hapiness + spring (!!!)

today is a great day you guys! it's the first day of spring annnd the international day of happiness!

What a day! One I sure look forward to every year that;s for sure. I am more than ready for Spring this year after a long (very cold) winter. Sometimes it feels like Spring will never get here, and I was feeling all warm and fuzzy today as the sun was shining so bright and I could literally smell Spring in the air. I also smelled a BBQ which just means nice weather is coming!

I had this plan to write this long, emotional post about living a life filled with happiness, and the things in my life that have helped me live a life filled with joy. Buuut, to be honest, I just don't have it in me! Part of being happy is setting boundaries, and realistic expectations for myself. Not sure if you can tell but I tend to go a bit overboard in literally every facet of my life (lololol) I am slowly getting better at this, and a bit part of it is learning to say no and take more time to recharge, relax and be at home with Pete.

Buuut, one thing I was able to (somehow) get ready in time for today was a new podcast episode!!! -It's all about happiness and spring, of course. Check it out if you're looking for a sassy little pick me up. This one was fun, and I can't wait to record many more to come! ♥

Here are a few of my favourite blog posts I've written about happiness in the past //

looking for lykke
international day of happiness/first day of spring 2018 edition
what i've learned from the "happier" podcast
learnings from "happier", part two
omg, our wedding

Here are some books about happiness I've enjoyed //

the happiness project, the power of moments, you are a badass, the book of awesome, the little book of hygge, + little book of lykke.

And here are some little things making me happy lately //

cooking, flipping through magazines, reading good books, sunny moments in my craft room, counting my steps on my fitbit, watching workin' moms, writing out my daily happy moments, having no plans on week nights, getting new plants for our home, trying to learn about my gem stones, playing soccer on my work team, going for walks in our hood, chilling the f out.

Hope your day/week/month/year is magical. If it's been tough, it'll get better. Love the start of a new season and new dreams. Let's make it special.

my podcast is now live!

c o n f e t t i   c u l t u r e   i s   n o w   l i v e!
click here to listen!!!

Um, you guys. I am so happy right now. A few months ago I got this crazy idea in my head to possibly start a podcast. I love sharing happiness and positivity through this blog, my job, my instagram and of course in my every day life.

I had "start my own podcast" on my 18 for 2018 list, but thought it was a pretty lofty goal that I probably wouldn't be able to pull off. I started putting out some feelers on my insta stories and on social and the response was super positive. 

After getting some help, advice and encouragement from Pete and some amazing coworkers of mine, I made my podcast *dream* a reality. I was trying to find the perfect name that felt right for what I was trying to get across. I did think about Hey Jules to keep things cohesive for my brand, but I also wanted to attract some new readers/followers/listeners.

Confetti Culture was an idea that came after a lot of brainstorms I had! It's not secret that I love confetti, and culture (of course is a huge part of my role as Culture Specialist/Happiness Officer) and thought this was so fun. The general message is that life is worth celebrating and there are so many (beautiful) reasons to be happy!

People have been reacting in such a positive, incredible way so far to my first episode that I legit want to cry (happy) tears. I cannot wait to record my second episode (I am thinking this weekend!)

What will I talk about on the podcast? So much stuff but to name a few things!

• Friendship!
• Marriage & Relationships!
• Family!
• Happiness at work!
• Hygge!
• Lykke!
• Christmas!
• Side Hustles!
• Happiness a lifestyle!
• Social Media!
• Happiness hacks & tricks!
• LOVE!

gratitude!

h a p p y   m o n d a y

I had to do a quick post today on this holiday Monday, mostly to reflect on my last week! Specifically last Monday when I got to do a talk all about happiness at an event in Toronto called Happy on Mondays 

I met Mimi a few months back who is the wonderful founder behind this movement, which is basically encouraging people do follow their dreams and do what they love. The goal is to find a job that makes you happy (event on Mondays!)

