"Snowpocalypse" 2015

I am sure by now,  that everyone has heard about the "Blizzard of the Century" That was set to hit The eastern seaboard on Monday and Tuesday.  It turned out to be a bit of a bust, but I had planned on blogging on it, and thought I would continue to do so.

Although the storm didn't turn out like everyone expected, It did drop over 2 feet in some areas of Long Island, including where Josh and I spent our anniversary in the Hamptons.  Many people are saying that NY and NJ overreacted to the storm.  Although it did seem a bit premature there is good reason for this preparation.  Does anyone remember a little super storm called Sandy?  And the devastation it brought to thousands of people?  No one was properly prepared for this storm and who can blame the governments for not wanting this to happen again?  I think what some people that are not here cannot understand is the fact that in an area about 1/3 the size of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan there is about 1.6 million people as compared to about 220,000 people in Saskatoon.  There is not one person out there that hasn't bitched about the idiot drivers, traffic and snow removal in Saskatoon, now just think about if there were nearly 5 million people in Saskatoon.  That is what Manhattan is dealing with.  1.6 million people in 22 square miles.  Just think about that info for a second.  Imagine if everyone still tried to be out on the streets in a blizzard, driving, even just walking!  The rest of new York State and New Jersey are really no different either.  If there were not these preparations made it would be utter chaos!  And not people being stupid either.  People just trying to carry on their daily lives, like we would in Saskatchewan.  I must also mention that the streets and sidewalks of the entire city, even with 8-12 inches of snow, were cleaned and safe to walk and drive on by about 9:00AM on Tuesday... None of this waiting a week before you can drive out of your driveway on to the street haha.  Maybe it wouldn't hurt some places to be a little more prepared?

Anyway, In preparation for this blog, I started taking some pictures out our window on Monday morning here is a bit of time lapse for the storm.

Monday 7:30 AM

Monday 9:00AM

Shoprite Grocery Store at 10:00 AM ... Chaos!  This was my biggest issue.... Do people really not have enough Shampoo and Tostitos to make it through 2 days?

Monday 1:00PM

Newport Green Park Monday 1:00 PM 

Newport Green Monday 5:00PM

Monday 6:00PM

Tuesday 1:00AM

Newport Green Park Tuesday 4:30AM

Newport Green Park Tuesday 6:00AM

Tuesday 6:00AM, almost totally clear!

So that was pretty much the extent of it!  It Continued to lightly snow off and on all day.  It was very windy and cold as well but nothing crazy!

I went out in the late morning Tuesday to take some pictures since this was really our first snow that stayed:

I also stopped to get some groceries while I was out.  Love the basket of ice scrapers right by the door!  The second picture is the bread section at the store.  Usually it is so packed I can barely even pull a loaf out.

Streets are clear at 9:00AM!

A - Z Beauty Challenge

Last week, my friend Nicole over at Adventures of a Wild Sunflower completed the A-Z Beauty Challenge, and then invited me to give it a try.  Basically, I had to come up with a beauty brand and one of the products from the brand that I either like or dislike.  AND, I had to try to find all different ones than Nicole used.

So here is my attempt!  Feel free to give it a try as well, and let me know how you do!

A- Anastasia- I have used both their brow powder, brush and gel trio and the "Brow Whiz" and love them both if you need to fill in your brows or even just add some definition to your face.

B- Benefit- They have many products that I love, from the "They're Real" Mascara, "Bene-Tint" liquid lip and cheek stain to "The Pore-fessional" primer and the "Hello Flawless" pressed powder.  I actually have not used one of their products that I wouldn't recommend.

C- Cynthia Rowley- I have tried the "Beauty Creamy Lipstain" and love the color and staying power, but I find it really dried out my lips, so be sure to have some Chapstick handy to go with it.  Oh, Chapstick, another beauty product I love!

D- Dove- This is one of those classic brands that everyone loves!  One of my favorites is their "Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner" which is great for giving my fine, thin hair some boost.  And of course all of their body washes.

E- Egyptian Magic- I am pretty sure this company only has the one product but it has many many uses!  Skin cream, burn healer, lip moisturizer and Eczema relief are just some of the issues that I have used it for.

