This Pretty Posse set was sold during Sephora Canada's Boxing Day sale for $15. For two full-sized Tarte products. I repeat, $15 for two full-sized products. I bounced on that faster than you can say "Amazonian clay"! I thought the last Tarte deal on Black Friday was pretty good, but this one topped that one and blew it out of the water.
This set is no longer available, but the products are. Here are my thoughts and swatches on the Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Golden Pink and the Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy!
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Golden Pink and Clay Blush in Tipsy
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Friday, January 13, 2017
What I Got For Christmas 2016
I'm not going to show everything. A lot of it will pop up in my Instagram feed over time, I'm certain. And I got a lot of the typical stocking stuffers of candy and little knickknacks that I am happy about, but I don't want to photograph or share every little thing. So instead, I'm sharing a few of the items that were deemed as my "special" gifts. That's what my husband and I call the gifts that are under our tree and the family tree at my MIL's.
Insert typical disclaimer here about the not bragging or rubbing things in anyone's face. I happen to enjoy these types of posts immensely and I often get ideas (and new additions to my wishlist) from seeing what others get for various occasions. If you don't like this type of post, I understand if you choose to skip it and read my other material. But do know it's not about the material things at all. As I noted in a previous post, my best Christmas gift came in way of a long lost wedding card from my grandmother. So many emotions! Feelings of love, happiness, faith, and peace. That's my Christmas.
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Labels: 2016, accessories, books, christmas, Disney, drinks, gifts, home decor, magazines, makeup, skincare
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
2016 Beauty Favorites
Do you know how hard it is to narrow down the amount of beauty items that are the dearest to your heart within a year's time? Hard. Super hard. I've managed to get the number down to 12, but there are definitely some good products left out. But honestly, you can get a good idea of the items in my collection that get the most love by viewing my monthly favorites. That's partly how I determine what gets listed here- what got featured and used the most.
So let's see what products had me swooning this year! There's a few tried and trues and a few that were new to me this year. If you've done one of these round-ups, let me know!
Monday, January 9, 2017
Sephora Boxing Day Haul 2016
Sephora is one of the only Boxing Day sales that I took advantage of. The other one was with a clothing store to grab some new pants for my husband. I didn't go overboard, but I think I got some impressive deals. One set that I wanted (the Boscia kit) sold out between me adding it to my cart and checking out so thanks for saving me another $15, Sephora. Ha!
If you've never taken part in their Boxing Day sales, every deal offered is C$15. Some deals are better than others. I try to do my homework before they go live to know exactly what I am interested in and what is getting me more bang for my buck. So here are the three items I chose from the sale. I also grabbed another set of my favorite hair ribbons to bump up my order to free shipping.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
InstaMonth for December 2016
Happy New Year! I'm back from my Christmas break and getting back into the blogging action. Time to dust off the keyboard and get caught up! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break. As usual, it went by far too quickly. Writing and saying 2017 still feels weird, but I am excited to see what the new year brings.
As for 2016, here are a few pictures from my Instagram last month. Gosh, that was sooo last year. ;)
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Friday, December 30, 2016
December 2016 Favorites
I hope you all had a great holiday weekend! And another one is just around the corner! This is the last of my scheduled posts during my break. I should be back to blogging early next week with my Christmas gifts, overall favorites of 2016, and all of that jazz. I know I'll have a lot of catching up to do with reading and commenting on your blogs!
Here are my favorites from December. I'm pretty sure you can see a trend going on here. Rosy eyes, glowing cheeks, and red lips. That is my no-fail holiday look! It's probably everyone's look, but hey, it's classic for a reason.
- Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlighter in Pearl - A really easy highlighter to work with. Loving the stick formulas lately!
- ColourPop Cosmetics Shadow in Wattles - This pairs so nicely with the Naked 3.
- Urban Decay Naked 3 - Never fails that I crave this palette around the holiday season.
- NYX Plush Red Lip Pencil - My favorite red lip liner.
- Arbonne Cardinal Glossed Over - This works well with the NYX liner for a "not-too-red" red lip.
- Demeter Gingerbread Fragrance -Christmas in a bottle. I kid you not. Just like gingerbread!
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Labels: 2016, arbonne, colourpop cosmetics, favorites, makeup, NYX, perfume, Sephora
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Happy Holidays!
Many holidays are upon us right now with Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. Oh, how I love the holiday season! It's always such a sad moment when decorations start coming down and I have to remember to say and write a new year (which I always fail to do until at least February, let's be honest). I just wanted to pop in today and wish you all a wonderful holiday break!
