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A Weekly Routine to Help You Regain Focus When Life Gets Messy

Skip to: My Personal Weekly Routine

In mid-March, when Canada was in the initial stages of coronavirus lock down, my life felt out of control. On top of the external stress of a worldwide pandemic, I began an internal battle. My mood dipped, anxious thoughts kept me awake, my phone was at my face throughout the day (and night), my go-to after-work hydration was alcohol, my facial skin was dry and sore, and I felt drowsy.

I know I’m not alone. This pandemic is as much a mental health crisis as it is a public health crisis.

I had to remind myself about my personal routine; a weekly schedule of healthy habits that I created about six months ago. I originally designed it to help organize the internal clutter of my day-to-day and it has become a mainstay in the midst of uncertain times. My personal routine is comforting. Some days, it’s the only thing that can bring my focus back again.

This post is about how creating a personal routine could help improve your focus when life is a chaotic mess.

It has taken me years to determine how to set professional boundaries with myself and others. I balance self-employment with part-time employment. This requires a blend of working environments, but I’m mostly working from home. My biggest struggle with working from home is that it often leads to my needs being placed on the back-burner. Scheduling a personal routine helps me focus on my daily tasks while finally putting my health first.

Last fall, I developed a structured weekly routine that makes my wellbeing a priority. My routine has changed three times since. It changed after the coronavirus crisis. And I can guarantee it will change again before this is over.

Set Your Top Weekly Goals

When I accomplish my goals, I feel more in control of my life.

I set two major weekly goals: planning and preparing meals, and working out at least four times. I put both my meal plan and my workout plan in writing, so that I don’t have to constantly think about what I am going to do.

An added benefit of organizing meal prep is that our weekly grocery list is created at the same time. Now that we’re limited to one trip per week as the current recommendation, meal prep continues to make grocery trips focused and efficient.

Activity is also shown to improve mood and immunity, among its other positive benefits.

Seek Outside Support

Outside support means asking someone else for help to achieve your goals. If you live with your support person – wonderful! If not, seek encouragement and accountability from family, friends, and loved ones.

My husband has taken initiatives that make keeping our lifestyle easier and more connective. So far, he’s created a shared habit tracker chart; committed to being the household grocery guy; walks the neighbourhood with me daily; joins in guided mediations; and joins in virtual yoga. Having a supportive partner helps me maintain my personal routine long-term.

MY PERSONAL WEEKLY ROUTINE

Feel free to use my weekly routine to build your own framework. I deliberately left out my work schedule and specific times so that you could create a weekly personal routine that’s unique to you. The point is that you create a routine that works right now, and plan to review and update every few months.

SundaySpiritual Community
Meal prep 4 hours preparing meals for the week
Optional walk
Personal grooming
MondayBook Club x1/mo.
Volunteer x1/mo.
60 min walk
Phone family member
TuesdayRead
Full body HIIT circuit
Text an old friend
WednesdayAdditional Meal Prep
Leg day
ThursdayRead
Dance drills
30 min walk
Friend date
FridayBike and abs
Date night or game night with friends
SaturdayPilates
30 min cardio
Clean floors dust organize clutter
Meal plan, create grocery list
Fun afternoon activity
All activities and dates happen remotely from home. I haven’t seen my friends and family in person in over three and a half weeks. I miss your hugs and your faces. I can’t wait to see you again.

During the coronavirus lockdowns, my routine has become a source of comfort. This new lifestyle makes it easier to focus on taking care of my health. I’m grateful to past-me for carving this path and present-me for choosing to stick with it through unprecedented times.

DAILY HABITS

  • waking up at a set time
  • taking a shower, brushing and flossing, applying face moisturizer
  • getting dressed in work clothes (weekdays) or comfy clothes (weekends)
  • 30 minutes minimum of physical activity
  • keeping phone in a separate room
  • drinking lots of fluids
  • planning for social connection
  • eating meals at regular times together
  • limiting alcohol consumption
  • making space for quiet time

Daily habit tracking seems insignificant at the time, but seeing the pixelated chart in our kitchen gives me visual motivation to be consistent everyday.

A personal routine is a source of comfort when the world is very uncertain. It gives my mind a chance to focus on what needs to be done each day and stop trying to manage everything internally. If you have been experiencing multiple weeks like my first week of lockdown, I encourage you to take some time to focus on what’s important to you. Once you create a weekly personal routine, don’t forget to track your daily habits. Since starting my routine six months ago, my day-to-day life has changed my focus for the better. I have a feeling yours will too.

