Great Wall of China Essentials

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I felt like I was on top of the world. I visited what was considered to be the prettiest and most 'foreigner friendly' part of the Great Wall of China, called Mutianyu. The Great Wall was an amazing and once and a lifetime experience that easily could have been ruined without one of these essential items!  Keep reading for what made my Great Wall of China adventure a chill experience.

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Muskol Aerosol I had been warned about the bugs at the Great Wall several times and took several precautions that ensured I wouldn't get bitten. I didn't see any bugs or was I bitten while at the Mutianyu part of the great wall. It could have been the bug spray or maybe that part wasn't as infested as other parts.

Tumi Weekend Foldable Backpack I'd had my eye on this backpack for a while and I wished that I had bought it for this day trip. I carried water bottles, my cameras, and a few other items. I would have loved the ease of getting it unfolded quickly and rocked it while on the Great Wall.

A.J. Morgan Collegiate 53537 Wayfarer Sunglasses While it wasn't bright up there, there were moments when the sun peeked through the clouds. I recommended these sunglasses since they were stylish but still pretty cheap in case they got damaged along the way.

Anita Sports Bra Anita was so kind and gave me a sports bra to try and review for you guys! This baby was great in the humidity. It breathed well in the humidity and kept bounce to a minimum as I climbed and bounded down ancient stairs.

Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen While Beijing was covered in smog when I arrived, it didn't mean the sun's harsh rays were hidden. I packed my sunscreen and reapplied throughout the day to avoid any sun damage. Whenever I've used a spray sunscreen I found that I reapplied more often and with less mess!

Great Wall of China Photo Diary

Adidas Women's High Performer Tight I was instructed to wear long leggings to avoid bug bites on my legs. While I didn't see or get bitten by any of those bloodsuckers, it was good that I took the precaution seriously.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheet The heat and humidity was no joke. I was sure to pack a small beauty bag of products I needed. One of them included blotting sheets. I used at least 5 of them when I was up there. When I added videos to my Snapchat and Insta stories I blotted my t-zone then snapped away.

Adidas Men's Adizero Scrimmage Cap I should have brought a hat with me but I didn't.  The shade from the visor would have given my skin some extra protection from the sun, I wouldn't have been as sweaty and I would have looked cooler. I recommended a male hat since my hair was in braids and thus a bit too big for women's hat sizes.

Teva Original Universal Sandals My shoes of choice while in Beijing for the weekend were my Tevas. The adorable lilac shoes could be dressed up and down. One of the girls on the trip looked at me like I was crazy when she saw that I was wearing the sandals for the day trip to the Great Wall, Ming Tomb and Sacred Way. I muscled through the excursions and my feet felt amazing the entire time. I also rocked these babies on a hike in the Californian desert and highly recommend them!

Tiny note: If you bought a train ticket to Beijing from another city, ensure you pack travel safe versions of aerosols. My huge bug spray was confiscated on the way there. I wasn't pleased.

Did I miss something? Comment below with what else you would have brought with you.

Elaisha Goes...To The Emperor Quianmen Beijing

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The Emperor Hotel Quianmen hotel was quite the surprise. When my roommate proposed that I join her and her friend on a weekend trip to Beijing, I was ecstatic. However one of my first thoughts (after thinking about all the duck I’d eat) was where were we going to stay?

Keep reading for my review of The Emperor Hotel Quianmen (and find out whether I would stay there again!).

The Room

After we hopped out of a cab we trekked it in through the ‘walk only’ zone. Waiters called out their specials to us from their restaurants when we strolled on the grey stone sidewalk. The Emperor Hotel was tucked away in a quiet nook near the popular Quianmen market. We actually walked past it twice before we finally found it and were welcome with a luxe feel. The three-story hotel featured a very modern design and took advantage of the open space but didn’t seem uncomfortable or too edgy.

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As soon as we walked into the room, it screamed Instagram goals. I received message after message about how beautiful the room was when I posted it on my Instagram story. While the bedroom was wistful with its bright pink curtains, the bathroom was my favourite. Floor to ceiling marble coated the shower and the separate toilet made things less awkward with our group. The view wasn’t spectacular (chefs from the nearby restaurant actually took their break within plain sight of our hotel room window, so I was weary of walking around undressed) however the natural light poured in looked incredible so I wasn't too fazed.

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I stayed in room 2021 which was near the gym equipment (which wasn’t a problem). I was on the rollaway bed which was ok for the first two nights. However, by the third night, it had lost its charm and was a bit uncomfortable.

Location

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The location was perfect for most of the activities we wanted to do. Due to the attraction’s layout, it was actually faster for us to walk to the Forbidden City than take a cab. We walked through Quianmen to get to and from our hotel. I had a great time when I tried my first Peking Duck dish and traditional Chinese dinner at a nearby restaurant.

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There weren’t any convenience stores around, so if you needed to pick something up grab it before you arrive at the hotel or get it while out and about. However, there were 2 Mini So’s and tons of souvenir stores so I was pretty content. I was able to take a tuk-tuk to Quianmen Square for only 20RMB from the National Museum then I walked for 10 minutes to the hotel.

