My Little Secrets

A DIY and Lifestyle Blog

Beauty :: Everyday Fall Makeup Looks with Quo Cosmetics

The change in seasons always urge me to try new cosmetics.

With Fall just around the corner (and sadly, my tan beginning to fade!), I’ve been drawn to darker eye shadows, soft peach face palettes, and matte lipsticks in nude and jewel tones. Quo, exclusively available at Shoppers Drug Mart, launched their super fun and affordable limited edition Fall collection and guess what? The packaging was inspired by the much sought after marble trend which clearly was also meant to be given my newly renovated marble bathroom!

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Food & Drink :: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte {and a Nespresso Machine Giveaway!}

I love pumpkin spice but haven’t tried it in a latte.

The weather is getting cooler which means cozy and hot bevvies are making their way back! “Pumpkin spiced” everything seems to be quite popular during the Fall season and to be honest as much as I enjoy a delicious pumpkin pie, I’ve always been a little skeptical of infusing my coffee with pumpkin.

With the launch of Nespresso’s Limited Edition BARISTA collection which has been specially crafted to enjoy with milk, I obviously took the opportunity to attempt my very own homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. And let’s just say… I think I’m hooked!

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Home :: Our Master Bathroom Reveal

Drum roll… I’m unveiling our newly renovated master bathroom!

If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you would know that I’ve partnered with The Home Depot Canada and Delta Faucet on this renovation for quite some time now. I finally managed to pick up a few last minute accessories and voila, it’s complete! A few weeks ago, I shared a full post about the inspiration behind this room, and I’m pleased to share the final design and the inspiration that came to life!

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Outfit :: Fall Wedding Florals

I love attending weddings.

They are so full of love, laugh, and joy, and well, also gives me an excuse to dress up for the occasion! After attending four weddings over the last several weeks, I must say I’ve become a pro at dressing as a wedding guest!

First, comfort is key. I mean, let’s face it, there is much eating and dancing to be done after all! And secondly, dressing appropriately for the venue and type of ceremony is also just as important. If you’re attending a backyard garden wedding, you may not want to show up in super high stilettos because I guarantee you’ll have a hard time navigating across the lawn!

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From My Desk :: Three Effective Brainstorming Activities to Spark Creative Thinking with Post-It® Notes

Truth, we are all creative people.

The dictionary definition of ‘creative’ is someone who has the power or desire to create. And to create, is simply bringing something into existence. If that’s the case, don’t you agree that both you and I are creative human beings? Too often, the term ‘creative’ is misinterpreted as being ‘artistic’ and unfortunately, this has hindered so many of us (and businesses) from designing and establishing new ideas and initiatives.

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Food & Drink :: 3 “Sweet” Ways to Enjoy Nespresso on Ice

Just how many ways can you enjoy coffee? Lots!

Last weekend, I hosted my two fellow Nespresso babes, Dani from Girls of TO and Esther of This Wild Heart for a fun (and coffee) filled afternoon at my home! I adore these two ladies, they often fuel my inspiration and I am so thrilled to collaborate with them on this month’s post. The three of us have been concocting all sorts of delicious Nespresso recipes via our respective blogs, but we really wanted to push the envelope this month and decided to join forces and see just how creative we can get! As we near the end of Summer, we wanted to center our recipes one last time on the limited release of Nespresso On Ice.

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Travel :: What Makes a Hotel So Great {Review of Andaz Ottawa Byward Market}

I’ve stayed over 500 nights in hotels.

I’d like to think that I know a thing or two when it comes to staying in hotels. In my earlier life as a consultant, I’ve stayed my fair share. One year, I stayed nearly three months straight in hotels, and let me tell you, unless you’re staying in utmost luxury, it’s not that glamorous! I’ve made many observations throughout the years about hotels and definitely have my top list of memorable ones.

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Outfit :: Floral & Fringe

I’m a sucker for a great floral dress.

When I come across one that can double up for work and play, I definite won’t be passing it up. I was a little skeptical of the fit of this LE CHATEAU floral print wrap dress as first, as I thought the cut may be on the conservative side. But after putting it on, I was sold.

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Food & Drink :: 5 Drool-worthy Nespresso on Ice Coffee Recipes

I hope you’ve got plans to entertain friends and family this weekend because I’ve got 5 amazing NESPRESSO ON ICE recipes for you!

Happy Friday! Last month, I introduced the new release of Nespresso Leggero on Ice and Intenso on Ice  to kick off your Summer, I must say, I’m still swooning over these two coffees! Now, as much as I like enjoying them over ice with some agave or simple syrup, I was curious just about how many varieties I could come up with.

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Travel :: Surprise Anniversary Weekend Getaway c/o La Marca Prosecco

It was our two-year wedding anniversary near the end of June. But due to our insanely busy schedules, coupled with a somewhat last minute gallbladder surgery I was notified of, we didn’t get the chance to plan an eventful celebratory weekend this year as we had hoped.

When I found out that our friends at La Marca Prosecco prearranged a surprise weekend getaway for Kyle and I to celebrate our belated anniversary, we were ecstatic! It’s not often that someone plans on my behalf, so I was incredibly appreciative of this thoughtful sparkly gesture.

Our weekend was full of surprises, great eats, adventures, and lots of La Marca bubbly while relaxing, of course!

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