Mexico Travel Diary

Hi lovelies! As you probably know, I just came back from a relaxing trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, so I'm sharing my thoughts and experience staying at Ocean Riviera Paradise below. It was my first time visiting Playa Del Carmen, as I've been travelling to Cabo San Lucas since I was a wee little tot (my aunt and uncle used to own a place there!). I absolutely loved the jungle, and the resort was so incredible. It was pretty big, but it wasn't too big where you weren't able to walk from one end to the other - I would say the size was perfect. Now let's dive into the vacation, so I can relive it all over again.

The Resort

My expectations weren't overly high, because my previous all-inclusive experiences were mediocre at best; the food usually sucks and the decor is meh, not gonna lie! Then I looked up this resort a week before my trip - and OMG. I was absolutely blown away by the photos.

After about a 6 hour flight, we arrived at the resort, and I remember just staring at the entrance of the lobby from the shuttle bus, in complete awe of our new home for a week. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was, and this resort was hands down, the nicest place I've ever stayed at (I'd even say the design was nicer than the prestigious Ayana Resort in Bali!).

Once we walked into the lobby, we were immediately taken aback by the signature lobby scent - clean, refreshing citrus-ey goodness that I'm still dreaming about to this day. The design of the entire resort was so well thought out - every detail was accounted for. The lobby was decked out with modern, beachy boho accents, so if you know me, you know that's exactly what I love. The high ceilings were graced with bold beams and straw pendants, surrounded by palm leaves, plants, wicker and leather furniture, library walls - the works. If you love design as much as I do, you'll loooove staying at this resort. The designers really did think of every detail in every single space.

Rooms

Continuing my obsession with the design, the rooms were so beautiful, with dark wooden beams across the ceiling, luscious, fluffy beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a ground floor patio with your own tanning bed, swing chair and sitting area. Talk about a relaxing hideaway!

Food

Now like I said before, my expectations for food in Mexico is never very high based on past experiences, but I was pleasantly surprised. The resort had 10 restaurants and 12 bars in total. My favourite was La Locanda, the Italian a la carte restaurant. The burrata was mind blowing!

The steakhouse, Mexican restaurant, and all day buffet (plant walls for days) were also very good, and I loved being able to eat overlooking the beach at Pez Vela.

The resort also has a diner called Route 66, teppanyaki restaurant called Sakura (Vancouver's obviously better), a fine dining restaurant called Blue Moon (didn't get to try it, but I'm sure it's bomb), and a few snack bars (including a fresh crepe bar - omg yum) by the pools.

My favourite bar was the main lobby bar, because I mean, look at the decor! And their cocktails were top notch. If you wanted a good drink served in a real glass (lol), the lobby bar or adjacent piano bar is where it's at. I'm still dreaming about their fresh pressed espresso martinis! Lastly, there's an ice cream parlour dishing up 10 flavours every day. Let's just say I wasn't mad at that.

Coffee

Now for coffee, I'm a little bit picky, so I was ecstatic that the resort had its very own coffee shop for my daily caffeine fix. Yes, everything you wanted and more was included! It was by far one of my favourite hang-out spots (before and after the gym). It was designed to be a cool, masculine-style space with top-of-the-line espresso machines, freshly baked pastries, and fresh fruit smoothies, too! Another thing I loved at this resort is that they didn't put straws in anything, unless you asked for one. They're definitely doing their part in order to waste as little as possible. I'm an avid straw user, so I use these amazing silicone straws at home!

Activities

To make the most of the trip, my brother, dad and I worked out (or did something active) every single day, and it made us feel so much better throughout the trip. I've typically been on tropical vacations where nobody else wants to work out or do anything (whaaaat a buzz kill), so it was a nice change to be pushed and motivated by the boys. It also prevented us from making terrible choices at the buffet and at dinner, so A+ for that. We usually started our morning with an espresso shot, then an early morning workout at the gym, followed by a fresh smoothie before breakfast.

Other mornings, we did yoga on the beach followed by fresh pressed juice, just the 3 of us and our amazing instructor. Shout out to everyone else for not attending sunrise yoga - you gave us private classes!! It was so relaxing; I couldn't believe how lucky we were to be on the beach greeting the sun, breathing in the ocean air and being one with the sand - definitely one of my highlights. Inhalo, exhalo.

Throughout the day, we'd swim in the pools, the ocean, play beach volleyball (still have sand burns from that, and my team almost beat Tristan's), do zumba on the beach (reluctantly, for everyone to watch), then workout again, if we weren't too tired. I have received a few questions about the seaweed on the beach, and yes, it's there, but it's still a beautiful beach, and I honestly don't mind swimming next to a few plants.

Back at the resort, there were also multiple foam parties (sooo much fun - s/o to Ash for sneaking in and getting a squirt shot right before being kicked out), aquafit classes, a bowling alley, salsa lessons, and so much more. To say that there was enough going on throughout the day was an understatement! 

Entertainment

The entertainment team at the resort did such an incredible job making sure everyone was having a great time. They're literally working almost every hour of the day - I don't know hoowwww they do it! Throughout the day, they'd get everyone involved in whatever was happening, and remind us what was on the schedule for that day. Every night, they put on a theatrical show in the theatre (which was massive, by the way) and I was actually really impressed with their talent. We watched a pop show, the lion king (amazing), and a circus show similar to cirque de soleil (the best of the 3 - omgggg these people are strong!).

Excursions

Outside of the resort, we did a day trip to Tulum to see the Mayan Ruins and the beach. It was a super hot day, but I'm not one to complain about that! The ruins were beautiful, but next time I'd like to go to Chichen Itza instead.

We also went to Rio Secreto, the secret underground river. Yes, we went in a cave while everything was happening in Thailand... but that didn't stop us! It was by far one of the coolest experiences I've ever had, and I can't wait to do a different route. Basically you walk through the jungle, and walk down a staircase into a fully enclosed, all natural cave. Some parts have the clearest water you ever did see, while other parts are dry, with crystals and rocks surrounding you everywhere you turn. I could spend hours in there - I absolutely loved it!

All in all, this was a vacation to remember, and I'd definitely go back to Playa Del Carmen to explore more of the town, see more ruins, explore more cenotes, and stay at this resort again (at least for a few nights)! If you want more info, feel free to reach out by commenting below or sending me an email.

xo

Linnea

Coconut Watermelon Cocktails

Summer has arrived, and it's no better time for a yummy cocktail, all while reaping the hydrating benefits of watermelon! This has been one of my favourite cocktails for quite a few years now, and I finally took the time to take some photos and share the recipe with all of you! Alright, I know you're thirsty, so here we go. 

