Oh do pardon my barging in, I thought I'd find my passion in here.

It has been way too long since my last post ...  oh Timekeeper, you are sao cruel.

I wanted to make clear that I blog when I am extremely excited or have incredibly intense feelings, like after scoring a killer deal at the mall, or just having finished a delectable meal or finding a nickel and not a penny, in the parking lot.  The latter rarely ever happens, do you notice?  Yeah ... definitely blog-worthy.

Well, I am blogging now because I just found a $5 bill in the pocket of a pair of old, neglected jeans (SCORE) and because I am extremely and incredibly homesick.  So much so that I physically feel sick and cannot sleep.  Oh Vancouver, you`ve got my knickers all tied up in a wad.

We are truly blessed to call such a beautiful place home.  

I`ve missed you so much for so long...
-C

Beauty is only skin deep. Which is why it is absolutely essential to use a moisturizer that will penetrate all the way to your hypodermis!

It's been a little over a month now since I've started working part time at Sephora.  It's my first retail job at a mall!  Man I feel like I'm 16 all over again!  Only at 16, I didn't work at the mall.... so I feel like I've been given a second chance to really live up 16! :D

So working at Sephora entails learning not only about the different brands and products but new lingo!  For example, employees are not called employees but "cast members".  The manager is called the Store Director.  The sales floor is called the Stage.  Customers are referred to as "clients".  Display cases are called "gondolas" and "end caps".  

So far, it's been great!  I've been trained by reps from Tarte, Fresh and Makeup Forever.  I LOVE THE COSMETIC INDUSTRY!  I've also been given a lot of Gratis, it's ridiculous!  (Gratis are free products, usually full size, that the brands give to cast members.)  And the employee discount and bonuses are generous.

Here's my first gratis haul from the last couple of weeks!  Like I said, RIDICULOUS!  I would have been happy with just the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment and the Tarte powder brush!  But no!  They just had to give me moar! :P  How stupid crazy is that? 

Coral by the way, is the newest shade to the Sugar lip treatment line.  It's a beautiful colour for summer! ;D

Speaking of beautiful!  Here's my recommendation for the week!  It's a limited edition set by Benefit called The Pretty Committee; it's exclusive to Sephora.  It's an amazing deal!  For $42 (CDN), you get the following products:

• 0.13oz High Beam (delux sample size)
• 0.28oz Bella Bamba blush, beautiful deep watermelon pink (full size, retail $36)
• 0.33oz Stay Don't Stray eye primer (full size, retail $30)
• 0.05oz Eye Bright (full size, retail $25)

 Amazeballs, right?  You're essentially paying $42 for $100 worth of product.  ((:  DOOO ITTTTTT!

A bitch is a bitch with her actions, because she isn't willing to give herself up.

I was 13 when I watched the movie Fight Club.  I learned a lot from the movie.  I learned that Brad Pitt has an exceptionally delicious posterior and Edward Norton has the most captivating green eyes.  I also learned that bar soaps are made from combining animal fats with sodium hydroxide.  Gross ...but I love soap!  I love how they smell and how they leave my skin feeling so rejuvenated and so clean.  And there are so many different types of soaps!  Hard soaps, soft soaps, tallow based, vegetable based, glycerin based, triple milled... the possibilities are endless! 

These are two of my favourite soaps and they're from Trader Joe's.  (I got my beef to pick them up for me *^-^*)  They're made in France from 100% vegetable oils and shea butter.  They smell heavenly!  The green one is Lemon Verbena and the blue-ish one in the back is Lavender.  I like the lavender because it has actual flowers in it but the Lemon Verbene is my absolute favourite.  The lemon scent is so strong and refreshing, it's great for the hot summers here in Kelowna.  I always feel so uplifted and cheerful afterwards.  

