This & That – September 6

What’s going on with me:

It’s the first This & That Friday of September!  I love Fall but I just feel like it’s coming too fast this year.  Maybe because we had kind of crappy Summer weather-wise.  Technically it’s not officially Fall until September 22 but you wouldn’t know it here in Calgary – the temperature here yesterday was in the single digits!  Plus the leaves are already changing and falling.  It’s only the first week in September!  STOP!

My second course in Graphic Design begins tomorrow!  The next few months are going to be really busy for me – I’ve got classes almost every weekend and several nights during the week.  I’d say that I’m going to need to scale my blogging back but let’s be honest, have I ever been able to keep a consistent blog schedule?  #masterofprocrastination This might actually force me to keep a regular schedule…but I won’t jinx myself.  I’m thinking twice a week – haven’t quite figured out which two days that’ll be yet.

Exciting news – I’m going to be announcing my new blog name next week!  I think I’ve got a name that will represent my blog well – although it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to Classic Maggie.  Almost makes me sad to think about it…but I know it’s the right thing to do.  It’s silly how attached we can get to things, isn’t it?  PS – once my new blog name launches my giveaway will commence shortly thereafter! 🙂

Have you seen/heard?

I really want to try this mermaid hair tutorial but it seems like so much work.  So pretty though, right?

Why is crushed velvet trying to make a comeback?  Someone needs to put a stop to this right now.  That needs to stay in the 90’s where it belongs.

I cannot believe this woman is 98 years old!  I love her advice…and I need to start doing yoga.

Recent purchases…

I did visit Ulta on my trip and I’m not going to lie, it was a pretty amazing place.  I didn’t get everything I intended for a few reasons – they didn’t have what I wanted in stock, I changed my mind and/or I checked my VISA about halfway through my trip and almost fainted when I saw the exchange rate I was being charged for everything.  Seriously, it physically hurt.  Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t leave there empty handed but I scaled it back a bit.  Post on what I picked up coming soon…

Okay, I know this is a weird one, but…how is it fair that not only do we not have Ulta in Canada, we also do not have Cheez-It’s?  The Tabasco-flavoured ones are my favourite so anytime I go to the States I always have to get a box of them if I can find them.  We have Cheese Nips here in Canada, but they don’t even come close to comparing, nor do they come in all the fab flavours of Cheez-Its.  Plus Cheez-Its is fun to say.  😛

Do you like rootbeer?  Do you like alcohol?  If you answered yes to both, then I’d like to introduce you to Not Your Father’s Root Beer, if you’re not already acquainted.  Omg these are soooooooo delicious!  These can be a little dangerous because you can’t taste the alcohol in them!  If you like sweet drinks, I totally recommend giving them a try.

This top was the only clothing purchase I made on our trip and it was a good one – it’s so comfy!  Plus I can never resist ombre anything!

Currently coveting…

I had a lemon bar from Model Bakery in Napa and I’ve never tasted a lemon bar like it – it was literally out of this world (potentially the most delicious thing I ate the entire trip).  Fall and winter = cooking and baking for me so I’d love to give some of their recipes from their cookbook a try at home.

OMG Kate Spade has a Minnie Mouse collection!  Just look at this adorable clutch!  And card case!

So I signed up for Ebates earlier this year…and I just received a cheque for $150 in the mail!  Most of that is from booking a trip via Expedia a few months ago but if you shop online for anything, you NEED to sign up.  I was skeptical at first, but there’s literally nothing shady about it, it’s basically just free money!  Do it!

I recently picked up a pair of leggings at Express – and wow am I impressed!  They fit so well and are so comfy!

Favourite Youtube video of the week….

I have to give credit where credit is due – I saw this feature on Curly.Spring.Blossom’s blog (ps – follow her!) and I thought it was a great idea, so I’m stealing it.  I’m going to award my first one to Coffee Break with Dani’s Juvia’s Place Palette Review and Swatch video – mainly because I’m in love with the look she created!  Plus that palette looks amazing!  Oh and Dani is one of my favourite You-tubers! 🙂

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve been up to the last few weeks:

Review: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream

Yup, that’s one measley post…

Have a fantastic weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

This & That – August 21

What’s going on with me:

Is there anything more frustrating than typing up an entire post, forgetting to save it and then losing it? *facepalm*

I placed an order for my first Love with Food box this month, thanks to Coffee Break with Dani. She was doing an unboxing on her channel and she had a 40% code and now that they ship internationally, I couldn’t resist giving them a try.  My box ended up costing me about $16 USD (including shipping), although the costs will increase the following month.  Keep an eye out for my review in early September!

