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Hello! I'm Ricky. Aside from shooting photos, designing things & styling people, I like to dabble in art, spirituality, adventure, minimalism, learning and feminism. I wouldn't consider myself a blogger, but I do like to occasionally share things that make my heart sing. I hope that you feel the same about what I share!


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Blooming in abundace

Blooming in abundace

New New

February 09, 2019

It’s Saturday night and I haven’t done much all day except try out a new breakfast place, did one load of laundry (but haven’t put it away yet) and I’ve been catching up on social media and updating this website. Maybe that’s more than enough for today.

I did set a goal for myself last November to start writing more in this space. Since this is my very first post of the year on here, I’ll share some Sincerely Image highlights so far since New Year’s Day!

January was a time for healing and goal setting. My 3 words for the year are PRAY, FOCUS and PAUSE. I want to get stronger in my faith. I want to resist distractions and get things done. I want to give myself more rest/time. So far, these 3 words have served me well!

At the beginning of this month, I made some drastic changes to my daily routine and diet. February is my least favourite month of the year because it’s like Tuesday. Monday and January are goal-setting/motivating. Tuesday and February, what do you have? Lol, I’m just not a fan. So I figure, change it up. Wake up just a little earlier every morning NOT to go on social media but to get a quick 20-minute workout in. Pack healthy lunches as advised by my nutritionist. Do one 24-hour fast a week. Join a book a club and read more books. I want to keep all of this going all month because it honestly feels amazing and I want these new habits to stick!

With a little push and a LOT of focus, my first newsletter was sent out at the beginning of the month! Special thanks to Christina Gwira and her brilliant Creator’s Corner event.

Some new bookings I’m excited about: Successfully locked in one of my favourite clients for the next 7 months, 2 new content creator contracts, Hannah Bronfman’s book signing event, Image Styling for the Maxx and Afi team and a lifestyle session with We Thrive Events!

On the horizon: a Spring collaborative event, newsletter #2, Sincerely Zine issue 2 and a Spring photo tour. Stay tuned!

I’m going to light some candles, make a cup of David’s Vanilla Orchid Oolong tea and watch Netflix for the rest of the night.

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My little home office

My little home office

Well, so much for blogging!

November 15, 2018

Honestly didn’t want to write much, because I’m an emotional writer. When I’m really feeling passionate about something, I could write for hours. Most other days, regular days, I’m not creative enough to keep content flowing.

This is something I want to change in the next year, or starting now if I can. I’d love to start writing about my travels, my feelings, experiences, processes and discoveries.

With all the things I want to create next year, from a bi-annual zine and photo tours, I also want to create a newsletter following, as I’ve found the ones that I’ve signed up for to be very effective in reaching the right people.

Here’s to better changes!

xx

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Photo quality testing!

March 28, 2018

Testing out how some recents shots look on le blog! xx

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International Women's Day

March 08, 2017

This International Women’s Day, join us at #ConnectHer2017 in celebrating the political, social and economic achievements of women in Mississauga and Peel. This is an opportunity for women of all ages to come together to EMPOWER, INSPIRE & ENCOURAGE each other!

Admission is FREE! Invite your colleagues, friends, your mother, and your daughter!

What to Expect:

1: Two panels with some of Mississauga's finest leaders

2. Over 15+ Table Mentors to network and learn from! (Women in tech, entrpreneuriship, design, fitness, education, public service, and MORE!)

3. An oppurtunity to connect with other women, business owners, students, and professionals in our community.

For full details visit http://www.chrisfonseca.ca/ward3-map/connecther-2017/

Twitter @ConnectHerPeel #ConnectHer2017 #IWD2017 #BeBoldforChange

Tags: IWD17, International Women's Day, Feminism, Equality
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Fashion + Function: Ashley Chloe® Helix Cuff™

October 06, 2016 in Lifestyle

SAN FRANCISCO -- September 7, 2016 -- Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ashley Chloe® is bridging the gap between fashion and function in wearable tech. Ashley Chloe® confronts this challenge head-on with the stylishly innovative Helix Cuff™, its flagship wearable tech accessory for seamlessly connecting your active modern lifestyle. With a team of world–class product designers and engineers, the fashion-forward startup focuses on creating digital accessories that improve daily use cases. The Helix Cuff™ is the beginning of a line of innovative digital wearables that transform the way we interact with technology.

