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Hiking: Tobermory

We have wanted to visit Tobermory since we moved to the Greater Toronto Area. But accommodations are always booked up a year in advance and traveling 6 hrs back and forth in one day just didn’t seem worth it. Especially since it’s been known to be SO packed that people cannot enter the parks.

We were looking for the cheapest vacation that we could, like max $1500, and since it was the off season we found some good deals on renting a whole cottage to ourselves.

Since it was also off season, it meant that we would have the trails to ourselves and wouldn’t have to worry about when we arrived at the parks.

I was happily surprised that the trails around the Grotto were relatively short. We thought we might have to carry the pup back. But 3-5kms is basically his max and what we were able to do that day! Although we almost started on the wrong trail that was 18kms haha

We ran into a few other brave souls as we were going through the trails. We reached the rocky beach and a lady was shocked to see a bulldog with us. “Is he half bulldog, half goat?” Hahah our little man can surprisingly keep up and has the same explorer personality.

These two will often go right to the edge of cliffs, no problem, which scares me to no end. But it really does make for beautiful photos.

I have read that it’s VERY difficult to get a shot of the grotto without other people in your photos. But we were the only ones around!

One bigger purchase me and the Man made before this trip was our jackets. For people that often go hiking, we actually have no “winter coats”. That is no functional ones, more stylish. Since we knew it was going to be mighty cold by the water, we purchased some Canadiana jackets from Walmart. Which I must say… was probably our best purchase in a long while. A great value for the price they were selling at….we were expecting to pay around $300 and we paid about half that.

I planned for us to spend the sunset by the lighthouse in tobermory. Google doesn’t have the correct location, and the road to find the light house actually states there is no access to the water on the road to get there. Obviously to deter tourist on a residential road that I can imagine gets WAY too packed in the summer.

It was a pretty cloudy day and I was really hoping to get some amazing sunset shots. But these subtle purplish shots are pretty too!

I sent The Man up the lookout tower for my last sunset shot of the night. I attempted to climb the tower and made it about half way up before I looked down through the grates and felt my legs buckle as I clung myself to the railing. There was no way I would be able to walk down from the top hahaha I would probably have to sit and slide my way down like a toddler.

Well that’s another one off the bucket list!

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A familiar trail in fall

Going to a familiar trail in fall definitely hits different. We’ve walked this trail before in the peak of summer. Our pup couldn’t even make it the whole trail and we had to turn back.

This time we decided to start at the opposite end so we can see the most of the trial. I believe we picked the best time to see it too because the river had become shallow enough that waterfalls unearthed.

The colours surrounding the areas were so beautiful. We couldn’t help but stop and stare up at the splendor, a woman giggled at us marveling and confirmed that it’s stunning.

I had to snap this leaf which was like a rainbow all on its own.

We followed a side trail as we normally do and found this little frozen pond in the middle of nowhere. Isolated and frozen amongst the warm earth and rainbow skies…it really was a sight.

Although fall in it’s peak leaf transition is beautiful, I think my favourite is when the earth is blanketed in red.

Thanks for coming along on this hike!

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I’m not on a diet, but I made changes.

First, I’m not on a diet. I don’t have any food restrictions, and this time I’m not forcing myself to eat a certain calorie limit (to the point it became unhealthy). This time I wanted to get to a healthy weight by having a healthy relationship ship with food that I could maintain…. AND keep a healthy mindset.

So this time I made small changes to my normal food intake for the better. The goal was to eat more nutritious food, food that is going to keep me full till my next meal, food that is going to fuel my body for workouts and gaining muscle!

Here are some of the substitutions and additions I made:

1. VEGGIES!!!

I mean I’m sure we all know that we should be eatting vegetables, it’s part of the four main food groups. All dieticians and doctors advise to eat them. But that didn’t mean that I did before…yikes.

What I wish I knew was how to make veggies delicious: Saute them in olive oil, boil them and ADD spices!!

I mean chicken on its own is super boring, it’s really how you cook and spice it up that makes it good. The same is true with vegetables. It took me a lot of trial and error to figure out what I liked. But you can get there too. Plus it’s a low calorie addition to a meal. I fill up my huge plates completely now.

