Showing posts with label firenze. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firenze. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2015

All Things Fitness: Get Unhealthy With Me

Yes, I know the title seems a bit dramatic. Plus, I'm putting this in the Fitness section of my blog. Tisk Tisk Kim. 
Before you call me crazy, read on :)

Note the bottle of water..so healthy.

I'm a huge fan of YouTube videos and tend to see a lot of beauty gurus and fashionistas create videos related to health and create series of "Get Healthy With Me" videos. That's all fine and well. Workout. Eat right. Indulge on occasion. 
I want to know what being unhealthy for someone is. 
What about the days you throw out your diet or food rule book out the window. What do you eat? What do you like to enjoy? 
I thought I'd share my indulgences in Italy and put a twist on those video ideas in one blog post.
Let's get unhealthy...


If there is one thing you should know about me, it is my love affair with food.
I LOVE to eat. 
I am very active: go to the gym, run, swim, and watch what I for the most part.
Although I may be a vegetarian and keep tabs on what I put in my body, that does not mean I eat healthy all the time. I know how to indulge.
My mother could tell you the amount of times she screams at me for being in the kitchen and grabbing a snack or meal or smoothie or bowl of fro-yo. 
Like mom, I'm hungry and I like food. Let me live.
The perks of working out is a faster metabolism. 
The not so fun part is feeling bad after demolishing an entire pizza like the one above. 

But you know what? You have to live a little. I'm all for eating healthy, avoiding bleached flour and bread, eating more vegetables and fruits than anything else, and making sure I eat as best as I can to keep fit. 
But on some days, I like to indulge and when I do, go hard or go home.



I have been enjoying a fair share of foods I don't normally eat or choose to eat while back at home. For example, Italian pastries like this Venetian pastry. Heaven. 


I can't express how in love I am with gelato. Fro-yo and ice cream step aside. 
I found new love.
Cheesecake and cookies and cream gelato on the Ponte? Yes, please.

This panino (fun fact: panini is the plural form) had everything I could ask for in between delicious fresh focaccia: eggplant, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, zucchini, sun dried tomato paste, and lettuce.
I could not finish this in one sitting but I for sure finished it the same day. 


As I have mentioned in my previous study abroad posts, these Nutella pastries are the most delicious thing I will ever have late at night. The bakers are the sweetest ever and make the sweetest desserts to match.


Who would have thought I would be eating kebabs in Italy? Well friends, kebabs are everything when you are starving at 2am. My falafel kebab seems a bit healthier since it is made from chickpeas but I think the fries, cheese, and hot sauce killed that. At least the hot sauce helps it burn a little faster. Haven't had one? Add it to your life bucket list please. 


Oh cocktails, how I love thee. I am not a fan of beer since it makes me bloat. Mojitos and deliciously flavored drinks? Huge fan. Although these babies pack on a good amount of calories, I like to make sure to enjoy a good share on a night out with my girlfriends. Let me not mention my love affair with wine. 
But it helps you live longer right? (excuses wine fanatics use everywhere)


Check out my last post on how I burn all these delicious calories and stay tuned for more posts :)

xoxo,




Sunday, February 22, 2015

It's Wanderlust: Painting the Town Black and The Florentine Nightlife



If there is one thing that Italians know how to do, it's how to have a good time. 
These past few weeks have been nothing but full of great memories and adventurous outings after a long week of classes. 

Since Florence is one of the big study abroad hubs for American students in Italy, there is nothing short of Americans...and Italians. I thankfully live close to what has become one of my favorites, The Lion's Fountain. I have met loads of students from other places and schools in addition to a fair share of military men also winding down from their weekly duties. The atmosphere is awesome--classic songs like Sweet Caroline and Drunk In Love that make you want to scream and shout the lyrics (guilty), relatively inexpensive drinks, nice bartenders who take shots with you and your friends (FYI the legal age is 18), and it's flooded with shirts from campuses all over the U.S. 

I'll round up all of my favorite places for a night out in Florence in a later post :) 

Apart from enjoying my fair share of Irish pubs and hanging at atypical study abroad student atmospheres, every night on the town has been awesome. 
My Italian has gotten better and more skilled thanks to having to order drinks, food, and ward off lovely individuals who love American girls LOL.
Karaoke nights, lovely bartenders, great music, dancing on tables, getting into the VIP section with my gals, taking in the city lights, and ending the night..or morning..with delicious Nutella croissants or kebabs. I've managed to memorize how to order a fair share of Nutella croissants in Italian thanks to the angelic pastry bakers who feed us at 2am. Thank you, Florence. 

