Road Trip to Prince Edward County - Ontario Canada

In light of recent global events, we should all remember that it is okay to unplug from social media and take a break from stressful news. Tuning out negativity and escaping to a peaceful environment can be therapeutic and relaxing.

Since non-essential international travel has been put on hold, my family decided to hit the open road and explore a different part of Ontario. Driving just 2-4 hours outside the city reveals rugged landscape, diverse wildlife and amazing beaches.

Road trips have become a relatively safe alternative to vacationing overseas, as long as we all take precautions and keep our distance.

I’ve already been to several destinations in northern Ontario, cottage country and the Niagara region, so we packed the cooler and headed east to Prince Edward County (PEC).

Hotels may be difficult to find during the summer but we managed to book cozy accommodations in the charming town of Picton.

Travel tip: Before making reservations, call the property to confirm availability.

The drive took about 2 hours and there are rest stops along the way. If you have time, make sure to check out The Big Apple in Colborne Ontario (you'll see it from the highway)

This is a great place to take the family because there is a large candy store, outdoor patio, mini golf and a petting zoo. Make sure to visit the awesome bakery. They sell apple everything including bread, beaver tails, pie, wine, honey, jam, cider and slushies. The crumble with vanilla ice cream is delicious!

Our hotel was open for business but due to COVID-19 they’ve had to adapt. When we arrived there was no check-in desk. All correspondence, bookings and payment was done online and the key was left in a lockbox on the front door. When I called for extra towels, they were put in a bag on the porch and at check-out we simply left the key in the room and locked the door. Each unit has its own entry so there was no physical interaction with staff or guests.

Picton is very small but there are restaurants, breweries, shops and a theater (many of which were closed or restricted to take-out, delivery and curb-side pick-up).

Update: Most of Ontario has moved into stage three of reopening businesses.Most services should now be available. 

I highly recommend Slickers Ice Cream (we had dessert there every day). The parlor has been making all-natural artisan flavors for over 20 years! My favorite is Jazzberry – a delicious strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry medley. Coconut Bounty is amazing and we also tried chocolate peanut butter and apple pie.

For dinner you can’t go wrong with Pie Guys Pizza but call ahead to avoid a long wait.

When you pick up the pizza, walk a couple streets over and check out The Picton United Church - off the main road.

Most people visit PEC for the incredible wineries, lavender fields, food tours and farmers markets but since many attractions are currently closed (thanks again COVID), we went to Sandbanks Provincial Park – the highlight of most trips to the county.

Travel tip: Park your car in designated lots or you might get a ticket.

Hiking trails and beaches are open but lounging on the sand, setting up beach chairs and swimming is not yet permitted (they want visitors to maintain a safe distance). Rules may change as the season progresses and the state of emergency is lifted so check for updates.

We went to Dunes Beach (which wasn’t my favorite) and then drove to Wellington Beach which is picturesque despite an abundance of delicate seashells and small rocks.

On clear sunny days the water at Wellington is Caribbean blue!

There are many great places to watch the sunset.

Drive along the scenic coast and enjoy the cool breeze.

Stormy weather can make for some interesting photography.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. I didn't spot any bears or deer but I did see a guinea fowl for the first time and quite a few hawks.

Lake on the Mountain is a unique body of water. It is hard to explain but as the name suggests, the lake is atop a mountain so you can see it above you while driving uphill. Down in the valley across the road, there is another gorgeous lake - it is a phenomenon you have to experience to appreciate.

On your way home stop at Zwick’s Park on Bay of Quinte. It is well maintained and has a great view of the bridge. Watch out for brown snakes hiding along the shore.

I'd love to visit Prince Edward County again when everything reopens but this road trip was fun!

Need help planning your next adventure? Check out my Road Trip Guide for helpful tips.

How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip

COVID-19 has ruined most summer events including travel. I planned to visit Dubai, Japan, Iceland and Russia this year, but like many of you, I’ve spent months indoors trying to stay active as the world recovers.

I’m not complaining. I know traveling is a luxury and not a priority. I am thankful that my family is healthy and I appreciate the sacrifice of frontline workers.

During the pandemic air travel and border crossing is off limits but that does't mean we can’t road trip within our province/state. Being outdoors in the fresh air, enjoying nature, hiking and relaxing is a great way to clear your mind and overcome boredom (as long as you take precautions and keep a safe distance).

To help make your road trip more enjoyable I’ve listed 20 useful tips:

1. Pick a destination and map out the best (most scenic) route. Program stops on the GPS before leaving and have change ready for tolls (if applicable). In rural areas you might lose service so print a map or download an offline map (just in case).

