November Cat of the Month

http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/2011/may/images/cats_d75.jpg

Here's our lovely cat of the month! I chose this sleepy head cat because it reminds me of C.C.. I'm pretty sure I see C.C. sleeping all the time (yeah, she's lazy like that) and also in odd positions like this cat. 

I hope this cat has brought you some happiness today :)

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie 

The perpetual cat-lover

Thoughtful Thursdays

source: http://indulgy.net/e4/U/T9/236579786645361336hjMt31WAc.jpg

Trip Planning: Check your devices

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/travel-gif

If you're like me and haven't been on a real trip in a while (I blame summer courses and work -_-), you might be a bit out of the loop on the best ways to travel. A key part of travel is making sure you can use your electronics in other countries without causing fires, or electrocuting yourself, or breaking your stuff....

https://store02.prostores.com/lumiascience/images/european_adapter.jpg

Something I recently found out (thanks, mom) is that I actually don't need a converter with my electronics. I can just use an adapter. Also an adapter is not a converter for those of you who are tech challenged. Many electronics that have been manufactured recently are multi-voltage. That is, they can deal with the different  voltages and therefore will not explode. This means my camera, tablet, and phone will be safe. Also my travel will be less bulky. Note: if you are staying in an older building your electronics may still be at risk.

I look for this on my devices:

Multi-voltage device: INPUT AC100 — 240V 50-60Hz 14W OUTPUT DC 1.2V 2.3A

For more information check out this  electricity guide for travellers. As someone that's not an electrical genius, I found it very helpful and easy to understand.

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

November Favourites

My car from the same November snowstorm as Addie's. To remove snow. Make a snow angel on car.

I can't believe it but it's almost December already, which means... EXAM TIME (and CHRISTMAS... duhhh.) Click here to see what to wear for exam season.

Here are a few of my favourites this month and why!


Skincare: Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil

source: http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod12/dw/image/v2/AAFM_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-ShuUemura_CA-Site/Sites-shuuemura-master-catalog/default/v1385157766512/NPKG_CO_FRESH_450.png?sw=288&sh=320

It is SO important to clean your face after wearing makeup, even sunscreen.  I used to do it all with a make up removing cleanser but then I started feeling the need to clean twice.  Also something that didn't remove too much moisture when I wanted my make up off from an event but wasn't ready to hit the hay (sleep) yet.  (note: I have combination, acne-prone, sensitive skin)

It's super easy, you just pump 1-2 pumps on a dry hand and rub the oil on your face.  It melts off the make up from your face (I even use it for my mascara and it doesn't seem to irritate my eyes, but don't quote me on that...) I find that it really is pore clarifying because I find that the little balls of sebum (sound's gross but so cool) seem to rub off sometimes when I'm using this cleanser.  After that I wet my hands with some water and rub it on my face to emulsify the oil and then splash it all off.  It does not seem to dry out my skin but all my make up seems to be gone! :)

If I am not washing my face again because I am going to bed I would just moisturize and I'm done.  I think it's important to not over wash your face (max 2 times) but when I do this it means I wash my face 3 times a day so it is important that you put that moisture back on your face and put on sunscreen to protect it too!


Makeup: Benefit's Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep

source: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/medias/sys_master/8802078457886.jpg

I have very sparse brows... They are also super light.  Gimme Brow is my go-to on-the-go brow product.  If I am running super low on time I just put on two quick swipes of this on my brows to fill them in, add some tint, and set them in place.  ALL IN ONE PRODUCT (no wonder it won allure's best of beauty).

This honestly lasts me the whole day and it is true that brows frame your face.  I LOVE IT WHEN MY EYEBROWS ARE FRESHLY DONE... but it's always so hard to maintain.

Do you have any tips?

Book Nails: Essie's Where's My Chauffeur

Haha... none of the books this month.  Where's my Chauffeur is a beautiful turquoise colour.  I think it slowly replacing my Turquoise & Caicos... okay maybe not because they are a bit different but this is definitely a new favourite!  

P.S. Look at my lovely cuticles (well better because of this)

Clothing Item: Lululemon Brushed Wunder Under Pant

source: http://search.lululemon.com/thumb.php?f=http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW5B78S_0001_1?$pd_main$&s=223

Okay.  Well... I know there is the whole controversy of Lululemon etc. but these pants have lasted me for at over 4 years.  They are brushed on the inside so they are super soft and keep me super warm.  I didn't have any problems with the see-throughness of them before.. but I bought a new pair this year and we'll see how that goes.

I absolutely love these and I wear them almost all the time (check out our fashion posts that we wear them for here)

Quote: Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed with strength and dignity; She can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25.


