Insta-Monday: Globe Style Advisor, Revlon x Marchesa Nails & More

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Took inspiration from the latest Globe Style Advisor (mens edition). Stay tuned for a cool look that I can't wait to share!
2. Photobooth fun with some of my girlfriends at a western-themed birthday party this past weekend.
3. The Soya Boutique sent me Soya Skin products; I've been using the sugar scrub and serums and my skin is so, so thankful.
4. How exciting to get an exclusive preview of Revlon x Marchesa nail art! I'm going to experiment with one of the designs this week and will share it if I can do a good job.
5. Three Works Apple Ch!ps were on Dragon's Den last week and they got a deal! It was quite exciting and they sent some goodies in celebration of this.

As always, thanks for tuning in! Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more interactivity throughout the week.

Insta-Monday: ARTDECO Cosmetics, The Body Shop Gift of Joy, Globe Style Advisor & More

From top to bottom, left to right:

1. ARTDECO Cosmetics sent me a few makeup products from the fall 2013 collection to try. I'll be working on a tutorial soon.
2. Went to "Gift of Joy", an amazing event hosted by The Body Shop to showcase the holiday collection, but it was all about the gift of giving... I loved it!
3. Got to hang out with Elaine (Toronto Beauty Reviews) and Victoria (Haute) at The Body Shop event, so great seeing you ladies. xo
4. I can't stop raving about John Frieda's 3-Day Straight spray, which definitely helped keep my hair from getting frizzy and wavy due to humid weather all summer.
5. Got my advance copy of this season's Globe Style Advisor last week and really enjoyed the Dressed to Kill editorial. They even sent me a sweet gift! (Who told them I love Marc Jacobs?!)
6. Celebrated my best friend Kiran's birthday this past weekend... so good to just hang out, play games and eat homemade pasta.

Hope you enjoy my Insta-Mondays! Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more frequent updates.

Insta-Monday: Sweet Grass Spa, Marc Jacobs Beauty & More

From top to bottom, left to right:

1. Received an amazing gift and invitation from Sweet Grass Spa in Toronto.
2. Also got a few products from the new Marc Jacobs Beauty line to try. I'm in love with the chic yet minimalist packaging.
3. Spent the weekend away from the computer and just relaxing outdoors.
4. James' dog Frenzi has been ill for the past week and has to wear the cone around his neck. Needless to say, he still looks adorable as ever.

If you enjoy my Insta-Monday posts, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter for real-time updates.

Insta-Monday: Happy Birthday to Me!

I debated a little about whether I should announce that it's my birthday or not, but I turned 24 today which is kind of a big deal, so why not! I celebrated with some of my closest friends this past weekend and I'm really looking forward to going home tonight and relaxing with my family.

Here is an Insta-Monday roundup of the last two weeks. Enjoy!

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Received goodies from Revlon Canada to help me create a fun makeup tutorial using the colour blue.
2. My custom tea subscription from Taste Cha finally arrived. I'm already in love with the peppermint-flavoured tea.
3. Went thrift shopping with ladies from Shoppalu and found the cutest items, like these chairs.
4. Finally got the chance to visit Magnum Canada's pop-up shop in Yorkville and loved the entire experience.
5. Received goodies from Verseo courtesy of Chic Darling. Thank you!
6. Attended a fabulous intimate dinner held by Ecco Shoes Canada and Brill Communications and got these boots as a gift. Can't wait to style them for fall/winter!
7. The rest of the photos are from a birthday party I held for my close friends on Saturday night. It was a fantastic time and really good to hang out and relax with good company.

Thanks for checking out Insta-Monday! Feel free to follow my adventures real-time on Instagram and Twitter.

Insta-Monday: Books, Frizz Ease Products, Pepsi Challenge & More

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Orange is the New Black is a Netflix original comedy-drama series, based on Piper Kerman's memoir. I'm excited to read the book and will be watching the show starting later this week!
2. I got to hang out with the folks over at Harper Collins Publishers Canada and met author Kim Izzo.
3. John Frieda graciously sent me a whole bunch of products to keep my hair looking great all summer. I've already been using the 3-Days Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray and it really works! It helps your hair stay straight through rain and shine.
4. Pepsi Canada has set up a Pop-Up on Queen Street West in Toronto, where they host all kinds of entertainment and allow the public to participate in the Taste challenge. Turns out I prefer Pepsi over Coca-Cola!
5. I'm not a big sports fan but love going to see games live. I enjoyed the Toronto FC game at the BMO Field with friends!
6. Went for my friend's birthday party at Against The Grain Urban Tavern by the docks; what an amazing location!
7. Thanks to Summerlicious 2013, I discovered Midi Bistro! I don't typically order vegetarian dishes but this Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie was SO good.

This week's Insta-Monday was a small combination of what happened last couple of weeks. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for real-time updates!

