Adventures In Style

Christmas in Edinburgh

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

Could it be that the Christmas holidays are nearly over? While Christmas in Montreal is always special, I think my favourite Christmas city is Edinburgh, Scotland, where I spent a long birthday weekend in December 2009.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Just over four hours by train from London's King's Cross Station, Edinburgh is a perfect destination for a winter mini-break. The train journey is beautiful, especially as you near the city and catch glimpses of the coast over the cliffs.

Edinburgh is divided into two sections - the Old and New Towns. By North American standards, the newer Georgian town is impressive, but the beautifully preserved cobbled streets and medieval buildings of the Old Town are simply remarkable. Here a twilight visit to the windswept Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile offered spectacular views of the city below, filled with twinkling Christmas lights.

Loch Lomond on the Highland Explorer Tour

If you are lucky enough to visit during the Edinburgh Christmas festival, be sure to stop by Princes Street where an ice skating rink, German Market and a Ferris wheel take over the heart of the city. On a cold December afternoon, a fragrant mug of mulled wine and some roasted chestnuts are the perfect way to warm up before continuing your explorations of the city.

If you can spare a day outside of town, try to squeeze in a highland tour. The highlands are spectacular in December when a dusting of snow covers their peaks and the lakes are crystal clear. We had a fantastic day with a great local guide from Highland Explorer Tour, visiting Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Dress Diary: White Lace Mini

2012-01-01T16:18:00.001-08:00

The Dress: White lace mini

The Setting: Dinner at the H Bistro, Koh Samui, Thailand

The Store: Jaspal, Bangkok, Thailand

A beautiful night at the Hansar Samui

I fell in love with this white lace dress on a Bangkok shopping spree. I'd heard of Jaspal, the Thai fashion retailer, through friends and decided it was worth a visit. With fashionable ready to wear pieces at affordable prices, this store has a similar feel to Spanish favourites Zara and Mango.

On our November 2011 Thailand holiday, I saved this dress for a romantic dinner at the H Bistro, on Koh Samui. A seven course tasting menu prepared by Montreal-born chef Stephen Jean Dion was simply extraordinary, from the salmon tartar to the passion fruit dessert.

A fabulous end to a delicious meal at the H Bistro

On this unforgettable evening, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect setting when a beachfront proposal began an exciting new chapter in our lives and marked the beginning of my search for another perfect white dress.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

A New Year is here and I can't wait to see what travel adventures 2012 will bring. Having visited my dream destination of Thailand in 2011, it may be hard to top this year. The New Year also brings the added challenge of finding the perfect honeymoon destination... While Barcelona, Spain was next on my travel wish list, I'm not sure this vibrant, social city would be the best place for post-wedding R&R.

So here are my resolutions for 2012... Travel and write every opportunity I get, while enjoying every minute of my adventures in style.

What destinations are on your travel wish list for 2012? Do you have any tips for the perfect honeymoon destination?

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2012,

Kate

A 2011 travel highlight: swimming and snorkling off the spectacular Koh Nang Yuan, Thailand.

Mall Madness: Bangkok's MBK Shopping Centre

2011-11-29T18:49:00.001-08:00

Having shopped in NYC, London and Paris I thought I knew a thing or two about big city shopping. That was before I landed in Bangkok, Thailand, a city that takes mall culture to a whole new level.

Bangkok's bustling MBK Center

First up on our visit was Bangkok's busiest mall: the chaotic and colorful MBK Shopping Center. If you've ever been to New York's Canal Street you've experienced something of MBK's charm. Now imagine hundreds of stalls selling everything from handbags and sunglasses to electronics crammed into one hectic, 7-story mall and you've got the idea.

Bargaining is expected here so don't be afraid to negotiate - but keep it friendly and don't forget to smile.

If you're feeling hungry after all the bargaining, stop by the 7th floor food court for a fun bilingual intro to Thai food. While the 5th floor boasts international restaurants this is where the local shoppers eat, and where you can find a spicy papaya salad or shrimp Pad Thai for 45 Baht (about $1.50).

My MBK finds? A cheap and cheerful Birkin-inspired ostrich bag and over-sized gold sunglasses, which have already made it into my regular wardrobe rotation.

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A car to go with that latte madam?

When only the real thing will do, a visit to the Siam Paragon is in order. Just one Sky Train stop from MBK, the Paragon is a world away. In this soothingly quite interior you can find not just luxury goods from the world's top designers but even pick up the latest BMW or Lotus model if you feel the urge.

Sadly I had to resist these last temptations. A girl only has so much room in her carry on after all...