Heya Girls,
I’m REALLY EXCITED to share this … but do you remember my Incoco review from last entry?
Well I finally was able to get my hands on the French ones and they are called “First Love”. They seriously turn out AWESOME, no more nail strips, because these babies are straighter than my orthodontic enhanced teeth!
My only peeve was that there were pinky strips that were ridiculously narrow and I had to use the two bonus samples strips to substitute it. You probably have idea what I’m talking about, but when you order the strips you’ll know what I mean!
Anyways, observe my perfect French Nails: (well as perfect as I can make them!)
PS I added some glitter to the whites!
I keep my nails short, but the white tips seemed to add some elongation.
These are my natural nails and I basically just sticker-ed them on and applied a top coat! They last pretty long, about 2 weeks when I last had them!
WHOOOOO! I haven’t had French Nails since I last paid for them and they chipped in about 2 days.
A+ for this product!
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And I was going to save this entry for later, but I need THROW this out before the promo ends on February 12!
Citizens of British Columbia, ClearlyContact.ca, has generously offered an additional 50% off all their frames due to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
I jumped at the opportunity and ordered my 2nd pair of glasses from them.
I placed an online order on Tuesday and it arrived on Monday! Lens custom made to my degree.
I ordered the Chanel frames (original price: $500) and after all their discount, I ended up paying about $143 Canadian with shipping!!! It would have only cost $81.99 , but I paid an additional $40 for thinner lens.
I’ve ordered from ClearlyContacts before and have worn these YSL for about 2 years and have no complaints! They are well made!
Regrettably, I have paid other eyeglass stores in the malls about $500 for just the lens, so these are a steal.
Absolute love finding awesome products and fabulous deals! Share some of yours!
Enjoy! =)
STOP the madness!
I can’t seem to stop purchasing the mascot merchandises for the 2010 Olympics!
I purchased a Snowboard with Quatchi on it. And I don’t even really need a snowboard.
A bag from Aritzia and I don’t really don’t need another bag.
And a Mascot luggage tag (which I’ve attached onto the bag.) Who really needs a luggage tag?
I’m a sucker for limited editions and I know when the Olympics are over, I will be very happy to have them! And regardless, aren’t they cute? 
I just had to write a “blog” responds to recent news events involving Toyota.
In case you haven’t heard, Toyota has recalled 2.3 million cars for sticky accelerator pedals and an additional 4.2 million for pedal-grabbing floor mats.
This screw up has tragically caused people their lives, massive hysteria and even an intervention by the US Government.
Not only has Toyota fucked up, but they have fucked up real bad.
They are currently wounded with an open sore at a 2 billion lost this quarter due to their defects.
And US Domestic makers such as GM are pouncing on their prey.
They are taking this opportunity to kick their foreign rival down by tastelessly offering special promos for the helpless owners who would are willing to swap their Toyota for a GM.
There is no doubt in my mind (or anyone else) that this is currently the perfect opportunity to leverage the US domestic auto market and let them rock back and forth on their high horse preaching about the importance of safety and quality control.
Just ask the US Transportation Secretary (Ray LaHood) who said (somewhere along the lines of) “stop driving your vehicle.” Of course he didn’t meant FORD, GM or Chrysler, he meant TOYOTA.
Held accountable for his words, Lahood had to later retract and recall his words. I guess that is what separates normal people from politicians. We can`t retract our words and lie at the same time.
For example, If I said “FUCK YOU, I didn`t do it!` to a police officer and then immediately said “I take it back” … I don’t think he would care as he hauled my ass to jail.
Anyways, what I’m trying to really point out is that although the companies are 99.9% to blame, we as a consumers are also at 0.01% to blame.
In North America (and other parts of the world that are rich), our current capacity to consume is enormous. Not only do we constantly want the newest, brightest and shiniest … we also want the CHEAPEST and BEST-EST. Churn out more! More Models! More Features! More Color! More interior! ETC.ETC.
