"advice" for women...

So, here is my question, if I followed all of the advice us women were given for vitamins, creams, supplements, work out regimens, clothing and diets, what would my life be like? How much money would I spend and would it make me happier? How could I get some form of a sponsor to pay for me to follow one form of advice a day from a newsletter. I would love to do this. Even if I end up taking 30 vitamins and joining 40 gyms and wearing pounds of make up, I would just love to prove how much junk we are fed.

This all comes from a morning of filtering my newsletters. Yoga journals, Chatelaine, New York Times, Eat well, LinkedIn, you name it. It is toxic and doesn't stop! I've realized how much time I've wasted reading propaganda and lies which are disguised as advice. Why not just eat well, be active and be healthy rather than being self conscious, scared and potentially in debt. 

I know men are bombarded as well.

I am going to think some more about this. I think it is an interesting idea. 

Chick Pea

The Besnard Lakes

The complete state of being zoned out that I experience when seeing The Besnard Lakes is something I wish I could make a pill out of. They are rough but beautiful and I was so excited to see them in Paris.

 I went to my regular Bikram yoga class, after a few adjustments from an osteopath, and I have no idea what happened but in Cobra pose, something popped and I felt like I was going through intense withdrawal after a 20 year addiction. I felt paralyzed and sick. And so, I clearly couldn't make it out to see them play. So so so upset. 

I can only look at that experience as something good. Whether it will advance my yoga, or was a burst of energy and something unlocking, or deep down in my heart of hearts, it was my body speaking to me and reaffirming some thoughts I've had lately. We will see.

Anyways, in the meantime, I will continue to look forward to my next Besnard Lakes show and I suggest you all check out their new record, and old stuff!

http://www.thebesnardlakes.com/

Sweet listening,

Pippa

PUMPKIN!!!!

I have moved back to Toronto from Paris and I feel amazing. I am so happy to be home. The people, places, food, music, strangers...everything. I am happy.

Of course being Fall and Thanksgiving I am able to indulge on my favorite...PUMPKIN!!! Pumpkin pie, soup, smoothies, coffee, face masks, you name it.

Because I am so busy trying to settle my life back in I have not had any time to write, and to be honest, I have been too busy out enjoying everything, but I quickly want to share this recipe with you for a pumpkin-spiced coffee.

Enjoy,
Pippa

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk/almond milk/milk of your choice
• 2 tablespoons pureed pumpkin 
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
• ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 
• 1-2 shots of espresso (about ¼ cup) or ½ cup strong coffee
• whipped cream 

Directions

Combine milk, pumpkin, sugar and vanilla in a sauce pan. Whisk to blend thoroughly. Add the spices and simmer until heated. place the espresso or coffee in a cup. Add enough pumpkin mixture to fill the cup almost to the top. Add whipped cream and sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice on top. Serve hot.

"Paris" used as a buzz word for cafes?

I love coffee. Good coffee. Finding a real cafe in Paris that is not simply a brasserie serving Cafe Richards, which I do not like at all, is a struggle. I think there are about 12 in the ENTIRE city. But, it has also been fun because when I finally walk through the front door I know that everyone else there has also made the effort to find these delights.

A few to note:
STRADA CAFE:  94 rue du Temple, 75003 (3ème arrondissement) 
 Good coffe, chill vibe, yummy food and friendly service. 

TUCK SHOP:  13 rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 (10ème arrondissement)
Fun, yummy great area. Have a lunch next door at Bob's juice while you are in the area.   

TELESCOPE:  5 rue Villedo 75001 (1er arrondissement)
Good coffee and cute space and I do love the area, however being completely honest, I understand the idea behind great coffee and being strict with measurements etc, but I waited about 25 minutes just to order and then about another 10 for my coffee. There were only 3 people in front of me. A little TOO much of a perfectionist.  

I have noticed lately while looking through city magazines, such as Toronto Life, that there are a lot of cafes deemed to have a Parisian vibe. If you sell croissants is that a Parisian vibe? I am not too sure. On one side I find it endearing because maybe they have never been to Paris and they have this fantasy about all of these lovely, warm and friendly cafes. But on the other side it is frustrating because I think of other cities that could be used as an example for great cafes - like Seattle, London and even Calgary.

That being said, I am excited to get to Toronto to check out the booming foodie scene updates and yummy and friendly cafes and bars.

Sip well,

Pippa

Eye karamba!

Did you do any of those exercises? Perhaps one of the most calming things I have ever done. The best part is you can essentially do them anywhere.

