beauty | Bath-time Essentials

       

One of my most used methods to unwind and reduce stress is to take a bath.

In my experience, submerging your entire body into a tub of hot, slightly perfumed water seems to be an ultimate cure-all. A lot of people I've spoken with find it completely bizarre that I still bathe (as an alternative to showering, I mean,) because they stopped doing this as children. Others find it unhygienic or impractical because they no longer fit in the tub. If that is your case, I say try try try; my room-mate is very tall (I don't know her exact height, but she is taller than average,) and she still manages to get some relaxation time in the tub. So really, there are no other excuses. Anyway, if you're looking for some much-deserved R&R, I've compiled a little list of my bath-time products and rituals to hopefully get you guys inspired to start running some water. ;-)

Let's start with the basics. These products are items that are bath-time staples but luckily don't need to be  replaced often.

Firstly, you should invest in a bath pillow. There's nothing more discouraging than taking a nice dip only to have to deal with the cold porcelain and achy neck that you'll get from trying to position yourself comfortably. I like this one from The Body Shop (only $12!) as it's made of a cotton fabric on not a weird plastic that gets slimy with soap residue.

Second thing you will be needing is a loofah. Trust me, exfoliating does freaking wonders for the skin. I settled for the soap-bar-to-skin method for my entire life. My cousin suggested I start using a loofah to help with this irritated skin rash on my arms that I've had since I was nine years old. After using a loofah for a week, poof! Gone.  I always say you should exfoliate your entire body in the shower, slather yourself in coconut oil and then hit the sheets. You'll have genuinely perfect skin all ovah. Who doesn't want that? Maybe I should have saved all this loofah loving for another post because you won't just be using that baby at bath-time; it really should be used at least twice a week, regardless of whether you're bathing or showering. AND it eliminates the need for exfoliating shower scrubs, which, in my opinion, do sweet #@$% all. Ok, I'm going to shut-up about the loofah now.

I strongly suggest getting a natural loofah. (They look like this.) You can buy these at most natural stores or grow your own(!) apparently.

I suffer from mildly dry skin, and like most dry skin "wearers", my skin gets super parched in the winter. The internet and everyone in my life tell me to avoid taking hot showers or baths as it strips the natural oils from your skin. I would if I could but I just can't. This is why I feel a bit strange giving this advice as I won't be practising what I'm preaching; I'm a freak and I like to cook myself until my skin turns pink and the bathroom is so steamy you can't see your own hand in front of you. SO, don't be a fool like me and take ~warm~ baths. Another unfortunate thing about us is that we actually should avoid bubble baths. I know, I know. You're asking "What's the point of a bath with no bubbles?" The world is a sad place when I hear these things. I still take one from time to time just for the hell of it and it doesn't seem to do so much harm. So, like most things in life, enjoy in moderation and/or opt for a couple of drops of deeply moisturising essentials oils, some softening bath bombs or melts, or dropping a few packets of (unflavoured) oats into the tub. (Another useful tip; Grab a handful of oats and lightly wet them in the shower to use as a gentle, cheap and easy exfoliating scrub.)

Here are the products I am enjoying lately
L'Occitane - Organic Essential Oil (Purifying Blend, Relaxing Blend, Revitalizing Blend)
LUSH - (Ceridwen's Cauldron, Dreamtime, You've Been Mangoed, MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment)

O.K.

Now it is time for you to slip out of your clothes into something soft and silky and sink your feet into your slippers. Turn on some Edith Piaf, Chopin, Tribe Called Quest, Queen; you know, whatever puts you in a good mood. Light some candles, run the water, dim the lights. Mix your potions, pour yourself a glass of wine and drown yourself in some hella fine water. (Not literally though, you guys...)

fashion | Betina Lou S/S '12

Saw this collection a few months ago while my boss was buying it and have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival at work since. Everything Betina Lou does is so feminine and dainty; it's probably one of the few of this genre of clothing that I am absolutely in love with. The fabrics are always superior quality and the cuts seems to hug and dip in all the right places. It isn't too trendy or over the top; just simple, beautiful clothing that any woman would feel absolutely confident in.

