Style Blog
Like most of you will do at some point this summer I am on vacation. I am back at my families cabin in Lake of the Woods Ontario. It’s so fun to be with my family and friends. We have long coffees on the dock followed by bacon and eggs for breakfast, washed down by chips at the beach…of course a trip to the general store for blue liquorice ice-cream, oh and then it’s lunch time. You get the idea, and I am sure that it looks similar for most of you. We are a social society, most of our entertainment comes from the meals we are eating with family and friends.
So I thought I would share some ideas from my friend Zain about healthy eating on summer vacation.
Zain Saraswati Jamal is a Mind, Body, and Spirit Coach and one of my close friends. She is a certified Holistic Sports Nutritionist, Yoga Teacher and Wholefood Alchemist who uses her personal experience and knowledge in nutrition, fitness, recovery and yoga to coach athletes, those who are struggling to overcome weight issues and/or self-esteem issues, eating disorders, serious illness and those who are looking to gain a greater level of overall health.
She is the innovator behind successful yoga, fitness, lifestyle blog, Eve Post Apple and has built a strong presence in the world of wholefood, raw, vegan and vegetarian nutrition with her acclaimed signature recipes, her friends know her as the ‘Girl who can turn any dirty recipe clean!
Zain’s Healthy Travel Checklist
Planning a trip this summer? Awesome! Me too!!
The last thing you want to feel when you get back from vacation is bloated, exhausted and depleted from not taking care of yourself. I know those desserts on the buffet look great and it’s not to say you shouldn’t indulge – because it’s all about balance remember – but with a little planning and some discipline you can USE your vacation like a little health retreat for your body, mind and SOUL.
I travel a lot and here’s generally how I roll for shorter (up to 2 week) trips.
FOR THE JOURNEY
I calculate the length of my journey and bring enough meals and snacks so that I am able to eat every 2-3 hours.
Because liquids are not allowed through airport security, I pack dry meals and supplement with liquids that I can grab once I am through security at the airport. If you are road tripping, just bring enough food in your cooler so that you can eat/snack every couple hours to keep your blood sugar consistent, energy levels high and metabolic rate pumping.
My favourite travel meals/snacks are:
– raw, unsalted nuts + fresh fruit + dry protein shake (that I get blended with iced coffee inside security)
– OATMEAL AND BANANA PANCAKES (I usually bring two batches because they stay fresh and taste awesome hot or cold)
– several portions raw & steamed veggies (depending on my journey)
– my WARRIOR BARS
– a veggie omelet
– brown rice sushi (the perfect travel meal)
– if I am road tripping I usually bring 1-2 jars of OVERNIGHT OATS with me
HOTEL
– I ALWAYS try to book a hotel with a kitchenette (these are not always easy to come by but if you contact a booking company there will likely be at least one in your location)
– If there is no kitchenette available, I pack my small Foreman Grill, yes, I’m freaken serious. While we are on the subject of appliances, I always bring my Magic Bullet to whip up a quick pancake or smoothie.
– Once I land (if not staying at an all-inclusive) I like to make a trip to the local market to stock my fridge with fresh fruit, veggies, eggs and other healthy snacks I find.
– Book a hotel with a gym OR find a gym locally that you can drop into.
– Running outdoors, on the beach and of course swimming, hiking, walking, biking and water sports are great ways to stay in shape when traveling. Keep it active!
IN MY SUITCASE
Oats, Flax Seeds, Peanut Butter/Almond Butter, Stevia, Raw Cacao
Raw Nuts & Dried Fruit (goji berries/mulberries), Brown Rice Cakes
Unsweetened Almond Milk, Vitamins (labelled properly), SUNWARRIOR,
A USUAL DAY
– I’ll usually eat a huge breakfast that involves oats, eggs/egg whites, fresh fruit and some nut butter that I prepare myself OR that I request from the hotel kitchen. If these items do not appear on the buffet, most hotels are really happy to prepare them for you if you ask.
– I drink about 4-6 liters of water, especially if I am in a hot place. I also love to sip on iced green tea & fresh coconut water if its available.
– While I am cooking breakfast/or getting it from the buffet, I will also prepare a couple snacks and pack them in my tupperware to take with me.
– Lunch will generally be out and is some sort of lean protein, whole grain carb and tons of veg. I can usually ask for what I need at most restaurants and cafes.
