White Rhino Bags & New Haircut.

I wanted to share my brand new White Rhino Bags Unboxing & Review:

and my haircut – I went to Hair Art Academy in Langley BC (not sponsored by them) and was pretty impressed with the results:

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Exposing the NORA NYC Scam!

I’ve heard all kinds of things about them trying to shut people down and say it’s slander but i’m going to go ahead and preface this with a warning: these are things i’ve witnessed and read about. All allegedly, of course.

1. The Comment: If you’re reading this, chances are you got a comment on one of your instagram photos. It generally will start with a compliment and then saying something along the lines of the fact you’re been selected to be an affiliate and “work” with them. They ask you to DM or e-mail for more information.
2. The DM: If you email or DM them, they’ll come back to you with a message almost instantaneously. I believe that a majority of their communications are automated. They are essentially casting out their fishing pole and waiting for some bites. They’ll let you know about the “exclusive” discount you’ll receive if you order, the affiliate code you’ll get and the fact that you will be featured on their profile. I’ve heard that the affiliate code that is passed around is one they share multiple times. Usually those codes are individual to each person so that they receive their cut. I’ve read/heard that a lot of people have not received a cent.) Word to the wise — if it was a legitimate sponsorship/partnership or collaboration, you will NOT be spending money. That should immediately raise a red flag.
3. The Purchase: If you’ve already gone this far and made a purchase, sorry to say, but you fell for it. You fell for their pitch and their promises. On either site, you’ll see the jewelry or sunglasses. They are sometimes modelled and passed off as “handcrafted” and “handmade” This is part of the facade of quality that they are creating. In fact, most of the items they pass off as being their own designs are available through eBay and alibaba. It doesn’t take long for me to find some styles they are hawking. 
4. The Questions: So, it’s been 4-8 weeks and you still haven’t received your glasses. Well, here’s the deal. Your item is coming from China and it’s possible that Nora NYC & Mirina are both based there. They have no phone number, no address and seemingly no information other than an e-mail. You’ll get some kind of phony excuse. 
5. The Product: You’ve received your product. It came in a grey, plastic envelope with a shipping label from china. Packaged on a flimsy card or in a thin, cardboard box. It feels lightweight, it’s falling apart or crooked and you’re unhappy with the product you received. Well, I hate to tell you, but there’s a very good chance it’s made out of cadmium. To reduce costs, cadmium is used because it’s saves money and increases profit margins. Oh, not to mention, it’s EXTREMELY TOXIC.

Instagram is @shopnoranyc

Youtube:

• Lucy Love – I GOT SCAMMED / NORA NYC REVIEW
  
• Brittany Smith – NORA NYC REVIEW | Instagram Scam | AFFILIATE Program 
  
• IAmNikkieG – Shop Nora NYC Sunglass Company Rant 
  
• There’s plenty more here

Stories:

• Bad Affiliate! Stay Away!  
  
• ABC News Story 
  
• Beware of Mirina Collections / Chic Wishlist / Nora NYC

Two New Videos!

Passing Judgment

Throughout my life, people have passed judgment on me based on the way I look, act or quite frankly who I am.

I think the way I present myself has a lot to do with my sensory sensitivities. For instance: I don’t “dress my age” and I prefer wearing comfortable clothing such as shirts that are a men’s size small, jeans, and slip on shoes. I rarely wear makeup and I usually just brush my hair and head out the door. It’s already so mentally trying to go out in to the world that the energy I would use to make myself presentable gets used up so fast. By that time, i’m already beyond drained and I start feeling physically ill.

 

Sometimes I dress very casually and sometimes I look fancy.

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My intellectual capacity is clearly questioned because some people, whether it’s conscious or not, believe that the way someone looks has to do with the way they think.

I was treated very poorly at a restaurant and I can’t say for certain that it had anything to do with the way I looked, but I wouldn’t be surprised. It seemed like I was stereotyped as dumb and trashy because of my use of coupons and was spoken down to – which i’m still feeling anxious and upset about.

The English idiom “don’t judge a book by its cover” is a metaphorical phrase which means “you shouldn’t prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone”. For example “That man may look very small and insignificant, but don’t judge a book by its cover – he’s a very powerful man in his circle”. —Wikipedia

We all deserve a little kindness and compassion, no matter what we look like.

Photo by Stokpic on Pexels.com

 

Links of interest:

• Judging People By Their Appearance Is Not OK
• Neurotypical Peers are Less Willing to Interact with Those with Autism based on Thin Slice Judgments
• Autistics Make Others Uncomfortable, InstantlyDon’t Underestimate the Power of Kindness in Customer Service

 

I STILL LOVE VINTAGE.

I had to put that all in caps.

For a while there, I wasn’t really selling vintage. Well, I was still trying. It just NEVER SOLD.  So i’m dipping my toes in the waters and testing this out again, this time with one really, really nice item.

These GORGEOUS Glasses

Click the link above to view my eBay auction ❤

Thank you for your continued support,

Margaux

Don’t mind me.

My imperfections are many. I have scars and zits on my face, I have gained weight, my teeth are not by-any-means perfect looking. I won’t smile with my mouth opened and my knees turn in to each other. My posture SUCKS and my back is constantly in pain.