When Mimi asked me to speak at her event, I immediate said yes! A 15 minute talk all about how I live a live filled with happiness? Yes please! So, I did just that. I created a presentation all about the things I love, and that make me happy. I talked about growing up happy, past jobs, jobs I loved, jobs I hated and jobs I didn't get. I ended it with talking all about how much I love my current job as Culture Specialist (Happiness Officer) and how I've literally found my dream job.

The people in the crowd were incredible. They laughed and smiled and gave me so many warm and fuzzy feelings.  Afterward I got such an overwhelming response from people coming to chat with me, connecting with me + following me and it was just fantastic. I was even happier than usual all day and all week! 

I've been feeling an overwhelming amount of gratitude lately because life is just so so good. Having the opportunity do this talk as well as a job that's main purpose is to make other people happy is just too good to be true. I am just so thankful for all the amazing things in my life and felt the need to make sure I blogged about it! (lol)

Up next...THE FIRST EPISODE OF MY PODCAST!

um, i am starting a podcast! CONFETTI CULTURE COMING SOON

oh heyyyyyyyy!

GUESS WHAT? I am verrrrrry excited to announce that my podcast is coming to your ear buds very soon! Yayyy. This is something that I have been chatting about for a while now, and was a (massive) 2018 goal of mine.

And you know what? I am actually doing it. For reals. It's a thing. I have been jotting down ideas in my notebook for a few months, I've been trying to get comfortable with my voice on my instagram stories, and I've been recording practice podcasts.

I hated hearing my voice. It felt cringe worthy and I honestly wasn't sure if I could get over that. Buuuuut, a few of my cute af pals from work lent me their mircophone and I watched a youtube video online about recording a podcast in garage band. Yesterday I spent over three hours recording little snippets of my podcast and ya know what? It sounded really great! That gave me the extra boost of confidence I really needed to believe I could do this.

So, what's this podcast all about? Well, it's called Confetti Culture and I am going to be talking about my favourite topic ever! HAPPINESS. Yup. That's right. I am talking about happy things, good vibes, positivity, happiness hacks and tips, things that make me happy, that make you happy and that make anyone and everyone happy!

This is going to be a huge challenge and learning curve for me but I am SO ready. I hope you'll join me on this adventure. And you can be I will still be bloggin' too! Girl's gotta do it all (lol)

looking for lykke

LYKKE ;;

THE DANISH SEARCH FOR THE WORLD'S HAPPIEST PEOPLE.

If you've been reading my blog or following me for a while, then you know my love for Hygge & Happiness. You can read my post if you don't know about Hygge yet, but *basically* it's about creating a quiet, cosy, sweet life with those you love most. It's really just an experience that is so simply and easy to create.

When Meik Wiking announced his book (I loved the Little Book Of Hygge) I obviously knew I'd want to read it. Not only that, but last Fall Meik did a talk and book signing in Toronto and I got to meet him (!!!) Tried to keep my chill, obvs. Meik is the CEO at The Happiness Research Institute. How f*cking cool is that? He was obviously so wonderful and very kind.

This book did not disappoint. The Little Book Of Lykke (pronounced "Lou-ga") is a true quest for happiness and it's a breath of fresh air, if you will. This book is a hunt for finding out how to live a wonderful life. So, as I read it (during our trip to California) I highlighted my favourite parts or some snippets and quotes I knew I'd want to share with you all.

I'm all about spreading and sharing happiness hacks, trips and tips with anyone I possibly can. Meik has a passion for happiness that excites me so much!

And, I promise to continue #Look4Lykke everywhere I go - but for now, I'll share some of my favourite snipets from The Book Of Lykke by Meik Wiking ♥ (ALSO! Meik, chat with meeeee, I'm really happy I swear. lol)

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"Let's put a positive spin on the phrase "If you want to see something, say something. If you see something that increases the happiness of you, your community or the world as a whole, talk about it, write about it, film it, photograph it - pass it on"

"What we at the Happiness Research Institute and the World Happiness Report find is that the happiest countries have a strong sense of community, and the happiest people have someone they can rely on in times of need. That is why there is no coincidence that Danes are not only amongst the happiest people in the world but are also among the ones who meet most often with their friends and family and trust that their friends will catch them if they fall"

"Think of a time when you felt happy or - feel free to tone it down a bit - a time you felt good, or laughed or smiled. Bring that memory to mind and try to remember the details of the situation"

"Expect and understand that reaching your goal might make you happy - but only for a while. We continuously raise the bar for what we want or feel we need in order to be happy. Getting your book published will make you happy for a while, and then you adjust your ambition to hitting the Sunday Times best seller list, becoming a global phenomenon."

