Saturday, December 27, 2014

My Maternity Must Haves

Last week when I finally got around to posting something for the first time in months I alluded to some reasons why I was so m.i.a. Well, another main reason for my disappearance is because I am pregnant! We are expecting our first baby, a girl, in April! Which might seem like a strange reason to drop off the earth, but I'll explain. At first I was literally too tired to do anything but work, eat, and sleep. I am talking full out exhaustion. I kept a yoga mat in my office and as soon as 12pm hit I turned the lights out, set an alarm, and snoozed on the floor for 45 mins every. single. day. For weeks. Thank god I share my office with an angel who let me do this and quietly sat at her desk while I got much needed rest.

Then it was time for my temp job to be made permanent, so even after we were "safe" to announce it my husband and I decided to keep it hush until I got my job figured out and just last week it finallly got made permanent and I couldn't be so more excited to have an awesome career to return to after maternity leave! So while all that was going on it was pretty heartbreaking to hide my growing bump and it seemed impossible to write a lifestyle blog while keeping the most exciting thing in my life a secret. BUT it did give me plenty of time, as in 6 months worth, to research all my other fav blogger momma favorites and read countless reviews, so today I've come up with a list of purchases I've made so far some I've tried and some I'll really only be able to try once our little gal gets here in April!


1. Legacy BFF Diaper Bag // 2. Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow // 3. Woombie // 4. Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Leggings // 5. Aden + Anais swaddle blankets // 6. Solly Baby Wrap // 7. Baby Jogger City Select // 8. Maxi Cosi Mico AP Car Seat

Legacy BFF diaper bag
I scoured online for ever trying to find out what the fav bags were out there and when I found this one I knew I had to have it. It's a bit on the pricey side, but I love that the straps can be adjusted to be worn as a back pack because I know I'll be doing lots of traveling with the little duffer and from what I hear this bag is the best for traveling mommas. I already have it all packed and it fits so much stuff in it and I love the pull out changing pad!

Bump Nest Pillow
I bought this as soon as I found out I was pregnant and it has become a god send. I keep reading I should lay on my left side which isn't my natural sleeping position, so this pillow keeps me so snuggled in and I love having one side longer to sleep between my knees. It is so awesome!

Woombies
I knew I had to have some of these. Every testimonial and review ravs about how much better babies sleep in woombies, so although I haven't tested it myself yet I'm trusting all you other mommas out there and the name alone is too cute not to have!

Ingrid & Isabel leggings
I saw these on one of my fav bloggers and decided to get a pair and lemme tell you.. I wear them on the daily. They are thick enough to wear with long sweaters or dresses and are so comfy on my ever growing body & belly.

Aden + Anais swaddle blankets
Again, haven't tried to swaddle with these yet, but pretty much every mom out there ravs about them and the designs alone are just so cute, so when they went on sale on Amazon I scooped some up and they are thee softest blankets ever I can't wait to wrap her all up in these!!

Solly Baby Wrap
I love the idea of wearing the baby without the hard shell of the styles in most stores, so when I saw other bloggers on Instagram wearing and loving this wrap I knew it was going to be a must have for me. Shipping to Canada makes them more pricey, but they've been working on making it better and I waited til they had a sale and got one, so keep your eye on them!

Baby Jogger City Select Stroller
I knew I wanted a stroller that I could add seats to as more babies join our family, so I kept that in mind and read countless reviews and ended up getting this stroller and it's awesome. There is nothing worse than pushing a stroller that doesn't turn well and is a nuisance to use, so although this one is on the pricier side I think it will be worth every penny!

Maxi Cosi Mico Car Seat
Again lots of research went into this one. I wanted to get a car seat that had high safety ratings, didn't make the baby too hot and sweaty (I've read some do) but was still soft and cozy, and was super light and this one is perfect!

             ___________________________________________________________________

A couple other things I picked up was a night light for the bathroom from Ikea and it's so handy. It turns off when it gets light out and saves me from having to turn a bright light on and waking myself up when I need to pee what sometimes feels like a gazillion times in a night.

