Blog
Watch: Taco Chronicles
Matt C. Loco for tacos? I am. Whether you like authentic, or hard-shell Tex Mex style – the Taco Chronicles on Netflix will take you through it until you’re scrambling to the grocery store or favourite Mexican joint to satisfy the craving. The fun, educational tone definitely debunks the reputation that the Mexican classic has as simply, a ‘street food’. To my delight, there is a myriad of ways to prepare tacos - each with distinct and alluring differences. Each episode focuses on a single type of taco - taking you across the rich cultural history and traditions throughout Mexico, to how to they are served today. You can check out my last post on easy black bean and sweet potato tacos here. Buen provecho!
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Storm Watching in Tofino?
Bethany S. Do you ever go somewhere for a specific reason and then it doesn’t end up happening? That’s what my husband and I did going trying to storm watch in Tofino (Pre-Covid times). It ended up being gorgeous weather where we were consistently taking off our coats and sometimes relaxing on the beach in T-shirts. This is pretty unheard of in Canada in December. We did, however have one stormy day in the beginning and I’ll post pictures below of the contrasting weather. Our favourite beach by far had to be Wickaninnish between Tofino and Ucluelet. It has those Oregon coast vibes with small sand dunes that are perfect for a winter beach fire. Have you ever been to Tofino, BC? Let us know your experience in the comments below!
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Happy Campers
Rebecca L. With the world slowly promising to open up some restrictions, now is a good time to start thinking about a potential camping trip you could take. Finding local destinations for your long-awaited vacation is a good idea as we hear about the potential of staycations being allowed in some countries. After spending most of the last year or so indoors, it might be a great idea to pencil in some hikes, your favourite campfire meal, and ample amounts of fresh air. Here’s some amazing camping spots I’ve been too here in my country of residence, Canada…. Chilliwack Lake, BC Hike the Lindeman Greendrop Trail and take a dip in the lake. Mount Robson, BC Camp out at the Robson Meadows Campground and prepare yourself for the amazing Berg Lake Trail. Jasper, AB Jasper has a beautifully maintained National Park Campground. Hike the Wilcox Pass and get a fantastic view of the Athabasca glacier. Banff, AB Although more expensive than other park campsites, Banff is another great spot to stay. Make sure to visit Lake Louise and especially the Devils Thumb via Lake Agnes trail. You’ll find a view of both Lake Louise and Lake Agnes. Let us know your favourite camping sports in the comments.mer
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America vs. Australia
I’ve lived in both America and Australia, but am actually British. This means I am pretty well placed to provide an objective, unbiased view of life in both countries.
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Upcycling The Eiffel Tower
Rebecca L. Friday July 26, 2024 will bring around the 28th Summer Olympics, hosted in the beautiful capital of France. Ahead of Paris 2024, the highly recognisable Eiffel Tower will be receiving a long-overdue makeover that will enhance its appearance for the event. The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889, and originally constructed as the entrance for the Exposition Universelle (1889), an open competition to design a magnificent focal point to the World’s Fair. At that time, it was the tallest structure in the world, until theChrysler Building was erected in New York in 1930. Fashioned from puddled iron, the tower weighs in at around 10,100 tons, and stands at 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall. I have personally climbed the 674 steps up to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower and it’s not an easy task, especially during the windy season. This eye-catching structure gathers over 7 million visitors per year, and over 250 million sight-seers have took a trip to the tower since it originally opened. It takes 60 tonnes of paint to glam up the Eiffel Tower, and it has already been repainted 19 times and it was once painted yellow. This time, instead of the usual custom Eiffel Tower brown that was originally chosen in 1968, the tower will have a slight change of hue to a more yellowly golden-brown colour, in celebration of the Olympic games. Costing around $60 million, the Eiffel Tower is due to be revamped before the Olympic season. Are you excited for the reveal? Tell us in the comments what your favourite Olympic event is.
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Listen: Lous and the Yakuza
Matt C. This week I've been listening to the debut album Gore, by Belgian-Congolese-Rwandan songwriter/singer/rapper Lous and the Yakuza on repeat. The entire album is sung/rapped in French, and although je ne parle pas, her life story behind her short 24 years speaks as the back drop - not to mention the presence of her musical influences Whitney Houston and Mozart. Check out this profile from the New York Times outlining her inspiring upbringing, and her Instagram for some international cool-girl realness. Listen to the vibe-y Gore here, and again.. don’t forget your dancing shoes.
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Brooklyn: Greenpoint
Bethany S. Have you ever had a quick trip somewhere you wish you could’ve stayed a lot longer? That was Brooklyn for me. My husband and I stayed in Greenpoint which is the sweetest neighbourhood with all the good eats, shopping and beautiful parks. We were there for a small work celebration in the Spring of 2019 and were totally surprised by how friendly and inviting New York City and Brooklyn was - Since that’s definitely not the stereotype you hear of! Soon as things go back to normal I cant wait to plan another trip. Here is a list of things to do during a beautiful Spring day in Greenpoint. Crema BK – One of the best lattes I’ve ever had while watching dogs play at a nearby park Five Leaves – Get the Avocado toast! Awoke Vintage – Great clothes for your night out Joe’s Pizza – On Bedford Ave! Yum!
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‘Instant Hotel’ reco
Jasmine G. With AirBnb fast becoming a popular option for holiday accommodation, ‘Instant Hotel’ looks to find the best B&Bs in Australia. The show pits hosts against one other; staying at each other’s accommodation and rating the overall experience. On first look, it’s an entertaining competition show; but on a deeper level it showcases the variety and brilliance of Australia. From the rainforests in Queensland to the Martian-esque caves of Coober Pedy, the programme highlights the true vastness of the Aussie landscape. Check out the Trailer here...and you can find season 1 and 2 of ‘Instant Hotel’ on Netflix!
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