I was recently gifted with a Maybelline SHINEsensational lip gloss (not from the company) and was excited to try it out.  I can be a very picky person, especially when it comes to lip gloss but I must say this one is excellent.  I normally use Lip Smacker Clear Shine (in Cotton Candy) or Bath & Body Works 'Ultra Metha lip shine' but am always willing to try something new, but often tend to revert back to my tried-n-true.  Not this time.  I love this stuff, it goes on thick, but not goopy, has a bit of shimmer, but not too much, and the flavour. is. awesome.  The 'Treat Me Sweet' (number 20) flavour is kind of a strawberry-banana and while I wouldn't eat it straight from the tube (do people actually do that?  No judgement.), the taste is pretty good.
 H&M dress (worn as a top, last seen here), Joe Fresh pants & necklace,
Gap wedges (last seen here) & Charlotte Russe ring

Red reminds me of French.  Why, you ask?  I'm not sure why, actually, it just does.  I speak French, technically.  For my job it was a requirement, and I worked oh-so-hard to pass my exams (reading, writing & oral) a few years ago, only to practice less and less and see signs that I'm losing my French.  If you don't use it, you lose it (popular saying... that sadly seems to be holding true in my case).

I started learning French in grade 1 and took it every year from then on until I graduated high school.  Typically, after grade 9 you can drop the French course, but I continued (one class per year) in order to (hopefully) maintain.  It provided somewhat of a base for me, but when the pressure to get a permanent job was put on me, pressure that relied on my language skills, it felt as if I'd never spoken a day of French in my life.  The stress was enormous; I was doing ten hours per week of language training (via night school, a private tutor, and a semi-private tutor) and there were definitely bouts of tears.  However, in the end (aka four months later), I passed my exams and got to stay in my job (and move up eventually).

Do you speak any other languages?  When did you learn?  Did you struggle like me?

Photos from my trip to Toronto

Do you use Ebates?  I never used it until a few months ago, now I kick myself if I forget.  Earn cash back for purchases you were already planning on making?  I'm in.

Ebates is basically a host site.  Simply put, you visit their site (create a free account), search the store you are looking for, and click the link.  Ebates then transfers you to that store you do your online shopping as you normally would.  Once your purchase is made and processed, you will receive a percentage of your total bill, back in your Ebates account.  Yes, free money.

There are various sites you can shop with on Ebates.  A few of my favourites for clothing are:
* Karmaloop
* GoJane
* Alloy
* ASOS
* Victoria's Secret
* Old Navy
* Lulu's

Most sites offer 2% cash back, but some are generous with up to 6% or 8% cashback.  I purchased my Ash booties from Karmaloop via Ebates.  I also purchased a few tops from Old Navy via Ebates.  I currently have a balance of $9.42 in my account simply for clicking a link.  Highly worth it (that could be your twice weekly coffee or a new pair of tights).

Sign up for free here (and earn $5 for every friend you refer).




* I am in no way affiliated with Ebates, I simply love getting deals on things I buy (especially online) and if I can share that with you all, I'm happy to do so.  I blogged a while back about another great site where you can find super coupon codes.
Irregular Choice, $183  sale $97

While perusing the Lulu's website I fell in love with these (a) boots  (b) wedges  (c) sandals  or (d) all of the above?  They have one pair left, in my size!  Meant to be, or serious man-repeller?  Hey, that's never stopped me before...



Thanks Natalie.
Blogger Template Created by pipdig