Have you seen/heard?

Urban Decay is releasing a Naked Ultimate Basics Palette this fall, and I’m kind of liking the way it looks – it’s nothing super original, but I’ve hit pan on all the matte shades in my Naked palette and I’m considering a replacement for it.  Might be an option!

Have you tried any of these wild and wacky Oreo flavours?  I haven’t seen many of them in Canada, but I have tried the S’more flavour – which were really good, and the Red Velvet Cake flavour, which were just meh.

Recent purchases…

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes: I was a little disappointed in the last package of Olay wipes that I picked up so I decided to try something new. I was impressed with these – they removed my makeup with ease and were super gentle.  New potential favourite!

Ked Coursa Sneaker: I returned my Sam Edelman espadrilles that I bought a few weeks ago and replaced them with these.  Such a good decision!  These are so comfy and are made of a soft t-shirt like material.

Currently coveting…

RW & Co Lace Dress with Collar: I pretty much love anything lace but adding the white collar to this just makes it that much cuter.

CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream: Every review I’ve read/watched says this is nothing like a BB Cream but more like a foundation.  I’m not sure how well the matte formula will work my combo skin but given the drugstore price, I’m willing to take the risk.  Have you tried it?

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve published over the last two weeks:

• Loves & Letdowns Lately
• Review: Vichy Normaderm Skincare

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

This & That – August 6

What’s going on with me:

Apologies for the lack of posts this week – I was prepping for a garage sale I held today.  Didn’t realize how much work goes into planning one of these.  It went okay – aside from the rain that set in early afternoon and not selling as much as I would have liked.  My garage is looking a lot cleaner though!

I’m going to be changing my blog name in September!  I actually love the name of “Classic Maggie” but I think it’s confusing, given that my name isn’t Maggie.  My new name will be something more reflective of my entire blog so stay tuned for more info on that in the next month or so.

We went and watched Jason Bourne last weekend.  It was good and I’m a big Matt Damon fan, but I feel like they’re getting a bit – okay a lot, predictable now.  On the other hand, I cannot wait to see Sully!

Have you seen/heard?

What do you think of the new Instagram stories?  I don’t know how I feel about it – on one hand I kind of feel like Instagram should just stick to what they do best and stop screwing around with what works.  On the other hand I don’t want to be an opponent to change…because sometimes change is good.  But I feel like they’re just trying to hard to become a mix of all other social media platforms.  Thoughts?

Are you playing Pokemon Go?  I downloaded it and tried it out – and I just couldn’t get into it.  I have way too many things to distract me from being productive right now anyway, so I don’t view it as a bad thing.

Some great tips for clearing on your closet.  I recently purged my closet and I can attest that asking yourself these questions actually does work.  It’s important to ask them to yourself when you’re shopping/in the fitting room too, in order to avoid buying things that don’t serve you to begin with!

Recent purchases…

Make & Model Brushed Hacci Lounge Pants: This was my lone purchase from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (which I was kind of disappointed with to be honest).  Anyway these pants are SUPER comfy but they wash horribly – they pill like crazy.  Definitely not worth the $35 CAD I paid for them (no way they’re worth $61 CAD).

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: I’m absolutely in LOVE with this setting powder.  It’s the only one I’ve tried that doesn’t settle into my pores AND keeps me matte throughout the day.  Wish I had tried this sooner!

sugarfina Ice Cream Cone Gummies: Who in their right mind would spend $9 CAD on a tiny box of candies?  I would!  I may have acquired a dangerous and expensive addiction – they’re so yummy!  But if you don’t feel like forking over the cash to try them yourself, keep an eye on my blog for my long overdue giveaway that will include a box of sugarfina sweets (in addition to some other fantastic things!) #yum

Currently coveting…

Madewell Fleet Jacket: I spotted this jacket at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and it’s amazing.  But there’s no way I can justify the price for a cotton jacket, even on sale.  So the hunt for the perfect utility jacket continues…

Bryon Plaid Throw: Okay, I know it’s still August but I want this now!  It makes me want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate!

