Guess what JUST arrived?

My Luxe Box!!!

I am so excited to open up my Luxe Box and begin reviewing, but first I had to let you all know so you can get ready for a long-winded, super lengthy review from moi!

My first little review is that this "January" box arrived on the last possible day of January - can it still really be still be considered a January box? I personally, do not think so.

Anyways... I am off to try these products out!!!

Yay! 

The Urban Umbrella
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xoxo

How'd this happen?! 100 Followers!

Wow this is a pretty surreal feeling! & I had thought 50 followers was unreal!

Photo Credit 

Blogging has become such a huge joy for me and I'd say one of the biggest joys of blogging is connecting with fellow bloggers.  I wake up every day looking forward to reading your lovely comments and reading all the daily posts - it has become my morning routine (alongside my daily coffee). 

Blogging has added such a fun aspect to my life, I see things now and instantly think "I must blog about that!" - it really has become a wonderful creative outlet for me.   

(and I look a little crazy, too.)

Thank you all for following, commenting and being such an active part of my blog. You have really brought so much happiness to my life and I look forward each day to all the new creative opportunities that blogging has permitted me. 

Thank you!!!
xx

The Urban Umbrella
Follow me on: Bloglovin' /Twitter 
xoxo

A Letter to my 16 year old self

I was inspired to do this by a post I read a while ago on Charlottes Web . I thought it was a really therapeutic thing to do - to write to that messed up, confused, lonely person that most of us were when we were 16 years old.

So, here goes nothing:

Hello you, 

Guess who? 

It's you, except a older, much wiser & brilliant version of you. Kidding, you're still a complete fool most the time, unfortunately that has not changed.  

I'm writing you because I felt like it was about time I gave you a heads up on what you're in for this next year, 'cause there will be quite a bit that happens - some of it is good, and some of it is bad. 

Bad news first?

This year people you cared about and who should've been there for you will decide that they do not want to be a part of your life any longer, & no they won't come back.  You've been concerned that this would happen for a while, but the speculation & suspicion will not prepare for the hurt you will feel. 

The "I knew this would happen" does not make the blow any less detrimental. 

Those same people will every so often send updates on how happy they are - the new baby, new marriage & new life.
You'll eventually cut yourself off from these messages completely because one day you'll wake up realizing how completely masochistic it is of you to keep reading these letters. 

I swear to you, this does make you feel better eventually.

The next bit of bad news: At the end of this year you'll find out that someone you really cared about, trusted and relied on will hurt you. You'll forgive him (stupid) and it'll just happen again, and again - of course, you won't find this all out until it's all long over.  I hate to say you wasted all that time, but you wasted all that time. The lesson you get out of it is that if someone cheats, leave 'em - really now, should've learnt that on the first go. But to each their foolish own...

The Good News:

Also this year you will meet two people who will be good friends  &  you will keep them around,  these are people you will completely rely on during this time of hardship - even though they actually have no idea what you're going through, the times with them will be like little "escapes". 

Oh yeah and you'll go downtown with them and get your Tragus pierced, and it looks pretty sweet, but you will pass out & look like a massive fool for about 15 minutes. You mom is not a fan of this piercing at all - be prepared for some shrieking (she'll get over it, it's only a ear piercing, mum) . 

You'll also decide to get a tattoo, three little cherry-blossoms, & they are pretty cute (if I do say so myself) But it is incredibly painful & you decide you'll never do this again. And Bree, what the hell - just buck up and pay a bit more so you can avoid going the sketchiest tattoo-shop in town, kay?
For some reason this is not quite as upsetting to your mum so have no fear, but it is a bit odd isn't it?

This year you will also attend your first party, & you will have a ridiculously good time. You are not one of those sloppy drunks & you don't puke (that experience comes in another year, sorry - you couldn't completely avoid that shame). 

There is a light at the end of the tunnel!!! 

Don't be too unhappy, next year will be unbelievably great.

You will meet great people, go out too much, party too hard, gain a lot of independence & make some great memories.

& just wait until you graduate! There are so many great things in store for you, so many wonderful people & opportunities.

So....

