January 2022 Faves

First faves of 2022! I don't know about you, but I feel like this year is already exhausting. I hope that changes, I really do! I'm happy it is Friday and I am hoping to spend this weekend in the most relaxing ways we can. There are some shows to catch up on, a jigsaw puzzle to be finished, and a charcuterie board ready to be put to use for a delicious lunch on one of the days. It's not much and that's exactly what I'm looking for in a world that has proven to feel like too much for me lately. 

Aside from this past month's favorites, I did my annual favorites roundup for 2021 in the post before this. Here's what I reached for in January!

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2021 Beauty Favorites

Time to do a little roundup of some products I loved last year! I change it up a bit each year. In 2020, I included skincare. And honestly, as far as skincare goes, not much has changed aside from a product or two. The products I featured in 2020 are still absolute winners, so much so that a few are repeated this year! With not leaving home much due to the pandemic, these were my "reach fors" practically every outing even if just to feel put together for a moment to pick up curbside orders and when it began to feel like if I don't make some sort of personal effort, that I'll forget what it is like to function among the land of the living and outside of my four walls.

What did you love last year? I'd love to know! While I mentioned there are a few repeats on my list from 2020, I did add a few new things to my collection that lived up to hype or expectation. To make it easy to organize, I've broken it up into categories with six products each. Do we have any in common? If you would like a more in depth review or swatches on anything, let me know and I'll work on getting a post together. 😊

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November 2021 Favorites

It's December! Hellllooooo holidays! I've gotten a big chunk of our holiday shopping out of the way and now I'm focusing more on what to put on the menu. This year, my MIL has agreed to quarantine (as will we) for a few days prior to come celebrate and sleep over on Christmas Eve at our place. As stated in a prior post, we all have different comfort zones. It will be nice to have someone over, but to do it cautiously. I have the place fully decked out already and so begins the menu and activity planning!

For November, I found myself already whipping out more festive looks and outfits. Even if it was just to sit in the car while waiting on my Starbucks. My Christmas bag, face masks, sweaters, etc...they have already been in rotation the last few weeks. If it can be made festive, you better believe I will make it so! Haha!😄

Here are my favorites from November. I'd love to know what you have been using and loving! Have you started migrating to holiday looks and outfits or do you bother?

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September 2021 Favorites

I always enjoy favorites posts and they are easy enough to put together. Just wanted to get this up before the holiday weekend starts up here, as Canada's Thanksgiving is upon us. My first of two Thanksgivings, never something I will complain about. 😁 It's just us again this year as our comfort level is not where others might be with having in person feasts and get-togethers. We still prefer masking and distancing when possible. That doesn't mean that I'm not going full throttle and being as festive as possible! I have every festive meal and treat planned. And the best part is having today and Monday as days off!

Here are a few things I've been loving this month. Have you tried any of these? I would love to know what you have been enjoying recently. There's been so many launches and releases that I can hardly keep up! Happy weekend, y'all!

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August 2021 Favorites

August slipped away into a moment in time. Like I wasn't going to quote Taylor Swift! September is here and my favorite time of the year is just around the corner - autumn and the holiday season. Have I already opened my pumpkin coffee syrup? You bet I have! With the weather being below 80F here today, it feels like the perfect way to welcome September.

It doesn't hurt that it's a holiday weekend here. My husband's workplace decided to tack on an extra day off for Labor Day, so we have a nice long weekend to look forward to. He doesn't know it yet, but he's about to be climbing into storage to grab our fall decor. 😂 I wanted to drop in with my favorites post, before we start our time off! As always, feel free to let me know in the comments if we have any of these in common or what you've been loving the last month.

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July 2021 Favorites

Hi, everyone! I'm back at you again with my July favorites and honestly, it feels like I just did the June version of this post. July went by so quickly for me! I selfishly want August to do the same, because my countdown for autumn and the start of the holiday season is on. I won't lie about doing a happy dance when I found out Bath and Body Works were already putting out their Halloween collection. With everything going on right now, we need to find things to be happy about! If that means shopping for Halloween in late July/early August, then so be it. Am I already thinking about where to put my Christmas decorations? Maaaaaaybe.

It was a short week here in Canada with Monday having been a holiday, so it's a really nice realization to wake up and remember it is Friday already. It's often a struggle to keep the days straight! If the weather holds up, Toronto is supposed to have a Vincent van Gogh hot air balloon on Saturday to draw attention to the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. Vincent is my favorite artist and I've never seen a hot air balloon in person, despite coming from an area that hosted a giant hot air balloon festival every year. I just never had the opportunity to attend! Have you seen one in person? I don't think I'd ever be comfortable riding in one with my fear of flying and heights, but I'm happy to admire from solid ground.😄

To this past month's favorites! What were some of the things you've been enjoying? Do we have any in common? I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

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Collective Birthday Haul - Coach x Peanuts, Torrid, H&M, Old Navy, Shoppers, and Sephora

Hi there! Last week was my birthday and I splurged on a few things, because... hi, my name is Wendy and I can't say no to birthday discounts, apparently. I felt like the best way to share what I got would be to do a collective haul. Some of the things I've already shared on my Instagram. I'll share some of the beauty items in later posts, both on there and here. I purchased all of this within the last two weeks, I'd say, so most of it should still be available if you see something that interests you!

