Hello my loves!

First off let's discuss the elephant in the room and touch base on my disappearance..wasn't cool..won't happen again..and done:)

Life got crazy busy for a bit and I didn't have a chance to sit down and give my all to this blog but nevertheless better late than never!  Check up on a few things I've been up to lately on my channel Stylelights for the Holiday season!

Christmas is just around the corner and the excitement is real guys! Hopefully these videos will give you a little inspiration and just get you feeling so dang Festive! If Holiday stuff isn't your thing, no worries - I just released a new Q&A video that was highly requested by my subscribers so check it out!

 It covers everything from most embarrassing moments, the coolest celeb I've met, singing, Camp rock inside deets and more:) If you've ever wondered what it would be like to just sit and chit chat with me..this is it!

Sending lots of love and a Dash of something pretty

With Warmer days comes Wedding Season!❤ {Get Ready with Me!}

Hello loves❤

It was a beautiful sunny day and Michael and I were eagerly anticipating celebrating the Wedding of our good friends Simon and Jamie! In case you didn't put two and two together..Michael is the "other half" I so frequently refer to:) also, that dashing man pictured above haha!

When it comes to being a guest at a wedding, is it just me but I am always scrambling to figure out what the heck to wear! {You would think it would be easy since I have an entire room dedicated to my closet}but nope..I get frantic - a whole different kind of level of frantic - Big thanks to Michael for still loving me throughout those times!

After deciding what to wear, the next major thing to figure out is Hair & Makeup. Now since this was a rather warm day, I had many things to take into account.

❤My hair couldn't be down because long hair with the heat isn't a good fit - let's be honest
❤My dress couldn't be too short or be white or cream{hello it's a wedding}
❤My makeup had to be something that would stay on my face all day & be effortless

Take a peek at what look I decided to rock! & no I didn't wear that white top to the wedding..but girl was it ever hard to pick out something from my closet that wasn't!! As you can see, I decided to go for a pale peachy colored printed High-low maxi dress that I've had for years from Forever21. It was the perfect amount of class yet still keeping it young and fun!

It was a gorgeous wedding and we were so thankful to be apart of it. We danced all night long with our friends and truly made it a night to remember. The Bride was glowing in her dress as her eyes met her groom waiting at the end of the aisle and we could not be happier that they found each other.

        Thank you to Simon & Jamie for adding that Dash of Something Pretty to our day❤

A little bit of effortless beauty with my {Prom Inspired Makeup look}❤

Hello loves❤

I recently shot a fun new video for my Youtube Channel Stylelights and what is so great about it, is that it is my very FIRST Collab! I paired up with my beautiful friend Krissy Grotez to film a {Prom Inspired Makeup look} for those who are getting ready to hit that dance floor hard & break out those stunning ensembles❤

Now as mentioned in my video, it has been quite a long time since I myself have gone to Prom..and yes, I may have shared the epic outfit choice my date decided to show up in

{trust me ladies - it was a good one!} 

Prom is a night most of us will never forget..& sometimes...one that may never be remembered {don't act like you don't know what I mean haha} but one thing about prom always stays the same - every girl picks out the most beautiful gown and flaunts the most beautiful makeup!

For my {Prom Inspired Makeup look} I decided to create a Rose colored smokey eye with a hint of deep purple for more definition. Sounds fancy huh?! - c'mon hunny it's PROM! Did ya think I was gonna create a subtle look?! Now of course, for Prom you not only gotta get your makeup on point but your hair needs a little luvin as well! For that, I created a low braided side bun, with wispy curls and a small cross over side braid - it's so easy to recreate and just adds that little bit of effortless beauty to your look. {If you want to see a tutorial feel free to let me know❤}

I hope you all enjoy the tutorial and don't forget to stop by Krissy's Channel to take a peek at her's!

Be sure to show her some love and Subscribe!

To all my lovely girls getting ready to celebrate one last night as seniors, I hope you have a wonderful evening and create lifelong memories. Let your beauty shine and own the night!

 After this, you embark on many more amazing adventures,

 {just be sure to always add your own Dash of something pretty to whatever comes next❤}     

My Natural Spring Makeup look❤ because let's be honest..a Fresh face is always the better choice! & {BIG NEWS}

Hello loves❤

Today was a special day...today was the day I announced to the YouTube world where and what I've been doing for X amount of months! Of course my loyal {a Dash of Something Pretty}fans obviously got the inside scoop first!

