Wednesday evening was eventful! You may already know that, if you’re following me on snapchat (HumJK). I took the subway, which I hadn’t done in almost a year, that was nice. And I bumped into a friend, which obviously never happens when you’re driving. That was nice too. It was great hanging out with other bloggers and the Globe Style team. As bloggers we get so enthralled into our digital worlds we forget to make time for face time. No, I’m not talking about the iPhone app. I mean real, good ol face to face connecting.
We then went over to the theater for the YSL movie screening.
My thoughts on the movie, it’s definitely for an older audience to watch (too many drugs, vulgar scenes etc) but the clothes shown throughout the movie and the last collection was absolutely divine. The vibrant colours, turbans, belts, bangles… beautiful! I also learnt a few things I didn’t know about Yves Saint Laurent and some nifty tricks to use everyday. My favourite outfit? The model to the left of Yves below. (I’ve made a mental note to re-create that look, minus the turban).
Photo credit: http://innocenceterrible.com/
(Not sure why I look so angry in that last pic. RBF? :”/ )
Top – American Apparel
Shoes – Charles & Keith (Bought in Egypt)
Pants – Club Monaco
Purse – Forever21
Blazer – Forever21
Jewelry – Pandora/Persona Bracelets
Watch – Burberry
Glasses – Bought and made in Korea
the options are endless. I recorded this lip lookbook while on my trip to Japan in Tokyo and finally I got the chance to put it together for you! This is my first time doing a voice over and I’m not a professional so it might be a little weird but I promise I’ll get better at this 🙂 Have you read this month’s Globe Style Advisor? They have a great line up of bright lips for Spring!
I took a break from filming to go through this months issue and wish I had some of these colours to add to my lookbook.
Especially Maybelline’s Color Sensation matte lipstick in Mesmerizing Magenta! You’ll love this video by beauty contributor Megan Kirkwood who shares tips for wearing this seasons bold lips:
One of Spring 2015’s basics as you could see on the runways, is unusual, out of this world animal prints!
Animal prints were big last year as well, so I bet a lot of you have some great animal print pieces already. Although you might notice last years pieces were different types of print. Spots and stripes, whereas now they have crabs and jellyfish prints (according to popsugar).
Image from Popsugar
I haven’t snagged anything like it yet but will be keeping an eye out for something that speaks to my style. One of my favourite animal print clothing, has to be the zebra coat from Zara. The double z in my wardrobe. It’s different and light to wear. Great for spring or early fall weather.
a late morning meal eaten instead of breakfast and lunch.
When brunch comes to mind, I usually envision a cute restaurant, possibly parisian themed with a whole list of items to choose from. When I go for a brunch I like to eat healthy but also enjoy a dessert. Most restaurants know people like me will want this and offer separate options for healthy and dessert items. Makes sense. However, if I’m making my own brunch at home, it’s a whole other ball game. This is why for one of my brunch items I’ve chosen to do a French toast roll with Nutella and strawberries.
When hosting a brunch at home, here are some tips on what you’ll want to do:
Invite your guests
Create your menu well in advance so you have time to gather or check what items you’ll need
Put together a juice station (prep the night before for certain mixes like Sangria’s)
Match number of guests to tableware. If I had a quarter for every time I mis-counted how many people were coming, I’d be a billionaire! Make sure you have your choice of cutlery, serving plates, bow tie charms (see image below) for identifying your guests’ drinks etc.
If planning to use decor or a theme, keep it simple with matching tableware or paper balls/medallions for your walls
Below I’ve put together a simple brunch with a touch of love. Rolled french toast, oat cups, Simply Simple Sangria (my own delicious recipe) and a side of fruit and heart shaped cheese.
Simply Simple Sangria
My favourite thing about Sangria’s is the colourful combination of fruit. Not only does it taste amazing, but it looks pretty too! Most Sangria recipes call for slices of lemon, however I chose to add my favourite lemonade by Simply Orange instead and their new Simply Orange with coconut water.
Ingredients
1 apple cored and cut into chunks
1/2 cup Strawberries sliced
Orange slices (optional)
1/2 cup Blueberries
1/2 cup Blackberries
Clementine, peeled into pieces
1/2 cup Simply Orange Lemonade
1/3 cup Simply Orange Lemonade with Raspberry
1/3 cup Simply Orange Coconut Water
In a large pitcher combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for as many hours as possible, preferably overnight.
Note: The longer the fruit stay steeped in your juice mix, the fruits will enhance the flavour of the juice and soak it up as well.
Rolled French Toast
Ingredients
Whole wheat bread
Nutella
Eggs
Cinnamon
Powder sugar
Strawberries
Directions
Mix eggs and cinnamon in a flat deep bowl.