Insta-Monday: Globe Style Advisor Summer Issue, Benefit The Rich Is Back, Restaurants & More

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Got a sneak peek at Globe Style Advisor's first mens issue, and really enjoyed it.
2. Attended Globe & Mail and Globe Style Advisor's Salute to Summer party, where I got to meet project editor, Cameron Williamson, and fashion editor, Tiyana Grulovic.
3. My friends and I had our fittings and style session with Whitney Linen, and we're all set for our photoshoot next weekend.
4. Got the chance to play with Benefit's The Rich Is Back kit. I'll be hosting a cute giveaway very soon.
5. I highly recommend Nivea's exfoliating scrub; used it all weekend and my face feels so soft.
6. James and I found a really cute restaurant on Bloor Street West near High Park called Lunch Box, where we had lunch, fruit smoothies and devoured homemade apple pie in no time!
7. I photographed and filmed James cooking chili and sweet potato pie. We'll be sharing the recipe on PB&J Mag.

Follow along on Instagram and Twitter!

Insta-Monday: Beauty Goodies, Whitney Linen Mens Line, Brand Previews & More

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Cuddle time with my niece is the best!
2. I've been using my Clarisonic Mia2 ever since I got it, review to come.
3. Batiste is currently my favourite dry shampoo (the original kind), works so well with my hair and smells fantastic.
4. Got sent this beautiful pair of Cat Footwear sandals, they're perfect for summer!
5. One of my favourite Canadian designers, Whitney Linen, launched a mens line; the fashion show was amazing.
6. Excited to be working with Lancome Canada on a project coming up this month, and got these goodies from them.
7. Checked out Nine West's new concept store in Yorkdale, it's beeeautiful.
8. Hung out with Victoria (Haute Canada) at the Nine West media opening.
9. On the same night I went over to take a media sneak peak at LOFT's new store in Eaton Centre. It was a busy night!
10. Got to hang out with the lovely Marissa (Chic Darling) and Taylor at the LOFT media preview.
11. Found this amazing sparkly top in my mother's closet. She got it as a gift back in the 70s from her sister-in-law. It's still in SUCH great condition and I can't wait to style it. ;)

Follow my adventures on Instagram and Twitter!

Insta-Monday: Danier Preview, Jays Game, Montreal, Whitney Linen & More

Here is a compilation of the last couple of weeks. In the midst of work and events in the evenings, I managed to go on a mini-vacation for the long weekend!

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Got to preview Danier's Fall/Winter collection and can't wait for these three pieces in particular!
2. Summer in Toronto means endless visits to the Sky Dome for the Jays games!
3. Went to Montreal for the long weekend with my closest girlfriends and had the most delicious food. We also had a wonderful spa day.
4. Got asked to become the Canadian Launch Ambassador for Clarisonic and I'm currently giving one away on the blog!
5. For the past little while I've been so busy planning something fun with Whitney Linen, can't wait to reveal what it is.
6. Went to La Mexicana for the first time (on Yonge/Bloor) and had a great time. Loved the black beans!

Stay in touch with me through Instagram and Twitter!

Insta-Monday: Minling Fashion Show, Smart Set Preview, Florals & More

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Such a beautiful time of year - flowers in full bloom!
2. Walked the runway at Minling Pan Studio's Fashion Show and took photos afterwards with Elaine, Nicole and Valerie.
3. Friends Deanne and Marissa came to watch the show and for support!
4. Came home to goodies from Nivea Canada after the fashion show. I've already started using the lip balm and highly recommend it.
5. Spotted a new board game cafe being set up right by my work. I'm a bit of a nerd, so naturally can't wait to play (everyday) after work.
6. Got a chance to preview Smart Set's Fall/Winter 2013 collection and am really impressed. It looks like forest green, burgundy and a lot of prints will be making a comeback.
7. I've partnered with Walmart Canada to participate in the #WalmartFrugalHeroes challenge. This is a sneak peak of the outfit I put together.
8. I worked on a special project with Headmistress, who makes handmade headpieces and accessories. They are the most stunning pieces I've seen, and Jill's studio is so fun.

Insta-Monday: Dufferin Mall Event, Globe Style Advisor & More

 

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. The weather was beautiful last week. I took my niece out for an evening stroll, and she loved it. She was fascinated by pine-cones.
2. Saw this crop-top at Brandy Melville in Toronto and it reminded me of my friend Sandy.
3. Hung out with a great group of girls (Talia, Victoria, Erica, Telly & Carcia) at the Dufferin Mall Really Runway event. So glad I decided not to skip it.
4. Dufferin Mall's Really Runway event had five looks for Spring/Summer that stylists put together.
5. These two looks were my favourite out of the five.
6. Received my advance copy of Globe Style Advisor and really enjoyed reading it. I was really impressed with the colourful spreads. They also sent me a cosmetic bag with Philosophy goodies.
7. Bought these black pumps on sale at Nine West. They're gorgeous and comfy!
8. Went to Kehkashan Club Annual Gala (it was held to raise funds for cancer research) and hung out with Anum and Rabiya.

