By Carling Liski
We all know how important it is to find the perfect swimsuit that makes us feel confident and beautiful. Luckily, there are so many trendy and comfortable options available this year! From high-waisted bikinis to cut-out swimsuits let's dive in!
High-Waisted Bikinis
Who doesn't love a good high-waisted bikini? Not only do they provide more coverage and support, but they're also super stylish and flattering! Plus, they come in a variety of styles and colours, so you can find the perfect one that fits your personal style and body type. Our go-to's are our Okanagan Bottoms and our Malibu bottoms!
Cut-Out Swimsuits
Looking for a swimsuit that's unique and eye-catching? Look no further than cut-out swimsuits! These stylish swimsuits feature strategic cutouts that add a little extra pizzazz to your beach or pool look. From one-shoulder cut-outs to side cut-outs, there are many different styles to choose from- and our Miami suit is perfect for this, with its removable straps and side cut out!
One-Piece Swimsuits
One-piece swimsuits are making a comeback this year, and we're all for it! Not only are they comfortable and provide more coverage than a bikini, but they also come in so many different styles and colors. From minimalistic and chic to bold and colorful, there's a one-piece swimsuit out there for everyone. Check out our Napa, Miami & Niagara suits!
Finding the perfect swimsuit can be a challenge, but with the latest trends in mind, you're sure to find one that fits your personal style and body type. Whether you're looking for a high-waisted bikini, cut-out swimsuit, or a one-piece swimsuit there's an option out there for everyone. Don't be afraid to try on different styles and colors to find the perfect one for you. Get ready to hit the beach or pool in style!
]]>
1. Our Provence Top & Aspen Bottom
Easily our sleekest cut styles, they designed to make you feel bold & sexy- this is the perfect set for layering (they featured this in white when we were on The Social!)
What better day to feel bold & sexy than Valentines Day?
These multi purpose beauty sticks always make us feel like we put in the extra touch with very little effort- we love a rosy cheek & the cold girl aesthetic is perfect for February.
3. Huggies
Diamond huggies are the perfect gift to yourself or to receive from a loved one, they're versatile, go with everything and will last you forever. Diamonds are always a good idea.
We love a red Cartier detail and this is the perfect book to learn more about these iconic watches. Alternatively, a little red box containing anything from this store also works for us.
Nothing says self love like some lube- we love this Canadian brand and how it promotes self love all year round.
Alo knows what it's doing, dropping this fiery red collection right before Valentines Day. We always put working out in the self care and self love category so a set is a perfect way to celebrate you, and your body.
]]>
Below is some swimspo to get that chic french girl look!
The B&W Gingham Capri Top paired with a black blazer
Coloured Gingham- Our Summer Gingham is perfect for a poolside summer moment
We can't forget Sylvie From Emily in Paris- who some would argue is the best dressed character on the show! She nails the classic french woman aesthetic with this minimalist black bikini. Shop our Aspen Bottoms & Provence top in black for the look.
]]>]]>
The cabins have actual wood fireplaces which make for the perfect cozy aprés ski vibes and they have an incredible wine list as well. This is the perfect place to stay for a girls weekend or something a little more romantic (cough cough, ask for a weekend here for valentines day!)
Dinner at the Post is also incredible (I’d recommend a reso) and even Condé Nast Traveler’ named it among the “Best Food in the Americas! They also have a more casual restaurant on site called the Outpost if you are looking for something more casual.
I’d recommend a day in Banff or Canmore as well- if you eat meat, especially red meat (I mean, when in Alberta?) I suggest a dinner at Chucks Steakhouse, and get a couple of cocktails and the tableside ceaser salad to go with your steak. If you don’t eat meat, recommend Nourish Bistro for incredible vegan dishes, or Where the Buffalo Roam in Canmore for some good food and live music.
On the way back to YYC, I’d book a yoga class at Wildheart in Canmore as skiing is something you may not do often it’s key to get a good stretch in after.
Hope to see you on the slopes soon!!
I rounded up some of the items on my winter wish list that you can shop here.
1. Acne Scarf- these are definitely the scarf of the season, oversize and neutral or a statement plaid really ties together that ski chic look.
2. Sweatpants- sorry but these aren't going away anytime soon for me, I've been indulging in cashmere and thicker knits though- these ones from netaporter are also on sale!
3. Our Napa one piece- in literally any colour is the perfect winter piece. The summer gingham is surprisingly flattering on non-tanned skin with its taupe undertones and is perfect with winter whites.
4. Uggs- Ugg minis are really having a moment! Even vogue thinks so!
5. Summer Fridays new vitamin C + peptide eye cream looks amazing, and I desperately need something to help with the severe bags under my eyes in these dark winter months.
]]>
As we start the new year self care is always at the top of my list- it can come in so many forms and ultimately for me is about doing little things to improve my life and overall happiness.
Here are some of my latest go-to self care items when I need a little pick me up.
]]>
Here are some of my latest go-to self care items when I need a little pick me up.
Calm App
I loove the 10 minute daily calm sessions with Tamara or the sleep stories when I want to fall asleep- I have been a problem sleeper for most of my life and these sleep stories are insane how well they work. Use this link to get started for free for 30 days- I have tried every meditation app and am convinced this is the best one for someone who has a very busy mind.
Green Juice
It's almost become a joke in my life in the way that I think green juice will solve everything, and I finally got my hands on a vitamix so I can actually make them at home- any high power blender will do, and keeping the pulp in there has a lot of health benefits as opposed to cold pressed juice. I follow this recipe for a refreshing pick me up, usually making a few servings and keeping some in the fridge for a few days.
Kindle
We all know that we need to put our phones down, but I always found it really difficult to do since everything in my life is on my phone (podcasts, news apps, audible etc) so I finally made the leap to a kindle. I find it to be so much easier to put the phone away with the kindle and have a goal of 30 books this year! I love that it reduces clutter, is waterproof (I am a big bathtub reader) and easy to travel with.
Nail buffer
For some reason this seems a bit oldschool or something but I always carry a nail buffer with me, I love a naked manicure look and am usually not wearing polish so I love buffing them up for a shiny, clean look. It always makes me feel a little bit pulled together with a little buff and a little cuticle oil.
Cue calm
As mentioned, I love a good bathtub moment. Its my happy place where I put in essential oils, yummy bath salts, and usually some incense. I use this scent from cue calm called "old fashioned" which has a woodsy, cinnamonny, orange scent.
