When I first met Marco in 2007 he had never heard of Facebook. Seriously, I think he was one of the first people to get a Facebook account in Italy and that was ONLY to communicate with me while I stilled lived in Canada for those few months we new each other before I moved to Milan.
Soon afterwards he deleted his account while I continued to sing the praises of social media and all things digital.
And now.... I find myself, towards the end of 2016 with a totally different opinion. Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook either on my personal account or my blog profile or the few pages I manage, will have noticed that I've basically gone missing from the platform within the past two years....and I must say that I'm starting to slowly wean myself off of all social media and I feel GREAT!
You see I've discovered that although digital relationships are important it is spending REAL time with people that makes me truly happy. I mean, don't get me wrong, I need to rely on phone calls to stay in touch with my family, but at least I'm hearing their voices. In a world of text messages I still love looking people in the eyes, hearing the sound of their laugh, being a little uncomfortable in someones presence and then relaxing enough to open up.....all things you miss when they only exist in your pocket.
The Date Night
Lately I've been missing the sensation of going out, drinking, telling jokes and being one half of a couple. A while ago I told Marco that I NEEDED a reason to wear sexy heels and that he had to call up his parents to ask them to babysit so he could take me out....and he did!
Part of my 2017 manifesto will be to make more of an effort in my real life relationships and put in less effort into my digital relationships. If I miss you, chances are I will call and not send a text. And if you send a text expect me to call you back! All of this to say that lately I've been finding social media to be a little depressing, empty and superficial and I've been filling my life with as many opportunities to get out of the house as I can from hangouts with friends, date nights with my man and new classes.
When my life flashes before my eyes on my deathbed I do NOT want to remember looking at a screen. End of the Story!
What I Wore - The Velvet and Leather Choker Necklace
I was contacted by Happiness Boutique to review a few of their products on the blog. I've reviewed them before here and I was happy to shop with them again because their products are always fashionable and trendy and will not break the bank. Their necklaces and jewelry are a great way to update your look to be modern without investing a lot of money or buying clothes that you'll only love for a season.
I fell in love with was this black velvet choker with gold metal embellishments and a little leather tassle. It is so sexy when worn with a low cut top or off the should top that I absolutely had to wear it for my date night. It is a great mix between soft velvet which is trending EVERYWHERE right now for the holiday season and polished accessories that give it an adult-appropriate edge. Plus it is still available on their site here plus Happiness Boutique offers free shipping and a customer rewards program that will keep you coming back!
I paired the necklace with a printed corduroy mini skirt, block heel real leather over the knee boots and a simple bow neck bodysuit - please excuse the bathroom selfie, this was taken after a drink or two and I could NOT help myself!
I was totally aiming for a "date night" look that would go well with the "game" I was playing in my head. I say "game" because instead of dressing for the man that I've been with for almost a decade, I like to pretend that we're going on our first date and I dress to impress.
I play this game a lot with Marco and he's come to accept it although he doesn't really play along! It just keeps things fresh and fun and prevents us from talking about our son, the people we know or house/work related things. You can't talk about your kid with a man you've just met!
Besides flirting is one of my favorite activities but I can't technically flirt anymore because I'm you know...married, so I just flirt with my man 🙂 And it words. He buys me drinks, we talk about random things and then eventually I get home! One day he'll learn to appreciate the effort I put into keeping up out of a relationship rut.
Lo Spaccio Delle Carcere
We started our date night off at my new favorite place in Modena, a restobar called Spaccio Delle Carcere, which has been decorated with a very hipster/jail cell/Mexico vibe that I'm into. The food is expensive and relatively good although the portions are small. The drinks are good although also expensive but let's say the high price keeps people with kids at away (something date nighters can appreciate) and the atmosphere makes me feel like I'm in Toronto and not in Modena and that is basically why I love it!
I ordered a cherry rum something I can't remember and Marco ordered something that was smoked under a glass dome. Afterwards we got a call from our friends Alessandro and Laura who were also sans-child so the four of us went to another brewery slash bar in the centre where they make their own beer and serve yummy and cheap finger food.
We got to talking about politics, sexy movie stars, vacation plans and we had a great night. These are some of my favorite people in the world and case in point neither of them are on Facebook! So, if we know each other I hope I've inspired you to CALL me and make a date.
In 2017 I'm dying to go to a fancy fundraiser or ball-gown worthy event, I want to go to at least 2 concerts, I want to go bowling, I 'm dying to take a walk in the mountains or go hiking along a trail and I would love to have lunch in a city I've never seen. .... who's available?
P.S. sorry for the long pause in blogging I just got a new macbook and between working full-time, pole dancing, pilates, mothering, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and managing a home business I'm a little uninterested in being on my computer as opposed to catching some zzzzz's! But blogging remains my girl-cave and so rest assured I'll always find my way back here.
Have a great Tuesday everyone!
