Out Of The Box Beauty

"The only constant in life is change."

~Francois de la Rochefoucauld



Slice of Life ~ Annabella



The moment I think I have my Celiac, soy allergy and dermatitis hepatiformis figured out, is the same moment when reality decides to slap me in the face. I am then greeted with new rashes and allergic reactions, from products which I have often been using for many years.  So my quest for "safe" and "clean" products continues to change and evolve.  Through my many trials, I have had to give up more than a few beauty products and thus, my Beauty Basket is on a pretty strict diet!

Here is my slimmed down Beauty Basket of products I currently use:

MAKE-UP 

Eyeliner Liquid - Maybelline Waterproof Liquid Liner
Eye Shadow - Aveda Petal Essence Eye Shadow

Foundation - MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation

Lip Stain - BalmShelter Stainiac

Mascara - Dior DiorShow Mascara

FACE & BODY

Body Soap - Pears Bar Soap

Contact Lenses Solution - SOLO-care AQUA

Deodorant - Dove Original

Eye Makeup Remover - Almay Moisturing Liquid Makeup Remover

Face Cleanser - Spectro Jel Skin Cleanser

Face Moisturizer - Neutrogena Moisture

Lip Moisturizer - Vaseline

Mouthwash/Spray - Listerine Pocket Spray

Toothpaste - Colgate toothpaste

HAIR

Hair Colour - L’Oreal Paris Féria

Shampoo & Conditioner - Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo & Conditioner

While I still miss my old trips to Sephora, I have quickly learned to be creative by thinking out of the box and using the products I already have for multiple purposes.  Here are some of my personal beauty survival tricks:

1. Bronzer/Highlighter - I use my MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in a colour 2 shades deeper than my foundation to act as a bronzer or for contouring.  I also use a colour 1 shade lighter than my foundation as a highlighter.  For a little sparkle or shimmer, I take a light fan brush and use Aveda's eye shadow in Illumination in areas I want to highlight.

2. Concealer - After applying my all over foundation, I spot conceal areas with the same foundation colour but with a concealer brush.  The brush allows me to pick up more product on the brush to give me coverage where I need it.

3. Eyeliner Liquid - I add water to my Aveda eye shadows and with an angled liner brush, apply them as an eyeliner.  The bonus is that you have as many colour options for liners as you do eye shadows!

4. Eye Makeup Primer - I sweep my foundation over my eyelids before applying my eyeshadow to act as a primer, even out my skintone and for extra staying power.

5. Hair Spray/Mousse - Without hair spray and mousse my hair tends to be quite unruly!  After drying my hair, I lightly backcomb my hair at the roots to keep it in place.  I use bobby pins, pretty hair clips and hairbands to create various hair styles.  During the dry winter months, my conditioner sometimes cannot handle the static electricity.  I take a small amount of body lotion, absorb most of it in the palm of my hands and very, very lightly smooth down any fly aways.

6. Lip Gloss - I apply Vaseline over my lip stain or alone for a pretty and moisturized lip shine.

7. Perfume - While I hardly wear perfume anymore, I still love my favorite fragrance for a special occasion.  So what's my little secret? I apply a light spritz of my perfume to my hair instead of on my skin!

Due to the increasing awareness of Celiac, I think more and more mainstream cosmetics companies will be offering allergy-free products and hopefully, they will perform as well as their regular counterparts.  I have ordered some make-up from an online USA company called Ultrapure Cosmetics and will be trying Hourglass Cosmetics' gluten-free primer and foundation in the near future.  Stay tuned for some product reviews! 

Happy Monday everyone!

 

My love affair...

Hello, I'm back! I've been a bit preoccupied with life lately, but in a good way. However no matter what changes in my life, one thing always remains constant - my love affair with fashion and style. Spring has sprung and so has my excitement for some new and fresh clothes and accessories. Enjoy and happy shopping!

Guess Yvonne Long-Sleeve Shirt

Aldo Paduano Clutch

Aritzia Ulla Dress in Robin Egg

Club Monaco Maria Solid City Short

Club Monaco Sunny Striped Scarf

Zara Dress with Belt

Joe Fresh Anorak

Guess Starlet Skinny Capri Jeans

Aldo Vivolo Platform Sandals

Destination File: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Early last December, I wanted to squeeze in one last quick getaway before the year ended.  So, I was off to Punta Cana and spent a lazy week on the beach!!

