Kirsten Wendlandt

Where to Stay in South Beach Miami – South Beach Hotel Guide

2020-07-01T22:26:22Z

Known for it’s sprawling beaches, colorful art-deco architecture, exciting nightlife, beach clubs, and miles of cafes, shops and bars makes South Beach the place to be in Miami for those looking for a bit of a Vegas-esque beach vacation. If you are heading to Miami without a car then I definitely recommend staying in South Beach as you can walk most places. South Beach has such a high concentration of things to see and do in a small area, and it’s easy to get around on foot. Here are some of my top recommendations for South Beach hotels.

Headed to Miami soon? You may also want to check out these posts:

Enjoying the quieter SOFI neighbourhood of South Beach

Where to Stay in South Beach for a Quiet and Relaxing Vacation

One thing we did learn during our trip to Miami is that the heart of South Beach and Ocean drive can be a lot to handle for those that are looking for a little more of a relaxing vacation. Our first hotel during this trip was right in the thick of party central and man did we every struggle those first two nights. Miami, and South Beach specifically, is known for it’s party scene.
So it’s no surprise it’s a little trickier to find quiet hotels in South Beach.

If you’re looking for more of a relaxing South Beach experience I definitely recommend staying in a hotel in the SOFI neighbourhood (South of Fifth). SOFI is much quieter than the main strip of South Beach but still within walking distance of all of the action.

Relaxing at the beautiful Marriott Stanton South Beach

Marriott Stanton South Beach

We spent our last two nights in Miami at the beautiful Marriott Stanton South Beach (you can read my full experience here) which turned out to be the answer to all of our prayers. The Marriott Stanton South Beach is the perfect solution for those who want to be able to enjoy the fun of South Beach but also be able to relax and escape the chaos. The hotel itself was very quiet and right on the beach. It’s located in the SOFI neighbourhood so it’s much quieter but it’s within walking distance from all the bars and restaurants if you want to get in some nightlife too.

Check out my full blog post on my experience staying with the Marriott Stanton South Beach here and see why I recommend it so much!

Marriott Stanton South Beach is ideal for: Those looking for a relaxing, family friendly, quiet stay right on the beach.

Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Price Point: Approx $400 per night. Check the latest rates for the Marriott Stanton South Beach here

More Quiet Hotels in South Beach

Where to Stay in South Beach for Vibrant Nightlife

If your main goal in visiting Miami is to party like never before, then you definitely want to be right in the heart of South Beach. I’m talking somewhere near the heart of ocean drive, not far from the beach, and stumbling distance from all the hottest bars. Well this one is for you!

Dream South Beach

The Dream South Beach is the perfect hotel for those who are looking for fun, nightlife, pool parties, and want to be within steps from Ocean Drive. Dream South Beach is a party focused hotel with 107 rooms in South Beach’s Art Deco District. It’s located right in the heart of Ocean Drive and just steps from the beach.

The rooms at the Dream South Beach are a little on the small side but they’re absolutely gorgeous. I loved the blue tones! The real highlight of the Dream South Beach though is the amazing rooftop infiniti pool that stays open late into the night. They have a bar up there and host parties into the wee hours of the night. The Dream South Beach also has a taco restaurant on the main level that offers a large menu of Mexican food and an intense tequila bar. Nothing quite says a party like tequila and tacos!

The Dream South Beach is ideal for: Couples and groups of friends looking for a fun, upscale Miami party experience. Young, hip partiers.

Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Price Point: Approx $300 per night. Check the latest rates for Dream
South Beach here

Other Top Rated Nightlife Hotels

Although I have not had the opportunity to stay in any of these hotels yet, here are some of the top rated hotel known for their parties and nightlife the South Beach area (in no particular order).

Alternative Option: Grab an Airbnb

Another great option rather than renting a hotel in South Beach is to book yourself an Airbnb. Choosing Airbnb over a hotel can not only save you a lot of money when you travel, but you’ll have amenities like a kitchen to be able to make your own meals. I absolutely love staying in Airbnb’s for the privacy and amount of money I am able to save. There are tons of great Airbnb’s in South Beach too!

If you’ve never used Airbnb before sign up here to get up to $62 off your first rental!

I hope you enjoyed this South Beach Miami hotel guide! Hopefully it helps you narrow down your hotel choices a bit.

If you’re headed to Miami soon you might also want to check out these posts:

With love, Kirsten

The post Where to Stay in South Beach Miami – South Beach Hotel Guide appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

24 Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Top Instagrammable Places Guide

2020-07-21T19:39:36Z

Santorini is hands down the most instagrammable place I’ve ever visited. I remember first seeing it in the movie “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” when I was younger and I knew I just had to visit it one day. Well, after having visited I can say that it lived up to being everything I dreamed of and more. Although every corner of Santorini is more instagrammable than the next, I wanted to put together this guide of the best photo spots in Santorini to help you plan your trip.

Although I didn’t have the chance to visit all of the spots on this list, I wanted to make sure it was as thorough as possible for you. I’ve divided this list of the best photo spots and most instagrammable places of Santorini between Oia, Thira, Imerovigli, and Akrotiri to help you plan your visit. Each town/location has it’s own set of the best instagram photo spots to make things easier for you!

By the way if you’re also headed to Mykonos check out this post:

The Most Instagrammable Places in Mykonos

Now onto the list of the best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini!

The Most Instagrammable Places In Santorini by kirstenwendlandt on Jumprope.

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Oia

Oia is the most famous part of Santorini. It is where most people stay and it sees the highest volume of tourists. When people who have not been to Santorini speak about it, they are generally speaking about Oia. Although Santorini has numerous beautiful little towns, Oia is the most famous of all and definitely the most instagrammable place in Santorini.

1. The Blue Domes of Oia, Santorini (Church of Agios Spyridonas – arguably the best photo spot in Santorini)

The blue domes of Santorini are probably the most iconic parts of the entire island. I can bet that when most people think of Santorini they picture these famous blue domes. There are a few of these iconic blue domes in Oia (as well as some in Thira) but definitely the most famous of all is at Anastasis Church!

Anastasis Church is just off the pathway before Patisserie Medevio. Head down the staircase for a great view of the church!

Photography Tip: Many of the instagram famous photo spots in Santorini (including numerous of the blue dome spots you’ve seen over and over) were taken on private property. Looking back I probably wouldn’t do it again. However, if you are going to do this be respectful. Go early in the morning and do not talk or make noise. There are a lot of people’s homes and private hotels in these areas and it is important that you respect the people living and staying there. One of the main reasons the people of Santorini dislike tourists and especially instagrammers is the lack of respect people have for private property. Please keep this in mind when shooting there!

2. Oia Cliffside (one of the best photo spots in Santorini)

Only second to the blue domes is the iconic cliffside view of the village of Oia. The stunning and unique white buildings set into the cliff are so incredibly picturesque. There are so many great spots to capture the beauty of it. I found the photo spot above and below wandering through some of the pathways just a little bit east of the Kastro Oia houses.

Another great spot to capture more of the iconic Oia architecture set in the cliffside is on the steps leading down to Amoudi Beach on the western side. Head all the way west from the Main Street of Oia and head down the steps leading towards Amoudi Beach. Along the way you’ll see some of the best views and photo spots of Oia!

Another view of beautiful Oia. You can capture the beautiful and iconic white buildings built in the cliffside from all sorts of beautiful angles!

3. Byzantine Castle Ruins at Sunset (best sunset photo spot in Santorini)

The most popular place to watch the sunset in Oia (well, in all of Santorini really) is atop the ruins of Byzantine castle. It makes for an amazing and super instagrammable photo spot too. Crowds of tourists will begin staking their claim at the top of the ruins to get the best spot hours before the sunset even happens. By the time the sun starts setting the castle ruins will be full to the brim of tourists and it’s basically impossible to move. If you’re like me and you’d rather not waste hours waiting it’s pretty easy to find a spot along the edge leading up to the ruins and the view is just as spectacular from there. It’s no surprise why these incredible sunset views from the castle ruins are one of the most instagrammable photo spots in Santorini.

How to get there: When you get to the Western part of the town near Kastro House, turn left to walk to the castle remains.

4. Windmills of Oia

Although I didn’t capture an up close photo of the Oia windmills because I had done that in Mykonos (you can see those photos here), I had to include it on the list. If you look closely you can actually see the windmills in the above and below photos! The windmills of Greece are so iconic.

5. Kastro Oia Houses – The Instagram Famous Orange Building of Santorini

Kastro Oia Houses (which is actually a hotel in Santorini) has been all over instagram. Literally ALL over it. And you can see why! It’s such a great photo spot in Santorini. I just love how the orange stands out from the rest of the white buildings. They really are so pretty and so instagrammable!

Photography tip: Come early if you want to capture the entire place with no other tourists. Otherwise, you can shoot in a smaller portion of it like I did below in the middle of the day while it’s busy. Keep in mind though you’ll still likely have to wait in line to get this shot! As soon as we started shooting at this door a line formed to start shooting photos here too.

6. Rooftops of Oia

Although there are a few specific spots here in this list that I wanted to highlight, I also wanted to encourage you to just explore! We found so many amazing spots that I’ve never seen on Instagram before just by looking around. Two of my favourites (which I actually like more than some of the instagram famous spots) are the rooftop above and the one below.

Photography tip: ‘Please keep in mind when climbing the roofs that it is dangerous. Also make sure you aren’t climbing on private property!

7. Back streets and alleys of Oia

Although the Main Street of Oia is incredibly busy with tourists at all times, if you wander just a little off the path and check out the smaller side streets and alleys you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There’s so many amazing little instagrammable photo spots to be found around every corner of Santorini. We found this little spot above wandering the tiny side streets and it ended up being the perfect spot to capture a photo with the Oia sunrise.

Photography Tip: It’s pretty difficult to get lost in Oia so just let yourself wander! I bet you’ll be able to find some incredibly instagrammable spots that you haven’t seen before.

I loved this cute door across from Kastro Oia Houses in Oia

8. Unique Doors of Oia

The many luxury hotels in Oia have such instagrammable doors and entrances. You’ve already seen the door of Kastro House I shared above but there are so many other neat entrances and doors you’ll pass as you wander around. Whether it’s a single standing door that appears to lead to nowhere, bright blues and yellows that stand out amongst the white, or bougainvillea covered entrances. You’ll find tons of unique and interesting photo spots just wandering around!

Photography Tip: It’s not just Oia that has pretty entrances and doors. Check out the many luxury hotel entrances in Fira too. I will cover this below!

9. Nikolaou Nomikou

Nikolaou Nomikou is the Main Street in Oia. It is extremely busy at almost all times of the day (save for sunrise) and definitely not somewhere you want to be during peak hours. Although it’s busy Nikolaou Nomikou has got some cute shops and instagram photo spots along the way.

You’ll have to use this street to get to the smaller pathways but we generally avoided it before and during sunset as it gets incredibly packed as tourists flock to the castle ruins to watch the sunset.

Picture via @katemeets

10. Amoudi Bay

Amoudi Bay is the colourful port and bay located in the volcanic cliffs right below the town of Oia. You can reach it either on foot (there are steps leading down to Amoudi Bay from Oia and it’s about a 15 minute walk) or you can drive and park there. Here you’ll find restaurants and shops, a harbour, and places to swim and cliff dive. There’s all sorts of little instagrammable corners too. Capture a unique perspective of the town of Oia above or head to the secret beach for a swim!

Picture via xritos-x-paravalos

Picture of Oia and Ammoudi Bay from a boat – via Trip Advisor

11. View from a boat in the Caldera

If you have the chance to head out into the Caldera by boat you’ll have the perfect opportunity to snap some photos of the villages of Santorini set in the cliffs. Book yourself a day or sunset cruise for a really unique experience while in Santorini!

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Fira

Fira is known as the heart of Santorini. It is the modern capital of the island of Santorini, and draws its name from the island’s ancient name “Thira”. Although Fira is much less visited and less touristy than Oia it is no less beautiful.

Photography Tip: I actually recommend staying in Fira instead of Oia and making day trips to Oia because it’s much cheaper. You’ll also have almost all of Fira to yourself at sunrise (unlike Oia where photographers and instagrammers are everywhere) and you’ll be able to get incredible pictures as you’ll see here!

The Church of St. John the Theologian is definitely one of the best instagram photo spots in Fira

12. Church of St. John the Theologian – one of the best photo spots in Santorini I think!

It took me FOREVER to locate what the name of this church is. I’ve seen it posted numerous times on Instagram so I thought it would be in a ton of Santorini photo guide blog posts but I couldn’t find it anywhere. The Church of St. John the Theologian is a beautiful and very instagram worthy church in Fira that looks stunning from all angles. Capture a view of it from above with the ocean below or from the side like I did in the photo below! This is definitely one of the best photo spots in Santorini in my opinion.

We shot this photo at the Church of St. John the Theologian at sunrise. It was so beautiful!

Three Bells of Fira via Tripbucket.com

13. The Three Bells of Fira (The Catholic Church of Koimisi Tis Theotokou)

The Three Bells of Fira, officially known as The Catholic Church of Koimisi Tis Theotokou is a Catholic Church in the town of Fira. It’s most known for it’s beautiful blue dome, three bells, and picturesque view. Even though I didn’t get the chance to shoot photos with it you can see why it had to be included on this list of the best photo spots in Santorini. It’s just gorgeous and definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Santorini.

14. Cliffside views of Fira

Like Oia, the town of Fira is made up of all sorts of stunning blue buildings built into the cliffside which makes for the most beautiful and unique views. As you’re walking around Fira there will be all sorts of spots where you can capture the beauty of Fira.

Photography Tip: The spot below we found had a great view of Fira. It’s right in front of Franco’s bar. If you go early in the morning you won’t have to worry about disrupting patrons that are coming and going.

15. Colourful stairs and unique hotel entrances of Fira

Fira, like Oia, has all sorts of unique hotel entrances, doors and stairways. While you’re spending time in Fira take the time to just wander around. You’ll come across all sorts of unique and beautiful spots like the hotel entrance we found above and the blue stairs below.

16. Fira Rooftops Looking out to Sea

Near the beginning of your walk from Fira to Imerovigli (more on that below) you’ll see a line of beautiful hotel roofs along the left side pointing out to sea. These iconic Santorini rooftops with an ocean view are so instagrammable and definitely took my breath away.

Photography Tip: These rooftops are private property of the hotels and there is security all over. Ask politely and they may let you snap some quick photos. Better chance if you arrive early when there are not crowds of people.

17. Fira to Imerovigli Walk

The centre of Imerovigli is only about a 1.5m walk from Fira and easily done on foot. The path is paved (although a little uneven in spots) and goes along the edge of buildings, restaurants, churches, shops and the likes. I managed to do it in flip flops so it definitely doesn’t require sneakers. Along the way you’ll find all sorts of instagrammable photo spots including lookout points and a seahorse ornament with the caldera backdrop.

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Imerovigli

Imerovigli is the village in Santorini adjacent to Fira. You can easily walk to Imerovigli from Fira and it’s an incredible walk as I mentioned above. In Imerovigli you’ll experience stunning views, incredible sunsets, and of course some iconic Santorini churches.

Skaros rock captured by @traveler.marian

18. Skaros Rock

Skaros was one of the original 5 settlements of Santorini but hasn’t been inhabited since the 1800. Now you can take a short hike from Imerovigli all the way up to the top where you’ll capture stunning views. You’ll also find here the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti.

Looking down from Skaros rock – Photo by @kaitlinkomalley

Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel captured by @hello.trippers

19. Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel

Perched on the edge of the cliff under Skaros rock in Imerovigli you’ll find the Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel. This beautiful white chapel with the iconic blue dome, bell, and stunning view of the ocean is a definitely must visit and beautiful photo spot in Santorini.

Anastasi Church in Imerovigli, Santorini – photo by @aidarabets

20. Anastasi Church

Anastasi Church is just another one of Santorini’s incredible blue domed churches. It has arguably one of the best views of the island and is situated in the village of Imerovigli. Here you’ll get a sweeping view of the ocean, luxury cruise ships anchored nearby, and the villas, hotels and churches of Fira.

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a village on the south-west coast of Santorini and about 14 km away from Fira. The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri is one of the most important sites in the Aegan. The settlement was destroyed and buried in volcanic ash around 16th century BC. Now the village of Akrotiri is an archeological site you can visit, as well luxury hotels, beaches, and caves in the area. This part of Santorini is much quieter than Oia and Fira, and therefore makes an awesome destination for honeymooners seeker a quieter oasis.

Beautiful shot of the Akrotiri Lighthouse by @janatani

21. Akrotiri Lighthouse

The Akrotiri lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in all of Greece and is the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset in Santorini without the crowds. From up here you’ll be able to view the entire caldera! You’ll want to either rent a car or a quad to get here as it’s too far to walk.

22. The Red Beach – one of the most unique places on this best photo spots Santorini list!

The red beach of Santorini is one of the most unique, famous, and beautiful beaches in Santorini. The reason for it’s popularity is of course the colour which is bright red. Volcanic red rock hills surround the beach creating contrasting colours with the blue ocean. Although we didn’t get the chance to check it out I wish we had because it looks like an incredible photo spot!

White Beach of Santorini – Photo by grecia.info

23. The White Beach

In the village of Akrotiri you’ll find one of Santorini’s most distinctive and remarkable beaches, the white beach. White Beach gets its name from the white pebble lined beach that’s surrounded by white cliffs. Although I didn’t get the chance to visit it looks like such an incredible place! I had to include it on this list of the best photo spots in Santorini.

24. Astarte Suites

Astarte Suites is one of the most luxurious and romantic hotels in Santorini, located in Akrotiri. The restaurant and pool area (as well as a lot of the guest room private pools) have an incredible view of the Caldera and its the perfect place to watch the sunset. The steps leading to Astarte suites from the parking lot also make for perfect photo spot!

Photography tip: If you aren’t staying at Astarte Suites you can book reservations to eat at the restaurant like we did. You’ll get to enjoy the incredible view and capture some amazing photos. It’s so worth it!

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini! Santorini is definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. If Santorini wasn’t on your bucket list before I hope it will be now!

If you’re headed to Greece soon you might want to check out this post too:

The Most Instagrammable Places in Mykonos

And feel free to pin one of the below to refer back to later

With love, Kirsten

The post 24 Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Top Instagrammable Places Guide appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

Best Restaurants in South Beach, Miami – From Cheap Eats to Fine Dining

2020-07-01T23:27:53Z

Miami’s culinary scene is incredible. They have so many amazing restaurants and there’s new and exciting places popping up every other week (or so it seems). If you’re visiting Miami, and specifically the South Beach area for the first time it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to picking restaurants. That’s why I’ve put together this guide of some of the best restaurants in South Beach. Here you’ll find restaurants aiming from cheap eats and sandwich shops all the way up to the finest in fine dining.

