FabFitFun Winter 2018

Happy Winter! Today I am sharing a weekend routine using products from my winter FabFitFun box.

H Halston Jewelry Portfolio

Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener in Stella

Bite Beauty  Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Meringue

Bearpaw Headband and Pop-Top Glove Duo

Mark & Graham Colorblock Throw

Sherrie Matthews Jade Roller

Ahava Hydration Cream Mask

Blaq Eye Masks

Way of Will Essential Oil Set: Sweet Orange Oil & Eucalyptus Oil

Also Mentioned:
Book of the Month  Severance by Ling Ma

What is your favorite item from this season's FabFitFun box?

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Books I Read This Month | January

Whenever I start reading a new book, I'll usually snap a pic on Instagram, but I rarely update when I'm finished. Just like I share beauty reviews, I thought I'd start sharing some book mini-reviews. That way you can have a better guess at what you should be reserving at the library or adding on to your Book of the Month-my favourite places to get books!

Never Let Me Go  

Kazuo Ishiguro

I watched the film adaptation of this years ago and had this on my to be read list for a while. I love the mix of a sci-fi backdrop, English countryside, and coming-of-age. Despite the dystopian underpinnings, the story is truly a tale of three friends navigating adolescence, love, loss, and mortality. The movie is a very accurate portrayal of the book, so you won't get anymore explanation of the world, but you do get more of the subtleties of the characters detailed. Recently, I've been seeing people sharing that they are reading What Remains of the Day despite it's original publication in 1989. I'm going to have to give that one a go!

The Essex Serpent 

Sarah Perry

A historical novel with complex characters and neighborly gossip of a mysterious serpent to connect them together. Definitely more about the relationships between the characters than any magic. A mix of narration and letters between friends, lovers, and navigating those stages in between. Despite the story mainly following Cora, a recent widow discovering her newfound freedom, her entourage of friends are given enough page time to really develop and the writing is excellent.

Winter 

Ali Smith

I read Ali Smith's Autumn, in well, Autumn. So I couldn't resist reading Winter this January. If you enjoyed Autumn, you will love this one as well. But don't expect a sequel. The characters are different but those same good intentions, missteps, mental imagery, and lay-people political discussions. The story is basically the fear everyone has before going to Thanksgiving dinner with extended family.

Pond 

Claire-Louise Bennett

You never know the character's name or why we are hearing her story. But this plot-less novel sucks you into the daily activities and musings of our lonely character, and you piece together a little the reason why she now lives in a cottage by a pond. The descriptions are detailed and her thoughts are charming in their bluntness.

The Wife Between Us 

Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

This was my Book of the Month pick for December and quite the opposite of my previous reads. A fast-paced thriller with a few good twists. I would describe it as a combo of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. You have a very genuine telling of the experience of someone in an isolating and abusive relationship that looks perfect from the outside and friends' initial warnings that something isn't what it seems. I appreciated that the twists weren't so outrageous (well, maybe the last, last one-sorry, no spoilers) and added to the moral of the story.

What did you read this January?

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Zoya Urban Grunge

I have been rocking Zoya's Urban Grunge collection since the start of fall, but now that the holiday season is upon us, I needed to get this post out stat, so you could pick up a few shades as well. I know these sparkly shades are going to be amazing for winter and new year looks. I mentioned in my September favourites that I feel like this collection was perfect for me, so it was tough to not just order the whole collection. Here are the six shades I opted for (see I did good-I only ordered half ;p)

August (Blue toned Gray Creme)

Noah (Nude Creme)

Troy (Metallic Gun Metal)

Alicia (Silver Holo with Champagne shift)

Merida (Deep Evergreen Scattered Holo)

Finley (Deep Royal Purple Scattered Holo)

Did you order any polishes from Urban Grunge? Which are your favourites?

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Beauty Favourites | January 2016

Well, it's not the beginning of February, but it's not the end yet either... so I will just sneak in this January favourites post. This month has been crazy, so I kept it simple with trusty standbys and simple new products to keep a fresh face throughout a hectic, long day week month.

To fake a glow, I used the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit palette. All the shades are super flattering and provide a lit from within look that doesn't look overly sparkly. I love to mix the two blush shades. For eyes, I picked up a few new products. First, I finally purchased Nars Kalahari. I have been lusting after this rosy duo for what seems like forever. Both shades are perfect for all over the lid. I pair it with Wet n Wild Creme Brulee as a highlight. For tight-lining, I have been using Julep's When Pencil Met Gel liner in Bronze Shimmer. The deep brown is perfect for everyday. I also ordered a new eyelash curler from Birchbox. It's a Tweezerman in rose gold. Curling my lashes really opens up my eyes and makes me look instantly more awake-which was much needed this month.

