I came across more beautiful vacation rental apartments in Paris via Habitat Parisien, so I have to share (and bookmark this post for a future trip!).
This two bedroom apartment is near the Champs Elysée and the ever-so-chic Faubourg-Saint Honoré (8th arr.).
Over by the Louvre (1st arr.), you’ll find this bright apartment that accommodates four people.
And just look at this artful apartment by the Centre Pompidou in the Marais (4th arr.).
We arrived in Nice late at night after a relaxing and scenic TGV train ride from Paris. We knew we wanted our time in the south to be more relaxed than our time sightseeing in Paris, so we spent a good amount of time at the beach. While the Mediterranean was still too cold for me, the beach was perfect. It felt so good to put on sunscreen, let me tell you!
Here’s how we spent our time in Nice and the surrounding area.
Day 1: The Beach & Old Town
Our day was long and relaxed. It was just a perfect day in the sun. We spent most of it laying around on the beach, but we also walked around old town, ate a late leisurely lunch, and toured the flower and food market.
Day 2: Cannes, Monaco, & Ventimiglia
We rented a convertible Mini Cooper for the day, which was a smart decision! We picked it up at the airport, so we could conveniently return it at the airport for our departure the next day. We drove to Cannes first where we hung out at the beach and window shopped along the main street with all the luxury stores. I also did a bit of shopping on my own while the boys stayed at the beach. We had an afternoon gelato before jumping into the car and driving to Monaco. We loved our short time in Monaco. We ogled at all the luxury vehicles, walked around to see the stunning yachts, and had a few minutes of fun at the Monte Carlo Casino.
From Monaco, we decided to take a quick trip to Italy for dinner. We stopped at a seaside restaurant across the border in Ventimiglia, and I ate the most delicious pasta alla vongole (pasta with clams) that reminded me of the amazing meal I had in Rimini years ago.
I was pleasantly surprised by the availability of affordable apartment rentals in Nice (we stayed at the end of April). As in Paris, I was looking for a bright, spacious apartment located in Vieux Nice for three people. I settled on this place, and it was perfect for us.
Old Nice is primarily pedestrian-only and charming. I loved walking to the market for fresh fruit every morning and grabbing coffee and croissants to enjoy for breakfast in the apartment. The apartment had everything we needed including a fully-stocked modern kitchen and bathroom. It is a 4th-floor walk-up, meaning we got our share of steps in every day! The apartment is air-conditioned although we preferred open windows in April. I would easily stay in this apartment again on a future trip to Nice, but I would also consider staying in a smaller neighbouring seaside town to experience something new.
Other hotel and apartment considerations are the luxurious Negresco and the Hyatt Regency Nice as well as this loft, this spacious apartment, this bright apartment, this large apartment, and this modern apartment.
Our trip to France this year was a week in length, and we wanted to visit two areas: Paris and Nice. We spent three nights in each city, and our days were full from morning to night. In Paris, we wanted to see the main monuments, many of which I had not seen in many years.
Here’s how we spent our time in Paris.
Day 1: Arc de Triomphe & Eiffel Towel
Our plane landed in the morning, and it was so convenient to have the airport shuttle waiting for us on arrival. After dropping off our luggage and freshening up, we were ready to start walking. We walked on the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. We walked up and enjoyed the views in all directions. The Arc de Triomphe is one of my favourite monuments to visit in Paris. From there, we walked to the Eiffel Tower and, naturally, climbed more stairs.
Day 2: Palais de Versailles
On our second day, we were up and at ’em early to catch a train to Versailles. We spent the full day at the Palace of Versailles, and it was great. The palace is incredible. It’s so opulent, and there’s design inspiration in every corner. While we bought tickets in advance, the palace was so busy, and each room was quite crowded (but maybe not even as crowded as it is in peak travel seasons). On a future visit, I would try to get a private tour, which would take us into less-frequented rooms. I downloaded the audio app to learn about the history in each room.
We splurged on a lovely lunch at Angelina, right within Versailles, which was fun. I opted for the quiche lorraine and lemon tarte, and both were excellent.
While every bit of the palace took my breath away, my favourite part of our visit was wandering around the gardens and renting a row boat.
Day 3: Jardin de Tuileries, Louvre, & Les Halles
We started our third full day with an early morning walk along the Champs Elysées, via Place de la Concorde, and the Jardin de Tuileries (another fave destination!). We bought our tickets to the Louvre in advance with an entry time of 9:30am, and by the time we left after 1pm, the museum was very busy. We were glad we started out early. Similar to Versailles, if I visited the Louvre on a future trip, I would opt for a private tour, so we could see the famous and not-so-famous sculptures and paintings more efficiently. The museum is massive, and while the map and signs are helpful, it can still be an overwhelming experience. The visit was lovely, and I swooned not only over the art, but the building’s beauty. A feast for the senses!
After a leisurely lunch at nearby Café de Paris, I left the boys to wander around Saint Germain des Prés (6th arr.). We met up later with another friend at Les Halles and enjoyed a delicious meal at Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond., where we sipped on wine from St. Emilion and enjoyed deviled eggs, escargot, and duck confit. So very French! It was one of our favourite meals.
Day 4: Notre Dame
We spent our last half-day walking to the Notre Dame and exploring the area around it, including a visit to the well-known English bookstore Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore was a big hit with my travel companions!
I’ve been to Paris dozens of times, but each time brings something different. It’s such a magical city to get lost in! I’m always happy to offer recommendations, so if you have any questions, please ask!
We spent a week in France recently, and, of course, had the greatest time. The week was short, yes, but we maximized our time, and enjoyed every gosh darn minute. I’m already eager to back – no surprise there! I will share a few more photos and details of our itinerary in the coming days and weeks, but I thought I would start by sharing some information about where we stayed
We started our vacation in Paris. We spent three nights in the city. Normally, I would stay in the 6th arrondissement (Saint Germain des Prés), but for this trip, I thought a more suitable option would be somewhere in one of the more bustling parts of the city. I landed on a luxe apartment near the Champs Elysées and l’Arc de Triomphe.
The apartment is in a secure building with an elevator, and it has all the conveniences needed for short- and long-term stays (e.g., fully functional and equipped kitchen, laundry facilities). When I made the booking with Pick-a-Flat, I was also able to book an airport shuttle. Communication with the company was clear from beginning to end.
I booked this one bedroom apartment on Pick a Flat, and the company has so many incredible apartments for short- and long-term stays. On a future trip, this will definitely be a top site to consult. Apartment sizes and prices vary. Here are a few others I’d love to stay in.
I’ve got my travel bug back, which means I’m dreaming and scheming, and coming across so many incredible places to stay. Wow. Jaw dropping interiors! Here’s a peek into a modern and elegant home in the South of France.
All photos via Hometown France.
When we took an afternoon to visit the seaside village of Howth (about a 20 minute train ride from Dublin), we both loved the building – and views – of a mansion called Tara Hall. As I was preparing this Dublin post, I got side-tracked on a Howth real estate website, and spotted Tara Hall. This 5,900 square foot property with 180 degree panorama sea views is for sale with a price tag of five million Euros.
Besides the grand rooms and beautiful views, did you notice all the gold mirrors? Gorgeous!
Just over a month ago, my beau and I took a very quick trip to Dublin. Being the traveler that I am, I was beyond excited to go! This was my first trip abroad since October 2019, which seemed like eons ago!
I was in Ireland just over 10 years ago, but I had only spent a day in Dublin at the time. On this trip, we had a few days to experience the city.
We stayed at the newly renovated The Clarence Hotel (yeah – the one co-owned by Bono!) in Temple Bar. It was beautiful, artsy, and in a great location. Our room had a living area, too (with a pull-out couch), which gave us another little place to relax, watch tv, and enjoy a take-out meal. In non-pandemic times, the area would have probably been a bit too loud for my liking (the bar next door would have impacted my sleep, I’m sure), but it was perfect for us this time. We enjoyed speaking with the staff and having a drink in the lobby bar.
Pubs are plentiful in Dublin (no surprise there, right), and we loved the first pub we stumbled on – The Brazen Head. It was a cozy spot for a break after an initial walk around the neighbourhood.
Dublin is easily walkable because it’s compact. We walked everywhere, and only took cabs to/from the airport, and one train to the seaside. The city is also easy to navigate because of the River Liffey, which provides a good orientation point.
Trinity College, including the Book of Kells and the Long Room library, were one of the first places we opted to go. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland, and has some lovely old – and new – buildings.
Trinity College is home to the Book of Kells, which is a most beautifully illustrated Gospel book in Latin (no photos of the book were permitted). The book is an artistic beauty, and the exhibit walks visitors through the history of the book, the craft of calligraphy, and the ink and hide used for the book. Upstairs from the small room housing the Book of Kells is the Long Room library, which houses over 200,000 ancient books. This was remarkable, and it may have been my most favourite place to see. Seemingly never-ending rows of old books lined up on rich wood bookshelves. It was lovely.
Nearby is Sweny’s Pharmacy, which now houses anything and everything related to James Joyce. I walked out of the shop with a couple copies of the Dubliners – Joyce’s book of short stories. I’m not quite ready to dive into Ulysses (Joyce’s first novel).
EPIC, which stands for Every Person Is Connected, is The Irish Emigration Museum. As there were only a few visitors while we were there, we were able to view every part of the museum and play with all the interactive exhibits easily and at a leisurely pace. The museum teaches visitors about Ireland’s history and the many influences of the Irish around the world. Exhibits also teach users about Irish culture and community. It was fun!
I took a short visit to The National Gallery (it’s free!), and I enjoyed a morning of wandering the halls surrounded by beautiful art and architecture.
The pedestrian-only shopping on Grafton Street made for a pleasant morning stroll and browse. I stopped into Marks & Spencer (of course!) and Brown Thomas (a luxe Irish department store) and enjoyed a delicious lunch in the lovely Bewley’s. It was a busy place when I was there, and I heard that it had recently opened after having been renovated.
We took a walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and followed the audio guided tour (I highly recommend audio guides, by the way) to learn much about the history of the church and religion in Ireland. We then shared some fish and chips from Leo Burdock’s.
Although I enjoyed being in the hustle and bustle of Dublin, I was also quite eager to leave the city, too. So we opted to take a short train (equivalent to a subway ride) to the seaside village of Howth. This was another highlight of our trip. We both loved being by the water and seeing an area outside of Dublin not heavily populated by tourists. We stopped in a pub here, too, of course, after our short hike on the cliff.
You might be wondering what it was like to travel in the COVID-era (we travelled in January 2022). We felt very safe from beginning to end of the journey. The Toronto airport felt safe. It wasn’t busy. Sanitizer was plentiful, and everyone wore masks. (We wore heavy-duty masks to be extra safe.) The Dublin airport felt equally safe. We hopped in a cab as we exited the airport, and that felt very safe, too. The hotel was clean and took precautions similar to what we have in Canada – masks, plexi-screens, sanitizer station, minimal room service, etc. Restaurants checked our vaccination records on entry and closed at 8pm (they have since changed these rules). Everyone wore masks in shops. We felt safe everywhere we went.
Since it was winter in Dublin, and tourism hadn’t resumed in full-force, it was a really great time to visit. Museums had no lines, we could spent as much time at exhibits as we wanted to, and hotel prices were extremely affordable. The airplane in both directions was nearly empty, so we had (at least) three seats each, which meant that we could have a relatively good sleep in both directions (which minimized jet lag a lot). At the time, we didn’t need a PCR test to enter Ireland, but we did need it to return to Canada. The tests were efficient and relatively affordable ($100CAD).
We knew that there was a risk to travel – just like there’s a risk to do anything we’ve been doing in Ontario – and we were willing to take it. I am SO glad we opted to go. It did wonders for my energy level and gave us a break from the heavy snowfalls at home.
Our short getaway to Dublin was fun and memorable, and it certainly gave me back my itch to travel again!
My beau says that I love Langdon Hall more than the owners of Langdon Hall love it. This may be true. I do love it. It’s luxe and beautiful. The employees are kind. The service is superb. The spa is lovely. The food…oh, the food…it’s amazing. I feel instantly relaxed as soon as I arrive. I appreciate that it’s only a 20 minute drive from our home, and yet, it feels so far away. I appreciate that I feel like I’ve been away for days even though it’s only been one overnight. I am lucky to be a repeat visitor for a daytime meal, a spa treatment, or an overnight stay. It’s a special treat to go to Langdon Hall (it’s not cheap), and I’m always grateful when I can go.
My beau and I recently celebrated our anniversary there, and we were treated so very well.
