Big Announcement

Hello lovelies!!!!

I have not posted anything in the past almost 2 months for two reasons.

One: I got a new job in the beginning of October, which gives me sparatic days off.

Two: Because of the way I have been feeling most days. Some days I am just so tired that all I want to do is sleep. Others I just feel so ugh and sluggish, which ultimately results in me wanting to sleep. Naps have been a huge part of my off days lately.

By the title of this post I can only assume that you are wondering what this big announcement that I have is.

If you are close family and friends, then you may already know but, you want to see and read more.

My announcement is that.....

I AM PREGNANT!!!!

As of yesterday November 28th, 2013 I am officially 12 weeks pregnant!!!! And I am over the moon!!

My boyfriend and I have been together for a long, long... while and we are so happy. We weren't necessarily trying to have a baby but, we weren't exactly preventing it either. It was more of yes we want to one day and we shall just see what happens down the road. And, now the road is here. 

I suspected in September that I may be pregnant but, was not yet sure. We took a test at home and it turned out to be negative. A week later still pretty sure that I was pregnant, we decided I should go to the doctors to get a blood test. I went to the doctors on Thursday October 3rd and got an hcg blood test taken. The next day, Friday October 4th, while on my break at work, I called my doctors office for my results, not sure what to expect. Low and behold I got the amazing news that my test came back positive!!!!

I then hung up the phone and called my boyfriend right away (this is something that you cannot wait to tell your partner, at least I couldn't) to tell him the results. The smile that leaped upon my face while attempting to tell him the news was so engorged that I could barely speak a word. At first he did not believe me but, very quickly came around with excitement of his own. We then continued on to tell our parents and siblings within the next week.

We are both so very excited to be parents and keeping this a secret for the past 12 weeks, has been one of the hardest things that I have ever done. Every time I have seen a pregnant woman I want to jump for joy and share our experiences thus far together but, I had to contain myself. 

The reason that we decided to wait until our 12th week to announce the big news was simply because this is our first and my first pregnancy and we wanted to ensure that baby was growing strong and healthy before we told everyone. The chance of (God forbid) a miscarriage after 12 weeks of pregnancy is less than 1% and that makes us ecstatic parents to be!!

Now that the news is finally out there I am so relieved! We finally bought something for baby yesterday and I cannot wait until we move and get our new place (most likely in late April or early May) and I can decorate little cupcake's room. Also, finding out the gender will be huge, because then we can buy gender and colour specific items. No more gender neutral stuff YAY!!!

As well, so you all know my EDD is June 12th, but many people say that your first usually comes earlier, especially if you are of a small frame. I am somewhat tall at 5'8" and pretty slender, which can also be another sign for an earlier delivery. I personally do not mind if baby were to come around 36 or 37 weeks instead, as long as it is because cupcake is ready to greet the world. I just want to see my baby he...he..

Well, I don't want to turn this post into a chapter of a novel, so I shall bid a due to all of you!!! 

Please post any questions or comments below so I can answer/read everything that you all have to say. I will be doing a post every week or two to update you all on my journey and you can also check out my new tab "My Pregnancy Journey"  for quick picture updates of baby's ultrasounds and my baby bump!!!

I will also be getting back into my regular fashion and beauty posts very soon. I have several different posts that I want to share with you all soon!!

Thank you so much to everyone reading this post, it means the world to me that you are following along on my journey with me!!!!

xoxo

annpaige.

10 Favourite Fall Lip Colours

Hello lovelies!!!

I am so excited that it is finally Fall!!! Fall is my ultimate fav season for Fashion. The colours are so rich and you can layer on different pieces to change up your entire look.

Fall beauty trends are also beautiful. Deep lip colours and darker smokey eyes become the everyday norm.

Here are my top ten favourite lip colours...
(They are in no particular order, but are written in the same order as how they are shown in the pictures)

- Cargo: Majella
- Wet'n'wild: 502A dark pink frost
- Rimmel Moisture Renew: Vintage pink
- Rimmel Moisture Renew: Lily Extase (also beautiful for the summer)
- Rimmel Moisture Renew: Nude delight (perfect for any season and can easily be manipulated with any lip liner colour)
- Rimmel Lasting Finish: Jet Set Red
- Mac (frost): viva glam
- Mac Lipglass: love child
- Mac Pro Longwear Lipglass: sentimental
- Stila Lipglaze: Black cherry

My favourite combination is a medium dark purple lip liner, with Rimmel Lily Exatse and Stila black cherry lipglaze on top.

