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Alicia

Travel

Michigan Trip Part One – The Big Chill

December 22, 2010
Not last weekend but the weekend before (Omg, has it really taken me that long to post this?) Adam and I ventured off to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Adam’s youngest brother Ben plays hockey for The University of Michigan and since it’s his last year, we made sure to pay him a visit. We chose this particular weekend because they held a huge outdoor hockey game on their football field called “The Big Chill” on 12.11.10.
We left pretty late on Thursday night for our drive to Seattle and hung out at the SeaTac airport until our 4 am check in time. Really tests your relationship when you have to pull an all nighter. Especially when one person is a nervous flier and very fragile before, during, and after flights (who? ME?) …not to worry though. I have no break ups to report 😉
SeaTac airport at 3 am

filing my nails at 3 am

After the longest day of travelling ever we woke up on Saturday morning refreshed and well rested. We ventured into town with Adam’s dad for a morning Starbucks and a mini Ann Arbor tour. On our way, we saw people already parked and tailgating before the game…at 9 AM!!!! They were drinking and eating barbequed food before I’d even had my breakfast! The entire town was buzzing about The Big Chill. Everyone was wearing Michigan gear and someone put Big Chill ice sculptures along their main street. Definite go big or go home policy there.

sign in a restaurant window

silly monkey

morning Starbucks

one of many Michigan stores

more big chill ice scupltures

DT Ann Arbor

more of graffiti alley

so gangsta

American mailbox kiss

Ben's house

the only picture of all 5 of us

silly as per usual

the best deli lunch EVER

deli amazingness

looked like the best party

The Big House

Winnett lovers

A few people on Twitter were wondering what I was wearing to the Michigan game because I had such a tough time packing for the cold. I ended up wearing a Michigan toque c/o of Ben, white long sleeve, Michigan tee purchased at the M Den, chunky Kensie sweater, black leggings, jeans, Michigan scarf, wool socks, Adam’s mom’s Sorel boots, leather gloves, and a long winter coat. My layers kept me warm enough, but by the 3rd period we all had to purchase hot chocolates for extra warmth. I honestly LOVE dressing up in a theme. This is why I’m such a sucker for Halloween, themed parties, sporting events, etc.
my Michigan outfit

Anya and Derek

Ben stepping onto the ice

Ben warming up the goalie

fighter jet of some kind

Adam and his hot cocoa

4 goals...we want mooooore goals!

weird moose cheer?

love this pic

all 4 of us at The Big Chill

The Wolverines won 5-0 and The Big Chill broke the Guiness World Record for most people at a hockey game. Ben even got an assist for the first goal!

We went for a celebratory Italian dinner that night and shared bruschetta and a ton of laughs. I get along really well with Ben’s girlfriend, Anya, and am so happy we got to meet her!
Such blast hanging out with some of Adam’s family and they spoiled us all weekend paying for things, driving us around, making reservations, etc. I still can’t believe we were a part of a world record, it was truly an amazing hockey game!

3 of the 4 Winnett boys

celebratory meal

It was a short trip, only 2 full days in Michigan, but I had sooo much fun. The second part of my Michigan trip will be posted on another website that I am guest blogging for. It includes our tour of the University of Michigan campus in a snow storm aka beautiful photos. More info on the exciting guest blogging series to come in the new year!
Style

oh hey…i used to have a fashion blog

December 20, 2010
I FINALLY got my life in order and put an outfit post together! It wasn’t easy though. If you missed my tweet about it, I had to get my dad to take these outfit photos of me. And if you know my dad, then you know how silly that is.
Dahlia Dress

I have been dying to wear this dress ever since my mom brought it back from London, but it’s completely see through!!! My white slip just wasn’t helping the matter, and I had almost given up on ever being able to wear this gorgeous dress. Yesterday I had a stroke of brilliance though to try my nude spanx tank top underneath and BAM it totally worked. So glad I could finally wear it and it was perfect for my Sunday activities: The Nutcracker and a Christmas dinner with friends.

