Month: April 2016

Abbotsford Tulip Festival

Published by Molly Catherine

I’ve lived in British Columbia for almost three years now and have never made it to the Abbotsford Tulip Festival. I saw some amazing photos on Instagram over the last couple of weeks and had to make my way over there! It’s actually coming to the end of the tulip season, so we made it just in time. The colours were unreal, it was truly a spectacular sight. I dream in colour and so for me, this place was super inspiring & magical. I read that on the weekends there is a lineup so long to get in that it causes huge traffic jams! So luckily we went on a weekday. The tulip festival is open only until this Sunday, May 1st. So, if you live in the area make sure to check it out ASAP. It’s only about an hour drive from Vancouver. Hope everyone is finding time to explore nature and appreciate all the beauty that surrounds us! 🙂 Cheers, Molly xx __________ “Wherever you are, and whatever you do, be in love.” …

Love is a Practice

Published by Molly Catherine

Love is a daily practice, a journey… It’s not without darkness, but we must be thankful for the darkness, for without it we could not define the light. Don’t let your troubles, your pains, become an excuse to hurt others, whether passively or actively. Use your vulnerability instead as a way to go deeper into the choice of love. Do your best to radiate on a high frequency of love and kindness no matter what the situation. There are always things to be grateful for, and always lessons to be learned. Send love to everyone you know, to everyone you meet, to all living beings. This love will be drawn back to you. We always have a choice. I choose love. Namaste, Molly xo __________ “If you love a flower, don’t pick it up. Because if you pick it up it dies and ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.” – Osho

Cascade Falls

Published by Molly Catherine

Exploring in British Columbia is endless! We found such a beautiful spot about an hour and 15 minute drive East from our house, in Mission. It’s a stunning waterfall, called Cascade Falls, with a small suspension bridge. The waterfall is tucked right into the woods and it’s just a short 2 minute walk to the viewpoint. It’s perfect for people who want to experience a beautiful site, but don’t want to hike hours to get there! It’s honestly probably one of my favourite spots in BC, even though everywhere we go is breathtaking! But this felt very intimate and secluded, and no one was there when Irek and I arrived. So it was a lovely experience. I’m sure it’s quite busy on weekends though. I was able to take some time to meditate when we arrived while Irek took some photos.  It was a very serene moment. Hope you enjoy the pictures & if you’re in the BC area make sure to check it out! Cheers, Molly xx __________ “It is only in adventure that …

OSEA Skincare Giveaway!

Published by Molly Catherine

A few months ago, OSEA Malibu reached out to me to try their products, and if I liked them, simply spread the word. I have always had very sensitive skin, so I stay away from anything with harsh chemicals, scents etc. Because of this, I am very skeptical of trying new skincare products, and how my skin will react to them. That being said, I did a bunch of research on OSEA and couldn’t find one single bad review. So I was intrigued… OSEA’s products are vegan, organic, cruelty-free and 100% natural… Those 4 things pretty much sum up my criteria when looking for ANY health and beauty products. So suffice to say, I tried the products, and they’re amazing. I spoke to the company recently and they’ve offered to give a gift card to one of my followers so they can experience the products as well! The giveaway details can be found on my Instagram account: @mollycatherinep. I promise you, after trying these products there is a high likelihood that you may have a …

Beach Workout

Published by Molly Catherine

Yesterday Irek and I went to brunch at my favourite restaurant, Heirloom Vegetarian. I just cannot get enough of that place!  After we ate and Irek did some work, we headed to Jericho Beach in Kitsilano, and did a quick 30 minute HIIT workout (sprints, lunges, squats & tricep dips).  So nice to be able to exercise outside! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and sending lots of love for the week ahead! 🙂 Cheers, Molly xx __________ “Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day.” – Dalai Lama XIV