F- F.A.B (First Aid Beauty)- I have heard nothing but good things about all of their products but I love their "Facial Radiance Pads" and the "Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay" for everyday use.

G- Garnier- They are known for their hair care but one of my favorite BB Creams is their "Miracle Skin Perfector Anti Aging BB Cream".

H- Hairkop- I only tried a small sample of their "Essence Obliphica Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner" and really liked how soft and healthy it made my hair feel.

I- IT Cosmetics- They just had a huge new line come out that I want to try so bad because I love their "Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer".

J- Juice Beauty- I got a sample of their "Organic Green Apple Peel Sensitive" and loved how gentle it was and it left my skin so fresh and clean.

K- Klorane- this is my favorite dry shampoo ever.  My only complaint is that it sprays out with so much pressure that I go through one bottle in just a couple weeks.

L- Laqa & Co.- I don't know much about this brand other than their "Fat Lip Pencils" are one of my favorite lipsticks ever.  My favorite is the "Ring of Fire" red.

M- Marcelle- Another favorite BB creams of mine, the "BB Cream Golden Glow", gives a little color and shimmer and moisturizes very well.  Great for winter.

N- NYC- So many great, reasonably priced items.  I love their "Expert Last Lip Color" and their "City Proof Sticks".

O- OPI- One of the best brands of nail polish with the best color selection out there.  They stay on so well and don't chip or fade the next day.

P- Prestige- I recently picked up a Prestige "Touch Tone Powder to Cream" at Bed Bath and Beyond on a clearance sale and loved it, so when I saw that their "Mineral Powder" was on sale at Duane Reade, I got that too.

Q- Q-Tips- Nicole had a tough time with this one and so did I until I needed to fill up my Q-tip jar!  The ultimate beauty tool and probably one of the most popular ones ever!

R- Regis- I have been using their "Powder Boost Volumizer" for years.  There is nothing better for volume and for backcombing power especially on my fine hair.  I recently started going to a Regis salon in Hoboken and have become addicted to their "Designline Get It Pressed Flat Iron Spray". My hair is so much healthier since using it before I use styling tools on it.

S- Sephora- They have some great products, which are similar quality to name brands and usually cheaper!  I love their "blush" and "Cream Lip Stain", it stays on forever!

T- Tom Ford- Even though his products are super expensive I want to try them so bad!  His lipsticks look amazing but I can't bring myself to spend 40 dollars on one.  I do however have his "Neroli Portofino Body Spray" and it is my favorite scent of life.

U- Urban Decay- Nicole used this but I just can't think of anything else!  I love their "Sin Eye Shadows" and would love to try their lipsticks.

V- Vansanti- one of my favorite facial cleansers ever is their "Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator". they ale have a makeup line that I am dying to try.

W- WEN- I haven't actually tried this brand, but the infomercials that are constantly on early morning TV sure make the products seem amazing and I have heard nothing but amazing things about the "Cleansing Conditioner".

X- Really, if you know of something that starts with X please let me know.

Y- Yu-Be- I got a tiny sample of their "Moisturizing Body Lotion" in my Birchbox, and actually got several uses out of this tiny little tube.  Highly recommended if you want to pay for it!

Z- Zest- Have to go with another classic here!  Their new more womanly body wash scents are so delicious smelling!  And you know they are great quality!



There we go!  I did it!  Well almost.  If you feel like giving it a try it is actually pretty fun.   Once again, thanks to Birchbox haha.

Fab Friday Faves 1.23.15

Good morning darlings!  I hope everyone's week was a great one!  And just think, this upcoming week is the last one in January which means it's closer and closer to spring every day.   Who doesn't love the idea of that?  I spent most of this week out walking around enjoying the slightly nicer weather and burning as any calories as possible on this stupid diet or lifestyle change of whatever it is called haha.
Anyway, I'll leave you to your Friday, since I am a little later with this that usual.  Everyone have a relaxing and safe weekend! xo

1. On Sunday, Josh and I went down to Madison Square Garden for some PBR Bull Riding.  I grew up watching bull riding and Josh enjoys it too.  We had seen quite a few of the riders before and there was even a boy from Saskatchewan that placed in the top 10.  So much fun!

