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Friday, August 29, 2014

Friday's Faux Paw

10495334_496350327168085_8630724138548137414_oYes skinny jeans are a big trend still. Yes everyone is wearing them. But I’m here to say the look on men and women can be less-than-flattering at times. And to be honest with you, I’m really not big on skinny jeans on male humans period. And then there’s the problem of wearing them way too tight. Human females – when shopping for skinny jeans, don’t get hung up on the tag size announcing to everyone “Look I’m a size 6!!” and try to squish and contort you body into them. If you have a muffin top while wearing your skinny jeans, they are too tight. (Woman at the Tim Horton’s drive-thru the other day, I’m talking to you!) However if they are too loose, you run the risk of looking like you’re wearing a second layer of wrinkled, saggy skin (also not a good look). They should fit snugly, so grab some with lycra for some extra stretch. But never should they show every “lump and bump” if you know what I mean. The look on the gal’s face in the photo truly says it all! Thanks to Joelle’s friend Carla for sharing the photo. My rating for this Faux Paw is:

5-poop-star

 

 

 

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

CND Vinylux Modern Folklore Collection - Fall In Love!

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This is a sponsored post.

With Labour Day weekend fast approaching, it’s time to get ready for fall with CND’s Modern Folklore Collection. Available in both CND Shellac (in salons) and CND VINYLUX (DIY), the collection consists of six rich and gorgeous shades that transform nails into the ultimate fall accessory. Whether your fall look is luxuriously embellished or consists of florals and lace, the Modern Folklore Collection will indulge your senses. I’m one lucky gal because the great people at CND sent me two beautiful nail polishes from their Vinylux collection to try out for you – Crimson Sash (a metallic, decadent deep wine) and Locket Love (a shimmery metallic gold).

If you’re new to the party and don’t already know about CND VINYLUX, here’s the low-down:

  • VINYLUX is a revolutionary weekly polish system offering durable, high-shine and week-long wear and currently has 76 runway inspired polish colours to suit weekly desires
  • VINYLUX system includes a self-adhering Color Coat that eliminates the need for Base Coat; Top Coat becomes more durable with exposure to natural light due to ProLight Technology; dries in just 8.5 minutes and provides week-long chip-free wear
  • In consumer testing of hundreds of manicures, more than 80 percent of clients had no chipping after 7 days!
  • VINYLUX Weekly Polish Color Coat and VINYLUX Top Coat retails for $11.90-$13.00 CAD. Available worldwide July 2014

Now it’s time for some fun!

I gathered together some CND ScrubFresh Nail Surface Cleaner ($20 CDN), an artist’s brush, cotton pad, and a glass of wine (all bought by myself). I don’t need the wine for the actual nail art – it’s purely just for me. Yes it’s been THAT kind of day!

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First I moistened a cotton pad with CND ScrubFresh Nail Surface Cleaner and removed all the dirt and oil off my nails so the polish will adhere better and therefore last as long as possible. Please ignore my damaged thumbnail on my right hand. Don’t mess with car doors. That’s all I’m gonna say.

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Next I painted each finger with two coats of Crimson Sash. Man I LOVE this colour! Wine nails, and wine. Hey this works!

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Now the nail art begins. I’m no nail artist, but I dabble on occasion – just like the wine. I took some plastic wrap and dotted some Locket Love on it.

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Then I grabbed my artist brush and painted a diamond in the center of my nail.

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Then I dotted some Crimson Sash on the plastic wrap and roughed up the center of the diamond to add some texture.

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Next I dipped into the Locket Love and painted a dot in each corner outside of the diamond and then in the center of the diamond.

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To finish, I painted each nail with Top Coat.

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And done!

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This was so easy and fun I will have to go shopping for more colours soon! Here are all the colours in CND’s Modern Folklore Collection – Locket Love, Fine Vermilion, Rose Brocade, Crimson Sash, Indigo Frock, and Plum Paisley shown in order below.

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I’m also totally crushing on Fine Vermilion and Plum Paisley. Methinks I need to go shopping soon…

What’s your favourite colour?

The wine is done and so am I! Bye!

This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are my own.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Giveaway Reminder: Five Gorgeous Summertime Lipsticks

Just to let you know, I am giving away FIVE lipsticks!! What kind of lipsticks are they? Well here they are (left to right):

Paula’s Choice Perfect Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss – Peachy Cream

Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 – Sugar Rosé 

L`Oreal Paris Color Riche Lipstick – 406 Neonic Orange

Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm – OH! ORANGE! 

New York Color Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss

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One lucky winner gets all of them! This giveaway is international and ends at midnight Mountain Standard Time on Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 which is one week from now. Enter here. Good luck everyone!

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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Tuesday's OOTW - Jump For Joy!

