New Kate Spade Agenda Review and Tips for Staying Organized!

Hey everyone,

So a lot of people take a look at my agenda and are in major awe at how organized it looks. I mostly feel this is only because I use different pens to colour code everything and this is what is eye catching but regardless this is just some tips on how I keep myself organized.

Here’s just a little bit about the agenda I use:

So yes, I am that basic girl who has the infamous large Gold Dots Kate Spade agenda, but whatever haha. It retails for about $40 CAD but I found mine on a 50% off sale so I just had to pick it up. The first thing you see when you open it up is a spot for you to put your information in case your agenda gets lost and a pocket for you to store things. Then all the months from 2017 and 2018 are laid out for you. Next, there’s a tab for celebrations, followed by a section for notes. The celebrations are based on American dates, so if you're from Canada, like me, sucks for you. 

Then begins the actual pages for planning. It starts from August of 2016 and goes to December of 2017, but I just ripped out everything before January 2017 to make it a bit lighter. Each month is laid out to start with the monthly and then the weekly view. Every month also has cute little suggestions that you could follow to change things up a bit. The weeks are laid out one-week per two pages and it starts from Monday and ends on Sunday. Lastly, between each month are pages for notes, as well as a laminated divider.

The pages itself are thick enough so ball point pens don’t leak through however ink pens and highlighter does somewhat show on the other side.

Now here’s how I organize my agenda:

Dear All-Black Haters,

Though it doesn’t feel like it in Toronto today because of the snowstorm, there’s 20 days left till doomsday!! Doomsday being the fist day of Spring X_X. You know, when people just instantly have crazy expectations of you. Specifically, crazy expectations being not wearing all black… Seriously just thinking about it is giving me anxiety, and I know a lot of people can relate.

I NEED TO BE IN ALL BLACK TO FUNCTION TO MY FULL POTENTIAL.

…Snapped a little haha, but all jokes aside I want to make my case. I feel like all you colour-wearers need to stop being so judgy and this time of year is when there’s this bizzare delusion for a free judging hall-pass. I am usually wrapped head-to-toe in black, like dementor status, and it’s not because I’m lazy. There’s actually tons of effort I put into getting ready. I wear a variety of different fabrics and textures. Just all black ones.

Like get it straight. Black is a classic colour that’s always in fashion. It goes with any bold or colourful accessory and makeup look. Black makes you look slimmer and taller and not to mention, you always look put together. Like a plain all-black outfit can literally take you from running errands to dinner at Canoe with just a simple shoe change. I meaaan, always ready to slay, hello?

So yeah, I’m pretty sure there’s nothing anyone could say to get me to wear more colour, that my mom hasn’t already commented about. While all you guys are throwing shade I’m here saving so much time not separating my clothes when doing my laundry. Anyways, clothes are about wearing what you feel comfortable in and I feel comfortable in all-black, so deal with it!

Naheeda

“I love all the colours mixed together… black” ~Brian Elston

Oh So You Want to Stay Healthy?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Photo Credits: Cameron Bartlett, Instagram: @snappedbycam

Hey guys!!

New years, new me! Could I have thought of a more cliché way to begin a New Years post? …LOL I’ve actually been saying that quite often and I’m pretty sure people around me are going to start an angry mob if it happens one more time.

But anyways, its time for change! Making New Years resolutions are often criticized by many but I really don’t understand why. Yeah I guess you shouldn’t wait for something to start before trying to live your life or maybe people desire to take life as it happens …but at the same time, I think having goals is so essential for self betterment. And no one should knock others trying to better them selves. That’s just my two cents for anyone that cares.

I do have a really long bucket list of things I want to complete in my lifespan but I find resolutions are more, I guess you could say, urgent and short term. Kind of something you want to work on right away that’s going to add more meaning to your life immediately.  This year I don’t have a huge list of things I want to try and accomplish but I do have one that probably every single New-Years-Resolution-er has as well:

…TO STAY HEALTHY!

Becoming healthy isn’t about loosing weight, I can’t stress how bad of a mindset that is. Looking good is important but feeling good is ultimately what matters. And yes, everyone says that they’re going to become healthy in the New Years but then hops off the bandwagon in February… March at the latest. Making the resolution is the first step and its easy, everyone’s doing it, but the actual implementation part is where people struggle with especially when it involves major health changes. And I don’t think its only because of laziness, don’t get me wrong most people are just lazy, but some people just don’t know how to begin to do those initial lifestyle changes that will successfully Segway them into getting more fit forever. I haven’t jumped on this healthy bandwagon but for about six months now I’ve been trying to get into the best shape I’ve ever been and hope to achieve it in 2016. Here are some of the main tips that have helped me in my journey so far.

My New Pet Fish "Gary" and Fancy New Tank (Back to the Roots “Water Garden” V2) ♥

Hey fabulous people,

I recently purchased a Back to the Roots “Water Garden” V2 as a present for my friend’s birthday on Amazon and after watching like a million videos on it I had to get my self one too… well actually my dad bought it for me but minor details. The Water Garden is an Aqua Farm which is basically a hydroponics system. In simple, fish in the bottom and plants grow on top. 

