Urban Decay Eyeshadow

I am a very upset beauty blogger today and I am writting this post to vent about my situation.

It's regarding my new eyeshadow. I know I could, and do, have bigger problems but I am really bummed about the latest addition to my makeup bag. I purchased an amazing colour from the Urban Decay line. I actually stumbled upon it while looking at the Naked Palette they've created because I've heard such amazing things about the range of neutral colours it has. Since I didn't like every single colour in the palette I decided to invest in just one of the colours that I absolutley loved.

The shadow's name is Toasted ( 0.05 oz $20.00 CAN $17.00 USD). It's a great crease/lid colour that was right up my ally. I was so excited to try it out on my lids the next day.  It was even more beautiful on my eyes than it was in the tester swatch on my hand pre purchase. The application was so smooth and blended very well. Also, the colour was perfect. I was very happy with my new eye shadow....until the end of the day. When I got home from my cousin's birthday party I happened to look in the mirror and was disapointed when I noticed my eyes. My new shadow was creasing and looked terrible by the end of the day. It dawned on me that maybe this is why UD has created a Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I heard that it claims your eye makeup should last 10 hours and that it has put an end to creased lids. I have never had an issue with creasing in a very long time. I'm talking highschool, long time. I normally use a Mabelline palette nearly everyday, no problems.

 So even though there are many good things people have to say about the UD Primer Potion, I just never felt the need to purchase it, until now. They (makeup companies) have finally got me. I fell victim to their cruel marketing ways. I am madly in love with my new shade of wonderful - yes I'm talking about my eye shadow. So I guess I'll have to invest in the Primer Potion now if I want flawless eyes that last all day long. (0.37 oz $23.00 CAN $19.00 USD)

Please learn from my mistakes my friends.

XO
Amber

Lipgloss and M

Happy Friday everyone!

Hope you all have amazing plans for the weekend! I plan on attending my little cousins 3rd birthday. M and her are the best of friends and I am so happy that they are so close. My cousin getting a year older, and soon growing out of toddler status, only makes me think about M turning 3 later this year. Where has the time gone? I feel like it was just yesterday when I found out I was pregnant. My baby is growing up so fast. She is figuring out her likes and dislikes. She is learning new things everyday. She is exploring who she is and what makes her happy.

Today we were in Sephora and I found something I knew M would love. For starters, let me say that she loves anything you can put on your lips. Lip gloss, lip balm, lip stick - you get the point. She also loves Hello Kitty (who doesn't?). I discovered the Hello Kitty line of makeup today, which featured a cute Hello Kitty shaped  lip gloss. When I told M what I had found she was so excited and said "I need my lips Mom!", with a big grin on her face. I lined her stroller up with the cosmetics and showed her how the lip gloss worked and how to put it on. They have a great set up for if you want to try on products but still want to be hygienic. I handed her the tester wand and she went to town. She had hot pink lip gloss on her forehead, her nose and her chin. Some even made it on her lips. I guess she didn't follow my instructions very well. What can I say?  I guess she likes to think out of the box when it comes to makeup application. She is such a girlie girl with most things, like makeup. However, she asked for trucks and cars for Christmas and they all share a toy box with her baby dolls and princess books. She is the perfect mix and I couldn't ask for a more well rounded child. I love her to bits! It is so fun to have her tag along when I go to the mall and she can find things she likes too.

All in all it was a great way to start off my weekend!

XO
Amber

Homemade facial and a polish change

Monday night I wasn't in the best of moods. I was just feeling off and not myself.  I spent the early evening snuggled up with M. We were both quite content watching movies and sharing snacks. After she went to bed I decided I needed a pick me up. I wanted to try out my new nail polish colour. As well try a new facial I saw on the Lauren Conrad website/blog I've been eyeing for a while.

I tried out the 'Oh Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Facial'  before I did my nails. It's a homemade concoction that sounds easy and aids in the drying effects winter has on our skin. It is suppose to exfoliate and moisturize your face. It consists of three ingredients:

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 tbsp. of milk (the higher the fat percentage, the better)

The amount of exfoliating power will depend on how much sugar you want to put in the mixture.

 I am a huge fan of anything that exfoliates my skin. If it can leave my face feeling soft and be easy on my wallet then I'm one happy mama. I decided to mix up half of what the recipe calls for. I normally only have skim milk on hand but I made a special purchase of 2% for this occasion. A fun fact about milk is that the lactic acid from it will help to slough away dead skin. The fats in the milk with help to strengthen skin and plump it up.

