Aritzia and Sephora Boxing Day 2013 Finds...

I managed to get up bright and early for Sephora and shopped 2 days at Aritzia(24 & 27)...

From Aritzia:

Wilfred Honore Cardigan  (this reminds me of Alaia, so I had to get it)

Mackage Kenya Jacket

And the Beekman Sweater and Upton Dress mentioned here...

For Sephora:

As you can see I purchased this at 6:50 am, half asleep doesn't help so I missed adding the promo codes for either 20% off on sale EXTRA20 or getting the free Benefit Deluxe Stay Don't Stray (use code STAYDSTRAY)... I'm tempted to make another order just to get this as I love the primer, I just never use the full size fast enough.

Will update once the package arrives...

Readers did you have any luck with boxing day finds? 

Update...Xmas Aftermath

Hope everyone had a wonderful 24th and 25th!

Here's a quick update on what I was up to...

Picked up some goodies for myself...

Aritzia bag: Beekman Sweater and Upton Dress

In the Hermes bag: Oran Sandals

Prepped for Xmas Lunch Potluck with my family: Made Ina Garten's Tomato Feta Pasta Salad and Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (first time making these, they were great right out of the oven but got crispy after a few hours. I would suggest keeping them in only 2 minutes after lightly tapping the tops.)

Before Baking (this batch was for the kids)

After Baking (this batch was for the grown ups)

Part of the table spread: Not seen Turkey Pot Pie, Fruit Punch, Cinnamon Buns and my cookies were on another table...

Readers how did you spend the holidays? Would love to see pics!

Holiday Season...Xmas 2013

Happy Monday Everyone! Only 2 nights sleep until Christmas! (happy dance!!!)

Since I won't be posting on Christmas Day I thought I'd update you on what's been happening/and will happen...

Finished wrapping gifts for friends and family...

We're having Christmas Eve dinner with C's family, and on Christmas day we're having lunch with my family. Planning to make this for our Christmas Lunch Potluck...

Ina Garten Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies ( will update with a photo once made)

This year I also haven't done a wish list as my only wish was for an iPad mini, but I did find some great ideas for gifts. I just haven't had a chance to update a post with it, so I apologize but here are my past ones...Homesense, MAC (new version) Plus my Secret Santa fulfilled my stocking stuffer wish list this year. (the candles are beautiful if you're still stuck on ideas.)

Lastly, Wishing you and yours a Happy Holidays! If you're travelling, safe travels! And even if you don't celebrate at this time of year, I hope you at least get to have a wonderful meal shared with good company!

Recent Finds...Haircare and Beauty Products

Happy Friday Everyone! Only 5 more sleeps till Christmas Yahoooooooo!
I'm feeling under the weather today and am excited for the weekend to relax and recoup, Vancouver weather can be so dicey. At least today it looks like Christmas...(it's snowing outside!)

I finished Christmas shopping Tuesday this week and all the wrapping is done! Phew. I also managed to get in some things for myself:)

Some items I picked up from the Curlique friends and family sale: 30% off

Trying new shampoo John Masters Lavender and Rosemary Shampoo...so far it's nice but gosh is it expensive! (Purchased the John Master Lavender and Avocado Intensive Conditioner at Whole Foods to use with it.)

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate (heard great things about this cream, have yet to try.)

Embryolisse Lip Protection Stick (have been using this for the past week and so far it's quite nice.)

Velour Lashes in Whispie Sweet Nothings (this was for a photoshoot for today, but I had to resched bc of the weather :( )

From Sephora for the $20 Gift card for VIB's...

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream (OMG new love! Have been using this every night for my dragon hands, it works and smells so good! My hands were so dry they were starting to crack and bleed in some areas.)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (heard about this from Michele1218 on You Tube, have yet to try.)

Urban Decay All Nighter (picked up a backup to qualify for the GC.)

From the Beauty Supply Store...

Babyliss 1 1/4" Tourmaline Curling Iron ( I had previously purchased the Hot Tools, and it was so powerful I gave it away. My hair was smoking every time I used it. Tried this last night, and it's a much more natural curl. I could foresee the spring handle getting loose in the future from use, however I don't plan to use it the conventional way. Right now I'm wrapping the hair around and holding it for about 20-30 seconds, setting at 35. Works Great!)

Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner (heard of this from Fleurdeforce, have yet to try.)

Rookie in the Kitch...Butternut Squash and Shrimp Soup

Ingredients:

1 Butternut Squash- peeled and cut into cubes

Shrimp - peeled and deveined, I used 100 grams and cooked it in butter or olive oil. Set aside.

1 Yellow onion - chopped

1 handful of cilantro - chopped 

2 green onions - chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Fish Sauce to taste

Directions:

In a pot cook shrimp on medium for about 6-8 minutes and set aside. In same pot add onions and butter, cook for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add water, I used about 8 cups for more of a soup, bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour or less.  In the last 3 minutes add cooked shrimp, green onions and cilantro.

Enjoy!

Loving Now...Easy Eyeshadow Combo

Urban Decay Chopper Eyeshadow

Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Liner in Kitten 

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I recently ordered these in my last Sephora VIB haul, and couldn't wait to try it. Jaclyn has a video up using it and I've tried it with her recommendation (texture from MAC). I've also tried it with texture and saddle(MAC) for a more intense look and switched up saddle for Chanel Ombre Contraste Eyeshadow Duo in Sable(my Holy Grail, I have backups!). Also Jaclyn is right, there is a lot of fall out from the eyeshadow, so beware! Lastly, I use the kitten smudge stick for a pop in the inner corner, it lasts forever! I also swatched it as a primer and eyeshadow on top, and it lasted the full day! 

Don't mind the messy shadow, what can I say, it's well loved!

Chanel Ombre Contraste Eyeshadow Duo in #37 Sable-Emouvant

Humpday Happenings...

From my Instagram recently...

I was craving something sweet so I made some cupcakes using Betty Crocker's French Vanilla Cake mix and French Vanilla Icing

Added a mandarin orange!

Yummo!!!

Vonbon Apparel...

Just placed my order for some super cute organic baby stuff. Found them on Instagram: vonbonapparel

Also there's a discount code on a blog they mentioned:

use VONBONPEARLS for 15% off on your order!

Vonbon

Update:

Arrived safe and sound with a lovely note to boot! Thanks Vonbon!

New Lip Combo...

Nars Bangkok Pure Matt Lipstick

Nars Chelsea Girls Lip Lacquer

Beaute Girly Show Lipgloss

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I couldn't wait to try the new lipstick I got and found the perfect lip combo. For a my lips but better wear the Nars Bangkok alone, or to kick it up a notch add the second 2...

Readers what's your fave lip combo??? Please share!

Humpday Happenings...Secret Santa

Yesterday my girlfriends and I enjoyed dim sum at Grand Dynasty Restaurant and exchanged our Secret Santa gifts...

I received YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in #15 Corail Intuitive

Nest Birchwood Pine and Holiday Candle 

and Nars Bangkok Pure Matt Lipstick as my stocking stuffer

Needless to say I was very spoilt by Santa! AKA BX ;P

Black Friday...Canadian Sales

I've just finished my Black Friday shopping and here's what came home with me...

First thing this morning I picked up Freshly Picked Moccasins...

They're all so adorable it was so hard to pick just one...these will be a gift, will post a snapshot when I get them

From Target I picked up the Kitchenaid Immersion Blender in silver for $39.99 reg price was $69.99

Chapters

Popped by Chapters and got 2 books, some salted caramel chocolates and the Kate Spade notebook was free...

Other sales I'm into...

Thann

I would repurchase the hair mask, it's sold out currently but will keep checking back...

I want this sweater, but will hold out for more of a sale...Hope I'm not shooting myself in the foot by waiting...Aritzia

Readers did you take advantage of the Black Friday sales? Would love to see your finds, feel free to mention by email or Instagram!
Have a great weekend! and hopefully more shopping in store!

Humpday Happenings...In Action Wedding Outfit

I posted this pic on Instagram the other day...

What I wore to a wedding recently:

Zara dress

Chanel bag, shoes and pin

Hermes Bracelet

And here's the whole outfit...

Polka Dot tights from Asos

Prada Jacket

Fish Taco Cravings...Tacofino Commissary

Chips and Salsa

Fish Tacos (added extra guacamole)

Chicken Taco

Pork Taco

And for dessert I popped by Thierry for salted caramel macarons and paired them with these humo strawberries I found at Whole Foods...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I was at Earl's recently and was looking forward to ordering their fish tacos. To my surprise they no longer made them and have chicken tacos on the menu instead. I had a craving for fish tacos and now I was on a new mission to find a place that served decent ones in Vancouver. I googled Joey's, who no longer has them, and Cactus who I thought had them but online nothing was listed. I then sought the help of friends and finally decided on Tacofino Commissary. (I did call 2 Cactus's and they said the menu is different everywhere but the Broadway and Granville and Yaletown still have the fish tacos.) As you can see from the pics above the tacos are a decent size. I had the fish tacos (fresh and super crispy) while C had the other 2( he preferred the chicken out of the 2). The salsa was so yummy I downed that in zero time and wished there was more. These guys have food trucks around the city and the restaurant is open till 10pm M-Th and 11pm Sat. Thanks Christina for the recommendation!!!

