#BOOKWORMbecca // SUMMER READS

Hola :) I hope you have been doing well! In the past few months, I finally got some time to leisurely read. So I got a few books that I would definitely recommend :) I got suggestions that might appeal to the inner kid-at-heart you, or even satisfy your wanna-be grown up interests. So if you were looking for a book to enjoy under the sun, LOOK NO FURTHER and just consider the following: 

1. HYPERBOLE AND A HALF: unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things (by Allie Brosh) // Fiction

+ for giggles and chuckles - it's a fast read that will make you laugh out loud, totally doing its job as a comic book.

2. READY PLAYER ONE (by Ernest Cline) // Fiction

+ can't stop won't stop - it's a page turner! it got me rooting for the main character and really wondering what the future would be like in terms of infrastructure and technology. 

3. MODERN LOVE: an investigation (by Aziz Ansari)  // Non- Fiction

+ love 101 - if you like psychology/ sociology, then this book is a fun read in learning something new about people and society! I mean Aziz wrote it! It's not only funny but super interesting as he explores today's culture. 

4. ASAP SCIENCE: answers to the world's weirdest questions, most persistent rumours, and unexplained phenomena (by Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown)  // Non - Fiction

+ asap LEARNING - I love learning about random things, and a sucker for how things work so if you are too... then seriously check this book out! 

5. GIRL BOSS (by Sophia Amoruso) // Non- Fiction

+ getIT getIT - I finished this book in one sitting! it's a little inspiring, a little motivating and just plain captivating in how she was able to achieve so much by being herself. I understand it may also take a little luck, but it left me feeling kinda hopeful and driven to achieve more with my life. 

BONUS suggestion - just TRUST me!

6. DEFINING DECADES:  why your twenties matter and how to make the most of them now (by Meg Jay) // Non- Fiction

DOUBLE BONUS WIN suggestion for the non-readers out there

if you don't like to read but rather listen to stories instead, then check out the following podcast! (if you haven't realized that there are Podcasts on Spotify then go find it RIGHT NOW!) It's called Millennial, produced by Megan Tan, she basically talks about her life (as you may have guessed it, as A MILLENNIAL.) If you don't have Spotify that is alright too, just check out the website: http://www.millennialpodcast.org to give it a listen! As simple or boring as that may sound it's awesome just because any twenty-something can relate, and the way that she presents the stories are so cathartic to the ears! 

Let me know if you ended up liking any of the above :) 

Thanks for reading! 

Until next time,

Becca 

  

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // April 2015

Hola! Welcome to another monthly favourites post :) 

By the time you read this, you're probably finally on summer break so woohoo -throws confetti and puppies in the air- CONGRATS on finishing another year! I hope you enjoy whatever summer you got before you're off to work or school again! If you don't have work or school well have an awesome 4 month vacation! :D The weather is brightening up so definitely soak in that sun! As for now, let's dive into this month's favourites!

Going clockwise:

at 12:00PM // Sony HDR AS20 

I recently got this little guy so that I could bring it on my Taiwan trip to VLOG. It's like a GoPro alternative. It's super tiny, easy to use and it comes with a casing so that you can protect it from water.  I am so excited for the day that I can take this swimming. I got it when it was on sale for $150 so if you ever do consider getting this recorder as well, know that it can drop down to that price!  What I have learned about this camera is that the mic can pick up movement around the mic very easily (like you changing your holding position would cause a lot of that rustling sound) and it picks up your voice better when the camera's without its casing! Other than that, it records. shrug LOL But I do have to say, I have yet to determine if this camera is better than my old bulky HD recorder, the FlipCam. 

at 1:00PM // Hourglass - Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner (Eden)

This was an impulse buy during the Sephora sale craze and I must say #noragrets. It's a nice everyday colour, and I honestly think a lot of people can pull off this brown-pink colour. 

