SMART SNACKING: Naturebox April 2015!

This picture SUCKS, but I'm too sick to take another :( 

Hey DOLLS!

This post is going to be super short and quick since I have been really sick for the last couple of days :( 
I hate hate HATE being sick because everything tastes awful to me and I love eating yummy food. I was so sad on Friday because my friends had dropped off my favourite from Cactus Club, the Chicken Jambalaya, but to my sick self, it did not taste amazing :( so major bummed on that. BOOO

Whilst being sick, my April 2015 Nature Box arrived. I must say, if these snacks can taste good to me while I am sick... then they sure definitely must be amazing when I will be all better!

This is my FIRST full order which came with five full sized bags of snacks! The only thing that confused me a bit was as to why the cranberry peptia crisps did not come in a resealable bag, it was like a regular chip bag. I did read somewhere that they had gotten a new look, so perhaps part of the new look were the re-sealable bags, so this must be from the old inventory? Regardless, tastes delicious so who cares!

Cranberry Peptia Crips = YES. Definitely satisfies the chip craving

Apple Pie Oat Clusters = super chewy and yummmyy. However, surprisingly, I think I prefer the peanut butter nomnoms.... Crazy because I am not a peanut butter fan!

Pear Praline Crunch = Very sweet. Too sweet for me?! I know how is that possible for the girl who is addicted to sweets!

Sriracha Roasted Cashews = AMAZING. I ordered them because I had LOVED them in the trial box I had received the month before.

Guacamole Bites = now these are actually corn chip stick things that are coated in a guacamole flavouring. I am a huge avocado lover and this did not do the avocado guac justice. It was on the too salty side for me

Overall, 3/5 of the snacks I loved. I am a SUPER PICKY EATER. I will return a meal at a restaurant if I even glimpse an onion. I pick the toppings i do not like off of pizzas like a pro surgeon before eating my slice of pizza. So this is actually good that I like more than half of the snacks!

For next month, I am going to definitely be ordering a granola from from them because they have so many amazing sounding flavours. And I also get the feeling I am going to ask for the peanut butter nom noms!

BYES!

Chic Life: LUXE BOX Spring 2015

Hello Dolls!

I am sure most of you have heard of monthly subscription boxes and how you can order several different types all with varying themes and costs. 

I want to share with you my spring Luxe Box, as I have been a subscriber for this monthly subscription for over two years, so I definitely love it! I have plenty of experience with this beauty box and feel happy standing behind Luxe Box!

To receive a discount on your first Luxe Box, Click on this link! (Expires May 19, 2015)
http://loosebuttonluxebox.refr.cc/C6MQSCV

Subscription Details:

• Canada ONLY... Move to Canada hehe 
• Seasonal Boxes (4x a year)
• Three different payment plans: 
• Quaterly ($26 +tax) --> you are charged each season
• Semi Annual ($50 +tax) --> there is a charge twice a year = two seasons
• Annual ($96 +tax) --> one charge in January for all your four boxes for the year!
• For more details: http://support.loosebutton.com/customer/portal/articles/578454-membership-payment-schedule 
• Each box contains 6-7 sample to full size items of high end brands
• A beauty profile is done when you sign up where you can rate your preference on the type of items you would like to receive, your skin type and tone, your hair type and if you would like a fragrance free box.

I received my Spring 2015 Luxe Box and it came filled with many goodies. I received a total of 7 items (4 sample sized, 3 full sized!) and it was definitely more skin related this time around. 

MYNY Eau de Parfum DKNY

The My NY DKNY perfume picture turned out so great because I took it a week after the other ones. I am definitely 100% improving my camera skills hehe!

MYNY (DKNY: Sample size value $11.25/7.5mL)

• The cutest little box and bottle (it is heart shaped and the liquid is pink!)
• To me it smells sweet with citrus notes. On their site --> raspberry, galbunum and pink pepper, vanilla, creamy musk's, freesia... I got the sweet and citrus correct did I not? hehe!
• It is a dab on (not spray or roller) making it feel even more Bougieee!
• They describe this as the fragrance that is as carefree, passionate and electric like New York city! I guess I am a city?

