Last Minute Shopping!

Why You Should WAIT!
So due to there only being ten days left until Christmas, I've been spending a lot of time out doing last minute shopping at malls.

The Pros: Big malls, small malls, and the one thing I've been seeing everywhere are those big red 'SALE' signs. With the procrastination gene becoming more and more prevalent, the real reason people go out this time of year is for the SALES! It sounds kind of weird, but you really can end up getting more for people if you wait until the last minute. Stores like Old Navy and H&M are offering crazy discounts right now, I bought a whole bunch of stuff from them for family and friends, and the best part was everything was at least 40% off!

The Cons: Battling through hundreds of shoppers trying to get gifts for every person they've ever met, and the endless checkout lines adding an extra hour to your shopping experience. There's also the issue of finding parking that's close enough so that you can make it inside without getting hypothermia (hence why going out earlier in the day is a good idea). As well as trying to navigate down a hallway while holding bags as big as you are, whilst small children and busy shopper run past you and knock you back and forth.

Anyway, though I'd do a last minute gift guide for anyone (like me) who was still trying to figure out what to get the special people in their life.

FOR HER

1. Sephora Favourite Fragrances Gift Set $50 + taxes

I LOVE these collections, they feature the top twelve best selling fragrances from Sephora, featuring brands like:
- Dior Hypnotic Poison
- Versace Bright Crystal
- Bvlgari BVL Eau de Parfum II
- Juicy Couture Couture Couture
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- Clinique Happy
- DKNY PureDKNY
- Marc Jacobs Lola
- Bliss Eau de Toilette
- Givenchy Ange ou Demon le Secret
- Pucci Miss Pucci
- Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne

As well, if you live in the States (which unfortunately I don't anymore) the set will also contain a voucher for a FREE full sized perfume of the recipient's choice. I really think it's a great value as a gift for one person, or if you open it up and give the different sample sizes to different people. This available in store or at Sephora.com for $50.

2. 'Jingle Jammies' From Old Navy for $8 + taxes

This one of the sales I was talking about, all of their flannel PJ pants are on sale for $8! Seriously, they have about a million colours and prints, so it's really easy to find the right pair for someone, especially if you're on a budget (secret santa gift?). The best part is they're comfortable and well made, not like other pairs I've had that rip on like the third wear. I don't really shop at old navy too often, but they have some serious deals going on right now, and I've always had love for these PJ pants.  Available at Old Navy right now, so hurry and get them while they're on sale!

3. 'This Book Will Change Your Life' for $27 plus taxes

Such a cool book! Really, I want to go out and get this for EVERYONE I know. It's basically a book with 365 pages all to be read on different days with activities and ideas of things to do that day. It's pretty much the cleverest thing I've seen in a while, and I really like the fact that you can get it for any age group (I feel like it would do better with girls though, hence why it's in the 'For Her' section). I like it because it's personal while still being a generic gift anyone will like, making it really easy to give. Ideally though if you have someone in your life who is looking to get out of a rut or make some changes I think this would be great as a way of helping to motivate them.

4. Something sparkly.. or not? Jewelry none the less!

Seriously, EVERY GIRL likes jewelry, and the best part is that doesn't necessarily mean gold and silver and expensive. Jewelry ranges from necklaces to bracelets, to rings and broaches, earrings and body jewelry (yes navel rings, barbells, nose rings, and plugs count!). Places like H&M, thrift stores, arts and crafts kiosks, and even tattoo shops are great places to go depending on your girl. Costume jewelry makes a wicked gift and is usually a LOT cheaper and makes a bigger statement, than going out to a high-end jewelry boutique and dropping a wad of cash for something small. So be on the lookout for plastic floral or statement rings, interesting pendants, leather braided headbands and bracelets, or that cute little navel ring with a bumble bee on it. I guarantee you that if you look around (especially with all the extra little vendors and kiosks that take up the walkways in malls around now) that you will find something great, and she'll be thrilled that you thought enough to pick out something so personal (even more so if you remove the tag/ packaging and put it in a cute box all wrapped up).

FOR HIM

1. 'Jingle' Jammies' and boxers from Old Navy for $8 + tax 

A lot of my guy friends, father, and brother-in-law etc. really never take the time out to buy themselves clothing, they basically wait until other people get it for them. So, with all the sales on why not stock up on a couple items? Old Navy again has PJ pants for guys on sale for $8 (plus taxes), as well as boxers and tons of basic shirts and hoodies. It's pretty hard to go wrong here, everyone needs some basics in their wardrobe, and PJ pants are always an appreciated gift. Available from Old Navy.

