NATASHA
RAEY NO.4
talks about Bloom & Elix and her multi-passionate entrepreneurial spirit
photo: PS Collective Studio
Style Book + eMagazine
contents
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photo: PS Collective Studio
Summer is heating up and this issue is filled with a group of some of the most warmhearted women and creatives in our community. I’m so happy to introduce you to them and their businesses, along with tips and items to make your summer extra sweet. – Cheers! Kyla Getty
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cover
beauty
Multi-passionate entrepreneur shares about her new wellness brand Bloom & Elix P21
New recommendations for makeup, hair, body, and skincare. P17
Natasha Raey
feature
Carly Moir’s Story
On business, balance, motherhood and her most transformational year yet. P29
Kyla’s Summer Picks
maker spotlight Jennifer Kelly
of Her Ever After Collective. P33
community
business
Sister duo Christina and Carolyn share their community for women and new book! P34
Owner Jessica Morrison introduces us to nourishing juices to reset the mind, body, and soul. P40
The MomBabes
5 Editor’s Note 7 Summer Contest 11 Printable Quote 12 Calendar 14 In My Words
Squish Juicery
16 The Podcast 36 Nira’s Hot List 42 Summer Shop 44 Infused Recipes 48 Fearlessly Feminine
style book & emagazine | @ilikeherstylevancouver | www.ilikeherstyle.com
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take note!
The eMagazine digital version is clickable! Links are active, so if you like it... tap it!
Photo: PS Collective Studio
from Kyla
CHEERS TO THE GIRLS OF SUMMER! Get your bottle of fresh pressed Squish Juicery juice (p40) – you’re going to want to put your feet up for this fun summer read! Issue 4 is all about transformative women, fun summer style, taking joy in wellness and embracing your inner MomBabe! (p34) We’re featuring inspiring covergirl – Natasha Raey, founder of the women’s wellness brand: Bloom & Elix on p21 along with a roster of inspirational women sharing their soul-filling stories and amazing businesses. As always, there’s fashion, beauty, recipes, Nira’s Hot List, feminine inspiration, and more. Don’t skip a page!
STYLEBOOK available exclusively via email to our subscribers... so click here to make sure you’re on the list!
@ilikeherstylevancouver www.ilikeherstyle.com kyla@ilikeherstylevancouver.com
@ilikeherstylevancouver
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AMAZON summerSHOP Kyla’s curated collection of want-worthy items found on amazon.ca
tap to shop!
See Page 44
uttersto photo: sh
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contest
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ALL SUBSCRIBERS ARE ENTERED
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featuring Bloom & Elix women’s supplement capsules, a $100 Gift Card to Squish Juicery, a copy of The MomBabes A Motherhood Anthology Book, and a printed copy for the Style Book all packed up for you in this beach bag!
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how it works ONE eMAGAZINE, TWO WAYS TO VIEW. THIS ISSUE WAS DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU!
choose your own adventure: Phone-Friendly eMagazine We polled our community on social media to see how you prefer to read and the results were interesting! Since many of our friends mostly read on their phone, we decided to create a new concept magazine that is designed with your phone screen in mind! But that’s not all! Full Magazine Experience Are you a traditional magazine lover like myself? We got you! The magazine can also be viewed as desktop version, complete with the full fledged page-flipping experience! This is best experienced on a tablet, desktop, or laptop Which Version would you like to view?
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the soul is every woman’s personal stylist. @ilikeherstylevancouver
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MOBILE CALENDAR
PLAN FOR SUCCESS, PLAN FOR GRACE. By now you may know that I live and die by saving this monthly calendar graphic to my phone’s lock screen! I couldn’t be more happier to see that you love them too! xo Kyla
JULY
JUNE
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AUGUST
To get the 2021 Mobile Calendar Collection!
it’s a date!
A few of the dates on our Calendar this season: June 1-30
Pride Month #Pride #HappyPride June is National Indigenous History Month June 13
International Children’s Day #ChildrensDay June 20
Father’s Day First Day of Summer
June 21
August 2
National Indigenous Peoples Day
BC Day
August 17
#National NonprofitDay
July 1
Canada Day
August 19
#World PhotographyDay
July 7
#World ChocolateDay
August 26
#MalalaDay
#Womens EqualityDay
July 18
#NationalDogDay
July 12
#MandelaDay
September 6
Labour Day
July 25
#ParentsDay @ilikeherstylevancouver
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JUNE Clip & Frame!
F R O M
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K Y L A
G E T T Y
INMYWORDS I’m lightening up again.
My hair, that is. But I’ve found myself with this unexpected new shade. Rather than fight it, I’m embracing the redhead life! It’s been just one of life’s little surprises that I’m choosing to slow down and enjoy.
shop my dress
ilikeherstyle.com
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photo: PS Collective Studio
enjoy your life, it’s summer! It’s been a silly little joke since I was a tween...
I was at a friend’s house and her dad (who was a boisterous and friendly man) had offered us some biscuits. I had politely declined and he urged... no insisted... that I take them, saying, “enjoy your life, it’s summer!” Only with his accent, it sounded more like ‘summa’. I’m giggling to myself just remembering it and laughing out loud now that all of these years later I’ve decided it’s worthy of sharing with you! It was just a silly comment, but it struck me SO funny that something as simple as eating those biscuits would equate to me living my best summer life! Like, wow... all bets are off because it’s summa, baby! I guess it really stuck with me because I was about 12 at the time and I went home and told my mom about it. All of these later, it remains our mantra. Any time we are going to throw caution to the wind, let go, and do something, it comes back to our saying, “enjoy your life, it’s summa” – even if it’s the dead of January!
