Life Lately.

It's tough to get back into things after a vacation. We got back at the end of April, and that sort of of lead into this month being mainly a resting period for some much needed errand-running, future planning and even some thrifting here and there. 

One of the very first days back my mom and I went for a good Value Village hunt as we often do. I came back with this chair for three dollars! Eventually I want to change the fabric on its seat cushion, but for now it looks pretty darn cute in this corner of my living room.

I have stumbled upon a few retro patterned clothing in the last month. More than I ever have. I can't wait to get these two in the shop among a couple others. I am planning something special for my vintage shop in the next little while. I usually just have my clothing on hangers in my shop listing photos, but in the next little while I'll be reshooting everything with live models to best show off the clothes. I think I'll use my go-to gal, my sister Erin. I might even do a few myself. We'll see!

All I know is background decorations for the photos need to be made!!

Recently we had our 2nd house anniversary. The house itself was built in 1950, but we've only known it for two years. This house is a vintage dream, but it has it's problems as all old, fixer-upper homes do. We are slowly finishing it up room by room. I always feel self-conscious about it in the summer, because it's easy to spot the outside problems, like our crumbling front step or our leaning fence. I just have to remind myself we'll get there in time. This house deserves a lot of love and we're totally willing to put in the time to get it back where it should be. 

I tend to spend a lot of time at home, because that's where most of my hobbies and interests take place. It's tough for me to break away from that, because it seems like theres always something to do at the house. I always have to remind myself to stop being such a hermit, because it can and will go completely unnoticed by me. In the last year I've spent lots of time rekindling friendships with old friends, and going out more. It's been so nice having an added support system, especially of people who know me really, really well. And of course, going out more means getting dressed up more and I'm totally into that.

It's been raining a lot lately. I love staying indoors, hearing the raindrops at our old windows. Night times here have been consisting of movie watching and the occasional bowl of popcorn.

I am not the only thrifter in our household. My fiancé (Oh, that's still weird for me!) has his favourite things to look for too. We recently went thrifting together, which is a rarity. He found this truly amazing 1970s receiver for our record player. We've waited since our apartment days for a good one. Now it's all hooked up in the living room and sounds crisp and clear. I've been playing Henry Mancini's soundtrack for Breakfast at Tiffany's a lot and I can't get enough! I'm in a Sixties sort of mood right now.

This month is winding down, but the busiest summer is ahead. My mom is selling her house. My dad bought a cabin. I'll be busy helping them both. On my own end, there's house renovations to plan for, shop updates to do and somewhere in there we'll start wedding plans. 

I hope May has been a good month for you!

Marissa xo

Chicago Part Two

Today I'm putting up the second set of photos from our Chicago trip. I seriously can't believe it's been a month since we were there. I already feel like I'm ready to go somewhere else again!

The art gallery was truly amazing. There were so many incredible paintings I've always wanted to see in real life. The collection of miniature rooms were the first thing we looked at and I took pictures of each one. I couldn't believe the intricate details put into each tiny room. Those three photos in the top right corner are of the some of the miniatures. You wouldn't even know they weren't real rooms with real furniture and decor! 

I am a huge, huge fan of surrealism. Seeing the Salvador Dali paintings, especially this one painted on a big wooden divider, was unbelievable. I wanted to see the paintings by Renee Magritte, because he's my favourite artist and a big influence in my own art. Unfortunately they were all in storage, because they were having a large Magritte exhibit in the coming months. I can't believe I missed it! Oh well. 

I loved every bit of the art gallery, from the paintings, to the sculptures and statues, to the furniture exhibits. It was all fantastic! 

We went to the Willis Tower on the same day as the art gallery, later in the evening. There's an observation deck on the 103rd floor. I was a little worried about the glass floor, because I'm very afraid of heights. It's one of the tallest buildings in the world, so the thought of that kind of view terrified me! It was packed and not as fun as we thought it would be, but after a long wait in line we got our chance to look out over the edge. Then there was a extra long line to get back down. It would definitely be worth going on a quieter day, because the view is so nice, but it was way too busy when we were there. Too busy for me anyway. Afterwards we went to Giordano's for deep dish pizza, but they were overbooked. We just ordered it to-go and hopped in a cab to take it back to the hotel for a quiet, late night pizza dinner. 

