Paris in Three Days

If you’ve been waiting for this, I’m sorry! I feel like I needed a vacation from my vacation, and that included a break from writing about it. But now that it’s been about a month, I’m ready to relive it all over again. First up, here’s a look at how I did Paris in 3 days. Fair warning: this was mostly an eating, drinking, walking around type trip, so if that’s not for you, this itinerary won’t be either. My original itinerary definitely included a lot more than what we actually did, but that’s what happens when you’re tired, need sleep, and do chambongs every damn day, ok! Alright, here we go.

Day 1

We arrived in Paris around 11:30AM, but our Airbnb wasn’t supposed to be ready until 2:00, so we took a bus all the way to the luggage drop off, only for them to tell us our place was ready. What a time suck! I told you things don’t always go as planned. Regardless, we took an Uber to our place from there, settled in, and freshened up. Once we were ready to rock, we headed out the door for some much needed food (et vin).

2:00PM - Lunch at Le Petit Poucet

We sat down at one of the first cute cafes that we saw, and immediately got a taste of Paris. We ordered French fries and the most incredible burgers with house made sauce on the side. Just a little disclaimer: I don’t recommend going from Italy straight to Paris, because it will take some time for you to get used to Parisians and their attitude, as opposed to loving, welcoming, hospitable Italians. Maybe go to Paris thennnn Italy. Much better plan. Regardless, the spot we chose was so cute - I could have people watched in Place de Clichy all day!

4:00PM - Sacré Coeur

Our Airbnb was pretty close to the Sacré Coeur, so we thought that’d be a great way to spend the afternoon. We made a pit stop at the liquor store, bought some disposable flutes, and walked over to Montmartre! This was hands down one of my favourite days in Paris. I absolutely LOVED Montmartre, and wish I had more time to spend there. The cobblestone roads and buildings were so adorable, and once you get closer to the Sacré Coeur, all the little shops make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie - ahh I can’t wait to go back. We spent the afternoon just enjoying the beautiful view !

6:30PM - Wine Stop #2 (Don’t judge)

We quickly realized that whatever we bought just hours before would not last us very long… especially with our intention of chambonging all over the world. We picked up a few more bottles, and headed straight to our apartment to chillax a little before dinner.

10:00PM - Dinner at The Little Italy

A few hours (and many, many chambongs) later, we headed out to dinner. We decided to check out a cute spot called The Little Italy just down the street, and it was hands down the best meal we had in Paris. We all ordered the fresh truffle pasta (which was served in our very own copper pans) and it was soooo good omg. I’ve never ever had a truffle pasta this good. Next time I go to Paris, I’m definitely coming here again! Oh, and we were a little drunk during this dinner, in case you can’t tell in these photos :D

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

12:00AM - Drinks with Friends

To cap off the night, we met up with some Parisian friends at a bar/club. It was great to meet some new faces and speak drunken French all night. I’m pretty sure I tried to hold as many French convos as possible (the only time the French 12 language award came in handy lol) and they actually believed I spoke fluent French! Pretty solid first night in Paris… but bed was calling my name.

Day 2

9:30AM - Coffee

After the very first solid sleep of the entire trip, we got ready for the day (lewks and all), and headed out for some much needed coffee before heading toward the Arc de Triomphe.

10:00AM - Arc de Triomphe

When we arrived, I was blown away with how big it was. It was so beautiful! We walked around a little, as well as underneath (that’s where the lineup is to get up to the arc and see it), and of course, took a few photos here and there. We contemplated exploring the Champs-Élysées afterwards, but none of us were really in the mood for shopping, so to Eiffel we went!

11:00AM - Eiffel Tower

The walk from the Arc de Triomphe to Eiffel was absolutely stunning. We took a route that wasn't very busy, so it was nice to take our time enjoying the scenery and the beautiful Parisian architecture. Once we got to the Trocadéro, the view of the Eiffel Tower was beautiful! It was a little obstructed because of the fashion week set up, but that’s ok. We came, we saw, we conquered. The original plan was to continue walking towards Eiffel and maybe even have a picnic, but it started to rain, so we had to improvise.

12:00PM - Lunch

Instead, we chose to have lunch at Le Malakoff at the Trocadéro, and yet again, another beautiful café. You really can’t go wrong with which café you choose, because they’re all so damn cute! We spent quite a bit of time relaxing while the rain poured, and decided that shopping would be our next activity for the day, due to the annoying torrential downpour.

3:00PM - Galeries Lafayette

Despite the rain, we made it to Sephora and Galeries Lafayette for some rainy day shopping. The store was absolutely stunning, but I wish I had something in mind that I wanted to buy. Yes, I had A TON of candles and perfumes (Le Labo Gaiac 10 - whyyyy did I not buy it, Byredo, Diptyque) on my list, but those are all heavy/liquid items, and I knew that would be troublesome fitting into my luggage and dealing with the weight situation. Looking back on it now, of course I wish I purchased something special that I’d been wanting for so long, but all the more reason to go back.

5:30PM - Chillax

Finally, it was time to put the feet up, chillax, and maybe do a chambong (or three).

