September Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post which highlights some of my very favorites from the month past. 

Today I have my most favorite things from September. Check them out below.

Favorite Life Change - School! 
You may notice I mention a small amount about nutrition and healthier recipes in my monthly favorites, so this September I finally decided to go back to school for holistic nutrition. So far it has been very exciting and educational. It has definitely taken up more of my time since I am still working full-time, so I am still adjusting. This has contributed to less time spent on my nails, however I am still doing them at least once a week at the moment.

Favorite Polish - Sinful Colors Blue La La
With less free-time on my hands, the beginning of September was neglectful to my nails, and I must say that Blue La La really held up well with with at least two full weeks on my nails! This also included a trimming (while still wearing the polish) and a refresh with a new favorite glow-in-the-dark polish, Funky Fingers Dia De Muertos (shown together below).

Favorite Book - Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition, T. Colin Campbell
I'm sure you notice most of my favorite books listed here have a similar theme, whole, natural nutrition. I have done a lot of research and I love to lean more about nutrition. If you read the China Study (Which I highly recommend), you should read this! It gives you a better understanding of how to apply the research found in the China Study to your overall life. I would recommend it to those who have not read the China Study as well as a fist read, it is not as technical and a slightly easier read. I haven't finished it yes because of all the extra reading I have with school at the moment, but I don't have the heart to put it on hold, its that interesting!

Favorite Fashion -  Faux Leather Moto Jacket
I had a few semi-dressy events this September. Although the weather was great in, when I needed a little something to dress up an outfit this was my go to piece. I purchased this faux leather moto jacket from Dynamite and I am just in love with it! It fits me perfectly and adds a certain sophistication to the basic of outfits. (Let's pretend the jacket is an off white, soft grey colour... they are currently sold out of the one I have but this colour is new for fall)

Until next month...

June Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post which highlights some of my very favorites from the month past. 

Today I have my most favorite things from June. Check it out below.

Favorite Polish: China Glaze More to Explore
This polish wowed me. One of the top on my list to purchase from the original promo picksm it almost passed me by. It is such a great coral with my skintone and perfect for spring or summer. But not only is the colour amazing, the wear time is too!

Favorite Movie: Ex Machina
I have recently discovered I have a special place in my heart for robot movies. From old school (Short Circuit) to cartoons (Wall-e and Big Hero 6). I really liked this movie.

Here is a short synopsis from IMBD without giving too much away: A young programmer is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I.

 If you like Sci-Fi or Psychological Thrillers, you MUST see this NOW!

Favorite Nail Art: Gradients
I have been gradually getting back in to dressing up my nails and gradients have been happening. I did a few this month, and my favorite were with Zoya Muse and Stassi.

Speaking of Zoya...

Favorite Brand: Zoya
I wore a total of three different manicures this month with Zoya polishes! Stevie, Muse/Stassi gradient and Stassi on it's own. Although I wore more China Glaze this month, whenever I wear Zoya I truly appreciate the brand and formula more and more. Loved every polish I wore from them this month.

Until next month!

May Favourites

Favourite Polish - China Glaze,  Boho Blues

A great colour and formula and I just loved wearing it. To see more information on Boho Blues, click here for the full post.

Favourite Food - Watermelon

With summer around the corner and temperatures rising watermelon is the go to food for summer! I think I may have indulged in watermelon too much in may! But it is so delicious and easily one of my favorite fruits. Tastes like summer!

Favourite Supplement - Biotin

I used to take biotin for my nails years ago but somewhere along the line I dropped the ball. Now with weak nails from a cold winter I need my nails to grow back in strong. I have started taking it again slowly, hopefully the health of my nails will improve soon.

Favourate Hair - Loose Waves

On a typical day you can find my long hair up in a bun ad out of the way. It just works out best for me since I do have a lot of hair and it doesn't always want to cooperate with me (and easily frizzes). A great tip I got from my aunt for effortless waves is a twisting technique I do to my hair after washing (while still wet) and I consistently experience great results every time!


I simply separate my hair and twist each section around my finger in to a ringlet. Once the hair has been air dried completely, in the finger formed ringlets, gently separate with fingers and style as usual. What I love a bit this technique is that nothing else is needed! No heat, no styling products and hardly any time. I tend to add the tiniest drop of argon oil before twisting the sections but that is a personal preference.

April Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post which highlights some of my very favorites from the month past. 

Today I have my most favorite things from March. Check it out below.

Favorite Polish of the Month: L'Oreal, Too Dimensional?
My Favorite polish of the moth I wore the least of! A simple accent nail was all I needed, however if the weather were still cool I'd probably slap this one back on my nails. A deep purple base and golden sinner with various shapes of glitter. So pretty! To see the original post which includes more photos, click here.

Favorite Green: Tree Planting
April is usually promoted as earth month (Earth Day was April 22nd), and to celebrate my boyfriend and I did some tree planting. Not only was it a beautiful and sunny day but we had a great time giving back to the earth.

Favorite Promo: Zoya Earth Day Polish Exchange
On the same note, Zoya continued their tradition with their annual Earth day polish exchange. I usually participate every year, its a great chance to pick up some polishes you have been eying. I noticed that Zoya has discontinued a bunch of polishes, their online collection seems much smaller.

More to come on what I purchased in a separate post (When it arrives!).

Favorite Book: The Botany of Desire by Micheal Pollan
Since reading this book I have gone on a bit of a reading hiatus (in favor of sodoku and crosswords on the commute home). This is the fifth book I have read of Pollan's and as the chapters went on I found myself more and more engaged. It follows the links of four human desires; sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control along with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, marijuana, and the potato. As always, a very interesting and informative read for those who love plants!

Until next month!

March Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post which highlights some of my very favorites from the month past. 

Today I have my most favorite things from March. Check it out below.

Favorite Base: Bio Seaweed UV Gel Polish No Sanding Base
As you have noticed for most of the month of March I have used a UV gel as my base. Not only is it versatile in avoiding staining and adding a smooth base for chromes and holos to shine, but it also gives my nails some extra strength.

As an extra bonus it contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, BHA or solvents! Five minute soak-off removal makes it a breeze to remove and it works with LED or UV lamps (I have an LED). It doesn't require any sanding, primers or bonders and is touted as strengthening for the nail and enriched with minerals and vitamins to promote natural nail growth and shine.

Manduka eKO Yoga Mat
Not only the Manduka eKO mat super grippy but it is also eco-friendly and is made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber. I had been looking for a new yoga mat for a while now and was hoping to get one that was more natural without icky chemicals. I didn't realize how bad my old Everlast yoga mat was before making the switch! I can hold poses better now thanks to the dense, level and grippy surface. I LOVE this thing!

Favorite Shade This Month: China Glaze Four Leaf Clover
My favorite shade of the month is the perfect bright green, perfect for spring and St. Patricks Day! What made wearing this polish even better was the fact that I avoided staining to my natural nails with the help of my Bio Seaweed Gel base. I swear I am not sponsored by them in any way, it's just a great product with minimal effort! For more information on Four Leaf Clover, check out my original post here.

Favorite On-the-Go Moisturizer: Deborah Lippmann The Cure
I have been using this off and on and have recently started packing it in my work bag to use during the commute before and after work or during work should my cuticles need some moisture. Patented raspberry cultured stem cell Extract soothes while red algae, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate and Vitamins A, C, and E hydrate and deeply penetrate the skin.

The bottles looks small but only a small amount is needed. Can we talk about the packaging for a second, because it is amazing! I love how it looks, so pretty and modern. But I guess for the hefty price tag, you are paying for it! This was gifted to me otherwise I cannot see myself spending this much for a cuticle moisturizer. However, now that I own it, I do love it.

Until next month! Finally glad to get some real spring-like temperatures. Can't wait to wear some more brights and pastels!

February Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post which highlights some of my very favorites from the month past. 

Today I have my most favorite things from February. Check it out below.

Getting my polish groove back
I felt like I was in a polish slump for the last few months, but somehow February brought it back! I may have not posted as much as usual but I did have a decent array of polish shades which has been an improvement! Getting excited for spring shades is also a bonus.


Favorite Book: Cooked by Micheal Pollan
Another Michael Pollan book. Such a great read if you are interested in the history of "food transformation". The main topics include the transformation properties of fire, water, air and earth on food. Very informative and well written.

Favorite polish of the month: Essie Bahama Mama
LOVE this polish. Probably wouldn't have picked this up myself so glad it was gifted to me. the colour, the formula, the wear and finish are just perfect!

