Chatelaine

6 days ago | chatelaine.com | Emily MacCulloch

Nicole Keen, a writer and mom-of-two based in Saint John, N.B., loves to play dress-up—and more is always more. “I’m a maximalist,” she says. “I’ve never met a print I didn’t like.” She has mastered the challenging art of mixing and matching patterns: Here, Keen pairs gingham Dr. Martens boots with a flouncy floral dress and a patchwork vest. Her secret? A little experimentation (“not all combinations are going to be winners!”) and the confidence to think outside the box.

1 week ago | chatelaine.com | Brett Tryon

The snow has finally melted, the robins are back, and the trees are starting to bud—and your garden awaits. Maybe you want to grow your own food, or you have visions of beautiful perennials. Perhaps you want to create a thriving habitat for birds and pollinators. The spring garden is like a blank canvas—and just as intimidating. Where to start? What goes where? Not to worry—with some imagination and the right gardening essentials, you will soon turn that canvas into a work of art.

2 weeks ago | chatelaine.com | Sarah Trumbley

With 16 studio albums and countless tours under her belt, there’s no denying that Jann Arden loves making music. But at 63, she also has no problem admitting it’s not the centre of her world. “It’s a really, really cool way to make a living, but music is something that I do—it’s not who I am,” the singer-songwriter tells Hello! Canada, adding that there are “a lot of other things” that bring value to her life, including close-knit friendships and her adoring dog, Poppy.

2 weeks ago | chatelaine.com | Jessica Lanyadoo

TaurusApril 20-May 20Passive aggression and aggressive aggression are different styles of the same thing: aggression. Some situations absolutely call for aggression, while others require straightforward honesty. This week it’s important that you sit with your own impulses, defenses, and potential projections to make sure that you are engaging both with yourself and others with the right energy, Taurus. (Illustration: Sacha Stephan)GeminiMay 21-June 21Some changes are harder than others.

2 weeks ago | chatelaine.com | Cassandre Cadieux

A memorable getaway isn’t complete without great food, and Texas delivers on every front. While barbecue is legendary, the state’s diverse culinary landscape extends beyond smoky brisket and slow-cooked ribs. With vibrant food scenes in big cities and small towns alike, the Lone Star State serves up everything from fine dining and family-owned taquerias to seafood establishments and indulgent bakeries.