8:30PM - Dinner at Le Dulcinéa

We headed out to dinner in an area that we ended up loving (super artsy and lively) which was pretty close to our apartment, right by the Moulin Rouge. I believe the area is called Pigalle - St. Georges (the red-light district). We ended up at an Italian restaurant (surprise, surprise) called Le Dulcinéa, and once again, amazing food. Slow. Clap. You’d think we had enough pasta in Italy, but we actually ate pretty healthy, home cooked meals for the most part, so we gave ourselves permission to carb it up hard in Paris. The servers were all amazing (cuz they were Italian, shocker), the food and drinks were awesome, and I’d definitely recommend!

11:30PM - Drinks by Moulin Rouge

We were meeting up with a friend later on that night, so in the meantime, we killed time right across from the Moulin Rouge at a random bar. I honestly have no idea what it was called… all I remember is that the service was terrible, my drink was disgusting, and I’d never go back :D next we headed to the Boumboum, then headed home!

Day 3

10:00AM - Café Kitsuné

Deanna and I had been wanting to go to Café Kitsuné for a while, so it was on our must-do list. I ordered an almond milk matcha latte and a matcha financier, and they were both so bomb. Loved this place, their merchandise, and their branding.

11:00AM - Palais Royal

A quick skip and a hop later, and we were at Palais Royal! Deanna and I both spent some time on those stumps - you should have seen Maria’s footage of us during our shoot with our dad shoes… LOL I’m dead just thinking about it.

12:00PM - Louvre

I didn't really have much desire to go inside the Louvre because I’ve heard it’s crowded and overrated, but I did want to walk through and at least see the outside of it. So that’s exactly what we did! We walked through, took some snaps, and walked over the bridge to Saint Germain for some lunch. PS did you SEE the Louis Vuitton show at the Louvre?! UN.REAL.

1:30PM - Lunch at Café de Flore

We made it to Café de Flore in Saint Germain for lunch. It was a beautiful, classic French restaurant, and it had so much history! My salad was great (I desperately needed some veggies), but overall, I would say it’s a little overpriced/overrated for the food quality.

3:30PM - Musée de l’Orangerie

It was still raining a little bit, so our next best bet was to visit a museum. The only artist I was really interested in seeing was Monet (hello, Linnea in Monet’s Garden is my favourite book), so we all decided that we’d head to Musée de l’Orangerie to see the water lilies. They were massive paintings, and they did not disappoint! 

6:30PM - Pigalle - St. Georges

We knew we wanted to go to Pink Mamma for dinner at least once, and because they don’t take resos, we tried to make it down there as early as possible to put our name down. While we waited for our table, we grabbed some drinks in the Pigalle - St. Georges area again because there are so many cute spots to choose from!

8:45PM - Dinner at Pink Mamma

Once we got to Pink Mamma, we were absolutely floored. It’s a beautifully designed Italian (cough cough, duh) restaurant that’s made up of 4 different floors - each with different themes and different food cooked on each floor. We luckily got to sit on the very top floor, which is the nicest of them all! The ceilings were decked out in plants and chandeliers, the servers were so sweet and welcoming, and the high energy in the room was infectious. The food didn’t let us down either, and I’ll definitely be back!

11:30PM - Drinks at Le Depanneur Terrasse 

To end my time in Paris, we had one last drink at a cute restaurant called Le Depanneur Terrasse. Great music, awesome decor, and “very Vancouver” vibes in there.

The next morning, I left the girls bright and early to leave for the airport to head to Stockholm - but not before a quick crepe for breakfast! I absolutely loved my time in Paris, and I’ll definitely be back… maybe with more shopping in mind, less eating/drinking and more sightseeing. Here are a few things I wish I did, but didn’t have time to do:

• Shop in Le Marais and Champs-Élysées
• Explore Jardin du Luxembourg
• Have a picnic at the Eiffel Tower
• See Montparnasse Tower
• Visit Notre Dame
• Take a day trip to Versailles
• Eat at Relais de l’Entrecôte

And that concludes my Parisian diary! What are your go-to spots in Paris?! I’d absolutely love if you left them in the comments below <3

xo

Linnea

Currently Coveting: Linnea's Lights

Where I live, my name is very unique… you definitely don’t hear it everyday unless you’re in Sweden. I was always the girl that was never able to find my name on ANY personalized souvenir, and whose name was more often than not pronounced incorrectly. So you can imagine how excited I was to stumble upon a beautiful candle company called Linnea’s Lights one rainy day in 2012. Needless to say, I’ve been a big fan of their scents ever since.

The company was actually named as a tribute to the founding family’s rich Swedish lineage - a tribute I obviously love! A nod to Sweden’s national flower (Linnaea Borealis), Linnea is the origin of the founder Lynn Manley’s first name; a name that has been part of her family for five generations. Could this company be any more perfect for me?! Not only do they have signature scents that I love (like Lavender and Cashmere, to be exact), but their new Reserve line smells even better than you can imagine, and their packaging is to die for. Each candle is hand-poured, and comes with its very own set of Linnea’s Lights matches - such a nice touch. Here are just a few of my favourites.

If you can’t already tell, I love candles. I scatter them everywhere in my home! If you’d be interested in a post about how to take care of your candles, let me know, and I’d be happy to share my tips.

What are some of your favourite fall scents? Leave them in the comments below!

xo

Linnea

Let's Be Real

Hi guys. It’s time to get real with you. If you haven’t already noticed, I’ve hit a little bit of a slump on my blog. Since I’ve come back from my trip, it’s taken me a while to adjust back into my regular scheduled programming, plus I got hit with a bad flu from the plane as soon as I got home. On top of that, despite all the inspiration I picked up during my travels, I don’t quite feel rejuvenated or inspired to write… which I’m having trouble understanding. Yes, everyone has their off days, but this “slump” should be over by now, and I can’t seem to shake it. I think it’s my overall mood, and I haven’t been overly happy as of late.

