Project 10 Pan - Update #2

I've officially come to the conclusion that I completely suck at doing a Project Pan. The point of doing this was to use up my products, and I seem to be failing. I am using them, just not on a regular basis. Here are some pictures to show you the progress.

I FINALLY did use up my MAC Studio Fix Powder. I felt like this bad boy lasted forever. It's definitely a product I love, and will probably repurchase when I use up some other products.

I think my MAC Brulee eyeshadow was used the most out of everything. Slowly but surely I'm chipping away.

This isn't a very good photo, but here is my Hoola Bronzer from Benefit. I've realized that I don't love this bronzer, and that's why I haven't dipped into this one as much as I'd like. I prefer NARS Laguna, and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil to this.

Hello dirtbag! Look at how dirty this is! Ha! I`m almost done as well with this Anastasia Brow Kit - only because the middle colour, and dark colour are just too much for me. I was mixing the lightest and middle colour together just to use it up, but on its own, it`s just a little too bold for my liking. I swear this thing won`t die.

I`m getting so close with my EOS lip balm in sweet mint as well. Love this stuff, and have a backup when it is finished.

I don`t know if I mentioned this before or not, but my NARS eyeshadow primer is finished, as well as my another Sephora Mattifying Primer. I`m also about 1/2 way through my Maybelline concealer (which I forgot to take a picture of).

I think now that I will be working again I will start to be wearing more makeup, so I will be using more products up and getting through my stash. I haven't done much of a purge yet, only because I'm being a suck about giving up some more stuff. I think once I get into a groove of the products I reach for the most during my morning routine, I will go back and re-evaluate. 

On a side note, I cannot get over the amazing weather we are having this weekend. Yesterday, Marc and I took my dad to London for his birthday and we actually sat outside and had lunch... in January. It was fantastic. I'm already over winter, and cannot wait for Spring!

Happy Belated Holidays, and an Update.

It's now a few days into 2013, and now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is officially over, I can now spend sometime giving you an update.

First of all, I hope everyone had a great holiday this year. I was so fortunate to have the time off this year to spend it with family as much as possible. I got some wonderful gifts, ate way too much bad food, and now have a horrendous cold to nurse. I'm doing my best to recoup before starting my new job in a little over a week, so I've had a lot of time to relax, and reflect on 2012. It was definitely a wonderful year, and am looking forward to all of the wonderful things that 2013 has to bring.

I am still working away on my P10P , and have used up a few more things. I will definitely be doing an update in the next few weeks as to where I'm at. I've also decided that I am ready for another purge of items that I just need to let go of. Today, I spent sometime looking at my skincare items, and was able to take out some more products to give to family and friends. I seem to have a harder time giving away my makeup, however it is necessary. I have so many wonderful products, but I hardly reach for any of them. I keep making the excuse that I will use them at some point, but that never seems to happen. 

Over the Christmas season, I had a few items in mind that I was going to make an effort to use such as NARS lipstick in Red Lizard. I have yet to wear it, and its been in my possession since the summer. Maybe that is a hint - time to rethink my stash. I now will be working in an office, and it might not be considered appropriate. Same goes with some very fun, bright eyeshadows that I own. I've got a week until I start working, so I now have a project. Again, there will be an update once I get everything in order, and have the final count of products to give away.

Anywho, that is just a little recap of whats been going on. I hope everyone is doing well, and I will continue to post more regularly on here again. :)

TAG - Winterlicious

I saw a video on Youtube that was posted asking these 12 questions about winter the

holidays. I thought it would be fun to answer them and post it on here. So, here we go:

1) Favorite Winter Nail Polish? I love wearing OPI Red from OPI. It’s a cream red colour with tiny silver shimmers that you can barely see. It hits the light perfectly, and makes it very glossy. It’s super pretty.

2) Favorite Winter lip product? I would have to go with Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments in an array of colours. I own the rose, honey, coral, plum and the original. They give a hint of colour while hydrating, which I love.

3) Most worn Winter clothing piece?  It’s actually 2 pieces of clothing. My oversized sweaters and tights. I love going comfortable, especially around the house, and this combo has been a life saver. A nice change from yoga pants and a hoodie.

4) Most worn Winter accessory? It’s definitely my new scarf I got from my aunt while she was in France. We did some house/cat sitting for her while they were gone for a month, and this was a gift as a thank you.

