LBH Weekly Roundup: Korean Matcha Tea Wagon Wheels

I thought of calling this post "Weird Snacks" but 1) there is only one snack that we (actually only Monsieur) is currently obsessing over, 2) I couldn't figure out whether Korean Matcha Tea Wagon Wheels qualifies as a snack, dessert or both and 3) really, is a Matcha Tea Wagon Wheel all that weird?

Granted, when dealing with a host of health problems, we should, of course, NOT be stuffing ourselves with packaged goodies but then again, if one spends the majority of one's time flat on one's back staring at the ceiling, the temptation to do so is very, very real.

And there is no doubting the amusement factor of trying out something that is labelled in a language that one can't read, there is only a picture and a single English word to give one a hint as to the contents.

The amusement factor is doubled at the attempt to take a snack cake that is embedded in Western culture and then inject some Asian healthiness into its edible petroleum byproduct depths.  Voilà, Match Tea Wagon Wheels!  And you know what?  It's not half bad.  The mild leafy taste of the Matcha Tea is a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the chocolate coating and the artificiality of the marshmallow center.  Any recommendations of interesting, yummy sweets?  I'm game so let me know!

This is not a sponsored post.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% and Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Review

I was very naughty last summer.  The CC cream with SPF 30 that I had been using had run out and, instead of getting a replacement, I thought I would slum it and just use a bit of concealer with a daily moisturizer that had SPF 15.  Big mistake.  An SPF 15 might be all right for periodic exposure to winter sun but is woefully insufficient as protection against the glare of an angry summer sun.  The result was that by the end of the year, I had a face covered in freckles and sunspots.  Wah!  Vitamin C has a proven track record at tackling uneven skin tone but the prices of quality Vitamin C serums, meaning ones with a high percentage and a stable formulation, will give you a heart attack right on the (sun)spot.  I had been hearing a lot of buzz about The Ordinary, a skincare line by The Abnormal Beauty Company with targeted ingredients and a price point that will make you salivate but all the buzz seemed to be coming out of the UK.  So, naturally, I assumed that they were a UK brand.  I was so sad and resigned myself to making reluctant friends with my sunspots.  It was quite by chance that I discovered the line is manufactured in Canada and that a freestanding store had opened, quite literally, down the street from my home!

You can bet that I made tracks there so fast that I left smoke trails behind me.  I picked up the Vitamin C Suspension 23% with HA Spheres 2% and the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.  And the price you ask?  The Vitamin C was an astoundingly low $5.80 CAD and the Azelaic Acid $7.90 CAD.  At this point, I really do have to give props to them for coming out with a skincare line that is so easy on the wallet.  In all seriousness, even those on very, very tight budgets want and need to feel good about their skin.  Whether you are a poor student battling pimples from too many late nights cramming for exams and scarfing chocolate bars or a middleaged woman on a fixed income dealing with menopausal skin that has decided to undergo its own midlife crisis, I think that an affordable skincare range that delivers is such a blessing.  In a weird way, their philosophy of "clinical formulations with integrity" is the skincare equivalent of Everlane in terms of transparency and delivering a product without a lot of marketing faff.  A word of warning, you do need to have a chemistry degree or a pretty good understanding of how the ingredients work alone and in combination to navigate their line.  I read over their website very carefully before going in to the store which helped a lot although the website can make you think you have stumbled across the syllabus of a Chemistry 101 class and cause even more confusion and angst.  The store is a reflection of the line with its exposed brick walls and simple industrial shelving.  If you are one of those skincare mavens that loves lots of pampering with chandeliers, satin, ribbons and over the top, vague promises, then this might not be the place for you. But if you are a cosmesceutical junkie, then you will take to The Abnormal Beauty Company like a duck to water.