I also read mixed reviews about bottle warmers except for this Orb one that I picked up from Amazon to have on hand when Kyle is able to get up in the night and feed the little duffer. I plan on breastfeeding, but it will be nice for Kyle to be able to feed her sometimes too!

And even though our baby is still very far away from teething I got some Hyland Teething Tablets also on amazon because every online mother swears by them, so I feel good knowing they will be in my cupboard and I'm prepared for those early teething days!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Camera Ready Make Up Make Over: Elly

I took these pictures in the summer when my sister was visiting. She has the best skin ever and is just so gorgeous that she rarely wears much make up, so I thought it would be fun to do the real deal and do a camera ready make over to do her up and talk a little bit about the differences of day to day make up and make up for when you will be taking pictures. 

Picture make up Do's: The general rule is that you need to apply a bit more contours and blush to make the contour of your face show up on camera. So add more contour in the hallows of your cheekbones, your temples, under your chin, and around your forehead, as well as in the creases of your eyeshadow. Make sure you apply just a tiny bit more blush than normal to make your apples really pop and you will definitely want lots of lashes, so either triple coat those bad boys, or apply some falsies. 

Don'ts: You will want to avoid shine and too much shimmer, as well as SPF which can cause a glare on camera. Don't overdo the eyeliner just because you overdid everything else, unless you're going for that look of course. 






 First I primed her skin with my all time favorite primer, Hourglass Veil Primer

Then I used a light and dark contour foundation pen to darken under the cheekbones, temples and forehead and lighten the chin, under the eyes, and above the brows

Next I used a Quo sponge to stipple the light and dark contour colors in blending with a bit of foundation being careful to not spread the contour colors to other places other than where I put them to begin with. Then I used Anastasia contour kit to set under the eyes with the yellow powder and the sandy color to further contour.

I used gel liner to line her upper and lower lashes and did a triple threat coat of L'Oreal mascara.

I added a peach blush to the apples of her cheeks as well as highlighter on the highest points of her cheekbones.

Then I filled in her brows with make up forever aqua brow and some powder and lined her lips with an aqua liner and a plumping lipgloss!


Saturday, December 13, 2014

What's been happening on my blog..

It's been months since I blogged and even though it crosses my mind at least a few times a week I just didn't have the energy. It all started when I wanted to re vamp the look of my blog and dealt with a frustrating situation with the company that I used for the template..  it still isn't working great and doesn't do what I need it to do, but I figured I would just do some posts anyways because I did a huge outfit clothing haul shoot with my sister when she came to visit me this summer and the pics are too cute not to share! So expect a make up tutorial, some outfit posts, and some product reviews coming up!

To the companies that have sent me stuff to review, I have not forgotten about you! I will be creating posts asap for the awesome stuff I have been trying over the last couple months that I have fallen in love with.

Thanks for all your patience,

xoxo

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Blog Construction!


*Blog is undergoing some changes. Will be back up and running soon* xo

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

DIY Brazilian


Okay. I know you're thinking, say wha... diy? Brazilian? ya.. rrighht. And you're right. It did not happen without blood, sweat, and almost tears. It hurts like a Beeee, but like everything else once I put my mind to something it just has to happen & I am always thinking on a budget. So, I set out to read reviews on my best drugstore options because I didn't feel like I could wait for it to come in the mail and decided that Parissa was going to be the best bang for my bucks. Do not get me wrong. I am not telling you to go ahead and do this by ANY means. What I am telling you is that if you WANT to it CAN be done.

First, you heat that little saucer of wax on the stove, you stir it up and test it on your hand to make sure it's cool enough, or at least that's what I did, and then I put a thick layer starting on my bikini lines making sure that there is a thick glob at the end to grasp onto. Now, the tricky part is waiting til it sets, but not til it completely hardens because then it really hurts. Another tip is that I always thought the hair should be quite long and oh no, that is wrong. NO longer than 1/4 inch because the longer the hair the more it pulls and ou babay.

