Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026 — and the Flowers That Match It

Meet Cloud Dancer: the soft, serene white taking over the design world— and the blooms that bring it to life

Every December, the design world waits for Pantone to drop their Colour of the Year. And 2026? She surprised us. For the first time ever, Pantone chose white. Not just any white, but Cloud Dancer — “a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world”, embracing simplicity and new beginnings. And for those of us who speak the language of florals? It’s pure poetry.

But before you think “boring,” let me stop you right there. Cloud Dancer is an invitation to slow down and strip away the noise of today's world. That ethos is exactly what we’ve always believed about flowers: they don’t need to be loud to be powerful. 

What is Cloud Dancer, Really?

Pantone describes Cloud Dancer as balanced, soft, and peaceful. It has warm and cool undertones at the same time. Think morning light through sheer curtains on a Sunday morning. Think the inside of a peony before it fully opens. Think fresh sheets, clean space, clear mind.

Cloud Dancer is basically telling us:
Less noise. More intention. More softness.

The Flowers That Embody Cloud Dancer

Here are our favourite blooms that perfectly channel the Cloud Dancer energy:

White Peonies

If Cloud Dancer was a flower, it would definitely be a white peony. Full. Fluffy. Romantic. Effortless.

They look dreamy in weddings, but also so good just sitting on a kitchen table. One bunch and your whole space feels softer.

Garden Roses (Ivory & Cream)

Garden roses in ivory or cream are subtle but layered. They have that quiet luxury energy. Not flashy. Just pretty in a very confident way.

Perfect for brand events, baby showers, or honestly just treating yourself because you had a week.

White Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are for the girls who want impact without trying too hard. Big, billowy, and endlessly versatile — a single stem fills a vase the way a cloud fills a sky. They’re fluffy and soft and photograph beautifully.

Hanoi Ranunculus

Ranunculus are delicate and layered. A little more understated than peonies but just as romantic. They look so good with eucalyptus or soft dried elements. Very Pinterest. Very effortless. Very 2026.

Cloud Dancer is a reminder that beauty doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful, that simplicity can be its own kind of luxury, and that a single white bloom on your kitchen table can be the most grounding thing in your day.

Minimalist-Girlie Black Friday Shopping Deals

By Dasha Nguyen

Black Friday is almost here has arrived — and if you’re someone who loves beautiful things (the right candle, the perfect vase, the handbag that feels like art), this is your season. Now's the time.

At 2PEONIES, we’ve always believed in elevating the everyday. Beauty in your surroundings isn’t just décor but a feeling, a ritual, a quiet luxury you choose for yourself. That’s the philosophy behind everything we do. And naturally, we adore the brands that share that vision: the scent that completes your home, the accessories that style your outfit, the skincare that turns your routine into a moment.

Here’s our curated list of brands that make life a little softer, a little more artful, a little more beautiful.

Specifically, Black Friday is a chance to shop our 

MERIT — Simplifying Skin and Beauty Regimens

The only sale of the year, MERIT is giving 20% off their entire site, and you ought to order soon to snag the aluminum case, complimentary with every purchase.

Anthropologie — For the Home That Looks Like You

Anthropologie always brings the romantic, whimsical energy we live for. In past years, they’ve offered 30% off almost everything, including their iconic home pieces, gifts, and accessories. Their holiday teasers this year are all about “early gifting,” which usually means major promotions are just around the corner.

Good Neighbour - Toronto’s Own Locally Curated Collection of Goods

Luckily we can shop local and find gems even better than scouring the web. Receive 15% off almost everything in-store and online at Good Neighbour in store or online. Find cult brands and timeless pieces, like this insanely cute spoon holder, or the softest cardigan by American Vintage.

Dairy Boy - The Brand I Can’t Stop Scrolling Through

You must be early if you want the best of the Dairy Boy sale. Paige Lorenze (our past Digital Editor!) has made a brand to last, and based on the consistently sold-out drops, this sale is highly anticipated. It’s the perfect time to snag literally everything, but specifically the breathable Jersey sheets for your best holiday rest. There is an entire sale section of brand faves.

EQ3 - Everyone’s Favourite Stop For Home Staples

We’re excited beyond measure (no pun intended) for this year’s EQ3 sale. Take 20% off everything site-wide and in-store. If you are looking for a mini facelift to your interiors, upholstery and casegoods go up to 40% off this year.

Uncle Studios — For Wardrobe Staples with Soul

It’s confirmed, the Uncle Studios Black Friday sale is a gem. Up to 60% off site-wide. Also, use the code BFCM for 30% off. A perfect time to grab the wool cardigan we want to live in.

Mejuri — For the Everyday Gold You’ll Never Take Off

Mejuri always offers its biggest discounts of the year during Black Friday, often with early access for members. This year, take 30% off site-wide. The pinky ring trend is maximized with the Jude Pinky Signet Ring.

437 Activewear — Elevated, Minimal Yet Functional Studiowear

Run don’t walk! 437 is up to 50% off this year, and we are always keen to shop brands that elevate our everyday. A suggestion for your next purchase? We can’t stop eyeing The Sculpt Onesie in black cherry.

curatedbymuse — Cozy, Cool, and Always Thoughtful

Cozy season is finally here, and we can’t miss out on the massive Black Friday sale from the brand who delivers when it comes to warm staples. The sale goes up to 70% off on curated apparel, accessories, and homey essentials.

Happy Shopping!

In Conversation with the New York artist behind floral brand, Chloe Berlin Studio

In a chattering coffee shop on an off-street in Tribeca, Julia and John lose themselves in conversation with Chloe from New York-based floral brand Chloe Berlin Studio.

Being the neighbour to 2PEONIES whose home base is Toronto, New York is a land we are eager to explore in the world of flora. We’ve been spending our weekends at Johns farm just outside of Buffalo, but have always maintained a curiosity about what was going on in the inner city. Chloe Berlin Studio crossed our feeds, and we stopped mid-scroll. Now two years into botanical design, Chloe has set out to foster a practice that strips away the noise and amplifies the wonder of the natural world, as is.

The conversation started as soon as we sank into our chairs and coffees.

Directly following the initial hellos, Chloe picked up on the dynamic of our work…and life balance.

Chloe

That’s nice that you guys get to work together. I was like to my partner, “next year you’re taking over all my vintage stuff for me, my e-commerce, or something because I do not want to touch it.”

Julia

What were you up to before you pursued Chloe Berlin Studio?

Chloe

Prior to florals, I worked in brand strategy and innovation working with companies like Uber and Google, Club Monaco, and some other major fashion houses. During that period, I built my entire life around this narrow perspective about how society wanted me to function and move through the world. I got pretty boxed in by one definition of what it meant to be successful or creative and how you make money as an artist in today's world. That kind of trajectory is so fast-paced and you kind of just get sucked in. At that same time, I had these chronic health issues that I just kept ignoring until it finally reached the point where I had to take medical leave multiple times. After walking away a few times, I started to question whether or not I even had a career anymore — and that (having a purpose) was so much of what I wanted.

Julia

And ultimately it’s really hard to make all of those decisions with the added stress of your personal well-being.

Chloe

Exactly, so I started diving into things like meditation and mindfulness. I made it a daily practice and after six months of meditating every day, I got better. Once my health issues were in full remission, I was able to function happily and go back to work — whatever that meant — with joy restored. After that huge wake up call, I knew it was finally time to honestly pursue something that would fill my cup. Becoming a creative entrepreneur was always a suppressed dream of mine, so I listened to the universe and went for it. 

Julia

Do you have any sort of, traditional artists in your family?

Chloe

Yes! My mom is a professional abstract painter. Growing up, I always thought that if you were going to be an artist, that was the lane you needed to be in. I saw the ways she struggled throughout her career to find "stability" and that majorly influenced my hesitation to go down a similar path. In hindsight, I was so wrong about that but I guess everything happens in its own time for everyone. 

Julia

You’re a creative spirit that wasn’t going to last for long!

