My Must Have Swimwear

Admittedly, I am not confident or comfortable in a swim suit, but since I spend most summers in Bosnia/Croatia that involves lots of pool and beach time. Leaving my lack of confidence aside, picking and choosing from collection of swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis plus mix and match briefs etc can be overwhelming to say the least.

Today, I rounded up few of my favorite swim suits (with direct shopping links):

Bikini: My go to bikini for last couple of years has been a simple strapless twist top and high waster bottoms.

 

Ardene bottom, top || Revolve bottom, top

One piece: Simple black one piece is my go to, but a cute neckline and fun ruffle details make for a good choice too.

 

Ardene || Revolve

Party: For those days you are just hanging at a pool or beach party, a good lace or knit  top or something with cut outs is my go to:

 

Revolve top, bottom || Swim co.

What are your favorite swim suits?

Safety Tips for Living Alone

After many years, I was suddenly faced with moving into a place of my own, on my own. Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared. Have you ever watched a scary movie? Criminal Minds? Law and Order??

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Here's a few things I've added to my regular safety routines:

1. Add a chain or hotel lock to the doors. Using the peephole isn't always the safest. Another line of defense can help. Legit - I had a dream that a bad guy with the key couldn't get in because of this!

Buy it here

2. Get to know your neighbours. Remember back in the day, neighbourhood watch? It's because people looked out for each other. The insomniac lady across the street will watch all the cars - and lawns (get off my lawn!). If there is anyone unusual going in or out - your neighbours might let you know.

3. Talk to people - stay in contact with your friends and family. I'm in a group chat with a few friends and if one of us doesn't answer in a few hours - the search party goes out. Even if all you did happen to forget your cell phone somewhere.

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4. Keep pepper spray handy and keep your keys splayed between your fingers when walking alone. Especially in your parking garage. Make noise and be aware of what's going on around you.

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I know there's a few jokes in here but safety is serious. And once you are out on your own, you will feel more confident about being alone. In fact, you might just love it!

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OOTD - Pink Chiffon Dress

I'm so in love with this dress! It's lightweight and super breezy for the hot summer weather. It's not the normal cheap chiffon and it's lined on the inside. I love the simplicity and the belt detail. There's something that makes this dress so delicate, elegant and sexy at the same time.

dress: RW&Co. (here)

purse: Kate Spade (here)

shoes: Shoe Dazzle

Top 5 Alternatives to Hotels

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Summer is here, and what happens in Summer? Anyone? VACATIONS!!! Now you have the classic vaycays going to the lake, all inclusive resorts or the Hamptons (if you can afford it). But if you are more of the non-traditional type then here are some alternatives to hotels you can try out on your adventures. These options can be used for a wide range of destinations, from the US to Europe to Asia.

Vacation Rentals- Vacation rentals are great they allow you to live like a local, have kitchen facilities by renting apartments or unique spaces. There are many sites that you can use to find the perfect rental Airbnb, VRBO, Flipkey, HomeAway,  or onefinestay are just a few. If you prefer to compare you can use the one stop shop Tripping.com  that allows you to search all the top rental sites.

Home Exchanges- If you aren't too particular about letting others into your house while you inhabit theirs, swapping spaces might be the perfect way to save some dough. Just think of the movie The Holiday  and hope that you get Jude Law and not a Jack Black fellow. HomeLink, HomeExchange, and Love Home Swap can connect you with interested swappers safely, securely and cheaply.

Nightswapping- Is a novel concept introduced by the French start-up Cosmopolit Home in 2012, based on the idea that peer-to-peertravel should be reciprocal. Here's how it works first, you host your apartment or house. When guests stay in your home for a night, you'll earn credits that you can exchange for nights at other members' homes. you earn one night for each night your home is swapped, but you can purchase additional nights through the website to tack on existing nightly credits.

Hostels- Hostelling isn't just for bearded backpackers and twenty something spring breakers.  Hostels have hosted travellers as young as six months and as old as 80 years. They are perfect for longer trips to multiple destinations, no frills accommodations can save you big money. While the six, eight or ten- person dorm-style rooms with bun beads and shared bathrooms are the cheapest offerings many hostels also offer private accommodations for just a bit more money. Hostle Worl, Hostelling International and Hostels.com have thousands of adult-friendly properties around the world.