Trip Stats:

Travel Dates - December 11-18th

Airline - Air Transat by Nolitours

Resort - Majestic Elegance in a Majestic Swim-Up room

THE RESORT:  The resort was very majestic indeed! A grand entrance and lobby led to a grand set of staircases.  The grounds were very lush and gardens beautifully maintained.  The pools were expansive and ran the length of the rooms in each section.  Every detail was well thought out!

If you are not traveling with children, definitely try the adults only section. The adults only Club Elegance offered rooms closest to the beach, private bar and swimming pool, and a private beach area with luxurious Bali beds to lounge! 

THE ROOM:  The rooms were very beautiful and spacious.  Each were furnished with a mahogany wood four poster bed, in-room jacuzzi tub, seating area and open sinks.  The shower room had an option to use the rainfall shower head along with side jets!  My only question I had was, what is up with those square toilets??!

THE BEACH:  The beach did not disappoint!  The sand was fine, the beach was long and the water was beautiful.  This was the highlight for me and I spent as much time possible on the beach and under the palapas.

GASTRO STUFF:


Buffet "FLAVORS" Restaurant - A really great selection for breakfast and lunch.  My breakfasts often consisted of a freshly made tomato and cheese omelette and as much cantaloupe, pineapple and papaya I could eat!  Lunch was usually grilled chicken or beef, with white rice and steamed vegetables.  I ended up having dinner at the buffet more often than I thought I would.  They offered a different theme each night but my favourite was probably Mexican where I feasted on some delicious tamales!!


ASADITO Steak House - Very tasty Onion Soup and probably the largest piece of steak I've seen in a long time!


SEE & SEA - Delicious lobster and fish for dinner.  Wonderful ambiance with the restaurant right next to the ocean!


9 Doors - I unfortunately could not experience the Teppanyakis but they looked great from where I was sitting!  They offered a variety of sushi at the sushi bar where you selected and served yourself.


The one thing I noticed was that many food selections were pre-prepared in the a la carte restaurants, so it was difficult for them to make changes to accommodate my food intolerance.  Therefore, I did not end up trying the French Limited Gourmand or Italian Il Botaccio restaurants.  

Annabella's NOTES:
Most of the staff speak Spanish and some speak only Spanish.  This wouldn't be a problem if I spoke even mildly conversational Spanish but I unfortunately don't.  Luckily, guest service was able to provide me with a piece of paper detailing my gluten, soy and celery intolerance.  I presented this to the chef or staff to assist me with selecting my meals.

Everyone was so very warm and friendly! I remembered exactly why I loved the Dominican Republic, from the first time I visited over 5 years ago.  I would go back in a heartbeat... after a few Spanish lessons though! Lol!

This was the first time I had traveled away in December before Christmas.  I was so surprised and impressed with all the festive decorations that adorned the resort.  I must seen a Christmas tree in every restaurant!!  Though, I just couldn't quite get used to listening to Frosty the Snowman chiming away all day in the Caribbean...

Hopefully, the warm memories of the Dominican Republic will last me through this winter!  If not, I suppose I could always just plan another trip away!!

Have a great day everyone!!

Shades of White

There is something about the colours of white and light pastels that have always appealed to me.  I love their light and ethereal qualities, and the clean look and simplicity they bring to an outfit.


While these Shades of White are not always the most practical, anyone who knows me knows I wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice a little function for fashion every now and then!


Here are some of my recent finds, in lovely shades of white:

Aritzia's Wilfred Sabine Dress in Birch

I would call this my modern day Marilyn-esk dress.  It is a beautiful body skimming silhouette with great pockets!  I absolutely love this dress!  

Guess' Veracruz Crossbody in White

Ever since I invested in a gorgeous crossbody bag, I can't seem to go back to a shoulder bag and give up the convenience of being hands free.  I like this Guess bag because the style can go from day to night and it is roomy enough to hold all your essentials.  

Old Navy's Chunky Sweater-Knit Scarf in White

I love that a simple change in a scarf can change the look of your outfit.  This popcorn knit is fun and warm but isn't too bulky.   The cost is more than reasonable, for a perfect pop of winter white in your wardrobe!

Zara's Elastic Belt with Flower

I am the kind of girl who would wear a flower in her hair, just because.  Floral accessories can add femininity to an edgy outfit and dress up an otherwise plain outfit!

