Oktoberfest....

I'm really loving October and we've actually been having a fantastic fall this year (meaning the snow hasn't started, yet) and the colours and decent temperatures have me all into the season!

Thought I'd share some of my October faves with you...the stuff I've been using a lot and am currently diggin'...

{Finally I got my hands on the Wet n Wild 8 pan palette in Comfort Zone. It's the perfect combo of warm neutrals and olive tones. The pigmentation and quality is a-mazing. Srsly worth every inexpensive penny!}

{1. Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion in Amethyst Ablaze and Caffine Rush. I've never really been a fan of Maybelline eye shadows but like so many drug-store brands lately, they've really improved their quality. The application of this shadow is smooth and creamy and the color pay-off is fantastic. I'm beginning to think that my days of buying $15 MAC eyeshadows have come to an end...

2. Just in time for Halloween, orange Sally Hansen polish with a black crackle top-coat.

3. Lancome's newest mascara, Hypnose Doll Lash mascara. Like all of the Hypnose mascara's the application is impressive but the Doll Lash offers a more "wide-eye look with volumized, extended and lifted lashes."  I'm sold, who doesn't want to look like "a doll?!"

 {Ok, so since Captain Jack Sparrow arrived on the movie scene about 10 years ago, pirate costumes have had a serious renaissance and I'm ok with that. Now it's my turn to swashbuckle and plunder my way through Halloween this year.}

{Guten Tag! We survived yet another Oktoberfest at our pub. Older brother decided that on the last few weekends of October, our staff should suit up in lederhosen (the bartenders) and as beer maids (waitresses.) Kitschy? Yes. A huge success with our customers? YES!}

So how has your October been so far? What are your must have products or styles for your perfect fall looks?  

Are you a serious nerd keener like me and already have your Halloween costumes figured out (since September?) 

H and M comes thru again...

H&M is proving to be my go-to spring/summer store. While I'll admit that sometimes it can be a bit too

Euro-23-year-old-ish, most of the time their styles are totally doable for just about anybody. I'm loving their bright colour-blocking pieces (though I didn't buy any this time) and their summery pastels and whites. Even better, the prices are ridiculous- they're practically giving their stuff away.

However,

Dear H&M, please start steaming your merchandise before you hang it on the racks. This was a seriously wrinkled haul and Mama hates ironing!

{I'll get my Chloe inspired bag on the cheap, only 10 bucks! }

{ Roar for more animal prints}

 {This top is black not grey but my Nikon disagrees}

 {Ughhhh,  ironing blazers suckssss -why do you do this to me H&M?}

 {pretty in (peachy)pink}

 {White pants are the epitome of summer. But since I practically live at the North Pole I almost never wear them here. These ones are heading to Greece with me}

I'm finally wrapping my mind around the idea of warmer weather clothing. The farmers almanac says it's supposed to be a "super hot year" but I'll believe it when I see it.  Right now I'm still hoping my garden/flowers don't get killed by our cold nights, we're still having frost warnings. Even in June there's no guarantee that we won't get a bit of snow...

But today the sun is shining and its 23 degrees Celsius out. I'm off to the greenhouse to buy more plants for my flower beds- I might wear my white pants.

My Visa is smokin'....

Apologies for the delay in posting my Vegas Shopping Review (sounds official doesn't it?)  Unfortunately my computer had decided to act like a pouty little girl and deny me from accessing the inter-webs. Even though Husband is an IT computer geek genius we still went without for a few days. Sad story but true.

However in happier news I can finally share my shopping finds with y'all right now. (See that...3 days in the U.S. and I've picked up an American twang. Give me another week down there and I'll bet you I'd sound like Paula Deen.) 

From CVS and Walgreens I did a bit of a makeup haul on products I can't always (or ever) find here.

1. YSL Rouge Volupte No.2 nude lipstick

2. Rimmel Stay Matte Clarifying Matte Foundation, 200 Soft Beige

3. EOS Lip balm in Fruit salad

4.Victoria Secret Radiant Face Trio in Head Turner, highlighter

5. N.Y.C. Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny

6. Wet N' Wild Color Icon Blush in Pearlescent Pink

7. Covergirl Cheekers Blush in Golden Pink

8.Covergirl Eye Shadow single in Golden Sunrise

9. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish special reserve highlight powder in Chez Chez Lame

10. Monistat Chafing powder gel. (Ok, I didn't invent this idea...chafing gel makes an amazing makeup primer)

11. Illamasqua Powder Blush in Lover

12. Victoria Secret Perfect Lipstick in Scrumptious

13. L'Oreal  Eye shadow in Deep Mocha (brow fill)

14. Revlon Colorstay Mineral Lipsglaze in Lasting Shimmer

15.Wet n' Wild Mega Eyes Defining Marker in blackest black

16.N.Y.C Liquid Lip Shine in Pink Sand

From the "biggest Forever 21 in the world" I picked up these 3 tops. Honestly the store is so huge that I couldn't even handle it (the old Bloomingdales Home location in the Fashion Show Mall). Two massive floors of Forever 21 clothes and accessories. Obviously a Forever XXI lovers dream...it was all a bit too much though.

