Thank you everyone who joined us for our first ever movie date. It was another smashing success and we'll definitely do this again! Global news came back to interview a bunch of us and we're thrilled with the coverage. Pic's are coming soon!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sex and the City Chick's Night Out
Thank you everyone who joined us for our first ever movie date. It was another smashing success and we'll definitely do this again! Global news came back to interview a bunch of us and we're thrilled with the coverage. Pic's are coming soon!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Freebie Friday Alert!
We told you earlier this month that there is a new freebie from SpaBoutique!
Want it? Respond in our forums here ASAP!
Last Night's Shop Crawl
Thank you so much to everyone for coming out to the Shop Crawl! It was a great success and we all bought silly amounts of clothes. We can't wait for the next one and will post pictures here soon...
We'll see 53 of you tonight at the Sex and the City Chick's Night Out!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
ChickAdvisor in the News!
Hey everyone! We're in today's edition of the Sun (Toronto ed.) Check for the Sex and the City article on page 3.
Tonight, tune into GlobalTV at 6pm as they will be featuring us live as part of their newscast!
If you are coming to the Shop Crawl, please arrive early (before 6) to be featured on the show :) We'll be giving away some free "Chick" t's, while supplies last, to the early birds.
Read the Sun article online
Tonight, tune into GlobalTV at 6pm as they will be featuring us live as part of their newscast!
If you are coming to the Shop Crawl, please arrive early (before 6) to be featured on the show :) We'll be giving away some free "Chick" t's, while supplies last, to the early birds.
Read the Sun article online
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wedding Makeup and Hair Ideas
Planning a wedding can be such madness. Deciding on whether you should get a makeup artist or not, finding one and settling on a look can be stressful but it doesn't have to be! When choosing how you want your makeup to look, keep in mind that you want to still look like you but a better version of you. If you are taking the plunge and doing your own makeup, things you have to keep in mind are the time of day, lighting, and what products and techniques you must use to achieve a picture-perfect face. Here are some beauty tips and looks to make your life easier!
Makeup Trends:
Natural Beauty (Morning/Mid-day Bride): This is a simple, yet beautiful look anyone can wear. The makeup is soft, subtly defining each feature. Morning light is soft so this is a perfect look. Use a sheer foundation or one that has a dewiness to it so that your skin appears natural. Apply powder only where needed to take away shine. Choose natural tones on the eyes that compliment your eye colour. Shadows that are too bold or too dark will make your eyes look like black holes in the picture. Adding false lashes is a great way to make your eyes stand out without a lot of shadow. Use a cream blush on the cheeks to achieve a natural glow. Oilier skin types can apply powder over top of the blush to set it and then brush a powder blush in a similar colour over top to enhance and keep it on longer. Lips should be in soft natural shades, but well defined. The overall look should be balanced, pretty and soft. This is definitely a timeless look.
Subtle Glam (Mid-day/Late afternoon/Evening): This beautiful bride wanted a dark smoky look, but I thought it would be too harsh for a mid-afternoon wedding. Instead, we decided to do a subtle smoky look using softer tones in purple-greys mixed with soft pink shimmery shadow. The light is usually the harshest mid-day so you want to be sure to avoid anything frosty, dark, or bold.
Blending is especially important around this time of the day. When choosing your shadows, don't blend 3 shimmery shadows together. For example, let your base and highlighting colour be shimmery, your mid-tone colour be semi-matte and your contour colour be matte. Add the highlight colour to the center of your lids to make your eyes pop in the pictures. Define your eyes with fake lashes or a few coats of waterproof mascara. Skin should be on the more matte side as well as cheek colour.
Powder is your best friend! If you're taking pictures outside or having an evening wedding, make sure to apply more blush than usual and blend. Flashes and natural sunshine can make you look washed out and will pick up any harsh lines.
Because we went with more colour on the eyes, I chose soft warm pink lip products to complete her look. Lips should be well-defined. This is a gorgeous look that can be worn from mid-afternoon into the evening.
