Happy Birthday Canada!

~ our beautiful country is 148 years old! she doesn't look a day over 147! a day spent with friends, family and fireworks makes for a wonderful day. we love to entertain with our family and friends and wanted to share with you a super easy and delicious dessert Oz made that celebrated the red and white of the true north ~

~ Lemon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry with Strawberries ~

ingredients:

1 package thawed puff pastry

flour {to sprinkle for easy rolling of pastry}

lemon cream cheese filling {recipe below}

strawberries {any berry works. we chose red to represent Canada}

icing sugar {optional ~ for decorative purposes}

~ roll out puff pastry {be sure to liberally sprinkle some flour on your rolling pin and work space as puff pastry sticks}. don't over work it too much, roll out to your desired shape and thickness

~ cut slices in whatever shape you prefer. i did long rectangles because i thought it looked pretty

~ bake according to box instructions but keep an eye on it to be sure it doesn't over bake. you want it raised, golden and flaky, not dark brown and flat

~ allow to cool before spooning mixture. i used about a tablespoon of filling per slice

~ top with strawberries {or whatever berry flavor you desire}

~ voila! a delicious and easy dessert that looks fancy!

Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

~ this filling is a staple of mine. i use it for a variety of different desserts, including tarts. it is very easy to make and freezes well if you make too much ~

1 package cream cheese {softened at room temperature}

1 can sweeten condensed milk

a splash of vanilla extract {or to your own preference}

the rind/peel of one lemon

the juice of one lemon {less/more to your own preference}

~ beat cream cheese until smooth with either a hand mixer or kitchen aid

~ add the full can of sweeten condensed milk and continue beating {mixture will be liquid-like at first but will thicken as mixed}

~ add splash of vanilla, combine

~ add lemon peel and juice, combine

~ pour into a small bowl and allow to set in fridge for about 15 minutes before using

#LSBeautyFix Event

~ being introduced to local shops that carry selections of our favorite eco-friendly, organic, paraben-free beauty products along with local designer goods and accessories, makes us happy ladies. we were happy to join DelaCruz PR and LYNNsteven in Gastown for the #LSBeautyFix media event. LYNNsteven Boutique is located in Gastown, a cute boutique shop surrounded by the gorgeous cobblestones and heritage buildings Gastown is known for. in a prime location for people-watching and close to some of Gastown's most loved restaurants and bars {Chill Winston, Blarney Stone, Bao Bei}, Lynn Steven carries a wonderful selection that any beauty and fashion lover would enjoy. as fans of shopping local, we were thrilled to see some local and Canadian retailers available for grabs. we're sharing a few snapshots of our evening and can't wait to pop by again soon! ~

~ #YesWayRosé ! The most delicious Raspberry Flavored Rosé and Lemon Water greeted us, along with a very welcomed popsicle that we inhaled because it was HOT out ~

~ Leah Alexandra and Loren Hope jewelry made us want to empty our wallets and buy everything! ~

~ we were introduced to Zoe Organics...the everything balm and the insect repellant have become our new favorites! ~ 

 ~ Holistic Nutritionist Amanda Gangoso was on hand educating us about some eco-friendly and health-friendly beauty brands such as ILIA, Tata Harper and Dalish~

~ the set up was just the cutest...a styled focus for different events and personality types ~

~ we were also treated to the cutest re-usable shopping bag filled with some goodies that we're so excited to try! ~

Top Six Sandals For Summer 2015

~ nothing gives us more pleasure than shopping for you! researching these 10 shoe styles has given us a serious case of sandal envy, as well as a serious shoe temptation that may only be cured by indulging in some retail therapy along with you.  the nice thing about shopping for summer sandals is that they are usually less expensive than the other styles we are tempted by year round, and they go on sale more, and who doesn't love that.  the pastel trend is definitely not going anywhere this summer, as well as the gladiator or the wedge but what is different is the men's wear inspired styles and the return of the sporty sandal. Check it out below: 

The Sporty Sandal 

~ this Vince Camuto Nafula cross slide is the perfect slip on for those looking for something on trend and minimalistic~ 

The Ankle Wrap Heel

~ Aquaazzura is our go to for this trend, even if they didn't start it, they redefined the shape of this style.  making is look casual and expensive at the same time. the Wild Thing sandal is the perfect example:

