Black Friday Favourites

Ooooh, Black Friday… how I love you so! What’s not to love when your favourite brands put everything on sale, just in time for the holidays? Nothing better. And just like last year, here’s a roundup of the incredible sales from my FAVOURITE stores! Altogether now, let’s shop till we drop.

Lifestyle

Mejuri – As their only sale of the year, this is the time to buy the goodies you’ve been eyeing (or the gifts she actually wants). Until December 2, use my link to buy one piece, get 10% off, buy 2 pieces, get 15% off, buy 3 or more, get 20% off!! As my favourite basic jewelry pieces, I highly recommend taking this time to invest in yourself - you deserve it!

Vitruvi – If you need to stock up on essential oils (or treat yourself to a beautiful new diffuser), this is the time to do it!!! As their BIGGEST sale they’ve ever done, enjoy 30% off sitewide with my link from Thursday, November 28th to December 2nd. If you can’t tell, this is the sale I’m probably the most excited about!

The Ordinary – My go-to serum brand has been having an ongoing sale for the whole month of November! Enjoy 23% off sitewide until November 30th.

Glossier - 20% off everything, and up to 35% off all sets! Run, don’t walk.

Eyebuy Direct – From Nov. 25th to Nov. 28th, get an additional 15% off BOGO pairs with code BOGO

Home Decor

H&M Home - You know that duvet set you’ve been eyeing, or that vase you’ve been meaning to grab? Get up to 60% off all home decor favourites.

Indigo - 25-50% off almost everything, including 40% off most home items.

Lulu & Georgia - Get 25% sitewide with BIGTHANKS

McGee and Co. – Shop one of my faaave stores 20% off sitewide with code SNOWWHATFUN

Magnolia - They usually do a buy more, get more sale, so I’m hoping it’s the same this year!

Kristina Steinmetz Shop - Kristina is BC local, and creates the most beautiful locally made pillows and throws you ever did see!!! I love every single item on her site, and I’m sure you will too! Take 20% off your entire purchase with the code BLACKFRIDAY

The Bay - Black Friday warm up is already starting, with up to 25% off select small appliances. Time to get that juicer you’ve been thinking about.

AllModern – As their biggest sale of the year, get up to 70% off sitewide.

Jayson Home – This store has some of my favourite vintage goodies for the home! On Black Friday, get 20% all furniture.

Nectar Sleep – From now until December 5th, save $100 off mattresses and two memory foam pillows.

Paula’s Choice – From Nov. 25th to Dec. 2nd, get 20% off sitewide plus free shipping and 2 free gifts on orders of $125 or more.

Clothing

ZARA - Get 50%, I REPEAT - 50% off selected items on November 29 in store and online!!

Everlane – Everlane’s annual Black Friday Fund kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29th! They’re partnering with Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Everlane will be donating $10 from every order on Black Friday, until they hit their goal of $300,000!

Lulu’s - 25-90% off everything! Paying only 10%? Now that’s a sale.

Nordstrom Rack - Get up to 60% off sitewide on all your favourites, including my go-to luggage by Calpak.

Girlfriend Collective – Cute, sustainable workout wear? Sign. Me. Up. 25% off sitewide for Black Friday!

Urban Outfitters - Buy one, get one 50% off the lower priced item, in store and online.

Aritzia - Up to 50% select styles in store and online.

H&M - If it’s the same as last year, you can get 30% off everything on November 29 in store and 15% off online.

TOPSHOP - Usually, they have up to 60% off in stores and online. Get 20% off regular priced items on November 29 in store.

Happy shopping!

xo

Linnea

How to Achieve the Perfect Necklace Stack

Believe it or not, jewelry has become an integral part of my self care. To be honest, I don’t quite feel complete without it. It’s kind of become part of my identity!

Just like my signature ring stack, I’ve been working to curate my necklace stack for quite some time now, and I have to say, I think I’ve nailed it. There’s something to be said for everyday staples that are super basic, but in my opinion, you also need to mix in some personality to achieve the “effortless” stack.

Treat your décolleté like a gallery wall

If you’re starting with a blank gallery wall, think to yourself: what style are you going for? What colours and tones do you gravitate towards? Start with your basic pieces (think standard pendants, everyday chains, etc.), and work your way into the other, more personal pieces. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some unexpected elements (shapes, finishes, different chain styles) for interest.

Choose custom pieces

Just like a gallery wall, to add personality to your stack, you have to include some custom pieces. That’s where companies like Onecklace come to the rescue. They have every custom necklace you could possibly think of. From name plates to initials, zodiacs and beyond, they’ll definitely have what you need.

On Onecklace, you can also choose your chain type (boxchain or rolo chain), necklace length, closure type and material (they even have solid gold)!

My favourite stack as of late includes my Gemini zodiac sign, an “L” inital pendant, and an Arabic name necklace with the word “strength”. I chose a mix of chains (both rolo chains and box chains), and made sure the lengths were staggered. The shortest one is 16”, middle is 18” and finally, 20” for the big pendant. With the scattered lengths and custom pendants, you’re sure to achieve the ideal “effortless” stack you’re going for.