The Helix Cuff™ is the world’s first wearable with extractable Bluetooth® headphones on your wrist. It solves the problem of dealing with tangled and easy to lose headphones in a fashion-forward way. The HelixCuff™ was successfully funded on Kickstarter, was awarded “Kickstarter Staff Pick” and saw over 250% in funding.

Angela Pan, Founder and CEO of Ashley Chloe®, drives the fashion tech brand with her experience in dual roles as an ambitious female entrepreneur and former early-stage tech investor. Pan saw a huge gap between beautiful design and incredible functionality in the current wearable market. Noticing the pains of tangled, plugged in headphones that we all experience, she created a wearable, wireless solution with her experienced team of ID designers and engineers from Nokia, Google/Nest, and GoPro.

“Our design belief is that we wanted to create something new, and usually new things come from existing elements put together in a novel way and we believe that the most interesting things happen in the in-between spaces.”

Ashley Chloe® is currently showcasing at this year's Startup Fashion Week and sees this event as a valuable place to make connections and gain exposure with the fashion-forward audience here in Toronto and educating us about fashion tech.

You can order The HelixCuff™ here.

Source: http://www.ashleychloe.com
Tags: fashion, function, lifestyle, wearable tech, wireless
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From  incommon.aliciakeys.com

From incommon.aliciakeys.com

Alicia Keys' Glow, Au Naturel

June 22, 2016

I read an article on my favourite online magazine the other day, about Alicia Keys becoming more confident in her own skin and I was ecstatic! I can't emphasize how much I love reading about this rather than the next nudie that's breaking the internet.

She addresses a tough topic that we can all relate to, so I didn't even think twice about sharing it on facebook. A split conversation began in the post's comments, which I was happy about. People were reading it and had something to say! What I wasn't 100% happy about, was that I was a bit misunderstood. I guess some women took it as an attack on wearing makeup in general, but that is not why I shared the story. Frankly, it could've been anyone's story and I would have shared it regardless! I just LOVED the message and what I took away from it.

Sharing this wasn't actually about makeup for me at all. I enjoy the occasional dolling up just like the next woman! My sharing this story was actually for the bigger picture: insecurity in general and overcoming it in our own unique ways. Also, I never wanted anyone to compare their situation with hers--we shouldn't be comparing ourselves to anyone (except our old selves!), in the first place! Try to fight the urge to compare. I just wanted to share an encouraging story of bravery and overcoming that critical inner voice.

Insecurity, like cancer, doesn't discriminate. I agree that Miss Keys is gorgeous at any time of the day, but these are our own opinions of her. No amount of money or fame could change how she felt about herself. She does have more admirers and opportunities than your average woman but it doesn't mean her insecurities were any easier to fight. She had a journey, unique from ours and she is still journeying. Insecurity is anyone's battle and writing/singing about it is all that Alicia Keys can do for us. What we do with what she shares is up to us, right?

"I don't want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing!" ~Alicia Keys

You can read the full article here.

R

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@sincerelyimage

Nail art, Manicures & Bubbly

June 03, 2016

My good friend Bless, of Infinity and Bliss, and I had the chance to experience Toronto's first pop up nail and champagne bar, TNCB. While we were getting our nails done, we were treated to champagne, chocolates and meeting Eliza, who owns the business. She shared her stories and her plans for the business, the kind that always inspires me. Eliza loves to do things a little differently. Combining bubbly, chocolates and tea from France with a nail spa treatment is a brilliant idea that women can indulge in. I kept in touch with Eliza afterwards, asking her to be a part of my Local Love series. Expect my post on her answers later in July! In the meantime, book an appointment for some pampering! The pop-up shop is only around until June 5th!

