Holts Spring Trends 14'

A couple weeks ago Holt Renfrew hosted their Talking Trends with Lisa Tant event. It was so good to catch up with fellow blogger and get motivated for the upcoming spring season. The event consisted of a media reception followed by a fashion show. Lisa also introduced some of the upcoming trends and gave tips for working the trends into your own personal style. Here are a few of the tips that I took away from the trend talk.

1. Before you make a purchase ask yourself, "Can I wear this piece at least three way?" and "What more can I do with this piece?"
2. A great printed dress is a must have for spring. 
3. White button down shirts are great for layering (and would pair nicely with the printed dress!)
4. Update any outfit with a pastel bag

If you want to see some of the examples and inspiration from Lisa Tants talk, you can check them out on the Holts Muse blog. 

Revlon | Colorburst Matte and Lacquer Balms

Revlon is one of my favourite drug store brands for lip products. I have a bunch of their lipsticks, their lip butters, and a couple balm stains. I loved the easy application of their Just Bitten Balm Stains, so I was really excited to hear that Revlon would be release a bunch of new cubby lip crayons. 

The new cubby lip crayons include matte and lacquer versions. I like that the two versions are distinguished by their packaging, with the matte lip crayons in matte packaging, and the lacquer lip crayons in shiny packaging. The Revlon lip crayons are also retractable, so there is no need for sharpening.  

Showy | Shameless* | Whimsical* | Demure 

I recently did a Valentine's Day quiz with Revlon to reveal my date night style. I received the cutest Valentine's Day package from Revlon including the lacquer balm in Whimsical, and the matte balm in Shameless. I already owned the lacquer balm in Demure and the matte balm in Showy. I'm really happy with the colours that I own. At first glance I wasn't a fan of the micro glitter in the lacquer balms, but applied on the lips they add a nice shimmer, and I didn't feel the glitter on my lips. The matte shades weren't too drying, were opaque, and I really liked the application. Revlon describes these lipsticks as having a triple butter complex of Shea, Coconut, and Mango butters that nourish and moisturize the lips. They also have a slight minty scent to them, which I really like. 

Have you tried out the Revlon matte and lacquer balms? Let me know what colours are your favourites!

*PR samples sent for consideration

Cold Weather Recipes

Lentil and Sausage Soup | Quinoa and Sweet Potato Chili | Glazed Salmon and Winter Salad

As I mentioned in my last outfit post, I've been trying to get into cooking more, so I've been testing out  some recipes that I've found on Pinterest.  The only thing about trying out recipes from Pinterest/blogs is that sometimes the directions aren't always as clear as they are from a cook book, which can be kind of scary for a newbie cook like me. I took some photos with my iPhone of a couple recipes I tried out and loved so I thought I would share.

I think the three recipes that I tested out are perfect cold weather food. The first photo is of a Lentil and Sausage Soup. I love soup anytime of year, so I really liked this recipe. It called for Turkey Kielbasa and just said to thinly slice and add to the mix. I wasn't sure what a Kielbasa was so I just picked up turkey sausage and baked it first before added it into the soup mix. 

Next I tried a Quinoa and Sweet Potato Chili that was recommended by a friend and was sooo so good! I added some chicken to JP's bowl because he likes to have meat in his dinner meals, but this recipe really didn't need any meat to make it filling. The quinoa and avocado were filling enough. This is definitely becoming a staple in my house. 

Finally, Last night I tried out a homemade salad dressing and glazed salmon meal and I loved this one too. The salmon wasn't too different then anything I've tried making before, but the homemade salad dressing was delicious! I hardly ever eat salad because I'm not a big fan of salad dressing. I pretty much stick to plain balsamic vinaigrette if I do have salad, so making my own sweet balsamic vinaigrette was really appealing to me. 

What are your favourite cold weather recipes?

xo Ashley

Joe Fresh Spring 14 Wish List

www.joefresh.com

I am probably getting way ahead of myself because it seems like winter in Calgary is never ending, but I am so excited for spring, and I am loving the new spring arrivals at Joe Fresh! I adore the floral print on the dress pictured above and there are even shorts with the same print as well! I might end up collecting printed shorts this year. I'm also loving all the printed dress pants at Joe Fresh, the airy sweaters, boyfriend jeans, stripes, and polka dots. 

What are you excited for this spring?

xo Ashley

Le Blush Creme de Chanel | Affinite

I've really been loving blush lately and I've been testing out different formulas and colours. I bought this Chanel cream blush back in September with birthday money, and I am really happy with it!

Le Blush Creme de Chanel in number 65, Affinite
This blush has a really unique formula and texture. Chanel describes it as a powder-cream formula with sheer yet vibrant pigmentation. When you touch the blush, it really does feel like a powder, but as you glide your finger over the blush it also feels like a creamy texture. It feels silky, and doesn't feel sticky, or tacky. The look is very natural with a statin finish. It is supposed to wear for approximately 8 hours, which I'd say is true for me. I really love the bright pink colour of this blush too. The colour looks pretty scary and bright in the pan, but it sheers out nicely on the skin. If I want the colour to be bolder, I build it up gradually. I usually apply a small amount of blush to my cheeks with my fingers, then blend it out with my Real Techniques Stippling Brush.

Have any of you tried any of the Chanel Cream blushes? What are your favourite blushes?

xo Ashley

Distressed Denim in Winter

Well, I am pretty much obsessed with these jeans right now. I feel like they would be better suited for spring and summer weather, but I can't wait for the snow to melt away to wear them. 

In other news, I've been trying to test out more recipes lately. I made this delicious lentil and sausage soup recipe that I found on pinterest the other week and I'm going to make this quinoa and sweet potato chill tonight. I also really want to make this baked blueberry french toast this weekend! Cooking is always such a struggle for me, but I'm trying to get into it more. It's easier when you can find so many great looking recipes on pinterest. 

xo Ashley

Outfit Details
Community Paradigm Parka
sweater ℅ H&M
Garage jeans (similar)
Coach legacy boots (similar)

photos by my sister