Favorite Beauty Product: Annabelle Mineral Powder Foundation
I have been using this off and on for a while now. I have Barely Beige which is a light translucent powder that I find helps to blend and imperfections of my face and dull shine. A plus about this product is the ingredient list is short, including a total of 5 ingredients; Mica, bismuth, oxychloride, titanium dioxide, iron oxides. A little bit also goes a long way. My least favorite feature about this product, the brush! Stray hairs EVERYWHERE!

I'm glad to be out of my polish funk and excited for spring to come! I can't wait for the snow to melt away and the warmer, happier weather :)

January Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post I have incorporated in to the blog which highlights some of my favorite things from the month past. 

Today I have my most favorite things from January. Check it out below.

Favorite Scents: Saje Essential Oil Nebulizer
I received this awesome essential oil nebulizer from my boyfriend, it acts as an air purifier and humidifier while diffusing essential oils! I use it daily, more so when doing yoga and before going to bed with some lavender oil. It helps me to unwind and ease me in to sleep.

Favorite Read: The Omnivore's Dilemma - Michael Pollan 
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing where our food comes from and the evolution of agriculture through the years. It is an eye opener to those who are unaware of what is going on in our food system, especially in North America. Since reading this I have continued to pursue other books and lectures by Michael Pollan. Not only has he done in-depth, hands on research, but he is also very well spoken. If you have read this book and are looking for more like it from other authors, it would recommend The China Study by T. Colin Campbell.

Favorite Stretch: Hot Yoga
I have tried yoga off and on throughout the years but have never been more interested in it as I have been now. I have been going to an awesome studio that is not only beautiful but has an awesome staff and instructors. I believe this studio has given me a real passion for yoga and helped me to slow down in life and find some inner peace.

Favorite Glow: Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp
Another gift I received from my boyfriend for Christmas. This also acts as a natural air purifier and gives off a relaxing orange glow. I usually have this on most in the evening before bed to help naturally prepare my body for sleep. I had been having issues sleeping the last little while and found that the combination of my essential oils and salt lamp to help ease me in to sleep peacefully.

No polish favorites for last month, I had been blah with polish in January. I'm starting to get back in to it this month, hopefully I can share more favorites ext month!

December Favorites

Favourite Balm: EOS
I literally cleaned out the whole balm in the month of December! Of course I didn't use up the whole thing in one month, this balm lasts surprisingly long. Not only does it smell good, moisturize my lips and come in a cool container, but it is also certified organic, which is awesome! It is not 100% vegan as it does use beeswax, but as a vegan I do use bee products such as wax and honey from time to time.

Favourite Colour: Blue
Throughout the month of December it seemed apparent that I was feeling the cold and showed it on my nails week after week with blue shades of polish. Some colours I wore throughout the month included Essie - Blue Rhapsody, Essie - Stroke of Brilliance, Finger Paints - In the Monet, and Essie Lots of Lux. Lots of Essie's in there as well! Out of all the blues I wore, I would have to say that my favorite was....

Lots of Lux, I just did not want to take it off! It is still on display on my night table because I kept touching up chips to make it last longer! Such a lovely textured shade for more information you can see the full post here.

Favourite Christmas Gift: Essie Polish Duo Gift Set
Another Essie Favorite this month was a cute polish duo set I got as a gift this Christmas. It included A-list, a bright red and Sparkle On Top, an iridescent glitter topper as well as a mini glass file. This favorite polish related gift because I was craving a red polish on Christmas eve, and this is just so perfect! I usually don't wear to many reds, but I can't wait to try this one out with and without the iridescent topper. I also can never have enough files to store in my purse or bag ;)

November Favourites

This is an ongoing monthly post I have incorporated in to the blog which highlights some of my favorite things for the month past. 

Today I have my most favorite things from November. Check it out below.

Favourite Polish: Everything Glitter!
This has been passed on to December as well. All I want to wear is glitter! In November I wore mostly Glitter polishes, for a recap of my November polishes, click here.

Favourite Breakfast: Double Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie
I have been feeling the Christmas spirit early this year and have created a fantastic vegan recipe for the perfect double chocolate peppermint smoothie. Not only is it completely all natural and raw, but it is healthy and tastes delicious! The double chocolate is made up of high quality cocoa powder and raw cacao nibs. Let me know what you think of it if you try it out!

