Niagara-on-the-Lake Roadtrip

Isn't there just something so picturesque and charming about small towns in Ontario? Sometimes you don't need to go very far to take a mini escape and experience new food, culture, and landscape. That is exactly what I did last weekend. I hopped into a Ford Fusion and set out on the open road with Eleni, my blogger bestie. We escaped the city for one night to discover and explore Niagara-on-the-Lake. We had so much fun cruising around making our way from the city to the countryside. It's so fun going places with like-minded people. I mean who else can you yell "PINK DOOR" at and immediately they jump for joy and start running behind you? Must be a girl thing!



Our Ford Fusion was the perfect vehicle to take us exploring! First of all, it was burgundy velvet (aka purple)! How chic. Second of all, it was packed with all the amenities-- A/C (thank goodness because I swear it was the hottest day of the summer), extra cargo room (because us bloggers like to pack), an easy to use Navigation system, lane-keeping system and more!

We started our journey in Burlington, Ontario, which is a gorgeous town situated on the water. Coming from the city you will pass Burlington on your way to NOTL. We hopped off the highway and hit up Sunshine Doughnuts Co. Everything from the giant doughnut in the sky, the outdoor wall mural, and the gorgeously styled interior made this spot a must-visit. We picked up some donuts and then made our way to discover more of Burlington, Ontario.



Because what does one do after they pick up doughnuts? They need lunch, of course! We walked around Burlington and opted for a healthy lunch at Lettuce Love Cafe. I always make a point to eat here; it's one of my favourite spots for bites, bowls, and salads. Yummie! We may have been extremely full but one does not go to Burlington without making a stop at Kelly's Bake Shoppe. We walked our way over to Kelly's to pick up my favourite gluten-free, vegan, healthier goodies! It was Eleni's first time at Kelly's so I knew she was in for a treat. Eleni picked up the red velvet cupcakes, while I may have got four cookies to go! Haha! I swear I didn't eat them all right away...

Make sure to hit up Anise Apothecary to stock up on green beauty products and Centro Garden for some home decor goodies while in Burlington. And if you have time, check out Amanda Steene Cosmetics to make your own lipstick shade.

A couple of iced coffees, a crazy rain shower and a few stops for photos along the way, we arrived at our destination-- The Queen's Landing Hotel in NOTL. Pulling up into this hotel was breathtaking! The manicured lawns, the columns, it was all so stunning!



We checked into our room, relaxed for a few seconds and hit the town to discover more of NOTL. So much charm! It really is a real live Star's Hallow. We popped in and out of shops, walked along the water, passed by some vineyards and made our way to Balzac's Coffee to, yet again, caffeinate before dinner. If you're in NOTL be sure to explore some of the shops! There are so many vintage finds, one of a kind goodies and delicious eats. After wandering into the shops we made our way back to our hotel for dinner. They had the loveliest patio so we relaxed and had a quiet night after such an eventful day!

The next morning we woke up early and went for a lovely walk to grab coffee and plan our day. Niagra is known for all the fruit trees so we made our way to a fruit stand where we tried the sweetest Sugar Baby plums! We also took home some delicious cherries. The owners were so lovely-- we chatted, they let us try their goodies then we headed back into the Ford Fusion to our last stop, Neob Lavender.





We may have missed the Niagara Lavender Festival by one week, but it's still lavender season and we knew we had to get to the fields nice and early! The smell is intoxicating. I love lavender! It's so amazing for multiple purposes-- headache relief, body aches, relaxation, to induce sleep. I could go on! We stopped in the shop which was conveniently located beside an antique market. We pursued all the goods then finally made our way to the fields. It's a stunning view... the rows and rows of lavender plants!

By mid-afternoon, we were ready for our drive back to the city. It was the perfect girly summer escape! Next time I would definitely check out one of the fabulous spas or vineyards that Niagara is known for. So much to do, so little time! All I know is I'll definitely be back!

Thank you to Ford Canada for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Mustard, Blush and Old Tricks

This past weekend was so refreshing. Finally, the temperatures were above freezing and the sun was shining! I feel such a sense of newfound energy when the sun is out. It's making me sooo eager for spring! Sunday I headed to the Wedding Co. Market with my momma for a day of vendor scouting. I couldn't believe all the fab connections I made. I can't wait to put all the plans into action and share more. Is that something you'd like?! More wedding updates? Let me know in the comments, or on Instagram! Perhaps a vlog?! 

Since it was a glorious day I put away my parka and opted for a crisp blush oversized blazer, which is technically a coat. I wear it as both depending on the day! Also, remember this post? So happy I picked up these mustard pants last fall because the colour is taking over this spring! I love it paired with pink. It's so fun and playful but still has that classic P&P vibe. Now for that old trick I mentioned? You guys know I am the queen of the dress tuck (seen here, and here). This shirt? Yeah, it's actually a dress tucked in! I love doing this with my summer dresses because you can get so much more wear out of them! Try it out! 

W H A T  I ' M  W E A R I N G :

Forever 21 pants, blazer, Auguste The Label dress (similar), Topshop shoes (similar), Forever 21 coat, Blue Lemon Paris bag

 S H O P  T  H E  P O S T :

Getting The Most Out Of A Grocery Store Bouquet

So you mean I can't have a weekly delivery of fresh florals from my favourite florist? Or a weekly bouquet of fresh, lush, pink peonies? Fine...

{before bouquet}

I think we all know spending loads on fresh cut flowers is sometimes out of the question. It would be lovely. Extremely lovely, but totally impractical when there are groceries, gas and a house to pay for. Sometimes all you have to work with is grocery store bouquets-- guests bring them, you've hit up the grocery store right before closing and that's all that's left, or it's just the most affordable option. They can be less than lovely, a random assortment of colours and flowers, but the gesture is lovely! But perhaps they are just not your favourite colours or styles. Hells no am I being unappreciative. I'll take ALL of the fleurs!  Sometimes you just need to get creative.