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Edmonton dad embraces winter and builds massive living-room-sized igloo in his family’s backyard

This week, Western Canada is in the midst of an extremely cold winter vortex that’s keeping most of us indoors. Temperatures are diving as low as -51 C with wind chill in Saskatoon. But a snowpocalypse isn’t keeping one Canadian dad from inspiring all of us with a creative winter project in his own backyard.

Igloos are temporary snow huts historically tied to the Inuit peoples who craft them out of hard-packed snow. Chris Schrettlinger of Edmonton, Alberta started building ice igloos for his family last winter.

The album of his cold-weather creation has reached over a million people so far. There were many comments from across North America asking how he did it. So today, he shared how it’s done so that you can build your own backyard winter hangout, too.

All photos via Chris Schrettlinger

Why did you start making ice igloos?

“When you get older there’s not a whole lot of fun in winter anymore. It’s miserable to drive to work. But my three young kids aren’t bothered by the cold.

I was so sick of being inside dreading the cold. I remembered the forts we tried to build when I was a kid that never really worked out. And I saw someone make something similar on Reddit years ago. So I made a small one last year and then decided to make a bigger one this year.

Our Edmonton winters haven’t been as bad as they were in the past and there hasn’t been a lot of snow. You would need a massive amount of snow to make a proper igloo. We don’t have that hard packed snow to make that style.”

How many hours of labour did it take to complete it?

“I started freezing the ice five weeks ago at the beginning of December. It took about an hour or two at night on working days and about five or six hours on weekends. I’d say it took about 100 hours total. Just making the ice takes a lot of time.

The last time it was -36 C they froze in a few hours. It usually takes two days to freeze. And it needs the time to set in between the rows, so you can’t finish it with friends that help in a day. If I could sit on the edges of it, I’d start the next row.

It’s a time-intensive project. The kids get stuck with hauling all of the ice bricks over the backyard. I put a spotlight up and work at night until midnight.

I get obsessed with the project. My only caution is that it’s going to take a while. And you will get slightly depressed at least a few times. “

Do you have experience working outdoors during the winter?

“I try to get outside and go to the rink or skiing. It’s hard to find a reason to go outside when it’s so cold. And I’ve built fences and such in the past.”

How big is the final ice igloo of 2020?

“It’s 16 feet across and seven feet high at its tallest point. There are about 300 ice blocks. The bottom row is 56 blocks. It can probably fit 10 adults in there. It’s taller than the fence. If you walk down the alley, you’ll see it. I’m the only guy that has a canopy of lights and a massive igloo in the backyard. “

What do you use to stick the blocks together?

“You mix a mortar-consistency slush in a large plastic tub full of snow with about 20 litres of water.”

How were you able to work in -30 C weather?

“Many, many layers of clothes. Long underwear, two pairs of sweatpants, snow pants, -50 boots, a parka, toque, and four layers of work gloves. I change gloves every 20 minutes. I have a surplus of gloves.”

What kind of pans do you use to freeze the ice blocks?

“Disposable lasagna trays you get at any supermarket. It cost us about $50 in supplies from The Wholesale Club.”

I’m guessing you use food colouring to make the colours. Is that correct?

“Yes. The food colouring is already in the tins. My wife runs a hose out the basement window and I fill up all of the tins with water. I don’t bother mixing the food colouring and water beforehand.”

How long do you hope it will last?

“Last winter, it was melting during the first week in March.  You could see the mortar start to melt. Then a huge section fell in and collapsed.”

Did your family make igloos when you were a kid?

“I always made forts in the snow with my friends. I had two sisters and didn’t want to hang out with them all the time. And I made another massive snow fort during a few slow days at work when I was 24.”

Any plans for 2021’s ice igloo?

“No plans for next year. Usually by the time it’s done, I don’t want to think about it for a long time. Around September to October, I’ll start thinking about it again. “

What kind of impression do you hope building the igloo will leave on your kids?

“Don’t be scared of winter and the cold. I want them to be the envy of their friends and classmates and remember having fun with their dad. I hope they appreciate all the time I spent out there. ”

Have you been hanging out in it during this cold snap?

“We’ve been out there this week. I tried to put a propane fire inside, but it’s too hot and the air is too cold. The ice was starting to crack.

I’m planning a weekend camp out in it, but the ice is a terrible insulator. We’ll dress really warm. If it’s -35 C outside, it’s -30 C in there. I have to research what to do to insulate it properly.”

It’s easy to feel miserable when the mercury dips to extremely low levels. Chris has inspired everyone to see the positive side of our cold prairie winters with his massive ice igloo of 2020. Thank you for sharing your creation with Do Sask!

