☺ 2013 in Review - and my Jar of Happiness ☺

. . . . . . . . . . 

{New Year Inspirational Kick-Off!}

 Kicking off this new year only feels right to be boasting with enthusiasm and inspirational to get things running all the more smoothly, so, I welcome you to the New Year Inspirational Kick-Off! The next several days will be dedicated to sharing fun projects and resources you can use to keep your own life bustling with gratitude and awesomeness.

New Year Positive Power! Huzzah!

. . . . . . . . . .

The end of this year was a bumpy road. So bumpy that I couldn't wait to get 2013 done and over with… as if the whole year had been a disaster, merely because the last month or so had been particularly rough. 

Fast forward to today. I emptied my Jar of Happiness and now I can see what a wondrous, truly blessed, and fantastic year I actually had. So many fantastic memories were created, so many laughs and smiles were shared, so many beautiful moments experienced, and so many accomplishments made. Reviewing all the positives of this past year has renewed my outlook of that year and, therefore, given me an extra boost to my life in general; reminding me that life truly is beautiful and that I have so much to be thankful for. Truly truly. 

So, once again, if you didn't do the Happiness Jar last year, it is a Must for your New Year. I promise you will love it! 

In expressing gratitude, I thought it would be fun to share some of the highlights of my year :) 

2013 Gratitude Highlights!

Personal Highlights:

• So many amazing Hikes, including my first of the year with my bestie up Pulpit which still makes me smile so widely! And the epic hike in the fog after Garlic Fest (which I do believe was also my last hike of the year).  
•   Building our Garden from scratch. It was such a fun adventure and getting so many fresh organic veggies was simply the best! Getting the logs for the garden beds really stuck out as well, it was such a funny hippie moment that will always make me laugh. 
• Doing yoga with my hubby
• Ice skating at Kokanee park with Cory. 
• Enjoying our new home in the summer time with our own space, lawn, and sharing the beach with our amazing landlords. The level of gratitude I feel for our home cannot be put into words. 
• Playing "tag" with my landlord when I got her a present and then she sent me flowers with the words "tag". Heehee 
• Listening to vinyl and drinking wine during the holidays last year with our landlords. 
• Family Gatherings, potlucks, moments at the park, birthdays, holidays, and so forth. My family has often been a rough journey, but there were so many amazing moments I'd been forgetting lately--was very happy to be reminded of all I have to be grateful for from the year. 
• Seeing family in general. :)
• The first time I made my niece, Makaia, laugh for the first time. For some reason this memory really sticks out for me, it was a precious bonding moment. ^_^
• Our good friends, Mike and Dana, visiting us for the first time! It was such a fun and amazing week with them and I cannot wait for more moments like this! Midnight swims, Sociables (shnaw, shnaw lol), Potluck, beach days, campfires, and bonding. ♥
• Roadtrips! Kelowna/Vernon trip, and Portland (twice) with my bestie. Sooo much fun and sooo much yummy vegan food! Gay Pride Parade, singing in the car, wandering, and the fun drive.
• Getting tattooed in Portland. 
• Getting my nose pierced (third one)
• Catan board game nights. 
• So many amazing Vegan Potlucks! 
• Several ridiculous and fun birthday parties--two of which were dress up parties, including my birthday. Cuddle couch, bathroom vortex, and so many funny random moments. 
• Skate park days in Kaslo, for May Days and Cory's birthday. 
• A few fun bonfires.
• Camping
• Mushroom picking.
• Canoe adventures across the lake with Cory.

• Completing the David Suzuki 30x30 Challenge.
• Our two kitties becoming cuddlier, especially Lyla who comes to constantly for cuddles and follows me around alllll day long and greets me at the door when I come home. ^_^
• So many tea dates ♥
• Getting my cintiq!
• Following my dreams and passions and diving into story writing and producing artwork. :) 
• Having the courage, in general, to follow my heart and make my dreams come true. 

ReLove Plan.et Accomplishments:

• Reaching my 2k like milestone on the ReLove Facebook page! 
• My artwork appearing in a newspaper in Switzerland.
• Summer Markets!
• Reaching 30,000 views on the blog for a single month!
• All the positive and inspiring words from my amazing readers and viewers! xo ♥
• The Polar Bear adoption thanks to my amazing customers! 
• ReLove Plan.et continuing to grow every month :) 
• Finally figuring out making some income off the Video Blog ;) 

I hope you all had an amazing year and start your own Jar Full of Happiness and take lots of photos to capture memories and moments :) 

So much love and wishing you all the best in 2014! xo

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

{this moment} - and the weekly {Smile-Up}

. . . . . . . . . . 

