Trial: Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector

I've Tried Something New! I have been testing a new Clinique Product in one of their free trials

I signed up for a free skin consultation and trial of their new product. On the first skin consultation I was given a little bottle about 3 inches tall with a magical lotion inside.

I like the trial bottle, because it had small measurement marks on the back to show each day how much you should have used. So I would know if I was using too much or too little based on the marks over a few days.

Twice a Day, for 2 Weeks, I must put on this UV & Wrinkle Repair face lotion. After 2 weeks, I went back for a second Skin consultation and trade in my small sample bottle for a Free Second Bottle.

Retails for: $47.50 USD for a 30ml Bottle up to $132.00 USD per 100ml bottle

I LOVE Clinique and this is a pretty awesome score for me. (Some of you know how much I love to Tan, and this stuff is a great pre- and -post lotion for that)

I found I used a lot less lotion than what I would use in my normal cheap-brand face lotions.  It did go pretty far/lasted long with little used each time.
Felt smooth, went on easily and absorbed well.
Did not leave me feeling greasy.
I did not have any type of bad reaction to it.

Over all satisfaction with it:
I really liked it. 10 out of 10. My skin feels and looks great after 2 weeks of this stuff. I didnt need to use my other face lotions as I was using this twice a day and it was enough to keep me moisturized and feeling clean all day long.

Holiday Sanity

It's Christmas time, and we are full swing, with only 3 weeks until our Wedding Day. It's time for some Girlfriends Guide to surviving the holiday season.
We have SpitFire's bachelor party this weekend, Christmas with my family the next, our wedding the next weekend, and then Christmas with his family the following weekend.

We are officially booked solid until New Years with epic events. How will we survive?

Here is my latest Girlfriends Guide to surviving this crazy month:

Healthy Snacks.
We are so busy, we often do not eat at proper times of day. by 10pm I'm starving.
Last night, I put a snack tray together of Healthy options: Carrots, Hummus, mini sausages, and pickles.
Goal: make sure there are easy to grab and go options in the fridge and cupboard.

Some Ideas for healthy quick foods:
-Veggie and Fruit Trays from your local supermarket
- Jars of Pickles; Mini cocktail sized, and regular sized, in all flavors.
- 2 or more different kinds of Cheese.
- Pre-prepared meals like Costco's Pot Pie, Salad in a bag, frozen stir-fry's.
- Canned items like Tuna, beans, chick peas
- Canada's Food Guide can give you more great ideas

Relaxing Lotions and smells
Bath & Body Works Just opened in our city and we picked up this great set of Spearmint and Eucalyptus Stress Relief line: Hand soap, Body Lotion and Body Scrub.  (It was buy 2 get 1 free! and So affordable!!)
I juts love the hand soap, because its instant relief at any time of day, just by washing up.

 

 

Going to bed with a clear & positive mind.

SpitFire and I will sit up and talk out our worries before bed. and then do something fun, like Play a game or read a book. (I keep "The Book of Awesome" next to my bed, so that the last thing I read/think about before falling asleep is something positive.)

 

 

The key to this is - you need to get out the bad, talk it out, do not ignore it. Suppressing stress and anxiety only makes it grow worse. Share with a friend or someone you love and who is supportive. But then turn around and let it go. End with something positive. Dont end on a stressful note, because you will sleep horribly.

 

We have started doing this ourselves, because I've been having nightmares about the wedding and about life events and changes. You can't stop the stress. but you can change your final thoughts and relieve a bit of that anxiety with these tricks. 

 

 

Bring on the Christmas Madness!

 



To be a Winner, you have to act like one- with class.

My Roller Derby Team is off to the Atlantic Tournament this weekend in Saint John NB.

We have worked long and hard to get to this point. We are kicking butt on the track and fighting it out with everything we've got. We are dreaming big with hopes of gold.

We ended last years season with a nearly perfect record of every game loss. and were desirably named the underdogs of the year with lots of heart. This year we are hoping to change this title and actually take home a few wins. I'm 100% positive we will.

In Prep for this weekend, we came up with some new entrance songs, and team cheers. This sparked a new blog for me, as I do not currently support some of my teams views on sportsmanship and winning. Here's my take:

The key to winning, not according to Mr. C Sheen; but rather, according to a very Diva Derby Doll.

#1 most important rule : Live your dream and Visualize it.