Camping- Camping is a great tradition, and it's on the rise. More people are taking to the roads and tents than ever before, not just to save money on family getaways but to rediscover the byways, trails, and parks that speckle the country. Besides the great outdoors, camping's greatest asset is the financial flexibility it affords travellers. Now camping doesn't have to be synonymous with tenting if you want a bit of luxury you can rent Cabnins, RVs, and even a yurt. Check out Camping Canada for campsites across Canada or National Park Service if you are in the US. 

How do you save money on travel? Any travel sites we should check out?

OOTD - LBD

In all honesty, can you own too many LBD? I don't think so, and not only because my comfort zone begin and ends with wearing all black. I picked this dress up  at some small store in Sarajevo and have worn it was too many times already. I like the mesh cut outs and the neck line, and the settle A-line skirt makes it feel more flirty. I added a red clutch to break up my otherwise very dark outfit.

dress: unknown

shoes: Hudson's Bay

purse: H&M

 

What is your go to LBD?

Beauty Favorites: Face wash

In this series you might have noticed a theme... me saying there are way too many choices when it comes to beauty products. When searching for a perfect cleanser you must rummage through a wide range of facial cleansers including scrubs, wipes, soaps, oils and balms from hundred different brands... and than you find one and a year later they change the formula on you. Am I alone on this?

 

Here are the cleansers we like:

 



Amy:

 

My go to is Avene Cleanance cleansing gel. It is great for sensitive skin that gets dry and reacts easily to most cleansers. It is all natural and could get in your eye without causing damage. A little goes a long way too. Lasts forever! 

 

Zahra:

 

My new favorite that I just started using is Boscia Thermal Black Cleanser. It makes my skin glow and unclogs my pores which is my biggest concern.

Nermisa:

Last year I switched to Glamglow Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser and after first use, I loved everything about it. I use it twice daily and offers hydration while cleansing the skin.

What cleanser do you use?
 

 

City Guide: Calgary

Calgary is a quick drive from Edmonton - 3 hours on the QE2 (or 2.5 if you have a heavy foot "cough, Z, cough"). Since it's so close, I've been lucky enough to rip down a few times.

Obviously - if you can make it down for The Calgary Stampede, do it! Cowboys (yum), horses (yee- haw), carnival rides (screams), concerts (whoo hoo), beer garden (cheers!).

Normally I stay with family, but we went down for a concert at the Scotiabank Saddledome and decided to treat ourselves to a night out. We decided to get a hotel room as there was four of us - and it was GREAT. Check out Hotel Elan (and my review on Trip Advisor). The location is great and you can get good deals sometimes if you sign up for alerts.

The Calgary Zoo - this place is FAVOURITE amoung every single person to go to Cow Town. It's a beautiful zoo and a fun way to spend the day.

Studio Bell - National Museum of Music: Naturally the music museum would be right up my alley! I loved the exhibit they had in the museum in Seattle, but a WHOLE museum dedicated to music? So much winning.

Cross Iron Mills: C-town has a ton of malls. But outlet malls are my jam. Now, the first time I went there, we drove in a circle around  the outside thinking all the store names were on the outside. I was like they don't have much, let's go. That was dumb. There are a ton of stores and I still laugh when thinking of the mall.

Where is your favourite place in Calgary?

OOTD - Printed A-Line Dress

The fact that I love dresses and will wear anything in black and white is a well know fact. This is why I love everything about this H&M dress. It's simple, classic and in my favorite length. The cut out on the back, short length and a-line waist to make it a bit flirty. I paired it with black accessories and a messy top bun for dinner.

dress: H&M

shoes: Michael Antonio

purse: Zac Posen

watch: Michael Kors

necklace: Hudson's bay

Travel Diary: Cuba

Cuba made me fall in love. Not with a person (However, if Denis and his moves wanna give me a call I wouldn't be opposed to that!), Cuba made me fall in love with life. All inclusive holidays are generally happy but Cuba was much more. It was alive, bright and exuded happiness. There is something about going to a third world country that is so powerful. It makes you appreciate things you have a whole lot more. This trip solidified one thing for me, making most of what you have and doing so happily is worth more than anything. And that makes me HAPPY.

 

Things to do and places to see:

Varadero Beaches - We stayed at Memories Varadero and the beach was breathtaking. You could walk for an hour and not be able to take all the beauty in.

Havana (Habana) -  Havana is Cuba’s colorful capital, known for its architecture of 16th-century Old Havana. The colorful buildings surround tiny streets and alleys that are filled with sounds of music, restaurants, old cars, and beautiful people.

