UBC: Life Beyond Work + Having Fun!

Introduction:

If you’ve been following along you’ll know that I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge – you can find all my posts here. Today’s prompt/idea is: “something fun” Eep! Is it silly if I say this one’s going to be fun?! So, let’s get started – I’m going to cover the fun things in my business and personal life. As usual, grab a cuppa, get cozy and read on!

The Fun Of It All:

I’m a huge believer in fun and making the best out of every moment – whether it’s simply being present, optimistic, or open to new opportunities aka fun! Merriment is a huge part of my life – I’m a bubbly and effervescent soul, who loves having fun and will try anything to cheer someone up! I love being creative and many of my hobbies/passions revolve around that – I also love sharing them! So, let’s get into what makes me, ME.

Natalie Brooke: My Personal Life!

Hi!! If you don’t know me, I’m Natalie Brooke – the owner and maker behind Whimsy Brooke. I’m 35 years old and live in Windsor, Ontario Canada, and I absolutely love it here. I was once told I wasn’t good at writing and would never write professionally… well, dear reader… I’m a stubborn one, and I don’t give up that easily – so here I am.

A few of My Favourite Things:

Art, bows, white peacocks, lace, floral print, polka dots, peonies, chocolate, pink, interning, nutella, snail-mail, christmas, fashion, antiques, Anne of Green Gables, cats, dreams, pop funkos, ABBA, deer, Audrey Hepburn, collage artwork, oldies music, Old Hollywood films, crafts, new book smell, new car smell, vanilla, Canva, stickers, my faith, plants, unicorns, rainbows, networking/connecting with people, stationery, Kate Spade, pink houses, smiles, cotton candy sunsets, 8 bit games, kittens, iced coffee, hearts, notebooks, road trips, cheese, stationery, saturdays, my blog + business, etc.

I also have another blog post where I list 100 things I love. Check it out if you’re interested?

What Are Some Things I Do For Fun?

When I’m not found at my laptop typing away, I can be found doing a lot of other things: I go to my grandma’s every Wednesday with my dad for dinner and a show – making memories with her is oh so much fun, and important to me. I go out for many coffee dates with friends. I volunteer at a local charity shop. I go to my local neighbourhood library and spend time there. I create collages, and stickers for the coolest clients ever. I blog (well, duh!) and I go thrifting. I take the time to call friends and family and check in on them – I love talking on the phone! I make products and graphics/ads for my business on Canva. I go on roadtrips with friends. I host a local craft group. I vend at markets/events. I hang out at my local sewing shop – Border City Fabrics. And, so much more! Seriously, there’s a whole lot – but alas, my brain fails me.

Whimsy Brooke: My Business!

When I’m not keeping my self busy I’m usually fulfilling orders, creating things, working on custom orders, packing orders and prepping for markets! Here are some of the fun things of having my own business. I’m going to be posting some of the not so fun stuff soon. Haha!

one. I work with awesome clients! Each and every time I design a custom sticker, postcard, bookmark, etc., I get to work closely with y-o-u through emails, and DM’s to achieve the desired product. What does this look like? Well, I send multiple proofs and updates for feedback until it’s complete! I love doing it this way, because it gives my client a chance to be a part of the design process. Which is pretty cool! You can opt out of this (of course!) and give me full creative expression.

two. I get to be creative and use the right side of my brain!! Actually, gotcha! The whole theory of right vs. left was debunked – I guess it takes two to tango! I love using my creativity to create something that brings another person joy. It’s so fun and satisfying! I see myself as a dopamine dealer! 😉

three. I get to go to markets/events and see friends and family come together to support me. I also get to meet new faces, familiar faces, and even some “old” faces. It really takes a village to have a business and it warms my heart when I see others come together in the community to show up for each other and accomplish our dreams together.

four. I get to use Canva to create fun advertisements and other graphics to promote my business. I absolutely love Canva and surprisingly only use it on my phone. I loathe the web version of it. Nothing’s outright wrong with it, I just got used to using the app, since I taught myself with it. I’m a wee bit odd here. Haha! I love finding out new things, trends and hacks via Instagram to use and do on Canva.

five. The packing up orders part!! I love putting some whimsy flair into my orders, whether it’s cute packaging, labels/stickers, fun cursive/handwritten name and address decor, extra goodies, and thank-you notes. I used to be an avid snail-mailer, so this is one of my absolute favourite parts.

Well, that’s a wrap – dear reader, and before you go… let me know what you do for fun in the comments below?