I didn’t mention how many slices of bread, eggs or cinnamon you’ll need because that would differ based on how many guests you’re making this for. Now take one slice of bread and flatten the edges with your fingers. Spread Nutella and place strawberries on one end of the Nutella side. Roll the bread. Place bread into the egg mix. Make sure it’s all covered. Place it in a buttered pan on low-medium heat. Turn rolled bread to each side until it is golden brown. Place in plate and finish with powdered sugar on top.
Oat Cups
Ingredients
Rolled or Quick Oats
1/4 cup mashed banana
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon (as desired)
Yogurt
Fruit of choice for garnish or taste
This recipe makes 6 muffin cups. Butter the cups and set aside.
Mix together the honey, banana and vanilla.
In a separate bowl mix together the oats, cinnamon and salt. Combine both mixes together.
Press the mixture into the cups.
Refrigerate for an hour or more so that they’re not crumbling. You want the mixture to stick to the walls of the muffin cups. Preheat oven to 330F and bake for 15 mins. Once baked, let the cups cool down for a bit before removing them from the muffin tray or molds. Once removed, add yogurt and garnish.
There was a time when the younger me wasn’t a huge fan of coconuts. I just didn’t like the taste of it. Years later I tried it again and to my surprise, I loved it! You must have used or consumed coconut in one way or another. This multi-purpose ingredient has become a favourite for people all around the world. The coconut trend was strong last year and it seems like it’s here to stay. It can be used to hydrate your skin externally or coconut water is amazing for hydrating internally. Speaking of coconut water, my favourite juice company, Simply Orange is coming out with a new flavour with coconut water!
Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil
The first time I bought this, it was to substitute vegetable oil and be a healthier choice. I found so many other ways to incorporate coconut oil into my daily regime. For instance, making a homemade scrub with coconut oil and brown sugar, using it in your dry hair as a leave-in treatment or in wet hair as a hair mask. Most pregnant women swear by this as a life saver during pregnancy for their itchy dry skin. A 414ml bottle like this isn’t very expensive either. Around $10 at whole foods. (Don’t quote me on that)
RMS Beauty Lip Shine
This lip balm lip shine that has five colours to choose from, feels more like a treatment than a lip shine. I’ve tried the colour sacred and it reminds me of my Benetint by Benefit Cosmetics. Benetint is great for that flushed natural lips look, only this isn’t just a tint, it provides a lot of hydration. Results that you see right away! With organic oils such as coconut, moringa and castor seed; it’s no wonder my lips feel and look great after using this. Not sure why it’s called lip shine though. My lips don’t look shiny at all after using it.
Tip: Due to the texture, you can use this product in multiple ways. Use it on your cheeks as a blush.
Coconut Water Shampoo
I dye my hair a lot and because I do, it gets dry very fast. Doing a coconut oil treatment isn’t the best choice if you need to style your hair the same day or even the next. My hairstyle lasts a lot longer when it’s not oily. Most people will agree to that. Especially for volume. Instead of an oil, this coconut water shampoo does wonders for my dry locks. Not only is it sulfate free, but smells great too! I love that it comes in a semi small bottle, in case you change your mind and don’t want to be stuck with a huge bottle of unfinished shampoo.
Do you use coconut oil/water products? If so, what are your favourites?
Travelling to new places and learning about the culture and history of different destinations is something my husband and I love to do. Some trips are planned well in advance and some last minute. Our last big trip was to South Korea and Japan. We also had booked a trip to China this week for two weeks that we cancelled due to the wonderful new addition to our family. Now we look forward to taking him with us on all of our trips. The first one being to a resort in Mexico this May.
When planning a trip, where do you look for information, inspiration or general tips?
Reading and collecting the lonely planet books has become a tradition. However, a lot of the unique suggestions and tips come from articles. Articles like the ones I read in the Global Style Advisor that released today. If you haven’t already, I’d go out and get this travel edition found in the Globe and Mail to keep as a reference for the many destinations mentioned or check out the digital version here. Love the resort fashion spread, that has left me inspired for our trip in May. Need to have that Hugo Boss dress!
If I were only allowed to take a few some items with me to any of the great escapes mentioned in this Globe Style Advisor edition, they would be the following:
Fave Fragrance
Try travelling with a light and fresh fragrance. Especially if you’re stuck on a long flight.
Fave Notebook
Everyone has that one notebook they travel with. Somewhere to keep all of their plans, schedules, tips etc.
Fave Cosmetics
All I need is Benefit’s new roller lash, blush and an awesome lip tint balm for the perfect amount of natural colour.
Fave Tag
Just in case you lose your luggage and just because it’s a cute accessory for your carry on. Plus, there really is no place like home. 🙂
Epic Blend is a Canadian brand of premium lip balms that you may have seen or read about somewhere online or heard about them through one of my favourite magazines, Elle Canada.
There are so many unnecessary ingredients in cosmetics these days. Brands seem to be either coming up with innovative targeted ingredients or they are moving forward by keeping it simple and tapping into the market of au naturel.
