The best of the best: cat ring by Lazy Oaf

Amanda gave me an amazing early birthday pressie last weekend. It's perfect, since she knows I love all things cats. Jewellery from friends remains some of the best gifts I've ever gotten. Plus, doesn't he look a bit anxious? It'll be okay, little guy.

Review: February Luxe Box

Before I get into the review, I'd just like to say today is the one year anniversary of this little corner of the internet, so happy birthday blog! I can't believe you're one year old, baby, but I think we've got a beautiful thing going. Thank you so much for reading and commenting along these few past months, and Laura and I look forward to making Burgundy Girls better than ever in 2012.



Luxe Box, congratulations. I was not expecting to be so awed.

Seriously. I gasped when I opened this edition.

I know everyone gets a little sick of the red-overload during February, but it felt like such a refreshing pop of colour when I opened it. (Although I was looking forward to collecting my next few boxes to try this killer idea, but I'll guess that'll just have to wait.)

This month, Luxe Box is partnered with Flare Magazine and boy, did they knock this one out of the park. Loose Button used Flare's resources to their best ability, and it helped create a much stronger box overall — the explanation card was bigger, obviously designed and written by the Flare crew, and felt pared-back, accessible and very relevant. A big kudos to the team behind this month's inserts.

The goods! A very nice-looking spread. I ooooh-d at the mascara, and was happy to see extra shampoo samples – I was a bit sad that last month's Fekkai sample only gave me one use, so I couldn't really compare the experience over time.

First up, the Beautiful Butter Balm by Mèreadesso. The cute bit of directional copy had me primed to like this. This made my hands feel very soft and protected, but not in a greasy way. It absorbed fast and the scent, a vaguely grapefruity floral, dissipated quickly but was nice while it lasted. The hard plastic makes me think I may not be able to squeeze the last little bits out that easily, but I guess that's just proof of how much I think I'll like this.

There was also a small squeeze sample of Face + Neck Toning Gel from Mèreadesso, which I have yet to try. It came in this big cardboard card that I feel conflicted about. Sure, it's executed well and I like a sense of drama, but find it a little excessive. Really? All those trumpets for such a little vial? Maybe I'll try this stuff and be crying out hallelujah, but until then, a few too many trees may have died for this sleeve. But I am curious to see this 3–5 day boost it boasts.

A rollerball perfume sample! Guys, this is huge! I know a lot of people don't like receiving perfume, but I'm a disloyal harlot who loves to cheat on her one true love, L de Lolita Lempicka. I don't mind a dabble in perfumes, and this awesome rollerball is surefire way to make sure I'll give CK one Shock for her a good trial run. Plus, I even like the scent! It's a fruity gourmand—that seems to be the arrangement du jour— that pairs passionflower, poppy and peony with blackberry, jasmine, cocoa and vanilla. It actually reads very citrusy, with a lemony open and the juicy berry remaining present through the drydown. I can see myself wearing this often.

I'm not going to lie, this little tube of Lise Watier 24 Hours Glam Mascara got me really excited. Gold giraffe print? Like, was this designed specifically for me? It helps that the mascara inside is rad too—the brush has lanky bristles, creating a comb-like effect that really extends your lashes. I tried this as suggested, in conjunction with my standard Cover Girl Lash Blast, and it definitely gave me a longer look (I wouldn't say a falsie look though, as this gives a skinny lash, not a full one). Over all, love it, and will definitely use it up. This is the perfect purse mascara size, and god, just LOOK at the packaging.

Finally, I got these samples of Redken Color Extend shampoo and conditioner. My box included three generous samples which I am thrilled about, so I can see if there's a difference over a period of time (I've been thinking about investing in better shampoo ever since our last Ask A Hairdresser). Offering extra samples of shampoo was one of the things I mentioned in their January post-box survey, so I'm glad they were able to offer more so quickly. Bang up job, Luxe Box gang.

All in all, I thought this month's Luxe Box was simply wonderful. It delighted me with great products in ample sizes, and included items I use regularly and would be interested in potentially upgrading. I thought the changes in the promo cards were very appealing, and really helped to make Luxe Box the beauty resource it aspires to be. Overall, well edited, well crafted, well done. It feels like I'm gushing, but really, this is the kind of box I've been hoping all along would be delivered. Here's hoping elements of this special-edition box make it into the regular rotation.

If you liked my review and would like to try Luxe Box for yourself, I'd be mighty obliged if you'd use my referral code. Or you know, don't, and make Charlie sad.

