COCOMELODY WEDDING DRESSES

Never in my live I've dreamt about my wedding. 

When I was younger I've never ever ever thought about what kind of dress I would like to wear if or when I go down the aisle. 

But lately I've been more curious about it. It's funny because, I never thought I wanted a nice dress but since I've started searching about it I've found that there are actually some dresses that fit my personality and that I would actually wear! COCOMELODY is an online shop presents a huge number of dresses, all styles and types with great quality and with awesome prices! For over 15 years, CocoMelody has been an expert producing excellent dresses in Wedding Industry. The idea behind is store is to "o make every bride happy, no matter what their budget might be". How awesome is this concept?! I think is great, because me personally, I don't want to spend 20k$ on a dress that I'm only gonna wear for half a day! I browsed a little bit and I've found several dresses that I LOVE -- and at an awesome price point! 

HERE

The first one that I loved is this A lined backless gown . I love the neckline and the back. I think it's just so simple but at the same time so romantic! I really like it. It is something I would wear. I also love the ribbon, it gives it a pop of colour and for me breaks the wight and gives it a fun element.

HERE

Another one that caught my eyes, was this Sheath-Column Silhouette Backless Wedding Dresses . It is more fitted and it is super sexy without being over-the-board. I love the long open back and the straps. And the lace. Gorgeous. 

HERE

The last one I've chosen is this very simple Tulle one. It is so simple, but the dress it self has such a lovely texture. I don't know why but for me it reminds me of a weeding on the beach. It looks so light and flowy. And I love the long V in the back. I think this dress would look great with a very sparkly necklace.

So if you are thinking about getting married, planning the most important day of your life, or if you are just curious about wedding dress, visit cocomelody.com ! I'm sure you will find something to help making your day even more perfect :)

Braces | Week #18 Update + #slighlyregretingit

This last week has been rough to say the least. I've had a lot of pain. Way more that I had with my top braces. During the first 3 or 4 days, just moving my mouth was painful. Most of the pain was on the right side, and I felt like my teeth were being pulled out, like something was constantly pulling them outwards... it's hard do explain. And at the same, i was feeling some resistance when I tried to open my mouth. I was so uncountable that I even had to take some sleeping pills. Now, it doesn't hurt any more.

With all this pain I would expect some movements,  but not. I don't see any differences.

And you know something great? Food gets stuck EVERYWHERE!  I need to brush, gargle,  floss every freaking time I eat something and sometimes that's not even enough! It's so disgusting ans annoying! As for my top braces,  no changes too. But I guess there's not much left to change.

#slighlyregretingit

Review | LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub

You all know, by now, how much I like exfoliating stuff, right?  I don't need to explain it again...

Anyway,  because of having braces my lips get extremely dry - specially during the night.  So the other week when I went to Lush I remembered how much I used to love their lip scrubs! I think it was the very first Lush product I've ever tried and I had just completely forgotten how much I adored it.

So I picked up the Mint Julip Lip Scrub, which is actually a sugar scrub. Oh yeah, it is made of sweet sweet granulated sugar that you can eat! This one has a smell that I love: thin mints -- or after eight chocolates! Oh it's delicious! It has vanilla extract and a bunch of essential oils that make you lips smooth and nurtured!

I really enjoy using this product in the morning and in the shower. And I just need to mention the smell once again! Super good!

To use it, you just take a pea-size amount -- you don't need much, a little bit goes a long way -- and you just rub it on your lips with your finger. applying some pressure to really loosen up all the dead skin. Then you can lick the excess and apply your favorite lip balm. And that's it. Your lips will look smooth and shinny all day long!

Poison Prevention Week 2016 | Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Today I'm bringing you a post a little bit more serious from my regular posts. I was contacted by Cameron and his wife Heather to talk a little bit about toxins and to promote Poison Prevention Week. Heather was exposed to asbestos as a young girl, and in 2005 was diagnosed with a type of cancer that is caused by being exposed to asbestos. Since than, Cameron has made his mission to spread the word about toxins and their presence in our homes. 