5) Favorite winter scent/candle? I’ve been reaching for my Prada Candy fragrance the most. Unfortunately my family is allergic to scented candles, and it makes my dad very sick, so I stick to my perfumes. I love the warmth of the Prada scent and it feels like a cozy sweater.

6) Favorite Winter beverage? Marc gave me a Keurig as my Christmas present, and I got it early. I’ve been using it non-stop, and would have to say that my favourite K-cup would be the White Chocolate Mint coffee. It just tastes like Christmas.

7) All time favorite Christmas/Holiday movie? A Christmas Story wins every year. It’s one I can watch over and over and never get sick of. For TV shows, it’s a toss up between the Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman.

8) Favorite Christmas/Holiday song? I love Bing Crosby’s White Christmas album, so any song from there, or Barry Manilow’s Because it’s Christmas.

9) Favorite Holiday food/treat? Marc’s family’s cookies, or walnut Kolache, which is a Hungarian loaf with walnut filling.

10) What is your favorite Christmas Decoration this year? It has always been an old school Frosty the Snowman tree ornament that has been in this house for as long as I can remember. Every year I pull it out and put it on the tree. It's not a tradition for me to only put it on, but I always felt attached to it and enjoy hanging it every year.

11) What's at the top of your Christmas list? Not a lot, really. I think mostly gift cards. I really don’t need anything, so to have those when I see something I want later on really helps out. Most of the items on my list are things I want to buy, but can't due to my NO BUY. There are some beauty items on there as well as clothing.

12) What are your plans for the holidays this year? I think we are mostly staying at home this year. We go to my great uncle’s house for a gathering on Christmas Eve, and then spend the 25^th with my dad, and then go to my mom’s for a while. The 26^th will be spent with Marc’s family.

And there you have it. 

Holiday Time!

Christmas is a little over a month away, however someone forgot to tell Mother Nature. The weather here is southwestern Ontario has been amazing. Yesterday, we got to 13C, and as we were outside getting some yard work done, Marc took off his sweater and was walking around in a t-shirt. I don't remember the last time we were able to do that, and I'm definitely not complaining. I know this weather won't last long, so I'm going to make the most of it while I can.

We also spent this past weekend cleaning our house from top to bottom. We washed floors, washed walls, and vacuumed every crevice to get ready for the festive season. My mom and dad had a saying when I was young – “Santa doesn't come to a dirty house.” It definitely stuck with me, and so we knew it would be a perfect time to give this place some love, especially since I want to start decorating soon!

A lot of people I know have also put up their Christmas lights, and have a tree up as well. I feel like that even with this warm weather, it isn't dampening everyone's spirits. In fact, I think that everyone is starting earlier this year. I know I have, especially when it comes to my Christmas shopping. I have made a good dent in my shopping so far for everyone on my list, and only have a few more gifts to go.

It's been quite an eye opening experience shopping for others without having any urge to pick up something for myself. I was never one to go crazy on myself over the holiday season, but there would be times where I would want a new sweater for Christmas morning, or a new lipstick for a holiday party, and that's when it would be 3 or 4 items for myself, along with gifts for others. This year has been strictly gifts, and it has felt great.

My family has decided this year that we are not going to get too carried away, since none of us really need anything. I want this year to be about spending time together, and enjoying each other, rather than stressing about finding the perfect gift. I cannot wait to start baking with Marc, and my sister, Carrie. I think that is what I look forward to most this year. 

Let the holiday season begin!

Project 10 Pan - Update #1

It's almost been a month since I posted the products for my P10P, and I wanted to give an update as to how it's going.

I officially finished 1 product - the Sephora Anti-Shine Primer. I'm on to another one, since I have 4 or 5 backups of this. 

Unfortunately, I didn't finish my MAC Viva Glam lipstick, however it needed to go. One day I opened it, and noticed it smelled like plastic - which means it has spoiled. It was scraped out, and is in my Back2Mac bin. Kind of a fail, however I'm glad I didn't put it on my lips. The thought just turns my stomach.

Here is the progress of my other products - 

I only included the products that you could see pan on, to give you an idea of where I am. The other products aren't quite done yet, but I know I'm very close to being done with my NARS eye primer. 

I'm definitely not as far along as I was hoping. I am definitely not wearing as much makeup as I used to, and therefore don't reach for things as much as I thought. Hopefully by next month I'll have something else finished. 

