First [Mini] Haul & New Years Resolutions!

Hey all! It's been a little while since I've written anything because of the time I took off to spend with my family for the holidays. But I'm back and ready to write!

So a few days ago I went with Rachel on the biggest shopping spree we've done so far. I was loaded with money thanks to my many generous relatives, and was ready to buy everything I have been wanting for so long. Now, I have posted a haul video which you can view here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4zDSef-R1A

And here are photos of [most] of my purchases!

Forever 21

 (not pictured: Boots & Jewelry)

Shoppers Drug Mart

Chapters

I  am very pleased with everything I bought :) 

Anyways, today is the last day of 2012! Can you believe that? I sure can't. As you get older, time goes by waaay too fast. 

I decided to put together some New Years resolutions that I can hopefully stick to for once. If any of you are wondering how to set some good goals for yourself, here are tips: 

• Make them reasonable and realistic. If you want to lose weight for example, don't try to lose 15 pounds in your first month. You have to face reality and realize that maybe 5 pounds a month is as good as it'll get. 
• Be patient! I have to tell myself this constantly. If you keep expecting something to happen over night, then you're eventually going to get tired of waiting and give up. Take it slow, it'll happen. 
• Work for it. Just because you're wishing for something, doesn't mean you're going to wake up with it. If you want something, you'll have to go out of your way to get it and if you want it bad enough, nothing will stop you. 

With that said, here are my resolutions!

• Keep working out at least 3 times a week
• Study more (mostly for math)
• Get at least 80% on all of my exams
• Find a job (woopie)
• Write at least 5 blog posts per week
• Become a successful beauty blogger :) 

I would love to hear your resolutions! Hope you all have a safe and healthy 2013 filled with love and surprises!

xx Mandy

How to Style: Patterned Pants

One of the latest trends is patterned pants/ leggings. I will tell you the different patterns seen on the streets and how you can style them. Enjoy!

Floral

Definitely my favourite pattern! These pants give off a very girly/ vintage style. Floral pants tend to be set on a lighter background, so you can pair them with a darker or lighter shirt, it doesn't really matter. But if you really want your outfit to look great, opt for a solid colour shirt- matching a shirt with a completely different pattern or even with a floral pattern usually clashes. I love the look of tan coloured boots with these pants, it completes the vintage look!

Aztec/ Tribal

 I own a pair of aztec leggings and they are my favourite! As you can see, there are a lot of different shapes going on in the pattern. Just like the floral pants, you don't want to pair these with a shirt that has either the same or different pattern because they will clash. Plus, the whole point of wearing these babies is to make sure they stand out! My idea of the perfect outfit with these pants is a dark baggy jumper with toms.

Galaxy

Half of the pictures I see on my tumblr dashboard are of girls wearing these pants. I'm so mad everytime I go to a store and cannot find them, so it has become my goal to hunt down the perfect galaxy leggings! The design really gives off this magical/mystical vibe and are extremely hipster. You don't need to wear heavy accessories or anything fancy with these pants, just a simple shirt and some boots are all you need. Although, I do like the look of a large silver chain necklace...

Animal Print 

Here's what not to wear when wearing pants like these: a matching shirt. You don't want to go out look like a cheetah or a zebra, do you? Let me tell you, it isn't a trend now, and I don't see it becoming one any time soon. I love the look of some high heels with these pants, as pictured above. Instead of wearing a baggy jumper like the other patterned pants, I think the best option is to wear a neutral/solid fitted top, long sleeve or short. If you want to include another piece of animal print in the outfit, either wear earrings of a necklace of the same print.

So as you can tell, when wearing patterned pants, your best choices are to stick with simple boots/shoes and a solid top.

xx Mandy  

In the Know: Colour Blocking

I'm sure many of you have heard the term Colour Blocking before, but do you actually know what it means? In this post, I will tell you all about what it is, how you can do it, and why it is trending.