 The designer is from Montreal and is an incredibly sweet woman who comes into my work pretty often. She's very petite, like myself, and we were talking about how difficult it is to find clothing that fits us properly. She told me that not all of her styles run in XXS but if I found anything I liked that she would make it for me. I didn't take her up on the offer then because I didn't want to cause more work than necessary, so now I just have to hope that all of the above items are available in my size. 

Check out the rest of the collection here or see the collection in person at my work!

music | The Suburbs (Mr. Little Jeans Remix)

film | Sleeping Beauty, Leigh

Just watched Sleeping Beauty by director Julia Leigh. Despite the title, it isn't actually based on the fairytale or even similar to the Disney animated film. In fact I wouldn't say it's appropriate to show to your little sister at all. The stunning Emily Browning (some of you may recognize her as Violet from A Series of Unfortunate Events) stars as Lucy, a struggling university student who takes up a rather unusual part-time job to pay her way out of her troubles. 

The entire time I watched this film I felt uneasy but intrigued. It deals with some pretty uncomfortable issues yet seems to tackle them in a delicate and somehow pretty manner. I had been meaning to watch this for awhile and did enjoy it visually. This is why I took a few extra moments to show you guys some nice screen shots from the film. Hope these don't spoil anything for you, although I'm not too sure how they could... 

I don't know if I would necessarily watch it again but I do feel that it was time well spent. 

6.5/10

fashion | Look II

look II by astudyof featuring metal rings

celeb | Millie Mackintosh

I've tackled the entire two series of E4's Made in Chelsea in under three days. Obviously, my social life is quite lacking at the moment so I've had to live vicariously through the eyes of high society British babes. Although the show's cheese factor is a lot higher than I would normally tolerate; it's become my guilty pleasure. Made in Chelsea is to me what Jersey Shore is to my boyfriend.

Anyway, regardless of the endless drama and almost too obviously scripted dialogue, the show is aesthetically pleasing.  I like to pretend that's the only reason I watch. The hair, make-up and wardrobe, although not always suited to my tastes, is always perfectly pretty. Caggie, Rosie, and Louise are probably the three most similar to my style, but there's something about the absolutely sexy Millie Mackintosh that catches my eye all too often. I've been doing some god ol' Googling and found these devilish shots of Millie taken for FHM, a British men's magazine. Thought I'd share some here just for the sake of posting. 

Enjoy,

I hope everyone's week has been great! ;)

book | The Dreamer's Dictionary, Robinson & Corbett

Oddly enough, this book happens to be one of my most treasured childhood possessions. My copy is in no where near as good condition. I, at seven years old, or younger, remember playing with this book and pretending to be some kind of fortune-teller/witch and drawing little symbols on every new chapter page. Although, I'm not entirely sure if I should call them chapters. This book is true to the title and does actually read like a dictionary. This is one of the reasons it is one of my most treasured possessions.

When I was younger my mum and I used to share a bedroom as we lived in a small apartment and my brother needed his own room. We were incredibly close so it didn't matter much at the time that we didn't have the extra space. As a result of our constant closeness, we'd made a habit of discussing our dreams every night/morning. We would look up key elements of our dreams in this book and spend hours giggling or pondering over our subconscious. Even thinking about that now makes my heart feel a little warm.

Like I said, my copy is in horrible shape. The pages are incredibly yellowed and the cover has been torn off but I intend to keep this gem on my bookshelf forever.

fashion | My Current Favorite Rings

These are the rings I've been wearing everyday for about a month now. I love them, they add a nice touch no matter what I'm wearing. It's gotten to the point where I feel totally naked if I'm not wearing them at any point. The first one I picked up recently at Club Monaco and the second is an Erica Weiner design (buy here) that I had been pining over for ages. I really need to go on a shopping spree on her website sometime soon. If only I had enough spending money to splurge and click any other link except "Under $100".

