WHAT I'VE BEEN READING // 1

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I'm a major fan of the public library. My favourite lunch breaks are those spent power walking to the downtown branch, finding a book and then sitting in the glass courtyard while I soak up the first couple pages.

I fell in love with books in grade 6. I had an incredible teacher named Mrs. Sinclair. She obviously loved reading and it rubbed off on me. I began devouring books. Today I don't have as much spare time as I did when I was eleven but my love for books hasn't fizzled. I usually have a library book on my nightstand or in my purse and if it's a gooder, I read it any spare moment I can.

Here's what I've been reading the past few months:

1. The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin- This one's a historical fiction novel about Charles and Anne Lindbergh. Charles Lindbergh was a famous aviator in the 30's. Because I LOVED The Paris Wife, I thought I would love this guy but honestly, I found it kind of boring. The Lindbergh's story was very sad and tragic but the book just didn't captivate me. 

2. Z: A novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler- I went into this one with crazy high hopes. From what I knew of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald (mainly from my favourite movie, Midnight in Paris, ha!), I thought they were a fascinating couple but I finished this book feeling depressed. I also was incredibly thankful I didn't grow up in the 20s. If you want a sad, downer novel then read this one.

3. Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt- I really, really, really enjoyed this novel. Mostly because I loved the main character, June. Great characters, great writing. It also made me cry, so that gets double points. 

4. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes- This was a cute read to begin with but ended very tragically and not how I wanted it at all. I'm kind of mad at the author and of the character's decision at the end of the novel. It was a good read though, so I recommend it!

5. Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella- Nothing like a good ol' Sophie Kinsella book. It was a funny, light read but not as good as some of her past novels.

6. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh- This was actually my pick for our book club (when are we meeting next ladies!!!). I've read it before and loved it all over again. It's a beautiful story about love, grace and restoration. I highly recommend it!

Can't say I was thrilled on my most recent reads but there were definitely some gems in there. I'm always looking for a new book to read. Let me know what you've read lately!

xoxo,

s.s.♥.

MY FAVES // MAKE-UP

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Story time.

When I was a teenager I applied for this thing called 'The Bay High School Council'. I can't remember much about it, except that the interview was terrifying (I performed a monologue from Erin Brockovich in front of 20 grade 12 students), we got to be in a parade and a fashion show (where I wore REALLLY ugly clothes) and we got a job at the Bay. I lucked out and was placed in cosmetics and fragrances.

There, in my seventeenth year, I gained a love for fragrances and more importantly, makeup. I helped out on a few makeup counters throughout that year and a few years after that I worked for Clinique. I absolutely love makeup and still do some freelance work on the side (I'm excited to be working on some of the models in the upcoming you & her Vancouver event!)

So I thought it was about time, I'd share some of my favourite beauty-related things…get ready for my favourite fragrances, skincare products, hair products and (today's) makeup products!

I use almost all of these products everyday. On a normal work day, I'll usually take about 10 minutes to do my makeup (15 if I do a cat eye, ha!)

So here they be, my favourite makeup products (in clockwise order):

1. Naked 2 Palette- This is my absolute favourite palette. It has the perfect mix of warm and cool tones. Naked 3 just got released at Christmas but it's a bit too pinky for my liking. Honestly, you can't go wrong with Naked 2.

2. Mac "Hip n Happy" Lip Liner- The best way to get your lipstick to last longer is to completely cover your lips in lip liner. I love the light pink pigment that this one produces. It's strong enough to wear with just a gloss on top.

3. Balm "Bahama Mama" Bronzer- I use this everyday. It's absolutely perfect for contouring. It's a tad dark, so just use a bit and be sure to blend, blend, blend.

4. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Foundation- For years I searched for a foundation with actual lasting power. My search was over when I found this one. It's a bit pricy but I only use it for my nose and chin so it lasts me forever.

5. Mac "Blankety" Lipstick- I've been hunting for a good nude lipstick. This one takes the cake. It's not crazy nude-y where it looks like concealer on your lips. It has some depth and pink undertones. So pretty.

6. Mac "Brun" eyeshadow- I use this guy for filling in my eyebrows. It's the perfect brown and works on just about everyone.

7. Smashbox "Pout" lipgloss- This is the perfect pale pink. I usually pair it with Mac's Hip n Happy to make it stay extra long.

8. Lancome Hypnose Mascara- The best mascara ever. Nuff said. Seriously, I've tried a bajillion mascaras. This gives the best drama without mad clumping. I love it, I love it, I love it, booyah.

9. Mac Prep & Prime- I always use this before applying lipliner. It totally preps your lips making them silky and smooth! I bought it a few years ago and I still have it, so that tells you how long you'll have it for, ha.

So there you go, my favourite makeup products! I'm excited to let you know that I'll be pumping out some makeup tutorials every once in awhile!!! So if you have any questions or any requests, send them my way!

xo,

s.s.♥.

WORRYING ABOUT IT WON'T CHANGE A THING GIRL.

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Did Monday sneak up on you too? I had a pretty packed weekend followed by a rather annoying stomach ache that I woke up to this morning. The week ahead of me is looking quite full. I'm faced with two choices. 1. Stress out and worry that I won't get anything done. OR 2. Pray and trust God will give me the strength I need. I'll take the latter. It's a tough one though because worrying about it is my natural reaction. If I'm not careful, I get carried away with stressing and worrying and sooner or later, half my day is eaten up.

Sometimes I need to give myself a pep talk. It goes like this... Break it down and really look at it. Worrying won't change a thing girl. Not a single thing. Stop stressing and pray. Go read Philippians 4...you know the verses...

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-8

and breathe.

images- 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 my own

So if you find yourself in the same boat as me, do yourself a favour and pray. Soon enough, God's peace will be all up on you.

happy monday :)

-s.s.♥.

SEATTLE WEEKEND

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Last weekend I had the privilege of accompanying my friend, Kristy to Seattle for her birthday weekend. The main point of the trip was JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE (which was INNNNSSAAAANNNNE!!!). We left early Friday morning, checked into our hotel and then took the monorail to downtown Seattle. I hadn't been to Seattle in years, so everything was pretty new to me. We spent the afternoon downtown checking out the famous, gum wall and of course, Pike Place Market. 

I don't watch football but after being in town for the weekend I am a SEAHAWKS fan!! The buzz of the city was incredible! Starbucks was giving out 12cent drinks if you were sporting blue or green and so many people were wearing jerseys. I was a tad bit confused at the concert when they kept talking about the "12th man" being in the house. Every time the DJ would announce it, the crowd went crrraaay. Eventually, I leaned over to the girl beside me and asked her who this "12th man" was lol.

We went to Portage Bay Cafe the next morning for breakfast. There was a bit of a wait but it was delicious and had sweet vibes. After some shopping for clothes and a much needed stock up trip to Trader Joe's we headed back to the island.

until next time,

s.s.♥,

COMFORT CLOTHING

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When it comes to January fashion, I'm drawn to cozzzzy. Who am I kidding? Most of my clothing year round is all about being cozy. My go to comfort outfit is leggings (if I'm at home, it's my lulus..if I'm going to see people other than James and Coco, it's my zara leggings...and yes I referred to Coco as "people"), a long t-shirt and an oversized cardigan. I recently read someone referring to these as coatigans but that word kinda freaks me out. I bought one of these oversized cardigans last June and it has been a dream. Oh, you are as cozy as a robe AND are fashionable? Sign me right up. I may have purchased the striped one in Seattle over the weekend. You can never have too many oversized cardigans, riiiiiggght?

Do you have a go to comfort outfit? I'd love to know!

over and out,

s.s.♥.