The Yu or Yu Yuan or Yuyuan garden in Shanghai was pretty dreamy. I crossed different thresholds and it felt like I went back in time. I was excited to edit this video to show you how lush and green it was! Check it out below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAvaUYlDRmI
Want to visit Shanghai? Ask me any questions you may have in the comments below!
Hours Minutes Seconds
Hurry! Until July 11th at 11:59 p.m ET you can get your hands on my favourite deals from Amazon Prime Day. I've rounded up my favourite picks from the ultimate sale for all of you little travellers.
I have a shopping problem. But it's totally ok because it means I can give you my ultimate tips for How to Shop for Your Next Vacation. Sometimes we get so caught up in the excitement of a trip that we forget to purchase key items and end up buying things we don't need. Keep reading for how I get the best deals and avoid useless buying.
Sure you might need those green ostrich leather biking gloves someday, but not today. Ensure that every purchase you make is intentional. I've been guilty of
The worst B word. I hate sticking to a budget but my wallet is always grateful. After deciding what things I need and want for my trip, I set a budget and cry a little. Then I feel a little less guilty when shopping. Instead of thinking 'I can't afford this!' I think, 'Is this on my list? Did I budget for this purchase?'
I am a firm believer of getting the best price for whatever I'm purchasing. Makes sense right? Not to everyone. Some people just want the first thing they see and check out quickly. I'm like a lioness waiting in the grass for its prey. I'm very patient when shopping. I use things like the camera option on Amazon Canada's app to upload pictures of whatever I want to purchase from other websites then I compare the pricing and check out if it's a winner.
When I know an event like Prime Day is coming, I don't waste my time shopping before it. I know regular prices will stay the same. If the item I really want isn't on sale then I can always purchase it at the list price later.
Can you believe that it's almost Prime Day? Tomorrow check my blog for the ultimate Prime Day Deals post. I've had a sneak peek of the deals and I'm beyond ready for the amazing prices to come. From $40 off of the Kindle Paper White to up to 70% off of Samsonite Luggage (omg!) I am beyond ready to update my travel gear.
Tomorrow, read my post to save some time (and to feel less overwhelmed) when it's live.
When I visited the Great Wall I felt so privileged to be a part of something so big! Keep reading for my guide on the Great Wall of China.
As early as you can especially on the weekend. Beijing traffic was no joke. We luckily left at a great time (8am from Qianmen) and even then we ran into traffic. I took a little nap while on the drive up and listened to an audiobook.
We got there at about 9am and people were already on their way down as we headed up! They avoided the humidity and crowds.
Did you know that the great wall wasn't just one huge wall? I learned a few years ago in my Chinese studies course that the Great Wall was several sections built over many centuries.
According to our guide, we visited the prettiest and most quiet part of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu (or Mu Tian Yu) section was further out than the most popular part of the wall. So, we beat the crowds when we got in early and got some amazing pictures. As well that part of the wall was restored beautifully!
Take the Cable Car
A nice warm up to the grandeur of the Great Wall was when we took the cable cars up. We viewed lush greenery below us as we ascended to the top.
Hike the watch towers
If you won't have a guide, before you go, ensure that you check out which area of the wall you'd like to explore most then prioritize it. The humidity was intense as we trekked up the steep steps between each watch tower. It made each step hard as brick path wove into each check point. I loved it!
Take the Slide Down
The most fun part about the Great Wall for me wasn't actually the wall. It was when we left and took the slide down the Great Wall to the bottom. It was an absolute blast and I would do it again. The loops, hills and turns in the middle of the green landscape felt like a dream. On some parts we moved so fast it felt like a roller coaster. It went by pretty fast but I was happy we did it. *Tip: get on the slide before 11:30. The line up got pretty full as everyone was ready to trek down the wall for lunch.
After our descent down the slide, we were super hungry. Our lovely guide called ahead and ordered us an amazing lunch. We drove for 10 minutes to Xiao Long Pu a
She ordered us a spread of sweet and sour pork tomatoes, greens, cod and fried rice.
I was beyond excited to have crossed the great wall off of my bucket list.
Full disclosure for those of you who are new, I am an Amazon Affiliate! I'm excited to announce that Prime Day is scheduled for July 11th and that I was chosen to share my picks for the day.
Ok, I jumped ahead a bit. Wondering what Prime Day is? Keep reading.
Prime Day is like Christmas for Amazon shoppers. As a prime member, I've got same day shipping priority for select items. BUT best part: it's 30 hours this year. Yas! 30 hours of discounted shopping? I'll be there with my credit card ready.
So my little travellers, keep an eye open for what my picks are for Prime Day.
Getting your period while travelling doesn’t have to suck. I’ve learned that the best way to deal with my period is to prepare. While I’m known to sweat in writhing pain, my friend Taylor usually doesn’t get any cramps and can go about her day. Everyone's period varies. reading for what’s worked for me when I got my period while abroad.
Do Your Research
Pads are more popular in China. Many videos and blog posts about warned me that if I wanted to use tampons while there I would pay a premium. So I was sure to pack as many tampons as I needed for my trip (like this
). Find out if you’re visiting a place where the product you prefer to use isn’t popular or if you’ll have access to a drug store. then load up your luggage with the supplies you need. Your next trip is could be enough incentive to try a
p. Should I try it out and give you a review? Let me know in the comments.
There’s an App for That
Gone are the days when you have to use paper and a chart to track your period! Download a period tracker app way before your travels. You can use this app to track when your period and ovulation are on the way. It averages out how many days it takes for your period to come based on your body, not only the average 28-day cycle. That way you can check in advance to know whether you’ll even get your period while abroad and you can prepare if so.
Take Inventory
Keep track of how many tampons you use, pain killers you pop or how often you change your
in a day. It’s easy to forget that you’re shedding a part of your body if your luggage goes missing or your flight gets delayed. Try to set a timer on your phone and bring enough product in your carry on or in a bag or pocket you can access at any time.
Know your Body
I get bodied by my period on the first day. I’ve felt like a vicious round of mortal combat was taking place in my abdomen. Know your symptoms and your limits. If you feel the red death approaching, try switching up your plans. Why fight through a 20k hike? Try visiting a museum or a decadent restaurant (where there are washrooms close at hand) that day.
Talk About It
Travelling with friends? Especially friends who don’t get a period? If you need a break or if you feel that you can’t do certain activities that day, then talk about it if you feel comfortable. I spoke up when I got my period when travelling with some friends. I told them why I wasn't down with certain excursions. We worked around it that day then got back to it for the rest of the week.
Get Comfy
One of the ways I get through my period while abroad is to bring familiar foods and media to make it through. I take the day off and binge watch something on Netflix with chocolate (mmm
). Pack and rock your period clothes (I avoid jeans and stick to leggings and loose tops to deal with mild bloating). Make sure they're appropriate for the weather at your destination.
s are also a must for me since I’m usually active when travelling and I can’t run the risk of leaking.
Have you gotten your period while abroad? Let me know in the comments how you dealt with it and if I missed any advice.
The first video was released!
Here is the start of my Elaisha Goes...to China video series. I hope you like it.
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.
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.
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!).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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. 
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
Welcome to my new Travel Tuesday series!
In this video, I chat about which countries I've visited before. If you watch it you can probably guess which one is my favourite.
What is the most memorable country you've visited?
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]
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.
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!
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.
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.
(Photo by BrattyB)
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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.
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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.
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.
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!
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?