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May 2021 Favorites

I'm a little late on this month's posts. I've been going through some things and the blog was kind of put on the backburner. I'll get my favorites up today and my blog of the month up this week, as well. Hope you all understand if posts remain a bit sporadic for the time being, because I truly need to not add more pressure on myself. While I view blogging as fun, I still find ways to be a perfectionist and to be my own worst critic.

 To step back into blogging for this month, let's start with the easiest post and always one of my favorites to put together. Monthly favorites! As always, let me know if we share any favorites or what you've been loving. Anything new that needs to be on my radar?! I hope you're all having a great week so far. I'm already waiting for the weekend, but what's new there? 😄

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March and April 2021 InstaMonth

Wow, I think the last Instamonth was actually January's. So I guess I'll just skip right over February. Oops! 😜 I just have to hope my perfectionism takes a backseat on that one and I can let the oversight go. It's just been a really loooooong year and I'll chalk it up to that.

So here are some highlights from my Instagram (@wendybanner) during March and April. I'm always down to follow back, so let's connect if we haven't. I'm going to keep this short, because it's Friday and I am so ready for the weekend. Just gonna make it more about the pictures and not the captions. I hope you have a great weekend!

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April 2021 Favorites

Hi y'all! I am so happy that it is Friday. I don't know about you, but this week has felt so loooooong. This weekend is busy enough, but it still holds that power of being the weekend. I look forward to taking a few hours to catch up on some TV shows and other things that kind of get pushed aside during the week. How are you handling the balance between work and life? It takes a bit to get a routine down.

Let's get into my April beauty favorites! Let me know if we share any in common or what you've been loving in the comments, if you'd like. I was also testing products out like the mascara and the lip mask, which I suppose with them featured here in my favorites, that you know how well the testing went!

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March 2021 Beauty Favorites

Let me tell you, March was not my friend. April hasn't started off any better. I'm not willing to be fully open about why, but the truth is I am struggling. It's affecting me mentally, emotionally, and physically. My general and social anxiety is high, my usual techniques to help my mild OCD are failing me, I can't get to my physiotherapist for my knee, etc. etc. Things started truly affecting me around October and has slowly built up. If you're feeling this way, like you're trying to stay afloat in a sea that keeps tossing you over and under, you are not alone. This past year has taken so much from so many people. Remember to listen to what you, your body, and your mind needs. I know I'll get back to where I function better and have more peace, it's just going to take some time and work to get there. I'm thinking of you. I'm with you.

Two of March's favorites were featured in February and none of these are new to a favorites post. Since I'm not getting out much right now (hello lockdown life), I stick to the same few products to throw on and go or to take pictures. Can't say I put too much effort in most days! I haven't even bothered with nail polish, since one of my coping mechanisms is biting my nails and I can't seem to get that back under control at the moment. I'll get back to that eventually. I'm glad this is Friday and I'm hoping to have a quiet weekend and do my best to get my brain to come out of overdrive for a hot minute. Where's an on/off switch when you need one?! I hope you all have a good weekend. Take care of yourselves. 💞

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Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturizer

I have been given the opportunity to try Olay's Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturizer. I'm going to keep this review short and sweet and get right to it. Let's dive in to some of my thoughts!

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February 2021 Faves

February came in fast and left just as fast. And now we're in March, the month where our lockdown started last year and we're still in one currently. It's important to remember that while it has been a year, that it won't be forever. Please just keep distancing, staying home as much as possible, and wearing a mask. I'm seeing States open up, having never closed, and just not caring...and I'm terrified that I won't get home again anytime soon. That I won't see my grandparents in their final years. I have family and friends not taking it seriously and I just hope they stay safe.

It's hard to have faith in people anymore, honestly. Even if we weren't being asked to stay home right now, I still would the majority of the time. The amount of people not caring, mad about masks, mad about politics, mad about people asking for better treatment and having rights to choices that don't affect them personally, making everything about themselves and forgetting what being a kind and loving human can accomplish. For now, home is safer. Home is saner. 

Now to this past month's favorites. Sorry for getting on that tangent. My mind and heart have both been heavy for months and sometimes it just comes pouring out. I've thought about making a full post about it, but I don't know. Sometimes it's easier in these small bursts. I get it out and then go about my day. If you want to talk about anything and get something off of your chest, know that my email is listed and I will listen. Or DM me on my social media links. You're not alone.