Aritzia's Starboard Shorts in White

These sailor button cuffed shorts just screamed 'cute' to me!  I wouldn't hesitate to get pair in every colour because I know they would be a staple in my summer wardrobe.

Guess' Karima Satchel in White

This is a great roomy satchel that can be used from winter to summer.  It has the zipper closure and non-black lining that I look for.  And for those more on the practical side, the material is easy to clean!

Aritzia's A Moveable Feast Neil Jacket in Skin

If I had one splurge, it would be this gorgeous jacket with satin details along the shoulder seams!  It also comes in the Birch colour but I actually prefer this soft almost pinkish hue that is such complimentary shade.  It is has modern details but with an elegant cut.  I absolutely love, love, love!  

What colours appeal to you?


Have a great day and Happy Shopping!!

Destination File: Greece

I walked along the cobblestone road filled with anticipation, taking in the sights and sounds with every step.  As I turned my gaze up towards the skies, the trees suddenly seemed to part and there it was!!  It was glorious and more beautiful than I could have imagined!  IT was the infamous Parthenon perched majestically upon the Acropolis summit!  


I have wanted to visit Greece for as long as I could remember and without a doubt, I will remember it for the rest of my life.  So more than a thousand photos later, I'll let the pictures do the talking!

The Parthenon upon The Acropolis - Athens, Greece

View from the Acropolis - Athens, Greece

Dinner at Plakiotissa Restaurant Taverna - Athens, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Car Hire - Perfect little car to explore the island and with air conditioning!

Beautiful gates and doors everywhere I turned... and I photographed them all!!

Walk towards Fira, Santorini

Blue & White

Santorini's Red Beach in Akrotiri

Exo Gialos Black Sand Beach

Exploring the Island - Imerovigli, Santorini

Home for a week at Vinsanto Villas - Imerovigli, Santorini

www.vinsantovillas.com

View of the Caldera from the Top Terrace - Vinsanto Villas

www.vinsantovillas.com

The sunsets alone made the trip worth every single penny!

Was it just a dream...if so, please don't wake me for just a little while longer!

What I Loved...(though there wasn't anything I didn't love!)

1. Fresh and delicious food - I have always loved Greek food but there is nothing like tasting the real thing.  Even with my gluten, soy and celery restrictions, I never felt limited with what I could eat in Greece.  I indulged in many Greek salads, pork, stuffed peppers and eggplant and I couldn't get enough of the feta and yogurt.  Even though I couldn't sample the baklava, I was assured it was a little slice of heaven!

2. Everyone spoke wonderful English.  Luckily, I didn't have to embarrass myself too often with my very basic Greek I learned from a dear colleague beforehand... But I always feel its important to try even a few words in the native language, so here are a few I managed to use:

"Γειά σου" or "Ya-soo" which means Hello 

"Nαρακαλὠ" or "Para-kalo" which means Please

"Ευχαριστώ" or ""Ef-hari-sto" which means Thank You  

3. The stairs of Santorini.  These stairs literally kicked my butt into shape better than any StairMaster or Elliptical machine could!  The best thing was if you felt winded on the way up, there was always a glorious view to behold while you caught your breath.  Don't forget to bring a camera and really comfortable shoes!

4. The most beautiful sunsets in the world... without a doubt.  Truly. Magnificent.

Looking back, it almost feels like it was all a dream!

I hope to one day visit Greece again. 

What places do dream of visiting?

Destination File: South Carolina

Hello, I’m back in the Sphere!!!  Sorry for the hiatus but I took a short trip away!

TRIP STATS:

Destination – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Transportation – Minivan, packed full!

Time – Long…16 hours each way not including stopping

Duration – 10 days and over Canadian Thanksgiving

Every time I come back home from a trip away, I get a bad case of the post-vacation blues.  No matter how happy I am to return to my contour pillow, worn in slippers and familiar surroundings, it just doesn’t seem to compare to the amazing sun and beach!  This was my very first visit down to South Carolina, and passing through Virginia and Pennsylvania!  Even though Canada and the USA reside on the same continent and are neighbors n’all, there were some very distinct things that reminded me I was not home anymore!!

1.  Replacing a Tim Horton’s on every street corner, there was Biscuit World, House of Pancakes or a Waffle House instead.

2.  The ratio of non-working cars on people's front lawns seemed to outweigh the number of working ones.

3.  Cotton fields.  Lots of cotton fields with hundreds of cute and puffy little cotton balls along the roads!!  I really wanted one to take home!!