The 70's Platform

~ thank us short ladies for this one! we want it all: a high heel and a higher platform! we love a little Brian Atwood for this trend but TopShop fits our budget better:

The Mule

~ this 90's shoe style has made it's way back on the runway, and been made fresh with the addition of bright colors and bold patterns. these Stuart Weitzman's are a fresh take on a 90's favorite: 

The Woven Flat

~ we love a great flat.  because let's face it, even though most of us might secretly wish for a glamorous life where we wear our styled outfits with chic heels every day that is not the case for our actual lives! we do not want to scrimp on style though and the woven flat makes our plain flats summery. take these Rachel Zoe Tyler flats for example:

The Gladiator Sandal

~ we were going to show you our favorite Chloe gladiators and then we realized, hey we can't afford these either, so we found these even cuter Steve Madden Gladiators instead! 

~ whether you wear flip flops all summer or style your feet with an enviable selection of shoes, one thing is sure, with any of these styles you will be on point!

London Drugs Beauty Haul: Skincare

~ it's always a nice treat for the skin to try out some new products. using the same thing year after year and throughout every season doesn't do much for your skin at all. a skin care regimen needs to be changed up every once in a while {we like to do it seasonally so our skin adapts to the weather comfortably}. it's also important to make sure that your skin doesn't get too used to the same products all the time. at some point in time, your skin will become too familiar with the ingredients and usage of your chosen products and will, in theory, stop working. a change up is always good. luckily for us, we get to sample and review a range of skin care products so we can do the guess work for you! we're still obsessing over the Fall 2015 newcomers to London Drugs and wanted to share with you all our recommendations!

the RevVit Microdermabrasion Kit is on the Left

~ Silk'n Solutions ReVit Microdermabrasion Kit is worth much more than its $99 price tag.  available at London Drugs the device allows you to visibly improve the look and texture of your skin as it removes dead and damaged skin cells to reveal new skin underneath.  giving you smoother skin with way more glow.  this isn't a product that we would suggest you use if you are under 21, and the reason for that is you don't need it! yes you may have experience acne or a bit of scarring but you can remedy that with topical products and manual exfoliation along with preventative measures (such as no picking!).  this product is for someone who is seeing signs of sun damage on the surface of their skin, like those lovely brown spots caused by the sun, or hormones (pregnancy mask).  maybe those fine lines aren't so FINE anymore? this is for you!  so if microdermabrasion is something you've been wanting to try but don't want to fork over $500+ then try this first.  please make sure you read the manual and follow the instructions first, though because we don't want any funny business, just smooth glowing skin.

~ StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum at $89 is definitely on the higher end of of the price scale at London Drugs, however the company has a lot of science to back up that price tag. this serum claims to significantly enhance your skin's clarity and give you brighter and more even looking skin all over.  so what that means for you is that it will eliminate/reduce brown spots, acne scarring, fine lines and slough off those pesky dead skin cells.  we recommend using a serum like this at night instead of during the day, most of us wear some kind of makeup during the day and these types of exfoliating serums can (sometimes) make certain types of makeup separate.

~ St Tropez Self Tan Luxe Facial Oil is your answer to the age old question: Before or After Moisturizer? with this little gem you can layer it before (let it dry for 3 mins before applying skin care over) after (put a thin layer of moisturizer on so it can penetrate) or directly to your current moisturizer.  just 3-4 drops smoothed over face and neck over 7 days provides a natural looking tan that will last another 5 days.  it has a very lightweight feel, not heavy or greasy at all. bonus is it dries quickly and doesn't clog pores at all, which is great since there's also one for the body! while you're checking out these two new items at your local London Drugs, make sure you also check out their new In Shower Gradual Tan as well, this is a game changer like no other in the self tanner game. 

~ NeoStrata Acne Clear Cleanser and Clarifying Solution brings the brand that's probably most popular for their glycolic acid serums and moisturizers into the acne solutions field this fall.  their new acne clear line aims to unclog pores, clear up acne, and help prevent future breakouts by utilizing the power of 2% salicylic acid to deeply cleanse and exfoliate dead skin cells while antibacterializing the skins surface. find the NeoStrata Acne Clear Clarifying Gel Cleanser and Clarifying Solution in London Drugs stores this fall.

