Five Things Friday is back!

This may have actually been the longest month ever. That’s why it’s been a month since Five Things Friday was last on the blog. Because all the days are just melding into one and I’m pretty sure this month is never going to end.

It’s an interesting thing, blogging. Those of you who’ve been around from the beginning have likely noticed an evolution in my writing style, especially as I write more for other online publications these days. More importantly, though, are some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Writing the way that I write – some people call it creative non-fiction, some people call it lifestyle – comes with a certain amount of self-revealing, and sharing of personal anecdotes. I’ve learned (the hard way, at times) that sharing lots of personal things isn’t always as freeing or helpful as it is harmful. I’ve learned that I can’t be 100% authentic, 365 days of the year, because some moments are just not possible to share.

And that’s okay.

All of this is to say that life has been full of challenges, recently. Work, health, home, there’s all sorts of crazy stuff going on that hasn’t been sucking the creativity out of me, really, but it’s been limiting my ability to write as much as I’ve wanted to. Which isn’t to say that I’m not writing at all, I’m just writing mostly where I’m getting paid to (god, it feels good to say that) right now. I have lots to say, I just don’t have time to say it.

H&M Leopard Print Ballet Flats

I am typically quite boring in wanting to stick with basic colours like taupe, black, brown and grey, when it comes to shoes. For $14.99 though? Bring on the Leopard print! These babies are totally comfortable, too. I’ll be getting more colours for sure.

Lafe’s Dry Shampoo, Tinted to Match Brunette Hair

I am wary of the dry shampoos that you spray on, because the last one I had said not to spray it around children. Guess what? I HAVE TWO. So I found this stuff, which is way better than your classic “natural” dry shampoo. Why? Because it’s not white!! The white powders are great if you’re a blonde, but it just makes me look even more grey than I already am, which is quite a lot, thank you very much.

Reelside TV Series

This is a little self-serving, I guess, but if you’re in Canada and have either The Movie Network or Movie Central, you need to check out this series. My husband produced it and directed one of the episodes, which was up for a Canadian Screen Award in March (as was the entire series). It’s a story-telling way of making documentaries, and it features some of the most badass Canadian talent out there, from Sarah Gadon to Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg to Graeme Manson to Vincenzo Natali. Each episode is unique and so beautiful to watch. Oh, and I did a voiceover bit in the Superheroes episode, too!

Bulletproof Coffee

You may have heard of this stuff. It’s insane, how good it is. It’s a goddamn latte, without the milk. And it keeps you going for hours. I am a total convert. Most days, I only need 1 cup of coffee now, instead of 2-3. So what’s in it? Well, first you need high quality coffee beans. Bulletproof offers what they call “Upgraded Coffee Beans” which means they are dehydrated and roasted using a method that doesn’t allow for mould to develop, which can add toxins to your cuppa joe. Who knew, right? Well, I got to sample some of these beans, and the smell spoke volumes. I have never smelled coffee so sweet and delicious, prior to brewing.

Next, you need to have 1-2 tbsp. of grassfed butter. That’s right: grassfed. That shit isn’t easy to find in Canada, and it’s not cheap, but the nutrient profile of grassfed versus traditional or even organic butter is completely different, which is why you can consume it in that quantity and have it actually benefit you. You also need this stuff:

Brain Octane (or XTC Oil)

Essentially, you’re looking for medium chain triglycerides to add to your coffee (small amounts!! I added too much to begin with, and my stomach rebelled), because they help you with alertness and making you smart or something. Clearly it’s been 12 hours since I had my last dose.

Anyway, since this stuff is super high-calorie and high fat, the best type of diet to be drinking it with is Paleo, Keto or 4 Hour Body. The last thing you want is to have a croissant after drinking this stuff, because the whole point is to key your body up to burning its fat stores instead of carbs and sugars. Read more here.

And with that, I am off to sleep!

Sleep tight, lovelies.

~g

*Absolutely all opinions on products mentioned are my own, however in some cases, I may be talking about products that have been given to me to review.