My First Cruise Ship Adventure

About 2 weeks before New Year’s, a friend asked me if I wanted to go on a cruise due to an unfortunate set of circumstances. I was up for it, my first cruise ship adventure! I’ve been house-hitting a friend’s place for about a month, and she was back on the exact days of the cruise. I was due for a getaway with a crazy few months behind me. It was exactly what I needed! I had such a beautiful room and I am forever grateful to my friend for inviting me to come on this adventure. It could not have come at a better time in my life. I have a zillion photos, but here’s a few in a little recap.

I had never been on a cruise before, and this was not just any cruise. It was a Celebrity Cruise through the Caribbean, and let me tell you… it was a total vibe. It was the perfect way to close out the year and cruise into 2025 feeling refreshed, sun-kissed, and full of gratitude. We stopped in Cozumel, Mexico, Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands, and Bimini, Bahamas. The beaches were so beautiful, and feeling the sun on my skin was incredible.

When we stepped on, it felt like entering a floating resort. Sunshine, beautiful views, endless food, and luxe poolside lounging. I was instantly in vacation mode.

The food was fantastic! There were a variety of restaurants and a 24-hour dining option; I had everything from fancy meals (steak, sushi, pasta) to BBQ snacks by the pool. The theatre shows were so good! Each performance by the theater crew was outstanding, with incredible singing, dancing, and a live band! I went to a show almost every night before one of the evening events (Abba sing-along, Silent Disco). I assure you, I still managed to get plenty of rest and exercise! I hit the gym almost every morning and walked heaps of laps around the ship’s deck.

Definitely bought about 10 swimsuits and wore them all throughout the six-day trip. Most were from my amazing friend’s shop, Bathing Belle on Roncesvalle in Toronto’s west end. Check out my posts with her suits here or on their website at bathingbelle.com.

Ringing in the New Year on the ship was something I’ll never forget. I missed the ship’s NYE Party entirely and was out like a light by 10 p.m. Started 2025 asleep in my bed and woke up covered in glitter in the middle of the ocean.

There was something so magical about being there and looking ahead to a fresh new year. I would very much like to go on another cruise! On my way home, I met a few people who were heading out on a four-month round-the-world cruise. What an adventure that would be!

Valentine’s Day Photoshoot at Manor Loft

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I had the incredible opportunity to model for The Manor Loft’s Valentine’s Day Pop-Up, shot by the fabulous Jen Toole. The session was filled with laughter, fabulous outfits, and of course, all the love.

With the dreamy red backdrop, roses, and heart balloons, this Valentine’s Day photoshoot made me feel radiant and confident. Posing for these pictures reminded me that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about relationships – it’s also about self-love.

It was an absolute vibe with a bright red backdrop, roses, and heart-shaped balloons. The Manor Loft on Geary is such a great space and Jen has a real talent for making you feel confident and radiant. You know I love bold, bright colours and this was the perfect way to lean into the joy and fun of Valentine’s Day.

This time of year isn’t just about romance, it’s about celebrating love in all forms, including the relationship you have with yourself. I walked away from this shoot with a fresh sense of confidence and gratitude for this season of love. I even got to have an American Beauty moment!

This Valentine’s Day, remember to celebrate you, because self-love is the foundation for everything else. 💖

I’m Going to Yoga Camp in Costa Rica!

I’ve been consistent with my gym and yoga for the past few months and it’s paying off. Finally seeing some abs come in! I was just in a 12-week challenge at Body Engineers, and since I started working out there two years ago, I’ve lost 15 pounds and dropped 10% in body fat. I’m proud of the hours I’ve put in!

VERY excited to be going to Yoga Camp in Costa Rica this February! Remember, I went to Yoga Camp in Haliburton earlier this year?! This experience is hosted by Carla Interior, Drew Hume and Simone Nitzan. I’ll be away for nine days for a 7-day yoga retreat. I can’t wait! I’ve been to Costa Rica twice for yoga/surfing retreats (see here!).

The retreat is at Nivida Resort, in a jungle in the mountains near Palmar Sur and Ciudad Cortés. We have two yoga classes a day with healthy meals, local produce, waterfalls, beaches, native history, archeological sites, and more.