[Tweet “RT if you have a lip balm in every purse #Beauty”]
You can never have enough lip balms. Especially during dry winters like the one we’re having. I’ve tried lots of different lip balms and my least favourite ones are the ones that go on greasy and promise to be moisturizing but aren’t. As soon as the greasiness wears off, you’re left with dry chapped lips again. I’ve found the solution with these Epic Blend balms that are not greasy and have lasting moisture results without harsh synthetics. There are so many flavours to choose from but my favourites are grape and citrus kick. YUM.
These natural flavours come in three categories:
Hemp
Made with organic hemp seed oil. Advantage: quickly absorbs deep into the skin cells for lasting moisture results.
More Moisture
Has seven moisturizers to keep your lips moist.
Organic Shea Butter
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Sunflower Oil
Organic Castor Oil
Organic Beeswax
Non-GMO Vitamin E TIP: Moist lips make for a great base when applying lipstick 😉 Advantage: The organic shea butter being one of the seven organic ingredients provides extra moisture and a boost of staying power.
Vegan
These balms are 100% plant-based and beeswax-free.
Advantage: The all-natural food grade Candelilla wax used gives these vegan balms a smooth texture.
If you’re in the market for an all natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, petroleum free and most importantly not tested on animals lip balm, then Epic Blend is what you’re looking for. Definitely keeping one in all my go to purses.
Have you tried Epic Blend before? If so, what’s your favourite flavour?
If you haven’t tried them yet then here’s your chance to win! Good luck!
Just when everyone starts to think the weather is going to change, we’re hit with frigid temperatures and people start to get sick. I know, but it’s March and spring should be around the corner. You just never know with this topsy turvy weather. For the last bit of this winter I thought I’d squeeze in some of my favourite winter basics this season.
Some of you may be familiar with the hashtag #DarkTO. Which was trending on Twitter when we started to get power outages due to the extreme cold conditions in southern Ontario. We had a few days of sun and then got hit with this deep freeze spell. Hopefully the last for this winter, especially since that was only a few days ago.
Are you braving the cold and going about your usual schedule or have you decided to hibernate? What are some of your winter basics for staying warm?
Ear Flap Hats
I got my first ear flap hat years ago and swear by these hats for harsh winters. Anything with a multi-purpose gets bonus points from me. Keep your ears and your head warm with this style.
The North Face – Mackie Bomber Hat
Note: Big It Up, also known as Brimz on Queen St. or at The Eaton Center (Toronto) has a great selection of ear flap hats as well.
Oversized scarves
You can wear a scarf or you can wear an OVERSIZED scarf. Do you remember when this image of Lenny Kravitz went viral:
The evolving world of Social Media can be hard to keep up with. Here are some updates you may want to keep in mind when you’re planning your social media strategy.
Twitter
Twitter introduces group direct messaging and the ability to film, edit and share videos from your Twitter application. Group direct messaging will allow Twitter users to privately message up to 20 people. Now with whatsapp chat groups being most peoples go to for group messaging how will Twitter’s group messaging function compare?
Users will use the Twitter direct group messaging function to share content with people they follow on Twitter vs whatsapp which is with people who you have in your phone book. It’s essentially, micro social networking within a social network. Creating smaller groups that have similar interests to share content with, away from the public eye.
As for the new video direct upload function. Brilliant! It was about time, especially since Instagram and SnapChat gave that option to its users. So which app should you share your short videos with? Look at it this way, Twitter you share videos that are related to your tweet, especially information you want to get out quickly in real time (as you know, Twitter moves fast). Instagram, share your most creative and engaging videos (recipes, workouts, snip its of your latest YouTube video) and SnapChat is a short story of what you’re doing in real time for personal accounts. However, if you’re a brand then it’s totally different and is used for promoting and getting the message out there (like the new discover option).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtFJf1N3zWw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNnVH-mwSdM
Facebook
Have you seen the new CTA (Call to Action) button on your Facebook page? It’s right on your cover photo:
Facebook gives page managers 7 tag options for their CTA button. They include:
Book Now
Contact Us
Use App
Play Game
Shop Now
Sign Up
Watch Video
LinkedIn
There’s a new LinkedIn app in town for Android users. It’s a fast and easy way to strengthen your professional connections. This app gives you updates about your connections so you can reach out to them at the right time. For an example, recruiters who post job opportunities or hr connections from companies you love. You can download the app on the google play store.
It’s so easy to get enthralled by the speed of connecting digitally with people and the speed of answering your question via a google search. Some of us have turned into digital age zombies. Not able to have present human interaction because our minds are always elsewhere, thinking about checking our social media accounts, work or anything else but the person in front of us. Could it be because of the smartphone invention? Now that we have access to applications, the internet, messaging and more where ever we go, when ever we want. It has hindered us from being able to break from it all. Here’s a beautiful reminder that we need to wake up and remember to be present:
