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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Tuesday's OOTW - I Am A Lumberjack And I'm Okay.

So it’s spring even though it looks like winter outside. I don’t believe in creating some huge deception that it’s a gorgeous spring day here because there has to be other people that still have snow like we do. Plus I don’t want to freeze my externals off shooting a sleeveless dress or something wickedly inappropriate for this cold weather. Who wears short shorts? Not me. At least not until June.

I love the Buffalo plaid trend so I had my eye on this Old Navy dress for quite a while until it went on sale. Needless to say, I’m loving it to pieces. Unlike a lot of their dresses, it is not too short on my 5’8″ frame. I thought it would look great with my field jacket, some rugged booties (I AM in the snow afterall!), and of course a hat. Here’s a little secret of mine. If you see a photo on this blog with me wearing sunglasses, it’s just because I’m too lazy to put on eye make up. This just may be a series of those types of photos. 

And for the record, I am not cold. 

Would you wear Buffalo plaid? Let me know in the comments below!

Hat: Thrifted // Sunglasses: Joe Fresh // Earrings: Romwe.com // Jacket: Old Navy // Bag: Thrifted // Dress: Old Navy // Belt: eBay.ca // Booties: Call It Spring

Friday, March 24, 2017

Friday's Faux Paw

Sorry ladies, you need to wait until next week! I am aware that some men follow our blog so today is a faux paw for all the men out there. I see this blunder committed time and time again by men. I am speaking of pants that are too short in the leg. Men’s pants are made for different leg lengths – listen up people who design women’s pants because the same courtesy should be shown to women too! Usually at a store for regular guys, some common leg lengths for men are 30″, 32″, 34″, and 36″. Now here’s the tricky part. If you have a 31″ inseam – DO NOT buy a pair of 30″ pants. If you actually like to some tips about which pants to wear.
It seems like this is what you guys do because when I can see sock when you are standing (and believe me as a dog I have a great vantage point to notice this) you look like you are waiting for a flood to occur. Here’s a novel concept – why not buy the 32″ pair and go to a tailor? For as little as eight dollars and a bit of your time, you can get pants that are the right length. And for those of you who don’t know what the right length is, that pant should hit midway between the top of your dress loafer and the top of your shoe sole. Got pants that are shorter in the leg than described? Give them away to a charity and go shopping. Or get your Mom, wife, girlfriend, or friend to go shopping for you.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Zombomb IS Da Bomb!

The owner Kathy and her lovely creations!

I wrote about this wonderful company and its fabulous owner a while ago, but I thought I should do an update post. Have you heard of Zombomb? If not, that’s going to change right now.

Zombomb is a bath product company that manufactures everything here in Edmonton, Alberta Canada but will ship to wherever you are. The owner Kathy uses quality ingredients that naturally moisturize your skin. Each large bath bomb is 3″ in diameter and her individual bags of bath salts are 250g bags instead of the teeny tiny 100g bags available in stores by other companies. For sanitary reasons each bath bomb is individually wrapped, because no one other than you should ever touch your bath bomb.

At Zombomb we use quality ingredients that are safe for all skin types. We use only essential oils that are are food grade, oil soluble, organic, body safe and made from all natural flavours – nothing artificial and no alcohol. Our flavour oils are also gluten-free.

She has so many different bath bombs it blows your mind! Thirty-four at my last count. All Bath Bombs contain an Antioxidant with Rosemary made from a special blend of plant extracts. Zombomb Bath Products will not stain your tub! Her bombs are light sensitive but that is because they are made from all earthy ingredients. They contain no heavy dyes, perfumes or chemicals. She ensures a spa experience without the harsh bright chemicals. And why go and catch Pokemons with an app when you can snag one of her cute Pokemon bath bombs. When the bomb dissolves, you are left feeling great and you get a Pokemon toy! Great for the little ones.

The most interesting part is that many of her products are zombie-inspired such as the apple-scented Brain Soap ($5), neapolitan ice-cream-scented Human Heart Bath Bomb ($10), watermelon Scented Flesh Soap ($5), Gangrene green apple soap ($5), super cool eyeball bath bombs, Dragon’s Blood bath bombs that make a the bath water blodd-red!

Corporate colours or wedding colours that you’d like to see in her bath salts? She can work with you to create signature colours to wow your guests or clients and add a special touch to your celebration or event.

Zombomb can create for:

Wedding Showers
Baby Showers
Wedding Receptions
Gift Openings
Gifting Events
Customer Appreciation Events
Private Functions
Fundraisers
Charity Events

Everyone loves relaxation bath bombs and she’s committed to making your next event the most unexpected treat. She also loves to support non profit organizations with gift baskets for auctions. For more information please head over to her contact us page.

