This & That Fridays – April 29

Well we made it another week…and we made it through April!  Sunday is May 1 which means…

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Hehehe…never gets old!

Emily Noel is one Youtuber that I make a point of watching regularly…and I love this video she posted Wednesday.  Kalee is hilarious!

The last thing I need is another coat for spring/summer…but I’ve been seeing these utility cargo pocket jackets everywhere and I want one.  Like this one from Joe Fresh or this one from Ricki’s.

I fell behind on blogging this week because we had painters in our house and it was hell.  I spent hours vacuuming and dusting only to have everything look the exactly the same hours later.  It was a vicious cycle, exhausting and I never want to do that again.

I got some amazing deals at Costco last weekend. First up they had a 1.18L bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Peppermint Soap for $12.99!  They also had maxi skirts in a variety of colours for $14.99. I just bought a basic black one and its so comfy (and stretchy!).  And for $14.99 you can’t really go wrong!  Costco can be a dangerous place sometimes.

We watched Southpaw last weekend and it was so good!  Jake Gyllenhall (had to look up how to spell that!) was amazing in it; I know it’s been out for a while but we rarely watch movies in theatres.  We also watched Trainwreck which was hilarious but pretty crude.  Typical Amy Schumer though!

Did you see the teaser for the newest Too Faced Chocolate Chip palette?  It’s nothing but a snapshot of the packaging but I’m sure it’ll be amazing like all Too Faced palettes are.  With the white packaging I feel like it should be called the White Chocolate Bar palette or something though…

This rainbow grilled cheese sandwich is all the rage on Instagram and I’m not sure I really understand why.  To me it just looks gross. I’ll pass.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good pair of leggings?  I’ve bought them from Costco but I find them way too thin, and I’ve tried a pair of Hue’s which I love because they’re so soft and comfy but they fade really easily.  I’m heading to the mall today to see what I can find.

I saw a video on Instagram of someone contouring their feet….first up, no.  Secondly, who has time for that?  #toofar

I’ve decided to scale back my This & That Friday posts to once every two weeks instead of every Friday. I think it’s going to be more dynamic this way plus I have a backlog of posts that are just waiting to be written that can easily take its place every other Friday.  🙂

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

Sephora Haul & First Impressions
What Should I Buy – Filling my Z-Palette
Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Have a great weekend!

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Valentine’s Day Essentials

So what are everyone’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day?  People seem to have some very strong feelings about it.  Like they hate it because it’s a highly commercialized, Hallmark holiday and technically you should be showing your loved ones how much you care about them, more than once a year.  I can understand that.  And then there’s those that love it and go all out and get the flowers, chocolates, candlelight dinner, teddy bears, etc.  I get that too because it’s kind of fun.

Personally I’m a little indifferent to it.  D and I have been together for a long time and there’s been years where we buy each other expensive gifts and go for an expensive meal and others where we do absolutely nothing.  I tend to like something that’s somewhere in between.  This year I think we’re going to keep it simple and just go for a nice meal on Friday or Saturday, instead of Sunday, so we can avoid the crowds, higher prices and fixed menus.  And we’ll probably skip the gifts this year.

Despite that, I thought I’d put together a collection of my favourite Valentine’s Day things, in case you needed some inspiration for the big Day:

1. Grower Direct Vibrant Dreams Arrangement:  I love getting flowers any time of year, and I don’t depend on D to buy them for me – I’ll happily buy them for myself!  I love this arrangement – classic V-day colours but a little more understated than a dozen red roses.
2.  Pier One Pink Champagne Ombre Filled Candle: Could there be a more perfect Valentine’s Day candle?  With notes of grapefruit, citrus and strawberry you really can’t go wrong (not to mention the beautiful ombre jar).  Plus let’s be honest, real champagne is over-rated.
3. Nova 7 Benjamin Bridge Wine: Wine wouldn’t be my drink of choice…unless it’s this one.  This is my favourite wine ever – it’s sweet, sparkling but not at all dry.  And it’s from Nova Scotia!  #whoknew
4. Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Lipstick (Firebird): No better day to break out a bright and bold fuchsia or red lip!
5. Purdy’s Cinnamon Hearts:  Whenever I see these hit the stores, I am instantly reminded of my childhood dog (RIP Twinkle) who ate an entire bowl of these in one sitting.  She was home alone and we had left a bowl on the end table.  We came home and they were gone.  Still makes me giggle to think about it.
6. Kate Spade ‘One in a Million’ Initial Pendant Necklace: Okay I know I have a bit of a Kate Spade problem but I’ve been eyeing these for years.  I think they’d make a really great gift, especially for V-Day!
7. Cookies by George Junior Cookie Box: Have you ever had a Cookies by George cookie?  If not, you’re missing out (highly recommend the M&M ones)!  These little boxes make great gifts for anyone and they deliver all throughout Canada and the US!
8. Remy Olivier Cast Iron Fondue Set: If you’re planning on hanging out at home, may I suggest a fondue party for 2?  We fondued on NYE and it was really fun (and delicious!) and it was nice to do something a little different!
9. Tokoyo Milk Tainted Love No. 62:  I have a mini bottle of this from a set I bought on Black Friday from Sephora and I think it makes a great V-day fragrance – warm, a little mysterious and a little musky.
10. PS, I Love You:  I can’t remember how many times I’ve watched this movie, nor read the book.  It’s a tear-jerker, comedy and romance all mixed into one.  If you’re looking for something along those lines to read, I’d recommend this (it’s usually on tv at least once a weekend as well 😉 )
11. Brooklyn Brew Shop Home Brew Kit: I hate buying D presents, he’s always disappointed in whatever I get him.  He’s definitely not into the sappy gift thing so beer is a safe bet, even if he does have to make it himself.
12. Ricki’s Heart Intarsia Pullover: I’m a bit of a geek and like to wear holiday-themed things, whether it be jewelry or clothing on holidays.  I like that I could wear this sweater after Valentine’s Day as well.
13. Purdy’s Peanut Butter Hearts: Valentine’s Day 101: Chocolate.  Add peanut butter and you’re golden.
14. OPI’s Hello Kitty Collection Nail Polishes (Small + Cute = ❤ & Charmmy & Sugar):  I picked up a few of these polishes from the Hello Kitty collection a few weeks ago and these two are my favourite and couldn’t be more perfect for Valentine’s Day.  I like using Charmmy & Sugar for an accent nail.

