Sunday (just got more) Funday

Well Sundays are just about to get way more fun! This weekend 4 (count 'em 4!) of my favourite shows are premiering... and all on Sunday! My PVR is going to get a serious workout this fall. 

On ABC the second seasons of Once Upon A Time and Revenge start up, as well as a brand spankin' new show called 666 Park Avenue. 

Once Upon a Time was new last fall and very much unlike anything I'd ever seen before. It's definitely an acquired taste but it had me hooked. It's half fairy tale and half real life - a story based around Snow White's evil queen putting a spell on all the land (so all the fairy tales) and sending them to a horrible realm - Earth! I thought it was quite well done, and gives you a darker or more real look into these fairy tales we all know and love. I didn't know how they were going to make a second season happen with this story line, but there it was, in the last few minutes of the finale. I can't wait now to see what happens!

Revenge. I love this show. It's smart, creative, suspenseful - it's awesome! If you have not seen season 1, I recommend you do. The whole season (and series) revolves around this main character avenging her fathers death. That could definitely make for a cheesy show, but they do it really well!

666 Park Avenue is a new show this fall. Since it follows the other two ABC shows I'm already hooked on, why not give it a shot! The magazine ads for it make it look like a saucy show, but the TV ads for it make it look like a scary show - either way, WIN! Can't wait.

Moving on over to Showtime... DEXTER. There's not much to say except that it is brilliant. I can't believe this is going to be the start of season 7. The show has not lost any of it's quality over the years, in fact, it might have gotten better! As more time passes, serial killer Dexter has to become more clever, and therefore the writing does too. Each finale has left me with my jaw dropped and last year was no different. This is going to be a good season kids!

Do you share my love of any of these shows? What are you most excited to see come back (or start) this fall?

If you were stuck on a desert island...

... and you could only bring one make-up essential, what would it be? My answer is and always has been: mascara. 

I have straight blonde eyelashes and I never quite feel like myself without even one quick brush of mascara. Once I apply mascara, can't seem to stop my lashes from going straight within an hour or so. After some trouble shooting, my trick to mascara perfection is to curl my eyelashes, put on a coat of mascara, do something else for a minute or two, then put on a second coat of mascara. More often then not, they still lose their curl, but at least not as quickly. SO, I decided if I could just find the perfect mascara, all my worries would be over. 

Enter: Benefit Cosmetics. They have a mascara called "They're Real" and yes, it's because they give you fabulous looking lashes! But my journey didn't end there. They also have a mascara called "Bad Gal" and yes, it's because it takes your lashes to the next level. I was happy using one or the other until my local cosmetician told me to layer them - do my usual layer routine staring with "They're Real" and ending with "Bad Girl". BINGO! I found my perfect formula. 

The inspiration for this post came from the results of the Women's Health 2012 Beauty Awards. For the category of "Best Mascara" the winners were Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume (from the readers) and Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes (from the experts). I've tried the cover girl one and although good for the $8 price tag, didn't work out for me. I've not tried the Lancome one, but will keep in in mind if I decided to switch things up!

What's your make-up essential?

Must Have: Black Flats

I think if you could only have one pair of shoes, it should be a black shoe. Now since you can only have one pair of shoes and they happen to be black, it's probably a good idea to make that shoe a flat, for practical reasons of course.

I think a black flat is the favourite-basic-white-t-shirt of the shoe world, wouldn't you agree? They go with just about anything, can be dressed up or down, and are comfortable. Well my roommate and I were chatting about shoes awhile back, and specifically about black flats. I was saying how I had this most favourite pair that I wore everywhere, and since I got rid of them (years and years ago), I've never replaced them. I should say that as I write this I acknowledge that we might have a shoe problem for having this discussion, but it's talks like these that help guide and motivate us prior to our shoe parties! That being said, in the last two months we have both found our black flat staple shoe! I opted for a plain black suede pair (that are as close to the smoking slipper style as I'm willing to go), and she opted for a black suede tasseled loafer style. We each got a more fun pair of statement shoes too - she got some rock 'n roll studded peep toes in classic black leather, and I got a pair of cobalt blue suede wedges. 

Until October...

 As always, roommates shoes on the left, mine on the right. 

Far left studded peep-toe, Sam Edelman; all others Aldo.

2012 Emmy Awards

This past Sunday the 2012 Emmy Awards were on. Unfortunately I missed the red carpet special which is my favourite part of almost any awards show! BUT, the internet is a beautiful thing where I can access all the fashions everyone wore and make my own commentary/decisions. 