For those here in Edmonton, you can buy Zombomb products at the following locations:

Float Wellness And Spa
Mars And Venus
Deadmonton
Pure Artistry
Redemption Boutique
Sanctuary Curio Shoppe
Bling Lashes
Pure Lotus Massage Therapeutics

And you can buy from Kathy in person every Saturday and Sunday at the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market year round.

And to keep up-to-date you can follow Zombomb on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Tuesday's OOTW - Spring Forward?

Today is the second day of spring but with knee deep snow, I’m just not feeling it. I thought some pink and camo might perk me up. I spent a lot of time looking for the perfect chevron necklace and couldn’t find one I liked anywhere, so I made one myself. For $15 USD plus shipping I can make a gold coloured one for you. *shameless plug* To add a bit of drama, back on my feet are my Sam Edelman booties I scored for $10. Some lilac eyeshadow and a pink sweater combined with posing in front of a tropical mural and I feel like spring has sprung!

Necklace: Made by me! // Jacket: Old Navy // Sweater: Old Navy (In Stores Now) // Pants: Smart Set // Booties: Thrifted

Friday, March 17, 2017

Friday's Faux Paw

chipped_off_nail_polishNail polish looks really great on human women. It can really elevate your look and add personality to your outfit. Also nail art is right on trend these days whether you go to a salon or do it yourself. But with nail polish comes today’s faux paw – chipped nail polish. Chipped nail polish screams, “I have given up on myself!” and looks trashy. If you don’t have time to do your nails every other day, then why not try shellac nails at your nearest nail salon? The nail specialist will paint your nails with a Base Coat, Color Coat, and Top Coat that paint on like polish. After each step, nails dry briefly under the CND UV Lamp. The result is close to two weeks of chip-free nails, with fast dry-time and no nail damage. If a salon is not your thing, then try CND VINYLUX which is like a shellac but doesn’t need the UV lamp to cure it because natural light hardens the finish. Joelle bought the shade Lobster Roll for $12 CDN ($9.90 US) at a local beauty supply store. You will also need their Weekly Top Coat to seal the polish once you’re done which she also bought for $12 CDN ($9.90 US). If none of this appeals to you and you still want polished nails, try a nail polish that is very close to the natural colour of your nails, that way when it chips it will not be noticeable. If you still want to walk around with ugly chipped nail polish, then this rating applies to you:

1-poop-star (1)

Thursday, March 16, 2017

The Binocle Factory - Stylish Frames For Fashionistas

This is a sponsored post.

If you want to correct your vision, protect your eyes from blue light, or just to find the perfect way to let your personality come through then Binocle Factory is where you need to go. Their vintage-styled glasses are exactly what will add a punch of pizazz to your outfit. With such fabulous styles to choose from whatever choice you make, they guarantee you a unique pair of eyeglasses made with high-quality materials and designed for the best comfort of your eyes.

Here’s a bit of background information on this company:

Once Upon A Time, in that little condo in Vancouver City, nothing too pretentious, all cosy and warm, were born our first drafts of glasses. We thought of creating our Binocles just for you, unique trendy handmade Binocles at a rock-bottom price. Think of your glasses as an outfit that you will choose according to your daily mood.

We characterize ourselves as eyewear Artisans, or even better, we are eyewear Artists. As passionate as we are for this accessory which is after all a real part of your identity, we made our goal to create that unique Binocle that will suit you the most.

First time on their site? Having some concerns about shopping for glasses online? The Binocle Factory has an online chat feature that gets all of your questions answered quickly. Plus their 30-days no-question-asked return policy will ensure that if you happen to make the wrong decision, you can find a pair that you love or get your money back. To help you with your decision you can try on each frame without leaving home by simply uploading your picture. This feature helps you choose a perfectly shaped pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses to complement the characteristics of your face.

I was so happy to be given a choice of whatever frame I wished on the house and had so much fun picking out the perfect pair of frames. It was hard to choose, but I decided on the Hemingways in Toucan Black which is a dark tortoiseshell colour. They arrived in such an adorable glass case and I couldn’t wait to wear them – with a cool outfit of course. 

Gone are the days of glasses being taboo. I feel nerdy yet dangerous when I wear them so I thought such awesome frames called for an edgy outfit. Thanks, Binocle Factory for great glasses! Binocle Factory is also on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Glasses: c/o Binocle Factory // Earrings: eBay.ca // Vest: Old Navy // Sweater: Walmart // Necklace: eBay.ca // Jeans: Thrifted with leopard tights underneath // Booties: Payless

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

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

So who won our giveaway for tickets to the #EHGS17?

