Greetings readers! Things have gotten both better and worse around here. Better because I am out of my house and doing things but worse because my Gramps is very ill. He has a pneumonia and lots of general respiratory related problems. It kills me a little inside because I always regarded him as my healthiest grandparent. He eats really well and goes walking several times a day. Unfortunately, I think he's also asthmatic and tries to "tough" situations out. He's such a stubborn old guy! I'm hoping he will start taking better care of himself.

I still haven't been getting out much to see my friends but I've been getting out to go shopping (don't know if that is a good or bad thing) and my boyfriend picked me up a pretty agenda for Christmas last time we ventured out. I swell with pride when I write a to do list... and I actually do everything on it! Yay for productivity!

On my to do list yesterday was take some photos. Lately, I've only been taking pictures when I'm at my parent's house because their place is much nicer than mine. Less clutter, nicer furniture. Plus, I don't have to go outside! It's been sunny outside, but the wind is so piercingly cold. And I'm not much of a layering girl. I have cute coats, nearly one to match every outfit, but it would be too cold to use a camera on self timer with an open coat. I have this beautiful Blutsgeschwister coat, which is basically a huge parka, and unless I layer a hoodie underneath, I'm still freezing.

Photo Credit

So basically, I'm making excuses to wear a simple dress indoors. It's warmer. This is coming from a girl whose skin is ice cold to the touch indoors with the heat blasting. Or in the summer. I don't know if I'm cold blooded or a vampire or what! Anyhoo, enough complaining, explaining and excuses. Onto the outfit!

I accidentally left one of the tripod's accessories in the background (ain't nobody got time to clear the background!) and the dress itself is the material of Hallowe'en costumes but it's still pretty cute. My grandma ironed it up for me so it didn't look so gross on camera and voila! Adorableness.

This was my tester shot but I sort of liked it still. It's almost like I'm giving my boyfriend a "wtf" sort of look. Even though it's just a tripod.

I wasn't sure how I wanted this entry to go (I'm still not sure where it's heading?) but I briefly debated doing a "What's in my bag post." This is my everyday bag, decorated with free buttons that Modcloth sent out awhile ago. This bag is so awesome. It was from Ardene's and it fits EVERYTHING. I can carry my camera, plus 2 cans of pop and then bring home 4 DVDs that I get from the library in there. It doesn't look that big, but it fits everything. I decided not to do a what's in my bag post because I already promote all my favourite brands constantly. My bag always carries Besame make-up, Cover Girl concealer,  this wallet (soon to be replaced by this wallet) a vintage comb and several pots of hair product.

Another route I thought of taking was talking about  Revlon's Just Bitten. My sister gave it to me after she bought it to wear for a wedding, then ruling it was too vampy and dark for her. But not for me! It pairs perfectly with this purple dress, and I love the minty flavour. It's easy to apply, only moderately glossy (I hate sticky glosses!) and I love that it stains. Some people don't like that, but I kept munching on food and drinking pop in between photos (these were some of my last takes!) and I didn't re-apply at all. Thumbs up! I'm thinking I might buy (with my own money!) some of the other colours.

Photo Credit

After all those photos, my dog, Skippy and my gram wanted in on the fun. 

Outfits Details

Dress - a brand called "Mimi Chica" that I thought was a Modcloth dress and purchased for $7 off of eBay
Shoes - mel Dreamed by melissa Women's Mel Tangerine Ballet Flat - $15 (that is what I paid off eBay but they are listed for $45 on Amazon)
Belt - from another dress
Earrings - Icings - $3
Purse - Ardenes - $10
Badges - Modcloth - free!
Lipgloss - Revlon Just Bitten in Crush - from ma sister

If you'd like to see all my best looks from the season, check out my wardrobe wrap up post!

This or That Beauty Tag

Hey there! I know I have a theme lay out for each day but I'm going to mix things up for today. This is for several reasons. One is because all this week, I've been super busy. I had a hair appointment Monday and then I did some visiting with my family in Kingsville (small town where a lot of my relatives live about 30 minutes from my city.) I also need to renew my passport, which is crucial because it's my only piece of photo ID. I know you are saying, "What the heck? But that's only 2 errands!" but that is how we operate. When I have something to do that involves getting chauffered by my mom, I often just sleep at her house and she fits my errands in when she can. It makes it a little tricky to get things done, but I can still send lots of e-mails... I just can't take any pictures and have content for my blog!

Which brings me to the other reason why I'm going to break the mould: one of my blogging buddies, Cecelia from Where the Water Meets the Sky tagged me in a post on Twitter. I've been tagged in a couple posts on Twitter this week and it surprises me each time. People are noticing me??? It's so neat! 

It's a beauty questionnaire type thing. I don't wear make-up daily, only when I go to the bar or if I'm at work (although I'm thinking of changing this policy. There's been a few times I wanted to snap shots for my Instagram account when I'm out and about and I'm shying away because of how gross I look!) My philosophy for make-up is to do a less is more approach (basically make it look like I'm not wearing make-up) or have one stand out feature. Anyway, onto the questionnaire!

Make-Up

Blush or Bronzer - Blush. Always blush. I used to use a Bonne Bell gel bronzer when I was 17 but haven't used one since. I typically rock my ghostly pallor, but when I spring for some colour, I wear Besame Crimson Cream Rouge or the Lancome  blush I got free in a Christmas make-up bag last year.

Available at Besame and Modcloth

Lipgloss or Lipstick - Tough call. I'd go with lipstick since I don't like how goopy gloss is. I like Limecrime lipsticks. They smell vaguely like cupcakes.

