Resolutions

Dont Say Maybe When You Want To Say No
This is probably going to be a hard one for me. I dont like to let people down by coming straight out with things. Maybe has become a top word in my vocabulary and I dont know why. Someone asks me to do something I dont want to do and you'd think 'well just say no' but for some reason I have a hard time with it.

Don't Be Afraid To Do Things Just Because Others May Not Like It
I tend to be afraid to wear or do things because of what others may think. I love red lips but my boyfriend doesnt so I never wear it. People make comments on something im wearing and I feel weird wearing it again. We all have different likes,  interests and tastes and while I wish I could say I didnt care what people thought about me, in some aspects I do and I let it affect me when it shouldn't.

Take More Pictures
Often when I go places or have a great day, I wish I had taken pictures as a memory. Especially since having a child, I want to be able to look back on different points in her life and remember what we did visually. In this day and age photos seem to be forgotten so I want to make sure I take them and place them in an album.

Get My Hair and Drivers Licenses 
Im 22 and I still dont drive. Why? Im lazy. Ive always wanted to drive but I dont put the time in to read the book so after six years of saying im going to go, I am putting this high on my to do list. I also want to go for my hairstyling license. And yes for those of you who dont know, you do need a license to do hair. I finished my apprenticeship last october and ive been putting it off for too long so another thing high on the list, I want to make sure im a qualified stylist.

Relax
Now I dont mean relax as in sitting down in front of the tv, having me time. Relaxing more as in dont get so worked up about things, usually things that dont matter and arent the end of the world. Not having a mini freak out because someones done something a different way than I would. Just take a breather and let things be.

Todays Face

I wasnt wearing a lot of makeup but I thought id share what I used anyway. After moisturising I mixed Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation with Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation because I wanted a bit more coverage but because my skins so dry this time of year I cant wear the Tarte foundation alone as it clings to my dry patches and just doesn't look pretty. To cover my dark circles I used, of course, my Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser Concealer. This stuff is just so easy and works really well. On the cheeks I used Stila Convertible Colour in Magnolia. I think cream blushes are great for this time of year, especially on dry skin. Im not yet sure about this colour though.

Ive been testing out a new brow product and im not sure if I like it or not. The Maybelline Brow Drama is a brow mascara, similar to Benefits Browtint. The brush is an odd shape and can be annoying to apply with, but the colour works really well for me (the darkest one). On the eyes I just wore some mascara, and topped it off with a bit of Buxon Full On Lip Cream in White Russian. Im not typically a gloss person but I like this barely there pink and the tingly plumping feeling it leaves on my lips.

And thats what I wore on my face!

Christmas Movies

Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit like a good ol' movie. I thought id share a few of my favourites, although im sure everyone has seen them many many times, years after year. They just never seen to get old.

A Christmas Story
My favourite Christmas movie. "You'll shoot your eye out!" You cant not love Ralphie and his lusting for a bb gun. And that leg lamp? An all around great movie.

Elf
"Santaaa! I know him!" is a quote me and bf have said many a times. Starring Wil Ferrell as Buddy, a man raised as an elf, on search to meet his real father in the big apple. Some good laughs in this one.

Home Alone
Everyone knows and loves Home Alone. This ones on tv 24/7 it seems so its impossible to miss. Although not the most realistic of situations, this is a funny movie that everyone and their dog watches year round.

The Santa Clause
I used to watch this one year round as a kid. Calvin Scott (Tim Allen), and his son Charlie hear a noise on the roof. After running outside they discover it is a man in a red suit whose fallen. After reading his business card and putting on the suit, he starts noticing some changes in himself and becomes the big guy in the red suit himself.

Four Christmases
After their holiday away Christmas is a no go due to fog, this couple struggle to make it to four Christmas celebrations. Full of laughs and who doesnt love a bit of Reese and Vince.

Christmas With The Kranks
Because their only daughter is abroad during the holidays, this couple decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise instead. All the neighbours are at war with them, wanting them to "Free Frosty!", as they usually put him on their roof. When they get an unexpected call from their daughter that shes coming home for Christmas, they have 24 hours to turn things around and get into the Christmas spirit.

There are many many more great movies but these are just a few I like to watch and are easily found on tv. What are your favourite Christmas movies?

Take It Off

If you're anything like me, you hate when it comes time to remove your makeup. Waking up early just so you can make your face up before going out? No problem. But spending five minutes before bed taking it off? We often cant be bothered. Cue the cleansing removers.

