Your 3 day weekend guide to Palm Springs →

Palm Springs has always been a go-to destination for me. With the help of Coachella and Kris Jenner’s weekend home there, it has redefined itself as not only for snowbirds and golfers but an ideal weekend for lovers, pals or a family vacation (a pool in the backyard is never a bad idea).

Why I love Palm Springs; it is a quick 2.5 hour flight from Vancouver (or usually has a direct flight from most major cities), can be visited year round (depending how how much heat you like), offers a plethora of restaurant choices, great accommodations and could be walked or cruised through on a bike.

This last trip was birthday motivated and I knew I wanted to eat and drink well, soak up plenty of pool time and take in a show (more on that later). I challenged myself to go to all new places, an old soul needs to get out of her comfort zone from time to time. Naturally I turned to my go-to eater.com for inspiration as a starting point. It ended up being a great weekend in the heart of Palm Springs with no rental car necessary and a light enough itinerary to enjoy a siesta and a few games of ping pong.

Where to stay:

We went to a boutique hotel for this trip and stayed at the Avalon Hotel and couldn’t be more impressed. Only an 8 minute drive from the airport and you were welcomed by bright yellow doors into a mid modern space and the most helpful staff. We were greeted with a glass of bubs and happy birthday from the manager who was genuinely excited we were spending our celebrations with them. The multiple pools, complimentary cruiser bikes, poolside restaurant (Chi Chi), room views and central location made it the perfect place to spend the weekend.

Where to eat:

A 3 day weekend means you don’t have the luxury of wasting a bad meal - I’m usually a fan of the brunch and dinner only sprinkled in with poolside snacks and a happy hour to tide you over. Excited to share my new go to spots in Palm Springs (but still appreciate the OG’s from this post a few years ago).

Del Rey : a sexy spot with small tables and small plates. Nestled in the Villa Royale hotel you find this tapas bar past the pool behind a few unsuspecting doors and are met with low lighting and iconic art from past patrons (think Marilyn, Dean, Frank and Lauren (Bacall not me)). Ask what the specials are but don’t miss out on the steak, cauliflower and beet salad.

King’s Highway Diner: found in the ever trendy Ace hotel, you are transported back with the retro aesthetic almost feeling like the diner in Pulp Fiction. The portions are hearty and offers an all day menu so you don’t need to worry about an early wake up call to get your breakfast burrito fix. Fun fact: tater tots in burritos are thing in Palm Springs and we weren’t mad about it.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar: i loved this restaurant. A juxtaposition to the rest of Palm Springs mid modern vibe; in this space you walk into a concrete forward space with industrial lighting and a long shared table. The staff is outstanding and truly love what they do. There wasn’t a dish we didn’t like but a few standouts were: the melon & burrata salad, duck fried rice, goat cheese pierogi and the steak. Go here!

1501 Uptown Gastropub: found a bit outside of downtown, this spot was ideal for Sunday brunch and a hair of the dog. Ranked as a diner’s choice, I would describe this place as solid and consistent (she says after going there once). Something for everyone and a cute outdoor space.

Melyvn’s: located in the Avalon’s sister hotel, the Ingleside Inn, Melyvn’s offers both bar and restaurant dining that will suit whatever you’re looking for. We opted for the bar to enjoy the live music and ambiance. You could wear a black revenge dress or a baseball hat here and not feel out of place - definitely my vibe. Order a dirty martini and the burger.

Where to go for the best night out:

More Kardashian inspiration, I was influenced by a recent trip they took to Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret where it looked like it might have been the greatest night of their lives. Tickets are cheap and cheerful and there are no shortages of $1 bills at the bar. I’d recommend booking a reservation in advance to secure the best seating (aka the splash zone). We lucked out the night we went as it was Disney Drag and the energy Cruella, Ariel and the rest of the cast brought had you throwing up dollar bills like you just didn’t care. The light roasting of the crowd kept the audience in constant laughter and even included photo ops after the show. It was my first time here but will be added to the roster of must do places to visit when I go back to Palm Springs.

Needless to say, trying all new places to stay, eat and do paid off. I had the best weekend with the girls and hope I’ve inspired you to try some new places or experiences.

Would love to know if I’ve missed any of your favourite spots?! Leave me a comment, I’ll do the hard leg work and go back to research.

Until next time,

xx

LC

Summering in the Costa Brava Region

Ok, I’ll be honest, when my friends asked me to join them for their family vacation in Begur, Spain, I had no idea where it was. But, that didn’t stop me from saying yes. Having visited Ibiza and Barcelona before, I knew Spain had no shortages of beaches, great food, and summering on any coastline was up my alley. Begur seemed to be a bit of a mystery to even locals themselves; when we were picking up our rental car in Barcelona, the staff didn’t even know where Begur was! Pinterest also lacked any real travel guides and must sees so, for once I was flying a bit blind.

Lesson #1 - Costa Brava; is a coastal region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain - it stretches 60km long from Blanes all the way to France and is peppered with the cutest towns along the way. That’s where you’ll find Begur, a small medievil town that is home to 4,000 people year round but reaches upwards of 40,000 people in summer! They must be into beaches and tapas too…

How to get there & get around

A car is a must - I know you might think cute small towns deserved to be explored on foot, but being right along the coast you’re facing a plethora of peaks and valleys and for your day excursions to all the beaches, wheels will be needed. We flew into Barcelona and picked up a vehicle there, and made it to Begur in about 1.5 hours.

Where to stay

We found accommodations on VRBO and lucked out at a villa just a few minutes walk from the town center! It made it easier to go back and forth throughout the day for either an Aperol Spritz by the pool or a siesta. I’ll say, the pool was a game changer and on the days where it was 35 degrees, it was the only way to survive. Coupled with outdoor dining and a perfect spot to read your book - the backyard was life goals for me.

Where to beach

There were no shortages of beaches to choose from but a few stuck out:

Platja de Sa Riera: The perfect amount of busy in my opinion. It offered enough of a crowd to create some ambiance but also didn’t require you do camp out a spot early in the day. Surrounded by stunning homes and little coves to explore - there was something for all ages including paddle boat rentals, umbrellas, tapas restaurants and a bar right on the beach. They even supplied full bottles of sunscreen for free!

Platja de l'Illa Roja: We hiked to this beach from Sa Riera, and I’m not exaggerating - we hiked up hill both ways - but it was well worth it. This was a longer beach than Sa Riera offered, so we enjoyed a bit more space and tackled (or got tackled!) some fun waves. Risk takers jumped off the surrounding cliffs; as for accident (bruise!) prone me, I watched nervously from afar.

Calella de Palafrugell: This town was about a 40 minute drive from Begur but was a cute spot to explore and grab lunch. It felt a bit more touristy than Begur as it had your standard beach and ocean flanked by restaurants and tapas bars. We ate at Calau - great pinxos, air conditioning and a million dollar view.

A few things to note for the beach - the sand is HOT. Like you’re walking on coals, char your feet hot. When the sand isn’t burning the soles of your feet you’re probably navigating through all the rocks. Bring an umbrella or 3 and set up shop for the day. Remember to keep re-applying sunscreen throughout the day, especially when you’re embracing the European ways and going nude - especially if your bottom hasn’t seen sunlight since you went nudie in your toddler backyard sprinkler days.

Platja de l'Illa Roja

Where to eat & drink

El Jardi de Can Marc: After a random search online on Trip Advisor I came across this spot. Naturally getting a reservation before 8 was not a problem so it was a perfect place to end this magical trip. I don’t even know if I can show photos because nothing does it justice; the outdoor eating area was beautiful! Such a relaxed atmosphere with the bar outside, spacious seating and a view of the entire city. I couldn’t help but hope that they rent out this place for weddings because you would not need to add a thing. I made a reservation online so the sweet hostess purposely saved us the best spot (pre-planning sometimes pays off). Delicious tapas and great cocktails - a must visit!

Citric: This was the cutest bar we randomly stumbled upon one night and by stumbled upon I mean I saw a sign that said bar, twinkly lights and a lemon tree. I also assumed that they’d make a good marg and I was hankering for one. Run by two brothers this renovated house opened just last year and has the cutest vibe. I immediately wanted to invite everyone I knew and have an epic dance party. The service was great, cocktails were strong and they had a good selection of snacks. Awesome unique spot to check out on the unsuspecting side streets.

Other than a few meals out we were happy to cook at the villa and enjoy the house. There were no shortages of markets in town and groceries to shop for daily to get inspired. Basically anything that wasn’t too hot to cook inside and paired well with a local wine or spritz is what the villa served. Let’s be honest though, the Spain diet is basically charcuterie and gelato and I don’t think anyone was mad about it.

Another Lesson: Tipping is not expected and can often be met with a puzzled look. If you’re at a nicer restaurant you may leave 5-10% if it was exceptionally good.

Day Adventures

Wine Tours: No shortage of vineyards in the Costa Brava region and a great way to spend an afternoon. Also cheap and cheerful with some costing 10-20 euro typically. We ended up at Mas Oller on a stiffling hot afternoon and the wine went down quickly. We ended up being the only ones there (maybe the heat put people off…), so it was our own private wine tour! The building dated back to the 1500s and you could actually still see the stone and branches used to build it. She was sturdy and provided much needed shade from the heat. We each left with a bottle and a buzz.

RENT A BOAT: This trip kick started my love of swimming again. I was lucky enough to spend Canada Day on a boat cruising the Mediterranean Sea and snorkeling for the first time! Surreal to say the least. The sea was so calm and peaceful. Seeing the coastline from a boat was amazing as we’d driven most of the roads and visited the beaches. The homes along the water too were incredible! As a kid I watched the movie Moon Spinners and it reminded me exactly of that setting; homes nestled into the cliffs hidden away from roads or beaches and little pocket coves to explore and perhaps hide out in. We hired a skipper for the day which was super relaxing and well worth it.

Pinterest should update their travel guides and put Begur as a must see. I’d definitely recommend visiting any part of the Costa Brava region but Begur will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though I fully embraced the Spanish look with my hoops and humid wavy hair, my Spanish pronunciation (probably due to some strong French and Italian accents creeping in) may need some work the next time I visit. And I sure hope there’s a next time.

Ciao!

xx

LC

The 5 Styles I Carried over from Winter to Spring

I always have mixed feelings about moving from winter to spring/summer - don’t get me wrong, I love having a little colour and a patio but I definitely gravitate towards more of a fall/winter wardrobe. I’m the queen of jackets and would prefer to pair every outfit with a long duster, blazer or overcoat. Alas, spring has sprung, I’m buying tulips on the reg and it’s time for me to switch over some winter to spring wardrobe choices. However, these days I’m all about the investment pieces, less shopping, and more transferable pieces that you can wear year round. Gone are the days of finding a weekend shirt at Forever 21 for that house party you were going to that would inevitably fall apart on the 3rd wash.

After an inventory of my closet while recently packing a trip to Palm Springs, I realized I could rework most of my favourites into a spring pairing updated look - I’ve compiled a list of my 5 looks I’ll be wearing all spring.