I have been using both lotions for 2 months now with the Vitamin C on my face and the Azelaic Acid on my hands and feet.  The packaging of the Vitamin C warns that a slight tingling sensation can be expected but, unless I really slap it on, I don't feel anything.  It could be my skin has acclimatized to vitamin acids after years of prescription strength Vitamin A but I stopped Vitamin A years ago because I couldn't stand the constant peeling and flaking anymore.  I think my skin just reacts better with Vitamin C.  Within 3 days, I noticed my skintone was so much brighter.  I still have the freckles but I do think it helps to fade a tan.  I wear bareMinerals Complexion Rescue tinted cream with SPF30 during the day as I do think it is important to use a high SPF whilst tackling sun damage.  I tried the Vitamin C under the tinted moisturizer but the moisturizer balled like mad so I switched to using the Vitamin C at night.  I was told by the store clerk that the Azelaic Acid is slower at tackling uneven skin tone.  The tan lines on the tops of my feet caused by wearing sandals all summer did fade away but I wasn't sure if it was because I wear boots all winter or because of the Azelaic Acid.  I tried the Azelaic Acid under the tinted moisturizer in the daytime but it caused balling as well.  All in all, I am really impressed and went back to buy a second tube of Vitamin C.  I am really curious to try the Lactic Acid as I have never tried an acid peel before and I have heard that lactic acid is very mild and a good introduction into the genre. I am even tempted to give their retinoid offerings a go. Have you tried anything from The Ordinary?  If so, what are your impressions?

This is not a sponsored post.  Affiliated links may be added in the future.

LBH Weekly Roundup: La Vie En Rose Flannel Pyjamas and Clif Energy Bars

You know you have turned the corner into adulthood when all you want for Christmas are practical things that add value to your life.  Top of my list were pj's that I could button up the front.  Now that pulling sleep tees or any kind of tee over my head has become a monumental task, I became obsessed with finding comfy pj's that I could actually put on without assistance.  Forget sexy lingerie.  However, a casual stroll through the local mall before Christmas quickly devolved into an obsessive, panicked trek as all I could find were miles and miles of...sexy lingerie. Is this what designers think women want to wear in the middle of a Canadian winter?  In despair, I tasked Monsieur with my Christmas list which consisted of one thing and one thing only, pj's that buttoned up the front.

And this is what I got on Christmas Day.  I include them in this week's Weekly Roundup because I have been living in them for the last month and a half.  Monsieur thinks they are incredibly cute and loves the bright red.  He scored them at La Vie En Rose.  He said that there wasn't a great deal of choice as the other pj's had cartoon like designs printed all over them and the red one was the least offensive.  I wouldn't have cared if they had giant smiley faces all over as I was so pleased to have something I could put on without assistance.  Would you like to see a post on what to wear when faced with a physical challenge?  It would just focus on challenges faced with the upper body and would, obviously, be from my perspective and what solutions I have come up with.  Let me know in the comments!

Another thing I have been obsessed with are Clif Energy Bars.  There was a point when even lifting my arm to fork food into my mouth was an arduous painful endeavor.  By the time dinner was over, I felt like I had run a marathon and would topple into bed afterwards, exhausted and dispirited.  You know you have hit a low point when eating, one of the most primal of pleasures in life, no longer interests or captivates.  Then I stumbled on Clif Energy Bars.

  

I have never been a fan of granola bars (or the newly styled energy bars).  By the time I got to the middle of the box, I would be bored senseless with the compressed horse feed masquerading as human food.  But these Clif bars! I am especially fond of the white chocolate and macadamia nut one. Densely soft and squidgy but still satisfyingly chewy, it has that perfect balance between salty and sweet.  It is definitely an energy bar.  One evening, caught up in the late night munchies, I downed a bar and was so jacked up that I was unable to sleep for hours.  Hmmm, I think I am going to go munch on one now.

Happy Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day Makeup and Francois Nars Eye Paint

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day.  I know this day gets a bad rap as being gimmicky and commercial.  Perhaps we should start a movement to rename it Hyyge Day?  Have you heard of "Hyyge"?  It has been sweeping the internet.  A day dedicated to being comfy and cozy and living slowly and intentionally sounds good to me!  