Ingredients

• Yield: 2 servings
• 3 cups frozen ripe watermelon, diced
• 2.5 oz Coconut Ciroc
• 1/2 cup water (or coconut water, for extra flavour and electrolytes)
• Squeeze of lime

Directions

Pour the vodka, splash of water, and watermelon into a blender, or Nutribullet, if that's what you have on hand like me. Blend, and test out the consistency. If it's too runny, add more watermelon. If it's a little too frothy, it's up to you whether you'd like more vodka or water. I think you know my preference ;)

Nutribullet Pro 900 | Pitcher | Glasses (similar) | Coconut Ciroc | Coconut Water

Et voila! A delicious, hydrating cocktail that's low in sugar, and oh so delicious. It's definitely on repeat as one of my favourite summer cocktails. Let me know if you give it a try!

xo

Linnea

Manifestation & Changing Your Mindset

"Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, and your values become your destiny." - Ghandi

Over the last few weeks, I've been listening to quite a few podcasts surrounding manifestation, mindfulness and self improvement. Each time I listen to them, I'm immediately inspired and motivated to challenge my mental agility, and push myself to be the best person I can possibly be. I sincerely believe that if you let the universe do what it's meant to do, all while accepting what it serves you, incredible things can happen. Having an open, positive mindset is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and you may even notice some strange synchronicities happening while you're at it. Now I’m no manifestation/woo-woo expert, but I've picked up some gems from these podcasts, so I thought I’d share them with you. 

get uncomfortable

Mindfulness starts with sitting down with yourself, writing out your thoughts, journalling, and asking yourself some seriously tough questions. Because, when else do you take time to work on yourself? If you don't do this, you likely just live your life day by day, staying in your comfy little bubble. If you want to grow and evolve, working on yourself should be one of your top priorities. Questions you can ask yourself are...

What are the areas of your life that are bugging you? Why?

What can you do to improve those areas? Is there something in particular holding you back? What is it?

What makes you happy? How often do you do it? How often would you like to be doing it?

What are you grateful for? Do those things or people require more time or attention?

How do the people you hang out with make you feel? Do you aspire to be like them? Do they constantly challenge and inspire you to be the best person you can be?

If they don't, it might be time to reach out to new people, and start networking with individuals that you aspire to be. It's especially helpful to be around people that intimidate you. Yes, it's uncomfortable, and you might even feel inadequate, but you're your own worst enemy -- it's all in your head. Do it, and you'll learn so much from it. That's why mentors are so great. 

allow yourself to grow

If you're resistant to growth, you're not going to evolve as a person, and you're likely not going to reach your goals. Ok, maybe you're not the 'goalsetter type', but you're likely striving for something; otherwise, what's getting you up in the morning? What makes you tick? If you have something you're fighting for/living for/striving for, it's a lot easier to push yourself to constantly improve as the years pass. If you don't push yourself, how will you know how much you can do? How will you know what your limit is? Yes, life is stressful, but if you tolerate the distress that comes with the learning curve, you'll be totally fine. 

handle hardships with grace

Life's not about how smart you are, or how well you can ace a test; it's about how you bounce back from all the obstacles and sh*t life throws your way. And believe me, I've gone through my fair share (losing multiple jobs, loss of numerous loved ones back-to-back, loss of friends, breakups, legal battles, rejection, the works). But do I complain about it, or feel sorry for myself? No. I'm not going to mope around whining about my terrible life, because I don't look at it that way, ever. I have a pretty amazing life, and I'm very fortunate to have such incredible people surrounding me. Handle your hardships with elegance and grace, rise above the people that let you down, and you'll come out of it a stronger, better person - every single time.

After sharing my 28 things I've learned in 28 years post, I've received a few questions about what podcasts I listen to, so I've included a round up of my favourites below! Let me know which one ends up being your favourite; I love them all equally.

• The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast

• Almost 30 Podcast

• Second Life - Hilary Kerr

• The School of Greatness - Lewis Howes

• The Kimberley Wenya Podcast

• Wabi Sabi Perfectly Imperfect Podcast - Candice Kumai

• Earn Your Happy - Lori Harder

• Own Your Hustle - Ruby Lee

What are your favourite podcasts to listen to? I'd love if you left them in the comments below!

xo

Linnea

Vacation Must Haves

July has arrived, meaning I'm finally sun bathing in Mexico! I've been dying for this vacation, especially because we've been so sunshine/heat deprived in Vancouver this year. While I prepped for my trip, I thought I'd round up a bunch of my Mexico essentials - outfits, skincare, accessories and all!

Swim Tank | Swim Bottoms | Printed Headwrap | JORD Wooden Cassia Watch | Gingham Dress with Knot | Gingham Jumpsuit | Denim Jumper | Crop Top

Outfits & Swimwear

I'm going for a very relaxed vibe on this vacay; lots of crop tops with culottes, summer dresses, denim, and of course, linen. I can't live without jumpsuits, skirts, shorts or bodysuits, so you better believe my luggage is full of them! As for swimwear, I'm still loving high cut one pieces, as well as bandeaus for optimal tanning, and some tank styles. 

Accessories & Skincare

For accessories, I packed tons of sunnies and hats and straw bags - because switching up your accessories can transform your whole outfit! For skincare, first and foremost, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is number one, followed by my new Dewy Sunscreen Spray... you guys, this stuff is amazing! Its SPF 50 and it gives you the nicest glow to set your makeup. It will definitely be empty by the time I return. I'll also be using lots of Balm Dot Com, and my favourite Sleeping Lip Mask by Laneige.

Jet Lag Mask | Glossier Balm Dotcom | Cateye Sunglasses | Sleeping Lip Mask | JM Solution SPF Glow Spray | Bamboo Clutch | Straw Hat | Slingback Espadrilles | Star Sneakers | Rattan Round Crossbody | Black Basket Tote

I may be a tad bit of an over-packer, but when else do I get to wear all my clothes lol. A vacation is the optimal time. Anyway, time to work on my tan. See you in a week, friends!

xo

Linnea

Secrets to Tackling a Gallery Wall

I've had gallery walls in every single place I've lived in, and it's no coincidence! They're the easiest way to make an impact in a room (next to paint), all while letting your interests and design style shine. I always tend to put a gallery wall above my bar cart, because it just makes it look so much better. There's something amazing about pictures in frames - they can transform a space in a matter of minutes! The biggest hesitation with gallery walls that I hear is that people don't like putting holes in their walls... well I have a big secret!

no hole no problem

Never once in my 3 apartments have I ever put up a gallery wall with nails. I have always used command strips. At first, I used them because I was renting, and I didn't want to have to patch any holes and repaint everything. I quickly realized how amazing they were, and I've been using them for pretty much everything ever since. 

mix it up 

Once you pick up your command strips, you gotta start looking for your frames. Some people like uniform frames of different sizes, but I prefer a mixture of colours, sizes and textures to keep the wall interesting. If I can, I mix new frames with vintage ones, and include mats in some frames, and no mats in others.