There were some stunning choices let me tell you! Lots of lace, lots of beading detail, lots of sheer overlays. There were also a fair amount of stunning simple gowns in beautiful colours. I had my work cut out for me, but in my humble opinion, the below selections are my 5 favourites of the evening. You can definitely see that I have a preferred silhouette - and although I knowingly put them in this order, it was only after making my selections did I realize they also make up the colours of a rainbow... promise!

My style winners of the night: Tina Fey, Padma Lakshmi, Julie Bowen, Allison Williams, Zooey Deschanel

Did you happen to catch any of the Emmy's? Any favourites?

Cozy Sweaters

One of my favourite parts of fall is how cozy it is - out of necessity! With the chilly air brings tall boots and over-sized cozy sweaters. While browsing on Pinterest (surprise surprise), I came across these two pins that made me feel the joy of fall... and love maybe.

The first pin is a quote from a Lana Del Rey song and the second is, to me, the epitome of a cozy looking sweater. The part that makes me think of love is that if you find someone, who makes you feel like that sweater makes you feel (or better), he's a keeper because that sweater looks awesome! :)

Friday, Gangnam Style!

The latest and greatest dance tune to take over - Gangnam Style by Korean rap sensation, Psy. 

Please DON'T try to learn the words as it's in Korean (you know who you are...), but please DO learn the dance! Happy Friday!

The power is yours

Inspired by my Save Your Brain, Don't Complain post, this is a fantastic quote, and one my mom taught me to live by...

If it was a cartoon...

It's Honey Boo Boo day! To be honest, I've only caught a few minutes here and there since I initially watched it and wrote my review. I thought I would make another post today though because on Facebook last week I saw a picture that I can't help but share. If you were a child (or even parent) of the 80's this will likely mean more to you.

Honey Boo Boo and her mom (left); Krang from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (right)

Snow White & the Huntsman

This past weekend I watched the movie Snow White & the Huntsman - I originally wanted to see it in theaters but never made it so when it came out last week I jumped right on it! I was so "wowed" by this movie, I highly recommend it. 

It was deep and dark. The cinematography was beautiful. And the acting... OH, the acting. Firstly, Charlize Theron stole the show. She played the evil queen and her performance was chilling and powerful. I think she is an awesome actress and she did not disappoint. Can't say enough good things, just amazing talent there. Snow White was played by Kristin Stewart of course. I don't normally like her (I find her quite awkward) but I think she did a great job! Opposite her was Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman. He was also excellent in his role, although I will admit, I found his good looks distracting! :) Every other supporting character was super strong as well.

A couple of months ago I saw the movie Mirror Mirror (with Julia Roberts and Lily Collins), which also tells the Snow White story with the huntsman. That was a cute movie, but definitely on the cheesy side. It doesn't even compare to this one. This movie was like the grown up version, and really did blow me away.

Style Icon: Mila Kunis

From the 15 year old Mila Kunis we started watching on That 70's Show, to the movie star of today, we have pretty much seen Mila grow up before our eyes.

On the silver screen she has proven she can do it all, from funny roles like "Friends With Benefits" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", to the more serious and dramatic role she played in "Black Swan" (she blew me away with that one).  I think her style works in the same way. She can wear something chic and classic, but it still has an element of fun!

Mila Kunis Style

iPhone Madness

Your phone, my phone, we (almost) all have an iPhone! Okay, this might not be exactly true but man oh man, there are A LOT of iPhones out there.

This post is somewhat in honour of the iPhone 5 announcements and hoopla this week. It's also a little bit because in this past year that I've had my iPhone I've been watching the majority of my friends and family, slowly but surely, switch over to an iPhone. It's incredible! This made me curious: with all the smart phones offered today, how many iPhones are there? Or, with all the different versions out there, how many iPhones have been sold, ever. I found my answer in an article from February of this year, and the answer from that not-so-recent article is 180 million. Whoa, right?! Let's also point out that we are talking 180 million in 5 years... double WHOA!

Just recently, I saw another article that was talking about the iPhone 5 launch date approaching, and they were breaking down just how valuable the iPhone was too Apple's success. Did you know that the iPhone division of Apple is worth more than all of Microsoft? The iPhone generated more sales than ALL of Microsoft over the last year. I don't even know what to say but wow. 

via CNNMoney

With the launch of the iPhone 5, Apple has lowered the price on its previous 4 and 4S versions, as well as removing the 3S from it's lineup entirely. If you want an iPhone, the time is now. 

