prairie girl musings

Author: prairiegirlmusings

Pittsburgh City Guide

Pittsburgh is often overshadowed by other American cities. The Rust Belt isn’t the most obvious choice for tourism, but maybe that’s one of the reasons I’m drawn to it. As long weekends are scarce in Canada (even in the summer), a group of eight of us decided to make the most of May Long this year, venturing to Pittsburgh for three days.

Should you find yourself in Pittsburgh (and I hope you do!) here are a few things I recommend adding to your itinerary!

Stay:
Much to my excitement, Ace Hotel will soon be opening up a Pittsburgh location! Headquartered in trendy Portland, Oregon, the hotel chain is making waves both in North America and abroad. Toronto’s even rumoured to be getting an Ace Hotel in the next few years.

We settled on the Omni William Penn Hotel, which is an equally stunning option. I love old hotels with their extravagant lobbies – and William Penn was no exception!

See:
Andy Warhol Museum: The largest museum dedicated to a single artist in the world, The Warhol is seven floors and features over 8,000 original pieces. It’s easy to spend a day here learning about Andy’s life, especially if you appreciate contemporary and pop art.

The Mattress Factory: This is on my list for the next time I visit Pittsburgh as we didn’t make it this time around! I’ve heard it one of the best contemporary art galleries in the world.

Duquesne Incline: For the best view of Pittsburgh, take a cable car up the Duquesne Incline.

Carnegie Mellon: I love visiting university campuses, particularly in the United States. Home to some of the greatest minds in America, Carnegie Mellon is absolutely inspiring.

The University of Pittsburgh: A beautiful, green campus, Pitt was buzzing with activity. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Learning, an architectural gem, and the assortment of classrooms highlighting various cultures.

Heinz Museum: Learn the history of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania at this interactive history centre.

Eat and Drink:
You can’t go wrong with the endless eating and drinking options in Pittsburgh. There were plenty of food trucks scattered throughout the city. Here are some standouts:

Church Brew Works: You guessed it, Church Brew Works is housed in a former Anglican church. The restaurant/bar serves up an extensive beer list and incredible perogies (And I’ve had my fair share!)

Meat and Potatoes: A popular brunch spot, Meat and Potatoes has the most insane Bloody Mary bar. The rest of the cocktail menu is out of this world, and the breakfast staples are served with a twist.

Amazing Café: A healthier option for breakfast and lunch, with lots of vegetarian dishes.

Bluebird Kitchen: The town square and market is the place to be in the morning. Stop by Bluebird Kitchen for a smoothie or organic steel-cut oats.

Coffee:
What’s a trip without a bit of cafe hopping, right?

Constellation Coffee: Nick and I were in the midst of cycling around the city in 28 degree heat and humidity, and were in need of iced coffees, this place was our saving grace. I wish I lived in Pittsburgh just so I could frequent this cafe. The space is beautiful and serene and the coffee is off the charts.

21st Street Tea and Coffee: Intelligentsia beans, knowledgable baristas, and a killer patio, right in the middle of The Strip District.

What are your must-visit spots in Pittsburgh?

September 18, 2015
Surf Shop by Lost & Found

We’re constantly bombarded with imagery at every turn in Toronto. “I think one of the most notable things about Lost & Found is how meditative and grounded it makes me feel,” Navroz tells me before we visit the shop to chat with owner, Jonathan Elias about his new Surf Shop.

City life can be overwhelming, and Navroz returns to Lost & Found as a reference point. “This is what I need to be wearing,” she emphasizes.

After opening in January 2011, Lost & Found moved to its permanent digs on Queen & Ossington in November 2013. Starting out as a coffee shop, they eventually incorporated menswear. “We had the trifecta – a barber shop, coffee shop and menswear. After the barbers moved out, we felt compelled to create a revolving space,” says Jonathan.

The impending summer months and wanting to dedicate the space to Bather, an entirely Toronto brand, provided inspiration for the Surf Shop. “It was fun transitioning the room into what it is now. The DIY project came into fruition shortly after the barbers left in April 2015.”

Jonathan explains that a surf shop is so unexpected in Toronto. And while people don’t necessarily associate surfing with Toronto, Surf the Greats and cold water surfing are helping change that. “It’s not only about surfing, but also the culture of surfing,” he says.

