Links I Love - September Edition

• 35 things to do this fall.

• What to wear to a fall wedding.

• Kendall Jenner shares her social media secrets.

• The perfect shade of burgundy lipstick to flatter your skin tone.

• Recipe for the most delectable browned butter salted chocolate chip cookies.

• How Julianne Hough stays fit & healthy and still eats pizza!

• 7 new beauty products that will blow your mind.

• Coziest cocoon cardigan for fall.

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Links I Love - August Edition

• Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's perfectly stylish packing tips.

• 21 foundation hacks every woman should know.

• Hot tops to keep you cool this summer.

• The right way to roll your jeans.

• The in style suede sandals you need now.

• 5 sexy makeup looks for sultry summer nights.

• 9 items that every fashion blogger will be wearing this fall.

• The cell phone case Kim Kardashian swears by for the best selfies.

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My Holy Grail Beauty List

I've been wanting to put together a blog post on my holy grail beauty products for a while and it's finally time. I've tried a lot of different make up products and brands over the years but these beauty essentials are my tried & true must haves. They are high quality, never fail items that I wear nearly every day. 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ~ This mascara is a newer edition to my holy grail list and I can't say enough amazing things about it. It's actually eliminated my need for an eyelash curler because the brush is designed to curl my lashes for me! It makes my lashes extra long, dark and thick; it never flakes off and it stays fresh all day. It's a must have!

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner ~ I've had this product in my makeup bag for well over a decade now. It has reached cult status because it glides on easily for the perfect cat eye, doesn't smudge and stays on all day. I have it in the Black Ink shade and I also use it with the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush. 

Nars "Chelsea Girls" Lip Gloss ~ This is the ultimate lip gloss because it is highly pigmented and it is never ever sticky on my lips. It's a fabulous long lasting product (another reason it's on my holy grail list). I also use it in the Istria shade (a pretty light pink).

MAC "Naked Lunch" Eyeshadow ~ I love MAC eyeshadows for many reasons and have worn them for years. They are highly pigmented, blend very well and in my opinion they have the best selection of colours than any other cosmetics brand. This particular shade is well loved in the beauty community for being the perfect shimmery nude. I pack it just on my eyelid and it instantly brightens my eyes. Naked Lunch is especially perfect for a glowy summery makeup look.

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer ~ I picked up this bronzer after seeing a popular beauty blogger/You Tube star apply it on a woman with a similar skin tone to mine. It's a rich warm shade without being orangey and it has no shimmer for a that perfect matte tan. I use the lightest shade, Milk Chocolate, on my light skin and I love to use it as an eyeshadow too. Plus it actually smells like chocolate! That's a major bonus in my books!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer ~ Where has this concealer been all my life?!? That's what I said when I finally discovered this concealer after trying what seemed like every concealer out there and never finding the right one. It came to my attention when I read that Ivanka Trump has been using Estée Lauder concealer since she was a teenager so I thought it must be good! I have chronic dark circles under my eyes that I find really hard to hide. This liquid concealer has a bit of a tacky feeling that really helps it adhere to my skin and it provides excellent coverage. It never settles into my fine lines and blends well (it does dry quickly so dab it on one section at a time). I set my under eye concealer with the iconic Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder and it stays perfectly all day.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ~ I am not a big fan of foundation and I've tried a few over the years but I always feel like I am wearing a heavy mask. I prefer to let my skin breathe and look natural. But as I get a little older it's essential for me to even out my skin tone and that's where this tinted moisturizer comes in. It provides just enough coverage for me while still feeling natural and moisturizing my skin. It's a great lightweight product for the summer time and it also comes in an SPF version. It's offered in a wide range of shades and I am currently using the Blush shade.

Maybe some (or all) of these products will be on your holy grail beauty list now too!

Deanna xo 

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas

SCENTED CANDLE | QUILTED TOTE BAG | DUTCH OVEN | PERFUME | SCARF | CHARM NECKLACE | GOLD SANDALS | BALLET FLATS

Mother's Day is just a weekend away and I've pulled together a few of the prettiest gift ideas for all budgets that would charm the mothers in your life! 

