In hindsight: Reviewing 2015 Goals

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Some of you may not know this about me, but I have been blogging for over five years. I started creative writing on my blog to get better at it and to use it as my public journal. An escpae for creative ideas and a place for me to look back on. Every year, since I started blogging, I evaluate the goals I have set for myself. This is the first time, that I am carrying over the “In hindsight” series, as they usually live on my “Me So Pritti” blog.

Here are the goals I set for myself in 2015 (from In Hindsight 4):

  1. Finish kitchen renos on time and on budget– YES! My sexy kitchen is done and we don’t have (that much) residual debt from it. Our current debt is from other bad habits (#shopaholic #2016resolution).
  2. Lose 25 lbs (joined Weight Watchers  a few weeks ago and getting a personal trainer in January)– YES! I have lost (on a good day) 20 lbs since I started my new weightless journey. I do really need to get back into high gear though.
  3. Do more activities as a family (zoo, camping, vacations, road trips)- YES! We went to Papanack Zoo this year, we went camping in Ithaca this summer and visited friends in Thunder Bay and we are leaving for Cancun on Saturday!
  4. Get guitar lessons- Unfortunately not achieved.
  5. Perform an open Mic- Unfortunately not achieved.
  6. Buy my husband a truck of his dreams (SAVE!)- Soooooo, I bought a new car instead and he has my old SUV which is his new truck?
  7. Get myself a new car (SAVE MORE!)- yes! See #6. Look at me killing 2 birds with one stone.
  8. Travel to Italy or Armenia (SAVE EVEN MORE!)- I wish. All hope is not lost.
  9. Kick butt at Go-to Girl- Can’t wait to share what I have been working on for the new year!!!
  10. Nurture my plus-size fashion blog Mode XLusive– I am going to go ahead and say HELLZ YESSS!!
  11. 5 year plan… buy a second house, have another baby… a girl this time 😉 Sadly, nothing to report on this front.

I love this. I love seeing where my head was at. I can remember vividly what I was going through last December. I was stressed out, just like I am now, but the priorities were different. The focus has shifted. I really recommend this exercise to everyone!

Ok, now for 2016:

  1. BUDGET-Get a grip on spending, pay off small credit card debt and start mega-saving.
  2. HEALTH- Maintain weight loss and lose more if possible (no pressure). Maintain workout schedule and running. All this while protecting my lower back and shoulder.
  3. FAMILY- More of it; time and members. Register Victor for swimming and gymnastics.
  4. WORK & LIFE BALANCE- Finds ways and time to tune out and to kick butt all at the same time.
  5. ART- Start painting and drawing again.
  6. MUSIC- Get guitar lessons and perform an open mike song.
  7. VACATION- insert Italy/Armenia trip here. Also See #1.
  8. WRITING- Start my first kids book, have an article published on Huffington Post and take on more paid work.
  9. DECLUTTER- my life, my house, my friends, my stuff, my clothes.
  10. MODE XLUSIVE- keep blogging, grow my Instagram account and do more TV gigs.
  11. FIVE YEAR PLAN- Buy a second house as a rental unit.

Ok, I think that about sums it all up! Whoa, I have a LOT of work to do, and I better get started! What about you? Do you set yourself goals? Do you review your past year? What stood out for you the most? Have I possibly inspired you to do the same?

Thanks again for tuning in and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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Product Review: GotyGoty Workout Set

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Well, this is me in my new workout gear. It’s called GotyGoty Hotwear and they are, well, hot!

I was asked to do a review on this new workout gear and to provide my honest feedback, so here goes. 

I have been using the top and pants (both size L) for almost 2 weeks. I have done yoga and circuit training in them.

The material of the clothes are quite interesting. When I opened the package, my first impression was that it felt like a scuba diving suit. It’s a little bit more stiff, thick and more noisy (material swishes around when you move) than I am used too. When you put on the clothes, they instantly heat up. I would say this is the best type of clothing to be working out in during cold weather. My personal trainer told me that the extra heat was really good for my back too (I have back muscle problems).