I picked up Nars Eye Paint in Iskandar recently.  It had been sold out at my local Sephora for months.  The Eye Paint line consists of mainly metallic and shimmer finishes and Iskandar, a dark gold, was the only one that was constantly sold out.  I had really wanted it for New Year's Eve as I thought it would add a lovely touch of glamour.  So, when I saw a couple of pots appear on the shelf just in time for Valentine's Day, I swooped one up.  I have had to give up my beloved ink eyeliner as it requires a steady hand, not a hand shaking from pain.  I have been on the lookout for something that would be easier to apply and be longlasting so that even when I am ugly crying, I know that my makeup looks fabulous. Ha! I had tested it out on my hand prior to purchasing it and I can say that once it goes on, it stays on even, amazingly, through a hot shower.

I had read various reviews on the Eye Paint and most of the few negative reviews center around complaints of fallout and that it feels quite "chunky."  I did notice in testing the various shades, that Iskandar seems creamier and easier to apply than the other colours.  Perhaps the formula is slightly different to the others?  I can say that I have not experienced any fallout at all.  I use an ELF small angled brush and am able to apply it very easily.  It is almost like foiled eyeshadow.  A word of warning however, it will show every single wrinkle and crease in your eyelids so I would not recommend plastering this stuff right up to your eyebrows (unless that is the look that you are going for).  Used as a gel eyeliner, in discreet amounts, it draws light to your eye.  Iskandar reads as a subtle antique gold and for me, is entirely appropriate as a modern twist on an every day neutral or to add that touch of soft, romantic glamour to your makeup.  Have you tried Nars Eye Paint in any of the other shades?  I am really keen to try out Ubangi which is a dark metallic navy.

Talk to you soon!  Now go and give a loved one, whether that loved one is of the two or four legged variety, a hug!

This is not a sponsored post.

  

Too Faced Love Flush I Will Always Love You Dupe And Milani Luminoso Baked Blush

If you have been reading along, you will know that I bought Too Faced's Love Flush blush in "I Will Always Love You" (which is a warm, apricot hue) a while ago.  I have been using it religiously ever since as, these days, I am constantly worrying if I have a wan/horrified/dispirited look to my face and so feel the need to compensate with a bit of colour in my cheeks.

I did try to avoid the bunnies for as long as possible but had to give in eventually.  As I do with Easter chocolate bunnies, I started, quite guiltily and apologetically, with the ears by brushing the ear tips very, very gently.  It was weirdly satisfying to hit pan and then some as it is always nice to know that one has wrung every cent out of an expensive product and done one's best to use up every last crumb.  After all, how often does a woman ever use up an entire eyeshadow?  I love this blush exceedingly, however, there is no doubt that it is rather pricey.  The search was on to find an acceptable dupe before my beloved Too Faced had completely run out.  I had heard many good things about Milani's Baked Blush in Luminoso and so when it went on sale for 20% off, I decided to give it a whirl.

It has a little brush that stores in a mirrored compartment underneath although I prefer to use a full sized blush brush.  There is a slight shimmer compared to the Too Faced blush which is completely matte.  And it is ever so slightly more pink whereas the Too Faced blush is more apricot hued.

  

I have to say that I really, really like the Milani blush!  The slight shimmer gives you that glowy, lit from within  look that is so on trend at the moment.  It wears well compared to Too Faced's 16 hour promise.  The one thing that concerned me about the Too Faced blush was the "overspray" which I thought was a bit wasteful considering the cost.  There is a bit of a mess with the Milani blush as well but considering how affordable it is, I don't mind it all.  This brings me to the price.  With the taxes and the 20% off sale, it came to well under $8.00 CDN which is a bargain.  Even though you get 3.5 grams with the Milani compared to Too Faced's 6.0 grams, it is still an absolute steal.  I have just noticed that my beloved Too Faced lipstick in "Spice Spice Baby" is running out so am wondering whether I should attempt to find a dupe for it as well seeing as this experiment was, in my books, so successful?  If you have a dupe for that please let me know! 

LBH January Favourites: Ole Henriksen, bareMinerals, First Aid Beauty, Tarte

Time for another monthly favourites!  I still can't believe that January is done and dusted and I am staring down the barrel towards Valentine's Day.  I visited Sephora on Boxing Day, a place I have never visited on Boxing Day as I didn't think it was a place for finding screaming deals.  However, this time I was pleasantly surprised.