We've all heard about toxins, right?. But do you know what is a toxin and where they can be found? Most people don't. They think that toxins are something that is only found in dangerous and controlled substances. Well, you know what? That's no true at all. We encounter toxins in our daily basis, in our common household objects, and we don't even realize.

A toxin is a substance that is harmful for humans, that comes from a natural or biological source. It's just a fancy name for a poison. This word is much more scary, don't you agree...? Poison... Yeah, but that's exactly what a toxin is. And we are poising yourselves everyday without even knowing. And many of this toxins -- if not all --  affect our bodies by causing cancer.

Some of this toxins come from compounds that are present in plastics, detergents or even in textiles. But having this information, we can pay attention and try to avoid buying products that contain specifically this specific products. For example, a lot of make up products or shower products already clearly claim that they are "Parabens  free". It is important to avoid this type of products specially if you have kids, if you're trying to get pregnant or if you have a historical of cancer in your family or if you are more prone to have cancer for some reason.  If you know how cancer "works" you know what I mean... Anyway, whatever is you case or situation, you want to keep the odds of having cancer at bay. At least I know I want. I have been concerned with this issue for many years, and whenever I can I try to pay attention and avoid products that my be harmful.

But there are one specific thing that what worries me the most. Asbestos (amianto, in Portuguese).

Asbestos can be found in roofs of schools and public buildings, It was the main material used for roofing in 70's. And it causes cancer. In fact, it causes a specific type of cancer called  mesothelioma. Since the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos was scientifically proven, a lot of buildings were re-roofed, replacing the asbestos for other materials. But not all of them have been converted yet. Actually, last week I saw on the news that a kinder-garden in the city where I live still have asbestos on the roof. The news-piece was basically the director of the place was saying that ALL the ladies that worked there had some sort of cancer in some point of their life. Coincidence? I don't think so. I know that kinder-garden, I know people that went there. It scares be, because we just don't know that it is there.

Heather was diagnosed with mesothelioma, after giving birth to her baby girl, years later after being exposed! She was given 15 months to live, but luckily after a life-saving surgery she is well and thriving today! If you'd like find more information about her journey and history you can check her blog series at  mesothelioma.com/heather/survivor .

Mesothelioma -- as well as other form of cancer -- are preventable, but it is important to be informed about toxins and carcinogens.

To Heather and Cameron, thank you so much for sharing your story with my and with the world and thank you for the opportunity to share this information and be a part of this event.

Braces | Week #17 Update + Bottom braces

Wow, I just noticed that this past month I haven't posted anything about my braces, but the truth is that nothing really excited happend. My top teeth haven been completely straight for a while now. They look good I guess, but they look different from before. Each one has its exact own position, they are not overlapping not ever a millimeter! I don't know what kind of black magic is this but it did make a huge difference.

This morning I had an appointment and I went to get my bottom braces.

This time I didn't need spacers because the doctor didn't use the metal rings around my molars, like she did for my top braces. She just glued the pieces in place and that was it. It was super easy and fast, didn't hurt a bit. Of course,  changing the elastics on the top was painful but there's nothing I can do about that. As the time passed today I started to fell more and more pain. Specially on the right side. I feel a lot of pressure and pain like if I had something stuck in between all my teeth. But I'am sure that it will all go away in a few days. It's uncomfortable and it give me headaches!

I feel like I make this pledge every time but. if you have any tips, comments or suggestions on how to live with braces, share your wisdom with me please :)

Lisbon, today, 15:30h

Did you see the blizzard today?! Omg!

Definition of a waste of time (and energy!) : to straighten your hair on a rainy day.

I love to walk in the city. I don't won a car and I always walk anywhere I go. Or take the metro. But if I can, I will walk. I love to go through the beautiful streets, to see the people and to admire the buildings. I used to walk a lot when I lived in Paris, and I do the same in Lisbon. And that's how you really get to know a city.

Review | Continente Bubble Wash Soft Sponge

The other day I was shopping at a Continente, and I was walking around the shower and bath stuff and I found out this cute bath sponge. It was very cheap so I decided to pick one up to to try it out and, guys, I'm very impressed! 