"Across cultures, there seems to be one thing that all parents wish for their children: good health. Good health enables us to play, to seek out adventures, to pursue happiness."

"No people can be truly happy if they do not feel hat they are choosing the course of their life" - World Happiness Report 2012

"If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap. If you want happiness for a day - go fishing. If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else" (Chinese Proverb)

"There is an important word in Brazil, simpatico. It refers to a range of desirable social qualities - to be friendly, nice, agreeable and good natured, a person who is fun to be with and pleasant to deal with. It is a social quality. Brazilians want to be seen as simpatico.

8 Happiness Tips:

1) Eat like the French - create rituals of food and fire.

Make time to eat. Reclaim your lunchtime and sit with friends, family, colleagues, and enjoy eating your food slowly and with company.

2) Do it like the Dutch - Celebrate Neighbours Day

Make the effort to speak to your neighbours. Meet them for a coffee, help them in the shared garden or just stop to chat the next time you see then

3) Create critical analogue mass

Encourage your friends and family to have tech-free periods during the week, avoid the temptation to check your phone, and detox digitally.

4) Move more each day
Built more movement into your daily routine: take the stairs, have a meeting while going for a walk and park as far away from the supermarket entrance as possible

5) Start talking about mental health
Next time you ask someone how they are doing, have a real interest in their answer and do no accept fine"

6) Smile and chat to strangers
Hand out smiles and friendly remarks. They are free.

7) Don't ask, just help
Bypass the whole "Let me know if there is anything I or we can do thing. You know what to do.

8) Become a Raktvist
Start doing little Random Acts of Kindness

more happiness hacks! (from the happier podcast)

My favourite podcast to listen to is Happier by Gretchen Rubin. I listen to it at work, while I plan my happiness initiatives + plan to takeover the world and make it happier (lol)

About a year and a half ago I wrote a blog post about what I had learned so far from the Happier podcast, because as you know I am all about that happy liiiife.

I thought I'd do another round up of some great happiness hacks that the podcast has taught me. And if you don't listen to podcasts, I'm gonna say give em' a try! & definitely include Happier on your list. I was jotting down in my notebook some thoughts I heard and really loved!

// H A P P I N E S S   H A C K S :
+ Kiss in the morning and at night - This is such a simple one, but sometimes with all the hustle and bustle of life, we forget the little things like a kiss good morning and one goodnight!

+ Don't put things down, put them away - This one is so simple but I love it! I am trying to get better and putting things where they belong since it will pay off in the long run.

+ Remember love - I think we could all use a reminder about this one on the daily. Nothing says living a happy, fulfilled life than remembering love in all you do!

+ Keep a running list of your favourite things - Gretchen's daughter actually shared this one when she was on, which I just love! It was to keep a list of all your fave things, any type of thing just to document and use as a reference point! (ie: for birthday gift ideas etc!)

+ 18 for 2018 - Goals and resolutions are so fun but can be really tough, especially because they are usually such general things like "read more" but instead an 18 for 2018 can be more specific and attainable, so something more like "read one book every month for a year" would be a good example!

+ Loving actions inspire loving feelings - This is just another reason to practice random acts of kindness however and whenever we can! The more you show and spread that love, the more it will be come back to you!

+ Create a "TA DA" list - Instead of (okay, more like in addition to) a to-do list, create a "ta la" list of all the great things you've achieved and are proud of.

+ Schedule daily transcendence - I need to take my own advice here sometimes, but taking time every day to chill, meditate and enjoy those calm and quiet moments.