Buxom: Show Some Skin Weightless Foundation

Show Some Skin Weightless Foundation (Buxom: Sample, no pricing)

• This was more like a tester with four different shades of foundation you swatch to match with your skin tone. It is a light to medium coverage foundation therefore a foundation and BB cream mix. 
• The colours: Tickle the Ivory, Fair game, Dim the Light, and Silky Negli-Beige (NOTE: There are a total of 8 shades, but only four were included).
• The packaging is very cute with the lace detailing... sexy ;) 
• The description claims that it clinically does increase hydration, brighten and smooth skin and diminishes the looks of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore it is formulated with Vitamin C and algae extracts allowing it to be breathable and weightless. 

pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan + Applicator

pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan (Vita Liberata: Sample size, $13/25mL)

• I actually thought this was full sized, but I guess not according to my product dashboard on the Luxe Box website!
• Also included in the box is the Tanning Mitt to apply the product to your skin evenly. 
• This tanning product will leave you tan 4 times longer than regular tanning products and is suppose to be easy for novice at home tanners too. I like the fact that it is fast drying so you will not be leaving an orange trail everywhere you go! Haha 
• Certified organic botanicals and also is formulated to have minimal smell... So dirt smell?
• TIP: Exfoliate prior to tanning for a smoother result!

Missha: Collagen Caviar Cotton Sheet Mask

Collagen Caviar Cotton Sheet Mask (Missha: Full Size, $3)

• I am excited to try this product since it says the mask contains pure GOLD! I HEART GOLD! Gold is my go to bling to make me feel bougie!
• You simply apply the sheet mask after washing your face. Leave the mask on for 15-20 mins and voila, soft beautiful glowing skin! AND GOLD! Kidding

Flutter Mascara

Flutter Mascara (So Susan: Full Size, $20.95)

• Holy Moly this is a pricy mascara so I have high hopes for it making my lashes long luscious and voluminous! I received the colour black which is my go to colour. 
• It is suitable for contact lens wearers - I wear a pair on most days!
• Cruelty Free! Yay! 

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Paula's Choice: Sample Size, $14/30mL)

• I have never used a liquid exfoliant before so this will be my first time. I am excited to use it as it is described to even the tone of your skin and reduce redness. Furthermore its for stubborn blackheads or blemish-prone skin, perfect for me!
• You are to apply it daily, after cleansing and toning, with a cotton pad to apply it over your face (avoiding eyes and mouth of course!). It states to NOT rinse afterwards, but to follow with broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater for the daytime. 
• I am unsure if you are to moisturize after applying the liquid exfoliant because my skin care routine is generally cleanse, tone and moisturize. 
• I am excited for having it unclog my pores and hopefully reduce the size of them too!

Loose Button Eyelash Curler

The eyelash curler picture looks badass! Does it not just look professional!!!

Eyelash Curler (Loose Button: Full size, $20)

• Every Luxe Box comes with a Loose Button beauty tool (in the past, I have gotten kabuki and blush brushes as well as shadow brushes)
• I think all eyelash curlers are just eyelash curlers. Haha they curl and make your eyelashes more voluminous! Unless I totally missed the point of them. 

These are all the products in my Spring 2015 Luxe Box. It was definitely more skin care related products this time versus a mixture of skin care and makeup in the past. I will do a post for you on some of the past items I have received and used to give you a better sense of the array of products you can receive in a Luxe Box. I have received beautiful nail polishes, scrubs and amazing hair products in the past!

I will also be sharing how I re-use the luxe boxes and drawstring bags in a future post too! (the boxes are very well made and sturdy as well the cream colour makes them look clean and elegant) 

SIDE NOTE: I had received the eyelash curler in my Winter 2014 box so I emailed Loose Button that it is NOT COOL that I got a repeat item, not to mention an eyelash curler which never breaks right? Loose Button has great customer service so they will be sending me another goodie in place of the eyelash curler... I also get to keep the eyelash curler so YAY! Who wants a free eyelash curler? 

BYES

To receive a discount on your first Luxe Box, Click on this link! (Expires May 19, 2015)
http://loosebuttonluxebox.refr.cc/C6MQSCV 

Food on Wheels: TACOFINOOOOOO!