What is Colour Blocking?
Colour Blocking is when you wear 2 or 3 pieces of clothing, one of which is brighter and bolder than the others. Most of the time, they are solid colours, but there are dresses and skirts that colour block on their own. 

How do I Colour Block?
A great tip to figure out how to colour block is to use the colour wheel. First, chose one colour. Then, locate the colour that is the direct opposite of it. The second colour is called the 'direct complimentary colour'. When used incorrectly, the colours clash, but when used correctly, the outfit can be pulled off. This isn't the easiest job in the world, but it is something you can get the hang of. Notice the skirt the model on the far left is wearing; the yellow and dark teal clash, but when paired with the pink cardigan, the outfit is complete.

A Huge Trend Everywhere
Colour blocking has been around for a while, but last year it was a huge trend on the runways. Celebrities also started to colour block while out on the red carpets, giving society a bigger taste of how it's done. This trend is most popular and often seen in the summer. The brighter piece of clothing is best worn in the warmer months because it stands out more, and as I mentioned in my last post, brighter colours reflect the light. The outfits shown above are examples of exaggerated colour blocking, which is usually seen on the runways. Here are some photos of celebrities who have been seen following this trend:

As you can see, their outfits are still bold and noticeable, but a little less abstract than the exaggerated pieces.

Hopefully one day you will try colour blocking, and if you do I would love to see some photos! I apologize about not writing a huge post, but I knew I owe you guys something after not posting for almost a week.

xx Mandy 



Sites:
http://www.jacob.ca/blog/colour-blocking
http://www.polyvore.com/what_exactly_is_color-blocking/advice.show?id=277200

Christmas Cash

If you're like me and you spend money the second you get it, no matter how much or how little you have, then you'd know that saving money is just one of those things that you can never do. Every year around Christmas, I try my hardest to save money, but most of the time I just give up and spend it on something I won't end up using or wearing. What I've decided to do this year, though, is make a list of all the things I can do to save my cash. I figured some of you would want to read them, so here ya go!

Keep the change
Literally- keep the change. Everytime you pay for something using a bill, you're handed back a bunch of coins. Instead of keeping those coins lying around in your purse or wallet or anywhere, keep them in a piggy bank. You may think that you won't get much out of it, but it really adds up in the end. I started keeping my change about a week and a half ago and I'm already at $16. Once they're in the piggy bank, you aren't very tempted to take them out and spend them.

Reward Jar
I have heard of a lot of people who put a dollar in a jar everytime they lose a pound so they can save up for a sort of reward once they reach a certain weight. You can do the exact same thing, even if you aren't losing weight! For instance, everytime you do a chore, put 50 cents into a jar, or everytime you get an A on a test, put a dollar in. Just like the piggy bank, your change will add up in the end. This is also a good way to motivate yourself to do a lot better in things!

Girls Night In
Instead of going out for dinner with your friends and spending a load of money, take it inside! Grab some movies, make some snacks, paint each others nails. This way you can still have fun and not spend a fortune.

Make Your Own Meals
We all have those moments where you're in such a rush that you don't have enough time to make yourself something to eat, so you always end up in the drive thru ordering a burger and some fries. If you know you'll be short in time, prepare ahead. The night before a busy day, make all of your food you'll be eating and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just grab 'n go. It's also a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Set Goals
When you have a goal that you are determined to accomplish, it's much easier for you to save up for it. Put post- it notes wherever you usually keep money to remind you not to spend it if you're looking to buy something pricey.

Budget
Limit yourself to a certain amount of money you want to spend every week. Say you only get $20 a week; only spend $10 of that and put away the other $10 for savings. Also, don't bring all of your money with you when you go out somewhere. If you have a load of money in your wallet, you're much more tempted to spend it.

Coupons
These little babies are amazing to have around. Before buying something, always check to see if there is a coupon you can use to save a couple bucks. If you've ever watched TLC's Extreme Couponers, you'd know that having enough can really help you keep your money in your wallet.  


I hope these tips help you in saving money!

xx Mandy

   


  

Get Ready For Winter!

