March

I saw this floating around Facebook yesterday. I am not sure where it is originally from but man I can relate. Tuesday we had beautiful weather here and it actually felt like Spring. I was able to go to class in just a light jacket and I could finally wear something other then boots! I was so excited that Spring had finally sprung... But it was just a cruel trick because we got another 20 cm of snow yesterday. Will this winter EVER end?

Ski Getaway

Last year for Reading Week, I went on a mini ski get away with some friends. I am not big into skiing but it was beautiful up on the mountain. There was also a lot of other fun activities to enjoy like outdoor skating and the spa. It was fun playing games and cozying up with hot chocolate in the cabin. It was a fun trip and a great getaway. Its too bad we couldn't work out a vacation somewhere warm this year!

Winter Essentials

We are experiencing some extremely cold weather here! Like -40 C with the wind chill kind of cold. The university actually canceled classes yesterday because of the extreme cold weather, which is something they rarely do. The cold temperatures and the lack of class made for a good excuse to stay inside all day, drink tea and watch copious amounts of netflix. Here are some of my cold weather favourites:

David's Tea Timolino - I don't know how this thing does it. But it keeps tea hot for hours. I was walking around with it in the cold weather and my tea was still nice and hot when I came back inside.

Netflix - On cold winter nights all I want to do is curl up on the couch or in bed and watch some netflix. Lately I have been watching Dance Academy and Suits.  Any suggestions for movies?

Vaseline Lip Care - I use this before I go out, before bed and when I get home from being outside. It saves my lips from the harsh winter cold. You can see my other winter beauty favourites here.

Cozy Sweater - Aritiza has a version of this sweater every winter (its on sale right now!) and I love it. It is so warm and cozy!

Crochet Slipper Boots - My grandmother made me a pair similar to these for Christmas. If I am home then they are on my feet. They are so soft and warm.

Lululemon Wonder Unders - I wear these as leggings or if its really cold I wear them under my clothes.  I basically lived in them when we had no power because of the ice storm and just threw jeans or other sweatpants on top when I left the house.

What are your winter essentials? 

Jaclyn

Winter Coats

Top Row: Aritzia. Bottom Row: The Bay 

Lately, I have been itching to update my current winter coat to something new. I am loving the coats from Aritzia but I am not sure if I am ready to make such a large investment. The Bay has such a large collection of coats and I could probably find one at a decent price especially if I go during a sale. Decisions. Decisions.  I haven't quite decided if its worth getting a new one this year or if I should wait until next year.

Any advice?

Jaclyn 

December 1st

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It is December 1st. Which for me is the official start of the holiday season! Time to bring out the decorations, start listening to Christmas music, enjoy Christmas treats and break out my David's Tea Advent Calendar. Let the count down to Christmas officially begin!

Winter Skin Care Tips

The cold, snowy weather has been reeking havoc on my skin. My lips are cracked and my hands have been dry for days! The super cold weather outside to the drying heated air inside is not helping this situation in the least.

Hydrate!
I make sure I am drinking enough water in the winter. Keeping hydrated is one of the best ways to fight  dry skin. I up my water intake but if I want something hot I turn to herbal teas.

Protect!
If I go out without gloves for even the shortest amount of time my hand become extremely dry and cracked. Simply remembering to wear gloves goes a long way in saving my hands from become a dry cracked mess.

Sunscreen is also important in the winter. This is often something I forget and am working on adding sunscreen into my daily routine. The snow reflects the suns rays and no one looks attractive with a ski google tan.

Exfoliate and Moisturize! 
It is important to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells so that your moisturizer can be more effective. I find my skin is sensitive so I don't exfoliate on a daily basis but try to at least once or twice a week. I love using coconut oil as a moisturizer and lip gloss. I carry a lip balm with me everywhere I go and usually apply before going outside as an extra layer of protection for my lips. In the winter I also like to have hand cream with me at all times as well. I like the shea butter in this one and that it doesn't leave your hands greasy.