4.  When you say Thank You at home, people say You’re Welcome.  In the USA, people say Uh huh…

5.  My final reminder that I wasn’t home was when we stopped in briefly at MacDonald’s. As I walked through the door I thought I was having a twilight moment, because every single head in the restaurant turned to stare at me… Its pretty safe to say the Asian population isn’t that big down South!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Beachfront Condo

Watching dolphins from the balcony

Outlet shopping

Searching for shark's teeth along the shore

A delicious gluten-free burger at Red Robin

Building a gi-normous whale in the sand

Gastro Stuff:

Spontaneous eating has all but gone out the window for me in my everyday life so I was quite anxious about what I would be able to eat on this trip! But I happily discovered that a number of big chain restaurants were familiar with Celiac and various other allergies.  Many of them even had printout menus with gluten-free and soy-free options. 

My favorites were: 

Red Robin’s gourmet burgers www.redrobin.com

P.F. Chang’s lemon chicken and egg drop soup www.pfchangs.com

Cracker Barrel’s Cobb salad with chicken www.crackerbarrel.com

All in all this was one awesome trip!  The sunshine and R & R away was exactly what I needed!  But my tan is already starting to fade and I am reluctantly returning to my reality of life.  Next order of business…planning my next adventure!!

 

Happy Travels!

Virtual-Window Shopping…

The funny thing is that when women stop me to ask where I purchased something I'm wearing, I happily tell them!  But often I purchased it from a previous season and now it is no longer available.  I watch their eager faces go from full of excitement to complete disappointment, and I feel really horrible!

So I decided that I am going to bring you into my world of Virtual-Window Shopping… LIVE, as it happens so everything is available and can be purchased!  I call it Virtual-Window Shopping but I suppose it is known as the wonderful world of Online Shopping.  The only difference is that I don’t actually hit the Purchase button!  What is the fun in that, you ask?  Well, it’s my way of checking out what is available in stores and then using it to compile my To-Try List when I go shopping!  Sometimes I am looking for specific items to add to my wardrobe and accessories and other times, the items just happen to catch my eye. 

Here are some items on my To-Try and Caught-My-Eye List:

STORE: Guess www.guess.ca

                 

Fallon Medium Carryall and Thayer Swagger Satchel - $140

I love the visual appeal of this purse!  It is structured and neutral but still very feminine!  The top zipper closure is a must.  I love that it is easy to clean and has a light colored interior.  I stay away from a black interior because it makes it even more difficult to find things in your purse!

What I don't like are the double shoulder straps.  I find if you have a hard time with the straps staying up, with two straps one always falls down.  As well the straps are thin which can sometimes end up digging into your shoulder if your purse is full or heavy.  My final dislike is the price.  It is definitely on the higher side for a non-leather purse but I find that it is often the price you pay for a trendy quality bag!

Geen Black Suede Pumps - $125 Web Exclusive

I love these black suede pumps!  They are so versatile, classic and would work for almost any outfit!  They come in half sizes and have a hidden 3/4" platform.  While I like peep toe pumps for spring and summer, I am all for closed toe shoes in the fall and winter.  You can then wear them with or without tights!

My only reservation is that these are a Web only purchase and unfortunately with shoes, you only know they fit when you try them on!

Kelly Moleskin Jacket - $178

I love the aviator inspired look of this jacket yet it is feminine in the cut!  I would wear this running out for the day or weekend and it would go great with a pair of dark denim jeans or a pair of black boot cut pants.  The inside features a cozy faux-fur lining!!

With this jacket, I would have to weigh out the Cost per Wear (C.P.W.) as my best friend would put it.  The number of times I would wear this divided into the cost.  The more times I wear it, the lower the C.P.W.!  Because this is not an inexpensive item, I would definitely have to decide if this would be worn regularly in order to make it a worthwhile purchase!

 

Edesia Suede Boots - $199

I think these are the cutest most stylish, yet most frivolous boots I could ever want!  Suede = not ideal for snow and salt.  Stacked stiletto heel = not ideal for Canadian winters.  C.P.W = well, maybe I could wear them indoors...?  But regardless, I couldn't resist having a closer look at these lovely platform boots with the faux-shearling and cute buckle detail!!  A definite covet but not a need....

I hoped you enjoyed "shopping" with me!  There will be plenty more to come.  Have a GREAT WEEKEND!!


What are some great finds your lists?