Life Abroad

travel palettes

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Since I’m always trying to infuse the feel of the places I’ve been into my everyday life, I thought I’d create some travel palettes from some of my favourite destinations. Isn’t it interesting how the colours of each city are so distinct? I remember visiting Cinque Terre in Italy, and marveling at the beautiful pink, yellow and turquoise buildings. Amsterdam also had a colour palette of its own – mostly darker, earthy tones. I especially loved the black brick buildings there. I’m thinking of a picking out a travel palette for the next time I re-decorate…I’m kind of drawn to the Munster palette, since I’m loving all things mustard these days.

Do you connect colours to certain places? What would you say is the “colour” of the place you live? I’m thinking Toronto is red, grey, and navy blue.

have a relaxing weekend

2012-01-27T13:26:00.001-05:00

This weekend I’m making home-made gluten-free pizza with spinach and mushrooms, watching Crazy, Stupid, Love and planning an upcoming vacation with Dylan. I’m also looking forward to wandering around the St. Lawrence Antique market on Sunday morning, and finishing the latest John Grisham novel.

Hope your weekend is relaxing and productive (and that you don’t get too much snow!)

[ photo via ]

Quintessential Cottage Country

2012-01-23T22:15:00.001-05:00

Quintessential Cottage Country – that’s how National Geographic Traveler magazine described Muskoka, Ontario, when it included it in its “Best of the World: Must-See Places for 2012” list, which was featured in the Nov-Dec 2011 issue. The article describes Muskoka, a place I am very familiar with, as “the heart of Ontario’s cottage country.” I grew up visiting the cottages of friends in Muskoka, which is a 2.5 hour drive north of Toronto. Later, in University, I worked for two summers as a live-in nanny to a family who summered there. It was, without a doubt, the most picturesque and relaxing way to spend the summer. Even the drive up to Muskoka, often dead-locked on the highway with other Torontonians trying to make it up to their cottages for the weekend, held the promise of something great. Visiting Muskoka is the archetypical Canadian way to spend a summer – boating, having bonfires, and relaxing on the dock in a Muskoka chair. There’s so much to do in the 2500-square-mile area, which is dotted with lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. I was so happy to see that it made the National Geographic list – it’s such a mixture of old-school charm and high-end real estate, chic shops, and some of the best resorts around.

When I was a nanny, my days were filled with children’s sailing, tennis, and golf lessons at the nearby country club. Afterwards, we would go swimming in the lake, make friendship bracelets on the hammock, and collect wild blueberries that hung to the rocky cliffs. Those were magical summers, and every year I try to make it a point to visit up there. Port Carling is a great town to visit – lots of nice patios and independently-owned shops. You can venture there by boat or by car, and easily walk the little town in an afternoon. Tours of the lakes, and the gorgeous cottages that dot them (ahem – that’s a boat house in the photo above, not the actual cottage (!!)) can be purchased through Lady Muskoka Cruises, or the traditional Segwun steamship. Resorts like Taboo and Touchstone offer great amenities, like infinity pools and modern décor, while the traditional Windermere House has been a favourite place for families visiting Muskoka for decades. If you’re traveling with children, there’s even a Santa’s Village amusement park that operates in the summer!

My favourite time of day in Muskoka is the early morning, when the boats haven’t begun their rides on the lake, and the sea-planes have not yet landed. The water is glassy and black, and occasionally a loon will cut through it as it floats by, creating ripples that spread across the surface. Sitting on the dock in the early morning, bundled up in a sweatshirt with a cup of coffee, is such a peaceful time. And at night, it seems like you can see all the stars in the galaxy – I’ve never seen stars as bright as those up in Muskoka. So while I’ve heard some grumblings about National Geographic’s inclusion of Muskoka on its recent travel list (i.e. “oh no, our real estate prices will go up! it will become more expensive to find accommodations than it already is!”), I think it’s great that Muskoka was included – everyone should get the chance to experience the slow-paced, sometimes luxurious, way of life that Muskoka has to offer.

Photo Credits: 1 2 (clockwise from top left):3 4 5 6

Inside Alcatraz

2012-01-22T23:10:00.001-05:00

With the start of the new primetime show Alcatraz, which I watched for the first time tonight on Citytv.com, I started thinking back to my trip to The Rock last December, and how I never posted any pictures from Alcatraz on here. Visiting San Francisco last year, I knew that the one “must-see” for me was Alcatraz. Even though countless locals had told me to skip The Rock, as it was too touristy to be worth the ticket price, I knew I desperately wanted to go.

We booked our tickets in advance, through the Alcatraz Cruises website, since we had heard that tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends. Tours run from 9:10am to 1:55pm, and then there are night tours which begin at 4:20pm on some nights. A night tour would definitely be a fun (and eerie) option, and if I’m ever lucky enough to be back in San Francisco one day, I will be sure to book one. We ended up going on the morning tour though, at 9:10am, figuring it would be less crowded when exploring the island.

Ever since watching the Shawshank Redemption as a kid, I have had a fascination with prison movies - for me, listening to the audio tours at Alcatraz was a treat. So many stories lie behind the bars at Alcatraz, and the history of the island and those who lived on it (other than the prisoners) was so interesting to listen to. The children of the guards and prison staff actually lived on the island, and took the boat across the water to go to school each morning. Can you imagine what that must have been like?

I found our trip to Alcatraz to be eerily wonderful, and it was definitely a high-light of my time in San Francisco. It was a rainy, dreary day, and a thick blanket of fog covered the city. I remember being astonished at the beautiful vegetation that covered the island now, especially the wonderful succulents hugging the rocky cliffs.

Here are some helpful tips for visiting The Rock:

- We stayed on the island for about 2 hours. Coupled with getting on the boat and waiting times, the whole excursion took us about 3 hours. If you’re super interested in the island, you can stay as long as you’d like, with the last departure being 4:25pm.