What will you be adding to your collection? I’d love to know in the comments below. Happy necklace-stacking!

xo

Linnea

November Mood

Progress, progress, progress. That’s my overall mood and focus for the month. I’m doing my best to make the most of every minute, and trying to be as productive as possible. 

Free time commuting to school? Cool, let’s get this blog post finished. Having a slumber party? Nice, let’s make sure we work out and meal prep while we’re at it. More time? Awesome, let’s work on some concept boards and catch up on this month’s book club book in the bath... and yes I really made time for all that this weekend!

Doing all these things at once isn’t easy, but it will be rewarding, and that’s what I’m focusing on. Another thing on my mind? Sweden. It’s on my radar, and I’m trying to finish school at lightning speed to get there sooner rather than later. To be honest, I’m feeling that I need a break from the city. I’m starting to take it for granted and, dare I say it, getting pretty tired of it. 

I need a challenge (not that I’m not already challenging myself) but you know, a real challenge. One that forces me to leave my comfort zone, perhaps move to a totally different country, learn a different language, and gain a new perspective on life. It will happen eventually, I know it! 

In the meantime, your girl will likely be working 7 days a week, 13 hour days. You don’t know what you can accomplish unless you push yourself to test your limits, so give yourself that push! And just a friendly reminder go-getters: we’ve got less than 2 months of the year before the next decade (2-0-2-0!!), so November, let’s get it! 

xo

Linnea

How to Live A Hygge Life

Coming from a Swedish background, when the term “hygge” (pronounced hoo-guh) started gaining popularity, I knew exactly what it meant, because I’ve been exposed to it my whole life. It’s always been the way my grandparents lived. Every time we’d visit, candles were lit, warm blankets draped just about every chair, music was playing, there was (and still is) always time for fika, and it was simply a cozy, relaxing time.

The actual translation of the Danish term is “coziness of the soul”, and that’s exactly how I feel when I make time for these practices. It’s all about allowing yourself to enjoy the moment, whether that be a quiet moment by yourself, having a conversation by the fire with the ones you love, or cooking a meal that you truly appreciate. Now that we’re fully immersed into fall, here’s how I live a hygge life:

Light it up

Put your favourite candles on, turn all other lights off. If you really want to be traditional Scandinavian, candlesticks are where it’s at. A fireplace helps create that cozy feeling too! Once you dim your atmosphere, you’ll feel an immediate difference in your mood.

Make time to read

The more time you give yourself to read, the more quiet time you have to yourself. Reading a book that you’re interested in is so good for the soul - it can inspire, teach, motivate, and can even provide a small escape from your everyday life. And being a part of a group with similar hobbies (like a book club, for example) makes you a lot happier, too.

Simplify your life, your way

If things around you are stressing you out, simplify your space. Declutter and remove the things (and people) from your life that aren’t bringing you joy or value. Your life is too short for extra stress, drama or anxiety. Coming from someone who has a pretty chaotic life, believe it or not, I actually have little to no anxiety. I believe that has a lot to do with the cozy home I’ve made for myself, my incredible support system around me, and putting the things I value most above all (to be blunt, I don’t put up with bullsh** or people that don’t value my time).

Fill your home with sentiment

There’s nothing I love more than incorporating vintage heirlooms and special thrifted pieces throughout my home, because every time I look at them, I’m reminded how much life each piece has lived, and how much life there still is left to live! Some of my favourite pieces in my home are thrifted or passed down from generations and generations of Swedish heritage.

Cook your meals with care

Slowly gather your ingredients, grab a glass of wine, put some music on, and just enjoy the process of preparing your next meal. Taking your time is a key ingredient here, even as you eat.

Share your home

In saying that, sharing a meal with someone is even better. And inviting people into your home to enjoy the home you’ve made for yourself is almost if not as satisfying as enjoying it on your own! If you’ve followed the steps above, people will feel immediately welcome, and you’re sure to have a good time. Keep the convos positive to build more on your relationships. Togetherness is important; it’s not a time to discuss issues or gossip. Incorporate monthly get togethers with friends like a book club. Mine meets every month, taking turns to host dinner parties. It really is the best!

Make time for Fika

The Swedes love fika, and I obviously do too - I grew up with it after all! Fika is a Swedish term that stands for “coffee break”. Usually taking place in the late afternoon, or even after dinner (which is why I have no problem drinking coffee at any hour of the day), it’s a time to sit down, take a breather, treat yourself to some delicious coffee with cookies or treats, and just indulge for a second. The rest of your day can wait. And yes, this is yet another mood booster.

Prioritize self care

The best way to practice hygge is if there’s no technology involved. Spend a day without your phone, laptop or TV, and see how you feel. What will you do with your time? Perhaps you’ll exercise, meditate, cook a meal, or draw a bath. Whatever it is, be present, and make time for real self care. It’s all about relaxation.

