Because synchronized swimming is the best, and I’m going to see Bombay Bicycle Club at The Danforth Music Hall.
Blog
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Pura Vida
Having lived away from Canada’s brutally cold winters for a few years, I had almost forgotten the necessity (I use that term loosely) of escaping to a warmer climate. If only for a few days, a spot a sun can do wonders for your mental health. My family doesn’t usually head south during the winter months; my parents preferred tormenting us as youngsters, with ski trips to the Rockies in -30 degree weather. I’m kidding, of course, but wind chill is sometimes more painful than sunburn. This year, however, they won a trip through Honda, and my sisters and I tagged along because, well, family vacations need not end simply because you’ve reached adulthood.
I’m a little late on uploading these photos from my recent trip to Costa Rica. Better late than never, right?
If you can’t get away for a few days, here are some of my other solutions to combat the winter chills:
1. Have a spa day
Come on, you deserve it! There are options abound for relaxing in Toronto. Or, if you’re pinching pennies, just grab a $2 face mask and paint your nails coral.
2. Try a Bikram yoga class
Yoga’s the perfect way to focus your energy and challenge yourself. Add a lil’ bit of heat, and bam, it’s a workout! You’ll feel sweaty, rejuvenated, and ready to take on your day.
3. Wrap yourself in a floor-length cardigan (ankle-length cardis are all the rage these days) and hit up your favourite café.
Extra points if they serve brunch and booze.
4. Gratitude.
There are people who can’t afford heating or a warm bowl of soup. Let’s appreciate the fact that we have warm homes to return to every night.
5. Enjoy the snow.
My Kiwi friend’s reaction to the snow in Saskatchewan was priceless, and made me appreciate Canadian winters if only for a second. Put on a toque and your thickest socks, and go sledding.
It’s now March, and I think we’re nearing the end of winter here in Toronto. Here’s hoping!
xoxo, Vanessa
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Water, please!
After taking a dip in the healing plunge pools, Natalie and I were discussing how much we’d kill for a coconut water. As if he’d hear us all along, an unassuming young man sauntered over with a mesh bag full of coconuts. After offering us a drink, he proceeded to carve out the tops. It was the perfect afternoon treat! Costa Rica, you continue to charm us. -
Global Friends. Part II: TORONTO
Hi friends!
This is the second post in a three-part series.
After an eventful few days in Saskatchewan, Ashleigh’s journey continued on to Toronto; Canada’s largest city and economic hub, and where Nick and I currently reside. The polar vortex (read: your average Canadian winter) was in full effect, and Ash braved the -30 degree weather like a champ.
The trip included a stop to see the Niagara Falls, a must for any international visitor! I’ve been twice in the past two months, and the splendour of the falls continues to thrill me.
We also enjoyed lunch at one of Canada’s oldest pubs at Niagara-on-the-Lake. This picturesque town offers a multitude of vineyards and better dining options than touristy Niagara Falls.
Toronto is a big city, but luckily we had a solid week to show our international guest the sights of the Big Smoke. Ashleigh’s favourite part of the city was a toss-up between Kensington Market, where the Jewish community initially immigrated upon moving to Canada. She loved the colourful neighbourhood and vintage shopping. We also stopped for a tea and coffee break at Wanda’s Pie in the Sky.
She was also partial to Parkdale and Roncesvalles, two neighbourhoods that are in the process of gentrification. The result is an intriguing mix of old and new, where old Polish diners stand between trendy eateries, hip cafés, and boutique shopping. We did some damage at the locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops. If you haven’t tried a doughnut from Gloryhole (don’t let the outrageously offensive name deter you!), and a cappuccino from Cherry Bomb, you’re seriously missing out.
Toronto is a foodie’s dream with eclectic dining options for all palettes. We caught up for brunch with Mary, a fellow Torontonian who we met in New Zealand. We ventured to Dundas West (also on the brinks of gentrification) on one of the coldest days of the year for brunch at The Federal. The charming restaurant offers an excellent twist on the classic eggs benedict, the Eggs Federal, and bottomless coffee. It was the perfect way to start the morning.
I almost always fail to mention this when describing Ashleigh’s visit to Toronto, but she was fascinated by The PATH. The underground pedestrian mall was her saviour when leaving Union Station for my apartment. She even requested a photo or five:
Our favourite dinner was at La Carnita on College Street, a Mexican restaurant that pairs street art with street food. And let me tell ya, their street corn is my favourite thing on the menu. You need to try it! We finished off the night with drinks in the historic Distillery District and a drive to Cherry Street where you can see the city skyline from music venue, Sound Academy.
What are some of your must-see Toronto spots for international (and Canadian) tourists?
Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
Vanessa -
The Big Easy in 7 Ways
Post-Katrina, a brand new New Orleans has surfaced. The city’s resurgence has proven to both locals and tourists that it’s unstoppable and relentless; a city full of lovers.
