My Mazda 3’s snazzy newer-self

2016-mazda3For the past few months I’ve been itching to get into a newer version of my car. So I finally got the chance to review the 2016 Mazda 3 (hatchback).

I guess you could call my car ancient by this point. I bought it in 2008, it’s a 2007. It’s still my favourite car and I’m not ready to part with it. One because I kinda got that soft-spot for my very first car, and secondly I can’t afford an upgrade right now. That and I wouldn’t be sure what else I’d purchase next!

Alfie-peekingIt’s been a few weeks since I handed it back and I already want it back! So many nice upgrades have happened over the last…. well, decade really.

Alfie-in-drivers-seatAlfie and I went on a few fun adventures in this car. Remember when I took him to the Los Gatos Library? It was in this car :)

selfie-with-Mazda3As a lifestyle blogger I’m not going to get into the nitty gritty details of the vehicle since I’m definitely not a professional car reviewer, nor do I claim to be. I just know which cars I like, and which I don’t! Plus, as I’ve stated before, it definitely helps driving around in newer cars for a good week, to get a real good feel of the vehicle, and give a proper opinion to those looking into purchasing. I mean, test-driving at dealerships for less than an hour is really tough, to make that huge purchase decision, ya know?

I’m digging the black rims on the 2016’s, definitely an upgrade! But what I don’t like with most cars these days (“these days”?… I sound like an old fogy) is that many of them come with those huge touch-screen things with built in navigation. I prefer to use my cell phone for relying on maps to get me places, so that’s fine and dandy but it’s also a huge dust-collector in my opinion, and as a person who loves to keep their car clean — I dislike seeing all the finger prints. Again, just being nit-picky here.

Mazda3hatchI feel safe in this car. From my 2007 version, to the 2016. Hopping onto the highway and getting up to speed is my favourite part, it definitely has some giv’er to ‘er. And since I have an older version of the 2016 Mazda 3, parking was a breeze. It seemed a little bigger than my car (wider maybe?). I don’t know, I didn’t check up on the specs. Either that or it’s the white interior making it look larger. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a pretty compact hatch too though. Ugh, I love it.

I honestly think hatchbacks are my kinda cars. I see myself looking and admiring other brands of vehicles, only in hatchback form. Guess I love that round little bum on them! Hah!

Lake-and-Mazda3Mazda’s are fun vehicles to drive. It’s why I bought one, and continue to ask for them for review over other brands. But I have to admit, the seats aren’t the most comfortable for super-long drives (anything above 2-3+hours makes my butt hurt lol). But hey, being honest.

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MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge Lipsticks (try on!)

MUFE-headerMAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge Lipsticks launched this summer, 2016. I have six of the many shades to try, so I thought I’d do both a YouTube swatch video, and a blog post (depending on people’s preference).

MUFEnewlipsticksThese are really sleek as the tip of the lipstick is more narrow than usual, acting as a lip liner and a lipstick all in one. You’ll have two formulas to choose from: matte and cream and there’s a large selection too. 31 cream lipsticks and 15 matte. The MAKE UP FOR EVER world is your oyster, folks. An array of beauty shades to choose from.

The formulation of these lipsticks are incredibly long wearing, but also super saturated in pigmentation. No need to glide over twice to achieve an opaque look. One swipe and you’re grand. Sure, how nice is that? The formula of the Artist Rouge lipsticks won’t bleed or feather off your lips either. In fact, the dark purple shade (c506) faded beautifully after I ate some lunch with it on, ha! So that’s awesome.

On the bottom of the lipstick bullet you’ll see a number, but before that you’ll either see an “m” or a “c”, each representing the formula as I stated above. Let’s see how they look like swatched both on the back of my hand (my kissy-lips signature, lately!) and on my lips.

MUFEc105MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge lipstick| C105 — a greige beige

MUFEc211MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge lipstick| C211 — in rose wood [universally flattering shade!]

MUFEm401MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge lipstick| M401 — hot red [limited edition]

MUFEc502MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge lipstick| C502 — taupe violet

MUFEm100MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge lipstick| M100 — cream beige

MUFEc506MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge lipstick| C506 — dark purple

MUFElipsticksPick up any of the 46 shades from MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge Lipsticks $27CDN | $22USD

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Google Pixel Unboxing #giftfromgoogle

The Pixel, Phone by Google was announced on October 4, 2016 and I wanted to do an unboxing video of Googles new smartphone for the first time. Pretty sure this is the fanciest cell phone I have had to date. This is exciting you guys!

Do note this isn’t a review or talking about any specific features of the phone just yet, that is in another video which is also linked below. I’m simply sharing its arrival and unboxing it for the first time. I mean, it only came out in stores today! Basically I’m showing you what you’ll get, if you order the new Google Pixel phone.

More information below on the specs, price, looks and pre-order detail of Pixel and Pixel XL.

IMG_20161013_120518Let’s get to it. It’s a short 4:40 minute video, so take a look.

Watch|

Remember, this is my first tech unboxing video so take it easy on me (watch my video of turning on the Google Pixel for the first time, with a demo at the end).

Buy|
Check out the specs, price, looks and pre-order detail of Pixel and Pixel XL.
#madebygoogle, #giftfromgoogle

I feel like Christmas came early. Oh man, what a beauty.

So, questions for you guys: What are your thoughts on the new Google Pixel phone?

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