Product Review: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing

After a long week I like to treat my skin with a deep cleanse. I bought this Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay from Vitacost on sale for $4.99 about 6 months ago and I use it every Friday evening. It's the best mask I have ever used. My skin is noticeably smoother, and my poor are significantly smaller.

How to Use

Step 1:  In a bowl combine 1 tablespoon of the clay powder with 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar 

Step 2: Mix together - you will notice some bubbling, keep mixing until you have a smooth consistency

Step 3: Apply an even layer all over your face, but be cautious not to apply too closely to your eyes

Step 4: Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes

Note: do not use a metal bowl or metal spoon when mixing your concoction 

I apply this mask after I have showered and cleansed my face with my Juice Beauty cleanser,  this allows the mask to extract any excess impurities. The first time I used this mask I felt like it was burning my skin and took it off after 10 minutes. My skin was a little red afterwards but it went away within half an hour. I no longer have any redness and keep the mask on until it feels tight and starts to crack.

-A

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER // WARDROBE INSPIRATION

With the hustle and bustle of school I have been MIA lately so sorry guys!  Thursday evening have been my "rest" days from cups of coffee, books and laboratory manuals.

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Thursdays are the days when I can catch up on ABC's How to Get Away With Murder.  This show really had me hooked from the start not only does it have a killer cast which includes Academy Award nominee Viola Davis, but it is thought provoking and very suspensful.  Produced by Grey's Anatomy's Shonda Rhimes, How to Get Away With Murder centres around the professional and personal life of criminal law professor Annalise Keating and law students that work for her firm.   The show is filled with flash back scences which take its audience to uncovering a murder which maybe unveiled into today's winter finale!

The characters are well developed and have their own unique demeanour which is reflected with the way they dress.  I wanted to do an outfit post inspired by the show.  Many of the outfits worn by the characters in the show are very tailored with modern silhouettes and because the show is very dark, I went with all black pieces.  The outfit below is an example of what I think one of the characters in the show would wear outside of the law firm.

1. Moa Collar Shirt (layered underneath knit), ZARA 2. Knitted Sweater, F21
3. 1969 Dark Denim Skinny Jeans, GAP 4. Blundstone Boots, SOFTMOC
5. Touque, H&M 6. Classic Watch, TIMEX

Who said black was boring?  It's all about textures and layering to get that silhouette just right.  Make sure to watch the show, and let me know what you think of the season finale! 

-M

LUCKY GOLD CHARMS

For years I've been on the hunt for the perfect dainty gold necklace and I have finally found something close to what I've been looking for. I recently started reading books on Buddhism and wanted a Hamsa necklace to remind me of the new practice of Buddhism I was taking up.

Hamsa is an ancient symbol from the Middle East and is believed to possess magical powers of protection, happiness and prosperity. I looked all over Amazon and Etsy and found a unique version of the Hamsa by BijouxMeg. I instantly fell in love with her shop and wanted to buy everything! She had mastered the art of creating simple, intricate, elegant pieces of jewelry, and I felt an instant connection with her because she understood that jewelry isn't all about statement pieces and completing outfits. Jewelry can be a meaningful piece that someone wears almost everyday and can change the way they feel, it can instantly make you feel beautiful, confident or connected with yourself or a greater being.

In her "About" section on her shop she says, "when I started offering personalized jewelry, my whole outlook changed. I can't even explain the joy it brings to help create special pieces that mean so much to each recipient. I know that every time they look at their piece of jewelry, something special comes to their mind, and I am so happy to have helped create that for them :)"

I couldn't resist buying the wishbone necklace in addition to the Hamsa and I surprisingly wear the wishbone necklace more than the Hamsa, but I wear one of them almost every day and have received numerous compliments on them.

You can tell a lot of thought and work went into the packing of these two pieces. Each item was received in a cute brown box tied with a bow. The necklaces were wrapped in a bag sealed with a heart sticker and the chains of each necklace was carefully place in a small zip lock bag adhered to the back of the necklace holder to prevent tangling. She also included special instructions for caring for the jewelry and a personalized hand written card.

If you are looking a special personalized piece of jewelry for the holidays definitely check out her Etsy shop, you won't be disappointed.

-A

MAKING CASH WHILE IN SCHOOL

When I started school in the States I was fortunate enough to land a job working at the school library. I don't get paid much, but anything helps when you're living away from home having to pay for rent, utilities, cell phone bill, car insurance, gas, groceries etc. etc. As months went by I realized there were plenty of ways to make extra cash while in school.

