Best Christmas Gifts | FOR HER

Happy holidays, lovelies!

I hope the month of December is treating you well, and that you’re gearing up for the holidays – whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or anything else, I’m sure we can all agree that everybody just has a little more pep in their step this time of year.

I have put together a few Christmas gift ideas for the lovely lady in your life!

For The Beauty Lover

• Flowerbomb perfume from Sephora 
  • $90-$195
  • Okay, okay! I’m cheating…this was totally on my list last year. It just smells SO good. Not offensive to anyone, appropriate year-round. You can’t go wrong with it!
• Masking set from Sephora
  • $31
  • Every woman loves a little relaxation and mask-ation. Perfect stocking stuffer!

via sephora.com

For the Lovely Tech Geek

• Portable iPhone charger from Amazon
  • $27.99
  • It took me nearly 24 years to splurge on one of these, and in my humble opinion, I think they are absolutely necessary. Besides, this one is so chic.
• Marble Phonecase from Etsy 
  • $19.99
  • The marble trend just isn’t over yet.

For the Netflix + Chill Kinda Girl

• Faux Fur Robe from Pottery Barn 
  • $136
  • I think I’ve finally found the only robe that could be considered good-looking.
• Bath set from Lush 
  • Varying prices to fit your budget!
  • Bonus tip: Lush bath bombs in her stocking. You’re welcome.
• Diffuser from Amazon 
  • $49.99
  • Now imagine this: throw another gift under the tree with her favourite essential oils. Voila!

For the Dog Lover

• Namastay Home With My Dog crew neck from Treat Dreams 
  • $57.99
  • Oh…and 10% of proceeds go toward animal shelters. Feel good while you shop.
• Blow a picture of her dog up into a canvas
  • You’ll lock her down for sure
• Custom Dog Phone Case at Etsy 
  • $17.99
  • Or just put her dog on her phone case

NOTE TO THE READER: I AM RESISTING PUTTING MY NEST CAM ON HERE THAT I USE TO TALK TO/SPY ON MY DOGS WHILE I AM AT WORK.

For the Fitness Enthusiast

• Resistance Bands from Amazon
  • $22.99
  • These always come in handy on leg day. Besides, it’s a non-pervy way to tell her how much you love her peach!
• Adidas NMD
  • $130
  • Okay these are super fly. Not to mention, Whitney Simmons wears them. Whitney Simmons wore flip flops and army pants, so I wore flip flops and army pants.

So have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, lovelies! What’s on your wish list?

READ OF THE MONTH

Hi lovelies,

After the demise of my live-in “forever” relationship, I became lost and was looking for answers. I was gifted a book, written by Gabrielle Bernstein, called The Universe Has Your Back. Desperate for clarity, I cracked it open, and flowed through the easy-to-read brook.

For those reading this that need a sense of clarity, peace, or understanding, I urge you to pick this up. I do not say this lightly, but this book changed my life. It touches on meditation, control, honouring your feelings, and the plan the universe has for you. Not necessarily always a “spirit junkie” myself, Bernstein spoke to me in a language I could understand, and through her writing, she made me feel cradled by the Universe during my own difficult time.

I have implemented Bernstein’s meditations and thoughts into my everyday life. I have allowed myself to release my control to the Universe, in belief that there is a plan greater than the one that I have for myself. This, in itself, has given me a peace of mind. I have been able to set free my anxiety, and in turn, liberate myself.

I leave with you a few of my favourite quotes by Gabrielle Bernstein:

• “In every situation, you will have two choices: will you learn through love or will you learn from fear?”
• “Practice saying this prayer before every encounter that triggers the shadows from your past, ‘I want to see this person for the first time'”
• “You have the power to create the world you want to see”
• “The key to serenity is trusting that the universe has your back”

Thanks for reading loves! What are your favourite books lately?

Speak to you soon xx,

MY SINGLE LADIES

I’m new to this group. I was always perpetually in a relationship, and just recently moved out of my beautiful home with my “forever” love. Here I am, single…and genuinely enjoying it.

via Cosmopolitan

via Cosmopolitan

I have recognized so many women resenting their single status. It’s as if it’s a plague or a curse. Here I am, to shed some light on single life…and all the beautiful things it has to offer.

• The silence in your home to tackle all of the chores that you want to tackle
• The. Entire. Bed. To. Yourself. (So much sprawling = so much happiness)
• Having too many martini’s and shamelessly kissing that beautiful Scottish man at the bar
• Choosing your own series on Netflix
• Dating has taught me so much about myself. Really think when somebody asks you pertinent questions like: “What trait matters most to you?” and “Where do you want to be in five years?” You might surprise yourself with the answers you offer.

• You will never have filthy beard shavings scattered in your sink.
• You will never have to put up with the worlds most annoying argument over car music.
• No in-laws
• You can wear those comfortable period panties all month long.
• There are no arguments, there is no rollercoaster, there is no blowup of text messages over a meaningless fight.

