DIY sheet masks

Beauty products can get pretty expensive, depending on your skin care needs. However; it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways you can spend less money and still achieve the skin you want. One of the ways you can do that is save money on sheet masks. You only use them once anyway. I bought a pack of DIY sheet masks from a local store, you can buy them in bulk on ebay as well. Here’s a link: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=sheet+mask&_sop=15&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=diy+sheet+mask&_sacat=0. 

The sheet masks I bought came in a set of 25 with 25 pairs (50) under eye masks as well. I paid $2.99+tax on it. So it wasn’t expensive. the fun part is getting to choose what kind of face masks you want. I’ve already made cucumber face masks and a few tomato face masks as well as cucumber under eye masks. I have tried the cucumber under eye masks i’ve made and I must say, it does work. I also plan to make green tea and honey face masks and green tea under eye masks.

Btw: you’ll need a blender for this and zip lock bags!

Instructions:

1- Cut your fruit, in this case cucumber into slices

2- Throw it into your blender and purée!

3- Pour the goo/juice into a wide bowl
(I actually tried dipping the face masks into the blender cup but it does not saturate the cotton as well as when you do soak it into the bowl)

4- gently press out any excess goo/juice

5- carefully and neatly fold the mask into in half twice and put it in a ziplock bag for storage

6- refrigerate/freeze to keep the cucumber mask fresh

7- take your mask out to defrost before using it
(you don’t want to put something icy cold against your delicate skin)

8- relax and enjoy your mask.

Perks: Cost efficient, natural, fun to make.

Downside: pulp left on your face, they require a refrigerator to keep them fresh

Baby the Stars Shine Bright: Snow Queen Jumper in Saxon Blue Review

Tags

baby the stars shine bright, BSSB, jumper skirt, lolita, myfictionallove, review, snow queen, winter 2012 collection

This is the first BSSB dress that I have ever purchased. I waited quite a while to get it, mostly because this brand is just so expensive. Just by going onto their website and taking a look at all their collaboration works and lolita prints, you can quickly see why they are so popular. I believe Baby the Stars Shine Bright is currently the top lolita brand, which includes their darker Alice and the Pirates clothing line as well.

This dress was quite expensive, compared to other brands that I have purchased from and have seen. Quality wise, I have no complaints about poor zipper quality- so far, or any complaints about the dress’ general condition when I received it in the mail. it had ZERO wrinkles, it was perfectly folded and it came with its own hanger and plastic covering to protect it from damage. That was amazing because usually when I receive my mail, it has been slightly wrinkled or there are folds everywhere from the mail. It might have been the express shipping and the box that it was shipped it. I recommend paying more for shipping if you want to open the package and wear the dress right away.

I actually did not order this dress directly from the BSSB website, instead, I used a middle man site: Tokyo Rebel. I preordered the dress, which I actually found to be cheaper purchasing through Tokyo Rebel (and much simpler) than ordering it from the original website.

The unfortunate thing was that Canada Post decided to charge me customs on it…. I was so angry because customs on a dress that costs over $300 CDN is QUITE a lot. And after seeing that the quality and esthetics are soo similar to cheaper brands like Bodyline, I find myself wondering if it was worth all the money. There are a lot of things I could have bought with that money.

But overall, the dress is just beautiful. It’s more of a Snow fairy than a Snow Queen in my opinion. The straps have this lacey detail that makes it more whimsical and less majestic. I did not actually notice the lace detailing on the mannequin when I preordered it, but of course, it’s not a big deal.

I did not order the matching bow and other accessories with it, because they’re just too expensive and frankly, I can buy something cheaper, or make my own. It easily matches white/cream white and a soft baby blue or sky blue. I love the pattern on the fabric, I believe that is one of the reasons that brands like Baby the Stars Shine Bright are so expensive. It has a 100% unique design with so much details. There’s a boy and a girl sitting at a window sill, a snow fairy casting snow everywhere and a lovely snow castle, matching bow prints

running horizontally across the skirt,(what appear to be) reindeer and roses all over the skirt bottom.

