CHARMING CITY OF OLD QUEBEC
June 1, 2017 • Travel
I'm about a month late posting my trip from Canada, but I thought I would share some snapshots from Quebec City. I only took one photo with my DSLR when I was in Toronto so sadly I don't have any photos to share from my Toronto trip. I didn't know what to expect visiting Quebec City, but did some last minute research before boarding the plane. I went to Quebec with my family when I was younger, but this time around I went with just my sister. Honestly, I underestimated Canada's chilly weather and was in for a surprise when I landed in Quebec City. It snowed a week before so parts of Old Quebec was covered in snow. You can't tell by just looking at my photos, but I couldn't feel my face or fingers while wandering around. But I still have to admit...Old Quebec is still charming and beautiful as I imagined it to be. I booked my tickets after watching Goblin, which is a popular Korean drama that filmed some episodes in Old Quebec. If you watched Goblin you'll be able to spot some places they filmed in my photos. A lot of locals that I spoke to actually knew about the drama to my surprise. I was hoping that the weather would clear up but next time I'll be prepared and plan a trip in the summer or fall. I'm planning to go back and hopefully go to Vancouver and Montreal next! Thank you to everyone who left a comment and sent me a DM with recommendations while I was in Canada!
What to see and eat:
-Cafe Saint Henri, amazing coffee and aesthetic! First couple of photos are from here.
-Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame, a small but beautiful church in Old Quebec.
-Quartier Petit Champlain, cutest little town with adorable shops.
-Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel - stunning.
-Terrasse Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons, such a beautiful view of Old Quebec.
-Sushi Samurai, affordable sushi buffet in Old Quebec
-Aquarium du Quebec, perfect place to go on a rainy day
-Marche du Vieux-Port de Quebec, a local farmers market. Buy the pasta and sauce there from the Italian shop!
-Maison de la Litterature, coolest and aesthetic pleasing library. Come here on a rainy day!
-Paillard, oh my - just amazing! A must place to go eat when in Old Quebec.
-Post office, I went to the post office and sent myself a postcard
-Go shop at the local shops! They have adorable souvenirs to bring back home. Also bring back some yummy maple syrup.
-Poutine. People recommended Cochon Dingue. I have a dairy allergy so I didn't really get to experience authentic poutine.
Other recommendations:
-Galeries de la Capitale, shopping mall with an ice skating rink
-Observatoire de la Capitale, view of the city from up top!
Love, Sharon
Québec City, QC, Canada
WANDERLUST WITH SKINTIMATE
May 29, 2017 • Beauty
Thanks to Skintimate Shave Gel for sponsoring this post.
Sun’s out, legs out! I’ve partnered with Skintimate® to share my tips on how I keep my legs smooth and moisturized during the hot, summer months while traveling. Skintimate® was actually the first shave gel I picked up when I realized my legs were no longer hairless once puberty hit. Shaving is one of those things that I dread, but it’s always satisfying once I see how smooth my legs look. I’m guilty of using a body wash or bar soap from time to time when in a rush, but it’s not the same as using a shave gel. I seem to always miss a spot, but with Skintimate® I never miss a spot. I can see exactly where I’m shaving when using it - no do-overs required. When traveling, I bring Skintimate® with me. After a long flight, my skin thirsts for moisture. I like to make sure that my skin is moisturized, because the last thing I want is flaky skin on vacation! My skin tends to be on the sensitive, dry side and my skin loves this shave gel. I like to switch it up with the Raspberry Rain scent, it smells so good.
During the hot summer months I like to flaunt my legs and last thing I want to worry about is that I missed a spot. Especially while traveling or out and about, I feel confident knowing my legs look great without having to double check my legs. Have you tried Skintimate® shave gel? For more info, check out their Facebook page!
Love, Sharon
DIY SUCCULENT GARDEN WITH ECOSCRAPS
May 14, 2017 • Decor
I partnered with EcoScraps to bring you a fun DIY succulent garden just in time for Mother’s Day. Succulents are a great way to liven up any space, big or small, and also an easy gift idea without having to spend a lot of time or money. Personally, I like to receive sentimental gifts and love it when someone takes the time to make me something.
One thing I love about EcoScraps is that they’re environment friendly and care about the future of our planet. They recycle food scraps and turn it into lawn and garden products, which is actually affordable and nutrient-rich for your garden. Also, it doesn’t have a strong odor like other soils! I chose to use the potting soil mix for this DIY project, which works for both indoor and outdoor plants. Follow the steps below to make your own succulent garden!
Materials you need: disposable gloves, EcoScraps potting soil mix, succulents, cups, scissors, and a spoon
Make sure you have all materials ready to make your mini succulent garden. I used cups I had at home instead of going out and buying pots. I went to my local nursery to pick up a couple of succulents and cactuses and also bought the EcoScraps potting mix. EcoScraps is available in all major stores, including Walmart. I would also lay out old newspapers since it does get messy. I did this in the kitchen so it would be easier to clean up afterwards.
Planting a cactus can be tricky and intimidating because of its pricks, but with the help of a spoon it’s easy to depot. I used a plastic spoon and slowly worked around the cactus to help free it from the plastic pot. I made sure that the bowl I was using was deep enough and created enough space to place the cactus in the middle. Once it’s in the middle I just evened out the soil - easy, right?
Last but not least, show some love to your Mom. Tell her how much you love and appreciate her. A cute card and succulent is one way to show it!
GIVEAWAY (CLOSED):
WINNER:
Thank you everyone who participated, I loved all the responses. Below is the winner! Please contact me Justine!
WINNER:
Thank you everyone who participated, I loved all the responses. Below is the winner! Please contact me Justine!
The team at EcoScraps has also given me a $50 Walmart gift card to give to one of my readers! To be eligible to win, please write a comment below one thing you love about your Mom. This giveaway is only within the U.S. and winner will be chosen at random. Giveaway ends May 21, 2017. Winner will be announced in this blog post on May 23, 2017. Good luck!
TULIP FIELDS
April 29, 2017 • Life, Travel
A couple of days ago after coming back from Canada I drove to Haymarket to visit Burnside Farms. What a hidden gem in Virginia! I've lived in Virginia all my life and never once heard of this place, but my sister recently discovered it and showed me photos. Peak of tulip season passed due to the rising temperatures, but I went regardless to see it myself. I say this all the time, but pictures don't do justice! My sister and I picked tulips, but there are also daffodils to pick as well. People who work here are also very sweet, which is another reason to come back. Have you ever visited Burnside Farms? Next year I'm hoping to go to the poppy festival in California!
Love, Sharon
Haymarket, VA 20169, USA
VENI VIDI VICI
April 18, 2017 • Travel
One of the highlights from my Italy trip was when I spent the day at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In the morning before heading to my next airbnb I went to Piazza Navona since it was only a 5 minute walk. I've always been fascinated with Rome's history (I'm a history major) and couldn't believe my eyes once I stepped into the historic site. To be honest, the Roman Forum was worth spending time over the Colosseum. I was inside the Colosseum for about 30 minutes or so and many parts were blocked off due to construction. I spent almost 3 hours at the Roman Forum, its huge! So much to see and explore once you're inside. My tip would be to first go to the Roman Forum first instead of waiting in line for the Colosseum, because it can take awhile. Take your time and don't rush, but if you do have extra time I would suggest walking over to Altare della Patria. It's stunning! You can go up to the top and see the sunset from there - it's beautiful.
Love, Sharon
Rome, Italy
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