As for my typical attire? Black, black, and more black.
I like to throw on a scarf on a more laid back night but if it's a weekend? I want glitter, statement jewelry, and a smokey eye. 

I have yet to spend a whole night in heels and it's on my bucket list. With all these cobblestones...stay tuned for that one. 

The weather in Florence changes day to day but stays pretty cool to cold at night. But if you're having a lot a fun, a jacket is totally not necessary. 

It's almost a month since I've gotten here and the memories I've made so far I will never forget. I don't want to think about leaving yet but time is going by faster than I imagined already! Summer is around the corner...although for my Nor'easters it feels like an eternal winter at the moment.


Until next time my loves,




Thursday, February 5, 2015

OOTD: Marveling Vespas

Black Cardigan: F21
Black Long-Sleeve: Target
Leggings (more like tights..): F21
Scarf: H&M
Bag: Coach
Shoes: Just Fab


Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture
Ring: Armed & Readi
Nail Polish: OPI: Skulls & Glossbones

Note: Never take photos on a busy street and almost get run over by a Vespa like I did. LOL.

An all black ensemble was my go-to and I contrasted my black apparel with a printed scarf and cinched this cardigan with a skinny black belt.
Next time, I'll remind myself to wear a jacket later on in the day to avoid freezing and to also remember that Vespa drivers can run you over in an instant while taking pictures.

xoxo,
Monday, December 15, 2014

It's Wanderlust: The Flights Guide


My fall semester has officially come to a close.
The feeling is completely bittersweet to say the least.
In about a month, I will be on my way to an adventure abroad.
This fact won't hit me until I'm getting off the plane surrounded by Europeans and not not knowing what the heck I'm doing.
Until then, let's talk about actually getting there....


If you're like me, you love to get the best deals for just about everything including like let's say a flight to a far distant country you've never been to.

Since I am financing my entire trip apart from having my tuition paid by my parents, a girl has to budget and that includes my flight there.

I purchased my one-way ticket this past November. Yup, one-way.

A one-way ticket will save me from purchasing a ticket too early or too late considering I have yet to really figure out my schedule there. Or maybe it's because I'm hoping to marry an Italian, have my wedding in Florence, and live in a villa, and have beautiful Italian babies.

Just kidding. (but not really....)


If you're planning on buying a ticket for your study abroad adventure, here are my top 5 tips!


1. Make sure you know what kind of ticket you need!
If you're studying abroad in Italy for more than 90 days, you are going to need a visa. Also, you may or may not need a flight reservation when you go to your visa appointment. Make sure to check the requirements! I bought my flight and didn't need to even prove I had one once I got to the consulate. With a student visa, I am able to stay there for over 90 days and I am not required to purchase a round-trip flight. Praise Jesus Hallelujah. My wallet thanks you Italy. 

2. Search for flights early to get the best price!
So, prices for flights are like a girl on her period. Yes, I just said that. They have a cycle of good days and bad days. Make sure to catch one on a good day! Tuesdays after 4pm from all the research I've done seems to be your best bet. The closer you get to the weekend the more $$ you'll be dishing out. Also, make sure to get your flight about about a month in advance to secure a good flight and one that doesn't break the bank. If you're lucky and super last minute, you may get a good deal. But let's try not to risk it. 

3. Get connected!
If you are on a budget and need to save your money for other expenses or have no choice, get a connecting flight. I have a 9+ hour flight to Florence and will be making a pit-stop in Switzerland before I arrive. You will definitely see a price difference if you buy a connecting flight. Disclaimer: Be prepared for a long flight, sitting in an airport, and the potential of having your luggage lost. I personally am hoping for the best and do not expect any mishaps to occur. In addition to this tip, after much research, if you are looking at a connecting flight in France, avoid the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Lost luggage, missed flights, and long security lines are some of the complaints I read about. Connectors beware.

4. Use your student status for cheap flights!
I got the best deal from Student Universe! Although I only bought a one-way ticket, a round-trip was just about 1,000 including a flight to London. They have the best deals for college students and even alumni. I used Kayak to compare flight prices and to assure myself that I had the best deal.
Student Universe won every time. 

5. Harness the Power of Coupon Codes
If you've never used a coupon code, I shall cry for you. Coupon codes are the bomb dot com. I used a coupon code for my flight and saved $30 bucks. $30. Like, that can pay for a mani-pedi or new lipstick from Makeup For Ever! Google coupon codes irregardless of where you buy your flight from. Student Universe has a whole bunch of them at all times. Peep Student Universe and Retailmenot.com to see what offers they currently have before you book that flight!

