My Life In Gifs: Hello Canada

Trying To Deal With The Overly Nice Canadians 

People's Reactions When You Tell Them You Don't Celebrate Halloween

My Thoughts on Whole Foods

 

Trying to Fit in with Vancouver Culture

Trying Some More

How I Feel Every Time I Have a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Trying To Say Fall Instead of Autumn

How I'm Dealing With My Finances 

What It's Like With Canadian Boys on Tinder In The Beginning

When They Get A Little Bold

When They Just Come Out and Ask For Nudes

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

One Month In!

Yay for me, I survived a month in a new city without a job and friends. Disclosure, it’s a few days short of a month but 29 Days In just doesn’t have the same ring to it. Also I make I sounds as if the city I moved to has been taken over by a zombie army hellbent on killing me with no running water and no other survivors.

I probably could not have picked a better place to try this whole year abroad thing. First of all, everyone is friendly and lovely. Secondly it’s a bonafide First World Country which means luxuries for days. Thirdly, it’s summer which just makes everything better. And finally I’ve been working my ass off so I’m kinda reaping a bit of what I sowed.

To begin…I have sent out 74 job applications in the month I have been here. I have joined five temp agencies/recruiters.  I have been on 23 interviews including three group interviews which are the worst thing ever. I’m not sure why they are a thing. I have walked from one end of the city to the other in a blazer trying to look professional but merely looking sweaty and red-faced. I have printed a gazillion copies of my resume and references and I can now school people on my cover letter skills.

So after all that, I can say that I am on my first temping assignment and it’s all going well. I am enjoying not perusing Craigslist daily for a new job (until the assignment ends and then I’ll be bookmarking that shit) and it’s great to feel productive. Before this my only achievement was not eating junk food. As is life, I've also be contacted for more interviews while on this placement. Obviously I cannot go which means the universe is just taunting me again. Like that time I thought I had lost weight but my jeans actually just stretched.

In case you didn't realise, this is the pink strip in Vancouver.

 This job couldn't have come at a better time. Vancouver is very expensive. That’s all aspects of Vancouver. If you’re willing to shop around, you can definitely be smart about saving money. But housing and transport will kill you. The transport is great here. The trains are fast and always on time. The buses are mostly always on time. And they’re a bit more confusing. But I’m making my way. I am started to worry when it gets colder or wet. I’m not so sure I’ll be lamenting the joys of the public transport then. Unless you’re really lucky, you need public transport to and from your place of work. This is where the costs creep up on you like a dodgy guy at a club. The nice thing is once you move to the right Zone, you will be saving daily. The bad news is there’s just no way around the cost though.

So apart from being a working girl, I also moved. My dream was to live Downtown. The rents crushed that dream. Unless of course I was open to sharing a room, literally living in a living room or in a closet (no joke) I was not going to be able to afford it on my savings. So I started to look around (never giving up hope on that Downtown dream though) and I found cheaper, worse, okay, better and nicer places. 

This is bike polo. Which is real. Apparently. 

Some of them had weird rules, others were a health hazard. But in the end I found a great house with other people from around the world. It’s close to the trains, the neighbourhood is pretty and the WiFi is included. I just need a moment to discuss the amount of available WiFi in this city. I love walking past all the places I've visited and have my phone instantly connect. It’s definitely one of those things I’ll miss.

My new hood. 

Other highlights in my life are:

Experiencing my first bit of rain. It was a light drizzle, it was humid and my hair didn’t go big.

Watching the fireworks at English Bay for the Celebration of Light. We went to watch France’s night and even managed to score free tickets to the observation deck.

The Pride Parade! Not just the parade but the build-up like the stadium being lit up in rainbow colours, Davie Street and getting free shit. People walk the parade and hand out stuff. It’s amazing. I walked away with two rainbow flags, beads, coffee, band-aids, seeds, sweets and condoms. Lots of condoms.

Discovering Michaels craft shop. If you know me, really me, you'll know how much this means.

I'm still enjoying all the coffee. I now just have the iced versions.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh! 

