My first couple of days in Peurto Rico

After being here for 3 full days I have been pleasantly surprised with the weather. In an earlier post I was complaining about how it was suppose to thunderstorm and/or rain all week. Well so far so good, I don't want to jinks it, but the weather has been really great. Besides only getting a couple of hours of sun on Sunday and then it pouring rain the rest of the day, today and yesterday have been extremely gorgeous with no rain and sun all day with only a little bit of clouds. Since yesterday was our first day of all day sun, I had to take FULL advantage of it. However, I think I may have over done it yesterday. Resulting in quite the painful burn and limiting my sun exposure today, which sucks because it was sunny with no clouds all day! However, palm trees and cabanas are an excellent source of shade and allowed me to stay outside all day. Currently it is 4:30 here, same as in Toronto, and I am sitting poolside listening to the waves of the ocean only 20 feet away from me.

Other than the beach, ocean, pool, weather and my burn I haven't really done much else. I have Ben going to be around 9/10 and walking up being 8 to head straight to the pool/beach for a long, fun and hot day in the sun. I have also been eating some of the BEST food I have eaten in a very long time. With a great selection of restaurants in the hotel, there is something for everyone! From steak to Italian to Caribbean and Japan, there is something different for dinner every night! Having already eaten at the Italian restaurant having the BEST lobster ravioli I have ever had and the Caribbean restaurant having grouper and a potato and veggie "veggie loaf", one thing is for certain I can complain about my burn but the food I cannot! So where to for dinner tonight??

One thing I haven't done yet is go to the mall... Which don't you worry I will for sure make time to do. However, there are some small stores in the hotel and I already have my eye on and my convincing on a topaz, gold and silver David Yurman cuff. OMG it is gorgeous... I'm hoping with enough convincing and maybe an emergency call home to dad that my parents will buy it for me, if I'm a good girl all week :)

Other than that I really haven't done much, which is awesome and I am thoroughly looking forward to the next 6 days of it! And already dreading going back home to work!

Ill do my best to keep all you dolls up to date with my vaca and I'll be sure to upload pics when I return home, stupid iPad it wont let me... Grrr!!!!

Xoxo

This Doesn't Look Too Promising...

With all the drama around my upcoming trip on Saturday, the weather looks like it isn't going to be in my favor either.  With rain and/or thunderstorms everyday next week... looks like my beach vacation is no more.  Fingers crossed if it does rain/thunderstorm it is only for 5 minutes!

Most Powerful Hollywood Stylists...

With my dream job being a stylist, I found the list below of The Hollywood Reporter's 25 most powerful stylists very interesting.  Everyone from Natalie Portman's stylist Kate Young, who scored the number one spot, to Rihanna's stylists Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, who scored the number the number thirteen spot.  Celebrity stylists play a MAJOR roll in dressing our favorite celebrities from day to day.  Surprisingly enough, Rachel Zoe did not make the list, what a disappointing drop from the being number one last year.  However, with her TV shows, new baby and fashion lines, I'm sure she's doing fine!  Take a look at the list below... I won't lie, I didn't even know some of these celebrities had stylists.

The Hollywood Reporter's 25 most powerful stylists and some of their main clients:

1. Kate Young: Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz

2. Leslie Fremar: Charlize Theron, Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson

3. Petra Flannery: Emma Stone, Claire Danes, Zoe Saldana, Mila Kunis, Megan Fox

4. Elizabeth Stewart: Jessica Chastain, Freida Pinto, Jennifer Lawrence, Viola Davis

5. Kemal Harris and Karla Welch: Olivia Wilde, Hailee Steinfeld, Zooey Deschanel, Stacy Keibler

6. Jen Rade: Angelina Jolie, Pink, Katherine McPhee

7. Ryan Hastings: Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Robert Pattinson

8. Samantha McMillen: Carey Mulligan, Evan Rachel Wood, Dakota and Elle Fanning

9. Deborah Waknin: Sofia Vergara, Sandra Bullock, Diane Keaton, Halle Berry

10. Cristina Ehrlich: Penelope Cruz, Amy Adams, Amber Heard, Tina Fey, Julianna Marguiles

11. Jeanne Yang: Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise, Andrew Garfield, Christian Bale

12. L'Wren Scott: Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker

13. Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn: Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Rachel McAdams, Lily Collins

