Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with White House|Black Market!

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Butterfly Tee: $58 | each T sold donates $30 to LBBC!

It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m deeply honored to team up with White House|Black Market in their efforts to help spread awareness and raise funds for much-needed care, education, and research!

In recent years, many in the fashion world have jumped on board this global effort, designing distinct and beautiful pieces to inspire consumers to pay it forward and help raise money. This year, White House|Black Market has teamed up with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, to launch three limited-edition products you can buy and wear, with the knowledge that your dollars are going to help women in need: a butterfly t-shirt, inspirational scarf, and beautiful trinket tray.

white-house-black-market-stylespygirl-1 — **Butterfly scarf: $48, with $20 donated to LBBC | Inspire Tray: $18, with $10 donated to LBBC**

When you purchase any of these items, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization that provides programs and services to help people whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.

White House|Black Market’s ongoing collaboration with LBBC has helped raise over $5/5 million in the last 25 years!

Did you know that US Cancer death rates have fallen 22% since 1991? That’s good news, and it means that all our efforts – from NFL teams wearing pink socks, to butterfly scarves blowing in the wind – are having a massive impact. But even though diagnosis, treatments, and education have helped prolong and even give back life to many, we still have a long way to go.

According to the American Cancer Society, Idaho ranks 50^th in the nation for screening, despite the fact that women in our state have a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

Get screened, get educated, know your risk factors! The good news is that with early diagnosis and proper care, 82% of women live for five years or more after diagnosis! I recently stopped by St Luke’s for a mammogram…

That’s right, I’m calling it a #TaTaSelfie from now on! Let’s start a trend, ladies! 😉

There are resources, tools, and education for women in all walks of life! For example, did you know that the American Cancer Society has programs across Idaho State? Everything from transportation and lodging services, to makeup and skincare classes for women dealing with the cosmetic side effects of cancer and treatments! How amazing is that?!? 🙂 Click the image below to find out more:

Stay safe, be generous, and keep up the fight to end cancer.
Every bit counts, and together, we can make a difference!

Love you all!
XOXO,
Tanya

~~~~~~~

Photography by Valerie Davenport

Disclosure: I was given these products by White House|Black Market to photo shoot
and wear proudly in support of their collaboration with Living Beyond Breast Cancer. ❤

Exciting Changes to my Fashion Getaways! (Part 2)

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Changes in Store…

Hello, friend!

Earlier this month, I shared the Why behind my girls-only Fashion Getaways: Empowering women to travel! To recap, I believe magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone, your city, and your culture. Your eyes see something new, and your heart expands to take it in. Travel changes you; it makes you stronger, but it also makes you see the world as more accessible! (View the full Part 1: Why article HERE!)

Now, I’d like to explain How we’re making it all happen! My goal is to plan at least two trips per year, one domestic/US trip and one international, loosely based on the Fashion Week calendar of Spring and Fall.

For 2017, I am currently putting together TWO Fashion Getaways. The first is an early-summer Amsterdam & Paris trip – which I’ll release information about SOON – so those of you who want to come can purchase your airline tickets while they’re less expensive!

Then for the domestic/US trip, later in the year, say Aloha! to a tropical getaway to Honolulu Fashion Week. This Getaway will be in the Fall, with luaus, exploring, beaches, poolside cocktails, shopping, hula dancing, snorkeling, and much more. My mouth is already watering for Kahlua Pork and Mai Thais, is yours?

So here is the big question:
How are we going to empower each woman to have the fashion/cultural/empowering adventure that she wants?
BY GIVING YOU CHOICES

Beginning with the Amsterdam/Paris 2017 trip, the Style Spy Girl team will create itineraries that have a daily scheduled group activity (a fashion week show, dinner reservations, etc.), most likely in the evening. During the morning and afternoon, we will incorporate YOUR wishlist/bucket list items (if you will be on this trip, please write in and tell us what those are!) into the schedule. It’s important to note: these will be optional activities that each woman can sign up for, or you can choose to have free time instead!

This information will be provided weeks in advance, so you can plan ahead and decide exactly how much alone time, group time, shopping time, and sightseeing time YOU are interested in, and how much you want to budget for each of those things. It puts the power in your hands to create the adventure you want, and you can plan exactly how much you want to spend doing it.

So, tell me: where in the world do you want to go?

And what do you want to see/do/eat/hear/watch/experience while you’re there? Click reply to email me back, and let’s keep the conversation going, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

The world is ours to explore – so let’s hop on board, babes! 🙂

Come with me, and together we can #GlobeTrotLikeAGirl!

XOXO,
Tanya Carnahan

An Open Letter About Why I REALLY Do Fashion Trips for Women (Part 1)

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Real Reason I Do Fashion Getaways

(Hint: It’s not just about the shopping!)

Hello, my friends!

