Pippa's latest articles

I know that this hasn't happened recently, but I've been a bit behind!

We've had two articles from Pippa in November (I can't believe that it's already December 6th!!!), lucky us - and no, I am not being sarcastic :)

I absolutely LOVED the article where Pippa is hanging lights outside of Peter Jones in Chelsea (I can't believe that I've walked and taken the bus past that very spot!)!

She really is doing a lot of very interesting things for her Sport and Social column for The Telegraph.

Here is a link to the article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/pippa-middleton/10432274/Pippa-Middleton-puts-the-stardust-into-Christmas-100-feet-up.html

If you're like me, you'll immediately notice Pippa's adorable sweater! I absolutely love this trend of animals on sweaters (but only some images will cut the mustard - I tend to like birds and bunnies, Talbots makes a cute sweater, and that's about it). 

Unfortunately M&S were sold out by the time I went onto their site. Ebay had a couple of them, but of course they were selling for over $140! 

I found a much less expensive option at oldnavy.ca for $15, but it was sold out in my size :( 

Pippa's most recent article, written near the end of November, had her trying the latest craze in fitness (apparently), hydro-spinning. 

I would just love to know what the Middleton's all think of Pippa's articles, and what the royals (if they're aware, but I'm sure that they are)! 

Pippa is definitely a bit cheeky, and I appreciate getting to "understand" her a bit better through her writing. She's definitely in great shape! 

On a slightly different note, I've been reading two books from the library on Will and Kate, one called "William and Kate: A Royal Love Story" by the Sun (it's interesting, but some of the info is a bit sketchy...) and another by perhaps the more reputable Andrew Morton, "William and Catherine: Their Story". 

The pictures in both books are fun to look at (most I've seen before though), and there are tidbits of information that I've either forgotten or never heard before. So both books offer their own interesting perspectives on the royal couple. 

Oh to to be the fly on the wall in all of their lives! :)

Here is the link for Pippa's latest article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/pippa-middleton/10465477/Pippa-Middleton-the-leaudown-on-hydro-spinning.html

It's been a while...

So it's been a while since I've last had a chance to post, but it doesn't mean that I haven't been following Pippa and the royals!

Last night we saw both William and Kate out, now somewhat a rare sighting since Prince George was born in July.

Kate wore a dress we saw her in last year, accessorizing with a Zara necklace and shoes and a clutch that we've also seen before. She looked very nice, although I have to admit I don't love when she opts for a ponytail - but I thought the ribbon was a nice touch (or at least I think that it was a ribbon...).

And is it just me, or does Kate seem to be filling out her clothing differently now, since becoming a mother? She may have a flat stomach again, but she just seems to be cutting a fuller and healthier figure these days. I love it!

Today though, the Daily Mail has an article and Pictures reporting on the Duchesses trip to a Hospice.

I have to say that I absolutely HATE Kate's outfit! The jacket is pure 80's/90's, and those shiny blue cords with those black boots are a terrible combination! It's very rare that we've seen Kate fail in the fashion department, and if she does strike a miss it usually isn't all bad. But this outfit is just awful!!!

Also, I much prefer when Kate's hair is worn away from her face - lately I don't find it flattering when it just hangs on either side of her head, especially if it's flatter and not as wavy or curly.

But I am loving the return of her chestnut coloured hair! It definitely suits her - I wasn't a huge fan of her lighter hair. There were only a few cases where I admired it.

Sorry Kate!

Source:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2519394/Duchess-Cambridge-goes-solo-tea-party-childrens-hospice.html

Another Article by Pippa

Pippa has really started writing! The Telegraph has published a number of her articles in the past months. I mean to post about the one about her at Oktober Fest. I will do that soon.

Knowing that she has been writing more and more lately, I went in search of a latest effort - and I wasn't disappointed!

Read her latest article here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/10372320/Pippa-Middleton-the-thrills-and-frills-of-learning-flamenco.html

I love that with every article we are getting a glimpse into her world*, and a glimpse of her personality*.


