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Stitches cardigan (last seen here), C'est Moi top (last seen here), American Apparel leggings,
Aldo boots (last seen here), Club Monaco scarf, H&M bangle & Stitches ring
Wanna hear a story? It's about my scarf. So, many years ago (at least five) I was shopping at Club Monaco and that location was closing (read: lots of sales). I tried on several things but didn't find much (I'm sure Amanda circa 2011 would have found much more than Amanda circa 2006) except a pair of navy wool crop skinny pants (which still have yet to be worn - unreal, I know). As I was getting ready to check out, I decided to check out the accessories. On a table were these scarves in grey and black. 100% cashmere. What is cashmere? (Yes, those were my thoughts back then). I almost didn't buy it but finally decided to drop the $9 and pick one up. Yes. Nine dollars. Down from one hundred dollars. I should have bought five. But then again, what the hell do I need five cashmere scarves for (except to be the most amazing gift giver ever).
Club Monaco top (last seen here), Jacob skirt (last seen here), unknown heels, Le Chateau bangle & g21 sunnies
Look everyone! It's my St. Patrick's Day outfit... Yeah, turns out, I'm not so good with the whole you-have-to-wear-this-certain-colour-on-this-certain-day-of-the-year. I was rockin' a green belt with this outfit which I promptly removed upon arriving at work (that sounds familiar). Then I was badgered with the, 'Where's your green, Amanda?' all day long (mainly by people not wearing green, might I add).
I got these shoes during my trip to Florida and they are so fab (yes, tooting my own shoe horn right now, so?). They are super high, snug on the foot and they stay put when I'm running around work. The only problem? They kill my feet. Like so badly I told my sister I wanted to chop my feet off that day (her response? 'Um, or you could just take them off...' okay, smart-ass). They dig in mad right where my toes meet my foot (aka the toe cleavage area) so badly that when I removed them (and this was constantly throughout the day, while sitting at my desk, rest assured) I had a massive indentation of a line running across the tops of my toes. So sad. So painful. What a disappointment. Fortunately I only spent $16 on them (I love that Ross store, I tell ya) but it's sad to know I'll likely always choose a different shoe before them. Le sigh.
We have all heard the news about Japan and the tremendous disaster they have and are experiencing. You can see unreal before & after ariel photos of what the earthquake and tsunami did. Husband found the video above last night and watching it was like watching a horrible scene in a movie. I kept repeating, 'Oh my God, oh my God,' over and over again because it is just so devastating. Take a look, trust me, it's worth the two minutes.
There are so many ways to help and being an animal lover, I've made a donation to the Humane Society International. No amount is too small and every little bit helps.
Mexx belt, Ardene tights & necklace
I'm writing this post from the guest bedroom on Sunday night. Why Sunday night? Because I always prepare the next day's post on the eve before. Why the guest bedroom? Meh. Our desktop computer is completely f'ed and while it has been for a while, it's gotten worse hence my working from my laptop and well that can go just about anywhere.
Back to Sunday night: we went to husband's parents' house for dinner and as per usual, I stuffed myself. It's inevitable. Every time we go there, I stuff myself. Did I mention my MIL is a chef? Not by trade, by choice, and everything she makes is so delicious I can't help myself from going back for seconds (and thirds). Tonight she made a maple-glazed salmon and chicken parm along with squash, carrots, cauliflower, baked sweet potato and dill-infused basmati rice. I know, I was drooling too. The best part: she packed me a lunch for Monday and I get to enjoy the tastiness all. over.again.
'Hey dog, you're in my shot'
Inspired by her post, there are just some things you should know about me... I mean, we shouldn't keep secrets from each other, right?
I only started enjoying alcohol in the past couple of years. For the longest time I hated it... until I found a few favourites (caesars, gin & tonic, red wine, bud light and bellini's).
I hate wearing socks and often won't wear them when I'm wearing boots (is that gross?).
