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| Images via, here, here & here
as you know I love beauty products, specially anything natural and easy on the environment. recently I came across this beautiful brand of all natural products called Mullein & Sparrow. founder and designer, Anit was a creative mind working in the business of fashion, when she decided to make the switch into beauty products after learing about plant based healing rememdies during her travels. this shop believes that the best rememdies come from nature, and I strongly agree. this beautiful apothecary line, makes everything in small batches as needed, so slight differences can appear from order to order, but it confirms the freshness and authenticity. they I don't know what I love more, these luxurious products or the vintage style containers they are housed in. everything about this is old world and old beauty for the modern buyer.
these products have not only prettied up my face, but also my bath counter.
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Mullein & Sparrow
10/21/14
what's in your gym bag?
10/7/14
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in the summer i used to wake up with that early sunshine. now when i get up at 5am it's pitch black out, but i still hustle it out of bed (quickly so i don't wait my deep sleeping hubby) and boot it to the gym in the mornings. let's just say it's basically become my morning alarm clock. because of this preset time, i've learned that a well packed bag, and even my routine while there, needs to be well-planned and well-organized. i'm always open to tips and suggestions from one gym rat to another on useful combo's for maximizing not only your workout, but also your "speedy post sweat, now i have to speed shower, dry off faster and hop into respectable work clothes and out the door routine." it's a lot to pack in! right now if you dumped out my gym bag, here is what you would find currently helping me in that "getting it all done" department.
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Nude Never Goes out of Style
9/12/14
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| nude nail polish seems all the rage this fall season and i'm quickly jumping on board. I like mixing up my routine with a subtle nail colour, pairing it with plaids and richer tones in my clothing. a good ol' nude polish is a classic staple to own, just like that little black dress or blazer. here are four nudes that go well with any skin tone for this season. |
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Bottle the Last of Summer - DIY Scrub
9/8/14
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| not ready for summer to be over yet? make those last summer days linger a little longer with this simple scrub using farm fresh ingredients. shower scrubs are a simple thing you can easily make. they keep your skin soft and keep a little extra coin in your pocket when you make it yourself. this pear and orange mix is one i made this past week. it's smells like summer and the honey mix is heaven on the skin. |
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what you need:
start out by blending your pear so that it creates a soft mixture. next add all your other ingredients listed and stir well together with a spoon. store in an air tight glass jar in your bathroom and try to use within 2-3 max max. I tend to use my homemade scrubs 3-4 times a week, just make sure to rinse well!
helpful hint - if your mix is a little too liquid for your taste add more sugar to thicken it out.
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Buying & Wearing a Pair of Birkenstocks
8/6/14
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| pic 1 via, pic 2 via, pic 3 via
i have been a long time lover of the Birkenstock sandal. while they might not be everyone's taste in shoe style, they sure speak to the little granola lady in me. in all the years i've watched my good friends own and rave about these sandals, i've been hesitant to buy a pair for the fear of "the foot mold" process that i've understood can be a little painful to get through. i also have to admit that i didn't know anything about the purchasing process or how to find the perfect fit. well this summer i bit the bullet and finally bought my first pair, and i can tell you, i'm in serious heaven.
the most important thing to know is that Birkenstocks are designed to help contour to your foot. The bumps and grooves you see help to promote proper food health and prevent your foots natural desire to flatten over time without support. they also reinforce knee care being made of cork, and help with foot grip and circulation in your legs.
if you are a newbie like me when it comes to buying Birkenstocks, here are a few things you need to know:
i'm so happy with my new white pair and that i'm pretty certain i will be buying another pair in the very near future! my very happy feet have found their sole mate.
