Who won a Gilmore Girls Coffee Cozy From Wanderlustbee?

So how is everyone enjoying the Gilmore Girls return to TV? Sad to say I haven’t watched it yet and don’t want to until I get through all seven seasons. I am only on season five so it will be a while!

In the meantime I am announcing who won the adorable coffee cozy from Wanderlustbee. The lucky person is:

SERENA P!! She won by Tweeting about the contest. Congratulations!! So choose your colour Serena cause you will be emailed soon! Thanks to everyone for entering!

Serena is extra lucky because I disqualified the first two entries. Both people entered by way of following us on Facebook and when I went to check they both weren’t following us. Sorry ladies but I do check all winning entries!

Have a great week, everyone!

Tuesday's OOTW - Sweater And Lace

I’m totally loving the lace trend! So I was super stoked when I found this lacy camisole on eBay.ca. It is so great to be able to wear this lace with any top I choose instead of having to buy new tops that have lace peeking out of the bottom. And it also comes in black. I think it only cost me $13 Canadian. Total score indeed! I am also crushing on this Pantone’s fall colours called Aurora Red and Potter’s Clay. This sweater looks pretty close to Aurora Red and I am loving it. It is 100% cotton and a steal at Old Navy for $20. And of course this look wouldn’t be complete without a blanket scarf which is on point.

Sunglasses: Amazon.ca (Online Now) // Earrings: Thrifted // Scarf: eBay.ca (Online Now) // Sweater: Old Navy (In Stores Now) // Lace Camisole: eBay.ca (Online Now) // Bag: Thrifted // Leggings: Walmart // Boots: Thrifted

Monday's Meme

Friday's Faux Paw

I got scolded yesterday by Joelle. I guess I need to quite eating all the tasty berries that are on the ground in our back yard. Joelle told me that those berries are will make me sick, but I still want to eat them. While I am one to give out fashion advice, at the end of the day I guess I am still a dog.

So, just like me being told over and over again not to eat those yummy berries, today’s faux pas is something you have most likely heard over and over again. Each year many humans do something that ages them, makes them smell bad, takes away their money, causes a variety of illnesses, and often ends up killing them. I am talking about smoking! Smoking also causes bad smelling breath, clothes, and hair, yellow teeth and hands, unhealthy looking skin, shortness of breath, makes your body heal slower if injured, and increases the risk of colds, flus, bronchitis, and pneumonia. We dogs don’t understand why humans would want to do all of this to themselves therefore I believe we are smarter than humans because we don’t smoke (but I still want those berries – hmmmmm…)

As this is a style blog focusing on everyone becoming the best versions of themselves, I felt I would be amiss not to bring this up. After all, how can you look awesome in your beautiful clothes if your skin looks pale, unhealthy, and wrinkled and you’re holding a smelly cigarette? Think it’s glamorous? Think again:

Why Don't You?

With the Christmas season here, I thought it would be a good time for another “Why Don’t You?” based on the legend Diana Vreeland’s “Why Don’t You?” column from Bazaar. So here are some suggestions that you could try:

Why Don’t You…

…donate used clothes to a shelter or program that gives clothes to someone for free?
…have everyone over for a Christmas Party Clothing Swap?
…learn to knit and make toques and mittens for homeless shelters?
…wear some glittter to your next Christmas party?
…buy a little red dress, little purple dress, etc instead of wearing the same little black dress?
…pop by a make-up counter for a holiday makeover, actually buy some of the make-up used, and use it?
…find and donate to a charity that gives haircuts to homeless people to help them get jobs?
…go through your shoes and get the ones that need repairs fixed and give those you don’t need to charity?
…drop off your clothes that need tailoring to a tailor?
…get your nails done? (I did and I feel wonderful!)
…get all of your Christmas shopping done now so you don’t get trampled during the holiday season and have more time to spend with loved ones?
…feed Zeke bacon? (Seriously, Zeke! Quit messing with my blog entries! Your column is Friday.)
…take time and have a relaxing bath? You will look better and feel better!
…get a pedicure so you can wear your strappy heels with pride?
…spend an hour at home trying out some new holiday hair-dos?
…dare to wear dark purple lipstick instead of red?
…make yourself a feather choker to liven up your little black dress?
…ask your spouse out for a shopping day so he/she can buy you your gifts (it takes the guess work out and you’ll love them) then eat at your favourite restaurant?
…get your outfit and accessories ready for New Years so you have more time to enjoy your holidays?
…have a makover/spa party for the ladies and try out different looks?
…have a fashion themed party and rent all the fashion movies you can find ie. The Devil Wears Prada, Prêt-à-Porter: Ready To Wear, The September Issue, Confessions of a Shopaholic, etc?
…shovel someone’s walk without them knowing? It will make you feel beautiful on the inside!

