I love spooky season, dressing up like (more of) a witch, and wearing costumes. The other night, Michelle and I attended Jaymes White’s Stanley Garrison Séance. This is a recreation of an authentic Victorian Séance and it was AN EXPERIENCE.
It was held inside the Stanley Barracks, which if you don’t know is a building on the CNE grounds built in 1841 that has seen some SH*T. Don’t look it up, I think it’s better if you don’t know the history before you go. 😫
I’m not going to spoil the experience by telling you too much and they asked us to put our phones away during. It was good/fun /scary, highly recommend. 👻 If you have questions, DM me on IG.
ALL I AM STAYING IS – If you want to get a fright and/or enjoy spooky season, book a ticket ASAP.Jaymes white has been running his Victorian Séance since 2015, and it sells out every year.
Stanley Garrison Séance runs from October to November 2024
To chat about what just happened, we joined our group for bites and cocktails at Valerie inside Hotel X. Thank you Duet PR for the invite and to Jaymes White for a crazy night lol. Follow him on Instagram at @jaymeswhiteseance.
I recently went to the media opening of ACTIVATEStockyards, their largest location in the world. IT WAS SO FUN! Sarah and I had a blast playing the games, my favs were the Mega Grid and Hoops (trivia + basketball). Check out all the games here, the laser game is like being in a spy movie or trying to rob a bank where you’re dodging lasers across the entire room.
Activate is the world’s first interactive gaming facility and total TikTok viral sensation. Their latest spot is in the Stockyards area, following massive successes in Mississauga and Cambridge (my hometown!).
Activate Stockyards is a massive facility spanning 19,218 square feet, with 19 unique game rooms, including the famous Mega Grid (my fav), Push with 452 light-up buttons and the precision-driven Strike game.
”We are thrilled to be bringing Activate’s largest location in history to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. This exciting new location is a fantastic addition to the vibrant Stockyards neighborhood. We can’t wait for Toronto’s bustling community to experience the largest entertainment concept in the world.”
Adam Schmidt, Founder & CEO of Activate
Highly recommend checking this out with friends, your partner, or family. one of the funniest things was when my Apple Watch thought I had taken a fall after diving to hide in one of the games.
Prices start at $29.99 for 75 minutes of gameplay and they limit the number of people who can book at a certain time so it doesn’t get too busy. See packages and pricing on the website at playactivate.com. Running around for all the games was a great workout so 75 minutes is more than enough time to have fun.
LMK if you check it out! Love to know what you think. Message me on Instagram here!
This summer was great, I went on a few adventures with friends, spent a good amount of time on boats, and made a lot of memories. So long sweet summer, you were nice.
One of my favourite events every TIFF is the Bask-It Style Lounge by Glo Communications. Starting in 2009, Bask-It Style VIP gift bags are filled with new, innovative, premium brands to be hand-delivered to the city’s top hotels, publicists, and A-list celebrities. Each year I visit the media preview day, to connect with brand representatives and check out the products celebrities are getting.
Theresa Longo and I met over a decade ago at Bud Camp. So nice to catch up in person!
Scroll down to see my favourites from Bask-It Style 2024!
This hair tool is amazing! I’ve been using it for the past month and I love it. The SharkFlexstyle is a powerful, fast, no-heat-damage hair dryer, and an ultra-versatile multi-styler. I love how quickly it dries my hair and how easily I can add volume with the curl attachments. It’s also the most compact hair dryer I’ve ever had so it’s great for travel. Highly recommend this product!
I’m always looking for new ways to improve my health so was keen to meet Dr. Goel from Peak Human. I signed up for an Emsculpt treatment and a Drip Trip vitamin IV. I opted for an energizing IV that took about 20 minutes and included B12, magnesium, argentine, trace minerals, and amino acids.
My Emsculpt treatment was incredible, I could feel the effects in my abs for the next two days, at least. This machine helps to build muscle and burn fat in just 30 minutes. It was not invasive or painful, my one session was like doing 20,000 crunches! Emsculpt helps to define abs, lift your booty, or tone thighs, “all while reducing fat by up to 30% and increasing muscle mass by 25%”. I’d love to do a few sessions of this to tone my abs, I find that area challenging!