3D is key

I also love to include something unexpected on the wall, like a magnifying glass, a stag head, unique hook, or a vintage keepsake. There's nothing worse than a boring, predictable gallery wall. Add some 3D interest, and you'll love it more than you ever thought!

get on my level

You can put up a gallery wall by yourself (I've done it many times), but it does help to have another eye when you're making sure everything is level, especially when using command strips. I usually balance my mini level on the top of the frame, place it on the wall where I want it, make sure it's leveled, then push it into the wall to make sure the command strips are secured.

the best prints in life are free

I used to buy prints, but I don't even remember the last time I did that. What's the point? There are so many images and free prints out there that you can take advantage of. My favourite photos are on Unsplash, which is like iStock, but not. Waaay cooler, and all free. I also love flipping through *quality* magazines and coffee table books for prints that I love. You'll appreciate the print more on your wall than you will in the book, so why not? May as well make the most of your book.

similar tones

Lastly, when choosing your prints, make sure they all tell a similar story and have common tones throughout them. You don't want to have overly-saturated photos next to airy vintage looking snaps. Place all of your prints side by side, and move them around; pick and choose until you find a combo that you absolutely love. It's ok if you sleep on it, because getting it right takes time. The magic of a gallery wall is that you can literally switch out the prints whenever you want, depending on your mood.

Where are your go-to places to pick up gallery wall prints? Leave them in the comments below!

xo

Linnea

July Moodboard

July... how I love you! It's usually a whirlwind of busy events, and this year's no different. I've got multiple friends visiting from out of town, girls nights, a trip to the States, my cousin's wedding, a week in Mexico (whoohoo!), a huge project launching at work, sunny beach days, fireworks on the boat, and so much more. Jam packed, but wouldn't have it any other way. This month, I'm feeling inspired, grateful for everyone and everything in my life, and focused on constant self improvement. Looking forward to some much needed vitamin D (hello summer where are youuu) and simply relaxing. Feeling great, feeling good, hbu? Happy July loves!

xo

Linnea

Wooden Watch Giveaway: A Timeless Summer Accessory

*Thanks for your entries! This giveaway is now closed*

As the weather warms up, I can't help but gravitate toward neutrals, linen, straw and wooden accents - especially when it comes to summer accessories. You already know how much I love my woven straw bags, and I've found the perfect wooden watch to match them all!

My favourite wooden accessory

I recently stumbled upon JORD watches, and absolutely fell in love with their all-natural men’s and women’s wooden timepieces. My favourite of them all is the Cassia watch in Zebra and Ivory. It’s made of natural zebrawood, with subtle hints of gold detailing throughout the strap, and a domed sapphire glass face with classic roman numerals. The strap is dainty enough to be worn everyday, and you have the option to engrave the backplate, so you can customize it however you like.

Packaged to perfection

When I received my JORD Cassia watch, it was packaged ever-so-nicely in a beautiful wooden box, which can also be engraved to your liking. I especially love the tone of the box - it's a great neutral storage piece in my home!  

Unique graining

The colour of the zebrawood is remarkable, with different grains running throughout the watch. Because of its unique colour, it matches perfectly with all my summer outfits, and I can’t wait to wear it on my upcoming trip to Mexico. Bonus - it's water resistant too, so I don’t need to worry about wearing it by the beach or the pool!

Does this sound like the perfect summer accessory to you? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve partnered with JORD watches for a giveaway.

Enter to win $100 toward a beautiful JORD wooden watch of your choice by clicking the link below. You’ll receive a 10% off coupon code just for entering, so be sure to let your friends know about the giveaway!

Enter HERE.

This giveaway closes on July 22, 2018 at 11:59PM (EST), and all promo codes expire on August 5, 2018. Good luck!

xo

Linnea

Wooden Wrist Watch

A Day at Her Majesty's Pleasure

As soon as I booked my flights to the east coast, I immediately messaged my bestie to let her know, and she booked an appointment at Her Majesty's Pleasure without even telling me! She knows me pretty much better than anyone else (because let's face it, we're basically the same person). Once she told me the plan, I was sooo stoked to be pampered once I got to the 6ix - especially after walking all over NYC.

She hadn't been to HMP either, so it was extra special sharing our first experience together. When we arrived, I was immediately taken aback by the numerous decor elements in the space. The bar was clean, with vintage glam touches, and hints of feminine tones throughout the space. If this space didn't speak to me... it's hard to say what space does! We waited a little before our services and shopped their little boutique (which has so many hard-to-find trinkets, like Boy Smells candles and Herbivore products), and were then escorted to our seat at the bar. We carefully selected our colours, and sat in awe of the beauty of the space. It was so cool to be sitting at a bar with a bunch of other lovelies, all while getting our nails did.

We also chose to do some nail art (make sure you book that in advance), so I was transferred to Grace (@gracenaillab, Korean nail artist to the stars) right after my base colours were done. And omg, I'm sooo happy I got to see Grace's nail skills put to work! She is so talented, and my nail art literally lasted for 5 weeks straight, with gel polish only! Don't worry, I finally changed them this past weekend lol. Nat and I both do our own shellac nails at home, so she definitely inspired us to stock up on Korean nail art tools and little embellishments to make our nails a little less "basic". You better believe the first thing we did when we got home that night was search for Korean nail kits online!