And honestly, I think I already got one of the best gifts I could ask for. My grandmother helped raise me and I lost her to COPD in 2007. I miss her often, but it's the most difficult during the first snowfall and Christmas. I would always call her when the snow would come while in college and when I moved here, so it always makes me think of her. There's no other thing that I want to call what happened this past weekend other than divine intervention.
My Granny Gent (what I have always called her) gifted me many things for our wedding and one of the items was a sandwich maker. Well, I got married almost eleven years ago and I just never seemed to bring out the sandwich maker. I could not bring myself to ever get rid of it, in hopes that I would use it but also because she gave it to me. For whatever reason, this past weekend, I saw it sitting there in my kitchen and thought I would finally give it a try.
I opened up the box and I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. There, tucked by the side of the machine, was a wedding card from Granny Gent. I have tears in my eyes now just remembering the feeling of the many emotions that swept over me. That card had been sitting in that box for over ten years and I had absolutely no idea. All I could do was cry tears of joy because it felt like a message from my grandma. Sometimes you don't realize just how badly you need something until you get it. While I had her here, we fought hard and loved hard and I will never have another relationship even remotely like it.
It was just the best feeling, like stepping into a time capsule of things you have never seen before but are familiar with at the same time. Plus, I'm pretty certain she's looking down and laughing about how it took me long enough to find it. This might be just what I needed most!
Now that I have rambled your ears off, I hope you enjoy your time with your loved ones and doing things that bring you joy. If you don't celebrate, I still hope you have a lovely weekend and hopefully have some time to enjoy it! I do have two posts scheduled for next week, before I'm back on here at the beginning of January. If I seem to be MIA on here at all, I'm just enjoying the holiday break with my husband. You'll still be able to find me on my social media pages!
Happy Holidays!
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Thursday, December 22, 2016
My Christmas Essentials This Year
Christmas is almost here! My favorite holiday and now it seems to come and go so quickly. I remember as a child how slow it seemed to be. Gosh, I miss that! Slow down, Christmas. In this post, you will find out some of my Christmas essentials and the very things that have gotten me through just about every night this month. Because I am very much a creature of habit who enjoys all things cozy and happy.
- Hot Drinks - I prefer cold drinks 95% of the time, but Christmas makes me want mugs of hot tea, coffee, and cocoa.
- Red Anything - Red cups. Red nails. Red lips. Give me the red!
- Christmas Movies and TV Specials - All of 'em.
- Ornaments - My favorite tradition with my husband where we get an ornament each year for our tree.
- Reese's Trees - I take my chocolate and peanut butter very seriously. These offer the perfect ratio of each. There's more peanut butter to the chocolate and it's perfect.
- Pajamas - I bought two pairs from Old Navy this year and I wish I could live in them.
- Slippers and Fuzzy Socks - Just makes the pajamas that much better. It's a fact.
- Holiday Sweaters - I finally got ugly sweaters this year. Two of them and you can see them on my Instagram! Though I don't think they are ugly at all!
- Advent Calendar - I didn't get a beauty one this year. I just stuck to the chocolate ones and mine is Finding Dory, because I'm a Disney addict.
- Blankets - I just want to get lost in a blanket in my PJs and fuzzy socks with a good book or a Christmas movie, hot drink in hand. Makes me want to stop typing this post right now and go do it!
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Tuesday, December 20, 2016
My 2016 Christmas List
I love making and reading posts like these! I love seeing wishlists. I probably shouldn't since I rarely leave one without having to add something to my own. But I guess that is just a chance I am willing to take. Ha! I cannot understand how Christmas is just days away. I better start practicing saying 2017 soon.
So I went down my list and picked out a few things that I wanted to share. If you have any of them, let me know your thoughts. And definitely link me to your own Christmas list post or tell me something you are asking for or looking forward to giving!
- Kate Spade New York Food Prep Boards - These are so cute and I love that they are glass so they won't hold odors from food.
- The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well - This book has been screaming at me to get it. Right up my alley!
- Lush Christmas Penguin - One of my favorite Christmas items that they make. They're so cute and smell amazing.
- Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Trans-Foam Clay Trio - It goes on as clay and turns to foam when you go to rinse it off. Doesn't that sound interesting?!
- MantraBand She Believed She Could Cuff - I love surrounding myself with positive sayings and what better way than on my wrist?
