Bo's Bodacious Blog: 2025

Monday, 14 July 2025

Q2 Goal Update and Life Lately

I am back after a much needed break. Spring was BUSY! I knew June was going to be a lot but when it wrapped up, I had a beyond empty tank. I am not sure if it was that much busier or I am getting older and not able to handle as much. Regardless, after the last day of school on June 27th, I kind of crashed and just took time to sleep, read and not be social. I was still editing photos from grad sessions a few hours a day but I just kept mostly to myself. Last week, we went full out visiting and reconnecting with friends and family and now I am back at the lake, trying to find a good balance between socializing and recharging over the next 4 weeks before we need to gear up for fall and back to school mid-August. So let's jump in and see what I accomplished in quarter 2 of my goals. I am not formally setting any goals for summer as I need to just go with the flow I've decided. Leave me a note about how your goals are unfolding now that we are half way through 2025, or what your summer looks like.

PERSONAL

✔*Splurge on a cleaner once in May and June. I know June will feel insane so I need to commit to spending the money to help me stay sane. I will need the help!- YES!!!! This was a life saver for me. I think I am booking her in for September when I return back to work and I am going to do this for December as well.

✔*Splurge on fake eyelashes every three weeks, and nails once a month.

✔*Hair appointment including a cut and color. - I went dark closer to my natural color, although the sun has bleached it back, and I absolutely love it!!!!!!!

My hairdresser nailed it, she always does.

7/10 *Try to listen to one audiobook/month and read two books (finish The Dimond Eye and read whatever book is chosen for book club). Also, finish reading the journal articles on ADHD.

Audiobooks: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune ⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose ⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook: The Woman in Me by Brittany Spears ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Dimond Eye by Kate Quinn ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wellness by Nathan Hill ⭐- I tried to both read it and do the audiobook and couldn't. I think only two people in my book club got through this one. I normally never put a book down but being so busy and having such little time, I was willing to let it go!
ADHD Journal 50% completed, will pick up again in the fall.

✔*Go to dr. and explore adult ADHD. - I did this and she was on the fence because I do have excellent coping strategies if I do have ADHD. I tried concerta for a couple of weeks and ultimately didn't notice too much difference and it began giving me stomach pains daily. Being June, I didn't explore switching medications but maybe I will in the fall/winter if I feel like I need/want to.

X*Enroll in dog agility with Oreo again this year. - I decided that I just didn't have the capacity to take this on this year in the end. It's hard to say no but I was so overwhelmed that I called the organizers and said I just couldn't make it work.\

PHYSICAL

✔* Complete my first Duathlon on Mothers Day. This duathlon was supposed to happen in fall 2024 but was cancelled due to an extreme wind storm so my girlfriend and I are slated to do it this spring. It's a sprint distance which is 5km run, 20 km bike, 3 km run. - This was soooooo much FUN! I felt so proud of myself for trying something new. I didn't do as well as I had hoped but the atmosphere was so supportive, empowering and a ton of first timers. It was a dedicated Mother's Day event so seeing all the moms and women of all ages and fitness levels really made the event so much more. I am planning to do it again in the fall if it works in my schedule. I was also interviewed as an inspiring mom that runs for our local running newsletter which was delightful, you can check it out here.

FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS

✔*Family trip to Europe!!!! - Our trip to Europe, Venice & Paris, exceeded every expectation I had. The girls were the perfect age to travel with and were really interested in doing it all, from churches, to castles, history, shopping, food, and even were great sports about sharing a bathroom and beds. My mom and dad also joined us and the girls loved being able to share this experience with them. We did it all, gondola ride, pizza, cappuccinos, Verona, rubbed Juliette's boob, traveled by boat and plane, Dodge's palace, Eiffel Tower at night, family photoshoot, JellyCat store and shopping, Louvre tour, Versailles castle, explored cool neighborhoods, quint stores and Disney Paris. We walked and walked and walked. I really need to make some posts recapping this trip so that we can preserve it forever.

Paris 2025

Venice 2025

Halie, Halie, Halie! This spring is going to be fully about Halie and her grade 12 graduation.

✔*Create a scrapbook as a gift for Halie. - This project was a labor of love!!!!! It took me hours, upon hours, upon hours, like 40+ hrs; but it is beautiful and a keepsake that she loves. I made it through Vista Print (Canadian) and the photobook is beautiful.

✔*Attend Halies graduation ceremony and family formal dinner.
✔*Do her grad photos, friends cap and gown photos and family photo.

✔*HOST a grad celebration in June for family and friends. - We had 40ish people in our house because it was the one day that it literally rained ALL day long. It was loud, chaotic and full of love for her.

Anya

✔*Dance, dance and dance. Enjoy her dance competitions and final dance show. 3 dance competitions, and 2 recitals. We did it all and I have to say not only did she grow in skill but also just her ability to roll with the punches and the ups and downs of competition. She NEVER complains about going to dance and loves the girls, teachers and the art.

