December 2018 Faves

Ending 2018 with my December favorites! I rank December as one of my favorite months. It's so festive, holds my favorite holiday, and it has both fall and winter. Also if the year sucks, it's comforting knowing a new one is right around the corner for a fresh start. Hard to believe that fresh start is tomorrow!

Here are my favorites from the month, full of reds, golds, and gingerbread. Yep, that pretty much sums up my whole month. I wanted to be covered in all of the above! Happy New Year's Eve! May you have a safe evening ringing in the new year. If you have already, Happy 2019!

• Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso - Red lips all day, everyday.
• Sephora by OPI Be-Claus I Said So - Not made anymore, which is a shame. But you can find any red glitter. This is basically my fave easy holiday mani. Red base and topped with red glitter. Looks gorgeous and takes no time. If you want to get even more festive, stripe some white down the nail to create a candy cane. The cutest!
• Trendy Nails RD302 - Honestly again, any red polish paired with a red glitter. It's holiday perfection.
• Zoella Bake My Day! Mist - Smells like vanilla and gingerbread. Christmas in a bottle.
• ABH Soft Glam - So much yes. Please get it!
• Essence Cosmetics Metal Shock Shadow in Solar Explosion - Affordable and one of the best liquid shadows on the market. Plus, you can't go wrong with a shimmery gold.

2018 Beauty Favorites

I feel like I was just writing the 2017 post on this topic! This is a post all on the products that I've used the heck out of all year, not necessarily new to me. Some are even repeats from last year, because why change a good thing?

The only thing I can think of that I didn't include are concealers, but that's super easy because I pretty much stick to my HGs - MUFE Full Cover and Maybelline Age Rewind! Those don't really change, because I have yet to find anything that comes close to replacing them for me. I may venture away, but I always come back. Ya girl needs her concealer to feel human! What's your "I need it to feel human" product? Lipstick? Mascara?

Here are the beauty products that captured my love this year!

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NYX 2018 Sugar Trip Advent Calender Week 3

It's winding down now. I'll be sharing the last few days when I return from my holiday break. At this point of typing (this is a scheduled post), I haven't opened the last days yet! Here is the third week to the NYX  Sugar Trip advent calendar. Last I checked, it is still on for half off if you want to purchase it. It's a fun collection of items!

This is going up the day after Christmas. I hope you all had a great holiday! Can't wait to get caught up with all of you!

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Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a wonderful holiday! I have another couple of posts on automatic scheduling and I'll be back in the new year with more posts. I'm enjoying a holiday break with my husband before the regular routine comes back and hits us in the face. :) Netflix, Spotify, and probably a few too many treats are filling a good part of our days until then.

I hope you're having an amazing Christmas Day. Hard to believe it is already here and we're thisclose to a new year again! May 2019 make up for all of the lows of 2018 and build on the highs! I'm going to keep this short and sweet, because I'm sure you're spending time with your family and whatnot. That's what I'm doing as this post goes live. We're at my SIL/BIL's house for the family dinner and gift exchange, before coming home where I will force at least one or two more holiday specials down my husband's throat while I still can. Haha!

COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Influenster Vox Box

I haven't tried anything new from COVERGIRL in a while, which made this little box from Influenster all that more exciting. They have come out with a new mascara called Exhibitionist and with it the Get In Line liquid eyeliner and the Exhibitionist cream lipstick. I was sent a shade in each to try. If you want to know what I think and see my swatches, just keep scrolling down.

This is the last post I am typing live before my holiday break. I have a few other posts scheduled to go up until January 2nd when I am back! I'll still be on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter here and there, but I'm going on a bit of a blogging break just to enjoy the time off with my husband. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday break, as well!

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NYX Sugar Trip 2018 Advent Calendar Week 2

Like last week when I shared days 1-7 of the NYX Sugar Trip advent calendar, I'm back with days 8-14! These days brought the first blush and eyeshadows, which you'd think I don't own enough of judging by my excitement when I opened them. Again, if you're okay with not opening these on the day of, the Sugar Trip advent is on for half off and it's a steal of a deal! We paid full price for mine, so I'm kind of kicking myself for not waiting a bit to take advantage of the discount. It's still a great deal no matter if you paid regular price or the discount, for sure.

While I know the shades are exclusive to this calendar, the formulas are not. And there are some good formulas going on in this calendar!

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Me! Bath Bombs

Words cannot describe the annoyance that this computer has caused me today. It was automatically scrolling and auto-completing everything I typed and I almost hurled it outside the window into the forest. Then, I updated iTunes and rebooted and that seemed to have worked. For now. That has never happened before! Has it happened to anyone else? Not my day for technology!

