This Thursday night I will be chatting with Alexei Ungurenaşu about our experiences as young writers, as well as reading a selection of my poetry.
Register for this virtual event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-impressions-may-with-victoria-hecnar-tickets-344759082697
I hope to see you all there! ❤️
Merry (belated) Christmas 2020! Ever since 2017, I have been blogging about my hauls at Lush during the Christmas season. Lush always has such great seasonal items, especially around the holidays. If you want to try every single Christmas product that Lush rolled out this year, you can dish out $279.95 CAD and grab the entire Christmas collection, aka the Wow Gift Set (update: it’s now 50% off for a limited time) by purchasing here → https://www.lush.ca/en/gifts/all-gift-sets/wow/9999960409.html
I tried some of the same items from previous hauls but also picked up a couple new ones to try this year as well! Although Christmas has since passed, these items are still available in stores (where the lockdown is lifted) and on the Lush website 24/7. Some items are even on sale for up to 50% off now that Christmas is over!
The Christmastime scent Snow Fairy is my favourite, and has been for years now. Naturally, I had to pick up several items in the scent, as I absolutely love it. It only comes once a year―so why not? New this year, Lush has finally introduced a Snow Fairy scented body spray, so you can carry this scent with you whenever you go. I am so excited to finally have a spray in this scent. Although it isn’t as potent as a perfume would be, the scent lasts throughout the day. Carry it with you in your bag and touch up on the go! It smells like sugary cotton candy, so this one is perfect for all candy and sugar lovers.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/fragrances/body-sprays/snow-fairy/9999908423.html
Similar to the body spray, this sugary scented body conditioner can be used in the bath and/or shower for perfectly smooth skin. It works amazingly in the wintertime, as the cold air is super dry and can strip your skin of its natural moisture. This body conditioner instantly moisturizers your skin, and seals it for protection against the winter air.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/shower/body-butters-conditioners/snow-fairy/9999960276.html
Scented with the same classic Snow Fairy scent as the original Snow Fairy bath bomb, this bath bomb is twice as large and can be split up into three (or more) separate baths. The star at the top pops off, revealing two bath bombs with bath salts in the middle. This is a great deal for those who wish to get more use out of their bath bombs, and the bath salts are a wonderful surprise!
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bath-bombs/snow-fairy-wonderball/9999902204.html
This one is another bath bomb that can be divided into three (or more) separate baths. The cute mistletoe at the top pops off as its own bath bomb, and the other two halves can be used separately, as well as the bath salts in the middle. The scent is uplifting and has notes of citrus for a nice, relaxing bath experience.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bath-bombs/holly-golightly-wonderball/9999901981.html
The Elfie Stick (play on words of selfie stick perhaps?) is a reusable bubble stick shaped like the leg of an elf, though its leg reminds me of a waffle cone―just me? This is another uplifting product, with notes of lemon.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bubble-bars/elfie-stick/9999902103.html
If you have ever wanted Santa’s ass in your bathtub, then you’re in luck! This kinky bubble bar features Santa ass up in his signature boots for a bubbly experience. This bubble bar contains a light floral scent with notes of jasmine. It also has ylang ylang oil for relaxation, and cocoa butter for added moisture to your skin.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bubble-bars/kinky-boots/9999902063.html
Based off of the traditional holiday song, this holiday bath bomb is designed after the lovable hippopotamus from the classic Christmas tune. This bath bomb will turn your bath water a deep purple, and includes specks of glitter on the hippo’s back.
It has a stimulating scent of grapefruit and bergamot oil―but the real winner here is that adorable hippopotamus face.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bath-bombs/i-want-a-hippopotamus-for-christmas/9999902223.html
Aside from all of the Snow Fairy products, this polar bear bubble bear is one of my favourites on this list. Other than it being adorable, the scent is invigorating and delicious. It smells like sugary toothpaste―perhaps that’s not the best way to describe it, but it was the first thing that popped in my mind. It contains spearmint oil to achieve that super minty scent.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bubble-bars/polar-bear-plunge/9999909453.html
Now, I’m not 100% sure that this item is a part of the holiday collection, but it was new to me and in the same section as the Christmas stuff. The name peeked my interest, along with the simple yet unique shape of the stick. It’s just a little purple stick with glitter at its ends, though I found it to be quite pretty. This stick contains bergamot oil, much like a lot of the other items on this list―Lush must have been into the citrus scents this year.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bubble-bars/abracadabra/9999901896.html
The last item is one that I have used in the past, which is the candy cane bubble bar. As the name suggests, it’s shaped like a candy cane and comes equipped with a peppermint-meets-lemon scent. It can be broken up for multiple uses.