The winner of FOUR tickets to The Edmonton Home And Garden Show is:

Gail J!!!

I will be emailing you with the details!

Thanks so much for all that entered. Stay tuned for a very exciting giveaway coming up next Wednesday.

Have a great rest of your week!

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Tuesday's OOTW - Grey-Okay!

I wasn’t even shopping for boots, however when I saw these grey beauties at Winners I had to snag them! I mean come on, they have fur pom poms on and are so darn comfortable. I loved them so much, I immediately started planning an outfit around them. Every day I checked the mailbox waiting for my grey hat and vest to arrive – oh eBay shipping why are you so slow?!? Then within days I got both and for my daughters from tween clothing.

This is my first time wearing a fully monochromatic look and I must say I love it! I thought I was going to look washed out or weird without my usual display of colours. But these photos turned out well. I’ve learned that it’s good to stretch your fashion boundaries once in a while. What fashion boundaries are you going to cross this year? Let me know in the comments below. 

Hat: eBay // Sunglasses: Coach // Necklace: Suzy Shier // Vest: eBay // Sweater: Joe Fresh // Leggings: Walmart // Boots: Winners

Friday, March 10, 2017

Friday's Faux Paw

Wearing a nice white tank top, t-shirt, dress shirt, or dress will always be in style. Nowadays you can forget the old rule that you can’t wear white after Labour Day. What always will look tacky (unless you are a rockstar) is wearing a white bra underneath. Look at the photo on the left of the woman wearing a white bra under a white tank top. What specifically do you look at first? Personally my eye gravitates to her bust. If you don’t want to advertise your bra and your bust and I think it’s a faux paw to do so, then wear a skin coloured bra. This will provide you with a seamless look, so that your bra does not stand out under the shirt. If you are Caucasian, the best bra to wear with a white T-shirt is a beige bra. If you are darker skinned, your best bra choice under a white T-shirt is a mocha one or even a darker one depending on your skin tone. This will minimize how noticeable the bra you are wearing is to others. Choose the same colour for your underpants when wearing white pants.

 

Thursday, March 09, 2017

Can we get real?

First off a big congratulations to the winner of FOUR tickets to the Mom, Pop & Tot Fair:

Christine B!!!

I will be emailing you the details today! Thanks to everyone who entered! There is still time to enter to win FOUR tickets to The Edmonton Home & Garden Show. Enter here.

I look like this right now – except I have shorter hair.

I know it’s only 8:15 pm but I feel like it’s 1 am. I used to start my party-filled evening at this time and now I’m ready for bed. How did I get so old? I am freaking exhausted and I still need to blog. Arrrrrrgh.

James my two-year-old has been in bed for an hour and I’m still wiped out. Tim (husband) had today off but we filled it with errands. And now as I sit here to blog, I’m soooooo tired. It’s not like I don’t have awesome ideas for a post, I just am too tired to do any of them. So here we are.

When I first came back to blogging after a two year hiatus due to health challenges, I wrote that this time around my blog is going to talk about real life. So here I am walking the walk instead of just talking the talk. 

Lately I haven’t felt motivated, am on a very restrictive diet for health reasons, am dragging my sorry butt out of bed each day, and feeling like I’m on some sort of treadmill or going through the motions. I gave up shopping for Lent and am trying to spend more time with God. So far so good. I’m hoping to get my fire back soon but am not sure when that will be. 

I often feel guilty for taking a break. I feel that I’m only as good as what I get accomplished. I have to drill into my head that I’m a Child Of God and as such I don’t have to do a darn thing to be loved.

So I am trying to carve our more time for me. I’m watching Riverdale on Netflix, taking baths, drinking tea, looking at all the cool fashion items for spring, singing solos at church, planning my summer vacation, focusing on all the blessings in my life, reading, and spending more snuggle time with James. I want to start meditating but I find it so hard to sit still!

Do you guys struggle with setting aside “me time”? What do you do to nourish your soul? Let’s get the discussion started in the comments below.

Wednesday, March 08, 2017

The Winner Of Our Last Contest And A New Giveaway For Tickets!

First off, I’d like to wish my husband Tim and dogger co-blogger Zeke a very happy birthday. Yes they were born on the same day. Easy to remember, hey? I love you guys to pieces and hope you both have an awesome day (and I hope you like the tickets I bought for the Hip Hop Broadway musical, because I could sense you wanted to go there).