I picked up these accessories (earrings, and necklace) for super cheap (srsly, practically for free) from Forever XXI and Charlotte Russe (at the Premium Outlets.)

The number one item on my shopping list of must haves was a gorgeous pair of flat leather cognac coloured boots. I got these at Bakers for only $89.00. Can't wait to wear them but since we've got about half a foot of snow outside I'll instead be wearing these Uggs that I got at the Premium Outlets. A winter staple for me and even though I resisted them for a long time (I too thought they were fugly), I finally broke down a few years ago and have a several pairs now.

 Brown classic Uggs, $139.00

 In the airport I snagged the Kardashian sisters new book. Yes it's mindless reading written at a grade 6 level but it's fun and light and entertaining! 

From the Sugar Factory candy store at the Miracle Mile shops in Planet Hollywood I couldn't resist this celebrity line of signature lollipops. I love the sparkly refillable, reusable stick. This one was designed by Kim Kardashian (of course.) Was it over priced? Yes. I guess a "sucker" is born every minute, Mama included! 

 At Macy*s I got this Michael Kors bag. I've been hunting for a great leopard print bag for a while and though this isn't exactly what I wanted, it'll do. Originally $300 on for $130 (including my Canadian discount), apparently you receive another 10% off almost anything in the store if you show your passport at customer service.

 From the Alexander McQueen shop in the Wynn hotel I snagged this super cute signature McQueen Midnight/Sun skull silk scarf. 

Saving the best for last, I finally got my hands on a Yves Saint Laurent "Arty" oval ring from the YSL boutique at the Bellagio. Its a great statement ring and will be gorgeous to wear in the summer when I finally have a tan again. (Ignore winter dry Alligator skin on hand)

As always it was a great shopping trip, Vegas never disappoints. I will say again that the lack of decent sales (especially after Christmas) is surprising?! They just don't offer the deep discounts like they do in Canada. However the awesomesauce variety of brands and stores keeps me coming back for more. Till next time Vegas...

Eat nothing...

Christmas is winding down around here and things are finally getting back to normal after an über busy December. Normally I'd be kinda lamenting the fact that Christmas is over but I'm still looking forward to a few more family get togethers after New Years.  Yes more food and wine.

Question: how is one supposed to lose 10 lbs by January 6th when the fattening food won't go away?

  (Why the seasonally inappropriate quest for rapid weight loss you ask, we haven't even hit New Years yet?)
 Its because Mama and Husband are off to Vegas the first week of January and while we're there my plan is to find some serious dealz shopping for clothes, clothes and more clothes. 

 However I've apparently (over the last month) managed to eat a third of my total body weight in Ferrero Rocher, cheese and red wine. 

Obviously one solution is to maintain the December status quo and just continue eating, but then walk the Vegas Strip and shop till my legs fall off, thus burning off the extra el-bees that have recently decided to call my muffin top "home." 

Or I could pull a Bethenny Frankel and "Taste everything, Eat Nothing."

{What does that mean? Like literally eat nothing at all?  Well she did shed all her baby weight in 3 weeks...}

Let's keep it real here. I shall continue to eat, and I'll in all likelihood not drop 10 pounds by January 6th. However the elliptical trainer and me are gonna be on a first name basis. Hopefully?

What is your plan for the post holiday slim-down?

Over The Knee Knockout

Over the knee boots are definitely not a look that just anyone can pull off. Sure, if you're of Kardashian descent it's almost mandatory to be walking around in a pair while in NYC/Miami/LA (or anywhere else a 'Dash' clothing store has popped up.)  But for the rest of the ordinary world unless you've got a fierce look and long legs, the OTK boots are likely a no-go.

Or so I thought. After a quick trip to Winners to pick up more discounted Christmas chocolates (who would pay full price for Lindt chocolates?), I somehow came home with a pair. They're tall, bold and fabulous. Perfect with leggings, skinny jeans, or if you're really brave, a short dress (that won't be a look I'll be rocking, I know my limitations...)  

It's a fine line between looking hot and looking like you're wearing Hip Waders. I really hope these say "let's go out for drinks and not, let's go fly fishing..."

GUESS "Revenge" Over The Knee Boots

I'm liking how Kourtney and Kim are wearing their OTK boots. Keeping their tops and jackets simple and neutral.

So would you wear boots this high, or are they borderline Julia Roberts (everyones fave hooker) in Pretty Woman?

P.S. Have you seen the Kardashians latest Christmas card photo for 2010?  This family is seriously one of a kind.  Does this say "Merry Christmas from our family to yours?"

Tidings of Great Joy...

I'm going to tell you a bit about my tidings of great joy. The cosmetic gods decided to answer my materialistic and superficial prayers (real prayers are reserved for the Guy Upstairs only...I don't throw my prayers around willy-nilly.) And they gifted me with a phone call from Sephora to say that my Urban Decay Naked Palette had finally arrived *cue celestial chorus of angels singing*, and that I needed to get my derrière over there to pick it up before they gave it to some other biznatch who coveted it more than me (as if that was possible.)

Behold the much hyped, much reviewed, much desired item of cosmetic genius and mastery.

