Currently Crushin On: Animal Themed Jewels

My mom isn't a gal who dresses up, wears makeup or does her hair - she's a jeans and t-shirt kind of lady who likes wood working.  So, growing  up, a lot of my play clothes came from co-workers of hers who would bring over bags of dresses, high heels, leather handbags and of course, costume jewellery!  

(I think I might have to go and check and see if any of this stuff is still in my dad's basement cause a lot of the pieces I remember, would be amazingly back in style now....)

Anyhow, one of my favorite pieces of jewellery was this big old cocktail ring with a jewel encrusted bumble bee on a honey-comb like base.  That thing was enormous and kind of gaudy, but in a crazy good, I loved it so much kind of way; that it was one of my favorite pieces.  I kept that thing for years but never wore it since it was a bit small.  Then, apparently I did a clean out a few years back and sent it, along with tons of other costume pieces to Goodwill.... I am KICKING myself now for getting rid of it and several other pieces that remind me of my childhood.

Plus, animals and insects in jewellery seem to be making a come-back in a crazy way!!! While I don't think I will ever get over losing that ring, I keep my eye out for it when I go into thrift and vintage stores, hoping it will make an appearance so I can snatch it up again and tell a fun story.  But until that day comes, here are a few new finds that I am currently crushing on:

I recently snagged this stunner which will be available in Campaign 25 from Avon/Mark.  I'm looking forward to wearing it out for a girls night very soon!  I'm sure there will be some "Cougar" jokes from some of my girlfriends....

 

 

 

This Queen Bee Cuff"  was the piece that made me so nostalgic.   The bee on this cuff is the most similar to the bee on the ring I had.... wish I had a photo!  But it makes me so happy and is currently on my wish list!

 

 

I'm also really loving it in necklace form!  I can't decide which one I love more, so I might have to get them BOTH!!!

 

 

 

 

Of course, I'm pretty sure the whole insect jewellery trend started with scarabs, so can't I forget to include a scarab piece like this collar

 

My grandmother collected elephants so  this piece also speaks to me.  I think it would look stunning with a really simple, long sleeve dress.

 

 

So that's my round-up of some very cute vintage-style animal themed pieces that I am loving lately.  I am definitely leaning towards picking up either one (or both ) of the bee pieces.  So if anyone is looking at ideas for my Christmas gift, feel free!! ;)

Costume Countdown

I haven't dressed up for Halloween in a couple years. Admittedly, my ex hated putting on a costume, so we just kind of avoided it. In six years, I think we dressed up twice. Both times I managed to mostly use stuff I already owned to put something together:

Referee

I purchased a costume but didn't like the pleather short skirt included so I wore the cheaply made jersey with fishnets and shorts I already owned. I put my hair in pigtails and smeared mascara under my eyes to complete the look. 

Minnie Mouse 

I owned the black and white dress, red belt and red pumps. Cute button earrings paired with those sequinned ears direct from Disneyland. I forgot to paint my nose black and add whiskers before I got to the party though...

So this year, when I agreed to go to a Halloween party, I realized I would have to go buy something new as I didn't have the time or creativity in me to put something together. 

So I headed over to my nearest <a grief="http://spirithalloween.com">Spirit Halloween</a> store to try some things on. 

Here are a few of the costumes I tried: 

I loved the blue and gold patterned dress and appreciated he opportunity to be pretty but not "sexy". Plus it was drapey so I figured it would be comfy. 

This was actually one of the sexiest costumes I tried on. It was also one of my favourites. I was surprised how comfy it was, considering it was mostly pleather.  

I liked that I could just throw this tunic over some leggings. Super comfy but kind of edgy. 

The fabric here was actually nice but it was ridiculously warm and the fake corset wasn't flattering on me, despite what the sales lady says...

 Again, this one is just pretty. I could do nice hair and makeup, and possibly even wear flats since it's so long. It definitely shows off the "girls" though...

