Best Holiday Outfits at H&M

H&M just opened up a new store in my city and it’s created a newfound obsession with them. I think in the past all of the stores I have visited have been too big and busy, whereas this one is much smaller and easier to look around.

Last week I was in a mad rush to get some new party outfits and I knew that I wanted outfits that were 1) stylish, 2) well fitting, and 3) a decent price. I’m tired of spending hundreds on a dress that I literally only wear once. I hit the mall with no idea of where to go or what I was going to end up with, but I walked out with bags full of exactly what I was looking for, all thanks to H&M!

Below I have shared my five favorite looks from H&M for the holidays, all of which are under $100 (and most under $50). A huge bonus is all of the outfits below are also perfect for New Years Eve!

(all prices are in Canadian dollars)

Short Sequinned Skirt – $29.99

 
Fitted Lace Dress – $49.99 (color below is burgundy, it also comes in black)

 

Jumpsuit w/Tie Belt – $79.99

Sequinned Velour Dress – $59.99 – (color below is black, it also comes in dark green). This is my personal favorite! I wore it to a party this past weekend.

 
Pleated Dress – $49.99 (color below is black, it also comes in dark teal)

 

 

Does anyone else have any H&M favorites this holiday season?

-SS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Sephora Haul

Last week I was cleaning up my email inbox and I noticed something that I completely forgot about, a $100 Rouge Reward from Sephora that I hadn’t used yet! The Rouge Reward is a new option on the Rewards Baazar and allows Rouge members to redeem 2,500 points for a $100 coupon. There are some restrictions to using the reward including a 90 day expiration date and having to use the entire $100 at once. The change was made in August so my expiration date was coming up fast, which meant I was “rewarded” with a trip to Sephora this weekend. Can’t complain at that!

I used the coupon for some restocks and a couple of new products. I also went on a little Too Faced spree.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – $31

I received this in a sample size months ago and it’s quickly become one of my favorite mascaras of all time. I’m obsessed with mascara, it’s the one makeup item that I need every single day and Too Faced does not disappoint. It gives killer volume, lengthens, separates, it’s completely smudge proof, doesn’t flake off, and with all Too Faced products, the packaging and name are to die for! Highly, highly recommend this mascara!

Too Faced Peach Mist Mattifying Setting Spray – Peaches and Cream Collection – $20 (mini version)

I got this in the mini version since it’s a brand new product to me and I wasn’t sure what to expect, I didn’t want to spend $40 on something if I wasn’t sure if it would work. Well, I kind of wish I went with the full sized version because I’m obsessed with this setting spray! Not only does it leave my skin looking flawless and oil free for hours, it smells like peaches and cream! I will absolutely be purchasing the full size bottle of this.

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer – $21

This is a restock and I again picked up the mini version of this. It’s been my daily primer for about 2 years now and I wanted a travel sized tube. This primer is infused with coconut oil, which leaves your face looking hydrated and radiant. My makeup always goes on so smooth when I use this primer!

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick (I got the shade Bamboo)- $31

This is the last restock for me from this haul. A few months ago I wandered into Sephora looking for a new cover-up and I was recommended to try Fenty. I haven’t looked back! These skinsticks are amazing! Full coverage, super blendable, matte, long-wearing, and available in 20 shades. I didn’t think anything would ever come close to my beloved Boi-ing concealer, but Fenty achieved it.

Sephora Collection Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist – $23

I’m always on the lookout for new self-tanning products. I love how I look and feel with a little bit of a tan, but want to achieve that look safely. So far I have only used this once and I was super impressed with the application and the slight glow I had the next day from it. Next time I’ll apply a little more, I have naturally olive skin so I can usually handle going a little darker. To apply I exfoliated in the shower, moisturized, let the moisturizer dry and then got back into the shower and sprayed my entire body (including face). The mist comes out slightly tinted so you can see where you are applying it, and the entire process took no longer than 15 minutes. It also dried quickly. I think it’s a great slightly more affordable option to some of the other self-tanners out there if you are looking for a subtle winter glow!

Have any of you tried any of the products above?

-SS

Homemade Limoncello

I am not ashamed to admit that one of my favourite things to do a Sunday morning is watch Food Network and get some ideas for meals for the week ahead. I’m even further unashamed to tell you that one of my current fave shows is Valerie’s Home Cooking I have tried so many recipes from her show and every single one of them has been a home run! I’m especially excited about my most recent one and I can’t wait to share!

A recent episode showcased lemons and if you know anything about me, you know that  love lemons. Lemons in my water, in my tea, lemon slices, lemon pie, lemon cupcakes, lemon chicken… you get the picture. Lemon everything! So it’s no surprise that I was so excited when Valerie featured limoncello on her show. Because, shocker, I also love limoncello.