One of the things I look home is the Peak Human DNA Longevity Test , a saliva-based test that looks at your genetic makeup and provides insight into your detoxification, metabolic, brain, and hormone health. I’ve done 23&Me and a test on my gut health and will 100% be doing this longevity test to learn more about myself.
It would be a sin to gatekeep these two products from you! Toronto Popcorn has been a fav of mine for years and this kettle corn is the best I’ve ever had! Did not share any lol. Get your hands on this for your next dinner party or movie night. You will not be disappointed! Check out the flavours and order online here.
I love the combo of spicy & sweet so when I tried Wilmont Orchards Blueberry Habanero Jelly, my tastebuds were in love. The jelly was served on tiny crackers with a little cheese and I definitely had a few samples. IT IS SO GOOD. This is great to have in your fridge for unexpected guests or when you’re craving a little treat. Check out their other products and place an order here.
Blistape is proudly Women, LGBTQ+, and Canadian-owned. These little patches can be used anywhere on your body and are made from a proprietary fabric blend, enriched with vitamin E, and available in multiple skin tones. I’ve used it on my feet for blisters or to cover my nips in certain outfits, they work wonders!
Thank you to the Glo Communications team for having me back this year!
You probably don’t know this about me but for just over 2 years I’ve been tracking my alcohol use with an app called Sunnyside. This app has had a huge impact on my life and I feel it’s truly helped change my mindset around drinking and encouraged me to be more mindful in other areas of my life.
I was recently on the Sunnyside Podcast talking about how I use the app, scroll down to watch or listen!
For years I went out all the time to media events, product launches, restaurant openings, and parties. Most of it has been documented here! In 2020, I started to take a healthier approach to my life by going to the gym, running, and eating healthier. This was just before the pandemic, and although I stuck to my workouts, there were times during that period when I consumed more alcohol than I cared to admit.
I reached a point where I decided something had to change, I wasn’t looking to go totally sober but I knew that drinking regularly was having a negative impact. I’m unsure how I found Sunnyside, but I’m glad I did. I started with a trial which included setting up text alerts, tracking dry days, and being intentional with the times I was going to consume alcohol.
The trial moved to 3 months and I began paying for the app. Now, two years later, I can confidently say it’s had a huge impact. I’ve swapped all the random events for weight lifting and yoga and am much more intentional when I do attend something.
Watch this video to hear my story with the Sunnyside app or listen to the podcast here on your favourite platform.
Today marks 745 days with Sunnyside and I have no plans to quit the app. I enjoy the text alerts and reminders to help me stick to my goals. It’s amazing how making one mindful change can impact on other areas of your life. Using the app was something I kept to myself for a long time but over the past two years, more and more friends have started drinking less or going sober. I’ve enjoyed these conversations and finding other fun ways to go out than sitting at a bar.
If you’d like to give Sunnyside a try, use my link here to sign up for a free trial. You’ll be glad you did! If you have any questions about my experience or want to share your own story, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram.
Earlier this year at SXSW in Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Elley Cheng, President of Pantone. In this exclusive interview, Cheng discussed the profound impact of colour on communication and branding + shared an exciting collaboration with Grammy-nominated Tierra Whack. I also had to ask her, what’s your fav colour?!
Known for its widely used colour-matching system, Pantone sees colour as more than aesthetics, it’s a language that conveys emotions, messages, and brand identities.
Colour and Culture
After noticing that Elley wore Pantone shoes, we discussed evolving colour trends in culture and society. Elley pointed out that colours are constantly evolving, with their meanings shifting over time. For example, the evolution of pink illustrates a dynamic relationship between colour and culture, from gender norms to millennial pink, and the evolving brand of Barbie. “Color doesn’t stay static, just as culture doesn’t stay static,” Elley mentioned how pink has “gone through a vibe shift.” What was once a colour with limited gender connotations, pink now carries diverse and complex cultural significance.
Understanding these cultural shifts is an important consideration for brands as they craft their identities and messages. As Cheng emphasized, “We want to showcase the way colour can express a thought, a brand’s meaning, or what they stand for. It’s the most direct and quickest way to hit the person’s psychology.”