The Surf Shop is about taking a vacation from your day-to-day life, it’s dedicated to the weekend. As Jonathan explains, “it’s an oasis from the day-to-day drudgery of life.

The team at Lost & Found wanted to offer a lifestyle shop. And with increased access to blogs and Instagram, more and more people are willing to try different looks.

Why is there a resurgence in surf culture?
I think skate culture has always been prevalent in Canada. Surfing itself is relaxed, it’s an escape. I don’t think it’s necessarily a resurgence, but people are maybe more aware of it.

You were recently in Japan, how does shopping differ?
In Japan, people shop for inspiration. So much thought is put into the smallest details and it’s very methodical. It’s the ethos of shopping in Japan, and in terms of merchandising and presentation, it’s very inviting. As Westerners, we usually shop for a specific item or occasion. We don’t necessarily want to browse through everything, we’re consumers here.

Can we anticipate some new Japanese lines?
One of the reasons we went to Japan was to pick up a Japanese brand called The Real McCoys. It’s essentially based off World War II silhouettes. They make M65 jackets, A1 bombers, and all the pieces are specced to exactly what they were in the war, but with a modern cut. It’s very authentic, you can see the craftsmanship and quality in every piece.

This heritage aspect is the epitome of what Lost & Found is all about. There’s a reason why many of the brands we carry are 100 years old. They’re doing something right, but they’re not reinventing the wheel. People love the wheel, they don’t want to see crazy differences in what we offer. They like slight updates and alterations.

You’ll be attending the Capsule shows soon, what are your hopes?
The best part of going to New York is visiting the brands. They’re amazing people, and we love meeting them face-to-face. They’re very receptive to how their products are doing, and what they should do differently. We love investing in the brands we already carry, and potentially add one or two new brands.

The team also gathers inspiration in New York: “people are constantly doing things, and you always have to be one step ahead.”

What’s iconic in terms of surf?
“I grew up in the nineties, and Quiksilver was iconic for me and resonated with me. I was 19 or 20 and I was obsessed. I could relate to it, it was fun, the branding was great. I would love to see a resurgence of BodyGlove and Ocean Pacific. What epitomized Hawaii. I think those brands could easily be resurrected with the

You know garments, fabrics, and cuts so well. Would you ever design a house brand?
We’ll do a house brand, but it will be an interpretation of what we all like. It’s essential to work in collaboration as we all have different ideas, interpretations, and understandings. I couldn’t do it on my own.

Navroz, a long-time Lost & Found fan, finds that newly introduced pieces are always life-changing. I can feel her excitement when Jonathan mentions they’ll be introducing belts and wallets come September.

As Jonathan states, “that’s where the name Lost & Found comes from – you can get lost in the brand and find something you’ve never seen before.”

Styling by Navroz Lalani
Photography by Lena Franford

July 26, 2015
Goodbye Toronto!

From the moment I stepped off the subway at Osgoode Station, leisurely rolling my suitcase across the streetcar tracks, I knew I’d love living in Toronto. It was a place I had visited as a child, and then again in my late adolescent years. When I graduated university, I applied to every editorial internship I could find in Toronto because “if I could make it in Toronto, I could make it anywhere,” or so was my mantra. Over the past two and a half years, Toronto has continued to surprise and enchant me. City life is less overwhelming than when I first arrived, but no less impressive. And it is with both excitement and apprehension that I say goodbye to this wonderful city.

Nick has accepted a job as a policy planner in his hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. Yes, that Christchurch. The one that was ravaged by two earthquakes, devastating the downtown core, claiming the lives of 185 people, and displacing thousands more from their homes and jobs. Even thinking about the move overseas has been emotional, and we haven’t started packing up our apartment. Not only is Christchurch so far from home, it will differ from what I’ve known in countless ways. Having lived and studied in Auckland, all of my friends are there. So yes, I’ll be closer to them, but still so far.

I recall my first visit to the Garden City in 2009, pre-earthquake. Almost immediately, I remarked how I could see myself living here, even settling down in this stunning city surrounded by ocean and mountains. Nick has often spoken about how he’d like to return, to help rebuild his parents’ home; a beautiful Victorian that will soon be torn down. His new job will allow him to influence Christchurch’s rebirth through public transport and accessibility. Having the foresight to envision a lively, vibrant community, Christchurch is projected to be a cycling city where people gather in the town centre. The New York Times even published an article about the many reasons to visit Christchurch, post-quake. I have no doubt that Christchurch will rise above the rubble like many great cities struck before it. Just look at San Francisco and New Orleans, both experienced revitalization and surges in tourism following devastating natural disasters.

