5 Simple Tips To A Healthier You

It's that time of year again!  The weather is getting nicer, and everyone seems to remember those New Years Resolutions that were abandoned long ago.  When this happens people usually vow to be better, to stop being any junk, to run 5 times a week and so on.  But let's be honest with ourselves for a moment, do you honestly think that you can go straight to being the perfect healthy person?  NO.  So let's do ourselves a favour and start with simple things before moving onto the big stuff!

Here's 5 simple (and when I say simple I mean simple) tips which will make you feel a lot better!

1. Drink Water - Yes I realize everyone says "drink water, lots of water"!  But that's because it's one of the best things you can do for yourself!  And yes 8 - 10 glasses a day does seem daunting at first (especially when you're craving that Pepsi), but you get used to it.   Also if you think water is boring, then spice it up with some cut up fruit!  Oranges, lemons and limes work best for this.  Simply let them sit in a jug of water overnight.  I try to carry a bottle of water with me everywhere I go, and when I have it around, the more water I drink!

2. Stretch Every Day - You want to stretch your muscles to help keep them young and limber!  This also doesn't take long. When you get up in the morning do a couple stretches for about 5 minutes before you start the day.  This also helps you wake up in the morning so you're not pouring your coffee into your cereal bowl.

3. Get Fresh Air - It's really important to try to exercise for about 30 minutes day, and taking a walk is a great way to exercise and get fresh air.  But sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day!  If you can't get out for a walk or a run, try just sitting outside while you read a book, or answer your emails.  Breathing in fresh air and soaking up some sun will do wonders for your mood.

4.  Clean Yourself - Yes this is an obvious one, but seriously, make time to wash your face throughly everyday and clean your teeth!  Part of being healthy is cleaning yourself, take the few minutes each day to wash your face, and brush and floss your teeth.  You'll thank yourself in the long run.  You may have to force yourself for a while, but soon you'll get into the habit and it will become second nature.

5. Get A Better Sleep - Research shows that you function better after you've slept for  7 - 8 hours!  To help make the most of your rest, also try to turn off all electronics 30 - 60 minutes before you plan to sleep.  If you're used to surfing the net before bed, trying reading a book instead.  Also having a routine before helps your brain realize it's time to sleep, wether it's having a shower or giving your self a foot rub, try to keep your bedtime routine consistent.

Hope these simple tips help and inspire you to become more healthy!  Remember start off small and work your way up!  I try to start with a few small things at first and slowly add more things!  Have a wonderful and healthy day!
-xx Sally

Being True To You

Now when I say being a geek I don't mean everyone has to be. I mean I am. I really am a strong believer in being who you are. Not changing yourself for anyone. If you stay true to you, any relationship you develop or any hobby you might pick up will be right for you, and you'll always be happy.

Personally, I am a huge geek. I enjoy playing video games, I read comics, Avengers, Captain America and the Walking Dead (graphic novel) being my top favourites, I watch tons of movies, and often love giving reviews afterwards, I happen to love researching medieval history, and know a lot about the British  monarchy and I have a huge obsession with Harry Potter. Now do I care what others think of me for liking all of this? No. Why? Because it makes me, me.

I find that discovering something you didn't know about someone, is fascinating especially when it is something that you couldn't picture them liking. Just remember that if the people around you are not supportive of you and would treat you differently if they knew your hobbies, they are bullies. There are friends out there that will respect you and will support you.

Sometimes it's jealousy that push people to bully and sometimes they bully because they don't understand. Never be afraid to stand up for yourself and remember you are unique and there are people who like the same things you like, and they're out there waiting for you.

I am Kelsey and I am a geek, and I am very proud of it.

What are you proud of?

-xx
Kelsey

Antique Markets

Hi guys! This evening I want to talk to you guys about Antique Markets!
I  have been going to antique markets with my family since I was a little girl and absolutely love them!  My boyfriend and I go almost religiously every Sunday, and we always find something interesting.  I think antique markets are a great place to find really unique items at a good price - but be warned you may end up buying more than you anticipated!

