BlogItxShikaChica- Episode#1- Welcome to Our Podcast- Social Media, Wellness, Tips and More

Posted on January 29, 2019January 30, 2019 by shikachica in Blog It with Shika Chica, BlogIt, Home

Can’t believe the day is finally here. I want to officially welcome you to our amazing community BlogIt with Shika Chica Podcast. We will be talking about tips on how to grow your network, find out how to serve your tribe, tips, and tricks about social media for content creators, wellness, the best networking events, workshops, traveling and other amazing topics related to social media to help you out.

I will also be giving everyone a FREE Instagram guide until January 28th as well as other amazing free tools and advice to grow, connect and inspire your #tribe. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast to get all the free tools, updates on workshops, BlogIt networking events and more.

5 New Years Goals for Twenty Nineteen

Posted on January 2, 2019 by shikachica in Home

The one thing I am a big believer for is that you don’t have to wait until a new year begins to start completing your goals or striving for them. I am always making goals based on where I am presently and where I want to go or where I need to be.

I wanted to share some goals and intentions I have for the new year and explain why they mean so much to me and our journey here for the #shikachicafam

1. Improving my wellness

This is something that I have talking about more and more openly on my Instagram as well as on the blog, wellness. Healthy mind, healthy body and you are able to achieve just about anything. I would like to go into the new year being more aware of my mental and physical health and being more proactive with it. I would love to meditate once a day for 10- 15 mins, workout 4 times a week to not only help my weight goal but also my endometriosis, and lastly I would like to eat more vegetables and lower my sugar ( this means fewer pops and juices and more water).

Now a goal needs to be measurable so you can be held accountable and also understand if I am on track. Here are how I will make it measurable:

I will workout 4 times a week for 40mins to an hour
I will have 2 liters of water a day
I will only have a pop once a week
I will meditate in the morning before I start my day so I am held accountable
I will talk to someone once a month about how I feel ( this can be in my support system)
I will have a vegetable with 2 out of 3 meals I have
I will lose 10-15 pounds in the next three months and maintain it through a healthy and balanced lifestyle

2. Save more

I think one of the biggest lessons I learned in the past year is that 60% of the stuff I do have I do not need. Going into the new year I want to save more money and/or spend it where it can bring my value in the long run. I would love to work towards a more minimalistic lifestyle. Here is how I will measurably succeed my goals:

I will remove my storage in 6 months, sell, keep or get rid of the stuff I own in storage
I will save 30% of what I make for emergencies and other investments
Get rid of 3 garbage bags of clothes every season
I will only go out with friends 3 times a month ( coffee or lunch)
I will make my lunch every day at home and have once a week eat out
I will make a spending allowance per month ( I was thinking 100$ for things I don’t need but want per month)

3. Connect with my online tribe more

One of my biggest challenges and accomplishments I look forward to the new year and connecting with you all even further through different ways. I am so excited to launch various projects for this month to teach, connect and help the content creating community. Now I can not talk about the main project year however, I will tell you how I will do that with the things I can chat about it:

I want to help 30-50 people with my social media mentoring program
Help 200 people with the Instagram mentoring program
Successfully launch Spring 2019 BlogIt tour
Meet up with more of you in person
Make a traveler content creating meet and greet
Create different content daily to connect with you all

4. Try Something New

Human beginnings feel uncomfortable and usually do not like change. However, I think change is important for you to grow as an individual. So for the new year, I think to myself, what will I do that I have never done before that will help me grow as a person. Here are some measurable goals:

Learn how to be a good swimmer
Go to southeast Asia for the first time and traveling there for at least a month
Travel to 3 different continents in 2019
Create content every single day
Road trip for a week somewhere
Go to a week spiritual and mediational retreat

5. Spend more time with important people in my life

I think one of the hardest things to balance is spending time with your loved ones in your life. I noticed there was so much going on last year and I loved every bit of it. I think what would make it better is trying to spend time with loved ones more. I would love to go for walks with my partner, turn off my phone for an hour and just enjoy someone’s company. I love social media however sometimes you can appreciate it, even more, when you take some time away from it every now and then. Here are my measurable goals on how I will achieve it:

Spend time with my partner 1 hour a day without being on my phone
See my family once a month
Message my closest friends at least 2 times a month

Hope these goals have inspired you and think about measurable goals while you get ready for another amazing chapter in your life, 2019. Happy new year!