What is your favourite lip colour for Fall?!?!?
Comment below!!!

Come back next week to check out my first post for my Fall 2013 look book!!!

I'm finally on Pinterest: annpaige V

I hope you all have an amaxing weekend!!!

xoxo
annpaige

DIY Face and Body Exfoliant

Hello lovelies,

A couple of weeks ago I ran out of my face exfoliant and I needed one asap. I immediately looked up different at home recipes and I made my own. Everything I used is all natural and the recipe can easily be altered for your skin type.  Having now made this on my own I will never need to buy an exfoliant again, only ingredients. Every time I use this on my face (2-3times a week) my  is so soft and smooth afterwards. I am in love!!
Another great thing about this recipe is that you will most likely already have all of the ingredients you need in your kitchen, so there is no need to go out and buy anything. Now on to how you can make your own...

What you will need:
- Ramakin or a masin jar to store your exfoliant
- measuring spoons
- a spoon or a stick to mix everything together
- 1/2 a cup of Olive oil (coconut oil or jojoba oil are also great options if you want to use them too)
- 1 tbsp honey (organic or natural honey are the best options for your skin, but regular honey will work just as well)
- 1 tbsp of squeezed lemon juice
- 2-3 tbsp table salt (or sea salt)
- 2-3 tbsp sugar (white or brown sugar. Beown sugar will be less abrasive)
- one vitamin e capsule
- 2-3 drops of essential oil (for smell/aroma if desired)

Start by adding half your dry ingredients to your jar.
Stir in your oil.
Add lemon juice and honey.
Pierce the vitamin e capsule and squeeze it into your jar.
Add the reamaining of your dry ingredients and mix really well.
Determine if you have the desired textuee that you want. Add more oil or salt and sygar if needed.
If you decide to use an essential oil, add this last.

When making my exfoliant I didn't measure anything. I kept on adding more of what I needed until I got my desired texture. I am telling you this, so that you can customize your own mixture to suit your skin type. If you have oily skin you may want to use less oil and if you have dry skin you may want to use more etc. The measurements you use will also be determined by the size of your ramakin or jar.

Keep your exfoliant at room temperature. Every time you use it, you always have to stir the ingredients around, so It is normal for it to clump up. Your exfoliant will also last you quite a long time depending on how much you make. It can last up to a couple of months.

I don't recommend that you use this exfoliant on your face everyday as it can be quite abrasive. Use a very gentle hand when rubbing it on your face or skin.

For oily skin you may want to use this exfoliant only a few times a week, as the base is oil and it may make your skin feel greasy with excessive use.

For dry skin every other day would be perfect. You can get rid of all the dead dry skin and add moisture at the same time.

Normal to combination skin every other day or as needed.

I use this usually exfoliate twice a week,  sometimes three times and sometimes I can also skip a week. I have normal skin with a slightly oily t-zone. I usually start to get a bit oily on my chin and around my nose probably after 4-5 hours of being out with make up on. It is not to the amount where I need blotting sheets though, just a touch up sometimes through out the day.

If you want to make a large amount of the exfoliant it is also great to use in the shower on your body, especially if you use fake tan a lot.
If you want it just for your body you can add more salt and sugar, so it is a bit more rough and chunky and it will get rid of all of your dead skin and leave you feeling extra soft and smooth.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and comment below if you try this or if you have your own recipe!!!

xoxo
annpaige

Dusty Rose - OOTD

Hello lovelies,

I am loving all of the new colours and styles for Fall. I am also super excited that peplums are still a big trend for this coming season!!!

Dusty rose and anything berry coloured are my favourites for this Fall.

Here is the outfit that I wore today...

Peplum blouse: Rickis
Skinny jeans: Smart Set (old)
Pumps: Le Chateau
Bow earrings: Fr21
Watch: Aldo
Purse: Guess

What is everyone doing for this long weekend. I cannot wait to have a couple of days and just relax.

Hope you are all having an amazing night!!!

xoxo
annpaige

Hawaiian Tropic Winner and Reviews

Hello lovelies,

The Hawaiian Tropic Visa gift card winner is....

lelalacc Congratulations girl!!!!

