Jenn Hildebrand

New Year, New Blog

Did you miss me? Because I sure did.

It has been way too long since I’ve taken a seat at my computer, glasses on and fingers ready to write. Over the last little while, I became too busy with life, work, and obligations that I lost track of one thing I’m passionate about… and that’s writing. It felt like after the craziness that was this last year, there was no better time than now to get back into it.

When I thought about what I wanted to share on here, I knew I wanted to kick off my sneaky return with a hello world, here’s what’s happened over the last bit. So – here goes nothing.

5 things that happened to me since we talked last:

  1. I moved house. Yes – you heard me right. I finally took the plunge and moved out of my parents and into a itty bitty, super tiny studio apartment in East Vancouver. This has been a dream of mine for a while now. A goal I had set for myself a few years ago and one that I stared wistfully at, at every New Years Eve. “Will this be my year?” was a question I continuously asked and who would have thunk that it would take a pandemic for me to get out. (Which, might I add, I don’t recommend… moving in the midst of a pandemic is seriously a struggle) I can’t wait to share with you (the one or two readers I probably have) what my space looks like! Keep an eye out for that.
  2. My depression and anxiety heightened. Oh BOY did it get to me. I think, once again, it was because of the WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC that my mental health took a turn. I had been temporarily laid off from one of my jobs and was faced with a truckload of extra work at my other. I’m not complaining about the work, because it challenged me creatively that I don’t think I would have done otherwise. But I started to feel overwhelmed… drained… and quite frankly, burnt out. My boundaries were limited and I felt the creeping of panic seep into every inch of my bones. After a tearful phone call to my doctor, I was placed back on medication which that in itself was a hard pill to swallow (pun most definitely intended). However, I know that it was for the best because I now don’t feel like crying every five minutes. So… that’s a bonus.
  3. Speaking of mental health – I started to see a counsellor. A therapist if you will. She has been helping me navigate towards my trauma. As well as helping me release the burdens I’ve placed on myself that I didn’t realize I had. It’s been challenging but eye opening and quite frankly… healing. If there is one thing I definitely 10/10 would recommend to anyone that is thinking about it, is to go seek a counsellor. Even if you don’t think you “need to see one”, there are SO many benefits of talking to another person who doesn’t know you personally. They see things that you and your loved ones may be too blinded to notice.
  4. I’m still very single but loving every moment of it. I experienced some major heartbreak and cried over a boy – something I didn’t think I would do. But I know that it was meant to happen… because the experience has taught me the value of trusting your gut and to allow yourself to become vulnerable with another human. When I tell you just how much I dislike vulnerability… but in a sick, twisted way, I’m glad it happened. Because I know what I need in a relationship and what I can offer too. I also really really like being single. HOWEVER, if a cute guy who can dance and cook just so happens to want to take me out… I wouldn’t be completely opposed to the idea.
  5. Lastly, I lost my Instagram account. This was probably one of the weirdest things to happen to me this year haha… One minute it’s my birthday and I’m posting a story about my delicious latte… the next minute, Insta is telling me I can’t get back in. I do hope to get that back soon but until then, I really, really want to start blogging more. As I had mentioned earlier, I really miss the creative outlet that owning a blog has. I know for a lot of bloggers, they use it as a way to grow audiences and create content and maybe even make a buck or two. And as much as I would love to do that, my main goal is to create content that I LOVE and if nobody looks and reads it, that’s totally okay. Because I want to do this for me. Minus the unrealistic expectations and the desire for everything to be perfect. And hopefully my Instagram will come back so we can have double the content fun!

So as 2021 approaches, I hope that you will follow along with me as I ramble on about cute clothes, mental health and maybe even a fun project or two.

I hope you’ll join me!

J.

Galiano || My Birthday Weekend

For my birthday, a few of my close friends and I went to Galiano Island for a weekend adventure.

Saturday morning we packed the car full of groceries and good tunes, and set sail. The moment we made it to Galiano we headed straight over to their Saturday Market. It was super cute with a guitarist playing some cover songs as well as locals selling fresh fruit and veg, coffee, sweets, and other local made items.

