The Ten Spot ~ review

The Ten Spot ~ Charlottetown

A few weekends ago, my parents were in town and it was the prime time to book a pedicure with my mom. I'd been eyeing a new spot that was under construction with plans to open mid Spring. Prior to stepping into "The Ten Spot", I looked them up online to see what was available. They are considered a "beauty bar" and offer a plathora of services. What really caught my eye was that their studio spaces looked so bright and inviting while being minimalistic. 

I booked us in for an afternoon appointment as mom and I spent the day shopping for flowers and planting them, so it was the perfect time to rest. We set out to enjoy the late afternoon, while leaving 'the boys' home to make dinner.

43 Queen Street, Charlottetown

We were warmly greeted upon arrival and offered a beverage. Both of our aestheticians were prepping their work stations, leaving us a few minutes to explore the lovely nail polishes and skin products available for purchase.

Over the next hour we made friendly talk with our aestheticians as they soaked, buffed, shaped, scrubbed, massaged and polished our toes. I went for Essie's ~ Bachlorette Bash (a warm fuchsia pink) while my mom went for OPI's ~ Got Myself into a Jam-balaya (creamy peach), which just so happened to give her an instant tan. 

The girls did a wonderful job checking in with us to see if we needed drink refills and if everything felt okay. The service was exactly what we were looking for, convenient, friendly, peaceful and relaxing.  Sierra and Alyson had great customer service and left me needing an excuse to come back ... so I booked an eye brow appointment with Alyson for the following afternoon. I received the same quality service the next day and Alyson even offered to completely fix my big toe that had a tiny smudge on it. 

I really appreciate a service where everyone takes the time to help you out. From the girls who greeted us, to Sierra and Alyson, everyone was on board to making the service exceptional for their customers. The prices were on point for the quality of work, and I've been doing my best to recommend this new hot spot to friends and co-workers. 

I highly recommend this little gem to anyone visiting/living in the Charlottetown area. They have walk-in appointments available and "quickie" services for those who need touch ups or don't have a lot of time to spare. I can't wait to go back... next time I think I'll go for a manicure and facial. The Ten Spot is a Canadian born company, this being their thirteenth location.

Let me know if you've experienced this beauty bar and your thoughts. There are 12 other locations around Canada, so I hope you take the time to pamper yourself and "feel like a 10". 

~ Erin 

Thoughts on a Thursday

Random is an understatement ...

1. Sometimes, when someone is telling me a story I really want them to finish so I can interject and tell my story that is probably better and directly involves me!

2. Does milk taste like cow boobs?

3. Do you wonder if deaf people think farts are funny? 

4. I like every song on my playlist, but when I put it on shuffle ... I'm lucky if I like 1 in 20.

5. What is up with people wearing camouflage? Do they think they are invincible and all we see is their floating head or butt crack?

This is real people!

6. When I have nothing to text, I usually reply LOL ... is it just me who does this?

7. How many times do you really use a disposable razor?

8. Why do we pretend to sleep to actually fall asleep? 

9. Having long pretty nails is torturous for me. I tap them any chance I get, I scratch myself constantly and when I bang or bend them it is the worst feeling in the world. 

10. Could someone please invent a sock that doesn't fall down in your winter boots. Come on fellow Canadians.

11. Why is it so had to sleep in as an adult? I totally appreciate nap now, and when the opportunity arises on the weekend to gain a few extra zzz's, there I am wide awake at 7am!

These are a few of the random thoughts I get on any given day. I'd love to hear where your brain takes you on a Thursday.

Happy St Patrick's Day

Erin

Friday Favs ~ March 4th

Friday ... it's a wonderful thing. I enjoy my weeks but come Thursday evening I'm always like ...

Over the past couple of weeks I've been fond of a few products and wanted to share. 

Maybelline "the skinny"

The "master precise skinny" gel pencil by Maybelline is a newer purchase. I bought it two weeks back as I was looking for a pencil liner that wouldn't smudge or transfer. I've been wearing it on my bottom lash line as well as tight lining my top lashes. I have it in the colour "defining black" and I'm happy with it's lasting power. The fine point glides on smoothly and doesn't flake. I'm not one to touch up my makeup so this is exactly what I was looking for. It retails for approx $9-12 depending on where you buy it. 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Baci

I've had my eye on the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks for a while now and thought I'd use my Shoppers Optimum points to buy one, once I picked out a colour. Sadly, my Shoppers didn't have "Baci" and that was the one I was lusting over. While in NB I stopped in Sephora and was lucky enough to snatch up the last one. The formulation dries down quickly to a matte texture that rests of the lips all day ... no joke! Baci is a nude/pinky/mauve colour that even has a grey tint to it. While looking at all the colours, Baci was something different that can be worn during any season and if I'm forking over $31 for a lipstick, I want to be able to wear it whenever I want! A little product goes a long way so it's reassuring to know I'll have this for quite some time. 

