Thursday, March 31, 2016

We're talking Shoes! DSW IS NOW OPEN



Did you hear the news?

Designer Shoe Warehouse Canada is making it's grand debut in O-town today and I was lucky enough to receive an invite to the media cocktail event last night hosted by Black Book Lifestyle.


What a night it was ! Not only was I surrounded by some of the most influential bloggers and media personnel in Ottawa, but also by hundreds upon hundreds of amazing shoes!! What's a girl to do but of course squeal with excitement and take pictures!


Now, before I show you drool worthy images of the stilettos I was mingling with last night, let me introduce you to DSW Canada. DSW is a well-known footwear and accessories retailer that offers a wide range of brand name and designer dress, casual, and athletic footwear and accessories for men, women and kids. DSW is now partnered in Canada with Town Shoes Limited. Town Shoes Limited is a well established company with over 60 years of experience in the footwear industry, and with over 200 locations across the country it's the largest branded footwear retailer in Canada.


Now let's talk shoes!!!


Walking into the cocktail event, I had a thought " I hope the cash registers are open! What if I see the perfect pair of heels and I can't take them home with me?." Now that's a fear that I'm sure many of us have had. Finding the perfect pair of heels is like finding the perfect man. You have to scoop them up right away before someone else does! Now, that's just my giddy humour talking, but it's true. It's amazing what a beautiful pair of pumps, heels, wedges, and boots can do to a girl. Drive us crazy until we have them in our possession!


Well have no fear girls, we now have the best selection of men..I mean shoes..in our lovely city!



//Designer and Brand Name Stilettos, Booties, Pumps, Flats up to 40% off suggested retail price//


//Blazer, BCBG//
//Top, Dynamite//
 //Shoes, Forever 21 (last season)
//Pants, H&M//
//Clutch, Vintage//

//Blogger and good friend Seema from glimpse3sixty//
(We didn't plan to coordinate!)



//Nine West "Lace Up" came home with me!//

I hope you take some time out of your day today(March 31)to attend the official opening of DSW located at Train Yards. Doors open at 8 am and the first 200 shoe lovers will receive a $25 DSW CASH CARD!

P.S If you can't make it in store to shop, DSW.TOWNSHOES.CA is now open !


Happy Shopping!


XOXO
Maha 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Currently Coveting

Happy Easter weekend! 

I hope you've had time to relax and enjoy this time off with your loved ones. For me it was all about good healthy food, amazing company, reading and of course surfing the net! If I got paid to surf I would be rich I tell ya! Here are my weekly internet bits and pieces :)




//These healthy almond milk popsicle's look amazing. I have to make them soon. I'm craving a healthy dessert!\\
//This is my vision of a "She Shed". It combines my two favourite loves ; vintage/rustic decor + nature.\\
//This is definitely an outfit I would rock on the weekends! Loose fitting,layered sweater, tights and a cross body.\\
//Added stand up paddling to my bucket list this year!Look at that scenery!\\


XOXO
Maha 



Saturday, March 26, 2016

First Impressions : Firmoo.com



Firmoo.com, a global online eyewear store, contacted me offering to send me a pair of glasses and If I liked the sunglasses to kindly write about them on my blog. As I was under no obligation to write a positive review, I accepted their generous gift and my gold aviator lenses were shipped 1 week after I placed my order. 


About Firmoo.com

A global eyewear online store that has many years of experience in the optical industry and offers a variety of male and female perscription and NON-perscription frames. Firmoo.com caters to the fashion-conscious consumer by making high quality fashionable eyewear available at affordable prices. 

Frames

Firmoo.com offers hundreds of frames such as Cat Eye, Round,Wrap Around,Titanium, Square, Clear, Aviator and Wayfarer,Computer, Reading and Bifocal.. just to name a few! 




Customer Service

I had never ordered eyewear online so I was apprehensive as to which frames would suite me. I contacted the customer service for some advice and they ultimately helped me decide on my gold rimmed aviators. They were polite, friendly and helpful as they answered all my questions about the ordering process (which is super easy btw). 


Virtual Try-On Feature

Customer service also kindly pointed me to the Virtual Try-On Feature on the Firmoo.com site. With this feature, you can upload a picture of your face to virtually TRY ON any style of frames you like to see how they look on you. It's a helpful feature and you'll get some giggles out of it as well. I now know I look hideous in  round frames!!

How To Place an Order

Placing an order on Firmoo.com is quick and easy. It's a 7 step process and Firmoo.com makes it easy by highlighting the steps for you so you're not wasting time navigating the site wondering " what do I do next?". For a detailed explanation and tutorial on how to place an order, read here.

Signing Up

Firmoo.com allows you to sign up to their site via Facebook. This makes log-in simple and easier as you don't need to create a completely new account. As well Firmoo.com will save your prescription(s) for the next time you want to place an order.

Order Status
Firmoo.com likes to keep you well informed on the status of your order. You will receive emails to keep you updated on wether your order is Pending, New Order, In Process,  Shipped and Delivered! I found this very helpful as I anxiously awaited my order. 

