Travel Necessities

It's fitting that I received a little suitcase charm for my bracelet this Christmas, because it seems like all I've done since then is travel! Last week I was in Northern Ontario for business, and this week my job has taken me East, to lively and beautiful Halifax! Although it will be a busy week with work, meetings, and a lot of reading, I look forward to checking out the locals pubs and restaurants at night. I've already embraced the Maritime lifestyle, and enjoyed a great seafood dinner!

One of the most tedious parts of travelling, and those of you who travel a lot will understand, is the packing up of all our toiletries, makeup, accessories, handbags, and shoes. It's exhausting! I don't realize how many different products I use at home, until I try and fit them all in a little travel bag. I end up having to narrow everything down to my "must-haves". Here's a list of my most important items that I can't travel without:

1. The Body Shop Chamomile Eye Makeup Remover. I love this product because my makeup literally comes off in one swipe. It's cooling, soothing and feels great.



2. Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser. I've blogged about this product before. I just can't get enough of it! My skin is always clean, soft, and smooth after I use it.



3. Clinique All-About-Eyes Eye Cream. The second I'm done swiping on this little delight, my eyes instantly look brighter and more awake. Love.



4. Rimmel Glam Eyes Lash Flirt Mascara. One of the best, most affordable mascaras I've ever used. I love this stuff. It coats every lash and stays put all day.

5. Sebastien Volupt Shampoo and Conditioner. My friend Steph introduced me to these products. They leave your hair moisturized and full of volume.



Hotel Luxuries from the North

Greetings from lovely Sault Ste. Marie! My job has taken me North this week, and I'm thoroughly taking advantage of living in my hotel room. Room service, 9 pillows on my bed, blasting the heat...lovely luxuries that I don't have at home!

On that note, here are some gorgeous hotel rooms from around the world. Enjoy!!

Park Hyatt Hotel Room - Designed by Sarah Richardson

(A portion of the room proceeds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation)

Hard Rock Hotel Blue Suite Bedroom - Las Vegas

Pantone Hotel in Brussels

Joyce Hotel Paris

New Anthropologie Finds

Dear Anthropologie,

You are so beautiful and creative. I strive to be more like you. Please send me one each of the following new Spring arrivals so that my house will be more unique and wonderful, like you.

Sincerely,

Brenda

Ocean Blue Shower Curtain

Vlinder Bathmat

Falling Leaves Sheet Set

One-of-a-Kind Berr Armchair

Upholstered in entirely unique fabric. No two are alike!!

Winking Wisecracker Jar (I love this!)

Tivoli Audio Model One AM/FM Radio

The Echo House

I was reading an architecture website today and looking at some beautiful photos of modern design, when I stumbled across this house located right here in Ottawa! It's called The Echo House, and it was designed by Ottawa architectural firm Kariouk Associates. This 1924 Victorian has been renovated into a modern, open and spacious living space with stunning views of the Rideau Canal. One of the best new features of this home would have to be the large windows, which allow light into the home from every direction.

Smith Jewellery

A little while ago, I blogged about Zoe Chicco's jewellery line and her celebrity cult following. What I didn't realize then is that she also has another line, Smith, which is an on-trend affordable version of the more expensive Zoe Chicco pieces. A lot of the pieces are well under $70, with some pieces even coming in under $30. I recommend getting a few friends to go in on an order with you to save on shipping. Check out a few of my favorite pieces below:

As seen in Lucky magazine.

Speak Your Heart Necklace (choose your word: faith/love/peace/hope).

Also available in sterling silver.

Tiny Cone Earrings (Only $36!). Also available in sterling silver.

Pyramid Hoops. Also available in sterling silver.



Golden chains bracelet.

Feeling Blue

After all of the blogging I've been doing about white (white kitchens, white bedrooms etc)...I was feeling the need for some color. Blue can be bright, muted, fun, laid-back and sophisticated. It really can evoke any mood depending on the tone of the color and how you use it. Here are a few of my favorite blue finds, with Spring in mind:

3 Blue Fashion Finds

Bluebird earrings. Etsy.

Yulia Navy Blue Handbag. Lulu's.

Bright blue rain boots. Etsy.

3 Swimwear Looks

All Victoria's Secret.

 3 Blue Rooms

Canadian House & Home

Metropolitan Home

House Beautiful