Freedom!

Hi lovelies! Exams finished about a week ago. After taking a week off to do absolutely nothing but veg out on the couch and drink wine, I'm officially on my summer vacation. It feels SO good. I've clearly neglected my blog and comments, so I apologize.. but you guys know how it is, and by it I mean life. 

I celebrated my birth early April with friends, family and the boyfriend. I was legit spoiled beyond belief. Apparently I'm loved *wooo*


Some of my beauties at my birthday pre-drink!

My boyfriend is adorable. He stole one of my old Glymm box's and put some of my wishlist items in it, plus a couple of deluxe perfume samples to make it seem legit. I loved it!



I've wanted Prada Candy ever since I received a sample of it in one of my beauty boxes. If heaven had a scent...

 So simple but so classy. One of my favorite gifts from him for sure.

 If you follow my blog, you know that I've been obsessing over this watch for months so I obviously freaked out when I opened it. 

 

Easter Sunday/Birthday Celebration with my Dad's side of the family. 

He set up a Easter egg hunt just like the good old days. I was counting my findings.

That's just a brief update of my life for the past little while. I promise the next post won't be that far away. Thanks for reading xo 

"March" Glossybox (first one!!)

My first Glossybox arrived only an hour ago, and I couldn't wait to see what I got. It was a much anticipated wait since there was a custom problem on their end. It was so worth it!!

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion - This naturally nourishing lotion contains natural colloidal oatmeal blended with rich emollients and is clinically proven to moisturize for a full 24 hours. Full size: 354ml/$11.99, sample size: 71ml/$2.40|

Bailey Cosmetics Fresh Lip Gloss, Berry - Bailey Cosmetics Fresh Lip Gloss in Berry or Pink is the perfect colour accent for women who want a sheer bump of colour to enhance their pout. Full size: 8g/$28 


Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray - Evian's facial spray rehydrates dull, tired skin, and is great for setting and renewing your makeup throughout the day, keeping you looking fresh, healthy and beautiful. Full size: 50ml/$7, 150ml/$12.50, 300ml/$17.50,  


Pandora's Blush - St.Tropez - Pandora's Blush St.Tropez is a beautiful pink blush that can be used all year around and added to any bronzer. Pandora's Makeup box products were designed for professional use and are pigmented so they will last all day long. Full size 4g/$18


Sebastian Re-Shaper hairspray - Brushable, strong hold hairspray for all hair types. Bends any movement into shape with long-lasting hold and humidity protection all in one. Re-style into any shape and re-form ingenious hold. Sebastian Professionals is a Salon Exclusive brand. Full size: 300g/$19.94, sample size: 43g/$2.86


Algemarin Foam Bath - Algemarin is made from extracts of seaweed, algae and mineral salts which give the body a tonal quality that previously was only obtainable from hydrotherapy or sea bathing. "Spring Forward" feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. 5x5ml/$3.99, 500ml/$17.99, 750ml/$23.95, sample size 15ml/$0.48

Total value of box: $58.74

So far Glossybox is off to a great start, I'm in love with this box. 

• I needed both foam bath and a new blush. 
• I currently use/love Sebastian Hair spray, so it's great that I can carry it around with me now!!  
• The gloss is a little dark for my taste, but I think once the summer hits and I get a nice tan going I'll enjoy it more. 
• The face spray felt great, it was a little tingly at first and now my face feels super hydrated. 

Thank you Glossybox for the great box. Although they are a couple dollars more than their competitors ($15/mnth), the difference in size and quality is huge! I'm soo happy.

Sign up for Glossybox!  :)

Blogging just got so much cooler!

I finally bought the camera of my dreams. It was a huge investment being a student and all, but SO worth it.

The Nikon D5100 can make anyone look pro! I had so much fun playing around with it and all the different settings it has.

I was sent the wrong charger and couldn't help to use up the battery life on the one they sent. I only got a taste of the beautiful pictures it takes before it had died. So sad - what a tease! I have to wait until I get my charger from Amazon.

These are some of the shots I took before it died!



Meet Zeus. 2.9lbs, and has this very special talent of looking like a homeless dog moments after being brushed or groomed.


    What a poser. Learns from his mama!

I'm seriously lusting over pastel colours lately. With this colour blocking trend I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe to choose from each morning. I hope it stays for a while because it's saving me some $ and making me kinda happy!

Magic Fini - M.Asam BB cream

I received this in my March Glymm box and from the very second I felt the texture I knew it was a done deal.

