Ready to Face the New Year

Kijiji Unique Gifts: The Big Reveal!

At last... it's the big reveal! Earlier this month James and I announced that we're going to explore to the second-hand economy to buy a Christmas present for each other.

We went to vintage shops together, bookstores, and then some more shops to try to find gifts. It helped because we got a good sense of what the other person was looking for, but ultimately, turned to Kijiji to find the perfect gift! Continue reading for big surprise.

Finding Unique Gifts on Kijiji

Every year it's the same deal. James and I get 3-4 gifts for each other for Christmas; while most of them are little stocking stuffer-type items, we get one main gift that's more special, a bit on the pricier side and really something we've been wanting for a while. This time we've decided to shake things up! We are turning to the second-hand economy to find the ultimate gift for each other, and we're sharing our journey with you.

Textured Grey

44 Charles: A Metropolitan Dream

Even though I've been working downtown for more than four years (and living in the city for a little over a year), besides my daily work and life routine, it's hard to get out and explore different pockets of Toronto sometimes. Recently James, Frenzi and I were invited to spend 44 hours at 44 Charles Street West in Manulife Centre, a 51-storey commercial and residential tower, right in the heart of Yorkville (corner of Bay and Bloor), and we truly got to experience the fast-paced downtown living that they always talk about in the movies.

Corporate Twist

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide: Everything Under $100

Oh, Christmas Tree! It's that time of the year again where we chit-chat about fun gift ideas for the beauty lover in your life. I always get excited about making these lists because it's my time to share what I've loved throughout the year that I feel would make an excellent gift for a special someone, a friend or even a family member!

This Holiday Beauty Gift Guide includes five ideas including makeup and skincare items, as well as a special kit that any man would love, and a little something for your furry friend. The best part: everything on this list is under $100! I promise that all items have been tested and I would not be sharing them with you if I didn't love them myself. Here we go!

Tips for the Best Beauty Sleep

I think I'm a night owl. While I do enjoy going to work every morning and planning out what I need to tackle for the day/week/month, sometimes I feel that I'm truly most productive in the evenings. Even throughout the week, right when I get into the groove of waking up early (...usually by Wednesday), Saturday rolls around and I just want to stay in bed until I find energy to pull myself out. Raise your hand if you also feel this way!

A couple of weeks ago Refresh Botanicals invited me to spend a night at Templar Hotel (348 Adelaide St W, Toronto), and practice some tips that I should incorporate into my night-time routine, so that I can sleep peacefully and get up the next day feeling well-rested and happy.

Weekend Sneakers

Fall Beauty Favourites

There is something about autumn that truly brings out the "busy"ness of everyone. A lot of things happen around this time of year: back to school planning, Thanksgiving, Halloween and then Christmas starts to creep up!

Regardless, I wanted to share a little roundup of beauty products I have been using and loving over the last couple of months.

(Mini) Concrete Jungle

My Morning Routine with Jergens Moisturizer for Wet Skin

Every morning I enjoy waking up extra early to plan my schedule, go to the gym, take a soothing bath and cuddle with Frenzi while sipping on hot coffee.

WHO ARE WE KIDDING?!

My mornings look NOTHING like that.

Everyday Vamp Look

Abstract Floral

Wow Your Brows with the Benefit Brow Book

We can all agree that our style evolves over time. In highschool I wouldn't leave the house without eyeliner. During my college years I went through a blush phase, where I would apply a dash of pink shimmer to make cheeks glow.

However, a couple of years I came to realize the importance of brows. If your eyebrows are tinted and shaped to frame your face and complement your eyes, you'll look amazing no matter what look you are going for. I can now happily leave the house without any makeup on, as long as my brows are on point.

Goodbye, Beach Days!

Refresh Your Routine for Fall

Earlier this summer I put a pause on some of my skincare staples and decided to wholeheartedly give Refresh Botanicals a try. This organic Canadian skincare brand offers a full line of products that essentially help you relieve, restore and revitalize. I'm happy to announce that I've come on-board as an ambassador and will be sharing my journey with you over the next few months!

A Flowerful Day

Back to School Essentials

There are two types of people in the world: ones that get SUPER excited about going back to school... and then there are those that don't even like it being mentioned! Either way, I think we can all be a little positive and at least enjoy shopping for all new supplies, clothes and beauty products.

I wanted to make the going back-to-school process a little easier by offering one lucky reader a care package courtesy of COVERGIRL, Pantene, Olay, Gillette Venus and Walmart. Keep reading to find out how to can enter to WIN!

The Ten Spot Style Bar at Hudson's Bay Queen Street

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes Quickly

I'm not here to judge because I think we're all guilty of not cleaning our makeup brushes as often as we should. Earlier this summer Anisa International, known for their innovation in cosmetic tools, package design and manufacturing capabilities, shared a survey that recognized the need to educate everyone on the importance of having a consistent brush cleaning routine.

Gold Stripes, Check

L'Oreal Ombré Touch Kit

If you follow me on Snapchat (SummerxSkin), you might have seen that a few weeks ago James, the husband, and I decided to be a little spontaneous and dye my hair! 

The Festival Survival Kit

Toronto has been one of the BEST spots for music festivals this year. With a few big concerts that just passed and some really amazing festivals lined up from July through September, Johnson & Johnson Inc. has curated an amazing Festival Survival Kit for you to enjoy and have the most memorable experience of your life!