I have been thinking. Maybe I am overwhelmed by the idea that when you lose your sight, or any of your senses, your other senses become much more intense and particular. I am an extremely kinesthetic person. Could I handle the sense of touch being more intense? More important?

Another article for you.

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/129?utm_source=DailyInsight&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=DailyInsight&_wcsid=0421906D81CD6A64EF57C859FAF8E484346366295FBFDE51

From me to you. Eye to eye.

Pippa

Eye opener

I am not sure why, but all of a sudden I have been very interested in the eyes. More so than usual. I feel very lucky to have great eyesight and I have even been thinking about going into a career of Optometry. I wonder if I can find work in a shop selling glasses to get the gist of it to start?

As a child, and still now (to be honest) I am not a fan of being in pitch pitch dark. When I was recently in Portugal staying in a house I did not know well, I woke up in the middle of the night to head to the bathroom and I could not find the switch. I had a moment of panic.

I have always had an interest in the lives of those who are blind, or their vision is obscured. Perhaps it is my lucky opportunity to have been introduced to people, amazing people, who have lost their vision. Some were born with an impairment, others lost it later in life.


I have had the luck of meeting people like Miles Hilton Barber who has adventured his way around the world more than once. He came to visit my parents at our farm and I was so interested in him. His enthusiasm and determination. We sat beside eachother at lunch and I was so nervous about the fact he had a slab of chicken stuck to his cheek.... he could sense I was nervous, wiped the food away and told me to relax. Do yourself a favour and check out his site. But I warn you, be prepared to get inspired.

http://www.mileshilton-barber.com/

I met another amazing man while working in a store. He was shopping for winter jackets. I spent a lot of time with him to help him find the perfect fit - he could sense the colours of the jackets. My mother has a cousin in South Africa who lost her vision very young due to an illness - I have been told stories of her riding a bike around a pond and picking the best fruit ever. Her sense of touch was impeccable. And on a daily basis here in Paris I witness and try to help when I can, the vision impaired navigating the streets and non-accomodating metro system.  

During my 5 years of practising yoga a few teachers have mentioned the exercise of the eyes. Looking back, way back. Stretch the eyes. Open eye meditation. I was not sure how and if any of this meant anything. Anyone who knows me, or my family, would agree we are all quite wide eyed and have alot of expression in our eyes - our eyes have sort of been a defining feature of our family. I love it. I also love that I have always been taught the importance of looking in the eyes. Looking into someones soul. I find eyes amazing. So, this rant is basically me sharing this great article I found on exercise of the eyes and its importance.

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/79?utm_source=DailyInsight&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=DailyInsight&_wcsid=0421906D81CD6A64EF57C859FAF8E484346366295FBFDE51

I hope you find this interesting. I hope you appreciate your eyes. And more than anything, I hope you offer assistance to those in need of it. Some may accept it and some may not - do not take it personally.

Look at someone in the eyes today.
Test your tolerance. Test theirs.

Namaste,
Pippa

London Calling

I finally LOVE London. It has taken me a long long time to get into it, but I have recently had the great eye opening experience that I needed.

One reason I never liked London was because I always found it so extremely out of this world expensive. To solve that problem... live in Paris.
I also realized that all of my visits to London, with much thanks of course, were hosted by extremely wealthy people - which makes it much harder to keep up, and of course makes the visit a bit different to how I would naturally visit the city.

Rather than comparing and concentrating on my previous not-so-great visits, I just want to say this visit was amazing. Great coffee shops - of course the famous Monmouth Coffee. The markets - Borough market with a variety of fresh juices, oysters, Indian concoctions and licorice. The People - chippy and happy and a great amount of small talk. I experienced the proper after-work pub hangout which is a vibe I have missed - a bunch of people loosening their ties and loafers and hanging out with whoever is there. The food - a delicious variety of restaurants with good service, GOOD SERVICE, I have missed good service. From the Hole in the Wall Indian restaurants in the East, to the Asian Fusion in the West, organic/veggie options in Covent Gardens (Food For Thought) and even the fancy and trendy Hoxton Hotel and Waffle and Duck - great service, which can surprisingly make the price irrelevant.

Asking for directions on my extreme walking extravaganzas were always greeted with a desire to help and running along the river between the bridges with a bottle of wine and a few glasses to enjoy the view was easy and fun.

London has planted a bug in me. I wish I had been there more as from Paris it is a hop, skip and jump - but rather than regretting, I will simply be happy I can now plan great visits back to a great country.

On that note in regards to service.

