Hey there!
To anyone who may still be hanging around, I've decided to start a fresh blogging journey, and a lot has changed with me!
So come on over to my new blog, www.livinthecity25.wordpress.com
See you soon!
Liv :)
Sunday 11 June 2017
Thursday 10 November 2016
An Open Letter to Donald Trump
Dear Mr. President - Elect, Donald Trump,
I am not an American citizen. But I live just over an hour North of the border, so let's call us close neighbours.
Living on the East Coast of Canada means I have taken a few trips to the Big Apple. I've seen all the popular sights: the Statue of Liberty, the Freedom Tower, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and of course, Trump Tower. When seeing such a grand building, one can't help but marvel, with it's floor to ceiling marble and gold finishes, rooftop gardens, luxury shops, and of course a Starbucks. I was in awe of this shrine you had built to yourself. I honestly wasn't sure what you even did for a living. It seemed a little conceited, but hey, you can do what you want with your own money, and I'll just take some pictures.
When I heard you were running for the Republican candidacy, all I could do was laugh. Since I don't live in America, it didn't really affect me and I never thought you'd actually win. But then you did. When I watched your campaign, I didn't really pay much attention at first because I never thought anyone would take you seriously. But then people were. As clips of you saying terrible things surfaced, including racist, sexist and homophobic remarks, I started to worry. But as more and more of these things came about, I assumed you must be losing supporters. My Facebook and Twitter feeds were flooded with Hillary supporters, and I never thought the election would even be close. I was wrong.
So now you are going to be President of the United States. Some say that it doesn't affect us in Canada, but it surely does. The President is one of the most influential world leaders, and the fact that we are attached to America does us no good at all. Not only that, but our neighbours to the South are no different than us. We are all North Americans, and I worry for them. There are children in this world who are going to grow up thinking that not all lives matter. Those who are Caucasian might grow up thinking that they have some special privilege and can take advantage of other minorities. Those who are not "blessed" with this skin colour or nationality might live in fear of how others are going to treat them. The work that so many others before us have done against racism, sexism, and other injustices could all be in vain.
I can truly and honestly say I know absolutely nothing about politics, global issues, and government processes. I am also a straight, middle-class, Christian Caucasian, so I have not faced struggles like some have. But at this point it doesn't matter. Who you are and what you stand for sets an example for people across the world, whether they understand everything that is going on, or not.
Seeing how you have built Trump Tower in your honour using your own money worries me. If you will use your own money to build such a lavish shrine to yourself, what are you going to do with the money of a country that is already so far in debt. How are you going to treat the other countries who will try to work alongside you? How are you going to fix the problems that are already present, without creating more?
People in Canada are making light of the situation, saying that the President doesn't have any say here and that it's hilarious. But it really does affect us in many ways. What will happen when our Prime Minister tries to collaborate with the you on world issues? Will it be safe for minorities from our country to travel to the USA for work and vacation? Are we going to see an influx of refugees if you decide to remove certain races or minorities? Can you actually do that?
Mr. Trump, you have a big job ahead of you. Half of your country doesn't feel that you can do this job. But the decision has been made. So now all I will do is pray for America, and pray for you. I pray that you will prove everyone wrong and somehow be the greatest President they have ever seen. They deserve that. I will pray that those living in fear will be at peace with this decision and be able to live freely. I will pray for the children who will grow up seeing you at the helm of the nation, that they will see through the inappropriate messages that have so far been portrayed by you and your supporters, and not think that they can also act this way.
When you take the reigns in January, I will pray for a renewal of your mind and attitude, that you will rule with an open mind and a caring spirit. It's possible that we were all wrong about you. For the sake of the world, I really hope that's true.