I've been stalking this little beauty at Sephora for months and of course it's always sold out. It's sold out everywhere. Always. But not for me. Not anymore.

via

I won't bother swatching or reviewing this palette. It's only been done by 1000 other beauty bloggers 1000 other times. Let's just say it's amazing. 

Eye-shadow-nirvana. 

If they're ever back in stock you should most definitely grab one. (Only a few come available at a time, some b.s. about a supply issue on one of the main ingredients it's made with.) Maybe it's all just a master plan by Urban Decay to create a frenzy around their newest product. Not available you say?...that just makes me want it even more. It's simple psychology yo...

It comes with a small bottle of the ubiquitous Urban Decay Primer Potion (to de-oilify your lids), and a double ended black and brown 24/7 liner. Could this get any better? No.

Is the Urban Decay Naked Palette on your wish List? If not it should be...Mama says so! 

Pre-Christmas shopping for Mama, by Mama

This time of year is for sharing, giving and spending time with those around us that really matter.  And what better way to do that then by hitting up the stores with friends and shopping for myself. Yes, shopping for moi. I've already got my Christmas shopping done for the kidlets and my cheap-ass brothers are getting gift cards (it's more than they ever get me, believe me.) So really I just have a bit of shopping left to do for my parents and a few friends and that's easy peasy.  Since I'm so on top of things the obvious choice was to go shopping this week for a few things I've had my eye on...

Aldo Accessories-  Leopard print scarf and black Toque (that's a winter cap, for my non-Canadian readers)

I've been on the hunt for a good leopard print scarf for a while and this one is pretty decent though it's ridiculously long (am I supposed to wrap it around 5 times?) 

 I also happen to think that I look way cuter in the hat than the white mannequin head in the pic. Just my opinion.....

From Sephora I picked up the Urban Decay "Little Sins" eyeshadow Primer Potion Set

Nars Lipgloss in "Greek Holiday" (who doesn't love a holiday in Greece?)

Benefit Bronzer "Hoola" (my cheeks have never looked so contoured!)

From Walmart I picked up 2 pairs of Ardelle Lashes, 108 and 105. Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer, Revlon ColorStay Foundation (my new fave everyday foundation) and the much hyped Wet n' Wild Colour Icon palette in "Lust" (before you get all "Wet n' Wild, say what? Just let me say that this palette is phenomenal with great pigmentation. Wet n' Wild has come a long way since I was in grade 7....

From Shoppers Drug Mart I picked up the Smashbox Ultimate Eyes box set, (similar to the one at Sephora right now) so much product and only $62.00

 From Winners (Canada's TJ Maxx) an elf Kabuki brush and 32 eye palette. I'm starting to really love elf's products, the prices are amazing and the quality is pretty darn good too

And from the mother-ship, MAC, I picked up another bottle of Fix + setting spray (best invention ever!), "Cream cup" lipstick, "Melba" blush, "Soft and Gentle" Mineralize Skinfinish and "Rubenesque" Paint Pot

 {Pics of clothes on the hanger just never look as good....}

And finally from The Bay, I fell for this London Times one shoulder dress, it was $125.00 but I stole it for $49.00 with this weekends sale and the 20% off card I was sent in the mail from Bonnie Brooks (president of The Bay), I can't help but say her name in a mockingly low and gravelly voice...since she insists on doing her own radio ads 

Maybe it's a bit ridiculous to shop for yourself before Christmas, but sirsly if you knew my family you'd understand that never in a thousand lifetimes would they get me the things I like/want/need unless I specifically spelled it out for them. And since you could not pay Husband or my brothers to step foot in Sephora it's really a lost cause.  My mom and dad gave up on trying to find me what I like a long time ago so they default to Cuisinart food processors and Holt Renfrew gift cards, not that I'm complaining....


And really, at the end of the day I'm not a kid anymore. Christmas is about spending time with the people that matter most, not expecting them to buy you lots of gifts. Am I right? 
Or, is it your tradition that your friends and family make a point of checking off everything from your Christmas Wish List?

Marc, how do I love thee...

So it's no secret that Marc Jacobs would be my boyfriend if it weren't for the small issue of him being a 'lil gay (and me already being married off.)  Really it's just a minor inconvenience and I don't let it stand in the way of my adoration of his talent and greatness. I was at Holt Renfrew on Saturday to pick up the pink tote bag (below) when this little lady caught my eye and I snagged "her"....

{Marc by Marc Jacobs "Catty Q Franny Tote"}

Actually it's a really great sized bag. Plenty of room for bottles, diapers, Goldfish crackers, Hot-wheels cars....so apparently it will be doubling as a diaper bag as well...

{Marc by Marc Jacobs Ltd Edition tote bag in Pink.  Proceeds go to Marc's charity of choice, Vision Spring, "which provides the gift of sight and economic self reliance to thousands of people in the developing world.”  

So the man is philanthropic on top of being talented and amazing. Hmm. I may love him even more.

{And apparently he's modeling in his own ad campaign for his new men's fragrance, Bang. Bang indeed. This man doesn't mince words. I think I'm blushing....}

{images via Google}