Six Good Romance Reads - Christmas

In March, I first shared six good romance reads in the age gap trope. In the spirit of December being here, I am here to share six good Christmas romance books. As a matter of fact, I have enough to make two posts if this one sparks interest or I can save them for next year. I've been on a holiday reading kick since November kicked off. There has been some clunkers, but quite a few winners. It's always hit or miss with holiday books, isn't it? It is easy to fall into that cheesy category, though sometimes that works in the tale's favor. I typically prefer the ones rooted a little more in reality.

And I just went with a Christmas themed photo from my archive. Who doesn't love themed donuts? These were from Krispy Kreme last year or the year before. I love that this year's is Peanuts themed. May have to splurge on those. Come on, a Snoopy donut? It's somewhere between a want and a need. 😄

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2025 Advent Calendars

I feel like every year advent calendars get better and better and at the same time harder and harder to decide which one to get. Last year, I chose a jigsaw puzzle one. Every day was 20 new pieces to put together the big picture. That was a lot of fun because it gave us an activity to do together. There really is something out there for everyone and they are more wide reaching now. 

I've put a list together of a few that I think are fun! I don't know which one I'm going with this year yet and I'm kind of leaning towards something I haven't done yet. A treat a day, I mean you can't really lose with whatever you pick!

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My Top 8 Sephora Sale Picks

Sephora's spring VIB sale is upon us. I do not believe I'll be making a purchase this time, but I will share eight of my top picks if you are needing any of these categories filled in your collection. 

I specifically was thinking of spring and summer as I was pulling my recommendations together, which was a feat thinking of warm weather while snow was still falling outside my window during what we call Toronto's "fake spring". Though I hate hot weather, I don't mind spring days where I don't sweat just stepping outside. Cardigan weather is my heaven!

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Six Good Romance Reads - Age Gap

I decided to make a new ongoing book series on featuring favorite reads based on specific genres and themes within them. The books featured each time will be 4-5 star reads for me. This is also the perfect opportunity for me to also open the door for any recommendations you would like to toss my way within the featured tropes posts!

I'm starting the new series with one of my favorites- age gaps in romance. When done right, I swoon. It's often done wrong, in my personal opinion. It's a commonly used trope, but it can be hard to write about in a heartfelt and layered way and not just getting hot and heavy. Though yes, please give me that too as a side to the entree!

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Top 5 2020 Books I Read

I haven't done a book roundup post in a good while, so I thought I would share my top 5 books I read last year. I read 178 books last year, according to my GoodReads reading challenge where you can see everything else I read. I was already an avid reader, but I guess lockdown really got me into a stride. Even this year I'm already at 18 books, so we'll see if I can top last year's count or not! If you have any recommendations, toss them my way.

These five books are in very different categories, which pretty much sums up my reading style. I read anything that sounds interesting or will captivate my attention. I probably do read more romance than anything else, because they are quick reads and easy escapes. They also serve as great palate cleansers after reading something heavy. I read a lot of books that were awful, wonderful, and everything in between. These fall in the wonderful category and I don't think you can go wrong with them. Completely and utterly 4 or 5 ⭐ reads, by my standards!

Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
A classic whodunit. I love these. I have a few on my list that I'm wanting to get through this year! I enjoy Shari's writing and I don't always guess correctly, which I like. This one kept me guessing and...whoa! Be prepared for psychological twists throughout. If you're a fan of a good ol' murder mystery, add this to your list.

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
During this past year, I've tried to educate myself further like I'm sure many of you have. You will be uncomfortable. You will have to dig deep. And you should go into reading this and other books like it being okay with that. This one is done in a 28 day journaling type of writing, allowing you to reflect on what you read.

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
You will learn from this book. Like above, be prepared to dig deep. Be open to change. Be open to learning. I have other books on my list to get to and I think it's important to keep educating ourselves on the subjects of race, sexuality, humanity, and just everything to have better empathy, love, respect, and understanding. Give me an open mind over a closed mind any day.

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold
We hear so much about Jack the Ripper and what he did and who he could be. What about the victims of the crimes? This book delves into who these women were, their backstories, and what lead them to their untimely ends. Their names were Polly, Annie, Catherine, Mary-Jane, and Elizabeth. There isn't much known about them, but Hallie still finds a way to humanize them and talk about what that time was like.

Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann
Easily my favorite romance novel that I read last year! This is written incredibly well and has a beautiful story line without being over-the-top and cliche. It starts with a love-hate relationship and blossoms, heavy with emotional and lighter moments. I can't say enough good things. This has more to it than just being a romance novel.

I often add a book or two to my Five Friday Faves posts, as well. If I read a good book, I love talking about it. Let me know if you're on GoodReads (my profile is linked above). Do you have a reading goal set for this year? Good luck on reaching it! It's not how many you read, it's that you are reading. 😊

My Warm and Cozy Inspired Christmas List

It's a strange year and the holidays feel different this time around. I must admit that I feel torn about how to do holiday posts this year. I normally do gift guides, but it doesn't feel exactly like the right fit for me at this time. So I'm thinking of sitting this year out with those, but still showing a few festive ideas here and there. I have Bath and Body Works and Old Navy hauls that I'm thinking of posting that are full of current items still available, should you see something you like. Today's post, I'm sharing a few things on my Christmas list. Perhaps these types of posts feel like the same idea, but I just don't want to have posts labeled as gift guides this year. Absolutely nothing against those who choose to do them!

I think with it being the holidays, you should at least treat yourself to a gift that makes you happy. Maybe you're not seeing family. Maybe you can't afford gifts for everyone this year and gift giving is your love language. Whatever may be going on, remember to go easy on yourself. This won't be a normal holiday season for anyone. So again, go easy on yourself and try to surround yourself with things that make you happy. Music, a glass of wine, twinkling lights, holiday movies, etc.

If it makes you feel warm inside, it is a winner. I think that was what I was thinking of when I was deciding on what I truly want at this time. We're home a lot and I just want all of the warmth, coziness, and good vibes. I want our home to ooze hygge! Not featured on this list is the ever-so-essential and yet ever-so-boring things I wouldn't mind getting under the tree like new sheets, towels, and a vacuum cleaner. No pun intended when I say our ancient one sucks at doing its job. 😜 

And if I get nothing but a few days of vacation with my husband and dog, sitting by our trees, watching festive shows, and eating treats we don't normally eat all the way until the new year? I'm sooooo okay with that too. Because at this point, I think the true gift will be 2021 arriving. Good grief, please be better than 2020. Am I right?! 🙏

• Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer -My big ticket item I've been wanting. I cook all of our meals aside from the rare takeout and this thing seems to do a little of everything! Our super old grill is on its last legs and this seems like a good option while giving me even more flexibility in the kitchen than I had before with it being able to air fry and dehydrate!
  
• Bailey's Red Velvet Cupcake - Red velvet everything! We're not ones to really drink that often, but something about the idea of some of this in hot chocolate? Sign me up. That sounds amazing and perfect for sipping in front of our big tree!
  
• Replica Coffee Break Fragrance - It was between this and Gucci Guilty. After having a sample of Gucci Guilty, I really fell for it. Then I saw this and thought, "yep, gonna need that". Haha! A scent that mimics coffee with notes of lavender? Two of my favorite things? Sign me up. Take my money!
  
• Laneige Lip Daydreams Set - A balm for the day and a sleeping mask for night? Love it! Even better that the sleeping one is in the limited edition "sweet candy" scent.
  
• OGX Coconut Coffee Body Cream and Scrub - I've heard so many good things about these and the scent. Honestly, it had my heart at coconut and my soul at coffee. Do I need another lotion or scrub? Probably not. Do I still want them? Abso-darn-lutely.
  
• Sherpa Pullover - This specific one is from Old Navy, but I haven't come across too many sherpa fleece things I don't like. I'm a texture person, so I love throwing on things like this or covering up in a soft blanket. And coming into late fall and winter, I don't think the limit exists for how many warm things to own.
  

What's on your list? I wish you all well this year as the holiday season is upon us. May you stay safe and healthy.

Holiday Gift Guide 2019: For the Homebody

It's pretty fitting that my next gift guide to follow the beauty lovers one would be the one dedicated to the homebody. I mean, those two describe me quite accurately! Especially during these colder months where I want nothing more than to bundle up inside, read a book, and whatnot. All things cozy, please!

I've made this list easy by having everything be from Chapters, but really this list is to give ideas. These are things that you can find at so many places. And I try to keep my lists affordable for those like me who are on a budget!