Keep your chin up and "don't let the bastards bring ya down" 

(You'll hear Rihanna sing that in the future)

Much love,

Friday: Hallelujah!

I do not know about you, but for me this Friday could not come any quicker. This has been one of the worst months at work, completely chaotic and I simply cannot seem to be able to catch up!  Once I think I am all caught up a whole 'nother  shwack load of work pours in. I am literally drowning in paper work, even looking at my desk is stressful. I am sure many of you are in the same boat, desk jobs can be such a pain sometimes!!!

photocredit

Needless to say, I am looking forward to having a full night of relaxing & probably a full night (and majority of the day tomorrow) of sleeping. But before the relaxing and snoring begins I am heading off to meet up with my cousin so we can book our flights! How exciting!!!

photo from www.weheartit.com

This trip is the only thing that is keeping my sanity during this month. Hopefully february brings a bit more bliss, it has to right? It is the month of Love....


Speaking of the month of love, how many of you are excited for Valentines day? I know it is a commercial holiday, yada yada yada - but I still love it. I enjoy that there is one day set aside to just show your love and appreciation for that one special person in your life.




Hope you all have a lovely weekend!
xx

The Urban Umbrella 

Follow me on: Bloglovin' /Twitter 

xoxo

Outfit Ideas: Spring 2012

Spring is right around the corner (kind of) and so I've been dreaming away about getting back into colourful prints, bright dresses and open toed heels!

Here are some of my dream outfits for spring:

Dress ($23.80) from: Forever 21

Belts ($20) from: Aldo

Shoes ($90) from: Aldo

Earrings ($10) from: Aldo

Dress (cost unknown) from Betsey Johnson

Shoes ($80) from Aldo

Earrings ($52.50) from Betsey Johnson

Dress ($99) from Jessica Simpson

Belt ($92.84) from Shop Bop

Shoes ($90) from Aldo

Earrings ($4.80) from Forever 21

Dress ($48) from Nasty Gal

House of Harlow Necklace ($135) from Nasty Gal

Shoes ($98) from Jessica Simpson

Dress ($68) from Nasty Gal

Earrings ($10) from Aldo

Shoes ($89) from Jessica Simpson

Tag, you're it!

One of my favourite bloggers, Summer-Raye, tagged me to do this questionnaire. 

Here are my answers!

 11 fun facts about myself:

1. For many many years I had a problem with passing out. I would just fall over randomly. Only stopped in the last few years really, it is a total mystery to why this happened so frequently though...

2. I get really freckly in the summer, I even get freckles in my eyes. I have some freckles all year round but it is like a bomb of freckles went off on me in the summertime.

3. I really want to learn how to swing dance. 

4. I once was interviewed by 6 lawyers for a job (scary). & I got the job!

5. I cannot play any instruments, though I would love to learn how to play the piano.

6. I failed my "L" (learners) more than a few times, though I passed my "N" on the first try. Ironic.

7. I have two very cute puppies named Frank and Ava. Frank is named after Frank Sinatra, and Ava is named after Ava Gardner. 

8.  I love sour candies. Sour-keys are my major weakness. Yum.

9.  I have green eyes. So does my mum, my brother and my boyfriend. Considering green eyes are supposed to be a rarity its odd that I have an abundance of them in my life..

10. I do not want to live in the city for my whole life. I would love to one day move to the Sunshine Coast or Kelowna..

11. I would love to one day own my own winery. 

Summer-Raye's Questions:

1. Who's your favorite hollywood crush? Andrew Garfield. Can you blame me?  

2. Mountains or beach? Beach. Luckily though because I live in Vancouver I don't actually have to choose! 

3. Most embarrassing moment? My most embarrassing moment would probably be the time I got seasick. Jeremy and I went out sailing with our friends and their parents. Within about half an hour I was beginning to feel my stomach gurgle and drop with every wave the boat hit, it was like I was constantly getting head rushes - but in my stomach. This was the first time I met my friends parents so I was hoping to make a good impression, I was determined to focus on conversation & "have fun".

 Unfortunately over the next few hours my determination gave way to my incredible nausea that had taken over and I slowly began to moan about the extreme discomfort I was in. 

