prairie girl musings

Category: Travel

Saskatoon City Guide

As Saskatchewan’s largest city, there’s a lot more to Saskatoon than initially meets the eye. While this prairie gem isn’t on everybody’s list of places to travel, the city greets each visitor with open arms. After living in Toronto, I’ve become fond of the more intimate experience Saskatoon offers.

A city full of kind, open-minded, and good-natured people, here are some of my favourite Saskatoon haunts:

Activities/
Forestry Farm: Every winter, the Forestry farm has a remarkable display of Christmas lights. Make yourself some hot chocolate, pile into a car, and check it out.
University of Saskatchewan: Arguably Canada’s most picturesque campus, the U of S was founded in 1907. It initially began as an agricultural college. Built primarily with grey stone, it remains one of the campus’ most distinguishing features.
Saskatchewan Jazz Festival: One of the best events of the summer, Sask Jazz Fest hosts noteworthy Canadian and international artists.
Hot Yoga on 20th: Say hi to my sister who teaches here (occasionally in French!)
Saskatoon’s Farmers Market: Shop the stalls of this cooperative for local produce and goods from over 140 vendors.
The Roxy Theatre: What is it with me and old movie theatres? Needless to say, The Roxy is one of my all-time favourites!

Coffee/
Museo Coffee: Sample the quality coffee and delicious baked goods at this local coffee shop and roaster. Formerly housed in the Mendel Art Gallery, Museo is now conveniently located on Broadway.
Collective Coffee: The cortados here are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s easy to see that the friendly baristas who work here truly love coffee.
Road Coffee Co.: Brand new to the Saskatoon coffee scene, Road Coffee Co. roasts their own coffee beans and take pride in the relationships they’ve formed with farmers.
City Perks Coffeehouse: Again with those mint green mugs and 49th Parallel beans! The interior here is gorgeous.
Christie’s Il Secondo: I’m not sure why I’ve listed Christie’s under ‘coffee’ but try their fresh-baked bread and paninis.

Sweets/
Little Bird Patisserie: If you love macarons and tartines (we all know I do…) you’ve come to the right place. The interior is absolutely stunning as well.
Homestead Ice Cream: A classic ice cream parlour, Homestead has been serving up yummy ice cream treats since 1978.
Cupcake Conspiracy: Delightful, freshly-made cupcakes in a variety of unique flavours.

Eat/
The Hollows: I’m already dreaming about my next meal here. Inventive dishes made with seasonal ingredients, The Hollows is a must for Sunday brunch
Primal Pasta: Fortunately, the people at The Hollows opened a second (pasta-focused) restaurant that is equally amazing.
Ayden Kitchen & Bar: A sleek, modern space that serves up international fare with a twist.
Poached Breakfast Bistro: My favourite spot for weekday brunch. Try the butternut squash omelette.
Drift Sidewalk Café: I have nothing but praise for Drift and their crepes. The restaurant itself reminds me of the breakfast spots in California, beachy pastels, palm trees, and plenty of outdoor seating. Oh, and you pay and take a number, which I love.
Nosh Eatery: You’ll forget you’re eating healthy food because the dishes are so innovative and yummy.
Keo’s Kitchen: Some of the best Thai food I’ve ever encountered was consumed at Keo’s!

Drink/
Winston’s Pub: Beer lovers unite! Winston’s has a diverse list of beers on tap.
O’Shea’s Irish Pub: Their patio is the only place to be on a hot summer day.
Flint Saloon: An interesting array of cocktails are worth sampling at Flint.

