Pretty Whimsical - Handcrafted Soaps And Bath Bombs

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

I had the privilege of meeting Debbie, the owner of Pretty Whimsical at The Etsy Made In Canada Show back in September. I just had to check out her booth because everything was so pretty. I mean it was a blogger’s dream with all the unicorn and mermaid bath bombs, soaps that look like cupcakes and cake, and the poop emoji soaps. And these are just a few of the lovely bath items she sells. Her items are all paraben, phthalate, and detergent free and tested on people not animals.

I was one lucky gal because she picked out some of her cutest items for me to try and to share with you on my blog. Eeeeeek! Aren’t these just adorable? This is one time I truly wish you could smell each of these through whatever device you are reading this on.

First I’m going to write about the bath bombs I got to try. The Mermaid Tail Bath Bomb Cupcake has Bubble Frosting. The bottom of the bath bomb is your traditional style bath bomb but it also includes buttermilk and kaolin clay. The frosting is a mix of bath bomb ingredients whipped with cocoa butter. Debbie even airbrushed pink on the white frosting. There are silver sparkles on the light purple mermaid tail which is a handcrafted soap. I was so sad to part with it because it was truly a work of art! The bath bomb fizzes and the frosting foams and bubbles under the running water. My skin was so soft afterwards and the smell was divine! To me it smelled like how I remember Fruit Loops smelling.

My little guy loved his Shark Cupcake Bath Bomb With Bubble Frosting. Trying to get him to take a bath can be a struggle but he hopped right in when he saw this. He loved the fizzing and playing with the shark fin soap. The best part (other than getting him to take a bath) was there was no clean up for me as everything went down the drain.

And if you’re wanting a cool gift for yourself or someone else for Hallowe’en look no further. Why not try a Pumpkin Brew Bath Bomb or a Witches Brew Cauldron Bath Bomb? These bath bombs come in cute re-useable containers that you just drop in the tub. You can have extra fun once the water hits the bath bomb by pulling the container out and dumping it into your tub while it foams and bubbles. And the best part? No calories like Hallowe’en candy.

The Cocoa Butter Donut Bomb definitely smells like Fruit Loops. I never wanted my bath to end. Thanks to this creation I got so relaxed in the tub, I almost fell asleep. If you know me well, you’ll understand how amazing that is. They come in a bunch of different colours and scents but all of them have that amazing cocoa butter “icing” sandwiched between the bath bomb donuts. Buy them by the dozen. Your skin will thank me.

Now for the handcrafted, gorgeous soaps. This may look like a piece of cake but it instead a sweet smelling soap. It leaves your skin feeling clean with a nice apple scent. Once again the details on this cake slice soap are incredible down to the sparkly apple on top of icing to the hunks of soap that look like cheesecake bits in the cake.

Fancy a cupcake that has no calories? Then this Strawberry Cupcake Soap is for you. Complete with a soap strawberry and sparkles on top, this cupcake with be your best friend in the tub.

 I just love the poop emoji because it’s so cute. Well it just got cuter! Enter the original and fun crazy Poop Emoji Soap. Each one has a different expression in the eyes because Debbie has to hand drop the soap on each eyeball. I laughed hard when she gave me one neatly tied up in its own poop bag. Dog owners will definitely get a kick out of this packaging! But don’t worry this poop smells great with its vanilla or chocolate scent.

So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for Halloween, Christmas, birthdays, or something to treat yourself, then head to Pretty Whimsical on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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

10 Things I Can't Live Without

Yes it’s Thursday and it’s probably one of my favourite days of the week on my blog. Why? Because it’s the day I write about whatever I want. For today’s topic as the title reads, I’m going to share with you 10 things I can’t live without. I mean I could live without all of these things, but life just wouldn’t be the same. Of course these are just items and are way down the list of importance after God, my husband, son, dog, extended family, and friends. And I feel I should add that none of these items I’m listing are in any way sponsored. I just freaking love them!

So in no particular order here they are:

1. Coconut Oil

Seriously. It is the shiz! I put it on my face to moisturize it. I throw some in my hair to deep condition it. I drink it in hot water for the health benefits. And it’s great for removing make up.

2. Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Vanilla Tea

I am usually a loose leaf tea drinker but once I tried this tea, I had to give props to tea in a bag. I found it hard to find a tea that relaxes me AND tastes great but this tea is it for me. I drink a cup pretty much every night before bed. And it’s also very inexpensive.

3. dōTERRA Balance Essential Oil

I am seriously addicted to this oil. Balance is responsible for keeping me from totally losing my s**t on a day-to-day basis. When I feel the urge to kill rising, I put some of this oil on my temples and pulse points. Then I inhale it from my hands. And order is restored in my hectic life. Ahhhhhhh…

4. Paula’s Choice Lip & Body Treatment Balm

This is without a doubt the best and only lip balm I use. If needed I apply it in the morning and before bed. That’s it! I have been using it for at least 7 years. My lips have never been better.

5. L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara

I hate, hate, hate clumpy mascara – especially with big brushes. This mascara is not clumpy and has a thin brush which makes it super easy to evenly coat every lash. One coat add lots of length while more than one coat gives me as much volume as I need. Love it!

6. Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Kids SPF 50

After giving birth to James, I couldn’t wear any chemical sunscreen anymore as it burned and irritated my skin. My Mom suggested this sunscreen and I haven’t looked back. The formulation has active ingredients sourced from 100% natural minerals, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, it’s tear free and sting free, paraben & PABA free, and oxybenzone-free. The only downside is that because it has zinc oxide in it, it makes my face have a white tinge when I first apply it. But in a few minutes it goes away and my skin isn’t greasy. It’s a must have.

7. All Of My Essential Oil Diffusers

I know I’m kind of cheating by putting my four oil diffusers on my list, but I need all of them. I have a main one in my kitchen that can diffuse up to 20 hours containing an invigorating blend. Then there’s my office one which has a grounding yet energetic blend in it. My husband had to get in on the action so he has a motivating blend in the one in his office. And then there’s the one in the bedroom which has a sleepytime blend in it. Lots of places now sell them so just Google “Essential Oil Diffusers”.

8. My Silver Rosary

I don’t use it nearly enough, but it is definitely the most important thing I own. I bought it in Spain on my first solo trip to somewhere other than the States. Many prayers have been prayed with it and lots of miracles have happened along with them. It is a gorgeous silver and each bead is engraved into a rose. Oh and by the way for those who don’t know, I’m a very devout Catholic.

9. Netflix

Okay. You are stuck at home day after day with a crazy dog and an even crazier threenager. You don’t have cable or even basic TV. You’re husband works until 11:30pm every night. After your kid’s bedtime you want to relax and escape your day but don’t want to cry yourself to sleep with yet another glass or three of wine. Enter Netflix. If watching two hours of my favourite show is wrong, I don’t wanna feel right.

10. Aussie Three Minute Miracle Moist Conditioner

I just used it for the first time tonight and I am totally hooked. I feel like I have missed out on shiny, soft hair for years when I just could’ve been using this product! My hair feels like silk. I can’t keep from touching it. So glad I’m not in public right now.

So, what’s on your 10 things you can’t live without list? Please let me know in the comments below.

Lipsense Makes Sense - A Love Story

This is a sponsored post.

There once was a happy couple named Tim and Joelle.

They were very affectionate.

They loved to kiss but Tim hated getting Joelle’s bright lipstick on himself. 

Would Tim and Joelle have to be less affectionate? Or would Tim have to be constantly washing his face? What are they going to do?

Luckily Joelle met Amber who sells a new product called Lipsense that stays on for up to 18 hours and doesn’t come off on anything. When she found out it was gluten free, lead free, wax free, and cruelty free, Joelle was desperate to try it! So Amber got her a Lipsense Kit including the colour Salmon, The Glossy Gloss, and The Oops Remover (not pictured).

“Hope this works!”

So she put on her new lipstick and kissed Tim.

Woo hoo! Success!

Thanks, Lipsense!!

