Must Have Blogging Tools and Gadgets

Being a blogger is kind of like running a business. You need tools and gadgets to make the blog run - other than the obvious like laptop, camera, smart phone and SEO comparable blog there are few tools that make being a blogger easier and more effective.

A Ring Light.

If you are shooting any kind of videos or photos indoors and close up, a ring light is absolutely necessary. A ring light is a simple lighting tool that is commonly used for beauty shots, portraits, and macro photography. My ring light changes colors to adjust for best light, came with a tripod and is compatible with my phone.

Grammarly.

If you are taking time to write things - you should get someone to check your work, and grammarly is the easiest way to do that. The free version contains most of the features of Grammarly Premium apart from an advanced grammar checker, a plagiarism detector and some vocabulary enhancement suggestions. In other words, the free version of Grammarly is ideal for writers and bloggers with a minimal budget for writing tool.

Canva.

If you are adding graphics to anything you need Canva. Its super easy to use and they have a template for all social media platforms. 

Gorillapod or Tripod and Camera timer/clicker.

I live alone, and while I usually have a photographer during quarantine that without a tripod I would have ZERO photos for #OOTD.  A tripod is used to stabilize and elevate a camera but also make a great photographer in conjunction with a timer and a clicker.

Tailwind.

You heard me rave about this before but honestly it's been a game changer for me - Tailwind save time scheduling to Pinterest and Instagram, and because its setting is to post at the best times for engagement I noticed increase in engagement an traffic in the first month.

Photo editing tools. 

This kind of goes hand in hand with Canva but there is nothing worse than poorly edited or blurry photos on blogs and social media. Why would you spend time capturing anything when you gonna post it a in wrong format b blurry unedited or compromised. Get good at editing - there are ton of free apps and some that cost almost nothing. 

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Must Have Kitchen Gadgets

I m one of those people that when it comes to kitchen gadgets, I can go a little, okay a lot crazy and out of control. LIke walking into any store, especially Hudson's Bay and Canadian Tire I find like 5 things for my kitchen that I MUST have - but if we are being real, none of them are a must have, just a want. 

However here are 5 kitchen gadgets that everyone need, because they will make your kitchen so much more effective.

A stand mixer.

I swear by my Kitchen Aid but in theory any stand mixer will do and is essential. If you like to bake - anywhere from bread to dessert you wanna use 

Instant Pot.

I  had no idea what I was missing before I actually used mine. My parents got me one but i just recently started using it - it's like magic. Its fast, efficient, precise, intuitive, and perfectly capable of replacing most other devices in your kitchen (like a rice maker, slow cooker, steamer).

Garlic Press.

Specifically this Ikea $5.99 garlic press. It's easy to clean, stainless steel and awesome.

Immersion Blender. 

I don't have a blender so I use this bad boy to make delicious smoothies & blended drinks, and soup.

Mixing bowls.

Quality mixing bowls are necessary for any kitchen. I got these Master Chef mixing bowls with lids. I love that there’s nothing to shatter or chip, making them both durable and long-lasting, and their lightweight profile makes them easy to use. Plus they are great for storage.

What are you must have kitchen tools?

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My Favourite Beauty Tools

Beauty is so much more than just make up, for me it takes bunch of tools to keep my skin and body looking and feeling well. You guys already know how much I love my Michael Todd beauty soniclear, and today I rounded up few other favorites. Here are my go to beauty tools of the moment and why I love them:

The Soniclear Petite.

I love this little powertool if you will, it gently works to remove impurities and dead skin. I use the Soniclear Petite couple times a week because it leaves your skin feeling refreshed, cleaner, softer, smoother and healthier-looking.

Finishing Touch Flawless.

Yes, this kinda looks like a vibrator but it's actually a hair removing system.  It works to trim and cut down hair and you can sue it on the most sensitive parts of your body - I use it on my face, and it's never irritated my skin or made my hair grow in faster or spikier. 

Jade Roller.

I protested getting one, but I received one in a subscription box and man, was I missing out. Amongst feeling great on your face, there are ton of benefits of using a jade roller include a brighter complexion, increased blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and smaller fine lines. I put my jade roller in the freezer for like a minute, apply and oil and massage it into my skin, and roll in an upward motion from your neck up toward forehead, and sideways and upwards from the nose.