Sincerely (and on to lighter topics next time),
Liv
I am not an American citizen. But I live just over an hour North of the border, so let's call us close neighbours.
 |
| An actual, real sign I saw outside of a BUSINESS today. |
When I heard you were running for the Republican candidacy, all I could do was laugh. Since I don't live in America, it didn't really affect me and I never thought you'd actually win. But then you did. When I watched your campaign, I didn't really pay much attention at first because I never thought anyone would take you seriously. But then people were. As clips of you saying terrible things surfaced, including racist, sexist and homophobic remarks, I started to worry. But as more and more of these things came about, I assumed you must be losing supporters. My Facebook and Twitter feeds were flooded with Hillary supporters, and I never thought the election would even be close. I was wrong.
So now you are going to be President of the United States. Some say that it doesn't affect us in Canada, but it surely does. The President is one of the most influential world leaders, and the fact that we are attached to America does us no good at all. Not only that, but our neighbours to the South are no different than us. We are all North Americans, and I worry for them. There are children in this world who are going to grow up thinking that not all lives matter. Those who are Caucasian might grow up thinking that they have some special privilege and can take advantage of other minorities. Those who are not "blessed" with this skin colour or nationality might live in fear of how others are going to treat them. The work that so many others before us have done against racism, sexism, and other injustices could all be in vain.
I can truly and honestly say I know absolutely nothing about politics, global issues, and government processes. I am also a straight, middle-class, Christian Caucasian, so I have not faced struggles like some have. But at this point it doesn't matter. Who you are and what you stand for sets an example for people across the world, whether they understand everything that is going on, or not.
Seeing how you have built Trump Tower in your honour using your own money worries me. If you will use your own money to build such a lavish shrine to yourself, what are you going to do with the money of a country that is already so far in debt. How are you going to treat the other countries who will try to work alongside you? How are you going to fix the problems that are already present, without creating more?
People in Canada are making light of the situation, saying that the President doesn't have any say here and that it's hilarious. But it really does affect us in many ways. What will happen when our Prime Minister tries to collaborate with the you on world issues? Will it be safe for minorities from our country to travel to the USA for work and vacation? Are we going to see an influx of refugees if you decide to remove certain races or minorities? Can you actually do that?
Mr. Trump, you have a big job ahead of you. Half of your country doesn't feel that you can do this job. But the decision has been made. So now all I will do is pray for America, and pray for you. I pray that you will prove everyone wrong and somehow be the greatest President they have ever seen. They deserve that. I will pray that those living in fear will be at peace with this decision and be able to live freely. I will pray for the children who will grow up seeing you at the helm of the nation, that they will see through the inappropriate messages that have so far been portrayed by you and your supporters, and not think that they can also act this way.
When you take the reigns in January, I will pray for a renewal of your mind and attitude, that you will rule with an open mind and a caring spirit. It's possible that we were all wrong about you. For the sake of the world, I really hope that's true.
Sincerely (and on to lighter topics next time),
Liv
Tuesday 25 October 2016
My Whole Life is Old Navy
Hi, my name is Olivia, and I'm an Old Navy addict...
It all started about 5 years ago. For the longest time, I could never find a pair of jeans that would fit me just how I wanted them to. They were either too tight in the waist or too long in the legs, or too "mom-ish", or too flared, etc... One day, my mom came home with some clothes for me and everything changed. She had been to Old Navy, and while I don't usually like the clothes she picks out for me, I tried on the jeans anyway. They fit like a glove! I always thought that Old Navy had "old people" or "preppy clothes". But since that day, I don't think I have ever bought a pair of pants from anywhere else.
Seriously, Old Navy has clothes for every style and shape. Somehow, when I go into the store, I know I can pick up any shirt and as long as it's my usual size, I don't even have to try it on. Their jeans are actually the best. They fit just right, sucking in at all the right places. They've also got coloured and patterned pants which I just love and own a large variety of. They always have different dresses available, which vary in color, pattern and style but all seem to fit the same way. I wish I was kidding when I said that literally every article of clothing I wear on a regular basis is from Old Navy.