Customer Service

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Wearing: Leggings: Forever 21, Sports Bra: Anita, Money Belt: Ali Express, Shirt: Similar

 

The staff accommodated us well and were quite sweet. We only waited 10 minutes for our room after we checked in and were escorted to the space. On our final night, someone in the room above us banged on a door for 7 minutes straight just before midnight. I grabbed the phone and quickly chatted with reception who assured me that they would get the problem resolved. Soon the knocking ceased and we rested up for the day ahead. Many of the staff members spoke alright English and helped when they could. However, when we asked questions that pertained to lesser known attractions, it took us a while to get it all translated to receive an answer.

Amenities

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The pool was beautiful and wasn’t too shallow or deep for me (at 5’6 it was at my mid-chest). It was clear of debris and provided a great view of the hazy city. I stopped by the bar on the way up to the pool and grabbed a pina colada that left me refreshed. In the room, the TV swiveled on its wall mount so someone could soak in the tub in the living room while they watched a movie or TV show (we watched a few in English too!).  Towel service wasn’t around, so we brought our own robes and towels up to the rooftop.

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The air conditioning worked perfectly well and the security was very tight (there were several room key checkpoints). Plus the slippers and robes were extremely comfortable! The wifi wasn’t the best and phone service was shoddy in most spots. If you booked this hotel and needed wifi, consider another hotel or get portable wifi. I spent most of my time outside of the hotel room anyways so the lack of wifi wasn’t tragic, just inconvenient. However, if I planned on working while in Beijing I wouldn’t have been able to depend on the internet connection.

Food

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The breakfast food was delicious and varied. I had fried rice and dumplings with a side of bacon and an omelet (guess who’s a fan of big breakfasts…). Even the picky eater of our group was satisfied with her omelet and coffee. Drinks on the patio were pretty good and served right to us at the pool. They had a long list of imported drinks available and the two Parisians I traveled with popped a small bottle of Moet for the night and smoked away. The market was right outside of the hotel room so when I felt a bit peckish I was able to walk right out and sample duck, lamb on a stick and some sweet drinks!

The price of the room was definitely worth it for two people. However, if a third person might be interested in joining your journey, tell them to get their own room. Just remember, if you want to get dropped right to the door of this hotel, that won’t happen. Just get your driver to bring you to the Xianyukou and Quianmen which was a short walk from the hotel.

What do you think of The Emperor Quianmen? Would you stay here?

What's in my Carry-On (Tech Edition!)

As a frequent traveller, I learned how to really whittle down how much I carried with me on long distance trips. However, with my field of work I had a bit of trouble nailing down the amount of tech stuff I brought with me. pg161132-c19d6c15-dd5a-4424-9d13-2277ce486e52 Watch my video to see what tech items made it into my carry on to China!

Did I miss anything? Let me know what you would want to bring with you on a trip this faraway.

30 of the Best Travel Quotes

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Travelling can be taxing, difficult and tiring. In spite of the cost, regardless of resources and no matter where life takes me, I will always revere travel. Travelling has taught me so much about myself and the world around me and I never want to take that for granted.

Here are 30 travel quotes sure to inspire you to get out there to see the world.

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1. “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous

2. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu

3. “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes

4. “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ― Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness

5. “Travel brings power and love back into your life.” ― Jalaluddin Rumi

6. “The traveller sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.” ― G.K. Chesterton

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7. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” ― David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

8. “I read; I travel; I become” ― Derek Walcott

9. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” ― Gustave Flaubert

10. “I think you travel to search and you come back home to find yourself there.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

11. “Everything I was I carry with me, everything I will be lies waiting on the road ahead.” ― Ma Jian, Red Dust: A Path Through China

12. “Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop

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13. “To travel is to live.” ― Hans Christian Andersen, The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography

14. “Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” ― Ibn Battuta

15. “Never did the world make a queen of a girl who hides in houses and dreams without travelling.” ― Roman Payne, The Wanderess

16. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson, The Silverado Squatters by Robert Louis Stevenson, Fiction, Historical, Literary

17. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” ― James A. Michener

18.“Some beautiful paths can't be discovered without getting lost.” ― Erol Ozan

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19.“One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ― Henry Miller

20.“The world is a book, and those who don't travel only read one page.” ― Augustine of Hippo

21. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” ― Mark Twain

22. "I will never lose the love for the arriving, but I'm born to leave.” ― Charlotte Eriksson, Empty Roads & Broken Bottles; in search for The Great Perhaps

23. “There is a kind of magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed.” ― Kate Douglas Wiggin, New Chronicles of Rebecca Douglas Wiggin, New Chronicles of Rebecca

24. “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” ― Paul Theroux

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25.“The journey itself is my home.” ― Bashō Matsuo

26. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” ― Tim Cahill

27. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ― Augustine of Hippo

28. “I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more." (Letter to John Banister, Jr., June 19, 1787)” ― Thomas Jefferson,

29. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”― Anonymous

30. “Just go!” ― Elaisha Jade

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Did I miss any of your favourite quotes? Share one with me below in the comments.

10 Travel Mistake's I've Made (and How to Avoid Them)

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Travel can be exhilarating, exciting...and a nightmare. I've learned that anything that can go wrong when travelling or leading up to a trip will go wrong. Here are 10 travel mistakes I've made and how I learned from them.