Although it doesn’t say it’s a BB cream, it is. For those of you who don’t know what a BB cream is, it’s “Blemish Balm”. It eliminates steps from your usual make-up routine, working as a primer, foundation as well as refining your pores and adding tons of moister! It literally feels like silk and gives such an even tone to your whole face.

After a couple of days of using it I decided I needed to do some hunting and found it for a reasonable price at www.cosmolaneboutique.com (full price $38). I found it for $19.99 + $5.00 shipping, and it only took a few days to get to me. I believe it is back to full price but they do have other products half price, so if you’re in love with the sample you received in your box then keep an eye out on Cosmolane Boutique.  They also sent me samples which included a firming face mask, anti-wrinkle eye cream, & sample container (same size as Glymm box) of perfect teint.

If you have really sensitive skin and/or large pores like I do, I highly recommend!!

xo

March Luxe Box

Loose Buttons decided to surprise many people this month by sending the box first, the tracking number after. That's new!

I don't think the personalized touch will ever get old. I love it!

 

Cargo Eye Shadow Single 

Cargo eyeshadows have long been a pro-artist favorite. Silky, blendable, and layerable, the formulations provide gorgeous, sheer color that can be built up to the desired intensity. Full size: ($16)

This was the item that I reserved with the first-in-line program this month. It actually wasn't my first choice, but since it's not iPhone friendly, I ended up with this (my second choice). I'm still pleased :)  I love receiving full size items!

 Vera Wang - Lovestruck 

Lovestruck captures the feeling of a woman who is struck by love and captivated by passion. It represents irresistible romance. The fragrance is a sparkling addictive floral that you are sure to fall in love with. Full size: 50 ml ($54), sample size: 4ml ($4.32)

love love love. This is such a sweet scent and is perfect for spring. 

 OPI - Top coat

Once your nail polish is completely dry apply the OPI Top Coat for a beautiful shine and finish. Prevents smudges while drying to a smooth, high-gloss, protective shine. Use this to seal in color for professional-looking nail tips. Full size: 15ml ($15), sample size: 3.75ml ($3.75)

I was super excited about this at first because I didn't think I had a good top coat polish......until I went to put it away a realized I have the same one. You know you have too many nail polishes when you start forgetting you have them already. 

Chi - Silk Fusion

This leave in reconstructing treatment enriched with pure natural silk, wheat and soy proteins protects your hair against thermal styling and environmental damages while giving your hair incredible lustre. Alcohol free, enriched with pure silk and wheat and soy proteins. Full size: 180ml ($33), sample size: 15ml ($2.75)

I currently have this in my hair, so far so good! I love the smell and the fact that you don't need much at all, so the little bottle doesn't seem like much at first but I will definitely get many uses out of it.

As a bonus for their one year anniversary, they sent us a card that had seeds implanted in it so we can grow a plant..... I doubt I'll actually use it, but that definitely scored points on the creativity scale!


Over all I'm happy with this month's box. I love the perfume and can't wait to try to Cargo eye shadow. I'm very happy with Luxe box lately...hope they can keep it up :)

March Julep Maven "American Beauty"

This is “Kelly” by Julep.
enter “SHAREONMARCH” to get your first box for 0.01 

March Glymm Box

 It's here!!! 

 I was crossing my fingers that I wouldn't be as disappointed as last month, I really want to love Glymm!

 First glance....wasn't sure what I thought! 

 1.Anatasia Beverly Hills/Hydrafull Gloss - Get your lips softer and fuller! Drench them with multi-dimensional pigments that release high shine and color. It stays put without the sticky residue. This rich and fortifying formula nourishes your lips with the added benefits of Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Anastasia's exclusive Balkan Botanical Infusion. Pucker up beauties!
Full size 2.2ml $27.00
At first I wasn't impressed because this gloss is sooo tiny!! You really don't need a lot though, and the colour is beautiful on! It's not sticky and you can tell it really moisturizes your lips!


without flash

2.Masam/Magic Fini - This siky formula blends beautifully into your skin to conceal uneven skin tone for a light,matte, natural looking finish. It smoothes away the appearance of wrinkles, enlarged pores and imperfections to reveal a sun kissed, healthy looking skin tone. It's magical.
Full size 30ml / $38.00

Up until just now I thought this product was white...which made me super confused as it's suppose to "conceal". I guess opening the containers help.....aduh. It's pretty dark and has a mousse texture. The smell isn't bad, isn't lovely either. It smells like your typical foundation/concealer. I'll let you guys know how it goes on once I try it!

