Swap Scores

Amanda hosted a swap on Saturday and it was so much fun! I drank too many mimosas and forgot to document the actual swapping activity (also, I was too busy secretly burrowing away pieces that I wanted so only I'd know where to find them. All's fair in love and swap!!). Instead, I made some of the girls pose with their favourite piece that they took home. Here are the lovely ladies and the stuff they scored.

Name: Jamie

Item: Black handbag

I love it because: It has a long shoulder strap and I love the gold and black colour combo. 

Name: Sarah

Item: Black lace babydoll

I love it because: It's black and it's free. What's not to like?

Name: Jessica

Item: Denim vest

I love it because: I feel like Springsteen

Name: Caitlin

Item: Plaid shirt

I love it because: I have a love affair with plaid. Also, it's a good colour and super cozy.

Name: Stephanie

Item: Houndstooth sweater

I love it because: It's classy but cozy!

Name: Katie

Item: Black skull and crossbones cardigan

I love it because: It fits and it's fun.

Name: Karen

Item: Striped tee and blue ceramic necklace

I love it because: Stripes are perfect to dress up a tee for spring!

Name: Laura Kathleen

Item: White denim shorts

I love it because: I can never have enough pairs of shorts... I wear them all year round.

Name: Amanda

Item: Suede bomber jacket

I love it because: it's the perfect neutral colour, plus I feel a bit like a lady greaser

All in all it was a perfect day, and I think we all went home happy (and with more room in our closets). Thanks girls!

Our Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty

We had a really fun weekend around these parts! There was a big swap at my house, complete with brunch foods and baked goods and mimosas and heaps of clothing – plus the best company ever to comb through it all. Everyone got new-old items they love (which you'll see tomorrow!) and Laura and I got some chill hangout time, which was pretty wonderful and never seems to happen enough.

Plus, we got mimosa-saucy and made a video! It's the Seven Deadly Sins Beauty Tag that's been going around Youtube, a series of questions based on the deadly sins, but about your favourite beauty products instead. So if you've ever wondered what it was like to hang out and talk beauty products with us, here's a taste.

Notes:

– The perfume Laura couldn't remember the name of is Bottega Veneta, which is a "leathery floral chypre" that sounds amazing. (Remind me to sniff you the next time we hang out, Laura!)

– I didn't really go into the details of Amaze Gel, but it's a gritless exfoliating gel that works magic on very sensitive skin. Seriously – you rub it in, and dry skin just beads off and your skin is instantly more supple. I can't recommend it highly enough – it's definitely worth the price, plus it's Canadian! You can find out more and order it online here.

Spring Inspiration

Take a look at these carefully curated spring-inspired pics and tell me that you're not in an instantly better mood!

Mint caddy (it will be mine!) via Family Style

Calla Fall 2012 digi-print via Fashionista

Rhubarb walnut bread via So Good and Tasty

Sold out gold chrome iPhone case via Shopbop

April77 x Calla denim via Hearty Magazine

Vintage wooden bench via Howe London

Raw leather backpack via Pour Porter

Homemade Mexican horchata via AverieCooks

Ice cream still life via ThussFerrell

Ombre tights via BZR

Remix: Sunny Bike Ride

I am shamelessly exploiting this weather. Like, seriously, nearly 20 degrees in March? You bet I've broken out the skirts and sockless flats like it's anyone's business. Rocking a pair of shades and power-walking in the sunshine is one of the best parts of summertime. And rediscovering last year's Sunny Bike Ride mixtape is perhaps one of the best things I could have done, giving me the perfect good-mood walking soundtrack.

There is everything you need in here – a little funk, a little nostalgia, a little twang, and an incredible Charles Manson song. SERIOUSLY. If you haven't listened yet and you're feeling cool vibes, download it and take on the road. Walk it, drive it, park it, but give it a good ol' sunshiny date.

Sunny Bike Ride

1. Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out) – The Hombres

2. Oogum Boogum – Brenton Wood

3. Two of Us – The Beatles

4. Brand New Key – Melanie

5. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

6. Carey – Joni Mitchell

7. Summer Breeze – Seals & Croft

8. My Baby and Me – The Kodaks

9. Jack the Ripper – Link Wray

10. How's Your New Love Treating You – Debonaires

11. Sweet Thing – Van Morrison

12. Frankie & Johnnie – Les Paul & Mary Ford

13. Look at Your Game Girl – Charles Manson

Edited to add: I spoke too soon! It's -10 today! NOOOOOO.

Bowling Nostalgia

Yesterday I visited one of my old childhood haunts with my childhood haunt (hi Susan!). I used to spend tons of time at this place—birthday parties, rainy days—and I can picture it so distinctly in my memory. It's nice to know that some places never change—bowling alleys especially are so much better when they're stuck in the past. 

Who remembers this place? Upstairs was the place for kids birthday parties—loud music, bad hotdogs and soda, and those blow up cushions that lined the gutters! I always wanted to go downstairs where it sounded rowdy and smelled like smoke (you can't smoke in the Bowlerama anymore, tragic!) and you could have some beers and hang out with all your cool friends.

What I'm getting at here is that I kinda want to start a bowling team in a league.

I'm pretty good at making the ball go straight down the lane.

Even though I might start off slow.

I'm a really good team player.

And when they spell my name wrong on the scoreboard, I don't care. (Lsaura has a nice ring to it.)

But in all seriousness, I'd love some bowling tips—any pointers that will improve my game. And if you can't remember the last time you went bowling then you should go soon. Adult-sized balls this time, and no gutter cushions. 

And thanks to Susan for the pics.

Review: March Luxe Box

So I got home, and was so excited to unexpectedly receive my Luxe Box on the first day of shipping that I filmed a video review. And, hey! Surprise surprise, I'm an awkward human being! But I liked this month's box, so if you'd like, check out this video where I sniff my elbow.

It darkened up after posting, so I apologize that you can't see my face so well, but seriously, my voice and the audio feedback are so soothing, you won't even notice.


This is how you grow that seed card.

One thing I missed: the Consonant Organic Face Cream is in a totally rad pump that notes it is "Transit Canada and FAA carry on approved." Nice touch, Consonant! I appreciate that attention to detail. It also smells vaguely grapey but in a natural way, like the inside of green grapes. Plus, this size usually retails for $18! What a deal! I put a perfume sample beside it for size reference.

How do you feel about video reviews generally? Do you prefer photo ones? I promise, I won't be backlit next time. Do you feel neutral? Hungry? I'm hungry.

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.

Previous Luxe Boxes

October / November / December / January / February