Here is an over view of all of the reviews submitted:

Magnolius T:
I have been using the sunscreen and the after-sun for the past three days.What I like best about the sunscreen is how quickly it absorbs into my skin. I don't have to wait to put my clothes on for fear that they will get greasy. The scent reminds me of the beach and it fades nicely so there is just a nice residual tropical smell to your skin. Most importantly, it works! No sunburns here.I don't usually use after sun moisturizer. I really liked how this one smelled really clean with just a hint of coconut. What I didn't like about this lotion was how it made my skin tingle. Perhaps that is normal for an after sun product but I didn't really enjoy it.Overall I really liked and would definitely buy the sunscreen but I would skip the after sun moisturizer.

Glenys:
I needed a sunscreen and these works well! No more sunburn and no more worrying about being in the sun for too long. It smells really sweet and it doesn't get greasy after rubbing it into my skin. I also like the ribbon thingy in both products which I think is kinda cool. The after sun moisturizer is so moisturizing and had a better scent. I think the sample size bottles are just the perfect size to put in your bag and bust it out after every two hours outside. One thing I don't understand is why we have to apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure because I would never remember to do it before then.

lelalacc:
So pleased that there was finally sun so that I could actually use and review the products! This weekend was the perfect 'test' scenario. Firstly, I'd just like to say thanks for the giveaway - much appreciated!I love that the Sunscreen Lotion comes in a 30 spf - this is my fave level of protection (not too much, and just right for good sun protection). I liked the scent of the sunscreen - it was pleasant and actually made me think of the beach. The lotion applied nicely and was not at all greasy. It blended into the skin quickly (not leaving any 'white' lotion steaks) and it actually left a nice sheen on my skin. I was outdoors for quite a while and didn't burn at all - so it also worked well for me. I have to say that the ribbon pattern of the lotion, which matches the bottle, was pretty cute and an unexpected surprise.The After Sun Moisturizer had an extremely refreshing scent and I liked the smell right away (I'm actually very sensitive to fragrance, and it was great to find a product that did not cause any such issues). I found that the moisturizer had a cooling sensation as I applied it - which felt great after coming in from the sun and heat. I was pleased that it had aloe. I also think that, because it is branded as an after sun product, I would be more likely to remember to use it after being in the sun - as opposed to a regular moisturizer - which is a great thing because one can really never moisturize too much and this would certainly help to keep my skin in better condition after sun exposure. The only thing that i was not too keen on was that I found the moisturizer left my hands feeling sticky after applying it - so I had to wash it off my hands right away (instead of actually rubbing it into my hands as I would with a regular moisturizer).Overall, I liked both products and I really love the size of the bottles - perfect for travel or toting around with you on a really sunny day.

Jonnie:
The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion feels good on my sin and protects it well. It absorbs quickly and smells so good! I've been using it when I am running errands and no signs of sunburn yet!The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Moisturizer leaves my skin feeling cool and refreshed. I love the look of the aloe ribbons in the bottle and the fruity scent is really nice.The two products work so well together. I will be continuing to use both.Thanks for the opportunity to try these out!

alison*elle:
I loved both of these products! The sunscreen smells delicious, absorbs quickly, and wasn't greasy. The after-sun moisturizer has a nice cooling effect and works well on hot skin if you've been in the sun a little too long. It's also a great alternative to aloe which I find can get a little messy. Since it's a lotion, it's much easier to apply.

E Momma:
I was hesitant to try out another sunscreen lotion, because of allergic reactions i had in the past.I was pleasantly surprised that the sunscreen was not thick or sticky. The sunscreen was non-greasy as i applied it over my arms and legs. The first good result i noticed was the sensitive areas on my skin(where i tend to get heat rashes) was not irritated outside in the heat and also i did not feel burnt.I have to agree with the good review i heard on a program about the sunscreen. I feel it's one of the best on the market. When i got inside i used the after-sun moisturizer, and it made my skin feel soft and smooth without a sticky feeling which i appreciate for my oily skin type. I would definitely recommend these products to my friends who are looking for a good quality product with great results.Thanks for giving me the opportunity to try both of these products!

allias:
Hi Guys! I have been using the sunscreen and the after-sun for the past week or so.What I like most about the sunscreen is how quickly it absorbed into my skin. There wasn't any sticky residue and I didn't feel like a greaseball when I applied it. LOVE that! The second factor that I loved was the scent. It brought back memories of my trip to Palm Beach. It was fresh, energizing and tropical! Throughout the past week I have had ZERO sunburns and my occupation requires me to be outdoors, so I definitely had exposure to the sun! The after sun moisturizer's scent of coconut and papaya was completely addictive!! I loved the tingling sensation of the lotion because it provided a cooling effect to the skin. I could imagine that the after sun moisturizer would be sensitive enough on a sunburn.Overall I really liked and would definitely purchase the sunscreen and the after sun moisturizer.Thanks Ann Paige for giving us all this awesome opportunity!

