I’ve only ever worn t-shirts at home while bumming around. Though lately they’ve become a staple in my every day wardrobe.
Especially when I travel. They’re good on hot days where I can wear them on their own. And they’re good for cold days when the chilly weather calls for layering.
Dress them up, dress them down. Tuck them in, or leave it out… Damn. I feel like I just wrote a line for a song. I may have a #1 in the makings people. You heard it here first!
Sidetracked.
As I was saying…
Now, I have always been a Guess girl. Except, I usually opt for their more obvious girly and fashionable clothing, but I’ll admit they’ve got some nice men’s t-shirts. So it helps when bae has a few casual tees that I can ‘borrow’ – and sometimes keep in my closet. And since I like my t-shirts baggy, and loose fitting, it’s perfect! Sometimes I help him decide what shirts to purchase by deciding what looks good on me. Cuz let’s face it, bae’s wardrobe is my wardrobe. That’s just the rules of the universe.
And as we know, travelling calls for some early mornings. And sometimes deciding what to wear can take up some precious time.
So when in doubt, I go for a simple logo tee. You can’t go wrong with that!
There’s something in the air that makes me fall more in love with Venice every time I visit.
Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s the culture. Maybe it’s the art or luxury. Or, maybe it’s the sense of mystery you come across as you walk through the narrow streets.
Whatever the reason is, my heart belongs in Venice.
Early morning by the Rialto
I had never stayed there overnight until this past trip. I usually lodge in nearby cities, like Padova or Mestre, but this time around we spent three nights in this beautiful city and I only wish I had done so earlier.
We rented an apartment which was walking distance to the train and bus terminal, so carrying luggage wasn’t such a hassle. Though, going up and down all those bridges, can get annoying. So it was good to have some man power – thanks bae!
It was also very affordable. Three nights split amongst two couples brought the total to around $380 per couple. Which is a steal, since some hotels can charge that a night! Plus, it gave me a chance to pretend I lived there, even if it was for that short period of time.
Morning views ♥
Waking up every morning to a ringing bell tower and terracotta rooftops was a dream. There was a grocery store around the corner from our apartment so we were able to make breakfast in our straight out of IKEA catalogue kitchen. And with the all day outings, it was convenient to be able to walk home instead of racing against time because you had catch a train back to your hotel.
Saving Venice for last was the perfect way to end our trip. It is inevitably one of my favourite cities I’ve visited and continues to steal a piece of my heart every time I go.
Check below for a few pics I snapped!
xo
Stephanie
Venetian masks
Venetian masks
The Rialto
Piazza San Marco
San Marco
Piazza San MarcoViews of the Gran Canale from the Rialto Bridge
My spirit animal. If only I had room in my luggage to bring you home!
Tip: If you want to capture moments with as few people as possible, then go early mornings. We made our way over the Rialto to Piazza San Marco before 8am. There were already people there, but most tour groups were present by 9am. So I was able to to get some nice solo shots and OOTD photos which you will see in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!
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I’m not one for camping, but I don’t mind going on a nature hike every once in a while. Especially when the views are gorgeous, it’s totally worth the climb.
Now, in Tivoli, there’s a cross that sits on top of a hill that overlooks the town. And I always see it from the train station, but never thought it was reachable. Until one year I went hiking up that trail with my dad and bae. We took a wrong turn and didn’t end up at the top, but after seeing the view, I told myself that next time I’m getting all the way to the cross.
And that I did.
It’s quite the hike since I’m no mountain climber and definitely wasn’t wearing the right shoes (bad moment to break in my new Keds!), but after following the marked path, we reached the croce.
Happy with my accomplishment, it was nice to sit down and soak it all in. There was something humbling about the experience because sitting below the cross were a bunch of papers with hand-written prayer intentions. It made me feel almost connected to those people because even though their home is halfway across the world from mine, we’re all still human and experience the same feelings of life, love and loss.
prayers from Tivoli
prayers from Tivoli
As bae was off shooting a music video with my brother-in-law, it gave me time to take some photos and really appreciate the scenery in front of me. And I don’t know if I was just on a vacation high, or reading some of the prayers, but I swear I had an epiphany. There’s something about being away from home and engulfing myself in a different culture that allows me time to reflect and be stress free, just for a moment.
