2018 Favourites

I am a tiny bit delayed in this post, but I wanted to share with all of you some of my favourites from 2018!

Skincare:

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb has worked wonders on my super dry skin. This is a quick absorbing, long lasting moisturizer that adds so much relief to my skin. This product can be used day and night, but I only use it in the morning. 

Makeup:

Pixi H2O Skin Tint Tinted Face Gel is more like a tinted moisturizer and a great substitute for foundation! I'm not a fan of foundation, as I feel it's too heavy on my skin. This product is light coverage, does a great job evening out your skin tone, and making skin look flawless. 

Clothing:

Old Navy Boyfriend Straight Jean are the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn! On top of that, these jeans are the perfect length for me; I'm only 5'2" and they hit right above my ankle, no tailoring needed.

Shoes:

Deflex Comfort Shoes from Payless are my go to shoe. They come in a variety of styles, but they all have a foam sole which is super comfortable. They also are elastic so they form to your foot, with no slipping and no blisters! I wear these shoes for 12+ hours with no issues.

Scent:

Lemongrass is a scent that I have been drawn to throughout 2018. I really like the citrus scent, it's very fresh and energizing. There are a ton of benefits to this essential oil, but I really just like the smell. 

Accomplishment:

So, I don't have an image to go along with this 'Favourite', but in 2018 I had 98 events that I worked on! This is by far the most events I have ever worked on in a single year. In 2017, I worked on 60-something events, which at the point had been the most. I am so proud on the number and quality of events that I did. On top of the 98 events, In 2018 I had started working on 20-25 events for 2019.

Memory:

Image via adventureworld.com.au

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to visit Prince Edward Island. I had the opportunity to go to PEI in 2018 and I had an amazing time! This was the first time I traveled and explored a place by myself, and PEI was a great place to visit! You can see pictures from my trip here, here, here, and here.

February Favourites

February flew by- which means we are closer to Summer (my favourite), but it also means my birthday month is over. I had a great month, and got to do some really fun things- including attending a live recording of the podcast Grown Ups Read Things They Wrote As Kids! I also had a great time celebrating my birthday with family, friends, a relaxing day off, a fun night out, and a birthday donut!

But here we are in a new month, which means a new round of favourite things from the past month! Here are my favourite things from February:

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 Baths are just so cozy, warm, and a great way to spend a snowy Sunday afternoon. What's not so great is the unpleasant sound of water draining from your tub, or all of the warm water draining away from your body. Luckily I discover SlipX Solutions Bottomless Bath Overflow Drain Cover. Place it over your overflow drain, and enjoy a relaxing bath which now has a few extra inches of water, This has changed my bath game. 

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I have mentioned a billion times how dry my skin is and how I am always on the search of the magic moisturizing product that will keep my skin hydrated. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb has become my lifesaving skin product. The gel like, water based product feel so amazing and hydrating on my skin, and it keeps my skin feeling super hydrated through out the day. This just might be that magic product I have been searching for!!

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I received this Homemade by Ayesah Curry mug in a subscription box a few months ago. Not only is super cute, but it's such a nice size! I can fit a lot of hot chocolate/coffee/tea in the mug, and I can easily wrap both hands around the mug for some added warmth.

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Like everyone else, I am obsessed with Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. I want to be friends with them. And, like everyone else, am convinced they are the world's greatest love story. 

 

I'm just going to leave this here for you to watch and fall even more in love with them...

 

January //

January Favourites

Happy Wednesday and happy last day of January!! This past month- with the exception of the cold I have been battling for two weeks- has been a great month. I could have done without the ice and snow, but I love all the time I spent with family and friends. Girls Night- dinner and Pitch Perfect 3 during a snow storm- was the highlight of January. 

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favourite things from January!

 

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 I am a hot chocolate fan, and I am a Coffee Crisp fan. I tend not to like flavoured hot chocolates because it just doesn't taste like the intended flavour or the flavour is too powerful. But this is the perfect combination! It tastes just like a Coffee Crisp!

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I have purchased jeans from Old Navy before, and I'm not sure what prompted me to buy them. I wish I had discovered these jeans before!! I bought a pair of Boyfriend style jeans and they are so incredibly comfortable! What I really LOVE about these jeans is that while they are cropped, they are actually the perfect length for me and my 5'2"...no hemming necessary. 

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 I received the Caramel Cream lip conditioner by Scentuals in a subscription box months ago and I am addicted to this product! All natural, no real scent or taste to it, applies nicely, isn't sticky...so many things to love about this product! What makes it a favourite for me is that it actually smooths and hydrates my lips- which get super chapped in our cold, dry, Canadian winter. I usually apply when I get up in the morning, when I come home from work, and before bed- no need to constantly reapply for it to work.

