I Challenge You...

Hey friends,

       I know it has been a hot minute since I last came on and had a chit chat with you guys. I also know I have not filmed in a while which I am working on as we speak.

       To spare the details of what has been happening around here lately, I thought I would create a challenge for everyone, including myself. Lately I have been under some severe stress and I have been trying to come up with ways to calm myself down and get a better sleep at night. So, here is how I am challenging myself for the next week and if it all works out, then maybe I will make it a part of my regular routine. I usually don't end up in bed till 12 am and that is just nuts. My brain is a ways on and it never stops thinking. I think alot of the blame goes to social media. I am usually on my phone until I set my alarm and go to sleep. I have decided that around 10 pm it shall be my wind down time.

      I plan on putting my phone somewhere that I won't go to check it and starting my evening routine. Having a bath/shower, cleansing my face, steeping some bedtime tea and then reading a book or watching a calm movie.

        I am really hoping this helps me feel more calm and relaxed and will make life a bit less crazy. So here is the kicker...

I CHALLENGE YOU!!!!!

Step away from the phone, take a bath, drink some tea and catch up on some good ol' fashion reading.

If you decided to participate in my challenge, let me know how it worked out for you. I plan on posting an update here after my week is up.

Until next time...

My Top 5 Nude Nail Polishes

Hello Friends, 

            So, here I am, just sitting here in my Roots pants (if you are a PR manager for Roots and want to send me some pants, hit the "contact me' tab, Thanks in advance :P) and listening to Ronda by The Beach Boys. It's actually quite challenging to write with music blaring in the background. I am here to let you know that I am officially back on the tube, as in Youtube. That's right, my face will be gracing your phone screens again. I have decided to start a whole new channel so, if you were subbed to my last channel, that one is no longer relevant. 

           One thing you are going to notice with my new description box is that I address my audience as "friends or foes". I am sorry if you think this is rude, but lets be real here, alot of people who click on my video are going to have a problem with me or my content. They will make a nasty, tasteless comment and I will get emotional. I think that definitely classifies someone as a foe, doesn't it? Anyways, for my first video, I shared my top 5 nude nail polishes, since I have been obsessed these days. And yes,I photographed these on top of some old ratty books, but that's how we do it here at Not Your Average Sardines HQ. 

There you have it! I also linked the video below! 

Thanks for watching and subscribing!!!!!

Until next time...

 

3 things I learned in my 27 years

Okay, okay, I know I'm going to get shade from some people because they think I am pulling the "wise, old owl" card when I'm only 27. There, I said it, I'm ONLY 27 years young. But I defiantly feel like I have dealt with alot for the average person of this age. This post is by no means stating that I am old. I am just sharing my musings with others who may have experienced similar. Also, If you are reading this post for love advice, turn away now. I am very limited with my "Love" experience. However, I do touch on it at one point. 

So, now that we got the disclaimer out of the way, I'm here to share my thoughts. I turn 27 this month and I have admit, I don't feel like I should be that old. It feels like I was just crying over turning 20 like 5 minutes ago. Yes, I cried. Today I shall take my life experiences, pop them in a juicer and extract my life lessons. I hope you will find this interesting, so let's get into it. 

1. You Will Always be Tested

At work, in love and in life,  you will always be tested. At work, they will test your limits, your worth ethic and even test your loyalty. They will see how far they can push you before you will snap and stand up for yourself. They will even make you question your sanity. I have worked in retail for 10 years and I have never had a job where they don't pick on something. Now let's be honest here,some days I'm extremely unmotivated but even on my hardest working days there is something that they aren't pleased with.

 In Love, you will be tested by the person who shows interest. They will see how far they can push your morals, try and make you jealous, even test how far you will go to get/keep them. In life, you will always be tested to some degree. Even your sanity will be tested at some point, and if you dont already know what I mean, don't worry, you will.