- Polar Bear Nordic Tea Mug - Not a true Wendy wishlist if a polar bear isn't involved. This tea mug is perfect! I also have the Apple Cider tea blend from DAVIDs TEA on my list and I can just imagine drinking that in this mug and watching snow fall.
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - And like polar bears, I have a lot of Harry Potter related items on my list. Having read the original text book style book ages ago, I am excited to read this screenplay. I haven't seen the movie yet either. I'm torn between paying the hefty price to see the movie in the theatre or waiting until it comes out on blu-ray.
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Friday, December 16, 2016
Gift Guide 2016: For the Guys
Always my hardest gift guide to put together. I don't care how long I have been married, I still find it a daunting task to pick out gifts for my husband. And heck, any other male in my life, honestly. My husband is pretty easy going and I am quite fluent in what he likes, but I put a lot of pressure on myself to get just the right things. Sometimes we just need to stop overthinking things and just get them what they like, no matter how simple or "everyday" we think something is.
For instance, my husband hates buying for himself and had rather put others first. So I know things like clothes, socks, underwear, etc. are needed come birthdays and Christmas. I always think about how boring these things are, but they are so useful. Sure, I'm going to throw some fun things in this list, but it's okay to buy daily items too and they'll be appreciated just the same!
- Book - Something in their interest- music, sports, grilling, etc. I've been reading Wilber's War* and it's perfect if you have a history buff on your hands. It follows the Bradt family story as told by Wilber's son, Hale. He read through some 700 letters that his father had written and started piecing this book together. I have the abridged version, but from what I have read, the longer trilogy is worth the time to read. Wilber did not die in the war, but from it. Once home, he committed suicide suffering likely from what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a heavy read, but still stands so true today with many families experiencing this same type of loss.
- Movie - And promise a movie night with it. There's something to be said about a quiet night at home, cuddled on the couch, and watching a movie together.
- Cologne - Maybe repurchase his signature scent or buy one that could become one.
- Accessories - Scarves, gloves, sunglasses, slippers, and anything else that he always needs and never seems to have!
- Tickets - Sporting event, concert, movie, plane. Whatever kind. It's all about experiencing something together!
- Necessities - Underwear, socks, grooming products, you name it.
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Book // Slippers // Socks // Tickets // Cologne // Movie |
**I was sent an item in this blog post for testing and reviewing purposes. All thoughts and pictures are my own. There are no affiliate links in this post.
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Monday, December 12, 2016
Gift Guide 2016: For the Pets
On my Christmas list, you'll also find things I want for Indy. I just can't help it! He has his own stocking and we'll wrap his other gifts in tissue paper, because he loves ripping into it and tearing it to shreds. It's still a little sad to look over at the tree and not see our cat Jade nestled under it. It will be our second Christmas without her and I still half expect to hear the ornaments rustle as her tail hits them. Our little Santa Paws is bringing lots of holiday spirit, though!
- Pet Toy Stocking - I love pre-packaged stockings like these. Sometimes you can find them 50% off after Christmas!
- Christmas Dinner - If you're having a holiday feast, so should they!
- Holiday Costume - You have to do a photo session with your pet or you're just not doing it right.
- Friendship Collar - A collar for them (dogs and cats) and a matching bracelet for you. LOVE!
- Leash - This is on my Christmas list for Indy. I like the removable keyfob.
- Tank Decorations - Ones with hiding places are always a winner.
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Labels: 2016, christmas, gift guide, holiday, pets
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Arbonne Holiday 2016: Sheer Glow Highlight Stick Duo and Apricot Vanilla Hand Lotion
Some of you guys have probably already been seeing the Arbonne holiday collection popping up on social media and other blogs. They really stepped up their game with this year's collection. The packaging is festive and what I have tried (featured in this post) is fantastic.
In today's post, I'll be showing and talking about the Sheer Glow Highlight Duo and the Apricot Vanilla Hand Lotion!
If there is one thing to know about me when it comes to skin, it is that I am a Shea butter addict. If it says Shea butter, chances are I am grabbing it and trying it out! But oddly, I was attracted more to the name of the scent before that this time. Apricot Vanilla Hand Lotion. Yes, please. And let me tell you, the scent does not disappoint. When I am wearing this, I can't stop smelling my hands. I become a weird girl walking around with her fingers to her nose. Perfectly fine hand cream that moisturizes nicely, but the scent truly sells it. Perfect for a stocking stuffer!
