6 Month Blogiversary

Published on by Rowena Francis4 Comments

This week marks 6 months that I’ve been blogging. I had no idea what I was doing when I started (maybe I still don’t), but I feel like this has been good for me for a few reasons.

First, all of my life I have done things because either someone told me to, I was obligated to or it was just plain right. None of those are bad things, but I think it’s important to have a hobby or something that you do just because you simply enjoy it. That realization came to me when we had a mediator come into work and he asked me what I did on my spare time for fun. I sat there, unable to state any clear thing that I did simply for enjoyment.

After that wake-up call, I started to think about things that I enjoyed when I was younger – beauty, traveling, writing and laughing. That’s when I decided I would start a blog.

Second, I’m going to throw out the word endurance. I have this vivid childhood memory of my swim instructor telling me that I had great skills, but had to work on my endurance. I never knew that would stick with me until I realized that quitting things used to come easy to me. Now, any time I want to quit doing something, I run that phrase through my head and I evaluate if it’s my emotions talking or true logic. That swim instructor told me that after I failed the class by refusing to swim across the length of the pool. I literally swam to the middle of the pool and decided I couldn’t do it, so I stayed there for like 5 minutes treading water, pleading with him to not make me swim to the other side. Logic fail.

Third, I have become the most comfortable in my own skin since starting this. That kind of sounds strange, but confidence is something that so many people struggle with. When you put yourself out there, you run the risk of judgement from the peanut gallery. If you don’t want to be discouraged by negative comments, knowing why you are doing what you are doing is well worth it. It doesn’t totally take away the disappointment, but it does help you to push through and continue on. One of the things I say all the time, in anything you do – know your why.

Fourth, I feel like I’ve been able to connect to people who I would never have met if I wasn’t doing this. The internet is an amazing tool for connecting with people who you may never meet in everyday life. I’m grateful for these new connections and friends that I’ve made since starting my blog.

There are so many more reasons that I’m grateful for my blog and the blogging community, but these four are more than enough for me to keep going.

Thank you to all of you who enrich my life ❤

June Favourites

Published on by Rowena Francis2 Comments

june favs Pictures

June has already flown by and we are well into July for that matter.

You guys know I’ve been starting up my YouTube channel and the very first thing I filmed and edited was a June Favourites video. The thing is, I have learned a thing or two with editing. Also, I’m pretty sure I forgot some products.

So, today you are getting the June Favourites in a full-out blog post.

Annabelle Skinny Brow Liner
Universal Dark
$8.95 CDN

skinny brow liner Pictures

Ugh, I wish that I knew how to do my brows like the pros, but I’m just not there yet. Part of my problem is that I have yet to figure out what colour I should use – blondes are too light and taupe looks so strange. The only colour that seems to match my eyebrows is this Annabelle liner. I’m just hoping that it doesn’t look too dark against my bleach blonde locks. Anyhow, this liner is great! I’m not even sure I can tell a difference between this one and the Anastasia Brow Wiz – it’s that good!

Tarte Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum
$55 CDN

mermaid skin Pictures

I really wanted to try this, but I didn’t want to splurge on it if I didn’t love it. So, when I saw the coupon code on Sephora for a free trial size with purchase, I jumped right on it. You guys know I love hyaluronic acid, so it’s almost a no-brainer that I would love this. I use it after I wash my face at night, after a shower, and also underneath my primer/makeup. The only thing I’m not fond of is that it goes tacky for about 3 seconds before it absorbs into the skin.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
$11.99 CDN

Baby skin Pictures

I actually picked this up closer to the end of the month, but I loved it enough to add it to my favourites immediately. I don’t use this on my whole face, just where I have more visible pores – right around the nose and slightly onto the cheeks. It doesn’t feel heavy or pore-clogging, but it absolutely smooths the pores.

Hard Candy Highlighter Trio
Cruisin the Coast
$9.00 CDN

highlighter trio Pictures

I don’t know why, but I struggle a bit with finding a highlighter that gives a good glow without adding a huge neon sign that says ‘wrinkles and texture party here.’ I know, that is part of highlighter, but a girl still likes a bit of a glow. Needless to say, this highlighter trio hits me perfectly.

