Trinkets from Valyria (And it's not Greyscale.)

All men must die.

We are now at the halfway point of Season Five of my favourite show in the whole world, Game of Thrones. I am quite conflicted actually as to how I feel about this. On one hand, only having half the season left to watch means that we are that much closer to learning of these character’s fates and seeing situations resolve themselves. However , on the other hand, that means that WE ONLY HAVE HALF THE SEASON LEFT TO WATCH. Daily panic attacks have become something I deal with every day, just knowing that I only have five precious episodes left to experience before GOT leaves for another year. This season, more than any other, has consumed me entirely. I spend almost every waking minute devouring every scrap of information I can on the internet, and GOT never leaves the back of my mind. The line between fantasy and reality is becoming dangerously blurred for me. I have actually started to have to remind myself that these people aren’t real and neither is this show. I actually think I am so publicly insane about this show because this is the first year I have let all inhibitions go and flaunted my GOT pride LOUD AND PROUD. I spend more time than I care to admit researching Westeros Family Trees, and loudly discuss conspiracy theories with Natalie every day without a care in the world.A scene of me stampeding down the hallway and throwing myself into Natalie’s office screaming “THE TARGARYEN’S THE TARGARYEN’S” as I double over clutching at my sides wheezing and coughing has become something that people around us have become accustomed to. No one bats an eye anymore. I have amassed quite a sizeable collection of hilarious GOT memes that I cackle hysterically to myself reading every day. Natalie and I even bought matching GOT mugs last week. It also took all self-control not to also purchase a Hand of the King letter sealing kit complete with wax and a stamp. (Where was I going to send these “letters”? To fricken Castle Black to tell Jon Snow he is a babe? Wait… don’t threaten me with a good time.) My friend Jordan had a birthday this week and during our traditional GOT Sunday Dinner party I gave him his gift I was beyond excited about. A heavy ceramic beer stein with the Game of Thrones logo emblazoned on one side of it and the House Stark insignia on the other. (A direwolf with their House Words “Winter is Coming” beside it.) I was so pumped I found something so perfect for him and I almost cried when he opened it from excitement. My last GOT related purchase last week was a beautiful coffee table book called “The World Of Ice and Fire” about the history of Westeros. Although I am extremely eager to delve into this giant tome bursting with history of every House in the realm of this fantasy world, I feel as though my crazed brain needs a slight reprieve I think from being completely taken over by all things GOT. I have gotten so crazy, that after Natalie was telling me about an article she had read on a website where they were interviewing the actor that played Theon Greyjoy and he was saying how scenes coming up were so excruciating to film, I burst into tears in the middle of her office and started shrieking, “I CAN’T DO IT I LOVE SANSA I WILL REVOLT IF THEY TOUCH HER GET ME MY PHONE WE HAVE TO WARN HER”. I told my friend Michele as we were discussing possible theories and outcomes last week that after the infamous “Red Wedding” episode a few years ago, I almost called the police on Roose Bolton.

“911 what’s your emergency?” 

“THERE WAS A WEDDING AND ROBB GOT BOW AND ARROWED.”

I can only imagine what I might be capable of if my Sansa gets maimed in any way. I will suit up, ride to Winterfell,“Friendzoned” Brienne of Tarth style, and start kicking ass.

See? There I go again, completely delusional. FML. 

New Favourite mug

This photo doesn't do this book justice.... It is HUGE.

Delusion personified by yours truly.

Friday Night Lights

The “Last Supper” made another appearance on Friday night.