Not that you can become a full blow farmer or anything of that sort with this unique tank but it is a pretty neat sustainable farming method which apparently uses 90% less water than regular farming. The fish produces ammonia-rich waste and helpful naturally occurring bacteria, which grow really well in in the plant pots, convert the ammonia into nitrates. As the plants continuously take in the nitrates as nutrients, they are also cleaning the water for your fish! So scientific, I know.

The kit is designed and manufactured in the USA and it is especially great because it comes with everything you need, like the fish tank, gravel, organic seeds, grow stones for the pots, natural fertilizer, a silent submersible water pump… they even include fish food and a coupon for a Betta (which can only be used at Petco… boo for us Canadians).

Maybe Sometimes You Just Need to Take a Step Back— My Kate Spade Wellesley Agenda ♥

Hey, Fabulous!

Some people let go when the summer time rolls around but I REALLY let go. I left my job, I didn’t return my overdue library book and went away for 3 months. This summer was one like no other. It was nothing like I expected, life was busy. Although I really was sleeping most of the time, I found myself super tired at the end of almost every day. Reason being, I always forgot about things I had to do and ended up rushing to get them done. One of the biggest issues for me overall was that I always lost track of what I was doing or when I was supposed to be doing it. One day, when I was back in town, I even accidentally went ALL the way downtown for my friend’s birthday dinner, which was actually the NEXT DAY... Not only did I feel like an idiot for wasting all that time but I was also hungry :(. So right then and there I decided that I had to find a way to get myself organized.

Avocados 101 and DIY Avocado Hair and Face Masks ♥

Hey everyone!!

Today I’m going to be explaining the benefits of a super underrated beauty secret and give you some at home easy-to-do moisturizing masks.

As well as being extremely delicious, avocados are also amazing for your vanity… now that’s a win-win! They have high nutritional value and anyone and everyone who eats them regularly knows that they give your skin healthy natural glow.

One avocado contains over 20 vitamins and minerals, and you can literally get your daily supply of fiber, vitamin E and B vitamins in just one fruit. It also contains potassium and is a great source of fiber and folic acid, which is critical for any woman. 

Now I know what you are thinking, so I’m just going to say it…yes, avocados are high in fat. An avocado can have about 21 grams, which in turn means about 230 calories each, and of course this depends on the size. But if you think about it, no one really eats a whole avocado and considering that half a chocolate-chip muffin is 400+ calories, even if they did eat a whole one it would still be far less calories that most other snack.

The oil from avocados are used in many beauty products worldwide because of their ability to enhance the skin and the hair. Here are a few recipes that you can try at home:

Avocado and Oatmeal Face-Mask

This is a great face-mask for people with dry skin. I promise, regular use of this at-home remedy will do wonders for your face! Also don’t feel limed to just the face, apply it on your hands, arms, legs, anywhere really, as a natural moisturizer.

How to Look PICTURE Perfect ♥

Hey everyone!!

It’s almost summer and you know what that means, PARTIES! Today I’m going to be giving you a few tips to achieve a beautiful face for in person and for all the PICTURES!

1. Always start off with a primer!
• They provide a smooth surface for any makeup, and help keep it in place. Primers are especially important for those long picture-filled nights.
2. Foundation
• Foundation, it makes ALL the difference… well, at least when it comes to taking a flawless picture. Make sure to get a great foundation that you are comfortable with. I would invest in a high-definition foundation. They were originally developed for actresses and news anchors on HD TV to hide literally everything. My all-time favourite HD foundation is Make Up For Ever’s “HD Invisible Cover Foundation”. The “HD Invisible Cover Foundation” is an oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.
• Oh and one other thing, MAKE SURE WHAT EVER YOU DO DECIDE TO GET IS A PERFECT MATCH TO YOUR SKINTONE! Trust me even if you don’t see the difference, everyone else can, including the camera!  
3. Camouflage other imperfections
• If you are going to be taking some heavy duty pictures like engagement photos or your new profile picture LOL dab on some concealer under your eyes or any blemishes you may have.
• Sometimes when I’m not in the mood for foundation, I just add a little concealer to a few spots on my face and head out the door. It really makes a difference!
4. Sculpt your cheekbones!
• We've all heard it before, the camera adds 10 pounds! Flash photography particularly can make you look flat or round. A little bronzer under your cheekbones, on the temples of your forehead and on the sides of your chin along with some blush directly on the apple of your cheeks instantly add the dimension back into your face and enhance your facial structure.
5. Fill in your brows 
• Even if you don't fill in your brows on a daily basis, fill them in for your pictures. If you have light hair, this is really important for you. Some of my blond friends’ brows tend to disappear on them in photos with flash.
• Remember you don’t have to pluck them, by simply filling them in they’ll look tamed and groomed as much as the next girls. 
6. Wear mattes!
• Try to avoid products with shimmer (except for highlighter of course). The flash from cameras combined with the shimmer in your products will make you look oily and greasy.
7. Black mascara and black eyeliner
• The fabulous duo of black mascara and black eyeliner is basically the epitome of the word “drama”. Some people consider black makeup products as being too harsh, but I promise that when it comes to pictures, black looks good on everyone.
8. Lipgloss
• Lipgloss always adds that little kick to complete any look so never skip it. When it comes to pictures, skipping the lipgloss will cause your mouth to blend in with the rest of your face. Contrasting all your features will give you an amazing overall look. 
9. Try not to use products with SPF
• The higher the SPF, the more titanium dioxide is in the product, and the whiter you'll look in photos. You want your pictures to be fun memories, in other words, you don’t want to be known for looking most like a ghost that night.
10. Blotting papers
• Blotting papers are a life saver! Instead of piling on the powder and achieving nothing but the “cake-face look” try opting for some blotting sheets. They're inexpensive and really remove all the excessive oil on your face. It’s also kind of cool to look at the sheet after you use it :P