Head to Toe Stutting In Stussy

Posted on July 18, 2018December 28, 2018 by Shika President in Fashion, Home

I’m back! I had to take a little bit of a break as I am working on some excited things for you guys as well as making sure my blogging stays true to what represents me.

I am excited to announce that I will be a brand ambassador for NRML Femme. I will be working with various brands such as Mink Pink, Love and Lemons, Stussy and more. I will be doing another blog post about my experience working with NRML which is an Ottawa born brand and what it means to me to be working with such an amazing clothing store.

This beautiful outfit is one of the many outfits from their Fall season. Let us start with the top. This basic ribbed top fits me as a glove. As a bigger chested girl, I find it hard to find tops that flatter my top without showing too much. This is great because it shows my tiny waist and my figure tastefully while keeping it chic and slightly sexy.

I then added these amazing super comfortable lime green silk pants from Stussy. I love the lime green! At first, I was not sure if I could pull it off but as soon as I saw these bad boys, I knew I wanted to wear them. They are super comfortable, versatile and the colour alone is enough to make a fashion statement.

I then layered this outfit with this cute yellow transparent raincoat which really ties this outfit together. The raincoat puts everything together, especially with the lime silk pants. I can see my self-rocking this raincoat with an all-white outfit or some jeans and a simple t-shirt.

For shoes I kept it simple. Sine my life is getting busier, I have been changing my look a little and making my shoes as comfortable and fashionable as possible. Since styling with NRML I have learned about my love for sneakers and how you can really change a look to your personal taste with them. I added these simple assatric white nike sneakers. I love how simple and clean they look and with all the light colours it really brings the whole look together.

NRML Femme has an online store and it can be found both in Ottawa at Rideau Street and Bayshore as well. I would suggest going in as they have a look for everyone #urNRMLFemme .

How Are those New Years Resolutions Going?

Posted on January 19, 2018December 27, 2018 by shikachica in Home

We all wait for the first day of the year to promise our selves that we wil go to the gym four times a week, reduce the amount of sugar that we will eat/drink, save more money and various other promises. I am one that not only waits for the first year to start a new goal , however I tend to revisit my goals on a month to month basis. Now, that is just me. Not everyone can do that and I obviously can not expect that you will as well. That being said, I am on that gets motivated if I write down my goals and look at it day by day to remind myself what I promised I would achieve.

So this year what are my goals you ask? I have a few. Some personal, some career wise and others that are just ways to improve what I am doing now. So let’s have a look at a few:

Get a stable career that I love– working for years in a family business is fun and teaches you a lot that you can apply to various areas of work and in working with the business, I have recently found myself wanting to find a career that I love to wake up early to work towards every day. That hunger for a career actually starts with this blog. I love social media, being able to connect with people from everywhere and changing my environment time to time. In 2018 I will work towards my ‘entrepreneurial’ dream career.
Stay fit– I started my healthy journey seriously about 6 years ago when I noticed that my eating habits could possibly affect me in the long run. I go to the gym quite frequently ( as you can tell by my Instagram stories) and in doing so have found my love for fitness. In the new year I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and allow my body to explore its capabilities in ways that I probably could never imagine. I would like to try out a cross fit class, hot yoga ( again ), spinning class, pole dancing and bare class. I believe these are classes I always wanted to try but I was a bit intimidated to give it a go. Now time to face my fear!
Work on my mental health- this is something that is a long term goal for me. I have been focusing more on it for the past two years. As someone who does not like talking about my feeling even with my close friends and family I have over time gotten a lot better. I want to ensure that I remind myself to be in the now, that it is ok to say you are not ok and to ask for help when needed.
Grow the #shikachica fam– I started my journey last year in April and it has been a fun and exciting adventure. I meet so many people and made so many connections. with you lovelies. In the new year I want to not only grow the #shikachica fam I also want to connect with you guys more. I want to first start with the conference gathering in Toronto this Spring 2018. I will then be going to Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and many more cities along Canada. Eventually meeting you lovely chicas in Europe and the USA as well.
Spend more time with loved ones– it’s that time of year where you start to go through your friend group and clear out all the negative energies. I really do believe that the people you around yourself with is 50% of what can impact you to be the best version of yourself. As hard as it is to let go of unhealthy relationships keep telling your self how rewarding it will be if you let go of them sooner rather then later.
Travel to 10 new places– this is a big goal for my in 2018- I have a few travel destinations such as Cape Town, Bali, Amsterdam, Morocco, Germany, Colombia and more that I would love to visit in the new year. I really want to not only learn about new cultures however take my self out of my comfort zone.
Save more!- We all spend a ridiculous amount of money on buying our lunch and buying things that we really do not need. I want to save more money and be wise with my money in the new year
Find a great place to live– Weather it is a new city or new apartment, I want to start in some new environment this year in the Summer/Fall.
Live minimalist– the more I travel the more I learn I probably do not need half the things I own. In relation to a new environment I want to make sure I de-clutter all the things I do not need, donate them and stay simple with what fills my space. Clear environment clear mind right?

