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Featured Travel

A Trip To New York With eos

August 11, 2017

alicia fashionista, canadian travel blog, 24 hours in new york, vancouver travel blogger

Did you know that eos stands for evolution of smooth?

NEW YORK!  I freaking love New York so much, I can’t even tell you guys.  I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go, even for 24 hours.  And honestly, we managed to get a heck of a lot done in such a limited amount of time!  We attended a spectacular eos event, hung out in the LES, spent an evening in SoHo, watched a crazy thunderstorm roll in, took outfit photos at the gorgeous Library, walked Bryant Park to Times Square, and wandered the West Village.  Our group of Vancouver gals included Cee, Lyndi, Samantha, and Sydney and we had such a great travel dynamic. You should go check out their blogs if you don’t already follow them!

I attempted to vlog the journey, though I massively failed when I basically forgot to get any video footage on the second day.  I hadn’t had a cup of coffee since before we’d left Vancouver, so my brain was mush!  Anyway, it’s still great fun, as you can see in the video and photos below:

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Featured Health Life

Meal Prep: Make Ahead Smoothies

August 9, 2017

how to smoothie prep, freezing smoothie ingredients, alicia fashionista, vancouver lifestyle blogger

Don’t worry, this is not a post about What The Health.

I have always wanted to be a smoothie person.  The one that shows up to a morning meeting with a delicious homemade green smoothie.  This dream is a bit tough to achieve for someone who lacks energy in the a.m. (and truthfully, never has morning meetings) because I really think you have to be a morning person to be a true smoothie person…or do you?  In my efforts to infuse more routine into my life and eat more whole foods, I have been trying out some meal prepping and it has been a massive help!  The fact that even I can be eating three meals a day, homemade, and full of nutrients is impressive for someone inherently lazy like myself.

I just can’t believe that I didn’t try freezing smoothie ingredients sooner!  It’s such a perfect way to enjoy a breakfast or lunch that nourishes your body and gives you energy for the day.  I finally feel like I’m on the way to be a smoothie person, and damn, it feels great!  The concept is very simple, and really, nothing revolutionary, but I’ve included some helpful notes below in case you want to try it out too.

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Featured Style

Hi and Low

August 2, 2017

alicia fashionista, vancouver style blog, mid size blogger, canadian fashion blog

This turned into a list of what’s happening this month.  I’m okay with it.

In those moments that the heat is heavy, lingering in the air, and the light hangs on as long as possible, it feels like summer is inching by.  I’ve been doing my best to savour it with each cannon ball into the water, overheated stroll around the neighbourhood, and every completely justifiable ice cream cone.  But, just like that, it’s August.  And thanks to all those years in school, it feels like we’re halfway through this glorious season of recharge.

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Featured Style

Mint To Be

July 26, 2017

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ebates.ca for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

alicia fashionista, ebates canada, ebates ca review, vancouver fashion blog

The only thing better than online shopping, is earning Cash Back from online shopping.

Have you heard of Ebates.ca?  It’s honestly my new obsession!  It’s such a smarter way of online shopping, and you know how much I love to get a deal on things. Basically, you earn Cash Back  from purchases you make online from some of your favourite retailers.  That’s right!  You get a percentage back from a purchase you’d already be making and sometimes you even Shop With Double Cash Back – it’s genius!  I signed up about a year ago and it’s so awesome to see those rewards adding up.  Every dollar counts, amiright?!

The list of brands that are a part of Ebates is quite impressive.  There’s a ton of fashion/lifestyle stores that I already frequently order from (and I’m sure you do too)  like Sephora, ASOS, J Crew, Old Navy, Amazon, Nordstrom Rack, Chapters Indigo, etc.  That’s really only the beginning though.  There’s a vast selection of home related companies like 1-800-Got-Junk, Bed Bath and Beyond, CB2, and I definitely JUST made the exciting purchase of a new kitchen faucet through Ebates.  They have a travel category as well, which I’m definitely going to keep in mind next time I book something through Expedia.  They’re also always adding New Stores to the roster, which is a real treat.  One of their latest additions is Moo, where I always get my business cards from.  Can’t wait to order some updated cards!  Ahh, I’m sorry.  I could probably just keep listing brands, but I get so excited!

Which, brings us to today’s outfit!  This mint green dress was a part of my last ASOS purchase.  It was only $30, and yes, it earned me some Cash Back (read below to learn how).  This frock has been a bright and comfortable go-to piece this summer.  Such a great piece to throw on for everyday, I love the ruffle and off the shoulder detail.

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Featured Travel Vancouver

Langley Winery Tour (Self Guided)

July 25, 2017

Heck yes, we took a group photo at every single stop on the tour!