Show gratitude

Whether it’s writing a few things in your journal everyday, or taking a moment to close your eyes and realize how great you really have it, focus on the now, and be grateful that you’re still standing. Nobody’s life is easy, so remember to get out of yourself every once in a while, be grateful for your health, and be appreciative of all the love around you. It honestly makes me emotional thinking about how much love is in my life! Remember, this might be as good as it gets. Appreciate it.

Slow down

In a nutshell, just slow it down a notch. Trust me, if anyone knows what going 9182829 miles a minute feels like, I do... (what do you mean 4 dates in one weekend isn’t normal?), but just slow it down. Take a moment to breathe, and appreciate the little things, like the glimpses of sunshine that magically show up. Nothing great happens if you’re run down and exhausted.

And with that, you’re well on your way to living a hygge life. If you try any of these tips, let me know in the comments or on Instagram! I’d love to see how you hygge.

xo

Linnea

October Mood

It’s October, meaning cozy blankets, copious amounts of tea, rainy days at home, and diving headfirst into the lifestyle I’m meant to live: the hygge lifestyle. Hot girl summer, ooouuut, cozy girl fall, IN. Oh, and lest we forget, it’s officially ghosting season! Oh, the fun.

One of my main goals for this month is to focus more on myself. I took quite a lengthy break from working out in September and took on way too much to the point that I got sick for a week. This month, I’m making sure I get enough rest during my free time, and trying to stay as ahead of my homework as I possibly can. The people around you will understand if you can’t do it all - no one expects you to but yourself.

It’s also a month of reflection. This time last year, I came back from a few weeks in Europe (please take me baaaack), where my cousins in Stockholm convinced me to enroll myself into design school. I didn’t think much about the details (finances included), I just did it. And if you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.

Now, I’m more than halfway through the program, and I can officially freehand sketch a room, draft floorplans by hand and with AutoCAD, create concept boards, suggest solutions, and so much more.

As far as inspiration, lately, it’s been moody interiors, vintage touches, sculptural furniture and easy fall basics. I’m excited for what’s to come, and looking forward to the challenge of not 3, but 4 classes working full time. October, let’s. GO.

xo

Linnea

5 Beauty Tips to Prep for a Big Event

With my best friend’s wedding just one day away, the prep leading up to it has been quite the ordeal! I’ve been prepping for not one, but two weddings, and I'm in the wedding party tomorrow, meaning photos, photos, and more photos. From skin to hair, nails and everything in between, there's a lot to think about before a big event creeps up on you. So how have I been prepping myself for the big day? Keep reading to find out, and make sure to read to the very end for a giveaway!

1. Plan your appointments accordingly

As someone with a crazy schedule (a 9 to 5, design school Monday to Wednesday nights), planning out my “prep” services leading up the the big day was key. That meant I had to stagger my appointments accordingly before the chaos of school began. It’s also important to schedule workouts in whenever possible (6AM workouts are basically my only option) to sweat out as many toxins as you can.

2. Pamper your skin

I’m always pretty good with my skincare, but lately, even more so. I’ve been layering on my favourite serums and almost always sleeping with some sort of sleep mask on top (retinol’s been on high rotation too)! I love using Gua Sha tools to circulate the blood in my skin, and allow it to absorb more of the product. My favourite sleeping masks are the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, the Laneige Lavender Sleeping Mask and the Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Mask. 

For my body, I did a deep exfoliation followed by my favourite self tan. Self tanning has enabled me to maintain my colour without laying in the sun, and it’s God-sent! I’ve pretty much tried them all, but my favourite is Loving Tan 2 hour Express in Dark. Make sure to blend those hands and feet with a makeup brush!

3. Get your beauty sleep

Lately, I've been using my Slip silk pillowcase to avoid “crinkled sheet face” - yes, those lines can stay on your face! The pillowcase has been amazing on both my skin and my hair, so it’s double duty! Speaking of sleep, getting lots of it leading up to an event is in your best interest. You need to feel as well rested as you look, so deep sleeps are key.

4. Enhance your smile

It’s not something that’s always talked about, but attaining the perfect smile is always high on people’s lists. And to perfect that smile, the easiest thing to do is whiten your teeth! More often than not, people use whitening strips to get their desired result. But have you ever wondered why whitestrips tend to be a little painful? The reason is, whitestrips use a bleaching method that strips your enamel completely, making them even more sensitive than they were to begin with.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been whitening my teeth with an at-home whitening kit called Smile Brilliant. This method is different than whitening strips. You send in a mold of your teeth to receive flexible trays made to fit your smile perfectly, then use a whitening gel designed to remove the stains from the surface of your teeth - one that doesn’t remove your enamel.

Because the whitening gel isn’t painful or uncomfortable, I’ve been wearing my trays for 1-2 hours at a time while watching tv, cleaning or finishing chores around the house. And because I’ve been travelling so much, I’ve taken them on the road with me too! A+ for being able to multi-task, am I right? 