2. High Protein Foods

I love meat, like my body craves it as a snack. Often times we will have bologna, hot dogs, or left over chicken in the fridge that I munch on like a snack. The way other people do with sweets haha.

I also knew that if I was going to be VERY active I needed enough protein in my diet to help maintain and repair tissue. What I also read is that protein helps reduce cravings and late night snacking (this is where I really struggled before). I would eat highly processed, fatty foods before bed and a lot of it. Since changing my diet, I don’t do that as often (mainly when I didn’t eat right in the day or my period)! This could also be why I crave meat? Since a high protein food helps satiate me rather than a big bag of chips 🤯

Some high protein foods that I eat on the regular are: bread (specific kinds), Greek yogurt, eggs, fish (salmon), broccoli, and peas!

2. Substitutions

Another thing I did was make substitions of staples in my meals. That doesn’t mean that I replaced one food for another, but that I found more nutritious options to replace my existing.

Bread. I have bread everyday, probably with about half my meals. And the thought of giving up bread made me sad, so I could never sustain the keto diet. So I replaced my brown dempsters bread with stonemill sourdough rye mulitgrain bread. It has slightly less carbs and sugars. This could be the reason I feel full longer with this bread as sugar is linked to increased appetite.

Eggs. I eat eggs every morning, but I wanted to reduce fat and increase protein so I replaced one egg with two-four egg whites. Which is less or equal the amount of calories but more nutrition!

Rice. I used to eat minute rice because I was all about convenience. Now I have switched to basmati golden rice. The amount of calories per portion is alot better and you feel more satiated.

Milk. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m lactose intolerant like most first nations peoples. I completely cut out cheese, that was hard, because my gut just can’t take it anymore. On occasion I still have fast food with cheese. And my body usually isn’t very happy. But I still want milk for my coffee, so I substituted almond milk. Way less calories for the punch.

The point of this is I made small changes overtime. I don’t do a diet because I know myself, I won’t be able to sustain it and I won’t be happy. I’m making lifestyle changes for the future!

Lastly it’s about balance, previously I was preaching calories in and calories out mythology for losing weight. This method works but it can be a breeding ground for eatting disorders and obsessive behavior.

Now I calculate what my caloric intake should be on this website: https://www.calculator.net/calorie-calculator.html

I instead eat within the range or sometimes over. No big deal! I’m not trying to stay below a specific number, 1200 calories before or even 900 at my worst 🤦‍♀️, and actually slowing my metabolism. I eat anywhere between 1450 calories to 2100 (+). And I make sure that in those calories I’m getting the nutrition I need. I feel like I’m one step close to tracking my macros (haha) I’ll eventually do the research and figure that out 😂

So eatting better and eatting more now…and guess what my body composition has never been better and I’m happier during the process!

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Thrifting haul: October 2021

I had the itch to go thrift shopping sporadically last weekend. So I asked if the fam-jam wanted to come and we all hoped in the truck for the last few hours before closing at value village.

While there I thought of the game “chelseaasoflate” plays on her instagram: thrift and pass. I played this with everyone following on my instagram stories. It was a very fun interactive way to shop!

I decided this time to style the outfits I had in mind when I bought the clothes. So people reading my blog get a sneak peak before pictures are on my instagram profile!

First up is this Pant and Collar shirt combo. What’s funny is the the top was part of my thrift or pass stories and majority of people (69%) said pass on this top.

But I loved it, the top gives me tomboy/queer vibes in all the best ways. And paired with the bottoms it’s just a fun and relaxed look.

What do you think… were people just not seeing my vision?

I really lucked out with this Tuxedo coat from zara. This is something that I will wear all the time. I usually gravitate towards colour when searching through the racks or good fabric. That’s the reason you have to take it slow and steady while thrifting or else you can pass right by a gem. This item was a grey muted colour and slouchy looking hanging on the rack, but it’s a really classy-relaxed fit on.

Two of the items in this outfit are thrifted: the stripped flowy top and the jacket. I have been loving oversized clothing lately. Before I used to shy away from anything that didn’t show my shape because it made me look bigger. At this point in my life.. I really could care less. Thick and proud.

