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.

This is not a sponsored post.

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.

This is not a sponsored post.

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!

This is not a sponsored post.

$25 Metro Grocery Haul

There's no doubt that groceries takes a big chunk out of any household budget.  I have noticed that, living downtown, groceries tend to cost significantly more than outside of the downtown core.  I do a big monthly grocery order online and then do a smaller weekly shop as needed. By keeping an eye on the weekly loss leaders and sticking to a grocery list, it is possible to maintain a reasonable grocery budget.  Below is my haul from Metro.

1) Metro has daily dinner specials and their Tuesday roast chicken is a winner in my book.  $8.99
2)Cashmere toilet paper $3.33
3)IOGO yoghurt was a great deal at $1.99.  It is lactose free which is a bonus as Monsieur is lactose intolerant.
4)Lactantia butter for $3.33.  Another great deal for name brand butter.  Normally, I only see this type of price for no name or house brand butter.
5)The ice cream was $2.99 for the box.  It's summer time, enough said.
6)Monsieur is a hot sauce addict and the Grace hot sauce is his favourite. $1.69.
7)Totally unnecessary but we were in the mood for soda.  $1 each.

It all came to a little under $25.00 (before taxes).  Not bad for a quick grocery run.  How do you grocery shop?

This is not a sponsored post.

LBH Weekly Roundup: Bed Bath and Beyond, Wamsutta Sheet Set, Dri Soft Towels, NYX Micro Brow Pencil

Time for another Weekly Roundup!  We all love to crawl into luxurious bed sheets at the end of the day.  For some reason, I go through sheets, especially fitted sheets like the clappers.  The fitted sheets shrink from queen to single size over and over again and the elastic gets worn out.  My linen closet ends up with a huge assortment of mismatched flat sheets and nary a fitted sheet to be found.  A trip to Bed, Bath and Beyond was in order.

I was thrilled to pick up this Wamsutta sheet set.  I've washed the fitted sheet a couple of times now and, thus far, no shrinkage.  It was on sale and with the ubiquitous BBB coupon, the final price was a real deal.  While there, I also picked up a set of Dri Soft towels.

I am obsessed with these towels.  My old towels would take up to 3 hours to dry in the tumble dryer.  Living in a condo, I am unable to line dry towels outdoors.  The towels would take forever to dry in the bathroom and, inevitably, end up with that awful musty smell.  The Dri Soft towels dry in a flash in the tumble dryer (20 minutes) and come out fluffy and soft.  They are light weight but still feel cozy and dense against the skin.  If you are on a budget and watching your electricity bills or even if you are environmentally conscious, these towels are a real boon.

Lastly, I hit pan on my e.l.f brow palette a long time ago and all that was left was a ring around the pan.  I am not sure if it was because the product was getting old but I noticed that it just wasn't lasting for very long on my brows.  I swear the product would just evaporate or get absorbed into my skin within an hour.  It was time to switch to something new.  I have heard that the NYX micro brow pencil is a good dupe for the iconic Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencil so I picked up the NYX pencil yesterday.

Like the Anastasia brow pencil, it has a spoolie on one end and a thin twist up pencil on the other.  I had forgotten about the convenience of using a twist up pencil rather than a cream or wax in a pan formula that requires a separate brush.  Travel-wise, this is a great option.  Do any of you own both the NYX pencil and the Anastasia pencil or have tried both?  How do they stake up against each other?

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Silk Plants for the Home and Office

I think it is safe to say that I don't have a green thumb.  It doesn't help that I live in a condo without a balcony for a garden.  I live in a country with four distinct seasons and wild swings between freezing temperatures and baking humid summer days.  Keeping any type of greenery alive, whether indoors or out, can be quite the task.
Artificial plants are such a saviour for people like me.  Whether it is a small arrangement to place on your desk or lush trees to place around your swimming pool, artificial plants can enhance the ambiance of any environment without the ongoing maintenance of live plants.  You can even get wonderfully life like palm trees  from www.commericalpalmtrees.com so that you can create a lush tropical oasis in your home or business.

Source www.commericalpalmtrees.com

Gorgeous, huh?
 

