A bag that’s stylish, practical and perfect for every day

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Have you ever seen women walking down the street with designer bags and wondered how they bring themselves to spend so much on a purse? Or perhaps you marvel and stare at how gorgeous and utterly captivating a simple purse can be… and wish you had one of your own. Whether you’re baffled at how expensive a piece of fabric with handles can be, or dream of caressing and swimming in a pool of designer leather, there is a middle – where you can be designer without selling your arm and your leg.

I recently did a post on my personal blog (Bunnie Bar)  about one of my favorite designer bags: Le Pliage by Longchamp.

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

This bag is not flashy. It’s girly, but not over the top. It’s designer without looking like it’s designer. Only those who really know fashion will know what it is. And sometimes, that’s what I love best about certain designer items – the fact that it’s not plastered with a name, that it doesn’t look like it had a monogram puked on it, and that it doesn’t make you look like a pretentious snob.

Aside from it’s looks, it’s also very practical. If you’re someone who’s always on the go and carries more than a wallet and a set of keys in your purse, this tote is for you. I use my Longchamp bag for work, for the gym, when shopping, and for just about anything. It’s great for holding your extra pair of shoes, your laptop, your jacket, your water bottle, your lunch, your umbrella, gym towel. It’s even great for sneaking your own snacks into the movies!

But the best part is that this bag is less than $175 CAD so you can relax knowing that you’ve made a smart purchase. And you don’t have to worry about protecting your bag like it’s made of gold. Did I mention it also comes in different sizes, a variety of colors, and folds into a convenient little flat pack?

So what’s the verdict? Do you love it? Or is it a pass for you?

Why eating out too much could be the end of your sexy figure

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“This tomato, cheese bruschetta is so delicious. Munch munch munch. So is the calamari with extra tzatiki sauce. Crunch crunch crunch. Mmmm I love these BBQ baby back ribs… and the mashed potatoes? So buttery, so fluffy… absolutely to DIE for! Nom nom nom. Yes, let’s get the chocolate lava cake with an two scoops of ice cream. Oh man, I’m so full. I ate everything…. but it was SO damn good.”


And I bet you it looks good stretching and over-expanding in your stomach, taking an extra hour to travel through your digestive track and well, producing a lot more “final product” too. ;) Think about this for a second: Would you have eaten that much if you weren’t eating out?

Probably not. Most people don’t cook that much food for themselves… meaning that we tend to eat more than our fair share of grub when we eat out. And the more you eat out, well, the more you’re over eating. (And of course, spending more dollars!)

It’s not something we consciously think about, but if you think about it, I bet you’ll agree. Right? If not, then props to you for being so well disciplined… or for spending the time to cook yourself a feast each day! Bottom line is, when most people eat out, they tend to eat more than they usually would in a normal sitting. It’s true for me. I’ll eat all of the above when I’m out… but if I’m home, don’t even think about it. Dinner is just one small entree. Forget the appies and the lavish dessert.

Now there’s some food for thought.

Why do my eyelashes lose their curl when I apply mascara?

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Have you ever patiently stood in front of the mirror, curling your eyelashes to only see them become completely straight after you apply mascara? *Gasp what??* Yup. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it happens. It has to do with the type of hair you have –  particularly Asian hair as it can be very straight.

So what’s a girl to do to get make those beautifully curled eyelashes stay that way? Here’s the trick: use waterproof mascara. There’s something in waterproof mascaras that provide hold to your curled lashes, keeping them in that curled state. Try it, it works.

If you haven’t used waterproof mascara before, it’s simple. Curl your lashes, and apply mascara as you normally would. Aside from providing magical powers that hold your curl, it’s also water proof. So go ahead. Watch that sappy movie and don’t be afraid to cry. :)

When it’s time to take off your makeup, you can simply remove it with an oil based make up remover. I use baby oil to remove my make up every day. It’s inexpensive, and takes everything off in a swipe, including any waterproof products you use. The only thing is to make sure you wash your face thoroughly with a cleanser to remove the oil and residue afterwards.

When should you have your biggest meals?

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So you like to eat. So do we. And if you don’t – then you better start because guys like girls who can eat. But what about over eating, or eating at the wrong time? Sure what you eat matters, but so does when you eat.

Image by Kittikun Atsawintarangkul

Try eating your biggest meals during breakfast and lunch. The calories you intake from these meals end up being burned more than the calories consumed during dinner because you have the whole day to work them off. So you can lay off the calorie counting and health-nut attitude a bit and indulge in your favorite foods…. but HOLD ON… that doesn’t mean you can eat everything in sight. Remember, everything in moderation.

Another thing that helps is to avoid eating late – say, past 8:30pm or 9pm. You burn less of the calories you consume at this time, and you may end up sleeping before your food even finishes digesting.

So a few things you keep in mind… before inhaling all that delicious food! What are you eating and how much? And, what time is it??