These box sets were $15 each which I thought was a great deal.  The Tarte blush is a full size and the Ole Henricksen Sheer Transformation Creme is 1 fl.oz.  I am in love with the Sheer Transformation Creme.  It has hardly any scent and absorbs quickly and easily.  It doesn't break me out and my skin feels moisturized and hydrated for hours which is no mean feat as I am in the middle of a Canadian winter.  I know the fact that it comes in a pot is an issue in terms of hygiene and keeping the ingredients stable.  However, I figured it was a small enough size that I would probably use it up before these issues became relevant.  I have been applying it twice a day for a month and have about a week's worth left at the bottom.  The wipes have a lovely citrus scent and I have decided to set them aside for when I am travelling.

The only reason why I got the First AidBeauty set was because it came with a deluxe sample size of Ultra RepairHydrating Serum which I was really keen to try.  I have been using it on my eyes and it has been doing a good job at keeping the incipient crepey-ness (is that even a word?) at bay.

I picked up a travel sized bareMineralsComplexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream mainly because the Sephora nearest to my home is constantly, annoyingly sold out of Vanilla 02.  I didn't mind as I thought buying a travel sized tube would be a good way of trying the product without investing in the full size.  Happily, I am obsessed with it.  I used to use Clinique's CC Cream but I have always had issues with Clinique's colour range.  I really wanted something that had a high SPF and didn't require a lot of faffing around to apply, especially as these days, my arms are akin to penguin flippers in terms of usefulness.  Because it is a gel cream, the consistency is wonderfully light and fluffy, smooths on like a dream and absorbs into the skin instead of just sitting on top of it.  It is satisfyingly moisturizing but if you have dry patches, it will cling to them so you will need extra moisturizer or primer.  The coverage is sheer to medium.  Basically, I end up with skin that still looks like skin, just better.

When Sephora finally got a couple of tubes in of Vanilla, I snatched one up even though I hadn't finished the travel size tube yet.  That just goes to show you how obsessed I am with it.  

Did you visit Sephora on Boxing Day?  I am a convert and will definitely be checking out Sephora next Boxing Day!

This is not a sponsored post.  Affiliate links may be added at a later date.

LBH Weekly Roundup: Teeny Tiny Mini 5 Day Decluttering Challenge

Happy New Year!  Yes, I know it is almost the end of January but January isn't over yet so I think I can still wish everyone a Happy New Year?!  This is a different Weekly Roundup than usual.  My health took a turn for the worse and my days are spent in constant, 24/7 pain management.  Housekeeping, never a thrill in the first place, became an onerous, long drawn out process.  Monsieur, bless him, has really stepped up to the plate and is like a man on fire.   He has admitted in the past that he was oblivous to clutter and mess but now demonstrates a heretofore unknown discipline and rigour when it comes to keeping the home tidy and organized.  I still wanted to contribute and help as much as I was able and realized that it was imperative that a bit of decluttering needed to happen just to keep the home manageable.  Now I have tried various methods in the past but doing a 30 day decluttering challenge or even a 10 day challenge has always intimidated me.  If you don't know what a 30 day challenge is, on the first day you declutter one item, the second day 2 items and so on and so forth.  It tends to get more difficult around the 15 day mark (at least it does for me).  So I thought I would start with just a teeny tiny challenge, a 5 day challenge. Here is what I decluttered.

A couple of t shirts as I have great difficulty these days in pulling tops over my head, an unused baking sheet and a decorative plate.

I was really shocked at the amount of expired vitamins and supplements lurking in the kitchen cabinets.  What a waste of money!

Two pumpkin scented candles and a couple of pairs of holey socks.

This last one, an old unopened jar of Giorgio body cream made me do a double take.  If you take a close look, you will see that the liquid has completely separated away from the semi-solids.  

It is like the body care equivalent of not so freshly churned butter with a hard waxy lump floating in a sea of rancid oil.  Ewww!! Imagine slathering this stuff over your body.

