LIFE HACK : Putting Mayo On Furniture !

I KNOW THIS SOUNDS RIDICULOUS, BEAR WITH ME PLEASE. My grandma introduced this life hack to me a few years ago when I first moved in with them. I was given all of my great-grandparents old bedroom furniture, and one day I accidentally got water on it which resulted in a white splotch being left behind.

Freaking out I called my grandma in and pretended I had just found it and hadn't actually caused it [ naughty, I know ]. I freaked out even more when she left and came back into my room with a knife and a jar of mayo.

Turns out, the mayonnaise absorbs moisture [ WHO KNEW ?! ], or something like that. I don't quite know the full details, only that it works. Trust me !

So, if you ever have a water stain on any wood furniture, gently rub some mayonnaise on it and leave it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight if you can.

After a while you'll be able to see the difference in the water stain. as the mayo will become more translucent.

In the morning gently rub the excess mayo off with a piece of paper towel and you're done !

This life hack has saved me more times than I would like to admit, but I am SO GLAD I learned it.

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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BFF Canvas Craft !

I love friendship jewelry, but the problem comes in the fact that sometimes people have a large group of friends. I recently had a birthday party together with one of my friends [ both of our birthdays are  in August ], and I thought it would be really cute for us to all do a craft together and then each take a piece of it home. Thus the BFF CANVASES WERE BORN !

All you need is ;

• canvases [ one per person ]
• craft paint [ one per person. each a different colour ]
• old tarp / blanket [ and something to hold the edges down ]
• old clothes [ optional / in case of messes ]
• spray sealant [ tbh, this was kind of an after thought for me, I didn't think of it until a day or 2 after we finished ]
• all of your closest friends

You'll need a lot of time for these to dry so get all of your friends together at a place where you can hang out after. I'd suggest a beach or a park or even one of your houses followed by a sleepover for maximum drying and bonding time !

Place all the blank canvases down on the tarp in a clump, everyone can choose the canvas they want either before or after the paint the applied. Have everyone stand in a circle around the canvases and give everyone a bottle of paint, when you guys are ready just squeeze the bottles and let it all go ! Make sure everyone gets doesn't just focus on the ones in front of them, depending on how many people you have in your group, it may be an idea to have people move around while squirting their paint.

This is one of the funnest things my friends and I have done ! When we finished we all sat around eating chips and ice, using some leftover paint to paint little patterns on each other [ I got some in my hair ! #worthit ].

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS LIKE TO DO TOGETHER ? Comment below !

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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YEAR ROUND POOL LIFEHACKS

While I realize summer is quickly coming to an end, if you're anything like me, you will probably be at an indoor pool multiple times this summer. I just thought I would share two life hacks that you can use for the rest of the summer and beyond, that have personally saved my imperfectly tanned behind. [ yes, I'm saving some life hacks for next year, that's why you're only getting two today ;) ]

#1 - SUNLIGHT DISH SOAP HELPS REMOVE CHLORINE FROM HAIR

Crazy, I know, but my sister-in-law shared this with me a few years back and I was amazed ! She learned it from her hair class in high school, but apparently, when you come out of a chlorine pool you should wash your hair with sunlight dish soap and then with your regular shampoo and conditioner. Normally after swimming it would take me about a week and three hair washes to get my hair feeling normal again. I started doing this a few years back and I don't dread getting my hair wet in the pool anymore because I know how to fix the icky-hair feeling.

#2 - RINSE YOUR SWIM SUIT WHEN YOU GET OUT OF THE POOL

Have you ever noticed how by the end of the summer your bathing suit is all droopy and lost its elastic hold ? Next time you get out of the pool and are changed, rinse your bathing suit with regular water. This helps remove some of the chlorine and makes your bathing suit last longer [ the sooner you can rinse it the better ].

Another quick tip is [ if you have a pool at home ] to use your older, slightly drooped bathing suits when you're at home alone or with family. This way your cute bathing suits won't be exposed to the chlorine as much, and will last even longer.

WHAT DOES YOUR FAVOURITE BATHING SUIT LOOK LIKE ? Comment below !

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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July Favourites !

I can't believe it's already August ! Actually, now it's almost September because I forgot to post this... Summer is flying by.

BEAUTY

Eyelash Curler
This month was my first time ever using an eyelash curler, and I don't think I'll ever go back. It makes my eyes look so much more open and awake, I would definitely recommend using one in the mornings before work or school.