✔*Take dance photos.

✔*Enjoy watching baseball in June. - Anya went back to a co-ed baseball league this year and absolutely loved it. It's likely her last year playing and I was acutely aware of that, so I soaked up as many games and opportunities to cheer her on.
X*Begin driving with her behind the wheel once a week. - We need to get her out driving more, especially in the city before the winter. In the fall we need to make this a major focus so that she is ready and confident in the city when snow falls.

Birthday Celebrations

✔*Do an experience gift for my niece Ella at the end of June.

PROFFESSIONAL

*Please follow my photography business on FB or IG.

✔* Host spring mini-sessions and ideally I'd like to book between 6-8 sessions. - I ended up only doing one evening and half the sessions.

✔* Book 4 graduation sessions, remembering to keep it reasonable and manageable this June. - well I booked double this in May/June and they are still going into the summer. I need to learn to say NO, but they are all so beautiful.

7/10 *Continue to post/promote my photography side gig on IG and FB, 2xweek. - Consistency as with my other IG account is just not there.

FINANCIAL

✔* Document a breakdown the full cost of our trip to Europe as a family of four.

✔* Rent out our cabin out for in order to recoup some costs. Goal: $1500.

I'll be back on Thursday, July 17th with Ageless Style and we are talking about how we are staying cool this summer. Join us for some summer fashion inspiration and link-up.

Monday, 2 June 2025

May Roundup

Goodbye May, hello June. Well that went fast. May came in chilly as it often does, but left us with hot days, in desperate need of rain due to raging forest fires that are threatening our special summer place, our cabin and have already displaces communities and wildlife. We are thankful for the endless hours that the firefighters continue to put into trying to contain these fires and save our communities. On a more positive note, May also brought good things into our lives. Anya started ball this month, and wrapped up her dance with a wonderful recital. She continues to practice for a ballet exam which will happen in June. Halie began her horse show season last weekend and is gearing up for her last month on high school. Logan and I got away to the lake before the fires and enjoyed an amazing weekend to recalibrate and gear up for a busy June.

June is going to be overwhelmingly busy with us preparing for Halies graduation celebrations near the end of the month (also a little emotionally overwhelming but I'll save that for another day). Working as a vice-principal at a school means that there are many evening events, performance, farewells, staff gatherings, reports, etc. all happening in June as well. Oh and did I mention grad photography in the evenings, along with ball games. LOL. Needless to say June will be a blur but come July things will slow down.

Anyway, I hope to be hear regularly on the Mondays but if I don't show up you know that June got me.

Let's look at what I've been wearing to work, and for play, in May.

Classy for Class

Lavender Haze

Put Me in Coach

Denim for Days

Pink Power Suit

Casual Weekend with Smash & Tess

It's your turn now to share something from May, a family memory, something that gave you joy, or your favorite outfits. Thanks for stopping by and staying connected.

Monday, 26 May 2025

LWD: Little White Dress

Today's post is short and sweet. Everyone needs a little white dress, or a couple, in their closet and I am linking up a few options below. I really like white dresses because they can be dressed up or casual. It's a staple in my closet for spring and summer and whenever I am unsure of what to wear, I reach for one of the two I have in my closet. A couple of weeks ago when we went out for Mother's Day supper, I ended up wearing it and it was perfect. Classy, chic and dressy casual. Add a splash of color with shoes or a cute purse like I did, some wedges for a more casual look, or heels to dress it up. Top it off with a cardigan, denim jacket, blazer or a fabulous scarf for extra warmth for cooler evenings and you are ready in five minutes or less!

What are your quick and on the go spring/summer formulas?

Here are some LWD options for you:

Aritzia Poplin Dress

Fit and flare, midi - dress, we just bought this for my daughters graduation for the cap & gown portion of the celebrations. She LOVES it!

Old Navy Eyelet Dress

Similar to the one above but way less $! Perfect eyelet detail for summer, casual style.

Cupshe Spring Daisy Mini Dress

A little more dressy, asymmetrical neckline and the cutest daisy details. I am tempted to buy this one for myself for Halie's graduation.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous Monday!

Monday, 19 May 2025

My First Duathlon & Mother's Day Recap

Where do you land on Mother's Day festivities, activities, gifts and general feeling surrounding the day? I've now been a mother for 18+ years and I've always felt like the day, or leading up to the day, it's loaded with expectations. Part of the expectations come from social media, part of them come from my lack of knowing what I exactly want. Over the years I've learned that the only way for the day to meet my expectations is to a) recognize my expectations b) identify what would make me feel special or happy and c) communicate it; I know it means that the cognitive load of thinking lands on me but I've come to terms with it after all these years and its what works but know that I've been in all different places and phases throughout the year and that's okay too. To be honest, I am happy with simplicity which usually means a balance of alone time and a little acknowledgment from my daughters/husband. For "my own time" I've come to realize that means that I want to exercise by myself, enjoy a coffee and read a book without talking to anyone, and I don't' want to cook or clean. From my family, I love a simply written message from each of the girls and usually they get me a few of my favorite treats. Simple but it's what works for me.