While some of the items in this Festival Survival Kit are a bit more obvious (such as the Aveeno Sunscreen and LISTERINE Pocket Paks), I never would have thought to carry Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets in case of excess oil or the Polysporin Complete for quick emergencies. Each item in this kit provided by Johnson & Johnson Inc. serves a purpose and prevents you from getting sunburnt, acquiring serious injuries and avoiding allergic reactions.

Ways to Dress Up Your Skinny Jeans

Some may argue that skinny jeans are no longer considered trendy, but what if you tried dressing them up differently? Out of all the pieces in my wardrobe I find skinny jeans to be most comfortable, so I partnered with Michael Hill to share a couple of fun ways to take things to the next level!

You're Invited! Clarisonic Twitter Chat

What are you doing on July 21? Join me as I host another #SonicRevolution Twitter Chat with my friends Clarisonic Canada!

Crochet on Lockdown

Cutest Pineapple Jumpsuit

Review of OURS by Cheryl Hickey

Last year Cheryl Hickey, host of ET Canada and Canadian media personality, launched her skincare line OURS by Cheryl Hickey. It claimed to be safe, healthy and natural; appealing to men, women AND children... quite a rarity!

Since the launch I've been using the 24 Hour Face Cream, mostly after applying a facial serum, and since I really liked the consistency and durability I decided to give the entire skincare line a try! Continue reading my thoughts on the different products.

Why the Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution is Amazing

I've been using Clarisonic for two years now, basically ever since I first got my hands on the Mia2 and did a review and demo here. I change the brush heads frequently, but the device itself hasn't given me any issues. If I don't use my Clarisonic for a few days I begin to notice little blemishes and my skin just doesn't feel as smooth as it normally does.

When I got my hands on the latest Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution, I was super excited to retire my older device and began using this one right away, and I am SO happy that I did.

Camo Style

Walmart Looks for Less Challenge

Chia Seed Collection from THEFACESHOP

Last month I got invited to THEFACESHOP's official Canadian launch party. I've actually been a fan of the brand for years; my friends introduced me to their products during one of our occasional trips to Pacific Mall. I was really excited to hear from their team and celebrate their brand expansion into the market here.

THEFACESHOP is particularly known for their face masks and natural facial products, I was particularly intrigued by the Chia Seed collection. Continue reading to hear my thoughts!

Layering with Denim

Crabtree & Evelyn for Mother's Day

Seems like just yesterday we were wrapping up the holiday season but it's already mid-way into Spring and Mother's Day is in less than two weeks! Have you picked out a special gift yet?

Crabtree & Evelyn has fantastic gift ideas that hint at exactly what Mother's Day should be all about: feeling extra special and taking it easy for a day. While they have a variety of options to choose from, my favourite is the Citron, Honey & Coriander Deluxe Set. Continue reading to find out what's included and enter for a chance to WIN one for yourself or your mom!

High-Low & Denim

What a Beautiful, Sunny Day

Invigorate Your Skin with joeSCRUB

What do couples do on a quiet evening? Try a new facial scrub, of course. As soon as I opened the joeSCRUB packaging, my condo immediately started to smell like delicious, flavoured coffee. James was intrigued as well and we both decided to give it a try! Continue reading to find out what we both thought of the this product.

Keds with a Skirt

Caudalie Grand Facial at Miraj Hammam Spa

Life can get pretty hectic sometimes. You get stuck in a routine of waking up early, rushing to work, going home to cook dinner and then quickly preparing for bed. Once in a while it's good to treat yourself, so I try to schedule in a facial at least once every season!

Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto. It was beautifully decorated, inspired by the Middle Eastern culture, and lightly scented so that it wasn't over-empowering. Continue reading to find out how my facial went.

Floral Stripes

One-Minute Miracle Beauty Products of 2015

The Kit, one of Canada's leading fashion and beauty publications, reviews thousands of products and each year, they narrow down their top 27 favourite items that they consider to be "one-minute miracles". For 2015 they categorized the winners into three categories: Game Changers, Impact Makers and Multi-Taskers.

Sears Spring LOOK! Report for eLUXE

I’m excited to share that a few weeks ago I got to work on a special project with Sears Canada for their Spring LOOK! Report. LOOK! Report is the very best fashion, beauty and lifestyle trends that have been hand-picked by their trend directors who search the globe for the freshest ideas. Showcasing the best of each season, LOOK! Report presents products in stories which not only embody the trend direction but also allow the product to be featured in the best way possible. It is currently published quarterly and available in store and online, you should totally check it out!

Sears Canada teamed up with eLUXE to feature items that were personally chosen by Canadian influencers from across Canada, and I was one of them! We got to style our own looks with Sears spring goodies and mix them with everyday basics we already have in our closets to get fresh new looks - just perfect for work and play this season.

I love floral dresses and bright tunics in the spring, but this year I’d like to experiment more with capris and funky printed pants. This season is also perfect for layering items like blazers and cardigans. So, here are my outfits…let me know what you think!

Emerald Skirt

Black & Yellow

Resort Life at Grand Bahia Principe in Jamaica

Feels like a lifetime ago when my husband and I went on our honeymoon. Many people asked where we went, how we decided on a spot, and what our experience was. I thought I'd share it all with you here.

Jamaican Paradise