Fossil Kinley Small Crossbody: I’ve got an urge to buy a new purse for Fall – and I’m liking the look of this one.  Sidenote – when did Fossil handbags become so expensive?  Or have they always been?

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve published over the last two weeks:

• Stash Matters Muji Giveaway Goodies!
• Review: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
• Get to Know Me
• What Should I Buy at Ulta?

Have a fantastic weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

Review: Furkid – June 2016 Box

Time to review our June 2016 Furkid Subscription Box. I totally forgot to take my usual pic with Maggie sitting amongst all our items so I figured her licking her mouth after gobbling down a treat would suffice.

Furkid (aka Paws & Play) is a Canadian monthly subscription box for your furkid; each month you receive a variety of high-quality products for your pet and you can personalize your box based on your pets preferences (i.e. strong chewer, soft or crunchy treats, gender, etc.).  This is our 5th box as a part of our subscription service; I originally signed up for a 3 month subscription and it auto-renewed back in May for another 3 months (read more about that here).  I was charged $133.95 CAD for this second round of subscriptions, meaning this box has to have a value of at least $44.65 to be worth it.  To find out if it was, keep reading!

Here are both the product cards that were included this month – aren’t Bernie & Nellie cute?  🙂

Details on what was included in this month’s box.

Quality House Brand Freeze Dried Beef Lung Treats – $?: This isn’t included on the product card so based on what I saw online these are worth around $10-11 CAD.  I’m assuming this is a bonus item, which I appreciate but we received beef lung treats last month as well so I wish we had received something different.  Plus beef lung kind of makes me dry heave haha.

Northern Biscuit Minis Treats – $7.95 CAD: Disappointed yet again to see crunchy treats included in our box although at this point I kind of expect it now.  I do appreciate the all-natural ingredients but we’ll hand these off to one of our doggie friends.

Messy Mutts Cleaning Gloves – $8.95 CAD?: The product card lists a cleaning mitt so I’m not sure if this is what it’s referencing?  That’s a little confusing.  These are pretty nice gloves as far as gloves go – they’re quite thick and long and they’re cotton lined.  I don’t like using gloves to bathe Maggie but I’ll use them for cleaning the house or some other purpose.

Play Momo Monster – $17.95 CAD: This is seriously adorable and probably the cutest toy we’ve ever received in a subscription box.  It’s soft and has a squeaker and Maggie really likes it.  Big thumbs up on this one!

Chuck-it Toy – $11.95 CAD: We don’t really need anymore balls but these ones are good to throw outside as they can typically withstand all weather conditions.  Haven’t decided if we’ll keep these or not but the size of these is perfect for Mags.

Plato Thinkers (Salmon) – $2.45 CAD: Maggie was super excited to see this included – these are some of her favourite treats.  We buy the big bag of these regularly, although not in the salmon flavour.  Happy with this one!

Value of this months box: $49.25 CAD plus $10-11 CAD for the bonus item.

The value of this month’s box was there and we were pretty happy with a few of the items, although I’m still hoping they’re going to get our treat preferences correct.  Next month is our last box (for real this time) so we’ll see if they can do it.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Read our previous Furkid/Paws & Play box reviews below:

February 2016 Box

March 2016 Box

April 2016 Box

May 2016 Box

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Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

Review: Furkid – May 2016 Box

Happy Tuesday!

Today I’m reviewing another Furkid (aka Paws & Play by Furkid Subscription Box); I had actually planned for the April box to be the last we received but thanks to their auto-renewal service, I was subscribed for another 3 whole months at a cost of $133.95 CAD. Originally I signed up for a  3 month subscription that began in February and ended in April – or so I thought.  I failed to read the (very) fine print that stated that the subscription would auto-renew on the 1st of the month following the end of my original subscription, unless I cancelled prior to.  This irked me given that I had only received our April box on April 28.  So I was given 2 whole days to decide if I wanted to renew my subscription?   Plus, the fact that it renewed not only for 1 month but for 3 was a bit shocking to me, especially given that I received no notification whatsoever that it was auto-renewing!  Unfortunately this seems to be a common practice amongst many subscription boxes, so take my advice and read the fine print before signing up so you know exactly what you’re getting into.  I did share my concerns with the owner but I was basically told I was out of luck and offered some additional items in my May box. I debated sharing my review given how unhappy I am but I felt I could still be objective, plus I have two more of them coming and it means I get to gratuitously share pics of Maggie, so I figured I might as well.  😉 So let’s get into it:

First up, the product Card; the value of this month’s “box” is equal to $50.98 CAD.  Keep in mind that my subscription for 3 months cost me $133.95 CAD which equates to $44.65 CAD per box, so the value of this box is just slightly over what I paid for it.