The past year has been a little difficult for me. Especially from last summer to the first couple of months of 2017. I lost my grandmother and pet chinchilla within 2 months of each other last year. My grandmother had been living with my family on and off since I was about 5. And my chinchilla was my first pet that I had for almost 10 years. So it was really hard to cope, but I had to push through those feelings because there were so many other things happening around me that I didn’t have time to pause and actually mourn.
So I put it aside. I focused on other things like work, because I was hopeful and holding out for a position that I thought I was a candidate for. After months of being told to be patient, and applying and going through the interviewing process two separate times, I didn’t get it.
And that crushed me.
I was so overwhelmed with disappointment that all those feelings I bottled up were starting to surface and I broke.
I desperately needed to get away. I needed a break. So I was counting the days until my trip. And it really helped. Plus, something major happened on this trip that I’ll go into more details in future posts, but I’m thankful I had the opportunity to travel and refresh my mind. And being at the top of Tivoli looking down made me realize I am so small in this world. I can’t wait or count on others to tell me my worth. I have to do it for myself. Appreciate myself. Believe in myself and what I want to accomplish in this life. It’s not going to come easy. I have to work for what I want. Maybe harder than others, but I don’t want to waste anymore time. I don’t want to be stuck in a place just going through the motions. I want to start living my best life, so I can experience more moments like I did climbing to the top of that cross.
The pictures don’t really do it justice, but here are some of the photos I took looking down upon Tivoli.
There’s something about a sunset that’s so calming and peaceful. Watching the way the blue sky changes colours within seconds. Blending and intertwining with one another without separation as if they all fit together perfectly. So picturesque.
Though, what I love most about a sunset is the moment the sun touches the horizon. It makes me think it’s something attainable. That if I were to quickly run to the ends of the earth, I’d be able to reach out and feel it with just the tip of my finger… but then I remember that’s impossible because the earth is round. And the earth and sun are in space. And space is infinite. Which freaks the crap out of me. Because how that is possible?!… No? Only me having those thoughts? Anyways!
So I stop thinking about it and come back down to earth.
One of my favourite places to see the sun set in Tivoli is at the Panoramica. Just at the top of these 75 steps from my dad’s house, it’s a long walkway covered by trees to one side, but the other side overlooks all the towns below since Tivoli sits on top of a hill.
And so, watching the sun set here is something I always look forward to. It gives me a moment to pause whatever I’m doing or, wherever I’m going, and just admire.
Here are some of the moments I caught from my most recent trip.
I grew up with the privilege of having travel bugs for parents. We haven’t been all over the world, but I’ve been lucky enough to have visited some amazing cities and experience different cultures.
Though, one place that will always be a second home to me is my father’s hometown of Tivoli. He was the only one of his family to have moved abroad and so we go back to visit when we can.
Situated just east of Rome, it’s a lovely town that sits on top of a hill filled, with ancient history, picturesque views and a lively community. Plus, the gelato at every corner is a total bonus!
Here are some moments from my recent visit. Enjoy!
xo
Stephanie
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
*Note: All photos were taken by me and mostly captured during the early mornings.
Before taking any trip, there’s always a lot of prep I have to do. I get a little OCD when organizing my to-do lists, but number one on my list this time was to get eyelash extensions. And after asking around and hearing the horror stories of people’s lashes falling out, I took a leap.
I love makeup, but sometimes the whole glam routine can be a little too much to take on during travel. Especially when it calls for early mornings and whole day outings. Plus, when there’s one bathroom to 6 adults and one toddler, I can’t exactly take my time. And I don’t have the patience to apply falsies everyday, so I needed something that would cut my routine in half.
First mistake I made, I asked around. That was a terrible idea because people only had horror stories of what happened to the their friends. Or a friend of a friend. No one knew, first hand, what it was like to have eyelash extensions, so immediately I became skeptical.
Second mistake I made, I Googled. And of course what popped up were botched extensions and crusty lashes. This only heightened my skepticism.
But I did it anyways! Because when I make up my mind about something, I have to do it.
Best. Decision. Ever.