1. Not Bringing a Pen The number of times I've had to ask a flight attendant or fellow passenger for a pen shouldn't be as high. I remember breaking into a sweat when the immigration forms were handed out on my way from New York and London and I couldn't fill them out. Also, germs travel on items touched by several people (ie. a PEN!) so bring your own and save yourself the hassle.

2. Not getting a cell phone plan If you have the financial means to get a cell phone plan, do it! To some, buying a cell phone plan for a vacation seems frivolous but when travelling alone and as a woman, it's been worth it for me. I'm happy I have an unlocked phone that I can use internationally and switch up my SIM card as needed.

3. Not learning basic phrases/language skills I definitely got by in Montreal and Paris with my rusty French and made a whole lot of hand gestures in Spain, but I really should have studied my destination's mother languages a bit more. The joy of learning a new language is only surpassed by using it with local people. This also gives you the flexibility to explore unbeaten paths without the anxiety of getting stuck (especially without Google translate or maps available).

4. Not Setting Aside more Time I'm breaking the habit of procrastination. The addictive habitual state of putting-off travel things until the last minute (reviewing my itinerary, packing, re-packing, buying important items) is something I'm definitely guilty of. Or doing my hair last minute (not a good idea with natural hair). The worst consequence of procrastinating was overpacking. Thankfully I haven't faced any additional baggage fees as a result of overpacking, but I was definitely angry at myself when traipsing across London (where there were minimal elevators and escalators on the tube) with my stuffed suitcase, carry-on bag and backpack.

5. Not Exploring Enough I don't know about you, but there is only so much roasting on the beach I can do. My mum (my long-time travel partner) isn't a big excursion fan. However, after taking trips that weren't on all inclusive resorts (that baby you into not needing to leave the hotel grounds) I learned how to really vacation outside of the box. Make sure you pick a location where public transportation is accessible then get on out there! I had a great time doing this in Barbados and Barcelona. I wish I had done more research on Scotland, I would have definitely explored some more. 

6. Not Raiding the Duty-Free Before my return to Europe last year, I usually hustled past the duty-free to grab a good seat before boarding my flight. However, I purchased some cute things (like my favourite Ted Baker wallet) in the duty-free at Heathrow. I am now a sworn duty-free advocate (just make sure you check how much money and goods you're allowed to bring back into your country)

7. Not getting Good Souvenirs I am a very nostalgic person. Collecting souvenirs has never been on my priority list (probably because I've overpacked way too many times) and because I didn't do enough 'keepsake research'. Looking up what kind of art or products a particular place is famous for (ie. Barcelona and their bomb custom espadrilles) would allow for purchasing worthwhile keepsakes.

8. Not Getting Travel Insurance My trip to China will be my first time purchasing travel insurance! Wild right? After all of the research I've done on travel insurance and knowing how much it would benefit my loved ones, I realized just how crucial it is.

9. Not Printing Off my Documents China is another land of firsts for me. For the first time, I have printed off my travel documents (Visa, travel itinerary and copies of my passport) to carry with me while I explore and leave where I'm staying. This is literally travellers 101: have copies of your documentation.

10. Not bringing enough money Once again with my last minute self, I've gone on trips and vacations without really considering how much money I should bring/setting a budget. There were times I had the opportunity to go on a shopping spree in some fashionable cities (Paris and London) and I wish that I had set more money aside for those trips to ball out a bit.

Have you made any travel mistakes? Share them with me below so we can learn together.

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Overnight Flight Carry-On Beauty Essentials

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Airplanes can be awkward, especially for your nighttime beauty routine. I will be boarding the longest flight I've ever taken this Thursday. Preparing for it has been quite the adventure but also going over how to ensure I end up on the other side with bomb skin is also key.

After learning how to take care of my skin and keep it hydrated on and off of flights, here are some of my favourite Overnight Flight Carry on Beauty Essentials.

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Olay Daily Facials Daily Clean 4-in-1 Water Activated Cleansing Cloths Thanks for the recommendation Priya! I would never have thought about packing these. Instead of hauling a facial wash and ensuring it fits the regulation size and then trying to get it to lather then wash it off...Instead, I'll just use these facial cloths! Get them a little wet and take off the little makeup I put on for the journey.

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil When Taylor introduced me to the joys of coconut oil I didn't realize that my life would change. I'll be packing this in a travel container to remove the makeup I put on before my flight. While I try to avoid wearing makeup on flights, I'll be vlogging and shooting pictures before I board so I've got to look a little fabulous, no? (tip: sometimes I add a bit of lavender to relax me if I'm using coconut oil as a moisturizer on my hands or neck)

The Face Shop Real Nature Mask Every blogger and vlogger recommends using a sheet mask on the plane. If you thought I'd be different, boop! I tried a few of The Face Shop's masks in the past and I found my skin was extra hydrated for a few days. This Shea Butter option will provide super-penetration into your skin especially at the high altitude during the flight.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream I always carried hand cream in my large purses because one of my biggest pet peeves was dry hands. I find that this thick and creamy formula works well when I'm about to go to sleep. While it feels a bit greasy for a few minutes, I find that my skin just really sucked it up and felt super soft the next day.

Rosebud Lip Balm I absolutely loved using this lip balm on my last trip to the UK. I kept it in my pocket for safe keeping to apply as I flew. While I usually go for stick balms where I don't have to put my finger into it (ick international germs), my solution: I just press the full balm to my lips and give it a twist. Instant hydration!

