West of West

Due to our busy and slightly different work schedules, Dominic and I have not had much time to hang out together since we moved to Vancouver Island.  So, this weekend, we decided to take a bit of time off and we took a drive to the West Coast where we visited Tofino and Bamfield, both of which are known as 'end of the line towns', meaning that they are as far West as you can go in Canada.  

We have spent alot of time in Tofino and we love it for its laid-back surfing culture and great restaurants. Bamfield, however was a completely new experience as we have never been there before. And after the 2.5 hour drive on a bumpy, steep, dusty gravel road we were elated to end up at the treasure of a town. Full of sweet little cottages over looking the Pacific Ocean, Bamfeild is full of west coast charm and old growth forest and an amazing group of funny, educated and environmentally friendly locals!

Our little holiday was made even better by the fact that we met our wonderful friends, Mark and Shanti, in Bamfield. We first met this beauty of a couple in Newfoundland about a year and a half ago but it feels like we have known them forever. And since we have not seen them since Christmas, it was so nice to see them in their element as we spent the weekend hanging out with them in their home town of Bamfield. While Shanti and I had some quality girl time hiking around nearby beaches, Dominic and Mark went surfing to some boat access only spots. All in all, we had an amazing weekend with lots of good food and good conversation. 

On the first day of our mini holiday, we had some amazing Island weather as it was sunny and 29 degrees. As such, I thought it would be the perfect occasion to pull out my CM linen poncho which is currently my favorite item in my closet. And although I will probably not be attending any festivals this summer, this outfit was inspired by the Sasquathch, a music festival that occurred in  Washington this past weekend. And since a true festival look is all about accessorizing, I threw on a few friendship bracelets and and my new ring! 

Poncho: Club Monaco

Jean Shorts: Levis

Sandals: Birkenstocks

Bonnie Bracelet: Club Monaco

Ring: Club Monaco

Love,

Karen

Pink Jeans

Light pink jeans are a must have this summer and I have been swooning over them for quite some time now! But after this photo of the super stylish Caroline form carolinesmode.se, I absolutely need to have them! 

I have narrowed my choices down to a few top picks including J Brands Baby Pink Skinny Jeans and Alice and Olivia's light pink skinny jeans!Do you have pink jeans? Are you going to get some this summer?

Cheers,

Karen

Theodora and Callum

Scarves aren't just for winter anymore!!! These lightweight and gorgeously printed scarves from Theodora and Callum are the perfect summer accessory. "Drawing inspiration from Morocco, Bali, Turkey, India and the Mediterranean as well as the bon vivant mentality of the late 60’s and early 70’s European jet-set, each style feels as if it has been discovered in a far-off locale." 

The scarves are super versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. Check out this video for some summer scarf inspiration!

Cheers,

Karen

Spring's Top Trends: Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts are quickly becoming one of the most popular trends this season. I for one am definitely jumping on the maxi train as they are not only stylish but they are super functional for the following reasons. 

• First, a good maxi skirt will keep you cool during the hot summer days and warm for the cool Canadian nights. 
• Second, although they encompass a lot of material, maxi skirts create the most amazing hour glass figure leaving just enough to the imagination. 
• Third, there are so many amazing prints out there so your options for the perfect maxi dress will be endless.

Finally, I will leave you with one more tip, make sure you get the right length skirt for your body. If you are going for a floor length make sure it just touches the floor but doesn't drag behind you. If the skirt is a little shorter, go for an ankle length look but be sure that it covers your ankles and wear some super cute shoes/boots to make it look like it is supposed to be that long. So, get out there and find the perfect on for you! I picked up this skirt at Zara and not only is the cut amazing but the print in right on trend! 

Scarf: Club Monaco

Tank: Vintage Club Monaco

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Handmade in Argentina

Cheers,

Karen

Just In: Minnetonkas

I think that walking is the best form of transportation, at least for short distances. Not only is it great for the environment, but it is also a great form of exercise which keeps the body looking great and most important healthy. I TRY to walk as much as possible but there is just one problem with that...my shoes tend to wear our really fast. And even though I may not be ready to get rid of my old shoes, it is always great to get some new shoes! I recently came to the conclusion that a pair of frye flats I always ware are completely worn out as they hurt my feet every time I wear them. Yesterday, I replaced them with these cute little minnetonka moccasins! They are called the El Paso and must say that I love the extra modern aztec detail! What are you wearing on your feet these days?

Love,

Karen

Banana Bread Recipe

I woke up this morning to a dreary, rainy and cold day and since I had a few old bananas kicking around I decided to bake some banana bread for breakfast. I must say that there are few better things than warming up the house with the comfort of banana bread. And the best part is that it makes the house smell wonderful all day long! Here is the recipe I used in case you might like to do the same! Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose_flour
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated_sugar
2 tsp (10 mL) baking_powder
1 tsp (5 mL) baking_soda
Pinch salt
1 cup (250 mL) chocolate chips
2 cups (500 mL) mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, melted 
1/4 cup (50 mL) milk
2 eggs

Preparation

In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt ; add chocolate chips. In separate bowl, whisk together bananas, butter, milk and eggs; pour over flour mixture and stir just until blended. Spread in greased 9- x 5-inch (2 L) loaf pan.

Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for 15 minutes. Turn out onto rack; let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or overwrap with heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.)

Recipe from Canadian Living

Love,

Karen

Spring has Sprung

We have been so busy lately that we haven't had much time to do any photo shoots. But alas, we managed to make time for some photos and even though it was raining, the pretty pink cherry blossoms seem to exude happiness. I have really been enjoying Spring on the West Coast as the weather has been amazingly warm and the flowers seem to brighten each day!

I have to say that I am absolutely in love with this dress. Since I got it over a month ago, I have worn it so many times. The open back and the twirling factor make me feel like a ballerina, and an age appropriate one at that! Hope you are enjoying the spring flowers as much as I am!! 

What I am wearing:

Dress: Club Monaco

Scarf: CLub Monaco

Boots: Frye

Jean Jacket: Gap

Cheers,

Karen