Insta-Monday: Almay Pretty, Fitzroy Party, Houndstooth Mani & More

 

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Attended Almay Canada's #AlmayPretty event where they presented new products for Spring/Summer 2013
2. Got my eye makeup done at the Almay event. Loved the final look!
3. My friends Angela & Julie of Fitzroy Boutique had an awesome Spring party, and I went with Nicole (Dainty Girl).
4. We also saw fabulous girls Deanne (My Fash Avenue) And Bianca.
5. Pinky's Nails was on-site giving complimentary manicures at the Fitzroy party and I got a houndstooth and mint mani.
6. My friends Aneeqa, Ghadah and Anum (my name-twin) came to entertain me while my mom hosted a party for her friends at my house.

The weather is looking great this week in Toronto. Hope you can all get out and enjoy some sunshine!

Insta-Monday: Fun Invite, Retro Shades + BlushPretty Shoot

Lately I've been busy with meetings and work so I haven't been at my regular pace of attending events. Regardless I managed to snap photos of cool things throughout the week, including an amazing time I had co-styling a music-inspired photoshoot for BlushPretty!

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. A surprise in the mail from BIB Communications and Dufferin Mall, which turned out to be an event invitation inside a balloon. Very creative!
2. Retro, 90s-inspired colourful shades I spotted at Fitzroy Boutique.
3. Co-styled the BlushPretty photoshoot with Nicole of Dainty Girl. We had a blast!
4. Makeup galore! I love peeping into other people's collections... must be some sort of beauty pleasure. Ha!
5. The first look I styled was for Country Girl. The model, Tania, had a beautiful smile.
6. Took a team photo with the model (Tania), hairstylist (Laura) and makeup artist (Donna).
7. The second look I styled was Popstar Poptart with model and beauty blogger Danielle of Liner & Glitter & Gloss. She looked STUNNING.
8. Another team photo with the model (Danielle), hairstylist (Laura) and makeup artist (Donna).

Have a fantastic week, friends.

Insta-Monday: Revlon Magic of Makeup, O.Noir Restaurant, Raptors Game & More

It's hard to believe that it's mid-April already but the month has been well and busy so far! The weather's been inconsistent with us but April showers bring May flowers, right? 

The sun is out today so I'm happy. :) Hope you have a lovely week.

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Attended Revlon Canada's Magic of Makeup and ran into two of my favourite blogger-friends Nicole and Elaine!
2. We got to preview Revlon's new products launching this week. I was really impressed with the Photoready Skinlights (face illuminators). They can give you a nice summery glow without having to tan.
3. Revlon also introduced Photoready Kajal Intense Liner + Brightener. Basically a 2-in-1 deal and I love that you can brighten your eyes with the white liner.
4. Eating lemon pepper chicken wings from Coopers Pub with James. Deeelish.
5. So happy to have my own Rowenta Beauty Curl Active thanks to 1 Milk 2 Sugars PR! This hot tool has a motorized barrel that does all the curling for you.
6. Attended O.Noir Restaurant for the first time for a client's fundraising party and had an amazing experience. I highly recommend!
7. "You Make Me Happy When Skies Are Gray." This t-shirt was an instant buy for me and I wore it on a rainy Friday - seemed fitting. :)
8. Went to my first Raptors game (vs Chicago Bulls). We didn't have the best seats but still saw everything that happened. Quite a night to remember.
9. Hanging out with my best friend Kiran at the Raptors game.
10. Stopped by Bier Market for my friend Vanessa's birthday! Loved seeing my girlfriends.

Insta-Monday: Chanel Sunglasses, Lipsticks, GoT Autograph & More

I didn't get out to any events last week due to catching up at work, but received some awesome goodies in the mail, and went to an amazing dessert party on Saturday night.

Here it goes! (P.S. I'm finally all caught up with Insta posts)

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Got new L'Oreal Paris Canada lipsticks in three fabulously bold colours: Intense Plum, Pure Burgundy, and Raspberries. They even smell and kind of taste like each flavour!
2. A while ago I submitted a photo to Goody Canada's Facebook page and won a prize pack, which came in the mail last week! It included a microfiber brush, which helps you get your hair from wet to dry as you brush, as well as some head wraps and pony tailers.
3. Received a gorgeous ring from Taara Jewelry that I can't wait to style! It's gold and black with a gem in the middle.
4. Got an autographed copy of A Dance With Dragons (book 5 of A Song of Fire and Ice/Game of Thrones) by George R. R. Martin. Thank you TMN!
5. James got me these fabulous Chanel sunnies from Rikochet Resale just in time for spring/summer.
6. Wearing a beautiful pastel pink nail colour from Essence Cosmetics, it makes me so happy.
7. My friend held a dessert party for a bunch of girlfriends and made such incredible goodies... these were my four favs: Mini Berri Cheesecakes, Truffles, Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes and Lemon Squares.