How are you embracing the extreme cold weather this winter? Join the Do Sask Facebook Group to have your say in the discussion.
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10 Ways to Celebrate Canada Health Day without Getting a Physical

Celebrate Canada Health Day

Canada Health Day is today, May 12. It’s not Christmas, but taking care of your health is the best gift you’ll ever give yourself.

So what am I doing this week to celebrate? While I do make a point to check in with my doctor regularly, total health is so much more than visiting the clinic every few months. In my opinion, it’s the daily habits that truly make a difference.

Getting back to healthy habits can be way to eliminate your risk of heart failure and mental disorder. Next to cancer, heart disease is the number 2 leading cause of death (Stats Canada). And according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue in any given year.

Here are a ten simple ways you can celebrate Canada Health Day that don’t involve a visit to your doctor.

1. Make exercise fun again.

Remember when you’d go to the park and shoot hoops with your friends for hours on end? You’re never too old to make it happen. Saskatoon has some offbeat exercise clubs including acroyoga, aerial dance, and beach dodgeball leagues. Or go old school and call a friend to play a game of 21.

2. Start a walking, or running club.

We hardly got any colour at Color Me Rad.

I don’t know about you, but walks are always so much better when catching up with friends. It doesn’t have to be a large group to be a club – keep it small if that’s what you prefer. All that matters is that you stay accountable and meet up a certain amount of times per week/month to walk it out.

3. Round up the girls for a healthy food potluck or BBQ.

Contrary to popular belief, not every gathering has to have meat. Try to go meatless and see how creative you can be! Assign each friend a dish to bring and ask them to keep it clean. Walk the aisles around the perimeter of your nearest grocery store (fresh produce and dairy), instead of going to the aisles in the middle (preserved foods).

4. Go to a workshop to learn about meditation.

If you follow along in the Do Sask Facebook group, there are a number of activities in the city that encourage meditation. Some are free! Give it a look and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, start up your own event or group.

5. Push yourself to reach some new goals.

Setting SMART goals each week is part of adopting healthy habits. Try to keep them within arm’s reach, as lofty goals such as “lose 10 pounds in 1 week” will often leave you more discouraged and more likely to fail in the long-run. I put things like “make meal plan on Sunday” and “limit alcoholic drinks to under 5 per week” on my list of goals. These are all working towards the larger goal of feeling healthier every day.

6. Park at the last lane of the parking lot.

My husband Chris often chooses the furthest parking spot from the door. I grumble, but it’s actually a good idea to work in exercise in everyday moments like going to work and running errands. That way you’re building up your recommended 60 minutes of activity per day over the course of the entire day, not lumping it together in one hour that you may not have.

7. Bike to work!

Amy Bike Commuting to Work

I used to bike commute in Calgary every day during the spring, summer, and fall rain or shine. (I tried it in winter, but fell off my bike down an icy hill and called it quits.) 45 minutes in the morning pumped me up for a day at the office, and 45 minutes at rush hour helped me avoid traffic calmed me down on the way home. As a bike commuter, I was the most fit I’ve ever been and felt pretty good about myself.
Now that I work from home, biking is something I have to work hard to make happen. I’m looking at joining a biking group to get back at it. Friendly reminder: Bike to Work Day is May 16!

8. Go screen-free.

As a solo business owner, it is hard for me to cut out screens out cold turkey. What I’ve started doing is plugging in my phone to charge at the end of the night starting at around 9 pm, so that it’s far enough away from me that I can wind down for the evening. Some of my colleagues have chosen a day of the week to go without their phones to greater well-being. Choose whatever method that works best for you and stick to it.

9. Sign your organ donor card.

A big decision like organ donation deserves some dedicated thought. On a positive note of encouragement, one of the Humbolt Broncos crash victims, Logan Boulet, saved the lives of 6 people because of his decision to sign. Organ donations have spiked since news was shared about this tragic hero. It’s definitely worth considering.

10. Learn more about mental illness.

Different forms of mental illness affect my family members, so I have been aware of it since I was a teen. I am not ashamed to admit that I have sought help for different issues tied to mental well-being throughout my adult life. Facing your fears and learning about psychiatric disorders will put you in a good place should you or anyone close to you be diagnosed with a mental condition.

These tips for a healthy lifestyle are things I have learned over my life time. I hope they inspire you to celebrate Canada Health Day in a fun way!

As a reminder, before you ever consider changing your diet or exercise routine, always consult a physician.

DO YOU LIKE THESE CANADA HEALTH DAY TIPS, OR DID I MISS SOMETHING? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.
Become a contributor!

Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your favourite summer activity.

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Kick Start the New Year: These Habits Help You Keep that Fresh Feeling Every Day

Simple habits to help you kick start the new year

This post is about simple ways to keep that fresh, hopeful feeling alive all year long. These habits will improve your mood and help you kick start the new year everyday of the week. Think of this advice as a reset button you can press when you’re feeling like you need to.