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The service and atmosphere was incredible; I'd definitely go back again. Such a cute little spot to have a girls day! If you're heading to Toronto, and you have an hour or two to spare, I highly suggest you pay a visit to HMP - you won't be disappointed.

xo

Linnea

Toronto Weekend Guide

Hi friends, I hope you're not sick of these travel guides yet, because I've got plenty more coming your way, and I don't plan on stopping. Next on deck: Toronto. As a child, I visited Toronto pretty often, but I hadn't been back in the city since I was 10, so it was definitely time to go back. I also needed to visit my elementary school bestie of 21 years, Nat. Yes, 21 years. Insane, right?! I had such a great time spending time with her and Jord, eating such incredible food, and shopping til' I dropped some serious $$$... all thanks to Jord for Kanye-ing my closet and being my personal shopper, for real. Keeping my eyes peeled for your blog, because it's happening! Big thanks to both of you for being my home away from home on the east coast... project "move Linnea to Toronto" isn't dead yet LOL. Here's a guide to everything to see and do in TO (without the touristy fuss):

where to eat

KIIN

It was my first meal of the trip, and KIIN was a beautifully designed upscale Thai spot - the lighting, atmosphere, food, drinks, staff, brass finishings... loved it all. Our server was incredible, walking us through every part of the menu, and suggesting the absolute best! We started with the 2 sweet/2 savoury dumplings, and they were omggg amazing. I'm drooling just thinking about them. Something about the coconut, palm sugar, garlic, salt combination is absolutely mind-blowing.

For mains, we tried the Soft Shell Crab and the Khao Yum, a mixture of different rices, and a burst of flavours including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, toasted coconut, pomelo, fried chilli, edible flowers, and tamarind. Every single bite was different. But I found that the best thing about this dinner was sitting with my friends, in complete awe of the food. We all appreciated the flavours so much that it made it the best meal of the trip. I was so incredibly happy in that moment! Couldn't have asked for a better start.

After dinner, I got to soak in the best views of Toronto from the 40th floor of the office building where Suits is filmed... I have no words!

Pai

Ok, I just told you how much I love Thai food... and my friends know me really well, so they knew that 2 Thai places would be A-OKAY with me. And boy were they right. Pai was a completely different experience than KIIN. What started as a match made in heaven in Thailand, eventually turned into a love child - an incredible restaurant with authentic Northern Thai flavours called Pai. I'm always told that I need to go to Thailand and just eat all the food (don't worry, I'll do that soon), because when you compare it to here in Canada, there's no comparison. And I completely agree about Vancouver (Thai food here really does suck), but this place. In Toronto. OMG. I was completely blown away. Nat and Jord talked up a big game (and we ordered all the food) but it was so. damn. good. Highly, highly recommend, just make sure you book your reso in advance because they do get really busy.

KŌST

As the rooftop restaurant of one of Nat's development projects, KOST was high on my list to visit! I mean, I had to see everything she worked so hard on in real life. It's on the very top floor of the Bisha Hotel & Residence, with open walls and a pool with 180 degree views of the CN Tower and the Toronto skyline. I definitely didn't feel like I was in Canada when I was up there.. very beachy, Miami vibes. The decor was right up my alley, but I'm sure I don't need to point that out. Coastal, relaxed, decked out with plants and palm leaves, sprinkled with a little hint of boho = my jam. Their brunch and fresh pressed juice was also noteworthy, as it should be. We later took a visit to the restrooms and checked out a little bit of the hotel, and WOW. If anything inspired me to jump into Interior Design for real, it was being at the Bisha Hotel.

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Planta

Vegan food... my love! Sometimes, people assume I'm vegan, because I don't eat much meat and very rarely eat dairy, but I'm not. I do, however, make a conscious effort to eat meat-free throughout the week, so if I wanted to go vegan, I think I most definitely could - I just love seafood so much. Anyway... Planta! What a cute, trendy palm-leaf-wallpapered spot! Their iced Cashew Chai Latte was bomb, as were their Truffle Fries, GF Frenchie Pizza (umm... how the heck was that gluten free) and their Kale Caesar with pickled onions. All amazing. We really need more spots like this in Van! Yum yum.

Piano Piano

I saw a few snaps of Piano Piano on Instagram, and their menu definitely caught my eye. As the last dinner of my trip, it was a great place to cap off my last night. Decor was pretty cool, and the outside of the restaurant is so unique! Very Tiffany Pratt - I love how she injects herself into all the spaces she touches. 

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RH Yorkdale

As a decor fanatic, I knew I had to make a stop at Restoration Hardware Yorkdale. We had lunch at their cafe (so freakin' cute), walked around the store, and treated ourselves to my last decadant meal of the trip. I would say you're definitely paying for the atmosphere here, but loved it nonetheless.

cafes and sweet treats 

Cafe Cancan

Also designed by Tiffany Pratt, Cafe Cancan is such a cute, instagrammable cafe through and through. The branding is so adorbs, and the coffee and treats were so fresh and delicious. I'd definitely go back again, because I loved the area with all the cute shops - specifically the ones with plants and crystals!

Sorelle

This gluten-free-vegan-nut-free-everything-free bakery is the epitome of a millenial bakery. It's very fancy and frilly, and their treats and drinks (mostly made with hemp milk) are to die. I still have no idea what ingredients they use in anything, but damn. Yes please.

Jacked Up Coffee

We stopped here mostly because we needed a photo taken of us, and if I didn't already have a coffee in my hand, I'd definitely give this cute truck a try. Jord did the honours for us.

Tsujiri

Hands down best matcha soft serve I've ever had - super potent flavour and oh so delicious. Now if only they'd hurry up and open their Richmond location! I swear that "coming soon" sign has been up for a year.

where to shop

Yorkville

 TNT

As one of the stores we don't have in Vancouver, Jord and Nat made sure I stopped at TNT. And good thing we did, because that's where I spent the most. I bought two staple items that I wear all. the. time. We also became triplets after that trip, because we all need CDG high tops, am I right? Obsessed with everything in this store!

COS

Loved this store - great for basics and pieces you'll wear time and time again. 

Eaton Centre

Uniqlo

Ok, I know we have Uniqlo here in Vancouver, but for some reason, the Toronto location has so much more selection! The Uniqlo U line is especially my favourite. Thanks again to Jord for picking all the things out for me... I feel like a different person :D 

M Brand Shop

If you're looking for any Korean beauty products, this is where you need to go! You'll find pretty much anything you're looking for here, just watch the markup on prices. 

Queens Street

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Trendy, man-repelling, unique items are my jam, because man repelling is my forté, right? And this is the store for just that! Haha jk, but I've really stopped caring what other people think when it comes to what I wear/my style. If I love it, I wear it. Chunky platforms? Into it. Cat eye shades? All over it. Mom/dad style/retro everything? Yessss. And I'm so so happy that lavender is in and all the Clueless 90's vibes are backkkk. 

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The Siista'r

This cute little Korean store had everything and more! I found such cute items for Mexico, along with a silk dress for an upcoming wedding. Definitely a hidden gem!