Before booking an appointment, I did some research and tried to take a crash course on the whole procedure and care of eyelash extensions. From mink to synthetic mink, to D curl, to 3D Russian lashes, I was so overwhelmed. So I decided to go based on photos, review and prices. After all, it was my first time and I had absolutely no expectations since everyone I asked only had negative comments.
I had my heart set on 3D Russian lashes as they looked most realistic, but seeing only a price tag of $295+ from reputable salons, I crossed that option. That’s more than I spend on my hair when I go to my hairdresser for the works – dye, cut, style & blow dry. And at least my hair lasts more than 2 weeks!
So I decided to go with a classic set. Which was the most inexpensive and totally affordable option at $85. I booked 2 days before my flight, in case of any problems, and was a super nervous because I had a dream that 2 rookies did my lashes and totally messed them up. The stylist reassured me to relax and the whole thing took just about an hour.
Before eyelash extensions (with mascara)
Before eyelash extensions (with mascara)
After eyelash extensions (no mascara)
After eyelash extensions (no mascara)
Experience? There was no discomfort during the process. Nothing hurt. Nothing burned. Only little awkward feelings here and there, since I’d never done them before. The stylist taped my bottom lashes down, which at first made my top lids flutter. I eventually calmed myself and there was no feeling of pulling on my natural lash and nothing felt glued to my skin.
Once it was done, my eyes were watery for a bit, but adjusted. It didn’t feel like I was wearing anything. No heavy feeling, like when you do falsies. My eyelashes felt normal. And after looking in the mirror, right away I could tell a huge difference. My lashes were longer and thicker. The more I looked at them, the more I loved them. And then I saw them on camera.
Before eyelash extensions (no mascara)
Before eyelash extensions (no mascara)
Week 1: After eyelash extensions (no mascara)
Week 1: After eyelash extensions (no mascara)
Verdict? I’m in love. I would absolutely do them again and would recommend to anyone thinking about it.
Unfortunately, it’s not a process I can keep up with monthly as you have to pay for refills every 2-3 weeks and it gets costly, but for sure it’s something I would do in the summer months or during travel. It makes a huge difference. And very simple care instructions – basically wash your face and brush your lashes. And you can blow dry them from underneath on the cool setting.
Beginning of week 2 they were looking nice. My lash line was still thick. A few fall out daily, but that’s a part of your eyelash’s natural life cycle.
Beginning of week 2 (wearing eyeshadow)
Beginning of week 2
Beginning of week 3, more had fallen out and there was more spacing between the lashes. My lash line wasn’t as thick so I wore eyeliner inside my upper waterline to even it out. The extensions still blended with my natural eyelashes though, so still no need for eyeliner or mascara. And halfway through the 3rd week, I returned from my trip and went back to work. I felt so bald, but people were still complimenting me on my eyelashes. So they held up.
Beginning of week 3
Beginning of week 3 (wearing eyeshadow)
Week 4, still holding on. I started wearing liquid eyeliner because basically 90% of them had fallen out and it wasn’t until the end of the 4th week that I pulled out the remaining.
Beginning of week 4 (wearing eyeshadow)
Every time a lash fell out I wanted to cry. It’s the saddest thing because it’s a total confidence boost. Literally no need for makeup. Just basic cover up/foundation and lipstick and you’re good for the day. You just have to keep cautious of rubbing your eyes if you have that habit. You definitely can’t sleep on your stomach and if you choose to wear makeup, it needs to be oil free, as well as the remover. For myself, I wore absolutely no mascara or eyeliner the whole time because there was no need for it. The only thing I wore on occasion was eyeshadow.
Now I’m back to mascara, which is cool, but I really miss the extensions! *sigh*
Have you gotten your eyelashes done? Let me know your experiences!
xo
Stephanie
Note: All opinions are my own. I went to Pretty Girl Lounge and had a great experience. The stylist was super nice and talked me through the whole process. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all and will definitely book with her again!
