Nume Demo

NOTD

This is Orly's Purple Crush and it is virtually impossible to get an accurate photo of the colour.  This is a neon purple colour that comes cross beautiful and bright in person, but not as pink as the pictures are showing.  I love neons right now, but definitely recommend adding a nice top coat to gloss it up.  The top coat I am currently using is Essie's Good to Go.  I keep looking down at my nails and just loving this colour, especially during our rainy weather!

Pictures Lately

In case you don't follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (PS you should!), I thought I would post some recent photos again today.  I like to do these updates at random to look back.

Enjoy!

I bug my husband Jeremy that it was his first day on the job when he accidentally put T's pajamas on backwards and upside down.  No, the arms don't go through the leg holes, Dad!

Speaking of Dad, I totally have to praise good old Pinterest for giving me this idea for Father's Day.  You can follow me on Pinterest here.

This was a Face of the Day or FOTD the other day.  These are the products I use pretty much on a daily basis.

Thank goodness for a haircut!

We've had only a few sunny days so far but I made sure to take advantage and bust out these new sandals I have from BCBG.

We took part in Relay for Life, benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society.  T even did three laps!

I am seeing Taylor Swift in concert this weekend and have returned to my catalog to prepare.  So. Freakin. Excited.  I can't even think about it! Don't worry, there will be a vlog:)

And for the first time ever last weekend I tried frozen yogurt.  This could become a problem.

June Favourites

LINKS MENTIONED:
http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/my-...
http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/wha...
http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/a-n...
http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/kil...
http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/my-...

Wise Word Wednesday

What's On My Desk

This is a fun twist on the video What's in My Bag.  I've done What's in My Spring Purse, What's in My Diaper Bag and What's in My Carry-On.  Today I wanted to mix it up with a blog post of What's On My Desk.  

In case you don't know, for my real job I am a Morning Radio Show Host on a Top 40 station.  You can actually listen live to my show online from 6-10am PST.  

This is what my desk in the studio looks like.  (If you like this post, I can also show you what I keep on my desk in my office.)

Here we go!

This is an over-view of my little area in the studio:    

My co-host sits across the desk from me and above my head is my microphone which swings on an arm.  

This is what is usually in front of me, usually with the addition of (many cups of) coffee and my breakfast protein shake.  I often forget to charge my phone (Samsung Galaxy S3) overnight and so it's usually plugged in beside me on silent.  Wouldn't want it to go off while we are live on the air!

 For Valentine's Day this year Jeremy gave me this framed photo of us taken last year while on holiday in Banff.  The quote is from the song Closer by Tegan and Sara, a favourite of our's this year.  The lotion on the left is from (shocker) Bath and Body Works in the scent Strawberry.  My hands get so dry during the morning and I use this multiple times a day.  It's light and fresh, not greasy at all. 

I am in love with these Eco Zebra pens in black ink.  The 'live, love, laugh' notebook is the brand MintGreen from Clementine Paper Inc and I bought it at Winners.  This is where I keep my countless to-do lists.  I would be lost without this book!  I have done a whole video on my planner which I also cannot live without!  My headphones are the Sennheiser HD 205.    

This will not shock any of you who have been following me for a while.  I always have a tub of Lush's Lemony Flutter and a C.O. Bigelow rose salve, my holy grail lip product.  I have done an entire blog post on Lemony Flutter and when I use it my co-host says I am 'shampooing' my nails.  Not quite;)

I always have this plastic water cup and fill it countless times a morning.  I got it on clearance from Superstore after Christmas and actually just turned the red cover inside out to hide the candy canes.  It sits on a coaster hand-made by my loving Nana. 

So, that's what I keep on my desk in the studio.  Tell me, what are your must-haves at work? 

Review - Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland has a new album that just came out last week called Talk a Good Game.  This Destiny's Child is holding absolutely nothing back and letting it all out on this album.  My recommendation? Skip straight to song six Dirty Laundry.  I literally had this on repeat all weekend.  Kelly reveals how she went from a super high to a super low after Destiny's Child broke up; she was in an abusive relationship that led to her break ties with Beyonce.  Every time I play this song I get goosebumps and I've seen video online of Kelly breaking down performing Dirty Laundry.  Speaking of DC, the two other girls appear on a song with Kelly which is a fun throw-back.  Kelly really exposes a lot of soul on this album and shows she's a mature woman, with something to say.  I think she's come into her own and even though she shows respect to her former group, she stepping out on her own and proving her talent.  I think Talk a Good Game would be perfect for a Destiny's Child fan or someone who is discovering Kelly all on her own.

My Way to a Healthy Life - Update

This video may feel a little repetitive if you keep up on my blog.  By the way, if you are a loyal reader, THANK YOU!!

