The Fresh Perspective...

Lash Extensions!

So this service is really a big hit and has continued to grow exponentially since it’s conception! I gave it a try last year with the intentions of doing it for an event and then I got hooked! One whole year later I was still going for fills and enjoying the look.

I’m about to go on holidays and I am really contemplating going for another round. The lashes, for the most part, are pretty great but there are a few things that I believe you should be aware of before going in. I found this list of reasons to get lash extensions and yes, the points are totally valid but the list includes no cons.

That’s why I will give you the 411. Here goes…

Here are our personal top 10 reasons why you should seriously consider getting eyelash extensions.**

1. They will enhance the look of your natural lashes. Check out the amazing difference of the before and after pictures. The really open up the eyes and make them more noticeable.

2. More dramatic then mascara but less dramatic then strip lashes. You can always go more (volume lashes) if that’s the look you are after.

3. You wake up looking stunning, every day without effort! Brush your lashes and out the door.

4. Saves money! No more mascara required. You might even find you don’t need to wear any eye makeup at all. Saving more money!

5. Saves time! Speeds up your morning and night time routine.

6. No more mascara clumping, getting mascara on your nose, eyelid or other random places it seems to get. No more drying out your natural eyelashes causing breakages. No more panda eyes, mascara running and smudging under your eyes.

7. Great for people with sensitive eyes. The fewer products around the eye area the better. Also great for people with contacts or glasses.

8. Great for the travellers. All your holiday pictures and selfies will look amazing and your eyelash extensions will last for the entire vacation.

9. Great for special occasions, weddings or conferences.

10. Great for the gym. Can sweat it up for hours at the gym and still have great looking lashes.

All these things are true but there is a decent amount of maintenance. I wasn’t a fan of the volume lashes but I did find that the classics were more me. About saving money, I’m not sure that is true. A tube of mascara can last me up to 2 months while a fill is around $90 and has to be done every month. Do the math and a year of lashes could be almost $1000 while the mascara could be around $300 for the year!

Don’t get me wrong, I really like the look but as a low maintenance lady, sometimes the effort of arranging your lashes or sleeping on your side face became annoying. Also, let me add that after a few appointments you do get used to the ‘work’.

I’m not sure I have been helpful, but I hope that maybe this can help you decide if you would like a set before the next wedding you’ve been invited to!

That’s the fresh perspective…

** List courtesy of Emphaseyes

The Fresh Perspective...

Wedding attire thoughts…

When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few important questions.

1. Can I wear the same dress to more than one wedding?

2. Can I wear white?

3. What if I look better than the bride?!

All jokes aside, it’s hard not to get carried away with Summer wedding outfits. In my opinion, you can 100% wear the same outfit to multiple weddings. What I would recommend is changing up your accessories, hairstyle & maybe even shoes! Simple, small changes can take a look from Kim K to Gwenny Paltrow in seconds.

With Summer comes surprise expenses you were never really planning for - i.e. last minute weekend glamping trip, Tuesday cocktails on a new local patio, random shopping trips because you can finally wear white because you’re no longer a ghost…. - Orrrrr… is that just me? So, feeling pressure to buy a new outfit for weddings is totally uncalled for. If anybody has a problem with that, they need to reassess their attitude.

That’s all, folks! Reuse, rewear, recycle - don’t feel pressure from anybody. If you’re comfortable & stress free from the few bucks you saved on a dress, you’ll look stunning.

-that’s the fresh perspective…

The fresh perspective...

Host the Ultimate BBQ

Summertime brings on one of my favorite activities, hosting! Most people find it a hassle and prefer to never have people over. Yes. It is a hassle! You gotta clean BEFORE your guests arrive and again AFTER they leave. You gotta make sure that there’s going to be enough of everything for everyone (regardless of diet) and you gotta have enough space to house it all!

Hosting a get-together can be a daunting task but I am here to reassure you that it can be easy, and quite fun if you organize yourself and follow a few tips. First of all, A BBQ is the best idea because it’s outside! This minimizes the amount of people in your home, which equals less cleaning! You will need to make sure guests know where the bathroom is ahead of time, as this will be the only reason anyone (except for you) goes into the house.

You need a space with enough seating for your guests. We have a large tables and a few smaller cocktail tables on our deck to keep snacks or spark smaller conversations. The large dining table is where everyone comes to eat, while the smaller ones allow for more mixing and mingling. If your BBQ is an evening one, make sure there is enough lighting in your ‘seating area’ to keep the party going.

It never hurts to have a few games kicking around on a table or two. It gives folks a chance to interact in a different way. Along with games, don’t forget the music. Now days you can find playlists that suit any type of party you are hosting. you can even have a few different ones to guide the evening along. Maybe play some music that is fun and fast as guests arrive, then slow it down while people are dining.