R

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Sincerely Image

Sincerely Image

Local Love: PR & Event Planner, Bless of Infinity & Bliss

April 19, 2016

Bless is practically family to me and that is how I knew about her. We clicked and started to get close a long time ago, when we were both bridesmaids at a mutual friend's wedding. Currently, if we're not out for afternoon tea, jamming to a song at home or dining at one of our favourite spots in the city, we're working on building our businesses together.

She's a multi-threat: event planner, PR girl, blogger, pianist, singer and choreographer...though, she stays pretty humble about it all. She runs her business and her life with a certain type of OCD, like me. We laugh about it, but we both love to be busy, organized and prepared.

When I pitched the idea of my Local Love feature, she was the first to jump on. Of course she would be because my girl stays woke! In just a few words, get to know the mind behind Infinity + Bliss:

Try describing yourself in 3 words.

Dauntless, responsive & evolving

What's your morning routine like?

I Wake up at 7am. Then I check Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, snapchat and emails (to wake my eyes up). Then I go upstairs to eat breakfast (my room is in the basement). After that, I will pack the lunch I made the night before. Then once I'm done in the kitchen, I will start my daily skin routine, brush & floss my teeth, style my hair (I don't care if I don't have make up on my face, the hair needs to be styled no matter what!) Then I'll do my make up if I still have time. I'll leave the house at 8am to commute to work on the ttc - which takes an hour. Then I'll start work at 9am. First thing I do at work, is drink a glass of water and then coffee! One milk, one sweetener. 

What are you most grateful for today?

Im grateful for every experience that I've been through.  Whether it was a bad experience or good experience, it has made me who I am today.

Name someone you truly appreciate and why:

My significant other, Carlo Pangilinan. He's the seed to the drive I have in me and my motivation, which only grew from being inspired by him. He's very supportive and always inspires me to be a better woman. 

Why did you start your own business?

Event planning, writing and promoting is something that I know I'm good at and also very passionate about. It's also something that's definitely built into my personality. I believe in the art of expression and I believe my business is an outlet for the many things I want to share to the world. Plus! I'm so good at bragging about the things I love ;) might as well put it in writing.

Do you have a mantra or MO?

I'm have such a competitive personality and drive, but I definitely do not believe in discouraging other people just for self advancement. The only person I'm competitive with, is the person I was yesterday. I always want to improve and learn more. I believe in embracing mistakes and flaws. I always want to be the best person I can be for myself and for the people I care about. I believe in fighting for what you want until there's nothing left in you to give. I also believe in honesty and authenticity. I know I can do it a little too much - but like I said, I'm always improving. 

Who is your muse or style crush?

My muse is Beyonce. Not the commercialized version of beyonce but I'm such a fan of her work ethic, her motivational  speeches and her talent for writing. 

Style crush: Lately, it's been Khloe Kardashian and Jessica Alba. Khloe has the most classiest looking dresses, great casual looks and an amazing fitness style. I love how Simple yet put together Jessica Alba is. 

What are your favourite places?

The gym. I'm there every single day. Haven't taken a day off...yet. Also, anywhere with my babies (my dogs, milky and Boris) and surprisingly, I actually love being at work *laughs* 

Stores to shop:

Zara, Oak and Fort, Club Monaco, Aritzia and forever 21. However! I've been diggin' Sirens a lot lately. Their inventory has a lot of classic pieces. Best bang for your buck! 

Please share with us the last place you traveled to. People often say that travel is a teacher. Did you learn anything from your last trip?

I was in Cancun, Mexico in January, for my anniversary with my boyfriend. It was the best all inclusive trip I've been to so far. One thing I learned about this trip is, you get what you pay for. This trip was more expensive than our usual all inclusive trip budget- but every single detail of our trip was high quality and definitely worth spending a lot for. 

