I know it's been forever!!!

Hi Everyone! Yes I am still alive! Yes I am still doing YouTube. I just haven't been as active on my blog as I should be. I am however starting a new series inspired by a few skincare/beauty books that I have read. So be on the lookout! I wanted to share with you a kind of old video series of mine. It's my experience/haul videos of when I went to Seattle and Portland back in September 2012. I posted some videos on here but I made them private on my YouTube. It was so that people who do read my blog will get exclusive access to those videos. But now I have decided to make them public. I just watched back all the videos and I am so glad that I have filmed it the way I did. It's so different than any other vacation haul video that I did because I explained my experience while I was there while showing you my haul as my vacation progressed. I think I will do this from now on when I do go on vacations. So below you will find the playlist to all my Seattle/Portland vacation videos including my experience and haul video.

My 100th Post and Breaking Dawn Part 2!!!

AHHH! I cannot believe I have finally reached 100 posts!!! YAY!! I am so happy I have had the motivation keep up this blog and I would love to thank all of you for reading it. You have no idea how much it means to me. I have been on YouTube now for almost 4 years (as of March 4, 2013) but my blog has been a little bit less than that. BUT STILL! I cannot believe it has been this long!

Tonight Shawn and I are going to see Breaking Dawn Part 2. I am super excited for it to be all over. I am not a huge Twilight fan but I did enjoy the films. My favourite one of the saga is Breaking Dawn Part 1. I am more about the love between Bella and Edward than the werewolf and vampire drama. I don't really care for it. Twilight also inspired my favourite book Fifty Shades of Grey so I can't just not like it. Are any of you excited to see Breaking Dawn Part 2 this weekend? If you have seen it last night, don't tell me anything!! I plan to pull off my vampy vampire look today at work. I hope people can tell I am excited for tonight....LOL! Have a good weekend everyone!

My look when I went to so see Breaking Dawn Part 1 last year.

P.S. IMATS Toronto is this weekend and I am going on Saturday!! I hope to see some of you there! Come say hi to me if you do see me!

P.S.S. QueenofBlending will be at IMATS Toronto. She will be at the OCC booth. GO CHECK HER OUT! Because I know I will =)

Portland Day 4 Experience and Haul and BONUS video!!!

Here are some pictures from Day 4!!

Our rental car! Chevy Cruze!

My taco salad and guacamole and chips at King's Burrito

The coffe place where Christian and Ana had coffee. It was originally called Portland's Coffee House

Out King bed at The Heathman Hotel

Meeting E L James at Powell's Books!

OH YEAH!!

The bell boy at The Heathman Hotel before our dinner! Notice my outfit ;)

LIKE A BOSS!

Le Pigeon Restaurant

There is a slightly new menu every week since they use fresh local ingredients!

Lobster Noodle, it was amzing!

Spinach and Eggplant Tarte Tatin.
It's the closest I can get to an Apple Tarte tatin that Ana had....

Cute chocolates!

50 Shades of Gin at The Heathman Restaurant

Voodoo Doughnut!!

So many choices!!!

Doughnut heaven!

How do I do this?

YUMMMMM!

Our purchases!!!

Seattle Day One and Two Vacation Pictures and Experience/Haul Video!!!

Day One and Two Experience and Haul video:



Here are some pictures of Day One and Two of mine and Shawn's trip to Seattle!!

Pretty clouds!!

Waiting for the train at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport

Navigation post near Pike Place Market

Menu of the place where we ate brunch.

Crabs at Pike Place Market

Back view of Pike Place Market

Self-explanatory

Columbia Tower where Christian Grey's nightclub was!

View of Downtown Seattle from the 73rd floor of Columbia Tower

Workstations in Seattle Public Library

AHHHHHHH!!! 

I tried taking a picture of the lobby from outside...

Escala!!! So pretty!!

Isn't this so cool??? Depending on the flow of traffic, each lane has a different speed limit!

Me and Shawn at dinner! We went to Koral Kitchen & Bar in Bellevue

Dahlia's that Shawn got me for our two year anniversary (Sept 24, 2012). Two flowers for two years! 

101 Beauty Tips Every Girl Should Know: Tips 46->42

YAY I am back from my Fifty Shades vacation! I feel like I have been gone for such a long time but it really hasn't been that long which is weird. I loved Seattle and Portland so much! I also got to meet E L James!! She was so nice! I will make a haul and experience video soon! Check out my YouTube channel for some of my vlogs from my vacation! I got three days posted so far. Here is a sneak peak of one of my many Seattle pictures!

View from Kerry Park

46) Use a shimmer eye shadow to compliment a bold matte lip. 

I always do this! Usually it happens if I have a dark lip going on such as a red or dark purple. I find the shimmery eye shadow adds life into your eyes.

45) To revive curls mid-day, "Take a very small amount of pomade and put it in the palms of your hands. Rub them together. Next gently smooth the pomade over your curls and scrunch just a little bit" - Eugene Davis, celebrity hair stylist

This sounds like an amazing tip to use! I have yet to find the perfect pomade for my hair. Since my hair is so long, my curls can get straight pretty fast. That is why I like to use a curl activating spray before I curl my hair and them spray tons of hairspray afterwards.