* I have used an astrix because like with everything, take how and what she writes about with a grain of salt. Clearly Pippa is active and athletic, I'm not denying that, but she must also now be in search of material that is worthy of being written about in her columns. So do I think she would normally be out dancing like she is in her latest article, no. But do I believe that generally she is adventurous, yes. Regardless, I am happy to read anything she writes :)

Andy Murray Receives OBE from Prince William

Andy Murray was awarded an OBE today, carried out for the first time by the Duke of Cambridge!

Kim Sears, Andy's longtime girlfriend, as well as his parents, accompanied him. Kim looked edgy but elegant in her patterned dress and mulberry coloured hat.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/10385316/Andy-Murray-has-to-hurry-to-Buckingham-Palace-for-OBE-after-random-drug-test.html

Kate's Links of London Hope Egg Earrings White Topaz!

Christmas this year is already shaping up to look like the best one ever! A few evenings ago I was on the Air Miles website looking to see how many points I had accumulated and what I could get with them. As I was going through the jewelry category, what should I come across???? The Links of London Hope Egg earrings in white topaz!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! Now, it took a lot of points (and even some cash), but I am excited to report that I will be the proud owner of these earrings once Christmas comes (my husband is giving them to me as my gift - and what a gift!)!

Will and Kate's Anglesey's Home

Check out this article in The Telegraph, which talks about the farmhouse that Will and Kate rented in Anglesey!

Read the article here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/10328491/First-look-inside-the-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridges-Anglesey-home.html

Millie Mackintosh's guide to...a Red Carpet Smoky Eye

Get Millie's smoky eye!




Source: http://www.feelunique.com/beauty-all-access/millie-mackintosh-beauty-secrets/

Binky's Made in Chelsea Lip

After watching an episode of "Made in Chelsea", I started to notice that all of the girls, or at least Binky and Millie, seemed to favour a very specific lip colour. And naturally I became obsessed :)

Thankfully, I have a very similar colour lipstick from Lancome, but it's not as close as I would like it to be. It doesn't look as natural.

So, thanks to Binky's video I found on Pinterest, I now know that she uses Stila's Stay All Day Lipstick in the colour "Dolce". I found a travel size of this product on ebay, and I'm hoping to have it in my hands sometime soon (if my bid wins).

Millie Mackintosh's guide to...Flawless Glowing Skin

Over the last year or so I have heard about the show called "Made in Chelsea", an English "reality" show that follows the lives of young men and women living in London's borough of Chelsea.

Naturally, loving all things England - especially their approach to style (no ice-cube sized engagement rings) - I finally decided that I needed to watch this show!

So I have seen one episode, but plan to continue because I was hooked! I love their accents, their clothes and just their lives in general! Four friends meeting on the Fulham Road in the middle of the day - how neat is that?!

Needless to say I have since tracked down some of the "stars" of the show, Binky and Millie (quintessential upper-class English names). Both shoot videos that instruct on the applying makeup and achieving certain looks.

One look that I love is Millie's skin. Here is the video to get her look:




Here are all of the products that Millie uses to achieve her glowing skin:

Here is the link to that specific page: http://www.feelunique.com/beauty-all-access/millie-mackintosh-flawless-glowing-skin/

Getting Active: Following in the Footsteps of Kate and Pippa

I have always been athletic, and I've always enjoyed playing certain sports and being outdoors being active. However, with my school days long behind me, it's harder finding athletic outlets.

I've been inspired by both Kate and Pippa recently, because they are both so keen to stay fit and they are naturally athletic. They also seem to enjoy being active out of doors as well
 - it's nothing forced and I appreciate and admire that.

In my pursuit of following in their footsteps I've both stepped up my activity level somewhat (trying to exercise regularly) and I've been eating a lot better. I'm happy to report I've even lost 5 pounds!

I was also able to get outdoors this summer and burn some calories while having fun at the same time. I went kayaking on the Humber River in Toronto with a friend of mine, and we had a blast! It was very tiring - we were out for a good 2 hours - but it was great to feel like I'd done some good hard work and had fun doing it! I want to experience that feeling again, and on a more regular basis. So my next goal is to find something relatively inexpensive to do on a semi-regular basis to keep me active and to have fun and possibly learn a new skill.

