Women for Women Wednesday: Gwen Stefani

I started listening to No Doubt when I was in elementary school and I have always been a fan of the whole band, and especially Gwen.  She is an ultimate rock star, fashionista with a soft, homebody, family woman side.

Beauty Talk: Hempz Body Moisturizer

Hempz Body Moisturizer is more expensive than your average, off the drugstore shelf product, but it is amazing.  You won't find this on the shelf in Walmart or Target so, if you are looking for it, check out your local beauty salons.

(Image from Google)

Toasted Lobster Ravioli

Yes, I realize that this is the second lobster ravioli recipe in as many weeks, but this is a great, simple snack to prepare for New Year's Eve.  It only has a few ingredients and it is ready within half an hour.  Toasted ravioli is a nice, crunchy snack that is perfect for dipping!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, one and all!

Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, take a few moments to be grateful for all of the wonderful people and blessings in your life.

Women for Women Wednesday: Isla Fisher

I first saw this adorable Aussie actress in Wedding Crashers, and I thought she was absolutely hilarious.

(Image from Google)

Splurge or Steal: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Lip Pencil vs. Joe Fresh Long Wear Lip Pencil

While searching for the perfect red lipstick, I have also been on the hunt for the perfect liner to go with it.  I've swatched and tested a lot of liners and these two ended up being my favorites.

Lobster Ravioli with Creamy Zucchini, Tomato and Kale Sauce

Costco sells 2 packs of lobster ravioli for an amazing price and I am in love!

Women for Women Wednesday: Tati a.k.a. Glam Life Guru

I have only been watching Tati's (Glam Life Guru) YouTube videos for about a year now, but she has become one of my absolute favorite personalities.

(Image from Tati's twitter)

Beauty Talk: 40 Carrots Vitamin Serum

I am a huge fan of Winners because I can always find products there that aren't in other stores in my area.  One of those items is the 40 carrots serum.  I discovered this a few years ago and I fell in love with it.  It is inexpensive (my Winners sells it for $8.99), it lasts a long time and, most importantly, it makes my skin glow.

Easy Holiday Decorations

I love how beautiful everything looks when the Christmas decorations are put up but, I have to admit that I am pretty lazy about actually putting my own up.  I like to find decorations that can be stored in ready-to-use condition so that I can just pull them out again the next year.  I even pack away my little Christmas tree with the ornaments on it.  Birdcages are a great decoration that are easily stored and require no effort from year to year.

Butter Tart Topped Shortbread Cookie Bars

Butter tarts and shortbread cookies have always been two of the most popular Christmas treats in our house.  There is often a debate over which dessert to pick, but now you won't have to!

These bars perfectly combine the airy lightness of shortbread with the gooey sweetness of butter tarts.  Bits of butter tart topping work down through the shortbread base, mixing in throughout the bar, preventing it from separating when you slice it.

Women for Women Wednesday: Amanda de Cadenet

Photographer, interviewer, writer, women's activist, mommy, do-it-all-er Amanda de Cadenet is a total woman's woman.

(Image from Amanda's official website)

Beauty Talk: Bobbi Brown Sultry Red Lipstick

I have been searching for the perfect red lipstick for a long time, so I was very optimistic when I saw this limited edition Bobbi Brown lipstick in Sultry Red.  Released especially for the holidays, this lipstick comes in a classy gold tube and is described as a bright blue red.

Pepper and Tomato Sauce

Now that winter has hit, there is nothing more comforting than pasta with homemade sauce!

Women for Women Wednesday: Brittany Snow

I first saw Brittany Snow on American Dreams and, although I didn't really watch the entire series, she was was my favorite character.

(image from her twitter account @brittanysnow)

Beauty Talk: Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub

Last week I reviewed the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, which I wasn't a huge fan of (shocking, I know).  This lip scrub was actually an accidental purchase, as the Sephora website was having issues on the Friends and Family sale day.  However, I love this product!

Sage & Olive Oil Buttercream

I realize that this may sound like a strange combination, but I think that's why I wanted to try it.  I was making Randy's blueberry cake for her birthday and I didn't want to put plain old buttercream icing on top (even though I love the stuff).  So I decided to get creative.  The flavours are very mellow; you get the slightest taste of herb cutting into the sweetness.  So, without further ado, here's the recipe!

Women for Women Wednesday: Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen is one of my favorite models, but not just because of her looks.

(Image from Huffington Post)

Yes she is beautiful but she is also so much more.

Beauty Talk: Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

I have been wanting to try this product for months, as it has been getting rave reviews all over the Internet.  It was constantly sold out on the Sephora website and I cannot find it in any local stores.  However, I finally got my hands on it last month during the Sephora Friends and Family sale.

It comes in a nice little squeeze tube, which is easy to thrown in your purse and take on the go.  It goes on clear and adds a nice shine to the lips.

Gratitude Break: Thank You Fitbit!

I bought a Fitbit One back in June, and used it without fail.  I love this little gem.  It tracks steps, flights, sleep, distance, etc.

(Picture from Amazon.ca)

Unfortunately, I lost mine on Saturday. Insert massive sad face here!

Easy & Spicy Shrimp Oriental Noodles

I love seafood, spice, and easy meals!  Instant noodles bring me back to childhood, but I do like to add a grown up taste.  This meal is easy enough to prepare and, most importantly, it tastes great!