Chloe

Honestly, I'm glad how it all shook out. Thanks to all the traditional positions I've had in the past, I feel comfortable with the operational side of what I do now from invoicing and client management to email etiquette and stuff like that. If I hadn't had those jobs, I'd be a little lost with all the housekeeping that comes with my work now. 

Julia

So once you started exploring the world of flowers, what sorts of things were you looking at?

Chloe

Ikebana was a huge influence throughout my whole process. It was the idea of using less to express so much more. The movement and the curvature. All those parts. I could just sit, as you said, and stare at the way one flower looks for hours on end.

Julia

I know! It’s the reason I started. It’s beautiful the way it makes you feel. I guess that’s why workshops are an important part of your brand.

Chloe

Exactly. I also think it goes so perfectly with the creative process too because of the way creativity is positioned. You have to go to school and follow this rigorous thing before getting good but that’s not creative. So the way that I run my workshops is really all about using your own intuition and what is beautiful for you, and how you champion yourself in your own work.

I think another part of my work is the juxtaposition of having things that are shiny and metal and industrial as well as the very natural plant.

Julia

Is there any other big inspiration you draw from?

Chloe

I really do follow my own path and allow myself to get lost in the creative process. So I would say that journey is my muse, or source of inspiration for the current project. Outside of that, a big inspiration of mine since before I had even ended up in the world of florals is Tara Donovan. She uses organic shapes and materials and pulls a lot from nature to make these really amazing pieces.

What I think is so great about flowers is it’s using a language that isn’t English, to teach people that nature isn’t foreign, and by you working with it and understanding it, you will in turn respect it more and want it to be a part of your life. It gives you this profound feeling of being connected to nature— knowing that we’re nature. Respecting the planet so much more and wanting to help make a change.

Julia

I’ll have to check out all of her work. And I really know what you mean about following the creative process.

Chloe

When you're working on projects in real-time, you sometimes think: yeah, this is my favorite thing I've ever done — and then you look back some time later and think :... Wow, that was terrible! What was I thinking? 
When I first began exploring flowers and plants as a medium, I would challenge myself to make something just for me every day. For maybe the first six months or so, I wasn’t creating pieces for anything other than the joy of it — I was just exploring and discovering my voice. That's all a part of it, the evolution of your creative perspective. I have a lot of respect for that part of that journey, even though it wasn't always easy. 

I was still working at my full-time job and trying to figure out:

“I want to do this full time but I want it to be different. I want to push boundaries and I want to change the way people view flowers. I want to show you here is this nature and there is this dance between humans and nature and you’re able to create this thing that never would have existed in nature but feels like it could.” And I saw the journey I went on and the impact it had on all the people in my life and that they realized “wow this is a tool that I can use to make myself happier and be more connected with nature, especially in a city like new york.”

Julia

 And that makes it a good testament to the industry. It’s always a feel-good thing.

Chloe

 Exactly, it’s rewarding and always has been. The need to love what you do might be the one cliche we should all try to embrace.

Chloe Berlin Studio is rooted in the idea of rewilding the human spirit. The studio offers private and public installations, set design, botanical styling, playful workshops and above all else - moments of joy. 

Chloe has opened a new studio in New York, stay up to date with all of her workshops, offerings and studio events at www.chloeberlinstudio.com

Visiting Tamara Al-Issa at the Solem studio

Removed from the constant drone of the Toronto bustle, an airy peacefulness blankets us when we make it up the staircase into Tamara’s studio where the local ceramicist spins clay into works of art.

Faint beatnik acoustic strumming on vinyl echoes softly throughout the background. It’s another layer of tranquility to the lofty sanctuary like the clay and paint that adorns the walls and columns stretching up to the high ceiling. Setting down our paintbrushes and clay—the pails of fresh flowers—our eyes all meet after remembering ourselves once we absorb our surroundings. It’s clear we’re all feeling the same thing. Hanging in the air like an intoxicating incense: the heavy presence of pure creative inspiration.

Solem (Tamara) seems to exist here as a distillation of this vibe just as much as the studio embodies her artistry. Creators are often rewarded when the energy they have put into their work extends to those who experience it from the outside. Solem’s graciousness to our reaction to her pieces speaks to the genuine spirit of this elevated grove, she gently takes in stride its effect on visitors as she begins the tour of her space and creative life.

Her practice is constantly evolving but her ethos stays the same—the act of throwing clay is a delicate balance of self-discipline, play, and connection to the elements.

Can you walk me through your creativity journey? When did you first consider yourself a creative person? 

Since I was as young as I can remember, I considered myself a creative person. I recall wanting to recreate the world through sketching or building at any given chance and I remember being enchanted by worldly beauty in a very metaphysical way (ie. dust dancing in the sunlight, cats outside my window, heavy storms would make me very emotional). I still view my surroundings with the same child-like eyes, which led me to making the creation of art one of my main priorities.

Building off of that, what led you to ceramics?

I’ve always loved stone and its derivatives as a natural building material. It’s endemic to the Middle East which is where I grew up. I think that my feelings of longing towards home naturally led me to taking a drop-in pottery workshop 7 years ago. Since then, I’ve been teaching myself through watching others, trial and error, and I’ve been totally hooked. 

As a self-taught ceramicist, what were your biggest struggles in the beginning and how did you remain committed to the craft through them?

Definitely comparing myself to others was my biggest internal struggle. Clay demands slowness. It is a slow craft and a very particular material which requires balance and commitment. I recall wanting to learn as quickly as possible in a very unnatural way, which led to failure after failure. I was extremely tough on myself. I honestly struggle with all of this until this day. Another huge struggle was finding the space to work. Anyone who lives in Toronto knows that finding a good studio (or merely EXISTING) is expensive and difficult. I worked out of my small apartment until I opened my studio two years ago, which I was extremely lucky to find during Covid. 

How does your work with clay affect your well-being?

Working with clay requires the body to become the mind, and shutting my mind off from all the noise at least once a day by focusing on clay is essential to my well-being. Working with natural materials is inherent to our senses. I think that everyone should regularly ground themselves with earthly materials. You’d be surprised as to how at-home your senses feel. 

It seems you're content with what you do everyday, which is more rare than people think. What advice do you have for people who want to find fulfillment in their work?

I think everyone knows to some degree that being content with what you do every day is extremely rare, haha! I wouldn’t say I’m content where I am, otherwise I wouldn’t be continuously exploring new ways to create. Rather, I am grateful– because it takes a certain amount of courage to subvert the workforce structure by taking on art full time with little to no financial capital. I would say… It’s common to feel a lack of fulfillment with your work. The world isn’t cut out for creative work, there’s a system carved out for us to make us compliant. If you’re a full-time creative, acknowledge the power you have by merely rejecting this system. Confiding in your kin is SO important. Needing support and reassurance is necessary and completely okay to ask of your community. Fulfillment will come with a balance of rest, support and spending your time in the ways that you want.

With another year wrapping up and that time for reflection creeping in, what is a moment you are proud of and will hold onto from 2022? 

This year was full of ups and downs and looking back at this year in retrospect makes me feel proud of overcoming every moment in which I felt small, burnt out and depressed. I was able to impress myself with several new works and techniques despite the many lows. A moment that’s resonating with me lately is landing in Mexico City at the end of November and heading straight to the group exhibition BARRO-Clay and Dialogues, and immediately feeling at home with all the other ceramicists featured in the show even though I felt like a fish out of water! I knew no one there, I had no idea where I was and I was new to the city. That feeling of camaraderie among strangers reminded me of the reason I do what I do—earth connects us all, it is one of the languages we share. 

Tell us about your upcoming exhibition! Are there any other projects you have coming up that you can share?

I just finished a group exhibition in Mexico City called BARRO-Clay and Dialogues, which was skillfully curated by Sarah Len featuring incredible ceramicists from around the world. From mid-late January, I will have my first solo exhibition called Deep Blue for DesignTO at CryBaby Gallery featuring a soundscape by sound designer Patrick Perez. It will encompass many recent sculptures that are reminiscent of my time living by the sea and distant feelings stemming from the memory of deep water. More information is available on the DeisgnTO website, and will soon be available on my Instagram page! In terms of other projects, I’m honoured to be a part of the Interior Design Show with Brett Paulin from Jan 19-22 featuring some of my light sculptures.