DIGZ Peanut Butter Smash Cookie:  As I’ve stated before, one of the reasons why I signed up for this subscription was due to the fact that it was supposed to be customizable; Maggie doesn’t like hard/crunchy cookies (#princess) so our profile states soft cookies only.  Yet we still continue to receive hard cookies.  This wasn’t included in the product card so I’m not sure if everyone received this or if this was one of our “bonus” items.  Regardless, we’ll be passing this on to one of our doggy friends.

Caru Soft & Tasty Venison Recipe Baked Bites:  These are soft and chewy and Maggie was pretty happy with them.  I really liked that they’re all natural, do not contain any wheat, gluten, corn, soy or animal by-products AND they contain no ingredients from China.  These appear to retail for about $7-8 US; again, this is not listed on the product card so I’m assuming this was another bonus item.  Overall we were pleased with them.

Earth Rated Leash Dispenser with Bags: We actually buy these bags regularly, but I’m not crazy about the dispenser (too bulky) so we’ll likely give this away too.

Etta Says Beef Liver Treat – This was a small little individual treat (assuming it’s a sample which is why it wasn’t included in the product card). Maggie gobbled it up.  No complaints.

N/A Nothing Added 100% Canadian Atlantic Pollock:  Maggie loves anything fish and these are no exception.  They stink to high heaven though, I hold my breath when I give her one.  Love that these are 100% Canadian.  Happy with this addition to the box.

Digz Prime Lung Beef Steaks: I always struggle with giving Maggie various animal body parts/organs but of course, like most dogs, she absolutely loves them.  These are actually pretty hard and crunchy but if I break them into smaller pieces, she eats them.  We’ll take the good with the bad on these.

Kong Bendeez Toy: Kong toys are expensive and are generally good quality however ours appears to be broken.  The instructions state that it should squeak when you bend/twist or shake it but it does nothing of the sort.  As a result Maggie doesn’t have a lot of interest in it.

So overall, I’m slightly happier with May’s box when compared to April’s but that’s only because of the bag of chewy treats that was our bonus item. Otherwise the only item that we would have been happy with would have been the Pollock.  One down, two to go!

Until next time!

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Read our previous Furkid/Paws & Play box reviews below:

February 2016 Box

March 2016 Box

April 2015 Box

DIY Olive Garden Salad Dressing

We don’t visit the Olive Garden very often, but when we do, I make sure to load up on their salad and breadsticks.  I honestly could drink their salad dressing straight from the bottle – it’s so good! I’ve been trying for years to dupe their dressing recipe and never really been successful.  Until now!  I found this recipe on foodnetwork.com and thought I’d give it a try.  It was close, but I made a few small modifications and I personally think this as close as I’m going to get to the real thing.

What you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup Canola Oil
• 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar (or Cider Vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon of White Vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of Mayonaise
• 1 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of Pepperonicini juice
• 2 tablespoons of Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of Garlic Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning

Combine ingredients into a blender, or a salad dressing shaker and mix until fully blended.  I personally use this salad dressing shaker and I love it because I can just throw all the ingredients in and give it a good shake, and I’m good to go.

I like to double the recipe and I find that the dressing lasts me a week of salads for lunch; I tend to keep it simple for myself, but if I was making it for a group and I wanted an authentic Olive Garden salad experience, I’d pour this over a mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, black olives, red onion, matchstick carrots, chopped purple cabbage, and croutons.  Top with freshly shredded Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.  And maybe add some warm breadsticks too…;)

Adapted from foodnetwork.com  

Enjoy! 🙂

This & That – June 26

So have you ever scheduled a post for the wrong date?  Because that’s what I did – I swore I had posted this last Sunday…turns out I had scheduled it for July 18 instead of June 18.  Groan…

What’s been going on with me:

A bit of a change this week – I’m posting my This & That post on Sunday instead of Friday.  At some point I’m going to get this “scheduling posts’ things figured out…

I really thought that I was going to skip allergy season this year…how optimistic of me.  They’ve kicked in this week, albeit slightly – but I absolutely hate the itchy ears and throat and dry eyes.  😦

Have you seen?

