tips and tricks to feel grateful...now!

Gratitude can be tough. Waking up with a smile on your face and feeling ready to take on the day? Well it is often easier said than done. There is a reason for this. Stress and anxiety have a way of taking over. In fact, chronic stress is becoming more and more common – and it can affect our overall health. That is why it is important to take a deep breath, de-stress, and remember to be grateful. Having a little gratitude for the big and little things can put everything into perspective. 

my first professional makeup application.

It was a memorable day. Finally, a year after completing my LiveGlam makeup artist certification (read more about my experience here), I applied makeup on a client. Okay....it was someone I knew, but client sounds so much cooler! This was something I have wanted to do for a very long time. Long before I even considered signing up for LiveGlam. Truth be told? I was too nervous to take that first step. Luckily, my friend pushed me to follow my passion.

trend alert: the resurgence of 70s fashion

You’ve heard all about the 90s fashion trend. Currently, everything from chokers to grunge inspired plaid is in style. Good news! That isn’t the only re-emerging fashion trend to pay attention to. Styles inspired by the 70s are back in a big way. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to rock a pair of flares and a loose fitting blouse? Now is your chance. This season, you can make the most of this iconic decade. Think fitted jeans with dramatic bell-bottoms, floppy hats, dramatic – and almost dizzying – prints, and everything in between.

online shopping: my first ROMWE order.

As a fashion fanatic on a budget...I have heard about an awful lot of online style websites. One that continued to pop up was ROMWE. Despite hearing about it over and over again, I ever ordered anything from them. There was no particular reason. I just never got around to it! Well, a little while ago, I finally did get around to it. I saw an ad that showed ROMWE offered 60% off of your first purchase. Great, I thought. What a perfect way to try out their clothes and see what all the fuss was about.

neapolitan ice cream sundae inspired makeup look.

It just isn't summer without a cold ice cream cone. There has literally never been a time in my life when I have turned down a bowl of this delicious dessert. It is the ultimate sweet treat! Since the weather has been warm and muggy lately, there has been a fair amount of ice cream in my life. In fact, my husband and I recently picked up a tub of Neapolitan. The reason? We couldn't agree on a flavour. (I wanted chocolate and he wanted strawberry.) So, we met in the middle.

four ways to have fun on your own.

Sometimes, we are scared to be by ourselves. We get so used to having other people around that we forget how to hang out with ourselves. If you are anything like me, then you know alone time can be good for the soul. It let's you re-charge, re-connect, and breathe a little easier. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert...it is possible to make the most of an evening alone. Here are a few ideas that will keep you happy and entertained. All on your own.

review: urban decay moondust palette

It has been a full-blown makeup drought over here. Okay, not really. I still have more makeup that any one person technically needs...but it has been quite a while since new makeup has entered my life. One of my resolutions for the year was to use more of what I have rather than constantly focus on the new-new-new. As a reward for cutting back, my husband surprised me with the Urban Decay Moondust palette. Cue excitement. Not only was this new makeup....but a sparkly glitter palette that I had been lusting after for ages.

simple ways to score beachy waves.

Is a day at the beach on your calendar? Even if it isn’t…you can still snag relaxed beachy waves. You know, the ones only an afternoon of surf and sand can provide. It is possible to achieve those gorgeous waves from the comfort of your own home. Want to make sure you are summer ready…wherever the day may take you? This is your guide to sexy beach hair!

beginner series: contour like a pro

Contour kits are everywhere these days. You can find them in drugstores, Sephora, MAC, and every beauty counter imaginable. Never before has highlighting and contouring been so popular. Thank the A-list for that! Are you a beginner? Then the concept of contouring your face might seem a little overwhelming. What goes where? And how can you avoid noticeable mistakes? Now that the world has gone contour crazy…. it is time to learn the ropes. This beginner-friendly guide will help you get started.

summertime makeup musts.

Summer is fully underway. Though mine had a slow start...things are finally starting to look up. Not only am I feeling better (finally), but there are quite a few special events to look forward to. They kind of popped up unexpectedly! Since I am doing what I can to embrace what is left of the season, I thought today's post should be about the essentials. Be sure to throw these summertime musts in your makeup bag.

travel far enough and you meet yourself.

It has been a while since I've fallen in love with a city. Recently, my husband whisked me away on a last-minute weekend getaway. The destination? Ottawa, Ontario. Though it was only a four hour drive away, I hadn't been there since a brief stopover in the eight grade. Needless to say, my memories of the area were foggy at best.

how to rock the 90s trend.

Get your scrunchies. Bring out the plaid. Throw on your overalls. Marathon 90210. In case you hadn’t noticed, 90s fashion trends are back in a real way. Styles that were once considered dated are now at the forefront of fashion. Even though you probably threw out your mini-back pack long ago…. now you can step back in time and re-visit those old favourites. There are so many ways to embrace this fashion resurgence. Here are a few easy ways to wear the trend with ease.

review: l'oreal colorista washout hair colour in #red

Adventurous? Me? Not even a little. My idea of taking a risk is setting the alarm ten minutes later than I should. Generally speaking, I like things meticulously planned. (Okay, okay, I can be a bit of a control freak from time to time.) When it comes to my hair, basic is the best word to describe it. I typically opt for medium to long length with layers. Nothing more and nothing less.