S o far things have been going well. I workout 4-5 times a week, I am starting to reach out to people if I need help, checking in with family/ friends more, being more active on my instagram story to connect with you guys more, I’m slowly cutting out the negative people in my life ( man is it ever hard). Things I need to work on? SAVING! I need to save more money. The amount of times that I have been buying food out is embarrassing. I am going to start looking at apps to help me budget my spending on a day to day basis. I also need to start planning my trip that I am hopping to take in February. It is slowly approaching and with saving that will allow me to have more options as far as destinations. Minimalist living is a project on its own. I will start going through my belongings on a monthly basis and donate any things I do not need or use.

There you have it! There are my resolutions for the year. I have been really trying to be focused on giving myself some self love lately especially with the new year. I think I tend to get too busy living the busy crazy life I forget about taking care of myself. This year will be a year to give myself a little bit of gratitude day by day.

DIY Off the Shoulder White Shirt

Posted on November 28, 2017December 27, 2018 by Shika President in Fashion, Home

The collarbone is the new cleavage for the season. It’s all about showing the collarbone. It really accentuates the neck and gives this chic sexy touch to a formal or even casual outfit.

I decided to take this regular button down shirt and button only 4 buttons up starting from the bottom of the shift. Then I role the top on the shoulders and voila, you have an off the shoulder top in two seconds. A lot of stores do offer this look already designed for you, but why not get that trend from your closet with a piece that you already have for free. I then added this knitted skirt that I got from my moms closet that she wore ages ago. I love the grey and black pattern. It gives a vintage touch to the whole look while still making it trendy with the basic white off the shoulder top. You can layer a trench coat to keep you warm or if you live in a colder climate add a wool trench coat. I added this suede brown trench coat from H&M which really brings an earthy touch of color to the whole look

For finishing touches, I added my go-to simple black closed toe suede shoes from Call it Spring. Again if it is a little colder where you live, you can add black leather ankle booties with a heel. LAstely, I added this black hat from Forever 21. The silver detailing give a trendy metallic touch to the overall look.

Featuring @carlascakes- What’s in My Bag?

Posted on June 3, 2017December 27, 2018 by shikachica in Fashion, Home

Every girl has a huge bag that has countless items that we probably never use, just throw into our purse just in case or just want to smell like three different type of perfumes. I have teamed up with Carla’s Cakes, a local Ottawa bakery that does everything you need to satisfy that sweet tooth. From cupcakes to cakes to cookies to pies, with a creative spin and amazing attention to detail, there is a cake for everyone.

I decided to choose five items that I always have in my bag. These are my die hard items that I have regardless of the occasion:

1. Lotion

One of my pet peeves is having dry hands. No one liked having dry hands especially when you live in a country like Canada where the climate continuously changes and you love to travel to various destinations with various climates. I decided to choose Body Shops Grapefruit Body Butter. It’s a bright smell and it is lasting both in moisture and scent.

2. Liquid Lip Stick

I am sure everyone went through the stages of loving the Smackers lip glosses as a child (#90’s kid’s problems), though they can get sticky. Hence, I decided to choose a mate alternative that is still more hydrating than most, NYX Lingerie Liquid lipstick in the color Teddy. This is a great nude for all skin tones especially dark to olive skin tones. This literally makes me look amazing even when I got to the gym and I want to look maybe a bit more extra, I slide this bad boy on and I’m ready to go hard on cardio.

3. Perfume

From going t the bus and maybe encountering an unpleasant scent to touching up a bit in the bathroom during a dinner gathering with friends, I always have a small travel size perfume in my bag. I am one of those people that love having a scent. I think someone’s perfume is like a clue to someone’s character. Plus who doesn’t like smelling amazing? Here is one of my go-to staple faves, Candy Prada edition.