Not as much as I do gelato, but I love pizza. And unfortunately, my tastebuds have been a little spoiled because coming from an Italian background, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Italy and eating all the pizza my belly can handle. So, every now and then, I get a craving for authenticity that needs attending to. Especially since I recently returned from a trip to Italy. Sadly, I’m not yet rich enough to fly across the world at the drop of a dime, every time I please. So I have been on the hunt to find a delicious stone oven pizza place here in the GTA. And luckily, earlier this year I came across this gem, Queen Margherita Pizza.
Queen Margherita Pizza in Leslieville
All you need is pizza! ❤
Initially, I wanted to find a place that is comparable to the ones in Italy. I was looking for something authentic and true to taste. However, after being disappointed numerous times, I knew I was going about it all wrong.
I learned not to compare the taste of pizza here to the pizza in Italy. Unless every single ingredient is imported, it’s never going to taste the same. And I’ve accepted that. Even pizza in Italy tastes different every region you go, from north to south. So it was a totally unreasonable goal.
I then decided to simplify.
Find a place that makes good tasting stone oven pizza. Basic. And as I do with many new Instagram discoveries, I mention it to bae until he finally caves and takes me.
With Queen Margherita having three locations, we went to the one closest to the east, on Queen Street in Leslieville. We dined on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and, upon first sight, it looked like a pub. As you first step in, it’s a little small as there is only a bar, a staircase and a few tables. I was surprised, but didn’t want to jump to any conclusions or go in closed minded because I was there to eat pizza. So if I can grab a slice of 99cents pizza on a busy street corner in Manhattan with no tables, I can eat in the little corners of this restaurant.
Queen Margherita Pizza interior
Queen Margherita Pizza interior
After being greeted, we were then lead upstairs to our table and I was impressed when I saw a cool, loft style, open concept restaurant. It was complete with wooden benches, chairs & tables, a white painted brick wall and unfinished flooring. The factory style windows allowed for all the natural lighting to come in, which I love. Most importantly though, the food was delicious.
*Appetizers: (L) Eggplant, (R) Grilled Kale Salad*Pizza: (L) Gio Oldschool, (R) Cinque Stagione
The portions were good and they have some interesting options for toppings, including kale and sunflower seeds. We got 2 appetizers and 2 pizzas between the both of us. The apps we devoured. We got a grilled kale salad which was so good. We’ve never had anything like it. It had this slight smokey taste and mixed with the cheese was absolutely scrumptious.
With that, I had high expectations for the pizza and they did not disappoint. We chose one white and one red sauce so we could try both styles. Topped with a glass of Brio, the pizza was super tasty and very filling. We even had enough leftovers to make a whole pie, which we took to go. I was hoping there would be a pesto option because that’s alway a favourite of mine, but maybe on a future menu.
In the end, I was very excited to come across Queen Margherita Pizza. The pizza tastes just as delicious as the photos look. (I’m drooling right now as I scroll their feed... And cue hunger).
This pizzeria is for sure a go to, if I’m ever craving thin crust, Italian style pizza. I’m due for a visit, since I haven’t had pizza in almost a month. So I definitely recommend you go check them out too!
xo
Stephanie
*Note: I visited Queen Margherita back in February 2017. Their online menu is slightly different so some items may no longer be available to order… which sucks if the grilled kale salad is gone. It was delicious!
I may have a little shopping addiction when it comes to Kate Spade. More specifically their outlet stores.
They’re not the biggest of outlet stores here in the Toronto area, but I could easily spend over an hour in there without even realizing it. They just lure me in, because every visit I find they have new items.
Thus, leaving me in the same scenario which always ends up as follows – I’m waiting on a sales associate to price check an item for me that doesn’t have a tag, while I’ve got two purses on my shoulder and I’m balancing five items in my left hand so I can use my phone in my right to calculate my totals.
Never changes.
My last visit though, I told myself I was not going to buy anything since I was only there to help my sister shop for a birthday present. And I was doing very well, until I hit the jewellery stand. As mentioned before, accessories are my thing. Plus, who could turn down an extra 70% off?!
I’m a sucker for bows so I just love this detail. I had been eyeing this rose gold bracelet for a while. I passed it up a few times in exchange for some new purses during past visits. Then for a period, I never saw it in stores anymore and I thought I lost my chance, but when I saw they had stock, I couldn’t miss out again.