We arrived around 3pm on day 1, and after a quick check-in, we made our way to the spa for massages and some relaxation time (the sauna, steam room, and whirlpool are currently open to guests who have spa appointments). From there, we got ready for dinner and spent nearly three hours dining on the most artful and delicious food and special drinks. Beyond the food, the service was top notch. Of course, the in-room fireplace made our evening that much more cozy and festive.
On day 2, we continued to be spoiled at breakfast with the best croissants among other things like smoked salmon and a masterpiece acai berry bomb (seeds and smoothies have never tasted this good!). Oh, so good! Not wanting to leave after our check-out time, we took our books to Wilks’ Bar, and we read for a couple of hours by the fireplace. It was so relaxing!
I feel lucky to live so close to St. Jacobs. It’s a charming area in the Waterloo Region. The village has cute shops and excellent food. The Saturday market is vibrant and fun…with excellent food vendors. The Mennonite community is so unlike other areas of the region (e.g., the university sectors, the tech community). In addition to all of these great qualities, the antique markets are full of interesting items, and if you’re a collector of just about anything, I’m sure you can find something to add to your collection here.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve had a look around, and I’ve enjoying observing what’s “new” in the world of antiques.
I noticed white and non-white collections of:
I know travel may not be top of mind right now because of Ontario’s current lockdown, closed borders, and, well, the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop dreaming about future travel, right? I am keeping tabs on new hotels and places to visit, so that once the world reopens, I’ll be ready.
If summer travel means Canada-only destinations then I’ve already added Newfoundland to my travel bucket list. It wasn’t really on the list pre-pandemic, but if a long road trip is my only option, then I think I would enjoy seeing more of Canada’s east coast, including Corner Brook, Newfoundland.
And if I do end up in Corner Brook one day, I think I would enjoy a stay at the Hew and Draw hotel.
A few weeks ago, on our way to the lake, we stopped at Cowbell Brewing Co. in Blyth, Ontario for a meal. Blyth, for those of you (like me) who have never heard of it is about 80km west of Waterloo and 85km north of London. It’s only about 25km inland from Lake Huron. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely convinced a purposeful trip to a brewery was for me. I don’t drink beer, you see. I was told, however, that I would love Cowbell on account of the architecture of the main building…and the food. In fact, this turned out to be true. I was impressed!
Cowbell’s main building is enormous. It sort of reminded me of the main building at the St. Jacob’s farmers market. Think wood, massive ceilings, and impressive stonework.
On this trip, we ate outside because we didn’t have a reservation and there was a bit of a wait for inside seating. Outdoor dining is currently my preferred option anyway, so it worked out well. I opted for the classic burger and a sangria. Both were delicious. The (branded) burger was oh so good!
Beyond a trip to the country for an excellent meal, a visit to Cowbell is worthwhile if you have any interest in learning about branding (and brand compliance). Everything (everything) is branded at Cowbell. The Cowbell store is stocked with products that are made in partnership with local merchants and creators. I was fascinated by Cowbell’s branding approach.
On our visit, we chatted with the friendly staff who told us about Cowbell’s start just a few years ago (in 2016) and its future plans of a fruit and vegetable garden and barn. I am already looking forward to my next visit when I also aim to go on a Cowbell tour (yes, even though I don’t drink beer).
Distanced backyard and porch gatherings and road trips seem to be the way of life this summer for many of us who want to stay in touch with friends and explore our surroundings while respecting the safety guidelines in the COVID-19 era. As such, I’ve observed the effectiveness of travel mugs more than ever before. People can travel with their own tumblers so as to minimize the contact between people and the necessity of constantly sanitizing dinnerware.
If you’re looking to add to your travel tumbler collection for hot or cold drinks, here’s a selection that might suit your interests. Many of these options come in many colours, too, so each member of your family can have their own cup on the go!
When I was in university (the first time), I spent my third year abroad in Bordeaux, France. I loved every minute of my experience there. My French improved drastically, I learned so much about the French way of living, and I met incredible people along the way. Bordeaux is a beautiful city and region. If you like wine, this is an incredible destination. The city is manageable in size, and the people are friendly (or friendlier than Paris, definitely).
I’ve only been a couple of time post-university, and each time, I have enjoyed my stay. If I get to the Bordeaux region again one day, I think I’ll have to stay at Les Sources de Caudalie. It is on a beautiful property surrounded by vineyards; it also has an exceptional restaurant and spa. And the rooms? They are unique and a pretty mix of traditional and modern.
All photos from Les Sources de Caudalie. I learned about this amazing property from Daphné of Mode and the City.
1.Read. Do you have a favourite day of the week? Perhaps you should consider Thursday as the best day.
2. Bake. I made these cookies for my colleagues this week. People devoured them very quickly. It’s definitely a repeat recipe.
3. Fashion. I’m on the hunt for a pair of patent leather oxford heels. I’m considering something like these or these.
4. Travel. People seemed to really like the post I wrote earlier this week about Detroit. Thanks. If you’re curious about this city, read the post for a small glimpse into what I observed.
5. Charity. Thanks to the support of family and friends, I was able to raise $402.26 for the Canadian Cancer Society this year. Hooray! Anytime is a great time to donate, so if you’d like to, please donate here. October is #WhiteCabanaWearsPink month and Daniela and I posted a few of our favourite pink things: pink gifts for you, pink for kids, pouffy pink fashion, and little pink houses.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
I was in Detroit, Michigan for a conference last week, and I want to use today’s Two for Tuesday post to share two very different sides of the city. These are some of my observations of Detroit from the my 3-day stay.
Within minutes of arriving into the city (yes, even downtown), I noticed the gritty, abandoned, and destroyed side of Detroit. I saw homes and business boarded up with plywood slabs. I saw people living on the streets and begging for money and food. I saw questionable and potentially dangerous or illegal behaviour. I saw many, many empty streets.
I have traveled around the world, but some parts of Detroit made me feel more uneasy than anywhere I have ever traveled. In 2019, it was ranked the second most dangerous city in America (learn more here), so I guess my safety radar was right. I drove around with my car doors locked. I wasn’t fearful, but I was cautious. I was alert. As a single, female traveler, I am constantly aware of my surroundings. In Detroit, I was extra aware. There may have been absolutely nothing unsafe about the empty streets with boarded-up houses, but I wasn’t confident about this. Empty streets and the unknown – even in daylight hours – can be eerie. Some people have asked me why I drove around these parts of the city. Really, you can’t avoid them. Oh, and I was very curious.
I went to the Heidelberg Project, and I was fascinated by the outdoor art and dedication of the community’s artist, but I also didn’t linger around. While there was plenty of colourful paintings and sculptures, when I was there (mid-afternoon), the streets were void of people – except for one car that seemed to be a location for deal making (use your imagination). I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable, but I did. The quiet, empty vibe didn’t prevent me from venturing outside the city’s core, but it didn’t entice me to stay for very long.
I drove out to the Packard Automotive Plant – the largest abandoned factory in the world. Why? Because I was curious. The area and the massive, abandoned buildings made me sad. It made me think a lot about Detroit of the past – booming, wealthy, bustling, hard-working. Gone. Gone. Gone. The area was deserted. It was eerie. Again, I didn’t feel the need to explore. (Or get out of my car.)
The number of abandoned buildings overwhelmed me. The buildings hold so many stories of change, enjoyment, and hope. Now? They’re left to crumble.
On the way out of the city, I needed to fill up my car with gas. I can’t tell you how many gas stations I passed because my gut was telling me not to stop. Maybe I was paranoid. Maybe I was over reacting. But I learned quickly that Detroit changes from one street to the next. Once I was out of the core, I couldn’t be certain if I was in a “safe” district. (I only came across this article about district safety once I was back in Canada.)
On the other side of the spectrum is another Detroit. This Detroit is vibrant, colourful, artistic, and dynamic. The people are welcoming and friendly. In the downtown core, the buildings are renovated and occupied by great hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Over in Corktown, the vibe is artsy, edgy, and vintage. On the Eastern Market side, crowds of people gather at the Saturday market. Colourful (and monochromatic ones, too) wall murals are everywhere.
The outstanding architecture of years past has been maintained through Detroit’s hardships. The Fisher building, for example, is an absolutely impressive piece of architecture from the 1920s. It was completed in 1928. I was in awe of the Fisher’s opulence. Marble travertine, and brass fill this building.
In the Boston-Edison historic district my jaw dropped at the beautifully maintained mansions. Homes in this area were built between 1905 and 1925 for people like Henry Ford (car), Joe Louis (boxer), and Berry Gordy Jr. (Motown founder).
These homes are incredible, aren’t they? I happily wandered the streets in this district staring at all the architectural details. I’ve also been looking at these real estate listings in the area. There are some absolutely gorgeous properties.
Detroit is a fascinating city. I would easily go back to explore. I wouldn’t mind doing a guided architecture tour. I would also like to see the Detroit Institute of Art, the Ford Museum, and more of Eastern Market as I have heard that each of these places is well worth a visit. Detroit has a dramatic history, and I think its future is going to be full of stories to tell, too.
Feel like traveling back in time a bit today?
Here’s Opera Garnier in Paris in about 1983. My parents took it on one of our many family trips.
Here’s the same building in 2019 when I was there in February.
Isn’t it interesting to think about how nothing and everything has changed in the past 36 years.
1.Watch. This otter doing sit-ups.
2. Inspiration. “When you believe something is hard, the universe demonstrates the difficulty. When you believe something is easy, the universe demonstrates the ease.” ― Esther Abraham Hicks (via Swiss Miss)
3. Music. Have you listened to Madonna’s Madame X album yet? I can’t believe she’s 60! I’m so impressed by her artistry.
4. Food. Last weekend, I went to Langdon Hall’s first BBQ of its 2019 summer BBQ series. Five chefs created mini menus, and guests feasted for hours. It was heaven! I posted a few photos on my Instagram feed if you’d like to see some mouth-watering food.
5. The ION in Kitchener-Waterloo. The ION, Kitchener-Waterloo’s light rail, is making its official debut today. The city is offering free rides from June 21st until July 1st to celebrate the launch (here’s the map). The ION has been in development since 2011, so it’s nice to finally see the launch day arrive. I last wrote about the ION in April 2017 when there was an open house to share info with the public about the ION light rail system in our region. This weekend, I may just ride it from my local stop to Conestoga mall in Waterloo or the market in Kitchener.
Last month, I spent the Victoria Day long weekend in Montreal with my good friend. It was a girls’ weekend away, and we had a great time! In addition to sleeping well in the luxe Hotel Birks and being entertained by Pink, we ate our way through the city. Oh, what fun! We did our food research by searching online, polling our Montreal friends, and asking for recommendations from our hotel concierge. We were not disappointed with any of our choices! Here are the restaurants we visited (in alphabetical order), and my reviews of them.
Arthurs
We took an Uber from our hotel to Arthurs where we feasted on breakfast on the patio in the May sunshine. After our meal, we walked to Atwater Market to browse the food and flower stalls. Arthurs is a great option for breakfast and lunch, and the vibe is fresh, local, and retro.
Bar George
We walked to Bar George from our hotel. It’s located right off Saint Catherine, so it’s an ideal stop for pre- or post-shopping during the day or a pre-dinner cocktail. The food is fine, but the decor and history is amazing. I found it pricey for brunch, but if you’re a sucker for decor (like me), then it’s worth it. The vibe is historical, moody, and chic.
Café Parvis
Café Parvis is located just off of Saint Catherine sort of behind the Bay. It is less than a 5 minute walk from Hotel Birks which makes it a great option if you stay at the hotel. I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. The restaurant is filled with plants, and the atmosphere is comfortable and friendly. This is a great option for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktail hour. The vibe is inviting.
Drogheria Fine
Drogheria Fine is near the Outremont neighbourhood, so we took an Uber from our hotel downtown on Saint Catherine. This was one of the highlight meals of the entire weekend. Here, you order a $5 container of gnocchi from a walk-up window and find a spot (bench, park) to eat it. After your meal, you can walk around the neighbourhood and pop into vintage stores and boutiques. This is an awesome place to go for lunch (or breakfast, dinner, or snack if you love gnocchi as much as I do!). The vibe is uber casual as you’re eating gnocchi out of a box on the street! Don’t forget to ask for hot chili flakes if you want added spice
Le Pois Penché
Fashion blogger Jessica from Westmount Fashionista recommended Le Pois Penché. It did not disappoint! This French brasserie offers classic French food like moules frites (mussels and fries). It’s a great option for lunch, cinq-à-sept (pre-dinner cocktail) or dinner. We opted to go here for dinner before the Pink concert as it is a short walk from the Bell Centre. The vibe? French, bien sur!
