From Portugal To France

Summer is the sweetest season, and the shortest one, too. I'm holding on tight to these last few sun-kissed days, while looking forward to all the wonderful things fall has in store for my family and I.

A highlight of my summer was being invited to Portugal on a press trip with Jaguar, where I had the opportunity to test drive the brand-new, all-electric I-PACE through the streets, up the mountains on an off-road adventure, and around the race track.  It was a chance to explore a new country, drive an incredible car, meet new friends, and make lasting memories.

My trip included flying first-class on Air Canada. I thoroughly enjoyed the pod seats, (my seat basically turned into a bed) the many delicious meals, and the endless glasses of wine and bubbly I was served. It's not easy flying like a normal person now, after that experience. After our stay in Portugal, we boarded a private chartered flight to Paris—Paris!

Paris was every bit as breathtaking as I thought it would be, even though I only saw it for one night. The Eiffel Tower is dazzling, the architecture of every building was stunning, the people were friendly, and I really wanted to learn French. (Or at least learn to master the language; after all, I've lived in Ottawa most of my life, so I have some French skills). We enjoyed a French dinner at a Christian Constant restaurant and of course, bottles of wine, before touring around the city late at night. Despite the rain, all I was thinking about was how quickly I could return to Paris to experience it all over again—this time with my entire family.

I wrote about my fun I-PACE driving experience, but not about the amazing places I stayed on this press trip in full detail on my blog. (I wrote about this on Travel and Style).

After landing in Lisbon, we were driven (in a Jag, of course) to the luxurious Conrad Algarve resort located near Quinta do Lago, a popular tourist destination. South Portugal reminded me of Greece; the beautiful mountains, the hospitality, and the delicious food. From the luxurious Conrad Algarve, we drove the I-PACE to the beautiful town of Lagos, where we had the chance to stay at the coolest little boutique hotel—Casa Mae.

Here's what I loved about both properties, and why I highly recommend you plan a visit to Portugal soon:

Conrad Algarve

The Conrad Algarve is located on the Atlantic Ocean coastline, and it's the perfect luxury resort to vacation at with family. The resort has a gorgeous spa, one you can enjoy indoors or outdoors in a private cabana. The spa has many services to choose from, including massages, facials, pedicures, and more. There is an indoor infinity pool in the spa, as well as an ice fountain, steam rooms, saunas, and experience showers. If I had more time at this resort, I'd spend my day in the spa.

I loved the stunning outdoor heated infinity pool, located behind the main lobby. The tranquil setting and mountain views was extremely relaxing. Below the infinity pool is the equally beautiful large lagoon-style pool and expansive sun terrace, surrounded by tropical gardens and palm trees. There is also a children's pool and private family cabanas. The pools are serviced by Dado Pool Restaurant, which features something delicious on the menu for everyone.

The Mediterranean-style restaurant, Gusto by Heinz Beck, is a must for food lovers, and you can’t go wrong with any of the fish dishes done in traditional Portuguese style.

If you want to work out, the resort has a fully-equipped gym as well, with the latest strength-training and cardio equipment, an outdoor sun terrace and chill-out zone, fresh towels and water bottles, personal trainers and fitness programs, and indoor/outdoor fitness classes.

The idyllic beach is only as short shuttle ride from the hotel. I hopped on the shuttle bus after I arrived to explore the sandy beach. I loved it. The beach has a full-service restaurant where you can enjoy lunch and dinner, and when you're relaxing on the beach, you can enjoy the sunbeds, parasols, fresh towels, and water they offer hotel guests.

The rooms were spacious, modern, and airy, and all rooms come with large balconies, complete with outdoor furniture for your enjoyment. The views were stunning, too!

From Conrad Algarve we drove through the mountains, went on an off-roading adventure, and even raced around the Autodromo Internacional do Algave in our I-PACE before checking in to the unique Casa Mae boutique hotel in Lagos.

Casa Mae

Casa Mae boasts it’s more than a hotel; I have to agree. This is perhaps one of my favourite hotels I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, because of its charm, friendly service, and airy, breezy rooms. Casa Mae was an abandoned estate by the sea which was turned into a hotel, offering guests a quiet place to stay while visiting Lagos. I could have stayed for weeks, exploring the city’s golden cliffs, town square, and rocky beaches.

