Five on Friday - December 8, 2023 ~ Betting on You Book Review, December Most Anticipated Books, New Blurb Yearbook, Exercise Bike and Book Sleeve

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all had a great week! 

ONE 

Betting on You was received as a review copy

Time for another great book review - this was a young adult romance, and it's a little bit out of my realm; but it was really sweet and great! I don't read a ton of YA romance, but this is recommended for someone who loves 10 Things I Hate About You and She's All That, and I truly had to pick it up with those comps and it was perfect with those in mind! This is set around two main characters with how they meet (and hate each other) two years prior and how they come back together. They somewhat bond on being children of divorce and parents starting to date, throw in a few bets and some hidden feelings and it was a lot of fun. The tension is a little predictable, but I don't mind that! I thought the characters were good and loved their chemistry and connection! It was a lot of fun. 4 stars! 

Manicure Monday - Stamped Winter Cozy Nails

Happy Manicure Monday - I hope you all had a good weekend! We were busy with Christmasy things and markets, but it was a great weekend! 

I purchased everything in this post

It's December and the countdown is on to Christmas - I'm getting so excited! And, the #CBBxManiMonday always does a whole month of Christmas nails - I always love seeing what we come up with for our holiday nails! 

Five on Friday - December 1, 2023 ~ Christmas Decorating, November Month of Vegetarian and Pescatarian Meals, Advent Calendars, Meeting Santa, and Spotify Wrapped

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all had a good week - can we believe it's December 1 today?! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post

We are all set up for Christmas - I love this time! We get a real tree so we always have to wait until late November to get set up and I'm so excited! We make a big family night of it and we are in full holiday mode now! 

Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick in Red Hot

Can you believe that today is that last day of November?! I feel like November just flew by! I'm getting so excited for holiday season (although we are full blown in it already!)

I purchased this product on my own

Speaking of holiday season - are you looking for the perfect bold red lip for your holiday parties?! I know there is a million out there and honestly, there is so many out there you don't need this recommendation. 

Manicure Monday - Matte Green Geometric Nails

Happy Monday everyone - hope you all had a good weekend! It's time for busy holiday season, but I still managed to get a quick mani in! 

The OPI polishes were received as PR samples 

November nails for the #CBBxManiMonday group is going to be a little bit of a free for all (literally the theme of the month), since we are all in between a month of October Halloween nails and prepping for a month of holiday nails in December! 

Five on Friday - November 24, 2023 ~ Moon of the Turning Leaves Book Review, November 2023 Owlcrate Subscription, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Movie, Across The Spider-verse DVD, and Monthly Declutter

Happy Friday everyone - I hope you all had a good week! It's been a little crazy around here, but I think at this point, I say that every week! 

ONE 

Moon of the Turning Leaves and Across The Spider-verse was sent as a review copy

I'm always happy when I have a good book to share, especially when that good book is Canadian! I read Moon of the Crusted Snow earlier this year and it was fantastic - it's modern dystopian, so realistic and super eerie. It takes place on a remote reserve in Northern Ontario and essentially the power shuts off forever and the people on the reserve have no idea what happens. The first book follows what happens immediately following the events and what the community does to survive. Then, this year we got a sequel, Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice and it's just as good as the first one! 

Manicure Monday - Duochrome Star Nails

Happy Manicure Monday - slightly late, whoops! I had everything loaded up but forgot to actually type anything! 

I purchased everything in this post

November nails for the #CBBxManiMonday group is going to be a little bit of a free for all (literally the theme of the month), since we are all inbetween a month of October Halloween nails and prepping for a month of holiday nails in December! 

Winter 2023 - The Jilly Box Subscription Unboxing

I'm a big fan of Jillian Harris, so when she announced that she was starting a subscription box, I was so excited! The box started with the Winter 2019 box and sadly, I was not one of the lucky originals who won a subscription spot, so I sign up every season and hope to get picked for a lottery spot!

