Beauty Breakdown Tag!

Hey Guys!


I watched this tag on xeverygirlx's channel and I thought it looked fun so I wanted to do it! The tag consists of 5 categories!


Categories:
1. What products do you use in the shower?
2. What products do you use when you get out of the shower?
3. What are your odds and ends products?
4. What products do you use on your face?
5. What other makeup products do you use?


So here we go!


Category 1:


In the shower I use the Macadamia Nut Oil shampoo, Burt's Bees Pomegranate Raspberry conditioner, The Body Shop Apple shower gel, Bic Soleil razors, EOS Pomegranate Raspberry shave cream and loofah!.. apparently I really like pomegranate raspberry.


Category 2:


When I get out I use Soft and Dry no aluminum deodorant, The Body Shop watermelon body lotion, Burt's Bees Peppermint foot lotion, Victoria Secret Splash of Pink Fresh and Clean body spray, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh perfume.


Category 3:


My odds and ends products are my electric toothbrush and Colgate Whitening toothpaste.. real exciting.
OH! and my Lush bubble gum lip scrub.


Category 4:


On my face I use the Clinique 3 step acne system and Carmax cherry lip conditioner.


Category 5:


On lazy days, I'll usually just use my Maybelline dream matte powder to stop oils throughout the day, Boing! concealer by Benefit and my eyelash curler. If I put on makeup, I'll use some of Revlon Colorstay mixed with a dab of Stila tinted moisturizer so I don't feel cake-y, Maybelline dream matte powder, Nyx cream blush in natural and Maybelline one-by-one mascara.


I tag all of our followers and if any of you do this tag please send us your link so we can check it out! <3

Chow-4-Now


xox


Ash

Don't Fear the Dress

Whenever I went shopping for a night-on-the-town outfit I always avoided dresses that were the least bit form fitting. The main reason being that like many ladies out there, my biggest problem area is the lower abdomen/hip area. It just doesn’t look flattering in tight numbers that hug every curve which made me uncomfortable. For as long as I have done my own clothes shopping, I’ve gone for the dresses that have an empress waist style or a fuller skirt; never the little black dress that would surely display everything I was trying to hide.

That was until last year when I was desperately trying to find a new dress for our school’s semi formal. Everything I tried on was so similar to what I had previously owned; I didn’t see the point in buying it. Discouraged and with nothing else to try, I started browsing through my personal forbidden zone of dresses when I came across a sharp looking dress with horizontal pleating. Years previous I had also make it a rule to avoid this style or anything with ruching due to an unpleasant experience of my grandmother and aunt working in cahoots to force me into something more “modern” for the next school year.

Anyways, the material had a pattern I fell in love with and the back had an edgy geometric cut out that I was sure some magazine had informed me was all the rage. Not thinking I would like it, I tried it on anyway. The worse that could happen was that I look like a stuffed sausage in the privacy of the dressing room. I was in for a surprise. Instead of clinging to areas I didn’t want attention drawn to, the pleats actually formed a smooth silhouette over areas I generally had a strong dislike towards.

Now I’m sure most of you are saying, “Well Rebecca, everyone knows this,” but I didn’t! I must’ve missed the memo when they sent it out. Admiring myself in the mirror I felt silly for ever forbidding myself to consider a form fitting style. So if anyone out there was like me, and avoiding a more fitted dress because you feel you don’t have the “right” shape; stop it. Don’t disregard a style because of one bad experience or be afraid to experiment. What you wear makes a statement and what better statement is there to make than, “Look at me, I look awesome,” in that pleated dress.

Rebecca

First Apartment Drama: Dealing with Roommates or Lack of

 

Growing up I was lucky enough that I did not have to share a room with either of my two younger sisters so I really enjoy having my own space. When I moved into my first place after a year of living in residence, I had my first real experience of sharing a living space with someone else. Sure we both had our own rooms but after awhile you begin to realize that there are going to be some ups and downs to sharing an apartment. The same can also be said about living alone which I am currently experiencing as my roommate is now home for the summer and won’t be back until fall.

Here I am going to go through a basic pros and cons list to each situation and how to remedy any nasty roommate spats.