Aldo Shoes: Spring Picks

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Aldo is a great place to find shoes that are trendy and stylish. Not to mention, they have a lot of shoes…. for men and women. And a great selection at that! You can find office shoes, casual shoes, summer sandals, winter boots, dressy shoes, party shoes… you get the point. I love paying Aldo a visit right before the next season starts to take a look at all their new styles. For spring, they’ve brought in the gladiators, the tie-ups, the feathers, the flowers, the bold and the beautiful. Here are a few of my spring picks for this season!

Depending on your style, pick something that defines YOU. A shoe that portrays your mood. For example, if you’re feeling sexy and bold, pick up the taupe stilettos with loud orange accents. If you’re feeling girly but playful, try a pair of platforms. All of these shoes would look great with a pair of skinny jeans!

On another note, if you find that you’re always gearing towards a certain look, try picking something that’s new for this season and a littttllleee bit more daring that what you’re used to. What fun is fashion when you’re always the same?

How bold are you with your nails?

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Tired of having nails that look the same all the time, but can’t bring yourself to get them professionally done every so often? Well here’s something new for you to try, inspired by Vanessa Hudgens. Or should I say, stolen? HA! Pick a neutral color and paint 9 of your nails. For the 10th nail, add a POP of color with a metallics, sparkle or a bright contrasting hue. Colors used here are I get a kick out of gold! by OPI, and Grey Matter by Rimmel. If you want, you can even switch the colors around – use the bright, bold colors for 9, and paint the 10th a darker, solid color. But be careful… this is not for the quiet and timid. These nails scream for attention!

So how bold are you?

Whoever said little back dresses were expensive, lied.

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One staple item that should be in every woman’s closet is the classic and much needed Little Black Dress. Often known as LBD, this piece is definitely a MUST have whether it be one that you find for a steal, or one that pinches the wallet a bit. You don’t need to spend a lot to look like a million bucks. Trust me. Take a look at the ladies below. How much do you think their dresses cost?

Bedo $30
Urban Behavior $30
Urban Planet $1
Talula $90

(The $1 dress was a part of a buy one, get one for $1 deal, just in case you’re wondering. You can continue to let your jaw drop.)

So now that I’ve proven that deals and steals do exist, how do you choose just one when there are so many options? One solution is not to! But if you’re looking for the right piece without denting the wallet, the first thing to do is shop around. How much are you willing to spend? Even if your budget is $20, you can probably find something that works for you. However, if you’re planning to have one classic dress to keep for a long time, you may want to think about investing a bit more. Whatever the budget, there’s something out there for you.

Remember, when you’re shopping for a dress, don’t just pick the style you love the most because it may not be the most flattering. Visit a few different shops and bring a friend along for a second option. Preferably one who will tell you the truth! I try to steer away from the sales associates’ opinions because their best interest may not always be your best interest.

What does your favorite LBD look like? And how much did you spend on it?


You CAN be girly and yourself at the same time

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Have you ever wondered to yourself, “How am I supposed to pretend to be a girl, when I’m really just a tom boy inside?” Well, it’s not that hard. Like learning not to say certain things out loud to avoid getting a cold stare down, you can also learn to be more feminine and girly in certain situations.

They key is to consciously think about it. And of course, practice makes perfect. Eventually, you won’t even notice you’re doing it!

Here’s something fun I found on Girly Girl Tips: “Did your mother make you walk around the house balancing the encyclopedia on your head? Mine did. Really … I’m not kidding. And from there it progressed to walking up and down stairs with not only the encyclopedia, but the dictionary stacked up there too. Why? Because posture is important. I grew up hearing things like, ‘it is not lady like to slouch in your chair’ and ‘a lady always enters the room with her head held high and her shoulder back.’ Good posture adds an air of confidence or self-assurance.

Don’t be mistaken, in the right environment I’m the first one to kick off my shoes, tuck my feet up under me, and slouch down into the sofa, but I’ve noticed that subconsciously, when I’m in a situation that warrants it, my back become erect. Put me in a nice restaurant and I’m immediately sitting with my ankles crossed and my back STRAIGHT AS A BOARD.

So, Ladies, dust off those encyclopedias and take a few laps around your home … it really is worth it.”

What is it that YOU find the hardest to do when you’re trying to be girly?

Q&A: How Can I Become More Girly?

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Q: I am not the most girly type but i want to become more girly. Please can you give me a step by step guide to becoming more girly and what i can do to be more feminine?

A: Hi Girly :)

First things first — before we start, I just want to make one thing clear. Being ‘girly’ doesn’t mean you need to be obsessed with pink, squeal at everything that freaks you out or act like a total airhead. Being girly is simply embracing your femininity and paying a little attention to how you look. After all, the way you carry yourself can really say something about who you are.

The first thing to do is update your wardrobe. What are the stylish girls around you wearing? You don’t need to buy designer clothes or spend a ton of money. If you’re uncertain about what you should buy, start with the basics.

Get a pair of fitted jeans — make sure they’re not baggy around your thighs and knees but make sure they’re not too tight that you have a muffin top! Get one that is boot cut or straight leg — flared bottoms aren’t as stylish and can make your outfit appear messy. If you want to be really stylish, get a pair of skinny jeans.

