JustineCelina

Business, Fashion, Fitness, Flowers, Goals, Inspiration, Life, Local Love, Planning, Travel, Wellness, Winter

2018 REVIEW + 2019 GOALS

Well hello, friends! It’s been a little while since I’ve posted — I took some time during the first half of this dry January (it’s actually been great!) to reflect on the past year, get re-inspired and really put some thought into what I’d like to achieve in 2019. It’s been a very valuable exercise, so thank you for your patience! Today I’m dishing on everything I’ve discovered in this real, raw, lengthy (we’re talking the longest post I’ve ever written!) read recapping 2018 and sharing my intentions, aspirations and goals for the new year — plus exactly how I plan to achieve them!

When I look back on my goals post from last year, I feel grateful to be in a much better head space and place in my life — although it was a long road to get here. Longtime readers will know I’m always very transparent about the staggering amount of work that goes into blogging, content creation and creative entrepreneurship — and from the day I stared this blog in March of 2015 through to the end of 2017, I hustled hard. As a result, I entered 2018 feeling completely burnout, uninspired and unsure of how to proceed. I knew a change was necessary for me to move forward and progress in a way that would allow for more balance and well being in my life (and therefore more inspired work), but I wasn’t exactly sure how to get there. I felt like I needed to slow down and take life as it came, rather than creating an exhaustive list of all the things I felt I needed to accomplish — and I spent 2018 doing just that. I changed course and made chasing my passions for HOME and FASHION based content my first priority, which resulted in a pretty monumental year here at JustineCelina. That said, the largest shifts I made were off of these pages, in my mental and physical health, relationships and life in general. Fast forward to January of 2019 and I’m feeling energized, more inspired and productive than ever — and ready to make 2019 my best year yet! If you’re curious about what what’s to come, my favourite tools and resources to stay organized, inspired and fit, or in need of a healthy dose of motivation, cozy up with me and let’s chat about living and working with confidence and intention this year!

January 21, 2019 by Justine

Create, Digital Blooms, Flowers, Pantone, Winter

DIGITAL BLOOMS JANUARY 2019 | FREE DESKTOP WALLPAPER

Flower lovers, welcome back for the first post of 2018! Rebecca Dawn Design and I are kicking 2019 off with a fresh installment of DIGITAL BLOOMS celebrating the softer side of winter with a dreamy, neutral palette of blush, cream and sage juxtaposed with dramatic berry. We’re also dipping our toes into Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year, Living Coral — described as an animated and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge. Our beautiful Keira Garden Rose’s petals feature a kiss of this year’s hottest hue!

And now, for some blog housekeeping! In an effort to work smarter, streamline my workflows (more on this in an upcoming 2019 goals post) and keep my DIGITAL BLOOMS free, in 2019 I’ll be releasing one tech wallpaper each month here at JustineCelina, rather than the three I’ve offered previously. You can still expect this post on the first of each month, however, I’ll be focusing on creating three designs to represent each season. This January, the first of our WINTER free tech wallpaper includes stunning Keira Garden Roses (learn all about roses), Ranunculus (learn all about ranunculus), Blushing Bride Proteas and foraged berries. Start 2019 fresh by giving your tech a clean, minimalistic makeover and enjoy January’s Digital Blooms on the background of your computer, tablet or phone all month long — completely free!

January 1, 2019 by Justine

Dwell, Living Room, Music, Occasions, Winter

DECEMBER 2018 SOUNDTRACK + BONUS 2018 SOUNDTRACK

As 2018 draws to a close, I’m sharing two fresh playlists for all your NYE listening needs! First up, my December Soundtrack — a short n’ sweet playlist featuring 33 of my favourite tracks from the month, including a few alternative, jazzy, chilled-out Christmas tunes thrown in at the end for good measure! A handful of my favourite tracks from this past month include Chill Cole’s The Infinite Dreamer, Ariana Grande’s thank u, next (it’s just so damn catchy and the music video was amazing!), Grapel’s Sucker, Chain Wallet’s No Ritual, Mishega’s Episodes, Galavant Cross’s Needless To Say, The Raveonettes The Christmas Song, Nikki Lane’s Falalalalove Ya, Laura Gibson’s Silver Bells, The Ronette’s Sleigh Ride and The Head and The Heart’s What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

If you’re in need of even more fresh tunes, check out my Spotify-generated 2018 Soundtrack, featuring my 100 most played songs from 2018! I really look forward to these automatically compiled, year-in-review playlists — they bring back the best memories. If you’re looking for some easy listening music to enjoy as we wind down 2018, this is your playlist. Whether you’re staying in or enjoying a night out, I hope you all have a fun, safe and happy New Years Eve! Thank you for spending a little bit of the last day of 2018 with me and for your continued support here at JustineCelina! Happy New Year and cheers to a fabulous 2019!

