Fun in the Sun, the Sun Smart Way

It’s time for another sun safety reminder! Yes, I’ve become that annoying friend who always says, “Don’t forget sunscreen”, “Let’s find a shady spot”, and “You should ask your GP about a skin check”. But this reminder a much more exciting. I’ve teamed up with my life long friend, who’s also an amazing photographer, Kieran Darcy, to share the sun safety message. Kieran was especially supportive and surprisingly inspired during my melanoma diagnosis. So when she asked to collaborate on a sun safety themed photo shoot, I couldn’t help but say, “OF COURSE!” And now that we can share the finished product, I can’t help but give Kieran a big THANK YOU!

The photo shoot took place at my favourite spot in the whole world, Georgian Bay, in Lake Huron, Canada. It’s a place where we’ve both spent many days of our youth under the summer sun. Every summer before this, since I was a baby, I would have either played or lounged in the sun, for the most part without any sun protection. I now honestly regret my audacity for the sun.

What also made this photo shoot special was Kieran not only captured great photos of their own, but the subtly that sun safety can be. You would be surprised how easily sun safety can transition into your everyday life. For example, we still enjoyed some fun in the sun, but under the shade of a tree and during sunset, when the sun is least strong. Additionally, instead of prancing around in my itsy bitsy bikini, I kept covered with my favourite go-to sarong and sunhat. But what you can’t see in these photos is that my body and face are slathered in SPF 50 sunscreen, even under my makeup.

I hope you keep this in mind during the upcoming summer. Though melanoma is scary, sun safety doesn’t have to be. We all have the capacity to form a healthier relationship with the sun. Not only am I an example of this, but my friends and family are as well, who delightfully informed me during my recent trip home that they decided to be more sun smart after hearing my melanoma story. How heart warming is that?! Look below for all the amazing photos from Kieran and check out @kierandarcyphoto for more inspiring photos.Photos by Kieran Darcy.

The Tip that Changed the Way I Pack

What I packed for my trip to Fiji, whites, blues, turquoise…

I, like many other women I assume, hate packing. The thought of planning every outfit for everyday of travel is overwhelming, as weather, activities, and moods can be unpredictable. Luckily, with many trips under my belt, I have finally developed a good system.

Depending on the season, I pick one colour, or a few similar colours, to use as highlight pieces. I then pair these with neutral pieces. This allows me to mix and match all my clothing items, creating flexibility and longevity for my outfits, while most of all, staying stylish and minimizing the amount packed.

Hands Free

 

Along with the right luggage while traveling, the right handbag is just as necessary. I find it is best to keep your hands free with cross body straps, along with ensuring the security of your belongings with zippers and flaps. These handbags capture these features best, with my favourite leather in neutral colours so not to attract attention but to stay stylish.

For photo sources click on photos/links.

Go To – Sarong

When away from home, there are few things one can rely on through and through. This consistency adds a touch of calm to overwhelming times spent away from home. One of the things I rely on the most while traveling is my black sarong. I bought this for $10 at a hippie, beachside shop in Byron Bay, Australia, when I first visited in 2007. Since then, I have repaired a few wears and tears, but it has ultimately stood the test of time. Its versatility makes it essential to pack on every trip. The following is the ongoing list of uses I have discovered… blanket, towel, scarf, shoal, beach cover up, dress, hat/eye mask.