I love, love, love all things whole wheat, whole grain, 12-grain, you name it, I love it.
I can't stand it when people clip their nails in public.
I bite my nails despite being a mild germaphobe.
I notice my physical flaws everyday and some days I have to talk to myself to shake it.
I drink at least four litres of milk a week (and if I don't get my daily intake, I go through 'milk withdrawl' and can get headaches).
All my wisdom teeth have been removed and it was the second worst experience of my life.
A car accident was the first.
I have a thing for dark-haired men (blondies have never done it for me).
I hate the look of my toes when not painted.
I have one sister.
Sometimes I eat peanut butter from the jar.
I hate gardening but my mom has seen to it that we have a beautiful one.
I have hair extensions (which make my hair longer and thicker).
I hate flossing.
I pee with the door open... but will shut it for the other end.
I'm impatient and easily frustrated.
I'm tall (5'11) and while I embrace it (I wear heels all the time), I would give up inches in a heartbeat to not tower over everyone (preference: 5'8).
I don't consider myself a 'gym person' although I've held a gym membership for three years and go consistently (or try to).
I steam my clothes every morning.
I take forever getting ready for bed, mainly because I'm analyzing my skin and plucking my eyebrows.
Sirens shrug, Forever 21 top, Urban Behaviour skirt (last seen here), BCBG heels,
thrifted belt, Charlotte Russe necklace & gifted Swarovski bangle
Yes, there is still snow, but it is melting. And, as you can see, I braved it and took photos outside in short sleeves - aka, it was mild (otherwise, you'd be seeing photos indoors - this girl is a baby when it comes to the cold).
So guess what? I broke my own rule and took off the tights before April 1st. What the hell, I've been in Florida, I have a tan (so what if I got a spray tan when I got home... shhhhh... but seriously, a white girl like me isn't going to get super bronzed in one week alone, gimme a break. Plus, I want to have nice looking skin in 20 years, not wrinkly and leathery, so, I practice safe sun and always wear sunscreen and don't bake myself) so bare legs it is (not sure if I'll go bare-legged until next fall, but...). At work everyone was commenting on how, 'nice and tanned' I was (if they only knew) and you know what? I lapped it up because I love having a tan without the risk (and the fact that it's instant is pretty awesome too).
This week has been great and hectic, all at once. I flew home from Florida on Monday. Tuesday was my birthday (more to come on that) where husband surprised me with breakfast out, dual pedicures and then off to my in-laws for a special birthday dinner. Wednesday I went back to work and it's already Friday - the weekend is almost here (woohoo!). This weekend, the birthday festivities continue with one of my very good friends CG. Hope you've all had a great week too and enjoyable weekends to look forward to.
OPI 'Pink Flamenco'
My trip to Florida was fantastic. I spent a week by the beach relaxing, reading, shopping and eating, and of course spending time with my parents. They have rented the same condo for the past four years and I managed to get a cheap flight, so I flew down to visit. It was so nice wearing open-toed shoes outside (and not just in the office), no tights, light-weight jackets and bikinis! What a treat. I'm back home in the snow now but with the longer days and milder temperatures, spring is on the way, I just need to stay optimistic it's coming sooner rather than later.
{ peacocks on peoples' front lawns }
{ we saw the space shuttle take off }
Above: Me & my Dad | Below: My two favourite bikes of the day
My parents and I went to Daytona Bike Week on my second-last day in Florida. It was a long ride on the back of my Dad's bike (250km total) but totally worth the sore butt because it was so cool. I saw a ton of amazing bikes, it was packed and it was such a nice day too.
Husband surprised me the other night with a sa-weet (well, more like spa-icyyy) asian-inspired dish. He even served it to me in our new china serving bowl. He wouldn't let me near the kitchen while he was preparing it and it smelt so good from upstairs. It tasted even better. Did I mention he even cleaned up the entire kitchen? Love that guy.