Once we were done there we drove to the other side of the island to the place we were staying. The moment we settled in we headed straight to the kitchen to cook up some food. There’s something so great about having “family” meals with your friends. I la la laaave it. I also really love Bows + Arrows coffee and am still crying over their cafe shutting down in East Van…

Okay if you ever go to Galiano, definitely check out the Sandstone Caves. It is on Private property so you do need to be careful of that, but oh MAN is it gorgeous. It’s a bit of a walk down but totally worth it. And you better believe we took this as an opportunity to have a photoshoot.

This is genuinely the best place to get that classic PNW insta shot.

Sunday – aka Birthday day! This was spent exploring the island. Some places to definitely check out would be:

  • Galiano Island Soap Works
  • Galiano Island Books
  • Bowline Cafe – Had the most delightful Lavender Fog with their in-house made nut milk!
  • Babes in The Woods – Had their veg pizza and it was delishhh
  • the trails – it was raining on Sunday so we weren’t able to go on many but we did do a v short walk towards some steps that led down to the water and it was so gorgeous. Honestly, there’s nothing better than being in nature!

Honestly – this weekend was what I needed. I’m a very on the go person and I barely take time to rest. Being away from the busyness of the city and surrounding myself with nature allowed me to really slow down. Plus there’s the bonus of being with some of my people. Instead of being on our phones we played board games (and A LOT of Dutch Blitz), asked each other questions that allowed us to dig deeper, and we allowed ourselves to unplug from the every day. If you haven’t had a chance to visit BC’s Gulf Islands, I 100% recommend you do!

27.

Twenty Seven.

Here’s to a new year.

Twenty six can be concluded as a year of growth – emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and unfortunately not physically. (A girl can only dream of what it’d be like to be 5’4 *sigh*).

Things that happened this year:

  • got a new job (YAY!)
  • made some new, super rad friends who are crazy empowering, loving, and encouraging
  • was introduced to the Land of Eyelash Extensions (I’ve been made their Queen)
  • went vegan
  • then decided that I love smoked salmon too much and instead chose the pescetarian life (sorry Nemo)
  • tried to date… LOL key word tried
  • chopped my hair
  • dyed my hair
  • dyed my hair again
  • BROKE MY ARM (I still can’t believe that happened…)
  • grew closer to God – this has been so important for me…
  • learned more about my own calling in life and ministry
  • stepped out of my comfort zone SO many times (and something I don’t mind sharing more about if you’re interested)
  • discovered that I can cook semi decently
  • can count on my hands the number of panic attacks – which is major progress
  • joined a gym (YUP… me… a gym…)
  • and saw Harry Styles in concert (BLESSINGS)

Twenty six was something else.

But going into twenty seven, I’m excited for what’s to come.

Here’s to a year of more awkwardness, more selfies, laughter, food, travelling, friendship, love, concerts, and growth.

Here’s to a new year.

*photo credit: Cally Petersen Photography

My Journey into Natural Wellness

Over the last year and a bit, I’ve been making the switch over to a more natural lifestyle. I’ve been holding back on using prescription medicine, opted for natural based products (Natural deodorant anyone??), and have even changed my diet to being more plant based (except fish. I love fish). Not only that, but I’ve been diffusing a whole heck of a lot more.

Here’s a bit of a back story… If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may know bits and pieces of my mental health journey. In 2012 I had been diagnosed with generalized anxiety and had been on anti-depressants for years. I felt like those small pills were the only thing to help me from going into a panic state, or have a mental break.

Boy was I wrong.

I have to disclaim something. This is what worked for me. I had tried every type of anti depressant and nothing worked. That is why I made the switch into using essential oils to help with my anxiety and depression. If you are planning on making a switch or have any other questions, talk to a natural path or a health practitioner.

In October of 2017, I purchased my first diffuser. I picked up this little guy from Saje Natural Wellness (which you can find here). *non-spon*

The AromaOm is an ultrasonic diffuser which has a motor and a little disc inside. Each motor vibrates the disc, mixing water and essential oils together and creating a mist. The mist is cool (no pun intended) and pushes out negative ions. Negative ions are molecules with extra ions which cling to dust particles in the air and bring them down – cleansing and purifying your air. Which in turn, helps you breathe better!