It’s time for an update! You may have heard about the ladies-only Fashion Getaways I launched last year. If you want to know the How, What, and Why behind these trips, read on…

For starters, a heartfelt THANK YOU for your feedback — to you who have been on excursions with me and those who are interested in joining future trips!

I’ve heard everything from “I’d love more shopping time!” to “There’s too much shopping; I’d prefer to sit in a café and absorb the culture!” and “Will there be more fashion shows?” or “I don’t want to dress up and do fashion shows every night; let’s just relax and go get dinner!”

The truth is, I want all my travel companions to have a wonderful time on every getaway we plan! On our way home from our recent New York trip, while thinking through all we accomplished and ways we could improve, I had an epiphany: Yes, we really can do it all, and I know exactly how we’re going to do it! But before I share the How, I’d like to share some of the reasons Why we’re doing this in the first place…

What’s the goal of Fashion Getaways?

Is it all about fashion shows? No. Is it all about shopping? No. Are we a glam squad that always looks amazing and camera-ready? I’ll answer that as soon as I stop laughing… um, definitely no!

NYC was honestly a lot of shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers — and we did our best to comfortably explore the city during a surprise heat wave. Humidity in the Big Apple is no joke!

I started Fashion Getaways because I want to empower women to travel.

Here’s the thing: this means ALL WOMEN. Yes, all women are welcome on these getaways — women of every age, style, and demographic.

I believe magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone, your city, and your culture. Your eyes see something new, and your heart expands to take it in. You encounter challenges and rise up to meet them. You figure out how to navigate a new city, explore new food, see historic landmarks, meet people that aren’t really as different from you as you might have thought, and embark on adventures you never would have encountered back home.

And travel changes you! It makes you stronger, but it also makes you see the world as more accessible. It helps you realize that you can go almost anywhere, and do anything you want! And how much more fun is it to do with a group of adventurous women?

It’s true: I love fashion — and I love shopping

But more than that, I am passionate about traveling, having new cultural experiences, and empowering women to have life-changing adventures! This is what I hope to achieve with these Fashion Getaways; to bring together ladies of all ages and backgrounds – even strangers! – who share a love of travel. I want to see women experience the world in their own unique ways, and I want to create adventures that make it all possible.

Come globetrot with me… watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle and shine, learn to hula dance in Honolulu, eat a cone of fries “mit mayo” while walking the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam, listen to street music on the sidewalks in New Orleans, watch a sunset from the breezy beaches of Greece… and yes, do a little (or a lot of!) shopping along the way. Because we’re girls, and that’s how we roll!

Stay tuned for my next update… when I explain How — and describe the exciting ways we’re making all of this happen!

I’ll be releasing details regarding a women’s trip to Amsterdam and Paris VERY soon, so make sure to connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Come with me, and together we can #GlobeTrotLikeAGirl!

XOXO,
Tanya Carnahan

How to Pack Light and Just Use a Carry-On!

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printed in the Idaho Statesman’s Treasure Magazine, view the online version here:
Going on a trip? Treasure Valley style expert offers tips for packing light!

If you are among those jetting off on vacation this summer, you’ll likely have to endure many of the hassles of flying: baggage check-in, security, flight delays, layovers and the eternal baggage claim carousel.

Some of these things are unavoidable. However, there is one major way you can cut down on the vacation time you spend stuck in an airport while beaches beckon you: Pack everything in carry-ons.

Seriously, you can do it. This spring I traveled to London, Amsterdam and Paris with my husband and was determined to only take what I could carry quickly through an airport: my carry-on and a cute backpack.

My husband laughed when I stated this intention; he knows that as a fashion blogger I feel compelled to always dress well for the hundreds of photos I’ll be taking as we travel. He also knows I have a particularly passionate habit of accumulating fashion treasures along the way and once or twice have had to purchase extra luggage to bring it all home with me!

Not this time, I vowed, because I’m writing a book of travel tips for women adventuring abroad, and I had to make this work.

And if this little shopping-crazy fashionista could manage two weeks abroad in a carry-on and a backpack, so can you!

1. Mix and Match

Don’t take your favorite outfits; only take things that match each other. Focus on multi-functional pieces. I found a breezy swimsuit cover-up at Target (pictured above) that also looks great with a tank top and jeans or thrown over a dress. It’s a neutral color, too, so it goes with everything. Great for the beach, exploring and shopping, or a night out on the town.

Photo by Valerie Davenport / Swimsuit cover-up from Target / Sandals by Dolce Vita, Nordstrom / Bags by COACH

2. Go Monochromatic

Pick three colors, and I mean it. My “Eurotrip” suitcase had only black, white and gray in it. Somber, yes — but with my intentionally blank canvas, I had plenty of room to add accent colors and fun accessories along the way. A blue scarf here, a red umbrella there and a pretty cardigan or patterned handbag to seal the deal!