Women for Women Wednesday: Gabrielle Bernstein

While researching Sheryl Sandberg's book, I kept stumbling across Gabrielle Bernstein's books, but I didn't pay attention to them at first.  As I was researching a business book, I automatically assumed that Gabby was offering more of the same, but I was wrong.  I picked up her book "Add More Ing to Your Life" and I am truly glad that I did.

(Image from Google)

Beauty Talk: OPI Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot

I know that fall is normally the time to dive into the dark, warm, cozy nail polish shades but I am not ready yet.  The weather turned very cold, very fast and we seemed to skip past fall and jump right into winter, so I needed a bright pick-me-up for my manicure.  I chose a gorgeous, flamingo pink polish from OPI: Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot.

(Image from Google)

Make Dinner Easier!

Like many of you, I have a regular 9 to 5 job and the last thing I want to do when I get home is start cooking dinner.  So, I have recently started precooking my chicken breast and then freezing the cooked chicken for use later.  I used to buy the value packs of chicken breast, individually wrap them, and then throw them in the freezer.  This is great, but then I still have to cook it . . .  and sometimes I just don't want to take the time to do that after work.

Women for Women Wednesday: Sheryl Sandberg

(Image from Google)

My first introduction to Sheryl Sandberg was seeing her book on a reading list in a women's magazine.  I added it to a list of books I planned to read in the future, but it took me a few months to get around to it.  When I finally did, I wished that I had read it sooner.

Winter Skin Saver: Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil

I live in an area that is extremely dry in the winter.  So dry that you end up with raw, red patches of skin from all of the icy cold air that is constantly blowing on you.  I purchased a humidifier a couple of years ago, which helped a bit, but it still wasn't enough.  Last winter I discovered this gem and it literally saved my skin!

(Image from Vita Cost)

5 Days of Pizza

Near the start of this week, I suddenly had a craving for pizza. But I didn't want to order pizza from anywhere; I wanted to make my own. I made 5 different pizzas over the course of the week, all of which I made on whole wheat pitas. I will give a bit of a warning though - the middle gets soggy really fast! Divvy these up and eat them right away!

Women for Women Wednesday: Jennifer Aniston

I am sure that almost everyone has heard of Jennifer Aniston.  After watching her play Rachel Green for 10 years, it would be hard not to be a fan.

(Image from Google)

Beauty Talk: Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara

I am a total mascara junkie.  I have light lashes, so I really appreciate the way that mascara helps them to stand out.  I've tried tons of different mascaras from inexpensive to very expensive and I always end up going to back to the same 3 brands: Maybelline, L'Oreal, and Rimmel.  I recently discovered the Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara, and so far I am impressed.

(Image from Rimmel London)\

Cupcake Love: Berry Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing and Caramelized Toasted Lemon Zest

Who doesn't love cupcakes? Especially when Duncan Hines makes it so easy to create your own masterpieces! All you need is Duncan Hines White Cake Mix (Betty Crocker just won't do) and a little bit of creativity.

Women for Women Wednesday: Sophia Bush

Ladies, let's lift each other up!  Someone else's success is not our failure, and we have forgotten that.  Hearing that someone else has received a promotion, met someone new, or won an great prize should fill us with happiness for them rather than pity for ourselves, or envy.  We would do well to focus on something outside of ourselves,

So today I bring you Sophia Bush:

Beauty Talk: Oil of Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

Oil of Olay is my all time favorite moisturizer brand, and I have been using it for years.  I use the classic scented Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid Lotion before bed and the Complete All Day Moisturizer with SPF 30 in the day and I am happy with these products.  However, I saw a commercial for the new Fresh Effects gel moisturizer and I was eager to try it out.  I have naturally oily skin, so I liked that it promised to have leave skin feeling more matte after application.

Musical Monday: DK3 by Danity Kane

 (Image from Google)

I haven't been this excited for a new release in a long time. . . I loved watching Danity Kane's creation on Making the Band, loved the two albums they released after, hated that they broke up, and was ecstatic when they reformed.  This means that I was, of course, saddened by the fact that they did break up again, but even that couldn't dampen my enthusiasm for their new album.  I pre-ordered it on iTunes and have been counting down to its release ever since.

Get Fit: 30 by 30

My 30th birthday is rapidly approaching and I have definitely noticed a decline in my daily activity level since finishing university.  A desk job is not conducive to moving around and staying healthy.  So, my goal is to be very active (i.e. raise my heart rate) for at least 30 minutes a day, every single day or #30by30.

I usually take a walk during my lunch break at work, but that little stroll really isn't enough to get my heart pumping.  I own a rebounder, a stationary bike and an inflatable punching bag so all I have been lacking is the motivation.  I am hoping that setting a goal will help get me on the right path.  I am sure that I will have days that I am not successful, but I have about 5 months to make this good, healthy habit stick!

On another note, I can't seem to get my Bally boxer to inflate properly.  The pictures from the website show the entire bag fully inflated, but I can only get the black base and the red top to inflate.  I still have a saggy section between these two.  Hopefully using it more often will help open the area up so that I can get more air into it. . .

(Picture from Walmart website)