2. Novelty T's from Hot Topic, 2 for $32+tax

Another thing I really like to do is if the guy your shopping for is into any movies, games, bands, tv shows, etc. I like to go to t-shirt stores like 'Bang-on' or 'Zero-edge' or even 'Hot Topic' and look around for a shirt with that decal on it. Sounds pretty simple, but is very effective. It gives them something they want, and something practical all together in one gift. Plus you know they'll wear it with pride, scoring you some pretty wicked bonus points.

3. The Smell of Success- Lush for the Win!

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for guys, but if you can figure this out, it will make an awesome gift. Guys like it when girls smell nice, so shouldn't it be obvious that this goes both ways? Guys need shower and fragrance products too ladies! Now I know that fragrance products are more personal, but as far as I've encountered, you can't go wrong with Hugo Boss and Polo, they tend to be the more common scents for guys. On a more general note though, Lush offers tons of products with non-flowery scents that you can feel confident your guy will use. Prince Triple Orange Blossom Shaving Cream is a wicked gift for guys, it smells amazing and is something they can use that's great for their skin. They also offer 'Goth Juice' and 'King of Mods' as styling gels that offer hold with no crunch. Finally they have an assortment of  'Tough and Manly' holiday themed soaps, scrubs, and other products specifically targeted at men with names like "Bucher de Noel", "Chillin' with my Gnomies", "Too Drunk", and "Glogg", all infused with manly sounding and looking ingredients like Brandy to help clean up the guys in your life (and maybe get them into Lush?). The prices range from $5 - $8 for single items, with the boxed gifts selling from $12-30.

4. Gadgets!

All the men I know love playing with little things that involve technology in some way. I found a collection of fun little things all in one place, again at Hot Topic. They had a HUGE selection of little niche products such as:

• Character ipod speakers (deadmau5, hello kitty, etc. $25 + taxes)
• Mp3 Player DJ Mixer (pricey, $120 + taxes)
• USB Flash Drives (Gun, Grenade, Pizza, etc $9.99 + taxes)
• Marvel Super Hero Ear Buds ($12.99 + taxes)
• Themed Speaker sets ($9.99 + taxes)
• USB Flash Drive character bracelets ($9.99 + taxes)

So there we have it, it may be a bit last minute, but hopefully these are some ideas you can use if not for Christmas, than perhaps for someones birthday or another special occasion? Good luck to those who are still trekking out to the malls and outlets, and don't forget to leave me a comment and follow my blog.
Merry (early) Christmas!

Early Christmas Suprise!

To start out, I just wanted again to thank the two people involved in getting this to me. I appreciate this SO much, you have no idea how much you've helped me out here! Hope you have a Merry Christmas out in BC, I know everyone will be thinking of you here in Ontario.

Okay, so the other day I was completely surprised by a rather large package that was brought over to my house. I was told it was an early Christmas present (of sorts), which had me really excited, especially once I saw what it was! I've needed a bigger makeup case for a WHILE now. I had a smaller one, but not everything fit, and it was kind of a hassle to use, especially because in order to find things I had to take everything out (not fun in the mornings). This one is great though, it's about ten inches wide, sixteen inches long, and fourteen inches tall. I love the fact that it's all metal and won't fall apart like other faux leather cases I have. Also, I can slam it against pretty much anything (unintentionally) and it will hold up. I'm not too sure of the brand, which is unfortunate because I'd really like the recommend it to you guys, but it's lovely (especially since I'm fairly certain this would set me back at least $120 if I bought it new).





And here we have it filled with the majority of my stuff xD

 Then, as I said, I was completely floored by the case, but apparently that wasn't enough because when I opened it, I found about six different shades of this really nice foundation by a brand called "Satin Finish" (really excited to try this out on myself, and others), as well as a Bobbi Brown foundation bottle in '#3 Beige' (Which is a lot darker than my skin tone, but the product is so lush that I'm going to keep it to use on people when I do their makeup). Also, there were a ton of liner pencils, and a couple pallets, as well as a pot of Napoleon Perdis's 'Sparkle Dust #39' which is a really sweet purple colour.

My favourites of the lot though were oddly enough colours I don't really ever wear at all. I loved the mini pallet by Color Design called 'Seasonal Effects' which includes the colours:

• 'Daylight' (cream colour in the top left corner) Though instead of a shadow, I'd use this more as a highlighter or even to set concealer. As you can see in the picture, it completely blends into my skin tone.
• 'Positive' (the white colour beside 'Daylight', in the top right corner) Could be used for a lot of things, it isn't the most pigmented white ever.
• 'Impress' (the metallic dark green in the bottom left corner) I'd like this in combination with probably some darker neutrals in a smokey look.
• 'Strut' (metallic darker bronze, bottom right corner) Not exactly a colour for me, but I know a ton of people this would look amazing on.

