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