You can follow Solem’s work here.

Visit Crybaby Gallery on Dundas St W to immerse yourself in Tamara’s experiential installation, a part of the 2023 DesignTo Festival, January 20-29.

See more of Solem’s pieces featured in Brett Paulin Design’s IDS exhibit, January 19-21, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

A chat with Founder Mary Young about Lifestyle Changes and Personal Wellness.

We love that talk about personal well-being is showing up more and more in our conversations. Whether it be with loved ones, friends online, or your barista, we encourage you to not only find practices that fit with your lifestyle but to share them with those closest to you.

Mary remains a core figure in the self-love community. Gracefully handling a shift in surroundings, we’ve asked her to share some insights on being a young entrepreneur, how she prioritizes her personal well-being while running her business, and self-love practices she’s adopted.

We prepped Mary with florals from out favourite LA florist Offerings & Co, and watched this magical WFH shoot manifest.

1. How are you finding LA? Any comparisons or differences you can draw in relation to life as a young entrepreneur in Toronto? 

I have to admit the sunshine and consistent weather is so amazing. Getting up each day to the sun and a comfortable temperature makes getting up and tackling a full day of work that much easier. There are definitely similarities to Toronto but LA is very much it’s own place - the city moves differently here. While everyone is hustling and making moves, there is a slower pace and more acceptance towards a balanced lifestyle which I am welcoming arms wide open. Everyone I’ve met, whether through friends or for the first time, have been super welcoming and supportive of not only myself and my partner, but also my business and its success.

2. What are your general thoughts so far on the personal wellness scene in California? 

I honestly love it! One huge thing for me is the ease of finding gluten free and dairy free options not only at the grocery store but everywhere I eat out. In Toronto having dietary restrictions often felt like a huge inconvenience but here it’s so widely accepted. I am also leaning in to more outdoor activities like hiking, beach days and overall enjoying the outdoors. Though LA isn’t a walking city at all, it has a huge focus on outdoor activities with hiking, biking, surfing, etc. It’s been a great change of pace to be surrounded by a community and society that puts more emphasis on wellness.

3. ‘The self love club’ is an integral part of your brand, tell us more about how ‘the self love club’ flourished. Did you always have the idea to integrate the blog into MARY YOUNG? 

The Self Love Club came about very organically after the first few years of business. I was having one off conversations with customers about how lingerie can be used as empowering and an action of love towards yourself rather than how society has often portrayed it as something for a viewer. Once these conversations became more and more frequent I realized we as a community weren’t having them in a safe space and exploring what self love looks like in different stages and areas of life. That’s really how the journal began, as a digital space to open the conversation around self love and acceptance and from there it’s expanded into in person events, social media conversations and much more.

4. Dialogue around self-love is becoming more and more common (which we love); do you find inspiration for the self love club in your own personal conversations/relationships or where do you get inspired? 

Yes most definitely! I love how self love and self care conversations are more common and openly talked about which allows me to continually explore these areas with those in my life. As seasons change so do our self care and self love practices. Like with me moving to LA, I’m in a new city with only a handful of people I know, starting my life with only a few boxes and suitcases and it’s a huge change. How I show up for myself with love and care during this change looks completely different than my self love practices a year ago. These life changes and chapters are always an inspiration to me that I believe the self love club community can relate to. Our team at MARY YOUNG also explores new topics and ways to challenge ourselves to further understand self care and self love. For example we had an optometrist as a Monday Must who shared on eye care and health - something I honestly had never thought of before but we got amazing feedback from our community on how eye opening (pun intended) this topic was and encouraging to take care of ourselves in a way they never considered before.

5. Running a business doesn’t come without its challenges, how do you continue to prioritize your personal wellbeing while simultaneously growing your business?

This is a question I ask myself often! Truthfully I don’t think I do very well in this area of balance on a consistent basis. I definitely go through waves of being great at having balance and then other times I’m way too focused on work and often forget to check in with myself. Some things I come back to time and time again when trying to ‘reset’ my balance is having a physical and mental check in with myself - how do I physically feel, is my body tired or just my mind, are my emotions all over the place, etc. Once I can determine where I am mentally and physically I’m able to address what my body needs - maybe it’s a massage, lots of stretching and no intense workouts or a day just drawing and doodling to get my creative juices flowing again. I’m still working on accepting that both areas of my life, personal and professional, may not thrive at once but both can continue to grow as I need them to and as I invest into them.

6. Building off of that, do you have certain self-love practices or boundaries you instill in both your work and personal life?

I love the do not disturb feature on my phone - I use it every evening at 9pm so I can’t access any apps or get any notifications and then it comes off at 8am the next morning. This gives me time to not feel pulled towards texts, emails, instagram messages, etc and allows me mental space to breathe. I also write a to-do list at the top of my day to ensure I get out all the little things I need to get done so they aren’t whirling around in my head. And when I’m feeling extra overwhelmed I write the to-do list before bed so I don’t toss and turn all night or have dreams about work. I also ensure to eat properly and drink plenty of water - both sound so simple but when my day gets going it’s common for me to look at the clock and realize I haven’t eaten at all and then wonder why I’m so shaky! Food and water are our fuel and we often overlook how beneficial they are to not only our physical health but also our mental well-being.

7. Looking at your life now and the relationship you have with yourself, what is one thing you would tell a younger you?

I would tell her to celebrate herself and not be afraid to be proud of herself. Maybe it’s just me, or maybe women more so than men feel the need to make themselves smaller, especially things they’re proud of and to disregard what they’ve accomplished. This is something I am still working on in my personal life - to be proud of myself and celebrate every big and little thing - not to show it off for others but to ensure I truly believe in myself.

You can see it all for yourself by visiting ‘the self love club’ where you will find intentions that you can follow, other figures sharing their stories, and more

Mary Young’s Self-Love Club

An in season recipe for your next dinner party

Written + Images by Alia Cordeiro

---

Let me start this by saying that I’m a big advocate for dinner parties, big or small, your mom’s famous recipe or something new; I love the idea of gathering over a home-cooked meal.

So, when my birthday came around this year, I knew that I wanted to celebrate another year of life with close friends and good food. 

 At first glance, hosting a dinner party can be a stressful, or even exhausting endeavor. So what is it that makes the extra effort so worthwhile?

I’ve learned that there are few things as important as spending time with those closest to you. But unfortunately, like most people, I’ve found that every year it becomes a little harder to match schedules, or even be in the same city as my friends. Getting everyone together on the same evening can be so rare that when it happens, I want us all to experience it in a way that we won’t forget.

To me, the best way to put together a memorable meal is to build a menu that draws on creativity and uniqueness, combined with the perfect touch of familiar, classic ingredients. When you take the extra time and effort to prepare a home-cooked meal, you’re reflecting how important the time is that you’re spending with the people around you. One of my favourite ways to do that is through the inclusion of seasonal ingredients. Locally sourced ingredients are not only fresher, and ultimately better tasting than alternatives that are out of season, but they also help you to be more environmentally conscious with your cooking. Additionally, cooking with seasonal ingredients reflects the present time and creates flavors that are unique because they only come around at certain times of the year.

 So, choose a few items and get creative. Have fun preparing for your friends or family and do it in a more sustainable way that elevates the flavor in your meals. For my birthday dinner, I chose to focus on ingredients coming into fruition for the early summer. I added garlic to everything  and topped my cake with freshly picked strawberries.

Regardless of what’s in season at the time, some of the most memorable times with my close friends have come through the care and preparation of a home cooked meal. 