As someone who is considered "plus size" by most standards, I find it really hard to go into stores and not be able to shop in the "regular" section, instead having to scout out the Plus section. In Old Navy, there's no such thing. All of their clothes go up to size XXL and the pants go up to size 20 (I think possibly higher online as well). I can't tell you how great it is to be able to walk into a store, and not worry about if I'll find something that fits. The sky is the limit!
The final thing I love SO much about Old Navy is the prices. Some thrift shoppers of the world might walk in and think a lot of their clothes are a little pricey. However, if you sign up for their emails you'll know that they pretty much always have some kind of sale going on. For example, last night I went and almost everything was 40% off! They also have "Super Cash" sometimes, where you earn Super Cash to use on another trip a few weeks later. Yesterday I got around $300 worth of clothes for $80! Can't beat that!
Before you ask, this post is not sponsored (although Old Navy please hit me up if you're interested because I basically keep you in business with my purchases alone...). I just wanted to share with the world where you can find great clothes for good prices, regardless of your size! If I could, I seriously would just live there.
Do you have a store that is like this for you? Do you shop at Old Navy often? Let me know!
Until next time,
Liv <3
 |
| Dress and jean jacket from ON for my grad photos. |
It all started about 5 years ago. For the longest time, I could never find a pair of jeans that would fit me just how I wanted them to. They were either too tight in the waist or too long in the legs, or too "mom-ish", or too flared, etc... One day, my mom came home with some clothes for me and everything changed. She had been to Old Navy, and while I don't usually like the clothes she picks out for me, I tried on the jeans anyway. They fit like a glove! I always thought that Old Navy had "old people" or "preppy clothes". But since that day, I don't think I have ever bought a pair of pants from anywhere else.
 |
| Rocking the Old Navy sweater, cami and jeans which you can't see while at Costco... |
Seriously, Old Navy has clothes for every style and shape. Somehow, when I go into the store, I know I can pick up any shirt and as long as it's my usual size, I don't even have to try it on. Their jeans are actually the best. They fit just right, sucking in at all the right places. They've also got coloured and patterned pants which I just love and own a large variety of. They always have different dresses available, which vary in color, pattern and style but all seem to fit the same way. I wish I was kidding when I said that literally every article of clothing I wear on a regular basis is from Old Navy.
 |
| Dress from Old Navy at my BFFs wedding shower. |
As someone who is considered "plus size" by most standards, I find it really hard to go into stores and not be able to shop in the "regular" section, instead having to scout out the Plus section. In Old Navy, there's no such thing. All of their clothes go up to size XXL and the pants go up to size 20 (I think possibly higher online as well). I can't tell you how great it is to be able to walk into a store, and not worry about if I'll find something that fits. The sky is the limit!
 |
| At the Justin Bieber concert in Quebec City! Outfits of all three of us on the right.... Old Navy... And I have the blue striped dress too. |
The final thing I love SO much about Old Navy is the prices. Some thrift shoppers of the world might walk in and think a lot of their clothes are a little pricey. However, if you sign up for their emails you'll know that they pretty much always have some kind of sale going on. For example, last night I went and almost everything was 40% off! They also have "Super Cash" sometimes, where you earn Super Cash to use on another trip a few weeks later. Yesterday I got around $300 worth of clothes for $80! Can't beat that!
Before you ask, this post is not sponsored (although Old Navy please hit me up if you're interested because I basically keep you in business with my purchases alone...). I just wanted to share with the world where you can find great clothes for good prices, regardless of your size! If I could, I seriously would just live there.
Do you have a store that is like this for you? Do you shop at Old Navy often? Let me know!
Until next time,
Liv <3
Monday 24 October 2016
Where am I now???
Howdy!
So... I have a blog... This is a fact that I have somewhat forgotten for almost TWO YEARS?! Holy moly, how things can change in such a short amount of time! For my followers, I hope you haven't forgotten about me, and I hope to make this blog a place where you can visit again regularly.
