InstaMonth for February 2020

I'm so happy we're in March! Our wedding anniversary is this month and we always enjoy a trip away. Though to be honest, I'm incredibly late in planning it this year. Hoping to get a hotel booked this week! We're looking at Traverse City, Michigan. One of our favorite shows to watch together is The Curse of Oak Island. And while going to Oak Island in Nova Scotia would be fun and a total dream of mine, just maybe not so much during the winter months.

One of the brothers on the show owns a winery in Traverse City, hence wanting to go and enjoy a tour during the off season while crossing my fingers that Marty is there. I love the story and legend of Oak Island, but I truly love the artifacts and the history behind everything they have found so far. If you're into mysteries and history, it's a captivating show! I especially enjoy watching Rick, Jack, and Gary. Anyway, enough about my love of The Curse of Oak Island. If you watch it, let me know in the comments!

I had fun with my Instagram during the month of February, making almost every picture have a tone of red or pink in it for the month of loooooove. I don't usually go down the path of color themes, but I love pink and red so this didn't feel like something forced. It was just something that is almost always in my pictures anyway. The algorithm is not my friend on most days despite trying many different methods, so I've found my best way around this is to post these little round-ups here on a domain that I own. :)

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Collective Clothing Haul for Summer 2019 - Target, Torrid, Nordstrom, Old Navy

I haven't done a clothing haul in a while, so I figure I would compile most of my purchases into one post. These are all items purchased between May and now and while it looks like a lot to some, you know your girl here loves sales and clearance. Also, my birthday was during July so praises be to those beautiful creations also known as gift cards! At the beginning of the summer, I was stocking up on a few summery pieces but I've found myself already gravitating toward fall items in the past month. My next Old Navy Super Cash purchases will probably look like autumn threw up in my cart and I. Am. So. Ready.

All of the items below came from Target (oh my gosh, finally got back to my beloved while visiting home!), Torrid, Nordstrom, and the place that I can't believe I'm not a spokesperson for yet - Old Navy. The Nordstrom item was my first since they opened a few locations in Canada and my first during their annual Anniversary Sale. Here's what I bought and I'll link to everything that is still available, which should be all if not most of it.

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6 Friday Faves for June 2019

I'm trying to do these random favorites posts once a month or every other month where I focus more on the things that aren't necessarily featured in my monthly beauty and skincare favorites. Books, music, etc. I hope you enjoy them and I absolutely love when you throw recommendations my way, as well. It's also just a really fun post to put up on a Friday. So here are my 6 Friday Faves!

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Milani Stellar Lights Highlight Palette in Rose Glow

Did I need another highlighter or highlight palette? No. Did that stop me from grabbing this the second I saw it? Also no. I can't help it- it's a weakness! I saw this being talked about on Instagram and knew I had to grab it. Milani's Stellar Lights palettes are gorgeous in person. There are two, Holographic Beams (cooler in tone) and Rose Glow (warmer in tone). While I normally like cooler, I gravitated toward this one a little bit more. Maybe because I was home and in that South Carolina heat and summer was on my mind? Could be!

Keep reading to find out what I think and to see my swatches!

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Sonia Kashuk Perfectly Neutral - 10 Palette

I got this palette during Target Canada's liquidation sale. Oh, how it still pains me to say that. I really need to renew my passport so that I can get thee to the nearest Target! Well, that's not the only reason I need to renew it but it is one of the perks. I need Target back in my life, people! Don't even get me started again on the fact that they don't offer shipping here...

Here are my swatches and a few thoughts on Sonia Kashuk's Perfectly Neutral - 10 eye palette:

I love the packaging. It's sleek, you can see the product easily, and it reminds me a bit of MAC's packaging. In this palette, you get six neutrals. What I love is that all six can work together and really takes the math out of it, making this an easy grab in the mornings. They are a little powdery, but they blend easily and show up nicely. They last all day on me with a primer.

My favorite duo from the palette is the top right and middle right! It's so easy for mattes to go wrong, but the bottom right matte brown goes on smoothly. The highlighter is a great shade on my skin. With that said, I think it is perfect for us pale girls. I think most of these shades would get lost on darker skintones. But I do recommend Sonia Kashuk palettes and there is something for everybody!