In season produce (July and August)

• Potatoes 

• Tomatoes

• Garlic

• Cucumber 

Cucumber & Radish Salad

Recipe

• Half of a cucumber, washed and cut roughly into 1-2cm chunks

• 6-8 radishes, washed and halved or quartered

• A few thin slices of red onion

• 2bsp Greek yogurt

• 1 clove of garlic

• Pinch of dried parsley, dried mint & toasted chili flakes 

• A few fresh mint leaves 

• 1tbsp of olive oil

• 1tsp of white wine vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix the yogurt, garlic, dried mint, dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste. Spoon onto the bottom of a plate or bowl 

2. Mix the cucumber, red onion, and radishes with the olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper

3. Spoon the cucumber mix over the yogurt, including the excess olive oil and vinegar 

4. Sprinkle over the chili flakes & fresh mint

Another perfect little side dish

Recipe

• Baby potatoes

• Lots of olive oil

• Half of a lemon juiced 

• A handful of chopped Kale 

• 2 cloves of garlic

• Tsp of capers

• Parsley chopped 

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water

2. Once potatoes are tender, drain the water and leave the pot on warm

3. Muddle them around with olive oil, lemon, kale, garlic, capers, and parsley 

4. Serve warm 

Creating with Olivia Tortolo

Like many businesses, this past year and a half has created space for passions and hobbies to take full form. It eradicated the fear of what ifs, and left artists feeling more vulnerable and brave more than they have in a long time.

Come Olivia Tortolo, a self-taught illustrator who coincidentally found the need for change only two months before the beginning of the pandemic.

Photo captured by Sztella Muzslai

“My mental health improved almost instantaneously but most importantly, years of clouded judgment that I struggled with started to dissipate. I could think clearly and make decisions without feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.” - Olivia.

We were lucky enough to work with Olivia on a special product, and to ask her a few questions about her craft.

How did you narrow down your artistic direction?

A ‘less is more’ approach to my work, often simplifying my concepts as I move through the creative have an unintentional process. Since I work primarily with graphite pencils, I like the range of values to be the focal point of the piece and I’m very keen on thoroughly blending for a smooth finish. This approach has taught me a lot about choosing great reference photos and the one we went with for our collaboration was exactly that! You’ll see in this piece that there is an extensive range in value without anything being too light or dark. It was wildly satisfying to draw!

 

Describe your space where you get creative. Is there anything specific about it you think aids in the productivity of your work?

I’m pretty particular about where I work. Pre-pandemic, I planned to take a long trip and draw while travelling but I’m very much a creature of habit and like to have a dedicated space for my art. Right now I work at my kitchen table where I have the most daylight, which is essential to my productivity. If I’m drawing for a long stretch, upwards of 8-9 hours, I need a good audiobook to keep me focused. That said, I’m moving into a new space in a few weeks that will accommodate my very own studio,  a exciting step for me in expanding my practice! 

Lark, re-created by Olivia

Do you have any favourite pieces, if so, what makes them so special?

The two pieces that stand out to me are of  Gabi and Bianca. The original photo of Gabi was shot by her sister and my close friend, Sztella Muzslai, who is an incredible photographer. This piece lingers in my mind because it was the first time I felt emotion behind one of my own pieces. The second piece is of my own sister, who I’m super close with. I love the abstract shadows on her face and shooting the reference photo was a fun experiment with lots of laughter, of course.

 

What do you feel are the pros in being a self-taught artist?

There are so many! For me, the biggest pro is that I feel invincible when I start to make progress. There is a lot of trial and error involved but eventually finding that sweet spot is so gratifying, even if the process is a little painful. The experience has also taught me a lot about myself, how to trust my intuition and have patience… which is absolutely something I needed to work on anyways! 

A Chat with Nichole Holmes and Sarah Miller from Netflix’s Marriage or Mortgage

Wedding flowers or kitchen flowers? We were thoroughly intrigued about what couples actually value in the early stages of their engagements, so we jumped at the chance to speak to both Nichole and Sarah about their thoughts on where newlyweds should spend their dollars when entering this new phase of their lives.

While the hit Netflix show highlights couples making these hard decisions, to some, they are just no brainers. We ask Nichole and Sarah details about their fields, why they believe some couples choose a wedding over an investment, and where the future of weddings and real estate is going.

Nichole and Sarah, what led you both to your respective careers?

Nichole: I come from a construction and land development background. My family owned a construction company for 3 generations, spanning over 100 years. I grew up listening right outside the conference room door to deals happening on the other side. My parent owned and ran several apartment complexes in my hometown. I grew up showing, renting and helping manage those apartments since I was 16! My college degree is from the school of Mass Communications at Southern Illinois University. I majored in Radio/Television and minored in Psychology. I’ve worked in front of the camera in some capacity since I graduated college. Marriage and Mortgage was a dream come true, combining my love for real estate and my love for being in front of the camera.

Sarah: I grew up in Atlanta, GA where my mother had brought me up in her creative career of Interior Design. I love shadowing her as a young girl, while she was shopping, designing, and pulling together all the pretty details. You can say it just stuck when I was older and moving into high school all I wanted to do was Art Classes. Studying interior design in college to then go to designing my own wedding in Florida made me realize I love the actual design and feel of weddings. That Drive brought me to Nashville TN and into the wedding planning industry. I worked for another company for years when I realized after my growing family that I needed to be out on my own designing and enjoying my job!! That is where Southern Vine & Co. was born. My love for interior design and design/planning of weddings goes hand and hand!

What perks do you find in intimate weddings as opposed to big ones?

Sarah: No matter what kind of wedding you have in mind, small or big, intimate, or large, you will want to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible without any regrets. I love planning both and no matter what size it is all about being creative for my clients. I will say the perks on planning a smaller wedding is I get to know the families and guest much more than the larger ones which I love because it is all about the relationships we bond. The other is that my client love that they get to dance and mingle all night long instead of having to try and great and or speak with so many guests. Third thing is that it opens many more options for venues, destinations, and budget. Now for my large wedding clients, I honestly have never heard any regrets, they have loved the moment for everyone in their lives to come together to celebrate their love. Which would never happen in any other setting. It is a time you get to see so much, love, joy and laughter of people that just met. The Con on the large size wedding is that it does limit the destination and venues to choose from.

What can we expect from the suburban housing market over the next five years, and how can couples looking to buy within that timeframe prepare for the changes?

Nichole: I wish I could predict that! Real Estate can be cyclical. I feel the Nashville market will plateau at some point but I’m not sure it will ever drop significantly from where we are today.

What are a few ways a couple can save on their wedding while keeping their desires for a full day intact?

Sarah: I love to talk about smart money and dumb money! I hate to say it like that but its true. I honestly live by this as a planner. Put your money towards things you love a want and scale back on the rest. That does not mean you have to compromise each area it just means maximize your budget where its needed most. There are plenty of ways to scale back in areas and still have a stunning wedding. Plus, I think hiring a wedding planner to lead you in the right direction for each area is key. Planners can help you in the long run maximize designs, vendors and all the details depending upon what you are looking for.

Although it is specific from couple to couple and their circumstances, what are some general rules of thumb on what to compromise on when looking for the right home?

Nichole: It’s important to know what your deal breakers are and what your top must haves are. If schools are super important, obviously you’ll sacrifice something in the home to afford being in the right school district. If proximity to work in the city is important, maybe you’ll give up yard size so your commute isn’t as far. It’s all very individualized. It’s my job to figure those important pieces to the puzzle out when house hunting.

Do you see a shift in the way weddings are being approached after the pandemic?

Sarah: Honestly, NO. Since the pandemic, the event world has gone 0 – 100 in a few months. Where we went from unnoticed as planners to overbooked. Most families and or Brides and Grooms took the Pandemic as an awful experience where they lost or where not able to see their loved ones. Everyone now that things are safer want to celebrate and make sure they don’t miss out on these celebrations with the ones they love. Now on the vendor side, yes. Vendors have put so many new protocols into play for safety/cleanliness to still ensure that we are still able to carry on with these events while taking care of guest and staff. But overall, there has never been a right or wrong way to plan a wedding, so do what feels right and safe still in these unusual times.

We recommend Marriage or Mortgage for your next Netflix binge.

Keep up with Sarah and Nichole on their socials: Nichole Holmes, Sarah Miller

Our Favourite Gee Beauty Product Right Now

• visit the 2PEONIES x GEE Beauty pop up from July 7th - 9th at 2 Roxborough St W, Toronto, ON.

