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?) 

Wednesday Wants...

Happy Wednesday lovelies. 

  Mama is officially (for the first time this entire winter) sick and down for the count. Je suis malade.

 I knew my time was coming, I couldn't keep the virus gods at bay forever.  I'm achy like I just finished a week of doing the 30 Day Shred though I haven't worked out all week (and won't be reaping the butt-kicking benefits.) 

 My lungs, throat and brain hurt. That alone is reason to close up shop and throw in the towel for the remainder of the week am I right? Send in the Nanny please.... Oh, I don't have a Nanny you say?

Never mind, since I am a trooper (read: gave-birth-to-2-boys-without epidurals type of gal,)  a simple chest cold/flu combo won't bring me down or keep me from sharing my Wednesday Wants.  Just bring on the Advil, NyQuil, NeoCitran and I'll be fine- just don't stand between me and my cold- meds.

AnySickness, lets talk about the shopping I won't be doing cuz I'm stuck in bed...

Ok this Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel is nothing new but recently I've been so drawn to the signature studs on the bottom of the bag. Edgy but not too crazy. I'm starting to fall for Alexander Wang....

The new Bobbi Brown-Tibi Collection Peony and Python Pallette. Love these neutral and purple eye shadows in a super cute little case...it will be mine.

I'm wanting a pair of Levi's jean. Yeah Levi's. I haven't owned a pair since probably grade 9 and then they were passed aside for "premium denim."  But I might just have to try out their new Curve ID jeans that are made to fit your shape not your size. And at under $60/pair they're practically giving them away!?

And finally, truly a pipe-dream (or maybe I'm just high on cough syrup) this Alexander McQueen Union Jack Skull Clutch in pink Swarovski crystals.  Husband says that Alexander McQueen's signature skull reminds him of something from Ed Hardy or Christian Audigier but I say that's crazy talk and those names shouldn't be uttered in the same sentence as the late, great Mr. McQueen. Have some respect... 

However at over $2100 I think I'll have to admire its sparkle from afar.

      NOT feeling so

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...

These are a few of my favorite things...

I was tagged by the super lovely Marie, at Marie a la mode to talk a bit about the things I'm currently loving.

Easily done, in fact I had a hard time narrowing it down to only a top five.

My 5 current loves

My Samsung Galaxy Tab. Like an iPad but smaller and even more awesome. It's a tablet that supports Flash, fits in your hand, has a front and rear facing camera, its Android powered, it's preloaded with Kobo eReader and best of all it's like a tiny computer you can take anywhere (we put a SIM card in it too.) 

I'm kissing my laptop goodbye! 

e.l.f cosmetics- (eyes, lips, face)  I'm completely into this line of ridiculously affordable makeup. Sadly it's only available here in Canada at Winners (and sometimes Zellers) and online. The prices are amazing and the quality is just as good.  Most products sell from 3-10 dollars. Crazy!

 Dolman tops, whether it's with a bat wing or angel wing sleeve, v-neck or cowl neck, there's just something so flattering and easy to wear about this style of shirt. Fitted at the bottom but loose at the arm- it's perfection.

Brunette hair colour. Yup, I'm in love with brown hair (regular readers will be tired of hearing about this once again.) After years of being honey blonde I'm totally into dark chestnut brown hair. It's rich and natural and I wish I would have gone back to my "real" colour a long time ago had I known that I'd love it so much.

Large American Retailers- ok, this one might seem a bit strange but I really do love U.S. based retail/drug/department stores that we don't have here in Canada. While we do have just about every major store or chain here there are some we don't have (like Target).  Shopping in the States makes me feel like a kid in a candy store.

___________________________________________________________

5 Questions

1. Fave Makeup Brand?

OR

For years it was MAC all the way, but lately I've been really liking NARS as well.

2. Fave Clothing Brand?

This is another tough question. I (also) really like Forever 21, Michael Kors, Jacob, INC and even Old Navy. 

3. Your indispensable makeup product ?

This question is almost impossible to answer. (I really feel "naked" going out without foundation, liner, mascara and lipstick.) But I'm going to go with this pen style eye liner. It's way easier to use than classic liquid liner because of the pen style precision tip. It gives a smooth dark line that you can easily make thick or thin.

4. What country would you like to visit and why?

I'd love to visit Prague in the Czech Republic. It's one of the few European cities I haven't been to and I've heard its gorgeous. It's definitely on my list of must-see world destinations. 

5. What is that last concert you've been to?

Ok, don't get judgey on me. BritBrit is one of my favorite hot messes and she does put on a good show. What's sad is that I really haven't been to any other decent shows in well over a year. Mama needs to get out more?

Time to tag these lovely ladies:

Sara from Sara in Le Petit Village

DeefromCG at Champagne Blonde

Her Majesty, Mrs. Dixon from The Doll House

TILTE from Things I like to Eat (...and other Nonsense)

Heather from Forever in blue jeans

Hotpants from Handbags & Handguns

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! 

Sparkle!

Mama and Husband are going out to our first holiday party of the season on Saturday night.  It's going to be fairly casual because it's at a friends house. But I'm so dying to throw on some sequins so I can get my sparkle on, but without looking like Rupaul in drag....know what I'm saying?

{this is nice, but no}

So I think I'll try to incorporate a bit of sequin shine while keeping things simple

{Ricki's draped sequin sweater}

{ok so my black pumps are not YSL like these, but the look is almost the same}

I'm thinking that since I can't go too bold on my outfit (no one wants to stand out as overdressed girl at the party), I might as well do a bit more with my makeup. I've just discovered that purple shadows are great for brown eyes. (This is not groundbreaking news but I was a bit scared of purple eyeshadows before.)

 purple smokey eyes are divine!

Do you have any Christmas parties coming up? Are they formal or casual and what will you be wearing?

And more importantly, will you be you rockin' some sequin sparkle?