By the time we got back to shore I was a sickly shade of green, I was speaking like a drunken sailor and I looked like I had been hit by a tornado. This was probably one of the worst, and most embarrassing, first impressions I've ever made. I simply shutter at the thought of it now. 

4. Favourite Holiday? Christmas. I love the cheery feeling the entire month of December has because of Christmas, I love the decorations, wrapping gifts, festive cards, festive parties, ugly sweaters - it is all just so much fun.

5. Do you sleep on the left or right side of the bed? The right side. I also really dislike being near windows, so if a window is on the right side then I'll opt out of being on the right and take over the left side. 

6. Favorite breakfast food? It may be porridge now. Honestly, I never would have thought I would like porridge, I remember as a child really disliking it actually - but now I absolutely love it. Yum Yum Yum!

7.  Pumps or flats? Pumps, I have a insane love for heels. Though I am always in flats... I am a fair-weather heel-lover.

8. Where in the world do you want to visit? I have always wanted to go to Greece and I am so excited that this year I will see it!! 

9. Number 1 on your bucket list? Travel. I want to see the world, there are so many beautiful things in the world and I don't want to miss out on them!

10. candles or plug ins? Candles. 

My Questions for you:

1. Who is your style icon?

2. What was your favourite trend of 2011?

3. What is your dream vacation destination?

4.  What is your favourite type of dessert?

5.  What would you not leave your house without?

6.  If you won 1 million dollars what would be the first thing you'd do?

7.  What is your favourite cosmetic brand? 

8.  Biggest fear?

9.  Horror movies or comedies?

10.  Flats or heels?

11.  Favourite film?

1.  Rasha  2. Amelia 3. Jasmine  4. Sophie 5. Rosie 6.Becca 7. Sarah  8. Jennie  9.Sadee 10. Lucille 11. Shawna

The Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post.

5. Let them know you've tagged them.

The Urban Umbrella
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xoxo

Bumble and Bumble: Creme De Coco

Over the last month I've been using Bumble & Bumble's Creme De Coco condition treatment in my hair once a week for my deep conditioning treatment.  This is a great product, my hair feels amazing after using it - super healthy and silky! The conditioner is very thick, almost like a butter and smooths over hair, instantly coating and making it feel very soft. The smell is lovely too, it smells heavily of coconut which I love and it leaves a lasting coconut smell for a few days. I have really dry hair so this product was wonderful for it, though I have heard if you have healthy/ soft hair already then it may just make it oily. 

The major downside I found was the price, for 8oz it is about $20! It is quite expensive for the amount you get, and for the amount you have to use to cover your hair. This product does not last a long time because it is so thick that 5 or 6 uses and it is all used up! 

All in all I'd say the product is great and if you have the cash to spend on it then go for it and give it a try. Really they should consider just lowering the price a tad so it can be used by more people because I know if it was more wallet-friendly it would be a staple item in my cabinet! 

The Urban Umbrella
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xoxo

Insta-Smile: Wednesday Pick Me Up

5 Things Making Me Smile Today

1. I am finally noticing some increased flexibility after three weeks of doing yoga after my runs. 

Got to keep this up!   

2. I watched "Charlie St. Cloud" last night and absolutely loved it. 

I cried, I laughed,...... I fell in love with Zac Efron - What?!

3.  Last night I found some long-lost and forgotten earrings that I absolutely love. They are these big olive green drop earrings, my goodness I am so happy I found them. 

4.  I tried out a new recipe last night, super light & low calorie yogurt ice cream. So, I may be going home today to a very tasty treat!

 If it works I'll post the recipe! 

5.  I am sipping on a new tea I bought from David's Teas called "The Skinny". It speeds up your metabolism and helps block fat, like a super-green tea. I am not sure if it is actually helping my metabolism but it sure is nice to sip on and I have been feeling a lot more energetic!

Hope you're all having a lovely week!

The Urban Umbrella 

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xoxo

Baking with Bree: Super easy & yummy White Chocolate Banana Bread

This passed weekend I went on a bit of a baking-spree and this is one of the loaves I baked! This one was my boyfriends favourite so I decided to share it with all of you so you could give it a try yourselves! The best part about is that it is super quick, super easy and super tasty!

