Sharifa Samoa Pt 1, 3 Books, Decorating a Small Room
Let's Do This!
Book Recommendations
I’ll probably start repeating myself here, so apologies if I’ve already mentioned these.
When I go to the library I like to get a variety of non-fiction, biography and usually travel of some sort. Sometimes I have an idea, sometimes I just pick a random book. Sometimes I go to a certain shelf and force myself to pick one from that specific shelf. I’ve found some gems, some not so much.
Here are three I can recommend for you:
Fiction: The Josephine Bonaparte Collection by Sandra Gulland - Don’t let the dowdy covers put you off. These books are great.
Biography: In The Great Green Room: The Brilliant and Bold Life of Margaret Wise Brown by Amy Gary - This was a random library pull and was so good. An inspiring woman. It’s about the woman who wrote the children’s book Goodnight Moon.
Non-Fiction/Travel: Sovietistan by Erika Fatland - I’m a huge fan of Erika and have read a couple of her books. I am definitely intrigued by lesser travelled destinations, and the ‘stans have always been on my list. Highly recommend.
Do you have any book recommendations you’d like me to share?
Sharifa Samora Pt 1 - Modeling, Life in Amsterdam & Motherhood
Sharifa Samora is a style, beauty and skincare enthusiast. Born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands with roots in Suriname, she now lives here in Montreal with her husband and 4 children. She’s stylish, tall and gorgeous and her past includes modelling and pageants at the highest level as well as a corporate career.
Before we delve into anything, you mentioned that during your modelling years, you did a shoot with Mario Testino. What was that like? As a photographer I’m always curious - he’s iconic and the shoot he did with Princess Diana is timeless.
I was so young when I worked with him. I think I was 15 years old. At the casting, everyone was so nervous. I knew who he was but being a model for me was just fun and a bit of an escape. When it was my turn to show my book, he asked me about my ethnicity, as he is South American. He mentioned he was familiar with my parent’s home country of Suriname and he complimented me on my looks. He was very kind. I found out that I booked the shoot that same day.. It was an interesting shoot because he booked 20-30 models - it may have been less but it felt like a lot. We were all in lingerie, and it was a bit funky. All in all, he was kind and super creative. Honestly though, as a 15-year-old, I think I didn’t fully understand the entire process.
What was it like being a model during your youth? You were signed so young - only 13.
I signed when I was 13 years old because of my art teacher whose sister was a model in New York. She called my parents and gave them a list of model agencies. The first one we walked into Ulla Models, signed me. Not bad for a girl from the not-so-good part of Amsterdam!
It was a beautiful experience and an escape. I still prefer the catwalk over a photoshoot because the backstage energy and walking on a catwalk are just so special.
I would sneak out between classes at school and head to a go-see. Those can be tough. Back in the day, people would criticize you right in your face, throw your set card away, or tell you that you need to lose some weight. But I wouldn’t change my experience for the world, and it is always cool when you see yourself in a magazine or other media.
I was more of an editorial model than a commercial model, and at that age, it was hard to understand. Looking back now, I feel I was too young, and my parents had no experience in that world. I broke up with my agency when I was 17 or 18, and it was very hard to find a new agency in Amsterdam because back then, they would only sign 1-2 black girls. There wasn’t much work for more black girls back then. You would always bump into the same girls time and time again at castings.
I freelanced after that and did modeling competitions (Guess) and beauty pageants.
What do you miss most about Amsterdam?
I was born and raised in Amsterdam. The city was my playground. I miss the food the most and biking. I miss the bakeries, especially the pastries and breads. Our bakeries are so good. And the flowers. Flowers are so expensive here I have to think twice before I buy a big bouquet. I made that mistake once!
Are there any big differences in child rearing between here and Amsterdam? Or alternatively, what are some unexpected things you discovered about being a mother in Canada.
I think the difference in raising children here is responsibility. It could also be our school of choice, but in the Netherlands, children learn to be independent and responsible for their school work. Here, the schools ask a lot from the parents. In Amsterdam kids walk and bike to school by themselves at a younger age.
Also, the holidays and days off are much more numerous compared to the Netherlands.
What I like more here is the space and the proximity to nature. Canadians know how to do winter, so even in the winter, children can be outside. I really like that we have recreation centres, and the children can pick different activities to do for a reasonable charge. In the Netherlands, activities for children are more expensive, and when you sign up, you almost always commit to a full year.
