This is a little bit crazy to think about, but as of today, Adam and I have officially been together for nine years. NINE! Our first date feels like just yesterday and also a lifetime ago. There’s been so many ups and a couple downs, which we both know will be the case for as long as we’re together. We just went for a dinner date to celebrate and maybe it was the wine, but we started talking about how the heck we’ve managed to get here. And there’s no point to keeping these findings to ourselves! We’re not “perfect” by any means, but who is? Here’s an impromptu list of 9 things we think have helped this relationship last for, well, nine years.
It started as a crazy idea. Half empty coffee cups, pens, and notepads strewn across the table, Alex and I faced each other, that familiar glow of the Mac computer screen illuminating our faces, as we brainstormed our 2016 collaboration plans. The concept was a once in a lifetime trip to London and possibly Ireland. I doubted that it would happen, but the idea made my heart flutter in excitement. We spent a month working endlessly in secret, doing everything we could to make this crazy notion a reality. There were so many moving parts, down to us frantically sending emails at midnight from the Vancouver airport in hopes that we’d be able to find accommodation once we landed (huge shoutout to Natasha for taking us in and letting us store our luggage at your place, you’re the best). I’d NEVER travelled with such a spontaneous, unstructured attitude, but it was incredible. It magnifies that travel rush and gives you the overwhelming sense of being alive. We were able to work on campaigns with both Ted Baker and SHOEme.ca. We had high tea, visited friends and family, ate amazing food, drank more tea and wine and bubbly, and even vodka soda. We experienced the ultimate luxury at Taj51 and the preferred life at The Mandeville. We spoke in horrible English accents and battled the cold February wind. We explored new neighbourhoods, got lost, tried new restaurants, acted like tourists, and had an absolutely memorable trip. Stay tuned for our favourite bites and sights, but for now, feast your eyes on the loveliness that is London Town!
I’ve been trying to journal on a more consistent basis and it really is helping me sort out my thoughts on this process towards a healthier mind and body. I thought I’d start a dialogue with you, as I know that we all have times of struggle in our lives and I wanted to share mine. I eluded to some of this in this blog post, but here is the story behind it.
Dressed like a total g-ma and I’m looooving it! Snagged this gorgeous blouse (you can totes shop a similar one here) right before our London/Ireland trip because I thought it’d be a really pretty staple top to add to the suitcase. Of course, I forgot to bring it with, because packing for Europe is always the most stressful, but I finally dug it out of the closet and styled it up for a day at the office last week. It also turn out to be one of the warmest afternoons we’ve had in a long, long time, so that dramatic high neck and gorgeous long sleeves ended up being way too warm. Uncomfortable warm. Went home and changed kind of warm. Isn’t that always the way?!
Cinque Terre was one of those places that I’d always dreamed of going. Those iconic pastel colour houses, perched upon cliffs at the ocean’s edge. It was a non-negotiable on our itinerary and if I regret anything, it’s that we only spent 3 days there. It was everything I’d ever imagined and more!
I realize that a lot of people don’t know/understand what I do for work. And really, I can’t blame them. Up until January of this year, I had 4 jobs (which, is actually an understatement, but more on that later). Now, with some much needed focus and drive, I can say with confidence that I am a full time blogger. And I’m pretty sure people STILL don’t know/understand what I do for work – but, that’s okay. Over the next little while, I want to explain, share my story with you and hopefully inspire some of you to finally start your own blogging journey.
What has sparked all of this? Well, it just so happens that I started aliciafashionista.com EIGHT years ago today! Can you even believe that?! I’ve taken what was initially a creative outlet/way to pass the time and built a personal brand that is actually making me enough money to live on. Holy smokes, this is actually real life!
You know I love, love, love testing out new beauty products and passing my recommendations on to all of you! That’s why I jumped at the chance to partner with Dove Canada to review their new Regenerative Nourishment collection. Up until a few months ago, my hair was as healthy as ever. Then, I decided to have a little fun and start colouring it again (hello greys what an early time to be seeing you..) and I saw the effects of the hair dye immediately. Trying out a new product that’s supposed to repair my hair couldn’t have come at a better time!
We had a glimpse of summer for a split second here and it was honestly everything. Nothing could have helped lift my spirits during a tough week like warm temperatures and loads of sunshine! I was even able to expose my shoulders in the stunning white lace Lovers + Friends dress from REVOLVE, which is my new favourite frock. I’m for sure going to outfit repeat this one at my friend’s wedding in Mexico next month. That’s right, the dress code for their big day is all white and it’s going to look so beautiful, especially on the beach!
I haven’t been hanging out here much, which I know seems strange because I’m now doing this full time, but I’d like to think that if I were working a traditional office job, I’d still be taking a few personal days to try and sort all of this craziness out, slash how impressed are you with my ability to open up a blog post with one, super long run-on sentence? I mean, that is just pure writing talent!
As I’m sure some of you saw on snapchat (a_fashionista, btw) Adam and I came back from vacation to a very harsh reality. All of our good news re: the flood part two had disappeared the moment we stepped foot back into our apartment. They’d originally told us that we’d likely be able to stay in our place after our trip and that the work would take 10-14 days total. Then we got news that our floors are on back order until May, so we now have to reno the entire place. The wall is still open and no work as been done at all because no one could coordinate to get a darn plumber in the building. With these ridiculously slow groups, we’re now looking at almost 2 months of work since the original leak. They also packed away everything that was in our living room, dining room, and kitchen without consent. The fridge was in the dinner room, the stove was in our living room, and our high spirits were back on the beach in the Dominican Republic. We essentially came home to a construction site, complete with plastic wrapping, painters tape, and plenty of dust. With a new 4-6 week estimate, Adam and I were forced, once again, to move out of our place for the next chunk of time.