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Holiday Gift Guide 2019: For the Beauty Lover

This seemed like a fitting list to start with my gift guides this year. I haven't fully decided how many of these to do this year, since I suppose I'm a bit late on including them. Of course, if you're like me, you're a late shopper anyway and appreciate seeing gift ideas until the last minute! I've made it easy this year by having everything available from Sephora, but sets like these are available in so many places. This list includes some products I love and some I have on my list to try!

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Terre Bleu Lavender Farm Items - Roll-on, Lip Balm, Shortbread, and Dried Bouquet

I was recently sent a few items from the Terre Bleu Lavender Farm. I was also sent admission to the farm, but I haven't yet had the time to take advantage. Now, I'm just waiting for the full bloom of the French lavender and then I'll share pictures from my visit! I was hoping to go before and fit them into this post, but the timing just never worked out.

So for this post, I'll just be sharing about a few of the products you can find available from Terre Bleu that features their lavender: an oil roll-on, lavender and mint lip balm, lavender shortbread cookies, and a dried lavender bouquet. Also, I'll touch on a few benefits of lavender oil!

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Recent Reads for 2019

Bear with me while I type out this post. I've got music blaring (hello new Taylor Swift and Little Mix singles!) and coffee pumping through my veins just trying to keep myself awake after last night. It was a late night watching the Toronto Raptors WIN THE FREAKIN' NBA CHAMPIONSHIP. Gotta say that was worth every yawn that has left my body today. :)

I usually include a favorite book or two in my Friday Faves posts during the month, but I've read quite a bit already this year and I thought I would touch base on a few of them. I read anything and everything as long as it sounds interesting to me. I don't discriminate against books, that idea goes against my very nature! I also don't believe in pigeonholing yourself or others into a specific category - you should be able to read young adult if you want, romance if you want, graphic novels, whatever. Put the emphasis on the fact that people are picking up books and not on what they are reading!

According to my GoodReads, I've read 47 of my 50 book goal this year. I guess I'll have to up my goal! Add me on there if you'd like, I'd love to follow you. I've read a few clunkers this year, which you can tell by my ratings on my account. One of them is actually below, but I added it because it makes the other one that isn't a clunker shine even brighter. Plus, I'm a bit in the minority for not liking it and you might enjoy it. The rest of the books mentioned below are a few that have impressed me this year and I just wanted to include small excerpts of what I liked about them.

And since we're talking books today, it would be remiss of me not to ask for any recommendations or asking you to let me know about any of your own recent reads!

The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
Okay, here's the clunker I was talking about. I loved The Hating Game so much and I guess I went into 99 Percent Mine with expectations that were too high. Would I have looked at it differently if I didn't know what kind of story Sally Thorne is capable of telling? Perhaps. I certainly didn't dislike it enough not to eagerly await for whatever she writes next. Why didn't I like 99 Percent Mine? The characters weren't particularly likeable and borderline annoying. It easily could have been condensed to less pages, if I'm being honest. The only part I truly liked was the little epilogue that we get into the characters from The Hating Game.

Because it was a dud, it just makes me look back at The Hating Game with more fondness. This is a fun tale of a "I hate you, but I love you" romance in an office setting. One of the better romantic comedies that I've read in a while and Hollywood must agree, because it's being made into a movie with Lucy Hale and Robbie Amell as the leads. I can't wait for it!

Watching You by Lisa Jewell
Do you like mysteries and whodunnit stories? There's a murder at the beginning. You don't know who or why and it's a slow build until the end and it's cleverly written. I can often figure out where the plot is going in these types of books, but this one got me and I tip my hat.

Don't Tell Teacher by Suzy K. Quinn
I didn't know what to expect with this one. Why? Well, because I've read most of her Devoted series (I still need to read the last one!) and it's a romance series, a great one at that. I didn't doubt her writing, but it intrigued me to read a thriller by Suzy. I did end up with an idea of where the plot was going, but it was still an excellent story right to the end.

Pretty Face by Lucy Parker
A well-written age-gap romance. It's another "I hate you, but I love you" type, but set on a stage and behind the scenes. More importantly, I like the characters, both main and side. I like the humor. And I liked the slow increase of chemistry that feels more realistic.