Seriously, when GM offers to give owners special deals for swapping their Toyota with GM cars … they are not acting out from the goodness of their heart.
Under disguised , corporations could be argued as just ugly fiends, responding back with drool in their mouth and their hands hanging out -palms up so you deposit your money into them.
SELL-SELL-SELL. MONEY-MONEY-MONEY
To cut cost and make profits to keep the business a float, management (whether intentional or not, I don’t have proof) will ultimately turn a blind eye on defects that would make business go bad and shareholders mad. Until something shitty happens, like defects showing up, everything will be covered up.
Just ask FORD, who’s currently on the high horse, and even they have also made a mistake in the past.
Case in point, look back in history to the PINTO that FORD (domestic NOT Foreign!) made back in the mid-60’s. One rear-end collision in the back and the entire car would blow up due to the position of the gas tank. They later recalled their entire line when people started dying and the PUBLIC STARTED INVESTIGATING. Again, fighting strong competition from Volkswagen for the lucrative car market, FORD rushed the Pinto into production in much less than the usual time so they could gain competitive edge and MAKE MONEY.
Thus, as a consumer, I just want to tell everyone to OPEN YOUR EYES and be smart and aware about your choices. Unfortunately, we currently live in a globalized state where we entrust everything to everyone else and have become far too comfortable.
Clearly, I just wanted to write this to entry to rant to myself about globalization and its impact!
And I hope some of you were able to get something out of this entry, or if not, just realize I’m really weird! :p
Feel free to debate with me or let me know your thoughts!
Heya Folks,
Just realized that I’m very short on entries this month! Between going to school, working and snowboarding lessons on Saturdays … I’ve been quite busy, SORE and tired!
I’ve abandon thee, but I’m back.
Anyways, long overdue, I just wanted to share my review on Vancouver’s trendiest Hotdog stand!
JAPADOG!
When some of the Twilight gangs were shooting here, some of them lived at the Sutton hotel which is across Japadog, and they were said to really enjoy the food. And supposedly do did a lot of other celebrities who come here to film.
I’ve tried it once before, during a late night snack during girl’s night out clubbing phase about 3 years ago, but I don’t exactly remember what I had eaten!
So I had to go back for a 2nd round just last month!
Apparently there’s a line up almost all the time except when it rains a lot.
#1 TIP, don’t be me and line up under the PICK UP sign before going to the ORDER sign. Yes, they’ll make you line up again.
I ordered the Oroshi. Which is a Bratwurst with grated raddish, special soy sauce and green onion.
Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of neither Bratwurst, radish or green onion. So my review on this is going to be incredibly biased … but it tasted exactly like how a bratwurst would taste with tonnes of radish, teriyaki sauce and green onion.
I found it neither spectacular or mind propelling and I’m easily amused by street food.
And at this point yes, I can hear people say, “THEN KAILYN, WHY DID YOU ORDER THE Oroshi if you did not like bratwurst, radish or green onion?”
My reply, “It was a brain fart!”
So I’ll be back to try the “Spicy Cheese Terimayo” which has Teriyaki Sauce, Japanese Mustard, Seaweed with a good old fashion Jalapeno & Cheese Smokie. Ingredients I do like.
For more information, visit Japadog’s Official Website or my newly found favourite review site, Yelp.
PS If my blog isn’t receiving a lot of action, my Twitter does! So just view to your top right!
Due to ailing health and old age, Otto, my dad’s workshop Rottweiler had to be euthanize today.
Although, I never personally took care of him because he’s a security dog and resides at my dad’s business … he is still every part of the family and there’s still an emotional attachment that breaks my heart because he signifies another end of my past.
Rest in Peace buddy, you were a very good boy and will be missed.
Before Spring2010 semester full throttle starts and swamps me up, I’m taking advantage of the slow times to squeeze out a few last entries on my favourite beauty products.
Next hot item on my list is LIQUID and Gel LINER.
I have 3 items on review with 3 different price points.