May 2015 Favorites

Just going to sit here and join the masses when I say June came out of nowhere. It just swooshed right in! We're all going to blink and it will be December! With it being the beginning of June, it's time to share my favorite products from May. Also, I changed my blog layout to be a little more summery. Yes, again. I can't be stopped!

• Rimmel London Apocalips in Celestial - Apocalips are amazing and this one is perfect for everyday wear.
• Vaseline Lip Therapy in Cocoa Butter - I rediscovered this little cutie and it's nice for pamper sessions.
• Essie Nail Polish in Peach Daiquiri - Always a repurchase. Perfect for spring/summer!
• Origins VitaZing Moisturizer - Funny this and the Essie polish made it in last June's faves! Reached for them a little early this year!
• Sonia Kashuk Palette in #10 Perfectly Neutral - Swatches are coming! This is great for fast looks, as every color works together.

I'd love to hear what you've been loving recently!

Sonia Kashuk Down to Earth Eyeshadow Duo

This was the very last duo in this shade and it was sitting on a shelf by its lonesome at Target Canada on closing day. I swooped it up, because it is gorgeous and the colors attracted me like a moth to a flame. Here are my swatches of Sonia Kashuk's Down to Earth duo.

in the pan, finger swatch, hand swatch

These are so buttery smooth and soft. I like shadows like that, because I find them easier to blend. I didn't really buy it to wear the colors together, so much as the fact that they each stood out to me individually. I can see them working together easily, though. They are extremely pigmented - the swatches above are with one swipe! Because they are so soft, I experienced a bit of fallout due to the softness, but no creasing throughout the day. I don't have many greens in my collection and I am smitten with the golden green in this duo.

P.S.- I'd love it if you kept the family of a childhood friend of mine in your thoughts and prayers. David passed away on Sunday and his funeral is today. I went to school with him from first grade until high school graduation. His dad was my doctor all of those years and his sister was also a classmate. My heart is so heavy for them.

My Very Last Target Canada Haul

Ok, the moment has come. There are officially no more Canadian Target locations open. I contemplated not going, expecting not to find much except chaos. But I had luck the other two times I shopped the clearance sales at two other locations, so I chanced it. I went to the Stockyards location in Toronto around 1pm and there were still things left to look through. Not much, mind you.

The whole store was barren. They put the merchandise that was left in about 30 estimated carts at the front of the store. I hated the system, because I don't enjoy the digging method. I had rather them put it spaced out on a few aisles like the Target I went to previously. Granted, I went days before they closed so they had more stock left.

I was determined to not let my last trip to Target be a disappointment, so I persevered. It's amazing what people will buy just because it is on sale. Guarantee they will get home and never use half of the stuff they bought. But hey, it was 80% off! I used to be one of those people until I found myself donating so many things that were never used or still had price tags on them. I try to have a game plan now and I certainly try not to buy something that I would not buy if it were full price.

I did luck out! I got the last two medium-sized dog collars for Indy and he's set for a good while now with this and what I got him in the last haul. These Maple Leafs car decals were sitting by themselves on a shelf near the registers and I love that they have a dog and cat on them! I don't care for the typical stick figures on cars, but it's Leafs and I'm married to a Leafs fan (and he picked them out!). The Sonia Kashuk eye duo was the last one in those colors, but there were still plenty of the big palette when I was there. A full matte palette that will work perfectly with all of the Naked palettes! Swatches will come on both palettes.

So what did I get all of that for? $6.20. Every item in the haul was more than $6 before the clearance discounts were applied! Not too shabby. But I tell you, I'd take having my Target Canada still being open over these deep discounts any day. I refuse to give up hope that Target's online store will start shipping to Canada. They do still have fans here and I think it would be a smart move!

To read my other posts and hauls on Target Canada's closing sales, click here and here. Goodbye, my sweet friend. I think I shall miss my cute stationery, Archer Farms food, stylish home decor, Sonia Kashuk, fun accessories, and designer collections most of all. Guess it's time to renew my passport and get ready for a few border trips again!