EOS Handcream
Before I bought this hand cream, I had realized that the hand cream I had actually been using before was really a body lotion. For the brand and the amount you get in a bottle, I was amazed at the price. I think it was only $2-$3 and smells AMAZING. It's very light, non-greasy and has a clean, fresh scent. I use it everyday at work after washing my hands on my break.

St.Ives Face Wipes / Olay Fresh Effects Makeup Removing Wipes
These things are lifesavers. If I'm too tired I don't have to stress about getting out of bed to wash my face if I haven't already. Face wipes are unbelievably quick to use. What I love about these ones are that they don't leave my face as greasy / oily feeling as previous ones I've used have.

NYC Showtime Waterproof Mascara
When I walk in the sun without sunglasses, especially in the summer, my eyes tend to water [ mixture of allergies and sensitive eyes ], so using a waterproof mascara is a MUST unless I want to look like I've just watched a Walk To Remember. And to be honest, I love what the NYC mascaras do to my eyelashes.

ENTERTAINMENT

Zoo
My grandma and I are addicted to this show. It kind of scares me a bit because it would be terrifying if it ever happened in real life. Basically, the show [ based on a book ] is about animals changing and becoming a whole heck of a lot more violent and outgoing. I don't know what it is about this show, but it's so good ! [ MARRY ME JAMES WOLK ]

Leah Remini: It's All Relative
I would absolutely LOVE to spend a day with this family. They make my week, just watching this show. Honestly, WATCH THIS SHOW, you will not regret it. Pinky promise. [ I'm watching it right now tbh ].

Girl Meets World
I'm obsessed with Boy Meets World, and I'm obsessed with Boy Meets World. I love how the writers are able to make the characters from the old show [ Cory, Topanga, Eric, Shawn, etc ] grow yet still keep the personalities exactly the same.

Hank Zipzer
Hank Zipzer is the cutest. I just want to hug him and squeeze him, and never let him go. The show is originally from the UK and just recently came to Canada. It's relatable and funny, the best combination.

I Am Jazz
I absolutely love how much progress we're making in the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community [ of course still more to go ]. But when people have the courage to stand up and speak about what they've been through to help other people, it makes me happy.

The Minions Movie
I watched this movie twice and laughed hard both times. The minions are super cute, I just want to hug 'em. Although I could do without the Minions merchandise everywhere. LONG LIVE KING BOB ! <3

FOOD / DRINK

Green Juice
I tried green juice for the first time last month and it was so addicting ! One time I went back to my grocery store to get another and they were sold out and I had to leave with tears in my eyes [ not really, but really ]. The green juice that my grocery store makes is spinach with orange and something else that I forget.

Graham Crackers
It's been so long since I've had a camp fire and roasted a s'more but plain graham crackers are delicious too ! They're like a cracker and a cookie in one.

Ice Cream Drumsticks
A classic summer staple. I love eating these at the cottage, while sitting on the dock watching the water and listening to the birds. I mean, it's ice cream, it's amazing !

OTHER

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8
I basically used my brothers wedding as an excuse to buy one of these, but it's so awesome to have the photo print out instantly and develop before your eyes !

Floss / Floss Picks
I went to the dentist a few weeks ago and they said, as they do every time, to everyone, that I need to floss more. And if you are someone that really needs to floss more I recommend looking at your teeth very closely. I did and it scared the bejesus outta me. Now I floss, still not as much as I should, but at least 2 -3 times a week.

Aussie Moist Shampoo & Conditioner
I've had a hard time finding a good shampoo that's decently priced. A few years ago, my hairdresser told me I had wax build up on my scalp and that I should start using Design Line Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner. While it did make my hair and scalp look and feel better, it was also $12 per bottle. I used a few different ones since then trying to find a cheaper brand, but the Aussie Moist is MY FAV.  It leaves my hair clean and hydrated, is less than half the price and comes in a larger bottle.

SONGS

[ in no particular order ]
The Weekend - Eden XO
This Summer's Gonna Hurt - Maroon 5
Uma Thurman - Fall Out Boy
Bad Girls - MKTO

BOOK

Plague by Michael Grant [ book #5 in the Gone series ]

What were your favourites for July ? COMMENT BELOW !

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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Bumble Bee & Lady Bug Summer Nails !

'Ello ! Today I have a new nail tutorial for you all, I paint my nails like this every summer because they're just so cute. It's great for toes and fingers !