Lip and Cheek Stain in Pink Hibiscus

I received this Lip and Cheek Stain by The Body Shop from my friend Karen for my birthday and I've been loving it for both options! I have fun using it in the middle of my lips for an easy ombre, natural look. I have the colour, pink hibiscus which is a bright red/pink, however the pigmentation is not as vibrant when applied. The product doesn't last long on the lips but has great lasting power on the cheeks. 

The Look

Shea Eau de Toilette

I picked this up over Christmas as I've always been a fan of "nutty" scents and when I saw the Shea fragrance I thought it would be worth a try. It has a clean nutty smell that is light and a little sweet. It's not overpowering and lingers more like a mist than a perfume. I really enjoy it for the everyday and hope to try their other scents when I'm done this bottle. *Currently on sale online for $7.50 Cdn. 

Sephora sheet mask

I may have mentioned this before but I love these sheet masks! I woke up early the other morning just so I could apply one of these for 30 minutes before getting ready for work. They are unbelievably refreshing and moisturizing!!! Adam always comments that my face looks so much brighter after I use one of these and I couldn't agree more. I usually get 2-3 uses out of one sheet but I've been applying them for a longer period and using up all the serum in one shoot. My skin feels and looks so fresh after using these masks that I which I had a plethora of extras to use daily! They are a must try .. do it ... now!

I'd love to hear if you've tried these products and if they work for you or not. Have a great Friday and a large weekend!

Cheers.

Valentines Day Ombre Nails

I love simple fun holiday nail looks and thought this one was pretty easy to recreate for Valentines Day, so I've attached some pictures to show you how I made this ombre nail look. 

I decided to stick with mostly pinks and arrange them from lightest to darkest.

You could easily adjust this to create a "red" ombre look for something a bit more dramatic.

I wanted the lightest colour on my pinky and the darkest on my thumbs. I enjoy this look best with short nails, so I filed them to my preferred length. 

I sorted out a number of polishes, arranged them in different orders until I was happy with these:

1st I started with "Hubby for Dessert"

2nd was "Sweet Hook"

3rd I used an older Sephora polish in
"No need for a bikini"

4th was "Miami Nice" by Essie

And lastly I used "Cherry Pie" which is more red than pink

The final look 

I'll be rocking these nails the week leading up to Valentines Day. It's fun to have bright girly coloured nails this time of year, gives you hope that Spring is near!

Tag me on Instagram if you attempt something like this. I'd love to see your Valentines Day nails!

Xo, Erin 

Here and there ...

It's been awhile...

and I promise to do better,

so please forgive me :)

 I hope the holidays treated you well and that you were ready to face 2016 with fresh visions and feelings.

I'm continuing to work on me and have been practicing some fun little habits/hobbies. I took up knitting... and I freaking love it. I told myself no matter what, have fun and try... and after 3 classes I've made three dish cloths, one cup cozy and a scarf. It's taking up my reading time but that's okay.

I've also been following these simple steps:

I think the best part of this "5 step" regime is that I don't look at my phone first thing when I wake up. I focus a little time on me, my day and my past. It's a refreshing start to my day and adds to my clarity. Give it a try for a week and report back to me !!!

Over the holidays we had a nice time back home and enjoyed seeing family and friends. 

Oliver sitting pretty for anyone with treats... work it boy!

We came back with a loaded car filled with great gifts. My brother Conner has started a little venture with his friend and is making furniture from repurposed wood. Here is a table he made us and gave it a distressed look by adding a coat of grey paint. 

Fits PERFECTLY with our up cycled chair !!!

I've heard lots of great things about the Vasanti cosmetics line and the first thing I picked up from them is this beautifully pigmented eyeshadow in the colour Tokyo. I've been wearing it for weeks now and really appreciate that it does not crease on my eyelids. Because it is a pink/mauve/purple shade I find it suits my hazel eyes but think you pair it with any colour. 

Exciting tip: you can wear it as a blush too !

So there is a brief snidbit on where I've been and what I've been up to as of late. I've filmed some YouTube videos, so in the next week or so they will be coming up. 

I also have an easy Valentines manicure blog going up on Thursday, so stay tuned.

Oh and the boy cut his hair!!!

Looking fresh in 2016!

Christmas Wish List

Happy Christmas Eve Everyone.

Santa is starting to make his rounds and I'm sure you are all on his list. Natalie and I have had a lot of fun coming up with ideas and posts to share in the month of December and hope you have had fun reading them. Today, I wish you all lots of love and light going into the final days of 2015. For some, this may be a hard time of year and for others it might be the most exciting. Wherever you are, I hope you are all surrounded by those you love and laugh with.