3. Ditch the Big Coat

Unless you’re vacationing to snow, pick the most versatile layering jacket out of your closet and wear it on the plane. That saves space in your luggage and gives you a blanket of sorts to stay warm on a long flight or a pillow to cuddle with.

(Bonus tip: Wear all of your largest items on the plane. Not only does this give you options to make yourself more comfortable on long flights, but it also saves room in your carry-on for more compact items. )

4. Leave Behind the Bling

Leave diamond rings (and other high-end jewelry) at home, in a locked safe or with someone you trust. Even in many modern European countries, for example, diamond wedding sets are not customary; most folks wear simple bands. Major bling can quickly brand you as an American tourist and might cause people to make assumptions about your wealth.

When I travel, I wear a small silver band I bought for $3 at Charming Charlie and leave my fine jewelry with a trusted friend. I also take only three necklaces: one small piece, one multi-strand chunkier piece and one multi-layered piece. That way, every neckline in my suitcase is covered.

packing light stylespygirl fashion advice

5. Take 2 Pairs of Shoes, Period

You really only need one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one dressier heel or wedge. You can buy cheap flip-flops just about anywhere in the world if you really need something extra for the beach — and then leave them behind before you head home.

6. Pack everything inside everything else

On my Europe trip, I discovered I could fit six pairs of rolled-up socks in each of my favorite ankle boots. Six! I can also fit 6-7 pairs of underwear in one ankle boot as well. Look for unused nooks & crannies for extra space! I chose a small second purse for evenings out ,and found to my delight that my ziplocked toiletries fit perfectly inside it. No additional toiletry bag needed!

I also learned I could fit my everyday handbag into my backpack, with more toiletries and extra gear on top, so I had a total of three purse options for my trip, ranging from mini to large, each one compactly nestled inside the other.

Another great option is to purchase a specific compact multi-functional travel bag, like the one I bought (below) from Coach at Boise Towne Square, to use for trips. It’s a wallet, handbag, phone holder and clutch all in one! coach wallet wristlet silver

Photo by Valerie Davenport / Bag by COACH / Heart sunnies from Hot Topic

7. Take travel sizes

Don’t bring all your toiletries; only take samples. Every time I shop for beauty products, I end up with extra trial samples from stores like Sephora and Macy’s that I use for traveling. Not only are they compact and disposable, but I also enjoy the adventure of trying new things as part of my travels. “Good morning, London! Let’s see how these ‘Revitalizing Moisture’ under-eye strips help with my jetlag!”

You can also buy things wherever you travel. Plus, it’s fun to explore new products. A need for facial moisturizer in Paris led me to find some amazing new brands of skin care that I never would have discovered had I brought my own.

(Bonus tip: Many larger beauty shops and department stores all over the world will give you neatly packaged samples of products you’d like to try. Run out of conditioner? Ask for a sample. It might hold you over for the trip and help you discover something new.)

8. Ship it

If you’re anything like me, you’re likely to accumulate things as you travel. You can certainly purchase a suitcase inexpensively in most tourist markets, but don’t forget the convenience of global postal services.

I lived in Amsterdam when I was a teenager, and some of my best memories of that city were exploring all the incredible candies and chocolates made there. This winter I had the opportunity to return with my husband for the first time in many years.I visited a local grocery store, filled a massive box to the brim with all the stroopwafels, kinderspekken, drop (licorice) and gummy things I could find and walked straight to the post office to ship it all home. We had such a blast at home a few weeks later, opening up all that yummy stuff and explaining it to my kids.

(Bonus tip: If you’re shopping in high-end boutiques or department stores abroad, ask about shipping. Some shops will let you buy an item and will mail it home for you.)

When you’re on vacation, you really don’t need as much as you think. People won’t notice how often you’ve worn an outfit. Do laundry if you need to, but keep your luggage light. You never know when you might discover an awesome new treasure to bring home — and you’ll be glad you have room for it!

Watch how it all goes together, in my video tutorial on How to Pack Light, below!

http://www.idahostatesman.com/living/treasure/article83032337.html/video-embed

How do YOU pack light? Tell me your favorite tips and advice in the comments below!
XOXO,
Tanya

What Happened When I Tried Kybella Double Chin Treatment

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by Barleta Photography

Continue to present yourself as a woman of loveliness and dignity, a woman who feels good and knows she’s looking her best.
—Angela Lansbury, The Gentlewoman, Autumn/Winter 2012

I know most women prefer to keep their beauty secrets a secret. I mean, that is why we call them that, right? But recently I had an experience that was so over-the-top incredible, I just had to share it! So here comes my disclaimer: if you don’t want to know about beauty procedures, needles, and the icky things some of us go through to fight aging, please don’t read past this sentence!