-Wear the color Gold on your uniform.

Gold DerbySkinz

 

- Practice positive thinking - We are going to do great! We are going to Win!

- Verbalize Strong Team Formation with a fitting cheer

What we want - "Go For Gold!"
Motivation - "What are we? Thaaaaaa BOMB!"  or "Daisy Cutters, Cut Her Down!"
Proud Team Name shout out - "CCR"
 

And my favorite chants of all are those lead by Captains and answered by teammates:
"Captain: "Who Are we?"
Team : "The Daisy Cutters!"
Captain: "What We gonna do?"
Team: "Cut Them Down!"
Captain : "Why are We Here?"
Team: "To Win!"
 Captain: "3..2..1.."
Team: "BANG"

When you build a winning team, it needs to be a flow of continues power leading to the same end goal. Winning.

Our Team captains stack our line ups with our best players. Our Coaches push us with death enticing drills, and kill us with endless strategy training. Our talk is always of becoming the best.

We want to win, and we want to stay classy doing it.
No drama, no negativity, no poor sportsmanship.

Leading to my next point: How Not to Focus, and How not to inspire Gold Medal games:

- Eat Poorly
- stress your body with lack of sleep.
- don't prepare mentally.

and the big kicker for me this week on negative prep for winning Gold...
We went to pick our game team cheer, and someone suggested "dont fall on the sausage" or "Sausage Party" or something to that effect  . . . and the rest of the team voted in agreement... and somehow this passed.

 . . .

How the *Beep* is this classy, or positive or inspiring? How does this meet the rest of our goals, how we train, and what we work for?
Frankly it's nothing more than a stupid inside joke known by a few teammates. and when public audience hears this cheer they are going to think - what the *Beep* is wrong with those girls?

Some people argue that it is "fun" or "funny".
That's fine. have your fun. But there is a time for fun. and right now we should be focused on winning and being the best, not mediocre clowns.

If our goals and mottos have been to work hard, play hard, and rock it with class; then this cheer does not fit the mold we have created.
And if we lose, we will be known as the girls who love sausage...

Go Team Go . . .

Aversion and Survival Tactics

I have many Strategic Aversion and Survival Tactics which I use on my coworkers and at home.
My Psychology degree has done me well. Just call me Master Manipulator.

I thought it was time to share a few of them with the world:

1. The Raise
 Scenario: Boss stops by your desk to ask you to take on another task/job.
 Aversion Tactic: Ask for a raise, but be sure to add a reason why you deserve it.
Like, in these terms, "Can I have a raise? I really need botox!"
Boss' reaction: *Face-to-palm* "What-the-why-now?" Laughs nervously and walks away baffled by raise request. No new work added to my plate.

2.The Slacker Coworker
Scenario: Coworker asks for help on their project
Aversion Tactic: Throw another co-worker under the bus - point out another slacker, and say "They have tons of time to sleep at their desk and take extra coffee breaks. How's that fair to us!? You should get them to do it for you"
They agree - who wouldn't - and go after slacker coworker.

2.2 The Slacker Coworker
Scenario: Boss walks by looks at your computer open to facebook....
Survival Tactic: You have a few options here:
-Research and development - Throw sleeping coworker under the buss. "Look across the hall! He's sleeping! At least I'm researching our target market while further investigating social media, both of which this company could benefit from immensely. So I'm actually going above and beyond my duties."
- or you can just Out the hung over coworker

3. Sabotage
Scenario: Coworkers can't function without morning coffee. It's morning meeting day. Your numbers are down and need to save face.
Tactic: arrive before everyone else.Throw out all cream (or just hide it). Watch them start to frenzy and cave over lack of caffeine. Pass a fresh take out cup to your boss when he walks in. and chat while the rest run around to get coffee and papers together for meeting.
Result: You're now the Instant organized superstar.

4. Delegate
Scenario: You are asked to help on a project.
Tactic: Delegate your share of the work to the over-eager beaver in the next cubical, the newbie, the summer student, or the Secretary.

5. The Fail
Scenario: You are asked to do work you know will become a norm once you complete it well.
Tactic: Fail on propose. Act completely stressed out. Complain; and be a complete pain in everyones ass the whole time you are doing the job. They will pass it on to someone else next time or at least make sure you only get half the work at most.

