Costa Blanca, Where Have You Been All My Life?

I don't l know about you Peeps, but I get pretty frustrated when I go shopping. 

Like, I need a drink afterwards because I hate my ass kind of frustrated!

With my age and lifestyle, I want to look like I'm put together without trying too hard. It's a beyotch to find clothing that's stylish, but not overly trendy, with a good price that fits well. 

I'm pretty particular about which stores I choose. I used to look in Costa Blanca when it first opened and got some cute things, but the last few years I've been less than impressed with the product and the prices. Cute if you're eleventeen and 100 pounds. Don't know 'bout you, but those days are ovah!!!

I went into the Costa Blanca in the Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket on a whim, and I was so surprised!  The clothing selection was really diverse, and there was a great range of sizes. They had everything nessecary for an amazing summer wardrobe!  

I spoke to Jessica, the assistant manager, and she mentioned that there is a new buyer in the company which is why the selection has improved and the prices are so great!  

I picked up this snake print tank for $6.99 and I found the necklace below for $2.99. Couldn't believe the fit or the prices!  The staff were quite knowledgeable, and really friendly too!  I was cashed out by Daisy, who was just as cute as her name would suggest!

Costs Blanca is also increasing their presance in social media. They have a super-stylish Instagram (which is running a contest right now!) along with twitter and facebook. The website is worth checking out too, even if its just for the lookbook. 

Have you guys been in Costa Blanca lately?  Love it too?  I want to hear all about it!

Donna  Xoxo

Style Love: The Find of the Summer!

I was wandering around Old Navy last week when I stumbled across the most adorable little bargain in the shape of a navy and white striped tank dress. 

Being short and, well, curvy is a nice way to put it, I'm always a little hesitant when it comes to stripes. I have always believed the "stripes always make you wider" ish and stayed far away. 

I'm here now to tell you it's all about proportion and fit. 

A few years ago, a friend coaxed me into giving a striped tank a try. 

Loved it!

I felt very Audrey Hepburn. 

Since then, I've tried some hits and some misses. This dress was a big hit!  

The top half hangs really well because of the elasticized waist. It camo'd my freak-show sized boobs beautifully!  

Not an easy feat, btw! 

The drape of the material skims over the bottom half, and doesn't cling anywhere it shouldn't.

 For $15.00! 

I immediately started thinking of how this little sweetheart can be worn into fall and be fabulous!  We all look for transitional pieces, don't we!

Right now, I'm wearing it with a belt, throwing on a great pendant and calling it a day. 

Once fall hits, there are so many possibilities. I can wear it with camel and tan for a cute look, but I'm excited to edge it up a bit!

I've shown it below, with a black leather belt, a shawl collar cardi and a silver and black chunky pendant. Add motorcycle boots, and it's a funky little date outfit!  

Ahhhhh, aren't options wonderful!

Tell me your transitional weather ideas!

Donna xoxo

Nail Polish, Sociopaths and Doggie Love: A Glimpse into My Days

Happy Canada Day Boys and Girls!

I hope it was a great weekend for everyone, and I hope it's a quick recovery too, be it exhaustion or hangover. 

Been there my friends, let me tell ya!

I've been laid up for the last week, so I thought I should check in and give a little snap-shot into how I've been amusing myself!

Don't everyone wet themselves in anticipation all at once!  It's exciting, I know. 

I did a little mani a few days ago. Has anyone tried the new Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Glosses?  I tried the Mint Mojito and I have to say... Love It!  It's a great creamy mint green that is so not wimpy!  The brush is a great width, and the formula doesn't streak. The application on my right hand looked to be streaky when I did it, that being my non-co-operative hand and all, but it dried nice and smooth. 

As for the rest of my week, a lot of Dexter was watched in anticipation of the season premiere last night!  I'm going to be a wreck when this show ends after this season!  We won't talk about that right now. Can't bury James Gandolfini and discuss this in the same week. 

I'm only human after all!

I spent the rest of the week hanging out with my fur baby, Annie. Did I tell you guys that Ray and I have a new doggie?

She naps in the afternoon, likes to lie on the couch and get affection!  She's me in dog form!

I also discovered this week that the Walmart near me has a section of chocolate imported from Scotland!  

Dexter, pretty nails, an Orange Club Biscuit and my Annie. Not a bad week, all things considered. 

I'd love to hear about everyone else's weekend!  Anyone do exciting stuff?

Donna Xoxo

Ps. A quick shout out to my Dad. He would have been 75 today. 

Ray and I'll have a wee scotch in James Hain's honor since we can't have one in his presence. He would have enjoyed my wee family, such as it is!  Xxxx

Humidity-Proof Eyeliner? Hook a Sister Up!

Ladies and Gents, it's a scorcher!
Summer has come with a vengeance, sweaty face and all! 
I previously solved heat proof lips in my popsicle lip-stain post, but what about eyes?
I found the answer to that a few days ago!
While in Shoppers Drug Mart, I stumbled on a makeup line called ArtDeco.  It's a German line that's relatively new to Shoppers.  I'd never heard of it, and the rep for the company was in so I played a little.
I bought the Soft Eyeliner Waterproof in #72, which is a metallic turquoise.  The application is very creamy, without any drag to it.  To get a good colour payoff it does take a few layers, but it's buildable.  I also love that it's not a self-sharpening pencil.  I get a finer tip when I can use a sharper, therefore get a more precise application. 
The best part though, is when they say waterproof, they are not kidding!!!!
This liner wore like a dream on a very humid night.  Everything under the sun smudges on me usually, but this bad boy stayed right where it was supposed to!
The colour was ultra pretty too!!!!
At $11.00 this was a great buy!  The whole line is priced quite well.  It's not Covergirl prices, but it's not Guerlain either!  Needless to say, I will give this line a shot again!
Have you tried ArtDeco?  What did you think?

