The spotlight of March for the previous couple of years has at all times been my “luxe” buying journey with my pal Gerry throughout Spring Break (she is a instructor). I take a couple of days of trip and the thought has at all times been that we go on a no-buy/low-buy for January and February in order that we will spoil ourselves in March! Final yr, I made my first Gucci buy of a belt which I had been eyeing for awhile and this yr, I believe it is time for an Hermes belt that I fell in love with final yr! We additionally eat nicely the day we buy groceries and it is usually a contented time.

Sadly, proper on the finish of March, I ended up getting COVID for the second time since November 2022 from work and I used to be SO MAD. None of us have been masking for the reason that masks mandates had been lifted for a yr and I used to be simply aggravated with my physique and my work atmosphere which leads into April. The worst month, healthwise, of my life to this point.

APRIL

I used to be already fairly harassed about work and a giant Chaumet go to after I caught COVID after which a day later began getting tingly pores and skin, adopted by tiny blisters and purple spots all alongside the left aspect of my face. What I assumed have been chilly sores was rapidly identified as shingles, as a result of stress on my immune system, and what I assumed I’d solely see in a textbook in my UBC Cell Biology days I might now see on my face. As depressing as I used to be, my husband and I had a morbid fascination with what was occurring with me. I’ll let you know although that it’s each bit as painful as they are saying it’s because it felt like I used to be having my crown put in, however WITHOUT the numbing. The nerve ache on alongside my gums and the face have been like knowledge tooth pulling x 10 and I used to be SO UPSET that it was on my face of all locations. As somebody who loves her pores and skin and takes care of it, this was an enormous blow and I used to be very scared that I’d scar. Fortunately, the scarring was very minimal and if I really feel as much as it, I’ll do a complete submit on my shingles expertise as I discovered studying about different peoples to be considerably cathartic.

MAY

JUNE

Together with getting the beautiful alternative to check out the brand new Sabai Thai Spa, I took a few week off to do some huge workplace/magnificence room group. We constructed shelving items, I moved nail polishes, I even pulled a muscle on my ass due to all of the squatting I used to be doing! We’re nonetheless engaged on this house as a result of loads of it rests on me reviewing issues and I’ve slowed down a lot that I really feel like it will make extra sense to throw every thing out and begin contemporary. That’s the place I’m at now because it all appears so overwhelming generally, however perhaps if I begin with the issues that take up essentially the most house I will really feel higher?

JULY

I turned 40 on July 1st and took the week off to have a good time with household, my husband and making an attempt to see if I might do a 10K stroll. Nicely, I can, however my legs positively damage afterwards as we did a path that form of went throughout North Van. I had fun taking it simple as I used to be apprehensive about turning the large 4-0, however after dwelling via shingles, “an previous particular person’s illness”, I used to be much less wound up about it. I additionally lastly obtained an Apple Watch! I’ve worn it on daily basis since getting it and adore it! 

AUGUST

I attended a very enjoyable celebration for a consumer’s son with an Alice in Wonderland theme, had a very terrible time at work, had my first remedy session to cope with work and from right here, I used to be just about an emotional mess for the remainder of the yr. I had moments of readability, however I really feel like from Sept-Dec, I used to be simply working on autopilot making an attempt to outlive.

SEPTEMBER

After the occasion in Might, I used to be hesitant to attend any extra press occasions, however I made an exception for the brand new Clarins Valuable line at Holt Renfrew! It was nicely price it and it was small and intimate vs. 100 folks! I additionally knew this month would whiz by as I used to be mentally getting ready for going to Paris and flying…

OCTOBER

I’ve talked a lot about my journey to Paris for the Worldwide Retail Seminar for Chaumet and it might have been essentially the most aggravating, terrible journey of my life or the most effective and I’m grateful my mind selected the latter. The flight was tough, the lengthy days have been powerful, however in the long run I ended up seeing among the most lovely locations, assembly some incredible folks after which public talking in entrance of 150 Chaumet workers after which successful a workforce prize for doing so. I had my husband with me in Paris as nicely and this journey alone made me fall in love with the town and really feel the necessity to return ASAP! I overcame so many fears and discomforts right here and I allowed myself to really feel proud and expertise the journey and the folks to its fullest. This journey made 2023 price every thing. Oh and it was additionally our 10 yr marriage ceremony anniversary so we obtained to spend it collectively in Paris!

NOVEMBER

This month was an enormous blur as Christmas buying got here early for me and my shoppers so I used to be simply in all places when it got here to working at work and dealing at residence. My pores and skin was freaking out each week as nicely so I believe the stress was additionally beginning to take a toll on me regardless that I used to be delightfully busy with work and having fun with the hustle of retail. It felt actually good to be busy for enjoyable issues like this!

DECEMBER

I used to be consumed by work this month, however extra in an admin method so gross sales have been a bit quieter for me than common for December, however I used to be spoiled rotten by shoppers who introduced candy treats like this yuletide log with meringue mushrooms! How cute! I ended the yr with dinner with colleagues which was actually enjoyable and although I’m feeling slightly unsure and unsteady about January, I’m actively making an attempt to inform my mind that “I can do it!” as I’m not certain what I’m afraid of as it isn’t that I doubt myself when it comes to discovering an answer, however extra that I anticipate the stress of an uncomfortable state of affairs. I’ve by no means had a consumer be indignant with me or the options I current them so I actually should not really feel this fashion, however for no matter purpose I’ve been feeling unsure concerning the future since simply earlier than Christmas. Not a good way to finish the yr, however in my thoughts, December was not the top (I run on a fiscal yr LOL) so I maintain feeling like I’ve time!

I did not actually discuss my monetary objectives as a result of I’m nonetheless engaged on capping out my RRSPs and TFSAs, however this yr with the introduction of the FHSA, I maxed it out at $8000 for 2023! I additionally saved 21.4% of my general paycheck this yr which is lower than I used to be anticipating, however I really feel like so long as I maintain it at 20% or extra, that I’m in place!

How did you are feeling about 2023? Yearly has its ups and downs, however be happy to share what went nicely and what you hope to proceed to work on!