Mood lamp
In the darkest days of winter I find I really get the blues. I have had this "happy" lamp for the past 3 years and use it daily in the winter- major bonus- it almost acts like a ring light for zoom calls as well!
Ice roller
Treating your skin is always a nice way to feel like you are doing something for you. Whether it’s a face mask, a gua sha, or something more heavy duty like this bad boy- this has been an easy one for me to stick to. I use it to depuff, encourage circulation and minimize redness. I have this one, but for a splurge, I would get this one!
]]>
Here are the benefits:
-for me, it’s the solitude. A room where I can sit alone and think, without my phone and do some meditation is key
-relief from sore muscles
-improved circulation
-sweating it out the lazy way. I don't think anyone should think this replaces a workout, or try to lose weight or "flush all toxins" by doing this daily. But I do think a good sweat always forces me to CHUG water and gets any lingering scents out of my body (I'm thinking like, garlic- I swear I can smell it for days after eating it)
Here are the cons/warning notes:
-don't forget to hydrate and honestly I'd probably avoid it entirely if you have been drinking alcohol
-make sure to ask your service provider if a sauna will be damaging to any recent treatments (I'm thinking botox, facials, spray tans, etc.)
-listen to your body, if it's too hot or you feel sick, it's never worth it- it can cause heat stroke and that is never cute
Highly recommend a classic bath bathing suit like our capri top + malibu bottom for an easy suit to toss in the weekender bag or your purse for a spa day trip.
]]>1. Microfibers
The quick drying ultra stretch that we know and love in our swimwear (and activewear) are made up of super tiny fibres that enable that stretch and tight fit so it doesn’t become loose over time. However, these fibres are super delicate- they can easily trap odours, and products like sunscreen, bug spray, chlorine, salt water, and sweat. The sooner you can hand wash the suit, the longer these tiny little delicate fibres will stand the test of time against all that. Our suits are meant to be long lasting, and we encourage you to do all that you can to keep them out of landfills.
2.Sitting wet
If you are doing any kind of swimming, there is a good chance you’ve experienced the whole “throwing your wet suit in a bag” and grabbing lunch on a patio. We provide bags for the wet suits to protect the rest of your beach bags items but sometimes wet suits in bags sit there longer than they should. This VERY easily creates mould and mildew (ew) which can especially show up on lighter colours. If you can, give the suit a quick rinse in the bathroom sink where-ever you are, and gently wring out all the water you can JUST in case it ends up sitting wet all day.
3.Getting Sand out
Something we have noticed in recent times of rolling around in the sand (mostly for photos) is that the sand often gets trapped in the suits! Make sure you give the suit a good shake out (stretch the fabric out with your hands a bit to really get it all out) just to ensure the little specs don’t stay behind, and get trapped in there.
]]>1. Short dresses, short veils
Okay, maybe it’s the Ariana Grande recent wedding in our minds but we’ve spotted many adorable short dresses on the market for the wedding itself, or the after party. Another personal fave is what Zoe Kravitz wore to her recent rehearsal dinner, which we are pretty sure we would wear even if there wasnt a wedding involved.
2. Being discreet
2020 was definitely the year of being incognito, whether it came to travel, small gatherings, or big purchases- it was a year of “reading the room” and shaming celebrities for being overly flashy given the hard times that many have found themselves in this past year. This trend continued into weddings and engagements, with many opting for small city hall ceremonies and elaborate elopements- holding off on larger parties due to restrictions, and we were pretty into it. 2021 looks like that trend will continue due to the uncertainty ahead but quality over quantity continues to be the trend for many things of the future, and weddings are no exceptions.
3. 90s vibes
We know everything 90s is back right now, and we are seeing it a lot with wedding looks – simplistic 90s looks though, hold the poufy sleeves and hair for now.
How cute would a bikini top with a blazer and a cowboy hat be for the bachelorette party dinner a la JLO?
Otherwise, for 90s vibes we love a traditional slip dress- perfect if you are looking for a 2021 wedding guest outfit as well, but, yanno, maybe not in white. Don’t forget the disposable film cameras!
4. Chic bachelorettes
Our moodboard for our bridal campaign was really inspired by this, as we feel done with the over the top bachelorette parties with matching suits that say “I’m getting drunk”, instead, we’re opting for suits your bridesmaids can wear over and over again (aka, lets move away from unnecessary waste from 2 one-time events) and mix and match styles that work for everyones unique features and body types.
5. Mini cakes
Maybe it’s the covid talking, but we are loving the idea of mini wedding cakes, instead of everyone crowing around a 10 tier monster cake that doesn’t taste very good. It’s all about individual servings, tastes and personal space in 2021 and we are here for its cuteness!
This years wedding theme, have your own personal cake and eat it too.
]]>Palm Springs is a dream destination for SO many reasons. It’s proximity to LA makes it an iconic piece of Hollywoods history and the sleek bungalows and pastels take you back to a golden era in America. It’s also fairly close to Joshua tree and the Indo valley- the motherland for the free love movement of the 60s and 70s. My understanding is that its quieter now, in its post-Sintara days. Full of retirees and weekenders from LA. However, any place full of retirees is pretty much my happy place. Golf and Tennis is abundant, it’s quiet and peaceful, and as the sun goes down in the dessert and it instantly cools down, the city itself seems to do the same.
Where to Stay:
I personally LOVED the vibes here, it was so quiet (I am pretty sure there are no kids allowed) it felt like I was at a spa. They have no kitchen on site so when you go to their little bistro for a coffee in the morning they have a limited but high quality menu- I had fresh yogurt and fruit while sitting under a lemon tree and was in heaven.
*Wearing the Montauk Set
Okay we know the Parker is iconic, so this was definitely an indulgence. We stayed here after going to Joshua Tree on our last couple of days here. We booked dinner at Mister Parkers, the on-site restaurant, and will say- while the mood was lovely, the food was suuuuppperr average for what it cost. That said- the service is insanely good- which is to be expected and we took in all the activities. The gym is huge and fully stocked, the tennis courts are amazing, and we played a bit of croquet in the gardens. It is peak Palm Springs and it is wonderful. It was really overwhelming in there though, as the hotel is quite large and its like these, garden mazes. So expect to see other tourists after a few too many margaritas as equally lost as you are in the maze.