Basically these work to a) remove makeup, and easily I might add, and b) cleanse the face. All in one step. A no fuss, easy product. My favourite that ive tried is The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter. This is the only balm style ive tried thus far and I must say its a very easy and effective way at removing everything. And this coming from a girl who wears a ton of mascara. Just a small amount heated up between your fingers and gently rubbed onto the eyes and face, then rinsed off with a wash cloth and your skin is makeup free. I find this is more effective then my beloved Avon Eye Makeup Remover Lotion as I dont have to spend as much time getting everything off. It leaves my skin soft and if im feeling really lazy, ill leave the cleanse at that, though I typically go in with a facial cleanser to make sure everything is nice and clean.

Option two is the micellar waters. Everyone has heard of Bioderma Sensibo H2O, a favourite among makeup artists and of course, bloggers and youtubers. What is a micellar water you might ask? In short, its a blend of water and fine particles of oil that absorb dirt and makeup and leave you with a cleansed face. It feels and smells just like water, though some that ive tried can leave a bit of a tackiness to the skin, Bioderma and the La Roche-Posay ones do not. A little applied to a cotton pad and sweft over the face and your good. With mascara you need to hold it onto the eye for a few seconds to get everything off. This isnt my favourite for removing eye makeup but it does get the job done.

My last option is cleansing milks. Ive tried a few and while I didnt like some (mainly because it stings the eyes, im looking at you Origins), the ones I did like, I liked a lot. These are basically a creamy cleanser that you can use on your whole face. It is a non-foaming and non-drying form of cleansing. My favourites are the Vichy Purete Thermale Cleansing Milk, and the no7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Milk.

With our nicely cleansed faces, we are now ready to get on with the more important things in life, like sleep.

Lily 3 Month Update

I cant believe my little munchkin is already three months old. She has grown so much, not only in size but in my heart. Looking back at pictures from when she was born, I can see a huge change already. She's starting to get into more of a daily routine, actually sleeping in her bassinette now at night. She will sleep through the night for the most part, goint to bed around 9 most nights. I have to get up to put her pacifier back in a few times but she'll typically sleep til 7 or later. This is a great thing for me as I get to have more sleep now (thank god).

She is always looking around, always smiling and cooing happily. Im still waiting to hear that first little giggle though! She kicks her feet around a lot, often kicking me in the stomach or waving her arms about. She will swat at dangling toys and sometimes hold onto things but only for a few minutes. I dont think she does it knowingly though. She has been sucking on her hands and sometimes a thumb, which is so cute.

She has been drooling a lot. Im going to ask next time we go to the doctors but I think this is the start of her teething. Im not sure of her current weight or height as im having issues getting a hold of doctors at the moment, but will update on that.

She has outgrown all her 0-3 month clothes and making her way into the 3-6 or even larger. She has quite long legs so some of her pants are larger. She has just gone up to size 2 diapers aswell. Packing away all the little clothes makes me so sad. You really dont realize how quickly they're growing.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Theres nothing more annoying then after spending time doing your nails and looking down half an hour later and what happened? You chipped a nail already. Everyone loves the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat so when I saw it in store for the first time I thought it was time to see what all the hypes about.

First off this stuff smells very strongly of chemicals, to the point where I actually questioned whether I wanted to put this stuff on my nails. But that aside, once applied it dried very quickly, which for a busy body like myself, this is especially handy. The shine it left is amazing. Even over a poor paint job, it makes the nail look smooth and even and super glossy. I couldnt stop looking at my nails. As for whether it helped the colour to last longer? Im not totally sure. I felt like it helped but even if it didnt, the glossy finish and quick drying in itself was enough for me. However, when this bottle finishes I probably will not repurchase as the terribly strong chemical smell is very offputting. I would rather wait an extra minute or two for drying then breathe in toxic chemicals everytime I do my nails.

Christmas tag

Something a little different to get into the Christmas spirit! 

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?
A Christmas story.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning.

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?
Me and my brother sleeping on the couch waiting out Santa!

4. Favourite festive food?
Turkey, eggnog, apple cider.

5. Favourite Christmas gift?
Not sure about that one.

6. Favourite Christmas scent?
Cinnamon!

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
Not really.

8. What tops your tree?
A star.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?
I always wanted one of those jeep things. Theyre way too much money. 

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?
Having a nice dinner with the ones you love. 

New Mac Lippies

L to R: Pure Zen, Modesty, Plumful

New seasons mean new makeup. I seem to have gone for a nude, an everyday, and a plum shade (not on purpose). The first is Pure Zen, a cremesheen. Ive wanted this one for a while and just thought id go for it, even though its not exactly a shade id wear this time of year. Its a warm peachy nude, which now that ive got it home looks very similar to my favourite shade Shy Girl. Second is Modesty, a great colour for everyday wear. This one I think would look good with just about anything. Its a mauvey pink and again a cremesheen. Lastly is Plumful. I hear everyone talk about this one and finally got it myself. This ones a lustre, which is good for people like me who are afraid of the brights as it tends to go on more sheer, but is buildable. It is of course a rosey plum and I think it compliments my skin tone well.