I also found this guess jacket for $30 in great condition. While trying this on, a lady stopped and took the time to tell me “nice.” Not sure if it was a nice find or it looks good… but I’ll take both or either. This shopping trip really was the day for jackets.

I also found two blouses and a pink blazer. But I think I’m going to do an outfit post inspired by legally blonde because it definitely gives me that hot pink vibes. So stay tuned!

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Fall by the beach

We decided to head down to Rattray Marsh Conversation Area to see the fall leaves but the walk over from the beach was especially beautiful.

I planned to snap a few pictures while we were there for instagram but when I got back and looked at what I had taken…I couldn’t just pick one or two photos I liked to post so I’ll let them have their own life in a blog post.

The moon was starting to shine amongst the setting sun. It was nestled comfortably within the clouds like a puffy duvet.

A wooden walkway cricks and cracks amongst the shifting weight. Surrounding the populated path are knocks of woodpeckers, bugs playing violins with their legs, and birds chirping a melody.

Although we’ve been to this conservation area before we found somewhere new to explore. A displaced and broken man made vessel is bordered by rock formations right at the breach of the sand banks.

On our walk back it was deserted enough that I could capture the scenery I spotted on the way in. Like the trees decorated in red ribbon like leaves as if they were dressing for the night to come.

Thanks for coming along!

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Style Adventure: Adamson Estate

We finally went to a location that called for many pictures to be taken. It was such a pretty spot that there was three wedding parties taking photos while we were there. It was surprising that everyone worked around eachother so easily.

I snapped one photo from afar of a bridal party.

Your wowed as soon as you walk up to the property. It has a well maintained garden surrounding the whole house.

It’s in the port credit area and right off the water so I can see why so many wedding parties would want to shoot here.

The outfit I choose for this adventure is a top I literally have had since high-school. There has been several times I’ve thought about giving it away, but just couldn’t bring myself to…It’s still in such good condition.

The pants are from RW.co…they are my favourite colour. I styled the outfit with some golden details: rings and necklace to compliment the golden details on the shirt.

Lastly the hairstyle I choose was naturally dried hair so very bushy haha and I pulled it back with a head band.

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Winter Ontario Hiking: Balls Falls

We found a waterfall that we haven’t visited within travelling distance in Ontario. Its called Balls Falls in Lincoln Ontario. It’s our first official hike of the year. I joined a challenge called “January Hiking Challenge” to get out at least five times in January for an Ontario Hike.

I normally pick my best photo from the bunch, or my most beloved, and post to instagram. But I always think all the photos are so pretty, so instead I’ll be writing a blog post about each of these hiking trails with lots of beautiful imagery.

I love the framing of this shot.

Balls Falls is actually a pretty easy hike. There are multiple trails with the longest at a max of 1.7km.

The trails were pretty mucky… so very slippery, especially without proper shoe attire. But I wanted there to be at least a light snow fall for our first hike of the year. Even if it followed days on rain.

The conservatory was so pretty with a lot of historical buildings. We definitely want to come back when the park has all facilities open. As you can see below, we took a sneak peak inside the buildings!

Solitude.
I loved the patches of green under the trees. The contrast 🥰
So cute
We were unintentionally matching!
There’s a spinning wheel in the corner there!

There are actually two waterfalls at this location. A lower one that is a short walk from parking….near all the historical buildings. Another is at the end of the loop of the longest trail.

Lower waterfall

I didn’t capture the upper waterfall unfortunately! My phone died right as we got to the lookout point. I normally plug in my phone in the car since the navigation kills my phone. Ah! Lessons learned.

I hope you enjoyed coming along with me on this hike. Let me know you enjoyed this type of blog post by liking or commenting below!!

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What I’m bringing from 2020 with me into the New Year

Most people agree that 2020 has been a sh*t show of a year. Like most, my goals for 2020 were wildly thrown off track; but there are three things I’ve learned in 2020 that I want to bring with me into the New Year.