Ok, the rest of you, are we good? Here goes…

What’s a double chin? According to the dictionary, it’s “a roll of fatty flesh below a person’s chin.” According to many women past a certain age, it’s something that starts as a nuisance, and worsens until you’re turleneck-bound. Causes for that extra bit of flesh & skin under your jawline vary, from fitness and lifestyle to simple genetics. By the time you are an adult, you have a pre-determined and permanent amount of fat cells stored in your lower jawline and upper neck. You can’t change them, and until recently, only plastic surgery and lasers could do anything to minimize the natural aging process of this area of the body.

But something new has stepped onto the anti-aging scene, and it’s making major waves! When Silk Touch Med Spa recently held an informational luncheon about a strange new concept called “Kybella,” I was super curious and decided to check it out.

According to Silk Touch, “Kybella is the new FDA injectable that dissolves fat under the chin. It’s the biggest thing to hit the beauty industry since Botox, with even Millennials experiencing sagging jowls thanks to ‘tech neck.'” It’s an injectable, which means needles, and not everyone loves those little poky things going into their skin. But on the other hand, it’s nice to have options, vs. scalpels and lasers, not to mention the downtime and potential side effects that go along with those methods!

The before & after photos of Kybella really shocked me, along with hearing about the minimized risks, side effects, and downtime associated with it. I decided to try it, because even though I’m not technically overweight, age and genetics have given me a slowly-growing little double-chin that was starting to get on my nerves in photos and videos. I figured, if there was a way to make that “go away,” without too much risk, why not give it a try? I asked a ton of questions, then prepared myself with two weeks out of the public eye to chart my results.

Here is a video of what Kybella injections really look like, done on me this last February 2016. Yup, there are needles, and yes, it did hurt! As the needles progress, the burning sensation grows, so if you do give Kybella a try, prepare yourself for some discomfort. Watch below!

I was pretty swollen right after, and the burning feeling in my neck continued for a while that day. I kept ice packs on it, but definitely wanted to go home and rest.

The photo above is hard for me to share publicly, but I’m doing it anyway, because if you’re considering doing Kybella yourself, I really, really want you to know that the swelling afterwards is no joke! Stay home a few days, if you can, and rest through it. That evening I took some ibuprofin, rubbed Arnica gel on my neck, and went to bed. The next day I was definitely still swollen; I felt like that lady who’s really a mask for Arnold Schwarzenegger in Total Recall…

Little by little, it subsided, and I started to feel like myself again! Within a week I was out seeing friends, and no one noticed. (Or if they did notice, they certainly didn’t make any comments). It felt like I was the only one who knew something was different about my neck.

Here’s a pic from my follow-up appointment, at around 12 weeks. The before & after change really floored me! Since I don’t often view myself from the side, I really had no idea how dramatic the improvement was until I saw the pictures all together.

These results definitely motivated me to do a second treatment (typically they recommend 2-4 for your best results.) I was still sore for quite a while, so I waited 18 weeks before going in to do the follow-up treatment, which was much quicker. And so was the downtime! Here’s a quick post-Kybella recap of my experience of the second treatment:

I recovered in a few days, and was confident enough for an on-stage appearance at Wine, Women & Shoes as one of the honorary Shoe Judges!

So here we are, a few months later, and despite how awful that first video probably looked to some of you, I am SO GLAD I did this! It’s been amazing to see such dramatic results; my photos look better, my jawline looks better, and I’m back to bopping around town, doing my blogger girl thing. And the most exciting part of this whole journey, is that the results are pretty much permanent, thanks to that genetic and finite number of fat cells that have been obliterated forever! They’re not growing back, at least not anytime soon.

I’d love your feedback in the comments! Have you considered doing a treatment like I did? What worked and/or didn’t work for you? Are there questions you’re dying to ask me? I’m not an expert, but I’ll answer honestly from my own personal experience. Much love to everyone who took the time to read my story, and special thanks to the crew at Silk Touch Med Spa for the opportunity to try Kybella!

XOXO,
Tanya

How to Mix Music Festival Fashions into your Everyday Wardrobe!

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by Barleta Qela

Coachella has come and gone this spring, but music festival fashions are here to stay! There’s just something so feminine-yet-rebellious about this season’s floaty floral dresses, sheer blouses, and shredded shorts that scream “bring on summer time!” More music festivals are on the horizon in my neck of the woods, like the Boise Music Festival, Huckleberry Jam, and the Mountain Home Country Music Fest, so there are still plenty of opportunities to get mega-mileage out of your fest-inspired fashions.

Whether you have actual festivals to rock out at, or just love the easy-breezy fashions they inspire, here are some of the major trends you can incorporate into your wardrobe this season… Some of which you might already have in your closet!

