4 Holiday Lip Colours To Wear This Holiday Season

I love buying new outfits for special occasions - especially during the holidays. Wearing a new dress or the perfect top and pant combo can give you the boost you need to get into the holiday spirit. Even more fun, is picking out some new and old makeup favourites to go with a new outfit. A bold lip can give be the perfect statement to make you dazzle during the holiday season. Let's talk about my four favourite holiday lip colours to wear this holiday season!

MAC's Diva

Red is a classic makeup staple during the holiday season. This cool toned red is the perfect 'christmas' red to pair with your holiday outfits. I love the texture and long lasting power of this lipstick especially during the season of holiday gatherings. Pair this lip colour with a peach blush and you're good to go!

Sephora's Lip Stain in 'Always Red'

I love having different shades of red in my makeup collection. Depending on what outfit I'm wearing a cool or warmer tone is crucial to making it complete. I love this shade of red of Sephora's line! Honestly, if I could wear it everyday I probably would...The only issue is that this red doesn't necessarily pair well with all colours. I usually pair this red lip stain with whites, blacks, greys or reds. I love the staying power of this lip stain (they really mean lip stain when they say it!). Very pigmented and I love the smell of it! Whenever I wear this lip colour, I always get compliments!

MAC's Rebel
Introducing other lip colours aside from red into your holiday makeup look is a must! While I love a classic red lip, there's something about switching up the norm. For me that means a deep purple/berry lip. MAC's Rebel lipstick couldn't fit this description any better. Such a great holiday colour to spruce up your outfit. This shade of purple has a warmer tone. Pair this with the perfect lip liner and you are ready to party all night long!

Sephora's Lip Stain in 'Blackberry Sorbet'
Since I love the Spehora lip stain product, I had to get it in purple. This purple lip stain has more of a cooler tone to it, giving you a completely different look for your night out. The formula and lasting power is outstanding! Application of this product can be a little tricky since the product does stain. Apply a lip liner and go slowly. Don't rush. Take your time with the application and you'll be sure to have the perfect holiday lip!

What are your favorite holiday lip colours?

~Usha

10 Beauty Stocking Stuffers

Christmas is one of my favourite holidays of the year. I look forward to the Christmas holidays for quality family bonding, delicious food and great conversation. Hand in hand with the holidays is gift giving. Gift giving can be a daunting task that creates anxiety for many. To make things a little easier, I thought I would share my ten beauty stocking stuffer ideas for the makeup enthusiast in your life!

1. Stick on nails
2. Deodorant - everyone needs this!
3. Blotting sheets
4. Eyebrow stencils
5. Maybelline Age Rewind concealer
6. Drugstore mascara
7. Drugstore eye liner
8. Lip scrub (Elf's is amazing for only a $1!)
9. Revlon Colourburst Matte balm
10. Lip balm

What are your favourite beauty stocking stuffer products?

~Usha

What Everyone Should Do For A Productive Week

Everyone likes to be productive. There is no better feeling than checking things off of your to do list. While I reserve my weekends for maximum pampering and relaxation, there are must do's in my weekend routine to ensure that the week ahead is a productive one for me. If this is something new for you, give it a try and see how it works for you. Of course, everyone's list may be a little different, but this is what I think everyone should do for a productive week:

1. Meal prep - Plan what you are going to eat. It saves you the task of deciding what to eat for lunch and dinner and going to the grocery store everyday after work.
2. Buy groceries - I always make sure I have all ingredients for my meal prep, and enough snacks and breakfast items so I am not tempted spend or I'm not in a time crunch to figure out what to eat.
3. Budget - Know what you can spend on for the upcoming week (ie. coffee, movies, household items).
4. Pay all outstanding bills.
5. Clean your house! Nothing feels better when things are clean and tidy.
6. Do laundry.
7. And put away your laundry.
8. Tidy and put objects away - My biggest pet peeve is seeing papers around the house. File them away!
9. Change all towels.
10. Change the bed sheets.
11. Make a to do list for the week - what do you want to accomplish.
12. Wash your hair - start off fresh for the week.
13. Pamper yourself - watch your favourite movie, read a book, put on a face mask or maybe drink some wine?
14. Lounge in PJs for maximum chill mode!
15. Find something to laugh about!

What do you do to ensure you have a productive week ahead?

~Usha

Review: Tarte Bling It On Blush Palette

I'm a huge fan of Tarte Cosmetics and their products. I had my eye on last year's edition of their holiday blush palette and when I finally decided to get it, I was too late... they were gone for the season! Naturally, when the palette was released this year,  I had to get it! I thought I would share my thoughts on the palette as the holidays are rolling around and gift shopping has begun. I'm not an expert at reviews (in fact, it's my first...), but I hope I can give you good insight of the product itself. So here we go!

Packaging
I love how the packaging looks! It's very 'bling' and 'posh' for makeup packaging. What I don't like about it, is the surface is not smooth and the black glitter does flake off. It's not a huge deal but something to be aware of if you do purchase.

Choice of Blush Colours
The choice of blush colours couldn't be more perfect! It's the right combination of pinks, a mauve and peach colour - all the colours I use and would want in one blush palette. I like that there are three different shades of pink to choose from. Depending on what lip colour I am wearing, I have a variety of blush colours to choose from.