Hard Candy Glow Setting Spray
$6.00 CDN

HC setting spray Pictures

I’m pretty sure this can be classified as a dupe for UD All Nighter setting spray. I’ve been using Urban Decay everyday for a while, but a few months ago my skin started getting so dry that it couldn’t handle that spray. My skin got so dry that it hurt, but I still wanted to set my makeup. I happened to run across this Hard Candy one and couldn’t pass it up for $6. It sets my makeup beautifully and adds a slight glow to my skin. It also makes my makeup last throughout the whole work day. You  seriously can’t go wrong with this.

Foreo LUNA Fofo
$120 CDN

Luna Pictures

This was a product that came in my FabFitFun box (this was actually worth more than I even paid for my whole box!). I always wanted to try out these types of products, but the money. Always the money. I just don’t want to waste my money on something I won’t use or don’t like. I tried this out right away and I love it! It measures the hydration of your skin, sends it to an app on your phone and then walks you through a timed face wash routine. So great. Ok, I’ve lived without it for this long, so it’s possible, but now that I have it, I think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread! Bonus, it’s a great (and fun) way to teach young ones how to properly wash their face.

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

**The FabFitFun link is an affiliate link, which means I received a small commission if you purchase through my link (no cost to you). All opinions are my own, honest thoughts.**

Fitness Goals

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

Ok kids, this is it.

I’m bringing back my gym game.

Over the last 6 months I’ve kind of slowly stopped hanging out at the gym. Although it hasn’t stopped me from being obsessed with everything fitness related during that time.

It took me a while to realize why I let the gym slip, but I recently figured out that when my routine changes, I feel lost and I almost feel like I forget how to do everything. When my gym buddies (aka my sisters) moved away, I felt lost and I struggled to go to the gym without them.

Strange, I know.

So, to get back on track, I’m going to put my fitness goals for 2018 out there for all to see. Then, I will do it. Period. The end. No excuses, just dedication.

All. By. Myself. <insert sappy song here>

Goal #1
Tone & Sculpt Abs & Glutes

This will be fun for 2 reasons…

#1 – I have no feeling in my abdominal region.
#2 – My glutes act like they don’t have a leg to stand on.

Having no feeling in my abs causes any core workout difficult to execute, but it also makes it easy to sculpt them (since I can’t feel the pain). Leave me a comment below if you want me to write a post on why I can’t feel my abs.

Nonetheless, difficult or not, these are my top target areas I want to focus on in 2018.

Goal #2
Strengthen my upper body

My favourite workouts are triceps, shoulders & biceps – exactly in that order. There’s just something about beautifully sculpted arms that are capped with a strong shoulder that make it all worth it.

Goal #3
Nutrition

Ugh. Yep, that’s pretty much all I have to say about that. All of my life I have used food as a way to stay alive – which is good, if you know a thing or two about nutrition. I don’t. I am clueless when it comes to food. Also, another problem I have is that many times, I forget to eat.

Now I’m determined to learn how to eat well.

Goal #4
Do it alone

Ok, this may not be an actual fitness goal, but my thought is that if I learn to workout alone, I won’t struggle when there’s a change-up with my gym partner. Working out with friends is always a bonus, but I think I need to be comfortable with being alone at the gym.

Goal #5
Train for a competition

I wasn’t going to include this in my post, but I decided to anyway. I am not actually interested in competing – there’s so many reasons why – but I am interested in focusing on bringing my body to a place that I desire it to be. When I started working out back in 2016, I adopted this plan as my routine – 2 hours, 6 days a week. I loved it.

Those are the goals I’m starting with. I will try to keep you posted on my progress.

As a bonus, I’m throwing in my YouTube video about what I’ll be toting with me in my gym bag.

Rowena Francis YouTube Launch Video

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

Guys.

I am so excited to launch my YouTube channel!

I’ve actually been sitting on it for a few months now because I wasn’t even sure I knew what I was doing – or getting in to.

Let me tell you! It’s so much fun.

I started this blog because I needed something that I did just because I simply enjoyed it. No obligations. No frustrations. Just something I love.

