Tag: blogger

Current Mood: forBitches (…am I that b*tch?)
How do you discover a new brand?

I love seeing what’s new in luxury and learning what’s trending out in the fashion world. And I while I have my trusted go-to brands I enjoy browsing online and obsessing over their runway looks, I also like to mix up my style with some up and coming/underground brands (which are realistically more in my price range).

And what’s sometimes the best way to discover something new?
Accidentally.

I first came across forBitches earlier this year when I was online window shopping on italist. I was looking for a new brand to obsess over and wasn’t feeling the ones that were being fed to me on social media. Not knowing where to start, I scrolled the designer list, came across ‘F’ and there it was – ‘Forbitches’.

I laughed to myself and clicked on the name as I was curious to see what was designed for these so-called ‘bitches’. And with one glance, I loved the concept instantly.

Plastic Barbie looking purses and shoes.

Like, excuse me? Tugging at the heartstrings of my 8 year old self?
How dare you. I want it all now.

Unfortunately, I had just been on a handbag shopping spree and didn’t need another one to add to the collection. Especially, since I knew nothing about this brand other than I liked the name.

So I did my research.

Italian designer. Label is a play on his real name ‘Forbice’.
Designs inspired by toys and dolls.
Very girly. Very nostalgic.
Literally a life size Barbie bag.
I. Need. This. Now.

Now, I can already tell this brand is not for everybody. Once it grows in popularity, I predict the traditional luxury world will describe it as very kitschy. Or, gaudy. Or, even childish. And after scrolling through their IG, I wasn’t sure if it was for me either.

Though, something about that bow bag was calling me.

So, I put it on my mental wish list in hopes I would have an excuse to buy it for the summer.

And low and behold, a wedding invitation arrives in the mail weeks later. Of course, I had no idea what my outfit or shoes would be, but I knew damn well what bag I was bringing.

Now that I needed this bag for ‘wedding purposes,’ I had to make sure it was practical as it was cute, but where in the heck would I find this bag in-store? Unfortunately, while it’s so easy to discover new things on the internet, it’s not always tangible or available in your area. So I couldn’t try it on and get the full picture.

There were also no YouTube videos or reviews on this bag. And the select few I found, almost no one opened the bag to show what could fit inside. People… always open the bag and show us what can fit!

So once again I had to be my own guinea pig and blind buy – just like the time when no one was doing lash extensions and I wanted to try them, but had no experiences to fall back on so I just had to go and hope my lashes didn’t fall or burn off. Well, after that success, almost everyone around me started getting extensions and then they blew up to what they are today… but I digress.

After scouring the internet and social media, I finally found someone who showed they could at least fit their phone and credit card inside. Perfect! I found the best deal on italist, clicked ‘order’ and let me tell you, I was not disappointed when it arrived in the mail.

Even the little booklet is comes with has this nostalgic Barbie doll pamphlet feel to it!

Love everything about it.

I decided to wear all black to the wedding, so this bag would definitely go with my LBD. Also, on casual days, if I wanted to throw on pair of jeans and a t-shirt, I know this would be a super cute accessory.

Hello?
Do we see the black bow with the pop of hot pink for the handles?

Obsessed.

I’m not going to lie, there were moments I thought that maybe I should go more elegant or traditional with a sparkly clutch or Alexander Wang/Benedetta Bruzziches style bag for this wedding. That maybe I would be that girl who everyone questioned my taste and secretly made fun of my plastic bag. That perhaps this was a bit too childish for me.

However, Wang was out of my price range and I’m still on the fence about purchasing Amazing dupes/imitations of luxury goods (I just can’t bring myself to do it yet).

So, I didn’t go that route.

And honestly, I don’t care if people make fun of this bag because I love it.

Yes, I am that b*tch with the Barbie bag.
And this was made forBitches.

Now please enjoy some more pics below.
Until next time!

xo
Stephanie

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August 5, 2022
Hello. I missed you ♥️
Ok, sooo… what happened?

I can’t be the only one to wonder, what the heck happened these past 2 years? Like, one minute I’m sitting at my work desk answering phone calls, the next minute our city goes into lockdown. From what I recall, I happily packed up my things to take home, thinking we just landed an awesome 2 week March break. Then next thing you know – cue actual world pandemic and fast forward 2 years.

Like, whaaat?