What are your winter beauty secrets?
Jaclyn

Snowed In

 I was home for the weekend and when I cam back to school I was greeted with 50-70 cm of snow, which basically appeared overnight. What does that look like you ask? 

This:

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There is snow EVERYWHERE! It makes me not want to leave my house, but cuddle up with some hot chocolate and watch nothing but movies all day but unfortunately I have class. My wishes of a snow day were not answered. While I love the way the snow makes everything look beautiful and magical especially the trees that only seems to last for a day, then it becomes one big slushy grey mess. Its a pain to walk through. 

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with snow. I love the first snow fall every year - the one where the big flakes fall down and melt the next day. There is something so perfect and magical about it. Its the snow that sticks and the cold and ice that it brings along with it that I have a problem with. 

Snow seems to bring out both the best and the worst in people. People tend to come together to fight the snow - helping neighbours shovel or helping with the car that always seems to get stuck. Snow brings people together. It unites people. It provides a common mutual thing to hate and complain about. 

As a kid, there was nothing greater then the perfect packing snow. Spending recess rolling the biggest snow ball that you could manage, often needed two or three friends to help push the giant snowball just a little father on the field. Making snow forts with your siblings and knowing that when you're done there would be hot chocolate waiting inside. There was nothing better, except maybe tobogganing. 

Winter Bucket List

I love the idea of an activity advent calendar, but with exams and unpredictable schedules it just didn't seem like it would work. I decided to make a Winter Bucket List instead with some fun dates included. I used the template provided by Sugar and Spice to create my own bucket list on a fun background. All I had to add was the text! I plan on putting together some envelopes to go with some of the dates like a Starbucks gift card for the hot chocolate date, a new Christmas Music CD to listen too, the cookie dough tea and baileys, so that everything is ready to go before hand for when we decide to complete them. This way we can complete things when it works best for our schedules in between exams and studying. I think it will be a fun way to bring some holiday cheer to exam season.

Whats on your winter bucket list? 

Jaclyn

Identity Crisis

I have been having a serious case of The Blahs lately. I am tired of this wintery weather. I am ready for spring! Seriously getting dressed in the mornings is getting harder and harder. I don't want to wear boots any more or thick wool sweaters. I want to wear cute flats and light cardigans. I want to wear my trench coat. I am tired of mittens. Seriously is it spring yet? I open my closet and I just hate all of my clothes. I don't want to wear any of it. I go shopping I don't see anything in the stores that I am just dying to purchase. I change my outfit more times then I care to say. I think I am having a style identity crisis. Its driving me nuts. I seriously envy all of the bloggers who live in warm weather climates or who seem to be able to layer in their sleep. I pull out a shirt and it looks foreign to me. Did I seriously buy this? Did I actually wear this? I need a serious style intervention. Someone please. How do I find my style identity again?   
Jaclyn

Outdoor Skating

I have a love of skating. When I am on the ice, I am free.  I am also probably the worst person to go skating with because I get so caught up in it that I forget that we came to spend time together.  Outdoor skating is probably my favourite thing to do in the winter and I try to get out as much as possible.  I cannot get enough of it. I love the feeling of the wind in your hair and the cold nipping at your checks (one time I can actually stand the cold haha). Here are a few photos from my latest outdoor skating adventure.

What is your favourite winter sport?
Jaclyn

Craving: Winter Edition

It has been snowing like crazy here these past few days and I am headed to the slopes! I am super excited to spend some time outside this winter. There are some of the cozy things I have been craving this winter. 

Blanket, Book and Candle - There is nothing like curling up under a blanket reading a great book under the soft glow of a great smelling candle. One of my favourite ways to spend a cold winter day. 

Socks - My feet are ALWAYS cold. I love a good pair of warm socks. A cute pattern doesn't hurt either. 

Sweater - This hand knit sweater from Canadian Designer Granted would be perfect for winter. It looks so warm and cuddly. 