Everyone should support small business owners like Amber (and me). Women like us are working to get by, not to buy a beach home like the CEO of a big company. So if you’re interested in finding out more or buying some of this amazing lipstick, send Amber an email at lusciouslip1987@gmail.com You’ll be supporting a terrific gal and her sweet family plus you’ll be getting an awesome lipstick or lipsticks! 😉

And if you want to try and win a Lipsense Kit valued at $55 with the colour Shelala, The Glossy Gloss, and The Oops Remover head over to my giveaway here.

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

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.

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

My Six Current Must Have Products

It’s been a very long time since I shared my favourite products on our blog. I love sharing things that work for me (as well as those that don’t) so you can save money and time. Think of me as your personal shopper. Also I have not received any sort of compensation to blog about these products. So time to give you the details.

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

I wear contacts so I am pretty fussy about what goes near my eyes. I don’t want a product flaking off and getting between my contact and my eye because it freaking hurts and could cause damage. This eyeliner glides on easily, deposits tons of pigment, stays on all day, and comes off easily. You also don’t have to sharpen it. Love it!

L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara

I hate spidery, clumpy lashes. I prefer a natural look for every day. If these things matter to you, this is the mascara for you! This is my go to mascara. It goes on non-clumpy, stays on all day, doesn’t flake, The brush is awesome, and it washes off easily. It is a lengthening formula, so don’t expect a lot of volume here. If I want more volume, I wear fake lashes instead of reaching for a clumpy, volumizing mascara. I have not found a volumizing mascara that doesn’t clump or I hate the jumbo brush. If you have one, please let me know!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Yeah at first I thought, “What idiot would spend $8 on water?”, but then I tried it. Mind. Blown. It takes stuff off my face I didn’t know existed. After using it my face feels clean and not dried out Seriously, I will understand if you stop reading this post right now and go and get yourself some.

Remington S5500 Digital Anti Static Ceramic Hair Straightener, 1-Inch, Purple

I was skeptical that I could find a hair straightener under $100 that I would use all the time. I saw the reviews on Amazon.ca for this straightener and they were very good. For $30 I thought, “Why not?” Well I must say I am super impressed. This thing straightens my hair super fast leaving it shiny and manageable. And I use it on the lowest setting! Love, love, love this straightener!

Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo And Conditioner

I had badly damaged hair after I gave birth. I thought I was going to have to cut it all off. Then my sister-in-law suggested I try these products. My hair was transformed! It’s nice and soft and feels like hair again. Plus my colour lasts way longer than it used to. The only thing I don’t like is the smell. I am scent sensitive and prefer unscented products. For people who aren’t scent sensitive the smell shouldn’t be a problem.

dōTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil

I am soooooo addicted to this essential oil! I use it in my autumn blends with some clove bud and cinnamon essential oils. When I am stressed out I put a drop in a cup of water and drink it. It takes the edge off immediately! I diffuse it at night with frankincense and marjoram for a great night’s sleep. It is uplifting yet relaxing at the same time. I love it oh so much!

What are your favourite products? Let me know in the comments below.

Orange You Glad?

I am so glad orange is still having a fashion moment for summer. It is almost my favourite colour – emerald green takes first place. Here are some inexpensive yet really cute ways to add a little or a lot of citrus to your wardrobe this summer. Are you an orange lover? If so how would you wear it?

1. Lace-Up Dress Reitman’s $42 // 2. Crochet-Trim Peasant Top Forever 21 $22 // 3. Halter Waisted Romper Old Navy $23.50 // 4. Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses Forever 21 $11 // 5. Electric Orange Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick $8 // 6. Bright Orange Crossbody Bag Ricki’s $40 // 7. Braided Faux Leather Sandals Forever 21 $23 // 8. In My Back Pocket OPI Nail Laquer $10

What's In My Handbag?

I must admit I am a very nosy person. I always love it when bloggers give me a glimpse inside their handbag. Why? I like recommendations for new beauty products and like I said I’m just plain nosy. So here’s what I lug around every day. 

