Luxe & Loaded

Tag: california

  • La La Land

    La La Land

    I’m pretty sure I was a Cali girl in a past life.
    It’s a place for dreamers and it’s always been a dream of mine to move there.

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    People say, when you go there you either love it or you hate it. I’ve been to LA a few times now, and I love it. Each time a little more. Maybe it’s the sun, but there’s definitely something in the air.

    My father is a realist. He’s not in to all the glitz and glam of Hollywood. Doesn’t impress him, but it makes my eyes light up. He’d always say it’s not our lifestyle, but why can’t it be? I’ve always dreamed of red carpets and attending award shows, as I’m sure a lot of you have. There’s nothing wrong with that. And there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. Your dreams make you. If you don’t dream, then what do you really strive for?

    Last night I saw La La Land starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. I love musicals. Though, going into this movie I wasn’t sure what to think of the idea of a new style take on classic Hollywood. Must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

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    Note: may contain spoilers

    The beginning was a little slow for me, and I honestly thought I was going to hate it. I really didn’t want to, so I tried to keep an open mind.
    Until, I Ran.
    That was my turning point. From then on, the story picked up and it was exactly what I was hoping it would be. And then… the ending happened. Not gonna lie, it made me mad. I admire the reality of it and that they gave us a sort of optional ending to imagine, but it still upset me. (I don’t want to divulge into detail, if you haven’t seen the movie, but I recommend it for you old school movie buffs).

    After leaving the theatre, it got me thinking. Thinking of my dreams and what I hope to accomplish. Not just in my life, but this year alone. I’m trying to conquer 2017 with the attitude of, you never know unless you try.
    Because seriously, you never know the outcome, unless you try. And if you don’t like the outcome, try and try again.

    xo
    Stephanie

  • Less Is More

    Less Is More

    I have been itching to travel.

    It’s been a few years since I’ve been some place new. Last I was on a plane I was headed to Vegas and LA just over a year ago.. As much as I love trips to Cali, I’m in need of some fresh and inspiring scenery.

    I blame my parents. They gave me the travel bug. And I’m pretty sure once you catch it, it’s not curable. My family has always been one to go on trips because my dad’s family lives in Italy. He’s the only one that moved abroad. So, every few years we’d go and visit and tour the country. It’s a gorgeous country. I’ve been privileged to experience it. Some may even call me spoiled because of it, but I don’t think so. It’s a second home.

    I remember staying at my nonna’s with a friend when I was 17. It was our first time travelling without our parents. My cousins were there and we were arguing over who would do the dishes. I said my friend would do it, and my cousin said no, because she’s a guest. So I said, “well I’m a guest too!” and he said, “no. You live here.”
    For some reason that was very comforting to hear.

    It’s a totally different lifestyle in Europe. Way more relaxed and a less stressful. Maybe I think this way because I haven’t stayed for more than a month at a time, but the people seem to be more laid back and free spirited.
    And I’m in need of a refreshment.
    Less wifi, more history. Less PVR, more art. Less worrying about work, more exploring different cultures. Less worrying about weight, more eating delicious food. Mmmm gelato.

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    Tivoli, Italy

    My boyfriend has this tradition on New Year’s Eve, where you pack a bag with your important belongings and at the stroke of midnight you run out the doors and go as far as you can. It’s supposed to signify many travels ahead for the new year.

    So come on 2017. Let’s go explore.

    xo
    Stephanie