On Campus Opportunities

1. School Library - The perks at working at your school library is that you learn a lot about the resources your school has to offer, and you get first dibs on all the textbooks. I was fortunate to have access to free printing and to be able to study on the job!
2. Become a tutor or TA. Tutoring is beneficial in so many ways, it refines your skill to be able to take a complex subject and break it down so it is easier for someone else to understand. This is a win-win situation because you get paid to study and learn the material. Most tutors or TA's get paid between $15-20/per.
3. Become a student blogger. My class was sent an e-mail with an opportunity to enrol in a free online training session to become a student blogger for physicians. I applied for this position almost a year ago and I have been blessed to have a clinic employ me to blog for their practice. Most reimbursements are $25/blog but this can be negotiated.
4. School organizations. When I was in undergrad I had an amazing opportunity to work for a school organization called Let's Talk Science. As one of the three coordinators I received a stipend for the school year. Through this organization I had the opportunity to travel, develop a personal relationship with the Dean of Science and Faculty of Science members, meet and work with various students. I not only met Mark through this organization but met many of my close friends 

There are numerous ways to make money on campus while juggling school, you just have to look for opportunities or ask other students.

Off-Campus Opportunities 

1. Work at a doctor's office - many of my classmates work for an office every second Saturday of the month. Not only do they make some pocket money, but they gained valuable experience that can only be learned outside of a classroom
2. Jobs that pay commission - Jobs that pay commission are generally more demanding, but you can earn cash a lot faster this way because you get your base wage + a % of the sales you made. I waitressed during undergrad and Mark worked at a high end furniture store and both had helped us pay our bills

I recently discovered an app called Checkout 51 which is an app where you buy groceries and earn money. Every week they send out "offers" which are similar to coupons. You can purchase items that are offered by Checkout 51 at any store in Canada or the US. After you upload your receipt the company will reimburse you for the "coupons/offers" you used. They send you a cheque in increments of $20! 

-A

VANCOUVER SERIES: DAY 2 - THE WEDDING

This day started very early for us, 6AM to be exact.  There were just some last minute errands to run before the ceremony.  We took it upon ourselves to duck out for some coffee before accomplishing these errands.  If you know us by now you know that we both love a good cup of coffee in the morning. Not too far from the hotel was JJ Bean, with its modern interior and friendly atmosphere,  this coffee shop truly blew our minds.  Unique to Vancouver, JJ Bean's coffee was exceptional, however it was the pastries that really stuck out.  We both enjoyed a mild roast and a warm chocolate croissant.  Let's just say we will never have another croissant unless its from JJ bean (yes, it was life changing good)!

The day was filled with joy, as Mark's sister wed the love of her life. The bride and groom opted to mix their colour motif of Mercury with traditional Filipino elements.  The groomsmen wore a traditional Filipino garment called a "Barong Tagalog" while the bridesmaids wore different styles of modern dresses all in Mercury.  Mark is wearing wearing a Barong Tagalog above.  Made from pineapple fibres the Barong Tagalog definitely stands out from other weddings we have attended.

Simple yet elegant the reception was filled with great food, drinks, and dancing. Congratulations Anna and Arnold!

Stay tuned to Day 3 - Jam Packed

-A&M

VANCOUVER SERIES: DAY 1 -THE ARRIVAL

YWG to ORD recently took beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia by storm! Kidding, we were attending a family wedding.  We tried our best to document the whole trip, so here we are with what we are titling "The Vancouver Series." This is day one -  The Arrival. For those who have not been to Vancouver, it is a place you should all visit. Located on the west coast, it is known as one of the best places to visit in Canada.  It has a unique juxtaposition between urbanization and utter natural beauty that makes it appealing to anyone who comes to visit.  We were fortunate enough to have beautiful weather the few days we were there, not a cloud in sight.

July 10th was by far the busiest day for both us.  It was filled with last minute appointments and running around to grab things for the wedding the next day.  We did however find time to grab lunch on the patio at The Cactus Club.  The food and drinks were on point.

• Ashley opted for a Grilled Chicken Chipotle Burger with a side salad. After carefully scouring the drink menu she chose a signature cocktail, the Cohiba - "A mojito muddled with fresh blackberries, lemon and spearmint, shaken with vodka and finished with soda."
• I opted for simple Fish Tacos with a side of Guacamole and Tortilla Chips.  To drink I chose a Heineken Beer.

The rest of the afternoon was spent running more errands.

• Ashley was able to get her eyebrows threaded at a place called Diva Brow Bar & Spa.  Funny story, we got lost!  It took us a good half hour to find the place turns out it was literally a few blocks down in an obscure shopping mall.  Anyway, it was well worth it because the service literally ONLY COSTED $5!! They did a great job and definitely deserve two thumbs up.  
• We checked into our hotel, which was the venue for the wedding the next day.  Coast Coal Harbour located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver became our home for two days.  Modern with amazing amenities, amazing city view, and the most comfortable bed we have every slept in, it definitely is a must stay when you are in the Downtown Vancouver area.
• Since we were walking distance from Robson Street which is synonymous for the best shopping and coffee shops in Vancouver, we decided to walk down and enjoy everything it had to offer. Ashley and I were able to pick up a few pieces from several shops. Don't worry we will post a HAUL in a separate post.
• We are both fans of bubble tea.  A slushy beverage with tapioca pearls on the bottom.  Think milkshake with gummy bears! We couldn't resist grabbing a Taro Bubble Tea at Bubble World. So yummy!
• Lastly, to end the day we needed to grab pastries for the next morning.  We opted for a Safeway run. Here is Ashley pulling a hulk carrying ALL most of the pastries.  Enough said.

