Road Trippin' - Cabot Trail

Road Trippin' - Cabot Trail

November 7, 2018

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I had the pleasure of travelling with my family to the Cabot Trail for nature inspired adventures this past month. It was the epitome of a Family Vacation, you could say that we could give the National Lampoon movies a run for their money (especially during our Pictionary game).

My family is quirky, and eccentric and I wouldn't want to have my life any other way. 

We piled into our respective vehicles (car + van) with our furry family members (the puppy dogs obviously), and ventured the *what seemed like 500 hours* drive along the Cabot Trail. 

We stayed at a cabin resort called "Zzzz Moose" which was a short 3 minute walk to the beach, where I collected way too many rocks. Why does a almost 29 year old woman need 7 giant rocks?

I fell a lot while we were going through the trails (mostly because I choose to wear Duckies vs. hiking shoes) and was constantly on the look out for a bear or coyote. 

It was quite windy/rainy while we were hiking the trails, so we were unable to make it to certain areas but we definitely had fun together - and I would suggest a family road trip on the Cabot Trail is a must for your next Road Trip. 

Happy October

Happy October

October 1, 2018

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I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Happy October! I thought October 1st would be the perfect opportunity to share my Autumn bucket list for 2018. Some of the adventures have already been done, but I am very excited for all things FALL! 

* Decorate For Fall 

* Go to a Pumpkin Patch

* Bake Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies

* Visit an Apple Orchard 

* Carve Jack O' Lanterns

*Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte

* Bake Pumpkin Bread

* Make my Halloween costume 

* Dress up the family dog as a lion and I will be a lion tamer

* Paint Pumpkins 

* Take a scenic drive to "peep" some colourful leaves

* Go hiking at the Cabot Trail 

* Make Apple Cider

* Watch a Scary Movie

* Have a Fall Picnic

* Navigate a Corn Maze

* Fill candy dishes with Candy Corn and Halloween Kisses

I am so excited for this season. October is my favourite month of the year (a close second is December of course). I have so many ideas for content that I can't wait to share with you! I post daily on Instagram and on my stories too. Make sure to follow along on my colourful adventures. 

Autumnal Outdoor Decor

Autumnal Outdoor Decor

September 27, 2018

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A flawless entrance to an Autumn filled home. 

I was so thrilled to find this perfect welcome mat for our front door. It was the last one available at Michaels a few weeks ago, and I knew it had to be mine. I was able to purchase a million pumpkins and gourds/squash at a farm while I was in Prince Edward Island earlier in September, along with the most gorgeous coloured mums. 

I brought out my vintage yellow chair, wooden Autumn signage and potted our multi-coloured mums in steel buckets for an extra farmhouse inspired look. I am still in awe at how great our front porch looks. I always give a little smile whenever I see it.

I spend some time last weekend painting some pumpkins, just for fun. I also enjoy carving pumpkins, but will wait to do that so they don't go bad before Halloween. 

This outdoor Autumnal decor is just making my heart sing, so naturally I had to share with all of you. 

Have you decorated for Fall? What's your favourite decoration? 

Fashionably yours, 

Hillary 

Apple Picking in New Brunswick

Apple Picking in New Brunswick

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I have so much love for all things Autumn. My Fall bucket list is a mile long (at least). Each and every weekend I try to tackle an item or two on my list so I can feel all the fall vibes.  

Everything about Fall makes me so happy! The colours, the smells... It's always such a happy time and brings me such joy. 

Apple Picking is always top of my list of fun things to do in the fall. We have an incredible apple orchard only 30 minutes from our house called Verger Belliveau and we go every year, it's kind of a tradition of ours! 

We piled in our car, drove the quick country drive and picked 10 pounds of apples (an entire peck!). I couldn't contain my excitement about making apple sauce, apple pie and apple cider. Of course, I bought a gallon of apple cider while we were there and I like to heat it up on the stovetop and add a little cinnamon for a really delicious treat. 

Haunted Houses

Haunted Houses

September 26, 2018

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There's something about a spooky (but true) story that I just adore.

My Nanny always tells me about how the Beaconsville House in Charlottetown, PEI is haunted. Each and everytime we drive by, she mentions it.

The house was built well over 100 years ago, and definitely looks spooky.

Being so close to Halloween, I thought it was the perfect backdrop for some outfit photos. If you look closely - can you see a ghost in the window?

Hillary's Halloween Spooktacular

Hillary's Halloween Spooktacular

September 23, 2018

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Yes it's September. But I am ahead of the curve, and have been excited for Halloween since last Halloween. 

I want to host a Hillary's Halloween Spooktactular this year. AKA the best Halloween party you will ever attend. 

Of course, to find the best and spookiest invitations I did the following:

1. Made my own using Stampin' Up! stamps

2. Stalked Paperless Post for the best invites

I like Paperless Post quite literally because everyone is on their phone these days, and 100% connected all the time. Paperless Post invites go right into the email and are always super cute (I mean terrifying). I decided to do both. One paper invite for the fridge, and one into the email. 