I’m deliriously happy that jumpsuits/rompers have come back in a very big way. One piece dressing on the run is awesome when you have a wee bundle of craziness (Love you James!) and very little time to pick out different pieces of clothing. And it’s fun to accessorize differently each time to get a whole bunch of different looks. I started out acquiring a purple one shouldered number to wear out on the town for the Yeggie Awards, and at the same time bought a great black one that I wore to a certain milestone birthday almost two years ago. Then while looking through my closet a few weeks ago, I thought, “Why not get a jumpsuit that I could wear during the daytime?” So I got someone to look after my sweet baby and moseyed over to Forever XXI and tried on at least seven jumpsuits. Finally I tried on one and I swear I heard a choir of angels singing. Actually it was just a hallucination from sleep deprivation. But needless to say I loved it, bought it, and rushed back home.

P.S. I’m LOVING my new CND Vinylux polish in Crimson Sash on my toes! See my review of this shade and one other on Thursday.

So, what say you? Would you try this trend?

Hat Army & Navy $15 (in stores now) // Sunglasses Call It Spring $5 (in stores now) // Necklaces Smart Set $5 each (in stores now) // Bracelets – Turquoise ones and smaller silver one gifts from my friend Angela and largest one from eBay $4 // Purse – made by my Mom a loooong time ago! (similar) // Jumpsuit Forever XXI $24 (in stores now) // Belt eBay $7 (similar) // Shoes WALMART $15 (similar)

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Yep, there’s actual jumping!

 

Friday, August 22, 2014

Friday's Faux Paw

JamesStahp2Okay human males. I haven’t slagged on you for a very long time so you’re in my crosshairs for today’s faux paw. Why, why, oh for the love of everything WHY do some of you wear knee-high socks with shorts?!? Unless you need orthopedic socks or are trying to hide a submarine sandwich for later, PLEASE don’t do this. And definitely do not put sandals over top of that whole mess you got going on. If you think it adds some sophistication with dress shorts, no, no it does not. I keep thinking I should buy you a pair of sock garters to complete your look. If you truly wanted to be dressed up, you wouldn’t be wearing shorts anyway, right? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight?? If you’re too cold and want the socks to keep your legs warm, there’s this great invention called pants. So unless you need some Geritol please wear ankle socks or no socks at all with your shorts. Wear black socks with dark shoes, and white socks with light shoes. My poop rating on knee-high socks with shorts is:

4-poop-star

 

 

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Keeping It Real

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I love blogging about fashion and beauty so much, but I need to stop for a sec and write a lifestyle post. Why? Because I’m tired, oh so very tired, tired like a junkyard. See how tired I am? That simile sucked!

Being a new Mom is tough sometimes and things are rather hectic around here these days. (Am I wearing clothes right now? Okay. Good). I just want to be real for a moment and give a shout-out to all of the people in the world who have some sort of craziness going on (I call if “life”) and tell you, you’re not alone!

In fact, life is ever-changing and crazy all the time. Sometimes with things you adore – like a new baby, a promotion, moving to your dream home, meeting your soul mate, learning who you are, etc. However, life can also throw you some real curve balls like the death of a close friend, a family member who quits speaking to you for no reason, a pet getting sick, the loss of a job, not getting into the college you wanted, breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend, having major health challenges – the list of hurt is endless. I must admit I’ve had a few of the things on both lists happen to me personally and I used to think, “Wow that’s awesome!!!” or “How am I going to get through this?”. But nowadays I know that each and every situation is just there. Things aren’t really good or bad in the end.

By now you might be thinking, “Okay Joelle is really tired. She truly does need some sleep. Should I personally be coming over there to look after her baby so she can get some much-needed rest?” And I would answer, “Sure!!! The line forms to the right of me. C’mon over!” But before you volunteer, (and I REALLY hope you do 😉 ) let me explain.

I’ve had something I thought was good – a promotion at my job. I was so excited because I had the big desk in the biggest office and was making the most money I ever had in my entire life. But the long hours, extra work, and stress came with it too and before long I started to become VERY ill. So ill in fact that I ended up not just losing the promotion, but also losing my job. I felt empty and unimportant. I didn’t realize that my job was my identity, and when I lost it, I lost me. It took me an entire year to become healthy again, but I have never forgotten the lessons I learned from the experience. So I guess it turned out badly after all, right?

Wrong! Out of the chaos of my job loss, when I was busy healing a doctor discovered another major health problem that if left untreated I could have been paralyzed eventually. Now if it weren’t for the promotion (good thing), and me getting sick and losing my job (bad thing), then I wouldn’t have discovered a health problem that would’ve messed me up later on (good thing). Are you with me so far? I hope so. But there’s more!

I started treatment for the new problem and unfortunately I got worse  and started blacking out all the time (bad thing). Over the course of two years I FINALLY started getting better slowly each day and stopped blacking out and felt wonderful (good thing). Then the doctor treated me passed away and I started going back to how I was before (bad thing)…

Am I just stating the obvious each time I type good thing or bad thing after an obvious good or bad thing or am I doing this for a reason? I am doing this for a reason.