– Workouts are either in the morning after breakfast or in the late afternoon before dinner
– I usually eat dinner out and I like to try some of the local cuisine. Most places I am drawn to have healthy options so it’s never usually to challenging
– I do like to enjoy a drinks on holiday but I avoid cocktails for the most part and stick with sparkling wine/wine. If you like to enjoy alcohol, figure out what drink suits you and stick to it. Give yourself a drink budget and keep yourself accountable or ask a friend/family member to support you.
– Sleep is where I struggle. I totally want to get up and out early and I also like to explore the nightlife so I’d be full of shit if I were giving you advice on this. Rule of thumb, try to get at least 7 hours. Depending on where I am traveling and if I am moving around, I usually shoot for that.
Connect with Zain through her website: www.zainsaraswatijamal.com, Facebook Page, Twitter or on Instagram @zainsaraswati
Happy Vacation
Kim xo
I had the pleasure of meeting with Canadian fashion designer Jason Matlo last weekend at his studio in Gastown. Jason has been in the business for ten years, has had editorial coverage in Elle, Flare, Hello and other fashion publications. His collections are for sale in many locations including been displayed in Saks Fifth Avenue after winning a reality television show “Making it Big”.
Jason has dressed many celebrities, had his creations showcased on the red carpet of The Academy Awards, People’s Choice, Cannes and The Juno’s and now me!
I spotted Jason’s collection earlier in the year when a dress from his new “Babe” line caught my eye. It was bright and fun. It looked easy to wear yet sophisticated. I travel a lot so I am always looking for dresses that can go from day to night. The Babe collection is that exactly. I can throw on this dress and wear it with a jean jacket and a pair of gladiators on the plane and then to go out at night I can put on some heels and a leather jacket and I am ready to go.
Babe is a younger and more price conscious interpretation of Jason’s higher end Ready To Wear collection. Jason states “The cuts are typically shorter in length”. “This collection is also where we experiment with colors and bold prints.” The Ready To Wear collection is typically designed in neutral and monochromatic color schemes as where Babe is designed around strong color stories and elaborate prints.”
Price point for Babe is about $270.
Babe will be available in Kelowna at LBV this Saturday, so don’t be late get down there and get your good looking travel dress before they sell out!
Everywhere else you can find the dress at Jason Matlo
Happy Shopping!
Kim xo
Heading to Keloha Music Festival in Kelowna this weekend? Check out my new favourite band playing on Sunday here!
Here are some fashion inspiration photos to give you some ideas for the weekend!
It is that time when all the summer sales are upon us, and if you are like me you have lots summer outings and events to go to. Now is the best time to get out there and pick up a new daytime frock or two. Look for something that is bright, fun and can transition from day to night. If you don’t have the budget or time to pick up a few new dresses then think about changing the look of the dresses that you do have by changing the accessories. Add a new purse, shoes or a little bling and re-invent a dress that you have worn already…adding something as simple as a new belt can go a long way.
Happy Shopping xo
On me :
Blue Dress: “RIO” Dress from Xsenia & Olya
Green Dress : DAPHINE BUSTIER BODICE DRESS on sale at BCBG
Blush Dress: “AUDREY” Avaliable at Influence
Black Dress: “Madelyn” Dress at ShopBop
Yellow Dress: by Top Shop
Multi Dress: Summer Collection by Jason Matlo
Purple Dress: Michael Kors at Net-a-Porter
Lots of stores right now are having their end of spring, beginning of summer sales right now. This is a good time to go into your favourite places and pick up items you have been eyeing for the past few months. They are clearing out their spring stock, to get ready for the pre-fall and fall items that are going to start coming in around the beginning of august. One of my favourite stops for clients and myself is definitely Aritzia. I get so many of my basic everyday pieces there and do a lot of my pre-shopping for clients at their Vancouver locations. They are so good to me! Since they have just started their Summer Sale both in stores and online, I thought I would pick out of a few of my favourite pieces that have gone on sale for you to take a look at. Remember that the sale is also online, if you don’t have an Aritizia near you!
These faux leather leggings are perfect for your next Girls Night Out!!
I own the Mackage jacket and I think every single one of my clients has one too. You will have it and love it forever.
The denim button up is here to stay.
I have this shirt in black. Comfortable and easy to wear. Perfect with leggings because of the length.
Everyone needs denim cut offs this summer. Goes with everything!
I have this shirt in almost every colour. I love to wear it tucked in at the front and loose at the back.
This jacket is great for the rainy weather and looks more awesome than the boring regular trench. The faux leather sleeves add a great edgy touch.
These pants are a great alternative to the denim look and perfect for the office in the summer!
Shop these items and more here. Happy shopping!
