Spring? Is that you?

I always love this time of the year but this year...not so much. I've been in a frumpy mood that seems to come and go like the rain here in Toronto. And boy has it been raining. Last night we had a spectacular show of thunder and lightening. The only problem is they scare me to death. Especially when the rumbles cause the windows rattle. Needless to say, I didn't get my much needed beauty rest.

The rain has been on and off and the temperatures have been up and down this month. I plan my outfits according to the weather report. One day I wear rain boots with a lovely skinny pant and end up sweating and then the next day I wear sandals and a cute dress only to find icicles dangling from my nose. Clearly the weather report is not accurate and it's stressing me out! I can't seem to have just the right attire to keep me comfortable.

If I had my own classroom I'd have a closet with my favourite staple items that would include:

• Banana Republic lightweight cardigan
• Converse Chuck Taylor's in red
  
• Keihl's Creme de Corps
• lightweight merino socks
  

For now, I just lug my "just in case" stuff along with my "emergency personals" with me where ever I go. (Yes, I actually have socks in my bag).

Until then, I will bake cookies. Cookies make me happy. Especially chocolate ones!

Fondled

It's March Break and I've got a lot on my plate.

With the recent events of devastation in Japan my daughter and I have decided to do some fund raising. We are selling yummy melt in your shortbread cookies with bits of chocolate and toffee (plain also available). Cookies for a cause. How can you go wrong?

Needless to say we are up to our eyeballs in cookie batter.

My house is still under renovation (it never seems to end) and in a desperate need to get organized we went off to IKEA for some storage ideas.

I cannot go to IKEA without perusing through their Swedish food section. They have everything from chocolate to frozen meatballs. While in the line up, a wee lil' old lady bumped into me (I use wee with humour as not many are more wee than me). She turned to apologize and put her arm around me and began to rub and tap me while smiling and saying "so sorry so sorry". Only her hand was not on my back. It was on my butt! I stood there mortified and only politely smiled while saying, "ahhh...it's okay". While what felt like an eternal violation, I do believe it was meant as a warm apology and not a cheap fondling.

Or was it?

You're Hot and You're Cold

I am so excited when I received a kit of OPI's Katy Perry collection. Specifically, OPI's black shatter nail polish as it's truly a unique polish because it creates depth and texture by applying a black polish that dries and separates to create a "shattered" look that exposes the underlying base coat.

Ingenious.

My daughter and I been fooling around with "Teenage Dream" and "The One That Got Away" at home. On the first try, it didn't turn out exactly like the picture. When we applied "Black Shatter" on top of our fully dried base coat (I used "Teenage Dream) the finished effect was more of a crackled effect.

Although the effect was more subtle than what appears in the add I liked the subtly of it. But of course the teen in my home likes the wow factor. On our second try, she achieved the desired "shattered" effect applying the black topcoat and blew on it until the polish separated. It was perfect!

We also noticed that you definitely need a top coat as the black is quite matte.

All in all it gets the Sharon stamp on it.

Daily Do's + Dont's for 2011

Do:

• laugh (even if it's at yourself)
  
• floss
• wear sunscreen
• drink plenty of water
  
• wash your make up off before going to bed
• perform a random act of kindness (a simple hello or smile can make someones day)

Don't:

• forget to hug your loved ones (even if it's over the phone xoxo)
• hold anger
  
• go to bed with wet hair
• chew your nails/cuticles (eww...)
• eat too much before bed
• hold your pee

I like the last one, it makes me laugh. If you know me you are smiling right now, if you don't you are probable saying "huh?" which will make those who really know me smile even more.

Cheers to a beautiful YOU both inside and out for 2011!

It's been a looooong time since I've posted. I felt compelled to write one last post before the year end.

And what a year it has been.

My new favourite number going to be "zero".

Because:

• I have a $10,0000 loan (needed it for school)
• I gained 10 pounds
  
• I turned a new decade
  
• my friend had a baby girl on the 30th

Going "back to zero" doesn't mean going back to nothing. To me it means a fresh new start.

Kind of fitting for a new year, don't ya think?

Have a good one!

Giddy Up

What: Fall Fashion
When: Now
Where: Anywhere
Who: Me and perhaps you too
How: As below

One Pair of classic Frye Daisy Duke Double F boots (mine are in an awesome grey patina with studded brown suede double F)

Worn with Jeggings


Topped with this Jacket


Hair strategically disshevelled

Accessorized with a slouchy knit cap

Can you picture it???

Schoolgirl Fashionista

I love this time of the year. The EX is on and the nights are cooler. For me, it's bitter sweet. The summer is almost over which makes me kinda sad but my favourite time of the year soon approaches.

Fall.

This means it's time to ramp up my wardrobe and pack away my shorts, summer dresses and flip flops.

Tuesday is the first day of school for most kids.What will my little fashionista wear on the first day of school?

Her apparel of choice for this season is to transition her summer clothes with fall fashions.

Jean cut offs with stockings.

Paired with great boots.

Topped with a military styled jacket.



Off the shoulder braid.

Man, I love that kid. I of course will wear the grown-up version by abandoning the cut offs for a pair of Second yoga jeans. They are the most comfy jeans ever. I mean ever. So comfy you could go into downward dog.

Fringe Benefit

Bangs or no bangs? What to do? What to do? Such a difficult decision sometimes.

Three reasons to get bangs:

1. create instant drama and/or softness
2. create the illusion of a different face shape
3. emphasize eyes

Three things to consider:

1. breakouts on your forehead (stay away from wax and paste products containing petroleum to prevent this)
2. hair in your face or eyes
3. strong cowlick (however, sometimes this can work to your advantage)

Whatever the reason, bangs are a great way to change things up. They have come a far way since our childhood days. My brother used to cut my bangs when I was a kid. You can only imagine...

Bangs can be:

worn full

swept to the side

texturized

At your next hair session, get "banged". Why not? Justin did!

I Pity the Fool

Now that I've been off for a while, I can honestly say that I have been a busy bee. I am still balancing work and family life and have now added job hunting and contract work to my list.


At least now I have time to actually "hang out" with my loved ones. We love going to the movies. Recently we went to go see A-TEAM and Karate Kid.


Both:

• offered cheesy 8o's charm from the original but with some new twists
• had a ton of action and laughs
• kept me entertained the entire time...hello Bradley Cooper
  

Of course, Jaden Smith made me cry. I hope his parents keep him in the straight while his fame and acting career flourish.

Big Hug

I'd like to take this opportunity to say Thanks to my family and friends both old and new.
Thank you for your support.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for listening (and reading the odd post).

Thank you for believing in me.