What We're Loving Lately

We just wanted to give you a little update on the things we're enjoying right now from skincare to books and more!

Skincare

Meg: I've recently started trying some of the Kiehls products including their Ultra Facial Cleanser, Ultra  Facial Toner, and their Ultra Facial Cream. I'm really liking them so far- they make my skin feel so soft! After I've used them for a little longer, you'll see a review.

Cate: I picked up the L'oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Facial Oil while it was on sale at Shopper's Drug Mart and I have been loving the results. It is very light and dries quickly so you don't look like a greasy faced human and it definitely leaves your skin glowing all the time. 

 Food

Meg: This recipe for No Bake Energy Balls is so easy and so yummy. They make a great breakfast if you are on the run or little snack. It's hard to stop after one or two though- I'm warning you!

Cate: I have been making big pots of pasta every Sunday and having it throughout the week. I love pasta and lately I have been being creative and using my own recipe (which I do plan to share on the blog). 

Makeup

Meg: I haven't been wearing too much makeup lately because it's been so bloody hot! But I'm loving the Balm's Nude Tude eyeshadow palette when I do wear make up. It makes my life so easy with it's lovely neutral shades.

Cate: I discovered the Eye Booster Pen by Physician's Formula through Carah Amelie on YouTube and I love it like the Stila one and the bonus is that it is readily available at the drugstore.

Books

Meg: I've been on vacation this week and have just flown through the Harry Potter series, one of my all-time favourites. 

Cate: So this isn't a conventional book but a colouring book for adults. I recently picked this up and I can't wait to start colouring. The pictures are so detailed and it will definitely be a lot of work but so worth it and most importantly, fun!

Make sure to tell us what you've been loving lately in the comments!

The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories Book Review

Marina Keegan's The Opposite of Loneliness is a collection of short stories and essays put  together posthumously. I have been wanting to read this book for ages, ever since I heard about the loss of this brilliant young lady.

If you are unfamiliar with Marina Keegan, she was a talented, lively young writer. She had a very bright future ahead of her: She graduated magma cum laude from Yale in 2012. She was going to work at the New Yorker. A play of hers was going to be at the Fringe Festival. However, Marina passed away in a car accident just 5 days after she graduated. She will undoubtedly be remembered by the works she left behind, captured in The Opposite of Loneliness. The collection contains arguably her most famous work, the essay the book was named after, where she called for her fellow graduates to embrace life wholeheartedly.

Spring Random Favourites (Non-Beauty Related)

I love watching Non- Beauty related favourites on YouTube because I like to see what products women out there like using besides beauty and skincare because like every other girl, I have interests that are not specifically beauty related and it's nice to talk about other things as well.

I thought I would show you some of the Random things I have been loving these past few months.

Throwback: Our Trip to Seattle: Part 2 & 3

Our second day in Seattle was a very productive one. We woke up early and headed off to the Ballard Farmer's Market. Unfortunately I did not get any pictures from the actual market itself but we did eat some delicious pastries. 

After the farmer's Market we quickly headed to the bus stop on route to the Woodland Park Zoo (which I will say is an amazing zoo). 

 Meg and Rebecca

Another Group Selfie 

Let's Do This Zoo Thing

Pasta with Smashed Peas, Sausage, and Ricotta Cheese (Original Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis

I found this recipe on the Food Network website.

As many of you know I love pasta so I am always on the hunt for new pasta recipes and I am a big fan of Giada's recipes and this was a simple one to try out.

You can find the original recipe here.

The First this you need to do is boil your pasta. Now the recipe calls for Tagliatelle but I did not find that at my local grocery store so I used Linguine but you could also use Fettuccine. 

Next I have all my other ingredients laid out and measured. Italian Sausage, Peas, Ricotta Cheese, Pecorino Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Basil, and Garlic. 

Throwback: Our Trip to Seattle: Part 1

Last Summer, Meg and I as well as our mutual friend took a weekend trip to Seattle. 

I meant to share this post as soon as it happened but that was right around the time my computer died and we got super busy and took a long break from blogging. 

I still wanted to share these pictures and our trip because I think Seattle might be a destination many people would like to visit this upcoming Spring and Summer so hopefully our visit might inspire you if you plan on visiting Seattle anytime soon. 

Look for Part 2 coming your way next week. 