Building a Brand with Passion
Elley highlighted Pantone’s role in facilitating communication through collaborations, such as the recent partnership with Grammy-nominated rapper Tierra Whack for her album release. Working with conceptual artist Alex Da Corte, a curated palette of colours was inspired by Whack’s persona and artistic vision. This collaboration is a testament to how colour can powerfully express a brand or person’s identity.
“Color and culture are very strongly tied because one creates and reinforces the other,” this interaction is evident in how brands use colour to connect to current cultural landscapes while shaping future trends. Pantone’s initiatives, such as the Pantone Color of the Year, reflect this understanding, helping brands align their visual identities with broader cultural movements.
Pantone’s Role in the Creative Industry
The influence of Pantone extends beyond colour matching to encompass a broader impact on the creative industry. Cheng mentioned her SXSW panel with Monotype, Getty Images, and Canva, which focussed on current issues in brand-building and their implications for the future of creativity. The conversation explored how brands can navigate the complex interplay of colour and culture to create meaningful connections with their audiences. Listen to the panel here.
Personal Touch: Favorite Colors and Merchandise
After chatting about colour, collaborations and branding, I couldn’t help but ask Elley a very important question…what’s your favourite colour? In a characteristically Pantone response, she shared her love for deeper shades of red, a colour she finds energizing and attention-grabbing. “There’s this level of energy and excitement in red, and at the same time, it has a deep sophistication.” Her preference highlights the emotional and psychological impact that specific colours can have, both personally and professionally.
Pantone has expanded their palette into consumer products, including books and lifestyle goods, catering to all who love colour beyond professional use. This move signifies Pantone’s recognition of colour’s role in personal expression and style, hinting at future endeavours to bring their iconic colours into everyday fashion.
As a company deeply rooted in the world of colour, Pantone continues to shape artistic expression, brand identity, and cultural trends through its innovative collaborations and products. Elley Cheng’s insights at SXSW show the dynamic relationship between colour and culture, highlighting the importance of agility and authenticity in branding.
Pantone’s projects and partnerships promise to keep the brand ahead of the colourful conversations that influence how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
In a mattter of days this phrase has taken over the internet. Brat Summer is over, we’ve moved on to Demure Girl Summer. It seemed like the perfect title for a post where I visit a Lavender Farm in the country.
On my recent day trip to Durham Region, we stopped at Lavender Blu Farm, a small eco-family farm that’s been making artisanal lavender products since 2007. This quaint farm is located in Seagrave, Ontario, along the Sideroads of Scugog. Their mission is all about cultivating calm, something I can totally vibe with.
The farm offers a variety of events throughout the summer including yoga, painting, and lavender picking. It can also be booked as a wedding or event venue. I would love to do yoga there!
I loved learning about places to visit in the Durham Region, I had no idea there were so many farms an hour away from Toronto. The area is full of great places to check out including markets, pubs, museums, and galleries, see a full list at sideroadsofscugog.ca.
The studio has lavender hanging from the ceiling and features over 80 lavender-inspired products. You will feel calm the moment you walk through the doors. The whole atmosphere of the farm is relaxing.
Here’s to living a calm life!
P.S. If the title of this post makes absolutely no sense to you, read this and watch this. It’s a TikTok thing and it’s taking over!
This week I visited The Sunflower Farm on the edge of Lake Simcoe along the backroads of Brock, Ontario. If you’ve been looking for a great summer adventure with family or friends, get to Durham ASAP. The sunflowers are only in bloom for 2 weeks!
Durham Region is about an hour from Toronto and is made up of eight cities and towns; Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock. On my adventure with the Toronto Blogger Collective and Durham Tourism, we visited four of their scenic rural routes, A Country Path, the Leaksdale Loop, Backroad of Brock, and the Sideroads of Scugog. I will share more about each route in my upcoming posts!
I truly loved visiting The Sunflower Farm! We got to meet Ursala, the farmer of this multigenerational family farm and she introduced us to the animals including the cutest little goat named Feta.