I have included my MOST FAVOURITE Paperless Post Halloween invites and cards below. 

Which one is your favourite? I quite enjoy the Kate Spade option (of course). 

Forever singing Monster Mash.

#ILoveEnvy

#ILoveEnvy

September 14, 2018

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Last night I attended a special VIP shopping party at the new store, Envy, at the Champlain Mall! 

We had tasty candy, Levi's Wedgie jeans galore as well as the sweetest goodie bags. My favourite part being the clothing, the dress up in the changing room and the photo booth. 

SO excited to have a store locally that I can purchase Canadian brands like Brunette the Label and Matt and Nat.

The changing rooms are like a dream come true, with the most beautiful chandelier's and wall paper. It's really a dreamy experience to shop at Envy and I highly suggest checking it out THIS weekend! So many fun things going on, the Brunette the Label founder will be in store on Saturday from 11AM-2PM, Sephora giveaway, candy bar, photo booth and so much more. 

Don't miss out! This weekend (14th-16th!) at the Champlain Mall in Dieppe, NB!

Floral Friday - Peonies

Floral Friday - Peonies

July 15, 2018

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When I was late for work and Kyle was giving me a quick drive, we drove past the local park (that I hadn't seen in 2 weeks because I was away on vacation) and what did I see? 

Hundreds of peonies. 

Beautiful peonies in pink and white - it was such a sight! Naturally, I thought of the beautiful blooms all day. As soon as I went home I hopped on my cruiser bike with my wicker basket and took off to photograph the flowers. I also picked some of them too - they were too beautiful! I couldn't help myself. I was covered in ants by the end of it, but it was totally worth it. 

I always pictured myself getting married with either a bouquet of pink peonies with hydrangea or sunflowers. Flowers just warm my heart! 

What is your favourite flower?

Camper Hillary

Camper Hillary

July 13, 2018

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I always wanted to go camping. To spend nights in a tent, and eat delicious food that was cooked over an open fire. 

I had the most miraculous first time camping at KOA campground in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island. Kyle chose the place and orchestrated the entire trip. Our camp site was right by the ocean and we woke up to sounds of the ocean waves crashing and birds singing. It was fantastic. 

I can picture myself quitting my day job, and living in a tent full time. I absolutely embraced the camper lifestyle.  Life is so simple! I did yoga in the grass, we went clam digging and mussel raking and could still see our tent, we had fires and ate delicious food... I just loved it. 

What is your favourite camping memory? This one is mine!

Top Instagrammable Spots in Moncton, NB

Top Instagrammable Spots in Moncton, NB

July 11, 2018

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One thing that I struggle with is where to take Instagram photos. 

It's a hard-knock life for a small town Blogger to find pretty places for content without uprooting your entire life and moving to Italy, London, Paris or NYC. Which is also on my side burner, but we will keep that a secret. 

I currently reside in Moncton, New Brunswick and always fall back on 6 totally Instagrammable hot spots, that I have decided to share with all my East Coast babes for some inspiration! I will be sharing a few guides for local surrounding cities too! So keep your eyes open for future posts.

#1 : Festival Inspire Graffiti

There are graffiti spots all over town, with beautiful art installations for you to put on the 'gram. A few of my favourites are below! They are currently in the process of painting some more murals and I am so excited to see them! They should be done by July 19th.

My favourites:

Dieppe Public Library - Book Collection

Starving Artist Cafe - Turtle Installation

Wize Guys Moncton - Rainbow Rain

Here's the official map for the graffiti from 2018 :

#2 : Tony's Bistro and Patisserie, McLaughlin Road

This is a hot spot for delicious treats, eats and beverages. I usually go around 330-400PM for prime Instagram photos. Order some delicious Parisian inspired treats and get your friend to take your photo. Make sure to get an almond croissant to go, they're to die for! 

#3 : King's Ice Cream, Mountain Road

I love to go to this hot spot in the Spring/Summer months for a delicious cone and to take Instagram photos on their chairs shaped like ice cream cones. I'm not joking. I want to buy some for my new kitchen table, they're that cool.

#4 : Downtown Strolls

When you stroll downtown you'll see a lot of beautiful sights. Colourful houses, beautiful gardens and old brick buildings. All are great backdrops to showcase your outfit! My favourite thing to do is try to match the houses or wear something that will make my outfit pop with the coloured homes behind me. You can also take a walk into Victoria Park in the Summer for a really beautiful spot with flowers and lovely trees. There's even a store that's completely pink outside on Main Street!

#5 : Nature Spots

I am inspired by nature and love to frolic in the woods and discover new hidden gems. A few of my favourite nature spots in the Moncton area are below!

Irishtown Nature Park

Centennial Park 

Hopewell Rocks

#6 : Magnetic Hill Wharf Village
The Magnetic Hill village had a major makeover this year and all the buildings have been freshly painted and look oh so lovely! There are several opportunities for different back drops, this place is going to be seen all over my Instagram feed this Summer for sure. Fingers crossed they still have the Beavertail restaurant!