This & That – September 6

What’s going on with me:

It’s the first This & That Friday of September!  I love Fall but I just feel like it’s coming too fast this year.  Maybe because we had kind of crappy Summer weather-wise.  Technically it’s not officially Fall until September 22 but you wouldn’t know it here in Calgary – the temperature here yesterday was in the single digits!  Plus the leaves are already changing and falling.  It’s only the first week in September!  STOP!

My second course in Graphic Design begins tomorrow!  The next few months are going to be really busy for me – I’ve got classes almost every weekend and several nights during the week.  I’d say that I’m going to need to scale my blogging back but let’s be honest, have I ever been able to keep a consistent blog schedule?  #masterofprocrastination This might actually force me to keep a regular schedule…but I won’t jinx myself.  I’m thinking twice a week – haven’t quite figured out which two days that’ll be yet.

Exciting news – I’m going to be announcing my new blog name next week!  I think I’ve got a name that will represent my blog well – although it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to Classic Maggie.  Almost makes me sad to think about it…but I know it’s the right thing to do.  It’s silly how attached we can get to things, isn’t it?  PS – once my new blog name launches my giveaway will commence shortly thereafter! 🙂

Have you seen/heard?

I really want to try this mermaid hair tutorial but it seems like so much work.  So pretty though, right?

Why is crushed velvet trying to make a comeback?  Someone needs to put a stop to this right now.  That needs to stay in the 90’s where it belongs.

I cannot believe this woman is 98 years old!  I love her advice…and I need to start doing yoga.

Recent purchases…

I did visit Ulta on my trip and I’m not going to lie, it was a pretty amazing place.  I didn’t get everything I intended for a few reasons – they didn’t have what I wanted in stock, I changed my mind and/or I checked my VISA about halfway through my trip and almost fainted when I saw the exchange rate I was being charged for everything.  Seriously, it physically hurt.  Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t leave there empty handed but I scaled it back a bit.  Post on what I picked up coming soon…

Okay, I know this is a weird one, but…how is it fair that not only do we not have Ulta in Canada, we also do not have Cheez-It’s?  The Tabasco-flavoured ones are my favourite so anytime I go to the States I always have to get a box of them if I can find them.  We have Cheese Nips here in Canada, but they don’t even come close to comparing, nor do they come in all the fab flavours of Cheez-Its.  Plus Cheez-Its is fun to say.  😛

Do you like rootbeer?  Do you like alcohol?  If you answered yes to both, then I’d like to introduce you to Not Your Father’s Root Beer, if you’re not already acquainted.  Omg these are soooooooo delicious!  These can be a little dangerous because you can’t taste the alcohol in them!  If you like sweet drinks, I totally recommend giving them a try.

This top was the only clothing purchase I made on our trip and it was a good one – it’s so comfy!  Plus I can never resist ombre anything!

Currently coveting…

I had a lemon bar from Model Bakery in Napa and I’ve never tasted a lemon bar like it – it was literally out of this world (potentially the most delicious thing I ate the entire trip).  Fall and winter = cooking and baking for me so I’d love to give some of their recipes from their cookbook a try at home.

OMG Kate Spade has a Minnie Mouse collection!  Just look at this adorable clutch!  And card case!

So I signed up for Ebates earlier this year…and I just received a cheque for $150 in the mail!  Most of that is from booking a trip via Expedia a few months ago but if you shop online for anything, you NEED to sign up.  I was skeptical at first, but there’s literally nothing shady about it, it’s basically just free money!  Do it!

I recently picked up a pair of leggings at Express – and wow am I impressed!  They fit so well and are so comfy!

Favourite Youtube video of the week….

I have to give credit where credit is due – I saw this feature on Curly.Spring.Blossom’s blog (ps – follow her!) and I thought it was a great idea, so I’m stealing it.  I’m going to award my first one to Coffee Break with Dani’s Juvia’s Place Palette Review and Swatch video – mainly because I’m in love with the look she created!  Plus that palette looks amazing!  Oh and Dani is one of my favourite You-tubers! 🙂

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve been up to the last few weeks:

Review: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream

Yup, that’s one measley post…

Have a fantastic weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

This & That – August 21

What’s going on with me:

Is there anything more frustrating than typing up an entire post, forgetting to save it and then losing it? *facepalm*

I placed an order for my first Love with Food box this month, thanks to Coffee Break with Dani. She was doing an unboxing on her channel and she had a 40% code and now that they ship internationally, I couldn’t resist giving them a try.  My box ended up costing me about $16 USD (including shipping), although the costs will increase the following month.  Keep an eye out for my review in early September!