There have been many incredible initiatives taking place in Christchurch, demonstrating the compassion and strength of its residents. In a world of war and turmoil, it’s important to acknowledge the small victories of a city’s rebirth and the humanity of its people. It invigorates my spirit to know that in times of need, communities step up in order to help one another heal and get back on their feet.

July 20, 2015
{Mini} Wellington City Guide

I know I say this about every city I travel to, but Wellington is my favourite little capital. Vogue even declared it the coolest little city in the world, with their guide of 15 things to see and do in the capital. There’s no denying Wellington is hip, it’s home to many of New Zealand’s greatest writers and artists. Catch a Wellington Phoenix game and visit Parliament, or the Beehive as its commonly known. All these personalities make for an interesting, vibrant city. Walk along Cuba Street and you’ll immediately understand what I mean.

Nick’s sister, Catherine was in her last year of high school when Christchurch’s two major earthquakes struck. It makes sense that she and many of her cohorts decided to attend university in Wellington. Nick, Annie, and I flew down to Welly to spend three days visiting friends and attending Cat’s 21st birthday party. Let’s just say, I’d return in a heartbeat.

Here are some of my favourite spots in Wellington:

Hangar by Flight Coffee: Can we all just agree that the flat white originated in New Zealand, not Australia? You haven’t tasted a flat white until you’ve visited Hangar. Annie had a tasting flight (haha!) and was seriously impressed.

Lambton Quay: Annie and I were on a shopping mission during our first day in Wellington, and Lambton Quay was the ideal place to start. Right across from our hotel, the plaza features all New Zealand’s major designers – Moochi, Ruby, Ricochet, Kathryn Wilson, and the list goes on…all designed and made right in New Zealand.

Fidel’s Café: I’m probably the last person I know to dine at Fidel’s. Even my sister and cousins raved about the food when they visited Wellington (and I stayed home to study for exams) a few years ago. I finally dined at the Wellington mainstay (twice) during my most recent visit. The cuban burrito is pretty amazing. Whatever you do, please make sure you order the house made sea salt caramel milkshake, and share it with your first ever uni friend who you happen to bump into (for the second time) on Cuba Street. What did I tell you, Wellington is small!

Te Papa Museum: One of my favourite museums, Te Papa seamlessly combines New Zealand’s rich history with beautiful works of art. And it manages to cater equally to people of all ages, which is not an easy feat. We attended the Air New Zealand exhibit, which commemorated 100 years of the award-winning airline, and it did not disappoint.

twenty-seven names: Tucked away, just off Cuba Street is twenty-seven names’ original store. Another Kiwi staple, the brand is more tailored and streamlined than other designers. I couldn’t afford anything here, but I admired the classic shapes and styles, which are reminiscent of Parisian designs and of the highest quality.

Wellington Chocolate Factory: A theme is already taking shape in this blog post, and that is SALTED CARAMEL. I don’t know what it is about the sea salt in New Zealand (maybe the proximity to the sea?!) but man is it ever amazing! I purchased a handful of chocolate bars in an assortment of flavours (see photo below). This place seemed a bit hidden to me, but thankfully Annie’s friends made sure we stopped in! The owners were friendly and let us sample a myriad of flavours.

A few other spots to visit if you have some extra time in Wellington:

Midnight Espresso: yummy food, great espresso, fun atmosphere
Southern Cross: where Cat had her 21st birthday, they have a lovely garden patio.
Scorch-o-rama Café: Right on the water overlooking Scorching Bay (hence the unusual name), this is a beautiful spot to sit down for a delicious brunch.
The Library: I always make a point of stopping here for a drink whenever I’m in Wellington. It’s definitely one of the coolest bars I’ve ever been to.

Other city guides:

Auckland
San Francisco
Winnipeg
Boston
Amsterdam
Paris
Barcelona
London

June 19, 2015
Toronto Style Crush: Jeff Spec

Sitting down with Navroz Lalani prior to meeting Jeff Spec, her infatuation with him is evident. “Truth be told, I used to stop in for a coffee mostly so I could see what Jeff was wearing. I would stare at him and listen to the amazing tunes he had selected while sipping a delicious latte.” According to Navroz, the only worthy crushes are style crushes.