The Weight of Words by Georgina Guthrie
It's a romance based in Toronto, which adds a bit to the fun for me. It's also full of Shakespeare quotes and references, which I also appreciate. This is a series and I don't know how it ends yet, because I'm in the middle of book three right now. I've read them one after the other and just can't stop soaking up the story. The really nice part is the way all of the characters actually communicate. There is drama,secrecy, and you question loyalty quite a few times. The first book The Weight of Words is less on the steamy scenes and more on the chemistry between Aubrey and Daniel. Better Deeds than Words starts getting a little steamier. And The Truest of Words has yet to lessen on the steam, but is also focusing on tackling the past so that they can all look forward.

Keto Meal Prep by Bobby and Dessi Parrish*
I love cookbooks. I'll read any of them! I actually have followed FlavCity on YouTube for a while now, because I'm a foodie and I can't turn down a good food channel. Even if you're not doing Keto or low carb, you can find some delicious recipes in here. The best part is that a great number of the recipes can be found on his YouTube channel and you can cook along. Another thing I appreciate is that every single recipe in the book has a photo. Don't you hate when cookbooks don't do that? I want to know what the finished product looks like...even if mine doesn't often imitate it at all. Ha! I've actually been thinking of recreating one of the recipes from his book and YouTube and sharing it on here. The beef chili and cheddar biscuits are calling my name!

We Carry Kevan by Kevan Chandler*
For those of you who may not enjoy religious books, this book does have religious undertones. I think anyone can take some of the key proponents of this book to heart and hope that you will give it a chance. Friendship, adventure, and positivity. It's the real-life adventures of Kevan and his buddies who decided to go on a grand adventure and go backpacking in Europe. There's one major thing to mention - Kevan has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and needs a wheelchair. Determined, he sets out with his friends and family to figure out how to make backpacking work while leaving the wheelchair behind. It gives new meaning to the term "backpacking"!

You really see the beauty and kindness in not only his loved ones, but of people around the world. People who donated to the trip, people who danced with them on the streets, the people who strapped him onto their backs and helped carry him during this grand adventure. His perspective is explained so well and it becomes necessary to immerse yourself into his shoes to truly understand the grandness and pureness of this tale.

*These books were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

Holiday Gift Guides 2018: For the Pet Parent

We all know them. You know someone that obsesses over their pets. Heck, I am one of them. Are you? My dog definitely knows me as "mommy". He knows a lot of other words too, so much that I've been reduced to spelling them so he doesn't catch on. If he learns how to spell, I'm done for!

I might have focused a little more heavily on dogs and cats below, but it's easy enough to substitute in any animal. I mean, I've definitely see turtles, hamsters, birds, etc. on all kinds of things. Why not give a gift that makes the person think of their beloved pet? Or maybe they are like me and obsess over pretty much any animal. Polar bears and dogs being at the top of my ranking, of course. You just can't go wrong with anything like this, because it just incites all of the warm and fuzzy feels.

Another great idea that I did not include below would be a gift card to a pet store. It can be expensive to buy the food, treats, toys, and all of that jazz. A gift card can go a long way in helping the recipient spoil their pet how they want. Below are six other ideas and being totally honest, I want all of them. So darn cute.

• Themed Prints (via Etsy, $32.65+ CA) -  Sweatshirts, tees, wall art. The list goes on. There are so many great options out there with a lot of really fun sayings and graphics!
• Notebook (via Chapters, $10.99 CA) - Because one can never have enough cute notebooks around.
• Leash (via Hudson's Bay, $20 CA) - I've had this leash and the collar on my radar for a while. It's so vibrant. These stripes are really iconic up here in Canada.
• Collar (via Hudson's Bay, $10 CA) - There is always need for new collars and leashes. Always.
• Bedding (via PetSmart, $32.99 CA) - The only thing you truly need to know is the size of the animal. I love these bed sets. Indy has one and both the bed and blanket has held up well after almost two years. He still has the bone pillow, but it lost its ability to squeak and now it just isn't as interesting to him.
• Scratching Pad (via PetSmart, $10.99 CA) - Cat owners know how necessary scratching posts and pads are. The last thing you want is a bored cat and unruly claws ready to cause havoc on anything and everything. They need to scratch. And having a few of these around lessens the chance of furniture and other things getting destroyed.

