Good-Bye 2015, Hello 2016!

Hello lovelies! New Years is right around the corner!!! So today I picked out some beautiful last minute dresses that are affordable and fabulous for you to welcome the New Year. Today's post is all about fashion! These dresses are all from forever 21 and Bebe.
Sequins, Metallics, Lace, Bodycon and tons of LBD dresses all perfect party options. They are so effortless and elegant.

2016 is all about making your dreams come true. Whatever it is that you want go for it- work hard and wish for the best. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by my blog to check it out and supporting what I'm doing.
I wish you guys all the happiness, health and love in the world.

A few of my New Year outfit options.....

                    
              1.                                           2.                                          3.


                    
           4.                                              5.                                         6.


                        
               7.                                         8.                                               9.


         
             10.

xox

How To: Pan de Pascua (Christmas Fruitcake)

Wow Christmas is over already??? I hope that everyone had an amazing Christmas with lots of love, presents and yummy food (LOL) with all your family and friends.
So I did a lot of baking here at home which I don't mind since I really enjoy it, and one of the things that I baked was a Christmas fruitcake or how we call it in Spanish Pan de Pascua. This recipe has been in my family for many years and I thought it would be nice to share it.
If you guys are having company coming over for the holidays this recipe will make your house smell like a Holiday in the oven (meaning amazing :D ).
My birthday is tomorrow so I decided to bake some goodies since I know I will be having people dropping by to celebrate with me.

Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl

3 cups of all purpose flour

1 cup of icing sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tbsp of salt

1 tbsp ground cinnamon 

1 tbsp ground clove 

2 tbsp magic baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Celsius. In a medium bowl separate half a cup of your dry ingredients and add in 1 cup of diced walnuts (optional), 1 cup of fruit mixed, and 1 cup of raisins. This process helps avoid your mixture from clumping.

Add in liquid ingredients (to large bowl):

2 large eggs

1 cup of milk

1 cup of vegetable oil

2 tsp aguardiente

2 tsp almond extract

Mix all together including the fruit set aside. Grease with butter a cake mold and put in your batter. Before putting in the oven whisk an egg and brush on top of mixture. Leave in oven for 1 hour.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

xoxo

Skin Care

Hey guys, so I'm currently on the road and thought it would be a good idea to share some skin care products that I enjoy. The weather here is getting colder and I thought I could show you what I'm using on a daily to protect my face. I won't lie I love make-up but I also love removing it at the end of the night and having a clean face. After wearing make-up the whole day theres nothing better than that bare-face feeling.

1. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Make-up wipes- Aveeno has always been one of my favourite products and I have used them for 10+ years, so I love to rave about them any chance I get. These wipes are amazing. My face doesn't get irritated like it used to with other wipes I have tried in the past. I like to use these all over my face except my eyes. ( I like to use #6 for that).

2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser- After removing the make-up from my face I like to put a generous amount of this cleanser on the palm of my hands and rub it all over my face. Once I feel like I have covered my entire face I simply just was it off with warm water.

3. Aveeno Positiviely Radiant Toner- After my face is nice and clean, I like to apply a toner which helps restore the pH balance of your skin and helps remove oil and shrinks the appearance of pores.

4. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer- I love this moisturizer so much that I use it every single day and night. I was first introduced to this cream by my cousin on a trip to Florida. I was in such need of a good moisturizer and she introduced this one to me one day and I haven't parted from it since (that was 8 years ago LOL- but like they say if you find something that works, stick with it). Theres something about it, it makes my face feel so soft and amazing, and it smells like the beach? Weird I know, but I like it. It is by far one of favourite skin care products that I have ever tried.

5. Ponds- Another facial cream that I really enjoy is the ponds. When I don't have the my Aveeno cream on hand I grab this one. It hydrates my face so nicely and its super affordable.