If you’re headed to Miami soon you may also want to check out these posts:

Now onto the best restaurants in South Beach!

Enjoying a light lunch of pizza & wine at Andrix Cafe in South Beach

Best Restaurants in South Beach – Cheap Eats ($-$$)

Andrix Cafe

One of my favourite places to eat in South Beach which was ultra affordable was Andrix Cafe. We ended up having lunch here a couple of times in the 4 days we stayed in South Beach. Andrix Cafe has super yummy pizza and drinks available as well as free Wifi. One of my main priorities when I travel is finding affordable solutions (I would rather spend less on each trip and be able to travel more!) and this cafe was the perfect solution. Andrix Cafe is a relaxed Italian cafe that serves freshly-baked pizzas, pastries, coffees, as well as wine and beer (as well as free wifi).

Andrix Cafe definitely wins for best value in this best restaurants of South Beach guide and is the perfect place to stop for lunch.

Time Out Market

Time Out Market is a food hall located in South Beach that boasts over 20 vendors with food ranging from fresh oysters to mouth watering burgers, healthy vegan eats to tasty sweet treats from the likes of the infamous Azucar ice cream. They also have a wine and cocktail bar if you’re looking for an afternoon bevvie. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for the best in Miami food then this is definitely the place for you!

Enjoying authentic Italian pizza at Hosteria Romana

Hosteria Romana

Hosteria Romana is arguably the best authentic (affordable) Italian restaurant in South Beach. Their pizza, pasta, and fresh bread is to die for. We asked a few locals where we could get some of the best Italian pizza in Miami and this was the answer! Hosteria Romana is a bustling Italian eatery with amazing food and excellent service located on Espanola way and is definitely worth a visit. Pop by the gelato shop across the street to put a sweet finish to your Italian meal.

We finished our dinner at Hosteria Romana with a stop at the Gelato shop across the street

La Sandwicherie

Two words: Heavenly. Sandwiches. If that doesn’t appeal to you I don’t know what will. La Sandwicherie features daily fresh ingredients, crisp baguettes or soft croissants and the added magic of the infamous vinaigrette that make for a true taste sensation. They’re also open every day from 7am to 5am so whether you’re wanting a lunch or you’re needing an after-bar snack La Sandwicherie has you covered!

Best Restaurants in South Beach -Mid-Range Dining ($$$)

Dreamer Acai Juice Matcha

Dreamer is definitely one of the most instagrammed restaurants in South Beach. It’s an adorable juice and healthy eats superfood bar with a pink tropical theme. Flamingo wallpaper covers the walls and tropical plants fill every corner. Although you will be paying a premium for your smoothies & nibbles at Dreamer, it’s because they only use the highest quality and freshest ingredients with a superfood focus. It’s definitely worth a visit!

My smoothie bowl at Dreamer in South Beach was amazing

The stunning Byblos

Byblos

Byblos represents a marriage of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with strong influences from both traditional and local ingredients. The interior of Byblos is absolutely stunning and considering they’re originally from Toronto I had to add them to the list. They were also named one of the hottest new restaurants in Miami so you know they’re worth a visit!

Joe’s Stone Crab

Ranked one of Miami’s most popular eateries, Joe’s Stone Crab is a must visit while you’re in the area. Established in 1913 it’s one of Miami’s most historical restaurants. Make sure to make stone crab the focus of your meal and load up on sides. Don’t pass on the key lime pie either! They do not take reservations so expect a bit of a wait if you’re arriving during prime seating time.

The beautiful Planta wins best vegan restaurant in South Beach for me

Planta

For the Vegans and Vegan food lovers! Planta is one of my favourite restaurants in Toronto and so you better believe the South Beach location (the original) had to make the list. Beyond being incredibly instagrammable Planta has incredible food that Vegans and non Vegans alike will love. Planta was opened with the purpose of creating delicious food that promotes environmental sustainability. Their vision is to celebrate innovative cuisine in a beautiful environment without the use of any animal products.

A Fish Called Avalon

A Fish called Avalon has been a seafood staple on Ocean Drive for over 30 years. They’ve won numerous awards for their impeccable seafood dishes and never cease to impress. A Fish Called Avalon features freshly caught seafood and have options to dine inside or out on their street patio overlooking the ocean.

Gianni’s at night (Picture via the Gianni’s website)

Best Restaurants in South Beach – Splurge-worthy Dining ($$$$)

Gianni’s – THE Luxury dining restaurant in South Beach

Gianni’s is the epitome of luxury dining on my best restaurants in South Beach list. This restaurant is located in the Versace Mansion (the former home of Gianni Versace) and is stunning inside. Gianni’s is an upscale mediterranean seafood restaurant that’s decked out in frescoes, mosaics & a gold-lined pool. Yes. a gold-lined pool. You’ll definitely want to have your camera ready when visiting this opulent and historic restaurant!

Giannis – Picture via the Gianni’s website

Azabu – The best Japanese restaurant in South Beach

Our dinner at Azabu (located in The Marriott Stanton South Beach) was hands down the best Japanese food I have ever had. If you want my full review of Azabu’s Japanese Restaurant check out this post. All I have to say here is every course was better than the next and we couldn’t stop eating even when we were full to the brim. Some of my favourite dishes at Azabu were the Lobster tempura, the tuna pizza, Azabu house salad and the king crab fried rice… but to be honest every single dish we had was amazing and you really can’t go wrong!

Azabu definitely wins for best Japanese restaurant in South Beach. Our dinner was absolutely incredible!

I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best restaurants in South Beach, Miami. Let me know if you’ve tried any of them before in the comments below!

You may also want to check out these Miami guides:

And feel free to pin one of the below to refer back to later

I hope you have a wonderful time in Miami!

With love, Kirsten

The post Best Restaurants in South Beach, Miami – From Cheap Eats to Fine Dining appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

25 Awesome Things to do in Kelowna: The Ultimate Kelowna Travel Guide

2020-07-25T17:16:29Z

Over the years Kelowna has quickly became one of my favourite places to visit in Canada. I find myself wanting to spend more and more time there every year! Beyond how absolutely stunning it is, there’s just so many fun attractions and activities to do in Kelowna. From visiting vineyards to boating on Lake Okanagan and hiking through the mountains. Whether you’re more of a leisurely traveler or an adventurer, there are so many awesome things to do in Kelowna. It is sure to make you quickly fall in love with our beautiful country!

After last summer’s visit I wrote this post featuring some of my favourite (and very Instagrammable) places in Kelowna. This year, I wanted to go into a little more detail and share even more things to do in this beautiful region. If you’re planning a trip to Kelowna sometime soon here is a list of some of my favourite activities and attractions!

If you’re visiting the Okanagan you may also want to check out these posts:

Things to do in Kelowna: Visit Some of Kelowna’s Best Wineries

As if I wasn’t going to start this post off by featuring wineries! Visiting wineries is one of my absolute favourite things to do when I’m in Kelowna and there’s just so many amazing wineries to visit in the BC region.. Kelowna alone has over 50!

1. Quails Gate Estate Winery

We visit Quail’s Gate Estate Winery almost every time we are in Kelowna. Stop by to visit their beautiful vineyard, do a tasting in their tasting room, and have lunch the Old Vines Restaurant.

Quail’s Gate recently started offering a Reserve Paired Lunch experience which is a pretty unbelievable way to experience the best of Quail’s Gate. The Reserve Paired Lunch is an intimate 5-course wine-paired sommelier led lunch with a breathtaking panoramic view of the vineyard below. I absolutely recommend doing this as not only was every course incredible, but you get to try some of the reserve wines that are not available for sampling in the tasting room! Book your Reserve Paired lunch here.

Photo tip: walk through the vineyard towards the water for some exquisite views (as seen below). We only discovered you could do that this year!

Location details for Quail’s Gate Estate Winery here

2. The Hatch

Although the Hatch is fairly new to Kelowna (they opened in 2015), they some of my all time favourite wines in the region and it doesn’t hurt that they have the most artistic and fun wine labels to boot! The Hatch offers complimentary wine tastings with no need to buy bottles in return, but I can guarantee if you do a tasting you won’t leave empty handed!

I absolutely love the way the Hatch introduces themselves on their website, and I think this gives you the perfect idea of who they are:

What is the Hatch and why? That’s a terrific question to ask when trying to ascertain exactly what it is we are, and what we’re doing. So no better place to start than (finally) answering that oft asked question. What, pray-tell, is ‘the hatch’. On a direct level, ‘the hatch’ is a tasting emporium, an emporium the likes not seen before here in The Okanagan. But on a meta-level, ‘the hatch’ is the culmination of dreams had by a group of eccentric grapeophiles who have lived and learned the way of the vine for countless years…

Location details for the Hatch here

3. Summerhill Pyramid Winery

We’ve been visiting Summerhill Pyramid Winery for years and you may remember it from my post on Instagrammable places in Kelowna (which you should check out here!). Summerhill never fails to remain on the top of my things to do in Kelowna list. There’s a reason why this is one of the top wedding venues in Kelowna and it’s not just because it’s beautiful. All the wines at Summerhill are organic & biodynamic, and their bistro boasts an amazing menu of delicious local & organic fare with plenty of vegan options. Summerhill is definitely a must visit – and besides, who doesn’t want a picture with a giant bottle of bubbly?

Things to do in Kelowna: Cideries, Distilleries and Breweries

For those that don’t have much of a palette for wine (or maybe you just like it all!) there are plenty of non-wine related attractions to visit across Kelowna. From cideries to purveyors of spirits and of course beer.. Kelowna has it all!

4. The View Winery

I know what you’re thinking… you just said non-wine related and now you’re talking about a winery? But hear me out! The View Winery is not only a kick ass winery that has amazing wines but they also make cider too! They have a whole lineup of amazing year-round and seasonal ciders that are some of the most flavourful and delicious ciders I’ve ever tried. Stop by to try their cider, wines, or both!

Location details for The View Winery here

5. Okanagan Spirits Kelowna

Prefer something a little stronger? Okanagan Spirits has you covered! Located right in the heart of downtown Kelowna and just a short walk from the harbour, Okanagan Spirits has a great spirit lineup that includes Whiskies, Vodka, Gin, Liqueurs, Brandies and even Absinthe! Stop the shop to try out some of their spirits and go home with a bottle or two.. you won’t regret it.

Location details for Okanagan Spirits here

6. BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery

BNA was voted #1 brewery in Kelowna so of course it had to be included on my list of top Kelowna attractions! Stop by their on-site tasting room and grab a flight of your choice from their list of 9 locally made beers or head to the restaurant for a meal and a couple pints. By the way – they also have ten pin bowling on site so it’s the perfect afternoon activity to do in Kelowna – especially if the weather isn’t cooperating!

Want to check out more of Kelowna’s amazing cideries, breweries and distilleries? Check out this post on Tourism Kelowna’s website for a whole list of them!

Location details for BNA here

Things to do in Kelowna: Get your hands on some of Kelowna’s freshest fruit and produce

You’ll find some pretty amazing locally grown fruits & vegetables in Kelowna so you’d definitely be missing out if you don’t try some while you’re there. Here’s some of the best ways to truly enjoy the freshest fruits & veggies that Kelowna has to offer!

7. Pick your own Cherries at a local Orchard

Picking cherries is something that has been on our list for the last few years but somehow we never got around to it. I was so happy that we made it out cherry picking this year and I definitely recommend visiting an orchard and doing it yourself! There are so many great cherry orchards you can go to pick cherries (and other fruits) at. It’s the perfect activity to do while you’re in Kelowna. We went to the small family owned Fransera Farm in Lake Country (they don’t even have a website!) and it was such a great experience. I swear the cherries taste even sweeter when you’ve picked them yourself! Hows that for an afternoon activity you can really sink our teeth into?

Location details to FranSera Farms here

8. Visit Paynter’s Fruit Market to pick your own peaches

One of the most popular orchards to visit in the region is Paynters Fruit Market located in West Kelowna. At Paynters you can pick your own peaches, cherries, plums, apricots and even pears depending on the season! If there’s just one fruit and veggie related attraction on your Kelowna list this year let this be it!

Location details for Paynter’s Fruit Market here

9. Visit the local Farmer’s Market

If buying your fruits and veggies already picked is more your jam then you can grab some at one of the many orchards or head over to the Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market. The market Is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am-1pm. They feature a large selection of farm, food, and craft vendors from around the area. It’s a great place to stop by to get all of your fresh fruits, veggies, meats and baked goods all in one!

Location details for Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market here

Things to do in Kelowna: Take a hike along one of Kelowna’s many scenic hiking trails

Kelowna and the surrounding area has so many beautiful hiking trails, and whether you want to visit waterfalls, hike through the forest, or see the city from the top of a mountain there is absolutely a hike for you. Hiking makes for the ultimate activity to really enjoy nature and the surroundings don’t you think?

10. Bike or Hike along the Myra Canyon / Kettle Valley Railway

If you’re spending a couple of days in Kelowna you absolutely have to head out to the Myra Canyon portion of the Kettle Valley Railway. Located about a 45 minute drive from the heart of Kelowna, the Myra Canyon Trestle trail is multi-use trail made along the old Kettle Valley Railway train tracks way up high in the mountains and it’s one of Kelowna’s top attractions. It’s an incredibly scenic 22km round trip route that’s great for walking & biking for all ages.

Along the trail you’ll pass over multiple trestles and even through tunnels that the trains used to go through and get some pretty spectacular views! You can rent a bike in the parking lot through Myra Canyon Bike Rentals (I recommend this if you want to do the full route). It’s such an incredible way to spend the day and get a little exercise in and I love that you can rent a bike if you don’t have one! The Myra Canyon trestle trail is a great activity for young or old so grab your fam and get ready for a great time and incredibly scenic Kelowna views!

By the way – in case you’re wondering I wore bike shorts under my skirt and slipped the skirt overtop of them for photos. Of course I didn’t bike in this skirt I’m not that crazy!

Location details for Myra Canyon Trestle Trail here

11. Hike to the top of Mount Boucherie and take in the stunning views.

What was once a 2000m active volcano that dates back 60 million years is now an amazing hiking trail that takes you to 360 degree views of the Okanagan Valley below. Due to erosion the peak is now just under 800m and has some pretty spectacular views! Mount Boucherie has 3 different trails you can go on that range from moderate to difficult level hikes. At about 6km round trip, some areas are easy enough for the whole family while others require more experienced hikers. Pick a trail based on your skill level and get ready to see why hiking is a big attraction in Kelowna!

Thanks to Tourism Kelowna, here are the directions for both the more difficult and easier hikes:

Regular trail: To access this trail, turn onto Bartley Road from Hwy 97. This road turns into East Boundary Rd. Follow the road approximately 1.5 km and you will see a small parking area on your left. Click here for Google Maps location.

Easier trail: If you are a beginner hiker or if you have younger children with you, consider accessing the trails from Lakeview Cove Road at Eain Lamont Park. This option will reduce your elevation gain making it easier. Click here for Google Maps location.

12. Challenge yourself with a hike at McDougall Rim

McDougall Rim is not for the faint of heart or for the newbie hiker, but if you’re an adventurer that likes a challenge this is a must do! McDougall Rim is an intense uphill hike that eventually tapers off onto more level land. Unlike the other hikes mentioned, McDougall Rim does not have clearly labeled trails and can be quite difficult to navigate. The entire hike is over 20km and not for the faint of heart. Make sure you bring lots of water and snacks if you plan on trying for the whole trail! McDougall Rim is one of the top hiking attractions in Kelowna so prepare for some pretty stellar views.

To get to McDougall Rim: Going north in Westbank on Hwy 97 turn left on Bartley Rd. Follow the road straight to a gravel road, you will be on private property for 2km. Park on the right just before the cattleguard and the trail starts here.

Location details for McDougall Rim hiking trail here

Things to do in Kelowna: Explore some of Kelowna’s Heritage

If you’re like me and you love finding out some of the history behind the places you visit you’ll love checking these Kelowna heritage focused attractions!

13. Visit Benvoulin Heritage Church

Visiting churches is such a thing in Europe, but who would have thought churches would be attractions here in Canada? We drove by Benvoulin Heritage Church numerous times and every time we passed it I always said we need to stop there and shoot one day. This year we finally made the stop and I’m so glad we did! It may not be as big or mighty as the historic churches in Europe… but this cute little church has plenty of history of its own! Here’s a little backstory on this charming little church:

Benvoulin was built in 1892 and formerly known as the Bethel Presbyterian Church. It was the first Protestant Church between Vernon and the US border.
The church was built on land donated by real estate promoter George Grant MacKay, and it was built by H.W. Raymer who became Kelowna’s first mayor in 1905.
The lumber came from the sawmill of notable pioneer Eli Lequime, and Lord & Lady Aberdeen who owned the neighbouring Guisachan ranch. They donated money and labour and the church was based off a church in their home of Aberdeen in Scotland!
It was dedicated on September 1st of 1892 by reverend Thomas Somerville of Glasgow.
After many changes to the building the church closed in 1964
In 1982 the newly formed Central Okanagan Heritage Society took on the restoration of the building. It held its official reopening September 4th of 1986.
Since then the church has become a well-used and much-loved community space in Kelowna. It’s now used for cultural events, weddings, concerts and so much more!

Location details for Benvoulin Heritage Church here

14. Visit the Okanagan Heritage Museum

At the Okanagan Heritage Museum you’ll discover the natural and human history of Kelowna. Admission is by donation (although $5 is recommended) so it’s a super affordable activity. At the Okanagan Heritage Museum you’ll get to learn how the Okanagan valley was formed, and why it supports tremendous biodiversity. Step into the world of the syilx/Okanagan people, and gain insights into their close connection to the land. Learn about the arrival of traders and settlers, and peer into the windows of an original “Chinatown” shop. Meet some individuals from Kelowna’s past and present, and be inspired by the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame! Okanagan Heritage Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits so check the website to see what attractions are going on during your visit!

Location details for Okanagan Heritage Museum here

Things to do in Kelowna: Spend time on Lake Okanagan

As if you were going to visit Kelowna without spending some time on the lake right? Whether you decide to visit one of Kelowna’s beaches and spend the day laying in the sun, strolling along the downtown harbour, checking out the passing boats, or you prefer to get out on the water yourself, you absolutely must spend some time visiting Lake Okanagan.

15. Visit one of Kelowna’s many public beaches

If you’re like me then your ideal vacation activity is spending the day laying on a beach with a good book, with not a care in the world, cooler in hand, and of course plenty of snacks packed away! Kelowna has so many great beaches to visit and these are some of the most popular (click them for the location details):

16. Rent a boat for the day

Who doesn’t love boating right? Why not rent a boat through Okanagan Boat Rentals and spend the day boating on Lake Okanagan! They have boat rentals with everything you need for tubing, wakesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and knee boarding! You can reserve a boat online on their website and they have seadoos too which are such a fun activity to do while in Kelowna.

Looking for something a little more unique? Check out Maeg’s BBQ Boats which are quite literally boats with BBQ’s in the middle!