But, I hadn't talked at all about what I have been doing health-wise on my YouTube channel and so I thought it was time for an update.  

I hope you enjoy!

oxox

RECENT BLOG POSTS MENTIONED:
What I Eat Before and After A Workout -http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/wha...
Trying Protein Shakes: http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/a-n...
First Week of 30 Minute Hit:http://www.maresplace.com/2013/06/kil...

NUME WINNER:
MegaMeli79

My Weekend Soundtrack

Here are some songs I have been absolutely loving lately and the tracks I will probably be blasting this weekend!

oxox

The Other Side - Jason Derulo

We Can't Stop - Miley Cyrus

Dirty Laundry - Kelly Rowland

The Way - Ariana Grande ft Mac Miller

Release You - Megan and Liz

All Things That Smell Amazing

Wise Word Wednesday

Nail of the Day

I tried countless times to really capture the neon essence of this polish but the camera just does not do it justice.  This is my first ever Avon nail polish and I am very impressed with it!  It went on almost opaque in one coat and was very easy to use.  Usually I have a ton of polish around my nail on my finger, but I barely had any when I used this.  This Mega Watt shade is Hot Pants.  Can we just take a minute to love the name? A very generous radio listener Kathy dropped off some goodies for me to try and this was the first polish I applied.  I can't wait to try the others!  These Mega Watt colours are perfect for summer!  Like most neon shades, I applied a shiny top coat to make it less matte.  Have you tried anything from Avon?

How Does She Get So Much Garbage?

Colours of the Rainbow Tag

My Products:
Kate Spade ring
Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy - Vlog testing blush:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY8FIo...
Nine West Clutch
Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask
Revlon Urban
Wonderstruck Perfume - Perfume collection:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ7rCz...
Real Techniques brushes
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart Valentine
Skull Scarf

What to Eat Before/After a Workout

I have been going to 30 Minute Hit now for just over two weeks and am still loving it.  In case you missed my blog post on my first week, you can see it here.

Although I still feel amazing for going and love the work out, I have had a bit of a speed bump and I wanted to share with you, in case some of you have had the same problem.  I would have a great session, feel amazing for getting through and hitting hard...but then all of a sudden a wave of nausea would come.  And a pounding headache.  I am sure you can relate that this was super disappointing!  Here I am, trying to be good to my body by exercising and it is NOT happy!

So I talked to Ashley at 30 Minute Hit and she explained to me that I had to be more aware of what I was eating before and after a work out.  It's important to give yourself fuel before and then feed your body after.

Clearly I am not an expert and so this is what Ashley suggested to me.  I work out about mid-morning and she suggested a snack with a little protein and a little sugar beforehand.  I have a piece of bread with peanut butter and a banana.  After she also suggested some protein.  I have been having a sandwich with either tuna or turkey, with veggies and some greek yogurt dip. 

Obviously food is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle, but I was finding after working out mid-morning I would be ravenous all afternoon! SO hungry and scared to ruin all my hard work for 30 Minute Hit.  Ashley suggested having lots of fruit and veggies cut up and ready, dipping in some hummus or having a protein shake.  She said to try to avoid any carbs or high fat snacks.  But wait, those are my favourites;) 

I am definitely having more protein now and I am finding it helps keep me energetic and fuller longer.  I recently did a whole blog post on trying a protein shake.

What do you have before and after a work out?

oxox Mare

Nail of the Day

Today's Nail of the Day is one I found on ridiculous clearance at Sally Beauty Supply.  This is Orly's High on Hope.  It's a pretty royal blue with lavender shimmer in it.  It looks like glitter, but it doesn't have the rough feel of a glitter polish which seems like a win-win to me!  I think this is a fun take on a darker blue polish, especially heading in to summer.  I have tried a few Orly polishes and have been happy with the finish and lasting power; so far this one is the same! 

Wise Word Wednesday

Ok I know this isn't technically "wise" but this is what we are going with today!

A Newbie at Protein Shakes

  

Like I mentioned in my 30 Minute Hit blog post, I have been trying to do some more exercise and slowly that has been turning my eating habits as well.  The ladies at 30 Minute Hit suggested I try replacing one meal with a protein shake.  Not that I want to bulk up, but protein shakes can actually work as an appetite suppressant and help with digestion, metabolism etc.  So I have been trying this IsoGold protein powder in chocolate peanut butter in a shake every morning.  I mix mine with milk, water and ice.  It is surprisingly filling and satisfying.  I slowly sip it throughout my show in the morning and can stretch it out over about two hours.  I feel less hungry and more awake.  I am also shocked at just how delicious it is!  I feel like I am indulging in a milkshake for breakfast:)

I am by no means an expert, but wanted to share with you in case you are like me and have no idea why people drink these things!  You can get all kinds of brands, flavours and specifics.  Here's the nutritional info on the kind I have:

 

Do you have a protein shake of choice? Friends of mine add things like chia, fibre, cacao, flax and all sorts of things.  What do you add?  So far I like starting my day with a protein shake and it feels like a positive beginning to my day. 

