How to: Rice Krispie Treats

Sometimes I have a tough job...I have to test products like this Rice Krispie Decorating Kit. Life is Hard.

But seriously, I think I turned into a 5 year old while testing this product. I had loads of fun melting, mixing, and decorating everything. And because of my lack of art skills, the finished product ended up looking like a 5 year old made my creations...but who cares, I had fun! And now I can successfully say that if I (the girl who burns just about everything) can figure this kit out, so can any child. Easy instructions to follow, and a great way for parents to have fun with their kids. It gets my stamp of approval!

Each kit comes with everything you need - gummies for decorating the faces, icing, marshmallow creme, and a good amount of rice krispies. All you need is a little creativity to decide what to make. I made a fish (get it, since we're called Orangefish...). Okay, so maybe it's because that was a pretty easy shape to start with. Then I made a face that was supposed to be me. And if you can't tell, that's a hairbow because even rice krispie treats need accessories.

Check out a bunch of our decorating kits here including our new cake pop kits.

Happy decorating!

Posing before Hitting the Podium: Are the Team USA portraits Fab or Drab?

SO something that has been making a few waves in cyberland over the last few weeks is the recently leaked photos of the USA Olympic team. They have been criticized for being amateurish, unsightly, and just down right awkward. The angles, lighting, and exposed sets all make for a very different kind of photo in comparison to the epic, glamourized images we've seen in the past. Like this one:

Instead, this is what the images by photographer JOE KLAMAR (images from AFP/GettyImages) ended up looking like. To be fair, everyone seems to be claiming that they are the official images, but apparently they are not, and are just another set of news photographs. Either way, you can't deny that they are certainly...unconventional.

Okay, so here's my breakdown of the photographs. I understand all the criticism they've received. I'm definitely not a fan of that final image of shot putter Jillian Camarena-Williams. I feel like it is completely devoid of life or energy and I am almost certain that is not true at all of Jillian herself (she is an Olympic athlete afterall!)

That being said, I recognize what Klamar is trying to accomplish in these images. They appear to be much more natural, with no photoshopping added. The athletes are lifted down from their pedestal as mortal gods (a pedestal often constructed from media campaigns and marketing) and their humanity is emphasized. They are just people. Super talented, focused people, but people nevertheless. When Nastia Luikin strikes a pose, sometimes the paper tears under her feet. I think the photographs give off an impression that they were taken in some little makeshift photography studio - and I would bet that's exactly what Klamar's vision was.

It reminds me a bit of Marc Jacobs fashion ads (see it always comes back to fashion on this blog doesn't it...). His marketing has such a distinctive aesthetic, that I happen to love (sometimes). The photographs in his ads always have a spontaneous, amateurish quality to them which is translated to major cool factor - like someome just ahppened to capture these uber stylish women (and sometiems men) in the midst of the daily routine. No photo studio required. Sometimes these ads really work, like in this case:

love MIA

So chic!

But sometimes, like Klamar's aesthetic, it doesn't work and just translates to awkward, unflattering images:

Just. weird. Sorry Marc, not a fan of these.

Of course, I love when everything comes together and sports meet fashion. Thanks Vogue for the lovely Team USA spread this month. I think photographer Annie Leibovitz nailed these. They have a hint of quirk, while still be incredibly flattering a beautiful. A great balance between Klamar's images, and the usual overly-edited and boring Olympic portraits. And of course, I love the integration of beautiful couture dresses...

What do you think of all the new Olympic photographs? Do you have a fav?

Here Comes the Sun: Looking Hot, When it's (really, really) Hot

As I sit writing this, I'm looking out my window, out at the street and I can see people walking by looking like the only thing they want in the world is a huge glass of water, and strong air conditioning. In fact, yesterday was one of the hottest days of the year here in Toronto! Cooped up working in air conditioning I didn't quite notice this. But when I briefly ventured out down the street to grab a quick snack, boy did I feel that heat! I felt a bit like a melting popsicle. And everyone knows melting popsicles are just a sad, sad, thing. By the time I got home from my five minute stroll, I wasn't looking too hot (despite the fact that it was beyond hot outside).

This past weekend was a pretty huge weekend in Toronto with Canada Day, and the Pride parade (and subsequent Church street party) on Sunday. I got a good healthy dose of sun on saturday at the beach with friends, and then while watching the pride parade on sunday so I can tell you that all the following tricks and tips have been fully tested by yours truly. 