Deanna xo

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7 Things To Do To Start The New Year Off Right

Happy new year! Or should I say "happy sweet '16"! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are ready to start the new year off on the right foot. Here are seven things to do right now to kick off 2016 and set yourself up for the best year ever:

1. Say good bye to the holidays and put away all the decorations.
2. Wash all your makeup brushes and toss out any that are past their prime.
3. Do a quick closet re-organization and bag up any clothes for donation that you haven't worn in more than a year.
4. Set your fitness goals for the year and then break down your goal dead lines into small increments of time (by month or week). Are you looking for a plan and lots of motivation to get fit in 2016? Check out my favourite trainers from Tone It Up... they are starting their next 8 week fitness challenge today - head on over to their website here to get all the details on how you can join for free!
5. Throw out all the old holiday leftovers from your fridge and pantry. Then fill it up with lots of healthy options - fruits, veggies, almond milk, lean protein, greek yogurt, quinoa etc.
6. Head over to Amazon and order yourself a new book to read in January. So many of our favourite shows don't start back up until the end of the month or early February and it's a perfect time to turn off the TV reruns and read a good book. I just started reading the best seller, The Girl on the Train. So far, so good!
7. Chose a personal goal that you would like to accomplish in January. Maybe it's taking a new fitness class, saving for a big trip, reading a new book or drinking more water. At the end of each week check in with yourself and evaluate your progress. You will feel so great about yourself at the end of the month when you've accomplished what you set out to do. Then pick a new goal for February!

Ready? Let's go!

Deanna xo

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Best Buys

{ Sunglasses | Wallet (Louis Vuitton, similar style) | Tote Bag (J.Crew, similar style) }

Happy Friday! I'm so excited that the huge Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally open to everyone and there is no better time to shop your favourite styles to wear now and in the fall. Check out my selection of the most stylish best buys from the sale below and if you see something that you want to don't hesitate... things are selling out fast!

Deanna xo

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Top Beauty Picks - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

{ 1. Evian Facial Water Spray Pack | 2. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Kit | 3. MAC Lip Kit | 4. Bobbi Brown Eyes Kit | 5. MAC Brush Kit | 6. Kiehl's Creme de Corps Duo (mini bottle not pictured) }

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is underway and there are so many amazing deals to chose from! On Sunday I gave you my top 5 accessory picks from the sale and today I am focusing on my top beauty favourites. These special beauty packs are an incredible value and I am a big fan of each of these brands (and use many of them on a daily basis).  If you are a Nordstrom card holder you have early access to these deals, but only until July 17, when the sale opens up to everyone. These fabulous items won't last so pick them up before they are gone!

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Deanna xo

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The Beach in a Bottle

Picture yourself lounging by the ocean, sand between your toes, the sun warming your skin... sounds heavenly right? Now imagine evoking that feeling of relaxing on the beach everyday with the scent of a perfume. That's what happens to me when I smell Beach by Bobbi Brown. I recently rediscovered this pure "summer in a bottle" eau de parfum and I had to share it with you. The clean, fresh scent truly captures the essence of a warm summer's day. It is a very light scent with notes of sand jasmine, sea spray and mandarin, which makes it the perfect fragrance to wear in the summer time. I wore Beach years ago and had nearly forgotten about it until I saw it at Sephora. I love that it now comes in a roller ball so I can take it with me anywhere! Beach also comes in a body lotion, body oil, scrub and shower gel. I couldn't recommend this fragrance more and I will be wearing it all summer long!

Thanks for reading,

Deanna

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My Favourite Beauty Basics

| Foundation: Urban Decay | Mascara: YSL | Eye Shadow Palette: Urban Decay | Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown | Nail Polish: butter LONDON |

Mastering a beautiful everyday makeup look takes a little practice but once you get it down it makes getting ready every morning so much faster. Having good products to achieve that everyday look makes it easier too! I wanted to share my favourite beauty basics - those tried and true products that really work for me and last from morning to night. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup 

Well that's a mouthful! But the name of this foundation is truly as long as it wears - all day. It is very light, silky and blends well into the skin. What I also love about Urban Decay Naked Skin is that it doesn't contain many toxins that a lot of other popular foundations do, including parabens, sulfates and GMOs. That makes me feel better about using it daily on my face.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette

No surprise here that this classic neutral palette is in my makeup bag. This ultra popular eyeshadow set is well known and loved for a reason... the shadows are true, saturated and last all day (especially when you use a terrific eyelid primer like my go-to, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion). This palette will easily take you from day to night with it's great range of neutral shades.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

I have been using this gel eyeliner for more years than I can count. Why? Because it is the best in the business. It lives up to it's long-wearing name and doesn't budge throughout the day. Mastering the art of using an eyeliner brush took me a little time but it's worth the effort to get that perfect tight-line or cat-eye look. I always use the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush with it and I highly recommend this professional brush. It will last for years.