Count each time I typed good thing. It’s okay. I’ll wait.

Now count each time I typed bad thing.

Notice anything? Yes the amount of times is three for each and the story isn’t over yet. Not by a long shot. You see, it always goes back and forth and only ends when you die. This applies to pretty much everything, even blogging! The other day one of my favourite fashion bloggers “J” from J’s Everyday Fashions wrote about both her good and bad experiences in the fashion blogging world. There was her happiness of helping others and the hurt of others lashing out at her. Through it all the good and bad things co-existed and some things which she thought were good turned bad and then back to good. So to all of my fellow bloggers: be thankful for the good things because they might not stay and please. please, please don’t let the bad things get you down.

To see the Chinese proverb that inspired my post click here.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Giveaway - Lipstick Crazy!

I am MADLY in love with lipstick and am rarely seen without it. I truly believe that lipstick can change your look and your attitude. Put on some dark red and you’re a 50’s screen siren. Throw on some pink and you are sweet and innocent. Slick on a nude shade and you’re polished for a job interview.

Anyhow, to share my love, I am giving away not one, or two, or three (okay you probably see where I’m going with this so I’ll skip ahead) but FIVE lipsticks!! What kind of lipsticks are they? Well here they are (left to right):

Paula’s Choice Perfect Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss – Peachy Cream

Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 – Sugar Rosé 

L`Oreal Paris Color Riche Lipstick – 406 Neonic Orange

Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm – OH! ORANGE! 

New York Color Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss

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Summertime Lipsticks. Squeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

This giveaway is international and ends at midnight Mountain Standard Time on Wednesday September 3rd, 2014. The entry form is below. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Tuesday's OOTW - Happy Anniversary!

On Tuesday August the 12th Tim and I marked our tenth anniversary of being together. We decided to celebrate by recreating our first date at the Earl’s we first met. I also wore the exact outfit I wore for our first date and Tim remembered it! August 12th also represents the first day we met each other in person. You see, we “met” online on lavalife a month prior, but just emailed back and forth on their site. Yes it’s always best to be careful online because you never know what kind of freak you are dealing with. At the time I was getting ready to pack to move back to my hometown of Saskatoon because I had finished my Theatre Arts degree (now as I ask people at McDonald’s if they want fries with that, I can belt out show tunes). After meeting Tim, something in my heart told me to stay. It turned out that Tim wasn’t a freak and this fall we will be married for six years. And I don’t work at McDonald’s. Actually it was Burger King. Many years ago.

Necklace Aldo $12 (similar) // Cardigan COSTCO $15 (similar) // Shirt ?? (Same colours minus the white.) // Skirt ?? (similar) // Shoes Zellers $20 (similar)

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TJ

Happy anniversary, Bugs!

 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Giveaway Winner!

Soooooooo… who has won our latest giveaway for two bottles of CND Vinylux Nail Polish?

The lucky gal is Alexandra-Elisabet D. who won by following us on our brand new Instagram account. CONGRATS! I will be emailing you soon to get your address to ship out your nail polish.

Thanks to everyone for your support and for entering. If you didn’t win this time, don’t be sad as there will be a brand new giveaway starting Wednesday August 20th. I do love to give things away ya know!

Zeke is dropping by tomorrow for his Friday’s Faux Paw post. From what he’s told me it may cause a bit of controversy. Later!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Last chance to enter!

Just to let you know that the giveaway for two bottles of CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Lush Tropics (a bright matte green) and Bicycle Yellow (a bright yellow with yellow sparkles) ends TONIGHT!! If you’re unfamiliar with CND Vinylux, please check out my review here. To have a chance at winning you need to enter here. Once again the contest ends at midnight Mountain Standard Time tonight. This contest  is international. Good luck everyone!

pagenail
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Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Tuesday's OOTW - Thriftastic!

I love saving money. So when I went to Value Village one day and saw this cute floral dress from H&M for $15, I knew I had to have it! It even has a sweet crinoline underneath which makes it great for some spinning. (Yes I never grew up!) Summer is going by so quickly and our weather here has been all over the map. It was a wee bit chilly so I paired my dress with a cardigan. A neutral cardigan is also a great idea for those who fear colour to tone down a bright outfit. I’m really enjoying my brand new orange wedges from a really great clearance sale at Call It Spring Shoes.

Cardigan $15 Costco (in stores now) // Necklace $25 Rustic Metal Creations // Dress $15 Thrifted // Bracelet $5 eBay (similar) // Purse $17 Call It Spring (in stores now) // Shoes $30 Call It Spring

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Let the record state that I did warn you about the spinning!