By: Olivia McIntosh

The Gee Women have taken monumental leaps in the beauty industry by offering not just their own line of treatment products, but also a curated selection of products in dreamy brick and mortar shops, and a thriving e-commerce destination with a vibrant, diverse community.

Not to mention, 6 By Gee Beauty, home to coveted fashion and lifestyle labels to up your closets and personal surroundings. The ladies behind the Gee Beauty brand effortlessly appeal to all women, as their voice of opinion is diverse in age as mother, daughter duos driven to creating impact through a multi-faceted brand.

While expanding their in-person services and treatments that originated in Miami all the way to Toronto, Gee Beauty provides some of the finest treatments for all your essential beauty needs.

---

Gee’s high-end product favourites are hard to place, so here are our top five favourites featured:

GEE BEAUTY – Mineral Sheer Tint

The perfect product for a minimal makeup look, while still evening out your skin tone. Less is always more especially in the summer heat.

GEE BEAUTY – Hi Brow

Offering a variety of shades to match your natural colour or to meet your desire for bolder brows. It’s soft-focus nylon fibers, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate components hydrates and conditions your brows and makes brushing through them a breeze with some added colour!

GOOP – G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub

While exfoliating your face is important, so is exfoliating the rest of your body! This formula is fused with cold-pressed moringa, pre unfiltered rose hip, and organic extra virgin olive oils leaving the skin both exfoliated and moisturized after use in the shower making it the perfect 2- in- 1.

SHANI DARDEN – Retinol Reform

A skincare routine essential packed with low ph stabilized retinoid, lactic acid, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to prevent aging and acne breakouts.

GEE BEAUTY – Waterproof Gel Lip Liner

Gee’s seamless water and smudge proof lip liner formula is a match made in heaven for any summer activity. Adding a little colour to brighten up a simple everyday makeup look without worrying about reapplying after a few cocktail sips!

The thoughtful result-driven brand curation is set to offer a product for all! Not sure which product will suit your needs best? Visit their online platform for a complimentary consulting chat to learn more about each product and receive Gee’s guidance.

Changing Habits With Changing Seasons

By: Olivia McIntosh

Understanding the affects that each season has on our bodies and minds provides information that can be used in preparing for what to expect during each transition. As humans, there are different biological functions that are needed and provided by each season.

It's no coincidence that every stranger's smile that you pass by is a little bit bigger in the summertime. The long hours of sunshine increases Vitamin D in the body, boosts serotonin levels and mediates biological rhythms, allowing the body to feel rejuvenated after a long winter lacking the sun. 

Transitioning from winter into spring and summer calls for lots of personal refreshing, outside time, and adding more sunscreen into your skincare regimen. Starting the sunny months with a clean slate by clearing out your space and deep cleaning can be highly beneficial to your seasonal renewing. 

---

Eating Habits

Sunlight and high temperatures change our eating habits to a lighter intake of food. Eating heavier meals in the summer is not as enjoyable because of the heat and sweat that our bodies are producing, it makes the body feel lethargic rather than recharged. During the winter, our bodies increase our insulin production and store fat in our livers to keep our bodies warm in the cold. This results in our metabolisms slowing down as discussed by Premier Medical Group. Establishing an exercise routine can make a huge difference when it comes to healthy weight maintenance during all months, but especially in the winter. 

Additionally, being aware of which fruits and vegetables are in harvest during each season will enable your body to take in a wide variety of nutrients from the earth that are rich at that time of year. Each season’s harvest varies and is dependent on your geographical location. 

Your Mood

The sunlight deficiency that begins in autumn affects the immunity system, creating prolonged feelings of fatigue and illness into the winter. This fatigue makes it difficult for our mind and body to be motivated to keep our healthy habits. Finding a form of exercise that does not feel like a chore will help with keeping the body and mind in check during the colder months, along with taking advantage of any amount of sunlight that presents itself to you. When the environment around us changes, so do we. Our instincts as a living species are wired to do so naturally.

Although seasonal transitions can be discouraging to your preferred routine they are necessary changes for our bodies to endure. Listening to your body during these times and taking note of what it needs is important in order to grow and envelope each season's offerings.

Our Digital Editor Talks Wedding Personalizations

The way we do the wedding day has changed a lot over the years, especially during this pandemic. I for one never imagined getting married during such an odd time in history, yet here we are. During the planning process, I decided I wanted to find little ways to make the celebration extra special and personal.

For all the someday and current brides-to-be, here are my top four wedding personalizations that are getting me so excited for the big day.

Digital Editor, Ashley Alagurajah

---

Mint Room Studios

https://www.mintroom.ca

A lot of people choose to do their engagement shoot on a sandy beach, in a sunny field, or an enchantingly beautiful forest. While these are all lovely spots, one way I elevated and personalized my engagement photos was by taking them in a studio space. Mint Room Studios in Toronto offers a multi-room photography studio pre-furnished for all your shoot needs.

We chose “The Ballroom,” I was obsessed with the huge windows, pastel-coloured furniture, and bright white walls; they made the perfect backdrop for some classy engagement shots.

Silver Rain Silver

www.etsy.com/SilverRainSilver

The next thing I started to sort out was my wedding-day getup. I knew I wanted to go minimal with the jewellery, but I also wanted something unique. Silver Rain Silver on Etsy had exactly what I was looking for. I ended up getting a pair of silver studs, letter-shaped with my fiancé’s initials. They took a few weeks to arrive from Glasgow, Scotland but when they did, they were perfect. This was such an easy and affordable way to customize my wedding-day jewellery in an extra special way.

Jess Made This

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JessMadeThis?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=286505799

When it came to planning the reception I knew I wanted a photo booth of sorts. We settled on a homemade version where we could customize the backdrop. Again, wanting to make it something special and personalized I started my hunt for the perfect text banner. Jess Made This, also on Etsy, made me the most perfect two-tiered text banner in our wedding colour (black.) The first line says “Holy Matrimony,” and the line below says “A+G,” my fiancé and I’s initials. This may be the part I’m most excited about, I can already imagine the iconic polaroid shots we’ll be taking under that banner.

Wedding Day Scents

Lastly, one of my favourite vloggers gave two pieces of advice for longterm ways to remember your special day. The first was to use real (not synthetic) flowers in your bridal bouquet so you could dry them out and keep them forever styled somewhere in your home. I will definitely be doing that. The second thing she mentioned was choosing a wedding day scent for each person. Our olfactory senses have a deep connection with memory, so by wearing a particular scent on your wedding day, wearing that scent again sometime in the future should jog memories of that day.

Right now my fiancé and I are leaning towards Armani’s In Love with You Freeze (for her), which includes elegant peony and cherry notes, and Stronger with You Freeze (for him), a more citrus, woody fragrance.

Regardless of whether or not you are wedding planning, these personalizations add a special touch to a range of special occasions.

Exercising Your Creative Muscle

By: Olivia McIntosh

Aligning the idea of exercising a creative thought process is just as important as physical exercise to stay healthy. A strong creative mind takes practice and attention, if you are in hopes of being strong in all areas that is.

Creative thoughts are subjective to the curator and are up for interpretation by the viewer. That being said, the pressure and constraints felt as a creative can be exhausting for the mind. Some might call it burn out, but by actively exercising your creative thinking powers you can unleash uncovered potential and spark new ideas – it just takes practice.

The typical day-to-day practices can be easy to succumb to and blame for your lack of creative drive. Implementing a couple of hours into your daily or weekly schedule can make all the difference for the flow of your ideas and to stimulate creative production. As seen in the article on creative thinking from Adobe Spark, giving yourself certain limitations and broadening your perspective on normal everyday interaction and scenery will allow your creative mind to create in a different light.

Because a creative mind is necessary for all areas of life, here are three easy exercises to own your creativity and exercise that muscle.

---

Practice thoughts with certain limitations.

Imagine yourself going on the date of your dreams: What outfit would you wear? Where would it take place? What would the love interest look like? What would they say? Would you pick a specific meal, activity? Creating a space where your mind can think of a specific event or situation allows your thoughts to wander and think about certain things that you don’t usually explore mentally on a daily basis. Look past the normal.