The farm has thousands of sunflowers, a sunflower-shaped trail, and plenty of great spots for taking photos. You can also purchase merch or sunflowers to bring home.
Parking is available on the farm and is included with your entrance ticket.
NO picking sunflowers! The field will be harvested in the fall for sunflower birdseed.
Want to take professional photos? Get in touch ahead of time to secure a Photography Pass.
Picnics and outside food are not allowed on the farm.
Don’t Pollute! Take any garbage with you or leave in the onsite bins.
Dress appropriately! You’re on a farm, there are flies, bees, bugs, and dirt.
Wanna bring your pup? Doggie Days are on Saturdays only.
Something that made the day really special was travelling around the area with Town Trolley Tours. Our hosts, Michael and Pauline, took us to each stop in their replica “San Francisco Trolley”, sharing stories about their lives, the region, and playing tunes on request. We even had a sing-along to The Tragically Hip! You can rent the trolley for events, weddings, and more, details here.
If you’re looking for a great activity to get in before the end of summer, I highly recommend taking a trip to The Sunflower Farm and North Durham. There’s lots to do in the area! Check out durham.ca to see their curated collections of farms, markets, breweries, wineries, historical sites, and attractions.
You’re guaranteed to have a great time and feel refreshed after taking in the country air! I came home with sunflowers and a bunch of treats from local farms. I can’t wait to go back when the leaves start to change. There’s a pumpkin patch at Tindale Farm Market! 🎃
Last week I went to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Bud Stage and we had VIP tickets! My friend Luis Mendoza from LA is on tour with the band and hooked us up with great seats + lounge access before the show.
This was my first time at Bud Stage this summer. Before the show, it was POURING down with rain, so much that Lakeshore Blvd was completely flooded. Lorilynn and I took an Uber and by the time we met Sarah at the venue, the sun was out and it turned into a beautiful hot summer evening. The show was awesome and we sang/danced right until the end.
Luis and I have been friends since the early days of Twitter. We met on the platform and finally in person at SXSW in 2012. Since then, we have hung out in LA and every time he’s in Toronto on tour with a band. THANK YOU FOR THE TIX MY FRIEND!!!!
Hope to catch a few more concerts there before the temps cool down in the fall!
This past weekend I joined Natalie for a sip & snack event called Feastie Food Festival at Henderson Brewery. It was such a beautiful day and we arrived just in time to catch the media tour. There was heaps of great food + we got to make our own cocktails & sample a few of others.
Putting a spotlight on Local, BIPOC & Female-owned Small Businesses, while Pairing with Really Good Drinks…
As the founder of Evelyn Chick Projects (ECP), Evelyn leads a premier hospitality agency offering beverage consultancy, event management, and custom cocktail experiences. She also runs Ahma, a pop-up event space, and Simpl Things, a day-to-night bar in Parkdale. Additionally, she recently authored and published ‘For The Love of Cocktails’.
Had a feeling it was going to rain so we set up a perfect spot inside the brewery to watch the storm roll in. It was crazy windy!
Thank you to the team at Bubblegum Canada for having us. Super fun! If you’d like to learn more about the vendors or other events, visit feastie.ca.
Can you believe it? It’s already mid-June! This year is flying by! It feels like we were setting our New Year’s resolutions just yesterday, and now we’re soaking up the sun, savouring long days, and making the most of every beautiful moment.
Summer is in full swing, and I couldn’t be happier. There’s something magical about this time of year that brings out the best in all of us. My favorite thing to do is simply be outside. Whether it’s a long afternoon walk or an impromptu picnic with friends, being outdoors is my absolute favorite. There’s nothing like the feeling of the sun on your skin and a gentle breeze to remind you of the simple joys in life.
Have been doing a lot of 5K+ walks lately. I love exploring new neighborhoods and rediscovering familiar ones. There’s always something new to see and appreciate! Walking is a great way to clear my mind and get some exercise. Parks are another perfect spot for summer, I like to bring a blanket, snacks, hydration, and lounge in the sun.
Summer is all about creating memories with people you love. As we dive into the heart of 2024, let’s make the most of every sunny day and warm night. Embrace the spontaneity, cherish the laughter, and soak in all the summer goodness.
