These Are a Few of My Favourite Things! | May Favourites

No joke guys... I legitimately typed March favourites whilst writing this. WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE???

Favourites

This month has been so busy between organizing my life being back home and getting into the swing of things work-wise.

Food

1. Barilla Gluten Free Pasta

Having been diagnosed with celiac disease, I have been trying to find gluten free options to try. I have found that a lot of gluten free pastas can be quite starchy and just not really the pasta eating experience I'm used to. I love that this gluten free pasta is a blend of rice and corn flours. I have found, when it comes to gluten free, flour blends make a better product than one chosen flour. Once I discovered Barilla's gluten free pasta, I stopped missing regular flour pastas- it's really no different!

2. Homemade Gluten Free Pizza

When the celiac disease diagnosis came about, the first thing I that crossed my mind was that I needed to find a good pizza recipe. I shared the recipe in a previous blog post so I won't go into detail about it again here. My favourite toppings for my pizza have been bacon, asparagus, broccoli, and sweet corn... yummy!! 

Beauty

3. e.l.f. Liquid Eyeliner

Again, I mentioned this product in a previous blog post so I'm not going to talk about it again. I really love this eyeliner so much! I've never found a liquid eyeliner that I really liked so when I bought this one on a whim my expectations were set quite low. However I absolutely love this product!

Technology/Entertainment
4. Ladies Who Lunch Podcast
I think these two ladies (and their occasional guests) have such amazing thoughts and I love listening to their opinions. They cover some really intense topics and have a beautiful way of discussing the hard parts of life.

5. Grey's Anatomy
There's nothing to say other than I started watching from Season 1... Again...

6. My YouTube Channel

I started daily vlogging and I LOVE it! It would mean the absolute world to me if you all would check it out.

Miscellaneous
7. My Brother's Birthday Cake
Back at the beginning of May, my little brother turned 16! He asked me if I would make him a birthday cake, which I excitedly agreed to. He then expressed to me that he wanted a Minion cake... oh boy haha. I hate to toot my own horn but, this is not a bad job by any means haha. Watching people cut into this cake and eat it broke my heart a little bit to be honest!

8. Lilacs
I'm not a huge fan of flowers, but there's something about lilacs that I absolutely love! They are so beautiful and fragrant. I love walking by lilac bushes and taking a deep breath. Lilacs are the ultimate proof to me that summer is on it's way!

9. This Shirt
Not much to say other than I got it at Urban Planet and I love it!

10. Colouring
I'm sure I mentioned adult colouring books in a favourites post before but I feel like I need to mention them again as May saw a fair few finished colouring pages.

11. Quotes Photos

I tend to find solace in quotes. I think they can change your mood if you let them so I always keep quite a bit of photo quotes saved on my phone. These are just a few of them!

Moments

12. Graduation Photoshoot

I was hired for my first paying, professional photography gig. It was such an amazing experience! The photos turned out amazing too. I'm so happy with how everything went!

13. Boardwalk Stroll

I was reunited with Paul and it felt so good! Paul is one of my best friends. Our life paths seem to be harmonious as he also moved to Ottawa and now back to the Sault. We took a lovely walk at sunset down the boardwalk for about an hour... there were no quiet moments! It's nice to have those friends where you can just pick up where you left off no matter how long it's been.

14. Motorcycle Rides

Dad bought a motorcycle and I'm sure I was just as excited as he was haha. There's something about a motorcycle ride that makes me so happy!! I can't wait for the next one.

15. Swimming at Sunset

This entire day- Papa's birthday party- is a favourite of mine for the month of May. It's so lovely to be home and be able to attend family parties in person- no more Skyping in for this girl! We ended the day by jumping into the freezing cold lake at sunset! What a way to welcome summer!

Goals

1. Strengthen My Faith: mindful meditation 15 min on Sundays

I began meditating this month and I really enjoy the way it makes me feel. I was having trouble controlling my mind and so I downloaded the guided mediation app called Calm. It has made a huge difference in the success of my mediation sessions. I highly recommend it.

2. Love My Body: start running again

Not only do I love running itself, but I also love being outside and finding new and beautiful places. I think running is making a huge difference in my day-to-do happiness and in my self love.

3. Explore New Mediums of Creativity: write something just for me

This was such a therapeutic experience. I actually wrote two things- a personal essay and a poem. 

4. Find More Joy: enjoy being home

I have enjoyed being home to no end! Spending time with the people I love in the place I love has been such an amazing blessing.

5. Have an Open Heart: reconnect

I've been able to spend time with all my favourite people- both friends and family. It's been amazing to reconnect with all the people that I've been away from for so long.

June

1. Strengthen my faith: find a comfortable way to pray

2. Love my body: start building muscle mass

3. Explore new creative mediums: build a photo frame

4. Find more joy: discover a new hobby

5. Have an open heart: recognize the needs of others

All in all, May was an amazing month and it is giving me nothing but positive vibes heading into June.

