Addie's Style Book: Fall Fashion 2

Fall Fashion 3 by enteen featuring leather boots

Today is so cold! I would be freezing without my layered knits. Cozy knits are stylish and warm. They're also an extremely comfortable way to look put together. When you're in the middle of a busy life filled with midterms it can be hard to work up the motivation to wear "real people clothes". So, here's the solution to looking put together when you're cold, tired and only have 15 minutes to get ready in the morning.

Makeup: 

beauty by enteen featuring a black liquid eyeliner

Starting with a clean face, try a foundation with good coverage. I like Maybelline's Fit Me foundation. It feels light and is easy to apply. Next line your upper and lower lash line with a smooth eyeliner to open your eyes up.My favourite is Physician's Formula. Depending on my mood, I use coal, purple or espresso. To finish the look, try a rosy lipstick or gloss (see C.C.'s Colour Whisper Review ). I use a matte one which can also double as a cheek stain. It's important to add a little colour to the look so you don't look washed out or dull (particularly in the winter months).

As for hair, try a ponytail or a simple braid. They are quick and immediately make you look more put together. Check out Braids, Braids, Braids

Thoughtfully yours, 

Addie

Maybelline foundation
target.com

Black liquid eyeliner
target.com

Sweater dress
maurices.com

Tory Burch leather boots
$745 - net-a-porter.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors travel tote
$355 - profilefashion.com

Jamie Jewellery chain jewelry
asos.com

BBM Again?

source: http://blogs.blackberry.com/2013/10/bbm-android-iphone-launch/

If you click the photo above, that is the 'blog' post from Blackberry.  I think... yesterday, blackberry has released Blackberry Messenger (aka BBM) onto the Android and Apple platforms!

Just a quick disclaimer: I am not some super tech-savvy individual.  If terms are incorrect, I apologize.  I am just a twenty-something writing about something that has come to my attention!

Continuing on.  I used to have a Blackberry (3 to be correct: pearl flip, curve, bold) and I loved it for it's keyboard.  I also really loved using BBM.  When the post came out in the summer that RIM (now known as Blackberry) would be putting BBM on the two platforms I did not know how to feel about it.  

Well... when it came out, I caved and got it.  It was simple and easy.

(Update: I just found out that I had actually pre-registered... I got the email today telling me I wouldn't have to 'wait-in-line'. Maybe Blackberry lied to me... just maybe.)

JUST KIDDING.  I had the hardest time trying to get it, connection problems, waiting for the 'wait list', inputing my old blackberry id (i wish it gave me all my old contacts/pin again....but it didn't.)

Then... apparently, they were supposed to email me when I get to the 'top of the list'... that didn't happen, but I was persistent and it worked.

All in all, the experience was less than pleasant.

Some nice screenshots I have for y'all:

 


Now that I have it... I'm using it.  But I really don't find it any different than WhatsApp.  I find that it is dependent on different demographics that I am using different messaging systems with them.  

One thing that I would like to also see on BBM is the ability to track how much data you are using (similar to WhatsApp).  

Verdict: This is great for me to get back to my Blackberry friends but I think I'll still be using my Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and SMS services :)

What about you?

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

Basics of Travel Journalling

source: http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/4484329/red_notebook_-_2_large_verge_medium_landscape.jpg

For any trip there is a lot of planning involved and throughout the trip you'll definitely want to keep track of all the interesting things that happen. Although taking pictures is great, they won't remind you of all the friends that you made and how funny it was when you tripped down the stairs at the airport. In my travel journals, I also like to keep track of the things I buy, my spending (on transport, board etc), things I eat, things I would like to do on another trip, the people I meet, and my own personal review of restaurants, tourist hotspots, hotels and more. 

It's handy to make the first half of your travel journal about prep so you'll have easy access to it throughout your trip and have everything in one book. 

source:http://www.paris-studio.net/images/SmallMap.jpg

1. Map 
I would recommend starting by pasting in a small map and outlining your general route on the first page. (Also, you may want to include an address in case you lose your valuable travel journal so someone can mail it back). 

source: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4094/4926282822_00a8bd5687_z.jpg

2. Divide by Country
After outlining your route, make separate sections for each country you plan to travel through. For my trip I will have a section for the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Within each country start by including some important information such as what is the emergency number for that location, what is the climate like at the time of travel, and scribble in a few useful phases in the native language of the place you are visiting. Also look into tipping customs if you're not sure.

Next, make a subsection for each city you will visit in that country. Include any attractions you want to see, where you plan to stay, must-dos, and your timeline in that location. Hint: In some places, attractions are closed on weekends so make sure you research and plan accordingly.

It may also be helpful to include a local map if you can find one online to print and paste. 

source:http://lemonandraspberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/travel-journal-003.jpg

3. Itinerary
If you have a specific itinerary add that to the journal too. Check back on our blog to see our itinerary in the coming weeks. 

source:http://dinastamps.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cff869e20133f2873fa7970b-500wi

4. Packing List
This is important to ensure you're not forgetting anything for your trip. It's also good to periodically review and ask yourself "do I really need to bring that?". Most things you can buy if you forget, but important items such as prescriptions, a charger or glasses may be harder to replace.  

source:http://news.buzzbuzzhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Eiffel-Tower-construction1.jpg

5. We're Here!
This section is all about your actual trip. Personally, I like to keep it in a "Day 1, Day 2, Day 3" format. I include a brief summary of my day with details about people I meet, funny things that my travel companions say, favourite part of the day and anything else memorable. I also like to keep track of the souvenirs I buy so I can remember where they're from. Don't forget to review the places you eat/stay so if you go back you'll know where to return or stay away from. 