2. You never know what you are capable of facing until you have no choice but to face it. 

Before I lost my Mom last year I, never in a bazillion years, thought I could face losing a parent, especially my mother. I was forced to do the unthinkable. Forced to plan a funeral, forced to pass by her room everyday,  forced to go on without her. Forced to make decisions without getting her feedback. Forced to live without my best buddy. But I did it, and quite brilliantly,  I might add. I am living life, it's not easy, but I am doing it regardless.  So, when, in life, you think you could NEVER deal with something, don't underestimate yourself. You are stronger than you might think.

3. No Matter how bad things get, it will get better.

There have been countless times in the last 27 years where things have been bad, so bad thay I never thought life would be the same. I even anticipated what it was going to be like living in misery (ah, the brain of an overthinker). But you know what? It does get better. You will go back to being yourself and life will balance out. It never stays bad for long and once it does get better, you will realize, it won't be the first or the last time things will seem bad. Life has a way of throwing a monkey wrench into any and all situations, not to be pessimistic or anything.

The best piece of advice I can give it grab your surfboard and go with the waves. It's the only way you can prevent them from crashing over and consuming you.

Bottom line friends, life is rough and you will learn your own lessons. These are just some of the ones I have learned personally.  Let me know below what some of your life lessons have been. Until next time...

My 7 Hour Adventure in New York City

Hello fellow jetsetters, 

  

       I know it has been a while since we last spoke and I am truly sorry for my unexplained absence. To save a long winded post about all the life drama happening, let's just go with, life gets hard sometimes (think my anxiety post). En route through these rough little road blocks I found myself on an adventure and I lived to tell about it. I finally made my way to the Big Apple, as in New York City. 

            My sister and I were offered the opportunity to go on a group excursion to NY about 7 months ago and we jumped at the chance. I had wanted to see NY ever since my childhood days of watching Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. One of the main reasons for the trek was for touring purposes. But we did get one day in the City that doesn't sleep, about 7 hours to be exact. Seven hours to squish in all the things we wanted to see.

          Our adventure began in Brooklyn. Let me tell you, I know in my heart that I belong in Brooklyn. From it's cobblestone streets to the corner bookstores, From the hipster cafes to the charming brownstones. Ask anyone who ventured with me while on this trip and they will clarify I did not shut up about how much I loved Brooklyn. I only wish I could afford the $10,000+ it costs per month to occupy this lush charming community, not to mention the amount of money I would spend on Brooklyn pizza every day... *me drooling*. We were determined to try NY pizza whilst there because..well...it's New York pizza and I am a pizza fiend. We stopped off at the corner pizzeria called Ignazios and the pizza was worth every hard earned penny. Although I had a foot full of blisters (sorry for the image) from my poorly chosen shoes, after much convincing, I was persuaded to take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and it was worth every instagram-worthy shot. Brooklyn, you will forever have my heart. Until we meet again...

     Snapping out of that pipe dream, the second leg of our adventure took us to the hustling streets of Manhattan. A town with bright lights, lots of people, streets full of yellow cabs and thugs trying to sell you CD'S.  After an amazing tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, We started our shoelace journey off in the legendary time square. A jumbo-tron driven community with lots of strangers dressed like creepy cartoon characters getting all up in your business. Venturing through Times Square, we got asked half a dozen times if we wanted to take a bus tour by some sketchy salesmen dressed in green. I had only seen this place in movie scenes so being there was pretty surreal.

We whisked by the famous Radio City Music Hall, the theater that Daddy Warbucks rented whilst trying to ease Annie's boredom and home of the Rockettes, you know. We hit 5th Avenue, home of designer duds and rocks you won't find in the park.

Strolling along we came to the black dress, tiara and cigarette holder worthy, Tiffany's. Yes, THE Tiffany's. The one that Audrey Hepburn stuffs her face with croissant in front of...yes...that Tiffany's.

