Bridal Shower Gift Ideas!

Bridal Shower Gifts by vodka-caviar 

I'm getting to that point in life where my friends are starting to get married, which is obviously super exciting BUT I'm not 100% sure on the "traditions" and "rules" when it comes to gift giving at bridal showers and even the wedding! This coming Thursday I am attending a bridal shower for one of my closest friends! The kicker is she lives in Vancouver and the shower is taking place in Toronto {while she is visiting for another wedding} and the gift I give her needs to be small enough to pack in her suitcase but personal and more unique than a gift card! So I started thinking of cute ideas that I would love to receive....and started searching the internet for ideas! Here is what I found!

1. Kate Spade new york Say Yes "Mrs" Necklace $78: available at Kate Spade and The Bay

2. Pinch Provisions Bridestastic Deluxe Wedding Emergency Kit : $75: available at SEPHORA
3. Levtex "His & Hers" Pillowcases $26: available at Nordstrom
4. Vera Wang Infinity Ring Holder $55: available at The Bay
5. "I DO!" Sugar Paper Coasters $30: available at J Crew
6. Silver - Plater His and Hers Teaspoons $51: available on Etsy

7. Philosophy Here Comes the Bride Skin Care and Fragrance: $32: available at SEPHORA

I actually ended up getting her the Kate Space new york Say Yes "Mrs" necklace! I'm super excited about it and I really think shes going to love it! It's simple and understated but classy and chic! I'm really excited to give it to her!! {hopefully she doesn't read this....shhhhh!}*

Forever 21 Binge!

Forever 21 Binge! by vodka-caviar featuring sleeveless dresses

I mentioned yesterday that I had done some online shopping at Forever 21! I use to really dislike shopping there, it was overwhelming and I thought the clothes were terrible. However, I have since developed a new appreciation! I have really scored some great pieces that have been getting a lot of compliments. I tried to find some of them online but they aren't available anymore. The ones that are, are shown above! 

I was in desperate need of some new spring/summer work dresses I was excited when I found these work appropriate pieces that can also transition into going out. I wasn't 100% sold on the green colour of this Belted Skater Dress {$24.80} but I needed to venture out of my comfort zone of neutrals so I gave it a shot and got tons of compliments on it!  I picked up two classic tiered dresses, one in white with a high neck {$27.80} and one in purple {$27} both are from the LOVE21 line which fits half a size larger than the regular line so size down! Sadly the purple dress is currently sold out! 

Next up, I needed some new tanks/tops. I cannot express to you enough how comfortable and amazing this light blue Chiffon Racerback Cami is! I highly recommend it! It's loose fitting and the straps are adjustable! The best part is it $12.50! How can you pass that up? I wore it {here} to my friends wine tasting Birthday party last weekend. I also took a chance on this Floral Crochet Lace Top {$14.80} it's somewhat a crop top. I picked it up in a size small and it fits perfect I'm really happy with it! So far I've pair it with jeans but it would look cute with a high waisted skirt or shorts!

Finally, I picked up this Open - Knit Shawl {$27.80} a few months back before I went to Bermuda for the first time! It's a great piece to pair with a bikini {here} or a dress and shorts. Very versatile and well made! 

Basically 99% of my current wardrobe is from Forever 21, and I get compliments daily which is reassuring considering how inexpensive the store really is compared to other retailers that I love like Zara, Aritzia, Top Shop and BCBG.... I think I would rather spend $100 and get a few different items than $100 on one item, does anyone else feel this way?!*

Recent Summer Shoe Purchases!

Recent Summer Shoe Purchases! by vodka-caviar featuring leather ballerina shoes

Since I was unemployed last summer I obviously didn't make too many unnecessary purchases {sadly}! So after 2 full summers of the same shoes and sandals I was in desperate need of some new footwear for both work and everyday! I made a Forever 21 purchase online and picked up a pair of these strappy sandals in brown for $45. Next up, I was in terrible need of a new pair of ballerina flats! I loved the ALDO ones I bought maybe 2 years ago so I tried to find a similar style and grabbed a pair of cute pink flats called Adrirawien for $60. Finally, this past weekend I hit up the Niagara Outlets with my friend before her birthday party. Nine West was having a sale buy 1 get 1 50%! I obviously couldn't pass that up! So after much deliberation I decided on these and these! A fairly successful shoe binge! All I need is new pair of flat sandals and I think I'm all set!*

weekend roundup!