I would LOVE for some friends to join me at Yoga Camp in Costa Rica, there are only a few spots left. If you’d like to attend, visit the website here or send me a private email for a discount. I’d love to hang out in the jungle!!!

A Little Life Lately – December 2024

Here’s a little life lately update! I had three auditions for commercials this week, and I booked one! The job is for a US furniture store, and it will also be in print, digital, and OOH (out of home, aka billboards!). I’m posting these photos to remember this natural hairstyle, but I’ll return to blonde in the new year. I’m also getting new headshots to kick off 2025 with a bang! 🎇

Last week, I went to the Fox Theatre in the Beaches to hear a Q&A with author Julia McKay (Marissa Stapley), which my friend Jen Kirsch hosted. I’m listening to her book ‘The Holiday Honeymoon Switch’ on Audible. So far, it’s the perfect light-hearted book I need in my life. A great holiday read! Get a copy here.

Last week I spent a few days with my dad and sister, it was so lovely. Being with family, especially this time of year, is really great. Christmas has never been a big celebration with my family, as most of us are in New Zealand.

For the next month, I am house-sitting at a friend’s place and taking care of her plants. It’s really nice to be in her beautiful space, and I kinda like being alone. This is where I am typing this from!

I hope you are enjoying this holiday season and doing exactly what you want to do. The holidays can be a stressful time and I wish nothing but peace and rest for you!

Christmas at The Castle

Last week, I had the chance to kick off the holiday season with a visit to Casa Loma for Christmas at the Castle! If you’re looking for a festive event to get into the season’s spirit, this one’s for you. The castle is glowing with Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and decorations that bring the holiday magic to life.

Located in the heart of Toronto, Casa Loma transforms into a winter wonderland every December, and this year is no exception. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by twinkling lights and holiday displays that make it feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas dream. There are towering trees adorned with ornaments and stunning light installations all over the grounds, inside, every corner is bursting with festive cheer.

One of my favourite parts of the experience was the outdoor light trail. Walking through the beautifully lit gardens, surrounded by twinkling trees and seasonal music, was such a vibe. You can also meet Santa and enjoy live performances. I met The Grinch!

Casa Loma’s holiday event is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak up the holiday spirit. If you plan to go, I recommend dressing warm and taking time to explore, there’s so much to see and enjoy! Get tickets to Christmas at the Castle here.

Happy Holidays!

Yoga Camp in Haliburton

In September, I went to Yoga Camp! This retreat was a perfect blend of mindfulness, movement, and the great outdoors. It was refreshing to wrap up summer, and I left feeling balanced, inspired and recharged.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your practice, the weekend is designed to meet you where you are. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the positive energy. The camp was lush and inviting, with spaces to practice yoga, meditate, and connect with others.

The schedule included yoga flows, workshops, and opportunities to enjoy nature. Mornings started with energizing classes by the lake, followed by workshops that ranged from mindfulness to yoga, art, and free time to explore. In the evenings, listened to live music by the campfire and danced in the lodge, then turned in early for a cozy cabin sleep.

The weekend was held at Camp Eden Woods, the ultimate camp experience in the Haliburton Highlands. We stayed in old-school cabins with bunk beds. I scored two empty beds, so I used one as my closet and another for sleeping. All my cabin mates were so lovely!

The people I met were incredible; everyone was there to unplug, connect, and share the experience. Aside from yoga, my favourite activity was making art on the picnic tables in the afternoon. I made beaded name tags for a friend and me, and they’re so cute.

The whole weekend was so lovely! Thank you to Taranee, Simone, and the Yoga Camp team for hosting an incredible time. I carried the feeling of this camp for weeks after. The culinary team at Camp Eden Woods was also top-notch, the food was so good.

One of my blockers from going to the camp was not having a car; the organizers paired me with two wonderful women who gave me a ride. We had so much fun on the drive up AND the drive back! It turns out they both live in my neighbourhood, too! It was a match made in heaven!

If you’re craving a mindful reset or want to try something new, I can’t recommend Yoga Camp enough. It’s a beautiful way to recharge your body and mind while connecting with an amazing community. Find details about the camp here. I’ll be there next year!