Im always looking at new shades so leave me recommendations and I'm sure another post is just around the corner. 

Crazy For Lip Pencils

(l-r Nars Satin 'Biscayne Park', Bite 'Meritage', Nars Satin 'Rikugien', Bite 'Sahara', Nars Matte 'Bahama'

Ive been a little obsessed with lip pencils the last few months. My love began with Nars, and now Bite have been making their way into my life. The convenience of a lipstick in a pencil form. Whats not to love.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
So far I only have one of the mattes, which was the first pencil I bought a year ago. Dont let the word matte scare you, these pencils are not drying at all. They look absolutely beautiful on the lips and have great colour payoff. As with all Nars products, they have a great selection of colours. The one I chose was Bahama, a perfect winter/fall pinkish brown. I have my eye on Bettina, and Dolce Vita.

Nars Satin Lip Pencil
The satins are creamier and more moisturizing. This formula is my favourite, as it can be easier to wear and doesnt accentuate any dryness. Biscayne Park is possibly my all time favourite lipstick. Described as a pink guava, though im not sure id say that myself. To me its more of a really easy to wear peachy nude. Out of all the shades here, id recommend trying this one. Next is Rikugien, a rose pink. This one doesnt get a lot of wear because I find it to have a slight frostiness to it which im not a big fan of in lip products. It is a nice colour and id love to wear it more, but I find I like it more with a bit of Biscayne Park mixed in with it. Next on my list is Majella, a gorgeous red.

Bite High Pigment Pencil
After falling for the Nars pencils, while wandering Sephora one day I came across these beauties. Similar to the Nars Satin pencils, creamy and easy to wear. A bonus is theyre retractable, so no sharpening needed! I went for Syrah as it was a similar but slightly more peach version of Biscayne Park. This one is more spring/summer to me as its a brighter peach shade. And for the brightest shade I have, theres Meritage. This was a deluxe size that came in a Sephora Favourites set. I havent had a chance to try this one out really but it looks like an easy to wear red.

Rimmel Eastend Snob

If your jumping on that liner as lipstick bandwagon, Rimmels Exaggerate in Eastend Snob is a great one to try. It is a muted pink matte that can easily be worn on its own or of course for its original purpose, to line the lips. It comes in a retractable package, which is nice for those of us who dont like to sharpen things. It can be a little drying on the lips, but lasts really well. Applying a balm over the top should solve this a problem easily if it bothers you. My only complaint is that if you apply too much pressure, the nib can break off a little bit. That aside, I see myself getting a lot of use out of this.

Five Minute Face

If your a mom like me, or just a really busy person, you often dont have the time to apply a full face of makeup. 99% of the time these last few months im not wearing anything at all. Im lucky if I had time to wash my face if im being completely honest. Gross, but sadly true. You new moms will know what im talking about. The odd time I do get five minutes to make myself a little more presentable, this is what I typically go for.

I always like something light on the face, even when I have all day to get ready. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation has been a fav for a few months now. I like how natural it looks on the skin and the "healthy" glow it gives me. Most important, I tackle those dark circles. I often look like ive been beaten up and sport two black eyes and hear "You look tired" multiple times throughout the day. I probably spend the most time on this area. I just want to look a little less like I just can back from the dead. The Bobbi Brown Correcter is my best friend in this scenario. The shade I have is a little dark for me, so I typically apply this under my foundation and then conceal on top just so its easier to blend into the skin. For concealer the Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser is a no fuss product, and with that name it seems the obvious choice. A little Rimmel Stay Matte Powder on top of that so I don't get creases under the eyes and im usually looking a little more alive. To warm up my skin id opt for  Mac Mocha or Nars Sin and then the face is done.

A quick sweep of Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless and the eyes are done. If im feeling wild ill put on a neutral lipstick, but I more often than not just put on a lip balm and call it a day. Something like Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss, or a L'oreal Colour Riche Balm. And with that, I'm ready to go and looking a little more presentable.

Lush Goodies

With the weather getting cooler, my favourite time to take baths is here and nothing makes a bath more fun and luxurious than something from Lush. I love trying new things are there's always so many new options with each season or holiday, and with Halloween and Christmas things out, I needed to try a few things. 

Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble Bar is obviously limited for Halloween. With juniper-berry, grapefruit and lime oils this bar smells amazing and leaves a bubbly orange bath with gold glitter, which looks really pretty. Not only did this smell lovely but it made my skin feel really soft. I was a little afraid of the glitter being left all over the tub after, (because I mean who wants to clean after trying to have a relaxing bath), but it wasnt a problem. I wish I picked up another one of these because I really enjoyed it. 