This past weekend was the first LONG weekend of summer 2014!  The weather held up for the post part! It was such a busy weekend! Saturday was my best friends 30th birthday!!! So we went wine touring in the Niagara Region which is always a good time! Got our nails done, had a delish dinner in Niagara Falls and watched some Fireworks!  Sunday I took my mother out for a post Mother's Day {boozy} brunch at the Ancaster Mill. If you haven't been I HIGHLY recommend it! The food selection was amazing and the mimosa's we flowing! Monday I got the chance to meet up with some of my other besties for some patio drinks and ice-cream, caught a few rays and had dinner with my parents! Nothing CRAZY but busy and friend filed just what I need to pass the remaining days! Below are some snaps from the weekend! I also did a little shoe shopping but I will post about that later!!!*

 our DD for the day!

 

 first tasting of many at Flat Rock Cellars

 

 love this!

 

aging wine

wine tasting outfit of the day!
Cardigan: Forever 21  Tank: Forever 21   Necklace: Aldo  Pants: Dynamite

 

Birthday Girl!

 don't be fooled by the melon

Effy baby & mama!

a boozy brunch

The Ancaster Mill

 

exhausting run at the park

Birthday in Bermuda!

I just got back from my FINAL visit to Bermuda....that means the boy will be home NEXT WEEKEND! at the end of the month. Now that I've said that...this past weekend was one of the best weekends! I went to Bermuda to see my boyfriend but to also celebrate my 28th {which was last Wednesday}! We did so much! Friday he had to work, but lucky for me there is a pool in his backyard so I took full advantage, even though the weather wasn't amazing! Friday night we headed out for a Birthday dinner at one of the best seafood restaurants on the island, Barracuda Grill, then off to Elbow Beach for some beach side martinis! Saturday the weather was BEYOND perfect and Jeff surprised me with a boat rental for the day! We did some snorkeling and found a beach that we had all to ourselves! What more could you ask for?! We ended the night off with dinner and drinks on the beach and a bonfire! Such a perfect weekend!*

 riding in style! {just picked up at the airport hence the baggage!}

Pants: Forever 21 Tank: Forever 21 $1.50 Sandals: Steve Madden {old}

 Bermuda's Best Fish Sandwich {here}

 Birthday Drinks at the Beach

 Martinis & Tapas {here}

 our sweet ride for the day!

isn't a day at sea without a Dark & Stormy!

 clearly loving life!
Bikini: Victoria Secret  Sunglasses: Call it Spring  Top: Purr Clothing {Old}

 no one else around!

 bumpy ride!

 I'm not complaining!

 sunken ship!

 

bonfire on the beach!

 

Birthday cupcakes...squished...but delish!

my little breakfast guest....Lizzy

Thank you Bermuda for 3 amazing visits!

weekend snaps!

This past weekend I celebrated my 28th with 12 of my closest friends! It has been 2 years since I've celebrated my birthday with all my friends and it was such a good opportunity for all of us to take a minute to slow down from our uber busy lives and re-connect! I really didn't take too many photos of my party {I totally spaced and got too excited} but below are the snaps I did manage! During the day by best friend and I went to The 10 Spot Beauty Bar to indulge in some nail pampering with Gel Colour Manis and some nail art! Then it was time to party! The night started off at my condo with Prosecco Punch and some nibbles then it was off to The Drake Hotel for a late dinner in their Sky Yard! Post dinner we migrated over to a cute bar in Toronto's Little Portugal  called Camp 4 for some cocktails and dancing! It was such a great night and I'm so lucky to have such a solid group of girl friends!*

birthday nail art from The 10 Spot, ring from Aldo $10

 

Happy Birthday chalk board message!
{ignore the messy kitchen}

 

 

my loves

 

Birthday outfit*
Skirt: Top Shop $88  Crop Top: Top Shop $15  Necklace: Aldo $20 Shoes: Nine West {gifted}

 

menu & martini's

 

my best & I

 

 

 



Friday Favorites {on Saturday}!

Happy weekend everyone! This morning I'm bringing back my Friday Favorites {on Saturday}. I've been on Pinterest {follow me here} A LOT lately so I thought I'd do a post on my favorite pins this week! I hope everyone has a great weekend! Tonight I'm having my 28th Birthday Party with all my girlfriends! My Birthday isn't until next Wednesday {boo weekday Birthdays} so a pre-birthday celebration is happening tonight! Posts on that next week!!*

Peach Prosecco Punch

I'm making this one tonight! {recipe here}

Leana Boot from ShoeMint: $109.98

 

nail art & knuckle rings

always possible!

