Father's Day Gift Guide & Giveaway

Hello lovelies,

Father’s day is soon approaching and who else finds themselves scrambling within the week to find the right gift for their husband or Father? This year I am going to avoid the last minute dive by shopping ahead. With that said I wanted to share a little gift guide with you all showing some of my top gift choices for dad. (All of these items are husband approved!)

You can never go wrong with cologne. As long as you know their favourite scent, this gift idea is sure to please. During Father’s day you will always be able to find gift sets that also include little accessories and counter products, such as aftershave or lotion also in their favourite scent. The great thing about getting a cologne gift set is if you go to a department store, they will wrap it for you! Super quick and easy.

Girogio Armani Fragrance Gift Set - The Bay 

Something for the handy dad, or the dad who likes to work on their car - a ratchet or tool set. Check to see what they already have and if you don’t know anything about tools, take pictures. When you go to the hardware store you can tell or show the salesperson what they already have and they will help you find something to either compliment their existing tool set or add on.

A tools set that I got for my husband a couple of years ago and that he uses all of the time is from Black & Decker. The same one is no longer available, however this is a similar drill set that any father would love and use.

Black & Decker Drill Set - Walmart

Husky Ratchet Set - The Home Depot

A classic timepiece is a great gift for any husband or dad. This is actually what I opted to get my husband for Father’s day this year. Jord has beautiful watches made of natural wood and a sapphire crystal dome. The style that I chose for my husband is the Dover automatic watch made of ebony wood and copper. A style with just the right amount of elegance and pop. I also decided to get it engraved, which adds that extra touch and truly makes it a special piece that he will remember. Luckily for you all, I have teamed up with JORD to offer a $100 gift certificate towards the gift watch of your choice to one lucky reader!

>> Enter here <<

Check out JORD’s full collection of men’s watches--to find your next gift (husband/boyfriend/dad)!  These watches and Apple bands are super unique and come in so many styles!  They look great, but are also keepsake timepieces at a very affordable prices!  The huge selection and ability to personalize makes JORD a great place to look for gifts for anyone!  Personalized engraving is available on watches as well as cedar humidor boxes.  They off generous returns and exchanges, free worldwide shipping,  along with great warranties make purchases easy : )   

See some styles below:

Meridian Argent:

Stacked Zebrawood & Dark Sandalwood:

Conway Kosso & Blue:

Hyde Walnut & Black:

Apple Band Black Lima (coming soon!):

Gifting & Customer FAQ:

~Most watch backplates can be engraved! All Cedar humidor presentation boxes are engravable as well!

~The watches may be sized for the recipient

~Many watches have additional options for customization--mixing and matching faces and woods!

~Every watch comes with a one year warranty and options for return & exchange

~Free worldwide standard shipping!

Now that we have the gift down, it’s time for the last piece to pull it all together - the card. Paperless Post is my favourite way to send cards for all occasions. You can customize your card by adding a photo of a special moment with a little message and you can even customize the envelope. With thousands of templates to choose from, you are sure to find and create a card that will really show them how loved they are.

I hope that this post has been helpful and that you now have an idea of what to gift to the special dad in your life.

Let me know what gift you decide on giving in the comments and good luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!

xoxo

annpaige

Wooden Wrist Watch

Maternity Style

Hello Lovelies!

Maintaining my style during pregnancy is something that has always been important to me. During my first pregnancy I was unable to wear maternity clothes and this time around, I wanted to find clothing that fits my growing bump without sacrificing my own fashion sense.

Below are some of my favourite outfits that I have worn through out my pregnancy, with links on where you can find the same or similar items. I hope you enjoy them and find them resourceful if you yourself are pregnant!

Wrap dresses are great for everyday wear from early on in pregnancy and after to use for nursing, so of course I had to show one of them!

Dress: Carry Maternity

Overcoat: Vince

I LOVE wearing high-waisted skirts during pregnancy. This one from Mendocino is a skirt that I have had since before pregnancy, but works perfectly as an over the bump skirt for during.