As a Birchbox sample, I received the Foreo Day Cleanser. It's been the perfect cleanser for winter mornings with a citrus scent and hydrating texture. After toning, I add a layer of Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk. It adds an extra layer of protection from harsh winter weather. For foundation, I have been loving Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc. It's a classic. To finish up my make-up, I have been going with Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna. It's a great everyday shade, with a bit of a mauve twist to keep it interesting. 

Even though it's still winter, I have felt like brightening my perfume choice and have gone from Elizabeth & James Black to White. It makes me feel a bit more springy. I've been adding a bit of pastels to my manis with Essie's Mind Your Mittens with an accent of Rock at the Top for some glam.

What were your beauty favs this month?

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Essie Holiday Shades

I found this cute little essie set at Target the other day. For a surprisingly good deal,90% off, making it less than $1.50. I love the mix of traditional holiday shades and winter pastels. My first pairing was with mind your mittens, a seafoam blue with a bit of shimmer, and rock at the top, a chunky gold top coat.

Also, included was cocktail bling, a blue-toned lavender creme, and a-list, your classic red.

What are some of your favourite winter polishes?

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Lush Valentine's Day 2016

Today, the snow is pouring down. And a blizzard is the perfect day for a bubble bath. I picked up a couple of new Lush items in anticipation. I finally found the Unicorn Horn! Last year, I was unable to acquire it, so I am super excited. I also got Milky Bath, a new bubble bar. I love cocoa butter, so I knew I had to try it. Plus, I love the simple white & silver design.

What are your favourite snow day activities?

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Beauty Favourites | December 2015

Happy New Year! This new year has had a rough start. I have been swamped at work with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting. Good thing I had my Florida vacation for a little break before the madness. After January, though, it should all be back to normal. Crossing fingers. Here are my favourites from the last month of 2015.

Muji Containers

Drybar Sparkling Soda Shine Mist

UDxGwen Eyeshadow Palette

Nars Blame it on the Nars Palette

Zoya Remove

The Face Shop Cocoa Hand Creme

Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb 

Zoya Hunter

Zoya Margo

Burt's Bees Cucumber Sage Facial Towelettes

What were your final favs of 2015?

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Birchbox | December 2015

The last Birchbox of 2015! I am loving the cozy, yet glam, silver knit print, as well as the contents of this box.

Box Breakdown

theBalm FratBoy Blush

Coastal Scents styleEYES formalEYES

(Malin + Goetz) clarifying clay mask

gorge I'll Make You Look Amazing Daily Spray

amika The Shield Style Extending Spray

Another happy mix of hair, skin, and make-up products. I love Malin + Goetz, so I am excited to test out the clarifying clay mask. I have been needing a good detoxifying mask-hope this one fits the bill. I have developed quite the collection of mini dry shampoos and have even tried one from amika previously. This is a little different as a 'style extending spray', but it seems to be the same deal. I love the packaging-print & size. Another beauty product running rampant in my cabinet is conditioning sprays. Love them. I am looking forward to trying this one from gorge with lime oil and green tea. Finally, I got too super cute mini make-up samples. FratBoy is a cult favourite blush I can't wait to try, and the shades in the Coastal Scents duo are right up my alley. This box also included a $10 code for the Birchbox shop-perfect for holiday gifts (yourself included). 

What did you get in this month's Birchbox?

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Hello Winter!

Last night, we picked up our Christmas tree and spent the evening decorating while watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. It's crazy how fast the last quarter of the year goes. Our wild Thanksgiving weekend journey from Jersey to upstate New York has come and gone, and now I am counting down the days 'til Christmas. Every year, we make the trip down to Florida. Though there is no chance of it being a white Christmas, being with family is what really makes it feel like the holidays.

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Goodbye Winter!

This might be a bit premature, but I am saying goodbye to winter. It's been snow-filled which I quite enjoy- but it's time. I'm so looking forward to leaving the house without a coat & thermals. I am just hoping that spring doesn't turn into summer too quickly. A nice long transition. I am excited for cherry blossoms, bare legs, and revisiting this spring to-do list.

Happy (almost) Spring!

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Beauty Favourites | February 2015

Hello March! Though it still feels like January on the east coast. Just a few new favourites this month, still loving all my January & December picks.