This year I decided to enter my first duathlon which consisted of a 5km run, 20 km bike, and 2.5 km run, called a Sprint distance. It happened last Saturday, a beautiful morning and the race was actually called the Mother's Day race, encouraging mothers and women of all ages and levels of fitness to give it a go in either a Super Sprint (2.5km/10km/1km) or Sprint (5km/20km/2.5km) like I did. The group of people that came out were all so friendly, supportive, encouraging and many first timers like myself. I ran into several women I admire and am inspired by and having them there giving words of encouragement was so appreciative and welcoming, we need more of that in our lives! I talked a girlfriend into joining it as well and it very much filled my "own" bucket. The run started of well, and the 20 km ride was okay except I didn't love that it was the same 5km loop X 4, meaning a very steep hill every 10 minutes or so, and then I experienced some leg cramping on the last 2.5 km. Overall I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face, my tank empty and a huge sense of accomplishment. My oldest daughter and husband were there to cheer me on throughout the race and were there for me when I crossed the finished line 💗. My oldest also, went and bought me a Starbucks as a reward which is so thoughtful and kind. (my youngest was at a baseball game so she couldn't be there) It was lovely and exactly how I like to spend my time. Even at 42, almost 43, I can try new things and push myself in new ways and that makes me happy.

Also, one of the things I really want to be known for in encouraging other people to do new things, especially women. I know a few friends have mentioned that I "inspire" them and that they appreciate me checking in and encouraging them, and that's something that I very much want to continue to be to my own daughters and other women. So, I was especially shocked when the local triathlon organization reached out and asked to interview me for an article in support of this particular race. You can read it here!

In the afternoon I did my meal prep, read on the deck and drank my Starbucks, went to watch my youngest at baseball and ended the evening with a glass of wine on the deck.

On Sunday, Mother's Day, my younger had a few more ball games and my oldest had to work. We decided to go out for sushi and they gave me a very thoughtful gift. While I was in Venice I mentioned that I loved the coffee that is made in a Moka pot using expresso coffee and they purchased a pink, Italian made one for me along with GF chocolate pretzels, Dinosaur candy and a card filled with messages of love.

It was absolutely perfect!!!!! Everything I could have asked for in a weekend and more. I felt loved, appreciated and seen. Tell me how you spent your Mother's Day last weekend and if you are not a mother, how do you communicate to your loved ones what you need to feel seen.

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Ageless Style: Black & White

Welcome to another installment of Ageless Style! Todays prompt is brought to you by sweet Marsha from the Marsha in the Middle blog and we are styling black and white. Sounds simple, right? Sometimes a simple color combination can have multiple styles and looks, and can be recreated from different pieces to suit the season.

On our recent European trip, I really focused on neutral pieces that I could style and reuse multiple ways. We were conscious of our luggage space, and wanted to bring items back (mostly the girls) which meant packing very smart. I purchased these Smash & Tess black overalls in the fall (unfortunately they are all sold out 😔) and have been wearing them tons! They are a great fit, I love the little front tie for a bit of extra fun, and how easy they are to style in different ways and in different seasons; long sleeved layered under here, sweater over top creating a black jean look, leather shacket styled over top, on their own on the warmer days, and I am going to show you how I styled them two different ways using the black and white prompt while on my European adventure.

#1 Tee Underneath!

In Venice we experienced pretty warm weather and honestly ditched the jackets most days by 11 a.m. This was the perfect outfit for our last half-day of exploring and super comfortable for traveling from Venice to Paris. A good white tee is hard to find, but I splurged on this one from Lululemon because I love the fabric, I love the fit and I love that it's not see-through. In hindsight I should have purchased another one just to have as back up. This is a super simple but cute and trendy look, especially paired with some sneakers such as my pink Adidas VL Court Sneakers; honestly these are so comfortable for walking in all day and for reference I would say I have/need a wider fit. You'll never look out of style in this outfit.

#2 Casual in a Button Down

Next time I wore the overalls we were in Paris and the weather was a few degrees cooler but still warm, especially by midday and with all the walking. I wanted some light, breezy and layers to be able to meet the changing weather as the day progressed. Another causal look is just to lawyer a white button down over the overalls. This is a great street style look in my opinion but if it got too hot, I could take the button down off and still look cute. I skipped the belt on this one because I didn't want to add any bulk, and wanted the casual and relaxed look.

What are some black and white looks that you are loving right now? Casual? Work?

Now it's time to check out the other ladies interpretation of the prompt, link-up your own post, and go support and explore other blogs. See you on June 19th when we will be showcasing bold prints!