The website tells you to do the following:

1. Pour sugar into a bowl, slowly stirring in the honey, and add quantity of milk desired (the more milk the looser the consistency).
2. Pat mixture onto skin (avoiding eye area, it makes eyelashes sticky and the sugar is harsh on delicate skin). Leave on for 10-20 minutes (whatever you like best and have time for) this mask will not dry on your skin or become tight or hard, it will stay moist and sticky, I suggest wearing an old t-shirt while wearing this in case of any "sticky situations."
3. Rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water; you may use a wash cloth or facial cleansing brush to assist you if you like, but make sure to clean extra well around your hairline or some of the honey might dry in hard sticky clumps. Eew no thank you!
4. I also like to soak cotton pads/rounds in some of the same type of milk I added into the mixture, I put on some relaxing music, and lay on m bed for 5 minutes with the pads/rounds layer on my face!
5. Then rinse, apply moisturizer (don't forget to put one on that has SPF if you're going out in the sun after this facial!), Look at yourself in the mirror and SMILE! You are beautiful, and now you're soft, glowy, clean skin is a little bit more beautiful too!

After mixing together my ingredients I starred at the bowl and wondered just how well this was going to stay on my face. I applied it with my fingers as evenly as possible. I definitely could feel  gravity working because my face would tickle as the mixture slowly moved south. I spread the rest of it on quickly and took to the couch to lay back so I didn't drip my mess on the floor or on anything else for that matter. I waited 10 minutes with it caked on my face. It smelt so yummy and felt really great on my skin.

 I've used other pre-made drug store facials and I've always had a reaction to them. I liked that this was an all natural one. When I went to rinse my face, the mixture came off  well even though I had my doubts. I then applied my moisturizer (Marcelle- Hydra C 24 Hr Energizing Hydrating Gel). I was so happy with how soft my skin felt and how fresh it looked. All in all it was a great quick and easy at home facial that I would definitly do again.

My only complaint is that when rinsing off the mixture it was a bit rough and left my skin feeling a bit tingling but nothing too harsh. So if you are like me and have dry skin this winter I would highly suggest you try this out!

Now that I was all cleaned up and glowing I went on to paint my nails. I was looking for a fuscia colour to add to my collection of nail polish. I was reading an article on InStyle online about the most recent hottest colours for your nails and fuscia made the list. When I was out shopping I found this colour which was a mix of fuscia and magenta. I loved it!! I also loved it on my nails. It was a bright and cheery colour that boosted my mood and brought some life to this dull winter night.

Taking some time to make myself feel good was so worth it. A facial and a polish change was just what the doctor ordered.

XO
Amber

Lauren Conrad Online - DIY Facial: Oh Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Facial

InStyle- Best Polish Buys

Winter never looked so chic

One of the crummy things about winter, besides the cold, the snow, the dry skin, the static hair - I could go on, is getting all bundled up for the cold weather. You want to stay warm but not look like you are about to go on an arctic expedition. One way I'm staying warm this winter is with my amazing new head band ear warmer that Kathleen gave me for Christmas. I told her exactly what I wanted because apparently I am too hard to buy for. I am in love with my gift. It serves a purpose and I love how it looks. I cannot pull off a hat to save my life! They look horrible on me. My head is an odd shape and I don't have the confidence to pull off the must-have hat looks of the season. Growing up I'd always choose a head band ear warmer over a hat. Now I've taken it to the next level with my fuzzy friend. I may have people looking my way a little more when I head out this winter but my ears are toasty and I won't have hat hair.

I love the price point, $19.99. It was from American Eagle and only came in the one colour. I cannot recall if I've seen them any where else. I felt like it was a great buy and if Kathleen didn't buy it for me I was sure that I would have bought it myself! If you ever come across a headband of similar stature I highly recommend trying it out. It's one look that I love this winter season.

Stay warm out there!

XO
Amber

My perfect Saturday night

Sex in the City: The Movie is on tonight on the W network and I am so excited to watch it. I thought I might forget to tune in if I fell asleep with M or was caught up in cleaning. So I went a bit over board and programmed it in my calendar on my iPhone and set two alerts for it. I am a dedicated fan. I spent the entire summer before I met my fiance watching every season. I had my own tv in my room at my mom's and either rented or borrowed each season. I wasn't a complete reclus because I was working full time and had plenty of friends. We'd go out all the time together. The problem was that I turned 19 last out of all my friends. My birthday was conveniently located at the end of the summer. So on many an occasion when all the girls were going out I was at home awaiting drunken updates and watching SATC. When I watch those episodes now It makes me feel 18 again.

The shoes, the handbags and the drama. I can't wait! If you need me, I'll be located on the couch in my comfies and curled up with popcorn in my lap.

Hope everyone else has a great evening.

Xo
Amber

A snowy day, red pants and an afternoon with my bestie

Happy Friday!

Today we woke up to the first major snow fall of the year. Up until this morning Mother Nature had been ever so kind to us Southern Ontarioites. The only thing worse than the snow was the people driving in it. I swear there is some sort of magical spell that is cast upon us at the end of the winter season. Each winter it's like everyone forgets the effect snow and ice has on the roads. They don't have a clue how to drive in this weather. Regardless of others stupidity, I had to head out into the wind, snow, and ice to drive my mother to work. I decided since she works at the mall and it's practically my second home I would stick around and window shop (I'm trying to save money remember). I also had plans with one of my best friends, Kathleen. So the mall was where we decided to meet up. We ate some lunch, walked around, and each took turns entertaining M while the other tried on clothes. I was in search of a pair of red pants. Red skinny jean-like pants to be specific. I have been seeing a lot of them in magazines and thought I'd give them a go.