This girl looks pretty badass. I like this drapey fit that still looks sexy. Any costume where you can carry a sword is good. 

So, any ideas on which one I picked?   I won't be sharing until afterwards though so you'll have to stay tuned and wait for pictures! 

Surprising Finds: Superstore

This weekend I popped over to Superstore to see if I could find another white faux-fur pillow for my love seat. Sadly, they were all sold out of my white, but I did manage to find a whole bunch of other great things!

Every once in a while, they knock it out of the park, design-wise and I think they are killing it right now. Here are a few things I picked up: 

I couldn't NOT pick up this pillow. I had been looking for an inexpensive stag head pillow and this silver foil on grey linen was absolutely perfect. At $16.00 it was definitely reasonable.  It also comes in gold foil on a more cream coloured linen. 

This silver studded skull was a nice big size and was the perfect glam touch to add inside the cloche on my coffee table. I've been wanting a glam skull forever and am not sure why it took so long, I LOVE how it looks!! 

I always thought I was a bit of a candle hoarder...until the power went out for about 2 hours on a Friday night and I was forced to light pretty much every candle I own. The good news is that a buddy who lives across the street said it looked like I was the only person on the street with power. But I did realize I was grossly ill-prepared for an emergency, and vowed to stock up before winter.  Thankfully, I found these on sale for 40% off yesterday.  At $4.44 each, these fall-scented beauties were a great buy. I can't get enough of the Maple Syrup and  Blueberry cobbler scents. 

While I didn't pick these up, I do have them on my wish list. 

This gorgeous marble slab board is absolutely stunning. Perfect for photo shoots or simply arranging food for family  get-togethers. At $60.00, it's a bit more than I want to spend but considering I've seen smaller ones that I liked less for around $30 at other stores, this isn't bad.

These wood-grain looking chargers come in 3 different "stains", the light grey, the medium brown and a darker brown. I kinda want all three colors!  They're super lightweight and $5.00 a piece which is reasonable. 

There was a ton of great stuff but I didn't get too many photos as it started to get hard since I just had a slowly filling basket instead of an actual cart hahaha

But it just goes to show you, some of the coolest home decor items can come from the most unexpected places! 

What have you found lately in an unexpected location? Have you found anything fun at Superstore? 

Five Things For Friday

Goodness me! The last couple weeks have been out of control exhausting with work! I can't remember the last time I felt this tired, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! 

Thankfully, I'm pretty sure my contract for my 3rd job is ended and even if it's not, I think I need to bow out.... I just don't have it in me! 

Then it was Thanksgiving and my entire family was in town. Then I got a last minute invite to the Madonna concert, it was my birthday and finally. I have a nice quiet weekend to get my life back in order! 

But for now, here are 5 things for Friday:

Excuse the used off look on my face. I was trying to be serious.... This leopard scarf has been on repeat as much as a possible. It was a sale find at <a href="http://oldnavy.com">Old Navy</a> for something like $11.00. I don't see it online anymore but I am sure you could probably find it in store. I knot my ends together  and wear it as an Infinity style. 

This girl. I have been a terrible mom this summer/fall since I have been pretty sick and super busy. But I make every effort to get our butts to the dogpark on Sundays! 

There's nothing like an unexpected surprise when a co-worker gets back from a vacation. A 3 week visit to Spurh Korea got me these sweet goodies. I am loving the beautiful coasters and plan on having them out for my guests this weekend!

Firstly, I am NOT pregnant. This is my new niece/nephew.  We are at 21 weeks here and I can't wait to meet her/him. Especially since my sister in law told me this week that they are leaving the sex a surprise this time around.... Aaak how will my OCD self deal? 

Lastly, I'm a Canadian girl through and through and there's nothing that says Canadiana more than the classic multi-colored stripe of a point blanket from <a href="http://hudsonsbay.com">Hudson'sBay</a> . They are carrying the classic pattern on so many different items now (including Christmad Crackers!) and I'd love a pair of the beach towels! The traditional colors don't work with my home decor but I also wouldn't be upset to receive a Caribou Throw in the cream and grey color scheme! 