Now imagine talking to a camera. It’s almost like therapy. Except no bill. You can say everything you’ve ever thought…then edit it out.

Genius. Pure genius.

With that, here’s my launch video:

Comment below with videos you’d like to see me do.

30 Beauty Questions Tag

Published on by Rowena Francis4 Comments

I’ve seen this tag on a few blogs lately and thought it would be fun to do. I copied the questions from Imperfect Beauty so head over to her blog and check out her answers (and give her a follow).

1.) Do you remember your first makeup item?

Maybelline Watermelon Kissing Koolers and Maybelline Bubble Gum Kissing Potion when I was 7 or 8. Apparently I was keen on the idea of kissing.

Does that count?

I also used to borrow all of my mom’s Mary Kay and Avon makeup.

Does that count?

Ok, how about that green Sephora corrector I bought when I was in my twenties? We’ll go with that.

2.) Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I have high expectations from mascaras. My perfect mascara would be a blackest-black, non-waterproof formula that is thick enough to coat my lashes individually without clumping them together. I have tried A LOT of mascaras and would only classify 2 of them as perfect – L’Oréal X-Fiber and well, I don’t remember the name of the other one (it was discontinued about 10 years ago).

3.) What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation? 

Summertime = Light coverage
Wintertime = Full coverage

4.) Favourite high-end brand?

Too Faced.

5.) What cosmetic brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

Mac. I haven’t tried a single thing from Mac. Comment below on what you think my first Mac purchase should be.

6.) Favourite drugstore brand?

I really do love so many drugstore brands, but I think I favour L’Oréal overall.

7.) Do you wear fake eyelashes? 

No. My natural eyelashes are longer than some fake ones, so I’ve never seen the point. Maybe I should try them?

8.) Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

Lips and mascara, but sunglasses can always sub in for mascara.

9.) What is your most cherished beauty product?

I’m not sure, but I’m going to say Dune by Christian Dior. Reminds me of when Brian fell in love with me 20 years ago.

10) How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here and there or get lots of goodies at once?

I probably shop every. single. day. However, I don’t actually buy products that often. My general rule of thumb is to buy enough for free shipping, but not too much that it would cause Brian to question my need for makeup.

11.) Do you have a “beauty budget” or you spend freely? 

I mostly spend freely – as long as it fits into my general rule (see question 10).

12.) Do you utilize coupons, rewards cards and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

100% yes. If it’s not a deal, I’m not buying.

13.) What type of product do you buy the most of?

Mascara.

14.) Is there a brand that you absolutely can’t stand?

Not particularly, but there are some brands that I avoid buying.

15.) Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics like parabens or sulfates?

No, but it is something I’ve started thinking a lot about lately.

16.) Do you have a favourite place to shop for makeup?

Not really, but I do shop at Sephora, Ulta, Walmart and Shopper’s Drug Mart.

17.)  Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?

I can get pretty finicky with skin care products. So, usually if I find something great, I stick with it until my skin changes. Check out my current skin care routine here.

18) Favourite bath and body brand?

L’Oréal has been my long-time go-to. I’ve also started loving Briogeo, but it is on the high-end, so I use the products sparsely.

19) If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

L’Oréal – they carry my favourite hair colour, hair care, makeup, etc.

20) What brand do you think has the best packaging?

I’ve never really understood the idea of evaluating packaging, but recently I found myself ooh-ing and ahh-ing at some Hard Candy packaging.

21.) Which celebrity always has great makeup?

I’m really not much of a celebrity follower, but I really like the way Katy (Lustrelux) does her makeup. She always looks flawless.

22.) Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

Influenster is the main one right now. I’d like to join up with Canadian Beauty Bloggers when I gain a bit more influence.

23.) 5 Favorite Beauty Gurus?

Kelly Strack, Katy, Desi Perkins, Jaclyn Hill, Tati

24.) Do you like multifunctional products like lip and cheek stains?

No.

25.)  Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I don’t think so, but I’m far from perfect.

 26.) Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

Don’t judge me, but I’ve only used eyeshadow a handful of times. This is the area I’m attempting to learn.

27.)  How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

If that typical day includes a shower, 6. If it doesn’t, 0.

28.) What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Foundation, then concealer.