Next up were two MAC liners called 'Lichen' which is almost like a forest green mixed with a Coal colour. I like it, again for a green smokey eye, or maybe even if you just get bored with black or brown liner. Also, if you have eyes that change colour, this will help to bring that out without being too distracting. This is the bottom liner as shown on my hand. The second one was called 'Forever Green' which is like a mossy green with gold flecks. It is not in my colour pallet at all, but I LOVE it. Really, it's such a pretty colour, makes me wish I could pull it off! Unfortunately the majority of things I received were more intended for a spring or autumn (warmer skin tones), not a summer or winter (cooler skin tones, like myself).

Loving as of Late

Just wanted to make a little post about a couple things I've been a tad bit obsessed with for the past little while. With Christmas coming up, (I dunno about you, but) all my money is being spent on the people around me (which is one of my favourite things! I love buying/ making people gifts xD), buut it's leaving a little bit to be desired on my end. So while you're running around trying to get people new things, I think it's nice to take a bit of time out to do something special for yourself. So instead of going out and buying a present, why not re-gift some of your old stuff to yourself?

Making the Old New Again, DIY Fixes!

  Decoden Phone Cases!

Well it's not JUST  phone cases that are getting bedazzled, but they're my favourite accessory out of the bunch. Taking something as boring and utilitarian as a phone case, and making it look that spectacular and personal is something I think more people should do. Really, it's not that hard to do for yourself (just a little pricey for the materials, $20 or so if you shop smart and look for discounts), there are plenty of tutorials on Youtube, the hardest part is just picking out and finding your colours. I love these so much, maybe it's just me, but I can't help but smile when I see them (I'll post a picture of my current work in progress in the next week). They're also great because when you get bored of it, or want different colours you can switch it with another. I also really like them because they make great gifts, and really show someone how much you care by all the effort put  into them.

Decora Nails!

So again, maybe you've seen these, maybe you haven't. From just past your finger tips to two inches long, I think they're fabulous (though maybe not so practical for the super long ones) and can really make a statement. Plus they're great for giving you that extra little bounce in your step, because so often people neglect their nails, even though they can be one of your best accessories (not to mention that they can really polish up your look). Basically for those who don't know they're painted nails with little 3D appliques like small charms or rhinestones. You can either do this right on your nail, or you can use false nails that you design and then glue on. Personally though I prefer to just do this right on the nail, though again you can do a false set and then re-use it later or make a set and gift it to a friend. Again, there are plenty of Youtube tutorials.

Cut-it-out T-shits!

I don't know about you, but I have a MILLION old concert shirts that I've accumulated over the years (GIANT t's) that I mostly just wear around my house or to bed because they're just so big. Recently it's been pretty popular to cut the collar hole larger and make them more of a "slouchy" off the shoulder top (which is nice), but I prefer to take it a step further. You can easily add shape by cutting the sides into strips and tieing them at the back to add shape and show a little more skin. Or if they're long enough, even turn them into a dress with no more than a pair of scissors and a couple knots. Another idea is creating a messy v-neck collar by just cutting the "v" shape into the neckline, or cutting off the sleeves down to mid-torso and creating a tank-top. Of course, I don't really like to advertise to the world what my bra looks like, so I would deffs advise wearing either a bandeau or making some kind of tube top to wear underneath.

         Add Glitter to Everything!

Remember those "glitter jeans" that used to be in style for kids ten years ago? Well that's pretty much the idea here. I was out with a friend and I saw this skirt that I've been wanting for a while, it's by Tripp NYC, and is essentially denim covered in a distressed metallic finish. I love it, but am not willing to pay $80 for it. Later I was at home and decided I'd use the idea to make something similar. So i grabbed a skirt (denim looks best for this in my opinion), some spray glue (the hardcore industrial stuff from the hardware store) and some facial glitter (it works best because the pieces are smaller) and went at it. First I sprayed the skirt then added a modest sprinkle of glitter, doing one side at a time and letting the glue dry. Overall the skirt was a little stiff, but still wearable and cute.

Unconventional Accessories!

I really love unconventional uses for things (scrunchy as a bracelet? Or better yet, around your ankles with a pair of co-ordinating heels, sounds crazy but try it! It's a little more daring, but who knows, you might love it). I find there are a lot of things that have a lot of uses if you just think a little outside the box. For example, old broaches can become hair accessories, as can bigger rings. Necklaces can become bracelets or belts, or even be used on your shoes to change-up a pair of heels. Purse charms can be attached to a belt or pair of pants to add interest to a look, as can bracelets with bigger charms. It might sound crazy to read, but the right accessories can work in a lot of different ways. Old broken necklaces can have pieces popped off and made into a really cool ring with a little glue. So get creative with your style and experiment a little.