A Day in Aix

Hat: c/o Eric Javits | Dress: Shopbop | Sunglasses: UO {Old, similar}

Shoes: Nordstrom | Bag: Clare Vivier | Bracelets: c/o Julie Vos

Happy Monday guys! So happy to be sharing snippets from our trip through the French and Italian Riviera. We spent our first day in Aix en Provence and no trip to France is complete without a visit to the market. We picked up a fresh baguette, cheese, honey and flowers for our apartment in Nice. Stay tuned for more or following along on Instagram (@krystin_lee!).

Girls Getaway with Ever New

Dress: c/o Ever New | Bag: c/o Ever New

Adam and I are no strangers to wine country in our area. We love making quick visits out to the Niagara and Bench wine regions when we can on weekends. However, it’s always been on our list to get out to Prince Edward Country and see what this new up and coming city has in store. With busy schedules packing our summer and long weekends dedicated to helping our parents work on the cottage, I thought I wasn’t going to get the chance to make it…. until now.

When my friends from Ever New, a fashion clothing and accessories brand from Melboune, Australia, asked if I’d be interested in participating in a girls trip to the County with fellow bloggers, Isabelle and Gabby, I jumped at the chance. Thankfully, the County is only 2.5 hours east of the city so with a hop, skip and a car ride – we arrived just in time for lunch at Norman Hardie Winery. Their wood fired thin crust pizza is to die for and the in-house Riesling was the perfect pairing.

Gabby’s Dress: c/o Ever New | Isabelle’s Dress: c/o Ever New

Dress: c/o Ever New | Bag: c/o Ever New

Next on the docket for the afternoon was a tasting at Hinterland Wines for some sparkling options and Closson Chase for a great Chardonnay. A little wined out and ready to walk things off, we ventured onto the Prince Edward County Lavender Farm.

Shoes: c/o Ever New

I mean when you’re in a fit n’ flare dress this cute – how can you not frolic through the fields?!?! If you’ve never been to a Lavendar Farm, I highly recommend – the smell is intoxicating and the colours are stunning if you go when they’re in bloom.

Shoes: c/o Ever New

It was time to check into our digs for the trip at the June Motel. Recently opened, it’s a must-see spot for a girl’s trip in the County. I’m talking bright pink doors, bold printed wallpaper, fun neon signs, s’mores treats every night and their on-premise selection of Rose is insane. Each girl’s room was unique in their own way and of course – a shoot was oh-so-necessary.

We dined at Blumen that evening which was absolutely delightful. Their vegetarian and gluten free options were great and they were super accommodating in terms of what adjustments could be made. I had always heard great things but the experience really impressed me. When we made our way back to the June Motel, guests were crowded around the fire sipping cocktails and making s’mores – it was so sweet to see the staff engage with their guests.

The following day had a slow start with breakfast at the hotel and some quick catching up on emails. We had plans to visit Sandbanks but if you’re familiar with summer in Toronto this year, warm days were few and far between and since the day was a beaut, lines were miles long getting into the park. Instead, we opted to stroll around downtown Picton and check out what boutique shops and coffee spots we could.

Isabelle recommended a visit to The Vic Cafe and if you’ve seen her Instagram page, you never, ever question a food or coffee spot reco from this gal. Needless to say, the spot was top notch. From patterned tile floors to pottery adorned walls – it was definitely a must see if you’re in the area. I opted for a second latte but the girls told me their lemonade’s were to die for!

Last but not least, our final stop in town was at Parson’s Brewing Company – one of my favourite pit stops on this trip. The picnic table setup, craft beer selection and Mexican inspired fare was to-die-for. They also have vineyards on site but we only had a chance to sample the beer on site – SO good!

Though it was a quick 48 hours outside of the city, it was certainly a memorable one! Looking to plan a girls getaway of your own? Ever New is bringing you the ultimate experience: A glamorous girls weekend getaway. Sign up here to enter for your chance to win:

A 2-night girls getaway package at a luxury hotel in your province
Transportation included
A $1,000 spending spree for the fall Ever New clothing collection
$500 spending money during the trip

Contest runs from September 5th to September 19th, 2017. No purchase necessary. Can sign up in store when making a purchase, otherwise you can sign up online.

*This post was sponsored by Ever New. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Travel Guide: Charleston

I wanted to publish this post earlier but with so many people telling me they were headed to Charleston in late summer or early fall, I thought it was best to hold off on our travel guide to this amazing city.

We visited the town on the long weekend in May and were completely swept up by its Southern charm. It’s no surprise though – being voted the best city in North America – the buzz surrounding this city seems to be like no other as of late.