St. Patty's Day Style

St Patrick's Day is on Saturday, and green has always been one of my best colors! Here are some green things I'm in love with right now:

Sparkling green nail polish

Grab a Green Tea Frappacchino

This beautiful Clutch

a Green precious stone ring

These Shoes!

Bandage Style Skirt

Green Accessories like a Blazer & Heels

This sexy dress

This Cute Dress

This Graphic Tee Cactus Print <3

This Precious Bike

Eye shadows

This Dior Ad

 

Pictures Via Pinterest

 What will you be rocking this St.Patty's Day?

Girlfriends Guide: Wicked Idea: Moss Graffiti

Found while stumbling 

Girlfriends Guide: The importance of a name

A friend of mine made a funny remark pertaining to my new beau the other night, "good luck tonight Mrs. SpitFire ;)"
And it dawned on me. The names I have given the men I have dated could have been fatal social decisions if I had actually stayed with some of them. Because lets face it, all of my best girl friend are reading this right now, and I know you all would have kept calling them these names after the fact. And myself in turn would have become Mrs... so-and-so
Some Examples: Mrs. BridgeBoy, Mrs.Veiny, Mrs.MargaritaMondays, Mrs.Masturbater. *bahahaha, oh my*

If you are going to nickname your dates, be careful. or at least be prepared to live with what you create.

How I picked names for my boys:
1. It has to be memorable. If it's not, you will get the boyz mixed up when making plans or texting them.  and it makes for  quick backup/cover-ups when your friends need to cover for you.

Example: I spent the night with guy #1, and he stayed the night. The next morning I had a Breakfast date planned with guy #2. I had to scramble to get guy #1 out of my house, and in passing of the roommates, instead of using their real names, we use the nicknames,
Roomie:"did the postman come by yet?"
Me: "I have a meeting with the Carpenter at 10"
And then the roomies dont drop the ball on the plan either! It also makes it easy for them to cover for me. I ended up eating 2 breakfasts that day. but I still pulled it off!

2. I always enjoyed picking out their most awkward attribute, and going with something along those lines. Those always made for the best names. Ex: Mr. Veiny - from his workout pics, Mr. England - from his british accent, ProLifeGeek - from his strong beliefs.

3. I'd take their profession or a place we met and use that for a name. Ex: the Postman, The Carpenter, BridgeBoy, NightLife.

Ultimately, it's supposed to be fun. If you are dating or single, chances are you meet lots of different people regularly, and there's just too many people to track and too many names to remember. Why bother learning 5 new names every day when you will only stop talking to 4 of them next week? and with the nick names, your friends are more inclined to want to hear your stories, because it's much more fun hearing about a date with "SpitFire" than just another John or Tom or Dan.
Life is a story, why not indulge a little?

 That being said, I don't think it's necessarily right to give people nasty names, but if they have done things to earn such names, *CoughMasturbaterCough* then it's fair game. Just keep in mind, they probably have nick names for you too.

and right now, for myself, I'm glad its Mrs. SpitFire, and not one of the others.

Favorite Of The Day: Sentsy Candles

My Friend gave me one of these warmers as a gift for house sitting her place. I absolutely love it! and they are not overwhelming with fragrance either. 

I have another friend, who is allergic to every scent made by man. Literally, this chick is crazy allergic to everything! and these candles and burners don't set her off. 

So check them out! https://lumini.scentsy.ca/Home

I absolutely LOVE the cupcake one!! And the little cow! These are just too cute!

Girlfriends Guide to: Awkward dates

Situation: Youtube Guy and I went out for coffee. He drove. He gets nervous easily, and cant parallel park downtown, so He parked at a funeral home. from there we walked to the coffee shop. He was so embarrassed by this that he didnt call me for 2 months.

~

~
Situation: Anything to do with food. for me, this is an instant awkward date.
I hate eating in front of people I dont know. I feel like I might choke on my food, cuz I'm nervous around this new person. OR what if I get food stuck in my teeth, or goo smudged across my face. How unglamorous. and I especially dislike when people eat messy things in front of me on a first date, like chicken wings, or ribs. It's just gross. Especially when they start licking and sucking their fingers.... sick.