The top part is not a huge deal it was almost bearable and I might even say I'd do it again in a couple of weeks. Where the trouble lies, is, if you can imagine, sitting on your bathroom floor, neck craned, smoothing hot wax in the Netherlands of your lady parts, ma gawd... let me make myself clear, the lips. OUCH.

The good news? Once the wax is on, there is only one way to get it off, so just spread it and try your best to go as fast as you go without pulling the skin to hard AND it works. The wax adheres to hairs really well and Kabam hairs be gone in a few painful tugs of wax. So, if you want to, do it and if not I am sure this wax also works really well for eyebrows, etc etc.Plus, it comes with a little bottle of oil that helps heal & disinfect to prevent ingrown hairs, BONUS!

Overall:

Easiness: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Painfulness 5/5


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

A Very Pretty Bridesmaid Make Over



I don't know how I get so lucky to get to doll up the prettiest girls in Canada, but I do. From her brows, to those dimples I mean come oonn. Stop. She's stunning. Again, I am horrible about working my camera and forgot to do the after once her hair was down (which is so long, thick, and just stunning) but you get the picture. The bride for this party was all about keeping the make up very natural looking which is easy to do when you have gals this pretty to work on, so even though it sounds like a lot of products we just used a little of each to get this natural look and highlight her awesome features like dem brows!

To Glam her up I used:

Tarte Maracuja Oil to hydrate

Hourglass Primer

Covergirl Concealer stick in deep for contour
Covergirl highlighting concealer in light to highlight

Make Up Forever HD  for foundation : blended with a It Cosmetics dual ended brush

Lancome Eclat Miracle highlighter

Anastasia contour kit: yellow under eyes and taupe under cheekbones to set the concealers

Stila Custom color blush in Sheer Pink


Stila in the light palette for eyeshadow

L'Oreal gel liner to line the upper lashes & L'Oreal Smoldering eye pencil in brown for the waterline

Tarte Aqualillies eyeshadow to fill in her brows 

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara Anastasia Waterproof topcoat mascara

NYC taupe liner to contour her lips &  NYX Plump it up lip pluming lipgloss in Lisa

Make up forever 02 setting spray





 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Boycotting Nordstrom

Hey Guys! Happy Monday!

I managed to sneak in two Jillian Micheals vids over the weekend, so needless to say I am dying in agony today at work. Oh so sore.

I also managed to finish Breaking Bad this weekend. What a series. Did you watch it? It's badass.

The best thing about the weekend being over is that hopefully the Nordstrom sales are too because everywhere I look everyone is taking about all the great sales and their favorite picks, but as a Canadian as soon as I put anything in my shopping bag an extra 1000000 is added for duties & shipping GAHHH. The worst. So lemme just say... I am happy to have that over, so I can move on.

Have you heard this song before?? If not, give it a few tries because it becomes hella catchy.

I saw this simple saying in a marriage book at some card store on the weekend and decided it should become my life mantra any and every time I find myself wanting something else new... new shoes, new mascara... you get it. It's a goody.





I am anxiously awaiting next Tuesday to get her when my mom, sister, uncle, and dad arrive from out East to visit me for two weeks AND they are bringing me my favorite back yard summer game that no one seems to play in Alberta.. WASHER TOSS.. hell ya. Cannot even explain how pumped I am! Have a happy monday xoxo


Friday, July 18, 2014

Zara Pleated Trousers








Holy hot summer days. I was off sick from work for two days, and I think it's safe to say it was from working in my unventilated office that was 28 degrees with my computer right below a window. Needless to say, I am happy we are having a rainy day today! These are some more pictures from the little photo sess I did with my office mate Catherine. I just love the greenery in these pictures that makes me wish I lived in California and had weather like this year round. Hope you're all having a great week xo

What I'm wearing:

Pants: Zara // Blouse: Forever 21 // Sandals: Aldo // Bracelet: Aldo // Earrings: Savi Jewerly Sunlasses: Ray Ban




Thursday, July 17, 2014

Make Up Setting Sprays




Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Printed Wide Leg Pants








I share an office at my day job with the coolest chick (that makes me sound like I have a night job. I don't. I just have a full time job related to my degree and do make up on the side.. know what I'm sayin?) So anyways, she does photography a bit on the side, so we decided to get together one evening after work and take some pics by my house to show you a couple new outfits I've been loving. 