The longest part of these nails is the drying time, waiting for each coat to dry before continuing.

WHAT YOU NEED :

• base and top coat [ optional, mine are by WetnWild ]
• opaque yellow [ Nicole by O-P-I, One Voice ]
• opaque red [ Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, Cherry Red ]
• black regular nail polish or a deco pen / polish [ WetnWild, Black Crème / L.A. Colors Art Deco, Black ]
• white regular nail polish or a deco pen / polish [ NYC, French White Tip ] 

STEP 1 :

After your base coat has dried, paint your nails on one hand yellow and the other hand red. Yellow nail polish usually requires 2 or 3 coats to be as opaque as red nail polish, be sure to let the nail polish dry between each coat.

STEP 2 :

Using black nail polish make a thin strip along the top of your nails, like a weirdly coloured French manicure.

STEP 3 :

With the black nail polish again, on the yellow hand paint horizontal stripes down each nail just like a bumble bee. On the red hand paint little black dots around the back of the ladybug, adding a thin vertical black line down the center of the back [ to show where the wings separate ] is optional.

STEP 4 :

Make two white dots on the head [ the black French tip ] of each nail for the eyes, and one small black dot inside the white dot [ AFTER the polish dries ] to complete the eyes.

Add a top coat if you wish and TA-DAAA, now you have your own little bug family with you wherever you go !

What would you name each of these ten little guys ?! COMMENT BELOW !

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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DIY Inspirational Waterbottle !

Haiii, so, OMG I am a wreck right now. So much is happening all at once ! Luckily, I had this post stashed away for times like this.

This is the quickest thing ever, and can be super duper cute ! Bring it with you when you go for a run or to the gym for a little extra motivation.

WHAT YOU NEED :

• a plain water bottle [ clean ]
• fine sharpies in your choice of colour [ s ]

Legit all you have to do is write or draw whatever you'd like on to your bottle and let it dry over night. Don't worry if you make a few mistakes, you can wipe the sharpie off before it dries.

I also recommend either patting the bottle dry or letting it air dry after washing it.

The quote I chose for mine is " live the life you've imagined " <3

What will you write or draw on yours ? COMMENT BELOW !

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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June Favourites !

I am working on getting back in the rhythm of posting twice a week, please bear with me. :) For now, enjoy my June Favs !

BEAUTY

[ I went on a bit of an E.L.F. spree. ]

E.L.F. BB Cream
I don't like using foundations, especially in the summer, because they can be too heavy, but I still like to have that extra bit of coverage. I used to use the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream, but it seems to have from stores [ unfortunately ]. I decided to switch to the E.L.F. BB Cream because ever since I discovered that Loblaws carries their products I went a little crazy. Best decision I made. It gives me the same coverage as a foundation but still lets my skin breathe. [ I did a product review on their concealer here ! ]

E.L.F. Makeup Brushes

More specifically the Small Stipple Brush and the Flawless Concealer Brush. Before getting these ones, I only had a small travel size pack of brushes that I only really used 3 of. Honestly I mainly got these brushes because of the price. All of the ones I would look at would be about $10 each, and these were about half the price, but they are such good quality.

E.L.F. Daily Brush Cleaner

Cleaning my makeup brushes is something I used to be so bad at, because I would always find a way to put off cleaning them. With the daily brush cleaner it becomes part of my routine and actually helps my skin quite a bit because I don't have the day old makeup still on the brush. I do still clean them with soap and water at least once a week, but this way I know it's not too bad if I delay it.

E.L.F. Lip Exfoliant

 If you exfoliate your face and body, why wouldn't you exfoliate your lips ? After using this, I apply chapstick and / or lip gloss to keep them hydrated. My lips feel so smooth and amazing, I just keep wanting to rub them.

ENTERTAINMENT

Orange Is The New Black

I don't have Netflix [ *gasp* I know ], but at the beginning of the month some of my friends and I got together to watch season 3. So, my very first time watching the show was season 3, episode 1. It actually wasn't that hard to understand and get caught up on what had happened [ I had to ask a few questions ]. I loved it so much I went out and bought season 1 so I could watch EVERYTHING. 

p.s. I love you Bennett. <3

Hot In Cleveland

A few months ago I had Frasier in my favourites, and while scrolling through my T.V. guide one day I saw Jane Leeves [ she was Daphne on Frasier ] on Hot In Cleveland, I thought she was a guest star, and after watching a few episodes came to the realization she was not. The cast is magnificent together and Betty White is seriously the best.