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Rebels Refinery - Gifts for Guys
6/6/14
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images are from here, here, here. owners portraits from here, by Jamie Morren. products shown are – "Wealth of a Man" Black Soap Bar, Clear Skin Cleanswer & Moisturizer, Rehab Roller Under Eye Treatment, Skull Lip Balm.
i initially wasn't going to post yet another gift guide for the upcoming father's day, since the whole world seems to be doing it already, but what i am going to do is promote a kick-a** company, selling some kick-a** products for men ... oh and did i mention they are Canadian? yup. because they are, eh. Rebels Refinery is a company created by three best buds born out of an interest on how to take better care of themselves and their skin. men and women alike can appreciate the horror of waking up to a new laugh line. but what these boys couldn't find was a manly line of natural skin care products that actually appealed to ... men. something our guys could leave out on the counters and not feel ashamed of when their pals came over. something for men, by men. makes sense to us ladies! so hence came some serious research, creative design, exceptionally creative low-budget online marketing and voila - Rebels Refinery is born. as they state "most of our products are 97% natural/ 90% organic and pure gold." and for those who love the show, they also appeared in an episode of Dragon's Den! these guys have created decently priced products for any man, that smell great and look good. so much so that even the ladies will love it. simple genius. you can shop in store, or shop online, just visit http://rebelsrefinery.com oh. and did we mention that they give just over 2% of sales to Prostate Cancer Canada? these guys are just dang awesome. so, let's hear it for the boys. |
Hello Beach Hair Babe
4/30/14
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| image from here, here, here and here |
i don't know if it was the relaxed vacation style or the salt water, but i'm VERY into messy beach style hair right now. my mind is already racing with ways to keep up this natural looking style now that i'm back. it's effortless, simple and so perfect for spring and summer. while my natural hair is a dirty blonde colour, it's lightened up a fair bit since the trip, however i'm still dying to book an appointment to add some additional highlights around the face and on the tips.
i remember way back in the day body wave perms were a big hit in my high school (anyone else?!), which lots of gals used to add thickness and texture to their otherwise flat straight hair. does anyone still do this? because i'm seriously considering about how to make that happen! ah beach vacations. you do such wonderful things for my otherwise limp hair.
Polka Dot Nails for Spring
3/27/14
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| images via here, here and here |
on sunday nights i have a quiet weekly ritual of pampering my nails and watching episodes of Suits on Netflix (oh! I love that show!). let's put it this way, i love really sundays! i would like to think that i'm someone who tries to have nice nails. although it may not ever look like that, i do try. low and behold without fail the day after i paint them i always manage to seriously chip one nail. i'm talking like a good whole half of one nail of polish is removed. urg. I'm learning just to accept it. recently i stumbled across a picture of polka dot nails for spring and i don't believe it can get any cuter. think pastel colours and clean white dots. Essie has a whole selection of beautiful spring time colours that i suggest you check out. after trying a few different methods, including what is referred to as the band-aid stencil method (i do not recommend this one), i have come to learn that the best way to to achieve this adorable look is with the end of a bobby pin or toothpick. play around with it when you do it. try creating larger and smaller dots, or clusters of dots near the tips. it's a fun look for spring that i highly recommend trying.
Polar Vortex Chic
2/4/14
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| image via |
let's be honest. it is cold. not just cozy in a wool sweater cold, but ice in the bones cold. right now in Toronto, much like other areas, we are definitely going through an extreme cold snap, which has cleverly been nicknamed the #polarvortex. so while we load up our travel mugs with steamy hot coffee and beat down the static in our hair, here are a few of my recommended items to help you feel a little more chic and a little less frigid, while battling this final deep freeze phase before spring. stay warm friends!
