Spring

Spring

Winter’s black, lifted back

The glow of opportunity floats

Warmth and light, breathe new life

With an auspicious air, curiosity flows

Around this new season, what will be your reason?

To leap into these brilliant days!

But sometimes moody, with frigid air

Or blinding bright,

Be patient, strip yourself

And reel in delight!

Spring’s here, my dear.

April 2017 Playlist

Well, spring is in the air! With the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight, I chose to spend more time outside enjoying good music. Let me leave you with a few tunes and a great quote:

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.” Ernest Hemingway

1. Kaleo- Way Down We Go
2. The Lumineers- Angela
3. Mark Farina – Dream Machine feat. Sean Hayes (Downtempo Mix)
4. (feat. Tove Lo) Nick Jonas- Close
5. (Ft. Son Mieux) The Him-Feels Like Home
6. Banks-Beggin For Thread
7. Ft. Bipolar Sunshine DJ Snake- Middle
8. The Arctic Monkeys- Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High
9. (Jane Doze Remix) Norman Laass-Pumping Blood
10. Chet Faker-No Diggity

March 2017 Playlist

Love and War (Aazar Remix)This month my next adventure takes place in Las Vegas, so I chose a few tunes to get into the dancing mood!

  1. KSHMR – Wildcard (feat. Sidnie Tipton)
  2. Well Run Dry (Promise Land Remix) by Max Zotti Feat. Amie
  3. Secrets (Extended Mix) by Tiesto & KSHMR ft. Vassy
  4. I’ll fly with you- Gigi D’Agostino
  5. It Ain’t Me-Kygo, Selena Gomez
  6. Catch Me (feat. Naaz)- Yellow Claw & Flux Pavilion
  7.  High You Are (Branchez Remix)- What So Not
  8. Down- Marian Hill
  9. Cold ft. Future- Maroon 5
  10. Love and War (Aazar Remix)

Jasper in the Winter

Jolly in Jasper!

I’m documenting yet another ski trip where there was no limit to the amount of entertainment to be enjoyed. A lack of activity was inconceivable, whether spent the day skiing or boarding across the wide-open trails, indulging in culinary treats or scenic hikes.

With a beer in hand, a company ski trip was the perfect way to get to know my coworkers in their natural habitat! Instead of boring water cooler conversations, I was able to find out more exciting details about my fellow weekend warriors. Though some people may shy away from corporate events, I truly believe it’s more enjoyable to discuss their wipeouts and witness their mad dance skills during a corporate trip!

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Where we Stayed- The Lobstick Lodge

Inexpensive and a few blocks to walk into town!

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Favorite Eats- Jasper Pizza Place pizza-1-of-1

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The final day was spent enjoying the brunch buffet at my favorite Fairmont hotel, the Jasper Park Lodge. Although it can be a pricier option for lodging, it welcomes guests to come and walk their grounds, skate, or just have a hot chocolate in the rustic main lobby.

And then the easy hike in Maligne Canyon is treating for the eyes that shouldn’t be missed.  Warning! Make sure you purchase or borrow boot covers to walk down into the ice-coated canyon, it’s slick!

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February 2017 Playlist

Happy Valentines everyone, more heart felt songs coming your way!

  1. Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You
  2. Burak Yeter – Tuesday ft. Danelle Sandoval
  3. Hayden James – Something About You (ODESZA Remix)
  4. Please Me- Tep No
  5. Paloma Faith – Only Love Can Hurt Like This
  6. Birdy – Skinny Love
  7. The Lumineers- Sleep on the Floor
  8. David Gray- Sail Away
  9. The Verve- Bitter Sweet Symphony
  10. Bishop Briggs- Wild Horses

Getting Frisky in Fernie!

I never pass up an opportunity to partake in a ski trip, always hoping for best case scenario snow report. This recent adventure took place in Fernie, British Columbia. At the top of the hill, you will be greeted by a striking landscape. Then it’s your choice of runs, to be accomplished at your level of speed and efficiency!fernie2017102of192

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fernie201795of192Although the tranquil landscape didn’t disappoint, I’m often in search of activities that make each ski destination unique.  In Fernie, this was the ice bar, located on the hill, inside the Lizard Creek Lodge. Don your fur trimmed Helly Hansen parka, enter the frigid, colorful carved blocks of ice to sample a vast selection of premium vodkas. Smash your ice-made shot glass when you complete your vodka tastings feeling warm and tingly.

How we got Frisky

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Where to Stay

Powder Mountain Lodge
http://powdermountainlodge.com/
Pros:
•    Close drive to the hill, walking distance to restaurants and pubs.
•    Inexpensive
Cons:
•    Small Hot tub
•    Easy to hear other guests

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Where to Eat

Nevados- Scrumptious tapas style Mexican food with tasty margaritas to match

https://nevados.ca/

Where to drink

How to Spend a Week in Costa Rica

Since Flying into San Jose is typically less expensive than the city Liberia, some friends and I took advantage of a last minute flight special. If you have time to stay in the area, I would highly recommend a day or more rafting on the Pacuare River which I did on a separate visit to Costa Rica. From there we shared a shuttle to our first destination, Montverde, a small town tucked in a lush expanse of thick green forest. You can take a local bus which is way less expensive but can take more time. We stayed two nights in a bed and breakfast during the day drank delicious coffee, chose to do a zip line excursion in the cloud forest where we made some furry friends.

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Our next stop was Tamarindo, a coastal surf town. The first day was spent relaxing on the beach, watching a beautiful sunset and eating fish tacos pared with pitchers of fresh sangria. The following day we chose to head out on the water on a catamaran tour.

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The last destination was Santa Teresa, three nights, things to do:

  1. Rent a quad for $50/day, head to dream beach for quiet and relaxation or Montezuma where you can hike to a waterfall and plunge in to cool off!
  2. Hire a surf instructor, the waves a pretty strong, the guidance is well worth it.
  3. Head to the Bakery, a delicious café to refuel with local coffee and fresh pastries.
  4. End the day back in Santa Teresa at Casa MarBella. You can enjoy a few cocktails as you watch the sunset from their infinity pool.

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costarica201663of88Head back to San Jose to catch your flight home refreshed and recharged.

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What Brings you to Montreal?

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Friends, Food and a Lavish Cultural Wedding!

During a New Year’s trip to Nicaragua in 2014, I was fortunate to find myself in a tour group with a few great ladies who reside in Montreal, Canada.  Our friendship has since blossomed and we been able to connect through more traveling. This January I was invited to a first Jewish-Moroccan wedding; I knew it was going to an experience that couldn’t be passed up! Here are some highlights from the weekend festivities:

At some point we have all experienced changes in our social circles, friends move away to pursue exciting careers or romances and some we just grow apart from as our interests diversify. Your best friend from grade school may be a few minutes away but don’t discount the fact that an overseas buddy may be more supportive of your lifestyle since you’ve bonded over several days and nights of travel exploration. Besides being the ultimate Montreal tour guide, my far away friend Emily has since been first on my list of emergency face-time sessions and was the motivation behind booking a trip to Argentina. As a friend, she’s both refreshing and constructive, and being in her presence is invigorating. Have you ever pursued a long-distance friendship?  Do you think it’s possible to be closer to a friend who doesn’t live in the same city? I would love to hear about your long distance friendships!