It’s been pretty much surreal. I don’t need to reiterate, as majority of us probably experienced the same thing, but all I remember was going in and out of multiple lockdowns, learning to work from home, binging Tiger King, tie dying, trying IG coffee trends, TikTok hacks and accumulating an amazing wardrobe of cozy sets and athletic sweats.

Matching set: Aritzia

Now, let’s catch up.

2020? Manageable.

As mentioned above, it was all tie dye, sweats and dalgona coffees.

2021 on the other hand? A nightmare.

Ok I’m being dramatic.
Or, maybe not.
But it definitely wasn’t the best of years.

Within a year, I had worked 3 different positions in the same company, essentially landing the ‘dream job’ that, I guess, I had been working towards my whole career with them. While I am grateful for the experience, it was challenging to say the least. The restructuring of departments and various positions basically gave me a workload that previously would have been a 6 person job.

Many sleepless nights. Many bathroom cry breaks.
These became weekly rituals.

I was officially burnt out and running on empty.

Then once I finally found myself in the groove of things, they let me go.

📷: Pinterest

With all the changes that happened/were happening within the company it was expected. I was prepared, but it was still surreal to hear those words.

They say everyone should get fired at least once in their life. That it builds character and… (insert whatever quote here about life lessons and the universe). At least for my sanity, it wasn’t because of my performance or incompetency. I know I’m super creative and have a damn good work ethic. And no one can take that from me.

📷: Pinterest

What else?

Well, not only was I grieving the loss of my job, I was also grieving the loss of my bestie.

Oh yes, within days of each other I found myself jobless and petless.

When it rains, it pours.
Right?

Last year was a pretty rough year for my little furry friend. We enjoyed a nice last summer together, but sadly I had to say goodbye after 13 wonderful, floofy years. As stressful as it was learning a new position while working from home, I am super appreciative for the fact that I was home and was able to spend those extra moments with her. Screw coffee breaks when you have pet the floof breaks.

Those were my favourite.

Anyways, I’ve been a little lost since then. It’s like a part of my identity is gone, but I’m trying to navigate what my next chapter should be. Or, even how to start it for that matter. It’s taking a little longer than expected, but as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

In the meantime…

Hello again. Sorry for ghosting you for 2 years, but I’m hoping we can pick up where we left off. There’s so much to say… and so many shopping goodies to share 😉

Until next time, please enjoy some of my favourite floof pics.

Talk soon.

xo
Stephanie

My girl, Cookie 😇♥️

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Check out my other posts below!
June 3, 2022
Top 5: Quarantine & Chill
It’s an add to cart kind of day… and then let it sit there and not checkout.

Because it’s dangerous to shop while bored.

And even more so dangerous to shop while in quarantine.

These are desperate times people.

The outpouring of subscribed emails floods my inbox… We’re sorry our retail stores are closed, but we’re offering free shipping no minimum. We’re offering 20% off your purchase. We’re offering 50% off everything, plus free shipping.

Must.
Say.
No.

So, how do you refrain from unnecessary shopping?

Netflix.

So I present to you my list of top 5 shows I recommend or have binged since being in quarantine. Plus, some honourable mentions.

Enjoy!

Binge Worthy Netflix

1. Short Drama Series
Source: Pinterest
Binge Worthy: YOU

If you’re not up to date with any popular Netflix series, then now is a good time to catch up.

And it’s time to start You.

He’s creepy. He’s charming. He’s a stalker. He loves hard. Aaaaaand *stop reading the rest of this sentence if you don’t want spoilers and seriously know nothing about this show* … occasionally kills people.

In other words, great boyfriend material. The story will get you frustrated at some points, but you’ll want to keep watching to see what happens!

Binge Worthy Mention: Good Girls

This is another show I enjoy watching that you can catch on Netflix. And I say short drama series, because both this and You only have 2 seasons, so it’s an easy binge.

Good Girls is about soccer moms turned criminals. They need money fast and come across a world of money laundering and crime and while dealing with their own individual life problems.

My favourite part is the guy with the neck tattoos.
Oh, you’ll see.
Shhh, don’t tell bae!