Since Smile Brilliant is a safe method for whitening teeth without enamel removal, it’s a great option for anyone that wants stain-free teeth!

5. Invest in yourself

Last but not least, invest in yourself! You want to look and feel your best, so this is not the time to cheap out on yourself. Lash extensions are a great option for big events. Seeing as I’ll probably be bawling my eyes out tomorrow, fake lashes were definitely going to fall off my face (like they have at sooo many weddings I’ve been to). I like more of a natural-looking set, but they’re sure to stand out in the wedding photos at the same time. They dramatically change your face and you don’t need as much makeup once you’ve got them on. There’s just something about waking up feeling “pretty”, yenno?

To ensure my nails were fresh two weekends in a row, I decided to get gel extensions. The salon added an extra layer of Biogel on top of my gel polish, followed by a gel top coat, and they turned out perfect. Fingers crossed they still look as good tomorrow for the wedding!

And after practicing my speech... we’re officially all prepped! If you’d like to give at-home whitening a try, you're in luck! I’ve partnered with Smile Brilliant to give one of my readers a set of their own. Simply click this link to enter, and it could be yours! If you’d like to shop their site, use linneacarmen15 for 15% off your entire purchase. Keep smiling!

Xo 

Linnea 

Tooth Whitening Gel

September Mood

Oh, September. I’ve been waiting for you for a while. I know it’s bound to be an exciting, eventful month, but it also means summer has come to an end, and the whirlwind that is September has finally arrived. It’s been a crazy, eventful summer, and I’ve accomplished a lot, but I think I’m ready for it to come to an end.

I’ve got a lot going on, not only in my life, but in the lives of those around me. When people around you are going through a tough time, it immediately puts things into perspective and reminds you to snap out of it and realize how great you really have it. Less self, more love.

Speaking of love, I’ve got not one, but two weddings, one of which I’m very fortunate to be a part of! I can’t wait to see my bestie walk down that aisle… cue Linnea’s ugly cry at the altar! T minus 9 days until the big day.

On top of that, design school starts again next week, which I don’t think I’m quite ready for. I was in a good momentum going from one semester to the next, so it’s going to be a little challenging for me to switch from no classes/0 hours of homework to 4 classes/40 hours of homework a week. Hello no social life, we meet again.

But it will be good for me. I’m excited to get back into doing something I love solely because I want to do it. It’s the thing that gets my heart pumping and the industry I love most! I’m also excited for fall, chilly weather, and more time spent at home. Hygge life, here I come.

And remember, everyone’s going through something in their life, so be compassionate to those around you, offer love and support whenever you can, and most importantly, be kind. Have an amazing September, lovelies.

xo

Linnea

How to Plan the Perfect Desert Bachelorette

When the bridesmaids and I were tasked with planning my best friend’s bachelorette, I was ecstatic! I used to plan events for a living, so every time I get the chance to plan something new, I’m all in. And a desert bachelorette in Scottsdale sounded like a dream! But planning a group trip is not an easy feat - especially when there are 16 girls involved. I was a little nervous to have the fate of everyone’s vacation on our hands, but it’s safe to say that everyone had a great time - hangovers and all. Now that the wedding’s just around the corner, here are a few tips for planning the perfect bachelorette.

Pick a venue

My best friend is amazing, there’s no doubt about that! But because she’s so amazing, she has friends… many, many, many friends! There were a total of 16 girls that flew from Vancouver to Scottsdale to celebrate our bride to be, so it was a very big bunch. To make the trip as fun as possible, I knew we had to rent a house (preferably with a pool). The bridesmaids and I went straight to Airbnb to find the perfect spot for our girls weekend, and we stayed in a gorgeous bungalow with a sizeable pool, new kitchen, and plenty of beds for all the sleeping beauties. I highly recommend going the Airbnb route, because that way, you can mix and mingle with the other guests (screw secluded hotel rooms!), hang out at the pool any hour of the day (helloooo 4AM pool hangs), and easily cook meals together (lest we forget about access to ice and a massive fridge)!

Create an itinerary

With a big group of girls, a strict itinerary is key. The last thing you want is for everyone to be mulling over what they what to do, where they want to eat, what time they want to swim, etc. Our itinerary included everything from meal reservations to bottle service, dress code, approximate costs, and free time!

Stick with a theme

Before decorations and props get too out of hand, I strongly advise that you pick a theme. The destination of the bachelorette was in the sunny desert of Scottsdale, and our bride loves cacti with all her heart, so we knew that a tropical cactus theme was the way to go.

Once you pick your theme, you can start thinking about decor, balloons, and all the fixin’s. Thanks to the help of the bridesmaids, we also incorporated the theme into our goodie bags, itineraries, name tags, and even the menus at the restaurants, which was such a nice touch! We also decorated the Airbnb with tropical leaves, rose gold accents, confetti, and balloons scattered throughout the space.