For those of you who have never tried limoncello, you’re in for a treat. Limoncello is an Italian liquer made out of lemon zest, simple syrup and alcohol. Although traditionally it’s made in Italy, it is an extremely popular homemade liquer and after trying Valerie’s recipe, I can see why! It’s incredibly easy to make and so, SO tasty!

The recipe that I used was Valerie’s recipe and it can also be found on the Food Network site here.

What You Need:

• Lemons! The recipe calls for 14 organic, I used 15 (I’m a rebel like that)
• 1 liter vodka. You don’t have to use a specific brand, but make sure it’s something that you would like to drink. I used Absolut
• 3 cups white sugar
• 3 1/2 cups water
• Glass bottles – I got the Korken bottles from IKEA (they’re also on sale right now!)

Directions: 

• Grate the lemons using a microplane grater, carefully avoiding the pith (white part)
• Place zest in a pitcher
• Pour vodka over zest
• Cover with plastic wrap and leave alone at room temperature for a week
• Make the simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
• Let cool completely. This is important, if you add hot liquid to vodka, the alcohol could evaporate and that kind of defeats the entire purpose of making homemade liqueurs!
• Once cooled, pour the simple syrup into the pitcher with the vodka and lemon zest and stir
• Let stand for 24 hours
• Strain the mixture through an extra fine sieve or cheesecloth
• Discard the solids and funnel the rest into glass bottles
• Enjoy!

Notes:

• This would make for great homemade holiday gifts!
• Although limoncello is traditionally served after dinner as a digestif, you can also make so many delicious cocktails with it! A favourite of mine is adding ice, gin and some freshly squeezed lemon juice to a shaker and serve in a martini glass.

Does anyone else make homemade liqueurs? If so, I would love to hear about them!

-SS

What’s On My Christmas List This Year

With Christmas approaching faster than ever, I’m getting asked for my Christmas list. Yes, I’m a professional in my mid 30’s and I still provide a list! The truth is that I would be happy with just spending some time relaxing with loved ones. I love everything about this season and one of my favorite things is when my husband and I have our annual Christmas date night where we dress up and go to a nice restaurant. I would honestly be happy with just that! But for those who need something more tangible, this is what I’m wishing for this year:

 

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Hair Mist – $65

If you have been following my blog for a while you will know that Flowerbomb is one of my favorite perfumes, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw that they make a hair mist with the same scent. I’m new to the hair mist party but I have a feeling I’m going to love it.

Barefoot Dreams Blanket – approx. $246 Canadian

The dream in the brand name is probably more likely where this blanket will be for me, but I can wish for it though right?! I wasn’t sure what the hype was with this blanket given the cost of it… until I tried it in store. It’s so incredibly soft and cozy that I keep thinking about it.

Just about anything from Lush

Bath bombs, lip scrubs, shower gels, massage bars, bubble bars, I love it all! Anything from Lush will make me deliriously happy. When all else fails when it comes to shopping for me, go with Lush.

 

 

Gift Cards – Nordstrom/Aritzia/Sephora

Gift cards are not given the credit they deserve. When you get a gift card for someone you’re not only giving them the freedom to pick out their own gift, you’re giving them the gift of a trip to their favorite store. How can you go wrong?! Answer: you can’t.

 

Does anyone else have a Christmas list? What are you hoping for?

-SS

Bailey’s Irish Cream & Cocoa Mousse

I know that it’s only November, but every year I promise myself that I will start prepping for the holiday season early to prevent stress later on and I never do it. I end up running around like a headless chicken the week before Christmas trying to get everything done, and then I end up disappointed by the 27th because I didn’t do half of the things that I wanted to do. Oh well, there’s always next year…

 

So this year I am determined to start early. For real this time! Last night was my first attempt at this by testing out my first Christmas recipe…. wait for it…. Bailey’s Irish Cream & Cocoa Mousse!! And, not only was it delicious, it was incredibly easy! (it’s also egg-free for anyone who isn’t fond of the idea of having raw egg in your desserts)

 

Bailey’s to me screams holidays, and as soon as December rolls around, I need a giant bottle of it in the house at all times. This recipe calls for the original Bailey’s, but you can use any of the new flavored ones too. You can also choose to skip the cocoa part if you just want some straight-up Bailey’s flavour… I would love to hear how you customized this recipe! You can also have a lot of fun with decorating too, imagine how decadent it would look with some chocolate curls and gold leaf.