Natalie and I made plans this week to go for a nice dinner together at our favourite haunt, The Keg lounge. As Friday approached, things took a (familiar) turn towards other, loftier plans. Plans that included Sephora, MAC and whatever else floated our way. Basically, our evening from January repeated itself Friday night, almost to a T. We entered our favourite Sephora in delicious anticipation of the treasures that lay within. I will also admit that upon entering the store, I scanned anxiously, looking for signs that a certain male Filipino Sephora employee was on duty. Sadly, there was no sign of him, and sighing, I turned to follow Natalie to the start of our clockwise tour of the store. I went online to the Sephora website prior to our trip and I was extremely interested in the Kat Von D Shade and Light Eye contour palette. I actually purchased the original Shade and Light face contouring palette a few months ago, and although I have yet to take it out of the packaging, I am excited to try it out as I have heard some great reviews about it. I have never really gotten onboard with the whole Kat Von D makeup thing. She isn’t someone who appeals to me, nor someone I want to take makeup tips from. However a few years ago, my ex-boyfriend’s brother’s girlfriend (confused yet?) gave me one of her makeup palettes for Christmas. I was so touched she got me something that a - I was interested in, that being makeup and b - that I didn’t already own. I also have heard rave reviews about the Kat Von D tattoo eyeliner, but again, I never tried it because I felt quite strange to be honest, buying something from her line. Anyways, I am very happy I never ordered the Shade and Light Eye Contour palette online without seeing it in person because it was…. Ugly. I feel like the pictures on the Sephora website makes it look nicer than it actually is. What I saw when I excitedly loomed over the display was a palette filled with 12 strange matte shades of varying dirty brown, reddish brown and matte white shades. It was so bad. Natalie and I kept a running commentary going as we tried to make sense of this palette. It pretty much sounded something like, “What is this supposed to be and how are you supposed to wear this?” about 20 times over. Disheartened, I turned away from the palette I was once so excited to look at and quite possibly purchase, and made my way towards the Marc Jacobs section. As I rounded the corner, I heard a distinct voice booming behind me. “HEY GIRL HEY….”

It was my Filipino boy.

I couldn’t contain my glee as I greeted him. Maybe this was wishful thinking, but I got the distinct feeling he remembered me as we exchanged pleasantries and he left me with “COME FIND ME IF YOU NEED HELP GIRL”. I was so excited to see him. I actually did not see too many products I didn’t either already have, or didn't jump out at me. I actually complained out loud to Natalie about this, however it seemed like a good problem to have. I ended up choosing an amazing little number from the Bite lipstick collection. It was a double ended lipstick, with one shade being a bright neon fuschia colour and the other end a neon tangerine shade. Being only $15, I was so excited to get my hands on this one. I have been LOVING the Bite lip line lately. I think it is an amazing line to support as it is a Canadian line and a woman started it. They also have some of the most luxurious lip products I have ever encountered. I guess I was on a bit of a lip kick, as the other product I chose was a Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. I have heard about these from one of my favourite YouTube beauty gurus, TheCurrentCustom. She has all of them and raves about them all the time. As this was my first Sugar lip treatment, I wanted something pretty neutral and basic. I chose the shade Nude. As I wound my way through the maze towards the till, I was almost physically knocked over by what I can only describe as a “whirling dervish” of a person. It was like the Running of the Bulls as my favourite employee came stampeding through, determined to get to a till before anyone else could. As he rang through my (small) purchase, we gushed over eachother, trading small makeup related anecdotes. I also spent 500 of my Beauty Insider points on an AMAZING perk, a Marc Jacobs set that came with two eyeliners, a mascara and a lipstick all in deluxe sample sizes. I was blown away by how cool this was, as I am notoriously never impressed by any of the points perks choices. Farewell, my lovely man. I will see you next time and I am already looking forward to seeing your next makeup look.

We ventured down the mall towards MAC as I had a jealousy purchase to deal with.

A few weeks ago, my younger sister Dayna had been telling me about a blush a friend of hers had from MAC that she had fallen in love with. I asked her what the name of the blush was (Mineralize blush in Gentle), and was surprised to discover it was something I didn’t already own. Dayna is also a recent University graduate, and as her graduation gift, I got her a rather large makeup “haul” from MAC. Gentle was part of that haul. As I was in the store choosing all of her products, I kept playing around with it, and absolutely loved how it looked. Shimmery, light plummy pink, and simply gorgeous. Well, I didn’t end up buying anything for myself that day, however I kept thinking of the fricken blush. I was consumed with jealousy at the fact that again, someone had something cool that I didn’t have. So, as Natalie and I burst through the doors right before closing time on Friday evening, I had one thing and one thing only on my mind. That blush shall be mine. I also grabbed another angle brow brush, as I needed another one for a new brow kit I started using. (Which I will discuss later.)