2. Foreign Dramas
Source: Pinterest
Binge Worthy: MONEY HEIST (La Casa De Papel)

I can probably do a whole other list on this – note to self for future – but I personally enjoy watching foreign movies and shows because you’ll come across some surprising gems. And usually I would rave about Narcos, but after watching Narcos Mexico: Season 2 on and off, I was left feeling unsatisfied… which is never a good thing – am I right, ladies? 😉

Definitely not binge worthy.

Then… *cue dramatic music*
In walks Money Heist: Part 4, just in time to save this quarantine.

This show has basically everything you need for an amazing series. If you like stories about heists, a group of lost souls turned great friends and becoming heroes of the people, then I definitely recommend. Each episode unveils new problems and plot twists that had me on edge the entire time. I’m a pretty fast reader so I enjoyed watching in Spanish with subtitles. I feel you get a better sense of the emotions and suspense the characters and story brings.

And I totally hate that I have to wait for the next part to come out!

Binge Worthy Mention: ELITE

Another great Spanish show. You forget these characters are still in high school because this show has everything. It’s full of murder, love, sex, drugs, family problems and high school drama.

Totally not relatable to my personal high school experience (or anyone’s experience I hope), but definitely worth watching!

And if you like a little boujee-ness, you may appreciate some of the accessories you’ll find on the rich bitches. Hi, Elite production? If you’re having a set sale, please invite me.

3. Insane Documentaries
Source: Pinterest
Binge Worthy: TIGER KING

Okay… I have no words for this one.

There’s no real reason, or argument, as to why you should watch this documentary, other than you just need to. And as someone suggested, you just have to take it and soak it all in.

I was ready to quit after the first episode. All you had was big cats, Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. And that was it.

The first few episodes actually made no sense to me. There was no plot. I had no idea where the story was going or why I was watching. They just introduced viewers to big cats, their owners and different parks.

Then if you’re patient enough, the story comes out. And it becomes dark and twisted really fast.

And really sad.

For the people? Yes, but more so the animals.

Though, now you can join the debate of Carole Baskin. Did she do it?

Binge Worthy Mention: Surviving R. Kelly

Watch this only if you have a strong stomach. It’s not graphic or gruesome, but the stories and encounters the women describe are quite disturbing. And I’m only 2 episodes in!

This makes you see things in a whole different light.
It makes you admire their bravery for telling their story.
And it makes you listen to those songs with a different ear and understanding of the truth behind it.

4. Guilty Pleasure Reality Shows
Source: Pinterest
Binge Worthy: LOVE IS BLIND

My apologies in advance, but this show is a must see and I like to take credit for introducing it to a few people.

It’s soooo cringe, that it’s good. It’s basically the Bachelor on speed.

If you enjoy dating shows, then give it a watch. These people date in pods behind walls. They propose behind walls. Get engaged behind walls. All without seeing what the other person looks like. Then they meet, get thrown on their first trip together, live together, meet the in-laws and possibly get married.

Oh, and it’s all within the time span of a month! I know, right?

Binge Worthy Mention: Too Hot To Handle

This is the Bachelor in Paradise on speed without sex.
Sort of.

Contestants, from all over the world, are on this island thinking they’re there to meet other singles, party and hopefully not catch any STDs.

Then we soon find out they were chosen because of their promiscuous ways and lack of caring to make deeper connections. So cue imitation Alexa, aka Lana, who tells them they can win $100,000, but they’re not allowed to do anything dirty with each other. Any breach will cause a loss in the pot.

And cue reality TV drama.

5. Feel Good Nostalgic Sitcoms
Source: Pinterest
Binge Worthy: FRIENDS

Ending on a feel good, happy note. This is obviously a classic. I hadn’t watched the series in its entirety when it originally aired, but I knew the storyline and episodes well from reruns.

So when bae mentioned that he never watched Friends, it was only right that we start. And I’m glad we did!

Even though, I knew all the characters and their relationships, it was nice to see the episodes in chronological order and make complete sense.

Plus, it was a bonus to watch bae see everything for the first time and his reactions to all the Ross & Rachel drama. Were they on a break?

Binge Worthy Mention: The Office

This was another show I never watched while it aired. And tbh, it took a few seasons to actually get into the series and the characters, but I’m happy I stuck it out.

It’s probably one of the funniest shows I’ve seen. All the awkwardness and sarcasm is what makes the show and it’s characters great.

Plus, all the inside jokes it has created between bae and I.