17. Spend the day kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing on the lake

For an extra fun activity to do in Kelowna on the lake (that’s also a great workout) I recommend you rent a kayak, paddle board, or canoe from Okanagan Beach Rentals! They have 5 rental locations along Lake Okanagan at some of the most popular beaches and it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the lake. You can rent from Okanagan Beach Rentals at these locations:

For more details on Okanagan Beach Rentals and their locations click here!

View from the boardwalk

18. Go for a Stroll along the Waterfront Boardwalk

The waterfront boardwalk is an absolutely stunning little walk along Lake Okanagan in downtown Kelowna. On this walk you’ll get to see all sorts of wildlife, boats coming and going from the marina, and people out and about having picnics on the grass. Stop for an ice cream along the way or head into one of the local restaurants and bars nearby for a drink after your stroll. Parking is easily available along the streets or in one of the nearby carparks. This is the perfect place to go for an after dinner stroll especially since it’s in close proximity to so many restaurants.

19. Take in the views from up high on a Parasailing experience

Want to see Kelowna from a whole new perspective? Why not see it from up high in the sky on a parasailing adventure on Lake Okanagan! We went parasailing the summer before last and it was so much fun. Book your parasailing adventure with Ogopogo Parasail and see why it’s such a popular attraction in Kelowna. Ogopogo offers single, tandem and triple parasailing experiences. Make sure to wear a bathing suit because there’s a good chance you’ll get a little dip in the water on your way down.

Ogopogo Parasail is located right at the Downtown Kelowna Waterfront in Kerry Park. Location details here!

Things to do in Kelowna: Go on an outdoor adventure

If you haven’t already gotten a clue from this post, Kelowna is all about incredible outdoor activities. There’s just so much to see and do in the area! Why not try one of these unique Kelowna adventure activities…

20. Go trail riding with Kelowna Stables at Myra Canyon Ranch

Another great activity to do in Myra Canyon (located just 25 drive from downtown Kelowna) beyond biking the Kettle Valley trail is horseback riding with Kelowna Stables. Whether you’re a beginner, moderate level or expert horseback rider Kelowna Stables is the place to go. You’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful trails, friendliest staff, and best views you’ll see all from horseback! It’s also really easy to get both biking along the Kettle Valley trail and riding at Kelowna Stables done in one day, so if you’re making the trip out to Myra Canyon I definitely recommend doing both. In fact, you can even rent bikes at Kelowna Stables to do the Kettle Valley Railway trail! Make sure to reserve your bike online when booking your trail ride so you can get the most out of your visit to the area.

Kelowna Stables is located at the Myra Canyon Ranch Bed & Breakfast, located right at the entrance to Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. Location details here!

21. Check out the Oyama Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park

There’s a reason why Oyama Zipline is voted one of the top Kelowna Must-Do adventure activities and attractions. I did the Aerial Adventure Park this past summer with my sister-in-law and we had a blast! If you think aerial adventure parks are just for kids have I got news for you. Not only was it difficult but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

The entire course takes a couple of hours and is a great activity to do while visiting Kelowna. Make sure you wear sneakers with decent grip on the bottom, leggings or athletic shorts, and bring a hoodie. The park is shaded and it can get a little chillier than In the sun! Oyama Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park has 4 courses of varying difficulties. Start on the easiest one while you get your bearings and work your way up to the black diamond. I thought I was in for an easy afternoon activity but couldn’t believe how sore I was the next day!

Location details for Oyama Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park here!

Things to do in Kelowna: Spend a day in the Mountains

Although most of this post has been dedicated to things that are best enjoyed during the warmer months, this section is going to be dedicated mostly to winter! Kelowna and the surrounding areas has some great winter attractions. The mountain ski resorts are definitely top of the list to visit if you have a love for powder and getting some downhill speed. But don’t get me wrong, even if skiing or snowboarding aren’t your jam there’s still tons of activities to do in Kelowna in the winter months.

Who’s ready for a little cross country skiing?

22. Silverstar Mountain Resort

Located an hour outside of Kelowna, Silverstar Mountain Resort is possibly the cutest and most colourful little Mountain Village and resort I’ve ever seen. Silverstar Mountain Resort boasts tons of things to see and activities to do year round, so don’t let the season stop you from paying them a visit while in Kelowna! Whether you’re looking to ski or snowboard in the winter, or you want to check out the hiking trails, the gondola, or bike during the summer months you won’t get bored at Silverstar. There are also tons of cute shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels on Silverstar if you want to make a weekend out of it. With so many attractions and activities it would be a shame to miss visiting Silverstar while in Kelowna!

Location details for Silverstar Mountain Resort here!

23. Big White Mountain

Like Silverstar, Big White is another super cute and colorful Mountain destination near Kelowna with tons of activities to do year round. In the summer they have numerous hiking and biking trails, and of course in the winter you can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content! Big White also offers numerous shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, plus the resort has a spa for those looking to get a little self-care in. If you’re visiting Kelowna this year don’t miss this awesome attraction!

Location details for Big White Ski Resort here!

Twirling at Arrowleaf Cellars in Lake Country

Things to do in Kelowna: Take a Day Trip and explore some of Kelowna’s surrounding areas

So you’ve planned a trip to Kelowna and you know there’s plenty to do in the area. From wineries to beachside hangs, boating on the lake and hikes galore, but have you thought about a day trip? There are so many smaller cities and counties that surround Kelowna, each with their own charm! Here are a couple of my favourite Kelowna day trips.

24. Do a Day Trip to Visit the Wineries of Lake Country

If you’re planning on spending a couple of days in Kelowna I definitely recommend doing the 20 minute drive and heading out to Lake Country to visit the wineries out there. While the wineries in Kelowna are amazing, there’s something special about the smaller, quainter wineries you’ll find in the Lake Country region. There’s no denying these have quickly become some of my favourites, and we visit them all every time I’m in the area. They’re all in very close proximity and it’s easy to get them all done in one day. Head to this area and do a self drive winery tour hitting up all of my favourites that I’ve listed in my Wineries of Lake Country – The Perfect Kelowna Day Trip blog post!

Sipping wine in the vineyard at O’Rourkes Peak Cellars in Lake Country

25. Take a Day Trip to the Oliver & Osoyoos Wine Region

This year for the first time we decided to venture outside of Kelowna and head 2 hours south to the Oliver & Osoyoos region. I was super excited to visit this region because the climate is much hotter (it’s a desert climate) meaning they specialise in growing big BOLD reds. Although I never discriminate against a bottle of wine, I do love my bold reds and I was particularly excited to visit wineries in a region where the bold red grapes flourish.

The Oliver and Osoyoos region has around 24 wineries you can visit. I listed 6 of my favourite Oliver and Osoyoos wineries that you have to check out here. Head out to this region and spend the day visiting them all before making the drive back to Kelowna. Just make sure you have a designated driver! You’ll quickly see why visiting this region is a top attraction for Kelowna visitors!

Road 13 Winery in the Oliver & Osoyoos Region

Oliver Twist Winery in Oliver & Osoyoos

As you can tell from this post there’s just so many attractions, activities, and things to do in Kelowna! Whether you want to spend your time there visiting wineries, enjoying the lake or getting active outside Kelowna has something for everyone. I know you’ll fall in love with Kelowna as quickly as I did.

If you enjoyed this post I would love it if you pinned the below and saved it for later!

Don’t forget to visit these other posts to plan your Kelowna visit!

Have you visited Kelowna yet? What are some of your favourite activities and attractions to do in Kelowna? And if you haven’t which activities and attractions are you most excited to try when you do visit Kelowna? Let me know in the comments below!

Love, Kirsten

The post 25 Awesome Things to do in Kelowna: The Ultimate Kelowna Travel Guide appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

20 Outdoor Photoshoot Ideas – Easy Backyard Photography Guide

2020-06-14T19:40:55Z

Now that the weather is warming up we can finally be outdoors and this means it’s a great time to use your backyard or outdoor space for some new instagram content! I’ve put together a list of creative and fun outdoor photoshoot ideas for you to try now. No matter the size of your space you’ll definitely be able to try a few of these out!

By the way – I also have a post with 25 indoor home photoshoot ideas if you’re looking for more creative inspo!

Outdoor Photoshoot Ideas using Props

1. Create a dreamy scene with a book

Books are one of my favourite props to use when shooting outdoors and I’ve been posting a lot lately on my Instagram (you can follow me here!). The photos end up looking so pretty! You also don’t need a fancy old fashioned looking book to get this look. All you have to do is take the shell off of one of your hardcover books like I did. Voila!

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Im one of those girls who would rather spend her time with her nose in a book, reading about fairytales and love stories, than facing the real world ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I read that quote last night and honestly, I relate to it so much lately. If my nose isn’t stuck in a book these days it’s stuck in the lilacs… and man oh man do the lilacs smell amazing this time of year ⁣ ⁣ What books have you been reading lately? I just finished “The Path to the Sea” which I really enjoyed and now I’m reading “The Girls with no Names”

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on May 19, 2020 at 6:08am PDT

Dress & hat above linked here:

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Reading a book gives us somewhere to go when we have to stay where we are ⁣ ⁣ One of the hobbies I’ve been investing a lot of my time into lately has been reading. I’ve always been a big reader but I feel now more than ever the desire to be transported into a make believe world. As much as it’s fun to watch TV I find that books, likely because they require my undivided attention, are much more of an escape. One of the best ones I’ve read recently was “The House by the Sea” by Santa Montefiore. It’s beautifully written and will transport you to the Italian countryside ⁣ ⁣ What books have you read lately that you loved? ⁣ ⁣ About the photo: I took this photo in the empty lot next to my parents place here in Lake Country (just outside of Kelowna). I had been admiring the wild flowers from our window all week and knew I had to get out there to shoot. It ended up being so pretty, even though it’s technically all weeds and full of deer poop. I think it worked out quite well and gives me all the dreamy fairytale spring vibes I was hoping for

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on Apr 29, 2020 at 6:16am PDT

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It’s a cold rainy day today and I’m happy with that

A post shared by Christina Loewen (@christinaloewen) on May 23, 2020 at 10:16am PDT

2. Use a chair

Chairs can make fun but easily overlooked photoshoot props. You can get super creative and use them the wrong way like @Kylie.katich, or set up a scene like I did below. Grab yourself a lawn chair and see what kind of creative poses or settings you can come up with!

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Alex told me I’m doing this the wrong way… but I couldn’t CHAIR less @modcloth #modclothsquad

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on May 6, 2020 at 11:04am PDT

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Oh god not another photo of Kirsten with the same book in her garden in Kelowna… yep here it is ⁣ ⁣ As some of you already know I left my condo in Toronto to be with my parents right before the lockdown started. I had a feeling things were going to get pretty bad and to be honest I just didn’t want to be alone cooped up in my tiny condo for months on end. I’m so happy I came here and that I’ve been able to spend time experiencing spring in Kelowna with them. But of course what this means is I not only have limited clothes (i came here with winter sweats and pjs and basically had to buy a tiny spring wardrobe on a budget while here) but limited props to work with. So I’m using what I have and that means you can expect a whole lot more of this little book (which is the only hardcover book we have here with the sleeve removed) and this @sheinofficial dress coming soon. The only question is, which corner of the garden will I pop up in next? ⁣ ⁣ Hope you’ve been liking my Kelowna garden quarantine content! It’s really forced me to think creatively and I’ve had to start not only using my tripod and self shooting again, but I’ve started using my portrait lens too which has been an interesting switch! I’m just glad I didn’t sell it before which I had originally planned on doing

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on May 25, 2020 at 6:07am PDT

3. Grab your bike

If you have a cute vintage looking bike they make such great photo props! Set yourself up against a colourful wall like @saraevyandersson or head out to enjoy a little nature like @alexandratealeaf and @margusha___. If you don’t have a colourful wall near you that’s no problem. Set yourself up at a plain wall and photoshop any colour you want in after!

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Monday, I actually welcome Monday, it’s the start of a new week, the chance to do better! . . This week, I can see LOTS of amazing things to help us all do better and be more understanding. I am not pretending to be hub of knowledge, but it’s incredible to learn so much about such an important message from my peers and all of you. . . This is a thank you to EVERYONE who’s posted to help others, to help us be better and DO better. . . Black lives matters. You all have the right to be who you are and be proud of it. So, as we use all of our voices together we can learn from those with knowledge, and let’s be better and sensible together, we can all help make a difference. . . Thank you and Happy Monday. . . #weallmatter #alllivesmatters #mondayiscoming #stayalert #besafeoutthere #besafeeveryone #weareunited #weareinthistogether #weareuk #savelives #pinkbicycle #vintagebicycles #hydeparklondon #londonlockdown #covidlondon #girlsinsocks #prettygirlchallenge #prettycitylondon #wearelondon #london_city_photo #springtimevibes #londonguru #blacklivesmatter #youmatter #visitlondonofficial #londongurus #londonguru #royalparks #royalpark #londonparks

A post shared by Alexandra Tealeaf (@alexandratealeaf) on Jun 1, 2020 at 10:35am PDT

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Hello sunny days! The only thing I can think of right now is to take my bike to the nearest café , buy my fav ice cream and sit in the sun with my friends!. . What are you missing most during this quarantine? I miss my friends and family so much

A post shared by Sara Evy Andersson (@saraevyandersson) on Apr 11, 2020 at 9:23am PDT

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Happy Sunday Na ihr lieben wie war euer Wochenende so? Heute kam endlich mein neues Fahrrad zum Einsatz bin damit rum gefahren und habe dann noch schnell ein Foto damit gemacht ich liebe Fahrrad fahren einfach und bin mega happy mit dem Flo bestellt sich auch bald ein neues und dann werden ordentlich Rad Touren gemacht Fahrt ihr auch gerne Fahrrad oder ist das nicht so euer Ding? _________________________________________________________ #rapsfeld #rapsblüte #raps #rapeseed #rapefield #yellowflowers #fahrrad

A post shared by Maggy (@margusha____) on May 3, 2020 at 10:52am PDT

4. Bring a mirror outside

You’ve probably seen the #mirrorchallenge trend all over instagram and it’s a super easy photoshoot idea you can take outside. Grab any mirror, big or small, and try shooting from different angles with it. You can get even more creative by adding flowers or other props like @pink.lem and @tezza did.

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THAT DREAM WAS PLANTED IN YOUR HEART FOR A REASON. • No big captions today guys. Just read the above. Read, process and never forget. • Wearing @laboheme_lifestyle • Remember to tag your pictures using hashtag #pinklemgang for a chance to get featured during my Sunday Shoutouts! • : @ren.fonseca • #mirrorpic #mirrorphotography #explorerbabes #fashionphotography #dametraveler #fashiondiva #vogue #mirrorpics #travelcommunity #suitcasetravels #quarantime #mirrorchallenge #stayhome #bali #flowerframe #fashionbloggerstyle #portraitphotography #balilife #balibabe #canggu #thebalibible #portrait_mood #quarantinelife #inspireyourself #sheisnotlost #polskadziewczyna #flowersofinstagram #flowerpower #flowerportrait

A post shared by Pink Lemonade | Bali Babe (@pink.lem) on May 2, 2020 at 6:30am PDT

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ride into the sun

A post shared by Tezza (@tezza) on Apr 12, 2020 at 10:13am PDT

5. Play with newspaper

If you read the newspaper and have a bunch lying around here’s a great photoshoot idea for you! Make a “tent” out of newspaper like photographer @klaudia_kirschner did with the model below, or just use them as a prop like @lottivanlotti

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@simonkagulasova

A post shared by Klaudia Kirschner Fotograf (@klaudia_kirschner) on Apr 26, 2020 at 10:28am PDT

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Wer Zeitung liest, weiß was in der Welt passiert. Falsch. Er weiß was in der Zeitung steht. Denn das Eine hat leider oft nicht so viel mit dem anderen zu tun. Wir sind angewiesen auf die Informationen, die uns die Medien übermitteln, haben selten die Gelegenheit, oder vor allem auch die Zeit und Neugierde, rauszufinden, ob besagte Schlagzeile auch wirklich stimmt. Nicht nur jetzt in dieser brisanten Zeit, wo man um Nachrichten und Meldungen nicht herum kommt, sondern auch bei breitgefächerten Themenfelder im Alltag vor Corona, müssen wir der Wahrhaftigkeit der Zeitung, der Online- oder Fernsehpresse vertrauen. Eine unglaubliche Macht über das Volk liegt in der Hand dieser Medien und kann eine ganze Nation, ja eine ganze Welt beeinflussen. Uns wird nur das gezeigt, was uns nicht in Aufruhr oder Widerstand versetzt, was den Großen und Mächtigen in den Kram passt und die Wahrheit so aufgehübscht und verdreht, dass es in die bevorzugte Darstellung der Dinge für Besagte passt. Von aufmerksamkeitsheischenden Schlagzeilen, über beruhigende Abstreitung gewisser Problematik bis hin zu irreführenden Falschinformationen in der Anonymität des World Wide Web‘s ist alles dabei und was können wir dagegen tun? Rein gar nichts. Denn unabhängige Fakten sind kaum zu finden, noch reicht die Mühe und das Interesse des Durchschnittbürgers dafür aus. Gerade in der jetzigen Zeit ist es sehr kontraproduktiv zu oft die Nachrichten zu lesen, hören, oder schauen. Während jetzt alle Medien von Opferzahlen, Grenzschließungen und Notstandsausrufungen berichten, sollten wir eigentlich darüber informiert und sensibilisiert werden, wie es zu dieser Aussnahmesituation überhaupt erst kommen konnte, was wir in Zukunft besser machen können und wo unsere größten Mengel im System liegen. Die Presse hat jetzt mehr als je zuvor die Aufgabe die breite Masse zu einem Umdenken zu animieren. Ich weiß nicht ob es besser wird, wenn es anders wird. Aber es muss anders werden, wenn es besser werden soll.

A post shared by | Elisa (@lottivanlotti) on Apr 1, 2020 at 12:08pm PDT

6. Use your roller skates for a fun outdoor photoshoot idea

Even something as simple as adding a pair of roller skates can make a photo more fun. If you want to really jazz your photo up try popping some flowers into them for an extra fun pop.

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ch wünsche euch einen wundervollen Abend Wie war euer Wochenende? Flo und ich haben heute fast den ganzen Tag nur Serie geschaut aber später wollten noch einen kleinen Spaziergang an der Luft machen, ich mag das nämlich im Moment so gerne abends für ne halbe Stunde zu laufen und die Natur zu sehen _________________________________________________________ #rollerskating #rollerskates #rollschuhe #outfit #summerfeeling #carmushka #outfitstyle

A post shared by Maggy (@margusha____) on Apr 26, 2020 at 10:54am PDT

Outdoor Photoshoot Ideas using Flowers

7. Glue/tape flowers to your face

I’ve seen a lot of instagrammers lately either taping or gluing flowers to their face and the result always ends up being gorgeous! You can use any small flowers you like for this so get creative. I love the way @hellomissjordan combined this with the mirror challenge in the below photo!