Formula
The formula is spot on - as is any Tarte product. I apply a generous amount of blush in the morning and it sets evenly on my foundation. The colour is visible but not so much that it's overbearing. It's also blends very easily as well. I wear my makeup for at least 12 hours a day but I wouldn't say that the blush is long lasting, as at the end of the day my blush has faded greatly. However, for shorter time frames, this blush does the trick.

Price
With taxes, it cost me $59.89 at Sephora. Considering that one blush is $34.00 and that there are five blushes in the palette at a generous size, the cost isn't terrible. This would definitely not be a regularly purchased item for me. This was definitely a splurge and a product that I plan on using for a very long time.

Overall, I love this blush palette! I honestly feel that I have all the blush I need to complete various makeup looks. It's a great makeup product that will give you a lot of use, wear and creativity!

What's your favourite blush palette?

~Usha

3 Beneficial Ways to Unwind

Life is hectic. With demanding jobs, family commitments and other responsibilities, it can get really busy. Taking time for ourselves to just unwind, however, is often not given enough priority. We need to remember to take some time for ourselves to unwind and relax . This is equally as important (if not more important) than eating your daily dose of veggie and fruit and being active. It helps us to stay balanced, positive, feel good, recharged and motivated to keep going.

Most of us associate unwinding with 'doing nothing' and I think this is far from the truth. For instance, there are some days where unwinding for me means sitting in front of the TV and doing nothing more than watching my favourite TV shows. Sure, I could do a lot of other things to unwind in a more productive manner - workouts, reading, etc. However, I don't believe this is entirely 'doing nothing' as I'm watching a show that I truly enjoy and brings me happiness. I think that's where a lot of misconceptions are - if you're doing something unproductive or not beneficial to your well-being, then that's not unwinding. This couldn't be further from the truth; unwinding can be so much more (or less, depending on your outlook on things). While doing nothing but watching TV boosts my happiness and comfort, I like to also unwind with activities that stimulate the mind, body and soul! There are other times where unwinding means doing something that feels fun for me but its still keeping my brain very active. Most of the time this means unleashing the inner creative side of myself! Here are three beneficial ways I like to unwind!

1. Adult Colouring!
To say I've been enjoying colouring over the last few weeks is an understatement. I've been obsessed with colouring! I've always been one to be creative and try artsy things, so I decided to give this new activity a try and I've been loving it! I think the rest of society has been catching on with this trend, as I've been reading and seeing a lot of talk about how adult colouring can be very beneficial, stress free and relaxing. I grab my book and coloured pencils and start colouring - its been my new favourite way to unwind! One of the reasons why this trend has caught on to many is because our lives are filled with technology, orderly processes and pushing creativity aside. However, colouring fulfills that inner creativity that is in each and every one of us. I've really been enjoying Johanna Basford's work in her latest colouring book, Lost Ocean. My only regret is that I wish  I started this sooner!

2. Reading
Reading has always been a favourite past time of mine. I love to get lost in a fictional novel that really gets me involved and engrossed into the characters and plot. I'm always reading something - sometimes it can take me from two weeks to 6 months to finish a single novel. But I love the idea of always having something to pick up and read when I want to unwind. Its very typical to find me reading right before bed where I like to calm my thoughts and busy brain. Reading is a beneficial way to unwind because you are using your brain in a different way that can be very effective to overall your body and well being - especially your mental state. Your shutting down one part of your brain, but by reading you are utilizing a different part that you may not always get to use.

3. iPad Brain Games
After a long day, I try to get away from technology as much as possible, but the reality is that we are always surrounded by it. It can be tough to deal with at times. When an iPad is close by and all I want to do is reach for that and watch YouTube videos instead of reading a book, I opt to play some brain games instead. Brain games can release your mind from the busy day and ease you into a different mindset by challenging you to solve interesting puzzles. I love these type of games! Not only are they fun, but I don't feel guilty about unwinding in this manner. The truth is that you are still utilizing your brain in a very effective way by stimulating different areas through solving puzzles. My favourite games to unwind are Threes, Next Numbers & Rules.

These are three of my favourite and beneficial ways to unwind after a long, hectic and stressful day. Again, while I like to sit down and watch TV just like anyone else, there are still times where it's good to keep that brain active in a different and more creative way. Finding the time for yourself to unwind is so important to our overall health and well being. It's a part of having a healthy diet!

What are some of your favourite ways to unwind?

~Usha

Lip Balms That Work

Lip balms are a staple in my life, no matter what time of year it is. They are essential for my everyday lip care routine as well as to ensure my lipstick applies with no fuss! As far as I can remember, I've always been obsessed with lip balms. I remember growing up and having almost every Lip Smacker scent under the sun (you remember those days too!). Since then I've moved up drastically in the lip balm department (obviously!). Here are my top picks that won't disappoint!