They're triple-milled soaps.  Milling refers to a process of grinding, heating and cooling of the soap in a mill so that all moisture is removed and extras like fragrance, emollients, moisturizers and colourants are added.  Triple-milled just means the soap mixture goes through this process 3 times.  The end product is a very dense, very hard, and very long-lasting bar of soap.  They're $3.99 a piece, which I admit is a little expensive for soap but they last a long time and they truly smell amazing. (:  

Boyfriend.

BF for short.

Pronounced be-ef.

Hence beef. 

-C

Leap! .... and the net will appear.

I used my $25 gift certificate from Funktional's Facebook/Twitter contest today.  Instead of using it on purchasing one of the items that I took a photo of (which is what I'm suppose to do), I spent it on acquiring an Andrea Waines necklace.  Andrea Waines is a Canadian jewellery designer.  I love her work, it's simple but inspiring.  She uses only sterling silver and personally hand stamps each piece with a hammer, one letter at a time.  Okay, how ridiculous is that?  She has my "A" for being amazeballs.  I can't imagine the extent of her effort and patience.  And exceptional hand-eye coordination.  And steady fingers.... I wonder what else she could do with her steady fingers. :P 

If you just mentally sighed and thought to yourself "Oh Cathy..." then you are no less pervy than I am.  (:  ADMIT IT. 

If you can imagine it you can achieve it.  If you can dream it you can become it.

In other news, I started reading The Book of Negroes around 9 this morning and I was aiming to finish by this evening.  But at this point, something just tells me that it's not going happen.  Hrm ... something... like... the fact that I'm on page 132?  ...out of 1162?   Whatever, I get "A" for effort.  Honestly, I don't know why it's taking me so long to plough through this one.  The last 4 books were easy, effortless even.  It's not the writing style because from what I've read so far, the author is an excellent writer!  Maybe it's the content, I can't relate to it.  (Not that I could relate to 50 Shades of f'd up haha).  I still want to finish this book, but not merely because it's on my list of to-reads for the book club but because I feel like I owe it to ... the people... I mean they had to endure so much cruelty and destitution and degradation.  I feel like I should at least be able to commit a few hours and honour their strength by reading about it.  And hopefully be a little more educated and worldly in the end. 

.....sounds like bullshit huh? hahaha WELL IT'S NOT.

I know, I'm weird. 

But that's why you guys keep coming back for more, is it not? (: 

LOVE.

-C

"Even cancer isn't a bad guy really: Cancer just wants to be alive."

I started reading The Fault in our Stars by John Green this morning, around 8:12am.  Yes, 8:12am on a Saturday morning.  That's what I call commitment to self improvement . (; Actually the novel came highly recommended by a good friend so I intentionally slept earlier the night before to wake up early and read. (:  Best decision ever.  Five hundred forty one pages and buckets of tears later, I finished!   And it was absolutely amazing.  Truly amazing.  It is so brilliantly crafted.  The story itself is simple but the love and tragedy that it entails is so real.  Battling cancer is such a tremendous feat; it's happiness and sadness constantly colliding, with anger and confusion.  Lots of confusion!

Having watched my own 'po' battle cancer for a year before succumbing to its inevitable will (I despise using the word "losing" in this context), it's obvious the story affected me on a very personal level.  Frankly, it broke my heart.  But on a good note, it reminded me of the importance of self-preservation and good health.  I will now proceed to recycle all the fast-food chain coupons that I have accumulated and saved over the last few months and solemnly promise to upkeep a regular exercise schedule.  *nods*  

NEXT on my reading list (well, more like my book-club reading list) is The Book of Negroes (aka Someone Knows My Name) by Lawrence Hill.  Keep posted! (: 

Dear Mr. Grey, I am completely and utterly smitten by you. Beguiled, bewitched, spellbound. You are my sweet escape.

I've recently (and by 'recently' I mean in the last 36 hours) finished the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.  At the expense of my BUSI 344 exam.  And boy was it well worth the sacrifice! These books were AMAZING.  And they continue to be amazing in my head *pokes temple*.  I never fell in love with the Twilight series or The Vampire Diaries, but I am hopelessly in love with these books!  Think Pretty Woman meets Eyes Wide Shut. (; I don't want to say too much about the content other than that it gets pretty F***KED up at some parts.  Okay, maybe that's an overstatement.  Really, it was just the first book that was a bit of a shocker because you don't really know what you're getting yourself into it and then ... BAM!  "You're both mortified and intrigued by the glamour and dysfunction."