MAC Mineralize blush in Gentle

With our shopping trip complete, we sped off towards The Keg where we enjoyed another fantastic evening filled with food, drink and a LOT of laughter. My friendship with Natalie is one of those rare ones, where we can literally spend hours together and continually talk over eachother since we are both bursting to the max with things to say. It should also be mentioned that The Keg Sangria was newly offered as part of the summer drink menu, and it was absolutely delicious. Natalie is convinced she can recreate it, and I am looking forward to a long summer ahead of sangria in her beautiful backyard, watching our kids play together and sharing a lot of laughs.

The Keg Sangria and Bellini

Besties for life. 

Creepin'

As you all know by now, I am extremely intrigued by the likes/dislikes, preferences and favourites of my friends. By now, they are used to random questions being asked of them about anything under the sun, and/or me bursting into the room usually with a pen and paper in hand, shouting various questions about eyeshadow at them and then promptly spinning around and vanishing without warning. Well, my best friend Natalie is no exception to the above. She must be used to these types of surprise attacks where I descend upon her office, asking her strange questions about how her lipgloss makes her feel while I rifle through her gym bag, looking for clues. Hey, I own my crazy loud and proud. On such an occasion a few weeks ago, I took her makeup bag that she brings everyday to work with her hostage and examined the contents carefully, all the while asking her why she has chose the makeup she has. My findings were of quite an interest to me, and I proudly take credit for a few things she keeps in her "must-haves" everyday makeup bag. I have told Natalie how much it means to me, and quite honestly excites me, how much she loves makeup and how much of an interest she shows in it. We can talk about the benefits of mascara for twelve hours and I'm not even kidding. I'm so thankful we came into eachothers lives and how close we are. Now let's get into her makeup bag! (With her permission, of course.)

Smashbox Full Exposure Eyeshadow palette

 I was actually with Natalie when she bought the Smashbox Full Exposure eyeshadow palette. If there was an eyeshadow palette that screamed "Natalie"..... this one would be it. I think she would agree with me saying that it was love at first sight when she laid eyes upon this gorgeous palette. The colours are beautiful neutrals, and can be worn with any outfit, hairstyle, lip colour or makeup look. I had actually bought the Smashbox Double Exposure palette a few weeks prior to this shopping trip, so I was showing it to her when she saw this one. As she ooohed and ahhhed and started playing with the eyeshadows, I started looking at it in a whole new light. I had seen this palette 100 times before, and never really gave it a second glance since I own quite a few "neutral" eyeshadow palettes, the Urban Decay Naked ones being the most similar. But as she sped off towards the till to purchase it, brandishing it proudly and gushing about how she couldn't wait to try it out when she got home, I was consumed with jealousy. NO ONE HAS SOMETHING COOL THAT I DON'T ALREADY HAVE. NO ONE. 

I bought it later that night. 

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes palette

 The Too Faced Boudoir Eyes palette has been an obsession of Natalie's ever since it came out. When she talks about it, I can actually feel the love she has for this elegant and sultry eyeshadow palette. She mentioned it as her product she can't live without in her questionnaire I posted, and for good reason. It's a stunning palette and the colours are right up her alley. The names of the shades have definitely more of an "adult" tone, and after inspecting it for this post, I was almost unable to communicate the words "You know you have an eyeshadow named French Tickler, right?" due to laughing so hard. And yes, this was absolutely another jealousy purchase by me, on our Last Supper shopping trip.

MAC Cremeblend blush in Brit Wit and Smashbox Blush Rush in Flush

This is another "Proud Makeup Mama" moment for me. When we were shopping (the same day she got the Smashbox eye palette) Natalie was asking me for a good blush recommendation. Well, it just so happens that one of my favourite blushes is the Smashbox Blush Rush in the shade Flush. This one looks good on EVERYBODY. I have used it on other people of varying skin tones, and it looks very pretty, and well, gives a "flushed" appearance that is both natural and beautiful. No exception with Natalie. Every time she wears it I immediately compliment her, because it enhances her natural beauty so exquisitely. I have this blush as well and although I don't wear it in favor of some MAC ones I am trying to use up right now, seeing how much Natalie has enjoyed it definitely inspires me to rediscover it again. I was also with her during a shopping trip to MAC where she was in search of the perfect cream blush. After trying several out, Brit Wit was the obvious choice. It is a lovely pinkish-nude shade, and looks amazing on her.

Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation, MAC Pro Longwear concealer and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish 

I won't go into detail on the Clinique Redness Solutions foundation, as you can read Natalie's testimony here. She uses the shade Calming Alabaster. She also swears by the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC15 and loves the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. Natalie only uses the Skinfinish powder as a highlighter on her upper cheekbones as she doesn't want to "look like a f-ing disco ball." (In her words.)

Smashbox 24 Hour eyeshadow primer and MAC eyeshadows

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Lashblast mascara, MAC Technakohl eyeliner, MAC Kohl eyeliner and Urban Decay 24/7  liner

Natalie keeps the Smashbox 24 Hour eyeshadow primer in her makeup bag but doesn't use it very often. It actually came as a "bonus" in the Full Exposure eyeshadow palette which I thought was kind of awesome. I like this primer, and the tube lasts for quite some time. She also has two MAC eyeshadows in two of my favourite shades, All That Glitters ( a shimmery champagne colour) and Wedge ( a matte browny-beige colour). She also has her all-time favourite mascara, the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Lashblast mascara in Very Black. You can't even talk to her about mascaras without her climbing up on her soapbox and doing her best Town Crier impression all while bellowing the Clump Crusher's merits. (HEAR YE, HEAR YE...) She also has the MAC Technakohl eyeliner in Brownborder and the MAC Eye Kohl in Costa Riche. (Both of which I believe were in her Christmas gift from me a few years ago.) The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil in Oil Slick is another one of her new favourites, purchased also during the The Last Supper trip.

MAC lipsticks

MAC lipgloss and CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss stick

Although Natalie isn't too regimented about her lip colours, she does keep a few on hand in case the mood arises. She claims she wears her MAC Viva Glam Rihanna lipstick every morning, and I never believed her until I made her apply it in front of me one morning and realized that yes, I do see her briefly in the mornings sporting it until it wears off. She also has the MAC lipstick in Angel (Kim Kardashian's personal favourite) and the MAC Viva Glam V lipgloss as well. She does have the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo gloss in #210 in her bag, however Natalie admits it hasn't seen the light of day in quite a while.

L'Oreal Lineur Intense liquid liner and Travalo fragrance spray bottle

I think Natalie would agree with me when I say that the L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip liquid eyeliner in Carbon Black is her desert island product. More often that not, I see her frantically applying it in her vehicle or office, all the while muttering how she "needs" it to look "alive". Good old L'Oreal, they really have some amazing products. The Travalo fragrance spray bottle was in her Christmas gift from me just this past one, and she keeps her signature scent in it, Dior J'Adore. These travel fragrance spray bottles are a Godsend, and I am also obsessed with mine. The perfect way to make sure your fragrance is always within reach.

 Well, of course she needs a makeup bag to put it all in. I believe she got this one from Winners (best place ever) for around $10 or so. When I asked her about it, she said "I love it, and although it is the perfect size for all my things, I would want it to be a bit bigger. Okay on second thought, probably not. I would just fill it with more makeup."

Besties

The obsession is real

In case you haven’t noticed, I am someone who is quite “passionate” about things I love. When I find something I can’t get enough of, I fly that flag loud and proud. Well, Starbucks is no exception. Addicted, obsessed and infatuated are just three words that come to mind when I think about it. I HAVE to have Starbucks once a day or my whole world is completely thrown off. And I am extremely particular about my drink orders. As I stated in a previous post, each morning I wake up with every intention to stop at Starbucks on my way to work. On the mornings where I get my butt in gear early enough and actually get to make that happen, my morning Starbucks order is always the same and always perfection. A Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte, extra hot. I started drinking these exactly one year ago and I have been hopelessly addicted ever since. Sometimes I start to place my order with the intention of ordering something different, and every time the voice crackles over the ordering screen, I immediately revert to my treasured Cinnamon Dolce Latte. Last year, I drank them with such frequency that one day my friend Maegen grabbed my cup out of my hand and sipped it “to see what all the fuss is about” since I raved about how delicious they are on the daily. She immediately loved it as well. One time Jordan decided to surprise us with coffees from Starbucks but forgot the name of my signature drink. We laughed hysterically as he recounted the tale of him going up to the barista at Starbucks and ordering  “Two Dolce and Gabanna’s please”. We have since always referred to the Cinnamon Dolce Latte as such. The drink is just so….. cozy. It instantly relaxes me and I feel the stress just melt away. I am completely obsessed.