Add a personal touch

The guests of the bachelorette already spent a ton to be on the trip, so it’s in your best interest to make them feel special when they get there. The bride purchased tropical shirts for everyone to wear at the pool, so we added a few other touches to everyone’s personalized pineapple goodie bag to coincide with the theme. We included matching pink visors, a cactus cup with a reusable straw, plenty of EmergenC for hangovers and hydration, a custom tattoo with the groom’s beautiful face, and name tags for everyone to wear during our mix and mingle game night.

Stock the fridge

In the desert, hydration is key. Because we were staying in one big house, the bridesmaids and I went straight from the rental car counter to Costco. We ran through the aisles as quickly as we possibly could, picking up items for breakfast, lunch, snacks, liquor (liquor and more liquor), tons of still and sparkling water (Spindrift is where it’s at!) and some creamy pastas and pizza for late night indulgence. After our Costco trip, we had 40 MINUTES to prep the food, decorate, and get everything done. My advice? Ask for help!!

Food wise, let’s just say that coming home to hot meals after a full night of dancing was heaven. Because Costco is so reasonably priced, it’s not a bad idea to over-purchase. The last thing you want is to run out of food or liquor halfway through the trip, or for any of the guests to feel like they can’t indulge or eat anything in the fridge, in fear that there won’t be enough. At the end of the trip, we gathered everything we never opened, and Costco accepted all of it back! Did someone say #travelhack?!

Start with a welcome fiesta

To get everyone warmed up, we welcomed the guests with a fiesta by the pool. We catered our fiesta with Mexican food from Los Sombreros, which included various tacos, guac, refried beans, tortilla chips, and plenty of fresh salsa. We had leftovers for days. Because we stayed in for dinner, we had less pressure to rush and get ready, so we spent time by the pool, ate dinner, and even had time to play a “guess which friend I am” game before we left for our first night out.

Whatever floats your boat

For the Scottsdale heat, floaties were key. We used the pool every single day, so it was very important that we had plenty of themed floaties to go around, for those that didn’t want to fully submerge into the water. Our floaties were supplied by Big Mouth, and they were amazing! To stick with the theme, I opted for a heart-shaped donut, rainbow float, swan, pineapple, and of course, an engagement ring! The cotton candy and cactus are also super cute options!

Figure out the finances later

With a group of 16, finances can be tricky. Most of the restaurants required one bill, so the bridesmaids paid for some meals, the Costco run, and a few other things. Rather than asking for money up-front or billing the guests as we went, we created a helpful spreadsheet after the trip that broke down everyone’s meals, bottle service, Ubers, and more! We were able to settle all the finances within one week of returning home, and it worked out seamlessly.

Make friends with promoters!

We weren’t exactly sure how much the girls wanted to go out, but we planned our nights out in advance pretty well. I booked bottle service at Riot House for Friday night, and we ended up loving it. The music was amazing, the crowd was super fun, and the costumes for Dom service were pretty freakin’ epic. We ended up coming back three nights in a row… THREE! We clearly could not get enough. And we tried other bars/clubs, but they just didn’t beat Riot. The fact that our promoter was amazing didn’t hurt either - he made it verrrry hard to leave (which made our entire trip) and all the girls loved him! If you’re heading to Scottsdale and want his digits, let me know, seriously! If you’re a female, Scottsdale is a breeze. If you’re a male… well, prepare to drop a whole lotta cash on cover and alcohol for the weekend. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

xo

Linnea

This post was in collaboration with Big Mouth. All opinions are my own.

August Mood

As the last month of my full summer “off”, it’s a bittersweet feeling. I’ve been trying my best to squeeze the most out of my summer because I know September’s coming any day now, and it’s going to be one of my busiest months yet (my bff’s getting married!). This month, I’ll be taking time to reset, refresh, and recharge. Even though my travels have been mini summer trips, I still feel like I’m barely ever home, so I’m very much looking forward to staying home for the fall. In terms of inspo, I’m currently obsessed with neutrals, calming interiors, out-of-the-box gallery walls, and greenery of all sorts. I’ll be focusing more on interiors as soon as I head back to school, and I’ll finally be learning AutoCAD - whooo! In the meantime, I’m game for more fun in the sun, concerts, friends, birthdays, and another mini trip!! Happy summering :)

xo

Linnea

How to Transform your Patio to an Outdoor Oasis

Now that I’ve been home for more than a week, I’ve finally had a little bit of time to enjoy my patio! But if you know me, you know I wouldn’t fully enjoy it unless I made a few updates to my decor this year. Thanks to the help of H&M Home, I’m thoroughly enjoying my patio, one sip of vino at a time. Without further ado, here are a few tips on how to transform your patio into a new-found paradise.

Patio lights

I had some lights last season, but they were solar powered and cheap - not ideal for outdoor situations! I recently added some heavy duty LED lights, and they happened to be the perfect length for the perimeter of my patio railing. I don’t turn them on all the time, but when I do, the whole ambiance of the patio is immediately transformed.