Here’s to an amazing June and an even better summer!
Last week my two BFFs and I stopped by the new Awkward Portrait Studio by Awkward Family Photos to preview it before opening weekend. Lauren, Sarah, and I were joined by the lovely Greta (Lauren’s cat) for a super cute photoshoot. Scroll down for a link to my giveaway for your own session. 😁
Once you arrive at the pop-up you can pick your backgrounds and use any of their many props. It’s located at Richmond & Bathurst and each 30-minute studio session includes 2 backdrops and 10 digital photos. You can also buy printed photos, merch, or the official Awkward Family Photos book.
I have posted a giveaway on my Instagram for a FREE portrait session. ENTER HERE! The winner will be announced Friday. You must be following me and @awkwardportraitstudio. The session is for 30 mins and you can bring up to 8 people! Pets are welcome.
If I were to do it again I would plan much more awkward outfits and weird poses. They have iPads where you can view all the background choices and get inspired by awkward ways to pose. Some of them are seriously hilarious! I planned for us all to bring denim jackets at the last minute and I love these ones so much.
Awkward Family Photos – How It All Started
Childhood BFFs Mike and Doug started the website in May 2009 after Mike saw an awkward vacation photo hanging in his parents’ house. Thinking there were probably heaps of other people with their own awkward family images, they created a friendly place where everyone could share and celebrate their awkward family moments. Book your family or friends session here and see us on their website.
Had the best day! Woke up early and went to Trillium Park at Ontario Place for the Unbounded Sunrise Social event. Watched the sunrise with a meditation, jumped around to music, went in the cold, then in the sauna, and listened to live tunes by the fire. It was perfect.
Went to a few of these events last summer, so fun. This year they had a Sunset Social but I couldn’t make it. If you’re looking for an event that doesn’t involve going to a bar or restaurant that will make you feel GREAT after, this is for you. The cold plunge community in the city, especially Unbounded, is so lovely. Positive people with an interest in wellness, having fun, and making the most of each day.
There’s a bunch of benefits for the mind and body. Please remember, I am not a doctor and you should prob check to see if this is safe before you give it a go.
Aside from being great for stress & anxiety, it helps circulation. When you plunge into icy water, your blood vessels constrict, pushing blood toward your core to keep you warm. Then, when you get out, those vessels open up and send fresh, oxygenated blood rushing back to your limbs. This can help reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery. If you’ve been hitting or need a little extra recovery, cold plunge.
Cold shock releases endorphins, filling you with energy and positivity. It’s pretty crazy! Everyone at this event was smiling. The mental act of pushing through the pain of cold water will make you feel a natural high (for real). A 2-minute dip in cold water can be just the thing to clear my mind and boost my mood. Exposure to cold also stimulates the production of white blood cells to help fight off infections and help regulate your body’s temperature. Cold tub + sauna before bed = good sleep.
This weekend, Shark|Ninja invited us to the incredible home of Toronto based artist Charles Pachter for a kickoff to summer. Panoramic views, great people, and the centrepiece of it all – a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill. They were also giving away custom grillz onsite from Cappd. I didn’t win a custom grill but I would really like to have this outdoor grill on our patio. Especially Sean lol.
Had a great chat with Charles about his career and beautiful home, both a private residence and gallery museum. He purchased the lot 1996 and there was a Jewish funeral home in the back, “I really took a chance with this place when no one else wanted to“.
It was nice to see friends and eat snacks on the rooftop, just as the sun was setting. I had so many laughs my face legit hurt. Loved exploring the art, glass elevator, studio, and multiple patios.
I first visited this house in 2010 (see below) and to quote myself, “Honestly, the place is stunning. If you ever get to go there, go. Actually, find a reason.”
When I saw the theme was ’70’s mod/cool’, I knew my outfit right away. This silky jumpsuit has been sitting in my closet for months and I was waiting for the perfect moment to bring her out.