EOS Lip Balm
Sure they look like an Easter egg... but there's so much more to these lovely little packages of lip balm goodness! Of course, the packaging is pretty and attractive. If you slip one of these into your makeup bag or purse, they are the easiest thing to find due to the unique round shape. Aside from the cute packaging, the formula is fantastic! It glides on easily, giving you a smooth, soft finish. Its hydrating and moisturizing as well. It leaves a clear layer of balm which makes a perfect surface when applying lip colour. I especially love that the product is all natural and organic. It's definitely a plus! I love all the scents. I haven't tried the Vanilla Mint or Coconut Milk scent but that's next on my list. They can be expensive but in my opinion, the price is completely worth it!

Burt Bee's Lip Balm
I have to admit that I got this lip balm as a gift. It wasn't one of those products I would go out and purchase myself. Given that I love it so much, I don't know if I could ever stop buying it. I have the pomegranate scent and it's amazing! The formula itself contains pomegranate oil, which is nourishing and replenishing to the lips. If my lips feel chapped from the weather or from wearing lipstick all day long, I will put on this lip balm with the full confidence that it will restore my lips overnight. It glides on smoothly with a slight sheen finish. The finish is a sheer tint on your lips which makes it perfect for wearing as is, or pairing it with a lip colour. It works great as a base for when I am applying long lasting lip stick. It gives added moisture to a lip stick that can be very dehydrating on the lips.

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm
This lip balm was on my to-buy list for a long time and I finally made the plunge to purchase it this past summer. Mainly because the packaging looks so cool, but aside from that this is an awesome product! I've never been one to use Vaseline or to be fond over it. If you are a Vaseline lover, then you will definitely like the Smith's lip balms. They have the consistency and texture of Vaseline. Smith's just takes it to another level by making it glamorous. It has a smooth consistency and applies evenly. You may think it looks sticky but its soft and moisturizing. It smells glorious as well! I love anything with peppermint in it and this speaks to that perfectly! Its great to smell but feels even better on your lips with the added peppermint. I would wholeheartedly purchase another lip balm product from the Smith's line.

Those are my favourite lip balms that I have in my collection and they live up to my lofty expectations! Having a proper lip balm that works well is an essential as we head into the colder months (at least here in Canada). And of course, they are one of those makeup products that you can probably never have enough of!

What are your go to lip balms?

~Usha

How To Be Motivated To Work Out

Being motivated to workout consistently can be very challenging. For me, attending the on site gym at my workplace for the last four years has allowed me to really understand what motivates me to keep on going. Currently, I've been attending the gym about 4-5 days a week and I'm very lucky and fortunate to work in a job that allows me to use an on site gym everyday during my lunch. I find that if I try to work out after getting home, it just never happens...

Going to the gym at lunch is what works best for me and my lifestyle. It may not work for everyone but what I can share and talk about is how I manage to still go quite frequently without getting side tracked to watch YouTube videos, go to the mall or go out to eat during my hour long lunch break.

Go With A Friend

This is the best and most effective way to boost your workout motivation. I usually go with a co-worker of mine and we push each other consistently. On days that I don't feel like going or want to make an excuse, she's there to prevent me from backing out. Going alone is just boring but going with a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, a family member or even your spouse can make it ten times more bearable, since you have someone to keep you in check and vice-versa!

Make It Routine

Once you implement a routine at the gym it is really hard to break... I started off by going 3 times/week and slowly increased that to 4/5 times/week. Routine becomes second nature and once you make fitness a part of your daily routine, it will become much more motivating to go. So instead of planning your workout around your day, try planning your day around your workout. You'll find that once it's routine, you'll find yourself automatically heading to the gym before you can think of an excuse to back out!

Gives You More Energy

Speaking of routine, when I don't work out or I stop following my routine for any reason, I usually find myself falling asleep at around 8 or 8:30 pm... (I know it's sad!). When I don't work out, I find that I have no energy to keep me going. Attending the gym gives you more energy to take you throughout the day. It helps with keeping you awake during long afternoons and evenings when you have a lot to accomplish! And besides, who doesn't like to be energized without the need to use sugary drinks or caffeine. 

Makes You Feel Good
Going to the gym will definitely make you feel good! You will feel proud, healthy, clean, productive and energized! It makes me feel like a new person and it gives me the confidence I need to tackle the critical things in my day. When I get this feeling, it prompts me to eat healthier as well. I find that I drink more water, eat more fruit and vegetables and I take a homemade, healthy lunch almost every single day. Making a small change, such as going to the gym, can have a larger and more positive effect on your whole lifestyle and make you feel good all around.

You Will Be More Productive
The energy gained by going to the gym in turns make me a lot more productive throughout the day. I find that when I go to the gym, I'm much more likely to check things off my to do list or simply get things done. By accomplishing a major task by going to the gym, it will become easier to complete other tasks as part of your day.

As you can see, going to the gym has a huge domino effect on other aspects of your life. It affects your body, how you feel about yourself and your overall day. Going to the gym delivers nothing but positives and that in itself is a major motivator for me!

What drives you to work out?

~Usha

Why Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes Are Awesome

Honestly, I've used different kinds of makeup remover products; whether it was a wipe or liquid product, but nothing compares to the Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes. Yes, this is a Costco makeup product... who knew!

These are a staple in my makeup/facial cleansing routine. In fact, I will not use any other type as this product works perfectly for my skin type. Here are some reasons as to why the Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes are awesome!