- If you’re looking for a fun “experience” while at The Rock, ask to be locked up in D Block, in one of the solitary confinement cells. The “guard” will lock you (and fellow brave tourists) in “the hole” in complete darkness. Seriously, I thought this would be fun. Unfortunately, after we were left in there a leeeetle too long, I started to get nervous! I guess it makes the experience feel more authentic?? Think twice about doing this if you’re a chicken like me :)

- Bring some food and drinks with you, which you can eat on the dock. Food is prohibited on the grounds of Alcatraz, but after a morning of exploring, we were glad to have packed some granola and bottled water.

- It’s slippery! If you’re there on a damp day like we were (and let’s face it, San Francisco commonly has these wet weather days), make sure to watch your footing. The pathways are a bit rugged and kind of slick, so wearing good walking shoes with some grip on the bottoms is a good idea.

- Bring photo ID when picking up your tickets (it’s required), and leave the bulky backpacks or luggage at home (they’re prohibited).

- Do listen to a walking tour. It was so interesting to hear, through their own words, the stories of some of the individuals who lived and worked at Alcatraz. It’s guided in a way that makes the crowds spread out and creates a steady, even-paced flow of people, so you never feel like you’re in the way of others, or that you can’t see something.

Anybody watching Alcatraz the tv series? I’m not sure what to think about it yet… Seems a bit far-fetched for my liking, but it’s definitely cool to see the scenic shots of San Francisco and Alcatraz.

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-09T07:26:00.002-05:00

We celebrated 2012 at my friend's new condo – drinking Niagara wines, playing hilarious board games (like Taboo and Things in a Box), and snacking on a wonderful spread put out by Courtney. We rang in the new year with funny hats and scenes of Time Square in NYC.

2011 was an interesting year for me. So much happened, it was definitely one of those transition years. I graduated from my MBA program and started law school. I moved to Toronto full-time, and decorated a cute little studio apartment. I made new friends, met the man of my dreams, and got to spend lots of time with my sweet niece and nephew. I learned to knit (thanks Yvonne!), cycled from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario with my Dad, and worked at some amazing organizations (like Big Brothers Big Sisters).

2012 is sure to be exciting (at least I’m hoping it is!). My resolution? Be kind to those closest to me, for at the end of the day, they are all that matter.

Holiday Vacation

2012-01-07T00:06:00.002-05:00

This Christmas holiday, I had three weeks of vacation from law school. When I started my Christmas vacation, I could not fathom having enough activities to keep me busy. I didn’t know what to do with myself! The first few mornings when I woke up, I kept having to tell myself, “It’s ok, there is nothing you need to be doing…just relax and enjoy!” Easier said than done. All in all, I think I did a pretty good job of just relaxing and enjoying :) When there was a lull in the excitement around my parent’s house, I seemed to resort to baking, and whipped up two cheesecakes, popcorn peanut butter balls, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, French onion soup, turkey meatballs with cranberry dipping sauce, and sautéed potatoes during my stay. Needless to say my parents aren’t looking forward to me leaving any time soon!

This Christmas was different in many ways. It didn’t snow. At all. In fact, today was so warm it felt like the middle of October! It was the first Christmas where Maxx, my nephew, actually knew what was going on. Maxx and Kendra, my niece, made our Christmas amazing – at ages 2 and 3, they were so much fun to watch open presents! We spent Christmas morning at my Grandma’s house, eating breakfast with extended family, whereas we normally spend it at home. We Skyped with my Oma from Prince Edward Island, as she couldn’t come to visit us this year. This was also my first Christmas with Dylan. We had an amazing time in Toronto together, and met each other’s parents. It went great and I’m pretty sure Dylan and my Dad are BFFs now :)When he stayed with us in Niagara, I took him to see Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls for the first time. Although we visited the falls on the worst possible night – a torrential downpour in the freezing cold, it was still an experience that every Canadian should see at least once (even from beneath an enormous golf umbrella!) Niagara-on-the-Lake never fails to disappoint – from its beautiful architecture and historical sites to its quaint restaurants and shops, it is always such a fun place to visit. We loved ducking into the little stores to escape the cold, and wandering around the old surrounding neighbourhoods as we listened to canons being blasted off from nearby Fort George.

We drank the best chocolate milkshakes at Fran’s in Toronto, cozied up at the Duke of Somerset for yummy steak dinners, explored St. Lawrence Market’s culinary delights (and a surprise tulip plant for me!), and shopped for size 15 shoes at Winners for Dylan. We watched Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy at the theatre, drank countless gingerbread lattes at Starbucks, and daydreamed about being in warmer weather when the temperature dropped to minus 15 C. We drank ice-wine slushies from the Ice House Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and enjoyed sushi in Yorkville. It was a wonderful break, and I’m so thankful to have spent this holiday season with Dylan.

Hope you all had wonderful holidays, and I wish you all the best in 2012…and thank you again for your continued support and encouragement in this blogging world xo

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T23:15:00.001-05:00

It has been a long time since I last posted on this blog, but I wanted to say happy holidays to all my lovely readers around the world. So much has changed in my life in the last few months – a new school, a new city, a new boyfriend, new hobbies, and new experiences. It has been a busy whirlwind, filled with excitement, challenges, and lots of life’s little lessons. This Christmas break, I’m looking forward to spending relaxing time at home, reading John Grisham’s The Litigators, baking lots of gluten-free treats, and seeing my niece and nephew. Our festivities start tomorrow, since we celebrate mostly on Christmas Eve. I’ve already baked these and these, both delicious!

Last weekend, I visited Toronto’s Distillery District Christmas Market with my parents. It was freeeezing cold, but made the atmosphere just that much more Christmas-y. We browsed the market stalls and art galleries, looked at the amazing Christmas decorations, and tried a few treats from the stands. Highly recommend visiting next year – it’s the closest thing we have in Canada to those wonderful Christmas markets that pop up around Europe!

Here’s a shot of me and my new man, Dylan, in front of the enormous Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to go ice skating this winter on the rink also set up in the square! Below are my Christmas presents, wrapped and ready to go with recycled snowflakes, paper, and old ribbons (plus cute print-out tags found on pinterest!).

