I Could Have Had ANY Coach Bag I Wanted Yesterday...

And I came home with nothing!

Yesterday the hubs said we are going out. He wouldn't tell me where we were going or why, but we ended up at the mall. He lead me through the halls until we got to the Coach store. We walked in and he said ok GO, pick any bag you want.

I was shocked to say the least I mean who was this man and what had he done with my husband?

The sales lady came over and helped me find the style I liked. I tried it on and stood in front of the mirror for 20 mins just staring at it.

The Coach Kristin Leather Hobo

I loved it, oh how I loved it but I couldn't do it!
I felt so pressured to pick something and since there hadn't been any 1 thing I had been eyeing so I couldn't make up my mind even though this was the front runner.

So I left with nothing.....

WHO am I, and what have I done with myself?

*Sigh*

PS- I have the best husband ever!

DIY: Easy Entry Way Artwork on a Budget!

Our entry way has been seriously neglected until recently when I decided it was finally time to show it some love with a few small touches.

First I purchased this chic beveled mirror from Homesense which was on clearance because of a small chip.... can you find the chip?! I could but only after staring at it for a while so I brought it up to the cash and asked if there was anything else they could do, expecting a no but they knocked it down even more and so I picked it up for a cool $35!!

I love it! I feel like it totally sets the tone for the rest of the house.

(click to enlarge)

I knew I wanted to add some art work and although I have grand plans for the wall across the mirror there was this little wall that I wanted to add something to.

(click to enlarge)

I sat down at my computer and went to work designing patterns & sayings and after trying a few different things I came up with 2 I really liked. I had picked up the smaller vintage looking frames at non other than the dollar store so I printed and cut the images to size and added them to the wall with Command Strips.

(click to enlarge)

As you can see it looked a bit small on the wall and so I headed back to Dollarama to pick up 2 more larger frames. I didn't really want them to match the 2 on the wall so I just went with sticking to silver. I printed & cut 2 more designs I came up with and added them to the wall.

(click to enlarge)

They say "Home Sweet Home", " There's No Place Like Home", LOVE" & 24 (our house #) with a vintage key.

So our entry way is starting to feel a lot more personal and inviting. All on a budget too!

I love what we have done so far. If you are thinking about sprucing up a wall with art why not try designing it yourself?!

What do you think?

*CLOSED* 2 Blogs 1 Beauty & Nail Care Giveaway! Open Internationally!

Hey everyone!! Faces by Farah and In the Pink of Things have ganged up to give our lovely readers a little something because we love you!

There are TWO prizes for you guys. the first being a beauty & skincare gift pack, which includes brands such as Givenchy, Annabelle Cosmetics, Dermaglow, L'oreal, Mac Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever & More...

From Farah @ Faces By Farah

Whats Included:

Dermaglow Lash Enhance Growth & Conditioning Treatment x 2

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (Box of 8)

Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black

Loreal Color Infaillible Shadow in Burning Black

Covergirl NatureLuxe Mascara in Very Black

Annabelle 4 Show Eyeshadow in Black Eye

Annabelle Volume Lip Lip Plumping Gloss in So Sanguine

Annabelle Volume Lip Lip Plumping Gloss in Coralicious

Annabelle Volume Lip Lip Plumping Gloss in Au Currant

Annabelle Smooth Eyeshadow Pencil in Melonade

Annabelle Smooth Eyeshadow Pencil in Grapefull

Annabelle Smudgeliner Eyeliner in OhMyGoth!

Make Up For Ever Kabuki Brush

Givenchy Magic Khol in Black

Mac Cosmetics Lustreglass Lipgloss in Lustrewhite

Mac Cosmetics Pro Longwear Lipcolour in Perennial Rose

All brand new!

A gift basket worth over $300!

The second being a nail-care gift pack, which includes TEN assorted nail polishes to get you through winter and into spring, along with a Hershey's Body Scrub, a Fruits and Passions Rich Body Cream, a two-way nail buffer, Essence of Beauty Apple Toe Separator, and Cake Hand and Cuticle Buffer.