And I’ve also been playing with some of my camera setting!
Observe these great pictures because you’ll most likely never see them again!
So I’m going to review the following brands:
- GUERLAIN’s Divinora Eye-Liner ($39 Canadian) - Higher End
- Bobby Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23ish Canadian) - Mid End
- L’Oreal Paris L’Oreal Paris Lineur Intense ($10ish Canadian) - Lower End
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Divinora Eye-Liner in Black
Described as: “The fluid texture of Divinora Eye-Liner does not run, dries quickly, and offers impeccable hold. The ultra fine, supple brush guarantees a high precision line.”
First though, the bottle is very very very pretty and girls (and guys) like pretty things. However, at nearly $43.68 with tax, it should be superficially eye pleasing.
The brush is extremely thin and allows for a very thin and accurate line as well as a thicker line by pressing it down with more force. It’s also surprisingly easy to control due to the quality of the tip it does not seem to get splotchy.The liquid linear also dries quickly as promised and gives off a very nice rich black pigment that stays on until you’re done with it at the end of the day. Or you could try sleeping with it and still have perfectly lined eyes.
My Verdict: Unless you’re looking to invest in a good liquid linear and have some extra change in your pocket, the price is a bit of a stretch and I’m sure with practice you could find many other brands that could do the same thing.
Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Describes as: “This innovative eyeliner offers the precision of liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula.
• Color is long-wearing and water-resistant.
• Can be used to create subtle to dramatic looks.”
When I first purchased this item and saw the pot of black gel staring back at me, I wasn’t too impressed. I had never used gel and could barely hold a brush. I didn’t know hot dip my brush into it correctly never mind put it on my face.
However, this linear is a force to be reckon with after(stole that line from some cheesy comic book) after some practice. It glides on smoothly and is easy to control. Wipes away cleanly and lasts about a day with minimal smudging. Unlike liquid linear which can be too menacing and dark, it isn’t too dark and can be used quite naturally for an everyday look. I still haven’t mastered how to do a dramatic look with it because I don’t think it’s as richly pigmented as liquid linear but its fairly easy to control and dries quickly.
I’ve been using this for nearly 1.5 years now and the pot (even though it looks quite terrifying now) its still about 1/4 full!
My Verdict: Must buy or try gel! I like it a lot and haven’t even tried to find a replacement for it. Enough said.
L’Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip
Describes as: “The cleverly designed applicator of Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner allows you to create delicately thin or dramatically bold lines with precision. Fragrance-free formula lasts all day up to eight hours.
* All-day wear up to eight hours.
* Fragrance-free.”
I wanted a quick Liquid Linear and I had been using a really great Maybelline one (until was discontinued) so I purchased this one out of my whim.
At first application, I immediately found it harder to use than my previous Maybelline linear. The sponge tip applicator made each line really thick regardless how much you pressed on it and it was harder to control the amount. The linear itself though was richly pigmented and did a good job of lasting for a good 8 hours and more.
My Verdict: Skip unless you like thick lines on your lids. I found the sponge hard to use and easy to splotch given some time. It wasn’t one of my favourite lower end liners, but it did last for the entire day and smudge free.
Lastly, the applications:
What’s your favourite linear?
Enjoy! =)
As promised be Coquitlamgirl from her previous entry over here has sent us some great “SPY Pictures” she’s taken with her undercover Iphone of the Dior Boudoir Lace - Spring 2010 collection to further enhance her review!
I absolutely love the colors on the first palette!
Coquitlamgirl also informed me that Dior eyeshadow have a very silky and smooth finish that blends in effortlessly and blends nicely with rich pigmentation. In contrast to MAC (which I own and love dearly) I still find that some of (MAC) shadows has more of a chalky texture while Dior is said to be more like a buttery base.
Due to Coquitlamgirl’s generosity and vouch for Dior, she will be sending me … my very first shadow to review and ponder! Look forward in the review in future entries!
Enjoy!