It could be my hiatus from working out, but don’t worry, solving that problem and back at it hardcore today. But it could also be because I can’t get over the stigma of being looked at as a blogger now, rather than just a girl. I actually hate the term blogger. When I see someone I haven’t seen in a while, they literally say “oh my gosh your Instagram is amazing, your trips look amazing, your life is amazing” or, “oh, well you’re a blogger now so…” (like what does that even mean?), or they seem to think I’m this high maintenance chick that needs everything to be absolutely perfect, high-end, and expensive, or else no bueno.

Well I’m here to crush those thoughts/vibes because I don't think of it that way at all. I appreciate the compliments, I really do, but life’s definitely not as perfect as you think.

Yes, my trip was amazing, but there were also many things that didn’t go as planned (wrong trains, changed itineraries, rude people (oh, that’s just Paris), train track malfunctions, mini meltdowns, just to name a few)... and at the end of the day, all you can do is laugh about them. They’re new memories made.

And yes, I love my life, but that’s because I choose to love it every damn day. It’s a full time job to be positive and grateful for what you have, and that’s what I work towards. There are things and people I wish I had in my life but you CAN’T MOPE around like a whiny brat living your life like it sucks without those things or that person. I constantly have to remind myself that my little life with Dash is awesome, and therefore, it is pretty awesome.

Overall, I’m a pretty easy going, say-yes-to-everything-blown-away-by-pretty-much-everything kind of person, so I’m sorry if I put up some sort of wall to make you think otherwise. I just love pretty spaces, photography, travelling, and Instagram in general (I used to create IG feeds for a living), so I make an effort on my account.

My main goal is to share the things that I love, that inspire me, and that actually work! If I can inspire you, or help ease the stress of decorating or navigating the ever-changing “it product” scene, then that works for me.

To help with the slump, it’d be super helpful to know what you want to read, what you want to learn about, and what areas you’d like me to spend more time focusing on. I’d absolutely love your input, so I can deliver exactly what you guys are looking for! And also, making an oath to you guys to be REAL. Like, really real. Come at me with comments, concerns, suggestions, whatevs. <3

xo

Linnea

DIY Succulent Pumpkin

It’s officially Thanksgiving here in Canada, and what better way to celebrate than with a centrepiece DIY! I absolutely love fall and all that comes with it (including pumpkin spice and everything nice).  For this year’s Thanksgiving centrepiece, I decided to put two of my favourite things together and make a succulent pumpkin! Follow along for the process and end result :)

what you’ll need

• Pumpkin or gourd of your choice

• Various succulents

• Knife

• Big spoon or scoop

• Marker or pen

let’s get to it​

1. Before you do anything, arrange your succulents the way you want them in your pumpkin. Based on the size of your succulents, draw the circle you’re going to cut into your pumpkin. 

​2. Carve the circle and pull the top off your pumpkin. Scoop out all the guts until your pumpkin is completely clean, then give it a good rinse.​

3. Now for the fun part! Take your biggest succulent out of its pot, and place it into the pumpkin in your desired spot. Repeat the process with all of your succulents until you achieve your desired arrangement. Wipe down the sides of your pumpkin, and voila! All set for turkey dinner.

I can’t express how thankful I am for everything and everyone in my life - I’m blessed beyond and I’m grateful for that everyday! Special thanks to you guys for reading and continuing to inspire me :)

Happy Thanksgiving loves!

Xo

Linnea

October Moodboard

Hello fall! If you haven’t noticed, I was in Europe for the latter half of September, so it’s crazy that it’s already October! I was only gone for 2 weeks, but it felt much longer than that. I’m definitely travelled out for a while... there’s something about travel that makes you appreciate your home that much more. I can’t wait to unpack, purge a little, and make my house as cozy as possible for fall. I picked up a few home items by Scandinavian designers in Stockholm, so I can’t wait to use them!

I’m determined to focus on staying home (hibernating), spending time with Dash, getting back into the workout routine (omg I feel gross without working out), and cooking good quality, wholesome food pretty much every day. October, let’s do this!

xo

Linnea  

Italian Summer

I’ve gotta admit, it’s been pretty nice taking a break from blogging and just enjoying my travels! I’ve only been gone for just over a week, but I swear it feels like a month has gone by! I had an absolute blast in Milano, but my favourite day of all was visiting Lake Como again. It was SOO hot - like I had to change into another outfit hot! The wine was flowing, aperols were being downed, and the journey back to Sesto Calende with the girls was pretty hilarious/memorable! Here are a few of my favourite shots.

Baci e abbracci,

Linnea

My Signature Stack

I've been trying to create my “signature ring stack” for what feels like years, so when I finally found what I was looking for, I was over the moon! I’m a big believer in investing in everyday jewelry that will last, and I used to be a huge silver-lover, but I’ve been over it for a while. Let’s face it: gold is the new black. GLDN, to be exact. When they came into my life, my ring stack dreams literally came true. All of their pieces are hand-crafted and engraved in La Conner, Washington, which is so crazy because I used to visit La Conner all the time as a kid! I have so many great childhood memories there… and the GLDN team is beyond sweet. Just genuinely good people… people I absolutely love working with!