Sidenote: After showering (I had been at the gym), since hubs was surprising me with dinner, I thought I'd surprise him with a look that didn't involve sweatpants (what!? It was like, 7pm). This 'look' involved black leggings, a black top and a black sweater. Oh, and I threw on big hoop earrings because he loves those. However, no make-up was used in this look because that would just be too much effort (and I had just given myself a facial) - so yes, here it is folks, first time ever on this blog, me, make-up-less.
Dayyyyyum
Super easy summery salad. The last time I made this was for Canada Day celebrations and since we are experiencing Daylight Savings now, what better way then to post about something summery? I can almost feel the warm breeze blowing past... oh wait, I actually can as I'm still on vacation in Florida.
What you need:
* 2 pears
* a pint of strawberries
* a package of leafy stuff (I used mixed greens)
* feta cheese
* walnuts
Dressing:
* olive oil
* 1 lemon (for the juice)
Chop everything up, throw it in a big bowl & enjoy.
For the dressing, it's kind of a trial & error. I like to use a Mason jar; squeeze a lemon (or lime) into the jar, add even more olive oil and shake it up. You might need more of both, pour over salad right before serving & toss.
I even put some of the salad on my buger! Get creative.
Even though I already own these in grey, I've been eying the black ones since purchasing mine and realizing how awesome they feel on my feet. Do I really need another pair of black wedges? No. Do I really need another pair of cut-out black heels? No. Do I really want these anyways? Yes.
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in." ~Robert Orben
That quote pretty much describes the first few days of a vacation for me. I'm always rearing to go, go, go and forget that now is the time to just relax. However, I find it hard to come down from the bustle of life, myself always on the go, always doing something, filling every spare minute of my time with an activity or what you may have. After a few days though, I get into the groove of a vacation and realize that sitting still is acceptable and I don't always have to be doing something... and it's quite nice.
So I've been in Florida since Monday night and it's been great. I'm staying with my parents at a condo on the beach, and while it's not glamourous (I've been sleeping on an air mattress in the living room of the one-bedroom condo) it certainly is appreciated. We are right on the beach (literally steps away) and there is no snow (at home, there is about five feet of snow).
We've been eating out every day, some good experiences, some bad (Applebees), and also had meals 'at home' (toasted tomato, avocado sandwiches, breakfasts, and lots of peanut butter m&m's). Tonight we are going to Chili's to celebrate my birthday (coming up this Tuesday) as it's my favourite restaurant and we don't have it in Canada. I'm going to wear my new AA double-u dress/top. On my real birthday (typically when we celebrate any birthday in my family), my parents won't be around and I'll be celebrating with my in-laws instead (yipee!).
For the first time in my life, I actually packed workout clothes (and shoes) for my vacation. I never do this. I don't work out on my holidays (hell-o, I'm on holidays) and honestly, I don't even want to work out when I'm not on holidays (but I do). However, I figured since hubs isn't here with me on this holiday (first time for everything), I might get the chance (or make the chance) to get some physical activity in (which should cancel out all the ice cream, cool latta's, peanut butter m&m's and other delicious food I've been eating without giving a second though, right?) - and I have! I have gone running on the beach twice (and wow is it ever different to run outside, I'm definitly a treadmill girl, and on sand is even harder - however, running beside the ocean is pretty awesome) and done a power walk (in my bikini, no less) with my mom.
Of course I have to tell you all about the lovely experience I had called, 'Amanda's Luggage Gets Lost'. I had a connecting flight in DC and my flight there was delayed (first it was delayed, then we taxied to the runway only to taxi back because something about maintenance), and when we finally taxied back, we took off. The plane was tiny. Two seats, an aisle, and one seat. The ceiling of the plane was so low, I had to duck to walk back to my seat (I'm 5'11, but still) - regardless, the worst part was that they wouldn't let me bring my carry-on into the plane, they said it was too big (it was a small rolly-suitcase). So I pulled my book (Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus) out and left my bag (which was annoying because obviously you pack your carry-on full of stuff you want to use on the plane, or at least I do, things such as earphones, camera, magazines, etc.).
