Searching for Chuck Bass

Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf Outside the Empire Hotel

Ok so that wasn't exactly the "official" reason for my recent stay at the Empire Hotel in New York City, but it was definitely in the back of my mind the second I walked into that familiar Gossip Girl lobby. (I may or may not have made multiple mentions of my GG obsession to the concierge...)

In any event, I was recently at a conference in New York and found myself staying at primetime TV's chicest Manhattan hotel. The moment I stepped out of my town car and looked up at the building, I saw the famous "Hotel Empire" red lights shining from the rooftop. I channeled my inner Blair Waldorf and made my way up to my room, (which was amazing and more like a small apartment than a hotel room might I add).

The hotel was lovely and I had a fantastic stay. I was able to pop by the rooftop bar for a glass of bubbles and was pleasantly surprised to see how packed it was! Great music and so many beautiful people. I will definitely be back at the Empire next season... I mean... next time I'm in New York.

Sipping a latte in the lobby 

Trying to point to the Hotel Empire sign 

I heart NY (real original, I know)

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Long Beach Lodge, Tofino

Since first moving to the west coast, I've heard over and over again about the small surfing town of Tofino.

Last summer I popped by for a day trip, but with less than desirable weather, I left not convinced it lived up to the hype.

Well this year, at the Long Beach Lodge, I was proved wrong.

We made the long journey to Tofino for the beach side wedding of one of my besties. The weather was beautiful and our private cottage was even more amazing.

The weekend went off without a hitch; sunny skies, delicious food, the most comfortable beds of all time, and our very own hot tub.

Our cottage

The Hot tub

Mr. & Mrs. Hughes

My date and I

Watching the sunset over the beach with a glass of pinot noir

When you wish upon a star....

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Home sweet home

As I've mentioned, I was able to squeeze in a quick trip to my hometown of Moncton, NB over the weekend. A trip home means many things to me, seeing my friends & family, taking in the hot Atlantic sun, but above all else, eating all the sea food my heart desires.

This trip was no exception. I filled up on New Brunswick's greasy golden child; Deluxe French Fries where I had a fish and chips meal like no other, lobster drenched in butter, bacon wrapped scallops and washed it all down with some Nova Scotia wine. The one thing I sadly didn't have was a poutine (not for lack of trying).

All in all, a fantastic trip home! I'm missing everyone already.

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Sproat Lake

I'm the first to admit I'm not much of a camper, but when a group of friends suggested we go to Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island, I was persuaded.

We spent the day on the lake and the night sitting around (what would be) the fire (damn those fire bans). Even without marshmellows and hot dogs, I was surprised to see how much fun I had! Sproat Lake is gorgeous, and the weather couldn't have been better. 

Maybe next year I'll dare to do a two night camping adventure, but for now, I'm just proud I lasted 24 hours!

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