Well girlfriend, it really IS summa... so what are we going to do to enjoy our lives?! Honestly, the past year has taught me to sink deep into the simplest of pleasures and squeeze the juicy goodness out of life. We have spent so much time with restrictions and limitations, but there has never been a restriction on our ability to seek enjoyment. Here are some of the simplest of pleasures that I have been enjoying lately: Sitting out for 20 minutes on a sunny day and feeling the warmth like a hug. Filling my sink with warm water, putting on a hairband and using a cloth to properly wash my face. Applying peppermint lotion to my feet. Doling out compliments to women. Laughing my heart out with my husband while we watch movies with a glass of wine. (Kyle is hilarious, btw!) Creating a running storyline about our pets living in Hollywood that continues nightly with my 6 year old girl, Kadence. Spraying perfume, even if just for me. Oat milk in my coffee – if you know, you know! ... So, maybe the little things really do add up to enjoying your life... and maybe that summertime spirit can last all year after all. Biscuits? Yes, please!
@ilikeherstylevancouver
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N O W
S T R E A M I N G
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE NOW Keep up with all things I Like Her Style and the inspirational women in our spotlight. Kyla is joined by guest co-hosts such as original co-founder Jody Belanger and media maven Nira Arora as we go deeper than ever with the magazine’s covergirls and featured women.
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KYLA’S SUMMER MUST-HAVES
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FENTY Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Crush On Cupid The Review: Because
blush is one of the first products to fade from your look, this cream blush is a summer must. Layer it beneath regular blush to double down on staying power for those hot summer days. And when all I want is a beachy, sun-kissed, fuss-free look, this is a multi-tasking must! It adds a beautiful flush of colour to the cheeks, lips and sometimes even lids. It’s vegan, sweat and water-resistant formula melts into the skin without feeling sticky or greasy.
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Dior Airflash Spray Foundation Shade 300 The Review:
HOURGLASS Ambient™ Lighting Edit Mini (limited edition)
This foundation is more than just a summer fling! I’m constantly shouting about it from the rooftops. But the real summer-loving discovery is this particular shade - 300 (neutral). It’s perfect on my fair skin when I have a spray tan or layered on a lighter shade to bronze my cheeks when I don’t. It has a luxurious, radiant finish, and is great for all ages and skin types. I love that it’s paraben free, with lightweight yet full coverage. I. Can’t. Even.
@ilikeherstylevancouver
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The Review: This is
your summer glow all packaged up in the best little gold case. If you’ve ever wished you could photoshop yourself in real life, this is the closest thing I’ve found! All four powders are formulated with pure Photoluminescent Technology to capture, diffuse and soften surrounding light for skin that appears softer, younger and lit from within.
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L’OREAL PARIS Le Color Gloss, Hair Shine and Hair Gloss Treatment at home, Glossing Toner The Review:
I LOVE Glazed Raspberry Bodywash The Review: So, the
The first salon-quality in-shower toning gloss... and it’s been a lifesaver in toning my new warmer hair hue. You can use this on your natural, uncoloured hair as well. In just one step, this hair gloss toning solution boosts shine, condition and enhances my colour tone with no mix and no damage! I use it about once a week for maintenance and fresh-looking colour – there are multiple uses in each tube.
Easter Bunny brought this for my girls and mama has snagged it! (Oops?) I have such a sweet tooth. I also looove indulging in using bodywash with one of those poofy loofahs. This Glazed Raspberry body wash combines those two things into one sweet moment for me! It has notes of raspberry, strawberry, doughnut, and vanilla. I say it straight up smells like an oozy jelly doughnut from my childhood (without the calories!) The ‘I LOVE’ brand is UK-based and the product boasts ‘no nasties’ + 97% natural ingredients.
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NUXE prodigieux® lait parfumé beautifying scented body lotion The Review: Available
at Shoppers, I fell in love with this line and have never been disappointed by any NUXE product. So when I was in the market for a great hydrating body lotion (that wasn’t full of fake scents and chemicals), I wasn’t surprised when I loved this one. As much as I love beautifully scented lotions, most really are not good for you and I had started to feel weird about slathering them on. This is a beautifying scented body lotion that leaves an iridescent & illuminated satin finish with 6 precious botanical oils and 91% ingredients of natural origin.
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The Review: I love
The Review: Retinol is
The Review: Because
VICHY Idéalia Radiance Boosting Serum (And moisturizer) everything about this serum and it’s partnering moisturizer lotion. The consistency of both of them is spot on, for a lightweight yet hydrating application. The antioxidant rich formula is actually derived from blueberries and black tea to revive the complexion’s glow, even skin tone, refine pores and smooth fine lines. Each time I stray to try something new, I end up coming back to this lineup.
ELIZABETH ARDEN Ceramide Retinol Capsules something new that I’m adding to my evening routine to enhance my skin’s natural collagen and visibly reduce lines and wrinkles. It also has pore shrinking benefits. This product is kind of like bringing in ‘the big guns’, now that I’m 38... but I wish I had sooner. Ceramides in this product reinforce its moisture barrier. Peptides promote wrinkle smoothing and improve the appearance of skin tone and elasticity. These measured capsules keep the light and air out and the potency in.
La ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios XL Lotion SPF 60 I’m using the retinol, it’s more important than ever to apply sunscreen to the face daily. The overall effect of the retinol is to thin the skin, which makes it more sensitive to the rays of the sun. I tested a couple of facial sunscreens but was actually given a tester size tube of this particular one and I loved the moisturizer-like consistency more than the others. It’s SPF 60 with excellent protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
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cover story
NATASHA RAEY
D O I N G I T A L L W I T H A U T H E N T I C I T Y, S T R E N G T H , A N D G R A C E .