Headbands

Blair Waldorf was my favourite character on Gossip Girl for many reasons but one of the most important was the girl could rock the headband. Let go of the stigma that headbands are reserved for girls age 5 and under. I find it a great way to update a low pony, keep your hair off your face or be a pop of colour. I’d say it’s an on trend piece but with super cute ones costing less than $20 it’s one you could get on board with. A few ones I like are here.

Backless

The back! The understated body part that can amp up the sex appeal of an outfit or just simply add some interest to a shirt. There are a ton of backless bodysuits that are available right now too which helps keep things in place (no one likes adjusting all night). Don’t be afraid of colour or texture (like my lace one). Invest in the right bra through - I usually opt for strapless so I don’t have to be fussing to keep the straps hidden. And if you’re one of those people that can go bra-less, well, all the power to you - I’m very jealous.

Black Nails

For probably 3 years, I’ve had nude nails - well, every shade of nude, light pink, peach etc that you can pick.. However, I recently went with BLACK nails, inspired by one of my favourite bloggers, The August Diaries, and have to say I may never go back (well, maybe neon for summer). I think black sometimes puts people off because it seems harsh, masculine and intense but I felt the opposite. It gave me a weird confidence and I was proud to talk with my hands; not to mention it complimented my almost all black wardrobe. This colour is not reserved just for winter, it would look awesome with a little tan and a lime marg in hand on a patio.

Olive Green

A great neutral that can be dressed up or down. I have two long olive green coats and recently picked up this button up from J.Crew on the sale rack. It pairs great with jeans, a leather pencil skirt or any neutral colour. It’s really versatile on most skin tones and picks up well in photos. This colour has been around and I predict will continue to be around whether it’s purses, totes, camo or coats. Don’t be afraid to invest in this piece - it’s not going anywhere. I’m obsessed with this trench from Club Monaco I bought during their winter sale!

Pencil Skirts

Rachel Zane, Donna Paulsen, Joan Holloway - all women that can rock a pencil skirt like no one else. I’ll tell you - if I were a super hero, my uniform would probably be a pencil skirt. Any time I need to fake some confidence I will wear this outfit. It empowers me to embrace my womanly shape, walk tall and own the day. I’ve done away with my black tights for winter but easily updated this look with some skin, pumps (obviously) and a classic white tee. Hoops and a pop of colour on the lip and you’re good!

Ok so there is your winter > spring > summer game plan. I’m having fun thinking of some new ways to wear my wardrobe and in the midst of everyone’s effort to Marie Kondo their life, I encourage you to try to mix up your pieces - never under estimate the shopping in your own closet! I am on the hunt for a good one shoulder number though…

What are your favourite pieces you’re carrying over into spring this year? Let me know!

xx

LC

All photos by the talented Tomas Williams @tomaswilliamsa

A London To Do List: After you've done the tourist stuff.

When I think about London, this quote by Samuel Johnson pops into my head:

“…when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

I couldn’t agree more. Another London local, Paddington Bear also says: “In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.” Which is another favourite quality I feel about this city - just look around the tube and you’ll see all walks of life from the suit, backpacker, student or dame.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting London a few times and even had a working visa there in 2014, which allowed me to really immerse myself in the city and get a sense of life as a local. It’d been 5 years since I was there and I  couldn’t wait to get back to a city that feels like another home, embrace a no-plan plan and not be obligated to do all the tourist stuff (been there, done that). I mean, if Liz asked me to pop by for tea, I definitely would.

I know it’s cliche of all of my city guides but I have to start with the food. It’s one of my favourite things to check out in a new place and London has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. I also think that because London is a melting pot of all ethnicity the cuisine is a smorgasbord of different cultures and is always changing. I’ve also come to the conclusion that while in some cities to be a successful restaurant means you have one location tallied with reservations and line ups, in London, if you’re able to open a second or third or SEVENTH location, that means you’ve really made it.

The Food

Dishoom: Reading how Dishoom came to be in 7 locations, it was interesting to understand that it started with the idea of honouring the concept of Irani Cafes of Bombay. In the 1960s there were over 400 and less than 30 remain today. With a focus of bringing people together over food and drink regardless of their background is evident from its warm environment, delicious food meant to be shared and sampled, and authenticity. I’ll definitely need to go back to try more dishes but some favourites that stood out were: Black Daal, Chicken Tikka and Okra Fries.

Andina: Pervuian heaven! Another gem found in the Shoreditch hood that offered up an intimate space good for groups or sitting at the kitchen bar. You definitely need to try the signature pisco sour as well as the ceviche which I’d say it’s most known for. Other must orders were the chicken wings and corn bread. Expect a line up if you’re choosing to walk in, we waited about 45 minutes at 9pm, but worth it! You can grab a dirty martini at the Ace Hotel lobby bar while you wait.

Granger: When I lived in London I actually lived across the street from the Granger in Notting Hill and it was ALWAYS lined up. Didn’t matter if it was Tuesday at 2pm or peak Sunday brunch hour. I was curious to see if the hype had stood the test of time 5 years later and it did. Still lined up almost a block long for Saturday brunch, but the service is excellent and the Nottinghill people watching is enough to pass the time. The burger is epic and a must order, and their brunch has a great menu satisfying the lovers of porridge (me!) to a more traditional English breaky. GO HERE.

Blanchette: With locations found in Shoreditch and Soho, it makes for a perfect spot to indulge in fine French cuisine for brunch, a boozy lunch or before the theatre. When you walk in you’re immediately taken to a French countryside bistro of exposed brick, cozy booths, decades of random knick knacks on the walls and a dripping candle or two. The happy hour offered a great selection of french cheese (obviously) and the service was fantastic - she basically just told us what to order and recommended the monk fish which was a nice light contrast to all the meat and cheese. Adorable spot - will be coming back for brunch for sure!

The Bell & Crown: I’m not sure you can even say you’ve experienced London unless you’ve been to Sunday Roast…in my mind it’s an every Sunday sort of thing that you gather at your local pub (where everybody actually knows your name {insert Cheers line here}) and you be merry and boozy all afternoon. To contrary belief, I have it on accord from the Canadian locals living in London that it’s more of an occasional thing, catch up with old mates or show a visitor how yorkshire pudding is really made. This particular location was a bit of a haul outside the city (but was an invite from true Londoners so happy to make the trek!) - it was SO cute and had river front views. Perfect way to fill an afternoon and be in bed by 8pm.

Sketch: Oh man, anyone who played tea party growing up would fall in love with this place - even if you didn’t, the pink room sucks you in with its violins in the corner, petit fours, a caviar man in a top hat and a bathroom that is likely used more for photo ops than function. I’d heard of this place from a few bloggers I follow and knew I needed to experience this first hand. So naturally, I put on my best beret and had tea with my bestie. It doesn’t get more British than that! Granted it’s a bit of an indulgence, I’d say that the amount of food you got was worth it, not to mention the service and ambiance. Go for it, have your tea and drink it too. They also offer different rooms for dinner and drinks that look nothing short of a page out of Alice in Wonderland. I’d recommend making a reservation though as it’s quite busy!

The Bell & Crown

The Hoods

Shoreditch: Our Air BnB was in the heart of Shoreditch just a block down from the Ace Hotel. My friend actually worked at the Ace Hotel so we already had a baseline that this was an area we wanted to be in. I’d definitely recommend checking out the hotel if even for a coffee or drink in the lobby bar. To keep with all Ace Hotel themes, you’ll find an impressive collection of records and a photo booth to bring you back to your pre-teen days at the mall. The area is also crawling with the best vintage shopping around and the art of Banksy down random alleys and buildings. You could explore this neighbourhood on foot and find any vintage band shirt you’d want, an avacado smoothie or a spin class; something for everyone. It’s also a 10 minute walk to Liverpool street station and kind of follows the rule of 20 minutes to almost any neighbourhood you need to go to.

Notting Hill: I mean I won’t beat a dead horse on this one but it’s just so classic London to me. The architecture, the market, the colours, the fashion. It fills my cup of tea (see what I did there?). Not much had changed since we lived there and we actually were there on a Saturday to see Portobello Road in its prime form.

Hyde Park: I used to run in Hyde Park every day when I lived near there, I’m not even much of a runner but there was something that actually made me enjoy the exercise. The huge pathways made way for bikes, scooters, runners, families, random saxophone players and wildlife. With London being a metropolis of vast grand buildings, there’s something to be said about 350 acres of land in the heart of the city for people to enjoy. Take a book, bring a picnic, feed the ducks or take a paddle in the pond. One of my favourite places.

Kings Cross: This was one area that had really changed since I was last there. I mean, it still is home to the 9 and 3/4 platform to take you to Hogwarts, but its now gained a shopping area called Coal Drops Yard. It’s a perfect mix of food, coffee and shops in a spacious area that even has teeter totters in the middle! It was fun to wander through and be introduced to independent local shops like Bonds (another recommendation from a local!). The store made me almost want to purchase a checked bag to take home all the things but settled on the Earl of East candles that smell unbelievable.

The Shopping, The Culture and In Between

V&A Mueseum: I learnt there was a  Christian Dior exhibit on and was so excited to check it out but it was sold out. Sigh, will be back. Goes to show the no-plan plan doesn’t always work. We still checked out a Fashion exhibition that showcased the evolution from the 1800s. There were A LOT of corsets but still interesting to see how the classic pieces remain relevant and current today.

The National Portrait Gallery: My favourite! I’m sure for many. What can I say - I love a good story and every face paints its own. You will find everything from the Dames, Sirs, Jagger and Winehouse. A great pit stop before you catch a show or comedy act in the theatre district.

So now that you know where to eat, drink, and get some culture - there is the question of nightlife (after all the eating). I’m not cool enough to know the night scene, so we were grateful enough to be hanging with locals who suggested a place called ‘The Piano Works’. I knew this was the place for me when I heard Prince being tickled on the ivories.  The venue is all live music where the song choice is completely decided by its audience. So naturally you could have a mix of random garbage or everything from Spice Girls, Bowie, Tom Jones and Kendrick Lamar. Expect a line up if you don’t have a guest list, but I promise you won’t be disappointed.

As you can see, London will always be calling for me - would love to know your favourite places about this magical city!

xx

LC

A Time In Turin; the Paris of Italy

When my client said their office was in Turin, Italy and that they’d need me to come onsite, I smiled and nodded in the video conference and immediately had to look up where this place was! It sounded familiar and the reason being was the Winter Olympics were hosted there in 2006 before Vancouver - IT WAS ALL COMING TOGETHER. Not really but upon further research I found this place is the capital of Piedmont: famous for its cuisine, architecture and some neighbouring delicious wine regions (Barolo and Barbaresco to name a few.) I have loved all the other places I’ve traveled in Italy so I was excited to knock another place off my list and see what really made this place Paris-like.