If you haven’t heard of them before, they literally have soo many options, from simple stacking rings to engraved, personalized pieces, so you’re sure to find something you love. A signature stack allows you to dress up your everyday look, all while shining a little bit of that personality you have with how you style your rings. Plus, you get to mix and match in so many ways, so you’ll never get bored. I knew I wanted simple, everyday rings that could be worn together, and so far, I’m thrilled with the progress of my stack!

First up, the classic, elegant Kenai Stacking Ring. It’s the perfect polished gold, so comfortable to wear, and ideal to buy in multiples! If you don’t love solid 14K gold (but I mean, who doesn’t), they have other material options available at different price ranges, so you can choose exactly what you want.

One of my favourite rings from my stack is my Marcie Small Oval Ring. I knew I wanted a personal touch of some sort, and because I’m a gemini through and through, my zodiac sign made the cut. I luuuurve it.

Last but certainly not least is my Personalized Rhone Band. The width of the band is just right - not too skinny, and not too thick. And to personalize it, I had to put my one and only’s name down, duhh! Absolutely love how it turned out.

And that, my friends, is my signature stack so far. Next on the list? Probably a thick pinky ring - just need to decide what kind. What are your go-to places to buy your everyday jewelry? Let me know in the comments below!

xo

Linnea

Euro Essentials

Ok, ok, I know I’ve been talking about Europe a liiiittle bit too much lately, but I can’t really help myself - I’m too excited! I feel extremely lucky to be able to cross off so many places and things from my bucket list over the last two years... they really have been my most amazing years yet. I’m clearly addicted - and this travel bug is never ever going to go away. But I’m A-OKAY with that.

So for Europe… I’m travelling to three different cities: Milan, Paris and Stockholm, which just so happen to be the fashion capitals of Europe!! Not to mention all pretty different climates, so how could I NOT pack my entire closet?! Well let me tell you, it was tough. Very, very tough. And I know I’ve talked about my travel essentials before, but I’ve narrowed down my absolute euro must haves for this trip - outfits, shoes, accessories, skincare and all. Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Blazers - I’ll take one in every colour, please. And yes, I’m literally bringing 3.

2. Dad Shoes - Because a girl’s gotta be able to walk all over the city (and look cute doing so). I’m so happy that man-repelling dad shoes are IN… and no I don’t care if my entire wardrobe repels men. If you get it, you get me.

3. Fanny Pack - For all the gypsies comin’ at me. Lol. But really, could it be any more perfect to have fannies come back in style on my way to Europe?

4. Tortoise Shades - Because what’s an outfit without them?

5. Pleated Skirt - The most versatile piece I’ll be bringing with me. It can be styled with sneakers, heels, booties, a blazer, a cozy jacket, a bodysuit, a tee… literally everythinggg.

6. Teddy Bear Coat - For those cozy rainy Parisian days... or days out in the countryside of Sweden.

7. Sock Booties - To pair with almost every outfit. They’re one of my favourite fall staples for sure.

8. Summer Fridays Overtime Mask - A PSL in a mask… that gives you a face like a baby’s bottom. Mmmhmm.

9. Laneige Lavender Sleeping Mask - Fluffy, soft moisturizing clouds that literally give you sweet lavender dreams - and a plump, moisturized face in the morning!

10. Ouai Wave Spray - With shorter hair, it’s the only ouai.

11. Lanege Sleeping Lip Mask - Bomb. Dot. Com. Loved the Berry, and the Apple Lime is my new fave. I’m def buying the other scents too because this product is just that good!

Where are you off to next?! Let me know below.

xo

Linnea

Forever in Blue Jeans

I've always been a big denim lover, and I've especially been loving the family denim trends: mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, your brother's friend, the works. But although these denim trends are flattering, the comfort level of thick, rigid denim just doesn't quite scream "let's get cozy by the fire", yenno? So what's the next denim trend for fall, you ask? Comfy, stretch denim that actually looks like real denim - a no brainer if you ask me.

Thankfully, Everlane answered my prayers with their newly launched Authentic Stretch. If I wasn't already obsessed with Everlane before, I am even more so now. The Authentic Stretch line is made sustainably (no surprise there, because ALL of their products are), and actually looks like rigid, authentic denim - with all the comfort of stretch jeans. Yes, there are other stretch denims out there, but they don't even look remotely close to real denim - and let's be real, they look cheap! I don't know about you, but there's nothing worse than cheap-looking-denim. I'm telling you, this new wave of denim is something else.

View fullsize

View fullsize

My favourite pair from the line is the High Rise Skinny Ankle Jean in Mid Blue, but I definitely want this pair in all the washes. They have a form-hugging fit, and the fabric is made of 4% stretch that literally lifts and snaps back - without any of the annoying bag out (I can't tell you how many pairs of boyfriends jeans I have that are too big now!) Plus, the hardware is simple and timeless, with a leather patch that just gets better with wear.

If you've never heard of Everlane, you're in for a treat. I've been a fan from the very beginning, and visiting their storefront in Soho was an amazing experience. Pretty sure I spent at least an hour in there. Now what you waiting for, get shopping!