I purchased this box

The Jilly Box is a quarterly seasonal subscription box - the products within the box include some of Jillian’s (and Team Jilly’s!) favourite items (and brands) from home decor, fashion, bath and beauty, health and wellness, accessories perfect for each season. Some of the items included will be custom designed exclusively for the Jilly Box. The Jilly Box really focuses on including products from small, local businesses while being ethically sourced and inclusive. They also focus on reducing plastic waste and packaging - the big boxes can be turned inside out and reused! Also, they try to include Canadian, woman owned brands, as well as Bipoc and LGBTQ owned brands as well. 

November 2023 Ipsy Icon Box Unboxing

I just unboxed my October Ipsy Glambag and in that post I mentioned in that post that I re-signed up just to try out this new version of Ipsy - the Icon Box! 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

The Ipsy Icon Box is a new version is a special curated box that you can upgrade to each quarter (Nov, Feb, May and Aug) and you get 8 full sized products curated by a makeup professional or celebrity worth up to $350! Each time, Ipsy will select 5 of the products for you and you get to select the other 3 products. 

Five on Friday - November 17, 2023 ~ The Fragile Threads of Power Book Review, 94 Takes The Cake, Life On Our Planet, Love Is Blind Season 5, and My Cats!

Happy Friday everyone - I hope you've all had a great week! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post

Oh man I love sharing a book review and I love this book - The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab is an adult fantasy novel. This is both a carry-on of the Shades of Magic trilogy, but the start of it's own trilogy (I would recommend the Shades be read first though because this book is layered and the more background story you know, the better for this!) This book takes place 7 years after the Shades of Magic and while we mostly stay in the present moment, there is some flashbacks throughout the years.

Trying New ELF Products - Glow Reviver Lip Oil and Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadow

It's no secret around here, I'm a turned drugstore makeup girlie - I've been impressed with the ELF Products that I've tried this year, so I've been following their new releases pretty closely! 

I purchased these products on my own - this post contains affiliate links

Naturally when ELF announced they were releasing a lip oil AND a duochrome shadow in the same week, I have to run and order them both, immediately! They are always available on the ELF website first (which has great perks for points, discounts and free shipping!), and then eventually they will trickle in to drugstores in Canada! 

Manicure Monday - MoYou Far Far Away Gel Nail Strips

Happy Manicure Monday everyone - I hope you all had a good weekend! 

I purchased these nail wraps

November nails for the #CBBxManiMonday group is going to be a little bit of a free for all (literally the theme of the month), since we are all inbetween a month of October Halloween nails and prepping for a month of holiday nails in December! 

October 2023 Ipsy Glambag Unboxing

Hello blast from the past, I haven't gotten an Ipsy bag in yeeears - since November 2018 to be exact since I went back and looked. Since that time, quite a few things have happened - mostly, they've merged with Boxycharm so you can now get both items through the same site. But, what drew me back in was the idea of a deluxe quarterly box called The Icon Box curated by some heavy hitters in the beauty community (comes out November, February, etc.) so I snagged an October Glam Bag to make sure I could try out the November Icon Box! 

I purchased this subscription - this post contains affiliate links 

The Ipsy Glam Bag is $14 per month + $3.95 shipping to Canada (it worked out to $25.06 CAN with the exchange for the month!) Each month comes with 5 curated products based on your preference quiz and I now you get to pick one of the items that is included in the box. It also gives you access to beauty deals in their shop. 

Five on Saturday - November 11, 2023 ~ The Woman in Me Book Review, November Most Anticipated Books, My 37th Birthday, Disney Illusion Island Game, and Live to 100 Secrets of the Blue Zones Show

Whoops - had good intentions of getting this up earlier, but it slipped my mind!

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

"People can take everything away from you, but they can never take away your truth. But the question is, can you handle mine?" - My Prerogative. (yes I know that was an older song pre-Britney, but it's so fitting for her situation, it's uncanny!) I flew threw The Woman in Me by Britney Spears and took a few days to come up with my thoughts - obviously, I'm a Britney fan, I grew up in that era looking up to her, and watching everything happen but not really knowing what was going on. Her story has been dictated by everyone but her up to this point and so it was perfect to hear her side of the story and understand what was going on. What her family did to her (as well as the media, the paparazzi, everyone in her life basically) is so difficult - she had paid off all their debt and still had to take more. Forcing her to work, while simultaneously claiming she was incapable of caring for herself is so wild - if someone is that incapacitated, should they have been forced on to world tours and in recording studios just to line her father's pockets (who made more during that time than she did?!)

