Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
The Reason for the Season
Floral Stripes
This dress is one of the many pieces I picked up earlier in the year from one of my very very favourite Canadian designers, Sarah Stevenson (posts about her here and here), when her collaboration with Target came out. I haven't had an occasion to pull it out yet, but thankfully holiday festivities have given me the opportunity. This will definitely be one of my go-to dresses this holiday season because it is, first and foremost, comfortable! But I also love the bright colours in place of my usual LBD, as well as the extremely flattering inset of black into the print that really highlights the hourglass shape. For curvy ladies like me, this is a wondrous thing.
Foolproof Nail Art: Giftwrapped
Getting caught up in the fun of the holidays, I've been keen to try different Christmas-themed nail art - remember my snowy manicure? Well this time round, I wanted to try something that would feature my official favourite holiday polish: Ruby from Joe Fresh. It is just the prettiest colour, and full of glitter, which I love. Best part? Unlike most glittery polish it is extremely easy to remove = winning.
I got the idea for gift-wrapped nails on Pinterest where I'd seen people paint their nails one colour, then using carefully snipped pieces of tape, make a cross pattern on their nail and paint a second colour over top, removing the tape to reveal a pretty giftwrap-esque look. I attempted that trick, and it was an epic failure. The tape strips I had painstakingly cut out ripped off the base polish even though I let it dry completely first. The end result just. looked. awful. I will not be doing that again. So I turned to my nail art pen, and it was SO much easier. I promise!
Here's how I did it:
1. Paint on a base coat. (I use an all-in-one from Essie).
2. Apply two coats of your chosen polish colour - in this case "Ruby". Allow to dry.
3. Using a nail art pen, paint on two intersecting stripes on each nail (I personally like having the vertical stripe to one side and the horizontal stripe about a third of the way down). Allow to dry.
4. Using the nail art pen, in each of the four corners where the stripes meet, paint little half circles, to make a bow! Allow to dry.
5. Paint on a top coat, allow to dry, and you're done!
Trust me - if I can do it, so can you! If you decide to give this nail art a go, please let me know how it goes! Even better? Snap a photo on instagram, or tweet one to me! I'd love to see your results!
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Festive Beauty: Shimmer & Bold
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| Earrings: Dreamboat Lucy Top: Asos Necklace: Borrowed |
I admit it - when it comes to beauty and make-up, I'm definitely a rookie. I have a steady routine of foundation, concealer, mascara and lip gloss that gets me through most days, but I do love playing with make-up. I thought it would be fun to try out a festive holiday look or two, and so turned to my lovely friend Megan who is a make-up artist extraordinaire. She had pinned some inspirational beauty shots, and we ended up deciding on a neutral but shimmery eye and a bold lip (something I love, but don't often dare to try!). With a little practice I plan to recreate Megan's handiwork myself - especially since I think it'll be a perfect look for Christmas festivities in the days to come!
Foolproof Nail Art: Let it Snow
Let me first say this - I am not a nail art pro. I wish I was, but I am cursed with shaky hands. Truth be told, I often have to fix the edges of my nails with a q-tip dipped in polish remover (although you can still see a couple of rough spots in my photos, I know). So if I can do this fun little holiday-inspired manicure, anyone can. That's where the foolproof part comes in.
What will you need? It's super simple. Find yourself some fun holiday colours. I went for Joe Fresh polishes in Evergreen and Ruby (Fun Fact: Joe Fresh 3 for $10 helped me justify Gold Glitter too), and my new bff, the Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen. Feel free to substitute your own Christmas-y or just plain wintry colours too! It's worth mentioning though that "Ruby" might just be a new favourite - it's a seriously lovely colour. But I digress.
Let it Snow Nails - How to:
1. Prep with base coat (I go for the Essie all-in-one that doubles as top coat too!).
2. Paint on two coats of your chosen colour(s). I used Evergreen as an accent nail, just for fun - but I think having one sole background colour might be even nicer. Let dry.
2. Paint on two coats of your chosen colour(s). I used Evergreen as an accent nail, just for fun - but I think having one sole background colour might be even nicer. Let dry.
3. With nail art pen, cover each nail evenly with dots. I didn't want them spaced too carefully, I was going for a more random-snowfall look.
4. When the dots are dry, finish with a cover of clear topcoat. I've found the polish from the nail art pen can (but doesn't always) rub off if you don't.
5. Happily admire your finished work.
The nice thing about this simple mani is that it's done quickly. You won't be labouring for ages over each nail, but you'll still end up with a fun holiday look. Let me know if you give it a try (and tweet me a photo if you do! @lotsixtyfive)
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On Thanksgiving
For those of us in Canada, it's Thanksgiving weekend, and it couldn't be a more beautiful one, at least here on PEI. Sunny days with crisp breezes in the air and the fall leaves slowly beginning to show their colour. Especially with family around, and a sweet niece and nephew to cuddle with, there is plenty to be thankful for.
Although I'm in a bit of limbo in terms of where I might be living, working, and what I'll be doing in the coming months, in spite of the uncertainty I still definitely have things in my life that are worth giving thanks for. And in the spirit of the season, I thought I'd share a few of those here.
I'm thankful for:
Dear friends who are so supportive and fun and just plain wonderful, even if most of them live far away (and even more thankful for visits!).
Two beautiful nieces and two sweet nephews.
My loving family, spread out though some of us may be.
Home, and this island, which is more beautiful than anywhere else.
This space where I can share thoughts with a community, and have a creative outlet that people are willing to engage with - thank you!
The possibility of new adventures.
For moments of fun and laughter.
And most importantly for life everyday, no matter the ups and downs, the twist and turns. In spite of the uncertainty, there is beauty to be found daily.
Wishing all my fellow Canadians the happiest of Thanksgivings. xo
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