Have you seen/heard?

Urban Decay is releasing a Naked Ultimate Basics Palette this fall, and I’m kind of liking the way it looks – it’s nothing super original, but I’ve hit pan on all the matte shades in my Naked palette and I’m considering a replacement for it.  Might be an option!

Have you tried any of these wild and wacky Oreo flavours?  I haven’t seen many of them in Canada, but I have tried the S’more flavour – which were really good, and the Red Velvet Cake flavour, which were just meh.

Recent purchases…

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes: I was a little disappointed in the last package of Olay wipes that I picked up so I decided to try something new. I was impressed with these – they removed my makeup with ease and were super gentle.  New potential favourite!

Ked Coursa Sneaker: I returned my Sam Edelman espadrilles that I bought a few weeks ago and replaced them with these.  Such a good decision!  These are so comfy and are made of a soft t-shirt like material.

Currently coveting…

RW & Co Lace Dress with Collar: I pretty much love anything lace but adding the white collar to this just makes it that much cuter.

CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream: Every review I’ve read/watched says this is nothing like a BB Cream but more like a foundation.  I’m not sure how well the matte formula will work my combo skin but given the drugstore price, I’m willing to take the risk.  Have you tried it?

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve published over the last two weeks:

• Loves & Letdowns Lately
• Review: Vichy Normaderm Skincare

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

Loves & Letdowns Lately

Its been a few months since I did a Loves & Letdowns so I’m a bit overdue; lets jump in, starting with what I’ve been loving!:

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream: This has been my go-to face product all summer because its just so easy to apply. I’ve got a full review on this product coming up shortly so I’m not going to get into too many details buy the Coles notes version is that I love it!

Delectable Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream: I go through hand cream like a mad woman because my hands are chronically dry, although less so in the summer. This one smells like lemon cookies and is thick and creamy without being greasy. Its made the list of one of my favourite hand creams!

Muji Canada Blush: I received this blush as part of StashMatters Muji giveaway and I can’t stop wearing it!  The colour is gorgeous and the formula is fantastic – so happy with this!

BareMinerals Double Ended Brush: This was included in a BM set and its made me realize how much I love a good angled blush brush. Its been working really well with the blush noted above but it just blends any blush beautifully. The fact that it has a small flat eyeshadow brush on the other end makes it handy for travel too!

Barefoot Venus Lip Bliss (Spearmint): This lip balm was included in my final Luxe Box; I’ve been using it regularly since and its wormed its way into my favourites!  It has a bit of a waxy texture but it melts nicely into my lips, leaving them feeling soft, smooth and moisturized. And while Spearmint isn’t my first choice for lip balms, the scent is really subtle.  I’m getting to the bottom of the tube though so I need to figure out where I can repurchase some more of these!

Laura Mercier Transparent Setting Powder: I’ve only been using this for about 3 weeks but it’s quickly became one of my favourite products.  I was looking for a setting powder that would keep me matte and wouldn’t settle into my pores – this does both.  The powder is so soft and finely milled and applies beautifully and I really recommend it.

Kiko Milano Fusion 01 Powder Brush: I use this brush every day as a final step to ensure my makeup is completely blended. The fact that I only paid $12 US for this brush kind of blows my mind – it’s amazing!  The bristles are so soft and fluffy and overall it just feels like a luxury, high-end brush.

LETDOWNS

Nivea Gentle Cleansing Wipes: These may be the worst makeup removing wipes I’ve ever used.  I picked them up because they stated they were to be gentle on skin but they were anything but!  They had a intense fragrance, made my eyes sting and irritated my skin.  I made the mistake of using them prior to applying my makeup and they left a film on my skin that resulted in me not being able to blend my makeup. Would not recommend these!

CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer: I used the foundation in this line and was quite happy with it so I thought I’d give the concealer a try.  Unfortunately this was a big disappointment.  The formula is super thin so it does next to nothing in terms of concealing, plus it creases horribly under my eyes.

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Eyeliner: This was a “YouTube Made Me Buy It” purchase but it wasn’t a good one.  I can’t recall which Youtuber raved about this eyeliner but I found it to be extremely dry and difficult to apply.  It also smudges like crazy.

