PAINTLOUNGE - MOTHER'S DAY CONTEST!

This past week I went to a blogger party at Paintlounge. I have always enjoyed painting as a child, but as life's responsibilies increased, my hobbies took the backseat. I do paint a bit for my DIYs, but it has been over a decade since I have painted a canvas. At first, I was a little hesitant, but a chance to paint with my hubby, and meet other bloggers, I just couldn't say no!

I am glad I went, because we had a fabulous time! With coffee and cookies, a paint party can become so much more fun. Though painting is usually a solitary activity, but putting a little twist in the concept is a great idea. Paintlounge is a space where you and your friends can go to relax, paint and socialize, it is called social painting, a concept Paintlounge pioneered in Canada. Paintlounge has been named a top romantic date idea by Toronto.com and one of the top 30 rainy day activities by BlogTO. It’s also a great idea for bachelorette parties or team building events, they even hold speed dating! 

What I loved the most about Paintlounge is that you can do this any time of the year! With our long winters, and rainy springs, Paintlounge is a great to escape for the evening and it leaves you feeling refreshed and relaxed! If you have never painted, don't feel intimidated as the staff is so helpful and always guiding you through your process. 

They are also running special Mother's Day Contest to give away one free Mother's Day package for two which includes two solo freestyle painting sessions, two cafe drinks, and a special tea sampler gift for Mom. 

You know your Mom is awesome … now, it’s time for you to show her off to the world!
Simply complete this sentence, “My Mom is awesome because … “ for a chance to win one free Mother’s Day package for you to spend some fun, creative, quality time with Mom this Mother’s Day.
To Enter: Complete the form on the contest page or respond via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by adding the hashtag #PaintloungeContest. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 4, 2015.

Goodluck!!
~Nav

GOT ART?

Today I share with you a few shots of my home, and how I have incorporated artistic pieces thorough out the house. I have recently discovered "Invaluable”, it is premiere online auction marketplace. I love the amount of pieces you can find on this site, from furniture to paintings. If I had more room I would for sure be buying a few pieces, but may be once I move to a more permanent place.

Seeing all this art inspired me to give you a little tour of the "art" in my home. Being in a small loft for the winter means I had to leave most of my art pieces/paintings behind. I couldn’t part will all of them of course, so let me take you on an ‘art tour’ of my small space.

Kat Von D lipstick review

I recently purchased the Kat Von D lipstick set from Sephora. I got something similar last year, but colours were so much more vibrant in this collection so I caved and treated myself! Not only that, I have convinced two of my cousins, and a few co-workers to buy it too! I love the new matte formula, and the colours are very long lasting. Did I mention the lipsticks smell like creme brulee!
I find it difficult to explain the exact  colour of lipsticks, especially how it will look on the lips, so I did what I do best, colour match with Pantone! It shows the true shade of the lipstick without having to try it on. And yes, one of them is Purple.
I am very happy with the staying power and over all creamy and matte texture. A great gift for anyone, especially those who are afraid to try colours. It is a great value and get rainbow of shades that will last a while!

(See below for the colour details)
 

I chose the 7 shades that are different and more wearable

Countess (matte hot orange red), Agatha (matte pale peach nude), Sexer (iridescent fluorescent pink), Bachelorette (matte reddish fuchsia),  Hexagram (matte blood red), Wonderchilde (iridescent neon lilac) [I left out 1 metallic red, and 1 nude]

Lip shades in Countess (matte hot orange red), Agatha (matte pale peach nude), Sexer (iridescent fluorescent pink), Wonderchilde (iridescent neon lilac), Bachelorette (matte reddish fuchsia),  Hexagram (matte blood red)

Countess (matte hot orange red) - Poppy Red Pantone

Sexer (iridescent fluorescent pink) - Cabaret Pantone
Bachelorette (matte reddish fuchsia) - Tomato Puree Pantone
Lovecraft (matte mauve pink nude) - Lantana Pantone

Wonderchilde (iridescent neon lilac) -Dewberry Pantone

Countess (matte hot orange red) - Poppy Red Pantone
Hexagram (matte blood red) - Sangria Pantone
Mötorhead (matte black cherry) - Red Dhalia Pantone
Sexer (iridescent fluorescent pink) - Cabaret Pantone
Bachelorette (matte reddish fuchsia) - Tomato Puree Pantone
Lovecraft (matte mauve pink nude) - Lantana Pantone

Tulle Ballerinas: NavKBrar + Shenasi Concept

I don't always dress feminine, nor do I have the most feminine looking house..but I do love all things pretty! I have been a fan of Shenasi Concept for a while now.  I love how Sarah creates the most beautiful tulle ballerinas, and other cute animal prints (so the boys don't feel left out). I don't have children, but if I did I would have already ordered these ballerinas in every color! Since being a fan already, I was thrilled when Sarah contacted me to collaborate. I don't have to explain much here but give you the most beautiful ballerinas to admire! If you don't have any children like myself.. you can even order ballerina cushions! Imagine a gorgeous ballerina cushion in a beautiful vanity! Well..Enjoy!