PARTNER FEATURE
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cover story NATASHA RAEY’S NATURAL ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT HAS TAKEN HER
MANY EXCITING PLACES. SHE’S MULTI-PASSIONATE, SO PERHAPS THE TITLE
‘CHIEF CREATIVE DO’ER’ FITS BEST? A CONSULTANT IN THE COMMUNITY, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE SECTORS, SHE ALSO RECENTLY LAUNCHED BLOOM & ELIX – A HEALTH & WELLNESS LINE AND EDUCATION PLATFORM FOR FEMALES.
What makes her come alive?
I love being on a horse. The freedom you feel while riding one of the most majestic of God’s creatures is immeasurable. That’s why we chose to shoot at my barn with Rosie. She is a powerhouse in her own right. Horses understand us, they exhilarate us, and they make us feel a power that few other things in life can make us feel.
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Feature Photos of Natasha: PS Collective Studio
Everyone deserves love, but not everyone deserves your time. Setting boundaries is so important for your life and wellness. Natasha Raey is a truly interesting and accomplished woman. She is a highly-educated, multi-faceted entrepreneur and investor who specializes in the health sector. She always seems to have her finger on the pulse of emerging trends. For example, you may remember her celebrated brand ‘She Talks’ which gave Vancouver women a stage to tell their stories and connect on a deep level. Perhaps one of the most intriguing things about Natasha is her ability to ‘do it all’ – it’s something that she’s repeatedly asked about by other women. “My super power would be that I’m a weird mix of housewife and entrepreneur and I think I do pretty well at both.” This woman is the real deal – with an honors degree in molecular biology and biochemistry, and a Masters of Health Administration which is essentially an MBA in health care, she has done great things on both sides of the country. “I came from a family where education was strongly encouraged and I’m so grateful for that. I didn’t spend my 20s in clubs, I spent them in school. While I may have felt like a nerd at the time, I think I made the right choice.”
At 22, Natasha launched her consulting business and became a lobbyist, taking on various projects in the community and social service sectors. She continues with project management work in health care because she strongly believes she can make a difference there. “I also have a super entrepreneurial spirit. I founded multidisciplinary health centres and one of the first retail cannabis stores in BC. I also most recently launched a health and wellness line and education platform for females called Bloom & Elix.” Life today looks very different than it did a couple years ago for Natasha. She lived half time in Toronto at the beginning of 2020 and would be on a plane every couple of weeks, traveling internationally every couple of months. “Old me would leave for a long weekend to Paris with less than a week’s notice! But obviously things have really changed for all of us.”
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I hope other women see me as a quirky, intelligent woman who they can call a friend. I hope women see when I smile at them and know that we’re all in this together. Life is too short for competition. There’s enough money and success for all of us to do well.
@nraey | @bloom_elix | bloomelix.com
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In early 2020, having met her forever person, Natasha moved back to the Lower Mainland full-time. The couple has settled down together at their home on a farm in the Fraser Valley. She is also currently in the process of building a house with her younger brother in West Kelowna, while she is working on a variety of health care projects, and growing Bloom & Elix – her baby. Natasha loves cooking dinner daily for her family and is enjoying the newfound stability and love that have replaced the glamour of the cocktail parties and beaches that were the norm before. “That being said, I’ve already booked my first vacation for 2022. Will I be hopping around the world every month again? Likely not, but I hope to find a happy medium once the world opens up again,” she shares.
Q:
What question do you feel you get asked a lot? “How do you do it all?” – Honestly, I think I’m pretty efficient. I know how to work quickly, and I know when I work best. I can’t conform to a 9 to 5 schedule because I work best in the middle of the night. I have a true operations brain where I visualize what I need to get done every day, and in what time slots (i.e. what dinner I can cook during a 45 minute break between meetings). And obviously I don’t always get it all done, but I do pretty good at being efficient and meeting my outcomes.
meeting. I always start my day with a coffee and emails. Then, I just start tackling my projects. I usually grocery shop every day for dinner, so I’ll do that as a small break and then make dinner. I have a pilates reformer at our house so that’s my workout break in the evening. My husband and I usually watch a bit of TV and then go to bed where I do a little bit more work into the evening.
Q:
Did you have a mentor or inspiration in business? I’ve been lucky to have a lot of super successful people in my life. Networking was also such an important part of my life growing up that I would 100% say that most of my opportunities have come from who I know.
Q:
What are your guiding principals for what you choose to invest in? I love emerging industries and health care. I love using my brain and giving back. I also love to support female owned businesses and initiatives.
Q:
What does a day in your life look like? I’m not an early riser. I usually wake up around 9:30-10am (with the exception of the 5:30am kiss my hubby gives me when he wakes up) unless I have an early Photo: PS Collective Studio
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The story of bloom & elix
I’ve had a few concussions from horse riding falls and was really feeling the effects from them. I had tons of brain fog and memory issues. I discovered the concept of nootropics and adaptogens as these ‘magical’ supplements that really help brain health. I worked with a lab in Arizona to create our signature nootropic and adaptogen products. I get so overwhelmed in any supplement store so I wanted to make supplements simple and easy – these are essentially a multivitamin for our brains. That’s how the company idea was born.
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the bloom & elix community...
We have an amazing web presence with education and articles on brain health. We are also JUST about to launch some new products that will make it even easier to integrate wellness and brain health into our lives. I encourage everyone to sign up for our mailing list and follow us on Instagram to see what we have in store.
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Photo: PS Collective Studio
ON LIFE, STYLE & BUSINESS
Q:
What has been a learning curve with this new business? Launching a business in a pandemic is a bit difficult because it’s all online… but that’s also the main way people are getting information right now, so we’ve just tried to create content that is relevant and meaningful to our audience and customers.