That’s everything I’ve been loving and been letdown by – what products have you been loving lately?  Let me know below!

This & That – August 6

What’s going on with me:

Apologies for the lack of posts this week – I was prepping for a garage sale I held today.  Didn’t realize how much work goes into planning one of these.  It went okay – aside from the rain that set in early afternoon and not selling as much as I would have liked.  My garage is looking a lot cleaner though!

I’m going to be changing my blog name in September!  I actually love the name of “Classic Maggie” but I think it’s confusing, given that my name isn’t Maggie.  My new name will be something more reflective of my entire blog so stay tuned for more info on that in the next month or so.

We went and watched Jason Bourne last weekend.  It was good and I’m a big Matt Damon fan, but I feel like they’re getting a bit – okay a lot, predictable now.  On the other hand, I cannot wait to see Sully!

Have you seen/heard?

What do you think of the new Instagram stories?  I don’t know how I feel about it – on one hand I kind of feel like Instagram should just stick to what they do best and stop screwing around with what works.  On the other hand I don’t want to be an opponent to change…because sometimes change is good.  But I feel like they’re just trying to hard to become a mix of all other social media platforms.  Thoughts?

Are you playing Pokemon Go?  I downloaded it and tried it out – and I just couldn’t get into it.  I have way too many things to distract me from being productive right now anyway, so I don’t view it as a bad thing.

Some great tips for clearing on your closet.  I recently purged my closet and I can attest that asking yourself these questions actually does work.  It’s important to ask them to yourself when you’re shopping/in the fitting room too, in order to avoid buying things that don’t serve you to begin with!

Recent purchases…

Make & Model Brushed Hacci Lounge Pants: This was my lone purchase from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (which I was kind of disappointed with to be honest).  Anyway these pants are SUPER comfy but they wash horribly – they pill like crazy.  Definitely not worth the $35 CAD I paid for them (no way they’re worth $61 CAD).

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: I’m absolutely in LOVE with this setting powder.  It’s the only one I’ve tried that doesn’t settle into my pores AND keeps me matte throughout the day.  Wish I had tried this sooner!

sugarfina Ice Cream Cone Gummies: Who in their right mind would spend $9 CAD on a tiny box of candies?  I would!  I may have acquired a dangerous and expensive addiction – they’re so yummy!  But if you don’t feel like forking over the cash to try them yourself, keep an eye on my blog for my long overdue giveaway that will include a box of sugarfina sweets (in addition to some other fantastic things!) #yum

Currently coveting…

Madewell Fleet Jacket: I spotted this jacket at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and it’s amazing.  But there’s no way I can justify the price for a cotton jacket, even on sale.  So the hunt for the perfect utility jacket continues…

Bryon Plaid Throw: Okay, I know it’s still August but I want this now!  It makes me want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate!

Fossil Kinley Small Crossbody: I’ve got an urge to buy a new purse for Fall – and I’m liking the look of this one.  Sidenote – when did Fossil handbags become so expensive?  Or have they always been?

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve published over the last two weeks:

• Stash Matters Muji Giveaway Goodies!
• Review: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
• Get to Know Me
• What Should I Buy at Ulta?

Have a fantastic weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

Stashmatters Muji Giveaway Goodies!

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to win Stashmatter’s Muji Giveaway!  Yay me!  And yay Stashy for hosting such a generous giveaway on her blog – I felt very fortunate to win.  🙂  And of course I had to do a post sharing all the wonderful Muji things I won.  I’ve never even heard of this brand prior to Stashy’s giveaway so I was/am pretty excited to test these all out!

First up, this super soft cotton eye mask and nifty purse hook.  I typically get anxiety on overnight flights and wearing an eye mask tends to help me with that, as well as falling asleep.   And the purse hook is a genius invention of course, because who wants to put their purse on the disgusting floor?

Here’s my absolute favourite item out of the bunch – this Cheek Colour in Pink.  Please excuse the nail indent – my hand slipped when I was opening it and I took a nice chunk out of it. 😦  Grrrr!  This is such a great blush and such a pretty colour.  It has a really soft texture, is highly pigmented and blends like an absolute dream!  I’ve been wearing this everyday since I received it  🙂  There was also this Travel Eyelash Curler that works really well – I have one similar to this that does nothing but pinch my eyelids.  Stashy also included two bonus items – one of which was this nice little compact mirror.  It’s nice and light and I love that it folds over, perfect for throwing in my purse!