2. When choosing a date, check the weather forecast to help ensure favorable driving conditions.

3. Create a leisurely itinerary that allows for spontaneous stops and adventures along the way.

Road to Belfountain - Caledon Ontario

4. Make sure the drive is manageable so you don’t feel overwhelmed or bored. If you are not used to driving long distances, choose a destination that is relatively close or make sure someone in you party can take over and help navigate. 

5. Get your vehicle serviced to ensure its safety. Have a mechanic check the fluids, tire pressure, brakes etc and pack jumper cables, extra windshield fluid and an emergency roadside kit. It is also helpful if someone in your party knows how to change a tire. Roadside assistance like CAA might not be available in remote areas. Don't forget to charge your phone and bring a car charger or external battery.

Belfountain area - Caledon Ontario

6. Ensure that your car insurance and registration information is up to date and within reach.

7. Clean the car and windshield before leaving.

8. Research things to do along the way – attractions, lookout points and best photography/sunset locations. “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

Niagara Falls Ontario - cable car over the gorge 

9. The driver should get lots of sleep the night before. If you feel yourself nodding off at the wheel, pull into a rest stop immediately.

10. Start early. Whether you’re road-tripping for a day or an entire week, an early start leaves more time for unexpected detours and exploration.

11. If you plan to visit tourist areas or provincial parks, make note of the hours of operation and whether or not you need a park pass. Some provincial parks, trails and scenic locations in Ontario also require you to pre-book a parking spot.

Banff Alberta - Petyo Lake

12. If you want to save money or stick to a budget, book in advance, use Groupon and look for free activities.

**Note: due to COVID-19 some parks and attractions may still be closed so call ahead or check their website.

13. Take the scenic route when possible but remain in safe areas. Beware of wildlife and harmful plants. 

14. For longer trips and overnight journeys, do a thorough hotel search, read reviews and book early to guarantee availability upon arrival (especially during busy season). You can also check out campgrounds, Airbnb, bed and breakfasts or cozy cottages.

Fairmont Chateau Hotel - Lake Louise Banff

15. Make a list of essentials to pack so you don’t forget anything: hiking shoes, bikes, special clothing, compass, reservation documents, hand sanitzer/disinfectant wipes, hand soap, water, medication, first aide kit, electronics and chargers, flashlight, camping and or beach gear, toilet paper, bug spray, sunscreen, paper plates and reusable cutlery etc.

**Note: due to COVID-19 some public washrooms including those in restaurants may be closed. Make note of open truck stops along your route and establish restroom options before leaving home (especially if you have not booked a hotel).

16. Pack a cooler with lots of snacks and drinks. Don’t forget to schedule time for meals. It is also helpful to bring a garbage bag for all the wrappers.

**Note: During the pandemic many restaurants are restricted to take-out, delivery and curb-side pick-up. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation. 

La Dolce Vita - Oakville Ontario

17. Be prepared for car sickness and bring medication for nausea. 

**Travel Tip: To prevent motion sickness, avoid reading or looking down at your phone for an extended period of time. 

18. Make a playlist or plan fun car games.

19. Bring pillows and blankets for people who are not driving. Make the car as comfortable as possible. it also helps to wear loose, comfortable clothes since you might be sitting for a long time. 

20. Do not expect a perfect trip. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Life happens.

A few of my favorite road trip destinations in Ontario Canada are:

*Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake – click HERE for travel guide.

*Owen Sound

*Haliburton 

*Georgian Bay/Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory

*Prince Edward County, Picton and Bay of Quinte - click HERE for travel guide.

*Point Pelee and Pelee Island

*Thousand Islands/Gananoque

*Collingwood and Blue Mountain
*Sauble Beach

*Belfountain Conservation Area Caledon (short road trip just North of the city)
*Algonquin Provincial Park
*Webster's Falls and Albion Falls Hamilton
*Burlington and Oakville Lakeshore
*Muskoka
*Ottawa
*Toronto Lakeshore and Harbourfront + High Park

Niagara Falls Canada

Pamper Yourself with Nivea’s Hydrating Body Care Collection

Being stuck at home during the pandemic is not all bad. I’ve been making more time to pamper myself, exercise and test healthy recipes. I’ve also been putting together spa gift baskets to help friends and family get through this difficult time. Receiving products to enhance your self-care routine can be very uplifting and everyone loves Nivea.

As I’ve said before, enjoying a hot, steamy shower (or bubble bath) eases tension and relaxes the body. On humid days, a cool shower can refresh and rejuvenate, especially before bed.

Wild Berries and Hibiscus with Nourishing Serum is one of my favorite body washes. The delicious fruit fragrance fills your bathroom with the scent of summer and the paraben-free formula is loaded with nourishing plant oils, essential lipids and vitamins to cleanse and soften dry skin.

