black & white finds | a few favs

recently I’ve noticed a few standout black & white images on my pinterest boards (amongst all of the summer florals). there’s something so refreshing about black & white, I just couldn’t resist gathering up a few favs to share.

1. white balance mug | a subtle reference to photography in a sweet original design from Click&Blossom.

2. oreo pudding pops | uh, YUM! I bet these pudding pops from No. 2 Pencil are scrumptious! and with just oreo pudding mix, milk and cookies, they’re easy to make.

 

3. street style in monochrome & leopard | sexy! and yet, so effortless. this outfit from Friend in Fashion is perfect black & white with a pop of something different.

4. terrace at the home of Muriel Bardinet |  wow! check out this house on Milk Decoration. I love the mix of smooth lines and antiques. (seriously, that kitchen. do want!)

5. more issues than vogue print |  too funny! this print from TheMotivatedType is cheeky and chic all at once.

– KM

 

color lover | drool worthy mineral shadows

aren’t these incredible? gosh, I want them all!

In the past I’ve tried a few mineral shadows and loved the colours but not the mess. It’s tricky to keep those little jars from spilling all over the place.

Despite the shadow fallout, I’m considering getting back into these more natural products again. I like that they’re typically talc free and vegan. Plus, they tend to have really good colour payoff!

Here are some I’m currently swooning over (pictured above, starting top left, clockwise)

1. Metallic Red | Alchemy Products Inc.
2. Iced Papaya | BeneficialMineralsCo
3. Lil’ Bug | Rocksterize
4. Dark Teal | MummumsCrafts
5. Crush | CrushCosmetics
6. Galaxy | CMarieMinerals
7. Sangria | MyBeautyAddition
8. Sunset Dreams | GloryBoon

all from Etsy.com, so go check them out!

sleek makeup | new cosmetics!

a couple of weeks ago I took a colour plunge and purchased an assortment of products from Sleek MakeUP. This British brand is one I’ve been intrigued by for a while, after first seeing it on Pixiwoo’s Youtube channel.

So without further ado … look below!

It might be a little stash, but it sure is a pretty one. Here’s what I purchased:

1. i-Divine palette Ultra Matte V2
2. Blush in Pixi Pink
3. Eau La La Liner in Blue Moon
4. Eyebrow Stylist in Light
5. Pout Pain in Port (oh-em-gee, what a colour!)

The V2 pallet is a gorgeous selection of all matte shadows that are highly pigmented and blend really well. You only need a little bit to get full colors and so far I’ve mostly been using the dark shades as liners. I find if you wet an angled liner brush a bit they work really well that way.

The blush is a very cool pink that will be lovely once I’ve shed my winter white. Like the shadows, it’s matte and has excellent pigmentation. And if it looks a bit bright, don’t worry! Applied sheer, this blush gives the cheeks a soft and fresh wash of color.

 

Have you tried Sleek? I’m sure glad I have!

New Depths for Nail Polish

I love dark nails! I think they’re the perfect accessory especially during these Winter months.

Current Faves from left to right: 1. Essie – Wicked | 2. OPI – Yoga-ta Get This Blue | 3. CoverGirl – Wine Stain | 4. Essie – Aruba Blue | 5. Visions of Love

As Winter trudges on, however, I’m finding myself tired of the few deep nail polishes that I own. Don’t get me wrong, these are all beautiful shades, but it’s time to find something new! 

So on the hunt I went, and here are some of my top picks I want to try!

New To Try left to Right: 1. Sally Hansen Complete Jungle Gem | 2. CoverGirl Vio-Last | 3. Essie Stylenomics | 4. OPI Ski Skies in the Pyrenees | 5. CoverGirl Forever Festive | 6. Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Black Tie

What do you think? Do you have a go-to dark Winter polish I should try?

Images from: Sally Hansen, Well.ca Essie, & OPI Nail Studio

An old fav: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Image from Wikipedia

It’s funny how you can stumble across a book and completely fall in love! I was introduced to The Perks of Being a Wallflower by chance. My boyfriend picked it up in the airport on the way home a year and a half ago and I’ve read and re-read it ever since. (Including finishing it yet again today)

If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend you pick it up! (Even if you have seen the film)

Simply put, it’s a short, simple to read novel about young Charlie. He’s clearly intelligent, internal and so awkward that at times I read with my eyes half closed terrified of what he’s going to say. It’s more than just your typical “coming of age” story, and I feel like a lot of us can identify with him even if we’re well out of our teens.

But that’s just my opinion. Have you read The Perks of Being a Wallflower? Did Charlie make you burst out laughing and silently weep as I did?

Etsy Treasury: Radiant Orchid Inspiration

Let’s celebrate the new year with Pantone’s newest colour choice!

“Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.”  – from pantone.com

Etsy Treasury: The Perfect Shave for Him

Great gifts for him! This treasury is all about the perfect shave.

A little Etsy Gold

Like many of you, I suffer from a preoccupation with pretty things, nifty designs and the perfect diy. I can’t pretend to know when my fascination with design started, but I know Etsy was there in the early years.

So to honor my oldest online friend, here are a few favourited items from some incredibly talented people.