• Lastly, and most importantly – the freedom to chose any life you want to live at every single moment of your life

via Cosmopolitan

via Cosmopolitan

The man will come ladies – the wonderful, prince charming-esque man who will fulfill your wildest dreams and will give you the most extraordinary love that life has to offer. Until then, enjoy the life in front of you…kiss the Scottish man and hog the bed and love your single status. It is not a curse, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to learn who you are and grow into the woman you were made to be.

What is the best part of your single life?

Sweet dreams, my loves,

2016 Favourites

Hi lovelies,

Can I be the first to say it? 2016 was a bitch. Regardless of that, there are some standout products that I have been loving throughout the year. Some have been released in 2016, whereas others I have just discovered this year – regardless, I would love to share!

Best Foundation

via sephora.com

Diorskin Forever Perfect Makeup Foundation Broad Spectrum 35 – pricey foundation, but leaves a beautiful natural, medium-coverage finish that lasts all day (added bonus, theres already SPF in it, which makes your morning routine that much easier)

Best Bronzer

via sephora.com

via physiciansformula.com

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru in Light – since I’ve purchased this, I cannot put it down. It’s the perfect satin matte bronzer, that leaves a subtle, natural glow (it also smells like pina colada, which brings me back to summer paradise every time I open it)

Honorable Mention: Too Faced Sweethearts Bronzer in Sweet Tea – whereas the Physician’s Formula was matte, this bronzer definitely does have a luminous finish, therefore, I reserve it for summer. When I’m sunkissed, this bronzer adds an extra kick to my complexion.

Best Blusher

via sephora.com

Clinique Cheek Pop in Nude Pop – The perfect natural flush of colour for my skin tone – especially in the summer.

Best Highlight

via anastasiabeverlyhills.com

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow – absolutely gorgeous! I love the variety too. I especially love mixing bubbly and sunburst.

Best Fragrance

via sephora.com

via sephora.com

Winter perfume – Thierry Mugler Angel – this fragrance is definitely not for everyone. I love it though because it is so warm and cozy. Once it settles on the skin, it’s a truly exceptional scent, perfect for the colder months.

Summer perfume – Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb – I’m clearly behind on the bandwagon here but THIS SCENT IS OUTSTANDING. Sweet, floral, sexy.

Best Moisturizer

via amazon.com

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – I have combination skin. Can be incredibly dry, yet gets oily throughout the day and I suffer from semi-frequent breakouts. This moisturizer is perfect. Hydrates my skin enough that I don’t suffer from dry patches, yet not too much that I will become extra-oily. It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin or clog pores. I have tried many high-end moisturizers (First Aid Beauty, Origins, Murad, etc), yet nothing holds a candle to this. This is probably my standout product of the year – and it smells beautiful!

OVER THE KNEE Boots

Hi loves,

I have been loving the knee high boot trend lately. I have styled my Steve Madden’s in a few different ways.

Steve Madden Gorgeous Boot from SteveMadden.com $150.00 

In my photo, I styled them with black jeans from express, a black leather jacket from dynamite, and a black blouse (not shown).

One of my favourite ways to style over the knee boots is with a gorgeous sweater dress.

• ASOS Lounge Asymmetric Oversized Sweater Dress $43.00 
• Everly Dolman Turtleneck Sweater Dress $69.36

Of course, adding some gold chunky jewelry would be a good addition to the outfit as well, Thanks for reading, xx

The Hometown

In just a couple short days, I am set to take a road trip to my hometown. I’m anticipating sitting on the lakeside benches, staring out at the quiet, frozen lake. In summer, my hometown is a tourist attraction. In winter, it is a sleepy little ghost town, with nothing but imagined echoes of splashing children, broken curfews of the town’s teens, and frisbee in the wading water.

But to me, year round, this tiny little town has always been, and will always be, home. On many occasions, I have found a broken C running back to her roots, looking for enlightenment. It was just recently that I realized how big of a paradox this is. It is my safe haven, a population that can fill me of bliss. This is something I have never understood, as it holds my deepest struggles, and my most profound pains.

Isn’t it funny how the most haunting of places can still be the most comforting? I can still see a younger version of me playing with my mom in our back yard, and a freshly adolescent me skipping class with my forever best friend. I can still picture barbecues on the back deck on a hot summer day, during the simpler times. Wherever I end up in this world, I will always return home.

Ironically though, this sleepy little town still houses a steady bang on the counter when my mother read my brother’s suicide note. This sleepy little town still holds a seven year old creeping out of her room to see chaos, and to hear the enclosing sound of ambulance sirens. This sleepy little town owns my innocence being ripped from me when I learned the definition of “suicide” as it was being followed by my brother’s name. This sleepy little town takes ownership for my increasing inability to fall in love, in fear of being betrayed and abandoned, just like I was so many years ago.

Yet, I will go back this weekend, and will peer out at the frozen lake, with the huts of ice fishers. I will once again go back and ask the water: What is my next move? Where do I go from here? And like so many times before, a seven year old C will appear beside me, and I will feel whole again. If only for a moment.

