Showing posts with label Love & Looks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love & Looks. Show all posts

Saturday, 28 March 2015

Confessions of an Ex Hot Mess - A book you don't want to miss!

Back in September I had the opportunity to work with Lauren Elliott. We did an Egyptian Goddess Photoshoot. If you haven't had a chance to take a look at it - DO IT NOW! lol she looks absolutely amazing in these!!!

I remember when Lauren and I were discussing the style of the shoot I joked around and said that I was probably going to need to get her autograph just in case and well I am certainly tempted now to blowup one of my images and getting her to do so!

When you meet Lauren you might be a bit intimidated ( like I was ) - she is absolutely stunning and incredibly fit. So the first thing you do when getting close is breathe in and tuck in your stomach and try to talk lol - at least that is what I do.  I have a friend (Katie Seggie) that has helped in several of my shoots with Lauren and we both agree - She makes you want to hop in front of a treadmill after you see her. But she has achieved these goals through hard work and dedication - And she is human, so with a few bumps along the way and a few struggles as many of us have she has stayed true to her focus and goals.

But above that she is an absolute sweetheart, super funny, an outgoing individual and incredibly motivational - I am so happy to have her as a friend in my life.

SO I am beyond HONOURED that she chose some of the images that we took on our fall shoot for her book - HER BOOK COVER!!! I am beyond thrilled and excited!! And humbled that she chose my images for her cover.

Check it out!!


Here is a small overview of her book taken from Lauren's site:
"Confessions of an Ex Hot Mess is not a flowery, hand-holding self help tome. With relentless optimism, cheeky encouragement, and little patience for excuses, its author pushes readers to stretch their boundaries and comfort zones and choose positivity above all else. Using examples from her own life's struggles and her successful experience in cognitive therapy and other healing modalities, L.K. Elliott challenges readers to “buck up” and take her tried and true advice to make their lives happier." 

So check her Facebook Page here -----> Confessions of an Ex Hot Mess to follow her awesome posts as well to stay in tune for her book release and so much more!

You can also take a look at her website Beauty and A Beast for updates on this ladies amazing journey!

Her book is also on pre - order on -----------> Friesen Press I have mine pre ordered already!!

I sat down with Lauren a couple of weeks back and said that we have to showcase some fierce images of her to reflect the empowered nature that I truly believe she has and also to do some editorial photos. The editorial images I will show in a different post as I am still working on them. But I will take this opportunity to thank Katie for helping Lauren and me with these photoshoots!

Now in the meantime here are a few images of Lauren!
Copyright Vintage Blossoms Photography


Copyright Vintage Blossoms Photography



And here is your's truly with Lauren! Katie left before we were able to get these so unfortunately we didn't get a group picture. 


Copyright Vintage Blossoms Photography

Model: Lauren Elliot 
MUA: Vanessa Wennerstrom
Hair: Katie Seggie and Vanessa Wennerstrom


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Also don't forget to share the love!

- V -



Wednesday, 24 December 2014

Top 10 Favorites!

Ok so first, I realize many blogs post about their favorite recommendation of products they have but I think the more the better! there is always going to be products that someone else is using that you had NO idea it would work miracles on you! In saying that not everyone is the same so what works for you may not work for me and vice versa. We have to remember skin and hair types are not the same
so for most of the face products are for mixed to oily skin. Although I have many other products on this list that are not for the face! I may post more favorites later on since these are not my only favorites but for sure the top ones.


1. Fresh - Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil

I really enjoy this oil. I use it in the evenings after I have washed and exfoliated my skin. Since my skin is mixed/oily I am prone to acne and I found that if I use the Fresh oil without exfoliating I break out. So I would suggest using a mild exfoliator to remove any impurities (left over makeup, dust and dead skin) to allow you face to absorb the nutrients and ingredients of this oil.

