Melissa and I go on a road trip from Naples, Florida to Toronto, Ontario. First stop, NAPLES! Obviously.
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GET DIRTY WITH JEALOUS BODY SCRUB
I recently learned the dirtier I got in the shower, the better.
Of course I’m referring to a body scrub, you were thinking that too, right?
Jealous Body Scrub hails from Vancouver and contains 100% natural ingredients such as Robusta coffee grounds, raw brown sugar, sea salt and cold pressed coconut oil. A must-have for anyone who wants to reduce the look of cellulite, stretch marks, eczema or if you’re looking for healthy, glowing skin in general (a.k.a everyone, ever).
The scrub comes in a flat, brown paper bag you zip open and close like a regular Ziploc, and if you can’t place the brown bag anywhere in the shower or if the water is making the bag flimsy, pour the contents into a clear jar like I did!
Now, let’s get into the dirty details.
When I first opened Jealous Body Scrub, I instantly got a huge whiff of coffee. You wouldn’t know the difference if you held the scrub in one hand and a regular coffee grounds in the other. As a coffee lover this was not a bad thing, it woke me right up!
During my shower, I scooped the brown scrub into my hands and spread the grainy, soil-like texture all over my body, noticing how well it worked with the dampness of my skin to spread evenly. I used circular motions to exfoliate and loved how the scrub stuck onto my skin, unlike over exfoliators, which can slip right off after application.
The coffee helps stimulate blood flow to make skin look suppler, and as a person with eczema, the coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties helped penetrate my skin tissue to heal flaking and itching caused by cold, dry weather.
After five minutes, I rinsed off the scrub and my skin was smooth and moisturized. Seriously! I didn’t even need to put lotion on afterwards. I recommend giving this natural scrub a go, because a) it’s Canadian b) it’s all natural and c) getting dirty in the shower was actually a lot of fun. 
You can purchase your bag of Jealous Body Scrub online and it retails for $17.95CDN each.
DISAPPOINTMENT WILL COME…
“Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”
-Conan O’Brien
MY SUMMER GOALS 2015
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!! Oh yes, the day I list my SUMMM-AHH GOALS has arrived (hold for cheers and applause).
This year is going to be a little different than in the past, but before I explain why, catch yourself up and on last years list by clicking HERE. Then, read how I accomplished all but ONE GOAL (still bitter about it) by clicking HERE. This summer, I have cut my list in half because homegirl needs a wee more time to accomplish two goals that are going to be kept hush hush, for now.
All I will say is they both coincide with each other and if completed will (PLOT TWIST) completely change my life. Casual, I know. If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, they won’t surprise you. If you have spoken to me in person for more than five minutes in the past two years, you already know. That is all I will reveal. Don’t hate me. The rest of you will find out soon. Promise. 🙂
JESSICA’S SUMMER GOALS 2015!
1. Vlog entire summer
2. Coach soccer
3. Run half-marathon in Ottawa
4. Eat dinner on a fancy rooftop
5. Secret mission #1
6. Secret mission #2
7. Go horseback riding
8. Write 5 short stories (possibly publish one on blog)
9. Join a dance class
10. Create an intricate henna tattoo
BREAKFAST LECTURES & I GO TO AMERICA
Hi friends,
What time is it? Time for an exciting life update (woooooo-zz). I added the z’s at the end because I’m exhausted, and right when this post goes up I’ll be tucking myself warmly into bed. LEGGO!
Last week I went to CreativeMornings at the offices of Shopify. CreativeMornings are breakfast lectures by creatives, for creatives, where you listen to a speaker discuss career advice and valuable life lessons they have learned to get them where they are today. I had the privilege of listening to Jacqui Oakley, a freelance illustrator who spoke of fear, anxiety and how to not let it consume you/steps to incorporating it into your daily life.