Manicure Monday - OPI Scorpio Seduction polish

Happy Manicure Monday - I hope you all had a great weekend! 

I purchased this polish

November nails for the #CBBxManiMonday group is going to be a little bit of a free for all (literally the theme of the month), since we are all inbetween a month of October Halloween nails and prepping for a month of holiday nails in December! 

Monthly Beauty Favourites ~ October 2023

Here's a look at what I was loving in October:

The Panoxyl, Biotherm and Veriphy were received as PR samples 

Last year I started just picking any number of products I'm loving, instead of trying to find 5 each month (which I did previously!) So, whatever number of products I'm loving, that's what I will be sharing. 

Monthly Reads ~ October 2023

I hope you all are enjoying all the book reviews, since it's just another hobby of mine, it's not going anywhere! I loved doing the Monthly Wrap-up last year to share mini reviews on all the books I've read each month! 

It could be a big range from 2 to 10 books depending on how much I read, but I figure I can share a little synopsis and quick thoughts on each book. I will still be doing more in depth reviews on books that really capture me! 

I purchased everything in this post

So, in October I read 12 books, with a mix of genres from Adult Memoir to Middle Grade Horroi. I love most genres, and I really want to keep my reads diversified this year - I think I have been doing a great job of that so far! Also, I've been trying to read a mix of old and new books, so I'm working on that and did well with that this month! I read 3 physical books, 1 ebook and 8 audiobooks! (Some of these books were smaller so 12 is pretty high for me!)

Five on Friday - November 3, 2023 ~ Halloween Costumes, Halloween Party, October Month of Vegetarian and Pescatarian Meals, Halloween Decor Finds and Fall SampleSource

Happy Friday everyone - can we believe this is already the first weekend in November?! I hope you all had a good week! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post

I love Halloween - so excited to show our costumes - Goomba Cat, Cat Princess Peach and Bowser! My mom made this amazing costume for Elliott when he had this request for his costume - it turned out amazing! So, since I was Princess Peach last year, I thought I'd be Cat Peach to match Elliott! 

Monthly Beauty and Book Haul ~ October 2023

Last year I set a monthly beauty and books budget at $200 per month and I really stuck to it! I am trying to be thoughtful in my purchases, so this has been holding me accountable for being reasonable with my spending. Since it worked so well last year, I'm really trying to do the same thing this year! 

I do always love my Monthly Haul posts - it's a good way to keep track of everything that I picked up each month. I don't always blog about everything I pick up (I try to), but if you ever spot anything in here that you really want me to talk about, let me know! 

I purchased everything in this post

Shoppers Drug Mart Haul ~ $10.25 CAN. I always love doing a big Shoppers Haul and using all my Optimum points (regular price of this was $124.05 CAN) - I heard great things about the Fructis watermelon line. I needed more NYX Banana Powder and the ELF Setting Spray is a good staple (although, I'm not sure the Blue Light thing is necessary). The Chanel lip and cheek balm is lovely - you can see it on me here! And, I picked up another Maybelline Vinyl Lipstick - can't wait to share it with you soon! 

Halloween Makeup 2023 ~ Cat Princess Peach Makeup (Shop My Stash)

Happy Halloween everyone!!! If you guys have been around for a few years, you know we take our Halloweens pretty seriously (or at least - I take my Halloween pretty seriously and everyone else in the house puts up with it!)

The Estee Lauder Primer was received as PR sample - this post contains affiliate links

I tend to plan my costumes around my kids (while I still can - if it fits in to a family costume!) and Elliott asked to be a Cat Goomba, so since I was Princess Peach last year, I thought it would be perfect for me to be Cat Princess Peach! 

Manicure Monday - Scream Ghost Face Nails

Happy Manicure Monday everyone - I hope you all had a good weekend! It was busy here with a Halloween party, so I needed to do some quick and easy nails! 

I purchased everything in this post

Now that it's October, the #CBBxManiMonday group is doing Halloween nails! This is one of our favourite months as a group and I'm always so excited to see what come up with this month! 