Carry Clean Travel Sonic Toothbrush I haven't used an electric toothbrush in years, let alone brought it with me on a plane! However, this baby deserves a shout out. It's battery powered and the size of an average toothbrush (which I bring travelling with me anyways). I get super lazy on the plane and begrudgingly brush my teeth. This time it'll be a little easier.

NIVEA Moisturizing Night Care My combination skin wasn't a fan of the long non-stop trip from London to Toronto last year. This time around I'll be sure to bring along a very heavy night cream (which I will transfer into a smaller container for transport). After finishing my nighttime beauty routine (either on the plane or before boarding) I'll add some of this heavy cream and drift into a peaceful sleep.

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NIVEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Care SPF30 After flying don't you feel like you've aged a bit? I added this baby to my airplane beauty regimen when I learned it was packed with anti-aging properties including Q10, Creatine and SPF 30 protection. Like my other moisturizers I'll add this into a travel container and keep the full sized version in my checked luggage.

FlashPatch Lip Gels + FlashPatch Eye Gels

If you find that your under eyes look a little rough or your lips are pretty dry in the morning, slap one of these masks on! Sure you might look a little weird, but no one ever said beauty was easy.

Maybelline New York Superstay Better Skin Concealer While I haven't travelled with a full-face of makeup, I've liked to have some concealer on hand. Travelling can be taxing on the under eyes especially if I don't get a restful sleep. Before I land I like to just quickly apply a bit of concealer to look a bit more alive.

Dermablend Loose Setting Powder Original The lineup at immigration when I have arrived at my destinations have been long and left me tired. Loose setting powder has kept my makeup in place no matter how many lines I've gotten stuck in. Dermablend's version is a life saver.

Honourable mention: A water bottle! One of the most important things to do on flights is to stay hydrated. I don't like to drink the water offered to me on planes (unless it comes straight out of a bottle that I've watched the flight attendant pour out of) so I usually grab an overpriced 1L bottle on the way to my gate.

Did I miss anything? Let me know what your overnight carry-on beauty essentials are in the comments below!

6 Mini Purses you Need for your Next Trip

img_0452 I revealed my purse addiction in my previous post. My obsession grew when I realised a penchant for mini-purses. I bought a small wallet and frequently switched between my favourites. If I'm travelling for longer than a week I need more than one purse. Mini-purses don't take up too much room in my luggage which gives me the variety I love while away.

When I heard Amazon.ca would launch Canada's largest selection of purses I couldn't contain my excitement. Keep reading to see what purse you could get for your next vacation.

[photo credit: Desiree Thomas]

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Liebeskind Berlin Lennja Laced Saddle Cross-Body Bag When your outfit is boring, a purse can be the perfect statement piece. A suede mint green accessory definitely makes an impression.

ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Iconic Top Handle Mini This bag captivated me before I even did research for this list. If you're a bit bolder than me, check out the big and bold red version (complete with flowers on the second handle)

Rebecca Minkoff Large Multi Tassel Saddle This purse screams music festival.  The line of short suede tassels and combination of studs give this purse a rock-chic look. Get your fringe fix before it's off-trend with this baby!

Calvin Klein Smooth Leather Cross-Body Bag Love the simple design of this bag. A gold and geometric touch for the clasp and a soft pink for the body (without obvious branding). It's the perfect purse to throw on before a stroll down Avenue Victor Hugo in Paris.

Vince Camuto Baily Quilted Cross Body Bag Who says small bags can't be roomy? This bag comes with a secret expansion zipper on the bottom that fits right into the design. Plus the colour is bomb.

LOEFFLER RANDALL Medium Rider Tumbled Leather Satchel Love the structure on this baby. I've always wanted to own something in periwinkle, this purse seems like the perfect opportunity. Some of my friends wonder how I can carry a mini purse. The secret is organisation. This bag has ample pockets for storing keys a wallet, some key makeup items and more.

 

6 Mother's Day Gifts for the Travelling Mama

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My mum was my first travel buddy. She passed her wanderlust gene over to me when we flew to New York for the first time together. At 7 I rolled my Mini-Mouse carry on suitcase up the ramp and held her hand as my stomach did cartwheels at takeoff. Here are all of the things I know she'd love for Mother's Day!

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Airplane Necklace For the woman who inspired me to travel, I would want her to bring a piece to remind her of all the fun times we've had travelling together.

Ecco Shoes Comfy shoes are essential for travelling. These are definitely my mum's style and I'd love to see her face when opening it.

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Beauty gurus and skin experts all agree that air travel is taxing on the skin. This product will rejuvenate and add needed glow to your mum's skin. Lancome's products are expensive, but your mum is worth it, right?

TUMI Alpha 2: 4 Wheeled Expandable International Carry-On Frequent travellers eventually whittle their luggage down to only a carry-on. Get your mum the Ferrari of carry-ons; a TUMI.

Cabeau Evolution Neck Pillow This is my favourite travel pillow. I've tried several and I've tried no pillow at all. When I'm not flying first class/priority, this baby keeps my neck in place when my head starts rolling from fatigue.