Top: Gebe (sold out find similar here)

Skirt: Room Service from M for Mendocino (similar)

Shoes: Justfab

H

I have always loved my jeans and especially early on in my pregnancy, I would wear them as much as possible (knowing that they would only fit for so long). This top from Jules & Jim is a soft stretch knit, that I am still able to wear now, while I am huge and it has continued to keep it's shape.

Top: Jules & Jim (similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)

Cardigan: Lole

Shoes: Lole (similar)

When the time came, I went straight for maternity jeans. Having maternity jeans during pregnancy makes you feel like you again. Paige jeans are made with a blend of rayon that make them comfortable and super stretchy and they also sit under the bump, which is my personal preference.

Top: Ripe Maternity

Cardigan: John + Jenn

Jeans: Paige (Maternity)

I love this outfit! When I wear this outfit, I feel fashionable, comfortable and the top has ruching on the sides, so it fits my growing bump perfectly. And, let's talk about this vest! I got this vest from Dynamite last year and I had been waiting forever for Fall to start so I could wear it.

Faux fur vest: Dynamite (similar)

Top: Jules & Jim (similar)

Leggings: Dynamite

Boots: Justfab (similar)

My everyday go to staples even before pregnancy have always been jeans and a boyfriend blazer. Not giving up my style during my pregnancy was what I said was very important to me, so finding the right styles that work with my new shape, was super important to me.

Jeans: J Brand

Sweater: Similar

Blazer: Similar

If you are pregnant or just love Fall fashion, comment below and let me know which looks were your favourite. Also let me know if there are any other pregnancy related posts that you would like to see me do. 

If you are not yet be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for all of my latest blog updates, as well as a sneak peak into my everyday life!!! You can also subscribe to my post updates on the right hand side of this post, so you never miss a new post!

As always thank you for reading and...

xoxo

annpaige

Updated What's in My Purse

Hello lovelies,

It has been a long while since my last What's in my purse post and I always find these posts to be one of the most interesting. Finding out what others deem as essential must have items to keep with them everyday. It's a personal post and also fun to read. So, without further ado, let's get to what is in my purse.

Outfit:
Top: Gebe Maternity
Skirt: M for Mendocino
Shoes: Justfab
Necklace: Ricki's 

Items I must have with me at all times include pretty much everything that you see here and it is the main reason why I can never carry a small purse. 

Purse: Coach

Wallet: Coach

Mints, for both a breath refresher and nausea killer, while pregnant.

Lotion, because I hate having dry hands.

EOS lip balm.

Hand sanitizer, because I can be a total germaphobe, especially while pregnant.

Earphones from Sony.

My current fav lipstick in Affluent from Younique.

Sunnies from H&M.

My rosary, because I am Catholic and I pray daily.

My agenda and organizer. My agenda is from Bando and it is my favourite. It is a monthly and daily planner with a lot of room for notes and it comes with stickers!! They have so many prints and designs and this one was my fav!

A pen, of course, to use for writing in my planner and because you never know when something will either need to be signed and/or filled out.

Clear polish for those pesky times when my nail polish chips or my actual nail chips while out.

And, that is everything I carry with me on a daily basis. I also ensure to always have water and snacks in my purse everywhere I go, typically both for myself and for daughter.

What are your purse must haves?? Let me know in the comments below and as always thanks for reading!

To stay up to date with my posts, subscribe by email and also be sure to follow me on instagram!

xoxo

annpaige

How to Survive the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Hello lovelies,

The news is out!! If you do not follow me on social media, then you may not yet know that.....I am pregnant! This is my second pregnancy and this time around we are expecting twins!!! We both feel so blessed and we are overjoyed to grow our little family. And, of course our little girl is totally stoked to be a big sister!

Finding out that you are pregnant can leave you with a whirlwind of emotions, add pregnancy symptoms and not fitting into your clothes on top of that and it can be quite a challenge to manage. Having been through this once before, I am grateful for the tips and tricks that I had learned and been able to implement into my everyday life this time around. With that said, I am here to share with you all of my tips on how to survive the first trimester of pregnancy. Because, we never receive enough advice while pregnant, right?

