July Monthly Favourites Kate Spade and Sodastream

Now that Summer is at its sweltering height, I am obsessed with cold drinks.  I received a Sodastream for Christmas.  At the time, I was slightly less than enchanted.  My first thought was "Oh no, another appliance!" I have done a complete 180 and I am obsessed with it.  There is nothing better than a cold fizzy drink in Summer.  What is even better is knowing that I don't have to keep running to the grocery stores because I have an endless supply at home.  As it was a gift, I don't know where it was purchased from but I know Bed Bath and Beyond has them.

We used to buy multiple bottles of fizzy water every week and switching to a Sodastream has saved us a significant amount.  As well, it helps the environment as well as we don't have to worry about recycling all those empty bottles.  You can buy all sorts of syrups to flavour the water but I prefer it plain.  I think I may have to buy a couple more spare bottles as I go through the single bottle that comes with the Sodastream quite quickly.

Next up is my gorgeous Kate Spade crossbody bag.  It was a gift from family.  I had requested a crossbody bag as my shoulders were not taking kindly to having a heavy weight constantly dangling off one side. I was beginning to list to one side like a drunken sailor. However, I wanted one that looked stylish as many crossbody bags tend to have a more casual vibe.  First of all, the packaging that it came in was so pretty.  It was ordered from the Kate Spade website and delivered to Canada.  Delivery time was approximately 2 weeks.

The tissue paper features the "spade" symbol in a repeating four leaf clover design.

I love my bag.  It isn't overly large which keeps me from overstuffing it.  I keep the essentials in it like my wallet and phone. There is one inner zipped side pocket.  The adjustable strap is excellent quality. Oftentimes, the crossbody strap that comes with a bag is just an afterthought but this one has pretty, matching goldtone hardware and the strap itself is made of sturdy woven nylon.

I was surprised that it didn't come with a dustbag as my Kate Spade satchel came with one.  Maybe nylon Kate Spade bags don't come with one?  Anyway, I love it.  It feels so comfortable to wear but still looks very stylish.

Do you have a Sodastream (or something equivalent)?  Have you tried any of the flavouring syrups?  If yes, which one is your favourite?

Make sure you are subscribed and keep your eyes on this space as there is an AMAZING GIVEAWAY coming up soon!

This is not a sponsored post.

The Weekly Roundup: Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders Haul

My personal life has taken a battering recently.  To cheer me up, my stepmother and father sent me the most lovely care package from Harney & Sons.  First of all, let me just say that the delivery was lightning fast. They have sent me care packages from Harney & Sons before (which I wrote about here) but delivery time for this one set a record.  I think it arrived the next day which is bonkers considering my parents live in Las Vegas and I am in Toronto, Canada.

What you see in the photo is just the top layer of goodies.   My parents must think I am losing my mind (which wouldn't be too far from the truth, let's be honest)  as the box was massive and filled to the brim.  Harney & Sons has an incredibly comprehensive selection of teas.  My stepmother adores this tea company and with good reason.  The "silken" tea sachets are of fine nylon.  Just putting these wonderful sachets into a cup or teapot is an uplifting experience.  Right now I am obsessing over the Japanese Sencha as I love to have a cup of this delicate green tea before my morning meditation practice.

Harney & Sons also carry a selection of delicious treats, perfect to have along with a cuppa.  Pictured above are Raspberry Jam Drop cookies from Unna Bakery.  I was also sent Tate's Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies which are the best store bought chocolate chip cookies I have ever had, period.  I can't wait to try the Matcha Tea Shortbread cookies.

Of course, what would life be without Earl Grey tea and its heady scent of bergamot?  What I love is that if I am curious about a tea, I can get a small sampler size to see if I like it.  The round tin above contains 5 sachets.
I have turned my friends and my sister on to Harney & Sons and now they are fans as well.  I think they have a sale on right now so this is a good time to stock up.
Are you a tea connoisseur?  Do you have a favourite tea?

I will be hosting an AMAZING GIVEAWAY soon!  Make sure you are subscribed so that you can enter as soon as it goes live.
This is not a sponsored post.