It's difficult to explain or pinpoint exactly how the books made me feel other than ... a bewildering array of emotions!  And it's been a long time since I've felt this captivated by ... anything, let alone a book!  I feel like I've found.... magic. (:

And you know something's genuinely good if it makes it on to Forbes. (;

This is the infamous tag on a paperback copy in Montclair, NJ

"Yes, this is THE book everyone is talking about.

Lost and insecure, you found me Mr. Grey, you found me.

-C

I am grateful for your inexperience. Simply put, it means that you are mine in every way.

Two weeks ago, I entered Funktional's Spring Facebook Contest.  (I talked about the store briefly and posted a few photos. Post found here.)  The contest was simple: (1) take a picture of your favourite item, (2) upload that picture on to their Facebook/Twitter page.  So while I was in the store during Small Shop Saturday, I snapped a handful of photos and posted ALL of them to their website.  I rarely have just one favourite thing of anything!  Anyway, I won!!!  Which is miraculous because I never win contest or draws.  I was one of three winners to receive a $25 gift card.

Twenty five bucks, but I feel like a million dollars baby!

Close your eyes, tap your heels together 3 times and think to yourself, there's no place like home!

What do you think guys?  Are these keepers?  I'm confuddled and cannot decide!  

The reasons why I'm madly infatuated with them are: 

1. They look 86.78% identical to J Crew's Darby Glitter Loafers, which by the way are so beautiful and so cleverly crafted and so sleek and so ladylike and SO BEAUTIFUL;
2. And because they look like the Darby's they look like a gentleman's formal dress slipper;
3. They're $38+ tax, which is a fraction of the cost of the Darby's ($215+tax USD);
4. And they're sparkly.  So sparkly.

They are Steve Madden but are very cheaply made unfortunately.  When I first picked them up off the shelf, they felt feather light and I was excited.  But then I put them on and the insides felt so rough against my skin, like I was wearing a paper shoe.  Then a closer examination showed wonky stitching, discolouration where glitter had fallen off and lots of residual glue.  It's like an 8 year old paper mache'd this shoe, plastered 1/2 a bottle of white glue on the outside and dumped a bucket of glitter to decorate.  Seriously.

But I bought them anyway, thinking I could convince myself to love them.  But they're just so poorly made!   I fear that after a few wears, the front where my foot bends when I walk will start to crease.  I'm afraid it's back to the store these will go!

** OOPS.  I guess in talking to myself (or blogging) I kind of decided on my own what I need to do, despite asking for ya'll opinions!  My bad!  ...  thanks for listening (reading) tho! hahaha :D

Nothing is more yummy than a pair of bright pink, juicy lips. Unless there are hot dogs. I love hot dogs.

Recent drug store make-up haul!  There is really no such thing as having "too much make-up".  After all, there are infinite looks and combinations!  

Founder of Lipstick Queen, Poppy King recently collaborated with Target and crafted a line of creamy lipsticks (and lip glosses but I'm really just interested in the stickies) for Boots No.7.  I bought 3 in the shades of Power, Allure and Glamour.  I love, LOVE them.  They're fairly pigmented and the colours are easy to wear.  They also glide on super smooth!  Easy application, who doesn`t love?  I can`t say if they`re long-wear or not, mainly because I`m always sipping from a cup or snacking on something so the colour naturally just fades as time goes by.  But for sure I know that they did not dry out my lips like many lipsticks do.  I was quite impressed by this, as I have really dry lips.  And for $9.99 a tube, I just can`t complain.  You really get more than what you pay for.