Oatmeal Recipe

Published by Molly Catherine

For the last 5 years I’ve had the same breakfast almost everyday. Oatmeal is super healthy, filling, and delicious. It keeps me nice and full until lunch time and is packed with nutritious ingredients. It also has a ton of fiber, so it’s great for keeping your digestive system on track. Feel free to substitute whatever fruits, nuts, seeds you have on hand. I also opt out of using any syrups/sweeteners as it’s already sweet enough with the fruit. Hope you enjoy! Cheers, Molly xx   Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 1/2 cup steel cut oats 1 tbsp ground flax seeds 1 tbsp wheat germ 1 tbsp cinnamon 1 apple, chopped 2 cups water (or almond milk) handful blueberries Toppings:  2 bananas sliced pumpkin / sunflower seeds hemp hearts / chia seeds walnuts goji berries agave or maple syrup (optional) Directions: Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add oats, flax seeds, wheat germ, cinnamon, and apple to pot and reduce to simmer …

Vegan Sushi

Published by Molly Catherine

Yesterday I was craving some vegan sushi and since Vancouver has a bunch of Japanese restaurants there’s tons of options! I started the day with an appointment downtown and then Irek and I just walked along the sea wall admiring the beauty of Vancouver, and did some people watching! There are so many tourists here in the spring and summer, so lots going on! I find that most of the good vegan/vegetarian spots in Vancouver are in Kitsilano.  We made our way there for a late lunch and found this cute little sushi place called Shizen Ya. They use all organic ingredients and are actually the first all natural Japanese restaurant chain in North America! We’ll definitely be going back, the vegan sushi was delicious! Chat soon! 🙂 Molly xx __________ “I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.” – Arthur Rubinstein 

The Chief Hike

Published by Molly Catherine

Irek and I went on the most epic hike yesterday! It’s called The Chief (Stawamus Chief), and is located in Squamish, British Columbia. The hike is super challenging as it’s a steep uphill incline the entire way until you reach the peak. So, if you plan to do it, make sure you’ve done some cardio ahead of time, and are in good physical shape. Irek and I both do high intensity cardio at least three times a week and a challenging hike like this is a great alternative to our regular routine of running/sprinting or elliptical. I’m feeling super grateful today- grateful to live in this beautiful province, and grateful to have the best adventure buddy a girl could ask for! Enjoy the weekend and go explore, it’s a beautiful world out there! Molly xx __________ “I love living. I think that’s infectious. It is something you cannot fake.” – Will Smith

Change Your Thoughts Audiobook Picture

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

Published by Molly Catherine

The last year and a half has been one full of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Throughout this time, I listened to many audiobooks to aid me in my spiritual journey, but none affected me quite like the late Wayne Dyer’s “Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life”. This book is a translation of the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching or The Great Way, written 2500 years ago by a “God-realized being”, Lao-tzu. Now, without getting into religion, I will say that I am a spiritual person but I do not engage in any religious practices. I will quote the Dalai Lama here and say “I have no religion, my religion is kindness”. I guess you could say that’s why this book touched me deeply. It is about living the Tao: spreading kindness, compassion, love and most importantly, letting go of ego. Wayne Dyer spent a full year reviewing hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and wrote an essay for each one of the 81 verses. The book is meant to provide guidance and …

Vegan Borscht

Published by Molly Catherine

I met my boyfriend 6 years ago and was quickly introduced to his mom’s delicious borscht. It’s time to share this recipe, with my vegan take! A couple things to take note of: it’s always better the second day after the flavours have melded together, taste as much as you can during the cooking process and adjust seasonings as needed. Traditionally this soup is served during the holiday season but we love it so much that I make it every couple of weeks. Hope you enjoy & let me know in the comments how it turns out! 🙂 Molly xx   Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 50 mins  | Total time: 65 mins Serves: 6 Ingredients: 4 large beets, roasted and diced 4 medium sized potatoes, diced 1 onion, diced 5-6 cloves garlic, minced Water (enough to fill large pot, leaving 2 inches) 2 cubes veggie broth 1/4 cup red wine 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp Himalayan sea salt 1 tsp black pepper fresh or dried herbs (basil, cilantro, …