My Life in Gifs Part Huit

What I did over my holidays 

Which is why my wallet and clothes are now like this 

So I decided to take control of my life 

Then I turned 27. I woke up on my birthday and felt like I hadn’t achieved a thing 

And this is how I tried to forget about it 

But now that I’m old, this is how I felt the next morning 

 

And the entire day

 And the day after

 That is right, it now takes me two days to get over a hungover. Happy 2014 bitches!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

In Another Life...

...I have no money troubles, my car doesn't bleed me dry, boys call me back and my red lipstick doesn't fade.

Sadly I live in the real world, where my savings are shot to shit. My car doesn't work more often than it does hence sayonara to all money. Boys never ever call me or message me because the ones I like dont always know I exist and I drink too may drinks and eat too much for my lipstick to even stand a chance.

But because I am a dreamer at heart, there are always things I want and fantasize about.

Miu Miu Glitter Sneakers

If I'm going to wear flats which I'm not particularly adverse to, they might as well sparkle. If I was ever so ballsy to ever purchase these, the glitter on them would be distracting enough since I won't be able to eat. For a couple of months.

Loin Cloth & Ashes Party Dress

I could name several place I could and would wear this dress to. I have even started pairing my heels with it in my head (I'm thinking nudes would be perfect). It's not that out of reach price wise but when you're watching your spend, things like pretty dresses go out the window.

Eric Northman

True Blood season six is a waste of my time. I know this. But I need to finish things so since I have invested all this other time I will finish this damn season. One reason to keep me watching is Eric. I actually loathe all other scenes especially the ones with Bill. Although he is a vampire and can kill me, he is beautiful. He is charming. He is a good businessman and can take care of me.There's always the chance he may kill me but we all need a bit of excitement in our lives.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Images via here, here and here.

Dear Future Boyfriend, Part Eight

I’ve prepared for you to come into my life and shake up my mundane life like in Pleasantville where they discover dirty things and life changes from black and white to full-on colour. I cannot wait for that time. But I realise you may not have planned for me to enter your life. Yes, I know we’re meant to be and we complete each other but in all honestly, sharing your life, even if it’s your soul-mate can be an adjustment.

When we meet I’m kinda hoping we go straight to the honeymoon phase. And when we eventually decide to move in together (as a trial for our perfect marriage), it’s going to be “christening” the flat in every available yet comfortable surface and giggling while we unpack boxes and covering each other’s noses in toxic paint like a stock photo. What I don’t want is our crazy habits and mannerisms to get in the way so we become that awkward couple no one can bare to be around.

you and me in our first place. if i get really skinny and dye my hair and grow. but you get the gist.

To alleviate some tensions now, I’ve decided to jot down a few things I’m good at and some I’m very bad at. Just so you know, you can prepare and stuff. And in case you’re wondering, yes, being considerate is one I’m very good at. You’re welcome!

Things I’m good at:

- Pop culture references. These skills not only make my banter witty but also help when faced with the Film and Television category at pub quizzes.
- Kissing.

just the natural state of my lips. always ready for a make-out session.

- Cleaning. Not crazy obsessive but a little crazy. You’re allowed to have drinks without coasters and I won’t freak out if the dishes aren’t done. A week later I might say something though.
- Butter chicken. For reals.
- Keeping my crazy inside. You’re gonna think you’ve hit the jackpot when I don’t get jealous or freak out when you don’t call. Really I’m keeping my crazy inside so I don’t scare you off. But be careful as you’ll find out below.
- 80s song lyrics. I know an assortment from Salt-N-Pepa to the Footloose soundtrack to some Joy Division.
- Hand massages. And by hand I mean the one with five fingers. I should actually say manicures. I’ll totes soak your hands, do your cuticles and finish off with a nice buff and polish.
- Remembering to buy milk. Do not underestimate this.
- Taking off my make-up before going to bed. You’ll thank me when we’re older.
- Being nice to parents.

Things I’m bad at:

- Money. Not others which you’ll be pleased to hear. But mine. A teeny problem if we plan on having a joint account.
- Cuddling. I know I’m a bad example of the female species but I much prefer my space and love to stretch out. It’s a lot harder for me to feel comfortable if you want to spoon for several hours. I don’t fall asleep, I lie there wondering if you can feel my belly fat or whether my hair is in your face.

my perfect sleeping situation.

