On Friday night I stopped by my sister's place to visit my nephew--ahhh, those cheeks.
Then it was over to my parents house for (home-made) pizza night. We used to have these every Friday when I was in high-school but bonus, I didn't have to grate the cheese this time.
Peanut having a rest in my Dad's arms
After the gym on Saturday morning, I spent the afternoon prepping for the baby shower I'm throwing for Sarah next weekend. I had a friend come over and later she did my hair--even though I ended up staying in; who doesn't like having their hair played with, right?
Gloomy, rainy January. I'll take this over the -40C temps we had earlier this week.
After seeing a picture of potato wedges on Pinterest on Saturday night around 10pm, I decided to try my hand at them--because I needed to be eating that so late. I used this recipe but swapped in sweet potatoes out of preference. They turned out so good and I'm slightly ashamed to say I ate the entire batch.
Sunday morning post-gym sesh.
Outfit deets: Old Navy tank & Ardene shorts.
Sunday afternoon outfit.
Outfit deets: Dynamite leather jacket, La Senza tee, Sirens pants & Aldo boots (read about how I had the wedges on these shortened HERE).
Home cooking on Sunday night and multiple episodes of Breaking Bad--I'm hooked!
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This is a little later than I expected but here she is--a sneak peak at some of my favourite Christmas gifts.
What you didn't see: a few gift cards, iPhone case, jewellery, body lotion, candles, cashews.
Follow me on Twitter & Instagram to keep up with me on in real time. As always, thanks for watching!
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MY CHRISTMAS
Christmas Recap (on my blog)
That said, I have blown all that out of the water with these four pairs I recently picked up from my old stomping grounds, GoJane. I will list all the names and links to the shoes below so you can grab them for yourself if you wish.
Also, do you guys prefer to see the shoes like this or actually on my feet? Is there a preference? Happy shopping.
From top:
* Yellow oversized buckle wedge | so similar to my Louboutins, with the addition of the Gucci-like buckle, I'm in heaven over these.
* Black oversized buckle wedge
* Black pointy cuffed up heel | a knock-off of the Zara ones I purchased and returned several months ago. These are actually easier to walk in, but the ankle detail isn't as nice.
* Teal snake it up ankle strap heel | I can't get enough of ankle straps. Hoping to take these on vacation with me if I go somewhere warm.
It's a new year and with that come along a surplus of people creating resolutions; attainable or not, it happens. I'm a big believe in attainable, smaller, resolutions--something you won't give up on five days in.
For me, it helps to be precise in my resolution, versus something too vague or abstract. For example, instead of saying I want to be organized this year, I would make a plan to be more organized like, I will only let clothes sit on the floor of my bedroom for maximum three days before cleaning it up, and I will open my mail immediately and action it instead of letting it sit on my kitchen counter.
I shared my resolutions with you so Let's Chat today about yours.
1. Did you make any resolutions?
2. What are they?
3. How will you attain it?
Packing is something that stresses me out and since I'm constantly having to do so when I stay at Marco's, he suggested we duplicate my make-up kit so I would have one less thing to worry about when packing. I thought this would be the perfect time to share my new--but everyday--make-up.
1. Equate Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 | I have been wearing this SPF on my face and neck for almost seven years daily. You can find it at Walmart, it absorbs well and isn't thick. I have dry and un-sensitive skin and this works great for me as a base layer.
2. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Light-Medium | I love this for days when I don't want full foundation or for heading to the gym. It also works great as a primer.
3. L'Oreal True Match foundation in Natural Buff (n3) | This seems to be my go-to for foundations despite having a few. This shade is definitely for when I have a bit more colour, but I could always mix it with some lotion to lighten it up.
4. Hard Candy Fox in a Box bronzer & blush | This is the perfect split powder combo; you can swirl your brush in it or pick up the colours separately if you want to contour and flush. I personally love the baby pink colour of the blush and often use that alone.
5. NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk & Cottage Cheese | I use the milk pencil to prime my eyes which helps the shadow stay put but also offers a great base for the colour to be more vibrant. I use the Cottage Cheese pencil for the inner corners of my eyes and to highlight my brow bone.
6. Hard Candy concealer pencil in Light | I love this pencil for lining my waterline to get rid of redness and prefer it over my Rimmel waterproof liner in the same shade. The only downfall is it comes with the Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer, which I find is far too much coverage for me so it doesn't get used.
7. L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable concealer in Cool-Fair/Light (C1-2-3) | This has been a go-to for me as I like the creamy, smooth and blend able formula that covers well.
8. Maybelline Master Precise liquid liner in Black | I switched over to this liner within the last six months after suddenly developing an allergic reaction to a cheaper brand (Essence) I was using. I like the long, thin felt tip on this but the pen doesn't last long, maybe a month, and I find I use my Elf liquid liner for the wing.