👩🏼💻 According to the archives, I first visited this same home in 2010 for a Toronto Film Fest party. Reading old blog posts is such a trip. It’s like an old diary, written by you at some point, yet you don’t remember writing it, but it’s you, it’s your life. Looking back sometimes brings up memories and feelings, that are hard to face. Dwayne, who is mentioned in this blog post has since passed away, I hadn’t thought about him in a while. That was a good night tho. I’m pretty sure the paper wrote about the party. This post is a bit of a rollercoaster because I wrote the quote below which is cute, not cute, is the mention of a problematic former radio host.
“I would really like to star in a film, there is no doubt that I am a great actress. Ask Mum!”
Daydreaming at the White Lotus hotel in Maui…🪷☀️🌴 Daydreaming for real because I used photos, magic, & AI to go there!
On May 22nd during Toronto Tech Week, I’m speaking on a panel about AI’s Impact on The Travel Industry. Look forward to sharing my thoughts about AI as a marketer & content creator.Details here.
I was at the Social Next conference about a week ago and the whole theme was AI in marketing. I’m fired up for this travel talk, it’s gonna be a spicy conversation!
AI & Content Creation
Now, how did I make it look like I was in Maui using artificial intelligence and a green screen? No Gatekeeping! I started with an image of me on a green screen, grabbed photo from the Four Seasons Hotel in Maui website (where White Lotus S2 was filmed), then pasted myself on the balcony. I added a filter using InShot app to the entire image (me + balcony)to make it look more of a vibe and like it was actually taken that way.
In order to make the landscape photo fit into a square for Instagram, I used a technique called ‘outpainting’ to fill in in the top and bottom of the image with AI. The app I used for this is called Photoleap, you can also do this in Photoshop using Generative Fill.
It’s amazing what can be done, but is it cool or is it scary? What does this mean for content? Content creators? Brands? Travel companies? How can AI be used effectively for travel?
If you’d like to learn more about AI or join to our talk about AI & the travel industry, register here.
P.S. As I was checking the SEO for my post, looks like I can now use AI to write meta descriptions with the Yoast plugin. AI IS EVERYWHERE!
Today I’m featured on Allure Magazine in an article by Beth Sobol about peoples love for beauty products that are now discontinued. For YEARS my go-to face makeup was ‘Hello Flawless‘ by Benefit Cosmetics. I never left home without it, ever. In the article I called it ‘Photoshop for your face’, it really was THAT GOOD.
A couple years ago, I found it at a liquidation pop-up in Muskoka after being discontinued for years. Read my story, and a few from some die-hard beauty product fans on allure.com. Thanks Beth!
This month started with the Solar Eclipse in Aries, right in the middle of Mercury Retrograde. I booked an astrology reading for the Aries Full and my fav astrologist, Kait Fowlie, gave me some things to think about and reminders that I’m on the right track.
Toronto only had a partial eclipse but it was so wild to watch it happen! The sky went dark like nighttime but it was the middle of the day. I was outside for the whole event and did a cold plunge on the roof during the minutes of darkness.
I’ve been focussed on my workouts lately, my weeks have been filled with yoga, pilates, running, weight training, and lots of long walks. I even started a tap class! I am very out of practise as it’s been 20+ years but it’s a super fun way to burn calories. I love it!
My fav season (Taurus!) is just around the corner and my birthday is in a couple weeks. Here’s to seeing clearly and making my dreams come true!
Look at this vintage beauty! The art (of me!) was created by Jane Dope, a lifestyle company started by Cannabis industry legend Abi Roach. They’ve got all kinds of cute merch featuring some of Canada’s leading Women in Weed. Personally, I really want to order this specific bikini with w33d on it.
Introducing the Casie Collection from Jane Dope, designed to celebrate the athletic, outgoing, and undeniably fashionable side of every Jane Dope woman. This collection features a vibrant array of tees, accessories, and stash bags that perfectly blend functionality with flair. Each piece is crafted for the active lifestyle, offering both comfort and style whether you’re hitting the gym, exploring the outdoors, or just keeping it casual. The Casie Collection embodies the spirit of the dynamic woman on the go, making it easy to stay stylish while embracing life’s adventures. Perfect for those who live their life with energy and style, this collection is your new go-to for all things chic and sporty.
In case you’re new here, I’ve been openly part of this space since the early days of legalization, read an article about me on Lift.co here.