Authentic Stretch High Rise Skinny Ankle

Authentic Stretch Mid Rise Skinny

Authentic Stretch High-Rise Cigarette Ankle Jean

xo

Linnea

Bathroom Goals

As the smallest room in my apartment, I have a love-hate relationship with my bathroom. By no means is it a terrible bathroom, but a girl can (and will) dream of having that bathroom. Especially because I used to have quite the bathroom (it was seriously #bathroomgoals - RIP). With that being said, I've dreamed up a room that I absolutely love - and who knows, maybe a small renovation's in my future! With these finds, it's not as expensive as it looks, so I might as well dream it up. Here are a few elements I love, as well as where to find all the goods!

Gold Fixtures

Neutral Tones

Beachy Elements

Female Form Planter | Superlative Hand Soap | Round Black Mirror | Vintage Cream Rug | Rustic Blanket Ladder | Brushed Brass Faucet | White Subway Tile | Plush White Towels | White Vanity with Marble Countertop

If you're looking for some quick bathroom fixes to get your little room up to snuff, I highly recommend checking out both Amazon & Wayfair's selection of bathroom essentials! What's your favourite part of this dreamboard? Leave it in the comments below!

xo

Linnea

Tracton Towel Set // More Bath Towels	Cotton Bath Rug // More Bath mats	Decorative Ladder // More Blanket Racks	Bathroom Faucet // More Bathroom Faucets
Colton Wall Mirror // More Vanity Mirrors	Whale Tail Hooks // More Wall Hooks	Edge Floating Shelves // More Wall Shelves	Marble Curtain Hooks // More Shower Hooks

September Moodboard

SEPTEMBER. It's crazy to think that it's here tomorrow, because it feels like just yesterday that I was at the PNE... but that was literally a year ago! There's no doubt in my mind that this month will definitely be a fun one - probably one that I'll remember for the rest of my life. So many great things to look forward to: trip planning, parties, trying to soak up as much summer as I can, and last but certainly not least, my much anticipated trip to Europe. I don't think it's quite hit me that I'm going yet, but it's happening SO soon! I'm looking forward to revisiting Milan after 10 years, finally checking Paris off my bucket list, and returning to (one of) my motherland(s), Stockholm, Sweden! Cannot wait for some much needed time with my girls, eating all the food, drinking all the vino, taking in the fashion, visiting my family in Sweden, and living that hygge lifestyle IRL. Here's to new adventures, new memories, and new friends. I love you already, September! 

PS - Milan/Paris/Stockholm reco's are MOST welcome ❤

xo

Linnea

My Evening Routine with Vitruvi

Morning and night routines - they’re something special. Every single successful person I've talked to or listened to has rituals that they more or less stick to on a daily basis, morning and night. Needless to say I've done my absolute best to stick to what I'd consider a pretty awesome evening routine. I know that others may look in and think I have it easy with no kids, no strings, no whatever, and maybe I do, but that's all the more reason for me to savour these moments and my "me" time as much as I can. Take a read if you'd like to know what a typical night in my life looks like. 

My early evening begins at a coffee shop with my laptop and all my hot yoga gear in tow. I usually order an herbal tea, change into my fitness gear, put on a motivational podcast and get cracking on my blog while I wait for my class to begin (usually about 1 to 1.5 hours later). This is one of the most productive times of my entire day. I find that I'm inspired, focused, and in the mindset that I'm going to kill it at my oxygen class. I absolutely LOVE this ritual I've created for myself!

After washing up and having some dinner (which is usually meal prepped and ready to go), I take my pup Dash out for his evening walk, which has become such a relaxing activity for me. I make sure I don't look at my phone at all, and take the time to focus solely on Dash and what's happening around us.

Stone Diffuser, c/o Vitruvi

By the time we get back, it's time to wind down. I dive right into my evening skincare routine before making myself some Lavender Chamomile tea (or Hot Cocoa with Reishi) while catching up on some YouTube. Yes, your girl’s an avid YouTube watcher! I then brush my teeth and grab some water for my bedside and for my Vitruvi stone diffuser. It's become a nightly ritual of mine to fill my diffuser with Lavender essential oil right before bed. You already know how I feel about lavender in general, and the fact that it helps me have a deeper sleep just makes it even better.

Vitruvi essential oils are 100% natural with absolutely no added synthetics or chemicals.  Not only are they a Vancouver company that I love and respect, they've thoughtfully designed all of their packaging to be effortless and minimal - so much so that I purposely display my oils all around my home! Every time I turn my diffuser on, it gives me so much joy because it's sooo beautifully made. The warm tone of the night light is so relaxing; it's not too bright or cool-toned, just right for bedtime. 

Once my diffuser's going, I jump into bed, grab my Five Minute Journal, and jot down my thoughts. I take time to reflect on the amazing things that happened throughout the day, and what I could have done to make it that much better. This allows for constant gratitude and self improvement. I write in my journal morning and night, and it hands down helps me be a nicer, better person overall. It's pretty unbelievable what a little bit of gratitude and reflection can do for your entire day. 

Once I'm settled, I read my book/wine club book of the month until it's time for some shut eye. Et voilà, bonne nuit!

What does your evening routine look like? If you’re interested in a morning routine, let me know in the comments below!

xo

Linnea

The Best Amazon Finds

If you didn't already know, Amazon seriously has the best stuff, and you can pretty much find anything you're looking for on the site. I know I've shared a few of my skincare routine favourites with you, but what would I be doing if I didn't share all my Amazon secrets?! Not only do I love shopping for beauty items, but I love Amazon for home decor, home organization, and even health and wellness! Are you ready? Here. We. Go.