Next is the Sheer Glow Highlight Stick Duo. I have already talked about how much I love the tube version of the Sheer Glow Highlight. This time it is in a solid stick formula and comes in the shades Bronze and Pearl. I have dry skin and these go on smoothly and blend easily. I prefer Pearl to Bronze, because that one requires a little more work with my pale skin. These also have Shea butter as an ingredient. I love the convenience of a stick, because it's easy enough to swipe across what you want highlighted or bronzed. They layer over foundations and blushes without making a mess of your hard work. Big fan!
Really happy with both the hand lotion and highlight duo! Arbonne has a lot to offer in their new holiday collection! And to see any of the past Arbonne products that I have tried, click the "Arbonne" label on the post. If you have tried these, let me know! Are you loving stick highlighters as much as I am right now?!
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Right swatch is Bronze // Left swatch is Pearl |
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Labels: 2016, arbonne, holiday, product review, swatches
Monday, December 5, 2016
Blog of the Month: December 2016
In November, Chantal from Chantal's Corner 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!
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Thursday, December 1, 2016
November 2016 Favorites
It's December! I'm so excited! I have Christmas music playing right now as I type, but to be truthful it was a hard decision not to play Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, or The Weeknd. Have you heard their new albums? So so good. But right now, Christmas music is winning. You only get that short window of time to have carols in your head before people start looking at you funny.
Here are my favorites from last month (two are repeats from October)! I'd love to hear if you have tried any of these or what you have been loving this past month. Is there anything I need to be adding to my Christmas list?! Do share!
- Arbonne Cardinal Gloss - It's such a beautiful red and I really crave red lips during this time of the year.
- ColourPop Supermodel Shadow - Swatch is coming soon. It's a great base color.
- Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Perfume - It's so warm and spicy. Perfect for winter nights!
- Arbonne Exfoliating New Cell Scrub - As a weekly dose, I have noticed my skin isn't as prone to dry patches.
- ColourPop Lunch Money Highlight - Layers well with other products and gives a great glow.
- Bleu Lavande Cleansing Milk - Feels refreshing and doesn't make my skin feel tight.
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Labels: 2016, arbonne, colourpop cosmetics, favorites, makeup, perfume, Sephora, skincare
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Gift Guide 2016: For the Hosts
Before I dive in to today's gift guide, I just want to mention Gatlinburg, TN. I considered the place my second home growing up. It was where I was married and spent my honeymoon. And it is still one of my favorite places to vacation when I am heading back home for a visit. This past week, Gatlinburg has been battling fires and it is devastating and heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone there. And if you can manage it, please consider donating to the Red Cross or the Gatlinburg Relief Fund.
Now back to regularly scheduled programming! Here is my gift guide for the host and/or hostess. You can also see my past hostess gift guides: 2014 and 2015.
- Wine* - One like Two Oceans' Pinot Grigio won't break the bank. With tastes of pear, peach, and lychee, you can't go wrong. This one is crisp and dry with a clean finish and would pair well with the appetizer round. For the price, you can grab two and not feel guilty about it. Holidays are meant to indulge and gabbing around the appetizers at a party is one of the best parts about holiday get togethers.
- Poo Pourri* - Yes, really! It saves on the embarrassing bathroom smells and works like a charm.
- Candle - Who doesn't love candles?!
- Food - A cheese tray, pancake mix, homemade brownies, etc.
- Ornament - I love ornaments that tell a story or have a memory behind them and this way the host will have an ornament to remind them of the party for years to come!
- Soap Set - Soap always comes in handy. Even better if it is in a nice caddy as a set.
**Some of the products in this post were sent to me for testing and reviewing purposes. All thoughts and pictures are my own. There are no affiliate links in this post.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Gift Guide 2016: For the Girly Girls
Where do I start? This is the easiest and hardest gift guide to do. Why? Because how does one narrow down all of the pretty things into one compiled list? It's not easy and there are plenty more things I could have added to this post, but I have to draw the line somewhere. With that said, these are some of my favorite gifts and gift ideas right now for the ladies in your life (or you!).
- Scarves - You can't go wrong.
- Perfume - Rollerball perfumes are perfect for gifts.
- Makeup - Buy gift sets and split them up among friends. You save money and everyone wins!
- Jewelry - Something personalized or a charm for a bracelet is always a winner. (I'm a fan of LovePendants!)
- Sentimental Gifts - A framed picture, concert tickets for you to enjoy together, etc.
You can see my past girly gift guides for more ideas: 2014 and 2015.