From Amelia @ In The Pink Of Things

Polishes include:

Sally Hanson Diamond Strength Nail Color #02

Estee Lauder Nail Polish #014

Essie Luxedo

Essie Hot Coco

OPI A Grape Fit!

Finger Paints Putty in my Hands

China Glaze I Wanna Leiya

Essie Mod Squad

LA Colors Fuel

NYX Lingerie

For your chance to win all you have to do is be a subscriber to BOTH blogs! Fill out the entry form below to enter and for your chance to get extra entries.

Remember this giveaway is open to everyone internationally and runs from Jan 27th to Feb 4th 2012. There will be 2 winners drawn 1 for each prize.


PLEASE WAIT FOR THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM TO LOAD IN ORDER TO ENTER.

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**UPDATE** 
The WINNER of the beauty basket is #1854 Shari D!! Congratulations I will be emailing you soon.
To see who won the nail prize pack visit Amelia's blog.

Baking a Cake With a Surprise Ingredient......Diet Coke!

I came across a recipe or rather a bizarre idea to bake a cake with Diet Soda so you know I just had to try it for myself!

Soda Cake Recipe
1 Box Cake Mix (I used Betty Crocker Super Moist French Vanilla)
355ml Diet Sprite (I used Diet Coke because its what I had)

In a bowl pour the Diet Soda into the cake mix and mix really well. 

Pour into a greased cake pan.

bake as per the instructions on the box. Simple and easy!

It was so super easy but I did notice that it took a bit longer to bake than the box said (just make sure to keep checking it) and it was a bit crumbly so I may play around with the recipe a bit. I tested it on a few people and they seemed to enjoy it.

Feel free to add frosting, cool whip or nuts to this recipe. It's apparently fat free and therefore a very guilt free way to enjoy cake!

I wonder what else you can cook or bake with diet soda?!

Feeling Lucky in Lucky7 Clothing!

Yes that's right I got my modelling on in this uber comfortable wrap around sweater with snap ons called Quinn.

Browsing Lucky7's website I found myself ooh-ing and ahh-ing over everything. I loved that the clothes looked comfy yet stylish. I ultimately settled on the Quinn wrap sweater because I liked the bias cut of it and that it could be left open or wrapped and that it had pockets... I have a thing for pockets :)

I have to admit when I first received this sweater I was so excited to try it on that I ripped open the snaps not taking note exactly how it wrapped around so it took me a minute to figure out which snap snapped where but when I did I was in love.

I have worn this a LOT since I got it because its so darn comfy. The cowl neck is stylish and unique and keeps me warm. The material is 100% cotton gauze so it can even transition into spring because its light enough. Nothing better than multi-season pieces that combine comfort & style right?!

Lucky7 has something for everyone. From capes (super hot trend) to beanies to ponchos and at prices marked from $20-$75 its style you can afford!

I'm so impressed with Lucky7's quality and style that I wanted one lucky reader to have one too! Stay tuned during the month of February when I will be giving away this ridiculously cute top.

For more information on Lucky 7 Clothing please visit their website, visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

*CLOSED* Mac Cosmetics Prize Pack International Giveaway!

Ok so I cant wait until next month, Ive decided to start the giveaways early!
I've gone to many Mac warehouse sales in the last little while and bought items at the stores only to find out I have doubles SO I wanted these Mac goodies to go to a home where they will be used and loved!

Win a huge Mac Cosmetics Prize Pack!

(Open Internationally)

Whats Included:

A lot of rare & discontinued items. All brand new!

• Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe 
• Lustreglass Lipgloss in Lustrewhite (Discontinued)
• Lipglass in Ethereal (Discontinued)
• Lipglass in Kumquat (Discontinued)
• Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait
• Lipmix Pigment in Burgundy (Discontinued)
• Satin Lipstick in Alibi (Discontinued)
• Eyeshadow Duo in Sea & Sky (Discontinued)
• Eyeshadow in Bitter
• 30ml Mini Fix+ Spray
• Mineralized SPF 15 Loose Foundation in Medium Deep
• 2 Pairs of #41 Eyelashes
• a Limited Edition makeup case/clutch

Remember this giveaway is open to everyone internationally and runs from Jan 24th to Jan 31st 2012.
Good Luck!