Food: Frozen Assorted Fried Fishballs

source: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9270574833_1ac29dc4a3.jpg

Okay.  THIS IS JUST AMAZING.  I throw this in some broth and eat it with udon.  Make a laksa soup base and throw that in there.  Make some daikon soup, throw this in there. Boil some water and throw some of this in it... eat with rice and soy sauce.  THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER.

Sometimes as 20 somethings especially living alone (#foreveralone) I find myself making quick and easy meals for one or two people and this is definitely the way to go!

These are delicious and gives you a variety of options! What is there not to love :) Try them! (I actually used the exact same ones in this picture)


Well that's it, I hope you enjoyed my favourites and I hope they become your DECEMBER favourites or one of your many favourites in the future!

Let me know if you have any favourites or anything that I should try!!?

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

Canadian Winters

Oh look, I found my car....

(Most of this is from last night)

Twenty-something issues:

Why didn't I buy a shovel? I thought I had a shovel...?

Walking to the grocery store because it's better than hand-digging my car out.

At least I have hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon :)

Keep warm!!

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

Thoughtful Thursdays: Abraham Lincoln

sources: http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lb1divtJr61qakgl9o1_1280.png

Why You Need Avocados in Your Life

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/438/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/article7524623.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/w-avocado.jpg

Avocados are delicious and healthy. They're the perfect snack and add some colour/freshness to a meal. They're commonly referred to as "nature's butter" and definitely complement meals just as well. Personally, I'm a salty snacker and I find avocados are the perfect food item to satisfy my salty cravings (ie: I don't need chips to be happy. But guacamole is great with tortilla chips!)

How to tell if an avocado is ripe:

Q: Is it dark coloured? 

A: Yes. 

Translation: Off to a good start on the ripeness test. 

Q: Is it soft if you press it (but not mushy)?

A: Yes
Translation: I'm perfect! Eat me now! It should be noted that avocados require timing. They are perfect for a brief period of time before becoming overripe.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/b64000565b063b61db8af865bfbe2bdd/tumblr_mvcbnhDSa01r2p50go1_1280.jpg

Here are a few of my favourite ways to have avocados:

1) Slice and have with steak

2) Cut in half. Remove the seed. Drizzle with olive oil, soy sauce, and fresh cracked pepper.

3) Guacamole (great for gatherings or movie nights)

• Mash avocado
• 1 tsp garlic
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• salt and pepper
• sprinkle with cilantro
• optional:
• diced red onions
• Frank's Red Hot
• powdered garlic vs diced garlic

Aside: Life if like an avocado. The timing is hard, but when you get it right, it's perfect. I love food. BUT, if you want to prolong your avocado's life, put it in the fridge- it will buy you a few extra days.

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

For more recipes, thoughts or tutorials, leave a comment!

Thoughtful Thursdays: Our Greatest Fear - Marianne Williamson

source: http://wkuplondon.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/a_light_from_the_darkness_by_teh_artish.jpg

Our Greatest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of

God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson

Gift Guide

I know that Halloween just ended, but somehow it's already the middle of November. That means Christmas is coming up. With this comes the big question: What will I get for (insert: friend/ family member/ significant other/ person you have to buy a gift for even though you don't really like them/ secret Santa). Holiday shopping can be a bit overwhelming with so many options so here are my gift ideas.

For the girls...

mittens, scarf, tea, spa day, jewellery, candles, C.D.s, nail polish, perfume

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_gsIOtI1qrJzkAIXXiKKdDEHXdqQrwyzAhDdwmKKRo-MQrFDFLdtp3QfC7QPNsTnikuEGngd6NN0935CNeyg8Iz3wFCdqwZVSMH0i4zClgtg1kntbMxQ1QX1zjHGlEEmU5k9u4RLz58/s1600/Essie+Post.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy0WoeXFJWcqyBeBxgPDwkfv2gEHLuFUfZmWrIVixi51LM24hLKr10m1e3rx_FlrdkC1xSlFPabVyqMmVaxcN8Ma9bSMe9W4REitlBj9IqxNo7_h9JKUPrjh8-IhBDODyrpS1OFqaKWs/s1600/Kitten+Mittens.1.jpg

For the boys...

knit scarves, tea or coffee, tech gear, thermos, shaving set, 

http://www.fendrihan.com/images/FEN107_Duluth_travel_shave_kit_black.jpg

For the parents...

handmade items, tea, watch, perfume/cologne, throws/blankets, kitchen gadgets, 

http://sc.donnakaranhome.com/common/images/products/large/dkny-weekend-throw-blanket-stack-800x533.jpg

For the globe-trotter...

swiss army knife, thermal socks, travel thermos (preferably with interesting print), gift card to a book store (guides are expensive!)

http://gearjunkie.com/images/11087.jpg

For the distant relative...

food, candles, gift cards

http://cdn1.amara.co.uk/uploads/images/products/1000/scented-glass-candle-in-gift-box-cin.jpg

For the secret Santa...

tea, food

http://teenthropologist.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/tea.jpg

For the Do-Gooder...