Favourite Skin Soother: The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
I impulsively purchased this hand moisturizer earlier in the year with a bunch of other hemp products during a promo through The Body Shop. I only started using it now that the months are getting colder and my hands are getting dryer. I have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin this year by using this product. It is very rich and a little goes a long way. I have been applying it to my hands and cuticles at night and my hands have never been softer. My nails usually crack and snap at the first sign of cold weather, however, I have found that I have not had this issue this year! *Fingers crossed*

Favorite Suds : Dr. Bronner Magic Soap
I have recently purchased multiple variations of Dr. Bronner's castile soaps. These are all natural soaps scented with essential oils. The great thing about these is that you can use them to clean everything! Your house, your body, your teeth, e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! This is a great natural product and I love to use it as a body lotion and face wash. The rose scent is so fresh and not overpowering. A little of this product goes a long way, their blog provides exact measurements for dilutions to use as you like.

October Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post I will be incorporating in to the blog which mentions some of my favorite things. 

Today I have my most favorite things from last month. Check it out below.

Favorite. Period. Pumpkin EVERYTHING!

I'm talking pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin spiced tea, actual pumpkins! Although summer is my favorite season, October is a favorite month of mine, I love Halloween and all the colours and favours of fall. If I saw anything this month (even in late September!) That had anything to do with pumpkins (healthy options if packaged goods, mind you), I was buying it! I almost purchased pumpkin shaped pasta... I hardly even eat pasta!

Favorite Polish Remover: Sephora Instant Nail Polish Remover for Glitter

I definitely needed this product this month to remove the lovely Halloween glitters quick and effortlessly from my nails. The cool thing about this product I noticed other didn't have was a super scrubby brush which helps to remove glitter more easily than a cotton bad and remover alone. I'm not sure how much this goes for, my sister gave it to me, but I am sure I would not have purchased it on my own. I am glad to have it on hand for easy removal of glitter manis.

Favorite Pedi : OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

I got a pedicure the first week in October, and I probably won't get another one again until sometime next summer! Seeing how we are at the end of the month, my pedi of OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark has held up quite well! I have been doing straight yoga and a lot of walking almost every day as well.

Although a dark vampy purple, it appears black almost always. My favorite part about this polish is its shine, I just love dark shades of polish on my toes. Especially in the fall.

Favorite Halloween Treat: Raw/Vegan Caramel Apples

As a child I loved candy apples, sugar on sugar, right? As I got older I started to prefer caramel apples and actually made them myself. I found this awesome recipe that is 100% raw and vegan and it is just as good if not better than your average caramel apple! I topped it with some raw pecans and pepitas (pumpkinseeds). They were awesome!

September Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post I will be incorporating in to the blog which mentions some of my favorite things. 

Today I have my favorite things from last month. Woohoo, on schedule this time! Check it out below:

Favourite Facial Care Product: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

My skin is having an identity crisis, it thinks I am 15 again! Wth the help of regular facials I am getting my skin issues under control, so I was happy to find an all natural product that I can use on my own at home. This healing clay mask is awesome, simply mix with equal parts apple cidar vinegar, apply to the face and wash off after 10/15/20 mins depending on your skin. It really draws up all the dirt from your pores, bringing it to the surface for easy removal. 

Favourite Food: Apple Chips

My sister picked these out at Costco in early September and I have been hooked at first taste! These, raw, dehydrated apple chips are such a great snack and pack a satiffying crunch. When I headed to Costco again last week I picked up two big bags, I am sooooo addicted!

Favourite Natural: Coconut Oil

I have been a fan of coconut oil for a while now, you may even see this as favorite in upcoming months for other uses. I primarily use it for cooking and I have been using it lately for cooking stove-top popcorn. One tablespoon melted with about a quarter to one third cup of kernels, topped with some pink Himalayan salt tastes even better than theater popcorn! I haven't discussed this much on the blog, but I became vegan earlier this year, and although I no longer care for the smell or taste or butter, the coconut oil really adds that creamy, buttery flavour I crave in popcorn. The best part is that it is a healthy, natural oil and you don't even need a lot of it, a little bit gives big flavour.