The Weekly Roundup: Shopping the Summer Sales at Ann Taylor

Toronto is sweltering under a heat wave at the moment.  There is no doubt that the last thing I want to do is spend time in a changing room.  But there are some wonderful deals to be had during the Summer Sales.  I picked up this gorgeous chambray skirt from Ann Taylor:

via Ann Taylor

I have been looking for the perfect denim skirt to replace my beloved skirt that had become a bit too worn.  This number nicely straddles the casualness of a denim skirt with the dressier feel of chambray.
What drew me to this skirt is the adjustable tie at the front.  It helps to disguise any issues that one may have in that area (ahem!).  The tie could be switched to the back if you wanted but I prefer it at the front.  It is a linen blend so there will be creasing.

Be warned that even after a light pressing, the wrinkles were still evident as you can see in the photo above.  I am okay with that as that is the nature of linen.  To be me, rumpled linen just goes hand in hand with Summer.
I also picked up this ponte top with eyelet sleeves:

via Ann Taylor

Even though the Ann Taylor website describes the colour of the top as "white" it is actually a cream in real life.The neckline, described as "square," is more of a cross between a deep boat neck and a square.  A boat neck doesn't really suit my face shape but I loved the sleeves so much that I bought it anyway.

It is quite fitted so you may want to size up if you don't like a top that is too clingy.
Have you been shopping the Summer Sales?  Found any good deals?

May Favourites Banana Republic Summer Sandals Hylamide Pore Control

Warm sunny weather has finally arrived in the Great White North.  It is such a relief to pack away the heavy cumbersome winter boots.  I picked up these gorgeous sandals from Banana Republic in the sale.

With a low one inch heel, I can walk comfortably for hours and those pom poms and tassels just make me smile.

Of course with the onset of warmer weather, Hylamide's Pore Control is a must for me.  Unlike a lot of other oil control lotions which clog my pores and cause breakouts,  Pore Control does exactly what it promises.  It helps decrease oil production so my makeup lasts a lot longer.  I find that a very thin layer works the best.  Any more than that will leave a white powdery residue on the skin.

That's it for May.  Short and sweet.

Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 5 Review Spoiler Alert

***If you are not caught up with watching the latest episode of Game of Thrones, then please click away***

via HBO

Canada is heading into the Victoria Day long weekend.  How ironic that the very last episode of Game of Thrones airs this Sunday on a weekend dedicated towards one of Britain’s most venerated female monarchs.  At this point, I am not sure if I am going to watch the last episode on Sunday or wait a few days, nay, weeks, months or possibly years to watch it.  I came late to Game of Thrones.  In fact, I didn’t start watching until the show was several seasons in.  But once I started watching it, I was riveted.  I freely admit that the show had me with the scene of Jaime and Cersei getting hot and sweaty in the tower at Winterfell and then Jaime pushing Bran out of the window and I was lost when Ned Stark was beheaded.  Layer by multifaceted layer, thread over thread, Game of Thrones has been weaving a dense tapestry of a world that, at times seems so much more real than my actual life.  But after the Battle with the Night King, it fell apart for me.  Characters are now acting bizarrely out of character.  Plot twists and turns are glaringly awkward to the point of being inexplicable.   

