TRAVEL // THE HIGHLANDS

It's funny how people crave to travel to the far flung corners of the globe, yet dismiss what is right there on their doorstep.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: COPENHAGEN

Three weeks ago, I hopped on a plane with one of my best friends and headed somewhere that's been on my travel wish-list for a while: Copenhagen. 

I'm used to travelling in the heat of summer; lazing in parks, searching for swimming spots and generally not wearing many clothes. It was a completely different experience wrapping up against the sharp wind and exploring a new city in winter. We balanced out exploring unique urban parks, graffiti-covered alternative communities and magical Christmas parks with a lot of time spent keeping warm in the cities wide array of stylish and cosy bars, cafes and restaurants.

Read on for some of my highlights.

RUST AND GREEN

There's nothing more pleasing on the eye than a landscape of rust and green hues. This is my favourite time of year to get out and explore.

Inspired: Zaria Forman

I'm in awe of Zaria Forman's work.Imagine having one of her paintings hung up in your lounge; watching the waves crash and tasting the salt water on the tip of your tongue. Gazing at her art, it's almost as if you are sat on the beach, your toes getting wet as the breakwater washes up to tickle them.

PLANT LIFE

I almost purchased a new magazine today, only stopping myself because it's four days until pay day and there was quite a hefty price tag. The Plant Journal called to me through the window of the Cornerhouse; peeking in as I walked past, as always hoping to see a glimpse of Apartmento or Kinfolk (fellow Mancunians, help me out here?). 

Boasting the tag-line "A journal about plants and other greenery", you may wonder why on earth I would want to pick up such a tome. This is no gardening manual, however. Lovers of the titles I mentioned above, you will rejoice that there is yet another magazine to quench your thirst for all things aesthetically pleasing that also features distinguished, well-written articles about things you actually want to read about.

Featuring photography by several of my favourite analogue photographers, including Coke Bartrina and non-other than Lina Scheynius, The Plant Journal explores the works of creative people with a love of plants. Amongst the various photographic pieces there are articles detailing as wide a topics as the coconut palms of Ghana, cinematic childhood fantasies and the gardens of Versailles.

Screw the price tag, I'll be picking up a copy of The Plant Journal tomorrow.

Behind the scenes at So It Goes Mag, Style Slicker, Melissa Sonico, Kinfolk Magazine, Melissa Sonico, Filipa Alves, Kinfolk Magazine.

PICNICS

Warm nights herald the start of picnic season. As soon as it is balmy enough to walk around at 9pm in shorts, you know that it's time to gather up your blankets and baskets and relocate to the nearest green space until it starts to cool down - and even then, if you don't wish to retreat indoors, simply pull on a thin knit and wrap your multi-functional blankets around your tanned knees.

There's no better way to while away long hazy summer days than lounging in a field/garden/park of your choice with a gaggle of your nearest and dearest; supping on cava or cider, eating raspberries off your fingers and listening to the tinny sound of iPod speakers playing the likes of Nick Drake, Neutral Milk Hotel and Rodriguez.

Currently praying for those extra few degrees.

Images: Chloe Borich, unknown, Berta Bernad, Berta  Pfirsich, David Gomez, Laura Austin, The Vacant North, Chloe Borich

FRANCE ON FILM

Getting back a developed roll of film is always somewhat of an adventure. You may remember a few stand-out shots - the 'I hope this comes out well' snaps - but there will always be a few surprises that slipped your mind. I love the rawness of film photography, the unpredictability and the fact that you have to savour every shot. Here is my view of Paris and Provence, on film.  

All photos: my own

MY GREAT OUTDOORS: LAURA BANCROFT

Again, I discovered Laura Bancroft via Instagram, that most social of all networks. I instantly fell for her feed detailing her adventures in the PNW and headed over to her blog, where I was sucked in even more.

Read on to discover Laura's Great Outdoors or click here to view the previous posts in the series.

"The Pacific Northwest holds countless unreal trails and desolate destinations where the hum of the city is halted and the fresh air is rich with the smell of the outdoors. 

I'm sharing with you one of my newly discovered favourite places to spend a weekend afternoon. It's not too far away from Vancouver (Canada), and you don't have to be a mountaineer to experience and enjoy it. I think it's refreshing to learn that, no matter how much you think you've seen, there will always be places within hours of where you live that are new to your eyes. I also know huge hikes in unknown places can be daunting and I believe people of all different experience levels should be able to experience the beauty of the outdoors.

This 'hike' in Golden Ears Provincial Park is about an hour outside of Vancouver, in the mountains lying behind Maple Ridge. It's a long windy rode through a seemingly endless mass of tall trees until you reach a parking lot where you can start your walk. It's about a 45min trek along a gravel trail to Gold Creek lower falls. Depending on what time of the year you're there the waterfall might be a frothy, uncontainable explosion, or a subtle trickle over the cliffs. Either way, be sure you walk to the top of the waterfall where there lies a crystal-clear, icy pool of water that resembles a melted green jolly rancher in colour - seriously beautiful. We love to pack a little lunch and warm drinks to eat on the rocks by the falls. 

I hear rumours of the second waterfall not being too far away and I'm definitely going to head back here to check out some of the less-traveled, more wild hiking routes. On your way out of the park make sure to stop by Alouette Lake. In my opinion it's the most beautiful in the quiet winter months when it's not crowded with campers. There's a solitude that comes along with quiet, open bodies of water that can't be beat. 

Happy adventuring!"

 The Park website

@piperwinston

All photos by Laura Bancroft

INSTAGRAM LOVE: JUNE

@frecklesnur

Where did May go? I have a huge back-log of posts taunting me as I battle the post-holiday blues. Easing my way back into things, here are my current Instagram faves.

Follow me @kissesxstitches

Click here to view previous Instagram related posts

@gabrielahansolo

@katedavison

@michaeladale

@momoraru

@rubybenson

@themelodyh