There was one day where my feet were sore, the weather was cold and my cousin took the day off work. He suggested we go to his gym for a few hours where they have a spa and he has guest passes. YES PLEASE! So we headed to his FITNESS FIRST gym, where the guest pass was quickly denied as apparently this location doesn't accept them, they offered no form of middle ground and were extremely rude. We paid for me to enter because our day was planned around this - 15.00 pounds. The change room was nice and big and upon entering the spa area with steam, sauna and pool I was happy. Until, the water fountain was not working and the only other one was up in the weight room - a few times I asked for alternatives and well, there were none. No water while going in and out of steam/sauna is not a very good idea, but it was not THAT bad because the steam was broken. STEAM WAS BROKEN!!! That was the main reason I was there. So, rude service, no water and no steam - we asked for the money back and were told a quick and solid - you have to write to customer service. A total joke. 

I obviously took the EURO STAR which is quick and easy. Downtown station to station. When I purchased my ticket I asked for the "Print Option" to print my own ticket. In the 4am rush to get my bags and butt to the train, I forgot my printed ticket. When I arrived at the station I thought I could simply reprint it or atleast be able to show my email confirmation to have them print it out. NOT AT ALL. I was sent from Euro Star desk to SNCF desk, they would not print my ticket because it was paid with another credit card that I did not have on me. It was like those days where you left your plane ticket behind and couldnt fly... in 1985!!!!!! Finally, after a lot of eyelash fluttering, fake tears, and thankfully a picture of the credit card I used, she decided to push "print" on her screen and give me my ticket. This was after her trying to get me to purchase another ticket, go to an internet cafe to print my ticket and simply saying nothing could be done - there was 20 minutes to get to my train.

I finally made it to the train, and as much as the seat was fine, I cannot express how DISGUSTING the washrooms were. 2 were completely overflowed, 1 had no paper and the others were filthy. I felt like I was in a 3rd world country - or worse. When paying for a service I expect the basic necessities to be pleassant. To put it into perspective, if I had had my grandmother with me, I would not have let her use the toilet.

So, I am very thankful for the great London experience because the Euro Star was a nasty start.

Happy travels and thank you London and all those who made my trip amazing,
Pippa

Peppermint Oil to the rescue

I have an absolute obsession with Peppermint oil and I want to share it with you.

My simple uses are fresh breath, sore muscles, sore stomach, yummy bath and to help me wake up. I add it to everything... including my mint/chocolate smoothie. It is also easy to make your oil peppermint tea and oil with the leaves. Explore and enjoy.

See below for a detailed list. I found this on my favorite diynatural.com.
Refreshingly happy.
Pippa

1. Stomach Ache

Peppermint essential oil is great for taming tummy aches. Apply a few drops to the bottoms of your feet and on your abdomen, over the spot(s) where it hurts.

2. Breath Freshener

I carry a small vial of peppermint essential oil wherever I go and one thing I use it for is bad breath. If I’ve had garlic or a cup of coffee that’s left my mouth a little … unpleasant, I’ll put a drop on the tip of my tongue for minty fresh breath. (Just be sure you have 100% pure essential oils if doing this.)

3. Nausea

Peppermint essential oil is great for quelling nausea, too. This works best for me when I open the bottle and inhale deeply until the nausea stops. If it persists, I’ll usually put a drop on the tip of my tongue, which helps quickly.

4. Cooling

Peppermint contains menthol, which is very cooling. During the summer heat, I use peppermint essential oil to help me stay cool. I do that by diluting a few drops in a tablespoon of coconut oil and applying that to my chest and back of the neck.

5. Focus

When I need a little extra help focusing on a project, I apply a mixture of peppermint and orange essential oils to the back of my neck. I just place a drop of each in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together, inhale, then rub it on the back of my neck.

6. Lip Balm

Making your own lip balm is super simple and you need just 3 ingredients.

• 3 Tablespoons grated beeswax or beeswax pastilles (find beeswax here)
• ½ cup coconut oil (find high quality coconut oil here)
• 8 drops peppermint essential oil (find 100% pure essential oils here)

Melt the coconut oil and wax on low heat. Remove from heat and stir in essential oil. Pour into containers and allow to cool. Cap and label. Feeling more ambitious? Try this herb-infused, lavender mint lip balm.

7. Toothpaste

Making your own toothpaste is super simple! All you need is baking soda, sea salt and peppermint essential oil. Here’s a great homemade toothpaste recipe to try.

8. Energizing

Need a little pick-me-up? Inhale the aroma of peppermint essential oil. Peppermint is refreshing and energizing and can help give you feel more alert if you’re getting sluggish.

9. Headache

Got a headache? Use peppermint essential oil. Simply apply a drop or two to your temples, forehead and the back of your neck. You may want to dilute the oil first in a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil, because it can be very strong around your eyes.
Speaking of eyes, watch out for those. Ouch! If you do get essential oils in your eyes or other mucous membranes, dilute with a carrier oil, not water.