Today I going to share my Christmas wish list. It a mix of a few things that I would like, not need.  As I get older I gain more insight on what is important in life, and obviously material things aren't one of them. I've done some "thinking" over the past number of weeks as 2015 comes to a close and I'm happy with where I've been and where I'm going and where I intend to be is not marked by the number of beauty products I own or the number of followers I have. Everyday I want to spend more time enjoying and reflecting on experiences and worry less about the things I own. I'm seeking out more simple pleasures these days in hopes to live a life filled with fond memories of wonderful happenings.

Just a quick note on why I would like these items:

1. I have a few pieces from Tori XO and loved the look of these peek-a-boo pearl studs ever since they came out. Tori's designs are stunning and intricate. I'm a big fan of the simplicity and sweetness.

2. Greenery. I'm in major need of some plants in my home. It's not something I've ever been particular good at, keeping plants alive, but I really want to make an effort. I'd love to add some life to our space with the simple touch of greenery.

3. We are in need of a new salt and pepper shaker and thought these ones where cool. Spotted them on Etsy.

4. ADELE on vinyl, enough said!!!

5. I'm a big fan of TOMS, why? ... Because they style my size 12 feet and give back to those in need! I'm in need a a casual boot that I can wear inside and these booties caught my eye.

6. King sheets. We have a king bed and could always use new sheets.

7. Without saying I'd love to have EVERYTHING from Rifle Paper Co, I narrowed it down to this cute notepad. GOSH, I'm in love with all their stationary. Check them out!!!

8. New cell phone case. I'd prefer one from Rifle Paper Co (oh course) but liked the natural yet geometric look of this one.

9. Bite Beauty mix and mingle lipstick in Pomegranate/Palomino. These shades look extra wonderful, especially for this time of year. 

10. Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf. This story caught my eye as it reads about finding love again, later in life. 

Let me know what you are wishing for this Holiday Season and thanks for stopping by during #BLOGMAS. 

Also, let Natalie and I know if you like these collaborations and if you have any suggestions for us in 2016.

Cheers,

Erin 

A Cozy Night In

We are now officially in winter and if you are anything like me you appreciate the colder evenings cozied up inside relaxing. It's the time of year for ginormous mugs filled with tea/hot chocolate and over-sized sweaters while nestling up on the couch with a warm blanket. As exciting and lazy as it sounds, sometimes a cozy night in is extremely productive.

I aim for one cozy night in, a week and they consist of the following:

1. Shutting off the mobil. This is really important for relaxing. For me, walking away from my phone and social media is quiet calming. I can waste an evening by surfing the internet like no other, but when it comes to a cozy night in, I want to appreciate that "me" time and make it meaningful. 

2. A thick wooly cardigan/sweater or comfy lounge wear.  Being wrapped up in comfortable clothes just sets the mood for the evening. Warm casual clothing that allows for movement is the utlimate attire for relaxing.  

3. Book (cookbook) or magazine. As of lately I've been reading more books but around this time of year I also enjoy prepping delicious homemade recipes and can be found skimming cookbooks too. My favourite thing to browse are magazines and the holiday editions are wonderful for gift ideas and creative treats. 

4. Listening to records. Nothing beats listening to a record. I mean really listening and taking in all the lyrics. Adam and I have our record player in our living room and it brings us so much joy. The sounds from records totally set the mood, we chat about the artists and sit smiling as we breath in the stories from the words.

5. Sipping on a hot beverage. I'm a peppermint tea kinda girl, but enjoy a great cup of hot chocolate (hold the marshmallows) during the cooler months. A hot beverage warms my insides and further relaxes me, allowing me to enjoy the time quality time spent alone or with others.  

6. Soaking in a warm bath. Every cozy night in, always includes a bath. For me, baths allow me to stop the day for a bit, a feeling I never get from a shower. Laying in the tub is detoxifying and stimulates circulation, allowing for a greater relaxation. 

7. Lighting candles. There are so many great aromas this time of year, and with the nights being longer, having candles light increases the sense of calming. Some of my favourites scents include vanilla, cranberries, cedar and mint. 

8. Good food. On nights where I make it a point to relax, I usually make an easy red or avocado sauce for pasta. Or we choose to order in sushi or thai food. We like to keep it simple but tasty. 

9. Husband and dog. I'm an extremely lucky girl and know that if I'm cuddling with Adam on the couch, my feet will get rubbed. This usually puts me to sleep though. If Adam's not rubbing than Oliver is snuggled up, keeping me warm. Both are wonderful feelings. 

10. Flannel sheets. To end a cozy night in, I'm found settling in my warm, cozy bed. I usually sleep with socks (yep, I'm one of those people) but love taking them off when I have flannel on the bed. Flannel sheets scream warmth and coziness and therefore is the perfect invite to say goodnight and enjoy a wonderful rest. 

Slowing your evenings down and unwinding is best suited with a cozy night in. Focusing on your needs while relaxing is easy to do and should be enjoyed often. Take care of yourself, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays!


Happy cuddling.

Erin.