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Yes To Tomatoes Clear-Looking Skin

I was sent three Yes To products to test and review. Two are from the Tomatoes line and one is from the Grapefruit line.The products are the Blemish Absorbing Rollerball, Triple Threat Blemish Solution, and the Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Paper Mask. All of these work together to help conquer any blemishes that pop up and brighten your skin.

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InstaMonth for January 2021

I can't believe February is already halfway over. It being such a short month always throws me off. Valentine's Day was a little crazy to think about and celebrate because it was the last time we ate inside a restaurant before the pandemic truly hit. We've had date nights since then, but with a pandemic twist. It's so strange to think about this past year and how our lives and routines have changed.

Anyway, let's dive into a few pictures from my Instagram during January. As always, I'd love for us to follow each other if we aren't. It's hard to grow an account these days!

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January 2021 Beauty Favorites

Happy Groundhog Day! Do you live in an area that determined an early spring or further weeks of winter? It was a bit of a toss-up with Canada's little groundhogs, but Ontario has predicted an early spring. We'll just have to see if Willie is right!

Here are my beauty favorites from January. Basically my put on for photos, dog walks, and to wait in the car during errands makeup since we're still in lockdown here. 🤷 I'm not knocking it. I love being home. If there's one thing coming from it, it is more house organization, cleaning, and updating. Haha! My pots and pans cupboard and kitchen drawers have been re-lined and organized, bookcase reorganized, new bed pillows, etc. I just can't stop doing little facelifts! I was already this way, but staying home has amped it up. Have you hit this stage yet? Tell me I'm not alone at tackling my house full throttle! 😄

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Dr. Teal's Melatonin Formula Epsom Salts and Foaming Bath

It's no secret by now that I love Dr. Teal's products. I've had numerous bags of their epsom salts and tried several of the formulas. This melatonin one is their newest offering! I have the melatonin formula in both the epsom salts and foaming bath. I was sent these for an honest review and have been testing this specific formula for weeks now. For the record and minor spoiler alert, I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the Dr. Teal's offerings!

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2020 Beauty Favorites

I try to do this little roundup every year, where I feature products that truly had the spotlight during the past year. This isn't where I share only new to me products, though some do fall into that category. Some are actually repeats over the years because I just haven't found anything that takes their crown away. This year is slightly less than past years, since I've spent the majority of it at home and not needing to bother with makeup on most days! As a matter of fact, most of my favorites this year is skincare.

To see what I liked last year,  you can read that post here. My routine certainly changed this year. How about yours? Did you find that you were putting more emphasis on skincare? With wearing masks, I really found I had no choice but to do so anyway. They definitely changed my skin a bit. There are a few products that I've currently been using in the past two months, but I try to only showcase products that had several months use. I do have those products coming up with reviews, though! I'd love to hear what some of your favorites were during 2020. Let me know in the comments!

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December 2020 Favorites

Just as I'm trying to get used to typing out "2021", I'm having to type "2020" for just a few more posts. I am happy to get into 2021's posts and focus fully on the new year soon! Here's hoping 2021 is a better year. As my first official post of the new year, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. It has been hard getting back into the normal routine after being in vacation mode, but I certainly came back refreshed and rejuvenated. My first big task blog-related is catching up on emails and organizing my inbox. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I do better when things are streamlined. The longer it is put off, the more that has to be sorted...so might as well suck it up and get to it! 😅

To my favorites from December! I'd love to know what some of your favorites were. As happy as I am to see 2020 over, I will miss December and all of the holiday vibes. My tree is on as I type, but everything will be coming down and into storage this evening. So sad to see it all go away for months again! It goes by too quickly, doesn't it?!

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November 2020 Faves

Hello, December! My favorite time of the year is truly here. I've already been watching several Christmas specials with my trees lit up. This year with us both being home, it kind of feels more like the decorations aren't going to waste. We're both home to enjoy them all day and night, which is actually really nice. It's the little things. And when I tell you that I'm looking for any small burst of joy and appreciating the heck out of it, I mean it. I've been having a rough time this past month.

I've managed to be spoiled with three advents this year and I said I didn't need one. My husband picked out the Yves Rocher and Shoppers Beauty ones and my SIL made us both handmade advents full of different goodies each day. I'm thinking of doing a weekly recap of them on Instagram, either on my feed or in my Stories. Did you get a calendar this year? I'd love to know which one! If I were going to get the usual chocolate one, I had my eyes on the Ferrero Rocher one. These calendars just get fancier and fancier every year!

Is anyone else questioning sending Christmas cards this year? I'm normally a card gal, but I don't really want to buy stamps, deal with the post office, etc. I am thinking we will get dolled up this weekend for a picture and then send it by social media and emails this time around. It's not my preferred method, but I think everyone will understand. Anyway, let's get to the favorites!

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