make-up time!

I have been on a healthy product kick for quite some time now (as evident here). I thought I would try a few bareMinerals products because they are chemical free and I have heard some really good things about them from friends. I placed an order through Sephora and this is what I think so far:

I have oil skin and a dry nose - makes for a really hard combination to purchase skincare products for. I use Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets like they are going out of style some days. I was using Prime Time with a MAC foundation brush last week and didn't notice much of a difference but today I just squeezed a small amount into my palm and rubbed it on my face as I would any lotion. Let it set for a bit and then went about my routine. Seems to have helped. Haven't used an oil sheet today and although I am not looking as fresh as I do in the morning, I don't look like there's been an oil spill on my face either.

I was looking for a rival blush to my favourite: Nars Orgasm. After a quick Google search I found that bareMinerals loose blush powder in Vintage Peach was the ticket. I hated loose powder before and unfortunately I still do. Too hard to get the perfect amount and either I don't look like I have any on or else I look like I'm sparkle queen Barbie. Will work with this because a) it is expensive and b) it is really pretty in the pot. Any tips out there to share about using loose powder blush? I would love to hear them!

Unfortunately with my oily face comes oily eyelids which means by the middle of the day, any effort I've made to make my eyes look pretty is all squished up in the crease of my eyelid. I still have a MAC product that I use as an eye shadow base (and I am sad to say that I love it) but wanted to give a more organic option a try. And the verdict is ... it's okay. Like I said before I LOVE my MAC product but still on the hunt for the perfect non-chemical to replace it once and for all. Oh MAC and Nars- how I would love you if you weren't filled with horrible chemicals!

And because it was my birthday in February (when I originally ordered these products) I got my birthday gift from Sephora. Again - full of chemicals so I can't use forever and highly do not recommend but ... They're Real! Mascara is the best! If anyone has any natural mascara suggestions I would love hear them as well!

Have you made the switch to chemical free products? I would love to hear what you love - moving on to hair products next and already finding that a challenge. Thank you friends! xo

hello spring!

via

a great family event ... check it out!

today i am loving

That pillow case. That face. That smile. Love!

Must remember this at the darkest of times.

A year ago at my Grandma Donnelly's memorial. My mom's side of the family (Chad is taking the photo). So much love here.

My Aunt in California sent me this photo of my dad. How I miss him right now at this time in my life. xo

Well, it's not!

A little late wishing Dr. Seuss a Happy Birthday but this is one of my favourite sayings of all time.

A thank you pic from Ms. Julia in Hong Kong after she received our belated birthday gift. Hugs to you and your sister Ella!

My sister-in-law Stacy, my niece Sidney and nephew Chance are back safe and sound from their 6 week trip to Thailand. If this photo is any indication, I would say they had a good time wouldn't you?

What are you loving today? xo

recently

My hubby and I went out for a date night recently. This is the first in a while because I haven't been feeling 100% lately (hence - the lack of posts on my blog). I was hesitant but sucked it up - he has been a trooper and supportive (as much as his male genes will allow him - ha ha) so I wanted to make sure we got up to something fun ... and got out of the house.

We had dinner at Viva Mexico in Langley on the Fraser Highway one-way. Husband has been craving Mexican lately so went there. So much better in the summer because they have their big front windows open to their patio but anytime is usually a good time - good food and a good atmosphere. I have read a lot of reviews about poor service but I think it is a family that runs the restaurant and we have always had awesome service - super attentive and answered all of our questions. Chad always wants the biggest meal on the menu and the waiter gave him a few options. Yes - he was full and yes - he brought some home with him :)

I hate it when places don't have a website but here's some information.

We started with Jalepeno Poppers. Husband LOVES these so I had 2 and he gobbled up the rest of the plate.

Not the actual poppers but they looked very similar to these. Photo via.

Chad and I both ordered burritos.

I had a burrito dish that looked very similar to this but with one burrito. It was delicious! 

Photo via.

After a couple of Duseci beers for Chad, we went to Colossus Movie Theater in Walnut Grove and watched "Oz: The Great and Powerful".

We purchased the best seats in the house ahead of time in the UltraAVX theater. We hadn't seen a movie in this theater before and were really excited about more room, the lean back chairs and being able to pre-select our seats - no having to get there an hour before just to get a decent seat. Would I pay extra for the Ultra AVX? The only luxury I really enjoyed was being able to pre-select our seats. I enjoyed the tilting back of my chair but I needed a footstool because when I went all the way back, I couldn't touch the ground so I just swung back to the regular seated position -and I am far from a shorty. :)

The movie was awesome. I had heard mixed reviews going into it but it had great effects, the ladies (witches) were amazing and I was a huge fan of the porcelain girl - amazing effects with that one. The only downfall (and I hate to agree with everyone else) was James Franco. He didn't fit. The role was MADE for Johnny Depp and every time they showed Franco and his "super-wide-hollywood-makes-zero-sense-in-the-role" grin, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad that it wasn't Johnny's talent that was taking up the big screen.

All in all a night filled with yummy food + great company + an entertaining flick = a good night out with my man. Two thumbs up! :)

today's inspiration

The actual writing will start again one day soon - I promise :) In the meantime ...

today's inspiration

best blog i've come across in a long time

Have you had the pleasure of viewing the Definitely Raining blog? Thank you to my friend Missi (check out her awesome blog HERE) I have been laughing for two days straight. Sorry Vancouverites but I most of these are so ridiculous AND true.

Here is just a taste of what you will find when you read Definitely Raining. Enjoy!

When people still talk about the Olympics.

When I realize I’m waiting at the wrong Joey’s.

When I realize I missed the last skytrain to the burbs.

When I see that it’s going to rain for the next 14 days.