Did you know that Langley has its own little wine country?  Just a 45(ish) minute car ride from Vancouver.  And you guys, it’s REALLY good!

We had the idea to do a self-guided Fraser Valley wine tour at one of our cousin hangouts in July of 2016.  We locked in a date and a plan (we’d take 2 cars and have 2 designated drivers), as well as a loose itinerary.  I’m sure the beautiful weather, delicious wine, and great company had a lot to do with it, but it was, hands down, one of my favourite days last summer.

If you are looking for an activity that takes you just out of the city, below is more info about the 3 wineries and 1 cidery we visited!  If you are wanting to do a full day trip, I recommend heading to Fort Langley in the morning, getting brunch, exploring the cute little shops, walking the riverfront, and then setting out on a wine tour!

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Beauty Featured

Summer Makeup Routine

July 24, 2017

vancouver beauty blogger, how to get the no makeup makeup look, alicia fashionista, half asian blogger

I ?? actually ?? put ?? makeup ?? on ?? and ?? did ?? my ?? hair.

I love to be as low maintenance as possible when it comes to an everyday makeup look, especially in the summertime, when skin has a bit of a natural glow and it can be so darn hot out!   This simple look is a slight variation of my no makeup makeup tutorial from last summer.  You can find a more detailed description of the routine there, but this time around, I’ve done a little video of my process for you!  For a complete list of products, be sure to read on below:

PRESS PLAY

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Featured Travel Vancouver

10 Beautiful Weekend Trips From Vancouver

July 19, 2017

best weekend trips vancouver, weekend getaways in bc, where to go near vancouver, sundance guest ranch

Pack your bags, we’re going to beautiful BC and beyond!

Vancouver is an absolutely stunning city that boasts it all: a bustling metropolis, impressive mountain ranges, Pacific coastline, and lush forests.  So, it should come as no surprise, that the surrounding areas are just as Instagram-worthy!  I adore a weekend trip, as a chance to get out of the city and explore. Below,  I’ve compiled a list of 10 of my favourite nearby places to escape to, but truly, there could be at least a dozen more notable locations.  There’s just so much to see!

Be sure to read on to find out where we love to travel to for a weekend getaway:

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Featured Style

What The Flock

July 17, 2017

alicia fashionista, vancouver fashion blog, canadian style blogger, flamingo blouse

You know I love a good flamingo pun!

It’s taking all of my self control not to begin this post with the riveting fact that my legs are covered in mosquito bites.  But, despite my best efforts, this is still the opening sentence and I can’t stop scratching my legs, like a crazed itchy lunatic.  I know that bitten legs are a sign of a great summer weekend, but man, is it also incredibly annoying and unattractive.

We crossed the border to a friend’s family cabin in Point Roberts on Saturday, which was such a great way to spend the weekend.  I managed to read an entire book, get some sun, and most importantly, watch the doggos run around off leash on the beach.  I love how extra special our mini getaways feel with Reggie in our lives.  Seeing him have a good time makes everything 10 times more fun!  Point Roberts was an interesting place.  I’d never been before, and I had no idea that it was SO close by and basically should just be a part of Canada.  Wish we’d had time to explore a bit more, but we had to get back to run some errands and go to the Counting Crows and Matchbox Twenty concert.  I have to say, the Counting Crows were a massive disappointment.  They played a rather obscure setlist and when they did play the hits, Adam Duritz would play some artsy version that you couldn’t even sing along to.  My cousin’s wife fell asleep during their set!  I mean, it was truly not great.  His voice still sounds amazing, I just think that if you’re playing a nostalgia tour, you should stick to the way the song originally sounds as much as possible.  We’re there for a sing a long!  Anyway, Matchbox Twenty rocked it and their sound was also incredible.  Still glad we went, my cousins are such a blast to hang out with.

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Featured Style

Floral Loft Dress

July 7, 2017

vancouver lifestyle blog, medium size fashion blogger, average size style blog, size 10 blogger, alicia fashionista, loft dress, old navy sandals

I find it so fascinating how much styles and trend interpretation changes based on location.  Here in Vancouver, I’m always pulled towards a relaxed, casual style and, at the moment, a very neutral palette.  Which, has the benefit of comfort and simplicity, but I have to admit, gets repetitive.  While we were in Chicago, I mentioned to my sister in law that I was almost shocked by all the bright colour that everyone was wearing!  It was so fun and refreshing, and I left the midwest determined to ease some other hues back into my wardrobe.

So, the day we were leaving for the cottage, I raced to the mall looking for pieces that are easy to wear, but that have some colour and pattern.  I ended up finding a couple great frocks on sale at LOFT, including this dress.  I especially love how this piece will easily translate into the fall as well, it’s always a bonus when something can be worn cross-seasons!

What about you?  What is the fashion scene like where you live?

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