Never Stop Learning + 7 Links to Get You Started

Here's the thing, I'm 31 and I've been a student for more than 25 years. I've graduated from college twice and I'm currently enrolled in another diploma program and an advanced diploma online. Sounds crazy right? During some point in my life, I was able to recognize the privilege of growing up in a technological age, and I made a promise to myself to never stop learning. Truth, my generation is extremely privileged to have the ability to learn without limits or boundaries. And we should not take it for granted.

For me, it's important to continually embrace my inner child and ask Why? What? and How? This is the root of curiosity, and this is what inspires me to learn. College/University education might not be your thing, and that's fine, but learning new skills or improving skills you already have is incredibly important. Continuous learning is beneficial for healthy and fulfilled lives. Need more convincing?.....Check out some of the benefits below:

Brain Power - If you don't use, you will lose it. Learning keeps your mind sharp as you age.

Confidence - Imagine how much more confident you would be if you participated in a discussion and had the knowledge to back up what you are saying.

Health - The more knowledgeable and informed you are, the better decisions you will make. Say for example, your nutrition and exercise choices.

Inspires Creativity - Creativity breeds knowledge, knowledge breeds creativity. Point blank.

Helping/Teaching Others - the more you know, the more you can help. Knowledge is power that is meant to be shared. Sprinkle that shit everywhere!!

Want to learn but don't know where to start, check out the links below:

1. Udemy

Chances are you have probably heard about Udemy somewhere before. It is definitely one of the largest online course marketplaces around. They feature a wide range of categories from Business, Software, Marketing, Design, Photography, Music and more. Prices are great and are typically between $15-$200 (CAD) but sales are pretty frequent. I managed to find a Photography Masterclass on sale for $19. Score!!

2. Team Treehouse

If Web Design, Coding or App Development is more your thing, than Team Treehouse is perfect for you. Some features include over 200 courses, an affordable monthly plan and best of all - a free 7 day trial. Try it - see if you like it.

3. Coursera

Coursera is amazing in that it features courses from some of the worlds best universities.. Some category highlights include Arts & Humanities, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Social Sciences. Prices range from $29 - $99, plus they also offer certificate programs. Time to upgrade that résumé.

4. Skillshare 

Skillshare is definitely one of my favourites. I love that the course selection is so vast. Course options range from Fine Art, Illustration, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Web development, Finance - and the list goes on and on and on. The best thing about Skillshare is the price - $12/month or $96/year. This gives you access to over 14,000 classes. Yes, over 14,000 classes! Did I mention you get 30 days free unlimited access. The possibiliities here are endless.

5. Drawspace 

Have you ever wished you could draw, but in reality the only thing you are good at is drawing a stick figure. Well, Drawspace is for you, and it's incredible. Not only is it affordable with member rates at $9.50/month or their unlimited plan at $149/year, but 15% of the courses are free. FREE!!

6.Brit + Co

Definitely catered to the creative types, Brit + Co is great for boosting your creativity. Courses focused on Lettering, Illustration and Design are sure to get your creative juices flowing. Class prices range from $19 - $39. You can't go wrong!!

7. Duolingo 

I'm sure you have heard about Duolingo before. Personally, I've had the app version on my tablet for a couple years now and I still love it. I find it most useful for learning the basics of a new language before travelling to a foreign country. However, duolingo is not just for the traveller, it's handy for anyone looking to learn a new language. Best part: It's free!!

I Hope this inspires you to keep on learning. What courses are you going to try?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clay Jewelry Dish

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If you are anything like me, chances are you have too much jewelry and not enough storage. Some jewelry storage can be expensive, so why not make your own. Enter, Sculpey Oven-Bake Clay!  This is the perfect DIY to create a  cute little dish for a couple of bracelets, a few rings or your favourite jewelry piece. I needed a dish to display my favourite necklace at the moment, a beautiful citrine necklace I bought from Black Dahlia Jewellery.

Supplies:

  • Sculpey Oven Bake Clay - I used colours Pearl, Elephant Gray and Black
  • Rolling Pin
  • Oven safe bowl
  • Ring Mold (or any circular object will do)
  • Clay sculpting tools (optional)

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 275 °F
  • Break or cut a piece of clay from each colour block. Note: I just eyeballed these measurements.. See photo below for size comparison of how much of each colour you will need. I used two strips of Pearl , 1/4 of a strip of the Elephant Gray and about 1/8 of the Black strip 
  • Roll each piece of clay into a string shape about 5-6 inches long
  • Twist each string together to form one big string
  • Roll the twisted string to lengthen and mix the colours
  • Roll the clay into a spiral
  • Using a rolling pin, flatten the clay until it's about 4mm thick, anything thinner might break after baking
  • Once flattened, use a ring mold to cut out the perfect circular shape
  • Place the cutout clay on the bottom of an oven safe bowl and form the clay around it. Don't press too hard.
  • Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes
  • Once baked, allow to cool for 10 minutes
  • Add your jewelry and enjoy!

Give this a try, I would love to see your results!!

Letting Go of Toxic Friends

Friendships usually develop out of circumstance - school, work, single life, marriage, kids, maybe even tragedy. As we mature; we develop our own unique growth process. Friendships tend to mirror this process, and should be a reflection of our most authentic self. During this process, you are heavily influenced by the people around you.

It's important to surround yourself with friends who inspire and challenge you to be the best version of yourself. At some point, you learn that some bridges are meant to be crossed, and others need to be burned. Once I fully understood the needs of my personal growth process, I knew I had to let go of 5 types of people from my life.

1. The Negative:

Negativity, much like misery, needs company. Negative energy is contagious, just like the flu. It's exhausting, depressing and crippling. It will drag you down and keep you there. It can be days, weeks or months before you can pick yourself up again. The problem with this type of person; they tend to be very cynical and will criticize everything you say or do. If you allow them into your space, they will influence your thoughts and decisions, and derail your progress as a result. Girl, No! You gotta go! 