That's just a slice of what I've been up to lately. It's nice to occasionally do a photo dump when I haven't been able to share with regular blogging. But now that I am not working 3 jobs anymore and have a quiet weekend I am gonna get all my posts up! 

The Absolute Best Face Wash Ever!!!

Today I am going to share with you, my absolute favorite face wash. It's highly possible that I've shared it with you before, but I'm okay with that. It's THAT good that it deserves a 2nd mention...

Anyhow, first up, a little about my skin. I have Senaitive, Combination and Acne Prone skin. As a teen I suffered with very bad acne to the point that I actually went on prescription Acutane. This may have been one of the absolute best decisions my parents and I could have made because it was really challenging. Now, while some people (something like 80% they say...) who go on Acutane will never get another outbreak, I will be the first to admit that sadly I was NOT one of those people. However, my skim greatly improved over the years and I typically now only get the occasional outbreak and it is almost always hormonally related. 

However, last winter I had some SERIOUSLY problematic skin. My akin was just super greasy and I suffered with severe, painful breakouts for like 2 months straight. It was really getting out of hand and I couldn't deal any longer. I was using super gentle products that sadly, just weren't cutting it and I needed something stronger. So off I went to <a href="http://sephora.com">Sephora</a> in search of a product I had used years before.

While they no longer carried the Acne-specific wash I wanted, I spoke to a few staffers who suggested I try the one that had replaced it.... It was an "Anti-Aging" one and pretty expensive so needless to say I was not impressed... Until I tried it out!! 

<a href="http://m.sephora.com/product/P381613">Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel</a> 

Within a couple days, my breakouts had cleared up entirely! It's been almost a year now and it is now an integral part of my skin care routine and I'm happy to report that my skin is probably in the best shape it's ever been, since my childhood! 

Since it's chock full of anti-aging and acne ingredients like salycylic and glycolic acid, it can be a little drying on my skin so I usually try and only use it once a day, or every second day and alternate with using another mild liquid cleanser or even just makeup wipes on days where I don't wear much makeup. But I have used it twice a day for a week at a time and it hasn't been too harsh. 

So if you are suffering from breakouts or troubled skin, I HIGHLY recommend this one!! As far as the anti-aging effects, I can't speak too much on that as I happen to have very young looking skin without much sign of wrinkles or anything. However, in knowing what the ingredients have done in keeping my skin clear and obviously exfoliated, I can attest to the fact that it does make me look so much younger in that my skin looks GREAT!! 

Have you used this before? What are your thoughts or skin care secrets? 

Indigo: Fall 2015 Picks

As always, one of my absolute favorite places to check out each new season is Indigo.  They always have great home décor, accessories and odds and ends.

So, without further ado, here are a few new items on my Indigo Wish List:

Antler Pillow Cover

Everything about this pillow is ME!!  The color scheme is absolutely perfect.  It is also the perfect mix of feminine and masculine.  I love the kitschy-ness of antlers.  I always have a thing for the pillows at Indigo, however they`re a little pricey, so I don`t often buy many, despite my desires.  However, they have recently switched to a separate cover and insert so I am kinda bummed about that.  But I have a few inserts kicking around that I can substitute since I always find the Indigo feather ones stab me.

 

 

Brass Acorn

Okay, so last year I got a little out of hand with pumpkins and gourds, so...... I think an acorn is the perfect piece for fall.  Plus, it would still look in that in-between stage from New Years to Valentine`s, when you don`t know how to seasonally decorate, but you don`t want anything to cluttered so something traditional is perfect.  They also have a feather and antlers which I always love.