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Mirror, Mirror I think this may be one of the most Springy photos I've ever taken It turns out the #mirrorchallenge is way harder than I thought it would be, especially when I decided to shoot on the windiest day of the week and everything was blowing everywhere Plus, trying to explain to Tom the vision in my head rather poorly and hoping he just gets it However, I'm so pleased with how this came out, especially as we just caught the last patch of blue sky before the grey clouds rolled in! We shot amongst the many daisies on the field behind our house and they matched perfectly with my new dress from @coastfashion (gifted), which has pretty much the dreamiest puffy princess sleeves I've ever seen I've been waiting for this to come back into stock for so long so I was so pleased when I managed to snag it! Have you tried out the mirror challenge yet? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Real life daisy filter inspired by the lovely @thefashionfraction #flowerfilteritlikemichele #reallifefilteritlikemichele ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dress gifted from @coastfashion

A post shared by Jordan | Life, Fashion, Travel (@hellomissjordan) on May 13, 2020 at 10:34am PDT

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Stay home but with style swipe to see the bts Is there anything that you’d like to know about editing ? Lightroom or Photoshop? I’m planning on doing a few tutorials and I wanted to know what you’re interested in . . . . #creativeportrait #portraitshoot #selfportraitphotography #homephotoshoot #autoportrait #creativephotos #photoshootideas #frenchbloggers #mylittleparis #parisianstyle #jerestechezmoi #photoinspo #photoinspiration #photoinsta #creativite #creativephotography #créativité #selfportraitphotography #instaportrait #frenchstyle #becreativeeveryday #becreative #confinementcreatif #stayhome #daisyflower #marguerite #bandaid

A post shared by MORGY CONTENT CREATOR (@morgylh) on Apr 30, 2020 at 11:18am PDT

8. Make a flower top for a unique outdoor photoshoot idea

Another great outdoor photoshoot idea you can do using flowers is to pop a bouquet down your pants to make a flower top. It sounds like a crazy concept but ends up looking so pretty!

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Nature’s tube top

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on May 12, 2020 at 11:03am PDT

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Happy weekend Heute war etwas stressig, aber tdem schön habe viel geschafft und grade noch einer Freundin die Haare verlängert Jetzt noch eine Shisha und den Film TED anschauen kennt ihr den? ———————————————————— #flowertop #sunsetview #curlyhair #happyweekend #cuteoutfit #fashioninspo #girlypicture #girlyinspo #followmeto #flowerpower #sunsetlover

A post shared by #Fashion #Hairstyles #Beauty (@larinabeauty) on Jun 5, 2020 at 12:19pm PDT

9. Put flowers in your back pocket

Another idea you can do with flowers is to stick a bunch in your back pocket. It’s such an easy photoshoot concept and the result is so cute!

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Pocketful of sunshine

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on May 20, 2020 at 11:03am PDT

10. Shadow play with plants/flowers for a neat & creative outdoor photoshoot idea

I touched a little on shadow play in this post on indoor photoshoot ideas to try at home and I just love the outdoor version. Grab yourself some flowers, plants, or leaves and hold them up in front of your face in the direct sunlight to get a shadow. I would love to see someone try this with a majesty palm leaf!

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Wenn ihr wählen müsstet: Sonne oder Schatten ? __________________________________ #stayhome #creativeshot #closeupshooting #shadow #spring2020 #shorthair #spingvibes #anajohnson #anajohnsonpreset #inspiration #pinterest

A post shared by FASHION | INSPO | TRAVEL (@anajohnson) on Apr 3, 2020 at 12:04pm PDT

11. Shoot portrait style photos with a flower bush or blooming tree

When quarantine first started I honestly had no idea how I would ever create content. I am used to shooting very travel-esque shots with my wide angle lens which require scenic landscapes and lots of space. Being stuck within four walls (and a garden) forced me to get a little more creative and start playing around with my portrait lens.

Shooting with a portrait lens allows you to not only focus in on a smaller space, but blur out the background if it’s not as perfectly scenic as you’d like so it’s perfect for backyard photography. You don’t need an amazing garden to get shots like these, all you need is one pretty bush and your portrait lens!

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Happy Saturday everyone! Here’s another photo I shot myself with our tiny lilac bush here in Kelowna ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ This is the first time in ages that I’ve posted more than 5 times in a week and here’s why⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It’s because of YOU. ⁣⁣ For as long as I can remember I’ve treated Instagram like a job. I’ve been consistent, but it’s been work. Something I “have” to do where I needed a break a couple of times a week (which is totally fair by the way it that’s how you are too!). ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Lately though, and this past week especially, I have been feeling such a strong sense of community here that’s made me EXCITED to share again. I’ve felt so much support from all of you (and I’ve tried to give mine back). I’ve felt so much love. I’ve had such beautiful messages in my inbox. I’ve had conversations with some of you who are new here… and it’s just felt GOOD. I don’t know if it’s because we all have more time on our hands, but I just wanted to say thank you.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Thank you for making me excited to share again. Thank you for taking the time to engage with and support me. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinions. Thank you for taking the time to message me. Thank you for being here! I love this sense of community and I am so thankful for all of you. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ If we haven’t “virtually” met yet and you’re reading this please introduce yourself and tell me where you’re from! I would love to hear from you . And if you have, tell me what your dream travel destination is, I want to know!

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on May 23, 2020 at 7:50am PDT

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Grow through what you go through…. • • • #spring #springtime #springflowers #spring2020 #springfashion #spreadlove #desertbloom #beauty #makeup #model #flowers #flowerstagram #flowersofinstagram #lasvegas #lasvegasblogger #lv

A post shared by Alana Campos (@alana.camposs) on May 8, 2020 at 9:39am PDT

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I never realized just how much I love spring until I got to experience spring here in Lake country ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Coming from a city like Toronto (and before that Edmonton) where there isn’t really a spring and it just goes from winter to summer, I had no idea what a magical season it really was. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen photos all over Instagram of spring in other cities. I’ve seen the flower covered buildings and beautiful display of London… I’ve seen the jaw dropping beauty of spring in Paris… but I haven’t lived somewhere with a real spring since I was too young to really appreciate it. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Watching spring unfold her has been absolutely magical. Within days we saw everything turn green… Buds unfurl and turn into leaves… flowers burst out of the ground. Every single day I’ve discovered new flowers and it’s been so exciting to watch. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Do you have a full spring season where you live?

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on May 31, 2020 at 8:15am PDT

Outdoor Photoshoot Ideas using Angles

When you’re limited with space and working with a small backyard angles can be your best friend. Here’s some creative ways to utilize angles to get the most out of your outdoor photoshoots!

12. Shoot for the sky

Position the camera at ground level angled upwards and shoot up towards the sky. You can do this with a small tripod, with the aid of a photographer friend (who will have to lay down to get the shot), or even sit your camera on the ground propped up against a few items. Shooting this way is such a great way to capture the pretty blues of the sky.

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Backyard blues

A post shared by Tezza (@tezza) on Apr 18, 2020 at 10:30am PDT

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Nothing but blue

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on May 4, 2020 at 11:03am PDT

13. Lay in the grass and shoot from low

All you really need is some grass for this shot! The easiest way to get this type of shot is using a portrait lens. This will not only give you the blurred background (which helps when the background isn’t that notable on it’s own) as well as the blurred grass in the foreground.

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When life gives you golden hour… you take selfies.

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on Apr 24, 2020 at 11:02am PDT

14. Lay in the grass and shoot from above

If you’re stuck shooting content in a small backyard space utilizing different angles is super helpful to get the most out of your space. You can lay in the grass and shoot it from low like the above photo or shoot it from above like @hellomissjordan and I did below. In order to shoot from above you’ll either need to set up your tripod above you or else get a friend to straddle you (awkward, but it works).

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True Love's Kiss POV: When you've just woken up from a sleep like death to find someone hella gorgeous standing over you. I'll let you decide who it is Another shot from last month amongst the woodland anemones These flowers remind me so much of snowflakes, gently scattered across the forest floor This photo gives me so many fairytale vibes and even though you're probably sick of seeing me lying down in the middle of things now (that seems to be the ongoing theme of my lockdown shots) I loved this one too much to pass up posting it I've been loving exploring the vast natural landscapes around my home so much and I'm still discovering new spots even now!

A post shared by Jordan | Life, Fashion, Travel (@hellomissjordan) on May 2, 2020 at 10:48am PDT

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Making summer memories that will last forever with FUJIFILM’s new mini LiPlay . . If you guys love the FUJIFILM Instax as much as I do you’re doing to LOVE this. FUJIFILM recently launched their brand new #mini LiPlay which is both an instant camera and a smartphone printer! You can save all your pics to the SD card and print your favourites, plus they have all sorts of fun filters you can apply too. Oh – and you can even record sound to capture the memory which will print off as a QR code on your photo and can be played back from your smartphone… How cool is that? I had so much fun taking snapshots with my new LiPlay on my family trip to Kelowna. I printed out my 10 favourite memories from this trip and I can’t wait to put these up on my wall at home. What have been some of your favourite summer memories this year? Share yours and tag #Give10withNewinstax so I can see! . . #instax #Newinstax #Neweranewinstax #liplay #miniliplay #instaxminiliplay *partner

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on Aug 13, 2019 at 5:47am PDT

15. Try a through the window shot

I adore through the window shots! They used to be super popular on instagram. I’m sure you’ve seen the ones set up through a cafe window with an instagrammed drinking her coffee and looking out the window pondering life… Why not try something similar from home?

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That time when you stick you daughter out in the rain to capture a lockdown portrait. But with good reason, I wanted to remember this time , stuck indoors whilst it’s raining, staring into my cold cup of tea longing for some normality but wondering if I will know how to have a conversation with someone face to face? . I know we’re a long way away from “normal” but I can’t help but start thinking about what I am going to do when they restrictions are lifted… for sure I’m going to drive over and hug my lovely mummy first , followed by some alone time! . . What about you what are you going to do first? . . . #lockdown2020 #behindtheglass #remeberinglifebeforequarantine #missingfamily #outofworkphotographer #phlock #storiesoftheeveryday #fortheloveofthephotograph #strikeapose #coldtea #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodrising #mumtogcommunity #mumbehindthecamera #photonativehometogether #smallbusiness #southamptonsmallbusiness #shopsmall #camera_mama #sotonbloggers #dearphotographer #capturethemoment #theeverydayportrait #throughthewindow #lockdownportraits #ukmumtogs #holdstill2020

A post shared by Thursday’s Child Photography (@thursdayschildphotography) on Apr 30, 2020 at 11:09am PDT

Creative Outdoor Photoshoot Ideas

16. Use a fishbowl for a spacey sci-fi style creative shoot

I never thought I would see the day where I would be recommended people put a fishbowl on their heads for photos. However, thanks to @officiallyquigley and her insanely creative mind here we are!

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CAPTION THIS QUARANTINE PHOTO SERIES // This basically sums up life in Quarantine for me… Pregnancy has created an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility in my body. I feel beautiful and powerful, and more “me” than ever before. When and if I dress up, it’s for “me,” and that’s a new feeling. It’s surprisingly empowering. My extensions are out, and I’m growing out my natural color… I’m happier than ever in my own skin, but I’m also totally fine with the fact that I love doing my hair loud and make loud and wearing loud ass neon pink dresses because I just simply FEEL like it! Both loving yourself for the way you are and loving the art form of dressing up can co-exist inside of us at the same time // A part of me also feels like I’m stuck between wanting this time period to end and also wanting to freeze time and to be pregnant forever. I’ve enjoyed this time being able to be fully present with the baby growing inside me. I’m an over achiever, perfectionist who loves running at a million miles an hour…. the universe has forced me to slow down and I’m so freaking grateful. I could stay here forever… but I also want the world to heal. It’s complicated. I guess I’ll just accept each day with gratitude and continue to give and love with generosity and kindness. That’s all i can do right? Love and air hugs, Quigs

A post shared by Quigley Goode (@officiallyquigley) on May 3, 2020 at 7:02pm PDT

17. Pour water on yourself

I have to give @kyliekatich a lot of credit here because this gal is CREATIVE when it comes to her photos. There’s a reason she’s been featured so many times in both of my photoshoot idea posts. If you’re not afraid to get wet try playing around with pouring water on yourself. It just goes to show that even the smallest things can make for a much more dynamic and interesting photo.

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IT’S A WATERFALL LIFE . Swipe to watch an IMPORTANT part of our process! I’ve had to learn to be OK with moving on + not wasting time photographing something that isn’t speaking to me. (easier said than done when you want something to work out!) Next time you’re shooting + it’s not what you envisioned, take time to pause and really think. Look at your surroundings. Take a breathe. And think of a way you can elevate your idea. Remind yourself that moving on ISN’T giving up. HAPPY SHOOTING

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on May 8, 2020 at 11:13am PDT

18. Try a picnic scene for a fun outdoor photoshoot idea

Picnic scenes have always been my favourite outdoor photoshoot ideas and they’re so easy to do. All you really need is a blanket, some sort of basket, and some extra props like food items or books and flowers. These also always do really well on instagram I find!

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I’ve been thinking a lot this past week about what exactly I would say in today’s post. As my week of muting my own content comes to an end, how can I appropriately re-introduce myself back into this space? ⁣ ⁣ The thing is, it’s not just going to be “business as usual” this week. We aren’t going “back to normal” today because we can’t allow our normal to be what it was before. ⁣ ⁣ The fight against racism is not a sprint. It’s not one week of sharing resources and amplifying black voices and then a return to normal as if nothing happened. The fight against racism is a marathon, and it’s one that I am ready to be a part of. ⁣ ⁣ If you’re new to my page and have joined in this past week, welcome! I want you to know that even though I’ll be sharing my own photos again, that I will continue to use my voice and platform to spread awareness, to fight against racism, and to advocate for equality. If you’ve been around here for awhile then, well, you’re probably already used to me speaking my mind … But you better believe fighting racism and advocating for diversity is going to be a conversation I’ll be having a hell of a lot more often here. ⁣ ⁣

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on Jun 8, 2020 at 6:14am PDT

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Dream A Little Dream of Me Last weekend Tom, Oscar, Penelope (my bike lol) and I went out for a little picnic just up the road. Partially because the weather was so nice but mainly because I wanted to take my new heart shaped picnic basket out for a spin I bought it second hand from ebay, with the profits going towards helping women in need, so it was a no brainer whether or not I should buy it ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Also, these strawberries were some of the most delicious I've ever eaten There's nothing like British strawberries Have you had a picnic yet this summer? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dress gifted from @nastygal

A post shared by Jordan | Life, Fashion, Travel (@hellomissjordan) on May 28, 2020 at 10:49am PDT

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Picnicking in the garden Bracelet @lesgeorgettes_byaltesse (gifted)

A post shared by Nicole ❥ London Blogger (@candy_nicole__) on Apr 28, 2020 at 4:42am PDT

19. Shoot with your clothesline

This is a super fun idea if you have a clothesline (or even if you can make one/fake it!). Stick to white fabrics for a cleaner look, or if you’ve got a colourful feed have some fun and use some colourful fabrics!

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Laundry Day Inspiration can come from anywhere…including what's in your washing machine! I actually had a dream about doing this photoshoot, and as I had to wash the bedding anyway I decided to set it up while it dried. It's not really inspired by anything in particular other than my strange dream, but when I was shooting a few people mentioned The Greatest Showman, Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Dorothy from Wizard of Oz and I'm sure it could give off all those vibes! Let me know where you love to get your inspiration from ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dress gifted from @loudbodies

A post shared by Jordan – Travel Fashion Colour (@hellomissjordan) on Apr 17, 2020 at 10:35am PDT

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A Spring time love story. The girls’ dresses are from @wildwawa.

A post shared by Christina Loewen (@christinaloewen) on May 3, 2020 at 9:39am PDT

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What’s your passion? What makes you excited to get up in the morning? – We always remember a time when our friends would say they were sick of living for the weekend, that they wanted to live for every single day. It’s a thought that has inspired us for years of working towards living the life we love. For us, we love to create, and we love to travel – Some say we are lucky to live the life we do, but we can assure you there was no luck involved. We worked our asses off for years to gain the skills, the knowledge and the funds to fuel this lifestyle. We turned this passion into a lifestyle and we’ve created a life that makes us excited to get up in the morning. – But our story is nothing spectacular. Anyone can do what we have done. You just have to ask yourself, what is your true passion? How can you fill your life with the things you love most? – Today, we want to pass on some of the tools that have helped us get to where we are now. Tune into our stories in just a few hours to learn more! ••••• #workhardplayhard #backyardphotography #couplephotography #discoverontario #travelontario #seetorontonow #creativetravelcouples #whatsyourpassion #creatives #laundry #creativephotography #athomeworkouts

A post shared by CLAUDIA & KAAN (@thelosttwo) on May 30, 2020 at 6:51am PDT

20. Shoot in your car

If you have a car it can actually make for a great outdoor photoshoot location! Does it really count as outdoors? I’m not sure but I decided to include it anyways.

Tip: you don’t have to find the perfect location for this if you have some photoshop skills. You can photoshop any scene you want into the window like the snowy scene I photoshopped in below!

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Im probably pointing out the way to the closest pizza joint to be honest . . When I asked you all in my stories last week so many of you expressed interest in knowing how I edit the windows in my photos so today I’ll be doing a tutorial! Check out my stories to see a step by step on how I created this photo . Hope you all enjoy it and don’t forget throw this a like, let me know in the comments and share it if you do. The more support and feedback I get the more likely I am to keep creating them for you . . This photo was edited completely on mobile using @lightroom, Juxtaposer, and @picsart . . by @cwendlandt // #picsart #juxtaposer #lightroompresets #lightroom #lightroomedits #editingtutorial #visualambassadors #fashiongoals #blogger_de #americanstyle #travelblogger_de #ootdguide #ootdearth #iggermany #snowland #winterwonderland #wearthisnext #editingtips #wearetravelgirls #ootdguide #prettylittleiiinspo #cybercorner #travelbloggerlife #starbucks #shetravels #postcardplaces #coffeelover #coffeeaddict #manoloblahnik

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on Jan 5, 2019 at 8:29am PST

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Ich wünsche euch einen wundervollen Abend Geht es euch gut? Heute hab ich mich mal wieder sehr schlapp und lustlos gefühlt… hab den ganzen Tag fast nur Serie geschaut wollte aber gleich noch ein schönes Bad nehmen und danach vielleicht noch mal kurz an die frische Luft das wird mir bestimmt gut tun. Mehr hab ich heute aber auch nicht zu erzählen weil mein Tag sehr unspektakulär war wie war’s bei euch so? _________________________________________________________ #happytuesday #outfitideas #fashionblogger #rapsfeld #rapefield #auto #outfitstyle

A post shared by Maggy (@margusha____) on May 5, 2020 at 10:56am PDT

I hope you all enjoyed reading this list of outdoor photoshoot ideas you can try in your own backyard! Hopefully you’re feeling a little more inspired to shoot and have plenty to keep you busy over the coming weeks.