This is the Place, Joshua Tree
This was the PERFECT Airbnb in Joshua tree, we were here for a couple days to really unwind and explore. We rented a convertible and drove with the top down on the windy cacti filled scenic roads and listened to old music and it was magical. At night, we had pizza and sat at the outdoor fireplace. This place was super clean, affordable and perfect for a night or two.
Where to eat and drink:
This was my favourite restaurant we went to. The food and service were among the best I’ve had in my life. It was one of those menus that wasn’t too pretentious, but you could tell everything was perfectly thought through. About halfway through dinner we noticed a bodyguard sitting beside us watching a table, and when we asked our server who it was, he was watching it was SIA. Random. But, now we know what she looks like. 10/10 a MUST go.
We biked here for a quick drink when we landed- its young and casual and is a great first spot to visit, or to stay if you are young and single (I say this in a good way, it had a cool factor but I generally go for more peaceful vibes for where I want to stay)
we ordered a literal bucket of vegetables off the menu and had a crisp glass of white wine, the décor is STUNNING- even the bathrooms.
For classic cocktails and live music- it feels very old Hollywood and is a bit of an institution there
What to do:
The Gondola
Dress warm, because there is snow at the top, despite it being super hot on the ground. It truly shocked me! I don’t do well with heights or spinny gondola things so I got very sick BUT highly recommend for people who don’t get nausea easily.
Joshua Tree
An obvious spot to go overall, but highly recommend checking out Noah Purifoy Art Museum- it is really the kind of art that makes you stop in your tracks. It is thought provoking and some of it is quite dark- mainly with a focus on postwar America. It is open from sunrise to sunset and is always free (with a spot to donate if you wish) sidenote- The new SS21 pharrel x adidas campaign was shot there!
Also, go to “Pie for the People” for pizza.
Running/Cycling
I recommend this probably everywhere I go, but its such a great way to roam in Palm Springs. The streets are wide and quiet, the temperature is perfect (quite cool in the mornings and evenings) and the architecture is iconic.
]]>
When I was in high school I was hit hard with acne and I struggled with it a lot over the years. Because of that, I've always been very interested in skincare and had been using relatively good products to target my acne. However, my face was never entirely clear from a breakout, so after my skincare routine I would cover my acne with make-up and would usually use a mainstream make-up brand. The goal was always to clear the acne so I didn't need to wear make-up but it seemed to be this vicious cycle.
When I started in the medical aesthetics industry 6 years ago I was introduced to mineral make-up, specifically Colorescience. This is when my education began and I really started to understand the impact that my daily make-up wearing had on my skin. I was hesitant to switch out my thick, full coverage make-up that I had become to accustomed to, but once I did, I truly noticed a difference in my acne and overall skin quality. Sure I get the occasional hormonal break out, but the inflammation has gone down significantly, my skin feels more hydrated and just less irritated.
What I didn't realize was in my make-up included alcohol, chemicals, dyes, fragrance, mineral oil, and talc, which can create inflammation, clog pores, dry out the skin, cause skin reactions and honestly exasperate any existing skin condition. So I was trying to fight my acne with my skincare, and then I would just put products on after that did the exact opposite!
Mineral make-up (good ones) is basically an extension to your skincare. Colorescience combines skincare; peptides, antioxidants, hydration, SPF; physical and colour; dye free, into their products. They're free of all the additives found in your everyday make-up. If I had the option of improving my skin, protecting it with physical SPF, while concealing what I don't love, why wouldn't I?! My goal now is to have my make-up look and feel natural and I also love that mineral make-up has a very skin-like appearance and touch. It gives me a nice dewy look too!
I've been using it for basically 6 years now, and I can say I'll never go back to non-mineral make-up!
My go-to products are:
]]>Needless to say, I am seriously missing travel right now. Canadian Winters are no joke, and rarely a day goes by that I am not thinking about the beach. To get my 'travel fix' I browse Expedia quite frequently and have started to save my list of dreamy destinations I'm going to need to visit when we can safely travel again (& there wasn't a budget lol)!
This list took me a while to put together because a) there are SO many beautiful places and b) I would get side tracked dreaming of visiting.
In the middle of Vaucluse, Crillon Le Brave is situated away from the hustle and bustle that takes over the region every season. A splendid 5-star hide-away reserved for people seeking to disconnect from the urban frenzy to reconnect with themselves, in a natural and authentic environment.
First view, first emotions: captivatingly beautiful landscapes, the white stone building stands at the very top of the village, exuding an atmosphere of charm and elegance.
Seven elegantly appointed, expansive suites open out onto uninterrupted views of Cape Town’s iconic Clifton and Camps Bay coast line. Cape View Clifton is both easygoing and elegant, decorated in calm-inducing hues and peppered with subtle colonial touches and modern artworks.
Established high on the slopes of Lions Head, Cape View Clifton offers the perfect balance between privacy and access to Cape Town’s top restaurants, sights and beaches.
Inspiring deep emotions of enchantment and fascination, Katikies luxury hotel in Oia Santorini is renowned for its unparalleled services, warm atmosphere and sense of romance uniquely combined in an exceptional setting and natural environment, inviting its guests to experience moments of pure luxury at one of the best luxury hotels in Santorini.
The Hanging Gardens of Bali was conceived in 2003 and completed in 2005. The concept was to create something magical and authentic in the heart of the Balinese jungle: an immersive experience in a natural tropical environment.
5. Amangiri
Amangiri blends into untouched red-rock country, claiming 600 acres of the vast and majestic Colorado Plateau, the original Wild West. In this desert landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges, the modernist Suites of Amangiri and the tented Pavilions of Camp Sarika offer an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatic secluded settings.
Carling x
]]>If you're like me, the mask has become more of a wardrobe staple than my leather jacket or favourite denim these days. The purpose of wearing a mask is to limit the spread of COVID-19, and while it's not a fashion accessory, it doesn't hurt if your mask is aesthetically pleasing.
Fortunately for us, we can be both safe AND stylish. Here is a round-up of chic & fashionable masks.
1) Wink and Wave Gingham Face Mask $17
Wink and Wave's Adult Cotton Face Mask in Gingham print come a with matching Hair Scrunchie. The masks feature adjustable ear straps for perfect fit.
