July 2017 Faves

August is right around the corner? Really? I'm saying it right now...we're going to blink and Christmas is going to be here! I'm spending this last weekend of July going to the Toronto Beaches Jazz Fest. In all the years I have been here, I've yet to check it out. I look forward to going and you can follow along with me on my Instagram Stories and Snapchat (@wendybanner)!

With my birthday month almost over, I'm now ready to get to fall. Yes, I'm one of those people. So August can just keep moving along so I can get to my PSLs and cardigans. Haha! Here are some things that I have been loving this month. I'd love to hear what you've been loving!

• Barry M Highlighting Palette - I wish with all of my might that we could get this line here. Thank goodness for my friend Hayley who graciously brought along a few UK items I wanted with her when she visitied. A post on this soon! But it's so darn pigmented!

• Barry M Masquerade Nail Paint - This glitter is so dense and shiny and goes on like a dream. This might very well be my favorite glitter formula now. Well done, Barry M!

• Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist - In love. I admit I didn't expect much from this and I still owe a blog post to it. I can tell when I have or haven't used this and it just makes my skin feel so nice and smooth.

• Odylique Honey & Oat Cleansing Bar - The bar is in my shower, so pretend it is in the box. Not only does this smell lovely, but it's such a gentle exfoliation and it doesn't make my skin red. Again, proper review coming on this and other Odylique goodies. Wow, I'm behind on my reviews it seems...

• Bite Beauty Liquified Lipstick in Eclair - This one, Flambe, and Demi-Glace are coming up soon on here! This is my favorite of the three, because it's an easy "goes with everything" shade.

Make Up For Ever Water Blend Face and Body and Ellipse Blender

I gave this foundation a short review on my Instagram a few weeks ago and I thought I would dig in a little deeper on here, as well as show swatches. You can only fit so much into an Instagram caption. I was also sent the Ellipse Blender to try, so I will also include my thoughts on that. Keep reading to find out more!

Keep reading!

My Birthday

I wanted to get this post up yesterday, but it has been a rough month. There's been three family deaths, two on my side and one on my husband's side. Yesterday, his 102 year old great aunt passed away so I stepped away from everything for the most part and spent time with him.

My birthday was last Wednesday and I want to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I thought I'd type up a quick post just to show a few things I got and tell you how I spent the day. It was nothing extravagant, which was perfect for me! The day marked ten years since my grandmother's funeral (Yes, my dad planned her funeral to be on my birthday. And no, I've never been okay with it. Long story.) and I just wanted to do something to lift my spirits. She had the largest hand in raising me and it's a time where I really spend missing her and thanking her at the same time. It's an emotional rollercoaster, if I'm being completely honest.

My main birthday celebration was a nice dinner out at our local Chinese buffet restaurant. I gleefully stuffed my face with sushi, sesame chicken, and noodles. And afterward, we headed to my MIL's where my husband had a cake waiting. No complaints about any of it! I got some really thoughtful gifts and I thought I would share a few of them below. My friend Daniel thought of me while down south in Nashville and brought me back a country ham and Dolly Parton CD from the Cracker Barrel, so I even felt like I got a dose of home!

Keep reading!

Odysseo by Cavalia (Discount Code!)

I want to apologize if you came to my blog during my birthday break and had to see the issues I was having with a few graphics that I had linked to my Photobucket. They decided to change their whole website without telling anyone. Now to link to your pictures on there, they expect $400 US a year. Keep dreaming, Photobucket. Luckily, I only had a few to deal with on my main page. But you will see some past posts with an issue. As for my birthday, I'll have a post up next week. I just needed a little break to enjoy it!

While on my break, I took in a spectacular show. I saw Cavalia when it first came to Toronto forever ago (pretty sure it was 2005) and fell in love. They then started the Odysseo touring show, so I jumped at the chance when I got invited to attend during Social Media Week. My husband and I went on Friday (July 7) and I specifically chose that day because it marked ten years since I lost my grandmother. I wanted to do something fun and emotionally moving at the same time.

When seeing Cavalia, I remember being in absolute awe the entire time. Odysseo is no different. In fact, I seem to still be missing my jaw. I think I left it behind on the tent floor! Continue reading for more of my thoughts and to see the pictures. I have tried to cover a lot of the VIP (and regular none VIP) experience. There's also a discount code below if you are in the GTA and interested in going!

*picture provided by Cavalia

Keep reading!

Blog of the Month: July 2017

In June, Stef from Beautiful Beakers was my featured blogger. You can read that post and see other past featured blogs under the "blog of the month" label! Being my blog of the month gets you a designated blog post, a sidebar button, and a mention on my Twitter account. The sidebar button stays up all month long. I don't believe in necessarily making bloggers pay for advertising and I'd much rather show you blogs that I really enjoy reading. And I hope you end up enjoying them too!

This month's featured blog is Toronto Beauty Reviews. I can't say it is a specific blogger because it's actually a team that provides the posts! And with that, you definitely get a lot of different posts and perspectives. I like to think there's a little something for everyone that way. And what they blog about is in the name, it is a blog full of beauty reviews. I hope you check it out. :)

P.S.- On a personal note, I won't be back to posting until probably Thursday next week because it is my birthday week. And with two recent deaths in the family, I just need a break. Going to enjoy a staycation! You can still find me on all of my social media, though. Especially tomorrow when I share my experience at Cavalia Odysseo live on my Instagram Stories and Snapchat (@wendybanner)!

InstaMonth for June 2017

I've had double celebrations these past few days with Canada Day and Independence Day. No complaints here! We had a cookout at my MIL's on Sunday and enjoyed firing up the grill as a joint celebration of the two holidays. Fun question: do you call it a BBQ or a cookout? I consider a BBQ to be where a group of people eat a meal that has been slow-cooking all day and a cookout is where a group of people eat fast meals like burgers and hot dogs. But then again, I'm from the south and the topic seems to be a way of life back home. Haha!

Here are a few pics from my Instagram over the month of June. I'd love it if we followed each other, just look for "wendybanner". But please don't unfollow me right after I follow you back. That growth tactic drives me crazy. I see that it works for many, but no thank you.

1. The "I only went in for toilet paper" haul. // 2. Body Fantasies Soft Peony is a scent made for summer.

3. I got these when I redeemed some Shoppers points. // 4. Planner girl for life.

5. Testing this MUFE Water Blend - not a fan. More later. // 6. Also trying this Revlon mascara. Liking it!

7. National Pink Day speaks to my soul. // 8. New planners!

9. A few new Odylique goodies to try. See my other reviews here. Can't wait to share my thoughts.  // 10. Barry M haul! Swatches coming.

11. June faves! // 12. 20 years of Harry Potter. A series that continues to change my life. I'm a Hufflepuff (with a dash of Gryffindor)! What house are you in?

Today also marks three years since we rescued our dog Indy (it's in his name!). Best decision we could have made, because he's just a perfect fit to our family. I can't believe it has been three years already. My obsession with this little guy knows no bounds. #crazydoglady