1. Floral Everything

Dress: Free People, Macy’s / Bag: Dinky by CO ACH / Sandals: Dolce Vita Wedge Sandals

Hands-down the easiest and most versatile piece to rock in your wardrobe this summer has to be the floral dress! Whether short & sweet, like my Free People dress from Macy’s, or floor-sweeping maxi length, flowers are everywhere this season. Flowers are undeniably feminine, and the variety of colors involved in each bouquet gives you tons of versatility.

Floral prints are so very 70’s, so very 90’s, so very NOW!

2. Fringe of course!

There’s nothing that screams “I’m here to dance to the music!” louder than fringe. It’s showing up everywhere this season, from jackets and dresses, to shoes and handbags. It’s a timeless look that was strong last season, and will continue to rock, roll, and wave in the summer breezes for years to come.

Here’s a cute fringe look from Macy’s, that you could wear just about anywhere this summer!

Earrings: Thalia Sodi / Blouse: American Rag / Handbag: INC / Clogs: American Rag / Skirt: American Rag

3. I-see-through-you Sheer tops & dresses

Bring on the lacy looks and sheer fabrics this season. They’re fun, flirty, and easy so lightweight, if you catch the slightest breeze while walking you pretty much feel like you’re in a Beyonce video. Rock it! Lace is hotter than ever, and so is its distant cousin crochet print! Feel free to DIY these looks, or steal them from your auntie’s closet.

Sheer dress: Material Girl, Macy’s / Crochet Fringe tank, denim shorts, fringe jacket: American Rag, Macy’s

4. Cold Shoulders are HOT

Take a look on Instagram, or grab any fashion magazine, and you’re bound to see this season’s Body Part of Choice: the shoulder. From strategic cut-outs to flirty full shoulders, the fashion world is infatuated with this boldly bare look right now. Get it, rock it, flaunt it!

White off-shoulder blouses and dresses have been a particularly hot trend this summer. The one below is on clearance right now at Macy’s for under $25!

XOXO Cold Shoulder Bell-Sleeved Top, Macy’s, $23.99

5. Lace up and Go!

Gladiator sandals are still going strong, but let’s face it, the tan lines can get weird. I adore my Dolce Vita “Louise” sandals from Nordstrom, below, (they’re sooooo comfortable for long days of walking!), but many of the fashionistas at Coachella this year have also adopted a love for sneakers and ankle boots.

The key to good music fest footwear is comfort, above all. You’re going to be on your feet all day in dirt, heat, and possibly water hoses, right? Be practical, babes.

Bar III Gladiator Sandals / Material Girl Hi-Tops, both Macy’s

A final note:

One of the most practical wardrobe pieces you can own right now is the denim jacket. I scored this frayed & studded one years ago from Urban Outfitters’s clearance rack, and bust it out every spring. It goes with everything, and I’ve worn it with a ton of outfits on this blog. Remember, no matter how hot it gets at music fest, once the sun goes down you’re going to need a little extra layering. Nothing pairs better than a classic denim jacket. Just saying…

Have fun this summer! And if it’s your style, rock the music festival look all you want, even if you never get near a stage. It’s all about the heart, baby!

“So I’m back to the Velvet Underground
Back to the floor that I love
To a room with some lace and paper flowers
Back to the gypsy that I was, to the gypsy that I was”

~ Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mack, Gypsy

Special thanks to Barleta Qela Photography, Danielle O’Connor for hair & makeup, Macy’s for all the fun fashions that went into this article!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

Even in Winter, Paris is for Lovers

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Last month, my sweet husband and I had the rare opportunity for an early Valentine’s Day present to each other: a week in Paris! Thanks to his work and some mileage rewards points, we explored, dined, and shopped our hearts away, (and yes, my fashionista friends I have an entire article coming soon dedicated to all the AMAZING shops, designers, and sales I discovered there, as well as a special bargain-hunting treasure guide…)

But today’s post is all about love. Why? Because it’s Paris, baby! The City of Lights, and romance. Would this legendary place be able to work its magic on us, a well-traveled couple who have been together over 18 years? We were excited to find out!

Ready, set EXPLORE! Isn’t there a saying about the couple who goofs off together…? Trevor and I had been to Paris before, 15 years ago, and did a lot of the more touristy-stuff at that point. Once you’ve been lost in the mega-labyrinthine Louvre, the shine kind of wears off a little. Nonetheless, the cab to downtown dropped us off at the famous museum, so we figured it wouldn’t kill us to look around a little. And then this happened:

Yes, I got 6’4″ Trevor to stand up on a pedestal and pose like a tourist! Ok, now we’re loosening up a little bit…

Boop!

I’m not quite as tall but I can almost reach the top!

All right, well, it was windy and pouring down rain, so we decided to pick a less-crowded museum and see some art: Musee d’Orsay. If you’re looking to skip the push-and-shove crowds of the famous Louvre and have a more relaxed cultural experience, I highly recommend this gorgeous museum! Lines weren’t too long to get in, and it’s absolutely stunning inside. You can meander through well-mapped main halls and side rooms, enjoy the statues and artwork up-close & personal without hordes of people posing with selfie sticks, and even grab a hot chocolate & crepes in the lower-level cafe.