In the last few months, I've noticed bloggers online have been raving about L'oreal's Infallible Eyeshadows ($8.69CDN at Walmart) and Maybelline's Baby Lips ($3.49CDN at Walmart).  I like the Baby Lips; they're superbly moisturizing.  I bought 3: Peppermint, Pink Punch and Peach Kiss.  I've started using Pink Punch and I was surprised to find that it's actually more pigmented than you would expect from a tinted moisturizer.  I've swatched some stickies for comparison.

Left to right:  Baby Lips 25-Pink Punch | Rouge Dior 351-Elegant Pink | Rouge Dior 349 Pink Junon | L'oreal 285 Pink Fever (Yeahhhhhh I like pink!)

I haven't had a chance to try the Infallibles but I love the colours already.  And I love anything shiny and metallic so really, I can't imagine what could go wrong with these babies!  I bought Sahara Treasure (Light taupe), Goldmine (gold), Flashback Silver (silverish light violet) and Emerald Lame (gold tinted green).  I'm excited to PLAY!

I'm very definitely a woman and I enjoy it. - Marilyn Monroe

WARNING:  This is going to be a real picture-heavy post!  

Today was Small Shop Saturday, which is an event specific to downtown Kelowna and takes place three times a year.  All the participating shops had in-store promotions, sales, specials, give-aways, prize draws etc. etc.  Of course I had to go!   I'm going to let the photos do most of the talking. :D

First stop, Blonde!  They threw an 80's party and provided jello shots (tequila or vodka or children's version).  They also had a neon nail bar set up for anyone who wanted their nails painted.  I had one tequila jello shot; it was so strong but so delicious.  I also got a free feather earring! 

... and the most awesome broccoli sticker that I have ever laid eyes on!!! 

Next stop, Funktional!  I like this store; they sell a lot of local art, jewellery and funky decor/collectibles.  It's Gazebo Gifts (in Richmond Center) meets Blue Ruby but at much more affordable prices.  The following are pieces that stood out to me during today's visit.

Octopus Cuff.

Turquoise Block Ring.

These little moose-heads are so cute.  I would love to hang a bunch of them in my bathroom, IF I had my own bathroom and could put holes in the walls.

This pot kind of reminded me of my herb pot ... that is now dead.... completely and utterly DEAD. :(

Silver Buddha! 

RMB-coin looking ring.

I like the colour of these flower studs!

Next!  Frock Clothing!  This is where I consign my clothes!  I've been to a handful of consignment stores back home but this is by far the best one I've been to yet!  The first time I stepped into the store, I had no idea that the clothes were used.  The atmosphere is homey and the ambiance is just so vintage and AWESOME!  And because they've always got a candle lit, it smells like dessert in there all the time.  Can't complain, really. 

Bags & shoes & local art, OH MY!

FREE cake pops! nom nom nom

Clothes & hand made hats galore!

* * * * * * 

I wandered around to a few other stores but I didn't take any pictures.  

But here's my loot for the day!

I accidentally spilled a bunch of rice (8 months ago) while pulling out the rice bag from the cupboard.  Instead of throwing it out I've kept the rice in a container all this time.  I guess I could've easily rinsed the rice, cooked it and ate it ...but I didn't.  And I guess I could technically still do all those things but I figured I'd dump it in a shallow dish instead to display my loot!  MASTERFUL, I know.

Handmade studs.

Handmade clock/charm necklace.  I didn't realize until after I went home that the clock does not actually tick.  I am thoroughly disappointed by this.  

Say hello to Chubs, my new fat cat. 

Profile, fat indeed!

Flip her upside down and she's a CUP!  I also bought two small bags of tea (all loose leaf were on sale).  Cocoa Vanilla Oolong and Ice Wine tea. 

I bought her at Chaibaba, which is a local tea shop similar to David's Tea but definitely not as delicious.  David's Tea is THE BEST.  Why?  Because it's from Vancouver, duh.

Just being REALZIES.  Not biased.