So, at the end of 5 days, I had decluttered 15 items.  And when I say decluttered, I mean donated and recycled where possible.  It wasn't hard or intimidating at all.  And that is the point, to make it so easy that you can't help but gain a "win" and the confidence to keep going.  I might try another 5 day mini challenge or even do a series of them.  Please comment below if you would like to join in or have any tips on decluttering!

Linking up with Share Your Cup.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of my faithful readers!  I hope 2017 brings you and your family all that your heart desires.

Scrambling to get the tree up on Christmas Eve.  Here is Monsieur giving it a good watering whilst wearing his Santa slippers.

LBH Christmas Gift Guide for Men 2016

Whoa, is Christmas just around the corner already?  Even though I have been diligent all year in decluttering my home, I don't try and force a spartan mindset on friends and family during the Holiday Season.  If not at Christmas, what other time can one relax a wee bit and ooh and aah over lovely things?   I put together a little Gift Guide for Men because, let's face it, men are hard to shop for.  At least, I find them hard to shop for especially when considering something other than the standard fare of shirt, tie and socks.  I asked Monsieur for his input but he said that he was drawing a blank. Hah! It is a very edited and curated list with a decidedly Canadian slant, just to kickstart your imagination!

First up is a gift set from Acqua Di Parma.  Holiday Season is usually the time when fragrance houses bring out their gift sets.  While pricey, they can be a better deal than buying everything separately.  Monsieur loves Acqua Di Parma.  I got him Acqua Di Parma Colonia Essenza for his birthday which was just in November so this set won't be sitting under the tree for him.  This set is $152.00 CDN at Saks.

via saksfifthavenue.com

For those frosty Canadian winters, there is nothing more cozy than a pair of Garneau sheepskin slippers.  Best yet, they are a Canadian company.  All of their slippers are made by hand in Quebec and come in a large range of colours and styles.  The mules are $95 CDN.  Monsieur's parents got him a pair of moccasins for his birthday so he and I can attest that they are sublimely soft and comfy.

via garneauslippers.com

Speaking of eminently Canadian, of course I have to mention the iconic Hudson's Bay Point Blanket.  It comes in a variety of colourways in case the traditional red, yellow, green and black stripe is a bit too log cabin-ish for your suburban man.  

via thebay.com

The Millenium Point Blanket, from $325.00 to $550 CDN is in a tasteful neutral colourway of taupe and brown and would not look out of place in a downtown condo.

If that special man in your life is a foodie, then an apron from The Blunt Roll is just the ticket.

via thebluntroll.com

The Blunt Roll is a local Toronto-based shop that specializes in aprons made of denim and leather.  The aprons can be rolled and double as a knife roll, hence the name.  The original apron, pictured above is $170.00 CDN. Hurrah for supporting local, small businesses!

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of university students walking around in Moose Knuckles coats and jackets.  They are a Canadian company that seems to have taken over the winter outerwear scene.

via mooseknucklescanada.com

This parka is the Yellowknife Parka $895.00 CDN.  Well, I guess if it's good enough for the Millenials, it's good enough for Monsieur.

Oh my, my brain is whirling now!  Time to start making lists.  Do you find men hard to shop for?  Any suggestions?  Please let me know!

This is not a sponsored post.  There are no affiliate links although such links may be added in the future.

LBH November Favourites: Kate Spade Tasha Tote Bag

It is time for another Monthly Favourites!  I have only one favourite to highlight this month for reasons I will explain in a bit.  My father gave me my Christmas present early.  It is a Kate Spade tote bag.  I believe the style is called "Tasha Foster Court" in aubergine and rose.