I was sent the loveliest surprise PR package the other week to ring in the holidays and I wanted to share what was inside. Let's put it this way- I see a LOT of baths in my future! So many bath bombs. So so many bath bombs. I'm looking forward to some pamper sessions to try them out. They are by a brand that is new to me called Me! Bath. And I think my favorites are all of the holiday scents they have out right now.

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NYX 2018 Sugar Trip Advent Calendar Week 1

I've done a few beauty calendars in the past. Last year, I had one of The Body Shop's offerings. I love that more brands are offering them now. Such a fun way to try new products! This year I chose the NYX Sugar Trip, because I like that they changed it from the calendar last year that only offered lip products. This time, they offer eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, and lip items. I am already quite familiar with NYX, but I think this is a great way to get a feel for their formulas.

I break my advent posts up into weeks. I know I'm a little behind, but I've been working hard on getting all of the other posts up. And then, I had to wait for weather to cooperate for the pictures. Those unreliable autumn skies! Right now, this calendar is 50% off. So if you don't mind catching up on your days or you're really interested, now is the perfect time to pick this calendar up! The shades inside are all brand new and exclusive to the calendar. Here is the first week.

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My 2018 Christmas List

There's nothing that breaks the bank on my list this year. I mean, I certainly want some things that do, but nothing that can't wait. We're doing Christmas on a tight budget this year and I'd rather keep my list more on the realistic side of things. I try to do that every year, but I really hunkered down. Have you made your list yet? I'd love to know what you're asking for. One big ticket item or a few small things?

And if you just finished celebrating Hanukkah, I'd love to hear about that too. Just give me all of the holiday talk. I live for it! So many of you have shared your decor, your kids excitement, your pets under the tree, baking, etc. on Instagram and it makes me so happy. I don't want it to end!

• Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Eye Patches 15 Pairs (via Sephora, $25 CA) - I've been wanting to try eye patches for a while now. The 15 pack is limited edition and a great way to try them out without the hefty price tag. I know I can be doing more in my eye area than I do!
• Sephora Almond Foot Mask (via Sephora, $6 CA) - This LE star print for the holidays is too cute. I can't find it on the site anymore, but I'm sure they are in stores. Like with my eyes, I know there's more I can be doing for my feet. I don't know what's worse - sandal or boot season!
• Polar Bear Flannel Sheets (via Giant Tiger, $35.99 CA) - Sheets of any kind, really. We haven't splurged on a new set in years. But these? These scream my name. Any guesses why? Yeah, y'all know by now. I haven't met a polar bear I can resist yet. :)
• Love and Lore Travel Set (via Chapters, $39.50 CA) - Next year is the year. The year that I finally go back home for a visit for the first time since 2012. I'm not sure when, all we know is that IT IS HAPPENING because I've been gone for far too long. A set like this really makes packing easier. I'm definitely a pouch and cube kind of packer. Anyone else?
• Mitch Albom's The Next Person You Meet in Heaven (via Chapters, $29.99 CA) - Mitch is one of my favorite authors. He hasn't let me down yet and I've been so ready for this sequel. It must be mine and join my other Mitch books in my collection. I'm all for using my library card, but some books I just have to own. And Mitch is one of those few that I will read over and over. Read Tuesdays with Morrie and you'll understand.
• Too Faced Under the Christmas Tree Set (via Sephora, $52 CA) - How adorable is this set?! Would this even be a "Wendy" list if I didn't include makeup? It was between this and the Gingerbread Spice palette, but I thought I would use the colors in this one more. Speaking of gingerbread, it is not on this list, but I'm hoping Santa remembers my hint about Bath & Body Work's Spiced Gingerbread candle. It is heavenly! I'm just on a heavy gingerbread kick this year. I'm not mad about it.

Holiday Gift Guides 2018: Stocking Stuffers

I think the stockings are one of the best parts of Christmas. Maybe it is because I grew up with a 3 foot stocking that my aunt made for me and I'm pretty sure half of my Christmas fit into that bad boy. Not even kidding, it was awesome. I still have the stocking, but I haven't used it in years. I do wish that I had put it out with my decor this year. Note to self for next year!

Here are a few ideas to stuff stockings or hint at what you want in your own. I mean, you could stick to oranges and toothbrushes, but I say we add some fun to them and amp it up a bit! And personally, I think this is a great place to focus on self-care items. Okay...and chocolates. Treating yourself in many ways!

• Foot or Hand Masks (via Sephora, $6 CA) - These can be found for relatively cheap prices and can always be used.
• Face Masks (via Sephora, $35 CA) - I love sets like the one featured. You can break them up and give to multiple people and it's always a great value.
• Makeup (via Sephora, $6 CA) - The stocking is an excellent place to throw in a little palette, lipstick, or any makeup item.
• Lip Care (via LUSH, $7.95 CA) - Everyone can use a good lip scrub or balm!
• Tech (via Chapters, $14.95 CA) - Raise your stocking game by tossing in a phone case, bluetooth accessory, chargers (because you know they always break!), or other little tech gadgets.
• Socks or Slippers (via Old Navy, $5.94 CA) - Socks in stockings are nothing new, but the gift of comfort is underrated. Wearing cozy socks or slippers around the house is something anyone can appreciate, especially when the temperature is dropping.