Main ingredients are:
 Omega 3,6,7 and 9: that help your skins elasticity, it softens as well as it soothes your face. Perfect for relaxing before your beauty sleep
- Seaberry Oil
-Cranberry Seed Oil: a great antioxidant for your skin

I recommend using it at night during the summer and you can use it at night and during the day in winter since skin tends to dry out in the cold weather. Use 2-3 drops on your finger tips and spread on your face and tap, let it absorb (if mixed with moisturizer for the day apply 2 drops and let it set in and apply your makeup) This oil paired with some moisturizer in the winter has become my new best friend!

you can find it online, I purchased mine at Sephora


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography

2. Saje - Tantra Sensuos Mist

So I got my first care package of Saje from one of my friends for my bridal shower and I am hooked!
This is one of my favorite products that they have. It was part of the package my friend got me and I have since bought more! I use this before bed or during the day - if I am agitated and need to center back again I use it as well. Two words to describe it Relaxing and Soothing. I pair this one with the Seaberry Oil we just talked about. Spray a bit in the air and walk through the mist, breath and relax. Or you could spray it directly on your face just keep your mouth and eyes closed!

Ingredients:
Lavender: used for relaxation and in aid of stress and anxiety  
Sandalwood: relaxes and aids with sleep
Vanilla Infusion: stress relief
Rosewood: antiseptic, anti depressant and aphrodisiac .. - oh la la  -
Green Mandarin: helps with anxiety and stress tension 
Patchouli: helps with Stress and fatigue - Patchouli is also good for hair and eczema
Purified Water - I think this one speaks for itself

So as you can see this is pretty much stress relief in a bottle! Also for all you yogi's out there spraying a bit on the matt and on yourself before a session is awesome! many of the ingredients are also antiseptic and disinfectant so it serves as a cleanser and deodorizer for your matt
Saje also carries many different products that we will review in the upcoming posts but if you cant wait that long stop by there page ---> Saje  and check out all of their goodies!


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography

3. Ciaté - Speed coat pro

Ok so as an inside note I would like to go out in the open and say I have addictions.. many of them and believe me we will touch on them (not in one post though) and perhaps we might share some of them.. But as for my first: Nail polish. I love getting my nails done! any color so many different designs to pick from.
I will set time to do them and I will do fancy drawings/designs on them and after I have spent x amount of hours on them and I believe they are dry - they smudge (!#$$%&)  All that time trying to fix your nails for them to crap out. 
Yep I had many of those, but then I found Ciaté's  Speed Coat Pro and it is AWESOME! it dries out the nail polish (not extremely fast) but fast enough that it does not get damaged! and it helps preventing color from pealing off 
Their nail accessories are really cute to and love their nail polish colors too. Check out their page to view and select out of their many colors! -- > Ciaté
And for a closer store you can also check out Sephora.


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography

4. Bliss Kiss - Pure Nail Oil
 
Talk about addicting! I LOVE this! once I am done painting my nails this goes on and I usually try to use it once or twice a day and it works wonders for my cuticles. I splurge a bit more and end up using on my hands and they are not dry anymore!
Ingredients:

- Jojoba Wax ester
- Grape Seed Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Vitamin E Oil
- Vitamin A Oil
- Essential Oil Blend


Check out their page and read on some reviews and a couple of more details regarding this product.
Pure Nail Oil and check out more products that they have!


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography

5. Thayers - Rose Petal

Toner - it does wonders for your face and balances your PH levels and soothes your skin. However not every toner works for all types of skin and that is based on their ingredients. I personally break out with some of them and as far as face products go I love Clinique out of all products it works wonders on my skin - However I have tried all their Toners and they dry out my skin quite a bit.
My sister got me hooked with the Thayers Rose Petal and Witch Hazel Toner and it also has Aloe Vera

It is Alcohol and paraben free. The Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera are wonderful to help with Acne and they are also  antibacterial
I have heard references regarding that the taste of it is horrible and that if it gets in your eyes it stings like crazy - but here is the thing, Don't ingest it and Don't get it in the eyes
You could also do home made rose water - ( we will do this later on)


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography

6. EradiKate - KAte Somerville

If you have issues with Acne and have tried every kind of cream and treatment for acne - Check this one out!! it smells quite a bit strong specially when applying it close to the nose
I don't usually get a lot of acne, but when I do get acne they tend to be MASSIVE - and I know I am not the only one! Wondering around Sephora I found this beauty ... and I am amazed on how great it works.