It was a complete surprise.  I love the contrasting lighter interior as it means that I am not madly scrambling for my keys in the gloomy depths.  The deep plummy colour has got me thinking that this could be one of my favourite colours for a winter wardrobe as it is a dark colour that has warmth to it without the starkness of black or the boldness of red.  I must say I adore gifts that are gorgeous, practical and much needed.  Where I live, there are quite a few grocery stores that charge 5 cents per bag as a way to encourage customers to bring their own tote bags.  I have gotten into the habit of bringing a tote bag everywhere I go.  However, I found that my previous one was now too big and cumbersome as I injured the rotator cuff in my right shoulder recently.  And then, because my left shoulder was taking the brunt of the work that my right shoulder used to do (I am righthanded), the left rotator cuff conked out as well.  Shampooing and doing my hair became hard for me.  Putting away the dishes and getting dressed became agonizingly tough.  Most days are spent in a fog as I usually spend the nights tossing and turning in pain.  And yes, typing away on my laptop is arduous and painful.  My doctor says that it could take up to a year to heal.  A year!  If I think too much about it, I will just become overwhelmed.  I have been taking magnesium supplements because I heard it was good for the bones but if you have any suggestions on other vitamin or mineral supplements that would be good for the ligaments and bones, please let me know!

This week I am linking up with Share Your Cup.

LHeure Bleue At Home Etsy Shop Black Friday Sale

The L'Heure Bleue At Home Etsy Shop is having a Black Friday Sale!  Click on the link at the right and check out the deals on cool vintage treasures.

Vintage Dymo Labelmaker with Red Embossing Tape

See you there!

LBH Weekly Roundup: Beauty And Skincare Christmas Holiday Ornaments 2016

Time for another Weekly Roundup!  I know it is only November but, if you have a European background as Monsieur does, or if you are an eternal child at heart and can't wait to get the Christmas tree up (as Monsieur is), then you might be preparing for Advent already.  An unusual way to decorate your tree or add some unexpected thrills to your homemade Advent Calendars are these mini sized beauty treats packaged as holiday ornaments.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Ornament via Sephora.ca

This one from L'Occitane for $15.00 comes in a gorgeous red and gold ball.  

The Nars holiday ornament contains his signature Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer for $30.00.

Nars Blusher Bronzer Duo Ornament via Sephora.ca

All the ornaments are limited edition.  I have noticed that the brands tend to pick their bestsellers or the product that they are most known for as their holiday ornament.  It is a great way to try out the product without having to buy the full size version.

Formula X Nail Polish Ornament via Sephora.ca

Gorgeous gold glitter nail polish from Formula X for $8.50.  

Lovely selection of lip treatments from Fresh for $36.00.

Fresh Sugar Lip Small Wonders Ornament via Sephora.ca

Philosophy have made an ornament out of their famous Hope In A Jar, $22.00.

Philosophy Hope In A Jar Ornament via Sephora.ca

All products and prices are via Sephora.ca.  Imagine sprinkling these ornaments around your tree and then letting your guests pick one to take home with them!  

This is not a sponsored post.

LBH Eyes On Design: Butler Pantries

A friend of mine is building his dream house.  It will, of course, have a showstopping kitchen.  I underscore "showstopping" as the kitchen will be "for show."  There will be a secret, second kitchen tucked behind the "show kitchen" where the real cooking and all the messiness that that entails will take place.  I am doubtful that this concept of an enfilade of kitchens will ever become a trend (or will it?) but I have noticed the advent of "butler's pantries" infiltrating the home design world.  It seems it is not enough now to have a walk-in pantry for storing all of one's sundry foodstuffs.  The walk-in pantry, once a must have for a family home, has been superseded by a pantry that has a sink, a second dishwasher, possibly an oven and other appliances where one's butler, should one be so lucky to have one, can do all manner of kitchen related menial tasks in privacy.  In this recently renovated condominium, you can see the butler's pantry tucked away to the right of the kitchen.

Image Source: Channel Nine

Pantries aren't just for extra storage anymore!

Image Source:  Channel Nine

This one has an espresso machine and another sink.

I am not sure what to make of this trend.  On the one hand, I am swooning at the thought of all of that extra storage and the ability to tuck away any bulky, unsightly appliances that might not get a lot of daily use.  On the other hand, in this era of open plan living where cooking has entered the arena  of entertainment and has become a commonplace component of socializing, hiding away somewhere to do the prep work seems contradictory.   What do you think?  Yea or nay?

