TRAVEL ESSENTIALS | Winter

As some of you may know I am on my way to the wintery side of Europe on Thursday.. and I am SOOOO excited! My two closest childhood friends are taking up residence in different parts of Europe and I am popping over to say hi and share some adventures. 

First stop with be the cozy home of my friend Kylin and her small family in Dusseldorf, Germany. I have never spent much time in Germany, other then a quick stop over in Berlin on my post high school European adventure. So, I am excited to sink into the city life and try a new selection of foods! Plus, getting a chance to connect with little Theo, her 14month old, will be the highlight I am sure! 

Moving on from there will be a ladies night in Brugge, where the three of us come together to reminisce and catch up! Then onto a three night stay in London with Caitlin. From London, Caitlin and I will then continue to seven days in the highlands of Scotland hiking and sight seeing. We have rented a car and although that is a little nerve wracking, driving on the wrong side of the road and all, I can't wait to see some highland scenery!

Below I have compiled a few winter travel essentials from SALT alongside some staples in my life. Things I can't live without, and things that will make traveling easier as well as capture the moments!

 

 

My long flight itinerary with layovers will be made more enjoyable thanks to a few items from Artifact Skin Co. My Konjac Sponge is pure magic! It will help to keep me feeling refreshed between flights! I'll also be sure to have my Artifact Honey marshmallow lip mask with me to keep my lips moisturized within the dry air of the cabin.  

Above Mira is show wearing a distressed pair of jeans alongside a Demi Sweater all made by MUD, a ethical brand from Europe. This chunky sweater will be essential on my highland walks as well as my favourite, dependable 'Blundies'. These boots were made to last and have a great tread for walking. 

I'll be kept safe from the elements no matter the wether with a combination of my Camp Cap, Granted pom pom toque, Westerly Umbrella, Linen Scarf and Ray Ban sunnies! Lastly no trip is complete with out something to capture the memories. I have spoiled myself with a new camera just in time for this great adventure, a Canon 5D iv. I can't wait to capture video alongside some breathtaking stills! I'll be sure to share then with you here! 

 

See something you need? Grab it from SALT now!

• Camp Hat  |  Black  $48
• Drifter Umbrella  |  Black $45
• Lip Masque  |  Honey Marshmallow $22
• Konjac Sponge  |  Charcoal  $24
• Mud Jeans  |  Organic  $128
• Demi Sweater |  Charcoal  $135 
• Linen Scarf  |  Earth  $85

 

 

from SALT Shop - Journal http://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/travel-essentials-winter

NEW YEAR | Adventurous Horizons

It seems that at the start of a new year our minds light up with ideas of self improvement and the overall hunt for a change or thrill in the year to come?  In some ways, we as humans, look at the start of a new year as the start of a new US! A better version. As much as I love this idea, I fully believe that we have to be relaxed in our approach and realistic in the demands that we put on ourselves. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Therefore it is all about the consistent steps! 

I have two main wishes for myself this year. The first MORE TRAVEL, and the second MORE TIME. I feel that these two go hand in hand fairly well! I also have many dreams for SALT, but you will see those as they come along. I have to keep you on your toes!  

Inspired by my dear friend Brittany, of Life Set Sail, with her recent adventures and her wonderful blog I am committed to making my adventures a part of the Journal here at SALT. Something I am so excited to share with you! 

First up is a little tour thru Germany, Belgium, + Scotland! I leave in 20 days and I cant wait! I will be sure to take my SALT favourites with me and let you know just what those are! I will be 100% traveling with my fave's, the classic Ula tee as well as my Mud Denim, Pacific Sweater and a trusty pom pom hat! 

SHOP THESE IMAGES  |  WHITE ULA TEE  |  SKINNY LILLY - PURE BLUE  |

from SALT Shop - Journal http://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/new-year-adventurous-horizons

HIMMELI HEAVEN | A Holiday Tradition

With the holiday season nearing many of us are thinking about decking the halls at home. It is during this season that numerous families honour age old traditions in search a nostalgic memory from holidays passed. Traditions as unique as a family recipe or as broad as decorating the home with ornaments and twinkling lights.

 

 

Having a home for the first time this year, I am excited to take some of my family traditions and combine them with ideas I would like to make a part of my heritage some day! One being my love for a Finnish tradition, the Himmeli. Now, I am not sure if I have any roots that link to Scandinavia, but I feel it in my heart, so I must have some.... RIGHT?