The office we were visiting was outside of the city center which required a car rental, which meant I got to drive in Europe and the void in my life of driving stick would be filled - what can I say, put me behind a wheel in the small side streets in Europe and I turn into Jason Bourne. In all honestly though, I drive aggressive and fast (I’m told) but I quickly learned the way to get by driving in Italy is being confident and to only loosely follow the street signs.

I wanted to be in the city so we could enjoy our non working hours as much as possible - we stayed in an adorable Air BnB central to great restaurants, a market across the street and short jaunt to the nearest river and row of bridges - it’s Europe after all, that’s a staple in every city.

What we did

Arriving on Sundays in Europe is always good and bad - primarily because very little is open. But we made sure to have a plan to fight the jet leg when we arrived and that was the The National Museum of Cinema. I immediately fell in love. It’s housed inside the Mole Antonelliana tower - a famous landmark Turin is known for (so checking two things off the list!). The museum was started in 2008 and has quickly become one of the most popular museums in Turin. It showcases the history and evolution of film through cinematographic devices, light boxes, movie posters, artwork, film reels and movie books. In the center there are loungers you can watch movies on a big screen (Breakfast at Tiffany’s was playing - for me, I imagine) and walk the circumference of 5 levels looking at film from movies, to music videos to live concerts and short films. My love of film made this such a special memory - I’d highly recommend it!

We also visited the Museo Egizio which interestingly enough is the oldest museum that is devoted entirely to ancient Egyptian culture. Found in the city center, it was probably one of the most beautiful museums I’ve ever been to. There is A LOT to get through, not Louvre level but we opted for the 1.5 self guided tour and I felt it captured just the right amount of history in between my coffee stops. The level of detail that went into the design of the tombs was incredible; we learned how the tombs were buried with food, wine and water to help them through their travels into the after life. I would definitely visit again given the opportunity.

Turin is also home to a plethora of piazzos. A piazza: defined as a central plaza or marketplace and most commonly found in small Italian towns. I dragged my colleague to the Piazzo San Carlo which was 30 minutes in the wrong direction we were going, while also ruining a new pair of heels - stilettos are not friendly to the cobblestone streets. Regardless, we both appreciated the illuminated piazzo that was filled with surrounding shops (30% gelato), kids running around and a few photo ops. 

Where we ate

Eataly (derived from the words EAT and ITALY): Our Air BnB hosts recommendation, I was surprised to learn you can find Eataly’s all over the world including New York, Boston, LA, Chicago etc. Eataly started with the idea of one place for people to eat, shop and learn about delicious food. You could pick out your food fresh to be cooked and then wander the store sampling all the cheese, cannelloni, and then visit the wine cellar to get a bit tipsy.

Laleo: A great option for brunch on the weekends but we enjoyed a lovely lunch on their patio. Found in a quiet neighbourhood with surrounding businesses, but you can immediately tell it’s a local favourite and the food is prepared from scratch with love. The women walked us through the menu making recommendations and genuinely wanted us to enjoy the meal - we went with a few items but the stand out choice was definitely the “Golden One” which was kind of like a rissotto rice ball? That’s probably butchering the description but just order it.

Il Camaleonte Piola: Another small, warm and welcoming spot with a limited Italian menu featuring only what’s fresh for the season. The anti pasto misto as a starter was delicious and I couldn’t tell you the rest of what we ordered because we were told what ‘Nonna’ had made that day and trusted our server to deliver - probably some of the freshest pasta I’ve ever eaten. (Note: these small hole in the wall places typically only take cash so be prepared!).

Other notable food restaurants to try is Tre Galline: almost every blog mentioned this place and my plan of rolling in with no reservation did not get us anywhere. Book ahead! I’ll be back.

THE COFFEE

Caffe Al Bicerin: Last but certainly not least is this cafe. It is an integral part of Turin’s history and has been around for 256 years - YES, 256 YEARS. Known for their large selection of chocolates, coffees and the infamous Bicerin drink which is served in a tall glass made up of coffee, chocolate, milk and syrup (see photo below). This cafe can be found across from the Sanctuary of the Consolata which meant that Al Bicerin was the place to be after church let out. Another fun fact I learned about this cafe was that while it was owned by a man it was actually managed by women during a time when cafes were intended to be exclusive for men and not “suitable” for women. Under this female leadership it allowed for women to feel comfortable and safe which is admirable, not to mention the ladies of Al Bicerin were known in the community for caring for homeless - pretty bad ass women if you as me. We couldn’t take the coffee home but we took all the biscotti.

The Views

Santa Maria del Monte: One of the most famous spots in Turin to get a great view of the Mole Antonelliana and mountains on a clear day. You’re able to drive up to this look out (I’d recommend strong skills in navigating first gear in a car at a steep incline), otherwise you can walk up. You can walk through the church as well as admire the statua della madonna over looking the city.

While we didn’t see all the things Turin (Torino to the locals), it still spoke to my soul as most European cities do. It’s quiet but still has a genuine energy to it - markets filled with locals and few tourists, buildings thousands of years old still cared for like new and businesses run with the integrity of the generations before they could have inherited from their family.

I’ll be back Turin, and I think maybe, just like Paris - you will always be a good idea.

Where is your favourite place to travel in Italy? I don’t think I’ll ever tire of that country!

xx

LC

A Weekend in the Windy City

There are a few cities that I keep in my travel roster and Chicago is definitely one of them. It’s a place that stays relevant with its architecture, food, museums, and sports teams. While it does remind me of New York in many ways, it has it’s own charm that makes it a destination you can visit year round.

I’ve had the opportunity of doing some travel for work as of late and I’m one of those people that usually likes to tack on some pleasure with business and find ways to extend a trip if I can. I found myself in Lafayette, Indiana and when I realized Chicago was a short 2 hour drive I felt I had to celebrate my birthday in the windy city. DISCLAIMER: the drive was NOT 2 hours and for a person who does love driving, big city traffic is enough to make anyone mad. Tack on navigating an O’Hare Airport pick up may be so frustrating to end a relationship or just leave the person there all together - luckily my friend is one of the most patient souls and waited for a very delayed pick up. Uber or the L train is the way to go.

Having been to Chicago once before and it being the first time for my friend, we checked out a few staples but managed to get in lots of new spots.

Where we Stayed

We opted for an Air BnB in Uptown, home to the famous jazz club ‘The Green Mile’ where you’ll find the drinks to be strong and the jazz to continue to 4am. The Air BnB was in an iconic building that had a coffee shop and bar in the lobby, a gym with a full boxing ring and a roof top lounge. With the city filled with so many pocket neighborhoods I was excited to see what Uptown could offer, and we were only about 25 minutes from city center.

Where we ate

Avec: Where birthday celebrations started. A spot I found doing some blog research and it didn’t disappoint - the place was packed on a Thursday (always a good first sign) and boasted everyone from the suits to young families and a bachelor party. Our waiter was quick to offer suggestions and the highlights were definitely the chorizo medjool stuffed dates.

The Girl and the Goat: As soon as I found out I’d be in Chicago I tried to get a reservation here without any luck - this place has been on my radar since my last Chicago trip 3 years agao. It has earned a reputation with the chef, Stephanie Izard, earning the title of Top Chef in 2008. Found on the infamous Randolph Street, home to every cuisine to man kind, we lucked out and got a seat at the bar and had a great time. The ambiance was incredible: dim lighting and big windows with a huge open kitchen, the drinks were strong and delicious and the food didn’t disappoint: we loved the empanadas and kohlrabi salad. There was also a wedding proposal in our presence so love was really in the air.

Lula Cafe: Cutest brunch spot found in Logan Square - it’s not new and had a local feel as you walked in, even better you weren’t greeted with a block long wait for a table (I hate being hangry anytime but especially at brunch). With the menu constantly changing depending on the season, it will keep you coming back to see what new items has been cooked up. I opted for the Tofu Veg Scramble and it was perfect fuel for exploring the murals and boutique shops in the area.

Other notable mentions:

Lou Malnatis for deep dish (not my favourite but you know, when in Chicago) - plan for a 30 minute line up.

The Hampton Social for eggs benny and an instgram moment.

The Publican for brunch, not to be confused with the Publican Market across the street.

What we saw

The Chicago White Sox: Naturally, my usual MO is going to a sporting event whenever in a new city - I was disappointed to not visit the infamous Wrigley Field but had a great time watching the White Sox dominate the Cubs, even Kanye and Saint showed up! I’ll meet the Green Monster one day…

Architectural Boat Tour: This was my second time doing this tour and I’d do it a third time. It was a beautiful day (opposite to my December sailing last time) and the guides truly make it so engaging - you always leave learning something new about the city. The attention to detail on these builidings is incredible; the marble from the finishing on the old post office mirrors the new build across the river which captures the reflection perfectly complimented with the colour of the water and sky (or something like that). You won’t regret it!

Second CIty: Home to where oh so many SNL stars made their big break, it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s the perfect size to feel like you’re part of the show but can sit far enough back that you won’t get picked on (for some reason - always a fear at improv!). They offer early bird and late night shows to appease all people; we ended up at an 11pm show that I actually stayed awake for which is a feat in itself and clearly entertaining.

Chicago Murals: Can be found all over the city and we ended up on an impromptu walking tour of some famous ones in the Logan Square area. It’s evident the city takes so much pride in its art - just another element of character to the city.

Union Station: What can I say - I come from an era of Gossip Girl and I’ve got a thing for airports and train stations; perhaps just always keen for an adventure. Union Station is beautiful, found in the heart of downtown with all the pillars, windows and vaulted ceilings. Take a stroll through… XOXO GG

What to leave with

Garrett’s Popcorn: Didn’t know about this til a co-worker told me about it. Garrett’s is the OG Chicago mix. And if you’re lucky to find someone in your life that likes the sweet as much as you like the salty then you’re set - the caramel and cheddar mix. This place has numerous locations and usually always a line up. Plane friendly - grab some at the airport and make someone’s day.

To sum up, Chicago will keep me coming back for a 3rd and 4th time. It’s a great spot to go and for a weekend whether it’s a birthday, stag or mid November. Keep in mind, it is WINDY - that’s not just a saying. If you and your friend get really frustrated with your long hair blowing madly in the wind every time you step outside and decide on an impromptu haircut at Floyd’s “we sometimes do girls’ hair” Barber Shop - take a walk around the block and think it through again. It’s ok - it evened out.

Where’s your repeat travel spot?

xx

LC

How I Found my Start Up Style

In honour of Vancouver recently hosting start up week, it got me thinking about my career in the start up world over the last 2.5 years with Procurify. That led me to begin thinking about how I’ve evolved, not only with my experience and skill set, but truly understanding what it’s like to be invested so whole heartedly into a company’s future and having a hand in help building it.

A common theme among the start up world is that “the people make the company” - and I’m going to jump on the bandwagon and completely agree. I think the most unique thing about the community is that people can come from all different backgrounds and contribute in individual, imaginative and collaborative ways.