10. Cleaning

When you whip up your own all-purpose cleaner, make sure to add some peppermint essential oil. Not only does it smell delicious, but it’s antibacterial and antifungal as well.

11. Muscle Relaxer

That pleasant scent of commercial muscle relaxing creams? Peppermint! Peppermint is great for relaxing sore muscles and can help soothe inflammation. Use 3 drops of peppermint essential oil in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and apply as needed.

12. Foot Refresher

Feet feeling a little tired? Give them some TLC with peppermint essential oil. Soak your feet in a basin of warm water and add a few drops of refreshing peppermint essential oil. For a little extra love, apply this ultra-moisturizing foot cream when you’re done.

13. Mood-lifting

Whenever I’m feeling a little blue, I like to inhale peppermint essential oil. I’m not sure if it’s the energizing properties or the bit of nostalgia, but it quickly lifts my mood. It can also be diffused in the air.

14. Congestion

Having a hard time breathing? Diffuse some peppermint essential oil in the air with an aromatherapy diffuser (one of my essential accessories for essential oils) to help clear congestion. (Find aromatherapy diffusers here.)

15. Ant Repellent

Use peppermint essential oils to get rid of ants naturally. Put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and place in areas ants are crawling around to discourage ants from coming back.

OCD breakthrough?

NYT - OCD therapy

I know I am not a doctor, by any means. In fact, that is why I am shocked by this article. I, having ZERO training as a doctor, psychologist, therapist etc would make a guess, based on my day to day knowledge, that to help with a behavioural problem, like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, you would try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy before reaching for medication, especially antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs, which have been proven to cause other serious problems, including suicidal tendencies - see below.

Suicidal tendencies - side effects



This "new finding" scares me, on so many levels.

What do you think?
Please share with me.
Concerned,
Pippa

Mouthwash delight

Good morning,

So, this summer while I was in Portugal I had a dental nightmare which was quickly resolved at the dentist, but I from the point, decided to take the absolute best care of my teeth. I will floss and use mouthwash, and of course brush, every single day.

I splurge on some fancy packaging mouthwash that guaranteed whiter teeth, cleaner teeth, prevention blah blah blah. The second I used it I knew something was not right. My teeth felt like they were coated in sugar. Similar to the feeling of drinking my favorite pure Maple Syrup, which I of course only did as a child.

I started doing some research and reading articles and ingredients and have decided that there is nothing good about store bought mouthwash. Some examples of what I have read:
-mouthwash containing alcohol can lead to mouth cancers
-almost all mouthwash contains fluoride, which when used effectively is preventative and we get enough of it in our water and toothpaste - too much is not good, at all - it can be toxic.
-many mouthwashes contain sugars and other chemicals which, really - do I need to explain why that is bad?

So, I made my own. I read a few different recipes and created my own - which is normally how my concoctions come about.
+2 cups boiled or filtered water
+dash of raw organic apple cider vinegar - breaks down plaque and bad breath
+5 drops tea tree oil - natural cure for bad breath, oral candidiasis, gingivitis, plaque, and inflamed gums. It also kills mouth bacteria prior to dental surgery and also reduces mouth irritation that is often caused by dental procedures.
+5 drops peppermint oil - freshens breath
+1 teaspoon baking soda - helps clean

I have seen some reciped with a tablespoon of vodka, personally I am not sure that is necessary.

Because of the tea tree oil, please make sure to not swallow this mouthwash and also make sure to shake well each time before use to mix oils and baking soda. 

I hope you enjoy this mouthwash. I find it so fulfilling to make these products ourselves, and the saving of money is a bonus!

Here is a great blog I found with a good variety of recipes.
http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/02/antiseptic-homemade-mouthwash-recipe/

Swish away,
Pippa

Career Change?

I have been unemployed for some time now, with small contracts here and there and I feel very lucky for everything that has happened along the way. Lessons learned, emotions tested and my confidence has been played with, I am going back and forth on an hourly basis about what it is I want to do.

My professional past has been in an industry that I like, but not for the right reasons. I like style, but I don't like the Fashion Industry. I see landfills, debt and misplaced happiness. All of my spare time is spent reading articles on health and wellness rather than following brands and new fashion blogs, I cruise health food stores rather than Hermes and Gucci and I attend yoga with much more ease than Fashion Week. I think I need to redirect my path.

I want to move into the Health and Wellness industry and will be looking at Nutrition Courses, ideally Holistic Nutrition. So, in following my love, desire and passion for finding great products, recipes and supplements, and being very conscious of our planet, I will start sharing my discoveries and feelings.

