In an effort to spend a little less cash at Sephora (the girlie-girl’s Disneyland), I’ve been researching and trying out more drug store beauty products.

Here are a few of my current success stories:

1. Nivea Pure and Natural Hand Cream – I may have mentioned my sand-papery hands a time of two on the blog (check out some fab dry hand tips here!). I’ve tried loads of products and never really been super-wowed. And I’m still not. But I am pseudo-wowed, and that’s something!

The main qualities that I look for in a hand cream are 1. sink-in-ability (I hate creams that linger) 2. moisturization and 3. natural indregients. And this guy fits the bill pretty well on all accounts. There is a bit of a fragrance, but I don’t mind it. I slather it on with my moisture gloves before bed and I’m pretty pleased with the results. For 5.99, I’ll definitely repurchase.

2. L’Oreal Evercreme Deep Nourishing Masque – When I ran out of my favourite Phyto conditioner, I wasn’t, ok, the hubs wasn’t, too excited about spending over $40 to replace it. Enter new-Nat and the cheap beauty quest.

Overall, I’m really impressed with this conditioner. The first time I used it my hair was feeling uber parched. I mixed the conditioner with a little bit of lemon juice and slathered it on my dry hair. After about 20 mins, I shampooed and conditioned with the masque again. And let me just say Hallelujah, was my hair ever happy! It dried super soft and felt better than it had in ages. The only negetaive is that with my thick hair I’m going through the product rather quickly, but again, for under $10, no bigs.

3. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Lacey Lilac – I love this colour! Finally, a lilac polish that isn’t too light or watery. Although I’d like it to wear a little longer (a top coat does help), the colour pay off is great and 2 coats gives you a awesome, saturated finish. I’d even say that 1 coat is pretty if you’re in a rush. And hello? $3? Yes please.

So, tell me friends, what are your favourite cheap beauty products?? And since these are my June favourite, do you like the idea of seeing my monthly picks?

Here you are my friends, a few pics (ok, more than a few, but pics are fun, right?!) of my little’s Birthday party decor. At 2, she isn’t really into any one thing to base a theme around, so I just went with pretty summery colours (pink lemonade, watermelon and cantaloupe) as my starting point.

I have a few go-to elements for creating a festive atmosphere: 1. a flag banner, 2. tissue puffs, 3. fresh flowers and 4. colourful plates and napkins. Not rocket science, but these things make me smile. I also love getting creative with colourful card stock and ribbon. I think it’s ok to reuse ideas as long a you make an effort to make them unique from your last event.

So tell me, how do you like to kick off a celebration??

Hello Loves! I hope you all had a very happy weekend! As I mentioned last week, it was my little lady’s 2nd Birthday on Wednesday and boy, did we live it up! I’m pushing through the aftermath of Birthday Party exhaustion. (Note to self: clean house more regularly to avoid epic scouring before hosting events!!)

I’m also wondering if my lack of blogging over the last month has left me blabbering on to a vast cavern of internet lonely space? (Shout out hello if you’re out there!)

In an valiant effort to win you all back, I’ve got a whole week of fun posts lined up from Birthday Party Decor pics to my current favourite drug store products to an outfit post. I may even mention fitness. What? You’re thinking that I meant to say coffee or chocolate right? I know. It’s scary.

So, today I’m sending you all an hug and hoping that you’ll pop back in tomorrow. xx

Outfit Details: Tee American Eagle lace top, Wilfred shirt, Joe Fresh Skirt, Forever 21 necklace, Ray Ban sunnies, Gap flip flops, Cole Haan bag

Extra special BIRTHDAY shout out to my gorgeous, now 2 YEAR OLD, baby girl! Where does the time go? I can still remember every little detail of our first magical days together.

As for today, we’re going to party hard, toddler style. Singing, dancing and cupcakes are high on the priority list. Along with a pretty awesome present that is currently hidden underneath many blankets in our living room.

We’re having a little party for her this weekend (check out her 1st Birthday Party here). And although I intend on keeping things fairly simple, when I put my craft-pants on I loose all self control.

Want to indulge me with some ‘oooooo, she’s so cute!”s? The babe has popped up on the blog here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Hope you’re having a happy week! xx

1. I love a good shirt/sweater combo on the Mr. So hunky.

2. Sure, I like to mix things up, but my default toe colour is Essie wicked. Do you have a no brainer polish choice for when you’re feeling indecisive?

3. Let’s talk coffee. On the weekends I froth (this little guy is amazing!!) & flava (right now, it’s a splash of English Toffee).

4. It’s gettin’ knotty up in here.

5. I’d forgotten how much fun stickers are! Seriously, I’m thinking of starting my own sticker club.

6. Here, my love, this car is interesting. The stickers are now mine, all mine, muuaaahhhh!

7. New and notable (not really), a mini sharpie for my purse. Move over ballpoint, there’s a new kid in town.

8. My current snack obsession? Hummus. You?

PS – It’s 12:30 and the Mr. just said “That was weird” in his sleep. Why, yes. Yes it was. Happy Monday! xx

The super nice peeps over at Junk Food Clothing Co. sent me this tee to style up in my own way as part of a fun blogger project they’ve got goin’ on. When it arrived at the beginning of the week I was excited by the endless outfit possibilities. I was immediately pulled by the idea of dressed up/dressed down contrast, envisioning the rockin’ tee with a crisp blazer and dark skinny’s for a polished look, or girlied up with a lace mini. Then, things happened.

It was as if some force of nature did not want me to get my outfit photos snapped. From a hidden tripod, to torrential rain when I had a arranged for a photoshoot helper, to worst of all, a smashed to smithereens camera lens. For 3 days I tried to capture my look and did not succeed.

Enter today, a new day and the final day to send my pic to Junkfood. Feeling a bit defeated by my failed attempts, a new look was born along with my new badass attitude to crush these photos (ie, achieve taking them). Channelling saucy-Sandy from Grease, I grabbed my shiny pants and went for a badass, no fuss, takin’ charge, kinda outfit.

I quickly snapped some pictures, keeping a keen eye out for any potential disasters and then hopped in the car and went to a class entitled Terrific Toddlers. Just try and steal my play dough why don’t cha! Badass indeed.

Outfit Details: Tee c/o Junk Food Clothing Co., Gap denim jacket, American Apparel shiny leggings, Roberto Vianni flats, rings made by brother & Club Monaco

Holy excitement Batman! I think I just developed a bit of a swagger. Hee hee.

I was beyond thrilled when I found out that, thanks to my zealous supporters, I won the Voters’ Favourite in the Sterling Shoes – Snap Your Style Contest. With the fantastic prize of a $500 gift card in my sweaty clutches, I’ve been strollering by the store with the babe ever since. (I would stroller in and try on some SHOES! but somebody doesn’t like it when the stroller stops moving.) However, fear not my friends, I have a mall date set for Friday with some serious baby-backup (aka Gramma).

And as if magical shoe money wasn’t enough, Sterling has shown even more love by featuring MOI and the fabulous Mina of Glitter in my Veins on their website and blog. Seriously, I think that I’m just as excited about this part as I am by the thought of shoe shopping. It’s lovely to have my blog recognized in any way, and I had such fun answering Sterling’s questions for my spotlight.

Smooches and thanks to Sterling Shoes and everyone that voted during the contest! xx

Pretty, refreshing and so good for you. That’s a win win win!

Yellow sweater in action.

I love cupcakes. And what’s better than 1 big cupcake? Why, it’s having a bite of a dozen small cupcakes of course!!

My favourite swinger.

I’m not usually one for lipstick, but I’ve loving this shade (#37). It’s perfect for a pretty, subtle, summery pout.