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Cils Babydoll

I am fiercely loyal to my choice of mascara and have used the same brand for 15 years. Then one day I got a sample of YSL Babydoll mascara from Sephora and I was so surprised to finally find a mascara that surpassed my all-time favourite! It does everything it promises, from lifting & separating your lashes and giving them great babydoll lash volume. One word of caution this product dries very quickly so you need to work fast. It's definitely a splurge item but it's worth the price for the luxurious results.

butter LONDON Nail Lacquer (Yummy Mummy)

Another cult favourite this highly pigmented, long lasting nail polish is also worth the high end price. It comes in multiple fashionable shades, including my choice, Yummy Mummy. It's a great neutral medium beige tone that works in every season and is so flattering on many skin tones. It is a 3-free polish - free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. It's described as "colour without compromise" and I agree. It gives me a chip free manicure for days without the chemicals and harshness of other polishes. A great manicure finishes off that beautiful everyday look.

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What's In My Bag

Weekends are for staying in our PJ's all day, lying on the sofa watching our favourite movies or TV shows on our PVR and sipping coffee. Ya right! I think we can all agree that type of dream weekend is few and far between. Most of us are on the go, running errands and getting stuff done. And the right bag and essentials inside makes this on the go life a little easier. I thought I would share what's in my bag!

My Tory Burch Double Zip Tote is my favourite bag ever (second only to my Louis Vuitton Neverfull). It is classic and stylish all at once and has so much room for all my totables. I love the luggage colour because it complements 99% of my outfits.

I can't live without my Louis Vuitton Sarah continental wallet. I've used it for years and it still looks like new (and that's a lot to ask of a wallet). Another non-negotiable in my tote bag are sunglasses. I have chronically sensitive eyes (which is why you will see me in sunglasses even when the skies are grey) and I don't go anywhere without a good pair of sunglasses, like my favourite gold rimmed Ray-Ban aviators.

If you know me well you know I always have lip gloss on and my favourite brand is MAC Cosmetics Cremesheen Glass (of course). They make the perfect lip gloss that isn't too sticky but lasts for hours.

I happen to have the latest issue of my favourite shelter magazine, Style at Home, with me in case I get a chance to sit down during my busy weekend for a latte and relax. This magazine has come a long way over the years and as a trained interior decorator I am constantly impressed with & inspired by the beautiful stylish home spreads every month.

I am a fan of fresh breath (who isn't?) and I love Starbucks mini mints. They are powerful little suckers and are essential after that cup of coffee on the go.

Sometimes I will get too busy for lunch (I just don't get that hungry when I am super occupied) so it's important to carry a snack, like a Kind Bar, with me that has protein and is also gluten free.

Last but not least my car key! Can't get very far without that. I love my Mini Cooper and the day I have to give it up for an SUV will be a VERY sad one. I can zip around the city and park in the tiniest spots with ease. If you have ever contemplated getting one DO IT!

There you have it! That's what's in my bag. Tell me, what's in yours?

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Pink Passion for Valentine's Day

I'm ready for Valentine's Day, are you? I can't wait to wear this Banana Republic pink and black stripe faux wrap dress, Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Native and MAC Cosmetics Cremesheen Glass Lip Gloss in Partial to Pink! Bring on the hearts and flowers!

                      

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I Can't Live Without My... Stila Stay All Day Beauty Balm!

We all wish we had perfect, ageless skin. No blemishes, no wrinkles, no sun spots, no visible pores. We can't always have what we want right, or can we? Well ladies Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm may be the answer to our skin prayers! Earlier this year I saw this product used in a makeup tutorial video and the makeup artist was raving about it. I decided to do a little more research on this lauded BB cream before I plunked down my credit card at Sephora. Everyone knows that BB creams have been all the rage in North America for the last few years. There are so many on the market now I couldn't even name them all, each one claiming to be an all-in-one product that replaces your moisturizer, primer, foundation and in most products, your sunscreen. In our time crunched society could we have found the new fountain of youth product that could make our lives easier and our skin look and feel better? My answer is yes, with Stila Stay All Day Beauty Balm.  