Laguna De Maya - Best place for snorkeling; this place is located off a highway in Coral beach and it's breathtaking.

Saturno Cave - Surreal Cave with a natural pool that goes as 22 meters deep. There is a gift shop and a bar and from where you take a short walk down the stairs to the refreshing pool. This place is great for diving.

 Canimar river -  There is a beautiful nature park along the Canimar River. You can rent a boat and speed down the river. There is a show and they serve what might be the best lobster ever.
 

Catamaran Cruise - Our resort offered free mini catamaran ride out to deeper water. Most places you can pay $20CUC's and they will take you snorkeling (with gear provided) for an hour. Varadero is known for its big day trip Catamaran Cruises where you get to visit different islands and go swimming with the dolphins.

Havana Club -  Located down town Varadero this club is the place to be if you wanna go dancing. The DJ's play a mix of Spanish, Top 40, and EDM through the night. Drinks are fairly inexpensive and with cover you get one free drink.

Have you been to Cuba? What is your favorite part?

Tv/Movies- Top Summer Movies of 2016 Part 2

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Since there are so many great movies coming out this summer, I decided to not only shake things up by giving you more than my Top 5. But also giving you a part 2 of the best movies this summer. You can check out Part 1,  by hitting the link, in case you missed it.

Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates- So most people probably see this trailer and think OMG Zac Efron is in this. My first thought OMG Anna Kendrick is in this! I LOVE HER! Like LOVE, LOVE. Anyway, please watch this trailer and go see this movie, it looks hysterical. And laughter is good for the soul, so make sure you check this out when it hits theaters on Friday July 8.

Star Trek Beyond- I am by no means a Trekky but I did watch the first two Star Trek movies and I loved them, now that may mostly be because of Chris Pine but I enjoyed them none the less. The trailer for this one looks really good, action packed as usual. I just hope all of my favourite characters make it out alive. Check out the third installment on Friday July 22.

The Infiltrator- This movie looks so good, if you watched Narcos on Netflix then you know who Pablo Escabar is. He is a notorious drug dealer for those who don't, this movie is about him and his operations in the US and the US government trying to bust the operation thru under cover detectives. Enter Bryan Cranston, he plays an undercover agent infiltrating the organization. Bryan Cranston is an amazing actor so I am really looking forward to watching this movie when it hits theatres Friday  July 15.

Ghostbusters - So this is a reboot to the franchise and what better way to do it then with an all female cast. They have brought together the best of the best female comedians. There's Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wig, Kat McKinnon, and Leslie Jones (both from Saturday Night Live). The trailer is great it's really funny and if nothing else you can always go and check it out for Chris Hemsworth (best looking secretary I've ever seen!) This movie hits theatres on July 22.

Bad Moms - This movie is about 3 moms ( Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn) who are tired of being over -worked and under appreciated. The say that's it to the type A, PTA moms and just have fun and stop worrying about being perfect. Granted they make some bad choices but for all the moms out there with kids, this movie is for you! Feel free to live vicariously through these women. And for those of you without children, this shouldn't discourage you from having them because perfect is overrated! Check out this movie with your ladies when it hits theatres July 29.

Jason Bourne 4 - I am so excited that Matt Damon is back!! How they thought they could do a Bourne movie without him, I will never know. Let's just pretend that hot mess of a movie never happened. Sorry Jeremy Renner! So in this installment Jason Bourne remembers who he is, and tries to uncover hidden truths about his past. The trailer looks great I cannot wait till July 29 when the movie comes out!

Suicide Squad - So I will be completely honest, I had no idea what this movie was about apart from having a stacked cast. I just watched the trailer and I am hooked, I cannot wait for this to come out. It's basically a superhero movies but with villains as the heroes instead. Which lets be honest superheroes are boring, always predictable and always doing the right thing. This movie is about Villains trying to be good, you have to admit that is interesting because you know they are going to F shit up.  This movie hits theatres August 5 so check out the trailer and go see it.

War Dogs - I love movies based on true stories, I don't know why but maybe because the truth is usually better than fiction. You know the phrase "you can't make this shit up!" Anyway, this movie is just that two 20 something year old men win a $300 million dollar contract from the Pentagon to arm allies in Afghanistan. Let's just say a lot of shit happens! Watch the trailer and then check out this movie when it hits theatres August 19.

What movies will you be watching this Summer? Any that didn't make the list we should check out?