Autumn Beauty Best of the Best
10/2/13
the autumn season is the time of year i begin to notice that my skin starts to change from combination to dry. i have always adapted to those changes by using sugar from my pantry as an exfoliant, paired with rich facial oils packed with vitamins for the coming winter – like Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil , or my recent new find which smells SO amazing, the Youth Preservation Serum by Clementine Fields (review to come soon!). i have also always then modified my make-up routine to help keep my face looking fresh. i crave spending as much of this season outdoors as possible and so my morning and (when needed) evening routine is quick and to the point. this is the time of year i swap out up my bronzing powders for tinted moisturizers, and things like my peach powder based blushes for more liquid based berry 2in1 stains. here are a list of my tried & true favourite beauty recommendations for this season, and the best way to take your fall look from day to evening in a matter of minutes.
day time
when it comes to my daytime routine i'm quick and to the point. in the mornings i'm usually found running out the door to work, or to an early morning gym class. like i said earlier, i like spending as much time outdoors as I can, so i like to keep my face as fresh and as natural looking possible. because of all that I focus on key double duty products to give you that crisp cool morning rosy glow.
1+ Bigelow's Warm Apple Cider Lip Gloss2+ Revlon Lash Blash Mascara in Brown3+ Laura Mercier Tinted Moisterizer (great for the start of dry skin season)4+ Brown Sugar (mixed with cleanser this is the best exfoliating scrub in town)5+ Benefit Bene Tint for lips and cheeks (this gives that perfect duwie cheek and provides a long lasting touch of colour for lips)
night time
my night face is what i do post work and more often than not on my way out the door to meet friends, or my hubby for a night out. I typically carry these supplies in my purse so i'm always ready for anything, along with some rose gold hoop earrings and an elastic for a quick bun updo. for any evening look that isn't overly formal i truly believe that it shouldn't take take more than 15-20 mins to get ready. heck - i'd rather be out drink in hand doing something fun!
1+ Benefit Watt's Up Shimmer (used as a highlight under the brows and on the cheeks)2+ Mac's Ruby Woo Matte Lipstick (this one stays on perfectly without bleeding. it is the best red i've ever found)3+Aveda's Rose Mascara in Black (great for plumping up and it also smells heavenly)4+ Stila Shimmer eye shadow5+ Maybelline Foundation Stick (great long lasting wear and super easy to apply to any much needed cover up areas)
6+ Butter London Nail Polish
what are your favourite tried & true products?
The Art of Pulp Fashion
10/28/12
In celebration of Halloween just next week I wanted to share an individual, who to me, inspires innovative costume design. Isabelle de Borchgrave is a creative genius. I believe that few people in the world are as talented and/or clever as her. Isabelle's raw talent literally recreates history in a three dimensional art form by way of strips of paper and bowls of glue. This is exceptional artistry.
On a trip to San Fransisco I came across a street sign for an art exhibit called "Pulp Fashion" at the Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum. After a brief cab ride up a very long hill with some amazing postcard views, I found myself at the museum. Let me start by saying that I'm a bit of a costume lover. No, let me try that again, I'm a bit of a costume snob. My heart flutters and melts at the sight of costumes. Ever since I was teeny weenie, I've always handmade my own, and attending special arts schools and studying theatre I spent a lot of my time working on my performance skills and the rest working in backstage costume shops. Costumes are a conversation. They are individual works of art that incorporate historical elements, emotions, methodical planning, visual interest and specific story telling skills. They are not just elements of fabric slapped on someone's body. Costumes, no matter what they are designed for, should never just stop at the clothing. They should incorporate the hair, the jewellery, the make-up and the accessories. Each piece handselected and/or recreated based on craftmanship and research. So much goes into making a truly well orchestrated costume.
Artist Isabelle de Borchgrave and her "pulp fashion" embodies all that costume design is (to me), but on a more innovative and heighten level. With her background in visual art and textile painting, she pays tribute to some of histories most famous fashion moments in exquisite detail out of mere sheets of well placed paper. She has created historical replicas – perfect in every detail – out of varieties of paper and acrylic paint. She has crafted shoes, jewellery and home decor, out of sheets of paper. It's not just the visual that gets you when you see her work, it's the emotion, texture, the bends and folds, hand painted patterns and braided layered elements, that you only notice over time that makes these creations so jaw dropping. Every detailed element, including the set design for her shows is custom-made of paper. I feel fortunate to have found the time to visit this exhibit, and am even more grateful for the gift shop coffee table picture book – my prized souvenir. I have to say, if there was ever a fire, one of the things I would surely be grabbing on my way out, is her design book.