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During the Boxing Week sales, I bought a pair of these PJ's from LaSenza. These are so comfortable! The pants are lightweight and the top is a great material- I basically want to live in these! I'm tempted to buy a pair in every colour!

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I had been meaning to buy a 4-port USB charger forever and finally got one. It has been life-changing. The model I have (pictured) has a USB that can plug into your computer or into a wall-adapter (which is what I do), and then there are four ports to plug your electronics in so they can charge. I went from having cables, plugs, and adapters everywhere- and not having enough plugs to plug everything into- to a streamlined, one outlet, charging station. My electronics now have a designated spot in my home and are always charged when I need them.

Fave 5: Edition 5

Happy Friday!! We are hours away from the start of the weekend. I have a weekend filled with family ahead of me and I very much looking forward to it!! Something else I look forward to? Summer! There are many, many, many things that I LOVE about summer, it's a long list, but today I thought I would share five of my favourite things about summer!! So here we go:

1. Cottage

I am so incredibly lucky that we have a cottage in our family. I don't spend nearly as much time there as I would like, but I LOVE being at the cottage- especially when my cousins are around! My childhood was spent here and I have nothing but happy memories.   2. Bonfires

We are currently under a fire ban because it has been so dry, but my some of my favourite summer nights have been spent around a bonfire with either family or friends. 
3. Drinks on the patio

Is there anything better than meeting up with friends or going out with colleagues after work for a few drinks on the patio? Great way to unwind, enjoy the summer weather, and have fun with friends.

4. Outdoor concerts

All summer nights, in my opinion, should include music. If it's music you can listen to live, even better. If it's live music and outside, that is ideal. 

5. Summer Sunsets

Something that I do on Friday and Saturday nights, if I'm at the lake, is head down to the beach to watch the sunset. Not only is it a spectacular view and a great way to end the day, but it is so peaceful and tranquil. 

Edition 1 // Edition 2 // Edition 3 // Edition 4

Talk Derby To Me

One of my favourite days of the year is Kentucky Derby!! Now, I have never actually been to the Kentucky Derby, I have always watched it on tv and I come from a horse racing family; family members have owned race horses, worked for tracks and spent many days watching races. 

Back to the Kentucky Derby...considered to be the most exciting two minutes in sports, 2015 will mark the 141st year that this event has taken place. The Derby always takes place on the first Saturday of May, this year's race will be on May 2- which is 10 days away!!

Today, I thought I would share some Kentucky Derby basics.

• Taking place at Churchill Downs, one of the most famous racetracks, the race is 1 1/4 mile long and takes roughly two minutes to complete.
• Also known as 'The Run for the Roses' because the winner is draped in hundreds of roses that are sewn together to create a blanket. 
• The Governor of Kentucky awards both the roses and the trophy to the winner.
• This  race is the first 'jewel' in the 'triple crown' of horse racing (followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes).
• Being well over 100 years old, there are a number of traditions associated with this event; mint juleps (the official drink) and the playing of 'My Old Kentucky Home' as the horses go to post are crowd (and personal) favourites.
• 'Millionaire's Row' is a term you will hear repeatedly on Derby day. This would be the incredibly expensive box seats.
• General admission is available for the infield, which ends up being a huge party, since it's difficult to see the actual race from this area. 
• 2015 horses (and information about them) can be found here- whether you pick your winner based on stats, name or post, there is some useful information there.

Tomorrow and next week, I will be sharing some ideas for hosting your own Kentucky Derby Party.. If you can't make it to Kentucky for the Derby, the next best thing is to host a Derby Party!!

Fave Five: Edition 1

 1. Vacation Spot: 

Cuba

2. Go to Cocktail

Amaretto Sour

3. Favourite Film

Empire Records

4. Beside Read

Prep: A Novel

5. Gourmet Fix

Thai food

Favourite Five- Basketball, Books & Beach Dreams

Happy Friday! Today is my last day of vacation...I'm kind of dreading going back to work on Monday; the thought of checking my email scares me. I once left the office for 2 hours and came back to 80 emails...I can't imagine what a week and a half worth of emails will look like...

This week did not go as planned. I wasn't nearly as productive as I had hoped and the weather was miserable! It snowed basically every day...so much for spending time outside. I did see some friends...it was great to spend time with them!! 

Anyway, Favourite Five...here we go:

1. Hot chocolate! I pretty much have hot chocolate every day, mostly at night after a long day at the office.

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2. May 2-4 weekend. While this weekend technically takes place in Spring, it's the unofficial kick-off to Summer. I can't wait for the long weekend and (hopefully) getting to spend it at the beach!