I’ll start with the Jaime and Brienne storyline and work my way up the ever increasing pile of offenses.  There has always been an intriguing frisson of tension between these two from the very start à la Mulder and Scully.  And yet, when they finally consummate their relationship, the scene starts with Jaime exclaiming repeatedly, “It’s so hot in here” and clawing at his shirt like a gauche teenager embarking on his first tryst.  This is JAIME, son of House Lannister, who has spent years honing his bedroom skills with his willing twin sister.  Tyrion’s character fares no better.  He turns in Varys-arguably his best friend and the only other advisor left to Daenerys after the death of Jorah Mormont and Missandei, on the grounds of treason and then commits treason himself by setting Jaime free.  Finally, let’s turn to Daenerys.  I know, I know there is a camp of fans who will argue  that  turning her into a psychotic killer has been foreshadowed throughout Game of Thrones.  However, there have been plenty of times where she has acted nobly by freeing slaves or chaining her dragons after Drogon accidentally killed a young girl.  Many viewers have voiced their opinion that the writers David Benioff and D.B.Weiss have shown that they are nothing more than hacks when they ran out of original source material from which to extrapolate.  It is my opinion that  the writers made the cardinal sin of making their presence known in the story.  Any good story relies on that invisible fourth wall between the story being told and the audience.  But with characters acting out of character and illogical plot devices, it is impossible to immerse oneself fully in the story.  The effect is like being doused with a bucket of cold water.   Instead of shaking my head at the character and pleading, “Don’t DO that, you fool”, I'm left with shaking my fists at the writers  and shouting at the screen, “Why did you write that, you fool?”  When Ned Stark was beheaded in Season 1 (remember those early glory days of the show?), it made sense.  It was obvious that he had written his death warrant as soon as he admitted to Cersei that he knew that her children hadn't been sired by Robert Baratheon. The writers simply haven’t given Daenerys enough runway this season for her character to reach the point where they are forcibly pushing her.  Repeating over and over again in the last few episodes that  “The Gods flip a coin every time a Targeryan is born” is not adequate justification for her to morph into a Mad Queen.  The rushed plot devices speaks volumes of lazy writing.  At the end of every episode of Season 8, the writers give a short interview explaining their reasoning (in this case, lack of) behind the script.  They said that “Dany forgot about the Iron Fleet.” Wuh?  Drogon was badly injured by a Scorpion bolt when Dany attacked the Lannister-Tarly army.  There is no way she would have forgotten about the Iron Fleet or that the Lannisters and their allies had this weapon.  The only reason for this pathetic excuse of a plot device was to kill off Rhaegal and leave her with only one dragon.  As an aside, any of you who are pet parents and regard your pets as family members, you know the rage you would feel at the very thought of anyone deliberating harming your pet child.  There is a big difference between rage and grief and genetically inherited psychosis.  And on the matter of psychosis, likening the burning of King’s Landing to Adolf Hitler and thus ample evidence that she is a genocidal maniac is neither here nor there.  This is the world of Game of Thrones where it is completely normal for a great House to marry brother to sister.  No one mentioned madness when Arya murdered and baked Walder Frey’s sons into a pie and then fed it to him or when Sansa delivered Ramsay Bolton to his hungry hounds, acts which, one could argue, were many, many degrees more gruesome and psychotic.  What is important in storytelling is that there is a sense of internal logic that drives the storyline forward and that underpins the arc of a character.  One only has to compare the near pitch perfect redemptive arc of Theon Greyjoy to see how far short Dany’s character arc falls.  Season after season there has been this inexorable buildup to a monumental, apocalyptic clash between two formidable queens. Instead, in Episode 5 the much vaunted Lannister forces threw down their arms at the feet of the Northern army which seemed to symbolize the writers throwing their figural pens at the feet of the viewers.

I think the reason why I feel such a sense of betrayal is that I face a sea of moral turpitude almost every day at work.  The world of Game of Thrones, where characters are willing to put everything on the line for what they believe in such as the Blackfish refusing to surrender his home, or Dany losing a beloved Dragon to the Night King because it was a worthwhile sacrifice protect the living was a refreshing and much needed antidote to the ethical vagaries of the world that I and possibly many other viewers face every day.  Even when characters made foolish decisions, I understood because it fit their character.  From the intricate costumes to the even more intricate braids of Dany’s hair, Game of Thrones reminded us of what the small screen could be, where every detail, no matter how small, mattered.  It gave me the same rush as when I viewed the recent Impressionism exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario which ended recently. Looking at those glorious paintings, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, that each brushstroke mattered to the artist. Hence the sense of outrage, of feeling cheated and snubbed as each episode drops.   I don’t want a fairytale ending, that wouldn’t be Game of Thrones, but an ending that unfolds as organically and thoughtfully as it began.

There is a petition on change.org for HBO to redo Season 8.  The last time I checked, there were well over 800,000 signatures.  I for one will be signing it.  What are your thoughts?  I realize this is a heated topic at the moment so please keep this space respectful of everyone’s viewpoint.  