I’ve heard about the Incoco Dry Nail Applique online, but never got a chance to try it out until I saw it at my local winners on sale for only $2.99! Decided to grab the most neutral color available and put up a review on it.
According to the package, the nail polish strips promises the following:
- No Bottle, No Brush, No Odour and No Mess
- 100% Nail Polish (strip contains base, polish and top coat)
- Goes on Dry
- Lasts up to 14 Days
- Professional Results
- Quick and Easy
Since I’ve run out of “OPI’s Quick Dry” which sets my nail polish almost instantly, I was really looking forward to having polish that doesn’t require me to wait around! I’ve been wanting to KONAD my nails as quickly as possible, but I’m tired of the waiting game because layering polishes can be tricky if you’re not patient due to smudging or imprinting.
However, I a bit skeptical at first if I could pull it off nail polish strips without it looking messy.
The package, surprisingly, include a lot of stuff!
- 20 Color Strips (2 Applications)
- Cuticle Strip
- Mini File (One end for buffing and the other for filing)
- and Polish Removal Cloth
(1) Following the instructions, I cleaned my nails with some acetone and file and smooth the nail with the lighter pink side of the mini file. Push back cuticles with the stick they provided.
After my nail was prep, I followed the recommendations of starting with the pinky and working towards the index finger. Applying the thumb last. I also made sure my hands were warm because the nail polish strips are temperature sensitive and stick better to warmer hands.
(2) Instructions: Remove the clear protective film and gently peel strips from backing paper holding onto the silver tab. And adjusted it to my pinky. Grasp the middle of the nail strip between thumb and inside finger and lay rounded edges closely against push back cuticles.
The beauty of the product is that you can realign it by simply peeling if off again and readjust! If you’re like me and can never get something to stick properly at the first try this is really handy!
(3) Once the nail strip is correctly positioned, gently stretch the nails strip towards the edges of the nail for a perfectly secure fit. Rub all areas with some pressure and firmly crease access around nail edge. File off excess in a gentle downward movement.
Presto Finito!
As you can see the middle finger has some of the strip peeking out on the side. All I needed to do was pressed it down and it sealed nicely.
Application was a little bit tricky for the first pink because it didn’t fit, but after my 3rd finger it was quite a breeze. I just had to make sure I pulled hard enough for it to be a smooth cover. It’s like wrapping cellophane over a bowl and it filed easily off.
Unfortunately, The color I chose is called, DIVA, and it’s way too sheer for my liking. I normally go for darker colors, but its a very pretty light pink with sparkles and it looks shinier in real life than in the picture. However, Incoco also makes French Nail strips (as well as many other colors) so imagine the ease of creating french nails without the WAITING time! I’m going to try and hunt them done.
Pros and Cons of the product:
Cons
- The one size fits all isn’t too perfect for everyone nails. I found my pinky too wide for the smallest strip and my index finger too narrow. However, I made it fit.
- The application does take a bit longer than painting your nails, however, this might be an invalid excuse because it was my first try! Maybe, it’s a breeze after the 2nd attempt!
- On application, the strips are slightly stinkier than normal nail polish if you smell it upclose. It’s sort of this plastic stink scent. … So there is an odour but it’s a lot more concentrated on your nails instead of around the room.
Pros
- Even a newbie like me was able to make a nice application so its easy and breezy
- Comes in a lot of colors including FRENCH NAILS!
- Includes all the tools you need
- Perfect for little girls and their first attempt at nail polish!
- Is AFFORDABLE, I think regular price is under $10
- EASY BREEZY for TRAVEL if you’re thinking of redoing your nails! You can do it in the car, train and even in the airplane!
- Doesn’t require drying time *Woot-Woot*
Last, but not least, I also KONAD it. Turned out just the way I liked it!
The technique also reminds me A LOT OF MINX. Which is this ultra trendy metallic polish, which every Hollywood celebrity loves for their night out on the red carpet.
Incoco if you’re listening and you can make a solid metallic version of your perfect strips, it would sell out!