Sarah W:
I was very pleased with the sunscreen for a few reasons. Normally i prefer not to use sunscreen, since i tend to get darker whenever i use it. The lotion was basically a shield from the sun, and my skin remained the same color. It has a very nice smell, not like the typical sunscreens. Even when my skin got wet it didn't leave a white residue. Also another positive result was that my skin didn't feel clammy. The after-sun moisturizer was very light weight and i loved the fruity scent. The size of this duo is great for travelling and i will take it on the go! It was great trying both products out :)

Thank you everyone for entering and for all of your participation!!!!
I hope you all had fun and enjoyed entering this giveaway,  because I really enjoyed hosting it!!!

Thanks again to ParadigmPr for the chance to give back to all of my lovely readers!!!!

xoxo
annpaige

Photoshoot in Niagara

Hello lovelies,

Recently my boyfriend and I have had a few photoshots and I wanted to show you all some of the pictures.

We also drove up to Niagara Falls for the day during the long weekend last week, so some pics are from there too!

The shots from Niagara were all taken on my phone and I attempted to edit them myself. The shots of the sunset I took on our way back.

The other three shots were taken by my boyfriend. You can view more shots here on his site.

I finally started my therapy and I am so happy!! My doctor and therapist said that I am healing really well and now I need to work on flexibility, then strength in two more weeks when I go back. It's frustrating sometimes tryimg to move my hand and wrist, but I am slowly getting there. At least I can type now (slower on the computer..lol), so that is good news!!

How is everyone's Summer going?!?!? 

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!!

xoxo

annpaige

Hawaiian Tropic Giveaway Winners

Hello lovelies,

This is going to be a quick post, to inform everyone who entered my Hawaiian Tropic giveaway that everyone is getting the chance to review both products!!! If you left a comment entering the giveaway then you automatically won!!!

So check your email and junk mail, for my email telling you that you won!!!

Congrats ladies!!!

xoxo
annpaige

Schick and Visa Giveaway Winner!!

Hello lovelies,

The winner of the $50 visa for the Schick giveaway is.....
(Winner was chosen by random.org)

Sarah Wilson!!

Congratulations!!!
Please check your email and junk mail.

Thank you everyone who entered!!! I also included those who unfortunately did not receive their razors on time, as it would not be fair to those individuals.

In this post I am also going to feature all of your reviews below.

Brenda:
Hi annpaige! I just got my razor in the mail yesterday and used it last night. I loved it! I wet it to activate the serum and did both legs without any shaving gel. I had no irritation at all. No dry, itchy skin. I ended up with a very close shave. I highly recommend this razor! Thank you for giving me the chance to try and review it!

Glogirl:
The first thing I noticed about this razor was the rubber grips on the handle. It made for a great non-slip surface while using it in the shower. I liked the moisturizing beads on the razor that were released as I shaved. It eliminated the need for shaving gel but I do wonder how many shaves I can get with the moisturizing beads before they dry up. The razor glided smoothly up and down my legs and caught all of the hair leaving me with silky, smooth legs. I was really impressed by the job of this razor! I did feel the need to moisturize my legs after shaving as they felt a little dry. Overall, this is a great disposable razor and much better than the disposable razors I have tried with only one or two blades. The five blades of this razor allowed for a close, comfortable shave. I would definitely recommend this product to others.

E Momma:
I was very pleased with the clean, smooth shave i received from my Shick Hyrdo Silk razor. It glided very nicely, and the 5 blades gave me a close shave without any nicks. The design of this razor is very nice and the grip is great. Also another thing that was great was after shaving it was very easy to clean. I used this before my up coming vacation and this is defintiely the perfect razor to take in your toiletries bag. This razor did an amazing job, it was 100% true to it's claims and i would most definitely recommend it to others. Thanks again for this contest!

Sarah Wilson:
To be honest, i dont like shaving.. i find it to be a drag. It takes too much time, and typically the results aren't as great compared to a hair cream remover or waxing.For the first time, i actually enjoyed shaving and i didn't feel like i was shaving. This is because the razor glided very smoothy across my legs and it was a quick and easy process! The mirco bead gel helped to make the blades glide so easily and i couldn't feel the sharp blades at all against my skin. It was easy to maneuver and it got into all the little crevices, resulting in a very clean shave.Overall i was highly satisfied with this razor, it was my pleasure to try it out/review it. Compared to other razors i used in the past, i can honestly say.. this was the best. I would definitely purchase this and recommend it to others!