Clearly because you guys are my favorite.

Just kidding I love you all oodles & oodles❤

But I finally unveiled the secret of becoming a {Certified Lash Technician} & {Brow & Wax Stylist}
Naturally, my amazing Subscribers serenaded me with nothing but positive words & excitement.
Which just made me melt- THIS is why I do what I do

Aside from my gushing moment, I decided to shoot a {Natural Spring Makeup look} for you all. As you are definitely aware, where I live, Spring hasn't quite made it's appearance..it's snowing & I'm currently in a crop top freezing my buns off trying to film a "Spring" look..don't worry. I'm questioning my life choices too.

Nevertheless, the show must go on! Spring looks are honestly the most fun to film -why?- because you get to:

{1.} Bring out your most vibrant colors in makeup & clothing
{2.} Can get away with having a {Fresh face} even if it really doesn't require putting much of anything on
                                                               &
{3.} You get to prance around in floral everything..but really..go hard.

Today I decided to show you one of the effortless Natural Spring looks I like to rock during the warmer days. This look is so simple to recreate and really doesn't need much of anything at all. What I try to do for all of my tutorials is to use products that can easily be substituted. I don't believe in having to always spend ridiculous amounts of money on high end products at stores like Sephora or Mac - don't get me wrong I do have a few- but for the most part, you'd be amazed at what you can find in the drugstore that is extremely comparable! To be honest, most of my makeup products ARE from the drugstore because {A}If I'm going to film tutorials, I may as well get products that you all can easily pick up without breaking the bank, and {B} well, I don't like breaking MY bank.

With that said, check out my tutorial above and feel free to substitute as we go!

 It's all about creating your perfect vision for what looks good on YOU! 

So, I hearby grant you permission to make this look your OWN Dash of something Pretty❤ 

Cheers to New Adventures❤ {Lashes & Waxing & Brows Oh my!}

Hello again loves❤

It's been a while since my last post, but for good reason! In case the title didn't tip you off, I have been embarking on a New Adventure! No, it may not be to the Land of OZ like my dearest Judy Garland but it's pretty amazing nevertheless.

As you are all aware, my passion is within the Beauty Industry - this is most certainly not a secret! The Beauty world is constantly evolving. There is always something new to learn and that is precisely what I love about it. You are continuously given the opportunity to keep growing & perfecting your craft. After countless hours and sleepless nights {mainly from the "Oh my god..Is this actually happening" thoughts, I am proud to say that I have been training my bum off working towards a pretty huge goal of mine.

In about a weeks time, I will officially be a{Certified Lash Technician} & a {Brow & Wax Stylist}❤

I cannot gush enough how excited I am to finally be done my training and move forward FULL FORCE with what will be a new career of mine! It's crazy to look back at my very first post here on
a Dash of Something Pretty and simply see the title {New Year, New Chances, Same Dreams}. When I first started this Blog, I did it because it was always a dream of mine - to FINALLY create my very own blog featuring everything & anything that makes me happy. Everything that I have done in my life all started with a simple dream, yes I know that is over the top corny but seriously, it all started with goals. At the beginning of this year, I took a moment to sit down and make a list of everything I hoped to accomplish for 2015. On that exact list, a few of the main things I wrote were:

❤ Create my own Blog featuring anything I am passionate about
❤Start living a life free of negativity - get rid of everything that does not make you better as a person
❤Pursue a Career that you utterly L o v e
❤Take time to Breathe - & be OK with it

What I love about creating lists is that it is all about the visual! If everyday you can see what goals you have set for yourself and what you expect out of your life, it is so much easier to slowly check them off once you have conquered each and every one of them. I can proudly say that for these particular goals of mine - I have happily checked them all off! I knew this year, was a year for change. I needed to conquer each of my goals in order for me to in a sense see the light at the end of the tunnel haha {for a while it was quite a fog} But I am in such a better place in my life that the fog has finally lifted! {totally just said out loud "Praise the lord" in the most southern gospel accent }

This Blog has allowed me to share all parts of my life with my readers just as much as my subscribers on my YT Channel Stylelights. All of you truly get the best of me and more importantly bring out the best in me. You each have given me so much joy in the fact that you simply love and support all that I am and everything that I do so with that said, I think I owe it to you to share this incredible journey with you!

