Author Archives: jenderbs

Top Ten Vacation Beauty Products

Posted in Beauty, Currently Coveting by

With non-stop rain hitting Vancouver and no end in sight, my mind has been regularly drifting towards a sunny Winter vacation.  Luckily I have one scheduled!  We have a week of golf and pool time to look forward to in February in the Desert.

Packing has never been my strong suit.  Having been regularly mocked about how much I bring with me on vacation, whether it be shoes, clothes or make-up, I have endeavored to cut what I bring on the road with me.  One area where I have really trimmed down is the beauty products I take when traveling.  That said there are certain things I would never give up.

Here are my Top Ten Vacation Beauty Products.  These will all be coming away with me this year.  How about you?  Any beauty must haves for your vacations?  Fill me in!

 

Heading to to the pool for the day, but don’t want to go eye make-up free. You will love having this bad boy on hand. Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten acts like a eye primer, eye shadow, is super neutral so you look great without looking over done and, bonus, is waterproof! http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/smudge-pot.do
Why deviate when I just keep coming back to Great Lash. Available in Waterproof and mixed with your Stila Smudge Pot you have a pool look that won’t run and turn you into Rocky Racoon. http://www.maybelline.ca/Products/eye-makeup/mascara/great-lash-waterproof-mascara.aspx
Don’t have a great sunscreen for your face yet? Why not?! 30 SPF, oil free, zinc that leaves no white residue, and packed with Vitamins A & E. It layers great with moisturizer and foundation which makes it a must for a sun vacation. http://www.nucelle.com/AAC/nucelle_companion1a.htm
So, I love sunscreen. Being fair and pale, it is an important part of my regime. What I don’t like is being a sticky mess all day. This spray goes on easily and drys almost instantly. You can barely tell it is on and has kept me burn free on many a vacation. http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ultra+sheer-+body+mist+sunscreen+broad+spectrum+spf+100-.do
So you ignore my advice on sun screen? Then you are definitely going to want to have this on hand. 99.99% natural with Aloe Vera and Linden Flower, this product is highly effective at soothing skin that has seen too much sun. http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/body-moisturizers/aloe-linden-flower-after-sun-soother.html
Sitting on the sun drinking all day is fun for the mind, but killer for your skin and health. Tervis Tumblers are double insulated and keep cold drinks cold in the heat. Fill them up with water and keep sipping all day long. They some in so many fun colours, team logos with endless personalization options. http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/body-moisturizers/aloe-linden-flower-after-sun-soother.html
This colour correcting and treatment hybrid does the job of a foundation without the weight plus it is moisturizing. Add a SPF and you have a vacation must have. http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2336/29515/Makeup/Face/Foundation/CC-Cream-SPF-35/SS14/index.tmpl#i.10f2kau4qgdbyu
This teeny tiny palette can do it all. Day time looks, night time looks, signature Urban Decay neutrals and the black Crave works great as an eye liner. http://www.urbandecay.com/naked-basics-eyeshadow-by-urban-decay/355.html
While I’m a big fan of Baby Lips if you want to treat yourself with some lip vacation indulgence Sugar Lip Balms come in an array of colours that will mean you can leave your lipstick at home. Being paraban free is a bonus if you lean towards natural products. http://www.sephora.com/sugar-lip-treatment-spf-15-P57002
What is more annoying that chipping your vacation pedicure but having nothing with you to fix it. In come these wipes. They easily take off nail polish to allow for a quick fix without having to bring the entire bottle of nail polish remover with you. http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Acetone-Free-Lacquer-WIPE-OFF-Lavender/dp/B00L1KJXOW
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Skinny Taste Suits My Taste

Posted in Dine by

I will be the first person to admit that while I can cook, I don’t always love it.  So much effort for one little meal.  My single girl years of eating Lean Cuisine with a glass of wine appear to be coming to an end thanks to a blog my friend Laura referred to me.