Thanks for reading!

This & That Fridays – September 25

Happy Friyay!  I hope everyone had a great week.  I can’t believe we are heading into the last few days of September – where did the month go?  I feel like it flew by faster than usual.

It’s now officially Fall, which means it’s sweater-season!  Personally I like wearing sweaters and other fall/winter clothes for about a month and then I want to go back to wearing flip flops and t-shirts.  Regardless, how adorable is this version courtesy of Ricki’s?

If you haven’t yet heard, adult coloring books are all the rage!  I picked up this one from Costco recently and I’m really liking it!  I do a little bit each night before I go to bed and I find it helps me relax and clear my mind.  Until I color outside the lines that is.

If you’re a fan of Bath & Body Works, I’m sure you’ve already determined which are your favorite scents from their Fall line.  My favorite?  Pumpkin Pecan Waffles!  So far all I have is the hand sanitizer but I kind of want to eat it, it smells so good (I won’t).  Need the 3-wick candle and hand soap now.

The Muppets debuted a new prime time show this week and I haven’t had a chance to watch it yet but I can’t wait to.  The first episode is called Pig Girls Don’t Cry (bahaha – my kind of humor!)  The Muppet Show was one of my favorites when I was a kid and and while that obviously can’t be duplicated, I’m excited to see what this is like.

I know it’s still September but my favorite holiday is inching closer and closer – Halloween!  I have a large collection of decorations for outside of my house and now I want to add to my small collection of inside decorations.  Pier 1 always has cool, albeit expensive, stuff!  Loving this Glow in the Dark Ornament Tree, this Skeleton Hand Serving Bowl and this sign, which is highly appropriate for me BTW.  Crossing my fingers for a 20% coupon…

One of my favorite fall recipes is the Pioneer Woman’s Beef Drip Sandwiches.  Technically these can be made at any time of the year but because it involves an oven, I always make it when it’s cooler outside.  I’ve been making this recipe for years and I assure you it’s absolutely delicious. Perfect for football Sundays and it’s so simple!   I always make the version with the pepperoncini peppers but I might have to give the basic recipe out sometime soon too.

Lastly, I did my nails last night in Essie’s Merino Cool which is my go-to fall color every year.  The formula on this polish is perfect, two coats and you’re done which I always appreciate.

And that’s it for this week!  Have a wonderful weekend and as always, thanks for reading!

New Spring tops!

Happy Hump Day!

This past weekend I was on a mission to find some tops to wear under blazers and cardigans at work.  Sometimes I find it difficult to find tops that look professional (not too thin, low cut, etc.), fit well, are comfortable and are reasonably priced.  I was actually quite impressed with how successful I was finding some that I loved!. Here’s what i picked up:

1) Ricki’s Mixed Media Henley Top ($39.99 CAD)

I often have trouble trying to find sleeveless tops that are too big under the arms and this one fits perfectly.  It’s also not too long so I can wear it tucked in or out and it doesn’t look sloppy.  The colors and print on this one are great as well. I couldn’t find this exact print on their website but they do have it online in a mint green, white and a black and white print.

2)  Express Sleeveless Portofino Shirt ($44.90 CAD)

Not much to say here – basic white blouse.  Boring but I needed one.  I must say I do really like the fit of these Portofinio tops.  I usually struggle finding dressier blouses where the buttons don’t gape.  Not an issue with these and on me they are just the perfect length!  They come in a wide range of colors as well.

3) Express Pocket and Zip Crepe Fit Front Tank  ($39.90 CAD)

The color is what drew me to this one.  It’ll definitely be worn under a blazer/cardi, the material is a little thin so I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing this to work on it’s own.  It’ll be nice and light for summer though!

4) Express Neon Pineapple Convertible Sleeve Portofino Shirt ($59.90 CAD)

You may remember I had posted this shirt in my Spring Fashion Inspiration post last week.  I really liked it online and when I saw it in store I knew I had to have it.  It’s not something I would normally buy but I loved how bright and fun it was, especially for summer.  Can’t wait to wear this to work on Friday with jeans and flats!

The Portofino shirts were on sale for Buy One, Get One 50% but the other two tops were full price. Typically I never buy anything that isn’t on sale (especially @ Rickis – they always have some kind of sale on!) but when I found ones that fit and looked good I just scooped them up without thinking about it too much.

Overall I’m pretty happy with my purchases!  I’d like to get the Henley top from Ricki’s in the mint green but I think I’ll wait until those go on sale to purchase any additional ones.  I’d love to pick up a few more of the sleeveless Portofino tops as well but i probably need to give my credit card a bit of rest for a few weeks.

Have a great day!