_______________________________________________________

On a side note -  I can't help but be addicted to watching more of Christine, aka Pinksofoxy, on Youtube. She had this great video that was recently posted. She made a vlog about her lifestyle makeover for 2013. 

Here is the video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvlb8TGhGJk&list=UUg9f9knI31hrUYBN8ey0m6Q&index=6&feature=plcp

I am definitely inspired to follow in her shoes. It was interesting to listen to her talk about her makeup collection, and what triggered her clean out I had mentioned earlier. I agreed with her on so many levels, and even though my collection is minimal compared to most, I felt the need to join her in downsizing for next year. 

I haven't figured out the details. I figure one step at a time. First, P10P, and my NO BUY, and then we'll go from there. :)

"Less Stuff, Less Stress" Part 2

... and here is the final purge.

Let me just say that I am wicked proud of myself. I set it all out on the table because I wanted to take a look again just to make sure that everything I am parting with won't be a regret. I am the queen of getting rid of stuff, but then I always seem to "need" it 6 months down the road. I know I won't miss any of this. 

I picked through it, and have almost a full bag to give to the receptionist where my dad works, and the rest will go to family when I see them over the holidays. I somehow lucked out with local friends who could care less using any of this, but a few of my cousins seem to love it. 

I continued on with it today, and also cleaned out my closets. I ended up having an entire garbage bag full of clothes that I can donate as well. We have a ton of drop boxes within our town, so that stuff will go to charity. 

I thought a lot about my no buy when I was cleaning everything out today. I might even make this no buy stretch until March, which is my birthday month. I'll only repurchase necessities, and hopefully by then I'll be able to use up WAY more than 10 products. It's definitely worth a shot.

"Less Stuff, Less Stress"

This morning I was puttering around on the internet, and came across a video series on YouTube that I thought was a fantastic idea. I was watching a Beauty Guru named Pinksofoxy, and she has a few videos up called Declutter Vlog: Less Stuff, Less Stress. 

They can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ17a7nRzHo&feature=relmfu (this is part 5 so far, but you can check out other videos associated)

After watching a few of these videos with my morning coffee, I am becoming inspired to do the same. My P10P has also helped in this department as well, and since I wrote that blog post, I've also decided to do a NO BUY until the end of the year.

My rules and conditions are as follows - 

1. No makeup, or skincare. None. I realized that I am fully stocked until the end of the year, and will not need to worry about my mascaras, etc.
2. No clothing or accessories. This includes handbags, which is so difficult for me, since I'm such a bag whore.
3. No nail polish. My base and top coat will be fine until the end of the year, although I will need more cotton rounds, which can be found at the dollar store, so they will be allowed. 
4. If there is something I think that I need, it goes on my Christmas list, end of story.
5. I am only allowed to purchase items for Christmas presents - which is something that will need to be done   since it is creeping closer and closer every minute.

Along with watching these videos, I've realized that it is time to go through my makeup collection, and downsize. I've been really enjoying shopping my stash, and every so often I'll pull 1 or 2 things out to be given away, but it's time to get serious. I've realized that as much as I love my collection, it does need some tweaking. I personally don't feel that I need 9 foundations in my collection, regardless of how amazing I think they all are. It's okay to have just 2 or 3, and would love to be able to pass them on to someone who will really appreciate them.

I've been fortunate enough as well, that a lot of my collection was free product, so giving it away makes me feel a little less guilty, however even if I did pay for it, I still would give it away. There are so many people out there who would really appreciate having these items, and I think it is important to stop being so greedy and superficial, and focus on more important things.

Now, that doesn't mean I'm giving up my collection all together, I will still continue to enjoy what I have. The point is to use the products that I love, and purge the rest. I will definitely be posting photos of the products that don't make the cut.

Here we go!

October 2012 Beauty Favourites!

I know October isn't quite over yet, but I've accumulated a small amount of products that have been favourites for this month.

I've been really good about not buying makeup, even before I started my Project 10 Pan. After going through my entire collection, I realized how much I have enjoyed shopping my stash, and have rediscovered some items that I had forgotten about.

I guess I'll start from left to right.

My first fave was Urban Decay's Eyeshadow in Haight. This is a gorgeous deep teal colour with a light shimmer. I loved popping this in the out corner, or running it under the bottom lash line. I totally forgot this was in my collection until I did some digging, and thought this would make a fun pop of colour for fall. 