Donna Xoxo

PS- Please forgive the picture quality lately!  My camera lens broke and I'm using my iPhone5, which I must say is pretty good!  Could be me that sucks!  The pics are going to get better!  Honest!

My Secret to Smooth Glossy Nails.

There are a few things in life which, for me, are non-negotiable.
Clean, healthy looking nails are one of them.
A lot of the time, my nails aren't freshly manicured.  Life gets in the way, whether its time, money, or gardening.  Just not a major priority. My nails do, however, always look good!
It is the easiest little routine! 
A few years ago, my health started to decline.  My nails started to develop deep ridges, and became very brittle.  They would peel and tear all the time.  Regular strengtheners did nothing but make them more brittle.  The key to a brittle nail is moisture!
Every night I apply a cuticle oil, like Creative Solar Oil.  Rub it in well and let it soak.
Next the nail needs to be smooth.   
I have been a fan of nail buffers for ages now.  I have always used the four sided ones, and never thought the two sided ones were all that great.
Until now! 
The Revlon Crazy Shine buffer is Fab. U. Lous!  When they say crazy shine, they're not kidding!
It leaves the nail smooth and glossy like nobodies business!  Could not believe my eyes first time I used it.  My nails were as shiny as glass!  I'm so in love!
The treatment that I find works best for me, is Sally Hansen Complete Care 4-in-1 Moisturising Treatment.  It softens and protects the nail, so you don't get those little cracks at the edge of the nail, or peeling at the tips.  Dries in record time too!

 
I buff my nails, and do a coat of the treatment in about five minutes flat!  Easy Peasy!
So, that's my secret!  I'd love to hear yours!

Donna Xoxo

Sunset Eyes!

Hey Kids!  

I don't know about where you are, but we have finally had some summer sun!  A little rain was thrown in so we don't think we're too fancy, but at this very moment, it feels like summer!

Days like this make me want to have dinner outside and drink mojitos!  

All while looking glamorous, of course!

This is where the "sunset eye" comes into play. A friend did this look on me a few years ago and I loved it! (Thanks Jenny G!)

It's basically a smoky eye with a few tweaks in the technique, and colour choices. 

Think of the eye in three separate sections. 

After applying the base of your choice, start with a bright gold on the lid. 

Blend a bronze, or copper onto the outer third of the eyelid, and blend a hot pink, into the inner third. 

The colours need to be separate on the lid, but it should look like they melt into each other!  

I applied the hot pink around the entire eye,  as its very on trend. It's also a lot of fun!

Finish it off with a soft pink or white hilight under the brow bone and that's that!

It can be as vibrant  or as soft as you like.  The gold in the centre brings a lightness to the eye, while the pink is unexpected. Keep the rest of the face relatively soft. I did a sculpted cheek, and a nude lip. 

If I'm out for the evening, I tend to do a fun eye and soft lip, simply for the easiness factor. I'm not one to spend all night touching up my lip colour. I like to throw on some gloss, or balm through the night and go!

What's your fave "date" look?  Do tell!!!!

Something's A Little Different.......And An Offer For YOU!!!!

Hey Girls and Boys!
Here's a question.  How brave are you when it comes to trying out new looks?  A new eyeshadow colour, or hair cut?
Not everyone is comfortable with change, but others are change-a-holics!  I fall into the latter category.  A fresh new look is my biggest weakness.
Thank Goodness I have the hair hook-up! 
I may have left Kitchener, but I won't leave my Savvas!
The man is a marvel!
Currently at Cosimo's salon, Savvas has been doing hair since the early 90's.  A challenging cut, like a short or angled cut is what gets his blood going!  Over the years, decades really, that Savvas and I have known each other I've come to expect the "zone out" that inevitably happens during a cut!  The discussion of where we're getting a beer afterward doesn't even kill his focus!
The visit to salon itself is an experience!  The owner, Cosimo, Savvas and Guiseppe, the colour tech, have been working together for almost 10 years at different places.  In August of 2012 they opened Cosimo's Salon.  The boys make the atmosphere relaxed and warm.  It's a great place to go if you want a very one-on-one experience.  Not to mention a kick-ass shampoo!
It was exactly the place to go for a BIG change!
When I walked in a couple of months ago to get my obscene amount of grey covered, Savvas asked what I was thinking and I blurted out "How about blonde?"  The glimmer of excitement at the challenge of lightening my blue-black hair was all over his face!
Fast forward to May 31st, and......
I'm a Blonde Bombshell!   (My hair is anyways, my ass is still the same old boring ass as before.)
I was fully prepared to be indifferent to this.  I thought I'd like the change, but not really be crazy about it on top of my face.
Was I wrong!  Love it!
So far, it's a hit with everyone! Even my 75 year old Scottish Auntie with no filter between brain and mouth was pleasantly surprised! I'll be seeing my brutally honest brothers next week, so that will be the biggest test.  Wish me luck with that!
I have a surprise to offer everyone, dear readers!  Savvas is offering 20% off when you book an appointment and let him know that "Donna Sent Me".  The discount is available on any service.  Cut, colour, hilights, the whole she-bang! 
Cosimo's is located at 1077 Weber St East, Kitchener Ont.  The phone number is 226-647-0633.  I've included some pics from the salon and some of the boys.  Savvas is the looker with the black hair, and Cosimo is the handsome devil hard at work.  Guiseppe was shy, but he has some of the best hair in the world!  You have to see how crazy it is! Such a cute little joint!
Don't miss out Girls and Boys! 
So, what does everyone think of me as a blonde? 

Donna Xoxo