Nora Gray
Nora Gray is on so many “top restaurants of Montreal” lists we consulted, so we had to try it. It’s small, so reservations are a good idea. Nora Gray is about a 20 minute walk from downtown. It’s a great option for cocktails or dinner. The vibe is moody, hip, and fashionable.
Olive & Gourmando
Olive & Gourmando is in Old Montreal, and it’s a great option for breakfast and lunch. The servers are friendly, and the place is constantly packed. The vibe is bright, fresh, and healthy(ish).
Tommy
Tommy has not been open for too long, but it has grown quickly and steadily. There are now three locations in Montreal, and we went to the original location in Old Montreal. Tommy is great for breakfast or lunch. The vibe is bustling, beach chic, and garden fresh.
I would go back to all of these restaurants the next time I go to Montreal. I don’t think I can pick a favourite because each one has something special to offer. Drogheria Fine is certainly calling my name, and I’d like to try the pizza at Café Parvis.
You all know that I love Paris. Along with all the restaurants and museums, there are so many beautifully designed hotels to discover. The Brach hotel is one that is new to me, and it looks lovely. The suites look to have have well-curated art, comfortable beds, and luxurious linens. And the rooftop terrace looks incredible!
Let’s go to France today. More specifically, let’s travel to the Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey hotel which is not only part of the Relais & Chateaux group, but is also a Lalique hotel (as in the famous French crystal company). This combo means that the Chateau has the best-of-the-best of decor, food, and services.
Who is ready to book a flight to Bordeaux to discover this gorgeous property?
Did you see Travel + Leisure’s 2019 list of best new hotels. I loved it. There are a few hotels that really stood out to me in terms of design. One is the Palazzo Bozzi Corso in Lecce, Italy (Puglia). Let’s start in the Cappuccino room:
On to Lady Astor’s suite:
The art, the details, the tile work, the views…this hotel is beautiful!
Back in the fall, when I was talking to someone about Montreal, she started raving about her new discovery – Hotel Birks. She told me that she wandered into the Birks store, kept walking around, only to discover a hotel attached to it. She said the lobby was beautiful, and that considering my interest in luxe hotels, I must check it out. So I did.
Hotel Birks gets reviews like “exceptional” and “outstanding” on Trip Advisor, which made me that much more eager for my weekend stay. One of the things I noted in the reviews were the reviewers’ use of staff names. I take note of things like this because it means that staff and guests had real interactions or they interacted more than once. I also liked that I saw responses from the Rooms and Reservations Managers. When I see hotel staff interacting with Trip Advisor comments, I feel like they’re taking them seriously. So…all-in-all, my pre-trip research was positive! (Note: I received a press rate for my stay.)
My friend Shannon and I stayed for three nights, and we both commented on how much we enjoyed the beds. They were extremely comfortable and the linens were top-notch. We also made use of the fireplace in our room; it was perfect to warm up the room on the surprisingly cooler days of May. The hotel provided robes and slippers, and I made use of both.
The bathroom had every product we would need, and I was smitten by the use of marble throughout.
Our room had a little wet bar, which was perfect for our morning coffee and evening tea break. Beyond the room, the lobby of the Hotel Birks is full of charm and old architecture. The building was restored beautifully, and the main floor Brasserie Henri was lovely.
Service was good. I found the front desk team and concierge to be genuinely interested in helping. The room service was a touch inconsistent. Turn down service was different each night, and one day the cleaning crew completely missed our room. I’m not sure why, but the issue was resolved quickly.
The location is central. Hotel Birks is on Saint Catherine – one of Montreal’s main shopping areas – kitty corner to The Bay. From here, we were able to walk to the train station, to the Bell Centre, and to stores and restaurants. We also walked from here through Chinatown to Old Montreal. When we didn’t feel like walking, we easily grabbed an Uber to take us to places like Outremont and Atwater Market.
I didn’t have a chance to experience the Spa or Brasserie Henri on this trip, but both looked luxurious and inviting.
Would I stay at Hotel Birks again? Most definitely!
Note: I received a press rate for my stay. All opinions and photos are my own.
As I mentioned last week in this post, I stayed in five hotels during my two weeks in Japan. I would not hesitate to stay in each hotel again if I had the same itinerary on a future trip. But one hotel definitely stood out to me – Hoshino Resorts KAI Nikko. The hotel is on Lake Chuzenji, which is about a three-hour train+bus trip from Tokyo. It’s a hot spring ryokan which means that it has traditional hot spring baths and the rooms are traditional Japanese, meaning rooms with tatami mats and rice paper screens. Rooms have lake and mountain views with lovely sitting areas, dressing areas, and cedar-lined bathrooms. This place was special.
I stayed at KAI Nikko for two nights and I included breakfasts and dinners in my hotel package when I booked it. It was a good decision to do this because I was spoiled with beautiful and delicious meals, and I was able to meet so many of the hotel staff. Most of the staff spoke perfect English, and their attention to service and detail did not go unnoticed.
Each of KAI Nikko’s spacious rooms (there are only 33) incorporates regional crafts, a yukata and sash for guests to wear at the hotel (along with socks and sandals), and a pretty furoshiki (cloth) for carrying small belongings.
Here’s a quick video I made of my KAI Nikko room.
When I go back to Japan one day, I’m going to see if there are other KAI resorts I would like to visit. I have a feeling that each one is unique and has something spectacular to offer its guests. They also seem to be in locations that are just slightly away from the routes of many tourists.
If you’d like to see more of my trip to Japan, check out #WhiteCabanaGoesTo Japan or read these blog posts.
I can see why people adore Japan. I fall in that boat now, too. One of the things that caught my attention was the architecture. Across the five major cities I visited while I was there, the architecture continued to impress me. It was varied within cities and across cities. There were centuries old castles and temples and modern office buildings that made me stop and stare. Here are ten white (or white-ish) buildings that caught my eye.
If you’d like to see more of what I saw, did, and ate, have a look at #WhiteCabanaGoesToJapan.
As many of you now know, I packed quite light for my 2-week trip to Japan. I travelled with a carry-on luggage only, and I used Ziploc space saver bags for all of my clothes. These bags really maximized the space in my luggage, and I was glad my sister introduced them to me just a few weeks before my trip. I LOVED traveling light; I zipped around the airport so quickly with my carry-on, and it was extra easy moving through cities in Japan. Beyond these things, my hotels were small, so I was grateful that I had a small suitcase as there was always plenty of room for it. A larger luggage would have required some moving of hotel furniture, I’m sure!
As you may remember from this post, I basically followed the 10 x 10 capsule wardrobe approach to pack for this 2-week trip. I packed what I had listed in my blog post along with a few other items (a sweatshirt, two extra pairs of shoes). If you’re looking to travel light, I highly recommend the capsule approach And, if you’re going to a place where laundry is easily accessible, I recommend packing even less! I used everything I packed, especially since I had a few different climates to deal with (rain, sun, cold, heat), but since I also stayed in hotels with laundry facilities, I realized that I could have lightened my load (aka…left more room for souvenirs). I did laundry one night half-way through my travels.
If you’re interested in seeing how my light packing turned into daily outfits, keep reading.
Most days, I wore one outfit from day to night as there was no time (or reason) to come back to the hotel for an outfit change. I wore comfortable clothes each day, and more than the clothes, my Cole Haan sneakers were comfortable for my many kilometers of walking each day. Here’s how my slim travel wardrobe worked out.
Day 1
1.Travel day: romper, long sleeve top, sneakers
2. Arrival night dinner: jeans, sweatshirt
3. Bedtime at hotel #1: pjs courtesy of my hotel*
Day 2
4. Tokyo day: jeans, tee, sweatshirt, sneakers
Day 3
5. Tokyo day: dress, tights, sneakers
Day 4
6. Tokyo day: documenting a good hair morning (The water in Japan made my hair SO soft! I only brought a travel size, foldable hairbrush, and I used whatever shampoo and conditioner were supplied in my hotels. I didn’t bring any liquids with me on account of my carry-on style.)
7. Tokyo day: leggings, dress, sneakers
Day 5
8. Tokyo day + travel day: jeans, striped top, Hello Kitty socks**
9. Nikko day: Yukata supplied by my resort hotel
Day 6
10: Nikko morning: Yukata (I had fun changing up how I tied my sash)
11. Nikko day: jeans, tee, cardigan, sneakers
Day 7
12: Nikko morning: Yukata (I LOVED this piece. Unfortunately, the hotel didn’t sell it, and I didn’t see anything in the same material in the shops. I really wanted it!)
13. Nikko + travel day: moto leggings, tank, black tee
14. Kyoto evening: moto leggings, layered tops
Day 8
15. Kyoto day: midi dress, cardigan, sneakers
16. Kyoto evening: midi dress, cardigan, tights, ballet flats
Day 9
17. Kyoto day: dress, tights, sneakers
Day 10
18. Kyoto + Osaka: jeans, tee
Day 11
19. Kyoto + Kobe: jeans, black tee, Birks
Day 12
20. Kobe: midi dress, Birks
Day 13
21. Travel day: romper, striped tee, sneakers
*I realized that next time I go to Japan, I won’t need to pack pjs. Each hotel that I stayed at supplied crisp, clean, comfortable pj sets. In addition, I bought two cute sets while I was there.
**I realized that I don’t need to pack so many socks either. I had packed way more than I needed for my 2-week trip, but I ended up buying so many fun Japanese socks. Like at every store. I had to really control myself near the end!
During the first week, I wore my coat and scarf every day. While I was in Nikko, I also wore my hat and gloves as I was in the mountains, and it got cold. On some days, I layered under/over long/short sleeve tops because the weather would change from morning to night, and I wanted to stay comfortable while walking around. Towards the end of my trip, the weather really warmed up, and it was too hot for sneakers, so I wore my Birkenstocks. If I did a similar trip in the future, I’d probably cut out the ballet flats (I only wore them twice), keep the Birkenstocks, and I’d maybe pack a second pair of sneakers.
As you can see, I stuck to black and white, so that all my pieces could work with one another. My black and white LeSportSac purse added a graphic print to each day’s outfit, but more than that, it was large enough to fit my camera, water bottle, etc., and I used different zippered compartments for easy access to things like Chapstick and my metro card. It’s a great purse style for traveling.
There you have it! The 10 x 10 capsule wardrobe plus the carry-on luggage approach worked out very well for me for this trip! I would definitely use the same packing approach in the future!
Note: I packed a Le SportSac duffle bag, and on way home, I used it (spot it in photos 20 and 21). (See earlier point about socks!)
I’ll be posting about my trip to Japan, but if you can’t wait for the posts, have a look at #WhiteCabanaGoesToJapan on Instagram for some highlights.
Every time Suzanne Dimma, former Editor of House & Home magazine, travels to Mexico, I’m impressed. Each photo makes me want to hop on a plane and explore! Suzanne and her sister recently bought a place in San Miguel de Allende, and they’ve begun renovating. Suzanne recently launched her website and blog, so you can read about some of her updates of Casa Louise (and other projects) there.
All this to say that I went down a research journey into San Miguel, and I came across some gorgeous properties for sale. The patios and greenery are what drew me in, but the luxurious finishes, wine cellar, and spa-like bathrooms are what kept me there!
How do you plan for your trips? What online or offline resources do you use? I guess the sites and books you read may depend on where you are going, your budget, and what you’d like to do. Many of my trips include design-friendly stops in shops and hotels, a touch of luxe (as much as my budget allows), cultural activities, architecture, and food. As such, I go to books and sites that suit my interests and are curated for people like me.
Here are some of my go-to sites.
1.Expedia.ca. I book many flights and hotels via Expedia.ca. I’ve been a repeat customer ever since the site started.
2. Google Flights. I have recently added Google Flights to my travel planning list. It’s easy to navigate, and I like seeing the different price options on the calendar.
3. Trip Advisor. I go to Trip Advisor for hotel and food reviews. I think people are generally honest and want to help each other out.
4. Design*Sponge. After my flight is booked, I generally stop at Design*Sponge. Here, I can learn about interesting places to see, shop, and eat, and familiarize myself with districts that might appeal to me for a spot to stay in, too.
5. Architectural Digest. This isn’t a site for the budget traveler, but I often learn a lot about architecture, design shops, and restaurants that appeal to me on the Architectural Digest site. I make note of locations they’re in, too, as this might help me narrow down hotel locations.
6. GOOP. Like Architectural Digest, this isn’t a site intended for the budget traveler. But GOOP usually has a great round-up of recommendations for cultural sights, shopping, and restaurants for design aficionados. I read up on GOOP and narrow down options that fit with my interests and budget.