Passive People Watching

In this instance, an essential part of imagination is given to you: the subject. Practice things like narrowing in on typical people and object interactions while allowing a deeper train of thought occur. Paying attention to fleeting details allow you to capture what busy humans typically miss, and perhaps learning to enjoy the small things along the way.

Educate Yourself on Unfamiliar Topics

Exploring subjects that you are curious about and that are unfamiliar can also elevate your creative thinking. When you are aware of different ways of thinking whether socially, culturally, ethically, or religiously, you are better equipped to tackle creative problem solving or curate designs that will appeal to a wider variety of eyes.

rociomontoya.com

Exercising your creative mind by using some of these methods while also designating a special place in a notebook or on your phone of random thoughts and ideas that come to you is important.

Timeless Reads by Female Authors You Must Read

By: Ashley Alagurajah 

Late American author Carolyn See once said, “Every word a woman writes changes the story of the world, revises the official version.”

Through our many words and stories, women around the world have been able to shape narratives and tell tales that have often gone unheard. Each woman with a unique story to tell, each different and multi-dimensional, ranging in prose and pace.

Barbara Laages in her New York apartment.

---

Here is a list of timeless stories by women that we highly reccommend.

1. Prospero’s Daughter by Elizabeth Nunez

   A retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this time placed in the Caribbean during the height of British-colonial and native tensions. Through the various lenses of characters, Nunez depicts a clear image of societal injustice and the effects of race, power, and wealth through this mysterious and classic star crossed love story. If you’re someone who loves mystery, drama, and romance, this is something you’ll want to pick up.
   

2. Educated by Tara Westover

   This memoir of Westover’s life, detailing her at times unbelievable days in the Idaho mountains with her family. Being devout Mormons in middle-America barely scratches the surface. As the tale unfolds, we follow her journey of pursuing a post-secondary education, with no former schooling experience. This is a story of perseverance and rigor, Westover leaves no stone unturned in her quest for truth, through the means of an education she never had.
   

3. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

   This read is perhaps the most thrilling “whodunit?” tale of all time. Ten strangers, one island, and no one seems to know why they’re there? That is until one by one, they start to perish. The queen of mystery has cooked up the most complex of stories, with every character running in circles trying to beat the clock, this story will leave you wondering until the very last page, who did it?

4. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

   The telling of a fictional story of a world where women are segregated into a class system, revealing the dangers of a domineering patriarchal state. Skipping from past to present, Atwood reveals to us the slow transition to this dystopian future of full dictatorship and how women are the first to bear the brunt of this inhumane new world-order. Arguably her most known book, The Handmaid’s Tale is an eerie tale of a society that diminishes and silences the autonomy of women in a way that isn’t all that far from our past reality.

5. They Said This Would Be Fun by Eternity Martis

A memoir of Martis’s post-secondary experience at a nearly all-white campus as a young black woman. The Toronto-born journalist and writer accepted her admission to The University of Western Ontario in the 2010s and experienced racism on a level unknown to her until she was there. This powerful retelling of her story not only sheds light on the issues surrounding race in Canada but also provides readers a real encounter with the experiences of those who call this reality.

Toronto-based Interior Design Studios for Intimate Settings

 By: Michelle Strand

We spend the majority of our lives in the built world- the places and spaces made for us and designed for our use. We sit nestled between walls finding sunshine cascading across the floor, we stroll under soaring city skyscrapers that shape the streets with expansive shadows. This world where we reside, one of architecture and interior architecture, while concrete in form, is one that is deeply personal and perceptual. 

The use of our senses - touch, sound, smell, look, and feel are those that physically connect us with space, and through that connection, open our ability to form meaning from these experiences. 

Studio Munge - Park Hyatt Toronto

 This is how we frame the essence of design, and in turn, architects, interior architects, designers, and installation artists are able to dictate our experience of space. Transforming spaces - ones of inanimate objects, into places - ones of personal reflection and meaning.

Mason Studio

www.masonstudio.com

In 2014, Mason Studio, an internationally recognized, Toronto-based interior design studio curated an art installation called “Cloudscape” for the Toronto Design Offsite Festival. This installation urged viewers to engage in an “ephemeral moment of quiet” - using a calming space. As visitors would approach the large textured cloudlike object, each cloud would start to glow and slowly fade as participants walked away. Cloudscape, through the use of light, sound, and texture transformed inactive elements into a profound human experience.

Yabu Pushelberg

yabupushelberg.com

On March 13th of 2018, in an interview with Dolce Magazine, George Yabu and Glenn Pushlberg, owners of Interior Design Studio, Yabu Pushelberg, and notably Ryerson Bachelor of Interior Design Graduates, discussed the meaning of design. “There are two parts to it,” Pushlberg says, “There are two sides of a brain creating rational things that make sense. But there are also things that fascinate us, things that have an inner beauty to them - a real beauty, not a facade of beauty.” Pushlberg is referencing the humanness of truly beautiful design. The type of design that forms lasting relationships with space - the ones that hit us so hard, that it touches the deepest, most intimate piece of our being. The spaces that we return to again and again, the places we miss, crave, and long to be in.

Choices of finishes, textures, or fabrics play an important role in design narrative. The impact of a sleek, cold marble interior, versus the warmth and smell of a light cedar filled room with a warm fireplace becomes increasingly prevalent in shaping the essence of space.

Studio Munge

studiomunge.com

 At Studio Munge, a leader in evoking designs spanning from residential to globally-renowned commercial interiors, Principle, Alessandro Munge discusses his commitment to communicative design. He explains that in his design for the William Vale project, a luxury hotel in Brooklyn his careful choice of medium allowed him to represent the essence of what Williamsburg is. “Lattice fire escapes giving way to the more colonial tones and painted row houses that characterize regenerated Williamsburg.” Munge says he starts all of his projects with “why?” and only after finding the narrative of space, does he begin to design. 

Glenhill Hotel and Residences

Architecture and interior architecture continue to be incredibly intimate reflections of ourselves. They are our homes, our workplaces, and our cities. They are places to visit but also places to be. They are our past experiences in the present moment - intrinsically beautiful and inherently nostalgic, but much more than beautiful design, they are beautiful with human function.

A Chat on Stepping Into Your Potential with Author Antonio Neves

Conducted by Michelle Strand

With a growing and promising audience - podcast host, keynote speaker, award-winning journalist, and author of, Stop Living on Autopilot, Antonio Neves discusses with me the launch of his new book and his upcoming goals for 2021. 

For over 10 years, Neves worked as a correspondent and host with top television networks including NBC, PBS, and BET in New York City. After leaving the television industry, Neves’ natural desire for leadership and development led him to become a ‘professional question-asker’ and success coach as he re-invented his career in the realm of personal wellness.

On The Best Thing podcast, regularly ranked in Apple’s self-improvement category, Neves talks to people about the “best thing to happen to them that wouldn’t show up on their resume,” offering listeners an inside glimpse into hearing life experiences that they wouldn’t normally be privy to. Among such guests are former Teen-Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Elaine Welteroth, American photographer, director, artist, and entrepreneur, Chase Jarvis, and top business author Marcus Buckingham. Neves challenges us to change the ways we think about our struggles, the ones that rebirth into our biggest accomplishments.

Let’s start by talking about your new book, and what it’s about. Who it’s for, what made you want to write and launch this book, and are the themes similar to your podcast?

Neves: Simply put, so many people’s lives are not where they want them to be because they have resisted making choices. They think that by not making a decision, taking accountability, or responsibility they’re able to divert from life. But let’s be crystal clear – not making a decision is making a decision. Today, start by making a decision, “not 10 decisions, 5 decisions or 3 decisions – just 1 decision” to improve your life. It can involve your career, relationship, fitness, health, or personal finances. A powerful question I ask in the book is: If your life was a movie, what would the lead character start doing to turn things around? I love the analogy, looking at your life more or less like a book really makes it apparent the life we intend to live.