Toronto has no shortage of talented and well-dressed individuals, yet Jeff manages to stand out. Originally from Vancouver, Jeff has been writing and performing music for twenty years. He’s independently releasing his newest album in August and will be touring Europe in September and North America shortly thereafter. Navroz mentions just how relatable his lyrics are, and how he raps about everyday issues.

“I used to be more about getting personal and serious, discussing issues, but now I’m trying to write funny punchlines. A lot of the time, I want to consider the live performance element of it,” explains Jeff. He says his new music is mostly about entertaining himself and in turn, entertaining his audience.

In terms of his personal style, Jeff seamlessly combines elements of his favourite brand, Ralph Lauren with markedly gangster rap influences. When we meet, he’s wearing Bausch & Lomb Ray Bans that are either vintage or old stock, a tartan Ralph Lauren (of course) button-down, heritage Levis, and a Timex watch with a gorgeous leather band. “I’m stingy, I like to get a good deal.” And that’s one of the most satisfying aspects of Jeff’s style: his blending of economically-priced items and how well he puts everything together. He likes to research his clothes before he buys them.

What impresses me most about Jeff’s style, aren’t the pieces themselves, but the knowledge he has about each designer. “Ralph Lauren is the most hip hop clothing brand that has ever existed,” he tells me. And then boldly claims, “I would say the only reason Ralph Lauren has transcended Ivy League is because of rap.”

The triple threat is also a barista at Ideal Coffee, one of the city’s most respected coffee haunts, where he handpicks many of the funky, sultry tunes that echo through the café. Jeff has been writing since the 90s, and draws upon generations and generations of soul, funk, and jazz music, which lends itself best to the kind of music he likes to make. He specifically mentions the term boom bap rap, which I later have to look up. Jeff’s extensive knowledge of what I like to call the holy trinity: music, coffee, and fashion makes him the perfect style crush and style icon. I think Navroz said it best, “if I were a dude, I’d dress like you.”

Listen to some of Jeff’s music on SoundCloud.

Styling by Navroz Lalani and photography by Lena Franford.

June 16, 2015
Auckland City Guide

I’ve talked about my time in Auckland on this blog before, but have failed to recap my most recent trip to the South Pacific. After starting our big boy and girl jobs in Toronto, Nick and I didn’t have the chance to return to NZ until March this year. Our three-week trip (which included stops in San Francisco, Auckland, Wellington, Waihi Beach, Sydney, and Los Angeles) was a whirlwind, to say the least. With several friends and family to see, and work to complete, the trip seemed to fly by. In the end, we only spent one full week in Auckland. Our friends, Annie and Andrew put us up, and they were the absolute best hosts!

Auckland remains one of my favourite cities, which is why I’ve decided to put together a list of some of my must-visit spots. This list features places I frequented both as a student and new places I discovered this time around!

Please note that public transport in Auckland isn’t the most reliable way to get around. If you’re covering a lot of ground over a few days, it’s best to rent a car.

Cafés and Eateries
Unlike North America, New Zealand has managed to achieve the perfect balance of café and restaurant. All restaurants are fitted with espresso machines, and all employees seem to know how to pull a decent shot. Similarly, all cafés also serve delicious, healthy eats rather than just cookies or pastries. These are some of my favourites:

The Return of Rad – Mount Eden
Rad is really the best way to describe this coffee shop. The baristas are passionate about coffee, and the food on offer is equally delicious.

Dizengoff – Ponsonby Road
Straight off the plane, Annie took us to local favourite, Dizengoff. I had a bite of her creamy mushrooms, and they were out of this world. The flat whites are worth writing home about as well.

Moustache Milk and Cookie Bar – Wellesley Street West
Dangerously close to the University of Auckland campus, Moustache is the best place for an afternoon treat. With freshly baked cookies and homemade milkshakes in a variety of flavours, you’ll find it hard to stay away.

Best Ugly Bagels – City Centre
I wish Best Ugly had been around during my university days. The Montreal-style bagels reminded me of home, and were hand-rolled and baked by wood fire right before my eyes. There’s an assortment of toppings to choose from, and coffee is from Havana in Wellington.

