I’m finally getting permanent residency in Spain! I’ve been living and working in Europe for the last five years thanks to me and Javi’s civil union (pareja de hecho). However my residency expires next month so we went to the Oficina de Extranjería (immigration/foreigner office) in Cádiz to submit my paperwork. Keep in mind you…
Expat Life
What I wish I’d known before filing taxes as an expat
I was on my second bottle of Fino at the feria of Jerez when the sobering topic of expat taxes came up. While chatting to a fellow American expat, who just happened to be banker, I learned the consequences of tax evasion could not just affect me, but my family as well. At this point we…
Finding a flamenco dress for a Spanish feria (Feria de la Manzanilla)
In an attempt to fully immerse myself in Spanish culture during my year abroad, I decided to participate in all of Sanlúcar’s events and fiestas to the best of my abilities. This included learning how to dance sevillanas and purchasing my very own traje de gitana (flamenco dress) for the annual fair (aka. feria). As you…
What to expect at a first communion in Spain
First communions are a BIG DEAL in Spanish culture and they’re considered “part of the package” when dating a Spaniard (along with weddings and baptisms too). Communions are not only an opportunity for families to uphold religious and cultural traditions, but they’re also the perfect reason to throw a fabulous party! Before attending your first…
6 Useful tips you need to know before starting a blog
Are you interested in creating a blog but you’re not sure where to start? They say the best way to learn how to do something is by doing it…but it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a bit of insider knowledge upfront. Apart from my personal blog, my “real job” also involves content creation…so you could…
What to wear to a wedding in Spain: Spring/Summer
Oh surprise! Another post on one of my favorite topics…weddings in Spain. 😉 If you’re a guiri (foreigner) like me, attending your first Spanish wedding can be a little stressful; there are some rules you might not be aware of and you probably aren’t sure what guests are supposed to wear. But not to fear! I’ve compiled the latest wedding…
Spanish style in the spotlight at Sur Fashion Experience
When it comes to fashion, no one does it quite like the south of Spain. If you’ve had the opportunity to attend a wedding in Andalusia then you know exactly what I’m talking about. 😉 For this reason, I was ecstatic to receive a blogger invitation to attend Sur Fashion Experience—an event celebrating fashion, gastronomy, and tourism here in the…
What to wear to a Spanish wedding: Fall/Winter
Avoid looking like a total guiri (foreigner) at the next Spanish wedding you attend. Stay on top of the latest trends and you’ll fit right in at the ceremony and reception. 😉 Remember, spring officially starts on March 20th so you can continue to reference winter looks until the new spring collections are showcased (check out my post on…
4 Ways marrying a foreigner will make you a better person
I never could have guessed the local guy I met my first weekend in Spain would become my future husband. The plan was to stay for a few months, practice my Spanish, party, travel and then go home to Florida and get a real job. I guess things change when you fall in love. It hasn’t been…
Pasarela Flamenca Jerez: Fashion show highlights and runway trends
I’m not sure who was more surprised…the flamenco fashion bloggers and press representatives who realized a guiri (i.e. foreigner) was in the press section of the biggest flamenco event of Jerez, or me, for being that guiri. 😉 I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend several fashion shows at the Pasarela Flamenco Jerez this weekend—the gorgeous models with…