April Favourites

April has gone by SO quickly.  Here were my favourites!

Skincare: Innisfree - Eco Safety Aqua Sun Gel SPF 30 PA++

source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuL_gFQgzMlISTC566xwBoWfhH3URDB0g7dXrkIbh4Wnx7VO0o9LLk7jsDYJqxkOuzcWZqlQ5JwYeeP2oGoB4aR_j9UtOEo-VWOlOkYveqISncphR7ftpbkw0iRPiAowBbLIWB60U_Ey0/s1600/photo.JPG

I bought this on my trip to Korea this winter and have finally opened it to start using it!  IT IS AMAZING (I have to go back to get more).  It is nice and light and does not feel like it is clogging anything (also no strong sunscreen smell).  I have not broken out from this (yet).  To be honest, I have no idea if it is working or not though, but hopefully it does!  

Makeup: Benefit - The Big Easy Liquid to Powder SPF 35 Foundation

source:http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1580943-main-hero.jpg

Clearly summer is starting to come and I am obsessing about sun protection.  I LOVE THIS.  At first I was super worried that it would show dry patches.  It doesn't! (except once... but then I exfoliated and moisturized.)  It matches your skin tone (I am 'medium') and it makes your skin feel SO SO SO SO SOOOOO good.  You definitely need to try it out.  (stop by a sephora and get a sample if you are scared your skin will break out!)

I will most definitely be bringing this one to Europe :)

App: Rdio

source:https://lh3.ggpht.com/L3w6B50SgmFOt8q_poF25XArA6EOJJSf7SOjBe9kPftnPVq8uS9JgtmJAwLVp_pN7ig=w300

Don't know what to say... just... check it out! :)

Quote: 

Honestly, April was my worst month ever but I was glad to know that God has a plan for me!  I want to live the life He has planned for me and I have come to learn that these are all building blocks for it...sometimes you have to trip and fall to know where to look for the cracks along the sidewalk.

Clothing: Blondo - Diva in Brown

source: http://a2.zassets.com/images/z/2/3/5/2/9/6/2352960-p-LARGE_SEARCH.jpg

So you may think it's a bit too warm to be wearing boots.  I THINK NOT!  I love these. Firstly it is waterproof (which makes the leather so much easier to maintain) and brown makes it a possibility to wear this in the summer!  

NTS: BUY MORE BLONDOS NEXT WINTER...and check out summer collection.

Other:
This month I am going to skip on food but tell you my favourite...

... thing to do to relax!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED retail therapy and going with a friend or two.  (not too many) .  THEN GET FOOD! <3

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Thats it! Those are all MY favourites for April... WHAT WERE YOURS?

Thoughtfully yours,

C.C.

March Favourites

Well, before we even realized it we are at the end of March!  Which means... EUROPPPEEE SOOOONNNN!!! Any way, back to my favourites this month!

Skincare: The Face Shop -  Clean Face Spot Corrector 

source: http://www.uphinh.vn/image/stream/1027370.jpg

So last month I showed you guys another "The Face Shop" product.  This one is used for afterwards.  It clears up some acne scars, I sometimes use it on my smaller acne spots as there is still some tea tree oil in it.  It's FANTASTIC.  I like it :)

Makeup: Maybelline - One by One Volum'express Waterproof

One of my favourite mascaras (used in EASY EYES) is Benefit's They're Real mascara.  There are two things I would change about it though: the price and lack of waterproofness.  This one has it all, I got it on sale for $4 AND it's waterproof.  I love that it separates my lashes and it holds my curl (probably cause it is waterproof).  I do miss the bristles at the top that They're Real has though! 

Comment below if you want a side-by-side comparison of the two!!

Game:  

Okay, so I haven't done this before but it's sorta fun to share what I have been wasting my time with.  I'm sure you've heard of this game (2048) before.

One of my friends coded a 5x5 version which is easier to beat (comment if you would like the link) and also I've seen the DIY selfie ones.  I also saw one of my friends post a chinese version which helps you review your history of china (probably doesn't help that I can't read it or remember it).  

Feel free to comment below to show your successfulness in the game!

Quote: C.S. Lewis

source: https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1545830_714825715223708_1771114544_n.jpg

This past month I've been hearing a lot of bad news in a sense.  I think this is a good one to keep in a pocket.  Just because somebody says it doesn't always mean that it is true, but sometimes it adds a bit of insight into your life.

"Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing the monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward." - C.S. Lewis

Clothing: The North Face - Women's Resolve Jacket

source: http://www.thenorthface.eu/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/375x440/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/import/item/5/AQBJH8E.JPG

Yes. Last month I put up another jacket.  But as the weather is getting warmer (and wetter) I find myself grabbing for this bright WATERPROOF JACKET!  This will definitely be well used in europe too :)

Food: 닭도리탕 - DakDoRiTang - (Korean) Spicy Chicken Stew

source: http://www.seoulgarden32.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DAKDORITANG.jpg

So I discovered this Korean stew this month when I went to the Korean restaurant with my friend. IT IS THE BEST THING EVER.  It's spicy AND sweet, CHICKEN and POTATOES YUM YUM YUM.  Have this stew with some rice and everything will be right in the world.  I like mine a bit sweeter as to spicy, but the spicy is what gives it a kick.

YOU GOTTA TRY THIS!
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Thats it! Those are all MY favourites for March... WHAT WERE YOURS?

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

February Favourites

I CANNOT BELIEVE I FORGOT TO POST THIS IN FEBRUARY! (give me a little credit that it was a short month?...okay I guess not) Also... I'm posting this while I should be sleeping... or writing papers since they are all due this week! See how much I love you... or how much I love to procrastinate.

Skincare: The Face Shop -  Clear Away Spot

source : http://www.sasa.com/shop/pimage/10034/106240112001n.jpg

So this is similar to a few other products I heard of before... the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ... I bought this when I got a chance to head home for reading week and it seems to be working.  It's pretty cool cause it basically seems to be a calamine lotion and acne treatment.  You don't shake it as you can see with the "DO NOT SHAKE!". You simply dip your q-tip into the solution and put it on your acne.

I would suggest you to use this overnight.

Makeup: Bobbi Brown - Touch Up Stick

source: http://www.beautezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Bobbi-Brown-Touch-Up-Stick.jpg

As the weather is getting warmer I have started to stop using my tinted moisturizer... probably also because I am getting lazier (okay, mainly because I left it in my apartment but when I went home I totally forgot... so I needed something to work in it's place!)

This is great and creamy!  I love it :)

Other:  This category keeps changing... I've decided to leave it blank this time. (I think the next time it might be drama/TV show since I've started going crazy again!

Quote: 

source:

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1620703_694423740601759_1499352296_n.jpg

Clothing: Canada Goose Jacket - Kensington Parka

source: http://www.canada-goose.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2506L_Black.jpg

Okay... it definitely is getting warmer but there were a few days when it randomly dropped to FREEZINGness... right before it got warm for a week... then froze again.  This jacket has gotten me through these cold cold winters and these long walks.  YES, it's a lot for a jacket and there are alternatives... but this is actually super warm.  

I think I got this 3 years ago, still keeps me warm to date :) (It better!)

Food: Bird's Nest Soup

source: http://img.ksl.com/slc/2509/250918/25091879.jpg

This is probably the most interesting thing to add here.  It is a delicacy in China and I like it made with rock sugar.  Bird's nest is basically spit...... but it's supposedly very nourishing and good for your skin.


I honestly think this may just be my list of most expensive favourites up to date... but February just sorta happened I guess ;) As with February, let's just keep this list short!


Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

January Favourites

Wow... January flew by so quickly so I guess it's time for me to share my January favourites! 

Skincare: FRESH Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

source: http://d277vln4jzkhhg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Fresh-Lotus-Youth-Preserve-Face-Cream.jpg

Okay.  So, I have been pretty faithful to my skincare line but this year I figured I wanted to start some new things.  One of the things I was introduced to by a sales associate at Sephora was this cream.  I was a bit skeptic, but when I tried it I started to love it.  So I decided I would buy a jar and if I broke out I could return it (thank God for the amazing return policy at Sephora).  I started adding it to the end of my morning routine especially since it starts getting pretty cold and dry here in the great North.  

I don't really know how it has 'preserved my youth' but it hasn't broken me out and it doesn't smell super strong so it's great!  It's not too oily but does give me enough moisture to my skin.

Try it out!
Makeup: Benefit's Dandelion 

source: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS9QdgSS_jdPBFcvDfYIKZeV8DBLdAlLt60C9MV-UcFVCzxXQvv

You know those days when you get 2 hours of sleep but you really need 8.... you could use some of this.  It's true what they say that lip colour and cheek colour brightens up your skin.  Just a heavy sweep of this on your cheek will liven you up... use the excess all over your face and you're golden. So travel-friendly with it's built in mirror and brush included, see my travel beauty kit here.

Wake up late? Try some of this. (see my review here!)

Book Nails Song: Safe by Phil Wickham

When the world seems like it is falling apart.  For those of you with a broken heart.   Listen up. The Hands that hold the world are holding your heart.