My Top 5 Nail Polish Picks for Spring 2018

I just recently did a post on my top 5 scents that I will (and have been!) reaching for this spring. I love doing these little Top 5 posts and I'm not sure why I ever stopped doing them so many moons ago, but I'm going to try to remember to put a few up every now and then. I hope you like them too!

Once spring comes, a switch goes off in my brain that I want pastel nails. All the pastels. I think it's simply because I practically live in darker colors in fall and winter and just crave a lighter change! So this post is heavy in pastel colors and it's totally okay if those aren't your "thing". I get it! Let me know what your favorite polish (or shade) that you reach for when spring hits!

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My Top 5 Scents for Spring 2018

It has been a really long time since I focused on a Top 5 list. I used to do them somewhat often. I thought it might be fun to bring them back here and there, so I'm starting with today's post on what scents I'm going to be using the heck out of during this spring. And yes, they are all floral based. Cue the Miranda gif (see it below in all of its beautiful glory)!

Ha! I am really attracted to light scents during the warmer months and that usually means floral scents for me. I am really picky about my florals, though. So here's what made the cut to stay out on my vanity in the coming months!

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Beauty Favorites of 2017

It's hard to narrow down my favorites from the past year, because I really came across some good products! And even if some things aren't featured in this post, it doesn't mean I love them any less...I just didn't need this post to be a novel. I tried to narrow it down to the products that I reach for super often, what I repurchase over and over again, etc. So I've broken down my categories into Tried and True, Newbies, Skincare and Nails, and Honorable Mentions.

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My Best Posts of 2017

Some of these posts I'm just really proud of and want to share again and some were the ones with the most views. I just want to thank you for reading my blog and making these last ten years feel like I'm not always just talking to myself. Which I happen to do...a lot...on a daily basis. 2017 on a general basis kind of sucked, but it was pretty darn good here on the blog.

I also thought about doing a 2018 Goals post and I might do it. Not sure yet, because goals can sometimes feel so personal. And Lord knows I've been judged on mine before, which is not something I am okay with. Get out there, make your goals, and try your best to reach them. Even if they are silly. Even if they are a long shot. Just TRY and you're already doing something that not everyone else bothers to do. I'm rooting for you!

I'm excited to see where 2018 takes me, my blog, and YOU. I still have two more 2017 posts coming: What I Got for Christmas and Favorite Products of 2017. And then, I can focus solely on 2018! Now let's jump in and see a few posts from Fashionable Heart in the last year. :)

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My 2017 Christmas List

What I'd really like to ask for is a new mattress and laptop, but those bad boys just aren't in the budget! One day! I focused on keeping every item on my list under $50 CA. We got stuck with an unexpected bill that our insurance company won't help cover and that has put quite a damper on our holiday season. I'm sure we'll do a little bit of gifting, but I'll be happy to just have the next week off with my husband and enjoy some quiet time.

The benefit of my list this year is that none of it is limited edition, so there's no rush on getting any or all of it. I tried to really think about what I could use or have had my eye on for quite some time. Obviously, I have my eye on a lot but I narrowed it down. Way down. If anything, my list for my dog is bigger (total dog mom). Maybe this will give you some new ideas!

• Google Home Mini - Kind of cheating the $50 limit with this one. It's $80 here, but the sale price has been below $50 each time. This does pretty much everything the bigger version does but costs less and has a smaller speaker. I love my Chromecast and use Google on my phone all of the time and I feel like this would be an added convenience to my daily life.
• The 52 Lists Project - I love journals. I love lists. And I'm pretty sure I'd love this journal of lists. I have a list for everything! I mean...this is a list. Just proves my point.
• Popsocket - I have one and love it! I want another one because I don't want to keep removing my other one from case to case. And the black will go with anything. Highly recommend these!
• Sephora Foot Mask - With boot season upon us, my feet definitely need some extra TLC.
• Stila Liquid Eyeshadow - I don't even know if I want the shimmer or the glitter version, all I know is they are so darn beautiful and I can't decide the finish or shade that I want more. I missed out on the sets that Sephora had and I'm still bummed. 

What's on your holiday list this year? I'd love to know! 

Anti-Haul: What I Won't Be Buying (Sephora Edition)

I've been seeing these around on YouTube quite a bit lately and I love it! As a blogger, I am always so quick to share wishlists and hauls but never delve much into why I pass up certain items. I am showcasing six items in this post that won't be getting my money (at least not in the foreseeable future or if my opinions change) and they can all be found at Sephora. If you like this idea, I can do another post down the road. Maybe I can focus on MAC or drugstore brands...