Parkour!
Source: Pinterest
Now all the Office memes I’ve seen in the past years finally make sense to me.

And that’s it!

I hope you enjoyed my list.

Let me know if you’ve watched any and what your faves are. Or, if you have any recommendations yourself!

In all seriousness, I hope everyone is keeping safe. And please be cautious and considerate of others during these crazy times.

xo

Stephanie

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!
April 26, 2020
New Year!.. Now What?
Ok, ok I’ll say it. I’ve been slacking mucho.

I haven’t written a new post in months.
I didn’t get to my annual ‘New year, New goals’ post.
And I missed my 3rd year blogiversary!

I know, how could I? Ok let’s pretend I celebrated…
*And cue cute, disco background photo of me below* 😉

There have been an interesting turn of events, to say the least, in the past months and I’ve just been feeling bleh.

A new temporary, opportunity came up at work. And because of that, all my creative energy has been geared towards something else. And I’ve been drained when I come home. And I just want to be lazy on the weekends.

Is this really the 9-5 life? I don’t know how people keep up. Especially with no windows in the work environment. Should be illegal.

Then of course Black Friday and the Holidays come around and that’s always a busy time in retail. And just when I thought I could breathe come January, my contract at work is up in the air and I got sick with the flu.

I never get sick with the flu! I can handle a cold, but this flu hit hard and bae got it too, so for the second week of 2020 we were feverish and cold sweating it up in bed – yuck!

Next thing you know, I’m stuck with a stupid, dry cough and January has flown by and there are eleven months left to 2020. Eleven! I haven’t even made my vision board!

So what are we gonna do?

We are going to hustle.

I’m trying to do this for realsies this time where I focus on me. What’s best for me. And I’m not going to worry about explaining or apologizing for the decisions I make that better my life for me.

📷 taken at Shiseido’s #ShareBeautyon7 campaign at Hudson’s Bay on Queen.

I think the reoccurring theme is me here, and not to be selfish, but I think I’ve put myself on the back burner long enough. And I’m bored of listening to other people’s goals and plans for me because the only person that knows what I want is… you guessed it… my chinchilla – jk, it’s obviously me.

That being said. I’m going to put more effort into my blog posts. I’ve seen a major spike in views last year, thanks to a UK company with the same name – hello to my UK friends! I know you may be coming for another reason, but I hope you stay for me 🙂

So with more views, I need more content.
More importantly, more consistency.
I need to get my creative juices flowing once again because L&L is in its third year! We’re in a fully committed relationship now.

Plus, third time’s a charm, right?

Source: Pinterest

Thus, to tie in my regular January posts,

Happy New Year & Happy 3rd Year Blogiversary!

Thanks for sticking around.

If you’re new, welcome to Luxe & Loaded.

I’ll be writing soon.

xo

Stephanie

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!
January 28, 2020
Two Year Blogiversary!
This past week marked my second year since Luxe & Loaded went live!

So…

Happy Blogiversary to me! 🎉

Luxe & Loaded 2 Year Blogiversary
Shot + Edit: Me 🙂 | Music: bensounds

Cookie Monster: Kaws x Sesame Street | Sign: My Cinemalightbox
T-shirt: Barbie x Missguided

A two year commitment is a lot in a relationship. Could be make or break point for some. A big milestone. The deciding factor year to whether something is magical and turning into real love. Or, realizing you’ve developed different interests and don’t love it as much as you did in the beginning.

For me, it’s the first part.

I’m super excited about this blog and I can’t wait to continue to try new things and watch it flourish!

I took some time to read my 1st year post and see what goals I had set for myself to accomplish for this blog. And let me tell you, I pretty much accomplished none of them.

Yes. I suck.

It’s not that they were hard goals or tasks I had set for Luxe & Loaded. Turns out 2018 was a very draining year and I was not prepared to balance work, life, wedding and blog.

Something had to give.

I wanted to write more blog posts than I did the year before. I wanted to introduce more videos to my posts and Instagram. I wanted to start a Youtube channel. I even had plans to do a whole wedding series!

It started out that way… but then I slacked and none of that happened.

Though, surprisingly my numbers were up!

Even with less posts, I actually got slightly more views and visitors than I had the previous year – woo hoo!

And that goes to show me I’m headed in the right direction with L&L. So I’m allowing myself a do-over for my blog goals – No shame.