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The clothes feel really good on. They are tight but not restrictive. They hold you in really nicely and to be honest, it’s very flattering on me. I do feel like I’m in a scuba suit though! 

So the material that heats up, is meant to make you sweat more, and in turn make you lose weight faster while you’re working out. I have only been using the clothes for two weeks, and between Christmas lunches, chocolates and cookies, I don’t think it’s a fair assessment to say that I have lost weight because of these clothes. However, I can attest 100% that these clothes make you sweat! By the end of your workout they are soaking wet. Obviously the more intense your workout the more sweat you generate.

As far as weight loss is concerned when it comes to over-sweating, personally I think you’re just losing your extra water weight. Keeping your body warm while you work out is really great for flexibility, but I’m not convinced that it will make me lose more weight, burn the fat or generate muscle. But if it does, I’m not complaining! It’s similar to hot yoga. The heat makes me feel really flexible, which I love! Someone once told me though, that over-sweating during hot yoga was almost an illusion of working hard. He said, in fact, you should be sweating that much, when you’re doing regular yoga, for a true rigorous yoga workout.

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I would definitely recommend these clothes for someone who has knee injuries or needs that heat to create the extra flexibility. I’d also recommend the GotyGoty system to folks who workout in the cold, or run outside in the winter.  At about $30 per item (currently on sale), it’s a great deal! Also, it’s Canadian and love that!

I give this product a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars.

I’ll keep wearing my outfit and let you know if I see any results in the new year!

In case you missed it, over the last year I have lost almost 20 pounds and have been working out consistently with a personal trainer. I have a whole “transformation” series of posts on the blog. You may find them motivating and inspiring, especially if you’re considering adopting a healthier lifestyle in the new year…. of course!

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Feature on Apt613

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In Ottawa, you know you have made it when you get featured on the coolest local blog around, Apt613! They have many ears to the ground and don’t miss a beat.

I was honoured when Kelsey Sunstrum, blogger and Apt613 writer, contacted me to do an exclusive interview to be part of their Blogosphere series.

If you want to read more, check out the article and visit the blog.
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Game is Strong: Ottawa Bloggers Roundup

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Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Style Blogger Mode Xlusive
Everyone follows at least one blog, right? I’m not talking about news sites like Buzzfeed, Huffington Post or Just Jared. I am talking about a more personal approach to getting informed. The truth is, bloggers follow other bloggers. It’s a way to get inspired, keep up with the beat and create a network of supportive sistas.
So today, I am sharing my Ottawa Bloggers network with you in hopes that you start following people, real people, in your city and get a glimpse of the real local talent.

CATEGORY: Why aren’t you famous already?

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CATEGORY: The Big leagues

  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Wish it could be fall all year round ? ?: @_jimmycote
 
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CATEGORY: Style Icon

CATEGORY: Ottawa Luv

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 [GIVEAWAY ALERT] Morning folks! Up on the blog this morning: I've got everything you need to know about a luxury Canadian skincare company called @PoeticBlend.  Poetic Blend is a boutique line of 3 beauty oils (also known as face oils) that are made by hand in small batches from 100% plant oils. They're vegan, cruelty free, and tested only on humans since that's who's meant to use them. Did you know that even oily and acne-prone skin can benefit from natural oils? It can! And I'll tell you how. Click the link in my profile for an interview with the founder, my full review of the line, and a chance to win the right beauty oil for your skin. Plus there's a 25% off sale all month long! Happy reading :) #skincare #blogger #vegan #november #vegetarian #MadeInCanada #beauty #gluetenfree #MadeInToronto #Toronto #natural #organic #plantoils #essentialoils #crueltyfee #testedonhumans #handcrafted #smallbatch #luxe #luxury #beautystash #beautyblogger #bblogger #Canada #canadian
 
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