It's that time of year again..

...my bday! hahaha j/k..well not really. My bday is actually on Dec 25 :(

Anyways, here are a couple of shots of my tree

Surprisingly I got all decorations from Canadian Tire - what?!~ crazy right? hahah This is my first year getting a normal sized tree so I was very excited to decorate it :) It's a very earthy toned tree with greens, browns, cremes, golds ...me likey!


Then I found this bedazzled tree - it's so pretty! The picture doesn't depict it very well, but it's very sparkly and girly - loves it :D

I already got my bday/xmas gift from my bf...sigh there is no excitement what so ever! He totally lucked out being with me because he only needs to get me one gift for my bday/xmas and one gift for valentines day/anniversary! No fun! When I was a kid, I really wanted my bday in the summer so that I could have bday parties - it's hard to have a party when everyone is spending their day with family and xmas dinner :p Does anyone else have a bday where the holidays over shadow their special day? lol

Today I am thankful for my hearing: to have the ability to listen to music, to hear people speak, to hear the train pass by, to hear my bf's voice. I can't imagine what life would be like if I lost my hearing.......

Have a good weekend ! If I don't post before I leave for my trip: Happy Holidays to you all and be safe!!!

Black Fridays are for Canadians too!

So I went to Sherway this morning since I had to pick up some items for a bday that's coming up soon and was pleasantly surprised with all the great deals the stores had!

The Body Shop has 3 items for $30 for EVERYTHING (excluding gift baskets/kits). Details here. I haven't really tried their skincare line so I decided to go for it! I bought a face powder brush and also a retractable brush as well - both are very soft. I know they were mentioned in Oprah's O magazine as well. I'm contemplating if I should do another Body Shop haul via online lol..Does anyone have any product recommendations on their skincare line?

Urban Behaviour had 40% off everything- bought some earrings. They had a nice military style coat, but I have way too many coats!

Jacob had 40% off everything - this also included their jacob intimates store - bought some nice stuff there!

There were tons of other stores that also had deals (20-40%) going on as well. BR was 25%, Mexx I believe was 40%, costa blanca was 40%...worth while checking out!

Both Sears and The Bay had tons of sales going on too! I'm glad I went today because my bf usually never goes out for boxing day shopping :( I did a big haul at Charlotte Russe online as well -- must save money, what am I doing!

Anyway, I lucked out and got the Naked palette! woop woop! I actually picked it up last Friday at Sephora Square One location. I went there around 11 am and picked up the 2nd last palette haha. I remember the rep from Sephora Eaton Centre telling me that they usually receive stock on Fridays ;)

I put up my xmas tree - will post that up soon as well.

Here I leave you with a photo of me at my bf's brother's wedding :) I was pleased with how my hair turned out :) I usually don't like putting it up because I have big elephant Dumbo ears, but it turned out nicely.


Happy Thanksgiving - Black Friday to those living in the States! Happy Weekend y'all :)

Giveaway winners!

Thank you all for entering and supporting my blog! This giveaway was actually great timing because I realized it has already been 1 year since joining! (wow , time flies).

So the news you have all been waiting for....
Group 1 winner: Mookxi
Group 2 winner: Jenny aka the skinnies

Congratulations to the both of you! I have sent you both an email, please email me with your shipping info :)

Hope you're all having a wonderful week !!!

I apologize for not posting frequently >__<...I will be away in December, but hopefully I will remember to bring some stuff back from Japan for you ladies (and guys?)!

xo

Shiseido Warehouse Sale

Just a quick post about the Shiseido Warehouse Sale this weekend

Location:
303 Allstate Parkway
Markham, On
L3R 5P9

Sale for public: Nov 13 + Nov 14
Private Sale on Nov 12 by invitation ONLY.

Payment by Cash, Visa, Mastercard and Interac.