Tip #1 

Sharing the news

This is a sensitive and tricky one to manage, as it can be so hard not to want to tell everyone. If you tell people, are they accidentally going to slip and tell others? Are you going to slip and tell people? Also, how long is that teeny tiny bump going to stay teeny tiny?

Having a careful conversation with your partner on who and when to tell is a definite must, as soon as possible. You may both have different ideas on who should be the first to know, however having that initial conversation will make it so much easier to respect each others wishes.

Tip #2

Dealing with Nausea 

Every woman and every pregnancy is different. With my first, all I really experienced was motion sickness vs. full blown nausea. I had a few days that I took my prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach and quickly learned my lesson not to do that ever again. However, with this pregnancy it has not been the same. Yes, a multiple pregnancy is accompanied by the symptoms of double the hormones, but no one ever knows what that really means. To combat nausea, I keep water on my night stand and ensure that I eat within a half hour of waking up; crackers are a perfect small snack to devour before breakfast and in between meals. 

Mints!! I have mints in my purse and sitting on my counter at home, as they always help when either motion sickness kicks in, or for just nausea in general. Anytime I feel a little motion sickness on transit or in the car, I always pop a mint or two to help it pass for a little while. They are also great for getting rid of pesky after tastes that can bring up nausea after a meal.

Tip #3

Fitting an ever changing waistline

Depending on your body frame you may show quickly, or if you have a longer torso or are carrying further in your back, you may not show as early. Either way, a tighter waistline is inevitable. Do not, I repeat DO NOT think that you have to live in leggings, because there are so many options available now to help you look and feel great. With my first everyone recommended I get a Bella Band and it totally does the trick for helping you fit into your favourite jeans without having to zip them up! Comfy pants also work wonders, especially loose joggers. 

For tops, I typically stick to longer tanks and looser fitting tops, especially if you haven't shared your joyful news yet.

Tip #4

Skincare

Face First

Restless nights and all day nausea got me looking like a Walking Dead extra, but no one needs to know how I really look! ;)

A good BB cream, concealer and luminizer = my trick to glowing skin!

I mix my favourite concealer and luminizer together for a luminescent glow and top it off with a moisturizing BB cream to give my skin life and hydration, so no one has to know that I did not "wake up like this".

My EOS lip blam, Batiste dry shampoo and of course  prenatal vitamins are all essentials that I cannot live without while pregnant and recommend that all pregnant women have!!

Stretch Marks? No, thank you!

To prevent stretch marks (hopefully) and also alleviate itchy, dry skin, I use a combination of Vaseline Radiance coco butter moisturizer and Shoosha Stretch Mark Oil. I start by putting the moisturizer all over my upper half, including my butt and hips (because yes, your skin will also stretch there too) and then I layer on my oil.

Using both seriously and truly eliminates the mid day tummy itch and keeps my skin feeling supple all day long. I do this routine twice a day; once in the morning after I wake up and then in the evening before bed. I used this same routine with my first pregnancy and thankfully never got a single stretch mark (here's hoping this round will end in the same results ;)) 

Tip #5

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated during pregnancy helps your body on so many levels. Getting enough fluids, helps your skin retain moisture (keeping stretch mark prevention on top of mind), and helps to flush out everyday toxins. Sometimes feeling lightheaded and nauseous can also mean that you are not getting enough fluids. I always have a water bottle with me and I usually end up refilling it about 4-5 times a day while I am at work. 

Tip #6
Write it Down

Get a pregnancy journal! I had one with my first and I bought one for this pregnancy as well. Having a pregnancy journal is a great way to keep memories because we all know how forgetful we can be (especially while pregnant). Being able to jot down important notes along the way, like when you first felt your baby kick or when you feeling your first bay hiccups. All are amazing memories and they are great to share with your little one when they are older. A pregnancy journal is also an excellent way to stay organized, as they typically include appointment reminders, baby shower guest lists and how to organize your thank your cards. A definite must have and the one I use is What to Expect When You're Expecting organizer and you can get it at online or in-store at Chapters/Indigo.

