Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Travel Diary - Rome, Italy



It's been a while since I've dived into my travel diary and showed you guys another place I've been.  Last we left off in Mialn, Italy.  You can read that post here.  Today, we're staying in Italy but moving onto Rome.
  
Rome is such a historical and beautiful city.  Every corner you turn another amazing building, whether a church, museum, or a random ruin.  My Bf and I stayed in a great hostel that had a rooftop terrace.  Yes, the view was amazing!  They even held a pasta night and a sangria night, such a great way to meet fellow travellers.

 We visited all the must-see places.  The Colosseum (which was like 2 blocks form our hostel),The Roman Forum, Vatican City,  The Pantheon and tons of others.  Rome is the type of city where you can just walk aimlessly and well, yes get lost, but just simply explore.  We were both looking forward to Rome because shortly before we left for our European Adventure we watched the entire HBO series Rome.  There was a lot of stomping around yelling "Thirteen!!!!", good times.













Friday, November 25, 2011

pining for the Eiffel Tower

Ever since the the Bf and I went to Paris my obsession with the Eiffel Tower and all things Parisian has grown to be quite the love affair.  You can see photos from our trip here.








all photos are from my Pinterest, links are there.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Guest Blogging

Hey Guys! Check out my first guest post over on the amazing blog, 
My article 'Dare to Compare - Fashion Done Right' is all about finding amazing pieces for your wardrobe at affordable prices and not breaking the bank with the designer options.
I think you'll really enjoy it!! Thanks so much Julia for having me!


Save Big, Live Better

Hello all!
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be doing a guest post for Holly!
My name is Julia and I am a Frugal Living Specialist! My site, Save Big, Live Better!, was created to help you save money in order to live a better life!
What started my passion for saving and frugal living? My husband and I had a beautiful baby girl 6 months ago, and there is really nothing like a new baby to teach you the value of a dollar! So, I began searching  for every possible way to keep our money where it belonged…in our pockets!
I became so good at saving (to the point that I get PAID to take my groceries home sometimes!) it was noticed by family and friends who, of course, all wanted to know my “secret”. After teaching them where I’d found my info and directing them to several different sites, I could see the confusion that was occurring, and that would only lead to frustration. So, I decided to put all the info in one place, while adding my own learnings in the process! And Save Big, Live Better! was bornJ
At Save Big, Live Better!, you can find everything from sales, promotions, printable coupons, savings tips, frugal living articles, recipes, crafts, and MORE! Including a fantastic monthly installment of “Dare to Compare-Fashion Done RIGHT!” written by Holly! A great article on how to get the expensive designer looks for less, for the frugal fashionista!
Have a look, share the savings with your friends and family, and make sure to check us out on Facebook! Click "LIKE" to receive real time updates, and Holly’s awesome articlesJ
HAPPY SAVINGJ
Some recent posts: Dare To Compare-Fashion Done RIGHT! Loyalty Programs-Which One Should Earn A Place In Your Wallet? How To Get Things For FREE!FREEBIE!-Listerine Whitening Plus Restoring OVERAGE ALERT!—Charmin Shoppers Drug Mart-MEGA BONUS Redemption Event!

Thanks so much Julia! Make sure you all check out all the amazing deals over at Save Big, Live Better.
We could all use a little extra in our wallets these days!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Happy 1 Year Vancouver!

So, it's official.  I've been in Vancouver for a year! The Bf and I have really made this move happen.  We have permanent jobs, we love our apartment, and we're happy.  Then why do I feel so down?  Ever since the light bulb came on and the one year mark came, I've been feeling very reflective about the past year and the few years before that.  Moving across the country was such a big decision and I think I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that, thus far things have worked out.  Don't get me wrong, I love living in Vancouver, I love being here with the most wonderful man, I love the little life we've created together and I wouldn't want it to be with anyone else, but I still fee like something is......not wrong, not missing, but just something.  I have an idea of what it is, and I think it's really silly of me to think it, and by no means am I asking for sympathy or anything, but it's really difficult to make friends somewhere new.  Somewhere where we knew a very small hand full of people and of course, those people are very special to us, but they have their own lives and their own things to do and I understand that.  Back home the Bf and I had a very close-knit group of friends and family that really support us.  You've all heard me talk about my sisters, and how close we are, they're like my best friends.  I miss that companionship, that feeling that they know me and every time we see each other its picking up where we last left off and being silly and quirky together.  Calling up a friend and saying hey, let's meet in our usual spot and grab a coffee, and you end up talking about nothing, but it still means something.
I think I'm just coming to the realization that in order to meet new people and create relationships I hold the key in my hands.  Only I can put myself out there.  Only me.

Happy 1 year Vancouver!

Thank you to all of you.  With this blog I've been able to express myself and my thoughts no questions asked.  I appreciate each and every person that reads.  
Thanks for letting me rant.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Front And Company



I was lucky enough to go to the Friends & Family event at Front And Company on Main St this past Wednesday night.  It was a great chance to start off Christmas shopping, seeing as all that RSVP'd received 20% off!! Front & Company is well known for its quality consignment, as well as some local brands.  Clothing, accessories, home and gifts, I could spend hours in there!  And I nearly did.
Another thing that they are known for are their beautiful window displays.  So creative and just draws people in full of wonder.    
The evening was buzzing with live music, yummy treats and great deals.  I perused all the racks, and was drawn to all things cozy.  Anyone see a pattern? I clearly love comfy sweaters and anything with stripes. They're my weakness.  I also tried on the sweetest dress, I loved the different shades of blue and the shift silhouette.
I ended up picking up a couple of accessories, a super cute brown felt fedora, and a knitted infinity scarf (photos to come!).  How come whenever I try to start my Christmas shopping, I come home with something for myself?








and a little swag never hurt anyone ;)

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

decisions, decisions


While getting dressed, I couldn't decide which necklace to wear with my outfit.  I tried each one individually, and both of them together.  Which look would you choose?



1st necklace: American Eagle (4 years ago), 2nd necklace: H&M (5 years ago), 
sweater: Bootlegger, maxi skirt: Anthropologie, 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

the countdown begins


Just thought you all should know....46 days till Christmas!!

Technically the countdown started a week ago or so, but I wasn't allowed to verbalize it till now.
Pesky BF.

image via

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pan Am

I may be a little late on the trend, but Pan Am is now one of my favourite shows. My PVR and I have been best friends since the series premiered. Between the vintage cars, travelling to beautiful places, and of course, the amazing fashion, I think that I should have been born during the 1960's. I love the feminine silhouettes, full skirts, and beautiful details. Oh, and of course the uniform. And one last thing, when the stewardesses aren't working, living in New York City.... a dream come true. Here are a few of my favourite outfits from the show.





Tuesday, November 1, 2011

scarf & denim

About two weeks ago, I bought two new scarves at the H&M grand opening at Metrotown. I think I'm liking this one a little bit more, hence I haven't taken it off since. This was one of the last sunny days in Vancouver before the rain set in. Welcome to winter on the west coast. The Bf and I went for a lunch date to try and take advantage.




check out that kick!! ;)

Scarf: H&M, Top, Jeans, and Socks: American Eagle, Tshirt: Anthropologie, Boots: ZIGI Girl (via Famous Footwear), Sunnies: Forever 21