When I first started in the start up world, I wasn’t sure or confident how I’d fit in. If you’ve read any of my other posts, I’m constantly talking about how I’m an old soul; you won’t be surprised that I’ve coined the nickname ‘Mama’ since almost day 1 at Procurify. My team promises it’s not because they think I’m ancient - it could be just my maternal instincts or occasional baking? Regardless, my past jobs were far from the open concept, Silicon Valley sitcom, dog friendly office setting and this was completely new to me.

I’ve always felt more comfortable and confident in work attire: as the Elizabeth Taylor quote goes, “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together”. Ok, I’m not having a scotch with breakfast or anything, but when I put on my uniform of a pencil skirt, pumps or blazer, it gives me the boost I need to tackle the day, lead the meeting or deal with the angry customer. I was worried I’d have to forgo that uniform in the start up, casual-trendy world and that made me a bit nervous.

However, what I quickly learned is that the beauty of no dress code allowed every person to express themselves in their own individual way on any particular day. Some adopted a “full tuck Friday” look, some prefer to opt for athlesiure and slippers and some in 5 inch heels. The beauty of this is that not only is your own style encouraged, but it’s accepted and embraced without judgement and usually with a compliment down the hall.

The thing I love about fashion is that it is an expression or extension of that person, and it doesn’t have to be a commitment to a particular style but can evolve with age, surroundings, your city and most importantly what makes you feel your very best on that day. While I may opt for a more professional look on most days, I have embraced mixing up my style with denim, baseball hats and leopard in the office, which hopefully makes my team think of me like a hip, cool mom?

I’ll leave you with a quote I just read, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”

So, what’s your armor today? I’d love to know your favourite look!

xx

LC

Hosting in Season: Summer Brunch

I love cooking and trying new recipes and I usually really enjoy hosting in my home - yet, I've recently been in a bit of a slump when it comes to having people over. I partially blame the weather and my very warm condo (my lack of A/C and morning sun has made living conditions more like a sweat box.) 

That being said, I decided to beat the heat and have some people over for brunch - one of my favourite meals to host. The menu options can favour more breakfast or lunch, leaving no shortage to get creative with the menu (BONUS: you can get a bit day buzzed that could carry on into a great afternoon nap.) Not to mention that you're forced to get your place in order for 10am!

To get inspired to impress my friends I naturally ended up down a Pinterest rabbit hole of recipes and my "Foodie" board quickly started to resemble a hangry person who's gone grocery shopping. I had pinned everything from huevos rancheros, lemon ricotta pancakes, tofu scramble and coleslaw. Clearly I was all over the map and needed to reel in my cuisine meal planning; I decided to keep it simple and in season. 

Cooking in season has so many advantageous - not only is it cheap and cheerful but you're getting the best quality ingredients and you don't have to go to 5 grocery stores to find a plethora of specialty items. Summer is the best time to take full advantage of all the glorious fruits available; I've literally survived summer by shovelling handfuls of blueberries in my face (think: toddler's first birthday cake smash). That is just one of my secret single behaviours I do alone without judgement - and now you know it. The colours of summer are also always fun to incorporate into your meals and add an appetizing element to the eye of your guests. Use your extra greens as garnish, and always sub your fridge veg in for almost any recipe (I always have asparagus on hand right now and it's been so versatile in so many recipes.)

Being out of the hostess game, I had to remind myself and get organized - even though it was only a small group I planned the whole week so I wasn't scrambling. I've put together a little cheat sheet of how to host in season and prepare in advance:

• Guest List: Give at least a week's notice to invite people - in summer 2 weeks is best as most people's schedules are busy, the last thing you want is last minute cancellations.
• Menu Planning: Get inspired at the grocery store - namely the produce section. By starting with in season veg you can build off of that with different flavours and then add your protein etc.
• Allergies or food restrictions: Whether it's a mid-week potluck, dinner party or brunch, you want to be courteous of your guests and and food restrictions - gluten free, plant based, lactose intolerant are all common and are honestly so easy to accommodate these days so don't be caught off guard and plan ahead to make sure the menu suits everyone! 
• Drink Choices: Tea/Coffee/Alchohol, be prepared and have a selection. 
• Do what you can ahead of time: This is a big time and stress saver:  I always have the table set the night before and any meal prep I can do ahead of time: ex. fruit/veg washed and chopped. 
• Plan for cooking and prep time: If multiple dishes require the oven, look to see how much time is needed and the temperature. You don't want your frittatta to be overcooked or your potatoes to get cold. Cooking times should factor into your menu planning. So again, save time and stress (are you seeing a pattern?)
• DON'T DO IT ALL: A hard one for me to follow as I always want to serve a baked good of sorts - muffin or loaf  - but knowing me and my baking that usually ends with a kitchen coated in flour, I couldn't be bothered and opted for mini croissants from Whole Foods that were the perfect addition to the table. And no, no one cared that they weren't homemade. 
• Anticipate clean up time: On the day of the last thing you want to be doing is cleaning while your guests are arriving, get organized and be cleaning as you go. Always have the dishwasher empty and ready to load with all the things (no rinse required - I know, I'm a rebel).
• Plan your outfit: A bit silly but I promise it will save you the headache or a last minute fashion show. Keep in mind as a hostess you're going to be up and down, filling drinks, serving and so on. My suggestion is to wear nothing too binding: stick with breathable fabrics because, if you're anything like me, you may be sweating that your guests are enjoying themselves. I've made the mistake of hosting in a tight spanx requiring outfit that just meant readjusting at every turn (never again!) 

Now that you've overthought every aspect of the day it's time to eat! See my menu with the recipes linked before. Again, super simple and minimal oven time. Let's be honest, I couldn't risk anymore heat in my place. 

Menu

Drinks:

French Press (with the best non-dairy creamer, Califia)

Fresh OJ

Lemon Water

Food:

Fruit Salad with a lime marinade

Avo Toast

Veggie Frittata **Recipe modified with veggies in my fridge! 

Sweet Potato Hash

Crossaints with Jam (Thanks, Whole Foods)

So there you have it! A summer brunch that could be modified and changed with the colours of the season. At the end of the day it's nice to have your people in your home, relaxed and just happy to be there. I think I've got my hosting groove back and already looking forward to the next meal.

My go-to date question is always, what's your favourite meal to make for someone? So tell me yours in the comments below! 

Happy hosting!

xx

LC

A Weekend in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan!

Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, I'm no stranger to prairie living, but I've never seen the endless fields of Saskatchewan before. So my Gido (Grandpa in Ukrainian, Gigi to his grandchildren), wanted to revisit his hometown of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, I jumped on the bandwagon to join the trip down memory lane with the very best tour guide who left 70 years ago. My crew for the weekend was my Gido, my Nana, and my great Uncle Bill. I'll say that they all gave me 5-Star Uber reviews and Bill now knows how to take a great iphone photo.

When Gido left Moose Jaw in 1948, the population was 30,000 people; today, it's 33,000 people - its small town roots have not changed. Moose Jaw, also know as "The Jaw", "Band City" or "Little Chicago" has had two city slogans: "The Friendly City" or "Surprisingly Unexpected". I'll attest to  the friendly part - literally some of the nicest and welcoming people I've ever met. "Surprisingly Unexpected" was supposed to draw in more tourism but I think may come across as a weak online dating tag line.

Moose Jaw has a few claims to fame: it's home to the Snow Birds - they are based at 15 Wing  and are the first Canadian Air Demonstration team to be designated as a squadron. They travel all over North America and the town is very proud to call the Snow Birds part of the city's history. You're able to drive right onto the base (well, I did, and no one stopped me). I clearly wanted a photo op beside the control tower for the Top Gun fan in me. 

Another piece of history this small city is known for is it's association to Al Capone (hence the city's nickname, "Little Chicago"). It's said that when prohibition started in 1920, Al Capone of Chicago fled to Canada and ended up in Moose Jaw ( to be more precise, in the tunnels of Moose Jaw), where it was rumoured he ran his bootleg operation underground. The town has capitalized on this *possible* urban legend and runs a tour through the tunnels under the town's Main Street. Be warned that this is perhaps not the best tour to take 85 year old seniors on who can be hard of hearing and that can't climb stairs well... regardless - I'd recommend it! 

This city's charm can be found sprinkled in and off of Main Street in the forms of Saturday markets with local delicacies like honey, jam and wine, to a beautiful marble filled library in the heart of Crescent Park - a park so lovely and green that it reminded me of Hyde Park in London! I'll have to say that one of the things that impressed me the most were the schools; we visited Gido's high school that stood in perfect condition and brought a flood of memories of skipping math class in the second story window. The World War 2 monument outside even had our family's late cousin's name listed (spelt Harkett instead of Harcott). Mac the moose was also a hit, he's the world's tallest moose and stands over 30 feet tall! 

The real magic of this city was not only it's beautiful sunsets and quaint charm, but seeing this city through the eyes of my Gido, his brother, and my Nana. Countless summers spent driving to Moose Jaw from Edmonton to visit my great grandmother for decades with my own dad and uncle. Gido would stop for gas about 40 miles from Moose Jaw, buy a 6 pack of Bohemian Beer (still sold today), enjoy one road side on a hot summer day and be on his way. The house Gido and his brother grew up is still standing and lived in, the well where there would get their water is not. The Maple Leaf bakery has new ownership but Gido reminicised about spending days looking for bottles to go get some pastries - "3 for a nickel!" We had lunch and dinner with Gido's cousin and extended family - an impromptu reunion 50+ years in the making over Chinese food. So much love and hugs to be had as pictures were passed around and playful arguments ensued trying to remember who is who in the photo and where it was taken.

My Gido and I have this thing that whenever we're toasting a drink, usually a scotch, he'll always quote the movie Casablanca and say, "Here's looking at you kid" and I'll respond "We'll always have Paris". I fear we'll never see Paris together, but I'm forever grateful we'll always have Moose Jaw.

I truly hope everyone has an opportunity to walk down memory road with their loved ones.

xx

LC

What does a wedding day-of coordinator actually do?

I've been a freelance wedding day-of coordinator for almost 5 years now and, while some have heard of this title, I often get the question, "So what do you actually do? Are you a wedding planner?" And even though I'd dreamed of becoming Jennifer Lopez from the movie 'The Wedding Planner' and marrying Matthew McConaughey - the answer is no, I'm not a wedding planner (nor have I found my Matthew McConaughey). 

A day-of coordinator is the person who ensures the vision of your wedding is executed - leaving you and your loved ones with no stress on your actual wedding day, which enables you to enjoy the months (or years) you spent planning it! Most commonly, as a day of coordinator, I will work with couples a few months in advance of their wedding to outline a detailed timeline of the day itself, understand the wedding theme and the vibe you're going for and establish myself as the point of contact for the venue and vendors on the actual day.