2) Lovers & Friends Floral Face Mask $29.52
Constantly inspired by the laid back Los Angeles lifestyle in which the brand was founded, Lovers + Friend exudes ease and wearability, creating an effortlessly chic look that is California cool.
3) Gotcha Covered Eucalyptus Leaves Reversible Mask $25
Gotcha Covered is a sustainable brand out of Toronto specializing in masks. The masks are made out of organic cotton; a beautiful natural fibre that is super comfortable, breathable, and sustainable
4) UNTTLD Pleated Face Mask $46
Montreal fashion label UNTTLD makes high-fashion face masks with filter pockets and adjustable nose wires from delicate pleated cotton and lace lining. A portion of the proceeds is donated to The Patricia Mackenzie Pavilion, a facility that provides a safe place to stay for all women in need.
5) Knix FreshFix Air Face Mask $19
Knix' masks are reusable, and liquid-repellent. Leveraging their expertise in hygienic fabric technology, they've used triple-layer technology and a secure seal to achieve incredible bacterial filtration results.
6) Urban Expressions (at Hudson's Bay) 2-Layer Printed Face Masks $24
From the Face Masks collection. These masks are in fun prints and keep you covered in style. Urban Expressions face masks includes two masks and have a double-layer design.
7) Ellie Mae Cotton Face Mask $25
Toronto-based fashion brand Ellie Mae is offering a limited-edition series of non-medical grade face masks. All masks have been made in Canada using repurposed fabrics, and feature a slip pocket that can hold a filter sheet and extra ties for maximum comfort and security. $5 from every mask purchased will be donated to Feed The Frontlines TO.
8) Zenchies Smokey Rose Mask $24.99
Zenchies masks are handmade, luxurious, & eco-friendly. Zenchies is committed to sharing the love by donating 10% of the net proceeds towards CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in support of women’s cancer initiatives.
9) Apparis Winnie Trio Face Masks in Animal Print $50.60
Vegan apparel company out of New York, Apparis, created fashion-forward masks. The trio of masks feature a flexible nose piece, adjustable strings and a silky finish.
]]>
Looking for some quarantine-friendly date ideas? Check out this post here. Not spending it with a significant other? We love Galentine's Day! It's the perfect reason to get together (safely) with your girlfriends or grab a cocktail & connect over Zoom.
Regardless of how you're spending Valentine's/Galentine's, I've rounded up a few pink cocktail recipes (& mocktails, because Dry Feb) to get you in the mood. Cheers!
1) Hibiscus Gin Sour from Sugar and Charm
"This beautifully pink and delicious gin sour is a fantastic sour cocktail"
Ingredients:
Instructions:
"Like a margarita with a softer, cuter side, the Señorita ditches limes for pink lemonade and lemon juice."
Ingredients:
Instructions:
3) Raspberry Pink Champagne Float from The Cookie Rookie
"Pink Champagne Floats are the perfect Valentine’s Day cocktails and dessert all in one!"
Ingredients:
Instructions:
4) Rose Pink Ginger Mocktail from A Worthey Read
"Pretty in pink, this Rose Pink Ginger Mocktail is not only delicious to look at, but the taste is simply divine."
Ingredients:
Instructions:
5) Pink Panther Mocktail from Nosh My Way
"A deliciously smooth, and creamy non-alcoholic drink"
Ingredients:
Instructions:
6) Virgin Paloma from The Brewer and the Baker
"Fresh grapefruit and lime juices are the star of this school-night version of the Paloma."
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Looking for some inspo for your Valentine's/Galentine's Day gifts? Shop the collection here!
]]>But this winter really forced me to embrace the concept. For the first time in my life I'll be in Canada for an entire winter. I get really bad seasonal affective disorder, and in addition to medication, I rely on my mood lamp, vitamin C & D supplements, and walking my dog constantly to get some fresh air.
Knowing that I can't escape it and that my mental health relies on getting outdoors, I have taken up winter running and have even started looking at winter fashion and winter trip ideas. I grew up in the Rockys, and I'm craving hot springs, hot chocolate and a ski trip more than ever.
Put some winter looks together here in hopes to inspire you like it inspired me to put on my Niagara suit and find some hot springs!
PS- The Patagonia jacket is from their worn collection, where they sell pre loved Patagonia! Love that concept. Let me know if you do too!
Details:
]]>
Upon hearing that Chrissy Teigen did just that after reading the book by Holly Whitaker "Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with" I decided to read the book as well to kickstart my month of no alcohol, and I wanted to share some of my immediate takeaways from the book:
1. The book really puts into perspective how crazy our society is surrounding drinking. We are truly led to believe that you have to drink once you become an adult in order to enjoy life. That you must drink at every celebration, every nice dinner, every social event- and if any event doesn’t have alcohol, it’s not a good event. This is something that as someone who likes to drink in extreme moderation makes me anxious at every event I go to- the feeling that I have to drink or nurse a couple of drinks so people don’t push drinking on me (and once I have more than 2 my judgement to stop is as good as anyone else’s), or the anxiousness of knowing I may not have a fun time if I don’t drink. I’ve even thought that during a dry month that I wouldn’t be able to see my friends in the same way, or that I should pre-warn them that I’ll be not drinking just to level set expectations of the night. It’s insane. I have noticed the divide in my adult life of those who like to drink more and those who like to drink less, and usually I gravitate toward those who want to drink less and be functional the next day.
2. The impact on your body- we know that waking up with a headache, the bad sleep, a puffy face, bloat, bad breath and extreme nausea is unpleasant and unnatural so why do we continue to do it? The science of what it does to your body is alarming:
It’s too good not to share the quote from Holly in its entirety, so here it is:
"We read labels, we shun gluten, dairy, processed foods, and refined sugars. We buy organic, we use natural sunscreen and beauty products. We worry about fluoride in our water, smog in our air, hydrogenated oils in our food, and we debate whether plastic bottles are safe to drink from.
We replace toxic cleaning products with Mrs. Myers and homemade vinegar concoctions. We do yoga, we run, we SoulCycle and Fitbit, we go paleo and keto, we juice, we cleanse. We do coffee enemas and steam our yonis, and drink clay and charcoal, and shoot up vitamins, and sit in infrared foil boxes, and hire naturopaths, and shamans, and functional doctors, and we take nootropics and we stress about our telomeres. These are all real words.
