Amy's: Letter to my 20 Year Old Self

Seems like just yesterday I was a 20 year old girl . . . even though it was more than a decade (ugh, that made me feel old). The experiences, lessons, and memories accumulated throughout my 20's is pretty invaluable. Like the classic Rod Stewart song says " I wish that I knew then what I know now", I wish! What would you tell yourself if you could send advice to the punk (or princess) that you were back then? Here's what it looks like for me.



Let's go back, way back, back into time. Back to the time I bought my very first vehicle. I was the single mother of a beautiful little girl, going to school, and working part time. It took forever to save up the whopping $1600 to buy the first of many beaters to belong to me. As you can imagine, for $1600, this sweet Jimmy was far from pristine condition, but it got us from point A to point B and I was thrilled! For the whole 3 months it ran, before the transmission completely seized up and died. Apparently there was a leak in the transmission fluid and it didn't take long to kill my first ride. My first lesson of many to come regarding vehicles. 



So what would I say to 20 something Amy? 



Learn to maintain your vehicle as soon as possible. As it turns out, those babies need more than just gas to survive. Who knew! Learn about oil changes, transmission fluid, and how to change a tire. And get AMA or sometime of roadside assistance. You will lock your keys in your car - MANY times. Possibly twice in one day (don't judge).

OOTD - Little Grey Dress

I love dresses and an a-line dresses has been my go to lately because they are very girly and  there is something romantic about them. It’s the perfect way to show your feminine side. I think an a-line dress is one of the most versatile style of dresses that you can wear. I paired this dress with a simple over the shoulder clutch and a red coat.

dress: Winners

coat: London Fog (via Hudson's bay)

shoes: Town Shoes

purse: Zac Posen

Top 5 Face Masks For Unclogging Pores

Face masks are an essential part of every beauty routine. Doing a face mask at least once a week is a great way to reset and recharge your skin. There are so many things working against your skin like air pollution, UV A/B rays, and make up build up. Finding a great face mask that unclogs your pores can help prevent blackheads and acne so you can enjoy smoother, younger-looking skin.

Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask $23 at The Body Shop This product is great for detoxifying and deep cleansing your skin with a weekly masks that uses natural ionic clay action to draw out impurities and control excess oil. Body Shop has a deal where you can buy 3 and get 2 free or buy 2 get 1 50% off so try out different formulas and see which one works for you.

GlamGlow ranges from $24-$79 available at Sephora This formula was clinically developed by  to help fight all common skin concerns including breakouts, discoloration, black and white heads, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. Powerful, skin-clearing mud visibly draws out dirt and congestion while a proprietary six-acid blend dramatically brightens and softens skin. It works to magnetically draw out dirt and pores with Activated-X Charcoal, leaving skin smooth and healthy-looking. 

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask  $5- $31 available at Sephora A mask with activated charcoal to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers. When environmental toxins, dirt, and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, and skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skin's overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers. White China clay absorbs environmental toxins, and lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that stuff down there, skin breathes a sigh of relief. Best for all skin types.

True Blue Blueberry Face Mask $11 was available at Bath & Body Works I just found out to my deep dismay that Bath & Body Works no longer sells this face mask. The last one I bought lasted so long I didn't know they stopped selling it. This face mask is my absolute favourite and since I found out it is no longer for sale I have been searching for an alternative. I found two and thankfully I did because the first option I found was very expensive Bosica Lumizing Black Mask $42 at Sephora. This really upset me since the True Blue face mask was only $11 and worked amazingly well. I found an alternative that is in a better price point Life Brand Charcoal Peel Off Mask $6.99 for 150 ml. Some people swear by the Boscia face mask so if you want to try it out but don't necessarily want to spend the $42 go to Sephora and ask for a sample and try it out. Sephora is great about giving samples for products you really want to try.