Q:
What are some of your favourite rituals, routines or practices that you recommend? I try and keep a checklist of what I need to achieve every day. I also give gratitude every day to remind me what I should be grateful for. I have some amazing girlfriends who I chat with throughout the day so I don’t lose my mind just working. And I take breaks. It’s important to give your brain rest time. What is a common factor that you see inhibiting women in their careers? I think a fear of being different. People can get scared of leaving something that is stable (a family business, or an unsatisfying career). And I get that fear. I also don’t encourage people to make decisions that will put you at huge financial risk. But it’s okay to try something different, start with a side-hustle, see how you do. Don’t be afraid to break out of the mould that you’re stuck in.
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How do you define success and do you feel successful? Success is freedom. It means freedom from a schedule and freedom from worrying about financial issues. Success also means that you are doing what you love. I’ve tried to create a life where I have all of those things. I think I’m doing well, but we always have room to improve. Overall I’m happy with where my life is.
Q:
Current soundtrack to your life? I pick any Parisienne Café playlist on Spotify for my work and cooking time.
on style I love dressing up. Life is too short to wear leggings (for me). I love fashion and I’m a style addict. I’ll wear crazy things because I dress for myself.
must-haves: Sunscreen – I love the EltaMD sunscreen that I get from Amour Beauty Lounge in Langley. I wear it every single day of the year. Skincare everything – I’m such a skincare and anti-aging junkie. Drunk Elephant products are amazing and I’m really starting to love the Eminence line lately
Q:
Tell us one thing that would shock us about you! I haven’t touched alcohol for seven years. Quitting drinking is the best thing I could have done for my health and wellbeing.
Q:
What is your current struggle? I think I’ve struggled a lot with adjusting to being in place. Going from a life of constant travel and movement to pretty much a standstill was difficult. I felt pretty lost the first few months of COVID because I didn’t feel I had a purpose. Starting up my consulting practice again and moving forward with Bloom & Elix has helped immensely.
Q:
What things about yourself do you feel make you relatable? I make fun of myself constantly. I speak to people, I smile at strangers. It’s these little things we can do that make the world feel a little less cold for all of us.
@nraey | @bloom_elix | bloomelix.com
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OUR EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT FROM OUR S P R I N G I S S U E ’ S C O V E R G I R L & T H E C R E AT O R OF THE ESVEDRA WELLNESS APP
Dr. Kaitlyn Goldsmith is a Clinical Psychologist and Instructor in the Department of Psychology at UBC. She is also a certified yoga teacher passionate about integrative wellness approaches. Join Dr. Kaitlyn on Instagram Stories for her insightful monthly contributor spotlight.
only on instagram @ilikeherstylevancouver W AT C H N E X T:
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feature
C R E AT I N G L I F E O N Y O U R O WN W H I TE CA NVA S
CARLY MOIR W H I T E C A N VA S D E S I G N STUDIO FOUNDER
2020 was nothing short of transformative for Carly Moir. Not only did the mother and entrepreneur co-author a book and double the size of her business, but she experienced great personal loss with the death of her father and grandmother as well as the end of her marriage. Working through grief, building, and re-building, she’s emerged with a better understanding of herself – having discovered the voice she always knew she had. She’s here to share her story – and to show up with the real dose of truth that we all need to hear.
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“You can be a mom, have a career, a social life and be a good partner but not all in the same damn minute!” Photo: PS Collective Studio
PARTNER FEATURE
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Photo: PS Collective Studio
“I am proud that White Canvas can provide local jobs for women in tech.” With a Degree in Communications and English, BCIT Design and Red Academy UX/UI education, Carly initially began White Canvas with just her laptop and an Adobe Creative Suite student license in 2012. She began as a freelancer while working full-time with Black Press Media. She was an employee by day and entrepreneur by night (and weekends) for almost 4 years.
on client relationship longevity and quality projects. Together, the graphic designers, user experience designers, web developers and content creators work together offering clients everything from custom website design (Shopify, WordPress and Squarespace), to branding, printed marketing materials, stationery, digital content, animations for Instagram, and digital programmatic marketing campaigns.
“During these early days I listened. I learned. I truly cared about being an expert in every client’s business – to not only understand what I was designing, but why I was designing. I developed a passion for minimalist, communication-first design.”
“I’ve been asked what our niche clientele is for years, but really we just love working with the right people. We love working with fellow female-entrepreneurs, of course. Our client list ranges from startups to small and medium sized businesses, to global companies. A few notable clients include JOEY Restaurants, Alpha Foods, and BC
In 2018 Carly’s daughter Riley was born. She took just a 4 week maternity leave while considering how to build out a bigger team. In 2019, she leased White Canvas’ first office space in Langley and hired her first employee. Today, the all-female team of six is leveling up ‘girl power’ in the industry as a boutique agency of ‘doers’ who focus 30
Children’s Hospital Foundation Lotteries. We recently had the opportunity to work with Imagine Perry on their collaboration with Jillian Harris for the summer swimwear line in the summer Jilly Box, designing their digital marketing materials which was super fun!
Q: Tell us about what life looks like at home for you
I have a daughter, Riley, who just turned 3 in May and an Aussiedoodle, named Bella. My ex-husband and I are still friends and work hard to be the best possible co-parents to our daughter. I live in the Langley area, and spend a lot of time in my hometown of White Rock with my family.
