prairie girl musings

Tag: Canada

  • We moved back to Canada (during a pandemic!)

    We moved back to Canada (during a pandemic!)

    Well, it’s been over a month since I shared an update with you all. In between packing up our home, throwing Nick a surprise 30th birthday, finishing up work projects, and moving continents, life has been hectic.

    As you’d expect, travelling home was mildly stressful. We wore masks for the entirety of three flights and layovers with the exception of meal breaks during our long haul to Auckland to Los Angeles. After having not worn masks in New Zealand (they were not required during the first outbreak) it was a slight adjustment. It took us three days to get back to Saskatchewan as flight options are understandably very limited right now. We overnighted near LAX and it was a ghost town due to safe-at-home orders.

    After landing at the Regina airport,, we drove ourselves to the family cabin at Crystal Lake for our 14-day quarantine. Fortunately, neither of us got sick and we ended up having the most relaxing time. The weather was BEAUTIFUL, so we made the most of it. We did TRX workouts on the deck, made cocktails and applied for jobs (more on that later…) It was the break we didn’t know we needed.

    After quarantining, we drove home to Yorkton to spend a few weeks with my family. My sister, Stephanie and her partner, Mark were home (from Saskatoon) for the long weekend, so it was the first time we were all together in over a year. I hadn’t felt so at ease in forever — the anxiety and stress of moving countries dissipated as I hugged my family, soaked up the endless sunshine and 9pm sunsets. We ate all my favourite meals, watched Hamilton outside on the projector, and enjoyed each other’s company. As cliché as it sounds, there’s nothing quite like a pandemic to make you realize what’s important in life. With everything going on this year, I had my doubts about the added burden of relocating. As it turns out, returning home and being close to family feels like the right decision. 

    The three weeks zoomed by and we soon found ourselves packing up (not that we had much to pack up) and moving to Vancouver. First, we stopped in Saskatoon and Nicole Buhler captured some sunny imagery of the six of us (eight, if you count Loki and Poet!) My parents were tied up with work and unable to take the time off, so we’ll have to get full family photos at Christmas or as soon as our littlest family member arrives (I CAN’T wait to be an auntie!)

    I also caught up with some pals and relatives for physically distant catch ups in Saskatoon, Calgary and Kelowna. The scenic drive across Alberta to British Columbia was good for the soul. I don’t think I’ve ever truly appreciated just how stunning (and vast) our country is before. Having previously lived in Toronto and explored the Maritimes, there’s plenty I haven’t yet seen out west. We were amazed by how similar the landscape in Lake Country (Okanagan) is to Queenstown. Soon after, we arrived in Vancouver to settle in and find a more permanent home. It’s been a whirlwind so far, but we’re thrilled to be here.

    As we settle into our new rhythm here in Vancouver, I’ll be sharing more about apartment hunting, furnishing our new place, and our experience WFH. If you ever want to chat, my comments section and DMs are always open.

    3K1A9905

    3K1A9921

    3K1A9698

    3K1A0158

    3K1A0148

    3K1A9691

    3K1A0071

  • Five Things To Do In Yorkton

    Five Things To Do In Yorkton

    image

    Yorkton is my hometown. I grew up here, went to school here and left only after finishing high school. Since moving away, many new businesses have opened up. And it’s only fitting that I share some of my must-visit Yorkton spots.

    Refresh Massage Spa and Studio
    A contemporary day spa that offers high quality massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and makeup application. I recently had a facial here and was impressed with both the products used (Éminence Organics) and level of service. The extractions were thorough and the facial itself was relaxing and sleep-inducing. I also loved the steaming, which brought all of my impurities to the surface. I highly recommend booking yourself in for a facial this winter, your skin will thank you.

    Get Half Baked
    If you’re anything like me, life sometimes gets in the way of cooking wholesome, healthy meals. Fortunately, my mother is a fantastic cook and makes me the most delicious meals whenever I return home. However, it’s a relief to know Get Half Baked will help me out if I’m in a pinch and need to host a dinner party. 

    Inner Cycle Studio
    Get your sweat on at this newly opened spin studio. The classes are upbeat and energizing. The motivating instructors will ensure you’re challenging yourself and staying positive throughout your workout. I’m also a fan of their company gear, be sure to check it out.

    Body Poetry
    A beautiful place to elevate your practice, Body Poetry offers a spectrum of yoga classes. Everything from gentle and restorative to Vinyasa flow and Bikram, Body Poetry is my favourite place to practice my downward dogs and breathing in Yorkton.

