wanderlust: mexico city

Folding clothes, checking lists, zipping up suitcases, jumping in the car, waiting in lines, sharing mug shots, walking through security, finding the window seat, taking off, excited chatter, dozing off, poking at mysterious food, filling out customs, the turbulent landing, and then...

Bienvenido! 

I'm in Mexico City with 14 teenagers, 7 other leaders, and so many wonderful, loving, and welcoming locals who embraced us immediately and welcomed us into their lives and families. 

Here's a look into my two week adventure in Huixquilucan and Monte Sion, Mexico serving and being served alongside some incredible souls.

p.s.  ♥ clara

wanderlust: long island, new york

Oh wanderlust... I adore that you led me to the beautiful beaches of Long Island, New York, and yet I hate that I'm never sated and I'm always longing for another adventure as soon as my feet are on home soil. Although my love of travel and adventure often has me feeling restless, on the beaches of Long Island, New York, all I felt was peace and stillness. 

Miles and miles of glorious, white, sandy beach, protected and preserved by the state. 

Who knew that such peace could be found in New York, of all places? 

The stark contrast to Manhattan was stunning - that such natural beauty could exist next to such a thriving metropolis seemed contradictory and out of place, and yet, these photos don't lie. 

I present to you, part one of my New York adventures...

from whistler, forever ago

I've decided to start a new series here on p.s.heart since I am apparently a master procrastinator. I'll be sharing small collections of forgotten photos that I find here and there.  I hope you enjoy!

These photos are from a trip my family took up to Whistler to celebrate my grandparents 60th anniversary (how amazing is that?) way back in November.  The house we stayed in was an absolute dream, and the views were so insanely beautiful.  I had never been to Whistler before (shocking, I know), and I hope to visit again soon!

So much good food.  We definitely have our priorities in order.

a mountain retreat.

So, you may have been wondering whether or not I've fallen off the face of the planet, since I haven't posted anything since Little Red, which was a month ago... but let me explain! I'm still alive and well and I haven't completely abandoned this blog, I promise. Caleb and I have been insanely busy and between my full-time job at Hope Mission (a non-profit organization in Edmonton that serves inner-city people), my photography business, as well as buying a new home, I have just had a ton on my plate. I'm so grateful to Kelsey for all of her hard work in keeping this blog alive, seriously, this blog would be nothing without her! And yes... I did say it.

Caleb and I are officially first-time home owners!! 

No photos yet, but keep your eyes peeled in the next couple of months for the big reveal! For now though, I'll leave you with a peek into our gloriously relaxing and beautiful weekend getaway to the mountains. This was our Christmas present to each other and I think we'll be making this a yearly tradition :) So here it is, the perfect, Canadian winter retreat.  

little red.

Whenever Kesley and I have a reunion, we try to organize an inspiration photoshoot - last year, we did this photoshoot around records + feathers. This year, Kelsey brought this gorgeous red cape with her and we did a portrait session inspired by Little Red. It was the perfect day - windy, snowy, -25 degrees, really... it couldn't have been more perfect ;)  And Kelsey totally braved Edmonton's cold weather like a champ while looking absolutely stunning! This girl is seriously my favourite person to photograph, it's not even fair how photogenic she is and I love her to pieces! So enjoy this Christmas present and for the full post, head on over to my photography blog :)

Merry Christmas!

p.s. ♥ clara & kelsey