 

Cinnamon Dolce Latte

My favourite summer time drink has got to be the Passion Tea Lemonade. I started drinking these quite some time ago, and they are so refreshing and light. I have since tweaked it slightly, to put a little “Bri” spin on it. I order a tall Raspberry Peach Passion Tea Lemonade with half the amount of ice and it is absolutely delicious. Definitely a summer time must have.

 

Passion Tea Lemonade

The reason why I chose to write this post is because this week is the week I look forward to all year long. From May 1-10, it is Frappucino Happy Hour from 3-5. Also, since I am a Gold Card member, it is extended an extra hour, till 6pm. All frappucinos are HALF PRICE. I look forward to this time probably more than I should. I have been on a tear since Friday, ordering my favourite frapp in the world….. the Raspberry Mocha frappucino every day around 5pm. IT IS SO GOOD. My mouth is watering and I am getting the shakes just thinking about how on the way home from work I get to swing by Starbucks and get my fix. I highly recommend it if you like sweet, creamy, cold and coffee based drinks. My son loves the strawberries and cream frappucino as there is no coffee in it whatsoever. Pretty much a glorified milkshake. When May 10 is over I will be one sad Bri, knowing that it will be another year before Frappucino Happy Hour is upon us once more.

 

Raspberry Mocha Frappucino 

I love Starbucks probably more than I should. I would love to hear what your favourite drinks are. Either comment below or send me an email from the “Contact me by email” section. Lord knows I need another excuse to go to Starbucks and try a new drink.

Gold Card Member represent yo

April Favourites

It’s that time again….. time for my monthly favourites. The month of April was stressful and busy for me, but I did get some can’t-live-without-them things out of it, so I guess it’s not a complete write-off.

 

Wet N Wild Mega Last lipstick in Cherry Picking

I can’t do this post without mentioning the Wet N Wild Mega Last lipstick in Cherry Picking. I wore this several times throughout the month of April and every single time without fail, someone complimented me on it. It really is the perfect shade of magenta, and I will talk to anyone who will listen to my insane rantings on what an absolutely amazing lipstick the Wet N Wild ones are. Love. Obsessed. Bye.

 

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes mascara

The Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes is quickly becoming my Holy Grail of mascara. I am obsessed with it ever since a Beauty Expert at Murale threw a deluxe sample of it in my bag last summer. The brush reminds me a lot of the L’Oreal Voluminous mascara which has long been a OG favourite of mine. I am obsessed with this mascara. It makes your lashes look extremely full and almost “false lashes” looking without clumping whatsoever. I recommend it to everyone looking for a new mascara to try and I get almost giddy with excitement over it. Lancome, you hit it out of the park again.

 

My Go-To shade for April: Half Baked

Used so much of Darkhorse for my crease this month that I hit pan

On a previous post where I discussed rediscovering old favourites, the original Urban Decay Naked palette was something I mentioned falling in love with again. I have used it almost exclusively for the entire month of April and I have absolutely loved every eyeshadow look I have created with it. The colours are so up my alley, a medley of brown shades from light to dark, with some beautiful bronze and gold tones as well. I have been LOVING my Naked palette this past month. Just one palette gives me the opportunity to create daytime looks as well as more sultrier night time look as well. I find myself excited about my morning makeup routine because I know I will get to reach for my beloved Naked palette again. An absolute favourite.

Hello my lovely

 

I know this was in my March favourites but I still can’t get over the Dior powder foundation brush. I am literally obsessed with it and stalk it on the daily. I feel sometimes like I want to elope with it and I am not even kidding. I LOVE IT SO FRICKEN MUCH. Everyone who wears powder foundation needs it in their life.

 

New album from Little Big Town

Girl Crush by Little Big Town is in heavy rotation in my life. My friend Nicole and I are both OBSESSED with it and I am just waiting for our wine-soaked live performance of the song to come to life at some point this summer. It is so beautiful, haunting and completely original. I actually held my son and I hostage in my vehicle in a parking lot once while it was playing just so I could let it finish. Complete favourite, and judging by how much I play it, could be one for quite some time.

Yaaaaas

 

Well, this one goes without saying. Game Of Thrones. As I write this, it has been not even 24 hours since the latest episode aired on Sunday night and I have spent most of my day consumed with theories, thoughts and feelings on what we witnessed last night. I thought last week’s episode was amazing, and this one completely knocked it out of the park. My obsession is so rampant that I told some friends of mine that if I ever get married I want to walk down the aisle to the theme song. I also started taking into consideration how certain character’s names would sound if I ever had another child and I have approached Natalie on more than one occasion that “if she really wanted to" (As if this statement ever came out of her mouth...) I guess I would go to Comic-Con with her. (Could you imagine? Meet my new son, Rhaegar. Complete insanity.) I look forward to Sunday evenings like Christmas each and every week. We also have started a tradition that I have talked about previously where we have Sunday Dinner and GOT on Sunday nights which has quickly become another favourite of mine. Amazing does not even begin to describe every episode. Even as I am writing this, my heart is aching for this TV show, and the sheer influence it has over me. I have turned into one of “those people” who don cloaks and engage in battle reenactments. My love for GOT is so profound that I simply do not even care anymore to hide it.

 

I already can't wait for next month's favourites and we are only four days in.... looks like May is shaping up to be a good makeup filled month!

Steal of a Deal

 

I am notoriously a makeup “snob”. I never shop the makeup wall in the drugstore. High-end is how I prefer my makeup. There is just something so luxurious about it, and I am willing to pay the money for a high-quality product. With that being said, there are a few things in my line up that are drugstore and low priced, and in my humble opinion, they are the best. (For me, anyway).

 

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser

The Neutrogena Foaming Face Cleanser is the best face wash I have ever used. I tend to have breakout prone skin, and I was constantly on the lookout for a good facial cleanser that would actually do the job of removing the layers of makeup I pack on every day without breaking me out or leaving my skin too dry. I tried everything. Vichy, Shiseido, Lancome…. You name it and I have tried it. Nothing worked. It wasn’t until about two years ago I decided to give the Neutrogena one a try. As I write this I am racking my brain trying to think of what made me buy it in the first place. Maybe it was on sale? I honestly cannot remember why. Anyways, I ended up falling in love with it. It is THE best face wash I have ever used. It takes off all my makeup and leaves my skin feeling supple, and not tight and dry as so many of the foaming ones do. The only criticism I would give it is that it doesn’t really “foam” up at all. Maybe it is because I wear so much makeup and maybe because I use a face cloth to wash my face with it. But I never notice a “lather” or a “foaming” effect. It’s definitely not the end of the world by any means. Just if I had so say anything at all negative about it that would be it.

 

L'Oreal Gentle Makeup Remover

For eye makeup remover, nothing beats the L’Oreal Waterproof eye makeup remover. It is THE BEST. This is another product where again, I have used many different brands over the years, some high end and some not. This is something that I refuse to be without. I stock up on it whenever it goes on sale. I probably have about four backups in my storage room because the thought of running out when I need it is inconceivable. I wear a lot of eye makeup, and some quite difficult to remove mascara and this takes everything off without leaving residue, left-behind mascara smudges or the greasy feel of a waterproof makeup remover. I AM OBSESSED. I will never use another eye makeup remover. Why would I? This one does everything I want it to and costs a fraction of the price of a high end one.

 

Ivory Lavender Body Wash

It’s no secret I love a good bubble bath in my life. I don’t have them nearly as much as I should, but when I do, I am always reminded by how good for my soul they are. I love soaking the stress of my day away in a tub of steaming hot water filled with succulent bubbles and watching Netflix on my iPad set up in the corner. Usually there is a glass of wine involved, not gonna lie. I’ve tried many different kinds of bubble bath products over the years. But I do have a confession to make. For the past 6 months I have used the Ivory body wash in Lavender in lieu of actual bubble bath gel. It is cost effective, does the same exact thing and smells wonderfully relaxing. It also costs about $2.99 (when it is on sale) and comes in a rather large bottle, compared to some bubble baths at Bath and Body Works which cost double or triple the price for half the size.

 

 

Blistex Lip Medex is the gold standard in my books for a lip moisturizer. Over the years I have tried to go “cooler” with my lip treatment choices. I’ve tried many different brands and nothing compares to good old Blistex. It’s nothing fancy but gets the job done. It is definitely one of those “security blanket” products I refuse to ever be without and has a secure home inside my lipgloss clutch.

 

I’m trying to be a little more adventurous with drugstore products. I recently bought a few drugstore makeup products to try so when I start using them, I can definitely let you guys know what I think. Doesn’t sound like anything too groundbreaking but to a diehard makeup “snob” like myself, it’s quite a feat.

Let's talk about hair

Although I am extremely creative and up for anything makeup-wise, there is one aspect of my life I live by the expression “Less is more”.

 

My hair.

 

My hair has always been a large part of my identity throughout my entire life. When I was a little girl, my hair was always long and always in some sort of ponytail (my personal favourite; the side-pony I rocked 80’s style complete with the infamous scrunchie). I then decided to cut it when I was around 10 years old into the style I sported for the next five years of my life…. The chin-length bob. My childhood best friend and I rocked this same exact haircut complete with soft hairbands that varied in colour for the same amount of time, until I decided to abandon the “look” completely when I entered high school. (Probably for the best). My parents were super strict with tattoos and piercings (none were allowed…. And for that I am forever thankful or else my teenage self would be sporting the Roxy logo as a Tramp Stamp FOR SURE). However, my mom gave me complete free reign to do whatever I wanted to my hair. I was allowed to start colouring it when I was thirteen, and I have never looked back. L’Oreal Feria became my addiction of choice, and if I must say, I was actually quite talented at home haircolour applications. I soaked up all tips and tricks I could learn from magazines. I varied over my highschool years from red, burgundy, light brown and dark brown. But it was in my senior year of high school that I went to the hair salon and transformed myself into a blonde. I loved it, but the upkeep grew far too expensive for a student budget. So, before my Grad ceremonies in May, I chopped all my hair off (into a cute just above my shoulders bob) and coloured it back to dark brown. After high school ended, I would again continue experimenting with hair colour but grow my hair out to long again. I even went back to blonde for a few years straight and I loved it. The key was I gradually worked up to the light blonde shade I ended up with. I was working at a hair salon at the time and I made it through my entire employment keeping my hair super long, but we started playing with lightening my hair gradually.

 



The shortest my hair has ever been circa 1987

Medium length and dark in 2009

 



Blonde in 2010

Short and "bronde" in 2012

 

Within the past two years I have never been so particular about my hair’s overall health as I am now. As my best friend Natalie and I joke, “It has reached 19 Kids and Counting lengths”….. or “I should probably be addressed as Ezekiel now considering I look Amish”. I’ve been able to keep my hair so healthy and long for a few reasons. First, I colour it once a year. You read that right. The girl who used to buy 4 boxes of the Revlon Frost and Glow streaking kits (Remember those?) and use them as all over hair colour when I was a teenager now doesn’t colour her hair. I also haven’t cut my hair in it will be two years this summer. The last time I blowdried my hair was when I got my last haircut two years ago. The last time my flat-iron was dusted off was for my company Christmas party in December. Heat styling tools never touch my mane. This may sound strange to some, but I never brush my hair either. I also rarely wear it in ponytails, for fear of breakage. My go-to style is nothing exciting. Long, straight and boring. I alternate between Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner and Pantene BB shampoo and conditioner. (If it were up to me I would only use Moroccan Oil, but it is quite pricey and I go through shampoo and conditioner like crazy). I never ever use any styling products. Sometimes I will run actual Moroccan oil through the ends of my hair after a shower, but that is a rare occasion. My belief is simple with regards to my hair: Less is More.

 

Current look

Natalie you have permission to attack my mane with scissors while I sleep when my hair gets to Ripley’s Believe it or Not lengths.