50 Creative Minds
7/23/12
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| Design & Photo credit goes to Piccsy Blog - http://blog.piccsy.com |
Living in a major city hub like Toronto, there is so much great art and culture to take in that surrounds you. Recently, Piccsy blog shared an exciting new post on the 50 Toronto designers that everyone should know about. The post provides an excellent list and is a definite read for anyone looking to stay on top of what is trending in the creative design world.
O' Canada, Eh!
6/30/12
Why not add a little Canadian patriotism feel to your wardrobe this weekend to show a little love for Canada Day. Here are a few excellent fashion finds to help you do just that, paired with perfect accessories to boot. Red Safari Shirt by Zara, Amazing Grace Eau de Parfum Spray by Philosophy at Sephora, Etsy - Small White Silk Knot Bracelet by Brinkle, Lomography La Sardina Flash DXL Analogue Camera at Urban Outfitters, Etsy - White Silk Chunky Pyramid Necklace by Brinkle, Chanel Rouge Allure Excessive Lipstick, Pique Short by Zara, Shepard Fairey X Incase iPad Case at HomeOutfitters and Kaari Dress by Marimekko. Enjoy whatever you may get up to this weekend, whether it's camping, glamping, bbq's, beach time, fireworks or some much needed quiet r & r! xoxox.
Beautiful Beach Ready Hair
6/26/12
With hot and sticky summer days a head, the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on a hair dryer. If you are looking for an easy do with a little extra volume then try a no fuss beach wavy hairstyle. Start by grabbing a quick cold shower (to cool off before bed) and clean hair. Then spritz a little mist of detangler all over your towel dried hair. Right now I'm loving Aveda's Styling Curessence Spray Detangler with morikue protein. It's great for beating the extra tangles and also smells fantastic. Then, run your fingers through hair to help work through the applied product. After that, add a small amount of volumizer to your roots, scrunching hair as you go, to help lift and add texture to the hair when all is said and done. For this step I like to use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. Next I recommend letting your hair air dry for about 5-10 minutes. Following this short relaxing rest divide hair into three sections, (keeping in mind your hair's natural part when dividing), and complete a french braid down the back of your head very loosely. Then hit the sack for a goodnight of sleep ... zzzzz. In the morning, get up and undo your braid. Use your fingers to move through the hair gently. Add a few shots of hairspray to help hold certain strands in place and voila, off you go!
Top 10 : Summer Lovin'
6/22/12
D i Y : Wrap & Wear Bracelets
5/29/12
Start by gathering all your supplies and find a clean work surface that is ok to get a little sticky. Next plug in your hot glue gun. While it heats up, cut different lengths of colourful hemp, leather or yarn, depending the look you want. If you are making more than one, try and create some variety in your designs to make them more visually interesting when you wear them. Next, working slowly across the bracelet add a small amount of hot glue then work quickly to wrap a few very tight strands of your material. Be sure to work with only a little glue at a time and press firmly with the material. Continue wrapping until you achieve your desired look. For the ends of a strand coat both sides of your material with the glue and connect one end strand to the start of another new strand to ensure that neither will come loose while wearing. Once all your accessories are done, let them dry well and then wear.
The Colour Wheel
4/12/12
Colour. Whether designing for your home or planning a party (or upcoming wedding), deciding on your colour palette can help determine the tone and feeling you wish to convey. Colour can be used to inspire and excite, or relax and mellow out. Some choose to go monocromatic, while others may prefer a mashing of various selections. Currently, I'm in the throes of colour choices for my upcoming wedding. Now that we have the venue booked it makes it easier to decide the styling of the event.