Sephora VIB Must-Haves

Hi lovely ladies,

It is FINALLY that time of year again, where I can rack up my Sephora shopping cart and spoil myself with all of the purchases that I refused to buy over the past six months. I thought I would share what I have ready to go so far:

• Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume
  • I love this scent. It’s so feminine, floral and sweet.
• Sephora Favourites Beauty Unmasked 
  • This comes with a variety of masks including Origins and Glamglow.
• TOO FACED Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar
  • I love the warm colours in this palette, and I have yet to actually own a chocolate bar palette of any variety.
• GLAMGLOW DREAMDUO Overnight Transforming Treatment 
  • MannyMUA swears by this. I love a good overnight treatment, and I love a good plumping effect.
• Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
  • Just because I couldn’t justify paying full price for this baby.
• Lancomė La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum
  • Another floral, sweet perfume that I have been dying to add to my collection.

What is in your shopping cart for this VIB Sale? I’m always looking to add more.

Happy Humpday,

All photos from Sephora.com

END OF SUMMER | FAVOURITES

Hi sweets!

Summer in Canada is coming to an end. Our hot, sunny days have been replaced with reddened leaves and rain. It’s been a nice change of pace, and I’m excited to get my scarves out for the season change.

Along with that, I have a few favourites to wrap up the summer:

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Fragrance Favourite

Dior Blooming Bouquet – Unfortunately, with summer coming to an end, this scent will likely be locked away until Spring. It is so light, and airy – such an easy, beautiful, girly scent. In the words of Charles Gross, it smells a lot like “raspberries that have been left out in the heat”.

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Beauty Favourites

It Cosmetics CC+ Illumination – When I first received this, I was on the fence about it. Usually I will mix it with a matte foundation to tone down the dewey-ness in it, but it leaves a lovely finish to my skin.

Too Faced Sweet Tea Bronzer – Another product best suited for summer, it gives such a beautiful, sunbeam glow.

MAC Melba – I’ve mentioned this in a favourites before. I just keep going back to it. It’s a perfect blush for any makeup look.

Sephora Radiant Luminizing Drops in Morning Light – These are gold. They create such a natural glow at the high points of my face.

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Random Favourites

Bath and Body Works Leaves Candle – I treated myself with my annual fall candle shop at Bath and Body Works. In previous years, I have never picked Leaves up. However, after hearing Zoella rave about it, I did. I have loved the scent!

Hunter Rain Boots – The mass amounts of rain we have gotten lately, has given me the excuse to pull my Hunters out again.

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Music Favourites

Way Down We Go – Kaleo

Rise Up – Andra Day

Carry Me – Kygo ft. Julia Michaels

Closer – The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

Corner Booth – Luke Bryan

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Alright, I hope you all had a lovely month. What are your recent favourites? What are you doing to prep for the changing seasons?

Thanks for reading, xx

RIDE OR DIE | TAG (Jaclyn Hill)

Hi babes!

The lovely Jaclyn Hill has created another Youtube trend, called the Ride or Die tag. Below are my #1 products for every make up product category.

Primer

• Becca Backlight Priming Filter – for illuminosity and glow
• Benefit Porefessional – to smooth and blur

Foundation

• Maybelline Matte and Poreless

Concealer

• Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer

Face Powder

• Maybelline Better Skin Face Powder

Under Eye Setting Power

• Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Setting Powder

Blush

• Mac Melba

Bronzer

• Benefit Hoola

Highlight

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow

Mascara

• Benefit They’re Real

Lipstick

• Rimmel London Airy Fairy

Liquid Lip

• Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita

Eyeshadow Palette

• Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Setting Spray

• MAC Fix Plus

Perfume

• Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black – such a sexy scent
• Dior Hypnotic Poison – always my go-to on a date night, a little romantic mixed with a little sexy

Honestly, if anything, this tag really showed me what I needed to purchase during the Sephora VIB Sale!

What are your Ride or Die products?

Thanks for reading xx,

(Disclaimer: featured image of Jaclyn Hill taken from Jaclyn Hill’s Instagram page)

SEPHORA | HAUL

Hi everyone! I’ve missed you all. I hope your week is filled with so much love and light.

As I’m sure majority of you know, the Sephora VIB Sale just passed. I did a little damage there, and wanted to share my purchases with you guys. After that, I purchased a few drugstore makeup items, so I thought I would add that as a little bonus.

 

• Clinique Cheek Pop in Melon Pop ($28.o0 CAN)
• Beauty blender Nude ($28.00 CAN)
• Smash box Photo Finish Primer Water ($15.00 CAN for travel size)
• Too Faced Sweetheart Bronzer in Sweet Tea ($38.00 CAN)
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow ($52.00 CAN)
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12 ($23.00 CAN)
• Sephora Collection Radiant Luminizing Drops in Morning Glow ($19.00 CAN)
  • Credit for these goes to the beautiful Nicky Brattina over at thisblissfulmoment
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipgloss in Melon ($23.00 CAN)

 

• L’Oreal True Match Lumi Light Infusing Foundation 
• L’Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
• Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer

 

Did you shop at the Sephora VIB Sale? Let me know if there are any products you would like a review on!

Have a beautiful week,

P.S. let’s take our friendship to the next level on Instagram! (For an embarrassing amount of dog pictures)