This isn't a slight toward the brands (except one- see below), just the product. Some of these brands, I have tried and loved and reviewed items on here. In the comments, tell me something you aren't buying and why. Or tell me why you will be buying any of the items below or if you already own it and what you think. I'd love to hear!

• Z Palette - This is for both the product and the brand, honestly. My thoughts haven't changed much from when I reviewed them back in 2011. They are still pricey for what they are. But what really got me was how they responded to some criticism earlier this year. I just don't believe that is how any company should act. Seriously, Google it. I hope they learned from it, I really do.
• Urban Decay Naked Skin Shapeshifter - I would probably enjoy the powders, but I hate when cream products are packaged like that. I find them hard to work with and they always dry up quickly.
• Invisibobble Hair Rings - Oh heck no, my thin hair won't be getting tangled up in those bad boys on my watch. I'll stick to the stretchy ribbon ties that I love! I hear these are great for thicker hair, though.
• Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palettes - Strictly the price. They look gorgeous, but no way in Hades am I paying up to $305 CA for any palette. Gradually, yes, to fill up a palette like a MAC one. But all at one time? Whew, I don't think so. This would be a "if I ever win the lottery..." item.
• Benefit Brow Zings Kit - Nothing against it, I just think the little ELF kit does the exact same thing at a fraction of the cost.
• Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter - Again, nothing against it. It is gorgeous and pains me to not get it, but it just isn't for me. It's way too warm for my skintone and I know I would never reach for it. But I would absolutely add one of the lighter highlighter powders they offer to my wishlist down the road. Though right now, I'm on a ColourPop highlighter kick.

Get to Know Me Pt. 2 - 10 More Facts About Me

I had a different blog post in mind, but the weather has not been cooperating for photographs lately (#bloggerproblems). I thought I might do another random facts post, seeing as my first one was back in 2014. My second one is here (which I totally forgot about and am editing in days after this post- oops!). Again, I don't like to get too personal on here as I enjoy a private life. I hope you enjoy getting to know me a little more and if you want to do a post like this, link me to it so I can learn more about you!

1. My dog Indy is my baby. My addiction. My obsession. And I'd take him everywhere with me, if I could. Total dog mom.

2. I suffered a Tibial Plateau Fracture during the summer of 2015. Since then, I still cannot bend or straighten my left leg properly and I am still learning how to walk again. I went from wheelchair, walker, to cane, to now finally on my own two feet. Long amounts of walking and standing still bother me a great deal, but I'm working on it! My two year anniversary is coming up and I am really proud to be in a better place than I was even a year ago.

3. I was an extra in a crowd scene at a hockey game in the Russell Peters movie Breakaway and I was also an extra in the music video for Aaron Tippin's There Ain't Nothin' Wrong With the Radio. And it was take after take after take...It's fun to say I did it, though. I was also once on a local children's show back home and on the news a few times. How am I not famous yet? I kid!

4. I have anxiety issues along with mild OCD and depression. I have good and bad days and I will always be open about it, because I believe we need to drop the stigma associated with mental health.

5. I also believe we should drop the stigma around infertility. It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, but it is okay if you do as well. It took me a long time to get to the point where I can talk about it. It hits everyone differently. And as always, if you suffer from any of the aforementioned issues, please feel free to contact me. I'm always ALWAYS willing to talk and listen to you.

6. I love to cook and bake. I'm always trying new recipes and my recipe folder is always growing on Pinterest. I sometimes share recipes on here, but I haven't in a good while. I'll try to rectify that soon and maybe share some summer recipes later on!

7. In my life, I've had two main recurring dreams. One was from my childhood where a giant ape was chasing me. And the other is still recurring in that I'm marrying George Clooney (I'm sooooo okay with that dream- keep it coming)! Gotta say I'm pretty happy to no longer be chased by an ape.