Skincare Ride or Dies

Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask: My lips can't live without this stuff. I know it's a "sleeping" mask but I use it all day, everyday. Yes, it's that good!

Corsrx Acne Master Patch: Got a pimple? Oh goody, we get to use a master patch! Put one of these on  and it will magically disappear the next day.

Silk Pillow Cases: To help prevent wrinkles and help protect your hair, a silk pillowcase is key! I'd been wanting a Slip pillowcase for a while, but the steep price was way too much for me to justify. So what did I do? Looked to Amazon for a replacement, duh. This one in Ivory is one of the best! You're welcome.

Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray: I've used this for years and repurchased time and time again, but I've recently been obsessed with the new Lavender Chamomile spray. It is sooo relaxing and smells so. damn. good.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid: This is basically a super hydrating drink for your face. Your skin will absolutely love you for it. So go nuts, drink it up!

The Ordinary 5% Retinol in Squalene: You just turned another day older. So buy this. Retinol is the only scientifically proven ingredient that fights and prevents wrinkles. Need I say more?

The Ordinary Niaciminide & Zinc: For those days when you're whole face is a blemish. At least it's fun to use!

The Ordinary Buffet: Because your skin needs to stuff it's face at the buffet, too. This is literally a multivitamin for your skin with all the nutrients you could ever imagine.

Rose Quartz Facial Roller and Gua Sha Rose Quartz Facial Massager: You get the BEST of both worlds here. Not only do you get a rose quartz jade roller (I keep mine in the fridge, and use it whenever I feel puffy or need lymphatic drainage), but you also get a Gua Sha Slimming Massager! This tool is amazing for anti-aging, de-puffing, detoxifying, and simply getting your blood and circulation flowing. Facial massage is an amazing way to keep your skin young, so go ahead. Massage that visage.

Foreo Luna Mini: A super trooper in the skincare world, the Foreo is at the top when it comes to cleansing the skin in the most sanitary way. It makes sure you get all that makeup off, and also helps get your blood flowing throughout your face with its vibrations.

SPF Facial Setting Spray: Putting on sunscreen sucks, but it's super duper necessary, even on the darkest, rainiest days. To help with the suck, Koreans created SPF setting spray!! And it. is. BOMB.

Aztec Secret Indian Clay Mask: Everyone's favourite cheap, effective, to-the-point mask! Buy it if you know what's good for you.

Nail Art Kit: If you do your own nails like I do, this Korean nail art kit has brushes, dotting tools, everything you wished for and more. 

Health & Wellness

Four Sigmatic Hot Cacao Mix with Reishi: K guys, if you didn't know, I'm a little bit of a health nut. I'm all about finding the latest and greatest health products, and my current obsession is Four Sigmatic; their products are literally magic. As one of my favourite products (next to the 10 Mushroom Blend), their Hot Cacao mix is the BEST way to give yourself a little treat before bed while giving you a restful sleep, all thanks to the power of mushrooms. I happened to meet the founder, and he's just as impressive as his company - probably one of the smartest people I know. Now what you waiting for, get those shrooms!

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: I've always had pretty brittle nails, and my hair took forever to grow, but since I've been adding collagen to my smoothies, I can't seem to stop my hair growth, it's pretty insane! Next on my list to try is their Matcha Collagen. Oh, and not to state the obvious, but collagen may do a lil somethin' somethin' for your skin, too. 

Coast Protein Vanilla Protein Powder: What kind of post would this be without my go-to vanilla protein powder? My friends at Coast Protein killed it with this formulation, and I love everything about it. It tastes amazing, is way more sustainable and eco-friendly to produce than whey, and makes a bomb ass Banana Almond smoothie. Yum.

Charcoal Teeth Whitener & Tongue Scraper: Two words. Tongue scraper. It (along with the charcoal whitener) will change your life, no if's, and's or but's.

Fashion

Bamboo Clutch: Cult Gaia called. They want their EXACT DUPE back.

Straw Bag: Very similar to Clare V. bags, this tote was made for rocking all summer long. Oh, and it matches with pretty much every outfit, too.

Balinese Rattan Circle Bag: Because if you haven't gone to Bali, this is the next best thing.

Mesh Market Tote: For all those farmer's markets you're attending, duh.

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Summertime musts. Don't waste money on sunglasses. Buy them on Amazon!! 

For the Home

Menu Bottle Grinder, Set of 2: Yes, Amazon has Menu. Yes, these are absolutely beautiful!!

Silicone Straws: We all have to do our part to save the planet. For me, that starts with replacing all my disposable straws with reusable ones - whether they be glass or silicone. These silicone straws are super easy to use because you can throw them in the dishwasher, no problem!

Magnetic Spice Jars: Told ya once and I'll tell you again. These bad boys are life changing!! Such counter savers and so easy to use while you cook. Never go hunting for your spices again.

Kinfolk Home: If you want to learn the art of slow living, or even take a peek at a few cool people who live slowly, this is the book for you! Plus, it looks great no matter where it's displayed in your home. Plus plus.

Eat Drink Nap: One of my favourite coffee table books of all time!

Black Letterboard: So you can put all the captions you never posted up in your home for all to see. But really though, how cute are these letter boards!