A new chapter in my life,
Why shouldn't I turn my passion into my career?

Happy health,
Pippa

Portugal never lets me down

I feel like the luckiest person on Earth, again. I just spent almost six weeks in Portugal and all I can do now daze and dream of how I can live and work in Portugal. I have had a theory for my entire life that I don't want my hobby to be my career or my favorite holiday destination to be my home.

I change my mind. On both ideas.

I spent time in the Algarve, in the Douro and Lisbon and its surrounding areas. I have no idea how to sum up all of the great places I visited and lovely people I met, but I will do my best.

All in all, Portugal has remained a friendly and lovely place, even through the crisis and tough tough times. Smiles and beautiful tiles paint the city, delicious smells and indulgences make all meals irresistible. The beaches remain beautiful, with some tourism taking over but without the tourism Portugal would be in an even worse situation. The food is an endless list of fresh ingredients cooked in a simple way with flavours that leave you wanting more, much more. Of course the Pastel de nata/belem, bacalhao (cod) anything, octopus, piri piri chicken... so much. The wine is delicious and varied and not appreciated enough outside of Portugal. The people are incredibly friendly, hospitable and even if they do not know a word of English, they try - with a smile. I could go on and on.

A few fond memories and flavours.

ALJEZUR - ALGARVE

If you don't have a car, fear not, take the bus. EVA got me there on 20 euros, for the same amount of time and with free wireless.

This town in a valley with beaches, a few restaurants and a great health food store could provide me with all I need for a long time. Very chill, incredibly beautiful and over every hill is a completely new view and little town. The sunsets are incredible, the nights are cool - making sleeping easy, and the food is fresh. Thanks to some friendly fishermen I was staying with I tried Percebes (Barnicles) which look like claws with pumpkin seeds, had fresh octopus and cod by the ton, and ray.

REGUA - DOURO

I cannot explain my jaw dropping experience of scenery, smells and sunshine in the North. Miles of vineyards, mountains and a river make this a very easy and beautiful place to visit. I was treated to some incredible wakeboarding, port wine and amazing food - one meal being at DOC restaurant, right on the river. Beautiful food, options specializing in truffles and olives, delicious wine and a view that never gets old. I was there for 8 hours.

CASCAIS, ALCOCHETE, LISBON, SINTRA, ADRAGA, CAPARICA

These are all incredible places to visit and all within an hour of eachother. Like everywhere else, be careful of tourist traps. Do yourself a favour and check out the restaurants XXL in Cascais, Baro Alto, Pharmacy and Parc in Lisbon, La Palmeira in Alcochete and Soul Food in Sintra - of all things, a Vegetarian restaurant. For beaches, Guincho in the morning or for sunset, Caparica, the East end where there are less shops and tourists, and Adraga en route to Sintra.

As always I am hesitant to write about these spots because the last thing I want is for them to be packed out, but I also want to share and I want to help them with business. Please be respectful of the beaches, and, don't forget to tip your server. Their wage in probably a quarter of yours.

If you have the chance to be there in the summer, track down the Festas in the towns and do yourself a favour and get out to a  bull fight and get a taste of a big part of the Portuguese culture. They do not kill the bull, which aids in the enjoyment of the event. 

Don't forget to purchase some local cork products, wool, baskets, leather, ceramics and cotton. 

Enjoy, indulge, taste, sip and smile.
Obrigada,

Pippa

I would move to Portugal just for a dentist

And I do not mean I met a dentist who melted my heart. I am absolutely terrified of dentists due to an awful experience of a crazy dentist lady pulling out the wrong teeth. I hate going but I know it's necessary and also a luxury. I am one of the millions who has nightmares of my teeth crumbling into my mouth and well, this very thing happened to me last week. 

I sat for some breakfast, felt a crunch which I blamed on a seed, finished, got my stuff together to stroll to the beach and next thing I knew, a chomp on gum lead to a molar crumbling in my mouth. I froze. I all of a sudden felt completely terrified and useless. I did not know what to do, and my biggest fear aside from my teeth was - "how the hell can I afford to fix this". I even thought about whether or not I should even go or if I should just leave it. 

My last visit to the dentist was 2 years ago and I felt robbed. I went to a dentist in Toronto and it was 200.00$ + dollars for a clean, a check up and a strong and scary suggestion of an 8000.00$ gum graft. I was mortified. 