9. Timmel PRofessional Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel (002) | This is a newbie for my kit as I couldn't remember what I had at home. After searching and holding up several pencils to my eyebrows to determine a match, this one fit the bill. I used it this weekend and really liked it.
10. Rimmel Scandaleyes in Black (001) | This has been my preferred mascara for a couple years now. I used to switch it up each time and try something new but found myself going back to this so now I don't bother trying anything else. It has a thick brush which gives a lot of volume and doesn't make your lashes too spidery.
11. Pencil Sharpener | This is a no name brand that was $2 but definitely a necessity for the kit. I was hoping to also score a eyelash curler as I use mine daily but they were sold out.
12. NYX Eyeshadow in Sahara (ES18) | These eyeshadows are my favourite but this is the one I buy over and over again to highlight the inner corners of my eye and sometimes my brow bone.
| I didn't include any other eyeshadows as I had an extra neutral palette that I've always kept at his place which works great. Also, since receiving the Naked 2 palette for Christmas, I can imagine I'll tote that around with me every now and again too since it's all the colours you could want--if you're a neutral lover.
Friday evening selfie--let the weekend begin!
After work on Friday I took my time at home, made a chicken salad, edited some photos and relaxed.
Saturday morning at the gym.
Outfit deets: Tina Turner top, Lululemon sportsbra & Walmart leggings.
Post-gym panini's at Chuck's.
We popped into Space Man guitar store in the afternoon.
Role reversal: patiently waiting for him to try stuff on.
Outfit deets: Garage beanie, TNA parka, Zara pants, Spring boots, Aeropostale scarf & F21 cross-body bag.
I scored a few things super on sale at La Senza. Ladies if you need bras or sexy lingerie, now is the time--all their pretty, and fancy holiday items are deeply discounted.
Surprising find at La Senza, this cute gold embossed tee--love this under a blazer or as I wore it on the weekend: with leather leggings & a beanie.
Sunday morning at the gym.
I went to Marshalls afterwards to grab a couple things and impulse bought these by the cash--they are gluten-freee, organic and vegan mounds--so good, but pricey.
Late afternoon breakfast.
I picked up this L'Oreal Infallible gel liner as I find my Maybelline MasterPrecise liquid liner runs out super quick and am hoping I can use the pen from it in the gel liner. I gave it a go with the brush it came with on Sunday and while it will take some getting used to--as does liquid liner--I can see myself liking the gel.
Hope you had a great weekend, mine was pretty low key and relaxing and things you didn't see? About 12 episodes of Breaking Bad and pizza at 11pm on Saturday night. Cheers!
Outfit deets:
* Ardene 'Partier' top (new!); how cute is this? When I saw it I had to think for a minute but then realized the nod was for Cartier--cute! It was super cheap and totally on trend.
* Dynamite waterfall blazer.
* Zara jeans (old) which you've seen a few years back in a parking garage with all black errthang.
* Aldo Periera booties (Christmas gift) which I had my eye on for months, but never purchased and then funny story, my mom purchased for herself, they came in, didn't really suit her and I saw them in her pile of 'returns' and snatched them up. I told her I pay for them but she said I could have them as a Christmas gift--it was Christmas day when this happened, too!
* Accessories: Expressions by The Bay necklace (old but they still have it), Ardene 'Love' bracelet, F21 wrap bracelet & Aldo bangle.
Okay, it's that time. New Years resolution time.
I said I would share and I've been thinking long and hard--and you know I'm a fan of attainable resolutions--so here goes:
* Minimum one video per week on my YouTube channel.
* Don't take on everyone's problems--listen, empathize, let go.
* Pay off my credit card every month. #keepinitreal
I think that's good. Those are attainable, but also challenging for me.
Making videos is a time consuming ordeal, and while it's a labour of love, there is a lot of behind the scenes work from preparation of myself (hair, camera make-up), the camera itself (setting up, focusing, etc.) and then the editing which is easily three to six hours per video.
I'm a naturally empathetic and compassionate person, who takes others problems and make them my own; it's my (astrological sign's) way of helping others. In reality, it causes stress and worry, and most of the time it's the other person who has to fix it on their own. That isn't to say I'm going to turn cold hearted, I just need to learn to accept I can only help someone else so much.
Finally, my credit card. A balance on my credit card looms over me and while it might not be a terribly high amount, it still looms. I want to pay it off, and keep it at zero come the end of every month. Definitely do-able, but will have to keep my spending in check.
What are your resolutions? I'd love to hear! Share them in the comments below.
| Check out my resolutions from last year HERE.
I'm still playing catch up from the Christmas holidays, and have lots to share, I hope you don't mind things are a bit out of order.
Here's what I purchased on Boxing Day. I debated whether I would battle the crowds on the 26th and eventually decided I wouldn't…. until after I slept in, felt rested and Marco offered to drop me off at the mall. Who could say no to that?!