    Godfrey Dean Art Gallery and Western Development Museum
    While these cultural hubs aren’t new, (we used to play piano at Godfrey Dean in high school) the exhibitions on offer are constantly changing. Regardless of what floats your boat, you’ll find something of intrigue at Godfrey Dean. The Western Development Museum is the place to learn about Saskatchewan’s vast history. With a brand new tagline, Saskatchewan Inspired, “the museum celebrates artifacts that represent the innovation, creativity and resourcefulness that are so much a part of Saskatchewan’s heritage.” Both are worth a visit whenever you’re in town.

  • Global Friends. Part II: TORONTO

    Global Friends. Part II: TORONTO

    Hi friends!

    This is the second post in a three-part series.

    I. Saskatchewan

    Image

    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.

    IMG_9098

    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.

    IMG_9074

    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.

    IMG_9119

    IMG_9108

    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.

    Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

    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.
    Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset   Processed with VSCOcam with m5 preset

    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:

    IMG_9082 IMG_9078

    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.

    unnamed

    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

  • Road Trip Essentials

    Road Trip Essentials

    I’m about to embark on my first road trip of the summer. We’re heading to Montreal for Osheaga, and today’s task (before I leave for work) is to pack. Packing for a road trip, particularly a festival road trip, is not an easy task. It’s important to travel lightly, after all it’s only a weekend getaway. But it’s also crucial not to forget the necessities to make it a memorable holiday. Here are my road trip essentials:

    Image

    Music and Entertainment: We’re headed to Canada’s most talked about music festival, after all! I was sure to stock my iPod with music by all my favourite artists, Imagine Dragons, Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend, The Cure, Ellie Goulding, and the list goes on…

    IMG_5467

    Water and snacks: Travelling by car from Toronto to Montreal, it’s important to pack some goodies to sustain us over the six-hour drive. I’m obsessed with unsalted almonds, sliced apples and cheese. Better yet, bake your own treats to share with your friends. I also always like to have a water bottle on hand, so I can sip at my convenience.

    IMG_5514

    Appropriate clothing: I have the slightest obsession with stripes and denim. My suitcase is currently filled with dungarees, old Levi cut-offs and not one, but three striped shirts. Also, don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect your hair and skin. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time outside since it’s summer in Canada (and we need to make the most of it, kids!)

    Your favourite sunnies: My Karen Walker sunglasses are a must for any road trip or outing. I’m obsessed with her designs, they make a statement and you’ll be sure to stand out in a crowd!

    IMG_5513

    Limited toiletries: You’re going on a road trip, so minimalism is key. Don’t pack your entire lipstick collection and please, do not pack your hair straightener. Keep it simple, spritz some surf spray in your hair, braid your hair, wear it natural. If there’s a time to limit your makeup routine to mascara and a bit of bronzer, it is now. And don’t forget a bottle of sunscreen!

    Cash: Take out cash so you can chip in for petrol and have money on-hand in case you need to grab food or beer at the festival. It’s also a great way to budget. Take out enough for the whole weekend, and aim to only spend that amount!

    Well, there you have it! These are my road trip essentials. Please comment below to add to my list. What do you pack when you’re heading off on a weekend trip?

    Stay tuned for my Club Monaco fashion haul and Montreal/Osheaga post!

  • Land of Living Skies

    Land of Living Skies

    There’s something incredible about returning home after being away for a long period of time. I was recently back in Saskatchewan for the first time since relocating to Toronto. Oddly enough, I came home more frequently when I lived in New Zealand. I’m not sure why I haven’t been home. Perhaps it’s been because of my internship and job hunt. With the oftentimes haphazard scheduling of interviews, I didn’t want to miss out on any opportunities that came my way.

    Regardless, it felt amazing to be back at my parents’ house in Yorkton. They’ve only lived here for the past three years, but it always feels like home. It’s the constant in my ever-changing, never stable life. It’s the place to which I return from wherever I’ve been living. As the complete antithesis of Toronto’s urbanity and chaos, Saskatchewan feels like a retreat, an escape from the everyday challenges I encounter in the Big Smoke. I always harp on about how much I love urbanity, and it’s a necessity for me at this age, but Saskatchewan has indescribable charm and vast beauty that many city dwellers will never experience.

    It’s also a place where my family has lived for a number of years. Throughout my life, I was fortunate to live nearby to all four grandparents. Last week, after the passing of my paternal grandfather, I realized what a luxury it was truly getting to know my grandparents. Many of my cousins, aunties, uncles, and extended family are all located in the prairies as well. It’s serene, with vast blue skies and perpetual sunshine. Most of my childhood and teenage friends still reside in Saskatchewan, which makes for a wonderful reunion whenever I am here.