Target Canada Clearance Haul

I went on what is possibly my last trip to Target Canada this past weekend. Emotions were high for this Target-loving gal. I know, I know. I live close to the border and can go there, blah blah blah. It's a two hour drive and involves customs- a pain in the you-know-what. Oh well,  I did it before and I'll do it again. I just don't have to like it. But we have to get our Target fix somehow, don't we? Unless Target finally listens to my ramblings and starts offering online shopping to Canadian shoppers **HINT TARGET HINT**.

You can see my first clearance haul and thoughts on the whole Target Canada closing ordeal here. This weekend, the discounts were 70-90% off depending on the item. I left the receipt downstairs, but I know I saved $185 when all was said and done. Here's what I managed to find in the dregs! And of course, you can probably still find most of this in stock at the US locations, if you like anything I bought.

Having big feet worked out well for me- finally! Most of the shoes left were sizes 10 and 11. I scored these for $5 a pair. I'm all set for spring and summer! I'm definitely wearing those red ones when I see Taylor Swift in October.

I got lucky with this tray. It was on a little shelf all by itself and I knew I had to have it. I haven't decided if I want to put it on my jewelry dresser or my vanity yet. It's just so pretty! The only makeup left was Sonia Kashuk stuff, surprisingly. I didn't really feel the need to go crazy, but I did pick up this neutral palette for about $3.50. Like I needed another neutral palette...but $3.50? Like I'm going to say no! I'll swatch it soon.

You have to inspect some of the home goods, if you're going. Some things are getting nicked or broken, but I found this frame in good condition. Perfect for my gallery wall on my stairs that will be the bane of my existence until I get it done!

CDs, games, DVDs, etc. were on for 70%. I definitely could have went overboard, because they still had a lot of good options left. But I did pick up a few I've had my eye on. I was having a hard time finding 1989 in stock, but finally found it. I am still in denial about Glee being over. Those wounds are still fresh. I missed this Christmas movie when it aired last year and I had to have it for Robin Williams and Lauren Graham being in it. And then, Bears. If you're not new around here, you know my infatuation with bears.

 Lastly, they had a lot of dog items left. Score! Or should I say Indy scored? I got him a mint food and water bowl for traveling or for being outside on our patio, two collars, a bow tie, harness, backup leash, and a dental kit. I think I got all of this for around $27. Indy sported his bow tie for Easter Sunday, looking like the dapper little gentleman that he is. Ah, that face. (P.S. - I may have totally started an Instagram for my animals under "indytheterrier".)

The last stores close on April 12, 2015. If yours is still open, I think it is worth going in and seeing what is left. You might get a few lucky finds like I did. If I get a chance, I may try to go to the last one open around me this weekend. Otherwise, I have to accept that this dance is over. This whomps (< bonus points if you know the show!).

Target Canada Haul and Thoughts

I have both a love and hate relationship with Target Canada. As many of you have probably heard, since it has been all over social media, Target Canada is closing up shop after just under three years here. I was beyond excited when they announced they were coming here and was among the first of its shoppers. All was well in my little Target-loving world.

Then, the news of closing came. Target Canada did a lot of things wrong, I'll admit that. For the life of me, I cannot understand why they did not open a few stores in the bigger cities and test the market first. Instead, they came in full throttle and opened 133 stores. They rushed to open the doors and did it too soon without being even fully stocked. That hurt them even more.

Now that is where the store went wrong. It is some of the shoppers that really have me shaking my head. They expected American prices, American goods, etc. They wanted it to be just like the States and it can be similar, but it would never be identical. You're not going to find many places that offer those prices here, you're just not. And to complain that you couldn't find cherry soda? I hear you, it's my jam too. But Target can't change the government laws just for you to get your cherry fix.

And then the shoppers who stopped caring about Target completely now wanted to take advantage of the liquidation sales. But those liquidation prices just weren't enough to their liking, so the whining set in again. Here's how liquidation works: starts slow and builds up. They are going to try to get as much money back on the products as they can before they get desperate and price lower. And honestly, I won't sit here and complain about a low discount. It's a discount on something I would have paid full price on, because I try to only buy what I want or need, not just something because it is on sale. I do take issue to Target Canada saying the discounts would be "insane", while probably true in the coming months, it was not true on the day the liquidation started.