My parents spent their honeymoon in New Orleans just over thirty years ago. They’ve always spoken of its incredible music scene and unique architecture. My dad is a musician, primarily a trumpet player, and I can now understand why he resonated with the music this city produces. It is innovative and fresh, and makes you re-think all those repetitive pop songs that typically clutter North American radio stations.I had the opportunity to visit Nola last week for the National Automobile Dealers Association convention. I was shown a wonderful time with impeccable Southern hospitality to boot!
Here are seven things I loved about my visit to the Big Easy:
1. The architecture is impossible to describe, but if I were to choose a few words, I’d call it new-age French. It’s reminiscent of Parisian streets, but with brightly-coloured houses scattered throughout the diverse neighbourhoods. You’ll feel as though you’re in Europe and Havana at the same time. How amazing is that?
2. THE FOOD. I could literally write an ENTIRE POST about the food here. To me, New Orleans is the ultimate city of indulgence. It’s a classier and better tasting version of Las Vegas, with such a rich culture and history. Vegas is known to many as Sin City, but if I had to choose, I’d rather sin in New Orleans where the buffets and casinos are limited and the drinks are flowing. Nola’s culinary scene is founded in tradition; jambalaya, po’ boys, shrimp gumbo, beignets, and KING CAKES (oh my!). I had my fair share of calorie-packed meals, but my favourite restaurants were:a) Cochon (anyone who’s ever visited Nola will tell you to go here!)
b) Cochon Butcher (it’s an outpost of Cochon, with takeaway sandwiches, mac and cheese, and local beers) – I actually ate here twice as it was RIGHT across from the convention centre.
c) Café du Monde. Everyone will tell you to go here. Listen to them, forget about your diet, it’s winter! Have a café au lait with chicory and three beignets covered in icing sugar.
d) Merchant – order a latté and a crêpe, and stay for the ambience and Italian decor.
3. The music scene is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. We had the opportunity to listen to many talented musicians at the convention and the various parties we attended, but perhaps the best music was heard right on the street.Watch this video of Yes Ma’am!
4. This city knows how to party. Pubcrawls are mandatory since drinking on the streets is legal and encouraged. The streets are filled with locals and tourists throughout the year, and a balcony is the perfect spot to watch the world go by with a daiquri or mojito in hand. The city amps it up during Mardi Gras, but if you’re from anywhere else, it feels like Mardi Gras year-round. Spend one night partying on Bourbon Street, sampling all the cocktails you can stomach.
Ask the bartender to make their best or favourite drink – it won’t disappoint!
The drinks are strong, and come in various sizes of to-go cups.
If you’ve had a long day, don’t despair. Every bartender in Nola is an expert mixologist. They take alcohol very seriously! Tell them your favourite flavours and what kind of booze you like, they’ll make you something like this:
5. An unbeatable tourism industry. Stephanie and I managed to get stranded in New Orleans for two and a half extra days. This meant we had time to hop on a bus tour that began with the guide talking about the drive-thru Daiquiri stops in the city. We visited the city cemeteries that are built on top of the ground instead of underneath. We were also shown low-income neighbourhoods where the damage from Hurricane Katrina (2008) still hasn’t been fixed. The tour depicted a side of the city that many tourists don’t see.
Despite their hardships, the residents of Nola exhibit a spirit unlike any other population. Several rundown houses had been given new paint jobs with other, more expensive repairs taking place. Our guide described to us a thoughtful group of kids who helped fix up a desolate old house, unexpectedly painting it the favourite colour of its inhabitant.6. NADA. We’ve been going to the conventions put on by National Automobile Dealers Association for as long as I can remember. They are held yearly in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Francisco. While I remember the last convention I attended in Orlando, I admittedly wasn’t as engaged as I could have been. I took a lot away from the convention this year, especially in terms of internet marketing, which I found extremely relevant to my career. I also enjoyed the lifestyle centre where we relaxed, got our hair, makeup, and nails done, and watched a Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show. The keynote speakers were the highlight of the weekend. Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton spoke as did Steve Forbes and J.R. Martinez. I was especially impressed with Hillary.
7. The NADA after parties were incredible. They always put on a great show, with music, food, and entertainment. I was especially impressed with the Dealer Tracks party, which was hosted at the World War II Museum.
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Global Friends, Part I: SASKATCHEWAN
The Regina “International” Airport: Where it all began.On December 29th, my first-ever New Zealand visitor set foot in SASKATCHEWAN. Yes, Nick and I have had friends visit us in Toronto. Having someone pop by your chic downtown apartment in Canada’s biggest metropolis cannot compare to the enormity of having your friend from across the world visit your HOMETOWN, in your HOME PROVINCE.
Ashleigh in her new Canadiana, she later jumped into the snow wearing only this and a light parka.Needless to say, Ashleigh’s reaction to winter in Saskatchewan was priceless. Her lack of skates didn’t stop her from gliding out of the Regina airport into my car. Nor did she realize just how much snow (and it’s been light this year so far) can accumulate in a person’s backyard. There were deer, fox, and coyote spottings from our kitchen, mulled wine, and a minor snowmobile accident. She was also especially fond of my mother’s healthy cooking.