I also loved my Sigma F25 brush. Due to it's pointed tip, this makes a great contouring brush. Perfect for hollowing out my cheeks to give my a very angled effect.

My Make Up For Ever Face and Body Foundation in #20 made the list as well. A very sheer, jelly like consistency, but melts into the skin when applied with fingers. This foundation is not highly pigmented, but just gives me the appearance of fresh looking skin. It's most definitely love.

Next is my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Refined. I've been in love with this for a long time, but never reached for it much before. I have large pores and sometimes I find highlighters don't sit nicely on my skin. This is an exception, and I I feel like I get a luminous look without feeling shiny or artificial. Great for all of the gloomy weather we've been having.

I choose my Kat Von D Sinner rollerball to be included as well. This is a favourite for the fall season, and I completely forgot how much I really do enjoy the scent. I find this works as a great "date night" fragrance for me, since I tend to stick to lighter scents, but I am glad this is in my collection due to its warmth and sultry notes.

And last but not least - my Benefit Benetint Lip Balm. It is most divine! This smells like roses, has a great red tint to it, and gives my lips a little boost. It's quite glossy, and also moisturizing, and once the gloss wears away, you are left with a beautiful apple stained pucker. Love it!

Well, there you have it folks, some loves for October!

xo

Project 10 Pan

Well, I'm officially starting my Project 10 Pan, which I am really excited about. What this means is I have to use up 10 makeup items before going out and buying anything else, with the exception of products that need to be replaced after a few months - ie: mascara.

Well, it didn’t take long to narrow down which products I am choosing for this project. This was inspired from my last post, and also because I had a few products in my collection that were WAAYYYY past their expiration date. Like I said before, it felt really great to use some things up, and I thought a P10P would be a great way to start using up some products that are getting pretty close to being done. I was going to include some skincare items as well, however I feel like my skincare routine doesn't change a lot, so it wouldn't be as interesting as doing makeup items, with the exception of one product.

A couple of these were no brainers right away when I started going through my collection. I couple of these items have hit pan already, and I thought I might as well keep on trucking along with them.

MACs Brulee Eyeshadow – one of the first colours I ever bought. Has been a staple for years, yet still on the same pan believe it or not. Oh, and please excuse my fingers in these photos, I have no idea why they look so red. 

Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit – I don’t believe this guy is available anymore. I find that too bad, because I’ve used it almost every day for the past 2 years, and there it still lots to go. You can see which colours I use more frequently.

 MAC Studio Fix Powder – END ALREADY! I’ve had this for about 8 months and she’s still going. I'm getting so close now!

Benefit Hoola Bronzer – you can definitely tell there is less product in the pans now after they changed the packaging. I’ve only been using this guy for 10 months, although I’ve heard some people use the old one for over 2 years.

MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick – I believe this was one of my first MAC lipsticks ever bought from a recommendation on Youtube, and will be glad when this one is gone. It is obvious that buying these lipsticks are for a good cause, however I always thought it was just alright, and was never wowed.

Sephora Instant Depuffing Roll On Gel – I’m about half way through this as well, and really like it for a pick me up in the morning. It has a great cooling sensation around the eyes, and I like that I get some moisture without it caking my concealer.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer – trying to use up only so I can try out my Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer.  I have one waiting patiently to be opened, but I wanted to use this first. This isn't a bad concealer, but over the years I've found other ones that work a lot better.

 Sephora Anti-Shine Primer – because I always need shine control. This also helps to make my pores looks smaller as well. 

NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base – my favourite eye primer. This one is getting close to being done, but thank goodness I have a few backups.

EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint – another favourite. I just love the way these feel, taste, smell, and hydrate. I have a backup of this as well waiting for me. It's funny the way it wears down over time, since it started as such a pretty little sphere.

And there you have it! I'm curious to see how long it will take to use these products up. It has always taken me longer than most people to get through things anyways. I have no idea how people can go through an entire blush in like 3 months. I guess I'm careful about not getting carried away with anything.

I will be sure to a post with my progress and keep you updated. If anyone reading this has done a P10P, I'd love to know how it went for you. I've been watching a few videos on Youtube on some of the girl's progress and I'm hoping I have the same will power to use all of this stuff up! Wish me luck!

Products I've FINALLY Used Up!