UPDATE: I am officially obsessed with this BB cream, so much that I went on the hunt to see if I could find it cheaper then $38...and guess what? I did! One of their distributers has it on sale for $19.99 + $5 shipping. Buy it here

3.Ocean/Nail Polish - A true trend-hopper, Ocean Nail Polish Spring 2012 collection boasts shades that are vibrant, pastel and intense. This luscious lacquer applies super smoothly and streak free, and is fast-drying without containing any toxins. It's sold in upscale salons around USA and Europe. Full size 15ml / $12.00 .I love receiving nail polishes in my subscription boxes, just like the majority of us!! This is a super cute colour... I just think you would have to apply it 2-3 times because it goes on clear the first coat. It does give a super nice shine though, I will definitely be using this this spring.
(side note: I tried it on one of my nails not even a minute ago and it's already completely dry!!!)

4.Nume/ Feather Hair Extenstions ...huh? lol. I didn't receive any hair extensions, and I'm a little sad because I would have preferred those over my BB's cream. Perhaps I'll e-mail them and see if they could send it to me in my next box.

 Buy any 2 Anastasia Beverly Hills products and get a free Hydrafull lip gloss + free shipping
 

Over all, I'm happy with my box. I love the gloss, I just wish it was larger. I'm really excited to try the concealer and nail polish! What did you guys get in your box this month?

If you're new to Glymm - it's a monthly subscription service that costs $10/mnth for deluxe size samples delivered to your door with free shipping. Check them out!

 Thanks for reading ladies xo

American Beauty - March Julep Maven

Guess what came in the mail today? My March Julep Maven box!!!

I changed my box from the “It Girl” to “American Beauty” because I’m really loving the neutral colours lately. It also came with Moroccan Argan Oil that can be used for both your nails or your hair = bonus! 

If you’re new to Julep, you can get your first box for 1 cent by entering “COLOR2012” after taking their quick style quiz :) (Reg $19.99 for $40 worth of polish’s & treatments) xo

Outfit of the night: Black & Gold

Black has been my go to "colour" on nights out lately. I'll try on all my other nominee's and it seems black always takes it home.

Shirt: Dynamite, skirt: H&M, tights: H&M, pineapple necklace: H&M, ring: F21, studded earings: H&M belt: Dynamite,  leather jacket: Le Chateau, purse: Aldo, scarf: The Bay

xo

Back to M·A·C Program

Have you guys heard of the back to M·A·C program? I must have been living under a rock because I just found out about this program a couple months ago & I wish I knew a lot sooner. SO, just in case any of you haven’t heard: DON’T throw away your empty M·A·C containers (eye shadows, foundations, concealers). Pretty much anything except eye/lip pencils.

When you bring in 6 containers to a MAC in a department store you get a free lipstick in exchange. If you bring it to a free standing store you can choose between a lipstick, lipgloss or  eye-shadow.

I’m almost there!!! woohoo.  

Valentine's Day in Montreal

Mister and I decided to celebrate our Valentine's day in
Montreal a few days ago since we had exams on the actual day. It was so, so, so nice! Montreal is just 2 hours away from Ottawa and it's a great a mini getaway that was long overdue.

This is the outfit I wore there for the car ride. The aritzia sweater I'm wearing is the one I bought in my recent haul at AMH consignment store. I'm actually wearing it again right now, don't judge me. It's SO comfortable. I've had those boots for 3 years now, it's so time for them to be retired but I can't bring myself to do it, they go with everything! I'm wearing my favorite MK watch that I love dearly. The jeans are some oldies that are always suitable for long car rides!

The restaurant we went to (Due Compari) was owned by a friend of the boy. I can honestly say it was the best dinning experience I've ever had. Yes, we had 3 bottles of Italian rose, but I swear I would have rated it the same without. The food, service, music, and  ambiance were all perfection.

I'm a huge rose lover. I used to make batches of it myself because it was necessary to have in the house at all times. This rose was TDF. They don't sell it here, but he offered to import a case from Italy for me. I refused, but now somewhat regretting it.

This was after a few glasses of the magical rose, 

can you tell?

I'm wearing yet again, another thrifted dress from AMH. I've worn this dress 3 times in the last month that I've had it. It has somewhat of an open back but is so classy at the same time.
I paired my nude Steve Madden pumps with my favorite coach bracelet.

I forgot to wear earrings so that felt weird...but I got over it.

Home-made chocolate Grappa. Delicious at the time, not so much the next morning.

My Valentine <3 

This is what happens when you request a king size bed and they fail to give you one. "The hotel is under renovations". Well, I do consider myself a problem solver, and after a few drinks it was quite entertaining.