As we continued making our way down 5th, we finally came to the edge of Central Park and there, standing in all its movie-moment glory, stood The Plaza Hotel. It's iconic awnings and red steps, there it was. As we "casually" snuck in the entrance, I was surprised by what I saw. It looked nothing like it did when Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin checked in ( I found out later that Big Business' "Plaza" scenes were shot on a sound stage. Disappointing!!). It featured gorgeous chandeliers dripping in jewels and not a red carpet in sight (see Big Business). Although a wedding prevented us from further exploration, the Plaza was stunning. 

The rest of our day included passing by all the touristy locals such as Rockafeller Center, The NY Public library, Grand Central Station and finally ending our day meeting the bus in Madison Square Garden. 

Although I was wired from the days happenings, seeing the city lights as we drove past Broadway, little Italy and Chinatown, calmed me and I was ready for bed. That was it, I accomplished seeing what I needed to see in NY within 7 hours. 

   

       Final thoughts on the big city, I say everyone needs to see it once. There is nothing to describe how overwhelmed and underwhelmed you will be at the same time. Forget what you see in the movies and just walk about and take it all in. New York, if we ever meet again, I will be ecstatic. However, if not, I want you to know, I enjoyed every single breathtaking moment I had with you and I had the blisters and swollen feet to prove it. It was a slice...until next time. 

Can we just talk about anxiety for a second?

Sardine's Opinion: Zoos

Hello My Loves,

         Today I am starting a new blog series called Sardine's Opinion. In these blog posts, I will be covering topics that may be a bit on the controversial side. That being said, I will never cover topics that have to do with serious politics, as I am neutral when it comes to all things political. If you have any topics or ideas please feel free to comment or email me using the contact me tab above.

        Today, we will be discussing the topic of zoos. I have been asked by a few people who are aware that I am an animal lover, what my opinion is of zoos. Zoos seem to have a bad rap for neglecting their inhabitants and not giving them the proper provisions for their needs. Alot of people believe that these animals need not be in cages and that they should be in the wild.

         I 100% agree that these animals should be in the wild. They were born with the instinct to be wild. There are two kinds of animals in this world, the kind that were meant to be domesticated and those that where made to be in the wild. I feel horrible for these animals that have to be stuffed up in a cage and just want to be set free in a field. They have all these survival instincts and they can't even use them. However, I also believe that at this day in age, with the poaching threat on the rise and the mutiny these poachers put these poor animals through, Zoos are very much needed to control any threat of extinction. I loved watching the Animal Planet when I had cable and one of my favorite shows was Battleground: Rhino Wars. If I have to be honest, I have never been a fan of Rhino's. But after watching this show and learning how in danger of extinction they are, I have a new respect for them. The things that these poachers do to these poor animals makes my stomach turn. Rhino's are just one of the THOUSANDS of animals at risk of extinction and with zoos, it is possible to preserve these species.

         Now, I am not saying I support ALL zoos. I only support zoos whose main purpose is to conserve these animals not to put them on display in order to make money. My local zoo in Toronto, The Toronto Zoo, does just that. I follow them on facebook and their conservation efforts are always being displayed. Most recently, they released 9,000 of the Puerto Rican crested Toads tadpoles into a Puerto Rican conservation area. Super cool since this is a threatened species! I defiantly support a zoo that takes care of their animals and make sure that their #1 priority is to conserve these animals. When you visit this zoo in particular, you can tell it's not all about entertaining everyone who visits with unnecessary "shows" to put these poor animals on display. Their habitats are reflective of their homes in the wild. Also, their "Meet the Keeper" programs are much more about teaching and putting out awareness for these poor and critically endangered species.

So, Do I think that all these animals should be in the wild? Yes. Do I think they should all be set free? No. Do I support local zoo's? Yes, but only if the zoo is doing its part to conserve these animals. I want these animals to be happy as much as they next guy, but there are too many threats to their survival in the wild. I say support a local zoo who proves by their actions that they're acting in the best interest of their animals.

Until next time...