Note: If you love making resolutions, this article probably isn’t right for you.

New Year’s Eve can be one of the most hopeful nights of the year. You have a few drinks, spend time with your favourite people, and watch the ball drop/fireworks (or look it up on YouTube). There’s a super-connectedness with the people and the world around you in those fleeting moments.

So why would you let a resolution put a damper on your spirit?

All of the explosive joy can come crashing down as soon as the clock hits 12:01. Some of us feel anxious about the year ahead while others are too lit to notice the difference. If you’re from the former group, you may lay awake in bed coming up with ways you want to be better in the New Year. (If you’re in the latter group you will likely wake up in the afternoon singing sea shanties… but that’s a topic for another post.)

Self-proclaimed resolutions only set you up for failure. Only 8% of people actually keep theirs. So why are we wasting time making ourselves feel icky about who we are? You deserve to feel good throughout your day-to-day life, no matter what day it is.

Kick start the new year and get a fresh start all year long with these simple life hacks:

Get a new haircut

Back in 2015, I decided to kick start the new year by donating my hair that had grown for over 4 years to charity. It was at a hair college with a student that took over 3 hours to cut it all off. At the time, I was super nervous about letting go of my locks. Surprisingly, I’ve kept my shoulder length since then. Who says I can’t change my mind and snip it again any day of the week?

For under $50 at most salons, ask your hairdresser to give you a new look. Maybe it’s as simple as a nice trim, or perhaps you want to go from long to short. If you’re a dude, you can treat yourself to a professional shave or beard shaping. Whatever you’ve been waiting to try, do it! You may not recognize yourself, but that’s the point! Remember that hair always grows back.

Toss your old undies

Ladies, do the panties in your drawer have a stained crotch, ripped elastic, or fraying hem? Guys, do your boxer-briefs have holes in the crotch and skid marks?

We all have a pair that’s been worn one too many days. And yeah, you may only keep them around for certain days of the month, or laundry day. How do you feel when you put them on again and again and again? Likely, not as saucy and confident as you once did.

It’s time to release them out into the world. (I’m having flashbacks to that season of Orange is the New Black.)

There’s no denying that used up undies definitely aren’t going to make you feel fresh. So toss them now before you forget you’re wearing them on a date that’s going well…

Sort the pile of paper

The mountain of crap – bills, letters, receipts, etc. – that’s been sitting on your desk, kitchen table, or nightstand needs regular attention.

I tend to hoard receipts and handwritten notes. Last year, I spent several days of my Christmas holiday tallying them up on a spreadsheet. This year, I made an effort to regularly sort the pile when it got too large. Now I’m way ahead on organization come tax time. And I got more time to read and bake cookies over the holidays!

I still have a manageable pile on my desk. Baby steps!

Brush & floss your teeth

How good does it feel to have smooth pearly whites before you go to work and when you go to bed? Fang-tastic.

I resisted purchasing an electric toothbrush for most of my life. Since I started using mine around two years ago it’s made an impact come dentist time. Flossing regularly has also made a huge difference. I’d prefer not sitting in the dental hygienist’s chair any longer than I have to!

Make the bed

According to Psychology Today, bed makers are happier than those who don’t make their beds. It turns out that taking 30 seconds to accomplish something small before starting your day tricks your mind into maintaining other good habits.

When I was a kid my grandma taught me how to make hospital corners (she is a trained nurse), so I take pride in trying to make mine like she taught me.

Maybe this isn’t your thing and that’s okay! I’ve had debates with friends about making beds in the past, so I know there’s no convincing people who like messy beds.

Pick up that hobby you’ve forgotten

A hobby takes your mind away from the daily grind and onto something completely outside of your work, relationships, and obligations. It’s all about giving you pleasure in your off time. When I work on my hobbies it takes me to a state of flow. (Learn more about how to find your own flow point here.)

  • That canvas and paintbrush kit? They look like they need some colour.
  • The beautiful yarn? It could make a nice toque.
  • How about the bow and arrow? It’s time to hit the target.

A number of craft projects that I’ve never finished are in a bag in the basement. For example, I’ve got all the panels cut and prepared to make a t-shirt quilt, but no sewing machine. I like that I have a bunch of things in the works to pick up at any time when I need a pick-me-up.

Write something down

As a full-time writer I sift through a tonne of details every day, so tasks like “call doctor” might get forgotten for weeks. My brain has a funny way of retaining information.

What’s worse is when something nags at you inside for a long time. It’s called repetitive ruminating and it’s not good for your health at all. Putting those thoughts into words is a great way to dump them and either: a) fix ’em, or b) forget ’em.