6. Tarte Maracuja Oil- I don't like removing my eye make-up with make-up wipes. I used to before but I found that it irritated my eyes quite a lot, leaving them all red and watery. I researched other ways on how I could have a better alternative to removing my eye make-up and this Tarte Maracuja Oil does an amazing job. I apply just a few drops onto my finger tips and massage my eyes lids for a bit and bam! my eye make up is gone!. No fuss no muss. I rinse off with a wet warm cloth and I'm done. Another great product is the Josie Maran Pure Argan oil.
This is such and amazing technique. You can also re-apply it once your done as it also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and nourishes your skin giving it a more "healthy and youthful complexion".
The best part is that these oils are multi-functional and can be used from head to toe.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post

xox

How To: Sugar Cookies

Helloooo guys! So Christmas is right around the corner!!! Ahhh!!! How exciting!!!
I've always loved being in the kitchen especially when I get to bake. Christmas is such a nice time to spend with family and what else then to bring everyone together with sweet treats.
I love sugar cookies! They are super easy and fun to make especially when you have so many different cookie cutters to choose from which makes them a great idea for every occasion. Sugar cookies are a must at my house. I love filling up the cookie jar with them as it is a household favourite. I'm going to share my sugar cookie recipe which I'm sure you and your guest will love this holiday.

Ingredients:

-1 cup 1/2 of semi melted butter

-2 cups of sugar

-3 large eggs

-1 tsp of vanilla extract

-5 cups of all purpose flour

-2 tsp of baking powder

-1 tsp of salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Celsius.
In a large bowl your going to add your dry ingredients which is the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl your going to add the sugar and the butter-mix well. Incorporate the eggs and the vanilla. Mix well.
Once that is done, combine that into your dry ingredients. Stir everything together. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

1 hour later....

On a clean surface spread some flour and start rolling out your dough. (not too thick not too thin).
Cut them out with the cookie cutter of your choice. Place the cookies onto a cookie pan and leave in the oven for 8 min. Wait till cool and enjoy!

xoxo,

Stephannie

Relaxed Friday

Happy Friday everyone! Today was such a lazy day so I decided to stay home, relax order some pizza and watch a movie on netflix. Our Christmas tree is finally up and I think it's absolutely so pretty. I love how when we turn off the lights and turn only the tree on, it looks so nice and it gives a relaxing feel to the living room. I did a little bit of Christmas decor shopping yesterday with my sister and picked up a few things to add on the tree. Home Sense which is the Canadian version of Home Goods has so many gorgeous things for Christmas. I highly recommend you guys check it out. They always have such nice things in the store which are super affordable so I'm always dropping in to see what they have.
I took a few pictures to share how its slowly starting to look like Christmas at my house.

In my opinion ornaments make a tree so special.

 

         

This Angel has been on our tree since I was a kid. 

This is so fun! I had so many ideas for this little garden house I purchased from Ikea last summer. I used it a lot in the summer where I stored fresh basil, rosemary and mint but I wanted to use it since I didn't have any plants in it right now. I was thinking about putting a little light up house, mini tree and fake snow but I decided to add this instead. Who knows I may change it up.

I couldn't find the one I have but heres something similar.

A quick and great idea is to place a few Christmas balls into a vase all stacked up for a nice affordable decorative piece. Obviously candles are a must. Especially when they smell like Christmas.

These angels are so cute! I have two. One of both sides of the tv. These were from Home Sense for only $8!

xox

Gift Guide Ideas...

Hello ladies! I've just started my Christmas shopping since next week is December! Is it me, or did this year past by wayyy to quickly?!
I'm going to be sharing a few gift ideas that I have had my eye on. Hopefully this will give you all an idea on what you get someone (or yourself :D) for Christmas this year.

1. Foreo Luna- So I've heard amazing things about this product. It's basically does the same job a Clarisonic would do but, this doesn't irritate your face as much. The reason I say this is because some of the Clarisonic brushes are too rough for some people that causes them to breakout a lot more then usual but some people don't have a problem and it works great for them- it all depends on your skin type. For people with sensitive skin I find that The Foreo Luna is a better option. It's description on the Sephora's website says it is "suitable for all skin types". I personally have sensitive skin and I would really want to try out this product and review it in the near future.
(retail price $159 CAD)

2. LBD- Every girl needs a little black dress. I found this piece at Zara and I think its the cutest thing. I love the feminine details of lace neckline- beautiful and very elegant, perfect for a holiday party. If your not into the black and are more of a girl that enjoys colour, it is also available in pink.
(retail price $69.90 CAD)

