2016 Favourites + Resolutions

     Well, 2016, it's been a year. This year has been so massively huge for me, with starting college and moving away from home, trying to be a full time big sister (who knew that was so hard?) and getting to know a side of my family that I really had only seen on holidays. It's been so rewarding and challenging and I wouldn't change a second of it. I thought I would go over some of my favourite products and memories of 2016 and some of my resolutions (that you know I probably won't keep past February) for 2017.

Favourite book: Oh man, I think I've read more books this year than I have in my whole life. This is actually such a hard one to narrow down to one, but I think it absolutely has to go If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo. This is such a beautiful book about a male to female transition that I honestly hadn't given much thought to until this book. I recommend it so, so highly.

Favourite purchase: This has to be either Cards Against Humanity or my Canon Rebel T5. The camera is amazing, the quality of pictures is so great and I love taking it along on adventures, but Cards Against Humanity is the funniest game, and my family has been playing it nonstop for days (also I won the last time we played so that makes me happy too).

Favourite beauty product: Hands down, my favourite beauty product this year has been my Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious mascara. I've been using Elizabeth Arden mascara for a few years which was amazing, but so friggin expensive, so I broke down and bought Lash Sensational instead and I will never look back. The volume is perfect, it fans out my lashes so well, and their is an oil in it which makes my lashes softer than other mascaras.

Favourite food: Homemade stew from my mama. I was so excited about this stew, I had dreams about it. I really wish I was lying but homemade food from your mom after months of not having it is like heaven in a bowl.

Favourite moment: I can't really pick one, but it has to be spending time with my nephew and niece. Hunter turned two this year and I got to spend almost half of my year watching and helping him grow and learn. His little laugh is my favourite sound and I'm so glad I get to hear it so often. Hayzle has just made her appearance in 2016 but she is the sweetest little baby in the world. She doesn't cry at all, only makes the cutest little squeaks and I love it.

     Now on to the resolutions! This year I really want to make schedules for myself and actually following them, because I am constantly trying to do everything at once and then getting so overwhelmed. I was given a very beautiful calendar for Christmas and I am very excited to actually start scheduling my life. My second resolution is to go outside more often. Now that I live in a city, I'm missing the different trails and rural areas where I grew up so I'm definitely going to find some good walking trails near me now.

     I hope you all have wonderful plans for new years (I will probably be spending it with the cutest kids ever imagined) and I hope that your new year will be filled with love and good things.

Wild & Free Project

     I've been following the beautiful Alexa Jean Brown for years, and have done two rounds of her Sore To The Core ab program (review here), and I mean basically I'm just obsessed with her and her brand. So earlier this year, she started the Wild and Free Project, which helps raise awareness and support families fighting pediatric cancer by selling super cute T-shirts and donating 25% of all proceeds to the Kylie Rowand Foundation.

     There are so many styles to chose from, and they come in women, men and kids sizes. Literally obsessed with so many of these shirts, they are very adorable designs and they are so comfy to wear. 

     So I bought two tanks, both were $22 US ($29.72 CAD) and they are really nice quality. I'm honestly living in the mermaid one lately, it's so cute and so comfortable! 

             

   
     I couldn't recommend The Wild and Free Project more, there is nothing better than getting some adorable clothes and helping support those affected by childhood cancer. You can browse and shop the styles here!

*all opinions are my own and I purchased all of these products myself.*

Illuminate By Ashley Haul // Review

I have been so excited to try Ashley Tisdale's new cosmetics line basically since it got announced. It took me awhile to actually get around to buying it though because since I'm in Canada I thought the shipping would be atrocious. I was so wrong though, as the cost was only around $6.50. The shipping took a little bit longer than I would have liked, but that's only because I'm the most impatient person ever. There also was no customs charges which I was very, very happy about!

So first of all I have to say that I'm absolutely in love with the packaging. I know that what matters is inside the packaging but it's just too cute not to mention. In my order I got the Beach Goddess Palette, a lip gloss, an illuminating shimmer, body bronzer, and a cream lip and cheek tint. On first use they all seem like good quality, highly pigmented and very easy to apply.

The Beach Goddess palette has 9 eye shadow shades (5 shimmery, 4 matte) in different brown and neutral colours, as well as one matte bronzer, a shimmery bronzer and a shimmery blush. The colours are all super pigmented and I'm definitely in love with the colour Belize, a dark coppery brown shimmer shade. The packaging does come with a plastic sheet over the colours with their names on it, which I guess could be annoying for some people, but I don't mind it. Overall, for $14.50, it's my new go to palette.




