When I was growing up, few things made me happier than a fresh stack of books from the library. But in the last decade or so, between the heavy reading lists in university and the demands of my first full-time job, reading for pleasure often fell by the wayside. That's something I'd like to change going forward as the winter break (and my subsequent bouts of sickness) made me rediscover the joy of picking up a real book. Here are a few I've enjoyed recently. What are you reading?
Lazy Girl Approved highlights long-lasting, goof-proof, fuss-free products that can fit into the most minimalist of regimens. If you consider yourself a low-maintenance beauty lover, these product reviews are for you!
Who has time to let a hair mask fully penetrate parched strands for 10-15 minutes before rinsing? Not me—most days I'm either showering very quickly post-barre class or before heading to work in the mornings. Luckily for me and other chicas in a rush, Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Renewal Deep Conditioner ($5.98 at London Drugs) delivers the impressive results of a hair mask in considerably less time.
January is usually a time when many of us hit the gym hard in the name of fitness resolutions, and if you're anything like me, three weeks in your muscles are probably feeling all that exertion and in desperate need of some TLC. This is where a product like Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Soak & Foaming Bath In Lavender (gift set $7.99 on sale for $3.99 at London Drugs) comes in handy. The sample I received for review was a limited edition boxed holiday gift set with smaller versions of each product, but you can also purchase the full-size epsom salts and foaming bath separately. So how did Dr. Teal's measure up? All the details after the jump!
Happy Wednesday, dear readers! I couldn't let January pass without a look back at what was the highlight of my 2016. Our wedding on Saturday September 10, 2016, is a memory I'll always cherish and writing this post brought it all back. Admittedly there are a lot of photos and I practically wrote an essay about my experience of the day at the very end (how self-indulgent of me), but if you scroll waaaaay down you can find a full list of our vendors—just in case you're planning your nuptials and want a little help. Enjoy!
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you've probably seen me describe myself as an "aspiring minimalist" at least once in the last couple years, ever since I tried spring-cleaning with the KonMari method and some strategies for shopping less. One of these strategies was writing down all the non-consumables I purchased so I could better track how much I was spending on what. Looking back on a year's worth of data about my random purchases has been both enlightening and appalling, to say the least, and I'm sharing details today along with pie charts (because yes, I am type A and proud of it) in the hopes it will help you on your journey towards living with less.
Creating your goals for 2017 is one thing, but actually sticking to them as the year progresses takes organization and planning. While some swear by smartphone apps and Google Calendar I'm more of a pen-and-paper girl myself, especially when there are fun and pretty planners to be had like the Bando Agenda. Last September I made the switch from my Stil Classics Design Love Planner to the large 17-month Bando agenda in 'Lady of Leisure' (a pink floral print) and I've been pretty happy with it so far. All the details after the jump!
To everyone reading this: We made it!! 2016 is now behind us and 2017 awaits, fresh and sparkling and full of possibility. As usual, I like to take the first few days of the new year to reflect on the year past and set intentions for the months to come. It's interesting to see that, at this same time last year, I'd just come off a difficult but rewarding 2015 and was anticipating what's next; I feel very much the same right now.
Wishing you and your loved ones all the best for the new year. Hubs and I are squeezing as much relaxation out of this end-of-year holiday as possible and heading to Harrison Hot Springs on New Year's Day, but I'll be back to blogging later this week. See you in a few days!