Next – a package of facial blotting papers – I keep a package of these in my purse and at my makeup vanity so these will be utilized for sure.  Also, a travel size bottle of the Oil Cleansing for Sensitive Skin.  I haven’t tried this quite yet but I’m the definition of sensitive skin so I can’t wait to see how this works for me.

A few more travel-friendly items – a package of Cotton Buds that are individual wrapped which is amazing and so-smart.  And a package of Cleansing Sheets, which I always take with me no matter where we’re traveling.

I’ve been looking for one of these Cylinder Spray Bottles so this will work perfectly.  She also added in a travel pill case which is something I actually need to utilize – I’m horrible at taking my vitamins with me when we travel.  This Refill Set on the right (which didn’t photograph well – sorry!) includes a funnel, dropper and spatula.  Where has this been all my life?  It’s always such a struggle to de-pot products for travel and this will make things SO much easier!

Two very practical yet necessary travel items – a little notebook and a pen!  I always forget to throw a pen in my carry-on to fill out those darn custom cards – now I have a dedicated one.

Last but not least – candy!  This was the second bonus item she included and these are a yummy citrusy/grapefruit flavour.  I keep them at my desk and they hit the spot when I’ve got a yearning for sugar (which is always).

And that was everything!  Given how much we enjoy traveling, this couldn’t be a more perfect giveaway for me to win!  I’ve really enjoyed everything I received and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Stashy for all these goodies!  Make sure to follow her if you don’t already – she shares some of the most detailed reviews I’ve ever seen and does some pretty epic hauls.

Thanks for stopping by!

This & That Fridays – July 22

What’s going on with me:

Maggie’s birthday is next weekend and she’s turning 10!  Sniff…I wish I could just pause time.  Given that it’s a milestone birthday, I think we’re going to throw her a little party at home.  We’ll probably take her for a walk, make her a steak and give her a little ice cream for dinner.  I’ve been trying to decide what to get her but what do you get the dog that has everything.  And yes, I know I’m a little nuts over my dog.  But she’s my baby! #crazydoglady

Anyone following Big Brother this season?  I’m so torn on who to root for – I kinda like Pauly, and I have a love/hate relationship with Frank. but it’d be nice to see a girl win for once!  Unfortunately they always seem to get too distracted by the showmances.

I might pay a visit to Nordstrom this weekend to check out their epic anniversary sale; I’m not sure what is available in Canada vs the US but Nouveau Cheap has a good list of all the beauty items here.

Have you seen?

Kurig Kold Drink Maker:  I saw these in a Costco magazine that came in the mail and they sounded SO COOL!  Unfortunately it sounds like it didn’t quite hit the mark and they’ve discontinued it for the time being.  If they actually figure this thing out I’m definitely going to want one.

That Nintendo is releasing the NES Classic Edition which is basically a mini Classic Nintendo pre-loaded with a bunch of classic games.  I totally want one of these!  I need to play ExciteBike again!  Would make a great Christmas list (sorry I mentioned Christmas in July).

If you like wiener dogs and their babies, click here.

Highly recommend…

This steak marinade literally lives up to its name – it is so.freaking.good I wanted to drink it.

The Secret Life of Pets!  We went and saw it a few weekends ago and it was so good!  Totally met my expectations (and they were high).

Recent purchases…

PC Loads of Cookies N Cream Light Ice Cream Bars:  OMG – these are like a cross between a white chocolate covered oreo cookie and a Hershey’s Cookies & Cream chocolate bar.  Also they contain light ice cream which basically means zero calories.  Right?  #iwish

Eccolo 2017 Planner: I got this planner from Homesense a few weeks ago and it’s been fabulous for keeping me organized, particularly when it comes to my blog.  Plus it was a steal for $9.99!

An update on the Wet & Wild Proline Felt Tip Eyeliner –  So I raved about this in my last This & That Friday post, but I’m sad to say that I tried to use it this week and it’s already dried up.  😦  Seems like this is a common problem but I didn’t have it stored upside down, so I might have to purchase another one and see if that makes a difference.  Stay tuned!

Currently coveting…

RW & Co. Striped Maxi Dress (Bordeaux):  Because I’m a sucker for stripes!

