SPONSORED: How to Combat Dry Winter Hair
Did you know that many women out there donβt use conditioner because they donβt think they need it? I know! My jaw dropped when I first heard this because I canβt live without conditioner.
Winter haircare is challenging enough as it is between static, dryness, and breakage. Add hats, scarves, and if youβre like me, tucking your hair into your coat to the mix, and thatβs a heck of a lot of stress on our hair. Luckily, the solution is actually pretty simple and that includes using conditioner as a regular part of your haircare routine.
If youβre a newbie to conditioning your locks, youβll notice the benefits right away β beautiful shiny hair, thatβs hydrated with less breakage, and less frizz!
Knowing that, why would you want to skip this step?
TIME-SAVING HAIRCARE TIP
Did you know that using conditioner cuts down on drying time?
I recently learned from Justin German, Panteneβs Consulting Stylist, that conditioner βhelps release excess water, known as de-watering. This actually speeds up the drying process, and a shorter dry time equals less heat damage!β
Just another reason to condition your locks this winter!
6 Haircare Tips For Beautiful, Healthy, Shiny Hair This Winter
1. Treat Yourself to A Hair Mask!
Try hair masking once a week! This is actually super easy and any conditioner thatβs suitable for your hair type will work. Before a shower, simply brush your hair and apply conditioner.
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Start by applying the conditioner to the ends of your hair, working up to the roots.
Fun fact: Pantene features βsmart technologyβ that micro-targets the damaged parts of your hair.
Any excess conditioning that your hair doesnβt need just rinses away so donβt be afraid of βover-conditioningβ.
Turns out the whole βapply conditioner only to your endsβ thing is a total myth.
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Because even hair at the roots can be exposed to damage and stress from daily elements, youβll definitely want to condition all over.
Be sure to use a conditioner that targets your hair needs for the best results. For example, my hair tangles easily and the ends are dry, so I use Panteneβs 3 Minute Miracle.
Now let that conditioner sit for a couple of minutes and youβre ready, wash your hair as you normally would and then condition again in the shower! It might seem like a lot, but trust me, youβll want to do this and the results are totally worth it.
Youβll notice how insanely soft your hair is after! Tangles will brush out so much easier now! If youβre prone to frizz, like me, youβll notice smoother, more manageable hair.
2. Try A Moisturizing Shampoo
Because winter is so dry, and weβre dealing with dry winter air outdoors, and the extreme dryness from heaters indoors - our hair can go through a lot this time of year. Try a moisturizing shampoo to keep locks hydrated and and nourished. One of my go-tos is Panteneβs Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo because it strengthens and moisturizes hair and is formulated for everyday use!
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORMULA FOR YOU
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Not all conditioners are created equal, but the key is to look for a formula thatβs right for your hair type. Skipping conditioner all together isnβt the answer.
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Make sure to use the collection thatβs right for you. Itβs a mistake women make all the time, and often theyβre reaching for conditioners that are too rich for them. Then, they think theyβre too rich so they stop using them, then their hair gets dry and brittle and starts to break and they go back to that rich conditioner and itβs a vicious cycle. Choosing the right product is so important.
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- Justin German
3. Protect, Strengthen, And Hydrate with Conditioner
My hair is long, thick, frizz prone, and the ends get really dry this time of year. My go-to conditioner and haircare savior is the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Renewal daily conditioner. I love how easy it is to comb my hair right out of the shower, and how it detangles. Itβs packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants and the ingredients actually penetrate the hair to strength on the inside (not just the surface). My hair feels stronger, more manageable and I have less breakage now. Plus, my hair looks and feels hydrated and shiny.
If you have thin hair and are looking for volume, youβll want to condition with a lightweight formula that wonβt weigh hair down. Opt for a volumizing formula like Panteneβs Sheer Volume to get a full-body style that youβll love. Remember, the key is about finding the right formula for you.
4. Use A Wet Hair Brush
Yes, wet hair brushes are a thing and if you donβt already know, thereβs a whole industry out there dedicated to them.
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When hair is wet itβs way more fragile than when itβs dry. With a wide-tooth comb, because the space between the βteethβ of the comb is wider, it doesnβt pull and tug on hair (which can lead to breakage).