To Use:
  • Do not Shake! you should be able to see the liquid inside almost like you would Oil and Water.
  • Wash your face and prep with your night routine. Avoid putting any creams or toner on the affected area
  • Dip a Q'tip in the jar 
  • Dab the Q'tip on the acne and let dry
  • Leave over night
  • Wash your face in the morning and proceed with your morning routine!
Note: you can apply this twice a day (morning and night) I usually only apply it at night
it clears your acne without having to pick at your face and damage your skin!


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography
7. Oil of Marocco - Marc Anthony

I love soft healthy hair - problem is how many times I have dyed my hair and every so often it looks like one of those metal scrubs you use for the kitchen.. Yup!
I first ran into this I was getting a bit tired of spending money on tons of different hair products and decided to try the Oil of Marocco, and I LOVE it! it feels a bit greasy when you start applying it but it definitely does the Trick!

I only apply 2-3 drops on my ends (after I shower) since my roots are pretty healthy and tend to get greasy if i apply ANY kind of product. After this I style it as usual.

if you are looking for a low budget hair repair product  - try this one out!, you can get it at any grocery store.


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography
8. Lip Glow - Dior

Yes, this is a bit on the $$ side but it is one of my to go to lip glosses.  It is absolutely smooth and I love how it plumps up the lips! You might feel a little bit of  a tingle on the lips but nothing to crazy

Note: the color of this lipgloss changes from person to person - It brightens up the natural color of your lips so it depends on the color of your lips.
Add this on top of colored lipstick and Purfection!!
Perfect for some New Year Lips! Sephora and Shoppers carry this Lip Balm


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography

9. Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm

The first thing that got me hooked on this was the smell - weird I know. At my Bridal shower a friend was using this and I was extremely curious about this mint smelling lip gloss.
I know I say this lots but I LOVE THIS! I have extremely chapped lips and once I started using the lip balm and it makes a huge difference!

Some comments that I have heard -
for some it smells like talc and it is uncomfortable and sticky to get out of the container. 

To me - I smell more of the mint than anything else and there is some mild rose scent to is as well.
as for the container issue, I place it on directly on my lips from the container without using my fingers!


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography

10. The Fab Pore - Facial Peel

Ok, so personally ALL of Fab products are great! I have several of them and they work awesome! So far I have found these at Shoppers, a bit on the pricey side so perhaps try using one of their products and check out how they work for you.
So there are definitely a lot of mixed reviews for this product and they are ALL valid, some people don't notice the difference and there are others that love it. I am in the love group.

I have mixed skin so it is at times difficult to find at times something that works. On the container it says facial peel, however it is more of an exfoliator. I think the one downfall for me is on the cheek side it makes them feel a bit stretchy afterwards. I apply a moisturizer and then it feels awesome. Due to this I have started using it on my forehead and chin and no more tense feeling on the cheeks!

Another thing to consider is you need to have a couple of applications before noticing changes on your skin - I recommend using this once a week for mixed skin users.


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography
11. Dark Angels by Lush

Another Face scrub I love - I use this scrub 1 - 2 times a week. I have mixed skin so it tends to go super oily and dry all at the same time! but it is also extremely sensitive so using this everyday for me is not an option. This is used as a scrub but I also leave it on as a mask. After, I use the Rose Toner and love the way my face feels!! There are definitely many more products from lush that I love but this one is perhaps my absolute favorite!!

With all this Christmas partying and makeup give your face a little lift with this! 


Photography: Vintage Blossoms Photography


A bit of a long post! however - Here are my TOP 10. There are definitely more since I am a bit of a hair/makeup/clothes Junkie but these are high up there. 

Enjoy and if you use these and have other notes LET ME KNOW! And also let us know about your Favorite 10!

Love, V

Peaches & Apricots

Thursday, 5 June 2014

Dare To be Different

So when I originally proposed to Emily to go around town and take some photos it was for a completely different shoot that I have been planning for a while now. The day we were headed out before I did her makeup I said to myself " I have been waiting for the perfect moment to start taking the photos for the blog and I keep postponing it for one thing or another, and said why not today"

So then I started taking shirts and leggings out and for the leggings below she looked at them when I was handing them out and said "oh.. mhn I don't think that's going to fit"
I chuckle, because part of it I think its because they look small when you are holding them so she definitely thought they wouldn't fit. But also because I know they are two patterns that she would just not wear! lol - but I asked, and she did
 - Thank you Emily.