InstaMonth for November 2018

Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating today! I hope everyone is having a great Monday...as great as Mondays can be. Mine has been full of answering emails, putting out fires, Christmas planning, you name it. But right now, I'm mostly just really excited to go downstairs for lunch and a coffee. Sweet beautiful coffee!

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet, if you don't mind, and just go right into a few highlights from my Instagram last month. As always, I'd love if we followed each other. I try to like and/or comment as much as I can. :)

1. Comfy and cozy vibes. // 2. Obsessed with red and gold right now! // 3. The last days of visible grass.

4. Holiday issues are out! // 5. October faves. // 6. Living for this Old Navy shirt. Here's my haul.

7. MOTD. // 8. Macarons! 

9. National French Toast Day, coffee style. // 10. Riversol samples. There's a link on their site to try them out, no hassle. And 2 other recent samples.

Zoella Holiday 2018: Four Lucky Stars and Milky Way Bath Milk Powder

Zoella Beauty puts out a new holiday collection each year, but this is my first time trying anything from any of them. I don't think we always get the full collections here, but it is nice that we can get some of it! This year's collection is based on the cosmos, so everything is a bit galaxy-themed and I love that.

So when I was offered the chance to try a few of the products and also give a set away on one of my social media channels, I quickly agreed. Until the end of December 13th, you can go to my Instagram and enter on this post. There are a few rules! You must follow the accounts I mention (which is only one besides my own), not be a giveaway account, like the picture, tag a Canadian friend as it is only open to Canadians, and tell me which scent always reminds you of the holidays.

Here are the two items I got to try!

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Blog of the Month: December 2018

In November, Tiffany from Boho & Blush 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, I've chosen Maha from Makeup by Maha Matar. This girl has skills and I honestly feel like her blog needs more attention! If you love beauty, you will absolutely enjoy her content. One of her latest posts talks about Wet n Wild and a few products that she has been trying out and it has me tempted to grab one or two! I hope you swing over to her blog and give her a follow. Feel free to let her know I sent you!

Another year of featured bloggers goes down in the books! You can check out the label to see who all were featured this year and years past. Some have stopped blogging or gone on hiatus, but there are plenty still going strong that deserve a view or two...or many!

November 2018 Favorites

I'm so deep into my love of December that TWICE I typed December on my graphic and in this post and it took me far longer than it should have to notice! In fact, these are my November favorites but they certainly set the mood for December and the holiday season. After Veterans Day/Remembrance Day, it's fair game and I like to start early to prolong it. I'm not the type that is sick of the decorations and music after a short bit. The season only lasts for so long and I just love the way it makes me feel. Also, Happy Hanukkah to those of you celebrating right now!

Here are my beauty favorites from last month. I make no promises that some of them won't reappear in my December favorites later on. You just can't go wrong with a red lip, sparkly eye, and festive fragrance this time of year!

• Zoella Bake My Day! Fragrance* - This smells like vanilla and gingerbread and so perfect for right now. I'll be talking more about this in my next post! *gifted to me for testing purposes
• Joe Fresh Beauty Lip Oil in Rose - Cold weather is here and I've invested in my first lip oil in ages. I don't know what possessed me to get rose, because I almost always hate that scent. And I hate this one, but I love the product so I suck it up. This oil feels amazing on the lips and I haven't noticed nearly as much dryness as I normally would.
• Essence Metal Shock Shadow in Solar Explosion - Why haven't I swatched these yet?! Good grief, I just keep dropping the ball. These are some of the best liquid shadows I have ever tried and are so budget friendly.
• Sephora Winter Magic Palette - This specific palette was part of last year's holiday collection at Sephora, so it is no longer available. BUT let me direct you to this year's version and it is a beauty! I'm tempted to add it to my cart, if I put my $15 off coupon to use. Can we rant about that a second? First, Sephora lowers the samples to two per order. The rewards you can use points for seem to be getting worst. And now, it's $15 off of $75 instead of a $50 purchase. Not impressed at all.
• Stila Liquid Lip in Beso - This red, you guys. I think of this as the perfect "Christmas red".

eShakti FX - Even more ways to customize your clothes!

I've worked with eShakti a handful of times now and it's always exciting to scroll through their website and look at the new offerings. They are always changing! I personally love their dress selection. Even better, you've always been able to customize them by size, sleeve length, dress length, pockets, etc. Seriously. You can add pockets and don't think I don't take advantage of that!

Now, eShakti has upped their game even more with eShakti FX. Keep reading below for more info!

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