Latests

I love sharing things I love. So this post should be ground zero for the stuff that’s been hitting the top of my list lately.

First up, Alterna Kendi Dry Oil Mist. I got a small bottle of this stuff in one of those monthly beauty subscription boxes and never thought to use it. Well, recently I started using it and it blows everything else I’ve tried out of the water. I have dried and styled my hair immediately after applying AND I’ve slept with it in damp hair. Both instances leave my hair super smooth and soft and just….wonderful. When my trial bottle started to get low, I searched online with bated breath that it was available in Canada. Sure enough, I saw that Sephora Canada carried it and I took my next work lunch walk over to snatch up a bottle.

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Next, Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick in Hot Tango. I have been hot on the trail for a red lipstick that suits my skin tone. Yesterday, I was in Sephora (again) and tested out the Hot Tango. After sleeping on it, I decided to head back today and bite the bullet.

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I totally love it and it makes me feel powerful. Just have to make sure not to get outside the lines otherwise I could look a little too similar to Steve Buscemi.

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Third- Taste of Nature Organic snack bars. I’ve found that I need a tiny pick me up in the afternoon before heading home. I’m pretty particular on how I eat during the week- especially now that I’m back to work and sitting for long period of time, it really takes a toll on my digestion, etc.- and I hunted throughout a variety of drug stores downtown before deciding on these bars. They have fantastic nutritional stats, all REAL ingredients, and well…they just taste FANTASTIC. So far, I’ve had the Quebec Cranberry Carnival and Brazilian Nut Fiesta. Perfect snacks, and I plan on stocking up when I get to Costco this weekend so I can have tons handy wherever I go.

 

 

 

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Then there’s the Gap Dot Print Top. This was another purchase made during my ‘walk to the mall during my lunch and pretend to window shop but really buy a few things’ trip. I almost want an ‘occassion’ to wear this to before wearing it to work. I’m thinking of maybe wearing it when we go to Banff on Saturday. Best part of this purchase other than its cuteness? I got it for 50% off. I’m a SICK shopper.

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Ok, so this isn’t a new favorite, but dang it it’s a GOOD favorite. Stiegl Radler. Add a shot of vodka to it and you’ve got yourself a good time. This stuff sells out QUICK every week at all the local liquor stores, so we like to stock up on it and keep it in the beer fridge.

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That’s all I’ve got for now! Any of these hit your radar? What other Latests can you share with me?!!

Recent Gets

Lots to show you guys today.

Today started bright and early at the gym with a nice and sweaty spin session.

 

Towards the end of my workout, the alarms went off and it turns out someone got hurt near the treadmills. Kind of scary, but there were tons of people rushing to their side. Hope he’s ok!

Fast forward a bit, and I got myself ready for the day.

 

I first had to drop of some stuff at the Y downtown, then I figured I’d get my ring cleaned while I was in the area.

 

Nice and sparkly!

Next up, the mall. I party fouled and walked into Lululemon first to try on my coveted jacket. Tyler, if you’re reading this, size 8. Thanks

 

Le sigh. It was so comfy and wonderful and delicious.

My only purchases from a 2 hour stint was a thermal shirt and hat. Both on SUPER discount sale.

 

 

Since I’m sharing some material good with you all, I might as well tell ya what came in the mail. First, my Sephora order:

 

 

How to Look the Best at Everything by my favorite makeup brand ever, Benefit

Because I ordered this online, I got a sweet freebie bag along with it:

 

6 perfume samples, some eye shadows, mascara, toner, and some oils. Not too shabby!

And….my Glymm box! Before moving to Calgary, I was OBSESSED with getting my Birchbox every month (they only deliver to the US). After being here for nearly 9 months, I finally came across a similar monthly subscription service for Canadians!!! Woo hoo!! This was what I got in my November box:

 

 

Fancy Schmancy shampoo and conditioner (good timing with my ‘new’ hair!), deep blue polish (appropriately named The New Black), body scrub, and perfume.

Now on to some of my crafting accomplishments:

I actually saved a couple of the boxes from my Birchbox subscription and repurposed them into gift boxes! How smart am I? A coat of paint, glue, and glitter. The end.

 

A yarn wreath:

 

And some Christmassy pots that have been sealed with a pottery spray that has a been of sheen.

 

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No, not that kinda sheen. The shine:

 

Now it’s time for me to get started on dinner. Bacon is involved.

 

(Source) <—almost wrote bacon right there.

Fast 500 Workout

Happy Friday (and Memorial Day weekend to my American friends!)

This morning was a rush rush rush in getting stuff done. Tyler is bumping out of work early so we can head to Montana for the night and officially export/import my car tomorrow. Isn’t that exciting?! Not entirely.

After a bowl of Cheerios, I took Layla for an hour walk on one of usual paths near the house.

Then I went to the mall. Because that’s important. And I bought stuff.

Store 1: Lululemon

I got scoop neck tank and wunder unders..in PINK. I am all too excited to wear these.

I am still an R&D member, so I was able to get a discount. Can’t really hate that. Helps feed the addiction.

Store 2: Gap

Some jean shorts and tanks and tops for the warmer weather. Obviously when I moved here in February, I was thinking I only needed to pack the essentials for winter weather. Now, I’m screwed because I didn’t bring all my summer clothes up. Insert: shopping!

Store 3: Sephora

Some summer essentials for summer from my favey cosmetic line, Benefit. You Rebel is a tinted moisturizer and Hoola is a powder bronzer. I think I have consistently used the bronzer since I was 15. Never will I ever stray from you, Benefit! I always feel so glammy when I wear their stuff, but it doesn’t feel like a high maintenance line which I love.

Ok, ok. On to the workout. Since the walk with Layla and shopping consumed too much of my morning, I only had 20 minutes to sweat before I needed to get ready to hit the road. So here’s what I banged out.

  • 10 jacks
  • 10 double hops
  • 10 plank jacks
  • 10 up/down planks
  • 10 situps
  • 10 stability ball leg lifts
  • 10 stability ball wall sits
  • 10 plie squats with raised heels
  • 10 tricep kickbacks
  • 10 lower back extensions on the stability ball

Repeat as many times as you can until you hit 20 minutes. (I did it 5 times in about 18 minutes, which is 500 reps, hence the workout name!) If you’re not pressed for time, do as many sets as you can before you pass out.

Now, I gotta really hustle my bustle to get ready..have a great weekend!

More recent purchases

Yeah, I know I am not making any money. So of course, I shouldn’t be spending what little I have left. buticanthelpmyself. We are going up to Banff tomorrow and I want to buy stuff for it! (Plus, I had to return something, so I practically MADE money today.)

First up, Nails Inc. nail polish in Sloane Square.


When I did a test coat in the store, it went on really easily and dried in a flash. I can’t wait to have glittery nails tomorrow!

Next, a Benefit brow pencil.

I am OBSESSED with Benefit cosmetics. I even told the girl at Sephora today that I was a Benefit Whore. She laughed, but I don’t think she got that I was kidding.

Those two products alone where exhausting to purchase, so I had to refuel with a Jugo Juice Max Veg pressed juice and a wheatgrass shot.

The Max Veg has beets, carrots, spinach, green pepper, celery and cucumbers. It was delish!

Now I am back home, starving, and have yet to work out. Guess I should hop to!