I hope that this post has been helpful, as I wish I had come across similar advice while pregnant with my first. If you have some of your own favourite tips that have helped you along your journey, share them below! And, if you too are expecting comment below and let's share in our joy together :)!

Stay tuned for my next post which will include some of my favourite Fall maternity looks, that I will be strutting this season! Let me know your favourite trends for the season and I will try to include them.

As always thank you for reading and until next time...

xoxo

annpaige

Transitioning to Fall

Hello lovelies,

The air is getting crisp and that Fall breeze is here to stay. Although the summer heat has not entirely disappeared, I am ready to start rocking some Fall transitional outfits. Below are some of my favourite trends for the season and tips on how I will be switching up my Summer styles to make them work for the current "Pre-Fall" weather.
And, if you aren't yet be sure to follow me on Instagram for sneak peeks of my blogs, as well as regular beauty and fashion posts.

The first look is perfect for when the weather is warmer during the day and it doesn't scream Fall however, throw a cardi on top or a leather jacket and you are set for that Fall breeze.
Floral jeans are a trend that I am LOVING this season and dressing them up with a heel, will take them from day to night.

This next look is one of my favs, because I LOVE cozy sweaters and the touches of pink, make this an easy transitional look for Fall. Adding a classic black suede bootie dresses this look up, making it appropriate for an event.

The last look I created is literally one that you will catch me in almost everyday this Fall. I picked this look because it is cozy and casual and can be dressed up or down, depending on where I am going. A faux fur vest over a cozy knit with combat boots is the ultimate in comfort. Add a floppy hat and oversized bag and this is the perfect city outfit.

Which look is your favourite and which trends can you not wait to rock this Fall???
Comment below and let me know!

Thanks for ready loves!

xoxo
annpaige

CLOSED - New Shick Intuition Razor & Contest!!!

Hello lovelies!!!

As you all know I have tried and reviewed the Schick Intuition razor on my blog before and I fell in love with it! Now, Schick Intuition has come out with a new Advanced Moisture razor and I had the opportunity to test it out.

The Schick Intuition razor instantly became my go to razor because it is easy to use, glides over any and all curves (perfect for legs and around the knees) and most importantly, you don't need shave gel. The cartridges are amazing and especially the new Advanced Moisture razor cartridge. Infused with Shea and ribbons of moisture, your legs will be as soft as a baby's bottom, with no razor burn or bumps!! And what girl wouldn't love a pink razor?!?!

The company that sent me the razor are also giving all of you the chance to try it too!!! The first 20 people to comment below will be sent there own razor to try and review. You will also be entered to win a $100 credit gift card!!!! Super exciting right?!?!?! The contests rules are as follows....

Contest Rules:

- The contest will be open for two weeks June 2nd - June 16th, 2014.

- You must be a follower of my blog, using GFC or Bloglovin'. Please state which you are following on and your username.

- You must be over the age of 18 or have your parents permission to give out your mailing information. (Please note that the mailing information provided to me will also be provided to the PR company, as they will be the one's sending you your razor)

- You must live in Canada, or at least have a Canadian mailing address to enter with (the gift card will be issued in CAD $)

- Leave a comment below with your email address stating that you would like to be entered into the contest. (Comments without a valid email do not count as an entry)

- All qualifying winners will be contacted by email on June 17th

- Once you have been selected and have received your razor I will then ask that you try it out and send me by email a review of your thoughts on the product.

- Once I have recieved all reviews, one winner will be chosen at random to receive the $100 credit gift card!

*All reviews sent to me will be combined into a new blog post specifically reviewing the Schick Intuition Advanced Mositure Razor(if you do not wish to have your real name or full name listed on my review blog post, please specify that in your email when you send me your review.