Favourite Fashion Accessory: Scull Scarf

The weather has been up and down all year, Mother Nature must have some hormonal issues going on as well ;) This past "summer", if that's what you'd like to call it, here in Toronto was quite mild compared to previous years. Luckily the fall weather this year has really been beautiful, 20+ during the day, but cooler before the sun comes out and sets. Enter my favorite scarf in the whole wide world! It's huge, soft and light AND it has rainbow skulls, love at first sight! Thai is the best because depending on how I fold and shape it, it can be heavier to lighter depending on the weather. During the morning commute it keeps me nice and warm with ought having other heavy layers to carry with me on the way home. And skulls :)

August Favorites

This is an ongoing monthly post I will be incorporating in to the blog which mentions some of my favorite things. 

Happy Friday! Although a little late, I have finally got my favorites post together for August. It is a bit delayed seeing as how were are already in October... Where did the time go! Better late than never, so here are my favorite things for August.

Favorite Moisturizer: Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème

This isn't a new product for me but I thought it it was worth mentioning since I go through waves of using this product. It is great for moisturizing the cuticles and dry skin, but it is quite thick. I suggest applying it before bed so you can wake up to soft, smooth skin.

Favorite Skin Care: Rose Water Witch Hazel 

I used witch hazel as a toner and on any breakouts to help accelerate the healing process. I recently picked up this new brand that has aloe Vera and rose water. It smells fantastic! Another plus, this is an all natural product with almost all organic ingredients.

Favorite Beauty Product: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural N9, Moisturizing soft shine lipstick
I don't usually wear lipstick, I don't think I have ever even really purchased one before! I got this from Sephora this year for my birthday and it is so perfect!

Favorite Book: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

I caught part of the biopic depicting Steve Jobs staring Ashton Kutcher in early summer and it peaked my interest. The actual movie seemed to fast pace, skimming over too much at one time so I decided I would red his biography.

Once I took out Steve Jobs from the library and couldn't put it down! If you are an Apple fan I would highly suggest this read. Steve is very candid and open and brings you straight in to his world touching on topics like childhood (did to know he was adopted?), growing up, Apple and family life.

A bonus favorite for August was that lovely slushy in the photo above with the book. Sigh... looking at this photo makes me miss the lazy, lounging days of summer. The recipe for the slushie is simple, frozen watermelon chunks blended up to a slush, no need to add any additional ice or juices, maybe a small amount (an ounce or less) of water to get it going. Try it, it is awesome!

Monthly Favourites!

I decided to start a monthly favourites series. I have been a bit behind the past month so this first post in the series will be for July. This short list includes new products and some of my all time favourite products.

 Fresh Paint Polish
Although I only own two polishes from this brand they have both blown me away with formula and wear. Oh yeah, and the colours I purchased kick ass! Neon/pastel coral and mint creme polishes scream summer and I cant wait to try out other shades when I see them next!

Gelous Advanced Nail Gel Coat
This has been an all time favourite of mine, mostly because it can be so versitile. I have used it throughout the month of July specifically for one nail that I badly damaged. It was my own fault, peeling of nail polish... and a thick layer of my nail in the process. It's such a bad habit :( Enter Gelous I have been using this as a base for the damaged nail and it has not been damaged further considering it is was very week at the beginning of July. It provides a thick layer of protection to the nail on its own, or can be used over top another polish for an outrageous shine. This is a great topper for topcoat thirsty glitters. The only con is that it is not quick drying.

Amazing Pure and Natural Crystal Deodorant Stone
I have been going the all natural route as much as I can lately and cannot remember the last time I actually wore a traditional deodorant/antiperspirant. In the winter I was fine going with coconut oil and baking soda in place of standard deodorant, but with the warmer months I feel I need more "protection". This crystal deodorant stone is as natural as it gets, you just wet the stone (which is naturally occurring salt) and rub your underarms. It works great for a natural and chemical free option, however on hotter days I do need to reapply. I don't mind :) Plus this lasts you a looooong time.

Botanique by Himalaya Herbal Health Care - Neem and Pomegranate Toothpaste
On the topic of natural health and body care I also have a new toothpaste of choice. I found this on iHerb and decided to try it out at the promo pice of only one dollar... Best dollar ever spent! Since then I have purchased another tube on sale (regular retail price is around $5-$6). Some highlights of what I like about this toothpaste is that it is gluten free and does not contain fluoride or sugar. You heard me correctly, for those who are not familiar with the ingredients in toothpaste, it generally does contain sugar. I also like that the ingredients are explained and some are organic!

So what do you think of my first "favourites" post? Would you like to see more monthly favourites in the future?