Fjallraven Kanken Daypack I added this to do list because thinking of my mum in a backpack is the cutest! I favour a backpack as my 'personal' item.

Do you have a travelling memory with your mum? Share with me below. 

5 Ways to Step-Up Your Instagram Game

img_0737 A while back my girl Dominique Bennett-Bouchard messaged me on Facebook that she admired my Instagram. My response was pure glee! My hard work had been noticed by a fellow creator who I admired. She then asked me for some tips.

Find Inspiration (not imitation) There are so many Instagram accounts that are artistically curated to perfection. I'm working achieve at least a fraction of what some of them have someday! For now, I'll admire from a distance. One of my favourite accounts is Amy's aka @BrattyB. Her aesthetic is bomb and so is her style. She may not be your cup of tea (pft not possible), but take notes. She'll be going places.

Pick Your Colours I only use one filter, and one filter only. Sometimes I brighten my photos or add some heat to them, but generally, they all have the same kind of feel. I also realized what main colours I should have in each shot so that my grid flowed easily on the eyes.

Surround Yourself with the Right People For those of you not privileged enough to not have an Instagram husband you've got to surround yourself with the right people. I begged my friends and relatives and got the pictures I wanted. However, when I surrounded myself with bloggers and photographers who wanted to work and collaborate with me on my vision and see it through.

Draft a Plan After detailed research and how I saw my favourite Instgrammers reach success, I decided I would post almost every day on my Instagram.  Twice a day for special occasions and at select times. I don't always stick to it, however, I know what will help me succeed and I'm working towards it.

Get the Right Apps I was never a fan of Later.me and Schedugram. I used them on the corporate level and then personally and we just didn't really match up. Desiree from A Desired Journey introduced me to Planoly and I was in love the user interface was way prettier than any other Instagram scheduler I had worked with in the past.

What are you doing to step your Instagram game up? Did I miss anything? Share with me in the comments.

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(Photo by BrattyB)

#ElaishaGoes to Terre Bleu: A Lavender Surprise

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Last summer I headed up to Terre Bleu, one of a few lavender field destinations in Ontario (especially near Toronto). The drive up past the Premium Outlet Mall was painful, I wanted to stop in and raid Restoration Hardware, but we trucked on to the remote Terre Bleu.

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We parked and walked up to what seemed to be a wooden house with a pathway cut right in the middle of it. It towered above me as we quickly scuttled in to avoid the sun. Workers in their purple shirts strolled about busy with tasks of the day. We signed up for a tour of the fields where we learned about the types of lavender when lavender would be in season and the medicinal uses of the sweet smelling bush. We visited the bees and saw them at work making lavender honey.

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After the tour and spending some time in the shop, my mum and I were ready to buy everything there. The summer sun bore down on us and I indulged in the lemonade and she got the ice cream. Since I avoid ice cream I only got a small lick off of a drop on my hand and fell in love. The flavour was subtly sweet and delicious. Thankfully the lemonade satiated my sweet tooth!

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On to the macarons: if you go, buy at least 3 boxes. Eat one either in the fields or on your way home and put the other two in the fridge (if they make it that far). The adorable purple french cookies were filled with a creamy ganache that I still fantasise about today. I also purchased some lavender oil and a pouch filled with dried lavender for my chest of drawers.

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I had the chance to meet the owner of Terre Bleu and experience the location from his perspective, too. He was very nice and educated my mum and me on lavender and how they keep the small business going.

Get a quote for this trip

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Terre Bleu reopens June 1st and I highly recommend visiting and taking the tour! The scenery, snacks and relaxation were worth the journey.

Top 6 Carry-Alls You Need for Your next Vacation

I’m excited to announce my partnership with Amazon.ca! I will be curating my favourite products available on the website that I recommend for travellers.  square

While I favour backpacks as carry-on options, I am the biggest fan of carry-all bags as my 'personal bag' or purse on the plane. Last year I was on the hunt for the perfect one (I thankfully found two!). However, I'm always on the lookout for other huge totes to bring along with me on my journeys. Check out my current faves below!

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1. Calvin Klein Sonoma Quilted Fara Reversible Tote Anything quilted is an automatic yes in my books since it reminds me of my favourite style; equestrian. Pretty cool that it's reversible too!

2. SQLP Women's Waterproof Handbag This large purse is in the lower price point range among this group. The vegan bag also has an inner attachment that matches the interior of the bag.

3. ECCO Jilin Shopper  I'm a fan of the kinds of leather Ecco uses. The simple design with geometric details is a trademark of the Danish brand and I'd love to rock this one in the airport.

4. Rebecca Minkoff Multi Tassel Tote  Now, this bag is a Rebecca Minkoff purse I can get behind! While the tassels are a little flamboyant for me I think a little flare never hurt anyone.

5. TUMI Voyageur Just in Case Travel Duffel This big bag is one of my favourites. I've always wanted a TUMI luggage set and for now, this is as close as it's going to get for me. This piece (like several of the other bags) also comes with a mini bag inside so you can clip your essentials to the handle for easy access.

6. Vince Camuto Riley Medium Tote This triple-interior purse would be a dream come true while on the plane. I try to be organized when I pack my purse for the plane: important things in one pocket, entertainment in the other and a spare pocket for last minute things that didn't fit in my knapsack.