I feel as if I've gone through a whole lot these past few weeks...months... sometimes you keep it in, but songs and words like this call me back everytime and I am still here. Still fighting...because I know that God is watching over me not matter what happens.  And I think it all happens for a reason, so that I come back stronger than ever back to Him.  So yay... forever alone but not actually alone because I will be with God :)

Clothing Item: BOGS

source: http://az415324.vo.msecnd.net/f01cd1b086b04859a029b2df00e6259e/Images/Products7886-1300x1300-309457.jpg

So what are BOGS? I LOVE THEM... I may need to get a new pair but I just bought Hunters... so probably not yet.  I've had them since first year, but I looked at the bottom but it seems like my soles are starting to rub down (maybe I should take a look at my gait since it looks a bit weird....)  

I have the tall ones so it's nice and plastic-y by the feet so I don't get water/snow in it and neoprene by the top which water still doesn't seem to get in.  It is also super warm and insulated on the inside so I can wear it in the winter (so cold up here we had a cold day...not a snow day...cold day) and all the other days when it rains (which is...all the days.)

Due to the crazy winter we've been having this has been an essential...good thing it's anti-slip and has a good grip!

Quote: Emily Heller: Single

source: http://25.media.tumblr.com/2b539aef60f3653419e3525769bf173b/tumblr_mvz3h0N0Io1suo3boo1_500.jpg

People tell me that 2014 is the year of love.  get it... 20 (02) --- 14 .... sooo February 14?  Year of love. 

I think I'm the one.  #foreveralone

Food: Frozen Udon

source: http://blue-works.com/shopping/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/037.jpg

I love my simple snacks.  I finally found it in the frozen section at my local asian supermarket.  Add some chicken broth and some frozen balls (like the one from my last post here) and there you go...dinner. #universitystudentproblems


I hope you enjoy all of these as much as I do! Share your favourites down in the comments section! :D

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

December Favourites

source: http://img.xcitefun.net/users/2012/12/310823,xcitefun-223641-457636764285602-2051094881-n.png

And here we are wrapping up the year!  I can't believe how fast time has gone by and look at us now!

Here are a few of my favourites from this month!  See you all in the new year!

Skincare: Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm

source: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEZdGL8bTLhnzHZJ-cXRVg8kg7FQjVmP8iTyijC985ZGaDzysi

As we get into the cold and dry winter it is super important to moisturize those lips.  Your lips are only a very thin piece of skin and it is so easy for us to just lick them if they feel dry...which makes them drier as the saliva dries.

Next time you feel like your lips are dry, pick up a nice stick of lip balm and slather it on.  I chose the Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm because it is organic and I love honey... to be honest I think I might like the pink grapefruit flavour a bit more but the honey one seems to put a nice waxy coat on my lips that makes the feel moisturized for longer.

Throughout exam season and studying... all I did was reapply reapply and reapply... just slathered this on my lips.

Plus you want your lips to be nice and soft for your special someone ;) (hehehe my cats wouldn't want my dry lips touching them!)


Makeup: Benefit's Eye Bright Pencil

source: http://www.sephora.com/images/sku/s108811-main-hero.jpg

I have been travelling a lot this month, actually as I am writing this post I am in Korea (I'll put a post about my super traveling later!! Make sure you stay posted), and sometimes I take pictures.  Also during exam season, my philosophy is if you look a bit nicer (just a bit more put together) you will appear to look a LOT better ... compared to everybody else wearing sweats and no make up and no shower.  

Eye Bright is a cool pale pink pencil.  I use it to highlight my inner corners of my eyes.  All you do is swipe a bit on and rub it in.  You could also use this to highlight other ares of your face (i.e. nose bridge, eyebrow arch, cheek bones) if you are in a pinch.  I love that it is matte and super easy, creamy and blendable.  Even on days when I am not putting on a lot of make up (check later for a post on my travel make up post), it makes me look a bit more awake considering all the late nights I've been pulling from studying and travelling.

This is definitely one of those things that you don't NEED but surprisingly has become an essential in my makeup stash.

Book Nails Song: The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets

These were actually the words I needed to hear to get me through this month.  Take a listen :)


Clothing Item: Pashmina

source: http://www.yourselegantly.com/images/pure%20pashmina%20shawls.jpg

PASHMINAS ARE AHHHHMAAAZZIINNNG.  You can use them as a blanket (which I totally did yesterday for my 9pm nap time) and it's a great scarf.  It's also great if you are traveling to some places where your shoulders must be covered, it's a great cover up.

It's a MUST HAVE for any fashion loving, comfort seeking travellers. 

Quote: Take pride in how far you have come, and have faith in how far you can go.

source :http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/4c/62/ec/4c62ec986c0afd33987e68ddcc8d9565.jpg

I have no idea who wrote this... but keep this in mind. Sometimes we like to be humble and down play our successes. Or at the same time we don't think that we are good enough.  Not good enough now... not good enough for later.  But that is not true.  YOU are great.  YOU have done many things.  If you need to talk feel free to email us at 18.9teen@gmail.com or leave a comment and I'd love to help!

YOU have done amazing things... keep pushing on!