Sometimes, you can’t help feeling scared or anxious and most of the time it can attack you unexpectedly. Oakley broke down how she dealt with moving to different countries when she was younger, her artwork being constantly judged and being confused about what to do next when it comes to progressing in her career. The best advice she gave was the steps to take when you’re anxious about starting a tough project. Starting is always the hardest part, do the hardest task first and the easy stuff later. You’re more likely to keep going on a project when it gets easier as you go.
I agree, if you’ve ever wanted to start or do something, stop making it an idea and take the first step. You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.
The summary of the lecture in the visual below. An artist drew this mural as she spoke, pretty cool.
P.S. the Shopify offices has a cat wallpaper. Where does one purchase..
Moving right along, on the Lotus Leaf Style Blog we teach you how to make the PR #SuperSmoothie, breaking down each ingredient and why PR mavens will love this healthy treat. Find out all the details by clicking, HERE.
Now, let’s talk about this weekend! My cousin Melissa and I went to Buffalo for a fun day of shopping and super sizing everything we ate because, why not? ‘Merica.
It was the first time I drove over the boarder and (don’t laugh), we had to practice what I was going to say to boarder patrol officer..they’re scary ok! A few moments before driving up, this happened..
Following breakfast at Denny’s, we made our way to the outlet malls and burned a few holes in our wallets. Actually, we didn’t purchase too much, Melissa treated herself to a purse at Kate Spade (lucky gal) and I bought few additions to my Spring wardrobe from Forever 21, GAP and Francesca’s (new fav store, btw).
The best part of the entire trip was: The Cheesecake Factory. I’ve never been before, blasphemy I know. We shared a S’mores cheesecake and omggggggg, WHERE HAS THIS PLACE BEEN ALL MY LIFE? Oh yeah, in another country, nvm. I actually contemplated ordering the cheesecake because I felt too full from dinner. Melissa spewed, “I did not raise you to be like this!” So, we ordered one slice..actually..we ordered four (additional Snickers cheesecake, lemon meringue cheesecake and apple streusel cheesecake..to-go please). NO REGRETS!
That moves us to today. My half-marathon is in less than 60 days, and I’m feeling..not ready, at all. My 10K run tonight was good, I felt great and went a decent pace, but I’ve been feeling a little stressed as of late and running has become harder since I have a lot on my mind. Running is a mental game as it is physical, and you have to be in the right headspace to do it successfully. Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally fine, but I feel like I’m going through a lot of changes and I’m learning how to deal with it.
As Oakley taught me, put fear and anxiety into certain places and work it into your life rather than pushing it away. I’m doing my best, and I know I’m going to be fine. If anything I’m learning a lot, and I’m looking at the positive aspects of stress and anxiety so I can feel it out and work it into my day-to-day routine.
That is all I have to catch you up on, for now. I’m literally falling asleep on the keyboard. Talk to you soon!
xo Jessica
P.s. April is almost here, which means my list of Summer Goals is approaching. EXCITEMENT!
APINK – MR. CHU
The dream of becoming a K-pop star is still alive. It will happen, one day.
Mr Chu – Apink
WHO AM I TO SAY SOMETHING?
“Don’t ever hear in your own head, ‘Who am I to say something?’ You are human. You are a person. You can 100% change the world.”
– Emma Watson
LA MERCERIA & TRUSTING YOUR INSTINCTS
Last week my friend Vanessa and I went to La Merceria, an Argentinean cafe in Toronto, walkable from my work and a hidden gem on Adelaide St W. We often meet to catch up and indulge ourselves with fancy feasts, coffees and desserts around the city – something we both thoroughly enjoy.
At the corner of the cafe, we sat down beside the tall window facing the snowy street and chatted about our day, the projects we had going on, our love/hate with Instagram, etc. The usual.
We sipped Nutella lattes and picked at our chicken empanadas, rambling on about “being a young adult” and how it’s been more challenging than rewarding. We are both unaware of what’s considered “normal” and laughed at our personal trials and tribulations, because laughing prevents us from having mental breakdowns in public.