They Are Cheap!
Let's face it, a beauty regimen can  be expensive... I certainly don't have tons of dollars each month to wipe some makeup off my face... Let's be real and honest. The Kirkland brand goes for about $12 a box and comes with six packages of facial towelettes! Six!!! There are 150 towelettes in total with four packs of 30 in each and two packs of 15 in each. That's $0.08 a sheet! Not bad! This is one of the things that attracted me to this product the most.

Large Quantity
I lead a very busy life and sometimes it's inconvenient to make multiple trips to the drug store to get a product. I found this was the case when I bought individual face wipe packs. However, when buying the Kirkland brand, I'm well stocked for a solid 3-4 months. I love it! No need to make emergency trips to the drugstore.

Travel Size
The Kirkland brand comes in individual packs that it make it easy for travel. With a resealable lid and a formula that moisten well, its definitely something I don't hesitate to pack with me when travelling. There are two packs with 15 towelettes in each that can act as a travel pack in case you are on the go.

It Doesn't Break Me Out!
I have very oily and sensitive skin. It has taken me years, time and tons of money to finally find products that work for me (and that's another story for another day...). The Kirkland brand doesn't break me out and leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. Having my skin under control is a major bonus in my eyes. I suppose this is the case since there are no parabens and the formula is made with cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe.

It Gets All The Makeup Off
Try it for yourself and see! No lies here. This product works and it works well. I've never had an experience where it didn't take off a makeup product. Sometimes I find that eyeliners and lip stains can be the most difficult to remove. Not with the Kirkland brand... it removes all of it completely! No need to use a special eye makeup remover or a special lip stain remover. In the end, it saves me money!

If you haven't tried this product yet, I definitely recommend that you give it a try. As mentioned above, these are a staple in my collection and I cannot live without them!

P.S. This is not a sponsored post. I've been purchasing the Kirkland brand for over a year and couldn't be happier to share my experience on the blog.

What facial makeup remover wipes do you use?

~Usha

Creepy Dolls vs. Creepy Clowns...?

With Thanksgiving over (at least for the Canadian folks) and Halloween right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to do a little Halloween Q&A! I love Fall and Halloween, so naturally I'm excited for all of the movie watching, candy eating and dressing up that's going to happen in the next few weeks. Let's get started!

Favourite Halloween movie?
Hotel Transylvania! So creative, fun and full of Halloween spirit! Can't wait to watch the sequel.

Fondest Halloween memory?
Going trick of treating for hours upon hours in my childhood neighbourhood. I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, so it was very common to have very cold and snowy Halloween nights. Despite the weather, Halloween spirits would always be so high, which is why it was always so much fun as a kid!

How do you get into the Halloween spirit?
Watching movies, decorating the house, buying pumpkins, carving pumpkins and searching for cool Halloween related pins on Pinterest!

Favourite Halloween decor?
Carved Jack-O-Laterns!

Favourite Halloween/Fall scent?
Caramel! Caramel apples, caramel sauce, salted caramel mocha, caramel chocolate... I think you get the idea...

Favourite Halloween candy?
Chocolate! Some of my favourites are KitKat, Oh Henry, Twix, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Crunch, M&Ms, Butterfinger and Mr. Big.

Which is scarier, creepy dolls or creepy clowns?
Creepy dolls for sure, because I used to play with dolls a lot as a kid.

Favourite Halloween drink?
Swamp water! It's made with a mixture of pop/juices thrown together in a punch bowl. Try it - it's a lot tastier than actual swamp water.

Favourite Halloween treat?
Baked goods like scones, cupcakes, cookies and any other Halloween inspired desserts or pastries.

Favourite Halloween activity?
It's a toss between carving pumpkins and watching Halloween movies!

What's your favourite part about Halloween? I would love to hear your responses to some of the questions above!

~Usha

My Favourite Nail Polishes

Every girl likes having their nails done. Nothing feels better than having a set of newly polished fingertips. It somehow gives you all the girl power and confidence that you need to tackle what's next on your plate, in an mysterious way. Today, I thought I would share my favourite nail polish brands that I've been loving.

Essie
This is a no brainer for me! My collection is mostly filled with Essie nail polish. I gravitate towards the wide spectrum of colours that are available. I have colours from red to purple and everything in between! I love the texture and formula of these polishes. The brush makes for easy application and the formula makes for a long lasting manicure. I only wished that buying this brand would be a little more affordable. However, it's definitely a treat when I do buy a new colour.

Rimmel - 60 Seconds
I wanted a nail polish that would dry really quickly for those times where all you need is a fresh coat of polish before heading out the door. If that speaks to you, then this polish is for you. The formula glides on with a wide brush for easy application. The name doesn't lie... it does dry in 60 seconds! The staying power of this polish is amazing! I can go a whole week with chores and barely have any chips. I definitely want more of this brand in my collection. My only complaint is that I wish they had more colours.

OPI
I've been a lover of OPI for a very long time. With a great formula, array of colours and great applicator brush - it's all you need for great looking nails. I have a few OPI bottles in my collection. Lately I haven't bought any new colours, as it can be quite expensive. Although, OPI colours are usually what I tend to pick when I'm out at a salon getting a pedicure. My absolute favourite OPI colour is Bubble Bath! It's the perfect shade of nude all in one bottle.