Take a peek at some of the work I have created thus far for my clients❤

Guess I really am adding my own Dash of Something Pretty❤

Cheers to New Adventures {Lashes & Waxing & Brows Oh My!}

How to further {Perfect} what is already {Perfect}❤

Hello loves❤

Today's post is about the ever so popular {Makeup Routines}! On my Youtube Channel "Stylelights", my Subscribers have a fond love of telling me that my skin is flawless - while this of course is extremely flattering - I think every girl will 99% of the time say it's all about finding the right products that work well with your skin to give that "Flawless" look without caking it on & still bringing out your natural beauty.

Truthfully, I feel my best when having little to no makeup on, but hey that's just me. I think girls these days underestimate what they already have to work with, all they see in the media is celebrities wearing pounds of makeup and assume that's what is needed to be classified as "pretty".

What we all need to do is take a step back and truly {see} ourselves. See those beautiful eyes - see those freckles - see those beauty marks - see it all and understand that you don't have to cover that up. Now don't get me wrong, I love makeup & I am not saying that you gotta go out with a bare face. I too have things that are not exactly what I would call perfect and so there are little things that you can do to make yourself feel a bit more comfortable..

Hence the title {How to Perfect what is already Perfect}!

Now for me,  I have three main things that don't quite fit my ideal look.

* I lack Full Brows - so to achieve the look I desire most, I fill them in
* I have always had extremely short eyelashes - so what makes me feel comfortable is getting eyelash extensions
* I have a really round face - so to slim it out & give some definition, I love to contour

The most important thing to understand is that although I may have things that I am not quite happy with about my look - It doesn't mean that it makes me any less "pretty". To be honest, whenever I post a makeup tutorial the majority of the comments I receive aren't about the makeup itself, but instead about how "naturally beautiful I am" - which says it all right there. You don't need to put pounds of makeup on, what you see everyday in the mirror is gorgeous as it is - so instead, to make yourself truly believe it - there are simple things that you can do to play up your natural beauty & truly feel good doing it!

To give you an idea as to what my typical routine would look like, take a peek at my {Full Face & Foundation Routine} as well as my {Brow Routine}for my tips and tricks on how to stay super natural..with a Dash of Something Pretty❤

A Day in my Life- Wintery Day out with my Mama❤

Hello loves❤

I bet you all thought I was kidding when I titled my previous post "Spring Inspired outfit - yet still making snow angels". Nope, I wasn't lying...It's March & we've still got quite a bit of snow on the ground - But it's pretty so I can't really complain!

First off, a big Thank you to all of my subscribers for requesting more Vlogs on my channel, I'm so happy you guys enjoy getting the chance to get a sneak peek into my life! On this particular day it was my day off so I decided to head out to Hamilton to spend it with my mum. If you are familiar with the city, it holds many {interesting things for lack of a better word haha} but truthfully has many amazing places to visit. On this day, we ventured out to Princess Point which is a breath taking spot right on the lake especially when the sun is setting. For once we had a GORGEOUS Sunny day so we knew we had to spend it outside with our pups..even if it WAS in the snow ❤

It was a beautiful day to be spent with my favorite woman & I can honestly say in my life, she is truly my Dash of Something Pretty❤ 

Outfit of the Day❤ Spring Inspired..yet still making snow angels..

Hello loves❤

I don't know about you but here in Ontario, Spring just does not look like it's coming any time soon! Nevertheless, I will NOT let that bring me down and stop me from bringing out the skirts! I pretty much live in skirts and Dresses when those warmer days roll in...it's actually a little embarrassing how many of them I own to be honest - but when it comes to my best girls needing a cute outfit? My closet is the spot to shop! So that's a plus - finally giving back to the community haha.