A goat (as in buy a goat to support sustainable income in a developing country), or a polar bear (donation), or all the animals (donations to help support the animals)

http://wild1080.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/HD-Goat-Wallpaper.jpg

Helpful Hints:  

• Try purchasing from local businesses. You'll find more unique gifts and support your local community!
• If you can, take the time to handwrite thoughtful cards to everyone. Presents are great but messages and actions last longer.
• C.C.'s gift guide: "BUY ALLL THE TEAAA!!"

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie & C.C.

Addicted to: Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

See that dent I put in there... I opened this last night.  Clearly I'm addicted to this.

I never take care of my cuticles (I'm pretty low maintenance) but one night I was over at Addie's and she introduced me to this amazing product.  If my memory serves me properly, I've used this before but I probably didn't realize how great this was then.

All you do is dab a little bit and put it on your cuticles and your nails!  It absorbs pretty quickly and doesn't leave my fingers super greasy.  AND it smells like LEMONS! 

How do you like this? Any products you recommend?

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

Addie's Style Book: Winter Walk

When it's cold outside, it's easy to feel dull in fashion and beauty. Here's a quick look to keep fashionable without freezing! 

I like thermal leggings for extra warmth and also good socks or well insulated boots are a must! In general, everyone likes to be comfortable so try layering a camisole under a thicker turtle neck or knit sweater. 

Remember a good sunscreen and a light foundation or BB cream to keep your skin looking bright!!

Or, if it's too cold outside, it's the perfect excuse to stay in and cuddle with a cat, read a book, learn a language or bake a souffle!


Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

Winter Walk by enteen featuring leather shoes

Cardigan
$31 - ginatricot.com

Sinequanone jacket
yoox.com

Forever 21 black skinny trousers
forever21.com

Zara leather shoes
zara.com

Crislu locket necklace
bloomingdales.com

J Crew accessory
jcrew.com

Day in the Life: 20Something Crisis

For those of you unaware of the quarter-life crisis (a.k.a. 20Something crisis) they happen more often than you'd think. Being a twenty-something is hard. There are so many things going on and so many people expect you to have it all together. Personally, I applaud all of you who keep it semi-together in this crazy, disorganized mess of a world we call life. 

http://www.tumblr18.com/t18/2013/10/Surprised-cat.jpg

Here are my questions of the day as I muddle through my quarter-life crisis (of the week):

Who am I? What is my purpose? Am I getting the right degree? What will I do after I graduate? Do I have money? Where will I get money? Am I forgetting something? Did I lock the door? Is pizza a bad idea (as the fifth meal in a row)? Did I need to buy this? What is love (baby, don't hurt me)? When should I get married (jk, forever alone)? Should I go to yoga? What am I doing with my life? WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE? Maybe I should quit school and live in a box with cats... 

http://www.catster.com/files/cat%20in%20a%20cardboard%20box_0.jpg

Let's all go into savasana and re-evaluate the direction of our lives...

http://www.indiastudychannel.com/attachments/Resources/132694-920-savasana.gif

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

Addie's Style Book: Winter Must-Have

source: http://www.evergreen.ie/product_images/259997_L.jpg

Here is my hand cream must-have for winter. I first experienced Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme years ago, when I was about fifteen years old. Though I have tried other creams to fight against winter skin chapping, this will always be my favourite. It's the most reliable and effective hand cream I have used. Plus it smells amazing!

Although it comes in a small glass jar, don't let it's size deceive you. The product has a very thick consistency. Since it has such moisturising power, you only need a little and the jar will last you more than a season. It's great to put on after coming inside on a cold day, before going to bed or after washing dishes and keeps your hands soft and healthy looking. Note: It may leave your hands a bit greasy until it is fully absorbed into the skin.  

Another product I highly recommend from Burt's Bees is their Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. It keeps your cuticles smooth and prevents painful hangnails and peeling skin. 

source:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfemLUWKgkgcVg9lf39MUnJK8k0iuT8KPrG86-l5AAfh_f3dZ3J6Uf9JpRvoizkgPeQRW48A0nuijM_vhQanJapivNZdvMga2dj_JxoXtoOHOoPEs9g1I-mRvHF3SddTWi44KNwJiY0Y/s400/bees.jpg

Overall, it is important to take good care of your skin and body, however in the Winter it is especially important to take care of yourself since the conditions can be very harsh. Moving from a dry and warm inside to a cold, windy and sometimes wet outside can definitely take a toll on your health. Keeping up with small habits such as regular hand-washing, moisturising, wearing sunscreen, chapstick and dressing warmly will help you survive harsh winter conditions (Hello, Canadian Winters!) and feel pampered doing so.  