Sally Hansen
Sally Hansen has been in the nail polish business for a very long time. I remember seeing this brand while growing up and going to the drug store. I love the remodeled look and extensive nail product line it has become. The lasting effect of the polish is long and the colours are pigmented. The applicator brush is wide and easy to use. I personally love my sparkle nail polishes from Sally Hansen.

What are your go to nail polishes?

~Usha

What I am Looking Forward To in the Fall....

I'm sad that summer is over but super excited that Fall is here! I think that it's one of my most favourite seasons of the year. There's something enticing about the cool crisp weather outside while wearing warm snug sweaters, sipping a hot pumpkin spice latte while cooking up a warm stew inside a nice warm and cozy house... That's Fall for me. All about the cozy and comfort factor.

With the start of every season, I always have a bucket list of things I want to do... in my head. Then, the season comes to an end and I feel that I haven't done as much as I anticipated. So this year, I decided to put my Erin Condren planner to good use and created a special page that has a bucket list for Fall as well as a shopping wish list.

I've included some pretty random things in my bucket list, but most of it revolves around Thanksgiving and Halloween activities. I think these are probably on the top of list for favourite holidays after Christmas and New Years Eve. There's so much to do and get excited about! I'm very excited about Halloween this year, first and foremost because it's on a Saturday, and secondly because I live in a subdivision where almost every household has kids. Needless to say, I will have to stock up on lots of candy this year as the kids will be out in full force! I'm mostly looking forward to doing some Halloween related activities throughout the day - maybe watch a Halloween movie or two - and having a nice Halloween dinner before the trick-or-treaters come around.

I thought I would create a Fall shopping wish list as there a few things I want for this season. I actually just bought a slow cooker and I'm really excited to start using it! The thought of having dinner slow cook throughout the day and having it ready as soon as I get home from work is simply amazing. I can't wait to try new recipes, especially soups, stews and chili for the crisp weather outside. Of course, getting some new clothes is exciting too!

What's on your Fall bucket list and shopping wish list?

~Usha

My Erin Condren Planner

Since middle school, to high school and all the way up to my university days, I've always been obsessed with planners. I'm a very organized and detail oriented person, so for me, having a planner and using it was both very natural and very fun. After university however, I got rid of using a planner as I didn't see a need for it. Fast forward a few years later to present day and I'm back in the planner addict phase! I saw a lot of fellow YouTubers who were also in this crazy planner phase and thought to myself, "This looks like so much fun!" I feel as though the planner has evolved into a life planner/scrap booking project, where to do lists aren't the only things that are kept, but important events are documented as well. I like this idea around the planner, as it's a great way to capture what's going on in my life with the hope of looking back at it some day and remembering all the good times.

Naturally, I made the decision to buy the Erin Condren planner. I love it! When it got delivered, it was like Christmas morning at my house! What I love about the Erin Condren planner are the design, the use of colours and positive quotes, the vertical layout and that it goes all the way to December 2016. I've never had a vertical layout before in my previous planners, but this format did capture my attention. Now that I've had the opportunity to use a vertical layout, I don't know that I would ever go back to the horizontal format. The vertical layout is much more exciting and breaks the mold from the traditional planner format. Currently, I divide the vertical layout into a "Today, To Do, Blog/Bouquet, Little Things and Work Out" section. I'm really digging this layout!

Since getting my planner I've been going crazy with buying stickers, making my own stickers, washi tape galore, pens - colourful pens- etc... The planner addicts would know exactly what I'm talking about! It crazy, but I can spend hours on end decorating my planner, as well as watching "Plan With Me" videos on YouTube - who knew planners could be this interesting! (P.S. Beware it can also break the bank...) To be honest, it definitely is an activity that I associate with relaxing and de-stressing. I love the process of getting creative with stickers, washi tape, and coloured pens - it's very therapeutic to me and brings me joy.

I've been experimenting with different themes for decorating my planner to see what I like best. So far, I have a theme planned for every week up until Halloween. After that, I might choose to do the same layout or try something new - we'll see! That's the fun and exciting part of this whole planning hobby! Decorating and customizing for different events and holidays! I can't wait to decorate for the upcoming winter/Christmas celebrations!

I use my planner primarily to organize all the different activities in my life... sometimes it can get pretty hectic. I find that when I write things down, I'm more likely to act upon it and achieve better results. I like using my planner to organize my thoughts and action plan for the blog and my candy bouquet hobby. It's also motivation for me to keep track of certain goals I have. One example of this is working out. Sometimes, going to the gym is not motivating to me. However, when I get to fill out in my planner what activity I did at the gym, how many minutes I worked out and how many calories I burned, it certainly is motivation at the beginning of a new week to keep going! I also like that I can keep a note of what I've made for dinner, or what new recipes I've tried. If I'm ever in a situation where I can't think of what to make, it really helps to look back and get dinner ideas.

I love my planner and the process of decorating and using it. If you're not too sure about your love for planners, but want to test the waters first before diving in, you may want to start off with a cheaper planner option. You can achieve the same result with just about any planner, if a higher costing planner is not in your plans for the near future.

Do you have a planner? What do you like to use your planner for?