 

 

 

 

Daniel Wellington Classic Collection Winchester Watch

 

This is not my regular style, but I find I can dress a little preppier in the fall, with a lot of jeans, tees and cardis, so this pretty watch is perfect for those days where I want something cute but not quite as flashy as a Kors.  I love the pink and navy strap on this one which still keeps it cute and girly enough for me as an everyday piece!

 

Feather Scarf

Feathers are my jam, so I was a little surprised when I realized I didn`t have a scarf with a feather pattern.  I love the colors in this one, everything from pinks and reds, purples and some blues.  Absolutely perfect.  Plus I just generally like the quality of scarf they sell.  There are a couple other color options and I really would wear any of them.

 

 

 

Frends with Benefits Taylor Headphones

Okay, so I might be the only person who does not own any over the ear headphones.  I really need to get on this bandwagon.  I absolutely LOVE the styling of these - they are super simple, with just a little touch off something (rose gold) to make them special.  I really need these!

 

 

Pablo Foldover Clutch

How perfect would this be for a Girl`s Night!!  The dark moody color scheme with the floral is absolute perfection!!   I like the fold over clutch style as well.  I`ve had my eye on a few clutches in the past and never bought them, but this one is definitely worth checking out in person!

 

I do have an upcoming Birthday, so for anyone who was looking for gift ideas, any or all of the above are right up my alley! Do you have your eye on anything at Indigo?

Mark for Avon: Debunking the Myth and a few of my Fave Finds

Hey All!  It's officially September which means cooler weather and shorter days are here.  :(

But I refuse to completely convert to fall until absolutely necessary. While I didn't post a lot this summer, since I was busy living my life, I did so sporting a lot of Avon and Mark for Avon piece . And yes, while I technically am a "Demonstrator" I don't actually really even sell it, just buy stuff at a discount for myself, so this post isn't about me trying to get sales (although if you're local and want something, I definitely CAN help with that). I simply just wanted to bring awareness to a company that people either don't seem to know about or have a pre-conceived (and wrong) idea about what they have to offer. Everytime I get a compliment on something I've purchased through Avon or Mark, people are always so shocked to hear where it's from- and believe me, latelyy mark stuff has been getting a ridiculous amount of comments. 

Here are some of the pieces that I've been wearing non-stop:

Bright & Breezy Scarf in Turquoise 

This scarf comes in both turquoise and coral. Firstly, it's ombré which is hard to tell in the picture, plus those tassels are to die for and so on-trend. It's also a very large size - you could totally use this as a sarong. It's nice and soft and since it's lightweight it's perfect for summer or layering up all year long. Also, I think the coral color is on sale. Here's me sporting it to work earlier this week: 

From the Top Fedora

I actually own two of these... The first one got a bit crushed after a music festival long weekend that may have involved drinking... So I have one in better condition for when I go out and one for beach days and working in the yard. This actually comes with three different colored hat bands (floral, black and turquoise) which I think is ingenious! This way you can coordinate to match your outfits, so smart! Super lightweight and comfy (sometimes straw hats can be scratchy but I've had no issues with this one). I wore this pretty much every weekend since I bought it, perfect for lazy weekends where u don't wash your hair and it saved my face from sunburn during aforementioned music festival! 

Here's a peek at me wearing it and you can see both other Band colors. 

 

 

Looking Sharp Bracelet 

Okay, so I actually own both the gold and silver and purchased the rose gold as a gift for my bestie. I like that each of these are slightly different so you could even wear them together and they wouldn't be too "samesies". I also like that they the hinge on them for easy on/off. They are kind edgy but oh so pretty. Love these, especially with an arm party stack! 

Charm Necklaces 

Alright, so technically just the horseshoe and the unicorn in this photo and I don't actually see them any longer on the site, but I have been getting so many comments when I wear this collaboration of necklaces that I had to feature these. I got these as a bundle with the fedora and a bronzer, so you can see the kind of packages that Avon puts together. This would have been the perfect gift set for any gal in your life (or just to keep for yourself).
 

