Taking the 'Monday Poll'

One of the highlights of every Monday for me is reading Karen’s (from makeupandbeautyblog - Link!) ‘Monday Poll.’I usually get a chance to catch up on this in the evening after work, usually with a cup of tea in hand and lounging on the sofa. Something about this ritual puts me into a state of utter relaxation, and I think to myself, Monday’s aren’t so bad after all huh! J Anyways, I know it’s Tuesday already, but I thought it would be fun to have a stab at this, and see how it turns out! Hope you try this too!

1. Mood: Anxious, but in a good way! J Vacation is coming up soon, and I am taking a trip I have been looking forward to for some time. I have made a list of the things that have to get done by week’s end, all of which appear to be very doable, so that makes me happy!

2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Unfortunately, never had the experience YET. However, fingers crossed, someday hopefully! J And I imagine that it will be a drive through some absolutely picturesque European countryside, and I’ll have a beautiful scarf wrapped around me with the wind blowing through my hair! (nothing too cheesy right! Lol)

3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Makeup (I find that I am traveling with less and less makeup as time goes by though), a flat iron for my hair to keep the tresses tame, camera, ipod (to pass the time in airports/buses/trains).

 

4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? That I can’t control the actions/behaviours of others, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. I think this is a lesson that even having given it much thought, I am still in the process of learning.

5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My friend Ri – when I had some interesting career decisions to make, she helped me get the confidence to believe in myself even if the decision would be a tough one, and I am immensely grateful for her support.

6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? My bathroom, I wish I could turn it into a spa-like retreat, with steam shower and all!

7. Pillows: soft or firm? Extra soft please! One of my favorite feelings is sinking into a lovely hotel bed with the softest pillows – instant relaxation J

8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? I try to hit the gym at least 3 times a week (doesn’t always work out, but emphasis on the word TRY J) Most of the time I am on the treadmill, or stair-climber (trying to lose some lbs). However, I try to have a balanced workout with a mix of cardio and weight-training.

9. How do you like to unwind? Lately it’s been slouching in front of the T.V. when I get home from the office – programming of choice – any form of comedy, food network......am I alone here or can anyone relate??

10. Weekly goals: I would like to clean out my closet a bit by the end of this week, and put some things into the donate pile. I think I have a wee bit too much clothes (can a woman ever have enough J). I have also been trying really hard lately to change my eating habits, and resisting the unhealthy urges like ice cream,,,,and chocolate,,,,and fried anything! But as someone close to me once said, Rome was not built in a day! So I'm taking baby steps here and keeping optimistic about every bit of progress made J

Whew, there it is. On that note, hope you have a wonderful week!

Stella.

Essie's Bridal Collection

I picked up two polishes from the Essie's 2011 Bridal Collection last week. "Borrowed and Blue" is the first, which is an icy/sky blue with a tinge of gray. This I would describe as the perfect weekend nail colour. "Better Together" is the second, which is a delicate milky pink shade. Application wise, Borrowed and Blue is opaque, and will go on quite smoothly. Better Together however requires at least 2-3 coats, and is thinner in consistency. Here is a closer look:

Bringing the spa to your home

A bit of exfoliation is a great way to get your skin looking in shape, especially as summer rolls around. When I hit the spa, most likely it's going to be for a body scrub, but to save myself some serious moola, I'm always looking for ways to replicate the recipes for good body scrubs at home. My 'spa lady' told me once that regular fine sea salt and coconut oil is a great combination, but here is a mix I have used for the past few months, and it's working wonders. Try this one:

• Finely granulated coffee 
• Finely granulated sea salt
• A touch of cinnamon
• Grape-seed oil

Your skin will feel smooth and nourished. I've read that coffee is excellent for the prevention of cellulite (and the smell is yummy!!!). Remember, the finer the salt and coffee granules, the better! Grape-seed oil is also said to be high in vitamins, minerals and protein, and is a great moisturizer. 

I like to do this routine once per week, usually in the night (however, twice per week should be fine depending on how sensitive your skin is). 

Hope you try this at home spa treatment and enjoy :) And if you do, please let me know what you think!

Stella

If I could be anywhere in the world right now.......

Sheesh it's only Tuesday! I was browsing online and came across this picture of Bora Bora. This one definitely goes down on the bucket list! Happy almost mid-week people, hope you're hanging in there :)

An instant 'pep' in your step

God bless Accessorize! I was passing through Gatwick airport last week, and decided to have a browse in the duty free lounge. Instant smiles!  I just love earrings (can anyone relate?) These are a few I picked up. Most are short drop earrings, making them fairly “office friendly”. The last, a pair of navy-blue chandelier ones are my favorite, and I’m looking forward to sporting them on the weekend. Have a look and let me know what you think!

Now you ‘C’ it!

The last thing I can profess to be is an expert in skin care. However, when I find something that really works on me, I am eager to share.

A friend was telling me of benefits of using vitamin C on the skin a few months back, and I admit, I was very skeptical at first to believe her.  So after ’googling’ some popular ones, I decided to give the Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder a whirl.

Some research claims the topical application of vitamin C will do some, if not most of the following:

·         Improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin

·         Reduce inflammation

·         Promote collagen production

·         Enhance effectiveness of peels and microdermabrasion

So, what do I think?

Well, I really really like the Philosophy C powder. It’s meant to be mixed into your daily moisturizer (in my case this will be Clarins HydraQuench), and applied in the a.m. I snagged a bottle at Macy’s a few months back, and have been sticking to a regiment religiously. The effect – a smoother, clearer face!! The texture feels softer, and my makeup application looks, well, quite nice actually :). I didn’t really notice much until I started receiving compliments and I was like whooaaaa!

Of course the thing is, we all have different skin types, and the effects may vary. The downside to the Philosophy C powder is that you can sometimes feel a tingling sensation and if you have sensitive skin, this can be a bit annoying. It also costs a cow! $35 USD for ¼ oz.

For me, the real test is asking this – WILL I REPURCHASE? In this case, a definitive yes sir-ree!

So, have you tried any vitamin C products, and if yes, any reviews you would like to share?

Happy Monday!! Hope your week is getting off to a great start :)

Stella

Hello world!

Hey there!

Howdy doodee? My name is Stella, and welcome to my blog. This is one filled with randomness, so please, be warned! :) You may most likely find a regular post on shopping – an apology in advance if this bores you to smithereens, but there will be some on traveling too (something I love and wish I could do ALL the time (we can all dream right! :)) Anyways, have a great time browsing and I hope you find a useful tip or two in here….chat with you soon!

Stella