I don't know about you guys, but it's getting colder up here in Canada. Actually, it gets cold, then warm, then cold, then warm. Global Warming might have something to do with that.

Since we only have less than a month until winter arrives, I decided to make a post on how to get ready for it so you can be prepared! Ready? Okay let's go.

Colours
In autumn, the most common colours people wear are orange, red, and yellow. Why? Because when we think of autumn, we think of the leaves and their colours. Most of us don't even realize that we incorporate the colours of the leaves into what we wear.

We all know that winter means snow and cold days. Cold days= cold colours. Cold colours are blues, whites, greens, and purples, so expect those colours to show more on chilly days. Darker colours are best to wear in the cold because they absorb heat. That is why lighter colours are more common in the summer because they reflect the heat. 

Layering
It is possible to wear more than one layer of clothing and not look like a marshmallow. Here are some ideas on how to layer while looking great:

• wear a simple pair of leggings/ tights under your jeans
• if you own one of those spandex temperature controlled shirts that athletes use, wear one under your shirt; it is easier to keep in your body heat
• cardigans- wear a simple long sleeve shirt under a nice and comfy cardigan
• wear more than one pair of socks.... this is what I usually do because my feet are constantly freezing
• Outfit idea: a simple long sleeve shirt, under a denim button-up shirt, a cardigan on top of that, with jeans that are on top of some leggings/ tights.... maybe add a belt or a scarf to finish it off

Scarves

These are definitely trending! I noticed a lot of people wearing them once the temperature started dropping. It's not only a great way to make your outfit look better, but it helps keep you warm aswell. My favourite is the infinity scarf. I love wearing ones made of wool because they are the warmest and are extremely soft!

WEAR PROPER BOOTS!
A lot of people think that finding proper boots (insulated, warm, waterproof) that are also cute is impossible. But this is one of those moments where you have to choose which is better: style or comfort? I don't know about you, but I would rather walk around in the ugliest yet warmest boots than walk around in some cute boots that become ruined when wet and make my feet cold. Trust me, I've learned the hard way that cute boots are not as great as proper ones. But there are stores that sell fairly cute water/snowproof boots, such as Spring, The Shoe Company, and Target.  

Hats, Mitts, Gloves
I know, I know, who wants hat hair? I don't. But you lose most of your body heat through your head, so by wearing a hat, you can keep a lot of that heat that you'll need. Again, style or comfort? There are cute hats out there that provide warmth, trust me. As for the hat hair, all I can suggest is carrying around a brush and maybe some anti-frizz cream. For mittens and gloves, always go for a pair that are lined on the inside, preferably with wool. They keep your fingers and hands warm, unlike those fashion gloves that are knit and have holes in them, allowing the cold to bite you.

Coats
Back to the same question: style or comfort? I was never one to go with comfort; I always needed the cutest coat I could find, it was never about how warm it would keep me. Then winter would come and I would secretly regret my decision, but wouldn't admit it because I didn't want to hear my parents say 'I told you so!' When choosing which coat to wear, always go for one that is lined with something. If it's thick, it most likely will be warmer. Peacoats are definitely something that will be seen in the streets this season, and a lot of them do provide warmth. Always check the tag to see if it mentions what temperature it can stand at. Also, aim for something that is no shorter than your hips- if it's cropped, your stomach will be coooold!

I hope you liked this post and hope that it helps you when winter comes!

xx Mandy  

Current Daily Cosmetics Reviews

So, if you didn't already see it when I posted it on Sunday, I finally decided to start my Youtube channel. I think I have maybe 5 views so far? But it doesn't matter, I'm more focused on the blog at the moment.

...I am such an awkward person.

Anyways, I wanted to make this post about the products that I mentioned in this video. This time I'll be a little more in depth. I already wrote up a review on the Master Precise Eye Liner, which you can view HERE. 