I am so annoyed at myself! I don't know what it is, but I never seem to be able to finish a lot of my beauty products up near the same time, except for this month. Of course, because this never happens to me, all of them have been disposed of... go figure. I went on a search to see what I could recover, but all of the garbage has been rounded up and taken by the garbage man today. I can hear the "losing horn" from The Price Is Right in my head right now.

I definitely want to take a moment to congratulate myself on using up some of this stuff that has been around for a while. I guess now that I have extra time, I'm more conscience of what needs to be either a) thrown out due to expiring, or b) I'm hoarding the last drops of something for absolutely no reason. 

So here we go, a complete list of the products I have used up recently.

1.  Philosophy Sugar Chick Bath and Shower Gel - an all time fave. It smells like marshmallow peeps, and is limited edition around Easter. I was definitely savouring this.

2. Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Parfum - this was the smallest bottle, and it look almost 3 years to finish. I love to switch up my fragrances, but this was one I would reach for when I needed a pick me up, or Marc and I were going on date night. I now have the largest size that was given to me, and can start chipping away on that.

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner in Perversion - the blackest of the black eye liners I have tried. I had this buddy for a little over 6 months and could tell the consistency was changing. So it was time to send him away  to the trash man. Great liner though, especially for anyone with oily eyelids that has a problem with transferring. 

3. L'Oreal Ever Pure Moisturizing Shampoo - One of the BEST shampoos for my hair. Since my hair is short and I wash it everyday due to using a lot of product in my hair, I loved this for keeping it clean, but not stripping it. It will definitely be a repurchase once I use up some other shampoos kicking around.

4. Sephora Instant Moisturizer - another good staple. It's a basic moisturizer that is great for all skin types. I was using this at night time, along with my Dr. Brandt Resurfacing Serum. This just helped to keep the moisture up, while the serum does its magic. I loved the smell, and after working at Sephora, I felt their skincare didn't get enough love. I watched EmilieClarke on Youtube talk about how much she loved this, and felt like it would take off, but never did. I totally recommend it! For Emilie's review on this and other skincare products, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWah-n-Va0s

5. Benefit PoreFessional Pore Balm - Meh. I wasn't in love. Everyone on Youtube raves about this product, however I find it thick, and it doesn't matter how much I use, or how I apply it to my skin, it never works out. Whichever foundation I'm using just ends up sliding around or makes a disappearing act. I think I've just been too spoiled with using Dr. Brandt Pore Refiner, as my primer. It's a thinner consistency, but gives a more flawless look. 

And last but not least...

6. Essie's Good To Go Top Coat - Oh how I love thee! I used to use Seche Vite, but my nails would split and become brittle, not to mention Seche Vite used to get goopy to quickly. Essie, however, gives the same finish, same lasting power, without the splitting or goopyness. PLUS I can get it at Wal-Mart now! I think we're best friends for life now. I've already started a new bottle.


It felt really good to use these products up, and I though to myself "Why not try doing a Project 10 Pan?" I'm going to work on narrowing down some products that need to be used up, and will definitely post once I get that under control! :)

Happy October!

Talk about a busy month! There has been a lot going on. Marc and I went to the Norfolk County Fair, we had thanksgiving, our friend's son had his first birthday, Marc and I are planning our anniversary... the list goes on and on.

Thanksgiving has fantastic this year. We went to Goderich again, which is tradition, and this year had a nice time seeing my cousin Nathan, and his fiance, Sarah. They live in Timmins, so it is definitely quite the hike for them to come down this way, which means we don't get to see them as much as I'd like to. It was such a nice time with them though, and I really enjoy spending time with Sarah. They brought their gorgeous English Golden Retriever with them as well - Airlie.

He really is the coolest dog. He's so chill and just loves to be around everyone. When Marc and I have a dog, I really hope he has the same kind of personality. He was just such a joy to be around that weekend!

The weather wasn't what I was hoping for though, however we went for a 2 hour walk around the town, and down to the lake, so I did take a few pictures of the scenery.

This is the view from the top before taking the stairs down to the water.

It was definitely a blustery day down by the water, but it after the rain, I got a beautiful shot of the lake that I took from my cousin's backyard.

My favourite picture of the weekend.

Marc and I also spent yesterday afternoon with our friends Shauna and Mike. Their son, Sam, had his first birthday party, and we had such a nice time spending the afternoon celebrating him. Shauna and Mike have been such great friends to us. I really enjoy spending time with them, and was honoured to be able to attend the day for Sam. Everyone else that was invited to the party was family, and Marc and I felt lucky to be apart of it.