May your holiday season be bright, and filled with all the things that make you happy!

My New Toronto Home!

2011-09-02T11:52:00.001-04:00

So I realize that I’ve been a horrible blogger this summer….and especially in the last few weeks…but I do have an excuse! I’ve been working full-time, and after work have been devoting my time to getting ready to move to Toronto! I moved in last weekend, and let me tell you, it feels amazing to have my very own condo in the city! It’s super-tiny (497 sq feet to be exact), and it’s only one room (plus a galley kitchen and bathroom)…but it’s all mine! Yay! Throughout the summer I was on a scavenger hunt to find pieces for my new place, all on a budget. I started out with a brown futon from my undergrad days, but wanted to create a black and white colour scheme. From there, I decided that a neutral palette of browns, creams, whites, and black would be appropriate. A little while ago I posted about how I found two Tiffany blue antique chairs on the side of the road, for free, and immediately decided to use them as an accent colour in the space. The only issue was that I still needed a table. With such a small space, I was really hoping to find a white bistro table with a pedestal base. The closest thing I could find was one at West Elm, but at $199, it was still way out of my price range. Two days before I was set to move to Toronto, my Mom and I were driving past an antique store, when I shouted “stop the car!” There, sitting on the sidewalk, was an adorable square kitchen table with two white chairs. I wasn’t too fond of the whole “country kitchen” look of the set, but for $30, and the impending move, I couldn’t be picky. Initially I was going to store away the two white chairs in my storage locker, but have since decided that a mismatched set of two Tiffany blue chairs and two white chairs looks really cute. I also painted the table legs black, as well as a black geometric pattern on the table top.

Another way I customized my apartment on the cheap was to make my own artwork. In my opinion, nothing pulls a room together faster than hanging some art. I used three pieces that I had previously made in art classes at school (like the Lenny Kravitz silhouette art that is blown up in my breakfast nook), and found the other frames in my house. To make cheap art, I just found images that I liked online, and printed them off on regular paper. Popping them into the frames instantly gave the look I was hoping for. I even created a print using Picnik, where I typed in various Amsterdam-related words in different fonts, set on a black background. This way I can easily change up the art whenever I feel like it, and it won’t cost me a cent. On my dresser I framed a picture I drew in Amsterdam one morning, staring out of my window.

By far the most costly item in my condo is this cow-skin rug from HomeSense. It was a splurge, (thanks Mom and Dad for the birthday present!), but instantly tied in the browns, creams, and black of the space. Plus it’s super-soft and silky, and is the perfect size for in front of my futon.

I had so many mismatched antique items that I was a bit worried how they would work together in the space. From this old coat-rack to a beautiful claw-footed half-moon table my Mom’s friend gave me, I wondered if the different colour woods would look ok. I think with the dark floor that they all tie in nicely, and give the space some character (nothing is worse, in my opinion, than walking into a house that looks completely from an IKEA catalog). I also brought along my Amsterdam table, that I brought home in a suitcase. For only 5 euro at a Queen’s Day sale, it was a great find from my time there. Now it houses my ceramic elephant and a little basket of change.

One of my favourite elements of the room is this custom bookshelf. Originally just a plain ole white bookshelf that I had in my bedroom for ages, I decided to give it a facelift by wall-papering the back. Since the width of the bookcase was more than the width of a roll of paper, I had to do some tricky lining up of the pattern, but I think it ended up matching pretty good. The owls are from an antique store, and were originally coloured. Made from chalk, they’re actually from the 1930s. I ended up negotiating and got them both for $20! A few coats of glossy white spray paint later, and they’re heavy book-ends or decorative pieces.

So, what do you think? Any tips for small-space living? I’m actually getting used to living in one room, and with a lot of organization and a place for everything, it’s surprisingly spacious!

happy weekend!

2011-08-12T17:13:00.001-04:00

{photo via}

Another week gone in the summer! Why is it going by so fast?! Can someone please make it slow down???

Hope your weekend is the perfect mix of fun and active, and relaxed and calming. I’m not sure what this weekend has in store for me, but after a crazy week, I’m really looking forward to some down-time. Enjoy yours!

PS. Don’t you love the wide-planked wooden floors and breezy white look of this room? Reminds me of being back in Amsterdam for sure…

Photo Flashback: Delft

2011-08-11T09:19:00.000-04:00

I’m sure all of you have seen the classic blue and white pottery, called Delft Blue Pottery, from the Netherlands. It is quintessentially Dutch, and is still made in the Dutch city of Delft. Just a few hours south of Amsterdam, Delft is a great place for a day-trip, and is easily accessible by train. It has world-class universities, and the most charming canals. I instantly fell in love with the slanting church, pottery tiles, and tiny streets. When my parents visited me in the Netherlands, we went to Delft and climbed the winding stairs to the top of the largest church tower. The views were remarkable, and I loved seeing the country from a different vantage point. If you’re ever in the Netherlands, Delft is definitely a city worth putting on your itinerary!

Kayaking

2011-08-10T09:03:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I went kayaking for the first time. It was fun, and although my shoulders were burning slightly, I just loved being out on the water. Even though I get sea-sick, this just reaffirmed that one day I should probably own a boat. There is something about the colour, smell, and sound of the water that is so soothing, don’t you agree?

When I move to Toronto in a few weeks, I will definitely be heading down to the Harbourfront Centre for long walks and trips to the marina.

Studio Apartment Inspiration

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

On the weekend I got the keys to my new apartment in downtown Toronto. After a long time of searching, I finally found something that was a) not in a sketchy neighbourhood, b) clean, and c) affordable. Although some places were bigger than the apartment I decided to rent, they either didn’t have 24/7 security or were super-grungy with completely out-of-date kitchens, bathrooms, and appliances. The studio apartment I finally decided upon is absolutely beautiful. It’s only 500-square-feet, which makes it a tight squeeze. However, it has white Carerra marble countertops, a stainless steel backsplash, a marble bathroom with glass shower, and huge windows looking out to the city. So it feels bright and spacious, even though it’s not. Plus the way the lay-out is, it makes for numerous different furniture placements, which is a bonus.

