Dubrovnik

Had such a great day in Dubrovinik! For some, this is also known as "King's Landing" from the HBO series GAME OF THRONES. Initially, my friend Felipe and I wanted to do the Game of Thrones Tour, where they show you the different scenes that were filmed here, but we were too late and the tour had already started. Instead we did our own tour and explored the city ourselves, casual as usual. I wore my ripped denim shorts and a low back halter, both from Aritzia; it seemed fitting because it was extremely hot. If I could, I would have worn nothing; the less material I had on, the better. 

 We started with the wall, walking through the whole perimeter, and my god, it took us about 2 hours from start to finish. With the sun's rays shining down on us, we had to at least take 3 water breaks! But it was so worth it. It was exciting because I was able to see where they filmed the series and trying to remember which season and what scene it was. This definitely made me want to watch all 4 seasons again from the beginning.  Walking around the city walls made feel like I was part of the show. Only wish I saw Mr. Jon Snow!  

Can you spot some ofthe locations they filmed?

  

See you soon!

xo Stephanie

First Stop: Venice

I can not tell you how much I love Venice. There is so much culture, art and history. I actually just arrived onboard that evening while the sunset over looked the islands and was ready to get out and explore this beautiful and enchanting city. This was my third time visiting this magnficent land built on canals and bridges and yet there are still many secret passages leading you to unknown, but exciting discoveries.

I was in a rush to get out which meant I needed to throw on something quick! At night it tends to be a little bit more chilly so I threw on my favorite black jumper and my "go-to shorts" of summer 2014. I also wanted to wear a pair of my black strappy heels for a more dressy feel, but opted to put on my brown sandals to be more comfortable, plus I knew it would be easier to walk around Venice due to the uneven pavements. My boyfriend and I walked around Palazzo Ducale passed Saint Mark's Basillica through Piazza San Marco until we ended up near the Grand Canal. That's when we decided to have dinner near the Rialto Bridge. It was perfect way to end the night drinking white wine and eating one of Venice's typical dish, Bigoli. Delicious! 

 Rated as one of the top destination in the world, Venice is definitely a must. A great romantic getaway I would say! 

Can you believe that this city has 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges? AMAZING! 

One of my fav movies was filmed here! Italian Job!

Travel Is The Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer!

Well after a good 14 months on the beautiful island of Sicily it was time to pack my suitcase and return to my family and friends for a little visit. Since my man is working on the ship I decided to take 2 months and go back home to see everyone. Unfortunately, that means leaving my partner in crime Stephanie but she's holding down the fort while I am gone as she continues her Sicilian adventure. 

My first stop is Germany to visit my Oma and Godparents as well as my sister who is woking for my aunt this summer. I love this time in Germany I just get to relax and enjoy my time with my Oma watching her favourite soap operas while she cooks me way too much of my favourite German dishes. I take advantage of my aunts indoor pool and work out room to work off the large amounts of delicious potatoes, schnitzel and beer. I visit with other relatives for dinner and go to the lake house for a family barbecue. Germany is such a lovely Country and it is always so nice to catch up with everyone whilst drinking a beer or two. 

I always try to dress up when I am travelling I don't mean something to fancy but something you feel comfortable in while still being in style. I just don't believe in sweat pants as the only answer to comfort. This wrap skirt and long did just the trick. 

In the summer, there is no other place to be then the Beer Gardens here in Germany. You can go out dress up with a pair of jeans and cool down with a large glass of beer and soft pretzel. 

      

Nothing like an afternoon shopping and what not better to wear then a cute pastel coloured jumper perfect for trying on clothes and its always a comfortable chic option. Zara has many fun summer clothing out now which I took advantage of.  Also, Bijou Brigitte has amazing summer accessories. One should always finish a hard days shopping with ice cream I chose the spaghetti ice not quite like the gelato back in Sicily but it definitely did the trick. 

   

After such a beautiful week in Germany the best way to finish it off was a BBQ at the lake house where  I spent many summers as a child. I decided to go for a summery sunday dress something cute light and fun for a cool summers day by the water with good food, great people and even better conversation.

 

I had a lovely time in Germany!!

Next stop Toronto, Canada!

xo Nicola 

A Life Without Dreams Is Like A Garden Without Flowers

With the sweet scent of Flowers in Bloom comes the sweet sense of possibilities and new beginnings. You feel renewed as you see from a dark and ever so cold winter the start of new life with the sun and the beautiful colours beaming, that can only bring a smile to your face. Especially after a fucking horrible, cold, lonely, dramatic, wearing 8 layers, wet socks, and gloomy 6 am alarms. It was that kind of Canadian winter for poor Stephanie. Having to hear 4 months of everyone in Canada bitch and bitch and bitch about the weather as I sat in my palm tree +6 island, I felt it was my duty to bring Stephanie shortly after arriving back in Sicily to the 'Infiorata' in Noto. Because there is no better way to celebrate spring then murals made of flowers in the most beautiful Baroque town.

  

Surrounded by tourists, Sicilians and Italians a like, we took in the sights but very quickly became part of the skeptical ourselves. Between us posing holding up sidewalk traffic. My skirt is flying up Marilyn Monroe style giving a free show to the town of Noto.  And Stephanie's Sicilian man is giving us modelling advice. We definitely added a true  Canadian flare to the event. But that’s just us, we wear what makes us comfortable, girly and free. I love wearing fun skirts and large fascinators or '2^nd heads' as my man calls them with his ever so sexy Italian accent. While Stephanie loves casual, easy and chic clothing, as she mixes prints, and clean lines seen here.

 

This is just the beginning as we continue our life journey on this old school island that is Sicily and the whole 'wild' wide world. Bringing our Canadian Torontonian culture views and style wherever we go. Learning and inspiring us as we inspire them. Taking it all in one day at a time and sharing our experiences… 
 because fuck it's fabulous, exciting and true!