Casa Mae is a very sustainable hotel, where the owners aim to make it a community driven, socially engaged, and environmental conscious place to stay. 90 percent of what you’ll find at Casa Mae is made in Portugal, from the products sold in the hotel’s store, to the furniture and toiletries in the rooms.

I had the chance to dine at Orta restaurant with the rest of the media on our trip and the food was amazing, mostly because most of it is home-grown and home-baked by the hotel's experienced chefs. You can also explore their vast garden to see all the food they grow, and cook in the best farm to table tradition.

Breakfast? Fresh eggs on avocado toast. Perfection!

You can choose the style of the room you want to stay in, as well: minimalist, boho chic, or vintage. Each room offers something unique depending on your mood and style, and rooms are scattered among three buildings. I stayed in the newest building, and loved the minimalist look of the room, filled with local crafts, homemade soap and shampoo, and a perfect hammock to relax in on my balcony late into the night. 


No matter what room you stay in, you'll be met with the same sunny vibe and personalized service throughout your stay. It was truly the most uniquely beautiful experience.

I am so glad I said yes to this trip. I'm often invited on press trips but usually say no; sometimes, it's not possible to say yes, because of work demands and the worry of leaving my children at home (even though they're always in excellent hands). This trip taught me that it was okay to say yes to new experiences, to go outside my comfort zone, and to enjoy every minute of my time away.

Portugal and France are now checked off my bucket list, though I know I have to return to both countries to see their beauty again for a longer time, and make new memories. There is nothing better than travelling.

I'm forever grateful to Jaguar Land Rover for this experience, and can't wait to say yes again.

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A Healthy Lifestyle With AdvoCare

Now that summer is unofficially over, we’re back to the usual fall routines—kids back in school, making lunches every day, and work is picking up speed. While summer is all about going with the flow and enjoying all the season has to offer, I think fall is the perfect time to get organized—not only in the home, but with life, in general. For me, this means making sure we are all back to a healthy eating routine, one that is easy to follow, to ensure we’re eating the right nutrients every day, including eating healthy, well-balanced meals, working out regularly, and taking supplements to ensure I’m getting the nutrients I need on a daily basis.

I have partnered up with AdvoCare to talk about their great products, products that are well known for those striving to live their healthiest lives, and products that are now finally available in Canada. AdvoCare is an established nutrition and wellness company that provides innovative nutritional, weight-management, and sports performance products for adults. AdvoCare products are available for purchase through distributors, (you can even become an AdvoCare Distributor yourself!).

AdvoCare relies on credible scientific knowledge and high-quality ingredients that create safe and effective products; and all are compliant with Health Canada regulations. Coupled with the company’s commitment to helping people achieve physical wellness, AdvoCare offers the total package of solutions that are complementary to helping people reach a healthier version of themselves.

AdvoCare sells five distinct product lines in the U.S., but are starting with their best sellers in Canada, including Spark®, MNS®3 and the Protein and Vitamin Shake.

There is an excellent 24-Day Jumpstart™ program, as well, which is meant to be taken over a 24-day period, alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity. The 24-Day Jumpstart™ program is designed to fuel a fresh start and help set you on the path to a healthy lifestyle. The 10-day cleanse phase helps you prepare your body for optimal nutrition, and then you complete the 14-day max phase, where you’ll start to develop a routine of fuelling your body with quality supplementation and a healthy, balanced diet.

Anything that helps me maintain a healthier lifestyle, I’m a fan of, and I look forward to incorporating these products into my healthy lifestyle routine.

To get connected with an independent AdvoCare Distributor or become one yourself, visit www.advocare.com.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I have received compensation to promote AdvoCare. All views and opinions are my own.

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Take The Pledge And Raise A Food Lover

We all lead busy lives—from juggling work to extra-curricular activities, sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in a day to get it all done. Trying to find the perfect balance can be challenging, but one thing remains constant in my household: connecting around the dinner table. Coming from a Greek family, dinnertime was always a priority, no matter how busy our days were, and this is a tradition we’ve kept with our children.

Now that our boys are older (13 and 10 years old) my husband and I often get them to help out when it comes to dinner preparation, and even cooking; I’m happy to say that my even my youngest son can make a delicious homemade tomato sauce, with some ingredients coming from our own backyard vegetable garden, like basil, tomatoes, oregano, and onions.  Growing a garden was a new venture for us this summer, and one we thoroughly enjoyed. It made meal time prep more fun, and also forced us all to eat more vegetables than we were used to. 