I especially like how this bracelet fits my hand nicely. I usually have trouble with sizing bracelets and bangles since a lot of them are too big for my hand and fall off.
This Kate Spade one is made smaller and has a clasp so I won’t need to worry about it slipping off. And I am obsessing over rose gold right now. I’m trying to build a collection and this piece will fit in perfectly!
Though I was content with just the bracelet, but I couldn’t pass up these earrings. I’m in love with this shade of blue. It’s not too bright and they’re just smaller than a dime, so I like how it subtly stands out against my brown hair. It just adds a little something extra, rather than your usual pair of clear gem studs. And they came in at just under $13!
I do love a good sale, so when I see a minimum of 50% off, I usually leave with a larger purchase like a handbag or wallet. Their small accessories always get me too. You can never have too many coin purses or card holders – at least that’s what I tell myself. Stop making such cute stuff Kate Spade!.. but don’t stop, because I love them.
In the end, I spent just over $32 for both items, which is a record for me in that store. So, I’m happy.
About a week ago marked four years that my boyfriend officially asked me to be his girlfriend… for a second time. No we didn’t break up over the years, but I did turn him down the first time he asked. I know, b*tch right? I had my reasons and I stick by them, but that’s a whole other story for another day!
Before we got together, I used to roll my eyes and secretly make fun of couples who celebrated their anniversaries. Maybe because I was single and petty. Maybe because I was hiding my jealousy. Maybe I thought it was dumb and just didn’t understand the idea of celebrating dating anniversaries. I mean, you’re not married. So whoop dee doo, you’re still together.
But that’s just it. You’re still together.
A lot can happen in a day, in a week or month. So most definitely within a year there must have been some significant things to have happened within the relationship. Both positive and negative. And the fact that you’ve faced them together should be acknowledged.
So why not celebrate? It’s a milestone.
Every year is different. Every year you are faced with life’s challenges, both as individual people and as a couple. Some years will be better than others. And sometimes it may be a good or bad year for only one of you, but it’s about support and compromise.
There is no set formula to what makes a relationship strong. We’re all different as individuals. That’s why you have to figure out what works for you.
Here are four things I’ve learned during our four years together.
I. Communicate Dialogue is important. When you’re happy, express your happiness. And when you’re upset, express you’re upset.
When bae is frustrated with me, he lets me know. When I’m upset with bae, I don’t tell him because I don’t like conflict. I keep it to myself and hope he’ll figure it out. Especially if he doesn’t notice what he’s done. What ends up happening though, is I take out my frustration on him in other ways. I end up giving him the silent treatment, or I become very sarcastic and insulting. Which then makes him upset. Then I get more upset because he shouldn’t be upset. Then he eventually aplogizes, but he still doesn’t really know what he did. So when he thinks he’s reconciling, I’m just bottling up my feelings for another day. All this can be avoided if I just speak up. It’s something I’m still working on, but I know for us, open communication is important.
II. Trust Before I was in a committed relationship it was all about me, myself and I. Whatever choices I made only affected me, but I learned I had to change my selfish way of thinking.
Yes, I still make decisions for myself, but now my decisions affect another person. In the early stages of being together, past relationships and experiences come in to play. There is a lot of subconscious comparing and unintended jealousy, but it is expected.
For the two of us, the little things I didn’t think were a big deal, became a big deal and I felt like bae didn’t trust me. At one point, it seemed like every answer I gave wasn’t good enough and I realized that his trust in me wasn’t something I could reassure. I couldn’t earn his trust. It was something he needed to overcome for himself.
Being completely open and honest with each other helped our communication, building our foundation of trust. And now, we move forward each day with nothing to hide.
III. Active Listening I’ve learned that I have to be an active listener, especially when it comes to important issues.
So that doesn’t mean pretending to listen while bae is talking, but I’m actually daydreaming about the time Colin Farrell and I locked eyes. It means listening and paying attention to how he’s feeling and reading his body language.