2. The Leech:

Ah yes, you know the type; they latch onto you, suck you dry, then bounce. No, not the worm silly, The human parasite! This person will suck not just your energy but probably your wallet too. They will crash on your couch for months, eat all your food, drink all your wine but still have more money than you in the bank. They will constantly ask you to bend backwards for them, but when you are down, at your lowest point, in deep despair; they are nowhere to be found. Understand when you are glowing, your glow attracts both good and bad. Protect your energy. Protect your growth. Protect your space.

3. The Gossiper:

Gossiping is a toxic habit usually engaged in by people who are lonely, insecure, immature, ignorant and of poor character. Gossip is tricky; it's so easy to get pulled in. Once you participate; you too become petty and insecure and negativity is sure to creep in. It's a cycle that will only hinder your growth. Besides, if they gossip with you, they gossip about you too.

4. The Fake:

Fake people thrive off of lies; lies they tell themselves, family,  or social media (HA!). They are often very critical and gossip a lot. They are very flashy and crave attention. Being in a growth process, it's crucial to be and embrace who you truly are. Surrounding yourself with fake people will only cloud your vision and stunt your growth. Bye, Felicia - is that even your real name??

5. The Mediocre:

Yes, engaging with people content with mediocrity stunt personal growth. Some people are so comfortable and accepting of mediocre lifestyles that the idea of stepping outside their comfort zone paralyzes them. These are the type of people who have no interest in learning anything new, experiencing new foods or cultures, and possibly have no desire to travel and see the world (GASP!). This is not something I understand, or even care to. I cannot fathom a life lived like that. Learning, experiencing, and travelling is essential for growth. Mediocrity, much like negativity and misery, likes company. I just can't, Sorry! 

Have you ever had to let go of toxic friends?

 

 

 

Valentine's Day Strawberry Pom-tini

Red coloured cocktails pop up everywhere around this time year. There really is no shortage of recipes to try. I decided to create a recipe that incorporates fresh fruit. I chose pomegranates for their incredible health benefits and for a nice pop of texture at the bottom of the drink. I chose strawberries because their texture is perfect when frozen and blended plus, nothing screams Valentine's Day like strawberries do. 

Ingredients:

  • 8 strawberries (frozen)
  • 2 shots vodka
  • 1 shot Cointreau
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 cup tonic water
  • 2 tsp pomegranates
  • 2 lemon wedges

Supplies:

  • 2 martini glasses
  • shaker
  • shot glass/jigger (1oz)

Directions;

  •  Blend frozen strawberries until smooth and add to shaker. Note: if using fresh strawberries instead, this cocktail will need to be served over ice instead.
  •  Measure vodka and Cointreau and add to shaker.    
  •  Add 1tbsp of honey  
  •  Cover shaker and shake for about 1 minute    
  •  Pour into martini glasses, this measurement should fill each glass about half way.
  • Pour tonic water to fill the glass. Note: Club soda is another alternative to tonic water and its sugar-free.
  • Add 1 tsp of pomegranate seeds to each glass.
  • Squeeze the juice of a lemon wedge into each glass.  
  • Rim the glass with a lemon wedge.      
  • Serve and Enjoy!

 

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out.

 

 

Valentine's Day Sorrel Bath Bombs

Pamper yourself or a loved one this Valentine's Day with a beautiful and simple DIY bath bomb. This is the perfect last minute Valentine's gift for those short on time, stuck to a budget or super forgetful. This quick and easy bath bomb recipe can be whipped up with ingredients you probably already have on hand in your kitchen and pantry. 

This bath bomb contains an ingredient you might not be familiar with unless you are an island girl like myself - Sorrel. Sorrel, also known as Roselle (scientific name Hibiscus Sabdariffa) is a species of the Hibiscus flower. In Antigua, as well as many Caribbean islands, Sorrel is typically used to make a chilled sweet beverage during Christmas. Sorrel can also be used for seasoning food and as a natural dye. Soaking sorrel in water produces a lovely pink/red colour perfect for a Valentine's Day soak.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup citric acid
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup epsom salts
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 tbsp crushed dried sorrel
  • 1/4 cup water

Supplies: 

  • large bowl
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • spray bottle
  • heart shaped moulds. I also used silicone ice trays.

Directions:

  1. Add baking soda and citric acid to a large bowl and mix well.
  2. Next, add cornstarch and epsom salts to the bowl and stir.
  3. Gently warm coconut oil until in liquid form, wait for it to cool and then add to mixture.
  4. Add drops of lavender essential oil and mix well. I used 8 drops but you can use more or less depending on your scent preferences. 

5. Add 3 tbsp of crushed sorrel and stir until evenly distributed. Feel free to use more sorrel if you wish.

6. Add the water to a spray bottle and spray small amounts of water at a time. The mixture should be slightly moist enough that when moulded into a ball, it can hold its shape. It should feel similar to wet sand. If you use too much water, the citric acid will react with the water and start to fizz. 

7. Finally, add the mixture to the moulds. if you wish, you can add a little sorrel to the moulds before adding the mixture. This will create a beautiful design on the front of the bath bomb. Be sure to press bath bomb mixture into moulds well to avoid separation. Let sit for 6 hours to 24 hours until dry. I left mine to sit overnight. Note: Silicone and plastic moulds work better than tin moulds. The tin moulds will require a little effort to release the bath bombs.

8. ENJOY. Seriously, enjoy! These bath bombs are so simple and amazing. The coconut oil is very moisturising to your skin and the lavender essential oil add an aromatherapy effect that is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and pampered.