What have you loved this month? Do let me know!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyQO4pxwxWbV2clhamroc-g 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieedidd_/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiecakee_

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katelynmcphee/

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo

Nice Things Fund! | DIY

I love money and I love DIY projects so combining the two was right up my street! I made myself a savings jar to hold loose change as well as 10% of each of my paycheques. By the end of the summer I'm sure the cash will add up and I will be able to treat myself to some nice things!

 Today I wanted to share how I made this adorable money jar- what I used and the steps I took to make the final product. 

For supplies, I used:

- A Mason Jar

- Acrylic Paint (colour of your choice)

- Paint Brushes

- Painting Sponge

- Ruler

- Pencil

- Lace Applique

- Clear Crafting Glue

- Card Stock

- Hot Glue

- Scissors

- Letter Stickers

- Any other little decor items you wish!

The process I used to complete this project was relatively straight forward:

1. Wash and dry Mason jar. Make sure it's bone dry!

2. Paint jar how you like it. I painted my jar completely white. I had to do two coats and then I let it dry for about three hours before painting the lace detailing in the coral colour. I also painted the lid ring coral!

3. Let the paint dry for 24 hours

4. Cut a circle out of card stock to top the jar. Remember to make a slit opening in the top so you can drop in your money!

5. Place the letter stickers (if you want) on the jar

6. Cover the entire jar with the clear crafting glue. I used Martha Stewart's decoupage glue. I ended up doing two coats of this just to make sure everything was sealed well

7. Hot glue the card stock circle into the top of the lid and screw onto jar 

8. Add any little decorative items you wish

9. Let the crafting glue dry for at least 12 hours. I left mine for 24 hours

10. Fill with cash & treat yourself!!

I absolutely love this little jar! I find that adding 10% of each paycheque adds up so quickly! It's nice to put the money in this jar and just sort of forget it's there. I'm someone who sees extra money in the bank and spends it on silly little things. This jar keeps the money out of sight and therefore out of mind which helps me to save!

If you make a money jar let me know! Send me pictures!!

If you have any money savings tips do let me know- I need them haha!

Check me out other places; YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest!

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo

Disney Kid, Disney Adult! | The Disney Tag

I've been a HUGE fan of Disney for my entire life. As a 90's kid, I grew up watching Disney movies on VHS!

1. Favourite Disney Film?

When I was a kid it was The Lion King, but for the past five or so years it's been Alice in Wonderland. I also LOVED Walt Before Mickey.

2. Favourite Disney character?

Alice- I love her innocence and curiosity. I completely relate to her and her over-active imagination.

3. Favourite Disney Princess?

I really like Snow White and Mulan.

4. Favourite Disney sidekick?

Thumper from Bambi- my goodness he's so loyal and so cute! His little voice... gah <3

5. Favourite Disney song?

LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

TO DEFEAT THE HUNS......HUUUUUUH

6. Which Disney character would be your best friend?

I think Belle. Personality wise I think her and I would get a long very well.

7. Who would be your Disney pet?

Flower the Skunk from Bambi!

8. Have you ever been to Disneyland?

No :(

9. Who is your Disney alter ego?

I think probably the Genie from Aladdin. I like to be sarcastic and kind of a trickster.

10. Who is your favourite Disney villain?

Obviously Maleficent! 

11. Do you collect anything Disney wise?

Not consciously. We have all the VHS's in my basement though still. We can't seem to part with them even though we don't have a working VHS player.

12. What Disney film would you star in if you could?

Already made, Sleeping Beauty or The Chronicles of Narnia. Up and coming films, Alice Through the Looking Glass or Beauty and The Beast.

13. How old were you when you watched your first Disney film?

Oh jeez, less than a month.

14. What do you love about Disney?

I grew up with Disney. I like the fairytale side- the magic and the impossibleness of it all. But I also like the realistic side to Disney- every story has a beautiful and relatable message. It's such a feel good thing and I think it's so universal. No matter where you live, what colour skin you have, what language you speak, what religion you are, etc., odds are you've watched and loved a Disney film in your life.

15. Who is your favourite Disney couple?

Good ol' Mickey and Minnie. The original OTP.

What do you love about Disney? Let me know in a comment!

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo

Become a Runner in a Summer | Fitness

Every summer I get back into running and it reminds me why I love to run. I always regret falling away from running during the school year/winter months- hopefully this year I won't stop when it gets cold! 

I feel like getting back into running is really hard. I mean, the last time I ran (last summer) I was making my best 5km times and now I can barely do a 60 second interval... very discouraging. However, also very motivating because I know where I can get to!

Using my fitness plan from last summer, combined with new knowledge and goals I have put together a weekly plan to get back to a place where I can consider myself a runner.