Bright open spaces, no crowds!

And really impressive art.

Renaissance duck-face, long before the Kardashians popularized this look! 😉

Lots of big-headed famous folks to see here…

And apparently you don’t have to travel to New York to kiss at the Statue of Liberty!

Ok, well, things were perking up a bit in the blustery city of grey… It was still drizzly, but we headed out to explore some more. Because no matter how many times you see it, there’s still something SO romantic about the Eiffel Tower! Even on a dark day…

See what I mean? Beautiful, even in the rain!

After some food in our bellies and a little more meandering time, we found a great spot to sit and chat a while: the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. It’s a little-known bridge just west of the Eiffel Tower, away from the crowds and madness of downtown. There are places to sit, very little foot traffic, and amazing views of the river and city! I mean check this out, there was literally NO one around!

Perfect time to spring a little romance on the man…

I love you / I know Star Wars-themed sterling silver rings by Impressed Art

My husband and I are geeks. I mean, from waaaaay back. We love Star Wars, sci-fi, comic books, and all that stuff; our wedding was a medieval-costume affair complete with jugglers, bagpipes, candles, tiaras, and the theme music to Princess Bride. Awww! Say it with me: “Mawwiage is what bwings us togethew todaaaaay…”

I tracked down these rings on Etsy through a shop called Impressed Art, and the artist Katie Hansen was kind enough to rush them to me in time for our trip. After a couple kisses on the bridge, I pulled them out and asked Trevor if he’d marry me all over again. At least that’s what I meant to say, but I’m a crier, so it came out something more like, “I got these rings and I love you and would you sniffle-sniffle mumble-mumble me?” He got the picture, laughed and hugged me. “Oh babe, you’re so adorable!”

Moment achieved. ❤

One of the best parts of our stay was the discovery of this amazing little AirBnB apartment! It was a top-floor loft, fully-equipped and furnished, on a main street, super convenient to everything we needed, and literally two blocks from the Eiffel Tower. See that view? Breakfast every morning, in sight of the Eiffel Tower! We will try to stay here EVERY time we come back. It was perfection!!! Here’s the link, if you’re interested:

Lovely 2 room Flat Eiffel Tower !

Paris, Île-de-France, France

Lovely 2 room flat ,top floor, with a direct view on the Eiffel Tower from your king size bed !
Beau deux pièces , quartier Tour Eiffel de grand standing, dernier étage sans vis à vis. Vue directe …

Vacation Rentals in Paris

https://www.airbnb.com/embeddable/airbnb_jssdk

The view from our bedroom. Every night starting at dusk, at the top of every hour the Tower lights up with a spectacular sparkle show! I loved it… Every evening, all night long. 🙂

View from the street, downstairs from our apartment.

Paris truly shines at night, and I don’t just mean the Eiffel Tower! After shopping and exploring all day, you generally have dinner around 8 or 9pm at night. In fact, we discovered that many of the restaurants didn’t even open their doors until 7 or 8pm! We had a blast wandering around, looking for delicious eateries and local wine. Yumm!

Yes, every big city needs a waterfront Ferris wheel now! You started it, London Eye.

Sacre Cour Basilica, the stunning cathedral on the hill overlooking Paris. Hike up here for the BEST views over the entire city – it’s gorgeous! But they don’t allow photos inside, because this church is still a holy place of worship. Religious ceremonies and prayer were happening, while we were walking through gawking at the sites! Felt a little awkward about that…

Back down the hill we went, into the busier parts of downtown Paris.

Street shopping! So many shops, such little time… Lemme at ’em!

Oh yes, and the Moulin Rouge is still a thing! We had to go check it out.

The Moulin Rouge of art, lore and movie fame… It was a fun show, but waaaay more comedy than I expected! Puppets, clowns, and miniature ponies. Oh, and showgirls, of course. Worth experiencing!

So we spent a week, and I have about a hundred more photos I could post here… But honestly they’re mostly kissing and Eiffel Tower pics, which you’ve probably gotten your fill of by now. 😉 We came, we saw, we stayed up every night soaking in the lights, sights, food, and romance of Paris!

Thank you Trevor, for the most romantic early Valentine’s Day gift ever.
And thank you Paris, for working your magic on us once again.

Je t’aime, pour toujours, Ville des lumiers!
