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

HOW TO // Wine and Cheese

At the age that I am now, wine and cheese is like the new oreos with milk. Instead of sharing oreos with your friends, why not try cheese and crackers? 

Recently, I tried putting together a platter for a night-in with my friends. For $24.70, I was able to get 3 types of cheese - smoked gouda, harvarti, and marble cheese, 2 types of crackers - baguette garden herb crackers and breton basil & rosemary oil crackers, 1 package of salami, and 1 package of blueberries. Then I threw in some nuts and grapes from home. I have never made a platter before, but I ate plenty of cheese and crackers from platters before. So taking those into account, I guess you really can't go wrong with having cheddar cheese or mozzarella .. or marble (for the best of both worlds) on the platter. In all honesty, I really don't know how to put together a super impressive one, but for the basics to munch on, I suppose that'll do. 

I tried to do some research prior to buying the ingredients, and I learned the following:

1. Basically just have variety! Consider different textures and flavours for the cheese you would like to put onto the platter and the accompaniments that would go with it. At first, I aimed for a aged (smoked gouda), soft (brie) and firm cheese (jalepeno monterey jack); however, rolling with what I was offered at Walmart that didn't happen. BUT meh I guess it was close enough. 

2. Take out the cheese 30 mins prior to serving to let it set to room temperature.   

3. THREE is a good number of cheese varieties i'd say (or any odd amount).

4. Don't forget about the salami in your fridge LOL.

5. Any fruits are nice to put onto the platter, so that you can refresh your palate. 

Now for the wine portion, these 2 are what I'm currently loving. I am no wine expert to recommend wines to actually pair with cheese, but if you're up for anything then keep reading :) 

(Left: Manischewitz Concord Grape Wine | Right: Arbor Mist Flavoured Wine)

Manischewitz Grape Wine:

I once tried a glass of wine that my boyfriend shoved in my face with the phrase of "try it! it's sweet so you'll probably like it." & he was right, I really did like it. Ever since then, it left a mark in my memory. So for this special occasion I HAD TO FIND THAT WINE. Thankfully with the basic knowledge of "it's a jewish wine in a rectangular shaped bottle", I was able to pick the right bottle at the store. So if you like sweet wines, then try this, it'll surprise you! Another huge plus is that it is less than $10. 

Arbor Mist Flavoured Wine:

My friend recommended this wine, and I'm really glad that I know about this product now. If you're into a fruity sort of wine, then definitely give this one a try. This was also under $10. 

However, if you're not of legal age then I swear just having grapes with the cheese&crackers is already a nice pairing! 

VIOLA! Thanks for reading! I think you're ready to go and plan that wine and cheese night now! It's fairly simple to do, and it goes well with any grape company (; 

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

HAUL // Sephora

Recently, I have been really into online shopping. It's a bittersweet addiction; finding the best deal in town on the item you needed/wanted with free shipping is hella sweet, but then having to possibly pay for shipping and the product is the bitter. The bonus aftertaste is not that bad because I get to tell you what I bought, and my thoughts about it :)

So without a further ado, my very first haul/review post is from Sephora. Which was purely motivated by a 100 point perk and a $15 off coupon. I'm a sucker for great deal coupons and "technically" free stuff. Sephora Beauty Insiders would understand that feeling of finally redeeming your points for something you would reeeally like to try/ want. And this girl really wanted to try the benefit watt's up highlighter. Since they didn't offer that reward in-stores, I WAS WEAK and caved in. This was my first time buying Sephora products through their website. I definitely just prefer to buy beauty products in-stores because 1) you get it immediately, 2) you can possibly test it out first and 3) you can return it on the same day after your senses sink in and you realized that it was an impulse buy. BUT this experience was pretty superb that I may actually consider buying online again. It came within a week! Despite the estimate of the date of arrival to be after Christmas. In addition, it came safely without any damaged products.

What WAS inside?

1. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm (Original)

2. Benefit's Watt's Up! Highlighter 

3. Benefit's Gimme Brow (Medium/Deep)

4. Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set

The excitement sinks in to opening a package from myself to myself LOL Testing out the products was done in ooos and aaaahs, hoping that I don't regret buying any of these products. 

SO what do I think about those products? 

1. 

I've heard really good reviews on the Jack Black lip balm, so I really wanted to try it out (especially for this time of the year). I really needed a trustable lip balm, cause a chapped lip ain't cute. EOS just wasn't doing it for me no more. After trying the Jack Black lip balm for the whole day today, my thoughts on it is that IT DOES A LIP BALM ROLE WELL (y) It isn't sticky and the mint gives your lip a nice tingly feeling. My lips felt moisturized and possibly a little plumper after application. However, I did have to reapply it ever so often, so unlike what it can do to some people with its overnight magic abilities I don't think its gonna work on me.  

Recommend though?: YES

2. 

to be determined as I haven't tried it out on my face yet.  

3. 

I am the type of girl that cannot leave the house without her eyebrows done, so despite having a pretty satisfied brow routine down, I am still always on the lookout on how I can do it best. I levitated to the gimme brows as it seems simple to use and potentially a weapon of choice to do my brows even quicker. After using it today, my verdict is that it is a good product, however, for me it doesn't work well on its own. It does give a natural look, but I still think that it would look better as the last touch for my regular routine. 

Recommend: 75% yes

4. 

Now this is just a splurge. or maybe it's my -oh you're an adult now, maybe having a bottle of perfume would make you more of an adult- thinking that triggered the desire for this product. I rarely wear perfume. Scented lotions, yes. However, it seemed like such a great deal that I couldn't give up. I've heard a ton of people love these 2, and so $20 for both of these mini rollerballs, I just couldn't resist.  Plus, I don't think I would ever buy a whole bottle of perfume, as I rarely wear perfume, my favourite in scented things usually change, and have you seen the price for a full bottle of basically scented water? Maybe one day when I make a ton of money and I discover my absolutely favourite FAVOURITE scent and I needed to smell more than skin on the regular then I would buy a bottle. So after all that blabbing, am I a team nirvana black or team nirvana white? undecided,  I really enjoy them both. 

Recommend: yes, for someone that already loves any of those 2 scents because a travel size is just so handy and adorable. 

oooo ahhhhh right?

Did you enjoy my first mini haul/review post? I am still trying to learn and figure out what's the best way to do these sort of posts, so I hope eventually I will please your little haul/productreviewlover heart. Thank you for reading!

Becca

(psstt stay tuned for my next review post on blushes and bronzer)