Scarf - I rarely leave the house without a scarf. All year round. This hand knit one is super cool. Not only does the zipper accent look great it is also function. Unzip the to wear it like a normal scarf or zip it up to wear as a circle scarf. Genius! 

What are you craving this winter? 

Jaclyn

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day 

Valentines Day Wish List

Shirt. Boxers. Love Charm. Philosophy Grace Gift Set. David's Tea Chocolate box. 

What's on your Valentine's Day Wish List? 

Jaclyn

Beating the cold

It has been super cold these past few days. If I didn't have to go to class I probably wouldn't. It is FREEZING! I have been bundled up in my warmest sweaters, boots and scarves when I leave the house. Here is how I have been beating the cold:

1. Moisturizer 

The first thing I do when I get home is take off al my make up and apply a thick layer of moisturizer to  my face. The cold and wind are super drying so it is important to keep your face nice and moisturized. I  usually also apply lip chap and drink lots of water through out the day.

2. Cozy Sweaters and Leggings - I love putting on my big oversized sweaters and leggings as soon as I get home. Nothing like comfort and warmth in the winter. 

3. Cozy Socks 

 My friend made me these socks and they are the warmest things ever. I have an obsession with socks and slippers but nothing beats homemade :)

4. Movies and a blanket - snuggling up under a blanket to a movie is the perfect way to spend any cold afternoon. 

5. Hot Chocolate or Tea

Nothing is better then a warm drink after being out in the cold all day. I love tea lattes or rich and creamy hot chocolate.

What is your favourite way to beat the cold?

Jaclyn

Manicure: bordeaux

I went to the grocery store the other day and just happened to walk by the pharmacy isle. I saw the rack of essie nail polishes and I just couldn't help myself. Plus it doesn't really count if I bought it at the grocery store...right. 

I think that this is going to become my new favourite winter colour. Once I finish this post I am going to go paint my toe nails with it. Such a beautiful deep red colour. Perfect! 

What is your favourite winter nail polish?
Jaclyn

Tea Latte

Just a quick hello today.

I am loving my 24 days of tea from David's Tea. Yesterday's tea was Salted Caramel and it was delicious! I had to make myself a tea latte with it. Perfection in a cup right here. 

Now I must get back to studying.

Winter Checklist

There are just some winter traditions that are too good to give up. These are things that I have to do every year.

1. Make a gingerbread house.

Make it from scratch or grab a gingerbread house kit. It always means that the holidays are coming. The best part is using icing sugar to "make it snow".

2. Outdoor skating

This for me is a must! Every year I HAVE to go outdoor skating. I try to get as many people as possible to go with me. Usually it ends up being just one or two but it is so much fun anyways! Plus it makes for a great date. Just saying.

3. Peppermint hot chocolate

One of my favourite drinks. Its chocoately yet refreshing all in one. This usually follows outdoor skating. It is the perfect pair. Skating and hot chocolate.

4. Reading

Finals are done and I can read for fun without feeling guilty. Something about reading for pleasure when I am supposed to be reading textbooks makes me feel REALLY guilty. Even more so then when I am watching a movie. Strange, I know.

5. Baking

This year I am slightly obsessed with cookies and royal icing. I want to make pretty decorated cookies. Probably will get super frustrated and end up making cupcakes (got to stick to my strengths).

What are your favourite winter traditions?

Valentines Day and Olympics

Hi Everyone,

Happy Valentines Day!

I don't have a real valentine, I never actually have, but for some reason I still love the holiday, I still maintain the childhood innocence of it all. Giving cards and candy hearts to friends, wearing red, white and pink and just enjoying the day. My friend and I decided to be valentines this year, I got her these really cute mini food erasers and she gave me a cookie gram!