Previous reviews:

October / November / December / January

Tapped Out

Feeling a little bummed, a little burnt out, bros. I've been pretty slammed getting my career on lately, but that hasn't left much time for the rejuvenation of my soul, you know? I've been feeling under the weather today, went to the chiropractor and got a wee bit pummeled, and then had to slog home through winter slush, which has finally reared its ugly head. To top it all off, I was planning on reviewing my January Luxe Box for you, but it has yet to arrive. It's in shipping purgatory. No, I'm not kidding.

#canadapostfail

It was at my damn house! They could have left it and they didn't! They even took the time to come back and take the notice card! And now its shipping status is unchanged, and it is back in Mississauga. We just haven't had much luck lately, Luxe Boxes and me.

Anyway, it was the icing to a day that felt altogether too long. So I did the only thing I could do.

I put on my Chainsaw Face t-shirt.

(Oh, you ask, what is Chainsaw Face? Just an easy two minutes that never fails to make me smile.)

Then I pretended I was someplace warm and sunny (which obviously requires mood music).

And I tried to become one with nature.

It's WORKING!

Then I cuddled with this little sausage.

And somehow, everything seemed a lot less awful.

Shades of Beige

A few things that caught my eye this week.

Miss Moss posted about these way cool editions of Lucas Massen pieces, which he's hired his young sons to paint. Dutch labour laws mean the kids can only work for 3 hours per week, hence the unfinished nature of the items. Such a beautiful result, and a pretty easy DIY, I think.

via Need Supply

It's not even February and I'm already dreaming about summer footwear. These Azores sandals from Jeffrey Campbell are pretty much my ideal pair – minimal and entirely adjustable, swoon! (Having long, skinny feet will do that to you).

via

Brown sugar blueberry cookies. I can't even, you guys. These are next up on my To-Bake list.

via Found

I saw this Found leash in person at Fetch Canine Social Club on Roncesvalles last weekend and I've been thinking about it ever since. Sure, it's a $60 leash, but it can also be clipped cross-body style so you can walk your dog handsfree. Plus, it's all made with all weather marine rope and was founded with rescue animals in mind. I've already started saving up my pennies.

images via etsy

Speaking of saving up my pennies,  how beautiful are these waxed canvas bags from Southern Field Industries? They look like the perfect size and I love the colour combinations, especially the red+natural and turquoise +tan.

For more of what I'm finding, you can always check my Pinterest.

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

Winter-time cold remedies, pt 1

Inspired by the wonderful blog Lawrence, which has been reaching out to other bloggers about what they need to get through the winter months, Amanda and I wanted to share with you a bit of what gets us through. We are both sick—I am on the tail end of a cold and she's just starting one—and even more cold, miserable, and isolating than a Toronto winter is a Toronto winter when you've got a hell of a cold. Check out Lawrence's winter must-haves, and read on for my sad sap winter cold essentials: our fave things that get us through being sick.


Netflix: Since I work from home, I don't exactly get to call in sick. But since I'm on the computer all day anyway, most of my down time is spent watching wonderfully trashy TV online. I love—I don't care if Canada's selection pales in comparison to the U.S., I am just happy with what I have. Right now, what I have is The X-Files and Twin Peaks. I've been watching The X-Files for the first time, and it's so so scary to me. This is my third time around on the Twin Peaks wagon, and I'm enjoying it even more than the first two times. I will continue to watch that show until I die. When I was feeling really sorry for myself yesterday, being cooped up indoors and looking out my window onto a grey, rainy back alley, I day dreamed about moving to rural wherever and taking long walks and eating at the Double R Diner. A girl can dream, right? I also watched 9 to 5, and if you haven't already seen that gem (starring Lilly Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dolly Parton) see it immediately.

Nail art: Another thing I watched on Netflix lately is the insanely amazing Earth Girls are Easy. Have you seen that movie? I wish that Geena Davis was my manicurist, because they have some of the best nails in that movie.

As much as I love these crazy nails, they are just not conducive to my lifestyle—typing, doing dishes, rummaging through my purse—any manicure I do only lasts a few days, so  like to stick with nails that are cool but aren't like works of art. I tried out a new style that I love, seen here, and I think I'll be doing this one for a while.


Knitting: My on-again, off-again love affair with knitting is on, and I've been knitting this awesome turban I found in a knitting book I got for Christmas. I won't show you until I've finished the final project, but you are going to be so proud of me. Most of my knitting is scarves—they're really easy, you don't have the count stitches, and you can knit 'em up while watching a movie. With the turban, it has my full concentration, and a whole bunch of Googling—to learn new stitches.