    When I was completing a multimedia project for my creative writing course at The University of Auckland, I conducted an experiment comparing my two reference points (at the time): The Prairies and The North Island (of New Zealand). It was an introspective assignment that I delved into wholeheartedly. It enabled me to record my experiences with displacement. Should you be interested in reading my exegesis, I’ve attached the link here.

    Saskatchewan, I do not appreciate you enough. You’re a wonderful place to call home.

  • The never-ending quest for meaningful work.

    The never-ending quest for meaningful work.

    I initially began writing this post almost two months ago. This mere fact speaks volumes about my ability to endlessly ruminate on a topic (read: procrastinate) and my inability to decide on a consistent theme for this blog, or my life for that matter.

    The issue of coming into one’s profession has always been of interest to me. Increasingly so following the completion of two editorial internships with Canadian magazines.

    I am an idealist; an eternal optimist. I’ve always placed great importance on finding the right career, but as I reach my mid-twenties, I’ve realized that the perfect career does not exist. I’ve yet to find a career that truly resonates with who I am. This sheds light on the question of whether a career needs to tick all your boxes.

    I had a primary school teacher who, at the age of five, knew that she was destined to be a teacher. I have always been drawn to teaching. I started teaching dance when I was still actively studying and dreaming about a professional career. Unfortunately, even after being admitted to Canada’s only direct-entry Bachelor of Education program, (which I would have completed in French) I was still undecided. I wanted to get away and see the world, not stay in my native province for the next four years. After all, I had lived here for the entirety of my eighteen years, wasn’t that enough? My feelings were further complicated after speaking to my favourite high school teacher, who was sufficiently jaded and exasperated from her own teaching experiences. Needless to say, she advised me to consider different academic routes.

    Unfortunately, deciding one’s profession at 18 isn’t something that many of us are capable of doing. I internalized the variety of opinions that came from family members, friends, teachers (and dance teachers), coaches (and vocal coaches), guidance counselors, and pastors (okay, I’m kidding on the last one.) They all had my best interests in mind, but I still felt paralyzed and could not make a decision.

    I spent my summer performing with Saskatchewan Express, our province’s musical touring company. This experience enabled me to put off making a decision about my future until the last possible minute. Even once classes began at Minot State University, where I eventually enrolled, I was still driving back to Canada every weekend for performances.

    My point is that many high school students and even twenty-somethings feel trapped. How can an individual who doesn’t know if they’re on the right path, be expected to pursue that path full-heartedly? What’s the point of giving something your undivided attention if you cannot vocalize why you’re doing it? Sure, they know what their community expects them to do, what would make their parents the most proud, what will pay the bills, and very little about their own passions or how their skills can improve society as a whole.

  • Style Influences

    Style Influences

    Moving to Canada, Toronto in particular, has undoubtedly impacted my sense of style. Whether it was the continent hopping or simply transitioning from full-time student to full-time intern, I’ve been forced to relinquish my ‘homeless-chic’ fashion sense (a term so lovingly coined by my dear friend, Adrian.)

    The study of style has always been of interest to me. How we evolve over time and accumulate new life experiences certainly impacts our sense of style. I appreciate the various social media platforms at our disposal. They enable us to so easily chronicle our daily lives in such a visual and powerful way.

    My sense of style has certainly evolved since high school. Whilst in New Zealand, I was obsessed with the quirky, tongue-in-cheek designs of Karen Walker, Ruby and Huffer (more on Huffer later…) eventually embracing the more streamlined looks of Moochi, Country Road and Zambesi. Like most Aucklanders, I wore a lot of black and adopted a minimalistic approach to hair and makeup. I love how my New Zealander friends and classmates mix high fashion with consignment steals and messy hair. Their “I’ll be damned” attitude is conveyed in everything they do and wear, as if they had just spent their noon hour having a dip in the Pacific.

    However, working in an office environment, many of my favourite garments have been stashed away at my parents’ home in Saskatchewan, waiting for the next road trip or indie music festival. Lately, I’m finding my style veers towards the preppier, buttoned-up looks of J.Crew and Kate Spade. Club Monaco is another old standard that can do no wrong in my eyes.

    Who influences your sense of style? Or rather who influences your style? Is it your present geographic region? The current trends in your part of the world? Is it a combination of your travel experiences and the cities you’ve visited? Surely you are influenced by the climate and your friends, but what else drives the way you present yourself to the world every day?

    For me, my style is an accumulation of all my experiences. From growing up in rural Saskatchewan to travelling to Europe for the first time to completing my BA in the Southern Hemisphere, and everything in between. Here are some of my favourite outfits over the past few years:

    xoxo, Vanessa

  • Halifax, Nova Scotia

    I’m in love with my home and native land. Canada is such a vast and beautiful place. From the shores of Nova Scotia to the tundras of the Yukon, it’s eclectic, expansive, and absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately, like many Canadians, I don’t get around to seeing it as much as I would like to. That being said, two years ago, my family decided to embark on a two-week road trip from our hometown in Saskatchewan to the Maritime provinces. This involved a lot of driving and a lot of sightseeing.