Colour trends for 2012
| aqua | tangerine | lilac | mustard | antique blue | |
| deep red | latte | lavender | charcoal | sage | |
When choosing colour I always recommend one goes and looks at all their options. Decide what works with the space you have. What feeling are you going for? I suggest visiting your local hardware store and grabbing tons of free paint colour samples (and books) then explore mixing and matching colours at home. The books are great, because they will help you to learn what colours compliment each other.
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| Photo credit (clockwise from top left): www.betsywhite.com; blog.fiftyflowers.com; www.marryyoume.com; www.theperfectpalette.com; delightfullynoted.blogspot.ca; www.groomsoldseparately.com |
At the end of the day there are no hard and fast rules. Choose whatever makes you happy and fits best with your event or space. As for weddings, there are TONS of wedding colour schemes to be found that will easily compliment any season. Above are just a few examples of some fantastic uses and colour combination's. Feel inspired and have fun!
DiY: What's old is new again
4/3/12
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| Photo credit: thetwentysomethingblog.wordpress.com |
Many times we look in our make-up drawers and find that we have, over the years, neglected various items. Perhaps they got forgotten as our favourite new products make their way into our homes; or perhaps a certain item was something we may have not totally loved but received as a gift. Regardless of what the case maybe here is an extremely simple and savvy way to upcycle old eye shadows into new nail polishes. Or, for those that may not have older products sitting around hidden in drawers, here is a great opportunity to create your own custom nail polish colour palette.
Here is what you will need:
- Clear nail polish- Eye shadow
- Small container
- Stir stick
- Nail polish remover
Just following this simple three step process:
1. Star by pouring some of the clear polish into a small container.
2. If your eye shadow isn't the loose kind, crush it first. Then scoop out and add small
amounts of eye shadow into the polish.
3. Continue gradually adding small amounts of eye shadow to the mixure while frequently
stirring (keep in mind that for a more opaque finish you will need to continue adding
more colour) and once you have your desired shade, voila, polish away!
To get even more creative, try making your own colour, by mixing eye shadows. If at anytime the polish gets too thick, add a small amount of remover to thin it out. Save the polish in a small glass container in a cool dry place for future use.
Lilliput's Haute Hats
2/23/12
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| Photo Credit: http://www.lilliputhats.com/; http://blogs.canoe.ca/royalspectacle/2011/04/09/ |
Let it be time to dress your head.
Lilliput Hats is a charming shop located in downtown Toronto where the owner, Karyn Gingras, very strongly believes in the practice of traditional millinery techniques. Browse through a very wide array of selections and purchase from off of the rack, or select your style and have the hat custom made for the very big or the very small headed. Overall, the shop houses some of the most stunning vintage head accessories that will surely make you feel old Hollywood glamorous for any occasion. Hats are one of the few accessories that never go out of style. Every purchase here is a treasured keepsake for fashion lovers. Check out the shop at 462 College St.West between Bathurst and Markham or through their website www.lilliputhats.com
Tried & True : Skincare
2/17/12
I have been on a lifelong hunt for the best, most simple, skincare routine and because of that I find people frequently ask me what products I'm currently using. I admit that I am what most people might call a "product junkie" when it comes to skincare, makeup and haircare. I am not driven by the idea of finding a "magic product", but I do live for the test, try, examine and repeat philosophy. I love to do my research on all products and thoroughly enjoy testing them all, so that I can knowledgeably recommend and what I would and wouldn't use. As I rapidly approach my 30's (in a few weeks) I am actually glad to say that I'm very much looking forward to it. The only thing that makes me ever so slightly nervous is… wrinkles. But if there is one thing I have heard to help keep those at bay, it is exercise, eating whole foods and having a good basic skincare routine that you can build on.
So, at the end of the day and with all of my years of product testing, here are what I have found to be tried and true items (listed below) that I firmly believe will work for almost anyone, at any age, and with any type of skin. I also recommend that whatever you use on your face, you also should be able to use on your body.
So, at the end of the day and with all of my years of product testing, here are what I have found to be tried and true items (listed below) that I firmly believe will work for almost anyone, at any age, and with any type of skin. I also recommend that whatever you use on your face, you also should be able to use on your body.
