castelvetrano

[castelvetrano]

Hey Annabelle I saw you mentioned in a post you have some other younger friends like my age (27) who called off engagements. I am currently 27 and called off my engagement and desperate for advice as none of my friends have gone through the same thing. I thought I’d have kids with this man by 29. I feel like I don’t even know where to start as so many of my friends are married. Any advice you have open to all suggestions/ how people you know have dealt with this

Your entire world just opened up to you! You ended your engagement because something didn’t feel right and it wasn’t working - good riddance! You saved yourself from divorce and harder turmoil down the line. You should be feeling so free as so many good things are coming towards you now. I thought I might be as well - but here I am 27 in London, single for kind of the longest I’ve been but by not settling in allowing for something incredible to come even if it takes a little bit longer than some original idea I had when I was a younger and naive teenager. You now know what you don’t want and what you might need for your future partner and self - that’s exciting and not many people are never brave enough or trust themselves or give themselves enough grace to go through that. Do not compare to your friends or anyone - this is such a pointless thing, literally who gives a shit and you should remain focused on yourself and thinking about the wonderful future life you’ll have when you know you’ve found the right person. The only advice you need is to have a mindset shift. If I called off my engagement I would feel like a million bucks and fall deeper in love myself because it shows how smart and wonderful you are. If you do want to talk to someone or get advice - ask an older woman in your life who you look up to or admire / want what her life looks like and I’m sure she would be happy to give you some words of wisdom on marriage. But honestly, I don’t think you need much advice just for all the reasons I listed above. I promise you once the you get the ball rolling again you will see just how many men there are out there and they will surprise you. Good luck and sending you a big hug! ❤️

[castelvetrano]

what’s a good gift for a foodie!

Tickets to a food festival - maybe road trip involved

Any nice kitchen supplies they don’t have. Maybe a le creuset dutch oven or another pot that suits their needs

Gift card to a really nice speciality food shop

Luxury cooking class to do together

Subscription to a monthly cheese or other kinds of food company

You could put together a basket of really high quality ingredients to fill their cupboard

Take them to a restaurant they’ve been dying to go to

[castelvetrano]

Hi anabelle! Do you have any Toronto recs? Restaurants?

Thanks !:)

Yes. Bar raval, bar Isabel, guiletta, gulia (would have to make a reso like now). If you want to go to king street the only reason I like there is VELA. I’m not sure where you’re staying but walking to summerhill market in summer hill is always cute. Checking out the beaches, walking through the forest to brickworks, hanging out and going bar / restaurant hoping near where bar raval is. / trinity bellwoods.

[castelvetrano]

specifically like bars (wine/cocktail bars preferably) restaurants, shops etc! I have a couple touristy book stores written down and that’s it lol

The Barbary Notting Hill, The pelican, Gold, Zephry, Tappo Enoteca Wine Bar, Rove clothing store is my favourite.

[castelvetrano]

Do you have any nottinghill recs? :)

Sooo many!!!! What are you wanting?

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good point, thank you for the advice! I personally like the more masculine look but I do agree it would be hard to style. Probably better to save that aesthetic for a cheaper watch and not a milestone investment piece…

What about this one?

https://www.cartier.com/en-ca/watches/collections/panthere-de-cartier/panthere-de-cartier-watch-CRWSPN0012.html

[castelvetrano]

what’s your signature scent? I recently discovered Anna Porte and her style reminded me so much of you! How do you guys know each other?!

I don’t have one. I like to mix it up and let perfumes find me! I love vanilla and amber scents, very sweet and fresh and feminine ones. I used to love good girl gone bad and straight to heaven by killian. I know Anna from Montreal and when I went to McGill - she’s so beautiful.

[castelvetrano]

[castelvetrano]

https://www.chrono24.ca/rolex/rolex-cellini-reference-3805-vintage-70s-manual-wind-18k-yellow-gold-champagne-dial-tonneau-case--id32375150.htm?noDesc=true&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=ca-c24om-ba-aqs_organicshopping_criteo_feed

This is the Cellini… thoughts? I know watches technically aren’t a good investment per se but I just received my holiday bonus from my first post grad job, I rarely treat myself and I think a watch is a good first “big girl purchase”

I think a watch is a perfect gift to give yourself. If I’m 100% honest I don’t like the watch - I think it looks really masculine and might be hard to style. You should go for something you can wear day to day but also wear at night and it will look classy and timeless. Honestly what I suggest doing is going to the Rolex store near you and trying on watches and then you can get an idea of what kinds fit your wrist and also what style you like then I would look for it second hand online. I would go for a two tone or if you like gold that can look nice too if it’s a lady one and a bit more dainty. One of my girlfriends has a gold/silver lady datejust nd it looks lovely. I prefer a metal I also am pro Rolex but I think you should not go for a leather band. Just my thoughts! Send me other options too if you’d like! ❤️❤️

[castelvetrano]

sorry ignore the first ask abt the cellini I forgot to specify which style <3 hehe

Hi a bunch are showing up - is there a number associated with it? Let me know x

[castelvetrano]

[castelvetrano]

Hi Annabelle thank you so much, seriously your response meant so much. Especially to hear that you have people in your life experiencing the same thing. It makes me feel less lonely and excited for the future! Sometimes I just feel embarrassed thinking it’s just me experiencing this at 27, so I feel a lot better.

