International Dance Day!

Hello ladies! It's International Dance Day today! There are performances happening all over the place, swing bombs in the streets (professionals spontaneously pairing up and dancing when you least expect it!), a troupe of tappers doing their own version of Frankie Manning's Shim Sham, Indian dancers in full costume, and of course, our flamenco performance! Vancouver is looking lovely, warm and full of sunshine and dancing events all over the city! Even more exciting is that our flamenco picture is the main promotional shot! In honour of this fabulous day here are some great dance photographs!

Every ballerina starts somewhere...

This is my cousin, the ballerina.
A flamenco 'bailaora'...
Karen has taught me pretty much everything I know about flamenco...
My guess here is the tango?Who doesn't love a chorus line?!
Lindy Hop!

Here's another version of the shim sham in full swing (no pun intended) at a party, led by the one only, Frankie Manning! Have a bouncing weekend!

The Perfect Eyeliner

Eydie Gorme - April Showers
(It's raining here so I thought this would be a fitting song to share!)

More fabulous makeup tips from my darling Jessica W. N. Want to know her pick for the perfect black as coal eyeliner? Check out this video...

Now, I'm no expert but I can tell you what eyeliners I like to use. My makeup of choice is from M.A.C. Cosmetics. A regular in my eyeliner lineup is their Eye Kohl in Teddy. This is a soft, shimmery, dark bronze colour that I sometimes use by itself just to give my eyes a little extra definition. Sometimes I skip the eye pencils and simply use a small angle brush with eye shadow. For a darker look than Teddy, I use M.A.C. Pandamonium lustre eye shadow. It has a frosted gunmetal look with a silvery white pearl lustre... if that makes any sense! But I like to use it without any other black liner for a softer look; with liner and the black becomes much bolder.Anyways, I hope Jessica and I gave you useful reviews in the search for the perfect eyeliner! Happy eye-lining! I'm off to start/finish a big paper which, I feel, is slowly killing me! :P

Shoes Shoes Shoes

Paolo Nutini - New Shoes

Ballerinas, ballet flats, heels, jellies, stilettos, sling backs, sneakers, pumps, boots, booties, Mary Janes, wedges, Penny loafers, wing tips... Shoes!
I decided to type the word 'shoe' into an online thesaurus and there are a lot of different names and many different types out there! I couldn't help but browse a little here and a little there for some fun and some really funky footwear.Sources or designers (top to bottom): Fake It Then Make It || Make it Alright || Balenciaga via Kanrantzou || Miu Miu via Sea of Shoes || Balenciaga || Dries Van Noten Spring 2011

Chalkboards

I love the chalkboards you can see in restaurants and bars. They almost always give the place some extra charm. They're even better when these stylin' chalkboards are paired with awesome lighting...The first image is from a cute gourmet store I popped into in Madrid. I wish I had the sources of the others but I just did a Google search.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! I'm getting myself mentally and physically prepared for a lot of eating at my grandparents house! Until tomorrow ;)

Pretty Purple Smokey Eye

Stacey Kent - Isn't this a lovely day?

Ever wanted to create the perfect smokey eye? Like this:
Well you can! I must share what my darling friend Jessica W.N. has created! She is a self taught make-up extraordinaire! Here is her latest video tutorial that will show you the technique, the colours, the process, and the products to recreate this absolutely fabulous look. I hope you all enjoy!

Follow her and get updates on her latest tutorials and looks at Makeup & Hair by Jessica W.N. on Facebook.

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

This was such a great day (except when our hockey team lost miserably)! It was one of those "door-opening" days and I had a big smile on my face! This might seem like a strange choice but I decided to top this day with the black and white classic, Arsenic and Old Lace (click for trailer and links to watch). I got to play Elaine Harper in my high school production and of all the plays we did, this was my favourite! Cary Grant and his speedy talking ways is drama critic, Mortimer Brewster, who must contend with a family filled with secrets, quirks and rather murderous habits!I hope you get a chance to see it becuase it's really quite an entertaining classic. Make yourself some popcorn or those delicious lavender cookies and enjoy! Until tomorrow! :)

Vanilla Lavender Goodness

There is something deliciously calming about the combination of vanilla and lavender. Vanilla is so warm and is reminiscent of freshly baked goods. Lavender and its essential oil have sweet overtones that are known to induce calm, tranquility and relieve stress and fatigue. Putting those two together definitely sounds good to me...

Lemon Lavender Pots de CremeHibiscus Macarons with Lavender-Hibiscus Mascarpone
Mini Lavender and Vanilla Scones
Lavender Vanilla Sugar CookiesLavender Cupcakes

Yummy! I wish I could find better pictures for you.

Dirty Deeds Handmade Soaps

Ahhh! I finished writing one of my papers and it feels great! I had to do some Etsy browsing after and found a shop all about handmade soaps: Dirty Deeds Soaps (that name is so funny). I love browsing these kinds of shops and always want to try things!

I love the look of handmade soap. What a variety!Not that I need a man's shaving kit but I love it! This would make such a great gift!

Handmade soaps and shaving sets for wedding party favours! Not a bad idea...

Loofah soaps for polished skin...

What classy soap dishes! They know more French than I do!

Purple

When I get my own place, is it ridiculous that I absolutely love and would seriously consider splurging on this purple couch? The Josephine Loveseat from The Cross.More love for the colour purple... (via weheartit)Watercolour print available on Etsy

Food Styling and Workshop!

I have another food photographer for you today! I couldn't resist! I would love to take photos like these! Aran Goyoaga (link further down) has a really great style and all the food looks absolutely delectable! Macarons and cherry blossoms anyone?
Planning a vacation? This autumn, Aran Goyoaga and Steph Modo will be hosting a food styling and photography workshop in the Dordogne region of France. Find out more by clicking HERE.France, food and photography! What a dream!