"There are no ordinary moments." ~Way of the Peaceful Warrior

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A photo (or few) capturing moments from the week. Simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember.

Served up with the weekly {Smile-Up} - gratitude practices to love and appreciate your life. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' and 'smile up' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment}

[reunited with two of our best friends after almost 3 years! Missed them!]

{Smile Up}:

☺ Two of our best friends visiting us for the week! 

☺ Midnight swims--and our "macho" friend being the slowest to get into the water (ha!) 

☺ Beach fun! 

☺ Amazing girl talks! 

☺ Barbecues with friends! 

☺ Playing sociables; all the very silly things that happen in that game!

☺ Laughing until your stomach hurts!  

☺ Silly youtube videos

☺ Wednesday market with my Dana :) 

☺ Jumping into the lake in my underwear after sweating at the market--couldn't make it home to the beach house ;)   

☺ Girl time!   

☺ Planning a trip to the tattoo convention in Calgary to get tattooed by Dana! Super excited! 

☺ Campfires and exploring with friends

☺ Kitty belly rubs! And how much our cats love us (now if only they'd stop being sketchy around strangers ;p) 

☺ Feeling like you're taking a step back in time--craziness! 

☺ When friends bring you cookies when you're working :)  

☺ Hugs! Always Hugs! ^_^

Loving: Learning • Reminiscing • Playing • Creating • Girl talks •  Beach Days • Cooling off in the Lake • Relaxing • Campfires • Sleeping in (which I rarely do) • My job • Exploring  • Tea Dates •

Interests for the week:

✯  New Dexter and Ray Donovan episodes. Youtube videos (our friend Mike knows all the best ones)

♫ Music Playlist: Machinehead, RHCP, Deftones, The Pretty Reckless, bad pop music ;p, Blood Red Shoes.  ♫

✯ Food Faves: Berry Smoothies ♥ Zucchinis and Kale from our garden ♥ Mountain Magic Cookies ♥ Iced Chai ♥ Marinated Tofu ♥ Homemade Kale Chips ♥ Coconut Water ♥

Lessons of the week: 

Sticking up for yourself is always best, even when people try to turn it around back at you. Stick up for yourself anyway! ☀ Talk! So you can feel better and reach some resolve ☀ Listen to your heart--not the excuses you make up in your head. ☀ Choose wisely the friends you want to tell your deepest secrets--and be grateful for the amazing friends in your life that you can trust. ☀ I say this one again: sometimes people are meant to leave your life, move on and accept that you're on different paths. Be grateful for the good times and release the rest ☀ Accept yourself as you are and remember that you Are a Good Person. ☀

Hope you're all having a beautiful wonderful blissful week! 

What are you grateful for this week? :)

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . . . 

"There are no ordinary moments." ~Way of the Peaceful Warrior

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A photo (few) capturing moments from the week. Simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . . 

Spontaneous last minute plans with friends, leading to wandering, playing, watching a metal show. 

Good times. ^_^

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

{life reflections}

. . . . . . . . . . 

{life reflections}

 Weekly thoughts and rambles. A glimpse into my mind and world. 

These are entries that I might jot down in my Happy Diary; what happens when we put our fingers to the keyboard and allow our thoughts to flow uninhibited. Reflections from the soul. 

Reflections of life.  

I hope to leave you inspired. 

If you want to share your own reflections of the week please leave a link to your "life reflections" entry in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . .

Happy-get-on-track week is going well, I am happy to say! (harhar) I know last week's post may have been a bit of a downer, but as I always say, life is just like that sometimes. Regardless, I am feeling myself again. Sometimes getting back on track truly is only as hard as we make it. 