First Impressions on Aviator #SC1611

A week after I placed my order on Firmoo.com my non prescription sunglasses were shipped. I received the sunglasses,a case, cleaning cloth and a mini screwdriver. The sunglasses were in great condition, no scratches or deformities on them from the shipping process. Firmoo.com suggest that you tighten the screws on the sides of the glasses to ensure they fit you best (hence the reason for the mini screw driver)! The aviators are lightweight, sturdy and definitely a step out of my comfort zone but I think they look good and I've received many compliments on them.

I'm really pleased with my first Firmoo.com experience. I'm also very pleased that Firmoo.com has graciously decided to give my first 10 readers a voucher code, makeupblog2, that covers a complete pair of glasses from this page http://www.firmoo.com/promo-free-glasses-samples.html 
(Shipping and handling fees are extra.Free frame + single vision lenses.Must be first time Firmoo.com customer and voucher expires April 15).

If you are one of the lucky ones that received a free pair using the voucher code, let me know how you like them in the comments below :)

Enjoy!

XOXO
Maha 




DISCLAIMER : Firmoo.com gifted me these sunglasses. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own. I have not been paid for this post. 


Thursday, March 17, 2016

3 Essential Steps To Becoming Spring Ready !

Spring is almost here - so some changes are in order! Not just your wardrobe needs an overhaul but so do your skin, makeup and hair. Let's start by swapping our winter coats and boots for a light spring jacket and rain boots(ankle boots as well!).I've compiled for you an easy 3 step guide that will take you from feeling damp and dreary to feeling beautiful, refreshed and ready for Spring!


PREP SKIN





Your skin is your biggest organ(yes it's an organ,look it up!) and should be taken care of just as you do your heart. We all know good skin is highly sought after. It all starts within. It's been proven that a well hydrated body emits a natural glow that rivals the best highlighter on the market. For your body to be well hydrated you need to  drink at least 6-8 glasses of water. By consuming water you are flushing toxins out of your system and allowing your glow to come thru. It's not magic, it's science! 

At times, drinking 6-8 glasses of water isn't enough or practical so you need the help of exfoliating products. A cleansing power tool helps to rapidly exfoliate the body to reduce dry patches and leaves skin feeling very smooth.


Cleansing your skin is so important first thing in the morning as well as at night to ensure all the products and environmental toxins are removed from your pores. Choose a cleaner that is right for your skin type.


Using a reliable water based toner after cleansing helps to ensure your skin is receiving a healthy dose of antioxidants for the day.


Weekly exfoliating of the skin is necessary! Since many of us can't make it to the aesthetician on a weekly basis, it's great to rely on a solid BHA exfoliating product that improves skins texture, appearance and gets rid of blackheads. As well a decent BHA product will help with collagen production. 

A serum loaded with antioxidants will help to firm, brighten and hydrate your skin all day.


If dryness around the eyes during allergy season is a factor then adding an eye cream to your Spring prep routine will definitely help. An effective eye cream will hydrate the under eye and reduce puffiness.

There is no excuse for leaving the house without sunscreen. Sunscreen is the #1 defence against ageing skin and skin cancer.



Update Makeup Bag



Put away those matte lipsticks and reach for a coral lippie! Spring is the time of new awakenings and rejuvenation so don't hesitate to be inspired and try different colours.

Adding a soft cheerful pastel shade to your lids is not only fun, but will also make them pop. Adding a bright bold colour to your inner and under waterline will tie the look together. If a bright purple in your waterline is not your thing, you can always reach for a nude toned eye pencil to give a bright eyed and awake look!

Feeling like winter took away your colour ? Add a soft bronzer + highlighter to your makeup routine to liven up your colour and give the illusion you just came back from the islands!

Blush is magic! It's an instant "pick me up" and if applied properly  can easily transform your look. During the winter months the plums, golds and nudes were in high demand. This Spring, go after the pinks, purples and corals.

Wearing a lightweight concealer and foundation as a base will help enhance your natural beauty and won't make you look overdone. 

Applying a coat or two of black mascara always pulls the look together. If your feeling adventurous, teal and pink mascara(a light coat obviously) is a big hit this season. 

Pampering your feet and nails is a luxury. Schedule a mani - pedi as soon as you can. Once the sun starts shining you're going to want to wear sandals and open toe heels so it's best to be prepared. If you can't make it to an esthetician, read this article for a DIY mani - pedi at home! When choosing colour go for the pinks, reds and pastels.

When choosing a Springtime scent, ensure that it represents your personality. If you're not a flower lover than don't choose a citrus or fruity scent.If you don't like attention than a bold scent such as musk or amber is most likely not for you! If you're Vegan or a Naturalist, there are many companies that offer natural organic scents. Whatever scent you choose, ensure it represents your style and personality well. A lingering scent is at times how people remember you, so make it fabulous!

Transform Hair


\\ Otto-Keunis Intensive Mask \\
\\ L'Oreal TecniArt Volume Mousse\\

We can finally say goodbye to Winter hat hair, frizzy and unmanageable tresses! It's time to pamper your hair. Your hair says a lot about you so ensuring it looks healthy and shiny should be a top priority this Spring. 