Do you have an iPhone? Are you like me where you have no idea how you survived without one? :)

tiff. 2012

This week TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) is happening in, where else, Toronto. Like any other film festival, TIFF brings celebrities galore to Canada to premiere and promote their movies. With all those premieres and all those parties, you can imagine that there is a whole lot of fashion too!

Although it's ongoing until Sunday, I've already spotted a couple outstanding looks that are so good, I couldn't help but share. 

Some favourite looks from TIFF.

Madonna

I did something really fun Monday night... I went to Madonna!

My company bought a box for the event, and not only that, but we could bring a guest! I thought that was incredibly cool and kudos to my work for doing that. So I got tickets for me and a friend and we headed out to Madonna.  

The opening act was Paul Oakenfold who is a great DJ and totally up my alley! I thought he really got the crowd going and set the tone for a party atmosphere. Next up, Madonna. She's a legend. You can't help but love her, and sing, and dance to her. I didn't really know her new stuff but it was easy enough to catch on. She also played enough old songs to get everyone excited. The show was pretty great. So much going on. Dancing, lights, props, you name it. It was a great concert! There were definitely some undertones of Britney and Lady Gaga in her concert which I thought was funny. Who's copying who? :)

The Stage

The only not so great thing was that the time on the tickets said 8pm. The opening act started at 9:30. She started at 10:30. That's a big long lull! Word quickly spread that this is what she's been doing on this tour. Keeping in mind this was a Monday night, there were quite a few displeased people as you can imagine. When she did finally come out everyone seemed to be forgiving enough and rocked out to her show.

Overall, I am glad I went, mainly for the fact that she really is a legend, and I don't know if there will be another chance to see her again. 

Style Icon: Victoria Beckham

I know I'm Captain Obvious with this selection, but come on, Victoria Beckham IS style! Plus, it's New York Fashion week, so what better time to honour this fashionista/designer?

Starting out her celebrity status as Posh Spice of the Spice Girls, she definitely demonstrated a simplistic chic style right off the bat. You would usually see her in black mini dresses and simple black strappy stilettos. Fast forward to today, she's built and empire. She is brand. 

From her jeans, to perfume(s), to her own fashion label, this girl seems to be able to do anything in this industry and it will turn to gold. I love her style because she is always so pulled together and polished. She takes that "you can never be overdressed" saying to heart - and I love it! Whether in a dress or jeans, her sky high heels are a constant. 

The only accessory I think she's missing sometimes is a smile. It's hilarious and she does make fun of it herself, but you don't tend to see her with a big grin. Not sure if anyone watched that short reality show from when the Beckham's moved to America, but she smiles all the time. She's definitely a funny and happy girl, her lack of smile is simply a part of the persona she built and she's sticking to it. 

As a final note, in the off chance you're not familiar her fashion line, all her outfits below are from her own label. Genius and gorgeous. Maybe I should put "own a Victoria Beckham dress" on my bucket list... 

Victoria's polished style

Warning: there will likely be future posts having to do with Victoria Beckham. I can't get enough!

Nothing is Impossible

With this in mind, let's take on the week like nobody's business - happy Monday!

A Beautiful Thing...

Kellie Pickler. I know her as the cute country singer who started on American Idol and carried on to be successful in her own right. I also think she is just as sweet as can be after seeing her interviewed on Ellen. Right now, she might be my favourite celebrity, and one of my favourtie people in general. 

Summer & Kellie

On Wednesday I saw an article about Kellie Pickler shaving her head - shaving her long blonde gorgeous locks - in support of her best friend who is battling cancer. I found this story, or rather this act, to be extremely powerful. Very moving.  

That is friendship. That is love.

Her friend, Summer Holt Miller, (who is 36 and was diagnosed in June) said, “If this compels even one person to change their mentality toward waiting until the age of 40 for their mammogram, then it will be worth it.” 

I hope this story makes you smile, makes you think, and makes you not take a single thing for granted.

Save Your Brain, Don't Complain!

I think it is safe to assume that there is someone in each of our lives who complains a lot, or never stops complaining, and they probably annoy you from time to time. What I bet you didn’t know, is that they are turning your brain to mush… actually!