Source www.commericalpalmtrees.com

Most wonderfully, you can also get artificial silk plants and flower arrangements for the home from www.silkplantsdirect.com.   No more watering, clipping, fertilizing or throwing away withered bunches of flowers.  I have been eyeballing quite a number of the topiary arrangements and potted bushes.

Source www.silkplantsdirect.com

  You can even order packs of stems to create your own arrangement if you are feeling particularly crafty.

Add caption

 However, with the staggering selection on offer, I prefer to just order ready made arrangements.

Source www.silkplantsdirect.com

I am such a convert now and am completely obsessed.

This is a sponsored post.

LBH April Favourites: Josie Maran Highlighter, Sensodyne Toothpaste, Natracare Panty Liners

My Monthly Favourites is a tad late due to the fact that this past week has been the proverbial week from hell.  The family pet was rushed to hospital and stayed there for 2 days.  Turns out our furbaby has pancreatitis.  Administering the painkillers and meds twice daily has been stressful for him and us.  Who knew he was a champion spitter and is now able to spit his pill halfway across the room?  We've tried everything such as hiding the pill in his food but he is on to us.  Any suggestions, please shoot them my way! Suffice to say that my heart hurts... Anyway, you didn't come here to read about me wringing my hands over the furbaby so let's get on with it.  I repurchased the Josie Maran stick highlighter, called the Argan Enlightenment Illuminizing Wand because I love it so much.

When I am feeling and looking particularly careworn and haggard (which has been quite often of late), this highlighter adds a lovely, subtle glow.  It is a golden peachy shade that is perfect for everyday and not just special occasions.  My first one lasted almost 2 years so it really is good value for money.

Now on to something a little less glamorous.  I was inordinately pleased to see that a Noah's had opened up near where I live.  If you live in the Six, then you will know that Noah's is a local healthy living store.  I popped in and walked out with a box of Natracare panty liners.

I have wanted a more natural, eco-friendly alternative to the usual plastic riddled panty liner for a while so was really pleased to pick these up.  They have an organic cotton cover and are plastic free, perfume free and chlorine free.  The ones shown above are the curved version.  I thought that the term "curved" was referring to the curved sides but it is also referring to the fact that they don't lie flat but are pre-shaped into a slight U shape to conform to your body.  How clever!  So far, so good.  I can't believe that I am talking about feminine hygiene products on the internet (!!) but all in a good cause, huh?

Continuing on with the basic but necessary theme is Sensodyne toothpaste (and yes, a highlighter that makes me look less deathly is a necessity).  A side effect of my rather annoying health issue is inflamed gums and sensitive teeth. They became so sensitive that a cold wind blowing against them would send off twinges of pain.   I was rather doubtful about switching to Sensodyne toothpaste as I have been a steadfast Crest girl for years if not my whole life.

It didn't happen overnight, however, slowly but surely, so gradually that I didn't even notice it, my teeth stopped being so bonejarringly sensitive.  I am most definitely a convert now.

And that's it for April!

This is not a sponsored post.

Unisex Skincare and Makeup for Men: The Ordinary HA Blur and Photography Fluid

After listening to me rave about The Ordinary for yonks, Monsieur finally went with me to The Abnormal Beauty Company to check out the goods.  I love the minimal packaging.  No girly colours or flowery ribbons that might send Monsieur running out the door.  Monsieur has really good skin but, like all of us, was becoming concerned about the telltale passage of time.  He picked out The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.

Monsieur's verdict so far is a thumbs up.  The fine lines on his forehead and around his eyes that were bothering him (let me insert here, in case he reads this, that I never noticed these lines) have softened and the few areas of milia have gone down.

Surprisingly, when I showed him the HA Blur by demonstrating it on the back of my hand, he picked that up as well.  Haha, I should get a sales job there.  Apparently, I can sell their products to men!  It is a silicone product that subtly smooths over fine lines and disguises minor skin discolourations.  It is transparent so it isn't obvious that he is wearing "makeup."  Basically, after smoothing this over the problem areas on your face, you look as if there is a soft focus filter beaming down from the heavens onto your face.  I think we were so bowled over by the fact that Monsieur had finally agreed to go with me to a skincare slash beauty store that we got a bit carried away.  The next pickup was the Photography Fluid.