At the start of every new season you should trim your ends. This will promote hair growth without breakage and thinning. If your  fearless and ready for a change you may want to try a sexy pixi cut or a cute and very wearable LOB (longer bob).

Using a sulfate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner will help hydrate the hair and clean your scalp. A clean scalp ensures your hair can breath and in turn can grow easily. 

An intensive repair mask should be your best friend this Spring.
A hair mask will help heal the damage from the cold Winter months. Once or twice a week is necessary to bring life and hydration back into your hair.

Styling your hair is always fun, but at times can damage your hair. Constant heat and tugging at the tresses weakens the follicles and over time destroys vital proteins needed for hair repair and growth.
This Spring go "Oh Natural" with your hair!If you have curly or wavy hair, shampoo your tresses, let it air dry and add a bit of volumizing mouse to your roots and ends. If you have naturally straight hair, towel dry the hair and comb out any frizz that may have  developed from the towel. 

If you must add heat to your hair, ensure you keep the hair dryer as far from your hair as possible to reduce damage. Coating your hair with heat styling products beforehand will minimize the damage.

Applying a shine spray to your hair will create a luminous shine and this will give the illusion that you have natural healthy hair. A good quality shine spray will also offer UV,thermal and environmental toxin protection.

If you decide to tackle any or all of these 3 essential steps, leave a comment below and let me know how it goes! I love hearing from you all!

Happy Spring  :)



XOXO
MAHA


Sunday, March 13, 2016

CURRENTLY COVETING

It's that time of week again where I share all my internet loves and obsessions. I hope you enjoy! 

P.S. Spring in 7 days YEAH!



\\Inspo Pic, Blunt LOB ( longer version of a bob) + Colour in 2 months, can't wait\\
\\A beautiful mess is one of my favourite "jack of all trades" website. Highly recommend adding them onto your favourites tab!//
\\Spello, Italy is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit//
\\The Story of a Cake is a beautiful mesmerising website dedicated to cakes and pastries. The photography is enticing. I wish I could read Slovak!//
\\Can't wait to do this again this Summer//
\\Obsessed with this flower crown. Hoping I can make one just as pretty\\
\\Vanilla Pineapple Popsicles, yummy!//
\\ My 2016 motto!//
\\A therapeutic and helpful read if you're in the midst of a life slump! We've all been there right?\\



XOXO
MAHA




Wednesday, March 9, 2016

First Impressions: Nivea After Shave Balm As A Primer


Last month I posted a picture of the Nivea Men AfterShave Balm on my instagram page and the number of you that wanted a review was just down right crazy! I guess you heard all the hype the Nivea Balm is receiving as a facial primer :) 

So the question is does it work?

Yes, this $7 bottle of aftershave actually works as a simple primer! Now, let me elaborate on this. This means it will keep your foundation in place for about 6 hours. This is due to the active ingredient Glycerin. When glycerin is applied to the skin it acts like a glue and seals in moisture and helps maintain the skins water balance and ensures the skin is very well hydrated and moist. It also seals in anything that is applied onto the face, hence the reason why foundation will last a good 6 hours on the face. Glycerin is also an emollient so it helps keep the skin subtle and soft. So all this new information is great but does that mean you no longer have to buy the $35 primer? Well here's the thing ladies and gents, it won't conceal redness like the Make Up Forever redness correcting primer, it won't minimise the appearance of pores like the Benefit POREfessional primer and it won't mattify your face like COVER FX Mattifying face primer. It will only prolong your foundation wear and that's about the best benefit you will receive from this balm. This is why I call it a simple primer. 

I have used it quite often since I bought it last month. It does have a "man" smell too it but that only lasts for a few minutes. I really like that the formula contains 0 alcohol and has glycerin as the active ingredient. Overall if you are looking for a simple primer that will keep your foundation and makeup lasting through out the day, I definitly would pick up the very inexpensive Nivea After Shave Balm .

XOXO
Maha



Sunday, March 6, 2016

CURRENTLY COVETING

Spring ,for many of us, is the season of new awakenings;a fresh start to tackle new projects , develop new ideas, and better oneself. For me, spring is definitely a therapeutic month. I use it declutter my closet, my makeup bag and office! I also use this new season to really get in touch with myself and to try to seek out a better version of me. It could be a new hair style or colour. I may add a few new beauty products to my collection as well as a couple (may be a bit more than a couple) of key pieces to my wardrobe. I also feel very rejuvenated during the turn of the season and find myself very inspired, creative and lively. I find it so therapeutic to watch the snow melt and buds blooming on trees. I hope you feel inspired as well :) Here are this weeks internet loves and obsessions!








































\\ Adding greens and fruit to your morning smoothie will accelerate weight loss. //
\\ I've been wanting this NARS lipstick for years now.//
\\ My ideal minimal Spring outfit.//
\\ I hope to rock this golden/brown smokey sexy look often this season.//
\\ I've wanted a vintage bicycle for awhile now. I may have to go thrift store shopping soon.//
\\ How cozy does this boho bedding look //
\\ Blush and Gold crossbody is must have for Spring 2016!//
\\ My go-to athleisure wear.//
\\ These golden brown highlights are calling my name!//

XOXO 
MAHA

 
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