On the weekend we spent a day cleaning, moving in boxes, and painting. I chose “white on white”, which is a warm white that instantly made the space feel less clinical. I have yet to move in all of my furniture, and will be doing that at the end of the month.

Initially I had wanted to do the entire space in black, white, brown, and cream. Very neutral. My couch is chocolate brown, and my linens will be white. But I also have a lot of black accent pieces, so that was where my “neutral” theme came from. All I needed was a small round table and two chairs for my breakfast nook! But then, one day on my drive home from work, I found two gorgeous antique wooden farm chairs sitting at the side of the road, painted in the most beautiful Tiffany blue. For free. Yes, I stopped my car, loaded them into my trunk, and had a nice chat with an elderly man who informed me they were dated back to the late 1800s. Amazing! Do you ever watch the show “American Pickers”? I definitely felt like a picker that day. So I brought them home and scrubbed them clean. The paint is chipping, and you can see layers upon layers of coloured paint peeking through. I love how the chairs come with their own personal history, and decided immediately not to pain them (I initially thought they would be gorgeous sprayed white). So now I have “Tiffany blue” as an accent colour in my space, which I think will work well.

When deciding which accent colour to throw in there, along with my neutrals and Tiffany blue, I thought honeysuckle pink might be nice. Just a pop here and there. Maybe a flower vase or a framed piece of pink fabric. What do you think? I will definitely keep the pink to a minimum, but I think it will be a nice contrast to the blue.

Here are some inspiration boards I’ve been using for my studio:

Have a great weekend!

2011-08-05T14:20:00.000-04:00

{photo via}

How amazing is this transparent kayak? I went kayaking for the first time last weekend and loved it. This weekend I’m attending my friend’s bridal shower (can you believe this is my first time attending a bridal shower for a friend?! I feel so old), getting the keys to my new studio apartment in Toronto, painting and cleaning the apartment, and hopefully eating lots of yummy gelato from our delicious neighbourhood gelateria. What are you up to this weekend? Hope it’s a good one.

Canal Days

2011-08-04T08:04:00.000-04:00

On the weekend I went to “Canal Days” held in Port Colborne, Ontario. Every year, the tall ships sail into the port, and tons of food vendors line the street. As we ate dinner at the Sugarloaf Marina on the outdoor terrace, we watched as the sky produced the most amazing show of colours. Shortly after the last sky picture was taken, that big line of rain washed over us, drenching everyone in a span of 5 minutes. Then, the rain cloud left as quickly as it came, and we were left with the most gorgeous balmy summer evening. The funnel cakes and elephant ears at the festival were seriously tempting me, and although I can’t eat gluten, I was considering it. They even had fried butter at one of the vendors, which was crazy disgusting. Has anyone ever tried that? I’m not sure I could. I don’t think there’s anything I enjoy more in the summers than walking through a street festival. Such great energy and always interesting people-watching haha. Any great festivals in your area?

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2011-08-03T18:50:00.001-04:00

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last blog entry. Where did July go? I’m pretty sure I’ve never spent thaat much time away from my blog before, but somehow, I just couldn’t get a post together. A lot of changes have happened in my life this summer, some good, some not-so-good, and it’s definitely been a transitional period in my life. I’ve experienced heartbreak, incredible joy, immense gratitude, and liberating freedom all squished together against a back-drop of evening bike rides and trips to the market. Strange how sometimes different aspects of your life seem to fall apart at the same time, and then, when you least expect it, it all comes together again. I’ve learned that I am incredibly resilient, and have a definite knack for looking ahead and not dwelling on the past. I guess that’s a good thing, but sometimes it can make me feel a bit robotic. I mean, shouldn’t I be upset about certain things? I guess I’m just hard-wired to move ahead and look to the positives, which is a blessing. All I can say is that I’ve never been so grateful for my amazing family and friends as I have been this summer. I’m going to miss them terribly when I move to Toronto in a month!

Eek! Speaking of which, I just got the most *adorable* bachelorette apartment in downtown Toronto, and I cannot wait to decorate. I will probably be posting some interior design/décor stuff on the blog, just as a way to compile everything. I’ve already started pinning some things on my pinterest account, if you’d like to follow along. I’m pretty nervous, anxious, and excited to move into my first real place, on my own, in the big city. Be prepared for lots of Toronto posts, as I plan to go everywhere with my Nikon (for the first little while at least!).

Hope all of your summers have been going well, and if not, I hope you manage to find something positive in there.

Fourth of July 43km Bike Ride

2011-07-05T23:12:00.001-04:00

I had an amazing long weekend. Canada Day was beautiful, and the gorgeous weather made everything we did this weekend feel like summer! We spent most of our time at one lake or another (we live in the Great Lakes region of Canada). On July 4th, while our neighbours to the South were celebrating Independence Day (something we used to do when we lived in Kentucky), my Dad and I decided to take a bike ride. We have been training in the evenings and on weekends, cycling for roughly one hour a night. We usually go along the trail that runs the length of the Welland Canal. It’s really beautiful, and we see such interesting things while cycling…like baby rabbits, flocks of gold finches, and Canadian geese that sometimes hiss at us when we cross the path. For this bike ride, we rode from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The ride was 43km in length, and took us about 2.5 hours (we stopped along the way to take photos and for popsicles). We dipped our toes into Lake Erie in Port Colborne, and finished off the ride with our feet in Lake Ontario, on the beach of Port Weller in St. Catharines. It was great, and surprisingly not that exhausting! The only thing that was slightly uncomfortable were the gusting winds that never. let. up. But we made it! It was such a nice way to spend the day with my Dad, and feels great to accomplish the “lake-to-lake” ride along the H20 Highway.

View Lake to Lake Cycling Route in a larger map

Above, the photo is when we started in Port Colborne at Lake Erie. Below, we’re high-fiving having made it to Lake Ontario, 43 km later!