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- Justin German
Youβll want to use a brush designed for wet hair brushing to minimize breakage and frizz. My favourite personal is a wide tooth comb that Iβve had since childhood.
5. Always Use Heat Styling Protection
Did you know that common heat styling tools can actually melt metal? Considering the average styling tool can reach 450Β°F, itβs no wonder.
Heat damage from styling tools such as hair dryers and flat irons can leave hair vulnerable to breakage and split ends. Using a conditioner every time you wash is a great way to have built in protection, but if youβre heat styling your hair often, consider using a heat protector first, like Panteneβs Smooth Heat Protection Spray. It protects and shields hair from heat damage with the micropolymer packed formula.
Choose to blow dry over flat iron whenever you can. Blow dryers can reach 225Β°F while flat irons can heat up to 425Β°F so be sure to always keep that iron moving to avoid hot spots!
Finally, styling creams can also help smooths fly-aways and add a boost of shine to dry ends leaving hair soft, manageable, and healthy all winter long!
6. Air Dry
Put down the hair dryer and try air drying when you can to minimize the stress you put your hair through with heat damage.
Wash your hair in the evening and give it enough time to naturally dry before going to bed. Long-term, skipping the blow dryer will minimize split ends and breakage.
Also, invest in a good quality blow dryer that has good airflow to cut down on the drying time.
Beauty Bonus!
If youβre truly serious about getting your hair in shape this winter, invest in a silk pillowcase! Sleeping on a silk case is said to protect hair from breakage, and also helps fight the signs of aging on your face. Just make sure itβs one hundred percent, pure silk and not one of those polyester blend imposters.
Even if you donβt have time try out all of these steps, the easiest, and the best thing you can do is include conditioner as a part of your regular hair care routine. Youβll see the difference right away, and your hair will feel so good, that you wonβt be able to stop running your fingers through it.
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Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Pantene. All photos and opinions are my own.
4 Ways to Transform Your Home into a Luxury Winter Retreat




I recently had a chance to write a piece for La-Z-Boy's home blog, The Comfortable House. The piece was a lot of fun to write and the topic was something that I had been wanting to tackle for quite some time.
In the post, I'm giving you some of my favourite tips on how to convert your home into a luxurious winter retreat. My tips are super easy and don't require a big budget. Best of all, it's the kind of mini-makeover you can give your home during the weekend!
If you want to learn more about how to convert your home into a luxurious space, be sure to check out my post here! I hope you can truly take some good decorating tips away from it!
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*Images sourced from Pinterest.
Does This Drugstore Makeup Really Last 25-Hours?!
Upon doing the write up for this blog post, I sat down with the press release, like I normally do, and I did a double take when I saw Rimmel's latest makeup claims to be 25-hour wear.
I'm always hesitant when it comes to drugstore foundation and concealers because I'm on the yellow side, having olive skin tone. From my experience drugstore makeup tends to be a bit cooler and pink based but times-are-a-changing!
I found Rimmel's range from cool to warm tones to be pretty decent in this collection. As for fair to dark makeup - the darkest Rimmel goes is Mocha. I think a lot of drugstore brands still need to broaden their shade range in that regard.
Application & Wear Test
When it came to testing Rimmel's Lasting Finish Breathable Collection, I wanted to do it on a day where my skin was going to be exposed to as many elements as possible. I applied it late in the morning and then walked to the nearby shop to run errands.
That day it was cold and raining outdoors, but really dry and warm in the stores. By the time I walked back home, I was overheating in my parka and sweating.
My combination skin is on the drier side these days because I've been using a retinoid in my nightly skincare routine. I was hesitant about the foundation clinging to my dry spots, but it just smoothed over the areas and looked natural.
BTW - I skipped the Breathable Primer because I don't really use primer unless I have a special event. I applied the foundation with the doe foot applicator, which actually turned out to be awesome. I liked it much better than the pump foundations I'm used to.
I found the foundation to be lightweight in texture. It smoothed over my skin nicely with my fingers. Again, this is part of my daily routine. I only use a sponge or brush if I have a special event.