Palazzo, Harlem, and any other version of wide leg pants right now are totally my thing. They are so light and cool for warm days and look so cute and stylish and I'm all about comfort! I also wear this T from Joe Fresh all the days. I actually bought two of them because I love the fabric, I love the baseball tee style of it and the little pocket which just makes it a little more fancy. Its the best and I find myself wearing these necklaces from Aldo lots too, it's not too bold and goes with so much!

What are your favorite summer trends??

What I'm wearing:

Wide legs pants: Forever 21 (sold out)  // Tee: Joe Fresh // Necklace: Aldo // Watch: Aldo






Monday, July 14, 2014

Bridesmaid Make Over

Hey guys! This was easily one of the easist make over's I have ever done. This gal is so gorgeous and was so much fun. Her eyelashes are the longest I had ever seen and just amazed me! I wanted to take another after picture after she let down her long curly beautiful hair, but my freaking camera died. Either way, she is just so pretty! Sorry the lighting isn't the best, I am still working on my camera skills. Hope you all had a great weekend!



What I Used: 


Tarte Maracuja Oil to hydrate

Porefessional Benefti Primer

Covergirl Concealer stick in medium for contour
Covergirl highlighting concealer in light to highlight
(blended with a Quo blending sponge)

Make Up Forever HD 
 for foundation : blended with a It Cosmetics dual ended brush

Anastasia contour kit: yellow under eyes and taupe under cheekbones to set the concealers

Milani blush in Luminoso 

Stila in the light palette for eyeshadow

L'Oreal gel liner to line the upper lashes & Make Up Forever Aqua eyes in Matte Brown for the lower waterline and to tightline

Coastal Scents lip palette for lips

Tarte Aqualillies eyeshadow to fill in her brows 

Mary-Lou Manizer to highlight cheekbones

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara & Anastasia Waterproof topcoat mascara



Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Forever 21 Summer Favorites

Hey guys! If you're anything like me you hate going into the chaos of massive Forever 21 stores stumbling through not finding anything you saw online, the change rooms, and sometimes even a cash that's open. I am talkin shoppers anx-i-ety. They do however have great bargains for just about anything I am looking for. The older I get the longer my shorts get and those Bermuda distressed bad boys are so perfect paired with just about any of their super well fitted casual Tees! Happy summer shopping! xo


Thursday, July 3, 2014

Summer Beauty Favorites





It's full on summer meaning lots of hot and sweaty days ahead. These are my favorite summer picks to keep you looking fresh and beauty-ful all summer long & make summer a hot breeze instead of a hot mess.

1. The Wet Brush: Perfect when you're in & out of the pool // 2. Make Up Forever O2 setting spray: Keeping your makeup on and your skin hydrated all summer long // 3. Hourglass SPF 15 Primer: For added staying power & spf // 4. Anastasia Contour Kit: perfect setting powder that won't cake or melt  // 5. Guerlain Lingere de peau foundation: A light invisible skin foundation for hot summer days 6. Esqido Mink Lashes: Avoid raccoon eyes and opt for these ultra glam Mink Lashes


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Wet Brush

Hey guys! I have been absent from my dear little blog for a few days now because I am STILL waiting for my template to get re-organized with side columns, so I can add my sponsors back, so I am really trying to not post too much until I get that sorted out, but I've been using the Wet Brush for a couple weeks now and I just have to tell you all about it.

Honestly when it came in the mail I was like.. k... so what? It looks just like any other brush, but this bad boy is magic. It combs through my wet matted hair and even more impressive my three days of unwashed dry shampooed mess without any hesitation. Its the best. And it's super cheap! I got mine for about ten bucks on Amazon and while I was waiting for it I saw Kendall Jenner post a pic on instagram saying how much she loved her brush which made me even more excited for it to come and I've been using it every day since. Its a game changer & makes the perfect gal pal gift too!