Hope you all had a great Canada Day and Fourth of July! What did you do this weekend?

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T11:45:00.001-04:00

Today is Canada Day, where we celebrate the creation of our amazing country! I’m so thankful to be Canadian, and as I get older, I appreciate it more and more. When traveling abroad, when people ask where I’m from, I proudly state “Canada!” It is always well-received, and everyone seems to have a story about a friend or family member who lives in Canada, has visited here, or knows a Canadian. I love that Canada is so peaceful, stable, and kind to its citizens. It is so culturally diverse, and from West Coast to East Coast, the landscape, people, and traditions differ drastically.

With everything that has happened in the world recently, from natural disasters to political and economic unrest, I regularly count my blessings that I’m a Canadian. Of course our country is not free from its own problems, but compared to some nations, they are relatively small.

Natural beauty, friendly people, and a down-to-earth feel…that’s how I would characterize Canada.

Happy birthday Canada!

Strawberries

2011-06-27T09:13:00.000-04:00

I had the most amazing, relaxing weekend. It all started when I decided to make homemade gluten-free bread in the new breadmaker my dad bought for me. Gluten-free bread is so expensive, and usually not that great-tasting. I’ve gotten used to the dense, weird taste of gluten-free bread, but I obviously still long for “normal” bread. It was a scavenger hunt of sorts to get all the proper ingredients for the bread recipe…tapioca flour, xanthan gum, potato starch, etc. After hunting them all down, we set to work making the bread. It was surprisingly easy to make, and after three hours, the most delicious, soft, spongy, perfectly tasting bread was made! Ever since going gluten-free last April, I had really missed that taste. Needless to say, my weekend was filled with strawberry jam toasts and ham sandwiches. Yum. On Saturday we went strawberry picking at a local “pick-your-own” farm. For only $10, we filled up two big containers of the freshest, sweetest strawberries! It seemed like we piled them on nearly everything we ate this weekend (and they were perfectly appropriate for Wimbledon watching!). My little nephew, Maxx, even loved them. He stayed with us this weekend, and we had the best time with him. I love being an Auntie. We saw baby racoons in a tree, went to a few different playgrounds, took long walks, played with neighbourhood doggies, and laid in the grass til the mosquitoes came out. The rest of the weekend was spent on long bike rides, antique shopping, and going to the ice cream parlor. What did you do this weekend?

Have a happy weekend!

2011-06-17T15:57:00.000-04:00

Thanks everyone for your sweet comments on my last post. I know it was long over-due! What are you doing this weekend? I’ll be attending a birthday party, going for a long lakefront bike-ride with my dad, and baking the most delicious blueberry dessert. Have a great weekend!

The story of why I left the Netherlands…

2011-06-13T23:28:00.001-04:00

This is a story that has never really been told here on my blog, and for some reason (perhaps that I’m entering a new chapter of my life, or maybe I’m just feeling nostalgic), I’d like to tell it. For those of you who don’t know, I lived in the Netherlands from May 2008 to August 2009. Just over a year. Gabriel had work over there, and since I had just graduated from university in Canada, and had planned to take a year off, it was serendipitous timing. A few weeks after finishing up my last exam, I packed up two suitcases and flew across the Atlantic. Initially we stayed in Hilversum, a smaller city south of Amsterdam, in the guest-house of the business he was working at. We commuted back and forth to Canada during that time, due to visa regulations. One month in Europe, one month in Canada. Just as I’d get used to the time-change and living situation in the Netherlands, we’d have to fly back. Then it became permanent, and we could stay in the Netherlands full-time. It was bliss. We rented a house right in Amsterdam, and Gabriel even bought a cute little Volkswagen Golf. We put down roots, purchased big things, and created a circle of friends there. We created a life there. During that time, we thought we would stay in the Netherlands forever. It’s the type of place we could envision living in. We loved the people, the culture, the lifestyle, the landscape. Of course we lived there long enough to recognize some of the downfalls as well, and it wasn’t always easy. There was culture-shock (for me), and brutal traffic (for him). There was the language barrier, and not knowing many people at first. But to us, the positives outweighed the negatives. I think we recognized how once-in-a-lifetime the opportunity was, and how fortunate we were to have it, so we really tried to embrace the culture and emphasize the good things.

During my time abroad, I had a Working Holiday Visa. It’s a program through the Canadian and Dutch governments that let me stay there, for a year, and work. I went through hoop-after-hoop to obtain it, and to keep a permit to live there. It was a logistical labyrinth, and Gabriel’s situation (as an employee of a Dutch company) was tedious to sort out as well. The Dutch love their rules, and bureaucracy was thick there.

Midway through my time there, I began thinking about my “next steps.” I wanted to go back to school, and I wanted to get into business. I began researching Dutch universities, and was accepted at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit and the Rotterdam School of Management. I met with alumni from both schools, visited the campuses, went to open-houses and welcome-days, and finally made my decision. I accepted an offer of admission at the Rotterdam School of Management in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I was going to do my Masters of Science in Management there, and was scheduled to start in September of 2009. During that time, I wrote a fair bit on my blog about my excitement, and the upcoming studies overseas that I would be taking. I was excited, but nervous as well. The commute to Rotterdam from our home in Amsterdam would take over an hour by tram/train/bus each day. Part of me thought I was crazy for wanting to do that each way, but the other side of me could not wait for the chance to stay in the Netherlands for another two years. Well, a few months later, I unexpectedly left to come back to Canada. Not many of my blogging friends knew why, and my close expat friends in the blogging community were shocked by the news. What happened involved difficulty with getting the necessary visas, along with some other logistical issues. In a span of two weeks, I had to apply to schools in Canada, or risk spending another year without employment or education. My Working Holiday Visa had run its course, so my only option was to move back to Canada (or enroll somewhere else in the Netherlands…but it was too late for that). It all happened so fast, and I was shell-shocked. Those of you who read this blog, know how much I loved living abroad. To leave so quickly, and to leave Gabriel there, was very difficult for me. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I remember sitting in Reykjavik, Iceland, alone, on a lay-over during my flight home. I was so unsure of what I was doing, and if I’d ever even see Gabriel or the Netherlands again. Half of my things were still there…my house was the way I’d left it. Gabriel would be living there, and the plan was for me to go back 8 months later, in the summer after my first year in Canada.