First Comes Love – Emily Griffin: One of my favourite author’s has a new book out – can’t wait to read this!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo: I’ve haven’t tried anything from Marc Jacobs cosmetics line (although there are plenty of his products on my list) but these just look so pretty!

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve published over the last two weeks:

Review: Furkid – June 2016 Box

Clothing & Accessories Haul

Behind the Scenes Tag

Makeup Haul!

Luxe Box Summer 2016 – Review & First Impressions

Happy weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

This & That Fridays – July 9

Happy Friday! We made it through another week!  At the risk of sounding like every other blogger out there, can you believe that we’re already into July?  The summer is going way too fast, I don’t want it to end.  Not that we’re having great weather here – we actually had warmer temperatures back in March.  We’ve basically been having daily thunderstorms and rain showers and the temperature has barely gotten over 20 degrees (Celcius) most days.  I’m hoping that July is going to bring us some more summer-like weather.

What’s going on with me:

I’m going to see The Secret Life of Pets this weekend!  I can’t wait, it looks so awesome!  If only I could bring Maggie with me! 😉  What are you up to this weekend?

I was in Vegas last weekend and I did a bit of shopping.  Stay tuned for a beauty haul and maybe even a clothing haul.  Debating if I do a Travel Diary as we didn’t do much other than eat, drink and gamble (all the fun stuff!)

Have you seen?

Can’t handle how cute this is…

Are you a shopaholic like me?  This is for you then. I can relate to too many of those…

Did you hear?

The 2016 Calgary Stampede kicks off officially today; I’m a native Calgarian and I have a love/loathe relationship with the Stampede.  But I kind of want to go because they have a Big Pickle Dog on the midway this year.  I can’t decide if it’s going to be disgusting or delicious but I kind of want to find out myself.

Recent purchases…

Gap Linen Surf Shorts – $44.95: I tried these on and instantly loved them and had to have them (I got them 40% off).  Then I wore them a few times.  I still think they’re super comfy but because they’re linen they wrinkle like crazy and stretch out too.  Basically they only look cute if you don’t sit down in them.  I wore them to the pool and they do work well overtop of a bathing suit though.

Wet n Wild Proline Felt Tip Eyeliner (Black) – I picked this up on a whim at Wal-Mart and I have to say I’m pretty impressed. Like most eyeliners I have to keep it away from my inner corner otherwise it bleeds but other than that it has some good staying power and it’s pretty pigmented.  It is quite compact so I’m not sure how long it’ll last but at least the price was right!

L’Occitane Almond Shower Scrub: I’ve been on a bit of a L’Occitane kick lately if you haven’t noticed.  I had a 20% off coupon and I needed a new body scrub so I picked this up.  While it’s good, I’m not sure it’s worth it’s price tag, plus I feel I’m going to use it up really quickly.

Currently coveting…

Tom’s Navy Strip University Canvas Espadrilles: I still haven’t gotten a pair of espadrilles yet…and perhaps it’s because I’m meant to own these.  Love the stripes!

CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops: Everyone is talking about these so I swatched them in Sephora and all I can say is wow!  I think the hype is justified.

My Cinema Lightbox: Such a neat idea!  Totally want this for my blog photshoots.

Need to catch up on my posts?  Here’s what I’ve published over the last two weeks:

Beauty Trash – July 2016

Furkid Box – May 2016

Pick 3 – Essential Summer Beauty Products

DIY Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Have a fantastic weekend!

Follow me!: INSTAGRAM: @classicmaggie | TWITTER: @classic_maggie | PINTEREST: @classicmaggie

This & That – June 26

So have you ever scheduled a post for the wrong date?  Because that’s what I did – I swore I had posted this last Sunday…turns out I had scheduled it for July 18 instead of June 18.  Groan…

What’s been going on with me:

A bit of a change this week – I’m posting my This & That post on Sunday instead of Friday.  At some point I’m going to get this “scheduling posts’ things figured out…

I really thought that I was going to skip allergy season this year…how optimistic of me.  They’ve kicked in this week, albeit slightly – but I absolutely hate the itchy ears and throat and dry eyes.  😦

Have you seen?

This is a fun quiz to discover your personal decorating style; I got Glam Girl which is actually really accurate.

Chrissy P’s Finding Dory Tutorial...just amazing!

Pioneer Woman’s French Dip Sandwiches – I’ve gotta try these!

Did you hear?

I’ve always wondered what happened to gum if/when you swallow it…

Big Brother Season 18 started June 22 – my summer guilty pleasure.  Did you watch?