~Usha

New Makeup Products I've Been Enjoying

At the beginning of the summer season, I had an itch to try some new makeup products. While we are far into the summer months and close to the end, this has given me plenty of time to use these products in my everyday makeup routine. Here's what I've been loving!

Sephora's Cream Lip Stain
I've heard many great reviews on this lip stain. I don't actually own any lip stains in my collection as I tend to stick to lipsticks. I decided to give this product a try... and... I'm itching to try more colours! I absolutely love this lip product and I now have a new found affection for lip stains. Once applied, the colour dries completely within minutes and leaves a nice, matte finish on your lips. You can eat, drink and sip all day long and this colour isn't moving anywhere. No smudges, no mess whatsoever! I got the shade "Always Red." Pair this with a red lip liner and you have yourself the perfect red lip! I love this colour as I think it works well for all seasons and is versatile.

Maybelline's Age Rewind Concealer
In the past I would never use concealer, as I felt it was a complicated product to apply. The only other brand that I've tried is ELF and I'm not too crazy about this product. Again, I've heard many great reviews about the Maybelline "Age Rewind Concealer" and decided to give it a try. I instantly fell in love with the texture and the creamy formula. It blends and sets well underneath the eye. What I love the most is how using this one simple product can make my whole makeup look go from alright to super amazing! The product itself is very simple to use. It definitely gives me the lift that I need during my early morning routine.

Milani's Eye Shadow in Bella Espresso
I really wanted one eye shadow colour that I could use a staple for my everyday makeup look. While I was in the United States recently, I went to a Walgreens where they had the Milani brand. I fell in love with this taupe, bronze, brown colour that pairs perfectly as a nude colour with my skin tone. Love the lasting power, as well as how easy it is to apply with just a finger tip. No hassle and no fuss!

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm
I have to be honest... I got this product because everyone has one! I now know the obsession and craze behind it! It applies nicely, has a great smell to it and feels great on your lips. I love how moisturizing this product is. And can we talk a little bit about the packaging? Super cute and fun!

Essie's Nail Polish in Cute as a Button
I was on the hunt for a cute, summery, feminine nail polish colour. I think I found just that in Essie's "Cute as a Button" shade. I really fell in love with the coral, peachy-pink colour, and it works really well for a mani or pedi. I've worn this colour a lot this summer and I could see myself wearing this as a manicure colour in other seasons as well when I need a colour pick me up!

Essie's Gel Setter Nail Polish
There have been a lot of times where I feel as if I apply nail polish and the very next day, it chips. Nothing's worse than feeling that you've spent time to do your nails, but didn't get the results you wanted. Since I do a lot of dishes, cooking  and cleaning at home, long lasting manicures are important for me. While I could get my nails professionally done with a gel nail polish every two weeks, it is very expensive. Essie recently came out with this new product which is a top coat gel nail polish. It works fantastic! It completes your at home manicure with the shine, finish and protection that you would get by going to a salon. Love this product!

What new makeup products have you been enjoying? Any recommendations?

~Usha

My Recent Reads

I've really been enjoying some great reads over the past few months! It always seems that there just isn't enough time in the day to read all of the books on my reading list... such is the bookworm in me! Here's what I've been enjoying recently.

Dead Wake
This story reflects upon a real life tragedy of the sinking of the Lusitania during the first World War. Despite signals and efforts to warn officials that this passenger ship would be crossing over 'deadly waters', no caution was taken and lives were lost. Definitely an event in history that has not been given enough attention. Great read if you like to learn about history. As I've grown, I've definitely given more appreciation to books that can educate me on world events in a way that is not draining. This read reminds me a lot of the world famous Titanic sinking.

The Girl On The Train
This book is about a girl named Rachel who commutes downtown everyday on the same train. During her commute she passes by the same set of houses and gets entranced by a particular couple. As she gets to know more about this couple, she sees on the news one day that the woman -  Meghan - has gone missing. She recently saw Meghan out on her balcony with someone suspicious. Rachel contemplates how this tip may help in discovering what has happened to Meghan, which sets off a series of events, leading to an exciting and unthinkable conclusion! This is such a gripping and thrilling read! I really loved Gone Girl, and this book reminds me of that particularly story. Such a great read. I would definitely recommend this to anymore whose looking for something exciting, gripping, thrilling and a page turner.

Paper Towns
There has been a lot of talk about this one lately (especially the movie). I've read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and definitely had to give this one a read as well. I'm not a huge fan of the story line in this book. It starts off very slow. Its about a girl named Margo who disappears the day after she takes Quentin out for the night of his life out on the town pranking kids from high school. The story explores how Quentin seeks out to find Margo with the help of his good friends. He is on a mission to find the girl that he truly has a passion for. While I'm not a huge fan of this book, it did remind me a lot of my high school days. It reminded me in particular of all the 'spots' my friends would hang out, of the daily gossip that would take place, the lunches in the cafeteria and all those tough projects and exams. I also am very curious to see the movie and how it compares to the book.