 

Thursday, August 07, 2014

Best Make Up For Under $5

I don’t believe that better make up is to be had by spending more money. There are crappy expensive products, really great cheap ones and vice-versa. I was blessed to find some really great make up this summer that also came with a small price tag! So here are my picks:

Essence Stays No Matter What Eye Pencil & Shadow

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When I saw these at the store, I fell in love with the colours. I ended up buying Blazing Black, Cute Copper, and Green Garden. At the cheap price of $3 each, I was amazed at how long-lasting these are! They don’t budge until you use make up remover to take them off. It takes a bit of skill to use them as liner though as they have a very thick tip, but that’s how I’ve been using them. Can’t wait to try them as shadow.

NYC City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Colour

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Ever since Clinique came out with their Chubby Sticks, other companies are trying to make lip crayons. Some have failed but NYC gets a huge pass from me.  I even like their $3 version better than Rimmel’s Colour Rush Balm at $6. NYC’s version applies way better, feels more moisturizing, and lasts longer. And at half the price of Rimmel’s version (and WAY less than Clinique’s Chubby Stick at $19), I want to collect them all!

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear

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I love nail polish but I’m way too lazy to do three coats every time I paint my nails. I was super glad to find this nail polish by Sally Hansen which only needs one coat! I was skeptical because it was so cheap – only $3 a bottle compared to my beloved OPI which is $10 to $13 a bottle. But after trying it, the one coat thing sold me and the fact that it dries really quickly. And fifty-one shades are available so I’m certain you’ll find more than one to your liking. I will definitely be getting more colours.

Essence Cookies & Cream Blush In Cakepop That’s Top

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Yes Essence has made my list twice because this blush is ah-maz-ing! It is highly pigmented, applies like a dream, and stays put throughout the day. And the colour? Swoon! A nice coral flush that looks naturally beautiful on all skin types. This blush is a limited edition one just brought out for summer so run, don’t walk to your nearest Shopper’s Drug Mart and buy it! You only need $4 to grab one!

NYC HD Metro Trio Eyeshadow

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NYC was mentioned earlier in this post for having great lipstick, but they also have some wonderful eye shadow as well. For $3 you can get a trio of long wearing, pretty colours. With so many beautiful options and the great price I could’ve bought more than one. I ended up buying Streets Paved in Gold and have not been disappointed. The only drawback for these trios is that I didn’t see any matte shadows in the collection which is a shame. I still highly recommend these trios though but for us older people make sure that the shadow is not accentuating any fine lines you may have on your eyelids or you will look older than you are.

Hope these products have helped you to make smart decisions when you find yourself at the drugstore! Do you have any to add to my list?

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Wednesday, August 06, 2014

Have you entered our giveaway?

Just to let you know that we are giving away two bottles of CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Lush Tropics (a bright matte green) and Bicycle Yellow (a bright yellow with yellow sparkles). If you re unfamiliar with CND Vinylux, please check out my review here. To have a chance at winning you need to enter here. The contest ends at midnight Mountain Standard Time on Wednesday August 13th, 2014. This contest  is international. Good luck everyone!

pagenail
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Tuesday, August 05, 2014

Tuesday’s OOTW – At The OK Coral

Yes the title of this post is a play on words. Why? Because I like a play on words. And it’s my blog. Well actually our blog, but Zeke doesn’t seem to mind my idiosyncrasies. If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you will know I love colourful outfits (see here, here, and here). Part of the reason is that I look washed out in black or white. Plus there’s just something cheery about a colourful outfit paired with a gorgeous summer day. While I was pregnant, I designed a custom necklace with Tim, James, my name and our birthstones at Rustic Metal Creations. Liz was super helpful with the design process making sure that I would love it and I do! I also got 10% off my first order by signing up for her emails AND free shipping within Canada. I hope I can coax her into doing a giveaway on our blog because her stuff is gorgeous.

Cardigan $2 Thrifted // Necklace $25 Rustic Metal Creations (I paid extra for brass hearts.) // Top $12 Reitmans (in stores now) // Capris $15 Reitmans (in stores now) // Shoes $25 Payless (in stores now)

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Monday, August 04, 2014

Friday, August 01, 2014

Friday's Faux Paw

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Sandal season is in full swing bringing with it another faux paw. I’ve seen many women (and believe me at my height I get close-ups of people’s feet all the time) wearing gorgeous sandals and sporting ugly, dry, callused feet. Why would anyone want to show off their feet when they look like that? I know what you may be thinking, “But I can’t afford a pedicure.” or “The person who does my pedicures is away on vacation.” These are not excuses. Learn to do your own pedicure. I’m certain there are tons of YouTube videos on the subject. I know that Joelle uses Revlon’s Pedi-Expert and she bought it for around $8. Or you could buy the well-known Ped Egg. Either way just do something to fix your feet or for heaven’s sake throw on some shoes so I don’t have to see them.

3-poop-star

 

 
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