This Thursday night I will be chatting with Alexei Ungurenaşu about our experiences as young writers, as well as reading a selection of my poetry.
Register for this virtual event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-impressions-may-with-victoria-hecnar-tickets-344759082697
I hope to see you all there! ❤️
One of the best summer treats are s’mores. They are perfect for camping, parties, or just hanging out at home in your pyjamas. Now that this summer has been partially ruined due to COVID-19, many of us are finding ourselves stuck at home rather than attending typical summer bonfires. Luckily, you don’t need a fire to make this tasty treat! This recipe is super easy and serves four people (or less — I won’t tell). All you need is some graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate chips, a cake pan, and a broiler.
Have fun making this easy and yummy recipe. Let me know in the comments below how it went! xoxo
Back in 2015, I made a small list of my favorite three bloggers. I intended to do it again but unfortunately forgot about it until now (five years later, I suck, I’m sorry). Some of them have stayed the same because my taste has mostly remained the same, but I have included a few new ones in there for you to check out! I mostly follow lifestyle and fashion blogs but I am always interested in broadening my blog list. If you have any blogs that you think I should take a look at, please leave the link in the comment section! I am always down to discover new favorites.
Zoella (whose real name is Zoe Sugg) was first on my last list too, and she still remains there to this day. Some of you may recognize Zoella as a YouTuber with eleven million (whaaat?!) subscribers, but she began her journey to fame as a small lifestyle blogger back in 2009 when she was working a job she hated (sound familiar?). Now in addition to her online persona, Zoella has extended her brand into a makeup line, a clothing line, and even a line of products for your home! Zoella is the definition of a boss babe and I love reading her blog. She posts recipes, style and beauty tips, and everything else to appease the modern woman.
Find her at https://www.zoella.co.uk/.
Another blogger that made it from 2015’s list to 2020’s list of my favorite bloggers is a woman named Chantelle who blogs under the name Fat Mum Slim. Now, I don’t have kids (thankfully) but this blogging mom can be appealing to women at any age and life experience. She does blog about a lot of family related matters but her humorous and bright personality make them entertaining to read, even for those of us without children of our own. She also posts yummy recipes, life tips, and she is probably most known for her “Photo A Day” challenge which has accumulated over 23 million participants worldwide.
Find her at https://www.fatmumslim.com.au/.
The next blog is the most aesthetically pleasing website I have ever laid my eyes on. Flip and Style is managed by a young woman named Vanessa who has a keen eye for everything feminine and pink. As someone who is quite fond of the color pink, her blog instantly stood out above the rest. I stumbled across her blog one evening while trying to find girly wallpapers for my iPhone, and ended up spending the next couple of hours on her website, fascinated with both its content and appearance. As you may have guessed it, Flip and Style is a fashion blog. One of Vanessa’s quotes are:
“My main aim in life is to make everything around me positive and beautiful.”
She is definitely accomplishing that goal with Flip and Style. Also, isn’t that name just super fun to say?
Find her at https://www.flipandstyle.com/.
Who remembers Lauren Conrad from the television show The Hills? Or perhaps her book series L.A. Candy? Lauren Conrad has been a fashion icon since 2004 when she first appeared in the television show Laguna Beach, and she has been shining ever since. Her lifestyle blog has a little bit of everything, so no matter who you are or what you’re into, you’ll find something interesting on Lauren’s blog. Lauren posts lifestyle tips, recipes, and is an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement. She recently posted a couple blog posts about diversity and how to educate ourselves on systemic racism.
Find her at https://www.laurenconrad.com/.
Just recently I came across the blog Planner Perfect, and thus far I have been really enjoying it. It’s definitely different than most blogs I read (in a good way). A woman named Jenny runs Planner Perfect in hopes to help individuals lead a more organized and productive lifestyle. In essence, the blog is literally a digital planner that can help you stay on track, also giving lots of great tips and tricks. There are recipes, tips for success, and hacks written to help you live your best life. If you want to get organized and have fun doing it, then look no further! Planner Perfect has got you covered.
Find her at https://www.plannerperfect.com/.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully you have added a few of these on your list of blogs to read. Feel free to drop links to your favorite blogs in the comments that you think I should check out!
Good evening bloggers! I hope everyone is trying not to go crazy in self-isolation and keeping themselves occupied ― more importantly, staying home while remaining safe and healthy.
It’s been quite some time since I wrote on my blog last, and I figured that during a time when you’re not supposed to leave your house (which I wished for many times, and am now beginning to regret it) it would be a good idea to write something to keep my brain active. Currently, I am studying English Literature and Creative Writing at university which has been moved online. This is my last week of classes for the semester, and then final exams, which are also going to be happening online.
Last summer, I was involved in a slightly humiliating situation, but one that makes for a good story nonetheless. Jacob and I were going to McDonald’s for a late night snack and I was the driver. The next thing I knew, we were driving along the border and going into a different country. Yup, I am the only person I know that can attempt to go down the street for a burger and somehow end up in the United States.
