I recently returned from an incredible trip to Banff the Canadian Rockies. While slightly longer than expected (a little airline snafu on my part), I have to say… I’m still thinking about those mountains. Beautycounter has give me the opportunity to travel so much – for both working trips and earned trips – and I am so grateful every time! Just this year, I was in Puerto Rico, California, and North Carolina. For this trip I earned (thanks to all of you!) a stay at the incredible (haunted?) Fairmont Banff Springs and then spent a couple days in Calgary for work.
Canmore
Pre-game: Dinner with Cassy!
One of the things I love most about these trips is connecting with people I love! Cassy and I indulged in the tasting menu at Four Two Nine Six (4296) and on of the most incredible meals I’ve had in a long time! Big shoutout to our friend Amy for the recommendation!
Banff Fairmont Springs (Haunted) Hotel
My friend Jenn found out the room she was staying in was haunted, thanks to tourists gawking outside of her door. After some research, she decided she’d rather not stay there, so I happily volunteered to swap for the views. Room 873 is missing, as the room I moved into was renovated as a suite to encompass Room 873 and 875. People claim Room 873 was haunted and resultingly bricked up.
While I don’t believe in ghosts, I’m also up for people proving me wrong. Other than OBNOXIOUS knocking by visitors in the hallway checking if the wall my bed was on was truly brick (it’s not), nothing happened. I did enjoy freaking the people out by knocking back – because that’s what you get when disturbing my sleep at 1am!
If you Google it, you’ll find a lot of the stories swirling around about it (note: not a single credible new source that can even validate the murders claiming to have happened). I saved the experience to a highlight here.
Wildlife
The elk represents dignity, power, inner strength and passion. Apparently, if you experience an elk sighting, it’s a message to stay steady on your current course. An elk sighting is also a reminder to be diligent and see things through. Note, it was the elk rut (mating season), so this bull was chasing the ladies all around Banff National Park!
This cute bear reminded me of the meme “If not friend, why friend shaped?” While this is a very common occurrence for those that live in this area, there was a gaggle of us taking photos from the balcony. For a lot of us, it’s not every day you see a bear from your hotel on a golf course!
Experiencing Awe
In a recent course I took with Harvard Business School, they talked about the importance of experiencing the feeling of “awe” for our overall wellness – inside and out. Being in Banff, it was impossible to not feel that every moment. Every time I turned around my mouth was agape. I just couldn’t get over the incredible views, day and night.
The magic of Moraine and Louise lakes during the first fluffy snow is something I’ll never forget! Years ago I couldn’t have done this hike, as my back injury is especially aggravated by lifting one leg at a time and any bending. But I did it! I’m so proud of both realizing the PTSD I had from the that injury and losing my Strongman community, as well as the physical and emotional work I’ve done to recover. There were a few moments I questioned my sanity climbing the slick steep hill, but the view was worth it!
Even a casual breakfast had the most epic view of Banff’s stunning snowcapped mountains!
I will never forget this trip!
Calgary
Since I was “in town”, I made the trip over to Calgary to be part of the “We are Beautycounter” event! These events are an opportunity to peek into all things Beautycounter – the products, the mission, the business opportunity and the community. It’s also a chance to interact with peers and for customers to experience the products! Plus, folks had an opportunity for a sneak peek of the 2023 Holiday Collection that released the following day!
I loved meeting everyone that came out! It was the perfect wrap-up to an epic trip. Plus, while I spent an accidental extra day in Calgary, I wrote up this post, giving you my rundown and favorites of the limited-edition holiday sets!
My Cup is Full!
I’ve mentioned it before, but I (regretfully) said no (repeatedly) to becoming a Brand Advocate for over a year. I didn’t want to partner with one of “those” brands. As a feminist, I believe most MLMs can be predatory and problematic. But the more I learned, the more I see it can be done differently and just wrote a whole article about it here. I’m always happy to share my real and honest experience, so never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
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