To give you an idea of timing, we had intended to arrive late on Thursday and depart on Monday evening making it a perfect 4 day weekend. Sadly, our travel plans were slightly interrupted (story of our life this year!) so it turned out to be more like mid-day Friday until Monday evening. Nonetheless, we documented every detail of our trip and are so happy to be sharing it with you today.

Where to Stay

We combed through various options of hotels, AirBnb’s, Bed and Breakfast properties and more but felt like something was missing from most options we were looking at. And then we stumbled across 86 Cannon – a boutique Inn located in the Cannonborough neighbourhood.

I actually have the biggest smile of my face just remembering this property. We first pulled up and were greeted by the owners, Marion and Lori. Immediately exchanging hugs and mimosas, Marion gave us an amazing run down of the property, the area and notable sights in the area worth visiting.

With 5 individually designed guest rooms, a salon, library and cafe – 86 Cannon had more charm, class and design inspo than any other property we’ve ever stayed at. I feel like I want to describe the ‘level of service’ but Marion and Lori went so far beyond that, it’s almost indescribable. As a Canadian, you always hear the term, Southern Charm, and sure you think you know what it means but these two embodied it to the utmost and their warmth and personality is contagious amongst its guests.

I loved how they weren’t pushy with their suggestions on what to see, where to eat or how to spend your day but being so familiar with the local scene, it was like having a pocket tour guide wherever you went. Every single recommendation they made for us (most of these spots weren’t even on our radar!) was outstanding. We still kick ourselves for not asking for suggestions in advance of our stay with the property to better plan out our itinerary so if you are planning a visit and a stay with 86 Cannon, be sure to ask for your lunch or dinner suggestions in advance to snag a reservation.

And I haven’t even begun to rave about the guest rooms! Individually designed, a cozy fireplace in each suite, a bright and beautiful bathroom and one giant cozy bed you get to climb into – it feels like a home away from home – but in the most elevated sense of style. I promise you’ll be leaving with decor inspiration for your next project.

One of our favourite parts about Cannon 86 was how much time we spent on the porch. Every morning we mozied on over to the cafe to get a cup of coffee, quiche and fresh croissant from a local baker to enjoy on the porch while we planned out our day. The property also features a wine and cheese get together every afternoon – and yes, they have rose! Adam and I are usually quite reserved but we had the chance to meet so many interesting couples at the property including Emily from Vita Brillianti. It completely changed our perspective on the trip and was great to get feedback on restaurants we thought we wanted to visit or places we had no intent to drop by but ended up making our list.

Getting Around

We got in and out of the downtown core via Uber and found most rides to be quite reasonable compared to other major cities in the US. When we were exploring in and around our neighborhood or even going for dinner in the Historic District of Charleston, we got around by bicycle. If you do stay with 86 Cannon, they have bikes on hand for guests so you don’t need to worry about renting any. And if you prefer, the longest walk from end of town to the other is 30 minutes so pack a pair of comfy shoes and prepare to get lost wandering town.

Where to Eat

A city doesn’t become the best voted town in North America year after year without a stellar lineup of restaurants in town. Despite our best efforts, making it to all the spots on our list seemed impossible. We’ve included a list below of what we loved and spots that are on our list for our next visit:

Xiao Bao Biscuit: Featuring Asian comfort food, this quirky spot is a great lunch spot that’s just around the corner from 86 Cannon. A converted gas station, the location is inviting and very relaxed. When you go (because it’s a must!) you have to get the Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), Pad Kra Pow and Bo Bo Ji. Their craft beer selection is also unlike any other we found in town so be sure to ask for recommendations on their latest and greatest.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ: A casual lunch spot, their BBQ Spareribs were TO-DIE-FOR! Other favourites included the pit cooked BBQ chicken and the fresh cut fries!

The Darling Oyster Bar: The name says it all: darling. Think honed marble tables, mint green accents, chalkboard menu’s and more. We visited for happy hour cocktails and $1 oysters!

FIG (Food is Good): We tried this spot on a whim one evening after it came highly recommended from Marion from 86 Cannon. With seating for 20 at most, be prepared to dine communal style with locals or around the bar for a fun experience. The menu changes daily but I can say that everything we ate was out of this world. If we had time, we would have been back for a second visit.

Husk: We booked a reservation here purely on hype and to be honest, we’re really trying to step back from that mindset when travelling. A lot of locals suggested a ton of other spots to visit that were much more economical so we ended up sticking around for drinks and apps and we didn’t regret this decision.

Le Farfalle: We visited this spot for a light Italian lunch while strolling Worth Street one afternoon. The fare was ok but the cocktails were superb. I don’t know if I’d be back but the patio is certainly worth a visit for drinks. I did love their Goodnight Moon cocktail :)

Indaco: Another restaurant booked based on hype and to be honest, we weren’t thrilled with this rustic Italian fare. While the food wasn’t terrible and we didn’t have a bad experience, I feel like there are superior locations in Charleston worth seeing before stopping at this spot.

Chez Nous: A dreamy French bistro setting with hand-written menus everyday serving European inspired dishes. This spot is DEFINITELY worth a visit if you go for a late lunch or for a romantic dinner.

Hominy Grill: A little rustic on the outside but the breakfast fare here is worth a visit. This spot was actually just down the street from our hotel and was a fun brunch spot to dine at.

Leon’s Oyster Shop: OH MY GOODNESS. This is the restaurant we ditched Husk for on a whim (thanks to the reco from the owners at 86 Cannon) and it was SO worth it! Food you must order when visiting: Grilled Oysters, Scalloped Potatoes (game changers!), Fried Brussel Sprouts and of course: Fried chicken. Last but least – try their frozen Gin & Tonic :)

On our list but we never made it:

Barsa : Their paella comes highly recommended along with an extensive wine list.

The Ordinary: A seafood inspired restaurant and Oyster Bar.

Virginia’s on King: A local breakfast spot featuring traditional southern cuisine.

167 Raw: A raw fish and oyster bar, we had every intent of getting here but just couldn’t squeeze it into our schedule. We heard their Lobster Roll is out of this world.

Five Loaves Cafe: A local recommendation for a lunch spot that serves up taste cuisine for my Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan gals out there!

Fuel Charleston: Another refined patio style restaurant, this joint serves up Caribbean food with a Southern twist.

The Daily, Cannon Green and The Butcher and the Bee: Three acclaimed local breakfast spots.

Snacks, Desserts & Coffee:

Black Tap Coffee: A local favourite, you must drop by here for the Lavender or Honey Latte!

Kudu Coffee: Craft beer and coffee? Does it get any better? Their backyard patio is a great spot to unwind for a quiet cup of java or a pick me up (try the White Zombie beer!)

Sugar Bakeshop: No surprise here! You’ve likely got this spot saved but it certainly lives up to the hype. Try their mini cupcakes or tarts!

Where to Grab A Cocktail

Cocktail Club: A speakeasy bar located on King street, this stylish joint served up unique twists on classic favourites. I loved the Double Standard!

Gin Joint: The perfect spot for a cocktail on a lazy Saturday afternoon, this was one of our favourite locations in town. As the name goes, majority of the cocktails are gin focused but served up in refreshing and new ways. You can also serve up 2 types of cocktails that interest you (ex. Fizzy, Smokey, Tart) and the mixologist will prepare a crafted cocktail to your liking – how fun?!

The Belmont: We stopped by for post-dinner cocktails one evening. Be sure to arrive early as a line forms fast on weekend nights but their Tom Collins totally made it worth the wait.

Palmetto Brewery: Great local beer and a fun patio for the afternoon!

What to See

As I mentioned above, there’s nothing better than getting lost in the city. Grab a bike, pack a map and just wander from one neighborhood to the other. We would even try to walk to dinner most nights taking a different route and gawking at all the pastel homes in the area. Other notable sights included:

Magnolia Plantation: We spent an afternoon touring the grounds of Magnolia Plantation. Getting to acquire a deeper understanding of the history of the area and the culture was most definitely eye-opening for the both of us. We definitely suggest a visit for the cultural perspective first, but the grounds are also quite pleasing. Another spot on our list was Middleton Place.

Shop along King Street: While this strip has your classic go-to’s (Madewell, J. Crew, etc.) you can find great boutiques along the way like Hampden Clothing, Candlefish (grab a candle for someone special or for yourself!), Skinny Dip and more. Be sure to grab a Frose at Skinny Dip on those hot and humid afternoons.

Sullivan’s Island: If you’re looking to beat the heat, Sullivan’s Island is the perfect solution. About a 15 minute Uber ride from the downtown core, this untouched beach screams nostalgia with ice cream shops, burger stands and more. We dined at the Obsinate Daughter before hitting the beach and had some stellar lobster rolls and craft beer.

If it isn’t obvious, we had the MOST fabulous time in this city. Typically eager to get home, it’s the first time we called an airline to ask if we could extend our vacation just one more day or even buy ourselves more time before returning home. Needless to say, we’ll definitely be back!

Puttin’ on the Ritz

Despite living only 30 minutes away from Toronto, Adam and I often take for granted how much there is to do and see in our city. You may have read about our weekend in the city here, but I didn’t get to share too many details about our staycation at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

Nestled in the heart of the Entertainment District, this property is definitely a must see if you’re new to the city or a local looking to book a weekend getaway. With many theatres nearby, King St. restaurants a block away and the Rogers Centre a stone’s throw away, you couldn’t pick a better location to get yourself acquainted with the best the city has to offer.

The best Peruvian food in the city!

Upon checking in, we were welcomed with a scrumptious lunch at the Ritz Bar. Inspired by Peruvian cuisine, snacks and apps were enjoyed in an intimate setting. We loved the Ceviche Classico, Hanger Steak Anticuchos and Papas Fritas. Perfectly paired cocktails are a must at this spot and I definitely recommend the Pisco Pasion – it’s a real smoke show ;)

After a scrumptious lunch, we headed upstairs to get a sneak peek at our digs for the next two nights. Immediately upon walking in you couldn’t help but notice the floor to ceiling windows of the CN tower, which were absolutely breathtaking. It then dawned on me how incredibly spacious the room was – yes, even for the incredibly large suitcase I packed for just two nights! – and surprise, surprise… the Ritz-CarltonToronto actually hosts some of the biggest guest rooms of any hotel in the city.

Moving on to the bathroom – an oversized soaker tub, marble accents throughout and an HD TV placed behind the vanity mirror. Let me tell you – getting to catch up on the Real Housewives of New York City and doing your makeup is a dream come true!

Always love the fresh flower displays in the lobby!

Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Toronto

As if we weren’t feeling pampered enough, I had the privilege of getting to visit the Spa My Blend by Clarins for a personalized treatment. There’s only two of these spas in the world – Paris and Toronto – so to have the opportunity to visit was beyond my expectations. I was lucky enough to try the My Blend Facial treatment from the spa. I loved getting to have a personalize consultation with my skin coach so she could find out more about my skincare regime, skin type and more. And for those interested in knowing? Yes, it was the most amazing facial of my life. I actually snapped some brave before and after photos on Instagram stories because I was so impressed with the results.

Following my facial, I was led to the infamous Relaxation Room. Ask any Torontonian about their favourite spa in the city and they’ll rave about the Ritz-Carlton Toronto and this space. With soaring ceilings, artistic details and a private lounge area, it completely wraps up an already amazing experience on such a positive note.

Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Toronto

Feeling rejuvenated from my spa treatment and with a few hours to spare before dinner, we walked around the local area and wound up at Ripley’s Aquarium for the first stop on date night. The jellyfish are a must see! For dinner, we dined on site at TOCA restaurant. I must admit, I had heard great things about this spot for years but never quite made it with such an influx of new spots in the Toronto scene. Consider yourself warned: you must be sure to get there as soon as possible.

An Italian themed restaurant tucked on the second floor of the hotel, it’s one of the best kept secrets in the city. We sampled their Canadian inspired menu which is not to be missed. With a wine paring per course and the best lobster pasta we’ve had – it’s definitely worth a visit. And try to score yourself a visit to the Cheese Cave while you’re there.

Sunday morning was a slow start for us strolling around the city visiting one of our favourite spots for brunch and hanging around the King West area. We made our way back to the Ritz Carlton for a quick dip and laid low for the day soaking up the fact that we were tourists in the city. We moved the party outside to enjoy drinks on DEQ – the patio bar located on site at Ritz Carlton. With a Blue Jay’s game recently wrapping, the energy was insane and the views of the CN Tower are priceless.

Love that they have a candy bar in the lobby!

We wrapped our day with more city exploring and headed to the Ossington neighborhood for a quick bite and sweet treats and then to Bloor St. in Yorkville for some shopping. It was only 2 days in the city but it felt like we had taken a mini vacation in a city that we only ever get to experience in short segments here and there. We had such a fabulous stay and I would certainly recommend the property if you’re visiting Toronto for the first time or if you’re also looking for a fun escape to this fabulous city we call home.

And don’t forget – you can score an Epic Canadian adventure all your own with Marriott properties. Enter here to snag a vacation for you and a friend to a destination of your choice across the country!

This post was sponsored by the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

48 Hours in Miami

What do you do when you haven’t seen sun in a week, rain is lined up in the forecast and you need some serious R&R time by the pool? You book a trip south and head to the Sunshine State for some serious Vitamin D.

We’ve been go, go, go since the beginning of May and with concrete plans to stay put for the summer, we were looking forward to our last trip before the kick off of summer: Miami. We actually spent a bit of our honeymoon there and while we had a blast, we both had forgotten much about the city and what it had to offer.

Considering our slammed schedule we put our faith in the American Express Travel Team and our Platinum Concierge team to arrange for our travel arrangements. I can’t stress enough how in tune these services are for travelers on the go. I always love waiting to see what type of property recommendations they’ll suggest for us. High on our list of must-haves was a pool, beach access, a great restaurant on site and in a fun neighborhood. The team sent over their list of must-see spots and at the top of their list was the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, which lucky for us is part of the Fine Hotels & Resorts program with our Platinum Card.

Hat | Blouse | Jean Shorts | Sandals | Bag

Though I was only planning on staying for the weekend, I was eligible for a complimentary third night at the hotel through the limited time offer from the same program for Platinum Cardmembers. I had to be back for Monday, but if I didn’t I would have definitely taken advantage of this. How could I not have? The place is host to celebs such as Beyonce, Jay Z, Leonardo DiCaprio and more – it’s really made a splash on the Miami scene in recent months. After flipping through pics and seeing the bright and punchy décor, I was immediately sold.

I forgot how convenient and close by the city is to Toronto – perfect for a weekend getaway. We headed to Toronto Pearson on a Friday after work, valeted the car for free thanks to our Platinum Card and jetted past the cringe-worthy security line thanks to Amex’s Cloud 10 benefits. These perks alone make weekend jet-setting a breeze knowing the airport process is a no-fuss process.

Friday Evening

We arrived late on Friday evening and despite being a tad tired from our travels, immediately perked up to hear about our complimentary room upgrade.

We can’t always book suites so knowing we’d have early check in and the fact that Amex grants us access to a complimentary room upgrade (when available), our trip experience always goes from good to great. Especially when hearing that we now have a junior suite with an ocean view – cha ching!

The photos of the Faena Miami definitely don’t do it justice. The seashell-clad bar is a sight for sore eyes and definitely worth an Instagram pic, the Damian Hirst golden Mammoth installation is the perfect conversation piece and the red and white striped umbrellas are instantly recognizable. I have to say – it was one of the most eclectic and inspiring properties we’ve ever seen.

Saturday Morning

Thanks to all your recommendations, we dined at Yardbird on Friday evening for southern fare. I highly recommend the braised short ribs, fried chicken and bourbon lemonade – SO good!

Dress | Sunglasses | Shoes

The following morning, we dined poolside at the Faena restaurant, Veranda. Remember those perks I mentioned earlier about booking at a Fine Hotels & Resorts property? Coming at you with another one: breakfast for two on the house! We sipped freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, huevos rancheros for me and eggs benny for him and boy oh boy was it tasty.

Saturday Afternoon

After a walk on the beach to snap some must-have photos (you MUST pay a visit to SLS Miami for their unforgettable pink umbrellas), we decided to take advantage of the sunshine and hang by the beach for the early afternoon. If you are going to visit Miami in June, I suggest going sooner than later in the month as we were teetering on the beginning of storm season, which can call for iffy weather.

In addition to breakfast offer, we had a $100 Food and Beverage credit that we received just for being Platinum Cardmembers, which also happens to include cocktails. Can you say beach-side mojitos? I also recommend the frose at the Faena Miami Beach – you won’t be disappointed!

Bathing Suit

Post beach and all cleaned up, we gave the Platinum Concierge team a quick holler on where to go for happy hour drinks. They suggested paying a visit to Cecconi’s at the exclusive Soho Beach House and off we went. Not only is the spot gorgeous (herringbone tile floor, strung patio lights, colourful cushions) but the drinks are to die for. I sipped the Lavender Collins and Adam opted for a Negroni while we munched on the Dirty Burger and Calamari. It’s definitely a must-do in the area and a great way to see the space if you don’t have reservations in advance!

A few cocktails later and the weather looking a tad grim, we headed to Bal Harbour for some shopping. The Shops at Bal Harbour is a perfect outdoor shopping centre with names such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Chloe, Prada and more. And since shopping with our Amex earns us 1.25 points for every dollar spent, my new Chloe sunglasses not only look great but also earned us points towards our next stay (fingers crossed for the Italian Riviera this summer!).

Dress | Clutch | Sunglasses

A little tired, a lot shopped out and wanting something close by, we dined at Carpaccio in the shopping area. It’s not the hippest or chicest spot but we did eat there in the past and loved the food and the people watching.

Sunday Morning

A sip of OJ and grapefruit early Sunday morning and we were on our way to the highlight of our trip: brunch at the Bazaar Mar by Jose Andres at the SLS Brickell. I mean I thought I’d seen my fair share of fancy brunch options, but we’d clearly never been here. A must-do from the Amex Platinum Concierge team, this new to the scene restaurant is a seafood style brunch that features free-flowing Moet champagne, caviar by the spoonful, amazing paella and don’t even get me started on the décor. I highly, highly recommend a visit here and book an opening reservation to get an infamous snap at one of their booths.

Dress | Sunglasses | Shoes

We wanted to walk off our brunch bods so we took an Uber over to the Wynwood Walls district and perused the area for an hour or two. I actually wished we had spent more time here but with the sun shining and my ill-attire, we thought it was probably best to melt in the pool and not the heat.

Sunday Afternoon

Our last few hours in Miami were spent poolside at the Faena, another frose for me and a Mojito for Adam. By late afternoon we hailed a cab and headed back to Miami International Airport for our flight home.

Since we left a tad early given the questionable weather and our flight mishaps this year, we found ourselves checked in with ample time so hopped on over to the Centurion Lounge within the Miami Airport. As American Express Platinum Cardmembers, you get access to a swanky lounge with sweeping views of the planes taking off, complimentary beverages (their wine selection is impressive!) and gourmet meals from Michelle Bernstein, an award-winning chef. Oh and did I mention the spa?!? I love how the Centurion Lounge was the perfect send off from an already amazing trip. And icing on the cake? Coming home to Toronto past midnight but seeing your car waiting for you at the Pearson Airport Valet hub – I mean does it get any better?

Scarf | Tee | Jeans | Similar shoes

Needless to say, our trip was filled with great sights, food, R&R and of course – all the perks of being a Platinum Cardmember. I can’t stress enough the additional access one receives with this card and the enhanced experience of travelling it offers! I had a blast in Miami and would definitely consider going back for another weekend getaway – it was just the perfect amount of Vitamin D we needed!

This post was sponsored by American Express Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.

Playing Tourist in the City

While Adam and I only live about 25 minutes outside the city, finding the time to get into Toronto to try a new restaurant, see a new art exhibit or just stroll around our favourite neighborhoods is often overlooked. It’s so easy to get consumed in your life in the suburbs or find reasons not to fight the traffic to get into the city.

Last month, Marriott invited us to play tourist in our city and extended us the opportunity to reconnect with the city we call home. We’d never stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in the city before so we thought it might be nice to get acquainted with the property and the Entertainment District in the city.

Dress | Shoes | Similar Bag | Sunglasses

True to brand, the lobby at the Ritz-Carlton is ever so grand and of course – always filled with fresh flowers. With a fabulous Peruvian inspired cocktail bar, TOCA – their amazing Italian restaurant – and Deq bar, their food and libations options alone make you question if it’s worth it to leave the property.

Drinks at the Ritz-Carlton Bar

The Clarins spa at The Ritz-Carlton is a must do!

Alas, with Canada ringing in its 150th
anniversary this year, we were lucky enough to receive a Media Pass that
granted us access to some of the city’s infamous landmarks. Some of our
favourites from the list include Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, the CN tower and
the ROM. Adam had never been to the aquarium so we walked on over (it’s only a
few blocks away from the hotel) to catch a glimpse of the sharks, sea turtles
and of course – the jellyfish.

Handbag | Sunglasses

That afternoon we hung out around the King West area dropping into one of my favourite spots for coffee (and a mani if you have the time!) at Her Majesty’s Pleasure. The cocktails are also worth a visit! Other coffee/bakery spots we love in the city are Bobbette & Belle, Dineen Coffee, Bake Shoppe and Hailed Coffee.

Drinks at DEQ // Similar Kimono | Tee | Jeans | Bag | Shoes

After a relaxing walk around the city, we headed back to our hotel and had the pleasure of dining at Toca – an amazing Italian restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton. But more to come on that later! For those who have asked in the past, some of our go-to dinner spots in Toronto are Mamaka’s Taverna, Lee, Luckee, Patois (currently being rebuilt), Buca, BarIsabel, Parts & Labour and Cava.

Well rested from an awesome sleep, we headed out Sunday morning to perhaps the most darling restaurant in Toronto: Colette. Nothing beats their Sunday brunch set up which boasts rows of scrumptious French inspired fare and an awesome cappuccino! A must do if you’re headed to the city and be sure to consider School, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, LaSociete, Lisa Marie, Saving Grace and Rose and Sons. A little different than the brunch, but I also highly recommend tea and scones at Kitten & The Bear.

Blazer | Blouse | Pants

Brunch at Colette

Scones and tea at Kitten & The Bear

A beautiful Sunday in the city calls for neighborhood city strolls. We always love wandering around Kensington Market and stumbled upon Sweet Hart vegan bakery – so tasty! If you find yourself in that neighborhood, be sure to visit Grey Gardens restaurant for a glass of rose!

Tee | Similar Skirt | Similar Sandals

Ossington is another neighborhood worth a
stroll. Home to Bang Bang Ice Cream (so good!) and Peace Collective treats,
there’s a ton of foodie spots worth visiting. We also love Trinity Bellwoodsbrewery, Salt and sandwiches from Cote de Boeuf.

We often forget how big the city really is and tackling all of this in a weekend is certainly near impossible but it’s definitely a reminder even for us to head back from time to time to experience the city like a tourist.

If you could play tourist in any Canadian city – what would it be? You may just get that chance. Marriott has announced their Epic Canada Adventure offering five lucky winners a chance to experience an ‘epic’ trip to swoon-worthy Canadian destinations. Each prize pack includes a trip for two including airfare, one hotel room, airfare and spending money – woo hoo! The contest closes July 24th so be sure to get online and entertoday! I’d also love to know where you’d like to visit!

