The Stagette Weekend - It's HERE!

I can't believe that my stagette weekend starts tomorrow!

Me and 5 of my bestest friends are going to Pender Island for 5 days. We're going to relax in the sun, do some whale watching, get wild and crazy, watch as many scary movies as possible AND do whatever else my friends have planned.  (I've been told there is to be a scavenger hunt but know nothing about it.)

Here are the things I hope to accomplish during the 5 days on Pender:

1) Make all the candle holders needed for the wedding
2) Do a different hike everyday
3) Pull this biggest prank on all my friends while watching the scariest movie I have ever seen: "The Strangers"
4) Eat really good food
5) Drink like a fish
6) Learn to turn on a BBQ
7) Play some really crazy drinking games
8) Attempt to sleep in past 6:30 AM
9) Actually see a whale while whale watching

Lofty ideas??  I think not.  I have the greatest group of friends EVER and can't wait to begin this long weekend tomorrow!

Signing off, ladies, for a few days and will talk to you on Tuesday.  (PS - I'll take some crazy pictures...)

 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Sea Salt Body Scrub

Photo courtesy of www.fromnaturewithlove.com

Whew, another week has passed and here we are at Friday! YAY.

My good friend Bronwen, from the blog Rubyna and the creator of the infamous Wedding Wednesday posts, mentioned her need for a "good body scrub.  One that can revitalize my skin for the summer."  So, Bronwen, without further adieu, this one's for you!

The Ultimate Sea Salt Body Scrub 

Photo courtesy of www.topnews.in

1 cup coarse sea salt

1/2 cup baby oil

 Stir the ingredients together and put into a mason jar (with a lid) or a tupperware container (again, with a lid).  Let the mixture sit for 24 hours, covered.  After sitting period, stir the mixture and apply to any areas you wish to exfoliate.  (I always take this mixture in to the shower/bath with me.)  Massage the scrub into your skin and let sit for about 2 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water and pat skin dry.

Why this works?  I should mention that sugar can be substituted for sea salt should you like as it's not as coarse/abrasive as the salt.  However, for summer, I prefer the coarser grain as it makes my skin glow and gets rid of all those pesky flesh-colored bumps on my arms and shoulders. 

Try this easy recipe out ladies!  I guarantee that your limbs will glow and be super smooth.

Happy scrubbing!

 

Review: Biotherm BioSource Cleanser and Toner

My skin has not been a happy camper. I'm not sure if it's wedding planning stress, work stress or just stress in general, but a few months ago my skin broke out like crazy.

I am very happy to say that as of a month ago today, I have been completely blemish-free. Woohoo!  My fabulous clear skin can be attributed to Biotherm.....truly!

Biotherm Cleansing Gel - Can you see the blue microbeads?

A long time ago, before the start of this blog AND trying new products weekly, I was an advocate for Biotherm.  My only issue with the product line back then was the price: When you're spending about $30 on a cleanser and $30 on a toner, they better be worth the money.  And they were, as my skin was always clear BUT the size of the items were just too small.  I put Biotherm on the backburner and began trying new things.

Then the breakouts came.

I decided it was worth it to go back to basics with my skin and really figure out the root of the issue.  I bought both the Biotherm BioSource Tonifying Exfoliating Cleansing Gel and the BioSource Hydra-Mineral Lotion Toning Water (as I used them before AND they are for normal/combination skin, which my skin is.)  I began using the cleanser every evening and the toner twice a day (morning and night).  I still used my Clinique Turnaround Concentrate and my Clarins moisturizer.  However, aside from these items, I used nothing else.  My skin is back to looking like a million bucks.  Did I also tell you that Biotherm recently changed their pricing and these items are only $19 a piece!!!!  So amazing...

Cleanser and Toner

Pros:

Cleanser has microbeads in it which makes it feel like an exfoliator as well 

A little bit goes a long way

Both toner and cleanser have a nice clean smell 

Cleanser lathers well

Toner makes your skin feel super soft

New price of $19 per item makes it worth it 

Blemishes fade as does any scarring 

Don't need powder or concealer anymore 

Cons:

Absolutely nothing!

 I talk about skin care products a lot and am definitely a fan of many different items out there.  But there has never been any product line that's given me these kind of immediate results.  Not only will I never be using any other skin care line aside from Biotherm but I highly recommend you try these items as well.  I guarantee you'll love them as much as I do.

Have any of you ladies tried these before?  What are your thoughts?

 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Hot Oil Hair Treatment

Photo courtesy of www.tiashauntee.comwww.tiashauntee.com

A couple days ago a friend of mine asked me about hot oil treatments.  She asked a couple great questions regarding the treatment and wanted to know, especially, what the best brands are.  Well, Nicole, thanks, not only for the inspiration BUT also for the reminder that I've yet to post about this before.

A hot oil treatment is exactly that:  A heated oil product designed for your hair that aids in preventing breakage and frizz and promotes silkiness and shine.  All in all, it's a deep moisturizer for your hair that actually provides that salon "glow" we're all looking to achieve. 