Dahila Dress

Dahlia Dress

Dress from Dahlia UK // Necklace and Ring from H&M // Earrings and Purse from Plum
Dahlia Dress
Life

the house that ginger built

December 15, 2010
Brandi had some girls over last night to do a craft and some baking. It was actually really refreshing to steer away from the coffee chat/dinner date to work together on a project.
Here are the instructions to complete the Martha Stewart Magazine Christmas Tree…
All you need is a magazine, but try to pick a merdium sized one. Brandi had a laughing fit when I showed up with an In Style, unaware of what we were using the zines for. Anything in the Vogue/Lucky kind of thickness is perfect.
Bend the spine back before you begin. Then simply fold each page into a triangle as pictured below:

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Now fold each page again exactly the same, but into a thinner triangle:

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The magazine should now fan out like the one in the picture below. The only thing left to do it flatten the bottom so that it can stand like a Christmas tree.

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To do so, fold each little triangle at the bottom into the envelope type opening in between each page. This is displayed on the burgundy coloured magazine page below (above the running shoe page that hadn’t yet been folded).
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You now have a Magazine Christmas Tree!

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If you’d like, Brandi took it an extra step and spray painted her Magazine Christmas Tree silver with sparkles and added a red bow. This would make the perfect inexpensive centerpiece at your Christmas dinner.

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After our hard work being mini Marthas, we ate some delicious appetizers that Brandi and Kadie made. We also got to work on some awesome cookie decorating and gingerbread house building. I love Christmas!
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One of my lovely readers Liz made a Magazine Christmas Tree! Check out her craft skills here.
Life

daydreaming…

December 8, 2010
coat13

photos from here

I am off to Michigan for the first time tomorrow. It’s going to be cold and snowy, so I’m having a hell of a time trying to pack. And by trying to pack, I mean I haven’t even started. Mentally preparing though, does that count?
Style

// and then you open your eyes

December 2, 2010
leopard print

Today’s outfit was about simple lines, neutral colours, and minimal effort. Some may call that laziness, but I call it sleeping in. I dreamt of this outfit up in my sleep one night. Does anyone else keep a notebook beside their bed for mid-sleep ideas? I’ve come up with some of my most brilliant ideas and best dance choreography while sleeping. My dreams…they can be so real!

Speaking of which, my point and shoot cam stopped working last week. I was so anxious about not having a working camera, that I dreamt I was on the ferry to the island and saw a huge pod of Orcas. Of course I was camera-less and it was a dream, so the Orcas were high fiving people and doing the most amazing flips with the photo-op of a lifetime. Needless to say, I had to buy a new one the next day. My 11th in about 6 years because apparently I am a camera murderer. The good news out of all of this, is that digital cams are cheap these days and I got a Canon PowerShot A3000 IS for under $100. I can live with that!

As a side note, rompers are about the most impractical thing to wear in the winter. Think about the logistics of it…like say, going to the bathroom? It’s awkward and no fun sitting in a cold bathroom in your bra. Just sayin 😛
adjusting

simple outfit

Messy Hair c/o The Snooze Button 😛 // Fine Finds Scarf // H&M Romper // Black Oxmo Jacket // Jeffrey Campbell wedges

messy hair

Lou Reed – Wake Up
Life

24 and so much more

November 29, 2010
Hello, Monday morning (unfortunately still there) hangover. Despite my best efforts to stay as sober as possible on Saturday night, I spent yesterday curled up in a ball of misery. I blame Chad and his curiosity with Vodka Bombs. But hey, you can’t have everything in life now can you?

Saturday’s birthday events consisted of dinner at Earls on Fir and Broadway and then hopping on over to The Academic Public House for more drinks. The two-part birthday series. It just warms my heart that everyone came out this weekend, despite the fact that it’s exam time and holiday party season. I was even spoiled with some cards and gifts. Honestly, too much kindness!

