Revlon Colorstay in "Up The Ante"

So it seems that I've been on a purple kick as of lately. I'd always considered purple to be one of my favourite colours until I had a DIY wedding and purple was one of my main colours... I hated purple for a good while after!!!

The thought of purple

But it is back on my favoured list and I've been using the colour as a statement on my nails. "Up the Ante" by Revlon is one of the Colorstay Gel Envy formulas. I've had this polish for a number of months now and every time I wear it, I'm reminded that I'm a big fan of this formula. The polish is meant to emulate gel nail polishes, however there is no need of  UV or LED lamps. I usually get 5-7 days wear out of this polish and as an added bonus it is easily removable as well.

The colour is a warm pink-purple-fuchsia blend that wears beautifully this time of year. I enjoy this formula only toes because of the staying power. The formula is thick and if precise you could get away with one coat. I never do more than two coats and at no time have I come across this polish streaking. My only gripe is that because of the thickness it takes a little longer to dry. But the end results are true to the claims of nails that mimic those of gel. Gel Envy polish come in a handful of colours and price range from $6.99 - $8.99 Cdn.

Have you picked up any of the Revlon Colorstay polishes? Thoughts?



Erin

ROOTS Hair Treatment by LUSH

I was told I didn't have hair until I was three years old, well that's my mom's version anyway. She reminisces about my youth and claims she was fearful I'd be heading off to school ... BALD! She can be known to be a bit of a story teller but sadly she is not far from the truth on this one. All my life I've had fine hair. I have a lot of hair but the pieces are fine! So I'm always on the look out for products that will provide me with a boost without adding gunk or weight to my locks.

When I first found Roots, I was sold on the scent alone (peppermint/spearmint/sweet orange) but also was intrigued because of it being a hair treatment and not just a conditioner. It claims to give fantastic volume to fine/thin hair and after first use I was extremely happy with my results. I've used this product for over a year now and every time I open the jar I'm anticipating the end results... volume, shine and defined natural waves that look healthy.

How I use it: I've used this product a few different ways but my favourite way is to shampoo my hair first, allowing any old products to be washed away. Then I scoop out a hair hand full of "Roots" and apply from roots to ends, massaging it into my scalp and really working it on to my hair. Then I relax. 30 mins later I wash it out and leave it at that. I bush my hair out afterwards and allow for it to dry naturally. I tend to shower in the evenings and go to bed with damp hair, so in the mornings after I've used Roots I get a lot of volume and shine, plus the smell lingers for a few days which I'm a fan of.

Selling features: I appreciate that this product is meant to be used all over your hair, none of this just use on the ends of your hair nonsense. It's so simple to use and says exactly what it does, revitalizes fine hair. Plus, LUSH is a brand that I'm a huge supporter of. Not just because of it's ethics but because of it's diversity, practices, products and unique staff. 

"Roots" is a 5 star product in my eyes and if you aren't in need of volume then be sure to check out the other hair treatments by LUSH. I've had great luck with a number of them and suggest you give your locks some nutritious TLC too.   


Have you tried LUSH before? What are some of your go to products? Were your parents concerned you would never grow hair either?


Erin 

5 Things to do/try/buy ~ Natalie Hennessey

My next guest and I met a few months back when we moved into the neighbourhood. Oliver (my dog) is an old soul. He loves to play, wrestle and swim but majority of the time he can be found leaning against you getting his paws rubbed while quietly taking everything in.

Oliver's new best bud Huey lives next door and he is anything but "old Man". He is a fun loving Goldendoodle that has the energy and heart of 7 puppies. Huey is the sweetest friend for Oliver as he swoons him into tug-a-wars, puppy wrestling and chase. 

Puppies are great and so is Natalie, Huey's owner.

I get caught repeatedly saying " I think we were related in a former life" when I hang out with Natalie. When we aren't chatting it up about the dogs we talk about beauty, Island life, beauty, beauty and food. When we first started talking Natalie said "you should start a blog" I replied, "I seriously just started one a few months ago". We laughed. She then said "you should start a Youtube channel". I laughed and said " I just made my first video". That's not normal conversation people... there really is something special about our friendship. And what is really great is that Natalie also blogs!!! You can find her wonderful posts at nataliehennessey.blogspot.ca where she blogs about makeup, skincare and shares some great recipes along the way. And if that doesn't get you excited, Natalie posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday which I LOVE.

Here are Natalie's "5 Things to do/try/buy" recommendations:

Huey and Natalie (heart)

1. Raise a puppy, kitten or baby companion animal. I've owned two dogs in my (short) life. My first, Maggie, we got when I was 8 years old. It's safe to say, my dad did all the work with her. After Maggie passed, I made the decision to purchase my own puppy, Huey! I prepared for months. I watched videos, read books, talked to tons of people, but when I finally brought him home, all HELL broke loose! Huey was a total handful that I would not have been able to survive without friends and family. Looking back on his first few months with me (now that he is 1 year old) I can see that it was such an amazing experience. The idea that a single person can have such an effect on the temperament and overall personality of an animal still fascinates me!

2. Try something new - as often as you can! As a child I was very anxious! I still am, and it often shows in my everyday life. But I've really gotten into the habit of trying something new as often as I can. Whether it be a new food (who knew Haddock was so good?) new adventure (driving off Island) or simply venturing out of your comfort zone with a new piece of clothing, I've really come to find that I feel much more confident in myself and my abilities.

3. Everything "Origins". I don't think I've tried an item I haven't liked from this brand. It's honestly such a great brand. The products smell amazing, work wonders on the skin and provide a nice boost of natural ingredients to any skincare routine! If you're stuck on what to try first, the GinZing line is my all-time favourite! The moisturizer can be used by anyone and the cleaners are super refreshing in the morning!

4. Make a donation to your local animal shelter. I'm a fan of giving. I'm that crazy person that loves Christmas and birthdays because I can GIVE you a gift. I buy gifts for people all year around - just because I like to! My favourite gifts to give though, are to those who need it most. After Maggie (see above) passed away, I made a donation to the Humane Society in PEI and really felt at peace for the first time since bring her to the vet. I've since been back to make a couple extra donations because it's just so nice to see animals in need find loving, forever homes.

5. Try prepping food for the week ahead. I always thought the Pinterest posts about "prepping" were ridiculous. Why would I spend an entire day in the kitchen cutting up veggies, baking granola and measuring out my favourite snacks when I could just do it as I went along? BECAUSE IT WORKS PEOPLE! About 2 weeks ago I began prepping my veggies, granola and other healthy morsels on Sunday afternoon. I can't even tell you the amount of food that has not gone to waste and the amount of veggies I'm now eating. It definitely takes commitment to spend a whole afternoon in the kitchen, but makes lunches, snacks and dinner so much easier during the week!


~ Natalie, these are great, simple and easy suggestions anyone can do. I can attest to owning a puppy, it was the best decisions Adam and I ever made and I wish I could relive those days over and over.
The GinZing line from Origins is fantastic, I love the lightweight feel of the moisturizer and it's freshness, it is a must try!!!
Adam and I have discussed that this year instead of giving gifts to family we are going to give a donation to an animal shelter. If there are people and animals in need of loving companions and my money an help bring them together, I'm in!
Prepping is a commitment but it sets you up for such great success! I'm glad it is working for you and it is a great reminder to me that I need to get myself back into the kitchen!