I suppose no one has it fully figured out. Not you, not me, not the most perfect person you can think of – nope, zilch, nadda. Vanessa and I agreed that we’d rather be lost and confused (it makes for a better TV show one day) than to be settled.
Often when I feel lost, listening to my intuition helps. It could lead to feeling more confused (oh, great) but if you want to go somewhere or do something out of the ordinary, let the gravitational pull work its magic (cue Carrie Underwood’s, Jesus Take The Wheel).
During our brief catch-up sesh, trusting intuition is one thing Vanessa and I strongly believe in. Every encounter or decision may not always make sense, challenges may not always work in your favour but if you want to change an aspect of your life and you little voice says it’s a good idea, do it – your brain can play tricks, your heart can be blind but your gut is always right.
WHAT I DID ON VALENTINE’S DAY
I know you curious kittens are wondering what I did on the day of love, and I’m going to tell you in bullet points because, list formats are just how my brain works sometimes.
What I did on Valentine’s Day:
– Woke up. Freezing. I mean, look at my view right now. Everything is frozen. #ExtremeWeatherWarning #ElsaWasHere
– Had breakfast. Frosted Mini-Wheats to be exact. With orange juice.
– Went to soccer. Learned “more” and “learn” in sign language. I recently started coaching all-abilities soccer (kids and teens under 15) and before each practice we learn 2-3 signs since some of our athletes are unable to communicate verbally. It’s pretty cool, and the athletes are awesome. After practice the organization handed out VDay themed stamps, stickers and pencils for the kids but, I obviously partook.
– Went to Tim’s and grabbed a coffee. Won a FREE coffee from Roll-Up-The-Rim.
– Drove home, took a shower.
– I don’t know whether it was because I had a busy week, lack of sleep or the weather being miserable (-40C to be exact) but once I got out of the shower and sat on my bed, my body completely shut down. I think exhaustion hit me all at once. 😦
– Two hours later, I forced myself out of bed and made a pizza because, pizza makes everything better.
– Got all dolled up to meet my Valentine, aka my beautiful friend Emily.
– We went to the theatres and watched Fifty Shades of Grey, in IMAX.
– My mini review of the movie: Not very well written (expected). Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) is a BEAUTIFUL man! I think it’s because he’s in a suit most of the movie. In a suit or was shirtless. Either way, didn’t hate it.
– The “red room” scenes weren’t too awkward to watch. I mean, you know going into it what you’re about to see so, it wasn’t a huge shock. People will say it’s “controversial” because of the whole submissive context and how it could be degrading to women but, Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) was a strong-willed and opinionated character and I believe that balanced out the subject matter (LOL at the fact that I’m critically analyzing this movie). My favourite scene was the dramatic helicopter ride, mostly because Ellie Goulding’s song “Love Me Like You Do” played in the background which made it SUPER cheesy but, I was into it. Next goal in life – date a billionaire who owns a helicopter. Is that so much to ask? I’d give the movie a solid 5.9/10. The soundtrack is actually pretty good so, that gave it an extra point.
– Went back to Emily’s condo, opened a bottle of champagne and played piano because, that’s what we do when we get together.
– Touched up our hair and makeup and went out – it was fun!
All in all, had an awesome Valentine’s Day. I’m about to hit up every grocery store now and take advantage of the half-off VDay candy. You should too. Love ya always! 😉
xo Jessica
WHAT FRIENDSHIP LOOKS LIKE
#Blessed
When we spend our lives waiting until we’re perfect…
“When we spend our lives waiting until we’re perfect or bulletproof before we walk into the arena, we ultimately sacrifice relationships and opportunities that may or may not be recoverable…we must walk into the arena, whatever it may be—a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family meeting—with courage and a willingness to engage. Rather than sitting on the sidelines and hurling judgement and advice, we must dare to show up and let ourselves be seen. This is vulnerability. This is daring greatly.”