Milk Bar  

Because I was going to Toronto after New York, I didn't bother going to Milk Bar in NY, and just stocked up on the last day in Toronto. Nothing is gluten free, dairy free or remotely healthy, but my fam was very satisfied with the goodies I picked up for them.

And that's a wrap! There were so many other spots I wanted to go while I was there, but obviously we didn't have time for everything. Stay tuned for our day at Her Majesty's Pleasure - another must-go spot in TO. What are your must see spots in the 6ix? Let me know and I'll add them to my next trip out east :)

xo

Linnea

Summer Skincare Routine

Skin. It's been a big part of my life these last few years, and I'd pick skincare over makeup any day. Now that I've pretty much become a skincare junkie, here's my tried and true skincare routine, morning to night. And lucky for you, I've linked all the products I can find, so you can easily shop my routine.

AM Routine

In the morning, my routine varies depending on the products or masks I used the night before. If I used a hydrating sleeping mask (which I usually do), then I just do a simple water rinse. If I have various products on my skin that aren't safe for the sun, I'll do a gentle wash with Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One-Step Cleanser or the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser with a Konjac Cleansing Sponge. Don't waste much money on these - Miniso has them for like $2! Next, I'll tone my skin with Glossier Solution. Absolutely love this stuff.

This is where my routine changes, based on what my skin needs that day. If my skin is calm, I opt for hydration, always. I've mentioned these before, but my go-to hydrators are The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5, followed by The Buffet. If I'm breaking out a little, I use Niacinamide + Zinc, and if I need some brightening, I'll use Glossier Super Glow.

After serums, it's time for moisturizer. And again, Miss indecisive changes it up everyday, but I use either the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF, or the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer (amazing), followed by the Glossier Invisible Shield (which is a clear SPF 35 gel without flashback, but is only available in the states, fyi). It changes depending on my mood, but don't ever skip SPF! I can't stress enough how important it is.

To hydrate under my eyes, I switch between the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream and the Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream. In my opinion, the CeraVe is a very close dupe to DE, just not as creamy, and waaay more affordable. To prime my skin, I use the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask (yes, it works as a makeup primer AND quick mask AND sleeping mask AND moisturizer - highly recommend on all accounts) or The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer. Et voila, my skin is ready for makeup application! Yes, it's a lotta steps, but I'm so used to it now that it takes no time.

PM Routine

To wash off the day, I use The Face Shop's Gentle Oil Cleanser to get all my makeup off (without water). Then I do a double cleanse with the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and pat my skin dry. If I feel like I need to exfoliate (which I do 2-3 times a week), I'll use the Face Shop's Smart Peeling Cleanser, which literally peels your dead skin off - it's so satisfying to use! 

To tone my skin, I'm currently using the Rose Water Spray from Trader Joe's, and it's actually so good. I think it was like $3. I'll follow that with one of the serums I mentioned above, then some sort of hydration. For anti-aging purposes, I like the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil as well as The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalene. If I need more hydration, I use either the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask or the Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask. If you love the smell of watermelon and Korean skincare, you'll love Glow Recipe. Use this link for 15% off your entire purchase!

For eye cream, I use one of the two I mentioned above, then smother my lips with the Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask - it's by far my favourite lip product (next to Glossier Balm Dotcom). After that, I'll make myself a cup of tea, do some reading, then head to bed for a good night's sleep. 

What are your go to summer skincare secrets? Leave them in the comments below!

xo

Linnea

28 Things I've Learned in 28 Years

As I approach my birthday, I thought I'd make a list of the 28 things I've learned so far, especially when it comes to getting to know myself. I recently came across someone who helped me learn more about myself in a matter of hours than I ever even knew, so I may as well share what I learned. I've thought about whether or not to share this post, but sometimes we don't share enough, so here goes nothing.

1. Doing things on your own isn't as scary as it sounds. I always thought I was someone who would never ever want to live or travel alone, but it's the most liberating thing I've experienced so far. Those who haven't got the chance are seriously missing out.

2. A clean space provides a clean mind. My surroundings bring me joy, especially when they're clean and decluttered. Marie Kondo is my hero.

3. Don't forget about yourself. I tend to be the go-to listener - the friend who soaks up everyone's problems and worries, offering the realest advice I can. Sometimes, their problems weigh me down, and I completely forget to think about myself - or let them know when I need them.

4. In saying that, it's pretty obvious that I suck at asking for help. So here's your reminder. Ask for help.

5. Cooking is good for the soul. I love entertaining at home. If I can put a smile on someone's face by having them over and sharing my energy, that makes me happy.

6. Travelling should always be a priority, and no one should ever lead you to believe otherwise. The amount of lessons and experiences you'll have from one trip is exponential compared to a routine life at home.

7. A dog can be a woman's best friend too - and life with Dash is pure bliss. He's like my living crystal, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

8. You can do anything you set your mind to. Put things out into the universe, write them down, or tell someone you're going to do something, and those things will happen time and time again. Manifestation is real. Wherever energy flows, intention goes.

9. Health and wellness are of the utmost importance. Fitness in an infrared sauna, breathing and daily gratitude are my favourite ways to feel my best. You're living, be grateful. Also, solid morning and night routines can help a lot.

10. Surrounding yourself with positive, uplifting people are the only people worth your time. You have the power to choose who you spend your time with, so choose wisely. Your time is important.

11. Be positive. It's one of the best things you can do for yourself, and it tremendously helps with your happiness level - something I've come to realize after weeding out all the negative people in my life.

12. Trust your gut. As women, our instincts are incredibly strong - like scary strong. It's when we choose to ignore those senses in our head that we F up. So listen to them. All of them. They're always right.

13. Hindsight is 20/20. So it's ok to make mistakes, look back at them and learn from them. As cliché as it sounds, everything happens for a reason, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment.

14. It's all about balance. Sometimes I'm extremely insecure, while other times I'm "sneaky" confident (or so I've been told). Finding people or things that balance and ground you will help you find peace with yourself.

15. Horoscopes are true. I like to dabble in multiple things at once, and very rarely do I actually finish something before moving on to the next thing. The Gemini in me is real.

16. It's okay to say no. You don't owe anyone anything.

17. But also, say yes. Send that message. Go on that date. Travel the world. Have that one night stand. Because, why the F not. YO to the LO.

18. Forgive everyone, even those that have hurt you the most. There's no point in holding grudges; that will get you nowhere. The meaning of friendship is to love, learn, inspire, grow and forgive. If your friendships don't have those things, you've got fake friends, my friend.

19. Self love is the most important love of all. I recharge by being alone at home, and having a bed to yourself is extremely underrated.