Although I’m no master chef, my husband is. Often, I’ll get home from work after him, and he’ll already have dinner prepared for us all. I’m thankful for this, and I love the way he’s leading by example by showing our boys to be handy in the kitchen, too.

Most nights we enjoy dinner time just the four of us, and several times a week, we eat together with our extended family—my sister’s family, my parents, and my in-laws. It’s a wonderful thing that we all live close enough to be able to do this regularly, and I love watching my younger nieces and nephew help in the kitchen, as well.

Loblaws is asking Canadians to take the pledge to Raise a Food Lover, which helps encourage families to live a healthier lifestyle by cooking a meal and eating together at least once a week.  I took the pledge already, and had so much fun cooking with my family. The meal we made was a big one; we invited the entire family over and celebrated summer, by BBQing steaks, cooking scalloped potatoes, preparing a Greek salad, and steaming some tasty beans. Every time the kids are involved with preparing dinner, they learn something new, and hopefully, they’ll remember the steps they took so they can do it again the next time. I think it’s so important to teach our children the importance of nutrition, and eating together, especially in today’s busy, fast-paced world. It’s time to put the iPhones down, step away from Fortnite, and meet in the kitchen!

I believe a happy home is one that is filled with delicious and healthy food—we’re at Loblaws several times a week stocking up on all our necessities! I love shopping for food items at Loblaws, because they always have exactly what we need, and I appreciate how the company tries to encourage healthy eating for the entire family.  

Sign-up now to take the pledge to Raise a Food Lover, too. There are fun challenges to participate in and learn about the food we eat together as a family.

For the first challenge, all you have to do is pledge to eat together (at least once a week) as a family, and prepare and enjoy healthier food choices.

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Take the pledge!
2. Enter the first challenge by posting a picture of the delicious dish your family created on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
3. Make sure to use the #RaiseAFoodLover hashtag.

When you take the pledge and participate in the challenge, your family will be entered to win some amazing prizes, like 10,000 PC Optimum points, or a WE Day family getaway—how amazing is that?


What’s even more amazing? I’m giving away a #RaiseAFoodLover prize package for one lucky family, which consists of:

• $50 PC Gift Card
• Raise A Food Lover aprons for your children
• Welcome kit

To enter, leave me a comment telling me what meal you love preparing with your family. I’ll pick a winner randomly on September 12^th, 2018. Please make sure to leave your email address in the comment so I’m able to contact you.

Good luck—and happy cooking!

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Review: The 2018 Ford EcoSport

From driving the new Jaguar I-PACE in Portugal to summer road trips in the brand-new Ford EcoSport, I have found that as much as I love compact cars, I'm also a huge fan of the smaller sized SUV–especially when driving long distances with my family. They love the extra space as much as I do, and I love the clean, simple look of the EcoSport.

The Ford EcoSport, with heated leather-trimmed seating, is a super cute vehicle that look good outside and inside, and drives really well. It always takes some getting used to for me to drive a car that is not stick-shift, because I love the control of driving standard, but I still enjoyed driving the EcoSport to and from Montreal.

Some of the features I loved about this vehicle:

8-inch touchscreen that works like your smartphone. It's easy to use, simple to understand, and looks good.

4WD. The EcoSport is a really capable vehicle no matter what road conditions are like; this means you can feel just as safe driving in the winter when we have to deal with less than favourable weather for almost half the year.

Auto Start-Stop Technology. This technology helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions, as the auto start-stop shuts off the engine automatically when it's not needed, helping you save money, while helping the environment, too.

EcoSport's Standard Cargo Management. I like this feature because you can adjust the rear cargo shelf and customize how you want to stow your luggage and gear.

Available sync connect powered by FordPass. This is an awesome feature and one that I would most appreciate in the winter months, because it remotely starts, locks, and unlocks your vehicle. It can also check your approximate odometer reading, fuel level, and distance to empty.

Standard rear view cameras. I love the rear view cameras; I have a feeling it's helping a lot of drivers avoid minor accidents in tight spaces and parking lot, and I know this is a feature I need in my next vehicle.