If you’re looking for more easy & creative photoshoot ideas to try out check out this post:

25 indoor home photoshoot ideas to try now

And if you’re looking for more things to keep you busy during this extra time at home you might also enjoy these posts:

Feel free to pin any of the below to refer back to later!

With love, Kirsten

The post 20 Outdoor Photoshoot Ideas – Easy Backyard Photography Guide appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

Four Seasons Toronto Review: 18 Reasons you’ll Love Staying Here

2020-06-28T23:38:34Z

The Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts never cease to amaze me in every city I visit, and the Toronto location is no exception. The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto sits in Yorkville, one of Toronto’s hottest affluential neighbourhoods lined with restaurants, bars, and steps away from the luxury shops of Bloor.

I recently had the opportunity to spend 2 perfect nights staycation-ing at the Four Seasons Toronto and it was an amazing retreat. It left me feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and revitalized. Beyond a perfect location, the Four Seasons truly is the epitome of luxury that is sure to make you feel welcome and at home in our beautiful city. If you’re planning on visiting Toronto here’s 18 reasons you should absolutely consider staying with the Four Seasons Toronto while you’re here!

You can find the best rates available for the Four Seasons Toronto here!

Exploring some of the shops and restaurants in Yorkville

Four Seasons Toronto – Location

1. Perfect location in the heart of Yorkville

As I mentioned, The Four Seasons Toronto hotel is located in the heart of Yorkville, one of Toronto’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and just steps away from the subway line, it’s easy to get to anywhere you need from the Four Seasons. There’s no shortage of excellent restaurants and things to do in the area should you be hoping to not venture far.

2. Four Seasons Toronto has over 130 dining options nearby

If you’re concerned about dining options and convenience, don’t be! Bloor-Yorkville alone has over 130 dining options that range from casual fare to 5 star dining with some of the city’s most renowned and well known chefs. All of these are located from only steps to a couple of blocks away from the Four Seasons Toronto.

3. Tons of family friendly activities to do in the area

Looking for something to do but don’t want to venture far? The Royal Ontario Museum is just a few blocks away along with the beautiful University of Toronto grounds. Yorkville also boasts numerous small galleries as well as a cinema so there’s plenty to do! Check out the list of local galleries here.

4. Shopping to your Heart’s Content just Blocks Away.

If you’re a bit of a shopaholic like me then Yorkville is the place to be. You’ll find shops ranging from Zara all the way up to all of the luxury shops like Chanel and Hermes so there’s definitely something for everyone. Take a stroll down Bloor and shop to your heart’s content before stopping for lunch or an afternoon snack.

Checking out the view of Yorkville, including my favourite Vegan bakery Sorelle & Co on the right

5. Four Seasons Toronto is just steps away from the Subway line

Should you be hoping to explore more of the city it’s also super easy to get to Toronto’s top attractions from the subway line which is just a couple of blocks away from the hotel. Not sure how to navigate it? The concierge is there to help you 24/7 and will definitely guide you in the right direction.

Four Seasons Toronto – Accommodations

6. A grand entrance that will leave you breathless

The Four Seasons Hotel is warm and inviting with a spacious and modern design. The lobby features high ceilings and stunning chandeliers that make it the perfect photo opp. It’s definitely one of the most instagrammed parts of the hotel!

7. Luxurious Accommodations

When I think of the Four Seasons I think of luxury, comfort and elegance which is a perfect way to describe the rooms at the Four Seasons Toronto. Our double queen room had two extremely lush and comfortable beds that were both easy to melt into and difficult to get out of, a desk, sitting area, large screen TV, floor to ceiling windows, Nespresso machine, stocked bar, large closet, and sprawling bathroom complete with a shower, bathtub, and his and hers sinks.

8. The most comfortable beds you’ll never want to get out of

I wasn’t kidding when I said the beds were extremely lush and comfortable. I had one of the best sleeps of my life at the Four Seasons and I know you will too!

Enjoying breakfast in bed

Four Seasons Toronto – Dining

9. Impeccable room service with excellent dining options

We started off our first morning with breakfast in bed ordered to our rooms from the Four Seasons’ excellent and extensive in-room dining menu and both of our meals were amazing. The croissants were buttery and flakey, reminiscent of ones I have had in Paris. The avocado toast was delightful (although I’m definitely biased towards any avocado toast), the breakfast bowl was hearty, and the fruit plate a perfect addition to our breakfast. For drinks the Four Seasons offers an extensive alcohol and wine list, specialty coffees and beverages, homemade juices and smoothies, and even a great kombucha selection. We were beyond satisfied with our amazing in-room dining experience and the excellent selection offered on their menu.

What a delicious breakfast we had in our room!

Enjoying a coffee and the bar at Cafe Boulud

10. Cafe Boulud – An amazing french style brasserie located on site

Food is always an important factor for me in considering which hotels to stay with. The Four Seasons Toronto definitely knocked it out of the park in terms of their menus and offerings. Cafe Boulud, located on the second floor of the Four Seasons in Toronto is a French brasserie with a vintage feel and a seasonally rotating menu of French & fusion cuisine. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends, Cafe Boulud far exceeded our expectations.

For dinner I enjoyed an amuse-bouche of Chanterelle mushroom deep fried in rice flour with an espuma mushroom, white and red current and some radish leaves to start. Up next I had the Tartare de Thon (tuna tartare). It had Blue Fin tuna, watermelon radish, daikon, chia seeds, cilantro, and harissa toasted baguette. Finally my main course was the Thon Rouge which was seared tuna with black rice, cabbage and a ginger butter sauce. Each course was better than the next and we both left feeling incredibly full and satisfied.

I loved the atmosphere at Cafe Boulud

Eagerly awaiting a cocktail at D-Bar

11. D|Bar – A great place to grab a craft cocktail and casual bite

If you’re looking for more casual fare, small plates, charcuterie or just a craft cocktail or two in a luxe environment then D|Bar is for you. Located on the main floor of the Four Seasons they’re the perfect place to stop for a cocktail or two. Bright and airy during the day with 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, D-Bar is a chic lounge lined with blush velvet couches, chic furniture and exceptional service. At night this is a great place to grab a cocktail and just relax.

We watched the sun set from the event space terrace and it was so gorgeous

Four Seasons’ Toronto – Amenities

12. An amazing event space

It’s no surprise that the Four Seasons in Toronto is a popular event venue, and one second out on the wrap-around terrace will show you why! They have a beautiful event space! The large wrap-around terrace is a very popular spot for wedding photos. Of course we couldn’t help but go out there and create our own. I just loved how all the buildings reflect on the mirrored glass, and the sunset we saw up there overlooking Yorkville was just magical.

13. Four Seasons Toronto has a state of the art fitness centre that’s open 24/7

If you’re the opposite of me and you actually like to work out while you’re on holiday then the Four Seasons has the perfect fitness centre for you. Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week it is loaded with all the machines you need to get your sweat on. My favourite part of the gym? They have a coffee bar outside where you can pour yourself coffee, grab a water, or some free fruit to tide you over till your next meal. It’s those little things that count!

14. A calming relaxation pool to swim the day away

Located on the 9th floor of the Four Seasons is the beautiful relaxation pool & whirlpool. Lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, loungers and lounge areas, lush towels, and is the perfect place to relax the day away.

15. The most luxurious spa services that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated

If location and excellent dining options aren’t enough to convince you then perhaps the on-site spa at the Four Seasons will be. The spa at the Four Seasons is an oasis of serenity and relaxation that offers an extensive list of services from massages and facials, to hair & beauty treatments, traditional Chinese medicine and everything in between. Treat yourself to one of their amazing services and enjoy being pampered in a stunning environment.

Checking out the view from the sun deck

16. A sun deck that’s perfect for catching rays

Just beyond the pool and outside of the spa is the large outdoor patio with loungers that make for the perfect place to read a book and catch some rays. We spent a couple hours laying out on the spa patio during our stay and it was pure bliss.

Four Seasons Toronto Review – Customer Service

17. Complimentary services that will exceed your expectations

From complimentary wifi to newspapers, shoe-shining, high-end toiletries and free gifts for children the Four Seasons in Toronto offers much more than your standard hotel in order to ensure an elevated experience.

18. Four Seasons Toronto customer service goes above and beyond

I always find the customer service at the Four Seasons to be impeccable and the Toronto location was no different. Whether you’re in need of recommendations from concierge or something brought up to your room in a jiff the service at Four Seasons is quick, friendly and efficient. They also offer turn-down service every night which is always appreciated.

Still wondering if the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto is right for you? Feel free to reach out to me with any questions and I would be happy to elaborate on my experience! And don’t forget to pin the above if you want to refer back to this review later.

If you’re looking for some things to do while visiting Toronto check out these posts

With love,

Kirsten

The post Four Seasons Toronto Review: 18 Reasons you’ll Love Staying Here appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

25 Easy Photoshoot Ideas to Try at Home Now – Instagram Photo Guide

2020-07-08T17:55:16Z

Looking for some unique and easy photoshoot ideas you can try at home now? Here’s 25 creative home photography ideas inspired by some of my favourite instagrammers…

Photography is one of my favourite parts of what I do. I love being able to capture beauty all around the world and share it on my little slice of the internet. Unfortunately now that we are all stuck at home content creation has become a little more challenging. That’s why I wanted to put together a list of easy at home photoshoot ideas inspired by some of my favourite creators to help you step up your instagram game.

I’ve been super inspired in the last few weeks by some really creative content I’ve seen online. Most of it has actually come out of creators on TikTok and Instagram. I’ve loved seeing how others are getting creative and using this for my own home photoshoot inspiration. I hope you enjoy this list of easy indoor photoshoot ideas you can do at home!

If you’re looking for more creative photoshoot ideas you may also want to check out this post:

20 creative outdoor photoshoot ideas to try in your own backyard

Now onto the list of photoshoot ideas to try at home!

Glam home photoshoot ideas

1. Bathtub shoot

I love the idea of getting dressed up and doing a photoshoot in your bathtub. It’s such an easy photo concept and unless you’re in a condo *most* of us have bathtubs we can easily do a photoshoot in. Just put on your best dress, grab a glass of vino and your sunnies like @thebirdspapaya, and get shooting!

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BATHTUB CHALLENGE I don’t care how silly this is, it felt SO GOOD to get dressed up and do something ridiculous like this. So, so good. I’m not even going to try and dive into WHY and just note that it DID. Now it’s your turn… ⁣ ⁣ Tagged by @baileyjst ⁣ ⁣ I directly challenge… ⁣ @briony ⁣ @lilyyange ⁣ @huntermcgrady ⁣ @everydaygirldad ⁣ ⁣ Shower stalls also welcome, alcohol not necessary! ⁣ ⁣ Dress @shopthetinycloset ⁣ Earrings @roziejune ⁣ ⁣ #bathtubchallenge started by @hunterraee

A post shared by Sarah Nicole Landry (@thebirdspapaya) on Apr 28, 2020 at 9:25am PDT

2. Try the #Pillowchallenge for a fun home photoshoot idea

This challenge has been circulating for the last few weeks on both TikTok and Instagram. It’s not only fun to do but super easy! Grab a pillow and cinch it with your favourite belt. Now you’re all set with an easy glam look you can shoot at home.

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#pillowchallenge accepted SS2020 look #stayhome and have some fun . . #pillowhautecouture#pillowdress#quarantinepillowchallenge#trendit#divascaseras#zostańwdomu#guccicommunity#guccigang#hautepillows#pillowdresschallenge#frenchgirlstyle#parisianlife#staypositive#springsummer2020#quarantineandchill#neutralpalette#zaraoutfit#marblewall#guccitights#beigepalette#myparisstyle#howtobeparisian#frenchvibes#parisianlifestyle#discoverunder30k#postitforaesthetic#velvetdynasty#stayhomechallenge

A post shared by Lifestyle Diaryby sevita® (@sev_ita) on Apr 8, 2020 at 3:53am PDT

3. Get creative and try a laundry room photoshoot

Who would have thought appliances would make for a worthy home photoshoot idea? I love this shot by @freddy who shows us just how glam the laundry room can be. It just goes to show that a little creativity and thinking outside of the box can go a long way in terms of using your home for photoshoots. Grab some sheets and see what sort of creative shots you can come up with in your laundry room.

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The lockdown series part 1: I don’t have mood swings, I have the whole damn playground

A post shared by Freddy Cousin-Brown (@freddy) on May 1, 2020 at 10:15am PDT

4. Do a photoshoot with all of your favourite dresses

I absolutely love the result of this home photoshoot idea by @hellomissjordan. Pull out your favourite fancy dresses (you know, the ones you miss wearing so badly!), lay them out on the ground, and lie on top of them for a unique and easy photography idea. The result is incredible and it’s such a great way to use items you already have. Plus it’s a great way to show off your dress collection!

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Nothing To Wear So excited to start sharing my content from home with you all! As you know I normally travel into London on weekends to shoot new photos, but as that's obviously not happening right now, I've started to get more creative with what I have right on my doorstep…and in my closet I've wanted to do a photo like this for a while and I'm actually so pleased with how it turned out! It basically sums up my internal dialogue when I'm trying to pick an outfit And I won't lie to you, originally I was going to take this photo with no clothes on at all and just buried in the dresses but I thought it might be a bit extreme for this profile Happy Monday everyone! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dress I'm wearing gifted from @jjshouseofficial Some of the dresses I'm laying on have been gifted

A post shared by Jordan | Life, Fashion, Travel (@hellomissjordan) on Apr 6, 2020 at 10:50am PDT

Home photoshoot ideas using flowers

Flowers are such an easy prop to get that makes shooting photos at home easy and fun. Next time you’re at the grocery store grab a couple of bouquets to use a props and try out a few of these home photoshoot ideas using flowers:

5. Try laying on a bed of flowers

I’ve always loved flatlay style photos shot from above and this one is really easy to do yourself. To get this photo I laid out a plain tablecloth on my living room floor and then spread the flowers out in a pattern I liked. Once I was done I laid on top of them and had my mom shoot me from above. If you don’t have a photographer with you don’t worry, you can easily shoot this with a tripod too.

I shot the below for a product campaign but you can do it for anything really!

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Because spring is in the air ⁣ ⁣ When COLD-FX reached out to me about partnering again I was over the moon. Within seconds I had a concept in mind, I knew exactly what I was going to say…⁣ ⁣ But first, (In case you didn’t know), COLD-FX is a Natural Health Product that helps reduce the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of cold and flu symptoms by Boosting the Immune System. It is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand, I’ve taken it for several cold and flu seasons!⁣ ⁣ My original plan was to shoot a photo of myself packing, and talk about how COLD-FX is something I never leave on a trip without (truth) during the cold and flu season. But then of course, life was flipped upside down and travel just hasn’t been on the itinerary.⁣ ⁣ So it was back to the drawing board for me.⁣ ⁣ After much deliberation I decided instead to do something creative. Something inspired by spring that would bring me and hopefully all of you a little color and joy to your feed…⁣ ⁣ And here it is! ⁣ ⁣ The fact of the matter is even though I can’t travel anymore, COLD-FX remains an important tool in my everyday routine and I still wanted to share that with you. I think COLD-FX is a great product for helping to reduce the chance of catching colds and flus, and helping me to keep creating and doing the things I love ⁣ ⁣ Head on over to my stories to learn more about COLD-FX Defence Zone, where you can receive coupons, expert advice on immune health and active living and exclusive offers! To be sure this product is right for you, always read and follow the label #coldfx #coldfx_partner #COLDFXer @coldfx

A post shared by Kirsten // Travel Blogger (@kirstenwendlandt) on Apr 24, 2020 at 6:22am PDT

6. Make a headdress or crown out of flowers

Who doesn’t love a twist on a flower crown shot? I love the way @Katie.one created a headdress with flowers in the below image. It gives me total artistic Frida Kahlo vibes and is such an easy photoshoot idea to try at home.

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If I can’t enjoy spring outside, I create spring inside Swipe left for a cool BTS! #katieoneapp

A post shared by KATIE ONE (@katie.one) on Apr 30, 2020 at 5:12am PDT

7. Make jewelry out of flowers

Not only can flowers make a great crown, they can make pretty jewelry too. Why not turn your flowers into jewelry for a fun photography idea you can do from home? You can turn flowers into a necklace like @kyliekatich did below or try dangling them as earrings. It’s such a simple home photoshoot idea but the results are fab!

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When your man buys you flowers, but you wanted jewelry…

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on Apr 20, 2020 at 11:02am PDT

8. Stick flowers to your face

I never thought I would be recommending taping or glueing flowers to your face… but here we are! I’ve seen a lot of creators do this lately and I love the resulting images. They’re so unique, beautiful, and such an easy photoshoot idea you can do from home!

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if you’re looking for a flower boy you know who to call

A post shared by Josh Johnston (@joshjjo) on May 4, 2020 at 7:23pm PDT

Home photoshoot ideas using props

9. Get creative with hairpins

Hair pins and barrettes are all the rage right now. Why not use your collection as props in a photo? I love the idea of layering all your barrettes over a ponytail or braid. This is such a simple photoshoot idea you can try at home but the end result looks great! It has a really glam vibe to it don’t you think?

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Happy Fri-YAY u guys! hope you have an amazing weekend!

A post shared by Sara Evy Andersson (@saraevyandersson) on Apr 17, 2020 at 10:15am PDT

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Accessoired my hair today – After seasons of collecting hair pins. PS: Alex did the braid and put the pins. But I collected the pins so we did this together!? #hairstyle #gucci #dior #chanel

A post shared by Leonie Hanne (@leoniehanne) on Apr 23, 2020 at 12:45pm PDT

10. Play with your Food

Food always makes for super fun props in photos. I love the way @thegingerwanderlust incorporated oranges into the below photo. It’s such a fun touch that makes for a bright, happy photo you can easily shoot at home.