Tacofino's Cantina Truck!!!!!

Hey Dolls!
So yesterday, I was with a friend and telling her how when we have time, we must go to Gastown and eat Tacofino! Well, it must have been my destiny because as we crossed the road, on the corner of Howe St. and Robson St. Downtown Vancouver, was an army of food trucks and parked amongst them was the orange Tacofino Truck!!!

Needless to say, I went a bit crazy and did my happy dance (yes, I am an expert of embarrassing my own self, but hey, I made everyone else's day around me!). I am on a bit of budget these days, student life :( , so I was not able to get EVERYTHING on the menu. I decided to get one Fish Taco (YES DELICIOUS) and tried the Black Bean Taco for the first time. 

Fish Taco = Ling Cod (fried!), Cabbage, mayo and Salsa Fresca
Black Bean Taco = Black Bean, Sour cream, Salsa Fresca and Corn!

Tacofino Cantina's menu on April 7, 2015. I got the Fish Taco (Top) and the Black Bean Taco (Bottom).

The Fish Taco hit the spot. Crispy, Juicy and the perfect amount of Deliciousness as always. On the other hand, the Black Bean Taco failed to hit the spot. I was really surprised since Tacofino has never failed me .... WHAT IS HAPPENING TACOFINO?!? The black bean just had a flavour that I did not enjoy. 

Regardless, those two tacos filled me up and I was a happy child! I was a bit disappointed in my friend since she opted for a Japadog because she was not "feeling mexican," but I will let her off the hook.... this time...

Go track down the Cantina truck for yourself and try the amazing TACOS! I do know there is a menu difference between the white and the orange Tacofino trucks. For example, the white Tacofino truck also offers burritos! 

Sharing is Caring Dolls! ;) 

BYES

Savvy Student: Free YOGA!

Hey Dolls!
Winter has turned into Spring and that means Summer will be upon us shortly. In preparation for Summer, many of us are working on getting our bodies toned and fit to look amazing in our shorts and crop tops. Unfortunately, when you are a student, we do have a limited budget and cannot afford many fitness options such as Yoga. 

Many yoga studio fees are around $20+tax for drop ins and annual memberships exceeding $1000! Now that is very costly and a gym membership can be a third of that price. But yoga is just so great, gets finding our rhythm and increasing our range of motion and not to mention, adorable yoga outfits!

So now you may be wondering... Free Yoga? YUP! You can get free yoga, as much free yoga as you want. Many yoga studios have a volunteer program where they have a volunteer doing the regular tasks a front desk employee would do. I believe it is quite smart on their business end. 

For me, I volunteer at YYoga. The commitment is 4hrs per week for each volunteer. We have a set schedule, same time and day each week; therefore, you do not have to be worrying about fitting it into your schedule. 

My duties as a volunteer are:

• Refilling the tea and washing the tea cups
• Dry mopping the studio after a yoga class ends
• Setting the humidity and temperature before each yoga class
• Folding the laundry (towels and mat towels)
• Spraying down rental mats and rolling them

That is it! The tasks only keep me busy for about an hour and half to two hours. For the rest of the two hours I do some homework, blog and just chill out! When it is very quiet around the studio, I am able to sneak in a yoga class during my volunteer shift too hehe :) 

I can attend any and all classes for the rest of the week for FREE as long as I keep doing my volunteer shifts!

Contact your local yoga studies, enquire about volunteer positions if you want to do yoga, but the costs exceed your affordability. Please note, volunteer duties vary at each location and Yoga company. 

Have fun dolls! Namaste 

BYES

Pinteresterific Graphics + Fonts: Turn your Drawing into a Graphic!

Hey Dolls!

As promised, I am going to be sharing tutorials on how to create graphics for your blog or website using programs and apps that are affordable! Today, I am using Pixelmator on my MacBook Air to turn two Easter Eggs I drew into a graphic for your blog!

Start off by drawing an image you want to turn into a graphic. I generally start with pencil and then outline it with a dark inky black pen. Once you are happy with your drawing, scan or upload a picture of the drawing onto your computer! 