Review: Megan Hess Illustration

I recently purchased this stunning book called "The Fashion House" by Megan Hess.  I didn't know much about Megan Hess or her work.,but I did, however, followed her on Instagram without even realizing it! Her work is simply amazing. When I picked up this book in the store, I thought to myself..how fun! Beautiful illustrations, fashion inspired decor I thought I would make a great coffee table book. Little did I know I wasn't going to be able to put it down! I have it next to my bed now. It is almost like my bedtime read, or just a fun way to spend an hour flipping through it while sipping my Chai tea. If you love fashion, decor or art, this book is for you. Beautiful illustraions, rooms designed and dissected to make decor easy. I am already thinking holiday season, and this book would make a great present for any woman out there who has a fabulous taste. And if they don't, this book might just change that!

DIY: CREATE YOUR OWN WALL ART FOR GALLERY WALL

I have been seeing a lot of prints everywhere, especially with the popularity of the "Gallery Walls". A good gallery wall is a combination of art and photography, and even some fun quotes. Not wanting to purchase yet another print I decided to get a little creative and made my own art!

Now it is NO secret that I love Diptyque. I have stumbled upon some diptyque candle prints online, some on sale and some people have done just for fun. So I decided to give it a shot, and here it goes step by step!

Materials:
1. Blanks piece of Paper(s), depends how many you want to do
2. Pencil
3. Fine Black Artist's Pen (I got mine from Chapters Indigo on sale!)
4. Diptyque candle votive (optional)- instructions below

Now place the piece of paper on the candle and simply trace out the pattern. This can be a little tricky so do it lightly with a pencil, and then refine with the Artist's Pen later.

However, if you don't have a diptyque candle (because well they are a kind of expensive) you don't have to go buy one, follow the instructions below:

1. Simply Google "dyptique candles", or click Here

2. Click on the candle you like

3. Trace the outline from the screen!

4. Remember to trace the glass outline and the candle inside

Once you have the rough outline of the candle, darken it with the Pen

Fill in the details and embellish the letters. I went for the rough look, but you can make it sleek and polished, and voila! How easy is that!

Once you are done one, it is so much easier to the rest, because now you just have to trace the paper. Or better yet, you can photocopy the pattern and write in the name of the candle later, saves you so much time, and gives it a dark professional looks.

Here is the final product. DIYs for beginners like me :)

Sealeo shop

I recently changed my phone and I was looking for a simple white cover to go with it. I wanted simple but unique, which seems to be impossible to find it seems! Until I stumbled upon this site through Instagram, and the wait was over! I immediately fell in love with the "Home of Coco" cover, and of course the rest of the site. They have such beautiful minimalist posters, I can't even decide which one want. I gathered most of them below to show how amazing they are! They cover fashion, love, meditation, and occasional profanity ;). Enjoy!

 Home of COCO | Love | Come What May | Inhale Exhale

 This too shall pass | Pardon my French | Issues | What would Budda Do

Obsession | mind over matter| Love blinds all | blanc

I swear on my Chanel | yesterday today tomorrow | oyster | noir

Happy Monday- Stripes and Colours

I have been slacking on posting lately, honestly life has gone from slow and steady to uber busy lately. I do plan to post but then something always comes up..work, home, taxes! As I am self-employed and a major procrastinator I do tend to leave all my paper work to last minute even though I promise every year that I will stay on top of things!

But all is done now..and hopefully I can bounce back into my posting routine. Today i give you a different take on "straws". With summer coming, I am seeing different colour paper straws pop up everywhere! They are super cute and great for BBQs, birthday parties and even sipping a smoothie all by yourself. So, I, like a crazy person went and bought every colour on the market. And not for the party reasons..more for "art". Well I do still intend to use them later but playing with straws can be more fun that I originally imagined.
I am thinking about making a few prints of these and see how it all come through, perhaps a future project?? Brainstorming out loud here, but I think a set of three would make a great series...well till then enjoy the messy 'art' ;)

DIY: PINTEREST INSPIRED MR. & MRS. SIGNS

I used to have floral decals over the bed for about two years, but they were too colourful for my liking and one day I just removed them, assuming I will find something to replace them with. I, however, did not realize how difficult that task would be! At first I wanted a starburst mirror, then I wanted a Juju hat, then I wanted some abstract art. I simply couldn't decided what I really wanted above the bed so sadly that wall sat blank for two more years.

Until one day.. I found this image on Pinterest. I loved the simplicity, the monochromatic theme, and subtle romantic feel of it. In other words, I finally found it! And best of all it was so easy to make..and I love a good DIY. 

So here we go folks..simple and modern above the bed art!

1. Two framed 16"x20" canvas from Michael's
2. I made large Mr. and Mrs. signs on Windows Office and printed them in "landscape mode"
3. Tape the printed sign to the back of the Canvas using any tape you have, make sure to centre it (I left 11.5 cm above and below the sign and 3cm on each side)
4. & 5. Trace the shape

6. &7. Trace both signs
8. Spray paint with "Pearl Mist" Paint from Home Depot
[Essentially you can use any colour you like! I like the Pearl mist as it has pearly shine, with micro glitter effect. I needed two coats. Let the canvas completely dry, about an hour or two minimum, or give a day to be safe]

9. Trace the shape carefully with the Goldleaf Pen (I got mine from Michael's)
10. Voila! That's it..Pretty good huh! White and Gold are all the rage right now!

[This is when things got tricky. I would like to say that was the finished product, but I wanted to replicate the real thing so I carried on with the next step]

11. I used an artist's Pen to trace over the Gold, this pen is very dense in colour and gives you full control of the movements. If you make any mistakes it is very forgiving.

I am quite happy with it, and husband approves too!