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with The Toronto Zoo. These are just my opinions! 

May Blog Challenge - Day #3 Your Favorite Quote

Hello friends,

       So, today's challenge is a favorite quote. This proved super difficult, because I literally have so many favorites! I am a quotation fiend (You will know this if you follow me on IG or Pinterest). Alot of my favourites happen to be from the holy scriptures because I feel like we receive so much love and support from God. If you are not a religious person, I give you permission to click the 'X' in the top right of your screen. So, without further ado, after much deliberation, I give you, my favorite quote...

       This is a beautiful scripture with so much support from God in it's every word. This was a passage where God was making it clear to Israel, that he would take care of them. It is no different today, he will take care of those who serve him. It gives us so much confidence that we are truly not alone.


      When it's all said and done, this is such a source of comfort when we face the harshness of life. There isn't alot more to say then this, the scripture speaks for itself.

Until tomorrow loves...

Getting Candid- 10 Weird Things about Me

Hello my little chocolate eclairs,

        

 Today I am getting personal so you guys can get to know The Sardines a bit better. Most of us have something weird about us that we usually tend to hide. HA HA!  So, here is me opening up my heart to y'all and giving you 10, count em, 10! Weird facts about me. Let's do this, *deep breath*.

1. I like the smell of anything made of sponge/foam. Yes, you read that correctly. I like foam, like foam rollers, foam mattress pads, foam ANYTHING. I have been caught sniffing foam rollers more than once. Usually this ends with the person walking away slowly and pretending that they didn't see it. Ha!

2. I am scared of seeing things underwater. I am not sure how this started, to be honest. They say any sort of phobia is stemmed from something, but I have no idea how this came about. When I go to the zoo, you will not get me into those observation tunnels. LOL

3. I am obsessed with vacuums. Yes, vacuum cleaners, vacuum smells (safe to say, I have a thing for smells), vacuuming things.

4. I have not gone nail polish free in 4 years. I cannot remember the last time I had 'naked' nails. I just feel like when my nails aren't painted, they get snagged on things. I just feel like things run smoother when my nails are painted.

5. I cannot turn my sarcasm off. I am really bad at holding my tongue when it comes to sarcasm. Sometimes, I don't even realize I am doing it...until someone gets offended. Maybe I should just change it to, I offend people without even realizing.

6. When it comes to men, I have no type. I like what I like. I don't really find one type of guy attractive. Also, when it comes to guys, if I am going to ever like you, in a romantic way, I usually know my atleast the 2nd time meeting you. The odd occasion it takes 3 time.

7. When watching a movie, if the actors are kissing and there are people in the room, I can't look at the screen. I guess this stems from me being a really private person. I don't care for PDA.

8. I have never been on a plane. Yup! I am 25 and never been on a plane. I don't even know how I'd react! Like, turbulence.. ?

9. Sometimes, I google slang words that I don't understand, because I'm afraid to ask. Words like 'Swag', yeah, I had to google that one. Is that so weird?...I'm old. 

10. I must have a bath or shower before bed! Even if I had one before I went somewhere that night, I have to take a bath or shower before I put my Pj's on.

So there you go! I know there are probably weirder things out there that people do (seriously, just watch any episode of My Strange Addiction) but I wanted to get candid with you guys. Hope you enjoyed. And let me know some weird things about you, if you dare.

Until next time...

Spring 2015 Nail Polish Haul

Hello Loves,

     First off, if you follow me on Instagram, I did post saying that I was going to be posting a spring makeup look. Unfortunately, this week has been horrible, lots of family things that have prevented me from posting. I am still unsure if I will be posting that blog yet but in the meantime, here is a spring nail polish haul for you.

I just cleaned out my nail polish collection and I needed some fresh colors to paint on the digits. So here we go ;) oh, yeah, before we begin, I just want to say that all these shots were taken in my new DIY lightbox. Hope you enjoy!!