It is very soft but at the same time slightly abrasive. The texture of the exterior is just like a towel, it is very squishy and when you fill it up with body wash it makes the most wonderful little bubbles. It's awesome. I've been really loving it to wash my face. In fact I've been using it every morning with warm water and soap and it works perfectly. I've also been using it instead of make-up removal wipes and is just awesome. It doesn't scratch your face or burn your eyes and you can use it with your favorite face-washing or make-up removing products!
It is made of cotton -- at least the exterior. Therefore you should definitely wash it once in a while with your towels just to prevent smells and nasty stuff growing up in there.  

And no, this is not a sponsored post -- I wish :P

New In My Closet | H&M

HERE

Stuck In My Head | Part of your world

Who doesn't love a Disney classic song? I know the lyrics for almost all classic Disney songs. Yep. And I sing them all the time. I don't wan't to grow up.

When's it my turn?

Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above?

Out of the sea

Wish I could be

Part of that world

Finaly got my hair did

I finally, FINALLY, got my hair cut. Going to the hair-dresser is not something that I frequently do. In fact, for the last 2 years I've been cutting my own hair, at home. Why? Because I think that going to the hair salon is just extremely expensive. Don't you agree? I'm there for one hour, and they just wash, make me a very simple hair cut --  I don't get something very elaborate or any thing. It takes her 15 to actually cut my hair --  and then she just blow-drys it and  makes it all straight. One hour of this service costs me 30 euros. I don't make 30 €/hr and I have a double masters degree! And this lady, has what? a professional degree on hairdressing or whatever, and a salon in a dark ally near Lisbon' city center gets 30 euros for working one freaking hour?! So yeah, I think It's expensive.

But I was really needing some pampering. I did my hair and my eyebrows and now I feel so much lighter! I have been punting this away for SOOOO long. Anyway. It's done. And I chopped a lot of hair off. My hair was hitting me right under my armpits and I now is up to my shoulders. I asked for a long bob and of course the lady had no idea what I was talking about, so I showed her a couple of pictures -- like the one I'm posting here. And I think it looks pretty good. I look profissional and more put together than before and that's what matters the most to me. I don't mind doing crazy stuff to my hair, but I have to be conscious that I work at an office with a very formal dress-code. Less hair also means less effort every morning, so win-win :)

Empties #6 | Random Randomness

- PALMOLIVE Nourishing Delight with Honey and Moisturizing Milk Body Wash. I just loved it. I've been completely addicted to this range of body-washes. I love the fact that they contain natural products, and they all smell divinely! On my last empties post, I've shown you the one with 100% natural olive and this time I tried the one with honey and they are both just so luxurious! I'm in love it these! Will I repurchase it? Hell yes! 

- SENSODYNE Gums Toothpaste with Fluorine.  You all know I have braces and it is very important to keep your gums healthy when you are having work done on your teeth. Well, it's important to keep your gum healthy, period! They are what holds your teeth up, so you should treat them well! This toothpaste is my favorite one and if you don't want to get some fancy one from the pharmacy, this is the best option. It was actually recommended by my dentist and, yeah, it is great to prevent bleeding and sensitivity to cold and hot. It tastes just like regular minty toothpaste, and it gives you a super fresh, clean feeling after brushing. Will I repurchase it? Definitely!.

- ORIFLAME Sweedish Spa Exfoliating Massage Bar. I made a full review on this product, in case you want to read more about it. I'm just sowing you here the package it came in because, you know, the actual soap-bar is gone! I loved it. It really cleaned my skin very well, giving me an "oil-free" feeling after using it. You feel like you don't have any grease or dirt on you. But it is a bit drying, you should use some moisturizing after. The little massaging domes, they melt away after one of using it every day. But the soap it self lasted me around 4 weeks. Just one advice, don't use it one your face. It will make you break-out like crazy! Trust me. Been there, done that, regretted like hell. Will I repurchase it? Maybe.

