Budget Beauty: Oxblood Bath

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Each season there’s an ‘it’ colour that no one can stop gushing about. This year it’s “oxblood’s” time to shine – a warm yet dramatic burgundy hue. This colour is super-hot right now and has been spotted all over NYFW/New York Fashion Week’s runways (and in Paris too) from nails to lips to shoes. It’s an ‘oxblood bath’. Bold and versatile, oxblood suits most skintones  – perfect, as we shift into the richer tones of Autumn fashion.
Here are some of my favorite ways to rock the oxblood trend:
Eyes: Mila Victoria’s YouTube makeup tutorial re: how to create oxblood smokey eyes captures the crush on this rich wine shade. This take on the trend looks amazingly gorgeous and fashion forward, and can be worn both during the day and at night.

Lips: Being such a vampy shade, oxblood is ideal for those on the prowl or anyone who wants to look instantly fierce. Because it’s such a bold colour, though, it’s best to let your lips do the talking and keep the rest of your makeup minimal (skip the heavy eye liner).
Nails: Prabal Gurung’s take on oxblood nails made such a buzz in this years NYFW that a flurry of fashion bloggers and their moms tried it. It’s a genius choice for a Victorian-inspired Halloween, but oxblood nails are also really easy to DIY (& tough to mess up).
Too shy to try full-throttle oxblood make-up? Try a deep burgundy lipgloss or mascara. Otherwise, accessories can add some oxblood into your Fall look – eg. a semi-sheer scarf or patterned tights (check Forever 21 or H&M for cheapie options).

About Gerasil Coria

Gerasil Coria is a local Toronto blogger, Don Draper fangirl and a social media coordinator at Pretty Freedom.

Budget Beauty: Learning to De-stress

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 If there is one thing we could all live without , it’s definitely be stress.  When you’re over-worked and over-stretched, it shows up on your skin – hello, little wrinkles.  But: being stressed is inevitable (at least, sometimes) in this circle of life. So, best to avoid compounding the problem and triggering a domino effect that breeds more stress, more lines and (gasps) pimples!  Here are some of Geri’s tips to help you avoid a beauty burn-out:
We know you’re a busy gal on a budget , so these easy remedies will never break the bank!
  1. Lavender baths and lotion: One of the things I love doing once a while at the end of a busy, tiring, day is to soak in the bathtub. Johnson’s Baby products are some of my personal faves. No need to spend $50+ in an posh soap shop, when I can buy similar products at my local drugstore for less than half the cost.  My all-time favourite is Johnson’s Baby Lavender bath wash and lotion. They’re usually priced under $5 for a generous bottle, and it does the trick. After a good, dreamy bath I’m pretty much ready to sleep. Note: Lavender is a natural remedy for insomnia and helps soothe sore muscles.
  1. Coconut Scents: I absolutely love the smell of coconuts, and research has shown that coconut oil has many healing properties (and it smells amazing). What I love to do is just boil coconut oil (a teaspoon?) in small pot/bowl of water for 10 minutes and place a face cloth over the pot, so it absorbs the moisture. Once the cloth cools a bit, place it over your face for 15-20 minutes. The warmth & steam open up your pores, while the nutrients soak into your skin.  An added bonus is that your home will smell beachy delicious. You can find coconut oil at your local health food store or at Bulk Barn for under $10. Bonus: You can also use coconut oil as a conditioning treatments on the ends of your hair.
  1. Chamomile Tea: When I was in university and had those last minute assignments coming out of nowhere, there was usually minimal sleep and maximum stress. What really calmed me down was drinking a cup of chamomile tea with honey, and just taking a 10 minute break to decompress. Chamomile is a proven stress reliever and calming sedative. Bonus: save the leftover tea bags in the fridge - once chilled, place over your eyes to decrease morning after the all-nighter puffiness.
  1. Smile more: It’s a proven fact that smiling reduces stress levels, and you could easily make someone else’s day a bit brighter too.  Bonus: you exercise several facial muscles, when you grin – even more when you laugh.
More tips to come…

About Gerasil Coria

Gerasil Coria is a local Toronto blogger, Don Draper fangirl and a social media coordinator at Pretty Freedom.

Money Mojo: Improve Your Credit Rating

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SweetCheap TO’s Money-Mojo Expert Shannon Simmons offers some tips on how to improve your credit rating.