Just a simple few makeup tricks can be super helpful when it comes to looking great in every picture. Do you have any other suggestions? Comment bellow!

Stay fabulous!

xoxo

naheeda ♥

10 Beauty Resolutions for the New Year ♥

Hey everyone!

Bye Bye [Bye *insert N’Sync flashback* lol] 2012 and HELLO 2013! I hope everyone’s having a great New Year so far because I sure am :). Today I’m going to be sharing my ten New Year’s BEAUTY Resolutions. I hope my easy and achievable list inspires all you gorgeous girls out there to also pay yourself some extra TLC.

So without further-ado here here we go:

Number 10: STOP BITTING MY NAILS

This is something that pretty much more than half the world needs to work on. Nail biting is one of those annoying habits that happen without you even knowing. Did you know that you could get worms from biting your nails! I know GROSS!

Until I kick this bad habit to the curb I’m going to paint my nails bright colours every week. This way I can constantly remind myself not to nibble away at them.

Number 9: BUY LESS BEAUTY PRODUCTS

I swear I tell myself this every time I leave a mall LOL. To stop myself from giving in the next time I enter a Sephora I’m going to go through all my makeup. Going through all your makeup at least once a year helps you know what you have to use before going out and get anything new. *fingers crossed*

Number 8: SPF SPF SPF!

SPF is soo important in the summer and even in the winter. I can’t stress how delicate our skin is against sun rays. SPF protects us from skin cancer, sunburn, wrinkling and premature aging. Sure you may have a better tan now but you’re going to end up looking 10 years older than you are pretty soon.

This year I plan on SPF’ing it up by only purchasing moisturizers with SPF. [I swear I said “SPF” like 100 times in a matter of those last few sentences lol]

Number 7: COMPLETE A BEAUTY DARE

What’s a beauty dare you may ask? A beauty dare is when you step outside of your comfort zone and wear something you normally wouldn’t. For example bold lips or a funky pattern. Personally I NEVER switch it up, so this is actually going to be a challenge for me.

*remember not to go too far, always wear what you’re comfortable with

Number 6: CLEAN MY MAKEUP BRUSHES MORE OFTEN

I have never been bad with this but there’s always room for improvement. Dirty brushes and other products can harbour dirt and bacteria you don’t want to be putting on your face. This will prevent breakouts and it’ll be easier to apply product with nice and clean brushes. You can also clean eyeliners and lipliners by simply sharpening them.

Number 5: BRUSH MY HAIR

This may sound crazy but brushing my hair is really something I have to work on. I have curly hair, so brushing it is actually kinda hard work. It takes time and it always leaves it frizzy and semi-afro-ish.

This year I’m definitely going to brush it out every day and apply a little bit of Moroccan Oil. Applying a tiny bit of the Moroccan Oil will eliminate the frizz and hopefully rejuvenate my hair without leaving it greasy and chemical filled.  

Number 4: WASH OFF MY MAKEUP

This is a big one for me. Some nights I come home already half asleep and jump right into bed.

This year I’m going to make sure to wash my makeup off every night to keep my face clean and let my skin breath. 

Number 3: KEEP ONTOP OF MY SKINCARE GAME

Skin-care is super important for everyone! This year I’m absolutely-positively going to follow a proper skin care routine. Every day when I wake up and before going to bed I’m going to make sure to:

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Moisturize
• Exfoliate 1-2 times a week

Remember healthy skin is happy skin.

Number 2: GET MY BEAUTY SLEEP

When you sleep your body does a lot more than just rest. The hours you spend dozing are when your skin works to regenerate and repair your skin cells. Lack of sleep can speed up the aging process and increase the rate of health issues.

This year I’m going to try to get 6-8 hours of rest every day. 

Number 1: EAT HEALTHIER FOOD

This is my biggest vice. I LOVE JUNKFOOD… but unfortunately my body doesn’t.

This year I’m going to try my hardest to keep track of my calorie intake and not eat fast food often. It may be hard to say no to Ronald McDonald’s tempting ways but with a little determination and persistence it’ll be a piece of cake [yes pun intended LOL]

Hope you guys have a wonderful year and never forget to Stay Fabulous!

xoxo

naheedz ♥