– Brene Brown
Love Korean beauty products? Here’s the beauty box you must check out
Over the last few years, Korea has taken over the beauty world by producing products we didn’t know we needed—and now can’t live without. Think BB and CC creams, acid foot peels, cushion compacts, sleeping masks and more.
Now, some of the hottest Korean beauty trends can be sent right to your doorstep thanks to e-commerce site, Memebox. They offer a huge range of products from Korea, including skincare, makeup and haircare, through a curated beauty box that ships to 51 countries—including Canada!
Think of Memebox as a Korean version of Birchbox, except it’s NOT a monthly subscription. You can purchase a box whenever you want, at any time of the year. If you love a product that’s in your box, you can also purchase it directly on the Memebox site.
Each pre-packaged box includes four to eight full-sized or deluxe beauty products, all chosen by Korean beauty experts and priced between $23 and $32. There are dozens of themes to choose from, such as anti-aging (the “#6 Anti-Aging” box), oil control (the “Free From Oil & Trouble” box) or masks (the “#54 Miracle Masks” box). If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there’s the “#10 Snail Cosmetics” box… because why not?
The best part of Memebox is that you have no idea what products you’re going to receive—it’s all a surprise! Once a box is sold out, it’s gone forever, but every few weeks there are new curated boxes to explore (yay!).
I chose the “#59 Scrub 2” box containing products to polish and re-texturize the skin (I could use a little help to maintain moisture during the winter months). I paid C$24 for my box with a $6 shipping fee, an awesome deal since the products I received from the box had a C$102 value.
After purchasing, I was sent a tracking number. I knew when the box was shipped and the date I could expect it in the mail, which was within a few business days. The process was seamless; I had no trouble with the shipping and it came right to my mailbox, no hassle and no extra fees.
When my Memebox arrived, it included six full-sized products with a card explaining each product, how to use them and their regular retail prices.
Here’s what was in my “#59 Scrub 2” Memebox:
Beauty Firm Rubbing Jelly Scrub ($7): I use this jelly scrub on my heels while in the shower and it works effectively to scrub away flaky skin. (Hey now, just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your feet a little TLC!)
Ddung Family Peeling Gel ($18): This gel literally buffs away all the dead skin on your face. I massage on the clear gel, and little pieces of dead skin roll into tiny balls and off my skin when I rinse. It sounds gross, but my complexion looks instantly more refreshed and brightened. Pretty cool.
Pure Smile Jewelry Scrub Amethyst ($10): Made with amethyst powder extracts, this sugar scrub is more of a novelty than anything else. It’s not my favourite, but I use it on my legs in the shower to help get rid of any dry skin. It doesn’t work THAT well, but it does smells nice, like a floral perfume.
ProYou S Special E/B Creamy Peel ($48): This was the most expensive item I received in my box and for good reason. This peel works just like the Ddung Family Peeling Gel, but contains more botanical ingredients such as fig, which has helped even out my skin tone. It also contains rosemary to prevent acne flare-ups.
Tonymoly Gold Black Sugar Mask ($7): This is a thick face mask that smells of sugar and honey. It’s thick, the scent is relaxing and it cleans pores out quite nicely.
Pureplus+ Skin Freyia Foot Peeling ($12): This has to be my favourite item of everything I received. It’s a foot mask that looks like a sock, and you leave it on your feet for a couple hours. The next day, your feet peel like crazy (TMI?). But just like Footner, it gets rid of all the dead skin, and leaves them super-soft and smooth.
I would highly recommend Memebox for anyone who wants to be on the forefront of beauty innovation. Plus, it’s just like Christmas getting a bright pink box in the mail from Korea, containing products you can’t get here locally.
My latest post for Beauty Editor
George Ezra – Cassy O
Ezra opened for Sam Smith, whom I saw in concert this week. Gotta admit, Ezra was my favourite part of the entire show, especially when he performed “Cassy O” which is permanently stuck in my head for the next month.
Jessica Moy Blog 