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Gold Coast, Australia

Irek and I arrived home from Australia a couple weeks ago, and yes, we are missing the heat badly. When we landed in VanCity, it was a ‘huge’ blizzard (by Vancouver standards). And since, the snow has stayed! It’s the first time in 3.5 years that we’ve actually had snow on the ground for longer than a day. It’s beautiful really… but Irek and I are definitely more suited to warmer climates (a move is definitely in our future).

That being said, the purpose of our trip to Australia was to attend the year-end Infinite Prosperity Ball + Yacht 2016. It was a magical time and I’ll be dedicating an entire blog post to those events within the next week or so. But for now, I wanted to share some shots we took during our time on the Gold Coast. We stayed in a beautiful home with some truly incredible people who inspire me in so many different ways (Amy Sangster, Lewis Mocker, Robyn Louise, Irek Piekarski and everyone’s favourite person, Carlo!). Thanks to all of you for making our time in Australia so memorable and special… We’ll definitely be back!

I hope everyone is having a lovely holiday season- wishing you and your families all the best.

Cheers,

Molly xx

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“Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends.”

– Hafiz

Whole Hearted Eating

Published by Molly Catherine

When I was in Australia a couple weeks ago, my beautiful friend and published Author, Robyn Louise, cooked me the most amazing meal. Her ‘Mushroom, Kale and Lentil Chowder’ was to die for… and her satay sauce? Out of this world! She is one talented lady who I’m proud to call one of my closest friends.

Our paths first crossed in Bali two years ago, and since then, we’ve developed a strong bond full of love and support. She inspires me everyday and I’m truly honoured to be going through this amazing journey of life with her. She is one of the kindest, most loving people I have ever met… If you don’t already know her, check out her Instagram page for more.

Earlier this year, Robyn released her first book titled “80 Things That Changed my Life” which is full of little tips and tricks to help you lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life. She then went on to release her second book- this time a full on cookbook inclusive of over 50 recipes! The book is titled “Whole Hearted Eating” and is 100% plant-based. It’s perfect if you need a little help transitioning to a more herbivorous diet.

Have a look at her website for more information on both books; www.Robyn-Louise.com.

I hope everyone is having a beautiful day. Sending lots of love!

Cheers,

Molly xx

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“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”

– Hippocrates

Bali Yoga Snaps

Published by Molly Catherine

My most inspired yoga sessions happen when I’m abroad. I believe it has a lot to do with the fact that I’m in a constant state of gratitude and appreciation. That state naturally lends itself to all aspects of life becoming brighter and more colourful.

However, the Bali heat definitely challenged me. I forgot how hot and humid it was and had to force myself to push through each session. I’m grateful for the experience though, because your practice will never reach higher levels until you put yourself out there, and test your own limits.

I hope you enjoy these yoga shots and perhaps they will inspire you to continue practicing and break through your own barriers, whether they be mental or physical.

Cheers,

Molly xx

Wearing; Tonic Active (use code ‘Molly20’ for 20% off); yoga towels from Sand Cloud (use code ‘MollyPa25’ for 25% off).

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“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”

– Thich Nhat Hanh

A Love Letter to The Mulia Resort, Bali

Published by Molly Catherine

I fell head over heels in love with The Mulia Resort in Nusa Dua, Bali. It will now be the standard to which I hold every hotel we visit in the future. The Mulia took into account every little detail and transformed our Bali experience to a whole other level… It was pure magic.

The Grounds;

The thing about Bali is that everywhere you look is more beautiful than the next. This most definitely rings true when thinking back to our time at The Mulia Resort. The decor was luxurious and extravagant and the grounds themselves were like nothing we’ve ever seen. The Mulia has won multiple awards in the past (including #1 beach resort in the world in 2014 – see here for full list of awards). It’s most definitely worthy of taking up some space on your vision boards…

Accommodations;

Our room at The Mulia was gorgeous. I loved the colour scheme and design; it really created a feeling of serenity and warmth. The first night we arrived the weather wasn’t in our favour, but I’m actually glad for that as it forced us to stay in and enjoy the room. We took full advantage of the jacuzzi tub which overlooked the entire resort, and had incredible views of Indian ocean.

