2015 No Shopping Challenge

So it has been awhile, I dont think I have the "blogger" dicipline. But it is the new year and with that comes all these promises we make to ourselves, eat better, clean out that closet, stop spending so much money........ ect ect. Ive made some new choices myself and wanted to share my journey which many women who love fashion would cringe at. 

I stole this idea from a friend who seemed to be successful at this challenge. I was curious to see how it would change my life? I am not going to buy any pieces of clothing for 1 whole year (socks and underwear excluded)! Yikes! The idea scares me but it totally interests me into seeing how much of myself might change. I have managed to successfully do it for 6 months and it was tough but I think I can do the whole year! So here goes nothing, literally :P

Step 1: Rid myself of any temptations. For example all those emails from retailers letting you know whats sparkly and new. Those must go or filter them into that nifty "Promotions" tab in Gmail and pray you never look in there.

Step 2: Anytime I feel the urge to go to the mall and just "window shop" ill go to the gym instead. Man Im gonna look wicked after this.

Step 3: Try and find inspiration for the clothes I have now.

We live in a society where ads are thrown into our paths left right and center. Now with Instagram , FCBK, and online shopping companies can blast photos of beautiful women in beautiful clothes. No words needed, no catch phrases, just a link where all you need is a credit card number.  I want to try and free my brain of what it has been hard wired to respond to.

My goal is to try and live simply and simply live.

s.kim

To Glue or Not To Glue

So I am a HUGE fan of eyeliner ......... on other people. But I can never seem to make it look right and with my very asian eyes it seems difficult to even get my eyelashes to curl up over my folded eyelid. Sigh ........ Oh but I have seemed to find a solution. If you want a short cut to glamorous eyes its called fake eyelashes! There are many different kinds and I have tried them all and I would be more then happy to delve in and dish out the goods!

Now they can be scary, and hairy and very sticky .......... oh you guys have dirty minds! It will take some practice but once you get the hang of it you'll never want to go party without them. They will become your new favorite accessory to your outfit like those hot red heels you love so much.

The first kind of falsy's I will reveal to you have become all the new craze. I have to admit they are not my favorite kind, but are extremely effective and will give you a ton of wear time. Here is the deal:

Type - Mink Eye Lash Extensions 
$$$ -  $75 to $300
The Dish - You can get Polyester synthetic eyelashes which usually come from overseas they tend to last longer then the real Mink ones. The real mink ones are gathered by brushing the mink and taking the fur that has shed and gluing them to your own eyelashes ......... weird? The whole process takes about an hour for a full set, at least where I did them, she did a great job as well!
The Real Deal - They look absolutely amazing and you don't really ever need to apply mascara again. You wake up being able to hop out of bed and through the door in no time. I never really applied makeup while having them. So what's the downside you ask? Well the glue they use does break down over time from oil and wear and tear. Care must be taken when washing your face, and applying face cream. They're definitely not ideal for beach use or highly active people. If you have asian eye-fold eyes like myself once they start coming off your own eyelashes they will poke you in your eyelid when you open and close them. If you don't mind being a bit high maintenance and getting them filled about every 3 weeks then they are totally worth it.

Type - Flasies (Strip eyelashes)
$ - $6 to $25
The Dish - Falsies are great! The are my favorite way of getting those crazy cat eye looks. A bit of glue slap em on and you're good to go. No real maintenance required and whats great is they can be re-usable, and to take them off just pull. The come in every shape and size and lushness you can think of and for someone who is a veteran falsie wearer they take no more then 5 minuets to put on.
The Real Deal - They can look a bit too perfect, but honestly who cares. You can find ones that look more natural Quo (which can be found at shoppers) makes a very nice line and variety of natural to all out party looks. MAC cosmetics makes them as well which also come in a case where you can store them to be re-used, but like everything with MAC they are a bit more expensive. Mastering the art of falsie application will take some time, have patience and the right glue and only practice will make them look perfect.  I do always keep a small tube of Duo eyelash glue in my purse when I wear them in-case touch ups are needed, usually at the corners if I'm overly sweaty or my eyes are particularly watery.

Type - Falsies (Single eyelashes)
$ -  $6 to $20
The Dish - The singular falsies are used to give you more of a natural not too perfect look. They are usually used only on the corners of the eyes but obviously can be used throughout the eyelash. Same rules apply to them as the strip ones.
The Real Deal - I've never really been able to get the single lashes to stay on my eyes but I have had them applied successfully by a make up artist. They do look more "naturally glamorous", but because of my eyefold they are not the most comfortable. I also have never really tried to re-use them but I imagine you can just make sure you remove the glue from the ends before storing.

Pictures and instructions for application to follow! Stay tuned :)

A Men's Guide to Club Ettiquette

I have had several of these experiences in the past few years, loud music, crazy lights, lots of people jumping and jirating and tons of guys on the prowl. Mix in some Jagger bombs and well thats a good recipe for some of the worst pick ups that will ever be attempted. For any girl who has ever been bombarded by a sweaty guy with the worst case of slurring this ones for you.