This story was submitted to a creative writing class at the university I attend and received an A, so I figured it’d be good enough to make a blog post out of. Enjoy my ridiculousness!
That was how a drive to McDonald’s went terribly, horribly wrong. It was a hot midsummer’s night, and somehow a trip to McDonald’s turned into an adventure to another country. Jacob (my boyfriend) and I’s hunger had grown pernicious, and the only way to rectify this uncontrollable hunger was to embark on the five-minute drive to the nearest McDonald’s for burgers and fries. I was the driver, and the only possible excuse I can muster in this case is that my eyesight isn’t particularly excellent in the dark. I had both hands on the steering wheel, my eyes on the road ahead and my mind on the food that awaited me, when I made the fatally wrong left turn. As I cranked the wheel to what I thought was the correct street, I realized I was bolting down a one-way street — and I was not going the right way down it. Quickly, I swerved down another street that allowed vehicles to travel southbound. Unfortunately for me, this road had no exit as far as I could see — in fact, there was only one way out, and it was not the way I wanted to take. It was an anxiety-ridden moment. Full of panic, I looked over towards Jacob and asked him what we should do. Together, we searched to see if there was someone, anyone at all that could help and direct us to the right path. Albeit, there was no one around, and I cruised across the border that led from our homeland of Canada into the unknown and somewhat frightening territory of the United States. In hindsight, I could have handled that differently. Perhaps I should have took a deep breath and thought things through a little rather than acting on the first thing that came to mind. I drove and drove and drove and drove across that seemingly never-ending bridge alongside trucks and cars who were driving with a purpose, while I was there, driving encumbered with regret. Approaching the border patrol, I took a deep breath of relief. We were saved. We would be turned around back to Canada, we could go to McDonald’s, and we could forget this whole night ever happened. As I told the man what had happened, he looked quizzical. I understand — after all, I’m not entirely sure they have many crossers who simply were trying to go to McDonald’s. He said it would be more work to turn us around than let us through (even though we were not equipped with passports), so we were headed into Detroit, Michigan. I had never driven in the United States before, so to say I was unnerved would be undermining how I had felt in that moment. Hours after searching for the bridge (but not before arriving to the tunnel to discover it was closed due to maintenance) and driving back onto Canadian soil with a dead GPS and frazzled energies, Jacob and I were at the border customs yet again. This time, we were hassled by the border police, who asked us multiple times how one can end up in the United States when going to get a Big Mac. So multiple times I had to reply, that yes, I know — I’m an idiot. Eventually, we did get to McDonald’s. A greasy cheeseburger had never tasted so good and rewarding. This may be an odd and slightly humiliating story to recount, but it did teach me a valuable lesson — be careful when driving to McDonald’s, because you may end up in another country.
This is the last post about Christmas for the year, I swear. I just wanted one more blog post to reflect on this year and the holidays (yes, I am a very sentimental person). This Christmas was one of the best one I had in years. It was drama-free, fun, and everything went smoothly ― except for Jacob and I forgetting our leftovers at not one, but two of our Christmas dinners. Let’s hope we remember them at Christmas dinner number three tomorrow night!
It’s always sad though when Christmas comes to an end. The music stops, the movies end, and the bright lights burn out. We have to drag ourselves back to work and school, and then the days seem less exciting and magical. Yes, the new year begins and we have to wait 365 more days until next Christmas.
I still have no idea what we’re doing for New Year’s Eve. We were originally going to go to a 1920’s themed party (how cool would that have been?) but we were unable to get tickets in time. What is everyone else up to for New Year’s Eve?
Then the week after, Jacob and I are heading to Kingston to visit my brother before I have to go back to school and work. Unfortunately, he had to work during the holidays and was unable to visit us, so we’re going to see him! My brother and I have been super close ever since we were little, and we always have a blast when we’re together. I can’t wait!
Here’s some photos of our Christmas tree this year. It’s nothing fancy ― but it’s ours, so we love it regardless. Enjoy the rest of your holiday season!
A picture of decorations from my grandmother’s house. The little animals are all so different and cute ― the sheep even has a little pine cone for a tail.
Of course, I had to take some pictures of me with my guinea pigs, Fluffy and Lulu. I also did a Christmas photo shoot with them that you can take a look at here → https://victoriahecnar.com/2019/12/25/christmas-photo-shoot-with-my-guinea-pigs/
And last but not least, Jacob and I on his 26th birthday on December 22nd (top) and us on Christmas Eve (bottom).
Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas! ❄ Be sure to subscribe to my blog to get new posts delivered to you via email! XOXO
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas full of good food, good presents, and most importantly, good company. The other day I decided to have a photo shoot with my guinea pigs ― because who doesn’t love cute guinea pigs dressed up in Christmas outfits?
Enjoy a few of my favorite images from the shoot. Merry Christmas from me, Jacob, and Fluffy & Lulu!
Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas! ❄ Be sure to subscribe to my blog to get new posts delivered to you via email! XOXO
As a child, autumn was always my least favourite season―the colder air a depressing sign of the long, chilling winters soon to come; the fallen leaves a cruel reminder that nothing lasts forever.
Now, however, I would say it is one of my favourite seasons. What changed? To be honest, I have no idea, but I’m happy that it did. There is so much to love about fall: sweater/boots/leggings weather, pumpkin spice lattes, cozy pajamas, soft blankets, cuddling up on a chilly day, apple picking, pumpkins, and of course, Thanksgiving and Halloween!
To celebrate the coming of autumn, I will be dedicating a bunch of blog posts to this spooky, cozy season with yummy and easy fall recipes, do-it-yourself fall craft ideas, and fun activities to do during the fall season!
Make sure to follow my blog to be notified when these fall posts are published!
A little FYI . . . This September, I started university for English Literature & Creative Writing (whoop-whoop!) while still working every day. Thus, I have been extremely busy and have not had a lot of time to make new posts. Heck, I haven’t even had time to think. But through this stressful, busy period of my life, I still hope to keep up with blogging as it is one of my greatest passions! Thank you for your continuous support. ❤
This summer has been scorching hot. If you find yourself too busy to head down to the beach, try baking some beachy summertime themed sugar cookies instead! Tip: If you have different shaped cookie cutters, be sure to use them and incorporate them into your summery treats.
Once your cookies are done baking, sprinkle a bit of sugar on them if desired. Then using your icing, you can let your creativity run wild and create anything you wish. This can include a beach, flip-flops, sunglasses, pineapples―literally anything you can think of!
Enjoy! Be sure to stay cool out there in this heat. XOXO
It’s springtime now, and the weather is warming up! Say goodbye to the colder weather and hello to spending hours outside every day! One of my favorite things to do when the weather starts to warm up is bringing my guinea pigs outside to play. They love eating the grass and flowers and running around when it’s nice outside. Normally I have a play pen for them, but sometimes I bring them outside and just keep them right next to me and we have fun together, all three of us. However, a few weeks ago Fluffy and I were sitting outside in my backyard, and he heard a noise and got spooked. He dashed off as quick as a lightning bolt, and I tried to chase after him but he was too quick for me. He squirmed underneath my fence and went into my neighbor’s backyard! She’s known for feeding the stray cats, and they always hang around her yard as she even went as far as building houses for them. Luckily, they weren’t there on this particular day. I had to go and hop the fence to get Fluffy back. Fortunately, I brought him back safe and uninjured. But boy did I learn a valuable lesson that day─be more careful!
The pictures I took of the boys were so adorable, I had to make a post about it and share the pictures with you!
Hope you enjoyed the photos of these little cuties! What are your plans for the warmer weather?
Back in February this year, my beloved skinny pig named Pinkie passed away. Being the animal lover that I am, the best way for me to cope with the loss of a precious pet is to find another creature to love and nurture. Knowing that skinny pigs often have more health issues than furry guinea pigs due to their weakened immune systems, I opted to find some guinea pigs with hair this time.
As a child, I had a black and white bunny named Prince who was absolutely a sweetheart. Unfortunately, as time went on, I adapted an allergic reaction to him and had to give him away. Plus, I was not yet responsible enough to take on the task of caring for another living thing. My allergies swayed me to stay away from rodents for a while after that.
In 2013, I got my beautiful hamster named Hammie after realizing that my allergies did not apply to hamster fur. In 2015 when she passed away, I held both a rabbit and a guinea pig to see if the same thing applied but within seconds of holding them my eyes got watery, red, and itchy, and my throat got scratchy─I realized that this type of fur was a no go for me.
By a miracle, I went in to PetSmart and saw Fluffy─a pig with so much hair it sticks out in all directions. I asked the employee to let me hold him for a couple minutes and to my surprise, nothing. Even less of an allergic reaction than I had with my skinny pig Pinkie, which would cause my skin to break out into rashes and hives if I held him for too long.
I decided to get the guinea pig, and his friend that he had with him in his cage. The employee told me they had been together since birth and had not been separated. I could tell they were close because when I picked up one of them, the other one went up to the cage and started to cry. What kind of a monster would be so cruel as to break them apart?
When I got home, Jacob and I tried to think of names for these little guys. Fluffy’s name came easily, because, he’s so darn fluffy and cute! His fur is so soft, you could make the most comfortable blanket out of it. Lulu’s name came as a joke. For some reason Jacob kept calling him Legume, and still calls him Legume to this day. Me, a sane person and not one to call my pet after a vegetable, decided to call him Lulu for short. Thus, Fluffy and Lulu were born.
It’s been a month since I’ve gotten them and thankfully no allergic breakouts yet! They are starting to warm up to me and love to climb on the cage and scream at me for food whenever I walk in the room, rustle a bag, open the fridge, open the cupboards─these guys get excited for literally everything.
It’s so cute how they are the best of friends─I’m so happy I was able to get both of them.
![fluffy]](https://victoriahecnardotcom.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/fluffy.jpg)
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