A few years ago I met Johnna from Lumota Designs, I was captivated by her handcrafted Himmeli's I started to collect them at home and share them with local customers. I find them almost meditative! 

With this growing appreciation I started to look into the heritage of these geometric ornaments. With roots all over Europe and a different name depending on the country. The name Himmeli means heaven or sky, in honour of winter harvest. Originally created using straw they were hung over the table during harvest festival to ensure a good crop the following year – the more elaborate the himmeli, the more abundant the following year’s crop. The most beautiful himmeli's were stored hanging from the rafters of attics from one Christmas to the next. If treated with care these unique shapes can last for over 100 years. 

 

 

Today, the modern Himmeli is often made from brass. Built to last from year to year with ease. I hang mine year round, but adapt them to the season, holing air plants in the spring and foraged foliage in the fall and winter. These himmeli's have become a part of my home and I love to highlight there existence around the holidays! 

See our collection of Himmeli's available from local maker, Johnna from Lumota Designs in Shawinigan Lake, B.C.

from SALT Shop - Journal http://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/himmeli-heaven-a-holiday-tradition

Autumn Sun and the Tidal Pant

Every year as the leaves begin to fall I look forward to a change of pace in our small town. I know for some it may bring a moment of sadness as the days grow shorter and the grey clouds move in; many may miss summer. I, myself welcome these seasonal changes as it encourages me to take a step back from being an extrovert and allows me to have some calm moments amongst life's busy forward motion. 

One of the best things about the early fall is the warm glow of the mid afternoon sun. I relish the opportunity to head to a local beach and enjoy a cozy moment with friends or a latte in the crisp fall sun. I see fall as the last golden opportunity to embrace the fading moments of summer as they transition into the beauty of winter. 

This all brings me to Autumn comfort. It is the season of warm bevy's, afternoon adventures and hearty comfort food, all needing to be pair with fashion that can stick with you thru it all. There is nothing better then a comfortable pair of pants and your favourite ULA tee! Brittany, my long time friend from Life Set Sail is modeling two of our best sellers with true Californian style. Shop for yours online today! 

 

Shop the ULA TEE   |   Shop the TIDAL PANT

 

 

Clothing by @Saltshop.ca  |  Modeling by @LifeSetSail  |  Photos by @miltonphoto  

 

 

from SALT Shop Salt Spring Island - Journal http://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/autumn-comfort

BEES + BONES | The first collection

I first met Brooke, an aspiring designer, in a fantastic store downtown Victoria called Francis Grey. My mom had visited and said I must stop by and check out this new bohemian shop! 

Brooke was chatting at the counter with the owner of the lovely shop, Lara. As she spread fabric swatches and shared her sketch book, I jumped into the conversation! I instantly wanted to support Brooke in her first collection as a designer. Her style is timeless, classic, and makes you want to throw on your favourite denim and sun hat to head out for a summery adventure. 

Brooke was excited by my offer and we instantly started chatting about color schemes that would flow for SALT. The obvious, whites, blacks and blues came to mind. Upon leaving that day brooke had a mission to find fabrics and I was elated to help out a fellow designer! See some of my favourites below!

Stop into the show, or visit the Bee's + Bones Collection on our web shop to get your hands on some of her delightful items, sewn with love from linen and cotton! 

 

Learn more about Brooke and her process on her website here. 

from SALT Shop Salt Spring Island - Journal http://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/bees-bones-the-first-collection

Opening day! It is an odd feeling, the moment before you open the doors. Standing in the space you have dreamed of, designed and obsessed over for weeks, hours, and caffeinated mornings. So much hard work goes into creating dreams. I look out over the beautiful view, check all the items are dusted, clean, and orderly. Then head to The Perch and grab some more coffee to energize me through the morning and decide I am ready.

They day lends itself towards a funny mix of people; Those that come in arms open giving you hugs and singing your praise on a job well done, coupled with the wandering local or tourist, asking how long you have been here and what the idea behind the shop is. The same people that are shocked to hear that it is your first day.

All in all the first day passes with a few hiccups as my rusty sales skills are put to practice once again after laborious days of renos and prep. So, all in all Day 1 was a success. In the time to come Salt will grow and evolve from this point, Day 1!

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