at 2:00PM // Jurlique - Rosewater Balancing Mist

Girl needed a new toner, and that is what this girl got. The real reason to visit Sephora during that Sephora Sale. It's always an exciting time when you use up a product, because that means you will either get more of that good stuff or you look for a new one to test out. I hear that rosewater is actually good for your face, so I decided to test this one out + because of its organic ingredients. So far, so good since my face oddly feels softer hours later, and not immediately after. I would recommend this, it's in a spray bottle (sooo that's hygienic) and the ingredients are organic! I don't know if it usually comes with another free product, but the Sephora associate also just gave me a free Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalizing Gel- Lotion (15mL) too.  

in the middle // "Wherever You Go, Go With All Your Heart" Journal  

A birthday gift from my friend that now basically contains all the answers and info that I need for my future (in Taiwan). It has a cute cover, cute quote and it's officially dubbed my travel journal.

at 10:00PM // Malin + Goetz - Mojito Lip Balm

I received this in my Ipsy bag back in January, after a few months I can finally say that THIS IS A REALLY GREAT LIP BALM! I actually sometimes prefer this over my Jack Black lip balm. The only downside is that there's no SPF protection in it. 

at 11:00PM // Pandora Bracelet

This is probably as ME as a bracelet could get and my definite go-to accessory. Like to the point of if I was a cartoon character, besides drawing me with a striped shirt and a Casio watch, this must be there too. The icing on the cake is the Buddha charm from my friend as a birthday gift. Why? because I was admiring it a month ago with the sales associate, and since I had absolutely no reason to get it, I  said my goodbyes dramatically. So it was a pleasant surprise when I saw this little guy again, because she didn't know that I wanted this charm nor did any of my friends. It was really just based on her own iffy judgement and kind intentions of wishing me a safe trip to Taiwan. 

Yup, the countdown still continues to T- 5 days now and I am still not ready for it. As crazy as April was with exams and such, I feel like May / June could be just as interesting. Stay tuned for that! But anyways, thanks for reading yet another post! 

Until next time (LOOK OUT FOR DEM VLOGS), 

Becca 

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // March 2015

Hola!

If you're reading this now.. congrats you survived March :) It has been a super busy month for everyone I would say, so be proud of everything that you were able to accomplish thus far! AND yes I know . . I know exam season is right around the corner but HEY! soon enough summer is also right around THAT corner soooo keep on working hard and finish strong bud.

Looking back on March, my favourites for this month is a little different from the past, it actually consist of intangible things this time. Things I would never be able to buy, nor afford in a monetary value.

Such as, 

1. The experience of ICE WEEK 

What is ICE Week you may ask? A week long case competition for all the third year students in the business program. All the students are placed into a group of 5 or 6 and they have a week to write a case and present it at the end of the week. If you can imagine hunger games, basically that but contestants in suits LOL just kidding! I consider myself to be very lucky to have been placed into a group of people that I really much enjoyed working with. The best part is going to semi-finals with them. Despite not making it to finals though, it is satisfying enough to know that we at least tried our hardest. That ICE Week withdrawal hits hard as it sorta feels weird that I won't be seeing them everyday now . . and that part where we have to start attending class again LOL

2. this: 
(I warn you though, it is a pretty boring vlog)

A 3 min video is definitely a super small representation of the amount of time that I enjoy bugging spending time with Selena. This girl has been by my side since day 1 of attending school here, without her it just really wouldn't have been the same. Whether it be her dragging me to go out, napping at the same time, pulling all nighters together or making music covers. Going through all those happy times, sad times, and crazy times with her in the past 2 years.. she's honestly my soulmate. So next year will definitely be a little weird as we will no longer be roomies . . since we are both going to be D o n s. Yupp it's going to be very exciting and very different.

3. in bed with Netflix 

A free trial offer has been offered to me again, and I just couldn't resist. Yup call me brave or crazy to subscribe right before exam seasons. But since mother nature is still struggling with determining what Spring is.. on those days that she nails the weather down I like to enjoy the windy breeze and the sunshine with my headphones on and soundtrack of my life.. buuut on those days that it's super chilly I really like to enjoy that warmth under my blankets in bed with Netflix. Netflix? yes technically you can buy, but the moment where you don't care about school and freely watch Netflix.. you can't. Current Recommendation is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and for something that is not on Netflix: FRESH OFF THE BOAT!