Living with a Roommate(s)

Pros You have someone to split bills, food, and rent with You have someone you can borrow clothes from/ask for outfit advice Someone to share chores with Someone to talk to Even if they are holed up in their room it’s nice to know you’re not alone Someone to blame those bump-in-the-night sounds on Someone to go see a movie with or another fun activity If roommate has a pet, you get to cuddle and play with it but don’t have to pay for any vet bills Someone to study with if you’re in the same classes If above is true they can also bring you notes when you’re sick Someone can help you decorate your new apartment Don’t have to get all the furniture It’s easier cooking meals for two rather than one

Cons Roommate may not want to pay for things they are not going to use ie cable or land-line Food preferences may differ so much you can’t split food Roommate is a crazy neat freak and gets upset when things are left dirty for two seconds Roommate could be a slob Roommate likes to play loud music Find out you just plain don’t get along (could be true if you move in with a friend or find someone in the “Roommate Wanted” section) Roommate likes to throw parties when you want to study Roommate does not clean up after their pet Roommate does not know how to cook and ruins your beautiful cookware Roommate has no regard of personal space Someone is ALWAYS around

Living Alone

Pros Can arrange things just the way you like with no compromise If the place is a mess, no one is around to judge you Quiet time when you need it Don’t have to worry about making food everyone likes Can walk around in your underwear Can watch trash tv without the harsh judgment of others No one is going to borrow your stuff without asking (unless you get burgled) No one is going to ruin your fancy cookware

Cons Have to pay for all the bills, food, and rent yourself Have to furnish the apartment yourself All the chores must be done by you No one to blame bump-in-the-night noises on No one readily able to give you their approval on an outfit Develop the habit of talking to yourself No one to blame but yourself for ruining your own things such as your fancy cookware Run the risk of becoming a crazy cat lady by acquiring too many feline companions

When it boils down to it I have enjoyed living alone these last few weeks, but I’m also excited for my roommate to come back, mostly because I really hate those bump-in-the-night noises.

If you are thinking of living with someone, make sure you think it over and discuss it carefully with that person. If either of you have mixed feelings about the situation, you’re probably not going to find living together easy. Be really honest with each other about living habits you may have or things that would bother you. For example, tell your potential roommate that you hate doing the dishes, you don’t want to pay for a land-line, and you are not going to clean up after their dog. This way you can find compromises so living together will be a great experience. Instead of doing the dishes maybe you can be primarily responsible for some other chore and agree that if you’re not paying for the land-line you will not use it or ask permission if you should need to. There is nothing wrong with making A Guideline to Harmonious Living. Being able to communicate with one another without flying off the handle will make sure you remain friends when one or both of you move out, so avoid yelling at one another or the passive-aggressive route should any problems arise.

Obviously there are pros and cons to all living situations, and your first time living with someone is going to have its challenges; but, it also is a huge milestone. You’re living without constant supervision, no curfew, you’re practically an adult! Enjoy it :)

Rebecca

P.S. Any stories/advice about your first roommate experience? Comment below!

Book Review: Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style + NOTD

Hey Guys!

It's been a while since my last post because I've been feeling slightly un-inspired. I've been
buried in homework since it's almost the end of the semester and I haven't really been doing
any shopping lately for reviews.. but enough with the excuses!

A few days ago I picked up the Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style. I'm not the most stylish person around so I'm hoping this book can inspire my future shopping decisions.
This book starts off with a Hi from Ann.. I love Ann (she always gives the best intro's) and she has the best job in the world!

Then the style guide starts by breaking down the book into 6 different categories: Girly, Edgy, Boho, Classic, Glam and Indie.

In each style section, the authors first gives you staple clothing items to add to your wardrobe. From there they show you how to wear them and how to incorporate them into your everyday style. They then give a bio and inspirations of a girl who have the style they are talking about. Then they show the girls favorite looks for events like going to school, a date, a look for the weekend and a part outfit. The book then goes into a celeb-spiration section, tells insider secrets to getting that celebs style and you then give the best looks of the celeb. Then you get suggestions on styling tricks to try, a look book and the best places to shop for your style taste.

Near the end you get the ultimate accessory guide and your ultimate fit guide.

Before reading this book, I would not have been able to tell you what my personal style was. I realized through this book that I am a mix between boho and edgy because I have many pieces in my wardrobe that look like clothing articles in these sections. I was really drawn to these sections of the book and through looking at the outfits that were illustrated, I can see how to mix up pieces I already have and some staples pieces that I would like to pick up. This book gives great ideas that I never would have thought of.

This book is $23.00 Canadian and $19.95 US but I found it at Wal-Mart where they give 40% the cover price so I bought this book for around $13. Score!

I would definately recommend anybody who's style challenged like yours truly to pick this up. It's a keeper!

Nail of the Day: Today I picked a yellow from Sally Hansen Insta-Dry called Lightening. This is a bright yellow which is perfect for summer!