I have two posts dedicated to the new Nars Narsissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette. Here is a review & here is a two-for-one look. With my Sephora order of that palette, I picked a sample of the First Aid Beauty Deep Cleanser. I love using it at night as it makes your skin feel super clean and refreshed. Another First Aid Beauty product-the Ultra Repair Cream-has also made favourites status. This is the winter dry skin cure. I am hoping that spring is just around the corner, and this Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in True Love is the perfect winter to spring transition shade. It was an item in the February PopSugar box. I am also loving the Figs & Rouge 100% Natural Balm in Pomegranate that was in that box. I just forgot to include it in the picture as it lives by my side of the bed. Finally, a couple of nail polish favs. Zoya Evvie is a polish I have been wanting for awhile. When the collection first came out I was debating between it and Noot. I ended up with Noot, but I think Evvie was the colour I was wanting. It is a lovely dark, gray-toned green. It's dark without looking black (like Noot does). Though it's a fall shade, I think it's the perfect option for when you want dark nails in the spring. I mean sometimes you need a change from pastels during that time of year. Am I right? I realized I haven't been wearing nail polish for some time. It's been so hard to find time lately. So when I walked through the nailcare aisle in Target, I decided to pick up a bottle of Seche Vite. It dries so fast & glossy-it's amazing. I am just dreading when it gets gloopy and the chemical smell is overwhelming. Pros & cons...pros & cons.

What were some of your favourites this past month?

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The Weekend | Winter Adventures at Brooklyn Bridge Park

This weekend started off with a Girl's Day on Saturday. I trekked up to Queens for brunch, painting, and a bit of gossiping. There are a couple of pics on my Instagram. The whole day was a consistent downfall of snow. It wasn't as cold as it had been though, so to me, it was quite pretty. When I woke up Sunday morning, it sounded like a down pour, but really, it was all that snow melting. Seems like spring may just be on it's way.

Since it was significantly much warmer than it has been, Preston & I decided to spend the afternoon at Brooklyn Bridge Park. One of our favourite places- you may remember seeing similar pics (but with leaves) in this post.

And of course, we decided to bring Djiggy (a.k.a. the drone) as the battery would not instantly shut off from the cold like it did on a trip to Prospect Park.

I love this stained glass house art piece.  It's so colourful against the city backdrop. I hope it's there for awhile as I have now seen it in fall and winter and would love to continue that in spring and summer.

I kind of got obsessed with all the different kinds of pods on the trees. These are so neat looking, like little polka dots, very Dr. Seuss.

Yup, more pods. And the Brooklyn Bridge, of course.

We got some awesome footage from the drone trip. Though, it seems something always goes a bit awry, and this time it was the camera dying after 1.5 minutes. At least it was an amazing one and a half minutes. I am trying to think of a good way to share some of the footage. The drone vids on their own are gorgeous, but I feel it needs more context to fill it out. Perhaps, some vlogging is in our future...

What were you up to this weekend?

Will winter ever end??

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Winter Beauty Tips

There are many things I love about winter & many things I hate.  I think it looks absolutely gorgeous out. The lighting is so crisp, the snow is pretty & reflective, walking by the houses & shop windows and seeing how cozy it is inside...but it doesn't take long for that lovely walk to turn down right miserable. Stepping in a dirty snow pile, getting water soaking through your boots, when you stop being able to feel your fingers, the wind whipping your hat-hair all over the place.... Okay, I'll stop my winter rambling and get to it. I thought I'd share some of my beauty tips/favourite look for winter.

1. Exfoliate
This goes for everything: lips, face, body. I shared a few products I love in my monthly favourites, including the Lush Lip Scrub and Vasanti Brighten Up. Winter can leave my skin feeling dull, so it's nice to start with a clean slate. It helps keep my make-up lasting longer, even in the ice & harsh winds.

2. Hydrate
After all that exfoliating, you can't forget to moisturize. For me, I especially concentrate on my under eyes, lips, and hands. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is the perfect multi-tasking super hydrator. I also try to make time for a few deep conditioning hair treatments.

3. Colour
For winter, I like to have a bold lip. After tips 1 and 2, of course, I think it wakes up my whole face and makes me look less dull. It also gives the chill another barrier to have to go through to get to my lips. I love mauve shades like this Manna Kadar Lip Stain in All of Me or a plummy burgundy. A little blush is also a go-to, I don't go too heavy as my cheeks will definitely gain their own flush from the cold.

4. Definition
Winged liner and lots of lashes are all year rounds for me. One method of definition that has been new to me is bumping up my brows. Finally, don't forgo the bronzer just because it's winter. I always have a bit of contouring going on. I love the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer since it's matte-and smells like hot cocoa. 