Funny enough after seeing the photos and even some comments from that day she noted that she really liked the combinations and that she loved the photos. I personally think she rocked the outfits!

So a little bit about the outfits now:

The first one has a lace blouse from Hot Gossip - Peter Pond mall, I love the lace details in the front and it is has an opening on the back as well - Simply Stunning!

And underneath she is wearing a Crop Top from Drop Dead Darlings (I mentioned before I was going to be including this top in several combinations)

The Fabulous Leggings are from JK Apparel Fort McMurray - Extremely soft and comfortable leggings, you definitely need to check this shop in town!

Finally Shoes - these black spiked booties are from Town Shoes. Shoes in the shop tend to be a bit more pricey but I love the quality and different looks that they have  - if you want that one of a kind item to enhance/complete your look - this is your store! **** when shopping here make sure you have a couple of looks in mind - from your closet! - that you can wear the shoe your going to buy - if you buy them, USE THEM! no point in buying a pair of heels that you will only wear once.


In this picture you are able to see some of the lace detail on the shirt.. love it!

Now to the next outfit!

I ABSOUTELY LOVE THESE LEGGINGS! that's all I have to say!
JK -
So I own a lot of leggings - A LOT! and I think these are my favorite so far. I am not going to lie, sometimes as Emily was for this shot I am scared of wearing them ... lol Love them tho! and I truly believe its because I am in my own way scared of being different.. and letting people see that - Not just with my clothes but with my personality as well..

Anywho, as part of doing this blog is having different women, and myself give advices regarding different aspects and mine today is Be Different! And embrace the fact of being different. so next time you see a women strutting around the leggings below that will be me being different - being me

**Back  to the clothes**
The Crop Top that we have seen a couple of times in this blog now is from Drop Dead Darlings

The Leggings are from JK Apparel Fort McMurray

The Fabulous blue shoes are suede again ( I love suede shoes!!) are from Aldo - we also paired Emily in some nude high heels - Unfortunately in the photos we took you cant see them from all the grass but in case you don't have the bright colored heel you can also pair these funky leggings or any other with classic nude heels if you want to doll it up.





SO SOME QUICK NOTES:

- Buy a pair of shoes that you are able to match with more than one outfit! before going to that till ask yourself " will I be wearing this more than once?"
- If you are buying suede shoes - Please spray them - I think you should with any shoe but particularly the suede ones!!!! If it rains or if there is snow and you are wearing that nice pair of shoe its only going to damage them faster! you want to make sure to take care of them!! and even if it is a non expensive shoe... SPRAY THEM!
- While wearing bright and different patterns make sure to match it up with something neutral (busy at the top/ neutrals at the bottom and vice versa) you can also pair these with bright shoes - just make sure that the color you are choosing is within the pattern that you are wearing!!
 - add some color add something different to your outfit - Dare to be different and embrace it!!! <3

Model: 
Emily M

Photography: 
Vintage Blossoms Photography

thanks for stopping by
           -V-
Peaches&Apricots


Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Its all about the Chevron

This weekend I was able to go out and take photos of a friend.  We took photos of several outfits and the first one that we will be showcasing is this one..



Emily is wearing a chevron maxi skirt from JK Apparel Fort McMurray and the white Crop Top is from DropDeadDarlings as well as the beautiful white earrings.



I absolutely love the chevron skirt from JK Apparel! it is really light and comfortable and you can wear it high waist as we have done with Emily in the picture above or lower on the hips!

I also suggest wearing it with a loose white T-Shirt tucked in the skirt - I have one that was purchased from Old Navy and it is a bit light so I like to wear it with a bandeau in the same color as the chevron to add a bit of color to the top. 

Going back to the image above, the crop top is extremely comfy as well. I LOVE this piece! I can wear it with almost everything long skirts, knee length skirts, jeans, colored pants. **** Of course still making sure it looks great and that it matches with the rest of the outfit! ***** (we will have some pictures later on of the possible combinations with the Crop Top!) - keep an eye out for these!


thanks for stopping by

            -V-
Peaches&Apricots



Photography & Makeup:
Vintage Blossoms Photography

Model:
Emily M.