Target Canada met my expectations. I was able to get my Archer Farms and Market Pantry food items, the One Spot dollar aisle (cutest stationery ever!), and makeup products like ELF and Sonia Kashuk. I did not have to always cross the border for these things and pay duties at customs. Total win! But I suppose all good things come to an end and it stinks. Just really stinks. Obviously, it's still a sore spot for me. But I will be making another trip or two in the coming months for my final goodbyes to my beloved.

Ok, wow, you made it through that essay to the haul (or you scrolled past it, that's fine too)! And hey, maybe you don't agree with me. That's okay! Opinions differ. I stocked up on plenty of food items and random non-exciting bits and bobs not shown. Here's a few of the things I bought!

File folders, sticky notes, mini Moleskine notebooks, a monogram "b", pastel scissors, and Guardians of the Galaxy. I'm building my gallery wall up my stairs and the "b" was a perfect addition. Love it!

The beauty part of the haul! Ouchless hair ties, Apocalips in Celestial, Essie's Turquoise and Caicos, Good to Go top coat, Grow Faster base coat, Kate Moss lipstick, Revlon ColorStay concealer, and two Que Bella masks. I'll be reviewing the two lip products and concealer with swatches soon. Essie's Good to Go is one of my favorite top coats. And I heard about the Que Bella masks from Emilie Clarke on YouTube, so I thought I'd try them! 30% off all of this was an added bonus!

Have any of my Canadian readers taken advantage of the liquidation yet? I'd love to hear what you bought! And for all of my fellow American readers, think of me as you shop in my glorious Target. Oh, how I'll miss it. Guess it is back to having to cross the border each time!

New Home Goods - Target and Ikea

We've been doing a little shopping here and there for a few new home goods. I thought I would share a few things that I just recently got at Target and Ikea, since those are pretty accessible by a lot of my readers. I hope to do an "Around My Home" type post soon to show a few areas of my home, but give me a little time. Still organizing, cleaning, and painting galore at the moment! I'm really happy with how things are coming along, though. And I am on a huge home decor and renovation kick. Can't stop, won't stop!

I'm determined to do whatever we can on a budget whenever possible, so I find myself very grateful for stores like Ikea and Target. You can get just about any style you are interested in and not break the bank. Thank goodness!

1. White Malm Nightstands (2) - This past week, they were BOGO here!
2. Malin Blad Duvet Cover Set - I saw pictures of it and wasn't sold on it, but then I saw it in person. It is gorgeous and looks great for spring and summer. A fabulous pop of color for our bedroom!
3. White Branas Baskets (2) - These are great! I'm going back soon to get a few of the rattan ones for my hobby room. These went in my little 2x2 Expedit (now known as Kallax) that I keep in the hallway.

1. Threshold Square Shade Lamp - Because this was going on the table opposite the blue lamp, I wanted something neutral. Together, they provide a nice level of light at night.
2. Room Essentials White Microfiber Sheets - These are soooo soft! I wanted crisp white sheets to go with the duvet set above. A perfect combo! A bed makeover that cost under $50? Yes, please!
3. Threshold Zigzag Serveware Collection - I picked up four of the little dip bowls and a small salad plate in the zigzag pattern.
4. Threshold Chevron Runner Rug in Gray - Not really a gray, though. It's more of a light brown and it works well with a chevron rug that I have in the hallway at my front door. I put this in front of my cabinets and sink in the kitchen.
5. Zebra Bath Rug - A little louder than I normally go for, but I put this in the powder room. It needed a powerful piece, because it's a smaller room. I plan on painting the bathroom a charcoal color and it has chrome features. It'll all come together, but this was an instant facelift.
6. Threshold Mix and Match Shade and Base - I love the pop of color this gives to my living room, while still remaining neutral enough to go with just about any decor.

At our old place, I strayed from patterns and stuck to the same colors throughout most of the rooms. And honestly, I think I just didn't care how it was decorated to a certain degree because I never wanted it to be our permanent home. I cared, just not enough. With this place, I hope to call it home for a good while (even if the neighbors suck right now). It offers what I wanted that the other place never could and I find myself wanting it to be at its fullest potential. My real home decorating style is finally getting to come out and it feels amazing to sit back and actually start to be happy with my surroundings.

Two Statement Necklaces from Target + New Layout!

I stayed up late last night working on my new layout for fall. Hope you like it and that it loads properly!