A DOC is more than decor set up and take down: it's the person that will shoulder the stresses of the day as well as deal with any uncontrollable surprises that may come up. I pride myself on the mantra of "figure it out" and work to earn the trust of the couple to make sure they feel confident with handing me that power and responsibility. We all know that regardless of all the planning you can do, unforeseen things can happen and, even if you have the most helpful aunts in the world, the last thing you want them to be doing on your wedding day is a late night ice or booze run, clearing plates when the servers go MIA or dealing the catering team on the shortage of bacon at brunch. 

I work with every couple to determine how I can be of most value on the day or leading up to it. I love bouncing ideas about flowers, decor, when the parents should give their toast or the general timeline for the day. I come equipped to my weddings with a full "emergency kit": think sewing supplies, tide to go, clothes pins, a glue gun and more often than not my parents, who act as my lovely assistants. I will be the first on site at the venue and can help with take down if you need. Every wedding is unique and special in its own way and that's how I cater my services. 

I truly love weddings and I love actually giving a couple the ability to enjoy their day to the fullest and have the best memories of their day. I hope I've given you some more insight into what a day-of coordinator actually does but if you have any more questions please get in touch! You can also read more from the amazing couples I've worked with in the past here.
 

And to quote the movie 'The Wedding Planner': "Love can't always be perfect, love is just love". This quote also applies to weddings: rain may pour, the cake may melt or the power may go out, but at the end of the day you're married to your person and you got to do it in front of your favourite people (I know, I'm making myself roll my eyes). 

xx

LC

A Guide to Palm Springs: for the old soul to the hipster.

I love Palm Springs. I relax instantly as soon as I am greeted with the 'Welcome to Palm Springs' banner as I enter the retro outdoor airport. Not only am I flooded with the physical warmth of the desert but also nostalgia of the trips to Phoenix to visit my grandparents during spring break - namely because the arrival gate is a sea of silver haired beauties excited to greet loved ones. But honestly, I've been lucky to visit Palm Springs a few times and I love that these trips are very relaxing yet I'm always able to find new things to check out in the city - and it's only a 3 hour plane ride away from home. 

A theme you'll see in my life is that I really am an old soul - from my musical education from older generations, my inability to sleep past 7am and my appreciation of an early bed time - I sound like a great time, I know. I was excited to continue my love affair for Palm Springs and was able to explore and dine in some new spots! Check out my must visits below:

Get your steps in! 

Bump n' Grind

Not only is the name of the hike the same title as critically acclaimed R.Kelly greatest hit but it will give you a great workout and view! The trail was pretty busy on a Wednesday morning at 9am so I'd recommend going earlier in the day to beat the heat and the crowds.

Joshua Tree

It's been on my bucket list for awhile now; to re-live the Entourage episode and to get a in-the-flesh view of U2's album that was always popping up on my playlist. Well, it's off my bucket list now with only a fraction of the park explored. If you're going from downtown Palm Springs it's about an hour and half and there are numerous hikes (aka inclined walks) to do. Very beautiful and peaceful, definitely something to see! Our Uber driver also promised that every night there is a Milky Way to see, so, you know that's now penned on my bucket list.

Dazed and confused in the desert.

Where We Ate & Drank

Parker Palm Springs Hotel

Home to the infamous 'DRUGS' sign in the lobby, this hotel is the definition of the modernism theme that is evident through the whole city. Behind the bright orange doors you'll find white brick, hanging basket chairs, a wall of yarn owls and so much more! They have a charming outdoor seating area with little pocket benches to hide out in. There is a Lemonade Bar that I've never been to but I'm hoping I'd go as myself and leave as Beyonce. They also do weddings and events and I could confidently say this could be my dream venue (if anyone is wondering or looking to ask). 

Birba

We sat outside and enjoyed a lovely Italian meal in the middle of February - it was basically anyone's dream. Located next to the infamous Cheeky's (a must try for brunch but be warned - it's not for those hangry or impatient as the wait is usually over an hour... but the cold brew and pancakes are worth it!) Birba can be spotted by the lit up B letter on the street corner. Live music, string bulb lights and a relaxed ambiance make this a perfect date spot or night out. We were impressed from the strong cocktails and the healthy appetizer portions. Must orders would be:  roasted cauliflower, burrata and spaghetti carbonara. 

FARM

This farm to table restaurant is nestled in the heart of downtown and you're immediately transported to the feeling of the south of France as you dine in a flower lined courtyard enjoying a french press of coffee. The restaurant is kid and dog friendly and it accommodates large groups, making it feel like you're dining in someones french villa in the country side. Must orders: Croque Madame, FARM Breakfast Sandwich and the Brie Sandwich. 

Bootlegger Tiki

My first tiki bar! And it didn't disappoint. I was adequately hung over after having the full experience which meant a punch bowl, a shot of 151 lit on fire, American paraphanilia and excessive straws. The ceilings and walls were lined with wicker, the ambiance and staff were welcoming and helpful with recommendations  (try the Coco Loco). When reading up on this spot I came across an article on the owner Chad Austin and the "secret bartender handshake"; an interesting read here and something to remember the next time you are bonding/flirting with the bartender. 

Where to Shop

The Frippery

This spot was on all of the blogs I researched saying it has the best selection - it opened at 11am and there was a crowd of people waiting (always a good sign)! I was immediately impressed by it's organization and layout - often times vintage shops are overwhelming and just a plethora of things so you don't know where to start. The owner was attentive and managed the only 2 change rooms all while fielding questions and pulling pieces. I had my heart on finding a power one piece pant suit but sadly came up short. However, it was such a fun experience to check out the different pieces and the change between decades - think ecelectic and bright colours for the 70s and more tourquoise and pink blocking in the 80s. This spot would definitely be on my regular rotation every time I'm in Palm Springs.

While this visit was short and sweet it will keep me coming back. I wasn't able to take advantage of the festivities of modernism week so I'll need to return for that! Palm Springs is a hot spot that has something for everyone: the snow birds, old souls, hipsters, foodies and children under the age of 3 - winning for all.

What's your favourite winter spot? Am I missing any must sees in Palm Springs I need to check out? Let me know! 

xx 

LC

2018's Choice of Club: Books

I took on 2018 - borrowing an idea from a friend - to ADD to this year rather than eliminate. And while some people I know are struggling to avoid the McDonald's drive thru, I'm working hard to re-introduce literature into my life. Yes, books. My mother often reminds me "what a good reader I used to be" (as if I lost the ability), in a way mothers so lovingly do. But she's right. Adulthood has gotten in the way of evenings and weekends spent leisurely powering through the latest teen novel series, the Harry Potter books or the reading list assigned in English class. By the time I've put in my 8+ hour workday, tried to make it to spin class, made dinner and had my daily dose of Young and Restless, I'll admit I opt for some Instagram stories rather than my novel that I seem to read two pages of - 25 times - because I can't focus or fall asleep. 

NOT THIS YEAR. 

Books! We have it easy - they are so accessible. You can get audio books, read on your kindle, Amazon Prime order it to your door next day or borrow from your local library - SO MANY OPTIONS. Side bar, did you know that you can rent instruments at the library? I mean, you could make an afternoon of getting your free library card, picking up an array of books and the cello that you've always wanted to play. The ultimate impulse shopping that forces you to return your impromptu 'purchase' or risk the late fees and the library cop 'Bookman' to come after you (Seinfeld fans, anyone?). 

So now you've got the books and, possibly your next musical instrument beside your bed, lets take it one step further. BOOK CLUB (aka) ACCOUNTABILITY. Much like the panic of being called on in school and not knowing the answer, the same applies for being part of a book club. I strongly feel this should be the club of choice this year. You're not only going to expand your literature pallet, have more to discuss besides the weather, Kim Kardashian's baby's name or if the only stories you're into are a 10-second blurb about your friend's need for a bang trim.  Not to mention the forced social component of getting together with your pals to drink wine and discuss that month's chapters over a charcuterie plate are a major added bonus.

Full disclosure,  I have not started book club yet but what better way to hold myself accountable than to write a blog about it - so friends, expect your invite shortly! I've already started my new daily ritual of reading with The Alchemist, a book that I was assigned to read in Grade 11 and I'm half way through and I'm loving it. Such a classic and I appreciate that books can mean different things and lessons to you at different stages of your life. High school Lauren may have not picked up all the intricacies of the boy's story, I may just need to re-do my book report. 

I've put together 5 'tips' to get started with your own book club but I'd love to hear any feedback from people who've been in one; what worked, what didn't? 

1. Know your audience when picking the book: be mindful of everyone's taste, the history buff and sci-fi enthusiast may not be on the same page - that being said, get people outside their comfort zone.

2. Keep it intimate - I'm thinking 5-10 people will offer a good mix of opinions and insights, and my living room can't fit many more.

3. Make the reading time realistic, one book every month? Two months? 

4. Potluck! Keep it cheap and cheerful and rotate hosting and everyone bring an appy or wine.

5. Be patient. If the first book/club meeting falls flat - try again! It may be the book and not the club.

I hope my New Year's "resolution" has inspired you to incorporate more books in your life... I'm excited! I'm thinking the classic Great Gatsby next - would love some book recommendations too, let me know your favourites in the comments below!

Happy reading, all! 

xx

LC

All photos by the ever so talented @thehappyjess 

Lauren's Last Minute Gift Guide for KIDS!

I may not have kids of my own, but Auntie Lauren knows a thing or two about the hottest trends for kids these days (or at least knows who to ask!) Here's a short list of some last minute gifts that are sure to excite the little ones...

Books

Books are a great gift for any age; the appreciation for books changes throughout childhood but it never disappears. 

This is the only item on this list you'd have to order online, but I think it's worth the extra cash (and possible stress!). The Little Boy (Or Girl!) Who Lost His Name is a fun tale of a journey in search of your child's lost name. This neat story is great for any age, but especially for those who are starting to learn their letters and how to spell their own name. Also, this dedication at the beginning of the book may just be the perfect gift in and of itself: "We meet a lot of magical and wonderful creatures throughout our lives. These are just the first. We hope you meet a whole lot more." Choose SUPER SPEEDY shipping to ensure it'll get here on time!

My friend's daughter received this book when she was born, but it's not uncommon for my friend to send me quotes from this book from time to time to bring me a little encouragement! The pictures are as sweet as the words, doubling as a lovely piece of wall art on a child's bookcase as well. Bonus: this book is on sale now!

Pajamas

There are few things cuter than a baby/toddler/kid in pjs - especially when those pjs are candy cane striped or decked with all things Holiday! There are many stores right now selling Holiday pajamas and you really can't go wrong with any, but here are a couple cute options that won't break the bank. Leo's and Emerson's pjs are from here.

Experience

What any kid really wants is to spend time with his or her favourite aunt/uncle/parent/goofy friend-of-parent. Take a special date to one of the many kid-oriented holiday festivities (many open until January 6 or 7) such as Van Dusen Festival of Lights, The Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain, Bright Nights in Stanley Park. Or wait til the Holiday madness settles down and give their gift in spring with tickets to Children's Festival!