~

Helpful Solutions:
I suggest having a pocket full of random "fun facts" as I call them. and weird fun questions. *google "table topics" for some good ideas*

5 Awkward Date Situations – Solved

a helpful link from cosmo :)

Example:
  ~When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Is it close to what they do now?
~What sound, other than ringing, would you want your telephone to make?
~Are there UFO/aliens visiting earth?
~who's your favorite Super Hero

Share with them:
Unknown facts about the city/town you live in. There's always a hidden waterfall down a dirt road outside the city, or a little pub hidden in an ally that has the best home brew. or a coffee shop that sells choc. chip cookies the size of your face!

Get creative, and live actively. Eventually, you will just be a super awesome interesting person and conversation will flow naturally. and make the most of those awkward situations. Laughing at yourself can be a cure for the awkward as well.

Today I recommend everyone read this blog:

25 Powerful Women Reveal the One Success Secret They Wish They Hadn’t Missed

 

it's inspirational and insightful. I really enjoyed reading the many personal life tips from so many wonderful women.

Girlfriends Guide: Advice from Mom

My mother once shared with me something very true and real about relationships. She told me, when she met my father, she didnt like him at all. (He was a high school jock, and a preppy jerk) They had mutual friends, and just hung around the same area. But over time, they grew to love each other, and then they got married. They are still together today, 30 years later. So you dont know who you will end up with, and everyone deserves a chance; sometimes it just takes a little extra time.

I started thinking about it - my relationship with Bridge Boy. and maybe I'm being difficult. I did say I wanted a relationship. When I was ready to give up on running wild & single, he fell into my life perfectly, wanting and giving me everything I said I wanted from a relationship. I do like the kid. In time he could be the right one...

(Image Via Google)

Girlfriends Guide: Holiday Recipe Fun

Picture from http://www.spillsonsricepudding.com/Recipes.html

A friend asked me to join a holiday fun recipe exchange. Here's what I contributed:

Recipe : Angel Pudding
Type: Desert

take 1 angel food cake
cut into small bite size pieces
separate into 2 or 3 bowls (2 or 3 layers as per your preference)

take 1 box of your favorite fruit jell-o and mix it up as per box directions.
you do not need to let this set. it will soak into the angel food cake in step 2.
2 cans mixed fruit
1 container of cool whip

1. layer 1 bowl of angel cake on bottom of serving bowl (clear or crystal bowls show a nice effect at the end)
2. pour jello over the food cake
3. layer fruit on top of food cake and jello
4. layer cool-whip on top of fruit

Repeat layering steps until you have your 2 or 3 layers.

*I like to sprinkle coconut on top for extra dazzle. or add rainbow marshmallows inside the layers.

*I also like to turn this into "Devils Pudding" and make it with chocolate pudding, and chocolate and toffee chips instead of fruit. :)

GirlfriendsGuide: Lipstick and Skin Tone

I'm on the hunt for a new lipstick today. 
I've done some google-ing on what lip shades go with what skin tones.

Here is what I've found: something for everyone:


From "Easy Makup Guide"
For dark beige and bronze skin:

- a deep cool red lipstick with a burgundy tone is perfect for you. See color

For ivory and light beige:

- I recommend a cool true red. However, if you have a very fair complexion, look for a red with a pink tint to it. See color

For pale skin & red hair:

Avoid: blue reds.

- Very pale with freckles, and burns easily you have pink (WARM)undertones.
- choose terracotta reds or deep brick reds which complement skin and hair. See color

Medium skin, mid-brown hair:

Avoid: tomato reds.

- choose COOL reds such as berry reds or deep raspberry. See color

Fair skin, blonde to brown hair:
Avoid: terracotta reds.

- you have mostly pink undertones. - try blue-red lipsticks as these make skin appear creamier. See color

Olive skin, brown hair:

Avoid: blue-reds.
- Go for tomato reds or deep burgundies to make skin look brighter. See color

And then I shuffled threw some YahooAnswers.com and found many people promoting Pink and Pale Pinks to go with my tanned skin tone.


I'm still a big fan of the red. So I may buy a red and a pink, but definitely going to try a pink today. Thank you beauty queens for sharing your tips and  tricks with my blog world.

Life Update Septempber Issue

My new Beau has asked me to attend a play with him.
A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

My new Beau is a very smart individual. He has years of high class education and prefers classic music to modern day top 40's. In each conversation we have, there is always an analysis of the subject matter and a debate will  follow.

....and so, I was asked to see this play with him. He then told me to read it online before the date, so that I would better understand the medium and language being used; and I know he will be quizzing me on it after the play. In short - he gave me homework.


so what did i do? as per the Girlfriends Guide, I looked it up on Spark Notes:A Doll's House  :D (Shhhhhh. dont tell him my secret!)


