List No.1

Every single year up until last, I've made a Christmas wish list. And usually, these wish lists are about 5-7 pages long consisting of clothes, shoes, perfumes, purses, jewelry, hair products, hair tools, iPods, laptops - pretty much anything a girl could wish for. My parents hate when I give them a list because they say "it ruins the surprise because you already know what you're getting." So last year when the holidays rolled around, I decided that I would bring back the element of surprise and not make a list. Let me tell you - it was a BIG mistake; I ended up with a powder blue, cable knit sweater, some sort of book and a bunch of stuff that I'm sure is still sitting in a corner somewhere collecting dust. This year, to ensure a repeat doesn't happen, I'm making lists! Lists with pictures, prices, sizes, colors and I might even throw in a map to each store. Realistically, I can break it down into two stores - Aritzia and Holt Renfrew.

Aritzia:
- T.Babaton Watson Cape

- Talula Kent Blazer

- Wilfred Azania Kimono

- T. Babaton Deuce Long Sleeve Tshirt

- Gift Card

Holt Renfrew:

- Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle

- Frye Melissa Button Boots

- Christian Louboutin Double Platform Pumps/Volpi

- Gift Card

Other:

- Jennifer Zeuner Large Swirly 3 Initial Pendant

- Cocktail Ring

- Scarf

Mom and Dad, if you come across my blog, please print this!

Happy Shopping.

L.A. BANDS

From LAX to YVR, these L.A. BANDS receive my stamp of approval! I have fallen in l-o-v-e with these silky, gem-tone hair ties. Not only are they adorable and come in a wide variety of colors but they're also good for your hair! Unlike regular elastics which can cause the cuticle layer of your hair to become distorted resulting in breakage, these L.A. BANDS provide a strong hold without the harsh grip. The smooth fabric [like that of a scrunchie] minimizes friction against the hair. With everyday wear and tear, dying, straightening, blow drying and curling, my hair could seriously use all the help it can get.

L.A. BANDS FTW!

Pumpkin + Papaya Face Mask

I came across this DIY pumpkin and papaya face mask so I'm going to try it out this weekend. It will be a great way to use up my left over pumpkins from Halloween; I just have to makesure papaya's are still in season!

Magic in the makeup

We all know that girl who looks like a completely different person without makeup; I'm not that girl! Thank God. I'd like to invite you all for a peek inside my makeup bag! Even though I'm almost always late for everything, I swear it literally only takes me 20 minutes to get ready! Here is my routine:

1. Prep and prime. A simple cleansing face wash and moisturizer will do.
2. Base. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting your foundation matched [professionally]. There is nothing worse than when the color of your face doesn't match the rest of your body. Next, dust a translucent powder across your entire face to set your foundation.
3. Bronze. One solid color across your entire face ends up making you look lifeless and fake. Add some sun by lightly dusting a bronzer across the areas of your face that would normally be hit by the sun; forehead, cheeks, a tiny bit on your chin and down the bridge of your nose.
4. Blush. Smile and apply in circular motions to the apples of your cheeks. Next, gently glide the brush from your cheeks into your hairline to create a more blended look.

*For a daytime look I would usually stop here, finish with some mascara and head for the door.

5. Eyes. Shadow --> mascara --> liner; in that order. Then give your lashes a good curl once the mascara has fully dried.
6. Perfect your pout. I always coat my lips with Burt's Bees - Beeswax Lip Balm before putting on my lipstick. If I'm going out and need to look extra perfect, I'll do one coat of lip balm, one coat of lipstick, blot with a tissue, do another coat of lipstick and finish with a touch of gloss.
7. Scent. Lastly, but most definitly not least, is to add a spritz or two [or three] of your favorite signature scent; neck, wrists and behind your ears.

There we go, you are done! [I feel like I need one of those 'easy' buttons from Staples because that was easy!]

List it out

I love lists! I seriously write, type and plan everything out. If you saw my work desk you would think I have some sort of list-disorder. Since I'm going to be in school next semester, I need to learn how to be money-savvy. To prevent mindless spending, I've decided to create a visual list of things I plan to purchase and then prioritize them by labelling each either 'need' or 'want'. To ensure that I'm not cheating myself by saying I need everything that I want, I've thought up reasons for why each is labelled the way it is.

Need. Red lipstick. Because - at the moment I am scrounging out the last bit of my MAC Red with a q-tip and a red lipstick is a must have in every girl's makeup bag.
Need. Baggy sweater. Because - Winter is just around the corner. It's time to trade in my tanks and tee's for something a little more weather appropriate.
Want. Striking beret. Because - I would like another beret/beanie in a bright color except I already have like ten sitting in a drawer somewhere. [Unnecessary purchase.]
Want. House Of Harlow earrings. Because - I could do without a new pair of earrings. I usually just wear studs anyways.
Want. MK tortoise ring. Because - I have a bunch of rings that I barely wear; they interfere with my typing and while I'm a working woman, I type all day. [Not practical.]
Need. Canada Goose HyBridge Lite jacket. Because - once again, Winter is coming! I don't want to freeze to death - hense this ultra soft, goose down, flexible, breathable, form-fitting jacket. I'm going to vouch twice for this jacket because I truly think that everybody needs one of these to make it through a Canadian winter. Sometimes a leather jacket, a cotton bomber and a cashmere peacoat just don't suffice.
Need. Thermal pants. Because - right now I sleep in a boy's graphic tee. I'm not too sure if these are actual pants or if they're for lounging. Regardless, I think they make for cute pajamas. [I know I swung this one to a need but I actually don't own pajama pants, therefore, this is a need.]
Want. Prada Candy frangrance. Because - I just purchased Viktor Rolf's Flowerbomb literally two days ago. To purchase another fragrance right now [no matter how beautiful it smells] would be excessive.
Want. Nail Polish. Because - I still have nail polish that I haven't even opened yet. Until I use the rest at least once, I am not allowing myself to purchase another.
Want. Justin Bieber Under The Misletoe. Because - Christmas is still two months away. Come December and this will become a 'need' but until then, it can wait.
Need. Lanvin flats. Because - I actually do need a new pair of simple, black, ballet flats. These shoes aren't exactly cheap but I think that if you're going to invest in something, it should be something that you're going to get good use out of. I could literally go on all day about how great these flats are but you won't ever fully pick up what I'm putting down until you go stick your feet in a pair of these. The best way I can think to describe it is the comfort of an Ugg boot with the impecable style of a Louboutin shoe.

Well, now that my LIST is done, it's time for the best part - shopping!