I hope you have an amazing upcoming month, 

Thank you for reading yet another post, 

Here's to warmer days, (I know this is the longest outro ever)
Becca 

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // January 2015

Hello wonderful being of planet earth, I hope you had an amazing month!

Personally,  I feel like January went by very quickly for me as school took off right at the get-go. For some reason the winter semester of the school year always seem to work at a faster pace than fall semesters. Does anyone else agree? Midterm seasons has already begun and soon enough exams would be flooding in. I wish you best of luck for those midterms!! YOU CAN DO IT! (and by do it I mean achieve an A++ mhhm) AND so if you're on a study break right now or not, what were my favourite items for the month you may ask? 

Great question I'd say! THE TOP 5 items that I have been gravitating towards includes the following:

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills - DIPBROW Pomade (Medium Brown) 

As I mentioned before, I really thought that I had a pretty decent eyebrow routine down... and so I was really hesitant to try other methods (especially pomade). However, it was also the last technique that I haven't experiment with considering I have already tried powder, pencil and gel before. The whole idea of it seemed very unappealing to me for a makeup beginner. It seemed like it required more time than others, as well as more precision than others which means more effort. Nether the less, somehow I ended up buying it because I had a discount coupon and ended up loving it LOL. I have used it for more than a month now, and I even switched it up sometimes between using pomade + pencil, and the original choice of powder + pencil to see if there is a difference. After multiple use of the pomade + pencil it started to get easier and easier to apply + it lasts longer than the original option. Just simply use a light hand and a small angled brush, I didn't buy Anastasia's brush because in case I didn't like using the pomade I didn't want to waste another $23, so I opted in for the ELF one which works just fine. $4 at Target! I like to use the pomade to outline the whole brow, then fill it in with whatever is left on the brush. Using the pencil, I would like to fill in any bald spots and to draw in 'hairlike' lines near the front of the brow. I am really excited to see how this product will holdup in the summer. 

2. Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel 

I needed a new moisturizer, instead of going for the typical lotion type, I decided to try out this gel version. I really like this product because it makes my face feel like a baby's bottom every damn morning -no lie! It is lightweight in terms of it doesn't feel like anything is on your face. I have tried another gel moisturizer before and it left a feeling of another layer on my skin which didn't feel nice. The only downside I would say about this product is that it doesn't have any SPF protection, so even though I really want to use it all year round, it is debatable for summer. 

3. Contigo - West Loop Stainless Steel Tea Infuser

My daily caffeine intake consist of tea in the morning and coffee in the evening.  I found this product on sale at Target earlier this month for $8, and I would like to think that it was the best $8 I have ever spent. I have seen a lot of people with the Contigo West Loop Mug (FOR THE CANADIANS: the best place to get it is at Costco where they offer 2 for the price of $20-25, that way you don't end up just buying 1 for $20-25 at any other store).  If you were looking for a mug, I really recommend this mug because it really keeps your drinks hot /warm for a long period of time! Now, if you are into drinking tea and you already have this mug, this tea infuser would be the cheapest way to have a travel mug and a tea infuser mug. so why waste another $20 or $30 on another one? 

4. Genmaicha "Green Tea with Roasted Brown Rice" 

Now the tea to go with that tea infuser.. earlier this month my roommate gave me a tea bag to try,  ever since then I have been drinking it every morning for January. I found out that this tea is actually also known as "popcorn tea" AND I LOVE POPCORN, I think there may be a tiny correlation? I think so. It has a sweet, toasted rice, nutty flavour that could possibly resemble that popcorn flavour. But, I think it is really called popcorn tea because of the toasted rice that can remind one of kernels. 

5. Rimmel London - Provocalips (Kiss Fetal)

It really is kiss proof, transfer proof, food proof and long wearing! That is all you need to know. If you can get a hold of any of them, go for it! Especially Make Your Move which I think is a great pink-brown mauve colour for anyone.