I'm thinking of tennis, badminton (my family plays the latter game, so this is probably my best bet), boxing, and rowing. Money will definitely be a deciding factor, as well as the location of the activity. I'll probably end up going with Badminton though, just because my Dad plays regularly, I have access to rackets and a facility that's relatively inexpensive. It seems as though I've just made up my mind... And although I have played badminton almost all of my life, I can hone the skill and get better.

Playing on a regular basis should also hopefully help me reach my goal of losing some more weight - a win, win situation if you ask me :)

Pippa for the Telegraph

Pippa Middleton is not writing for the Telegraph. I don't know how old this news is, but I just found out. Her articles will be published on the weekends and every few weeks.

Here is the article I read by her in the Telegraph, she writes about her new foray into the world of boxing: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/10307012/Pippa-Middleton-Boxing-is-a-pure-but-pleasing-agony.html

Read the Daily Mail's take on the article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2421575/Pippa-Middleton-reveals-boxing-helps-banish-bingo-wings-booze-blubber.html

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Attend The Tusk Foundation Gala

The moment has arrived! At long last we see Will and Kate out for an official event in London today, for the Tusk Foundation Gala.

First of all I would like to say that it seems that Kate has dyed her hair (finally) and gotten rid of that orangey colour she's had in it for a while. I supposed she could have stopped dying her hair in the months leading up the the birth of Prince George, and the colour started fading and got washed out - giving it that orangey cast. Kate's hair was looking particularly bad when we saw her last out in Wales, and even on her pit-stop this week at a McDonald's. I also hope that the pictures are doing her "new" colour justice, and that she really has embraced her natural darker hair colour. Sure she's always been brunette, but her natural colour is quite dark, and she kept it that way up until and for a while after the wedding. But since about the winter, her hair took on a much lighter tone - getting even lighter approaching the summer. So here's to hoping that Kate stays her natural dark brunette colour, and doesn't lighten it up again! :)

You can see Kate's dye growing out very well here. I love her natural colour, you can see it at her roots. 

Here is Kate's hair now. You can see where the new dye has covered the old colour I think...But lets hope she keeps her colour this dark. I much preferred her natural colour!

Now, onto Kate's dress! I have to say that I am underwhelmed. Kate didn't seem to glitter as much as she used to, despite wearing all of those sequins on her gown. She seemed a bit self-conscious, and maybe that came through just enough to diminish that natural radiance that she usually exudes. I suppose she could have been body-conscious. But I think she looks amazing! And I don't think keeping a bit more meat on her bones would do her any harm. I think it could only increase her popularity among the public who watch her.

All that to say, I really didn't love this dress. I liked it well enough from the front, but from the side and the back, not so much. I didn't think it did her justice. I think she could have worn something much more flattering. It almost made her seem, dare I say it, a bit dumpy from the side and rear view. And her chest didn't seem that well supported either. Which wouldn't help.

I also think that if she had kept her hair away from her face it would have made her look better too - we could have seen the angles of her face better. But perhaps, again, it was subconsciously like that to hide any insecurities that she might have been experiencing.

Read the full article in by the Daily Mail here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2418979/Kate-Middleton-Duchess-Cambridge-glitters-floor-length-silver-sequins-Jenny-Packham-attends-red-carpet-event-birth-Prince-George.html

Sharing a Closet with a Duchess (I Wish!)

I came across this picture of Kate and Pippa on Pinterest today,wearing the same Katherine Hooker coat. I've seen this photo before, but I had never closely examined it before. And I always assumed that Kate and Pippa just had the same coat.

However, on closer examination, I think that this coat must belong to one of the two girls, which one I'm not 100% sure - but my guess would be it's Kate's, because of how it fits her (where the hem hits her on the leg and where the pockets hit her waist). The picture below also shows that the coat has been altered, so it must have been altered for, Kate because of how it fits her most recently. Hopefully that all makes sense... :)

How neat to be able to share clothes with a Duchess! Lucky Pippa!