7. Aesop. Okay. This one might seem a bit odd. A while ago, I came across a tweet that was something like “I choose hotel locations based on Aesop locations.” I thought it was an interesting tweet. Essentially, this traveler (who I cannot remember) suggested that Aesop – the store for high-end lotions and potions – opens up in design-friendly neighbourhoods. Likely, according to this person, if there’s an Aesop, it means that there are design-y hotels and restaurants not too far away. So, yes, now, sometimes, I do a search for Aesop stores. Partly because I’m curious. Partly because I am testing out a random tweeter’s hypothesis.
8. Travel & Leisure. The Travel & Leisure magazine is great. The website is pretty great, too. This is one of my go-to stops as I plan my journeys as the guides and articles are curated by travel lovers!
9. 1000 Places to See Before You Die. My sister gave me this book many years ago. I always consult it when I’m in the planning stages. I love highlighting things I’ve seen and done post-travels, too.
10. Travel guides. I continue to take out travel books from the library when I’m headed to a new location. I know so much information is readily available online, but I still like gathering up a ton of books from the library to read up on where I’m going. After years of travel, Lonely Planet and Eyewitness travel guides remain my usual picks.
Last week, I wrote a post about 10 places to eat in Paris. Today, I’m sharing 10 (plus a bonus) of the art and architecture that caught my attention on my recent trip.
1.Le Louvre. If you’re keen on architecture, the Louvre is a great place to start. Whether you line up to go in or remain on the outside, you are sure to be impressed. The buildings are magnificent. (1st arrondissement)
2. Le Palais Royale. Just a few blocks away from Le Louvre, is the courtyard of the Palais Royal. The courtyard is filled with 260 black and white columns – an art installation by Daniel Buren. (1st arr.)
3. Palais Garnier. The Palais Garnier has been one of my all-time favourite buildings in Paris. I love the symmetry of the facade and the golden sculptures (harmony on the left and poetry on the right as you face the building) on either side. Apollo stands int he middle. On the inside of the building, the Marc Chagall painted ceiling (which was painted in 1964) in the auditorium is worth seeing in person. (9th arr.)
4. Le Pouce (The thumb). A 40-foot thumb sculpture stands at La Défense. I don’t particularly love this sculpture, but it was one that I hadn’t ever seen before, so I wanted to share it. Among the modern skyscrapers in this business district, the sculpture kind of sticks out, well, like a big thumb. Ha ha! The 18-ton sculpture was built in 1965 by sculptor César Baldaccini.
5. Arc de Triomphe. The size of this structure, and the chaotic traffic that circles it, is definitely a sight to see. I’d suggest you climb the tower. This is one of my favourite views of the city (another favourite view is from the Tour de Montparnasse). (16th, 17th, and 8th arr.)
6. Hotel Le Meurice. There are many luxury hotels in Paris, many of which receive the “grand hotel” distinction. I mentioned one in my last post – the Luetitia, which is the only grand hotel on the left bank. On the right bank, there are several, including Le Meurice on Rue de Rivoli. I mention this one today because I had the chance to attend a networking event there. It’s spectacular. It’s charming. It’s so very French. It’s rich with history. I was pleased that my interactions with the staff were all very positive. Each person was kind and helpful and not at all pretentious. (1st arr.)
7. Doors. Doors. Doors. If you’re interested in architecture, you could spend hours looking at, examining, and taking photos of doors and doorways. The doors of Paris are impressive because of their size, colours, and details.
8. Place des Vosges. This is one of my most favourite pieces of architecture in Paris. I know I’ve already said this several times in this post, but it’s true. I love this square. It is indeed a true square at 140m x 140m. It was built between 1605 and 1612. Incredible, right? When I traveled to Paris when I was younger, I had several picnics in the park at Places des Vosges. Laying on the grass under the sunshine on a lazy afternoon is a great way to take a break from the busyness of the city. It’s the Parisian way. (3rd & 4th arr.)
9. Centre Pompidou. Many people don’t like this colourful, modern piece of architecture, but I do. I like the drastic contrast between the Centre Pompidou in its surrounding buildings. I like the art that is infused in this area, too, even though this isn’t my favourite area in Paris for wandering about. (4th arr.)
10. The Eiffel Tower. Well of course this is on my list. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, I’m always impressed. Even though I know exactly what to expect when I get to the area of the Eiffel Tower, I’m always taken aback. This structure is terrific. Absolutely terrific. (7th arr.)
11. 23 Rue de Babylone. This is a bonus building that I came across on a new-to-me route I took one afternoon back to the hotel. I believe it’s an apartment building. I loved its rows of curved shutters. (7th arr.)
To see more of my time in Paris, have a look at #WhiteCabanaGoesToParis on Instagram.
The French know all about the art of the window display. Shop owners really take their time to design beautiful window displays. This is true of small, independent shops as well as high-end, designer boutiques. There were many beautiful windows to stare at, but it was this Chanel window that I came back to a couple of times during my recent stay in Paris. Each time I went by, I noticed yet another detail. So charming. So lovely. So dreamy.
Just last week, Karl Lagerfeld passed away at the age of 85. The fashion world mourns his loss. The public mourns his loss. He was a genius. Lagerfeld was the creative director of Chanel for 36 years, and during this time, he reinterpreted classic Coco Chanel tweed and pearls in countless ways. More recently, his Paris fashion shows have been over the top masterpiece performances. Ones that inspire and will continue to inspire many in the fashion and art world for a long time.
After a week back in snowy Waterloo, I’m ready to start my Paris-focused posts. Are you? Hold on to your hats! Let’s go!
I’m starting with food because, well, I love food. And on this trip, I ate so many delicious things! I’m sure this doesn’t come as a surprise! If you’ve been to Paris, and like French food, then you already know there are plenty of great things to eat!
Here are some places that I recommend if you’re planning a trip, and I would eat at every one of these places again. You should note that these restaurants are all on the left bank in the 6th arrondissement (which is my favourite place to stay).
1.Paul. Paul is a great place for a coffee, baked good, or sandwich. It’s a chain restaurant, so there are several around Paris. On a mid-afternoon/lunch break on my first day in Paris, I opted for a pain au chocolat, yogurt, and a coffee.
2. Mamie Gateaux. Oh, I just love this sweet restaurant. When I’m at Mamie Gateaux, I feel like I’m in a French home. The food is so fresh and delicious, and the lunch menu is a good deal. On this visit, for about $20CAD, I got a pumpkin-onion-bacon tart with a side salad and (my favourite kind of) carrots, a glass of wine, a dessert, and a coffee. The place is always busy with French people taking a break from their days, and, for a francophile like me, I just love being surrounded by people speaking French.
3. Chez Dumonet – Josephine. I spotted Chez Dumonet (affectionately known as Josephine) on Mimi Thorisson’s Instagram page. As soon as I saw her photo of the soufflé, I called the restaurant to make a reservation. It’s a good idea to make a reservation as the place gets busy. Chez Dumonet is closed on weekends, so if you’re interested, plan ahead. As per many online reviews, I opted for the boeuf bourguinon for my main course and the Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert. I’d easily go back and order the exact same thing. Many diners ordered the soufflé, so I asked the waiter how many they serve in a night, and he said about 30 or 40. Can you imagine? And each one looks perfect! During my visit, many diners opted for the boeuf bourguinon, but one French group of diners opted for other things on the menu – like the herring, smoked salmon, and steak.
4. Aux Près. This place was recommended to me before I left by a Parisian. I later learned that Gwyneth Paltrow included it on one of her Goop Paris travel guides. When I asked the hotel concierge to make a reservation, he said it was un très bon choix (a very good choice). So with these three recommendations, I was eager to go. I loved the design of Aux Près‘s cozy space. The servers were attentive, and it was probably the fastest meal I have ever been served in France. For my main, I opted for Coquilles Saint Jacques (scallops). My scallops were delicious, and I would definitely order them again. The servers had recommended the sushi, but I wasn’t in the mood for sushi. For dessert, I opted for the pain perdu avec les poires et de la creme glacée – french toast with pears and ice cream. It was yummy, but I didn’t absolutely love it. I felt like french toast was a bit too basic for a fancy restaurant.
5. Luetita – Bar Joséphine. Bar Joséphine is one of several eateries at the 5-star hotel Luetitia hotel. On the night I went, there was live jazz music which was a bonus. The design and decor was impressive as was the food. I’d go here again for a light dinner. Or I might opt for a quieter meal in the stunning Le Saint Germain (the photo with the bookshelves below).
6. Maison Sauvage. Maison Sauvage stands on a corner on Rue de Buci in the 6th. We opted for this place because the outside was dripping with plants and greenery, and the patio was full. We ate on the outdoor patio which made me very happy as it had been -25 Celsius when I left Canada. Sitting outside under a heat lamp in close proximity to other diners – the French way – made me so happy. My friend and I shared a cheese plate here for a light dinner.
7. Ladurée. Ladurée is a sweet spot for a coffee and macaron break. And if you don’t like macarons, there are plenty of other beautiful confections to nibble on. The second-floor tea room at the St. Germain des Pres location is charming with its low ceilings, wallpapered walls, and crystal chandeliers.
8. Les Deux Magots. Les Deux Magots has been around since 1812. Incredible, right? 1812?! Go at any time of day, and you’re sure to be spoiled by the food and atmosphere.
9. Café de Flore. Next door to Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore is another iconic Parisian café that is/was the favourite of the artistic Parisian crowd. I opted for an omelette at both cafés on two mornings. Why are French omelettes so good? I blame the butter. Oh, jeez, it’s just too good!
10. La Crepe Rit du Clown. If you’re keen on savoury or sweet crepes, then you may be interested in La Crepe Rit du Clown at 6 Rue de Cannettes. The menu is crepe menu is extensive, so there’s something for everyone. On this visit, I went vegetarian.
Oh, jeez, there are so many delicacies in Paris. From the boulangeries to the patisseries to every other -erie, there is plenty of food to keep you full as you explore France. Sure, you can survive on cheese, baguette, and wine, but sometimes you want to indulge on even more! C’est vrai?!
Today I’m focusing on Parisian restaurants that are currently on my radar. On y va!
I came across Josephine Chez Dumonet via Mimi Thorisson‘s Instagram. This soufflé has all of my attention!
I spotted Kong on Gabrielle Caunesil‘s Instagram as she seems to go there each time she’s in Paris. The view and atmosphere look wonderful. The reviews online are varied. I’m not sure I’ll make it on this trip, but it does look interesting.
Alain Ducasse is a well-known French chef and has many restaurants around Paris (and France and Japan and USA), including in Le Meurice and Plaza Athenée (two of Paris’s most luxurious hotels).
I went to Montparnasse 1900 brasserie on my last trip to Paris, and I had a delicious meal among art deco decor. It was a lovely evening with friends, and you wouldn’t have to twist my arm to make a return visit.
Paul is a chain restaurant, and it makes me très happy. They’re everywhere, so if you’re ever in need of a quick bite of something savory or sweet, Paul is a great place to go.
Much of my Internet travels lately has been focused on Paris. My trip is in a couple of months, yes, but it’s never too early to travel plan as far as I’m concerned. Plus, my trips around the web have brought me to some incredibly beautiful and interesting apartments and homes to rent.
Villa César – a massive Parisian home – is one of the gorgeous rental properties available on The Collectionist.
You may have heard that MUJI has opened up its largest location outside Asia in Toronto (at over 19K square feet!), but did you know the company has a hotel line, too? There are currently two locations – Beijing and Shenzen – and a third is due to open in Tokyo this March. Would I love to stay there? Of course I would. Just look at the simplicity and design of these rooms.
all photos from MUJI
I’m still taking note of the differences between temples, castles, and shrines in Japan (future blog post perhaps), but for now, let me just share this pair.
Himeji Castle, Japan (photo by Loralee Dawson)
pagoda pet bed, The Enchanted Home
It’s happening. It’s finally happening. After years of saying “I really need to go to Japan,” it’s actually happening. I booked my trip a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been reading anything and everything in preparation. I have 6 months to plan and finalize details of my trip as it is in April 2019. I.Am.So.Excited!
I haven’t been to Japan since I was about 5 years old, and you can bet I’m going to try to recreate some of these photos from the 80s.
What are the chances I can find this place?
(side note: I used to love my Cabbage Patch t-shirt)
I’m pretty sure these are supposed to be for washing your hands rather than for drinking. Does anyone know?
And I had to include this one of my dad. He carried around that Beta video camera everywhere we went. Could you imagine doing it now? Luckily, a few years ago, we transferred all of our family’s Beta videos and slides (yes, slides, too) and 8mm film (yes, that, too) into electronic forms, so we were able to see photos and videos that we hadn’t seen in 30 years!
What are the chances I can find any of these places? They’re likely all from Kyoto. Wish me luck!