29.) Do you ever consider taking makeup classes?

I definitely think about it.

30.) What do you love about makeup?

I love that makeup can accentuate or transform, depending on how you want to use it. It’s creative and I love everything about that.

I guess that’s it, 30 questions. I don’t know the first idea of who to nominate, but if you’re reading this and you want to do it, tag me, I’d love to read your answers!

Don’t forget to comment below on what you think my first ever Mac purchase should be.

Makeup Essentials for Beginners

Published on by Rowena Francis1 Comment

In the world of makeup, there is so much competition out there and if you don’t keep up on new releases, you could blink your eyes and your makeup may be outdated. So, I can imagine that if you are just starting out with makeup, it could prove to be a bit daunting – especially if you don’t have the extra funds to try all the high-end products. Makeup is expensive. When I first wanted to explore with makeup, I had no idea where to start.

This list is what I would recommend to myself, if I was looking back to those first makeup bags I was trying to fill.

Primer
Becca Backight Priming Filter
($46 Sephora)
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
($9.96 Walmart)

Primer was something that I started with high-end products, so I don’t have any solid thoughts yet on drugstore brands. I’ve only tried the Baby Skin primer once, but it kind of reminded me of Smashbox – it has a gel-like consistency and is meant to fill and minimize the appearance of your pores.

Becca First Light Primer has more of a moisturizer feel to it and it gives your skin a beautiful glow. It is a great prep and really sets the stage for the rest of your makeup.

Foundation
Too Faced Born This Way
($49 Sephora)

Too Faced wasn’t my first high-end foundation, but it is definitely my ongoing favourite. You guys know how fair my skin got over the winter and I wasn’t able to use it. However, summer is officially here and so is my normal skin colour. This makes me happy because I’ve been exclusively using the Born This Way foundation every day. I just simply love it. It’s easy to apply, blends seamlessly and gives a flawless finish – even if you have no idea how to apply it.

Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape
($35 Tarte)

Tarte Shape Tape is a staple for me. It’s expensive, but it has lasted me a while, so I’m ok with that. I’ve tried other concealers and this just seems to be the easiest to use – which is absolutely great for beginners. It’s also full-coverage, so it is great if your eyes tend to give away your stress or sleeping habits.

On a side note, I’m super stoked because Too Faced just announced that they will soon be releasing the Born This Way Multi Use Sculpting Concealer! From all the videos I’ve watched, it seems to be comparable to Tarte Shape Tape.

Under Eye Powder
Wet N Wild Colour Icon Reserve Your Cabana
($4.97 Walmart)

Even if you’re just starting out with makeup, it is so important to set your concealer. If you don’t set it, your under-eyes will crease in all the wrong ways (although I’m pretty sure any way is the wrong way).

I know this product is actually a bronzer, but I saw that Kelly Strack uses this to set under her eyes and so I figured I would try it. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Contour
NYX Wonderstick
($14 NXY)

NYX is such a great brand to start out with because they really offer quality products at great price points. I used the Wonderstick for about a year before I even thought about trying any other contour. This stick is easy to travel with as well.

Blush
Tarte Amazon Clay Blush
($38 Sephora)

I really wanted to give you a drugstore blush, but these Tarte blushes are stunning. They blend easily and the colour lasts all day long. So, it’s expensive for starting out, but worth it since you won’t be using a ton of it.

Highlight
Hard Candy Highlighter Trio
($9.98 Walmart)

This is actually a recent purchase for me, but I loved it enough to put it in this post. The price is great and you get 3 highlighters in it. The highlighters are crazy pigmented so you don’t need a lot of it. It’s simply an all around great highlighter – starter or otherwise.

Brows
NYX Micro Brow Pencil
($12 NYX)

The very first brow product I used was Anastasia Brow Wiz. I only had a small sample size pencil, so it didn’t last forever. I needed something similar, but I didn’t want to splurge when I didn’t even know the first thing about brows.

All that to say, this NYX brow pencil is comparable and the price point is great for any budget.