Have any questions?
Make sure to leave a one below or tweet me :)

Until then, I will be preparing, packing, and learning as much Italian as I can so I don't get lost in the airport.

If all goes well, this will most likely be me on the plane....



Ciao, 
Monday, August 18, 2014

It's Wanderlust: Preparing for Firenze

 Firenze

a city in western central Italy, the capital of Tuscany, on the Arno River; pop. 365,659 (2008). Florence was a leading center of the Italian Renaissance, esp. under the rule of the Medici family during the 15th century. Italian name Firenze.

The countdown has been in my head since the day I learned Study Abroad was a possibility. 

My upcoming study abroad trip has so much in store and I am absolutely euphoric about it.

I'm hoping for a total Eat. Pray. Love. moment. A time to explore and find myself.


PIZZA. Cobblestone streets. Mopeds. Gelato. Cute cafés. Street markets. Beautiful and intricate architecture. Mountains of spaghetti. Italian boys. Wine. More wine. Did I mention wine?


Florence seems like the perfect fit for me.

I'll be able to take my core Business classes and thankfully stay on track for an early graduation.
I can also take fashion courses. Fashion courses in Europe? Um, yes! Totally heaven sent.

If you're thinking of studying abroad, I would definitely look into the different programs at your school. I also suggest you think of where you would like to be living for a good 4 months of your life.
As I hear, it will be the experience of a lifetime. Choose wisely!

Are you studying abroad soon and don't know where to start? 
Peep my latest and tentative list of to do's! 


  1. Research! What are the closest airports? What's the weather like in the Spring? Where will I be living? Where can I go to study for my exam? What are must-do's in the city? I want to know everything possible so I don't miss any pertinent information. All these questions can be answered by looking at articles and reading travel logs from other study abroad students.
  2. Coordinate your classes! Apart from marveling at my surroundings, I am there to study abroad. Thus, my classes are the important above all. Although I am a French minor, I chose Italy. I made sure to meet with my advisor and look over the course catalog of my school abroad and coordinate with my graduation requirements. I have room for some fun electives which I'm totally pumped for. Italy has the perfect combo of Business classes and fashion courses that I want to take full advantage of. Why not learn Italian as well? Make sure to pick a school that fits your interests and major requirements. 
  3. Apply! This obviously needs to come first once you have chosen the locale. Go through all the necessary steps and applications so that you can have an acceptance letter in your hand. You will definitely need this to apply for a student visa in Italy. 
  4. Visa! No, I am not talking about my CC. In order to study abroad, you need to have the documents to do so. After your application has been processed, your school abroad should send you a lovely acceptance letter that will allow you to go to the nearest consulate and apply for a student visa. I'm most excited about this step since it will make it basically official! 
  5. Flights! After I have my visa and acceptance letter in my hand, this will be next. I have yet to decide if I shall stay in Europe for a bit after the semester but irregardless I have to get a great deal on flights. I will be paying the hefty ticket so I will plan on getting a great deal. I hear Tuesdays around 4pm and a month before your departure are the best days to buy flights. 
  6. Packing List! I definitely need to make a thorough and organized packing list for this trip. I have a lot of clothing and shoes and a need to have them with me at all times. Since I am packing my life for those months in just a suitcase, I need to regroup. Converters. School supplies. Toiletries. Makeup. I know some things will need to be purchased in Italy but I will bring all that I can to avoid paying for items I do not need to. 
  7. Cell Phones and Bank Accounts! Clearly, I need some way to communicate while I'm there and to stay in contact with my family and friends abroad. Also, I need to take into account that I will be using Euros and not American dollars. I am a thrifty gal so I will make sure to figure out the best options to avoid paying crazy transaction fees and insane cell phone charges. So, I may be picking up an Italian cell phone and opening a bank account that will work fee-less while I'm there. 
  8. A Bucket List! Apart from studying and immersing myself in culture, I want to travel and explore as much as possible. My weekends will be spent in different countries or exploring new places in Italy. A bucket list will not only serve as a guide of to do's but also help me accomplish all my travel aspirations.  
Stay tuned for a break down of my to do's and anymore that may be added.
Until then, Ciao. 


Meet Kimmy

I'm Kimberly, a Latina lifestyle blogger and total wine enthusiast. Welcome to the party!

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