Here it is:

Monday: 

run 45-55 minutes + brisk walk 35-40 minutes

Tuesday: 

optional cross training day

Wednesday: 

run 35-40 minutes

Thursday: 

run 30 minutes + cross train 30 minutes

Friday: 

complete rest day

Saturday: 

run 35-40 minutes

Sunday: 

cross train 45-55 minutes

For the runs I'm not just jumping the gun and running for the whole time frame. I'm using the app Couch to 5K to coach me through the runs and build my endurance back up in a healthy way.

Week 1: 

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

alternate 60 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking

5 minute cool down walk

Week 2:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

alternate 90 seconds of jogging, 2 minutes walking

5 minute cool down walk

Week 3:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

two repetitions of the following: jog for 90 seconds, walk for 90 seconds; jog for 3 minutes, walk for 3 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 4:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds; job 5 minutes, walk 2.5 minutes; job 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds; jog 5 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 5:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 8 minutes, walk 8 minutes, jog 8 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 6:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes; jog 8 minutes, walk 3 minutes; jog 5 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 7:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 25 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 8:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 28 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 9:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 30 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 10:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 32 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 11: 

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog 35 minutes

5 minute cool down walk

Week 12:

brisk 5 minute warmup walk

jog a 5k route- try to make good time

5 minute cool down walk

As far as warmup and cool down, the times are VERY short and should be extended. Before running I do a 10-15 minute warmup of dynamic stretches. After my run I will walk around my back yard for about 10 minutes and then spend about 15-20 minutes stretching out my muscles/doing a bit of light yoga. It's so important to not skip warmup and cool down! 

On my cross training days, I will either power walk, go for a bike ride, or go for a swim at the YMCA- whatever I feel like that day!

I'm so excited to get back into running- I'm already two weeks in and I feel great! I have SO much energy and I feel so much healthier than I did before. I think running can be so daunting but if you take it one run at a time and listen to your body so you don't push yourself way too hard, it's such a joy!

Are you a runner? Do you want to be a runner? 

Let me know about your running experience- good or bad- in a comment!

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo

40 Beauty Questions! | Tag

Skin Care

How many times do you wash your face daily?

Two- once in the morning and once at night!

What skin type do you have?

It's typically normal, oily in the summer and is constantly dehydrated.

What is your current facial wash?

Clinique bar soap in extra mild.

Do you exfoliate?

I do!

What brand do you use?

I use a Konjac sponge- highly recommend it for sensitive skin sisters like myself.

What moisturizer do you use?

Clinique Dramatically Different moisturizing gel.

Do you have freckles?

I do!

Do you use eye cream?

I don't! Been looking into it though.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

Unfortunately I do.

Did you ever have to use Pro-Activ?

I did back in high school, I DON'T recommend it.

Make-Up

What foundation do you use?

NYX stay matte but not flat powder foundation.

How about concealer?

Rimmel Wake Me Up.

Do you know your undertone colour?

I do, I tend to have more pink undertones.

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I don't personally wear them, but I love the way they look! One day maybe I'll master them haha.

Did you know that you're supposed to change your mascara every three months?

I did know this! Do I do it? Probably not.

What brand of mascara do you use?

My trusty Covergirl lashblast!

Sephora or Mac?

Sephora!

Do you have a Mac pro-card?

Nope.

What makeup tools do you use in makeup application?

Mainly just brushes and fingers.

Do you use a makeup base/primer for the eyes?

Nope.

For the face?

Nope.

What is your favourite eyeshadow (colour or shade)?

The bronze shimmer shade in the Smashbox Full Exposure palette. 

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Liquid.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Never haha, I don't use a pencil.

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

I don't personally use them so I can't say.

Do you use mineral makeup?

I don't.

What is your favourite lipstick?

I don't wear anything on my lips but chapstick...whoops haha.

How about lip gloss?

^ See previous answer. ^

What is your favourite blush to use?

Revlon in the colour Ooh! Baby pink.

Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

No haha.

Do you like drugstore makeup?

LOVE!

Do you go to CCOs?

Going to say no since I don't even know that that is haha.

Did you ever consider taking makeup classes?

I was thinking for quite some time that I wanted to be an aesthetician actually!

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I can be haha.

Name a makeup crime that you hate?

 I think probably just when people have a foundation line around the edge of their face.

Do you like colourful shades of makeup or neutral shades?

I'm for sure a neutrals girl.

Which celebrity always has great makeup?

Emma Watson, Lily Collins, and Kristen Stewart.

If you could leave the house using just ONE makeup item, what would you use?

Mascara!

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Yes, I do that quite often actually.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Of course I think I look better with makeup on, but I'm still confident in my naked skin.

In your opinion what is the BEST makeup line?

Hands down Revlon.

What do you think of makeup?
I think it's a wonderful way of expressing yourself. I think everyone should be allowed to wear makeup if they want to without judgement. I also think there's no such thing as 'too much' or 'not enough'- wear what you want and rock it!

If you're reading this, I tag YOU! If you do this tag let me know so I can check it out!

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo