I recently had the pleasure of spending time in Kingston Ontario with a good friend. Summer in Canada is so dreamy, time is spent by the lake, evening swims because it’s so humid, and exploring antique shops, ice cream stops, and taking in the experience of spending time nature. This trip was full of that! I had such a good time, and we even worked on some music while I was there. Nothing inspires good songs like good living! What are some memories you have made so far this summer?
Paddle Boarding Percy Priest
I’ve seen people paddle boarding. I’ve wanted to try paddle boarding. I’ve envisioned myself paddle boarding. Finally, the chance to try this trend arose and I jumped at it. When I witnessed people trying this new recreation it seemed quite a balance challenge, so I was hesitant about falling in. However, it was so much fun! The balancing act wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, but the wind was another story. It was somewhat windy out on the lack and actually pushed three people off their boards! (I fell in before this gust of wind). Needless to say, I loved it. I loved it so much I attempted some yoga poses and now I want to try a paddle boarding yoga class! What new exercise trends have you tried, and how did it turn out?
Chicago’s Navy Pier
Navy Pier
We took a stroll down to the pier to see the water and generally explore. Navy Pier had some great family attractions, but what I enjoyed most was the view of Chicago’s skyline and the extremely aqua hued water! I have to give an honorable mention to my Steve Madden sneakers here because I wore them all day and they didn’t kill my feet! PS – they are wedges, and I love looking chic while walking miles and miles!
Chicago’s Best Donuts
It’s no secret that when I travel I love to explore new places, and especially to try new foods! I had the opportunity to visit Chicago for the first time, and I was so excited, because I’ve heard so many great things about the city. From the architecture to the dishes, Chicago did not disappoint! While in the windy city I had the opportunity to compare one of my favorite sweet treats; donuts! So here are the three I tried and my favorite of my visit to Chicago!
Firecakes
I just stumbled into this place a couple hours after arriving. It looked so cool on the outside that I just had to try it out, and luckily I got in before the line got really long! These donuts are very classic as far as donuts go, but the one stand out in my opinion was the Malted Milk Ball! It’s small so it’s not overwhelming but it packs a lot of flavor. It has a chocolate frosting top and then a cream filling, perfect for an afternoon pick me up!
Stan’s Donuts
I loved the shop! It was bright and fresh, with a very clean design. I had heard about Stan’s before so I knew I had to at least try their Donut Cake Shake, which was amazing! I also sampled a few flavors and my favorite was the Strawberry Bismarck! It has a very authentic strawberry jam filling, and the dough complimented the jam so well.
Doughnut Vault
This donut shop had a line, and operates from the “open until sold out” mentality, so when I saw how long the line was I got nervous. By the time we got inside they had sold out of gingerbread and birthday cake flavors already, but they still had Chocolate, Vanilla, and Chestnut. This donut was by far the best of the trip, it was so fluffy but full at the same time and because the glaze covered almost the entire donut every bite was as satisfying as the first one! My favorite flavor was the Vanilla, because it’s a true Vanilla bean glaze.
Algonquin Park
I love seeing new places, but I also love returning to favorite places. Algonquin Park is very close to my hometown and there is a rock that all of my siblings and I have had pictures taken at. The pictures were all taken when we were small, but I went back recently and took some photos to capture the magic of this spot as an adult. We also found some new spots in the park that I hadn’t seen before. Algonquin Park is massive, so the possibilities to be discovered are nearly endless. I also found this camouflage jacket at Free People and I’m obsessed. I want to wear it everywhere, but I felt it was especially fitting for this pictures. I love being outside, and these photos completely capture that. What is one of your favorite places to revisit?
Easter Sunday
My work trip to Toronto happened to fall right over Easter weekend and I was able to spend some time with my family. We had a great brunch, and had an easter egg hunt at a farm with miniature ponies! Needless to say I was in love and wanted to take all the little ponies home with me. While at the farm I entered a raffle for a carriage ride, and I didn’t really think much of it, but then they called and told me we’d won! So we had a lovely carriage ride to end our Easter Sunday. What are some of your favorite spring activities?