This weeks experiment was making one bouquet stretch throughout the whole home, and in a way that I loved. I mean the arrangement I received was incredibly thoughtful, and I felt complete warmth and gratitude from it's senders. But part of me wanted to play around with it! And there is nothing wrong with that. Especially when it makes you happy.

So, how did I take one bouquet and make 10 plus mini arrangements from it? Here's how:

1. First, you want to take apart the bouquet. Separate the flowers by colour and type. I grouped all the greenery together, then sorted the flowers out by colour (see the first photo).

2. Pull out all your mini jars. I knew all those juice jars I've been saving would come in handy! Get them all out and fill them with fresh water. You can get creative here-- cans, old candles, jars, bottles, anything works!

3. Decide on your theme. Do you want to stick to one colour pallet per bouquet? Or mix various colours together? I opted for a bit of both.

4. Play with the arrangements. Start by grabbing one large leaf or piece of greenery as the backdrop. Then pull together two or three flowers to place in front of the large greenery, just slightly lower than the top of the green. I then cut the stems and placed them in the vase. I'll add smaller flowers, little buds or alternate greens as needed around the focal flowers.

5. Keep going until all your flowers are used and vases are full! Place them in various places around your home.

There you have it! It's that simple to take one bouquet and make it into multiple beautiful arrangements. These are perfect accent pieces to place around the home, especially when you are having a get-together or guests over. They really add a touch of comfort, nature and beauty to any space. I also love to use a grouping of them together to make the perfect centre pieces!

Try it out! I want to see your photos!

Green Floral Romper

Country driving, open sun-roof, coffee in hand... talk about the perfect Sunday. We headed out in the morning for a drive and thankfully the rain and thunder cleared up just as we approached a darling new destination. I love exploring little towns and sourcing some hidden gems. Sunday afternoon after running some errands we came across the Sharon Temple and once I saw its green columns and luscious green grass I knew we had to stop. It's a pretty cool building; it was constructed in 1825 by The Children of Peace, and the grounds are stunning. We found out it is now a museum and when we said we were newcomers to the area the museum attendant waived the $10 admission fee (score!).

It was a total fluke that the green romper I was wearing coordinated so perfectly with the setting. Rompers are so effortless; I could wear them every day! I usually avoid green but something about this one caught my eye. I love the bright colours in the florals and especially how the pink pops when paired with this liquid lip. Add in a few gold details and my go-to summer cross-body and I'm good to go.


W H A T  I ' M  W E A R I N G:
Sienna Sky romper via Winners (similar), Old Navy sandals (similar), Rebecca Minkoff bucket bag (similar), bareMinerals Statement Matte Liquid Lip

S H O P  T H E  P O S T:

 

Girl in Bloom

I could not be happier now that the city is in full bloom. First, it was the tulips, then it was the cherry blossoms and magnolia trees, and now the fresh cut peonies are popping up in all the flower shops. My love for blooms is once again becoming increasingly reflected in my wardrobe... I just want to wear all the floral patterns! When I spotted these Vero Moda trousers at The Bay I knew they were coming home with me (you may have also seen this version here). The soft coloured blooms contrast and stand out so nicely against the black, don't they?!

Vero Moda is so great for affordable, feminine inspired pieces. I seem to always find pieces that can really transition from office to weekend wear which I love! And is it just me or does The Bay always have serious deals?! Bay days, 30% of scratch cards, weekend sales... yes, yes, yes! I was at the mall last weekend and Vero Moda had so many floral, pastel, denim, frilly options that it made only picking up these pants (and these) real hard. I've rounded up some more sweet options for you below.. Go wild!

W H A T  I ' M  W E A R I N G : Vero Moda trousers, RW & CO blouse (similar), Celine Catty sunglasses, Target Maeve Gladiator sandals, Sophie Hulme tote bag

S H O P  T H E  P O S T :

Floral Pink for Easter

I always have looked forward to celebrating Easter. Not only for the baking, the pastel colours, or Easter egg hunts but for the new fresh feeling of spring. There is a certain buzz in the air when the sun shines for longer, the grass begins to grow and the temperatures get warmer. I just love the coming of spring! 

When I was small I always looked forward to family gatherings and pulling out my prettiest floral dresses. Now that I'm older, not much has changed! I still look forward to countless Easter gatherings with family, indulging in good food and afternoon mimosas, and of course a pretty dress. This outfit combination speaks to all my Easter memories-- something floral, pink, satin material and a bit past the knee. Once again leave it to me to fool you all! I'm actually wearing a romper under my skirt. This is seriously becoming my signature move. Why not utilize what you have in your closet and max out the possibilities?! 

These two pieces are probably two of my most loved items of clothing. The romper I've had for a few years now and it's proven timeless again and again. I love the bell selves and the silky feeling of the fabric. The skirt is also a stunning shade of pink and the satin fabric leaves me feeling so glam.  I paired the outfit with my DIY basket clutch and a pair of tie-up sandals to embrace last weekend's gorgeous weather. I can't wait to re-wear this ensemble on Easter weekend! It's definitely going to take me back to my childhood Easter egg hunting memories of frolicking in the tall grass with a multi coloured basket in hand in search of butterfly nets and chocolate eggs! 

Do you have any special Easter/holiday memories that trigger outfit replications?! Also, what are your plans for the holiday? Let me know!

W H A T  I ' M  W E A R I N G: Necessary Clothing romper (similar, similar, similar), Topshop midi skirt (similar), Le Chateau sandals, DIY clutch 

S H O P  T H E  P O S T :