Enjoy!

          

         Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 unit egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups pastry flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup mashed banana (basically one whole banana)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate, chopped, plus some for drizzling (2 white chocolate swiss bars)

Baking Time!

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease +  flour a 6 ½ x 3-inch loaf pan.
• Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with banana.
• Mix in chopped white chocolate. 
• Add mixture into loaf pan
• Bake for 30 minutes
• Allow to cool 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a plate.

Last minute prep:

• Melt white chocolate and drizzle on to cake.

Happy Baking!

The Urban Umbrella

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xoxo

In Need of some Sunshine

I am getting to the point now where I am feeling pretty over winter.
I am sick of the thick socks, heavy sweaters and gloves & really just wanting to get back to flip-flops and bikinis.

 Anyone with me on this?

Jacket, scarf, belt, shoe & bag all from American Eagle

I have to find this hat, I am not sure where it is from but I love it

Grey skirt from Acne

Black tank top from American Apparel

These are a few items I would like to own for summer. They are all casual, comfortable and perfect to wear to lounge around the beach when it gets too chilly to wear your bikini. I love the simplicity of this outfit for summer, it is such a perfect go to and has a very boho vibe. 

Brighten Up

1. Glitter in the Air 

2. Candy Shop

3. Glamourous Life

4. Some Enchanted Evening 

5. Daytripper

6. Girls Just Want to Have Fun

7. Lara's Theme 

8. Yellow Brick Road 

Check out more from Deborah Lippmann here: Nail Colours

I absolutely love these colours by Deborah Lippmann and I think they would be a perfect addition to my summer polish collection. I love these bright and fun colours for spring/summer and am so excited to be painting my nails in these bright hues - I have grown a bit tired of the dark winter nail colours like burgundy and navy.. 

DIY: Updating your Shoes

Quite some time ago I found these shoes on sale ($17.00 only!) at Spring. I bought them knowing that I was not a fan of the grey & pink colour-blocking and would be dying these shoes to a colour I felt was a bit more subtle and classy looking. I tucked them away for some time and completely forgot about them until this past weekend when I stumbled upon them and decided to start my DIY project.

1. RIT dye - You can buy this dye at any Wal-Mart or Michael's Craft Store.

2. 1 small paint brush

3. Paper towels

4. 1 old towel

First put your shoes on a towel that you do not care about, this towel may get some dye on it so seriously choose a towel you plan to discard anyways!

After putting the shoes on top of a old towel, I poured a very small amount into a bowl and used a paint brush to apply the dye to the shoes. I did this very carefully as if you get this dye on anything else it will not come out - I recommend wearing an outfit you don't particularly love if you're taking on a dye project. After applying the dye 3 times I let the dye seep in for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes I took a paper-towel and blotted off the excess dye.

The shoes took about 24 hours to completely dry off but here is the end result:

They look really sparkly now which was a bit of a surprise but a pleasant one at that. I really like the way they've turned out. I feel like I can wear them with many more outfits and even to work now as before I felt like they were a bit of a clubbing shoe.

The Urban Umbrella

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xoxo

Bright Eyes Wish List

Recently I started noticing that when I wake up in the morning my eyes are a bit puffy and circled with a purplish/ blackish hue. I know this is a common problem for people but I got to be honest, it did take me off guard. I never had really dealt with a problem like this and so when I first noticed it I thought maybe I just needed to have better sleeps. I am a pretty regimented person when it comes to my sleeping schedule so when I do not sleep well I do notice some exhaustion-induced issues; but unfortunately, after many nights of going to bed early and getting my full 8 hours of sleep I've summed up that these bags do not seem to be a problem due to my sleeping pattern. Looks like I am aging folks, I am 21 and already aging - what the heck, right? 

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of women in their early twenties who were also apparently googling this issue, I am not alone! Google provided me lots of great reviews on various products, some were creams to apply overnight and some were daytime concealers. The consensus was that Benefit's Eye paste, Eye Cream & Pore-fessional products were the best products on the market for the issues I have been whining on about. 