Throw blankets and cushions

Summers in Vancouver are brief, but magical! Although we have steady temperatures during the day, they do tend to get a little chilly once the sun goes down. That’s where throw blankets come to the rescue! As long as it’s not raining, I’m happy to chill outside with a blanket until I absolutely have to get ready for bed. I’ve been loving my Cotton Throw and Cushion Covers - it’s casual and breathable, but super comfortable and cozy.

Lanterns

I have a few lanterns scattered throughout my patio, but my latest additions are adding such a nice modern touch. You can put standard tealights inside, or kick it up a notch and place a full-on candle inside. The glow of the candles adds to the ambiance of the space, especially with the patio lights turned on!

Plants

It wouldn’t be an outdoor oasis without greenery, now would it? I recently added a few ceramic planters and a mini herb garden in my planters, which includes basil, oregano, mint and herbed lavender. In addition, I just purchased an English lavender plant, and now my patio smells divine.

Trays

To entertain outside, trays (like this wooden one) make everything easier. Not only do they look cute when you style them with plants, drinks or accessories, but their effective, too! When you’re serving drinks outside, it’s easy to pass drinks and snacks along when you’re serving tray-side.

SHOP THE POST

After all is said and done, I’m pretty proud of this space, and happy I’m able to enjoy it this summer (sans school)! What changes are you hoping to make on your patio? Let me know in the comments below.

xo

Linnea

This post is in collaboration with H&M Home. All opinions are my own.

Prime Day: Favourite Amazon Finds

With Prime Day on Monday, July 15, a blog post on my Amazon favourites was a must. From home decor to fashion, accessories and more, here are my top picks!

Sunday Suppers | Wishbone Dining Chair | Pink Silicone Straws | Amber Soap Bottles | Instant Pot, expected to be 50% off | Magnetic Spice Jars | Salt Lamp Night Light | Matte Black Cabinet Pulls | Straw Poufs, Set of 2 | Cereal City Guide: New York | Cereal City Guide: Paris | The Kinfolk Home

Acrylic Clips | Leopard Dress | Blush & Neon Sunglasses | Pearl Clips | Satin Dress | Straw Bag | Silk Mini Dress | White Scrunchie Bikini | Straw Visor | The Perfect Sundress | Scoop Neck Swimsuit | Cheeky Bikini | Neon Bikini | Satin Scarf Wrap Top | Black Button-Down Dress | Bali Rattan Bag

Wireless Phone Charger | Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer | Pink Quartz Gua Sha Scraping Set | Travel Toiletries Set | Gel Nail UV Light | Facial Ice Roller | Iphone Tripod and Remote | Luna Mini 2 Cleanser | FitBit Charger, Set of 2 | T3 Interchangeable Curling Wand

Happy shopping!

xo

Linnea

What I Packed for Scottsdale

Well, the long-awaited bachelorette trip has ended… and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t super duper sad about it. The weekend was SOO much fun, I can’t even handle it! Most of us didn’t know each other very well, so it was either bound to be a success, or bound to be… well… an awkward trip. But I’m so happy to report that all went extremely well, and everyone loved each other so much! But more on that another time ;) In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of what I packed for Scottsdale - and most of it is on sale now… so here we go:

Neon Animal Print Crossbody | Satin dress | Hot Pink Visor | Green Jumpsuit with Scrunchie | Lavender Swimsuit | Polka Dot Top | Neon Bodysuit | Satin Skirt | Bamboo Clutch | Jewel Bag | Sundress | Leopard Satin Dress |

Happy shopping!

xo

Linnea

July Mood

July!!! Well, June was quite the whirlwind, but I’m beyond excited to lay low, have some free time away from school, get back to having time to WORK OUT omg I’ve missed it, and simply enjoy a Vancouver summer! A few things inspiring me lately? Neon, bright colours, citrus, a dose of sass (probably from Scottsdale lmao), and FUN. IN. THE. SUN. Stay tuned for new blog posts coming your way shortly!

xo

Linnea

Horoscope Diaries: Life as a Gemini

As the astrological sign of duality, Geminis are the most unpredictable of all zodiac signs. Known as the twin sign, we’re “quite the challenge,” yet some of the proudest and truest to our signs. If you haven’t heard a Gemini call their birthday month “Gemini season”, then frankly, you’ve been living under a rock! But we’re not terrible beings, I promise.

In order to help you understand the sign a little better, I thought I’d share what I’ve learned so far about the sign, based on experience and research. Into astrology? Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two from this post, too. Here we go.

We’re social butterflies  

Geminis love to talk, charm, socialize, tell stories, and laugh. A lot. You can’t make a Gemini happy if you don’t make her laugh! On top of the necessary humour, we need to be constantly stimulated mentally. We’re wise, curious individuals that live for a good challenge - things that really push us to stop and think. We loooove to learn new things everyday, so if you can hold an intellectual conversation like a podcast and teach us something new... let’s just say you win in our books!

