Jenn Hildebrand

The Coziest Cardigan Ever!

Hi! If there’s one piece I can’t get enough of, it’s cardigans. There’s something so cozy and comfy about them. And you guys- this mustard cardi from Topshop is no exception. First of all, can we talk about how soft it is? It’s like rolling yourself up in a big fluffy blanket.

One of my favourite ways to style it is to pair it with a striped shirt or sweater and a pair of jeans. It’s a bit cropped so I find that it looks ultra cool with high waisted jeans. It almost gives it a 70’s vibe. Especially with the big buttons and balloon-like-sleeves. I’ve been really loving this effortless look! Add a pair of sneakers and a messy bun and you got yourself a cozy outfit!

I’m not gonna lie – I own a lot of cardigans. It’s one of those pieces that you can never have enough of. Especially since there are so many different styles of cardis. But this one will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe this autumn!

What’s your favourite autumn wardrobe staple piece?

J. x

How To Style: Wide Leg Jeans

OH MAN! If someone would have told me that I’d really dig wide leg jeans I would have said you’re crazy. There is no way I’m moving away from my comfortable skinny jeans. Well, I’m now eating my words because I really, really, REALLY dig these New Look jeans.

I picked these jeans up over the summer on a whim. It was close to midnight and I was scrolling through ASOS – as one does. On the model they were cropped- but because I’m standing at 5’3 they’re not quite cropped on me. But because they do have a raw hem, I could trim them easily if I want.

How I like to style them…

Because they’re not fitted jeans – and are REALLY high waisted, I like to tuck in a tank top and then a loose cardigan to give it a super relaxed vibe.

For accessories, I normally throw on a long necklace and then a belt… and for shoes, I either opt for a pair of sandals OR I’ll throw on some white tube socks and a pair of sneakers. I’m all about socks and sneakers these days…

Stepping out of your comfort zone when it comes to fashion can be daunting. But once you get over the “I don’t think I can pull it off” bump and realize that you CAN pull it off, you’ll be so happy you did.

–

What’s one fashion trend you’re scared to try? Let me know!

J. x

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.

–

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

J. x

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

Winter Skin Care Routine (’17)

Starting of #blogmas with something I’ve been asked a lot lately- my go to skin care routine. I’ve been super lucky (aka, blessed) to have reasonably unproblematic skin. I think the biggest factor to that being the amount of water I drink. I try to drink at least a litre of water a day to try and stay hydrated. I also love to moisturize like crazy. But, I also try to be diligent with my skin care and actually wash it.

So, with that being said, here are my current skin care picks:

Cleanser: My ride or die for skin cleansers is normally the REN cleansing milk… but lately I’ve been trying out the Saje Zen Cleanse. I started working at a local Saje store and figured it might be a good idea to try out their skin care products. And I must admit, the Zen cleanse is a pretty close second to my trusty REN cleansing milk. It’s super gentle on the face. It’s 100% natural. It’s made with avocado… and I love it.

Toner:  Rose Mist by Saje has been my new favourite find. It’s only made with water and rose oil. Rose is SO good for your face. It’s incredibly hydrating and what I love about this product is that I can use it as a final “toner” after I’ve finished my skin care routine AND I can also use it on top of my make up to bring  a bit of extra hydration. Win-Win.

Moisturizer: My skin is like the sahara desert in the winter time. I have flaky dry patches around my nose and along my scalp. I think most of it is due to my own health issues (yay bad thyroid… not), but I think it’s also because of the weather change. I’ve been using a BioDerma Hydrabio Moisturizing Serum. I love it. It’s not your typical serum meaning it’s not liquid-y. It’s thick and leaving my skin feeling extra moisturized. I love to use this under my makeup too and I’ve noticed that it lasts a lot longer with it on. It’s also great if you have super dehydrated skin like myself.

Eye Cream: Kiels Midnight Recovery eye cream has been my current find in terms of eye treatment. I never really know what the eye cream is doing to my skin, but I have noticed that my concealer has been applying better since using an eye cream. So – I’ll take it!

Night Cream: LiftActiv Supreme Night by Vichy was gifted to me by my mom after she realized it wasn’t doing much for her own skin. I have found it to be wonderful for myself. I love night creams and I wake up the next day with soft skin – so.. obviously that means I love the product more.

These are my current go to winter skin care products. I’m curious to hear what some of yours are?

J. xx

Saje || Headaches be gone!