The all-new 2018 Ford Eco-Sport is affordable (starting at $20, 985) and sporty, and the perfect vehicle for families looking to own an SUV for the first time. The technology in the EcoSport makes driving fun and convenient, and with Apple CarPlay, two fast charging USB ports, and 12-volt outlets, you'll always be connected on the road.

Thank you for the great experience, Ford!

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Summer Travels At Diplomat Beach Resort

Ever since my 13 year old was two years old, we have been vacationing at the Diplomat at least once a year—in the winter, and many summers, too. It's a beautiful resort that's so familiar to us now, it feels like our home away from home.

Fresh from a $100 million dollar renovation, the Dip is now better than ever, with new rooms featuring a fun beach vibe. You can choose sunrise rooms, with oceanfront balconies and spectacular sunrises, or sunset rooms, where you can enjoy city views and a killer sunset from your balcony.

Whether you're travelling with family or friends, here's why a stay at the Diplomat Beach Resort is an excellent idea:

Outdoor paradise

The best thing about the Diplomat Beach Resort can be found outside. As soon as you walk out the doors passed the main lobby and hotel bar, you'll be in lush, tropical surroundings, surrounded by never-ending ocean views, comfortable seating around fire pits, and an outdoor bar.

The infinity pool is breathtaking, and the perfect place to start your day. There is also a great water park called Dip and Slide for the children to enjoy, with an enormous dump bucket, water slides, and water cannons.

Below the infinity pool, you'll find the resort's large lagoon-style pool, complete with waterfalls. To make the most of your stay, rent a pool-side cabana—this will give you extra privacy. The cabanas come complete with a mini-refrigerator, flat-screen television set, indoor and outdoor seating, and personalized bar service.

Sip a pina colada, take a dip in the pool, and walk over to Candy N' Cones for an afternoon ice cream cone—all home-made—and totally delicious. Of course, the best part about being outside in south Florida is spending countless hours on the beach—swimming in the warm Atlantic ocean, relaxing on the lounge chairs, and playing in the sand with the kids—there is nothing more enjoyable than hearing those ocean waves all day long. You can also rent a jet ski or banana boat, play beach volleyball, and take part in early morning yoga on the beach.

Dining options

The Diplomat has excellent restaurants to dine at, from Diplomat Prime, one of south Florida's most famous steakhouses, to Monkitail. Monkitail was recently voted the best hotel restaurant in America by USA Today. I loved chef Michael Schulman's delicious Japanese cuisine, and especially loved the fried chicken, Kobe beef, sea bass sushi and edamame.

You can also enjoy Counter Point, a bakery and coffee shop in the main lobby serving breakfast and lunch, Point Royal, for some seafood, and Playa, for beach-side eats and drinks. Right across the street, at Diplomat Landing, you can eat Italian at Portico, or enjoy burgers and fries at Bristol's Burgers. There is something for everyone, really. (And if you're looking for a late night snack or a bottle of wine, head to the resort's grocery store, called The Canteen—it's always open late).

Spa and Fitness Centre

If you like to keep up your workout routine on vacation, the Diplomat has a beautiful two-story fitness centre with all the equipment you need to break a sweat: elliptical machines, treadmills, stationary bikes and free weights, and personal training and group fitness classes. You can also enjoy yoga on the beach.

The Diplomat Spa is where I prefer to spend my time, indulging in full-body massages before venturing out to enjoy the ocean. You can choose from a variety of massages, facials, and manicures and pedicures at the spa.

No matter what you love to do on vacation, there truly is something for everyone at the Diplomat Beach Resort, and we can't wait to be back.

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Avery Products Canada: Giving Back And A Back To School Giveaway

It's almost time for back-to-school–and while this is a good thing in many ways, (hello, routine!) I'm sad my favourite season is almost over. We've had a wonderful summer that included some travelling and we've made the most of these hot, sunshiny days.

Even though I'm not heading back to school as a student, I share the excitement with my boys (or for my boys?)–my oldest is going into grade eight (I can't believe it!) and my youngest is heading into grade five. The best part about back-to-school? Shopping for school supplies, of course! I love stocking up on paper, pens, pencils, backpacks, and binders. Isn't it fun getting organized?