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Orange you glad I’m giving out a FREE preset?! …. Sign up to my newsletter (link in bio) to get my free mobile Lightroom preset ‘Happy Home’ when it comes out tomorrow! I’ve developed this preset to help edit indoor photos but it works well on outdoor pictures too! …. Swipe to see the editing process : After with added oranges on @picsart after with my free Happy Home preset before …. Head to my stories for the #bts ! …. If you’re looking for some home photo inspo make sure you check out my latest blog post 24 home photoshoot ideas (link in bio) …. by @revolve #revolveme …. #gingerquarantent #quarantinelife #lockdown2020 #lightroompresets #lightroomedits #creativephotography #oranges #indoorphotography #stayhome #stayhomestaysafe

A post shared by Ellie Green | Travel blogger (@thegingerwanderlust) on Apr 22, 2020 at 9:36am PDT

11. Show off your plant collection

If you’re a crazy plant lady show off your collection in a photo! I love the way @jasminealley did this and the House plants for Dummies book is such a fun touch. Lord knows I need that book because I keep killing my plants…

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Put a flower crown on… Felt like Carole Baskin. Hands up if you know what I'm talking about! #tigerking Guess if I'm going with it… Hey all you cool cats and kittens!! I'm over here just trying to keep my plant babies alive Any tips? #jalleyathome #dallasblogger #athomephotoshoot #plantbabies

A post shared by Travel • Style • Adventure (@jasminealley) on Apr 23, 2020 at 8:00pm PDT

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brb, photosynthesizing with the homies you may not be able to go on a tropical vacation atm, but you can sure as hell bring the tropics to you

A post shared by Omar Ahmed (@omartakespix) on Apr 21, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

12. Use Mirrors

We all have mirrors at home of all shapes and sizes that can make for amazing photoshoot props. There are so many different types of photos you can try using mirrors you have at home. Try a through the mirror shot, mirror selfie, or do something more unique like @officiallyquigley did below. Let your creativity shine here!

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Art inspired by @uploadonprime and #sponsoredbyprimevideo. How do you imagine the future? What about life after death? Does our consciousness make us human? If you could upload your consciousness to a digital afterlife, would you? These are all the questions that have been spinning around in my head since watching @amazonprimevideo's new show, Upload. It’s a crazy cool sci-fi comedy in the near future, where people who are near-death can be “uploaded” into a virtual afterlife of their choice. After watching, I was so inspired to create something to visually represent some of the abstract concepts of the show. Check out the virtual afterlife for yourself by tuning in to #UploadTV on May 1 on Amazon Prime Video. Let me know what crazy ideas and creativity it inspires in you! Xo, Quigs

A post shared by Quigley Goode (@officiallyquigley) on Apr 27, 2020 at 12:01pm PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-91gYRHyai/?igshid=12b68gccyo2tw

13. Play with bubbles

Talk about a cheap prop that results in super cute photos. If you’re looking for a fun and cute home photoshoot idea try playing with bubbles! Grab yourself some bubbles or bubble gum and try shooting from different angles. I bet you will get some pretty fun photos out of this and it’s so easy to do at home.

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Bubbling is my new hobby Feeling a like unmotivated for the past couple days. It’s perfectly normal I know but I feel a little sad lately.. and it’s okay to talk about it too. Nobody’s perfect and we all have ups and downs How are you feeling ? . . . . #creativeportrait #portraitshoot #selfportraitphotography #homephotoshoot #autoportrait #creativephotos #photoshootideas #frenchbloggers #mylittleparis #parisianstyle #jerestechezmoi #photoinspo #photoinspiration #photoinsta #creativite #creativephotography #créativité #selfportraitphotography #instaportrait #frenchstyle #becreativeeveryday #becreative #confinementcreatif #bubblesoap #bubbling #bulledesavon #blueaesthetic #monochromephotography #soapbubbles #monocreative

A post shared by MORGY CONTENT CREATOR (@morgylh) on Apr 29, 2020 at 9:30am PDT

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I’m a Barbie Girl… Happy Saturday wie gefällt euch meine neue Frisur? hab mich heute von Barbie inspirieren lassen und einen Pony geschnitten war echt krass wie anders ich auf einmal aussah, aber eig ganz cool oder? ———————————————————— #barbie #bubblegum #looklikebarbie #blueeyes #oceaneyes #girlyphoto #flowercrown #Hairbob #longbob #happysaturday #imabarbiegirl

A post shared by #Fashion #Hairstyles #Beauty (@larinabeauty) on Mar 7, 2020 at 11:28am PST

14. Try using retro toy or a toy from your childhood for a fun home photoshoot idea

Everybody loves a little bit of nostalgia in their feeds, and what’s more nostalgic than a toy you grew up playing with? I absolutely love the way @girlwiththeredbob shot this photo using a colourful slinky. So creative and something you can easily recreate from the comfort of your own home!

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Happiness is… Finding my childhood toys. Okay, so I did buy this slinky recently from Amazon for this photo idea . Swipe to see a video of how we created these photos. Our living space is definitely not Pinterest worthy nor is it big but our creativity is boundless. I hope you enjoy this simple idea of creating photos indoor! ——————————- Dress gifted by @sugarhillbrighton #sugarhillbrighton. : @dennesychicken ——————————– #slinky #athomechallenge #rainbowslinky #childhoodtoys #ukportraits #childhoodnostalgia #rainbowcreations #homecreations #isolationcreation #isolationlife #coronadiaries #fashiongoalsz #fashiongoalz #stayathomechallenge #fashiongrammer #fashiongirlstyle #londonvibes #girlaroundtheglobe #londonlover #quaratineandchill #playathome #pinkinmyfeed #pinkpinkpink #pinktrotters #homephotoshoot #thiscreativehome #homephotography #pinkinmygaff

A post shared by Kaylie | Colourful Londoner (@girlwiththeredbob) on Apr 27, 2020 at 9:45am PDT

Home photoshoot ideas using light

15. Play with Shapes

I love this at home photoshoot idea I saw on @jera.bean’s Tiktok and its such an easy photography idea you can recreate. Grab a piece of cardboard and cut shapes into it, then use light to project those shapes onto yourself!

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YO MAMACITA DARLIN! YOU ARE… A star! A disco ball! A beacon of light! A rainbow prism! A glow worm! A light house! A candle! A crescent moon! Expecto Patronum! A handful of glitter! Twinkly lights! A sparklin' diamond! Your energy, your story, your presence, your expertise, your humor… it may not be for everyone. But it is for someone. I challenge you to step into that fully. Be polarizing. You can be half of you that "everyone" likes. Or you can be the full you, that some may not like, and others love. Choice is yours. WHICH ONE YA CHOOSIN?! . SWIPE for BTS! . @aaroncookcoffee . image inspo via tons of videos I saw on TikTok doing this! . . . #womanonamission #girlbossmagic #ambitiouswoman #liveonpurpose #createthelifeyouwant #powerofthought #powerofthoughts #askbelievereceive #simplereminders #youareworthy #livewellbewell #makeyourselfapriority #showupforyourself #youcandohardthings #sisterhood #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #womenunite #sisterhoodovercompetition #boldbraveyou #empowerher

A post shared by CREATOR★ SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY (@jera.bean) on Apr 28, 2020 at 2:07pm PDT

I also really like this version @kyliekatich did using words instead of shapes. Write out an inspiring phrase and you can create a really unique photo out of it.

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All we have is NOW.

A post shared by KYLIE KATICH (@kyliekatich) on Apr 30, 2020 at 11:17am PDT

16. Use shadows

Playing with shadows can be a great way to get some unique photos for your instagram feed. Try using an object to cast light through it (like the below picture by @katiecung) or use shadows that are already cast through the window. There are so many creative ways you can use shadows in your photos!

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It’s apéro time!!! (ps this @rsvineyards organic chardonnay is so yum) . . . . . #frenchvibes #frenchgirlstyle #styledujour #effortlesschic #lestyleàlafrançaise #parisstyle #parisianlifestyle #fashiondetails #styleblogger #beigepalette #minimalchic #neutralstyle #neutralshades #theparisguru #parisiennestyle #parisianlifestyle #parisianblogger #parisianchic #thenoisetier #minimalfashion #vintagevibes #aperotime #winetime

A post shared by Katie Cung (@katiecung) on Apr 25, 2020 at 2:38pm PDT

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So much sunshine ︎︎︎ #calvinklein

A post shared by MIK ♡ Fashion + Travel (@mikaela.wightman) on Apr 20, 2020 at 11:57am PDT

17. Play around with coloured light

This photography concept is easy to recreate. You can use either coloured lightbulbs or coloured filters held in front of a light source. @Destinationchaser has a tutorial in her post below to show you how she created this photo.

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Phew, It’s been a long year, but I’m back (oh wait… it’s been a month). How have you been spending your time at home? Personally, it took me a while to accept and get used to it, but this was my first attempt at getting back into a little bit of creativity. Swipe to see a quick behind the scenes of creating this at home. Speaking of time, do you know what sound the clock makes? Tik tok. That’s right, check out my TikTok: destinationchaser

A post shared by ANDI Destination Chaser (@destinationchaser) on Apr 1, 2020 at 3:45pm PDT

Artsy home photoshoot ideas

18. Get creative with paint

Paints aren’t just for canvases anymore! Grab some paints and get creative with them like @mr.benfield did in the below photo. I love the rainbow look he created.

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let’s all use this time to slow down, breathe, and let our creativity run free – and don’t forget to support the biz’s + artists who need our help now more than ever!!! either buy online, order delivery, but a gift card for later, pledge to support them post-crisis, whatever you want! here are some of my favs: – @bioraw @freshrestaurants @theapartmentlife @indiebohostudio @kar_cass @flashbackvintage @thewanderly @vdev_maison – i know there are so many more, so tag your fav small biz’s and creatives down below!!! let’s spread some love & positivity in the face of all this negativity y’all

A post shared by Matt Benfield (@mr.benfield) on Mar 23, 2020 at 1:52pm PDT

19. Throw something

This photography idea involves a little more work because you’ll have to use Photoshop for the final result. To make a photo like this you have to take numerous photos then use photoshop to superimpose them together. Take your main photo and a bunch of photos of the same set up with objects flying. You’ll then want to photoshop the flying objects into your main photo which takes some time but the results are totally worth it!

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Whoops there go all my quarantine plans! What has been your mindset during quarantine? Focusing on getting stuff done or just kind of all over the place? I feel like this photo- I've been juggling a lot of things and it's been hard to focus on just one! Between creating content at home, writing blog posts, working on Pinterest pins, cooking and cleaning- it's been pretty crazy over here! Crazy but good! How about you? . . Behind the scenes: I'm actually talking the photo via my phone in this shot! It's wirelessly connected to my camera! And by using a tripod and @photoshop, I was able to combine photos to add in the flying papers! #jalleyathome #stayhomestaysafe #athomephotoshoot

A post shared by Travel • Style • Adventure (@jasminealley) on Apr 29, 2020 at 8:13pm PDT

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AD You know how there are some books that just change your life forever? A Little Life did that for me. I even walked by Lispenard Street a few times in NYC and felt my heart strings pull. If I had to choose a book from my childhood that equals in importance, it's definitely The Giver. Which books have been significant in your life? I'll tell ya, along with books and just as equally important… sometimes chocolate is life changing as well CMON I KNOW YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT! @kinderbuenous just pushes all the right buttons for me, and when I pair it with the perfect book on a quiet afternoon, with Aaron next to me and Spicy Grandpa in my lap… does it get any better than that?! #LifeGetsBueno . @aaroncookcoffee . . . #austinblogger #austininfluencer #texasblogger #texasinfluencer #bookworms #bookworm #contentcreator #sundaybooks #whatsyourfavoritebook #favoritebook #bookrecommendations #bookstagrammer #lifestyleinfluencer #lifestyleinspo #michaelstars #alittlelife #thegiver

A post shared by CREATOR★ SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY (@jera.bean) on Apr 26, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

20. Grab some glitter

Who doesn’t love glitter, sequins, and everything that sparkles? Here’s a couple of home photoshoot ideas for you to try at home using glitter and sequins.

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Leave a little sparkle wherever you go I finally started creating some content from home! I live in a tiny apartment without a balcony or garden in London with my husband. Space restrictions however should not limit creativity and I can't wait to share more simple ideas and inspirations I have gather on the web for a photoshoot at home . Thank you to @chichiclothing and @brandnation for this beauty (gifted) #iamchichi ———————— : @dennesychicken ————————- #createathome #stayathome #isolationcreation #stayhomechallenge #ukshooters #londoncreatives #londonportraits #glitterheaven #alwayssparkle #thiscreativehome #rainbowphotography #photohacks #ootdgals #blogger_uk #coronadiaries #girlsaroundtheworld #bloominggorgeous #exploretocreate #createyourhappy #createdtocreate #londonblogger #sparkleeveryday #girldiscoverers #ootdinspiration

A post shared by Kaylie | Colourful Londoner (@girlwiththeredbob) on Apr 13, 2020 at 9:54am PDT

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i see the stars in your eyes… oh wait, that’s just an eye boogie

A post shared by Josh Johnston (@joshjjo) on Apr 26, 2020 at 7:36pm PDT

21. Get lost in the clouds

I love the idea of grabbing pillow stuffing and using it as “clouds” in a photo. Jazz the photo up even more by using string lights! It makes for a unique, fun and creative photography idea you can easily do at home.

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A post shared by ᗩᑎᑎᗩ I᙭ (@anna_ix_) on Feb 25, 2020 at 11:31am PST

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Dreamer . . I will fight to the death of myself to get my dreams heard, sometimes, they don’t make sense, but, after speaking to some incredibly talented and kind women recently. I’ve been taught, to follow my heart, and create what I feel is RIGHT! . . We can all bring something new to this platform, because no one else, is YOU! . . Be original, and if a post inspires you…that’s PERFECT, but if you can make it your OWN, even better. . . This photo, is inspired by 4 artists. . @brandonwoelfel for his cloud mirror photo he posted recently @calop_ for his editing style with my own take on it. @marksingerman for his wonderful portraiture. . And my FAVORITE lady @alexandriaslens I first saw her use these clouds on her feed, and frankly fell in love with it. . . All of these wonderful artists help bring together my concept, take ideas from anywhere and anyone and make them yours! . . Be humble, . . Taken with Hugh, cuz he’s a babe . . . #portraitsvisuals #lightshapers #girly_portraits #unknownperspectives #portraitinspiration #globe_portraits #idealportrait #justaportrait #humansdaily #theartconvict #fairylightphotography #cloudphotography #brandonwoelfel #brandonwoelfelinspired #brandonwolfel #marksingerman #calopsitagram #calopsitagram #calopsitagram #brünette #canonphotographers #canonph #adobecreative #ps_starry #ps_wanderlust #wearcliphair #hairextentions #hairgoal #hairgoalsachieved

A post shared by Alexandra Tealeaf (@alexandratealeaf) on Apr 23, 2020 at 11:31am PDT

22. Use polaroids for a unique home photoshoot idea

I’ve seen this concept circulate around and I really love it! It’ll take a little bit of photoshop skills to make the photos black and white but you can skip that part if you want to keep it more simple.

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But first let me take a picture which one is your favorite ? Took this just a few minutes before my phone committed suicide… so please @apple sponsor me . On a better note, here’s a few tips for you to shoot at home: – find some props, it can be anything : some pola, flowers, cereals, paint, glitter, flour, shampoo, etc – get an outfit and makeup that matches with your prop – find a neutral wall, or hang a bed sheet – and shoot facing the light . . . . #polaroidoriginals #creativeportraits #creativewomen #homephotography #homephotoshoot #indoorphotography #jerestechezmoi #alamaison #frenchbloggers #creativityeveryday #créativité #polaroidphoto #becreativeeveryday #parisianstyle #restezchezvous #photoshootideas

A post shared by MORGY CONTENT CREATOR (@morgylh) on Apr 3, 2020 at 11:40am PDT

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i’ve learned so much about myself during this month (um, it’s already been a month ) of quarantine. there have been days when i’ve been more productive than ever & days where i can’t get out of bed. days when i have an amazing workout, followed by a couple days where the literal last thing i want to do is move my body from the couch. days when i feel as positive as can be & days where my anxiety is overwhelming. and i’ve come to learn that it’s completely OK to go from 0 to 100 back to 0 during this insane time we’re living in. it’s OK to not be as “productive” as everyone’s pressuring us to be. it’s OK to not come out of this quarantine with 20 new skills & languages and hobbies under your belt. it literally feels like we all have to become van gogh or einstein during a month of quarantine & that’s just not the tea use this time to do whatever you freakin’ FEEL like doing! read a book, do some creative photography, sit on the couch & play video games, binge netflix, workout everyday, go for a walk now & again, whatever you want! there are no right or wrong answers here

A post shared by Matt Benfield (@mr.benfield) on Apr 12, 2020 at 12:42pm PDT

23. Get up close and personal

The eyes are the window to the soul and I love the way @lifebeforekids and @larinabeauty have captured their eyes up close. Grab your portrait lens or try this with the portrait mode on your phone!

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PERSPECTIVE . One thing we love about photography is the endless meanings and messages a single image can portray. . We love how one image like this can be so simple yet still show so much emotion. . When I look at this photo I am immediately drawn to our eyes and think of the editing process I went through to create the image. . Whereas when I finished the edit and first showed Mik, her perspective was completely different and her first thought was about the millions of stories that could be told from the emotion that it portrays. . What is your first thought when you look at this photo?

A post shared by MIKALI & GAVIN (@lifebeforekids) on Apr 7, 2020 at 5:31am PDT

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Guten Morgen ich hoffe ihr hattet ein schönes Wochenende trotz Einschränkungen! Bei uns fängt ab heute die Ausgangssperre an und ich finde diese Entscheidung, damit das alles bald ein Ende hat, nicht verkehrt. Am Ende bin ich glücklich dass ich meine Lieben zuhause habe, und das reicht mir ———————————————————— #beautifuleyes #stayathome #grumpycat #catlover #sisterlove #beautifulfamily #familygoals #besties #bffs #goodmorningworld #wirgegencorona #larinabeautypresets

A post shared by #Fashion #Hairstyles #Beauty (@larinabeauty) on Mar 23, 2020 at 1:10am PDT

Themed home photoshoot ideas

24. Recreate one of your favourite Hollywood images for a fun home photoshoot idea

The #Hollywoodathome challenge is so much fun, it’s no wonder it’s been circulating on instagram! Check out the way @hellomissjordan recreated this image of Audrey Hepburn… so cute!

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"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." – Audrey Hepburn Swipe for my inspiration (in life and these photos!) I have been in love with these photos of Audrey Hepburn for the longest time and I've always wanted to recreate them myself So, during lockdown it felt like the perfect opportunity to finally do it! As I have a pink bike, it felt right to do a pink version of the outfit to match I often get told I look like Audrey (best compliment ever!) and if I'm honest, I strive to be as amazing as she was in everyday life too Also, can we get a round of applause for Oscar, who actually sat in the basket for this shoot and let me put a bow in his hair ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The original bike photos of Audrey were taken by Cecil Beaton on the Paramount lot during the filming of My Fair Lady in 1963 Are you an Audrey Hepburn fan? #hellomisshollywood

A post shared by Jordan | Life, Fashion, Travel (@hellomissjordan) on Apr 13, 2020 at 10:49am PDT

25. Recreate one of your favourite characters at home

I’ve been loving @rachmartino‘s characters in quarantine home photoshoot series. She’s really turned the whole having to stay at home into a fun creative venture! Try creating your own version of a character in quarantine concept using your favourite TV, movie, or book characters.