XOXO,
Tanya (& Trevor)

Next article: The Best Places to Shop in Paris for Treasure Hunters! Coming soon…

Why #ileftmyheartin Amsterdam

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you’ve spent much time on my blog, chances are you’ve gleaned that I had an unconventional upbringing. Born and raised in a church missionary organization, I spent the first 20 years of my life traveling with my parents and helping with their service projects in over 25 countries. We slept on bunk beds, cots, and concrete floors. I’ve been served meals containing animals I had never thought of as “food” before… And I’ve been immersed in more cultures than most children these days have gaming consoles!

Most of the places I’ve lived in are dear to my heart, and had a deep, lasting impact on who I am today as a woman, and a citizen of this vast, amazing globe we call home. From Russia, to Thailand, to Jamaica and Germany, my horizons have been tugged and stretched to extreme proportions. But the one place that truly impacted me the most – the city I left my heart in! – was Amsterdam, where I lived at age 13.

Today, after many years and more stamps on my passport, I am journeying back to that wild, historic, and diverse city once again. And I wonder: has the city that impacted me so much as a blossoming teenager, changed over the years as much as I have? I can’t wait to find out!

What I Remember #1: the Food

Near the school I attended while my parents studied and worked in Amsterdam, stood a candy shop. And it wasn’t just any candy shop; it was made-right-here luscious goodness, the likes of which I had never tasted in my 13 years of life! I’ll never forget my first bite of Kabelspekken, the multi-colored twisted marshmallow sticks that quickly became my number-one treat. Sure, you can get marshmallows in the United States… But these were different! Made with real sugar and fruits, instead of corn syrup and food colorings, these colorful rainbows of happiness changed my world.

“Why don’t we have candy like this back home?” I asked my mom.

“American candy is made cheaply, with chemicals and artificial ingredients,” she told me. “This… This is real!” Mind. Blown. My taste for American candy would never be the same!

Besides the awesome candy, my favorite thing to do at lunch time was to run up the block with my classmates to the nearest snack bar, and order “frites mit saus” (fries with sauce.) To my teenage brain, these were perfection in a meal: hot and creamy on the inside, just the right amount of salty crunch on the outside, and ohhhhh that amazing creamy fry sauce! Like a cross between ranch and mayonnaise, but that doesn’t even come close to describing its awesomeness. For years afterwards we tried multiple kitchen attempts at duplicating the taste, but were never truly able to nail it.

Will the fries and sauce taste as amazing to me now, as they did back when I was a teen? I’m about to find out… Delicious and creamy/salty, exactly as I remember. ❤ Best fries in the world. Even my husband was surprised at how much he enjoyed them!

What I Remember #2: the Sights

I adore architecture and history, and Amsterdam is one of the best places in the world to observe both! As a kid, I was fascinated by the Dutch buildings; their distinct designs, spires, arches, and the way all the buildings fit so closely together.

“Why do they all tilt forward?” I remember asking, observing how the fronts of many older buildings lean out at the top. A local person explained to me that this was how they moved furniture pieces up to the top stories: by hooking a pulley or rope system to things, and hauling them straight up to the top, instead of trying to pull and tug them through narrow hallways and winding staircases. Brilliant!

Dutch buildings are beautiful. Check out this small mall below, called the Magna Plaza, that was once a post office designed by local architect P.C. Peters in 1899. In recent years, it has been transformed into a shopping complex, its original structure and details still stunning visitors and locals alike.

I love the walking streets, and although public transportation is inexpensive easy to navigate, for me nothing beats the joy of exploring this vast, beautiful city on foot. When I was a child, it felt like miles and miles, and we did much of it by bus or bike. But now, with a map and a comfy pair of shoes, I find the city is easily walkable and fascinating to explore!

What I Remember #3: the People

I adore the diversity in Amsterdam. It’s such a beautiful blend of humanity from across the globe! If you stand a while in Central Station and just listen, you’re guaranteed to hear chatter from a dozen different nations… At least! I’ve met people from Egypt, Dubai, New Zealand, England, France, Canada, Germany, and China. Because Amsterdam is such a hub of activity and a popular tourist destination, the city is packed with folks of all ages and nationalities.

And everyone gets along! Seriously! Sure, there must be times that rudeness happens, or racism rears its ugly head now & again… But for the most part everywhere I explored in the city I saw only politeness, kindness, and good manners.

Case in point: One evening while my husband was still at work past dinner time, I found my way to a quaint, lovely little pub that was advertising a tasty dinner special of soup, main course, and wine for 20 Eu. It was packed with people, which is always a good sign, considering it was still quite early for supper.

I asked the waiter for his suggestions of the tastiest soup on the menu, and he told me how much Amsterdamers love their split-pea-with-ham soup in the wintertime. Satisfied with that traditional yumminess, I settled in for a relaxing meal. That is, until I noticed a table-full of men who kept sneaking glances at me while I ate.

I ignored them and minded my own business, but eventually one of the braver fellows in their group sidled over and cleared his throat to get my attention.

“Pardon me, miss, but could I trouble you to inquire if you’re waiting for someone?” Such manners! I assured him with a polite smile that my husband was working late, and I would be joining him after dinner.

