everyone should live in vancouver

When I say everyone should live in Vancouver, I really mean it. If you love crisp clean air, the smell of the ocean, mountains all around you and getting to be part of an awesome community of people, then it's time to pack your bags and get a one way ticket. 

The city is all about walking and living an active lifestyle. For this trip, I made sure I packed my favourite Vionic sandals which are shown below. The summer is meant for walking around in flip flops but those are an absolute KILLER and you should never ever wear them. These sandals have orthotics built right into the footbed for all day comfort.

I'm on the whole juice craze right now so when I visit a new city that has one, I'm all over it. Let me introduce you to Body Energy Club, one of the most delicious juice bars I've ever been to!

Right off the Kitsilano Beach is an awesome hangout spot called Local. They have an amazing restaurant/bar on the inside and incredible patio with twinkling lights. If you're looking for some great eats and social time, this is the place you need to be.

G R A N V I L L E     I S L A N D

Vancouver on it's own is incredible but Granville Island is a place of it's own. You can get to it by foot, bike or car but I prefer arriving by the ferry! The ride is short and sweet but you are able to get a real good look at all the surrounding waterfront 

I've got another pair of my Vionic sandals on for the next trip!

xo sara

kitsfest in vancouver

Visiting and being part of KitsFest for the first time this summer was an unreal experience. The whole premise behind this yearly summer festival is for Vancouverites to come together as a community, get outside and get sweaty in the sun! There were dozens and dozens of vendors promoting their products that fit into a healthy lifestyle as well are 3 tournaments that happened over the weekend - basketball, tennis and beach volleyball.

I have this exact same Babolat tennis racquet so I had to get a picture with it the giant version!

My brother is a total coconut oil fan and has been constantly feeding me knowledge on how healthy it is. Did you know you can whiten your teeth with it? Take a teaspoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for 20-30 minutes. It's a little gross at first but you get used to it. This is the 'pulling' technique which the Natives used to do years ago. No word of a lie, this works better (and is less expensive and abrasive on your teeth) than whitening strips.

Now that my whole family is on the coconut train, we have boxes of ONE Coconut Water at home. At KitsFest they were handing them out all day which was amazing.

As I was walking along the beach, I found a Vancouver Beach Nuts serving fresh coconuts. I hate to say it but nothing beats the real thing! 

Y O G A     A T     S U N S E T 

Yoga on the beach at sunset hosted by Lululemon? It literally doesn't get anymore West Coast than that! At about mid-afteroon they took down all the volleyball nets and strung white balloons that were tied on a long rope between each volleyball post. I thought this was a magical sight until I saw hundreds of fellow yogis covered head to to in colour on their mats on the sand beneath the balloons . . . 

xo sara

bamboo home

I don't know about you, but I feel like the family that lives in this awesome modern Singapore home should have a pet panda, just saying. I also can't get over how crisp and white the place is. If I could work bamboo trees into my home, I totally would.

Outdoor dining area with bamboo trees all around? Yes please!

Different option for a screen - I'm into it.

(Images via notapaperhouse)

xo sara

masculine monday | last trip

With the chilly weather right around the corner, make sure you get a good last adventurous trip in with your pals. The water is cristal clear this time of year!

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[retail] angus & company

Situated in the trendy Annex area on Dupont Street in Toronto, Angus & Company have catered to their customers for over a decade. 

Their hardwood floors throughout the store are stunning, the smell of fresh flowers combined with a lit candle is heavenly and your eye will constantly be traveling around the room in amazement. Angus & Company has carefully selected vintage and contemporary furnishings that continuously surprise their clients.

They always have a beautiful selection for your garden and indoor potted plants. Below are some favourites.

All images taken by Sara Russell Interiors 

delightful pools

The warm weather is finally here so make sure your pool is ready for a long summer of entertaining! 

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charming fountain

This charming fountain is a lovely accent to your outdoor living space and adds a peaceful ambiance to the natural surroundings. It is also a pool for the birdies to play in!

Architecture by Scrafano Architects 

Photography by Misha Gravenor

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overgrown garden patio

These luscious and overgrown garden patios are spectacularly wonderful. Set in the city but with the feeling of being in your own far away jungle. 

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atlanta home

Interior decorator, Suzanne Kasler, opens up her Atlanta home with Architectural Digest. Her outdoors are magnificent, luscious and green. What a wonderful place!

Photography by Pieter Estersohn

Images via Architectural Digest

outdoor living room

Bring your living space outdoors and embrace the wildlife around you. With natural drapes and shades and water as a glistening accent. Keep the colour tones the same and let your surroundings blend.

 

Designer Fernanda Marques