Wolly socks: You know those ones with the red stripe? They are keeping my feet really toasty.


NeilMed Sinus Rinse: Sorry to get gross for a minute, but this thing, as unpleasant and messy as it is, this stuff has basically saved my life. I used it for the first time on Saturday—you fill the bottle with distilled water and powdered medication and squirt it up your nose. It is honestly one of the worst sensations I've ever felt, but it gets the job done. I can breath through my nose again! I should do a commercial for these guys. I'm a sinus rinse convert.

via savingwithshellie

A "sympathetic" kitty cat: Penelope has stuck by my side through this trying time. Last night, I actually used her as a pillow. I really believe that our animals know when we are sick and try to make us feel better.

Soy lattes: Usually a little bit out of my modest budget, these cups of joy are something I treat myself to whenever I'm feeling rotten. Coffee always seems a little too harsh, but now is not the time to try and kick my caffeine dependancy.

Leonard Cohen's new album: It's called Old Ideas and it's streaming right now on NPR. It's the perfect melancholy sick music. And it sounds a little like Tom Waits, which is never a bad thing.

Dreaming of bettering myself: Specifically, taking these coding classes. You should check out this article written by Haley, a very cool girl, about ladies-only coding classes.

The View From Here

Now that I've got an iPhone 4S, I've been taking a lot more pictures lately. I didn't realize how little I felt like doing that with my old 3G, as the camera was pretty grainy. And so, of course, I've taken to Instagram. Follow me if you feel like seeing more.

Charlie got some new boots because the salt was stinging his poor little paws. He's got the rubbery kind that look like balloons, and he hasn't seemed to mind them at all. The sound of his paws sticking to the floor is pretty much the highlight of my week.

I've been wearing this bright green glitter polish all week – it's from the Muppets x OPI collection, called Fresh Frog of Bellair (thanks, G!). And I finally made it out to Topshop this week and picked up this chunky brass ring. The small bands are from H&M.

My bestie Gillian, waiting for me to buy a stack of magazines before we saw Beauty and the Beast 3D. Such patience.

Poor little Joey. He's my boyfriend's mom's dog, and is just the cutest thing ever. He gets too hyper though, and needs to take crated time-outs when we come over. With his dark tear stains and lonesome expression, I thought he looked like a jailed bandit.

Kit Lit

You know, Abe Books is right. These books really should have had more cats involved.

How to Cheer Up

via whoresatmydoor.tumblr.com

 You know those days when you're tired, you're grumpy, and you're just looking forward to going home and eating pizza in front of the TV with your parents (err, or something like that...)? Sometimes the best way to get through the day is to kind of proactively force yourself into a better mood. It takes some work, but the whole day will go by a lot faster, and you might even enjoy yourself. For me, writing things down or compiling a list of things that don't suck always helps (which is why I have a blog, duh). Here's a quick 5 things that make me feel pretty good.

via torontolife.com

1. This article on torontolife.com about raising chickens in Toronto. So what if it's still technically against the law? Each person interviewed gave totally positive, non-descript reasons for why owning chickens is so great. The neighbours love them! The eggs are tasty! They're not super loud or smelly! All kidding aside, I would want to get more information—it would be a huge responsibility—but I am seriously considering getting a hen for the backyard. I eat tons of eggs and it would be nice for Penelope to have a friend.

via juliasegal.tumblr.com

2. Pictures of cats. To share the happiness wealth a little (and because Google Reader no longer allows sharing) I started an album of (mostly) cat pics on my facebook. It always cheers me up and I love my friends' reactions to the stupidly cute pictures that I post. Most of them are from this one site that is just GOLD in terms of pictures that make me laugh out loud.

via loveraedar.com

 3. Pictures of peoples' homes, which are purposefully cluttered and look quirky and homey instead of sloppy. I have given up trying to get rid of all my stuff, (side note: About a month ago I was all like "Hey friends! Come over! I'm giving away a bunch of books! Slowly, without any friends coming over to take them, they all made their way back onto the bookshelf.) so now I am trying to study homes that are full of goodness but don't look messy. Or at least as messy as mine.

via nowness.com

 4. The photographs of Alexander Girard. Girard's photographs are those of an observer. I love that they are mostly of his wife during their travels together, I love the colours, and I love folksy quality of them. They're very genuine and real, and all that stuff is very aesthetically appealing to me. The bright pops of colour brighten my day. Check out the rest of them here. The picture of his wife in a yellow dress is the background on my computer.

via style.mtv.com

5. Robyn's performance on last week's SNL. I had momentarily forgotten about this wonderful little pixie until I saw the videos on The Hairpin. Some people are saying that her performance was subpar, but I think those people are crazy. I don't have words to describe how much I like Robyn (her shoes and her dancing give me the biggest heart boner) and her music does this thing to me, where I am sitting at work listening and like dancing inside my head without moving at all. I've been listening to Body Talk all week. I suggest you do the same.