I have decided not to go...going go save my money as I'll be doing some shopping in Japan next month tee hee ^^

(sorry I dont know the hours of operation for the sale)

P.S. dont forget to enter my giveaway! Located here

My first GIVEAWAY :D

GIVEAWAY TIME \(^__^)/

Yes,..I know I only have 29 people following me, but reality is I have way too many items in my closet that aren't being loved. Instead of having it just sit there, I have decided to give these items to you!

There will be two giveaways:
Group 1. For those followers that have recently joined (after Nov 2) - I don't anticipate there being many
Group 2. For those followers that have been there since the beginning

Here is what you're getting (group 1 & group 2 can participate):

There is the closeup of the Etude House Blush colour

This is what consists of the Lorac Palette - I haven't opened it so I can't take a photo of the contents inside (it's shrink wrapped)

Giveaway #2 for group 2 followers:

Rules & How to enter:

- Tell me something you are thankful for. It could be anything! I try to think about this at least once a day while I'm driving. I think it's important to take time to sit and take it all in; to really appreciate what you have in life. There is always someone out there that has it worse than you. I am so thankful for everything that I have in my life..I am thankful for having a computer to connect with people, for having a relatively healthy body, for having enough food in my fridge, for having wonderful family and friends that love me for who I am...it can be anything!


Rules:

- Must be a follower of my blog
- One entry per person (if you're in Group 2 and you enter, I will calculate your entry automatically for the Group 2 giveaway)
- Open internationally
- Must obtain permission if you are under age (in your country)
- Giveaway will close November 23, 2010 11:59 pm EST
- Please leave your email address so that I can contact you

Extra entry (optional):
- post this giveaway on your blog = 2 entries (please state in your entry that you have posted it on your blog along with your blog address)

Winners will be chosen randomly and will be contacted via email. If you are the winner, you will have 5 days to respond with your address/info.

Items for Group 1 & Group 2:
- Social Beautyfly Lorac Palette
- Essie Summer Collection Nail Polishes x 4 bottles (each bottle 20 ml size)
- ELF 11 Piece Brush Collection
- Dejavu Fiberwig Extra Long Mascara
- Seche Vite Top Coat
- Etude House blush in 02
- Etude House Dear Darling Glass in 11
- Forever 21 Earrings
- Phyto Botanical hair relaxing balm
- Nano Eye Mask - Bright up x2 masks
- The Face Shop Hyaluronic acid mask sheet
- My Beauty Diary Apple polyphenol mask
- The Face Shop Whitening body essence
*note: the beige coloured tube (a sun protective gel for your hair) will not be included, sorry!

Items for Group 2:
- The Face Shop Hyaluronic acid mask sheet
- My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask
- The Face Shop oil blotting paper
- Etude House Oh~ m'eye lash double up volume mascara

GOOD LUCK :)

$25 itunes card for $20 Courtesy of Walmart

Hey ..just a quick post. Found this on Redflagdeals.com

"Right now at Walmart, you can purchase a $25 iTunes gift cards for just $20. It's a great way to save a little cash on your iTunes songs, shows and apps and they'll also make great presents, too. You'll find this deal on page 18 of Walmart's current flyer.

Visit Walmart to get your iTunes cards today! The sale is in effect through Thursday, October 21.

Read more: http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/alldeals/#e50491#ixzz12oSFJS3n"

enjoy!

Michael Kors Watch

drumroll please.... it has finally arrived!


My MK Watch! I contemplated for awhile whether to get the gold or the black. A lot of ppl have the gold and well, summer is over, so I decided to get the black one instead :D My first reaction was "damn this is heavy" lol It's a nice sturdy watch (a little big for my whimpy wrists), but still love it nonetheless! I will definitely get the one in gold or the one in tortise next! The watch is #MK5191 and purchased it for $189.62 CAD. After taxes + shipping I think it came out to approximately $220 CAD.


