Bath Bombs!

Hi, my name is Sara and I'm addicted to bath bombs.  Luckily for me, I have a friend who makes and sells bath bombs! I am a huge believer in supporting people I know, so I feel extremely lucky to have someone in my inner circle who helps me feed my bath product addiction!  And better yet, these are handmade bath bombs.

Pike Lake Soap Co. offers bath bombs (duh), soaps and lotions in some of the yummiest smelling scents, and prettiest colours.  

I had only ever used the bath bombs (How many times can I say "bath bombs?!") from Lush prior to testing out the Pike Lake waters (See what I did there?).  While Lush bath bombs are great, it was really a no-brainer for me to choose the Pike Lake bath bombs over the more well-known ones from Lush, and here's why; as I have said, it's important for me to support people I know personally, and I really enjoy utilizing local artisans and craftsmen!

If you would like to check out the Pike Lake Soap Co. Facebook page, you can do so by clicking here!

Full Coverage Foundation Routine

Today I will be sharing with you my full coverage foundation routine, using the best NYX products, and Revlon foundation.  These three products are perfect for you oily skinned gals!  I have been following this routine for the past month, and my oily skin has never been more at bay!

I start by using the oily/combination formula of  Revlon Colorstay foundation, which I apply all over my face with a Real Techniques buffing brush.  One pump of this Revlon foundation usually covers my whole face.  Remember when Colorstay didn't have a pump?  Thank the lord those days are over!  This foundation claims to last up to 24 hours, which I haven't tested, but I can attest to it lasting up to 12 hours with ease.

I set my face with NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat powder foundation.  This step adds additional coverage and sets the liquid foundation in place.  Prior to buying this NYX product, I used loose powder religiously, but I am officially switched over to pressed powder because the product works wonders on my skin.  It is definitely one of the best NYX products on the market, in my opinion.

The third and final step in my full coverage foundation routine is the NYX Matte Finish setting spray.  In the past, I have used Urban Decay Deslick setting spray and found that it made absolutely no difference in the longevity of my makeup.  Now, I don't know if this setting spray really is a God send, or if a combination of these three great products is what is making my makeup stay put - and matte - for so long, but I do know that I am not planning on switching up my foundation routine for quite a while!

If you would like to see some of my other favourite makeup products, check out this post!

Winter Outfit Essentials

With winter coming to a close (Finally!  This has been the longest winter ever!), I have had the last few months to really come to terms with the fact that I am a creature of habit, and that most days, my outfit looks like the one above (Excluding work days, in which my outfits are solely black on black... waitress life, am I right?)  

This past season has been all about high waisted leggings, chunky, comfy sweaters, and blanket scarves.  Pretty basic, eh?  And by basic I don't mean easy, I mean basic b---h.  Sue me :)

My fluffy winter body loves hiding behind the baggy sweaters, and the high waisted leggings really suck in all the extra squish around my midsection.  Hallelujah!

I have a bit of an addiction to scarves of all sorts.  My collection has me covered for any season, event, or outfit.  This winter has been especially cold and wet and dreary (and disgusting), and blanket scarves have really been a saving grace, keeping me less cold and less cranky.

I do like to add a little spice to my outfits with bracelets and earrings, though.  Typically pearls, and if not, always studs.  The bulkiness of the sweaters I wear, mixed with the scarves, allow me to not have to worry about trying to decide which necklace to wear -- I have way too many necklaces to choose from!  Do I smell an accessories declutter in the near future?  Yes, it's necessary.

Weight Watchers - One Month Anniversary!

Weight loss and maintenance is something most people struggle with, myself included.  So with summer looming, and my summer bod nowhere near where it should be, I decided to take some initiative and join Weight Watchers.

With Weight Watchers being such a reputable and established program, I figured there was no way I could fail… and I was right.  Within the first month I was already feeling better about my health and appearance.  I was fitting my clothes better, my skin was clearer, and I was overall just feeling… better!