Enjoy!
To all my readers, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVE!
Au Revoir to 2009!
For me personally, this year, has been one of the more neutral years since 2005! I haven’t done a whole lot, but I’m definitely not complaining! In fact, I’ve been very happy because compared some of the more turbulent of years, this year I’ve been just content with everything around me. Even though I haven’t done the things I want to do … like graduate (just yet), win an award for something (harhar), hitch hike through Europe (secretly afraid of getting lost), visiting SE Asia (on my own) find a permanent career (like a JOB!) …. I’m just strangely content.
It took me half a decade to realize that I’m just satisfied with what I have and no longer hard on myself to push and pull everything around me. I think in some point I had a lot of anxiety with mapping out exactly where I should be and doing, then feeling like a sore loser when nothing has happened. But this year …I’ve just learned to let everything go. I guess I realize that life is just life, right? How much is there to control?
Person asked: “Kailyn what do you want to do?”
My reply: “When I grow up?”
Person: “Ugh, how old are you?”
My Reply: “23”
Person: “So what are you going to do when you graduate?”
My Reply: “Well secretly, I hope that someone random will accidentally pass my blog and realize I’m the perfect candidate to blog about their 5 start luxury island resort. They will then whisk me away and I’ll get paid to blog about living on a luxury island filled with actives and amenities. And Oh, there will also be pool boys who are also part time models.”
Person: “You’re really awkward to talk too”
My Reply: “You asked the question. so I just reply with what I have.”
Person: “Fair enough.”
Anyways, enough of my random spill! I didn’t know what else to put here! =)
Going to take a nap before the countdown tonight with friends and family!
Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year and see you next year! =)
I was reading my University’s newspaper, The Peak, when I found their end of the semester School Bites special on a finale of chocolaty goodness.
Perfect for the Christmas dinner that was coming up, I decided to bake their featured cookie called Thomas Haas’s Chocolate Sparkle Cookies !
It’s a great recipe that I’m going to share, but be warned … it required a bit of work and I don’t think I’ll be making it again! However, it tasted delicious and surprisingly, not too sweet! It’s inbetween a cookie and a truffle!
For those, who don’t want to bother with all the mess, but want the cookie! I googled this recipe and it’s actually an award winning chocolate treat that YOU can buy online on Thomass Hass page and BAKE it in YOUR OVEN.
However, for those want to attempt it, here is the recipe!
(Picture is missing the Cocoa Powder.)
*Cookie must be prepared a day before being baked.
**Makes approximately 36 cookies.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 lb Bittersweet Chocolate (I used semi-sweet)
3 tbsp butter, room temperature
2 eggs
1 tbsp Honey
1/3 cup ground Almonds
2 tsp Cocoa Powder
pinch of Salt
powdered Icing Sugar, for garnish
Direction
1) Melt butter on top of a double boiler over (but not in contact) simmering water. Remove from heat. Cut butter into small pieces and mix into the heated chocolate until melted.
2) In a separate bowl, beat the egg (I used a mixer), gradually adding the sugar and honey until light and the mixture falls into thick, smooth ribbons (at least 10 minutes.)
(Adding Sugar and Honey)
(After 10 minutes of mixing…it should be the consistency of eggnog, but lighter)
3) Fold into chocolate mixture.
4) In another bowl, Add the cocoa powder and salt to the ground almonds and mix.
(Grounded the Almonds)
5) Gently add to the cover mixture.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
***
(The NEXT Day)
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to form the dough into one-inch balls. Working quickly, roll the balls into granulated sugar.
8. Place on the baking sheet two inches apart. Bake at 325 F for 12 minutes (rotate the sheet after six minutes while baking) until the centers are moist but not wet (test with a toothpick). Cool lightly. Dust lightly with powdered icing sugar.
(Apparently I do not know how to dust lightly! haha)
Ta-DAH!
Enjoy and let me know how they taste if you make them! =)
Happy Holidays!