Describe your signature look:

I'm all about neutrals and If I'm going to wear color, it's nothing too bold (pastels, shades etc.)

my Casual: Black jacket, fitness leggings, Nike roches and big scarf! 

Work: Fitted midi dresses. I don't like wearing anything above the knee. 

What fuels your fire? What gives you courage?

Emotional Pain and rejection. Not just my own but the people I care about. It does take a lot for me to get hurt since I've learned to be more selective with what I pay attetion to. Regardless, Either makes me want to work harder or go to the gym. 

Recall the last time you were outside of your comfort zone and how you handled it.

I just started a new day job at a law firm. So That means, new boss, new coworkers and there are new personalities I had to get to know. It's definitely my first time working in a corporate environment which is also another challenge. I know my personality, and she's so used to being so carefree. She  can also be a bit too strong for certain people - so I have to put "her" away and slowly ease her way out slowly. So far though, because my boss is so easy going, I was able to adjust very easily. 

Name a woman you admire the most. What do you admire about her?

My Best friend, Len Alvarez. The most self-less woman I know. She's learned to be an advocate of happiness. She is altruistic with her close friends, most especially her family and sometimes even strangers. She's very kind and extremely loyal. 

Name one thing you feel is misunderstood about you.

My Honesty. People mistaken my honesty for being rude. However, most of the time, I'm not always trying to be rude. I know I can be a bit blunt sometimes - but there's nothing that comes out of my mouth without purpose. Obviously, if I'm not happy with something, when the opportunity presents itself, I will say something. My intent is to always try to Provoke change. 

Please share your favourite life hack:

My frequently updated internal map. Everytime I go somewhere, the internal map in my head updates and voila! I've eternally memorized how to get there. So I barely need directions to a lot of places in Toronto and GTA. I can close my eyes and visualize the location. I'm basically the prettier version of google maps ;)

What do you love most about your job?

I love planning and putting together every small detail, but the end result and my satisfied client is the best part of the job. 

What do you do to keep stress at bay? What do you do to unwind?

The Gym is my santuary and I always get something out of it each day. 

List one thing you do everyday to build your business:

Read! Read! Read! I read about 10-15 blogs every morning, on my commute to work. I read about 10 more going home. I also like to read other articles about other things e.g animals, politics, psychology and more. I try to read a book during my down times. I like knowing everything

What is your favourite place in Toronto and why:

The Sunnyside lake strip. There are so many great places along the lake. One of my favourite Brunch places, Eden, is located on the strip. Across my favourite brunch places, is also one of the best views of the Toronto skyline. My boyfriend and I love taking walks here. 

Please share with us your last act of kindness.

A woman had asked me for directions, and since i was already nearby, I ended up walking her to the destination. 

Name something you forgive yourself for:

*Cue the rewind button* My Honesty. I cannot emphasize this enough. Of course, If I find out I've hurt someone's feelings because of my honesty, I feel awful about it. But at the end of the day I would rather be honest than influence a decision or thought from a false statement. 

Recall a moment when you felt accomplished and/or proud.

I've recently found my motivation for going to the gym regularly and because of it, I am really happy with my health & fitness results and lifestyle. Most importantly, finally mustering up the courage to finally start infinity and bliss.  

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

Stop trying to please everyone. You weren't born to make everyone happy. Also! The person that's about to break your heart for the first time will be someone you're very grateful for - and is the reason why you're where you are today. 

How do we follow you in the social media world?

Twitter: @infinitynbliss
Instagram: infinityandbliss

 

I love working with this firecracker and I know you would too! Go and say hello here.

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Image: Postcalligraphy.com

Image: Postcalligraphy.com

Local Love: Calligrapher, Lisa of Post Calligraphy

April 19, 2016

I met Lisa at one of her Post Calligraphy workshops held at The Paper Place one evening. I loved every minute of it--her warmth as a person, her teaching style, the sweet treats and the shopping we got to do at the shop after (at a discounted price)! 

