JANUARY: New Beginnings and Pet Care Adventures
January was relatively quiet, but it held its own charm as we finally welcomed our long-awaited new couch after a three-month wait. Additionally, I became engrossed in the Netflix series Wednesday, which quickly became my binge-watching obsession! A considerable part of our month was dedicated to caring for our beloved cat, Buster, who developed an open wound around his groin area. Concerned, we sought veterinary advice but received no clear diagnosis. We suspected that stress was the culprit, as Buster seemed otherwise healthy. To prevent further irritation, we kept him in a cone for the majority of the year. It wasn’t until August that we sought a second opinion, which revealed that a simple food change was all he needed. Switching him from canned fish flavors to freeze-dried rabbit was a game-changer; within just 24 hours, he stopped the licking, and his health improved dramatically!Â
FEBRUARY: Navigating Work Challenges and Discovering New Products
MARCH: Celebrating Spring with Shopping Adventures
However, the end of March brought an unexpected twist when I contracted COVID for the second time since November 2022 while at work. I was incredibly frustrated, especially since we had not been wearing masks for over a year. This experience left me feeling annoyed at both my body and my work environment, leading into what would become a challenging April. It turned out to be the most difficult month for me health-wise in my entire life.
APRIL: Health Challenges and Discoveries in Beauty
Unfortunately, along with the discovery of these beauty products, I was also dealing with severe stress from work and my impending Chaumet visit when I contracted COVID. Shortly after, I began experiencing distressing symptoms, including tingling skin, tiny blisters, and red spots on the left side of my face. Initially mistaking these for cold sores, I quickly learned they were shingles, a painful condition exacerbated by stress on my immune system. The pain I experienced was intense, akin to undergoing dental procedures without anesthesia, and I found myself in a state of distress, especially since the rash affected my face. As someone who is diligent about skincare, this was a significant blow, and I feared potential scarring. Thankfully, the scarring turned out to be minimal, and I am considering writing a comprehensive post about my shingles experience, as reading about others’ journeys was quite therapeutic for me.
MAY: Embracing Health and Attending Events
Additionally, I attended my very first in-person event since the pandemic, which was both exciting and overwhelming. Although it felt a bit claustrophobic, it was refreshing to reconnect with people once again.
JUNE: Spa Experiences and Home Organization
In June, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience the delightful services at the new Sabai Thai Spa. Alongside this, I dedicated about a week to tackling a massive office and beauty room organization project. We built shelving units and rearranged my extensive collection of nail polishes. I even pulled a muscle from all the squatting involved! Although we are still in the process of organizing, I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of beauty products I need to review. It might be more efficient to start fresh by getting rid of what I no longer use, especially items that take up significant space.
JULY: Celebrating Milestones and New Beginnings
July marked a significant milestone as I celebrated my 40th birthday on July 1st. I took the week off work to enjoy quality time with family while also attempting to complete a 10K walk. While I successfully completed the walk, my legs were quite sore afterward, especially since we chose a challenging trail around North Vancouver. Initially apprehensive about turning 40, my perspective shifted after my experience with shingles, which many consider an “old person’s disease.” I embraced this new chapter with open arms. Additionally, I finally acquired an Apple Watch, which I have worn daily ever since, and it has quickly become an essential part of my life!Â
AUGUST: Navigating Emotional Challenges
August was a mixed month, filled with both joyous moments and emotional struggles. I had a fantastic time attending a whimsical birthday party for a client’s son, themed around Alice in Wonderland. However, work became increasingly challenging, and I found myself feeling overwhelmed emotionally. This led me to my first therapy session, which marked the beginning of a journey to address the stress and anxiety I had been experiencing. From this point onward, I felt like I was operating on autopilot, just trying to get through each day as the emotional weight became heavier.
SEPTEMBER: Rediscovering Joy in Small Moments
September arrived with a cautious optimism. After the overwhelming experience in May, I was hesitant to attend further press events. However, I decided to make an exception for the launch of the new Clarins Precious line at Holt Renfrew. This intimate event was well worth it, as it offered a rare opportunity to connect with others in a smaller setting, unlike the larger crowds I had previously experienced. As I anticipated the upcoming trip to Paris, I mentally prepared myself for the whirlwind of activities ahead.
OCTOBER: An Unforgettable Parisian Adventure
October was truly a month to remember as I embarked on a life-changing trip to Paris for the International Retail Seminar for Chaumet. This journey could have easily turned into the most stressful trip of my life, but I am grateful that my mindset allowed me to view it as an incredible adventure. Despite a rough flight and long days filled with activities, I was fortunate to witness some of the most breathtaking sights, meet remarkable individuals, and even deliver a public speech in front of 150 Chaumet employees. To top it off, I won a team prize for my efforts! My husband joined me in Paris, and this trip solidified my love for the city, leaving me eager to return. Overcoming fears and discomforts throughout this experience, I felt a profound sense of pride and fulfillment. This trip was the highlight of 2023, coinciding with our 10-year wedding anniversary, making it all the more special!
NOVEMBER: Embracing the Holiday Hustle
November turned into a blur as I dove headfirst into the holiday shopping frenzy, both for myself and my clients. The early Christmas preparations kept me incredibly busy, and I found myself juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities at work and home. Amidst the hustle, my skin began
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.