Photo Source: Stila Cosmetics

I purchased this product from Sephora earlier this year based on so many fabulous reviews and I have truly noticed an amazing difference in my skin. The texture of my skin is smoother and I absolutely have less blemishes. My fine lines and wrinkles have softened and my face looks youthful and hydrated. I have never been carded at the liquor store as much as I have this year and I am closer to 40 than I am to 20 so I am beginning to think this cream is the fountain of youth! The Stila Stay All Day Beauty Balm covers so well that I don't need to apply foundation, literally replacing the mineral powder foundation I used for years that often left my skin looking chalky and settled into my fine lines (this famous product will remain nameless). I still use a light moisturizer before I apply this BB cream because I have combination skin and need a little extra moisture, especially in the colder months. But if you have normal to oily skin you could skip that step and go straight to using this product after washing your face. I love how the Still Stay All Day Beauty Balm truly lasts all day and leaves my skin with a radiant glow. The fact that it has a broad-spectrum SPF 30 and is paraben-free is a definite plus for me. The Still Stay All Day Beauty Balm is a little pricey at $50 Canadian at Sephora but in my opinion the numerous benefits far out-weigh the cost and the 40 ml tube lasts me about 6 months which is terrific. All in all I highly recommend this BB cream and I know that it will be on the top of my must have beauty list for a long time to come.

*Please note the review of this product is based on my own opinion and I have not been compensated in any way.

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My Top 3 Beauty Must Haves

Every woman has beauty products that they just can’t live without. They are products that are tried and true, and often most women won’t leave the house without them. There are so many beauty products on the market that just don’t deliver on their promises. It’s painful to spend a little (or a lot) of money on beauty’s latest & greatest and end up having to toss it out because it failed. So when you find a product that you love, you stick with it and want to tell all your friends about it. So what are my top beauty product must haves?

Image: Kiehl's

  

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer 



Frankly this is the best moisturizer I’ve ever used and I’ve used a lot of different facial moisturizers over the years. First of all, it’s from Kiehl’s and you would expect nothing less than a product that delivers from this company. This moisturizer is light and absorbs well into the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. You can wear it under makeup or alone, to keep your skin fresh and soft. It also comes in an SPF 15 formula so that you get mositure and sun protection in one. I use a dime sized amount right after I wash my face, morning and night. When I get complements on my skin I know that Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer is one reason why.

                                                      

Image: Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder "More Than Mascara" Mascara

 There are so many mascaras on the market and they all promise to darken, lengthen, thicken and separate your lashes. You can spend anywhere from $8 to $40 on a mascara and since you need to toss it out every few months it can be the most expensive beauty product in your makeup bag. 10 years ago I discovered this fantastic mascara through one of my best friends and I’ve learned that nothing else out there works better than Estee Lauder’s ‘More Than Mascara’. This mascara promises to “define and condition” your lashes and glides on easily. I find that it doesn’t clump or flake off, and it lasts all through the day. Recently I decided to try a well-hyped mascara from a designer brand that promises big, thick ‘showy’ lashes. I was so disappointed when it did the exact opposite for me and flaked off so much that it irritated my eyes. What a waste of money! Never again will I stray from my favourite mascara!  

Image: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is a girl’s best friend and aren’t we all on the hunt for the best lip gloss in the ultimate shade? Well, let me recommend my absolute favourite… Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss! Not only does it deliver a great shine that isn’t too sticky or sloppy but it actually has ‘soothing botanical extracts’ that keep your lips soft and supple. It comes in a great array of rich, natural shades (my favourites are ‘Nude’ and ‘Beige’) and the brush applicator makes it easy to apply. This gloss lasts & lasts and I take it with me everywhere.

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Kiehl's Creme de Corps is your new best friend this Winter!

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Moisturizer

Winter is just around the corner and for those of us in the northern hemisphere, this cold, dry season can wreak havoc on our skin.  For years I've searched for the best body cream that wasn't too heavy, smelly, or greasy and kept my skin soft & supple.  Last winter I discovered Kiehl's Creme de Corps and I haven't looked back!  This body moisturizer definitely delivers without a heavy feeling or scent and comes in the original formula as well as a lighter lotion.  Kiehl's is known for its quality products that are "derived from the most unique natural ingredients".  With Creme de Corps they promise that "continued use for 10 days will provide a skin texture heretofore unattainable" and I can say from my own experience that it's true.  I apply Creme de Corps right after stepping out of the shower every morning and my skin has never looked or felt better.  This product is certainly worth the investment and a little goes a long way. 

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Up Next... How to keep your skin happy this Winter

Today's chilly temperatures are most definitely an indication that Winter is coming ladies... and I have the solution to keeping your skin soft & supple all year round... stay tuned!

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