I was so lucky to be put through to a dentist here in Cascais who took me at 5pm that day. The office was friendly and immaculate, the service was pleasant and not overly clinical. I was taken straight in, they redid the filling, rebuilt my molar, cleaned my teeth and didn't charge me 25.00$ for the mouth rinse, as they did in Toronto. And, to top it all off, I was told my teeth are great and I do not need a gum graft. 

When I went to pay, I thought there was a mistake. The price was so incredible - a cleaning is simply 35 euros. So, when in need of an amazing, friendly and cheap dentist experience, do yourself a favour and head to 

Reino Do Leao

Rue das Amoreiras, 126A

Cascais

Tel: 21 486 63 80 

My teeth feel great, I'm flossing and swishing everyday now because I want to make sure I keep my dentist happy, I am no longer scared of the dentist financially or physically and to top it off, I have a new excuse to come to Portugal!

Miles of smiles,

Pippa

Do yoga with me

I really can't explain how happy I am to have discovered doyogawithme.com. Loving my yoga and doing my daily Pippa time has over the years become more important to me than I ever could have thought it would. There were times when I would be very stressed if I couldn't make it to yoga, which is complete the opposite of how I should feel. I tried many many times to make the most out of myself and do yoga "a la Pippa solo styles" and I could never take myself seriously. I'd end up laughing, pausing and before I knew it falling asleep. 

After doing some research I discovered doyogawithme.com and it has not only saved me but improved my practice, taught me new styles, assisted me in deep meditations when I can't sleep and has been a friend on the road. The yin and restorative classes are my down time and the others my challenge. You can stream the classes or purchase audio and full classes. 

Do yourself a favour and doyogawithme. Use it, explore it and if you can, donate. 

Namaste,

Pippa 

Best road side food stop ever...

Cruising from Cascais to Sintra and back made for an incredible sunny afternoon, and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I was introduced to this delicious fresh concoction of chourico (Portuguese sausage) wrapped in bread. They are made fresh on the spot and put into the fire oven while you wait. If they aren't fresh and ready to come out, luckily the ladies will happily serve you a fresh cold beer.

If I understood correctly the couple are a school bus driver and school teacher during the school months and do this in the summer. Coolest teacher and bus driver ever.

Luckily close by there is also a market with fresh fruits, veggies, honey....all you nee, as well as an adorable cafe on the corner where I wished to have had a much bigger stomach to indulge on treats. 

Do the drive, enjoy the view, share the road and indulge. 

Incredibly satisfied,

Pippa

Aerosol taste and waste

So, I am trying to understand the point of aerosol sprays. 

I was in the changeroom at yoga the other day and a lady used an aerosol deodorant and I am more than positive that 75% of what she sprayed ended up in the eyes, ears and mouths of everyone else in the room. I have asthma and could barely breathe. I had to hide in the corner. I see people using it as sunscreens on the beach and others as hairspray. 

The amount of product that is wasted while using these sprays as well as the pollution is irritating and infuriating. It is not just the amount of chemicals that are released into the air that is bad, but all the chemicals that Are being breathed in while using the product and the canister itself is hard to rid of. The extent of air pollution from aerosol deodorants has been proven to be so toxic that Unilever was fined in 2010 for having such a negative impact on California's environment. 

I actually bought an aerosol deodorant before writing this to see why someone would buy one, and I cannot figure it out. Within the first second of the spray, I was blinded and choking and ended up being held hostage in the farthest room from my room for about 10 minutes until the smell disappeared. The deodorant was on my chest, back and arms, on my bed and on my lampshade. It also tastes disgusting. I don't get it. 

There are so many natural and healthier options to get protection from stinky arm pits, sunshine and frizzy hair. They may take a bit of work to prepare, but once you get the hang of it it is easy, much cheaper and very fulfilling. 

http://wellnessmama.com/1409/seven-natural-homemade-substitues-for-conventional-beauty-products/

Think before you buy and those who are around you. 

Environmentally yours,

Pippa

Strong woman. Delicate gesture.

Yesterday I popped into a Pingo Doce in the little Cascais mall to buy a few veggies for a salad. I had carrots and cucumber in mind and as always, was seduced by tomatoes, ginger and beans. My arms were overflowing as I was distracted by some chocolate and out of nowhere this woman, the butcher, popped up and had a plastic bag in hand offering to put my veggies in it. I was speechless. It was so simple and so unexpected. I would want her working for me! 

Such simple gestures that leave such a mark. 

Thank you my dear butcher lady. I will be back. 

Pippa 

Paddleboard yoga.... Where are you?

