Alicia Thurston Photography

How about a giveaway? Stay tuned, I’m planning something BIG for February. @thesocialrose @danielafrancabeauty @couragecookies.to ... @eventgraffiti @the_gifted_box See more

It’s a new year. We all slept in and we are doing the same thing we did yesterday, a whole bunch of not much. I’m not sure if this is the best way to start a new year but I’m giving myself a permission slip to let go of any preconceived notions that today has to be anything more than a lazy staycation kinda day. What are you doing today?

@salemdebs quoted MLK Jr. in her feed today and it’s a powerful quote that I’ve never heard before. That’s because I’ve grown up in a white system and there hasn’t been enough (or any in some cases) education on what it means to be anti-racist. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not ...the White Citizen’s Councillor or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: ‘I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action’; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a ‘more convenient season’. Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection. - MLK Jr. Today, Em’s unschooling wrapped up with the first chapter of This Book is Anti-Racist, 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work By Tiffany Jewell. @tiffanymjewell I’m going to read along with Em and make sure the conversation continues at the dinner table. The change starts with us! See more

What’s your bridal style? Boho Modern Glam Romantic ... Traditional Or Edgy Styled by @danielafrancabeauty Florals by @thesocialrose See more

I was inspired by @lovebylynzie to be a little raw and transparent as we sign off on 2020. Generally, I’m pretty optimistic and people often tell me that I’m easy to talk to and be around because I bring a sense of calm, compassion and a pretty chill vibe. I’m so happy to be that person for others, it genuinely brings me joy and I can see those traits in my kids as well. And with our light there is always darkness. This year anxiety almost got the best of me and with much d...eliberation I decided to try venlafaxine, an anti-anxiety med. And yes, it carried me through and I’m grateful for my friend @laurelleafphotography for suggesting that maybe this time I needed an assist to boost the chemicals in my brain that were working against me. My mood is very stabilized but it doesn’t fix everything. I’m still struggling with food and body image since holding some weight through this period of time. I am hopeful that I will get to a point where my body will release that weight and I can feel healthier in body and mind. Actually, I feel confident that time will come again. I also got the little Xmas gift of a badly sprained ankle which means I won’t be skiing this year or doing the other winter sports that I love so much. I am a winter sports person, not a summer sports girl so that’s a hard one for me. So, in the end, I will sign off saying that I am happy to be starting a new year with the positivity that I tend to carry through life AND I also recognize that everything that happened over the past 12 months has nothing to do with it being 2020 and that tomorrow being a new year isn’t going to magically change anything. There were a lot of hardships, losses, we had to pivot and adjust and I truly believe that much of it was an unfortunate necessity. I think we all needed to SLOW down and face some of the darkness. Whether you needed the help of a pill, a friend, a parent, a book or a therapist, whatever it was, we all needed support. That is my wish for everyone in the new year - that you find the shoulder you need to lean on. And for a bit of humour, fuck 2020 as my fave new Xmas ornament says, swipe to see. Lastly, cheers to the possibility of travel again! See more

For all the moms holding it all together out there, you’re doing a great job!

Who else is feeling this today? #thefutureisbright Ornament by @lovebylynzie.events #shopsmall #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness

Top Nine of 2020. I always love seeing these. It’s such a sweet reminder of the highlights and shows me the content you like to see most! Thank you for all the support. Supporting a small business isn’t always about $$$, sharing, liking, engaging and spreading the word is a huge help.

It was suggested to me by the same amazing friend who took this photo, @laurelleafphotography, that my Instagram friends might be interested in knowing more about dressing a curvy figure... It’s no secret that a love fashion. It’s also no secret that fashion doesn’t always love me but over the years I have found ways to work around that hurdle. With the increase of size inclusive stores and fashion trends that work for those of us with hips and boobs, I have filled my closet ...with some pretty swoon worthy pieces. So, what do you think? Would you like to hear more about where I shop and what I look for if I’m shopping online - right now especially, that’s something that could be useful? Comment below or vote in my stories! Sweater - @freepeople size XL. You can also find the Ottoman Slouchy on SALE right now @finderskeephers, a Canadian boutique. #shopsmall #shoplocal Jeans @americaneagle, size 18 short Hat @freepeople Glasses @tiffanyandco See more

Set your alarms. I’ve been busy behind the scenes launching an all new gallery site! Over the next couple weeks I will be migrating over all the 2019 and 2020 sessions and weddings and sending out a shiny new link to all clients. With that shiny, happy link, you’ll also get an offer on all print products. We’ve got some exciting new products in the shop! Can’t wait to share more. Keep your eyes peeled for your email and if you’re session was before 2019 but you’re interesting in getting in on the offers, shoot me an email or DM!