To see one’s hometown through fresh, unbiased eyes is a remarkable experience. It ignited my appreciation for the quaint, rural town where I grew up in ways I never knew were possible. Ashleigh also fell in love with Saskatoon with its beautiful bridges and stunning downtown core.
Note: In order to keep this post from becoming an expose on why prairiegirlmusings came about… I’ll stick to point form.
Other Saskatchewan highlights include:
Reconnecting with old friends and celebrating the marriage of my dear friend, Jill on New Years Eve! If I still worked (read: interned) at Weddingbells, I’d submit Jill and Riley’s wedding to the magazine (their New Years Eve in New York City theme was perfectly executed!)
Now, for some terrifically awful photography by yours truly:
Ash and I with our matching Moochi heels, prior to the wedding.
Didn’t I say the decor and food was top-notch?Here are some more professional photos that I pinched from the bride (Thank you, Jill!)
An old-fashioned Ortynsky potluck at the Saskatoon apartment:
Trying out Saskatoon’s culinary scene:
We had a delightful pre-flight lunch at Ayden Kitchen & Bar.
Nobody does a latte bowl like Jimmy Oneschuk at Museo.Stay tuned for Toronto and Montreal blog posts!
Love, Vanessa
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On Doing Nothing
Toronto is a hotbed for overachievers; those who rationalize being overworked and sleep-deprived. We’re New Yorkers in training, in a city that’s on the verge of growing up without any real identity. While I appreciate ambition, especially in these ever-crucial years, I don’t understand why we’re encouraging each other to work longer and harder without any real benefit.
Does this scene sound familiar? You’re writing an email to your boss, while running on the treadmill, and updating your blog and preparing a coffee. I’ve become SO SKILLED at multitasking, that I’m unable to focus on one.single.task. at a time. In fact, while I type this post, I’m also boiling the kettle for tea, watching (or listening) to an episode of Happy Endings, and talking to my mom on the phone. Do you see what I’m getting at?!
I recently read this article that perfectly described what I’ve been feeling for awhile: there’s much value in doing nothing at all. Many of us (myself included) feel the constant need to justify our actions and our goals. That is why I vow to spend two full days of my holidays, (I’m back in Saskatchewan, so it shouldn’t be too hard) completely disconnected. It should help that one of my best friends is visiting from New Zealand, and I’d like to devote my time to catching up (we haven’t seen each other in over a year!) and touring her around.
How do you recharge when you know you’ve been running in circles?
xo, Vanessa
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On why I love December
December brings people together. Friends and family return home for the holidays, there are celebrations left, right, and centre, everyone allows themselves to indulge, (in the best possible way) and we all finally take a few days off from work.
And on Tuesday, I turned twenty-five. Cue the panic attacks!
I’ve always viewed this age as a major milestone. My life has unfolded in unexpected and unimaginable ways. On many fronts, I’ve achieved more than I could have ever hoped for this age: I live downtown in a major metropolis (which was a major goal of mine as an eighteen-year-old prairie girl in North Dakota), I’ve progressed from unpaid intern to receiving respectable compensation to do what I love most (writing and social media!), and I’ve ventured beyond my comfort zone both physically (through travel) and emotionally – to places and spaces I had only dreamed of in high school. These are vague examples of praise because let’s face it: we don’t give ourselves enough credit. We’re guilty of beating ourselves up over our ‘failures’ rather than celebrating how much we’ve grown!
After almost a year in Toronto, I’m beginning to find my footing, to truly feel at home. I spent my first birthday at Guu SakaBar, a rowdy, over-the-top, delicious Japanese restobar and Get Well, a happy hipster hangout on Dundas West with a few absolutely amazing people. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special.
Here are some highlights:
Dinner at Guu
Coffee and good conversation with one of my best friends.
Get Well propaganda
Club Monaco friends
Food and Wine Show
Excited for the Club Monaco Christmas Party
Our host and store manager.
The Kennedy siblings always look fierce.
One of many blurry, red-lit photos taken at Brian’s pad.
May the new year bring more of all things good.
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You’re so beautiful, you could be a florist.
I used to work at a flower shop in my hometown. It was a transitional period in my life, but one I will never forget. I found this on Pinterest, and was absolutely intrigued. Enjoy! xx
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Let Freedom Reign
Last night, a light went out in the world.
South Africa lost its greatest son, Madiba, one of the most courageous and profoundly good human beings this world has ever known. The world was truly fortunate to have Nelson Mandela for 95 years, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.
In memory of Madiba, here are a few of his many influential quotes:
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
“As I walked out the door toward my freedom, I knew that if I didn’t leave all the anger, hatred, and bitterness behind, that I would still be in prison.”
“There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life less than the one you are capable of living.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.”
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
“Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed towards the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair.”
May his legacy live on.
prairie girl musings 