was difficult and I questioned it many times, but then we jumped with both feet. Tell me Bella how are you at making big changes? Do you have any advice?

Retro Picnic Foodie Dreams

Fancy, schmancy with retro picnic foodie dreams is always the way to go. Can you feel the smile stretch across your face Bella? Being able to stop, get family and friends together to eat finger foods in the park makes me look forward to vacation. So come along with me on our retro picnic foodie dreams and don't forget to bring the music... 

We start off with changing our picnic to a pale colors and fabrics, I mean who said we always have to have red checkered cloths in the park?

The next decision is one of the most important to make...who to invite and lay around on the picnic blanket with? And what if I need help fanning my hair out like this? Who to ask...hmmm who to ask?

In my fantasy picnic invite one of course would go to the incredible Audrey Hepburn. I mean look... she's already dressed for our fashion picnic.

Please bring some S'mores and the blog The Cake Blog has this simple Sweets I Heart:S'mores recipe.

For a more vintage look maybe I can make a quick costume change into this vintage apron. To add some color I can add some red flats or turquoise necklace.

Oh our retro picnic was so much fun today. Did I forget to mention that all picnic men will need to wear a non-baseball hat? A girl can dream can't she? So I'm off to grab some aprons, a picnic basket, a black & white picture of Audrey Hepburn and to make a pitcher of lemonade. What will you bring Bella?

Wishful Wednesday: Calm and Positive

On Wishful Wednesday, I wish to stay calm and positive. I also wish this for you my blogging friends. So much seems to be swirling around me right now due to my loved ones health and jobs. It helps during my gratitude walks, to remind myself that there's so much to be grateful for. I love the above picture for her serene and peaceful look.

This room would make me smile, after I returned from a long day because of the open feeling. What's the favorite room in your house?

Assisting me in staying calm, I would sit on the edge of this pier and breath deeply while watching the sky and water.

I should frame this and keep it in my house. Ah yes Bella, the lovely bubbly would help me too!

The Palace of Fine Arts is THE place in the city that calms me down. When I visit, I feel like I've escaped to Europe because of its columns, architecture and ponds. If you get the chance to visit, remember to bring bread to feed the swans!

No need for words. I could stare at this picture for hours and it would remind me of love and positivity...

This picture was taken at the Japanese TeaGarden in Golden Gate Park. Can you feel your stress melting away? On foot this garden can be hard to find, but trust me so worth it.

I could sit down and stuff my face with these precious desserts for calm. What do you wish for on this Wishful Wednesday?