This is a fun quiz to discover your personal decorating style; I got Glam Girl which is actually really accurate.

Chrissy P’s Finding Dory Tutorial...just amazing!

Pioneer Woman’s French Dip Sandwiches – I’ve gotta try these!

Did you hear?

I’ve always wondered what happened to gum if/when you swallow it…

Big Brother Season 18 started June 22 – my summer guilty pleasure.  Did you watch?

Recent purchases…

Ikea Oftast Dinnerwear – I’ve been wanting some plain white dinner wear for a while now and I came across an open stock collection at Superstore that I really liked.  The price was more than reasonable ($3.00 per plate or something) but for whatever reason, I didn’t pull the trigger.  Then when I was at Ikea a few weeks ago, I saw the exact same plates for $0.79.  So I picked up a 4 piece place setting and I’ve been using them and I’m sold – they’re awesome!  I will be picking up another set for sure.

Glasholm/Finnvard Table: I also puchased this table/desk from Ikea on my recent trip; I’ve been looking for a desk for a while and at first I wasn’t sure about the lack of storage on this one – but so far, it’s been working really well!  I love the patterned glass top!

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil: I referred to this in my most recent Loves & Letdown post; I finished up my sample size bottle and I absolutely needed the full size.  This stuff is amazing – bonus that they sell refills and they are actually less than re-purchasing the bottle again #whataconcept.

Currently coveting…

Gap Tencel Embroidered Romper: I’m kind of obsessed with rompers lately; love the embroidered detail on this one.

Sam Edelman Georgiana Leather Band Sandals: I typically stick with black or brown sandals but really like this combo of ivory and rose gold.

The Secret Life of Pets: I’ve been waiting for this movie to come out for months – July 8 can’t come fast enough!

Wishing you a great week ahead!

Father’s Day Gift Guide (Last Minute!)

 

You guys, Father’s Day is THIS Sunday?  Are you prepared?  Did you get your Dad a fantastic gift?  If you didn’t and need to,  I’ve got a few last minute gift ideas for you:

1. Rocky Mountain Soap Men’s Stuff Gift Set – $38.25 CAD: Because Rocky Mountain Soap products are natural and toxin free!
2. Fossil 65mm Wraparound Gradient Sunglasses – $70 CAD: Because Fossil makes the best sunglasses and there’s no better time to gift sunglasses than the present!
3. Cufflinks Inc. Iron Man Cufflinks – $69.50 CAD: Because how cool are Ironman cufflinks?
4. The Tie Bar Dot Silk Tie & Cotton Pocket Square Style Box – $40.37 CAD: Because a tie is a classic Father’s Day gift – bonus that this one comes with a matching pocket square!
5. HS Soda Pop Crew Socks – Sale! $10 CAD:  Because fun and funky socks are such a fun way to add some personality to a dull suit.
6. Titlelist Personalized Pro V1 Double Digit Golf Balls – $62.99: Because my Dad is golf lover and how neat would it be to present him with an entire box of personalized golfballs with his initials on them?
7. Corkcicle Wine Chiller – SALE! $20.99: Because who wants to wait around for wine to chill?
8. Picnic Time Fiero BBQ Tool Set –  Because it’s BBQ season!
9. Home Studio Dream Hammock Chair – Sale! $449 CAD: Because…okay, this is expensive but OMG does this not look like the most amazing chair ever?  If you have a big budget or lots of siblings I feel like this would be the best Father’s Day present ever!
10. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye – price varies ($35 – $45 CAD): Because if your Dad likes rye/whisky, this is apparently one of the best (my husband and Dad agree).  It’s not easy to find so if you see some, scoop it up!  Bonus points for it being Canadian!
11. Godiva 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Almonds: Because you can’t go wrong with chocolate and Godiva is some of the best out there!
12. NESPRESSO Nespresso VertuoLine Black – SALE! $187.49 CAD: Because how convenient is this if Dad’s a coffee drinker?  I don’t drink coffee but if I did I’d be all over one of these!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and a Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there!