You might have noticed that they're all black. While I'm pretty adventurous with what I wear, my purses tend to be black or brown. Maybe I should try something else?

Elaisha Goes...To The Viamede Resort

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Pictures by: Desiree Thomas, Ted Baker Shoes, everything else GAP

After the recent and tragic passing of a very close friend, I was really looking forward to this trip. The Viamede Resort was a 2-hour drive out of downtown Toronto and just 20 minutes north of Peterborough. While I couldn't escape my problems and grief, I was happy to at least spend time in a quiet space and get out of my head a bit.

As we pulled up to the blue and white painted front of the resort, I instantly felt at ease. Desiree, however, was a bit nervous since we visited during the slow season at the resort and were only one pair of the few guests staying there. After an easy check-in, we brought our bags upstairs and took in the view of the ice-covered lake on our way up. Our spacious room was fitted with a full bathroom (with a shower) a sofa, two lounge chairs, the comfiest king-sized bed, a television and an office table. Two doors lead out to the second story balcony where we shot pictures and regularly insta-storied the icy lake-view.

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Breakfast and dinner were served in the main dining area of the resort, as Boathouse, the other restaurant would open later in the summer. In spite of the rustic feel, we were offered unexpected options of mixed green salads, flatbread pizzas and decadent desserts for our meals. For dinner on the first night, I satiated my week-long craving for honey garlic chicken wings and blue cheese dip. For breaded wings, they were delicious, the blue cheese dip wasn't my favourite though. The caesar salad was topped generously with cheese and bacon and tossed in a creamy dressing. I also loved the sweet potato fries and snagged a bite of Desiree's flatbread pizza (spoiler: it was amazing too).

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Before we ate, Desiree and I took a dip in the indoor pool. The pool area was conveniently fitted with lockers and was heated nicely. It lead to an outdoor hot tub that we sadly didn't take advantage of. Like many areas of the resort, the pool was fitted with huge windows so we could take in another angle of the gorgeous view outside.

Get a quote for this trip

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Hiking Boots & Jacket: Columbia, Leggings: Hyba

A slight break from the arcadian feel of the resort was Mount Julian, an Inn and restaurant just across the street from Viamede. Surrounded by the history of the Inn built in 1874, a 7-course feast presented to Desiree and I was served with another gorgeous view of the lake. Each of the courses sent our taste buds on a rollercoaster. Earlier that day, the resort manager asked us if we had any allergies or food preferences. It turned out that Mount Julian was the kind of farm-to-table place with no menu, but where the chef made food as he felt inspired by what was in season.  I listed the menu we were served below (but note, this won't be exactly what you would be served if you visit!)

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(A pre-course, course) 595 Pork belly, whole hog mustard, pork fat crouton, tomato and watercress (a fancy BLT)

  1. Asparagus, wild rice salad, wild leek vinaigrette, Ontario bocconcini, honey balsamic
  2. House smoked rainbow trout, candy cane beets, Blueberry gastrique
  3. Golden beet soup with honey and cream, warm bread and duck fat butter, apple walnut chutney, pristine soy oil and blueberry gastrique
  4. Pork tenderloin with butter poached blue potatoes and wild leek marmalade
  5. Beef tenderloin with mushroom confit and red wine jus
  6. Cheese board: Lindsay, Ontario ‘wrapped’ goat cheddar, rhubarb chutney
  7. Chocolate walnut brownie with chocolate whisky and orange and soy iced cream

My favourite dish was a tie between the Golden Beet Soup (I couldn't stop talking about the duck fat butter, Desiree wanted to hurt me), the pork tenderloin and the final desert. Each course was served with a delicious drink. I loved the Sortilège made with their own 595 Maple Syrup. After a lovely chat with Chef Jay Nutt about travel and the dishes he crafted for us, we retired to our room full and ready to sleep.

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Sweater & Jeans: GAP, Shoes: Ted Baker

Each night I went to bed full and excited to learn something new about the area. I can't wait to visit the Viamede Resort again and explore the trails a bit more and get some more of that elixir syrup.

7 of the Best Audiobooks for Your next Plane Ride

I stopped reading books consistently a while ago. I was an avid reader growing up and devoured at least 2 books a week throughout my teens. However, as I grew older I found it harder to make the time to indulge in my favourite pastime. Plus my favourite time to read (while on the bus or another form of transportation) sadly was taken away from me by car sickness that I developed as I got older. So I took to enjoying podcasts and audiobooks. As a Toronto Public Library card holder, I have access to a huge catalogue of audiobooks for free on my phone through the Overdrive App. If you live in Toronto and have a Library card, get on this! Here are some of the books I’ve listened to while in the skies, milling about at home or while exploring a new city.

Modern Romance: An Investigation Book by Aziz Ansari and Eric Klinenberg If you want to giggle to yourself while also learning something, this is the book for you. Jenn Im’s January favourites included this audio book, and I finished it within days of her recommendation. I loved listening to ‘Modern Romance’! While I would have liked it if Ansari touched more on how race affects dating, I appreciated his insights and willingness to provide insight into women’s side of dating throughout the book.