The Beach;

The beach at The Mulia was secluded and very spacious. I like to still feel away from it all when staying at resorts, and The Mulia definitely succeeded in creating this experience. The second day we were there, Irek and I wandered a little bit and found this beautiful spot only a few minutes walk away. It had gorgeous rock faces and a very intimate energy about it. I spent almost an hour practicing yoga and meditating in the sun.

Dining;

You would already know if you frequent this blog that one of my true loves in this life is food… Our relationship to food and our mental state when consuming it is so important and truly can make or break a meal. But, it also comes down to the quality of ingredients and the love the chefs put into it as well. Irek and I had the most amazing experience at The Mulia – some of the best dishes we’ve had in Bali. However, the best parts of our dining experiences were the stories that accompanied them…

On this one particular night, we ate at Soleil, which offers Mediterranean and Pan Asian cuisine from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. We were taken care of by this lovely server, whose name unfortunately escapes me. He told us this story about a Rain Stopper. He told us that in Bali, when rains are expected on a wedding day, a spiritual and magical individual called a Rain Stopper will come. He will perform a ceremony which will halt the rain, for just long enough. The most amazing part is that the very next day, we witnessed this story come to life, first hand. There was a wedding booked for 3pm and just as the hour was approaching, a massive storm was on the horizon. Minute by minute the storm continued to edge closer… And just as it reached The Mulia, the winds forced it west and it missed the resort completely. It looked as though everywhere around us was raining – but above us was only light. An experience I’ll never forget.

In Conclusion;

There is a magical energy that consumes Bali, but you’ll only experience it if you believe it. The Mulia Resort will always hold a special place in my heart, we plan to go back each year we visit the island. A huge thank you to The Mulia Resort for having us, and for all of the beautiful people we encountered during our stay… My heart is full of love and gratitude.

Cheers,

Molly xx

Wearing; Amita Naithani (my #1 designer of choice for resort wear).

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“When it comes to love do not ever settle for anything less than magical.”

– Sanober Khan

The Westin Resort, Bali

Published by Molly Catherine

Last week I was invited to The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali to participate in the most beautiful yoga event. The event was in support of UNICEF and was focused on raising money to support children in Indonesia, enabling them access to clean drinking water. The session was led by Wellness Specialist, Jitendra Pokhriyal, who I thought did an incredible job in bringing over 200 participants to a peaceful and loving state. It was an honour to participate in the event and meet so many lovely individuals.

Once the yoga event was over, Irek and I spent a couple days exploring the area and seeing what Nusa Dua has to offer. The beaches are absolutely stunning and there is a beautiful walking path right in front of The Westin that stretches quite far- it was perfect for a morning jog. We also were able to experience a couples massage at The Heavenly Spa (which was exactly what we needed after 26 hours of travel time to Bali)! The massages were truly lovely- Irek and I both left feeling super refreshed and rejuvenated.

The highlight of our stay at The Westin though, was the incredible service. The staff at the resort were kind and helpful and we felt very taken care of. I’ve said it so many times before but the people in Bali truly are some of the loveliest we’ve ever met. I can’t wait to head back again in 2017. A huge thank you to The Asia Collective for hosting Irek and I!

I hope everyone is having a beautiful week. Sending lots of love!! 🙂

Cheers,

Molly xx

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“Your deepest roots are in nature. No matter who you are, where you live, or what kind of life you lead, you remain irrevocably linked with the rest of creation.”

– Charles Cook

Bali Bliss

Published by Molly Catherine

Irek and I just spent a week in Bali, and it was lovely. The island has such an incredible energy– the people are kind, the food is delicious, and the weather is smoking hot (just how we like it)!

The first couple of days we stayed in Seminyak at The Colony Hotel. The Colony is a small boutique hotel about 30 minutes or so from the airport. I believe it has only 20 rooms- which gives it such an intimate and private vibe. We loved it and will definitely stay there again!

A huge thank you to The Colony Hotel and The Asia Collective for hosting us. 🙂

I hope everyone is having a beautiful week, sending lots of love and light your way! Stay tuned for more posts from Bali coming soon…

Cheers,

Molly xx

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“Let the beauty we love be what we do.”