I love shopping for products that give back, and this year, I'm happy to be partnered with Avery Products Canada because they give back in a big way–and Avery has some amazing products not only for back-to-school, but for the office, too.

Avery Products Canada has partnered with the Pinball Clemons Foundation (PCF) and multiple school board associations across Canada on their third annual #AveryGivesBack campaign. This year, Avery will be donating 50,000 binders to under resourced students so they can have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. With the help of the PCF, several Canadian school boards, and Hannah Alper, Avery aims to unlock student enterprise and inspire youth to reach their full potential. There is nothing like receiving support, encouragement, and the tools to thrive in school, especially for young students who need it the most.

"Avery Products Canada is delighted to work with PCF and various school boards and student organizations on this excellent program to give back to your Canadian students. We believe in supporting others and extending a helping hand where possible" says Lynn Livesey, General Manager of Avery Canada.

For every binder purchased, Avery will donate one to a student in need. Join the movement with Avery Products Canada and share your back-to-school shopping finds with the hashtag #AveryGivesBack on social media.

To help make your back-to-shopping easier, I'm giving away two Avery packages of must-have school supplies, including binders, dividers, and file folders. To enter, just leave me a comment below telling me what you're looking forward to this fall. I will select a winner randomly on August 24th. 

Good Luck!

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Must-Have Travel Essentials

I love everything about summer—the hot weather, backyard BBQ's and pool parties, time off with my family, and, of course, going on vacation.

I travel as often as I can, taking a couple of big vacations a year, with lots of weekend trips throughout the year. If I could travel every other week, I would. From airports to hotels and the journey in between, there is nothing I don't love about getting away, making new memories, relaxing in favourite hotels and just taking in the sights and sounds around me.

As you plan for your summer or fall getaway, remember this: you don't need to overpack. Trust me. When you're a smart packer, bringing with you only the travel essentials you need, travelling will be easier, and less complicated. I was on Daytime Ottawa recently, talking about must-have travel essentials.

Here's what you need to pack before you travel: 

Carry-on luggage

I usually pack a large suitcase when I travel—even for weekend getaways. I don't do well with trying to plan outfits and shoes ahead of time! For my recent press trip to Portugal I was determined to pack only a carry-on and... success! I brought only travel-sized beauty products with me, and only two pairs of shoes. (That was agonizing, you guys). Travelling with only a carry-on makes getting in and out of airports a breeze, and you'll have an easier time deciding what to wear once you arrive to your destination, because you don't really have a choice since you didn't bring your entire wardrobe with you.

I received two pieces of carry-on luggage to review for my summer travels: the Swiss Gear Global Traveller in silver, and the TravelPro Pathways carry-on hard-side spinner in dusty rose. Both pieces of luggage are amazing, sturdy, and can pack way more than you think possible. Both pieces of carry-on luggage are light-weight, have a top and side handle for carrying options, lined zippered pockets inside, and wheels that spin 360 degrees, so you can move your bag in all directions—just like a Rimowa. They are both stylish and functional. There is a 10 year warranty with Swiss Gear, and a lifetime warranty with TravelPro (for defects to wheels, zippers, extension and carry handles). I put both to the test in Portugal, Paris, and Miami.

Beauty products

I've learned that less is more when it comes to packing beauty products; pack only your essential items. On my most recent vacation, I managed to pack all my beauty must-haves into a carry-on. I bought small containers from the drug store so I could easily bring only what I needed, and I labelled the outside of each container with a Sharpie to easily identify each item.

For skin care, I love everything from Elizabeth Arden, especially the Prevage line. The day and night cream keep my skin smooth, moisturized, and protected. The Prevage Anti-Aging Moisture Cream has an SPF of 30, so you don't need to worry about applying extra sunscreen on vacation. Another skin care product I can't live without (travelling or not) is the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum. These capsules are perfect to use day and night, and really help my skin feel and look soft, while improving skin tone and clarity and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (Also, they're perfect to pack in a carry-on, since they are not technically a liquid).

Keep your travel bag simple when packing make-up—a red, nude, and pink lipstick (along with some powder, eye shadow, blush, eyeliner, bronzer, and eyebrow pencil) is all you need. 