Candy Mountain Bubble Bar  is a vanilla cotton candy scent, the same as their popular Rockstar soap. I find it to smell the same as the Snow Fairy shower gel that everyone loves as well. I havent tried this yet but I'm excited because it smells really nice.

Rose Jam Shower Gel was a bit of an impulse. With rose, vanilla pod, goji berry and argan oil, I wasnt thinking I was going to like this as im not a floral scent fan. However the mix gives a sweeter scent than I was expecting and I look forward to this one. 

Creamy Candy Bubble Bar is a combination of a luxury bath melt and a bubble bar, giving the water losts of sweet vanilla and cotton candy bubbles, mixed with cocoa butter to smooth the skin. This one sounds right up my alley. 

Butterbear Bath Bomb is the same as the year round Butterball just in a bear shape for the holidays. He is made of cocoa butter to leave your dry skin soft and gives the water a vanilla scent. I loved the original last year and the bear just makes me like it even more.

Snow Angel Bath Bomb is both a bomb and a luxury bath melt. With a marzipan scent, this is said to  have cocoa butter dissolve into white(snow), and fizz out into a golden halo. 

Nyx Butter Glosses

Ive never been a big gloss wearer, but these just may have changed that. The Nyx Butter Glosses really do feel like butter on the lips, in a good way. Theyre super smooth, and not sticky at all, which is what I usually hate about glosses and why I rarely wear them. They are thicker than most glosses and have fairly good colour payoff.

I got Vanilla Cream Pie, the pink shade, on a whim one day and wasnt disappointed. Its a soft pink that looks nice on my skin tone and became something I wanted to wear everyday. The second shade is more a nude, called Creme Brûlée. This is more my type of colour, as I tend to go more for the nude/peachy shades.

Have you tried these? What colours are your favourite?

Nude Nails

Some of my favourite go-to polishes are the nudes. Theyre the perfect colour for a clean look, or when like me, you've bitten all your nails and just want to make them look a little nicer without drawing too much attention. Whether you like a beige nude or a more pink tone, there are plenty of options to suit everyone. These are my three favourites.

Essie Ballet Slippers is a soft pink, almost off white colour. This is possibly my most worn polish that I own. Its a barely there kind of colour, which I find really nice when my nails are short. It doesnt require a lot of coats to get an opaque nail unlike some others ive tried in similar shades and just overall looks really pretty with everything. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicures Gray-t Escape is a bit of both a beige and a pink. A Peige? I think this is a perfect everyday kind of colour that everyone could rock. Lastly is cult favourite Essie Sand Tropez, my newest nude shade. This one is a true beige and probably wouldnt suit everyone. Id be careful with this one depening on your skin tone as it leans more on the yellow side, but its quickly become one of my favourites.

Do you like nude nails and what are your recommendations?

What's In My Bag

Forever 21 bag
Viva La Juicy Rollerball duo
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Sain in Sweetheart
Leather zip change purse
Stride Sour Patch Kids gum
Mint
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Just So
Keys

Just So

Fall is the time for reds, berries, and browns. Ive always loved red lips but am a little timid to actually wear them. Just So from Rimmels Lasting Finish line is the perfect in-between colour for me. Its an easy, everyday wearable shade thats perfect for this time of year. Its not too bright or bold and compliments my skin tone and hair really well. Its a nice smooth formula and will probably be getting a lot of wear from me this fall/winter. 

What lip products are you loving this season?

Lily and An Update

After a long break from blogging, I am hoping to be back to regular posting.  Almost two months ago on August 30th, I had my beautiful little girl Lily. When they tell you having a baby takes up alot of your time, they're not kidding. I had no idea how exhausted I would be and how little time I would have for myself or basically anything other than taking care of this adorable little human being that is attached to me ninety percent of the day. But I dont mind it at all. Having been only twenty one when I discovered I was pregnant, my life has changed quite a bit and I've grown up alot. Now twenty two and a mom, wow.

Enough about me, let me tell you about that adorable little human being of mine. After hours of an excruciating labor, Lily was born 9 lbs 10 oz. An almost ten pound baby! While we anticipated she would be pretty big, thinking maybe eight pounds something, were all shocked at how big she actually was. No wonder I was so big at during my pregnancy! I mean, im only 5'1. Looking at her after I kept thinking to myself "How did that fit inside me?"Its a crazy thought.

She was born with some hair, mostly on the back of her head. Now let me just say, that wives tale about heartburn (or in my case acid reflux) meaning the baby will be born with hair just might be true. I suffered pretty bad. But all the pain of labor and pregnancy was quickly forgotten when that little bambino was born. Well maybe not that quickly, I had a rough two weeks of recovery after giving birth because I was so sore and swollen. But you dont want to hear about that.