Craven ‘A’ – Symonds Street (University of Auckland campus)
A staple for the hungry student, the coffee and breakfast at Craven ‘A’ are always on point.

Charlie and George – Mount Wellington
When meeting my uni friend, Ashley for lunch, we were both craving something healthy and wholesome. Fortunately, Charlie and George truly excels in this department. I was a big fan of their Green Goddess smoothie that’s filled with spinach, mint and kiwi fruit, apple, banana, honey, and spirulina. All the good stuff!

Shaky Isles – Britomart, Kingsland, and Auckland Airport
The food here is remarkable, especially their hearty breakfast options, but their space on Customs Street East is really what drew me in. I love the high ceilings and brick walls. Also, the branding is particularly on point. I could spend hours here writing an essay or catching up with friends.

Restaurants and Bars
We didn’t eat out for dinner too much on this trip as we were fortunate to spend our evenings with close friends. For an updated list of must-visit restaurants and bars, check out Gather and Hunt.

Sightseeing
It feels like Auckland is completely surrounded by water. Wherever you are, you are never more than 20 minutes from the ocean. Having lived in land-locked cities for most of my life, this feature was all-the-more appealing to me. It’s also worth mentioning that Auckland’s beaches are beautiful, the water isn’t too cold (even in early autumn when we were there). You won’t regret packing your togs (which is Kiwi for swimsuit) and spending a few hours at any of the many beaches. That being said, here are some more ‘urban’ must-sees:

Auckland Art Gallery
This gallery was one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon after classes. The architecture is breathtaking and there are always a lot of exhibitions on offer. I personally enjoyed when they featured Dalí and Dégas.

Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland War Memorial Museum – Auckland Domain
One of New Zealand’s most important museums with collections that focus on Auckland’s history. Constructed in the neo-classicist style, the museum is one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings in the Domain, a public park close to the CBD.

The University of Auckland campus
I may be biased, but I think my alma mater is one of the most stunning university campuses. The combination of lush greenery and interesting architecture make it a must-see Auckland destination. During my visit, I spent a few hours working from the campus library and the rest of the day sitting in Albert Park, which overlooks the university clock tower.

Shopping
New Zealand fashion is always innovative and fresh. While I love the simple elegance of Parisians and the wacky, cutting-edge looks donned by Londoners, nothing compares to my love of Kiwi designers. Perhaps being so far removed from Europe and North America has positively influenced the way New Zealanders dress. The beach and surf culture certainly influence New Zealand fashion, but not to the extent they do in Australia. Aucklanders tend to wear a lot of black in the winter, but it’s never boring. The following are must-visit shops in Auckland.

Moochi – multiple locations
I always passed by High Street while walking from campus to the bus, and almost always popped my head into Moochi. The designs here are simple and no-nonsense, easy to wear from daytime to night. The transeasonal pieces can be worn by students and professionals alike, and are made from high quality materials and fabrics.

Twenty-Seven Names – multiple locations
Twenty-Seven Names is out of my budget, but I love perusing the racks, and dreaming of adding a piece or two of the whimsical yet professional items to my wardrobe one day.

Ruby – multiple locations
I was most enamoured by Ruby when I first moved to Auckland. Quirky and whimsical, I obsessed over the bright prints and interesting colour palettes that appeared in their shop window, season after season. While my style has become a lot more practical and basic post-university, I still feel giddy when stepping into my pieces from Ruby.

Made – Customs Street East
Made is a treasure trove for those who love fashion and design. The store itself retains much of the original detailing of the old warehouse space. Raw brick walls and distressed woodwork are offset with lush cut-glass chandeliers and vintage furniture: the perfect backdrop for MADE’s eclectic, ever-changing line-up of beautiful, colourful and offbeat pieces.

Neuw Storeroom – Customs Street East
Located right beside Made, is Neuw Storeroom, the best place for all your denim needs!

The Department Store – Takapuna
Located on Auckland’s North Shore, the Department Store is a one-stop shop. Want to purchase racks filled with New Zealand’s top designers, and then settle in for a hair appointment or facial? This is the place to do it. Three storeys-high, you’ll encounter a coffee bar, Coffee General surrounded by lush botanicals by Annie O on the ground floor. This floor is also filled with classic Kiwi favourites. Climb the winding staircase to the second floor where you’ll want to stop in to Lucy and the Powder Room for a manicure, facial, or eyelash extensions. Finally, the third floor is chock-full with Stephen Marr, my favourite place to get a haircut, Topshop (it was the UK brand’s first foray into the New Zealand market before opening their Queen Street flagship) and covetable designers. For more details on specific retailers, click here.