Hot oil hair treatments can be quite pricey should you choose to have it done at a salon.  I highly recommend it for everyone at least once, as it's a great experience, but if you're like me and would much rather not forking out $$, then make your oil treatment at home!

Photo courtesy of www.theconsciousperspective.com

Hot Oil Hair Treatment 

2 TBSP Jojoba oil 

2 TBSP Coconut oil 

1 ceramic mug 

2 cups water 

1 saucepan

Put two cups of water in the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  While boiling, mix the two oils together in the mug.  Once the water is boiling, place the mug in the boiling water for a few minutes until the oil is warm, not HOT to the touch.  Remove the mug from the saucepan with an oven mitt and apply to clean, detangled hair.  (I find if you're hair is longer that separating it into sections works best.)

Dip fingers into the warm oil and massage into the scalp first.  Once done, dip fingertips into the oil and rub between your hands then coat your strands.  (Sometimes it easier to apply this with a comb.)  Leave on for 10 - 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.  

Why this works?  Both jojoba and coconut oil are closest to the natural sebum found in our skin.  I find that a lot of hot oil treatments add unnatural oils which makes your hair extra greasy and not healthy.  If you choose to use a store brand hot oil treatment, ensure you're looking for products that contain natural oils.

Have any of you tried a hot oil treatment before?  What are your thoughts?

PS - I should mention that you don't want to use any more than 1/4 cup oil on your head.  Trust me, it will take forever to get out.

The Greatest Lip Product Haul EVER!

Last week, I went crazy and purchased lipsticks and lip glosses galore.

It's not like I don't have enough lip products (I'll show you what I mean very soon) to be honest, but I'm always drawn to pink things. It's almost as if there was an invisible force MAKING me buy more pink lippies. It seemed to actually tell me "to buy all the pink lip products I could find". So, I of course, did just that.

I purchased the Coca-Cola Lip Smackers Collection (which I've been eyeing for quite some time), an Essence Lip Liner, 2 Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Lipsticks, an Essence Lipstick, a Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter and an Essence Longlasting Lip Gloss.  Whew, just wait till you see the colors.

So, my life isn't complete unless I have about 20 Lip Smackers glosses around my house, in my purse or at work.  Honestly, I use the Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers every day.  However, I've been wanting this pack for quite some time and bit the bullet, spent the $15, and am loving the package so much that I can't even open it yet.  I'm hoping to try them all out this weekend.  The package contains the following flavors/scents: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Cherry, Coca-Cola Vanilla, Barq's Rootbeer, Sprite, Fanta, Fanta Orange, Grape and Fanta Strawberry.  Yummy!

If I use a lip liner, it's always nude in color.  I find that it's easier to work with and goes with every lipstick tone.  So, purchasing a colored lip liner is completely out of my element, especially when it's this pink.  The brand is Essence and the color is called 07 Cute Pink.  I'm thinking this will work perfectly with all my new pink toned lippies.

Lately, I've been very impressed with Rimmel London's lipcolors.  Not only are the inexpensive, rich in color and longlasting, but they are extremely moisturizing.  I selected these two tones from the new "Kate" line, obviously inspired by the gorgeous Kate Moss.  The color on the left is called 05 and the one on the right is 06.  (No fancy names here!).  Both are beautiful colors and have already made their way to my lips this entire week.

The Essence lipstick is also a gorgeous red-pink tone.  I bought this, never having heard of the line before, because it was only $0.99.  Yes, you heard me right.  Not too sure if it's because the color is crap or just on sale.  Either way, as soon as I wear it I will let you know my verdict.  The color, in case you want to try it out, is called 49 Like a Lady.

Gorgeous gorgeous lip glosses!  I am loving the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters so I picked up a new shade called 075 Lollipop.  It's super bright and almost fuchsia-toned so it's perfect for a day when I'm wearing less makeup.  The other gloss is also from Essence, cost a whopping $1.99 and is called 09 Hottest Pink.  Honestly, you can't go wrong with a nice cheerfully bright gloss.

There you have it ladies?  Did I go overboard on the pink?

What's Inside??: The Stagette Gifts

What could possibly be in this package?

In exactly 15 days I, and my closest girlfriends, leave for Pender Island for 5 days to celebrate my stagette. I am beyond excited.

Not only is my best girlfriend flying in from Prince George (where I grew up AND about a 9 hour drive from where I currently live) but I also get a chance to party it up with my closest friends in a different city.  A small city, yes, but a different one all the same.