What I’m Wearing: Spring 2016

I’ll admit it – I’m no fashionista.  I’m not one to be sporting the newest fashion trends, in fact by the time I’ve warmed up to what could be considered a trend, it’s usually no longer in style.  I love things that are comfortable and casual and I tend to stick to tried and true basics like jeans and t-shirts.  But I also like prints and colour so I’m not totally boring. 😉

I thought it might be fun to go through some of the more popular trends for the season and share with you what I will and will not be embracing.  And then show you what I actually have been wearing (and loving!).

Trends for Spring

Culottes: Okay, I have to be honest – I’ve NEVER liked these and I don’t think I EVER will.  I don’t find them the least bit flattering. Kudos to those who can pull them off but they’re definitely not for me.

Bodysuits: Been here, done this and not re-visiting.  If only for the avoidance of unnecessary wedgies.

Cold Shoulder Shirts: Again, these were in style when I was in Junior High.  I didn’t have one back then and I’m undecided if it’s something that should be repeated. I will admit that this one is kinda cute.

Denim:  This I can get behind.  I’ve seen lots of chambray dresses and rompers. I keep reading that skinnies are no longer in style but I won’t be ditching them anytime soon.

Lace-up Flats: I think these are adorable but I’m not sure they’re for me.  I’m concerned about the comfort factor – I feel like the laces might cut into my skin. These look like they could potentially be comfortable.

What I’ve Been Wearing

Spring has been unseasonably warm here but lately it’s been alternating between a week of super warm weather (i.e. mid-to high 20’s Celcius) and a week of windy, chilly weather (highs below 10 degrees Celcius).  As a result I’ve had to keep some warmer/thicker clothing on hand.

one: One of my favourite tops lately has been this Melange sweater from Joe Fresh; this works so well with leggings as its a bit longer in the back and it’s just loose and comfortable.

two: I own one of these linen tees in a bright coral shade from Gap and I want more.  They’re nice and light for warmer days but be warned they are thin and a little see-through.

three: I’ve had my fitted denim jacket (similar) for years and it’s still going strong.  I throw mine over dresses, t-shirts, and tanks and it takes me everywhere.  It’s a wardrobe staple.

four: I spotted these Keds a few weekends ago and they’re on my purchase list.  I need a new pair of lightweight sneakers to pair with shorts and jeans and I love the soft grey colour on these.  Plus they’re super comfy!

five: I’ve done it, I’ve found the most comfortable pants in the world!  They’re jeggings from Joe Fresh and unfortunately I can’t seem to find the exact link on their website, although these look very similar.  They literally feel like sweatpants but look like denim; in-store they had them in navy, olive green, tan and off-white.  Going back to pick up the olive green and off-white pairs stat and if you see them, I’d highly recommend you at least try them on!  Note: They retail for $29.99 CAD.

six: This tote was included in my 2015 Non-Beauty Favourites and I’m still loving it in 2016.  I can throw multiple things in here and because it’s so light it doesn’t weigh my shoulders down.  Plus the blue and white stripes are classic and go with anything.

seven: I broke out my pink cropped jeans weeks ago and while mine aren’t quite as vibrant as these, I feel like nothing says Spring more than a pair of pink pants!

eight: I picked this ballet dress up in the clearance section of Gap about a month ago and the style is beyond flattering. They’ve brought it back for Summer in pink and blue, both of which are gorgeous.

nine: I always feel weird wearing a black belt in Spring/Summer.  I know that’s weird but I just do.  Which is why I typically swap my black belt out for my brown one (similar).

ten: I like wearing my pink floral scarf (similar) with my denim jacket to add a pop of colour to my outfit.  Just make sure you pick up a lightweight one or you’ll likely sweat to death.

eleven: I can’t live without my white jeans (similar).  I always find they look so fresh, crisp and chic.  For a few hours at least! 😉

twelve: I bought this romper in solid black at the Gap Factory Store and while I don’t expect it to last me more than one season, I could care less because it’s so comfortable and I paid $14 for it.  The only PITA is trying to get it off when using the bathroom (there’s no buttons or zipper on it anywhere).

thirteen: I walked through Europe for 3 weeks straight in a pair of Tom’s Espadrilles and I’ve never been more happy with a pair of shoes.  I find that it can be difficult to find the Espadrille styles in-stores, so I’m ordering these off Toms.ca (bonus – they’re on sale!)