I wouldn't say it was medium coverage though as Rimmel states, but I read some reviews on Makeup Alley saying it's buildable.
For reference, I used the shade 200 Soft Beige, which seemed comparable to my NARS foundation in Figi (a light-medium warm shade).
Next the concealer. I used shade Light. I should mention here that I'm really, really snobby when it comes to concealer, and I don't like leaving visible dark spots and dark under eyes to chance, so I prefer the higher end stuff. Some of my favourites are NARS, Becca, M.A.C, and Laura Mercier.
I dotted the concealer and dabbed it with my fingers like I normally do. The only drugstore concealer I've ever liked and re-purchased is Maybelline's Fit Me concealer. I found Rimmel's Lasting Finish to be comparable, if not better, on my first impression. It's creamy and covers up nicely. I did have to go in with my NARS pot concealer in some areas, but I always layer my concealer.
I checked my makeup again at around 7 pm. The foundation seemed to be fading a bit but still looked pretty good, as did my blush. There was no patchiness, but there was a little bit of oxidization. I should have gone for a shade up with True Ivory. Keep this in mind when you shop for it.
The concealer had worn down a bit though. I had to reapply it and opted to use my trusty Tarte Shape Tape concealer instead to freshen up. People who need light-medium coverage will really dig Rimmel's Lasting Finish Concealer. I prefer medium-high coverage.
So, Is it Really 25-Hour Wear?
Let's be real. Makeup fades throughout the day and unless you're going to bed without washing your face, how are you going to know whether or not your makeup is 25-hour wear. Seriously?
While I personally can't vouch for Rimmel's 25-hour claim, I can tell you this is a pretty good bottle foundation for $12. I've tried some designer foundations that cost over $60 that aren't nearly as good. Rimmel gives us a decent range of shades too and has cool and warm skin tones covered, from fair to medium-dark. Again, keep in mind it does oxidize so go a shade lighter.
As for the concealer, I love how it applied and covered up initially, but it did fade mid-day. Perhaps this was is best suited for those who need less coverage.
Overall, this is a great little drugstore gem that's already a hit with lots of people boasting about it on Makeup Alley and is suitable for oily to dry skin.
Rimmel London's new Lasting Finish Breathable Collection consists of 15 shades of foundation ($11.99 each), 6 concealers ($10.99 each), and a Breathable Primer ($10.99). I'm not claiming it to be breathable, this is what the actual name of the product.
The foundation comes in a glass bottle and convenient doe-foot applicator that's really nice and convenient, especially when in a hurry. The concealer comes in a squeeze tube with a sponge tip applicator, while the primer comes in a squeeze tube.
Disclaimer: The products in this post are a PR sample. All photos and opinions in this post are 100% honest and my own.
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NARS New Danger Control Eyeshadow Palette Is Like A Holographic Dream
NARS newest eyeshadow palette is limited edition and packed with holographic goodness. Danger Control is the name and if you wanna get your hands on it, best head to Sephora, where it's exclusive.
The six holographic and shimmery shades deliver high-pigment with a velvety smooth finish that can be applied wet or dry. Smooth it over your eyes with a fluffy brush for a sheer wash, or go for the layered look to create a dramatic duo-chrome multidimensional effect.
While all the shades in Danger Control share the same velvety smooth formula, I found Tonic (the shimmering lilac shade), to be the most delicate. There was a lot of powder and fall out just by dipping my finger into the pan to swatch it. I didn't experience this with the other shades. Tonic was definitely the softest of all of the shades and felt more textured due to the shimmer particles.
NARS Eyeshadow Palettes
Danger Control vs. NARSissist Wanted
If you picked up the NARSissist Wanted palette back in November, and you're not sure about Danger Control, I'm here to tell you that they're totally different. The Wanted palette has a twelve warm shades that range from matte, to shimmer, and glitter. The Danger Control Palette features cool pastel shades that are holographic, with some that have a shimmery effect to them. These are two totally different things.
Even though Danger Control is listed as an eyeshadow, I think it can totally be used as a face highlight, if you prefer the holographic look.
The Danger Control palette might be smaller than the Wanted palette, but the eyeshadows pans are bigger.