5. Glow
Sometimes the exfoliating and hydrating just isn't enough. That's when I fake it a bit more with some highlighting. The Hourglass Ambient Lightening palette is perfect for this. Incandescent Light is great for those traditional highlighting areas, and Dim Light I use basically everywhere to have a natural glow.

So maybe these tips don't particularly apply to winter. I pretty much have the same look going on year-round. But maybe some of the mentioned products caught your attention.

What are some of your winter beauty tips?

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Favourites | January Beauty

Happy Groundhog's Day! Let's hope spring is on the horizon. I had my snow day-I'm good. Not too many favourites this month. I have been sticking to the usual holy-grails lately. The focus has been trying to keep hydrated & bright during these cold, dark days. That sounded quite dramatic, but really I wake up when it's dark & don't get home 'til it's dark-it's starting to get to me.

The Favs

Vasanti Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

The Body Shop Body Butter Shea

Elizabeth & James Nirvana White

Wet n Wild Max Volume Mascara

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil

Lush The Kiss Lip Scrub

Julep Eye Glider in Olive

Wet n Wild Kohl Liner in Calling your Buff

The Vasanti Brighten Up is the most scrubby cleanser I have ever used, but the particles are so fine that it feels so nice and gentle. It feels like it's instantly brightening my complexion. Another scrubby product is Lush's The Kiss Lip Scrub. Again, super scrubby, but gentle. My lips get so dry in the winter so a lip scrub is a must have. After all the exfoliation, it's time to hydrate up. I have been using the balance me wonder eye cream day and night as it feels so nice to apply, and it really does help keep my under-eye area looking awake. For body hydration, I love The Body Shop body butters. This one is in the Shea scent, which I love-it's sweet but with a bit of masculinity to it. My hair is another problem area in the winter. Hat wearing and icy winds can cause a lot of breakage. In damp hair, I like to apply the Beauty Protector Protect & Oil. It smells like liquid caramel-like Starbucks-style Frapaccino flavouring. So good, and I'm not usually a super sweet smells fan, but the scent diffuses perfectly when applied to your hair. It makes it so shiny and manageable, especially when followed up with a blow-dry.

 I haven't had the Elizabeth & James Nirvana White scent for long, my friend sent me some beauty mail with this roller ball, but it's an instant fav. I heard layering it with the Black is amazing-so I will just have to try that. As with skin, the make-up goal is to look bright & awake-which as I mentioned before is getting pretty difficult. My make-up favourites this month have been a huge help. As with last month, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette is just perfect for looking glowy in a natural way. Eyes are a big tell for tiredness, and the Julep and Wet n Wild liners are great at camouflaging lack of sleep. I use the Julep Eye Glider in Olive on the outer-half/one-third of my waterline to define and the rest of the way I use the Wet n Wild Kohl Liner in Calling Your Buff to cancel out any dullness or redness.  I really love the look of this combo. Mascara is also a must to 'wake-up' your face. I love the lengthening & separation that the Wet n Wild Max Volume mascara gives, and at $4, it's a bargain.

What were some of your beauty favourites during the first month of the new year?

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The Weekend | Ben Howard & The Bahche

Even though we had a Snow Day on Tuesday, the weekend didn't seem to come fast enough. We started the weekend with seeing Ben Howard on Friday night. It was an amazing show-great sound, great lights, great transitions. If you are a fan, I definitely recommend trying to get tickets!

During the weekend it's been getting harder and harder to leave the house. I just want to stay indoors & watch Netflix all day! Even though it's freezing, whenever I do eventually drag myself out the door it's been worth it. Yesterday, we decided to go to The Bahche. It's a Turkish cafe in Gowanus. Preston & I randomly stumbled upon it one night after leaving the Bell House. It's a pretty shocking sight when compared to the rest of the warehouse laden neighborhood.

It's one of the largest spaces I have seen in the city and the whole front is decked out Mediterranean style. It reminds me of the Italian-themed hotel at Universal... It looks to be a great place for parties, but the couple of times I've been there has just been for a cup of tea and some lunch.

It's nice that it's so large, you feel like you can stay awhile, unlike many brunch spots in the city. I had to try the sage tea, and I really liked it.

I also decided to get the Mediterranean breakfast platter, so I could have a little assortment of everything. Their bread is amazing! They bake it right there.

Isn't it funny, I look like I am in front of a house!

Well, I didn't get out too much, but something is better than nothing. Today has been filled with cleaning and laundry. Not the most entertaining, but it's always nice to have clean clothes & bedding. Maybe I will have to end the weekend with a full-on Lush bath...I just might do that.

What were you up to this weekend?

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