Skinny Taste is a food blog by Gina Homolka which features delicious, healthy, low fat recipes.  Her food philosophy is practical and common sense based with a focus on seasonal, clean, whole foods while maintaining portion control.  I also love how many of her recipes are Weight Watchers friendly and provide the points value for a serving.  For those of us that like the follow the Weight Watchers ‘moderation’ approach it is easy to put Skinny Taste recipes right into the app on your phone.

Three Cheese Zucchini Stuffed Roll UpsSo far I have tried around a dozen of her recipes with my favourites being Three Cheese Zucchini Stuffed Lasagna Rolls, Embarrassingly Easy Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Thighs and her Low Fat Banana Nut Bread – it was outstanding (ok, fine I added chocolate chips to it too).

Don’t get me wrong, I will still be having that glass of wine with dinner just the meal I’m having with it with be a lot more tasty and good for my body.

Check Out Skinny Taste Here.  Your body will Thank You.

This Shirt Is Forever Mine….Faithfully.

Posted in Currently Coveting, Fashion by

I am not ashamed to admit that I have been searching for the perfect Journey t-shirt for a while.  Listen, Arnel Pineda sings like an angel and Neal Schon’s version of O’Canada on the electric guitar is truly epic.

So, imagine my delight when I came across this bad boy on Mod Cloth this week.

Mod Cloth Journey Tee

The Look Who’s Rocking Tee is everything I wanted in a Journey t-shirt.  It’s so much more detailed than a standard concert tee, stretch knit for comfort and a great price point too!  This is going to look great with skinny jeans, big chunky sweater and motorcycle boots this Fall.  I’m going to be welcoming this shirt with Open Arms to my wardrobe.  Sorry, I couldn’t resist…

If you haven’t spent any time on Mod Cloth I highly recommend it.  They are one of the top e-retailers of indie clothing featuring unique clothing and decor.  Plus they follow that up with great service, helpful on-line customers reviews and fast shipping.  I especially like that they have clothing for all shapes and sizes.

Now, get over there and get yourself this shirt!  Last I checked there was only six left in stock.

Ironman World Championships

Posted in Fitness by

This is a big weekend in the triathlon world.  The Ironman World Championships are happening in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.  Watching this legendary race on TV was the very reason that I got into triathlon in the first place. While the odds of me ever being fast enough to make it to this qualifiers only race are extremely slim, there is nothing more motivating than watching coverage of this race – especially how NBC dramatizes every story.  You really feel like you are part of the experience.

Jen Ironman Finish

When you say it out loud – 3.8km swim, 180 km bike ride, 42.2km run – really sounds insane and basically impossible.  However, it is amazing what the human body can do when you put your mind to it.  Crossing the Ironman Canada finish line was one of the best moments of my life.  If you have ever considered doing an Ironman, trust me when I say it is so worth it.  Every last early morning swim, crazy hill repeat bike ride, long rainy run all lead up to one truly epic day.  The friendships you make during the journey, the things you learn about yourself and you will never look better in spandex.  There are many sacrifices you make during your Ironman journey, but that race gives you back so much more than it takes that it is all worth while.  It is truly life altering.

So if you are around on Saturday take in some if the Ironman coverage live on-line.  Beautiful Hawaiian scenery and some of the best athletes in the world taking on a legendary course.  There is nothing more motivating.

Baby Your Lips

Posted in Beauty, Currently Coveting by

A while ago I had to ban myself from buying Lip Balm and Lip Gloss.  My lip product purchase habit was getting so ridiculous friends were recommending a 12 step program to overcome it.   So, it is killing to to write this post and not be able to take advantage of this myself.

Maybelline Baby Lips are a staple in my purse.  While, I can’t say they do everything they claim to do e.g. visibly reborn lips in 4 weeks.  I can say that my lips are softer, more hydrated, it lasts a long time and the SPF 20 in the formula is a major bonus.  There is a serious plethora of colours too including six shades of the original blend, with Crystal  & Dr Rescue, the medicated options, now available.

Baby Lips Maybelline

BONUS – Rexall has these on sale this week for $2.99.  So get on down there before the weather changes and get ready for winter.  No one wants chapped lips.  Seriously, no one.  While you are there get a few for me.  My self imposed ban goes till the New Year.