*Tip: Instead of piling on powder during the day, use blotting papers for touch-ups to take away oil and shine.
Old Hollywood (Late-afternoon/Evening): This is my all-time favourite look. It's classic, glamorous, and sophisticated. I would say this could be worn any time of the day but since the lips are a bold red its best to keep it for later in the day. This look is definitely for the bride that enjoys being the center of attention and likes to get dolled up. Since evening pictures include lots of flash, you can afford to go bolder with colour and a bit darker so your makeup stands out.
Again, you'll want to keep your makeup more on the matte side since flash can enhance anything too shiny. Shimmery shadows mixed with matte textures photograph better than frosty shadows.
On the bride above, I used neutral brown and beige tones in a mix of shimmery and matte shadows. I added black liquid liner winged out with false lashes for instant glam. As a key part of this look, I made sure to fill in her brows to frame her face. I contoured her cheeks with a matte bronzer and added a peachy-pink blush to her cheeks.
To brighten her up and give her face dimension, I added a shimmery highlighter on her cheekbones. For the lips, I chose a lip liner that matched her red lipstick and added a bit of gloss to the center. If you red is too intense, try a bright rosy-pink or coral to make this look perfect for any time of the day.
*Tip: Use a lip brush for precise application especially when it comes to red lips. To keep your lipstick kiss-proof, fill your lips in with lip liner, apply lipstick then blot. After, I like to apply a lipstick sealer for ultra kiss-proof lips. Then apply lipstick again and add some gloss to the center.
Images: Property of Joy David-Tilberg
Hair Trends:
This season it seems we're seeing less and less complicated up-do's and more relaxed styles. There's no rule that says a bride must wear an up-do.
Wavy and Down: This look is pretty on anyone and is soft and elegant. It's also a timeless look. If you are wearing your hair down dress it up with some hair accessories like sparkling combs or barrettes.
Makeup Trends:
Natural Beauty (Morning/Mid-day Bride): This is a simple, yet beautiful look anyone can wear. The makeup is soft, subtly defining each feature. Morning light is soft so this is a perfect look. Use a sheer foundation or one that has a dewiness to it so that your skin appears natural. Apply powder only where needed to take away shine. Choose natural tones on the eyes that compliment your eye colour. Shadows that are too bold or too dark will make your eyes look like black holes in the picture. Adding false lashes is a great way to make your eyes stand out without a lot of shadow. Use a cream blush on the cheeks to achieve a natural glow. Oilier skin types can apply powder over top of the blush to set it and then brush a powder blush in a similar colour over top to enhance and keep it on longer. Lips should be in soft natural shades, but well defined. The overall look should be balanced, pretty and soft. This is definitely a timeless look.
Subtle Glam (Mid-day/Late afternoon/Evening): This beautiful bride wanted a dark smoky look, but I thought it would be too harsh for a mid-afternoon wedding. Instead, we decided to do a subtle smoky look using softer tones in purple-greys mixed with soft pink shimmery shadow. The light is usually the harshest mid-day so you want to be sure to avoid anything frosty, dark, or bold.Blending is especially important around this time of the day. When choosing your shadows, don't blend 3 shimmery shadows together. For example, let your base and highlighting colour be shimmery, your mid-tone colour be semi-matte and your contour colour be matte. Add the highlight colour to the center of your lids to make your eyes pop in the pictures. Define your eyes with fake lashes or a few coats of waterproof mascara. Skin should be on the more matte side as well as cheek colour.
Powder is your best friend! If you're taking pictures outside or having an evening wedding, make sure to apply more blush than usual and blend. Flashes and natural sunshine can make you look washed out and will pick up any harsh lines.
Because we went with more colour on the eyes, I chose soft warm pink lip products to complete her look. Lips should be well-defined. This is a gorgeous look that can be worn from mid-afternoon into the evening.
*Tip: Instead of piling on powder during the day, use blotting papers for touch-ups to take away oil and shine.