Lily will be two months in a few days and I'm just amazed at how quickly time is passing by. She is getting so big already (and heavy, my wrist has been killing me!). She is starting to sleep through the night now. I usually do a last feed between 9 and 12, depending on the day and she'll sleep a good 5-7 hours. One time she even slept for 8. I was amazed, though she was so quiet through the night I kept having to check that she was still breathing that I barely got any sleep myself. During the day she doesnt sleep too much most days, but thats probably why shes so good during the night. But aside from a little colicky period she went through, shes a really good baby. 

As you can tell from previous posts, I was trying to do weekly updates of my pregnancy, partially for me to look back on later in life,  but also because I always found other peoples updates interesting to read, even when I wasnt pregnant. I found it hard to keep track of everything going on and weeks went by without being documented that I just gave up on doing it altogether. Im a little disappointed in myself for this, but im going to try to do monthly updates from this point on. 

Mac Studio Finish Concealer

Concealer is pretty much the most important product for me. I have the worlds worst dark circles under my eyes. I look like ive been punched in the eyes or havent slept in years with no makeup. Ive heard people talk about this concealer for years and always wanted to give it a try but wasnt sure they had a colour that would work for my pale skin. I got NW15 and was surprised at how light it actually is. When I first applied it I thought the colour was way too light but once all my makeups on it looks fine and just helps to brighten that area. I probably wouldnt be able to use it anywhere else on the face without it really standing out.

Its a creamy consistency, but not too much that it creases like Benefits Erase Paste does for me. It gives fairly good coverage and makes me look more awake, I'm just curious what one shade up would look like in comparison for next time maybe. Its lightweight and a little goes a long way so itll last a while, which is good because its obviously not the cheapest concealer you can get. Overall im a fan but I wouldnt say its my favourite concealer ive ever tried. 

Empties #12

Dove Go Fresh Restore Blue Fig and Orange Blossom deodorant
I swear deoderants last me forever. This one worked well and had a nice clean, mild scent. Repurchased in the Cool Cucumber scent which I prefer.

I dream of.. Strawberry Margarita Bath and Shower Gel
The scent of this stuff is amazing. I use it as a bubble bath and it makes great bubbles and fills the washroom with the lovely scent and also adds a pinky tinge to the bath water. Whats not to love.

La Roche-Posay Hydreane Legere Moisturiser
I actually should have been dont this stuff a long time ago but was saving the last little bit for some reason. This is a nice lightweight moisturiser for everyday. I like to use this in the hotter months because it absorbs fairly quick and doesnt leave me feeling sticky and gross like heavier creams can. Ive already repurchased and am still loving it.

Bio Oil x3
Ive been using this for stretch marks on my belly, boobs and thighs and have going through it like crazy. I wanted to try other things but this is the easiest for me to get a hold of and its good enough for me.

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash With Shea
This is a cream wash, which is nice during the colder months of the year because it doesnt dry out the skin. Its very moisturising, good for people who don't like to use a body lotion. Will probably buy again but I have enough shower gels to last me right now.

Calvin Klein Euphoria Blossom Shower Gel
I wasnt a fan of this. The scent isnt for me and really wasnt anything special.

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara
I did really like this. It made my lashes look really nice but im always trying new mascaras so I probablty won't buy it again anytime soon.

The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub
I love body shop body scrubs and the scent of this one is amazing- like brownies. My only complaint is that as scrubs can be messy, this being brown was not the most pleasant to have left over in the tub or all over the shower curtain. Would probably use the scent in a shower gel again because I really liked it and stick to a lighter coloured scrub.

Its a 10 Miracle Deep Condirtioner Plus Keratin
Ive been really liking the Its a 10 line, im using the shampoo aswell. This leaves my hair soft, frizz free and manageable. My only complaint is how much less conditioner you get compared to the shampoo. Also, when squeezing out the last reminents of the bottle the packaging started to peel off which is a bit annoying, but nontheless a new favourite product.

Wet n Wild 901B lipstick
I bought this a long time ago and dont really know what I was thinking. I dont suit pinks in these kind of shades and also found this very drying. The lipstick also broke so it just looks a mess. Time to throw away.

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel
Id heard everyone talk about this scent for years and wanted to know what was so great about it. I dont quite understand why its a limited edition christmas scent as its not a wintery or christmasy scent at all. It smells like banana medicine to me, which I do like but dont think its the best smelling shower gel ever. I do have another one of these but I'm not sure id run out purchase it again.

Mac Viva Glam V Gloss
Ive had this for way too long. Its super old and sticky and gross so I'm saying goodbye.