So once again – Let’s get it done!

What’s gonna be different this year?
For one, I don’t have a wedding to plan in another country.
Secondly, I don’t have a wedding to plan in another country – yes I said that twice because you don’t know until you do it! And I had no professional help, but I digress.
Thirdly, I’m being selfish and putting myself first this year… scratch that.

I’m putting my creative self first.

I miss creative Steph. For a while, I lost touch with that aspect of me. So I’m going to make an effort to pay more attention to that side of me. Plus, I have to be, because I’m broke af this year so not as many shopping hauls or travels – womp womp.

Source: Pinterest

Though I’m feeling good about blogging in 2019.

It’s all about positive energy, perseverance and of course, having fun creating.

Once again, as they say on the Bachelor – we’re going to go on this an amazing journey together.
And I can’t wait to spend another year with you!

xo
Stephanie

Cookie Monster: Uniqlo
My Cinemalightbox: Indigo
Missguided T-shirt: Hudson’s Bay

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!

Check out my previous posts below
January 20, 2019
Happy New Year 2019!

– Happy New Year from Cookie –

And another one!

New Year. New Post.

Now let’s quickly reflect on the past year.

Basically…

2018 has definitely been a whirlwind – to say the least!

There has been a lot of highs and lows.

Lots of lows.

For starters, I’ve officially realized I’m stuck at a dead end job because there seems to be personal roadblocks in helping me grow. And thus, I’ve also experienced many anxiety and panic attacks.

Though I can happily say, one major high – I got married!

Which in turn was a major contribution to my many anxiety and panic attacks… but totes worth it!

Future posts to come on my whole wedding experience however…

I am now currently broke af.

Like AF for realsies people!

And so how am I supposed to live my best Luxe & Loaded life when I gots no moneys?

I’ll figure it out.

Once again, I am going in to this year head strong. Same as last year’s plan but f*ck the confidence this time! It’s gonna be more of an I kick ass at life attitude.

Because I deserve to be the best me. And I deserve to attain my greatest goals. And no one can tell me otherwise. #GIRLPOWER

Mug & Book – You are a Badass… found at Indigo

Putting it out there! I am going to be more proactive. I’m already in the process of making my first ever vision board and got my first book lined up.

So you ready, 2019?

xo
Stephanie

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January 6, 2019
Current Mood: Goal Digger

Alright, so we’re almost halfway through March and already, I’m failing at my 2018 blog goals.

#ISuckAtLife

Honestly, I coasted through January thinking I’d have so much more time to update my blog. I started off in the right direction. I wrote almost 10 postings last December just to make sure I had material to spit out every week or two. I upgraded my blog and have my own domain. I filmed and edited a few short videos to post.

And then adulting happened and I don’t even know where February went.
Basically, I wasn’t going to write about it since I didn’t want to get too personal, but my best postings come about when I write what I know.
And I know, I’m freaking the f*ck out right about now.
So here goes…

Bae and I are engaged.
We’re getting married in Italy.
Our hopeful date is for this August 2018.
And I say hopeful because we don’t have our venue book.
We don’t have our church booked.
We don’t have all our civil paperwork done.
We don’t have our religious paperwork done.
I don’t have my dress.
And that’s just the beginning because the list goes on…

Get why I’m freaking the f*ck out?

I’m going to Italy at the end of the month to at least get my venue and church crossed off. And potentially my dress – which is a whole other dilemma on its own and I will probably write a post solely on that. Just know this… I’m not allowed to try on or touch my dress until my wedding day.

Get why I’m freaking the f*ck out now?

Plus, I’ve been trying my hardest to save as much money as I can, but it seems like the closer we get to August, the more damn expensive the Euro becomes. And then there’s a bunch of other stuff going on in and around my life, I feel my head is on the brink of explosion.

Yet, when I feel like that, I give myself a mental, imaginary slap in the face.
Because this year is all about being a

#GOALDIGGER

Sweater: Bow & Drape

I’ve been eyeing this Bow & Drape sweater for so long. It’s super cute and super soft and I thought it was never going to have a decent sale, but just after Christmas it became 50% off. So I snatched it.

Mostly, I like it for its GIRLBOSS message. And the fact that it’s in sequins screams kick ass, but stay glam – which is totally me.