And if you have any recommendations about Japan, leave a comment, please!
I have been spending summers (or part of summers) in Florida since I was 7 years old. Most of this time has been lounging around the beach and pool in Madeira Beach, but in recent years, I’ve enjoyed a vacation-in-a-vacation at The Ritz Carlton Sarasota. In brief, it’s pure luxury. Not only is every detail of the hotel and its offerings well-considered, but the staff at this hotel are so kind and welcoming. The people are definitely what have helped me enjoy my stay each year.
I was in Florida once again with my friend Shannon, and while we love living a retiree-way-of-life in Madeira Beach, we love to get pampered at the Ritz Sarasota, too. We began this visit with a visit to the spa, which was a special treat from the Ritz. Shannon opted for a facial where her skin was treated with the best of the best serums and creams.
I was treated to the Sarasota Touch of Honey. During this 80-minute treatment, after an initial exfoliation of my feet, the massage therapist did reflexology whereby she applied pressure to specific points on my feet to heal aches and pains. In reflexology, pressure points on the feet correspond to organs and areas of the entire body. How did this turn out? Well, I was skeptical at first, if I’m being honest. But then when I could feel tension in my feet and the therapist trying to work out the pains, other areas of my body then acted up. I’m not making this up! At one point, my stomach was making all sorts of gurgling, digestive sounds. At another point, my mind seemed to just open up and become free and clear. If you’ve never had reflexology, I know this sounds kooky, but I’m sharing the truth about these reactions.
I’m all set for my 9am spa call!
After the reflexology, the therapist moved to my upper body and gave me a head, neck, and shoulder massage. It felt amazing!
Post-treatment, the therapist showed me the reflexology map, and gave me some feedback about what she experienced while she was working on my feet. She confirmed that the areas that were tight were also the areas where I was feeling reactions (e.g., gut, mind). Overall, I was glad to learn, my body is pretty balanced. Phew. Let’s hope it continues to be!
digestion, mental tension, and sinuses were on my reflexology menu
After the spa, we enjoyed lazy hours on end at the hotel’s beach club and at the main hotel pool.
I know there’s not much white in this photo, but the shades of blue are hard to resist!
there aren’t many outfit changes on my Florida vacations
The beach club restaurant – Ridley’s Porch – was recently renovated, and since it is filled with white, I had to share it here.
Beyond the outdoors, our hotel room was as it has been in the past – spacious and with the most glorious beds! We spoiled ourselves with room service breakfast on our balcony, too. In our Ritz Carlton robes, of course.
It was easy to fall asleep in this luxurious bed.
Thanks for the sweet white treats, Ritz Sarasota!
Breakfast on the balcony…don’t mind if I do!
light and bright in the room
I don’t usually meet brand partners while I’m wearing a bathing suit, but I also don’t bring many outfit options to Florida!
Because I’ve made repeat visits to The Ritz Carlton Sarasota, you probably already know that I enjoy it, I recommend it, and I will return.
Many thanks to Matthew and Kristine for arranging our visit.
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Read about my 2017 visit and my 2016 visit to The Ritz Carlton Sarasota.
I definitely wasn’t expecting to like Ann Arbor, Michigan as much as I did. I wasn’t even planning on writing about my quick trip there. But I was so surprised and happy about my visit, that I have opted to write a mini recap here.
Ann Arbor. Do you know anything about Ann Arbor? Before I set out on my drive, all I knew was that it was kind of near Detroit, and it was about a 3.5 hour drive from Waterloo. Beyond that, since I was going for a conference, I didn’t do any pre-trip research because I knew my free time would be limited.
Stay
I stayed at the Graduate Ann Arbor. The bed in my room was comfortable, and I had ample room to spread out my work and belongings. Although the room was darker than I prefer (moody dark walls), and my bathroom was low on counter space, the linens and bath products were lovely, and there was a fridge and a Keurig machine which came in handy for a late-night work session. Service was great, and the location was perfect. I would definitely stay here again.
Do
I spent much of my days at the conference which was held at the University of Michigan. You know, the university with the big yellow and blue “M”. There’s definitely a high school spirit at UofMichigan, and there were a lot of people walking around town in blue and yellow athletic ensembles. The campus was a short walk from the Graduate hotel. The buildings on campus were historic and charming, and the quad was lush and green. I know I’m an academic, but I can’t be the only one who loves university campuses. Surely.
Nickels Arcade is an interesting piece of architecture. On either side of the walkway are shops and the very charming Comet café.
The area of Kerrytown was another short walk from the Graduate hotel. This is a small, historic district that has cobblestone streets as well as interesting buildings, shops, and artistic spaces. A highlight here is Zingerman’s which is a deli-bakery-everything-you’d-ever-want-to-eat type of place. I also enjoyed the store/gallery Found. I spent much too long in the store looking at every bit of goodness inside.
If you stay downtown, the area is very walkable. Main St., Liberty St., and Washington St. have an abundance of cafés, pubs, restaurants, and shops. Strolling casually along makes for an enjoyable little tour of the area.
Eat
I had a few opportunities to eat out while I was in town, and I would go back to every restaurant I visited. Good sign, right?
I loved the fresh, young, energetic, and stylish vibe at Sava’s. Beyond this, my salmon rice bowl was delicious as was Sava’s version of tiramisu. Everything was fresh, and service was attentive and friendly.
I know it’s not so common to go to a tapas restaurant solo, but this is what I did late one night. I had passed Aventura at some point on my trip, and I wanted to try it, so I did. I met the nicest people while I was sitting at the bar (Note: I have absolutely no problem dining solo. I know some people would never do it, but I enjoy it. I always end up meeting people, which is fun. Do you dine solo?). My meal at Aventura was fresh and tasty. I opted for brussels sprouts (that had sweet apple mixed in) and the jamón flatbread. Salty goodness! Again, service was friendly, and the decor was lovely. Unfortunately, I must have been too tired to grab any photos!
One morning, I opted for breakfast at Fred’s. As with the other two restaurants, one of the reasons why I was keen on this place was because of the decor. When I walked by it one evening when it was closed, I saw white-on-white-on-white. I had to go! Oh my goodness. If Anthropologie had a restaurant, it would be Fred’s. Every angle was beautiful. Beyond the decor, the food was awesome. I went for the ever-so-popular açaí bowl and a cappuccino. I’d order this again today if I could. It did not disappoint.
Ann Arbor makes for a great weekend getaway, especially if you live with a 3-4 hour drive. The next time I go, I’m going to review the Design*Sponge Ann Arbor City Guide because I know I didn’t have time to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Here’s a bit of what has been on my mind – and in my life – lately.
1. Plants. I am so pleased with how two of my plants are currently growing. The first is my avocado plant that I started to grow from seed way back in the fall. The second is my fiddle leaf fig that I had cut back a long while ago, and it’s only now sprouting new leaves. So exciting!
2. Kingston. I took a trip to Kingston a couple of weeks ago, and it made me so happy to go back. I lived there for two years, and every time I visit, happy memories trickle back into my brain. I’m thankful that I’m able to continue making memories there even during very short visits.
view of my old waterfront apartment and balcony
3. Heated floor. The One Room Challenge is over, and my bathroom/laundry combo room is done. But when I saw this photo from the team at Warmup, it brought back memories of planning. I like the layout plan of my heated floor (photo source).
4. Art. When I was at Ines‘s house a couple of weeks ago for an essential oils party (with Christine and Hollie), I was impressed by all the art she has around her home. This sweet little piece by Frances Hilary Hahn really made me smile.
5. Elora. I drive over to Elora several times each year. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Waterloo, and it’s such a pretty town for a day trip. It was nice to see the progress of the Elora Mill, too. I’m thinking that the place will be pretty great once it’s all done. I look forward to taking a tour – and hopefully planning a longer stay, too!
That’s all for now. What have you had on the go lately? What’s been on your mind?
When I was in Toronto on the weekend, my friend and I picked up a pair of éclairs from Nugateau – a sweet éclair-focused patisserie. In fact, Nugateau is Canada’s first all-éclair patisserie. As soon as I entered the shop, I was reminded of the classic French patisserie with colourful pastel creations. Every piece of dessert was so beautiful.
I had experienced Nugateau at the Terroir Symposium last spring, but this was my first time I was able to see all the creations in person. It was delightful!
We picked up the Pistachio Royal and Rosabelle. It was hard to take the first bite because I didn’t want to mess up the design. But the éclair was delicious, so you know I couldn’t wait all that long! Because the Nugateau éclairs are made with high quality ingredients, and no artificial flavours are used, their taste is rich and distinct.
I love the idea of bringing the French patisserie to Canada, don’t you? And for those of you who love éclairs, definitely make a stop into Nugateau on your next trip to Toronto.
I recently learned about La Divine Comédie boutique hotel in Avignon, France, and I just have to share it because it’s so beautiful. The hotel has five stunning suites and several well-appointed common spaces. The hotel also has a gorgeous garden area. The hotel is classic French in design, but if you look closely, there are a number of quirky elements, too.
As you already know, last month, I collaborated with Grey County Tourism. I spent three days exploring the region and trying all sorts of fun activities. On Day 1, I explored waterfalls, ate a delicious dinner at the Flying Chestnut Kitchen, and fell asleep by the fire at the Pretty River Valley Country Inn. On Day 2, I met reindeer and horses, went on a little hike in the snow, ate at Justin’s Oven in the town of Kimberley, did some outdoor activities at Blue Mountain, and ended the evening with a visit to Scandinave Spa and a peaceful sleep at the Westin Trillum House Blue Mountains.
Today, I’m sharing a recap of my third and final day in Grey County.
Day 3
I was up bright and early on Day 3 as I was due to visit Georgian Hills Vineyards to take part in grape picking. I grabbed a latte at the hotel and set off before 9am. I spent about 3 hours with a team of volunteers picking grapes off the vine for the winery. It was a lot of fun, and I didn’t even feel cold. I shared the full experience in this post.
I then drove about 10 minutes to the village of Thornbury. I was surprised to see a row of shops and restaurants when I turned onto Bruce Street. It is quite quaint and colourful. As per usual, however, I did find plenty of white goodness (beyond the snow!).
Adorn II shop in Thornbury, Ontario
For lunch, I stopped into The Cheese Gallery. I met two friendly women here who filled me in on the store’s offerings, the region’s news, and Thornbury’s artistic vibe. The Cheese Gallery’s specialty – as you may have guessed – is cheese. The shop is a great place to pick up your favourite – and new-to-you – cheeses. The Cheese Gallery also offers a beautiful selection of kitchen accessories, food products, and pottery. 
I enjoyed a delicious blue cheese grilled sandwich. The Cheese Gallery staff will make a grilled cheese sandwich with the cheese of your choosing and serve it with a side of chips and cucumbers. Yum!
Considering my sweet tooth, there was no way I was going to pass up on a treat for dessert. I opted a blueberry crumble tart, and it did not disappoint. And, yes, I did enjoy the little gold teaspoon, too. Don’t you just love the sweet little details?
Before leaving The Cheese Gallery, I tasted two elixirs, and since I seem to be on a real big turmeric kick at the moment, I purchased a jar of Moonshine Mama’s winter warrior elixir. I like to think it helped me stay healthy during the week that I drank it daily. 
After lunch, I traveled to nearby Clarksburg (about a 5 minute drive from Thornbury) to meet with Carol Hahn, the potter behind Hillstreet Productions. At Carol’s studio, I had so much fun making pottery. I have made pottery before (love it, love it!), so I was eager to get my hands dirty. At Carol’s studio, I had fun making a few bowls and a set of mugs. We rolled out the clay using her heavy-duty flattening machine (it’s much more efficient than a rolling pin!), and then I used bowls and trays as the forms to shape my creations.
I snooped around the studio to find textures to add to my pieces, too. While the clay looks grey/brown in these photos, it is porcelain, so it will dry on the white side, and Carol will be taking care of glazing everything in white. I haven’t yet received my pieces, but I’ll share them with you when they do arrive.
I think these curvy edges give my bowl a playful character. The curves are a nice contrast to the grid of the pattern I imprinted onto the clay.
The bumpy roller created the sweetest dents on my mugs. I think Carol couldn’t believe my excitement over them! But, come on, polka dots are fun!
Working with Carol Hahn was the last bit of fun I had in Grey County. From her studio, I drove back to Waterloo on the country roads – with one quick stop at Eckhardt’s Shell & Variety in Durham, Ontario for a butter tart order! (Yes, it does seem random, but I assure you that the butter tarts were very delicious and worth the stop!)
All photos by Jordana.
Thanks to Grey County and Amanda P. for sponsoring my trip. All opinions are my own.