Amazing Shoes/Sandals/Boots

I just snapped this now, on my lunch. Once again, these are old, from last summer and no longer available. However I wanted to show them cause the footwear from mark gets crazy compliments. I have maybe about 7 or so different pairs and have even re-bought a pair my dog ate cause I loved them that much! The sizing is true to sizing, they are always on trend and the quality has been great. 

So that's just a sneak peek at some of the accessories I've been sporting that have been getting a lot of positive feedback. But of course, that's just a small sampling of what they have to offer. All these pieces are their mark branded, which is geared towards a younger (teen-twenties?) audience - however I'm in my 30s and can't get enough. I like the makeup, apparel, footwear, accessories, body care and hair care. I am constantly singing their praises and gladly let all my gfs and random people know about this brand. Often I hear that people think Avon is for older ladies and I just wanted to throw it out there that it is definitely NOT the case. 

Splendies Review: August 2015

I figured I'd start the week off with another Subscription box review!  

Today we have my Splendies box, which is always a fun one to receive, cause who doesn't love fun new underwear?!

 

 

Splendies delivers 3 brand new pairs of underwear a month.  There's no Style Profile or anything with this subscription, so it truly is a surprise as to what you're going to get!  They do deliver a variety of styles (bikini, thong and hipster/boy cut) each month, and since I wear pretty much everything, that's fine with me.

 

The package arrives in a non-descript white plastic mailer, wrapped in tissue.  There is no product card, but pairs have their tags attached and often list prices, which is nice.

 

 

Cost:  $13.99/month for 3 pairs

 

Ships:  US- Free; Canada - $7.00; International-$9.00

 

Spree Black and White Polka Dot Hipsters

 

These are super cute.  I love polka dots and the added pink trim/.bow is such a sweet touch!  I like this style, and they have a ruching detail along the back.  They have a nice slinky feel and look like they would be comfortable, but sadly, they are too small..... ***One thing to mention with Splendies, is that they have a tendency to run small, so I advise sizing up - I hadn't at first and now I have a ton of pairs that don't fit, so I will be putting those into some friends' stockings this Christmas!  However, I regularly wear a small, sized up to a medium and these are STILL too small... so that's pretty upsetting.    There's no price listed, but I found similar ones on sale for about $10.00

 

 

Joe's Lace Trimmed Patterned Thong
The fabric on these is super soft and very stretchy, so super comfy. I never used to be into red, but I've been getting quite a few pairs through Splendies and I really like these!  The style is my preferred cut as well. I can't find these online, but they are tagged at $12.00

 

 

 

Spree Lace Trimmed Hipsters
These are actually really pretty - the fabric is stretchy but once again, these do not fit - I think maybe Spree must run super tiny.... I really like the moody dark purple background of this pattern.  A lot of people aren't lovers of flowers for undergarments, but I actually like them!  Once again, no price but I am guessing these are probably around $10 since they are similar to the polka dot pair.

 

Rose Intimates Flourescent Lemon Lace Boyshort

 

Sadly, another pair that does not fit!!  These aren't even close to fitting... they are so tiny!  I usually love a lace boyshort and actually have a bra that these would be a perfect match for, so this is super disappointing!  This brand isn't well known so I'm not familiar with their sizing, but the style is super cute!

 

** I should note that yes, regularly they only send 3 pairs, but back in June, Splendies contacted me via a photo I posted, mentioning my review and they wanted to send me a free pair - so this month I got a Bonus pair.  Which would have been great, except they didn't fit.....