That brings me to the food. It’s very important to make sure that everyone can eat and there will be more than enough food. I usually aim to make more than needed and in the case if there are a lot of leftovers, i am prepared with cute takeaway boxes for my guests to use. this keeps my fridge space, which is already at a premium, free for my real ‘everyday life’ food. Make sure you find out everyone’s preference before hand and then throw it on an open flame. Grilled anything is the best! Make a few salads and prepare the appetizers ahead of time as well. That way, all you need to worry about is the food you’ll be grilling. Dessert can be real fun too. Watermelons are a crowdpleaser, but if you really want to make this ULTIMATE, try throwing some fruit on the grill and serve with some french vanilla ice cream! Pineapple and peaches are my favorite. And just like that, BOOM! You ‘don did it!

-that’s the fresh perspective…

The Fresh Perspective...

If you are into music, I’m sure you have your own collection of summer tunes. Whether it’s just the songs that are playing on the radio all summer or some nostalgic playlist from summers past, summer music is all about making you feel as good as the sun does!

Summer is supposed to be a happy time when we all get to indulge in the fun activities that we’re deprived of all winter. Naturally, this must come with a soundtrack. I definitely believe that many artists strategically release certain tracks for that exact purpose. I remember “I’ve Got a Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas coming out June 2009 and was easily the song of the summer. This can set a tone for good vibes every time it comes on, for the entire summer.

When it comes to music, nostalgia has a strong pull on how it makes us feel. It can be music your parents played on that summer road trip as a kid or the playlist you curated for all your friends when you graduated high school. Anytime those songs come on, you’re instantly brought back to that moment. When that memory comes with a blazing sun and happy feelings, that song can bring you summer vibes in the middle of January!

Whatever your motivation for summer tunes is, now’s the time to set the tone! The weather’s warmer and we’re spending more time outdoors. Start building that playlist now!

-that’s the fresh perspective…

The Fresh Perspective

CAMPING! ‘TIS THE SEASON!

I know there are some people that absolutely dread a camping trip, but if you have yet to at least give it a try - please do! I am a huge fan of camping and look forward to it every summer. It started out when I was young with family canoe and camping trips, and continued as a grew older with friends and loved ones.

Depending on the time of year and the level of camping you’re into, your needs with vary drastically. I always enjoy being comfortable, of course, however I like to make the trip as simple as possible by packing only necessities - not so extreme, but not like a glam camper, ya know?

Slightly less glam than this… ;)

My most recent camping trip was in Tulabi Falls. It was INCREDIBLE. Myself and a group of friends booked the back country camp site and trecked on in on a Friday afternoon. Let me tell you, if you book those back country sites, be prepared to walk about 2 km’s to your site. We didn’t plan for this and packed quite heavy so the struggle was real. But, the reward was totally worth it. These back country sites are right on the water. You can slip on in and cool off at any time, take a tube ride down to the falls and spend the day jumping off of the cliffs and hanging out by the rapids. If you’re not ready to brave the back country, book yourself a yurt. They are absolutely beautiful and are next on my list.

Some of the top places to check out would be Tulabi Falls, Spruce Woods, random islands on West Hawk Lake, or one very random spot a friend brought a group of us to off HWY 1.

My biggest advice for camping trips consist of the following list;

• be open-minded

• bring the strongest bug spray you can find

• rubber boots are a great way to avoid poison ivy

• practice your around the fire jam suggestions prior so you sound like a professional

• don’t be afraid to get messy

• leave your phone in the car

• soak in and appreciate the nature

That sums up my camping blog! I could talk about it a lot so if you have questions or need suggestions, comment below!

-that’s the fresh perspective…

The Fresh Perspective

Long weekend weddings. We all have an opinion. Maybe you’ve been to one, maybe you’ve had one. Either way, there’s no denying that the feelings are mixed.

It is perfectly understandable for a couple to want to keep their wedding to a smaller budget. Having a wedding on a Friday or Sunday will often be a cheaper option at certain venues. On top of this, you are probably more likely to get your desired date at said venue on shorter notice if you aren’t set on a Saturday wedding. Another bonus can be that it makes it easier for people who are traveling to spend more time with their family and friends. All valid reasons.

On the other hand, as a guest, this can be cause to roll your eyes when you open that invite. A long weekend is precious real estate in the summer. You get an extra day to plan that camping trip or lake weekend. Having an obligation that keeps you from leaving home can feel like a big sacrifice. It’s understandable that not everyone will be happy about this.

Ultimately, if it’s your wedding, do your thang! Do whatever makes you happy and don’t worry about anyone else. But keep in mind that people may be unable to attend or simply choose to RSVP no based on their own long weekend priorities. Don’t take it personally and enjoy your day!