As you may recall, last month, I had the opportunity to explore Grey County (see what I did on day 1). Day 1 ended at the Pretty River Valley Country Inn. And here’s where I’d like to continue to share my travel story with you.
My loft at the Pretty River Valley Country Inn was spacious and comfortable. I fell asleep listening to the crackling fire. When I woke up, the first thing that came to my mind was the incredibly deep sleep that I had just had. I could not believe it. Interestingly, during breakfast at the inn, I met a couple who said the exact same thing! We agreed that our deep sleeps were due to a combination of a very comfortable Tempurpedic mattress, the warmth of the fire, and the fresh country air.
Breakfast was served in the main house at the Inn, and everything was freshly made. I ate by the fireplace, naturally.
After breakfast, I took a little tour of the property and surrounding trails. The day was bright, and I loved who I met along my little stroll in the snow…reindeer and Icelandic horses! I had never seen reindeer in person. Have you? What an awesome treat! All the animals at the Pretty River Valley Country Inn are absolutely beautiful.
the reindeer at Pretty River Valley Country Inn
the horses at the Pretty River Valley Country Inn
After my trail walk and visits with all the animals, I loaded up my car and took a short drove to the sweet village of Kimberley. Here, met up with Amanda from Grey County Tourism for lunch at Justin’s Oven. This restaurant is full of charm! The wood decor reminded me of a Swiss chalet or in a Cabane à Sucre. The restaurant is open only a few days a week: Thursday pub night, Friday pizza, Saturday dining, and Sunday brunch. My breakfast crêpe was tasty and service was friendly. I would easily make a return trip for Friday pizza! And I can imagine how fun it would be it in the summer with the windows open!
Right next door to Justin’s Oven is the Kimberley General Store. Every nook of this store exudes charm. The products are carefully curated – many of them local, too! It’s a great spot for little gifts, chocolate, and fresh bread, too! I picked up some garlic (grown right on the property).
goodies at the Kimberley General Store
It was wonderful to chat with Stacey – owner of the Kimberley General Store – and the other staff. Everyone was friendly and proud of all that the area has to offer its residents and visitors.
From Kimberley, I took a quick drive to Blue Mountain for a few outdoor activities. I hadn’t been to Blue Mountain for decades! I’m not a skier, but I was up for trying other activities at the resort. The newest attraction is the mountain top skating trail. I had brought my skates to give this a try, but the weather affected the ice conditions, so the trail was closed during my visit. Instead, I braved the Ridge Runner – a 1km-long mountain coaster. Honestly, I was scared. I had control of the little cart, and I was safely buckled in, but I was still scared. All the kids around me though – not so much! Ha ha!
the Ridge Runner at Blue Mountain
I also walked over to the other side of the resort to do the Hike n’ Tube. The cheers and screams from people tubing down the hill were hilarious! After the Ridge Runner, though, I found the hike n’ tube so calm! I don’t think I uttered even one little scream as I slid down the hill in my donut tube! It was fun though. I probably would do both activities again.
After a couple of hours outside in the winter weather, I was ready to check-in to my hotel. On this second night in Grey County, I checked into the Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain. The hotel was so busy, but check-in was smooth. This hotel has all the amenities that anyone could want. I was booked into a great suite – a one bedroom plus den with a living room, kitchenette, large bathroom, and a balcony. Oh – and a fireplace, too. My room overlooked the village and icy pond (check out this day/night comparison). I took the opportunity to spread out all of my stuff and to dry all of my outdoor winter clothing.
I stopped in at Oliver & Bonacini – on the first floor of the Westin – for a quick dinner before I headed over to the Scandinave Spa.
I was curious about the Scandinave Spa in the winter. I have been several times before in warmer weather (see this post and this post), but outdoor baths in the winter? How was this going to turn out? Well, let me tell you. Although the baths routine is hot-cold-rest, there was no way that I was brave enough to plunge into anything cold in freezing cold winter weather. The warm baths, on the other hand, were absolutely enjoyable! I was so relaxed! And after a day of outdoor activity, being in the baths was perfection! And I wasn’t cold at all!
And this brings me to the end of my second day in Grey County. Can you tell that I really enjoyed myself? I definitely did!
All photos by Jordana.
Thanks to Grey County and Amanda P. for sponsoring my trip. All opinions are my own.
Our Ontario licence plates are very encouraging aren’t they? For those of you haven’t seen them, our provincial licence plate slogan is “Ontario, Yours to Discover.” And a couple of weeks ago, I did just that! I drove north to explore the region of Grey County.
If you’re like me, you may associate this region with Collingwood and the Blue Mountains, but the county has much more to offer than ski hills. Over a series of blog posts, I’ll take you on a little 3-day tour of the region. If you’re looking for something to do this winter, take note!
Day 1
On day 1, I drove about 1.5 hours from Waterloo to the town of Flesherton. Here, I stopped in at The Bicycle Café for a cappuccino and a piece of apple pie. Folks, the pie! Get the pie!
at The Bicycle Café in Flesherton, Ontario
I needed the sweet energy boost before I headed out to Hogg’s Falls. The falls are just around the corner from the main intersection in Flesherton (at Hwy 4 and East Base Line). There is plenty of parking, and while you can spend a while hiking the trails, you don’t need to go too far at all to reach the falls. Follow the sounds, and you’ll find them within minutes of parking. I wasn’t certain I’d be too keen on hiking in the snow, but it was absolutely peaceful.
the trail and Hogg’s Falls
As I’m not an avid winter outdoors-woman, I appreciated that I could hike for as little or as long as I wanted. Listening to and seeing the falls felt really quite magical, and I was so appreciative of the natural beauty that surrounded me! Ontario is yours to discover, remember?
Grey County has 9 waterfalls that you can explore, and 7 of them are accessible in the winter. I’m sure each one has something special to offer, and since they’re not too far away from one another, you can take in a lot even on a short visit to the area.
getting caught in the sunlight
As for my outfit? Along with my scarf, hats, and mitts, I wore this hiking outfit (I didn’t even include one piece of athletic wear!), my L.L.Bean Downtek, and Sorel boots. The boots were great. I wouldn’t recommend wearing light boots as if there is a lot of snow, you’ll need footwear with traction (and warmth).
After I had my fill of outdoor time, I drove to The Flying Chestnut Kitchen for dinner. This restaurant is worth the drive, let me tell you! I walked into the restaurant just as it was opening, and the staff was conversing about Saved By The Bell. So of course I joined in. Remember the episode when Jessi Spano took the sleeping pills? Sure do! – There’s no time, never any time! – Ha ha. Does anyone remember this episode? People who remember episodes and lines from Saved By The Bell are my kind of people. All this to say that my intro to The Flying Chestnut Kitchen was great!
Not only did I enjoy chatting with the staff, but I also feasted on a delicious dinner at a leisurely I’m-on-vacation pace. The menu changes regularly depending on the local offerings. I began my meal with an amuse bouche – a sausage roll on a layer of mustard. For the main course, I opted for the evening’s special – duck confit. The first time I had duck confit, I was a 16 year old exchange student in France. Every time I order it, I remember that time period in my life! For dessert, I was treated to a delicious mousse. The quality of everything was superb.
The Flying Chestnut Kitchen is run by Chef Shawn Adler. He opened the restaurant in the Old General Store in 2010. The restaurant is quite small, seating about 25 people, so it’s wise to make a reservation. And bring cash since it’s a cash-only restaurant!
After just about rolling out of the restaurant, I drove about 30 minutes to the Pretty River Valley Country Inn.
Side note: Dark, country roads in the winter are a touch on the scary side. I went slow and used my high-beam lights for just about the whole commute. I was extra grateful for my TomTom since with it, I knew I wasn’t going to get lost, and I could see how windy the roads were via the image on my screen. Other reasons I was a touch nervous on these roads? Well, beyond the snow, I wasn’t even sure if there would be bears and such popping out of the trees. Are there bears in Grey County? Maybe it’s best that I don’t know. If you’re not used to winter driving, I would recommend that you take it slow and drive in daylight hours as much as possible. Oh – and I should also note that the next morning, I drove the same road in the daylight, and it was absolutely smooth and easy. It wasn’t scary at all! It’s amazing what darkness can do to a gal.
Now, to the Pretty River Valley Country Inn! The young staff at the inn helped me with my luggage and checked me into a cozy loft (they call them Crofts). My 600 square foot room had a main floor with a king bed, large bathroom, foyer, and seating area. And a wood-burning fireplace. Oh, the fireplace. So so good. My room also had a second floor with a pair of twin beds.
the Ben Nevis Croft at the Pretty River Valley Country Inn
I had a lazy evening in my Croft. The inn has great options for cozy nights in – popcorn and games are at the ready! I fell asleep to the sounds of the crackling fire, feeling happy for my first day of exploring Grey County.
All photos by Jordana.
Thanks to Grey County and Amanda P. for sponsoring my trip. All opinions are my own.
I recently had the opportunity to pick frozen grapes from the vines at Georgian Hills Vineyards in Blue Mountains, Ontario. Sounds a bit random, doesn’t it? I mean, who goes grape picking? And in the winter? I was originally set to visit the Georgian Hills Vineyards to enjoy a tasting and a snowshoe tour, but because the weather was just right for picking, I was able to join a group of about 30 volunteers to pick frozen grapes. I jumped at the opportunity!
The team of volunteers gathered around 9 am, and while we sipped on coffee and treats, we learned about the process for making Frozen on the Vine. This is Georgian Hills Vineyards’s brand of Icewine (the term “Icewine” is assigned and approved only to VQA-designated viticulture areas). Since the temperature had hovered consistently around -8 to -10 degrees Celcius for several days, the grapes were perfect for picking. Robert Ketchin, one of Georgian Hills Vineyards’s partners, explained that after the grapes were picked, they would be pressed right away to release all the sugar.
volunteers are ready to begin 
grapes from Georgian Hills Vineyards’s Frozen on the Vine
Robert led us through the picking process. Each person was given cutters and a basket, and once our basket was full, we emptied it into a larger bin, which would then be carried away and emptied into massive blue bins by the Georgian Hills Vineyards’s staff. We worked side by side, moving along the rows, which resulted in a very social grape picking experience! I enjoyed meeting people from the area; many of us were enthusiastic first-timers. Photos were snapped as we moved through the rows, and we were encouraged to try the grapes, too. Frozen grapes are such a sweet snack.
The green nets you see protect the grapes as they grow. We moved them aside, of course, to get at the grapes. We cut the grapes from the main stem and everything got dumped into the baskets. The grape press does not let the stems and leaves pass through, so we didn’t need to worry about being so perfect.
I wore many layers for this outdoor activity. I wore four top layers, wool leggings and snowpants, two pairs of gloves, my long L.L.Bean coat, big blanket scarf, and my trusty Sorel boots with two pairs of socks. I was warm. Better to be warm and happy than cranky from the cold when you’re out picking grapes!
We worked through rows of Vidal and Riesling grapes, and without noticing, the hours flew by. When we took a group break, we warmed up with cider, hot chocolate, and more treats. The Georgian Hills Vineyards’s team were gracious hosts and very appreciative of everyone’s time and energy.
massive blue bins of frozen grapes that are ready for the press
the press
winemaker Vanessa at work
the bladder (the black thing in the middle) pushes the grapes against the wood frame to release the sugary juice
the wood slats will come together as the bladder presses the grapes against them
This year’s sweet Frozen on the Vine will be bottled up and ready next year. I guess that means I need to make a return trip to Georgian Hills Vineyards to grab a bottle two of the sweet winter wine with the grapes that I picked this month.
Besides catching the “picking frozen grapes” day at Georgian Hills Vineyards, the winery is open year-round for visitors. Check out the range of winter experiences (e.g., snowshoe tour) and summer packages. (e.g., helicopter tour). In addition to the sweet winter Frozen on the Vine wine, Georgian Hills Vineyards offers white, red, and rosé wines as well as a variety of ciders.
another Georgian Hills Vineyards sweet dessert wine – Ida Red – made from frozen apples (available at the LCBO)
I have many words of thanks today. Thanks to the Georgian Hills Vineyards team for welcoming me to this grape picking party! Thanks to Allison Davies for taking my photos! Thanks to Amanda P. and Grey County Tourism for arranging my trip.
See more of my trip to Grey County at #WhiteCabanaGoestoGreyCounty.
These are five things that have been on my mind lately.
