Messy Bun tutorial using the Goody Hair Bun Maker

Raise your hand if you're lazy as me when it comes to styling your hair? Thankfully the bun trend is an easy style to wear and a look that suits everyone. As I wear my hair up 90% of the time, mainly for work but also for lack of effort. Seriously, when it comes to my hair I just can't bother to style it with heat tools. The messy bun look is my effort-less everyday look which my husband refers to as the "librarian" look. Although the messy bun works well for everyday it's also a look that can be transformed for a night out by just tidying up a bit.
My sister-in-law was kind enough to model my take on the effort-less messy bun. Using Goody hair accessories, which tend to be the easiest to find, here is what you'll need.

Spring Cleaning: facial scrubs

Spring time is here and time to get rid of those Winter skin flakes! Exfoliate away, for me scrubs are a huge staple in my skincare regime. They're the best method of getting rid of clogged pores and keeping those pesky blackheads away. I'm constantly rotating and trying new scrubs, a few old favourites but always on the look out. Time to let your skin breathe and enjoy the warmer months.

LUSH Herbalism Facial Cleanser
Labelled as a cleanser I love the grains in this Incredible Hulk green. Targeted for those with oily and blemished skin works well for combination skin type in the t-zone area. Use this in the morning as not the best at removing makeup, why I prefer to use it as just a scrub.
from $13.95-$29.95 depending on size

Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Scrub
Back by popular demand! Originally discontinued was brought back after customers complained to Neutrogena. Gentle enough to use daily, no harsh grains and skin feels smooth afterwards.
$12.99

New Skin Radiance Facial Glo Papaya Cleansing Scrub
Is a gentle facial scrub that contains natural papaya extract and salicylic acid, perfect for those stubborn blackheads. Leaves skin soft and hydrated.
$26.00

Caryl Baker Visage Papaya Enzyme Scrub
Another papaya scrub favourite! Smells like a tropical vacation! A gentle paraben-free scrub that can be used daily. Skin feels amazing afterwards and hydrated.
$38.50

Éminence Organic Skincare Rosehip Exfoliating Masque
OMG this smells like a spa! Gentle and great for oilier and problem skin. Love this as a treatment on my t-zone area. I like to apply this on dry skin and let it sit for a few minutes and wash off. Great natural product!
$42.00

What facial scrubs are your current favourites?

for more scrub posts! 

visit exFALLiate

or search scrubs on the right--->

all prices in Canadian dollars

Live Clean {Baby}: a green giveaway

Happy Earth Day!! If you haven't started to contribute to a Green Earth it's never to late to start. Start by using eco-friendly beauty and body care products. Old products laying around? Find alternative ways to use them, here's a past post to help you get started.
One brand that I love and use continuously is Live Clean; from their haircare to their baby line. The latter not even having a baby in the household (not yet atleast).

Live Clean uses only plant sourced or non-petrochemical based ingredients which are renewable and sustainable so they don't deplete our natural resources. Live Clean respects the earth and does everything it can to make the lightest possible footprint. (live-clean.com)

In honour of Earth Day, here's a Green treat for my readers. Win a prize pack valued at over $50 courtesy of Live Clean Baby. The collection is obviously targeted for babies but I've used a few of the products because (1) love the scent (2) gentle enough for baby, gentle enough for me!

Details
Must be resident of Canada
One prize pack consists of:

Live Clean (baby) Collection:

• Live Clean (baby) Baby Powder (can also be used prior to waxing)
• Live Clean (baby) Creamy Head to Toe Wash (awesome for adults too)
• Live Clean (baby) Baby Wipes (as makeup remover)
• Live Clean (baby) Foaming Wash (hand wash)
• Live Clean (baby) & mommy Bath & Massage Oil (moisturize dry areas, not just for baby)

Live Clean (baby) Soothing Relief Collection:

• Live Clean (baby) Soothing Relief Foaming Wash
• Live Clean (baby) Soothing Relief Baby Wipes

deadline to enter:
April 29, 2013
enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!

more info live clean

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stylish Maternity Wear: shopping

maternity fashion by beautyparler featuring gap maternity

These last few weeks I've been on the hunt to find stylish affordable maternity clothing. Yes, on the hunt because who knew that maternity clothing can be pricey and ugly. Well, I wasn't aware of the dowdy and dated maternity clothing in the market.

A few retailers that have impressed me are:

• H&M
• Zara (very limited selection online and not available in-stores in Canada)
• Old Navy (for basics)
• GAP (online only, as not available in Canada)
• Target (I own the above pair on far right & they are the most comfortable mat jeans)

In reality I'm quite fortunate that at my biggest it will be in the Summer which means maxi dresses!
How cute are the floral jeans? So cute.
This week I've reached 17 weeks and really started to show. My regular clothing no longer fits and I've tried the Belly Bands but find them uncomfortable with my regular pants.
Let the shopping begin!