Lashes
L’Oreal X-Fiber Mascara
($10.76 Walmart)

Mascara is one of those items that I have a hard time splurging on because there are so many great drugstore brands out there. Also, you should be replacing your mascara at least every 3 months, so I have a hard time throwing out a product that cost me 3x more

Lips
NYX Lip Lingerie
($10 NYX)
NYC Color Expert Lip Color
($1.77 Walmart)

Nude lipsticks are great to start out with. I really found that the NYX Lip Lingerie lippies were great before I really knew what colours to wear. Once I was comfortable putting on liquid lipstick, I started buying some high-end lipsticks. Also, NYC has some great lipsticks and they are so inexpensive!

I know I left out products to do eyeshadow/liner, but when you’re first starting out, you don’t necessarily know how to do your eyes. So, for me it was an add-on, not a basic.

Also, as far as brushes go, personal preference is key. I got my set from Zulily and I love them. For foundation, I prefer applying it with a damp beauty sponge (I got mine at Costco).

I would suggest that if you want to go right in and buy high-end makeup, go to your local Sephora and ask for samples – they’re free. Also, read reviews on products and watch some YouTube reviews.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of the products I’ve mentioned, I’d love to know if they worked for you.

Summer Essentials | 2018

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

The weather here in Canada went straight from freezing to boiling, pretty much in the snap of a finger. We have been experiencing a heat wave and all of the peeps who complained about the cold are now doing the same about the heat.

Not me.

I love the heat. I feel like I’m no longer blending in with the milk bag (yeah, we have bags of milk in Canada) and I’m starting to get some colour back to my skin. I have even been able to wear my Too Faced Born This Way foundation!

Nonetheless, it makes me think of summer and all the essentials I will be stocking up on for this beautiful season.

Let’s get down to business. I need a pool in my backyard. I’ve been working on convincing Brian that this is an absolute summer essential, but so far it’s a no-go. Until then, I will have to make do with other avenues this summer.

Here are the items I will be bringing with me to the pool.

Sun Care

If we’re going to be out in the sun and water, a good sunscreen is in order. I always seem to gravitate toward Hawaiian Tropic and it’s probably because it smells like vacation in a bottle. I absolutely love the Silk Hydration after sun lotion.

This year I will also be trying something new – Sun Bum.

sunscreen Pictures
Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Swimwear

Over the years I’ve been a bit of a swimsuit hoarder. However, every year I find it harder and harder to find a well-fitted suit that is cute, modest and comfortable. I have a long torso so it has always been a hassle to find a one-piece. Some places I have found decent swimsuits are la Vie en Rose and Target. I tried ordering from Asos, but even though I ordered the DD size, they were still about 2 sizes too small. If you know some great places for long torsos, comment below, I need to know.

swimsuit Pictures
Photo by Artem Bali on Unsplash

Sunglasses

Having blue eyes have turned sunglasses from a cute accessory into an absolute necessity in my life. I just can’t function without them. I also have categories now as well, because, well, if you let the ocean try on your $500 pair of Fendi sunglasses, you might not get them back. Also, don’t let the ocean try on your swimsuit.

I now have a pair of Prada sunglasses that are kept safe and other less expensive pairs that I bring to the ocean with me. Aldo has some great finds and when I’m really desperate, there’s always Dollarama.

Sunglasses Pictures
Photo by Joseph Greve on Unsplash

Hydration

There’s no point in being in the sun if it’s going to drain you and leave you with a headache.

Insert water here.

Yes, this is the time where you need to be super careful not to overheat or dehydrate. My favourite way to stay hydrated is with sparkling water. My kids call it rich people water. Maybe I do feel a bit fancy when I drink it, but it gives me the fizz I crave without draining the life out of my skin. Some of my favourites are Perrier, La Croix, and San Pellegrino.

hydration Pictures
Photo by Ashley Whitlatch on Unsplash

Entertainment

Whether you love to crank the tunes or dive into your favourite novel, you’re going to need some form of entertainment. I mean, kids are a great form of entertainment too, so go with what you’ve got.

Here is my current Spotify playlist (by jm5y). I throw this on anytime I’m working out, driving my Jeep, hanging with the cool kids or when I’m lounging by the pool.

Don’t forget to grab a speaker for your tunes. We have a speaker named Big Blue. He’s biting the dust, so this year we are bringing home Big Blue Party X. These are great because they are portable and water-resistant.

