JustineCelina

Business, Dwell, Fitness, Goals, Inspiration, Life, Living Room, Wellness

MY TOP 10 SELF HELP AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BOOKS

Friends, I’m thrilled to finally share a post I’ve been meaning to publish for years all about My Top 10 Self Help and Personal Development Books! Although I’ve always been interested in these topics, this isn’t the type of content I would typically share in a dedicated post here at JustineCelina — until 2021, that is! As we surpass one year into a global pandemic, I find myself reflecting on the journey that’s taken place, both collectively and individually. The world has changed drastically over the last 12 months — and I have too. Learning to navigate this new normal has resulted in a lot of self reflection, growth, healing and transformation as I anchor into WELLNESS practices — which I’ve mostly shared with you on social media, until recently. While I’ll always appreciate creating and sharing beautiful and inspiring tangible things that contribute to a vibrant, fulfilled life, 2021 is the year where I share things that bring me inner peace, joy and inspiration as I create from a more mindful, aligned place. JustineCelina is, after all, A Creative Lifestyle Blog — and my self care, personal development, and spiritual practices contribute greatly to my ability to create and stay inspired as an entrepreneur!

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the literary world of self help and personal development or are a longtime enthusiast of the genre, this post is for you! I invite you to slip into your most comfortable loungewear, pour yourself a mug of herbal tea and curl up on the sofa with me tonight as I deep dive into My Top 10 Self Help and Personal Development books — including mini reviews, key takeaways and quotes from each book, why they resonate with me and my process for absorbing (and applying) the information learned. I’ve also included shoppable links to each title, as well as a Pinterest-friendly graphic so you can bookmark this post for future reference! Who’s ready to dive into some seriously inspired and motivational reading material on this cozy Saturday evening?

April 10, 2021 by Justine

Business, Dwell, Fashion, Fitness, Goals, Inspiration, Life, Living Room, Wellness, Winter

MY DRY JANUARY EXPERIENCE

Friends, I’m elated to be back today with the first completely new piece of content I’ve created in 2021, dedicated to My Dry January Experience. You may have noticed that things have been more quiet than usual lately as I took a step back from content creation to refocus my time, attention and resources on reviewing 2020 and getting inspired for the year ahead. While January wasn’t the most exciting or glamorous month, I’m so grateful I finally gave myself permission to focus on what matters and align with my goals! This Dry January involved a lot of self reflection, accountability and honesty about my blogging and entrepreneurial journey and where I want to take it. 2020 was an incredibly challenging year for so many, myself included — but it was peppered with experiences and wisdom that have afforded me a greater clarity than I’ve ever experienced. As a result, I’ve emerged from 2020 a much different person (as I’m sure many of us have!).

This time last year were in Huatulco and I was sipping a mezcalrita with my toes in the sand — oh how times have changed! Despite the drastically different circumstances of present times, this isn’t my first January, or sober month. It’s something I do whenever I feel I need a hard reset — and I’ve always found it to be in incredibly rewarding experience! If you’ve always wanted to try a Dry January (or sober month) but aren’t sure what to expect, are looking for some strategies to ensure success, or are curious about the benefits and positive new habits I’ve adopted, this post is for you. Top up your coupe glass with your favourite kombucha and join me for a raw, transparent recap of My Dry January Experience and how it changed my relationship with alcohol!

February 5, 2021 by Justine

Appies & Sides, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dinner, Food, Lunch, Paleo, Roundups, Salads & Bowls, Smoothies & Juices, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian

20+ HEALTHY RECIPES TO KICK START THE NEW YEAR

After an indulgent holiday season, I always look forward to getting back on track and into a routine that supports my overall well being in January. During the first week of each new year, I find myself searching my FOOD archives for my healthiest winter recipes — and know you’re doing the same, as my views on these posts skyrocket. So, I created my 20+ Healthy Recipes to Kick Start The New Year roundup! This mega post contains over 20 of my healthiest, freshest, plant-based recipes incorporating all the gorgeous seasonal produce available to us in early January, for easy browsing reference. From breakfast through dinner, with nourishing snacks, fresh juices and smoothies along the way, you’ll find everything you need to create a healthy January meal plan in this post! As always, my recipes are free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar — and most are vegetarian / vegan. I’ve indicated these categories in this post with convenient labels so you can easily find what you’re looking for!