Most people don’t know what affects your credit report. If the details are a bit fuzzy for you too, here’s the lowdown:

What’s Important (impacts your score)

35% Payment History
30% Level of Debt
15% Length of Credit History
10% Types of Credit
10% Inquiries into Credit
The best thing you can do for your credit rating is to maintain good borrowing history. You can do this by paying all credit cards off IN FULL each month or paying the minimum each month within the grace period (before interest or late fees are charged). The level of debt you carry is also extremely important. Don’t max out your credit cards – you want to keep your credit balance around 30% of the total amount you can borrow. For example, if you have a $1000 limit, don’t keep more than $300 each month on the card.
Even if you can’t pay them off in full, if you pay your minimum payments within the grace period and don’t max out your cards you’ll also improve your credit score.
But: if you really want to make your credit report shine, ensure that you have a long credit history. Don’t cancel old credit cards that have been paid off. The longer you’ve had your debt/credit, the better (assuming it’s been paid off steadily – and, ideally, no missed payments). In addition, having several types of debt is good. You don’t want to only have credit cards. A debt mix composed of a mortgage, credit cards, car loans, student loans, etc is the best scenario.

Lastly, watch how many inquiries are made into your credit history.  An inquiry or ‘credit check’ happens every time you apply for new card, loan, line of credit, etc. So, if you’re always signing up for new credit cards, you’ll have a lot of inquiries (not ideal) – this can make you appear unstable/risky. In addition, this can happen when you apply for a new job, move in with a new landlord, or do a hard check yourself – excessive inquiries can jeopardize your credit score.

Bottomline: Borrow and repay credit cards and loans responsibly, in order to increase your credit rating.

For more Financial Advice and info re: Shannon’s workshops and consulting services, visit her at:
http://www.shannonleesimmons.com 

OR follow her on Twitter @shanleesimmons

Check out Shannon’s video re: figuring out if you can afford to buy a house:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLPN2OA1-us&feature=player_embedded

About Gerasil Coria

Gerasil Coria is a local Toronto blogger, Don Draper fangirl and a social media coordinator at Pretty Freedom.

Road Trip Essentials

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Road trips are always great. As fun as they are, however, being on the road isn’t as much fun when you’re not prepared. I’m talking about gas station bathrooms, sticky fingers, and all of life’s little blunders. I’m about to go on a road trip, so here are some of the essentials I pack in my bag:

  • I always keep a small pouch with me that’s packed with the following: bobby pins ($1, dollar store), a small pack of Tums in case of indigestion from junk food, USB keys (you never know if you have to download a file, or photos), tinted chapstick, (my personal fave Dr. Pepper, $2), a perfume distiller/travelo (very handy and necessary because there will be times you will stink!).
  •  A Sewing Kit. Not only are they super handy for those little rips and last minute repairs, but they can also help with cuts, or if you’re ever in a LOST situation. You can buy this kit at Chapters for $5-$8, or ask your hotel’s front desk.
  • Business cards. You never know who you’re going to meet and I’m always networking, no matter where I am.
  • Evian spray, $15 for 2 ; Sephora.This is a great makeup/face pick me up when you’re feeling dehydrated or just need to refresh.
  • Body lotion. When you’re tired it will show, and especially if you’ve been on the road for some time, things can get a bit dry, so moisturize!
  • Charmin toilet seat covers. I know what you’re thinking. The thought of using a gas station bathroom is unlikely because you will never do it and you may be right, but you never know and us girls know it’s hard squatting to pee as it is. Charmin toilet seat covers are not only affordable ($1) but they give you that it’s okay feeling because you’re basically set for those traveler moments.
  • Hand Sanitizer ($2, Bath and Body Works). Just in general good to have around when there’s no water or soap on hand or when you’re just feeling gross.

These are my essential Traveler’s Kit items, super easy to build and necessary! Let us know if you’re planning on going on a trip soon and what you’re keeping in your bags!

About Gerasil Coria

Gerasil Coria is a local Toronto blogger, Don Draper fangirl and a social media coordinator at Pretty Freedom.

Autumn Beauty Trends: The 4 B’s

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All right ladies, time to clear out your summer makeup bags and make room for some fresh Fall trends. One thing to keep in mind while shopping for your next make up haul is that this season is all about playing up basics. Pair bare, fresh faces with subtle bold statements, from your lips to your hair.

Here’s a list of things to try out this season:

  1. Braids. Not only are they super cute, but also they keep flyaway strays out of the way during those windy moments.  Some braid tutorials to try out: the fishtail side braid, hot cross buns, and the classic French braid. When trying to achieve the perfect braids purchase clear elastics. They are super easy to cut off and won’t damage your hair.
  2. Bright Eyes. Vibrant mascaras, from purples to electric blue, provide the subtle ‘vavavoom’ look. When wearing bright mascara you really don’t need anything else. You can get vibrant mascaras at your nearest drugstore. Some of my favorites are Benefit Bad Gal lash mascaras. Almay also has great affordable selections. Try electric blue and vibrant violets.
  3. Buns. Expect to see the return of the tight bun. Not only are they great for keeping your hair in place and out of your way, they also provide an instant polished look.
  4. Berry coloured lips.Last season we saw a lot of crimson hues. This time around it’s all about warming up your skin and looking like you just kissed a bunch of berries. Some favorites of mine are Mac lipstick in Craving and Revlon lipstick in Raspberry.