Ton Cosmetics is a fabulous new company based in Canada, and made in Canada—created by two sisters who had an amazing idea to create a brand that simplifies the beauty products people need, by helping them select the right shades of nude, pink, and red lipstick. They came up with nine variations of a single colour (nude, red, and pink) ensuring the perfect colour match for everyone's skin tone and complexion. I have tried the nude and red lipstick, and I love them both—especially because they are super long-lasting, and keep my lips soft and moisturized.

My biggest struggle when travelling is doing my hair, because I'm used to going to the salon for a blow-dry a couple of times a week. (I really hate blow-drying my own hair). If I'm not able to make it to a blow-dry bar on vacation, the next best thing is making my blow-dry last as long as possible.

Design.Me hair products–the hair spray and magic powders–work incredibly well to help keep any blow-dry last for days, and they come in travel sizes, too. The Hold.Me hair spray delivers a light, medium, or strong hold; all you have to do is twist the nozzle, and voila! It gives hair shine, hold, UV protection, and volume. The Puff.Me magic powders are like dry shampoo, but better. I've never had a product work so well in my hair, making my blow-dry last for days, while adding volume and texture.

Another must-pack item? The Conair Travel Hair Dryer, because it is small and compact, and ideal for travel. It's small but mighty, with dual voltage, 2 heat and speed settings, a folding handle, and affordable (at $29.99, and available at Walmart). Pack the Mini Pro Straightener in your carry-on, and you're good to go! This little straightener is perfect to bring anywhere, because it's so small, and delivers excellent results, like eliminating frizz, adding shine, and straightening hair, even when it's humid outside.

Swimwear

I love a company I can trust, that delivers what they promise, and has plenty of options—a company like Swimco.

I have partnered with Swimco for the last couple of years, reviewing bikinis and one-piece bathing suits, as well as sun hats, beach bags, and flip flops. Shopping Swimco online is easy and efficient, and I know I'll receive my package within days of placing my order. 

Swimco carries a large selection of cover-ups, beach wraps, flip flops, and beach accessories, like bags, sun hats, and sunglasses. You can do all your vacation shopping in just one place—easing your stress levels, and eliminating your need to go store to store to find the perfect, well-fitted bathing suit. My must-have piece this season? The beautiful kimono. It's a great beach accessory, and the perfect way to cover-up as you enjoy lunch by the ocean or pool.

Beach Accessories

Poppy and Peonies sells the cutest accessories for summer, from purses that'll take you from day to night, to must-have beach hats and bags. (How cute is this lemon beach bag?). Their new jewellery collection consists of fruity-themed earrings, adding the perfect touch to your vacation look.

Comfortable shoes

It took me a while to realize I don't actually wear all the shoes I pack in my suitcase, and stiletto heels are not ideal for cobblestone streets in Europe. I'm better off in cute wedge heels or flats. For travel, the best shoes to wear is a comfortable and stylish sneaker. My most comfortable pair of shoes are the Aimee Sport Tie sneaker by ECCO. This classic lace-up leather shoe comes in blush and goes with everything–like jeans an a cute t-shirt.

The ECCO Shape 65 Block Ankle Sandal is a great pair of shoes that are perfect to wear in the evenings with little dresses, jeans, and sweaters. These shoes are comfortable, like all ECCO foot wear, and super stylish; they've got a great block heel, cool crossing, wide straps and a secure ankle strap. The soft leather lining provides additional comfort.

Books

I love Indigo because they carry a little bit of everything I love, from books to home decor to gifts for all occasions. I love stocking up on books to read for my travels, and while I'm shopping for books, I pick up other travel essentials, like beach towels and travel accessories.

Happy and safe travels!


Disclaimer: I partnered with these companies and brands and received the products mentioned in this post and on my segment for review. All views and opinions are my own. 

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Summer Fun With Tremblant Living

One of the great things about living in Ottawa is how easy it is to plan a weekend getaway somewhere that's close to home—like Mont Tremblant. Skiing is the best part about Tremblant in the winter, but there are countless things to do in the summer months, too: golfing, cycling, go-karting, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, tennis, swimming, zip-lining, gondola rides, sailing, canoeing, shopping, fine dining, and lake cruises on the water. (And if you love driving, you have to check out the Circuit Mont Tremblant, because it's considered one of the finest racing circuits in North America).