I got the lip gloss in the shade coral reef and was a little iffy at first, but I think it'll probably be my new favourite. The colour is a very pretty light coral which looks shimmery in the package, but the glitter in it is so small that once it's on your lips you barely notice. It dries well and doesn't smear as much as I thought it would considering it was only $8. The applicator is a little bit weird, as it is plastic with a small brush on one side. I'm still deciding if I like it or not. Regardless, the gloss goes on smoothly and I'm happy with the pigmentation

I have a very love hate relationship with the illuminating shimmer right now. It is absolutely beautiful, but it gets on everything. It goes on really well and the pigmentation is good, but there's just so much glitter. It ends up all over my hands and therefore everything I touch for the next few hours. But it's $7.50 so I can't really complain.






The body bronzer is probably my favourite product right now. I originally got it so that when my tan started to fade, I could make it last longer so I wouldn't have to purchase all new makeup (Summer Delaney and Winter Delaney are about 5 shades different), but now I'm using it on my tan lines and my skin looks so so amazing. I've been using a dove bronzer for years and have never gotten my tan lines to match my skin until now. The shade I use is soaked in sun and not that this actually makes a difference to the results, but it smells like grapefruit. The bronzer costs $14 and I will definitely be repurchasing.



So I have never seen anyone actually apply a cream blush, so I'm not 100% if I'm doing it right, but either way I like it. It's not my favourite and the pigmentation isn't great, but it does it's job and for $8, it's pretty good quality. I honestly just might be using it wrong though. Time to watch more makeup tutorials, I guess.

I'm definitely pleased with my purchase overall, and will be repurchasing the bronzing lotion, and I will absolutely be getting the Night Goddess palette in the future. If you're interested in any of the products you can shop them here!

*all opinions are my own and I purchased all of these products myself.* 

Winter Reading List

I can't believe how quickly this year is going by! It seems like just yesterday summer was here, but now it's getting cold and snow is falling. I don't know about you, but all I want to do is curl up with a soft blanket and a good book and let the snow fall. Speaking of books, I have some that are perfect to read during the cold months.

Children's Christmas Books

I know Christmas isn't here yet, but it is getting very close! What better way to get into the Christmas spirit then reading old Christmas books you used to read as a child. Some of my favourites are A Cup of Christmas Tea and The Night Before Christmas.

A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

What's Christmas without a little Charles Dickens. Usually I just watch a Christmas Carol (okay, I watch the Muppets version), but this year I've decided to read it as well. It's a classic, so how could I not.

The Selection Series - Kiera Cass

This one has really nothing to do with Christmas, as Christmas doesn't even exist in this dystopian society. It is on the other hand a great series which I can only describe as a cross between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor. This is a great feel good series (although it does have some soul crushing moments) which is perfect for sitting around in comfy pjs and relaxing.

Girl Online - Zoe Sugg

Oh, how I love Zoe Sugg. Girl Online has been on my reading list for quite awhile, and I've decided that this winter will be the perfect time to just snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket and some tea, and read Girl Online... and Girl Online 2... and 3... wow, I'm super behind.

We Were Liars - E. Lockhart

We Were Liars follows Cadence Sinclair's journey trying to remember her summer, after an she has an accident on her family's private island. One of the most incredible books I've read in a long time, with an ending that I did not see coming.

All The Bright Places - Jennifer Niven

Not going to lie, this book made me cry for hours after I finished, but it was so unbelievably touching that I already want to read it again. This book is about Finch, a boy who wants to die, and Violet, the girl he meets and saves on top of a bell tower. This is probably the biggest tear jerker since The Fault in Our Stars.

The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily - Rachel Cohn and David Leviathan

I'm currently making my way through all of Cohn and Leviathan's books (Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist is my favourite so far!) but the Twelve Days of Dash and Lily is perfect for the Christmas season, as it follows Dash, Lily, and their closest friends and family while they try to remind Lily of the magic of Christmas.


So that is my Winter reading list! If there is any books you think I should read this winter, please leave a comment below!

Face Shop // Haul & Review

     I feel like I will always be the person that smudges her nails 3.4 seconds after putting nail polish on because I literally cannot keep my hands still. I'm not even kidding, I'm writing this post with wet nails. Already smudged 4 of them.

     Anywayssss, my credit card hates me but my inner beauty lover is a happy, happy girl. I've just had a small delivery from the Face Shop so I thought that I would show you my mini haul and do a quick little review.

