my summer in Canada #2

So you will have by now guessed or picked up on the fact that this summer I spent two months in Northern Canada. I worked as the head of cooking and as a counseller for 9 year old girls.  Although I loved being in Canada and I can truly say it was one of the best summers I've ever had - it certainly wasn't easy !
I thought I'd do a little bit of a pro's and con's list to the experience because quite frankly I've struggled to describe how fantastic this experience was. I also thought this was a great way of putting it into perspective for any one interested in doing something similar .

Pros- 

• You are able to experience a new culture whilst earning some dollar and you can truly explore without feeling like a tourist. 
• SUNSHINE!! Canada is a beautiful country and Camp Timberlane is a perfect example of this - based around a massive fresh water lake, camp was literally like the Parent trap (when Lindsay Lohan was cute) .
• For me it helped boost my confidence , self esteem and helped me decide what I want to do with the rest of my life.- dramatic huh?  James and I are even saving our pennies to possibly live in Canada 
• This gives you an opportunity to make amazing friends not only with your fellow staff but also the campers .  You also get to do and see things you perhaps wouldn't have the chance to do at home. 
•  It's one of the best feelings to hear you've done a fantastic job :) 

So one of the biggest misconceptions of working in a summer camp is that you are just having a jolly good holiday and yes you get to have fun and chill - it is still a job at the end of the day. 

Cons- 

• It is literally a 24 hour job , you  have to watch the kids constantly and a great responsibility is put onto you're shoulders - one of our directors did say 'when the child is at camp you become the parent.' 
• You don't get a huge pay check and it is very very expensive to fly out etc...
• It is a long time away from family and loved ones . 

Buys From Across the pond

So as we all know I recently spent some time across the pond and of course I picked up a few bits and bobs(not all beauty). With this I thought hey why not show off some of what landed into my squashy bag ! So grab a cuppa and maybe a piece of cake as this looks set to be a lengthy post .

 Beauty bits & pieces :

• First up we have a couple of lip products the EOS melon lip balm  I picked this up purely because I needed a new lip balm and had heard a lot of good things about these sphere shaped wonders. This now sits in my hand bag ready to soften my lips when needed. Maybelline Baby lips (Cherry me)  was something I purchased because when I left you couldn't buy them in the UK- when I returned you could... nevermind eh? Personally I don't see the hype over these little sticks. 
• Next we have blushers the Balm Frat boy  instantly caught my eye due to the funky 'retro' packaging and then the beautiful pink colour which is highly pigmented with a subtle subtle sheen. I've already spoken about the NARS Soulshine cheek palette so I won't go into too much detail. 
• From NARS I also bought the Sheer glow foundation which I'm afraid I haven't had much use out of yet because it's just a touch too light for my tan I am however really looking forward to using it. 
• One of my best friends chelsey recommended I pick up the Marc Jacobs eau so fresh: summer edition.  This is a lot sweeter than the original eau so fresh and is without a doubt a summer scent . It just makes me smile and the neon flowers aren't too bad either. 

Body bits :

• Australian gold spray gel with bronzer SPF 15 . Now I don't know if I would have been this tanned without this tanning gel but I do feel it has deepened the tan. If not it's an excellent way of getting you're skin covered in SPF (especially if you are in water) and it smells beautiful . Thanks Rhona for the recommendation! 
• Across the pond EOS is a much bigger brand than just the lip balms and with that I picked up the EOS shaving creams(Pomegranate raspberry) which smells divine and leaves the legs incredibly smooth and soft. 
• Whilst out there I wanted a new cleanser as the Clarins creamy cleanser felt a little too heavy with the heat and not wearing much in the way of make up . The Burt's bees soap bark & Chamomile deep cleansing cream caught my eye. A mix of soap bark - to deep clean , chamomile to soften and menthol to calm the skin perfect? Now in England I'm not using this as my main cleanser instead it is now used in the morning. 

Some of my other favourite bits include the my future listography book , Roots sweatpants and sweatshirt and the most beautiful jacket from Aritzia which unfortunately doesn't deliver to the UK. 

So there you have it just a few little bits and pieces hope you enjoyed ! 

See you soon 

My summer in Canada #1

The baking bits may seem a little random but it will all become clear soon :) 

Now you have probably seen me mention in passing that this summer I will be spending two months in Canada however you may not know why.  So I thought you know I think I'll do a series of posts about Canada - what I'm doing , why I'm doing it and a peek into what I'm doing when I'm there :)  I also wanted to do this little series because well it's a fantastic experience and a lot of people have asked me how I got involved. I might try and get my best friend to do a post about her feelings towards the camp in the next few weeks.

What am I doing over there? 
So I am flying out on the 20th of June to be the head of a culinary arts program in a children's camp (similar to Camp America) . In this position I will be showing both boys and girls aged between 7-16 the joys of cooking and the benefits it can bring in a fun environment . I am so excited to start yet I am feeling more and more nervous as the time draws nearer.  I am however very lucky that the camp directors are great and my best friend is also doing Camp Canada and shes only half an hour away from me.

How did I get involved? 
So I was initially considering doing Camp America until my Auntie told me all about Camp Canada. I'd always wanted to go to Canada so this seemed an obvious choice and with this I rushed home to complete the application with a spring in my step.  I was invited to go to a job fair run by NYQUEST and a number of Camps and was offered a job. Cue a very excited Bridgey !! I will say it isn't quite that simple there are a lot of application forms to fill in as they want dedicated people but honestly they are the most supportive helpful people I have ever met. The guys at NYQUEST have honestly made the nerves of living abroad subside somewhat.

Why? 
So I am asked why I am doing this all the time and in honesty I have always wanted to travel . This seemed an amazing opportunity in which I can share my passion for food, make new friends , build confidence and travel . It's something different and exciting and you I just cannot wait ! Yes it's going to be difficult being aware from James, my friends and family but hopefully it will be worth it :)

Unfortunately applications for Summer 2013 are now closed but if this sounds apealing to you definatly check out http://www.go-nyquest.com/programs.html

*P.s all these views are my own and are no way influenced by anyone else.