A recent tweet I came across sent me to an article that discusses how listening to complainers is bad for your brain; that this exposure to negativity actually affects your brain function. Weird right? But also kind of makes sense.  Whenever I’m around a negative person, or see a negative comment on social media, I definitely have an adverse reaction. I am not a fan of negativity. Isn’t it a waste of energy? That being said, we all have the odd bad day or bad luck, but those are exceptions, whereas some people appear to CREATE a bad day out of a seemingly common situation. 

So back to the article, in studies done on brain activity using different stimuli, the brain was found to act like a muscle and “if you’re pinned in a corner for too long listening to someone being negative, you’re more likely to behave that way as well.” Yes, this makes sense. It’s hard to be happy when someone else just keeps raining on the parade of life. Another interesting finding was that complaining, whether in person or on TV, can even make you dumb. It apparently peels away neurons in the brain’s hippocampus (yup, hippocampus!) which is “the part of your brain you need for problem solving… basically, it turns your brain to mush.” 

Another thing worth noting is that there is a difference between a complaining and something constructive, like feedback that may be negative. People who complain aren’t necessarily looking for a solution. You can go ahead and ask them “so what are you going to do about it” and they might answer with a blank stare (or more complaining). 

I am a lucky girl in that I don’t really have many “complainers” in my life. I know this is a conscious decision on my part. I definitely distance myself from them.  As I said before we ALL have our bad days but we do something about it, or at least change our mindset. What’s not normal is the resistance to do so. 

If you’re stuck with someone who is just complaining for the sake of complaining, and isn’t looking to fix it, the article suggests that you distance yourself. Or drink some wine to protect your brain from what they’re saying… oh wait, that’s my suggestion. Let’s all remember whatever challenges come our way, LIFE IS GOOD. 

Monkey See, Monkey (try to) Do

Is it just me, or is nail art huge nowadays? It seems to be everywhere I look. When I say nail art, I am referring to multicolour nails, intricate patterns on nails, embellishments creating a 3D nail - basically anything other than one solid colour.

On TV the other day, I saw a beauty segment where the host went to a nail salon and got a different design on each nail. One nail had very tiny beads glued to it, another had a black and white check pattern, and so on. Although I wasn't necessarily taken with any of her designs, I did start to think a little more about trying something myself. Enter: Pinterest. I saw a cute design that involved a neutral base and a glitter overlay. I figured something simple like that would be a good start for me (I like colours but didn't want to start with anything crazy).

The inspiration on the left and my handiwork on the right.

For my base I used the OPI colour At First Sight. I applied my usual two coats and let it dry fully (like 12 hours). Then I took a piece of regular tape and laid it diagonally across my nail, choosing to cover the cuticle as was done in the picture I was working from. I then did two coats on the exposed area, one after the other, on each nail and removed the tape pretty much right away. I worried if I let it dry too much the tape would take some of the polish with it. I did a quick clear coat over the whole nail and - VOILA!

Overall I'm quite happy with the result! A very subtle first foray into the world of nail art. Have you tried any designs or embellishments on your nails?

Shoe Study = Shoe Revelations

Last week on the radio, I heard about a study that said men don’t notice when women wear heels. I went online in search of this study and didn’t find anything that was recent, but did see a Huffington Post study from 2010 that came to the very same conclusion. The idea that men don’t notice women in heels (versus flats) had me outraged – I mean, OF COURSE THEY DO! But I am a woman after all, and the whole “He’s Just Not That Into You” premise is about how women can sometimes believe what they want to believe about men, and make up excuses too. 

After coming to that rational realization I started thinking… does it even matter? Do I care if a man notices my heels or at the fact that I'm not in flats? Let’s be honest, it would be nice, but overall my answer is no. My shoes are for me. Maybe I care a little bit about my female friends. Even a bit for strangers/general public (compliments from strangers actually happen a fair amount, especially when I’m rocking a bold colour). Men kind of fall at the bottom of my list (not that it's a long list) of who I have in mind when I wear a pair of hot new heels. 

So then I further broke down my love of shoes and why they are so important to me: picture wearing a favourite pair of skinny jeans, a basic loose white t-shirt, and a wicked pair of bright or strappy heels. BAM! Your casual outfit is now on a whole other level! A good pair of heels are the ultimate accessory. And I can feel unstoppable in them. What else matters?

Disclaimer: With all this talk about heels I feel like I should mention that I totally do wear flats and love them, but sometimes nothing is better then great pair of heels :)