And if you have any other questions or tips for visiting the city, feel free to let me know!

This post was created in partnership with Marriott.

Travel Guide: Palm Springs

California is just one of those destinations that we feel like we can never get enough of. I think what I love most about it is the diversity one state represents. Whether you’re looking for big city sights, a day at the beach or looking to catch a glimpse of the desert, it’s got something in store for you. Palm Springs was a destination that has always been on our list to visit but we just hadn’t found the right time or date to visit. So when our friends at Lincoln Motor Canada asked us if we’d be interested in test-driving the new 2017 Lincoln Continental in California, we said yes! When we found out we were going to test drive it from LA to Palm Springs, we screamed HECK YES!

I actually had the chance to preview the vehicle at an exclusive event earlier this year and I have to say, I was beyond impressed. The Lincoln brand is near and dear to my heart – I had the pleasure of making my parents go grey learning to drive on one ;) What I love about the brand and this new model is how they’ve reshaped the brand and the audience for their vehicles with the introduction of new lines, colours, features and more – but back to that later!

Since we booted around town in our snazzy Continental for the long weekend, we figured what better way than to share our guide to all things Palm Springs?

Getting There

If you plan to visit the area, chances are you’ll be flying into Los Angeles like we did. While we had banked on a good 2.5-3 hours to get from the airport into the area, I definitely recommend adding more time. And for all of us non-Californians, be sure to include time for a highway pull-off to grab an In n’ out Burger!

Thankfully the near 4-hour drive (ohhh LA city traffic) was made much easier with some awesome features in the Lincoln Continental. We had our LA playlist ready to go thanks to so many of your tips. And because we both love to sing to our favourite songs at the top of our lungs, the Revel audio system in the Lincoln Continental completely enhanced the experience. With 3 different listening modes, you can shift from ‘Stereo’ sound to ‘Onstage’ which actually sounded like we were listening to the band live and in concert – Hotel California anyone?

Relax and Unwind
In light of all things luxury, the team was so generous to offer us the chance to visit the Ritz Carlton Spa Rancho Mirage. So I would by no means consider myself a massage connoisseur buuuuuut I might be bold to say it was one of the best massages of my life. No joke! And the relaxation area is this tranquil in/out space with a hot tub, palm trees surrounded and clear blue skies. I highly recommend a visit here if you’re staying in the area. Word is a ton of celebs hide out at this hotel when they visit the area for a weekend.

Thankfully, the spa experience continued on our drive to our hotel. If you followed along on Instagram stories, you probably heard me raving about the seats in the car and trust me – it was no joke. I mean there are your standard seat controls, and then there are the Continental grade levels of control – I’m talking a pedestal for your feet, AC controls (that desert heat tho!) and the best part: a massage function. Yes, you read that right – a massage function. I didn’t bother to even start the car before that function was up and running!

Where To Stay

Feeling completely relaxed after a long day of travelling and driving, we cranked the AC, and scooted on over to our abode for the next few days: the Parker Palm Springs. This hotel has been a bucket list property for myself for YEARS. That infamous orange door, Norma’s breakfast spot, the Lemonade stand – I felt like I had the property mapped out and I hadn’t even been there yet.

I will say: the property does live up to the hype. From its stunning design (a la Jonathan Adler), to friendly staff and beautiful grounds, it was more inspiring than I could have imagined. We hung out at the adults only pool for an afternoon but there was also a family friendly pool on the other side of the property – it’s 13 acres! The Lemonade stand is a must do for happy hour – we fell in love with their different variations on all things cocktail spritzers. One of our favourite parts of the hotel was the adorable bike they loan out to guests to tour the property and surrounding area. Did I mention the fact that they were pink?!?

Blouse | Jeans | Similar Sandals | Bag

I also loved how the property had something for everyone – hammock swings, lounge chairs by the fire, bocce ball courts, croquet lawns, pools, design books lying around for a good read – it really is a source of inspiration.

Cardigan | Tee | Shorts | Shoes | Bag

We did get the chance to pop into a few other properties during our stay that looked quite fun. The Saguaro Palm Springs was bright, colourful and had quite the pool party kicking on a Saturday afternoon. The Colony Palms hotel was another spot we visited for dinner one evening and it too had beautiful grounds, fun striped awnings and one heck of a pool setup.

Romper | Hat | Bag

Where to Eat

We were spoiled this trip and didn’t have to spend grueling hours trying to figure out which restaurants to hit and which ones to avoid. The lovely team at Lincoln Motor Canada arranged all our reservations and I must say – they did not disappoint.

