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.

How to Work on Your Pre-Wedding Beauty Routine

As of right now, there are 412 days until our wedding, but who's counting, right?! I have to say; the planning is making me so giddy with excitement. At first, I was so nonchalant about it all. Now, I'm so eager to plan every little detail out! Still trying to remain calm, though. The first step was doing our engagement photos, which you can read more about that here and here, and now it's planning the engagement party. I really was not interested in having one, but the parents were pretty set on celebrating. I get it, it's a huge milestone so now I am going with it. And having fun in the process! Maybe a little too much fun!

One thing I am SO happy I started doing before our engagement photos was working on my beauty routine. Because of all these wedding-related activities coming up, I want to be prepared and feeling my best! I amped up everything I could think of because some things do take time to work on! I started incorporating 10x more face oil to my face (didn't think that was possible-haha), started using an all-natural eyebrow serum to get thicker, fuller brows, focused on drinking so much more lemon water to really detox the skin and look hydrated and started using Crest 3D White Whitestrips with Light. As an avid coffee and tea drinker, I needed some help in the teeth whitening department. But really I didn't have the time or cash to dish out at the dentist. 

So what's so great about Crest 3D White Whitestrips with Light?

*Convenient-- all I do is apply the strips an hour before bed and let them work their magic. Then I use the light for a few minutes and voila. Done! I am a huge multitasker with the strips. I do them when I'm working, cooking, cleaning, anytime I'm home. I love how convenient the application is. 

*Lasting-- the results last up to 36 months! Start now, do the 10 treatments, and then focus on all the other little details, like my non-existent wedding dress. I should really get on that... 

*Harmless-- one thing I was SO skeptical about, was having overly sensitive teeth. I was so excited that these did not irritate my teeth or gums at all! And there was no bad taste to the strips. This is key! 

*Results-- people actually notice. Later stains and yellow teeth! I've gotten so many compliments on my pearlies, and I can totally see the difference in pictures. Even Brandon is so excited to use them after he gets his braces off! 

So even if you're not planning your wedding, summer is a great time to amp up your beauty routine. Make some changes to feel your best now. Do you have any other tips for me to start doing now? Let me know! In the meantime, get yourself the whitest and brightest smile of your life! 

*This post was sponsored by Crest, however, I would in no way share my experience with you if it was not positive! 

Beach Travel Essentials-- Snacks and Skincare

I can't remember the last time I took a beach vacation. Okay... yes I can. It was to Mexico with my best friend and it was fabulous. But it was like 3 years ago and I am long overdue! I am headed to The Bahamas with a group of 10 ladies for one of my bestie's bachelorette. Things are about to get real. I'm kinda scared. LOL, kidding. We are staying at an all-inclusive resort but there are a few things I will not be forgetting to pack. Snacks and skincare are two essentials I pretty much do not leave the house without, let alone the country! But my faves as of late? Let's dive into it...

SNACKS

Rawcology Coconut Chips and Superfood Granola

I hate being let down with poor food choices. Even though there are sure to be loads of great options on the resort I can't risk being without some superfoods. Rawcology is a company I truly love! The founder, Tara, created the line of plant-based, nutrient and vitamin dense snacks to promote a healthy lifestyle and re-invent the standard of packaged foods. I add the sweet and savory coconut chips to everything-- eggs, avocado, salads, desserts, yogurt, and the granola... well let's just say I can barely keep it in the house. Perfect plane snack or beach snacking! Healthy fats will keep you full and satiated! (P.S. the Matcha Latte Coconut Chips are SO amazing, and unlike anything I've ever tasted!! You need them, now) 

Almond Butter Packs

I don't go a day without almond butter. It's kind of an addiction, kind of the best thing ever. I always travel with mini Justin's almond or Artisana pecan butter packs. They store so well, too. I keep them in my room and in my beach bag for a quick snack on the go. Eat them with apples, bananas, crackers, yogurt... or a spoon!

Magnesium

This is not a snack, you're right. But it goes in with the food category... kinda! I don't know what it is but I can barely sleep in hotel rooms. It is a HUGE issue for me. The first night I will wake up after two hours of sleep and be up for the whole night. It doesn't matter how comfortable the bed is, or where I am. It never fails. Magnesium is amazing to relax and calm the body and also helps to combat stress and body pain. A lot of people (over 50%) have a magnesium deficiency so I take Calm Magnesium nightly before bed to help me sleep. All I do is mix just over a tablespoon in with some warm water and drink. No way am I leaving home without it!

SKINCARE

SPF

You already saw my detailed list of SPF (read it here to see which ones specifically I will be taking with me). What was missing from that list? A great lip balm and scrub. Mary Kay makes a great duo that I have been loving lately. It's sure to keep my lips nice and hydrated at the beach, and scrub away the dead skin cells!

CC Cream

Sometimes I like to look polished and done up on the beach! It's not a crime! My go-to CC Cream for years has been by the "Your Skin But Better CC Cream" by it Cosmetics. It looks so flawless on since it's full coverage, it's long lasting and it has an SPF of 50! It's also packed with vitamins A, B, C, E so you are basically diffusing wrinkles and lines all while being protected from the sun's rays. I always take this CC on vacation with me, because it's a one-stop shop, and it lasts from day to night! 

WHAT ELSE?

A good read is essential for travel. I've been alternating between a few, but it will be nice to have a day to indulge in a good one! Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a psychological thriller that I just dove into! So far I'm hooked. Must finish before it hit the TV screen in July!

Nails that last are key too. Especially when you are in and out of the sand, beach and flipflops. The essie Gel Couture line is the one line I always count on since I don't do shellac! No chipping!

Don't even get me started on this Bronzing Facial Mist by St. Tropez. I am obsessed! It's the perfect instant tan. I love that you can spray it on top of your makeup, and it smells so fresh. It's a refresher and bronzer all in one. And NO marks on your clothes. You bet I'll be faking the tan all summer long!

And you can't forget a mini bag to store all the essentials in. I love having a smaller bag in my beach bag to keep sand out and house all my little items like chapstick, headphones, etc. This pink crossbody by Poppy & Peonies is definitely coming with me! It will be great to take out and use a clutch for the evening. Double duty, people!

What are some of your travel essentials? Am I the only crazy that brings food with them away on vacation? 

*bag & towel by Poppy & Peonies

S H O P T H E P O S T