And that concludes my Amazon favourites. I hope you're inspired and found something you love!

xo

Linnea

How to Organize Your Pantry

Pantries are one of those places in your home that tend to get messy and cluttered, real fast. And because I'm someone who loves to have everything organized with its own place, an organized pantry brings me so much joy. So today, I'm sharing the final result of my organized pantry! And to help you organize yours, I've linked all of the containers and storage solutions I used below. Let's get to it.

Airtight Containers

To start your pantry, you're going to need containers to hold your dry goods, ideally of the same type so they can stack, and give an overall cohesive look. I absolutely love using airtight containers, because they keep everything fresh. And the fact that they're labeled and clear helps me see what I have stock of, what I'm low on, and what I use the most! I have containers that are easy to replace from my local supermarket, so if I happen to need another one in a specific size, I can always buy extra. I also love the fact that these containers are "reversible" because they’re identical from front to back, so if I run out of a certain product, but have another product I need to store, I can just clean out the container, put a new label on the other side, and voila! That way I don’t have to constantly wipe the white marker off.

Mason Jars

When the airtight containers are a little to big for what you need to store, mason jars work just as great! You can easily see what's inside of each jar, what you're running out of, and labelling them couldn't be easier. I love keeping all my smoothie items easily accessible and in close proximity to each other, because I use them pretty much everyday! I placed the other items that aren’t used frequently higher up the cabinet, and the layout has been working out great.

What to Store

As far as what you want to store in your pantry goes, think about the dry goods you use on a regular basis, and what products are easy to store in the clear containers. I’ve got everything from different types of flour and sugar, to gluten free pastas, cricket protein powder and all the superfood essentials! For everything that doesn’t fit in my pantry cabinet, I store it in my corner under-counter lazy Susan. That’s where I store all my nut butters, spice overflow, and other miscellaneous pantry items. 

Magnetic Spice Jars

A huge part of this transformation was transferring my spices into uniform magnetic jars that now live on my fridge. I have sooo many spices, and originally, I thought turn tables inside my pantry would work well for me, but noooo. I can't even count the amount of times my spices would fall off of them when I was looking for something, smashing onto my counter, glass and spices everywhere! And trust me, my friends can attest to this. My new magnetic spice jars are soo handy, and they look really good, too. I bought an amazing retro label maker, and the spices are now labelled to perfection, in all their retro glory.

Label Maker

Ok, now what makes my spice jars so damn special is definitely my label maker. Call me a crazy old lady but I am so obsessed with this thing, I can't stop labelling everything! I highly recommend investing in one of these bad boys, so your labels are all identical, and you can change what you store in each jar once it's finished, just rip the old label off! Eazy peazy lemon sqeezy.

Shop my pantry storage

Airtight Containers | Chalk Labels & Pen | Magnetic Spice Jars | Label Maker | Label Tape | Mason Jars 

 What would you like to see organized next? Let me know below! 

xo

Linnea

The Best Coffee Tables

Coffee tables are one of the most important elements of a living room. Not only are they functional, but they ground the room, too! I've been asked a few times where I found my coffee table, and the answer is, it's from a warehouse sale a very long time ago, before I even knew I needed it! But if you're looking for a similar table, I've done my very best to round up some of my favourites for you below!

White Top with Black Base

White Top with Gold X Base

Wood with Black Base

Glass with Gold Legs

Concrete Coffee Table

Paquita Coffee Table

Zylla Coffee Table, Antique Brass

Andie Coffee Table, Walnut

Allie Coffee Table, Black Marble

Orseline Coffee Table

And with that, I hope you’ll find the coffee table of your dreams! Happy shopping :)

xo

Linnea

Patio Reveal

I promised a patio reveal in my patio moodboard post, and the time has finally come! I'm happy to say I've been enjoying spending these summer nights out on my patio, because the sun hits it right around the time that I get home - even after workout class! Again, with this space, I never quite felt like it was complete, and there are still a few things I want to change (like the coffee table and some planters) but for now, I’ve made my patio into an oasis that I can enjoy all summer long - glass of vino in hand.

The Before

When I moved in, the patio was bare to the bones (as it should be), and there was plenty of room for both a dining area and a lounge area, but I’m not one for sit down dinners, so I envisioned an extended living room, and that’s exactly what I transformed it into. 

 The After

 A little outdoor furniture, some plants, accessories and a whole lot of love later, here’s my work in process so far:

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

| Sectional | Coffee Table | Ceramic Stool | Black Papasan Chair | Straw Pouf | Outdoor Rug | Throw Pillows | Solar Patio Lights | Plant Stand |

My favourite corner is probably the chair beside the plant stand - it’s such a cozy corner! I do have one more “chair” to install, so hopefully I’m able to do that before the summer ends! Until then, who wants to come over?! 

xo

Linnea

Summer Decor Picks

| Wall Hook | Moon Lamp | Macrame | Adelita Throw Blanket | Rattan Chair | Greta Tray | Blanket Ladder | Muse Votive Vessel | Summer Tea Caddy | Woven Belly Basket | Morrocan Pouf | 

We're in the heat of summer, so I can't help but gravitate toward light, airy neutrals and bohemian accents. There's something about easy, breezy fabrics and muted tones that immediately relaxes me and puts me at ease. I've been asked for a few decor suggestions recently, and I've come across some hidden gems, so why not share the love? Some of these finds surprised me - I couldn't believe the amazing prices! If you're looking for a home decor update, I highly recommend these picks.