Miracle Bamboo Comfort Bra Review

Another birthday done and dusted and as I march on in years, my body has changed.  My bras just didn't fit me anymore. In fact, I don't think I have ever had a bra that fit me well. I have broad shoulders but not much in front so the band would always cut into me and create those horrid mini muffin tops that made me look heftier than I really was whilst the cups would gape.  I was determined to rectify this situation but trawling disconsolately through the lingerie section of department stores was a surefire recipe for frustration.  I don't know about you but have you ever seen a 38 bra with a small cup size?  I haven't.  When I do find a 38, it inevitably comes with cups that are just way too big for me.  And the straps?  Don't get me started on the straps never mind the itchy, stiff, scratchy fabric.  I had resigned myself to spending the rest of my years wearing the same old stretched out ill fitting bras when, whilst wandering around Bed Bath and Beyond, I spotted this:

What?  BBB, one of my favourite places on Earth, sells bras?  I decided to take a chance and purchased one.  What a revelation!  It is true that once you find the right bra, you feel different...better about yourself.  It has front closure, which is a boon to someone with joint issues.  No more twisting myself into knots trying to do up the back.  It conforms to your shape and provides wire free support.  

The high sides smooths the sides thereby reducing any unsightly bulges.  There are removable pads which is convenient for those days you want a bit of extra va va voom or not.  Because it conforms to your shape, a wide variety of cup sizes and body shapes can fit one size.  For example, the back of the box says that a size large with a bust of 37-40 will fit a 32DD, 32DDD, 32QD, 34C, 34D, #4DD, 34DD, 36A, 36B, 36C, 38A.  It comes in L, XL, 2XL and 3XL.  As far as I can tell, it only comes in a nude beige which is fine by me.  It is like a cross between a conventional bra and a sports bra.  Now I know why babies feel so comforted when they are swaddled.  It does feel like I have a tensor bandage wrapped around my chest but this is in no way a bad thing.  This is the first time I have ever bought one of those "As Seen On TV" products as I always thought such things were a gimmick but I am so, so sold on this.  No, it isn't the sexiest piece of lingerie out there but, right now, comfort and fit trump all that.  Let me know your bra horror stories.  Surely I can't be the only one?

This is NOT a sponsored post.

February Favourites Too Faced Haul

Even though February is done and dusted, there was another heavy snowfall this past week and it looks like more is on the way.  I don't know about you but a new lippie or two always helps to chase away the winter doldrums.  I had been hoarding my last remaining Too Faced lipstick in Spice Spice Baby for what seemed like forever as they were no longer available for purchase on the Sephora Canada website.  When I saw they were on sale on the Too Faced website, I ordered two of them. 

The drought is finally over.  This lipstick is my all time favourite as it is such a lovely coral pink nude.  I ordered 2 of the Peach Frost Highlighters which are on clearance on the Sephora Canada website.  I think they won't be available in Canada for much longer.  So if you are interested, I would hurry and put in an order.  I read the reviews and many people complained that it just wasn't blingy enough.  I am of the age where disco glitter would look manic on me.  I prefer discretion over bling especially when it comes to work appropriate makeup so I decided to take a chance.

The highlighter is a cream to powder formula.  I love the Too Faced blush in the same range so I was curious about how a cream to powder formula would translate as a highlighter.  It is true that the sheen is very subtle and understated, possibly a touch too understated.  However, for the bargain price of $12 CAD (!!!), I can't really complain.
Now bring on Spring!

The Minimalism Game #minsgame

Miracle of miracles, I finally did it!  I completed the Minimalism Game in the month of January.  Woot!  If you don't know what the Minimalism Game is, you declutter one thing on the first day of the month, 2 things on day two and so on.  By the end of the month, you will have decluttered 496 things.  It was conceived by The Minimalists.  I have attempted it so many times, only to admit defeat around day 12.   Truth be told, most of what I decluttered was paper clutter.  I think Marie Kondo said that she hates paper clutter the most because it is so boring and uninspiring.  Because it is so boring, it is quite easy (for me at least) to part with.  I struggled with depression for many months last year and just let the junk mail pile up.  I think the enormous pile of mail kept me going for at least 2 weeks.  I really wanted to start the new year on a more positive note and tackling the home was a step in the right direction.  Now, I am not a hardcore mininalist but I really appreciated having a system that gave me a road map for the entire month.  I actually continued into the first half of February because I was so thrilled that I was able stick it out for an entire month.  Continuing on in the vein of trying to declutter the home and be organized, I picked up this drawer organizer which I repurposed for coralling the makeup I use on the daily.