I hope everyone in the States has a lovely Thanksgiving! I am taking a short staycation and will be back to posting next week. Hope you all have a great rest of the week!
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Labels: 2016, accessories, christmas, fashion, gift guide, home decor, makeup
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Gift Guide 2016: Stocking Stuffers
And so begins my gift guides for this year! I thought I would start with stocking stuffers. Obviously, this is leaning more toward the ladies but I do have a gift guide coming up for the men in your life. I like to view stockings as the opportunity to throw the little knickknacks in that you may not want to wrap and put under the tree. I think of stockings as being the stress free version of gift giving. It doesn't have that added pressure of "getting it perfect", which is really unfair of us to put on ourselves in the first place.
So here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers and ideas!
- Nail Polish - With thousands of options, you can't go wrong.
- Brush Cleaner - All beauty lovers need to keep their tools in top shape.
- Makeup - I mean, obviously. And many brands exist that won't break the bank.
- Travalo - Scent is a personal thing, but this lets them carry their fave with them everywhere.
- Lip Balm - Always needed.
- Gift Cards - One of my favorite gifts to get and give. I don't think it is taboo at all.
- Candy or Snacks - A classic stocking stuffer for a reason. My seasonal fave are the Reese's trees!
- Hand Lotion - Winter brings dry skin. Nip it in the bud!
- Hair Ties - Those darn things never last long enough.
- Cute Notebooks and Pens - A girl can never have too many.
- Gloves - Never a bad gift if you live in a colder climate.
- Socks - The cuter the better, I say.
- Tech Accessories - Phone cases, selfie lights, screen protectors. You can't go wrong!
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Friday, November 11, 2016
Old Navy Fall and Winter Haul
Admittedly, I went a little nuts with Old Navy recently. I had super cash to use and then the F&F sale came and went. Considering I got all of this recently, I would assume most can still be found online and in stores. Y'all know I love my polar bears and Old Navy delivered on that obsession! There's more polar bear items available and don't think they are not on my Christmas list. ;)
I kept fall and winter in mind with this haul, so here's what I got!
- Boyfriend Drapey Tee - If you can find any of these, grab them. Such a great length and fabric!
- Long & Lean Rib-Knit Tunic - A nice long length that is perfect for layering over leggings.
- Go-Warm Perfomance Fleece Jacket - Love the thumb loops.
- Go-Dry Built In Shelf Bra Tank - Bought this for physio. No matter your boob size, this bad boy offers amazing support!
- Boyfriend Plaid Pocket Shirt - Because I don't think one can have enough plaid. I'm sticking to that.
- Thermal Crew-Neck Tee - So comfy and perfect for a casual outfit or lounging and sleeping.
- Patterned Cozy Crew Socks - I live for these fuzzy socks every year. I had to get the polar bear and pup!
- Printed Flannel Sleep Sets - I haven't had a matching set of PJs like these since probably elementary school. Probably the two things I was most excited about in my haul! So comfortable and worth every dollar.
- Semi-fitted Thermal Tee - Polar bear in a Christmas sweater. Yep, had to make it mine.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Blog of the Month: November 2016
In October, Kathy from Along Came Kathy 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!
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Monday, October 31, 2016
October 2016 Faves + This Month's Sponsor
Oh, happy day! I always think of Sister Act when I hear or say that. Anyone else? Today is a happy day for me. I was able to get to Best Buy this weekend and purchase a replacement battery charger for my blogging camera. So happy to have my baby back in my hands and ready for action!
This month's sponsor helped cover some of that unexpected cost. If you look under "Sponsors" on my sidebar, you'll see the link to Beautiful Beakers. I'd love if you'd go show Stef a little love on her blog. She's got a great new post up about Benefit Cosmetics!
- Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Perfume - Favorite date night and evening scent. It lasts so long on the skin and the sandalwood notes make it perfect for cooler weather.
- ColourPop Cosmetics Wattles Super Shock Shadow - Review is coming. A rosy beige and if you like the Naked 3 palette, this works really well with that.
- ColourPop Cosmetics Gummy Bear Sculpting Stix - Review is coming. Such an easy highlighter to use! It offers you perfect control.
- Arbonne Cardinal Glossed Over - See swatch and review here. Great for the holidays!
- L'Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Dual Overnight Moisturizer - Review is here. I love the cooling effect and it does a nice job at hydrating my skin.
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Labels: 2016, arbonne, colourpop cosmetics, drugstore, favorites, Sephora, skincare