Just informed my boyfriend on where to buy my engagement ring. Heh heh... 

day(s) in the life | Candles and Sweets

This week felt never-ending. I had a lot to get done and little time to do it. Went for my second buying appointment with my bosses, this time for Insight Fall '13. As soon as I walked into the room I felt myself wishing that entire collection was in my closet. (One day...) The top photo was taken by my boss. These are the (GORGEOUS) collectible Insight51 candles from collection, and yes, we will be selling them at our store come Fall 2013. So mark your calendars, kiddies.

Anyway, I'm really starting to understand how to buy for a store. It's not always easy to put your own personal style tastes aside and think of the customer and what they would want and need. It all boils down to the fact that I do that type of work everyday; so knowing my sales and store and applying that knowledge will really help me decide which pieces to add to our stock. Blah blah blah.

On to more important things, like desserts! Please don't judge me for having the world's sweetest sweet tooth.  Bottom left is a photo of a sugar-and-spice tasting banana cupcake that my boss picked up on the way back from our buying appointment from Aux Vivres and bottom right is a pre-Valentine's day shot of my gifts for my Valentine and myself. Though none of those made it past midnight that night. 

Yes, I'll admit it; I have a problem.

food | Le Biscuit et Cie

I was ecstatic when my boyfriend surprised me at work with these aaamaaaaazing chocolate chip (in every bite) cookies.
They were the perfect texture, deliciously chewy, and had little flecks of caramel (or something?) every now and again. The company was actually started by a former co-worker of my boyfriend's and she was actually able to quit her day job and make baking her full-time job. How lucky is she? She has yet to open a store but does orders through her website. I usually find it difficult to admit that any cookies are better than my own, but I'm not even gonna lie; I would pick her cookies over my own anyday.

Place your orders here, Montrealers!

You won't regret it.

covet | Fortune Cookie Coin Purse

Fortune Cookies have seemed to be popping up in my life a lot lately. I know, it sounds strange, but I had a habit of saving a lot of the fortunes I've gotten in the hopes of rolling them and putting them in miniature glass bottles to wear around my neck. Like a lot of my projects, I "never did get around to doing that", but I did make a little treasure box necklace with one particularly important one hiding safely inside. I recently found a little baggy with all those folded, rolled and crumpled fortunes inside. Been seeing a lot of posts on social feeds including fortunes and/or fortune cookies... Anyway, blah blah blah. I've been looking for a little coin purse with personality as I have a bad habit of harvesting change in my pockets because my current wallet sucks for that. I fell in love with the idea of these lil babies immediately. Someone get me one(!) for Valentine's Day, please?

fashion | Insight Spring '12

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Insight's Spring 2012 Collection at my work. I've been drooling over the images on their website at a bit of an unhealthy rate. I can't wait to have the collection in front of me to be able to feel if the texture is as I imagined it being or the colour as vibrant as had hoped. Usually, Insight doesn't fail to deliver. I will have to wait a bit to purchase since we like to let our customers have first grabs, but I don't mind. I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope that the XS don't all sell out. 

View the entire collection - 

food | La Maison du Macaron

Been indulging in Macarons lately. Not the cheapest snack to enjoy when you have a raging sweet tooth. I had eaten so many of these bad boys in a day that I got a ridiculous tummy ache. I've been buying them at a booth on the 3rd level of the Eaton Centre, an extension of the location on La Maison du Macaron on La Roche and Mont-Royal. My favorite flavours are  Noisette (Hazelnut) and Fraise et Rhubarbe (Strawberry Rhubarb), but I haven't tried all of them... yet.

beauty | Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Recently picked up these three amazing Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm and loved them so much I went back to the drugstore and bought Rose, Red Dahlia (My favorite so far), and Honeysuckle. They're beautifully moisturizing and great for Spring, as it gives your entire face a fresher and lighter feel. 

day in the life | Marché aux puces Lesage

Stopped at a small Flea Market outside of Montreal today after a massage this morning. Was looking for some little things for my apartment and got to smell some great candles, play with three Cane Corso puppies and eat some delicious home-made fudge. Here are some quick cell phone shots of my small trip. 