I spent just over two hours poking around, taking my time and trying to be patient. That said, my irritation grew quite quickly and I've come to realize I just can't handle the crowds+shopping like I used to! I did however score a few things which was the perfect compromise between acquiring some new items and not spending too much money.
Vero Moda:
* Y.A.S. blazer (50% off)
* Jersey skirt (50% off)
The Bay:
* Expressions ring; in medium and large for different fingers (40% off)
* Material Girl cuff (40% off)
Posts you might have missed:
* Boxing Day Purchases 2012 (a video)
* Boxing Day Purchases 2011 (a video)
* Boxing Day Purchases 2010 (pictures)
Hope you all had a great new years eve, whether it was spent at home for a quiet evening in or out on the town or at a party. A few of us went to a friend's place for some drinks and food--I made this qunoia chilli--but it was pretty tame.
I made these fun photo props after seeing this tutorial. I ended up using tinsel (cut up into shards) and dowels so we could hold onto them--they were a big hit!
I haven't forgotten about my resolutions, which I'll be sharing later this week. Happy new year!
In December I shared my Holiday Lookbook, attended a Christmas party at my grandparents' senior residence and my family surprised Marco with a birthday treat. I picked up some new shoes, ate more Pho than normal and surprised my Dad with a 60th birthday party.
I shared a video on how-to create a messy French twist, spent an evening with friends celebrating Marco's birthday and took a cupcake decorating workshop with a bunch of girls for a friend's birthday. I scored some boots I was covetting on sale, got sick with Laryngitis and met a new friend in the elevator of my apartment who made me a knit headband.
I grew out my nails--a Christmas goal--and celebrated Christmas with my family and Marco's.
| CLICK HERE to see every monthly recap I did this year.
Keeping with tradition, I've pulled together some of my looks from 2013 to rally up a little fashion recap. 2013 turned out to be a really great year, and an extension of the great second half of 2012. I'm a firm believer that if you put positive energy out into the world you will get it back, and while that's not always possible--we're all real here--if you make a conscious effort to do so, it will eventually come natural and great things will begin to happen.
I set a few New Years resolutions for myself this time last year which were:
* Post more spontaneously--complete;
* Do my hair more often--versus just throwing it up--complete; and
* Become better at doing my make-up--complete (I have become a blending pro. Okay, pro might be a strong word).
Resolutions don't have to be big or un-accomplishable, they can be small, mini accomplishments you make throughout the year, not necessarily with a deadline. For instance, two years ago I set up monthly resolutions, with more attainable goals like sew a top, floss more and wear clothing that I had purchased that still had tags on it.
I will be back in a few days to share my resolutions for 2014, so stay tuned while I fine tune that list.
As always, thanks for reading and being here, whether you're a newbie or a long-time friend, I so appreciate you coming to my little corner of the Internet to check out what I'm up to. Your support and the friendships mean so much. Seriously, every. single. one of you.
Happy New Year!
Annual recaps from years past:
* 2012
* 2011
* 2010
Sarah and I had our annual gift exchange between us at work this year since it didn't work out to get together over the holidays. I brought the camera, set it up to record a video and didn't realize until now that we only got 2 minutes of footage out of 20! Such a bummer because you don't get to see what we got each other, but I was able to salvage a few fun screen shots from our lunch hour (click over to my Facebook page to see the silly photos).
This year, we decided to lower our limit to $50 and I'm proud to say we both stayed within it and scored awesome gifts (or at least I love my gifts, ha). Scroll down to see our gifts before they were opened a list of what we got each other.
For Sarah:
* Essie Nail polish, 'Come Here'
* Mexx wool coat (in forest green)
For me (hello amazing gift basket):
* OPI nail polish, 'Over the Taupe'
* Smart Set necklace
* Pier 1 jar candle in, 'Ember' (my fave)
* Four decorative Christmas plates
* Mighty Leaf peppermint tea
* Guess leopard wallet/change-purse
| See last year's gift exchange HERE.
Since I fell ill with Laryngitis that's turned into a cold--that is still kind of holding on--I missed the weekend before lasts' iPhone Snaps, but that's because I pretty much spent it in bed watching YouTube and being bored. I've compiled a bunch of photos I took over the course of the last few weeks so we'll call this a Weekend+ Recap since it's more than this last weekend.
Since there's so many photos, I'll put the majority after the jump if you'd like to see…
My goal was to have long nails for Christmas--mission accomplished! I'm so proud because I'm a chronic nail biter so this was tough but makes me so happy.
Nail colour: N.Y.C. (not sure the colour name)
I met a girl in my apartment building one evening before I got sick in the elevator. We were both wearing headbands and I complimented her on hers and she offered to make me one! A few days later I found this beauty on my door handle.
Pho, one evening in Chinatown.
Outfit deets: Bench jacket, Club Monaco scarf (old), Walmart leggings, Jacob leg warmers, Spring boots, F21 cross-body and Jules & James hat and mitts.
More photos after the jump…
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