Neves goes on to explain the much-needed wake-up call in response to the pandemic. That being said, he warns us that Stop Living on Autopilot isn’t so much a pat on the back, but rather a soft punch in the esophagus, saying, “wake up!” It’s a raw and direct reminder for people to know that they have a say in their lives. With the tragic loss of life and a global shutdown underway, this really revealed how many people have been going through the motions and living on cruise control. “The pandemic in many ways has revealed unseen and unexpected things about our lives,” he says. All of the trips we didn’t take, the conversations that we avoided with loved ones -all of the things we should have done, while we had the chance.”

Right, so you launched your podcast in January of 2020, and ask people the most unexpected thing that has positively impacted their lives. What themes have you seen emerge in the people you’ve talked to?

Neves: “What’s wild,” he responds, “is that with over 60 episodes, the consistent theme the ‘best thing’ to happen to people rarely was ‘the best,’ or most fun while it was actually happening.” Neves references character-building moments in life where pain or hardship actually forces us to grow. He explains,

“it has been things that have challenged people to build grit, resilience, and character that ended up shaping and influencing them the most. Guests have shared with me what it was like to lose everything in the Madoff Ponzi scheme, getting sentenced to 65 years in a Texas state penitentiary, or getting diagnosed with a brain tumor.”

“I was a shy kid, and my defense mechanism for being shy was to directly engage people in conversation rather than hiding in a corner. I would do everything I could to get them to talk about themselves and share their story. What I found was that people love to talk about themselves, so this was easy, and over the years, as I grew more confident, this skill translated well to my work as a broadcast journalist in the television industry, and even more now as a professional leadership speaker.”

You frequently reference “it’s hard to get on the plane if you never make it to the airport.” What really does this mean?

This goes back to people being unwilling to make decisions in their lives, staying still where they are, and saying things like, ‘I guess it’s not meant to be.’ But really, was it not meant to be, or in reality, have you just given up and accepted not doing anything about it? Instead of making decisions, people love to make excuses. They say they’re going to pray, be patient, or reflect for a bit - those are all just excuses. Life is asking you to shift into the “driver’s seat of life” and put your foot on the pedal. As St. Augustine once said, ‘Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.’” I think you’re absolutely right, I respond. People are afraid to admit that life itself is entirely up to them. We’re 100 percent responsible for our failures, our hardships, but also our success.

Cliche but, it matters. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“You can do anything you want, but you can’t do everything.” “That hit me like a brick to my face,” he says, “because at the time, and like most people, I was unfocused and trying to do everything. When you try to do everything, you accomplish nothing. It’s like having a computer running with a lot of applications open. Eventually, your processor speed will slow down, or worse, it can crash.”

I really admire your statements of truth, the ones that resonate with me the most are: a great story never began with, “I played it safe..”, and not making a decision is making a decision. Do you have examples of the best stories you’ve heard that reflect these statements?


Neves: A good friend of mine’s grandfather once told him, ‘Live an interesting life. No one wants to talk to an old person who doesn’t have interesting stories to tell.’ Most people who have accomplished great things, when they embarked on them people told them they were crazy or taking a risk. What some people call taking a ‘risk,’ others simply call living. I still can think back to moving to New York City with less than $1,000 in my bank account with dreams of breaking into the television industry. It all worked out. Still, even if it didn’t work out and I ended up back in my home state of Michigan, it would be easier to fall asleep at night knowing that I tried. Far too many people can’t sleep at night because they know they really haven’t put it out there.

“At the end of the day I’m a professional question asker, and one of the first questions I ask people to help get them unstuck is: “How are you getting in your own way in life?” I typically follow this up with, “What’s the biggest lie you tell yourself.” These questions can lead to massive breakthroughs.”

- Neves.

You can find ‘Stop Living Your Life on Autopilot’ here, and listen to Antonio Neves chat with an array of guests with new episodes published at 5 am est on Wednesdays.

Fragrance and Fair Trade: The Story of The 7 Virtues

By Olivia Mcintosh

Barb Stegman was a journalist with no intentions of entering the world of beauty and perfume. The writer and explorer found light in her best friend’s mission that was cut short due to injuries sustained while working on the ground in the Middle East with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Determined to continue her best friends’ efforts in bringing peace to communities in Afghanistan post-war, Barb Stegman created Canada-based clean fragrance line The 7 Virtues. The brand is a fusion of perfume and fair trade, using natural and organic essential oil ingredients from farmers overseas.

7 Virtues started out as a philosophical “how-to” book for women, The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, “living and leading in an illogical world.” This book empowers women to take that leap of faith and pursue their dreams, while encouraging action against corruption and war that tears our world apart. Soon after the book was released, Stegman was the first Atlantic-Canadian woman to secure a deal on ‘Dragons Den’ through which she was able to fund her mission to enlarge her vision of 7 Virtues into a perfume line.

Stegman began sourcing orange blossom and rose essential oil crops from Afghan farmers, which in turn freed many of their young daughters from the disheartening life of becoming “opium brides,” as stated on the company website.

The 7 Virtues in Rwanda

This philosophy has expanded to many other countries around the world, sourcing fair trade, natural, and organic floral oils in order to make a difference in the lives and liberty of even more people globally.

“it’s time to get loud with our love”

Purchasing their floral essential oils from countries overseas has created opportunities for development and new hope for the locals’ futures. 7 Virtues is living proof that human beings all over the world can add value and contribute to one another's ideas.

“My real job is to make rebuilding more exciting than destruction,” says Stegman, "I do this through perfume.”

The 7 Virtues in Afghan

Since launching in 2010, the collection of scents has expanded offering a variety of hypoallergenic fragrances that speak to various individual cultures. The Original Perfumes collection includes the country from where the oils were sourced to give a personal touch and recognition to the farmers. Over the years, 7 Virtues has curated new scent collections such as the Peace Blend Collection, made up of fresh florals, herbs, citrus, and warm tones that stimulate feelings of love, energy, tranquility, and uplifted spirits all through aromatherapy.

The important takeaway from The 7 Virtues, building others up and supporting communities after and during times of strife through aromatherapy everyday-wear fragrances, brings our world together and proves that we all have something unique and inspiring to bring to the table.

Though there is a long way to go in bringing unity between nations, there are small steps and things we can all do to bring about this future hope. Shop The 7 Virtues here.

The Psychology of Routine, Explained

By: Michelle Strand

Routine is a journey - to be precise, a marathon. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reading the work of Brianna Wiest, you’d visit many excerpts surrounding the topics of psychology and emotional intelligence.

Routine, as she defines it, is the ability to silence our cravings and prioritize our long-term desires, writing, “most things that bring genuine happiness are not just temporary, immediate gratifications, and those things also come with resistance and require sacrifice.”

She explains that,

“the point is not what the routine consists of, but how steady and safe your subconscious mind is made through repetitive motions expected outcomes.”

Think of the years of education, eight hours a day, every day, you knew exactly what to expect. Physics Tuesdays, homework after dinner, which was always at 6:00 p.m., dance, basketball, or piano at the same time every week. These routines are the very ones that allowed us to cultivate our love of science, and realize that we’re actually really good at shooting three-pointers. They fueled our passions and launched our careers. They shaped our identity. But beyond obligations, do you have a routine that’s fully autonomous? One with the same structure that built you into the scientist, lawyer, or dancer you are today? Steven Pressfield, the author of “The War of Art,” states that

most of us have two lives - “the life we live, and the unlived life within us.”

This is the same theory that can be found in Jen Sincero’s bestselling book “You Are a Badass,”- the separation of the conscious and subconscious mind. “Our conscious mind thinks it’s in control, but it isn’t. Meanwhile, our subconscious mind doesn’t think about anything, but is in control.” So, here’s the advice: prioritize your routine, pick something - add it to your day, or week. Making your bed in the morning, journal for 30 minutes at the end of the day, or better yet, embark on your dream creative pursuit, that business you wanted to start, the diet, health, or exercise regiment you’ve always told yourself you’d start “tomorrow.”

Forward, The Journey

The departure, mostly uphill, by far the hardest - a mentally and physically exhausting pursuit. You may need to set an alarm, or a reminder, you may even need to have continued pep talks with yourself. Change is not easy, and your body will do anything subconsciously to resist it. Anyone who’s tried anything new has experienced this phase, we all start as beginners after all. Your new task clouds your mind, you’re anxious about its arrival and you reflect on your exerted energy after it’s done, but it’s worth it, all part of the journey.