In order to get the clearest graphic, you want to begin by adjusting brightness & contrast as well as starvation until the blacks are dark while the whites are bright! The colour adjustments are found in effects browser. 

After you have adjusted the black and white colouring, select the magic wand function. The magic wand will help you select your image. Click on the blacks of your drawing and scroll on your trackpad/mouse to adjust the tolerance % (You will see as tolerance increases, more of your image is highlighted!). If you have lines that do not connect, hold down the shift key and continue to select the rest of the lines in your drawing. TIP: It is easier if you zoom into your image while doing this!

Once your drawing's lines are all selected and highlighted with the magic wand you simply press control copy and control paste! Now you have created a layer with just your drawing's lines. Do not forget to uncheck the "background layer" as it will make your drawing on a transparent background (Your image will have a checkered grey and white background when it is transparent). 

You have now created your own graphic!!! Be sure to save it as a PNG to keep the transparent background!

BYESS

Seasonal Fun + DIY: HAPPY EASTER

Hello Dolls!

Happy Easter Weekend :) 

I hope the Easter Bunny has come and visited your home and left many yummy treats for you to enjoy! 

I am still continuing to learn how to design my own graphics. The decorated Easter Egg graphic is my creation, I used Pixalmator to create them. I will be uploading a tutorial shortly on how to turn your own drawing into a graphic with Pixalmator, so look out for that! 

I hope to continue learning and improving at graphics so I can start offering free graphics for your personal use on blogs and websites too! So keep giving me feedback and tips on how I can continue improving my graphic design skills!  

Now for the Easter fun! I have a cute DIY Easter Eggs made from embroidery floss :) I used pastel colours since it fits in better with the occasion. Feel free to put your own creative spin on them. 

NOTE: Something occurred and I lost my pictures :( and I am very short on time to start all over. I have taken some examples from the internet to give you an idea and inspiration!

Image from: http://tinyrottenpeanuts.com/cool-craft-string-easter-eggs/ 

Supplies:

• Embroidery Floss (One pack for each egg)
• White liquid school glue + Water
• Small balloons (water balloon sized I think work best!)
• Scissors 
• Newspaper/Disposable container
• Imagination!

Step 1: Decide on how many eggs you want to create and then inflate that number of balloons

Step 2: Put some of the school glue onto some newspaper or disposable bowl.

Step 3: Begin running your embroidery floss through the glue and start wrapping it around the balloon! (TIP: neatly unravel your embroidery floss first so you do not run into knots as you are creating your beautiful egg!)

Step 4: Once you are happy with the design you have created with the embroidery floss on the balloon, snip the yarn and set aside your creation to dry!

Step 5: After your egg has dried, go ahead and pop that balloon with a pin or scissors! Carefully remove the balloon remnants and VOILA! You have a cute adorable yarn egg :) 

If you want to take it to the next level, you could make a lot of eggs and glue them together into a wreath or you could cut holes in them and put a bit of candy in them as a basket :)

Enjoy the weekend with your family

BYES!

Pinterestific Graphics + Fonts: Pixelmator

Image from: http://www.pixelmator.com

Hey Dolls!

It is hard to make a pretty blog when you have limited resources and funds, but that should not stop you from creating a pinterest worthy blog!

Adobe Photoshop has become the powerhouse when it comes to editing and graphic design. Unfortunately, it is very expensive and many beginners do not feel comfortable making such a large investment. 

After doing an extensive amount of research, trying multiple programs and apps (both on my macbook and iPad), I have finally found a program comparable to the functionality of Adobe Photoshop --> Pixelmator

Pixelmator is a program currently available for apple devices only (iPads and Macs). So I am sorry to my PC using friends :( 

Pixelmator has a 30 day free trial
Afterwards, you can purchase it form the app-store for you Macs for $34.99. 
iPads --> $9.99

The watercolour "brush" that is exclusive for the iPad only; however, watercolour is super expressive and moving so working on the tablet will give us more movement by using our finger or pen! Using the mouse on the desktop is far too rigid for watercolour. 

I am going to be doing tutorials for all you dolls on how to use Pixelmator to create gorgeous graphics for your blog or website or just for fun!

Please feel free to request something :) 

BYESSSS