  

 I really believe in coralling bits and bobs.  All the disparate items placed in a single container help to reduce "visual noise" as they magically become one.  I really like this drawer organizer because it has expandable sides and it is small and compact.  You can find similar at Bed Bath and Beyond.
Not pictured above because I had it out is Urban Decay's Lightbeam Palette.

I am obsessed with this palette.  Pantone's colour for this year is Living Coral and the sunset hues of this slim curated palette is beautifully on trend.  Don't let the warm coral tones put you off.  They are the perfect office appropriate  eyeshadow for my warm skin tone.  I do find the glitter shadow "Golden Hour" to be gritty and chunky.  But I am past the age of wearing disco glitter on my lids so I don't mind.  It is similar to Urban Decay's iconic Naked Heat palette, in particular the Mini Naked Heat, just with a bit more pizzazz. I love a curated palette where I use almost all of the eyeshadows and not just one or two.  Plus the fact that it fits neatly into the container above is a massive bonus.

How are you doing with your 2019 goals?  Drop a comment and let me know.

The Weekly Roundup: J.Crew Store Closing Haul

I was sauntering through my local mall checking out the January sales as one does when I noticed that the shelves in the J.Crew store looked surprisingly bare.  I went inside thinking that the sale must be very, very good and what did I see?  Signs saying "70% off Everything" and women digging frenziedly through merchandise heaped on tables. Now 70% off for J.Crew is unheard of even for a Boxing Day or Black Friday sale.  I asked a harried looking employee if the store was closing and, sadly, it was.  To be honest, instead of leaping into action when faced with such unexpected opportunities, I tend to freeze like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights.  I prefer a much more leisurely approach to shopping where I get to browse, wander around for a bit and contemplate in a Zen-like manner whether I really want or need something.  Nonetheless, store closings mean the chance to score deals for things that normally would not be within reach.  I was in desperate need of work-appropriate clothing and I knew Monsieur was in need of new pants.  Here is what I scored:

Monsieur was ecstatic when I brought home two pairs of J.Crew`s classic 770 pants at 70% off.  Yes, he did specify he wanted a cranberry pair.  At these prices, it is a good time to experiment with offbeat colours.

via jcrew.com

This blouse came home with me as well.  I love the flattering neckline and the full sleeves.  At a certain point, women need sleeves!  Also, I have been on the lookout for a blouse that is a proper white, not cream, not ivory or any version of pale beige as these non-colours tend to wash me out.  Weirdly, it is quite difficult to find.

via jcrew.com

This dress came home with me too.  It would be perfect if it had sleeves but I knew I could pair it with a cardigan and, for the price, I couldn`t say no.  I love the cowl neckline and how it just seems to arrange itself into the right architectural folds.  An LBD is so versatile as it can be styled for work or after work in a snap.

via jcrew.com

I had given up on finding a pair of jeans that looked good on me years ago but I decided to take a chance on a pair of J.Crew`s iconic toothpick jeans in Classic Rinse (a dark wash).  Oh my, I have been living in these jeans for the last couple of days.  I may never go back to leggings again.  Now I am wishing that I had bought another pair.

  

Finally, I picked up this Timex watch which is actually a gift.  I wish I had been able to pick up more gifts but there was not much left by the time I found out about the store closing.  I felt really lucky to find the items that I did in the right size.

How did you make out in the January or Boxing Day sales? Have you heard of any other J.Crew stores closing down?

Last Minute Christmas Stocking Stuffer Gifts: Bluetooth Selfie Stick and Light, Stonewall Kitchen, Charlotte Tilbury

If, like me, you were stuck at work right up to the last minute and still had to bring home piles of work to slave over during the holidays, then like me, you have been racing around the shops like a headless chicken randomly grabbing anything off the shelves.  The following is a true representation of what is going into a certain someone's stocking.  It is a bit of a hodgepodge but I think they cover the fun, frivolous, luxe and useful to a "T."  All but one are gender neutral which is a bonus.

In a selfie obsessed age, a selfie stick is a must. This one is Bluetooth enabled so you csn take the perfect selfie and hold your mobile phone at the right angle at the same time.

Along with the selfie stick, this selfie light is genius. It clips on to your mobile phone so worries about unflattering lighting are now a thing of the past. The stick and light were picked up at Chapters.

