It’s 7am Saturday morning and after a long week of 5am wake-up calls, meetings upon meetings and quite honestly, the ‘participation award’ version of healthy eating. I’m ready to put it all behind me and welcome the weekend with open arms! It also happens to be Earth Day and I can think of nothing better to do than celebrate by getting outside!

I’ve been testing out the MINI Cooper 2018 Countryman these past few weeks and while I completely expected it would be a blast to cruise around in, I am bowled over by the features and eco-initiatives carried out by MINI. For starters, this is MINI’s first ever plug-in hybrid electrical—you can easily shift your fuel supply to suit your preference or availability. Eventually making gas stations like this one, obsolete!

Along with being a fuel efficient vehicle, it also has some great features specific to us living in the Pacific Northwest. This MINI Countryman has what they call ALL4 All-Wheel Drive. Not only do all four wheels get powered but they ALL 4 All-Wheel Drive system calculates just how much torque for each axel—excellent for the tackling the North Shore Mountains.

When you’re dating an entrepreneur (or you are one yourself), ‘free time’ is almost a laughable notion…so much so we often joke about scheduling spontaneous adventures! For the most part we have similar schedules but there are definitely days like today where Gary is committed to a project and I’m outside soaking in the sun! In a city like Vancouver where it rains more than anything else a, convertible isn’t the most practical everyday vehicle, but a car with a sunroof is absolutely essential. On sunny days when you can finally have it opened it elevates your driving experience to another level! On days where it’s not so sunny, the added light makes the car feel more open and you feel like you’re experiencing more of the ‘outdoors’ from the comfort of your car! As I take in the jaw-dropping view heading over the Lion’s Gate, Gary’s voice kicks in over Bluetooth and it sounds exactly like he’s riding shotgun. Even with the sunroof down, the added noise didn’t distort our call connection and being able to chat hands-free is an absolute must! It’s a big perk to be able to share our commute together!

The first stop on my North Shore adventure is always a visit to The Juicery! I’ve often compared the juices here to being that friend that always knows the right thing to say—their juices never miss the mark and somehow feed your body exactly what you didn’t know it was missing! I’m partial to The Greenist—with kale, collards, watercress, cucumbers, celery, cilantro… the list goes on. It tastes great and also happens to detox and cleanse the body!

A few minutes later and we’re at my all-time favourite, Quarry Rock Hike! I’ve packed my favourite vegan leather backpack (Matt & Nat) with the essentials—water, Prana Kilimanjaro mix, a few homemade energy balls and a spare pair of wool socks. I tie on my Merrels and I’m ready to go!

After a quick trip to Garden Works to grab a few plants to help liven up my balcony—after all it is Earth Day , it’s time for a pick-me up iced coffee, take in the views one last time and make my way back to the city!

Giveaway!!! 

We want you to WIN a weekend experience with MINI Countryman from MINI Yaletown!

To Enter: Tell us where you would like to take the Mini for a spin in the comments below AND LIKE Mini Yaletown on Facebook for your chance to WIN!!!

Good luck!!! Winner Announced Monday, May 8th!

Update: Congratulations to our winner Elizabeth Bryan. The contest is now closed! 

Photography by Christine Pienaar Photography

Makeup by Huda 

Clothing provided by Barefoot Contessa Boutique

Thank you to Mini Yaletown for sponsoring this post. All comments and opinions are my own.