China Glaze Gelaze (Needs a LED light to cure) Left: Too Yacht to Handle, Right: That's Shore Bright

China Glaze- Bottoms Up

China Glaze- Son of a Peach

China Glaze- Lotus Begin

China Glaze- Highlight Of my Summer

Orly- Key Lime Twist LE

Until next time...

Nail Polish Selections for Spring 2015

Hello,

      Happy Thursday everyone! Almost Friday! Yaaaaay! So, today Im going to sharing some of my favorite nail polishes for the time being.

As spring approaches, I feel like I need to get more into a softer and more femine color scheme but also keeping some of the edgyiness that goes with the winter months. Here in the Great White North, we dont really get a real deal spring. Its more of a jubble of days that range from 10C to about -3C. So it can really go all over the place. I feel like that is why I like to still have that edgy yet soft nail that can work on both sides of the thermostat. I have been into nuetrals as of late and here are some of my picks. I have not swatched them but they will be pinned to my pinterest board soon for swatches.

· Essie - Chinchilly (a light mauvey gray) Seen in picture.

· O.P.I - Tickle my France-y (A nude toned pink)

· O.P.I - Funny Bunny (a milky sheer white that can be build for a more opaque finish)

· China Glaze - Below Deck (Mid-toned mauvey gray)

Thanks for reading loves. Let me know below what some of your spring favorites are!!!

Bookish Diary #1- Uninterested or Busy?

Hello Lovers,

       So today we gotta talk about when it is extremely difficult to get into a novel. Lol so this might seem weird to a my fellow bookworms but it also might be a very relatable thing too. I recently ordered a book online by one of my favorite authors by recommendation. Even though she is my favorite author, I have not read all her books, which again may seem weird to all my fellow book lovers. The book is called The King's General and it is by the author Daphne DuMaurier. If you arent sure who that is, she wrote Jamaica Inn (my all-time favorite novel) and she is also the mastermind behind Alfred Hitchcocks The Birds. Actually, Alfred Hitchcock covered a few of her works, the ladder, Rebecca and a horrendous version of Jamaica Inn.

Anyways, I am finding it extremely difficult getting into this novel for more than one reason. I think a big reason is that I actually have no time to read. I work so much and when Im not at work, I am running errands or catching up on housework. Sometimes I will schedule time to sit and read, but by the time its slot comes around, I am wiped out. Another reason may be this, the book is super thick and one problem I have with Daphnes works is the amount of description she uses. Oh my word! Sometime we can go a whole chapter of decribing how the waves of the sea crash together. Don't get me wrong but sometimes there is too much decription to handle. I can read a super exciting chapter filled with romantic dialogue and then BAM! We are back to the waves.

So tell me everyone, should I step away from this book for now and try picking it up again later or should I push through in hopes I will hit a point where I cant put it down?

Current Netflix Obsession: Downton Abbey

Good Evening! Hope you are all having a fantastical night. I want to let you all in on a recent guilty pleasure of mine. A little show called Downton Abbey. I am pretty sure I am the last person on the planet to start watching this show and it has already had a full 4 seasons. Anyhow, after hearing nothing but good things about this show and also knowing that it was a period drama, I finally caved and started the series. I have to be honest in saying that I was very surprised that the show is so popular. Not because it is a bad show but rather because it is such a clean show. There is not much cursing/swearing, if any. The sexual content is low and it has nothing to do with vamps. So, why is Downton Abbey so popular and why does it have such a following? Two words, Maggie Smith lol. Yes, this legendary actress has this show by its nuggets. Although her part is meanial, she gives the show the edge it needs. I rarely find myself grinning so much as when something witty slips out of Lady Violets mouth.

Aside from the great Maggie Smith, this show has some pungent story lines, dripping with a ton of drama. But not teenaged drama or whiney drama. It has a dose of more realistic (for the period) drama that is more relatable.