Straightening Iron.

Most time I am mess and don't do anything with my hair but on times I do actually get ready I use my straightener to straighten and curl my hair. I had a brief relationship with a curling wand that tried to burn me so I went back to curling my hair with my straightener. I love this one because it doesn't pull my hair or snag and it leaves my hair shiny and smooth.

Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush.

Since I leave my house with my hair wet most of the time, this brush is something I use every day, most days multiple times. The brush will glide smoothly through even the toughest of tangles; better still, it works the minute you step out of the bath or shower and won't damage your hair.

What are your go to beauty tools?

FTC: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you buy something through some our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We recommend only products we genuinely like. Thank you so much.

Five Ways to Keep Active at Home

We are on day... who the heck knows of quarantine and at some point I figured I'd have to start exercising because eating my weight and working from bed has taken its toll. So I started looking for online classes and videos to help keep boredom, hunger and cabin fever at bay. Here are five I came up with and actually loved:

Aimee Lee's online classes. 

From yoga to stretching to barre classes you can do from comfort of your home. She posts a weekly schedule on her instagram. Her classes are free but in this state of the world you can send her a $5 donations on Venmo @aimee-lee-3 or PayPal (or more if you’re feeling generous) 😉. You can DM or e-mail her for class invite.

Doing TikTok Challenges.

Now that you have finished laughing, trying to do some of those videos is SO HARD and a great workout. Plus its fun. Add me on tiktok @LetterstoLALAland

I did this video for charity fundraiser (they are still looking for donations) and by time I got it right (which was 5 rounds) I was breaking a sweat.

Fitsugar Zumba video.

I have learned I am NOT coordinated, and cannot dance but that zumba is a great workout (and these ladies are KILLING it).

BodyBoss Method.

I have the book and online access but I am fairly certain you can find most of it online. These workouts are a HIT circuit and best part come with pre-training and a 12 week program. Maybe it's just me but this book tries and kill me every time.

Jump Rope.

Skipping rope is one of the most effective cardio exercises around and there are videos you can follow that are 10 min and help you burn ton of calories. I do more of a leisurely jump rope aka I do it till I am sweating than sit down and complain.

How are you staying active?

FCT: NONE, zero, Just stuff I like.

Our Favourite Sport Movies

My brother and dad are having serious sport withdrawals - with all sports canceling or postponing their seasons, we got to talking about our favorite sport movies. 

After (much) debate, here is what we came up with:

Elvis:
Goal I and II

 

Coach Carter

Nezir (Hi dad, welcome to the blogoverse!):

Rocky (1976).

The Karate Kid (1984)

Nermisa:

The longest yard (2005).

Bend it like Beckham (2002).

Stephanie:
Remember the Titans (2000)

Hardball (2001)

A League of Their Own (1992)

Zahra:
amm does Love and Basketball count?

What are your favourite sport movies? Stay safe and well friends!

Quick Ways to Update Your Space on a Budget

I have been working overtime to get my house in shape to be sold. Call me crazy but i've been convinced to move out to the country and honestly the prospect of not having neighbours was really appealing. Having said that my house needed some work to make it more appealing. Here are the things I did that were small but made a huge difference. 

Paint- I know this one seems like a no brainer but a new coat of paint will do wonders, especially if you stick to bright neutrals. That way you are not imposing your style onto someone else they can make the space what they want. I mean look at that green, whyy, just why. 

Hardware- The kitchen has oak cabinets, and had wooden handles that made it look so dated. We bought all new door handles and voila the kitchen looks more modern. 

Accessories- New accessories can make any space look more modern and up to date, even if what you love is something retro it can still make your space look great. I got some simple pieces from Home Sense, a soap dispenser, glass container and a toothbrush holder. Although, I don't use it as a toothbrush holder but rather for my make up brushes.  