    I want to say how happy I am with their shipping. My mom's first order (months ago) came super late and incomplete but she had called and told them what happened, they corrected their mistake and within two days she had all of her order, and since then all of our packages have been super quick (usually between 2-4 days) and really inexpensive which is great because I am the most impatient person while waiting for deliveries and I will literally stop shopping at any place that has shipping prices over $10.

     So getting on with the haul now...

     First up, this Rice Water Cleanser, $13, which says it is a cleansing foam. I wouldn't necessarily say that it's super foamy,  but it lathers really well. I've definitely noticed a difference in my skin since using this, my acne is clearing up, and my skin overall seems brighter. 

I've used a few face masks from The Face Shop, but this aloe face mask, $2, is definitely one of my favourites.  It is super soothing and makes my skin feel incredibly hydrated. It's recommended to use once, but I put it in a sealed container to get another use out of it.

 Next up is the Mild Papaya Peeling Mask, $17, which scared the crap out of me the first time I used it. When I read "peeling mask" I figured it would be a mask that you put on, wait to dry and then peel off. I was wrong. This one really isn't a mask, but a gel that you put on that peels off your dead skin. Sounds super sketchy, I know, but I'm honestly so in love with it now. I use this once a week, and my skin feels so much better the next day, and my acne is clearing up so well since using this.

Finally, this Acacia Honey Hand Cream, $6,which is probably my favourite thing I've bought from the Face Shop. It is super moisturizing, sinks into your skin quickly, and isn't greasy. Also it smells SO good. This is definitely my new go-to hand cream.
   
   






     I would definitely recommend these products or The Face Shop in general, if you're looking for good quality products for a really good price. Also they have some great deals going on for Christmas so if you're stumped on what to get someone, definitely check it out!

*all opinions are my own and I purchased all of these products myself.* 

Autumn and Winter Lipsticks

     Autumn and winter are my favourite times to wear lipstick, as this is when all the red and dark berry tones come out. Whether you're going to a party or just feel like a little something to extra, all of these are available in Walmart or Shoppers Drugmart.

  

  So my very favourite is a Rimmel / Kate Moss lipstick in number 107. This is a dark red matte lipstick that lasts for quite awhile and doesn't feel like it's drying out my lips. Also it smells like watermelon, so that's definitely a plus. It is regularly $8.99.

   Next is the priciest lipstick for $32, Elizabeth Arden, Iced Grape, number 36. It's a really beautiful colour, and very moisturising. It also has a really amazing scent that I can't quite name, but I love.

      This next one is a matte Maybelline lipstick in the shade Siren in Scarlett, number 690. It is a beautiful bright red, which retails for $10.99. This is probably my favourite red, as it lasts quite awhile and is highly pigmented.

     My NYC Expert Last lipstick in shade Red Rapture, 432 was an impulse by at a Walmart because it was only $2! Considering it's price, it's super pigmented although it does tend to smudge, so I would suggest using a lip liner with this one.

     The only Gosh lipstick I own is number 008, and although the colour is absolutely gorgeous, it doesn't glide onto my lips the way the other lipsticks do. Not too sure if this is one is just a faulty lipstick or it's the formulation for all of them, but I don't wear it as much as I would like to because of this. $14.99

     Last but not least is the NYX Liquid Suede cream lipstick, number 11. It dries as a matte and is such a beautiful deep red, I'm in love. It dries quickly and lasts a super long time without flaking. This one is a bit drying though, so once you take it off I do recommend doing a lip treatment. $10.99

*all opinions are my own and I purchased all of these products myself.* 

Autumn Reading List

     I'm not too sure when this blog stopped being about health and wellness, but it's about to take on a new chapter. And by chapter, I mean a seasonal book club/reading list. Yes, I made a book pun. Sue me. Basically I'm just going to share books that I either love to read or will be reading that have a sort of Halloween/Thanksgiving/Fall in general vibe. So without further rambling, here it is :


     1. Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

      I've wanted to read this for years, and never actually gotten around to it, so I've decided this is the year I finally will. I'm a big fan of Halloween in general, but classics like Frankenstein are my favourite so I am definitely excited to read the book.

     2. Pride And Prejudice - Jane Austen

     Now, this one doesn't really have anything to do with fall, but it is all about family and relationships which is why I think it's nice to read around Thanksgiving when you're potentially being forced to be around family that you may not particularly like. If there's one thing the Bennett's taught me, it's to be thankful for my mother.

     3. Carrie - Stephen King

     I mean, Stephen King has to be on this list, right? I grew up watching the movie Carrie (thanks for the nightmares, mom) and it's been on my reading list for quite awhile, so I think that it's finally the perfect time to read it.