+ The one minute rule (do it without delay!) - I think I included this one in my last post, but it's just that good. Gretchen and Elizabeth basically explain that if to you've got one minute to do something you should just do it with that minute you've got! It's one extra thing to cross off the list!

Hope these helped spread a little love & happiness into your day/week/year!

international day of happiness + first day of sping

I N T E R N A T I O N A L     D A Y     O F    

 H A P P I N E S S

Oh, hello! So today is a special day for a few reasons! First off, it's the first day of SPRING! (and I could not be more ready for warmer weather, sunshine, fresh flowers, + adventures) Today is also the international day of HAPPINESS ♥

Not sure if you knew this about me, but happiness is something I'm kinda really into. Happiness and positivity aren't just things I talk about, post about or preach, they are vital to how I live my life! Heck, I love happiness so much that I managed to have a career that focuses on it!

When I'm not blogging, crafting, hosting, instagramming or exploring Toronto - I am working in my full time role at Culture Specialist (Happiness Officer) at a company called Uberflip. My focus is on creating a fun, inclusive and exciting experience for all of our employees! It's a role that aligns all of my passions and as you can imagine I am beyonddd happy to be in it.

To learn more about my career, you can read this blog post posted by Jobbio;

"How I got my job as Happiness Officer at Uberflip"

How and or/why am I so happy? - Truth is, it's all I've ever really known. I grew up with two amazing, supportive, kind parents, and two of the best big brothers (ever). Just before I was 18, my Dad passed away after some complications with a non life threatening disease. As you can imagine, this turned my world upside down. I had two choices after this experience - 1) I could focus on the negative impact this had on my life, and would most definitely have in the future or 2) I could channel all (or most of) my energy into being the person my Dad taught me to be, and dedicate my life to spreading happiness to those around me (it's the least I could do)

Besides working in a role based on happiness, I try to channel that energy in my personal life. I live my best, happiest life in my favourite city ever (Toronto) with my amazing husband Pete. I feel beyond thankful to have the most wonderful family, the greatest friends, and so many opportunities to do things that make me happy like travel, celebrate, spoil my friends, go to events, be a hostess, blog, explore Toronto etc...

I hope you all get a little happier after reading my blog and following me on Instagram ♥

I've mentioned it a few times lately, but I'm really hoping to start a podcast soon too! Yasssss. The main focus will of course be happiness. I plan to touch on work, love, friendship, and the things in life that make me happiest (in hopes they'll make you happy too!)

It seems as though I've got a lot to say on this topic (lol) so I better wrap it up. I now leave you with a few happy links to enjoy on this day of happinesssssss and first day of Spring! Check these out:

// Happier Podcast by Gretchen Rubin
// The Book of Lykke & The Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
// The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Health
// Magic Lessons Podcast by Elizabeth Gilbert
// 52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal
// Headspace Meditation App

happiness hacks!

Oh, hi you guys!

Oh my goodness. This past week & weekend has been a whirl wind. I could not be happier to be snuggled up on the couch with my hubs watching the Emmy's right now. I really need to take some time this week to relax and get some things done, because next weekend is going to be literally insane(ly) busy & amazing.

As you probably know by now, I am really in to happiness. I always love to share little snippets of happy on all social media outlets. I thought it would be fun to share a few of my own "happiness hacks"

- For a good nights sleep, put some lavender on your pillow before going to bed. Pete and I are so in to this. Also, we've decided that listening to a podcast before bed is legit the most amazing, zen way to fall asleep. (we're obsessed with serial btw)

- Have a "no plans" day every week! Ugh, I don't always take my own advice on this one but in most cases Monday is always my day to not make plans. This ensures that Pete and I have time together, can make a nice dinner and also that I can have an extra day to catch up and get stuff done after the weekend. This is also normally grocery/meal prep day and it's so needed.

- Always have something look forward to. I always love being able to look forward to at least one thing in the coming weeks/month that I am really excited about. This can be a dinner date, a plan for a night out or in with friends. I am generally one to plan ahead of time to ensure I can spend time with everyone and celebrate :)

- Pick out your outfit the night before. A shitty morning this week reminded me of this hack. If I am scrounging around in the morning looking for something to wear I often doubt my choice and keep changing and stressing out (yes, even for work) but if I take 5-10 minutes to get organized the night before and have everything ready for the next morning it makes my morning SO much happier!