Need a little stash pouch for your purse, makeup, or anything? Get this one! I often carry a huge purse while I’m on the go or travelling so having these little bags to organize my stuff is essential. The journal below is an image of my friend Jacqui Childs, love it. Check out all the collections here.
Abi, thank you for including me in Jane Dope! I heard that they’re coming our with a line of makeup and maybe some other stuff. Make sure you’re following Jane Dope on IG here!
I went sailing in Bahamas! Earlier this month I flew south to spend a week with mum on their boat in the Exuma, Bahamas. It was so beautiful! From the moment I saw that blue water I knew I was somewhere special!
I flew from TO to Atlanta then landed at the Exuma airport on a sunny Friday afternoon. My driver was there waiting to deliver me to the parents in George Town, Bahamas. They picked me up and we took the. little dinghy over to their sailboat.
The next day we sailed 4 hours to Lee Stocking Island to spend a few days in this stunning + remote location. It was stunning! We went to an island with iguanas and then to another island where we had the beach all to ourselves!
Grateful for my friend Danica, designer of Bathing Belle swimsuits for hooking mum and I up with these GORGEOUS swimsuits. Every suit I wore on this trip was by Bathing Belle, her shop is is in Roncesvalles, Toronto and you should totally check it out.
She’s got tons of prints & styles, you can get a custom suit, or have your suit adjusted to be the perfect fit. Highly recommend! I’ve posted about Bathing Belle before here.
In just a few days the sun will set at 7pm, and we’ll be one hour ahead. I can’t wait. Have been loving the sunshine and warmer temps lately. Spring isn’t far!
This tiny portable tripod has been so useful! Fits in your bag, is sturdy and you can pop it up easily for photos. Who needs a photographer!
Two really cute things I’ve ordered from Amazon lately are this little pill organizer. I am determined to take my vitamins this year! Also this set of hair bows, honestly they just look so adorable and really fancy up second-day hair.
If you’re looking for a little something to boost your mood every single day, check out the Smiley BB ring by Santa Isla. I met the founder when I was a speaker in her college class, we stayed friends, now she has this amazing company. I wear my smiley almost every day!
I used to spend $$$ on my gym each month and discovered I could do the same classes, plus yoga + more with ClassPass. I’ve been using it for about 6 months now and seriously love it. If you wanna join me for a class sometime. Sign up here for a free month + 20 credits!
While I’m here sharing the goods, if you’re shopping online and don’t have Rakuten, what are you doing? Sign up here and get cash back on purchases. It adds up!
It feels like spring feels like it’s playing hide and seek, last week we had double digits temps and today we’re under a blanket of snow. There’s only 3 weeks before the time change and we’ll have brighter days. Good things come to those who wait, right?
My workouts have become my go-to therapy. There’s nothing like a good sweat sesh to boost those endorphins and kick winter SAD to the curb. I’ve been hitting the gym, yoga & pilates classes, and lots of long walks outside. These moments of movement are like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day.
As I’m here hustling through the last stretch of winter, I’m to sending good vibes your way. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, know that warmer days are just around the corner. Spring might be playing hard to get, but we’re not backing down.
Stay warm, stay active, and remember – the flowers will bloom, and so will you. 🌷✨💖
I recently spent a weekend with Unbounded at Canada’s Cold Camp, and if peace & tranquility had a home, it would be right there on that secluded peninsula by Oak Lake. It was awesome. For more photos & info follow @stayunbounded on Instagram & scroll down for a discount to book your own experience.
Unbounded’s motto is all about embracing winter and immersing yourself in nature, and trust me, they deliver on that promise. The setting was pure magic – a private spot that offers the perfect blend of serenity and comfort, far removed from the city chaos. Very chill vibes. 😎
The experience encourages you to step out of your comfort zones with cold exposure, but in the most laid-back way possible. Imagine frozen lake ice pools, a cedar barrel sauna, and a cliffside cedar barrel hot tub – all against the backdrop of nature. Winter at its best.
Throughout the weekend, Sean and walked in the woods, did yoga, breath work, and cycled thought cold dips in the lake, hot sauna sessions, or relaxing in the hot tub. Sean even got out for a cross country ski on the frozen lake.