Avon Concealer
I dont know why I still had this. Its super old and I honestly never liked it. Its very greasy and creases like crazy and smells like crayons.

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
A bit random but I thought id include it anyway. I dont know how much whitening I actually got from this toothpaste but I still liked it and it left my mouth feeling fresh.

Avon Bubble Bath in Hot Apple Pie and Soft Pink Blanket
I got these as a gift. I only got about three uses out of each bottle but they created a nice amount of bubbles. They were nothing special though.

Burts Bees Radiance Day Lotion With Royal Jelly
Unfortunately I have nothing I can say about this as when I went to use it after having it in the cupboard for quite some time, I realized it was well past its expiry date and have to get rid of it.

Ivory Lavender Shower Gel
I used this as a bubble bath. Im not a huge lavender scent fan but this wasnt too strong. It made nice bubbles and left my skin feeling nice.

Venus Spa Breeze Razor Refills
I dont know if I had a bad batch or what, but these ones didnt work very well. I probably wont buy these partiular ones again

Book Review: Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children

Something a little different for me to blog about but ive wanted to do mini book reviews for quite some time now but never got around to it. I just finished Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children and thought it was perfect for my first little review.

First off let me start by saying this has top ratings and is a new york times best seller, so I had high hopes for it. The story revolves around sixteen year old Jacob who all his life was told stories by his grandfather about the house he grew up in full of peculiar children. These children had special abilities; floating, invisibility, etc. He even had photos as proof. Throughout the book these photos are shown which was a nice way to get you into the story. Until something tragic happens to his grandfather and he is left to find out what the meaning of a letter left for him is, Jacob doesn't believe the stories his grandfather always told him until he goes to the old house and finds the truth for himself. To his surprise he finds the children still alive. From this point of the story I was glued to the book, really intrigued by the story. But it quickly made a turn from being creepy but intriguing to a very mediocre story with an ending that went nowhere and nothing scary happening whatsoever. By the last two chapters I just wanted the book to end already because it wasnt going at all in the direction I had hoped.  

I was a little disappointed in this book but I still give it 4/5 stars because for the most part it did keep me interested, and I must say the photos to go along with it make a really nice touch. Definitely one to read in paperback rahter than an ereader because I dont think it would have had the same effect without the photos. There is a second book that continues the story called Hollow City, but im honestly in no rush to check that one out. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

After years of hearing people talk about this foundation, I finally found it in Shoppers Drug Mart. Though it did cost me a whopping $28! On any other day I probably would have left it and tried to find it cheaper online, but I was feeling spendy. And to be honest ive been quite enjoying it that the price doesnt really bother me.

The foundation is a gel formula, which is lightweight on the skin and different from anything ive tried. It is radiance boosting with superfruits- lychee, goji and pomegranate- said to give a flawless complexion for up to 16 hours. It offeres light coverage and a semi-matte finish, which is more satin looking to me. Basically this is a perfect foundation for me as I go for light coverage, but someone with a lot of redness or in need of good coverage would not be a fan of this one. It still looks like skin but evens everything out and looks natural. I dont know about the 16 hours of wear claim, but it does last quite well on me. It has a pleasant scent and of course the pump is always nice to have. I use the shade vanilla and apply using a Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki, which I think works best, or a Real Techniques Buffing Brush. 

This Week Im Loving.. #17

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation
Ive been trying this out the last two weeks or so and really loving it. Its a great shade for me and has a really nice light coverage and satin finish. Review coming.

Revlon Eclectic Nail Polish
My nails have been growing like crazy and since its finally sunny and somewhat nice out, I wanted something bright and springy on my nails. Actually the colour is very similar to the colour I painted my walls a few weeks ago, a nice turquoisey mint shade.

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Biscayne Park
Another new product. I was wandering Sephora the other week really wanting to try something new and remember hearing this shade name many times and wanting to try it. So I thought since I was in the spending mood, it was a good time to give it a go. Ive been wearing it almost everyday since I got it. Its a nice peachy nude shade and the finish and texture of these are so nice and smooth. I may need to try more.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Captivating and Achiote
Tarte have a new shade in Captivating and when I saw it in store in special packaging I wasnt sure if it was limited or not (it isn't), so I grabbed one just in case if I decided to come back for it another day they didnt have it anymore. I dont regret picking it up as its a gorgeous peachy shade, great for this time of year. Though the weather latelys been crap so I wanted something to brighten my face more one morning and I ended up pairing it with Achiote, a shade I already had but didnt wear much. This one is a coraly pink which is really pretty, but sometimes I feel like I just look like I have a sunburn if I'm not careful with it. Together they make the nicest coral shade and ive been wearing them together quite a bit.