The Journey Started with firstly a skytrain ride to Vancouver and then a 3 hour long bus ride from Vancouver to Seattle. We encountered a bit of a mishap when Greyhound cancelled our bus and we were not informed so we had to take another bus to get there... not fun!

We stayed at a wonderful Air BnB location and our host picked us up from the bus loop and dropped us off at Seattle's most iconic destination: Pike Place Market. 

A Simpler Skincare Routine

So as a jump back into more regular blog posts I thought I would start off with an updated skincare routine as you all know I love me my skincare products but recently as the warmer months are among us I have decided to simplify the amount of products I use. 

Now this may not be simple for everyone, in fact some people might thing that this is far too much stuff and some may not think that this is enough but the important thing to keep in mind is that everyone's skin is different and I have really been finding that these items are working well for me. 

Now let's get started with a breakdown of the stuff...

Where Have We Been

So...

Our friend Ashley McKernan asked on twitter recently where we have been and I thought it was time to write a post about it.

I never wanted to be one of those bloggers who disappeared without telling anyone and just abandoned their whole site and all that work without ever looking back but what happened was a pretty crazy turn of events.

Firstly, a freak accident in which I spilled ginger ale on my laptop and ruined it forever. Honestly, that was what started it all... I didn't have any of my pictures and I was only able to use my mom's iPad to do homework on.

Eventually, I was able to purchase a new laptop but I still lost a lot of the work I had been doing to line up posts.

Secondly, and most importantly Meg and I have been really insanely busy with school. I am in my last year of my bachelor's degree which means a lot more work in my classes than ever before and Meg is now in teaching school completing her bachelor's of Education so she is completely swamped with school work as well. We are also both working while we are in school which also takes up pretty much all of our free time.

Writing a blog is a lot of work but it is also a lot of fun and we do miss it a lot.

School does end for both of us at the end of April and we do plan to get back to writing more blog posts for you very soon.

We sincerely apologize for leaving so abruptly but sometimes life gets in the way but we will be back very soon.

Make sure to check out our friend Ashley's blog Chic Toronto if you are having blog withdrawals.

Beauty Blogger Tag

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?

Cate: I was going through a rough time (skincare wise) and I found that I wasn't finding a lot of information on skincare so I wanted to talk about different products I was trying and let people know if they were working. Also I really love watching YouTube videos but am way too shy to put myself on camera. 

Meg: I have dabbled in blogs and writing before and when I heard about Cate's venture I thought it would be fun to get back into. I love beauty and books which I write about on the blog, so it's right up my alley.

Whose blog did you fall in love with first?

Cate: I have been in love with Ruth Crilly's blog A Model Recommends for so long because she loves skincare just as much as I do. I also love Ruth's friend Caroline Hiron's blog, she has a no fuss approach to skincare and gets down to the facts about products and whether or not they work. 

Meg: Oh, so long ago! I have the memory of a gnat, but two blogs that I loved way back when and still do are Orangette and A Certain Bent Appeal for the way their authors can tell a beautiful story- though they aren't beauty blogs. Beauty-wise, A Beautiful Mess and Zoella are lovely.

Lush Dark Angels Scrub Review

So I am a scrub-aholic. I love exfoliation and getting rid of dead skin cells but lately I have been using a lot less of the scrubby products to give my skin a break but you should still exfoliate a couple times a week to keep skin fresh. 

One of my go-to exfoliators is this one by Lush. I had heard of it through browsing on Pinterest and have been using it religiously for about a year now and there is a clear reason why. 

Product Info: Now at the Lush store you can purchase this scrub in any size amount you would like and it will vary in cost from around $12.00 to $30.00. 

Where She Went Book Review

When I hear there was a sequel to If I Stay by Gayle Forman I had to read it immediately! Like the first book, it a quick and easy read: perfect light reading.

The story continues from Adam's perspective this time. Years after the accident, Mia and Adam have gone down very different paths, this story is all about the aftermath of tragedy and how it can really change your life in ways you didn't expect. When you find yourself in a place you don't want to be, sometimes it is a combination of your own self-will and fate that will get you back on track...

Cleanser Spotlight: La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

Today I am going to share with you one of my holy grail cleansers that I use for keeping my skin as breakout free as it can be. 