As far as books are concerned, my favourite authors are Richard L Mabry, M.D., John Bevere and this summer I’m going to read the If I Run Series by Terri Blackstock.

entertainment Pictures
Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

Pool

I’m totally adding this in because I’m fairly certain that my backyard is missing this vital part of my summer plan – a pool.

Yes, my parents have a pool. Yes, you’ll most likely find me there. No, that doesn’t excuse me from needing a pool.

Like I said, I’m working on convincing Brian that this is the absolute summer essential that we need, but so far he hasn’t seen it quite the same. I’m currently presenting him with the idea that he will no longer need to cut the grass (since it would obviously be cement).

Let’s just be real, although summer is officially starting tomorrow, I probably won’t be lounging by my own pool, in my own back yard. I will, however, probably be in my swimsuit, lathered with sunscreen, sipping my rich people water and working on writing while the kiddos jump and splash in my parents’ pool.

lounging Pictures
Photo by Anna Demianenko on Unsplash

Good times. Summer memories. I love everything about it. What are your plans this summer? Will you be lounging by the pool or heading to the beach? Comment below.

The Secret to Soft Lips

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, its dry lips.

I mean, I obsess over this kind of thing. You can ask my friend Sarah, she’ll tell you that if my lips are dry, everyone will hear about it. As a matter of fact, a few months ago I had some sort of something happen where it felt like I was wearing slivers and shards of glass as lipstick.

I wasn’t.

Everyone around me heard about it. Sorry about that.

Needless to say, it made me think of the things that I do to keep my lips from resembling the Sahara Desert.

Tip #1 – Exfoliate

exfoliate

I wasn’t entirely sure where to start for the first tip because it’s kind of like trying to figure out what came first, the chicken or the egg. Regardless, this is where I’m starting, with a lip exfoliator.

I will usually apply a lip scrub (I love this one by E.L.F) and leave it on my lips while I get ready in the morning. I leave it on for around 15 minutes, pressing my lips together periodically. I don’t actually time this step, but my lips are quite willing to tell me when they’ve had enough. Maybe they feel suffocated after a while? I don’t know, but when that feeling happens, I scrub them lightly with my finger and wipe the excess of with a tissue.

Tip #2 – Lip Gloss

lip gloss

I only first learned about matte lipstick late in the game, but when I found out about it, I loved it with everything in me. Except…it was literally at the end of the craze. I always seem to jump on the trend wagon as it’s ending. I’m a hard sell.

Needless to say, glossy lips are in and that is the best news for soft lips. When you apply lip gloss (my current favourite is Tarte H20 in Zipline) it locks in whatever moisture you have and keeps your lips soft and plump.

Now I just have to figure out how to wear lip gloss and drive my Jeep without my long hair trying to steal the show from my lips. Comment below if you have some tips for me!

Tip #3 – Ditch the wipes

no wipes

I’ve tried a lot of different types of wipes – baby wipes, feminine wipes, flushable wipes, moisturizing wipes, makeup wipes, sensitive skin wipes – but every time I use any kind of wipe, my lips are crying over drying the next day.

Not cool.

If I’m switching lip colours or if I’m taking off my makeup for the day (if my lipstick hasn’t already worn off) I will usually put on a lip balm or some coconut oil and let it sit in for a moment before using a tissue to gently wipe it away.

Tip #4 – Lip Mask

lip mask

One day I walked into Sephora and I was offered a sample of a lip mask. I said sure, but when I saw her squeeze it out of the tube into a sample container, I cringed. I thought, ‘there’s no way I’m going to use that. For sure my lips will suffocate.’ I set it aside at home and left it for a few months. Then one day I couldn’t find my lip balm and I remembered about this. I put a dab on (a little goes a long way) and went to sleep. In the morning, my lips were so soft and plump and applying my lipstick was a breeze.

I find this works best when used overnight. The results are fabulous. The other time I will use it is if my lips have had a rough go with things, I will use it between the lip scrub and applying my lipstick in the morning.