The overnight Eye Cream is apparently the best cream out there to help fight the first signs of stress and aging. It is supposed to help hydrate and improve collagen under your eyes, preventing any further skin damage. I've always heard the earlier you start applying these creams, so I guess this is a blessing in disguise?

I read that some people will use the Pore-fessional product under their eyes to help smooth it out before applying the Erase Paste. It has a light watery consistency that apparently helps hydrate the area before the concealer application. 

I've always heard quite high praises of the Erase Paste, apparently it really brightens up eyes and smooths out any discolouration so I have made this the #1 product on this list for me to buy. I will save, buy and review for all of you!

Have any of you tried out these products? Let me know your opinion on them!

xx

The Urban Umbrella

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xoxo

Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” 

- Marilyn Monroe

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up, because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.” 

-Marilyn Monroe 

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” 

- Marilyn Monroe

Wednesday Pick Me Up

photo credit

5 Things Making me Smile Today

1. My time off work has been approved and I am going to Greece for three weeks. This is definitely giving me perma-grin

2. I have non-stop been searching up all the beautiful destinations I'll be seeing on my trip! 

Island hopping!

3. I have finally caught up on all my paper work at the office, Hallelujah! 

4. I will be heading to Lulu-lemon to purchase some yoga pants after work today. My grandma gave me a gift-card to Lulu for Christmas (thanks grandma!) and I've finally decided what I would like to spend it on! I know Vancouver has been ragged on for our yoga pants, but seriously they are super comfortable, great for yoga/ fitness and are an awesome pant for travelling; They quick dry & do not wrinkle so I will be living in them while I am away. 

Give us Vancouverites a break! 

5.  I washed my hair with Philosophy's "Eggnog shampoo" and it smells like my favourite holiday treat. Yummyyyy!

Whats keeping a smile on your face this wednesday?

xx

The Urban Umbrella
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xoxo

Movie Review: Moneyball

Moneyball is a film based on the true story of Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt) who is GM for the Oakland A's. As the lowest paid GM in baseball he is limited in creating a cohesive baseball team and ends up putting in motion a new statistical code, brought to him by Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill), to build his team. This code allows him to create a team out of some of the most underpaid baseball players and shows how they can all work together and end up being a "dream team".

Like all sports movies there was a lot of hope building towards the success of the team and you end up feeling really invested in the goals they are working towards; But unlike every-other sports film, this team was built of science - not a gut feeling, and there really wasn't a over-glorification of any particular team member. I feel like this film stands out because it has such a different take on a sports team and I appreciated seeing the hardships a team can go through.  

Brad Pitt as well as Jonah Hill are excellent in this film, I was completely shocked by Jonah Hill as I've only seen him in comedies (Superbad, anyone?) so seeing him in a serious (& almost geeky) role was a welcomed surprise. Brad Pitt, as always, plays an wonderful lead role and keeps you captured throughout the entire film.

The biggest issue was the very end. Up until this point I had though "wow this is a really good film, can't believe I am enjoying something about baseball this much!". 

I really can't stand a bad ending to a movie, and this one was a doozy. Not only are you completed let down by the results of the teams, as-well as Billy Beane's, various opportunities but they add insult to injury by playing a somewhat disheartening song along in the background. 

I didn't enjoy the end, don't kick a man while he is down! Seriously now! 

The Urban Umbrella
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xoxo

Golden Globes: Dress Envy

Emma Stone 

I love how Emma Stone looked at the Golden Globes. The burgundy dress is divine on her, she looks absolutely gorgeous! 

I also love her red hair, isn't it so odd that she is a natural blonde?  Red suits her so nicely!

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron always looks fantastic, so it is no surprise that she looked absolutely beautiful at the Golden Globes. I love how airy and romantic this dress looks, it is just so lovely on her.  I also love the little sparkly headband she is wearing, it is so cute and adds such a fun and flirty vibe to this look.

Elle Macpherson 

Elle Macpherson wore my absolutely favourite gown of the night. 

It is so incredibly beautiful. 

Head to toe I love this look. Her hair looks amazing, the dress fits beautifully and her accessories are subtly glamorous. Words cannot describe how much I wish this dress was in my closet. 

What were your favourite gowns of the night?

xx

The Urban Umbrella
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xoxo