34 days into 2025

February 3

let's talk about new year's resolutions 😬

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I tend to notice that about this time of the year, many people have already "fallen off" their new year's resolutions. Instead of a strong, aggressive start to the year, I prefer to ease into my goals. Maybe setting a small goal each month that leads up to a bigger goal later in the year.

Many people love the "new year - new me - fresh start" mentality. If that works for you, that's great! But I know it doesn't work for many people. So I am here to tell you to stop waiting for the new year, or Monday, for summer, or for that trip you're planning - if you want to make changes in your life you can start today. Depending on your goals, this can be something as simple as taking a walk or starting a new book.

This has been the way I have taken action for the past couple of years and I have to say, it's really changed my life. My intentional goal is to truly be present and enjoy my life as it is, knowing it will change and grow with time, but not wishing it away so quickly like I did in the past.

As we enter the second month of 2025, I have been hit with the winter blues 🌨️ While I did spend a brief amount of time wishing away this cold -28°C weather, I started to make plans to make the most of what winter has to offer. So stay tuned for next month when I'll come back with some updates on wild ice skating, snowshoeing and snowboarding in the Rockies!

Talk soon,

Jess 🫶🏼

🫶🏼 monthly favourites

January monthly favourites consist of some things that I've been loving so far this winter ❄️

👟 Vessi Stormburst High Top: I really hate putting on bulky winter boots so I put on these Vessi's that I got for rainy Fall weather to see if I could get away with wearing them in the snow. I honestly assumed my feet would be freezing. I am happy to say I was wrong and these shoes are the best! I have no idea how they do it, I've been wearing them all over the city in -20°C to -31°C, snowy, weather and not once have my feet been cold, it's crazy! Anyway, that's my very long way of saying, I highly recommend these!

☕️ Hydro Flask Mug: In the frigid winter weather I still like to walk the dog while having my morning coffee so I go this mug. I have the 24 oz size which has a large handle that my mitten can fit through. 10/10 it keeps my coffee so hot - definitely one of my best winter purchases so far!

🎥 My 12 Healthy Habits for Winter 2025 *beat the cold & dark* - I love every video Keltie puts out but this one had some really helpful reminders on how to beat the winter blues and was exactly what I needed as we head into 3 more months of winter.

🎧 Bite Back with Abbey Sharp: A podcast by a Canadian Registered Dietitian sharing simple science based tips on food and overall well-being. I like how Abbey keeps things super simple, talking about how food should be enjoyable, healthful and not consume your life.
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🗺️ new on the blog

A bit of a slow start to the year as I stated earlier but we do have a few new posts live on the blog, with more coming in February. Here is the latest:

🎸 The Ultimate 3-Day Nashville Itinerary: What to See, Eat and Do​

🇮🇸 Iceland Packing List Winter Edition: Essentials For Your Iceland Adventures

✈️ Top 15 Travel Essentials for Southeast Asia

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📚 book of the month

I've been reading a lot lately, mainly romance novels 🥰 But I also recently finished The Love Prescription. This is a quick read detailing the research on successful relationships. It talks about actionable steps to take each day with your partner, and details research-backed habits that lead to happy, connected relationships.

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✈️ travel essentials

💵 Spend in different currencies with Wise

📞 Stay connected with an e-sim from Airalo​

🌎 Find affordable accommodation on Booking.com​

🍜 Plan tours and entertainment with Viator​

🧳 Save money booking flights on Hopper​

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