Product Info: This cleanser runs you around $23.00 for the 200ml and if you are lucky you can find the 400ml size for just a couple bucks more on offer. 

Consistency: This is a gel based cleanser which foams up quite nicely so it does feel like it cleans your skin super well. 

If I Stay Book Review

I recently read If I Stay by Gayle Forman on my trip back to Vancouver from Seattle. It's quite a short trip so it's clear to say I really burned right through it! It's a quick read; one of those books you can't put down because you want to find out what happens next.

If I Stay tells the story of Mia Hall, a 17 year old gifted cellist whose life is brimming with promise: she has supportive (and remarkably cool) parents, a boyfriend in a band on its way to the top, and a hopeful career in music. A car accident interrupts everything, potentially forever. In a twist of fate, Mia has an out of body experience while she is a coma where she watches her friends and family as they deal with the horrible aftermath. Mia has to decide if she wants to stay in a very painful world or leave everything she knows behind.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus: 3 Week Test

So given my long battle with post acne scarring I have tried any and everything I can come across to help with the spots. Recently I got a sample of the Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Serum after purchasing some things from Shoppers Drug Mart and I decided to give it a try.

I haven't had much luck with Clinique skincare in the past; if you remember I tried their 3 Step Skincare System in the past and was not a fan so I was reluctant to give this a try but after reading some positive reviews online I put my hesitations aside and gave it a go; at the very least if it sucked I would be able to let you all know, of the joys of blogging... 

Product Info: The full size cost of this serum is $59.00 for 30ml and $88.00 for a 50ml bottle. 

Consistency: The serum is a thick gel-like consistency that absorbs a little slower into the skin but it does absorb after a couple minutes. 

Thank You

Meg and I would just like to give all of you a big Thank You for supporting our blog during August. If you didn't know we did a little series called BEDA which is a blog post every day in August. It started as my own little tradition last year and Meg and I decided to bring it back this year. 

We really appreciate you reading our posts and commenting and interacting with us. It has been a lot of fun to get to know more of you out there. 

Now that September has started and school is approaching very quickly (I go back on Wednesday and Meg on Thursday) we will be taking this week off blogging in order to get ready for school but also to prep more posts for you all. 

Because Meg and I are both going to be in school and working we my not be able to have blog posts up as frequently as three times a week like we have been doing, it may only be twice a week but there will still be new content on the blog and we still enjoy writing for you. 

Thank you so much for all of your support and we hope you stick with us through all of this. 

E.O.S Shaving Cream Review

I purchased the EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream in lavender jasmine because I has heard great things about the brand. My legs are really sensitive to shaving, so even though this cream was a bit pricier than the comparable brands, I knew I to try it.

I was throughly impressed by this shave cream's moisturizing power; it greatly reduced the amount of irritation I usually get. Maybe it's because this little bottle is packed with natural conditioning products, Shea butter, and vitamins e and c. It's also phthalate and paraban free (yay). 

My one complaint about this product is that it's pump doesn't not get about half the product out. It's stuck in the bottom and on the sides causing you to have to unscrew the lid and try to scrape it out. Not a fun task when you're trying to minimize your shower time.

What Makes You Canadian Tag

So I thought it would be fun for Meg and I to do this tag because we are both Canadian (born and raised) and proud of it.

Meg's Answers: 

1. What do you order at Tim Hortons?

I'm rarely at Tim Hortons's these days (bad Canadian) but if I am, it's often a hot chocolate and a struedel. Yum. 

2. What is the most annoying Canadian stereotype?

That it's really cold everywhere in Canada so we're all Eskimos who live in igloos. Most Canadians live very close to the US boarder, how much do you think the temperature changes?!

3.How many provinces and territories have you traveled to?

I love in British Columbia and have been to Alberta and Quebec. I've been to Ontario too, but just the Toronto airport so that doesn't really count!

4. Have you ever seen an igloo?

No, see answer 2. 

5.How many/What words do people think you say differently?

Cate always makes fun of me for saying a few words differently (kayak, southern, for example) but that's not a Canadian thing specifically!

6. Favourite YTV show?

Na na na na na hey hey carry me away. Breaker High! Young Ryan Gosling, anyone?

7. What is one thing you wish you could buy in Canada, but can't?

More of the makeup and clothing brands that stay put in the USA, like ELF. Also, vanilla coke!