We stayed at the Omni Mont Royal. I found a really good WagJag deal a couple months ago and figured we would use it one day. I'm glad I bought it. It came with a free buffet breakfast, late check out (3PM), and a $25 spa credit. Out of all those added features, we used the late check out...and that's about it

The next morning we I decided to go shopping. We walked downtown for a little while until we found a satisfying breakfast place that caught our eye.

I have a weakness for crepes, so when I spotted "Paris Crepe", it was a done deal. Everything on the menu looked amazing, so we decided to get two breakfast crepes and one to share for desert. At that point of hungry it's really your stomach deciding, let's be honest. We could barely finish the first one.

After breakfast there was only one place I wanted, no scratch that, needed to go - H&M. We don't have one in Ottawa yet so it's necessary whenever I go to a city that has one. I picked up a few things but I'm going to post a haul of what I bought.

Thanks for reading xo

Innocence - China Glaze

Now that’s more like it.
After taking off the Julep Maven “Rachel” colour, I decided to try out my new China Glaze “Innocence” (how appropriate), that I received in my February Luxe Box.

 I’ll be doing a review of the other items soon :)

Julep Maven - Rachel + Oscar

Decided to try out the "Rachel" copper colour I received in my Julep box a couple days ago. Over Rachel, I used the gold glitter "Oscar". I seriously want to order 5 of the Oscar, I love it!! As for the Rachel, not so much! I took it off after taking the picture lol. 

I only paid 1 cent for the 3 of them so I really can't complain, I love the other two colours! What do you guys think? xo

Check out Julep & get your first box for $1 by using the Promo code"SHAREONFEB" 

Unboxing of February Glymm Box

First off - EW! Thanks YouTube for the great selection of thumbnails...ugh. Anyways, moving on!

I wanted to do a quick unboxing of my Glymm box before heading to Montreal with the boy.

What I got in my February Box:

Sula - Natural Shadow in Purple
Burt's Bees - Tinted Lip Balm
Glamglow - tingling and exfoliating mud mask
Mai Couture - 2-1 Oil Blotting/Bronzing Papier

Thanks for watching xo

If you're interested in subscribing check out their website :)

Julep Maven February Intro Box

Received my "It Girl" Julep box in the mail a couple days ago for only 1 cent :) 

I tried something different than my usual accent nail that I love so much. This reminds me of royalty & makes me happy. :)

I have on "Elizabeth", a beautiful midnight blue colour, & "Oscar" at the tips. (I also received a beautiful copper colour called "Rachel"

If you're new to Julep, you can sign up now & get your first box for $0.01 by entering "COLOR2012" after taking the quick style quiz.    xo

Random Haul

What happens when you go to the mall for a simple eye brow wax?...

My favorite purchase of the day: Studio studded tote bag purchased at Winners $31 (on sale from $39). I have a major weakness for anything studded, it's a problem. People may look at me strange because I swear it's meant for luggage & it's huge, but I need a sturdy bag for my 200lb text books & laptop. There is a padded section meant for the laptop, so that's perfect! 

This shirt is quite adorable! It's perfect for summer because it's really thin & see through. Throw on a white bando, some cute shorts & pumps & I'll be all set for a night out downtown. I didn't realize it until I was in the changing room, but the back opens up. That definitely adds a lot to the shirt. I'm also obsessed with stripes, it's ridiculous. I bought this at Sirens for $15

On the Left: ok... I literally have no idea what this is, any help? I found it in the cosmetics department at Winners with no tag. They're really good there with discounting things that don't have prices on them so I decided to see how much I could get it for. It's really good quality, pretty sure it's leather. It has a magnetic strap. I thought it would be a great little carrier for all those "feminine products" if you catch my drift. They gave it to me for $2

On the Right: 2 necklaces bought at Sirens, $5 each. I need more long necklaces. 

On the left: Surprise! Stripes again :). The ladies & I made a trip to "AMH" consignment store after the mall & I picked up this Aritzia sweater for $15. It is SO soft & I love the way it looks on. It doesn't look too flattering on the hanger but I will post a pic of it on one of these days so you guys can see how cute it is :)

On the right: Just a little nighty purchased at Winners for $11. It is also SO soft, and I couldn't beat the price for the quality. Had to have it. 

Last but not least, a bag. lol no but seriously.. I bought three things at Danier, but they are ALL gifts, and for people who follow my blog. I'm sad I can't share what I purchased... so I wanted to at least post a pic of the bag to make me feel better. Maybe I'll take a pic and post it after I give it to them? Who knows.

I love shopping :) Thanks for reading  xo