What are you wearing this Spring and what trends have you adopted?  Share with me below!

Review: CND Vinylux Weekly Polish

How often do you do your nails?  I go through stages where I do my nails every week and then others where I don’t do them for months.  I love having polished nails but I like to make sure I have enough time do to them properly.  I don’t have a steady hand so if I rush through applying polish it never ends well.  And after I invest time in doing my nails, nothing irritates me more than to have them chip after a day or two of wear.

That’s why I was pretty excited to give CND’s Vinylux Weekly Polish a try.  I was sent a package containing CND’s Weekly Polish in Regally Yours #140 and a bottle of their Weekly Top Coat as part of ChickAdvisor’s Product Review Club.  Using these two together claims to result in 7 days of chip-resistant wear.  Sounded promising to me!

The Vinylux line is described as a fast-drying, 2-step system that offers brilliant shine that lasts.  It also claims that natural light will result in increased durability; I’m not exactly sure what that means and I couldn’t find anything online that explains that, although I’m assuming it means a UV lamp isn’t required to set it.  Lastly, these are 7-Free polishes meaning that these are free from toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, phthalates (DBP), formaldehyde resin, xylene and lead.

I’ve been wearing this polish for the last 2 weeks and I definitely have an opinion on it.  First up, where it delivers:

• I can vouch for its claim that its fast drying.  This is what impressed me most. I’ve applied it twice over the last few weeks and within minutes it was dry to the touch and I could apply a second coat or the top coat.  Only once did I have it smudge after application and that was my own fault.  I definitely appreciate this factor in a polish as I can be pretty impatient waiting for coats to dry.
• The formula is thin and relatively easy to work with (however this is also a bit of a problem as described below)
• The weekly polish lets off a decent amount of shine but the Weekly Top Coat is exceptionally shiny.  I love having shiny, glossy nails and this doesn’t disappoint.
• There is no base coat in this line and it is not recommended you use one as it will negate the adhesives in the colour coat.  Given how dark and deep the shade I received was, I very concerned about using it without a base coat as I was certain it would stain my nails.  I can’t say it didn’t stain them at all – it did leave a slight tint behind but no where near what I was expecting and am used to with darker colours.  I found that to be impressive.

And where it falls a little short:

• Unfortunately for me, this wasn’t a chip-free polish.  I’ve applied it twice over the last two weeks; the first time I was pretty hard on my nails and there were some small chips and noticeable wear on the tips of my nails after the second day.  Because this is such a dark colour, the chips and wear were pretty noticeable but there was no large chips or peeling at all.  I didn’t think it’d be fair to judge it solely on that experience, so after a week I removed and re-applied it again the following week when I was much kinder to my nails.  Unfortunately I experienced the same issue and it was actually a little worse.
• I attempted to use the top coat to cap my nails in order to provide that extra bit of protection as they suggested, but it rubbed the polish off the tips of my nails (I did ensure my nails were completely dry before doing so).  If I could get this to work, I feel like this would definitely help with the chipping and wear as all of that took place on the tips on my nails – nowhere else.
• While the formula is thin and easy to apply, it can be a little bit patchy.  The colour I received was a deep, dark purple that actually appears black after applying 2 coats and the top coat.  Despite those two coats, there were some very visible areas on my nails where the polish was spotty.
• I had a small gripe with the brush – it’s on the thinner side but I prefer a thicker brush as I find I can apply polish more evenly this way.  I feel like this may have contributed to the patchy application.

I’m kind of on the fence with this – there were things I liked about it but the lasting power was basically their claim to fame here and it didn’t work all that well.  I’ve admitted defeat on the shade that I was sent but given that it wasn’t one that I would have picked out for myself, I may give another colour a try and see if there’s an improvement.

CND Vinylux Weekly Polish retails for $12.95 CAD and is available at select retailers and salons.

Special thanks to ChickAdvisor and CND for sending me these products to try!  These products were sent to me for review purposes but all opinions are my own.