Unbroken
Many of you may be familiar with this title from the movie that was released earlier this year, directed by Angelina Jolie. This book tells the true story of ex-Olympian turned World War II solider named Louis Zamperini, who goes off to fight for the United States against the Japanese after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After a series of unfortunate events he and his war buddies find themselves stranded on water for several weeks. They float to nearby land eventually, but end up being imprisoned in a Japanese war camp. The leader of the camp turns out to be the most brutal person alive that makes life there a living hell. With no rescue and no end of war in sight, the US soldiers are left to fend for themselves. This is an amazing story of humanity, human survival, positivity, morale, perseverance, bravery and confidence. I was definitely moved by the personal accounts of Louis. While I don't know what its like to be in Louis position, I was able to get a glimpse into the hardships he endured to keep going. It's a great reminder to keep pushing even when you think you are at rock bottom. The movie is equally as good as the book. Great read and definitely a keeper in my personal library.

The One Hundred Foot Journey
I heard about this movie and was curious to read the book first. This book journeys through the life of Hassan, who is a natural born culinary chef. From his early days in India, to the life-changing move of going to France, he has a natural instinct for all things food. Once his family has settled in a village in France, they discover that their next door neighbour is Ms. Mallory, a well recognized and established French chef. As rivalry brews between Hassan's father's family business and Ms. Mallory, she soon discovers Hassan's natural talent for cooking. This is a light, humorous and adventurous read. If your looking for something quick, easy and uplifting, this might be one that you will want to check out. I have yet to watch the movie to see how it compares to the book. What I like in particular about this book is the depiction of the vibrant culture and cuisines and Hassan's passion for pursuing something that he truly loves.

I hope to continue doing these types of posts once I've been able to read a few books that I can talk about.

What have you been reading this summer? Any good book recommendations?

~Usha

Summer Faves

It's the last week of August and here I am sitting, thinking to myself, "Where did summer go!?". Summer has certainly announced its entrance, but it has also disappeared way too fast! Some may argue that summer is here until September. While that is true, I always associate the start of school as the beginning of Fall. Do you do that too?

I've enjoyed summer a lot this year. For once, the weather was super hot, which has made a difference. My husband and I have really done some amazing things this summer. There have been a few things that I've been absolutely in love with and I don't think it would have been the same without these faves. They are definitely worth the mention.

Erin Condren Life Planner
If you follow me on Instagram, (which if you don't - you should! lol) you would know that I've been obsessing over the Erin Condren life planner. I love this planner! I'm not one to plan out every single detail of life, (In fact, I like to go with the flow and just let things happen), but what I like about the planner is that it doubles as a scrapbook, where I can save ideas and jot down important milestones and events. It's a keepsake for me to look back on. I plan on doing a more detailed post on my planner in the Fall. Stay tuned!

Sharpie Markers
I've been putting off this purchase for so long as I didn't really know if they would have a true purpose in my life. But they do! I love to use these markers in my life planner and note books. It makes things so much more fun and exciting! I just have to look at them and it brings me joy.

Zen Colouring
Apparently the most recent craze is adult colouring books... which many of you may severely question. I completely did as well. I didn't completely shut the idea down because when I was kid, I LOVED colouring. So I decided to give it a try, and I have to say that it's worth it! The simple act of colouring is very calming and relaxing, and it puts me in a summery mood. I love to do this in the mornings while my husband makes breakfast and I sip on coffee. Completely blissful!

Washington DC
I had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC in July for my full-time job. It was amazing! I love the city and all that it had to offer. Everything from the food, the people, the vibe and even the history was unbelievable! I really want to go again in the near future. I made so many great memories and learned a lot. Definitely a major highlight of the summer.

Mango Black Tea Lemonade
Starbucks recently introduced a new summer drink - the Mango Black Tea Lemonade. While I am obsessed with the Passion Tea Lemonade drink from Starbucks, I am overtly obsessed with the Mango Black Tea Lemonade! It is so good! This drink in its entirety, speaks summer! It's been my favourite all summer - If you haven't picked one up yet, you have to try one!

The Martian
I'm a natural bookworm. The only problem I have is that there's not enough time in the day to do all of the reading I would love to. I try my best to fit it in as much as possible because it makes me happy. The Martian, in particular, has been my summer fave. It is so good! Very thrilling and keeps me on edge! I will definitely do a future post on this read. I can't wait for the movie to be released to see the story come to life! I think I want to try and view this one on opening night.

My Pink Water Bottle
I was in need of a new water bottle and went on the hunt for one. My husband happened to find this pink, glass water bottle that was perfect! If there was such as thing as a perfect water bottle - this would be it! It's made of glass, it's pink, it has inspirational words written all over it, has a secure cap and even a handle to carry it. Basically, it checked off all of my needs on my water bottle wish list! I've been enjoying my water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing taste.

Audible.com and Spotify
I've been wanting to try some new things this summer and that's been listening to Spotify and Audible.com. Love these apps! I've been really enjoying these both during my morning drive to work and while I work out. It keeps me motivated! For Spotify, I really like listening to stories and Latin music. Right now I'm listening to Far From the Madding Crowd. For Audible.com, I've listened to The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (which I also plan on doing a blog post about since it was really good!).

What have been your summer favourites?