Operation "Tops": Success

Although I didn't get any of the tops that I had posted about recently (most weren't stocked at the stores nearest me, and others I just gave up on), I did find some good pieces at Winners! I thought I had struck out, but I ended up scoring big time today, after a few days in search of tops that would help me expand my wardrobe a bit and fill a niche that I've just realized I hadn't cornered yet.

It's always hard transitioning between seasons, and it's even harder when the weather yo-yo's unpredictably. Thankfully the tops that I found are effortless, flexible (regarding the weather roller coasters we can often experience at these times of the year) and most of all, they are somewhat trendy :)

I love my cardigans, sweaters and hoodies (the latter I wear mostly at home or when running errands), but I needed something different - something more Pippa and Kate-esque, so to speak. I also needed more tops that were "stand-alone", pieces that didn't have to be worn under an open cardigan because they were sleeveless. That's another go-to look I have.

So I'm really happy with my finds! I also ended up getting a pair of "cargo" pants in "Tuscan Olive" from J Crew. They are a great addition (and change) to my wardrobe. Now I have something other to wear than denim. And I also have my black jeans, which I look forward to wearing, they will also help to diversify my usual outfits. I feel like I can tackle any occasion now, and that makes me feel great! Sad, but true :)

P.S. I also found a really cute DKNY bag at Winners as well! It's brown/tan in colour :) I can't wait to pair it with these pants, and all my other "fall" outfits - not to mention my winter ones, because now I'm going to follow the "anything goes" rule that Pippa and Kate seem to abide by. I just hope it doesn't backfire for me, when I wear black boots and a brown/tan bag in the middle of winter... :)

Obsessing Over Matching...

In a number of my posts (some old and some new) I have talked, at length it seems, about matching bags to shoes, matching shoes with belts and how and when to match all of the above with blues, grays and blacks. And I have to say that I'm exhausted, and after coming across a few pictures recently I've decided that I'm going to let go, breathe and just follow-suit. Meaning, I will match where and when I can, but I will no longer try to get things perfect all of the time. And wearing black and brown together, guess what? I'm going to do it. And having a different coloured brown bag from my brown shoes, that's going to be okay too!

Here are my photo inspirations (my purse thanks them)    :)

Notice that Kate is wearing BROWN boots with BLACK pants (I remember brown and black together used to be a "no-no"). Also, Kate is wearing said brown boots with a BLACK handbag. I notice that she and Pippa tend to make sure that the accessories, be it footwear or bags, match at least something they are wearing (like pants or jackets). I will keep this in mind. Although, as always, I have to say that I do love matching shoes and bags. I just think it looks so polished.

Again, in the picture above, Kate is wearing brown boots with a black jacket, and she's combined that jacket with a navy top underneath. I used to be told black and blue's (not applicable to denim) should never be combined. 

I can't count the number of times I've seen Kate and Pippa mix things up with their combinations, just as much as they match things in their outfits. So, again, I will follow-suit. 

I bought a bag today that is a lighter coloured brown than some brown shoes I own, and most likely the bag will not match perfectly any brown pumps I buy going forward. But I'm not going to sweat it. And I'm also not going to sweat it if I wear this bag with BLACK boots - my Hunters or my winter boots. 

Here is an example from Burberry - if it's done by them, then it has to be right (Although do notice they combine the browns/tans with grey.... which is what I was taught you do....)    :)

Coming Soon! Thursday September 12th Will and Kate Attend Tusk Conservation Awards

I can't wait to see what Kate wears! Thankfully I don't have to wait too much longer :)

Kate Stops At McDonald's

I just read on the HRHDuchessKate blog, that Kate stopped in at a McDonald's recently. Presumably it was to use the washroom, as the photos show only her going into the establishment - while the baby and the nanny (Prince William's former nanny, Jesse Webb - now 71 - stayed in the car).

Kate basically seemed to be wearing the same outfit she wore when we last saw her in Wales - only the top under the jacket was different and so were her shoes.