~ stay tuned for Friday's post where we share our must have sandal styles for Summer 2015!

London Drugs Fall Beauty Preview

~ twice a year, the world of beauty experts and beauty vendors collide. known as Fall/Spring previews, both worlds come together to glimpse all the upcoming products that are to be introduced to the market. as you can imagine, the previews are very exciting! we learn about new technology, trend forecasting and are sampled products covering hair, skin and makeup. London Drugs Cosmetics threw their annual Fall Beauty event recently and they invited bloggers, beauty editors, vloggers and more to share with our readers, followers and subscribes whats to come for London Drugs beauty this fall. we're sharing a glimpse of what we'll be reviewing in the upcoming weeks and cannot wait for you to see!

Hair 

~ the Remington T Studio Protect Straightener.  we have not seen a product like this on the market yet, and your hair is going to love you when you pick one up to try! vapor infusion technology re-hydrates, protects and straightens your hair all in one swipe. the ceramic plates prevent static, and offers 90% more frizz control.

~ John Frieda also has added some new products to the Frizz Ease line, specifically the Moisture Barrier Flexible Hold Hairspray, Forever Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner and Anti Frizz Primer.  this entire line claims to give you smoother, frizz- free hair with continued use.  to round out your hair care routine

~ Conair has launched the Infiniti Pro by Conair The Ultimate Brush, an anti-frizz brush with conditioning ions for better frizz control

Makeup 

~ makeup lovers you are going to be some happy campers this Fall season when you peruse your local London Drugs! L'Oreal, NYX, Emani, Annabelle, Sally Hansen, Cargo, Tweezerman, Prestige Cosmetics, Revlon, Cover Girl, and Rimmel did not disappoint~

~ L'Oreal is always on point with what's trendy so I'm sure you've seen or perhaps already tried the new Miss Manga Rock mascara but have you seen the La Palette Nude 2? well that my dears, just you wait and see!

~ NYX has gained some serious social media presence in the last few years by partnering with some well known vloggers {@vegas_nay anyone?} and insta-famous artists and doing so has brought about the attention their understated brand deserves.  Vamped Up Lip Top Coat, Wonder Stick, High Voltage lipstick #6, Prismatic Shadow in Girl Talk, Eye Shadow Base in Black, and the Color Correcting Concealer Palette in #4   

are just a few of the products we will be sampling and reviewing

 
~ Emani is a line that neither Oz or I have tried before and we are super excited to delve into their 100% vegan Perfect 10 Primer Serum and HD Corrective Concealer.  

~ Annabelle stocked us with some great and innovative pieces as well, their Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads are one piece that we keep in our pro kits/set bags for quick touch ups. Pressed Powder Blush in Spring Petal, Smokey Nudes Shadow Palette, Kohl Liner Duo in Tuxedo, Eye Ink Mistake Proof Liner and Corrector in Brown and Black. Stay Sharp Self Sharpening Waterproof Kohl Pencil in Ultra Violet, and Stay Sharp Self Sharpening Waterproof Lip Liner in Glam Red and Lipsies Lip Balm in Cherry.

~ Sally Hansen has long been a go to for new nail trends and the new Miracle Gel Polish and Top Coat is something we are so excited to try!

~ Cargo is launching HD products, specifically foundation and concealer, we are excited to try the HD Picture Perfect Concealer in the next few weeks

 

~ Tweezerman is a brand we both use personally and professionally as their products preform consistently well and have a life time guarantee so you know we are excited to receive the Neon Nail Files, Slant Tweezers, the Grip and Slip Spiral Spring Cuticle Nipper and Tweezermen Gear Deluxe Shaving Brush

 

~ Prestige Cosmetics has a strong brow focused product launch this fall, launching the Ultimate Brow Definer, triple Line Ink Pen, and Velvety Smoky Eye Pencil

~ Revlon's new Ultra HD Lip Lacquer is one product SBDGirl Tarah got to try while at the #LDBeauty Event, and she loved the texture.  we also are looking forward to try the Color Stay Gel Envy Polish, Photo Ready Eye Art for lid, line and lash, Ultra HD Lipstick, Marchesa Runway Collection Slant Tweezer, and Cutex Extra Nourishing Polish Remover

~ Cover Girl is launching a new mascara! you know we love a volumizing mascara and are seriously looking forward to trying The Super Sizer Mascara

~  Rimmel has some great lippies, Keep Calm and Lip Balm, Oh My Gloss and the new Wonderlash Lift Me Up Mascara

.