I don’t want to say write a journal, because that can be a daunting chore for most. In my own personal experience it has been freeing to write one or two sentences. Some people use bullet journals which are designed for efficiency and mindfulness. It’s fun to look back on the things that excited me, or tore me up inside.

Get outside and/or off of your butt

If the gym ain’t your thing, don’t feel pressured to go. Do something that gets you up and out of your chair.

I’ve tried lots of things over the years including kettlebells, kickboxing, belly dancing, cycle commuting, acro yoga, dance classes, running, rollerblading, skating, skiing, snow showing, tobogganing… and the list goes on. Don’t let the cold weather stop you – unless it’s frigid enough to make hot water evaporate into thin air.

If you really don’t want to get moving, then remind yourself of those stress-busting endorphins. Once you’re done moving, you’ll feel like a million bucks.

Prayer and/or positive affirmations

When I’m too in my head and up to my eyeballs in overwhelm I need to be reminded to stop and let it go. The best way for me to do that is to pray. Again, prayer might not be for you. But letting go of your worries is freeing.

How do you pray? Some speak out loud, some think, some sing, some memorize, some read, some have conversations.

Benefits of prayer include improving self-control, increasing trust and lowering stress, according to Psychology Today.

Put your phone away

There’s no denying that most people are addicted to their smartphones. And it causes major damage to our personal relationships and health. If you can’t cut it out cold turkey and replace it with a flip phone, you’ll have to come up with ways to wean yourself off of it to detox.

One way is to take an hour before bed each night to do something without your phone. Plug it in to charge in another room and buy yourself an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake up without it.

Making time to disconnect is one of the best daily gifts I give myself. Try it yourself!

Most importantly: do what feels best for you.

Here’s hoping that these ideas help you kick start the New Year every day of 2018! Become a VIP to get more ideas like these and updates about events delivered to your inbox.

Do you have any recommendations to kick start the new year? Join the DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP to share your favourites, get news about what’s up this weekend in Saskatchewan, and more.
Become a contributor!

Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook to let everyone know about your favourite things to do in Saskatoon.

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7 Tacky Last-Minute DIYs to Inspire You for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree

Between extended hours baking cookies at the stove, multiple deadlines before the end of the year, and getting crafty to make handmade gifts for my loved ones Christmas is the busiest most wonderful time of year at Do Sask Headquarters. That doesn’t leave a lot of time to get my outfit ready for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree.

Mixing eggnog into my morning coffee almost totally makes up for it!

If your holiday season is anything like mine, you’re probably wondering where to find the time to put together a prize-winning outfit for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree on December 12 and December 19 at the Hose & Hydrant Pub. Well, not to worry. I’ve done the work for you, so you don’t have to!

Here are some of the tackiest last-minute outfits I could find to inspire your look for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree:

1. Use your tinsel to steal the show as an eye-catching tannenbaum.

Photo via Pinterest

You might need a friend to wrap the tinsel around you, or you could tie it around a door knob and spin. Finish the look in 5 minutes or less!

2. Go bow-nanas with a chic take on tacky Christmas DIYs.

Related image
Photo via Pinterest

Black shirt, leggings, tape and bows. This basic look may take 30 minutes or less with three of your friends taping and sticking.

3. Pimp your beard! Show off that luscious mane with battery-operated string lights.

Photo via Bored Panda

Once you’re finished weaving the lights into your beard hair, top off this colourful look with a flannel jacket and stylish cap.

4. Channel Lil’ Kim circa 1999 with a holiday spin in this sexy Rudolf getup.  

Photo via Twitter

There’s a NSFW ladies version, but this sweater seems like it’s better suited for adventurous/hilarious dudes.

5. This cold shoulder grumpy cat sweater is something I’d consider wearing regularly.

Photo via Homemade Home

Okay, minus the Santa hat. It’s kind of cute.

6. Paired up? How about this lovely couples’ sweater set…

Related image
Photo via Milliyet

Because everyone can relate to Rudolf now and then. Especially at Christmastime.

7. Or this not-so-subtle Frosty the Snowman tribute?

Related image
Photo via Made in Belgrade

Props to this spirited couple for going all-in with their innuendo.

7. This mantle-place replica with stockings and fire get a standing ovation from me.

Photo via Pinterest

Not sure if this girl dressed up for an ugly sweater party, or had to stand in as a fireplace at Christmas.

About Do Sask’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Singles Soiree

Do Sask is known for connecting people to new ideas and activities at speed dating events, art classes, and brewery tours in Saskatoon. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree at the Hose & Hydrant Pub is the perfect opportunity to come and meet the Do Sask community. Registration is by donation with 50% of all profits donated to the YWCA Turning Points Program.