I have been to several antique markets over the years but I here are my two favourites :

1. St Lawrence Antique Market, Toronto.  This is a great inside market which happens on Sundays in downtown Toronto.  You don't have to pay to get in, and it's always filled with interesting items.  They  have a wide range of jewellery and camera equipment (which is my personal favourite).  It's great to even just wander around and look.  You can find out more information about this market here.

2. Aberfoyle Antique Market, Aberfoyle.  This is an outside market, so be sure to dress for the weather, which also takes place on Sundays.  You do have to pay to get in ($2 per person or $15 for a season pass), but I personally think it's worth it!  This market is known for it's furniture selection but they also have plenty of other cool items and fresh local produce.  They also have a hot dog and ice cream stand, so you could spend the day there if you wish too.  You can find out more information here.

No matter which market you go to, make sure to bring cash, good shoes (as you may be wondering around for several hours) and have a way to transport your goods home.  And if you're in the mood, you can usually barter and get an even better deal!   I personally believe antique markets are one the best ways to find unique items for your home, and have a fun day out! Where are your favourite places to find unique items ?
-xx Sally

Product Review - Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick

I recently stopped by Zehrs (grocery store in Canada) and picked up a Joe Fresh lipstick. I have never had any Joe Fresh makeup but I do enjoy their nail varnish. I picked up the colour Melon in their matte finish and this is what I thought of it.

Price: $6 (Canadian)

Pros: It isn't too expensive and the colour is very vibrant. I don't know how well you can tell in the photo but it is true to it's colour sticker. I also swatched a lot of them and they're all very pigminted. It also doesn't dry out and application is really smooth and even.


Cons: The only real con I have with it is it doesn't last too long but that doesn't bother me too much.


Final Verdict: I will definitely be purchasing more of these lipsticks and I suggest any of you lovely Canadian beauty lovers to do the same. They're not too expensive and they are nice lipsticks. I would also suggest any of you who are weary to try a not so well known brand to give them a go, you never know, they could be an amazing find.

Have you ever tried Joe Fresh lipsticks or were there any brands that surprised you? Leave a comment and let us know!

-xx
Kelsey

April Playlist

Hi Guys!  I just wanted to do a quick blog post on my favourite songs from April!  Non of these songs are in any particular order, hope you guys enjoy!

Your Bones by Of Monsters and Men

Mountain Sound by Of Monsters and Men 

Albatross by Big Wreck 

Lay All Your Love On Me by Abba 

It's Only Me by Barenaked Ladies 

All Summer Long by Kid Rock 

Hey, Soul Sister by Train 

As you can tell all of these songs come from a variety of different genres and decades.  I don't tend to listen to only the American Top 40 or just the classics, if I like the song, I'll listen to it!  What songs are you guys loving right now?

-xx Sally 

BeautyBox5 April's Box

Hi Everyone!  Today I'm doing a review on BeautyBox5's April Box.  I was really excited to get this box, and once it finally came (I live in Canada and BeautyBox5 is based in the USA so shipping took 2 weeks) I was really disappointed.  Most beauty boxes supply you with deluxe sample sizes (good for several uses) or full size products.  This box contained sample sizes which were only good for one use (#5 as the exception), and most of these you could get for free in your mail! Anyways I should get onto a quick review of the box - sorry that this is going to be a negative review today. 

1.  Doctor T's Supergoop! Sunscreen Swipe : Looking at this sample I'm not really sure if I would use it at all, I already have spf in my daily lotion.  It's an interesting idea but I'm not sure one wipe is enough to really try to product out. 

2.  Pur-Lisse Essential Daily Moisturizer : I'm really upset with this sample, because A it's very small and you can't get a good idea of a moisturizer from one try and B it's for normal to dry skin.  In my beauty profile I said that I have very oily skin, so I can't use this product at all without breaking out or become shinny looking. 

3.  La Fresh Waterproof Makeup Remover : I usually only use baby wipes to remove my makeup but it would be interesting to see how this works.  I do like that the wipe is 100% biodegradable. 