Awwwww! Zeke was such a cute puppy! And Tim looks so rested before little James came along. #parentingishard

I sense a date night coming on tonight… *leaving to pick out something to wear*

Okay I’m back now.

Who won the giveaway for a gorgeous one shoulder top? 

The winner is a fellow Canadian – Leslie C!! She won by tweeting a message about my contest. I’ve sent you an email to get your address so I can ship you your prize.

This is the first time a Canadian has won one of my giveaways so I’m super happy. And to everyone else, thanks so much for entering and for your love and support. 

Today I’m also announcing a new giveaway for two tickets to see the Edmonton Home & Garden Show.

If you haven’t heard of this wonderful show, then I’m going to fix that right now. For awesome ideas on your home renovations, gardening info, great recipes to feed your family, wonderful snacks, cool contests, a free consultation for your project, fashion show, and something for your fur baby head to the Edmonton Expo Centre from March 23rd to the 26th.

 

On the Main Stage presented by the Edmonton Journal there will be exciting presentations with practical and innovative information you can use. Prepare to be inspired by experts such as Mike Holmes Jr. from HGTV’s Holmes + Holmes and Matt Muenster from HGTV Bath Crashers along with other top authorities who share their tried-and-true advice for every home improvement project. 

Professional planters and green-thumbs-in-training alike, prepare to cultivate your gardening know-how with Canada’s top outdoor experts. This spring, don’t settle for fake plants and flowers: No matter your budget, style, or size of space, our experts will provide you with tips, tricks and inspiration to help make your gardening dreams a reality. Whether in your yard or on your balcony, learn how to make your garden flourish and have your entire block green with envy!

Food lovers rejoice! This year’s food stage takes the cake with tasty presentations from Chopped Canada judge, Massimo Capra. There will never be a dull moment as some of Alberta’s culinary masters feed your tastebuds with delicious demonstrations, rich recipes and enticing entrees. Don’t forget to bring your recipe cards, these are some provisions that you don’t want to miss out on. It’s time to chow down! 

Grab a bite to eat and an ice cold beer in the Beer StrEAT Gardens! It’s easy to work up an appetite while walking the show floor; put the pep back into your step with a wide variety of local and international brews to choose from, as well as your favourite YEG Food Trucks! There’s something for everybody and tons of delicious eats to get your hands on. Your thirst will be quenched and your belly will be full!

What’s a sure sign that spring is around the corner? A little leisurely landscaping challenge, of course! Don’t miss all the action at the 3rd annual Backyard Wars! Six incredible local landscapers will use their design prowess and battle it out for the best backyard space. Vote for your favourite design to help one participant win a $1,000 cash prize and free booth space at the 2018 Home + Garden show and for your chance to walk away with $250 visa gift card.

Direct access to the industry’s top professionals are at your fingertips! Avoid decorating, landscaping and renovation disasters by using our expert resources for relevant and stylish advice! Bring your photos, paint swatches, questions and samples to the experts for free one-on-one 15 minute, complimentary consultations.

Fashion and florals come together at Hort-Couture! Strut down the catwalk to view this season’s hottest trends curated by some of West Edmonton Mall’s most fashion forward retailers! This is your front row seat to view the beautiful blooming fashion. There’s no better way to reignite the feelings of a fresh season than with a runway of fashion trends and unique foliage. Your senses are bound to be delighted!

And don’t forget your furry friends! Zeke love this idea so much! Pamper your pooch (or feline friend) with a bed fit for royalty. Whether it’s an elaborate estate, or a modest mansion, treat your furry friend to a lap of luxury. Local media personalities and influencers were put to work to create comfortable and stylish pet beds perfect for man’s best friend. Each participant chose a piece of furniture from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and transformed it into an upcycled bed of doggy dreams. Don’t forget to give the challengers a round of a-paws and take a bed home for yourself! Bid on the fetching pooch palaces which will be up for auction. 100% of the proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity.   

Now for the best part! Up for grabs are FOUR tickets for one day of this wonderful event! The contest is over Tuesday March 21, 2017 at midnight MST. There no restrictions for winning other than the winner must be in Edmonton on the days of the show. And to stay in-the-know follow The Home & Garden Show on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, March 07, 2017

Tuesday's OOTW - Furrfection!

I have been wanting a funky faux fur jacket (or FFF) for a very long time. Then one day I was at my favourite secondhand store The Hope Mission Bargain Shoppe and saw this beauty for $8! Now that’s a good deal, but when I got it to the till I was informed everything was 50% off! So for $4 I got a super awesome faux fur coat. It’s quite longer than shown in the following photos, but for this look I decided to pin it up to make it shorter. It will definitely make an appearance again on the blog in the future – next time maybe full-length.