Although I do my best to maintain my plant-based diet over the holidays, I firmly believe in balance — you better believe I indulge in my fair share of treats as well! As someone with dairy and gluten sensitivities, I find my digestion can easily get thrown out of whack when I’m not being as mindful while I’m eating, drink and being merry. My favourite ways to kick start my metabolism and get things running smoothly again is by treating my body to lots of colourful fruits and veggies, juices and smoothies, hearty salads and bowls, plant-based entrées and simple, wholesome soups. I also aim to keep my snacking to a minimum and give the baking and the booze a rest (you won’t find any snacks, baking or cocktail recipes in this roundup). Who else is having a dry January this year? If you’re in need of some fresh recipes to help fuel these first few weeks of the new year with intention, you’ve come to the right place — pour yourself a mug of herbal tea and come peruse my all-time-favourite, nourishing winter recipes!

January 5, 2021 by Justine

DIGITAL BLOOMS JANUARY 2021 | JANUARY DIGITAL BLOOMS ROUNDUP | 8 FREE DESKTOP WALLPAPER | The Best of Justine Celina’s January Digital Blooms | Best 2021 Free Tech Wallpapers | Best Winter Desktop Backgrounds | Desktop backgrounds January 2021 | Floral Wallpaper Blog | Free Computer Wallpapers | January Flower Wallpaper | Fresh Calendar Wallpaper for a New Year | Free Winter Flower Wallpapers | The Best January Wallpapers| Calgary Creative Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com

Create, Digital Blooms, Flowers, Pantone, Roundups, Winter

JANUARY DIGITAL BLOOMS ROUNDUP | 8 FREE TECH WALLPAPERS

Flower friends, welcome back for the first post of 2022! Today marks the end of an era here at JustineCelina, as it’s the first month since DIGITAL BLOOMS‘ inception back in April 2016 that I’m not providing a new free floral wallpaper for download (yes, you read that correctly!). I spent much of 2021 letting go of things that no longer served me and making space for what’s next so I could live and work in greater alignment. This facilitated a lot of strategizing around how I could continue to grow my blog and business in 2022. Longtime readers will know I’ve mentioned I would love to extend my DIGITAL BLOOMS into a series of calendar-based digital and print products (this is something many of you have requested as well!), however, given the volume of content I previously produced each month and the resources required, it simply wasn’t possible. So, it’s time for a change! I’m pleased to announce that I’m dedicated the first few months of 2022 to carving out what’s next for JustineCelina Digital Blooms and am feeling very inspired to refocus and finally tackle the e-commerce component of my brand!

But, not to worry! My extensive archive of tech wallpapers will remain available for free download here at JustineCelina, regardless of the additional products I develop. While I work away on what’s next, each month this year I’ll publish a roundup of free floral tech wallpapers for easy browsing. Even if you’re a die hard DIGITAL BLOOMS fan, surely you haven’t downloaded each of the 8 free January tech wallpapers I’ve produced over the years, have you?! Freshen up your tech for 2022 by choosing from my best free floral tech wallpapers featuring a stunning array of seasonal winter flowers and foliage, crisp colour palettes and inventive arrangements to enjoy on the background of your computer, tablet or phone. As always, I hope January’s Digital Blooms bring you joy and inspiration as we ease into a fresh new year. Thank you so much for your continued support as I shift my focus to expanding JustineCelina DIGITAL BLOOMS into digital and print based products this year! I could have never imagined how successful this series would become and can’t wait to continue explore all the new possibilities that lie ahead as I break ground on a longstanding business goal. Wishing you all a wonderful new year!