Five on Saturday - October 28, 2023 ~ Dinner at Street Eatery, First Responders Run, Auction Clothes Finds, Henna, and Halloween Bake Sale

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you all had a great week - it's been super busy here and I'm tired, but looking forward to a good weekend! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post

I was able to finally check out The Street Eatery this week and it was so good - it is described as "globally inspired street food" with zany milkshakes and lots of vegan options! The food was so tasty and I can't wait to check out the fun milkshakes next time! 

Halloween Makeup - Previous Year's Looks ~ Princess Peach, Ghost Spider, Sally, Eevee, Lady Stoneheart, and Ninja Turtle Makeup Looks

I absolutely love Halloween!! And, Halloween is sneaking up on us so quickly! Hopefully you have your costume picked out, and if you don't - I have some ideas, mostly using makeup already in my collection (a Shop My Stash if you will!) I used to love doing multiple looks per year, but I just don't have that in me right now! 

2022 

Last year I was Princess Peach - my little guy is so into Mario and Luigi, so of course we love family costumes when we can do them! And honestly, this makeup was everything from my collection - pink, pink, pink! If you want to see the products I used, make sure to check out my makeup post here! 

Lush Halloween 2023 Goodies

I have been trying to slow down on my bath product buying; but, my hubby knows how much I love Lush Halloween and went and picked up some lovely Lush goodies for me and I'm so excited for all of these! 

I was gifted these by a family member

Lush Ghost in the Dark Soap ~ This skin-friendly ghost keeps your corporeal form in fine physical condition. Citrus-sweet lemongrass and bergamot lift spirits, while fair trade organic cocoa butter moisturizes skin, making it supple and smooth. No need to worry about losing this bar in the bathroom either—it glows in the dark! Scare away dirt, oil and dryness with one multi-tasking sudser.

This is a classic Lush soap but I like the scent of bergamot and citrus together! I'm a huge fan of Lush soap and this is amazing that it glows in the dark! 

Manicure Monday - Candy Corn Nails

Happy Mani Monday - I hope you all had a good weekend! 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

I'm getting so excited for Halloween - I was doing some baking last weekend and prepping for my little family party! So, I'm feeling some sweet nails for our #CBBxManiMonday Halloween nails. This is always my favourite month for nail art! 

Five on Saturday - October 21, 2023 ~ PlantYou Cookbook, Fall Blooms, October GoodFood Box, Halloween Goodie Bags, and Halloween Costume Time!

Happy Saturday everyone - I hope you all had a great week! I'm in for a busy weekend (and it's supposed to get cold here this weekend!)

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

I'm always excited to get a new cookbook - I managed to find the PlantYou Cookbook from BookOutlet for a great price (along with some other books - 2 of which were signed!) I follow the author on instagram and the recipes look great! 

Cheekbone Beauty - Courage Cream Duo in Biskane and Harmony Lipgloss in Sweetgrass

I'm such a fan of Cheekbone Beauty - I've certainly raved about their products on here before and still use their Unify Multi-Pencil (previously Sustain Complexion Pencil) and I love to see where this brand is going and what else they come out with! 

I purchased everything in this post

Cheekbone just released a new product - the Courage Cream Duo for a good cause - the Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund! The Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund was set up in honour of our Founder & CEO, Jenn Harper's grandmother, Emily Paul, who was a Canadian residential school survivor. The scholarship offers funding to Indigenous students who are attending a Canadian or U.S. post-secondary institution in any area of study. 

Transitioning to Fall Skincare With Biotherm

I have a pretty solid skincare routine and I tend to use the same routine throughout the year, but I do switch the products based on the time of year (for example, usually a thicker cream when it's colder and drier in the Winter). So naturally as we move in to Fall, it's time for a focus on some new skincare products! 

These products were received as PR samples - this post contains affiliate links

I will say over the Summer, I did a little bit of a number to my skin barrier - I think I was overusing some actives along with the hot weather and sun exposure (although, I do always wear my SPF 50), but I did have some redness and uneven skintones based on the season. With the colder weather coming, I thought it was really important to hunker down on my routine, focus on gentle products that are going to repair my skin barrier! 

Manicure Monday - Stamped Witch Hat Nails

Happy Manicure Monday - I hope you all had a good weekend! 