    Last weekend, I ventured back to the East Coast, Halifax in particular, to visit my younger sister who studies at Dalhousie University. The reason for my trip was her Dal Dance Society annual recital. It was a treat to see her perform, but also to visit a few key spots I had missed out on the first time around. One of my favourite spots was Peggy’s Cove, which is located 45 minutes outside Halifax.

    Natalie’s recital, of course, was also amazing. I haven’t seen her dance since high school, and was blown away by how much she’s developed as a performer. Here are some photos of Halifax, Natalie’s recital, and our sweet Air Canada upgrade!

  • Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but darling you look so delightful!

    Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but darling you look so delightful!

    Here in Toronto, we’ve just experienced our very first snow day of 2013. On Friday morning, I awoke to my own personal snow globe. Outside the large windows of my apartment, our bustling city streets were calmer than I’d ever seen them and covered in glistening powder. My Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts blew up with photos of snow-packed driveways and people cross-country skiing down Queen Street, which is usually jam-packed with streetcars, vehicles, and taxis. #TOsnowstorm and #snowday started trending on Twitter, and it seemed most of us were set to hibernate for the weekend. By Saturday, everything had pretty much calmed down. Sure, Sorel boots and Canada Goose jackets were still necessities for most Torontonians. However, with the city back in action, we were ready to go about our weekend activities. Because being chic in -10 or even -40 (if you’re originally from the Prairies like me) requires great skill, I’ve been gathering inspiration from my favourite blogs, tumblrs and, of course, Pinterest accounts. Here are my favourite ways to layer up during our cold Canadian winters.

  • Prairie Girl Takes on ONTARIO.

    Prairie Girl Takes on ONTARIO.

    Greetings from our nation’s capital: Ottawa!

    I have recently embarked on a new editorial journey with Ottawa Magazine and Where Ottawa, and there is already much to report! It all happened so fast, I barely had time to blink – or to find an apartment. Despite having spent two and a half years in Auckland, which I (unlike my Torontonian friends) consider a big city, I’ve found myself more than flustered since landing in Ottawa. When I initially drafted this entry, I was only due to commence my first internship the following morning. I poured my heart out in a paragraph-length monologue about anticipating this momentous occasion, feeling a bit uneasy about my accommodation options (or lack thereof). As much as I’d like to use this time to vent, complain, and deliberate this issue, I’ll save you the pity party and move on to more readable content. I’m now located in a lovely loft nestled in Little Italy, just off Preston. It’s absolutely charming, and a brisk ten-minute walk from the office!

    Luckily, I was able to spend my first night in a hotel to give me time to prepare for the week’s events and the big move. As I opened the drawer to find a map, I came across a Where Ottawa guide brimming with local events, restaurants and sights! How exciting! Leafing through this magazine gave me some perspective, enabled me to relax and breathe during an otherwise daunting situation. After thumbing through a few articles, I decided to call a few of the tenants and to sort out my apartment qualms.

    After a few meet and greets, my friend Patrick called me and we went out for poutine (an Ontario/Quebec tradition) in the Byward Market area. As I familiarize myself with Ottawa and my new position, I’ll take some photos of my excursions. Flashforward to today, I’ve been at the magazine for two weeks now (with a quick jaunt to Toronto thrown in the mix) and I’m learning so much! My first day on the job consisted of proofreading (which is pretty standard for editorial interns) and research for two of my own articles! I was pleasantly surprised by these assignments as interns usually spend a lot of time editing and not a lot of time writing. I’ve now conducted my first batch of interviews, and my favourite was with a young entrepreneur, Rosina Mahlangu. She grew up in Toronto, but attended university in Ottawa. She’s young, a year younger than me, but so ambitious, bright-eyed and motivated. Meeting with her on Thursday morning downtown Ottawa was the highlight of my week because her energy was contagious. She’s the founder of a fashion consulting company and she’s already appeared on CTV and in various local publications and media outlets. She hosts her own events, with the help of a single assistant and a newly-hired intern. Pretty impressive for twenty-two, right?

    As I’ve now finished two weeks on the job, I’m ready to explore everything Ottawa has to offer. During my time off last week, I went to Toronto to meet my future boss at Weddingbells Magazine as well as catch up with some friends and my dad who was attending a business meeting. Here are some photos from Kensington Market (an eclectic, interesting neighbourhood that has great shock-value!)