Rag & Bone Blouse (similar here), Rag & Bone Denim, Burberry Coat (similar here), Hunter Boots, Yves Saint Laurent Handbag, Banana Republic Belt, J.Crew Necklace, Gucci Watch, Chan Luu Bracelet
When I lived in Vancouver I perfected my rainy day attire. I had rain boots that I could walk miles in, and coincidentally went with every item in my closet. I had numerous umbrellas to choose from, allowing me coordinate with my ensemble. So when the rain starts coming down in Calgary, I tend to get a bit excited as I race over to the items that don’t get used as often as they did when I loved on the coast. It may seem a bit ironic then that my absolute favorite rain jacket was not purchased until I lived in a city where it rarely rains. Of course I just see this detail as the slightest of technicalities, and it really just means I’ll have to visit Van city more often, you know, to get more wear from this little raincoat of mine.
If you asked my closet girlfriends on my eating habits back before the days of university, there would only be one word to sum it up, picky. I didn’t know how to appreciate flavors paired together, so I just stayed away from them altogether, eating the most basic items, separately. So it’s with much pride that I’m sharing with you, a cookie that includes everything but the kitchen sink. I found this recipe for Chocolate and Caramel Compost Cookies and they basically changed my life. Don’t get intimidated by all of the ingredients, and if there’s something you don’t like, switch it out for something you love. My mind is entertaining all of the possibilities of future compost cookies, such as white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, peanut butter cups, the list literally goes on forever. So go ahead, scour your shelves and fill your boots with the tastiest cookies you’ll have all summer.
Aritzia Dress, Paige Denim Jacket (similar here), STEVEN by Steve Madden Sandals (similar here), Celine Handbag, Lisbeth Necklace, La Vie Parisienne Earrings, Alden Rae Bracelet, Hermes Watch
This past weekend was filled to the brim with social engagements, birthday parties, cheering on friends and family at the Calgary marathon, and winding down with a little makeup session. On days that are overwhelmingly busy, I find it so easy to throw on a casual dress, edgy sandals and my trusty jean jacket. It provides a comfort level that gets me through the day, yet isn’t so casual that it looks like I just rolled out of bed. I envision wearing my jean jacket all summer long with every fabulous dress in my closet, it’s just that versatile.
Alice + Olivia Dress, J.Crew Necklace, Christian Dior Sandals (similar here and here)
I tend to be someone who does everything in my power to stay away from public displays of affection. When catching others in a moment of PDA, I try my best to awkwardly avoid eye contact as I slowly back away before turning and running for freedom. I’m very much the same in my own life, and I can’t really say why. So when the subject of renewing our vows came up, I held back on my first reaction to roll my eyes and throw up a little bit. I’m so glad we decided to go ahead with the ceremony, which was hands down the highlight of the trip, as well as being loving, honest and rewarding.
I wanted to share a few pictures by the amazing and talented Helene Havard, who captured the dreamy day. We had the most amazing event coordinator that arranged everything for us, and whom I quickly tried to make my new best friend connected with. Sharing these photos is most definitely a step out of my comfort zone, but they were just too beautiful to keep to ourselves.
I’ve been home for a week now, from the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora, settling back in to the chaos of life. Bora Bora was just as stunningly perfect as I remember it five years ago. Teal blue water that was so crisp and authentic I somehow questioned whether it was real. There were white sand beaches and lush greenery everywhere you looked on the island. Snorkeling excursions revealed coral reef where I was able to identify every fish starring in Finding Nemo. The beauty of it all brought me to tears more times than I can count, and made me feel beyond blessed to be there.
We stayed at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, and it was literally what dreams are made of. They anticipated our every need, whether it be the freshly squeezed juice-of-the-morning at breakfast, the constant refilling of your glass with ice-water on the beach, or the sofa for two that allowed you to take in the sunset each night while indulging in cocktails and sushi.
This is what the walk back to our bungalow looked like each evening. We would often take a final swim off the back of our hut before showering up, watching the sun set and heading for dinner. I told you, it was more dream than reality.
My days were spent sunning and reading, snorkeling and swimming. Playing frisbee and making my way through the drink menu at breakfast lunch and dinner.
The sunsets were beyond amazing, and more often than not they left me speechless. There were so many moments that physically hurt from the sheer beauty. I feel so blessed to have been able to travel back there, and the only thing missing were the friends and family that were with us five years previous. I only hope I can be so lucky as to come back one day, and until then I have the most amazing memories to cherish.