Christmas is always a good time to try out delicious foodstuffs that you would normally not indulge in.  I was so pleased to find Stonewall Kitchen jams in Toronto  (it is an American company). The jam was picked up at the Bay.

And finally, for the makeup maven on your list, you can't go wrong with a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick or for that matter, anything from Charlotte Tilbury. Above is her iconic lipstick in "Pillowtalk." I picked up the lipstick at Sephora.

Let the countdown begin!

The Weekly Roundup: Black Friday Haul The Abnormal Beauty Company The Ordinary

Are you still alive after Black Friday?  Are you gearing up for Cyber Monday?  I can't believe I am even asking but, yes, the mayhem that is Black Friday is a "thing" now in Canada.  This past Friday was just another working day for me so, alas, I had to wait until the weekend to partake.  I was good and did my best to stick to my wishlist. I love The Ordinary.  I missed out on their Black Friday sale last year so this year checking out their Black Friday sale was a definite must on my wish list.  Luckily for me, a freestanding Abnormal Beauty Company store is just down the road from where I live so I didn't have to hover over my keyboard at midnight, waiting for deals to drop.

The Ordinary is known for their budget friendly pricepoints so you can imagine how much more affordable their Black Friday deals are.  My mother swears by the efficacy of the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion at keeping her wrinkles at bay (she is in her 70s) and at $4 each, I swooped up 2 for her.  At these prices, it is a good time to try out other products in their lineup.  I have been curious to try out a lactic acid peel and as the Lactic Acid was a crazy $2 I picked that up as well as the primer for $3 and Pore Control for $10.  I wish I had bought more now as the prices were jawdroppingly easy on the wallet.  Also, I don't think there is a limit on quantity in the store as there is on line.  

Did you score any amazing deals?  Let me know in the comments so that I can live vicariously through you!

LBH July Favourites: Essential Back to School Supplies, Muzmm Backpack and Discount Code, H & M Makeup, Urbio Wall Organization

Is it possible that there is only one month left to summer?  Say it isn't so.  I have finally caught on to the coral eye makeup hues that are trending right now.  These warm tones just seem so right in balmy weather.  H & M aren't really known for their makeup line but like their clothing line, their makeup features a lot of on point products.  And like their fashion offerings, the prices are kind to students or indeed, any one on a budget.

I picked up an eyeshadow in Ginger Snap for $7.99, a pressed powder and a bronzer for $12.99 each.  The eyeshadow is a lovely metallic copper, very pigmented and soft.  The powder and bronzer are velvety and very finely milled.  All three items were made in Italy, testimony to the quality.  I didn't experience any fallout with the eyeshadow which impressed me a lot.  I do find that there is a real difference between the H & M makeup products that are made in Italy versus another country.  I tried a palette that was made in China and the highlighter was gritty and the eyeshadows not very pigmented and felt quite coarse to the touch.  So, word to wise, check where it was made.  Obviously, for these prices, there won't be a luxe feel to the packaging. I have experienced lids snapping of compacts.  However, I do think that, considering the pricepoint and the quality of the product(s) it is good value for one's money. Bonus points that it is cruelty free. I think H & M's makeup definitely flies under the radar in the beauty world and I, for one, will be legging it back to pick up a few more of the eyeshadows.

Stocking up for back to school means a proper backpack to lug around a laptop and everything else a student needs for campus life.

via www.muzmm.com

The great thing about these backpacks from Muzmm is that they are convertible so they can be worn as a backpack, shoulder bag or duffel bag.

via www.muzmm.com

This means they work for travel or that emergency visit back to Mum and Dad's.  And for LBH readers, use discount code bleue10 for 10% off your purchase!

I picked a couple more pieces to add to my Perch by Urbio wall organization system.

via www.myurbio.com

I love that it's modular so you can customize it according to your needs.  The compartments are held to the backplate with magnets.  The backplates can be attached to the wall using Command strips or screws.  If you are a student, sending your child off to college or living in a rental, the Command strips are a fantastic solution for putting up a super stylish wall organizing system without damaging the walls. My old dorm room had cinder block walls (very jail like) and I wouldn't have been able to get any nails or screws into the walls even if I had been allowed.  Now, in my own home, I still opt for the Command strips as it is just so much easier to install. Plus, inevitably, I end up wrecking the wall every time I attempt to drill a hole. I get the Perch system from Staples. If you are in the Stayes, I think you can get them at the Container Store as well.