Recent purchases…

Ikea Oftast Dinnerwear – I’ve been wanting some plain white dinner wear for a while now and I came across an open stock collection at Superstore that I really liked.  The price was more than reasonable ($3.00 per plate or something) but for whatever reason, I didn’t pull the trigger.  Then when I was at Ikea a few weeks ago, I saw the exact same plates for $0.79.  So I picked up a 4 piece place setting and I’ve been using them and I’m sold – they’re awesome!  I will be picking up another set for sure.

Glasholm/Finnvard Table: I also puchased this table/desk from Ikea on my recent trip; I’ve been looking for a desk for a while and at first I wasn’t sure about the lack of storage on this one – but so far, it’s been working really well!  I love the patterned glass top!

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil: I referred to this in my most recent Loves & Letdown post; I finished up my sample size bottle and I absolutely needed the full size.  This stuff is amazing – bonus that they sell refills and they are actually less than re-purchasing the bottle again #whataconcept.

Currently coveting…

Gap Tencel Embroidered Romper: I’m kind of obsessed with rompers lately; love the embroidered detail on this one.

Sam Edelman Georgiana Leather Band Sandals: I typically stick with black or brown sandals but really like this combo of ivory and rose gold.

The Secret Life of Pets: I’ve been waiting for this movie to come out for months – July 8 can’t come fast enough!

Wishing you a great week ahead!

Father’s Day Gift Guide (Last Minute!)

 

You guys, Father’s Day is THIS Sunday?  Are you prepared?  Did you get your Dad a fantastic gift?  If you didn’t and need to,  I’ve got a few last minute gift ideas for you:

1. Rocky Mountain Soap Men’s Stuff Gift Set – $38.25 CAD: Because Rocky Mountain Soap products are natural and toxin free!
2. Fossil 65mm Wraparound Gradient Sunglasses – $70 CAD: Because Fossil makes the best sunglasses and there’s no better time to gift sunglasses than the present!
3. Cufflinks Inc. Iron Man Cufflinks – $69.50 CAD: Because how cool are Ironman cufflinks?
4. The Tie Bar Dot Silk Tie & Cotton Pocket Square Style Box – $40.37 CAD: Because a tie is a classic Father’s Day gift – bonus that this one comes with a matching pocket square!
5. HS Soda Pop Crew Socks – Sale! $10 CAD:  Because fun and funky socks are such a fun way to add some personality to a dull suit.
6. Titlelist Personalized Pro V1 Double Digit Golf Balls – $62.99: Because my Dad is golf lover and how neat would it be to present him with an entire box of personalized golfballs with his initials on them?
7. Corkcicle Wine Chiller – SALE! $20.99: Because who wants to wait around for wine to chill?
8. Picnic Time Fiero BBQ Tool Set –  Because it’s BBQ season!
9. Home Studio Dream Hammock Chair – Sale! $449 CAD: Because…okay, this is expensive but OMG does this not look like the most amazing chair ever?  If you have a big budget or lots of siblings I feel like this would be the best Father’s Day present ever!
10. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye – price varies ($35 – $45 CAD): Because if your Dad likes rye/whisky, this is apparently one of the best (my husband and Dad agree).  It’s not easy to find so if you see some, scoop it up!  Bonus points for it being Canadian!
11. Godiva 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Almonds: Because you can’t go wrong with chocolate and Godiva is some of the best out there!
12. NESPRESSO Nespresso VertuoLine Black – SALE! $187.49 CAD: Because how convenient is this if Dad’s a coffee drinker?  I don’t drink coffee but if I did I’d be all over one of these!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and a Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there!

Loves & Letdowns – May 2016

I haven’t done a Loves & Letdowns post for a while and decided it was time.   I find that doing them on a monthly basis was a bit of a struggle for me – I don’t always have a long list of things that I loved (or let me down) so every couple of months seems to work better.  Without further adieu, here’s what I’ve been loving lately:

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil: My mom passed a sample size of this shower oil on to me a while back and I decided to break it out back in April.  I’ve been using it several times a week and I LOVE it.  I put a drop or two directly on my skin and rub it in and it produces a light lather.  It leaves my skin feeling smooth and moisturized but not greasy; I particularly like using it to shave my legs as it leaves them feeling so silky.  I much prefer this over the Almond Supple Skin Oil that I purchased at the Sephora sale, and I most definitely plan on purchasing the full size.

Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara: I received this sample at the Sephora sale and I’ve been using it off and on since (you can read my first impressions review here).  Honestly, my opinion hasn’t changed, I still really like this mascara, although the packaging isn’t the best.  I thought for sure it would dry out quickly given the design of the tube, but surprisingly it’s still going strong!  Therefore I’ve added this to my purchase list, which is big considering I rarely splurge on non-drugstore mascaras.

Too Faced Love Flush Blush Wardrobe: I just did a full review on this so I bother repeating myself.  It’s awesome and I highly recommend it.  I’ve been using it non-stop for the last 2 months so it definitely deserves a spot on here.

L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Hand Cream Gel: I go through hand cream more than any other product and I love trying new ones.  This smells amazing; it’s so fresh and clean and refreshing.  The fact that it’s a gel means it isn’t intensely moisturizing but it works great for me in the summer months when my hands aren’t quite so dry.  Plus the gel leaves behind a nice cooling effect.

L’Oreal Brow Plumper by Brow Stylist (Transparent): I was in need of a new brow gel and given how impressed I was with the Brow Stylist Definer, I thought this would also be worth a try.  And it is great!  The small brush makes it super easy to get a precise application, while the formula keeps my brows in place without leaving them crunchy or sticky.

Swatch of Rimmel’s Airy Fairy

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick (Airy Fairy): I picked this up after hearing Young Wild & Polished says its one of her favourite drugstore lipsticks, and I can see why.  It’s a great pinkish nude shade with a maeuve undertone and the slightest hint of gold shimmer.  I find the formula kind of drying so I do make sure to coat my lips with balm before wearing this and before re-applying.  Despite that I really like how this looks on me – often nudes can wash me out but I think this one works!

Blaze Pizza: Pizza is the one thing that I feel like I could eat every day for the rest of my life and never get sick of.  I LOVE thin crust pizza but it can be hard to find places that make it right!  Enter Blaze Pizza!  This is a chain restaurant that has just started to expand into Canada.  I’ve eaten here a few times and the pizza is delicious!  The best part is you can customize your pizza and put whatever toppings you want on it for only $10.45 CAD.  I only wish the location was closer so I could eat here more often.

The Rosie Project: I read this book while on vacation and it was the perfect beach read!  It’s a hilarious account of a socially awkward genetics professor on his quest to find love.  I couldn’t help but picture Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory as Don here – way too many similarities!  If you just want to sit back and read something easy yet enjoyable, I’d recommend this.

And a few letdowns….

China Glaze Let’s Jam: I need help, I cannot stop buying nail polish!  I really need to start wearing ones I already own before I buy more, but when I saw this collection swatched on various Youtube channels, I knew had to try at least one.  By the time I found the collection, there weren’t many colours left – not that I was disappointed about scoring this one – it looked gorgeous.  Unfortunately it was a huge disappointment.  It’s a lilac purple shade with a blue shift but the blue shift is barely noticeable, except in certain light.  And I think I got a wonky formula – this took FOREVER to dry, no matter how long I let it set.  I literally applied this and 5 hours later my nails nicked and smudged, even though it felt completely dry to the touch.  I’ve tried applying it numerous times with the same result.  I have zero patience for formulas like this!

Mitchum SensitiveSkin Soft Solid Deodorant: I typically wear Mitchum deodorant because it’s the only one that is effective enough to wear every other day.  I really don’t like wearing deodorants with aluminum in them but I’m a big-time sweater and I just can’t go the natural route.  Because I have super sensitive skin, I couldn’t resist giving this a try.  Unfortunately it doesn’t work anywhere near as well as my regular Mitchum Gel.  I have to put several thick layers on for it to work, and if it’s a hot day out, it only lasts for a few hours max.  I also have to apply it daily, I can’t skip a day like I can with the gel.  I also hate that it’s a white solid; it doesn’t dry completely so I end up with white marks all over my clothes.  Fail!

L’Occitane Verbena Icy Lip Balm: This was an impulse buy when I was picking up the Verbena hand gel; unfortunately I just don’t find this moisturizes my lips at all.  It has a super thin and lightweight formula and it just kind of sinks into my lips and leaves no benefit behind.  In addition, the scent is almost non-existent.  Wouldn’t recommend this.

What made your favourites list this month? Let me know below!

Have a great day!