January 1, 2021 by Justine

5 Cozy Fall Cocktail and Sangria Recipes | The Best Fall Cocktail and Sangria Recipes | Dairy, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free Cocktail and Sangria Recipes | Fall Cocktail Ideas | Fall Bourbon Cocktails | Easy Fall Cocktails | Fall Batch Cocktails | Warm Cocktails for Fall | Fall Inspired Cocktails | Fall Champagne Cocktails | Fall Party Drinks | Easy Fall Sangria Recipe | Fall Sangria with Apple Cider | Best Fall Sangria | Calgary Cocktail and Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com

Dairy Free, Entertain, Fall, Gluten Free, Roundups, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wine & Cocktails

5 COZY FALL COCKTAIL, SANGRIA & MULLED WINE RECIPES

There’s something about the changing seasons that makes me want to create new memories with a delicious beverage in hand — whether I’m spending a quiet night in, hosting family and friends or attending an autumn gathering. Today I’m thrilled to share 5 Cozy Fall Cocktail, Sangria & Mulled Wine Recipes that celebrate my favourite season in libation form with warm, crisp, comforting flavours and a mosaic of seasonal ingredients! This spirited collection of delicious fall COCKTAILS, SANGRIAS and MULLED WINES are not only staples in my repertoire, but they’re also your favourites as well — having been featured across various high profile media outlets and signature cocktails at reader wedding receptions!

As always, my alcoholic beverages are simple, seasonal, free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar and and packed full of fresh, healthier ingredients — because I truly believe in balance in every area of life. Each of these carefully crafted cocktails and sangria recipes feature my favourite fall ingredients including fig, rosemary, pomegranate, cranberry, vanilla, apples, clementines, berries and honey spiced with cloves, star anise and nutmeg — expertly combined with classic autumn spirits of Prosecco, apple Brandy, Japanese whisky, Chambord, Crème de Violette, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Whether you’re entertaining and looking for large batch fall cocktails, sangrias or mulled wines you can prep in advance, enjoying an elevated autumn date night in front of a roaring fire, or simply in the mood to shake yourself up a fabulous cocktail in your coziest loungewear, I have just the recipe! From my home bar to yours, I hope this roundup of tested-till-perfect, better-for-you fall cocktail and sangria recipes inspires you to get creative with your sips this season!

October 30, 2023 by Justine

Plant Based Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Fall {Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free} | Recipe Roundup featuring Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oat Breakfast Bowls, Plant Based Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites, Gluten Free Pumpkin Turmeric Muffins, Gluten Free Mapled Pumpkin Chai Bread and a Spicy Pumpkin Persimmon Smoothie | Easy Vegan Pumpkin Recipes | Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Recipes | Vegan Pumpkin Snacks | The best plant based pumpkin recipes | Calgary Plant Based Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com

Baking, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dessert & Treats, Fall, Food, Garden, Gluten Free, Roundups, Smoothies & Juices, Vegan, Vegetarian

5 PLANT BASED PUMPKIN RECIPES TO TRY THIS FALL {Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free}

Who else is totally pumpkin obsessed? With the height of pumpkin season upon us, I’m excited to bring you a roundup of 5 Plant Based Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Fall! Each October here at JustineCelina, my pumpkin recipes begin trending — so I thought it was the perfect time to round them all up in one post for easy browsing reference (complete with a Pinterest friendly graphic!). This year our Country Garden produced a whopping 55 pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and varieties — and you can bet I’ve been cooking, baking and recipe making with the abundance. If you love pumpkin as much as I do and you’re looking for some fresh, delicious, plant based recipe ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re making pumpkin purée from scratch (I have a post explaining exactly how I do it!), using a quality canned variety or roasting it up to use in savoury applications — I’ve got you covered!

With Canadian Thanksgiving and Halloween just around the corner, this versatile gourd abounds at every patch, local grocer and farmers market as we eagerly bring them into our homes. If you’ve got some extra pumpkin to use up or are simply in search of healthy, easy and nourishing recipes, this roundup is for you! Inside, you’ll find all sorts of pumpkin-laden goodness in the form of Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oat Breakfast Bowls, Plant Based Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites, Gluten Free Pumpkin Turmeric Muffins, Gluten Free Mapled Pumpkin Chai Bread and a Spicy Pumpkin Persimmon Smoothie. Of course, I’m always working on something new (I may or may not have 12 pumpkin recipes currently in development!) — so this post will be updated periodically as new content publishes. As always, each recipe featured is free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar for those of us with allergies and intolerances (along with ingredient substitution suggestions if you don’t have these dietary requirements). I invite you to slip into a cozy sweater, preheat your oven and join me for some quintessentially October pumpkin recipe inspiration!