In my make-up bag: Paula’s Choice Lip & Body Treatment Balm – the BEST lip balm EVER!!, Eucerin Aquaphor, generic broken nail file (why do the handles break off all the time?), Goody Mini Hair Brush, Oral-B Glide Dental Floss, Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Caribbean Escape, NYC City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color in #041 Ballroom Blush, Rimmel Lasting Colour Rush Balm in Lady Marmalade, Revlon Nail Clippers – all housed in a cute leopard-print make-up bag that I do not remember where I purchased it. Yes, I have had it that long.

In my handbag: Wallet from a long ago purse show, Contigo Water Bottle – the only water bottle you will ever see me carrying, assorted candies mostly from restaurants, Fisherman’s Friends – my must have as a singer, my keys – the croc key chain says “I<3 Tim”, and my crappy Moto E cellphone that needs to be replaced. It has no storage, a crappy camera, and crashes every time I try to post a Snapchat video – in short a fashion blogger’s nightmare.

Well that’s it. Not very glamorous I’m afraid. Now do you know me better? What do you have in your handbag that you cannot live without? Please share in the comments below. 

The Hunt For Coral Blush

At one point in time I didn’t need blush as I always had such super rosy cheeks. Fast forward a few years and now my rosy cheeks are no more. So now I am a big lover of blush- especially coral blush due to my red hair and fair skin. Since Annabelle discontinued my favourite blush in the whole world, (but they were great about it) I have been on the hunt for the perfect coral blush. Nothing says summer to me like a gorgeous coral blush. I believe that coral looks great on just about everyone if you find the right shade for your skin colour. After a long dry spell, I have found not one but FOUR that I am madly in love with. So here they are in order from cheapest to most expensive:

From Top Left Clockwise: Milani – Luminous, Annabelle SkinTrue Blush, Bobby Brown Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks – Calypso Coral, and Blush Subtil – Coral Kiss

Annabelle SkinTrue Blush – Passionfruit $8.99

Very sad but since Target left Canada, I can no longer buy this gorgeous blush. As you can see I am really in need of more. 

Milani – Luminous (Not the baked one, but the discontinued one.) $9.99

Yes it is discontinued but I can still find it on eBay. It’s often mentioned as a great dupe for Nars’ Orgasm. I wouldn’t know that for sure as I have never tried any of Nars’ blushes. Sorry for its shoddy condition. I have used it a lot. 

Bobby Brown Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks – Calypso Coral $34.00

This is a wonderful option for those of us with drier, mature skin. It’s a cream blush so it won’t dry out your skin or settle into fine lines.

Blush Subtil – Coral Kiss $40.50

I have an older version of this blush because I forgot about it. I just tried it the other day and I love it! The great news is I picked it up at a thrift store (unused) for $2! I took it out of its compact so I could use it in m own personalized magnetic compact.

Here’s the swatches. From Left to Right: Milani – Luminous, Annabelle SkinTrue Blush, Bobby Brown Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks – Calypso Coral, and Blush Subtil – Coral Kiss

 

 

 

Blemish Free? I Think So!!!

I am a homemaker but in my spare time, (which there is not a lot of these days) I write, sing, and model. One night before a photo shoot, I got a wonderful huge pimple by my nose. I read somewhere that if you put a blemish cream containing benzoyl peroxide the offender and let it sink in, then put a dot of clay mask on top and go to bed, the pimple should be gone in the morning. Even though I was super skeptical about this, I gave it a try and went to bed.

The result? MIND BLOWING!! It was gone! I never thought that would happen being it was a major underground pimple. So I knew at that moment I had to blog about it and let everyone know that this really worked.

You can use any blemish cream with 2 – 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in it and any type of clay mask. The products I used were both by Paula Begoun and you can buy them online at her website: http://www.paulaschoice.com  – CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment and Skin Balancing Carbon Mask.

I hope this works for you as well as it did for me!

No More Dry, Frizzy, Crazy Hair!