The day I shot this look was one of the last nice days. Since then we have had three inches of snow and it’s gotten considerably colder and drearier. I want spring. Now.

For this look I decided to add my cute fox sweater. To play off the fox’s cute pink glasses I threw on a pink sparkly necklace and killer pink shoes. It’s way more glamorous than what I usually wear. 😉 What’s your favourite go-to outfit for hitting the town? Let me know in the comments below.

Sunglasses: Coach // Necklace: Smart Set // Coat: Le Chateau – scored at the Hope Mission Bargain Shoppe for $4 // Sweater: Old Navy // Leggings: Walmart // Shoes: David’s Bridal 

 

Saturday, March 04, 2017

Giveaway For Four Tickets To The Mom, Pop, & Tot Fair!!

On Saturday March 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday March 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. bring the whole family down to the Mom, Pop & Tots Fair in Edmonton, Alberta at the Edmonton Expo Centre. I am so excited for this fair, I’m blogging on a Saturday! If you haven’t heard of this wonderful event, I’m going to tell you about it now. At the Mom, Pop & Tots Fair, parents and kids alike will be thrilled to join one of the most beloved children’s characters of all time as Thomas & Friends take everyone on an adventure live from the stage on Saturday at 10:30, 1:30, and 3:30 and on Sunday at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30! Get ready to sing and dance along!!

Parents will be able to shop for all the best products to help them care for their growing and changing family, access resources and services to help them navigate the incredible journey that is parenting, and of course make plenty of memories as their kids have a day filled with fun!

Between the RBC Chalk Drawing Floor, the AdaptAbilities Kids Zone, visits with Mrs. Claus with 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, face-painting*, a fantastic petting zoo, pony rides*, bouncy houses*, a Creativity Centre, and a whole bunch of other fun activities to take part in, kids will be sure to leave the show absolutely pooped out!

Activities with a * subject to nominal additional fees

To get your tickets head here. To keep up to date follow the Mom, Pop & Tots Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Now for the best part! For one lucky person I have FOUR tickets to give away! The giveaway ends Thursday March 9th at midnight MST and is open only to people who are going to be able to make it to either the Saturday or Sunday show here in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. The winner will be contacted Friday during the day. Good luck! Enter below.

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Friday, March 03, 2017

Friday's Faux Paw

I know that many women will be angry at me after reading today’s blog entry, as what I have chosen for today’s faux paw is very popular right now. I strongly dislike platform stilettos. They look clumsy and uncomfortable and make a woman’s feet look huge, and yet women seem to love them. I never thought I’d see the day that stripper shoes would go mainstream. Also, most men absolutely hate this current trend. You look like you’re trying to be taller instead of wearing normal heels. Adding three inches to your height with normal shoes is acceptable; anything more than that is just plain unsafe. A twisted ankle is never in style!

Not to mention there are many physical problems from wearing heels that are too high such as: hammer toes, sciatica, Haglund’s deformity, bunions, back and knee problems, and irreversible damage to leg tendons to name but a few.

All anyone can see is your shoes coming and how silly you look teetering around on these atrocities. You weren’t born six feet tall so just let it go.

Thursday, March 02, 2017

Trends For Spring 2017

Where I live in Canada we have basically two seasons – winter and summer. By the time we get spring weather, it is June and fall goes by in the blink of an eye. But all of this nonsense doesn’t stop me from thinking of spring.

There are many trends for spring 2017, but I’m only going to touch on four that I’m excited about. Do you have an actual spring where you are? What trend are you excited about? Let me know in the comments below.

Banker Stripes

This one is borrowed from the men, but oh so cool! It seems that the off shoulder trend is still continuing so why not grab this cute top

Think Pink!

According to Pantone, Pale Dogwood – a light pink is going to be big this spring. I love this saddle bag from Old Navy. Reasonably priced and so cute! I may or may not have bought this already. 😉

Embroidery

Embroidery is on jeans, shoes, blouses, dresses, bags – you name it – this spring. I really think this dress from H&M is beautiful.

Corset Belts

Want to get some waist definition in a flash? Then try a corset belt which is coming back into style for spring. Head here for a great selection of colours at a great price. Glad I kept mine from a long time ago.

Wednesday, March 01, 2017

Last day to enter our giveaway!!

It’s the last to win your very own “Flashdance Top”! The winner gets to choose one of the colours in the photo below as well as their size S, M, L, or XL.

The contest is open internationally and will end tomorrow Wednesday March 1st, 2017 at midnight Mountain Standard Time. Enter here. Good luck!