Shop/
Anthology Home Collection: Flowers galore and plenty of excellent gift ideas!
Green Ark: If I ever own a home, I’d love it to look just like Green Ark.
Luna & Hill: Most of the garments here are designed and made within Canada, think Valerie Dumaine and Dagg & Stacey! One of their employees even makes jewellery carried at the shop. Upstairs, you’ll find a General Store with candles, self-care products, and scents.
Kit & Ace: I love how each Kit & Ace store is uniquely influenced and decorated by region. The Saskatoon store has artwork and photography by local artists, and the wood they use in all their furnishings is sourced locally and their supper table was designed by Noah Rossmo!
Olson + Burke: A well-curated shop that carries a fantastic range of jewellery, including Jenny Bird.
Hazlewood: A sparsely decorated vintage shop that feels oh so cool.
The Better Good: Environmentally-made goods that promote a sustainable lifestyle.
Swank Shoe Lounge: Fantastic customer service and must-have brands.

Green Ark

The Delta Bessborough

Stay/
Delta Bessborough: Experience old-world glamour at this luxurious hotel. The gardens are worthy of a visit in the warmer months.
The James Hotel: Overlooking riverside Kiwanis Park and the Meewasin Trail, this trendy downtown hotel is centrally-situated.
The Sheraton Cavalier: I loved celebrating my friend’s wedding at the Top of the Inn, which offered stunning views of the city.

The Hollows

Museo Coffee

Thanks for reading! For more of my travel recommendations, follow me on Instagram!

October 4, 2015
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
{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
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
The Windy City

Chicago, oh Chicago! Where do I begin?

I returned to the Windy City this past weekend, and what an adventure it was!

My parents met Nick’s parents for the very first time. (We’ve been dating for over five years!) They spent the previous week in Toronto, and we chose Chicago as the neutral grounds for our ‘Meet the Parents’ trip. The fact that the New Zealand All Blacks were playing the USA Eagles, drawing large crowds from both New Zealand and all over America, only reaffirmed this decision.

Despite the initial nerves, everyone got along swimmingly and we managed to fit in quite a lot of sightseeing in between the rugby watching/celebrating. If you’ve never watched a rugby game before (my parents’ hadn’t) seeing the All Blacks is akin to seeing the Rolling Stones live in concert. They are mesmerizing on the field, and you too will be a rugby convert.

I was pretty set on hitting up a few of my favourite Chicago spots in between all the rugby action. Although I missed out on a few spots, C.C. Ferns, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, and The Bongo Room, to name a few, I’d highly recommend the following:

Heritage Bicycles
This bicycle shop and café is an excellent way to kill two birds with one stone. I stopped here to ogle the bicycles and sample the delicious coffee, and wasn’t disappointed!

Stan’s Donuts
Cake-style donuts made fresh to order in an assortment of flavours. I sampled old-fashioned pistachio and it was incredible!

Big Star
I visited Big Star on my most recent trip to Chicago and ordered from the takeout window as I was alone and didn’t have reservations. What a wonderful decision that way, these are the best tacos I’ve ever eaten!

Avec Restaurant
This tapas restaurant is probably the best I’ve ever been to. Everything on the menu is amazing! And all the servers were dressed up as their boss from Halloween (I only know because I inquired.)

Sprinkles Cupcake ATM (no shame!)

Intelligentsia Coffee (I was able to take home some of my favourite Black Cat espresso beans!)

Millennium Park & The Art Institute of Chicago:

We also spent a great deal of time perusing the beautiful architecture Chicago has on offer. I’m ever amazed by this city’s skyline.

Deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s is also a winner in my books!

Thanks for reading, let me know your favourite Chicago spots!

November 10, 2014
Minneapolis Inspiration

My sister, Natalie and I are roadtrippin’ to Minneapolis this weekend.

I’m well aware that driving from Toronto to Minneapolis is no small feat, but we’re meeting our mother halfway to exchange vehicles. Such is the life of a dealership family.

With two nights in Minneapolis, I’ve decided to compile an inspiration board of places I’d like to visit whilst in Minnesota. When I was attending university in North Dakota, Minnesota was simply a train ride away. The last few times I visited Minneapolis were for dance conventions and performances, (with Studio X) and with my two friends, Jill and Jayden when we attended the Minnesota State Fair.