Today, I decided to pull out one of my favorite Velvet skirts and pair it with some knee high socks, a cute grey cropped sweater and my trusty Steve Madden boots❤

For the Makeup, I usually tend to rock as little as possible. I don't know what it is but there is something so liberating about wearing little to no makeup...maybe it's just me. Today I went with my signature full Brows {because let's be real everyone needs killer brows}, a little natural taupe shadow, Some eyeliner,  paired with a pretty gold liner along my lower lash line❤

For the hair, recently I have been adoring anything with Braids! Today I went with a small braid pinned to the side with some loose waves❤

Here's hoping Spring makes an appearance soon! These Winter blues are in desperate need of a Dash of Something Pretty❤

Valentine's Day Inspiration | Hair & Makeup Tutorial

Hello loves♥

 It's almost VALENTINE'S DAY which pretty much means it's national {Pretty Day}- It's a day where us ladies like to go all out with our hair, makeup, outfits..pretty much anything for that special someone! Now don't get me wrong, that "Special someone" doesn't have to be a husband or a boyfriend! You can get dulled up for a night out with your friends or a night in with yourself {prepping for those selfies that you KNOW are going to be going down}. Personally, my special someone is my puppy this year..ok..maybe not..when my other half see's this I'm definitely going to get an ear full..sorry hunny..all in good fun...{but she is my fave}

When it comes to Valentine's Day, there are so many different trends that are simply essential to rock! Pretty Bow's - Velvet {anything} - Romantic curls - Bold Red lips - Flowers {everywhere} - Flirty lashes - just to name a few. Every girl has her own style, and it's fun to mix it up a bit! I personally love all of these trends and put them into action depending on how I am feeling that day♥    

Take a peek at one look I put together recently for one of my more comfy days yet still flirty featuring a floral velvet skirt..

Today, I wanted to give you an idea of how to do your makeup on that special day & give you options on how to accessorize. I have to say that I adore Bohemian styles! They are extremely feminine and fun & earthy and pretty much remind me of a whimsical hippie - yup I definitely just said that. I love the wavy curls- head chains - flower crowns - honestly everything about it! However, the best part is when you combine Bohemian & Glam together, it immediately creates such a fantastic look..guess you could say it's Boho - with a Dash of Something Pretty!

So with that said, here is a simple look I've created featuring two of my favorite headbands for the "Boho Chic" type of girl♥

A tutorial Recap♥ J-14 magazine!!

Hello loves♥ 

As you may already know...I kind of have a thing for makeup, it's no secret. I am a sucker for a killer smokey eye and yet completely adore a natural feminine look. In 2014, I wanted to bring my Stylelights Subscribers more makeup looks that they could easily recreate! I know what it's like to be that girl who looks at someone's amazing makeup and simply not know how to do it - trust me, I've sat on Youtube searching tutorials for hours- and even when I thought I was getting the hang of it...oh I was wrong..terribly wrong. The biggest thing I've learned is practice makes perfect! I am constantly learning new things and continuously trying to improve my technique, and that's exactly what you have to do when it comes to makeup. Heck, I am still trying to master the winged eyeliner so don't feel discouraged if you don't pick it up the first time!

My main goal was to provide my awesome subscribers some makeup looks that I like to rock & include instructions on exactly how to achieve it- so there is no guess work. In some of my tutorials, I go more in depth with how I do everything and others are simply "Get ready with me" videos to show a brief overview of how I get to the end result! Nevertheless, both seem to be something that are equally enjoyed {which is fantastic to see} and just means that I can continue doing something that I absolutely love! I could jump for joy at what Stylelights has now become & how well it has grown - did I tell you the best part yet?! - it was mentioned in J-14 Magazine!!  Pretty cool right?! A new subscriber said that she saw an article of me in it alongside my Camp Rock Cast & they mentioned my channel♥  {Thanks for letting me know girl!}

With that said, I am blessed to have such amazing and supportive people in my life who truly enjoy what I do and look forward to what I am going to do next! Makeup & styling seems to be my thing, so who knows where it'll take me *wink wink* Until then, take a peek at some of my favorite looks I've created so far♥

Cheers to new creations for 2015♥ 

My Mini Winter lookbook♥

Hello loves♥ 

Today I decided to put together a few of my favorite looks that I have been rocking this winter♥  When it comes to my style, there isn't a specific look I generally tend to stick to - I am kind of all over the place to be honest! I've never been one to be confined to a certain thing {or in this case a category} and if you were to ask anyone who knows me they'd tell you I wasn't lying! Now now..don't go ahead thinking I rock pink tutus and polka dot tops..I draw the line somewhere..although back in my "Naturally Sadie" days there's a good chance they included that particular outfit in my wardrobe. Ohhh Disney.