I purchased it from overstock.com (now that I think about it, not sure why I didn't just go to the store at Sherway lol) I just checked to see if they have it online, but looks like it's sold out! (sorry guys) EDIT: I went to the Michael Kors Store at sherway today and she sales rep told me it was $285, meaning after taxes I saved a whopping $100!!! wow

You can check out the men's version of it here or the sold out women's version here

Ok...seriously no more shopping, I gotta start saving for xmas! Oh..and thanks for your help with the previous post regarding Holt Renfrew. I have decided to hold off on the LV purse for now for many valid reasons :( It will have to wait... I told myself that I should have AT LEAST 6 months pay saved up before buying anything big. I remember reading on a forum somewhere - this girl said that she just got an increase in her credit card and that she was gonna go out and buy an LV purse b/c of it! whoa whoa...ppl, please don't view your credit card as money in your pocket! Save up for big purchases and pay it in full - that way you don't have to worry about paying interest and the item is all yours :) I mean, using your cc is a great way to build your credit rating, but don't use it if you can't pay it off :)

Have an awesome week - upcoming posts: NOTD, small review on 2 diff eyeshadow primers and that darn fiberwig mascara :D

Hello! Haul from Korea :D

My boyfriend recently went to Korea for his friend's wedding. I wrote him a 'small' list of some brands and products. This is what he returned with :D


Originally I wanted the gold cap BB cream that has the cream blush in the cap. In the description I said, purple body and gold cap..he returned with this one instead lol:



I'm still super happy and very appreciative that he got me all this stuff! Honestly I thought he would just return with a small little bag, but there's just so much! :D I'll put some of the duplicate items in my giveaway :)

On a side note, is there anyone out there than can read Korean? I don't know what the skin care items are for. The one with the BB cream, i'm not sure if that's a primer or moisturizer ? (if you click on the photo, it should expand)

Have a good week!

Really old OOTD and Holt Renfrew question

:) I found these old photos on my computer so decided to share it with you!

Yes...I know my legs are pasty and pale...and yes I know I look ghostly unhealthy. I am made aware of this by my friends all the time :P

I'm loving the crossbody purses - it makes things a lot easier to carry around. I hate it when some shoulder bags just don't want to stay on your shoulder and they keep falling down to your arm!

Item:
Top: Walmart!!!! (this the the first top I have ever bought from there, but I must say, it is quite comfortable) The cute part, that you can't really see in the photos, is that it has little gold buttons on the shoulders. I like the fact that it has the whole nautical theme going on
Cardigan: Zara
Shorts: dont remember, but probably somewhere like Garage or one of those outlet stores
Purse: Winners - cheap london fog but I get a lot of compliments on it :P
Nails: Revlon's minty
Necklace: Lisa Taubes 42" gold filled chain
Bracelets: gold + silver bangles from David Smallcombe

...and..

I have a question for those of you who shop at Holt Renfrew - I have never purchased anything from that store, but am very interested in doing so. I would like to purchase a LV purse, but I hear that you can't use holt renfrew gift cards toward any LV items? Is this true? I tried contacting Holt R but not response :( !! (-1 for bad customer service)

Happy end of summer folks!

no excuse

O.m.g....My last post was 1 month ago?! Sorry, I have been totally MIA- but for valid reasons I promise! I'll be back, just wanted to quickly post a 'hello'! It has been extremely busy at work + family emergency = mia on blogger :P

On a good note, I have purcahsed some things for a giveaway! I don't know why I'm doing a giveaway since I don't have many followers, but I just wanted to give back :) I purchased 3 Lorac palettes when Hautelook had that sale a couple of days ago and realized that my bf will kick me out of the house if he found out I bought all 3 for me...so...i'll put one of those palettes in the giveaway ;)

ok lovelies...Ill ttys!

Canadian National Exhibition

Ahhhh CNE means end of summer! I went to the Canadian National Exhibition on Friday to shop (as I do every year). I go early in the morning so I miss the crowd and I try to go during a weekday instead of a weekend - I mean I can't handle the crowds anymore. Took a couple of pics with my camera phone lol LOL wow ...bacon covered in chocolate? wow...If you are interested in trying the deep fried butter, go in the morning..the lineup is shorter.