Auckland has so much to offer, and this guide only scratches the surface. Please let me know your favourite spots in the comments sections, and I’ll be sure to make additions in my next guide.

Stay tuned for my mini Wellington and Sydney guides next!

May 14, 2015
San Francisco City Guide

San Francisco is one of those cities I knew I’d love well before I ever visited. Not only is it perfectly situated with stunning harbours, its dynamic food, art, and cultural scenes make it all the more appealing.
After dreaming of visiting Northern California for years, Nick and I finally spent three days in San Francisco on our way to New Zealand and Australia. From local cafés to must-see sights, here are my recommendations for exploring San Francisco and the Bay Area:

Hotel prices tend to be very steep in San Francisco. If you can, opt for an Airbnb instead! We stayed in the Financial District and Chinatown, which proved to be lots of fun. There seemed to be endless events, including a parade for Lunar New Year.

Foreign Cinema: An old converted cinema with ample outdoor seating in The Mission, FS is popular among locals. We ventured here with our friend, Brooklyn for a delectable brunch. The inventive and locally sourced menu is a huge draw and the service was also on point. I couldn’t resist the organic poptarts: pink apple and blood orange!

The Mill: The foodie trend of artisanal toast began here. Complemented perfectly by delicious Four Barrel coffee, The Mill is a San Francisco institution.

Sightglass Coffee: Hands down, the best coffee in San Francisco. Settle in for a flat white and a freshly baked pastry.

Alcatraz Tours: We were lucky to have caught Ai Wei Wei’s exhibition when we visited Alcatraz. A worthy attraction on your first visit to San Francisco, the audio self-guided tours will help familiarize you with the grounds.

General Store: Located a couple steps from the beach, this eclectic store is a dream! Filled with an array of locally-made California treasures, it’s easy to spend hours perusing the shelves. There’s even a secluded garden oasis behind the shop that’s worth checking out.

Outerlands: Next door to The General Store is Outerlands, a café that serves local, organic fare in a darling setting. Frequented by surfers and beach bums, it’s a wonderful spot to while away the afternoon.

The Painted Ladies: If you’ve ever seen Full House, you’ll recall that it was filmed in San Francisco. Be sure to check out Alamo Square and the six colourful houses that overlook the park.

Golden Gate Bridge: We ran out of time and didn’t cycle across Golden Gate Bridge, but we did enjoy the stunning views from the harbour.

Ferry Building: Don’t miss out on the Ferry Building and the weekend markets! If you can, coordinate your visit here with your trip to Alcatraz.

The Castro District: The first gay neighbourhood in the United States and one of the most lively. Harvey Milk moved here with his partner in the early seventies before embarking on his political career. Also noteworthy is the old Castro cinema.

University of California, Berkeley: If you have time to spare, be sure to check out the UC Berkeley campus. With Spanish Mission-style architecture, it’s a beautiful campus. The surrounding community is worth visiting as well!

Coit Tower: A must-visit for the best, most expansive views of San Francisco.

Lombard Street: You need to do it.

Palace of Fine Arts: In the Marina District (near The Golden Gate Bridge), be sure to visit The Palace of Fine Arts. Built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, it is host to various events and weddings today.

April 3, 2015
Winnipeg City Guide

Winnipeg was my first exposure to city life.

Growing up in a town of 20,000 people, I’d always fantasize about being sent to boarding school in Winnipeg. When my dad opened two dealerships in the city, and I begged and pleaded that the entire family relocate. I’ve since come to terms with my small town upbringing, but I’ll forever romanticize Winnipeg for being a cultural and architectural gem. While it may lack the nouveau riche shininess of other metropolises, Winnipeg’s varied industries make for a stable economy. The housing market is decidedly less expensive than the rest of Canada, the locals are approachable, and there are many fantastic neighbourhoods. Not to mention, the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the best and most powerful I’ve ever seen! (Do the tour, you’ll be moved).

Furthermore, Winnipeg is a nice mid-way point between Saskatchewan and Ontario (although it’s a 2.5 hour flight from Toronto and only a 4 hour drive from Yorkton, so not exactly equidistant). Regardless, I was able to join my parents and my older sister, Stephanie in Winnipeg this past weekend. We celebrated my dad’s 60th birthday and had a ball!