- Not keeping my waxing appointment. I get busy and then my favourite therapist is unavailable and I cannot just go flashing my area to just anyone and then the thought of hot wax…let’s just say there are other things I’d rather do.
- Failing to keep my crazy inside. Normally I’m quite good at it but every now and again things get too much and I go a little Courtney Love.
- Talking too much.
- Never taking out the rubbish.
- Forgetting to switch off plugs.
- Choreography. Think we’re going to have to do one of those funny Youtube wedding videos to Smack My Bitch Up because this bitch cannot waltz.
- Understanding rugby. But this won’t bother you. After all, as you’re my FB you like football.
- Eating neatly. Not a meal goes by without me spilling on my clothes or crumbs in my hair.
- Video games. Unless we’re talking about Wii. Then I kill it.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Januworry

So my Facebook timeline is currently filled with people complaining about having crackers and cheese for lunch and being dead broke. Normally I’d join. But considering I’m usually broke the day after my salary is deposited and all those debit orders go off my bank account I’m used to this feeling.

What I don’t like about January is that this has been such a crappy month. Never mind the laughable bank account I have been messed around by a boy, broke down with my own car, got into an accident with my brother’s car and been very sick. So apart from my birthday which was awesome, this month has been kinda shitty.

Now I’ve always been a fan of a good rant and moaning session but this time I’m taking the more grown-up route. Besides I cried enough when I was stuck on the side of the road waiting for my dad and the tow-truck. Considering I can’t do anything about all those crappy things I’m looking to the future and as it’s the last week of January, it’s already looking better. Also I’ll be getting paid soon so I can buy some more shoes, which always helps.

So join me as I bid adieu to January. See ya Bitch!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Easier Said Than Done

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

This Year...

...I'm trying to be positive and not complain as much. So as much as I'd like to go on about my horrible skin, hair that doesn't seem to do much despite spending all my money on Redken and constantly having moolah troubles I've decided to rather do things that bring a smile to my face.

So last night I popped in some old Sex and the City, got some frozen yoghurt from Myög and went to a happy place. Sometimes it can make a world of difference.


Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Image from here.

And We're Off...

After a year of planning, scrimping money, daily visits to TripAdvisor and crazy diets and gym visits, we're finally leaving for Thailand.

See you in two weeks!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Grrrrr

I'm not that big an animal print fan nor do I have any money to spend (a combination of upcoming holiday and having no cash sense) yet I keep logging on to 36 Boutiques to torture myself with these fabulous heels. And they're on sale!



Sugar Daddy, Fairy Godmother, Santa, Karma, anyone? Now is the time to act!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

What To Do...

...when all you really want is to go on an island holiday. An island holiday where you spend all day blissfully lounging in the sun and wearing bikinis all day. An island holiday from where you come back with tan lines and wearing a stupid shell necklace and annoy people with phrases like "That's what I learnt in Phuket" and "Sorry, usually at this time we'd be having a foot massage in Bangkok."



What to do when you don't make enough money, cannot save and spend what little moolah you have on nachos and fancy coffees with vanilla shots: you take drastic measures aka you become a grownup.

I've decided if I'm ever going to go on that holiday I need to do some serious stuff. Problem is I'm constantly broke and for some reason I cannot save money. So I opened one of those adult bank accounts where money magically disappears as soon as it comes in. This usually happens when I get paid my salary anyway but at least now I know where it's going. I've also cut back on clothes and shoe shopping and going out. I keep telling myself I'll buy wardrobes full of clothes in Thailand and I'll party so hard I'll make The Hangover 2 look like child's play.


It's really hard and very tempting to fumble but I've got my eye on the prize!

Happy Friday!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Images from here, of course.

In the Past Two Weeks...

Things have been unusually busy in my life recently. Some of it for fabulous reasons and some for not-so-fabulous reasons. As a result my Twitter and blog have suffered. There have been many blog-worthy moments happening, just no time to actually document them. So to catch everyone up, here is what I’ve been up to:

…I’ve gone to our office year-end parties where I dressed up as an angel, stayed out till 4.30 am, kissed a boy with an accent and still woke up with no hangover.