I have been on diets in the past, and it had always felt like a chore.  That’s really where I felt that Weight Watchers is veryyyy different.  I still eat all of the foods that I like to eat (i.e. McDonalds and Wendy’s and PIZZA!!!!) as long as I can fit them into my points.

In case you aren’t familiar with the format of Weight Watchers, each food has a numerical value, and each member of WW is given an amount of points that they can eat in a day (When I started the program I was given 39 daily points, and I now have 34 daily points), and extra points that you can eat weekly.  As you lose weight your daily value decreases.

Fun fact: MOST fruits and veggies are zero points.

How you use your points is up to you!  I quickly realized that some foods just weren’t worth the points to me!  Butter, for instance, wasn’t worth the points to me.  Chips, though, I managed to work into my daily points.  Priorities!

What I think makes WW such a successful program isn’t just the flexibility with your food, but the amount of support surrounding the program!  On the WW app, there is a built-in Instagram type of forum called Connect where users upload pictures of their progress, post questions, and give endless support for everyone else who uses the app!

So how much weight did I lose in the first month? 12.4 lbs!!! Yay me!

I’m so excited to continue this journey and share it all with you!

Top Five Valentines Day Movies

With Valentines Day less than a week away, love is definitely in the air.  However, not all of us are in the same boat, snuggled up to their significant other, ready to hunker down and get their Netflix and Chill on.  Whether you're single, or like me with their Bae on the other side of the country, a good rom-com is always there for us, and so are two of my favourite men - Ben & Jerry.

Top Five Valentines Day Flicks

No. 1: The Proposal

Is there really anything better than Ryan Reynolds, or Sandra Bullock for that matter?  Not really.  This is the tale of a cranky, type-a boss babe who tricks her poor little assistant into pretending to be engaged to her.  I bet you can guess what happens at the end of this one... they fall in love (what a plot twist)!  

This movie is one that actually makes me LOL, which isn't something that happens often.  Betty White, the dab queen herself, is also in this movie, so that's a win.

No. 2: Notting Hill

Notting Hill is definitely a classic around my house.  It's the story of an average man who lands one of Hollywoods leading ladies.  Their worlds clash and they face a world of difficulties in making their relationship work, but ultimately, love wins out in the end.

This movie is one of my grandpa's favourites, so I grew up watching it.  I know the dialogue more thoroughly than I'd like to admit, but because this movie is such a good one, I'm really not that ashamed.

No. 3: Definitely Maybe

Okay, so you already know how I feel about Ryan Reynolds.  In Definitely Maybe he plays an adorable dad, and nothing pulls on a girl's heartstrings (or ovaries) quite like an adorable dad.  He tells his daughter all about his past love affairs, and she convinces him to go after a woman who has always been there for him, and whom he has always had feelings for.

No. 4: P.S. I Love You

If you feel like ugly crying this Valentines Day, this is the movie for you.  A woman is led on scavenger hunt of sorts, orchestrated by her dead husband.  It's a whirlwind of emotions, and it's just downright sad, but it's peppered with flashbacks of her life with her husband, and those scenes show a great love.  

I will admit that I've only seen this movie twice, but that's only because I don't like to willingly make myself depressed.  

No. 5: The Notebook

The Notebook, or anything by Nicholas Sparks, just screams Valentines Day!  This epic romance is the epitome of cry-your-heart-out flicks, and us girls just love it!  If sobbing isn't your MO, maybe try the Sparks film The Longest Ride - that one has a happy ending!

Whatever you end up doing this V-Day, I hope you do it with love, and I hope you get to stuff your face with chocolate at the end of it.  If you're spending the day alone, don't fret, I'll be your Valentine.

  

Skivvie Nix | Subscription Box

Hello again!

Fun fact about me, folks; I LOVE getting new underwear.  It's right up there with my favourite things in the world.  Thanks to Skivvie Nix subscription box, I receive two new pairs of underwear every month!  It's like Christmas Morning!