And don't forget tape! It's nice to tape cut-outs, or tickets into your journal as you go so you can keep them as souvenirs without misplacing or having them clutter your home. 


Do you have any other tips for keeping a travel journal? Would you include any other information/sections? Let me know!

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie 

Trip Planning: Finding a Guidebook

To continue on with this trip planning series, I started to look at guidebooks.  My cousin had one from the last time she went over to London so I started to take a look at that one. 

I was thinking, this is good for London, but I need them for ALL of the places we are going to.  So Addie and I decided to take a trip to our local bookstore (it was a study break!).  Upon arriving to there we found ourselves LOST at the huge selection of travel books, especially for all of the destinations we are planning to visit.  Since we don't have a lot of time, I was hoping to look for something that would be quick and easy.  Remembering that I already have the "Top 10 London" one from Eyewitness Travel, I went in search for all of the other ones.  I also decided to take a look at some travel guides offered by other companies (e.g. The Lonely Planet, Frommers, etc.)  

source: http://hplusmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/BooksAplenty-150x150.jpg

When I laid out all the books in front of us... I immediately felt stressed and overwhelmed.  There is so much information.  The best way for us to do it was to do it city by city.  I also picked up a quick guide for "First Time Travelling in Europe."  I had Addie look into that book while I searched through all the other travel guides.

I just skimmed them to see if they were relevant and also to see the general prices of what would be there.  I personally felt that the information from the general "First Time Travelling in Europe" book was much more helpful.  At the end, I did not purchase any of the books (I did consider getting the one that Addie was reading but the line was too long.) but vowed to make sure I come back and pick some up once I have an even better idea of what we needed.

I was really glad that I got a chance to lay out all the information in front of me to start getting an idea.  

So the lesson of the day is to be organized.

Tips for Finding a Guidebook:

1. Determine what you don't know and what you want to know.

source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg42DuiZgsgvbXSQMX-TH8n6M2lrYyWzw0tc3i5zPUp2WJMTgXuuugX92RJBDf_nB3M6mwnig8qTh3RUg9_WybRcadVdmBt3Rq4CBmM30lNopO5ZYRk-RvdPZXhgbuzlbgFsRj6tXa84I/s320/Unknown-Knowns.jpg

2. Take a look at a variety of guidebooks (for one city) and find one that you like best. 

source: http://www.nationsonline.org/maps/political_world_map3000.jpg

3. Take it one step at a time.

Thoughtfully yours,

C.C.

Addie's Style Book: Fall Fashion 1

I love experimenting with fashion in Fall. Since the weather can be variable it's a great opportunity to add dimension and layers to an outfit. The above outfit is something I would wear anywhere. It's great to go to class in, meet friends, or do errands in. 

C.C. and I love to knit scarves and other projects so if you're up for it make your own circle scarf. Also check out ways to style a scarf, hairstyles and makeup ideas on our blog.

Stay stylish.

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

Fall fashion 2 by enteen featuring skinny leg jeans

Rag Bone white shirt
stylebop.com

Ventcouvert brown jacket
$1,280 - zalando.co.uk

Forever New skinny leg jeans
$77 - forevernew.com.au

Classified pointy flat
lulus.com

Ray-Ban plastic sunglasses
barneys.com

Fat Face crochet shawl
$32 - fatface.com

Braids, Braids, Braids

Braids are a great go-to hairstyle for everyday. They're easy to do and can flawlessly mask a bad hair day. All of the braids in this post took less than 10 minutes and only one hair elastic to secure. I tried out some of my favourite braids on C.C. while she was studying. 

Here are the results... 

Ponytail with a side French braid 

Standard braid

French braid 

Fishtail braid

Wrap-around Dutch braid

Dutch braid

Waterfall braid

Comment if you would like me to do a tutorial for any of these :) Wishing you good hair days!

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

Breakfast in 5

I recently was gifted a breakfast sandwich maker. Little did I know it would change my life. C.C. is a big advocate for starting the day with a healthy breakfast (and also forcing me to do exercises. I mentioned she was a nutcase, right?). On the other hand, I tend to run out the door with a granola bar or skip breakfast entirely.

I use a Hamilton Beach breakfast sandwich maker. For someone that is constantly on the go, it's great to have something that requires little clean-up and only takes 5 minutes (literally). Additionally, it's great for making late night snacks or to use as a mini grill.

Here's how simple it is...

My breakfast sandwich maker

Cheese on an English muffin

Add ham

Wait until 'ready' light is on

Place sandwich base on bottom

Crack egg and place top of English muffin directly on top.

 Close and set timer for 5 minutes

 Voila! Breakfast in 5.

I've also experimented with the ingredients in my sandwiches. Some of my favourite things to include are tomatoes, brie cheese, tomatoes, various meats and other leafy vegetables. 

Thoughtfully yours, 

Addie