Q: What do you attribute to keeping the wheels in motion as a mom and business woman? ASK. FOR. HELP. Delegating is an insanely tough thing to learn how to do, especially if you are a solopreneur who is beginning to grow a team,
but you have to get comfortable with it or else you will never be able to scale as a service-based business. I know ‘balance’ can get a bad rap, but I do believe we can achieve our own version of balance when we try to focus on one thing at a time. I look at it more like a flow chart instead of a flat line – with ups and downs; the rollercoaster of being a working mother, really. Some days my chart peaks high in the career column, and other days it’s all about mom’ing. It’s equally important to find your own column on that chart for you-time as well (for me it’s going for a run in the trails, taking a bath or journaling).
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What’s one thing you think is just NOT worth sweating? Comparing yourself to others, full stop. I spent many years beating myself up for not being the perfect ________. You do you, and the rest will fall into place.
Photo: PS Collective Studio
Q: Your non-negotiable priority? Not working weekends (and only
working evenings once my daughter is in bed/ if absolutely necessary). This is actually something I’ve made a priority for our team as they start to grow their own families as well. I believe in trying to be fully present in whichever part of my day I am working through. When it’s work time, I am 110% zoned in from 8-5. But when I pick up my daughter from school or have her on the weekends, that’s my time to enjoy her and give her my best self.
Excerpt from my chapter in the new book: The MomBabes Anthology – “The Birthday Letter”: “You will walk into your office with confidence, feeling true ownership and pride in the business you created. No more feeling like you have to be this or that. A working mom or a stay at home mom. Successful in your career or successful in your home. You can be both. You are providing for your daughter. You are leading a team of women. You are an incredible mother. You are both.” See more about the book on page 34 or purchase your copy at carlymoir.square.site 31
Q: Tell us about an early job you took before the days of White Canvas... My dad was an entrepreneur so from a young age I was exposed to this lifestyle. He was the owner/founder of Cheers Nightclub in North Delta throughout the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. One of my first jobs, funny enough, was decorating the club for New Year’s Eve parties (during the daytime of course, when everything was closed). My dad would pay me $50 cash to do the entire club and I remember I looked forward to that extra allowance every year. So if you ever partied at Cheers on NYE, just know a 12 year old was responsible for the party hats and noisemakers, ha!
Q: How you hope other dosee women you?
Real. More than anything. I’m not hiding any of the imperfections about myself or my life. I hope by telling my story it inspires other women and moms to do the same. We’re all just trying to figure it out, one day at a time.
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T I ME TO L AUNCH SI T E
Need to chat it through? Visit whitecanvasdesign.ca or email info@whitecanvasdesign.ca for a free discovery call. whitecanvasdesign.ca @whitecanvasdesignstudio
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SUMMER DIGITAL STICKER PACK Load into canva as fun summer graphics for your marketing creations! DOWNLOAD
Q: What’s on the horizon? We actually just purchased a
brand new office! It’s currently undergoing tenant improvements but will be ready in Fall 2021. We had outgrown our current space in the Westlund Group building and found the perfect spot at Fraser Point (200th & 96th in Langley). The new space design will include a white brick feature wall, collaboration room, 9ft glass throughout, and a cider bar for our cider Fridays! We’ll be sharing lots of BTS of our office reno on IG over the next 6 months. For me, this is our ultimate white canvas – a space for us to envision, collaborate, and connect as individuals and as a team. White Canvas Design Studio is offering
Photo: Nikki Leydier Photography
@whitecanvasdesignstudio 32
Whitecanvasdesign.ca
15% off any branding or website package to the I Like Her Style Community by mentioning this feature, when booked by August 15th, 2021.
Her Ever After Collective spotlight on a maker, creator & survivor
My name is Jennifer Kelly and I am the Owner and Creator of Her Ever After Collective. I am a mom to Nate and Olivia and a wife to Chris, living in Maple Ridge, BC. I started this company in January of this year, looking for something to fill my time while in “lock-down.” I decided to get myself a Cricut Machine and began playing around with it. One thing led to another! I posted my creations on social media, then created an Etsy shop. The interest has been little bit overwhelming to say the least – but in the best way possible! I had to ask myself, do people actually like my ideas? And it appeared they did. I wavered a bit with appealing to the masses or just sticking to my gut and my taste which is very simple, classic and minimalist.
The shop originally began with the name “Cheers My Dears Shop”, but we have since rebranded to Her Ever After Collective. It’s very significant to me as it was the name of a blog I started approximately five years ago while I was going through breast cancer. It was essentially a journal for me to record my journey through treatments, surgeries and beyond. The name means a lot to me, so I really wanted to take it and incorporate it into this business of mine. It’s a fresh beginning that I am so grateful for. That is the story of how Her Ever After Collective was born!
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handmade gifts, drinkware, shirts & more!
Jennifer Kelly, Founder
SHOP ON ETSY
Photos: Stacey Firth of Mad Magic Co.
@hereverafterco
PARTNER FEATURE
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STRONG BACK, SOFT FRONT
A N D W I L D H E A R T. W E A R E B R AV E , BOLD AND BETTER
T O G E T H E R .
The MomBabes
We’re the MomBabes. We are your cheerleaders and high-fivers. We know you’re stronger than you think and we have your back.
Growing up, sisters Christina and Carolyn always imagined being moms, but never imagined getting to be on maternity leave at the same time. After inviting some fellow new moms over for coffee, they realized that moms want something more. A legacy. “It started when we were new moms, standing at our dads funeral wondering, “is this it?” There has to be something more. So when the grief fog lifted, we listened to those nudges and
whispers and decided that we can’t let our life pass us by, waiting for the right time to start.” On their journey of creating this community, the sisters observed that many women believed their story to be unimportant – and to that they say, “we beg to differ! Someone in this world needs to hear your story, and it will most likely change their life.” So with their signature mission of ‘coffee in one hand, confidence in the other,’ they began their most recent project – a book called The MomBabes – A Motherhood Anthology.