Tacofino Commissary

2327 E Hastings Street

604 253 8226

Michael Buble Concert...in Seattle

View from our seats...

The clearest pic I have of him *_*

Souvenir T-shirt

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. We decided to head down to Seattle for a weekend getaway and catch the concert as we won't be able to make it to next year's Vancouver one. Super excited that we did, I loved the show. He's so funny! Our seats were in the lower bowl, nosebleed if you ask me. But the show did not disappoint and we were able to hear him clearly and see him on the big screen. My photos came out like crap, but that just means you need to see him live:)

Michael Buble Tour dates...
June 19 is for Vancouver

Loving Now...

My New Obsession...

Diptyque L'ombre dans L'eau Solid Perfume

As you know I've been on the hunt for a fall scent, but instead I found a year round one...

Saw this mentioned on BelleDeJourNYC Youtube's channel and since I love the scent of the Baies candle I had to have this...

It was between this and the Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay...

This won out! I have to say the solid perfume smells more so to the candle than the spray. I found the spray version smelled more citrusy and the solid perfume smelled more fruity. I wore it for a full day, with no need for a touch up. Highly recommend!

Another new acquisition mentioned here...

Loving the new iPhone 5S and especially this cheap $5 case I snatched from my other half. Added the cute Kate Spade phone jack(new styles) to up the gold factor...in love :D

Sephora Order...Last of the VIB 20%

After my last post, I made an order right before the sale ended...

Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Liner in Kitten

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chopper

Eve Lom 3 Muslin Cloths

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in #3 Medium

Samples

Will keep you posted on my thoughts once tried...

Recent Finds...Apple Iphone 5S

Pink Fur Pom Pom from Perfect Match in Oakridge (i'll probably use this for a bag charm) $10

Gold Iphone 5S with Plastic clear case

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Went to 3 different Apple stores, the last store waited in line to find out the lady in front of me purchased the last of the gold iPhones(she and her mother bought 4 *_*) . :"( Calling it a gong show would be mild, nevertheless our perseverance paid off. The next morning the Oakridge location was restocked with minimum quantities. I upgraded from a 4S and could not be happier! Next up on the wish list is the new iPad minis :D 

Apple

Sephora VIB Sale...20% off

Some things I picked up...

Urban Decay Half Baked eyeshadow

Glam Glow Gift Set 

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Bisque

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash

Nars Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot

Other items on my list that were sold out or available online only:

Guerlain Crazy Terracota Glow Powder

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in #3 Medium

Eve Lom 3 Muslin Cloths

Readers did you pick up anything from the sale? Any recommendations for Holy Grail items I should try?

Sephora VIB Sale ends today!

Recent Finds...Sugar Paper for Target

Target's selection...

For myself and I picked up a desk calendar for a gift(not shown)...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. It was hard not to buy the whole collection, but since I just picked up the Kate Spade agenda I didn't really need more...But who could resist! As you can tell I love the colours! (matches my Angela Adams rug :D )
I've purchased from Sugar Paper La previously, and was so excited to hear they were doing a collab with Target. I called both my local Target's and found this stash at the Delta location. The products are reasonably priced and the quality is pretty on point for the price. They still have a great selection left, so pop by as soon as you can because it's only available for a limited time.

Sugar Paper LA

find it at your local Target

Target
7155 120th Street
Delta, BC
604 595 2380

Rookie in the Kitch...Pork Ribs Noodle Soup

I found a recipe here, I skipped the squid and added more fish sauce, salt and pepper...

I used about 17 cups of water and added 1/4 of a yellow onion

Cooked bean sprouts, Homemade marinated onions, Cilantro and Green Onions, and Lettuce, Mint, Hot Pepper and Lime

Lime with black pepper and chopped hot pepper (not shown)

I like mine with lettuce and bean sprouts, totally forgot to add the cilantro and green onions for this bowl...

Spa Day...Tranquility Organic Spa

Recently I tried a spa that offered organic treatments...

Soaking in the Lavender Milk...

My Verdict: On the fence... I had googled natural products/organic spas and found Tranquility Organic Spa. I called in the day of and was able to book a manicure and pedicure. The ladies were super nice, however the treatment itself was questionable. The exfoliant created in house was wonderful, as well as the lavender milk soak. I do have complaints about colour application, I left with bubbles and patchy areas. There was a language barrier so it took forever to explain a square with rounded edges nail shape. It was 2 hours and I was hungry by then, so staying longer to get a better colour application was out of the question(not to mention the expensive Yaletown parking). Also within the day I already had chipping, as she didn't cap the nail. The shoulder massage at the end while under the dryer was a nice touch and I do love the products, but I guess it's a hit or miss who you book. I would try again, but will need to find another aesthetician or nail tech with better application.