C.C.'s Christmas and New Year Adventure: Part 1 -- Toronto Pearson

Let's start at the beginning of my adventures...

The night before I left I had some wonderful times with my family (I LOVE THEM) but as a procrastinator... I did not pack yet.  You'd think, 2 week trip...maybe pack, but I didn't.

I finally got home and started doing a bit of packing, I don't totally remember what I was packing so I guess I'm not going to do a "how to travel light" guide but overall I only packed a few things. So let's go with the following things:

- leggings

- 1 pair of jeans

- knit/cashmere sweater

- cardigan

- a lot of tank tops

- undergarments

- hoodie

- scarves

- socks

- boots (wore these on the plane)

- flats
- makeup/skincare shtuff
- headbands
- belts
- I wore a watch, necklace and a ring onboard with me...so that wasn't really packed

I just packed a lot of things.

When I was about to leave it was the crazy ice storm of 2013, the day I flew out was the day it started.  My power went out, but PTL I was almost all packed by then and my phone was relatively charged so I could sleep and let the alarm do it's work.

I woke up and got a text notification telling me my departure time was EARLIER than scheduled, I thought that was so weird.  I left the house bright and early in the morning and my dad dropped me off at the terminal.  

I went to check in at the self-serve kiosks (my mom told me to check in online but I said no because I knew they had these kiosks there), then for some odd reason it said it didn't work (should've listened to mom).  I had to stand in the super super long line that at the end of the day... we had to get called out of the line to check in because they almost ran out of time (almost shut down check in time because it was so close to departure).  

I got there 2 hours before my departure time, or was it 3.... I don't remember, either way for domestic you are supposed to be checked in an hour before.  It was silly.  UGH.  On the bright side I met a nice couple flying to Vancouver while in line.  

When I finally arrived at the kiosk the lady tells me I was already checked in and only needed baggage check out.  (WHY!!!!!??? TECHNOLOGY FAILS ME!?) On the bright side I did not have to worry about check in closing since I was already checked-in.  As I finally left that area, waved good bye to the couple,  I started heading towards security.  (The old couple were so nice and ensured that I got to check in at the kiosk first since they knew I had a connecting flight, sidenote: I wasn't that worried about the connecting flight because I was pretty sure the YYZ --> YVR plane is the plane that flies YVR --> HKG, I was right.)  

When I got to security I was freaking out about the gate closing (cause that was how close I was to departure time) and they tell me that everybody is on the same boat so that there was no way for me to move ahead.  At that time I met two other youngens like myself both having connecting flights (1 to HKG and the other to PEK).  The 3 of us instantly bonded and finally got through security and BOOKED IT to the gate.

Of course it was the furthest gate possible when we were running late.  We were actually running through terminal 1, I wonder what people were thinking about us.  Halfway running there I gave up as did the other girl, the guy was still running for his life.  We figured if half the plane is still in check in they probably shouldn't take off considering the implications it would have on their company.

We got to the gate and then I sat down and got ready... in the end the flight was delayed because of the deicing that needed to be done.

To be continued in Vancouver...

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.

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

The Vinyasa Scarf

So I LOVE my Vinyasa Scarf.  I think I almost wear it everyday! I also bought another one in black (reversible so the other side is black and grey stripes!).  

While there are tons of videos to show you how to wear your Vinyasa scarf Addie and I picked out a few to try as well as used our 'creative' minds to think of a few looks to make.

1. Double Loop

2. Unbuckled Double Loop

3. Triangle Wrap

4. Simply a Scarf

5. Simply a Tucked Scarf

6. Easy Knot

7. Circle Knot

8. The Traveller

9. The Penguin Shrug

10. The Wrap Shirt

11. The Long-Sleeved Wrap Shirt

12. The Vest Cardigan

 14. The Long Sleeved Cardigan

Do you have any good ideas?  Did you want a tutorial?  Comment below! :)

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.