 Hint: to tame static or frizzy winter hair apply hand cream to your hands and rub excess through your hair and smooth over the top to reveal a smooth, manageable mane. 


Do you have any winter favourites? What is your essential winter product? Let me know if you want a review for any products or have any questions!

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

Lazy Fashion: Mundane Mondays

Get it... It's Ironic.  This is what I wore out on a Monday Night out ;).  Live life on the edge.

Mundane Mondays by enteen 

Sometimes you make poor life choices and go out on a Monday.  Try this simple and easy (and lazy) outfit that looks good enough to get a few free beers.  

I pair a bold coloured t-shirt with a pair of dark jeggings (black preferably).  A pair of statement flats and a nice silver necklace (or any other accessories you like).

Don't forget to put on some bold eye look (comment to see what I did) that complements your own natural beauty :)

Most of all, be safe and HAVE FUN!

Thoughtfully yours,

C.C.

Addie's Style Book: November Essential

http://www.thebodyshop.ca/en/images/packshot/products/large/almond-hand-nail-cream_l.jpg

This is my new favourite hand cream. It's the Body Shop's Almond Hand and Nail Cream. It makes my hands really soft and it's also a multi-purpose cream. It's great for skin and nails/cuticles. I think it's definitely a November essential because it's non-greasy and absorbs into your skin very easily. My favourite part of this cream is that you can still be functional after application. Unlike many lotions and creams that leave you incapable of turning a doorknob or opening a bottle, the Body Shop's cream leaves your skin moisturised without the issues. 

http://www.thebodyshop.ca/en/images/packshot/products/large/hemp-hand-protector_l.jpg

If you have especially dry skin, I recommend trying the Hemp Hand Protector. It's thicker than the Almond Hand and Nail Cream but it's also a non-greasy formula. It's really effective for rough and chapped hands!

Both of these hand creams smell amazing and leave you with smooth and silky skin. 

Have you tried either of these products? Do you have any other winter essentials?

Thoughtfully yours, 

Addie

Nail Stamping

Here are the results of my nail stamping adventure. I went home for the weekend and this is my mom's new obsession. Overall, I think nail stamping is a good investment if you like having intricate nail designs but don't have time or the skill to dedicate to working on your nails for a long period of time. Plus, the possibilities are endless! You can choose a design from a variety of plates and any colour nail polish. You can also combine them with an accent nail like I have. 

I used Maybelline's Vintage Leather nail polish as a base and Maybelline Colour Show Polka Dots for my accent nail. I chose a basic gold nail polish for the stamping. My favourite top coat of the moment is NYC's Mattifying Top Coat. 

Here are the nail stamping tools:

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lk62xcpsBv1qgsz0g.jpg

For more on nail stamping leave a comment! 

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

Lazy Fashion: LBD

LBD by enteen

I think the Little Black Dress (LBD) is definitely a girl's best friend.  The French truly did know what they were talking about when they choose to always wear black.  It is so flattering and honestly it can be dressed up and down.  

You can see that it is actually one dress with endless possibilities.  Me, being the lazy C.C. I am, loves to just pull the LBD out of my closet.  I can dress it up and dress it down depending if I pull on a blazer on top or a cardigan.  Sometimes you can throw on a t-shirt and make it look like a skirt.  Depending on the accessories you use, you be as bold or as simple as you like!

That's my little lazy insight for you ;)

How do you like wearing your LBD?

Thoughtfully yours,

C.C.

Trip Planning: Learn the Language

Since C.C. and I decided to make this trip to Europe, we decided to get back into our language studies so we can ask the important questions (where is the bathroom? Do you speak English?) and can enjoy our travel experience. 

source: http://www.golearnto.com/travelblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/lg_language_a.jpg

To start with, I am working on Italian and C.C. is working on German. (C.C. is already fluent in French and, I can speak French proficiently with a bit of German). We use Duolingo, a FREE interactive language learning website. Warning: It is highly addicting and may or may not cause you to learn Spanish instead of study for exams. 

source: http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/2472977/duolingo2_large_PNG_verge_medium_landscape.png

It's also great if you like to see instant progress. It allows you to track the words you learn and measures your learning in different levels. Additionally, if you sign up with facebook, you can follow your friends' progress and language levels. This means I can see when C.C. is procrastinating. 

My overall review is that it's a nice way to learn. Instead of learning grammar based on rules, you learn how to speak based on context and repetition. There are also a variety of languages to choose from to keep things interesting. However, you have to move through some seldom used phrases to get to the useful phrases. For example, you will learn how to say " I eat an apple" in every language to start with.

source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Red_Apple.jpg

I eat an apple.

Je mange une pomme.

Yo como una manzana.

Ich esse einen Apfel.

Io mangio una mela. 

Try it. Let us know what you think. Are there any other resources you recommend to learn languages? We'll keep you posted on our progess :)

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie