Appreciation

As I write this post, I am lounging on my deck in my backyard at my new patio table set. The weather is beautiful, even at 9pm, and I have my Spotify playlist going as well as a  glass of wine.


Heavenly.


This is such a zen moment for me. I feel completely at peace, doing what I love and in such a tranquil setting. Just thought I'd share with y'all that this post is a-comin' from such a content place.

Well, if y'all thought that I wasn't going to address the fact that the biggest television show EVER and my personal all-time favourite has begun.... you're sadly mistaken. Yes, Game of Thrones is BACK. And better than ever. Every episode has been devoured with such intensity by myself and my friends who watch it. Rampant discussions have been dominating the text conversations especially between my friend Michele and I. I just Can't.Get.Enough. I'm relieved to report that my girl Sansa is still alive. But I dare not say that too loudly or too often. It seems as though once you take a liking to a certain character, it's fate is almost surely sealed. What a stressful TV show. But absolutely incredible.



I also thought I'd update you on Rut-Gate. (See Retail Therapy post for more deets on this.) It continues to press on, but today I am focusing on finding things I appreciate, even when it may be more difficult to. The Smashbox Double Exposure palette is something that I have rediscovered and have rekindled my appreciation for it. It's seriously a very underrated palette containing shades of eyeshadows suitable for anyone and any look. Half of it is darker more sultry eyeshadow colours while the other half is lovely shades of neutral brown tones. It also contains a mixture of matte and shimmer textures, which is really handy. There is an eyeshadow or two for everyone in here and the price is quite incredible. $45 for this full sized palette also containing a double ended eyeshadow brush and a deluxe sample of their Full Exposure mascara. You just can't beat that.

Smashbox Double Exposure eyeshadow palette

A well-deserved shoutout also belongs to the NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Tres Leches. Without fail, every time I wear someone asks me about it or where they can purchase one for themselves. EVERY SINGLE TIME Y'ALL. By far it is my favourite lipgloss to wear currently. The colour is a nude-brown-pink, the texture is not sticky whatsoever (a huge plus in my book) and the taste/smell is kind of.... chocolatey? It is so good. Just the best. And again, I just feel like I have to repeat that EVERY SINGLE TIME SOMEONE ASKS ME WHAT LIPGLOSS I AM WEARING. Like, I'm not kidding guys. Every time. Which kind of makes me feel like a celebrity. Which is pretty awesome.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Tres Leches

Today we'll be ending this post on a sobering note. My province is currently in a state of emergency due to multiple wildfires burning out of control, the largest one devastating Fort McMurray currently. This city has a special place in my heart due to the industry that I have worked in for several years and I have a close connection to it. This post was originally ready to go yesterday, but out of respect for the brave people both fighting the fire in Fort McMurray and the residents devastated by it I didn't feel right in posting it. I've been consumed with concern for the past few days and all I want to do is help. If you would like to help, you can visit www.ymmfire.ca or text REDCROSS to 30333 to make a $5 donation. The city of Fort McMurray and all it's residents are in my thoughts and in my heart.