– Rumi

Famoso Pizzeria

Published by Molly Catherine

I was recently invited to try some vegan pizzas at Famoso Pizzeria on Commercial Drive in VanCity. I can’t lie… I was a bit skeptical seeing as I just visited a brand new, fully plant-based pizzeria in China Town and was blown away. But… obviously I accepted the invite… who says no to pizza?!

And, to my pleasant surprise, the pizzas were so good! 🙂 The menu was vegan & vegetarian friendly, with the ability to substitute Daiya cheese on any of the pizzas. They also had some nice vegan salads + a fully vegan sandwich…. so there were definitely options! It’s actually the perfect pizzeria to visit if you’re heading out with both omnivores and herbivores! And, the more us herbivores band together and order plant-based dishes from restaurants like this, the more they’ll realize the demand is there and in turn, increase their vegan offerings (perhaps phase animal products out altogether… a girl can wish can’t she?!).

Famoso Pizzeria has locations across Canada in BC, AB, SK and ON. If you have a location near you, I definitely recommend trying it out! Irek and I both agreed that Famoso Pizzeria deserves a strong 8.5/10! The only thing that would have elevated the pizzas for me, would have been if they used a nut cheese, instead of Daiya cheese, as I’m not a huge fan. That being said, they did not overwhelm the pizza with it, so the flavour was still in tact and on point.

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend… happy eating!!

Cheers,

Molly xx

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“Some people think the plant-based, whole-foods diet is extreme. Half a million people a year will have their chests opened up and a vein taken from their leg and sewn onto their coronary artery. Some people would call that extreme.”

– Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Caribbean Yoga Snaps

Published by Molly Catherine

Since arriving home from Mexico a couple weeks ago, Irek and I have been in hibernation mode. It’s been very rainy and dull in BC – we’ve only had a day or two of sun, if that! Definitely not our favourite kind of weather for exploring, although I should try a bit harder to embrace the rain… without it, our province wouldn’t be as lush and beautiful as it is!

That being said, I am excited to head to Bali in a couple weeks. It’s been almost two years since we first visited the island – it’s such a magical place. For now though, I thought I’d share some yoga snaps from our time in the Caribbean!

Have a beautiful week, sending love!!

Namaste,

Molly xx

Wearing; Tonic Active (use code Molly20 for 20% off) and BoutineLA in.

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“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.”

– B.K.S. Iyengar

Villa Del Palmar Cancun

Published by Molly Catherine

I’ve been in love with Mexico for many years now… It’s the first place Irek and I ever travelled to together, so it holds a very special place in my heart. We just recently spent a week in beautiful Playa Mujeres at Villa Del Palmar Cancun for October Wellness month. Below are some highlights…

The Grounds;

The grounds at Villa Del Palmar were beautiful. There is nothing like tropical vegetation in my opinion- so luscious and colourful! The resort has 5 swimming pools, 4 restaurants and 6 bars- so lots of variety! There are also many activities you can participate in… from volleyball, to kayaking, to paddle boarding, to fitness and yoga classes! It’s the perfect place to bring the family as the options really are endless.

The Beach;

The beaches in Mexico are absolutely stunning– it’s one of the reasons why I love the country so much. Villa Del Palmar‘s beach was no exception… the white sand was so soft and gorgeous! We spent most of our time there and I managed to fit in quite a few beach yoga sessions, which I was super happy about. I always feel most inspired by the sand and sea… A great place to reflect and focus on gratitude and love. We’ll definitely be heading back to Mexico again next year. 🙂

Accommodations;

We had a beautiful one bedroom suite at Villa Del Palmar with views of the entire resort and the sea. I highly recommend going with a one bedroom suite if you do visit the resort… It adds so much to the whole experience.

Dining;

There are lots of options for dining at Villa Del Palmar but Irek and I both agreed that our favourite restaurant was Hiroshi (Japanese). It was really nice, with lots of vegan options. The other restaurants didn’t have too many plant-based dishes, however, it was super easy to just eliminate the animal products and replace with extra veggies. We never had an issue at any of the restaurants, they were all super accommodating and provided us with really nice alternatives.

I will say the one thing that stands out about Mexico and Villa Del Palmar, is the stellar service. The friendliness of the servers, cooks and hosts was incredible– we always felt welcomed and taken care of (which immediately sets the mood for your dining experience).