We are hyper-vigilant about everything we put into our body, everything we do to our body, and we are proud of this. We Instagram how proud we are of this, and we follow Goop and Well+Good, and we drop 40 bucks on an exercise class because there are healing crystals in the floor.
The global wellness economy is estimated to be worth $4 trillion. $4 TRILLION DOLLARS. We are on an endless and expensive quest for wellness and vitality and youth. And we drink fucking rocket fuel.” - Holly Whitaker
Given all of the gross side effects and our culture of label reading I am genuinely surprised it’s not chic, or more “in vogue” to not drink alcohol, at all.
3. The person you can be without drinking. I have to say, reading the book and imagining a life where I just didn’t drink actually really excited me. A major reason I try not to drink now is mostly because I don’t feel like I have that kind of time to waste. I have a full time job and a full time business that I have to be present for on weekends. I can’t waste a Sunday on the couch ordering food when I have a business to operate and grow. So when I do find (pre covid life) that there’s a social event I need to go to, I find myself being really antsy about potentially losing a day of the weekend to a potential hangover. Imagine just saying no. The money I’d save (which let’s be honest, I’d rather invest in fashion) the yummy food I would enjoy without washing it down with alcohol. The time I would get back. The moments I would remember more clearly. The mistakes I wouldn’t make. It all sounds like the kind of person I aspire to be- so why do I dance around alcohol so much? The book really highlights the societal pressure we get since a young age surrounding it. It’s weird to say no to alcohol without people questioning if you’re pregnant, extremely religious, extremely boring, or that you are an alcoholic.
4. The way alcohol is marketed is alarming, and similar to the way cigarette ads used to be that we are shocked by now. I find myself even noticing that we, as a brand do it as well. We promote rosé lifestyle, and often pose with wine glasses in our hands as accessories. I’m not saying we won’t do that anymore, but I do want to be conscious of it as a marketer promoting alcohol at all times.
I’m not saying I’ll quit drinking for good but I highly recommend this book if you are interested in taking a break- and I am absolutely here for a society that praises binge drinking and hangovers less.
]]>When it comes to accessorizing my swimwear, I have a few go-to pieces I grab consistently.
The #1 thing I always have (well there are a few) is a hat. I LOVE Lack of Color hats and pick mine up from Figjam.TO. They're on the pricier side, but the quality is amazing and I always get compliments on them. My favourite style is the rancher which I own in a few colours.
SPF and sunglasses are my also up on my list of first to grab. I use Colorescience SPF 50 ALWAYS on my face. Colorescience SPF products are all mineral based and the brush-on one is so convenient for reapplication. My go-to sunglasses are Raybans, specifically the round ones pictured. I find they go with any style of swim and look good on everyone.
A straw beach bag is another go-to swim accessory of mine. I like a big neutral bag to through all my stuff into. I think this is a staple in terms of vacation/swim style and is so easy to style with different outfits.
A good book is something I always like to have on hand. Usually when I'm wearing swim, it's because I'm on vacation and at the beach or on the dock so I love to relax and read.
Gold jewelry is something I wear daily, but I especially love to wear it with swimwear. My typical look is layered gold necklaces, gold hoop earrings and gold ring stacks. Some of my favourite jewlery brands are Mejuri, Livie and Lavender & Grace.
A flowy white top and flowy white pants are a definite go-to I wear with swimwear. I love the relaxed, boho, & chic look of linen blouse and bikini bottoms, or flowy pants with a bikini top to go from the beach to the beach bar.
Neutral sandals are another accessory I tend to wear with swimwear. Again, they go with all types of swimwear and outfit. The Hermes Oran sandal are on my wish list!
What are you go-to swimwear accessories?
Carling x
]]>As we start to plan our Prairie Swim launch in Australia I have been thinking a lot about my own memories of my time in Australia, and decided to write a little love note to it.
For context, my dad is from New Zealand, and my parents both work for an airline growing up- so I had the advantage of being able to go to Australia multiple times from Canada, on my New Zealand passport. I haven’t been in about 6 years but these are my absolute favourite things about Aus, and why you should put it on your post-covid list!!
Australians are truly their own people. In my experience, they are incredibly friendly but also incredibly fierce. They are descendants of European criminals (those that settled there despite aboriginals obviously existing there already) and they are proud as f*ck to be Aussie. Like, possibly more so than Americans are proud to be American… Australia Day is a WHOLE mood there. They are fierce about their protection of the environment, the ocean, and their skin. It was the first place I went where people were noticeably conscious about water usage, recycling, and sun protection.
Again, I say this like I grew up in a marsh- but Australians were gluten free, vegan, and organic WAY before the rest of the world caught on. The food there is notably fresh, healthy and conscious, kinda like the way the food feels in Europe. I haven’t been in years, but I absolutely recommend eating the following when you visit (or at least trying it here and pretending).. and I say this as a person who barely eats dairy or bread- the below are 100% worth the stomach ache they cause me because they are SO good.
Bondi is a unique place, you’ve probably seen it all over Instagram but it honestly reminds me of LA. There is the most incredible beach walk loaded with tourists, fitness aficionados, coffee shops, and the glam Real Housewives of Beverly Hills types- as there are some incredible boutiques and homes in this area.
The Aussie lifestyle is pretty unique. I truly find that they are a culture that cares about their health more than many other places I’ve been to. It’s the home of the OG fitness influencer @kayla_itsines who truly changed the world with her programs and Sweat app, it’s the home of F45 which is taking the world by storm, and just about everyone you meet is either a runner, a cyclist, a surfer or a skier. Being such an isolated country its inevitable that they have their own world. Their own bad tv shows (hello Home & Away), their own jargon, and their own vibe in general, which brings me to…
Australian fashion is actually my favourite. Its part of what inspired Prairie Swim to begin with. Its feminine, functional, and chic- always.
Australian fashion is truly its own world. They do what they want and they have their own seasons to cater to. Though not overly well known in Canada- some of my favourite aussie brands are Country Road, Sportsgirl, Lack of Colour, and Zimmermann. A major shoutout also to FigJam, as it’s a Canadian company that sells Aussie labels.
Like, how cute is this terry cloth shirt from Sportsgirl?
Is Aus on your bucket list? let us know in the comment section!
]]>Our goal at Prairie Swim is to empower women, promote confidence and become your best self. Alessia is a perfect representation of who we are; she's inspiring, authentic, and real. Check her out on IG here!