Here's the dilemna: 

The yay- It's beautiful and sunny out and you want to get your serving of endorphins and Vitamin D. 

The nay- makeup, hair, and clothing all happen to hate the heat.

First Stop, the Face.

The face should be pretty straightforward right? If you don't usually wear any makeup then yes! Simply put on a facial sunscreen (or combo sunscreen and facial moisturizer) in at least SPF 15. Done. 

But if you're like me, and prefer to wear a bit of makeup, you have to be sure to adjust what makeup you wear, and how you wear it during the summer months. First, apply a facial sunscreen. I sometimes like to wear liquid foundation but during the summer i'm always cautious when wearing it. Have you ever looked at someone on a really hot day, and you can see little tinted beads of moisture on their face where their liquid foundation has gathered? I have, and it's not too cute. Instead, I prefer to mix a bit of my foundation into my moisturizer to make my own tinted moisturizer while saving money. I love foundation like this one by DaLish, so I can mix my own colours to match it to my summer tan or winter pale. If you do wear powder, stick to a light mineral foundation. This is usually my favourite summer choice because it's so light and won't cake. 

And now, Hair

I will refrain form showing you lovely blog readers any more braided updos, since I have included so many in previous blog entries (see here, and here). Instead, here are some more creative summer hair solutions. I recently chopped my locks off and was surprised about how much less overheated I got in the sun. 

The lovely Ashley Benson sporting new cut hair

But if you're not looking for such a drastic change, and just want to keep your hair off your neck, check these out: 

This sock bun tutorial by Ciao Beautiful is a really great option for day or night summer hair.

Don't Forget the Clothing

One of my favourite trends this summer is the High-Low skirt. I think I might actually be addicted, and have lately been trying to figure out how I am going to bring this trend into my fall wardrobe. I love wearing one to the beach, with it floating in the wind. It makes me feel beyond glamorous despite the heat (and that's a feat!)

(I actually own this skirt)

Another great option for a hot summer day is a flowy maxi (very of the moment right now!) Breezy, easy, and stylish - the perfect combo.

Finish off even the simplest summer ensemble with some layered jewellery like these lovely pieces:

What do you do to keep looking hot in the heat?

Canada Day Long Weekend: Pride, Channing Tatum, and Cottaging

We all have lovely dreams of owning a lakeside cottage where we could escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Of course, not all of us end up with that dream cottage …but we do sometimes end up with friends who have cottages! And even better, generous friends who invite us up to stay at their cottage on the weekend for drinks, swimming (if the water isn't freezing cold!), boating, and BBQing. 

But, although the etiquette rules for being a good guest might seem like common sense, you wouldn't believe how many times I have seen someone shatter them all. You don't want to be that guest horror story your friend relays every time they explain why they don't invite people to their cottage anymore.

1. Bring a gift. 

Simple, yes? If you're staying for 3 nights, don't bring a $10 bottle of wine. Don't give something that is an obvious re-gift. Take a little time, and put some thought into it, and include a nice thank you card.  Something like these chic (and environmentally friendly!) tea towels would be a great thoughtful hostess gift. Being a host can be stressful sometimes and involves a lot of time and energy - so they deserve a big, grateful thank you!

2. Help Out

The host isn't there to be your cook or cleaner. So offer a helping hand to cook dinner or clean up after. Don't worry, you can return to suntanning after!

3. Don't Bring Surprise Guests

Self explanatory - don't bring that new boyfriend unless you've asked the host first (even if he is really cute!)

4. Keep it Low Maintenance

Everyone has their own unique needs, and it is important for you to feel comfortable. Sometimes a host can accommodate those needs, but when the visiting group gets bigger, it becomes harder to accommodate everyone. If you need a special pillow to sleep, perhaps bring your own from home. If you're a vegetarian, on a special diet, or are gluten free, ask the host if anyone else visiting has similar dietary restrictions and maybe bring your favourite brand of veggie burgers for them and yourself to share. 

It's Canada Day weekend! So have fun, and celebrate this wonderful country! 

Here's a little good ol' Canadian humour just for fun: 

As usual, thank you Pinterest for the laughs

Story of my life. That red line haunts me in my sleep.