The Soap
Good ol' Dove, or Cetaphil in a pump
Both of these products I can use to wash my face and body. Both have been around for years and the benefits of "keeping it simple stupid" can be clearly seen with the users of these products.
The Toner
Both of these products I can use to wash my face and body. Both have been around for years and the benefits of "keeping it simple stupid" can be clearly seen with the users of these products.
The Toner
Witch Hazel
This is a tried and true favourite for me. It helps with any redness and makes my skin super soft. I currently use the basic Thayers brand found at any GNC or health food store.
This is a tried and true favourite for me. It helps with any redness and makes my skin super soft. I currently use the basic Thayers brand found at any GNC or health food store.
The Moisturizer
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (Multipurpose Dry Oil)
I am a huge fan of this product and of all dry oils. His is another example of a product that can be used on your face, hair and body.
The Under Eye
I am a huge fan of this product and of all dry oils. His is another example of a product that can be used on your face, hair and body.
The Under Eye
(If i feel I need it, I will use it) Vitamin E
Get the real stuff! I get it in a small bottle or in little capsules from the health food store. I actually will use this on any red spots, super dry spots, under my eyes and on my eyelashes the odd time to help them stay strong. I only use this before I go to bed as it is very thick and kinda sticky.
Get the real stuff! I get it in a small bottle or in little capsules from the health food store. I actually will use this on any red spots, super dry spots, under my eyes and on my eyelashes the odd time to help them stay strong. I only use this before I go to bed as it is very thick and kinda sticky.
The Spot Treatment
Vichy Norma Derm Anti-blemish
I came across this product by total accident one time and haven't put it down since. If I have a blemish I will dab this on at night on the spot, go to bed and by the next morning I can see a big big improvement!
I came across this product by total accident one time and haven't put it down since. If I have a blemish I will dab this on at night on the spot, go to bed and by the next morning I can see a big big improvement!
The Exfoliator
Sugar & Salt
This is the best thing since sliced bread. I have a mix of sugar and salt that I keep in a glass jar in my bathroom with a little wooden scoop. When I need to exfoliate, I scoop a little out and drop it into my hand and roll it over my body. If you want to make it a little more fun, you can add liquid body wash to the sugar salt mix in your hand. I also use this mixture on my face as well. The salt helps to heal blemishes and redness and the sugar makes your skin SUPER smooth.
Sugar & Salt
This is the best thing since sliced bread. I have a mix of sugar and salt that I keep in a glass jar in my bathroom with a little wooden scoop. When I need to exfoliate, I scoop a little out and drop it into my hand and roll it over my body. If you want to make it a little more fun, you can add liquid body wash to the sugar salt mix in your hand. I also use this mixture on my face as well. The salt helps to heal blemishes and redness and the sugar makes your skin SUPER smooth.
The Bath
Milk & Oatmeal
Once a week I like to treat myself to a homemade milk and oatmeal bath. Grab a cloth and soak it in milk for a few minutes, then grab a handful of oats and place them in the centre of the cloth. Take this cloth ball that you have now and tie it to facet of your bath. When you turn the water on it will run through the cloth creating a milk and oatmeal mixture in your water. You can add more milk to the bath after the fact if you desire. I sometimes also like to add a little honey to the water for a very soft sweet smell.
Share your own product recommendations or home remedies by commenting on this post.
Milk & Oatmeal
Once a week I like to treat myself to a homemade milk and oatmeal bath. Grab a cloth and soak it in milk for a few minutes, then grab a handful of oats and place them in the centre of the cloth. Take this cloth ball that you have now and tie it to facet of your bath. When you turn the water on it will run through the cloth creating a milk and oatmeal mixture in your water. You can add more milk to the bath after the fact if you desire. I sometimes also like to add a little honey to the water for a very soft sweet smell.
Share your own product recommendations or home remedies by commenting on this post.
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