Friends and the curious welcome, regardless of relationship status.

Optional speed dating will be offered along with hilarious party games, prizes for ugliest sweater, and raffle draws. Do Sask throws out the old rules of speed dating for a more connective experience.

There are two Ugly Christmas Sweater Soirees for different age groups:
  1. December 12 – 38 and under. Click HERE for details and to register.
  1. December 19 – 36 and over. Click HERE for details and to register.

Both start at 7 pm and run ’til late. Please wear an ugly Christmas sweater if you have one! (Santa hats work, too!)

Tickets are by donation with half of all profits going to YWCA Turning Points program. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree at The Hose & Hydrant Brew Pub, December 12 and 19, 2017 starting at 7 pm. Please share your tacky outfit ideas in the comments below.
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Make your own alcohol ink coaster at Thursday Night Art Market YXE

Saskatchewan Pride Alcohol Ink Ceramic Tile Coaster
Learn how to become an alcohol ink artist!

Back by popular demand, this Thursday Night Art Market I’ll teach you how to make a custom alcohol ink ceramic tile coaster for $10. You’ll take home your coaster to show all of your friends what your artistic talents are made of!

*This is not a formal workshop and does not require advance registration. I’ll be taking “students” on a first-come, first served basis.

Alcohol Ink Ceramic Tile Coaster Mini-Maker

Saskatchewan Pride Alcohol Ink Ceramic Tile Coaster

Ceramic tiles are non-porous so alcohol inks won’t permeate the surface.

Supplies you’ll use:

  • 4×4 Ceramic White Tile
  • Ranger Ink Alcohol Ink
  • Isopropanol Alcohol
  • Cotton Pad
  • Q-Tip
  • Drinking Straw

Techniques:

1. Stamp the ink onto the tile with cotton pad,

2. blow the ink before it dries with a straw,

3. drip the ink with a paint brush,

4. sprinkle alcohol on top of the ink to create a star-like galaxy,

5. Remove ink for clean finish with alcohol soaked brush or Q-Tip,

6. Use tape or decal to create precise symbols that you will stamp over.

To protect your finished alcohol ink ceramic tile coaster you’ll need:

  • Modge Podge
  • Paint Brush
  • EnviroTex Lite Resin Kit
  • Popsicle Stick
  • Disposable Mixing Dish
  • Cork or Felt (protects wood surfaces)
  • Hot Glue Gun & Glue

If you want to use your alcohol ink ceramic tile coaster for everyday coffee and tea you will need to protect it by using the following method:

  1. Paint Modge Podge onto your tile and let it dry for about 60 minutes. (This protects the colour from the resin.)
  2. Mix resin and hardener together in a disposable dish for two minutes.
  3. Once the resin has thickened from stirring drip the mixture onto your tile and spread the mixture evenly across it.
  4. Shake your tile to get bubbles out. There may be some bubbling, but remember this project isn’t perfect!
  5. Put the tile in a safe, relatively dust free area to set for up to 72 hours.
  6. Cut cork or felt to fit 4×4 tile and hot glue to the bottom.

New doers can WIN stuff!

If you like Do Sask, encourage your friends and family to come down to the Thursday Night Art Market and sign up to become a Doer. When they opt-in to the newsletter they will have a chance to Win a To-Go Terrarium Kit package for 3 – a $90 value!*

Terrarium Kit CompleteTwo draws will be made on July 27th and September 7th, 2017. Our first draw for the Terrarium Kit “Night In” happens this Thursday at 9:00 PM!

*To qualify, winners must be new Doers (you can always ask them nicely to share the prize).

Hope to see you at #ThursdayNightArtMarketYXE!

I’ll be set up at Market Square in front of the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market just off Avenue B and 19th street every Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM until September 7th. River Landing is only steps away.

DO YOU LIKE supporting local SASKATOON artists? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO find out about more events like the thursday night art market.
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Sustainable Style: Recap on Do Sask’s Pop-up Clothing Swap in the Park

How do you look stylish while keeping your wardrobe sustainable? We asked three of Saskatoon's newest stylists to share their advice as part of the Do Sask Clothing Swap.

This week, some of Saskatoon’s most fashionable were invited to share how to make budget- and environmentally-friendly choices when it comes to shopping for our wardrobes.

The folks at Wild About Saskatoon asked me to host an event as part of NatureCity Festival 2017, so I got creative with their request. Do Sask is all about connecting with other people in the community, so I thought what better way to mix the two values of environmental preservation and meaningful connections than with a sustainable style focused clothing swap?