Look for versatile tops if you’re not planning to go on a shopping spree. A couple of fitted tank tops/beaters, long sleeves and some dressier tops will do the trick but if you’re uncertain of what to choose, keep it simple. You always have the option of dressing up your outfit by adding a statement necklace, a pair of fun earrings and some bangles.

What about your feet? Get a pair of ballet flats. They’re not as ‘boyish’ as runners and not as impractical as wearing stilettos everyday. Depending on your age, you should also invest in a pair of heels for times when you need to kick your outfit up a notch.

For an easy outfit, slip on your jeans, ballet flats, a tank top and top it with a long cardigan. Put on some accessories. If you’re wearing big earrings, go small on the necklace or don’t wear one at all. If you’re wearing a chunkier necklace, go simple with the earrings.

(You can get a free style report of the top 10 things every girl should own)

Lastly, in order to make your outfit look hot, you’ll need to look hot too. Ever see a not-so-well-put-together girl wearing designer clothes? Hmm…. not so hot. Really, its not about the type of clothes you wear, its HOW you wear it. So apply a little mascara, bronzer and lip gloss — if you don’t usually wear makeup, this is a good starting point. You can also line the top of your eyelashes for more definition or line your top and bottom lashes for even more drama. And your hair? Make sure it looks well groomed. Is it frizzy and messy? Does it need to be straightened? Is it flat? Flat hair is one thing: boring. Tease your hair a bit for some volume.

Changing your appearance is can definitely make you look more feminine. When it comes down to it, you probably don’t really need to change the way you act (unless you’re rude and completely ill-mannered… which you’re not right?). You can feel feminine without having to do a whole lot of ‘girly things.’ I’m definitely a girly girl, but I also enjoy being one of the boys.

Don’t fret sweetheart, you’re almost there.

With Love,

Ashleigh

Sweet Ideas for Valentine’s Day

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That overrated romantic date of the year has passed… how was Valentine’s day for everyone??

I just wanted to share some of the sweet and creative things that some people I know have done this year for the special occasion!

chocolate-strawberries

Chocolate Strawberries

Extremely easy to make. Extremely delicious and fun to eat. All you need is some baking chocolate or chocolate chips, shortening, and strawberries. Melt the chocolate and a bit of shortening in a double boiler or in the microwave. Dip your strawberries into the melted chocolate and set to dry. Then…. you’re done. Finished too quickly? Melt some white chocolate and drizzle on top. Easy, quick, delicious and cheap. Being sweet has never been so easy!

Sexy Lingerie

Okay, maybe this isn’t the most frugal thing but hey, getting some new lingerie does have its benefits: you look sexy, your partner thinks you look sexy, and uh, you’ve got new lingerie!! Being a total sex kitten in itself also has a lot of benefits…. I’ll leave those benefits unspoken.

Why I ♥ U

Sure sure, you say it all the time but when’s the last time you really let him know just how much you appreciate him? Or maybe just how much you don’t appreciate him? Write down all the reasons why he’s special – serious, cute and silly – and package it in a pretty jar, box or booklet. Men need their egos stroked once in a while you know?

Scavenger Hunt

Send him on a scavenger hunt in your home or around the city. Leave sweet and meaningful clues that lead from one to the next… ultimately finishing with a surprise! ;) wink.

Coupon Book

Create a coupon book with favors for all of his favorite things – homemade dinner, body massage, Friday night hockey with beer. And maybe some naughty things too…

Bubble Bath

Light some candles, fill up the tub and get wet! After a exciting V-Day celebration, take a warm bubble bath together. Romantic and relaxing.

pink-peonies

Photo Book

Tired of the typical photo album? Try making a published photo album like the one from LuLu.com. Choose between hardcopy or paper back, as well as various themes and album sizes. Definitely something you’ll love as well.

The First Date

Go back to the day it all began and reenact your first date… { if you can remember it!} Revisit the places you went together — the restaurant you ate at, the movie you watched or the mall you dragged him to.

Photo Shoot

Book yourself in for a professional and fun photo shoot. Take a wide range of photos and pick a few to give to your man. If you’re feeling wild, try taking some seductive photos. Don’t be shy!

Indoor Picnic

Spread a blanket on your bed or on the floor and have an indoor picnic with yummy finger food and snacks. Make it fancy with seafood and steak or keep it light with cheese and crackers, but don’t forget the wine!

Sweets Bar

Set up your own dessert bar fully equipped with ice cream, cookies (ice cream cookies anyone?), fresh fruits, melted chocolate , strawberries, whipped cream and champagne. Caution, fun activities may follow…

chocolate-hearts

Naked Day

Has anyone ever tried this? Go about the evening (or day) in the nude. Cook dinner at home, watch movies, dirty dance, go pee… heck even mop the floor or dust your house in the nude. Whatever it is. Just be naked. There are a few things to keep in mind though – close the blinds (unless you want your neighbours to see), don’t partake in vigorous exercise (unless you want free ‘limbs’ flying everywhere) and avoid cooking anything that will hurt… like bacon! Oh yeah, this is not recommended if you live at home with your family.