Spa Week by WaySpa: Toronto April 15-21

With Toronto's unpredictable weather lately a spa day sounds heavenly! It is also affordable this week thanks in part to SpaWeek® by WaySpa, which launched in Toronto. This popular event launched nine years ago in North America but only now can Canadians enjoy affordable spa packages at local participating fine spas in the Toronto and surrounding area which reduce their prices during the event. The event takes place April 15-21, 2013 thus well underway and only a few days left!
How it works:
Easy! Book spa treatments at participating spas which offer exclusive rates during SpaWeek
Look! for affordable treatments online at WaySpa
Call! Deal directly with participating spas & book today

info: WaySpa

Radiant Flawless foundation routine

Flawless foundation routine by beautyparler featuring a foundation

Those French are on to something....oui! They have invaded my foundation collection and at the forefront of my latest favourites:

Yves Rocher Radiant Glow Fluid Foundation ($14) a gorgeous pearlized pink liquid, although labelled a foundation I would classify it as a highlighter. Very similar to Benefit's High Beam highlighter, just that the YR product is slightly thicker. Also, it was limited edition so I hope that Yves Rocher will introduce this product to their permanent collection. Truly amazing if used as a highlighter or mixed in with your foundation which is what I've been doing.

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation ($25) unless you've been living under a rock (or perhaps not as addicted to makeup) Vichy Dermablend has been making the youtube and beauty blogging circuit as a must-have product. In all honesty I couldn't get this product to sit right on my skin until I changed my application technique. A little goes a long way; a medium to full foundation that conceals imperfections beautifully. However, if you're like me and prefer a lighter coverage the key is to apply with a damp Beauty Blender sponge. Makes a world of difference! For dull skin days mix with the Yves Rocher Radiant Glow or any other highlighter, your skin will look radiant and flawless. My shade= Nude #25

Beauty Blender ($26) this cute hot pink egg shaped latex-free sponge should be in every makeup kit. Keep it clean though!! I wash mine before every application and the key is to use it damp for that perfect foundation finish.

What is your radiant flawless foundation routine? Spill your secrets...

Mama-to-be-approved: Body & Beauty

prenatal approved products by beautyparler on Polyvore

Pregnancy is different for every woman; from nausea to hormonal tantrums. It's a truly amazing experience but we can also not seem like our usual selves. Although, I have always tried to be somewhat conscious of food, products, and lifestyle choices. The fact is pregnancy changes what you put on the inside and outside. Lately, I have tried to change my beauty habits. Products such as; retinoids and glycolic acids are no longer part of my skincare regime. I've tried to take out as much chemicals as I can.
On a later date I will be posting my new skincare regime which I am still tweaking! Thankfully, no pregnancy breakouts.
As for other health products:
Main concern are stretch marks, so I've been applying baby oil all over my body concentrating on the stomach and boobies! Over top I apply Love My...Body Butter created by my hairdresser Eva Therese. Love this stuff! A raw organic thick balm that emulsifies between your fingers and spreads like butter.

Body Shop DeoDry Deodorant (which I believe recently discontinued), no harsh chemicals but the biggie for me is no aluminum.
 PrenatalVitamins and Omega 3's: so far liking the Quest prenatal vitamins and the Nordic Naturally prenatal omega 3's.

Any major product or lifestyle changes for my mama readers?

Home away from Home {Travel tuesday}

Aveiro, Portugal

The most asked travel question I get asked is, "Can you recommend a place to stay?". Very reasonable question considering the amount of travel I do as a flight attendant. Problem is, flight attendants while working stay where their company places them. So, we always stay at the same crew hotels (with changes occasionally) and on occasion I have actually stayed for leisure at the same hotels as we tend to get great crew rates.

B is for....

For the last six years, when I first started this blog, B always stood for Blogging however that is going to change! B in my world now stands for BABY! Yes, the Mr and I are proud to announce we are expecting....crazy right?

Although, don't expect a full-on baby blog I will be posting on the progress and all beauty related pregnancy products I'm testing out. Would also love to hear what skincare products worked for you when you were pregnant. If there are any particular posts you'll love me to write about let me know in the comments section.

a little more info....
how many weeks: 16 weeks
sex of baby: not sure yet but I would love to find out. I think it's a boy...
belly: yes, starting to show
stretch marks: not yet, but I've been lathering myself in unscented baby oil with Vit E and Love my...Body Butter by Eva Therese
maternity clothes: haven't purchased many items yet, been using maternity pants from Target and H&M, a little frustrating trying to find stylish clothes as Zara no longer carries maternity clothes and GAP no longer carries in Canada. However, can't wait for Summer as I can just wear maxi dresses!
facial skincare: trying out a few more natural-based products such as Éminence Organic Skincare and Neutrogena's Natural line
morning sickness: thankfully I've been very lucky, nauseous a few times but nothing major
work-related: still working as a flight attendant, as I have been feeling great thus far hoping to work as far as I can (or depending how large my belly gets)

Also, follow my B is for Baby pinterest board for all my baby inspiration!