Earls Drink Menu

Water and Bellini...the essentials

Mike and Melissa K

Tessa and I

Lawrence and Lisa

Struverrrr

Ryan and Elise

Brandi and I

Hahahaha Italians

bloggers etc

Blouse from Barefoot Contessa // Skirt and Bow Belt from H&M // House of Harlow Key Ring // Gifted Cameo Necklace and Purse from Forver 21
my outfit for the night

Sears Portrait

Mius

BAHAHA love this one

Jess and I <3

Adam and his gang

some of my girlies

that's a lot of stache

WHAT?!

Adam and I

Thank you times a million to everyone who came on Saturday (and those who couldn’t make it – you were greatly missed). Also thanks to all of YOU who sent birthday wishes here on my blog and on Twitter. I am slightly biased, but I seriously have the best friends/boyfriend/followers in the entire world…love you all xoxo
Style

Shoe Haul & High Heel Training

November 26, 2010

My “High Heel Training” continues, and I challenge all of you out there to join me! Watch my shoe haul video to see my latest high heel purchases and help me decide if I should keep or return my Jeffrey Campbell wedges.In the video: Sweater and Pearl Earrings from H&M // Bow Headband from Forever 21 // Ring from Plum // American Apparel California Trooper Nail Polish*IMPORTANT: The Dakota Group Sample Sale is from November 25th until the 27th, not the 28th as I state in the video. More info here. To all High Heel Training participants, it is very important that you also bring a pair of flats with you, especially if you are wearing the high heels to the workplace! I recommend Dr.Scholl’s new Fast Flats for $14.99. They’re a classic black ballerina flat that fold easily into your purse, or they provide a small carrying case. “When you just can’t take another step in your heels” …aint that the truth!
Fast Flats for High Heel TrainingThanks for watching my video and please give me your opinion about the Jeffrey Campbells…I’m so torn!!!

Life

we are young and we are weak // just as blank as we are bleak

November 26, 2010
I absolutely cherish nights spent sitting at home doing almost nothing. It’s these kinds of moments, the simple pleasures, that I love most. Today was Vancouver’s first real snow of the year. And though it snows every year, we almost seem surprised each time. I don’t mind the snow. If anything, I think it paints the city in a beautiful white that glows even at night. Driving in it, however, is not something I enjoy or choose to do this year. Maybe if I had snow tires, but why would I spend $800 on tires? Do you know how many pairs of shoes I could get with $800? Including a great pair of snow boots to replace the car LOL.
Ashelle recently tagged me to do 7 confessions. While laying here with a hot chocolate it’s the perfect time to tell you all my secrets…err 7 things you may not have known about me!

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1) My biggest inspiration in life is my Nana. The entire reason I started this blog was because she passed away and I needed an emotional outlet to help me grieve. The black and white photo on my blog header is of my Nana and Grandpa.
2) I show up late for pretty much everything. I just never seem to have ample time and I’m sooo not a morning person! It’s not a quality about myself that I like.
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3) I talk in an English accent at least once a day. It’s probably starting to annoy (or even offend) some people, but I just love it. I think I was British in a past life.
4) One of the tasks on my to-do list before I die is to purchase a Chanel purse. One day friends, one day!

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5) I kind of like my crooked teeth. I think they give me character and reflect the fact that I’m in no way perfect.
6) I am one of the most un-athletic people you will ever meet. Sports and I don’t mix well. This is only one of many reasons why I would be the worst Amazing Race partner.
7) When I was little I used to talk to myself in the mirror. Usually pep talks, but sometimes just practicing everyday conversation. I still catch myself doing it every once in a while.
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Horse Feathers – Working Poor
Life

november twenty third

November 23, 2010

BirthdayIt’s so funny to think I always wanted to be older. I remember being the adult when we played house, or how insulted I’d be if a hostess offered me the kids menu at a restaurant. And though I longed for age and wisdom, I couldn’t have ever properly pictured my life in my twenties. Much like how it’s tough to close my eyes right now and envision my life at 50. I would have never thought I’d be where I am right now.I turn 24 today. A day to celebrate my health and happiness, and to embrace being another year older. It’s also a nice excuse to have a drink after work and treat myself to a little shopping, wouldn’t you agree?xo