As far as ships go, this show has too many to count. Great chemisry between the actors. By the way, did I mention how amaze these british actors are? Sheerly brilliant! A great cast of actors who fill their characters shoes well.

I am only on season 2 but so far, so good.  I am pleased with the series as a whole. If you like period dramas, then this is for you.

Get on netflix now and watch this show if you have not already.

XXO

A Few Beauty Favourites To Share

1. Too Faced Hangover RX Primer - I use this lightweight primer as a moisturizer before makeup. It creates a nice dewy finish under your makeup for the day.

2. MAC Face and Body Foundation - This foundation is feather light and buildable. This foundation has a light dewy finish but set it with powder and you have a matte finish. When this foundation sets, it lasts forever. A great summer foundation.

3. The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer - My Holy Grail highlighter. This foundation is a highly pigmented, champagne highlighter. This gives a light glow to even the fairest skin.

4. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - I have had this palette for a while now and I literally use it everyday. My favourite colours are Limit and Nooner.

5. Coastal Scents 6 Contour Palette - This palette is dirty cheap and it great for a contour beginner. Even though these guys are cheap, they are extremely pigmented! They are also matte so they create a natural light contour.

6. Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara - My absolute favourite mascara!!! This guy is they most expensive mascara I own, but it is worth every penny. Gives great volume and length without alot of clump. LOVE!!!

Rant:Over-Confidence or Insercurities?

Hello Everyone,

          Yet again, sorry about being MIA. Life continues to throw stones at us but so far I am still swinging a bat. I just want to give you a bit of an update on the blog and what is coming. As mentioned in a previous blog post which I will link here, I have decided to turn this blog from a beauty blog into a lifestyle blog. What exactly is a Lifestyle blog you ask? Well, I won't be as focused on beauty. I want to revolve around alot of different things such as home decor, fashion, food and sensitive subjects. Ofcourse, I will still talk alot about makeup but I want to be able to cater to everyone. Also, I have another announcement. In a few days time I will be yet again changing the name of my blog. I am changing it to reflect a more personal value that I feel like this needs. Some of you may be extremely stumped by the new title but I will explain when I reveal the new name.

       Moving on to today's post, while pinning recently, I came across a quote that really stuck out to me. It was so simple. As you probably know, it is the picture posted and it begs the question, if someone brags about the way someone speaks of them or how amazing they look, are they over-confident or are they just plain insecure? This is something that is very near and dear to me, because through out my life I have had many who have stumped me on this question. Growing up insecure with who I am, I often thought people who bragged about themselves we just very confident and I almost wanted to be them. But as I grew up and my personal confidence began to grow, I realized things. I post alot of selfies, as many of you may know if you follow me on instagram. Alot of people seem to think that I am insecure with myself because I post so many. I have sat down, mind-boggled, thinking that maybe they were right.I'd think: I do like my makeup in this picture, and the filter makes my skin look flawless and my eyes look crystal blue. I had to come to the conclusion that posting selfies doesn't make me insecure.

     On the other end of the scenario, there are people I know who brag about how beautiful, fit and young they look. They brag about pick-ups, hook ups and how everyone is in love with them. They also make you feel like you aren't any of those things and that you need to change. They don't encourage you to love the skin your in, but rather, they want to rip you to shreds. Why? Well, here is my theory, I am plus sized, to some, fat, chubby, thick, meaty, large, whatever you want to call me. But I am truly okay with where I am at. Unless I feel like my health is at risk (which I don't) then I am good. People who have it all, always want more, they will never be happy unless someone else wants to be them. And when they see that I have no desire to be them, they wonder why, what is wrong with them? nothing! I just don't need to be you to be happy. So, yes, I believe that those people, are insecure, not over-confident, plain, old fashioned, insecure. So, yes, I take alot of selfies. Am I insecure? No. I just like how crystal blue my eyes look with this filter. Do I have my insecure moments? Absolutely! Who doesn't? But I am not a star shining a bright as I can while still wishing to be as bright as the sun. I am happy and no, I most certainly do not want or need to be like you. You be you. I'll be me.