Makes 2 generous size desserts, or 4 “regular” sized ones

Ingredients:
1 package of unflavored gelatin (around 2.5 tbsp)
2.5 tbsp cold water
1/4 cup boiling water
1/3 cup white sugar
2-3 tbsp (to taste) high quality cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup heavy cream/whipping cream
1/2 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 tsp vanilla
Grated chocolate for garnish

Steps:
1. Stir gelatin and cold water and let stand approx. 1 minute
2. Add boiling water and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Put aside
3. Add cream, sugar and cocoa to stand mixer, and beat until stiff peaks form*
4. Add Bailey’s, vanilla and gelatin and keep mixing at high-speed until mousse like texture forms
5. Spoon into bowls (I love martini glasses for festive presentation!), sprinkle on grated chocolate and refrigerate until set, about 1-2 hours

*Make sure you place your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand

 

Please let me know if you try this, I’d love to hear what you think!

-SS

 

 

 

Keeping Lips Soft & Hydrated in Winter

It’s happened. I knew it would eventually, but you always think maybe this will be the year we get skipped, maybe it won’t be so bad. No such luck, winter is here and I think it’s here to stay. So long cute heels, fall jackets and moisturized skin and hello winter boots, parkas and dry chapped lips!

 

My lips get incredibly dry during the cold months and as a result, lots of TLC is needed. We all know that the most important way to stay hydrated is by making sure we’re drinking water, but sometimes a little more help is required! I’ve found that one of the best ways to keep my lips looking and feeling soft and hydrated is to treat them overnight. Below I am sharing my favorite products that I make sure I always use before I go to bed so that I can wake up with beautifully soft and hydrated lips, no matter how low the thermostat dropped overnight!

 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask – $30

 

If you haven’t tried these lip masks yet, you need to! (pro tip: you can ask for a sample at Sephora if you want to test it out first). Handcrafted with agave nectar and jojoba oil, this lip product is actually designed to be used overnight. One swipe of these lip masks before bed guarantee that you will wake up with softer, smoother and healthier lips!

I have a few of these but my favorite is the lavender one, it actually contains lavender, which helps to promote restful sleep.

 

FRESH Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm – $22

 

 

I’ve posted about this before and there’s a reason for that because this balm is seriously amazing! The scent is absolutely decadent and the formula actually feels like you are putting caramel on your lips (minus the stickiness!). I usually put this on my lips on days where I need the hydration but I don’t feel like I need anything quite as intense as a lip mask. It never fails that I always wake up with moisturized and soft lips whenever I use it.

 

Has anyone else used the products above? What are some of your favorite winter beauty tips?

-SS

Sephora Rouge Sale Haul Nov 2018

Am I the only one who feels like Sephora has had way more sales than usual this year? I mean, I’m not complaining! Although my bank account I’m sure is not too thrilled. If you haven’t heard, Sephora is currently having their Rouge Holiday Event, which is 20% off everything in store for Rouge members. The sale ran last weekend Oct 26-29 and this weekend Nov 2-5. This is likely their last 20% off event of the year so I made sure I took advantage.

In all honestly there wasn’t a ton of things that I needed to get since I bought so much over the summer, but I can’t resist Sephora so I picked up some restocks and of course a few little treats!

Take a peek at my haul below and look for reviews of all products coming soon!

Makeup:

Skincare:

Hair and Body:

Free samples for Rouge members during the sale:

There’s still 2 days left of the sale (ends at midnight on Nov 5) so make sure you don’t miss out!

-SS

My Favorite Sephora Holiday 2018 Gift Sets

It’s November, and you know what that means?! I can officially start talking about Christmas! I feel as though I have to bite my tongue all October and then the second Halloween is over, it’s my time.

One of the things that I love to do each year is browse the holiday gift sets that stores put out, and which better store than to do this at than Sephora?! I’ve been keeping an eye on the Sephora holiday gift sets since September and I have rounded up my favorites below:

 

Sephora Favorites Best Hair Kit Ever – $32 ($80 value)

If you haven’t tried a Sephora Favorites kit yet, you have no idea what you’re missing out on. This kit comes with 8 products in a cute rose gold makeup bag. The products are suitable for all hair types and it’s a great way to try out new things.

 

Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Carnaval Magic – $49

 

There’s a reason why this cream is a cult favorite! This set comes with two tubs of the infamous Bum Bum cream, the body mist and my personal favorite, the lip balm. You do not want to miss out on this!

L’Occitane Holiday Almond Ornament – $14

I love gifts that can actually be hung on the tree and Sephora never disappoints in bringing out a new one each year. This one contains some of my favorite products from L’Occitane and I can’t wait to put it on my tree! Bonus tip – the almond oil works great for shaving your legs!