You’re welcome!! Never ever feel embarrassed. Life is full of trails and tribulations and you’re not alone. Good luck out there ❤️

[castelvetrano]

Hi Annabelle, thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I agree with everything you said. It’s just been hard I feel as if no one is in my position being a 27 year old that had an engagement called off. But I’m going to take your advice and try to see the positive!

If it’s any consolation. I have one 25 year old friend who called off her engagement, a 27 year old friend, a 32 year old friend. I also have a friend in London who is under 30 and divorced and thriving now in the dating world. All of these people are women by the way. Perhaps no strangers or new people you meet are openly talking about their past but I know it’s more common than you think. but if I’m honest, I don’t think it’s something you need to ever lead with or make apparent to someone you’re just getting to know - of course if it comes up and you trust the guy you can be honest but I rarely talk about my ex boyfriends with men A) they don’t care / want to hear about it B) it’s your private and personal life and until you get to know someone (dating consistently) it’s none of their business. Unless of course it’s your personality and you don’t mind to talk about it but I don’t think you need to. Also, I genuinely think anyone you will tell will find it admirable and a great character trait to have the intelligence and strength to do so. Everyone has their own story and baggage and things that have happened in their life - maybe what might help you is focusing your attention on other people’s stories and taking the pressure off yourself.

Also if you don’t already - I think volunteering if you have gone through a break up / change in your life / maybe you’re dealing with anxiety or depression is the best thing you can do. I started in 2023 and this charity I find incredible and it’s change my perspective on life. Maybe something to think about for 2025 ❤️

[castelvetrano]

Hi anabelle I’m 27 years old and was engaged however it has been called off, I’m originally from Canada but moved to New York with my now ex-fiancé. I truly don’t know where to start (dating again as 27 and being previously engaged) any ideas or thoughts? Thank you

Hi my doll. You’re in basically the greatest city in the world and you’re young. I know the weight of the breakup and end of your engagement must seem massive but you’re in a very generous spot. Newly single in NYC is a dream for most. Try to channel how it might be scary into how much opportunity you have. You don’t need to start anywhere other than focusing on yourself and rebuilding your confidence which I don’t think you should lack any. So many people I know have broken off their engagements and I find it so brave and incredible. Don’t over think and have FUN. Go out and make friends and be stupid and date and explore, you’re in your 20s!!!!! You’ve avoided marrying someone who wasn’t right for you that’s a reason to celebrate and be proud of yourself. Relax, breathe, enjoy your youth and meet a million men. Trust trust trust me you’re exactly where you want to be. If you need anything else or maybe if you need some connections message me on instagram and I can see what I can do. Chin up girl there’s nothing to worry about ❤️

[castelvetrano]

[castelvetrano]

Previous anon here! Thank you for providing such a sound and gentle response, you’re so sweet ❤️ I live in Toronto and it’s VERY stale in comparison to London (very jealous you’re in such a vibrant, outgoing city!). I went down to King last weekend and it was beyond dead. I loved your advice about being secure with yourself to spot red flags and move on immediately. I’m very quick to attach and that’s something I’ll definitely need to work on before I start dating again. Thanks again! xx

Of course it’s my pleasure. I lived in Toronto for a bit and agreed on the deadness, can be like that sometimes. My friends and I loved going to One lounge at the hazelton in Yorkville, Hemingways, the oxley, dbar, and parc ave for like proper bar vibes. We would meet tons of people. Maybe try these spots if you havent already and have fun - less serious you take dating the more you will attract ❤️

[castelvetrano]

Just got out of a 4 year relationship and I’m terrified to get back out there! I’m turning 27 soon, not old at all but feels like everyone is paired up already! Do you have any tips for dating? I feel like guys have gotten so much worse (cheating, love bombing, indecisive etc). Also none of my girlfriends have any single guys in their network so the apps are my primary source of action rn

Hi ❤️

I promise you, like truly promise that there are so so many single men out there and you do not have to fear about people being already coupled up. You made brave a really amazing decision ending your last relationship because it wasn’t working - lots of people stay in dead relationships so it really shows that you have tons of self love and you want the best for your self and someone else.

I never go on the apps. I currently just meet men at the pub / restaurants, or through friends maybe. But I’m a very social person and love meeting new people so this is why I’ve never felt like I need apps. I would recommend not going on them either, I think it will mess with your idea of what’s out there, at least for the first while maybe try to just be open to meeting people out.

It’s easier for me as I live in London which is a very social city with lots going on - I’m not sure where you live?

My tips for dating is just to be mentally in a good space, be happy, engaged, not looking around desperately to see if there’s cute guys there just be enjoying yourself and usually the right people end up sitting beside you or coming up to say hi. There’s also nothing wrong with striking up a conversation with someone at the bar when you’re ordering, this is easy and good practice.

Now onto the issue with men today, of course there are going to be love bombers and cheaters but you can’t think that way. You have to trust yourself and your gut and be an intelligent woman and able to see the red flags and move on. There’s shitty men and women everywhere but have faith in yourself that you’ll find someone who is morally sound and who loves and treats you with respect. There are definitely men out there looking to date and be in relationships and love women properly. But if your type is some nonchalant guy who makes you feels confused then of course you’re going to think men are shit. Love bombing is very easy to pick up on.. I will literally stop responding to texts if I feel it’s going in that direction. I can’t be bothered and it turns me off.

I hope this helps a bit. Let me know if there’s anymore specific you need help with or anything. Good luck out there ❤️