Eyeliner or Mascara - Mascara for sure! I hardly even wear eyeliner. When I do, I'm usually trying really hard to look like I'm from the 60s.

Foundation or Concealer - Concealer all the way. I have moderately good skin except for dark circles and the occasional pimple.

Natural or Coloured Eyeshadow - Hmmm, tough call again. I don't typically wear eyeshadow, and when I do, I usually want it to serve some sort of purpose. I shall say coloured.

Press or Loose Eyeshadow - Pressed.

Brush or Sponge - Brush.

Nails 

OPI or China Glaze - I don't really paint my nails. I've never tried either of these brands so I couldn't tell you which I prefer.

Long or Short - Short! My nails are so weak they start to curl when they get any longer than a few millimeters beyond the tips.

Acrylic or Natural - Natural. Even though mine are crappy, I still prefer them that way.

Bright or Dark - If I did paint my nails, I'd want them bright.

Flower or No Flower - No flower.

Perfume

Perfume or Body Splash - I can't wear scents, they irritate my respiratory system (ha, I guess I'm really boring when it comes to beauty products!)

Lotion or Body Butter - I don't moisturize unless I'm in dire need of it, but I use whatever I have on hand (usually whatever my sister cleaned out of her bathroom cupboards.) I usually end up using lotion, but I think I prefer body butter.

Body Wash or Soap - Body Wash. The creamy Dove body washes are awesome!

Lush or Other - Other. I've never bought anything from Lush. I've gone in there once and I liked the sounds of the company policies and what they had to offer. However, it's kind of expensive for me, and it overwhelms my nostrils to even be in the same vicinity of the store. 

Fashion
Jeans or Sweat Pants - Tough call again! I love sweat pants when I'm chilling at home but I'd never leave home in them. The winner here would have to be jeans. They just look better.
Long or Short Sleeves - Short.
Dress or Skirt - Dress! I have so many. I have upwards of 80. I'm trying to expand my separates collection but I have a hard time matching them, mostly because I don't buy separates as a ready to go outfit. I literally buy them as separates because I find individual pieces cute. So none of the colours ever match.
Scarves or Hat - Hats! All the way. I never wear scarves, even when it's cold enough to necessitate them. I don't even know how to wear them. I wear hats most days of the week to hide my crazy curly pixie.
Studs or Dangly Earrings - Oooh, tough call again. A few years ago, I would have said dangly, without question, but lately I'm loving the subtlety of stud earrings.
Necklace or Bracelet - Necklace! Always.
Heels or Flats - I love heels because they are soooo beautiful, but lately I can't stand walking in them. I've been trying to buy less heels and focus on buying flats. So... I'm not sure?
Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots - Riding boots.
Jackets or Hoodies - Ack, tough call again! Jackets.
Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe - I'm deprived and don't have easy access to either store being Canadian but I like Forever 21 better based on the website. Also, I've picked up Forever 21 items in thrift shops and I think they are cute.

Hair
Curly or Straight - I like to rock the slicked, straight look when I'm going for a 60s vibe but overall, I prefer my natural waves.
Bun or Ponytail - Neither for me personally with my short hair, but I like ponytails on others!
Bobby Pins or Butterfly Clip - Bobby pins! Lifesavers.
Hairspray or Gel - Neither really but I use gel sometimes.
Long or Short - Tough call again! I liked having long hair and I like having short hair. I think they both look good on me. I'm mostly keeping my short hair because it's so low maintenance. Since my own hair is short, I suppose I'll choose that.
Dark or Light - Dark.
Side Swept or Full Fringe - I prefer side swept but I like full fringe on some people. Rooney Mara totally rocks it!
Up or Down - Always down for me! But I like really cool updos (I'm talking early 20th century style updos.) They are so pretty and elaborate!

Random
Rain or Shine - I like nice days, but I hate when it's super sunny. I can't take it with my pale skin. I like a good thunderstorm as well. Ultimately, I like night time the best, but when it's not raining (how's THAT for not answering the question!)
Summer or Winter - Summer, because I'm always so cold.
Fall or Spring - Fall.
Chocolate or Vanilla - Chocolate.

I Would Like To Tag
Elana of Room 334
Camille of The Corner Sweetheart
Christine and Jenna of 2 Girls, 1 Outfit

Since we are talking beauty, I thought I would post a few items that are on my beauty wishlist. Note - I pretty much only buy from Besame, Limecrime and Rosebud Salve. So I'm pretty boring. Hey, I like what I like!

Photo Credit/Photo Credit

This is Golden Ticket by Limecrime. I really want it but it's sold out everywhere. I'm not sure if it's discontinued for good but I'm determined to get it. Look how rad it is! 

This is the Besame 1920s lip product collection. I want it really bad. I'd be okay with the lipgloss or the lipstick. I'm pretty sure it's just the marketing that makes me want it though. It's black licorice scented and I hate licorice. But look how pretty it is! Available at Besame.

Available at Rosebud Salve

Lastly, I want thiiiiis. Rosebud Salve is like Frank's Red Hot Sauce to me. I put that sh*t on everything! I use it as lipbalm of course, hand cream, eyebrow tamer, burn soother. EVERYTHING. I bought a 6 pack lot of them on eBay a little while ago and they're gone. I had gifted a few to friends but I used 3 myself. I'm an addict.

Well that's it for me! What are your favourite beauty products? What is next on your must buy beauty list?