If you prefer a soothing scent, try Care and Coconut Hydration with jojoba seed oil. The silky, moisturizing foam rinses away sweat and impurities for a smooth, supple finish.

We might not be wearing much makeup these days (with the exception of virtual meetings) but daily cleansing is still important. In the spa baskets I’ve included:

-Niveal 3-in-1 Cleansing Wipes ($9.49) with no added colorants, perfume or alcohol. These soft cloths gently remove makeup, excess oil, pollutants and pore clogging debris trapped within pores.

-Nivea MicellAir Skin Breathe ($9.49) with black tea extract removes heavy, long-lasting makeup, waterproof mascara and lipstick stains with no residue or stickiness. The cool, refreshing liquid attracts impurities, bacteria and oil like a magnet to help prevent blemishes.

-Nivea Gentle Eye Makeup Remover ($9.49) is a must if you love eye shadow as much as I do. It wipes away vibrant pigment, glitter, eyeliner and waterproof mascara without irritation. 

My family loves Nivea body creams and a few summer must-haves include:

-Coconut and Monoi Oil Body Lotion ($11.49) - great for extra dry, dull skin that needs a boost of radiance. It provides 24 hours of deep moisture to soothe, soften and protect. Tip: apply a thin layer after shaving for a healthy glow.

-If you plan to wear sun dresses, shorts and tank top this season, Nivea’s Advanced Firming Milk ($11.49) with Q10, creatine, macadamia oil and L-carnitine improves elasticity so your body appears tight and toned. Of course you’ll still need exercise and a balanced diet but the cream helps you look even better!

-If you dislike feeling hot and sweaty during the summer, try Nivea’s Care Collection. These lightweight, intensely hydrating formulas come in travel-friendly packaging and the non-greasy finish is great for humid days. The tube contains a fast absorbing face, body and hand lotion suitable for sensitive skin. I keep the large jar in my bathroom to use after showering and it never makes me feel slick or sticky on hot days.

Speaking of warm summer days, don’t forget your deodorant! For those sensitive to certain ingredients I recommend Nivea’s Natural Comfort Aluminum Free Deodorant with 48 hour odor protection.

For formal occasions and everyday wear, Nivea’s Black & White Invisible Dry Spay Anti-Perspirant minimizes white marks and yellow stains on clothing.

Nivea is available at drugstores nationwide.

YSL Beauty Must-Have Lipsticks and Fragrances | Summer 2020

As the world slowly begins to recover from the pandemic, it is finally starting to feel like summer. We still have to be careful and practice physical distancing but this weekend I am going on a road trip to enjoy nature and soak up some vitamin D.

Like most people who have been cooped up in quarantine for weeks, I can’t wait to show-off my new makeup including YSL’s latest creation – Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Lipstick ($49).

These gorgeous pigments plump and moisturize with a supple, cushiony formula that makes lips look plush and seductive. Online they are described as “high coverage” and “matte” but the color payoff is sheer to medium and the finish has a glossy topcoat that creates a voluminous pouty effect. I expected an opaque matte cream but this texture is comfortable and easy to apply. The deeper shades seem to have more color payoff and look great with most eyeshadow.

The Tatouage Collection has sexy shades for all skin tones including deep reds, browns and nudes that compliment tanned complexions. I love the square tip angled applicator. It glides around the lip contour to outline and define with incredible precision.

For collectors YSL has created the cutest polka dot packaging ever! The Limited-Edition Rouge Pur Couture Slim Stud Collectors ($50 on sale for $30) are available in 4 must-have hues. My spring/summer faves are 21- bright sultry red and 13 - a bold orange that is perfect for lounging by the pool.

The powdery matte finish glides on smooth, opaque, creamy and highly saturated with a touch of moisture to revitalize dry lips. If you love vibrant, eye-catching color make sure to get these before they’re gone!

The lipsticks on the outside are the Limited-Edition Pur Couture Stud Collectors ($49 on sale for $34.30). They have a beautiful satin finish with brilliant shine and vivid color that glides on rich and buttery. Shade 99 is a flashy pink and 01 is bright red with an orange undertone.

Light up your lips with the Rouge Volupte Rock N Shine Lipstick ($49). This is the most comfortable, hydrating formula YSL has created! The juicy color applies effortlessly and keeps skin healthy, smooth and soft for hours. The star provides a hint of glitter (no chunky particles) and the texture feels more like a glossy, rejuvenating balm – I’m obsessed!

The caps also have a touch for sparkle and brand’s iconic logo.

Swatches from left to right (my favorites have a star* beside them): Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Lipstick - 212, *206, *216, and 201. Limited-Edition Rouge Pur Couture Slim Stud Collectors - *21, and 13. Limited-Edition Pur Couture Stud Collectors - 01 and *99. Rouge Volupte Rock N Shine Lipstick - 6 and *10

Since we’re talking about fabulous new products I should tell you about YSL’s summer fragrances which look as good as they smell.