I like to have important conversations in private. Because if it gets heated or calls for waterworks, I don’t want people seeing me. So I save my talks for the bedroom. That’s my safe zone. Bae likes to do his talking in the car. Now, I usually daydream in car rides, but I’ve learned to be more attentive because that’s hissafe zone. When he’s opening up on the drive home, I know I need to pay more attention because later he won’t want to continue the conversation when I’m ready to talk. He just wants to relax in his room. So whenever bae is talking serious matters, I don’t cut him off because I know now is the time he needs me to listen.
IV. Me Time When in a relationship, you can become so invested in each other, that when you finally have time for you, you don’t know what to do with yourself. You’ve lost interest in being alone.
No matter how much time I want to spend with bae, I try to make sure I still make time for myself. Bae and I don’t live together and because of our work schedules, the most we go is one day without seeing each other. So when I have a day to myself I have to make sure it doesn’t go to waste. I try to get in touch with me again. And my interests and goals.
Building this blog has helped a lot. I have a project that I’m excited to work on and bae supports that. So it’s easier to schedule time for myself without feeling guilty or like I’m neglecting him.
I’m sure you’ve read multiple articles and advice on what makes a lasting relationship, so some of these points may be redundant. Again, I’m not saying these four points are what everyone must do, but it’s a reflection of what I’ve learned works for me and my relationship.
As for anniversaries, you don’t have to go all out spending lots of money on gifts and fine dining. If that’s how you choose to celebrate, then great! If you choose to spend the night in bumming around and binge watching shows, then that’s great too! Just make sure you take the time to reflect on your relationship. Know what worked and what didn’t work.
Perhaps with some aspects, you’ll realize it’s time for a change.
And don’t be afraid of that. There’s always room to grow.
Working in a mall has its perks if you love to shop, but working in a mall can also be the death of your wallet if you love to shop.
When I have time to spare on my lunch or after work, I’m aimlessly walking the mall. I’m always checking out what’s new in store fronts and seeing if I can find those items I’ve recently seen on my Insta feed, in store.
Though, for some reason I notice when I’m on the hunt for a specific item, I can never find exactly what I’m looking for. Or, what happens is I’ll go into a store on the hunt for a particular item, but leave with another. Especially if there’s a sale. I generally have good will power, but sometimes you just come across a really good buy that you can’t pass up!
Most recently, I stumbled into Dynamite because I was looking for this sweater I saw on @jessicajuliien‘s Instagram. Because obviously Instagram is where I do my online window shopping now. It was this black sweatshirt that read, in white print, ‘MY LITTLE BLACK SWEATSHIRT.’ I know, Captain Obvious, right? I just thought it was cute!
So I make my way around, scoping the racks of clothing and folded displays. Eventually finding it hanging in the back of the store and it’s as cute as it looks in the photo. At this point I’m basically taking out my wallet, but as I’m reaching to find a size, I’m surprised by the material. I was expecting your basic cotton blend because you cannot go wrong with a cotton sweatshirt. Instead, I’m feeling some shiny scuba knit, which I’m okay with on a skirt or dress, but not what I’m looking for in a cozy casual sweatshirt. How am I supposed to stay cozy, yet fashionable on my lazy days in scuba? It still looks really cute though… And the more I’m staring at this photo, the more I’m wishing it bought it. Dammit.
Anywho… Disappointed, I turn to leave, but of course have to stop by the sale rack to satisfy my internal bargain hunter. You just never know what you’re going to find.
Unexpectedly, I come across a navy blue, velour cami with straps that criss cross in the back. Only one left and a price tag of $5 – I am sold. I mean, duh. It’s $5! The cut for me is too low in the front because the straps are a tad too long, but that’s nothing a little needle and thread can’t fix.
Besides the price, I love how this velour cami can be dressed up or down. The blue is so rich, yet subtle that it can be your pop of colour or stay neutral. I can dress it up by tucking it into black trousers/pencil skirt and throw a blazer/cardigan on top. Or, pair it with denim/ripped jean shorts if I’m going casual. It’s also a stretch material, which I like because I won’t feel constricted if I’m wearing it all day.
Most I love though, is that it was on sale.
Sales are my best friend. Regular price for this shirt I believe was $29.99 – from what I could read of the original tag under all the markdown stickers. Either way, for $5 this was definitely a steal.
Totally happy.
Luxe & Loaded 