44) "Your should always go to a hair-removal specialist, where waxing, laser etc. is their main business - don't go to a nail salon for a wax" - Cindy Barshop, Completely Bare and Bravo's RHONYC

When I get my brows threaded I go to a small salon right by my house. Literally all the do is men's haircuts, waxing and threading. Mostly threading. I use to go to Donato Salon and Spa to get my brows waxed but it was getting way to expensive (around $23). Now I just pay $4 ($5 with tip) to get my brows threaded. BEST DEAL EVER!!!

43) "A little silvery-blue eyeliner on the lower lid is very flirty" - Dimitri James, makeup artist, author and creator of Skinn Cosmetics

I have never tried this before but I do have an eyeliner where I can try this out. I have a feeling it will bring out the white on your eyeballs and illuminate them at the same time.

42) "Use your concealer as a base on your eyelids" - Melissa Silver, Maybelline makeup artist

I see that a lot of makeup artists use this especially if they are a drugstore brand. Since they don't carry eye primers in their line, they will use a concealer. I never tried this tip before because I do got two eye primers. But if I do ever run out, I know what to use then!

101 Beauty Tips Every Girl Should Know: Tips 91->87

Before I start with the beauty tips, I just have to show you a screenshot that made my week!!! It literally is the best day ever when one of your favourite author tweets you back!

Click to enlarge!!!

Sylvia Day wrote the ever popular book Bared To You which is very similar to Fifty Shades of Grey but a lot more sexier!!! I tweeted her about her releasing the first chapter to her sequel to Bared To You called Reflected in You and she tweeted me back and retweeted my tweet! *passes out* I literally was screaming and dancing around when I saw that she did that!!! Ever since, I have been getting tons of retweets, favourites and romance authors following me!! BEST DAY EVER!!

If you don't follow me on Twitter already, my twitter handle is @jdo87

Now onto the beauty tips!!

91) "Balance out your shimmer. If you're doing a shimmery eye, do matte lips" - Raychel Wade, founder of Cheek to Chic and La Prairie's colour ambassador

I always follow this rule! I do sometimes however like to put a little gloss on my lips because I find that matte lips make my lips look dead sometimes. Only with nude lips!

90) Brush out your curls with your fingers to give your hair a more tousled look. 

I only do this on second day curly hair because if I were to do this with day one curls, my curls will be completely gone the next day. I have made a tutorial on Relaxed Big Curls today, so check it out down below!!

89) To make your manicure last, apply a thin later of clear every two days.

I do not do this because I change my nail colour pretty often. I will however use this rule when I am on vacation or trips since I won't be able to paint my nails since I will be too busy having fun where ever I am.

88) Wear white eyeliner to make eyes appear less red.

I like to use the white eyeliner on my waterline but I only like to do this during the daytime. In the night, I usually go for black or a deep plum colour. I love to use my Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 14L which is pearly white.

87) "Take a shimmery gloss to the center of your lips, top and bottom - this will attract light to your lips, making them look pouty." - Katrina Barrion, makeup artist for Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics

I tried doing this a few times. It does work! But when I reapply throughout the day, I forgot to only put it on the center. I personally think this tip would work best for photoshoots, self portraits or days where you know you won't be out for so long so you would not to need to reapply.

See you next week for more tips!!!!

How To: Plan Your Perfect Fifty Shades of Grey Vacation

As you all know by now, I am a huge Fifty Shades of Grey fan! It's such a bad obsession to the point where I have planned a vacation with my boyfriend Shawn to go and have a Fifty Shades of Grey themed vacation for our TWO year anniversary!! Yes indeed girls, I have done it! I wanted to share you with the ideas I had for the trip so maybe in the future you can take your own Fifty Shades of Grey themed vacation. You know you want to!

***PLEASE NOTE: All of these pictures are my OWN!!!***

Escala
1920 4th Avenue, Seattle, Washington (Intersection of 4th Avenue and Virginia Street)

The infamous home of Christian Grey!! It's a must have on your places to visit if you are going to plan a trip all around Fifty Shades. The public is not allowed in the building unless you are an actual resident of the building or if you have made an appointment to view a model home. They only take serious inquires so don't even try to make up a story. You might get caught! They should seriously consider charging people for tours of the place because the book is such a huge hit and when the movie comes around, we all know this place will be packed!! You can take pictures outside however so that is what I plan to do. If I could, I am going to try and get a picture in the lobby...*crosses fingers* (Update: I didn't get to go in but I had an opportunity. You will see it in this video.)

Click for Escala website



Ralph's Grocery and Deli
2035 4th Avenue, Seattle, Washington (One block west of Escala)

I believe Ana talks about this grocery store in Fifty Shades Freed. The store name is not mentioned in the book but it is "two blocks from Escala". Ralph's is just one block so close enough for me! Ms. Jones does some of her grocery shopping at this store since it's just a few blocks away from Escala. I plan to buy a bucket of Ben & Jerry's vanilla ice cream here...