14. Elizabeth Saltzman: Gwyneth Paltrow

15. Cher Coulter: Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Kate Bosworth, Elizabeth Olsen

16. Leith Clark: Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst

17. Jessica Paster: Emily Blunt, Felicity Jones, Andrea Riseborough, Ellie Kemper

18. Penny Lovell: Rose Byrne, Ginnifer Goodwin

19. Wendi and Nicole Ferreira: Octavia Spencer, Elizabeth Banks, Channing Tatum

20. Brad Goreski: Jessica Alba, Rashida Jones, Maya Rudolph, Demi Moore, Noomi Rapace

21. Nicole Chavez: Rachel Bilson, Kristen Bell, Catherine Zeta-Jones

22. Johnny Wujek: Katy Perry, Kate Mara, Nicki Minaj

23. George Kotsiopoulos: Janet McTeer, Alice Eve

24. Arianne Phillips: Madonna

25. Ilaria Urbanti: Nina Dobrev, Krysten Ritter, Bradley Cooper, Armie Hammer

Spring Fashion Tips

Since Spring has Sprung, Spring clothes and fashions are out in full effect.  Seeing people around Toronto dressing in flip flops, t-shirts and shorts is little over doing it, but bare legs, open toed shoes and boyfriend blazers are perfect for this time of year.  Since buying my condo and living "the good life" as people say, my clothes spending had to be cut down a little, so sad but true.  So I have been focusing on purchasing more accessories, since they are cheaper and I can get more for my buck.  Accessories are such a great way to rejuvenate your wardrobe without spending an arm and a leg.  You'd be surprised how much a couple of new accessories can update and make last years trend into this years.

Also, another good trick when transitioning seasons is to wear some of your winter clothes without tights or sweaters or vice versa, so wear your spring clothes with tights or sweaters.  You'd be surprised how much more wear you get out of our clothes and how much money you will save.  Investing in quality manufactured pieces will definitely extend the longevity and wearability of you clothing, remember quality doesn't necessarily mean expensive.  You can find some great quality pieces at H&M, Zara, Winners etc.

I couldn't resist posting this pup...

How cute is this doggy!!  He looks exactly like my girlfriend's dog Cody, just minus the awesome hair due!

Bold Brows are in for Spring!!

Remember when thin, almost none existent, high arched brows were in style?  Well, I unfortunately do.  Thank goodness that trend is no longer with us.  This Spring across the international runways bold brows were a consistent trend.  Whether watching a Derek Lam, Diane Von Furstenburg, Versace, Missoni or Moschino Cheap & Chic, just to name a few, runway show, you'll notice a bold statement made with the shape, colour and thickness of the models brows.

(From Right to Left) Versace, Missoni and Moschino Cheap & Chic)

Unfortunately, like me, not all of us are blessed with thick, dark, amazing brows.  So, what can we do to follow this trend you ask... a Brow Hair Transplant.  The procedure takes hair from the nape of your neck or legs and relocates the hair to your brows.  This procedure is surprisingly popular with not just women but men as well.  Men are wanting a thicker brow line to create a more masculine look.  Well, this procedure can be yours... all you need is 4 hours and a couple thousand dollars, yes you heard me right.  Your new brows will set you back between $6,000 - $8,000 for a set, or $3,000 - $4,000 per brow.

If you're like me and unfortunately do not have thousands of dollars laying around for new eyebrows you can always use a non-permanent method like eyebrow waxes, powders or pencil to fill your brows, creating a thicker and fuller brow line.  Or simply grow out your brows, yes you'll have to skip your bi-weekly wax, and get them reshaped once a nice thick brow has grown in.

Happy First Day Of Spring

I know it is technically the 2nd day of spring today, however I never wished you dolls a happy spring.  Better late than never, right.  Happy Spring Everyone, hope your season is filled with beautiful weather, good friends and fun!