Picture from: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx

There is something about seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child, whether it's a visit to Santa at the mall or the first glimpse of the tree and stockings Christmas morning - it's magic. So regardless if you approach this season with the excitement of Elf or more of a bah humbug/I'll come around by the 25th, I think the best part of this time of year is the traditions and memories you make with your family and friends (yes - it's that time of the season where I'm an emotional mess). One of my favourite family traditions was leaving a note for Santa along with carrots for Rudolph, cookies and milk and a Heineken... 

I'd love to hear your traditions - leave me a comment below!

xx

LC

Lauren’s Last Minute Gift Guide!

10 days til Christmas and, while there are some people that finish their shopping before December even starts in hopes of actually enjoying this time of year with all its parties and festivities, there is the rest of us that let the big day creep up on us and we're unable to rely on saint nick (aka your dad) to get presents under the tree. Also! Being 10 days out you realize that you can't utilize online shopping because well, let's face it - you can't risk the delivery dates and WORSE! tears on Christmas morning when you're looking at an IOU that was wrapped under the tree. I might still secretly wish that Tom Hanks will personally come through and make sure my gifts arrive on time (Tom Hanks, 2017's MVP). 

That being said - I've got the guide guide for you! All items you can buy locally so you don't nervously need to stalk the Fedex website multiple times a day. Whether it's a special man, woman, host or the person who has everything ...

Guys

Records

The music man: Everyone knows one, and if he's legit he'll own a record player. From Simon and Garfunkel to Beastie Boys or A Tribe Called Quest, a record to their collection will not disappoint because record listening is a perfect way to spend a winter afternoon. Vancouverites, check out Beat Street Records for a great selection.

Photo Credit: https://thespinoff.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-07-at-5.38.51-PM.jpg

T-Shirts

A t-shirt is to a man what shoes and purses are to a woman (yes, the most cliche comparison...) - but seriously, it is a collection item in any guy's wardrobe. If you need a switch up from the fruit o' loom look - shop local and you'll be able to find some gems. This particular brand is so soft. I'd be tempted to just buy one for my guy to later 'borrow' and never return. This brand, Ole Originals can be found across Canada so you can rep your city with pride. Or buy one of their shirts in a store near you.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/331225747567194465/

Bar Glasses

Don Draper: not only did the guy make Canadian Club cool again but he has inspired a few to bring back the suit and slicked back side part. Not to mention the ability to come up with ingenius marketing one-liners that landed him partner at the firm and a world of trouble with the ladies. Scotch is my preferred drink of choice and I always enjoy it more in a proper glass. I strongly believe any guy would appreciate a set on hand, whatever his choice hard bar is. A design I love from Crate & Barrel can be found here.

Photo Credit: https://flaviar.com/gui/file/images/400x280_madman.jpg

The Weekend Bag

Gym, sleepovers or weekends away. These Herschel duffles can work with a suit or a track pants - the novel design offers every pattern and colour under the sun and will be well used or versatile for everyone. Great price point too! 

Photo Credit: https://herschel.ca/content/dam/herschel/lifestyle/2017-s4/s4-category-banners/HSC_17S4-Mens-Category-Duffles.jpg

Candle

Cedar...musky... smokey with a touch of vanilla - whatever. Everyone likes some ambiance; it is not gender specific. Candles are marketed now with more appealing scents to men, usually involving a tree and a fruit? Because we all know a guy that likes that pairing... find this one at your local Chapters, here! 

Photo Credit: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/house-and-home/paddywax-hygge-candle-bergamot-mahogany/647658009186-item.html?ikwsec=HouseAndHome&ikwidx=0

Girls 

Pampering

Sephora is your one stop shop. The impulse purchase section is too good and always costs me $50 without even thinking. Some product pampering that is always appreciated by any girl include: face masks, a great dry shampoo & a great lip gloss. Crowd pleaser and a gift you can finish in 20 minutes.

Nightware

Staying true to my old soul, I greatly appreciate nightwear around the holidays - even better when it comes in the form of a nighty and flannel. Stay warm and keep the stems free - winning combo! Shop one of my favourite ones here. Nightgowns not your thing? It's hard to go wrong with any flannel PJ's like these ones.

Literature

Books are so good for the soul, one of my friend gifts books for every occasion and it's always my favourite gifts! I love Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur - it's a book you can read over and over and just carry around in your purse. 

Kodak Moments

In a world of selfies and smart phones, what's lacking is the actual physical photo; I love framing pictures or putting up memories on my fridge. The polaroid is great to have on hand as well, not only is it a great filter but you don't have the opportunity to take 75 photos to get 1 you like - it promotes candid photos which are the best photos, if we're being honest.

Host

Bottles

This is the all-Canadian twist on the Irish's Bailey's. It's smooth, creamy and alcoholic - everything a host (or anyone?) wants in a holiday gift. Enjoy this on the rocks, with a splash of milk (or Eggnog!) or double the fun by adding a shot of Amaretto! Available here, or other Canadian liquor stores. 

Great olive oil for the chef or vanilla bean for the baker -the quality is appreciated. It's also a compliment to their skills in the kitchen. Williams Sonoma is always a good go-to for reasonable price and good quality, find these ones here or here. Winners or Homesense always has a good selection as well!

Photo Credit: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201736/0008/williams-sonoma-black-truffle-fettuccine-pasta-o.jpg

Photo Credit: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201736/0058/nielsen-massey-madagascar-bourbon-vanilla-beans-c.jpg

Serving Board

A staple in every kitchen, there is no limit on what you can serve on here and for a true host you can never have too many. I've found the selection at Crate and Barrel to be great quality for the price. Find this one shown below here.

For the person who has everything...

Think EXPERIENCE. It's truly the priceless gift and will promote spending quality time together.

A cooking class! Become Julia Child for the night and learn a new skill - you and your guest will not only have fun learning but benefit from the efforts and enjoy a wonderful meal. If in Vancouver, a great option is the Dirty Apron.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/matchbookmag-pro/redactorAssets/original/b5e9ede4846d58c9d771c5e9f2753bbc45b43c3e.jpg?1365823225

If cooking isn't their jam, don't stress, there are plenty of other experience gifts: ceramics, wreath making, pottery or sewing classes. And if you know someone who's a fan of Ghost, well... you're killing two birds with one stone and making their dreams come true acting out the film's iconic scene and making fellow students possibly uncomfortable. Some options of classes in Vancouver found here.

Photo credit: https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/skWO2k1gdvk36l3Iv8keuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9NTQwO2g9MzU0/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/dadc9416336010c61c75d8969462add0

So there you have it! A list of gifts you can ensure will arrive and provide joy on Christmas morning for all the loved ones in your life. I hope I've helped you or given you some new ideas you might have been stumped on... and if all else fails you can use this list as MY own personal wish list (Santa, you listening buddy?).

Happy shopping!

xx

LC

My 5 Fall Switch Ups

I'll admit, it took a long time for me to resolve to the fact that it was officially fall; summer had a late start and I was still enjoying the long sunny days into October. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to iced coffees, or trade my t-shirts for my trench coat and my sunnies for umbrella, but alas here we are.  And now that I'm fully immersed in sweater weather - I'm not mad about it. There are so many things that change from season to season: from your closet to your kitchen to your decor - a change of season can mean a update in all aspects of your life. I like to call them switch ups - see how fall has made its mark in my day to day:

1. Flowers: I know so many may say that they're a waste of money but for me, who lives alone, they really only brighten up my day - AND THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. They should brighten up your day, you bought them for you after all. For fall I've switched my summer tulips and peonies for greenery. Not only are the bunches usually cheaper ($6-10/bunch), but they can last up to 2 weeks! They are the perfect compliment to any table and look great in any vase - I particularly like them in milk glass shown below (similar here).

2. Food: From being the queen of rabbit food (aka salads), I happily retire my usual spinach salad for ALL THINGS WARM - this coming in the form of soup and roasted veggies. These are always on my meal prep for the week and you can get so creative with your type of veg or soup so you never get bored. Another perk of my one pot meals for the week is the economical aspect: I'd much rather save my pennies for a last minute vacation to get some sun in the dead of January - who's with me? Find the soup recipe here, and my go to roasted vegetable recipe is topped with Erin Ireland's tahini sauce found here -  if you follow this woman on Instagram you will be inspired daily to make whole and healthy delicious food. 

3. Not (all) black clothing: I'll admit, my attire is probably 80% black. It's my go to, my comfort zone and, well, it goes with everything. For a person who truly does love fashion, I become a creature of habit with the styles I wear, which is why I'm consciously trying new looks and pieces! Insert a fall floral - not limited to the office or a night out, this piece is so versatile and it's so comfortable. I'll often opt for a plum lip at night or tuck it into a pencil skirt for the office. I'm honoured to be a brand ambassador for this local brand; the designer supports sustainable fashion and hand makes everything herself! Check her out at here - use LAUREN20 to get 20% off your order too! Just in time for holiday shopping... 

4. Berets: Recently a friend told me that I either show up in a pencil skirt or baseball hat and, well, it's true. They are my go to's and it's another reason why I think a person's style doesn't or shouldn't be limited to just one look. However, a trend I've always been onboard with is the beret! Not only is 'Raspberry Beret' one of my favourite songs, but I actually own one (and one in black, too). It's the ultimate chic and classic look and I couldn't be happier to see it getting the recognition it deserves. I'm not going to say I'll swear off baseball hats for the season but you'll see me mix in the beret more often.

5. A Warm Cocktail: Summer temperatures suggest your drink choice to be all things chilled, on the rocks or blended. And, while there truly is nothing better than an ice cold beer on a patio, come fall with its dark and chilly disposition, you're less likely to reach for the ice cubes. Insert a warm cocktail, one you could see yourself cozying up to the fire with, like a Hot Toddy! This drink originated in Ireland and really has no set recipe - I found this one here - my bottle of Crown Royal is finally being put to use. Not only is this drink great for a date night on the couch but could also be a cold remedy for those nights where you just need a little help to go to sleep... 

So there you have my fall switch ups - I hope it's inspired you to try a different look or meal and embrace the cozy weather. After all, for many of us we've got 6 months to settle into this routine, and I know that my evenings binge watching HGTV will be enjoyed with a warm whisky in hand. And I'm not mad about it.

So I guess we better get ready for Christmas now? 

xx

LC

A Weekend Guide to LA LA Land

After seeing the movie La La Land this year, I realized this was one city that had never been on my radar to visit - even though it's so close to Vancouver! I knew it was the perfect destination for my birthday weekend trip: a short flight, countless restaurants, the Pacific Coast Highway and, I read somewhere, that Denzel Washington said, 'In Los Angeles, everyone is a star.' So naturally, I recruited the girls for the trip with promises of warm temperatures, epic dance parties and stardom.

If you've read any of my other trip posts, you'll notice they're weighted heavily with food reviews - LA was no different. After booking a centrally located Air BnB  - equipped with enough bathrooms to handle 6 girls - the restaurant planning was on. Much like any major city, LA is filled with so many pocket neighbourhoods, so we tried to map our days out according to area, and tried to fit in a bit of culture and/or exercise in between the eating, drinking and dancing. We quickly came to the realization that we'd need multiple trips to hit all the spots we wanted to, but we did eat at some unforgettable restaurants; our choices were validated by celebrity sightings, ocean views and instagram worthy food plating. 