I purchased everything in this post

Now that it's October, the #CBBxManiMonday group is doing Halloween nails! This is one of our favourite months as a group and I'm always so excited to see what come up with this month! 

Lush Kitchen Subscription ~ October 2023

The Lush Kitchen Subscription box is a monthly subscription box full of exclusive Lush Kitchen goodies made exclusively for the box - every month subscribers vote on the monthly menu of products that they would or would not like to see in the box, so you can help pick what is included in the box! Also, all of the products included in each box will be vegan. 

Each month the Lush Kitchen Subscription is $49.95 CAN box is  per month + shipping (shipping to Alberta is $6.00 CAN and likely varies province to province). The subscription will come with 4-5 exclusive products and I think it will include a variety of products that Lush makes; but, will of course be mostly bath and body products.

I purchased this box

Each month you pay and vote for products that are coming in the following month's box - so for this October box, you had until September 5 to vote on the products you'd like to see and then payment comes out on the 6th of the previous month. Then, Lush spends the month making the products and ships it out at the end of September so you receive it in October! 

Five on Friday - October 13, 2023 ~ The Night Circus Time, A Little Confetti Halloween Goodies, Betsey Johnson Ghost Cat Purse, Under Armour Haul and The Haunted Mansion

Happy Friday the 13th - hope you all have had a great week! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

Ahhh - it's my favourite time of year, The Night Circus time! I recently finished my 8th re-read and it's the most magical book of all time! Le Cirque De Reves opened on October 13, 1886 (and it's especially fabulous this yea, since it's Friday the 13th). This is an adult fantasy and it's such a lovely read - the most amazing Fall book to read! Pick it up!

Trying Chanel Cream Bronzer and Blush

I've been saving up my PC Optimum Points to by this gorgeous Chanel cream bronzer and I thought it needed a little blush to go with it, so I'm going luxury today and I'm so excited!

I purchased these products - this post contains affiliate links

I haven't tried a ton of luxury make-up; but, I do like to indulge and splurge a little when I can (and really when my PC Points let me - I will never not say this, I don't care if I look cheap in a luxury make-up post, use those points and treat your self if it's not something you can afford, or don't want to spend your monthly budget on, like me!)

Manicure Monday - Hot Pink Halloween Nails

Happy Manicure Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend - Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! 

I purchased everything in this post

Now that it's October, the #CBBxManiMonday group is doing Halloween nails! This is one of our favourite months as a group and I'm always so excited to see what come up with this month! 

Monthly Beauty Favourites ~ September 2023

Here's a look at the products I was loving in September: 

The Biotherm was received as PR - this post contains affiliate links

Last year I started just picking any number of products I'm loving, instead of trying to find 5 each month (which I did previously!) So, whatever number of products I'm loving, that's what I will be sharing. 

Five on Friday - October 6, 2023 ~ Not-So-Spooky Reads, October Most Anticipated Reads, September Month of Vegetarian and Pescatarian Food, Trip To Drumheller, and The Little Mermaid

Happy Five on Friday - I hope you all had a great week! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

It's spooky season and while I haven't shared any themed TBR's in a while, I especially love spooky season books! Also, I'm a little bit of a wimp, so I can handle a little creep and thrill but not full gore or horror, so I wrapped up some not-so-scary books i'm reading this month! 

Monthly Reads ~ September 2023

I hope you all are enjoying all the book reviews, since it's just another hobby of mine, it's not going anywhere! I loved doing the Monthly Wrap-up last year to share mini reviews on all the books I've read each month! 

It could be a big range from 2 to 10 books depending on how much I read, but I figure I can share a little synopsis and quick thoughts on each book. I will still be doing more in depth reviews on books that really capture me! 

Bright Young Women was provided as an e-arc, I purchased or borrowed everything else

So, in September I read 9 books, with a mix of genres from Adult Memoir to YA Fantasy. I love most genres, and I really want to keep my reads diversified this year - I think I have been doing a great job of that so far! Also, I've been trying to read a mix of old and new books, so I'm working on that and did well with that this month! I read 3 physical books, 1 ebook and 5 audiobooks. 

Manicure Monday - Glow In The Dark Halloween Cat Nails

Happy Manicure Monday - I hope you all had a great weekend! It's October and I'm fully ready for spooky season! 