We’re indecisive  

Because of our paradox, winning us over is never easy—we’re often hot and cold. One moment you might think we’re completely into something, and the next... poof. It’s just part of our duality—we’re very indecisive creatures. We change our minds about everything: plans, what to eat, what we want, and everything else. To sum it up in a nutshell: our hearts want roots but our minds want wings.

We hate boring routines  

To keep Geminis entertained, we can’t ever “do nothing” or be bored, and for this reason, neither will you. We need unpredictability, and people who can keep up with ours. We get bored very easily, and can’t stand when people want to do the same things over and over again—it makes us feel strapped down (let me tell you!!!). We also have trouble laying low... hellooooo type-A-always-busy-strict-schedule personality. This is exactly why I need to dabble in multiple hobbies/interests/career paths at once. Despite needing the thought-out schedule, we also need freedom and space. We’re comfortable spending time with ourselves, and a little spontaneity sprinkled in is never a bad thing (how many spontaneous trips do I book a year? Oh, all of them).

We’re adaptable

Based on my research and experience with other Geminis I know, we tend to be creative, imaginative, and highly adaptable. I can relate to this a lot, because I adapt very easily to my environments. I’m open-minded, and I’m entering an extremely creative field. Without having creative outlets, I don’t quite feel fulfilled.

We forgive, but never forget  

We don’t like being betrayed. In fact, if you do betray us, you may see a side of us you wish you didn’t (that’s where we get the bad rap from, but only if you betray us first!). Basically, you don’t want to test us—or ignore us, for that matter. We always forgive, but we never forget. Let’s just leave it at that.

We put others before ourselves

Although we can be a little harsh, we’re apparently one of the most generous and giving of the zodiac women. And even though we’re unpredictable, we’re reliable and supportive; often very good friends, and always there when someone needs them. We give good, grounded advice, and have even greater love to give.

We’ve got a whole lotta love to give  

Speaking of love, ours is remarkably one of the strongest loves of all the signs, which makes it hard to forget. We aren’t afraid of ourselves, our bodies, or our opinions. We don’t hide behind anything, and we embrace our weakness like a strength - I know I do! I talk about my weaknesses like an open book… I’m not scared or ashamed to talk about them, because everyone has something. And if you don’t share, you’ll never hear other perspectives, or learn from other experiences. And after all is said and done…

She is, GEMINI.

Happy birthday to all my gemini boos!! xo

Linnea

June Mood

June!!! My favourite month of the year. Not only does the weather improve, but I’ve got a few bdays to celebrate (including my Grandma’s 80th - hellooooo twin Gemini’s), I’m hosting book club for a patio hang, and it’s the last month of the semester... which means it’s finally time for vacay!! I’m not getting overly excited yet, because school life is INTENSE. Like, I don’t have a life intense! But I’m on track for my goal and it will all be worth it in the end! Summer, I’m ready for you!  

xo

Linnea

Memorial Day Sale Must Haves

Even though we’re not in America, we can’t help but take advantage of all the great sales happening this weekend! I’ve taken the guesswork out of online shopping and broken down my top picks for you. Enjoy!

McGee & Co. - 20% off with code SUNNYDAYS

Serena & Lily - 20% off with code SUMMERPREP

Lulu’s - 30% off sale items with code BEACH30

Lulu & Georgia - Buy more, save more

 Nordstrom Rack - Additional 25% off clearance items

Parachute - 20% off everything

Happy shopping!

xo

Linnea

DIY Moss Bowl Centrepiece

If you’re not familiar with the infamous Restoration Hardware moss bowl centrepieces and pots… well, I’m sorry, but you’ve likely been living under a rock!! These centrepieces can be found in almost every room you walk through in a Restoration Hardware store, but they all come with a hefty price tag to buy their vessels (even if you just buy their preserved moss to make it yourself).

Well good news people!! You can easily make these centrepieces yourself - maybe even with things you have around the house! I happened to have a burnt out cement “wood-grain” candle holder, so I decided it was the perfect vessel to make my first moss centrepiece. The key to making these centrepieces as cost-effective as possible is to use just a little bit of moss, and fill the bottom with something else (because it won’t be seen). If you’re interested to see how I did it, and what I used, here you go!

What You’ll Need:

Cement bowl or vessel (I used a cement pot as well as a leftover cement candleholder)

Straw filler, bubble wrap or newspaper (something that can fill the bottom of the vessel)

Dry preserved moss

Directions:

1. Lay your filler at the bottom of your vessel, and fluff it up until it almost reaches the top. In my case, I used packing straw that I had from a PR package. It worked great!

2. Take your preserved moss out of the package, and start breaking it up into pieces to lay over your filler. I mismatched different colours of moss to add more interest, but you can stick to one colour if you like! Some of the Restoration Hardware arrangements feature “patches” and “spheres” of moss, so I took a few pieces to mold them into “moss balls” as well.