I've written up a post before on all the things I did originally to get back on track so I'm not going to repeat it all now. However, remembering that Happiness is in my own hands was one of the most helpful things for me this week. When you're in a slump it's easy to stay there because we often wake up feeling not so upidy-awesome and because we don't fix that right when we wake up, the spiral happens. I want to write a full "list" this week of more useful tips, since these "life reflections" posts aren't generally supposed to take over my "Inspirational" posts with all the life advice and help. So, let's just say that I'm back on track, that I forced myself to smile every single day. I'd wake up in the morning, telling myself "I love my life" with a great big silly grin, and start saying in my head all the things that I am grateful for as I entered my morning. I swear to you, this alone helps tremendously. Tremendously!!! 

That aside, I am so very grateful for the amazing friends and family I have in my life. I feel so blessed and loved and grateful. And I can't tell you how much I appreciated how many of you wrote me as well wishing me better and if that I needed anything you were there for me. So truly truly touched and grateful to you amazing wonderful lovely friends! I love you! And I think it goes without saying that I am always here for you too if ever you need me. xoxo

On Saturday I got to celebrate my good friend's birthday and housewarming, it was an epic night filled with so much ridiculousness and laughs and memories. I haven't actually drank since New Year's Eve, so it was fun getting even sillier and louder than I usually am. ;) We also tried to watch the meteor shower on Monday with a few friends while we had a bonfire, but the moon was so bright we didn't see any (and I'm sure staring at the fire instead of the sky didn't help either).

So blessed for my friends. I honestly don't have many in real life. I just don't really see the point in having a bazillion friends that you're not even close with just for a popularity contest. This isn't high school anymore. That's what I see a lot in this small town anyway, and I'm sure it's the same elsewhere. I don't get it. Why not put the time and effort instead towards working on the close relationships you do have instead of spreading yourself too thin? I just see so many of the artificial friendships of these big groups of insecure people that cling together and feed their own insecurities by talking badly about one another behind each other's backs. How is that helpful? How is that real friendship? True friends are there for each other, support one another, lift each other up when they're down. They don't Kick them down! 

So, anyways, I don't have that many friends in real life. I want Real friendships with people I actually have things in common with and have fun with and who support and love me as I do them. I know lots of fun people that I'll hang out at parties with but that's as far as many of them go. I love my close friends. So incredibly much. I love getting the hugs and seeing their smiles, and laughing and adventuring, and going for tea. In case this isn't obvious either, I don't go out partying much. It's not that I don't enjoy it, but I do understand the effect of not only the alcohol, but even going sober with all the staying up late totally messing up sleep patterns and therefor your head and health. Going out tooooo often also exhausts yourself, and where's the fun in that? Maybe it's also because, while it's fun to flail around and be ridiculously silly, I appreciate more of the sober times where you get quality time with the people you enjoy being around and sometimes drinking just feels like the artificial side of things. Again, not that I don't enjoy a good fun flailing night. Hopefully you understand what I mean. Don't get me wrong, I Do go out, and I Do have a ton of fun, I guess I've just sort of learned a bit of balance with that aspect of my life. I never used to party in high school, because I was a loner, I just didn't have much in common with a lot of people there and I really didn't know myself at all so not really a surprise. For the younger readers still in high school, I just want to let you know that life after high school gets better. Immensely better. I hated high school. I love life now. It's liberating and frightening, because when you leave school all of a sudden you're free to form your own opinions and hobbies and interests, where as in school it's very bootcamp and narrow minded--in my humble opinion. So yes, things get better. 

And, yes, I am alllll over the place today. I swear I'm not drinking right now. ;) 

How shall I finish this diary entry?…  

Life is good! Life is grand! Life is Beautiful! Have you noticed everything blossoming?!!! So super exciting. The air smells so sweet with flowers and fresh rain and grass, and everything is so green and vibrant and coming alive. I love spring! It truly truly is such a cleansing season, taking out the old and making room for the new, which is why we have the extreme ups and downs at the moment, so just know that you are heading towards somewhere better. So stay positive. Always stay positive. 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . . . 

"There are no ordinary moments." ~Way of the Peaceful Warrior

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A photo (few) capturing moments from the week. Simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . . 

[first hike of the year!]

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

♥ {this moment} ♥

. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment} - Joining Soule Mama, a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . . 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺

We're taking back Mondays!!!

"Motivational Mondays" are fabulous tips to get you excited and pumped for the week! 