Summer in Tremblant is full of amazing festivals, sporting events, and music shows. The 24th edition of the International Blues Festival of Tremblant is taking place July 8th to 16th, and this popular event is perfect for music lovers who love R&B, blues, country, and folk music. This year's lineup is great, and most shows are free and open to the public, taking place in different venues all over the mountain, from the Place Saint Bernard to the Place des Voyageurs.

Even with so much going on in Tremblant, my favourite thing is staying at one of the luxurious Tremblant Living properties, where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings in a luxury condo or chalet, year round.

I had the privilege of reviewing the gorgeous Manor Chalet, just minutes from the village, this spring. It was my second time reviewing this property, and we loved it even more the second time around. The Manor Chalet is the most prestigious home in the Tremblant area, surrounded by a tranquil forest complete with a private mountain stream that the children love.

It's the perfect home for large groups—there were 14 of us enjoying this home, and there were even a few bedrooms left unoccupied. (The house sleeps 22 people comfortably).

The almost 12,000 square foot Manor Chalet has a large heated indoor pool with hot tub, a backyard BBQ and fire pit, a play structure for kids, a games room (with a pool table), a gym, a fully-equipped professional kitchen with lounge area, a dining room that seats 14, and a spacious living room. There are 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, so guests have ample room and privacy, as well. The house comes complete with free WiFi and an awesome Sonos sound system where you can listen to your favourite music while swimming.

When you book a stay with Tremblant Living, you'll be well taken care of; the vacation rental specialists and concierge team are at your service to help you plan your perfect trip, and will assist you with whatever you need, from restaurant recommendations and reservations to filling the fridge with items you desire. They'll also make spa reservations for you, arrange an in-house massage, and leave ski equipment rentals in your property.

As much as we loved venturing into the village from the Chalet, we enjoyed our time in the house even more, because there was so much to do. The children—all eight of them—played games of hide-and-seek, swam for hours on end, went for walks around the property, enjoyed the mountain stream and bridges, and played football outside, while the adults enjoyed cooking, relaxing, hanging out by the fire pit, and enjoying the view.

If you're looking for somewhere to get away this summer, I highly recommend booking a home through Tremblant Living. You will love every minute, and will probably start planning your return visit by the time you're driving home, heading back to reality.






Disclaimer: I partnered with Tremblant Living for my review of the Manor Chalet and received the home for three days in compensation for my review. All views and opinions are my own.

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The Jaguar I-PACE: Luxury And Sport Combined For A Sweet Ride Into The Future

I've always been a car girl. My father was in the car business his entire life and I grew up learning a lot about cars. I was most familiar with European vehicles, as they were almost exclusively what my father sold on his lot. I had a lot of fun learning to drive stick-shift in an old VW Rabbit when I was 17, and that began my love affair with driving.

One of the first question I ask people is what they drive. I like to find out why certain cars appeal to people, and if I don't like their answer, I try to sell them their next vehicle. A car is not just something that takes you from point-A to point-B. I think driving should be an experience that gets you excited; even if it's your morning commute to work. As we head into the future with the vehicles we purchase, a lot will be changing. Electric vehicles are where it's at—and I've got my eyes on the new Jaguar I-PACE.

I was invited to Portugal with Jaguar Land Rover last week to test drive the brand-new, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. The entire experience was incredible, thrilling, educational, and fun. I'm so thankful I said yes to this opportunity to learn about this EV, and to put the I-PACE to the test in Europe.

Although the I-PACE has been in the making for four years, it beat other car companies like Porsche and Audi and it's already pre-selling at a rapid rate. Simply put, the Jaguar I-PACE is most definitely the leader of the pack, with its only competition being the Tesla.

"Where other companies talk about the future, we build it. We have torn up the rule book to create the newest member of the PACE family, the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. With zero tailpipe emissions, no CO2, and no particulates, it moves us dramatically closer to our vision of a clean and sustainable future." Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover

Over the course of two days, we drove the I-PACE on the highways, through tight, small village streets, up twisty mountain roads, and even went off-roading. All in a luxury SUV, no less. And let me tell you: this vehicle performs.

The Jaguar I-PACE is a true Jag. It's luxurious, comfortable, well-designed, and delivers sustainable sports car performance. This five-seat SUV is great for anyone who loves luxurious vehicles, and perfect for families (especially for parents who aren't willing to sacrifice what they're driving just because they have children).