Shopping at the CNE: The first place I hit up was the Direct Energy center and went to the area where they had the clothing for sale. I always go here and always end up finding great deals. I bought a whole bunch of shirts/shorts for $5 and $10 !!! awesome :D Then I walked around where they have the international booths and bought a whole bunch of random things. One thing I bought that I really enjoy is my bonsai tree :) Just a head's up, there is a booth that is selling Konad nail art. The basic package with 2 palettes, stamp, 3 small nail polishes was $35. If you want to make your own package I think the lady said it was $45. I didn't end up getting the Konad b/c I can't see myself using it very often, but what I did end up buying were 2 China Glaze nail polishes $5 each. Don't know if that's a good deal or not because I've never purchased China Glaze before. OPI was going for $10 - I thought that was too expensive. The colour below was the nail polish I purchased at the CNE - me likey!

I took some photos of my OOTD and half my face so I'll try and get that up for the next post :)

Hope you have a good week!

New goodies (for me!)

I got some goodies in the mail \(^_^)/





If you follow Lorraine on Youtube then you've seen these necklaces before. These necklaces look SO nice in real life :) I've purchased a 36" silver and 42" gold, but I should have just ordered 2x 42"length instead. They just sparkle and look good with any outfit! You can purchase them here

I also ordered some of these fiberwig mascaras since they were on sale. I have tried it a couple of times and like it so far. I will try to do an individual post on it on a later date though.

That's it for now...I can't believe I'm writing this while I'm on a conference call! (talk about multi-tasking) ahha

Have a great week!

Blogger Giveaway

Farah is holding a big CARGO giveaway!

Total value of products is worth a crazy $115! woop woop!
Details:

• Open to Canadian, US, UK, France & Spain residents.
• Winner will be drawn at random on August 19th 2010
• Winner must be ok with their shipping address being passed on to Cargo Cosmetics as the item will be shipped directly
• Winner will be contacted via email and have 48hrs to respond or a new winner will be drawn

Good luck everyone :D

Go pick up your Sephora VIB Swag Bag!

Woke up this morning, checked my email as I always do and found this:

This is my first time being a Sephora VIB so I was very pleased to see this. :D

I couldn't wait so I got mine ahah XD

This offer is only Aug 6-8, 2010 so go pick up your swag bag!
For those Torontonians, don't forget to check out Taste of the Danforth :) The last couple of times I have been to it, it rained, so I never got to fully enjoy it :P If I have time this weekend, I'm going to try and check it out.

If you're bored tonight and don't know what to do, come to Nathan Philips Square - I'll be there singing in the SGI Youth Chorus for Hiroshima Day

Have a great great weekend!!!!!!!!

My new love - MAC in Hey & Caribana

So I was going to do a post about the goodies that I received from M.A.C.nunu's giveaway a very long time ago, but I couldn't resist and started using the products right away! I would take a picture of some of the items, but many of them I already ate up or used lol

In her package to me, she included this lovely eyeshadow by MAC in Hey. When I saw it, I immediately thought about Stila's Kitten.

( Stila Kitten on left and MAC Hey on right)

Once I swatched it, I was pleasantly surprised that it was not the same. Kitten is a bit too shimmery for me.

(MAC Hey on left and Stila Kitten on right)

Sorry for the duplicate photo - just wanted to show you how it looks in different lighting. The top photo is indoors, just regular lighting. The bottom one is also indoors, but by the window.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this eyeshadow. I'm not big on eyeshadow - I find it difficult to blend colours and don't have a good grasp on how to apply it. The rare occasion I do wear it, I usually stick to one colour or I may try to add a 2nd colour lol I love this eyeshadow so much that I have been wearing it almost every day! I get a lot of compliments :D It's such a nice subtle colour and for some reason, it makes my eyes just pop. It's a very nice, soft, everyday kind of colour! If you go to MAC's website though, the swatch on there is quite dark. Maybe it's my computer screen ?