Here's a quick life update - since the last time I posted, I have (in no particular order):
- Finished my Masters degree
- Gotten a promotion at work
- Moved into my own apartment
- Welcomed a brand new puppy
- Sold my guinea pig due to allergies :'(
- Gone BLONDE
- Been the Maid of Honour in my best friend's wedding
- Started working at my church part-time in the youth department
So... I have a blog... This is a fact that I have somewhat forgotten for almost TWO YEARS?! Holy moly, how things can change in such a short amount of time! For my followers, I hope you haven't forgotten about me, and I hope to make this blog a place where you can visit again regularly.
Here's a quick life update - since the last time I posted, I have (in no particular order):
- Finished my Masters degree
- Gotten a promotion at work
- Moved into my own apartment
- Welcomed a brand new puppy
- Sold my guinea pig due to allergies :'(
- Gone BLONDE
- Been the Maid of Honour in my best friend's wedding
- Started working at my church part-time in the youth department
So I guess you could say a LOT has been going on! Now that the changes are done and the dust has settled, let's get this blog up and running again! I feel like now that I'm out on my own and the education is finished, this is where the real exploration begins. I want to use this blog to document the journey!
So, I look forward to taking you all along with me!
See you soon!
Liv :)
So, I look forward to taking you all along with me!
See you soon!
Liv :)
Monday 9 February 2015
"The One", or Just "One"?
Hi all,
I've been doing some thinking lately, and I wanted to write my thoughts to try and make sense, and so you guys can weigh in if you like!
So, in my church I kind of mentor a girl in our youth group. She is 17 going on 30, and she actually helps me sometimes and has some really interesting thoughts and ideas. The other day, she texted me distressed after one of her classes.
You see, her teacher ruined love. Basically, she said that there is no such thing as one true soulmate, but possibly a few people around the world who you come into contact with and fall in love. So in her opinion, love is based on a series of "geographical happenings". Well. How upset would you be as a 17 year old girl who thinks that everyone has 'one true love'. It's as if her dream was crushed! But this conversation got me thinking.
In this world, is there really only one person for us? One true love, or soulmate for everyone? I'm not so sure. If this was the case, then I think there would be a whole lot of people who never got married. What if my mom's soulmate lived in China? I would never have existed. Well maybe, but I would have looked a bit different. What if Kate Middleton grew up in Papua New Guinea? Where would Prince George be now?
It could be true that love depends on 'geographical happenings'. But maybe those geographical happenings are the work of "true love's" magical forces bringing those two people together. Who knows, really?! What I do know is, I hope some geographical happenings come into my life sometime real soon! What do you guys think of this phenomenon?
Until next time,
Liv :)
I've been doing some thinking lately, and I wanted to write my thoughts to try and make sense, and so you guys can weigh in if you like!
So, in my church I kind of mentor a girl in our youth group. She is 17 going on 30, and she actually helps me sometimes and has some really interesting thoughts and ideas. The other day, she texted me distressed after one of her classes.
You see, her teacher ruined love. Basically, she said that there is no such thing as one true soulmate, but possibly a few people around the world who you come into contact with and fall in love. So in her opinion, love is based on a series of "geographical happenings". Well. How upset would you be as a 17 year old girl who thinks that everyone has 'one true love'. It's as if her dream was crushed! But this conversation got me thinking.
In this world, is there really only one person for us? One true love, or soulmate for everyone? I'm not so sure. If this was the case, then I think there would be a whole lot of people who never got married. What if my mom's soulmate lived in China? I would never have existed. Well maybe, but I would have looked a bit different. What if Kate Middleton grew up in Papua New Guinea? Where would Prince George be now?
It could be true that love depends on 'geographical happenings'. But maybe those geographical happenings are the work of "true love's" magical forces bringing those two people together. Who knows, really?! What I do know is, I hope some geographical happenings come into my life sometime real soon! What do you guys think of this phenomenon?
Until next time,
Liv :)
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