Yes, I must admit I have fallen prey to the Pinterest machine (click here for my account). There are so many useful things that I have spent way too much time pinning when I should be doing something else like a blog entry cleaning the house. I have started a board called Pinspiration to show the pins that have inspired me to try something. I also write about my experience and what to change or avoid on each pin I pin to Pinspiration. And that bring us to today’s blog entry.

The pin in question was taken from the How Does She? blog – you can find the article the pin is based on here. Anyhow, the pin was about using coconut oil on your hair as a conditioner. I didn’t have my computer in front of me a few days ago when I decided to take a leisurely bath so I did my own thing instead of following the instructions. I left the coconut oil on for about 20 minutes and didn’t apply heat. I applied it to most of my hair but kept it far away from the roots. Then I tied my hair up with an elastic and had my bath enjoying the wonderful coconut smell. I washed my hair once with shampoo then applied my Aussie conditioner which also has a coconut smell. It totally works!! My once dry and frizzy hair now feels soft and looks and smells beautiful! I loved it so much I did it again two days later.

In conclusion, this is a wonderful addition to any gal’s beauty arsenal. Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

For The Men!

This is a sponsored post.

I know I spend a lot of time talking about women topics because… well… I am a woman! I have neglected our men followers as of late so I will try to remember to talk about men’s style more often. So, here goes!

My husband likes to go to the spa and prepare for himself this DIY Beard Balm recipe. There, I’ve said it and there’s no turning back now (unless he reads this and tells me that I’m embarrassing him and I delete this entry but I hope that doesn’t happen). I think that in today’s day and age there is absolutely nothing wrong with men looking after themselves and practicing great grooming habits. After all why should women only be the ones to fuss and fret over looking their best only to go on a date with a guy who looks like K-Fed on a bad day?

Someone once said, “Women come out of the bathroom in the morning totally transformed. Men come of the bathroom in the morning smelling better.” Men, if showering and shaving are the only thing you are doing to get ready for the day ahead, have I got some suggestions for you!

1. Ditch the Uni-brow

Invest in some good tweezers (Tweezerman slant ones are my favourite) and pluck those stray hairs between your brows. If you have exceptionally bushy brows that almost cover your eyelid, then go to a salon and get your eyebrows shaped with a good waxing.

2. Ditch the Nose Hairs

If women are watching an octopus’ tentacles move in and out of your nostrils when you breathe, then trim your nose hairs. Trimmers are very inexpensive and can be found anywhere. this goes for ear hair too.

3. Ditch the Grey

We colour our hair, so why don’t you try it if you are pre-maturely greying? Pre-mature greying is when you’re getting a lot of grey hair in your 20s and 30s. And don’t go with Just For Men as it is crap that comes off on everything. Women’s hair colour is far more superior in every way. If you feel weird about buying a box with a woman on it, pretend it’s for your girlfriend/wife. Or get it done at a salon.

4. Ditch Soap and Water For Your Face

Start a good skin care regime which doesn’t involve using soap on your face. Soap dries out skin and clogs pores. Buy a dedicated face cleaner for your skin type. Also exfoliate your skin once a week either by using a gritty scrub or a chemical exfoliant like Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). Kate Somerville brand products are good for everything ranging from moisturizing and resurfacing, to treating acne. And everyday of the year, wear a sunscreen of 15 SPF or more. You don’t want your woman to look old and neither do we want you to!

5. Ditch the TV

Start exercising! You have it way easier than a woman to gain muscle and lose weight being that we are fat storers thanks to our ability to have a baby. You don’t want a fat girlfriend/wife and we don’t want a fat guy. We like to be able to brag to our girlfriends how attractive our man is.

6. Ditch the T-Shirts (at least once in a while)

There was a photo on facebook circulating recently that said, “A well-tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to men.” Although this is cute, it is also true. I’m not saying that you have to wear a suit to go grocery shopping with your gal, but at least put some effort into your appearance. Wear nice jeans or khakis and a button down shirt or golf shirt. Wear some nice shoes, not the beat up runners you use to mow the lawn. Trust me, your effort will pay off in ways I cannot discuss here. *wink*

Now guys, I know not to give you more ideas because quite frankly I think this may be more than enough for you to process if you never tried any of these things. But try them and you’ll see that not only you’ll feel better about yourself, but maybe you will find that certain special someone or keep that special someone interested. Hope this helped out!