sigh - It's a Saturday night and I'm sitting at home on blogger. How lame is that lol. My bf is actually in Montreal enjoying his brother's bachelor party! I have been cleaning and re-organizing my forever growing cosmetics collection. I have found many items that I don't use anymore that I will put up for swapping (so I'm happy about that)

Any of you Toronto folks enjoying the Caribana? I went several years ago and took a couple of photos (sorry they're not great). There were many pretty and extravagant costumes, but way too many people for my liking lol


For more information on Caribana, visit: http://www.caribanatoronto.com/
From the website:"The Caribana Parade is the largest Caribana Festival event in North America and this year it will celebrate its 43 anniversary. This event is made up of a series of Bands that compete for best costumes in this annual parade. The Caribana Parade consists of over a million participants including steel pan bands, live soca, calypso, reggae and salsa performers as well as elaborate masqueraders in costume"

Hope you're enjoying your weekend :) Thanks for reading!

Finally..my mug shot - well, kind of

Lately I have been wondering if I am in the right profession. For those of you who don't know, I work in the healthcare industry, but lately I've been thinking maybe this isn't right for me. I mean, dont' get me wrong, I enjoy what I do, it's rewarding, I like going to work ...BUT I don't LOVE it. I want to be able to wake up every morning with excitement, but I don't :( I know there are people out there that wake up and dread going into work. Luckily I don't experience that, but I'm not jumping for joy either. I wonder if I worked in the arts if I would feel this way.

Have any of you seen that reality show on TLC called DC cupcakes? It's about two sisters who quit their corporate jobs to open up a cupcake shop...now that would be so much fun! I don't know, maybe I'm just analyzing my life too much. I should appreciate the fact that I have a good job that I enjoy. Some people are struggling out there looking for a decent job and I'm over here complaining that I like my job and not loving it ahhaha

Enough of me blabbing..here is a mug shot of myself (and my other half). I am still apprehensive about putting up a photo of myself so when this picture came out blurry, I thought: "perfect for my blog!" lol

On another note: I have a massive haul to post. This photo doesn't include the E.L.F, F21, and urban outfitters items I have purchased recently. I NEED to stop spending. The photo includes items from Sephora and sasa.com


Have a great week :D

Obsessed with nail polish - Essie's summer 2010 Collection

My current obsession: nail polish

I think it's because summer is here which gives me a good excuse to wear somewhat vibrant colours :D I really want to buy those green's from OPI's shrek collection, but I don't think my workplace would appreciate those colours =\

Anyways, I was at Winners the other day and saw that they had Essie's 2010 summer collection!

From left to right: Haute as Hello, Demure Vixen, Miss Matched, and Seche Vite
(the polishes were $6.99 CAD each and top coat was $7.99 CAD)

For the full colours in this collection, visit Essie's website: http://www.essie.com/seasonal2/

Has anyone tried the Seche Vite? I hear the gurus hyping up this product, but my current Revlon top coat seems to be doing a good job. I'll let you know how it compares!

Another thing I'm obsessed with are my silver and gold filled bangles. I wear them every single day :)


What are your current obsessions?

Forever 21 Canada - Free Shipping Online, no minimum!

TODAY ONLY - Forever 21 online is offering free shipping with no minimum purchase necessary! yay I love when I don't have to pay shipping :)

Enter code: CADAY10 at checkout

Enjoy!

NOTD and Giveaway

Just a quick post on my NOTD: picked this one up from Shoppers when they were having a Revlon sale. It's called Perfect Pink and it's such a cute pink for summer^^ If you're looking for a cool toned pink, this is it! It was a bit streaky so for some nails I had to put on 3 coats. I'm really enjoying this colour! Here are some photos: it's funny how lighting changes the colour of the nailpolish lol

At night - kitchen light on (no flash)

Daytime - by the window (this is more true to colour)

..and Jenny is holding a giveaway - be sure to check it out here!