Nordstrom’s Instagram Is Hard On My Visa

Posted in Marketing by

There is many, many reason why I love Nordstrom. Their in-store shopping experience, their on-line shopping experience, their customer focused return policy, don’t even get me started on their sales…I could go on and on.

My new favourite thing about Nordstrom is their Instagram account. The account is regularly updated, features great photography of Nordstrom stock, includes product details including brand names and is monitored by a team of staff who reply in a very timely fashion. Now, as marketer, I appreciate it even more. They have found a way to link Instagram with the on-line purchase decisions of their followers.

Nordstrom recently announced that it would be the first retailer to launch the Like2Buy platform.

http://www.pymnts.com/news/2014/nordstrom-helps-bring-e-commerce-to-instagram/#.VDITcUu6pmg

Like2Buy let’s Nordstrom Instagram followers click on product image and then purchase it immediately from their corporate website. While, many of the visual social media platforms have been heading in this direction, it is no surprise that Nordstrom is ahead of the retailer pack in launching a program such as this.   Check out the like2buy link right on their Instagram profile page.

Nordstrom Instagram

With over 575,000 Instagram followers providing a more seamless shopping experience fits right in with Nordstrom’s brand positioning and customer centric culture.

There is nothing more annoying seeing something on Instagram that you need to have in your life, most recently for me a Bailey 44 jacket, and not being able to find a place to buy it. Nordstrom has solved that problem and now my Visa is paying for it.

Face Saver

Posted in Beauty, Currently Coveting by

Most of my friendpurity made simple gels know about my borderline obsession with skin care products.  Believe me, when you hit 30 one day you look in the mirror and realize you don’t recognize the person staring back at you.  How did those wrinkles appear overnight?  Who is this middle age person staring back at me?  I’m constantly on the look out for the next great product.  That said, the one thing that never changes in my routine is my face cleanser.  Purity Made Simple foaming 3-in-1 cleaning gel by Philosophy is everything I need in a cleanser. It cleans my face without drying it out, improves overall tone and literally melts the make-up off at the end of the day with no effort.  You combine with with the Clarisonic (aka the thing that saved my skin’s life) and you have an unbeatable one-two punch of facial cleansing.  As a bonus you only need a little bit of it each use so a bottle lasts a good, long time. Unsure if it is right for you?  Hit up your local Philosophy counter.  Their staff are super knowledgeable and can give you samples to take home before you make your decision.

Keeping Warm On Cool Fall Nights

Posted in Decorate by

Having just spent the greatest weekend in Kelowna with good friends, I realized some of the best memories of the weekend were spent around their outdoor fire.  I definitely needs one of these for my new yard, that is if we ever manage to find a new home in Metro Vancouver’s insane real estate market.

I’ve zeroed in on on the Restoration Hardware 19th Century Butter Churn Ventless Fire Table.

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Modelled after a butter churn, it’s planked sides and shape are stand outs in comparison to most patio furniture and outdoor fireplaces on the market.  Not to mention, it’s roomy top is the perfect place to put your wine down while out enjoying the cooler Fall nights that are coming our way.  You can also put the wood lid back over the fire area when not in use and double duty this as a table.  I’m hoping to see this fire place table on my new patio very soon.

Horsing Around

Posted in Currently Coveting, Fashion by

Vancouver based Shereen de Rousseau is one of my all time favourite jewellery designers.  While her work are definitely “investment” pieces for me I have found that I wear them over and over and they still look as great as the day I brought them home.  Not to mention how many comment I get about them when out and about.

The next piece on my hit list is Shereen’s Moonstone and labradorite bead necklace hand tied on silk with sterling charms featuring a horse shoe and horse head.  Those who know me know if you add an animal to anything I am sold.

SHEREEN_DE_ROUSSEAU19166_large

You can pick this exact piece up on the Shereen de Rousseau website or visit my style gurus at Twist Fashions on West 4th who introduced Sheeren to my Visa and myself in the first place.  They carry a wide array of Shereen’s line and will always have the perfect outfit to go with it as well.