Once you have your desired look, rinse and repeat for as many vessels as you like! Let me know how your centrepiece turns out - I’d love to see it!

xo

Linnea

Grapefruit Margarita with a Twist

Now that the sunshine and heat has been sticking around for awhile now (hellooooo patio season!), I thought it’d be the perfect time to share a new cocktail recipe. I’ve always loved grapefruits, so it’s no surprise that I love them mixed in cocktails! This is one of the most refreshing cocktails I’ve ever made, so enjoy :)

Ingredients

For 2 cocktails

4 oz of your fave tequila

2 freshly squeezed grapefruits

1/2 oz simple syrup (optional)

Grapefruit sparkling water to top off the drink

Sprinkle of tajine spice

Sea salt flakes

Directions

Step 1:

Cut a grapefruit wedge to rim the circumference of the glasses, then roll them with sea salt flakes and tajine.

Step 2:

Combine ice, tequila, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker and shake until the mixture is cold.

Step 3:

Fill your glasses with ice, then strain the mixture into the salted glass. Finish with a splash of grapefruit sparkling water, a sprinkle of tajine, and garnish with grapefruit slices. Give the drink a light stir and voila, enjoy!

xo

Linnea

The Perfect Gifts for Mama

Mama’s day is around the corner, and there’s nothing I love more than spoiling my mama and Farmor with things they love! To help you spoil the special women in your life, here’s a roundup of all the things they’re sure to love… I mean, who wouldn’t? I’ve linked some faves below!

Blush Travel Mug - for her coffees on the go!

Laneige Lip Glossy Balm - I swear by the sleeping mask and this is a new fave. I know she’ll love it too!

Silk Eye Mask - because she needs to get her zzz’s after all that hard work (and silk is best for anti-aging).

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 - my mom and I swear by this stuff! We go through at least a bottle each every few months. Best hydrating bang for your buck!

Diptyque Feuille de Lavande Candle - a little bit of a splurge, but it will make the entire room smell like a field of lavender... if that’s not goals, what is?

Kitsch Silk Pillowcase - you spend at least 8 hours a night on your pillowcase, so invest in one! This one prevents creasing and wrinkles on the face - absolute game changer.

Smash + Tess Sweetheart Romper - so she can lounge around the house and still be as cute AF. Right mom??

Stone Diffuser (vitruvixlinnea for 20% off) - hands down my favourite diffuser, and makes the entire room smell incredible (few drops required). Need I say more?

Evening Rituals Kit (vitruvixlinnea for 20% off) - for winding down and helping her get the best nights sleep.

Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish - she needs time for self care too, ok? So buy her products she wouldn’t typically reach for, and she’ll be forced to make time for herself ;)

Gua Sha Facial Massage Duo (vitruvixlinnea for 20% off) - Gua Sha is one of my favourite parts of my skincare routine. I apply serums and oils with my gua sha set to help drain the lymph nodes and detoxify my skin. If she hasn’t tried it, she’ll love it!

Organic Pearl Hoops (10% off) - because what Mom doesn’t love pearls?

Cereal Paris Book - let’s be real - she would love to be in Paris shopping, eating and exploring. But if you can’t gift her with a trip, this is the next best thing.

Calpak Gold Spinner Luggage - if she’s already going on a trip, send her away with a shiny new luggage (if she’s anything like my mom, she’ll have no problem filling it to the brim lol).

Everlane Wide Leg Crop Pants - my fave pants at the moment, and very much my mom’s style too. Despite the high waist line, the fabric is stretchy, so she’ll be comfortable all day long!

And that’s it, that’s all. I hope you’ve found something she’ll love! 

xo

Linnea

May Mood

Oh hello, May! I’m welcoming you with open arms because I’m so excited you’re here! Spring weather has finally arrived, things are being crossed off my to do list, and I’m ready to dive into spring.

To be honest, April wasn’t the greatest month of all time... it was full of late, restless nights, early mornings, and constantly trying to make time for meal prep and workouts, despite being dead tired (I’ve never felt so tired and drained in my life!). 

For first semester, my schedule was pretty easy for the most part, and because the classes were “theory” heavy, I excelled in all of them. But this semester, I’m taking three in-person courses that are all more challenging, and require hours and hours of practice to make perfect. It’s not like you can just learn to draw/write and immediately apply what you learned... if my left hand smudges the page or makes a mistake, it’s literally back to the drawing board until I get it right (which is usually hours later). So it’s an experience, to say the least, but it’s a cool experience nonetheless and I’m loving it!

On another note, I’ve been busy with the bridesmaids planning my bff’s 15-gal bachelorette (yes, you read that right... 15!), and I’m getting sooo excited to get away!! But more details on another day :) here’s a little bucket list for the month:

• Get outside and run
• Do a spring purge; sell unwanted items
• Finalize blog calendar
• Celebrate Dash’s 4th birthday (holy crap where has the time gone) 
• Stop and smell the roses
• Embrace the homebody life (you’ve got no energy to go out, anyway) 

Let’s do this May!

xo

Linnea