    4. Phantom - Susan Kay

    This is another book whose film adaptation I grew up watching. It's actually one of my favourite movies, so if you like musicals and haven't watched it, you probably should. I only just found out that this was a book, so I am incredibly excited to read it.

    5. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson

    Another classic that I have been meaning to read foreverrrrr. This story has influenced so many different movies, TV specials, and books, so I am definitely thrilled to finally read the original.

     6. Balefire - Cate Tiernan

     Okay so this one is a series, but there's only four of them and they're not too long. It is definitely one of my favourite modern witch series. I'm not even sure how to describe it because it is quite complex, but I promise that they are great books especially around this time of year.

     7. The Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling

     I feel like if I left this off the list, I might get struck by lightening. I honestly put off reading the Harry Potter series for years, and now that I've finally finished, I wish I had it in my life way sooner. It's just the most magical and wonderful book series. Ever. If you haven't read it, stop living under a rock. If you have read it, read it again, because you know you want too.

 

     I really hope this list inspires you to curl up on a crisp night with a soft blanket, a cup of tea and a great book. That's definitely how I'll be spending my nights! Have any books you think I'd love? Leave it in the comments!

Camping 101

  Summer is coming to a close, and with it goes our wonderful warm weather. So as a farewell to my favourite season, every year I go camping with some friends and family. It's probably one of my favourite things to do and I always come back with great memories and an even better tan. So this week I'll be showing you my necessities for an amazing weekend in the great outdoors.




Your tent is where it all starts. No one wants to wake up wet and cold in the middle of the night. You also need to decide how many people you're going to have in your tent. My family currently has 4 different tents. We started of with one eight-man tent and every year we get a new one because no one can handle my dad's snoring. Not too sure why we didn't just get one for him in the first place, but we like being difficult I guess. Either way, here are two options for a two person tent and an eight person tent.

Next up is my favourite thing about camping with my family, the amazing food. When we go camping there could be 10 people or there could be 30. So usually one night (usually the Saturday), we have a huge potluck dinner for everyone. Hot dogs, hamburgers, 7 layer dip (my fave!), pulled pork, potato salad and so much more gets set up on an array of picnic tables and it's basically the most wonderful thing in existence. Here is a fantastic recipe for campfire pizza, and another for potatoes.

When we go camping there's always a whole lot of kids who like to be attached to the hip with their favourite relative, so over the years I've found some great ways to keep kids busy while the adults relax. If you're planning on having a campfire (how could you not?!) send kids off to find sticks for roasting marshmallows! Just make sure that they don't go too far off, and you can always see them. Another good way is to set up a scavenger hunt for them to find things like rocks, leaves and pinecones. If you're an adult who either likes to hang out with the kids, or gets voluntold to watch them, you could always play some tag, catch or take them swimming.

Camping is such a great way to hang out with your family and friends, while also getting some much needed fresh air. If you haven't gone camping at least once this summer do it now before the nights start getting too cold.

8 Ladies You Need To Follow

     We all do it - spend hours upon hours on Youtube and Instagram, watching the lives of different vloggers, learning how to do the perfect contour, and crying about how much better their lives are. We all have favourites, and I thought I'd do an appreciation post of mine. Buckle in kids, judging by my internet bill, this could get long.


Zoella

     I feel like Zoe Sugg is quite possibly the cutest human to ever live. Also one of the most successful bloggers in the history of Youtube. Zoe started her 'Zoella' Youtube channel in 2009, and in 7 short years, has built an empire; from books to multiple beauty lines of her own, this 26 year old kicks ass and looks darn cute doing it. Also have you seen her brother Joe lately because daaaaaamn. Apparently Youtube success is not the only thing that runs in the family. Subscribe to her Youtube, HERE!

The Haute Mess

    The Haute Mess, founded by badass babe Ashley Tisdale and was launched last summer. It features posts from Tisdale and 25+ other ladies, about empowering women and learning how to get through life, even when -you guessed it- you feel like a hot mess. I check this website every week and always learn something, like the best ways to incorporate more colour into my wardrobe, or making delicious and healthy treats. The Haute Mess is my favourite go-to website.

Alexa Brown

     I've had the biggest girl crush on Alexa Jean Brown for a couple years now. She actually was the reason that I started documenting my healthy lifestyle in the first place. Alexa is that girl you creep every once in awhile when you've been slacking with your workouts to get your butt in gear. Or if you're me, everyday, because you're just in love with her whole life. Her Instagram is definitely one of my favourites. And you can check out the review I did last year of her #soretothecore workout plan here!