A day is only a good day when you buy shoes...

With summer right around the corner it is the perfect excuse to buy, more, summer shoes!  Wedges, sandals and peep toes in bright colours and patterns are a must and hard for me to say no to.  Today, Manisha and I purchased 3 pairs each, oops, from Lulu's and I can't wait until they arrive!  It's too bad that I'm going to have to wait until I come home from Peurto Rico at the beginning of April.

What do you guys think?

Baked Summer Tofu and Veggie Wraps

Who doesn't love a good healthy snack/meal?  Anytime a meal can be yummy AND healthy, I am in!  While browsing Lauren Conrad's website, I came across this recipe for Healthy Veggie Rolls.  They are super easy to make and only require a few ingredients, which are also easy to prepare.  All that is needed is rice paper wraps, carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts and tofu (or you can replace it with chicken/turkey or make them all veggie).  For the sauce all you need is honey, red wine vinegar, hot sauce (Sriracha recommended) and red pepper flakes.  Roll the wrap together and dip it in the sauce and VOILA!

First you need to prepare the veggies and tofu.

 

Preheat the oven to 375, once ready put 1 cup of tofu, cubed into the oven for 35 minutes.  Making sure to flip occasionally to ensure the tofu is evenly baked. 

Cut half a cucumber (or a full small cucumber) into thinly speared slices (cut the cucumber into 4 slices and then half those).

 

Then shave or spear 1/2 cup of carrots into thin slices. 

Measure out 1 cup of bean sprouts. 

Once the tofu has baked and all the veggies are cut and prepared, it is now time to make your wraps.  Take out two rice paper wraps and run them under warm water one at a time, until soft.  Then, one at a time, lay the wrap on a cutting board and fill with 1/2 of the ingredients.  Fold paper in on ends and the roll together like a burrito.  Cut diagonally, like you would see in an Asian Restaurant.

Now comes the sauce... YUMMY!! Who doesn't like dipping sauce, honestly!  All that you need is 2 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp of hot sauce and a dash of red pepper flakes.  Mix all ingredients together and then dip the wrap into the sauce!



American Pie: Reunion

It's crazy to think that it has been 10 years since American Pie dominated the box office.  With American Pie - Reunion coming up next month, the cast has been hitting the red carpet promoting the film at premieres.  Proofing that the ladies still got it and the men are still goofs.  I can't wait for it to hit theatres on April 6th 2012.

Loving This Oliphant Design Bauble Necklace

Every Tuesday I look forward to my email from Miss.Lauren Conrad on her Tuesday Ten, this week it was about Pretty Pastels.  And with Spring here and Summer right around the corner it was the perfect inspiration for the upcoming warm months ahead.  In her post there's this Oliphant Design necklace, which I absolutely love.  Since I haven't heard of the company before I decided to check out the website.  Wow, do they have amazing products!  What do you think of the Bauble Necklace below?... I am seriously considering buying it.

Must Have Item for Spring

FLORAL H&M Pant

While on one, of many, spring shopping trips I came across these fab Floral Capri pants from H&M.  The floral pattern is very loud and not for everyone, however I love daring to be bold and couldn't resist purchasing them.  And for $14.95 you can't go wrong.  After I purchased them I thought, man what am I going to wear these with... the print is so bold?  After searching my closet and checking out others blogs about them, I came to realize that you pretty much can wear them with anything.  The bold pattern has so many colours in the flowers and therefore, can be worn with pretty much any solid colour.  Also since colour blocking is such a huge trend this year why not pull 2 colours from the pattern and wear one in your shirt and the other as an accessory, whether being a necklace, ring, bracelet or earrings.  Whether your style is preppy, hipster or undecided these pants will make a statement and add that extra umph to your outfit.  Check out some pics below that I pulled from other blogs out there.  Maybe get inspired?

 Tannia from Bunnie Bar paired her H&M Floral Pants with a red over sized knit sweater, simple black pumps, a statement necklace and clutch.  This outfit is the perfect weekend look, comfy yet stylish.