I had so many goals for 2020. I had my beautiful new agenda (that went to waste) to keep track of my progress and everything I wanted to get done. My goals were mostly towards getting sh*t done that I have been sitting on for awhile and health goals. Consistently 2020 threw me for a loop in terms of what I had planned for myself.

1. Ability to fail with grace and forgiveness

I have always picked myself up after my failures… its just a minor set back until I succeed. I am a very goal oriented person, and I will always pick myself up after a failure and try again. BUT, I can be very hard on myself.

2020 gave me a reason to fail with grace and forgiveness. No one was expecting that everyone keep succeeding at the same pace they were before, we were all stressed out by the current world we live in.

So when I consistently fell off, tried again, fell off, decided to make baby (I mean BABY) steps… until i saw progress in ONE thing at a time. I always fell back to forgiving myself and trying again. I want to keep this grace moving into the New Year. Leave obsession behind and lead with grace.

2. Early Morning Intentions

A major factor that helped me keep trying last year was waking up early (I mean 5am, and I don’t have to log into work at home until 9am). Each morning I would wake up when my little family was still sleeping, make myself a coffee, reflect, listen to the news, and workout.

This had an amazing effect on my moods. I have never been a morning person. In fact, I would be the coworker that would ask why you were smiling in the morning (obviously only to people that “got me” and would just laugh like “oh, tash.”) Until I had my coffee, work and pleasantries had to wait.

When I had a morning to reflect and workout prior to speaking with anyone or starting work. I was smiling, I was extremely up beat and a ‘Morning Person’.

This took a tremendous amount of effort on my part, as it goes against my natural rhythm. If I went to bed when my body told me… I would go to bed around 2 and wake up at 10am.

But as a early riser, I was happier and more productive as I already got my workout in as the sun came up.

3. Reading

I started reading again. I found books on our book shelf that didn’t have a cracked spine, and blew threw them. I purchased a number of indigenous novels about the Indian Act and feminism. With all the racial tension that happened throughout 2020, I had a awakening inside to connect with my heritage. And I did this through reading, learned alot of history and had lots of discussions with my man on our shared experiences.

Since I started reading, a member of my team at work offered up a meditation novel to borrow. Previously, I might have passed but so many people of suggested that I would love meditation… so I gave it a shot. Although the language (based in love and religion) doesn’t suit me, I learned to read underneath the language to the principles of what was being taught. I realized that alot of the meditation techniques, I practiced myself in keeping up with my mental health.. naturally. I took what I hadn’t been practicing and added to my repertoire.

My reading this year definitely lead to an enlightenment of my spirit and mind and I want to continue this growth into the new year.

Thanks for reading, I hope that what 2020 has taught you will stay with you into the New Year!

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Styling my latest thrifting haul

It seems like the only shopping I do lately is thrift shopping. The clothes just have more personality and you get way more bang for your buck.

I thought I would compile all my latest photos where I used my newest purchases.

This cozy top above, I knew I would get alot of wear out of. Its something I would wear just chilling around the house and something cute enough to style up!

I have been living in this green street wear top. Its perfect for pandemic-styling lately, because it seems everyone is living in lounge wear and matching sets!

My favourite purchase was this oversized brown trench coat. I needed a new winter coat, and I haven’t had one at this length before. It definitely keeps me cozy warm and stylish!

I get super excited when I see loud prints when I’m thrifting. This dress stood out amongst the racks of other dresses with a loud pop of colour. It feels like a cross between Minnie Mouse and Mrs. Maisel vibes. I have a stylish 50s hat, and some gloves that could really sell the Mrs. Maisel look!

I usually don’t like preppy clothes, but this little number of a dress was adorable. I loved the built in band around the waist to accentuate the smallest part of the body. I was scared that my hips wouldn’t fit since the shape was very rectangle. But YAY I could squeeze into it!!

There are a few pieces I have yet to style. You can see everything I bought in the video below.. Three shirts in particular that I bought for work. If you would like to see me style and post some work outfit inspo… let me know with a like and comment! 🥰

Thanks for stopping by!

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Get off the scale: it’s pure fuckery.

So I’ve been sitting on this blog post for awhile. I have been noticing changes to my body composition, as I was putting on muscle but the scale wasn’t moving. Let’s talk about that!