September 22, 2022 by Justine

Beauty, Hair, Local Love, Luxury, Reviews, Sponsored

MY HAIRCARE ROUTINE FOR LONG, THICK, COLOUR TREATED HAIR

Can you believe it’s been 6 years since I’ve published a Haircare Routine?! While a lot has changed, my passion for maintaining healthy hair at home with a simple but effective routine (and thoughtfully formulated products) remains. Today, in partnership with Canadian retailer BeautySense.ca, I’m elated to bring you my updated Haircare Routine for Long, Thick Colour Treated Hair — featuring my all-time-favourite Moroccanoil products and how I use them.

My hair is one of the things I’m complimented on (and asked about!) most — and it’s something I take great pride in. Despite my wild haircolour and style past, over the course of my 7 year blogging career here at JustineCelina, both have remained fairly consistent (with a couple rounds of bangs thrown in for good measure!). While I truly enjoyed my natural haircolour for as long as possible, as I’ve ventured into my 30’s, I’ve begun colouring my hair once again (this time to disguise those pesky greys!) and adjusted my routine accordingly. At present day I’m pleased to say that my hair has never been stronger, longer or healthier — and today I’m sharing my best kept hair secrets!

August 17, 2022 by Justine

Baking, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dessert & Treats, Food, Garden, Gluten Free, Summer, Vegetarian

CINNAMON RAISIN ZUCCHINI BREAD {Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free}

Friends, I’m absolutely thrilled to bring you my first recipe incorporating produce from our very own Country Garden today! While I took a hiatus from publishing new recipes here at JustineCelina, you better believe I continued my testing and development process offline — and I’m returning to these pages more inspired than ever. You see, back in 2020 my amazing Mom and I embarked on the journey of planting our first (pandemic) garden — something we’d always wanted to do, but seemingly never had time for. Fast forward to summer 2022 and we’ve been fortunate to experience 3 successful gardening seasons full of getting our hands dirty, growing food from seed, enjoying abundant harvests, cooking, baking and recipe making! It brings me great joy to to begin sharing scenes and snippets from our idillic Alberta garden — along with a plethora of fresh, thoroughly tested, plant based, garden-to-table recipes!

Naturally, I wanted my introductory garden-inspired recipe to be a cherished family favourite that I’ve completely revamped to be free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar for those of us with allergies and intolerances — Cinnamon Raisin Zucchini Bread! Deceptively decadent and ultra moist, this comforting, veggie-centric, gently spiced loaf incorporates 2 full cups of zucchini — my absolute favourite way to put overgrown garden goodies to good use. Elevated pantry staples of gluten free flour, golden cane sugar, free range eggs, extra virgin olive oil, oat milk and pure vanilla extract combine with shredded (fresh or frozen) zucchini, sultana raisins, a kiss of cinnamon and a dash of cloves to create a rich, caramelly loaf with a streuselly top. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee for a nourishing breakfast, or as a satiating afternoon snack alongside herbal tea to fuel your day with plant powered energy!

July 15, 2022 by Justine

Entertain, Flowers, Food, Occasions, Roundups, Vegetarian, Wine & Cocktails, Winter

5 SPARKLING PROSECCO COCKTAILS FOR NEW YEARS EVE

Each holiday season as New Years Eve approaches, all of the Prosecco, Champagne, Cava and Sparkling Wine cocktails I’ve created over the years here at JustineCelina begin trending. So, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to publish this 5 Sparkling Prosecco Cocktails for New Years Eve roundup and organize them all for you in one convenient location, for easy browsing reference! If you’re staying in this New Years Eve, it doesn’t mean your celebrations need to be any less glamorous or special — in fact, quite the opposite. Whether you’re entertaining an intimate group and looking for large batch prosecco cocktails you can prep in advance, ringing in the new year with someone special or hosting a bubbly New Years Day brunch for your closest friends, you better believe I have a cocktail for that!

To send the year off in style, I’m thrilled to bring you this spirited roundup of my most made, reviewed and featured sparkling cocktails — my all-time-favourite New Year libations featuring an array of Prosecco, Champagne, Cava and Sparkling Wine from around the globe. As always, these festive, sparkly sips are extensively tested, made with fresh, seasonal, better-for-you ingredients and free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar — because I believe in balance in every area of life. I invite you to slip into something fabulous, pop a bottle of your favourite sparkly beverage and join me for a serious dose of NYE cocktail inspiration. Wishing you all a very happy New Year filled with love, laughter and lots of prosecco — and all the best in the new year!