DIY Face Mask

My last face mask is a DIY at home face mask that is actually a family recipe. I am of East Indian heritage so my mom passed down this face mask recipe that her mom gave to her. A lot of East Indians use this on their faces and there are many variations this is just the one of them.
What you will need: Chick Pea Flour, Tumeric, Water and Egg (optional).
Step 1: Mix together 1 tablespoon of Chick Pea Flour with a little bit of water
Step 2:  If you are using egg; crack one egg into the chick pea flour and mix if the consistency is a paste then do not add water. If you find the mixture too moist then add a little more flour. The mixture needs to be thick in order to stick to your face and dry.
Step 3: Lastly add a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (make sure not to get this on any surfaces or your clothes as it stains and is very hard to get off.)
Step 4: Once your mask is ready apply it to the face and wait for it to dry.
It dries very hard and you can't move your face. If it hurts when you move your face muscles don't worry this is normal. I guess East Indians love torture, if it doesn't hurt it's not working right?
Step 5:  Once it is completely dry and harden take a wash cloth and run it under hot water and then place it on your face let it sit there and just push it onto your face to loosen the mask. The hardest part is getting that mask off so continue to run the wash cloth under hot water and place it on the your face. Once you feel the mask loosen a little you can then use hot water to remove the mask using a circular motion. This will take awhile as the mask is thick and very hard but once you have completely washed all of it off you will be pleasantly surprised by how baby soft and smooth your skin feels.


 What masks are part of your beauty routine? Any we should try?

OOTD - Leather Pants

Every season there is at least one new trend that I don’t know if I can get behind. Last season leather pants took over – everyone wore them. I agree that leather (legging/skinny) pants can look sleek and polished, but I wasn’t sure if it would work in such way for me. I bought these leather pants and they've hung in my closet for a while now; so since the weather resembled spring I paired it with a simple tank top, long sweater and a hat for brunch. I am not 100% sold on the whole leather pant thing on me, but I can see how easily the trend caught on. Leather pants are easy to style and can go from day to night with ease.

pants: Aritzia

sweater: Winners

shoes: Steve Madden

purse: Rebecca Minkoff

hat: Garage

Beauty Favorites: Mascara

Recently, I was trying to find something in a group chat on what's app with Amy and Zahra and it donned on me how many times we talk about beauty products we love or hate. Seeing what other people love and products they wear is fascinating, this is how I found half the products I now swear by.  Each month, Letters to LA LA Land team will share our favorite products and we would love to hear what products you love or don't love.

To kick things off this series, we are talking about our favorite mascaras.

Many women, three of us included, rarely leave the house with bare lashes. The mascara pulls together your entire look in a few seconds.  However, there are so many options to give a final touch to your eye look from waterproof to volumizing or lengthening. How do you pick? Here are the ones we keep going back to:

Amy:

I’ve been on the Gosh line for a little while – I like that they are middle priced, they have a fun name, and have a great assortment of brushes. They have a length and volume combo which I liked.

Zahra:

Currently, I don’t have one I absolutely love. I do like the tarte one but I’d have to buy it again and try it out to be sure as my last one was a sample size. Also I want to find one with more natural ingredients so I’m on a mission.

Nermisa:

I have tried more mascaras than most people I know. I recently started using less mascara during the work day thanks to Reviv Lash but I wear this Giorgio Armani mascara on days I do put mascara on for work; I like that its not heavy but gives me volume. I swear by Younique's Moodstruck3D mascara for all other times; its give me a fake lash look without clumping or being too heavy. 

What mascara do you use? Any we should try?

How to decorate a small place

Recently I downsized from a house to a condo; not only was my livable space cut down to 742 sq ft, but my storage space was eliminated almost completely.  Enter the need to decorate and store as effectively as possible.

Here's my top tips for making your small place look bigger!

Mirror, mirror on the wall: A well placed and chosen mirror can make any space seem larger and brighter. Reflecting natural light, giving the illusion of another window, or having a beautiful frame can all enhance a wall.

Storage Bed: Under the bed storage, without worrying about dust and random mess! Ideal for additional bedding, holiday decorations, camping gear, snowboarding  (or other seasonal items).

Folding Table with Storage: Awesome for tiny or non-existent eating areas. There are days when eating at the island or on the couch just doesn't work and this table expands to seat a few guests. When it's not in use, works great for a nice center piece  (candles and bamboo with a sweet little frame for example). (Shop: here or here)

Curtains: The right color, texture, and length can add dimension and energy to any room. There are so many options, in so many prices ranges, that if you can only choose one thing to start with, curtains is a must! (shop here: double rod, curtains)

OOTD - LBD

Everyone needs a perfect little black dress. I wear a lot of black to begin with, and own a few LBDs but this is my fall back on dress. If all else fails, I know I can wear this dress and be ready for anything. Since I am not a huge fan of peplum, I was skeptical about this dress; but after wearing it that first time proved me wrong. It hugs in all the right places and the peplum fall in the right places that make me feel good about myself.

That’s the point right? Having clothes that make you feel your best.

dress: H&M
shoes: Michael Antonio
purse: Steve Madden
necklace: H&M
coat: WorkHall
sunglasses: Tom Ford