 

hair inspo

short hair don't care

Within the past year my hair has seen it's fair share of changes. Last March I went from a pretty boring light brown {with blonde} long hair style to DARK brown and straight across bangs! It was a huge drastic change {one I had done before minus the bangs} and I LOVED it and everyone else seemed to as well! I kept it that way for about 9 months until it got way too long {it got stuck in everything} and my bangs just became annoying to maintain everyday. I usually get my inspiration off Pinterest {follow me here} and my hair stylist is amazing at making the looks come alive! Here is my past year of hair transformations in photos!*

Dark and Sassy
{March 2013}

 

post summer "cut" & colour! I LOVE my long hair....and the colour was much better than the dark brown!

{August 2014}

 

Elizabeth Olsen was my inspiration! Love the length a nice change with subtle ombre!

{February 2014}

 

short hair, don't care! I really fell in love with the "wavy bob" look {my inspiration here}! It defiantly takes some practice getting the styling down but I love it! It's light and more manageable for summer!

{I secretly miss my long long hair but it always grows back....right?!}

{May 2014}

 

 

how to pack a carry on!

 

So I have been doing a lot of travelling the past few months especially to Bermuda! Since I only go to Bermuda for a few days I really didn't want to have to check my bag every time I flew. I like to pre-check in going straight through security and spend as little time as possible at the airport! I think I have finally mastered the carry on! It took A LOT of cutting back {I ALWAYS over pack...always} and a lot of self control but I think I finally got the hang of it! Here are a few tips!

 

The Bag

• Make sure your carry-on bag or suitcase is the correct dimensions and size. The last thing you want is to put a lot of effort into packing carry-on and you have to check it anyways! This Victoria Secret bag shown above is perfect but I have this Swiss Duffel with wheels. {Check here for the exact dimension of a carry-on}

Liquids, gels and everything else

• Check with the airline you are flying with {or here} for their carry-on regulations for things like: disposable razors, nail clippers, gels, aerosols, liquids etc. to see what the maximum allowance is. For most airlines it 's a 1L bag full of 3oz bottles. This just helps with packing what you need and limits how much you have to throw out at security!
• Place all your liquids, gels and aerosols in a clear plastic bag. These are always available at the airport or you can use a sandwich sized zip lock!
• Make up: take what you need! If you're travelling to a hot destination, chances are your going on vacation and you do not need to take your everyday make-up! Limit what you take and if buying something if you need it is possible on the other end do that! I normally just take a blush, bronzer and mascara!
• Travel sized everything is key! Go to your local Wal-Mart or drug store and hit the travel aisle! You will be very surprised at the amazing travel sized products that are available now! A lot of high end or high quality products are available in small sizes which is perfect! You don't have to give up your favorite products just to travel!
• Hair tools: Always check your hotel before you go to see what is provided in the room {i.e. a hair dryer} sometimes {ok most of the time} they aren't the best but it's something and it will save you room in your bag! Do you really need a curling iron, curling wand, straightener etc.? If YES, you can actually purchase travel sized hair tools! Amazing right?! They won't work AS WELL as your regular sized everyday tool but it will do that trick! Sephora has amazing selection {here}.

Clothes

• This is where I have the most difficulty! My mind always goes to....well what if I need this...what if I do that and need to wear this.... LIMIT it! Chances are you're not going to need HALF of what you think you do! A good trick it to lay out everything you think you're going to need for your trip and cut it in half! Again, if you really need something {a rain coat, another bikini, a hat a cover-up, sandals} try to buy it at your destination!
• ROLL ROLL ROLL! I know your first instinct is to fold everything nicely but don't! That takes up way more room! Roll everything! If you're worried about things getting wrinkled just hang them as soon as your get to your destination! Also, your clothes are less likely to get wrinkled while rolled than folded! Trust me!

I really hope these tips help! I find travelling carry-on much less stressful and much quicker than checking baggage. Sometimes you have to obviously if your trip is longer but try it next time you fly you will never want to go back! Oh and an added bonus? The airline will never "lose" your luggage!What are your carry-on tips?*