in the comments below, let me know what you do and how it works out for you.

Last Day To Enter To Win A Gilmore Girls Coffee Cozy!

Today is the LAST DAY to enter to win an adorable Gilmore Girl Coffee Cozy from Wanderlustbee. You choose one colour either maroon or teal. This giveaway ends midnight Mountain Standard Time Wednesday November 25th – TONIGHT! What does the giveaway end date have in common with the show? It’s the same release date of the Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life!!! This giveaway is open only to people who live in the United States. Don’t miss out! Enter here.

Tuesday's OOTW - Vested Interest

A fur vest was alone at Walmart. He looked pretty sad and out of place with all the other clothes. That and the fact that he was only $15, I felt compelled to do something about his plight and take him home, not having a clue how to style him. My other clothes mocked him saying, “Joelle doesn’t wear stuff like you. You are just going to sit in the closet – FOREVER!!!” Yeah clothes can be mean. One bright fall morn, I woke up and declared, “Today is the day, fur vest. I know exactly what to wear with you!” And today’s OOTW was born! What do you think? Would you wear a fur vest? Let me know in the comments below.

Hat: eBay // Sunglasses: Amazon.ca (Online Now) // Vest: Walmart // Blouse: Thrifted // Jeans: Thrifted // Boots: Suzy Shier

Monday's Meme

Friday's Faux Paw

First of a very happy birthday to my co-blogger and Mom, Joelle! May you have a most wonderful day and receive a lot of bacon or whatever you humans want. Love you!

Today’s faux paw is quite simple. Here in the prairies we mostly have a season called “winter”. It becomes cold outside. Joelle even bought me a sweater. The other day when I was riding in the car I saw the topic of my latest faux paw – a young human male wearing pants and a muscle shirt. His friends were wearing coats that day because it was quite a bit below zero outside. To top things off he had his hands jammed in his pockets and his arms wedged up against his body. And before everyone gets mad at me – he was probably able to afford a coat because he was wearing band name, expensive clothes. My message here is clear, dress according to the season. Otherwise you think you’re cool, but you just end up being a fool who’s literally cool.

My Favourite Five

People make lists of the top things they’d want to have with them if stranded on a deserted island. Personally I would just want one thing –  a piña colada a yacht. Yes, you could say I missed the entire point of the exercise and you’d most likely be right. I’m also not good at the whole “choose a number from one to ten” to let a doctor know how much pain I’m in.

This is a place I can be myself so here is a list of five products I love and use most everyday. Some of them are old and some new. I’m pretty finicky so I hope you find something you will like. And no I’m not being paid by anyone to endorse these products. I’m just a gal who likes to help others save money and time by getting straight to the good stuff.

In no particular order…

1. Paula’s Choice Lip & Body Treatment Balm

 

 

At first I thought, “$10.95 for a lip balm?” – yes I’m that cheap. *hanging head in shame* Then I read the reviews including one reviewer from Canada saying how great it was and that this is the first winter her lips haven’t been dry. I really hate my dry lips so I ordered it. When it arrived I was shocked as to how big the product was. I tried it and haven’t looked back. This is simply the best solution to chapped lips I have ever tried. I put it on at bedtime and once during the day and I’m good. Plus you can use it for dry elbows, feet, cuticles, and hands. You can order this product here.

2. L’Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain

 

 

I saw a review on a blog talking about this product being a drugstore dupe for YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain. I have never tried YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain (even though I have heard wonderful things about it) because at $39 a gloss my husband would file for divorce if I did. *wink* But for $10 I thought I’d give the L’Oreal gloss a try so I purchased one in Coral Tattoo. It has become my favourite go to lip product! I love the colour, it stays glossy for longer than any other gloss I’ve owned, and when the shine leaves I’m left with stained lips so if I’m stuck without a mirror I can throw on some lip balm and keep enjoying the colour.

3. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

 

I am pretty sure that I’m not the only one out there who once in a while becomes too lazy too tired and doesn’t feel like washing her make-up off at night. For the record I do wash my face and do my skin treatments 98% of the time before bed and you really should too. *end of sermon* Anyhow I visited WAL-MART and picked up Simple Cleansing Wipes for $5.99 (they were on sale as they can be up to $9). Now whenever I don’t want to wash my face, I whip out one of these and bam!! my make-up is history. And yes, even my pesky water resistant mascara does not stand a chance. But beware, not all make-up removing wipes are created equally that is why I’m recommending this particular brand. For example, do not waste your money on the Neutrogena wipes as I had to rub way too hard to remove mascara that I ripped out lashes and I still had mascara left on my lashes afterwards.

4. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 45

 

 

All the wrinkle creams later on in life will not make as much of a difference as using sunscreen each and every day will. This is simply the best sunscreen I have ever tried. And having red hair and sensitive fair skin, I know about sunscreens! The reasons I like this sunscreen are that it goes on moisturizing and then dries to a non-greasy finish so I don’t feel as if I have an oil slick on my face, it barely has a scent, you get a lot of product, and the price can’t be beat. It sells for $13 a tube, but I get 3 in a package from COSTCO for $20.

5. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Original Formula

 

I can’t believe that I have never tried Frizz-Ease before! I was cleaning out my closet and came across some samples of this that I got a year ago. I tried it and was hooked the first time. I continued using it every time I washed my hair and now I don’t want to be without it. I never knew my naturally frizzy hair could look so shiny, frizz free, and feel so soft. Just make sure you follow the instructions (less is more) and you shouldn’t have a problem with weighed down greasy looking hair.

Hope you can find something here that will make your life easier – or at least give you an excuse to go shopping.

Only one week left to win a Gilmore Girls coffee cozy from Wanderlustbee!

The final countdown is on now for the Gilmore Girls to arrive on Netflix. Know what would go great while watching what Lorelei and Rory are up to? This adorable Luke’s coffee cozy from Wanderlustbee. You choose one colour either maroon or teal. This giveaway ends midnight Mountain Standard Time Wednesday November 25th. This giveaway is open only to people who live in the United States. Don’t miss out! Enter here.

Tuesday's OOTW - Plaid Is Rad!

I spent the second week of September in Saskatoon – where I was born and raised. The weather was great so I got lots of wonderful outfit shots. This set of photos are one of my favourites.

Every fall plaid becomes fashionable and I’m happy about this. I have always loved plaid, and just about every pattern for that matter. Whether it’s a cozy blanket scarf, shirt, leggings, or even a coat, I’m certain every wardrobe needs a bit of plaid in it. If you don’t like the more traditional plaid colours of reds, green, and blues, why not try a brown/yellow or a pink/wine plaid? What plaid style are you going to try this fall? Let me know in the comments below.

Hat: Thrifted // Earrings: Rustic Metal Creations // Necklace: eBay.ca (Online Now) // Top: Giant Tiger (In Stores Now) // Bag: Phillip Lim 3.0 For Target Thrifted // Leggings:// Giant Tiger (In Stores Now) // Boots: eBay.ca

The first flower my sweet little James gave me!

Monday's Meme

How To Make It As A Fashion Blogger

Wish it were that easy.

Am I famous? Definitely not. Then why am I qualified to give advice about making it as a fashion blogger? I am probably not. However I’m doing quite well blogging and would like to share what I’ve learned so you don’t make the same mistakes I have. And hopefully I can give you that shot of confidence that you just might be looking for. If you’re looking for the in’s and out’s of Google Analytics or how to make money with your fashion blog, then this post is not for you. If you’re not interested, that’s okay. Feel free to go back to watching the Gilmore Girls, paying bills, or spackling the den – whatever you’re up to today. I don’t mind. Really!

First up I will present the don’ts of blogging.