~Usha

DIY Message Center

Don't you hate it when papers, memos, reminders, bills are scattered in places they don't need to be? I know that feeling all too well. I decided that we needed a centralized place where all of this can be stored in a fun and exciting way! My pet peeve is walking into my living space that is left untidy. At one point, I had bills and random memos lying in a pile on the half wall in my kitchen and I decided that enough was enough! I needed to solve this issue ASAP. So, I did some research on Pinterest and came up with this nifty idea for a DIY message center in my kitchen!

Materials Needed
For this DIY project you will need a cork board, paint, a paint brush, some magnets, a hot glue gun, some push pins, a few decorative buttons and a shower caddy with strong suction cups.

Method
Start by painting the frame of your cork board with a colour of your choice. I chose to leave mine au natural. Once the paint is dry, glue on the magnets to the back. Ensure that the magnets can easily hold the weight of the cork board. In the meantime, glue on decorative buttons to the top of your pushpins. Makes things more interesting and exciting!

Once everything is dry, you are ready to hang the cork board on the side of your fridge. Right underneath, attach the shower caddy using the suction cups. (I got mine from IKEA for a great price!).

And you're done!

Why You Should Probably Do This
It makes life so much easier! All of my papers, important memos, invitations, bills etc. are now in one neat little spot. I no longer have to go on a hunt on my half wall to find something. I like that it's in a common spot so that my husband and I can see every time we walk past it. We can both go to this centralized spot to view upcoming reminders, to-do lists or invitations to events. It also adds a quirky touch that I love in our kitchen! We spend so much time in here, so it's important to add a personal touch and I definitely think that this was achieved with this DIY project.

How do you stay organized?

~Usha

I'm Back - Announcement!

I'ts been some time since I last wrote a blog post. Don't worry, I have a good reason! At the time I felt I had a lot of projects on my plate and I was simply spreading myself a little too thin... it just ended up being unproductive. I decided I needed to take at least one month off to focus on one thing at a time. After the month, I could start blogging again. Well... it took two months... but that's okay! I had the time to concentrate on my project and really focus on what needed to be done.

So you may ask... "So, what`s this project your talking about?" Well since the beginning of the year, I've been experimenting with creating candy bouquets. The idea became somewhat popular between my coworkers, friends and family that I decided to go a little further with the idea and created a website devoted to my new found passion! I didn't really have a place where interested members could go and look at what I have to offer... But now I do! It's called Random Little Bouquets!

Of course, along with a website, there are other pieces to put together as well, such as social media, business cards and supplies, which are just only a few of the things to name. Along with my website, I also decided to try my luck at selling on Etsy. Let's see how that goes!

Website: http://randomlittlebouquets.wix.com/bouquets
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/randomlittlebou/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/randomlittlebouquets/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/randomlittlebouquets

I'm very excited for this new chapter in my life! If you want to know my inspiration behind the idea, visit my website for the full story. Check it out and let me know what you think.

I'm very grateful for all the support I've had during this process and I'm very excited to see where this will take me next! These last two months have given me a lot of insight into many different things. One thing I can share is that I missed blogging A LOT! I was craving to get back behind the keyboard with new ideas to share with all of you. And boy, do I got lots to share! I'm glad I had this time to realize that blogging means a lot to me and that it adds to who I am as a person.

I'm glad to be back and I'm extremely excited to share Random Little Bouquets with you!

~Usha

DIY Flavoured Water

I try my best to drink close to 8 cups of water per day. Some days I'm really good; other days not so much... As the warm weather approaches, it is very important to stay hydrated. Drinking the recommended amount of water not only helps fight dehydration, but it also helps with removing toxins from your body, regulating your bodily functions, keeping a healthy glow on your skin and keep you feel fit and healthy overall! However, sometimes plain old water can be quite boring... I think I hit that realization about a couple of weeks ago. This is when I started to experiment with making my own naturally flavoured water!

 

You will almost always find me with a slice of lemon in my water. I've been drinking this combo for a long time! While there are a lot of health benefits for using this combo, using it for such a long time had me yearning for something different. So, I thought it would be fun to see what other flavours I could infuse into my water and make it more fun and interesting!

Strawberry, Basil and Lemon
This one sounds really interesting and kind of uncommon (especially with the basil) but I thought I would give it a try! What I like the most about this combo is the sweetness from the strawberry. The sweetness combined with the fresh/earthy taste of basil and the sourness of the lemon makes for a unique combination! I like to add more strawberries as I am a fan of all things sweet.

 

Cucumber and Lemon
The classic but definitely a favourite! I call this combo 'spa water' because every time I go to the spa, they usually have a jug of this ready to indulge in. I really like to drink this combo as there is a a hint of the fresh and cool cucumber with the tart lemon. Aside from just adding lemon to my water, this is currently my next most common combo! There is also a lot of benefits to drinking water infused with cucumber and lemon as it provides extra vitamins and boosts the appearance of your skin (to name a few).

Citrus (Orange, Lemon and Lime)
This combo reminds me of either a tropical punch or Sprite! The tart taste of the lemon and lime is off set by the sweetness of the orange. All three bring a burst of flavour and a unique combo. This combination definitely reminds me of the drink called 'Five Alive'. For something a little more special you could use carbonated water, such as Perrier, to enjoy a 'healthier' version of Sprite .

Do you have a favourite herb/fruit/vegetable water infused combination? Let me know in the comments below!

~RANDOMiss