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3. University of Kentucky Basketball. March Madness is going on right now and I am not into it...at all. I know nothing about basketball or filling out brackets or anything related to this. But I did watch my first March Madness game (Kentucky vs Wichita) and Kentucky, the team I picked for that game won. So, I'm just going to stick with them for the tournament.

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4. Cardigans. I LOVE cardigans and basically wear one on a daily basis. They are so comfy, go with virtually everything and they keep me warm. 

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5. Books. I just finished reading The Friday Night Knitting Club. I love books and I love to read...there's nothing better than curling up with a good book and spending the day reading.

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Favourite Five

Yesterday I shared 30 Things In 30 Years and today I thought I would share Favourite Five (which was completely taken from Flare Magazine). 

1. Delish Dish:
Thyme on 21's Rolled Souffle. I tried to find a picture, but couldn't find one, so you will have to settle for this description: the souffle is so light and fluffy and is stuffed with spinach, goat cheese and roasted red pepper and comes with a sundried tomato cream sauce. Mouthwatering. 

2. Best Bouquet:
Gerbera Daisy...I love how simple and colourful these flowers are.

 

Image from ftd

3. Post Impressionist Inspiration:

Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh. I love this painting; the vibrant colours and the dreamy night sky. Even though it was painted in 1888, the cafe terrace could easily be any modern day cafe. In fact, it reminds me of several Starbucks' terraces/patios I have sat on and enjoyed a cup of coffee.

Image from wikipedia

4. Style Icon:Ivanka Trump. She always looks so pulled together, classy, elegant and appropriate (not to mention pretty!). 

 

Image from eonline

Image from NYC Run Fashion

Image from InStyle

Image from Redbook

5. Flick Pick:

Clueless...this is one of my all time favourite movies and I can watch over and over. 

Image from wikipedia

Favourite Thing- Poppy

In Canada, we wear poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day and to honour our military members- those who have served, those who are serving and especially those who have fallen. Poppies are worn from the last Friday in October until November 11, Remembrance Day. It is actually a sign of disrespect to wear poppy outside of this time frame (with a few exceptions). 

photo by Daniel Hayduk and taken from here, found via Google Image Search

A poppy was chosen as a symbol of remembrance because of John McCrae's poem:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

One of my favourite things is how much Canada honours and respects it's military personnel- with our Highway of Heroes, our poppies and our Remembrance Day ceremonies.  A ceremony is held at local cenotaphs, wreaths are laid in honour and remembrance of our soldiers and at the end of the ceremony, people have the opportunity to lay their poppies.

Photo taken from here and found using Google Image Search

 

It's in wearing my poppy and at these ceremonies that I am never more proud, or thankful, to be a Canadian.

Tomb of the Unknown Solider photo taken from here and found using Google Image Search

Lest We Forget

Favourite Thing- Justine/Blogger Meet Up

Earlier this week, I talked about participating in the Pretty Little Beauty Swap and mentioned how the best part of this swap was actually having the chance to meet my partner. 

I hear all the time about different bloggers meeting up and how much fun they have. Up until this week, I've never had the opportunity to experience this for the simple fact that I had yet to encounter a fellow blogger from Southern Ontario. 

Justine from Sleepy Single Girl, a friend of mine, was the mastermind behind the swap. Due to my busy schedule, I limit the swaps that I participate in, but wanted to participate to support Justine in the first every swap that she hosted. As it turned out, Justine actually need another Canadian (aka me) to sign up to be paired with the only other Canadian participating. This ended up being an amazing thing for me!

By chance, my swap partner, also named Justine, lived about an hour away from and agreed to meet me in person. After a bit of back and forth and trying to figure out our schedules, on Sunday we were able to arrange to meet for the following day.I had re-arranged to potentially take Monday off. 

Meeting up with Justine, was honestly one of the greatest things for me.

Everyone knows how busy I am and how I always have so much going on. I have a stressful job (non profit fundraising...I'm responsible for bringing in money so that we can offer services and programs to our clients...if they money's not there, our organization no longer operates...yup, no pressure there) and I was starting to get a bit burnt out. 

I had the BEST time sitting with Justine, chatting and laughing. Two hours flew by! I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed and comfortable around someone I was meeting for the first time. 

After meeting with Justine, I just felt happy. I was in a good mood, I felt like a weight had been lifted...this is when I realized how stressed and burnt out I had been! 

While it was great to have a blogger meet up and it was great to meet a new friend... I can't put into words what Justine did for my soul and how much I appreciate her taking the time to meet me and spend a couple of hours with me. 

I also appreciate Justine (Sleepy Single Girl) for introducing me to Justine (Tantrums and Tea Parties) and allowing this weeks 'favourite thing' to happen!