20. Forever isn't everything. You may think you have it all figured out, but things don't always work out as planned, and that's totally ok. You're a bolder person because of it.

21. Keep learning. I love learning new things, and I'm constantly on the hunt to learn more. Podcasts focused on wellness and intention are my favourite.

22. Speaking of learning, I'm done fighting the urge to go back to school - it's gonna happen, just watch.

23. Smile more. As someone who's deemed unapproachable by many, I need to get rid of that RBF and smile, damnit.

24. Scare yourself. I'm pretty open-minded, and I've learned to start embracing new experiences and give my courage a big stretch. If you don't constantly challenge yourself in every area of your life, you'll remain stagnant or even feel depleted. Everyone's a constant WIP, so put in the work. Scribble a little. Make mistakes. How the F else will you grow.

25. Common values above all. If someone doesn't understand your passions or values, and doesn't take them seriously (maybe even thinks they're outright ridiculous) they're clearly not the right fit for you. Shared values and good old fashioned r-e-s-p-e-c-t are imperative to any relationship - something that's not so obvious when you're in la la land.

26. Let your creativity flow. I've always had a creative side, and I'm feeling more inspired than ever. I know I need to work on this area more, so I'm going to start making more time for diy projects. You heard it here first, folks.

27. Write it down. My mind is always running - hence the reason I feel the need to constantly write down calendar events, ideas, and thoughts... like starting this blog (and this post, which is literally 4 months in the making, tbh). You never know what will come of something if you don't write it down.

28. Lastly, life is what you make of it, and happiness is a choice. So wake up and get happy!

xo

Linnea

In a New York Minute: Part 2

Okay loves, back with my NY city guide part 2. I hope it helps you when planning your next trip! I absolutely loved my time while I was there, but my appreciation for travel and the places I visit increases significantly once I'm back at home... and oh my goodness, what I would give to be back in the city. Also, a BIG shout out to my friends Andrea and Jason for being so generous and for showing me around - my trip wouldn't be what it was without you! Ok, here we go.

Day 3

8:00AM - Brooklyn Bridge

After my first solid sleep of the trip, I walked over to the Brooklyn Bridge. The view from the bridge is something else, because you really can see the whole NYC skyline. The bridge was so close to the apartment, so I'm glad I made the trip!

9:30AM - Fika

After walking over the bridge, it was definitely time for coffee. I found this super cute Swedish coffee chain called FIKA in the financial district, which means "coffee break" in Swedish. They had strong Swedish coffee, and all my fave fixin's (princess cake, dammsugare, mazariner (almond tarts), almond croissants, kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls)... they had it all). Thankfully, I controlled myself, but OMG was it good. I would definitely go back next time for sure.

10:00AM - Statue of Liberty

A short walk over to Whitehall Terminal, I jumped on the Staten Island ferry (which is completely free, btw), to see the Statue of Liberty from the water. She was a lot bigger than I thought she'd be! If you're looking for a budget-friendly, fast way to see her, I definitely recommend jumping on this ferry, because you get a view of the statue to and from Staten Island, and you can just jump on the next ferry back to Manhattan once you get to the island. Time was of the essence, so that's exactly what I did! Highly recommend.

11:00AM - World Trade Centre

Once I got back to Whitehall Terminal, I walked over to the World Trade Centre, walked down Wall Street, and popped into a few stores to do some shopping around Fulton Center. I dropped my bags off at the apartment, and headed back to the subway to spend the rest of the day in Soho. 

12:45PM - Laduree

I went to Laduree for lunch, and treated myself to an Ispahan and a lavender macaron with a pot of Marie Antoinette tea... so good! Thank goodness macarons are gluten free :) The patio is soo stinkin' cute, I couldn't put my camera down!

1:45PM - Shopping in Soho

The rest of my day consisted of jumping from store to store, trying things on, crossing off the spots on my list that we don't have back home (Everlane, Sezane, Little Cupcake Bakeshop, Madewell, Mansur Gavriel, Glossier, Byredo, etc). My first stop? Nike. Because I NEEDED new shoes - my back was dead.

I spent the rest of my time at Everlane and Glossier... but Glossier takes the cake for taking all my money in New York lol. I came in with a long list, and the girls in there thought I was crazy... but #noshame.

7:00PM - Rooftop BBQ 

After meeting up with Andrea for a little more shopping, we walked over to Jason's apartment, and went grocery shopping for dinner. The two of them made the most incredible dinner, and I literally had the best steak of my life. I don't know how you do it Jason... but DAMN. And I don't even like steak! 

We ate dinner on his rooftop patio overlooking all of NYC. You could see both the World Trade Centre and the Empire State building, and it was definitely the highlight of the trip. I felt like I was on cloud 9 all night, and couldn't believe the million dollar 360 view. Can't thank you enough!!

11:00PM - The Jane Hotel

After freshening up, Andrea and I headed out on the town for the Jane! It felt like a house party in a fancy, old fashioned mansion, and the music was bomb - always a plus.

1:00AM - Marquee

A few hours later, it was time for Marquee! We met up with some Vancouver friends and listened to Oliver Heldens DJ the night away, all while laughing at the table beside us quite literally throwing bills in the air. It was the most obnoxious thing I've ever seen. I got home in time for 2 hours of sleep (especially after I finished packing), then it was time to wake up again. 

Day 4

7:00AM - Royal Wedding with Mimosas and Marathons

The wake up call for the marathon was a little early for my liking, but we were all present at Jason's apartment to catch bits of the Royal Wedding, make marathon signs, down some coffee with oat milk and sip on boozy mimosas! Nothing like more champagne to keep you going.

8:00AM - Uber Around Brooklyn

To catch the marathon runners, we uber'd to Brooklyn and chased the three of them around, trying to find the best spots to see them so we could embarrass them with our obnoxious signs and cowbells. Yes, we were those people.

11:30AM - Brunch at Krupa Grocery

After some well deserved celebratory beers in Coney Island, we all headed to brunch in Brooklyn at Krupa Grocery - SUCH a cute restaurant and such tremendously good food! I'd definitely go back here to eat again.

3:00PM - Goodbye for now

There was torrential downpour by this time after brunch, but I needed to be at the airport by 3, so I rushed in an uber back to the city to finish packing and deal with my overweight luggage situation (thanks Glossier), and booked it to the airport. I made it just in the knick of time, and it was finally hitting me... my New York visit was over!! I was pretty sad, but I was excited to be continuing on to Toronto to visit more friends of mine (more on that trip later).