 Bettina from The Kina's paired her H&M Floral Pants with an olive coloured button down blouse, stacked bracelets and bright blue shoes.  Giving a more preppy, work appropriate look.

The Stylish Housewife paired her H&M Floral Pants with a flowy peach tank top, minimal accessories and classic black pumps.  Giving the basic trouser, tank and heals a major face lift.

Christina from The Style Mogul paired here H&M Floral Pants with a simple white button down blouse, bright blue sandals and stacks of bracelets.  She then topped off her look with chic sunnies, an envelop clutch and a bold pink lip.  This work to play outfit is perfect for after work drinks with co-workers or after work dinner plans with friends.

Eat It / Apply It

While watching Live With Kelly this morning, Jennifer Goldstein, the Beauty Director for Prevention.com was showing different food products that can be used to help your skin, hair and more.  Whether you're eating it or applying it, you are doing your body good!

First up was Avocado, yummy on sandwiches and when made into Guacamole but have you ever thought about making it into an anti-aging moisturizing mask?  All you need is one ripe avocado and 1/4 cup of sour cream and 10 minutes of your time.  While the avocado is going to stimulate collagen and elastin production, the sour cream works as an exfoliate, removing dead skin cells.  Leave the concoction on for 10 minutes then rinse with water.

Whether eating them alone as a snack or mixing with your favorite salad, almonds aren't just a regular nut.  Almonds contain a high level of catalase, which may help slow down the growth of grey hairs.  Don't have any grey hairs yet, I'm sure you could get rid of some dry skin, here's how.  All you need is 1/4 cup of almonds, ground until superfine and 2tbsp of organic coconut oil.  Once mixed together it will create a paste.  When in the shower rub this blend on your knees, elbows, feet etc and then rinse with water.

Who doesn't love a ripe strawberry in the summer, whether alone or mixed into a smoothie.  Well who knew that strawberries were not only delish but benificial as well.  Strawberries containe Ellagic Acid (increases skin’s ability to hold moisture and fade dark spots) and Vitamin C (helps with the production of collagen and acts as an antioxidant), therefore protecting the skin from environemental factors.  All that you need to do is blend the strawberries and mix in plan yogurt and a little lemon juice.  Apply the mask to your face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse.

With so many different flavors and brands it is hard to choose when you're purchasing Yogurt.  I still feel that Plain Yogurt is the way to go, the flavor is so natural and fresh.  Not only is it a great way to keep your smile white, due to the calcium, it also contains alpha hydroxy which is great for unclogging pores and removing dead skin.  A simple face mask of a light layer of yogurt left on for 10 minutes can help rejuvenate your skin or you can make it into a protein rich hair mask.  Mix together 1/2 cup of yogurt, 3 tbsp of honey and 1 egg yoke.  Then apply the blend to your hair and leave on for 15 minutes (wearing a shower cap will help avoid drips).  Once that 15 minutes is up, wash the mixture out.

Not only is tea great for your skin, with it's skin-boosting antioxidants, it is also a great cooking tool too, serving as a great poaching agent.  You are probably thinking what on earth can you do with tea when dealing with beauty, well tea is a natural hair colour booster that can help bring out natural highlights in dyed or non-dyed hair.  All you need to do is prepare 8oz of tea, let it cool, then rinse through hair.  Let the tea stay in your hair for 15-30 minutes under a shower cap and then rinse.  For Blonds use Chamomile Tea, Brunette use Black Tea and Red Heads use a Berry or Red Tea.

Known as an essencial part in a lot of our days, coffee can not only help wake us up, it can also help protect our skin from sun damage and help prevent wrinkles and sagging.  However, avoid drinking more than an 8oz cup a day, as coffee can also dehydrate skin, if consumed regularly in large doses.  Surprisingly, coffee also can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Use cooled coffee grounds as a scrub on thighs, butt or anywhere else you have cellulite.  The scrubbing stimulates circulations and the coffee has a temporary shinking effect on the cellulite.

Have fun with these fun and unusual beauty secrets!  If you have anymore please share them with me by leaving a comment.  I'm sure myself and other readers would be interested.