Shower Curtain- I know this one might seem like a no brainer but, I never noticed the shower curtain in my bathroom. I just moved in with my husband and whatever he had was fine with me. Now that I am selling the house I looked around and thought omg is there a bus on that curtain that has to go. So out it went and in came this gorgeous grey and white textured curtain. It's so pretty I love it. Go look in your bathroom does the curtain bring you joy, if it doesn't replace it. 

What are your tips and tricks for updating on a budget?

Holiday Gift Ideas $20 and Under

The time of year for friends or co-workers getting together for the holidays is fast approaching. Every year we have a girls Christmas get together that includes a gift exchange. Usually we do secret Santa but this year we decided to change it up and do generic gifts with a $20 limit and play a gift exchange game. This got me thinking what can I get that will appeal to a lot of people? I mean the best part at least for me, is when people fight for your gift. Here are my top picks. 

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Poo-Pourri- I saw a commercial for this the other day and laughed a lot but it's a really good idea. I mean how embarrassing is it to have to go in a public place (no just me)? Anyway, this product is great and they have so many scent choices. There are so many options for under $20 at Bed Bath and Beyond check them out.

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DASH Mini Waffle Maker- Who doesn't love waffles, I know I do so fluffy and so good. This mini waffle maker is only $19.99  which is right on budget. 

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Lip Scrub- It's Winter and that means dry chapped lips that's why this gift will appeal to everyone who doesn't want to get rid of that dry flakey top layer from their lips, I know I do. This is just one lip scrub there are so many options that are $20 or less. 

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Essential Oil Diffuser- These are great for your office or small spaces, they humidify the air and you can add essential oils to lightly scent your space. I love to give these as gifts and this is a great way to introduce people to essential oils.

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Hamilton-Beach Single Serve Blender- Who doesn't love a good smoothie, this blender is perfect you can toss everything in get in your car and blend it, at home and just take the cup and go. Or if you have the space you could have this at work especially since it's so small and has one cup. I think this gadget is the best idea ever. 

What are your gift ideas? What should I add to the list?

Essentials For a BWB Fall

Fall is here and I never get tired of making BWB and Pumpkin Spice jokes. So enjoy my list of essentials for a BWB Fall, everything from clothes, food and things to do.

Clothes- The essentials are an infinity scarf preferably plaid, Uggs, a Plaid shirt or an oversized sweater or both.

Food- Pumpkin Spice Latte's because they were they original pumpkin spice annnnddd pumpkin spice Errthing DUH!!! Everything from cookies, to doughnuts, to muffins to cake to alcoholic drinks.

Things to Do- Corn Maze,  Pumpkin Patch, Haunted House, Hay Ride, Apple Picking, and a Ghost Tour.

Edmonton Corn Maze || Edmonton Pumpkin Patch || Deadmonton Haunted House || Apple Picking || More Edmonton Events for fall || Family Fun Events

Top 5 Pumpkin Spice Recipes

I hate to say it but I think Summer is over, Starbucks has released their PSL's (Pumpkin Spice Lattes) and with that signals the end of Summer. On the plus side you can all live your best life and have pumpkin spice everything, it is not limited to lattes anymore. Here are my top 5 favourite pumpkin spice recipes found on Pinterest.

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How will you show your basicness this Fall? What's your fav PSL recipe?

Top 5 Things to Bring to the Beach

Summer is the best, it's the shortest season here in Canada so we like to enjoy it to the fullest. We have some amazing lakes here in Canada and what better way is there to spend the day then at the beach. Here are my top five things I bring with me that makes the day more enjoyable. 

Drink Cup- You can't have open liquor at public beaches so instead of leaving your drinks at home buy a cup and you can have your drink anywhere and no one is the wiser. We got these cute ones at the dollar store. 

Cooler- it's hot out so you need to keep your snacks and drinks cool. I suggest getting a small cooler with wheels. It makes finding the perfect spot easier because you will be willing to walk further to find it if your cooler has wheels. 

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Blanket- They have these blankets for the beach now that are waterproof and sand free. These blankets are amazing I don't know how I lived without one.

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Waterproof Speaker- You can play some music and relax, it doesn't have to be too loud so you don't disturb people around you but loud enough to have nice background music. You can get a cheap one off Amazon or you can spend a little more and get a Bose one.