Purchase here → https://www.lush.ca/en/bath/bubble-bars/candy-cane/9999902060.html
What one(s) are you looking forward to trying? Are there any others that you would recommend? I hope everyone had a safe and healthy Christmas! Be sure to subscribe to my blog to get new posts delivered to you via email! XOXO
One of the best summer treats are s’mores. They are perfect for camping, parties, or just hanging out at home in your pyjamas. Now that this summer has been partially ruined due to COVID-19, many of us are finding ourselves stuck at home rather than attending typical summer bonfires. Luckily, you don’t need a fire to make this tasty treat! This recipe is super easy and serves four people (or less — I won’t tell). All you need is some graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate chips, a cake pan, and a broiler.
Have fun making this easy and yummy recipe. Let me know in the comments below how it went! xoxo
Back in 2015, I made a small list of my favorite three bloggers. I intended to do it again but unfortunately forgot about it until now (five years later, I suck, I’m sorry). Some of them have stayed the same because my taste has mostly remained the same, but I have included a few new ones in there for you to check out! I mostly follow lifestyle and fashion blogs but I am always interested in broadening my blog list. If you have any blogs that you think I should take a look at, please leave the link in the comment section! I am always down to discover new favorites.
Zoella (whose real name is Zoe Sugg) was first on my last list too, and she still remains there to this day. Some of you may recognize Zoella as a YouTuber with eleven million (whaaat?!) subscribers, but she began her journey to fame as a small lifestyle blogger back in 2009 when she was working a job she hated (sound familiar?). Now in addition to her online persona, Zoella has extended her brand into a makeup line, a clothing line, and even a line of products for your home! Zoella is the definition of a boss babe and I love reading her blog. She posts recipes, style and beauty tips, and everything else to appease the modern woman.
Find her at https://www.zoella.co.uk/.
Another blogger that made it from 2015’s list to 2020’s list of my favorite bloggers is a woman named Chantelle who blogs under the name Fat Mum Slim. Now, I don’t have kids (thankfully) but this blogging mom can be appealing to women at any age and life experience. She does blog about a lot of family related matters but her humorous and bright personality make them entertaining to read, even for those of us without children of our own. She also posts yummy recipes, life tips, and she is probably most known for her “Photo A Day” challenge which has accumulated over 23 million participants worldwide.
Find her at https://www.fatmumslim.com.au/.
The next blog is the most aesthetically pleasing website I have ever laid my eyes on. Flip and Style is managed by a young woman named Vanessa who has a keen eye for everything feminine and pink. As someone who is quite fond of the color pink, her blog instantly stood out above the rest. I stumbled across her blog one evening while trying to find girly wallpapers for my iPhone, and ended up spending the next couple of hours on her website, fascinated with both its content and appearance. As you may have guessed it, Flip and Style is a fashion blog. One of Vanessa’s quotes are:
“My main aim in life is to make everything around me positive and beautiful.”
She is definitely accomplishing that goal with Flip and Style. Also, isn’t that name just super fun to say?
Find her at https://www.flipandstyle.com/.
Who remembers Lauren Conrad from the television show The Hills? Or perhaps her book series L.A. Candy? Lauren Conrad has been a fashion icon since 2004 when she first appeared in the television show Laguna Beach, and she has been shining ever since. Her lifestyle blog has a little bit of everything, so no matter who you are or what you’re into, you’ll find something interesting on Lauren’s blog. Lauren posts lifestyle tips, recipes, and is an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement. She recently posted a couple blog posts about diversity and how to educate ourselves on systemic racism.