Another thing to note about the BSSB brand, all their clothing comes in one size. Their sizes differ from the jumper skirt, like this one I have and the dresses. They do not make them any larger or smaller, so that is troublesome for those who do not fit into the standardize sizing of this brand.

(To be updated…)   

What Inspires Me

Tags

inspiration, myfictionallove, what inspires me, why i write

There are so many things in this modern world that we live in to draw inspiration from. It can come from anywhere or anyone. From something so simple as a kind gesture or a supportive friend, to something great like love or a star you idolize.

I draw my inspiration from the simple things in life, from what I really want, things that I am passionate about, and seeing the success and happiness that other people have really inspires me to do my best to achieve my own happiness.

My fish inspires me to be a caring person, to remember to be generous of my time and efforts to those around me. They depend on me for survival, and I in turn depend on them when I need something to look at to find my centre again. I believe they have a strong psychological effect in calming me especially when I’m feeling down or anxious.

I want to channel my depression and anxiety from something negative to something beautiful. I don’t want it to hold me back from living the life I deserve to have. I want so badly to overcome these obstacles and help others who are going through the same things as I do, because I know exactly how horrible these feelings are. But I also know how beautiful it can be as well. It taught me a lot of things that I did not know about myself or that I denied about myself.

Whenever I see someone I know or used to know find success and happiness, it makes me wonder what I’m doing sitting here doing nothing productive. Am I lagging behind? I want to be and feel accomplished in my own way. Perhaps my pace is much slower than others, but I know my time will come. When I see/hear about someone’s life story and the struggles they have faced and are still able to live life to the fullest, it inspires me to strive to be the best I can be. To do my best.

Another thing that really helps is when I have a friend who is there supporting me and gives me that extra push that I need to really keep doing what I love to do, or what I’m afraid of doing. But when you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, why not try?

I think most importantly, I want to feel that I have some self worth. I want to feel that I am worthy of something great. And nobody else can determine that for me. I need to keep trying if I’m ever going to find my way.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. What inspires you?

Anime Review: Kemono no Souja Erin

Tags

anime review, beast player erin, beastinarian, erin, kemono no souja erin, myfictionallove, recommendation

Despite this anime having a limited audience, it has grown to be one of my favourite animes to watch and re-watch.

This anime, like the large majority of animes was taken from a book. However, Kemono no Souja Erin [ English Title: Erin], was not based on a manga but on a Japanese novel. The story follows Erin in her journey as she grows and follows her mother’s values and goal in life to become a Veterinarian, or a Beastinarian. She struggles to make peace between in what the law of the lands are and what Erin truly believes is the right thing to do. Along the way she meets some kind and unique characters that stand by her and help her find happiness. But at the end of the day, this young Beastinarian-in-training understands that fate is in her own hands. It is a fantasy adventure and I have absolutely fallen in love with the story and Erin’s character.

I recommend this anime to just about anyone. 5/5 stars.

writing update!

Woo! it’s not quite tomorrow yet, and thanks to a friend of mine i took another look at one of the short stories i was writing and finished editing it. I have now posted that and you can find it at the top of the page under the tab: “Completed: Revisiting Henry.” I started this story about 2-3 years ago and it really reflects my opinions on Henry VIII and how i discovered the importance of Historians in giving a new light and more of an objective view of history. I started it in a time where I, like the main character in my story,, did not know much about Henry VIII and when I began to question if I wanted to study history in University. Well, here I am in my second year of university and I AM studying history. Despite the reaction I get from strangers asking me what I study, I love what I study.

I hope you enjoy what I have to share. Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, like, rate it. Let me know if you want more stories like this :D

The Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Experience

Tags

Cabbagetown, CRPM, Museum, Regent Park, Toronto, toronto heritage sites

Is it just me, or does it look like there’s someone sleeping in the piano?