Ok guys here are some ways to keep a gentlemen status while at the clubs. Let me remind you I am no expert and only speak from experience. And even though I don't believe in picking up at a club, (just seems silly with all the loud music and low lighting) I have to admit that I know a few happy couples that have had their first meeting in one of these venues.
Rule 1, Lets start simple: Always bring gum, and ALWAYS wear deodorant! You might not think you smell but 4 David Guetta songs later you will even if you think you dont. So go buy a travel size and put it in your jacket pocket. Seriously we bring tons of freshening up tools in our purses that we are made to hold onto ALL night, I don't think a pack of gum and a trial size of deodorant will be a problem. And no, putting on a half bottle of D&G does not count.

Rule 2: How about taking the time to introduce yourself? You don't have to tell us your life story,  we probably wouldn't be able to hear it even if we wanted to. But eyeing us all night from the bar is just creepy and we can't read minds. A simple hello! My name is _________ , would suffice.

Rule 3, Kind of goes with Rule 2: Don't be lazy, don't "hey" nod us from your booth or while we walk buy, have you any manners? I know its loud but put some effort into it I know I did when it took me 1hour 1/2 to get ready while you and your friends were probably eating pizza and pre-drinking in your joggers. Come find us say hello.

Rule 4, Goes with Rule 2 & 3: DON"T under any circumstance or situation (unless you are trying to save us from a burning building or getting hit by a car) grab a gril by the wrist, or arm and try and drag her to you. I get that you might have had 1 too many and that girls dress might be 2 inches too short, but lets face it that technique will only label you as a creepy rapist. Again go back to Rule 2 & 3, be nice.

Rule 5: This Rule is tricky and doesn't really apply to all girls, and girls this rule can certainly apply to you. Buying a girl/guy a drink.  This can become incredibly expensive and I can admit that half of the girls in the club will probably take you up on the offer and then bounce. I say if the girl seems like shes in a rush she's probably gonna bounce afterwards, ask her to dance instead of buying her a drink. And Ladies I'm sorry but it's about time we start serving up drinks to our boys! Surprise that guy you've been dancing with, with a humble gesture. Don't go crazy and get him a glass of that 30 year old scotch on the shelf, (not even sure clubs have that) but buying him a drink will let him know you're not a flake.

Rule 6 Most Important: So we've all seen dirty dancing, footloose and grease, and boys if you are trying to deny this just be honest with yourself, John Travolta has got some moves. Back in those days guys would ASK a girl to dance. She would say yes and they would head to the floor and boogie down. Nowadays when a girls favorite song comes on and she wants to go dance with her friends she gets dry humped from behind without even a hi, hello or can I dance with you? Come on guys where is your common sense? Yes there are those girls who will just grind it out with everyone, but do you really think that's what we're all there for? Please do not grind your crotch onto my ass without permission. I don't care if I'm humping the floor or getting carried away to some dirty Rihanna song you must ask for permission to place your male genitals covered by cloth onto my behind!!!! And ladies If a guy is nice enough to ask and you don't feel the need, don't be rude, a simple no thank you is quite enough. Don't go mean girls on the guy and tear him to pieces, cause at least he asked.

Rule 7, This is for Everyone Ladies Included: Dress the part. Gals if you show up in a dress that maybe is really a skirt, or maybe the cup size of your top is one size too small you have to expect a certain kind of attention. I am not saying it excuses it but if you don't like it change up your wardrobe. And Dudes if you really want us to notice you take some time to do your hair and put on some nice clothes, you don't need to be in a three piece suit (although that always looks impressive) but don't look like you just came from goodlife.

Last but not least: If you really are trying to keep your gentleman status, do yourself and your best bud who is DD a favor, know your limit. We all know we go to clubs to have fun and go crazy. Sometimes you need a good night out, but there is a difference between a "good" night and a "sloppy hot mess" night. Ladies this goes for you too, there is nothing more unattractive then someone being dragged out of the club with puke in their hair and heels in your hand. And boys slurring your word and burping up whatever you had for dinner is not attractive one bit! I would hate to know you had time to eat before going out and I didn't.

Like I said I am no expert but I have had my share of club evenings. Just some things I've noticed and thought I'd share. Happy Hunting out there!

As Promised - Being Sexy While Being Sweaty

As promised or mentioned, this post is about how to keep the fashionista with you as you work it! Out that is :P

Now we all know the infamous Lululemon, great wear, makes your back side look amazing, and always in various colors and patterns. They have great bras for those who need a little extra support. This one is rightfully called the ta ta tamer . Unfortunately I don't need this type of bra. I am in the "less endowed" percentage of the world. Nevertheless I am told by the wonderful staff at LuLu that this is one of their most secure bras. It keeps those kiddies from moving around allowing you to have a wicked workout without the bounce.