It may look small on the outside, but it's what's inside that counts, right? The I-PACE has exceptional space inside, plenty of storage, (seriously, the storage!) and ample rear trunk space.

Since I'm a newbie to driving in Europe (I never drive in Greece, but I found the drivers in Portugal much more tame) I let my driving buddy take on the harder parts of our road trip—like the first half of our off-roading adventure. We started driving through water (yes, really) and then off we went, up our off-road course. The all-wheel drive system on the I-PACE handled this drive really well, and then our vehicle was put into Adaptive Dynamics, Adaptive Surface Response mode—kind of like cruise control, for getting through rough roads. All we had to do was steer, and thankfully, we didn't steer off the mountain.

Once we successfully completed our off-roading adventure in the I-PACE, we drove to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for some more fun—this time on the race track, where we put the I-PACE to the test.

My only experience on a race track is watching F1 Grand Prix, so being behind the wheel of the I-PACE (and an F-Type vehicle) on the track was new for me. In my mind, I was an amazing race car driver, but once I was on that track, reality kicked in. I got over my fear around the second lap around the track, and drove as fast I felt comfortable. Thankfully, I had an amazing instructor beside me, helping me the entire time. Lesson learned? Not only is the I-PACE a sweet car for highway driving, (even long distances) the I-PACE can go off-roading and race around a professional track with sharp turns.

The details:

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE joins the PACE family of Jaguar SUV's and is the first battery electric vehicle created by Jaguar.

The I-PACE is fast. It goes 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds; not something I put to the test on the highway, but definitely had fun with on the track.

All-wheel drive, 394-horsepower, all-aluminum body, with 50/50 weight distribution, which, I learned, is excellent for handling. Instant torque and the all-wheel drive traction gives the I-PACE the acceleration of a sports car.

The I-PACE comes equipped with an Amazon Alexa Skill, meaning drivers can ask an Alexa enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app.  You can Ask Alexa for any of the information held on the Jaguar Remote app. Things like "Is my car locked?" "What is the charge level?" "Do I have enough range to get to work?" One full charge, by the way, provides a range of 386 km in North America.

The I-PACE has a sleek, coupe-like silhouette influenced by the Jaguar C-X75 supercar with a short, low hood, aero-enhanced roof design, and curved rear windshield.

The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system in the I-PACE (new to Jaguar) utilizes an innovative combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors, and tactile physical controls to operate key functions while reducing visual clutter in the car.

I-PACE owners can achieve 80 percent battery charge from empty in 40 minutes using 100kW DC fast chargers, and will also have the convenience of using both AC and DC power to charge their vehicle. (It'll take just over 10 hours to charge using a 230V/32amp charger).

The standard glass panoramic roof runs the length of the car and floods the cabin with light, giving the interior added sense of space. Both the roof and side windows absorb infrared light, keeping the cabin cool, even in the sunshine.

You can change the I-PACE's regenerative braking setting between high and low. As soon as you lift your foot from the gas pedal, the car will quickly decelerate, which was helpful on our drive through Portugal's many traffic circles.

The Jaguar I-PACE retails in Canada for $86,500. If you are anything like me (and basically live in your vehicle because you drive so much) it's a true investment, because of the money you'll be saving on gas alone. Plus, it's good for the environment.

All Jaguar and Land Rover models will offer electrification from 2020, giving customers the choice of what they want to drive.

My review

The I-PACE is an amazing and smooth ride, and I loved it. It's really quiet, too. I would absolutely recommend this vehicle to my friends and family. What really stood out for me was just how comfortable and well-designed the vehicle was. The back window is a little on the small side, but after a few minutes I got used to it. (The back windshield has no wiper because the wind swept up through the hood of the car puts enough wind to clear the rain off your vehicle while you're driving).

The navigation system was my favourite part. It was much better than some of the other vehicles I've put to the test recently; it's so simple and the GPS was so helpful. (Especially when you're in a European country and not familiar with any of the roads).

What's really great about driving the I-PACE? The enjoyment of the ride, and knowing you're doing your part to help the environment. You not only look stylish in an I-PACE, you look smart.






I was invited to Portugal to review the I-PACE with Jaguar Land Rover. All views are my own, and you can read more about the I-PACE in an upcoming issue of Luxe Ottawa Magazine. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me.

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