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