I purchased everything in this post

And, now that it's October, the #CBBxManiMonday group is doing Halloween nails! This is one of our favourite months as a group and I'm always so excited to see what come up with this month! 

Monthly Beauty and Book Haul ~ September 2023

Last year I set a monthly beauty and books budget at $200 per month and I really stuck to it! I am trying to be thoughtful in my purchases, so this has been holding me accountable for being reasonable with my spending. Since it worked so well last year, I'm really trying to do the same thing this year! 

I do always love my Monthly Haul posts - it's a good way to keep track of everything that I picked up each month. I don't always blog about everything I pick up (I try to), but if you ever spot anything in here that you really want me to talk about, let me know! 

I purchased everything in this post

XO Treatment Room Pick ~ $18.90 CAN. I went for a facial at XO Treatment Room at the start of the month, and I loooove all their skin and makeup products, so when they announced they released a lip oil gloss with come shimmer, I had to pick it up! Naturally, I love it! It is called Kiss This by XO and yhey released two shades - I picked up Bronze Coral. You can see the full review on this here! 

Five on Friday - September 29, 2023 ~ Relaxing Friday Night With Dr. Teals, Houseplant Hookups Book, Sheep River Falls, Smash and Tess Forever Frosted Dress, and Ban.do 2024 Planner

Happy Friday everyone - I hope you all had a great week! I'm sorry I'm being such a bad blogger and only posting two times a week right now! I just feel like there is so much going on, I can hardly stay above water and I just don't have enough time to do it all! 

ONE 

The Dr. Teals products and the Houseplants book were received as PR samples

Speaking of that, just in the nick of time, Dr. Teals sent me some relaxing bath products and I'm ready for some serious bubble bath time! I've reviewed their Foaming Bath and Epsom Salts, so these aren't new products on the blog, but this particular type are and they are lovely! 

Manicure Monday - Fall Abstract Nails

Happy Manicure Monday - I hope you all had an amazing weekend! 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

The #CBBxManiMonday group is keeping up doing Fall nails for the whole month of September - Fall shades are my favourite so I always enjoy this month and the nails we come up with! 

Five on Saturday - September 23, 2023 ~ Jillian Harris Book Signing Event, Dollar Store, Michael's, and Bulk Barn Halloween Hauls, and Some Amazon Finds

Happy Friday everyone - I hope you all have a great week! It's been so busy, but good! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links 

I was so excited last night that Jillian Harris and Tori came to Calgary on Thursday night for their new cook book promotion - Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts! Wordfest hosted an event at the Calgary Library and it was great. They were so great to listen to then they waited and met everyone in the lobby - I'm such a Jilly fan so it was fantastic! 

Manicure Monday - Stamped Fall Foliage Nails

Happy Manicure Monday - I hope you all have a great weekend! 

I purchased everything in this post

It's starting to feel like Fall here and I'm excited for Fall nails - my favourite time of year and it's never long enough here in Calgary! The leaves are starting to turn and it's just beautiful! 

Five on Friday - September 15, 2023 ~ The Circle Book Review, Calgary Corporate Challenge, Clothing Finds, Glow Up Season 5, and Summer Declutter

Happy Friday everyone - I hope you all had a great week! It's been a little busy here and I have a super busy weekend coming up! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

As always, I'm happy to share more great books with you guys and honestly, the new release The Circle by Katherena Vermette is amazing - 4.5/5 stars. This is the third in a set of companion novels that are contemporary fiction surrounding the metis experience in Winnipeg (and really across Canada). This series starts with The Break (5/5 stars) - a book surrounding a violent act and everyone affected by the crime, both directly and non-directly and the fall-out and effect on relationships and family. The story is full of different perspectives and it's beautifully written - it's powerful and difficult to read. 

XO Treatment Room - Kiss This By XO in Bronzy Coral

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of local Calgary brand, XO Treatment Room (their line is XO Face Care) - their skincare products are amazing and they've slowly been delving in to the makeup world and I've been loving the products! I went for a facial recently, so when I saw they had a new makeup product I had to pick it up and try it! 

