I truly didn’t know what I was missing in a phone until I was introduced to the Google Pixel 2. Besides its sleek and minimal design, this phone has it all. If you follow me on Instagram, or read this post, then you’ve likely seen some of what the mighty Google Pixel 2 phone can do. I still can’t believe I can snap such high quality, clear imagery with a PHONE!
I had the perfect chance to test out the Google Pixel 2’s abilities on my recent trip to Europe. My adventures to London, Malta, Amsterdam, and Ireland were noticeably simplified with such a cutting edge piece of technology.
I mentioned it briefly in this post, but read on below to find out just a few of the many reasons why I’m now #TeamPixel!
Back in the fall, I had a short stopover in London. Here is what happened in 24 hours.
My most recent visit to my favourite city was the starting point of a two week European adventure. You might recall that at the end of last year, I impulse purchased very inexpensive roundtrip flights that took me from Vancouver to Dublin via London, and then back home 14 days later. In order to make my budget-friendly Euro trip work, I had to deliberately “miss” my connecting flight to Dublin, which gave me 24 hours in London, before flying out to Malta the next day. This was really tough for me to do, as I’m a huge rule-follower and it really broke my heart to have to lie in any way. I did what I had to do though, and hopefully I never have to cheat the system ever again.
London In November
This was my first time experiencing Autumn in London and my goodness, what a combo. I flew in on a Thursday in the middle of November, and was quickly reminded how much Europe loves Christmas. They go mad for the holidays and I welcomed their enthusiasm with open arms. My biggest regret is that I’d packed my carry-on full and didn’t leave any room for shopping of any kind. Such a rookie mistake. Though, I was trying to be conscious of spending, so I suppose it was all for the best. The weather was chilly and a winter coat and gloves were required, but I was also, as I often am, greeted by a beautifully sunny day in the city.
24 Hours In The City
With such few hours in London, every minute was precious. I had to maximize my time from the very beginning. This started with my flight over. I was able, thanks to my new airplane sleep routine, to get some rest on the 9 hour journey across the pond. This is crucial for a red-eye flight and something I normally cannot achieve. It’s a game changer for these shorter trips, I tell ya! My next hack, was that I made plans with a friend that I had to head to straight from my flight. Having a restaurant reservation kept me accountable and gave me the momentum to push through any sort of jet lag.
My focus of my 24 hours there was to eat delicious food, walk as much as possible, browse the stores, and say hello to some of my favourite iconic London spots. Here is what I managed to accomplish in 24 hours.
My friend Alex and I chose this small island country on a whim. We’d wanted a relatively inexpensive flight out of London in November, to a place with sunshine that we’d both never been. Somehow, we lucked out and ended up in beautiful Malta! We didn’t want to be overly researched beforehand, so we looked up the basics and decided to just explore. There is so much to see and do and learn. Malta is rich in history and fun facts (which, Alex and I love), and parts of it are so preserved that you feel transported back to medieval times. Everywhere you go, it’s a photographer’s dream. I left feeling completely creatively inspired and grateful for the experience.
This tiny European treasure absolutely captured our hearts. I cannot wait to share more about Malta with you, it’s a place that you should absolutely see for yourself! For now, here it is through my lens.
Before you start calling me moneybags (which would be a terrible nickname, btw, please don’t get any ideas LOL), I am off to Europe this week because I scored the most epic flight deal of all time. I still don’t even know if I believe that it’s real. I’ve saved all the screenshots of the booking just in case I get to the airport and they try to say it’s not valid.
Back in August, Alex texted me about a YVR Deal that came through. She ended up booking a trip over some random days in November and suggested that I do the same. I had never even considered impulse buying airline tickets before, but when the deal is THAT good, how could I not? Couldn’t manage to secure the exact dates that she did, but I ended up with roundtrip Vancouver to Dublin on British Airways for $288. That’s right, $288. Booked it and decided to figure out the rest later.
Same old Seattle? Think again, Bellevue is where it’s at!
Driving across the border to neighbouring Washington has always felt familiar. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, the Evergreen State has the comforts of home, but with an American twist. Despite my love for the area, I realized that I really haven’t explored much beyond downtown Seattle, The Gorge in George, and the views along the never ending I-5 en route to Portland. It’s now top of my local travel list to explore beautiful Washington and discover new gems, like Bellevue!