Food: Banana Milk

source:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj34fZzP_3q5lBhfbBzSZYO7N5zoqLltRKDcWCUHUlPsaw6gmMGU74xHCdf5AyUoxa4soMT6xK57uv-8pcNNS6Dm8-Rb7x45ivi1ir_qNaLmK7ursjBxesyvw_IlXnSPWniPwmpp8t1E/s320/50497_52561848948_616528_n.jpg

YUMMMMMMM BANANA MILK.  It's so much better than strawberry milk.

All I have to say is... DRINK IT.


Thoughtfully yours,

C.C.

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.

October Favourites

source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGNXJ4y4JP8U6CgBWrmKZfdCwyX1Eil0eKQks98n4UwLwPDgIdsPuKRvvhTRKAIb6292XGtUyito7TbRnPWxur-tNE4PYFogkF8oaIciJ1V80g-8LoBb-lc1LvdLQXZpKk2Yyf2egJTeY/s640/goodbye+october.jpg

And we are into NOVEMBER... to me that means CHRISTMAS TIME.  October went by super quickly, but I also learned and experienced many things (one being starting this blog!) 

I thought that I'd share with you a few of my favourites this month and why!


Skincare: Coola Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish Organic Sunscreen

source: http://www.coolasuncare.com/image/cache/data/2013_Product_images/2013_mineralproducts_cucumber_matte-450x530.jpg

I love love love love love this sunscreen.  I put it on every morning and it does NOT break me out.  I learned about this from Michelle Phan's video about sunscreen earlier on this summer and shelled out the big bucks to try something new.  Its $36.00 USD and TSA friendly sizing so it's great to bring with you on a trip.  It is so important for us to put on sunscreen (trust me I used to refuse doing it) to prevent the long term damage on our skin and also to prevent skin cancer.

The downside with this product is that I can only find it online and I have to pay for shipping which is quite a hefty amount as always.  I am looking for a new sunscreen for my sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin so that I don't have to always buy it online, but this is definitely one of my favourites!  (Let me know in the comments below if you know any good sunscreens for my skin and I will definitely try it out, or email me at 18.9teen@gmail.com)

Makeup: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand

source: http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1150770-main-hero.jpg

Being the twentysomething I am, I started to look to get into a daily make up routine.  So the obvious thing for me to do was to hit up the local Sephora (okay, it was an excuse to spend more money on makeup, but it was fun!).  If you haven't tried it yet you should definitely try to get your skin colour matched by their 'Skin-IQ' process.  They basically take 3 pictures of your skin to give you a colour that is matched to the panatone system.  Then they put it into the computer and voila, your perfect shade.

As we were heading into the cooler months, I wanted something that I could wear everyday that is moisturizing enough but also just enough to make me look like me but better.  I have some redness and some acne, as well as scarring.  I also hoped to have something light.  I found this to be the perfect 'foundation' for me for an everyday look.  

It's super easy and simple and I now use it as my everyday routine.  My skin no longer feels chapped agains the cold harsh fall winds!

Book: City of Bones

source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0f/City_of_Bones.jpg

This school year I started making sure that I read one book non-school related book each month.  No, this isn't the book this month it was for September but I am falling behind so I will tell you that this was my favourite instead.  I am reading City of Ashes this month but I may have cheated so I finished City of Bones the 2nd of October.  BUT I will definitely get through the rest of City of Ashes BY NOVEMBER 1st (okay, maybe 2nd)

Clothing Item: Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf in Slalom Stripe Pretty Pink

source: http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW9901S_011749_5?$pdp_main$

If you haven't checked it out already, please check out the ways I styled the BEAUTIFUL Vinyasa Scarf here.  This scarf is amazing! It feels like a blanket and maybe I use it as one sometimes.  I love how you can be super creative with it and at the same time even if you are doing the typical double loop it is SO SO SO cozy.  

I might have even gone back to buy another one (it is actually one that they had left in the store from the season earlier it has solid black on one side and black stripes on the other) because I loved it SO much.

Quote: "Sleep Solves Everything"

source: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c9/27/11/c927114dfc5b59395135e623c7ff0cfc.jpgl

Okay, so I saw this quote on pinterest. And I LOVE IT.

But in all honesty, unfortunately sleep does not solve everything.  I HAD THE WORST MONDAY EVER DUE TO EXCESSIVE SLEEP.

But that is besides the point.

Food: Almond Fresh Original Almond Milk

source: http://www.almond-fresh.com/images/stories/ProductsPage/original_nftprodshot-2013.png

So maybe it isn't a food, but more so a beverage. BUT I LOVE THIS.  It is 'refreshing and nutty' all at the same time.  I drink it straight-up, but definitely try adding this to your coffee as a creamer or to your cereal!

Well that's it, I hope you enjoyed my favourites and I hope they become your NOVEMBER 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.