Danger Control = 6 x 0.07 oz/ 2 g eyeshadows
NARSissist Wanted = 12 x 0.04 oz/ 1.4 g eyeshadows
GIRLS necklace (worn as a bracelet) from Lisbeth Jewelry.
The NARS Danger Control Palette contains:
RAVE (shimmering white silver)
ELEKTRA (shimmering golden pink)
AERYN SUN (shimmering pale pink)
BIONIC (iridescent yellow)
HAEDUS (iridescent purple)
TONIC (shimmering lilac)
As you can tell, my love for NARS is legit. When I first got serious about makeup, they were one of the first brands I got into. Orgasm was the first designer blush I ever bought with my own money when I was a teen. Even back then, I used to read Allure magazine religiously and everyone was raving about this one blush that looked natural and flattering on all skin tones, so I had to have it.
NARS sort of fell off my radar for a while but I got back into it again with the introduction of the Charlotte Gainsbourg collection last year. She's been one of my favourite actresses and style icons for many, many years and her collection truly spoke to me.
I'm off to Quebec later this week and I'm already thinking about what makeup to pack. NARS new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is a medium coverage and applies to the skin like a thin veil and looks natural.
I'm concealer obsessed and normally I'll layer a creamy concealer and a pot for more coverage. This allows me to spot correct the areas where I need more coverage, as opposed to cover my under eyes with a thick layer of concealer, which could look really dry and unnatural.
Another one of my NARS must-haves for travel is the Powermatte Lip Pigments. They are phenomenal and one of my favourite new products of 2017. My go-to shades are American Woman (chestnut rose) and Get It On (tan rose). They last for hours, even after eating and drinking. Just make sure to use a hydrating lip balm underneath first, so that your lips don't get too dry.
This carrying-case is from a PR sample that came with the NARS Velvet Matte Foundation stick and I don't believe it's available for purchase. (Eek, sorry guys!) I love it because it's perfect for taking on a quick trip and carrying around my makeup.
Disclaimer: The NARS Danger Control palette is a PR sample. Links found in this story are affiliate links and used as a form of compensation, as I make a small commission if you purchase anything from these links. All photos and opinions in this post are 100% honest and my own.
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Two Looks with CHANEL's Neapolis New City Eyeshadow Palette
Chanel's latest eyeshadow palette, Les 9 Ombres Affresco, looks like an ocean-inspired medley of shades that might be more fitting for cruise-life than everyday wear. Some of that might hold some truth since the shades were inspired by Lucia Pica, the brands Global Creative Makeup Artist, and Colour Designer, and her hometown of Naples, Italy.
Lucky for us, it's totally everyday friendly and versatile. In this post, I'll be showing you how to create two totally different looks, but first, let's jump into some quick product info.
The palette is just one out of eleven stunning pieces, in a twenty-four shade limited-edition collection, for Chanel's Neapolis New City Spring/Summer 2018. The makeup colours comprise of beautiful blue-greens, sunset golden yellows, seashell pale pinks, and rich vibrant orange reds.
The shimmery golden shade and muted browns work together beautifully for a classic nude eye. If you're feeling more adventurous opt for a pop of turquoise-blue that feels sophisticated and perfect for a night out.
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For more intense colour when using the blues and greens in the palette, apply Chanel's Ombre Premiere Crème Eyeshadow in the shade Verderame, an ashy green shade, to your eyes as a base first to really make the colour pop.
What I like best about this palette is how truly versatile it is. All of the shades work beautifully together. They're highly pigmented and long-lasting and go on silky smooth.
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For more on Chanel's Neapolis New City collection, make sure to check out Part One on my lipstick blog, lipsick.me.
LOOK ONE
Easy Everyday Smoked Out Eyeliner
The idea behind this everyday smoked out eyeliner was inspired by all of the French women who's style I've always admired. This look is so ridiculously simple and with time, you can totally master it in a few minutes. It's my go-to look pretty much everyday. Sometimes I'll rock a red lip, and sometimes I reach for a matte nude. The point is always to keep the focus on the eyes. It makes me feel more confident and hey, a girl always wants to feel good.