I hope everyone had a good weekend. :)

recipe | Beet, Apple, Carrot and Ginger Juice

Since I began reading Jitterbug Perfume, I can't help but find myself craving beets. I've always been a fan of them as a side-dish but have been trying out different things made with beets such as jams, juices, sauces etc. One of my particular favourites has to be beet in it's juice form, and the above ingredients are the perfect compliments. The first beet juice I had ever tasted was the Renew from Liquid Nutrition, and though it was tasty, I had to say the best was, (as always,) homemade. So here's a quick recipe for some super delicious and healthy juice.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium Beets, trimmed and peeled
• 4 large Carrots, peeled
• 2 large Gala or Pink Lady Apples
• 1 medium chunk of fresh Ginger
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice

Method:

Pass first four ingredients through a juicer and strain. Stir in Lemon Juice.

Done. Easy-peasy. 

photography | David Hamilton

I've fallen so madly in love with David Hamilton's work. His photos are all so dreamy and seem to be so soft that I was having a hard time discerning whether they were paintings or photographs. I want to live in one of his shots for a day.

book | Jitterbug Perfume, Tom Robbins

fashion | Small Things I

outfit | Equitation

(Cream and Navy Striped Scarf, H&M | Black Knit Sweater Dress, H&M | Nude Leggings, American Apparel) 

music | Gypsy Death and You

I've had this song on repeat for awhile, probably irritating the heck out of my roommate with it. Brings me back to being 15 years old and having bad, bad crushes.

pick of the week | Binggeli, Aldo

Coveting these Binggeli Booties by Aldo, they're currently on sale so I'll be snagging myself a fair very soon to wear now and with dresses in the coming seasons.

fashion | Look I

Winter is still very present here in Montreal, but with the few warm days we've had in January, I can't help but look forward to spring. While still keeping up with the darker Autumn/Winter colours, I'd like to start brightening up my outfits a bit by opting for a light wash jean and shoes rather than clunky boots.

(Camp Jacket, Philip Lim | Poplin Shirt, Organic by John Patrick | Lee Pencil Leg Jean, Motel Rocks | Merino Wool Hat, Johnstons | Cassie Mini Leather Satchel, Club Monaco | Fine Silver Ring with Texture, Glasswig)

beauty | L'Occitane

Apologies for the Glare. Trying to find my real camera's charger, so mobile photos will have to do for now.

Took a trip to L'Occitane on my day off. I adore shopping here. The moment you walk in you can feel your muscles relax a little. The sales associates know when to back off and don't overwhelm you with product suggestions. Also, the free shot of yummy tea helps. (Just realised what a shopping junkie I am. Oops.)
I picked up two Perfumed Satchets with Lavender Essential Oil to help me relieve some stress. One is tucked in my lingerie drawer and the other was given to my roommate as a gift. I plan on buying another one to hang in my closet when I have the time to revamp it.

I've been looking for a moisturising soap and the sales girl suggested the Milk & Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap to me. Have yet to try it as I'm still finishing my current soap, that I am not all too fond of, save for the smell. At $14 a bar, I hope this soap delivers.

Lately, scented candles have become a regular indulgence of mine. I took my time to smell each of their scents but the Red Berry Fruits Scented Candle immediately stole my attention. It's ridiculously sweet and reminds me of eating slightly to ripe strawberries in my grandmother's kitchen during the summer. My next visit, I plan on grabbing another one of these gems, this and this.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. 

recipe | Drinking Chocolate

I am most definitely a fan of thick, creamy hot chocolates. Don't get me wrong; I have been known to enjoy
the powder-into-hot-milk variety, but never as much as what's pictured in the above cup. I think my infatuation with thick hot choclate started when I saw the film Chocolat in the year 2000. I was nine and my love-affair with chooclate was already in full bloom. I remember these lines all too well:

Armande Voizin: Your cinnamon looks rancid.   

Vianne Rocher: Well, it's not cinnamon, it's a special kind of chili pepper.  

Armande Voizin: Chili pepper in hot chocolate? Psh.   