The Wunder Under pants  are probably one of their nicest fitting pants. They also make them in a convertible waist line for those who want a higher fit yet would like to fold them down when feeling a bit daring. The only issue I have with the Luon fabric is that they will pill if you train anywhere with those amazing gymnastics blue floors, a foam pit, or a trampoline. If you can buy something in their Luxtreme fabric instead it is way more resistant to catching on things. The Bras are 58$ and the Wunder's are 82$ and upwards.

www.lululemon.com

Now for the fun stuff. This next line is actually a dance line made by performers and modeled by dancers. But whats better then having gear made by people who know how to move? I will admit that some of their stuff can be a bit "teenager oriented" but they still have some excellent pieces for those adults with a little bit more adventure in them.

The Company is called Jo & Jax. Based out of New York these 2 ladies seem to have a ball creating these wonderful pieces.
If you don't want to show tummy while working out but still want to feel kick ass sexy try on a onesy! Better known as a "unitard", but lets face it you only think of the solid gold dancers and bell bottoms when I say that. Their materials are comparable to LuLu and they are machine washer friendly and if you've gone super hardcore the uni will wick away the moisture and help keep you dry. I personally have the bodysuit version of this and wear it frequently, I always get compliments and I swear it lets me kick butt longer. If you don't like how much leg or booty it shows just add a pair of cut off joggers or harem pants and you get a whole other look. Lets call it "Urban Sexy".

The next item from Jo& Jax is made for us less endowed women. Thin straps and a non suffocating elastic band make for something that is more comfy for those of us with smaller ta ta's.

With many different colour schemes and an amazing back design you will for sure feel beautiful even when your sweat starts to drip into your eye............ too much info? The Bras are 39$ and the Onsey/Uni Tease 65$

www.joandjax.com

This next line I have only had the pleasure of seeing and never had the opportunity to try on myself. It is the ultimate fashion workout wear and comes with the high fashion price tag. But its Oh So! beautiful I couldn't not put it up here.

MICHI is the name and runway fashion seems to be the inspiration to its game. The owner and designer, Michelle Watson, is Canadian born and has taken fashionable athletic wear to another level in my opinon. Stella McCartney eat your heart out. (in athletic wear that is I still love everything else you make)

Bras start at 85$ and continue to climb to about 170$ and pants start at 125$ and can go past the 200$ range. I want practically everything on this website. From the detailing to the patterned fabric they use who wouldn't want to look like a badass superhero (or villian) while listening to GaGa and sweating it out! I only wish one day I'll be able to try it out for myself. Drop me an email if you have been lucky enough to test Ms. Watson's wears. Id be ever so jealous ;)

www.michiny.com

When In Doubt Work It OUT! - Part I

Maybe it feels like 4pm already but you look at the clock ( lets face it no one looks at the clock anymore ), you look at your Iphone and its only 1:30pm Fack! what a drag. Especially for us east coast guys and gals, winters can be grey, dull and frankly depressing. Instead of staying indoors and eating chocolates, sipping spiced apple cider with rum and watching a marathon of walking dead all day (which btw does seem like an amazing plan) put on your best workout wear and head out into the world.

Studies show (so I've heard ) that working out releases endorphins which are chemicals that can cross through the gaps ........... I'm not going to pretend I know the real science behind it but read this and It'll definitely help you understand it better http://tinyurl.com/pr3nsmc. Pretty much they make you happy, the end.

Where is this going you ask?  I wanted to share one of my favorite places to go and get my work on .... or out? They have 2 locations and I am hoping they continue to grow. It's called Barreworks.

 

 www.barreworks.ca

The classes are comprised of short exercises compiled into a 45min or 1hour class that focus on strengthening and toning your everything! Don't be intimidated by the amazingly fit people on their website, everyone in the classes are at various different levels and you have 3 levels of difficulty you can make your class.

What they use: 

Weighted Balls 1-3lbs -  You can take more then one weight level in with you, this way you get a customized workout depending how hard core you're feeling that day. And they come in Purple Blue and green!

Fitness tension tubes - These also come in 3 Various tension levels to help you get the right amount of umph to your workout. These also come in 3 fun colors aqua, hot pink, and purple. Beware though the colors are deceiving they each pack in their own kind of punch  ;)

Big Blue Ball (yes just one, get your mind out of the gutter) - This ball is not weighted but used to help keep your core engaged is what I have come to conclude, I could be completely wrong.

The Barre - The whole reason this is called Barreworks is because it uses ballet/dance elements at the barre along with all the other said equipment for an amazing non boring get your butt up and working workout. Don't worry no previous dance knowledge is needed, and no twerking is not part of this workout.

Music - Whats a workout without an amazing playlist. Each instructor tries their very best to keep their playlist new and updated and switch it up every now and then.

The classes are designed to tone, sculpt, and trim without "bulking" up and looking like the Hulk's girlfriend. Green is a color only certain people can pull off. Despite the classes being full of girls they very much encourage guys to come in and take the challenge. They have other classes too such as spin classes at their Queen St location and "Open Barre" which is their take on yoga. Try it out they do 10$ for your first class or you can try a whole unlimited week for 40$.

The Atmosphere is amazing and fresh, no cult following here, just a bunch of awesome guys and gals looking to stay fit and happy! If you still can't seem to get motivated, think of all the cute work out outfits you can buy ;) That just might be my next entry..........