How do you try to work on both your physical and mental health?
Working out is a huge part of my life. This started in 2012 when I lost my father. The doctor advised me to work out to deal with my grief. I always hated the gym before that. I have always been more of a dancer and a school team sports kind of girl.
I try to work out at least three times a week on Zoom with Studio Vie and visit The Studio in Westmount once a week if possible. Getting out of the house is hard because of my baby, but it is nice to be out of the house.
I don’t do diets, but I love to cook everything from scratch.
Thank you Sharifa! Check out Part 2 coming in the next newsletter.
How to make very small bedrooms practical but stylish
Challenge accepted! Got a small room but big, stylish dreams for it? Let’s do it, here are some tips to help make a small room look stylish and practical! Lets make the most of that precious space:
Tip 1: Lets choose some multifunctional furniture…think beds with storage drawers, nightstands with shelves and wall mounted shelves. Also, size does matter ;) time to scale down and opt for a smaller bed and leave the king for bigger room.
Tip 2: Time to play with light and color. The lighter the pallet the bigger and airier the room will feel. Envision soft pastels, creams, whites etc. Now let’s add some mirrors, perhaps across from a window where it will reflect light and give the illusion of more space.
Tip 3: Storage. Let’s face it, this tip can be useful no matter the size of the room. Let's use under the bed storage (those drawers again), think tall book shelves; vertical space is prime space. We need wall hooks and maybe even a cute peg board. Don’t forget the back of the door, let’s get an organizer behind there.
Tip 4: The fun one….decor. Option to go minimal with a few pops of color to create a stylish focal point without overwhelming the room. You can layer blankets, pillows and throws to cozy up the vibe.
Tip 5: Can't forget lighting: wall sconces and pendants save valuable nightstand real estate space. Add some fairy lights for a welcoming glow.
Bonus Tip: Keep your curtains high and wide. Hang them close to the ceiling and wider than the window frame to make the room appear taller and more open.
Bigger isn’t always better! Here are some small spaces that I love!
Note: This question was a reader request! Please let me know if you have any other style, design, fashion, food or beauty questions and I’ll find a local Montreal expert to help you out!
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Amanda Eaman is a Montreal based stylist and interior decorator.
Have an upcoming event? Travelling? Need to source something? She can help!
Looking at your closet and feeling lost? Hate all your clothes? Need to find more ideas with your clothes you have now? She can help!
Need to refresh your interior? Hate the way your kid’s room looks? Need a new vibe in your bedroom? She can help!
Her services include styling, client wardrobe help, personal shopping and interiors. Her services are also included in my photoshoots. If you’d like to reach out to Amanda for advice or enquire about her services you can contact her at amandaeaman@gmail.com
The OSM has released their 2025-2026 calendar and there are two concerts for kids 6+.
Yes, you too are probably starting to think about swimwear. I know I am. Get a jump on it before it sells out. Here is some of the best Canadian swimwear with many local brands.
Have you completed my reader survey? Honestly, it was a little surprising for me and will help me focus on what to include (and not include). It’s anonymous, FYI. Don’t be writing things like ‘Feel free to reach out anytime’ cause I have noooo idea who you are. I would REALLY appreciate it if you would take the time to do it (Mom - you’ll be too biased but thank-you).
I suffer from seasonal allergies and night time is the worst. I don’t know why it took me so long, but we bought an air purifier from Canadian Tire and I had the best sleep for months.
Would you like to contribute to 3 Good Things? It can be some of your favourite local recommendations, speaking about what you do, your experiences with Motherhood or Travel or anything else you think may work. Please get in touch. Your voice has value!
It’s almost teacher gift time - let me know if you have any local makers or shops for recommendations!
Kinda obsessed with these shirts. And this dress (well all this brand’s dresses really). Is it just me or all cute clothes seem made for warmer weather?
I can’t get this silly song out of my head.
Yes, Bon Iver has a new album out and yes it’s very good.
Reader Recommended:
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Michelle Little is a photographer who specializes in family, maternity, newborn, headshots and boudoir. I offer studio, in-home and outdoor photography. You can see her website here and get in touch here.
I also have an insanely popular photography newsletter you can sign up to here for news, mini session announcements and more. Once a year I giveaway a free studio session to a lucky subscriber (maybe that’s why it’s insanely popular?)