Next, the curve, a genuinely thrilling phase. Improvements flourish, we begin to realize that we can become the person we’ve always known to exist within us. The closest to our whole selves that we’ve ever known, because we’ve never fully experienced what we’re capable of, until now. You’re hooked - elated. Only this time, for the first time, you are fully satisfied. You sit and write for three hours. Typos? Doesn’t matter. Quality? Doesn’t matter.

Finally, the ‘flow’ phase.

You might have heard of the 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers.” If it’s true that it takes 10,000 hours to become a master at anything, think of how achievable and quantifiable your goal has just become. The way to do this of course - you’ve got it, your routine. Finally, your body and brain are able to work at ease with one another, entering a state of pure mental silence - meditative if you will. Musicians losing themselves in their music, playing endlessly for hours. “Did I make my bed this morning? - I must have. I do it every morning.” It becomes so natural that we forget that we’re even doing it. The stage at which you don’t think, you just know.

So, pick something - and stick to it. Show up every day. Show up on easy days and on hard ones. Remember, be patient with yourself, after all, routine, much like life is a journey, so take it day-by-day.

Our Favourite Local Small Businesses for Curated Vintage Finds

By Digital Editor: Ashley Alagurajah

Shopping vintage oftentimes leads us to the statement pieces that tie our homes together. Their uniqueness is unmatched with quirky and special features that are irreplaceable. Combining these design benefits with the sustainable advantages of shopping pre-loved, there are little to no reasons about why one wouldn’t want to shop vintage. 

To continue the support of our local shops, we’ve compiled a list of a few local e-store favourites to make sure you’re getting all the goods, even mid-pandemic.

---

365 Vintage

Shop Here.

This may be your one stop shop to make the progress of your interiors aesthetic a breeze. Products range from vintage dishware to couches, all perfectly intact for your new space. The majority of their pieces are smaller decorative items, so this is the place you want to check out for the ever-important finishing touches. 

Alvar Home

Shop Here.

Based in the GTA, Alvar Home carries rare vintage stone furniture pieces ranging for art stands to center tables. If you have passion for travertine, marble, and granite, checking alvar homes out is a must. Nearly all their pieces are vintage, giving multiple lives to the stone. 

Teak Toronto

Shop Here.

This vintage haven specializes in a curated selection of mid-century finds, and as the name would suggest, lots of beautiful woods. This finely curated destination mostly consists of larger-scale furniture items. Anyone looking to replace their old look with some timeless options will find some truly unique options here.  

Smol Treasures

Shop Here.

In case you haven’t been on Pinterest for a moment, Smol Treasures will make your pastel dreams come to life. Vintage glass and ceramics pieces are filling up our feeds, and there is no shortage of dreamy colour palettes here. If you love to have a little pop of fun in your home, this is where you should start. 

leftfordavie

Shop Here.

A beautiful mod collection of finds to give that nostalgic feeling your space longs for. Some of our favourite pieces at leftfordavie are to be found amongst their unique selection of cocktail vessels, their array of crystal glass candle holders, and vintage french presses.

THE NINES

Shop Here.

And if you’re looking for an array of vintage goods, THE NINES is your trusted source for curated fashion and home pieces. You will without a doubt find pre-loved apparel, and a small but distinctive selection of glassware.

Supporting small businesses and shopping vintage not only benefits the environment, but also helps to ensure your money is going towards individuals and families who need work hard to run an authentic brand that is also profitable.

Share this article to inspire others to shop small, and vintage.

Keep up with us on Instagram.

The Flowers and Wine Combo Is More Than an Aesthetic

By Olivia Mcintosh

Pairing wine with florals is nothing new, but what you may not know is this lush duo is in many ways responsible for strong long-term mental and physical health.

Don’t stress about treating yourself to that extra glass of wine. Curating a multi-sensory experience for this inevitable evening indulgence ties to a tasteful and beneficial cognitive psychology practice - and yes - it involves flowers. Red wine on its own delivers antioxidants to the body, lowers inflammation, and has been proven to strengthen one's cognitive performance.

When paired with wine, florals enhance the sensory experience with sight and smell. The organic and aesthetic beauty of the florals ignites the endorphins, creating feelings of euphoria and intensifying the desire to connect with those around you, or to connect back with yourself.

Alas, while making white wine, the skin of the grape is removed during the fermentation period, which is where nutrients are found in wine. The skin of the grapes is what holds all the antioxidants that provide long term health benefits, so for this to work, you’ll want to stick with reds.

It’s the simple things that make all the difference when enjoying wine and florals together. The shape of the glass, colour, and aroma of the wine drastically impact the overall experience – similar to choosing your floral vase. Studies have shown that flowers are a “natural and healthful moderator of moods,” and have positive long-term effects on moods, producing extended feelings of joy.

Starting with opening the bottle, cork or screw, makes all the difference. This puts into perspective what kind of wine you are working with regarding the quality- having a cork contains the aroma much better which in turn enhances the tasting experience. Paying attention to your choice of wine and which glass you use is a huge component of your emotional, visual, and tasting experience. 

For example, go for a long and thin stemmed glass for your Cabernet, the round shape will bring out the fruity notes as you sip. Cabernet is famously paired with red roses due to their shared colour palette and intoxicating fragrances. A large pour of Cabernet paired with romantic scarlet roses for the eyes to gaze at during each sip is what the evening was designed for. 

Wine and florals when paired together create feelings of reward and display elegance in the space. This couple will end your work day with content, and continue to give your mind and body the love that it deserves.

Why MERIT Beauty’s Focus on Essential, Minimal Makeup Is Important in 2021

By Ashley Alagurajah

Katherine Power has answered our minimal makeup prayers by launching the year’s newest clean cosmetics line, MERIT Beauty, where less is more.

Perhaps the last year paved the way for MERIT, a minimal beauty brand's success. The pre-existing need for five minute makeup no doubt expanded in 2021 for those of us who only reach for our makeup bags when we have a Zoom meeting, or the weekly essential errand.

“In many ways, beauty and self-care has reached a fever pitch,”

Power writes on the company’s website. In an oversaturated market where we’re often bombarded by the rhinestones and sparkles of the beauty industry begging for our attention when anything new hits the shelves, MERIT promises something different. 

The names of the products speak for themselves - a multi-use perfecting complexion stick called, “The Minimalist,” and a lengthening mascara called, “Clean Lash,” among the rest all depict effortless beauty. Obviously heightened by the pandemic, the barely there makeup look is coveted by women everywhere. Pinterest boards are full of gorgeous faces with freckles and beauty marks shining through a light dusting of blush - this is what everyone wants, a soft, easy, classic look. 

“MERIT was built around the idea that ‘less is more’ because we really want to just look like ourselves but better,” says Power in her product tutorial. Simplicity is what the brand claims to bring, with half a dozen no-makeup makeup products for the everyday working woman who doesn’t have an hour to apply false lashes and lip liner.

With everything looking good on paper the only thing that could work against this up-and-coming brand would be a meaningless product - but that’s not the case here. In such stunning packaging that you almost want to leave on your countertop, MERIT has done what many have tried to do, successfully create products that adhere to the clear shift from “caking” the face, to “editing” it.  

The six product line (seven including their Brush No.1 blending brush,) is everything you need to acquire a masterfully elevated everyday look with easy-to-use, stay all day products. These really are the, “Well-edited essentials that have earned a place on your vanity,” just like Power claims.

The new beauty line aims to serve the user well, but also has a mission to serve the environment well too. MERIT has dedicated themselves to taking a “holistic approach to clean,” ensuring their formulas and production maintain the highest levels of safety and ethics for your body and the planet, which you can read about on their about page.

All packaging is recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable, and their products are vegan and cruelty-free. They’ve also partnered with Baby2Baby, a non-profit that provides children across the United States with diapers, clothing and other basic necessities - no doubt something closer to Power’s heart as a mother herself.

Shop Merit Beauty here.