This trip will be all about experiencing the best Minneapolis has to offer.

The Bachelor Farmer
Location: 50 2nd Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN.

The Nordic-style restaurant is housed in an old warehouse, and much of its menu is sourced from its very own rooftop garden.

Photo by Ashley Camper

Five Watt Coffee
Location: 3745 Nicollet Ave S., Minneapolis, MN. 55409

With “the best wifi in town,” newly-opened Five Watt acts a community hub. It’s a wonderful place to completely disconnect with a delicious pick-me-up or to tackle that pile of work.

Photos by Julio Rivera

Bogart’s Doughnut Co.
Location: 904 West 36th Street, Minneapolis, MN. 55408

At Bogart’s, you’ll find “the first-name greetings of a small town shop, sprinkled with a modern, on-the-go attitude.” Be sure to check their hours, as they close by midday most days.

The Foundry Home Goods
Location: 125 N. 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN. 55401

The Foundry sources locally and high quality made goods, and functions under the philosophy of a non-disposable lifestyle; consuming less but better.

Trylon Microcinema
Location: 3258 Minnehaha Ave. Minneapolis, MN.

Hunt & Gather
Location: 4944 Xerxes S, Minneapolis, MN.

Walker Art Centre
Location: 1750 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN.

Pumphouse Creamery
Location: 4754 Chicago Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN.

Photo via Brit & Co.

November 6, 2014
Exploring your city

I’m a huge enthusiast of the staycation.

Maybe money is a little tight right now or you’ve used up all your vacation days for the year. Whatever the reason, taking a week or two off may not be on the cards right now. Regardless, it’s important to shake up your routine every now and then. In fact, getting away from your desk is the best way to boost creativity and productivity.

If you work from home, getting outside can be even more crucial. It’s not healthy to spend all day cooped up inside your apartment, which I find myself doing increasingly as the weather cools down and the days become shorter.

Luckily, there are endless ways to shake up your routine. If you’re fortunate enough to live in any urban centre, there’s no excuse for boredom.

Here’s a list of my favourite ways to shake my routine (specific to my current city: Toronto).

1. Pick a new neighbourhood.

Familiarize yourself with one of Toronto’s myriad of neighbourhoods. We so often stick to our local surroundings; be it our favourite cafe, supermarket, or running trail. I urge you to switch it up this week and discover hidden gems in a far flung neighbourhood.

2. Go see a show.

Canadian winters are pretty gruesome. When we first moved back to Canada, Nick and I were quite ambitious in terms of our weekly activities. We went skating, we’d walk everywhere, and we did a lot of window shopping. It didn’t take long for us to notice that Toronto can be quite desolate in the winter months. If the thought of spending even an hour outdoors has you shivering, may I suggest going to see a play or a Broadway show. It’s a great way to get re-inspired and soak up some culture.

3. Cook something.
I’m not the most experienced chef. However, since beginning my working-from-home stint, I’ve been forced to experiment a bit more in the kitchen. I occasionally even bake!

4. Or go out.

There’s bound to be a restaurant or two you haven’t tried (or 2,000 if you live in a metropolis!) Try something you’ve never had before, be it Ethiopian or Lebanese!

5. Network

Photo by Brianne Burnell

Networking can be overwhelming at first, but it’s also a refreshing way to step out of your comfort zone. The hardest part is saying that initial “hello,” but you’ll find common ground in no time and probably leave with a few new contacts, even friends.

7. Spend time with friends you never see

After university many of us manage to get quite busy juggling our work and personal lives. Make time this week for those friends you haven’t seen forever. Plan to do something fun like checking out a new gallery or installation and sharing a meal at a restaurant you’ve never been to.