DAY 2 to come, the wedding... Stay tuned!

-A&M

PEPSI COLA

Hey guys,

So my record collection is getting kinda out-of-hand and I don't have any shelf space to fit them all.  Luckily, I was able to pickup this Vintage Wooden Crate from Kijiji.   Kijiji is a Canadian Classified Ad Site where people sell all sorts of things, think online garage sale. 

I really wanted something unique and comical.  After searching aimlessly on the site, I came across this wooden crate.  I knew that it would be perfect to hold my records.  Originally from the 70s by the Canadian Division of Pepsi Soda Company (this one stamped from Montreal, Quebec).  This crate originally held Pop bottles, it is now repurposed for record storage.  I merely plopped it beside my Eames Molded Armchair and thought it was perfect!  I think that it gives some comic relief to my otherwise very minimalist room.

Adding some vintage pieces to any room is always nice.  It never hurts when designing a space to think: "out of the box"

Tell me what you think of this in the comment section below! 

-M

GLASS STRAWS

I've always been a fan of straws and use them mostly for smoothies and hot beverages, but I wanted an eco friendly version since our land mines are filled with plastic. After watching Benji from "Its Judy's Life" using metal straws for his smoothies I became obsessed with the idea of eco friendly straws. I was hesitant on purchasing metal straws since many people complain of the metal taste, and I was weary of glass straws and how fragile they might be. After some research I invested in some glass straws from a company called SimplyStraws. I purchased mine from Amazon but you might find a similar version on Etsy.

I bought 6 straight straws, 3 for me and 3 for Mark in the colours: Amber, Amethyst, Blue, Green, Pink and Teal

FIRST IMPRESSION
1. Overal Quality - Initially I was afraid they would shatter easily if I dropped them in the sink, but they are actually very durable. The glass is thick that it won't easily break and it is thick enough to use with hot beverages. I usually drink tea with straws to avoid tea stains and most plastic straws end up melting or become scorching hot that you can't even use them. These straws were thick enough that you don't burn your lips.

2. Design - Simply Straws makes a variety of sizes, colour and shapes (ie. bent or straight) and they also comes with a fitted brush for easy cleaning. The diameter of the straws are perfect for thick smoothies.

3. Company Policy - Although these are expensive you are definitely getting your money's worth because Simply Straws has a lifetime guarantee- "of you break 'em, we replace 'em."

I've been using these straws religiously for weeks now and I absolutely love them. I wish I bought the bent straws in a shorter length so make sure you order the correct length before purchasing your straws.

Let's Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! 

-A

BODY SHOP HAUL

I blame the stress of board studying for my recent online shopping purchases. Although I love using macadamia nut oil on my skin, I've been annoyed at how the oil transfers from my arm onto my textbooks making my pages translucent.  I wanted to buy a product that was "natural," moisturizing and absorbent. Although The Body Shop isn't 100% all natural ingredients, I know it is a brand I can trust and they use community fair trade ingredients from Ghana which is an extra bonus. I love the fragrance of their body butters and how silky smooth your skin feels after. The Body Shop recently had a mix and match sale going on where you could buy 3 products and get 3 free so I purchased the following:

1. BODY BUTTER COCOA BUTTER
2. BODY BUTTER OLIVE
3. BODY BUTTER SHEA
4. BODY BUTTER ALMOND
5. HAND BUTTER ABSINTHE
6. BODY SCRUB BRAZIL NUT

I LOVE the HEMP HAND PROTECTOR, but Mark absolutely detests the smell and wouldn't go near me when I used the product so I had to be picky with the fragrances I purchased. I also had to make sure that the products I purchased were appropriate to wear in a clinical setting as perfumes and fragrances are not allowed at my school clinic. I purchased the lighter nutty scents with the exception of Olive and Absinthe, both which I knew Mark liked. Over Christmas my mom bought a Groupon for the Body Shop and wanted Mark and I to use it up. We were obsessed with the Olive and Absinthe scents, but unfortunately they were out of stock of both products.

These body butters leave your skin feeling moisturized all day and night. I usually apply my body butter right after the shower before I got to bed.  When I wake up the next morning my skin is still soft and feels hydrated. These are definitely worth trying.

- A

ALOHA - DRIED GREEN JUICE

I've been trying to incorporate a green juice/smoothie everyday in my diet this past month and stumbled across, "ALOHA" through a Facebook ad. I ordered a free 5 day trial and think this is a convenient way to add more vitamins and minerals into anyones diet. I have noticed an increase in my energy level especially in the mornings after I have a green juice. You can either mix the individual packets with water, coconut water or throw it in a smoothie. I blended the ALOHA with fresh fruit and water. If you're busy and always on the go I would recommend trying the product because it is filled with 14 rich nutrient rich ingredients. I prefer making my own green smoothies in the morning because it is more cost efficient and I rather use fresh ingredients, however, I will most likely purchase this product again in the future when I travel for my rotations. ALOHA is coming out with two new flavours, "Berry Blend" and " Chocolate Cacao" so be sure to check out their website and order a free 5 day trial!

-A