The Pop-up Swap in the Park was a charity fundraiser for the YWCA that also provided folks with insight on increasing the life of their wardrobe. People were invited to register to get the location of the event sent to their inbox two days before the swap.

In the weeks leading up to the pop-up swap, nearly 30 people registered. Unfortunately due to weather warnings only a handful actually showed up.

Here’s what we learned when three amazing stylists agreed to give us their favourite tips on sustainable style.

*This post has been edited as of November 6, 2017 to reflect business closures.

PickNic’s Catering provided a delicious spread while we discussed sustainable style. Here's all the food we enjoyed from our generous sponsor, PickNic's Catering.

We all loved nibbling on this fantastic array of colourful appetizers. The beet hummus went pretty quickly. The raspberry iced tea was divine! No need to gush over the cupcakes –  they were just as good to eat as they are to look at.

Krysta Arsenault from the YWCA gave us some insight on what programs are offered through the Crisis Shelter and how our donations have an impact.

Next up, we heard some great fashion (and let’s face it – life) advice from Je Suis Style, Paramount Day Spa & Boutique, and The Knick Vintage.

Here's a peak at some of the stylists listening to information about YWCA

K-Lyn from Je Suis Style (edit: now closed) brought in models to demonstrate how to upgrade an item from their closet that they haven’t worn, or never wear.

The model Amber chose this vest as something she loves, but can't figure out what to wear it with. K-lyn came in and showed her how to work it.

Model Amber Hoffart chose her chic vest and K-Lyn styled the outfit around it, bringing in the casual joggers with a striking floral heel.

K-Lyn’s top tips for styling a wardrobe with sustainability in mind are:

  • Fashion doesn’t need to be expensive to look good. Brand name clothing isn’t the be all end all of fashion. You can purchase clothing from Walmart, Value Village, Costco, etc. and still be stylish and save money.
  • Throw away those “ratty” pieces that are damaged (holes, stains, rips, etc). If it’s an essential item you always wear, replace it.
  • Wear items you never seem to get rid of during your closets raids. Ask a friend (or hire a stylist 😉 ) for help picking out an outfit to go with that shirt or pants that sit at the back of your closet. A second opinion makes a difference!
  • We all have flaws or parts of us that we don’t like to show. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Nothing is worse than going out and feeling uncomfortable the entire time.
  • Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box with your style. Have fun with your clothes and wear whatever makes you happy.

Chelsey from Paramount Day Spa Salon & Boutique gave some vivid examples of how accessories can make or break your style.

Recap Do Sask Clothing Swap in the Park - Chelsey Hein Paramount Day Spa talks about using accessories to improve your look.

Chelsey’s keys to being thoughtful about your wardrobe are:

  • Accessorize! Adding stunning accessories can change an outfit dramatically. Go from drab to fab with a simple add-on to any outfit. For example, incorporating jewelry, shoes, hats, purses, belts can flip a basic black dress from workday to weekend in an instant. No need to break the bank on these items to look fabulous.
  • Be Patient. Those great pieces at affordable prices are out there. Stay on the lookout and don’t settle for any item because you feel you need something new.
  • Know what’s in your wardrobe. If you are adding pieces to your closet it’s best to get items that can be paired with what you already have.  Otherwise it will sit in your closet because you have nothing that goes with it.

Sarah Gaudry from The Knick Vintage gave us some tips on choosing quality items and the importance of staying patient throughout the process.

Swap in the Park - Sarah Gaudry from the Knick Vintage talks about paying attention to quality before purchasing and item.

Here are Sarah’s tips on becoming your own curator of vintage fashion:

  • Get a feel for quality items. While shopping second hand, touch the fabric of your item and bunch it up in your hand. If it hold its shape and feels good give it a second look. On the other hand, if it feels itchy or like it will fall apart then put it back on the rack. Some styles and fabrics were meant to stay in the 70’s. Natural fibers always look best over time.
  • Browse fast-fashion stores to see what’s on trend. You don’t have to buy the latest design brand new to look cutting-edge. If you see a pattern like leopard print or staple item like overalls that’s back in style go to the thrift shop and try to find it there first. When you do find it check the tag. Was it made in the 1940’s? Even better!
  • If you find an item you love, but needs TLC put it back. We like to think we can fix things, but ultimately an item that’s damaged will only sit on your floor waiting to be fixed rather than being worn.
  • Make a list. Come shopping with a list of things you are looking for, but don’t live and die by it.
  • Stick to pieces with clean lines and classic shapes if you don’t want to look dated. 
  • Know your own personal size. Do not get caught up in the number on the tag. You may need to try on three different sizes to find yours since modern sizing has gotten smaller over time.
  • And above anything: BE PATIENT! If it doesn’t feel right today just put it back for someone else to enjoy.