…I’ve received an awesome hamper courtesy of NoMu. Along with Samma Designs, we entered their Aficionado pin-up competition and managed to win with our Mad Men-esque photoshoot.


…I’ve doubled my cinema visits of the past four months by going to watch The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter.

…I’ve been to two fabulous events. Including the intimate launch of Vintage Lifestyle online magazine at Starlings coffee shop in Rondebosch and the press day at Press Stick’s new Press Room. I got a preview of the autumn collections for Witchery, Sissy Boy and Sunglass Hut. I also got a media pack which included a voucher for a free massage. Much-needed after this crazy time.

…I was one of three fashion bloggers to take part in a O Magazine photo shoot along with Dimi from Style Scoop and Miss Milli. I’ll be featured in the March issue talking all about Cape Town style.

…I’ve managed to put up the Christmas tree in the flat, decorated the fireplace and bookcase with holly and hung our stockings. I even know what I’ll be contributing to my family’s Christmas lunch. But I have yet to buy one present for a friend or family member. In fact, the thought of going to the shops scares me.

…no matter how full the diary is looking or how low the bank balance is dropping, this is definitely my favourite time of year. Things I’m looking forward to are going on leave later this week, hanging out with my gay best friends at Mother City Queer Project, tanning on the beach, singing carols by candlelight and welcoming my best friend to Cape Town.

What have you guys been up to?

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Things I've Realised...

…I cannot keep blaming changing room mirrors, clothes that seem to shrink in the washing machine, bad genes and random skinny bitches for the fact that I’m overweight. At some point I need to put down the cheese and admit that I don’t work out enough or eat right. It’s taken scary photos at bad angles and skinny jeans bursting at the seams to make me realize that I need to re-think my habits. Any suggestions on how to motivate myself would be gladly appreciated.

…I’m getting closer to a happier work life. I could even say I was on my way to starting my desired career. Things are changing slowly and at times they barely move but they’re looking up. I have some very exciting things to look forward to and hopefully one day I can say “I love what I do!”

…I need a financial adviser. Every month I swear I’m gonna stick to my budget and save more money. Come the middle of the month and I have to do some stealing, um shopping at my parent’s place, restrict the social gatherings and go without new pretty things in my wardrobe. What’s even worse when I panic about not having enough money I tend to spend more. In my mind, spending calms me down and makes it all okay.

…I will definitely be making new year’s resolutions next year. I plan to stop being late for everything and instead be 5 minutes early. Except for fashion events, for those I’ll be a little bit late, tis the fashionable thing to do! I also resolve to be one of those annoyingly happy people. My optimism will be so great, you’d think it can cure cancer. Hopefully it will also be contagious and make a difference and all that nonsense :)

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week I’ll be begging, borrowing and stealing.
I believe I’ve practiced a lot of grace by not murdering my colleagues.
I’m addicted to Supernatural and Desperate Housewives.
I wish the ending of Inception wasn’t so ambiguous.
It’s sucky that we’re halfway through the month and I’m already broke.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week It’s My Life And It’s Now or Never

Monday's Mantra

This week I'm challenging myself not to spend any money.
I believe you're never too old to get dressed up.
I’m addicted to mint chocolate ice-cream, MIA's XXXO and Weeds season 6.
I wish I could rock short shorts.
It's sucky that summer is around the corner and I'm out of shape.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Save Tonight

Image from here.

This Weekend I...

...will be taking advantage of Neighbourhood's drink specials.

...will be dressing up as an angel for a Halloween party.

...will be taking my niece for a manicure and pedicure for her birthday.

...will be drinking to deal with the all the children at said niece's birthday.

...will spend some time at the parents place, enjoying attention, satellite TV and free food.

...will try not to give into the jubilation of having money again. Need to make salary last until the end of next month.

Hope you have a great weekend planned!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week I hope work pays my expense claim.
I believe everyone should watch Mean Girls at least once in their lifetime.
I’m addicted to Adelita's Way.
I wish thinking about the gym counts as going to the gym.
It’s sucky that it's the beginning of the month and I'm broke.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the Week Like it or Not: This is Who I Am

Image from here.