Bring on the last month of summer. I intend to savour every moment of it!

  

The Must Have Convertible Backpack for Back to School and Travel Plus Discount Code

Hello lovelies!  August is just around the corner and that means it is time to start stocking up on those back to school essentials.  When I was a student, I would spend all summer scouring the sales and slowly but surely stocking up on every thing I needed for another year at school.  A top priority on my list was a sturdy backpack.  I have to say that backpacks have come a long way since then.  Take a look at the latest offerings from Muzmm.

via www.muzmm.com

The amazing thing about these backpacks is that they are convertible as they can be worn not just as a backpack but as a shoulder bag and a duffel bag.  How clever is that?

via www.muzmm.com

There is a padded compartment for a laptop so a student can easily transport their laptop to class and the library.

via www.muzmm.com

I love this grey one, called Ash.  The black one, Charcoal, is a favourite too.

via www.muzmm.com

Can you believe that it also comes in pink?  Woot!

via www.muzmm.com

Because they are convertible, they function well for travel.  This one with the aqua and teal leaf print, aptly named "Caribbean," would be perfect for a tropical getaway.

via www.muzmm.com

All the backpacks come in two sizes, Little and Big, so you can choose the size that works best for your needs and physical proportions.  This is a big tick for me as most knapsacks are almost always one size fits all.  For what they are, they are really good value.  And to make them even better value, just for my wonderful readers and subscribers, I have a discount code for you!  Enter bleue10 with your order to receive 10% off.

How To Pick The Right Ceiling Light Fixture For Your Space

The very first time I decided to change the ceiling light fixtures in my home,  all I cared about was how they looked.  Fast forward several years, tack on a number of lifestyle changes and my criteria has lengthened considerably.  I have written before on my odyssey to change out the light fixtures in my home here,  and it was time to change out another.  The impetus came when a certain someone broke one of the glass shades on the ceiling light fixture in the kitchen.

You will see that the top right light is missing its shade.  This fixture has been a particular bugbear of mine for years.  It was chosen by a real estate agent, not me.  The glass shades have a tendency to pop off whenever the lightbulbs need to be replaced.  The lightbulbs themselves are not readily available and are expensive to replace.  Actually trying to insert the lightbulbs is a nightmare.  Add in the fact that now we have two disabled people and there are sad faces all around.  I drew up a list of criteria in my search for another ceiling light fixture that might be of help to you.

Consider What Room The Ceiling Light Fixture Is Going In

My new light fixture is going in to the kitchen.  It is a small kitchen with standard height ceilings.  I have decided that I prefer a light that gives off 360 degree lighting.  Spot lights create areas of darkness which we find annoying.  A kitchen needs to be well lit as it is a workspace.  There is no room for a breakfast nook so there is no requirement for ambient lighting.  The lights in the fumehood create a sufficient amount of task lighting.

Consider Ceiling Height

I am obsessed with Sputnik light fixtures and would put one in every single room if I could.  Those of you who are long time readers of mine know of my love for the Sputnik light fixture.  However, with standard height ceilings, this is impossible.

via Amazon.ca

Ask yourself if it is going over a dining table or a stairwell?  What is the maximum drop?  How tall are the people in your home?  Are you putting it in your foyer and will people be bumping their foreheads into it as soon as they walk through the front door?

Consider The Style And Decor Of The Room

My kitchen has a lot of matte stainless steel and the rest of the home has ceiling light fixtures in brushed nickel.  So even though my tastes have changed and I was leaning towards matte black and oil rubbed bronze,  I opted for something in brushed nickel.  In a small home, I think it is important that there be a sense of continuity and flow as one moves from space to space.  There is a round drum light in the foyer and I wanted an echo of that shape in the kitchen.  Also, I have a lot of vintage items on display but still wanted a modern feel.

via Amazon.ca

I love the edgy industrial feel of this light fixture.  I think it provides a nice fusion between a vintage vibe and a modern aesthetic.  