Nevertheless, Fashion & Styling is all about exploring! My style constantly changes depending on how I'm feeling that day. One day I'd rock something a little edgy yet sophisticated - girly chic - feminine & classy then switch to something super-all-out-just-plain-comfy! Now I have to admit, I'm quite attached to my high buns & leggings, so that {super-all-out-just-plain-comfy} outfit may make an appearance 98% of the time.

 Style says a lot about a person. You can in a sense see their personality in it. What I love about fashion is that there are endless ways to create a killer look. Don't ever be afraid to break boundaries - you wanna wear cheetah print pants and a fedora? - girl go for it! Tomorrow Victoria Beckham may be doing the exact same thing!  

With that said, here's a look at a few pieces I like to throw together for the winter. I hope you enjoy it and be sure to Subscribe to my Youtube Channel "Stylelights" for more fun videos♥

Remember being Unique is an amazing thing. Create your style and own it. It's your perfect vision, with {a Dash of Somthing Pretty}♥ 

My Everyday Winter Makeup❄

Hello loves♥

I woke up today to a beautiful snowfall and it inspired me to show you what my {Everyday Winter Makeup Routine} looks like! Although the snowfall was quite beautiful...with it came some oh so lovely grey cloudy skies..which of course isn't something a Youtuber kisses the ground for. Nevertheless, I made do with what I had and Voila!!

Many of my amazing Stylelights Subscribers have been so supportive of everything that I do and I can honestly say with all my heart, Thank you. It has been quite a journey and I am so thankful that each and every one of them have been along for the ride.

 It is amazing to see that something that was simply a hobby turned into a passion of mine! Seriously though, let's break this down.. 

I grew up in front of the camera - hence the incredible comfort talking to it as no one is around..by myself..like a weirdo

I was always the girl {who may have been the tomboy in the sense of - I would rather play soccer at recess then gab with the girls} but I had to make sure I looked good doing it! Makeup was on point..well as best as it could be for a 10 year old. I may have succumbed to the oh so glamorous blue eye shadow...yes that's right..BLUE eye shadow. {It wasn't one of my best moments}

Growing up I would spend hours designing outfits in drawings & pairing up cute outfit ideas from my wardrobe - which were usually styled after the Olsen Twins - they were my favs #YASSSSS

And even now at my age the Style and Beauty obsession hasn't faded - I have mounds of makeup - Piles of Clothes that I simply do not know what to do with - & sadly a whole room dedicated to both. Yes I know. My Better half gives me hell for it too.

So in truth, I feel like being a Beauty & Style Vlogger just makes sense! All the pieces were there, just had to create my puzzle♥ 

New Year. New Chances. Same Dreams.

Hello loves,

Kind of crazy right? It's a New Year, we say goodbye to everything we (may be happy) to be leaving behind, to say hello to something BRAND NEW! I for one have to say that with 2015 now in full affect, I have multiple emotions running through my system. I am scared, happy, slightly want to scream, feeling crazy inspired and yet could possibly end it off with a few tears. Great combo right? Nevertheless, this is a year for change.

I have sat back and watched my life coast by for quite some time now. Yes, I may have had some incredible experiences and opportunities in the past, but when things got too crazy it came to a point where I forgot what I truly wanted in life and had to take a step back. Heck, I think I'm still trying to decide, but one thing I have always said was that I would never settle. It's actually my biggest fear.. You have to do what you love & love what you do. It's like my favorite quote: "Once you find out what it is that lights you up, you can start pursuing it with purpose". For 2015, I am doing just that. It's time to say goodbye to the fear holding you back. If you have a passion for something, girl go after that! Life passes you by sooner than you think. One thing that I do know, I have always had a love for all things {pretty}. It can sometimes come in the simplest form but if you have an eye for it, you can find inspiration in so many beautiful things. "You were Created, To Create".

 My passion is to put my heart into everything I do. To put my signature on the world.. with a {dash of something pretty}.