It's actually a good read if you haven't read it before. I am looking forward to the play this Friday :) and more excited to see the costumes!

So This is my life update.
My roomies are awesome and my Boyfriend gives me homework :P
and Life carries on...

Girlfriends Guide to Fit and Fabulous

Here is my secret to buns of steel, and how I stay fabulous.


I'm a girl who does not love to sweat. The only work out I do without cringing is Roller Derby Practice. It's fast paced, high intensity, and you learn a new trick at almost every practice. And the outfits are way more exciting. I don't do sweat pants well, so this gives me the perfect opportunity to get a workout while wearing fish nets, tutus and skimpy booty shorts. The big key to roller skating is the position in which you skate - the squat position. This works out your thighs and legs muscles like crazy, as you hold that position for close to an hour each practice.

And when I'm not on skates, I'm in heels. Heels instantly make your leg muscles pop. They make you look and feel sexier. I've been known for walking my dog up hill in heels. I love the burn it gives; it's like a constant stair master.
And Dancing with the girls is always a must in heels. after a night at the bar, I can feel my legs ready to give out on me as I hoof it up the last mile of hill back to my house.

Roller Skates and High Heels. These two things are how I keep myself trim and toned. it's simple and it works. No grungy gym with juice monkey men staring at me. No long sweaty hours on a treadmill. Just simple fun.

Girlfriends Guide: Lipstick Lovers

I found a new and Fabulous lipstick by Maybelline -

24 Hour super stay

And I LOVE It!

I'm a Big fan of long lasting lip colors.

I bought 2 colors. "All DAY CHERRY" and a Pale Pink color,
Definitely a must try for everyone. The color lasts pretty long. I always run out of the gloss stick way before the color runs out. But you can get the gloss stick in a separate extra case.

MakeupAlley has a great review of the product for your reading pleasure :

Lipstick - Maybelline - 24 Hour super stay

(pictures Via Web Search)

More Online Dating tips

A blog I follow mentioned his previous post today on Twitter; and it fits perfectly with yesterdays topic.


So I had to share.


Check out mooooooog35 from "Mental Poo"

The Do's and Don'ts of Match.com

GG: Dating. Or Something like it

Online dating is a funny thing.
You have to be adventurous, trusting, carefree. if you are not these things, then it probly wont work for you.

Curious? Check these online dating tips out: marvelous-girl.com

I created an online account on a local website, and have had many men oogle over my personal pictures.

Firstly, this is flattering, and gave me a boost of confidence I was lacking . Secondly, it can be overwhelming and scary. people creeping your profile, and judging your pictures can be very unnerving.

Then, I met a man who was nothing like his profile. He showed up in a jeans jacket and work boots. ick. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. and on my profile I am very explicit in saying "You need to be outgoing". This guy was BORING! and didn't like anything I liked.

The positive story is this:
I went on a second date with a different guy.
Yes. After the first horrible experience. I got back on my horse, and tried again.
And He was funny! and outgoing! and made me laugh all night long! I never looked at the clock or noticed the time, until it was very late into the night. He may not be Mr. Right, but whats wrong with Mr Right Now?

"I Still Believe in Love. Just not with you"


And Life Goes On...

Girlfriends Guide: The Royal Wedding Live Stream

If your like me, you don't have cable, because you prefer to spend your money on shoes and purses.

So whats a girl to do with the epic coverage of the Royal Wedding all over T.V. and no link?

HERE YOU GO!
http://shows.ctv.ca/RoyalWedding.aspx

A Live Streaming Feed of all the event as they happen. ***Thanks To My Lovely Lady Friend Chels for sharing this little diamond with me :)

What Will Kate Wear!?!
Who Will Be There!?!
The Food, The Bling, The Perfect Couple!

CANT WAIT!

Girlfriends Guide: Home Edition

Since my life has taken a dive, I feel lonely and incomplete most days.

I've revamped my home to help me move forward in a new a better direction.

right now; I'd like to present the new and improved Single Ladies Fabulous Leapord Print Bath and Accessories!

Now, maybe I can turn my bedroom into pink and Zebra print.

I've been coveting This room which belongs to a facebook friend of mine :)

Much Love! and life goes on :)