This wedding is coming up so fast (3 months away) and I could not have planned anything if it wasn't for my friends.  They are not only the most supportive gals I know BUT they are also the craziest.  Seriously, I can hardly wait to have everyone in the same place and be able to drink the evenings (and mornings, shall we choose) away.  So, as a token of thanks to them, I've put together some exceptionally cute "thank-you" gag gifts.   Check them out

A Fruit Smoothie facial mask

A cute squirtgun (that I plan to use to wake all the girls up every morning)

A Wooly Willy magnetic draw board

A manicure/pedicure set

Maynards Sour Watermelons

Hot pink nail polish

SkinnyGirl Margarita (delicious)

A hot pink lip gloss

I, of course, wish I had an unlimited budget and could buy the girls a beautiful necklace or something but alas, I can't.  I do, though, think I got the next best things.  All of these items will be absolutely useful for our 5 day trip away and I can't wait to try out the Wooly Willy.  I haven't used one of those in years!

 

Review: Nad's Natural Hair Removal Gel

If you've been following this blog for a while you'll remember my first waxing encounter.  It was not pretty.

Having said that, when I was contacted about trying an at-home waxing treatment, I thought it was time to jump back on the horse and give this waxing thing a whirl again.  Unfortunately, my body was NOT on board.  (I guess I really am scarred for life.)  Allan (my fiance), who's been contemplating purchasing the No-No Hair System for his pesky shoulder and back hair, asked to be my guinea pig for the Nad's product and I graciously accepted his offer.

Poor Allan and his annoyingly long shoulder hair.  I should mention that Allan is quite a hairy guy.  He has waxed his shoulders before but it's not something he does religiously.  (In other words, he knows what waxing feels like and is not intimidated by pain.)

The actual process itself is made to be quite easy.  First, you must clean the area to be waxed with the enclosed cleaning cloths and apply gel (in a thin layer) in the direction of hair growth.  However, what got me was how sticky and difficult to apply the gel was.  Not only was it sticky but as the gel was being applied, it was pulling some of his hairs out before the waxing strip was applied.  I will mention that I heated the gel up (for 15 seconds) after the initial swipe and it was easier to apply but was still very messy and very sticky.

Hair removed from initial spot

All hair has been removed from right shoulder

Alla is a brave, brave boy.  Not once was there a peep saying "this hurts" or "please STOP you're killing me."  In fact, he read his Mountain Bike magazine the entire time and let me go to town.
 

 Pros:

Easy to use 

Removes hair quickly

Cons:

Very very sticky

Quite messy 

Package doesn't come with enough cleansing cloths or wax strips

All in all, I think my first encounter with Nad's Natural Hair Removal Gel  was pretty decent.  However, it's not something I would use again personally.  I actually think the messiness and stickiness got the better of me.  I will say that I have seen on the Nad's website pre-waxed strips (which eliminates the messiness) and I think they would be more up my alley.  In terms of hair removal though, it works really well!  Allan's shoulders are completely bare (which makes me a happy camper) and his skin is super smooth with virtually no irritation.

Have any of you tried this product before?

The Mod and Fabulous Carey Mulligan

Photo courtesy of www.justjared.com

Because I had, and rocked, short hair for so long, I feel as if Im kindred spirits with any and all women who also choose to chop their locks. In particular, Carey Mulligan.

She is a fabulous actor, married to the lead singer of a fantastic band (Mumford & Sons), lives in England AND has the cutest style of anyone I've ever seen

Photo courtesy of www.altfg.com

Photo courtesy of www.justjared.com

Photo courtesy of www.beautyriot.com

 And, my personal favorites!!

Photo courtesy of Plurielles

Photo courtesy of www.people.com

Her acting is extrodinary and she has this easy-breezy style that's fun and mod all at the same time.  If you've never seen An Education or Never Let Me Go, I highly recommend watching them.  She is flawless in both films.

What are your thoughts on Carey Mulligan?

 

A Disappointing Flirt Cosmetics Purchase

I don't usually make too many mistakes but when it comes to picking beauty related items, I never make them. However, somehow, on a recent trip to the states, I (and the store) made a big blunder and I'm now the proud owner of a lipstick I will never wear.

I should begin by saying that Kohl's it not a place where I would normally buy cosmetics but they do carry, exclusively, the Flirt Cosmetics line.  I've looked into it's products before and love the minimalistic packaging and the feel of their lip colors.  So, I bought a couple things.

 The first item is a mascara and I was instantly intrigued because it comes in a toothpaste-inspired tube.  Plus, the color is so nice and black that I can't wait to try it out.  (I should mention that I'm on an eye-makeup hiatus as I am using a lash growth serum - again- to see if I get the results I want.)  As soon as I do try the mascara out, I will give a full review.

And this, my friends, is the lipstick gone wrong.  Do you notice the issue?  Maybe this next picture will help.

If you said that the color blends perfectly into my skin tone then you definitely take the cake.  The color is so fair that it actually blends into my hand and could really be used as a greasy concealer.  This color was actually supposed to be a gorgeous vintage wine tone but I accidentally selected this one instead.  So boo to the store for having the display items in the wrong holes and double boo to me for not checking the color when I grabbed it.  Oh well, maybe I'll go as an ultra pale ghost for Halloween.  The lipstick will come in handy for that.

Have any of you tried this line before?  Have you ever bought the wrong item?