Find her at https://www.laurenconrad.com/.
Just recently I came across the blog Planner Perfect, and thus far I have been really enjoying it. It’s definitely different than most blogs I read (in a good way). A woman named Jenny runs Planner Perfect in hopes to help individuals lead a more organized and productive lifestyle. In essence, the blog is literally a digital planner that can help you stay on track, also giving lots of great tips and tricks. There are recipes, tips for success, and hacks written to help you live your best life. If you want to get organized and have fun doing it, then look no further! Planner Perfect has got you covered.
Find her at https://www.plannerperfect.com/.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully you have added a few of these on your list of blogs to read. Feel free to drop links to your favorite blogs in the comments that you think I should check out!
Just a quick note to let all of my followers know that I am now accepting donations that will help keep my blog running. This can include costs associated with: annual service fees, domain name renewals, and will also allow me to purchase products for requested reviews on my blog. To donate, you can click the Donate with PayPal button on the right-hand side of my website or click here. This will allow you to donate any amount using PayPal or a credit card. Any amount will help and be greatly appreciated! Thank you for continually supporting me and motivating me to blog for over six years (and counting)!
Good morning bloggers! It is currently almost six in the morning and I may or may not have went to bed yet. Quarantine life, am I right? Speaking of quarantine, Jacob and I got a quarantine cake kit from my favorite bakery in the city, Sweet Revenge Bake Shop. We had a lot of fun decorating it, so we decided to film it and upload the video for you guys to watch!
Just a fair warning — it may be an epic fail or it may be the most beautiful cake ever created. We’ll let you decide.
Be sure to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe if you enjoyed watching it. What kind of activities have you guys been up to during the quarantine to avoid boredom? Let me know in the comments!
Good morning bloggers! Due to COVID-19 keeping us in doors, I’ve decided to post more to both my blog and YouTube channel as I have a lot more free time now. I have officially completed my first year of university (yay!) and am currently not working, so I thought this would be the perfect time to get creative and have fun with it.
This is the first video I have uploaded for eight months, so I decided to do something carefree and simple. I filmed the 50 Facts About Me tag, where you can learn some new things about me that perhaps you did not know before!
If you enjoy the video, make sure you give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel to be notified whenever I upload a new video. Also, feel free to send me any video requests and/or ideas you have for me and I will do my best to try and film them!
Good evening bloggers! I hope everyone is trying not to go crazy in self-isolation and keeping themselves occupied ― more importantly, staying home while remaining safe and healthy.
It’s been quite some time since I wrote on my blog last, and I figured that during a time when you’re not supposed to leave your house (which I wished for many times, and am now beginning to regret it) it would be a good idea to write something to keep my brain active. Currently, I am studying English Literature and Creative Writing at university which has been moved online. This is my last week of classes for the semester, and then final exams, which are also going to be happening online.
Last summer, I was involved in a slightly humiliating situation, but one that makes for a good story nonetheless. Jacob and I were going to McDonald’s for a late night snack and I was the driver. The next thing I knew, we were driving along the border and going into a different country. Yup, I am the only person I know that can attempt to go down the street for a burger and somehow end up in the United States.
This story was submitted to a creative writing class at the university I attend and received an A, so I figured it’d be good enough to make a blog post out of. Enjoy my ridiculousness!