Don’t Trust Everyone

I don’t want you to get all paranoid on me, but this is true. It’s unfortunate but when certain people see that you’re having success with your blog, they will try to befriend you just to steal your ideas or to use you for something. When they get what they want from you, then they’re gone. This has happened to me and it really sucks. So now I keep my cards closer to my chest. I work hard to research many different things, so I no longer feel the need to share them with other bloggers. You too work hard so don’t let others steal from you. Share your ideas with trusted people.

Don’t Be A Douche

A social media presence is a must if you want to be a successful fashion blogger, but sometimes it’s my least favourite thing. Why? Because some people hide behind the anonymity of social media in order to act like jerks. I’ve gotten snide comments, some that were even verbally abusive, that came out of nowhere. That is when my faith kicks in reminding me to ‘love your enemies’ and ‘pray for those who persecute you’. It’s really hard to do that though, because I am a human being and these comments hurt. And when I’m hurt, I want to strike back. I really have a nasty temper. But I’m getting better with God’s help.

Here’s another example of how not to be lame on social media. Don’t follow people on social media, have them follow you back then unfollow them. That is so wrong. We are all people for crying out loud! We are not numbers! Please only follow someone on any type of social media if you find their content interesting. Personally I block people like that. You have your blog to represent and you never know that the person you offend might make or break your blog.

Don’t Take Offense

There are always going to be people who don`t include you, don’t like your blog, or stab you in the back. Keep smiling! Always be kind, even when you get hurt. Don’t speak ill of the people who have hurt you to others. I have learned a long time ago back when I modeled and acted that you will NEVER please everyone. It has nothing to do with you or your brand if you are being you and not offending/hurting anyone or breaking the law. It’s truly them. So do you want to give them a second of your time when you could spend it creating great content? I didn’t think so!

Now for the dos!

Do Create Great Content

At a blogger function a few months ago a veteran blogger asked me, “How do you manage to have so much content? I always struggled with that.” Well my answer is to get ahead in your blogging. I am currently writing this post a week before it will be seen by you. And I think that’s almost too late. I like to stay one to two months ahead. It just takes the pressure off and allows you to create the content that will wow your readers instead of posting something sub par just to post something. This also gives me time to include regular brainstorming sessions so I never run out of ideas.

Do Attend As Many Blogger Functions As You Can

I am an introvert so this is tough for me. I am also a wife and Mom of a toddler so I can’t always make an event due to lack of childcare or time. But I really do try to get out to as many events as I can. Why is this important? Because you never know who you’ll meet who will get your brand’s name out there. Maybe someone to collaborate with, to take blog photos with, to introduce you to a brand, to be friends with, etc.

Do Be Yourself!

This may sound like a cliché because it is, but that fact does not make this statement false. In a business of some two million fashion blogs out there you want to stand out, right? If you’re busy being someone else, that spot is already taken so you’re not going to get noticed. There is only one you with your unique perspective on the world of fashion, so let your fashion freak flag fly! For example, my dog Zeke blogs with me. I have looked around and haven’t seen a blogger dogger yet! And I’m not talking about fashion bloggers that have their dog with them in their photos – there’s plenty of that. I still haven’t seen a blog that has articles written by the fashion blogger’s dog. If you know of someone, please share their blog in my comments. I seriously want to check her/him out! So try something new and be you.

Hopefully this short list will help you out. If you have any questions/comments feel free to voice them below.

Have you entered to win this cute Gilmore Girls coffee cozy yet?

The Gilmore Girls are on Netflix very soon. Know what would go great while you’re glued to your TV set? This adorable Luke’s coffee cozy from Wanderlustbee. You choose one colour either maroon or teal. This giveaway ends midnight Mountain Standard Time Wednesday November 25th. This giveaway is open only to people who live in the United States. Don’t miss out! Enter here.

 

Tuesday's Outfit Of The Week - Wheatheart

Both sides of my family were farmers. On my Mom’s side, they are still farming the same farm that’s been in the family over 100 years! I spent many a wonderful summer on the farm helping out. To this day, I am way more of a farm girl than a city girl. My dream is to one day retire on an acreage and enjoy the beauty of nature away from the noise of the city.