PARTNER FEATURE
Q:
Why do you feel that storytelling and sharing is so important? We believe that no matter how pervasive the feeling of loneliness is for moms, it is decidedly taboo. A quick google search of the words, “mom + loneliness + taboo” will prove to you how little this epidemic is being discussed. Zero results. ZERO. Nobody is talking about it, and that is why we wrote this book. What has this ‘new normal’ of 2020-now meant for your lives? That there is no better time than now to start. If you wait to be ready, to lose 10 pounds, to when the kids are older,
Q:
or the pandemic is over… well we will all just end up waiting. If you have a dream– then start! Today is as good a day as any. Your dreams, hopes, and desires matter and your story needs to be heard.
Q: Do you recommend working & creating with your sibling?
We get asked all the time, “do you ever fight?” and quick answer no, we don’t have time for that. But when you work with someone who is literally a human diary to your life, we may look the same, talk the same but we’re actually quite different in our strengths, we use that. Photos: Grinning Weasel Photography
The MomBabes: A Motherhood Anthology is “a pull-back-the-covers look at the messy, heartbreaking, terrifying, fascinating and inspiring stories of 20 brave moms.” It is a collection of stories to remind moms that they are never alone. Each chapter is a mirror that not only reflects who we are as mothers but reveals who we are as humans. The MomBabes and this anthology began as an experiment in the power of community. Notably, of course, for mothers. However, we discovered in publishing this book that motherhood is so much more than simply caring for another human being. It is often a journey of learning how to care for ourselves again, and that includes sharing parts of ourselves we have kept hidden away.
@themombabes themombabes.com
SHOP The Book Now
Christina (left) has two girls, ages 7 and 2. Carolyn has a little boy, age 2.
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Moms want something more.
What is our something more? Legacy. We don’t want to look back on our lives, we want to look at our lives now. It is not the life you leave behind, but the life you are living. There will always be something in the background, but you don’t have to wait for the perfect or right time to start.
Everyone’s fave voice to wake up to, Virgin Radio Morning Show co-host, Nira shares her monthly must haves with us. With impeccable taste and eye for local finds, we love Nira’s Hot List!
nira’s
HOT LIST JUNE 2021
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Photo: @iulia.agnew
nira’s hot list
WHAT’S YOUR MOOD FOR JUNE? BY N IR A AR OR A
June has always been a fascinating month to me for some reason. It’s not quite Summer - but it’s too warm for Spring, which always throws off my fashion game. The days are getting longer – and as a career mom I’m still just as tired but I end up staying up later which makes me end up even more tired! There are some super bright days, but then the infamous gloomy days of June. And of course, the school year comes to a close, bringing us back into the ‘un-routine’ routine with children! So yes, June a fascinating month! ;) HERE ARE A FEW I TE MS T O W O RK W IT H YO U R JU NE MO O D, WH AT E VE R IT MAY B E . . .
NO.1
Goddess Beauty – Lip Kit I love supporting local whenever I can and here is an amazing opportunity. Our very own local boss babe DJ Goddess recently launched her own makeup brand. She is hoping to be both a Music and Makeup Mogul as a South Asian Artist. Her brand is titled By Goddess Beauty and includes a variety of lip kits (lipstick and liner duos) which include colours that can be worn by different skin tones. She wanted to create an all inclusive line of shades. They are cruelty free, vegan and absolutely obsession worthy. She will be expanding her product line to a range of products – Stay Tuned! A side note that will give you some warm and fuzzies for supporting her brand – DJ Goddess founded Crown That Goddess, a woman empowerment movement. The movement was created to inspire and motivate women to pursue their ambitions while uplifting others. It also recognizes women that serve as role models with an entrepreneurial fund awarded to women pursuing their ambitions who may not have the potential start up money. www.djgoddess.com @iamdjgoddess | @bygoddessbeauty
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NO.2
Smash + Tess Everyday Jogger Set The perfect tank doesn’t exist? Hello S+T Everyday Button Tank! The perfect jogger doesn’t exist? Wait! Hello S+T Everyday Jogger! Ha! I’m not exaggerating here friends, you will want to be in this tank and jogger set all-day-everyday! Whether lounging around the house or hitting the streets for the necessities, this set is your new go-to! It’s your ultimate wear – everywhere, or shall we say ‘everywear’?! Dress it up or keep it casual – the possibilities are endless. Wear the set together or separate for some fun looks. Add a shacket or a jean jacket for cooler days. It may take a while before this combo gets introduced to the washer and dryer. www.smashtess.ca | @smashtess
Photo: @iulia.agnew
NO.3
SHINY At Home Car Detailing Service June is also the month of Dad – Father’s Day! Are you feeling stuck with trying to find something for dad that’s not the same-old same-old? Even if you’re not looking for something for the Dad in your life, here’s some info that you may want for your own personal arsenal. No time to take your car to a car wash? Does your interior desperately
father’s day idea
need a clean? Shiny is a locally-based eco-friendly mobile auto detailing and wash service with the largest fleet of mobile auto detailers servicing Metro & Greater Vancouver. They can come to your office, job site or home with their own power and water supply. All they need is your keys while you can carry on with your day! Receive $10 off your first detail! www.shiny.ca | @shiny.ca
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nira’s hot list father’s day idea
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NO.4
Cariboo Brewing Bevvies and Benches Cariboo Brewing products are made in BC – Prince George to be exact. They have a pure spring water aquifer running beneath their brewery which they draw from to make a full line of beers and softdrinks like Root Beer and Ginger Ale. They source local ingredients wherever possible and supports local athletes and events across BC. They are genuinely passionate about reforestation efforts across BC and Alberta, with partial proceeds from their sales going towards reforestation projects wherever Cariboo Brewing products are sold. This Cariboo Brewing bench is going to be a game-changer for your picnics and camping trips this summer. The absolute highlight - make sure you have your name on it! #NotJoking www.cariboobrewing.com @cariboobrewing
Nira to Raise $25K for Options Community Services
They say it’s a sure way to help give your spirits a boost by giving back to others. I’d love to tell you about a project I’m working on. I’m helping to raise 25 thousand dollars for an affordable housing project in Surrey with Options Community Services. It’s a 1.5 million dollar initiative. There are 50 of us women in the community who each need to raise 25K! It’s a super amazing cause to help the community and those that need someone to give them a chance to get on their feet again. Think of women fleeing domestic violence. Refugees with nothing in their name. People who have suffered from addiction or mental health issues who can finally get ahead, if given the chance. Children in the foster care program that somehow got lost in the system.