Win It!

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A New Year A New Design! The Blog Got A Makeover!

Hey everyone
As you can see things look a lot different around here today thanks to Jenn at munchkin land designs.
I'm so excited to unveil our brand new design! Im still working out a few kinks so please bear with me.

To celebrate the launch of the new site I will be hosting an entire month of giveaways starting Feb 1st! 

You're going to want to stay tuned because there are some amazing prizes that will include items for home, jewelry, beauty & fashion!

Im also proud to announce that Faces By Farah is now not just a beauty blog but a lifestyle blog as I will be chatting about everything from beauty to DIY's to food to motherhood.
NO Im not a mother (yet) but my best friend is and so she will be adding her 2 sense on life as a new mom as our new contributor starting in March.

So what do you guys think? Are you digging the new site as much as I am?

Mèreadesso Skin & Lip Care - Oh So Good!

My skin has been crying out for hydration this winter. Its bad... real bad!

Ive been putting a few of Mèreadesso's products to the test on my face, body & lips over the last 2 weeks. Here's my take on the products.

The Beautiful Body Balm ($54) is what I reach for after my shower. A little goes a long way so be careful not to over squeeze the tube, it absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated but not greasy. It has a faint citrus smell that I quite enjoy and lasts ALL day so there's no need to re-apply. Its great to use on rough hands & feet especially - even on your men ;)

The website says it lasts about 7-8 weeks but truthfully I can totally see this lasting longer because you need so little.

The Face & Neck Cleanser ($45) comes in a frosted reusable case that I have to say was a pretty nice bonus because not only will it keep your cleanser in tip top shape for travel but it can also be used for makeup brushes or other smaller makeup items. It also comes with a reusable cleansing cloth which while I thought was neat I don't think I would personally use. The cleanser did exactly what it claims to do, it removed even my toughest mascara and darkest liner with ease. Its non-foaming but is super gentle and does a great job at leaving my skin actually feeling "clean".

The Face & Neck Toning Gel ($120) is on the pricier side but is actually such a unique product claiming to be an all in 1 moisturizer, toner, serum, primer, day cream, night cream & eye cream. Wow, thats a big claim. 

This is a product I want to continue testing because within a few days I have already seen a difference in my skin but I also broke out. Im not convinced the break out was from this product which is why I want to continue to use it but in the little time Ive had to test it I have experienced tighter, smoother skin & a more even complexion. Imagine how my skin will look after a month?!

Lastly, my most favourite of the bunch their Lip Treats ($28). First let me start off by saying the packaging is unique and creative as it comes in a little pouch that holds 2 of these lip-o-rific products. This was the first product I tested and I fell in love the minute it touched my lips. 

It glides on without effort and feels beyond amazing on. My lips feel soothed, smoothed & moisturized all while acting as a base for me the days I feel like sporting a lip shade on top.It helps lipstick to last longer and gets rid of that dry feeling it can sometimes leave behind.

Im so glad it came with 2 because I'm already afraid of running out!

Mèreadesso is available online at mereadesso.com

I Think I Just Bought Zebra Print Bed Sheets...

*rant* Blogger sometimes you drive me NUTS! Nice to know posts can just get deleted geez... *end rant*

Anyways folks thats right the things you pick up when you have a gift card to spend!

I strolled the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond yesterday when I ended up in the bedding section. I found this amazing set of grey/silver-ish sheets that felt amazing and added them to my cart. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the sale section... not just the sale section but what was in it. Cream & brown Zebra print sheets.

See normally I always stick to solid or tone on tone "safe" sheet sets for our house but when I saw these and then saw the price tag I was sold.

Regular $119 Sale $24.99!!