So when I saw this wheat field near my home, I just had to take some photos there.

Are you a country person or a city person?

Hat: Ardene // Scarf: Old Navy // Dress: Reitman’s // Bracelet: Thrifted // Bag: Thrifted J Crew // Boots: JustFab

Monday's Meme

Friday's Faux Paw

 Photo credit: http://sthelenscelebritynews.co.uk

As you may already know, each Friday I stop by to dispense my opinion on some of the biggest style mistakes. Lately some have questioned as to why a mere canine is qualified to dispense fashion advice. I wear a tuxedo to work everyday, do you?

I have stopped pestering my Mom and Dad to play frisbee so I could write about an epidemic sweeping the nation. I’m talking about the humans who think it’s okay to leave their houses in the same clothes they went to bed in. I’m not talking about crashing at someone’s house and wearing the same outfit the next day which is not that bad. I’m talking about the human who wears pyjamas in public! What is even worse is if it’s August and the pyjamas are of an obvious winter theme – Christmas trees, snowflakes, reindeer, penguins, santas, etc. What this shows is you are at the pinnacle of not caring about your life. This is such a serious fashion crime that this offense deserves my stinkiest rating.

Wine With Everything

I love wine both the colour and the drink! Here are a few items I am crushing on for fall and winter. So if you don’t own anything wine yet, maybe this will help you out. This is not a sponsored post. All prices in Canadian dollars.

From left to right:

Noelle Collection Knit PomPom Slouchy Toque $77 ilex. every. day // Satin Choker $7 Forever 21 // Wine Tassel Earrings eBay $1 // Wide-Brim Panama Hat Old Navy $24 // Purse Tassel eBay.ca $3 // Faux Leather Scuba Dress Reitman’s $85 // Faux Fox Fur Collar Amazon.ca $25 // Lace Dress Ebay.ca $36 // Wine Poncho Ardene $25 // Cable Knit Mitts Joe Fresh $14 // Leopard Wine Top eBay.ca $8 // Wine Flats eBay.ca $17 // Pile-lined Parka H&M $70 // Long Sleeve Cable Knit Chunky Cardigan $16 Amazon.ca // Wine Faux Leather Leggings eBay.ca $6

Giveaway Winner And A New One Begins From WanderlustBee!

The winner of the gorgeous hand made mustard toque from ilex. every. day is:

Marilyn N!!!! She won by following ilex. every. day on Instagram. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Now for another giveaway – this time for a cute coffee cozy company called WanderlustBee. I found this cool company on Instagram one day and asked if they’d like to do a giveaway with me and well, here we are. Fran, the owner of WanderlustBee loves a good cup of coffee. She claims that she’s been drinking it practically since she was in diapers! But why make coffee cozies? She explains:

One day, in the middle of a trip, I went to buy a cup of coffee & realized they were completely out of those paper coffee sleeves! 😱 I kept thinking, if I just had my own, I wouldn’t have to worry about not having one. So, I grabbed my crochet hooks & started making some for friends & family members, just simple nothing super decorative & when I started receiving compliments at work, that’s when the idea came to me of opening my own shop, so WanderlustBee 🐝 was born!

On a side note, who’s excited for the Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life that starts on Netflix November 25?!?! I know I am. I’m now on season three on Netflix to catch up before the release.

Now for the best part. You have an opportunity to win one of Fran’s Gilmore Girls coffee cozies – you choose the colour from maroon or teal. It’s hand made by Fran and has Luke’s logo on it. If you can’t wait, head on over here to grab one before they’re gone.

This giveaway runs from today Wednesday November 2nd until midnight Mountain Standard Time Wednesday November 25th. This giveaway is open only to people who live in the United States. So what are you waiting for? Enter now below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday's OOTW - White On!

I am not much for rules therefore the “don’t wear white after Labour Day” rule never bothered me. The real reason I never wear white as I think it washes me out, but this wall was begging for a simple, light coloured outfit so I made an exception. What do you think? Is the white right?

Sunglasses: Joe Fresh (In Stores Now) // Earrings: Walmart (In Stores Now) // Jacket: Smart Set // Shirt: Ricki’s // Jeans: Joe Fresh // Shoes: Call it Spring