4.  Freeman Facial Exfoliating Scrub in Pink Grapefruit : This is the only somewhat full size product that they've included, however you could only use this once.  I do like facial scrubs and love anything citrus, so this am an excited to try this.  

5.  Spa True Advanced Lift and Firm Serum :  Now I'm really not sure what this product is at all, because no where on the bottle does it tell me how to use it, and nor does BeautyBox5's website (even though it said that their site had more information on each product).  

Over all I'm really unhappy with this beauty box.  However if you still would like to purchase a box or are interested in BeautyBox5 you can visit their website here.   I'm sorry about having such a negative review here for all of you, but I do believe in being completely honest with you guys.  And I wouldn't like to give a review on something and mislead you. 

And on that note I'm going to call it a day, I hope you all have a wonderful day and enjoy the lovely spring weather!

-xx Sally 

April Glossybox - Canada

So it's that time again! Glossybox time! I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this team. I have been doing a lot of research about other boxes and even people's general review on customer service and I want to send a huge hurray for Glossybox. Sure, they have the odd complaint but they handle it beautifully and I think that says a lot about a company. They're also always chatting with fans and beauty conasours. I often strike up a conversation with them and they're amazing to deal with. I believe that customer service often can enhance a product huge! Now onto the actual product review!

1. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer - This is a full sized product and I could not be happier! I have always been a HUGE fan of Aveeno but often I can be a little cheap and end up not buying it because of it's cost. The product retails for $22.99 and they include a full size bottle in the box. Since the box is only $15 it's already worth it. Now for the actual cream, I adore it, doesn't break me out and evens out my skin tone which is something I yearn for.

2. Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Shower Gel - Another full size product retailing for $20. I have never used this shower gel before and I got the scent Golden Angel, which is slightly stronger than I normally wear but it has a nice floral scent that I will definitely be trying tonight!

3. Wella Brilliance Conditioner Fine to Normal - This conditioner smells absolutely amazing. And from the card it says it contains diamond dust for an incredible shine. I have fine hair and it is also coloured and I am very excited to give this conditioner a try. A full bottle retails for about $13.99 and the sample looks like I could get 2-3 washes out of it, keep in mind my hair just got past my ears in length so if you have longer hair, you might go through it quicker.

4. Wella Brilliance Treatment Fine to Normal - About 9 months ago I chopped off all my hair because I killed it from too much colouring and heat styling (I will be doing a hair story soon) so I am a huge fan of these sorts of products. I am constantly trying to find a new treatment to keep my hair healthy. Again I think I might be able to get about 2-3 treatments done and a full bottle retails for $13.99. If it does a good job, I am definitely purchasing a full size bottle.

5. Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara - Ironically I ran out of mascara this morning so this is perfect timing! In my review for "Benefit They're Real" I said I wasn't too fussy with mascaras and that still holds true. I tested this one and it does lengthen and adds volume so it's job is done, and I find the formula doesn't clump too easily, which I enjoy. Again another full size product which is amazing and it retails for $12.50 in store, which is a reasonable price for mascara.

Bonus - As a little bonus they threw in a sample of Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm, I think it'll be a 1 or maybe 2 time use but I am excited to use it since I have hopped on the BB Cream bandwagon. This retails at $22.95 so a little more expensive than Garnier but if I feel like I like it a lot better I may consider switching. All in all a nice little bonus.

My final verdict is... this box was pretty awesome and I am extremely excited about it. It is definitely well worth its $15 since 3 of the products make it already a $55 dollar box... how insane is that!? Anyway if you'd like your very own Glossybox (which is definitely recommended if you're a product junkie like me) you can click the link here.

Also feel free to follow them on twitter (you can get there by clicking here) , if you'd like to chat or ask them some questions. Tell them lbdgirls sent you. Also follow us on twitter and feel free to chat with us, we love hearing from you all!

Hope you enjoy and if you'd like any in depth product reviews let me know and I'll put them up as soon as possible!

-xx
Kelsey