Feeling low? Moody? Down on life? Well, that's what these posts are for! Time to feel awesome again and get some Positivity rolling! Just because it's Monday doesn't mean you can't have fun, smile, and enjoy Today! Apply these tips to your week and try to tell me that you don't start to see an improvement in your life! ;)

It's all about You! Change your perception, change your attitude, love your life! xo

☺ How are you feeling? Pay attention to how you are feeling, this will always be a good indicator about what you are Thinking, and therefor about what you are attracting into your life. If you look inward and notice that you are not feeling so great then work on switching your mood, do whatever it takes to make yourself Feel Good, and then you'll watch your day and life change. :)

☺ Acknowledge that you are Amazing! We all need to spend more time acknowledging that we are amazing. Because we are. And when we live in a society that tries to tear down at our self-esteem on a daily basis, it's important to counter that with thoughts of love. You are amazing, we are all amazing. Give yourself and others compliments. ♥

☺ Make Friends! When you encounter a stranger, stop thinking of them as a stranger, but as another soul for you to befriend, learn from, and connect with. 

☺ Love More, Judge Less. Judging is terrible, I wrote an article about it before that is worth reading or a re-read. When we judge others it's really just a reflection of our own insecurities, so it's a good thing to pay attention to; you'll learn something about yourself. Ask, why do you feel the need to judge this person? What problem do you have with yourself and/or your life that is causing you to do this? Love is the best and only answer to a positive life. If you want to be happy then start by expressing more love and quitting the bad habit of judging others. 

☺ Remember remember the 5th of November… and watch "V for Vendetta" cuz it's a hella awesome movie, and because it's always a good nudge in the brain cells to stick up for our rights and responsibilities to action as people instead of allowing our governments to corrupt and control everything. ;) 

☺ Stop worrying about the Future! Truth is, nobody ever really knows what the future holds. How many times have you envisioned and worried about something that had not happened yet? How many times did things actually go the way you worried about? Sometimes yes, because the Law of Attraction picks up on those negative thoughts, but on the flip side, life can be unpredictable and we can never truly know what is actually going to happen. Remember that everything happens for a reason, so there's no point in fretting over things. We can't predict the future and it's a waste of your energy to get stressed about it. Go with the flow and enjoy the ride, accept whatever life hands you and make the best of it. And stay in the moment, the Now. ;)

☺ "Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right." ~ Henry Ford.   

Now go ahead and have the best damn week ever! Much Love from me to you! 

Create a Nice Day! xo

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Happy Thanksgiving! Ⓥ

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, so… Happy Thanksgiving Canada! :) 

With my family being a sick we didn't get to do a thanksgiving dinner together, but my hubby and I hosted a Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck at our place with my brother and good friend Tam. Vegan potlucks are the best thanksgivings ever, or for any traditional festive meal. 

[silly face photo reel... life's not complete without one ;)]

Cory made a quinoa kale salad. And I roasted up red kuri squash, parsnips, carrots, and garlic from our garden--and added some sweet potato in there as well. I also made tofu balls and vegan gravy--my usual go-tos for  dinners such as these. Everyone always loves the food, vegan or not, so why the hell not? Beats some poor murdered turkey any day. 

For dessert Tam made the most amazing Lemon poppyseed quinoa flour cake! Sooooo good! 

We stuffed ourselves full of amazing food and enjoyed some great company. All in all, thanksgiving was lovely. :) 

If you're looking for your own ideas for a vegan festive dinner then be sure to check out my other post with suggestions and recipes as well: Holiday Feast. :)

Happy Thanksgiving Canada! Show gratitude wherever you are, you don't need an excuse to give thanks. 

[how many times can I repeat the exact same big goofy smile? Thiiiiss many!]

So, what are you grateful for? How did you spend Thanksgiving--or how do you plan on spending it if you're not in Canada? What are your favourite vegan festive meals? 

Create a nice day!! Much Love and gratitude! :) 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

♥ Wednesday Favorites: Wish List! ♥

With Christmas on the way and my Birthday on the 13th, I thought a fun Wednesday Favorite Post would be a little "Wish List". 

I know I promote to not be so consumer-based, and I do fully stand by this. However, we all have our vices and we do like to treat ourselves every so often. 

So, that being said, here is what is currently on my Wish List...

Tattoos! I know, I already have lots but anyone who does can relate; they are addictive! I don't have a tattoo artist here and I don't have the money so for now I will have to save. But my next tattoo will be my left sleeve!! ^_^

IPad. These look so cool! I love the idea of having everything I need all in one! I love reading, but as an earth nut, I hate all that paper (so I usually buy second hand or new only if it is from recycled paper). One day I will have one of these haha. 