The Base

As always I start with a primer. Im still using my favourite 

Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer as it works wonders for me. My foundation and blush last throughout the day really well which doesnt happen without this stuff. A must use product for me.

Making my way through my many foundations, my current base choice is Rimmel Wake Me Up. The anti fatigue effect is perfect for my tired skin. Theres a tiny amount of shimmer, similar to my favourite Revlon Photoready, but not detectable on the skin. It gives a gorgeous natural glow to the skin and while the colour is slightly too dark for me, its really easy to blend- I use the Real Techniques Buffing brush- and ive been loving the look it gives. 

As for concealer, it depends on how tired I look. Most days I use the Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser, which has been well loved. It gives pretty decent coverage to my horrible dark eyes and with the help of the Maybelline Dream Lumi Hilighting concealer in the inner portion of my eye to waken the eye area a bit, I look a little more alive for the day to come. If my dark circles are super bad, aka no sleep, I whip out the big guns, Benefit Erase Paste. I find this stuff can be a bit heavy under the eye sometimes so if I dont really need it, I tend to use something else. It does crease a bit because of my eye shape, so I always make sure to powder to prevent this. I use the Rimmel Stay Matte in translucent and a big fluffy brush to apply. Currently ive actually been using a Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush because its big and super soft. Whatever works, right?

Blushes are always changing depending on what I feel like. A few favourites right now are Tarte Achiote, Annabelle Rosewood, and Mac Peachtwist. 

Empties #11

Joico K-Pak Shampoo and Conditioner
I got these free from work forever ago and finally decided to use them. They were actually quite nice. It left my hair soft and easy to mamange and smelt pretty nice. I dont know if id buy them myself but it is a nice shampoo and conditioner.

La Roche Posay Effeclar Micellar Solution
My second bottle of this stuff. This micellar is targeted towards oily skin which I dont have but it works fine for me and is cheaper than the other two they do for some reason. I would buy again, but ive been using Bioderma lately and while I think that works better, this ones easier for me to find.

Revlon Nearly Naked
Im trying to use up some of my foundations and started with this one. I wasn't the biggest fan when I first got this kast year but by the end of the bottle I was surprisingly sad when it was all gone. It gives a nice glow with light coverage, great for my dull pregnancy breakout skin and good for dry skin. I think ill end up getting this one again soon.

Matrix Total Results Amplify Volume Shampoo and Conditioner samples
I was surprised how much I actually liked this. Im not a big fan of the Biolage range from Matrix but the Total Results have been nice from what ive tried. These had a nice smell and made my hair feel pretty nice. It gave some volume but honestly im not overly bothered whether it gave any or not.

Matrix Total Results Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner samples
The only thing I dont really like about these are the smell. Its a kind of herbaly scent which I'm not a fan of, but the product itself left my hair soft, mamangeable and frizz free.

Venus Razor replacement blades
I tried to not use these and had so many cuts from the cheapo razors that I had to go back to it. I hate spending the money on them but they really do get a better shave.

Gilette Satin Care Shaving Cream
This was an okay shaving cream. It smelt awful and didnt leave my skin as smooth as some others ive tried but it got the job done.

I dream of.. Vanilla and Almond Shower Gel and Bubble Bath
I found this brand for a mere $2 at Dollerama and what a bargain. They smell amazing and give nice bubbles in the bath which is really all I use it for. It also makes my skin feel soft after I come out of the bath.

Soap and Glory Flake Away
I was super excited when I bought this after hearing rave reviews about all things soap and glory. I was sadly disappointed after trying it though. It smells awful, and is a pain to use. Its bright yellow which leaves rings of product on the tub and stains everything yellow. However it does work well and leaves my skin feeling soft, but its not worth all the fus. I had it sitting in my shower for months unused because I couldnt atand it that much, but decided to use it up so I dont have to look at it anymore.

Rusk CurlSilk Spray
This is super old and has barely anything left in it. I dont know if they even still make this stuff to be honest. Time to get out of my cupboard.

Bath and Body Works Winter Candy Apple Body Wash mini
This is one of my favourite B&B scents but inforunately its a winter only scent, though its not a christmasy scent in my opinion. Its a sweet apple scent (obviously) and lasts on the skin quite well. Luckily I have a full size of the body wash and moisturiser stashed away.

I havent done an empties post in months so I hope you enjoyed this!

Whats In My Shower

Im always interested in what other people use so I thought id do a most myself. I share my shower so I dont have a lot of room for things and tend to store extras in my room or a cabinet in the washroom. But on my little shelf I have:

Its a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin and Miracle Deep Conditioner Plus Keratin
I havent been using these for very long so I dont have much to say about them yet, but they seem to work well with my hair and leave it easy to manage. My only complaint so far is how little you get for the price.