Around the Way Girl: A Memoir by Taraji P Henson This biography gave me a new insight and appreciation for Henson. While I never watched cult hits, Empire or Baby Boy, I noticed her rise to stardom. This book, however, gave me the chance to not only appreciate her talent but her journey as a successful actress. I got a bit emotional throughout certain parts of the story (especially about her dad). If you enjoy coming of age stories with a twist of dark humour check this out.

The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene Shout out to Shannon Boodram for getting me on this book! I like learning about my flirting style and how that affects my love-life. It’s also cool to learn more about the women around me and how they express their sexual prowess in their daily lives.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Ok, you’ve probably read this already or watched the movie. However, the dramatised narration brought me on an even more dramatic rollercoaster ride than just reading the book. I finished this audiobook in 2 days. At the time I was working from home all day so other than bathing, this book was playing all day either aloud in my apartment or in my headphones while out (as you can tell I’m very social).This would be an amazing book for a long haul flight, although I’d recommend watching a comedy here and there to take a break from the dark and enrapturing storyline.

Why not Me? by Mindy Kaling This book got me laughing. I remembered loving, The Mindy Project when it first came out because I could watch a brown girl be the heroine of a love story. I found in this book that she sounded more mature and sure of herself than in her previous book, Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me?. She was more vulnerable and shared not only funny self-depreciating bits about herself but tips on confidence and how she found her voice. There were a few problematic statements she made in the book that automatically brought up my screw face, but they were few and far between.

The Chemistry Between Us Brian Alexander and Larry Young I loved this book! From learning about the Machihembra of the Dominican Republic (they grew up as women, but were revealed to be men as teenagers!) to the physiological differences between men and women, this book opened my eyes to the world around me within the realm of sex, relationships and love. While the studies cited in this book are very clinical, it’s narrated in a very fun and interesting way.

Food Junkies by Vera Tarman MD, Phil Wedell I know I was addicted to food as a kid. I was very unhappy and spent the better years of my early teens with my head in the fridge. While I learned to successfully break several of those habits and the destructive cycle, I still feel an odd need to overeat when I’m feeling stressed or sad. While I have yet to confirm the studies cited in the book (audiobook, remember!) I learned a lot from the authors. While the content was a bit dry in some parts, it was a great resource and reminder that many people struggle with food addiction and depression. I like that they cited the destructive cycles of people in the public eye including Oprah and Princess Diana along with everyday people that they interviewed in Toronto and beyond.

You might have noticed that none of these books are about travel. Leading up to my adventures I tend to obsess over my itinerary and destination. When on the plane or on my way to the airport I take a mental break from all things travel so my brain will be rested and ready for the adventure ahead.

Did I miss any books? What are your favourites?

My Music Festival Bucket List: 6 Festivals I Want to Go to in 2017

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You guys already know, I love music festivals. When I went to Gov ball in New York, we extended our trip by a few days to explore the Concrete Jungle.

Now I feel that music festivals are a great way to get out and visit somewhere new, while also enjoying several live acts a day. From dancing away to OutKast or vibing Cashmere Cat, I've experienced some of my favourite memories at music festivals.  While 2017 might be a slow year for me, I hope this summer and fall I can get out to a few local and international festivals. Keep reading for the music festivals that topped my 2017 Bucketlist.

Shipsomnia Barcelona, Spain (June) After checking out the itinerary of sailing from Barcelona to Ibiza, I was hooked. Deep house and party DJs top their lineup list along with a range of activities on the ship like Yoga and Q&A sessions with the DJs. I've never been on a cruise before and I wouldn't mind making this my first.

Osheaga - Montreal, Canada (August) Come on! My favourite city (Montreal) and some cool alternative artists? Oshega of late has become the music festival to go to if you live in southern Canada, especially Ontario. While we have a few fests that pass through Toronto, Osheaga's lineups are always more interesting to me than what I've seen at festivals here.

Sziget Festival - Budapest, Hungary (August)

Hungary has been on my list ever since reading 'Paris, a Love Story' (it's about the incredible Hungarian humanitarian and Journalist Kati Marton who planted the seed of European wanderlust in my heart). What I especially loved was that Sziget Festival's after-movie wasn't just blonde girls in short shorts rocking butterfly wings, but a mix of what seemed to be a really fun time beyond just the musical acts and fireworks.

Glastonbury - Glastonbury, England (July) I'll definitely make it out for this festival within the next few years. Glastonbury's lineup never disappoints. With a range of big and small acts along with a variety of genres, it hurts every time I see street style roundups of everyone in their wellies

Iceland Airwaves - Reykjavik, Iceland  (November) I've been Iceland-obsessed since I watched my first Icelandic film, 'Jitters' as a teen. I wished my layover there was longer last summer, I would have loved to explore Reykjavik. With smaller acts headlining the festival (so far) it's the perfect chance to discover new music and the Nordic country.

Meadows in the Mountains-Rhodopes Mountains, Bulgaria (June)

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My girl Rya (of Style Controversy) put me on to visiting Bulgaria. This festival takes place in the mountains with an incredibly breathtaking view. It seems much more communal than bigger festivals and that it would be a really relaxed time.

Are there any music festivals you want to go to? Or are there any that didn't make my list but should have? Comment to let me know!

Monthly Covet: Valentines Day Edition

img_9193-2 Chronically single as I am, I decided to, once again draft a wishlist of things I want to get for myself for Valentines Day this year. Cool enough, this also kicks off the first of many travel themed Monthly Covet lists you should check out at the start of each month this year. So for all of my single women with wanderlust, this one is for you.