Hey Torontonians!

Did you know….. There is a museum that is located on an animal farm in downtown Toronto?

If you don’t live around the area then you probably have never heard of the Riverdale Farm. It is located on 201 Winchester Street, and it is the home of amazing still-standing Victorian houses, the only ones left in North America.

This is also the former home of the toronto Zoo before it moved to the east end of the city. There are still a few original buildings left standing from the days of the zoo, for example: the Hippopotamus Tower. Though, many people have passed by it and admired its great height and ivy covered stone walls, what they don’t know is that it used to pour water onto the hippos when the Riverdale Farm was a zoo.

At first, when you walk onto the farm, it seems like a regular old farm that has been left standing through the years. It was actually built and put together after the zoo closed down in 1974.

And once you walk pass the Poultry barn you will see the outlines of the former zoo cages that now hold the goats and sheep as they graze and greet the families that visit. Just past all the animals there is a butterfly garden and duck pond just hidden away behind the beautiful treas and flowers. And if you continue down that same trail, you will pass by the Meeting house where birthday parties, meetings and pottery classes take place. It used to be a workshop for children as well.

The last building you will encounter is the original Residence House. The zookeeper used to take residence there and it was also a veterinarian clinic for the animals. But now, the main floor has been turned into a mini museum featuring Cabbagetown and it’s beautiful hidden treasures.

Still wondering what’s up there…

For the summer months of June to August I became a docent at the museum. At first, I was not sure how I would feel about the place. I only knew that it was a museum and a new place I had never ventured to in Toronto. But these elements usually make the best stories and experiences. I’m not going to lie, i did get bored many times during my shifts. Having the Sunday afternoon shift isn’t always the best, especially when people walk onto the porch, peer through the window to stare at you for 2 seconds and then turn around and walk back onto the farm. And sometimes, there just isn’t anyone there at all. I guess families were having their lunch. Though, it was always nice to have another docent with the same shift, then you have someone to talk to and complain how slow the day is passing with and how hot and humid the weather is. So, it was here that I met so many different people and it was here that I discovered so many things that I am definitely going to take with me when I go back to school in September.
I worked on my interpersonal skills, which I felt that I lacked most for the upcoming year as the Public Relations Officer of the History Society of the University of Waterloo. And now, I feel that I’m much better prepared.

One of the major attractions of the museum, also the centerpiece of the museum, is the hand-crafted Victorian style Dollhouse. It is quite detailed, including miniature furniture and different wallpaper used in each rooms.

Pictures will be posted soon.

Review: Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

Tags

myfictionallove, literature, jane austen novel, books, vanity fair, realistic portrayal, girls rebecca, Vanity Fair Review, William Makepeace Thackeray, satire, British society, 19th century, Rebecca and Amelia

This old classic, entitled Vanity Fair was a pleasant surprise. I purchased it at one of the University of Toronto’s book sales a couple years back, but I never thought that I would be so intrigued by it.

The story is about society in the early 19th century in Britain. However, that being said, it certainly is not your typical “happy-ending” or “Jane Austen” romance. This novel is actually a satire of the follies of societies in the nineteenth century. Though, I believe that it still applies very well to the people of the twenty first century.

It criticizes the vanity and selfishness of humanity while finding fault in all the extremities of personalities, for example the innocence and absolute trust that Amelia Sedley had in those she loved, whom betrayed her without her realizing it.

The story follows the lives of two girls: Rebecca and Amelia as they grow and make their lives in this strange world of Mayfair, that mirrors London, England. It also presents many different characters that each have a very strong trait that either keeps them in high society or ruins them.

