Monday, 24 August 2015

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


Friday, 21 August 2015

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

Friday, 7 August 2015

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


Sunday, 2 August 2015

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