Old Hollywood (Late-afternoon/Evening): This is my all-time favourite look. It's classic, glamorous, and sophisticated. I would say this could be worn any time of the day but since the lips are a bold red its best to keep it for later in the day. This look is definitely for the bride that enjoys being the center of attention and likes to get dolled up. Since evening pictures include lots of flash, you can afford to go bolder with colour and a bit darker so your makeup stands out.Again, you'll want to keep your makeup more on the matte side since flash can enhance anything too shiny. Shimmery shadows mixed with matte textures photograph better than frosty shadows.
On the bride above, I used neutral brown and beige tones in a mix of shimmery and matte shadows. I added black liquid liner winged out with false lashes for instant glam. As a key part of this look, I made sure to fill in her brows to frame her face. I contoured her cheeks with a matte bronzer and added a peachy-pink blush to her cheeks.
To brighten her up and give her face dimension, I added a shimmery highlighter on her cheekbones. For the lips, I chose a lip liner that matched her red lipstick and added a bit of gloss to the center. If you red is too intense, try a bright rosy-pink or coral to make this look perfect for any time of the day.
*Tip: Use a lip brush for precise application especially when it comes to red lips. To keep your lipstick kiss-proof, fill your lips in with lip liner, apply lipstick then blot. After, I like to apply a lipstick sealer for ultra kiss-proof lips. Then apply lipstick again and add some gloss to the center.
Images: Property of Joy David-Tilberg
Hair Trends:
This season it seems we're seeing less and less complicated up-do's and more relaxed styles. There's no rule that says a bride must wear an up-do.
Wavy and Down: This look is pretty on anyone and is soft and elegant. It's also a timeless look. If you are wearing your hair down dress it up with some hair accessories like sparkling combs or barrettes.
Swarovski crystal-combs, Simon Tu, $1, 045
Low Ponytail:
This is a beautiful relaxed look and perfect for someone who's hair is affected by humidity. Add a few curls and tease the hair for some volume before tying it back loosely. Little flowers adds a nice touch.
Chic Up-do: If you prefer your hair out of your face this hair style is glamorous and perfect for a late-afternoon, evening wedding. The trick is to keep it sleek in the front with a beautiful headband and teasing the back for some major volume.
Smooth and Sleek Up-do: If you prefer less volume and a more simple elegant style, a smooth sleek up-do is perfect for you. This look is classic and can be worn any time of the day. Dress it up with hair accessories for some extra glam.Images: Courtesy of www.instyleweddings.com
Congratulations to all the brides getting married this season! Remember, no matter what styles you choose you want to still look like you.
For tips on how to find a makeup artist or hair stylist for your big day check out my Makeup Junkie blog here!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Holiday, A Trip and a New Bag
Last Monday, I observed Victoria Day (Canada). This Monday was Memorial Day in the U.S. and so I saw fit to celebrate that as well.This all resulted in a Mondaze Report holiday, which I felt fully justified in taking. A well-deserved rest from the hamster wheel, spent in my case lazing beside my neighbor's pool with margarita in one hand and People magazine in the other. Both Mondays, as it happened.
This week at ChickAdvisor H.Q. brings, as if you haven't noticed, a flurry of events, for all of which I am winging my way to Toronto to help facilitate. Such things have fully occupied my time, and the prospect of having a few days of sheer "me" time has me giddy and even sleepless. For this reason, aside from skimming through People's gossip columns, I have not kept up with the latest news and headlines. My life will have to suffice for commentary.
Current event that has captured my notice (unfortunately so): unending chatter about Brangelina's twins. Zzzzzznore. Next!
Book I'm currently reading: Crime & Punishment. Chicklit? No. Pretentious? Yes. People look at you differently when you're carting around a Dostoevsky tome versus, say, Danielle Steel. Good readin'? Yup, but it's a work in progress. Kinda wish I was on readthrough #16 of Pride & Prejudice instead.
