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Thursday Thought: No Drama

Jess — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:44:07 +0000

If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: “He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned.” Epictetus

People will talk despite your useless attempts to accommodate to the wishes of others. Your clothes, friendships, career moves (or lack thereof), and everything in between is up for discussion.

Those who love you will take the time to ask and understand without judgment, even if they don’t agree with you. Those who don’t know you are strangers – they can stare at your faults and moves but they’ll never find you.

Faults we all have, but friends can see beyond them. Continue to explore and be happy.

*image by me

A Year of Gratitude

Jess — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:19:45 +0000

Jess & Daniella 2010

On Thanksgiving Day 2010, I was driving Daniella home after a long weekend of indulgences. While stuck in traffic (on the 401, naturally) we had an idea to take BHD, Daniella’s private diary, in a different direction.

Where exactly? we weren’t sure. But never did we imagine the place we’re in now and the places we’re heading towards.

After one year, many things have happened – good and bad but mostly life changing.

Our team is simply amazing. We’re grateful for everyone because they’ve given BHD their love without question.

So grateful for all events and people we’ve met because it/they/you were intended. Each moment had a purpose, a lesson for me/her/us.

Although change and growth can at times be uncomfortable, I wouldn’t trade a single thing from the entire process. I can’t wait for another year. xo

BHD Mommy: Almost time

Sammy — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:30:19 +0000

Nine months in and in my body lies 2 heartbeats, 2 sets of lungs, a placenta and a cord that connects my body to a mini belly button.

The emotional and mental process has been like riding a wave without any paddling experience. When I was told that being pregnant was similar to being on a roller coaster, I didn’t realize how high and low this ride could go. I have faced challenges is all aspects of my life: within myself, my relationship with my partner, and external forces that I have no control over. Fast decision-making, moving cities, time permitting, and finger crossing have all kicked me in the butt, but I know it’s ultimately preparing me for this new adventure.

But through all these changes and growing pains one thing has remained constant and key to my sanity: my support system.

Staying connected with positive people and especially sharing with the loving women in my life, is a source of nourishment for my baby and I. The ability to share a feeling or a moment of anxiety and knowing someone is listening is exactly what’s needed, especially as a new mom.

The following letter is a compilation of words from mommies in my circle. May these words inspire and encourage future moms as they have inspired me.

Dear Mommy to be,

No one ever told me I’d live a passionate love affair with my baby. Within an hour I’d be missing her scent, her skin, her eyes. Melting just thinking of when I’d see her again, even if it were only an hour apart. Becoming a mommy became the end to my carelessness and now and forever I’m connected to her by love.

My most powerful state of being with my precious is like a mantra that I often repeat: gentle, patient and persistent. It changes me and helps mold her, in fact it suits her perfectly, she is such a calm and serene child.

Sleep now. Get your rest and make time for yourself. When baby is here, sleep when she sleeps.

You can never spoil your newborn. When they’re older you can, but when they’re babies they need your love and touch. You can never hold your baby for too long and never give them too much love. Cherish every single moment because they grow up way too fast.

As much as it’s good to read literature about parenting and babies, remember that every baby is unique. They’re not wind up toys. Never underestimate what you already know, the skills you already have.

Use your intuition.

Always trust your instinct.

You know what’s best for your baby and for yourself. If you’re not sure about something, never be afraid to ask for help. There will be moments of loneliness. Remember you’re not alone. We’ve been there before.

Yours truly,

Mamas that know best.

School of thought: Animal Feel

Jess — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:31:29 +0000

What school of thought do you belong to: can boys and girls be just friends? Yes, no, maybe if they’re exclusive to other people?

I have plenty of male friends that I adore and the thought of getting it on is *remote. However, sometimes, somehow, some *drinks, may cloud the friendship status: like – unlike? Oops, that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Some believe women are capable of being just friends but not men. The logic behind this school of thought is that men fantasize about doing what lovers do and women, well, they don’t. What a load of bull.

I belong to the Animal Feel School of Thought. I believe that we all have a little monster inside regardless of gender. Some run wild, others slightly tamed, while others (sadly) are completely domesticated. The power of animal feeling isn’t solely vested in men; women too think and feel with the same rawness and passion as men do.

While I believe women are more likely to get caught up with emotions and over think everything, sometimes these animal feelings dominate and restricted acts happen. My personal opinion, and feel free to contest, is that in order for men and women to be JUST friends without ever having at least one OMG moment, there has to be absolutely no physical attraction. Oh, and a crazy girlfriend in between.

What school of thought do you belong to?

Photography: Di Mora

Art direction & Styling: Jess

Makeup: Allison Nolan

Models: Dylan Davies & Victoria Mora

April’s behind the scenes shots: Free. Float. Fly.

Jess — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:06:52 +0000

Over the weekend my stellar team and I, worked on April’s photo shoot: Free. Float. Fly. I don’t want to give away what our theme is all about but I do want to share with you who we are and what we love to do.

Di Mora is one of my greatest friends and BHD’s official photographer. We’ve worked together for a while and I’m one lucky girl – his esthetics, creativity and imagination blows my mind.

Allison Nolan is my blond, badass lady. We met through a mutual friend and partied like rock stars – literally. I was her makeup model once and as soon as Di Mora saw her work, he insisted she work with us. Alli is sweet, funny and unbelievably talented.

Carolina Mondonedo is our stylist. At work one day I saw this cute girl in the most darling sweater. I contemplated taking it off her back, but I took a more civilized approach and asked where she got it, “Oh, its vintage.” Since then we’ve been checking out the mail boys and talking fashion.

Kai Thomas is our video dude and production assistant. I met him at my sister’s photo shoot (Di Mora and I did). He’s mad talented, so naturally he’s part of our team. Stay tune for our BTS video J

And as for me, well, I’m your editor. Daniella and I met through a mutual friend and about a year ago became inseparable. We partied (a lot) and always had jokes about our broken heel moments. I remember when she started BHD – I’ve been a fan since day 1. Back in October, she brought me on board and we decided to take BHD to a new place. And here we are.

BHD is my part of my heart because it’s a place to grow, experiment, and love no matter what – even if a heel breaks. Words and colors are my passion, so BHD is where this passion lives. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

This is my team at work, bright and early on Saturday morning. A special thank you to our lovely model, Jennille: sweet as pie and rocking hair – can’t ask for more.

Check out more photos here.

BHD Moment Social 911: Dante’s Date

Jess — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:00:30 +0000

Date: Saturday night
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: An Italian restaurant next to hell.

Scene of the crime: your not-so-good friend sets you up on a date with someone she claims “perfect for you!” with such conviction that you agree to go. Turns out, he’s the biggest loser in life. With no culture, questionable mannerisms, an open mouth chewer and an avid fist pumper, you realize you’re in hell.

Coward thing to do: strangle yourself with your linguine.

Hero thing to do: Slip away unnoticed. Here’s how you do it.

As he happily rambles about Snooki’s poof, identify your possible exits.
Think of how to use the items in your purse to alter your appearance. With some eyeliner you can add black circles and age lines, and with lipstick you can add blemishes.
Go to the washroom and begin your transformation.
Use any accessories you may have like scarfs, hats, or glasses to disguise your appearance. Take off your cute cardigan and stuff in your rump or your ab section. The key is to change your silhouette.
When exiting modify your strut – actually, don’t strut. Add a limp to your walk by placing your earring in one of your shoes, hunch over and move quickly.
Exit without looking back at your date and once out the door run as fast as you can.
Go to your ‘friend’s’ place, demand a bottle of wine and vent.

Have you ever been on a date with a loser? Or am the only one?