Hope you all have a fantastic week ahead of you.

Insta-Monday: World MasterCard Fashion Week Edition

This was supposed to be my Insta-Monday for last week, but I didn't have time to upload it due to a trip, but better late than never right?

I had a great time at World MasterCard Fashion Week and really enjoyed the fall/winter 2013 collections. I've got my eye on a lot of pieces from Pink Tartan, David Dixon, Lucian Matis, Mackage and Joe Fresh that I'm hoping will be in stores!

Here are some of the highlights from the week. I didn't have a good camera this season (read on to find out why) so couldn't get runway photos for you guys. :( Next time!

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Spotted this gorgeous Strawberry Fields (floral) Crossbody Bag from Nine West priced at $110. I can't stop thinking about it and might have to indulge this month.
2. I bought and unfortunately returned the Nikon 1 V1 Camera that I was super excited about. Click here to read the entire story, but I was really disappointed in the quality. This is also why I didn't have a decent camera to get good runway shots during WMCFW.
3. I got a media pass for SummerxSkin for the first time! In the past I've always gone on behalf of other publications, as a guest or through PB&J Mag.
4. It was fun hanging out backstage with hairstylists from Redken Canada and models before they took the runway for Chloe Comme Parris.
5. Hung out with lots of amazing bloggers throughout the week including Deanne, Crystal, and Nicole.
6. Group shot with Victoria, Talia, Deanne, and Nicole.
7. Caught up with Taylor and Krystin right after they finished their Rowenta Beauty "Battle of the Fashionistas".
8. Photo with the lovely Dani and JJ Cowan.
9. Ready for my Rowenta Beauty Battle with Dee!
10. I was live-tweeting and Instagramming as I was getting my hair done.
11. What my hair looked like from all angles, I loooved it.
12. Mine and Dee's hair. The top-bun looked so elegant on her.
13. Me with Cheryl, PR pro and genius behind the Rowenta Beauty Battle. ;)

This is a glimpse of what goes on in my life. Follow me on Instagram for more photos!

Insta-Monday: Globe Style Advisor, WSW Shop Local, GoT Exhibit & More

Happy Monday everyone!

This morning I'm introducing a new weekly series on SummerxSkin called "Insta-Monday". As a blogger and social media manager in one of the busiest cities in the world (Toronto), I have the opportunity to meet really cool people, attend fun events and sample new and interesting products. While I can't blog about everything that happens in my daily life (I really wish I had the time), I've been trying to think of a way to archive it all together so that you can get a glimpse, but so I can keep track of it as well. The best way seems to be through my Instagram profile. I take photos daily (sometimes multiple times) and thought it would be fun to share them here.

Of course if I have a boring week and nothing to report (it happens sometimes), then I won't share photos on the following Monday. This is also, in no way, a lazy way of showing my outfits or anything because I'm a believer of high-quality photos. You can still expect a #stylepost every Wednesday. ;)

Here we go!

 

Listed from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Spent a day in Oakville and had a lunch with two of my good friends from college, Sara Rozalina and Jen.
2. I was home alone for the week and had the kitchen to myself. A little experiment can go a long way. Baked chicken drumsticks in a spicy BBQ sauce that I made from scratch. It was delicious!
3. As a #GlobeStyleAdvisor blogger, I get the advance copy of each issue and share sneak peeks of photos and articles on my social profiles.
4. Went to Women Supporting Women: Shop Local on a sunny Saturday morning to hear the fabulous Joanna Track of eLuxe.ca speak about entrepreneurship, how to start your own business, tips and tricks on her success.
5. At the same event I finally got to meet Mikayla and Nadim, founders of Kona Kare. after chatting online for months. I've been using my sample of the chocolate peppermint natural lip balm butter non-stop since Saturday.
6. I took Nayme Inc. (Louise and Rachel) as my dates to WSW: Shop Local. We had a great time checking out all the vendors and networking.
7. Don't know if I've mentioned it before but I'm a BIG nerd and absolutely love the show and book series Game of Thrones. I got to check out the Exhibition at Design Exchange in Toronto and took tons of photos. Dragons were present at the venue.
8. It was really cool to see all of the actual set props... this is a collection of some of my favourite ones.
9. I got to sit on the Iron Throne... I regret not taking it home with me, hehe. :(

As always I appreciate your feedback. Feel free to let me know what you think about Insta-Monday!