Good luck everyone!!!

Until next time....

xoxo
annpaige

*This is a sponsored blog post, however all views and opinions on the Schick Intuition Razor are that of my own. I was not paid to give a good review on said product*

Spring 2014 Fashion Trends

Hello lovelies,

Spring weather is slowly starting to arrive here and it has inspired me to do this post once again, as I do every year.

I love Spring fashion because it is the introduction to a new and beautiful season both in Fashion and in nature. Colours become alive and it is finally time to get rid of all of the dreaded layers and of course our winter boots.

Here are some of my favourite fashion trends for this upcoming season...

The ever loving Pastel trend:
Wear a full coloured suit or be more subtle and pair your fav pastel with neutrals or even your most beloved denim.

Cropped Boxy Jackets:
Wear this trend as an easy work to dinner look. Pair with a narrow bottom and sexy heels or booties for the perfect modern look.

Bomber Jackets:
Bomber jackets aren't just for exercising anymore, they are now for the exact opposite. I love this trend with a simple tank, dark denim, a statement necklace and killer heels. The bomber jacket will easily replace any blazer you have and still offer the same versatility.

Wide leg trousers:
They are finally coming back!!!
Find the right shape and fit for your body type and remember balance. Cropped tops are easy way to update this look.

Denim on denim(The Denim suit):
Wear your favourite chambray top or denim jacket with your favourite denim jeans in a similar (if not the same) tone it's that simple. Pair with a pop of colour underneath like coral or a subtle pastel and some rockin' boots.

Printed Pants:
Denim or trousers it doesn't matter, print is all over our bottoms. Subtle or bold in your face the prints (and colours) are there. Wear with neutrals or go all out and wear with a matching coloured top.

Does this season not remind anyone else of the 90's once again? I love it!!!!

What's your favourite trend for this Spring?

Palazzo pants - forever 21
Beige Cropped boxy blazer - dynamite
Black and white printed pants - dynamite
Pastel short suit - forever 21
Denim on denim - guess
Colour blocked bomber jacket - dynamite

xoxo
annpaige

Living on the edge (200th post!!!)

Hello lovelies,

I have finally reached my 200th post!!!!

I am so grateful for all of you and as cliché as it sounds, I wouldn't be blogging if it weren't for you!

I know I don't have hundreds of followers and that's not why I started my blog. I started my blog, because I love writing. I love fashion and make-up and sharing my looks and ideas with all of you and anyone who happens to stumble on my blog. I love reading other blogs and getting the chance to connect with people all over the world!!!

For my 200th post I thought it would only be fitting to do an outfit of the day for you all, so here it is....

Tee: H&M - men's t-shirt (I stole it from my boyfriend, when he wasn't looking :| he..he..)
Jeans: Garage
Flats: Ardene
Necklace: Rickis
Braceletes: H&M
Sunnies: Dolce & Gabbana
Purse: Guess

I have been loving wearing my distressed denim with tee's and girly-ing it up with make-up and accessories or heals lately.
I have also really been obsessed with my sunnies that I bought while on vacation in New Jersey/New York.

What look/style are you loving right now?!?!

If you have any requests on posts that you would like to see related to fashion or makeup leave them in a comment below!!!!

If you are Canadian and have not yet entered my Giveaway, click on the link here - Giveaway - and enter to win goodies from Hawaiian Tropic and a $50 visa gift card!!!!

The deadline to leave your review on the Schick razors from my last giveaway is coming soon, so be sure to leave your review so you can be entered to win Part 2!!!

Some exciting news, I can now leave the house without my splint on my wrist!!!!
If any of you are wondering the surgery went really well, it has been two months post. I was bandaged up for a month, then I had a splint for a month. I still wear my splint, but only at work, or if I am in big crowds. My wrist is still really stiff and also tender near the incisions, but it is healing really well. I start therapy in a couple of days and I am both nervous and excited!!!!

Until my next post....

I hope you all have an amazing day/night!!!

xoxo
annpaige