When we arrived in DC, we had to wait outside the plane for them to pull all our 'carry-on' bags off before going inside to get to our connecting flights. We waited about eight minutes on the tarmack before they wheeled over a big trolley. I grabbed my bag and ran (seriously, ran) into the airport. I discovered that not only might I miss my connecting flight, but my gate was the furthest gate away (f-bomb). Fortunately, there was a 'shuttle' (like a bus) that took you from where I was, to the furthest gate, and it was leaving in three minutes (I just made it). Once I got there, I ran towards my gate and the ticket guy at the gate yelled out to me, 'Are you going to Orlando?!' I yelled back that I was, made it there, they took my ticket and I ran onto the plane - the second-last person to board. Phew. Just made it. We took off within minutes (and it was a bigger plane, three seats, an aisle and three seats with first class) and I eventually ended up chatting with the guy next to me who was from Sweden and learned all about his country and his profession (Sky-Dive instructor). Oh, and again, they wouldn't let me bring my carry-on onto the plane (I honestly don't know why as there was clearly enough room under the seat for my bag, grrr) but I did bring my book and before I knew it, we were landing in Orlando.
Upon arrival, I was worried my luggage didn't make it since my connection was so tight (under 15 minutes), and sadly, I was right. My carry-on came out, but my check luggage didn't (aka all my clothes). Packed in my carry-on: six pairs of shoes (I figured, what's worse? Losing all my clothes or six of my favourite shoes? - exactly), two bikinis, my make-up and jewelery. They (the airline people) told me to fill out some computer 'paper-work' and that hopefully my luggage would be delivered to me the next day. I had a dream that night that my suitcase came but half my clothes were missing (my mom said, 'That's not a dream, that's a nightmare!' hehe). However, sure enough, just after noon the next day, a delivery van brought my suitcase here and we've been living in harmony ever since.
Since being here, a ton of shopping has gone down. I was itching to go to the (Premium) outlets in Orlando as I've been twice and it's only grown since being there two and three years ago, and of course Target (since we don't have this in Canada). Those were my only two pre-requisits for shopping, however, we've also hit up TJ Maxx and Ross, which were both very successful. I've come out with a new purse, two pairs of shoes (BCBG & Carlos Santana), several tops, lots of jewelery, several dresses and a couple pairs of pants. I'd never heard of Ross before and a friend of my parents (who lives here) mentioned it and I'm so glad she did - that.store.is.awesome. So cheap, it was unreal (for all you Americans you're probably saying, 'What's the big deal, it's Ross,' right?). My mom and I had a hayday in there (we were literally in the place for three hours). Target, on the other hand (which I was so excited for), was a big dissappointment. I didn't buy any clothing but did pick up some Suave Dry Shampoo (thanks to Veronika's review), self-tanner ($10 cheaper than in Canada) and some Elf make-up. I'm pretty much shopped-out... okay, that's not true, despite my feet and legs being very sore from all the walking and shopping we've done, I could obviously shop some more... however, my credit card begs to differ.
And what's on the agenda for today, you ask? Well, I'm currently drinking a Dunkin' Donuts coffee (did you know, 'America runs on Dunkin'?), blogging and getting ready to head outside into the sunshine. The weather hasn't been super warm (except Tuesday, when I spent the day at the beach) and considering I packed several binkinis, I've only worn one so far) but I'll take dry pavement and sunshine any day over mounds of wet white stuff (snow).
Lastly, more photos to come, but I'm restricted to this for now. I don't have my own computer (using my mom's) down here with me and cannot upload any photos to twitter as I don't have roaming/data (it's super expensive and not worth it to add a US package to my phone plan for one week). Hope you are all well and I'm checking blogs every now and again but need to take advantage of the sun (and can't bring the laptop outside with me - the wireless is tempearmental) so will catch up with you all when I'm back.
See what I packed for my holdiays here.
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