Well, here I am, back in lovely Cascais, Portugal. An easy 30 minutes from Lisbon, along the coast. The weather is a little drizzly but the surroundings are always amazing. The food, coffee, people and views. Yesterday I went to the Oceanarium on the Expo grounds in Lisbon where I was able to meet some beautiful turtles, the famous and oh so cute otters and a huge selection of other life forms that fill our oceans. An amazing place for kids and adults. 

Today, I am craving a feeling I have had for a while. I was very lucky last year to get to Whitefish, Montana. Such a beautiful place in itself, but being able to do my first stand-up paddleboard yoga class was amazing. I love my headstands and a successful headstand on a board gave me a completely different feeling. The balance, the connection to water, the fresh air - I don't think I had a care in the world for those moments. Nothing could have fazed me. 

Today, I want to find somewhere to offer me this feeling again. I understand and am planning in advance for it to be a little more challenging on the ocean rather than a lake, but this will be fun. 

I will keep you posted. 

If you ever have the chance to try stand-up paddleboarding, do it. And if you can add a yoga class, do that. I am a Libra so balance is heavily ingrained, but this feeling is a feeling for everyone. 

Namaste,

Pippa

Vueling a let down, but back to lovely lovely Portugal

Well I flew Vueling for my first time. The check-in process was good and speedy but I was upset by the fact that my seat had chocolate all over it and when I asked if they could clean it or find me another seat the air hostess was not very useful. She said she couldn't move because they were refuelling the plane. After about 15 minutes of awkwardly shifting around people because I could not sit down, I went back to the washroom and got the necessary tools and did it myself. 

What if: she either called to the back for someone to do it, or after the fact, offered me a free drink or a chocolate bar - as a cheeky apology. Instead, she completely ignored the situation. 

They did however have great music playing which made the boarding time a little more exciting. 

I fell asleep and landed in beautiful Portugal so I quickly forgot about the chocolate. 

Sunshine and salt water,

Pippa

Cheap car rentals in Portugal?!

So, something has come up and I am so lucky. I am getting the chance to go back to Portugal for six weeks. However, I need to rent a car. I understand it is peak season, but, wow, I simply cannot afford it. Does anyone have any suggestions for the best cheap rental? I have looked at National, Budget, Thrifty, Europecar, Expedia, Kayak .... All of the sites. 

There used to be something called rent-a-wreck but all of those sites are a little curious...

If you have any tips please let me know!

Maybe I'll rent a bike and a trailer... Or....

Pippa 

final TIPS for Amsterdam

Although I am not sure I can say FINAL tips because I had such an amazing time and of course I hope to go back soon, these are just a few final thoughts that have stuck out from Amsterdam.

RESTAURANT
I was so incredibly lucky to be introduced to the Indonesian restaurant TEMPO DOELOE.

http://www.tempodoeloerestaurant.nl/

We were able to sneak in for an hour before the next reservation however luckily the news that the reservation had been pushed back allowed us to relax a little more, indulge in the spices, textures and luckily a dessert. I love spicy food so when we asked for it to be spicy, luckily we were told that the extra spice would come on the side because SPICE in Indonesia is serious spice. We had the share platter so were able to test everything and attacked the platter as guided by the waiter - from left to right as the food spice increased. The dessert was the most delicate cake I have ever eaten and the overall experience was amazing. Thank you.


SHOPPING/DEALS!
Need shoes or boots? Head to OUTLET KALVERSTRAAT - 151 Kalverstraat (a big pedestrian shopping street in Amsterdam). Although I was hesitant to head to this area as it is PACKED with shoppers, I am happy I did.  I stumbled upon a great shoe store, an outlet. All boots are 40.00euros, maybe the shoes as well but I am was on a boot mission. I bought two pairs and the best part was a few doors down the exact same boots were more than twice the price. Such a nice feeling!!! One pair was regular 139.95 and the other 149.95. The service was sweet and attentive and I left very happy. Good luck!

CAFE/RESTAURANT
I will not get into this too much because well the entire thing was an awful experience. I went with two friends for coffee and a small lunch on my last day to a restaurant called GESPOT.  The service was awful and slow. With 4 waiters and not many customers, I am not sure how that place is managed. The order was wrong, the food (toasted sandwiches) took over 40 minutes and were not even toasted. Our coffees were cold, I ordered a mint tea and to add more water they wanted me to pay for an extra tea. The entire experience was awful. We all left hungry, thirsty and frustrated. This cafe is in a touristy area, however this should not be an excuse. Although the website may look promising, do yourself a favor, go to Bagels and Beans down the road.

http://www.restaurant-gespot.nl/

It really is a shame as the location, design and building are amazing.