Movie in the DVD player: SpongeBob. Having kids reinvents you. Plus, after 26 zillion times through the movie it actually grows on you. I'm starting to see profoundness in it, and while that should scare me it hasn't yet. I really should concentrate on my book, probably.
My personal beauty secret: getting enough sleep. Not that I'm actually getting better looking, but I notice the decline when I fail in this department.
Most recent shopping spree: today's trip to Target. How anyone can get out of that store without spending $200 is beyond me. I went intending to only buy a new handbag and, well, things got ugly. For what it's worth, this is the satchel I picked out...
It looks way better in person, honest. Target: $26.99 (I know!)Perhaps I should have been working instead of pawing through cute accessories available at a very reasonable price, but it was a holiday. And so I took it. What can I say-- I'm just rebellious that way.
Winners of Men Are Like Mocha Lattes
Congrats to...
RachelLeRoy
Aleesh22
Psychoexgirlfriend
We have contacted you to confirm your mailing addresses. We hope you enjoy the book!
RachelLeRoy
Aleesh22
Psychoexgirlfriend
We have contacted you to confirm your mailing addresses. We hope you enjoy the book!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Product Review Club: Men Are Like Mocha Lattes
Who wants a deliciously adorable Chicklit read?
Mocha lattes are yummy but they can be regrettable! Men are Like Mocha Lattes is a fun, lighthearted read based on author Lisa Summers' own quest to find the perfect guy. In addition to publishing her first novel, Lisa also writes for the Toronto star. She took a few moments out of her day to share some insights with us and offer up some free copies of her new book!
ChickAdvisor
This story is based on your own search for Mr. Right. How much of it is autobiographical and how much is fiction?
Lisa Summers
Sadly, my book is more autobiographical than fiction. I exaggerated certain details and characters to make the book more entertaining, but I think the parts that seem the most fictional are actually the ones that were real.
I remember when I showed the first draft to an acquaintance to solicit feedback. She told me it was “unbelievable” that the main character, Lindsay, would actually stay with a guy who treated her so badly! Inside I was thinking, “Hmm ... I think there’s a lesson in here somewhere!” So, I actually had to go back and re-write certain sections to make Lindsay’s love interest Drew, more likeable, and to give Lindsay more of a backbone than I actually had in real life.
Also, the part about the meteorite crash at the neighbour’s house was also true, although it happened down the street, not right next door. At the time, I took it as a cosmic sign to take a very long hiatus from men!
ChickAdvisor
Describe your worst date ever.
Lisa Summers
I met a guy on Lava Life who described himself as white, single-never-married, non-smoking, with no kids. He also said he was a lawyer. Well, when we finally met for dinner, he turned out to be East Indian, a heavy smoker and was going through a divorce. Not only that, but he had a ten- month old baby! I couldn’t believe it. The only part that was true was that he was a lawyer (go figure). He seemed to be on the hunt for a wife and after dinner, he insisted I help him shop for Christmas gifts for his kid and wrap them with him. He was totally nuts – very aggressive and domineering. Worst. Date. Ever.
ChickAdvisor
What is the best part about being single?
Lisa Summers
Honestly, being single is under-rated if you ask me! The best part is having freedom: Freedom to choose what you eat for dinner; freedom to choose when, how and with whom you spend your free time; where you vacation, everything.
ChickAdvisor
After all of those disposable dates, how/when did you know your husband was The One?
Lisa Summers
I’m glad you asked because maybe my litmus test will help other women: I realized he was “ the one” when I realized I was really happy with him, and not comparing our relationship to other people’s relationships. In the past, I’d look at my girlfriends’ relationships and think, Man, she’s so lucky. He buys her flowers, he’s so affectionate. I wish Wally/Gavin/Frederic were like that. With my husband, I felt like I was the lucky one!
ChickAdvisor
If you could go back and give some advice to your single self, what would it be?