About Gerasil Coria

Gerasil Coria is a local Toronto blogger, Don Draper fangirl and a social media coordinator at Pretty Freedom.

Cheap Weekend Events August 3rd-6th

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It’s the long weekend!  Get out and enjoy this one because the next long weekend will be Labour Day and we’ll all be feeling the back to school end of summer blues.

1. It’s Caribana time and there are festivities aplenty. Enjoy the music and the gorgeous costumes at the Caribbean Carnival Toronto Grand Parade on Saturday starting at Exhibition Place and traveling along Lakeshore Boulevard to Parkside.

2. Keep the carnival spirit going at Harbourfront’s Island Soul Caribbean festival with music, dance, drumming workshops and storytelling happening for free all weekend.

3. The Caribbean celebrations keep going at Nathan Phillips Square’s Irie Music Festival with reggae, salsa, gospel, soul and African music, spoken word, art, film and food, all weekend, all for free.

4. Has it been a while since you’ve visited the Distillery District? This weekend hosts Artisans At The Distillery with art, pottery, textiles, clothing, gourmet food and more  to peruse for free. Make sure to treat yourself to some Soma chocolate while you’re there!

5. If you are not all danced out from the parade you can head over to Withrow park for Dusk Dances until August 5th, featuring free dance performances starting at 7pm.

Money Mojo with Shannon Lee Simmons

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The TFSA: Your Savings Superhero!

Our fave financial advisor Shannon has another tip for you this week ~ it’s easy and almost free & makes a lot of sense re: both your short and long-term savings plans.
If you haven’t already heard of the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), read on – actually, even if you have one, read on for Shannon’s insight on why this account delivers the most money mileage for you.
Max the TFSA

The TFSA is a wonderful place to save – especially for retirement. Yes, that’s right, the RRSP is not the be-all & end-all of your retirement savings plan. The TFSA should be maxed-out first every year.
Many people only use the TFSA as a side account, a place where they save for mini-breaks and emergencies. But, you can invest money in your TFSA and put it to longer-term use. It’s not simply a high-interest rate savings account at your bank.
WHAT IS A TFSA?
It’s a special bank account that allows you to save & earn interest, but you’re never required to pay tax on the principal OR the interest earned (whereas the RRSP is taxed as income, when it’s cashed in retirement or if used early to buy a house or to pay for schooling).
What’s the annual maximum amount of cashola you can contribute to a TFSA?
You can put $5K into your TFSA each year, and if you haven’t got one yet that’s actually kind of cool. Why? You’re entitled to put $5K per year into your TFSA, since 2009 – if you’re just getting started now, your limit is $20K ($5K for this year, plus $15K of potential savings allowance for the last 3 years). Lots of potential for compound interest that’s in your favour, and the sooner you start, the better!
Translation: TFSA’s grow via compound interest – kind of how OSAP/student loans seem to inflate and grow, but with TFSA’s the interest increases in your favour.
The TFSA can help maximize your retirement savings exponentially by offering tax-sheltered savings over the years, lowering your marginal tax rate in retirement by not having all of your retirement assets in an RRSP. This helps to ensure you qualify for government pensions when you are older.
Stop using the TFSA like a checking account. That’s not what it is. It deserves the same respect as the beloved RRSP.
Automatic deposits are a good start (eg. $50 per month), plus adding more as is do-able.
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Bonus: Check out Shannon’s mindblowingly simple 50/20/30 budget breakdown video here:
Need more Money-Mojo help?
Check out Shannon’s website for more resources, video clips and details re: her accessibly-priced consulting services.
OR meet the brainy-fab and hilarious Ms. Simmons in-person:
Shannon’s next Money Management workshop is only $20pp and takes place next Tuesday evening at Jare’s B&B in the East-End (August 7th) ~ details are here, if you’d like to reserve a spot:

About Nathalie-Roze Fischer

Nathalie-Roze Fischer is a Toronto-based indie retailer, eco-accessories designer & style scribe who loves thrifting, messy hands-on fun (think: crafty/fash DIY projects) & food trucks.