“Oh, my apologies then! You are quite lovely and if you were alone we’d invite you to join us. But do please forgive me if I offended you, and enjoy your evening!”

Oh my goodness, most polite rejection-taking EVER! I had to laugh. Offended? Um, no.

I found the same politeness in every situation across the city, in cafés, shops, train stations, and crowded city streets. I was never once treated with any rudeness, or talked down to for being a tourist. It felt like the entire city was happy to see us, and ready to be our friend.

As my husband and I walked through the streets Saturday night, full of BBQ chicken dinner from legendary local hotspot Bier Fabriek, high on love and surrounded by throngs of party-goers and fellow adventurers, I turned to him and sighed, “Oh, I really love it here… I would definitely move back in a heart beat!”

That’s the moment I knew; the moment everything I remembered from my childhood, and everything I had experienced on this visit, came together in a rush of joy.

As we boarded the train the next day to head back to the airport, my heart heavy and longing for more time to explore and immerse myself in this beautiful city, I realized the truth: I had left my heart in Amsterdam, all over again!
Tot ziens, Amsterdam… Until next time.
With Love,
TanyaRead more fun travel stories stories like mine, as part of Get Your Guide’s #ileftmyheartin campaign at GetYourGuide.com!

A Little Leather, Denim, and David Bowie

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by Jeffrey Pierre / FlawlessAngel.com

It’s a little strange, isn’t it, when we mourn for someone we didn’t actually know? Today I was barely able to choke back the tears as I explained to my little girl that the Goblin King had just died… Her eyes welled up, too. “But I just learned about him, mom!” I know she’ll fall asleep to the Labyrinth soundtrack tonight.

“There’s such a sad love
Deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel
Open and closed within your eyes
I’ll place the sky within your eyes…”

I understand her sorrow. I didn’t know who Bowie was until I watched Labyrinth for the first time, and felt, like Jennifer Connolly’s character Sarah, the deep battle that churns in a young girl’s soul when her heart is both drawn to – and repelled by – the bad boy who works so hard for her affection.

There are thousands more people far more qualified than I am to write about Bowie’s influence and career. He was a musician, an artist, an actor, an instigator, an icon, a space oddity, a star, a rebel, and yes, even a Goblin King. He held up a mirror to our labeling and boxes, challenging us to throw it all away and just appreciate each other as unique humans. He was hated for it by some, but overwhelmingly loved by those who understand what’s it’s like to be Different. In case you were wondering, I didn’t rush out and take pics in a Ziggy Stardust shirt, just today. A little while ago I did a photo shoot with Jeffrey Pierre, a really cool new photographer in the Boise area who invited me to collaborate with him. I got swamped in other work and forgot to post these photos until now, when I heard the news about Bowie this morning and pulled my favorite rock t-shirt out of my closet. (Swank Boutique in downtown Boise still has a few in stock, if you’d like one of your own to wear in tribute to this amazing man!) ❤

The stars look very different today…

January 8, 1947-January 10, 2016 ~ Rest in peace, David Bowie. Or whatever magical creature you really were. Somewhere, out there, I hope that your star has at last found its home, back in the celestial place you truly came from. ❤

XOXO,
Tanya

David Bowie released his newest album Blackstar, while suffering from cancer. It was his last gift to us, his final work of art for a planet that adored him. Go get it here: http://davidbowie.com/blackstar/

Let it Snow, Let is Snow, Let it Snow!

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by Valerie Davenport

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening.
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland!

I adore a snow day in Boise! Sometimes it’s too cold to enjoy it, but every once in a while you get that perfect blend of white flakes, peaceful quiet, and cozy clothes that are just toasty enough to venture out into the blissful wonderland…

I found this plaid cape at NastyGal.com on sale last season, and had a friend sew some faur fur into the hood for me. (Thanks Montana!) Add a $12 black long-sleeved knit dress from Forever 21, cute tights, my favorite snow-stomping ALDO boots, and the cutest little (and super affordable!) red bag from Closet Barcode, and I’m ready to rock!

Come on now, let’s go build a snowman. ❤ You know you want to!

Cape: Nasty Gal.com / Dress: Forever 21 / “Night on the Town” Handbag: Closet Barcode /
Boots: ALDO / World Cuff Bracelet: Artelier by Cristina Ramella / “Stength” Necklace by MiaBellaMachina

Thank you Closet Barcode, I love my “pop of color” posh little bag! It’s so perfect for the holidays, and beyond.

I hope you’re enjoying your holiday season as much as I am! May you be surrounded by love, laughter, and peace today, no matter what the weather.
Hugs & Kisses & Holiday wishes,
XOXO,
Tanya

>>>Jump to the next article: Lots of Local Love gift ideas I know you’ll enjoy!