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THE PURIST LIFE

A bittersweet end to 2024. Wanting to disappear in

A bittersweet end to 2024. Wanting to disappear into the void of the numbness, I debated sharing this… the sudden loss of my friend Justin, who I first met when I was only 19, has rendered me … detached and inarticulate.

2025 is a year that I plan to scale back my social media presence. Not because I don’t enjoy sharing on the topics of sustainability, ethical luxury and the joys of intentional living… but because I have other passion projects. And I feel like the time has come for me to flex those skills, push my own boundaries, to see what I’m truly capable of.

Justin and I sometimes felt like we were cut from the same cloth. We could adapt to anything, thrive anywhere, and yet never feel settled. We both struggled with the pull of curiosity and wanting to take things apart, just to see what’s inside. And of course, the thrill of deciphering the impossible. I remember dancing in my twenties to Bittersweet Symphony, blasting from the stage speakers while his dad DJ’d at The Mod Club. Countless nights and debates and laughs. And as we grew older, weekend brunches and side hustles in finance, technology, or whatever fascination had currently taken hold.

He always stood up for me, and more importantly, my mind. We believed in each other’s potential. The more cerebral, the better. Thinking of the brilliant mind that we’ve lost will forever bring overwhelming grief to me.

I will miss you Justin. Rest easy now my friend xo.

An ode to Le Château Frontenac. I could not imagi

An ode to Le Château Frontenac. I could not imagine a dreamier place to celebrate Christmas than within an 1800s castle*

*although Châteauesque, this huge structure was never actually used as a wealthy family dwelling. It was actually built to attract more tourists! After its completion, it was decorated with ornate Art Deco structures outside. The cannons and brick military walls are authentic though. They are the remnants of the long battle between the French and the English.
It’s also a National Historic Site of Canada.

#chateaufrontenac #frenchstyle #oldmoneyaesthetic #oldmoney #quebec #quebecity #vintagevibe #christmas #classystyle

Quebec City part 1. Wow! What an incredible city.

Quebec City part 1. Wow! What an incredible city. The first night we went to the Christmas market and strolled the snow dusted streets.
Day two started with a walking tour, followed by lots of eating (I was shocked that they have amazing vegan options here!) and a visit to the serene Strøm spa.

This elegant made-in-Canada vegan winter coat kept me quite toasty in the -10 weather. Brands are tagged.

#oldquebec #quebecity #freedandfreed #callitspring #noize #stellamcartney #winterwonderland #winterfashion #winteroutfit #classyvision #vegan #vegancoat #christmasmarket #travelcanada

It’s getting chilly! Some snaps from The Well in

It’s getting chilly! Some snaps from The Well in Toronto.

Coat and mittens are several seasons old, by vegan outerwear company Noize.

#toronto #thewell #winterwonderland #winterfashion #veganfashion #veganfashionblogger

Ma’am this is a parking garage. Let’s talk abo

*screams in burgundy* #classyvision #burgundy #ma

*screams in burgundy*

#classyvision #burgundy #maroon #monochromeoutfit

Nerd by day. Diva by night.🤭 Ethical outfit det

Nerd by day. Diva by night.🤭 Ethical outfit details:
Waffle crewneck by Province of Canada -> Red velvet halter dress secondhand via Space Vintage, Kensington Market.

#classyvision #slowfashion #toronto #frenchstyle #oldmoneyaesthetic #classystreetwear #vintagevibe #shopsmall #smallbusiness

Time for a physical and mental reset. I live with

Time for a physical and mental reset. I live with a rare medical condition called Lymphedema. So addressing my circulatory and nervous system is a weekly practice for me.

Because of that, I’ve been practicing hot and cold circuits since I was a teenager.

Luckily, there are many facilities at gyms and spas specifically for this. So it’s no wonder I like exploring the various options in Toronto.

These facilities will offer a dry sauna or steam room followed by a cold plunge. Go slowly. The point is to relax into the physical sensations. (You can also mimic a similar, less intense treatment at home by alternating a steamy shower + ice cold bath.)

Once you’ve completed a 30-45 hot/cold circuit with deep, intentional breath work throughout, you should RELAX to reap the physical and mental benefits.

Alternating between hot and cold temperatures can be shocking the first time—but once your body adjusts to the temperature changes, something interesting happens.

—Improved circulation and metabolic rate: these circuits get blood circulation pumping, which can help speed up healing.

—Reduced inflammation: similarly, the lymphatic system starts moving, which reduces swelling and edema (fluid overload in tissues.)

—Decreased muscle pain and soreness: especially after strenuous exercise.

—Elevated mood: surprisingly, these circuits can boost endorphins, which can elevate mood and help relieve depressive symptoms.

Would you try a sauna + cold plunge circuit?

#toronto #sweatandtonic #lymphaticdrainage #mentalheath #physicalrecovery #coldplunge #sauna #hotcoldtherapy #hotcold #edema #inflammation

Slow Fashion in Slow Motion. I try not to play fa

Slow Fashion in Slow Motion.
I try not to play favourites with my dresses—but !! How dreamy is this Eliza Faulkner dress?
It was hand made in Montreal. She’s a designer to keep your eye on if you appreciate high fashion looks.
@elizafaulkner

#classyvision #slowfashion #ethicalfashion #veganfashion #frenchstyle #oldmoneyaesthetic #vintagevibe #classyvision #elizafaulkner #supportlocal
Canadian fashion designer, ethical fashion, slow fashion, classy outfit inspo, capsule wardrobe, Toronto

Guests on Earth – refillable foaming soap – $20 off!

Guests on Earth – refillable foaming soap – $20 off!