Skintimate Skin Therapy Shave Gel 
I typically go for whatever isnt super expensive in the store but this ones nice because it doesnt make my skin feel dry and works well.

Soap and Glory Flake Away
I was excited about this when I got it but its been in my shower for months. It has an odd scent and leaves bright yellow stains on the shower curtain and a ring around the tub regardless if I use it in the shower or bath. Its almost gone finally and I wont be buying it again.

Venus Breeze Shaver
I go for whatever replacement razors are cheapest, which is why it doesnt match the handle. But honestly who cares about that as long as my legs don't get cut up.

Pick Comb
I use this to comb my conditioner through which makes a huge difference in my hair come time to comb it after getting out of the shower. This is just the only wide toothed comb I had and ive been using it for years.

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
This is a great body wash. Its more like a cream consistency which is nice because it doesn't dry out your skin and I find this great during pregnancy as your skins stretching and going through a lot of changes. On lazy days when I dont want to spend all the extra time moisturising, if ive used this my skin is soft and not dried out with using this alone.

Foot Pumace
Not the most pleasant thing to talk about but as im on my feet a lot for my job, this has been a great thing to have. It helps to keep my feet from getting hard calluses.

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This Week Im Loving.. #16

The Body Shop Shea Lip Butter
My lips have been so unbelievably dry and sore this week, ive been applying this stuff like crazy. Its helped a ton I dont know what I would have done without it. It smells lovely and leaves my lips feeling nice and soft.

Mac Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait
This used to be something I wore a lot but im not the biggest gloss fan. I rediscovered it and decided I needed to use it more before it goes off. Its a really pretty peachy nude colour that just makes your lips look nice. It goes with anything and everything and ive pretty much worn it all week.

Regis Designline Texture Balance Frizz Primer
This is a new product we got in at work not too long ago and honestly im never all that interested in our own line of products but I actually have been quite liking this stuff. You shake the bottle to activate and apply to damp hair and style as usual, or used to touch up on dry hair. I find it realy does help eliminate most frizz when I go to town with the blowdrier and my hair feels softer after.

16 Week Update

How far along? 16 weeks.
Baby is the size of a(n): Avocado!

Total weight gain/measurements: last weigh in was 4 lbs but I dont know.

Maternity clothes: I got a pair of cropped jeans from Old Navy. I dont know how much wear ill get out of them but itll be nice to have some variety once the warm weather comes.

Stretch marks: None. 

Sleep: Still not sleeping well. Im always tired but can't stay asleep. Ive also been having odd dreams.

Best moment this week: I dont have anything specific I can think of.

Worst Moment This Week? I was having some cramping and ligament pain in my belly along with feeling a bit dizzy. Its not easy to deal with when trying to work. Also had a hard time with clothes shopping again.

Miss anything? Nope.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Tim Hortons Iced cap- it was delicious. I also finally got my donuts I wanted.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Green peppers have been giving me heartburn.

Gender: Dont know yet.

Labour signs: Nope.

Symptoms: Tired, ligament pains and some cramping. I started getting a lot of headaches, but theyre not too bad so I dont take anything for them.

Belly button in or out? In. Belly ring too.

Happy or moody most of the time: A bit of both.

15 week update

Baby is the size of a navel orange this week.

How far along? 15 weeks. 

Total weight gain/measurements: 4 lbs.

Maternity clothes: I ordered one pair of maternity pants. They are super comfortable and stretchy.

Stretch marks: None. 

Sleep: Still not sleeping well. Have been falling asleep early days I worked but still waking up alot. 

Best moment this week: Putting the pregnancy out there and people being really nice about it. I dont know why, but I was a little worried about peoples reactions.

Worst Moment This Week? A little TMI but the antibiotics gave me a yeast infection which only really bothered me at night and made it IMPOSSIBLE to sleep. Yuck! Sorry for sharing that haha.

Miss anything? Coffee! Up until this week I've not had any interest in the stuff but seeing everyone drink it lately made me want it but I havent let myself. 

Movement: None.

Food cravings: Not really. Still eating lots of fruit. Ive wanted donuts for weeks but still havent had any.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Gender: Dont know yet.

Labour signs: Nope.

Symptoms: Fatigue, out of breath, light headaches.

Belly button in or out? In. Belly ring too.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!

I had my first OB appointment this week. So far I like the doctor and her office is extremely nice. She mainly just asked me a bunch of questions, checked my blood pressure and tried to find the heartbeat but all we heard were little kicks! They were loud and I didnt know you could hear those so that was interesting. I have an ultrasound at 18 weeks and hopefully, if peanut cooperates, we will find out the sex!