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Floaty- You need a floaty that way you can stay in the water for longer and keep cool but also lounge and relax. Floaties are not just for kids, check out this cool unicorn floaty. There are so many to choose from and so many options.  I personally like ones with either mesh in the middle or a hole so I can have part of my body in the water. 

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What do you take to the beach?

Top 5 Spring Cleaning Tips

I hate cleaning, I think that may be the understatement of the year. I love a clean and organized house I just hate doing it myself, so enter Pinterest and the internet for tips and tricks that will make this dreaded task easier. Here are the top 5 tips and tricks I found that really work. Happy Spring cleaning :)

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1. Cleaning the Range Hood Filter: no matter what I tried the filter still always had a slight yellow film to it, that I could not get rid of. For this all you need is boiling water and baking soda, here's link to the tutorial .

2. Remove Baked-On Grease from a Cookie Sheet- I could never get my cookie sheet clean no matter how many things I tried and not even after washing after every use. I had all but given up until I stumbled onto this hack. You will need Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda for this, it's magical so try it out.

3. Clean Inside the Glass on an Oven Door: I had no idea when I was cleaning the glass door that the reason it never got clean looking was the grease and grim in between the glass. This hack finally got my oven looking new again.

4. Remove Grease and Built-up Grime From Kitchen Cabinets- I was looking for a way to clean the kitchen cabinets in my condo that I rent. Everything looks brand new in it except the real wood cabinets (that I paid extra for  btw). You will need coconut oil and baking soda check out the full instructions here. 

5. Clean Your Washer- My washer is only a year old but with my husband having greasy and grimy work clothes to wash every week the spinny part (yes that is the technical term) was starting to look black so I tried cleaning it with a magic eraser which did not work. I found this hack and it worked great, even if your washer isn't as dirty as mine you should still clean it every so often. Check out the full instructions here.

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What are your cleaning hacks for Spring? Do you do a deep clean yearly?

Top 5 Natural Products I'm Loving

Recently, I have been obsessed with trying to find natural products or DIYs using natural products. One reason is Earth Day and wanting to do my part to cut down on my waste. I'm not perfect by any means and this is my first crack at this so there will be plastic containers and things but I figure baby steps are better than no steps at all. Below are the products and DIYs I found that I am loving.

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Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing- I have seen this product used by a bunch of beauty vloggers, so I decided to try it out. I used it last night and mixed it with apple cider vinegar. It was amazing your face pulsates and when it dries you can't move it but afterwards my face felt so clean and my pores looked so much smaller. I highly recommend this and you can get it on Amazon for $12.

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Cold Pressed Castor Oil- I read that this can help grow your brows and lashes. I have long lashes but I always lacked volume so I have been using cold pressed castor oil and it is a game changer! I love it my lashes are thicker and the space in my eyebrows is almost gone. you can buy this in the organic aisle at the grocery store or online at  Amazon for $19 the one pictured above is great because it comes with everything you need.



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 Thayer's Witch Hazel toner- I have seen this on Pinterest so many times I decided to finally try it out and I love it! It feels great on my skin and doesn't dry it out like I thought it would. It also has great reviews on Amazon you can get a bottle for roughly $20.


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Rose Water- Rose water can be used as toner as well, or as a part of a DIY I found this one from one of my favourite beauty vloggers Farah Dhukai, you can check out this video on YouTube or check out her Instagram @farahdhukai for great DIYs. She also has a video using the Aztec healing clay above and Castor oil on lashes. I told you she was my fav! I usually buy this in the international aisle at the grocery store but you can also find it online.

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 Apple Cider Vinegar - This product is great when combined with others to make a face or hair mask. I mentioned it above as I used it with the clay to make a mask but you can use it with other products for other DIYs to tackle other issues. Check out @madinashrienzada on Instagram for DIYs using Apple Cider Vinegar or @farahdhukai. I use Bragg's specifically because I read it's better to use unpasteurized and with mother apple cider vinegar. You can find this one at the grocery store or online. Once I started looking for it I saw it everywhere if you are in Canada Superstore carries it in the organic aisle.

What natural products do you love? Who should we follow on Instagram for more DIYs?