4. Saje Pharmacy Kit

Being a part-time team member at Saje, this is my die hard item I always have. I grew up using aromatherapy from my grandma and have seen it first hand how it has cured many people in my life including myself. The pharmacy kit has stress release to help my feel relaxed, immune so I am germ-free just in case I feel a cold coming along, pain release to rub myself down after going to the gym, peppermint halo for headaches and to keep me cool and eaters digest for tummy aches. I use this package daily as I have made it a staple to my lifestyle routine.

5. Face powder

The weather is getting warmer which means makeup can get a bit sticky. I like to throw my face powder in my bag to touch up and to avoid a greasy face. I am currently using the NYX Mate Powder.

So those are my staple items in my bag. I have a few extras if I want to be a bit extra (pun intended lol):

Deodorant
Hair brush
Face powder

Check out @carlascakes!

Self Growth- How to Not Limit Yourself

Posted on April 30, 2017December 27, 2018 by shikachica in Home

We all do it and if you are reading this say you don’t you are most likely lying. It is natural for us to doubt ourselves especially in situations that we are not used too, however it is better to be aware of it and push through the inner fears that we may have towards limitation in our life ( whether they are mental or/and physical).

So here are some tips on how you can work towards the best version of yourself while overcoming those limitations:

1. Balance

One of the hardest and sometimes neglected ingredients to ensuring you do not limit yourself isbalance. Ever felt like everything is falling apart in your life and you are continuously rolling down a hill hoping for it to stop? Yes? Well, it’s normal. Why it happens you ask? Lack of balance. Without the mental balance of ensuring that you allow your brain to have 30minutes to an hour a day to clear your mind (ex: meditation, listening to your favorite tunes, coloring in those cute adult coloring books) you allow external stresses and thought to continuously occupy your mind. Also making sure you have physical balance in your life such as going for a walk, hitting the gym, yoga or doing an activity you have never done before like paint night. Sometimes the reason why you are rolling down that hill is simply because you are letting yourself get lost in what is around rather then focusing on what is within you.

2. Change

No one likes change. Humans love being in a routine. Though without change you can not grow. It is uncomfortable, sometimes seems impossible and sometimes can be a risk. Though when you do decide to change for the best, it is the most self-fulfilling and liberating experience anyone can do. Find something in your life that you feel you are not benefiting from or is stagnant and change it. Usually making a change can be the best decision you have ever made. Remember, to FAIL means the first attempt in learning and during change you must be prepared to learn alot of things before coming to a solution.

3. Risk

Life is a continuous game of poker. Sometimes you will win and sometimes you will lose. Funny enough you win more than you lose when you decide to go with your gut and put everything on the line. In other words, take a risk. By everything being on the line, I don’t mean quit your job and decide to join the circus. By everything being on the line I mean use the tools you have currently, regardless if you are in a bad or good situation ( no bad situations just better ones), and take a risk that will let you grow. A great example is going into a profession such as singing which is a ‘make it or break’ it industry. Use the tools you have and make your play by play plan and do it. The last step is the most important, JUST DO IT (great line Nike). It is one thing to plan and it’s another thing to actually put those plans into action. Again, remember, to fail means first attempt in learning and while taking a risk get prepared to fall a few times and get back up again.

4. Motivation

The first 20 minutes of your morning determines your mood, energy, optimism and efficiency for the day. An individual’s most impressional time is the first minutes in the morning that you wake up. Instead of looking at your Instagram why not switch it to a 5-minute journal, motivational TedTalk or 10-minute meditation session. Use the first minutes of your day to prepare yourself for any limitations that can come your way (then you can check that Instagram feed). Down bellow is one of the most inspirational individuals that has motivated me to take steps forward in my life, Tony Robbins. Why not start your day with some uplifting words of wisdom and watch this amazing Ted Talk.

Those are my main pointers to limiting yourself. What are yours? Let me know I would love to learn and try your tactics too.

This Trend Got Me with the “Cold Shoulders”

Posted on April 11, 2017December 28, 2018 by Shika President in Fashion, Home

One of my favorite trends at the moment is the off the shoulder tops. They are a great staple for this spring and summer season. I decided to play with three trends in this look. First, the off shoulder giving feminism touch as well as the pink plaid pattern that is a common look on the runway this year. Plaid is also one of the most transitional patterns when in various seasons from fall to winter to spring. Lastly, the white distress pants give this whole look a relaxed yet clean finish to the full look as white denim is making a big comeback this season. To finished the look add some accessories such as a choker and cute flats or nude pump to give this outfit the “ouff“ it needs.

Top- H&M

Jeans- Zara

Shoes- black flats (H&M) and beige heals (Justfab)

Photography by @pedrodecimus