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Archives for March 2019

Big Snow, Big White

March 8, 2019

Big White Ski Resort, BCBig White, Kelowna BCPowder Snow at Big White CanadaBig White, BC Family Ski Vacation

It's the Snow Ski Big White

Hasn’t the weather been crazy this winter?  We’ve had weeks of snow here in Seattle, which is very unusual.  In fact, the kids have 5 snow days to make up this summer (and this doesn’t include the late starts and early releases due to weather!).  So, you can imagine that when our mid-winter break arrived amid the many unexpected snow days, we were less thrilled about the prospect of spending vacation playing in more snow!

As you may expect from these photos, Big White sure did prove us wrong!  And I can’t say enough wonderful things about the six days we spent in this winter wonderland.

Located in the Canadian Okanagen, Big White is a mere 6-8 hour drive from Seattle (depending on road conditions and border crossing lines).  Unlike the Cascade Mountains, which have more wet conditions, Big White is located in the Canadian Rockies and is renowned for dry, powder-like snow…and lots of it!

Village Centre Mall Big WhiteThe Village Centre Mall hosts a coffee shop, ski rentals, ticket kiosks, and is central to the village.

The Woods at Big White BC

Adult lunch break at The Woods (kids are probably welcome too)
Family Friendly Ski Resort Big WhiteFireworks at Happy Valley Lodge Big White

Fireworks every Saturday night at the Happy Valley Lodge throughout the season.The Village at Big White Resort BCHot cocoa break at the Village Centre Mall

Family Ski Trip Big White BCHot tubing in our condo after a day on the slopes…well deserved!

Having visited Big White last year, we planned an extended stay this time.  Caravaning north with Kirsty‘s family, we arrived at our condo in the heart of the village.  The true “ski in, ski out” nature of the village is one of the things I enjoy the most, especially traveling with kids.  From our condo, we ski down to multiple lifts that can take us to the top of the mountain.  Most afternoons, we skied to our condo for lunch.  And nothing makes potty breaks more easy than skiing to your front door (mind you, you still have to remove all of those layers…and your skis).

The village at Big White is also low-key and not a “scene”…although I’m sure there’s much of it I haven’t experienced after bed time!  If you’re looking for fancy 5-star restaurants, boutique shopping, luxury spas, and celebrity sightings, then Big White may not be for you.  However, both the Village Center Mall, which is located central in the village, and the Happy Valley lodge, a quick and fun gondola ride down to the base of the mountain, host numerous family activities throughout the week.  For example, when we arrived Tuesday evening, it was bingo night at Happy Valley.  And on our last night there, a kids’ carnival, complete with popcorn and games is hosted every Saturday evening…with a fireworks grand finale at 8:15 pm.  A truly spectacular send off to close out our trip to Big White!

Big White Kids' Ski School

The Kids’ Centre houses the ski school and is located in the center of the village.

Ski School at Big WhiteRomie loved her instructor.  Caroline is from Denmark.

While the kids are at ski school, adults get to adventure!

The ski school at Big White is another winner and a really important consideration when we began planning our family ski trip.  While my kids have been on skis for several years, lessons each season advance their skills and, most importantly, give them confidence on the mountain.

The instructors are enthusiastic, patient (oh, so patient!) and competent, providing a thorough assessment at the end of each day.  The instructors makes the mountain fun; after lessons, my kids were eager to take me on “Bumpy Alley” and through the Dragon’s Mouth (note: not as fun on a snowboard).  My son, being the most advanced skier, was taken all over the mountain and couldn’t wait to share his adventures with us at the end of each day.  Also, we could fact-check his endless bragging because the kids wear a device that allows you to see their progress and map their days (Jack’s stories did check out).  Two full days of ski school allowed us to traverse the entire mountain as a family.  Often times with Jack leading the way.

Beautiful Views Canadian Okanagan Valley

Skiing with Friends Big White BC

Above the Powder Chair, which can take you the Gem Lake Warming Lodge (1 of 4 lodges)

Our personal mountain guide.

What’s with the snow, you may ask?  Not being a die-hard skier myself and having spent much of my mountain experience in the Pacific Northwest, I didn’t truly understand what a difference snow can make for your skiing experience until visiting Big White.  Big White snow is FUN.  Powder-like snow doesn’t make that scratchy noise on your board when your going down the mountain (you know, the one that makes you clench your teeth in fear of falling and skidding down a sheet of ice).  Powder doesn’t hurt (as much) to fall in.  Most importantly, powder makes you feel like you’re floating down the mountain, eager to return up the chair lift for another run!

Last year we were spoiled in Big White with fresh snow fall every night and beautiful, blue skies to ski under during the day.  However, the temperatures hovered around zero degrees Fahrenheit.  This year it was much warmer…and we had fresh snow while skiing.  Inches upon inches of it!  Again, this is dry snow so we weren’t wet.  However, we didn’t get to enjoy as many spectacular views of the Okanagan valley below from the chair lift.

The entire family had so much fun in the snow our entire trip!  The skiing is spectacular and the numerous other events hosted in Big White are a blast as well.  We enjoyed tubbing, which was a fan favorite after last year’s excursion.  Ice skating, ice climbing, snow mobiling, and sleigh rides are also offered at the Happy Valley Lodge.  Big White also hosts a nordic center for cross-country and snow shoeing enthusiasts.

The kids’ feedback: “BEST VACATION of the year.”  My work here is done.  And the adults agree too.

If you are considering a trip to Big White, please email, message or dm me on social media with questions.  The central booking agents helped us find a gem of a condo this year (we were a bit late to book in October, so schedule early!).  Also, be sure to check-in on Instagram as I’ve saved a ‘Big White’ stories tab complete with lots of fun video footage from our trip!

Thank you for reading.  And, thank you for patiently waiting for posts (it’s been awhile).  Happy Friday! ~Jenn

A huge ‘Thank You’ to Big White ski resort for partnering with me on this post.  Their hospitality and generosity continues to impress me and our family is so grateful.  As always, all opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Comments: 0   //   Category: Lifestyle, Travel

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Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist
This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come ch This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come check out @sskein.co knitwear for yourself and visit with designer @e_for_elisa tomorrow during a private trunk show at Emry Boutique in Madison Valley. Simply dm @shop.emry to schedule your visit (attendees are being staggered for safety). Not in Seattle? Check out Elisa’s amazingly cozy, baby alpaca designs online. These knits are the perfect gifts for your mom, sister, boyfriend...self. Because 2020. They deserve to be snuggled in luxury! (And so do you). #sskein #smallbatch #ethicalfashion #shopsmallseattle

welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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