Santa Monica

Straight from the plane we found ourselves at Bru's Wiffle, and with us dying from hunger after the 7am flight this spot was perfect to feed all palettes. We started with recommendations from our waiter for the Spanish Lattes and avocado fries; followed by a mix of guac toast, a savoury waffle and a shredded potato pancake (with more cheese than pancake). 

Brunch was followed by trip to the pier at sunset. After spending the summer chasing every sunset I could, this one didn't disappoint. Standing on the bustling pier with silhouettes of people on the beach and palm trees, this view was all I needed to remind me why I love the extended summer that is September. The pier itself was as expected: tourist photo ops by the ferris wheel, Bubba Gump's shoes and multiple street performers including a Hansen cover band and a man serenading us to Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" - I may have been moved to tears. 

West Hollywood

We kept coming back to this hood!  Passing by the Beverly Hills sign almost daily, we took a few wrong turns and ended up driving down the epic Pretty Woman scene on Wilshire Boulevard (I wasn't mad about it). I couldn't really figure out this part of town: it was a mix of office buildings, high end clothing and lighting stores, rooftop dining, vegan cafes and countless tattoo parlours. 

We ate our way through this hood at: 

Verlaine: Tucked behind an ivy lined exterior, this indoor/outdoor space had the perfect ambiance of checkered floors and stringed lights (a theme we picked up throughout the city). Here we enjoyed the most delicious fish taco, perfectly paired with the Verlaine fig leaf olive juice martini. Also, when the waiter says the tacos are good to share, he actually means it's $9 for one small taco and it's not ideal to share. It's ok because if was the best taco I've eaten and then Joe Jonas and the rest of DNCE showed up and I immediately knew we weren't cool enough to dine here.

The Nice Guy: Sure, Kendall Jenner eats here, but what brought us in was the burger and the chance of seeing Kendall Jenner. Ok, not really but the food was delicious. No chance of instagramming here though -  no photos allowed and the light is so dim you could only see those you were dining with. What wasn't photographed was my favourite cocktail, the Bobby Soxer: Whiskey and Cayenne Pepper? Delicious. Also, there is a drink named after Drake so you know this place is cool. Other notable mentions was the Fig & Caramelized Onion Pizza, Truffled Fries and the pasta dish that was way too good to share. There's also a 'Hush Hush Room' which is not what you may think but better - a FREE photo booth so you can take 16 photos and still not manage to get everyone in the frame or looking in the the right direction.

Catch: Hands down the most beautiful brunch spot I've been to in a long time. Again, we loved the indoor/outdoor set up, lined with incredible greenery and flowers when you walked made us opt for a photo op (obviously). We dined on the patio and enjoyed views of the hollywood hills, Iced Almond Lattes, avocado toast, poke bowls and sushi. The brunch menu did not disappoint and I'd love to come back for lunch, dinner and drinks in addition to hosting my non-existent future wedding in this space. 

Rosaline: This Peruvian tapas spot was the place to be on a Saturday night! The menu is intended to share and each dish was full of so many flavours - highlights were: the paella, beet salad and filet mignon. 

Venice Beach

Eggslut: On the corner of the VENICE street sign, we hit Eggslut for a hangover brunch - the place or name didn't disappoint. We took our food to go and ate it on the grass with beach views - best way to start a Saturday! Known for their sandwiches being served on a brioche bun it was so light and buttery and the turkey sausage was delicious. And while I am not a fan of mayo, the siracha mayo may be my girlfirends' new favourite condiment. Also, the arugula salad - so simple but fantastic - and good for the liver. 

My man Neil Young has gone on record saying the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH to its friends) is his all time favourite drive from LA to San Fran, so I was beyond excited to have the opportunity to cruise this winding road with ocean views for days. So many pocket beaches to pull you to the side of the road - granted there were some National Park stops - we opted for the free route and pulled off on the shoulder to dip our toes in our own private beach. There's something about the ocean that can instantly bring out the 5 year old kid in anyone and all of a sudden you're chasing waves, giggling hysterically and seeing if you can see Truman's sailboat. Or maybe that's just me... 

Ollo: Farm to Table Dining at it's finest. This restuarant is tucked into a strip mall but not to worry - GPS will take you on a beautiful detour through some incredible homes if you miss it - the space is literally bursting with trees and it's open and airy. Keeping the balance of healthy and indulgent we opted for a delicious tumeric latte to start followed by the best Huevos Rancheros (direct quote from my friend, Jayme: "sharing wasn't an option"). The eggs were fresh and the service was speedy; because there were too many options we clearly needed to add on the peanut butter coconut waffle to share for dessert - another decision we weren't mad about.

Nobu: I mean, if you have the opportunity to go to Nobu you need to go. Seriously. And if you're a fan of sushi this place is a game changer and you many never eat the California Roll form the grocery market again. We were lucky enough to be able to sit outside while avoiding an LA traffic jam for a happy hour. With the waiter's recommendations, our highlights were the tuna tacos, spicy tuna rolls and the yellow tail sashimi. Oh and then Adam Sandler walked by and my Happy Gilmore fan girl came out. Ok, maybe my Big Daddy and Mr. Deeds fan girl - same same but different.

Pacific Palasades: Originally inspired to hike the Hollywood sign and then realizing that it was 4 hours round trip we nixed it on our tight weekend agenda. From the recommendation from a Seniors' Home we ended up on a hike/walk in the Pacific Palisades. I use the work hike loosely because I was in heels and managed to do it just fine. At the "top" we were reminded that while LA has many beautiful qualities, its hikes provide somewhat of a smoggy view. Regardless - we were happy to get our steps in to counter balance at least one glass of prosecco. 

LA

Boulevard3: What's a birthday trip without a trip to the club?! This spot was recommended by Google and a good option for some dancing - as if Google knows all the places to be for some 90's R&B. Some may not know this about me but I'm very awkward with attention - so be warned that having a table at a club that knows it's your birthday will mean you'll be presented with a boa at the door, confetti thrown in your honour and hot waitresses blowing whistles while they bring you drinks. After a few strong pops I embraced the scene and had a great time dancing to some old school tunes.

LACMA: Our dose of culture! (We needed to fit it in somewhere). This museum offered a a good mix of modern and contemporary art. Also, they had some pretty cool light posts outside (see photo documentation below). 

So you can see we managed to jam a great deal of eating (and sight seeing) into the long weekend and I'll definitely be back. So much more to see! Let me know any places I need to visit in the comments. 

Until next time, California... 

"If I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight."

- Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman.

xx

LC

The 6 things I lived in all summer.

I can't believe it's September - I literally don't know where August went. Yet, here we are, on the Labour Day long weekend, getting ready for perhaps a new school year, the return of sweaters and, for most, trying to cram in all of those things you didn't get to the past two months. I justified the $80 pineapple pool floatie in the spring - I'm going to get all the use out of it the last 3 days of summer... just me? 

Regardless of my bucket list coming and going I do have a few things to show for my summer: took in a few ball games, a trip to the lake, visit with the family, coordinated the most fun wedding, am slightly more golden hue than my pasty winter look - I'll chalk it up as a win. What I did notice scrolling through my phone photos is that there is a definite trend in my attire. My wardrobe was basically on repeat with a small number of pieces that I could tolerate from my closet, and I'm not mad about it. 

It may be my age or my appreciation for beautiful things, but I find myself donating clothes every few weeks; I just can't be bothered to keep something around for the maybe one off time that I'll need a neon leopard print dress. Don't get me wrong, I love love clothes. I'm crap at doing make up: I'll never master the winged eye liner and I'm not great with hair. But I literally plan my walk to work to go by store fronts to see what latest trends are in the window. I love the confidence clothes can give you and how your style and mood are always reflected in what you wear. I'm currently on the hunt for the perfect red dress, maybe because I just watched Pretty Woman or maybe I just want to be Jessica Rabbit. Either way - the hunt continues.

I predict my summer wardrobe will merge into my fall wardrobe - the thing about the classics is they'll always be transferable and in style, or will come back in fashion. My cliche obsession of the summer was definitely the scrunchie, and I'm not giving it up. 

The summer round up ...

• These Aritzia pants are life, I wear them to any and every occassion. Work, dates, the bar and weddings - so versatile! Worth the investment. 

• The ruffled sandal - the $25 impulse purchase has been my go to for the summer. It was basically a mule that could show off my pedicure and work appropriate flip flops. 

• Lace ups! My closet is now home to all things lace ups, an easy interest piece that can update any jeans look. I picked up this shirt in Amsterdam but the brand can be found at several boutique shops in Vancouver or online here.

• Athleisure: when gym where meets the pencil skirt.

• Tassels! Update the t-shirt look with a tassel earring or necklace - I found these ones at J.Crew here.

• Bandanas: work as a head scarf or around the neck, it was a perfect way to deal with a hot summer day and keep your hair out of your face. 

What did YOU wear all summer?? Will you keep up the trends when the leaves start to fall? 

Happy September!

xx

LC

How I Raised the Barre in my Fitness Routine

I have been in a huge fitness rut for the last 5 years. I grew up playing sports and have been going to the gym for years, but I found it boring. I'd go through the motions and sure, I'd feel better after I was done, but I wasn't getting the return on the hours I logged at the gym. It felt like huge waste of time (and $$!) and I knew I needed a change - not only in my day to day but in my overall mindset. 

Barre workouts have been gaining momentum over the last few years with lots of studios popping up around town, but I'd never thought much of it. I've done ballet growing up and learned and executed: excellent posture, how to do a perfect bun and a fear of tripping and falling into a wall (resulting in a goose egg bump (true story)). As an adult, ballet never seemed to fit into my schedule.

I've driven by The Dailey Method so many times, always looking up at the window that proudly states: 'LONGER, LEANER, STRONGER'.  I decided my fitness rut needed to end and took up their new client unlimited month promotion - because why not! The schedule had both barre and cycle classes which I liked but I was concerned barre classes wasn't going to be enough to get my calorie burn in. I was very wrong.

Often when I'm at the gym - sometimes at boutique studios - I feel so uncomfortable from the second I walk in, paranoid everyone can tell I'm new. I don't know what I'm doing and I'm tempted to turn and walk out. I'm also not the girl with the cutest workout outfits and far from a "perfect" body and, in a city like Vancouver, where there are beautiful women at every corner, it's so intimidating I'd almost rather stay home. 

The Daily Method was different. I felt completely comfortable as soon as I walked in, the rooms are bright and calming; the teachers greet the regulars by name and are sure to seek out anyone new to make sure they're set up for their practice and feel comfortable. It's these humanized touches that put me at ease. There are all ages and sizes in the classes which make it a great and welcoming dynamic.  