Because we thought you'd love Alessia just as much, we've partnered with her to bring you four quick and effective IGTV workouts for you to do in the backyard, living room, or wherever you can lay down a mat!
Each workout can found below. We love to add them to a run, stack them all together, or just do them on their own if we're in a time crunch.
]]>1. Do some research and find people you admire. Athletes or anyone someone you look up to resonate with that is vegan it’s super motivational.
2. Find your “why”
3. See if some of your go to’s are vegan, comfort foods, classics, and favorites you can google this info. Usually gives lists of things you can find that are vegan. Makes the supermarket trip easier.
4. Have a plan for the supermarket!! Oh my gosh my first few times shopping when I started took me hours. Reading every ingredient.
5. Find ways to make your favorites but don’t eat to much junk. Is super healthy food ever exciting? Not really but you can still make good and yummy choices while vegan/plant based.
6. Allow yourself to make mistakes. I’ve been plant based for 4 years. Mistakes happen I don’t plan it or do it on purpose.
7. Planning ahead will save you, google the menu ahead of time find out what you can eat. I still eat a good size snack before I go out so that I’m never starving as a guest or out to dinner.
8.You’ll get full but you might feel hungry later. Rice cakes are a great way to snack and keep busy.
9.What’s your "why" can also be your goals or your target. Vegan/plant based isn’t a weight loss plan. It’s a healthy choice for many reason but again you still have to be eating the right food.
10. Don’t be afraid to share. People ask me all the time why, and guess what it’s totally changed and developed as I’ve learned more.
The most important thing is that I feel better than I have ever felt. I know I making a good choice for the environment and my own health.
I think most know that the sun is not good for you, but I don't think many people actually understand why. So first, let's cover what the sun actually does to your skin.
UV rays from the sun are one of the top triggers of free radicals. When UV radiation hits the skin, it reacts with oxygen in the air and creates this free radical chain reaction. Free radicals = unpaired electrons that attack anything/everything around it. They attack your skin's collagen, elastin, lipids, mitocondria of the cells, etc. Free radicals are BAD (if you didn't pick up on that).
There are two main types of UV rays - UVA and UVB rays.
- UVB = burning. These rays are responsible for changing the colouring of our skin. When we get a tan it is the skins natural response to protect us from the sun. These are mostly present when we're in direct sunlight.
- UVA = aging. These rays are responsible for damaging and breaking down the skin. UVA rays also cause inflammation. Inflammation is directly correlated to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne and other skin concerns. They are present AT ALL TIMES. Through a window, through the clouds, through your t-shirt.
Based on that alone, I wear SPF 50 on a daily basis - rain or shine! SPF is literally the easiest way to protect your skin and prevent wrinkles, sagging skin, discolouration, redness, sensitivities.
Now, speaking 'levels' of SPF. I don't wear anything under SPF 50 on my face, and SPF 30 on my body. I advise the same for you. And no, applying a moisturizer with SPF 15 and then applying make-up with SPF 15 does not give you a total of SPF 30.
SPF 30 is going to give you 97% coverage against UVA and UVB rays, and SPF 50 is going to give you 98% coverage against UVA and UVB rays. Both still need to be re-applied on a 2 hour basis, especially if you are outdoors.
Lastly, talking physical/mineral vs. chemical SPF. I personally only wear physical/mineral SPF on my face. On my body, I wear both physical & chemical.
Chemical filters absorb the UV radiation into the skin. Then, a chemical reaction takes place where it converts the UV rays into heat, which is then released into the skin. This definitely causes inflammation in the skin, which again we know triggers negative skin side effects. You also need to wait 15-20 mins before sun exposure with chemical SPF.
Physical/mineral filters use Titanium Dioxide & Zinc, and physically blocks the suns damaging rays. Zinc has cooling properties, keeps the skin calm, plus it's also very anti-inflammatory (yay) and anti-microbial. Physical/mineral SPF provides immediate sun protection, so you can apply and then go on with your day!
My personal go-to brand for physical SPF is Colorescience. The products are free from the traditional junk found in cosmetics/SPF and are amazing! I'm obsessed with their new Glow Face Shield!
Our skin is such a large organ and protects us. If it is damaged or weakened it cannot do it's job, so it's our job to protect it! If that doesn't resonate with you, then think of it as your 'fountain of youth'. UV rays are one of the main causes of aging. Want to have plump, glowing, even skin? Then wear SPF.
So with all of that, I hope you now understand the importance of SPF (30+ with mineral filters worn daily if I'm being specific).
Carling xx
]]>Anyways, I tell you this to outline that I have generally pale skin with very thick, dark hair. So you can imagine my struggles. I've been through it all including ripping off my entire upper lip with an at home wax gone wrong which is a tale for another time,
So, It didn’t feel right to *not* address my hair removal tips and tricks.
Shaving is a necessary evil even for those who laser, or for when you can’t get a wax appointment in time for an event. We’ve all been there. The last thing you want is a rough looking bikini line for a vacation and bathing suits these days are pretty high cut (to elongate your legs) and we have seen this first hand with our own suits (with our Niagara being the most high cut).
For those who shave, these are our tips:
I used to be a faithful waxer, and it definitely gets way easier with time and my biggest reco is to go to someone you like and trust- but mostly, it HAS to be hard wax. So, like, I don’t really know what all goes on down there when I am in “happy baby” position with hot wax- but I do know that hard wax is night and day on your vag. Trust me, do NOT go to a cheap salon for this. I’d recommend WAXON in Ontario.
So, the obvious that no one wants to hear is that laser is clearly the best way to get rid of hair, which of course comes at a cost. I’d recommend not looking for a bargain here (I literally will pay full price for nothing so this is hard for me to say) but when it comes to laser beams on your body, you should definitely go somewhere you trust, not someone you found on Groupon.
I’d recommend armpits and bikini line if you are looking for what to prioritize, mostly because the bikini line is the most prone to ingrown hairs with waxing and shaving so I feel it’s a worthy investment. I often see people post about how to remove the 5-o'clock shadow on armpits, and laser is key for long term achieving this. According to this Refinery29 article from the experts:
" You also want to avoid dull razor blades that require repeated swiping, and make sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth, which is most often upward, so that you aren't tugging at the follicle.”
