DOG SLEDDING ADVENTURES
Out of all of the activities we had lined up in Banff and Lake Louise, I was most looking forward to dog sledding. I was imagining gigantic, majestic huskies with piercing blue eyes and cuddly thick fur. Instead I was surprised to see small 40-50 pound doggies that wouldn't stop yapping from excitement of running in the snow. I have two cats at home so being around barking dogs was making me really nervous because I'm not used to it. I sucked it up, climbed into the sled and we took off with David, our sled driver (is that what they're called?). He told us stories about moving from northern Ontario to the Yukon where he was a professional dog sledder. Who would have thought that was even a thing? The cool thing about everyone we met on our Banff & Lake Louise excursion, are the people who come from all walks of life. They all have one thing in common - they love living in the mountains. It's cool hearing their stories and experiencing a part of what they do on their day to day, like dog sledding or snowshoeing or being a guide. (I realize I sound like a total nerd right now!)
Anyway, dog sledding was cool but cold as hell. Once more I found myself wishing I'd been wearing warmer gear. Next time!
xo, Nathalie
Geoff and I wrapped up as warm as possible meeting our sled dogs.
ON LOCATION at Banff, AB c/o Fairmont Banff Springs
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
So it's December 21st, the winter solstice, the last a day of the Sagittarius sign and it's also my bday. I've always done resolutions on my birthday instead of New Years, because I like to set out to accomplish certain things at each age. This year I've been so busy that I haven't had time to properly reflect but I know that I want to reach a new level of blogging goals for myself and work on going full time. Right now I juggle between working a full time job and blogging full time, which is an insane amount of work and leaves me exhausted night after night. Someone asked me recently, "is it worth it?", and yes, it absolutely is!! I've met some people along the way who think blogging is an easy route to success and free things, but they don't realize how much work goes into it. It's constant in terms of either pushing content out into the cyber world, shooting looks or just getting inspired. Blogging never takes a break.
Earlier this year I created a mental list of brands that I want to work with. The list wasn't majorly long or anything, but at this point, I've worked with all of them, except for one. I know it's all a matter or time till they come knocking.
My list this coming year will consist of more travel, family time, me time and of course, #fulltimestatus.
I'm going to cut this short for now so I can get to bed at a decent hour for once but first, THANK YOU, for supporting my blog so far and helping me get there. You guys rock!
xo, Nathalie
#GOALS // Thank you so much to my friends at the Fairmont Banff Lake Louise for my recent trip to the Canadian Rockies!
ON LOCATION, Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff Springs
A little bit of downtime left us to explore the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs. The view from the terrace is unreal. My trip may be wrapped up but my mind is still in Alberta, dreaming of when I can go back.
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
ZARA, stripped top (similar here)
THE KOOPLES, leopard scarf (similar here)
RAG & BONE, zippered jeans (same style, different colour here)
GIVENCHY, small Pandora with studs
GUISEPPE ZANOTTI, ankle boots (available in croc here)
FELONY CASE, iPhone 6 plus case
ON LOCATION, Fairmont Banff Springs
Snow Shoeing at 7,800 Feet Elevation
When I was told we were going snow shoeing while in Banff, I thought "I got this". I layered up my cozy Roots fleece leggings with some thermal long johns and headed up for the gondola/ chair lift ride that would take us up to 7,800 feet on top of one of the mountains in Sunshine Valley. The guide took one look at my leggings and sent me inside for proper snow pants. With the pants on, my legs resembled thick tree trucks and left me an unideal subject to photograph. Seriously, the photographer we were with on this trip didn't snap one picture of me in this ridiculous outfit. But tell me, how am I supposed to look cute and blog worthy when it's -20 degrees on the ground and then you get to the mountain and all of the guides are talking about frost bite? How?? All that kept running through my mind was "hypothermia is real", something that was said to us on the first day. It was so cold that Geoff and I only snapped a few pictures with my new blogger friend Jill of The Augusts Diaries, before we headed inside for mulled wine.
I truthfully would recommend this to anyone, but dress appropriately and don't expect your photos to look like a page out of Vogue. And if you do manage to end up looking all "Vogue-like", well kudos to you!
xo, Nathalie
Frozen Waterfalls: Johnston Canyon
The hike up to Johnson Canyon has probably been my favourite part of this trip so far. Yes it was cold, and yes I was hungry from having consumed too many sugary carbs, but that view was worth it. I can't believe how the turquoise coloured waterfall pops, even in the winter. I'd love to see it during summer. Perhaps I should plan a trip back! ;)
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
ROOTS, pom pom hat, scarf and wool tunic.
CANADA GOOSE, jacket.
COUGAR BOOTS, Apex boots.
THE DRAKE GENERAL STORE, thermal long johns.