LBH October Favourites: Portable Radiators and Vintage Flatware

Time for another Monthly Favourites!  I am not sure if it is the effect of spending my childhood in a much more temperate climate but I really don't like a chilly home.  Monsieur, on the other hand, would have all the windows wide open and the air conditioning blasting even in the depths of December.  Enter the portable radiator.

via canadiantire.ca

Personally, I think that radiators are a much more efficient and cost effective method of warming a home than forced central air.  Even if you do have central air heating, a portable radiator is a great way to warm up a drafty room or a chilly spot.  And if safety is a concern, you can get ones that are programmable so that the temperature can be set and it will automatically turn off after a period of time.  I have tried fan heaters but they are just too much of an assault on the ears especially when sleeping.  The radiant portable heater spreading its cheerful toastiness throughout a designated room is my friend and constant companion during the arctic Canadian winter.

It is doubtful that the contents of one's flatware drawer has ever been the subject of excited discussion on anyone's lips.  Flatware serves the purpose of carrying food to one's mouth and, in keeping with trying to have a simple, intentional home, it doesn't really need to do much else.  However, I have secretly, with much guilt, begun feeling a bit meh over my flatware.  I knew it was frivolous to want fireworks to explode from the flatware drawer every time I reach for a fork or spoon but still.  Imagine my delight in coming across a set of vintage flatware that had me oohing and aahing at first sight.

It is vintage so big check mark there.  The quality and workmanship are superb.  I never thought I would love 70's avocado green but the way the terracotta of the handles gleam through the green glaze is so pretty.  It is so thrilling to use something on a daily basis that is both imminently practical and beautiful.  I can feel William Morris patting me on the shoulder right now.

This is not a sponsored post.

Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick Review

I used to be a foundation girl.  I wore it every day without fail.  Then life got busy or I got lazy.  There just wasn't time in the morning to be faffing with foundation.  Plus, I always felt like I was wearing a mask on my face.  I switched to just dabbing on a bit of concealer and foundation powder. Then, when cc and bb creams and tinted moisturizers made their appearance, I started using them with a sigh of relief.  It was just so much easier.  I ran out of my trusty cc cream and concealer recently so decided to check out the latest cosmetic offerings instead of simply repurchasing the same products as I have the sneaking suspicion that, with the advance of age, my skin needed a bit more (cough, cough) help.  I wanted something quick and foolproof.  By chance I came across the Clinique Chubby Sticks.

  

The Chubbies come in lip balms, eyeshadows, contour and highlighters and foundation sticks.  I picked up the foundation stick in 08 Grandest Golden Neutral.  I think it might be a shade too dark for me as, now we are heading into November, my summer tan is fading.  But with a tan, it is a very close match.  My biggest complaint in the past with Clinique was their limited range of skin tone shades.  However, I think they have really improved and made an effort to offer a range that covers a wider spectrum of skin tones.  The Chubby Stick goes from cream to powder and is easily blendable.  The portable size means that you can tuck it in to your purse for quick touchups during the day especially if your liquid foundation tends to get patchy.  You can use a brush or sponge to buff it in to your skin but honestly, because it was designed to be portable, patting it in with your fingertips works extremely well too.  It is buildable so that you can go from sheer to full coverage.  If you have dry skin,  I would recommend moisturizing and/or priming first otherwise you might find it gets patchy or clings a bit too much to the dry areas.

I really like the fact that it is oil free as my nose does tend to get a bit shiny as the day wears on.  

I am pleased with the natural finish as well.  I don't feel like I'm wearing a heavy mask.  As mentioned above, the Chubby Stick is available as a Contouring Stick as well but if you went a couple of shades darker, you could use one of the foundation sticks for contouring instead because it so easy to blend.  Foundations tend to come in a wider range of shades than contouring makeup so if you are aiming for a natural contoured look then a foundation stick is one way to achieve that.  All in all, I like it a lot as it is a good way to ease myself back into using foundation without sacrificing a  lot of time and effort in the morning.  