Stay:
The Fort Garry: Whether you’re visiting Winnipeg for the first or the fourteenth time, I suggest booking a room at The Fort Garry Hotel. It’s in a great location and the service is second-to-none! The old railroad hotels are Canada’s crown jewels, and this one is more affordable than most. Oh, and apparently it’s haunted. I love staying here because the brunch is extravagant (think jazz quartets and fondu fountains) so I pretend I’m on Gossip Girl. (Notice the daydreaming patterns…)

Shop:

Silver Lotus: A beautiful jewellery collection
Sew Dandee: A little shop filled with handmade goods, consignment clothing, and Winnipeg souvenirs for the non-tourist
Para Mix: vintage clothing, mostly from Japan and Hong Kong
Rhymes with Orange: Unique and worth a visit!
Tiny Feast: A gift store with the best cards, stationery, and other locally-made goods.
Hilary Druxman: Local jewellery
Edward Carriere: I’ve been getting my hair cut here since I was three (according to my mother) and I’ve yet to find anywhere as good in Toronto. Their retail space is constantly evolving and they carry hard-to-find products and clothing.
Aevi: Using Bumble & bumble and Kératese products, Aevi’s stylists are some of the best in the industry. The spacious, full-service salon is the ideal place to sit back and relax the latest hair care treatments.

Coffee and Food:
Thom Bargen: My dad’s favourite café, he loves the chemex.

Fools & Horses: The place to go for coffee in the CBD! The interior is beautiful and they serve fancy toast!
Café Postal: I have yet to go, but it’s right next to the oldest post office in Canada, cool!
Little Sister Coffee Maker: The mint colour scheme here is my favourite.
Parlour Coffee: Small yet stark with big sunny windows; this place makes a mean cappuccino!
The Handsome Daughter: Many congrats to my friend, Stefan Lytwyn who opened his own restaurant and bar on Sherbrooke, which is a vibrant part of Winnipeg.
Stella’s Café and Bakery: Wholesome and delicious, they have various locations around Winnipeg (even one at the airport!)
Deer + Almond: I personally can never decide on one dish, so this tapas place is definitely a hit in my books!
Boon Burger: A vegetarian burger restaurant

Dessert and Treats/
Bronuts: The softest, most delicious donuts in the Exchange District! Their branding is amazing as well.
Cake-logy
Kawaii Crepes
Jenna Rae Cakes: My favourite macarons in all the land!

Activities/
Canadian Museum for Human Rights: If you do nothing else in your life, visit this museum!
The Forks: The Forks is where the Red River meets the Assiniboine River. Once a gathering place for the aboriginals, European fur traders and other immigrants, today it features an indoor market, small local shops, the Manitoba Children’s Museum and the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. It’s also filled with yummy local eateries.
The Winnipeg Art Gallery (The WAG): There’s currently a Salvador Dalí exhibit on, if that’s not enough to convince you, I don’t know what will.
Go see a performance by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet: The oldest ballet company in North America, RWB was granted its royal title in 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II.

What am I missing? Let me know in the comments below!

February 10, 2015
Six Years Ago

People often ask me about my connection to New Zealand, and my answer always varies. It’s difficult for me to express my thoughts towards New Zealand. It is a small country I hold very dear: it was where I both found and lost myself many times over. As I prepare to return for the first time in two and a half years, I thought I would attempt to summarize my thoughts into (semi) coherent sentences.

I starkly recall my first few days in Auckland, where I would be studying for the next six months. I had arrived wide eyed via North Dakota, which didn’t differ too extremely from my small hometown in Saskatchewan. As I unpacked my things in my sunny flat, I broke out in tears. My flatmates wanted nothing to do with me and I had yet to make a single friend. Everyone could smell my awkwardness, my fear, I was certain of it. It wasn’t until about day three, which felt like a lifetime, that I finally ventured to one of the nightly residence parties. We all lived in a quaint student village (it seemed idyllic in contrast to my all-female dorm in Minot) and two glasses of wine in (what can I say? New Zealand wine is simply the best!) I was connecting with both domestic and international students. My shyness and inadequacy faded away. (Alcohol will do that to ya!)