  

   I hope this rant made sense and I hope you can all relate. Thank you if you stayed till the end.

Until next time...

XXO

My thoughts on Meghan Trainor 's All About that Bass

Hello beauties,

      Today I am doing a different type of post. I  have been seeing a lot of reviews and opinons via Facebook,  instagram and YouTube regard a little tune called All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor. There have been a lot of mixed feeling about it, some people state that it is a song that shames skinny people and some people say yes! This...is ma jam! So, I thought I would share my thoughts.

        As a plus size woman, I know what it's like to be shamed. People are a judgement in this world. Coming from a family where all the girls are on the thinner side, definitely know what it feel like to feel like a black sheep. Also, coming from a European background where if you are thin, your obviously starving yourself and if you are chubby, there a foreign whispers and bloated body gestures. All through elementary school people made fun of me, and I wasn't even that chubby as a child. I was a bit chunkier than average but not fat or obese by any means. So needless to say, I know what it feels like to be fat shamed.
       But what do I think about this tune? Well, the bottom line here is, I love it. I think that it sends a good message for anyone who isn't viewed as ideal. As far as the skinny shaming goes,  I think it is a sick double standard. How many times over the years have people made cruel distinctions about over weight people. Even look at the fashion world, even size 10's are scrutinized! In order to be a plus size model in the high fashion industry, you can't be over a size 16. It's pretty sad really. But in a world where skinny, slim, fit people are glorified, there needs to be a shimmer of hope for those who are not. Woman need to realize that hating who you are isn't going to change the fact that  it is what it is right now. Even if you are planning on losing weight, why not love yourself all the way down rather than wait till your thin to appreciate your body. It's all about loving the skin your in. I have overcome my insecurites over time but there are people who are still battling themselves. Let those have there shining glory. They deserve it just as much as everyone else!

Until next time...

Sarah

Makeup Look for Mature Skin

Sunday Night Thoughts: The 'I like all types of girls' guy

Hello Beautiful,

     I am just sitting here on this boring Sunday night, in my self-preserving mask of magnanimity from lush I might add. I thought I would write a post regarding something maybe other ladies can relate to. I have this friend who I have known for about 2 years now and he is older. I will admit that when I first met him, I may have had a little crushy-crush because he seemed super sweet and we got along quite well.

D.I.Y TEA TREE OIL TONER

Hello Beautiful, 

         Today I am going to give you a super easy and quick recipe for my current toner. When I say the words easy and quick, I mean it. This toner works best for oily or blemish prone skin types. Because it uses tea tree oil it works as an anti-bacterial to help fight new breakout and because it uses witch hazel it helps dry out the skin a bit and helps swelling to subside. 

Recipe

• I bottle of witch hazel (I purchased this 473 ml. bottle from Target for a mere $3 CAD)
• 10 drops of pure 100% Tea Tree Oil (I purchased mine at whole foods for $8 CAD)

 

 All you need to do it drop 10 drops of tea tree oil in your bottle of witch hazel. Note: If you have extremely sensitive skin, then I suggest diluting this with distilled water.  Give er a shake and voila! You very own homemade toner! I usually apply this with a cotton round after washing my face and follow up with a moisturizer and eye cream. I find this really helps to keep my acne at bay and under control. It is also natural which is also a bonus. I hope you enjoyed this quick post and let me know if you give it a try.

Until Next Time...

MY EVERYDAY MAKEUP ESSENTIALS

A L I T T L E L I F E R A N T

Hello Beautiful Friends,

          I am back today with a little rant about what's been going on in my life and what is next for me, The Pretty Pauper. I know I do indeed have some loyal readers out there who love what I post and the content I provide, so I feel like I owe it to these guys. 

           The last month or so has been incredibly difficult and trying to deal has proved to be next to impossible. Let me explain...