What I use… 

There are so many essential oils and blends that I love to diffuse. But the blend that has helped me a lot with uplifting my mood has been a mix of bergamot and grapefruit. Bergamot is fab for helping with depression and grapefruit for anxiety. Plus they smell DIVINE together. Right now as I type this, I’m diffusing the Saje blend Goddess which is a blend of orange, jasmine and rose. What I love to do, which I have going ATM, is add a few drops of bergamot. Try it! You’ll become OBSESSED.

Why natural…

The question is, why not? Going natural makes sense. Why use things with chemicals when you can use items that you actually know what’s in it! That’s why I’ve been going natural. It just makes sense.

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I’d love to hear what natural products you enjoy using! Are you diffusing?

J. x

A Cup Of Joy | #UGMxCoffee

I’m the queen of going out for coffee.

If you’re trying to get a hold of me, chances are I’m either at work or at my local coffee shop. I love it! I love the atmosphere, the hot drinks, and the aesthetic. I love meeting up with friends over a hot drink… I love setting up my laptop with a delicious London Fog and getting work done… I love sitting down with one of my girls I mentor and chat about life. It’s one of my favourite things!

But here’s the deal.

Not everybody has the opportunity nor do they have the luxury to go out for coffee.

I grew up in East Vancouver. With that being said, I’m no stranger to the Downtown Eastside. Growing up, I had my fair share of going downtown with either a high school group or my church youth group to hand out coffee, a sandwich, or a pair of socks. These outings sparked conversations with the people that lived in my neighbourhood whose lives didn’t quite look like mine. I was also taught to always show kindness to the homeless community because even though their lives looked different than my own, we all searched for the same thing – someone to show us love and kindness.

When UGM approached me and asked if I wanted to be part of their campaign Coffee + Conversation it was a no-brainer. At UGM, each cup of coffee is an opportunity to create life-changing connections with guests staying in their Emergency Shelter.

So… How can you do your part? You can help support me by making a donation to my fundraising campaign A Cup Of Joy. I chose joy because everyone deserves happiness… to be shown kindness… and to see joy in the midst of hardship and sorrow.

The process is fast, easy, and secure… and you can be sure that your donation will make a difference in the lives of our struggling neighbours.

By clicking here you can provide the $3.50 it costs to provide a warm meal and a hot cup of coffee to someone who needs it. The amount you choose to give is totally up to you! My goal is to raise $500 over the next few weeks (Campaign ends March 10th), providing at least 100 opportunities for life changing connections. ALSO!! With every donation made, may it be big or small, you will be entered to win a really cool giveaway (free coffee anyone??).

Will you join me in bringing a cup of joy?

New Year, Same Jenn

Holy crap it’s 2018!

It’s a month into the new year and I’m still processing that it’s no longer 2017.. and as cliche as it sounds, where the heck has the time gone? It’s crazy to think that it’s a brand new year. A fresh start as some would say.

And now that the holidays are over (and so is January), the party hats have been taken off and the 2018 balloons have deflated, it’s time to write out the obligatory new year, new me blog post. You know what I’m talking about. It’s the same one that everyone writes at the start of every new year, hashing out all their big “resolutions” that they want to concur. They talk about all the good and bad that has happened over the last year, and what changes they need to make in the new.

Now, I’m no stranger to the old saying “New Year, New Me”. I’m the queen of saying it (usually hinted with some sarcasm and a cheeky smirk). But as I thought about it, I’m not suddenly this brand new person. Sure it’s a new year, but it’s still the same old Jenn, only with a couple new goals. A new outlook, if you will.

Just because it’s a new year that doesn’t mean that you have to change the old you. Instead, focus on little changes that can only better yourself. Things that will only help you grow and enhance your life. Be a little healthier… set a couple goals… go to bed early… do whatever it takes that will make you feel happier.

And that’s what I’m planning on doing. I’m planning on doing things that make me happy. I’m choosing to be happy this year. I started off January with a bang and used The Happiness Planner. The planner is organized into a monthly overview, daily challenges and goals, as well as monthly challenges. It also begins with an overall assessment and happiness tools that challenge you to look at yourself (and life), pin point your own weaknesses and strengths, as well as setting goals that you want to achieve in the next year, five years and ten. It also gives pages for personal reflections as well as an exercise to help define what happiness is to you.