8. Have you seen deer, moose or other wildlife?

Oh course, all of the above. A couple bears and big horn sheep as well!

9.What is your favourite winter product?

Really moistuzing lip balm like Nivea's Milk and Honey. Also, toques and wollen scarfs. 

10.Who is your favourite Canadian celebrity?

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

11. Why are you proud to be Canadian?

I love being from a country that, at it's best, gives me the freedom to be myself and gives me so many opportunities. And the free healthcare too.

Cate's Answers: 

1. What do you order at Tim Hortons?
At Tim Hortons I generally order an Iced Cap but if I am in the mood for a hot drink (which is rare) it would be an English Toffee. As for donuts, my favourite is the Sour Cream Glazed.

2. What is the most annoying Canadian stereotype?
One of the most annoying Canadian stereotypes is the fact that a lot of people really do believe that all Canadians live in extremely cold climates. I have always lived in southern British Columbia and we do get snow but our climate is quite mild.

3.How many provinces and territories have you traveled to?
The only other province I have been to is actually Alberta but I would love to see more of Canada.

4. Have you ever seen an igloo?
Other than pictures, no.

5.How many/What words do people think you say differently?
I actually don't think I say any words differently. I will say that I do use the phrase "eh" quite often though.

6. Favourite YTV show?
I don't watch any YTV now but I loved to watch "Are You Afraid of the Dark" as a youngster.

7. What is one thing you wish you could buy in Canada, but can't?
Having just been to the U.S. I wish we could have Vanilla and Cherry Coke.

8. Have you seen deer, moose or other wildlife?
I have seen deer, moose, and even bears all on the drive to Alberta.

9.What is your favourite winter product?
During the winter my skin can get pretty dry so I like to use heavy moisturizers like the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Balm. I also really love T-Max Heat socks because they keep your feet so warm and toasty.

10.Who is your favourite Canadian celebrity?
This is a pretty cheesy answer but I would have to say Celine Dion. I just love her, she has an incredible voice and I got to see her in Vegas with Meg.

11. Why are you proud to be Canadian?
I love all the comforts of home. I love Canadian people. I like that in Canada it is legal for everyone to get married regardless of their sexual orientation and I like that Canadian's have this stereotype of being nice people because I like to think that it is true.

Are you a fellow Canadian like us? Make sure to answer these questions below in the comments because we would love to hear you answers.

If you aren't Canadian, we would love to hear a little bit about where you're from and why you love your country as much as we love Canada.

The Body Shop Rainforest Balance Shampoo and Conditioner Review

It is no secret that I have oily hair. Last year during BEDA I wrote a post on how to deal with oilier hair that you can find here.

This year for my birthday, back in July, Meg bought me the shampoo and conditioner from The Body Shop's Rainforest Balance line that is specifically formulated for oily haired individuals.

This shampoo contains seaweed which is a powerful ingredient in lots of skincare products geared towards oilier skin types so The Body Shop decided to add it to this range to help clarify hair. Today I am going to talk about my experience with the shampoo and conditioner.

Product Info: This shampoo and conditioner is available at The Body Shop and costs $10.00 per bottle. You can however purchase travel friendly versions to try out at $5.00 per bottle.

St. Ives Timeless Skin Mineral Clay Firming Mask Facemask Review

As many of you know, I'm a self-proclaimed facemask addict. This time instead of going the individual facemask route (my usual), I'm trying out a squeeze bottle mineral clay firming mask from St.Ives.

I've recently become a huge fan of St.Ives because of their Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer and their Apricot Scrub, so I knew I had to pick up their facemask when I saw it (especially since it was on sale!)

St.Ives claims, due to the kaolin clay in their mask, it will "deep clean while visibly firming and tightening the skin" and I have to say, it does the job!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum-In-Oil Review

So back when I showed my Spring Favourites I promised to do a more detailed review of The Body Shop Vitamin E Oil and today I am finally doing that.

Since it was in my favourites post you can probably guess that I do like using this facial oil and I will tell you just why.

Product Info: This oil is available at The Body Shop and costs $28.00 for a 28ml bottle. 

Consistency: This is a very light weight oil and it absorbs into my skin in around 10 minutes. It is not a heavy oil by any means but it does pack a powerful punch and my skin instantly looks radiant when I apply it.