Living Winter to the Fullest at Blue Mountain

Becoming a #winterwarrior at Blue Mountain

If there is one thing Torontonians are good at doing it's commenting (and often complaining) about the weather. Ironically it seems like we've been pretty lucky snow-wise until Groundhog Day when Mother Nature decided to bless us with 6 more weeks of winter and a good few feet of the fluffy white stuff. But bemoaning winter is not going to make it go away and so I've decided the only way to get through it is to embrace it and become a #winterwarrior.

For a while now there have been plans laid to go to Blue Mountain in Collingwood. It's not such an awful drive up - you can probably make it there in under two hours from Toronto if the conditions/traffic aren't killer. I carpooled with Ajay and our friend Aaron to meet our giant group of 16 up at our chalet for the weekend. I'd like to think that I performed my duties as car DJ admirably. Especially since I got the guys to twerk (no really).

Tim Hortons coffee is such a typical Canadian road trip companion

Since we arrived way before check in time we quickly changed into our gear in the car. I don't really come from a winter sporting kind of family so, being completely gearless I head on over to rentals. It never ceases to amaze me how cordial people just outside of Toronto are (not that we Torontonians are terrible people but I guess city life does have its stresses). Indecisive as always I had to be coached through what I ought to get. There's a lot to do at Blue, from skating to snowboarding. I don't have much to compare it with price-wise but if you buy on the spot heading up the mountain will run you about $100 a day (inlcuding rentals).

The (easy) slopes at Blue Mountain

Let me start off by saying, full disclosure, I am a complete newb when it comes to skiing. But I really feel as though I took to it like a fish to water. I've tried snowboarding a handful of times and have never been really won over but skiing just felt natural! I've been having dreams of parelleling ever since and I just can't wait to head back.


After getting my butt kicked we headed to our chalet to unwind. With such a big group and with everyone at different levels of skill the chalet was really the only touchstone for socializing. And most of that took place in the hot tub! That first night somehow nearly all of us managed to fit inside and enjoy the hot water and cool breeze. Then someone had the brilliant idea of making snow angels. We Canadians are naturally fearless when it comes to the freezing cold... Or so we like to think. I'm sure we all looked ridiculous running in our skivvies through the frozen terrain and making quick little snow angels before dashing back into the warm water.

Our Chalet at Collingwood

Ajay and I adventured out on our own one afternoon and rented snowshoes. It was a hard treck through the snow but bundled up we hardly felt the chill. We ventured off the beaten path - the 1.5km and 4km trails that we were prompted to take just took us around the golf course and were not the experience I was after. I wanted to see the Great Outdoors and so we dipped into the tree line when, exhausted, we lay down and looked at the canopy.

Ajay looks very Walter Mitty here

My Sorel Caribous came in handy as we went snowshoeing

One of the real big wins of Blue Mountain is the village. Walking through Blue Mountain Village the mix of German and Victorian architecture makes you feel like you've been transported to Austria. Though relatively small there is so much to do there and I don't think I got to experience it all properly. One of the places I really wish I'd had a chance to peek into is Georgian Christmas.

Beautiful horses carting skiiers and snowboarders from slopes to resorts at Blue Mountain

Ajay and I had a great night out in the village with some of this friends from work who happened to also be up for the weekend. We met them at Twist Martini & Wine Lounge where the crowd was a mix of Après-ski and dressed-to-the-nines. Great music, great drinks and full of people in the party spirit Twist proved to be the best decision we'd made all weekend.



We had a bit of a Home Alone moment the next morning when we woke up 15 minutes before check out. All 16 of us rushed to get everything together and packed. But somehow we made it out in time and back to the city.

I wish I could make Blue Mountain a regular stop during the winter months. It's the perfect weekend away. What keeps you busy during the long winter months? Let me know in the comments!

The Crushes of Our Teenage Selves

Friends is finally on Netflix. I repeat: Friends is finally on Netflix! Of course, this means that for at least the ensuing month no one between the ages of 21-45 will be getting much done.

Right now I'm in the middle of "The One with Frank Jr." and the concept of the "Freebie List" came up. Chandler bemoans someone on Janice's freebie list, and then explains to the group what he means. A freebie list is a list of 5 celebrities who, should the opportunity arise, one could sleep with and not be considered a cheat. More than a little silly, especially when you consider that Jessica Rabbit is on Chandler's list.

I like to think she's saying "Ahhhh Patriarchy" here

But in all seriousness this had me considering my own, and inevitably I began to think of who I really used to obsess over. Any guesses?

When I was thirteen I was in love (no I swear I thought I was!) with Elijah Wood.

Wait, what now?

When the Fellowship of the Ring came out (I think I may have been 11 when I first saw it) and all the girls in my class were oohing and awing over Legolas' shiny hair I was obsessing over Frodo. And I'm not using the word obsess lightly here. As my love for dear Frodo only strengthened movie by movie I was convinced by the time I was thirteen and puberty and I were BFFs that if I could only just explain to Mr. Wood why we were meant for each other, he'd see it to.

Girl, you be tripping.

I distinctly remember beginning to write a letter and starting with "I know we're ten years apart, but I'm very mature for my age" or some such crap. I had all these daydreams about bumping into him at afterparties (Oh yea, I was famous too) and reeling him in with my adorable and aloof persona.

I was in deep, and spent hours scouring the internet for photos of him. My room was literally plastered with Elijah Wood photos like this one:

You're creeping me out. Just stop.

One day I finally got over Elijah Wood. I had moved on to Daniel Radcliffe.

So now, of course, is the prime time to publicly humiliate myself. Dear Elijah Wood, I'm sorry for being your creepy fangirl way back when. 

Do you remember your first celebrity crush? Did you go a little too gung-ho like a certain someone? Tell all in the comments below!

My Heart is in Amsterdam

Every time I come to visit my family and friends in Amsterdam I leave a little bit of my heart behind.

I already miss this little monster. Coat by Calvin Klein, handmade scarf

I was born here, I grew up here, and yet I no longer live here. I know the streets well, I bike like an echt Amsterdams meisje and I find my Dutch only getting better and better. I hope that one day my story will take me back home, because The Netherlands is my home. When you grow up as a third culture kid your passport country is not always the place you feel is home. I am Dutch, passport or no.

Haarlemerstraat, NL

My sister lives on the Haarlemerstraat, a trendy neighborhood of Amsterdam. Every building here is beautiful and full of character.

Likeurtje from Walter Woodbury Bar and thrifted purse

One of the first nights I got back my sister and zwager (brother-in-law) took me to the Walter Woodbury Bar, a surprisingly North American style bar. I think my sister must feel a little homesick for Canada, and this is an establishment that feels like it belongs in Queen West (minus the delicious bitterballen on the menu).

Shoes by Bandolino, jeans by American Eagle and coat by Calvin Klein

Of course, arriving so close to Christmas I was shuttled about by my sisters for some last minute shopping. The Kalverstraat (the Walking Street) is the busiest place you could shop. It's like an outdoor mall, but it has everything you could ever need. I discovered a couple new brands like Monki, Pull and Bear, and Bershka.

Sabon on the Kalverstraat

Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam NL

Coffee at Museumcafé Mokum

One of those shopping days I stumbled upon the Amsterdam Museum looking for a good cup of coffee. I love how the Dutch do coffee. Instead of drip they serve you a deliciously creamy long shot and almost always compliment you with a cookie.

Freshly made stroopwafel from the Dappermarkt, Amsterdam

I indulged in a little taste of my childhood while hunting through the bustling Dappermarkt. You can buy stroopwafels here in Canada, but it's not the same as having a freshly made one.

At the Tuschinski. Top by Scotch and Soda, jeans by American Eagle, bag by Matt and Nat and shoes by Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply

While in Amsterdam I caught The Hobbit. I have to say that I don't like how it was filmed - this whole more frames per minute thing makes me feel like I'm watching something low-budget. How ironic, and what a waste of production money! But seeing the movie in the glorious Art Deco Pathé Tuschinski theatre made the night worthwhile. If you travel to Amsterdam you just have to see this theatre, even if you don't actually see anything playing there.

Christmas Day in Amsterdam was sunny and bright

Christmas day I took the kids to a playground to keep the chaos out of the house for a little while. On the way I got distracted by one beautiful building. Inside was a courtyard and utter stillness. It was a seniors residence, with a neatly trimmed garden and a beautiful view.

Sisters compare hands

Later that week my sisters and I checked out the Amsterdam Light Festival. After talking which side of the family Rachel's kids take after, she turned to compare each of us. We all look alike in our own way, even if we don't look strongly like mum or dad. She had us compare our hand. Mine are like my mum's with long and knobbly fingers.

At the Amsterdam Light Festival

Artis Zoo, Amsterdam

The day before we left we took the kids to the Artis Zoo. I have so many childhood memories of traipsing around this zoo. I may have more memories of playing on the playground, to be honest, but I distinctly remember the tiger that I named Rajah (Ajay tells me this name is the equivalent of the English "Alistair").

A dirty Dutch tile

And just for fun, here's a dirty Dutch tile.

What place do you call home?

Home for the Holidays

A couple weeks ago my mum said to me "Here's an idea... why don't you go see your sisters for Christmas?" I grew up in Amsterdam; my parents used to work in the Netherlands. The big age difference between me and my sisters means that when we left for Canada, seven-year-old Lindsay didn't have much say, but Rachel and Heather were already out of the nest. Now they both have their own families in Amsterdam. It's hard being away from family, and I feel it the most around Christmas.

I wish I could say the trip there was easy going but you wouldn't believe my bad luck. Originally I was meant to fly to JFK and then to Schipol. The drive up to the airport was super foggy - we could see maybe five cars in front of us and that was it. Apparently New York had it worse. First my flight was delayed... then cancelled. I've never had a flight cancelled and I really didn't know what to do. 

I called my airline - they'd set up another flight for me the next day but I was anxious to leave and already had an itinerary (typical). I asked to be put on the next direct flight. No problem, it seemed. Except that when I ran for the KLM desk and out of breath handed over my passport I was told that I was technically on the plane, but my ticket hadn't been issued. 

I asked the desk about my checked bags and was told something like "that's not my jurisdiction". This woman really did not want to help me. She continued to tell me that since I missed my flight I was out of luck (great, you don't even know what flight I was on, super helpful!) Wonderful... "What's the next step that I can take?" I ask. You may not be polite, but I shall. She pointed vaguely to ask another person.

I called again to my airline and had someone confirm this. Then I was on hold as they tried to figure out my flight (attempt #4 if we're counting). 20 minutes later... dial-tone.

Since I had started with the airline on the phone, I had to complete the process over the phone. I called again and asked if they had the transcripts from my last conversations, the answer apparently was "no", and when I explained the non-issuing of the ticket the person I was speaking to this time completely denied that that was the case. I assured her that was correct and that KLM had confirmed this. but she insisted I was wrong. 

After being transferred to the supervisor, I struggled to get my bags back, finally figuring out who to ask. Eventually, after an hour on hold I was put on a flight from Toronto to Detroit to Amsterdam. With 20 minutes to run for the gate I quickly booked it. It was kind of like in Home Alone when the whole family runs through the airport, and when I got to the gate I asked, out of breath, if I had made it in time. "Yes you made it, the flight has been delayed." It was so delayed, in fact, that I would miss my connecting flight, extending my layover in Detroit to 14 hours. 

Crying, exhausted, I finally folded. Calling in one last time I booked the direct flight leaving the next day. And finally... I was off!

Me and all my luggage (JK)

I never have problems flying, but this was unreal. I made it, however, just in time for Christmas!

And look what was waiting for me when I got there...

Good Morning

These past few weeks have been crazy and I feel like I've been neglecting you all! I'll make it up with a storm of updates.

In the meantime, good morning!

In Collaboration with The Noteworthys Part II - A Night on the Town

I've met so many admirable people this year, among the lot is Nundini Krishan founder of the up-and-coming "The Noteworthys". The Noteworthys is a Toronto-based network which connects clientele to designers.



I'm particularly excited about their project and you can stay in the loop by signing up early here.

I was asked to take part in their very first photoshoot where I got to bring a little of my own personal brand to the scene. In this, part II of my collaboration, I wanted to showcase a feminine look perfect for an evening of cocktails.



This look challenges a conservative color-palette by using surprising textures. The black turtle neck which I found tucked away in the heart of Chinatown has a modest cut, but it's the intricate lace detailing that surprises and delights with hints of skin. It definitely isn't meant for the faint-of-heart and could be easily paired with either a nude or black cami for a more subtle look. The skirt I've chosen to pair this lace number with is from H&M and is made of sweater-material. It's a short fluted skirt which gives the outfit a hint of volume without going overboard.

I didn't want to draw away from the neckline of the shirt, or the detailed lace and so complimented this look with a sleek jeweled headpiece with matching earrings. The sunglasses found in Kensington Market at Bungalow create a little bit of edge to an otherwise feminine look with the dramatic frames. The shoes (unseen) were my favourite silver stilettos from Aldo and I finished this outfit with a mixed metallic clutch and a dark shade of red lipstick bringing in just a suggestion of color.  (You can see them here in my look from World MasterCard Fashion Week).

Would you wear this outfit? Stay tuned for Part III coming up shortly!

Happy (Belated) Halloween!

photo credit: Max Ellis, maxphotographic.com

Check out this little guy trying to steal a Jack-o-Lantern! Max Ellis is a British photographer who snapped these photos of wild squirrels in his backyard.

This Halloween I stereotyped my boyfriend and made him dress up as Aladdin. Or at least that's how he tells the story. Of course, if he were to go as Aladdin the only option for me was to be Abu (Jasmine who?).



Of course, we needed a picture of the two of us together. Obviously that meant I should get on his shoulders and act the part of Abu.

Ajay is petrified of dropping me. I got this. I'm a pro.

See I told you I got this!

Fall in love with Autumn

Fall has been busy for me. Work has been intense with Christmas around the corner, and I want to spend every minute of this beautiful season with friends and family. See the season through my lens.


Exploring my alma mater, The University of Toronto, and the changing leaves.



Van Gogh's sunflowers are in my mother's house and pumpkins all in a row.


My boyfriend, Ajay is Indian and together with our friends celebrated the beautiful Hindu festival of Diwali. As you might be able to tell from the last photo it was absolute carnage and I'm still full.