Lisa Summers
That the best chance I have of meeting a great guy is to become the best version of myself that I can. I would advise really working on my self-confidence and creating a life that makes me genuinely happy without a man.
I’ve learned the hard way that some of the old clichés are true: The happier and more “whole” you are as an individual, the more likely you’ll attract someone who’s also a healthy, whole individual. It’s when you’re looking for someone out of a place of neediness or desperation, in other words, when you’re looking for someone to make you happy, that the disastrous Lava Life dates happen!
Win Men Are Like Mocha Lattes!
Product Review Club
We know you love Chicklit, and here's your chance to score 1 of these books for free! Lisa is offering a free copy to 3 members of our Product Review Club. If you are part of the club, you will receive an email with instructions shortly.
This offer will be available to those of you who do NOT live in Toronto. Isn't that refreshing? We have been doing so many great events in the city and want to make sure that even though you don't live here you can still score some treats!
Sex and the City Give Away
Lisa is also generously providing a free copy of the book to each of you who have purchased tickets to our Sex and the City Chicks Night Out! Sweeet!
Read an excerpt from this book.
Mocha lattes are yummy but they can be regrettable! Men are Like Mocha Lattes is a fun, lighthearted read based on author Lisa Summers' own quest to find the perfect guy. In addition to publishing her first novel, Lisa also writes for the Toronto star. She took a few moments out of her day to share some insights with us and offer up some free copies of her new book!ChickAdvisor
This story is based on your own search for Mr. Right. How much of it is autobiographical and how much is fiction?
Lisa Summers
Sadly, my book is more autobiographical than fiction. I exaggerated certain details and characters to make the book more entertaining, but I think the parts that seem the most fictional are actually the ones that were real.
I remember when I showed the first draft to an acquaintance to solicit feedback. She told me it was “unbelievable” that the main character, Lindsay, would actually stay with a guy who treated her so badly! Inside I was thinking, “Hmm ... I think there’s a lesson in here somewhere!” So, I actually had to go back and re-write certain sections to make Lindsay’s love interest Drew, more likeable, and to give Lindsay more of a backbone than I actually had in real life.
Also, the part about the meteorite crash at the neighbour’s house was also true, although it happened down the street, not right next door. At the time, I took it as a cosmic sign to take a very long hiatus from men!
ChickAdvisor
Describe your worst date ever.
Lisa Summers
I met a guy on Lava Life who described himself as white, single-never-married, non-smoking, with no kids. He also said he was a lawyer. Well, when we finally met for dinner, he turned out to be East Indian, a heavy smoker and was going through a divorce. Not only that, but he had a ten- month old baby! I couldn’t believe it. The only part that was true was that he was a lawyer (go figure). He seemed to be on the hunt for a wife and after dinner, he insisted I help him shop for Christmas gifts for his kid and wrap them with him. He was totally nuts – very aggressive and domineering. Worst. Date. Ever.
ChickAdvisor
What is the best part about being single?
Lisa Summers
Honestly, being single is under-rated if you ask me! The best part is having freedom: Freedom to choose what you eat for dinner; freedom to choose when, how and with whom you spend your free time; where you vacation, everything.
ChickAdvisor
After all of those disposable dates, how/when did you know your husband was The One?
Lisa Summers
I’m glad you asked because maybe my litmus test will help other women: I realized he was “ the one” when I realized I was really happy with him, and not comparing our relationship to other people’s relationships. In the past, I’d look at my girlfriends’ relationships and think, Man, she’s so lucky. He buys her flowers, he’s so affectionate. I wish Wally/Gavin/Frederic were like that. With my husband, I felt like I was the lucky one!
ChickAdvisor
If you could go back and give some advice to your single self, what would it be?
Lisa Summers
That the best chance I have of meeting a great guy is to become the best version of myself that I can. I would advise really working on my self-confidence and creating a life that makes me genuinely happy without a man.