I believe in splurging on certain things, but statement necklaces isn't one of them. I found these two at Target and just had to add them to my collection. Have you been in the jewelry section of a Target? I am rarely disappointed in their selection! I usually stock up on bracelets, but this time the necklaces were stealing the show.

^I can't find this one listed online and I actually got the last one at the store I was at. It might be from a previous collection, but look at that pop of color! This is going to be so much fun working into my autumn/winter wardrobe.

^This one is the bead rim fan necklace. It's longer in length than the other one and a little less "notice me!", so I know this one will get a lot of use even on the more casual days.

I didn't yet own anything like these two, so they are very welcomed additions to my closet!

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target 3-in-1 Organizer Set

I was sick with a cold all during last week and I'm still dealing with it (summer colds suck). With that said, I just couldn't drag myself out early to wait in the cold early morning hours for my local Target stores to open. I love the bags that were released, but I love getting better more! So I slept in and left for my first Target around 11:30am. My goal was to attack the lesser populated towns outside of Toronto. The first store was a letdown, but I got lucky at the second location.

Extremely lucky! There were plenty of the clothes left, but there were no bags on the display. So I concluded that I'd might as well do the rest of my shopping and come to terms with leaving with no Phillip Lim. We were lined up at the register and I went to take one last look at the dollar zone and lo and behold! I saw this beauty discarded in one of the bins of notebooks and grabbed it up!

The 3-in-1 organizer is part of the men's collection, but who cares? This product is totally unisex and I'm in love. I can't wait to put these to good use!

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Target Canada Haul, OOTD, & Review

I am on BFF status with Target in the States. We get along wonderfully and I visit whenever I can. Of course I was beyond excited when Canada opened the doors to its first three stores. I waited until Saturday and we drove the hour drive (whew- can't wait for the closer ones to open). Here is my haul, OOTD, and little review on my first expressions.

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Highlights of Fall from My Instagram

I haven't done an Instagram picture post in awhile, so why not?! Hope you don't mind! If you have instagram and want to follow me (wendybanner), I'll happily follow you back. These are just random pictures from the last few weeks that I thought I would share. :)

^ Sequins, bows, and leopard print. LOVE.

^ With fall, it brought out my need for yet another coffee mug and I just had to grab this hot cocoa mix when I saw it in Target. Perfect combination!

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SC Haul Pt. 7- Miscellaneous Items!

OK, I think this is pretty much the last of my haul! I just kind of jumbled most of the things left showing and talking about in this post. There's Coach, Bare Escentuals, Skechers, nail polish, and accessories! Also, I won't be posting again until next Tuesday because it's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. I happen to be hosting it this year, so shortly after this post my mind is going to be on cleaning, cooking, baking, decorating, and more cleaning. ;) It's nice getting to celebrate two Thanksgivings each year!

^I got these three bracelets from Target, because I can't resist their bracelet section! I thought these would be great for fall.

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SC Haul Pt. 1- Clothes & Shoes

Special Sunday post, as I rarely update on weekends! I know some people hate stock photos and I apologize. It's just easier this way, because A) the clothes have already been put away and B) it's a pain getting detailed shots of clothes sometimes. I'm sure these will make future showings in OOTDs, though! :) I did not go to many places in a specific hunt for clothes, but I did make an online order for Old Navy and I can never walk into a Target without going to their clothes section.

^ floral tank, two scoop neck tanks, strawberry PJ shorts, two pairs of short boots, 3 camis, blue dress, red cardigan, and dark jeggings. I always get my boots from Old Navy. They are cheap, but I find them to be well-made and comfortable. I've never had an issue with them with my wider calves. The blue dress is super comfortable on, but it wrinkles very easily.

^ v-neck tees (I got the one above and a purple color), two long chiffon tops, striped blazer, two bow chiffon tops, and a black and white shirt dress. I swear by the v-neck tees. I've said it before, but they are perfection. The blazer fits like a dream and I wish I had also gotten the black one now! And I seriously have a love affair with chiffon right now. I love Target. I cannot wait for Canada to start getting the stores here next year! :)

I'd say I'm pretty set with clothes for awhile. I'm really happy with my buys! Have you bought any new clothes recently? Is it crazy that I'm already trying to decide on what to wear for Thanksgiving and Christmas? I love fall and the holiday season! ♥