The Animals;

Just quickly wanted to mention all the beautiful animal friends we made at Villa Del Palmar! One of my favourite things about traveling to different countries is seeing all the different creatures… They’re so beautiful and I love them all. From top down we have- Iggy (iguana), Beak (sandpiper), Pineapple (kitten), Cornelius (great tailed grackle). Tell me you don’t love them too?! 🙂

In Summary;

Irek and I loved our time at Villa Del Palmar… We participated in a few really awesome fitness sessions for October Wellness including crossfit, yoga, aquatic fitness and kayaking. We weren’t able to capture these moments as we both participated – but once I receive some photos from the resort I’ll definitely post on my Instagram, so stay tuned!

A huge thank you to Villa Del Palmar for having us, and for all of the amazing memories. This resort is perfect for families, or for people who enjoy being active- as there are tons of activities to keep you busy!

I hope everyone has a beautiful week- sending lots of love.

Cheers,
Molly xx

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“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.”

– Robert Louis Stevenson

Carillon Miami Beach

Published by Molly Catherine

I have only ever transited though Miami, but never spent any length of time there. I think it will now be a regular destination for Irek and I as we absolutely loved the vibe and of course, the heat! We had the most amazing stay at Carillon Miami Beach… I can confidently say that it’s within my top 5 favourite hotels we’ve ever stayed in. Below are some highlights from our time in Miami…

The Grounds;

The grounds at Carillon were stunning. There were beautifully manicured gardens and palm trees everywhere, tons of lounge areas, and incredible views of the ocean from almost every angle. The hotel is situated right on the beach, and there is a lovely walking path right in front that stretches along the entire strip.

Pool Area;

There are two beautiful pools at Carillon, both of which overlook the ocean. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun, listen to an audiobook and just chill out. Irek and I spent most of our time lounging by the pool and cooling down (it took us a bit to adjust to the tropical heat!).

The Beach;

We didn’t get to spend too much time at the beach, only because 2 days really flies by! But, we were able to squeeze in a couple hours one afternoon and had a lovely time listening to the waves crashing on the shoreline, and watching the pelicans scavenging for their afternoon snack! It was quite the spectacle and I would have been content watching them all day long.

Accommodations;

I absolutely loved our one bedroom suite at Carillon. The bed was the comfiest I’ve ever slept in, and the jacuzzi tub was lovely… It was the perfect way to end the night and put ourselves into a meditative state. The suite itself deserves a 10/10 and if you visit Carillon I highly recommend it.

Dining;

I was so impressed by the amazing vegan dining experience the chef prepared for us. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip… The flavours were on point- simple but yet so delicious. I also loved the buffet breakfasts – they had the best cold-pressed juices, smoothies and such a great selection of fruits, nuts, seeds, breads etc. The room service was also very impressive… there wasn’t one single meal that Irek and I didn’t enjoy. The chefs easily accommodated our dietary restrictions (no meat, dairy, eggs, honey) and never compromised the flavours. A huge thank you to the talented Carillon chefs! We can’t wait to come back and enjoy some more amazing vegan meals.

In Summary;

Irek and I truly loved Carillon Miami Beach. If you’re looking for a hotel right on the beach but want to be a little bit away from the party vibe in South Beach, this is a perfect option. However, it’s only a short car ride away, so if you’re looking for the best of both worlds then this is definitely it… A great location in my opinion.

Lastly, before wrapping this up, I have to mention the amazing sound and healing massage I received, as well as the beautiful sunrise meditation I participated in. Both experiences touched me, and brought about some strong emotions. Make sure to get involved in some of these activities if you do visit Carillon – you won’t regret it.

A huge thank you to Carillon Miami Beach for hosting Irek and I. We’re already discussing plans to head back so we can spend more time enjoying all that the hotel has to offer!

Thanks so much for reading- sending everyone lots of love.

Cheers,

Molly xx

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“See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. Ask for no guarantees, ask for no security.”

– Ray Bradbury

Molly Catherine

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Latest Posts

Gold Coast, Australia

Whole Hearted Eating

Bali Yoga Snaps

A Love Letter to The Mulia Resort, Bali

The Westin Resort, Bali

Bali Bliss

Famoso Pizzeria

Caribbean Yoga Snaps

Villa Del Palmar Cancun

Carillon Miami Beach