If you're in Toronto this weekend, you probably know that not only is it Canada Day Weekend but also   Pride! This  HUGE event will have people from all around the world parading through the streets wearing bright colours to celebrate freedom of expression for all sexualities. It's a great event, and brings amazing energy to the city. I'm thinking that this might be a good occasion to test out my new sparkly eyeshadow -  i'll be festive and make it colourful!

If we're discussing important events this weekend, we can't forget about one of my favourite events of this summer...Friday night, mark it on your calendars!

    

 Have a great weekend! How are you spending your long weekend?

MMVA Weekend: Fab parties, people, and swag

The Orangefish ladies had an extra busy weekend last week full of fabulous people, parties, swag, cocktails, and tunes.

If you live in Toronto and noticed large crowds of tweens running around screaming with J Biebes and Marianas Trench concert t-shirts on, and worse-than-usual traffic congestion on Queen street, then you may have figured out quickly that it was MMVA weekend, one of the most exciting weekends of the year. What I find so interesting and exciting about the weekend isn’t necessarily the awards themselves, but the vibe in the city, especially around the stages in the day or two leading up to the awards.

I got to get a little more involved in the MMVA celebrations this year because Orangefish took part in the VOCAB gifting lounge Saturday night. When I heard I was getting the opportunity to participate in the lounge, the first thing I thought was “ah! What am I going to wear? New dress?” then once that initial girly reaction had subsided, I had to start thinking about all the finer details of the event like who would be there, what products we should give out as swag, how would we organize the shift schedule for the day, etc. (but don’t worry, my outfit choice was still at the top of my mind).

So, I picked out a fabulous new dress, accessorized with some statement jewellery (from orangefish of course!) and my go-to lotus ring, and spent the days leading up to the event super busy organizing all the details.

We got to the event, and even though we were a bit early, the place was already buzzing with energy, with lots of well-dressed people running around with swag from David’s tea, Mellycakes, Chocola Chocola, Gafas Optical shop, Lip Labz, and Wendy Ding. We set up our little station and soon people started arriving. We gave out lots of great swag including one of our faves, the personal alarm, to ward off any stalker-y/dangerous creepers our female celebs might encounter. Celebs like Aleesia, Samantha Munroe, Cory Lee and Melinda Shankar all loved their new swag!

A huge hit at the event was the USB sticks. Everyone adored the star wars themed and Hello Kitty themed designs. If I could give an MVP award to one, I'd give it to the C3PO design, because his shiny coat just seemed to attract everyone. Oooh shiny things!

Some highlights of the night included chatting with Nikki Johnson from The Dancers of Toronto about Toronto's dance scene, talking to the very personable blogger Casie Stewart, Musician Ricky J's claim that the lotus ring marbles can be used as weapons by angry girlfriends, discussing epic searches for the perfect dress with Samantha Munroe, and catching up with people we met at the Stylus awards just a few weeks back like Rachel David, Aleesia, and DJ Mastermind. Of course, in between chatting with party-goers, and maybe snacking on a few of chocola chocola's chocolate covered goodies, I was busy on Twitter and Instagram, social networking it up!

Check out a few fab photos form the event:

          

Lucy, our favourite pink mannequin! 

Not only were we busy with the MMVA weekend celebrations, but also with the Divas in the City Event that took place last thursday night. It was a great event where lots of young, female entrepreneurs got together for cocktails, shopping, and insightful advice from experts in beauty, health, fashion, relationships, networking, and even money. I had a great time - and that's not just because I ended up buying a fabulous dress while there (though I did...). 

While at the Divas in the City event the one thing that kept coming to mind was, "Wow! These girls are fit and fab" Diva Girls is also a fitness company that specializes in programs like BollyFit, Jazz, Sexy Bootcamp, and belly dancing. All the classes, even the abs or butt classes are all about making you feel sexy and empowered while working out. I love that message! I totally snagged myself one of their DVDs, and i'm cyber-creeping their workout clothing line. I may just have to get myself one of those braid tanks for my next trip to the gym, because you said you can't sweat and look fashionable at the same time! And that white dress really makes me want to start playing tennis, just so I can rock it on the court...maybe i've found a new hobby??

Just hooked: Check out the workout clothes and DVDs on Orangefish.ca!