- LABELLO SOS Lip Repair. Okey. This little baby thingy as been a life saver. I've talked here on the blog on how much my lips get dried-up during the night because of having braces. Some of you suggested me to put a thick coat of Vaseline on my lips right before going to bed. But I HATE the taste of it. So I did a bit of research and found this product. It has Dexpanthenol, which is a healing compound, used to help heal wound and burns. So this really works! And the best part, it has a very sweet minty taste and smell that is just awesome. It's clear and it gives a very nice shine to my lips, like a lip gloss would. But it is very sticky so I don't use it during the day. I apply it wright before going to bed, a thick coat and just sleep in it. It makes wonders. Will I repurchase it? Already did. Can't live without it anymore.

This or That #5 | Going green

The Body Shop or Lush?

Which one do you prefere?

I love both, but I have to go with Lush! They make real natural products and when you read the labels you can actually recognize most of the ingredients. TBS, not so much...

Coffee Time and a mini Mille-feuille

Review | L'ORÉAL PARIS Casting Sunkiss Jelly

After reading a lot of bloggers talking about this product I thought it would be fun to try it out. 

This product is the L'ORÉAL PARIS Casting Sunkiss Jelly and it's supposed to softly lighten your hair, making it look like the sun and the beach did it. The idea is awesome! I really like my hair in the summer, it usually gets some lighter reflexes and having a product that can help me get that look in the winter it is just awesome. But first, just let me talk about the packaging --  I love the marbleized bottle. Oh, so beautiful! 

It's very simple to use, you just apply it on hair and let it sit. It says in the box that you can apply it to yet or dry hair, and let your hair dry naturally or use a blow dryer and those different combinations will give you different results. I reckon that using it on dry-hair and then blowing it dry, will give you a stronger result, because water will dilute the product and heat always helps to activate bleaches. This product is supposed to give you a progressive lightning, meaning, you have to use this product several times, and each time you use it our hair will become lighter and lighter.

The product it self is a foggy white jelly, very easy to apply. It smells exactly like a descolorante agent, like hydrogen peroxide, that you'd use to bleach your harm hairs or facial hairs... They advise you to wear gloves -- I din't but you should. 

The fist time I used it, I was kinda of scared of the results --  I didn't knew what to expect. So for my first use, I applied it to my wet hair, and then removed the excess with an old towel and I blew dry my hair. It did nothing. My hair was exactly the same. So I waited a week and tried a second time. This time I applied it to my dry hair and I just blew dry it. Still no change, I repeated this process two more times, and by the forth time, I finally stared to notice that my hair was starting to get lighter. It was still not very intense. I tried to take a picture but it's just not noticeable enough, but is definitely slightly lighter.

I researched a bit, and I think that this product is targeted for lighter hairs. My hair is too dark for this to actually work. Or I'll have to use it 10 or 15 times to see some actual results.

For me it din't work, but I love the concept and if you have lighter hair, you should definitely try this! 

FIRMOO GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Congratulations to you all! Check your email address, you've probably received an e-mail from me with your gift codes :) Thank you all for entering this giveaway :)

EAT | MARCO LISBON

This is definitely not the type of restaurante I go to. Nop, not at all. Specially because their signature dish is the typical --  meat packed --  Francesinha (or little french girl in English). 

You don't what this is? Well it's a meat sandwich -- yep, with beef, sausage, ham and whatever cold cuts you can think of -- covered in cheese, and drenched in velvety seafood and beer  spicy sauce, served with a ton of fries. Sounds like something that came out of Epic Meal Time, right? I know, but it's a typical dish from one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities -- and the city were I was born -- Porto. 

This restaurant is not in that awesome city, but in our county's capital, Lisbon, in Santos --  closer to the river.  It has a very nice cozy atmosphere, although it is very full all the time. This was not the first time I tried to go there. And the other two times I tried, it had a huge line at the door. But this time we actually waited. If you want to go, I advise you to call and book a table to avoid having to wait. The prices range from 7€ to 13€, if I'm not mistaken. It's not expensive, specially for the amount of food you get.

I had the "Special" Francesinha and it was awesome. It was definitely way to much food for me --  I left half of it on the plate, literally. But it was very very good. I specially enjoyed the sauce. It was very flavorful, with just the right amount of heat, and very smooth. They also bring to the table some more of the sauce, as well as spicier sauce in case you want some. 

MARCO LISBOA