YOU'LL NEED:
- CHANEL Les 9 Ombres Affresco Eyeshadow Palette
- A fluffy crease brush (I used one by Marc Jacobs)
- M.A.C's Pro Longwear Fluidline, black gel liner
- An eyeliner brush (I used a lip brush from Sephora)
- CHANEL Le Volume Mascara
1. Mix the golden shade and the matte brown shade from the palette using your crease brush. Apply it to your eyelids and blend to the crease. Build up the intensity of the eyeshadow slowly to prevent fallout. This also helps you control how pigmented you want your shadow to be. Do the same for the lower lash line.
2. Line your upper waterline with black using the eyeliner brush. Then line your upper lash line, keeping it as close to the lashes as you can. (A thick line will close up your eye and make it appear smaller.) Use the leftover pigment from your brush and lightly line your lower lash line. Make sure to connect the outer corners of the lower and upper lines you just created.
3. Now you're going to smoke out the gel liner, starting at the upper lash line. Using the same eyeliner brush, dip it into the charcoal shade and mix it with the shimmery burgundy of the Les 9 Ombres palette. Run the brush along the upper lash line like you did before, building up the intensity of the line as you go along. Without loading your brush with more shadow, repeat the step for the lower lash line. If you want a darker eye, go ahead and load up that brush with more shadow. I like to keep mine pretty light.
4. The final step, I used one coat of Chanel's Le Volume in black. I skipped out on curling my lashes because I this mascara does a great job at curling, but also, I have no clue where my eyelash curler went.
LOOK TWO
Date Night Smudlering Green Cat Eye
I had an evening out in mind when I created this look. I started with a nude shadow and then applied the ashy-green creme eyeshadow from CHANEL'S SS18 collection to emphasize the colour, but also to give my shadow longevity but layering a powdered shadow from the Les 9 Ombres palette on top. (Full steps are listed below.)
Whether it's date night, or a night out with the girls, this look will definitely get you noticed. I went totally bold for the finished look and ended up pairing it with a red liquid lip colour from, also from CHANEL'S SS18 collection, called 164 Entusiasta. If you haven't tried it yet, it's a creamy heavenly lipstick that's both hydrating and beautifully pigmented.
YOU'LL NEED:
- CHANEL Les 9 Ombres Affresco Eyeshadow Palette (limited edition)
- CHANEL Ombre Premiere Crème Eyeshadow in Verderame, ashy-green (limited edition)
- CHANEL Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Mare Chiaro, soft green (limited edition)
- A fluffy crease brush (I used one by Marc Jacobs)
- An eyeliner brush (I used a lip brush from Sephora)
- CHANEL Le Volume Mascara
1. Mix the pale pink shade and the matte brown shade from the palette using your crease brush. Apply it to your eyelids and lower lash line and blend.
2. Now take the ashy-green Ombre Premiere Crème Eyeshadow in Verderame, and create a winged line using the brush that shadow comes with. Line your lower lashline and connect the two, at the outer corner of the eye.
3. Using the Stylo Yeux Waterproof in the shade Mare Chiaro, a soft mossy green, line your upper waterline, followed by the lower waterline.
4. Using the eyeliner brush, dip it into the green shade from the Les 9 Ombres palette. Run the brush over top of the cream shadow winged line that you created in step two. Doing this will intensify the colour further, and the powder will lock that cream shadow into place. Do the same for the lower lashline, making sure to blend as you go along.
5. Take some of the lighter grey shade in the palette, and using the same eyeliner brush, run it along the outer edge of the winged line to create some depth at the end.
6. Coat those lashes with some volumizing black mascara!
SPONSORED: Skip The Primer with This Olay Moisturizer!
Picture this: you sleep through your alarm and you have 15 minutes to shower and get ready for work.
Okay. Go!
Straight out of the shower, you moisturize real-quick, and do your best five-minute makeup routine. You need a moisturizer thatβs going to absorb into your skin in a flash, and forget the makeup primer because thereβs no time!
Okay letβs be real, I work from home so if my day starts 10 minutes late, itβs no biggie. But I do hold myself to a strict work schedule and there are days that are so busy, that I run behind getting ready for meetings and I need to get ready fast!