Since I have been sharing my fitness journey online, mostly instagram stories, people started to mention that they are noticing changes to my body as well. That told me that people may be ready for this post.

This is my second fitness journey, the first was quite awhile ago and my goal was to lose weight. I broke down weight loss to its bare basics that caloric deficit = weight loss… no matter the nutrition or the loss of muscle along the way. I just wanted to see the scale shrink.

I didn’t want to land in that obsessive behavior again this time on my fitness journey, so I did a lot more research on nutrition and started incorporating small healthy changes to my diet [more on this later]. My goal this time was to be toned, and gain muscle mass.

I started this journey midst the pandemic, because like I alot of people I gained a pandemic 15 pounds. The road wasn’t easy, and I fell off a lot of times. I am an emotional eatter and being stuck at home during a tumultuous time just meant that I was a couch potatoe and ate a bunch of junk . So instead of getting upset that I couldn’t get that under control, I decided to make my goal consistent workouts. So the first few months, I just focused on getting my workout in and working on bettering my form and getting stronger. I would celebrate every day I got up and moved even if I ate bad.

My nutrition was maybe like 50/50 for eating healthy and then days of Mcdonalds/pizza/chips etc. But I built myself consistently to become quite active, even working out twice a day. The extra calories actually became effective for building muscle.

Once I started seeing changes in my body and abilities in my workouts, I stepped on the scale. Absolutely no change….nothing. that was very disheartening but I was perplexed and decided to check my measurements. There it was…my body was changing, inches were being lost but the scale wasn’t moving. I was turning my fat to muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat.

Weight comparison: left 162 and right 171

Just take a peak at these two photos. The left is 162 at the beginning of the year pre-pandemic weight gain. The right is 171 after turning fat into muscle. This was absolutely shocking to me, my measurements were close to before my weight gain but I was ten pounds heavier!! If I just focused on the scale, I would have took a deep dive into depression because I wasn’t seeing results.

But my experience with tracking my weight via scale only and tracking without has taught me the scale is pure fuckery… for the following reasons.

1. Muscle Mass – muscle weighs more than fat. And just because the scale isn’t moving, doesn’t mean you are not showing results as per the photo above.

2. Natural fluctuations – your body naturally varies weight during the day and month. This would throw me for a loop when I was obsessively tracking it daily. You weigh more at night. After a salty or bad meal you’ll see weight gain that will be gone in a day or two. And for women, we gain during our time of the month. I gain two pounds and two inches of bloat around my waist. If I didn’t know this, I could see it being very disheartening for someone tracking their weight only by scale.

3. Mental Health- as I have been demonstrating above…the scale can have negative effects on your mental health and it can become an obsession or even throw your whole day off. Don’t step on the scale. Keep moving towards your goals daily. Its much better to track your results once you start to notice change, as a mood booster that your hard work is paying off. If you dont see results on the scale – check some things i mentioned: are your clothes fitting better? Your measurements better? Have you had a bad meal? Are you carrying bloat? This ALL matters and factors into how you should respond to that number.

With all that being said, some of you have come for the result comparison photos. So here they are!!

Weight loss: 178 to 171 [7 pounds]

Arms: from 13 inches to 12

Chest: no change

Waist: 35 inches to 34

Hips: 44.5 inches to 45 [gained some booty muscle]

Thighs: 26 inches to 24

I’m so proud of how far I’ve come..especially since I didn’t take it all on at once. I just focused on being active even if I couldn’t get my eating under control during a stressful time. The workouts helped with my moods as well. Win win!!

Now that I have my workouts down, I have decided to start my “cut.” Meaning that I will be shedding off the fat around the muscle I have built. This means that my next two months will be focusing on my nutrition. Nutritious meals at least 5/7 days of week. And I will be changing up my workouts as well. No more two a days with weights and cardio, instead it will be a single HIT insanity workout.

Check back in a couple months with me. See if I have been able to stick to nutritious meals, which admittedly will be hard for me. See if I am able to stick to the Insanity Workout program, because historically I haven’t been able to. This will be a true test for me…these next few months.

I would really appreciate any support and encouragement!

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