Hard to admit, but lately I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed and having a difficult time staying positive and just being in a good mood in general. This goes for both my work and personal life.

At the end of the day, I need remember to breathe and take the time to pause and remind myself that this too shall pass.

Cliché, yes, but so true. There is nothing I know can’t do. And I shouldn’t focus on what I don’t have. Rather, I need to focus on what I’m working towards.
And that’s getting married, making more money, finding ways to turn my passions into a career and maintaining an amazing blog.

Because I’m super cool and know I can do it.
Period.

Now excuse me as I start digging for goals.

xo
Stephanie

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!

March 11, 2018
FAB FINDS Feat. Kate Spade purse

Kate Spade you’ve done it again!
Back at it with your blasted ‘too good to pass up’ outlet sales.

I went in to your store telling myself, I’ll just look around for birthday presents for my friends. I really don’t need anything. I have too many cute coin purses, handbags and other accessories. I’ll just be in and out in 20 min. MAX.

And then I came out with another member of the Kate Spade family of purses. All because you had an extra 70% off and I have no will power when it comes to your store.

On that note, let me introduce you to miss finlee! At least that’s what the tag said, but I think I’ll name her Maude. She gives mature vibes.

This purse was a total steal though. It came to $81 in the end. And can we just look at this colour? And style? That’s what sold me. It’s not the signature Kate Spade shape. It’s not your typical neutral colour, but this gorgeous mauve. I’ve been totally feeling warm pinks and rose golds lately and so I couldn’t pass up this bag! Plus, it was the only one left in the store. So just didn’t have the heart put it down and let another soul pick it up – some shoppers have quick hands!

It belonged with the Luxe & Loaded – Kate Spade, family of purses.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to walk around your store and feel no type of way. Until then, check out more pics of my Fab Find below!

xo
Stephanie

Did you miss my last Fab Find feat. Kate Spade? See more here.

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!

February 18, 2018
Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Me!

This January marked the 1 year anniversary of when I started my blog!
So I have to take a moment to give myself a little pat on the back because I’ve stuck to it and I actually love doing this!

Yay me! 🎉🎉🎉
Happy Blogiversary!

I tried blogging years ago, as it started out as an online travel diary so my friends knew what I was up to half way across the world – but it was short lived.

Then, after years of me contemplating actually starting a new blog, I finally did it. At first, I was worried the same thing would happen – that I’d lose interest quickly or it would be too much work to keep up with and maintain, but I made it through year one!

So I’ve decided to do a little reflection post on what I’ve learned during the past year since creating Luxe & Loaded.

– What I like –

I very much enjoy the photography aspect. I’ve always been a artsy person, but more so on the drawing and painting side. Never thought about getting into photography as vacation pics was as far as I went, but I realized that I actually really enjoy staging photos. Flatlays are my jam. I get super excited when I have a day off to take my photos. And I love shopping around for props and getting inspiration from the cute little knick knacks I find.

I also love the feeling of a new post going live and seeing it on the WordPress feed amongst the other blogs. It’s a tiny confidence boost that I’ve accomplished another post that I put my time and effort into. And seeing it there with other posts from people around the world who are doing the same thing is super exciting.

– What was hardest –

Starting the damn thing!
As mentioned before, writing a blog was something I’ve contemplated about for the longest time. And for the longest time I never did anything about it. It’s not like there was never a good time, because any time was a good time. There is no special day or month or season that’s ideal for jumping into something new. You just have to do it. And I finally did it. So as those bad tattoos say, ‘no regerts’!

What else?
Oh, my name!
I’ve always like creative writing and telling stories. So I knew I wouldn’t have any issues with that, but thinking of a name was probably the second hardest thing in the world! It couldn’t just be any name. It had to represent me. And I didn’t want a temporary name and then have to change it halfway through once I finally decided on one. It was many days and nights and weeks of brainstorming, going through the dictionary and thesaurus, looking up definitions, rhymes, wordplays, liking one then hating it… until I kept going back to one and repeating it over and writing it out and tah-dah! Luxe & Loaded was created.

– What surprised me –

This thing is world wide. I’ve had people from Netherlands to Brazil to Kuwait visit my blog. And even if it’s just the homepage, or they have no idea what I’m saying due to language and translation, it still surprised me that I had a reach to these people.