When I arrived home, too-tanned from a surprise trip to Spain, and too heartbroken to digest what was happening, I had to dive right into school. Leave it to me to fly home mere days before I was slated to start school, hoping to soak up whatever time I had left with Gabriel in Amsterdam. But then, I started school. I got busy. I wrote exams. I met new friends. Amsterdam slipped away. Bit by bit. It became a memory, a story. Nightly though, I would see Gabriel and our apartment via Skype. Part of me had one foot still on the winding staircase leading up to our apartment on Daniel Stalpertstraat. Months later, Gabriel and I met up in NYC and then South America. And then, miracle of miracles, he moved back to Toronto. And life became “normal” again, and our time abroad was just a chapter of our lives (an amazing, life-changing one at that).

Perhaps this blog, in some way, has allowed me to keep one foot in Amsterdam even after two years have passed. It has kept me connected to the part of me that was so incredibly happy, so incredibly content, and so incredibly satisfied. I knew that where I was was exactly where I was supposed to be. In retrospect, I see how things worked out. If I had gone to school in Rotterdam, Gabriel would’ve still had to leave the country due to visas, and I would be left there, alone, commuting 2 hours a day and somehow finding a way to live there. It worked out. I wish I would’ve known that then, but I guess that takes all the fun out of it, right? Not knowing what the next step is, is what makes life worth living. As soon as things become too bland and predictable, you have to shake it up. Or else, where’s the fun? Where’s the mystery, the surprise, the anticipation? I don’t know how the rest of this summer will turn out, or what’s in store for me next year. It’s scary, and after two years of relative predictability, it has shaken me a bit. But thinking back upon my 22-year-old self, flying home solo from Amsterdam in August of 2009, filled with sadness and fear, I realize now that everything will sort itself out. It always does.

Convocation Weekend

2011-06-13T10:21:00.000-04:00

So this weekend I officially received my MBA (Masters of Business Administration) degree! I can’t believe that those two years flew by so quickly. It seems like mere months ago when I sent in my applications from my little house in Amsterdam. It was so great to see everyone again, and since our graduating class was very small (unlike my undergrad class), I loved seeing everyone get “hooded” by the bedels at the ceremony.

Now onto the next chapter of my life: law school! I will be relishing my freedom this summer, before the big 3-year push begins. Even though lots of changes have been going on in my life right now, I’m so thankful to have next year to look forward to, and the support of all my amazing friends. xo

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Have a Happy Weekend!

2011-06-10T16:11:00.000-04:00

I’m not sure what I love more about these photos: the differences amongst the riding styles of each of the cyclists, or the unique styles (look at the shoes!) in each picture.

Which one is your favourite? I like the Mom with her baby, casually talking on her cell phone, with her milk crate strapped to the front of her bike.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Tomorrow I’ll be crossing the stage, getting my MBA! Woohoo! At first I didn’t care much about it, but as the day gets closer, I’m getting quite excited. I’ll be back next week with photos!

Knowing where you’re from…

2011-06-09T10:58:00.000-04:00

…makes knowing where you’re going a whole lot easier.

Like most Canadians, my family are immigrants. Dutch on my Dad’s side, Polish/British on my Mom’s. For whatever reason, I’ve always identified more with my Dutch side, likely because I knew more about them, and had heard numerous stories from my Oma and Opa over the years. If you read my blog during the time I lived in the Netherlands (a purely coincidental happening, which had nothing to do with my family or heritage), you’ll know what a period of self-discovery and growth it was for me. My experience there was not your typical “live abroad in Europe for a year.” It was an opportunity to, in solitude, discover my family’s history. Of course Gabriel was there with me, but he worked full-time, and during the days I would trek across the country, re-tracing the steps of my ancestors. Sometimes I marvel at my 21-year-old self’s bravery. I like to think I’d still be the same way, but taking off on a train to a new city, in a country where I don’t speak the language (although most Dutch people speak impeccable English), without a cell phone, was quite remarkable if I do say so myself hah! Simple things, like walking through the streets I knew my grandmother had walked through during her twenties, or shopping at the same stores, connected with something deep in the pit of my stomach. I would talk to Gabriel about my day, when we both returned home in the evenings, and of course he was interested. But I always wondered if he ever really understood what I was experiencing. The kind of discovery, transformation, and unraveling of my ancestry…I don’t think he really did, and I don’t expect him to. It was my journey, and I am infinitely grateful to him for allowing me the means and opportunity to live abroad with him during his international job experience.

The pinnacle of my time abroad, and one which has stayed with me far longer than the rest of my experiences, was my trip to Terschelling. Terschelling is a small island in the North Sea, belonging to the Netherlands. I went there in May of 2009 with my parents, when they came for two weeks to visit me. We took the ferry across from Harlingen, and spent the next few days exploring the very place where my paternal ancestors all originated. It was remarkable. Life-changing. I had grown up knowing my Opa and Oma’s families hailed from Terschelling. But to me, it was a little speck on a big map. It was a place from a fairy-tale, a family saga, a thousand stories. I didn’t know what to expect when we stepped off the ferry, other than that it would be windy and likely very beautiful (it is now a popular vacation destination for Dutch families).

It was more than just the surface-things. Sure, the people looked similar to me, more-so than anyone I’d ever seen walking around Canada. Of course we saw the signs for the towns from my family’s stories. But what really stood out to me, was the feeling I got cycling through Terschelling. Feeling so connected to one’s heritage, after it being nothing more than a mere tale for twenty-odd years, is a rather unique experience. It was the root of half of my DNA, and lineages that spanned centuries (we have the detailed family trees that explain it all). Seeing the cemetery in Midsland, behind the small church, with our surnames plastered on nearly every headstone, was unreal. These were my family members. This was where I was from. Meeting family members I had heard about in stories, and seeing, by chance, a framed photograph of an ancestor, identical to one in our home in Canada, gave me chills. Learning that distant cousins, my age, were still attending nautical school to enter into our family career as ship captains, showed me how deep a history our family still has.

It seems that now, as I finish my MBA and move on to law school, the reality that two years has passed since I left the Netherlands hits hard. I don’t want the lessons I learned there, the feelings I got, and the knowledge and wisdom I found to ever leave me. Knowing where you’re from is a feeling like no other, and I am determined to one day experience my maternal sides’ ancestry as well. For me, as I’m sure it would be for most people, experiencing my family’s ancestral roots, and having it affect me in a way I never realized it would, has stuck with me. It has made me have a sense of self, and knowing my foundation has allowed me to build upon it, and figure out where I want to go in my life. And for that experience, I will be forever grateful.

Photo Flashback: Malta

2011-06-08T10:22:00.001-04:00

To this day, no place I’ve ever visited has surprised me as much as Malta did. Before going there, all I had heard about the tiny island nation was that it was, essentially, a rock. Ok, but that didn’t really tell me much about the country itself. What was the culture like? What language was spoken? What types of food were eaten? I was so curious, and the five hour flight from Amsterdam seemed like an eternity. For the few days that we were there, staying in the guest house of one of Gabriel’s former colleagues, I was enthralled with this beautiful country. From the old British telephone booths and colonial heritage, to the Arabic street names and architecture, Malta was an infusion of different cultures and nations, blended together in amidst golden rock and bright blue sea. I fell in love with Malta, the friendly people, the charming expats, and the long history.

Life Abroad City Guide: Toronto

2011-06-04T14:56:00.003-04:00

Commonly a stop on most people’s trips to Canada, Toronto is a vibrant, multi-cultural city with lots to offer. I have nowhere near scratched the surface of all the amazing restaurants, shops, and markets within the city, but am nonetheless excited to share with you what I have found to be the best of Toronto. If you have anything to add, please feel free to leave them in the comments section, I would love to hear your recommendations too! I’ve compiled a 3-day guide, and this handy map below helps to organize all the points of interest:

View Life Abroad's Toronto Map in a larger map

Where to Stay:

I recommend Hotel Le Germain, a beautiful boutique hotel on Mercer Street. Right across from the Toronto International Film Festival Tiff Bell Lightbox, the red-brick hotel is a hotspot for visiting celebs and non-celebs alike! Of course there are tons of hotels in the downtown core, and searching sites like Travelzoo, and Priceline are super-helpful in finding great deals. Last year I stayed at the Yorkville Intercontinental hotel on Bloor Street for my university-reunion, and through a Priceline deal, scored it for only $90/night!

Brunch Al Fresco: The Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill serves up some of the best cuisine in the city. From its Belgian Waffles to its Broccoli, Leek, and Goat Cheese Quiche, there is something for everyone on this menu. In warmer weather, the patio is relaxed and cool, with chic outdoor sofas and a lounge-y vibe. Close to Union Station (Toronto’s main train terminal), the Yonge & Front location of the grill makes it perfect for a first-stop in Toronto.

Browse the Market: A long-time favourite place of mine is the St. Lawrence Market. Set in an area of the city which boasts picturesque brick buildings, including the famous Flatiron building, the St. Lawrence Market is a thriving indoor space with cuisine from around the globe. Head downstairs to the basement level for some of the best. cabbage roles. of. your. life. The samples of cheeses, crackers, meats, and breads on the main-floor of the market alone are reason enough to visit! On Saturday mornings, across the street from the main market pavilion, is a smaller structure housing organic, independent farmers. It’s a great place to pick up some gluten-free baked goods or home-grown produce. On Sundays, across the street is transformed into an antiques market, both indoor and outdoor. From vintage clothing and jewelry to retro furniture, the Sunday antiques market is a shopper’s haven.

Pound the Bricks: After spending the morning at the market, head on over to Toronto’s famous Distillery District, a national Historic Site. On the east-end of the city, travelers to the Distillery District are recommended to take a quick 5 minute cab ride to get there. Walking is doable, but it leads through some of the sketchier areas of town, with not much to see between St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District. Once you arrive, you will be greeted with beautifully rustic brick buildings, brick streets, and modern art galleries. Home to some of the best lofts in the city, the Distillery District was once a whiskey-brewing area of town, with many of the buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. This gorgeous area of town has been restored to its true beauty, and many boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and cafes can now be found here. If you’re lucky, one of the many festivals hosted here will be going on during your visit! Grab some lunch at a restaurant as you make your way around this famous historic area.

Go Thai: After a day spent browsing the market and the Distillery District, an affordable and delicious Thai meal is sure to satisfy your appetite. Thai Princess is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant we noticed immediately after moving to Toronto. Why? Because in the summer its patio is always packed with people; everyone from the Financial District suits to the bohemian artists of the city love this place. We were immediately curious and had to give it a try. Since then, we’ve been back at least fifty times, and always enjoy impeccable service and hot, tasty food. My favourites are their pad thai and coconut rice, but everything on the menu is delicious. With a nice dining room and great prices, Thai Princess is my go-to place for a late-night dinner.

Catch a Film: Last summer, the Tiff Bell Lightbox opened its doors as the new home of the Toronto International Film Festival. This multi-million dollar behemoth is set in the heart of the Entertainment District, and when the festival isn’t on, plays host to daily viewings of movies from around the world and exhibitions. It’s also home to two Oliver & Bonacini restaurants: O&B Canteen and Luma. After your satisfying meal at Thai Princess, cross the street to Tiff to enjoy a foreign film or movie exhibition, like Midnight Madness or Hollywood Classics. It’s a great way to spend an evening, and a nightcap at any one of the multitude of bars in the surrounding area is the perfect way to finish off the night.

Break Bread: Cora’s is a Canadian landmark restaurant, with locations all across the country. If you’ve ever been, you’ll know about the amazing menu selection, the fresh fruit sculptures, and Cora’s signature dishes. You’ll also know about the lines of hungry early-risers who undoubtedly come with almost all of Cora’s locations. All I can say is, it’s worth the wait. I recommend the Wellington Street/Blue Jay’s Way location. You will leave with full tummies, ready to tackle a new day of sight-seeing, shopping, and exploring!

Be a Tourist: Any first-time visitor to Toronto must see the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre (formerly known as the Sky Dome). Take the elevator 112 stories high to the Glass floor, where you can look down upon the city. Known as one of the Modern Wonders of the World, the CN Tower looms above the Toronto skyline and is the city’s iconic structure. If you visit in season, taking in a Blue Jay’s Game at the Rogers Centre is a nice way to spend an afternoon, and is very affordable! If you’re brave enough, enjoying some “street meat” from a hot dog vendor is also an iconic Toronto treat.

Cool Off: Just steps away from the CN Tower and Rogers Centre is the Toronto Harbourfront Centre. Here you’ll find a sprawling boardwalk, summer festivals, outside patios, and a man-made beach in HTO park. A quick stroll around this area showcases the city’s nautical side, and is especially buzzing on warm days.

Get Fresh: Satisfy your hunger with lunch at Freshii on Spadina Avenue. This vegetarian restaurant is anything but boring, and all the ingredients are, well, fresh! It also has tons of gluten-free options. You’ll leave feeling energized and ready to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in Toronto’s Fashion District.

Shop Around: The King West corridor is quickly becoming the best place for shopping in Toronto. It’s also packed with amazing bars, modern restaurants, and quaint cafes. Stores like Design Within Reach have found a home here, which makes for some great shopping. Just a few blocks north, Queen West has long-since been known as one of Toronto’s best shopping areas.

Treat Yourself: Right in the heart of Toronto’s shopping scene, on Queen West and Peter Street, Little Nicky’s is one of the city’s best-kept-secrets. An independently-owned coffee shop, Little Nicky’s boasts eclectic décor, a relaxed vibe, and freshly-made-on-the-spot mini doughnuts sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar ($2.75 for 6, $4.00 for a dozen). You will fall for the vintage doughnut maker which spurts these pint-sized delights out immediately upon order.

Never Grow Up: After trips to the Eaton Centre, bustling Yonge Street, and the Times Square wannabe “Young & Dundas Square”, dinner at one of Queen Street West’s many restaurants is your best bet for something authentic and non-franchisey. While the Queen Mother Café is excellent, as is the Black Bull for patio season, I have fallen hard for Peter Pan, on the corner of Queen and Peter. It is, without a doubt, my favourite restaurant in the city. With a constantly-evolving menu involving in-season ingredients, Peter Pan has never disappointed. Whether it’s a casually elegant meal paired with local wines, or a fresh lunch, you just can’t beat the value you receive at Peter Pan. Very affordable, very fresh, and very delicious. Plus its steeped in history, with its 1930/1940s charming wood booths, floors, and tin ceilings. You will love it. Guaranteed.

Party with a Rock Star: Another Toronto landmark? The HorseShoe Tavern. This rough tavern, located on Queen West near Spadina Avenue, once played host to such bands as The Rolling Stones, The Blues Brothers, and Blue Rodeo. Since 1947, it has been the place to discover new bands, or see some old favourites. Catch a show after dinner and feel the gritty rock history of Toronto’s past.

Laugh and Unwind: After hearing some bands play at the Horseshoe Tavern, I recommend stopping in at Second City, the comedy club which made acts like Mike Meyers famous. They have improv nights, and hilarious comedy shows. For a late-night scene, head along King Street West, where all the city’s best bars are located. I like Bier Markt. With its wood-paneled walls, hundreds of beers, and live music, it’s a relaxed place that feels quintessentially European (and has excellent food too!). I recommend the cheese fondue to share over beers.

Sip and Read: Start the day with some Italian-style coffee at the Dark Horse Espresso Bar on Spadina Avenue. Sprawl out on a large wooden communal table as you browse through the Toronto papers, munch on some freshly baked organic pastries, and sip your caffeine. The Dark Horse stays true to its motto: “Improving Toronto’s Coffee Scene: One Latte at a Time.” The people-watching and loft-like décor of the Dark Horse makes it a fun alternative to a packed breakfast house. In the surrounding area of ChinaTown, there are plenty of curbside food stands and shops to see.

Go Boho: Kensington Market is a famously vibrant area of Toronto. Not your typical “market” per se, its moniker comes from the multitude of stores, fruit stalls, ethnic eateries, and boutiques jam-packed into a few city blocks. With an inherently bohemian vibe, Kensington Market makes for the perfect way to get lost in an afternoon. Besides its vintage clothing and furniture stores, Kensington Market is also a vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dream! If you simply like to people-watch and feel the history of a city, this is the place to go. Grab lunch at one of the many independently-owned restaurants in the area, like The Grilled Cheese, before heading up-town.

Learn a Little: The Royal Ontario Museum (aka The ROM), recently got a major face-lift from some clever architects. Last summer we saw the Warrior Emperor’s Terracotta Army, and I was immediately smitten with this Toronto institution. It has changing exhibits, alongside its more permanent displays. There is something for everyone, and is very child-friendly as well (especially super-cool attractions like The Bat Cave).

Get Swanky: Spend the evening strolling the streets of Yorkville, Toronto’s premier neighbourhood and celebrity haven. It has lots of high-end designer boutiques, as well as more mainstream shops like Anthropologie. In the summer months, Yorkville has gorgeous hanging baskets flanking its cobblestoned sidewalks, and has no shortage of chic cafes. For dinner, you can choose from a variety of seen-and-be-seen places, or opt for something a bit more casual, like Café Nervosa, which serves up some of the best Italian pizza in the city. Finish off the night on the casual patio at Hemingway’s, drinking with the Yorkville set.

Pictures in this post from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.