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I couldn’t help but wonder how would Carrie Bradshaw survive a quarantine? To start, smoke the last three Marlboros left in the pack, drink 5 quarantinis & pour through an issue of Vogue that ‘just fed her more than dinner’. By day 6, she’d have tried on every shoe in her closet, gotten into a heated phone argument with Miranda who said going to the deli three times a day for coffee, magazines & saltines is “*not* totally okay, Carrie” and reorganized all the sweaters in the oven by designer A-Z. Around day 15, she’d ring up Big while finishing the last of the Grey Goose to ask if he was still emotionally distant while ‘social distancing’ (thank god the liquor shop is still ‘essential’ business). Day 20 finally finish this week’s column, “What’s more contagious, COVID-19 or love?” and come up with new ideas for upcoming weeks, ”Lockdown & sex, what’s a virus got to do with it?” and “Have we been self-isolating our hearts all along?” We all know Carrie was really the worst but she’s still my favorite. Which SATC character are you? #RachRecreates #sexandthecity #CharactersinQuarantine #CarrieinQuarantine #rachrecreates #RachRecreatesinQuarantine

A post shared by Rachel Martino (@rachmartino) on Apr 8, 2020 at 8:37pm PDT

I hope you all enjoyed reading this list of photoshoot ideas you can try at home. Hopefully you’re feeling a little more inspired to shoot from home and have plenty to keep you busy over the coming weeks.

Looking for more creative home photoshoot ideas? Check out this post!

20 Outdoor photoshoot ideas to try in your own backyard

And f you’re looking for more things to keep you busy during this extra time at home you might enjoy these posts:

Feel free to pin any of the below to refer back to later!

With love, Kirsten

The post 25 Easy Photoshoot Ideas to Try at Home Now – Instagram Photo Guide appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

What to pack for Florida: Complete Florida Packing List

2020-07-01T23:37:41Z

So you’ve planned a trip to the Sunshine State (yay!) but now you’re wondering what the heck to pack. Packing is hands down my least favourite part of travel but thankfully I’ve done it more than enough times that I’ve gotten it down to (somewhat) of a science. To help make things easier for you I’ve compiled a Florida packing list with everything you’ll need to get the most out of your Florida trip.

You’ll also find a complete printable Florida packing list at the end of this post

Your Florida packing list will be pretty similar year round as it is hot most of the time, however if you’re heading there during the colder months make sure to add a pair of pants and a light coat to you Florida packing list!

Of course this Florida packing guide is just a guideline and you may want to tailor it a bit to your own personal needs, but hopefully it makes things a little easier for you!

You may also want to check out:

Now onto our Florida packing list!

By the way – before we get started you may also want to check out these other Florida posts to help you plan activities to do during your trip!

Now onto the Florida packing list!

What to Pack for Florida – Outfits

Let’s start with the apparel goods… All the different types of clothing you’ll want to pack for your Florida vacation. From sundresses to beach cover ups we’ve got you covered!

1 – Sundresses

Sundresses are my favourite clothing items to wear when I’m on vacation, and Florida is no exception. Not only do they take up next to no room, but they’re really an entire outfit in one which takes all the planning out of it! Plus you can easily dress them down or up for day or night.

2 – Maxi skirt

Throw this over your bathing suit or wear it with a crop top for an easy and perfectly put together outfit!

3 – Evening/Cocktail dress

Although you can easily dress up a sundress or maxi from day to night I always like to bring a couple of fancier options for dinners and evenings out.

4 – Matching Sets (short/skirt & crop top)

Rather than packing separates get the most bang out of your vacation wardrobe by packing a couple matching sets. You’ll be able to mix and match them, wear them separate or together for tons of outfit options. Matching sets are so in right now and it’s so easy to find affordable options.

5 – Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are perfect for vacation and I always pack a couple on every sunny destination trip I go on. They’re great worn day or night and also make great beach cover-ups to throw over your bikini. Just make sure you stick to breathable, light fabrics like cotton and linen.

6 – Romper

Not only are rompers ultra adorable, they take up next to no space so they’re perfect to add to your Florida packing list.

7 – Vacation Pants

I love me a pair of wide leg vacation/beach pants and they look great paired with a crop top or thrown over a bathing suit! Opt for a fun print or stripes.

8 – Activewear

Although I am not the *most* active gal myself I do enjoy hiking while traveling. Whether you plan on getting some hikes in yourself or just prefer being comfy on the plane make sure you have at least one pair of leggings and a comfy top packed for your trip to Florida.

9 – Swimsuits (don’t forget this in your packing list for Florida!)

Whether you’re more of a one piece or bikini gal, you’re going to want to add a few swimsuits to your Florida packing list. Looking for some more swimwear inspiration? Check out my post on ultra-affordable and flattering swimsuits for any beach vacation!

10 – Cover Up

You’re going to need a cover up for when you hit the beach or pool. Whether you opt for a full body cover up, sarong or kimono I’ve linked tons of cute styles for you to peruse below.

What to Pack for Florida – Accessories Packing List

From sun protection to the less practical bits & bobbles, here are the accessories you’ll want to add to your Florida packing list.

11 – Sun hat

If you’re going to Florida that means you’ll be getting a lot of sun and you need to protect your face! I love wide brim sun hats for the beach, plus they make chic accessories too.

12 – Sunglasses

The Florida sun can be very harsh and if you don’t protect your eyes you’re in serious trouble. I always bring a few pairs of sunglasses with me whenever I’m headed to Florida.

13 – Beach Bag

Don’t leave for Florida without packing a beach bag or tote to use during the day! You’ll want something big enough to tote your towel, a book, snacks, and anything else you may want with you at the beach/pool. I always opt for something foldable so that it doesn’t take up much room in my bag.

14 – Straw Bag

Straw bags immediately make me think of sunny destinations and summer… Plus they go with everything! Whether opting for the traditional circular Bali bag or a more modern clutch, bring along a straw bag that will go with all your outfits.

15 – Jewelry

Whether you prefer delicate and subtle jewelry or over the top bling you’ll definitely want to pack a few options for your trip to Florida. My favourite way to dress up my outfits while away is to throw on a pair of fun earrings!

16 – Evening Clutch

I always pack one small evening clutch/bag on all my trips to use when I go out for dinners or evenings out. They are super easy to pack (just slide it into one of your bigger bags) and you’ll appreciate having an evening bag when you don’t want to lug around a daytime bag.

What to Pack for Florida – Shoes

It can be pretty easy to get carried away in the shoe department when packing. To make things easier for you I suggest adding one of each of the following categories in neutral colours to your Florida packing list. If you stick with neutral colours you will be able to mix and match your footwear with all of the clothing you packed.

17 – Flip flops/slides

For the beach you will definitely want a pair of flip flops or slides so you don’t ruin your nice sandals. A cheap pair like one of the below will do the trick!

18 – Daytime sandals

There is a big difference between daytime and nighttime sandals! Here you want to think of bringing a pair of no heel or kitten heel sandals that you can walk in all day.

19 – Heels or wedges

You’ll definitely want a pair of fancier heels or wedges for dinners and nights out. I usually pack a neutral (think nude, white, or metallic) pair that will go with all the dresses I’ve packed. I love the below!

20 – Sneakers

A pair of sneakers is an absolute must for your Florida packing list. Whether you’ll be spending the day walking around Disney or hiking, you’ll want a pair of comfortable sneakers with you.

What to Pack for Florida – Toiletries

Although everyone has their own list of must-haves when it comes to toiletries, here is a short list of some essentials you will definitely need to pack with you for Florida.

21 – Sunscreen (non negotiable for your florida packing list!)

Do not ever forgot the sunscreen! The sun can get very hot in Florida and the rays are very strong. I highly recommend you bring both a face and body sunscreen with you and reapply multiple times during the day.

Recommended for Body:

Recommended for Face:

22 – Bug Spray

If you’ll be heading out and spending time in the Everglades or anywhere else in Florida that may be full of bugs then definitely bring a good bug spray with you.

23 – Setting Spray

Setting spray is an absolute godsend for warmer climates and will keep your makeup from melting off in they heat. There’s only one setting spray I use religiously and trust 100% and that’s Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray linked below!

24 – Blotting Papers

Another makeup essential I can’t survive without when I am traveling to somewhere hot is blotting papers. These are perfect for getting rid of that mid-day shininess caused by the sweltering Florida sun.

25 – Blister Stick

Since I first discovered blister sticks I’ve been absolutely obsessed with them. They look like a small deodorant stick and you rub it along your feet where sandal straps and shoes may rub and cause blisters. The stick prevents sticking and chaffing and ultimately saves you from blisters.

Other Essentials to pack for your trip to Florida

Lastly we have some non-categorized essentials you won’t want to forget to add to your Florida packing list.

26 – Beach reads

A few good books for time spent on the beach (or by the pool) are an absolute must. Here are some I’ve read lately that I’ve really enjoyed:

27 – Waterproof Phone Pouch

I didn’t know this was a necessity until I got one but now I’ll never go back! These waterproof phone pouches are super affordable and protect your phone while you’re swimming. They’re great for snapping photos in the water or just for protecting your phone from water/sand on the beach.

28 – Portable Charger

You’ll likely be out and about for hours on end so having a backup battery with you is definitely smart.

29 – Refillable Water Bottle

Being a sustainable and eco-conscious traveler is becoming more and more important these days. One of the easiest things you can do to make yourself more conscious is to bring your own refillable water bottle. I absolutely love this one from Healthish because it’s not only super light but it helps me keep track of how much water I’m drinking throughout the day.

30 – Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a game changer when it comes to helping you not only pack more into your suitcase, but keeping it organized. I recently started using them and I would never go back! Grab yourself a set of packing cubes like to ensure all your travel necessities are organized and you’ll see why I rave about them. Unfortunately the ones I use (pictured above by Poppy & Peonies) are sold out but here’s another great set available in quite a few colours:

I hope this post helped to make packing for your upcoming Florida trip a little easier. You may also want to check out these posts before your trip!

I’ve also created the below printable PDF checklist that will hopefully take all the stress out of packing for you.

Click here for the printable version of the below Florida Packing ListDownload

With love, Kirsten

The post What to pack for Florida: Complete Florida Packing List appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

Hockley Valley Resort & Spa Review: The Perfect Spa Getaway

2020-05-21T20:54:10Z

I don’t know a single girl that wouldn’t enjoy a spa vacation, heck I even know a ton of guys that would be all for that. I was so lucky to get the opportunity to have a girls mini spa vacation a couple weeks ago at Hockley Valley Resort & Spa and it could not have come at a more perfect time.

You can browse the best available rates for Hockley Valley Resort here

Now back to Hockley Valley Resort…

Having endured an extremely stressful moving day 3 days prior, and living basically out of a bunch of moving boxes at the time I was so ready to pack up and get the hell out of Toronto.. even if just for one night. It had been months since I had had the opportunity to travel anywhere, and it had been years since I had actually gone to a spa (I know, sad right?) so my whole being was just screaming with desire for this trip. I was so excited to just sit back and relax for a good 48 hours without thinking once about my long to-do list or all the unpacking I had to do. Let me tell you, my weekend at Hockley Valley Resort & Spa was just as blissful as I imagined it would be!

Hockley Valley Resort is just shy of an hour outside of Toronto, which made it the perfect destination for a mini getaway. We headed out early Sunday morning, beyond ready to spend the day getting pampered at the spa. The staff on arrival were incredibly friendly, and offered to watch our bags and bring them up to our room once it was ready (our spa appointments were starting at 10am so of course our rooms weren’t quite ready then!). After checking in and dropping our bags off at the front we headed upstairs to the spa…

The spa at Hockley Valley

The Spa at Hockley Valley Resort

Upon arriving in the Hockley Valley Resort spa we immediately felt a sense of relaxation wash over us. It was extremely quiet, serene and warmly decorated. The lush spa robes were extremely soft, and the waiting room had free coffee, tea, water, juice, and homemade organic granola bars. Although it was cold outside the fire was roaring inside, and we were happy and toasty beyond belief.

We each got the “Just For You” facials which were slightly customized to cater to our skin types. This included:

A cleanse (chamomile milk cleanse)
Toner (lavender honey toner)
Exfoliation (oat cleansing polish)
Eye care (Vitamin K eye gel)
Serum (C15 serum)
Mask (aloe gel mask)
A sweet cherry enzyme peel (my favorite – This one smelled DIVINE)
An extremely relaxing neck and head massage.

I left the facial feeling relaxed, renewed, and my skin couldn’t have been happier. We finished our spa treatments with body massages, melting away all our tension, stress, and allowing us to relax into total bliss.

Post-facial bliss

Getting treated to a massage

The Oasis Cafe

The Oasis Cafe at Hockley Valley Resort

After finishing our spa treatments we walked over to the Oasis cafe and had the most delicious light lunch. The best part? Dining in our bathrobes of course. Something about being able to eat in a full service restaurant while in a bathrobe just feels so luxurious.

For lunch we both had the Roasted Squash Salad and shared the house cut chips. The salads had roasted squash, Ontario buffalo mozzarella crema, organic arugula, toasted pine nuts, fried beet chips and a cider & Adama Estate maple syrup vinaigrette. The chips were served with a dusting of parmigiano and chives, and served with a side of truffle aoli.

The Roasted Squash Salad

Heading out to explore the grounds

The Grounds at Hockley Valley

After a relaxing morning at the spa and a delicious lunch at the Oasis Cafe we headed outside to explore the grounds at Hockley Valley Resort. Hockley Valley has a 18 hole golf course that’s open during the Spring/Summer/Fall months and a ski hill that’s open in winter. Unfortunately we visited in between seasons so neither were open, but it was still fun to explore the grounds and get some fresh air.

I would love to come back to Hockley Valley during the winter. The resort is conveniently just steps away from the ski hill and it would be a great place for a ski getaway.

There’s also a winery that you can take a short shuttle bus to, so it really is the perfect place to escape to for a short weekend trip! Wine, skiing (or golf) & a spa? Sounds like an amazing getaway to me.

Dining at Cabin

On-Site Dining: Cabin

Cabin is the beautiful on-site restaurant at Hockley Valley Resort and it was incredible. Named in honour of the first structure that was every build on the property, Cabin draws its inspiration from the picturesque and romantic countryside in the Hills of Headwaters region. The interior at Cabin combines rustic and modern decor elements, including reclaimed hardwood floors, wooden beams from old barns, and a 16 foot steel and glass chandelier.

The food

Beyond the stunning decor of the restaurant, the food was unbelievable. Cabin defines their menu by following a farm-to-table philosophy on food, and many of the ingredients come from the resort’s own two-acre fruit and vegetable garden (which you can actually visit!), seasonal preserves, and ingredients from local farmers and suppliers. I’ve always been big on farm-to-table, I love the idea of quality ingredients and supporting small farms.

Starters

We started by sharing the Beet salad with smoked goat cheese, shaved brussel sprouts, beet crema, roasted grapes, Adamo Estate maple syrup & mustard vinaigrette, organic arugula and pecans. It was such a refreshing and tasty salad! We enjoyed it with a side of homemade bread they served with a white bean and fennel spread.

Between the appetizers and entrees we were served a homemade lemon sorbet to cleanse our palette. It was so good Brittany ended up asking for more for dessert.

The vegetarian plate and the lamb shank

Entrees

For our entrees I had the vegetarian plate which varies day to day. It had maple sunchokes, saba roasted brussel sprouts, roasted grape and fennel salad, grilled broccoli, and sautéed mushrooms served on bread. I was a little concerned when I first ordered this because it didn’t seem like it would be very substantial but it was the only vegetarian entree. Boy was I wrong. The entire platter was so delicious, satisfying, and filling. Every portion I tasted was better than the next.

Brittany had the braised lamb shank with root vegetables, creamy polenta and horseradish gremolata. Both of us finished our dinner feeling full and incredibly satisfied.

The prettiest little dessert platter.. honestly these were so good!

Dessert

We weren’t expecting to have dessert at all but the team brought out a dessert platter to taste us on two of their most popular desserts. The Budhino was a dark chocolate mocha budino with genose sponse and sour cherry sorbet.. and the Oreo cheesecake which needs zero explanation. Both of the desserts were so good, I don’t even think I could pick a favorite.

Enjoying wine in our room

The Rooms

After dinner we were so full and so relaxed from an amazing dinner and spa treatments earlier that we went to bed at 9:30pm. Although a little outdated, the rooms at Hockley Valley Resort are spacious and the beds are comfortable. It was a matter of seconds before we both relaxed deep under the covers with our bellies full. We finished the night by enjoying wine in bed and watching a Christmas movie before falling into a deep sleep… It was honestly the perfect end to a perfectly relaxing day.

I couldn’t help taking a picture with one of the trees in the lobby.. it was just too pretty!

The pool at Hockley Valley

Amenities & Things to Do

Beyond having a ski hill in the winter and golf course in the spring/summer, Hockley Valley has numerous amenities that make it the perfect one stop shop for an amazing and relaxing getaway. The indoor pool offers a beautiful view of the hotel grounds, and they have an outdoor pool too which looks beautiful! The gym has everything you need to get in a good workout (should you decide to forfeit complete relaxation in favor of a good sweat sesh).

The on-site organic farm, a two-acre fruit and vegetable farm supplies 80 percent of the produce for the resort’s restaurants with fresh, seasonal produce. They even have a bocce court and ropes course in the summer! And of course, the main reason for our stay: a beautiful spa that’s the perfect escape from the real world.

Here’s a quick list of the amazing amenities and things to do at Hockley Valley Resort:

They have an on-site ski hill in the winter
They have an on-site golf course in spring/summer
An incredible Spa
Beautiful Outdoor pool
Indoor pool with an incredible view of the grounds
Fully stocked gym
On-site organic farm that you can tour
Bocce court
Ropes course
Free Wifi
Free Parking

If you’re looking for something else to do the Adamo Estate Winery is also just minutes away. They offer tours & tastings throughout the day!

The brunch buffet was UNREAL

On-Site Dining: Brunch Buffet

The brunch buffet at Hockley Valley Resort was incredibly and featured so many options. Whether you’re craving something savoury or prefer a sweeter breakfast they had so many incredible options.

Leaving Hockley Valley Resort feeling refreshed

We had such an time at Hockley Valley Resort. Our stay left us feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the week. Here is a roundup of why I would definitely visit Hockley Valley Resort again:

Beautiful Spa
Amazing food
So many on and off site amenities
Affordable pricing
Relaxing atmosphere

You can check the best prices available for Hockley Valley Resort right now here!

Looking for more amazing places in North America to escape to for the weekend? Check out these posts:

With love, Kirsten

The post Hockley Valley Resort & Spa Review: The Perfect Spa Getaway appeared first on Kirsten Wendlandt.