 

 

Overall thoughts:  What is happening with the sizing here?  I am a consistent size small in all the underwear I buy in stores.  Everywhere from Walmart, La Vie en Rose, La Senza and Victoria's Secret - I am a size small. Regardless of the style....   When I signed up, the smalls were too small and I read that others were recommended sizing up, so I did and it worked... for a bit but we are back to very small items.  I really do not want to have to size up even further to a Large, because I feel like that would just leave too much room for error and feel that I'd end up with too many pairs way too big.  It's just a little frustrating, since I can't even really leave any feedback for a stylist, since there isn't any.  So, I think I am going to give it another month and see if things improve, otherwise I may have to think about cancelling my subscription  :(

However, style wise, I actually really like all the pairs they sent me this month.  Lace trimmed pairs seemed to be the theme this month and  I like that there was a thong and several hipster pairs, which I prefer over bikini.  Had everything fit, I would be a very happy camper.

 

How about you? Have you been experiencing the same sort of sizing frustration? 

Wantable Intimates: August 2015 Review

Okay doke, I've finally got a free evening and got some pictures taken so I could post my latest reviews.  Last week was a full week for me, with lots of packages arriving daily, so without further ado, let's get to it!

Wantable is a subscription service with a couple different options:  Intimates, Accessories, Makeup.  Plus, a few new Editing options:  Fitness, Style and a Men's option (these aren't available in Canada...yet... so I haven't had the option to test these out!)

This box is the Intimates box, which sends 3-4 pieces ranging from loungewear, socks, intimates, lingerie and tanks.


Cost:  $36.00/month (subscribers get a $4.00 credit with each order)  ** As a Canadian, with the exchange rate and all that jazz, I do technically pay closer to $50/mth.

Shipping:  US- Free; Canada- $7.00; International - $10.00

 

 

You get to create a Style Profile that let's you identify the items you Love/Like/Dislike. 

 Here's a look at my Style Profile options:

 

 

Here's a brief description of the items included in my box:

Pajama Drama Coral Tank with Lace Trim

This tank is a nice soft cotton.  I really like the cute coral and white polka dot pattern and the lace trim detail is a nice touch.  I like that it is a longer length, which is great for lounging and getting cleaning tasks done around the house.  My only complaint is that even though this tank LOOKS like it was gonna be a little baggy, it's still a little snug around my midsection.  However, I feel like this is more a reflection that I need to get back working out!  ;)

 

Valued at: $21.00 (I feel this is a bit high for a sleep tank though...)

 

Per Lei Intimates Spring Fling Bottoms

 

Until I read the info card, I actually thought these were a coordinating item, but they aren`t even by the same brand, so kudos to my stylist for choosing items that coordinate together nicely!  I love a comfy pant for lounging around the house and while I think these are technically a capri style pant, they are the perfect length for a shorty like me!  They are lightweight which is nice cause I never like to be too warm and have a cute little bow detail at the bottoms.

 

Valued at $16.00

 

 

I really love how these two pieces coordinate together.

 

Pajama Drama Raw Edge Tank  

 

Okay, so this tank is exactly something that I would buy.  The one gripe I have with it is that the cotton isn`t as soft as I would like... maybe some washing will soften it up.  I love the racerback style and stripes, it is however a little sheer so if I was to wear this outside of the house, I would have to take that into consideration.  But this color way is perfect for me!

 

Valued at $16.00

 

 

 

 

 

Pajama Drama Raw Edge Short

 

 I was originally on the fence about the pattern on here, but I actually really like it for loungewear.  They are super cute and fit nice.  I like that there is a drawstring waist for any nights where I have a big dinner or for keeping the neighbours from seeing my butt when I am doing yard work... haha

Valued at $16.00 

 

 

Overall Thoughts:

This was a nice box.  I liked that they listened to my notes and sent me the style of items I asked for!  While it may not be my favorite box, I will definitely use all four pieces and am happy with the fit.  Also, all 4 pieces are in coordinating colorways, so I can mix and match them and not look totally CRAZY!!   Here is a peek of the coral tank with floral shorts:

The overall value of the box is $69.00 which is not the highest valued box I have ever gotten from Wantable, so I am a little disappointed in that, considering the cost that we pay to ship to Canada.  But I do like all the items, so I`m still happy with the box.