I’ve learned the hard way that some of the old clichés are true: The happier and more “whole” you are as an individual, the more likely you’ll attract someone who’s also a healthy, whole individual. It’s when you’re looking for someone out of a place of neediness or desperation, in other words, when you’re looking for someone to make you happy, that the disastrous Lava Life dates happen!
Win Men Are Like Mocha Lattes!
Product Review Club
We know you love Chicklit, and here's your chance to score 1 of these books for free! Lisa is offering a free copy to 3 members of our Product Review Club. If you are part of the club, you will receive an email with instructions shortly.
This offer will be available to those of you who do NOT live in Toronto. Isn't that refreshing? We have been doing so many great events in the city and want to make sure that even though you don't live here you can still score some treats!
Sex and the City Give Away
Lisa is also generously providing a free copy of the book to each of you who have purchased tickets to our Sex and the City Chicks Night Out! Sweeet!
Read an excerpt from this book.
Bikini-Ready Body Boot Camp
Right about now your fitness goals should be creeping up to the top of your priority list as the warmer weather continues to slowly make its way in. Yes bikini season is all but upon us and if you haven’t reached your summer fitness goals by now it is time to make some major changes NOW!
The first thing that I would recommend is to start exercising first thing in the morning and again after dinner. It may be beach volleyball season soon, but you'd better make good use of every minute that you can now while you have time. We don’t have to get too crazy but try to get at least 30 minutes of cardio in twice a day and slowly increase your minutes every day as you get comfortable. On top of that, I would throw in a solid resistance program consisting of a full-body workout of 8-10 exercises, 3-4 times a week with a repetition range of 15-20 for maximum muscle toning!
The next and probably the most important change you will have to make to see results fast is in your diet. Right away I would cut out all wheat and dairy. This will have an immediate effect on your digestion and resulting impression of your stomach area. It will allow your body to make better use of your foods as energy, and do away with waste much more efficiently. Plus this will in turn help to decrease bloating! Then on top of that you can hike up your water intake to the neighbourhood of 2-3 litres per day. Feel free to snack on fruit and veggies but just make sure that dinner is always a salad with some sort of meat and then nothing else until the next morning.
Remember that a bikini-ready body is never that far away as long as you can maintain consistency in your training habits and show just a little restraint in your diet!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Weekend Movie Recommendation: P.S I Love You
This is such a beautiful story and done so well you will love it. At a minimum you will want to visit Ireland. Hillary Swank is adorable, Gerard Butler is a Sexy Beast and Lisa Kudrow does what she does best. Be prepared to bawl like a baby. Thankfully there are also plenty of cute funny moments that more than make up for the sad parts.
Enjoy!
Next Week's Events
Hey Everyone, apologies that most of our posts this week have been about the upcoming Shop Crawl and Sex and the City night happening on Thursday May 29th and Friday May 30th. Tickets have been selling so well we are 100% sold out for both events.
HOWEVA!
Many of you have emailed us begging for tickets. We can't do anything more for the Sex and the City night because the theater itself is sold out, but we can do something for the Shop Crawl.
We are offering a few Shopping and After Party ONLY tickets for those of you who still want to take advantage of the awesome discounts we have lined up and meet up with us at the party. This ticket will get you everything except a swag bag as we are totally out of those.
Shopping and After Party ONLY Tickets are $15 and available now on eventbrite here:
http://chickadvisorshopcrawl.eventbrite.com/
Have a wonderful weekend and we look forward to partying with you next week!
HOWEVA!
Many of you have emailed us begging for tickets. We can't do anything more for the Sex and the City night because the theater itself is sold out, but we can do something for the Shop Crawl.
We are offering a few Shopping and After Party ONLY tickets for those of you who still want to take advantage of the awesome discounts we have lined up and meet up with us at the party. This ticket will get you everything except a swag bag as we are totally out of those.
Shopping and After Party ONLY Tickets are $15 and available now on eventbrite here:
http://chickadvisorshopcrawl.eventbrite.com/
Have a wonderful weekend and we look forward to partying with you next week!