This is a sponsored post.

 

Looking Good In A Flash!

Okay, as I have mentioned more than once in this blog I am not a morning person. It really doesn’t matter how much sleep I get, I still hit the snooze bar an average of two times per morning and barely drag my butt out from under the sheets in time to get ready for the day. I have found that I only need a few minutes to do the basics and I still manage to look put together. I will share this with you, so when you have a time constraint you can also look good.

First lightly apply foundation if you wish to. Then apply concealer where you need it, for me this means under the eyes and on my nose. I skip the powder but for those with oily skin, lightly dust with powder. Use a light eye shadow (white or pale pink for fair skin, champagne or pale gold for medium skin, pink/gold or pale bronze for dark skin) to highlight under the eyebrow and on the inside corners of the eye. This makes you look more awake. If I have more time I also apply eyeliner on my upper lash line. Also make sure to curl your lashes and apply mascara on your upper lashes only. By doing this you will draw attention away from dark under eye circles and wrinkles. Lastly, apply some blush and tinted lip balm or lipstick and you’re ready to go!

The Awake Fake

Unsure of image source.

Unfortunately it is very common for most people at one time or another not to get enough sleep. I’m not here to judge as I too fall under this category. So I thought that writing about how to look awake – even when you’re not – would be a good blog entry.

When you wake up and look like you haven’t slept even though you may have, there are some simple tricks you can use to look more rested. First off, lie down again and reduce the dreaded under eye bags by putting slices of cold, raw potato over your eyes. A brewed tea bag soaked overnight in cold milk does wonders too. You can also try soaking a washcloth in icy water and putting it on your face. Another trick is to keep your moisturizer in the fridge to help constrict the swollen blood vessels which can be responsible for puffy eyes and face.

After you do some or all of the aforementioned, get up and start moving around. Try even jumping rope for five minutes. Don’t drink excessive amounts of caffeine if you can avoid it and instead drink water to re-hydrate and make skin glow.

Splash some cold water on your face and massage gently to promote circulation. Try some tinted moisturizer instead of heavy foundation to hide imperfections and look more natural. Tilt you head down to apply your under eye concealer to make sure you see where it needs to go most. And make sure to curl your eyelashes and put mascara on your upper lashes only so your eyes look bigger and more awake.

Hope this helps everyone to fake looking awake. I’m off to have a nap… ZZZzzzzzzzzzzz…

Viva Les Curves!

After going online to check out the Golden Globes this year, I wasn’t in my usual euphoria over the gorgeous evening gowns on the red carpet. Why you may ask? It’s because I saw entirely too many women who were way too thin and sickly looking. When exactly did looking healthy go out of style? And more importantly what kind of message does this send to women, particularly young women? Apparently a very harmful message because in Canada one to two percent of women between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five have anorexia and three to five percent have bulimia.

I remember as a young woman looking at magazines not realizing the amount of retouching that had taken place on every photo. How I longed to look like that! I also didn’t realize that the model had three hours of hair and make-up and another three hours in wardrobe to attain that look. No wonder I had low self-esteem issues because I looked nothing like the beautiful women in the magazines. I remember feeling so ugly and inadequate. At least nowadays, photoshopping is very mainstream and talked about. A great video to watch about the magic of photoshop was made by Dove:

This video and many others nowadays show what goes on after an image is shot and what goes on “behind the scenes” at a photoshoot.

Yes I still model on occasion, however I am very concerned about the message it sends to young women. a while back I modeled and was interviewed for Lane Jensen’s I Feel Beautiful When… project. I chose I Feel Beautiful When I Model in order to discuss my childhood low self-esteem issues and try to debunk the beauty myth:

Remember, you can’t have style if you look sickly because you’re starving yourself. Eat healthy and always do some sort of exercise in your life daily – even if it’s power walking/shopping for those great deals at your favourite mall! And above all love yourself because “We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” – Marilyn Monroe.