The Mon Paris perfumes have become a staple in my collection (I have quite a few and I love giving them as gifts). This version is called Mon Paris Intensement ($50 - $90) because the scent is robust, mysterious and powerful. The dark fuchsia bottle and elegant black bow reflects the dark woody essence within.

The top notes are: black currant, raspberry, pear, orange and bergamot essence rounded out by floral accords – rose absolute, Bulgarian rose, white peony and freesia. The base is musky with a hint of patchouli to tame the sweetness. When I breathe it in deeply I smell a faint trace of honey from the flowers.

The new Libre Eau De Parfum ($38 - $168) is sweet, fruity, playful and feminine – great for everyday wear. French lavender, mandarin, black currant and Indian jasmine compliment a sensual base of Moroccan orange blossom, creamy vanilla and cedarwood.

YSL Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Sephora and yslbeauty.ca

Burt’s Bees Matte Stick - Review and Swatches

When it comes to eco-friendly simple makeup no one does it better than Burt’s Bees. Their new Matte Sticks ($10.99 ea) are 100% natural - made with a nourishing blend of jojoba, cocoa butter and kokum to keep lips smooth, soft and smooch-worthy.

When you don’t want to wear heavy, solid shades these lipsticks are a great option for quick summer looks. In the nude category from left to right and light to dark your options are - 410 Rippling Rose, 420 Muted Mauve, 425 Buttery Blush and 430 Canyon Creek.

The mineral rich pigment provides light to medium coverage with a sheer, shine-free finish. If you like tinted balms that soften and condition dry skin, you’ll love these! They feel great and last for hours without feathering or flaking. 

There are 12 shades available with undertones for every complexion and the supple, lightweight formula makes lips appear plump and healthy with a natural flush.

In the pink and red range you have – 465 Rhubarb Rapids, 450 Rush of Raspberries, 455 Liquid Ruby and 460 Crimson Cascade.

The lipsticks are not as creamy as they look so the color does not glide on adequately in a single swipe. It took several layers to achieve the vibrancy I wanted and the finish is much better if your lips are smooth and exfoliated.

The purple and browns remind me of fall – 475 Liquid Honey, 480 Mulberry Mist, 440 Lilac Lagoon and 470 Puddle Plum.

Matte Sticks are great for work, travel and everyday wear. Find this cute collection at burtsbees.ca, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, health food stores, Whole Foods and more.

Swatches from left to right (my favorites have a star* beside them): Lilac Lagoon, *Crimson Cascade, Liquid Honey, Rhubarb Rapids, Liquid Ruby, *Puddle of Plum, Butter Blush, *Rush if Raspberry, Mulberry Mist, *Canyon Creek and Melted Mauve. 

Urban Decay Wired Palette | Review and Swatches

I never shy away from bold color so the bright neon hues in Urban Decay’s new Wired Palette ($59.00) don't scare me.

These pretty pressed pigments are perfect for summer and if you want to experiment with electric rainbow shades, put the neutrals away and unleash your creativity.

The palette is divided into 2 sections – one side is for face, body and eyes and the other is for face and body. This is a little confusing because the model on UD’s website is clearly wearing the hot pink along her bottom lash line even though it is one of the colors “not meant for use around the eyes.”

I love the purple, coral, pink and orange so it's a shame I can’t put them near my eyeballs. How often do people use colors like this on their face and body aside from festivals, concerts and Halloween?

I am not sure why the brand formulated the pigments differently nor do I know what will happen if you use the face and body pigments on or around your eyes. Just to be safe you should probably adhere to the directions. 

Despite the confusion I love these shades (with the exception of Glitch because who needs another chalky white?) My favorites are Chaos, Current, Gravity and Slowburn – a vibrant, full-coverage orangey-coral I never knew I needed. Most of the pigments start off sheer and can be intensified with primer and a few layers.

This isn’t Urban Decay’s finest work. I expected smooth velvety application but the texture is neither rich nor creamy. Jolt, Fluorescent and Switch are sheer, dry and inconsistent so coverage is a bit sparse if you don't apply enough. This could be due to the fact that UD is selling this as “an accessory palette” – “something to add a little spice to what you already wear.” The pigments blend well and the effect is still quite pretty.

If you don’t overthink it Wired can be a lot of fun. Mix and layer the pigments with other shades, use them as eye liner and add bold or subtle pops of color to accentuate and define.

(These swatches were done with primer and several layers of color to demonstrate their full potential). 

Urban Decay is available at urbandecay.ca, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, Ulta Beauty and UD freestanding stores.