Vianne Rocher: Mm-hm. It'll give you a lift. 

Let's get real though, how could anybody resist?
After watching this film it's been a little secret goal of mine to make the perfect cup of hot chocolate, tailored to my tastes and no ones else's. So far, this recipe is what I have found I enjoy the most. When I've had a particularly rough day and find myself craving something decadent, I throw this together in under five minutes. It's quite flexible in the sense that you can add a dash of this or take away a bit of that in order to please any palette. After all, Chocolate is something that you should be able to have any way you want to, whether it be milk, dark, white, with almonds, hell, I'd eat chocolate sauce on pasta if I could. But, before I start drooling, let's get on to it...

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of pure cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons of flour*
• 1 tablespoon of corn starch*
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar*
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract*

These ingredients are optional and depend on the flavour you are aiming for. (I tend to mix them when I'm having a really bad craving for some naughty foods)

• 2 tablespoons of nutella (for a nice nutty flavour)
• 1 tablespoon of crushed chili pepper (great to help yourself really warm up from a cold day outside)
• 1 tablespoon fleur de sel (for the sweet and salty lovers)
• 3 drops of peppermint oil (mint & chocolate, always an appreciated mix)
• 1 orange worth of zest (evokes memories of nibbling on these at christmas)

Method:

1. Heat up milk on medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
2. Add in cocoa powder, brown sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Sift flour and corn starch into pot. 
4. Add optional ingredient.
5. Serve in a cup with/without a dollop of whipped cream and/or mini marshmallows

* these measurements should be used as guidelines, as you stir, you will begin to see how much of what you will end up needing.

The beauty about chocolate is you can add literally whatever you want and it will probably end up tasting fabulous. So go ahead; experiment and indulge.

You're welcome.

beauty | Coconut Oil

Surprisingly, One of the first things that inspired me to start blogging again was this exact miracle in a jar. I'm not usually one to shove my beliefs or opinions down anyone's throat, but after starting to incorporate Virgin Coconut Oil into my daily activities, I'm here to preach about it.

A co-worker of mine, Cierra, suggested that I purchase this after I came into work one day complaining about my skin and hair troubles. She told me it was the most amazing thing she'd ever used on her skin and that her skin has never in her life been in such good condition. I took it into consideration, but I'm always one to covet after the most expensive creams and face washes on the market only to buy the dupe of them and cry in misery when they don't give me the results I want.

Now, I've never really had problematic skin as far as acne and oiliness goes, but, (especially during the winter months,) my skin is always feeling incredibly dehydrated and sensitive. If something irritates my skin, instead of pimples, I'll get a rash of white bumps across my face that look like craters. So, after one of these particular break outs, (I'm still not certain what caused it), I did some research on Coconut Oil.

The amazing benefits had me sold and I immediately left my computer and ran over to the health food store to purchase a jar and now, like Cierra, I have never been more pleased with my skin or hair in my life. I slather it all over my body before bed and after a good loofa scrub, I spread some on toast in the mornings with a delicious cranberry egg, (recipe coming soon!) I do a hair treatment with it once a week, I use it to replace butter in many recipes... it really, really is a wonderful product.

Anyway, I won't make this post longer than necessary, but inform yourself and for the love of God, buy a jar!

forgotten

Long story short, I did end up moving out. Keeping up with this blog became incredibly difficult as I had no internet access or functioning computer. But, here I am almost a year later, in a totally different life than I imagined myself being in.

The apartment I moved into was great at first, and then with time it became nothing but stress to me. It wasn't the most positive experience, but for that I am glad I had it. I am now living in another bigger, nicer, more comfortable apartment with an incredible room-mate, (and no, she was not a friend of mine before I moved in).

My employment at American Apparel had thankfully ended the same week I moved out, and am since with a local Montreal boutique called Three Monkeys.

I'm going to do my best to keep on updating this blog now, as I've gotten my hands on a laptop and can now afford internet in my apartment. So, not that anyone reads this blog right now, but I am hoping it will become a positively creative outlet in my life. Stay tuned, studiers.