40 Binge Worthy Shows to watch on Netflix Canada & Netflix US in 2020

2020-05-04T17:10:23Z

Since we are all spending a heck of a lot more time at home right now I can bet that you, like me, are becoming besties with Netflix. The problem is, as much as there is SO MUCH available on Netflix, it usually takes me longer to find something to watch than it does to actually watch it. So, to make things a little easier I’ve rounded up some of the most binge worthy shows available on Netflix Canada & Netflix US right now. From the classics (I’m looking at you Friends) to the newest of the new, this list will have something for you.

By the way, before we get started, if you’re looking for more things to do from home to help keep you busy check out this post on 42 things to do when you’re bored at home and this one on 24 unique indoor home photoshoot ideas to try now.

Now without further ado, here’s the list of the most binge worthy shows on Netflix right now!

Comedy

Feeling like you need something a little light hearted to help alleviate your mood these days? Here are some of the most binge worthy comedy shows available on Netflix Canada & Netflix US now!

Friends (Canada only)

As if I couldn’t start this list off with one of the greatest shows of all time. If you haven’t seen Friends yet may I suggest you start with it because rumour on the street is they’re taking it off Netflix soon!

Friends is an American sitcom with an amazing ensemble cast that follows the life of 6 young Manhattanites. It’s hilarious. It’s incredibly relatable. It will have you referring back to episodes for the rest of your life. I swear, anytime something happens in my life there’s an episode of Friends that relates to it.

Released: 1994-2004

Seasons Available on Netflix: 10

Check out the trailer here:

Grace and Frankie

Oh how I love this show. It follows the lives of Grace and Frankie, who have been rivals for years but find themselves coming together after they find out their husbands are in love… with each other. As their lives fall apart Grace and Frankie learn that the only thing they can really rely on is each other.

Starring: Lily Tomlin & Jane Fonda

Release date: 2015 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 6

Check out the trailer here:

Workin’ Moms

The first on the list that’s filmed in Toronto (and actually a completely Canadian created show) is hilarious. Workin’ moms follows the lives of four working moms attend an extremely judgmental mommy group and are just trying to navigate the struggles of being both working women and mothers. The show is extremely relatable and refreshing, showing a much more “real” side of motherhood.

Starring: Catherine Reitman, Dani Kind, Juno Rinaldi

Release date: 2017 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 3

Check out the trailer here:

Sex Education

Sex Education is a British comedy-drama about socially awkward teen Otis and his sex therapist mother. Though he may not be experienced in the sex department himself, using the knowledge he’s gained from his mom he opens his own sex therapy “clinic” at his school to help the other students and rise in the social ranks. It’s absolutely hilarious, cringe-worthy at times, entertaining, and relatable.

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson

Release date: 2019 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 2

Check out the trailer here:

Schitt’s Creek

Another Canadian gem shot and produced in Toronto is the hilarious Schitt’s Creek. Schitt’s Creek follows the life of the formerly very wealthy Rose family who suddenly go bankrupt and the only asset they have is in an ugly small town called Schitt’s Creek. They are forced to relocate to Schitt’s Creek, and of course hilarity ensues.

Starring: Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy

Release Date: 2015 – 2020

Seasons Available on Netflix: 5

Check out the trailer here:

Master of None

Loosely based on Aziz Ansari’s real life experiences, Master of None follows the life of a New York based actor who is struggling to figure out what he wants, both his personal, romantic, and professional lives. The show is extremely relatable and touches on relevant aspects of modern life such as texting etiquette, social media, and being single in a big city.

Starring: Aziz Ansari, Eric Wareheim

Release Date: 2015-2017

Seasons Available on Netflix: 2

Check out the trailer here:

Arrested Development

Another show about a wealthy family that loses their status and results in a lot of comedic relief for us is Arrested Development. Arrested Development follows the Bluth family, formerly big wigs in the business world (and extremely dysfunctional) who lose everything because of fraud. Now Michael, the only level headed one of the family, has to try to maintain the peace at home despite the family’s materialism, selfishness, and manipulative nature.

Starring: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera

Release Date: 2003 – 2019

Seasons Available on Netflix: 5

The Good Place

The Good Place is an American fantasy comedy Sitcom about a heaven-like town called The Good Place where those who have been good throughout their lives go after death. The show follows a deceased saleswoman who lived a corrupt life and in case of mistaken identity finds herself there. Throughout the show she tries her best to hide her past in order to stay and not get kicked out of the Good Place.

Starring: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson-Harper

Release Date: 2016 – 2020

Seasons Available on Netflix: 3

Check out the trailer here:

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

A cop comedy like no other, Brooklyn Nine-Nine revolves around the life of immature but talented NYPD detective Jake Peralta, who often butts heads with his eccentric commanding officer. Chock full of comedic relief, this show follows a team of NYPD detectives as they solve crimes in Brooklyn.

Starring: Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Stephanie Beatriz

Release Date: 2013 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 6

Check out the trailer here:

That 70’s Show

That 70’s Show is a total classic to me. I remember watching it in High School with my parents, and I had no idea it was available on Netflix! Whether you’ve seen it before or not it’s definitely binge worthy. That 70’s Show follows the lives of a group of high school students in the 70’s just trying to navigate the struggle of adolescence.

Starring: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher

Release Date: 1998 – 2006

Seasons Available on Netflix:

Check out the trailer here: 8

Drama

If you love a good story with multiple dramatic twists, these are for you! Here’s my list of some of the most binge worthy drama shows on Netflix right now.

Jane the Virgin

Jane’s life is turned upside down when she is accidentally artificially inseminated. She’s even more surprised when she finds out the father is her former crush and boss. Shot in a satirical telenovela way, the show follows Jane’s life as she navigates the hardships of becoming a new mom, staying a virgin, following her dreams, and losing and finding love again. I love how family focused this show is and it brings both laughs and tears.

Release dates: 2014 – 2019

Seasons Available on Netflix: 5

Check out the trailer here:

Image via elitedaily.com

Spinning Out

Tackling the topics of Mental health (particularly Bi-polar disorder) as well as the extreme and toxic environment in competitive figure skating, Spinning Out is full of drama and incredibly binge worthy. Spinning Out follows an Olympic hopeful as she struggles to balance a controlling mom and family struggles, love, a fragile mental state, and an obsession to win.

Oh – and it was filmed in Ontario too! You just might catch me in the background, I worked a few days on this show!

Starring: Kaya Scodelario, January Jones, Will Kemp

Release date: 2020

Seasons Available on Netflix: 1

Check out the trailer here:

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl will forever be one of my favourite high school dramas and I was so happy when it was released on Netflix. Following the lives of young rich Manhattanites and based off the books by Cecily von Ziegesar, it’s chock full of drama that will have you binge watching it for sure. Seen it already? Watch it again. You know you want to.

xoxo Gossip girl

Starring: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley

Release Date: 2007 – 2012

Seasons Available on Netflix: 6

Check out the trailer here:

Dynasty

Dynasty is a modern remake of a 1980’s show that follows the lives of two of America’s wealthiest families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, as they fight over their fortune and children. If you love shows that are full of drama and along the same lines as Gossip Girl, you will love Dynasty.

Starring: Elizabeth Gillies,k Nathalie Kelley, Grant Show

Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 2

Check out the trailer here:

13 Reasons Why

**Caution to those who are sensitive to subject matter involving suicide and bullying**

13 Reasons Why centres around the story of a young high school girl who takes her own life. A few days later a box shows up on her friend/crush’s doorstep with 13 tapes she pre-recorded explaining the 13 reasons she decided to take her own life. This show is very eye opening to bullying and high school dynamics, and although it’s definitely not the most uplifting of the group it is very relevant and very binge worthy.

Starring: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Lanford, Alisha Boe

Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 3

Check out the trailer here:

Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker

Self-Made is a newly released Americn drama limited series based on the biography “On her own Ground” by A’Lelia Bundles. It tells the story of a black hair care pioneer who started as a washerwoman and worked her way up to become America’s first black self-made female millionaire. I just started this series a few days ago and absolutely love it!

Starring: Octavia Spencer, Tiffany Haddish, Carmen Ejogo

Release Date: 2020

Seasons Available on Netflix: 1

Mad Men

Mad Men is smart, funny, and an incredibly easy watch (not to mention Jon Hamm is pretty easy on the eyes). It will take you back to a time and immerse you in the glamorous, cut-throat life inside an ad agency during the 1960’s. It’s no surprise that it won so many awards, and I definitely had to add it to the list.

Starring: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser

Release Date: 2007 – 2015

Seasons Available on Netflix: 7

Check out the trailer here:

The Crown

It’s no surprise that the world has a fascination with the royals and The Crown is here to give you your fix! Based on the award winning play “The Audience”, The Crown follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940’s to modern time. In The Crown you’ll get a peek into the lives, struggles, and drama beneath the perfectly poised royal family.

Starring: Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Tobias Menzies

Release Date: 2016 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 3

Check out the trailer here:

GLOW

GLOW centres around Ruth Wilder, an out of work actress in the 80’s who finds an unexpected chance at stardom: the glitzy, glittery, spandex filled world of women’s wrestling. She trains along with 12 other Hollywood misfits under the watchful eye of a washed up director with big hopes of making his wrestling show famous.

Starring: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron

Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 3

Check out the trailer here:

Grey’s Anatomy

If you’re looking for a show that will keep you busy for awhile, this is it. Grey’s Anatomy, on top of being wildly popular, has 15 seasons available for you to binge on Netflix. Grey’s Anatomy centres around a group of surgical interns and their supervisors as they embark on a journey to become the finest doctors. It’s dramatic, it’s full of romance, and it’s no wonder it’s won so many awards and garnered a massive world wide audience. Plus, two words: McDreamy, McSteamy. Thank me later.

Starring: Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl

Release Date: 2005 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 15

Anne with an E

Set in beautiful PEI (but actually filmed in Ontario!) Anne with an E is the reimagining of the classic Anne of Green Gables story. It’s absolutely beautifully shot and incredibly well done, and the acting is amazing. I honestly couldn’t imagine a better fit to play Anne than Amybeth McNulty who does a fantastic job and makes the classic character her own.

Anne with an E follows the story of orphan girl Anne who is sent by accident to live with the aging Cuthbert siblings who wanted a boy to help with the farm work. She ends up stealing their hearts and transforms the lives of Marilla, Matthew, and the entire town.

By the way – see if you can spot me in one of the episodes! I played a young shop keeper

Starring: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson

Release Date: 2017 – 2019

Seasons Available on Netflix: 2

Check out the trailer here:

Musical

Although this is list is short it certainly packs a punch and if you’re a musical lover like don’y miss binge watching the below!

Glee

I remember when Glee first came out… It was monumental as the first musical tv show of it’s kind, and I loved it. Set in a high school, Glee follows an optimistic high school teacher as he tries to transform the school’s glee club and help get them to the biggest competition of them all. If you love high school dramas and musicals then this is a must binge. Glee features so many popular songs and amazing choreographies that will keep you entertained for hours. Think: Pitch Perfect in TV show form.

Starring: Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Jane Lynch

Release Date: 2009 – 2015

Seasons Available on Netflix: 6

Check out the trailer here:

Thriller & Crime

Looking for a new crime/thriller show to keep you on the edge of your seat? You’ll love this list of crime/thriller binge worthy shows available on Netflix now.

You

What would you do for love? This crime and psychological thriller based on the books of the same name explores obsession and love. It follows a very disturbed man who becomes obsessed with a writer that frequent’s the book store he works at…. what starts as an innocent crush, develops into a relationship, and then goes completely sideways and he is driven into madness. You will not be able to turn it off.

Starring: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Victoria Pedretti

Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 2

Check out the trailer here:

Riverdale

Call it a guilty pleasure but I still love Riverdale. I’ll admit the shows gotten a little weird in the latest seasons, but I’m still holding on and definitely recommend at least watching the first few seasons. Loosely based off of the Archie comics, Riverdale follows Archie and his gang uncovering the darkness hidden underneath Riverdale’s seemingly perfect image.

Starring: K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes

Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 4

Check out the trailer here:

Breaking Bad

I haven’t actually seen Breaking Bad which I will probably get a lot of flack for, but it’s on my list for a reason and I promise I’ll be giving it a watch. Another big award winner, Breaking Bad is about a chemistry teacher that after finding out he has cancer decides to get into the Meth making business to pay off his debts.

Starring: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn

Release Date: 2008 – 2013

Seasons Available on Netflix: 5

Check out the trailer here:

Peaky Blinders

Another show I haven’t had the chance to watch yet that is getting a lot of praise is Peaky Blinders. Based in Birmingham in 1919, Peaky Blinders follows the dangerous criminal gang formed by the Shelby crime family.

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory

Release Date: 2014 – 2019

Seasons Available on Netflix: 5

Check out the trailer here:

Horror

If you’re like me and you love a good scare you’ll definitely want to add these to your list of binge worthy shows on Netflix Canada & Netflix US…

The Haunting of Hill House

Words can’t even describe how much I loved the Haunting of Hill House. In my opinion it was really the first successful horror tv show. It watches like a horror movie and a family drama all tied together in a perfectly creepy bow. If you’re into horror this should 100% be on the top of your list of Netflix shows you plan on binge watching. Oh and excellent news – they’re coming out with a second season!

Starring: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton

Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 1

Check out the trailer here:

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

While I don’t find the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina to actually be scary, it is technically in the horror genre and is definitely binge worthy. Based on the Archie comic series of the same name, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a dark coming of age story centred around the occult. Trust me when I say this isn’t just another light and fluffy version of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”.

Starring: Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Miranda Otto

Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 1

Check out the trailer here:

Stranger Things

Stranger Things grew in immense popularity when it was first released in 2016 and continues to find itself on all the top rated Netflix lists. I haven’t seen it yet but you better believe I’ll be tackling it soon!

Stranger Things follows Joyce, who’s 12 year old son goes missing. She launches a terrifying investigation into his disappearance with local authorities. As the search continues, they begin to unravel a series of extraordinary mysteries involving secret government experiments, supernatural forces, and a strange little girl.

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard

Release Date: 2016 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 3

Check out the Trailer here:

Sci-Fi

If sci-fi is your thing you’ll enjoy this list of binge worthy sci-fi shows available now on Netflix Canada & Netflix US.

Black Mirror

If you haven’t seen Black Mirror yet might I suggest you put it near the very top of your list. Black Mirror is a dark anthology series that explores people’s personal lives and how technology manipulates their behaviour. Touching on subjects from social media, to online dating, to video games and more… the results will send chills down your spine and make you question whether technology is really always a good thing.

The nice thing about Black Mirror too is that the episodes are also not related. You can watch them in any order and start with whichever one’s storylines interest you the most!

Starring: Various artists

Release Date: 2011 – 2019

Seasons Available on Netflix: 5

Check out the trailer here:

Dark

Set in a small German town with German subtitles, Dark definitely commands you full attention but it’s 100% worth it. When two children go missing, sinful pasts, double lives, and fractured relationships are exposed as four families search for the missing kids.

Starring: Louis Hofmann, Oliver Masucci, Jordis Triebel

Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 2

Check out the trailer here:

Altered Carbon

Altered Carbon is set in the future, where technology has completely changed our existence. Human bodies are simply vessels and interchangeable, and death is no longer permanent. It’s based on the novel by the same name and centres around the story of Takeshi Kovacs, the only remaining soldier from a group of Elite Warriors who were defeated in the uprising of the new world. His mind has been imprisoned for centuries until a wealthy businessman offers him the chance to live again, with of course a price to pay.

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Lela Loren, Simone Missick

Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 2

Check out the trailer here:

Star Trek: The Next Generation

I can’t really have a sci-fi category without including Star Trek can I? I don’t this one really requires much of an explanation as we are all pretty familiar with the Star Trek franchise. Take this time to catch up on all 7 seasons that are available on Netflix!

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton

Release Date: 1987 – 1994

Seasons Available on Netflix: 7

Check out the trailer here:

Fantasy

Fantasy flicks more your thing? You’ll definitely want to check out the below!

The Witcher

The Witcher follows Geralt, a mutated monster hunter struggling to find his place in the world where people are often worse than monsters. Since it popped up on Netflix it quickly gained popularity.

Starring: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan

Release Date: 2019 – Ongoing

Seasons Available: 1

Check out the trailer here:

Reality

Love is Blind

Whether you’ll end up liking it or hating it, the fact of the matter is that you will binge Love is Blind. It’s absolute crap that’s taken the world by storm, and I 100% couldn’t stop watching as soon as I started. Love is Blind is the first dating show of it’s kind, and features singles trying to find a match and fall in love without ever seeing each other face to face. Once couples get engaged, they are sent out into the real world to see if it will last.

Best Part: When Nick Lachey said “Obviously I’m Nick Lachey” to a group of people who are way too young to actually know who he is.

Release Date: 2020

Seasons Available on Netflix: 1

Check out the trailer here:

The Circle

The Circle is another one of those awful reality shows that you just can’t stop watching. It’s like a Big Brother meets Catfish, where contestants live in the same apartment building and talk through an online social media program (the circle) but never get to actually meet. They are able to chose how they want to portray themselves through their online profiles and face off in challenges, voting for their favourites as they go. The contestant who wins takes home a $100,000. It’s crap, but it’s the kind of crap you just can’t turn away from

Release Date: 2020

Seasons Available on Netflix: 1 US Season, 1 Brazil Season

Check out the trailer here:

Queer Eye

Queer Eye is not just another makeover show. It centres around the idea of building community and changing opinions while inspiring and showing kindness. Each episode the fab five help someone who has been nominated in all aspects of their life to become better versions of themselves. It’s a heart touching, funny, and eye opening show that will have you unable to put it down.

Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 4 Seasons of Queer Eye, 1 Season of Queer Eye in Japan

Check out the trailer here:

Ru-Paul’s Drag Race

With 11 Seasons available on Netflix Ru-Paul will keep you busy binge watching for days. Ru-Paul’s drag race is a competition style show where contestants compete for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.

Release Date: 2009 – Ongoing

Seasons Available on Netflix: 11

Check out the trailer here:

Cheer

Cheer is a cheerleading documentary that will take you deep into the heart of this competitive sport. One of my closest friends wrote up a beautiful piece on Cheer, and I just don’t think I would be able to do the show the same justice she did. You can check it out here and see exactly why you should add Cheer to your list!

Release Date: 2020

Seasons Available on Netflix: 1

Check out the trailer here:

Tidying up with Marie Kondo

There is no better time to watch this series than now when we all have a TON of time on our hands to do our own cleaning. Tidying up with Marie Kondo follows Marie Kondo as she helps families declutter and reorganize their homes. If you’re looking for a little inspiration to get you started on decluttering look no further!

Release Date: 2019

Seasons Available on Netflix:1

Check out the trailer here:

Well, that concludes my list of 40 binge worth shows to watch on Netflix now! Whether you’re watching from Canada or the United States this list will hopefully help keep you busy as we spend more and more time at home.

Feel free to pin the below to refer back to later!

With love, Kirsten

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