The Spring 2019 Swimsuit Edit: Suits You Need For Your Next Vacay

The Spring 2019 Swimsuit Edit: Suits You Need For Your Next Vacay

Monday 29 April 2019

Photos: Fella Swim.

     It's that time of year again! Coachella festival, hitting the beach on spring break, or taking off for an impromptu trip all necessitate a new bathing suit. I just love swimsuits; I would have a vast collection if I lived near the beach. Unfortunately for me, it's not really appropriate to wear a bikini top to run errands. I guess I'll have to settle for putting together swimsuit editorials every year. I'm not even sure if they're helpful to anyone, but it's my blogging guilty pleasure.

A Little Peek Into My Design Process | How To Design A Logo

A Little Peek Into My Design Process | How To Design A Logo

Friday 26 April 2019

     You may not know this, but aside from blogging, I also run a little side-hustle Etsy shop. It's called Jackie O My Shop. I began my shop when I realized there was a lack of affordable, high quality minimal logos available to purchase for my own site. As a small blogger, I understand that many are not able to spend a large sum on a logo, but are still trying to make their brand stand out. It became a goal of mine to offer people like myself options for a beautiful logo for little more than the price of a Frappucino.

Mistakes I Made While Blogging Last Year

Mistakes I Made While Blogging Last Year

Tuesday 23 April 2019

     I spent forever trying to come up with the perfect intro to this post. Something inspiring, witty and down to earth to show how much I've grown creatively during my time writing. But honestly, I have no idea how to preface this article, and since the whole point of this post is transparency, it would be ridiculous not to admit that. So here's a quick rundown of the facts:

I've been blogging over 5 years, but Jackie O My is only two years old (and my longest running blog). I've been totally hands-on with my past blogs, and I've never been afraid to try new things or totally throw myself into a project. This has resulted in tons of trial and error. While I'm sure more "okay, that didn't work" moments will come after this, for the time being, I'm here to share some of the mistakes I've made so far.

Wellness Diary: Keeping Resolutions & Free People's New Made To Move Collection

Wellness Diary: Keeping Resolutions & Free People's New Made To Move Collection

Saturday 20 April 2019

Pictured: High-rise bike shorts from Free People & yummy fresh panzanella ingredients on DesignLoveFest.

      So, we're almost halfway through the new year. You made your healthy resolutions in January, and for a while you did great, but now your motivation is dwindling and you're finding it a bit harder to stick to your goal plans. Sound familiar? I know it does to me!

This year, my resolutions are to eat out less and practice yoga regularly, but lately (okay, consistently), I've been struggling to keep it up. If you're like me and need a little pep talk to keep those goals, here are five ways you can keep your new year's resolutions going strong.

Start with a solid goal

It's time to step back and assess whether or not your goal is an attainable one. Maybe you set the bar a bit too high, or maybe you just weren't specific enough. That's okay! It's alright to modify something that isn't working for you. The foundation of building a good habit is starting with a resolution that is simple and realistic, and making a specific plan to complete it. I always say it's best to start with a smaller step and build on it. Instead of vowing to go to the gym every single day, why not start with promising to work out every Sunday and Wednesday at first?

Vent to a friend

When we're struggling with something, it can be tempting to bottle it up and put on a brave face, but it's totally okay to get support from your friends and loved ones! Let them know you're trying hard to make changes and vent out your frustrations. You might just feel lighter.

Track your progress

Tracking your progress is by far the best way to make a new habit stick. I use the Productive app on my phone to see where I need to focus my efforts more. I also use Pacifica, which has an awesome healthy habits tracker.

Celebrate small victories

Treat yourself when you hit milestones in your goals. Rewards can be anything from your fave food to buying yourself a little gift; the important thing is acknowledging your progress and associating it with something nice.

Be patient

Be patient with both the process and yourself. Building a habit is a long-term endeavour, so don't beat yourself up if you go off track or skip your healthy habit for a few days. This will only lead to major discouragement and zap your motivation. Instead, stay positive and give yourself time to rest if you need it. Have the same compassion for yourself that you'd have for a friend. Remember, it's about the journey, not the outcome!

With these tips and a little work, you'll have your resolutions back on track in no time!

Relevant links:

Smashed Potato Appetizer - Potatoes are my fave veggie, so I had to include this recipe.

The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich - Hummus, artichoke, and greens.

What's The Deal With Gua Sha? - How you can practice this self-care ritual.

Diet & Depression: What Research Tells Us - A very well done article from GOOP.
Knowing The Best Workout Time For You - Make workouts easier with considerate planning.
Panzanella Recipe - I've never heard of this dish, but now I want it.

Free People's new workout wear is on my radar:

On The Radar Bra - Free People.

Cheek To Cheek Pants.

Boxer Cami.

How are your resolutions coming? Let me know below!