Primer isnβt a priority at that point but a good moisturizer, foundation, mascara, blush, and lipstick are my saviors for looking put together.
This is why Iβve been so obsessed with Olay Total Effects Whip. Itβs an incredibly lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that offers immediate absorption so I can put my foundation on right away.
Even though Olay Whips is lightweight, they pack plenty of nourishment and hydrate like no other thanks to the Active Rush Technology that makes them hold 1000x its weight in hydration.
Olay Total Effects Whip is also formulated with Vitamins C and E and glycerin and leaves my skin matte and smooth, and ready to conquer my day.
Seven Benefits of Olay Total Effects Whip Cream*
1. Actively replenishes nourishing moisture
2. Evens skin tone appearance
3. Enhances brightness
4. Visibly smooths fine lines
5. Minimizes the look of pores
6. Restores firmness
7. Visibly reduces dark spots
*As per the scientific research conducted by Olay.
Best of all, my makeup stays intact thanks to the non-greasy formula, and for the first time in my life, Iβm finding myself skipping face powder! This is a HUGE deal for me because Iβve struggled with oily/combination skin for most of my life and itβs finally starting to feel normal. I like how Olay Whips leaves my skin feeling and looking natural through the day and keeps my makeup looking fresh.
Itβs been a couple of months since I started using Olay Total Effects Whip and I just finished my first jar. Itβs become my go-to moisturizer in my daily routine and Iβve noticed my skin has stayed hydrated and smooth, even with the harsh cold winter season.
So, if youβre looking for an amazing moisturizer that can act like a primer, hydrate, brighten, smooth fine lines, nourish, even out your skin tone, minimize pores, restore firmness, and reduce dark spots, check out Olay Total Effects Whip.
This post has been sponsored by Olay.
All photos are my own.
Opinions written in this post are honest and completely my own.
What I Bought on Sale Last Week!
I'm a total sucker for a good sale, so when I blogged about my favourite finds in Grab These on Sale Before They're Gone, I really couldn't help but pick up a few things.
Sale season is one of the best times to score designer goods and normally I hold out until then.
My favourite find has to be these badass studded Isabel Marant boots called the Dollan. They remind me a bit of ChloΓ©'s Susanna boot but somehow these feel more refreshing because of the cowboy silhouette.
I hummed and hawed over them for a while and I wasn't entirely convinced until I saw Erin Wasson wearing a similar pair on Pinterest. Yup. Sometimes that's all it takes for me.
Anyway, my sale scores include a pair of glittery Zara court shoes with an ankle wrap (now sold out), glittery Isabel Marant Luliana boots, Isabel Marant Fenzay black studded loafers, Giuseppe Zanotti black suede Lavinia platforms, and of course the aforementioned Dollan boots.
I'm pretty happy with everything. It's more than what I was expecting to get, but again, everything was reduced a fair bit because it was the end of the sale, so I have no regrets.
BTW- I have a special announcement! If you don't already know, I launched a beauty blog last year! With the help of Diana, bff/beauty editor extraordinaire, we're running full steam ahead with LIPSICK.ME!
Make sure you log on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for new posts related to lipstick and lip products.
Last week we looked at Chanel's new Neapolis collection and this week we've covered Bite's new Prismatic Pearl Multistick! Lots to come in the future, including lots of giveaways, so make sure you follow us on Instagram @imsolipsick.
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Last week I blogged about some of my favourite sale finds. I couldn't help but pick up a few of them for myself.
Wearing my new Isabel Marant Glitter Luliana Boots from ssense.com, one of my favourite places to shop!
I'm crazy about this Marshall Stanmore speaker. I had seen something like this at the Ludlow Hotel in New York and knew I wanted one in my home.
I almost didn't buy these studded Isabel Marant cowboy boots called the Dollan boots. I saw Erin Wasson sporting something similar on Pinterest so I went online and picked up the last pair.
One of my favourite new lipsticks from the Chanel Neapolis collection for SS18.
Matching my CΓ©line Nano Luggage bag to my lipstick. If you haven't already, make sure you check out my lipstick blog- lipsick.me. It's a true labour of love!