 

How I Organize My Bathroom

I love being organized and I can't pass up a good deal.  It will come as no surprise to you that my bathroom is very organized and it didn't cost me much at all!  In fact, most items I feature in this video are from recycled, from the Dollar Store or WalMart.  I hope these tips and suggestions help!

My 200th Video!

To enter the giveaway...watch the video on my YouTube channel:) 

Killed It

I have never felt so empowered before, during and after a work-out.  I literally walk out of 30 Minute Hit with a ridiculous grin on my face after every session.

This has never happened to me before.  I am not in shape, nor am I very co-ordinated.  I am also excellent at coming up with excuses.

In case you aren't familiar, 30 Minute Hit is a circuit work-out that encorporates kick-boxing, self-defense and exercise.  I love that each station only lasts 2 minutes, so even though I am feeling the burn like crazy, I know the end is near!  You do a series of exercises, 2 minutes at a time with a 15 second rest in between.  The 30 minutes goes by super fast and before you know it, you're done!  I never thought this type of exercise would interest me, but I am loving it!

Being a busy mum, I have struggled to fit in exercise.  This has been very frustrating because I know health is important to being a good parent, employee and woman.  30 Minute Hit allows me to get in a work-out, but not have it take hours of my day.  I think because it's only a half hour, I am more likely to continue and not make up excuses.

I am going to bring you along my journey of doing 30 Minute Hit.  I not only survived week one, I killed it.

Tips on Deal Hunting

A couple days ago I posted my most recent vlog and in it I talked about a couple of great deals I found.  After that video went live I had numerous requests to do a follow-up giving some tips on how to save money and find deals.

Ask and you shall receive:

(Let me just preface this by saying couponing is much less advanced in Canada than in the US!)

1 - Make sure to sign up for emails from your favourite stores.  I can't remember the last time I paid full price at Bath and Body Works or The Body Shop because they are always having sales.  You can either get a coupon code or find out what the sale of the week is.  A word of warning: these emails can lead to extra purchases, so make sure to use restraint! If I know I don't need anything, I just delete without reading!

2 - Take the time to browse flyers.  We get bi-weekly free newspapers that always have flyers and sometimes they include coupons or stellar deals.  It can be easy to just recycle, but if you can do a quick look-over, you might find something on sale that you need.

3 - Look for coupon inserts.  In those same newspapers periodically we will get a book of random coupons for random products.  I have no idea how they choose what products to include, but sometimes there are great ones for more pricey items like batteries or razors.

4 - Keep an out for in-store coupons.  Sometimes there are coupons stacked in among products and I have found some steals this way.  They are usually placed not at eye level, so be sure to scan the shelves.

5 - Look for products that come with coupons.  For example in my vlog, we went to Dairy Queen and got a free blizzard and free smoothie with coupons from a Cheerios box.  This weekend we got a free container of yogurt with a coupon we had to send away for, with a voucher from another Cheerios box.

6 - If you have your eye on something but it's not urgent, try to hold off until it's on sale.  Chances are if you shop around and wait, you will be able to find a deal.  Books are a fabulous example.  If you can wait until a book goes from hardcover into trade paperback, the hardcovers usually go on discount.  I have bought many hardcovers for less than $10 when the jacket price is $35. 

Hope these help!  Happy deal hunting!

Wise Word Wednesday

Day in the Life

Review: Little Mix

I have been waiting for Little Mix to release DNA for what feels like forever!!  I first heard the song Wings on a UK countdown show we run on the radio station I work at and was instantly in love.  That was late last year!

Little Mix is a group of four women who auditioned for the UK version of The X Factor and then were put into a group during the show's process.  They co-wrote the entire album DNA and have said they had as much input as possible during the creation.  This is a true girl group album.  It reminds me of the Spice Girls or All Saints and it is just a lot of fun to listen to.  I cranked it all weekend in the car and can see myself singing it loudly all summer!  It is also very apparent these four are immensely talented...no lip-synching or voice alterations here! 

The first single Wings is fabulous, and some other great songs on the album are the title track DNA, Change Your Life and How Ya Doin?  Little Mix got some heavy hitters to join them on this album including Missy Eliot (AMAZING!! Where has she been?) and also T-Boz from TLC.  This is some impressive 90s talent happening here:) I think Little Mix is more than a one hit wonder and would highly recommend this album for some great songs to sing along to.