December 30, 2021 by Justine

DIGITAL BLOOMS DECEMBER 2021 | DECEMBER DIGITAL BLOOMS ROUNDUP | 11 FREE DESKTOP WALLPAPERS | The Best of Justine Celina’s December Digital Blooms | Best 2021 Free Tech Wallpapers | Best Holiday Desktop Backgrounds | Desktop backgrounds December 2021 | Floral Wallpaper Blog | Free Computer Wallpapers | December Flower Wallpaper | Holiday Flower Wallpaper | Free Floral Wallpapers | Free Winter Flower and Foliage Wallpapers | Calgary Creative Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com

Create, Digital Blooms, Dwell, Fall, Flowers, Living Room, Roundups

DECEMBER DIGITAL BLOOMS ROUNDUP | 11 FREE TECH WALLPAPERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS + MY 500TH POST!

With the festive season officially upon us, I’m thrilled to be back with my December Digital Blooms Roundup — featuring 11 free wallpapers for your computer, tablet or phone! I invite you to join me in welcoming winter with a fresh selection of seasonal flowers and whimsical, holiday inspired designs. The final DIGITAL BLOOMS roundup of 2021 showcases a beautifully curated collection of my all time favourite December tech wallpapers created to infuse a bit of holiday spirit onto the background of your computer, tablet or phone — all month long!

Deck your tech with a joyful touch this holiday season with a seasonal tech wallpaper featuring a festive medley of classic and unconventional winter blooms, greenery and foliage — including Anenomies, Asclepias, Astilbe, Astrantia, Blushing Bride Proteas, Brunia, Carolina Saphire, Cedar, Delano Chrysanthemums, Eucalyptus pods, Grevillea, Hypericum, Knifeblade Acacia, Liqustrom, Magnolia Leaves, Pampas Grass, Photina, Pine, Privet Berries, Ranunculus, Red Ironbark Eucalyptus, Ruby Silk Grass, Sedum, Star Anise and Spray Roses, along with foraged vines and twigs. Wishing you all a healthy, happy and joyous holiday season!

December 1, 2021 by Justine

Beauty, Cruelty Free, Luxury, Makeup, My Top 5, Natural Products, Occasions, Reviews, Winter

MY TOP 5 RED LIPSTICKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

‘Tis the for a festive pout — and as a self proclaimed red lip aficionado (I’m not ashamed to admit I own 30+ red lipsticks!) I’m thrilled to share My Top 5 Red Lipsticks for the Holidays with you! Although I don’t incorporate red into my holiday decor, it’s a colour I love to wear, as well as translate into my BEAUTY routine during this festive time of year. A gorgeous red lip is the perfect way to make a casual look feel more festive — but it’s also a sophisticated compliment to your holiday party attire! I firmly believe red lips give you superpowers — and in December, I find myself reaching for my favourite red shades almost on the daily. After years of trying and testing an absurd amount of red lipsticks across an expansive range of shades, undertones, formulas and price points, I’ve curated the absolute crème de la crème this holiday season!

My Top 5 Red Lipsticks for the Holidays feature my all time favourite, festive red lipsticks — the true gems of my collection that I look forward to pulling out each holiday season! As always, I’ve included a variety of products ranging from traditional, long wearing (and mask friendly!) liquid lipsticks, to natural, vegan products to elegant, hybrid formulas. This dedicated review post in my recently introduced MY TOP 5 series is brimming with try-on photos, swatches and application tips — plus lip liner recommendations to pair with each shade to create a full, defined pout that can withstand all the eating, drinking and being merry you’ll be doing this holiday season! If you’re ready to add a bold, seasonal dose of colour to your holiday beauty wardrobe but have never been able to find a shade that works for you, you’ve come to the right place! Pour yourself a juicy glass of red and get ready for a serious dose of holiday glam, coupled with an introduction to colour theory and my best tips and tricks to find your perfect, festive red lip. My Top 5 Red Lipsticks for the Holidays also make marvellous gifts for the beauty lover in your life!

November 30, 2021 by Justine

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