2. Last Friday Nicole and I went over to Hoboken to the Regis salon to have Becky do a trim and color on my hair.  It gets brassy which I hate and my hair has grown so fast since the last time I got it done, I had the worst roots!  I wanted it a bit darker, but baby steps haha.

3. Last night for 2 for 1 Broadway Week, Josh and I went to the Phantom of the Opera.  It was breathtaking and I can see why it is the longest running show on Broadway.

4. I am a sucker for flavored coffee, and until now I thought the only way I could try new ones was to go to a store in Swift  Current where I a from that sells K-cups individually.  Until, I took a look on Amazon and found awesome variety packs!  I got a 40 pack of all different ones and I couldn't be happier.  I only usually drink 3 or 4 coffees a week but now those will be more exciting.

5. Before the Phantom of the Opera and also kind of for our five year dating anniversary which is today, we went to a great restaurant that warranted many returns,  CajunSea, on 33rd st. in Manhattan.   I got a steamed lobster which I have been wanting for so long, and Josh got a Louisiana Lobster Boil which was insanely good too.


Today I am linking up with :

Tif @ Bright on a Budget
Nicole @ Adventures of a Wild Sunflower
Clare @ Fitting It All In
Lauren @ Style Elixir
Jennie @ The Diary of A Real Housewife
Amy @ The Farmer's Wife

Tan's 2014 Beauty Faves

Thanks to the likes of Birchbox, the Walmart beauty box and many amazing beauty bloggers, I have really expanded my mind when it comes to beauty products.  After a year in Peru, and super limited access to brands I know (and not being able to read labels very well!) I felt it was time to step it up!  These are my very favorite products that I tried out over 2014. 

Facial Care 

-Olay Fresh Effects Out of This Swirled Deep Pore Cleansing Exfoliating Scrub

-Olay Fresh Effects Bright on Schedule Eye Awakening Cream
-No.7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water
-Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Blackhead Extractor
-Ahava Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask
-Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask
-Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
-Model Co Face Tan Hydrating Self Tanning Gel
-Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
-Target Up and Up Exfoliating Cucumber Cleansing Towelettes
-First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay

Hair Care

-Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo
-Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo
-It's a 10 miracle Leave in with Keratin
-Regis Designline Get It Pressed Flat Iron Spray

Primers

-Benefit The POREfessional Pro Balm to Minimize the Appearance of Pores
-E.L.F Poreless Face Primer
-MAC Mineralize Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist (Also great for setting makeup)

Concealer and Foundation

-Benefit Hello Flawless! Powder Cover up with SPF 15
-Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow
-Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream
-IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye
-Bobbi Brown Corrector

 Highlighter

-Inika Light Reflect Highlighting Cream

-The Balm Cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer

Blush

-Sephora Colorful Blush in Rose Sorbet

Bronzer

-Physician's Formula Solar Powder 

Eyes

-Sumita Eye Liner Contrast Beauty Pencil
-Smashbox limitless Eyeliner
-Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner
-Covergirl Flamed Out Pencil (I use the white to line the inner corners of my eyes)

-Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Trio

-Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eye Shadow in Bella Champagne
-Urban Decay Sin Eye Shadow
-Maybelline Stylish Smokes Lavender Smokes

-Benefit They're Real Beyond mascara

-Younique Moonstruck 3D Fiber Mascara

-Kiko Milano Beauty Apothesis Total Look Palette

Brushes

-ELF Blending Eye Brush
-Icing Contour Brush
-ELF Powder Brush

Hand and Body Cream

-Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream
-Jergen's Natural Glow Skin Moisturizer

Body Spray

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino All Over Body Spray

Shaving 

-Whish Shave Cream

Lips

-Wet and Wild Megashield Lip Color in That's Berry Beautiful
-Laqa and Co. Lil' Lip Red
-EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
-Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Coral Crush
-Sephora Luster Matte Longwear Lip Color in Scarlett Luster
-Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Fig