My final trick for hair removal (in pictures) is to smooth it out on Facetune for when I am absolutely too lazy to shave my legs or anything else for that matter. I try to use Facetune sparingly to not create totally unrealistic expectations for myself or others, but once in a while you do what you’ve gotta do to get the shot.
#PSwishyouwerehair
(couldn't resist at least one hair pun)
-Alexandra
]]>Note that I aimed for “ketosis” meaning, less than 20 Net Carbs per day...
]]>So, let me provide some context. I am already mostly gluten free as it seems to make me sick, so I usually sub out breads for gluten free bread, rice cakes, sweet potato, etc. I also don’t really do well with dairy- it usually also makes me sick (though I often cheat and eat cheese and ice cream anyways because I love it so deeply). SO, after about a few months where I personally overdid it on the snacks, popcorn, food that doesn't sit well with me, french fries and chocolate, I felt sluggish and gross and had heard good things about Keto. It seemed like an easy one for me, with a lot of health benefits. I already don’t do many carbs and I mostly needed to reign in my sugar habits and I LOVE a strict plan to get my head in the game.
Note that I aimed for “ketosis” meaning, less than 20 Net Carbs per day.
BENEFITS OF KETO
Listen, I’m no scientist nor will I ever claim to be one loll, BUT these are the REAL LIFE benefits I felt.
THE CONS
Overall- I’ll keep with a low carb diet and will be more conscious of my sugar intake. I don’t really want to be filling up on fats even if it is healthy. It definitely gets easier as the days go by and I thought I was only going to do a week but oddly haven’t broken today because I do like how it makes me feel. I’m going to make my paleo- blueberry/banana/honey muffins tonight though because I don’t think I can live my life without the healthy sugars and carbs.
I did lose some weight in the first week, lost a lot of bloat – and would encourage people to do more research than I did before starting. I actually didn't realize how many carbs and sugars were in things so it was more restricting than I realized!
Let me know if you have an other questions, or want some of the keto recipes I did love!
]]>Bondi Sands - this one came up a LOT and it's recently sold at Shoppers Drugmart in Canada.
Loving Tan Official - I personally love this one (and so does Alexandra, our other Prairie Swim co-founder), the tones are beautiful! Available for purchase through their site, and also available on Wink & Wave if you're in Canada.
Tan Luxe - both the body and face were recommended, but the honourable mention was 'THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops'. Available at Sephora.
Isle of Paradise - specifically the "Express Tan Ultra Dark Mousse". Available at Sephora.
Spraii - they're are one of my go-to mobile spray tan providers, and they have their own self tanner too, which I definitely need to try! Available on their site.
Bali Body - this one also gets a lot of hype, and I've been meaning to try this. Alexandra uses some Bali Body products. Available on their site.
Would love to hear if you have a favourite!
Carling xx
]]>By Carling Liski
Wake up. Do not look at phone. Make the bed. Splash my face with cold water. Drink my water with lemon. Sip my black coffee. Grab my Five-Minute Journal and Journey To The Heart meditation book. Use my facial roller. Stretch or workout. Start the day.
I try to keep my mornings as calm as possible. I actually go to sleep looking forward to my morning routine (I am not a night person AT ALL, after 9 pm I’m pretty much ready for bed). The days can be so chaotic, especially between balancing multiple jobs, so it’s been a priority for a while now to create a nice morning routine. Meaning if I have a workout class at 7 am (talking pre-quarantine), I wake up at 6 am, so that I can do the above. Since life is a bit different now and I’m not rushing out the door, I usually do my routine between 7-7:30 am.
Of course, this is my *ideal* morning routine, which doesn’t always happen. Sometimes the phone gets the best of me, and suddenly, I’m deep into Instagram, or I’m cleaning last night’s dishes (the dishes seem endless these days!?), or I sit immediately at my laptop to work upon waking up. But, regardless of how my morning starts I always have my lemon water, black coffee and do my Five-Minute Journal, which is what this post is really about.
The Five-Minute Journal is basically that; a daily journal entry that can take 5 minutes to complete. I appreciate this because my attention span is minimal (working on that). I’m not sure if someone recommended this to me, or why I started this, but I’ve been writing in it almost daily since January 2019 and it’s become an important part of my day. I’m the kind of person that is constantly striving for more in my life and push myself to do more and be better. I rarely take the opportunity to appreciate what I’ve accomplished, or slow down enough to recognize the things that I do have in my life. So this little Five-Minute Journal forces me to do so, even if it’s just for a moment of the day.
If you’re not into journaling or have never journaled before, the Five-Minute Journal is perfect for you – they honestly make it so simple. Each page starts with a quote, then has you to write out things you are grateful for, things that can make your day great, and a daily affirmation. In the evening, it has you to reflect on amazing things that happened during the day, and something that could have made the day better. As I said, I’m not an evening person, so this section is often blank in my journal, or I do it in the morning before I start my notes for the current day. By doing this in the morning before going into whatever your day brings, I find it helps keep me calm, mindful and starts the day on a positive note. It’s surprising the impact it can have!
Stay safe and healthy!
Carling x
Carling is the co-founder of Prairie Swim. She loves fashion, fitness, travel and wine.
By Alexandra Rabbitte
Canva (specifically, Desktop Canva)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Canva is the greatest free program I have ever used. We are blessed to have free access to it. I use it for EVERYTHING. You can make websites. You can do prints. You can get inspiration for everything from IG story templates, to calendars’, lookbooks, media kits, mood boards, style guides, birthday cards, baby announcements, GIFS/Animations. YOU NAME IT, I have made it in Canva. I will say, from an organization perspective I’d probably pay for Canva Pro, just since you get access to more assets and are able to organize things a bit better, like, creating brand assets that you can easily distribute among teams, or download logos as compressed PNG files with transparent backgrounds and that kind of thing. We will definitely be moving to the paid version when we can afford it.
Tezza App
This is a new one for me and actually among the best photo apps I’ve used. I think it did cost me $5 but I still do appreciate a good preset mostly because I hate spending time fretting over edits (if you are not an influencer you will think I am a psychopath for that statement but it’s a very real fret) anyways, I’ve been having fun with it- some nice vintage filters that make me look tanned and my teeth white without being freakish and some nice effects for videos too.