I purchased this on my own

XO Treatment Room - Kiss This by XO in Bronzy Coral ~ $18.00 CAN. Nourishing non sticky glittery lip gloss. Perfect to wear on it’s own or over top your favourite nude lipstick.

This is described as a nourishing lip gloss with a hint of glitter in it - the creator of the product, Annie described these as an oil stain gloss that are enhanced with a plumping effect and long lasting moisture. These sounded amazing - I love a gloss, oil, stain - all of the above, I want it all on my lips always! 

Manicure Monday - Sally Hansen x Sesame Street Up To Snuff

Happy Manicure Monday - I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was crazy busy, so I needed a quick manicure and this new polish was perfect! 

I purchased this product on my own - this post contains affiliate links

I'm a big fan of the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri line and when I saw the collab with Sesame Street I knew I had to pick something up. Aaaand, my favourite old character was always Snuffleupagus so I loooove that it's also the perfect Fall orange shade! (Also, for the record, I always thought it was Snuffaluffagus, but alas I've just learned how to spell it!)

Monthly Beauty and Book Haul ~ August 2023

Last year I set a monthly beauty and books budget at $200 per month and I really stuck to it! I am trying to be thoughtful in my purchases, so this has been holding me accountable for being reasonable with my spending. Since it worked so well last year, I'm really trying to do the same thing this year! 

I do always love my Monthly Haul posts - it's a good way to keep track of everything that I picked up each month. I don't always blog about everything I pick up (I try to), but if you ever spot anything in here that you really want me to talk about, let me know! 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

Shopper's Drug Mart Haul ~ $12.93 CAN. I picked up a few goodies with my Optimum points (my favourite way to shop) - I was able to get the gorgeous Chanel cream bronzer and I can't wait to give it a try! Plus I needed some mascara and I got a free mascara sample and sample pack! Pretty good little haul! 

Monthly Beauty Favourites ~ August 2023

Here's a look at what I've been loving this past month:

The Conair waver was received as a PR sample - this post contains affiliate links

Last year I started just picking any number of products I'm loving, instead of trying to find 5 each month (which I did previously!) So, whatever number of products I'm loving, that's what I will be sharing. 

Five on Friday - September 8, 2023 ~ Dynamite Haul, Poshmark Finds, First Day of Grade 1, Thrifting Finds, and Winners Goodies

Happy Friday everyone - I hope you all had a great week! Can you believe that Summer break is over and school is back on?! 

ONE 

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

At the end of the Summer, I took a day and purged my closet of clothes that didn't fit, were getting old, etc so I picked up a couple of things to refresh my clothes. I ordered from Dynamite and as someone who used to not be down for bodysuits, I have to say I actually love them now! The ones I picked up were the Seamless V Neck Bodysuit (currently on sale for $10.50 CAN), Tana Short Sleeve Ribbed Bodysuit (sold out of the ribbed style, but same cut available here), Drea Sculpt Short Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit in Damson Purple, the Jules Sculpt Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Bodysuit and the Stainless Steel Chunky Curb Link Necklace.

Monthly Reads ~ August 2023

I hope you all are enjoying all the book reviews, since it's just another hobby of mine, it's not going anywhere! I loved doing the Monthly Wrap-up last year to share mini reviews on all the books I've read each month! 

It could be a big range from 2 to 10 books depending on how much I read, but I figure I can share a little synopsis and quick thoughts on each book. I will still be doing more in depth reviews on books that really capture me! 

A Grandmother Begins the Story was received as a review copy - this post contains affiliate links

So, in August I read 9 books, with a mix of genres from Mystery Thriller to YA Classic. I love most genres, and I really want to keep my reads diversified this year - I think I have been doing a great job of that so far! Also, I've been trying to read a mix of old and new books, so I'm working on that and did really well with that this month! I read 1 physical books and 8 audiobooks. 

Manicure Monday - Fall Stamped Jurassic Park Dinosaur Nails

Happy Manicure Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend - it's a long weekend for us here and then back to school tomorrow! 

The Biosculpture polish was received as a PR sample

It's the first Manicure of September which means the #CBBxManiMonday group is switching from Summer nails to Fall manis! I'm a full-on Fall girl, so I'm ready - give me Pumpkin Spice, sweater weather and cozy vibes!