A few weeks back, my BFF Jessica and I embarked on a girl’s weekend in Bellevue. It was her first time away from her baby overnight and it was just so special for both of us to be able to wine and dine, kid-free. We simply fell in love with the area and I’m already planning to return in December. You’ll find out why at the end of the post, but in the meantime, here are our top 5 reasons to visit Bellevue, WA. If you’d like, I’ve also put together a free printable Bellevue Travel Guide
1. The Shopping Is Incredible
Even though Vancouver is just a few hours away, being across the border means access to shops that we don’t have at home. I had great luck at Nordstrom Rack, as you do, and always love getting the chance to check out Macy’s, The Container Store, and World Market. We had a spectacular time at The Shops at The Bravern. It’s something you absolutely have to experience if you’re in Bellevue, such a gorgeous way to browse your favourite luxury brands.
This is the story of our first trip to Chicago, Illinois.
Adam’s youngest brother, Ben, and his fiancé Anya were in a long distance relationship for, well, ever. In fact, it isn’t since their Michigan days (M Go Blue!) that they’ve really been in the same place for an extended period of time. Which, is really crazy when I think about that timeline. It has been so inspiring watching them stay patient and supportive while they each pursue their dreams. And after so much waiting, they have finally settled down in the same zip code. In the same apartment! Of course we’d still see them when they’d come to Vancouver, or we’ve met up on family trips over the years, but it wasn’t until we were planning Chicago, that Adam and I realized we’d not paid them a real visit for quite a few years. This trip was bound to be massive amounts of fun.
The flights there were very easy. We left on a Thursday morning and flew West Jet to Calgary and then on to Chicago, with a late afternoon arrival. And since it was rush hour, Ben suggested we take the train into the city, which was a hundred percent the better option. We got off at a downtown stop and caught a ten minute cab to their Streeterville apartment. Which is probably the most amazing apartment I’ve ever step foot in! Their elevator doesn’t even have buttons, you just scan your fob and it takes you to your floor…technology is crazy! Anya has gorgeous design taste, so the place was immaculately decorated and the golden evening light was pouring through the floor to ceiling window, and just when I thought it was all too perfect, the doorbell rang and it was a freaking Lou Malnatis Pizza delivery guy! Those 2 had the genius idea for us to enjoy our inaugural deep dish pizza experience on the patio, with bubbly to celebrate us all finally hanging out in Chicago. Talk about a warm welcome! Anya ordered a thin crust as well, and I have to say that I actually preferred it. I am happy we tried deep dish though, wouldn’t have been the same otherwise.
Did you know that eos stands for evolution of smooth?
NEW YORK! I freaking love New York so much, I can’t even tell you guys. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go, even for 24 hours. And honestly, we managed to get a heck of a lot done in such a limited amount of time! We attended a spectacular eos event, hung out in the LES, spent an evening in SoHo, watched a crazy thunderstorm roll in, took outfit photos at the gorgeous Library, walked Bryant Park to Times Square, and wandered the West Village. Our group of Vancouver gals included Cee, Lyndi, Samantha, and Sydney and we had such a great travel dynamic. You should go check out their blogs if you don’t already follow them!
I attempted to vlog the journey, though I massively failed when I basically forgot to get any video footage on the second day. I hadn’t had a cup of coffee since before we’d left Vancouver, so my brain was mush! Anyway, it’s still great fun, as you can see in the video and photos below:
Heck yes, we took a group photo at every single stop on the tour!
Did you know that Langley has its own little wine country? Just a 45(ish) minute car ride from Vancouver. And you guys, it’s REALLY good!
We had the idea to do a self-guided Fraser Valley wine tour at one of our cousin hangouts in July of 2016. We locked in a date and a plan (we’d take 2 cars and have 2 designated drivers), as well as a loose itinerary. I’m sure the beautiful weather, delicious wine, and great company had a lot to do with it, but it was, hands down, one of my favourite days last summer.
If you are looking for an activity that takes you just out of the city, below is more info about the 3 wineries and 1 cidery we visited! If you are wanting to do a full day trip, I recommend heading to Fort Langley in the morning, getting brunch, exploring the cute little shops, walking the riverfront, and then setting out on a wine tour!
Pack your bags, we’re going to beautiful BC and beyond!
Vancouver is an absolutely stunning city that boasts it all: a bustling metropolis, impressive mountain ranges, Pacific coastline, and lush forests. So, it should come as no surprise, that the surrounding areas are just as Instagram-worthy! I adore a weekend trip, as a chance to get out of the city and explore. Below, I’ve compiled a list of 10 of my favourite nearby places to escape to, but truly, there could be at least a dozen more notable locations. There’s just so much to see!
Be sure to read on to find out where we love to travel to for a weekend getaway:
