Happy Wedding Day, Jo and Gabe!

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Yesterday was your wedding day. It was the day you got to marry your best friend. A person you will get to spend the rest of your life with. Someone to hold. To share all your secrets with. Someone who loves you and understands you for who you are. Someone to share life’s joys and sorrows. To have someone put up with you no matter what. A day where the kiss sealed the deal. And a lifetime of kisses from the man you love. No matter where you go or what you do, you will have him by your side. To watch the sunset together. To hold hands with. To laugh together for the rest of your lives. To experience forgiveness and unconditional love. To just be. May you two always have each other, no matter what.

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Yorkdale is Me: Thank You!

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The posters for the Yorkdale is Me contest are now up at Yorkdale Mall! I really like mine, because I am actually smiling, which reflects my personality much better. Hope that the judges look at that one, instead of the one on the website. I know, it must sound quite vain, but the pic on the voting site really bugged me.

The first week of voting is almost up, and I am so very happy to be in the lead so far. There’s still 3 more weeks of voting ahead, so it’s likely that I won’t be getting much sleep this month. And while everyone has been absolutely amazing, helping me get to the top, a few special thanks are in order to the people that are helping me with my promotional efforts!

Monica of Beauty Parler wrote a cute post on her site, endorsing yours truly! Thanks so much, pretty lady!
http://www.beautyparler.ca/2009/11/yorkdale-isnelia-vote.html

The wonderful folks at Toronto Tourism News, also wrote an article about the contest, mentioning that I am their favorite! It means a lot, guys! Thank you!
http://tourism.to/index.php/item/66

Sharon of Backseat Stylers, a huge thanks to you as well for the support and an awesome post! Us, fashionable finance chicks need to stick together!
http://backseatstylers.blogspot.com/2009/11/yorkdale-is.html

And last, but not least, many thanks to Fira and Capa for their help in promoting the Yorkdale is Me contest!
http://firaandcapa.blogspot.com/2009/11/yorkdale-is-nelia-vote-for-our.html

Thanks to all of those that are voting! Your support means so much! Truly.

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yorkdale is me

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Gems of Italian Cinema

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I guess it’s a little too late to let you guys know about the “Signore and Signore: Leading Ladies of the Italian Cinema” event happening at the Cinematheque Ontario, since it ends today. Boohoo! I am sure those of you that love Italian cinema have already heard all about it and have gone, and those that haven’t…well, you should definitely check it out next time!

I grew up watching a lot of foreign films, and even though Soviet films will always have a special place in my heart (Devchata, Bril’yantovaya Ruka, Operaciya I, etc), Italian films from the 50s and 60s are one of my all time favorites! I think it’s the combination of great stories, amazing actors, sharp fashions, and the language! Plus Marcello Mastroianni’s good looks don’t hurt either!

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I am re-watching an old-time favorite “Nights of Cabiria” tonight! Cannot wait! Am super disappointed that Cinematheque Ontario did not include “Marriage Italian Style” in their lineup. Sofia Loren is the leading lady of Italian Cinema, and yet this comedic masterpiece by De Sica was grossly overlooked this time around (she is both hilarious and heartbreaking as the main character Filumena). Considering that Loren’s name is the first one that pops into anyone’s head, it’s a little surprising that they only included one movie featuring the actress. Hopefully they’ll include ”Marriage Italian Style” next time, because this movie is all sorts of amazing!

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Click for more ”Marriage Italian Style” stills and a couple of my Italian favorites!

Read more…

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Travel: Marriott in Muskoka

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Ahh, summer! I really wish we had a better one, but you gotta take what you’re given and squeeze every last drop out of it.

I love water! I love swimming and chillaxing on the beach, so living in Ontario is quite cool, since we’re surrounded by so many lakes! The only glitch is, if like me, you don’t have a cottage, it gets quite tough to find nice accommodations in Muskoka. Last time we were planning a trip North, I’ve spent hours (literally) searching for a nice place to stay. There are tons of cottages for rent, but not all of them look nice, and most of them will cost you an arm and a leg. B&Bs could work too, but are hit and miss, unless you stay at highly recommended ones, which usually book up way ahead of time. So what to do?