It is a white pearlescent fluid that is described as a transparent foundation.  Again, this is something that a man could wear to make his skin and complexion look better without looking like he is wearing "makeup."

While I was in the store, I noticed that there was a new Vitamin C product in their Vitamin C lineup.  If you are a longtime reader of this blog, you will know that I love the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.  It does have a gritty texture that might be off putting to some and makes it difficult to wear under makeup.  So I picked up a tube of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% which has a smooth texture.  I am hoping that I can wear it under makeup without any pilling effects.  I noticed as well that The Ordinary offers Vitamin C powder that you can mix into your moisturizer.  I might pick that up next time I am in the store.

Luckily, The Ordinary is wonderfully easy on the wallet as my home now houses another convert!

This is not a sponsored post.

LBH March Favourites: Waterpik Complete Care Sonic Toothbrush and Water Flosser, Nude by Nature

Life has been a bit of a bumpy ride of late.   It started with a flat tire and then went rolling downhill at lightning speed.  But you didn't come here to hear me moan and groan, did you?  So, let's get on with it!  I had a milestone birthday in March and received the Waterpik Complete Care Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush.

www.waterpik.com

I am obsessed with the toothbrush.  There is something wonderfully soothing about just standing at the bathroom sink whilst half asleep and letting the brush whir away inside one's mouth.  It turns off after 2 minutes and, more often than not, I am roused from my meditative trance by the toothbrush turning off.  The water flosser is just like the ones at the dentist that squirt water into one's mouth.  You can even fill it with mouthwash instead of water.  My teeth have never been so clean.  Honestly, I don't think I will ever go back to a manual toothbrush.

Next up, is Nude by Nature.  This is an Australian brand (woot!) which I have been itching to try out for yonks.  Finally, it is now being carried in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart.  Their claim to fame is that their products are composed of 100% naturally derived ingredients with no synthetics.  They are cruelty-free and PETA certified.  The packaging is gorgeous.  Perhaps I am a shallow creature but I find the cheap plastic packaging and garish labels on cosmetics typically carried in health food stores to be quite off-putting.  

I am currently testing out the Moisture Shine Lipstick in Blush Pink which is a pinky nude.  It has the typical waxy lipstick scent and the formula is not the creamiest I have ever come across but still quite comfortable.  There wasn't a huge selection of shades to choose from.  The lipstick was $23.00 which puts this brand at the very top end of what is essentially a drugstore line. Admittedly, I picked out the lipstick because of the magnetic cap which gives off the most satisfying click.  I am thinking of trying out the highlighter next.

Touch of Glow Highlighter Stick by Nude by Nature

The rose gold tube reminds me of the Josie Maran highlighter stick which is a huge favourite of mine.  If it has a magnetic cap, I am sold!

That's it for March.  Do you have sonic toothbrush?  Let me know your thoughts.

LBH February Favourites: Batch Cooking with the Instant Pot, Takenaka Bento Box, NYX Stockholm Palette

With a full time job and a painfully long commute, organizing my free time is more important than ever.  Monsieur bought an Instant Pot a few months back and it languished in a corner of the dining room for weeks while we debated whether or not we had morphed into one of those people endlessly raving about the advantages of a slow cooker.

BUT...this is not your grandma's slow cooker.  Oh no!  It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, saute, steamer, and warmer.  It even bakes cakes and boils eggs.  Batch cooking is a lifesaver if you are keen on menu planning and are pressed for time.  We've cooked a whole chicken in it and it was the tenderest juiciest chicken  we'd ever had.  Do you have an Instant Pot?  Suggestions on what to cook in it are welcome!

In days of yore, I used to buy my lunches.  Huge, heavy lunches caused my waistline to steadily creep outward, made me sleepy and was unkind to my wallet.  Now I am determined to bring packed lunches  to work.  I'm obsessed with my bento box.