Lisa inspired me to go back and work on my penmanship and to write beautiful notes by hand. Sometimes, as a graphic designer, it's too easy to design something on the iMac. There's always a yearning to create with my bare hands, but time and convenience usually stop me from making the space and getting all the tools out. It also takes patience with me, to get something perfect done by hand.

Thanks to Lisa and her gorgeous work, I want to start creating my own stationery for years to come! (Announcing my intentions here to make myself accountable :P) Once you've seen her calligraphy, it's hard to ignore. Every time I see it on my instagram feed, I'm reminded of my time with her and all the things I will create.

I got in touch with her after the workshop for an interview and she graciously accepted <3 Here she is, in a few words!

Try describing yourself in 3 words

Passionate, dreamer, loyal

What's your morning routine like?

Stretch, feed the cats, coffee and newspaper.

What are you most grateful for today?

I am most grateful for my kids.

Name someone you truly appreciate and why:

I truly appreciate my father and am grateful for having had him in my life. I appreciate now how confident he was in me and my talent and now how he guides me in everything from everywhere.

Why did you start your own business?

I started my business because I felt I had something to offer. I wanted to join the ranks of all the others out there contributing in some form, to help bring out the beauty in this world.

Do you have a mantra or MO?

My mantra:

    truth=beauty

    beauty=truth

Who is your muse or style crush?

I don't really have a style crush but admire the styles of Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Hutton, Georgia O'Keefe, Diane Keaton.

What are your favourite places/stores to shop?

I don't have a favourite place but I like to shop at antique fairs and markets for unique pieces for home. For clothes I mix it up between Oak + Fort, Holts, Aritzia and various shops around the city!

Please share with us the last place you traveled to. People often say that travel is a teacher. Did you learn anything from your last trip?

The last trip I took was to the Amalfi coast. I learn from travel to always be in the moment and be grateful for the opportunities that being in another country with another culture affords.

Describe your signature look:

I think my signature look is feminine androgyny!

What fuels your fire? What gives you courage?

In life, being a mom gives me courage. Artistically, being in any museum, anywhere in the world fuels my fire.

Recall the last time you were outside of your comfort zone and how you handled it.

When I was first asked to do a larger scale job it became apparent I would have to work on site. As an artist, I am used to working alone, in my own space. I wasn't comfortable working with potentially a few eyes on me watching/judging what I was doing! As it turned out, I just needed to get down to the task at hand, put on my headphones and worry about myself! I had a deadline, and I needed to get it done and as it turned out, no one was the least bit interested in what I was doing; everyone else had their own job and their own deadline!

Name a woman you admire the most. What do you admire about her?

I would say I admire Patti Smith the most as an authentic artist and as a true original. She is devoted to her work and isn't swayed by public opinion. She stays true.

Name one thing you feel is misunderstood about you.

Because I tend to be shy and an introvert at times, that has been mistaken for standoffish-ness.

Please share your favourite life hack:

A bobby pin upside down has better grip.

What do you love most about your job?

I love creating something for a client who loves what I do and I nail it!

What do you do to keep stress at bay? What do you do to unwind?

To de-stress I do Pilates and meditate. Sometimes I watch no-brainer tv and just veg.

List one thing you do everyday to build your business:

I try to post work on Instagram every day to stay updated for potential clients since that's where most of my work comes from.

What is your favourite place in Toronto and why:

My favourite place in Toronto to stay grounded is walking on the sand in the Beach. My favourite place in Toronto to awaken inspiration is the AGO.

Please share with us your last act of kindness.

My last act of kindness was to unload my mother's neighbour's groceries for her (but really so small in the scheme of things!)

Name something you forgive yourself for:

I try to remember to forgive myself for my insecurities.

Recall a moment when you felt accomplished and/or proud.

Always proudest watching my kids evolve and grow into their kind, smart and talented selves. 

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

I would tell my 16 year old self to find confidence in her beauty and to find her voice sooner.

How do we follow you?

I'm only on Instagram: @postcalligraphy

 

You should go say hello, sign up for a workshop or follower her here!

xx

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