Bonus: Consider a tailor if you’re getting a deal on the item. Spending $20 on a $5 dress may just be the best money you’ve ever spent. If you have a pair of pants that you love, but are out of style Sarah can tailor the design to give them new life.

Lastly, we started sorting through the piles to find our new gems.

This slinky top complements the mermaid hair perfectly.

The stylists themselves even got in on the swapping pile action!

A heap of clothing to browse and donate back to YWCA

So much appreciation to these three fashionistas for taking the opportunity to talk about keeping style sustainable.

From left: Amy Rederburg, Chelsey Hein, K-Lyn Bonogofski, Sarah from The Knick Vintage
From Left: Amy Rederburg (DoSask.com), Chelsey Hein (Paramount Day Spa & Boutique), K-Lyn Bonogofski (Je Suis Style), Sarah Gaudry (The Knick Vintage).

P.S. This is my ‘shit happens’ when registered guests don’t show up look.

What happens when none of your guests show up your clothing swap? You say "fuck it" and party!

Thanks to my amazing volunteers Jacinda Johnston, Janelle Kowalchuk, and Linda Wood who provided much needed backup on picture-taking, set up and tear down.

wish you would have known about the Sustainable Style clothing swap in the park? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP to get updates on events like this and more.
Become a contributor!

Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook to let everyone know about your favourite things to do in Saskatoon.

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How to Create a Wine Glass Succulent Terrarium Like a Pro

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium title image
Last weekend at the Modern Woman Show, I led a sold-out crowd of ladies in a workshop on how to create a wine glass succulent terrarium. Today, I’m using their photos to show you how they did it.

Succulents are the most popular plants around lately. From hipster weddings to trendy restaurant decor, everyone is going gaga over the resilient plant. And the Modern Woman Show provided the perfect spot to get our hands dirty with the little buds. This post will tell you how we did it.

When you think about it, a succulent is kind of an awesome metaphor for a woman’s life. It can be put through a lot of abuse and still survive. It can even thrive!

So whether you have a green thumb, or you kill every plant you touch – succulents terrariums are good for you.  They’re easy and decorative, incredibly stress-free to maintain, love an abundance of sun and are drought tolerant.

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium.

First, you have to gather your materials.

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium 5
Photo via Instagram @mortaliciousmoo.

  • Vessel (Wine Glass)
  • Sand/Gravel
  • River Stones
  • Clay Balls
  • Potting Soil with Perlite
  • Plants (Succulent & Moss)

Next, fill your wine glass with a false drainage system and a layer of soil.

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium 3
Photo via Instagram @morecowbell73.

Cover the bottom with an inch-thick layer of pebbles or rocks to create a false drainage system for the plant roots. You never want too much water settling in the soil, otherwise mold and fungus will grow in the roots.

Add a layer of potting soil. Do not use all of the soil for the first layer. Our soil mix has added perlite to keep it dry.

Shake off the excess dirt from your succulent’s roots, as they will cling better to the new soil. Carefully place it in the terrarium.

Cover the roots with your remaining soil and press until your plant is secure.

Then, get creative with your top layer.

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium 2
Photo via Instagram @morecowbell73.

Add pebbles, rocks, sand and sparkles in whatever pattern you choose. Then place your moss on top.

Plant Care

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium 1
Photo via Instagram @sloancm.

Clean up your wine glass with a paint brush, paper towel, and Windex.

Lightly water the succulents. You should plan on having to water them (again, very lightly) once a week for the first month until they’ve become established. After that, they should only need watering every 3-4 weeks.

Place your new planters on display, preferably in a sunny spot and enjoy!

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium 11
Photo via Facebook from Jacinda Johnston.

Thanks to all the ladies that came out to learn how to create a wine glass succulent terrarium. And an extra high-five to those who shared your beautiful finished products with me on Facebook and Instagram.

Special hugs to my good friend, Elle, and my mom, Linda, for taking time out of their #SundayFunday to help me make this workshop happen.

How to create a wine glass succulent terrarium 6
Photo via Instagram @scufflelover. From left: My friend Elle and me.

Have you ever made a succulent terrarium? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.

 

Do Sask hosts out-of-town art workshops with all supplies included in the cost. I would love to show your group how to create a wine glass succulent terrarium, fancy string art, alcohol ink ceramic tile coasters, and more. All I need is a minimum of 9 people confirmed and I will come to you! Plus, if you have a birthday, family reunion or celebration I’m happy to work with kids.

Email me, or call 306-241-3462 to book your hometown Do Sask Art Workshop today.