Over the last few months, I’ve been getting THE WORST migraines. They’ve been especially bad during May. I didn’t want to rely on taking Advil or Tylenol, so I started looking into more natural remedies.

Being the curious girl that I am, I asked around seeing what my friends have been doing… And the majority of them raved about the peppermint halo stick from Saje Natural Wellness. Quickly, I jumped in the car and made my way over to a nearby Saje store and looked into it. I ended up leaving with the whole headache kit… and let me tell you, I’m obsessed. I even managed to convince my grandma to try it.

The headache kit includes: the peppermint halo roll on, the peppermint halo pen, and a stress relief spray.

This is how I use it: I take the roll on and place it behind both ears and at my right and left temple. Then, I use the pen and place it on the exact problem areas on my head. I won’t lie, I kinda go a little overboard with the pen but I can’t help it… I love the refreshing feeling it gives! When I’m done, I basically smell like a peppermint stick, but hey – I’m not complaining!

The stress relief spray is lavender base, and is recommended for people with anxiety. Being a girl that does struggle with awful anxiety, I’ve been substituting the spray for my perfume. It fades after a while, but it does initially calm me down.

KEY INGREDIENTS: Peppermint, Lavender, and Rosemary. It’s also plant based, with no synthetics or animal testing, and vegan.

If you have bad headaches/migraines, I definitely recommend looking into it!

*This is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. 

Healthy Hair – How I do it!

A question that I get asked a lot is how I keep my dyed hair nice and healthy. Simple: little to no heat and really ace hair products.

Here’s the breakdown:

– Wash –

Shampoo: Joico Colour Endure Violet  … I bought the biggest salon size about two years ago and it’s lasted me since this month. I love a good purple shampoo! It keeps my hair from going gross and brassy. Major note – I don’t (or very rarely) use drugstore shampoo. I find that it’s chalk full of sulphates which is no bueno for hair. The higher quality the shampoo the better!

Conditioner: Axis Salon Ree-hab Conditioner (Customized) … My hair stylist (who happens to be one of my BFF’s) is the genius behind my purple hair. She works for Axis Salon in Vancouver and customized my purple conditioner. I LOVE IT! My biggest pro? It smells like mint and leaves a tingly fresh feeling. It also moisturizes my hair like a dream.

– Styling – 

Leave-In Conditioner: Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner … Because my hair has lost a lot of it’s moisture due to the constant dying, I like to put as much moisture back into it as possible. This is my go to leave-in conditioner ( you can buy it at Sephora). It’s a small bottle but has lasted me a year. I only use a quarter size amount and run it through my hair while it’s still damp and brushed through.

Heat Protectant: Bumble and Bumble Prep … I spray this evenly over my hair before blow drying or if I want to curl my hair. I don’t always put heat to my hair, but if I do, this is my number one hair protectant.

Primer: R + Co Twister Curl Primer … Super lightweight with super cute packaging. If I have some extra time, I’ll take a quarter amount and twist the little waves in my hair. Plus, I got it for free from a hair salon contest so – win win all around!

Masque: Ouai Hair Masque … Talked about this before. Still love it.

–

Okie – Those are my holy grail of products! What are some hair products you can’t get enough of?

J. xx

–

* Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Shout out to my friend Simeon for the portrait shots!

 

Killarney Secondary – Pre Prom

Before I start, can I just say how sorry I am for being super MIA over the last month? I genuinely don’t know where June went (and clearly forgot how to write a blog post..)! So I’m back with a super cute pre-prom photo shoot I did in June with a group of girls from a local secondary school.

I was first approached by one of the girls (Mariah – she’s the one giving super Morticia Addams vibes in her black dress and classy red lip. GORGE!) who happened to be one of my old youth (and now intern at the church I work at). She asked if I’d be free to photograph a group of her friends before they danced the night away at prom. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity because if you know me, you know how much I love proms. The dresses, the laughs, the freedom in their eyes knowing high school is OVER. It’s one of my favourite things to photograph.

Even though I’m pretty sure this was the hottest day in June (to the point where it was hard to tell if it was highlight on my cheeks or sweat), that didn’t matter. We found some shady spots and even braved the hills in their high heels. They had me laughing and awe-ing the whole time!

PS. If you are a grade 12 student (in the lower mainland) and already planning your prom for next year, I would LOVE to talk senior photos or pre-prom photographs. Feel free to shoot me a message!

OK! That’s all for me.

Enjoy!

Jenn x

       

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis