Business and branding consultant Lisa Haggis regularly helps 

Ready to amplify your influence on the world?  Why not start with one of Oprah’s most famous questions:  “What do you know for sure?”

Your brand is not based on fiction, and getting to the bottom of it doesn’t require you to change yourself or get “creative”.  Instead, it requires you to unearth the unchanging parts of who you are.

The things you know for sure.

Look for constant threads throughout the journey of your life: What has always been true about you?

Building your brand from these deep-rooted certainties is how you keep it authentic and real. It’s also why, once you’re living your brand, everything flows. You’re not stuck pretending to be something you are not.

A SHORT EXERCISE IN PERSONAL BRANDING

To get started, think right back to your childhood, before the world did its best to average you out.  Identify the consistent things in your life that have always:

• Driven you mad (in a good or bad way),
• Prompted people to comment on, ask of you, or envy; and
• Made your body sing, time slip away, or your heart feel so full that it just might explode.

Think of specific memories or examples for each, and then pull out the commonalities by asking yourself “why?”.  By doing so, you’re digging up characteristics that will fall into one of three categories: your Talents, Passions, or Attributes.

NINE THINGS YOU KNOW FOR SURE

Talents are those activities or abilities that come naturally to you.  Passions have the power to make you act. They are a huge source of energy for you.  Attributes are the innate personality traits that shape your behavior and effect on people.

After reflecting on the questions above, and drawing on a lifetime of knowledge, choose three meaningful characteristics for each category.   This will provide you with a starting point for your brand definition: nine concepts of “you” by which to live your life.

This exercise only scratches the surface when it comes to discovering the parameters of who you are, but getting clear on that which you know for sure is just the beginning.  In my next post, we’ll build on this and explore how to live your personal brand more fully.

In the meantime, watch attentively for opportunities to pursue, feature, and simplify your life down to these nine concepts. Watch for things that challenge, weaken, or contradict them.  Savour them, and, slowly, if you can, narrow them down to only the ones that resonate most.

Lisa Haggis helps people create powerful legacies through their businesses and their careers. With a unique and systematic approach to branding, she supports visionaries as they bravely fulfill their calling by living and breathing an authentic brand story. She is a strategist, coach, writer, and orchestrator of memorable experiences. You can find her at lisahaggis.com.

During my busiest times, I sometimes have to let go of everyday tasks like making my bed or properly planned meals.  As much as I hate to admit it,  my home is the first off my list when it comes to prioritizing. I can’t help but think it must be the same for others too.  When forced to juggle competing demands, you can be damn sure the dusting doesn’t get done!  Especially when there are more interesting things going on…

Here are just a few that took precedence over my laundry pile this month:

OTTAWA ANTIQUE SHOW - This well established event took place April 5- 7 at the Carleton University Field House, the same place it’s been held for the last several seasons. What was different however, was a decidedly new look and feel for the Ottawa Antique Show.

Kudos to the folks at Affiliated Showsales for kicking it up a notch this year.  A concerted effort to up their game with an elegantly redesigned website, a fantastically interactive Facebook page and very hip new logo have clearly paid off.  By my account, the show seemed to successfully attract a distinctly younger crowd this time around.  I’m already looking forward to the fall show, if only for the Facebook contests!

PAULA PYNE – UPLIFT CONSULTING - Having left my government job 2010, I’ve been working hard in business ever since.  From web design and marketing to mortgages and real estate law, I’ve been running straight uphill for more than three years.  Rapidly.  Now that the learning curve has begun to level off, I find myself feeling out of breath and wondering what’s next.  Where does it all lead?

Enter Paula Pyne, management consultant, leadership coach, business advisor, and founder of Uplift Consulting.  By reaching out for guidance, advice and support, this month marked a major shift for me.   I’ve just begun working with Paula, and I already feel more at ease with how things are unfolding – now and into the future.

NEIGHBOURHOOD REFRESH - This passion project I’ve been working on for over a year is quickly taking shape.   We’ve come a long way over the winter, and are officially expanding beyond our founding committee this spring.  Our partnership with Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) continues to strengthen, our first project is currently being conceptualized, and we have taken steps to incorporate as a non-profit.

We’re determined not to over promise and under-deliver, so for now we’re keeping the details to a minimum, but let’s just say: “This thing has legs!”.   Visit our website to learn more, or click here to get involved.

GIRL GEEK DINNERS - Girl Geek Dinners Ottawa have been a gathering place for women interested in technology since 2009.  Intended to make it interesting and accessible, these monthly events offer women an opportunity to expand their tech horizons in an informal, supportive setting.  This girlaboutOtown has been meaning to attend a Girl Geek Dinner for a dog’s age, but for some reason, has never been able to swing it.  That is until this last one, which was definitely worth my while.  I’ll definitely go back.

Lucky for me the powers that be at Girl Geek Dinners have slowly been extending their subject matter beyond technology!  April’s dinner featured the fantastically inspiring Shari Graydon, founder and catalyst of Informed Opinions, a non-profit initiative dedicated helping women make their ideas heard through print, broadcast and online information media (ie: PR for women’s expert opinions).  Ms. Graydon gave a provocative presentation that left us Geek Girls with plenty to think about.  Her premise?  “We need more fully-clothed women role models in the media.”  Here, here!

Image sources Miik, Lole, Gabriel Cosmetics, Totem, and Pamela Tourigny.

April 22 is Earth Day, an annual event raising awareness of environmental issues around the globe. Each year organizations, communities, and individuals alike celebrate this planet we call home, and take action to protect it.  This spring, girlaboutOtown is getting into the spirit of things.  Local green living guru Pamela Tourigny has kindly agreed to share and show-off some her favourite eco-friendly fashion and beauty insider finds! -ed.

A decade ago when I began my quest for eco-conscious fashion and beauty products, my options were severely limited. I remember being super excited to visit an environment-focused store, with the full intention of buying myself some sort of eco apparel. I was so disappointed to find a rack full of ill-fitting hemp t-shirts.

Not that there’s anything wrong with hemp, but thankfully eco-fashion doesn’t mean shapeless hemp t-shirts anymore. And now that thrifting has come out of the shadows, we can buy and wear used clothing with pride, opening up a whole world of fashion opportunity!

I was like a kid in a candy store when I began working for terra20, North America’s largest eco store. It gives me (and you) access to the widest selections of eco fashion and beauty products all in one place.  But - in addition to the new treasures I’ve discovered at terra20, I have long time favourites to share too.

Here are a few of my top picks:

MIIK

Miik apparel is stylish, versatile, and so much more. Made in Toronto, Miik’s gorgeous bamboo garments are manufactured with a closed-loop process, minimizing their impact on the environment. I love this vibrant aqua dress, which I hear is all the rage this season. In the photo I’m also holding a vegan Matt & Nat bag, which has a liner made from recycled pop bottles.

LOLE

I am absolutely crazy about Lole’s ready-to-wear, ecologically friendly fashion line. Many of their products are made with organic, Tencel ™, or recycled pop bottles. In a short period of time, I have accumulated a significant chunk of their collection. It’s almost like Lego that snaps together seamlessly! We will be carrying Lole at terra20 starting this fall.

GABRIEL/ZUZU COSMETICS

Anyone who knows me has heard the story about how far and wide I’ve had to search to find high-quality, affordable vegan cosmetics. I was thrilled when I learned we’d be carrying the Gabriel and ZuZu Luxe lines at terra20. Not only are they vegan, they also meet our high standards of being free of harmful chemicals. I especially love their mascara.

TOTEM

I have been eying Totem products since before we even opened terra20. These handbags, over-the-shoulder bags and laptop/iPad sleeves are made in Toronto from upcycled promotional banners, truck tarpaulins, seatbelts, and bicycle inner tubes and each one is unique. I recently purchased one for my laptop and it gets all kinds of compliments.

VALUE VILLAGE

No list of eco fashion/beauty options is complete without citing the vast array of treasures to be found at thrift stores. It’s definitely not a pursuit for the rushed or impatient, but thrifting can yield some amazing finds at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at a retail store. In the photo above, I am wearing a green Banana Republic dress that I found at Value Village for $9.99.

Pamela Tourigny is a long-time environmentalist, community builder (co-founder of Ottawa Veg Fest), and writer.  She is also the Community Manager for terra20, North America’s largest eco store.  She lives in Ottawa with her husband, rescued cats and dog, foster squirrels, and two stepkids.   For a day-to-day perspective on living sustainably,  follow Pamela at @exploreterra20 and @pamelatourigny.

Graphic designer, interior decorator, and accomplished painter Carrie Colton is passionate about the power of art to transform personal spaces.

As one of three principal designers at Ottawa’s renowned CKY Design Group, Carrie regularly helps clients incorporate fine art and create meaningful, functional, inspiring homes.

Free of pretension, she believes art doesn’t have to be expensive or ‘important’ to elevate one’s surroundings, it just has to be original.  It’s the effort, raw materials, and creative energy of the artist that generates the real impact, she explains. For Carrie, this elusive spirit truly brings a room to life.

Each individual piece is perceived differently, depending on the person looking.  An admirer who finds a work of art appealing enough to acquire and feature in their home is tangibly expressing visual clues as to who they are.

Carrie’s philosophy is manifested in her own art-filled home, a highly personal space she shares with her husband David.  A few weeks back, Carrie graciously opened her doors so I might glimpse inside and better understand her passion for fine art.

Their condo is a welcoming place, spare and sophisticated, with a distinct focus on the art.   Low-key simplicity presents the perfect backdrop for an impressive collection of works by artists from both Ottawa and beyond, but the space is completely down-to-earth and comfortable.

As we toured each room, Carrie’s expertise all with respect to things visual was matched equally by her enthusiasm.

Every work had it’s own story – artist, materials, source – and each story integrated with her own life seamlessly.  Not only was I learning the specifics about each particular piece, I was getting to know Carrie better in the process.

So, today I’m showing off  a bit of what I saw, but there is more to follow.  Over the weeks to come, Carrie will share her wisdom on the subject of art at home, and offer insightful tips for those wanting to incorporate more art at home.  Stay tuned.

Portrait courtesy of Carrie Colton.  Interior photography by Katharine Cornfield. 

Image via Flickr

This month, Dr. Sarah tackles migraine headaches, and offers up a natural way to mitigate against their effects. Apparently, magnesium really matters, and foods naturally rich in this key mineral can actually help prevent and treat migraines.  Once again, it seems the key to good health is good food! – ed.

WHAT IS MAGNESIUM?

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is found mostly in bones, but also in our organs and cells, including muscle tissue. Magnesium plays many important roles in the body such as helping to relax your nerves and muscles, build strong bones, lower blood pressure, and balance blood sugar levels. (Who wouldn’t want these, even without migraines! -ed.)

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Research has shown that migraine sufferers are more likely to have a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency can result from a genetic inability to absorb magnesium, excessive magnesium excretion through the kidneys during times of stress, and a diet low in magnesium. Signs of magnesium deficiency include: muscle tension and spasms, headaches and migraines, high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, and constipation.

Magnesium is useful in the prevention and treatment of headaches and migraines. Magnesium helps to reduce migraine pain by targeting nerve inflammation, relaxing muscle and blood vessel spasms, and promoting serotonin release (our feel good brain chemical). Studies also have found that magnesium consumption results in decreased frequency, reduced symptoms, and a decrease in the consumption of analgesics for acute migraines. (For those who seriously suffer, this seems like something you might want to know! ed.)

WHAT FOODS ARE RICH IN MAGNESIUM?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is between 350 to 400 mg, but migraine sufferers may benefit from more. Try incorporating these magnesium-rich foods into your daily diet to boost your intake and avoid over-cooking to prevent magnesium loss:

• Spinach (1 cup, cooked): 156mg
• Swiss chard (1 cup, cooked): 150mg
• Pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup): 190mg
• Soybeans (1 cup, cooked): 148mg
• Sesame seeds (1/4 cup): 126mg

In some cases, certain individuals may require doses of magnesium that are higher than those achieved through diet, so if you’re wondering if you might be deficient in magnesium, ask your doctor to test your RBC (red blood cell) magnesium levels.  (Repeat: it’s best not to guess. – ed.) 

For more information on natural headache and migraine relief, attend my upcoming seminar April 17^th at 6:30 pm at the Ottawa Integrative Health Centre.

References:

• Martin, S. “Prevalence of migraine headaches in Canada“, Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2004; 164(10): 1481a.
• Mauskop, A. Varughene, J.,  “Why all migraine patients should be treated with magnesium”, Journal of Neural Transmission. 2012; 119(5):575-9.
• World’s healthiest foods: www.whfoods.com

Reading & Resources:

• The Miracle of Magnesium, Carolyn Dean
• Magnesium, National Institute of Health

Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for nutrition, health and natural medicine. Sarah educates and empowers individuals to become active participants in their journey to healthier living, and is currently accepting new patients at the Ottawa Integrative Health Centre.  Sarah strives to lead by example by living a balanced life that includes healthful cooking, reading, running, and yoga.  Learn more about Sarah at truehealthND.com.

But, this March big stuff happened.

That’s right.  A major internal shift seems to have taken place, and I’m feeling very clear about a number of really core issues I’ve been struggling with.  I guess you could call it growth of a personal kind, and it wasn’t exactly easy.  I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say I’m convinced this spring will be extra sweet.

Besides, I always have a few tidbits to share…

•  I’ve been a member of the Ottawa Design Network Group (ODNG) since its inception in 2010, and I manage to make two or three gatherings a year.   I really enjoy the informal exchange between professionals as well as the opportunity to learn, and I almost invariably meet someone new. The March meeting was no exception, and I left  truly enthused by the open, collaborative discussion between designers.

•  Call me crazy, but I adore working from home.  Unless it’s a mess, my office is a wonderful place to be, and I’m happy surrounded by the stuff I love.  However, lunch around here is less than inspired.  So, yes – a particularly productive midday meeting at the Fraser Cafe definitely gets a  mention. What a treat!

•  Despite my generally optimistic outlook, I still run into obstacles that leave me feeling frustrated and confused (as noted above).  This month, I discovered a truly fantastic tool to help me define problems, muster motivation, and overcome my less-than-positive moods.  UNSTUCK , voted one of Apple’s best apps in 2012, is the digital equivalent of a life coach and was created to help people “live better every day”.   UNSTUCK gets full marks from me!

• As the days get longer, and spring approaches, it’s shaping up to be a very busy season.  In addition to recruiting new contributors to the blog, I’ve been spending more time with clients.  I’m particularly excited by some design-related projects coming down the line, and really looking forward to the creative time.

• Going into business has been an enlightening experience for me, and one I wish I’d been open to much sooner.  In fact, I wish someone had enticed me with notions of entrepreneurship in grade school!  That’s why I recently spent a day in my daughter’s Gr. 5 classroom teaching Business Basics as a rookie Junior Achievement volunteer.  It’s also why I will continue to connect with kids on the subject any chance I can.

•  Last but not least, I’m just returning from an Easter weekend cottage retreat.  My extended family gathered from far and wide for an egg hunt, a long afternoon visit, and dinner for 26.  Let’s just say I’m in need of some sleep!

source

Today’s post comes courtesy of girlaboutOtown’s latest contributor, Lisa Haggis an Ottawa-based business and branding consultant.  Lisa’s practical, insightful, and professional advice helps clients better understand their purpose, create authentic connections, and express themselves more effectively.   Sounds good, doesn’t it!  

Recently, Lisa and I sat down to discuss how these ideas might apply to women’s lives more generally.  Turns out, she is passionate about personal branding and believes wholeheartedly it is a powerful method for creating more clarity and meaning on a day-to-day basis.  Lucky for us Lisa has kindly agreed to share her wisdom with girlaboutOtown readers in a series of posts.   So, for those go-getters among you who believe there is always room for improvement in life, these are for you. – Ed. 

MASTERING THE ART OF LIVING

Nobody really formally teaches us how to figure out the most important aspects of living.   As we navigate our way through our own personal journeys, the persistent questions that challenge our perspective can sometimes seem just too big to even bother asking.  You know the ones…

What am I supposed to be doing with my life?
What’s my calling?
Who am I, really?

Maybe they appear overly dramatic or too lofty to be productive topics of conversation.  Just seeing them in writing makes me cringe a bit – likely because of their recurring role in our beloved (but not exactly flattering) chick flick scenarios.  But, for most of the women I know, these questions just keep coming back.

At some age or stage of life, we find ourselves seeking a truer version of our identity. A way to make our lives more meaningful.

I’ve always been a keen observer of the mysterious experience of life, and, almost inadvertently, found myself on a personal quest to seek out a universal system or approach for mastering the way we live it.

Years ago, I found that system in the field of branding.

THE TRUEST, BEST VERSION OF YOU

Business or personal — it’s the same concept. Branding is an approach, or mechanism, for achieving an effective and meaningful existence.  And it’s based on truths that you first need to discover and own.

When you’re branding yourself on a personal level, you’re really just pulling all of the elements of your life into alignment with an authentic definition of who you are.

The result, I would sum up into these four words that I feel capture the true essence of personal branding:

“A life that fits.”

A career that fits your passion. Relationships that fit your needs. Activities that fit your purpose. Actions that fit your values. Ultimately, aren’t we all just looking for a way to be true to ourselves?  To become the very best version of who we are?

Branding is a way to do that. And it’s an idea that I invite you to make your very own.

SET YOUR INTENTION

In this four-part series, I’m going to walk you through the key aspects of discovering, defining, and living your personal brand.

But don’t do this for more success or achievement.  Don’t even do it just so that you can feel more productive. This branding journey isn’t just about stepping up to make your mark on the world — numerous how-to books and TED talks have you covered there.  Instead, it’s about intentionally building a meaningful life while feeling happy.

That’s the difference. That’s why branding trumps other means of self-development, in my opinion. Because a life that fits means you can reach your goals in a way that suits you.

So I leave you with this lofty and dramatic question to consider until next time:  What really makes you happy?

Lisa Haggis helps people create powerful legacies through their businesses and their careers. With a unique and systematic approach to branding, she supports visionaries as they bravely fulfill their calling by living and breathing an authentic brand story. She is a strategist, coach, writer, and orchestrator of memorable experiences. You can find her at lisahaggis.com.

Instead, having left behind a very comfortable public sector job to run a small business, this means I’ve really had to get serious about money.  Gone are the regular paychecks, the generous benefits, and the fully indexed pension.  These days, I’m juggling the demands of  pre-teen dental expenses, irregular cash flows, and the daunting task of creating my own secure retirement.   Now, more than ever before, money really matters and there is nobody else but me to make sure it’s managed properly.

Before the business (B.B.) I earned a salary, spent more or less the same, and followed the conventional advice to save regularly for retirement.  I did what I was supposed to do, and gave little thought to my financial situation, always assuming I’d be fine.  Looking back, I was on autopilot.  Then it all came to a screeching halt when I decided that my happiness was more valuable than the security that had me feeling  trapped.

However, the shift from ‘employer administered financial management’ to full personal accountability is massive, and has required a major change in mindset.  More like slap upside the head, really! Being a woman of independent means is a whole lot of responsibility, let me tell you.

On the financial literacy file, I’ve definitely had some catching up to do.

I can say with some pride that I’ve come a long way since my less-than-savvy  days, but I still have miles to go.  Now that I’ve got a handle on the bigger picture, spending wisely seems so much easier.   Somehow, I’m more resistant to impulse indulgences, and I’m happy making mortgage payments. Sheesh!

And, while I’m mostly self-directed, I often rely on pros.  It’s important to me to know what’s being proposed, which is why I just keep on learning, even if I’m slow. So, here are the four areas I’m focusing on:

• Revenue + Expenses:

Regardless of it’s source, managing personal income and expenses is key to financial health.   Spending less money than you make, and being very selective about debt, really is a simple concept.  In practice though, we all know it can be a challenge.  Now that I’m missing a regular paycheck, earning revenue, managing expenses, and investing carefully is even more critical.  Bad debt is not my friend.

• Tax Planning:  

Tax season is never fun, but I used to moan and groan just filling out the T1 .  Nowadays, it’s way more complicated!  Business and personal income, corporate taxes, and HST.  Yikes!   I’m keeping track (or not) of so much more, and believe me, this stuff is a core function.  

• Savings + Investment:

Managing the ups and downs of a start up business can be tough enough, but I try hard to take the long view. My future is always looming.  Soon, I’ll have to pay for  my daughter’s school, not to mention support myself through life’s later seasons. So, I must actively attend to my RESP,  RRSP, and retirement plans.

• Risk Management:

This last area can’t be overlooked considering my financial picture.  Anticipating and planning for the ‘what if’s’ and ‘worst-case-scenarios’ is just as important as paying my taxes or saving for the future. Mitigating risk means spelling out a marriage/partnership contract, investigating the right kinds of insurance, and writing a will.  All stuff I regularly review.

As woman, I’ve decided to make managing my own money a priority.  I believe it’s essential to empowering myself, and I want speak about my finances from a position of authority.  I also want to my daughter to grow up knowing  the same.

I’m no expert, let me say again, and I do have to remind myself regularly it’s worth my time. Why? Because I really believe that ultimately, my finances are my responsibility!

Lastly, in the interest of full disclosure, I have a long list of to-do’s and my receipts are stuffed in a box meant for shoes. What about you?  What do you do?

My design philosophy is simple:  be real.

The best homes are interesting and relaxed.  They comfort those who live within, and inspire both curiosity and conversation among those who visit. Rather than aesthetic perfection, ambiance is the goal, and personality takes priority.  They’re filled to the brim with clues about who lives there – whether its inherited furniture, carefully acquired art, or even a silly collection of childhood chotchkes – and they evoke a feeling of friendliness.

The result of careful observation, honest reflection, and practical actions, beautiful homes evolve over time. They as layered with meaning as they are with patterns or colours, and they resist rigid rules or short-lived trends.   Lasting satisfaction with home happens when problems are solved, there is a place for your things, and everyday living is easy.  Making things pretty is the easy part –  and really, this step requires more mindfulness than money.

There is no place where this philosophy is more true than in my own home.  It is a long way from perfect, but it does have personality, and it feels good to me.  I love how well it works for a party and the way the sun shines in all day long.  It’s wonderful to be able to see the street from my desk, and to hear the wind whistle through the pine tree in the breeze.

It’s been pieced together over the past few years with vintage treasures,  old family furniture, and bargain bin finds – along with some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease.  It’s always a work in progress – changing and improving as we do.  As my mother says,  ”a good house is never done!”.   It’s cozy, and often cluttered with the stuff of life, but actually quite organized.  I can usually find what I need.  Most importantly though, my team of three is genuinely comfortable here, despite the frayed upholstery, the pet hair, and the messy front entry.

Today, I’m sharing photos few of my own home and taking you on a tour.  They were taken by my friend, photographer Aaron Rodericks.  Many moons ago, Aaron and I were colleagues, but we always had more to talk about than office politics.  Now I’m in real estate & design, he’s a pro photographer!  Anyway, he was kind enough to accept when the fella and I approached him about shooting our home for the redesign of our brokerage website. Malcolm and I wanted a web presence that would welcome visitors and help them get to know us – and we wanted to be real.

As a professional who regularly helps others situate and create home,  it’s a bit intimidating to open my own doors.  That said, I can’t think of a more authentic way to convey my thinking on the subject of home.   Some might find it a lot to look at, but hey, that’s just my style!  So, here we go:

Have questions?  Leave a comment, or hop over to our new Facebook page and ask away!

Photography by Aaron Rodericks of AR Photography

]]> http://www.girlaboutotown.com/2013/03/13/welcome-home/feed/ 2 http://www.girlaboutotown.com/2013/03/13/welcome-home/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/girlaboutOtown/~3/ia1rgCMkxsY/ http://www.girlaboutotown.com/2013/03/05/winter-weekend-escape-cote-nord-tremblant/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000 Katharine http://www.girlaboutotown.com/?p=2852

You may recall my mention of a winter getaway. The fella and I have been back for over a week now, but we’re still enjoying the after effects of the experience. Once recovered from the immediate shock of returning to regular life, we’ve had to fight off the urge to get away again. Wow. What a difference a day or two away can make!

If you remember, the weekend of February 22 was snowy. Very snowy. Just two short hours from here in Lac Supérieur, Mont Tremblant it was the same story. It didn’t matter though – we were away – and monotone gray is way better when in the woods.

We were graciously hosted by the folks at Côté Nord Tremblant. For two nights, we enjoyed the privacy and convenience of a luxury waterfront suite complete with gorgeous two-sided gas fireplace! It was contemporary in style, thoughtfully equipped, and very comfortable. So much so, it was tempting to never leave! Despite being just two, we had a full kitchen, dining for six, and a lovely sitting area with a view.

We arrived Friday night around supper, turned on the oven, and slipped our Red Apron specials in to cook. Out came the wine and on went the fire, and we spent the evening mellowing out in front of it’s warm glow.

There were no ambitious plans for the next day, no start time requirements, and nothing of significance on the ‘to do’ list. Instead, we slept in, enjoyed a bacon & egg breakfast, and snuggled up on the couch. And yes, the fire was still going strong.

After catching up on some reading, I decided it might be a good time to try my (not so new) camera. I’ve had it awhile now, but had not yet even cracked the manual. What better time to really dig in? Here I was on a quiet weekend escape, in the middle of a winter wonderland! So, I started taking shots inside, and eventually made my way outdoors. (I’ve shared a few of my favourites here!)

First, we went out on foot, exploring the roads around Lac Supérieur, peeking at ski chalets, and foraging for treats at the dépanneur.

We walked to Côté Nord’s Caribou Lodge and made a dinner reservation at their Restaurant de l’Auberge Caribou for later that evening, then returned to our suite for a snack. (Starting to see a theme?)

Once sufficiently suffoncified, we headed outdoors again this time with snowshoes, camera, and tripod in hand. The skies were still gray, and the snow swirled, but we were intrepid. Out on the lake we went, and onward we wandered. What a different perspective, looking from the middle inward towards the shore!

After awhile we grew weary, cold, and the skies started to darken. It was time to return to our cozy suite, the couch, and yes, the fire. Of course. More photos, wine, and some down time.

Then, it was off to dine at Restaurant de l’Auberge Caribou, where the atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed, and the food carefully prepared. Our meals were divine! After dinner, we walked along the dark road and watched the snow continue to fall. It was a beautiful end to a great day.

Sunday started much the same, but check out loomed. Boo! We were so rested and relaxed, we were seriously reluctant to leave! It was clear we’d have to come back, perhaps another time of year.

Whether you’re in desperate need of some grown up time with your guy, contemplating a family getaway, or even a planning a gathering of good friends, Côté Nord Tremblant really is truly a great option. It’s close by and so easy to enjoy – in casual high-style.

Having concluded it would likely be destination genuine interest to readers of girlaboutOtown, I accepted an offer of two-nights accommodation from Côté Nord Tremblant. Depending on the season, suite rentals start at $145/night. Côté Nord Tremblant is accessible to many outdoor winter and summer activities, including Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, and provides guests the exclusive use of their Club de Pointe facilities. In addition to Restaurant de l’Auberge Caribou, take out and Chef en Chalet services are available. – Ed.

Photos by girlaboutOtown.