1. Outlander. I’ve continued to watch Outlander, and I recently finished season 2. Oh my goodness – I loved the episodes set in France so much! But I also continued to enjoy all the scenes set in the Scottish highlands. And now I am adding Scotland to my travel goals because it looks just so beautiful (and, yes, I know that some scenes weren’t shot in Scotland). I came across real-life photos of the two main characters – Jamie Fraser played by Sam Heughan and Claire Fraser played by Catriona Balfe – and I was surprised. I just imagined that they would look exactly the way they do in Outlander. But they don’t. And seeing them in modern clothes was kind of surprising. p.s. I can’t be the only one who has a crush on Jamie Fraser, right?
2. Barre. I’m continuing with barre classes this month. I have loved every class that I have attended. I think it’s mostly because the music playlists are fantastic! I just feel like singing and dancing the whole time (instead of doing planks for way too long). Have you tried a barre class? What do you think?
3. Grocery delivery. Have you ever had your groceries delivered right to your door? I haven’t, but just today two friends (at separate times in the day) talked to me about it and I received news about Instacart, which is a same-day grocery delivery service brought to us by the Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs (via Loblaw Companies Ltd.). How’s that for timing? Grocery delivery was today’s hot topic! Apparently Instacart has already been offered in Toronto, but it has launched in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph regions today.
And here’s a bonus for you – first time users can enter the code HIKITCHENER (3/31/18 expiration) at checkout to get $20 off an order of $35 or more, plus a free first time delivery.
4. Tumeric. What does everyone know about tumeric? I don’t know anything about it, but it has come up multiple times in my life in the last month, and I feel like I need to do some research about the benefits of this spice. One of the cafés in town (DVLB) has this tumeric warming tea that I really enjoy. And this weekend in Grey County, I learned about elixirs with tumeric in them that help with fighting winter illness. Then I did a quick Google search and found this list of benefits of tumeric tea. Thoughts?
5. Travel + People. Travel is often on my mind. This past weekend, I had the chance to work with Grey County to explore new-to-me parts of Ontario (you may have followed along on Instagram with #WhiteCabanaGoesToGreyCounty). My posts are definitely still in draft form, but you’ll see them on the blog over the next couple of weeks. For now though, I have been thinking about all the people I met on my 3-day journey. I feel lucky to have come across such happy, welcoming, and interesting people because these people made my trip that much more rich, informative, and fun. Some people. You know? You just can’t help but be thankful your paths have crossed! Who’s with me?
I was so pleased with my 3-day stay in Nashville. I saw a lot, walked a lot, ate a lot, and had a lot of fun! Would I go back? Yes. Would I recommend that you go? Yes.
While many would probably opt to go to Nashville in warmer weather, I opted to go in December because it was convenient for my work/school/life schedule. The weather ranged from about 3-15 degrees Celcius while I was there. I wore a spring jacket with scarf and hat most days which worked out well. In warmer weather, I imagine the patios are over-flowing, and walking around is even that much more pleasant.
Before I take a trip, I normally make a list of things I’d like to do/see/eat, but this time I just ran out of time. I read the Design Sponge Nashville guide twice (once at the airport) and hoped for the best. This lack-of-planning strategy worked out fine actually, and I was able to read up on the city during meal times and such.
If you’re curious about what I did/saw/ate, read on!
Day 1
12th Ave South
I took an early morning flight from Toronto, which meant that I arrived in Nashville at about 11am. Since at this point in my trip, I didn’t know much about the city, I took an Uber straight to Draper James in the 12 Avenue South area (I had to start somewhere, right?). I didn’t know what to expect from this neighbourhood beyond Draper James, but I was pleasantly surprised. This neighbourhood is full of quaint shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Draper James is the brain child of Reese Witherspoon. The store is filled with colourful and beautifully styled clothes and accessories. I wandered around with a cup of sweet tea in hand, tried on a few things, but left the store with zero purchases. There weren’t enough black and white items to choose from (to go with my existing wardrobe, of course)!
I popped into Imogene + Willie and White’s Mercantile and loved the displays, locally-made, unique items as well as the festive decor.
White’s Mercantile
Imogene + Willie (in a renovated gas station)
I grabbed a cronut from Five Daughters Bakery on the advice of two friendly ladies I met in the neighbourhood. The cronut was a sweet, rich treat (good for sharing!). The ladies also recommended that I stop into local favourite Frothy Monkey. The coffee was very good, and the place was packed with people – always a good sign, right? I figured it was wise to trust the recommendations of locals!
Vanderbilt Area
The Loews Vanderbilt hotel where I stayed is located across the street from Vanderbilt University. Since we all know how much I love school, I had to take a stroll around Vanderbilt’s beautiful campus. I only saw a portion of it because it’s so large, but I definitely got a feel for the classic campus architecture and layout. So pretty!
I also walked over to the Parthenon. I had to see this for myself after the Loews check-in desk agent told me about Nashville’s reputation of “Athens of the South”. What? Nashville and Athens have something in common? I was so intrigued! The Parthenon, built in 1897, is located in Centennial Park, and it’s a 1:1 replica of Athens’ Parthenon. It was wild to see this up close in the middle of Nashville. I didn’t get a chance to visit the museum, but I heard it’s interesting.
Dinner at Hopsmith
I met a friend for dinner at Hopsmith located in the Vanderbilt/Music Row area. The place recently opened, and it was full. The portions were large, the food was tasty, and service was friendly.
Day 2
I walked a lot on Day 2. I hadn’t intended to, but it’s just how my day evolved. I could have easily grabbed an Uber, but I opted to just keep walking. I needed to work off the cronut and dinner from Day 1!
I started by walking up (or down?) West End Ave. because I wanted to pop into UAL, a store that carries high-end brands at discount prices. I tried on a few things, but didn’t make any purchases (theme of this trip!). Along the way, I came across this cool art alley (one of many art walls I saw in Nashville!).
Hillsboro
I hadn’t planned on walking to Hillsboro (there was little planning involved on this trip, let me remind you!), but before I knew it, I ended up walking there! This is a quaint area of Nashville with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. And art walls, too!
From Hillsboro, I walked to Belmont University (another theme of this trip – I do love school!). I didn’t set out to walk here specifically, but it was a pleasant discovery, since the buildings were impressive and all dressed up for the holidays!
The Gulch
Looking back, at this point in my day, I should have taken an Uber from Hillsboro to the Gulch, but instead, I opted to walk. I wouldn’t recommend this though because the walk was about an hour, and I didn’t see much of anything along the way. I did pop into Flip – a luxury consignment store – and wanted just about every piece of Chanel that I saw in there!
The Gulch is a hip neighbourhood with new buildings, restaurants, and boutiques. On the recommendation of a friend, I had a delicious meal at Milk and Honey. I’d go back for a repeat visit forsure. I opted for the falafel and a cinnamon bun (to go) and a cuppa tea (with milk and honey, of course!). The food and service were great, and the design was fabulous. I’m always a sucker for a beautiful restaurant!
There are so many beautiful art walls in Nashville, and I took advantage of this colourful one to take a jumping photo. So fun! I wandered in and out of a few of the shops in the Gulch area, but lingered in Colt’s – a chocolate shop founded by Mackenzie Colt, a former actress from the Hee Haw television show of the 70s. I liked everything I sampled in here and bought my favourites. (Note: I preferred all of Colt’s chocolates to the Goo Goo cluster – see below.)
Nashville Downtown
I don’t quite know where the official boundaries of downtown are. I think that the Gulch could be part of the downtown, but maybe it isn’t. It was only about a 15 minute walk from the Gulch to downtown. Here, I popped into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hatch Show Print, and the Goo Goo shop. I also took a walk on the pedestrian bridge and observed the neon signs of the Honky Tonks (bars). I didn’t end up in any of the Honky Tonks on this trip, but if I go to Nashville with a friend in the future, I would.
Music City Center
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Hatch Show Print letterpress has been in operation since 1879. It continues to serve as a letterpress and produces posters for absolutely every kind of event. It also sells printed posters and other stationery goods.
The Goo Goo candy and chocolate shop is known for the Goo Goo Cluster which is a chocolate/nutty treat. People were buying up boxes of these treats while I was there.
The Pedestrian Bridge
The Johnny Cash Museum (lots of black items in the gift shop!)
The Honky Tonks on Broadway
Ryman Auditorium
I ended Day 2 with a trip to Ryman Auditorium to see Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s Christmas show. The Ryman press team generously offered tickets (thanks!), and I was so so so pleased to attend! Not only is the theatre a beautiful piece of architecture, but the show was absolutely enjoyable!
What is now the Ryman began as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892, so it has a 125 year history. The Ryman is affectionately known as “Mother Church,” the seating is made up of pews, and so many of our favourite musicians have performed here!
The show began with Natalie Hemby. Her voice was beautiful, and she shared stories of her Christmas traditions and her friendship with Amy Grant. I love it when musicians can impress us with a simple mix of voice and guitar.
Amy Grant and Vince Gill got everyone in the Christmas spirit! This was one of the best concerts I’ve been to! Honestly. I, too, am surprised that I’m saying this! First, the duo is talented – both in singing and in playing the guitar. Second, they had great stage presence and entertained and interacted with the crowd. I love it when musicians talk and tell stories between songs. They shared stories of their Christmas traditions. In addition to the Christmas songs, they played a few of their classic and upcoming tunes as well. The crowd was pleased! It felt like we were all one big family by the end of the show. Amy Grant and Vince Gill played 10 sold-out shows at the Ryman. Can you believe it?
Day 3
Since I had a late-night flight, I was able to maximize my third day in Nashville. Once again, I did a lot of walking, but there was a lot to look at, and I really enjoyed it.
More from Downtown
I began my day walking from the Loews Vanderbilt to downtown (just under 30 minutes).
Along my journey, I saw this gorgeous highschool:
And this view of the Ryman:
The art deco Frist art gallery:
The gorgeous, historic Hermitage Hotel:
fancy bathroom selfie
And more wall art:
Farmer’s Market
I walked around downtown and behind the state capitol to get to the Farmer’s Market. I didn’t love the farmer’s market (maybe because it wasn’t fully operational on account of the season and maybe because I’m spoiled with the markets where I live), but I did enjoy browsing through Batch. Its carefully curated collections of local products were lovely.
Germantown
Close-enough to the Farmer’s Market is Germantown – Nashville’s first suburb, so I opted to continue my journey here. I loved this part of Nashville. The area is about 18 blocks in size, so it’s not so large. Buildings around this area were built between 1830 and today. The neighbourhood is vibrant, charming, and quaint, and I found my design-loving kind of people here. I had read good things about Germantown Café, but since I had other lunch plans (see below), I opted for a coffee break at the Red Bicycle.
I popped into stores like Wilder (first picture below), Pieces, and Abednego:
I also ventured out to the gorgeous Peter Nappi store, which is located in this run-down-looking warehouse.
Peter Nappi sells high-quality leather goods for men and women, and I wanted one of everything! My mind was spinning because I was just blown away by the cool interior design as well as the luxury goods. On top of this, there was a special Christmas market event, which meant that other vendors set-up inside the store, too. I had a great chat with Blake of Blue Delta, a bespoke jeans company (luxe!). I also met the team behind Thiel Audio and enjoyed chatting not only about the history and future of Thiel, but also about women in business, Nashville, places to eat, etc.
I popped into Barista Parlor for a quick tea while I arranged my next Uber. The place has a hip vibe, great music, but my tea was pricey (at $4 USD if I remember correctly).
Prince’s Chicken
One thing I did have on my “try to see” list pre-departure was Prince’s Chicken. I had made note of this place from an episode of Mind of a Chef. One of Nashville’s culinary delights is fried hot chicken, and I wanted to try it from the best-of-the-best. This meant an Uber ride to suburbia to Prince’s Chicken for a late lunch. It was worth it. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the hot chicken, well, let’s just say that it’s something that I can’t make at home!
Side note – the January issue of Bon Appétit has a hot chicken feature on page 29 and a big shout-out to Prince’s!
From Prince’s, it was back to my hotel to pack up and grab another Uber to the airport.
Overall, Nashville is a great city to visit for a few days. I had the impression that the city was built in the past 10 years, since there were new buildings in every neighbourhood and a lot of construction. I feel like the city is going to continue to grow and change, and even within a year, I’d expect a lot of the areas to look and feel different than they do today. The downtown is certainly walkable, but if you want to get from one area (e.g., 12th Ave. South) to another (e.g., Germantown), you really need to take a car. I opted to not rent a car, so I was happy that Uber was reliable and convenient for me during my stay. I also walked a lot and took advantage of Loews shuttle service to get around town. I had no issues with transportation or navigating the city.
I feel like I did/saw/ate a lot during my 3 days in Nashville, but of course there are things that I didn’t try, but that were recommended to me by various people I met along the way. These are certainly on my future must-eat list: Biscuit Love, Hattie B’s, Bolton’s (must try more hot chicken). These are on my future must-see list: Grand Ol’ Opry, Bluebird Café, the Honky Tonks, Frist Center, Nashville Symphony, Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).