Vegan Ipaths. I've been on the hunt for Vegan Skate shoes and I found some that I am absolutely in love with!! These Ipaths are not only Vegan but they are Eco-friendly!!! Made from Hemp ♥

WWF Adoptions, or Donations to my Birthday WishList  ~_^ I support this organization whole-heartedly, they do amazing work! 

Trips to Edmonton. I miss my friends there :( I've been trying to save up for making a trip up there. Alas, money is tight at the moment so it seems that it will have to wait, unless someone wants to drive me there or bring my friends to me ~_^

So, there's my little Wish list for now. What's on yours? ^_^ 

Peace & Love

xo

~Bianca 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

☺ A New City, A New Life? ☺

I couldn't quite decide what to blog about today, and then it occurred to me; the thing I have been struggling with lately, the Move to a new city.

That's right, today's post is a bit more of an inward look. I'm far from perfect and I struggle at times with things as well. The point is to realize what isn't working in your life so that you can correct it. 

The move has been a mixed blessing, as any Change seems to be. Probably has something to do with our human nature to resist change. Well, I have learned better, so it's time to look at things more positively no?

So here's the question: What do You struggle most with when you move to a new city? 

For myself, Friends seems to be the big one. I have always had a hard time with friends for some reason, very likely some deeper routed issue that goes back to my childhood. Regardless, I have a hard time meeting new people. I work from home. I don't have a whole lot of hobbies that get me "out there". So how does one approach this issue? 

I like people, that's not the issue. Perhaps I'm a tad picky when it comes to real friends though. I mean, REAL friends. You know, the ones that you can share anything with and would do anything for. I miss mine back in Edmonton. But moving to new places means lifestyle changes and time to step out of ones usual habits and comfort zone and get to know new people, right? Well, at least I think so. 

(myself and my two favorite sweethearts back in Edmonton)

I have debated even getting a part-time job that gets me at least a bit more out in the public. Yoga is another one I'd like to pick up this week. I'm also debating getting back into Skateboarding for the simple reason that there is a Girl's Skate night every Thursday here. 

So, I guess this has two questions and a bit of rambling on my part ;p 

How do You meet new people and friends? How did you meet your closest friend? 

And what you find intimidating about a new city? 

Let's hear your stories and ideas!   

Peace & Love,

xo

~Bianca 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

☺ Happy Thanksgiving ...(in Canada) ☺

Thanksgiving has become another holiday that I cringe at. Not to be negative, I just find our society harder and harder to look at the more my eyes have been opened. I can't help but think about all the poor Turkeys that endure ridiculous amounts of cruelty and torture to end up on people's dinner plates who don't think twice about how that turkey got there. Ironically, people simply aren't thankful for the Turkey :p 

But hey, I'm not a pessimist and I can look at Thanksgiving as an opportunity to actually reflect and look at the things that I am thankful for in my life. So, here is my list...

I am thankful for Cory, the most amazing and loving husband in the world. 

I am thankful for my Mother. I love her more than anything and I am lucky to have her. 

I am thankful for my siblings, they are amazing individuals and I cherish their relationship deeply. I am thankful for Family. 

I am thankful for Friends. And I mean True friends (you know who you are). I miss them immensely but I am grateful to have people like them in my life. 

I am thankful for Lyla, my little furbaby, and how she wakes me up in the morning by putting her nose to mine.

I am thankful for all the people that I've met in my life.  

I am thankful for being Vegan and that this Thanksgiving I won't be responsible for any animal cruelty. 

I am thankful for Mother Earth and all the life and beauty it gives. 

I am thankful for the beauty of the fall colors.

I am thankful that when I wake up in the morning I get to look out at epic mountains and a pretty lake. 

I am thankful that I can contribute to the well-being of the planet. And I am thankful that Alter-Eco Clothing has been a success and hopefully ReLove Plan.et will be too. 

I am thankful for all the experiences and opportunities I've had in my life. They've made me who I am today. 

How about you? What are you thankful for? And how are you spending your Thanksgiving? And if your Thanksgiving hasn't come yet, will you try to make it Vegan? 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Peace & Love,

xo

~Bianca 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.