That was how a drive to McDonald’s went terribly, horribly wrong. It was a hot midsummer’s night, and somehow a trip to McDonald’s turned into an adventure to another country. Jacob (my boyfriend) and I’s hunger had grown pernicious, and the only way to rectify this uncontrollable hunger was to embark on the five-minute drive to the nearest McDonald’s for burgers and fries. I was the driver, and the only possible excuse I can muster in this case is that my eyesight isn’t particularly excellent in the dark. I had both hands on the steering wheel, my eyes on the road ahead and my mind on the food that awaited me, when I made the fatally wrong left turn. As I cranked the wheel to what I thought was the correct street, I realized I was bolting down a one-way street — and I was not going the right way down it. Quickly, I swerved down another street that allowed vehicles to travel southbound. Unfortunately for me, this road had no exit as far as I could see — in fact, there was only one way out, and it was not the way I wanted to take. It was an anxiety-ridden moment. Full of panic, I looked over towards Jacob and asked him what we should do. Together, we searched to see if there was someone, anyone at all that could help and direct us to the right path. Albeit, there was no one around, and I cruised across the border that led from our homeland of Canada into the unknown and somewhat frightening territory of the United States. In hindsight, I could have handled that differently. Perhaps I should have took a deep breath and thought things through a little rather than acting on the first thing that came to mind. I drove and drove and drove and drove across that seemingly never-ending bridge alongside trucks and cars who were driving with a purpose, while I was there, driving encumbered with regret. Approaching the border patrol, I took a deep breath of relief. We were saved. We would be turned around back to Canada, we could go to McDonald’s, and we could forget this whole night ever happened. As I told the man what had happened, he looked quizzical. I understand — after all, I’m not entirely sure they have many crossers who simply were trying to go to McDonald’s. He said it would be more work to turn us around than let us through (even though we were not equipped with passports), so we were headed into Detroit, Michigan. I had never driven in the United States before, so to say I was unnerved would be undermining how I had felt in that moment. Hours after searching for the bridge (but not before arriving to the tunnel to discover it was closed due to maintenance) and driving back onto Canadian soil with a dead GPS and frazzled energies, Jacob and I were at the border customs yet again. This time, we were hassled by the border police, who asked us multiple times how one can end up in the United States when going to get a Big Mac. So multiple times I had to reply, that yes, I know — I’m an idiot. Eventually, we did get to McDonald’s. A greasy cheeseburger had never tasted so good and rewarding. This may be an odd and slightly humiliating story to recount, but it did teach me a valuable lesson — be careful when driving to McDonald’s, because you may end up in another country.
This is the last post about Christmas for the year, I swear. I just wanted one more blog post to reflect on this year and the holidays (yes, I am a very sentimental person). This Christmas was one of the best one I had in years. It was drama-free, fun, and everything went smoothly ― except for Jacob and I forgetting our leftovers at not one, but two of our Christmas dinners. Let’s hope we remember them at Christmas dinner number three tomorrow night!
It’s always sad though when Christmas comes to an end. The music stops, the movies end, and the bright lights burn out. We have to drag ourselves back to work and school, and then the days seem less exciting and magical. Yes, the new year begins and we have to wait 365 more days until next Christmas.
I still have no idea what we’re doing for New Year’s Eve. We were originally going to go to a 1920’s themed party (how cool would that have been?) but we were unable to get tickets in time. What is everyone else up to for New Year’s Eve?
Then the week after, Jacob and I are heading to Kingston to visit my brother before I have to go back to school and work. Unfortunately, he had to work during the holidays and was unable to visit us, so we’re going to see him! My brother and I have been super close ever since we were little, and we always have a blast when we’re together. I can’t wait!
Here’s some photos of our Christmas tree this year. It’s nothing fancy ― but it’s ours, so we love it regardless. Enjoy the rest of your holiday season!
A picture of decorations from my grandmother’s house. The little animals are all so different and cute ― the sheep even has a little pine cone for a tail.
Of course, I had to take some pictures of me with my guinea pigs, Fluffy and Lulu. I also did a Christmas photo shoot with them that you can take a look at here → https://victoriahecnar.com/2019/12/25/christmas-photo-shoot-with-my-guinea-pigs/
And last but not least, Jacob and I on his 26th birthday on December 22nd (top) and us on Christmas Eve (bottom).
Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas! ❄ Be sure to subscribe to my blog to get new posts delivered to you via email! XOXO
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas full of good food, good presents, and most importantly, good company. The other day I decided to have a photo shoot with my guinea pigs ― because who doesn’t love cute guinea pigs dressed up in Christmas outfits?
Enjoy a few of my favorite images from the shoot. Merry Christmas from me, Jacob, and Fluffy & Lulu!
Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas! ❄ Be sure to subscribe to my blog to get new posts delivered to you via email! XOXO
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