San Andreas

This movie is so action packed. I was on the edge of my seat or gripping the arm rest almost the entire movie. Alexandra Dadarrio is so unbelievably cool, as is the entire cast. Dwayne Johnson is such a bad ass. This movie made me come to the realization that if anything similar happened in my city I would be doomed. 

Jurassic World

CHRIS PRATT ! <3 

I honestly have nothing else really to say. Personally I think this movie lived up to the first ones, we all know it's pretty much impossible for sequels to be better than the original, but given today's technology they definitely went all out, even creating a legit website for the park [ click here to check it out ! ]. But in all seriousness this movie also made me realize I would be doomed should anything similar happen here.

FOOD / DRINK

Lemonade

Classic summer drink, you can never go wrong with a chilly glass on a hot and sweaty day. I like to grab the small bottles of raspberry lemonade to take with me when I go out, and to keep the bugs out since it has a resealable lid.

Freezies

I know it's not healthy and I shouldn't do it, but if I'm thirsty and hot, odds are pretty good I'm just going to grab a few freezies. Even though they are basically sugar. But very good, so it's okay. Right ?

Veggie Stix / Veggie Straws

These are great for if you are ever craving chips or something crunchy. They taste almost exactly identical to regular salty potato chips, but without the salt and with vegetables. Plus they come in a handy stick shape to prevent that giant crumby mess when you bite a regular chip and the entire thing shatters. You can get Veggie Stix from Bulk Barn and Veggie Straws from Food Basics.

OTHER

Michaels and Walmart

With my brother getting married at the beginning of July, and me making their wedding gift [ a DIY is coming, it's just taking a while to type it up all up ] I needed lots of craft supplies and these two places were my go-to and I was able to get everything I needed in one trip to each store, and at reasonable prices too ! [ I know Michaels can be expensive, but they almost always have coupons on their website, and the more times you provide your email at the cash they email you personalised coupons ! ].

SONGS

[ in no particular order ]

All Night - R5

F.E.E.L.G.O.O.D. - R5

See You Again - Wiz Khalifa FT Charlie Puth

Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

What were your favourites for June ? COMMENT BELOW

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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Summer Room Décor Ideas And DIYs !

'ELLO ! Sorry I've been a bit M.I.A. lately, but it's been pretty hectic with my brothers wedding and work and so forth. But I'M BACK and I'm going to see if I can up my posting from 2 times a week to 3 to try and make up for lost time [ please don't hold me to that though ;) ].

Anyway, my room has looked the same throughout every season for just about the past 4 years or so, and I figured summer may be the perfect time to re-vamp my room and brighten and liven it up.

These are five décor pieces that I am loving right now [ I think my fav is the last one ! ].


décor

RENUZIT ROOM SMELLYS 

Technically this isn't a décor piece, but when you remove the wrapper it has a clean and colourful look to it. And a bonus is that it adds a great fresh smell to your room.

FLOWERS AND CACTI 

Especially in the summer I love adding living things [ besides my cat ] to my room. There's something about having them in my room that makes me feel much happier and more energized.

STATEMENT PIECE

Something that draws your eye and adds a little oomph to your bubble. Mine is a decorative owl vase from Michael's, but another piece I love is a white geometric candle holder from Walmart [ which I don't actually own unfortunately ].

diys

BEADS JAR

This is the easiest and quickest one, which is why it's first. All you need is some of those [ mardi gras / carnival ] beads, I've gotten all of my from county fairs, and an empty jar. Then just fill the jar with your beads, add a bow to the lid if you fancy and you're done ! I've layered mine in a slanted pattern to make it look more interesting. You can always fill a jar with colourful craft beads if you happen to have some laying around. This DIY was just a way for me to de-clutter my bead necklaces.

SUMMER BUCKET LIST

All you need is scrapbook paper, mine is a silver glittery sheet from Dollar Tree. A frame, again, mine is from Dollar Tree. And an X-Acto knife or scissors and dry erase markers.

Start by using the insert in your frame to cut out your piece of scrapbook paper.

Replace the frame insert with your new paper, and write down some of the things on your summer bucket list.

On mine I have,

• master the art of the cat eye
• go for a jog
• ride my bike
• have an adventure
• watch a sun rise / sun set

What would you have on your summer bucket list ? Comment below !

xoxo - Gouu

Let's build a farm ! <3

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