Confidence is a funny thing. You have to decide you have it. You can’t wait around for the urge to strike rather you must seize the moment. My first few days in Auckland were miserable because I allowed my insecurities to control me. We were all in the same boat, focused on our own issues rather than observing the beauty that was unfolding around us. By the end of the week, I had made friends from all over the world. Yet I really connected with the New Zealanders next door. One of them being my now boyfriend.

Dating while you’re studying abroad is probably the silliest thing you can do. But logic and youth don’t always go hand-in-hand. As I started to fall for this boy, I knew my world would forever be altered. We began spending more and more time together, but luckily I still made time for my studies (okay, not really), friends and adventure. I extensively explored the South Island and ventured to Australia twice, first with three close friends and secondly with my mom and sister. Let’s just say those first few days crying in my room were a distant memory.

Leaving New Zealand was the hardest decision I ever made, and I soon returned to complete my studies. Long distance love is heartbreaking and arduous, and I missed the ocean terribly. Both leaving and coming back were devastating for different reasons, but I vowed to cherish every moment in Aotearoa. My decisions were anything but practical. I changed university programs, deciding that life’s too short to study subjects that don’t make your heart sing. I began reading and writing again, and lived near the beach. I swam and ran as much as possible, and the endorphins kept me sane whenever I missed my family.

I made friends that I still talk to every day, I lost friends, I lived in a flat with six other people, and learnt more about myself than I had in the previous twenty years combined. Nick allowed me to flourish on my own, but offered unconditional love and support whenever I needed it. I sat next to a different person in every lecture I attended during my first week at uni despite how nerve-wrecking it was. I refused to let anything hold me back. I learnt that I don’t ever want to feel too secure, and immense change begets great discovery.

Thanks for reading!

January 25, 2015
Note To Self

While I was at home over the holidays, I spent one evening thumbing through old family albums. As my sisters and I often do, we each selected a few of our favourite photos from our respective baby books.

I recently read an article that discussed the twenty-something woman’s tendency to berate herself on a daily basis. I don’t recall where I found this article as I wasn’t overly concerned with the statistics or validity surrounding this claim, but I know it’s true. We’re all too quick to replay conversations that went awry, condemn our bodies, and agonize about our careers (or lack thereof). This sort of self-deprecating rhetoric is all-too-common. FML has become the new full stop to end our sentences, as we jokingly make these underhanded comments about our lives.

We live in a society that measures success based on a handful of weighty milestones, yet keeping up with the Joneses is near impossible in our recovering economy and inflated housing market. This constant benchmarking against our peers, previous generations, and what we see in conventional and social media leads to mounting levels of stress and anxiety.

Looking at this photo of myself as a toddler brought up an unfamiliar sense of empathy. I was reminded of a long forgotten innocence we all once possessed. Any feelings of inadequacy and stress were somehow absolved by looking at my carefree, infant self. We all need to be much kinder to ourselves. On a personal level, of course, but collectively as well. Condemning ourselves for our imperfections won’t change them, at least not without serious repercussions.

Instead, I started thinking, “I need to treat myself how I’d treat a small child, a younger me.” Would I ever mockingly compare the failings of her aspirations? No, I’d love her unconditionally, and that’s how I resolve to treat myself going forward. It’s a lesson that’s applicable for anyone who is feeling inadequate or self-conscious.

Along with the following list of things you can do instead of getting worked up, find an old photo of yourself and remember that it was taken not too long ago:

1. If you’re tired, don’t press on, take a nap.

2. Feed yourself healthy, wholesome food. Make yourself delicious meals that will give you energy and make you feel good.

3. Allow yourself time to play.

4. Engage in activities that feed your soul. There’s a reason over 95% of my female friends were enrolled in ballet at the age of four, and it’s not because our parents’ thought we’d start obsessing about how we looked in a leotard by the age of twelve.

5. If you fall down, (literally or figuratively) take it easy for a day or two.

6. Surround yourself with people who support you. The greatest people you will ever meet will reassure and console you when you’re feeling sad. And they will cheer you on throughout your many pursuits.

7. When do children start looking in mirrors? From a young age, we’re fascinated with our reflection, but when does this fascination take a critical turn? Begin appreciating everything your body does for you, it’s a complex organism. If you’re lucky, you can walk, run and dance. To quote the famous Sunscreen speech, “Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can, don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.”

January 3, 2015