Norma’s Breakfast at the Parker Palm Springs: Great brunch spot for a lazy Sunday. They sample their daily smoothie on the house and have some amazing brunch options that veer from your average breakfast joint.

Birba: Quite possibly our favourite meal of them all. Dinner is served in a dreamy setting with patio string lights, great cocktails and food that is to die for! Be sure to order the pizza!

The Purple Palms Restaurant: Definitely a romantic setting for dinner. It has that quintessential California bohemian vibe to it that you just fall in love with. Wine list was amazing and both our meals were out of this world.

The Workshop Kitchen + Bar: Since it rains only 10-12 days a year in Palm Springs, dining al fresco is a norm in the area and this particular restaurant had such a beautiful courtyard. We were wowed by their mixologist and totally won over by their burger and French-fries – SO good!

Customs Coffee: We stopped in here for a quick pick me up one afternoon and loved the vibe of this coffee house. The pink cups are equally as cute.

Cheeky’s: A MUST do for breakfast in the area. Their cinnamon rolls are to-die-for!

On our list but we never got the chance to make it: Farm Restaurant, Spencer’s, Barn Kitchen and Resevoire.

Cocktails and Nightlife

Top | Skirt | Shoes

The Bar: A low-key spot to grab a quick drink before or following your meal. The craft beer list was amazing. We never made it, but heard that CBB Brewery was also a must-do!

The Tropicale: A tiki-inspired (but not tacky) spot to grab a great cocktail and people watch!

On our list for the next visit: Bootlegger and Tonga Hut.

What to See & Do

Aside from the usual R&R, be sure to carve out some time in Palm Springs for an activity or two to get an idea of the local sights and culture. These were some of our favourite activities

Modern Architectural Tour

You can’t help but notice the architectural design of the homes in Palm Springs. That midcentury mod look – which isn’t normally my style – slowly becomes more and more appealing as you consider the era and nostalgia behind their designs. We had the pleasure of cruising through our tour and spotted homes of the rich and famous such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Leonardo DiCaprio and more.

Let me tell you, being chauffeured around (Adam drove and our tour guide took the passenger seat) was a great way to see the city ;) And while most dread a backseat experience, this was a dream. With my own climate control, massaging capabilities and legroom to spare – I was living the life.

Romper

Hike Joshua Tree
So ok, anyone who knows me, may know that Krystin and hiking are rarely put together in the same sentence. And I’ll be honest, I had my doubts… but this was something Adam really wanted to experience on the trip. So we booted from Palm Springs over to Joshua Tree on our Sunday morning for the full experience.

I must say, the views alone during the drive are a sight for sore eyes. The windmills are instantly recognizable and definitely worth a visit if you’ve got time to spare. Thankfully, as Adam was gawking and gazing while driving, we experienced for the first – and last time – the Lincoln Drive Control feature. As much as I hate to admit it, the boy does veer from time to time when he drives and being gently steered back into the center of the lane was perhaps one of the most reassuring and valuable features of the car.

We hiked Joshua Tree for the better part of the day but were taken on a scenic tour that was off the beaten path. Scaling boulders, dodging cactus and coming across fun insect species made it a truly memorable experience. Oh and a tip for all you non-hikers out there – distressed jean shorts and fashionable sneakers are a poor choice I learned for the desert lol!

This blog post was created in partnership with Lincoln Motor Canada.

Greetings from Miami

Dress: c/o Chicwish | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Earrings: Ann Taylor | Clutch: Clare V {Dupe for $45} | Shoes: Target {Old, also here} | Cuffs: c/o Julie Vos | Lips: Laura Mercier | Watch: c/o Cluse | Necklace: c/o Brook and York

We shot this over the weekend during our stay in Miami. I have to say – it’s been a few years since we’ve been back to South Beach but I forgot how fun it is! We’ve joked that 2017 is the year of travel to the US and seeing so many new or revisiting old spots that we forget is so close to home for us. This white dress was a lifesaver with al the heat and humidity the city was experiencing. I love how the bow ties are adjustable and the slit takes the dress from erring on the side of matronly to fun and chic! Stay tuned to our 48 hour guide to Miami :)

Gingham in Charleston

Cardigan: Joe Fresh {Old, Similar and here} | Dress: c/o Eliza J | Shoes: c/o Jack Rogers | Bag: Clare V {Designer Dupe} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker {old, similar} | Earrings: c/o Baublebar | Watch: c/o Cluse

This dress was the perfectly printed frock for sightseeing around Charleston. The gingham print just screams spring and the belt (included!) adds the perfect touch. I loved pairing it with a striped cardigan for a perfect pop of print mixing while touring town. I showed it here with flat sandals but I love the idea of it paired with bright yellow pumps or even red strappy heels! We’re working away on our travel guides and expect one for Palm Springs and Charleston shortly! Hope everyone has a great week!