              Lashblast Fusion Mascara from Covergirl
So like I mentioned in the video, I only bought this because I had a $2 off any Covergirl mascara coupon and was in great need of some new mascara. Honestly, it was the purple bottle that caught my attention. I went with the water resistant stuff because I somehow always get caught in the rain, so I wanted something that wouldn't run when wet. Compared to the last Covergirl mascara I used, which was part of their Professional collection, this is a great mascara. I do feel like there are better ones that can give you more voluminous lashes, but I was completely satisfied with how this does not cause clumping. My big goal is to find a mascara that lengthens, volumizes, and does not clump... How hard can that be?

 Almay i-Intense Eyeshadow (for blue eyes)
This eyeshadow trio contains, well, obviously, 3 colours: a beige, a brown, and a copper. Now, some of you may think that if you have blue eyes, you must use blue shades in terms of eyeshadow. However, in order to really make your eyes stand out, using different shades of brown or gold would be your best choices. Imagine someone in a bright outfit, standing infront of a bright backdrop. Their outfit wouldn't stand out because the backdrop doesn't allow the colours to pop. But imagine someone wearing a bright outfit while standing infront of a black backdrop. Your attention immediately goes to the outfit, not the backdrop. The same thing happens when you have a lighter eye colour and use a darker eyeshadow. These eyeshadows are amazing and I am definitely going to purchase this set again in the near future. They really help make your blue eyes stand out and seem brighter than normal.

Rimmel London Glam Eyes Eyeshadow in Dusk
Definitely one of my favourite eyeshadows. This shade seems like it is dark, but it is much lighter than it appears. It is extremely cheap (I think maybe around $3) and is going to be something I will be repurchasing for a while. I love to use the copper shade from the i-intense trio on my lid and use this eyeshadow in my crease. It makes my eyes look super bright!

Covergirl Natureluxe Silk Foundation
Even though I have not tried any other foundation, this product is amaaaaazing! It literally feels as if you aren't wearing it, so no cracking or feeling as if you just got botox. It was $18, but compared to other foundations I have seen, it is well priced and worth the money. I highly recommend this for those who are sensitive to face makeup because of how light and thin it is. You don't even really need a foundation brush for blending this in, using your fingers is enough! A little goes a long way, too.  








xx Mandy

Girl's Night In, Fall Trends, & Slutty Brownies

Friday nights are always girl's night out for Rachel and I. This week, with the two of us being broke, we decided to have a girl's night in at her house for a change. While at her house, we went through her clothes and pieced together some fall trend/ how to style boots outfits to include in this blog. So here they are!

In this outfit, I included two patterns that are popular this fall season: plaid and floral.This is a very laid-back and chill outfit with an edgy flare to it. 

Jean jackets are very nice to have on those days where it isn't too cold but it also isn't very warm aswell. I paired the jacket with a basic red tank top that flows, and a pair of green cargo pants.

This would be an outfit that might be nicer for summer nights, but it's a great way to look when going out! The floral dress is adorable and when paired with the baggy knit cardigan it gives off a cozy and lazier vibe.

This is definitely my favourite outfit! The baby blue blazer (say that 10 times fast) helps bring out the pink/orange tank top underneath it. It gives you a more mature look, yet still maintaining that casual appeal. 

Those were the only outfits we managed to put together, but expect future posts with more! After our little photoshoot, we decided it was time to pig out. What would a girl's night in be without some comfort foods? Look at our amazing nachos; cheese, onions, cheese, peppers, cheese, and tomatoes. Plus cheese. Did I mention there was cheese in it? It took us a good 20 minutes to devour most of them. I want more. 

After the nachos, it was finally time for the moment Rachel and I had been waiting for all week... Slutty Brownies. Look at that honkin' slice. Isn't it beautiful? Doesn't your mouth salivate just by looking at it? What is a slutty brownie, you may ask? Well, it is quite simple: cookie dough on the bottom, oreos in the middle, and brownie mix on top, baked following the cooking directions of the brownies. This is literally heaven in your mouth, the perfect snack for any girl that might be going through "troubles".



I've come to the end of another post. Until tomorrow

xxMandy

PS. Big thanks to Rachel for modelling!