You can help by:
A donation at your comfort level - every dollar can make a huge difference. Spreading the word and the link amongst your family and friends. READ THE ARTICLE
VISIT MY DONATION PAGE
Very appreciated! Nira https://womenofoptions.ca/nira-arora | @optionscommunityservices
D E L I C I O U S LY N O U R I S H I N G F O R A L L
SQUISH JUICERY
Squish Juicery opened its doors in December of 2018, and quickly became a community favourite. Winners of the 2019 + 2020 Tri-Cities A List for Best Smoothie/Juice Bar in Port Coquitlam, Best New Business Under 1 Year (2019), Best Overall Service (2020), and a proud recipient of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year Award. Squish Juicery is bringing a new outlook on health and wellness to the community. Squish began as a part of Jessica Morrison’s 23+ year struggle with an eating disorder. She was introduced to cold-pressed juicing as a way to
nourish her body on her road to recovery. Jessica has always shared that she is not a sit down and eat a salad kind of gal, but give her a delicious fruit and veggie packed juice and she’s happy as a clam. And so began their mission to create quality cold-pressed juices that are delicious to drink and loaded with nutritional value. As a true believer in kindness first, sharing her own struggles with an eating disorder and creating an inclusive and accepting environment, Jessica’s main goal is to make Squish Juicery a safe haven for everyone who walks through their doors, no matter where you are on your health journey.
Jessica Morrison
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Q: Why are these juices a must-try? We focus on health and wellness from an
inclusive standpoint, not a restrictive one. We truly believe that cold-pressed juicing is for everyone and work tirelessly to provide our clients with a range of products and flavour profiles that satisfy everyone from the hard-core juice connoisseur to the 2-year-old picky eater. Our inclusivity model has made our Port Coquitlam location a destination stop, with clients coming in from as far as Abbotsford to West Vancouver. We’ve created a safe haven for clients to visit that welcomes you with open arms and judgment free.
Q: How do juice cleanses work and why do you recommend them?
We prefer to call them Resets not cleanses – a reset for your mind, body and soul. We do not promote starvation, or restriction, rather an influx of fruits, veggies, nutrients, enzymes, minerals and vitamins through our delicious juices. No matter how hard you try, you can’t sit down and eat as many fruits and veggies as are packed into each one of our bottles. For example, The Intern (my favourite green juice) has a full bunch of kale and a full bunch of spinach packed into it, but you could never tell! We recommend you do what feels right for your body during a reset program. To some that means straight juice, to others it means soup with lunch and dinner and to others it is a salad with a lean protein. Everyone’s bodies are different, we want you to enjoy the experience not suffer through it.
Q: Spill some juicy fun facts about Squish! Our team peels every orange, lemon and pineapple by hand. We also label every bottle ourselves! Outside of work, we love Disney movies and Broadway musicals. Disneyland, NYC and Hawaii are our happy places!
order online!
order today! We currently offer in-store pick up plus delivery in the following cities:
Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, Belcarra, New Westminster, Burnaby, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Langley City (North of Hwy 10), Surrey (North of Hwy 10), North Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver (East of Main Street). orders@squishjuicery.com
All orders over $100 receive FREE DELIVERY.
@squishjuicery squishjuicery.com Photos: PS Collective Studio
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T H E
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L I K E
H E R
S T Y L E
V A N C O U V E R
AMAZON summerSHOP NO.1
chic!
Tassel Sundress Tap to Shop
NO.2
Margarita Glasses Tap to Shop
Kyla’s curated collection of want-worthy items found on amazon.ca
NO.3
tap to shop!
Jute Boho Rug Tap to Shop
NO.4
Pineapple Cupcake Toppers Tap to Shop
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Slide Sandals Tap to Shop
NO.5
Kyla’s Must Have Denim Cut-Offs Tap to Shop
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r e ll e s t bes
shop T H E
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L I K E
H E R
S T Y L E
V A N C O U V E R
SUMMER BAG EDIT Fire up that Prime account, the summer bags available on Amazon this season are not only reasonably priced, but cute as all get-out!