RECIPE: Ginger, Turmeric & Cardamom Latte with Manuka Honey
It's flu season, and it seems like everyone in my circle of friends and family is sick right now.
When Geoff came down with a nasty cold for the second time in two weeks, I ordered him to stay home from work and sleep it off.
That day, I made sure that he had lots of warm veggie soup, herbal tea, and plenty of ginger and garlic to help boost his immune system back to health.
Of course, as he was getting better, I got sick.
I spent the day in bed, sleeping it off, just like I had recommended to him.
When I couldn't sleep anymore, I grabbed my iPad to browse one of my favourite blogs, goop. Yup, this once-upon-a-time Gwenyth hater is now totally head over heels smitten with her and her site.
A video for something called Warming Tea Latte caught my eye, which inspired me to run to my kitchen to concoct my own version.
The results are exactly what I needed to get better - a drink that feels soothing, comforting to sip on, with the subtle flavours of ginger and cardamom with a hint of sweetness from Manuka honey.
That night I went to bed early and the next morning I woke up feeling a million times better and ready to conquer the day.
Thanks for the idea GP!
RECIPE: Nathalie's Ginger, Turmeric & Cardamom Latte with Manuka Honey
Makes 2 cups
Almond milk (or any non-dairy milk of your choice)
Water
1 stick of cinnamon
1-inch piece of fresh organic ginger, peeled, washed, and cut
1 tsp of coconut oil
1/2 tsp of ground turmeric
2 cardamom pods
1/4 tsp of nutmeg
1 tbsp, more or less, of Manuka Honey for taste
Fill a mason jar with half water and half almond milk.
Throw the water/almond milk mix and all of your ingredients into a saucepan.
Simmer on low-medium heat for about 30-40 minutes.
Stir occasionally and check in to make sure it's not boiling. Simmer is good. Boiling is not.
Strain into a mug and enjoy!
Flavour with more honey if that's your thing.
Grab These on Sale Before They're Gone!
The end of sale season is one of the best times to shop! Sure, pickings are slim but if you have the patience, it's totally worth checking out the sale corner of your favourite store or spending an hour or two online. Let's be real though, it was closer to a full day event for me...
Retailers are reducing prices like crazy right now to make room for the new stuff and that means you can get a killer pair of Isabel Marant boots on sale for 70% off. Last year I saw a full-size Givenchy Nightengale bag on SSENSE.COM for $800 and almost lost it right then and there. Of course, by the time I'd clicked on the link, it was already sold out.
For this post, I've put together a list of my favourite pieces currently on mega sale! Word of advice, don't wait if you see something you like because inventory is low. Unless it says final sale, you can get a full refund so I say buy now and make up your mind later. Happy shopping!
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SHOP THE POST
STELLA MCCARTNEY mini black FALABELLA with gold hardware, $728 // IRO long sleeved striped black, pink and white knit, $125 // ISABEL MARANT Nyasha paneled smooth and patent-leather boots, $225 // ISABEL MARANT black & gold leather bracelet cuff // SHOPBOP black ruffle shirt, $28 // SHOPBOP faux leather pants, $70 // MIU MIU navy blue velvet platform boots, $445 // JW ANDERSON Gold-plated And Silver-tone Ring, $104 // SAM EDLEMAN Ludlow Leopard print slingback Calf Hair Pumps, $78 // 3x1 black cropped fringe high rise straight leg jeans, $182 // GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Black Suede Lavinia Platform Heels, $293 // ISABEL MARANT Black Fenzay Studded Loafers, $244 // ISABEL MARANT Black Dollan Studded Boots, $408 // ISABEL MARANT Burgundy Darilay Boots, $339 // CHLOΓ Navy Velvet Susanna Boots, $686 // PRADA Pink Velvet Belt Slides, $229 // MIU MIU burgundy glittered velvet platform sandals, $345 // SAINT LAURENT PARIS Babies silver glittered leather pumps , $310
My latest sale haul: GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Black Suede Lavinia Platform Heels // ISABEL MARANT Black Fenzay Studded Loafers // ISABEL MARANT Gunmetal Glitter Luliana Boots