Even though February is already here, I’m still working my way through the personal exercises and reflections. It isn’t something that you can go through quickly. It’s something to take your time with – to really reflect and set intentions. That can be a post in of itself if you’d like me to talk about (let me know!) PLUS – the planner is GOALS and gorgeous and it fulfills all my stationary dreams. Definitely pick one up! Click here to check their website (note: this is not sponsored).

Switching back to my goals, my 2018 ones are pretty simple…

  • choose happy
  • stick to a routine (nightly – read my Bible, pray)
  • make healthier choices
  • get my license (I’m 26 and I don’t drive. It’s probably time. I’ve also been saying this for the last 5 years)
  • adventure more
  • put more focus on my blog
  • get my own place

What about you? What are your 2018 goals?

J. xx

An Awkward Christmas Flashback

Happy Throwback Thursday!!!

Who loves a good flashback? I know I sure do!

Every Christmas I love to pull out these amazing photos that my old roomie from college and I did a few years back (we’re talking 2011 Jenn who rocked bangs all day ‘errday). I’m a sucker for a beautiful ugly Christmas sweater and even more so for an awkward photo. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite photos from this Christmas and enjoy with me the pure awkwardness of Amy and I.

Enjoy!!! xx

10 Christmassy Goals

It’s hard to believe that November is coming to an end. With December right around the corner, that means we’re closer to Christmas. If you know me, you know I’m big on Christmas. I love love love the holidays! But something I noticed is that every year I come up with a mental list of things of I want to do (with friends, family, or by myself) and never follow through with it.

SO! This year, I decided to write them all out, throw in out into the web-iverse, and actually accomplish some.

2017 Christmassy Goals…

  1. Go to a Christmas Market – Every single year my bestie and I talk about going to the Christmas market that happens in Vancouver. We always say we will, try to make the plan, but end up not going. But this year I want to actually do it. Christmas markets have vendors who sell all things holiday (gift giving ideas??), yummy food, and all the hot apple cider you can drink. What could be more festive than that?
  2. Buy a REAL Christmas Tree – I still live at home (it’s not uncommon for 20-somethings to live at home OKAY?!), and last year the fam and I decided to ditch the fake tree and buy a real one. We are going to definitely do it again this year (followed by decorating, hot chocolate, and christmas music!). There’s nothing more festive than the smell of a real christmas tree.
  3. Ride a Christmas train – My little nephew, his parents (my besties), and I normally go to the pumpkin patch every year… however, this year we decided to switch it up and go to the Stanley Park (Vancouver) Christmas train. I’m mostly adding this to my list so I can have an excuse to look at beautiful lights and snuggle my nephew.
  4. Finish all my Christmas shopping EARLY – Tbh, I’m doing really well with this. It’s mid-November as I write this and I’m proud to say I’m almost done. The plan is to have all my gifts bought and wrapped by the first week of December so it’s out of the way and I don’t have to do any last minute Christmas shopping.
  5. Watch all the Christmas movies – I love Christmas movies and every year I plan which ones I want to watch and never follow through with it. My mom and I are suckers for a good Hallmark Christmas movie so this year we plan on DVR-ing all the good ones with the addition of the classics (Love Actually, The Holiday, etc).
  6. Take a Picture with Santa – You’re never too old to see Santa… and did you know you can take a picture with Santa AND your dog? Yup! My 4 year old German Shepherd and I have done it for the last two years and you betcha we’re going to do it again this year!
  7. Catch a Christmas Show – I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the theatre, but I want to see the Nutcracker this year!
  8. Send Christmas Cards – We’ve kinda lost touch with how meaningful sending a Christmas card can be, what with the internet and e-cards. So I want to bring that back and send them to my friends. Plus, everyone loves getting mail!
  9. Take in every minute  – It’s SO easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This year, I want to take in every minute of it… to not get lost in the business of the holidays, and to enjoy. I want to turn off my phone and be present, especially when I’m with my family. These moments are precious and I think it’s so easy to get lose track of it in such a fast paced society.
  10. Remember the reason for the season – Christmas isn’t just about the beautiful lights, spending time with family, or catching a Christmas show. Yeah it’s fun and there’s totally nothing wrong with it! The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, cherished and spent with those you love. But –  It’s also about Christ. It’s about his birth and why he was born – to save us. I want to appreciate that… and ultimately praise God for sending his Son.