- Keep a paper planner. Call me old fashioned but I love to still keep a paper planner/agenda to keep track of my life and exciting plans. I love having the visual of each week or month and see what is coming up/remember little things that are happening. Also, I just feel like I already spend too much time on my phone so this is an excuse to look at something on paper.

- Stock up on things on sale! This one can be tough for us because we don't have a very big place, but I always love to stock up on things we use often when they go on sale. This eliminates the stress of running out of something and having to hustle out to grab it. I am also a big fan of sales (I secretly love watching extreme couponers haha)

- Have a basket of party supplies on hand. Cards for all occasions, tissue paper, gift bags, ribbon, tags etc. I love having lots of go-to cute gift wrap and goodies on hand for little birthday gifts, house warming parties, goodbye gifts or a little "just because" surprise

there's so much to celebrate!

First off, I just want to say HAPPY Canada Day to my fellow Canadian bloggers and readers! I honestly love this country so much and could not be more proud of where I'm from. I will be celebrating this weekend at the cabin with 10 of my bestest pals! 

The last few months have been absolutely amazing, and I am just a walking smile. I cannot believe it's been almost two months since Pete proposed! Time most definitely flies when you're having fun and the most happy excited girl ever. 

I am really trying to take it all in and enjoy every moment right now. There's so much going on, and we always have a jam packed schedule but I wouldn't have it any other way! :)

Here are some fun & exciting things that have been happening lately/are happening soon

+ we booked our wedding venue! (in love!) + set our date! May 28th, 2016

+ we ordered our save the dates, from my favourite place ever: Minted!

+ we asked our bridal party to be part of our special day (they all said yes!)

+ we're heading to the cabin this weekend for a weekend of friendship + fun!

+ i booked an appointment for next week to try on wedding dresses (omg, i know)

+ i did the CN tower edge walk a few weekends ago, craziest thing i've ever done!

+ it's been one year since we moved in to our new cute-as-can-be apartment!

+ we've got a jam packed summer filled with so much fun stuff

Life is really really good, and I hope you agree!

& I will leave you with one of my favourite words ever:

cel·e·brate

ˈseləˌbrāt/

verb

1. 1.

   publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.

   "they were celebrating their wedding anniversary at a restaurant"

   synonyms:

   commemorate, observe, mark, keep, honor, remember, memorialize "they were celebrating their wedding anniversary"

1. 
   

   
   

   

   
   

Girl Crush/Life Hero : Tiffany Pratt

Happy Monday! Oh, so it's here again. I am looking forward to this week and started today feeling like I am going to make this an amazing week!

Tonight I wanted to do a little blog post about Tiffany Pratt. I first saw some of Tiffany's stuff online a few years ago and then in 2014 officially fell in love with what this human being is capable of. What is so cool about the internet, is you can find someone who you feel shares so many interests as you, does and creates beautiful things, and inspires people along the way. People like this make the world a little brighter and most definitely more colourful and sparkly (obviously) And to top it all off, she is from my favourite city in the world, Toronto ♥

Last week I got to attend an event where Tiffany lead a craft at Mendocino. When I found out this was happening, I knew it would be something I absolutely adore since I feel like Tiffany and I are alike in so many ways! The event was just absolutely lovely and I have to say, Tiffany was just as beautiful, sweet and magical as I have always imagined! She was so kind, vibrant and full of life, and she's become even more of an inspiration!

If you want some inspiration, something to brighten your day or be a positive influence, take some time to get to know Tiffany! I just spent some time on her website, and I am just in awe of all she does. I want to paint the world with sparkles right now.

So, get in on this and make your Monday, your week, and your LIIIIIFE magical*

// tiffanypratt.com

// instagram : @thetiffanypratt

// twitter : @thetiffanypratt

// Video to get to know Tiffany Pratt

All photo's were taken from Tiffany's official site