 I found a super soft and perfect shade of red  in American Eagle that I decided to try on. When it comes to jeans I am currently a size 14 in that store. I found my size on the rack but as soon as I looked at it in full I knew it was a small 14. I tried it on and it fit well enough that I decided to come out of the change room and show Kathleen. We both agreed that while it is a bold look, it was one we would purchase if we found the right size/fit. I think red is such a great colour in fashion. Sexy, bold, and strong.

Now that I had found what I was looking for, we were free to just stroll the stores and chat about our past weeks. Kathleen and I like to meet up once a week. It's something we've done for a while now. Any longer than that and we feel a little girlfriend withdrawal happening. So you can imagine my feelings towards our weekly outtings ending soon. My move out East will result in a lack of time spent with my girlfriends and that's something I am very upset about. I know my true friends will always be there for me no matter how many provinces separate us. I feel so blessed to have a small, but amazing group of friends that care about me. I wouldn't have spent the afternoon any other way than with one of my best friends. Kathleen managed to buy a great top and I convinced her that a blazer is a must have wardrobe staple. She found one that she loved and bought that too. I was out of snacks for M and Kathleen had dinner plans with her boyfriend so we called it a day. By the end of our mall visit I had forgotten about the crazy drivers and the snow fall, well almost.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

XO
Amber

A New Year Brings Change

First and foremost, Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a safe New Year.

I haven't blogged since before the holidays but with just cause. I have literally had my life turned upside down. I'm moving! I know, bummer right? I agree but there is something to be said for decluttering, purging, and reminiscing as you go through all of your stuff. I will never appear on an episode of Hoarders because I have no issues with throwing out or donating what I haven't used or am just keeping for shits and giggles. For the next few weeks I am camping out at my mother's with M. We are in transition right now and we'll be heading out East by the end of the month to move in with my in-laws. The idea is to save some money and spend some quality time with M's other grandparents. The fiance and I would like to own a home within the next five years and this temporary living situation will greatly help us achieve this. My fiance lives and works out West.  He has a very good paying job driving transport truck, hauling rig equipment and materials. This will also help in our mega savings plan.

All of this change has made me think a lot about this blog. Even though it is a constant in my life right now and a sort of sanctuary for me to visit, I feel it needs a change too. When I started this blog I spoke about how I wanted it to be a place for me to share my love of fashion. How I make every effort to maintain my style and beauty regime even though I am a mom of a busy toddler. I take my job as a mother very seriously and it ranks at the very top of my priority list. However, I love putting that extra effort into my appearance because it makes me feel great about myself. Feeling good and having confidence is something that is important to me and something that I hope M will also seek to achieve in life. I know it may sound vain or selfish to want to look put together and have my child mirror the same, that is not my intention. I also do not look down on those who have lost themselves in the midst of midnight feedings and toddler tantrums....I've been there. I just feel that for me, personally, I need to make that effort to stay true to who I am. Who I am is a woman who loves fashion, beauty and all things pretty. I enjoy learning new makeup and hair techniques. I can get lost in Sephora for hours and I can shop until I literally drop. I take pride in a well decorated home. My family is my world and they are my everything. I love them so much and would do anything for them but I also feel that I cannot lose who I am just because I became a mom.

My blog is a part of maintaining my true self. I have always loved writing. Growing up I used writing to vent and somehow my problems always seemed to make more sense when they were staring at me in black and white. Now that I've settled into the mommy routine I find I have a bit more time to do things I love. The occasional coffee date with a friend, a hot yoga class, or blogging. So I've combined two loves: fashion and writing. However, as of late I have felt that I wasn't blogging as often as I'd like. I wasn't overly happy with how my blog was evolving. I wanted to be able to write about more than just fashion. I wanted to be able to share what's going on in my personal life as much as I wanted to share what's going on in the fashion world. Also, my love of beauty products and techniques has been on my mind. I want to be able to share my latest amazing product find without worrying that it doesn't jive with the theme of this blog. I am therefore renaming my blog to reflect the material I want to write about. I want more freedom to write about a variety of topics that peak my interest.

Introducing: " Heels, Hairspray and Hissy-fits...Oh My! - a mom's view on the world of fashion, beauty and raising a family."

As I work out the kinks I hope you will stick around. I want to settle into a solid blogging routine. I would love to produce a blog twice a week on select days of the week. I want it to be the best it can be. I want to grow with my blog. I hope you all can understand my reasons for change. I also hope you can find time to check out my blog on a regular basis.

I look forward to this journey with you!

Xo
Amber