Have you tried a foundation stick?  What are your thoughts?  Are you like me, always looking for shortcuts when it comes to makeup?

This is not a sponsored post.

I am linking up with Share Your Cup.

LBH Weekly Roundup: Festive Scented Candles

The trees are changing colour and heralding the arrival of Fall.  I do love this time of year.  I pull out my favourite cozy sweaters and fire up the radiator.  If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, this is the time for hot chocolate and roaring fires.  But, if you are like me and don't have a fireplace, go for the next best thing which is a candle (or two) scented like a fresh wintery forest. This is the only time of year that such candles make their appearance in the shops and I can't tell you the number of hours I have spent in gift stores happily breathing in the woodsy scent.  Here are a couple of my favourites.

via chapter.indigo.ca

The Thymes Frasier Fir candle is a perennial favourite of mine.  It really does smell like a Christmas tree.

via chapters.indigo.ca

This Balsam & Cedar candle by Illume is an interesting combination as the cedar base note gives it an earthy, woody tone.

 Now I am off to light some candles and put my feet up.  Do you love scented candles?  What is your favourite scent?

This is not a sponsored post.

LBH Eyes On Design: Modern Interpretation of the Sputnik Light Fixture

Monsieur recently broke one of the glass covers on the kitchen ceiling light fixture.  Rather than be upset over a light fixture that I had never really liked, I took it as a sign to look at the latest offerings in lighting.  I have always loved the Sputnik light fixture.  The very name evokes the midcentury fascination with technology and space exploration.  Decades later, its design is still relevant.   But finding a vintage one is difficult unless you have deep pockets.  A trend that I have noticed lately is the modern interpretation of the Sputnik showing up in design showrooms.  This reincarnation of the Sputnik is sleek, oh so modern and utterly contemporary.

via theblockshop.com.au

The reborn Sputnik can be seen in a variety of finishes such as oil rubbed bronze or golden brass, not just chrome.

via homedepot.com

Different types of bulbs such as an Edison bulb is another point of difference.

via homedepot.ca

Instead of the usual satellite shape, there is a play on shapes as well.  This one looks like a drawing of a molecule come to life.

via theblockshop.com.au

And this one definitely reminds me of chemistry class.

via theblockshop.com.au

Now I need to save up to get my mitts on one of these babies.

The LBH Weekly Roundup: Buddha and Buddah Pain Relief Cream and Hot Water Bottles

I had the misfortune of straining the rotator cuff in my right shoulder a few weeks ago.  This means that, when I wash my hair or lift my arm to do anything, the jolt of pain sends me straight into the foetal position.  A well meaning friend gave me a jar of Buddha and Buddah Pain Relief Cream to try out.  My friend swore that this was the bomb when dealing with shark week or any other issue involving aches and pains.  The main ingredients are organic shea butter with essential oils but the "magic bullet" is contained in the last two ingredients, tetrahyrocannibinol and cannabidiol.  I will leave you to google what those are but suffice to say I have never gone for a walk on the wild side and my idea of getting crazy is settling down for a marathon viewing of the "Walking Dead."

Still, the alarming greasiness of my hair and my failure to suddenly become left handed meant that I was willing to give it a go.  After several nights of Monsieur massaging it into my shoulder, suffice to say that I felt...nothing.  The pain was still there.  No zen feeling, no meeting of the minds with Buddha, nada.  It was back to my old standby, the hot water bottle.  I love my hot water bottle.  Every Autumn when the hot water bottles arrive in the shops, I obsess over them.  There really is nothing like clutching its warm coziness in the depths of a Canadian winter.  In particular, I do love a hot water bottle that comes with its own sweater as it helps to insulate it and provides a soft surface at the same time.

via chapters.indigo.ca

I have been eyeing this one kitted out with a Fair Isle knit.

via chapters.indigo.ca

And this one with the zigzag knit gives off that 70's afghan vibe but in a much cooler way than your grandma's throw.

Now I am off to press my hot water bottle against my shoulder.

Please note that you should consult your physician regarding pain relief!  This is NOT a sponsored post.