Overall, I did pretty much everything I set out to do on my itinerary. There were a few spots I missed that I wish I went to, but I'm pretty proud of how much I was able to accomplish in the few days I was there. One of my best trips, by far, and I can't wait to come back to NYC... likely sooner rather than later :) 

Do you have any must do/see things in NY? Let me know below!

xo

Linnea

In Full Bloom

A few weeks ago, my brother and I decided to spend a spontaneous day soaking up the sun in Abbotsford for the last day of the tulip festival. The fields were absolutely beautiful, and it was a great reminder to take some much needed time out of city life to enjoy nature and literally stop and smell the (tulips). It also made me realize that you can bloom into whatever you want - there's no one stopping you, and what people think is the absolute last thing that matters. We spent great quality time together, and the shots he captured were pretty incredible!

If you're looking for portrait or lifestyle shots, feel free to check tristanderson out on Instagram and send him a DM for inquiries. 

xo

Linnea

June Moodboard

How it's already June, I don't even know. I guess that's what happens when you're having fun, because May was incredible! 

It was packed with lots of girl time, travelling, exploring, eating, shopping, boating, and so much more. I'm very happy with the month, but wish it wasn't over yet! I am very excited for June though - summer solstice, endless sunshine, patios, my birthday, a baby shower, boat cruises... the whole shabang! 

Happy June, loves!

xo

Linnea

In a New York Minute

Alright guys, I want to start off with a big apology for being soo MIA on my blog, but I've quite literally been on vacation mode. I needed to take a breather, make the most out of my time on the east coast, and soak up as much quality time as possible with my east coast girls! On top of that, I got super sick as soon as I landed, so I've been out of commission for a few days to say the least. Without further ado, here's part 1 of my guide to NYC! Warning: this itinerary is NOT for lazy, slow-paced people. I created an itinerary that was a totally type-A-to-the-minute-resos-booked-outfit-included schedule, so... you've been warned! Day 3 & 4 coming your way shortly ;)

Day 1

I arrived in New York to rainy, dreary weather, with traffic to the nines. My uber ride took about an hour and half to get to my friend's apartment, so I did my makeup in his car, dropped my bags off, did a quick wardrobe change, and jumped straight into another uber to meet my friends for dinner at Momofuku Nishi. I arrived a little late, but I came to realize that traffic will always screw you over in New York. Dinner was incredible, and it was so great seeing my friends and kicking off the trip with my first meal in NY! 

10:30PM - Times Square

After dinner, my friends headed home and I started walking towards Times Square. I shopped around for a few hours (because when else can you shop at F21 or Sephora at midnight), admired the signs and billboards like the Marketing nerd I am, then picked up some groceries and snacks before heading home to unpack and get settled. Day 1 was complete, and I was already in absolute love with the city.

Day 2

7:45AM - Empire State Building

The next day, I woke up bright and early (minimal sleep night #1) to get ready and take the subway to get to the Empire State building before they opened. There was barely a line-up, so I got the snaps I needed, then walked over to my next stop: Grand Central Station - but not before a much needed Almond Milk Latte!

8:45AM - Grand Central Station

Once I arrived at Grand Central, I was mesmerized at how big it was. It wasn't as busy as I thought it'd be, but it was definitely something to see for sure. There are a ton of shops inside the station, if you have free time to peruse.

9:30AM - The MET

Since I was already at the train station, I took the subway to the Upper East Side (one of my fave neighbourhoods by far), where I arrived at the steps of the MET, then explored the Heavenly Bodies exhibit inside - one of the most surreal parts of my trip! As a fashion lover, seeing the dresses up close and personal was mesmerizing... so if you're heading to New York, I highly recommend going to the MET to see this exhibit before it's gone - it's worth every penny!

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10:45AM - Central Park

After the MET, I took a stroll through part of Central Park along 5th Ave, and made my way to Rockefeller Center. This walk is not for everyone, as it's almost an hour long, but I was totally up for the challenge (my feet would feel it later - DO NOT wear chucks).

11:30AM - Top of the Rock

I made it to my booked time slot, and the view at the Top of the Rock was spectacular!! If you only have time for one viewpoint, I definitely recommend the Top of the Rock over Empire State, because the view of the Empire State building is everything, and you get a good view of Central Park, too!

1:00PM - Lunch

After photos and looking around, I headed downstairs for some much needed lunch. I've been dying to try By Chloe for years now (mostly because of my fave youtuber Ash Brooke), and I finally got my chance! It's a cute vegan restaurant that's well known for their salads and burgers (which are mostly gluten free as well). My meal was bombdiggity, and I was really starting to love travelling/eating alone. Thumbs up all around!

2:00PM - MoMa

After lunch, I walked over to the MoMa, and I have to say, I was a little underwhelmed after the MET. There were some pieces that were really cool, and lots of interactive (and some really weird) exhibits, but I think I would skip the MoMa next time. I did get to see Vincent Van Gogh's famous Starry Night up close, so that was cool!

3:30PM - While We Were Young

A short subway ride later, I wound up at While We Were Young for a cocktail - the cutest little restaurant (you already know I went for the decor) in the heart of West Village - hands down the cutest neighbourhood in NYC. My cocktail was amazing - named after the restaurant itself, and finished with hints of pure vanilla bean... mm mmm.

4:30PM - Carrie's Apartment

Because I was in West Village... the SITC fan in me just HAD to take a photo on the steps of Carrie's apartment, and that I did. I even got to meet the owner of the house! Fair warning: it looks identical to all the homes around it, and he's got tacky anti-trump signs in his window, along with a chain on his steps. Also, don't sit on his steps... you've been warned! 

4:45PM - Sockerbit

I stumbled upon the cutest little Swedish candy store you ever did see... so obviously I had to go in and stock up. We hadn't had Swedish-quality candy in a while, so my fam (Farmor included) definitely appreciated it! 

5:30PM - And break!

By this point I was super duper tired, so I needed to head back to the apartment to lie down, freshen up, and get ready for dinner. Before I knew it, it was time to jump back on the subway!

7:00PM - Chumley's

For dinner, my friend Andrea made a reso at Chumley's - a traditional speakeasy where the coolest of cool writers used to hang out, including Ernest Hemingway! Really great underground spot with the walls decked out in their photos. The food was also delightful - no surprise there.

9:30PM - Friends Apartment

Just beside Chumley's is the Friends apartment, so it was neat to see on our post-dinner walk. We explored West Village and Andrea took me around to some of her favourite spots in the neighbourhood.