Stay at the Marriott! Seriously, it was cheaper than a B&B and you get your own bathroom, kitchen, King bed, balcony, complimentary breakfast and parking, and other amenities, like a hot tub and a swimming pool! Residence Inn Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf opened in 2009, and is brand spanking new! The rooms are impeccable, and you can cook inside if you choose to (they even have pots and pans!). Most rooms also come with a pullout couch, which is super convenient if you’re staying with kids or friends. The hotel is well-situated, right at the Muskoka Wharf, literally a 5-minute walk to the marina. The room only cost us $149 per night (including breakfast!). I really loved everything about this hotel, and would definitely go back!

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And if you’re wondering if this is a paid plug, it is not! Just a friendly, and hopefully helpful tip for those that are planning a Muskoka trip soon.

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Grand Opening of Anthropologie in Yorkville

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I have looooved Anthropologie ever since my Houston days, and was always a bit sad that Toronto peeps were missing out on that amazing store! When the first location opened up in Toronto, I was very excited, but still sad…because Don Mills is way too far for me and my friends…but now there’s no sadness in sight!…For those under a rock, the second Anthropologie store opened its doors this month in Yorkville, and a couple of my friends and I were super happy to participate in the “Bits and Baubles” workshop and the Grand Opening of the store last Friday.

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The “Bits and Baubles” workshop was a lot of fun! We were given limitless supplies (textiles, beads, thread, buttons, flowers, glue guns, etc) to create our very own statement necklaces! And let me tell you, it was a fantastic way to spend our Friday night, very different from our usual dinner, martinis, and gossip Fridays! The girls and I crafted, strung, and glued…and results were more than satisfactory. But who knew that necklace-making is such hard work?! Thankfully, sangrias were on hand to keep us from passing out from all of the handy labour!

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Off to Muskoka!

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Hey guys! Going to Muskoka for a couple of days! Not great planning on our part, since there’s supposed to be a torrential downpour in Gravenhurst! Oh well…Hope you all are having a rocking long weekend! Check back soon for the post on the grand opening of Anthropologie and the WIW: Wedding follow-up!
xoxos
Nelia

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What I’m Wearing: Strangers’ Wedding

No, I’m not planning to crash someone’s wedding, although that’s on my list of “before 30” to-dos. The wedding I’m planning to attend this Saturday is of two people that I had never met (friends of the b/f), hence the “strangers” bit. And since I’m not quite sure how dressy the event will be, I’m thinking something classic and safe. I don’t want to stand out, nor look overly sexy. The plan is to wear a black lace overlay tube dress with beige/nude lining underneath. My inspiration for the outfit will be Erin Wasson at Teen Vogue event earlier in the year (minus the showing panties), and A/W 2009 Balmain/Dior runway shows.

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Foodie: Petite Thuet

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I love macarons! Love them! Can eat a million of them at once! Not the North American “macarooooons”, not the ones of the coconut variety (although I find those tasty also)…No, not those! The French macarons are the ones that I love! Those that know me, would know that I am always on the hunt for those little delicious cookie-type pastries. One time, my boyfriend even had his friend spend hours and hours searching for a tiny macaron shop in Montreal, so that she could bring some back for me (thanks, hun!). In short, I love macarons! So imagine my delight, when Jo and I discovered this little gem of a place smack in the middle of Toronto’s financial district! The place that made my heart go pop is called Petite Thuet (apparently named after the chef that makes everything in the shop). Not only do they sell macarons, but the best of charcuterie, paninis, and some amazing-looking (and tasting) French pastries. They also sell Boylan sodas (mmm, Black Cherry!). I think I’m in heaven! The downside is that the place is a little pricey for my usual lunch-run, so I’ll just have to try and pace myself. And even though most of the macarons that they sell aren’t as good as the ones at Moroco, the black currant ones were to die for!

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Mexican Festival at Harbourfront

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This is why I love Toronto. There is always something to do! Last weekend, Mexican luchadores descended upon Toronto’s Harbourfront to kick some ass and to participate in some Q&A. But don’t be fooled! Behind those patent red lace-ups and scary (not) masks hide total sweethearts! Mexican wrestlers - beyond your expectations!