D.I.Y. Business Cards

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I’ve always wanted to be like those career women I’d see on TV with their business cards in chic silver cardholders. The first time my mother showed me her business card I vowed that one day I too would have one of those. You don’t have to have a fancy title in order to have business cards, they’re a great way to network and for times when you don’t have a pen on hand. Besides, it looks super suave. It shows you are prepared and that you’re always on your toes.

Fast forward seventeen years when I was looking online to order business cards and was taken aback by how much they were. Twenty dollars for ten cards…really?

I took matters into my own hands and decided to make my own. I was surprised at how easy it was. For those who are Adobe Photoshop savvy this is going to be a breeze. For those who aren’t, fear not, there are other creative ways to design a card.

I used basic colours to design my business card and a simple font for the front and back. A lot of recent business cards have QR codes which you can easily scan through your smartphone, leading to your website or social media sites. You can easily make your own QR code by simply googling QR code generator. I personally like to use about.me.com. It’s a great website to organize your body of work as well as your social media handles.

Organizing your information:

Include the basics – your name, email, phone number. I like to include my twitter handle because you can never have too many followers.

Printing:

You can get your cards printed at your local Kinko’s. Bonus if you have an SPC card which gives you a 30% discount, which helps A LOT. Or you can print it yourself and cut it. It’s expensive to get rounded edges and can be quite risky if you’re doing it free hand. A rounded edge cutter is precise and super easy to use. You can find one at your local craft store for under $8.

For those of you who aren’t Photoshop or print savvy, there are still options. A good friend of mine used old photographs cut into squares, attached to printed out stickers with her information. It was not only personalized but each card was different and had a nice touch to it.

Now get out your chic silver case and start networking!

 

About Gerasil Coria

Gerasil Coria is a local Toronto blogger, Don Draper fangirl and a social media coordinator at Pretty Freedom.

Local Lusts Olympics Edition

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Every time the Olympics roll around I start off by scoffing and declaring that I am not interested. Next thing you know I am losing hours in front of the television, bowls of snacks in front of me and making commentaries about sloppy dismounts and clean entries. In honour of those jocks that are more machine than human, here is this week’s Olympics inspired local lusts.

What better way to celebrate the Olympics than with cupcakes? Give your baked goods the Olympic spirit with this adorable cupcake kit. Nosh lots of sugar to support all those athletes who can only ingest egg whites and Gatorade.

Give a nod to the British love of tea with these charming tea vases.

Show some patriot love with this retro style pennant.

Sew a couple of patches to your favourite hoodie to look retro sporty.

Enjoy your potato chips served in this vintage bowl while criticizing the athletes on their form.

We may never rise to Olympian heights (or be athletic at all for that matter) but we can still be top dog in our own minds with this merit badge.

Money-Mojo

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Trying to get your financial butt in-gear? You’re not alone. Skip the overwhelm & read on for Shannon’s latest tips re: reigning in spending and regaining control of your cashflow.

Budgeting & Debt-Wrangling Tips from Shannon Lee Simmons

Pay Down One Loan At A Time

You’ve got a student loan, a line of credit and a credit card. You want to be debt free as soon as possible, so you put an extra $400/month on top of the minimum payments by placing $100 to the student loan, $100 to the line of credit and $200 to the credit card again assuming this is a smart financial decision. Problem is, this is not the best way to pay down debt.

Always apply your extra debt payments to one debt instrument at a time – the one with the highest interest rate. That way, more money will be paying down the principal and you will be able to repay each loan faster.

Ditch The Money Jars and Envelopes

This week your money jars have $30 for clothes, $50 for entertainment, $100 for groceries and the list goes on. You’re proud of your planning and restrain, but you may be setting yourself up for failure.
Life changes week to week and so do your discretionary expenses. It’s nearly impossible to predict how much you’ll need for each specific expense, other than your fixed costs of living.
A rigid, almost punishing, budget for your spending money makes it more likely that you will break the deal you’ve made with yourself. Feeling like a failure with money can leave you feeling irresponsible and lead to spending benders.
Make sure you have enough money for your own enjoyment every paycheck and you won’t feel guilty spending it however you want, whenever you want, as long as it’s within the confines of what you can afford.
Stop over budgeting your spending money and leave the budgeting jars and the envelopes at home.
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Need more Money-Mojo help?
Check out Shannon’s website for more resources, video clips and details re: her accessibly-priced consulting services.

About Nathalie-Roze Fischer

Nathalie-Roze Fischer is a Toronto-based indie retailer, eco-accessories designer & style scribe who loves thrifting, messy hands-on fun (think: crafty/fash DIY projects) & food trucks.