Friends, that really seriously worked. I'm feeling great. (I also just got an email to say that there's rum and eggnog tasting this aft in the office, so that doesn't hurt.)

Life of Late

1. I made this Eggplant Ricotta Bake last week and it was revelatory. So easy to make, so rich and delicious, and much better for you than regular lasagna. I had never cooked with eggplant before and now I think I would like to all the time, if only because cutting them feels really fun (fact: eggplant is botanically considered a berry!) I would highly, highly recommend you try this.

via

2. Now that we're on the topic, I really wouldn't mind a bowl of this Mac & Cheese with Roasted Chicken, Goat Cheese and Rosemary either, please and thank you.

via

3. I've been reading some depressing but enlightening articles, like How a New Jobless Era Will Transform America by Don Peck (answer: negatively all over, and men are hit the hardest), and Alone Together (Is Urban Loneliness a Myth?) by Jennifer Senior (answer: yes, sorta).

To cheer you up, you should listen to one of my favourite episodes of This American Life, Rest Stop, or check out this awesome article on Rookie about Kreayshawn and Angel Haze.

4. Charlie got his first grooming since joining our little brood. And they cut off his beard. Do you know how much that killed me? I felt like a bad mother, like I had given Delilah the scissors and snuck her into Sampson's room. I had this sudden irrational fear that I had cursed my dog to a beardless existence, cursed to roam the earth like a pointy-faced ratfink.

Before 

 Then I remembered hair grows, and oh, duh, he's definitely going to have a beard again. Plus, it's two days later and he already looks closer to be his scruffy scamp self. And now he can actually see, that poor hairy bastard.

After. Note how his eyes can actually be expressive now!
This look says "please don't go to work."

He's really cute, right? Kinda like the dog from The Nightmare Before Christmas. All in all, I just learned I have to say, "cut my dog like a schnauzer, please." And that I probably shouldn't get him groomed that same week I'm mad PMSing. No harm, no foul.

5. Scout & Catalogue is killing it with their latest pouches. I'll take one of the blue leopard print or the el corazon in grey, thanks.

6. I've been feeding my Tumblr over at press the pause more frequently now that Google Reader has lost its sharing capabilities. And I'm digging it. If you have a Tumblr, post it in the comments and I'd love to follow you back (through Google Reader even, since that's how I actually see things online). I'm curious to know more about who's checking out BG on the regular!

Hope you all have a great weekend – we'll be having a party for my main squeeze/roomie's birthday, so it'll be a mad tidy up, a fun drunken evening, and then a hungover crash of a Sunday, I predict. I'll try to take pictures, promise promise.

Kitten Cousins

Okay, truth time: growing up, I used to tell other kids in the schoolyard I was part cat. I was like seven, okay? I don't really know why I told people that or why I wanted it to be true with a sort of quiet desperation, except that I loved cats. Adored them. Had a cat-themed wallpaper border up in my bedroom sort of love (remember those?). I wasn't allowed to have one myself until a few years later, so I guess they took on a somewhat mythologic sense of importance to me. I just thought they were like, the ultimate in cool (they still kind of are—James Dean ain't got nothing on felines).

Long story short, this book probably would have been right up my alley as a youngster.*

It's a Choose Your Adventure style book where you are a cat. Every frame of this graphic novel, drawn and written by Sherwin Tjia, is drawn from a cat's perspective, and you make decisions about what to do. Is this a "nap in a sunbeam" sort of day? Should you chase a squirrel? Fight another cat? Hang out with your owners? The choice is yours.

(Charlie, is that you??)
All images via Tjia's set of illustrations

This is such a cute idea, and I can think of a couple people for whom this would make a perfect little Christmas gift (coughLauracough). As the back cover says, "It's a brand new Caturday! What are you going to do? Unlike dogs, you do what you want!" That's so true, man, so true. 

If you're in Toronto, there's a booklaunch party at the Drake Hotel on November 5 that is sure to have lots of cool cats and kittens in attendance. You can meet the author, find out about his illustrations and story process, and hear about other projects he's got going on.

Check here with the publisher, Conundrum Press, for more info, including ordering a copy for your very own.

*This is rated as mature content, so probably not. Or maybe, and I just would've learned about the birds and the bees a little earlier.