My own thoughts on Vanity Fair was that it was not easy to get hooked onto the novel itself, it really isn’t until midway through the book that the happenings really draw you in to want to keep flipping the pages and reading. I really love how the author just engages you through the book, he writes his commentaries and warnings into the novel to remind readers his moral and its importance. There were certain points in the story where I felt like it mirrors perfectly some of the people in my life, and it made me laugh, to think that. When I first started reading it, I thought it would be something typical like a Jane Austen novel where everyone marries in the end and live happily ever after. But there is NO heroine in this novel, it is a much more realistic portrayal of society and I believe that even a modern woman has something to learn from this novel.

4/5 Stars, a classic in its own right.

Holika Holika at Pacific Mall

Tags

2012, Canada, Holika Holika, make up, Markham, new, North America, review, store, Toronto

Holika Holika is one of the newer Korean makeup brands which first launched their shop back in 2011. Since then it has gain rapid popularity among Korean makeup brand junkies.

Recently, Holika Holika opened up a branch in Pacific Mall, in Markham, Ontario. I was surprised to see that Holika Holika opened up an official store here because it was still a relatively new brand. There are also many other beauty/makeup stores in Pacific Mall selling multiple brands of products, but none quite like Holika Holika. Even the employees here in Canada wear the purple lace-up corset dress uniform, representing the holika Holika concept of purple witches.

I only picked up two items, the Cover and Hiding Liquid concealer in shade 02 ($10 CDN) and one of their eyelash curlers ($7 CDN). Holika Holika products are not expensive, I think they are very affordable.

One of the notable things about the brand, for me personally, is the eco-friendly paper bags they give out. I think it is adorable.

Overall, I think it’s worth taking a gander at if you ever pass by Pacific Mall, and I hope that the products work out well for me. :)

Acrylic Aquariums and Bettas

Tags

acrylic aquariums, betta aquariums, betta fish, fish tank, flaring

For the past two days my Betta, Starburst, has been acting up and flaring all over the place. And for the longest time, I could not figure out the reason why. So I did a lot of googling and thinking and at first I thought she was mad at me. Though, she did purposely flare at me one time.

After a while, I realized the problem was not me, but the aquarium itself. I have the Aqueon Betta Bow 2.5 and it is an acrylic tank. I looked up the difference between having a glass aquarium versus an acrylic one. I really like acrylic aquariums because they are light weight and do not scratch easily. But I have found that it is not the ideal material for a Betta tank. due to the refraction of light against the acrylic, it makes it very easy for your Betta to see its own reflection and mistaken it for another betta.

Starburst kept flaring for 2 days straight because she could see her reflection perfectly clear against the aquarium background I put up, no matter the amount of lighting. After moving her away from any mirrors and removing the background, she immediately calmed down and took up an interest in the marbles at the bottom of the tank.

My Betta: Starburst

Tags

betta fish, female, half tail betta fish, pet smart betta fish

Today I brought home a Betta fish from Pet Smart. There were two female Betta’s left and my brother and I each took one.

Mine has reflective white scales on its body and red fins and tail. While my brother’s Betta fish has more blue in it. Starburst was quite panicky when I first picked her up until just now. So it took a few hours for her to become acquainted with me and the 2.5 gallon tank I got for it.

I also got some tall and leafy plants (the fake ones) for it and a ceramic log made for Bettas. The log i purchased from Pet Valu and the plants I got them from Pet Smart, they were either 99 cents or $1.99 CDN each. The Log was more expensive but still under $10.

After spending a day with it I feel that my Betta is very much like myself. I also discovered that she is territorial and will jump out of the water, if necessary.

Yesterday in the evening I put up the divider that comes with my aquarium so I could put my Brother’s betta: Dratini in the tank and then I went down for dinner. However, when I got back Starburst was on the wrong side of the divider. I’m not sure how she got onto the other side, but after rearranging her aquarium this morning and seeing her jump out of the water and away from my net, I can conclude that she most likely jumped over the divider. She might have gone underneath it, but with some gravel in the way I think she jumped.

I can’t wait to get to know my Starburst more!