Featured Artist: Janice Sung

Featured Artist: Janice Sung

Monday 15 April 2019

It's been a while since I shared my last featured artist, but I came across Janice Sung's incredible artwork and knew it was time to talk art again.

A fellow Canadian based in Toronto, Janice is a well-established designer and illustrator who's worked closely with magazines and luxury brands. It's not hard to see Janice's work is often inspired by fashion and beauty, but it's interesting how she also incorporates natural elements and just a dash of minimalistic shapes to give her art a colorful punch. A bit from her biography:

[Janice] enjoys incorporating organic forms like foliage with inorganic geometric forms like abstract shapes to create an interesting visual contrast, creating an overall feel of sultriness and sophistication. 

I've never seen illustration quite like Janice's before, and I'm happy to say she's become one of my favorite illustrators. I just love how fresh, modern and colorful her work is.

One more quick fact: She loves mangoes and Taiwanese fried chicken. Yum! Scroll down to see her work.

Art by Janice Sung.

Check out more of Janice Sung's art on her Instagram.

A Quick Guide To Refreshing Your Room For Spring With UO

A Quick Guide To Refreshing Your Room For Spring With UO

Wednesday 3 April 2019

     Let's be real: when's the last time you did a big Spring clean? With Summer fast approaching, time is running out to start the season fresh. Still, a big bedroom overhaul is exhausting. Who has the time?

Each year, I make sure to do a good Spring clean, paring down the stuff I don't need, and organizing what I do. I have my process down, so it requires only a couple of hours. And the best part? Replacing all those home decor elements that are no longer working for me with things I've had my eye on! Ready to liven things up? Here's the quick guide to refreshing your bedroom for spring, Urban Outfitters style.

Let's get to work.

Let the fresh air in.

First thing's first: Open all the windows wide and let in the fresh air. You're going to need light to work. And speaking of fresh, my absolute favorite thing about cleaning my room is fresh sheets and duvet. If your old bedding has seen better days, it might be time to replace it.

Bring in some nature.

Now that your room is nice and bright, bring in a potted plant or two to really liven up the place. It will feel like a whole new room. There's just something so clean about plants, no?

Shop: Macrame Planter Wall Hanging, Wyn Woven Planter Basket, Sleepy Kitten Planter.

Pare down.

Sort through everything you have, working on one part of the room at a time. Put things into three categories: keep, donate/give away, and if it's a complete lost cause, throw away. If you're overwhelmed, try the Marie Kondo method: Start with clothes, then follow with books, paper, and sentimental items last.

Deep clean.

It's time for arguably the least enjoyable task: get the areas that seldom see any dusting. Wipe down everything possible, including light switches and door frames. This is also a good time to throw rarely cleaned textiles like rugs and curtains in the washer (but make sure to read the wash instructions first!). Give your room a quick vacuum to finish up.

Change your walls.

If your space needs a fresh coat of paint but you rent, the time of wall color oppression is over. You can buy the coolest peel-and-stick wallpapers to completely redesign your apartment, bedroom, whatever! Just peel off to remove.

Shop: Pink Current Wallpaper, Bathing Beauties Wallpaper, Fade Away Wall Mural.

Invest in some wall art.

Even if you're not up for an entire wall overhaul, one the quickest ways to update the look and feel of your room is to hang some wall art. Whether you frame one statement piece, hang a vibrant tapestry, or tack a bunch of photos and magazine clippings up for inspiration, trust me; your room will have a whole new vibe.

Shop: Take It Easy Tapestry, Alja Horvat Art Print, The Colour Study Cecily Art Print.

Clean your closet.

This step really requires a guide all its own, but if you can handle it, go for it! Take everything from your closet and go through your wardrobe, sorting into those three piles again. Put the keepers back in. Bonus points for hanging your clothes by color.

Minimize your makeup.

Get rid of anything you don't/won't use or anything past its expiration. Mascara and eyeliner last two to three months, foundation is good for six to twelve months, and lipstick and eyeshadow are usable for a year or two.

Think about making some planet-friendly changes.

So many big name grocery and takeout companies are moving away from using unnecessary paper and plastic utensils. It's a great time to grab some of these super cute reusable food storage options.

Shop: Bento Boxes, Life Without Plastic Juco Sandwich Bag, Noodle Bowl & Chopstick Set.

Voila! Now you're ready to relax in your fresh new space. Enjoy!

Do you take part in a big spring clean? Let me know below!

*This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

5 Things I Love: 04/01/19

5 Things I Love: 04/01/19

Monday 1 April 2019

Photo: UO.

     Happy Monday! Here to get you in the mood for the hustle of the work week, I'm bringing you another fresh five things I love.

Personally, I've been staying indoors and working on the blog (creating an email list where you can score some pretty cool freebies, just saying), and now I'm thinking of fun in the sun. Can you tell by my link roundup that I'm ready to hit the beach? Read on.