During the class, the teachers make it a point to use everyone's name and provide encouragement throughout class. Not only does it motivate you but it also builds your confidence to continue to challenge yourself outside your comfort zone. They recite: "listen to your body first and the teacher's voice second." When the teacher tells you the plank you're holding is working 650 muscles (!!) you think to yourself, "I'm pretty impressed with myself" and tough it out for the last 30 seconds. I'm also guilty of staring at clocks during gym classes or on the treadmill, curious how time could feel like it's actually moving backwards... In The Dailey Method classes there is no clock to even distract you. 

One of the biggest things I took away from going to the Dailey Method (almost everyday for the first month!), was the fact that I wanted to go everyday - not because I was obsessed with burning X amount of calories -  but because I craved the way I felt when I was done. Every class I left feeling a little bit stronger; I could feel my body responding to this new routine: I held the plank for longer and I could complete the push up sequence without using my knees! Don't get me wrong, I also left with shaky legs, incredibly sore muscles and dripping sweat. But I was completely hooked. I kept coming back for the mental break from the world. It's my favourite way to start or end my day.

I think I've found the cure for my fitness rut - and I'm addicted. This is one barre that never gets old.

Go outside your comfort zone, try something new! 

xx

LC

All photos taken by the talented @thehappyjess 

Charcuterie, Cheese Curds & Churches: A Guide to Montreal

This past long weekend my girlfriends and I decided to get away, contribute to the Canadian economy and venture to Montreal! This year also marks Montreal's 375th Birthday so we thought best to see what the festivities were all about. The weather forecast was looking good and the Airbnb was booked, but, besides that, we really showed up with no plans and decided to fly by the seat of our pants. And by that I mean wherever there was a patio, wine and poutine to be consumed.

Our Airbnb was perfect! Nestled in the Plateau neighbourhood, we easily agreed we could live there; I kept getting confused what city I was in as it had somewhat of a Brooklyn feel to it. A mix of young families, Nonas who've lived there all their lives and a few musicians serenading you from across the balcony (for real). Unlike some cities, the character of every building was intact, right down to the spiralling staircases, exposed brick and glass door knobs - I love those. In the movie Clueless, the Dad says, "Everywhere in LA takes 20 minutes, Cher!", and this was also true for our location. Typically all of our destinations were a 20 minute walk or a short Uber away. Noteworthy streets & spots to check out: Mont Royal Street, Parc La Fontaine, St. Laurent Blvd and the Gay Village. 

Montreal, like a New York, does not have a shortage of places to eat or drink - I had scanned some blogs and the New Yorks Times '36 Hour Book' briefly before coming, but my list quickly became 25 places long and, with 3 days to tackle it all, I didn't know where to start. We were lucky enough to have some locals to turn to for some recommendations which are always the best: be a tourist but don't eat like one is always the goal.  The food and drink that earned our top billing are below:

Grenade:  We weren't completely sure we were in the right spot when we walked up to this place, but as we stepped inside we noticed that half the place was a classic dark bar you might expect, but the back opened up to this beautiful patio with colourful seating, industrial string bulb lighting and a disco ball to boot. We ate the salmon tartare and the steamed buns (pork and tofu) - both were delicious! We washed it all down with a pitcher of Sangria. 

Mimi La Nuit: You'll find this restaurant in the heart of Old Montreal which, when we were there, was a sea of tourists taking part in Montreal's birthday celebrations. We almost couldn't find this dimly lit, unsuspecting restaurant between the sea of line ups for The Keg and Old Spaghetti Factory - but this place is legit. The charcuterie here was incredible and so much value for the price. The crostinis were the highlight (salmon, chicken liver and mushroom); I could have just had that as my main meal. I'm glad it didn't end there though, because we would have missed out on the beef tartare and the duck confit. Other noteworthy options: the Tuna Tataki, Fried Cauliflower and Beet Salad.

Epicerie Hao: I was so excited to visit this Philippine inspired restaurant as the owners are cousins of a colleague. Not only are the owners as lovely as my colleague but their steamed buns were out of this world. You could tell they use only fresh ingredients and made to order. The pork was mouthwateringly good and the cucumber salad was refreshing. Seriously the best steamed buns I've ever had! And so photogenic!

Le Cartet: You'll find this unsuspecting brunch spot in the concrete jungle of the financial district. We went here on the holiday Monday and we were worried it was closed because the streets were a ghost town. We opened the door to find this is the hottest spot for brunch with rows of long tables completely filled. A 20 minute wait was definitely worth it though. Famous for their maple lattes, it was the perfect start to the day and the eggs cured the hang over. Other noteworthy orders: Salmon and Lox Bagel, Avo Toast, and the lattes that are served in a bowl.

 Chez Simone: This spot was recommended by the '36 Hour Book' and was fantastic! Found in our Plateau neighbourhood it offered the best charcuterie of the trip and I'd definitely recommend the roast chicken. Family style and shared seating promoted a good atmosphere.

La Salle á Manger: Brunch in the Plateau hood! Fuel before spending all our money at Rudsack, we enjoyed mimosas and eggs at this cute airy spot. I tried my first 'Scotch Egg' which was a delicious and new way to enjoy grade A goodness. 

Schwartz Deli: The infamous sandwich shop that has a round the clock line up. This has been a food staple in Montreal for the last 80 years; the charm of the oldest deli in the city did not disappoint. You're hit with the aroma of meat when you walk in the door and your mouth is immediately watering. Schwartz's knows it's clientel and offers a way to take the smoked meat home with you on the plan in vaccum sealed packages! Served on rye with a dollop of mustard and you're golden. Oh, and pickles. Always with a pickle.

Between the eating and drinking we were able to squeeze in some culture in the form of churches. The architecture in Montreal is truly incredible and so well maintained, you can see how much they value original buildings. One of their most iconic tourist attractions is the Notre-Dame Basilica. It was originally built in 1642 and over a few centuries of additions, the architect pulled inspiration from the Saint Chapelle in Paris which you can see through its gothic style and blue and gold colours. Several famous religious events have happened at this church, including Pierre Elliot Trudeau's funeral, a visit from Pope John Paul II and Celine Dion's wedding. This building also hosts concerts with its incredible acoustics, and in the summer you can see the Symphony Orchestra perform there! We also stopped off for Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal that offered a beautiful view of the skyline, which, I'll note, is very flat. 

A few other customs we loved about Montreal is the fact their happy hour is called 'cinq á sept' (5 to 7), the fact you can buy booze at gas stations and convenience stores and the access to cheese curds. One might argue that the taste isn't super strong and the cheese kind of "squeaks" when you eat it but they are the ultimate choice for mindless snacking. And yes, we took some on the plane: our carry-on bags were filled with smoked meat, mustard and cheese curds. We don't mess around.

Montreal is a vibrant city that you could visit over and over; there seems to always be something going on in this city. I'll definitely be back for the Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival that plays in the summer. 

I'm inspired to do more exploring and weekending in Canada - what are your favourite Canadian cities?! 

xx

LC

Always a Planner, Never a Bride

As a girl I was always a sucker for a good romantic comedy. I'd get butterflies at a happy ending that usually involved some sort of grand gesture or elaborate wedding; the guy getting the girl and riding off into the sunset. And while I can't say my movie watching has set me up for success in my personal life, seeing as we live in a digital age - instead of hoping one day I'll get swept right off my feet I'm only hoping someone will simply swipe right.  

However, the digital age has not dwindled my love for love and I still do love a good wedding. Weddings can be over the top and extravagant but they also have the ability to be an amazing and intimate day that reflects the couple while bringing together their two worlds to celebrate finding one another.

Between the engagement and the I Do's there are so many things that go on to make your dream wedding a reality and, without sugar coating it, there are some highs, lows, frustrations, compromises, tears, more tears and potentially the question of should we just a elope? YOU'RE NOT ALONE. The honeymoon engagement phase often peters out when you realize that you have a year (or often times less) to plan a wedding. This is where the not-so-fun parts come in: How many people are we inviting? What's our budget? Can we afford this dream wedding I've been planning in my head for the past 20 years? Why don't you care about the flowers we're ordering? The list goes on... 

When you're starting to plan any event there are the basics you need to check off. I've used this list from baby showers, work parties and weddings, and it helps define and outline what can feel like an overwhelming task: 

1. Budget: Yup. Start with the hardest first. Figure out your top end and work backwards. Check off the big ticket items first and see how much you can afford to add to your day.
2. Venue: Your wedding shouldn't be a rogue version of who you are as a couple - make it an EXTENSION of who you are. It will feel more natural to yourself and your guests! For example: love wine? Wineries make for amazing venues. Love the beach? All inclusive might be the way to go. 
3. Theme/Decor: This goes along with the venue, but you really shouldn't need to build your vision at whichever venue you choose - you should just add to it. You're not going to add hay bales to the country club, if you know what I mean.
4. Network! This one is HUGE. Every couple who's ever had their own wedding (and even their guests!) are more than happy to share what they loved and hated about their day and what they would do differently. If you remember a wedding where the DJ was awesome and ended the night with Dirty Dancing, find out who that guy is and hire him. Photos so amazing that you went through the entire Facebook album? Find out a name! The wedding business is all about referrals - if one has resignated with you be sure to utilize your network! Social media has also become a tool to reach out to others in your community - there are so many groups to join to ask for advice and tips.
5. Ask for Help! Seriously, ask for help. Organizing the logistics of a wedding is not a small task regardless of the number of people. There are so many moving parts that need to be coordinated: schedules, vendors, last minute details - all of which you might not want to burden your family with. Ten years from now you may not remember the cost of a coordinator - or you may cringe at the memory of your dad and father-in-law dashing dinner midway to hit up a 7-11 and stock up on Coca Cola because the caterer misjudged the demand. Sometimes a little cost goes a long way.

I've had the opportunity of being a day-of-coordinator for some amazing weddings. So, what is a day of coordinator? To put it simply, a day-of-coordinator takes away any stresses leading up to and the day of your wedding. I work with couples to provide a detailed timeline of your day, act as liaison for the venue and point of contact for all vendors, do the complete set up and take down of decor and ensure your vision of hard work and planning becomes a reality! By having a day of coordinator it allows your friends and family a stress-free day to enjoy you and your wedding, without the interruptions of last minute questions or details. The reality is that even with months of planning there are always day of changes that can be inevitable; leave those last minute decisions and trouble shooting to your coordinator! Ultimately it is my goal at every wedding to make sure that your day is as perfect as it can be. The unplanned will happen but the one thing you can plan for is to have someone there to take care of those details.

With wedding season fast approaching it's time to wrap up the details and plan for the execution! I've worked with numerous vendors and venues in Greater Vancouver Area, and would love to sit down with you and discuss your ideas for your day.

Read some testimonials with past couples I've worked with here. 

Let's grab a coffee with you and chat about all things wedding! 

Email me at daywithlauren@gmail.com or message me here for more details. 

I look forward to hearing from you, I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes:

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
– When Harry Met Sally

xx

LC