December 31, 2018 by Justine

Dairy Free, Entertain, Giveaways, Occasions, Vegetarian, Wine & Cocktails, Winter

HOMEMADE DAIRY FREE COCONUT RUM EGGNOG

Happy winter solstice, beautiful people! I’m back today with my Homemade Dairy Free Coconut Rum Eggnog — a festive holiday beverage that’s been in my family for decades, but has recently undergone a contemporary, plant-based makeover! I have so many cherished memories of our neighbours making this eggnog for everyone on our country road to enjoy on Christmas Eve (it never lasted long!). Unfortunately, over the years as I developed a dairy sensitivity I was no longer able indulge — that is, until last holiday season! I decided it was about time to give my favourite eggnog recipe a clean, dairy-free makeover by swapping milk and heavy creams with coconut-based alternatives, regular eggs for the free-run, local, farm-fresh variety, table sugar with 100% pure Canadian maple syrup, spiced rum for Eau Claire Distillery’s seasonal, Limited Edition Gin Rummy, infusing our homemade eggnog with cinnamon sticks and topping it off with decedent dark chocolate shavings. As always, this festive cocktail is free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar — and has become my favourite healthier holiday indulgence!

We actually perfected this recipe last holiday season (who remembers the Stories?!) shortly after I discovered Eau Claire Distillery (I’ve since used almost every single spirit they make in my COCKTAILS!). During our lazy, cozy days in the country between Christmas and New Years Eve, I took a trip to the visit their distillery in Turner Valley with my Mom (who loves gin) and my brother (who was home from New York and loves cocktails) for a tour and tasting — and that’s where my love affair with these incredible, farm-to-glass, artisinal spirits began. For their Christmas presents, my Mom and brother chose a bottle of their favourite spirit, on me. Gin Rummy was Jared’s spirit of choice — a unique, wintery, gin-meets-rum remix boasting warm notes of winter spice with a botanical, herbaceous backdrop. It was actually this limited edition spirit that inspired the makeover of our favourite holiday eggnog recipe — as soon as it hit my lips, I knew it was the missing ingredient! As we enjoyed the second batch of experimental eggnog for New Years Eve, my family confessed they actually liked it better than the original version — and that’s when I knew I had to share our update Homemade Dairy Free Coconut Rum Eggnog with you! To celebrate our one year anniversary and thank you for your support this year, I’ve teamed up with Eau Claire Distillery to give away a bottle of Limited Edition Gin Rummy, along with a Tour & Tasting for 2 at Turner Valley’s Eau Claire Distillery (check out the bottom of this post for details on how to enter!). Cheers and happy holidays!

December 21, 2018 by Justine

Create, DIY, Dwell, Flowers, Inspiration, Living Room, Occasions, Plants, Winter

APARTMENT FRIENDLY MODERN HOLIDAY DECOR

Friends, I’m elated to finally share our Apartment Friendly Modern Holiday Decor with you today! If you’ve been following along with JustineCelina this past year, you’ll know we began refreshing our inner city Calgary apartment to create our dream home. We started from scratch with a fresh coat of paint, new furniture and new decor — and this year, I was so excited to decorate for the holidays for the first time in 6 years (we decorated fully for our first Christmas here… and never again!). Since we’re always out of town for the holidays (we split our time between our families homes in rural Alberta), I usually just save myself the extra time and effort and keep our holiday decor super minimal. Because we live in an apartment and have limited storage, the thought of hauling down a huge artificial tree from recesses of our entrance way closet and sorting through boxes of decor was simply never a priority during this busy month! But this year, I decided to sell all the old decor that no longer worked of us and start fresh (literally!) with our first real Christmas tree, tons of greenery and festive DIYs, plus all new holiday decor — and tonight I’m sharing every detail about how I pulled it all together!