Tip #5 – Drink Water

water

Yes, I had to put this in there because if your body is dehydrated, you will have a hard time keeping your lips hydrated. Our bodies respond to what we put in. Garbage in, garbage out. Water in, water out. Wait, no, ok that’s true, but didn’t work in this case. How about this, what is on the inside will reflect on the outside. This can be applied to so much more than just water.

This, my friends, is how I keep my lips happy and far from having a rough day.

Weekend Getaway | Niagara Falls

Published on by Rowena Francis3 Comments

Ok, I admit that I watch superhero movies as well as comic book films (are they the same thing?). Except, I couldn’t tell you anything about anybody in any of the films as I’m apparently not fanatic about it.

Sorry, but not entirely.

Nonetheless, we decided to take a trip to Niagara Falls and experience Comic Con for ourselves. Normally when we head there, we spend time visiting family as opposed to doing ‘touristy’ outings, but this time, we decided to switch things up a bit.

Friday after school, we drove 3.5 hours to a place called Fonthill. Imagine the hilly countryside with farms and small towns. A place where you wave to people, just because. We grabbed some pizza and settled in for the night at our dear friends’ house.

Saturday morning we packed up a cooler and headed to the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls. We got there just before 11am and the line to get in was wrapped all the way around the building and then folded around the back side once more. We were told it would be an hour and a half wait – but, you know, we’re hard-core gamers and such, so yeah, we stood in that line and owned it like a boss.

CC LIne

The line actually moved faster than anticipated and within an hour, we were inside and exploring. Forgive me (all you actual gamers/comic lovers), but my first impression was that it was a big flea market of comic book knick knacks and such. There were a few booths that were pretty cool, like the board game one, but it didn’t have the game I’m looking for, so that kinda burst my bubble. The other cool booths were the arcade games and the picture ops with characters.

The picture ops all work on donations, so although it’s not a requirement, you may want to bring smaller bills for donations. The only one that was a bit sketch for me was the batman one. They waited until the kids were standing on either side of batman in front of the bat mobile, then, as I lifted my phone to take a pic, they told me it was a mandatory $10 donation for the photo-op. What am I going to say to my kids at that point, no? No big deal, I just made sure I got a good pic.

CC Batman

Besides the big flea market type expo, they also offered some sessions and panels, which I thought were pretty cool. I went to a special effects session, which was fun to watch since I’m a graphic designer. I can’t say I learned anything (probably because I already knew the basics they taught), but it was fun to hear their backstories on how they got into graphic design and visual effects. I also went to a makeup demo that was quite intriguing. It makes me want to try to do some Disney or comic inspired makeup looks (comment below if you’d like to see that).

CC Visual Effects

We went to two panel sessions. The first was with The Big Show. Now, I’m not a fan of wrestling, but I really enjoyed his session since he came across so caring and compassionate and like a genuinely good guy. Plus, I could follow some of what he said due to my cousins forcing me to watch wrestling when we were kids.

The second panel was with Michael Rooker (Yondu) and Sean Gunn (Rocket). This panel was probably worth buying a Comic Con ticket all on its own. Michael Rooker is absolutely hilarious. They captivated the audience and the time flew by. We laughed almost the entire time.

When we left the convention, we headed down to the Falls. After scoring some ice cream, we walked to the bottom of Clifton Hill and stopped for some pics in front of the Falls. All of a sudden, someone grabbed me from behind (I thought it was Violet). As I turned around, I realized it was a friend of mine! What are the odds?! Such a great surprise!

After taking in the glorious majesty of the Falls, we walked back up Clifton Hill and stopped at the Great Canadian Midway for some games. We played Ghost Blaster, rode the 6D virtual roller coaster and played arcade games for an hour.

We can’t be in Niagara Falls without spending time with Brian’s brother and sister-in-law.  So, we stopped by their place for dinner and a visit. It always makes me wish we lived closer.

On Sunday morning, we decided to visit Jubilee Community Church. Pastor Ralph delivered an amazing message in a series called ‘Read the Book.’ It was such an honour to be a part of their service and see what God is doing through them in Dunnville.

CC Notes

Sunday proved to be a leisurely drive home to Windsor. We had an amazing time in the Niagara Region with many friends and I’m grateful for this little weekend getaway.