Guys, can you believe it’s now October!! Where did summer go? I hate how quickly my favourite season always flies by. Even though Ben and I are chasing the sun by travelling south in Europe (to Greece and Morocco), we’re still feeling the fall vibes over here. The days are getting shorter, the weather’s cooling down (even in Croatia), and I’m craving all the cozy vibes! If only I could track down a Starbucks to order my fav – a half sweet, grande, pumpkin spice latte, with just a little bit of whip. I know, I know…#Basic. But damn, I could go for one right now!
Anyways, onto the second installment of my monthly series, my September Bliss List. Sorry, it is coming a week late, but we had some terrible wifi in the Balkans. Anywho, I hope you enjoy this month’s favourite things!
The colourful streets in Óbidos, Portugal
- I bought this off-white sweater from H&M, as a transitional fall piece, and I am obsessed!! It is so soft that I feel like I am wearing a cozy blanket or cashmere. I also love that it is a bit cropped so I can still wear it over dresses or with skirts. But the best part was the low price tag!
- Currently playing this song and this one on repeat. Ben isn’t a fan of them because he thinks they are too pop-y, but listening to it always put me in a good mood and makes me dance in my seat. To me, that’s reason enough to share it with you guys. Let me know if you like them in the comments below!
- Netflix: Currently addicted to The Blacklist. Ben and I were craving a new show at the beginning of September, and after some recommendations, we gave The Blacklist a try. Now we literally bing watch regularly, and can’t stop. It’s a crime thriller that leaves you on the edge of your seat at the end of every episode. Be warned: it can be a little scary and gory at parts.
- I’m a total sucker for candles. Seriously, ask Ben. When we lived at home I had at least 3 in every room, and a stockpile ready to go as soon as one ran out. #Obsessed. But I have to say, that my favourite candles are the ones from the local brand, Vancouver Candle Co. They all smell amazing and last a while. I was kindly gifted the Rosedale travel size candle before we left on our trip (since it’s small enough to pack), and it’s been my little luxury while travelling. It has the perfect smell of roses that isn’t too overpowering or sweet. Once we have a home again, I can’t wait to buy the full-size version.
- Lately, I’ve had a number of people reach out wondering how I template and create my Instagram stories. I use a free app called Unfold, and I love it! There are a few free templates that are beautiful, and then you can pay a few dollars for more creative options. There are different fonts and layouts, and it’s great for sharing multiple photos and videos in one post. Check out my Instagram Stories to see how I use it.
- During our recent visit to Portugal, I reconnected with my love for Port. More specifically Tawny Ports. It’s the perfect nightcap drink to end dinner and is sweet enough to replace dessert. Our favourite thing is to enjoy it with some nice dark chocolate while we watch a show, play banana grams or recap the day. We also discovered port tonics, made with white port and tonic water over ice, and sometimes garnished with a slice of orange and mint (see photo below). I have to admit, they’re just as refreshing as a gin and tonic, and are perfect to enjoy on a hot sunny day.
Port Tonics and fiery sunsets in Porto, Portugal
- Came across this dainty gold necklace in Porto, and automatically fell in love with it. Ben was so sweet to surprise me by and buying it for me. It goes with everything, and I love that it has the different lengths so I can layer it with my other gold necklaces. I looked up their jewellery brand, Cinco, and am now obsessed with all their beautiful pieces.
- We are all guilty of spending too much time on our phones. But do you know how much time? Que the Moment App. This app tracks how much time you actually spend on your phone per day, and then compares it to the previous days or weeks. And friends, it’s a scary reality. I’ll be honest that some of my days have been super high (like 9 hours –yikes!) but those were on days that we were driving for 7 hours using Google maps, Spotify and audiobooks, so keep in mind that its general use, not screen time. But regardless, it does make me more aware of how much I use my phone and makes me think twice when I go to aimless scroll the gram.
- Love the current leopard print trend this fall. It’s such a great pattern to mix into any outfit, even with just the small touch of a leopard print belt or shoes. Although I haven’t bought anything leopard to add to my limited suitcase wardrobe these days, I am keeping my eye out for a mid-length skirt to wear with a cozy sweater and heels or with a t-shirt and converse. Like this or this. I think I found the perfect skirt online here, but now I’m debating the expensive price tag. What do you think?
- Currently came across this upbeat, but chill jazz playlist on Spotify and it has become my go-to while I work. Personally, I don’t like listening to music with lyrics while I write, which is why this upbeat instrumental playlist is so perfect to work to.
- Ben and I have made it our goal to try to watch at least one documentary a month, as a way to stay current and educate ourselves on different topics. I highly recommend it! This month we watched Mission Blue on Netflix, and I was enthralled by the life of Sylvia Earle, and her mission to save the world’s oceans from toxic waste and overfishing – something I knew very little about. Did you know that eating seafood is actually hurting our oceans? Definitely, a thought-provoking documentary that has made me wonder what can I do to help save our oceans, and moreover our planet.
Exploring the beaches & lighthouses around Porto, Portugal
Well, friends, that concludes my second Bliss List. Do you like this new series? I really hope so, because I love sharing them with you. Have a blissful month & Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends!
Love,
Amber xo
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