Here is the birthday boy playing before opening presents.

And this is him with his mom and cousins checking out his new toys.

        

He was such a ham for the day, and Marc had a lot of fun playing with him. Poor Shauna had a wicked cold, but she was one heck of a trooper hosting such a nice gathering. There was a ton of food and lots of good laughs. It was a really nice time.

This Saturday I will be doing my first freelancing makeup application for some ladies that have a family photo shoot going on, and then on Sunday Marc and I will be heading to Toronto for the day with his parents which will be a nice day trip. We're also planning our 5 year anniversary celebration, which will be happening at the beginning of November as well. The plan is to head to Niagara Falls, which has become a sort of tradition for us. Since Marc was in Nunavik last year, we spent our anniversary apart, so I'm really looking forward to having a romantic getaway together and reflect on the last 5 years of our time together. It will definitely be something to blog about for sure!

Weekend Getaway!

I always love going on "mini vacations" for the weekend. Especially when they involve going to the states. 

Marc and I are taking off tomorrow for Buffalo for Friday and Saturday and I cannot wait! I always get so excited to shop in stores like Target and love to check out all of the different products carried at Walmart that we can't get here.

I'm usually one of those people that likes to pack a few days in advance, just to make sure I have everything needed, even if it is just for one night. My biggest weakness is packing my overnight makeup bag. What can I say, I like variety.

                                   

A few of these products have been numbered, because they always seem to end up being staples in my makeup bag.

1 - MAC Superdupernatural Blush - this always seems to make it into the final selection of products due to its versatility. This came out with Holiday 2009 along with Conjure Up from my last post. It is a colour that goes with everything, and it doesn't matter what I do on the eyes, it always works.

2 - MAC Trax Eyeshadow - I'm so not a purple eye shadow girl, except for this colour. It is a midtone purple with gold shimmer, and it is fabulous for green eyes. It is also the only purple I've used that doesn't make me look like I have a black eye. It's definitely a must have fall colour.

3 - I have FINALLY hit pan on this HG highlight eye shadow. NARS Abyssinia is the PERFECT inner corner/brow highlight that I've ever seen. It's a light porcelain colour with subtle shimmer. I find that it perfects any look without any chalkiness. I have finally hit pan after using this product almost every day for the past 2 years, and will repurchase in a heartbeat.

4 - Speaking of hitting pan, I am slowly getting through my MAC Studio Fix Powder in N4. It was too light for me over the summer, but now that I've lost what little tan I had, I can finally start using it. I usually will use it on its own, but have brought it as a setting powder this time for a flawless look. I would recommend this to anyone that is combo/oily skin, and wants a matte, smooth finish with little effort.

I always seem to over pack when it comes to my makeup bag, but I just love all of these products and get so excited to get back into using my staples. Maybe I'll find some great stuff to try while we're in the state as well!

My Engagement!

Sometimes I’m still in awe that I am someone’s fiancé. It’s amazing that even after a little over 2 months of being engaged I always get asked how Marc proposed. I can’t help but smile and think “I can barely remember.” It was such an unexpected surprise, but after a little bit of time I can put the pieces together, and finally get the words out.

Marc proposed on June 29^th, after a great day of spending time with my dad and sister. I was incredibly lucky to have her home for a few weeks. She flew in from BC to spend some quality time with us, which I was so excited for. For the entire week leading up to the proposal, Carrie kept asking me questions about weddings and marriage, such as if I would take Marc’s last name, or if we would do a destination wedding. She had known about the proposal since Christmas, and knew it would happen while she was here for a visit.

That Friday night, we decided to have a bon fire, and Marc and Carrie had gone shopping for fireworks, and sparklers. Since we were staying in, I changed into my jogging pants, washed my face, and headed outside. Carrie had made a comment about me taking off my makeup, and I, not realizing what was going on, told her that I was going to get comfy so it might as well come off.

We sat outside together having some laughs, roasting some marshmallows, watched Carrie climb a tree, and waited for it to get dark out. Marc came into the house to get the sparklers, and fireworks and met Carrie outside. Dad and Carrie set up an area where we could shoot them off, and Marc and I sat together for a moment of silence. Marc then proceeded to tell me he had a present for me from Montreal. I was surprised by this since he had already been back for a week and didn’t say anything before. He handed me a paper bag with Smurf figurines.