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Holts Hearts Blogs

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Spent the last 20 minutes of my subway ride listening to some pathetic idiot fighting with 15 year olds about same-sex marriage. One of his arguments was “Ellen DeGeneres smells”. Sometimes I wonder, how humans had made it this far.

Thankfully, the rest of my day was by far better than my ride home! First day back at the office, and feeling chirpy and refreshed, even though still super jet lagged. Got a pedicure with Jo after work, spotted a super cute girl in a super cute jacket at the salon (to be posted), had sushi, and…finally saw the new Holt Renfrew windows dedicated to bloggers!

Loved them all! Jo’s faves were the Sea of Shoes (Not! 5-6 pairs does not a sea make!) and Bryan Boy windows. Mine was Garance Doré. One because I love her blog, and two…the window had Eiffel Towers wearing clothes!!! Enough said.

Which one is your favorite?

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Click for more blogger windows!

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Travel: Off to Paris!

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Ladies and gents, I am off to Paris via London tomorrow! Will resume posting as soon as jet lag wears off. Have a fun and safe weekend!

xoxos,

NB

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Fun in the sun

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It is the closing of the Luminato Festival and there is fun to be had at Harbourfront all weekend long! From free Cirque Du Soleil performances, to $5 Top Chef menus, it is almost impossible to run out of things to do and see. And we sure didn’t!  Menus for the President’s Choice 1000 Tastes of Toronto ranged from ridiculous (who would pay $5 for 5 pieces of gnocchi???) to delicious (yummy crepes with custard and fruit). The weather was nice and sunny. And Cirque du Soleil show, perhaps not the most impressive, was free and still fun to watch. All in all, a fantastic day!

Click for more pictures!

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Heart to Heart

Ok, so how do you know when your style has become predictable? For one, it’s when your friends instantaneously think of you when they see an item that looks like something you already own and know that you are going to love it. Instead of thinking that you already own a similar thing, you run to the store and buy it!

I’d already confessed my love for dresses, I love them and wear them religiously. Other 2 things that I adore are red hearts and stripes. Stripes are probably more dangerous than the hearts, because surprisingly there aren’t many designers that go for the heart pattern in their clothing (Marc Jacobs did go there last season, but it was way too expensive). Striped shirts though, are everywhere. Wearing a white tee with black/navy stripes reminds me of Coco Chanel and evokes the effortless chic-ness that she exuded. As cliché as it is, I always bring a striped shirt to Paris every time I go and can never resist buying yet another one to add to my ever-growing collection.

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Audrey Tautou as Coco Chanel

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What I’m Wearing: My Birthday

Birthday in less than 1 week. Panic is starting to set in. Only 5 years till I’m 30!!! Time is a-running out, yet so many things on “the list” are left untouched and unfinished…Welcome to my yearly birthday freak out.

This year, I am getting much closer to the big 3-0 mark… This year should be worse. But this year is different. Different, because at this moment, actually feel very content. And feel like for the first time in a little while have time to actually live my life and be happy (stop and smell the tulips, lilacs, etc).

Got no complaints and no regrets. And to celebrate all this happiness, I will stuff myself into a Herve Leger inspired dress by H&M. Put an oversized Zara “boyfriend” blazer on. Wrap a hardcore-hardware belt around my waist and stick my feet into Zanotti-esque Balmain-ish Aldo shoes. Will dance till no longer am able to stand. Will drink Malibu and Pineapple juice (or Coronas). Will not think about the unaccomplished, but instead will celebrate the items crossed off my list. Like swimming with the dolphins, or visiting my best friend in Switzerland, or finally getting my Canadian Passport. Instead of dreading being “another year older, none wiser”, will seize the day and……..Oh, who am I kidding??? I am 1 Jello cup, 2 grey hairs and 5 back pains away from the nursing home! I hate birthdays!

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Birthday by Style Blog featuring Herve Leger dresses

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The invitation

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I am so happy! Got an envelope in the mail today, and immediately knew that it wasn’t junk or boring bills! I am going to Houston because my friend Jen is marrying the love of her life Joe in January!!!!!!! Could not be happier for these two! Gotta book my vacation days and flight for their big day! Can’t wait!

Photo credits: www.jenjoewedding.com