Please note that Kate is not wearing her engagement ring. I can't say that I'm surprised. I don't think I would be wearing it either if I was looking after a baby day after day :)

Here are those photos:

Source #1: http://hrhduchesskate.blogspot.ca/

Source #2: http://ca.eonline.com/news/457026/kate-middleton-makes-a-pit-stop-at-mcdonald-s-see-the-pics?cmpid=sn-000000-twitterfeed-365-royals&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=twitterfeed_celebrities_royals&dlvrit=105015

Love it! A Picture of Kate Slalom Skiing!

I came across this picture of Kate slalom skiing on Pinterest today - and I couldn't believe it! I know she's sporty, but I had no idea that she would have access to a slalom ski, let alone that she would have skiied enough in the water to learn how to do this! This means something to me because I can slalom ski and I really enjoy it. Although it takes more out of me now then it used to :)

30 Day Shred: Day 2 Complete!

Believe it or not but I think today was easier than yesterday! I feel way more motivated in the mornings, so mentally it helps a lot.

I'm currently drinking my first two plain cups of water. I will be making the special drink soon.

30 Day Shred (by Jillian Michael's): Day 1 Complete!

A number of months ago I decided to lose some weight that I have gained over the last year and a half or so (about 10 pounds or so). I successfully lost 5 but put it back on after being diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.

So I'm back into trying to lose the weight and the water weight again (my inspirations being Pippa and Kate). My plan of action is to use Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD. It's a grueling 20 minute workout which promises to help you drop the pounds and lose inches. The goal of the DVD says 20 pounds should vanish in 30 Days, but that means you're doing the DVD everyday, and I assume you must have a substantial amount of weight on you. I don't think that I could lose 20 pounds, but it would be nice. I would go from roughly around 150 pounds down to 130. I don't remember the last time I weighed that much.

Anyways, last night I began, and this morning at 11 o'clock I will do it again (I plan to do it as much as possible in the mornings).

I'm also taking a drink mixture throughout the day. I found the recipe on Pinterest. It's also developed by Jillian, and it's supposed to eliminate any water weight you're carrying, up to 5 pounds of it! With Hypothyroidism it's a known fact that a lot of the weight you gain comes from water. Although the metabolism can substantially slow down depending on your condition, so that would naturally lead to an actual gain in body mass.

So I'm taking this drink along with my daily 8 glasses of water - I'm hoping that will maximize the results. The other liquid is about 8 cups. All-in-all I'm drinking 16 glasses of "water" a day. Wow! And I have to say that today I feel a lot better. I just don't feel as bloated and "full". I was also actually hungry this morning for the first time in a while. Which makes me feel good! Work metabolism work!

The last thing I'm doing is trying to stick as much as possible to a 1,200 calorie daily "diet". It sounds like an awfully low number, but it's more than doable. It's amazing how much great food you can eat when it's actually good for you! Although this time around I'm not quite as dedicated and strict as I have been in the past, when trying to adhere to this 1,200 limit. However, I'm optimistic that now, with incorporating exercise, I'm not going to want to eat those extra calories, when I remember how hard it is to get through that DVD workout :) I want to maximize those results :)

Here is the recipe for the "tea":

60 oz of purified water 

2 tablespoon's lemon juice

1 tablespoon sugar free cranberry juice

1 dandelion root tea bag

Tips:

- Let your drink refrigerate for a few hours before drinking it (it will taste better)

- I left my tea bag in for quite a while (over 5 hours). I would take it out earlier this time, and the blog I got the recipe from said she took it out after "a few hours". So maybe give it three hours or so.

- Drink this with 8 glasses of water. It will hopefully improve your results - the blogger seemed to think so too.

- I used bottled water the first time, but I think I'll just use regular tap water for my next batch. My husband (who did a Master's Degree in medical science), said he didn't think that in this case bottled water would make a difference.

These are the products that the blogger used - and I used all the same things too:

Link to the blog: http://domesticdana.blogspot.ca/2012/07/losing-5-pounds-of-bloat-jillian.html