I pulled the first one out to find a Smurf dressed in a white tuxedo and didn’t think anything of it. Marc and I didn’t have any inside jokes or memories so I thought it was a little strange. I also pulled out Smurfette in a wedding dress and set them down. I completely didn’t clue in, and due to it being dark outside, I said thank you and didn’t think anything else. Then Marc said he had another gift, and presented me with the ring. I sat there, in complete shock, not realizing what was happening. I looked at it and asked: “What’s that for?”

Who asks that question???? Oh right, ME!

Marc told me that it was a ring, and that he was asking me to marry him. I sat there in silence looking puzzled, and finally said yes! I then started to cry, which is classic Ashley. The fireworks went off, and it made the moment even more special.  I told Carrie and Dad the news and went inside to call my Mom. She couldn’t stop crying and was super ecstatic. Carrie was taking a lot of pictures, and captured Marc and I after I said yes. I was such a hot mess, but didn’t even care. It was worth it.

I also made sure to get a picture of the ring the next morning, in all it’s sparkling glory.

I woke up feeling like it was all a dream until I looked down. Marc did such an amazing job with the ring. It screams Ashley. It was custom made by Marc’s cousin, Denis Bizier, who is a jeweler in Montreal. Marc had been conversing back and forth with Denis about style and look, and that he wanted to be as unique as they come. I have had so many compliments on it, and know that I will never get sick of looking down at it.

We haven’t set a date yet, or done a lot of planning, which is okay, because I'm really enjoying being engaged. We definitely want to wait until we are fully settled and then we can start to make some definite plans. I am so incredibly lucky just to have Marc in my life, and feel that he has been worth the wait. I never thought I would ever find anyone like him, and can't wait to be his wife!

On a kick - My Fall Blushers

Since I enjoyed writing about my fave Fall scents, I couldn't help but want to post a little something about my favourite blushes (or blushers, as some call it), for this time of year as well. I like to consider myself a "blushoholic". If there was only one makeup product that I go gaga for, it would be blushes.

I have a variety of colours that I always seem to gravitate towards for autumn. The first two are from NARS.

Top: NARS Madly Blush - This is a more recent blush to come to my collection. It is probably one of NARS' more understated blushes. It looks quite brown in the pan, but on my skin, it comes off as more of a pinky/tawny contour colour. I first heard about this colour from my favourite youtube guru: Michele1218, and even though she has more of a medium/olive complexion, she constantly raved about this blush. When I was at work (Sephora), any clients with a similar complexion to hers that were looking for a new blush were shown this one. It always looked amazing on them, and one day I decided to give it a go. After wearing it for a few hours, a client had asked me what blush I had on, and commented on how great my cheeks looked. I was instantly sold.

Bottom: NARS Exhibit A - Scary, right? Let me just say that this blush is incredibly pigmented, as almost all NARS blushes are. Most of their blushes only need a light hand to make them work. This is no exception. I was mostly drawn to this colour due to how bright it was, and with a fluffy brush, I gave it a go. This blush gives the skin a very natural look, believe it or not. When applied, it looks like I had been outside in the cold for a while, which is a look that I personally love. I find that if I work this mostly on the cheekbone, towards the hairline, it gives a defined cheek, that has more of a red base than orange. I highly recommend this blush, as I believe it looks great on all skin tones.

Last, but certainly not least is my favourite blush for fall/winter - MAC's Conjure Up.

Unfortunately, this blush is limited edition from Holiday 2009 (that long ago?), however I'm sure it can be duplicated with another brand. I have read that MAC's Warm Soul is close, just not as berry coloured, as well as Milani Rose D'Oro. I know that Milani is harder to find in Canada, however I wouldn't be surprised if it is lurking somewhere that I don't know about. I mostly fell in love with this blush due to how gorgeous it was in the pan, but now that I've started to reach for it more, it's a blush I definitely get the most compliments on. It is such a great tone of wine/berry, and because it is a mineralized blush, it has a gorgeous sheen that gives a glow to the cheeks without looks shiny on my oily skin. It wears amazingly during the day, and gives the cheeks such a nice pop with a more smokey eye. 

I have really enjoyed taking a little spin on this blog, and throwing in a little bit of beauty as well as what has been going on in my life. Updates to come! :)