CHOCOLATE
PUCCINI BOMBONI - thank you!
These are works of art, delicious and the variety of flavors are to die for! I have no idea how I did it, but I made my 4 last a few days - luckily they are a good size as well so you can cut them into 2 or 3 pieces. The chocolates are all made on location with natural ingredients therefore 7-10 days is the max you can keep them.

I am drooling writing this right now.

http://www.puccinibomboni.com/

I devoured the Ginger, Lemongrass, Paprika and Aniseed. These made up for the GESPOT let down. 

 

Well, as mentioned, I could absolutely keep writing about Amsterdam. Such an incredible city, happy people, great service and it has completely reminded me of the city I want to live in and HOW a city should feel.

I hope you are able to experience it one day,
Pippa

Happy Canada Day

 

Dearest Canada. I miss you. So so much. 

 Your mountains, oceans, lakes, ponds, streams and vast fields and forest. Your friendly customs agents and sometimes over the top but now highly appreciated customer service. Your multiculturalism and delicious selection of restaurants. Your coffee shops and brunch spots. Your independent movie rentals and one of a kind clothing boutiques. Your dirty music venues and groggy humidity. The Don Valley where people look grumpy but still aren't honking none stop and swearing at everyone. Your cowboys and fishermen, hitchhikers and truckers. Your clean-ish sidewalks and hipsters. Plaid and beards. Fresh air and country jams. Smiling at strangers and hanging in the park with whoever is there. Cottage country and fireflies. Bonfires and not giving a shit about what you are wearing. Our acceptance of who people love and how people dress. Hippies and juice bars. Vegetarian restaurants and Fish and Chips. Riding bikes and public toilets. Incredible music scene, seasonal yummy produce and the best drinking water. Friendly and beautiful yoga studios and decadent muffins. Poets and authors, actors and athletes.Patios and delicious hamburgers. BBQ's and corn on the cob. The Northern Lights and Wildlife.  Smalltown folk charm and post offices, movie rentals and convenience stores all in one.  Canoes and fur. Pow wows and sweat lodges. Kale and hemp seeds. 

I could go on and on. 

 I wish you the best birthday ever!!!!!

Pippa

Two for joy

An exciting phone call arriving at the same time as my coffee lead me to have iced coffee on a day that iced coffee was not necessary. I asked the guys at the counter if they could just heat it up for me, and the response....

"Heat it up? No way, that won't be good. I'll just make you a fresh one." - and a fresh one is what I received. They were happy to do it and I was happy to drink it. The coffee is amazing and the service is great. The vibe is quaint with some wifi, a little terrace for people watching and some good space in the back. 

I later found out that apparently this place is known for some of the best coffee in Amsterdam. Sometimes when places get those titles the service goes down, or an arrogance sets in. not here. 

Do you think the service sways some of those loyal customers? I sure think its some of the best coffee in Amsterdam. 

I want Two For Joy to be my local. 

Pippa

Two For Joy Coffee Roasters

www.twoforjoy.nl

4 Google reviews

Haarlemmerdijk 182hs, Amsterdam

+31 20 221 9552

more info

The Golden Temple, vegetarian restaurant

So, strolling the streets of Amsterdam, as usual, I keep my eyes peeled for the vegetarian restaurants. I am not a vegetarian but I am careful and picky with the meat I eat and love to be inspired by vegetarian restaurants and ideas. 

I spotted a restaurant, The Golden Temple, which was being decorated with fresh hand painting of swirls and Buddhist inspiration and an amazing decor through the window. The menu looked awesome and the vibe easily appreciated. 

After a long sunny boat ride through the canals, I arranged a dinner for 3. We were given a private table on a patio and were instantly drooling over the menu. 2 share platters and a pizza. 

Although the food was good, the idea of a share platter was quickly questioned by only receiving one bread per platter and after having to order more from a waiter who didn't get it, the value was quickly reduced. 

What if: they simply provided a basket of pitas? So simple. So easy. Or let us know that if we wanted more, we just had to ask. Price of pitas - maybe 2 euros, max. Price of happy and repeat customers, priceless.

Yes the food was good, the vibe was cool. Would I go back? For the price of leaving hungry, I'm not too sure. 

Hungry for more,

Pippa

Fairmont Live in Amsterdam

I had the joy of dancing and laughing to the sounds of Fairmont.

https://soundcloud.com/fairmont

Live at Air in Amsterdam where the doormen were lovely, the lockers are useful and the crowd oozed into the sounds of Fairmont. Smooth and chill with bursts of bounce and beats making the dancing fun and the vibe easy. 
Smiles rippled across the floor with hands flying in the air. It was an amazing night and I suggest you check out his new mix that he just posted online. 

Enjoy,

Pippa