3. Bucket Bag- Like I said in one of my post. I LOVE BUCKET BAGS. Zara for me is never a disappointment and they certainly didn't disappoint this time. I find that bucket bags are not only cute but super stylish. I love how this one is so edgy with the studs and the chain strap. I need this!
(retail price $89.90 CAD)

4. EllandEmm- I follow the designer of these gorgeous pieces on youtube and I find that she puts so much work and beautiful details into her pieces. I have seen her pieces on a few friends of mine which rave about her jewellery line and I find that her pieces are absolutely beautifully made.
(retail price $50)

5. Gwen Stefani Palette- One of my friends has this palette and must I say... WOW. The pigmentation of the product is beautiful. The colours are so pigmented that you don't really need to use a lot of the product to achieve the look your going for.
(retail price $70 CAD)

6. Sorel Boots- These boots are so comfortable. They are super warm and keep your feet nice and dry.  Ladies...you must get. Plus they are so cute! (comes in various colours).
(retail price $180 CAD)

7. Aldo Booties- We all love shoes! but in this weather we all can't afford to be wearing 6 inch heels without being scared that we are gonna fall on our face and break a leg LOL. These booties are stylish and work appropriate, and are only 3 inch tall! I've always found Aldo shoes to be super comfortable and for the price why not. It also comes in camel.
(retail price $120 CAD)

8. Vogue sweater- This little piece is also by EllandEmm. I've had my eye on this one not gonna lie and I've read some great reviews on the quality of it. Who knows... maybe Santa's reading my list ;)
(retail price $45)




              Gift Guide For Her

(under $200) 

                 

xoxo

Hair Styling Products

Hello ladies! Happy Saturday. Hope you guys are having a great weekend so far! I had washed my hair today and I thought, why not share some of the things that I use for my hair.
I don't usually use all these products all at once, but I like to rotate it every now and then.

1. Dove Style + Care Extra Hold Hairspray

I usually use this product when I need that extra hold. I have naturally wavy hair but sometimes I like to go all out and I just want to make sure that I don't have a fuzz ball during the rest of my day. It's descriptions says that its "strengthens your hair style by providing strong yet touchable hold..." once I read that I was sold and had to give it a try. 

2. Pantene Pro-V Anti- frizz Creme

I really love this product. It not only smells really nice but everytime I use it I feel like my hair is so much softer and that it looks way more healthier. It has helped me tame my wavy yet small curls and helps define them much more. Love.

3. Herbal Essences Hydra-Licious & Volume Boost

I SERIOUSLY cannot say enough good things about this shampoo. I love it. Not only do they smell amazing but I honestly think that it gets the job done (cleaning my hair of course hahaha). Any who they come in various amounts of coloured bottles, smells, which each one aims for a specific target (ex. this one is a volume boost shampoo and it actually works). This one is by far my favourite one. I usually have the conditioner with me but I threw out the empty bottle by accident. Sorry.

4. L'oreal Paris Elnett Satin (the finest hairspray)

I have to admit, this is by far my favourite hairspray of life. I tend to reach for this product a lot more then others. I feel like its not a hairspray at times yet it does the job. Reason for me saying it is because, usually when you use hairspray your hair feels hard and yucky. If you have an up-do and use hairspray once you take the up-do apart the majority of the times you still got parts of your hair that think that they are still in an up-do. (ahahah anyone agree?) but with this product it does the work beautifully yet you can still run your fingers in your hair later on and play with it again. Love. By far the best out there. Highly recommend. 

5. Pink Leopard paddle Brush- no name

Isn't this the cutest brush of life!? Anyways I had gone away on a trip to South America and had done a check list before my trip hoping I didn't forget anything. Little did I know I forgot one of the most important things. My hair brush. I found this cute boutique and came across this. It honestly feels like one of those expensive brushes that hair dressers use but this literally cost me $2.50 CAD (maybe less). 

6. TRESemme Platinum Strength (strengthening heat protect spray)

Whenever I wash my hair I like to air dry my hair and then blow dry for like 2 minutes. If I'm in a rush I would obviously blow dry my hair and I always put this product on. I like the fact that it protects my hair from being damaged and prevents any breakage to my ends. My hair feels smooth, smells amazing and of course gets the job done.