Activities at Cold Camp are thoughtfully curated for relaxation and are low-key yet invigorating. Each moment was an opportunity to unwind and connect with nature in a way that left us feeling rejuvenated. We stated in a private chalet on the property that had a queen size bed and smaller room with a couch that folds out to a bed. I used the smaller room as my closet because I packed 100 outfits.
Unbounded gives you the option to bring your groceries or you can pre-order meals, snacks, and juices from their partner, Nook Kitchen. We packed our own food because cooking at a cabin in the woods reminded us of being at the cottage. 💙 I loved making our meals in our full kitchen equipped with everything you might need including a fridge and small appliances.
Cold Camp with Unbounded is a must-try if you wanna break out of the winter blues. It’s an experience that challenges without being overwhelming, rejuvenates without pushing too hard, and leaves you with a sense of tranquility. I hope my experience will shift your perspective on winter retreats. 🤗
You only have a few more weeks of winter, book your Cold Camp experience HERE & use CASIE15 for a discount!
Winter, you’ve never looked so good!
If you’re looking for other ways to boost your winter vibes, I wrote a series on beating WINTER SAD here.
Imagine a retreat that’s part cottage escape, part Winter Wonderland, and right downtown, let me introduce you to Winterviews, presented by RendezViews. A unique experience that brings the best of Canadian winter traditions to the heart of our vibrant city.
We stopped by to check it out and it’s so fun! You only have a couple more weeks to get in all the winter activities so scroll down for more info or tap the link to book.
This one-of-a-kind destination boasts 10 private dining cabins, a snug communal lodge, and a synthetic skating rink that’s set to be the largest Glice® Eco™ Rink in Toronto this season. Thanks to the support of the Toronto Downtown West BIA, this eco-friendly marvel works in all weather conditions, using zero water, requiring no energy, and emitting no CO2. 👍
But that’s not all – the culinary delights from the talented team at Selva (amazing food!) take this experience to a whole new level. Picture yourself sipping on specialized hot drinks and indulging in a full spread of mouthwatering food while surrounded by a magical winter landscape.
Booking Details for Winterviews
You can book these cozy cabins online for up to 9 people. The packages are as enticing as the experience – there’s one that includes a feast of food, drinks, and even s’mores (just $75 per person + gratuity & tax). If you’re in the mood for a more casual get-together with friends or a date, there’s a package with a $50 fee and a $200 minimum spend for the group, + gratuity & tax. All the booking details are right here, so you can plan your perfect winter escape hassle-free. Winterviews is open Wednesday-Saturday 5pm +.
Can you guess which hand is mine? Sean’s?!
Hold on to your toques, there’s more…they now have a karaoke cabin! Follow @rendezviewstofor other announcements and updates. (I gave them a few ideas for random cabin parties! 🤗)
Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, a foodie looking for a unique dining experience, or just someone who wants to enjoy the season with friends, stop by and check it out.
Embrace the magic of winter, you only have a couple weeks left!
Cheers to the Winterviews team, thank you for having us!
How cool is this! In December, after dancing to Taylor Swift in my audition, I booked a gig with Rogers/CHFI for an upcoming campaign. I had one day on set to film a TV commercial and one day in the Rogers studio for print images. It was so fun!
I thought it wasn’t going to be live until later this year but much to my surprise, it is! I got a DM on January 2nd that someone saw me in a CHFI Instagram ad, the next day someone saw the TV commercial, and on Friday I got a text that I was on billboards. What a cool start to the year! 🤗
I spent a week in Miami with the Weaver & Loom team to attend Design Miami, Art Basel, and host two lunches for interior designers at the 1 Hotel. Scroll down for a gallery of my favs from Art Basel. I love Miami!
I really enjoyed Design Miami, great event with so many cool boots. Each day was really busy so I didn’t hit up much of the nightlife.
I went to the beach in the mornings before to put my feet in the ocean and soak up a little bit of sunshine. Our hotel was a block away from the beach and we also had a nice pool. It wasn’t crazy hot but coming to Miami from Toronto winter, it was warm to me!