10:00PM - Marie's Crisis

First stop: Marie's Crisis Cafe - a Broadway lover's dream bar! You don't need to pay for a show when you're in NY, just head to Marie's Crisis, and you'll get performances all night for free. Everyone in there will know every word to every song played on the piano... and if you're lucky, they'll play some Disney showtunes so you can sing along, too! 

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11:00PM - Joe's Pizza

Neither Andrea or I are real dessert people, so rather than feasting on dessert after dinner, we had a traditional slice of New York pizza instead! And OMG, it was actually so damn good. Definitely worth the gluten, and VERY glad I opted for pizza over ice cream :)

12:00AM - Whole Foods

After walking Andrea home to SoHo, I popped into Whole Foods to stock up on goodies that the Americans like to keep from us Canadians... (you know, Vital Proteins, better LaCroix flavours, Unreal Almond Butter cups, etc), and took an uber home. Day 2, complete! 

Stay tuned for days 3 & 4... I promise they're just as packed and full of fun :D

xoxo

Gossip girl

Happy Birthday Dash!

Well, it's been "ruffly" 3 years since you've been in this world, and I still count my blessings every day that you came into my life. I never knew for sure if I'd ever own a dog, but you sure did change my mind when I rescued you! Adopting a dog was definitely one of the best decisions I ever made, and I highly recommend adoption to everyone.

Watching you grow and develop your personality (and undying love for your Gramps) has been incredible. I've had you for 2 years, and they've hands down been my happiest years yet. 

Thank you for your constant love, cuddles, patience, and amazing teddy bear fur. You've been the greatest pup I could ever ask for, and I'm told almost every day how adorable you are - not to mention how well you match our home's aesthetic! I'm talking to you like you're a person, but you really have been by my side through it all, and you basically are a baby in my eyes. I love you so much Dashy, happy birthday! Now let's celebrate with some cake.

xo

mommy

Lavender Lemon Cocktails

It's no secret that I have a major obsession with lavender scented things... and the same goes for lavender flavoured things. Ice cream, kombucha, tea, cookies, bread, cocktails... pretty much anything that has a hint of lavender in it, I will looove. 

And with the sunshine finally making an appearance, it's the perfect time to share my favourite homemade Lavender Lemon cocktail, just in time for patio season. Here we go!

Ingredients

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1/2 lemon, squeezed (I like it tangy, but do this to taste)
• 1 tsp. lavender lemon simple syrup
• 1 can homemade lemon sparkling water (or La Croix)
• Dried lavender, for garnish

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, pour 1 to 2 ounces of vodka (depending on what you need that day), followed by some lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup - the star of the show.
2. Add some ice to your shaker and give it a whirl.
3. Top your cocktail glass with your shaker creation, and finish with some lemon sparkling water for a little punch. Tip: if you'd like to add a hint of another flavour, top your cocktail with some mojito mint, and you're set! 

Cheers,

Linnea

Linen Bedding

Spring has sprung, and I've completed a spring refresh, as well as a ton of spring cleaning around my home. Cleaning and decluttering aside, one of the updates I made was the switch to linen bedding. Maybe it's the breathability, or the washed-linen look, but I love it so much, and it's definitely worth the investment. If you're looking for a fabric that immediately transforms your bedroom into a relaxed, coastal getaway, this is it! Here are some of my faves:

Washed linen duvet cover set, H&M Home

Linen Plain Weave Duvet Cover, Muji

Linen Duvet Cover Set, Parachute

Soft-Washed Linen Duvet Cover, Anthropologie

Sweetest dreams,

Linnea

Floating Shelf Inspo

I've been planning on putting up floating shelves in my kitchen for a while now, and I think the time has finally come to get cracking and do the damn thing! I plan to store some extra plates, mugs and knick knacks on the shelves, so they have to be durable and strong enough to hold everything - without ripping the wall out. I thought about hiring someone to make the shelves, and put them up (because my walls have concrete behind them), but I think I've decided to just do it myself. A little DIY can't hurt nobody... or can it...

Either way, I'm sharing a round up of my favourite kitchen shelves I've come across thus far, in hopes to create a similar look with mine - coming soon! Of course, I'll take you through the whole DIY process once I get there.

If you have any great DIY shelf tutorials, I'd love to hear about them! 

xo

Linnea

Travel Essentials

Now that it's a little warmer, I'll be travelling quite a bit, and I'm starting to prep for all my trips. With jet lag, long flights, lack of hydration and lots and lots of sunshine, your skin (and your sanity) need these essentials to have a great trip - and great flights to get there! Here are some of my favourite travel essentials, so you can focus on enjoying the grander things in life, like the Big Apple itself:

1. Skincare - I've said it before and I'll say it again... skin is one of my top priorities. And one of my faaavourite products right now has got to be the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, created by none other than my fave, Marianna Hewitt! It's incredible, and I can't wait to use it on the plane.
2. Electronics - Maybe I use it too much, but my phone is always dying... everyone around me can attest to that. So if you're travelling around all day, it's smart to have a portable charger or power bank with you. I've also been listening to so many different podcasts lately, so I always need my earbuds. I've linked both of my faves below! Is it weird that I'm super pumped to get through a whole bunch of podcasts during transit? Lol.
3. Baggage (the good kind) - Let's be real - nobody loves baggage, unless, of course it's a set of new boujee luggage. When the time came to buy a new set (what a story that was), you better believe I chose Calpak. I absolutely love my set - they're lightweight, have built-in locks, and are so tremendously easy to travel with.
4. H2o - Water is a must for travel, especially on the plane. Believe it or not, you're supposed to drink 5x the amount of water on a plane compared to on land, so a collapsible water bottle couldn't be more ideal.
5. Eyewear - There are so many great shades on the market right now, and I'm obsessed with the retro cat eyes! Speaking of eyes, eye masks are everything. They help you sleep pretty much anywhere - especially on the plane (not to mention helping avoid those awkward convos with your seatmate).
6. Insurance - I may be a little biased, but you definitely can't travel anywhere without travel insurance (unless you're staying in your home province, that is). Do yourself a favour, and make sure you're covered with adequate travel insurance as soon as you book your trip!

Carry-on Cocktail Kit | Market Tote | Jet Lag Mask | Glossier Balm Dotcom | Happy Plugs | Cateye Sunglasses | Sleeping Lip Mask | Lavender Rose Deodorant | Travel Pouch | Converse Sneakers | Silk Eye Mask | Portable Phone Charger Wristlet | Collapsible Water Bottle | Rose Gold Luggage

Happy travels,

Linnea