california | travel scrapbook

Over Christmas break we traveled to California — specifically Laguna Beach, Palm Springs, San Diego + Coronado. Our days were filled with lounging by the pools, hiking, visiting the cute (but stinky) seals in La Jolla and eating delicious west coast food. The gorgeous skies and 70 degree weather definitely helped take the winter blues away.

a beautiful west coast seaside home | lifestyle photographer

Last week had me back in Vancouver for two polar opposite events. One was to say goodbye to an old childhood friend who passed away suddenly, the other was to attend a workshop with a photographer and stylist who I’ve admired for years. Tracey Ayton is one of those talented people who is always the photographer in my favorite glossy Canadian interior design magazines. Timing was on my side and it allowed me to spend a fabulous day with her and two other creatives in her beautiful west coast seaside home. As you can see, every detail in her home is thought out to precision. The only regret is that I didn’t meet her insta-famous dog, Frankie!

argentina | travel scrapbook

Spring Break in Argentina was amazing and now feels like it was just a dream. Buenos Aires has been called the “Paris of South America” and there is a reason for that. As you walk through certain areas of this beautiful city you feel as if you are transported to France with it architecture, art museums and outdoor cafes. The country is known for its tango, polo, sizzling asado and flowing Malbec. All of which we participated in! One day we headed out to the country and visited the most gorgeous Polo farm where we took part in watching a polo game, learning about polo and eventually getting on the horses and playing a match. In between all of this we shared a delicious lunch and wine with the professional players. Language was a bit of a barrier but it was so interesting to learn about their profession and lives. If you ever find yourselves in Buenos Aires, I would not hesitate to take part in this magical day out in the country.

canadian maritimes | travel scrapbook

This summer we decided to explore the Maritime provinces of Canada.  I went to university in Nova Scotia (Acadia University) but we've never traveled there as a family so we decided to stick fairly close to home and explore the east coast of Canada. We covered quite a bit of ground during the week we were away.  We flew to Bangor, Maine, rented a Dodge Ram pick-up truck on the advise of the car rental lady who said we were heading into moose country.  I should note .. we never saw a moose.  Grrr..  

Our first stop was St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick which is a charming seaside town.  We then travelled onto PEI (Prince Edward Island), all throughout Nova Scotia and eventually back to New Brunswick where we flew home via Maine.

Nova Scotia's picturesque coastline.

The Bay of Fundy is one of the 7 wonders of North America.  It has the highest tides on earth and the red coastline is because of a high level of iron.  I recall in university people going tubing in the water and coming back with thick red mud all over themselves.  I never took part in the tradition, but now I wish I had.

Acadia University is located in Wolfville, NS about an hour from Halifax. We toured the small, idyllic campus and I was able to show the family my old dorm, where I took my classes and most importantly where my friends and I hung out.  The crazy thing is that after 20+ years not much has changed.  Walking back into the town bar was a blast from the past!  What had changed though is a beautiful vineyard that is only a short drive from Wolfville.  The winery is called Luckett Vineyards and their fun English phone booth located amongst the vineyards is not to be missed.  You can make a free call to anyone in North America and the kids right away picked up the phone to call their Grandma back in Vancouver.  

Peggy's Cove is a small rural community located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay in Nova Scotia.  The lighthouse is what everyone comes to see and it does not disappoint.  Every angle that you turn is like looking at a picture postcard.  The lobster and seafood is the freshest and so delicious.  On our last night we realized that for seven straight days we had only eaten seafood and not one bite of meat.  

One one of my favorite parts of the trip was discovering a small town called Summerville on Nova Scotia's south shore.  The Quarterdeck was right up my alley in terms of design and aesthetic.  It was perched on a mile of pristine white sand and so relaxing.  I did not want to leave!

Two summer staples in Nova Scotia is the ice cream store Cows and a special "only in Nova Scotia" flavor called Moon Mist.  It is a surprisingly delicious flavor mixture of banana, grape and bubblegum.  I'm not one for crazy ice cream concoctions but it actually isn't that bad.  

london | travel scrapbook

London in April is pretty spectacular.  I could just roam around with my camera shooting spring blossoms and pastel color houses all day long.  Come to think of it ... I basically did that!

Oh London town, how I love you!

Seeing old friends for brunch and then having ice cream sundaes at Harrods is always fun!

I definitely was in "spring flower heaven' as London was a few weeks ahead of the east coast with their spring blossoms.  My oh my were they ever gorgeous!

We visited the London Eye one afternoon and enjoyed the views of the entire city.  Travel note:  if you ever are trying to buy tickets for it, definitely order them online because we bypassed the huge lines and were able to walk right on.

The Eurostar is a fantastic and fast way to get from London to Paris and back.  Before you know it you are pulling into St. Pancras Station.  Also, a good book helps to speed the time away.

A visit to London wouldn't be complete without a trip to The Tower of London.  We also visited Churchill's War Rooms which I highly recommend. 

Pastel colored homes in Chelsea, yes please!

Cheerio London!  Can't wait to come back.