Valentines Day Single Girl Travel

1. Teeez Cosmetics Style Addict Highlighter When Teeez sent this to me, I felt beyond honoured to have the privilege to shine on anyone who underestimates me. The easy to apply cream formula reflects beautifully on my skin and will for sure make it in my makeup bag on my next vacation.

2. Skinny Dip London iPhone No Boyf No Probs Phone case I love the Skinnydip London case I already have, and I obviously need another one right? I mean...what phone case better declares your single-state than this?

3. Chapters Indigo Embossed Journal  To write about how single you are. I love pouring my heart out on pages faster than my dominant hand can write. Reading back over memories that time changed and skewed is always a fun shock for me. One of my biggest regrets is not journaling while I travelled.

4. Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds  I always have at least 3-4 podcasts downloaded, at least one audiobook and 1-2 new albums when I’m on a flight. These noise cancelling headphones would suit my need to isolate myself while on a flight….and obviously my romantic life wah.)

5. Alexander Wang Gabi Bootie with Rose Gold  Simple black booties pair well with most outfits, a sign of the perfect shoe to pack for long and short trips. I was drooling over these in Saks 5th Avenue, and they haven’t left my mind since.

6. Tom Ford Lipstick A bold lip and sunglasses are sometimes all you need to look fabulous when you land. I usually wear minimal makeup on flights (unless it’s a short flight to New York or Montreal where the adventure begins, not when I hit my hotel, but when I breeze out of customs).

This year I’m continuing my tradition of celebrating my autonomy with a third annual fun night out with Taylor. Are any of you going to be single on Valentines Day this year? If so, what are you getting up to?

5 Protective Styles You need to Try on your Next Trip

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If your hair is having a bad vacation, so are you. One of the first things I think about when considering my trip is what I'm going to do with my hair. For those of you not in the kinky/curly club, you've got to understand, it's more than vanity. Tangled curls can be painful to detangle and take the fun and joy out of any day. I avoid having to do anything more than shaking my mane and getting on with my day.  Here are my go-to protective hairstyles when travelling.

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London calling | #curlsunderstood #protectivestles #BGKI | #ElaishaGoes #BlackTravelFeed

A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jun 25, 2016 at 5:10am PDT

Obviously, I'd start with my new favourite hairstyle! Crochet hair is BOMB! It takes less application time than similar looking styles (see: box braids) but looks just as good. Just get your braiding pattern right and you're set.  Actually, now you don't even need to know how to cornrow to get it right.

Patty King > Cold Tea | @taylorbrycemcdermott #ProtectiveStyles #CurlsUnderstood

A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jun 12, 2016 at 3:37pm PDT

There are a variety of styles from box braids to curls. This is a great choice when you're pressed for time but want a long-lasting style that you can customise.

Box Braids

LA #Vlog 1 is up {link in profile}

A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jul 19, 2015 at 10:28am PDT

I remember seeing my grandmother come home from the hair dresser's with this style and knowing she was going on a trip.  The advantage of this style is, when taken care of properly, they can last a long time.

Now on the #blog: how to look cool when it's #ElaishaGoes {link in profile}

A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Aug 7, 2015 at 7:23pm PDT

I remember travelling to California with my already well-worn box braids and only needing to refresh the front once after 2 weeks. While the application can take a long time (sometimes days depending on the size), the result is priceless. This is a great style when in humid and wet climates.

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So... because of Valentine's Day I wrote a super personal piece on why I'm single. #OnTheBlog

A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Feb 17, 2016 at 8:48am PST

I remember rocking this style and feeling so cute. However, if you want to try it, get your hair bonnets and head scarves ready. This style, while gorgeous and slick requires extra care to ensure that it stays neat. It's a great style when you're going to be very active and need your hair out of your way.

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Curls on nana @kerastase_official Ultimate Elixr products came through for my #naturalhair/#twistout. Visit YouTube.com/c/elaishajade to enter to win these amazing products for #Laishmas!

A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Dec 23, 2016 at 6:45pm PST

There's truly nothing better than a classic twist style. If I'm travelling with this hair, I know I can take it out and separate my curls for a special occasion then get then right and tight that night by re-twisting it. Just make sure you bring along your favourite twisting products and detangling tools if you will be re-twisting frequently. This is a great style for more controlled (and dryer) climates.

Pulled Back Bun

When all else fails, I can't go wrong with slicking my edges and pulling my hair up into a classic bun! On trips, I usually bring along some hair gel to ensure that my edges are tame throughout my adventure. This is essential when I'm rocking this hairstyle.

I was smiling 'cause I just ate | @sephoracanada matte lip in #13 didn't budge even after my

A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Sep 26, 2016 at 7:44pm PDT

I dampen the outer edge of my hair, grab a bristle brush or toothbrush then style away. I use a headscarf to quickly manage the drying process into a flat style (and to avoid fly aways). Then voila! The perfect bun. If my hair is battling shrinkage and I want a fuller looking bun, I'll bring along some synthetic kinky curly hair (that matches my own) and shape a natural looking bun!

What's your favourite protective style when travelling? Did it make the cut on my list? Let me know in the comments!

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