This company's packaging is absolutely amazing, and hysterical!  There's nothing like some good ol' "Free range and ass fed" undies!  There are three different options for these meat packed panties.  I have chosen the Tenderloin package, which comes with one pair of cheekies, and one thong.  There is also the T-Bone package (two thongs), and the Rump Roast package (two cheekies), with the option of choosing solid colours, prints, or a mixture of the two.

Skivvie Nix ships out all sorts of brands, including Honeydew, Felina, Jezebel, and Kensie.  

February is my fourth month receiving Skivvie Nix, and I have never been disappointed.  With underwear coming from all different brands, it's a wonder that all of the pieces have fit wonderfully, and all been of the highest level of comfort.  I have received a nice mix of fabrics - lace, cotton, and some a little more on the silky side - and even some red festive pairs around the holidays.  

This subscription box starts at $20 monthly, and has free shipping from the U.S.  Here in Canada, it only takes a day or two for my package to arrive after it's shipped.  It's also shipped very early in the month!  Here we are only on February 2nd, and I'm already prepped with some brand new Skivvies!

If you would like to order your own set of meat-package panties, you can do so by clicking here, and be sure to check out Skivvie Nix on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest at @skivvie_nix

Cratejoy, the website where I found Skivvie Nix, also has a ton of other subscription boxes, so if panties don't strike your fancy, be sure to check out the website all the same :)

Ipsy Glam Bag Favourites

I have been receiving Ipsy Glam Bags (a monthly subscription service) since September, and while I know I can do without the monthly makeup bag, there have been some products that have actually made their way into my everyday routine.

Typically, Ipsy Glam Bags are filled with five beauty samples that are chosen with you in mind (after completing a style quiz upon ordering).  I won't lie to you by saying that EVERY product I've received from Ipsy has blown me away, because quite honestly, some samples have been duds, but today I'm going to share with you my Top Five Ipsy Favourites.

1 & 2: Hikari Liquid Eyeliner in Iris, & Ciate Fierce Flicks in Black

I am very much a liquid eyeliner girl.  Love it.  It's an everyday staple for me.  Prior to receiving Ipsy Glam Bags I would typical use eyeliners from Tarte and Kat Von D, and these two little babies definitely are of the same quality as brands that can be found at Sephora.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the Hikari eyeliner, as it's in the colour Iris - a mid tone purple, and a colour completely out of my comfort zone.  It actually suits my brown eyes very well and is easy to pull off for everyday wear.

The Ciate Fierce Flicks is in a standard black.  It is a bit glossier once dried than I am used to, but I've gotten used to that and actually kind of like the gloss... It's like classy glitter.

Both eyeliners last well throughout the day, but regardless of their longevity, they wash off super well!  As I said in my previous post, Beauty Things I Suck At, I just use Ivory soap to take off my makeup, so very little effort is put in on my part.  Clearly, a very easy eyeliner to work with.

3 & 4: City Color Be Matte Blush, & Pacifica Wildrose Blush

The Be Matte Blush is extremely pigmented, and the individual shades have extremely cute names; Fresh Melon, Blackberry, and Guava!  It felt like a steal the month I opened my Glam Bag to find that I not only got one blush colour, but a mini blush palette!  I love all of the shades in this trio, and sometimes even swirl my brush through all three colours for a "fourth" colour.

The Pacifica blush is not as pigmented as the City Color blushes, but I like to use it as a highlighter.  It has a beautiful golden sheen, and works very well as a blush topper.  Also, you can't really find cuter packaging... I'm such a sucker for unicorns!

5: Skone Brow Wand in Chocolate

As you can see from this picture, this product is very well loved.  I really had to work at reading the print on the package, because as you can see it has pretty much all worn off.  

If eyeliner is my one vice, having amazing eye brows is the other.  This product is fantastic, and very reminiscent of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer.  It even has a spoolie on the end!  The formula is nice and waxy, and keeps my brows in place all day.  It has made doing my brows an absolute breeze.  I will be very sad when this product runs out.

If you would like to get your own Ipsy Glam Bag, you can do so by clicking here.

Xoxo