If you’re a fan of mid century modern or more natural, earthy, bohemian elements, I’m sure you’ll agree that traditional holiday decor leaves a lot to be desired. I knew I wanted the look and feel of our holiday decor to be cohesive with our space and bring in lots of living greenery, warm neutrals, natural wood and stone textures, mixed metallic accents and free spirited, whimsical textures. I also wanted to incorporate a nod to vintage, mid-century inspired design while keeping a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements and cozy up the space with layers of faux fur, wool and chunky knits. After many HomeSense, Canadian Tire and plant / flower shop runs, I’m so pleased with the way our holiday home has come together and can’t wait to spend some downtime here as the year draws to a close! Pour yourself a juicy glass of red wine and come join me on our leather sofa as I walk you through our Apartment Friendly Modern Holiday Decor!

December 19, 2018 by Justine

Fall, Fashion, Makeup, Pattern Play, Winter

PATTERN PLAY | PAISLEY

Welcome back for a fresh installment in my PATTERN PLAY series today, friends! Earlier this autumn, we discussed all things snakeskin — one of AW18‘s hottest prints. While the pattern we’re focusing on in this post isn’t nearly as statement-making, I was absolutely thrilled to see a resurgence of paisley this season. Paisley is a very vintage feeling print that’s always had a special place in my wardrobe — but when I spotted this dress earlier this autumn (which I think would make a stunning holiday dress for you fellow bohemian beauties!) it was love at first sight! In true JustineCelina style I ordered her in 2 different colour stories and I have so much fun styling her up this autumn / winter. Today’s post, shot at my childhood home in rural Alberta, is dedicated to all things paisley — including the history of the print, styling options, tips to help you select your perfect paisley piece and tons of shoppable links at every price-point for your browsing pleasure!

Although I consider paisley to be a classic print, it’s also a polarizing one — you either love it or hate it. I personally love it! Paisley has graced the pages of JustineCelina many times, but made less of a statement (like in my vintage scarves, for example). It also has quite an interesting history! Although of Persian origin (the buta shape is characterized by an almond-shaped motif with a curved tip), paisley became popular in psychedelic culture in the 60’s thanks to The Beatles. The buta traditionally symbolizes fire and commonly makes an appearance on Persian carpets, rugs and textiles — but this season, we’ve seen it popping up more frequently in the form of dresses, skirts, blazers, scarves and ties. If you’re intrigued by this unconventional pattern and have been coveting a paisley piece of your own, settle in for a educational, fashion-focused read!

December 11, 2018 by Justine

Baking, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Fall, Food, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Winter

GLUTEN FREE PUMPKIN TURMERIC MUFFINS

It’s been almost exactly one year since I published a baking recipe — but I promise, my Gluten Free Pumpkin Turmeric Muffins are worth the wait! Believe it or not, I’ve never actually baked with pumpkin here at JustineCelina, although I have integrated it into seasonal breakfast bowls, smoothies and energy bites (what can I say — I love pumpkin!). And what’s not to love? Besides being incredibly delicious, it’s also brimming with along with loads of fiber, vitamins A, B6, C and E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron (great for us plant-based eaters!), magnesium, phosphorus riboflavin, potassium, copper and manganese. Coupled with the mega dose of healing, anti-inflammatory turmeric, fresh ginger and classic fall spices at play, these seasonal muffins also boast a wide array of health benefits and medicinal, healing qualities. I’ve mentioned many times previously that I believe you can treat yourself and nourish yourself at the same time — and these sweet n’ spicy seasonal muffins are the perfect example of that!

My Gluten Free Pumpkin Turmeric Muffins are free of dairy, gluten, refined sugar and oil — and a fantastic way to start your day while sneaking in tons of nutrition, even when you’re on the run! With the holidays just around the corner, these are incredibly busy times and I’m always looking for simple, nutritious options to help me stay on track with my health and fitness goals. Pumpkin puree (use a good quality store bought version, or snag my easy homemade recipe here), pure Canadian maple syrup, decadent coconut milk, freshly grated ginger and a kiss of pure vanilla combine with warming fall spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice to create a light and fluffy, plant based muffin to help you power through your day. Enjoy them at breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or as a lighter alternative to more calorie-laden pumpkin-based desserts. This deceptively ‘free from’ recipe and can be enjoyed by plant-baser eaters, people with food allergies and sensitivities and anyone that loves delicious seasonal baking!

December 4, 2018 by Justine

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