Skincare

- you know we love our skincare, and the #LDBeauty event did not disappoint! at the top of our list to try is Silk'n ReVit Microdermabrasion Kit. 

 
~ skincare also includes your body and Jergens takes the confusion out of moisturizing while wet by launching their Moistuizer For Wet Skin in Coconut and Green Tea scent.  you apply it directly on wet skin after exiting the bath or shower and then tap all over with a towel to lock in moisture

 

~ StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum is an answer to dark spot sufferers!  especially welcome at this time of year, when the sun can wreak havoc on our complexions 

~ Neostrata has reformulated their Level 1, 2 and 3 Glycolic Acid Creams making it more streamlined for first time glycolic users and OG users as well. launching a 5% and 10% Glycolic Acid Renewal Smoothing Lotion.   they have also entered into the Acne Clear arena as well with their Acne Clear Cleanser and Clarifying Solution

~ St Tropez Tan has some awesome newness as well this season, and if you've been following our most recent Bronzing post you know this brand is one of our favorites.  we are excited to try the Self Tan Luxe Face Oil, you can use it on it's own or add it to your moisturizer for a glowing complexion all year round

~ stay tuned in the coming weeks for all our reviews of each product we received and maybe even some giveaways!!!








*a special thank you to London Drugs Cosmetics and Hartley PR for having us*

Wanderlust

 ~ even with the beautiful weather here in Vancouver, we've caught the #wanderlust bug! summer always makes us want to get out and explore. everyone has that bucket list of places to visit, be it for a holiday, a honeymoon or just spontaneously because. we have a Pinterest page dedicated to our vacation wishes, the food to indulge in and the places to see. we hope you'll wanderlust with us!

Tarah's Picks: 

Killarney, Ireland

~ Ireland has always been one of those places that has pulled at my soul, it may be because my background is Irish or that I have a fondness for the mystical.  it's a place that encourages that, one with a long and rich history of fairies, vikings, and Irish clans that i've always been fascinated with.  its quaint pubs with their pints of Guinness and bowls of stew and dumplings and the staff and owners who know each patron by name.  the closeness of community with a touch of magic is irresistible to me.  visiting castles, museums, the little shops and exploring those famous Irish country sides are top of my list. 

picture from thetraveltester.com

Santorini, Greece

~ known as an idyllic couples island, that of white cliff side homes with blue roofs Santorini has always been a honeymoon destination. however, that's not the reason for it being on this SBDgirl's list.  it's picture perfect, plain and simple.  it's all things that my fantasy vacation has: great food, beautiful beaches, and simply beautiful surroundings.  on the to do list: scooting around the island with my munchkin on what I assume is a Vespa, playing in the sand, making sand castles and strolling the markets with my Mar Y Sol woven beach tote filled with treasures picked up that day ~

photo from matadornetwork.com

Oz's Picks

Barcelona, Spain
~ what can i say about Barcelona? whether you go for the food {tapas, Spanish wine, serrano ham!}, the sights or the football {huge Barca fan here!!!} you're sure to have an amazing time. from its crytal blue beaches, to its colorful landscape, Barcelona will make you sing "Alé, Alé, Alé" ~

photo by etips.com

Portofino, Italy
~ i first saw a photo of Portofino when a girlfriend went for her honeymoon. she was sitting on her hotel patio, overlooking the turquoise waters sipping an espresso. i knew, in that moment, i desperately needed to be where she was. nestled in the mountains of a quaint fishing village, Portfofino is surrounded by a picturesque harbour. a popular tourist destination for celebrities and non; its located out of the bustle of the Italian Riviera but not so far you can't recognize the beauty of Italy. 

photo queenofjetlags.com

Istanbul, Turkey
~ i dare you to tell me that you, too, wouldn't want to experience a Turkish bath. beyond the beauty that is Turkey, the magic of Istanbul is very east meets west, full of culture and experience, history, art and architecture. picturesque, absolutely but close your eyes and image sailing the clear, deep waters of Turkey, taking in all the rich land around you, all while enjoying the sweetest of some turkish delight ;-)

~ share with us your #wanderlust places or show us the pictures of where you've been and think we should go! use the hashtag #sbdtravels for a repost on our Instagram!