Consider Light Bulbs And Accessibility

I really wanted a light fixture that took Type A bulbs plus it would be easy to access whenever the bulbs needed to be changed.  I read the reviews on the one that I finally picked and one reviewer said he picked it for his mother who was elderly and had difficulty reaching up to change the bulbs.  Sold!  The fixture above is pictured with Edison light bulbs to enhance the industrial feel but it will take any Type A bulb. Compare the one above to the one below.

via Amazon.ca

I have a ceiling light fixture in the living room that is very similar to the one above.  I have to snake my arm up, over and down to change the light bulb, all the while teetering on a chair.  The bowl-like shade can't be removed so it has become a graveyard for dead insects.  Viewed from below, all I can see is a growing mound of ghostly little shadows.  Believe me when I say that the living room ceiling light is the next one to be replaced.

Consider Your Budget  

I had a couple of gift cards burning a hole in my pocket so I knew what my budget was.  It is very easy to get carried away and blow your renovation budget just on fancy lighting.  I took my time and bookmarked the one I wanted.  It was slightly over my budget but when it went on sale during an Amazon Prime Day, I whisked it into my cart and through checkout.

I hope this checklist was of some help to you.  Please add any useful tips you might have in the comments below.

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LBH Weekly Roundup: Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit, Harney & Sons Tea

Summer is the time when one's thoughts turn towards vacations and getting as far away from the muggy confines of the concrete jungle as is possible.  I have been obsessing over Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kits as they are perfect for travel.

You would not believe it but that little tartan case pictured above contains 17 essentials such as breath drops, hairspray, lip balm, nail polish, a mending kit and stain remover.  I adore miniature things and this kit is like a tiny Narnian wardrobe.  It comes in various themed cases and contents such as a Minimergency Kit for Brides so there is a kit for almost any occasion.

The last couple months have been sad and stressful due to the sudden illness and passing of a beloved family pet.  I was so shocked when I received a very large box in the mail.  My stepmother had sent me a selection of tea from Harney & Sons to help cheer me up.  The presentation was beautiful with lots of tissue paper and ribbon.

There wasn't just tins of Earl Grey tea (my favourite) in the parcel but Harney & Sons' version of biscotti, which they call "Biscottea."  They are shortbread cookies delicately flavoured with specks of black tea.  A box of lemon gummies was tucked in there as well.  I can't even begin to describe how overwhelmed I felt.  And that's it for this week.  Not a lot, I know, but things have been deliberately quiet over here as I learn to live without a familiar face running to greet me at the door.

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LBH June Favourites: Sony Earphones, Urban Decay Ultimate Basics Palette, Whiskey Stones

I can't believe that the year is already half over and it is time for June favourites.  I resisted joining in on the palette trend for ages.  I only ever use a couple of colours and, considering the price tag, it just seemed a waste.  However, I couldn't resist picking up the Urban Decay Ultimate Naked Basics palette.

It was half off at www.sephora.ca so I got a full sized palette with 12 shades for the same price as an Urban Decay mini, travel sized palette which is an amazing deal.  I just love the rose gold packaging and the double ended brush is a good usable size.  It comes with a huge mirror.  The only shade that has a hint of shimmer is Blow which is the first one on the top row, the rest are matte.  Do you have any makeup palettes that are your holy grails?

The hot, humid weather has well and truly arrived and frosty drinks are my saviour.  Ice cubes melt and dilute drinks so these whiskey stones are a great alternative.  Made of granite, they stay cold for a long time and do a fantastic job of keeping drinks cold without diluting them.  These are Canadian made and were perfect for Canada Day celebrations which was this past week.  I got mine at Chapters.

My old Ipod earphones were slowly dying but I was dragging my feet on getting another pair as I had already replaced them one time previously.  However, I decided to drop into The Source and pick up another pair as I saw they were having a sale.  I am really pleased with these Sony earphones.  The sound quality is very good.  They are noise reducing and I was a little sceptical at first as I wasn't sure how much noise reduction in-ear earphones would be capable of as compared to on-ear headphones.  However, they reduce ambient noise surprisingly well.  

The little silicone covers on the earbuds are like suction cups that create a vacuum in the ear.  I didn't realize how much my enjoyment of listening to podcasts and music was being impacted by my previous earphones until I got new ones.  Lesson learned!

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