If I were to get gifts for valentines day here is what I would like (they aren't exactly traditional):

Mod Cloth Fingerless Gloves $15.99

I am ALWAYS freezing. These would be prefect because they are cute and they would allow me to use my fingers. As it is now, typing with mittens or regular gloves, isn't always easy.

Fred Flare Rubber Ducky Ear Buds $ 15

I have a thing for rubber duckies. I have a sparkly key chain that I love and had to have as soon as I saw it. Next I want rubber ducky pjs.

Fred Flare Necklace $44

I love the quirkiness of this necklace, I just can't explain it. I love the randomness!

Mini Cupcake Lip gloss -Fred Flare $18










These are so cute! I have a thing for food like products. I love them. I have one, that I got at the toy store where I work. But of course they are sold by Fred Flare!

Its not too long of a list but its just a taste of what I like. Cupcakes and chocolate are always appreciated.

From Cupcakes Take the Cake. I love browsing this blog to see all the amazing cupcakes that people make.

A side note:
I watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on Friday! I am so excited to watch the figure skating, I can't wait to cheer Team Canada on. I got myself a pair of the red mittens that everyone seems to be wearing, they are really warm.



I hope that everyone has an amazing Valentines Day. I am going to see the movie Valentines Day tomorrow, I can't wait! Hopefully it will live up to the hype!
Enjoy the day with your sweetheart or friends or family.
Love,
Belle

02/02/10

Hey Everyone,

I can't believe how time flies. I can remember ringing in the New Year like it was yesterday, and now its February and things are piling up, and I just want to curl up and sleep away winter. Spring needs to come faster. It has been a stressful couple of weeks what with play, work and the amount of school work that has been piling up. Trying to work through the mountains of homework seems like a never ending task, hand in one thing get assigned three more. I have broken down more times then I can count. It feels like the weeks all run into each other and that weekends no longer exist, its just one big long week, Monday to Monday. I go from my school uniform to pjs and back again, with a work outfit here or there, and sometimes pjs are replaced with track pants. I miss my clothes and getting dressed.

All that being said, I have still manged to find some time for TV and reading blogs. I'm actually writing a post on mine which is shocking in itself. I am hoping to start outfit posts soon, but as stated above, there really haven't been any. I can't remember the last time I really put effort into getting dressed, and my decision wasn't which school sweater should I wear today, or which over sized t-shirt is more comfortable to sleep in.

I have become OBSESSED with Vampire Diaries. I am loving Stefan and Damon. I like the fact that for the most part the vampires ACT like vampires and while Stefan and Elaina are soul mates they have their ups and downs. Plus the cliffhangers keep me coming back. I hear GLEE is amazing and I am hoping to watch it this summer, when I have more time.

Lately I have been looking at dresses for Prom. I know that I want a long dress with a low back and most likely a jewel tone colour. I really like this one that Taylor Swift is wearing:

(image via instyle.com)

Sorry for the randomness of this post. It was completely all over the place, however I feel like it is a jumping off point, because as of now at least I am writing and sharing some thoughts. Which is all I can ask of myself at this point in time.

Thank you for sticking with me,

Belle

Beauty Post

Heyy Everyone,

I haven't done a makeup/beauty post in what feels like forever. The cold weather has taken a toll on my skin. It has been really dry lately. My skin care army consists of water, lots of moisturizer and lip balm.

I got a new Mac Pallet for Christmas and I have been meaning to share it with you. The pictures aren't great, but the colours are better then the ones from the site ( I find that they are always off). The gold pallet is the one I got last year and the red one is this years.

These are the colours from this years pallet. The thing I love about the pallets is that all the colours go nicely together, and you can easily create many different looks. The green in this pallet is really pretty, its a bit brighter in real life.

Even the design of the pallets are beautiful. I like last years design better then this years.

I really like these colours and tend to wear them on a daily basis. The dark blue is beautiful as well as the silver.

I don't have much time to post this week. Hopefull I will have more time next week.
I hope that everyone is almost done their exams. If not good luck.
Love,
belle