Before I started writing, I never imagined a target audience outside of North America. So to know that I have readers out in Germany or Ireland who stop by my blog second is amazing! It may have just been one person in a whole country, but to me that’s still one click of curiosity to my page that one person took the time to check out. And I appreciate it, so thank you and hello to my European friends!

– What to improve on –

I’m trying to step up my postings for 2018, so consistency is something I hope to focus on. I’ve had a steady run for my first year with 25 posts. I honestly didn’t have a number set in mind in terms of hitting any goals. And it averages to about 2 posts per month. Not bad for starters, but there were some months I’d only push out 1 post vs other months I’d push 3-4.

So I want to find a balance and possibly create a schedule. I’ll have to do some testing and see what works best. I’m still learning about my blog and statistics and what would be best for myself and readers. Seeing what topics do very well and what topics to scrap. I’m kind of getting a basic understanding, but I know I’m just at the surface and there’s so much more to dive into!

Cupcake: Le Dolci | Chocolates: Chocollata

– What’s next for Luxe & Loaded? –

More visuals! I was thinking of incorporating videos? Perhaps starting a youtube channel? The ideas are brewing!
Bae got me a major ring light for Christmas and I also got myself a new camera that I’m super excited to try out and start using for my pictures and filming. Plus, lately I’ve been sneaking some short video edits onto my insta feed to test out how I like doing them and audience response. And I can say – I ain’t mad. I actually loved editing and telling stories through video before I got into taking pictures and flatlays for instagram. So this is something I’m excited and hoping to add to Luxe & Loaded.

All in all, I’ve got high hopes for L&L this coming year.

I’m ready to go.

Let’s see what 2018 has in store!

xo
Stephanie

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January 31, 2018
The Best Hot Chocolate I’ve Ever Had

We’re coming up on old man winter, but every coffee chain in town has already released their annual holiday drink menu.

Now, I’m not really a tea or coffee drinker – though I will admit, I lived on 1 euro cappuccinos in Tivoli… but vacations don’t count! And so my go to hot beverage is hot chocolate. After falling in love with the frozen mint hot chocolates from Serendipity 3 in NYC, I’ve been on the hunt for a truly delicious and tummy warming experience.

And I think I found my new favourite spot.

And it’s only an 8 hour plane ride from home – lucky me!

While in Venice earlier this year, we made our way to Piazza San Marco and decided to treat ourselves on our final night there – and let me tell you it was totally worth it! Caffé Florian was a place I had always walked by, but never paid attention to for fear of tourist prices. Because everyone knows things are more expensive at main attractions. And since this café has been around since 1720 and offers a front row seat to Saint Mark’s Cathedral, I wasn’t expecting anything reasonable. Then after stopping to take a look at their display menu and seeing hot chocolates for 10 – 12.50 euros, we thought – ‘why the heck not?’

So we returned in the evening and were seated in a room of complete opulence.

I love world history and there’s always something that leaves me in awe, knowing and wondering who could have sat in the exact same spot as me, some time, hundreds of years ago. Thinking about the conversations or realizations various people had in this very seat. And going through the photos of Caffé Florian, more recently, it could have been anyone from Charlie Chaplin to Andy Warhol, to Ernest Hemingway and Claude Monet, sitting where my own bum sat, drinking this delicious hot chocolate.

At the end of any trip, I’m always left with that feeling of not wanting to go home and get back to my daily reality and routine, but this was the perfect way to end the night. Sitting in Caffé Florian, listening to the live classical music, taking a sip of my hot chocolate with my fiancé by my side. Perfetto.

And then the bill came and you forget that most places charge a sit down fee. So being there in the evening with the live music, plus hot chocolate for 4 people, now turns into just over 71 euros… which is converted to about $110 CAD.

Again, totally worth it.

Would I go back? Of course! I got a mint hot chocolate which was perfectly layered into liquid chocolate with mint cream and chocolate shavings. At first glance, the glass looked extremely small for 12.50 euros, but coming from North America we’re used to bigger sizes. So I thought I was going to be disappointed and unsatisfied, but in the end it was the perfect amount for me to drink. I didn’t want any more, and I didn’t want any less.

And not only was the hot chocolate delicious on its own, but the whole experience together with the atmosphere was truly priceless, and is now added to my happy memories.

Counting down the days until I can visit again.

xo

Stephanie

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December 6, 2017