TikTok
I hate to be so obvious and know this isn’t newsworthy but even if you aren’t making dance videos or comedy- it is really an easy app to throw in a bunch of videos with some music to it. I cant believe Instagram didn’t just figure it out with this years ago that people need to be able to make better edits to videos. I’m no pro at it (at ALL) but I do find that its pretty user friendly and I enjoy videos that show makeup tutorials, cleanup/organization, workouts, recipes, etc. So what I am saying is that its not ALL teens dancing.
Google Drive App
Okay maybe this is obvious but after years of headaches with getting files over to agencies for campaigns, or just to organize my own damn photos and files, I got the google drive app and it seems to be the fastest for quick uploading of photos and videos that I can send to agencies. The amount of back and forth mayhem I’ve had in my life passing back and forth images, videos and screenshots has been instantly streamlined. If you are just starting out in influencer marketing I highly recommend doing this from the get go- keep all of your briefs, contracts, invoices and content in one place. You can also easily sign contracts on your phone and keep them here, as opposed to doing a signature on Adobe or InDesign. I am always looking for ways to streamline my digital life and this has been really helpful.
Unfold
This one is pretty straightforward- the easiest way to make creative story templates on mobile. I find that Canva mobile is pretty clunky so if you want do IG stories from your phone, this is the one to use.
Planoly/Unum
I go back and forth between these since I have a few different accounts that I manage and there are limitations for both. I like planoly since it has desktop features, and their email marketing is pretty helpful. I like unum for just non-complicated grid planning, I’ve used it for years and it seems to be a pretty steady frontrunner for IG planning.
InShot
Carling actually recently reminded me of this gem, I use it to make my IGTVs and (rare) outfit videos. It is super easy to use as far as video apps go and seems to keep getting better. A great tool for the amateur vloggers like myself- you can cut, add some transitions, add some music and export easily. I do think I also paid a couple dollars for this one to remove the watermark. Worth it- check out a couple videos we have made using it here, and here!
Honourable Mention:
Tailwind
I do find the while interface and system to be fairly complicated but Tailwind is a great tool to grow your Pinterest reach. It is essentially like the Instagram Pod system where creators can share content in exchange for sharing someone elses content. You can que up all of you pins for the week and track analyze their success. I have been using the free version which I believe limited your ability to track and organize things as well as you could, and I definitely need to spend more time on it, but the time I did spend resulted in some major growth and traffic for my Pinterest and as a result, my websites.
Alexandra is the co-founder of Prairie Swim. She's a true Leo, who loves country music, running and her dog Louise.
By Carling Liski
Since we're all at home, maybe with a little more time on our hands, or maybe a little bored, the trip to the kitchen becomes our new favourite activity."Snack time" on the daily to-do list seems like an easy task to check off... multiple times per day. No one is judging here, we're all doing it. But instead of reaching for the chip bag or chocolates, I've put together a list of healthy snacks that will hit the spot, but not leave you feeling sluggish or guilty when it's snack o'clock every hour!
- Rice cake with natural PB and banana (my go-to)
- Hard boiled eggs
- Roasted chickpeas; they're crunchy and salty and there are a ton of recipes on Pinterest
- Apple slices with cinnamon and natural PB
- Cut up veggies with hummus; favourites are cucumber, red pepper, carrots, & broccoli
- Rice cake with smashed avocado and 'Everything But the Bagel' spice
- Air-popped popcorn; no, not the microwave one covered in butter
- RX Bars; clean protein bars
- Rice cake with DF cashew-based spread and sliced cucumbers
- Celery with natural PB
- Unsalted mixed nuts & olives
- Yogurt (dairy-free or Greek) with berries
- Green smoothie; blend ice, spinach, 1/2 banana, DF milk, cinnamon, natural PB and some honey
- Sparkling water; yes, if you can't stop the snacking sparkling water will help fill you up with the bubbles
Stay safe and healthy!
Carling x
Carling is one of the co-founders of Prairie Swim.She loves fashion, travel, fitness and all things skincare!
By Alexandra Rabbitte
Self help is SUCH an aggressive phrase and I remember the first time I bought a self help book at Chapters and felt so weird seeing these books that help improve your life and wellbeing in such a weirdly negative space. It was right next to the books on how to get out of bankruptcy or get through your divorce and it seemed so weirdly shameful being in there. So I try to use the term, motivational books interchangeably.
We all know that seeking help is critical to the human condition and as a society we have come around slowly to the notion that its okay to admit if you’re sad, or struggling, or broke. I honestly have always loved reading these books for when I was feeling down, or unmotivated or uninspired and they have a harshness about them that your loved ones, or even your therapists would struggle to say to your face.
Here are my fave pick-me-up books. I also Linked my Amazon store that has all of the ones on my list to read too! Leave a comment if you have any other recos!
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck- Mark Manson
The title is self explanatory, but a good reminder that you don’t need to live your life for other people.
You are a Badass- Jen Sincero
This might be my favourite, it got me through a dark time and I often go back to some things I’ve highlighted. A constant reminder to believe in yourself (though the title is a bit cheesy haha)
Daring Greatly- Brene Brown
I am a HUGE fan of anything Brene Brown comes out with. I love her approach as an educator and a scientist. Start by listening to her Ted Talk. It truly changed my life perspective.
The Total Money Makeover- Dave Ramsey
I listen to his podcast too and its so ridiculous at times it makes me laugh. The whole shtick is “Live like no one else so you can live like no one else” and helps people achieve financial independence. I LOVE his aggressive take on money saving and ego. I listen to it often when I need the wakeup call on my finances.
Grit- Angela Duckworth
I looove the concept of Grit. That the level of success of humans has nothing to do with anything other than their level of grit- that is, essentially, your ability to power through and persevere whatever life throws at you. The data on this is incredible. It’s that factor on how some people achieve their goals and why some do not.
Principles- Ray Dalio
Full disclosure- I’m still reading this. Its my quarantine book. But I LOVE it so far. I always thought it was a bit too dry/investor ish for me but the principles are fascinating. It’s inspired me to have principles for Prairie Swim (I was also heavily inspired by Amazons leadership principles) and working on re defining my own personal principles to live by.
Shoe Dog- Phil Knight
I reference parts of Phil Knights Memoir OFTEN- not just in launching a business but some really interesting aspects of the global business world. His descriptions on navigating social and political issues in countries like Japan and China were fascinating and the story of Nike being built is pretty crazy. It is a good reminder of why these legacy brands are so rare and so special. They got to be this way because someone dedicated their entire lives to building it.
Shop the books below!