Let me just mention $25 for KING sized sheets is unheard of!

So I came home with a "safe" set and a "fun" set.... now I just hope when they go on they don't look like an teenagers room from the 80's!

PS- My husband doesn't love this new addition for fear he might wake up less "manly" after resting his head on these BUT I don't see him going sheet shopping so they stay!

Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Starter kit & Casting Call Contest

Ive been testing out the HD Complexion Starter Kit this past week which includes:

 HD Microperfecting Primer 

HD Kabuki Brush 

HD Microperfecting Primer

HD Invisible Cover Foundation 
($89 Exclusively at Sephora)

In the past I have had a hard time figuring out exactly what shade I am but then I was introduced to the MUFE Shade Finder!

I chose TAN and then the shade right beside it and just like that I'm #153 Golden Beige! I was skeptical but when I got the foundation it was a match so there you go no more guessing.

I like this foundation, its light weight and gives me a medium coverage thats buildable. The primer is non-greasy and creates a smooth base for the foundation & the HD powder well Ive been a long time fan of! The Kabuki brush is so soft and Ive used it with the HD powder but be super careful a tiny little bit of powder goes a long long way!

Now guess what?!

Make Up For Ever is hosting its first ever casting call to find the new face of its unretouched campaign ad!

Want more details?

To enter create a picutre perfect makeup look and submit it to www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com between January 2nd and February 1st. All finalist photos will be showcased on the Make Up For Ever Facebook fanpage and the final winner will be announced Feb 9th.

What can you win?

The winner will be flown to NYC for a professional photoshoot!

The contest is open to all those 18+ in the US and Canada.

Im On A Sugar High... Its Allowed On Your Birthday Right?!

I have eaten an obscene amount of cupcakes in the last 3 days thanks to my girl Custom Cakes By Jenz & my BFF who bought me more cupcakes today... So many I stopped counting in fact, but its allowed because today I turn.....well another year older!

2012 is going to bring so many new and exciting things and I cant wait to experience it all!
Stay tuned for big changes and surprised here on FacesByFarah.com in the next little while too ;)

Thank you SO much to everyone who has facebooked, tweeted, called & texted to wish me a happy birthday, I <3 you guys!

ps- I think I'm officially over sweets... for now anyways ;)

DIY: Painted Pillows - From Plain to Funky in 1 hour!

I had been staring at these plain Jane pillows on my couch for long enough. I wanted to spice them up a little and after looking at the stitched pattern on the pillow covers I decided painting them would be a good idea!

Keep in mind I have never painted fabric like this before and so I didn't really know what to expect but I have to say they turned out pretty cool...not quite perfect but hey its my first time!

I started out by throwing the covers in the washing machine to freshen them up. Once they were dry I laid them out on the table and placed a magazine inside so the paint wouldn't bleed through. I followed the stitched pattern already on the pillows but if you have plain covers you can freehand or use a stencil.

I used Folk Art Acrylic pain in Pure Black which I had picked up at Walmart a while ago for I believe $2.66.

With a small stiff brush I got to work painting the design. I had to be sure to go slow so the line would be clean. Once I had outlined the design I went back and filled it in with the rest of the paint. Near the end the brush started to fray a bit hence the splotches of black outside the line but thats what I get for rushing I guess.

It took me about an hour to do one cover. I let it dry overnight before stuffing the pillow back in and when I did this was the result....

(click to enlarge)

Now my pillows are fun & chic and didn't cost me a dime since I had all the materials!

Dear Korres, You Make Me Happy When Skies Are Grey

KORRES 

Natural Formulations, Maximum Results!

I kinda become a school girl again when I get my hands on products I've either wanted to try or have been lusting after for a while and this my friends is exactly what happened when I opened a package from my friends at Korres.

One of my favourites, the Basil Lemon Body Butter ($29) smells incredibly refreshing, soft and lemony but not so lemony its overpowering you know?!
It feels like silk on the skin and hydrates perfectly throughout these dry winter months. Non-greasy and includes ingredients like Shea butter and quince extract which are recognized for their softening, moisturizing and rejuvenating properties. In other words simply heaven!


The Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum ($41) is an ultra-rich and concentrated vitamin C serum that does everything from brighten skin to keeping it moisturized around the clock. Its scent reminds me of walking through a rose garden initially and if you are a regular reader you know my obsession with rose scents is out of control so I'm a happy camper.

The Quercetin & Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle Night Cream ($52) is one of their best sellers for a reason! It glides on skin like butter and melts in quickly leaving no sticky or thick residue which is key for me.

Similarly the brands Quercetin & Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle Eye Cream ($42) is a proven natural alternative to Retinol WOW, yes please! It will help combat these cold winter weather & improve the appearance of wrinkles, skins elasticity & even firmness.

If you've ever been curious about the Korres line of skincare or makeup its sold Shoppers Drug Mart and at Sephora so head on over to Sephora.com or your nearest retail store.

Also be sure to check out the Korres Canada Facebook page to say hi and find out the latest and greatest on the brand.

My Homemade Lip Plumper Tutorial as Featured on MTV Fora

Check out my homemade lip plumper tutorial featured on MTV Fora.

Karma's a B*tch But She Sure Smells Good Thanks To LUSH Cosmetics

What am I talking about? The Karma Collection By Lush Cosmetics of course!

Lush's Karma scent has got to be one of my favourites. I have used the perfume stick ($10.95) almost daily since I got it and I cant help but catch myself thinking throughout the day how much I love it.

Its scent is made up of amazing ingredients such as lemongrass, pine and orange oil and sinks into the skin leaving you smelling amazing for hours. I have to say I'm pretty impressed, I'm not usually into solid perfumes but this one is tiny, a little goes a long way and I love that I can pop it into my purse wherever I go and freshen up if I need to.

The Karma soap ($7.95) and bubble bar ($8.45) also pictured above are 2 forms of proven and classic lush products. The fact that they also come in this awesome scent... BONUS! The Karma scent can also be found in some of their other products like the bath melts ($6.95) and body lotions ($27.95)

I will say once I had read a review online that stated this perfume stick left an orange colour on the skin, so when testing this item I was sure to press it in to my skin to see if it was true. Well I'm happy to report its NOT true at all! I have never seen any colour left on my skin, in fact it melts on contact so nothing is left behind.

Its no secret I adore LUSH and its amazing products as you can see here by all my glowing reviews and so finding another scent I love from the brand is just another reason to shop there ;)

Lush products are available online or at a retail store near you.

Have you tried the Karma collection yet?
What are some of your must have Lush products?

* These products were sent by PR for consideration however all reviews are based on my own opinions.

Doing Laundry & Saving $$ This Year With Tide Coldwater

I lived on my own for over 10 yrs before I bought a house and got married so I've done my fair share of laundry before I met my husband but now..... now it seems like I'm ALWAYS doing laundry, I cant even imagine how I'll feel when we have kids too!

I will admit though (don't tell my husband) I actually don't mind doing it, I find it to be one of the "easier" household chores so I'm always on the lookout for laundry options. Tide has been a part of my laundry routine for years and years but I will admit I have strayed to the "other" guys on occasion. When the chance came up to try Tide's Coldwater detergent I was dare I say it... excited :)

First of all it fits in my laundry cabinet which is a bonus because I don't know about you but I hate cleaning spilled detergent! The "other" guys are either too tall or too long so they never fit right.

Check out that space above the pretty orange bottle ;)

Second since I'm only using cold water you can bet this will reflect on our bills when they come in because as I said we do a lot of laundry up in here. Besides those 2 perks it cleans really well and actually makes my laundry smell "cleaner".

It comes in 2 scents Fresh Scent (the one I have) and Mountain Scent and was recently spotted at zellers  for $8.99.

So whats my verdict on Tide Coldwater? 

2 Thumbs up! I love the scent, the fact that Ill save money and how clean my clothes come out!