Eyes for sale.

Sold!

As some might say, I sold out for free stuff. Welcome to the recession!

I am happily participating in what I call the other side.

As an entry-level communications professional, learning much about social media and about pitching to bloggers, I was happy to be on the receiving end of a pitch to have a better idea what it all really means!

As for my title, nobody is selling eyes, only mascara, which can make it look like you have new eyes!

I was offered a chance to sample the L’Oréal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara which, if you know me well, is quite appropriate as I have ridiculously long lashes and put a lot of stock in my mascara. Growing up as a dancer, and having done some modeling, I’ve worn my share of makeup!

I like how it goes on, and I am refining my technique as the days go by. It also fares well through a full day of work, and also a nap.

Oh, and this mascara is AWESOME to remove. I’m notoriously bad about taking my mascara off with eye makeup remover and usually just do it in the shower, which means I come out with black zombie eyes! This stuff is certainly the easiest to remove of any mascaras I have previously used and I don’t have to fear terrifying small children. [Or my boyfriend’s usual reaction, yelling “WHOA! FRIGHT NIGHT!”]

I haven’t much else to say other than watch my video. [please] I think it is more representative of my experience! I tried the mascara for the first time in front of the camera so that I could share my genuine reaction.

I’d like to get some girlfriends to try it and put some pics up to supplement this. We’ll see…

Did you read this article? What are your thoughts on L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara? Let us know!

click here to read the follow-up

Oh me nerves!

When it comes to talking to people, few things get me nervous.

At an early age, I became used to performing in front of a crowd – having started ballet at three and a half years old. It wasn’t until public speaking that I found myself freezing up.

If memory serves me correctly, my first speech was given sometime around grade four or grade six – an absolutely horrendous time to introduce children to public speaking. It’s when you start to become self-aware and aware of those around you in a new way. It’s when kids get picked on and you really start to realize that people are looking…and judging.

(At least it feels this way!)

It was not until sometime in highschool that I lost the fear or presenting. Group presentations helped reduce the stress and I found I was actually quite comfortable in front of a crowd. (I was also rid of my braces and substantially less awkward as a human being)

In university, I took a public speaking class with the inspirational Dr. George Donaldson, who brought me back to that place of judgement. This place, however, was not as brutal as those public speaking days in middle school. As a university class, I was learning HOW to give a speech, not just given an assignment to write one and present it. I was learning how to speak from notes, to speak with confidence and conviction and how to cut out the verbal glue (um, ah, like, so, etc.) Learning how to be my own critic helped me grow more as a speaker and presenter. The judgement was just for marks.

I discovered another way to gain confidence in speaking publicly through Seesmic. Participating in video conversations on the internet helped me again evaluate how I speak and present myself and gain confidence in front of the camera.

Yet, interviewing someone is still a little nervewracking! As a work assignment, I got to talk to new media journalist Amber MacArthur. I first met Amber back in October when she presented at the Toronto Girl Geek Dinner. As an accomplished career woman with a plethora of tech knowledge and lots of connections in the communications and media world, I was a little nervous – but she was an absolute sweetheart!! For my first interview assignment, I could not have met with a more easy-going and approachable woman!

I hope that I didn’t stutter too much or say “like” too many times! I’ll just have to keep being aware and eventually practice will make perfect!

The return… take 2

So I found my post! (long story!) AND decided I would share it anyway (even though it was written on Tuesday and this is Friday! Please, pretend you are back on Tuesday when reading this)

It is my second day back to work after the holidays.

KEY WORD: HOLIDAY, not vacation

Holidays are so busy, at least for me, that I feel like I didn’t get a break at all!

I need a vacation from my holidays

It always takes getting used to doing the same old things again!

HOWEVER the switch from 2008 to 2009 has somehow left me feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on a new year.

Potential goals and “resolutions?”

More Yoga
Be as positive as possible
More sleep
Eat more healthily
More fitness
Career development
More Yoga
Take a cooking class
More cleaning and organization
Even when it is the tough choice, choose the more progressive one.
More yoga.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

the return…

Back to life.

I tried to write this Monday but it disappeared. This will surely not be as cool as I originally thought.

(Or maybe it will be?)

Moving on…

I’ve never been big on the New Year’s resolution.

As my friend Taylor Barr puts it:

“I think I am not alone in saying that many of us make excuses to change things about our way of living or to instill in us, an activity that makes us happier or more comfortable with who we are.”   – The Immaculate Ball Drop & Resolutions

I think I approach the new year similarly to the way I approach Mondays.

New Year: It’s a new year! This is a great chance to make it better than last year!
Monday: It’s a new week! This is a great chance to make it better than last week!

Besides, I think resolutions are better made on Sundays. You have a chance to break it down to realistic pieces! AND if it doesn’t work out, the next Sunday is just a week away!

If you botch the new year’s resolution, you’ve got to firstly realize that it is a fail and then wait until December to start brainstorming the next one!
(Let’s be honest: who really has time in December with all the goings on!)
The holiday season is not the time to feel down about failing at last year’s resolution (it’s bad enough you’re eating coma-inducing turkey) and, well, if you hoped to lose weight, checking in Dec. 31 will likely not bode well – especially if you have a large family (by choice, divorce or a disbelief in the value of contraceptives) and are on your third, fourth or, heaven forbid, some other numbered turkey dinner!

If asked, I’m probably going to reuse my 2007 resolution. Progressive living for 2007 will become Progressive living for 2009

Meaning: When presented with a choice, pick the one that is the most progressive – even if it is more difficult. Do this as often as possible.

ex: Exercise or sit in front of the TV

Exercise is 9/10 times the more progressive choice.
(UNLESS you chose exercise the day before, overdid it and pulled a muscle making TV the more progressive choice!)

Choice: write more or get up from my desk and stretch my legs?

hmmmmm tough choice ………