I was also in American Apparel even though they're not really a "local or small shop".  I love American Apparel, but their clothes are so expensive.  Nonetheless, I walked in and the first thing I saw was a box labelled "$1".  HOLLLLERRRRR!  It was filled with nail polish!!!  But I noticed that some of the colours in the box were also on a shelf labelled "3 for $18", which is their regular pricing.  Curious, I asked the salesperson why the bottles in the box were $1.  "Were they expired?  Will they erode my nails?  Are they deathly?  What's happening?!"  She said the bottles on sale were imperfect, as in the polish in them had separated.  I didn't take a picture of what my bottles looked like before I shook them but separated polish actually looks pretty nasty.  But oh wells, it's only normal for polish to separate.  It's why all bottles have small metal balls in them for you to shake and help restore the original colour consistency.  Anyway!  I bought 4 bottles in spring/Easter colours!  I shook each bottle for a good 10 seconds and now they look as good as new!  If you're wondering, American Apparel nail polish is decent.  They're free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde, all the bad stuff!  They're pretty chip resistant too.

Colours from left to right:  Office, Factory Grey, Mac Arthur Park & Palm Springs

I shall end this post with words of wisdom: EAT YOUR VEGGIES.

Open my eyes, take me wonder by wonder, over, sideways and under on a magic carpet ride!

Wow.  It took me like 10 seconds before I could find the button to start a new post.  It's been that long huh.  Well the good news is I'm finally done with all my projects; just need to write my exam now!  And then!  I get a week's break before my next course starts. ........ =/  I NEED VACAY NAOZ!  I'm dreaming of something white... turquoise ...wet... exfoliating... a beach!  Somewhere in the tropics... where I could die from a mosquito bite.  Why is it that some of the most beautiful places on earth are also the most treacherous...WHY?!?!  I want to GO there!  But making it out would also be nice.

One of my 2012 new years resolutions is to travel somewhere completely new once a year for the next "x" years, where "x" represents the number of years that I am well and able.  If you think about it, mathematically, I don't have a lot of time.  There are SO many places that I want to go!  .... I guess this will keep me indefinitely motivated. (:

In celebration of the end of my 3-day lock up, I am going to .... sleep now. ((:

Happy dreamin' -xoxo

We go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong ♪ ♫

We go together like Marni and H&M.  The long awaited collaboration between Italian designer Marni  and low-end retailer H&M launched today!  I'm so jealous right now of people who live in the city....  I love, LOVE the colours in this collection!  Colours of the exotic Amazon!!!  The first necklace totally reminds me of BIG BIRD from Sesame Street!  ♥  Some of the prints are a little mature for me and probably would not suit my short stature; I'd look like a FOO.  But whatevs!  Did I mention that the colours are AMAZEBALLS?

You is kind. You is smart. You is important.

I've been watching a lot of movies lately.  Yup.  Movies in place of blogging!  It's award season, the buzz for movies is everywhere!  After the Oscars this past Sunday, I've been compelled to watch even more!  Tonight, I watched The Help and I have to say it is one of the best movies I have seen in awhile.  I cried with my tubs of Haags from beginning to end! :*) saaao good.

This movie kinda reminds me of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which was one of my favourite childhood novels!  YAYYYYYY for rekindling highschool memories! ♥

Don't tell me not to fly I've simply got to! Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade?

Today was pretty ordinary.  We're pretty much winding down for the weekend.  Oh glorious weekend, how slowly you come!  Anyway, I thought I'd share a couple of un-ordinary, unique things that are on my "I need, I want, I die" list!

Prada Baroque sunnies ♥

Why do they have to be so awesome and look so stunning on my fat face and yet be so unaffordable?! 

CRUELTY IS THY NAME!

They're $290 USD at Nordstrom and $365 CDN at Sunglass Hut. 

YSL Arty Oval Ring in Turquoise - $250 USD on YSL.com

"Oh excuse me while I look into my hundred dollar compact mirror and touch up on my lashes with a gajillion dollars worth of rings on my hands"

Proenza Schouler Resort 2011 PS1 Keep All - $1200 USD