Chloe Morello

      I really want Chloe Morello to be my best friend. The first reason is because she has the best makeup tutorials ever, and the second reason is that her accent makes me so happy every time I hear it. Australian accents are my favourite. But seriously, her tutorials are flawless, and I've learned so much from her over the last few months. Check out her Youtube, here!

Claudia Sulwski

     Claudia is another lovely lady that I definitely want to be my friend. She does an array of videos from makeup tutorials to room tours (her apartment is the dream, tbh), to advice videos. My favourite thing about her is the positive energy she always seems to have. Granted, this energy could totally only be for show, but it makes me happy, so whatever. Watch her videos here!!

Anna Akana

     I found Anna's YouTube around two years ago, and have never been disappointed. She's hilarious, hard working and seriously talented. If you're in the LA area, check out her stand up dates, or for the rest of us unfortunate souls, check out her youtube. Also she has the cutest cats ever so that's nice.

Holistic Habits (Sarah Nagel)

     Sarah is another reason why I started my health and fitness journey. Her Youtube channel inspired me so much with her diy face masks, easy, healthy recipes, and all of her natural healing remedies. And her positive outlook on life is infectious. I definitely recommend following her if you are looking to find out more about living as naturally as possible. 

Ashy Bines

     Potentially one of the most controversial fitness trainers, Ashy has been in the media over the years for many negative stories surrounding her business and life in general. But I personally don't give a shit about any of that. After launching her reality show, Ashy Bines Raw, a different, more human side was shown. We got to see a more silly and emotional side of the Aussie, which definitely helped turn her public image back around. Season 3 of Raw has just started, but you can watch all the episodes on her Youtube channel.

The Best Drugstore Face Mask

 

     Lately I've been absolutely obsessed with finding a great face mask that wouldn't break the bank. Let me tell you, it's been hard. I feel like going into this I thought "Oh yeah, there will be like 10 face masks to try, that won't be too hard", and then it turned out that it was more like 50 and incredibly overwhelming. This picture isn't even half of the masks I found.

     Overall, I was pretty impressed with most of the masks but there was one brand in particular that stood out among the rest. Look Beauty's face masks are awesome. They cost $9.99 regularly and come in a box with three pouches, one of which gave me 6 masks (I squeezed the rest of the mask into a small container with a lid so that it wouldn't dry up between uses). So basically for $9.99 you're getting 18 face masks. Talk about a bargain! 

     

     While all the face masks were super easy to apply and gave me great results, the Anti Blemish-Prone mud mask definitely gave me the best results. The spots on my face either cleared up by the morning or were visibly smaller, and my face felt so soft and smooth. There was also no irritation to my face while the mask was on, unlike some brands and face masks I tried.

    I definitely give this face mask a glowing recommendation, and I will 100% be using these masks in the future.

*all opinions are my own and I purchased all of these products myself.* 

Back To School Essentials

     I can't believe it's already time to write this. Where has summer gone? As depressing as it is that school starts again very soon, I've got some cute stationary and needed items to make your school year a little more bearable.

     First up, this adorable crochet backpack from Target. It's currently on sale for $28.75. I'm trying to convince myself that I need two backpacks so I can get this. 

     Next, Pantone notebooks which come in a pack of 10 for $19.95 on papersource. The colours of these are amazing and will definitely brighten your school day.

     I may have gotten a wee bit excited when I found these marbled pencils. This set of 8 is also from Paper source. They are so gorgeous, and in my opinion worth the 9.95.

     I feel like I've been obsessed with Pitch Perfect for far too long but I don't care. These pencils are $8 from Carbon Crusader and I'm in love. 

     This geometric calendar from Paper Source is good for 17 months, which I honestly had never heard of before. It starts in August of 2016 and goes all the way to December of 2017 so it's awesome, especially for only $14.95

     Looking for a new computer or tablet? I'm not going to pretend that I know anything about computers, but this ASUS Chromebook is my favourite new gadget. It turns 360 degrees to be a tablet or you can have it with the keyboard out as a regular laptop. $351.74 on Amazon.

     These are potentially the cutest things I have ever seen. Not too sure why pens with crowns on them make me quite so happy, but they do and that's really all that matters. Get them on Amazon for $4.03

     Last but not least, everyone needs a cute set of gel pens to make school a little more fun. These Kawaii ones are only $4.32 on Amazon.

     I hope these make you a little more excited and you have an amazing school year!