FEBRUARY FAVOURITES

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Can you believe tomorrow is MARCH 1ST?? We're almost a quarter of the way through the year people. I know how we always talk about time flying by, but it really, really does. 

Well February was a good month over here on ssheart. I learned the art of planning. Because of Illuminate, February is one of my busiest months. So if I can post consistently through my busiest month, than I really have no excuse throughout the rest of the year!  

I thought it would be fun to look back and see what your favourite posts have been. These four have had the most views on them.

FEBRUARY FAVOURITES

1. MY FAVES // MAKEUP This was a fun post to make because I got to show you what's inside my makeup bag. I'm hoping to get some makeup tutorials up soon (kinda terrifies me!!)! So watch this space in the near future, and if there is something you'd like me to cover, then let me know in the comments!

2. ONE WORD BRUNCH was your second choice. That one was really fun and easy to make because I had a ton of pretty pictures to choose from (thanks Amy!) It also featured some of my insanely beautiful friends and...bacon.

3. ONE WORD AMY / NADIA / SARAH were your third choice. This is where my beautiful friends shared their beautiful hearts and explained the words that God has given them for 2014.

4. YOU & HER recap was your fourth fave. I had so much fun that night, and I'm so glad I got to share with you everything that they are doing.

Happy last day of February and happy Friday too! I'm so excited for my days off this weekend. I have some errands, running, blog planning and summit homework to do! It may get a little crazy but it's definitely going to be a lot more chill than the past couple weekends!

xo,

s.s.♥.

WINTER FITNESS // TREADMILL TIPS

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Ok, so I know I've bragged about Victoria's mild climate but this whole polar vortex visited us last week and I'm not too pleased about it. We were hit with -5 degree weather and some places got a bunch of snow! We didn't get any snow but I didn't really want to run outside in crazy windy, ice rain, -5 weather...no thank you.

In those times I go to my last resort ...the treadmill. I've had a pass for the y since December but this Friday will mark my last day until it gets freezing cold again (hopefully next December). I mainly use it to run safely when it's pitch black outside and during torrential down pour. But the thing is, I HATE TREADMILLS. I hate them, I hate them, I hate them. Like (probably) all people, I run way faster and longer outside. I'm more free outside, like a killer whale in the ocean...(ok sidenote, I just watched the documentary, Blackfish...scariest thing ever. Orca's should not be in captivity!)  

Enough with killer whales though...the truth is, I get hella bored on a treadmill. Especially when I run over 20 minutes...who am I kidding? I'm bored after 5 minutes. And I know I'm not alone in this, so I've come up with some tips that I've used to keep me going...

1. COMPRISE A PLAYLIST THAT KEEPS YOU GUESSING.

When I'm outside, I usually put on my "work it" playlist. It usually works for me by helping me run faster. There aren't a ton of songs, but that's usually ok because I get distracted by people, dogs, the scenery, etc. Meanwhile on the treadmill, I'm literally counting down the seconds in the songs that I know so well. What usually helps me is going to songza and using one of their workout playlists. They have a bajillion songs. The thing I love about the songza playlist is, it keeps you guessing. Being surprised by an old MJ favourite can do wonders for you on a treadmill. All of a sudden, you have energy to push that last km. Music is amazing.

2. PODCAST IT UP.

Now some of you may not be podcast people but for those of you who are, listening to a podcast is a great way of distracting you. Podcasts have the magical ability to take my mind off the run. I usually listen to Pastor Steven Furtick because he's the bomb. 

3. KEEP SUPPLIES NEARBY.

The great thing about treadmills is having a personal water bottle holder. I always keep a water bottle (does anyone else find the gym extremely dry?). A towel to wipe sweat would be a good idea too (I haven't gotten around to taking a towel with me, but every time I wish I did!)

4. MIX UP THE PACE.

I found a great treadmill workout a couple months back and used it until THE Y CHANGED ALL THEIR MACHINES TO KMs. It was very annoying. I know we're in Canada and all but I was used to miles so I haven't done the workout for a few weeks but when I did do it, the time flew by. You can find some treadmill workouts on this pinterest board of mine.

5. RUN THE RACE.

And my absolute favourite tip is...pretend you're racing the people beside you. It makes your run very fun. I try to outlast the people beside me and if they get off before me, I fake celebrate that I beat them in the race. I know it sounds crazy but it works for me.

|| This post has been part of my Winter Fitness series. Check out the rest here, here & here. ||

Thankfully our weather is turning around and getting a lot warmer so I won't be resorting to treadmills anymore! How about you? I'd love to know what keeps you on the treadmill. Share your tips below!

xo,

s.s.♥.