Thank you for reading yet another post :) 

Until next time, 

Becca

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // December 2014

Hello there! Today I will be sharing with you my favourites for the month of December. These would be items that I have been either using practically everyday of the month or just simply loving its existence in my life for the month. 

1. Wilfred Diamond Mosaic Blanket Scarf (Peniche) 

Oh the blanket scarf, you can wear it as a cape over your shoulders, have it draped in front or wear it as a neck brace like an infinity scarf. The versatility is what I really love. If i'm bumming out, I always turn to it to help me cover it all, or if i'm wearing a basic outfit then I turn to it to help me jazz up the outfit.  Besides Aritzia, be sure to check out Zara and Forever 21 for more blanket scarves at a more attractive price! As I found one at Forever 21 for only $16! They are truly a girl's must-have for the season to stay warm faboulously fashionably. Although to a boy, it's a straight up blanket. LOL. Last month a boy legitimately asked me if I was wearing a blanket after seeing me wear it over my shoulders. Grandma Becca here then embarrassedly said no and told him all that she knew about the blanket scarf. He listened and nodded. The End (he lived happily ever after and will probably impress a lot of girls with that knowledge now). 

2. Olympic Collection Red Mittens 

Sadly I couldn't find my old pair of red mittens anywhere, so I had to buy new ones. I was on the hunt for new gloves/mittens, but in the end I still went back to the red mitts. Just because they fit my hands better (hurray for youth sizes), they keep my hands very warm, and it's totally worth $10 for the way it looks and feels. 

3. Urban Decay - Naked Basics Palette  

This favourite goes out to the girl that got me this palette. The GREATEST she is. Unexpectedly and coincidentally she gifted me this. I was actually going to go purchase it later on that day. I'm super excited to test it out as I don't own any of the Naked palettes and I needed matte colours. 

4. Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash (from The Body Shop) 

I received this product for free from signing up with my email in-stores. After using it for a month, I finally understand why so many people like this product.  I like the refreshing or mild tingly sensation that it gives you when you use it. It helped made my skin clearer, my blackheads disappeared and any other blemishes were not as visible. 

5. Pandora Sparkling Bow Ring

My friend and I bought each other one and another friend one in late November as an early Christmas present. I've been wearing mine almost everyday since. I'm super thankful to have them in my life for the past 10+ years, thus, friendship rings (totes must be the way) to represent that. 

6. Benefit Cosmetics - Posiebalm

I really like it! it may cost more than the regular tinted lip balm, but I find it more moisturizing than any of the other ones that I have tried in the past. There is a mild fragrant to it and a subtle pink tint that's great for an "everyday" colour. 

7. Maybelline Colour Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Colour (Touch of Spice) 

Basically your lips-but-better colour, seriously go try it. In addition, Daringly Nude is a great colour as well!  

8. Gaurdians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1  

This is one of my Wonderful-Boxing-Day-Finds because I didn't have to pay full price for it woohoo. I think this may be a new addition to my study music collection. If you haven't seen the movie yet, GO watch it now.. like right now. Then enjoy the soundtrack :)  

9. Philosophy - Purity Made Simple 

It's a face cleanser that hydrates, tones and removes makeup.  It does all that and smells like london fog (when its on your face..when cleansing).. LONDON FOG!! (need I say more?)

BONUS 10. This Lindt Chocolate Jar 

This is one of the gifts that I received this Christmas. I have never been so happy to receive chocolate as a gift. It's a jar full of Lindor chocolate of different flavours like cappuccino, orange, and strawberry cream (THAT TASTES LIKE POCKY). Mind blowing times. It was the first time that I have ever heard of the Lindt store and how all these other flavours exist. Just like each and every one of em in that jar, the people that got me this gift are simply amazing! 

And that concludes my December Favourites.

Now that I'm finally reaching the end of the post, I learned to not get ahead of myself for next time. A lesson learned on New Years Eve to bring into the New Years. Maybe my next favourite post should only feature my top 5 favourites? But hey you can only learn and improve right?

Thank you so much for stopping by or revisiting again!  I hope you have a wonderful New Years Eve or a happy New Year -depending on when you read this-! :) 

Becca