Beauty Favorites: Laura Mercier

~ happy belated #makeupmonday lovelies!! we're back for another beauty favorites series this time with makeup artist favorite Laura Mercier!! known for her specialty in creating the flawless face, Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics. as the personal makeup artist to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, and Juliette Binoche, she creates looks that are both flawless and accentuate one’s natural beauty. a favorite luxury brand of makeup artists worldwide, Laura Mercier's collection of products are beautiful in its simplicity. no bells or whistles, just pure beauty. we're sharing our favorites and recommended products and hope you love them! ~

~ Primers: Original, Radiance and the new Protect primers are 3 of our SBDgirls must haves! all 3 primers work on all skin types at any time of year.  we started out and fell in love with Laura's classic Primer for it's light weight, silicone free feeling.  Radiance Primer is beautiful alone, under makeup or just under the eyes to diminish dark circles, SBDgirl Tarah also likes to mix it into her body lotion when going out! the new Protect Primer is still light weight and silicone free but has the added benefit of having a broad spectrum spf 30 in it as well, perfect for sunny days!

- Repair Eye Serum is another favorite of SBDgirl Tarah, perfect for anyone who suffers from chronic dark circles.  it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a blend of Japanese botanicals. geranium extract helps firm the appearance of skin, while arnica extract and caffeine brighten the look of dark circles.  very little is needed from both eyes, about the size of a grain of rice for both eyes, since this product comes in a pump, you only need about a 1/4 pump.  a full pump of product will be way too much and you will waste it. ophthalmologist tested, dermatologically and allergy tested to minimize the risk of allergy and irritation and fragrance free.

- Secret Camouflage is essentially how the line was created!  Laura developed this concealer for her own skin issues and it's been on Best Product lists ever since!  it contains a unique two-shade system, one to match the skins depth of color and one to match the skins undertone, making it possible for every woman to custom-blend her own perfect shade. with 90% pigment, very little is needed to conceal imperfections on the face, but as it's a drier concealer you need to warm the pigment up before applying it. we recommend to warm it up on the back of your hand before applying it with your fingertips or the Secret Camouflage brush. 

- Secret Concealer is your answer to bright under eyes! say good bye to dark circles with this moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for around the eye area.  we recommend to use your ring finger to apply, gently press into the pigment and tap around the eye area.  very little is needed to cover, and using too much can cause creasing in any fine lines.  if dark circles are a concern for you, set your under eyes with the Secret Brightening Powder.

 - Secret Brightening Powder is one of those unique products that no other line has, it's specifically formulated for the eye area and not recommended for use on other areas of the face.  it gives an invisible lightening boost,and the transparent white color brightens skin instantly.  micronized pigments will not settle in fine lines or accentuate shadows,and it's for all skin types but especially those with texture around the eye area.

- Baked Highlight #1 is a perfect highlighter for very fair to medium skin tones, it's more of a champagne color than anything too gold or pink and the sheer, buildable coverage lets you customize your glow.  it's longwearing formula wears all day (8 hours) and the color stays true without oxidizing for an even wear.

- Baked Eye Colors in Black Karat and Aubergine are two of SBD Girl Tarah's absolute favorites!  the pigments are beautiful used dry or wet are these are two very unique shades that can be used on any skin tone.

- Caviar Eye Sticks in any color are an absolute MUST in a makeup artists kit, and you know if it's a favorite of ours it will be for you too.  a few of our favorite shades of this water proof, crease proof and smudge proof shadow stick collection ( of 23 shades)  are: Rosegold,  Copper, Sandglow, Plum, and Amethyst.  use them alone or under an eye shadow for more intense color and longer wear, certain colors can also be used as eye liner when applied with a brush.

- truth be told, there are too many of our favorite products to name from this brand, whether your buying makeup for yourself or if you're a makeup artist building your kit.  Laura Mercier is one of the few artistry brands left that is helmed by its creator and it definetly shows in the quality of products.  Check out the entire line at Holt Renfrew Vancouver, Nordstroms (when it opens in the fall) and the line's best sellers at Sephora.