That's all for now<3

xox

Ash

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: A Review

          

           Well ladies and gentlemen it is the end of an era. The Harry Potter movies are over and I am so pleased with the final installment. While Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 was more of an intense drama, Part 2 was a roller coaster of emotions and action sequences. 

            Since it has been about two years since I last read the book, all I could remember was the general storyline and not all the little details. For me this was the best frame of mind I could be in cause I was watching and enjoying a movie and not getting upset about something being out of place. 

            I decided to shell out the extra few bucks and see the 3D version and I must say I was impressed. I could go on all day about issues I have with 3D but I’m not. The 3D effects done in this movie were executed marvelously and I was not disappointed about spending those extra dollars. 

            The action sequences were almost non-stop the entire film and they were all done beautifully, but in-between all the action were these really deep and emotional moments that every actor pulled off flawlessly. I’m well aware that Alan Rickman (Snape) is a phenomenal actor, but he really blew me away with his performance. Let it also be said that I was impressed with Daniel Radcliffe’s (Potter) performance cause I was a little worried. I’m not saying he is a bad actor, I’m just saying that there was a lot resting on his shoulders due to the emotional rollercoaster Harry is on throughout the film and he needed to portray that perfectly. Radcliffe really gave it his all and it showed. 

            I still remember the magical feeling I had sitting in the theater and watching Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone and watching the final installment of the series brought back that feeling times a hundred. My only negative thought is I wish they could’ve extended the end scene at King’s Cross Station a little bit, but that’s really just a personal opinion. I just thought it was missing something.  Overall I would give this film 5 out of 5 cause I loved it.

Rebecca

On a side-note, when did Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) become a sexy beast? Not that I’m complaining cause damn he looks good. 

           

How to Paint a Store Bought Dresser

Ever since my roommate moved back home I’ve been rearranging the apartment for a new look and also moving things around in my room. During the process I came to the realization that none of my bedroom furniture matches. This was suddenly such an important matter I decided to repaint my vanity and dresser. This first tutorial is going to focus on painting the dresser.

The dresser is a cheap one that can be found at almost any department store. These dressers are typically covered in melamine paint and although they have a wood grain look, it still looks like a cheap piece of furniture.

What needs to be done first is to get a nice workspace. Be sure to lay down sheets or newspapers to prevent any mess on your floors. Take out the drawers (I’m assuming the dresser has previously been assembled), spread them out, and remove the handles. Using 80-120 grit sandpaper, by hand lightly go over the surface of the dresser and drawers. You’re only looking to remove some of the shine from the dresser and give something for your primer to stick to.

Once sanded, clean the dust off with a damp cloth and again once the surface has dried with a dry cloth. Any dust left on the surface can result in an uneven surface. When this is done you are ready to start priming.

I used Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 Primer after browsing the interweb and reading some reviews on the best primer. Apply two coats of primer to your dresser, following the dry time instructions on the container.

Now that your dresser is primed, you can apply your paint. I used Sico Furniture and Cabinets Paint in “Cloak”. I loved this paint but I would suggest that you wait the longest suggested time before applying a second coat and even longer if it is really warm in the room you’re working in. You’re going to need to do at least two coats but I suggest three. When the final coat was dry I let the dresser sit overnight just to make sure that everything was good and dry. 

With this new color the dresser is already going to look updated, but to complete the look I suggest also changing the handles. They are not expensive and it is really going to pull everything together. If you are going with new handles, install them now, put the drawers back in place, stand back, and give yourself a big pat on the back cause your dresser looks so good, no one can tell it’s from Wal-Mart.

Happy Painting!

Rebecca 

Before

After

NOTD: 07/20/2011

Hey Guys,

I have been feeling kinda un-inspired with nail polish this week (I know.. me?). I couldn't settle on a color. I have painted my nails 4 times in the past 2 days and I finally settled on Revlon's Ocean Spray. This color is so pretty and reminds me of the blue foil nails that was in style last summer. Ocean Spray looks similar to OPI's Catch Me In Your Net so if you missed out on that color from OPI's collection last summer, then I think Ocean Spray might fill the void.

Ocean Spray is a scented nail polish and when dry I find it smells like Glade air freshener. This smell gets annoying on my fingers after the second day. Even with a top coat on I can still smell the scent coming through but I definitely wouldn't mind if it was something fruity!

                                  

                                         Revlon's Ocean Spray, 2 coats

Revlon has excellent quality nail polish and I like how they offered something different to consumers. They have a brand new summer 2011 collection of scented nail polish out right now and I think I'm going to pick some of them up!

Did you guys try any of Revlon's scented polishes? Which ones and did you like them?

xox

Ash