8. Daydream

Dream a little bigger than you usually do. Write down a few of your quarterly goals, but be a little silly. Maybe you want to have a Wes Anderson movie marathon or each a different dessert every night of the week. It’s easy to get caught up in our diet and fitness regimes and forget that rest and a treat is okay every now and then. And don’t forget to reflect on what you’ve already accomplished. So many of my friends have achieved such amazing things, but they rarely step back to acknowledge their success. Congratulate yourself on making it this far.

9. RELAX

North American culture is founded in productivity. It’s easy to feel out of sorts when you’re not constantly actively progressing towards that next milestone. But take comfort in those smaller moments; the ones that happen between all the excitement. Sometimes just settling down with a big cup of coffee can be exactly what you need.

November 3, 2014
Tapas on tapas on tapas

Hi friends! I know it’s been way too long since my last post. Work has been picking up again, and I’ve been trying to disconnect over the weekends since a large part of my week is spent online. While I prepare my next post, I wanted to share a few of my favourite Barcelona memories with you. I visited Barcelona with three Kiwi friends in July, and the trip has me convinced that Spain is my spiritual homeland.

After a few days in Barcelona, I seriously regretted not extending my trip to include other Spanish destinations (particularly San Sebastian!)

La Boqueria market was a daily favourite of ours. We picked up fresh juice and essentials for our picnics and beach days. It was interesting seeing which stalls were the most popular amongst locals. Some of my favourite stalls sold empanadas, paella, and fruit smoothies made right before our eyes.

The first place we went upon arrival was the beach. Just add water, and I am as happy as a clam. I love the ocean (lakes are okay, but the OCEAN is so much better!)

Barcelona is home to some of the greatest artwork in the world. Everywhere you look, you’ll see hints of Catalonian architecture. Parc Guëll is a testament to Gaudí’s genius, with hundreds of photo opportunities (thousands of tourists as well, so go early!) The Picasso museum is a must-see as well! You’ll be amazed at the sheer volume of artwork both men created in their lifetimes! Annie and I missed out on seeing Salvador Dalí’s home (still kicking myself) but it’s an excuse to go back.

Those who know me (and let’s be honest, those who don’t) know that I’m food-obsessed. Just take a look at my Instagram account, and you’ll see hundreds of photographs documenting my latest culinary experiences. Barcelona has PAELLA, tapas, and octopus. Need I say more? Also the sangria delicious and cheap enough to drink on any occasion.

Taking a 3-hour siesta during the work day is perfectly acceptable. And dance parties emerge at all hours of the day. Dinner is consumed much later and every day is a cause for celebration.

We didn’t spend much time cycling in Barcelona (we did a lot of walking, swimming, and DANCING, however) but there were many options for bicycle renting.

Public transport in Barcelona is also top-notch. Annie and I were easily able to access our hostel from the airport as well as the many neighbourhoods we visited during our stay.

I wish I had more photos of our hostel, Casa Gracia. The common area had some of the coolest design features, and the nicest of any hostel I’ve ever stayed at! It boasted a stunning library (where we were able to book many of our excursions and tours) and a beautiful kitchen (with free breakfast!) We had a 4-person room, which was perfect. Hostels are very hit or miss, and this one was a gem.

On my last night, we splurged on a boutique hotel, Barceló Raval, in the heart of Barcelona. Even though we had tickets to see Pendulum that night, it was incredibly difficult to leave our hotel with its rooftop pool and bar and stunning 360 degree views of Barcelona! It was the perfect send-off!

I can’t fully articulate my love for Barcelona, but it was a mix of the food (Oh, the paella! Oh, the sangria!), the artwork, and the beautiful natural surroundings. My love of salt water knows no bounds, and Barcelona has all the trappings of the perfect seaside city. Lengthy, boozy meals followed by evenings dancing under the stars are not only for special occasions, they are a way of life in Barcelona. Spanish culture in all its spontaneous glory truly resonates with me and the artistic, well-designed and environmental set-up of Barcelona makes it a worthwhile destination. I would return in a heartbeat.

October 20, 2014