Recently my Mom asked me if I had put on weight, I answered with a resounding “YES!! Didn’t you notice?”.

Yes, I’m overweight.

I’ve gone up 1 or 2 pant sizes (depending on the brand). I’m not sure if it’s from being fired last August or starting my Anti-Depressants not that long afterwards. It took me a very, very long time to come to terms with needing to take them. I believed, wholeheartedly, that they would hurt me. (I am not talking for anyone but myself.) I realized that they do help me. I’m not sure if it’s contributed to my weight gain or if having free sugary drinks during my work has instead. I need some self control but it’s hard, considering I have quite the sweet tooth.

My social life hasn’t grown at all and the fact that i’m pushing 30 doesn’t make me think that it’s ever going to change.

I do have something to look forward to, a few hotel collaborations and some product reviews coming up as well as a potential writing gig.

I’m still learning how to balance positivity in my life and it’s honestly a lot harder then I thought it ever would be. I’m trying to keep my mind open with a goal of positive personal growth.

-Margaux

New Videos: Chewigem & LipSense!

Oops! I posted these videos on youtube and of course, being slightly absent minded, I completely forgot to post them here.

Spotlight: East Vanity Parlour

East Vancouver is like a world of it’s own. It’s urban, hip and full of variety. In the midst of it all is East Vanity Parlour which provides an out-of-this-world glamorous experience!

Their bio reads:

A BLENDING OF PASSION & NOSTALGIC BADASS

ONE PART KITCHEN CUT – ONE PART SCULPTED MASTERPIECE – A SPLASH OF COUTURE HAIR COLOUR – A DASH OF SPILLED BEANS -A SHAKE, STIR, AND SERVE OVER A CULT FOLLOWING.

GUARANTEED TO KICK START ANY PARTY.

EVP is involved in all kinds of programs that help the environment and empower individuals!

They:

• Are A Greencircle Salon
• Provide a Supportive Employment Program
• Are part of Davines Sustainable Beauty Month
• Are part of the Dress Code Project
• Always have new and exciting things happening

I had the pleasure of having Shimona Henry cut, colour and style my hair. Her expert precision, attention to detail and wonderful conversation made me completely at ease.

Shimona is all about creating haircuts and styles that make a statement. She’s been working as a makeup artist and hair stylist (film sets, photoshoots & bridal) for over a decade. She also runs her very own company called Pin-Up Perfection Photography est. 2006.

Shimona and I share a passion for vintage and it was amazing to connect with someone who knew what I was talking about!

Graduating at the top of her class, she was the student of the year at John Casablancas in 2016.  Her love for colourful hairstyles and building strong connections with her customers is a driving passion with versatility and uniqueness being the name of the game!  Need a fab new do? Her hours are 10am to 8pm Sunday to Wednesday. She also shares her wisdom and knowledge at East Vanity Parlour in group demos as well as one-on-one sessions!

Connect with Shimona:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Her Website

I was so lucky to be given the most incredible hair cut and colour i’ve EVER HAD. Shimona made excellent suggestions and asked how I wear my hair and my maintenance routine. This is the first time I felt guided and had kind, professional advice.

The cut was done a few weeks before the colour! Shimona bleached my hair and used Joico products for the colour. She finished it off with some product and cute hair straightener curls!

Before:

After:

 

 

Need a new do? Get in touch with them!

They are located at 2482 East Hastings in Vancouver BC.

Open 10 am – 8 pm  and the phone number is 604.637.1122

Their email is evpreception@gmail.com

Website: http://www.eastvanityparlour.com

-Margaux

Pictures of me were taken by my Boyfriend, Justin Kawin!

New Podcast, New Review & A New Look!

Today I recorded a brand new episode of my podcast covering my sensory differences and perception (or misconceptions) towards my Autism.

I also posted a new review for Purelygreat deodorant:

My hair was coloured by the amazing Shimona Henry at East Vanity Parlour (post coming soon!)

I decided to get my nose re-pierced and saw Captain Matt at Rebellion Tattoo in Langley BC!

-Margaux

I am Colour.

Yes, I will admit it: I am Weird.

I believe I have embraced this as my identity in a very subconscious way. I have no fear when it comes to expressing myself and I don’t think I ever did.

Anxiety is also a big part of who I am. It sometimes forces me to freeze and feel very weak-minded. It takes over me. I sweat profusely, I get heart palpitations, I just want to run and cower. It even can prompt me to sleep a whole lot.

Art is something that can help calm me right down, it is my soul doing the talking. It is an everlasting moment of freedom. I can look at my Art and think “I made that?”. It can be incredibly hard to believe.

I have hopes and dreams with it. Literal “close-my-eyes-and-fall-asleep” dreams. I see myself in the heart of a big city with my art in a gallery. I know it can be considered low brow and heck, I know there’s people who don’t like it and who could truly care less about me. I still have this dream.

“It’s too small. It should be bigger!”

“I can’t be your friend because I can’t stand your Art.”

“Your art is ugly.”

Tell me this. Tell me this over and over and over and over again. Please.

Why? Get your negative thoughts out, it’s good for you.

But for me?

I’ll keep creating.

Love,

Margaux