VANCOUVER

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Thought I'd share some photos of my quick trip to Vancouver last week. Now James & I weren't the only ones celebrating. My good friend, Courtney & I got to celebrate our 4 year friendiversary! Four years ago right after Illuminate, I went to Vancouver to visit Rachel to shop and rest. It also happened to be the Olympics. Rachel was living in a cute suite in Kits with her friend Courtney. Now Courtney and I knew each other but we weren't "friends friends", just more acquaintance type friends. Unfortunately Rachel had to work most of my time there, but Courtney magically was off. You might think it was coincidence but I'm thinking God wanted us to be friends, ha. We joke that Rachel left Courtney to babysit me but it was actually quite beautiful because we became good friends because of those three days! We went on many olympic adventures and had a bunch of fun together. Courtney is now one of my besties (and was one of my bridesmaids) and I love her to the moon and back. 

Courtney and I went over on the 9 ferry last Wednesday as James had to catch a later ferry due to school. We celebrated our 4 year friendiversary over beignets at 49th Parallel. (oh my gosh, I'm still dreaming of those dang beignets.) It was a quick but wonderful date as she had to jet off to babysit the Norman kiddos and I had to begin working on the models.

James and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day a little bit early and stay in a hotel instead of the usual friend's floor. It was a good choice. In the morning we ate a delicious breakfast at Cafe Medina and then scouted Top Shop. To be honest, I was definitely disappointed with their Spring collection. Too many weird colour combos and Asian patterns for my liking. We had to catch the 1pm ferry back so we didn't have enough time to go to Zara (sad times, sad times indeed.)

Man, I love visiting the big city. I really wish we could get around to visiting more. Why does the ferry have to be so pricey? #buildabridge

Happy Thursday :)

s.s.♥.

p.s. all these photos were taken on my iPhone and most appear on instagram, if you don't follow me you can do it here :)

ONE WORD BRUNCH

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FYI I am a straight up lover of brunch. You want to take me out for dinner? Ahhh, let's do brunch instead? Waffles, morning light, pretty flowers, the comforting smell of coffee and bacon...now those are my game. Orange juice? Oh, you got me hooked. Now add inspiring conversation to the mix...a little piece of Heaven.

And that's what last Saturday morning was. I invited some girlfriends over to have a One Word brunch. As you know, I've been doing this One Word thang for a few years now (2012, 2013, 2014). Last year I hosted a One Word dinner (which was so lovely). This year I decided upon brunch because as you know, I'm a lover of brunch. Basically each girl brought her incredible self, some delicious food and the word God had given her for 2014. 

I made waffles (which my sister in law had made on Christmas day and are THE BEST and yes, I'll be sure to share the recipe soon) and Danae made candied bacon (which was ahhhmaazing!) We ate a lot and laughed a lot...the best combo.

Ok, and can we talk about the elephant in the room for just a moment? You may be wondering why I have pictures of a lovely girly brunch with a "Let's get it on" chalkboard in the background? Ha, it's only up because of sheer laziness. It's been up since I hosted a lingerie shower for a friend in October…October, oh gosh, I know. Note to self: get around to decorating dining room...

It was so incredibly, cool to see how God gave each of us unique words. I'm in awe of how good our God is. He cares for each of us individually and He speaks clearly today!

Each girl's word was so inspiring that I have decided to feature them all. Yes, you'll be hearing from five beautiful women of God over the next couple weeks...get pumped!

You may notice only five women appear in these photos, that's because the incredible Amy was taking the photos (hire her, she's amazing!) You'll get to meet her soon enough though, because she's sharing her one word tomorrow.

We each left that brunch feeling soooo refreshed. It was so so so so good to gather with intentionality and bacon too of course.

xoxo,

s.s.♥.

P.S. Do you have a word for 2014? if so, I want to hear from you! Blog about it or comment below :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSALYN!

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Two weekends ago we celebrated my beautiful sister, Rosalyn's birthday. Rosalyn is such an incredible momma, sister and all round person. She is just as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside, so caring and nurturing. Love you Rosalyn! Praying that this year will be your best ever!!!! 

I sure love my famjam :)

xo,

s.s.♥.