check out more of our picks at amazon.ca/shop/ilikeherstylevancouver
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health
ENTHUSED TO INFUSE
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BY KYLA GETTY
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Photos: PS Collective Studio
D
rinking enough water has always been a challenge for me – and it’s even more important during the summertime! Earlier this Spring I purchased one of those mammoth 2 gallon water bottles from Amazon that provided an hourly schedule for me to measure my consumption against the day. (Which is about how long I lasted using it! lol) This summer, I’ve opted for a much more fun way to get my H2O in. I ordered this 6-pack of glass water bottles from Amazon and created myself a schedule to drink each by – 10am, 12pm, 2pm and so-forth (see next page). The separate glass bottles not only make this concept much more portable than my 2 gallon jug... but they allow me to create infused water recipes to enjoy! Having 6 different water ‘cocktails’, gives you a switch-up to look forward to – along with some healthy snacks to munch on when you finish. Bonus reward! @ilikeherstylevancouver
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recipes + schedule rise & shine
beauty boost
To your water, add: Slices of Lemon to kick-start digestion, your immune system and aid in weight loss. Mix it up by adding: Strawberries and/or Collagen
To your water, add: Cucumber known to rejuvenate your skin from inside out and provide body-loving antioxidants. Mix it up by adding: Lime and/or Mint
antiox-tonic
afternoon crush
To your water, add: Watermelon – it’s your daily dose of yum, loaded with antioxidants. Mix it up by adding: Raspberries and/or Basil (Trust me, the basil is good!)
To your water, add: Orange & Grapefruit are the perfect combo to push you through the afternoon rush. Mix it up by adding: Ginger for a cancer-fighting zing of flavour
lemonizer
blue moon
To your water, add: Slices of Lemon which are a cleansing aid in digestion. Mix it up by adding: Blackberries and/or Honey
To your water, add: Blueberries the ultimate superfood – antioxidant and immunity ending to your day. Mix it up by adding: Mixed Berries
Drink by 10am
Drink by 2pm
Drink by 6pm
Shop
Containers in the I Like Her Style Amazon Summer Shop
Drink by 12pm
Drink by 4pm
Drink by 8pm
health Did you know water plays a role in almost all body functions? It’s a major component of every cell, tissue and organ. According a survey, 45% of Canadians drink over 4 non-water beverages a day... let’s up our hydration game!
tip 1
Prep to Success
Wash, slice and store your prepped fruit for the days ahead. Substitute frozen fruit or a mix of fresh & frozen.
tip 2
Muddle and Mingle The Flavours I recommend pouring the night before to give time for flavours to infuse.
tip 3
Free Refills
My bottles each fit 2 cups of water (minus fruit volume). Refill as desired.
tip 4
Vit-It-Up
Feel free to add in collagen or vitamin additives to amp up the nutrition!
tip 5
Snack or Save
Add as much or as little fruit as you like. When done, snack on the fruit or refill and infuse again for a second day.
@ilikeherstylevancouver
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ENTHUSED TO INFUSE
Sippin’ Style What’s your mix?
I hope this inspires you to infuse your summer with delicious hydration! Experiment with your own combos and make it fun!
fearlessly feminine
THE FEMININITY PROJECT
Photos: Aaron Aubrey
@ilikeherstylevancouver
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BY SARAH BOHDANOVA
What does your dream house look like? Your dream partner? Dream destination? And what about your dream version of YOU? A bit harder right? Mine speaks Italian. Okay, mine actually speaks Italian, French, and Russian, but I needed to start with one, so Italian it was! I actually started learning 4 years ago, but there is no way you would’ve known it. I had a tutor, and attended class weekly, but in between lessons everything was forgotten. I studied for maaaaaybe 10 minutes before the lesson, and had absolute nada to show for it! I really loved the idea of learning Italian, and thought it was a beautiful language, but that didn’t seem to motivate me enough to do the work, or make any headway. I convinced myself I was doing good, when in reality I was just putting in time, and checking thing’s off my list. Until last year, when something changed... actually 2 things.
First, I got connected to my WHY, and second, I got over focusing on the journey, and began focusing on arriving at the destination. My dream version of me is a woman who can travel to all her favourite places in the world, and fit in like a local. A woman who can step into a culture, and really experience it. It’s also of a woman who is disciplined, and is successful at the goals she sets out to accomplish. We hear the journey being championed all the time: “It’s all about the journey” and “enjoy the journey”. Which is all good and well, and I don’t disagree with it, but I think it also creates room to “play” at thing’s. Almost like playing house. Dabble, dabble. Dip the toe in the water. It doesn’t really require anything of you, and yet, you can say you’re doing something.
@thefemininityprojectinc | thefemininityprojectinc.com
My destination wasn’t a woman who was slowly studying Italian and maybe could speak it in 10 or so years. It is a woman who will go on her next trip and be able to carry on a conversation. There is urgency. There is fire. My dream woman can’t wait. Here is the bonus. Once I got urgency, my lessons went from feeling slow and drab, to engaging! When I got clear on my why, and thing’s got hard, I kept going anyway. When I’m tired after work, I still do my lesson. I want to win at Italian, win at becoming the dream version of me, and that is simply what it’s going to take. Your Femininity Project is an invitation to break away from autopilot, out from the ordinary, and into something incredibly special. It’s an adventure fully your own. An adventure is exciting, but it also takes work, and you can’t play at it.
You’ve got to get at it!
What’s one thing you’re ready to win at to become the dream version of yourself?
FEMININE POWER TO YOUR INBOX SUBSCRIBE AT THEFEMININITYPROJECTINC.COM
@ilikeherstylevancouver
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EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT FROM THE CREATOR O F T H E F E M I N I N I T Y P RO J E CT
Sarah Bohdanova is a World Pro Dance Semi-Finalist, award winning Coach, Dance Club owner and founder of The Femininity Project. Sarah’s femininity coaching helps you nail your signature style, cultivate poise and honour your own version of femininity so that you can finally stop playing small and start carving out space for the opportunities, time, respect and self-love you desire.
only on instagram @ilikeherstylevancouver W AT C H N E X T:
July 2
Aug 6
Sept 3
Enjoy your life, it’s summertime, Darling. @ilikeherstylevancouver Photo: Shutterstock.com/ Alena Ozerova