I really didn't want a bento box that was covered in pictures of Hello Kitty (although I love Hello Kitty) and this white one from Takenaka fits the bill to a minimalist "T".  It has two tiers and the lid clips everything together.

It even comes with a fork.  Packing a healthy lunch is a breeze and opening up my bento box at lunchtime is like opening a present to myself every day.

Last but not least is the NYX Stockholm palette.  I have mentioned this in a previous post but it really has become a firm favourite of mine.   NYX brought out a range of palettes named after various cities around the world and the Stockholm palette caught my eye immediately.

The warm toned colours really suit my skin.  I don't experience any fallout and they are longlasting.  The palette even comes with a matte lip cream.  The lip cream has a doe foot applicator.  There is a strong vanilla scent which I don't mind at all.  It isn't particularly longwearing and my lips do feel a bit dry after awhile but I like the rose nude shade a lot.  The inclusion of a lippie and the incredibly affordable price point makes this palette a winner in my book.  Have you tried any other NYX city palettes?

That's it for February!  I can't believe we are now into March as it snowed a few days ago.  I am already thinking about my Spring Capsule Wardrobe and can't wait to pack away my winter woollies and bring out lighter clothes.  What about you?  Are you experiencing cabin fever like me?

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LBH Weekly Roundup: Getting My Groceries Delivered and Shopping Online with Grocery Gateway

I have come to loathe shopping for groceries.  There I said it.  Ever since starting the day job which involves hours of sitting in rush hour traffic, any time for procuring groceries has evaporated like the morning mist.  Added to this time crunch was the fact that I could only buy as much as I could carry.  Even that was tough due to health issues.  A couple of full tote bags would cause pain that would last 24 hours and beyond.  However, with an invalid, disabled partner at home, there was no choice or so I thought.  Now, for the longest time, I used to laugh at people who ordered their groceries online.  What?  They couldn't be half arsed to go and get food that would keep them alive?  Well, I eat my words (notice the play on words?).  Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and began ordering my groceries from Grocery Gateway.  

The service is brilliant.  The delivery person will happily bring your order right into your kitchen or pantry.  No more schlepping to the grocery store, wandering the aisles in a daze and then heaving it all back.  You can choose various timeslots and what day you want your order delivered.  They will deliver up to 10pm and you can modify your order up to 11pm the night before delivery.  Yes, my grocery bill has gone up as I am buying what I need from one place instead of going to 2 or 3 different stores, chasing sales.  However, the benefits to my health and sanity are well worth it.  The terrible pains have disappeared and it is one stressful chore that has been eliminated.  I can't recommend it highly enough. This is not a sponsored post but if you leave your email address in the comments section, I can send you a referral email so that you will get $10 off your first order and so will I.

This is not a sponsored post.

LBH January Monthly Favourites: Shopping the Sales, J Crew, Banana Republic

Wow, I can't believe January is winding down. What with starting a new job and a partner who has been housebound for almost the entirety of January, the month has flashed by.  The new job caused a bit of a concern on the wardrobe front.  The thing with having a capsule wardrobe is that any gaps tend to make themselves glaringly known especially if one is starting an office job after a long while working from home.  Thank goodness for the January sales where it is possible to pick up much needed items at a good price.  Perhaps I should have titled this post, "How to Shop the Sales."  Believe me when I say that I have made many shopping mistakes in the past, lured by the low price tag.  Having a shopping list and knowing what looks good on me and what my style is has helped enormously in cutting down on costly mistakes.  Even if the price is cheap, if it is a mistake and you know that you will never wear it, then it is still money wasted. Top of my list was a pair of tailored trousers.  I picked up this basic pair of black wool tailored trousers at J Crew at 50% off.

via J Crew

You can't go wrong with a pair of straightforward tailored pants and they really are a staple item in any wardrobe.  

Next I picked up a gorgeous navy velvet skirt from Banana Republic.

via Banana Republic

What's not to love about navy velvet?  I am crushing hard on this addition to my wardrobe.  It can go from work to evening with ease and the velvet adds that bit of discreet glamour to what would otherwise be a standard pencil skirt. 

That's it for me.  Have you picked up anything in the January sales?

This is not a sponsored post.