Thanks again to LD at the Ryman for arranging my tickets. Thanks to all the people I met in Nashville who shared their love and recommendations for the city! See a few more photos on Instagram at #WhiteCabanaGoestoNashville.
As you may know, mid-December, I took a 3-day trip to Nashville. My full 3-day itinerary post is coming up tomorrow, but today, I’m sharing a review of where I stayed – Loews Vanderbilt Nashville. I have never stayed at a Loews, so I was eager to see what it was like since I know it’s a high-end hotel with locations in many desirable cities.
Location
Hotel location is important for me when I travel because, especially when I’m a solo traveler, I want to be somewhere where I feel safe and where I can feel comfortable walking around during the day and at night. Although the Loews is located a few kilometers away from the downtown core – and touristy hot-spots – I felt at ease. I actually really liked staying away from the busyness of the Honky Tonk strip and closer to a place where I feel at home – a gorgeous university campus! 🙂
If you’re looking to stay within a stone’s throw from the honky tonks (bars) or from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the hotel’s distance might bother you. If you’re like me, and aren’t keen on the neon light district of the honky tonks and are eager to try out different areas, then stay at the Loews. The hotel is located across the street from Vanderbilt University, which meant that I was able to easily stroll around to check out the campus (beautiful! and big!). It’s also a short walk from the Parthenon – an amazing replica of the original Greek Parthenon. It was so amusing to turn a corner into Centennial Park from busy West End Avenue and see this amazing piece of architecture.
The Loews offers a shuttle service, too, if you’re going within a 3 mile direction. I used this transportation option a couple of times, and it was very convenient. I could have also texted the hotel if I was out and about and needed a ride back.
Room
If you know me, then you know that I love luxury hotels. Yes, I can certainly manage in a motel, hotel, or Holiday Inn, but I love getting spoiled in luxury hotels. The robes, the beds, the towels, the toiletries…I look at the quality of all of them! At the Loews, here’s what I experienced.
My king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable. I know I did a lot of walking during my vacation, but at the end of the day, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The bed just embraced my tired body! I woke up one morning and noticed that the room service card was still displayed perfectly on one of the pillows, which meant that I barely moved during my sleep. This is a sign of an excellent sleep if you ask me!
The made-in-France towels were thick and plentiful. And the toiletries – from an NYC-based company – were made in Canada! Bonus! I didn’t love the conditioner, if I’m being honest, but everything else suited me well. I also appreciated the large(r) sized bottles since I always seem to run out of shampoo in the teeny tiny bottles I sometimes use in hotels.
In terms of the room’s design, the Loews team made an effort to draw in local goodness. The art featured concert tickets (music, music everywhere!) and letter blocks (to signal Hatch Show Print Company). I was spoiled with local treats, too, which made me feel welcome and well taken care of. I also appreciated the rock-star-studded detailing on the curtains.
The Loews team arranged for me to be in a room on a Club Level with a view of the downtown. This meant that I could go into the Club lounge for breakfast and cocktail hour each day and night of my stay. I took advantage of both and really enjoyed speaking to Loews staff who worked in the lounge. All staff, in fact, were very friendly and willing to help.
I’m not sure if it’s a Loews thing or a Nashville thing, but the food was delicious! I wasn’t expecting it to be so beautifully presented or interesting. But it was! I filled up on just about everything at breakfast (I love breakfast!). The evening appetizer selection included cheese and crackers and roasted vegetables. And wine, beer, and mixed drinks, too. Cheers!
Amenities
The Loews Vanderbilt lobby is modern and well-appointed. Frothy Monkey – a local coffee shop – has a location right inside the lobby, which is another nod to local culture. I really liked seeing how the hotel supported local flavour in multiple ways. I don’t think this is often the case with high-end, chain hotels. While I didn’t have a chance to try Mason’s – the hotel restaurant – it is apparently very good. When I came back to the hotel one afternoon after spending a day in the chilly city (weather ranged from about 3 to 10 degrees Celcius while I was there), a hot chocolate stand was all set-up. It was a perfect treat to warm me up while I took a rest before an evening out.
Note that the Loews Vanderbilt doesn’t have a pool. This didn’t bother me, but it may be something you need to consider before you book a stay.
Just look at the lobby decorated for Christmas? Isn’t it impressive? The lobby of the Loews Vanderbilt is beautifully decorated and there’s stylish and comfortable seating and workspace throughout. I lounged here a couple of times during my stay while I was waiting on an Uber or planning my day’s route.
I would definitely stay here again because I did enjoy the staff, treats, room comfort, and general amenities. I also appreciated the hospitality of every single staff member I encountered. Service goes a long way for me!
Thanks to Rachel P. and Loews Vanderbilt Nashville for arranging my stay. Thanks to Matthew M. and the Loews Vanderbilt Nashville staff for ensuring I had a pleasant stay. All opinions and photos are my own.
How many massages have you had in your life? I’ve had two! Two!? One was earlier this year at the Scandinave Spa. The other was at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota last month.
When my friend and I took a vacation-in-a-vacation to the Ritz Sarasota (read about our stay here), we were lucky to be treated to massages at the beautiful Ritz Spa.
I know the Ritz staff see thousands of people come through the hotel each month/year/day, but when I’m there, I feel like I’m getting all of the attention! How do they do that? My spa visit was a perfect example of this kind of attentive service.
We arrived at the spa first thing in the morning after an easy drive from Madeira Beach, Florida. After reviewing the spa menu and consulting with the Ritz staff in advance of my visit, I was booked in for an 80-minute lemongrass bamboo massage. Here’s the description straight from the spa menu:
“Therapeutic hands, warmed bamboo and an infusion of lemongrass soothe tension through this deeply holistic and balancing massage. Be transformed as your mind rests and muscular stress melts away.”
I can confirm that the description and the reality matched perfectly! I lay on a heated bed under the softest covers. My masseuse started by scrubbing my feet and wrapping them in a warm towel. She then used lemongrass-infused oil on my skin before she started massaging me, alternating between her hands and warmed bamboo sticks. Oh my goodness – the warmed bamboo sticks were incredible! I don’t think I was very stressed to begin with (because I was on vacation after all!), but the systematic, thoughtful rolling of the bamboo sticks across my body really made sure that any and all tensions left my body. It was fantastic!
Honestly, I didn’t know if I would be bored for an 80-minute massage, but there was no way! I was unbelievably relaxed, and if my appointment was later in the day, I surely would have fallen asleep.
Of course there were some points in the massage where the masseuse applied more pressure – and I wasn’t sure if it would lead to some soreness later on in the day – but it didn’t. I felt great! She checked in with me several times about the pressure, and switched the bamboo sticks depending on tension and body part.
My skin was so soft – and my body felt relaxed – for days after my massage.
This spa visit was a very special experience, and I’m grateful to the Ritz Carlton for welcoming us in so warmly.
If you’d like to learn more about the Ritz Sarasota, read about my visit last year, my visit last month., or check out my posts on Instagram at #WhiteCabanaGoesToTheRitz, or #WhiteCabanaGoesToFlorida.
Side note: Love for the Ritz runs in my family. At the same time that I was booking a return visit to the Ritz Sarasota, my sister was booking a return visit to the Ritz Lake Oconee Georgia for her and her family. As you may remember, she and her husband have four kids, and the whole family absolutely loves the Ritz! She has told me that the Ritz staff have treated the kids so well, and there are plenty of fun activities for them! It’s a very kid-friendly resort!
Thanks to S.A. and the Ritz Carlton Sarasota team for sponsoring this post. All opinions and photos are my own.
You know what’s great? Having a vacation-in-a-vacation. I discovered this last year, when I booked a stay at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota during my Floridian vacation. My friend and I absolutely loved our experience last year then that we opted to take another vacation-in-a-vacation this year. And the Ritz Carlton Sarasota did not disappoint.
Ritz Carlton Sarasota – The Entrance
Day 1
We learned from our trip last year and planned for an even better time this year. We left Madeira Beach around 7:30am so that we’d make it to the Ritz Sarasota on time for our 9am massages (stay tuned for an review post about our spa experiences).
a lovely welcome – we do love chocolate
By 11am or so, we were done our spa treatments, we were checked into our room (the Ritz was able to accommodate my early check-in request, and I was very thankful), and we were on the shuttle bus to the Beach Club. The Ritz Sarasota has two properties. The first is the hotel in downtown Sarasota. It’s on the water, but it’s not on a beach. The second property is the Beach Club at Lido Beach, which is about a 10 minute drive from the hotel. The Ritz shuttle bus leaves on the hour from the hotel to go to the beach club.
just pretending (side note: I wore this Ralph Lauren t-shirt dress a lot while in Florida)
The beach club is amazing. The pool is large, the lounge chairs are comfortable, the towel service is perfect, and the poolside food options are excellent. Since the beach club is on the beach, seating and service is also available on the beach. We opted to park ourselves poolside so that we could enjoy the music and stay sand-free, but we did go for a walk on the beach, too. Lido Beach is lovely, but it’s not as beautiful as nearby Siesta Key or Madeira Beach (yes, I may be biased).
We stayed at the Beach Club for the full day – in the sun and in the shade. It. Was. Perfect. My poolside lunch consisted of a cheese quesadilla (good) and an ice cream sandwich (amazing). The ladies at the seats next to me all stared (in envy, I’m sure!) when I pulled out the ice cream treat from the container. Since calories don’t count on vacation, I thoroughly enjoyed this classic summertime treat. I strongly encourage you to order one if you go, and I won’t judge if you eat it all by yourself (like I did – yum!).
we spent hours at the Beach Club
happy Jordana
Our room was the same set-up as our room last year. The bathroom, the bed, the balcony, and the view are my favourite parts of the room. Way to narrow things down, right? The bathroom is so spacious and well-appointed. Towels are fluffy and the Asprey products are lovely. The beds are so comfortable; I had an exceptional sleep! I must say that it’s wise for waterfront hotels to have balconies so that guests can enjoy the outdoors while in their own rooms. Our view was over the restaurant’s patio, pool, and water. The decor reflects the sea, sun, and sand with its blue-beige colour palette, the curves on the headboards and chairs, and the artwork and pillow details.
The Ritz bed is extremely comfortable!
All the Asprey and marble! 
a sweet seating area
One of the other (of the many) things that I really like about about the Ritz Sarasota is the shuttle bus service. As I mentioned, the shuttle bus takes guests to the Beach Club. It also takes guests to St. Armand’s Circle – a hot destination for restaurants and shopping. We made a reservation at Shore after doing some research poolside earlier in the day. My friend and I were both pleased with our meals, and we’d definitely return. Because of the Ritz shuttle service, we didn’t have to worry about driving, directions, parking, etc. So darn easy! 
I had to! (at St. Armand’s Circle)
dinner at Shore at St. Armand’s Circle
And we ended the evening with an evening swim. So lovely!
the Ritz Carlton Sarasota – at night
Day 2
On day 2, we opted to stay in Sarasota rather than shuttling over to the beach club. This gave us the opportunity to wonder around town, stumble upon the weekly market, eat a French breakfast at C’est La Vie on Main St., and pop in and out of shops.
white architecture of the library
Main St. Sarasota
a stop in at Sur La Table
mmm…a French breakfast in Florida…oui, oui!
After our morning stroll, we spent the day at the hotel pool. It was fantastic. Absolutely perfect. It was quieter than the beach club, and it offered a slightly different poolside menu. Since we wanted to stay at the Ritz for as long as they’d let us, we asked about using the pool beyond check-out. Here’s another great thing about the Ritz Sarasota – even after check-out, guests are still able to use the hotel’s amenities, including the pool. This made us thrilled!
the hotel pool
the well-manicured grounds of the Ritz Sarasota
For lunch, I snacked on the pita, veggie, and hummus dip. It was a light mid-day meal. When it’s so hot out, I really don’t feel like eating, and I was glad to see a variety of options on the hotel’s poolside menu. I mostly just feel like going from my lounge chair to the hammock to the pool. 
that was fun!
We stayed until late afternoon and left right before the rain came. When our lounge chair neighbours predicted that a storm was about 7 miles away, we took it as a cue to pack up and leave.
Once again, I had a great time at the Ritz Sarasota and if all goes as planned, I’ll make another appearance there next year!
Enjoy the rest of your labour day long weekend, everyone!
Many thanks to S.A. and the Ritz Carlton Sarasota team for ensuring our stay was just perfect.
All photos are my own. See a few more photos at #WhiteCabanaGoesToTheRitz.