What are some of your Christmas goals?

J. xx

Let’s Style: Jean Jackets

I’m OBSESSED with this jean jacket. I bought it from ASOS over the summer and have been wearing it non stop now that it’s colder. What I love about it is how easy it is to throw on over any outfit. Being super casual? Throw on a jean jacket. Wearing a dress? Throw on a jean jacket. Going to the pumpkin patch? Throw on a jean jacket!!! The best part is that it’s crazy comfortable and I’m all about comfort.

Whatever the occasion may be, a jean jacket is totes okay. Even in November (especially in November – ummm, layers?!) I’m a big fan of layers. I’m the kind of girl that get’s really warm and would rather layer with a sweater, jacket, and scarf.

So pull on your favourite pair of skinny jeans (black or blue – Canadian tuxedos are cool, k?), a comfy sweater, sneakers and your favourite jean jacket and you’ve got yourself a comfortable, yet stylish, autumnal outfit.

I’m still on the hunt for a cute jean jacket with a (faux) fur lining. If you know of any good ones, definitely let me know!

OUTFIT DETAILS: 

Jean Jacket – ASOS CURVE
Jeans – OLD NAVY (You heard me! They have the comfiest jeggings)
Sweater – EVER NEW MELBOURN (Last season, but here‘s one that is similar)
Shoes – Converse (I forgot how much I love the original black converse)

How do you like to style jean jackets?

J.xx

 

How to Staycation

*Disclaimer: There are items that have been provided by PinkBlush since I am an ambassador, but all opinions are of my own. As well, I have not been sponsored by Hotwire nor have I been sponsored by the Hyatt. These are my own opinions. 

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This past week I had taken off work because it was, well, my birthday week! And I’m the kind of lady that likes to take at least my birthday off. But luckily this year, with the way that my schedule had been, I was able to take the following week off too. This meant a little fun Staycation with one of my besties. Staycations are fantastic! Honestly, everyone should take some time to enjoy their own city. I’m super blessed to be able to call Vancouver my home and very rarely do I get to enjoy the city.

With the help of Hotwire – a travel website where you can save money when booking (up to 70% off), we were able to book the Hyatt Regency. One thing to note when booking a hotel, you don’t know the name of the hotel which you are booking until after your payment is made. The only info you’re given is in what district/city it’s in, the number of stars it’s been rated, and the discounted price. I love the anticipation that’s built up before you book a hotel and the little surprise you get once you find out where you’re staying!

Review – The Hyatt itself is a great hotel – the rooms are super clean, the staff are friendly, and they even have an outdoor pool and hot tub! Plus with it being in the heart of downtown, we were walking distance to great shops and restaurants.

What to Pack – When packing for a staycation, my biggest piece of advice is to pack light. I stuck to the essentials – travel makeup, toiletries, pajamas, and an outfit to change into the next day. I kept it simple with only packing a change of shirt (I wore black jeans the day before) and my favourite shoes.

My favourite piece of clothing that I brought is this GORGEOUS kimono from PinkBlush. It’s thick enough to keep me decently warm at night when we went out, and its light enough to throw on over any outfit. The best part is the gorgeous colour which brightens up any dull, simple outfit (Like the one I wore – black skinny jeans from Topshop and a black tank top from Forever21 Plus)…and I finished it up with a pair of loafers (that I’m obsessed with at the moment!).

Last but not least, when having a Staycation, enjoy yourself! Look up restaurants that you have never ate at before. Wear the hotel robes. Order room service. Open a bottle of champagne with some of your friends and pamper yourself. Whatever you do, be sure to have fun! That’s the most important part of any staycation.

Tell me – what’s your favourite thing to do on a Staycation?

J.xx

 

       

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