7. Nexxus Moouse Plus

I had bottle with me but since it was empty I threw it out hoping I was going to go to my drug store today to pickup another bottle (it was too cold so I stayed in). One of the best hair moouse I have tried. Really gets the job done and it smells really nice (which is a major plus with hair products).

8. Conair hair dryer

I don't know the exact model of this hairdryer but I liked the fact that it had a defuser to attach to it. Like I mentioned I have naturally wavy hair but when I want to curl it up I use this defuser and it gets the job done real nicely. I use the Tresemme heat protect spray, Nexxus styling moouse, and finish off with the L'oreal Hairspray. 

xox

November Already?!

Hey guys! I know I've been a bit M.I.A but we've had such amazing weather here in Toronto that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Can I just ask.. where did October go? I feel like it flew by so quickly!.. NOO! comeback!! :(.
But anyways today was a beautiful day and I'm such in shock because ..mmm hello?! it's November????... but hey no ones complaining so, keep the good weather coming LOL
I had a few errands to run today so I decided to dress very casual and comfy since I knew I would be running around.

I know that I have mentioned these jeans before and when I say that they are super comfy.. I mean it. I practically live in these jeans. I paired it up with a basic black tee, comfy flat shoes and this military green parka. This parka is super comfy, my sister bought it for me last month and I've been grabbing it every time I have gone out. It's a medium but it runs quite big so I could have gone for a small. A simple red lip, my wallet (which I've received tons of compliments) and I'm out the door. 

Outfit details:

Jeans- Zara

Black shirt- Sirens

Leopard shoes- American Eagle

Wallet- Marc Jacobs

Lipstick- Milani (Ruby Valentine #08)

Parka- Bluenotes 

xox

How to: Fish, Potatoes and Cheese?

Hey guys! So I was super excited to post this recipe up. I make this all the time at home and my family and I really enjoy it. It's super easy and all you'll need is just a few ingredients.
I love making fish because it's loaded with nutrients such as vitamin D and protien which are super important for your body and brain. Eating fish has a lot of benefits for your health. Research has shown that fish contains omega 3 fatty acids which protect your vision, reduces risk of type 1 diabetes and lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes just to name a few.
In this recipe I'll be using Basa fish, which is absolutely delicious. You can get it frozen or fresh at your local super market. I like to prepare it with fresh tomatoes, sliced onions and cheese (to me the cheese gives it that extra touch). You can add a few potatoes to add to your dish and serve it with a simple salad, or rice.
I love making this at home and I hope you guys give it a try- you'll love it.

Check my youtube channel an see how I did it:

Click here for youtube channel

Ingredients:

-Basa fish (make for how many people you'll be serving)
-salt and pepper (pinch of both), oregano (2tbsp)
-2 cups of onions
-2 cups of tomatoes
-1 cup of mozzarella cheese
-5 potatoes (optional)

note: base fish cooks fast, so give it a good 40 min and check that the potatoes are soft

Onions, tomatoes, cheese please!

Rinse well.

Baja Fish, chopped tomatoes, finely sliced onions, salt, oregano, grated cheese

potatoes (optional)

Almost ready!

Enjoy!

xoxo

Day At The Farm

Happy Sunday! Today I went to the Downey's Farm Market with my family and it was completley filled with pumpkins! I was so in love! but it was absolutely freezing! (serious face). I didn't expect it to be sooo cold! I wanted to take a lot more pictures to show you guys but to be honest I was so cold that my hands were frozen within a few minutes.
I was also going to film as I had mentioned on my previous post that I was thinking of uploading a vlog on my youtube channel. I did record somewhat- it's not the best as I was freezing and I couldn't keep still hahah. I ended up getting sick and I'm starting to lose my voice :(
My outfit was so cute and I totally forgot to take a picture (sorry guys). Any who my outfit consisted of ripped denim, pink converse, a green parka and a black scarf from Zara.

Getting the hang of editing so hope you guys enjoy:

Click here for youtube channel


Here a few pictures

 Pumpkins <3

My adorable nieces <3

xoxo