I'll definitely start doing more round ups like this - maybe even one per room to help you navigate the online decor space and make it a little easier for you; just let me know what you want to see! Happy decorating!

xo

Linnea

Superfood Breakfast Bowl

When it comes to breakfast, I'm very health conscious. I never skip breakfast, and on weekdays, I’m a creature of habit. I either have my favourite Superfood Spinach smoothie, or more recently, what I like to call a Superfood Breakfast Bowl. My coworker gave me a burcha recipe that I've adapted into this recipe, which is basically a chia pudding on steroids, with every bulk item you can think of. It's super filling, satisfying, vegan, gluten free, and so easy to make!

Here’s what you need for 5 servings throughout the week:

• 3/4 cup chia seeds

• 1/2 cup flax seeds

• 1/2 cup hemp seeds

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup cacao nibs

Toppings:

• 3 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (roughly 2/3 cups per serving)

• 2-3 fresh mangoes

• Dehydrated raspberries

• Lavender buds (optional)

• Cinnamon

• Coconut sugar or sweetener of your choice (optional)

Directions

1. For the dry ingredients, mix everything together in a large bowl.

2. Separate your mixture into 5 mason jars (about 3/4 cups cup per jar).

3. For the few that you’re eating in the next few days, pour 2/3 cups of almond milk into each. Give the mixture a stir, seal the jars and let them sit in the fridge overnight.

4. In the morning, give the mixture a stir, pour it into a bowl, and add a little more almond milk to break up the dense consistency. If you’d like to add extra nutrients like maca powder, turmeric, or protein powder etc. to your bowl, this is the time to do it!

5. Top your mixture with diced fresh mango, dehydrated raspberries (or fruit of your choice), lavender buds (for a nice floral kick) and cinnamon. Feel free to drizzle your bowl with coconut sugar if you want it a little sweeter; I find that the mango is just right for me!

And that really is it - easy peasy healthy breakfast that will help with bloat, and keep you full and energized until lunch time!

Xo

Linnea

August Moodboard

Oh my goodness, how is it already August? I usually feel like the summer goes by at a nice, easy pace, but this summer has felt like an absolute whirlwind, probably because I took a summer vacation. I've done a lot of things so far, but I haven't nearly checked enough boxes off of my summer bucket list! So for August, I'm going to try to work out just a tad less (because I'm always at Oxygen) so I can take the time to enjoy these summer nights and a slower pace of life. I’ll likely start taking advantage of the new 6AM classes to get my workouts done in the AM!

Now for August. It will be a busy month, but I'm excited to finally have some much needed GNO's with my girlfriends (they single, gents!), more boating, Tony Robbins & Friends (can't waaaait), hopefully some beach days, Safe & Sound Fest, trip planning, a few more friends visiting from out of town, and last but certainly not least little babe is coming into the world!!! I'm so stoked to be an Aunty, and I can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or a girl - it's gonna be surreal! I'm also hoping to do a few seawall runs, a few more spin classes, and of course, some happy hours - Aperol Spritz in hand. Let's do this August!

xo

Linnea

Before & After: My Bedroom

I took a little break from sharing the spaces in my home because I always feel like my spaces are never fully "complete", so I keep putting these posts off, but today, I'm doing it anyway, back at it with my bedroom! My goal for this room was to take advantage of the big window, paint the walls white so the room was as bright as possible, and keep my decor and furniture minimal. I wanted a relaxing oasis, without having to purchase a whole bunch of new furniture.

The Before

The paint colour says it all - really made the room feel smaller than it was. And those curtains... I can't!! A touch of paint and a little bit more style goes a long, long way.

The Inspiration

I take inspiration from other decor bloggers, influencers, and designers that share their masterpieces on Instagram. Personally, I find Instagram to be the most relevant, real-time resource for inspiration, because Pinterest is a little too dated for me. Maybe it's the boards I'm following, but I don't seem to get as inspired on Pinterest as I do when I'm scrolling through Instagram! Also, I loooove to save photos to different collections on Instagram - I've basically made it my new Pinterest. I save everything from wish list items to decor inspo, travel hot spots to photo and outfit inspo, and more. You'd be shocked at how many collections I have on there!

The After

Once I painted the room and placed my furniture how I wanted it, it made all the difference. This room is a little smaller than my last one; I didn't have room for my dresser, so I utilized storage space under my bed for items I don't use all the time, and transformed part of my closet into pull out drawers for things like socks and all that jazz. #Condoliving at its finest, y'all.

I also fully utilized my second closet in the room for my jewelry, bags, accessories, heels, and shoes that I don't wear on a day-to-day basis.

Lastly, my obsession with hats and bags took on a whole new level, and I had a blank wall beside my bed. So what did I do? Looked to my command hooks, of course! Yes, you better believe I put zero holes in my wall for this. They're all held up with command strips!

I'd still say my bedroom is a work in progress, but I'm pretty satisfied with how it turned out. Things that are still on my wish list include... a big print above my bed, a nice jute rug, sconces, and a blanket ladder. Help a girl out if you know where to find a light, beachy wood ladder!

Shop the Look

Headboard (similar) | Table Lamp | Throw Pillows | Rug | Nightstands | Belly Basket | Bedding | Plant Hanger (similar) | Coasters | Linnea's Lights Candle | Round Rattan Bag | Mesh Market Bag | Straw Woven Bag | Necklace Holder: DIY

What room would you guys like to see a B+A of next? Let me know in the comments below :)

xo

Linnea