8. My favorite Disney princess is Belle and that is partly due to the castle's library she gets to enjoy. So many books. *insert heart eye emoji here*

9. I have had an obsession with planners since sixth grade and it has only grown. I've been doodling, using loads of stickers, and using them almost as journals since before it all became the big thing that it is now. Did I start the craze? I'm not saying yes, but I'm not saying no either. I'll pretend the answer is a yes. And you're welcome. ;)

10. What to share for the last fact in this post? Well, I'm an avid believer in ghosts and spirits. I don't know many people from the south who aren't, because we are among some of the most haunted places. I saw my first spirit when I was close to five. My aunt and I were both sitting in the living room when we looked up and both saw my recently departed great grandma look in on us and continue walking down the hall. I'll never forget that moment. I saw a few after that. I haven't seen any as I have gotten older, but I sometimes get a feeling like my hair stands up on my arms or my emotions kick into overdrive. I think it is all fascinating! I could spend all day watching the ghost hunting shows on TV and I love going on ghost walks and tours. It's okay if you think that sounds crazy!

And there we have it, ten more facts about me! If you relate to any of these, let me know! Thanks for putting up with my absence this past week while I was on a staycation. It was so nice to drop everything for a few days! I hope you all have a great weekend.

Six of My Favorite Eyebrow Products

I hinted that I was going to put together a post on my current favorite eyebrow products. I am one of those people who ignored my eyebrows for so long. Then, I got into waxing. Then, I got into the natural-but-full look which is where I am right now. Eyebrows are an important factor on our face, but I really hate spending too much time on them. I find all six of these to be quite effortless. Effortless enough to get someone lazy like me not to want to skip this step!

Some of these are new to my collection over the last few months, but some I've sworn by for months and even years. I'd love to hear what you use! Or what is your favorite method? I switch it up, as you can see below.

Keep reading!

New Year, Improved Me

I'm seeing a lot of "New Year, New You" and "New Year, New Me" posts lately. I get it with the new year and all. In a way, this is one of them but I'm not looking to be "new". Just "improved". I don't like to make resolutions that I will not reach (waaaayyy too much pressure), but I do like to make goals that are attainable and can improve my life in various ways. So here are some goals that I look forward to working on this year!

1. Read more. I love to read, but I feel like I pushed it more to the side last year.
2. Try more new recipes. I've already gotten a pretty good start on this and have been sharing a few of the ones I've tried on my Snapchat (@wendybanner).
3. More date nights. I'm happy with nights in, but sometimes we get into a rut. And we always love a good date night! It feels fresh!

4. Skincare and pamper days. It may not come across on my social media, but I'm actually really bad at taking some time to wind down and pamper myself or remembering to take as good care of my skin as I should. Time for more of that! (Skincare featured is by Cocoon Apothecary and the review is coming next week!)
5. Be present. Often times my phone is my shield, my BFF, my lifeline. Last year, I got better at putting it down and just being "there". But I want to build on that.
6. Buy less fluff and more of what I truly enjoy. My spending habits have gone way down in recent years and I'm really learning to be more particular about what deserves my money. I want to continue this path and not just buy to be buying.

7. Be more active. My knee injury forces me to be active, because it has to MOVE. I still rely on a cane sometimes, but I'm walking a little more without it on each outing. I know I can do better. I want this to be the year that I get my knee as straight as I can, bend it as much as it will allow, and build my stamina back up to be able to walk without getting tired and winded. "He who limps is still walking" is my mantra this year.
8. Talk to you guys more. I do my best to respond to every comment, email, you name it. I'm not a "big blogger" by any means and I don't mean it to sound like that. I just know that I really like it when a blogger takes the time to respond to most of my questions and comments. Every blogger and person on social media should take the time to communicate or why bother being on here?
9. Think more positively. I'm one of the first to say "I can't..." or "I don't think I..." I want to start taking away some of those negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. 
10. Keep this blog going and growing. Last year was one of my most successful years and I want to keep that going. This year is off to a promising start! I keep hearing about how video is this year's thing, but I'm not entirely comfortable with that. While I have a YouTube account that I use daily, I very rarely upload to it. Editing requires a lot of time and effort on top of the time and effort this blog and social media already takes. I find the most successful YouTubers do not seem to be bloggers, so it is great that they have a main focus and that one channel to market. For me, my blog is my focus and passion. I'm also not very comfortable in front of a camera. I understand video being huge, but I'm not sure it is in my future at least not in an everyday way. I might fiddle around and see if I can figure a way to make it work for me. You'll be the first to know, if so!

What are some of your goals for this year? I'd love to hear them!