A Little Reflection.

As 2014 approaches, reflecting on the previous year seems to happen naturally. It's always a good time to decide what you'd do differently, what you loved and want to keep the same, what new goals you'll set and essentially what direction you want your life to go. I've definitely realized that strict, unrealistic resolutions aren't really the answer (been there, done that) but rather, general approaches to life and business with a few firm goals in the mix is what works best for me.

2013 was a year of major growth for Bellafusion. I'm so happy I returned to jewelry designing. I realized that deep down I'm a creative and when I'm not making something, I go a little wild. I stopped ignoring that and decided to embrace it instead. Jewelry has always been a way for me to express this creativity but has never really been my main focus with Bellafusion. This year I really started to focus in on designing and featuring my handmade items in the shop and these ended up being some of my most popular items. Cool! It's always so flattering when people love what you make. I plan on adding in a whole handmade collection in 2014. I'm currently in the process of finding the perfect gemstones to use. I'm really excited! Here's to 2014.

Sending positive vibes your way and thank you for the part you've played in making 2013 so wonderful.

My plan for 2014 :)

Thank you.

Spread Some Love: Little Gaffers

I love small businesses. Plain and simple. It just feels good knowing you're helping someone support their own family, pursue a dream or begin a new adventure. Here on Spread Some Love, I am going to feature small businesses and the owners behind them. First up is my friend Megan who recently opened Little Gaffers, the most affordable and unique online baby boutique. You seriously need to check it out!! My interview with her is below. 

1) So what exactly is Little Gaffers?

 Little Gaffers is an online baby, tot, and mama boutique featuring unique and high quality products. Where possible, I like to support Canadian products developed by "mompreneurs"!

2) Why did you decide to open a baby boutique?

After having my first child (a boy!) I realized my mall and boutique shopping days were limited. My little one absolutely hates shopping (not unlike most small children) and I found myself turning to online stores more frequently than ever before to find the products I wanted. The idea to open my own online boutique blossomed after seeing products I never knew existed but would have LOVED to have as a new mama. The Blooming Bath (see picture below!), a cute, cuddly, and convenient bath option, was truly the inspiration for opening my online boutique. Since then, I have been looking for unique items that every baby, tot and mama must have!

3) What are your most popular items?

Blooming Bath $50 (0-6 months)

Kooleez Freezie Insulators $4 (all ages)

Gaia Skin Care Products (all ages)

BunchaFarmers Stain Remover Stick- life saver for Mamas

4) Any Christmas gift ideas for the little ones in our lives?

Plush Bamboo Rattles (on sale $4) : Frog and Bunny- newborns

Organic Farm Buddies ($24) - Boxer the Dog, Penny the Pig, and Ballerina Mouse great for newborns, babies and younger toddlers!

Plus Plus Mini Packs ($4) - Great stocking stuffers for children ages 3+

5) What's your long term goal or vision for Little Gaffers?

My long term goal for Little Gaffers is to become one of the "go to" online boutiques for unique baby products. I'm not trying to compete with the larger online stores featuring common baby products, but rather, become a known baby boutique that carries useful and high quality products that aren't always available in larger stores. 

6) Where can people find you?

Website: www.gaffers.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlegaffers

Take chances.

This week's quote reminds me that in order to live as deeply as possible I need to get outside of my comfort zone and take risks. For me, starting Bellafusion was scary. I wasn't sure what people would think of this creative outlet of mine and some would have no idea that opening a boutique had always been a dream of mine. After a few years of wanting to open Bellafusion but not having the courage to do it, I finally took that first step and published my website. Even now, I am constantly taking chances and trying new things with Bellafusion and with each of these chances, I risk failure and embarrassment. It can be incredibly uncomfortable but that fear is so much easier to bear simply because I took that initial first step. Failure is always a possibility but to me the feeling of 'what if' is even worse. I'm starting to learn that taking small, mini steps outside of my comfort zone creates huge momentum. It's exhilarating. I urge you to seriously think about what's been holding you back or what's something you've always wanted to do or maybe if there's someone in your life you want to thank for something they've done for you. I personally started to do this type of reflection in my own life...

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to do ballet. I'm mesmorized by ballerinas. Their grace, elegance and pure athletic ability was remarkable to me. Up until about a month ago, the fact that I had never taken ballet was a regret of mine. After a lot of back and forth and a lot of "should I really do this?" questions, I went for it. I enrolled in an adult beginner ballet class. Done. Class booked. The next day I found myself perusing the aisles of a dance shop looking for my first pair of ballet slippers. Ah it was actually happening! I did it. I finally decided to stop regretting the fact that I hadn't done ballet and just go for it. I'm more than happy that I did and now I have even more respect for ballerinas. My only disappointment is that tutu's weren't mandatory.

 In my opinion, a life lived deeply is what it's all about. 

Parties & Dresses.

It's that time of year when Christmas parties are in full swing and New Years Eve plans are forming. Two perfect excuses to buy a new dress. I've found 4 dresses from two Canadian boutiques that would totally rock any party.

First up is the Cyrah dress ($80) from the Toronto based boutique, Charlie (they ship!). The Cyrah features a black lace top with a silver sparkle. I say lovely.

Next up is also from the Charlie boutique. The Machiko dress features black sheer cut outs on the top and on both sides. The perfect mix of scandulous and classy. Only $80.

This next dress from the Obviously Chic boutique screams New Years with these black sequins and a low back. This boutique is based in Saskatchewan but has a great online shop. This beauty is only $69.

If you're not feelin' the sequins and want a more chill and cute choice, below is where it's at. The stripes + tulle skirt is so my style. Only $69 from Obviously Chic.

Wonderful gifts under $50.

Here's a collection of some of my favourite gifts under $50 for the loves in your life. I totally believe no matter what, you can never have enough socks, jewelry, make up, lotion or scarves. Who's with me? As a bonus, all of these items are from Canadian boutiques.

1) Happy Socks from Plenty $13  | 2) Enter the Sun Fleece Infinity Scarf $39.99 | 3) Whistler Naturals Set of Shea Lotion $29.98  | 4) Bellafusion Amethyst Necklace on sale for $30  | 5) Obviously Chic Leg Warmers $46 | 6) Bellafusion All Natural Mineral Eyeshadow $7.50