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Happy 2013! And a look back at 2012

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Elaine

Happy 2013 everyone! I hope you had a wonderful New Years Eve whether it was partying all night long, hanging with friends and family or even if you didn’t make it til the countdown to midnight 😉

2012 was HUGE for Toronto Beauty Reviews and it’s all thanks to you – my friends, my family, my readers.

Here are some of my favourite moments of the year 🙂

1. I (finally!) met Kristen Ma of the Pure + Simple:

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Kristen is someone I really admire and we had been tweeting for the longest time so it was great to meet her in person at the launch of her line Holistic Vanity. We have since become friends and it’s been great getting to know the person behind the amazing company.

2. I joined the Blush Pretty team!

I had meant to blog about this big change in my life but when I finally realized that I didn’t do a post it seemed too late LOL!

I met Stephanie at one of her Beauty Boards. Again, Stephanie and I had been chatting on twitter and when we finally met in real life it was like we had known each other forever! We became really great friends and fast forward to the beginning of this year – Stephanie’s business has grown big time and she needed some help! So I stepped in to offering a helping hand. I love seeing Stephanie and the team in action. She is someone I look up to – she’s a great business person, positive, encouraging and motivating. Plus she’s a blast to work with! I CANNOT wait to see what 2013 holds for the fabulous Blush Pretty team!

3. Ashley joined Toronto Beauty Reviews!
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In April I asked Ashley if she would do me a favour and help me review a couple of products. She was so excited and enthusiastic I decided to see if she wanted to be a regular writer for Toronto Beauty Reviews. Thank goodness she said yes and she’s been such a help and a blessing to me and the blog. Thank you Ashley! 
4. I was part of the French Connection Canada Beauty Panel at ANTM Live.
french connection(4)
In May I REALLY stepped out of comfort zone and talked beauty with other beauty bloggers on the French Connection style stage. It was a really great experience even though I was so nervous about doing it. Thank you to all those who provided support in person and via messages – I really, really appreciated it (and needed it)!
4. A fun shopping + DIY event at the Design Her Co Studio.
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The lovely Dara opened up her new studio to me and my friends and readers for an amazing shopping + DIY afternoon! It was so great getting together to learn something and just having a lovely girls afternoon 🙂 I hope to do something like it again soon!
5. I was featured in iVillage.ca!

ivillagebeautyblogger
I felt so honoured to be featured in iVillage.ca’s “8 Canadian Bloggers You Need to Know” article. It’s so flattering to be recognized but also to be among some of favourite beauty bloggers many of whom I’m happy to call friends 🙂
6. Being invited to DesignHer Co on Breakfast Television and meeting Jennifer Valentyne.
IMG_5233
I was so happy for Dara that her amazing studio was being featured on Breakfast Television. It was such an amazing opportunity for her and I was so honoured to be asked to be a part of the day! I was so excited to meet Jennifer Valentyne since I watch the BT crew every morning.

What a great 2012 it’s been! I really hope Toronto Beauty Reviews can continue to grow in 2013. I do have something new and exciting in the works for the New Year! I’m nervous about it so I haven’t told many people but hopefully it will all work out 😉

Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much to everyone who takes the time to read and comment on this little blog of mine. Without you I’d have no motivation to continue. I wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy and successful 2013!

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13 thoughts on “Happy 2013! And a look back at 2012”

  1. Petite Adventures says:
    January 3, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    Congratulations on such a fantastic year! Happy New Year – all the best in 2013!

    Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca

    Reply
  2. phiphi says:
    January 3, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    what a fantastic year E!! 2013 will be epic for you, i know it!! congratulations on all of these wonderful achievements. i’m so happy to have found your blog!! xox P

    Reply
  3. TOBeautyReviews says:
    January 2, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    Thank you Christa! You had a huge 2012 too! I think 2013 will be big for both of us 😉

    Reply
  4. TOBeautyReviews says:
    January 2, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    LOL I BARELY made it to midnight 😛 Thank you so much Lisa, and let’s hope 2013 will allow us to finally cross paths 🙂

    Reply
  5. TOBeautyReviews says:
    January 2, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Thanks so much Jessy! Yes 2013 shall be amazing for you as well!

    Reply
  6. TOBeautyReviews says:
    January 2, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Thank YOU Ash! 🙂

    Reply
  7. TOBeautyReviews says:
    January 2, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    Thank you Sydney! And 2012 was definitely a great one for you and your family 🙂 We came *this close* to meeting this year too LOL! Hopefully one day soon 🙂

    Reply
  8. Christa says:
    January 2, 2013 at 10:59 am

    Congrats on a great 2012! I’m sure 2013 will bring you even more happiness and success! xo

    Reply
  9. Sweet Laundry says:
    January 2, 2013 at 9:47 am

    LOL. I take it you didn’t make it to midnight? I barely made it myself 🙂 What a great year for you and the blog. Congratulations and here’s to a fabulous 2013!

    Reply
  10. Jessy says:
    January 1, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    Looks like you had a fantastic 2012, Elaine. And here’s to even more memorable moments! Happy new year!

    Reply
  11. Ashley McKernan says:
    January 1, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    Thank you, Elaine!

    Reply
  12. Petite LG says:
    January 1, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    Looks like a fab year for you, Elaine =) Happy New Year to you and your family!

    Reply
  13. Tara says:
    January 1, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Happy New Year Elaine!

    Reply

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👚shirt is from @outonthestreettoronto 

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What are your current faves? 

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Lip liners in Fuchsia and Red Flame
Fruity lip oil in Black Cherry 
Perfect Blush in Orchid 

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*all gifted products 

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*gifted 
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Hi! 👋🏼 I’m still here! I’m sorry I haven’t posted Hi! 👋🏼 I’m still here! I’m sorry I haven’t posted much. I’m finding it a bit hard, tbh. 🫤

I’m figuring out what the next phase of #TorontoBeautyReviews looks like and healing from an injury, while my 9-5 has lately been more like 7-7, so I’m filling my off hours with family, dance, food, and books. Finding joy and peace where I can in an intense world. ❤️

I still try out lots of products and I do occasionally paint my face 🙃. I’m just not as interested in the grind of daily posts just for the sake of staying relevant anymore. Which has meant that I’m not on as many PR lists as I used to be. Which means that I don’t have as much new stuff to review. It’s a cycle. 

Things are shifting, which is tough sometimes. But it’s ok - so am I. 😊

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