Click for Ralph's website

Pike Place Market
1st Avenue and Pike Street, Seattle, Washington

This market is close to where Ana's apartment is with Kate. In the book they did not mention the exact address to where her apartment is but we do know it's located in the Pike Place Market area. So why not stop buy and do some grocery shopping here. Some interesting places to check out here is the first Starbucks store (1912 Pike Place) and The Gum Wall.

Click for Pike Place Market website


Puget Sound

Seattle, Washington

This is the exact sound that Christian takes Ana on board The Grace in Fifty Shades Darker. I believe they also take another trip on The Grace in Fifty Shades Freed. For those of us who don't own our own yacht, we can always take a ferry around Puget Sound. I am planning to take the Harbour Cruise. It's a one hour trip around the sound and departs at various times throughout the day. You can take amazing views of the Seattle skyline. I can't wait! 

Columbia Tower
701 5th Avenue, Seattle, Washington

Yes indeed girls.....this place EXISTS!! But as for the Mile High Club on the 76th floor that Christian Grey owns, it's not real. This is the tallest skyscraper in Seattle which is a plus because they have an amazing Sky View Observatory that the public can check out. Supposedly it has the best views of Seattle and is better than The Space Needle. It is also cheaper than The Space Needle! It only costs $9 for adults and $6 for students!! Please note these prices are as of August 18, 2012. Prices may change! There is an exclusive club on the 76th floor. It's called the Columbia Tower Club. I have looked into it and it's great for people who live in the area but not for us tourists.

Click for more Sky View Observatory information

Parking Lot
Boren Avenue and Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington

Yes I know....I have done it again....THIS PLACE EXISTS! If you all remember that steamy car scene that Christian and Ana shared after the intense car chase in Fifty Shades Freed, this is the exact parking lot!!! I plan to visit this place but as for doing the deed in public in a car parking, I don't think so.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University Street, Seattle, Washington

This is the hotel that Christian and Ana stayed at when they find out that Christian's home is no longer safe in Fifty Shades Darker (I don't want to spoil who it was for those who haven't read it). They stayed in the Cascade Suite. Don't forget to order the Chicken Soup when getting room service. It's the same soup that Christian has ordered for Ana in Fifty Shades Freed.

Click for Fairmont Olympic Hotel website

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Now moving onto locations to check out in Portland, Oregon. It's about a three hours drive from Seattle, Washington. I tried to find Ana's apartment in Vancouver, Washington but it does not exist. Same as Clayton's Hardware Store.

The Heathman Hotel
1001 SW Broadway, Portland, Oregon

The hotel where the magic happens. Well more like where they spent their first night together. I plan to stay at this hotel for one night. I am not sure what suite that Christian and Ana stayed in. I'm imagining the biggest suite. They also stay here in Fifty Shades Freed, where Ana got to enjoy their Tarte Tatin. I tried looking at their menu and it's not on there! They have special Fifty Shades of Grey packages that can be added to your hotel room. They are only there for a limited time! They just recently however came up with a cocktail inspired by the books. It's called Fifty Shades of Gin! So if you can't get a hotel room here, at least stop by the hotel bar and grab a cocktail! This hotel is right in the Downtown core of Portland so there is tons of things to check out! Please note, there is also another Heathman Hotel in Kirkland, Washington. But the one in the book is Portland, Oregon. (Update: Check out my hotel room tour for the Deluxe King Suite HERE!)

Click for The Heathman Hotel website

Public Domain Coffee a.k.a. Portland Coffee House

603 SW Broadway, Portland, Oregon (4 blocks south of The Heathman Hotel)

This coffee shop used to be called Portland Coffee House where Christian and Ana had their first date in Fifty Shades of Grey. It is just a few blocks from the hotel which they walked from after the photoshoot. Don't forget to order a Twinings English Breakfast tea! I highly doubt they have it but it's worth a try.

Click for Public Domain Coffee website

Le Pigeon a.k.a. Le Picotin Restaurant

738 East Burnside Street, Portland, Oregon

I could not find Le Picotin anywhere in Portland so I decided to settle for whatever was the closest. This restaurant has a French cuisine and has a very laid back type of feel to it. Attire is casual so don't worry about having to dress up too much. It is located in the Industrial district which is perfect because Jose's Art Show (Fifty Shades Darker) would be in the type of area. I would say I did a great job at finding a close match to Le Picotin. 

Click for Le Pigeon website

Voodoo Donut

26 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon

These are the doughnuts that Ray Steele requests Ana to get for him in Fifty Shades Freed. They have several locations around Portland. Just looking at their website makes me drool. I am definitely making a late night run for doughnuts. They do have locations that are open 24 hours so no need to worry if they are closed!

Click for Voodoo Donut website

I hope you enjoyed this and please let me know if you do plan a vacation with a Fifty Shades of Grey theme! I would love to know if I have helped you at all! Don't forget to check back for updated photos. It should be up not later than October 2012. Don't forget to share this with your other Fifty Shades of Grey obsessed friends!