Jonnie B:
I don't usually use disposable razors because I find they leave me with more irritation than refillable razors. The Schick Hydro Silk disposable made me rethink that. This razor left my skin smooth and soft with no irritation at all! I can't believe that this disposable worked better than most regular razors I have used. The cushioning on the handle made it really easy and comfortable to use. I notice some of the other reviewers say they didn't use shave gel, I should mention that I did use shave gel. I thought of the moisturizing serum as an extra moisture boost.Thanks for the chance to review!

Andrea Amy:
I actually prefer disposable razors. I find I get a better shave, a closer shave, and I just like the convenience of them. The Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Jetables was great. I like the closeness of the shave, and found that it worked really well in those hard areas like my knees and underarms. I normally prefer to use men's disposables because I find that they are just a better razor in general, and that I get a closer and longer lasting shave, but I really liked this one. The handle was comfortable to hold, I didn't get any nicks or cuts while shaving, and I will admit that I shaved in a hurry as my children started fighting with one another when I was half way through. I would buy these again, and appreciate the fact that the razor came with a money saving coupon for me to use when I buy a package. Thank you for picking me to receive a razor for free to review.

Thanks again to everyone who entered and participated in this giveaway!!

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

Hawaiian Tropic Review and Giveaway- Closed

Hello lovelies,

I have another giveaway for you all!!!

Recently I was sent the new Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Lotion and After Sun Moisturizer. I am loving both of these.

The Sunscreen Lotion has SPF 30 and 12 hour moisturization with hydrating ribbons. When applied you are left with silky soft skin that smells amazing. The sunscreen smells like yummy coconut (it reminds me of Banana Boats tanning oil spray) and I love it!!! Who doesn't like smelling like food mmmm.

The After Sun Moisturizer also has ribbons of moisturizer as well as aloe gel that's lasts 24 hours. The scent is coconut and papaya and I cannot get enough. Lately I have been using this as just a moisturizer all over my body and it lasts forever. This After Sun moisturizer is however meant to be applied after being out in the sun all day and it is meant to soothe and relax your skin. This is perfect for healing any burnt/red skin. When applied the lotion leaves a nice cooling sensation and it smells soOo good. 

The PR company that sent me these goodies also wants to give all of you ( Canadians only) the chance to try out these products too!!!

Similar to my last giveaway there will be two parts. Part one is to try and Review both the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion with 12hr moisturization and the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Aftersun Moisturizer with aloe and 24hr Moisturization. Part two is winning a $50CAD Visa gift card!!!!

Part One -Try & Review
- you must be following my blog by either GFC or bloglovin (both links on right hand side)
- leave a comment below with your email telling me that you would like to enter.
- Up to 25 readers will win the chance to try and test out the new Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 and the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Moisturizer.

Part Two - Visa Gift Card
- If you are a selected winner I will need your mailing info. that I will pass along to the company in order for you to recieve your Hawaiian Tropic goodies!!!
- Once received and reviewed come back to this post and leave a second comment below telling me your thoughts on both products and this will enter you into the draw for the $50 Visa giftcard!!!! (That once again will be sent by the company). I will also do a post with everyone's reviews, once they are all received
- Please ensure that you are over 18 years of age or that you have parental consent to give out your address.

Contest deadlines:
- Part One of this contest will end on August 4th 11:59pm EST and I will contact each winner on August 5th (for the Hawaiian Tropic goodies) by the email you provide in the comments(please check your junk mail and/or save annpaigefashion(at)yahoo(.)ca to your safe sender list). I will also do a blog post on the 5th announcing all winners.
- Part Two All reviews (comments) need to be posted below by August 19th to ensure your entry for the $50 Visa giftcard.

Good luck everyone!!!!

xoxo
annpaige

Schick Giveaway Winners

Hello lovelies,

Part one of the giveaway is over!!!

The 10 winners for the Schick Hydro Silk razor review are....

Giveaway Winners

1. Jonnie B
2. Andrea Amy
3. Cathy K
4. Brenda Penton
5. Areta
6. Sydney Bows
7. Rachel Brant
8. Sarah Wilson
9. Glogirl
10. E Momma

If you see your name above please make sure you check your email (and junk mail, as some have told my email went straight to junk) for details on how to get your razors and enter into the second part to win the $50 Visa gift card!!!!!

Congratulations ladies!!!!!

xoxo
annpaige