February Favourites

I'm going to be the first to admit that I'm probably not the best candidate for monthly recaps. I mean, look at all the fun and exciting items I bought in February - groceries, tea & lip chap!? 

Really though, let's all just appreciate the fact that I am a University student living within my means. Do know though, if you are open to soliciting funds for me each month I will graciously accept. But until then or the more likely option until I am finished school and working, I refuse to buy more than I must! 

Rather than feeling like a poor soul, literally, I'm going to go ahead and give myself a pat on the back for my exquisite self-control. 

Still, check out this monthly favourites video. 

And THANK YOU to all of you for your readership during my financially unexciting times!

Until next time,

L.

Hot Oil Hair Mask: Tutorial & Review

Can you tell that I am in dire need of a haircut? Don't lie, we all know the answer is YES, but before I do the normal thing and book an appointment I plan to exhaust every possible alternative to nip these split ends in the butt and revive my locks! I also am always up to try any and all DIY beauty care options before splurging on the "real" deal, so that brings us to today's topic! The infamous....

Hot Oil Hair Mask

All you will need for this mask are 4 household ingredients: 

• 1 tbs of coconut oil
• 1 tbs of olive oil
• 1 tbs of honey
• 1 egg

Before we dive into things, let us just reflect on how horrifying this dry spell has become.

Before the hot oil hair mask...

I have been using a lot of heat on my hair lately, since I got a new curling wand for Christmas. Naturally, I have been playing around with different styles and seeing what the new tool is capable of, but my hair has been paying the price. Dry, frizzy and lifeless are a few words that I would use to describe my hair before treating it. Not exactly a pretty picture.

During the hot oil hair mask...

That's right, let it sink in. Think happy thoughts, think healthy hair. The mind is a powerful vessel! To say a few words about the mask itself, the texture was messy so application took place in the sink. There was no overwhelming smell, good or bad. My senses were not alarmed in any way, so I take that as a good thing when it comes to DIY beauty products.

After the hot oil hair mask!

Overall, I think that the mask addressed my split ends issue wonderfully! All of my ends were smooth and soft after allowing my hair to air dry. However, I made the mistake of shampooing only once, so my roots were very greasy afterwards. If, and when, I use this mask again the only thing that I will change is the number of times I shampoo. A minimum two shampoos is a must. 

You can all make the final call as to whether or not this hair mask looks like something you can benefit from. I will stop babbling on and leave you with the oh so true statement: a picture is worth a thousand words. 

January Favourites

January has been a great month. I could not have asked for a better start to 2014! But before we fly into February, I thought I would share my monthly favourites with all of you. 

1. DavidsTea: romantic collection

DavidsTea & I have gotten to know each other quite well, and this past month I have been indulging in the romantic collection.  I suppose you could say that these teas fulfill my longing desire for love and romance, on those days when the real thing is out of reach. Who wouldn't want a dose of warm fuzzies every day?

2. Indigo: Monogram Mug - L

There is just something about having your own personalized mug, especially when it is given as a gift. Seeing as I'm not the one who fills the cupboards in my home, I quite enjoy having a little piece of me here and there. Oh boy, I think that love tea is wearing off on me. Find your own at Indigo! 

3. Bamboo Grow Box: Amaryllis

Another unique (and fave) gift from Christmas this year! I wish I would have taken a picture of the original packaging. The round bamboo box was filled with packaged soil and chips and of course the bulb. Everything was sealed with a black lid and a ribbon wrapped around into a bow on top, so cute! I am so curious to see what this little plant is going to grow into!

4. Stocking Stuffer: Candle Holder

I wish I could be a little more specific about this candle holder, but unfortunately my only guess is that it was made at the North Pole! I love the rustic look and the way that the light shines through the designs. Whether I am sitting in my room doing homework or relaxing in the tub, this piece always adds a nice touch to the overall atmosphere and feel of the room.

5. Coconut Oil

My all in one cooking oil, moisturizer, body butter, hair mask, and most importantly my substitute for butter on popcorn! There are endless uses for coconut oil and I have listed only my most frequent uses for this diverse product. I haven't become loyal to a specific brand yet, but this super sized containter was definitely my favourite and most hilarious Christmas gift. Believe it or not, there is already a pretty big dent in this bad boy after only a month! 

4. AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 G Lens

I could say so much about this lens, but I will keep it brief. I don't think you can get a more dramatic difference from the standard kit lens in a more affordable manner. The wide aperture makes things quick, sharp, and ideal for low light conditions. If I could describe the lens in one word it would be bokeh. For more information, click here.

5. Isagenix IsaLean Shake: Creamy Dutch Chocolate

Isagenix could quite possibly be the company that I have been most loyal to over the past few years! The IsaLean shake is my breakfast of choice, especially on those mornings that I am on the go. There are so many ways that you can spice things up, so your taste buds never get bored. For more information on Isagenix products, visit my associate website: laurenmcmurray.isagenix.com

6. Young Living: Lavender 

There are a variety of essential oils out there, but if I had to chose just one I would always go back to Young Livings lavender. The scent is very soothing and for me personally I associate the smell with fond memories and great people. If I am ever in need of a calm to my storm, lavender does just the trick.

7. Urban Decay: Naked3

From shimmering pinks to matte neutrals, the Naked3 palette has a variety of shades that are perfect for those of us who are on the paler side. Why cover up your beauty when you can accentuate it?

8. Don Leòn: Merlot Syrah

I wouldn't consider myself a huge red wine-o, but this bottle may change that! I don't think I paid more than $10 for this bottle and it is dangerously smooth for a red. More please?



That's all I have for you this month! 

Until next time,

L.