 

Too Faced Under The Christmas Tree Breakaway Face & Eye Set – $52 ($250 value)

Run to Sephora to pick this one up because I guarantee it won’t last! It comes with two eyeshadow palettes (I adore Too Faced eyeshadows!), a face palette with highligher/bronzer/brush, and a Better Than Sex mascara. This is a “one for you, one for me” kind of purchase!

 

Peter Thomas Roth Mask Frenzy – $95

Peter Thomas Roth masks are amazing, but they can get pricey. This gift set is a great way to try out the brands best selling masks without the cost commitment of purchasing separately. It comes with Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask, Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask, 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask, Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask, Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer, Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-Tox™ Hydrator. I suspect this one won’t last long either!

Do you have any you would like to share?

-SS

Review: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow

Since it’s Monday I think we all need a pick-me-up and so it just makes sense that I should share my experience with a brand that’s not only fun and cheerful, but definitely works as a pick-me-up for your skin!

I have incredibly oily skin and it’s tough for me to find products that control the oil while also providing much needed moisture and radiance. That was until I found Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow line!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask – $59

I bought the mask on a whim on our trip to Vegas back in August. I was immediately drawn to the color and the watermelon on the packaging (I looooove watermelon!). Once I got home I didn’t waste any time in trying it and loved the result: glowing, smooth, radiant and controlled skin! You put this on before bed and leave it on overnight. The smell is amazing, actually like watermelons without being too fake, and since it sinks into your skin right away, there’s no residue or film left on your pillow. Its formula includes soothing, amino-acid rich Watermelon Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and pore refining AHA for perfectly smooth skin every single time!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer – $50

It literally took me one use to fall in love with the mask so I purchased the moisturizer immediately. Taken from the Glow Recipe website, the moisturizer is “Spiked with vitamin- and amino acid-rich watermelon extract, plumping hyaluronic acid, and soothing botanicals like peony and jasmine extracts, this cooling gel-emulsion absorbs instantly to seal in hydration and prep skin for the day ahead. Antioxidants guard against free radicals and repair damaged cells along the way. Used morning and night, it drenches skin in luscious, long-lasting moisture. ” Who doesn’t want that?!

I use the sleeping mask about once a week, more often if my skin is looking particularly tired or dull, and I use the moisturizer daily in the morning after my usual skincare routine.
Has anyone tried anything else from Glow Recipe? What did you think?

-SS

Fave Brand Alert: Kristin Ess

Whenever I find a new brand I love, I can’t wait to come here and share it with you guys. I’m especially excited about this one because it’s an inexpensive drug store available brand! The brand I’m here to talk about today is Kristin Ess.

 

 

 

Kristin Ess describes their line as an affordable luxury haircare brand, and they are hitting it out of the park! The products were created by Kristin Ess herself who is a hairdresser with over 2 decades of experience. Trust me, her experience shows! Every product I have used so far has left my hair feeling incredibly soft, manageable and shiny. Oh, did I mention that all of her products smell absolutely incredible and in colors like blush, light grey and black, these are bottles that you want to display! No hiding away these for me.

 

It’s tough for me to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I’d go with the The One Purple Shampoo and Conditioner. Sulfate and paraben free, they are good for the environment and my hair extensions. My hair has a natural orange-y tint to it so a good purple shampoo and conditioner is a must. The One Purple Shampoo and Conditioner make sure that my hair stays brass free and soft.

 

The Style Assist Blow Dry Mist is a close second in terms of favorites. I need this like I need air. I mean, who doesn’t need something that not only cuts down on drying time, but also detangles and adds shine?! I hate drying my hair because I’m so impatient so I have tried many blow dry mists and trust me, this one works!

Another favorite is the Soft Shine Beach Wave Spray. Again, I’ve tried many beach wave products and most of the time they contain salt leaving your hair feeling stiff and sticky. Not this one! Like all Kristin Ess products, it delivers exactly waht the label says and you are left with soft, shiny beachy waves.

If you are looking for something fun, you don’t want to miss out on the Rose Gold Temporary Tint. You spray this on wet hair in the shower and the result is a subtle rose gold tint throughout your hair that lasts from 1-3 shampoos.

There are SO many different products in this line so make sure you check out the site to see what else is available. I still haven’t tried everything from Kristin Ess, but I’m slowly getting there and I can’t wait to try some more!

 

Kristin Ess products are available in Target stores in the US and online at well.ca in Canada. Everything is less than $20.

 

Has anyone else tried Kristin Ess? What did you think?

-SS