While we were back at the hotel, Wai proposed to me! He had been carrying the ring around for the whole week and was waiting for a good moment. His idea was to propose at the Willis Tower, but because it wasn't the best experience, he didn't do it! It was nice that he did it in the hotel though. It was just the two of us. We're more of a private, low-key couple, so being alone for it was just our style anyway. He proposed to me in Chicago. That's romantic enough for me! I'm so excited to start this new chapter of our life together and of course, start planning for our wedding!

Our first actual day as an engaged couple was spent at C2E2, the Chicago Comic Con. I've never been to one before. We were there for eight hours and it was quite whirlwind of an experience. Their convention centre is such a huge space and it was filled with so many booths and thousands of people dressed in the most elaborate costumes. 

Wai got his Comic Con day, so the next day was for me! We went to the Randolph Street Market, to check out some local vintage and makers' wares. It was fantastic, but it was early in the season, so not as big as they usually are when it warms up in the spring and summer. We were there for a long time, hunting through all the booths for some really great items and deals. I got a fabulous 60s minidress, 60s box-y top, three pairs of earrings and a few gifts for family members. Even Wai found some things for himself; a vintage music poster from Europe included. We both love vintage things and we both have our own styles. There were even some some ridiculously amazing furniture pieces there that I wish I could've taken home with me. We would never find those kinds of things here in Winnipeg. 

The next morning we went to the airport to make our way home, but it was not in the cards for us in the end. The short story is, our flight was delayed many times, then cancelled, and then we waited for a transfer flight to Montreal in order to get home faster the next day. In Montreal our luggage was lost and on a separate plane flying in later that night. By 2 am the next morning we were in our little airport hotel just outside Montreal, exhausted and ready to go home. We got some sleep and woke up early to head to the airport once again. We waited and waited and finally got on our plane back to Winnipeg. Air travel can be so frustrating, but in the end we got home okay and that's all that matters.

Our trip to Chicago was so much fun. I think we will be going back again in the future. The city is so colourful, creative and energetic. It was just the type of vacation we needed. I hope you liked the photos! Obviously I couldn't fit them all in. I just had to pick the best ones. I'm glad I took so many, so I can look at them and remember how amazing it is there! 

Well have a great Monday everyone!

I'll see you again soon!

Marissa xo

New Collections for Spring/Summer 2014

I don't always discuss my cosmetician roots and current real life job, but I know I should. I have a lot of information to give and knowledge to share. I am so lucky to be able to easily get my hands on the latest beauty products and be well informed. Easy access to tricks, trends and new releases are what keep my in the loop and at the top of my game. I have been fortunate to work along side so many beautiful and talented women in my career, and of course lucky to work with such groundbreaking products. The beauty industry never ceases to amaze me. These brands (well most of them) are working harder than ever to keep up with their customers and give them exactly what they want.

With that being said, I am going to introduce you to some of my favourite new and limited edition products right now. I have no loyalty to one brand or another. I am not promoting these for any other reason than I trust in their claims and believe that they work. But remember, beauty is like anything in life, everyone has their own likes, dislikes and opinions.

ONE - One product I'm super excited about is the Limited Edition Gel Liner from Lise Watier. It's part of the Eden Tropical Collection and will only be available until June or until supplies last!

This liner is in a pot form with a screw off lid and glass jar. The packaging itself is very nice and has some weight to it. The product though, is out of this world. It has a great, creamy consistency. It's glossy, smooth and easy to apply. Once dried it acquires a strong matte finish and is resistant to smudging, rubbing or removal, which is lovely for us gals who like waterproof makeup exclusively. The winged or cat eye effect is the perfect matchup for this new eyeliner.

TWO - Clarins recently launched a beautiful new summer product that I know will become really popular in the coming months leading through summer. It's their new Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster. If you've ever tried any of the Clarins Self Tanners or Sun Care products, you'll know Clarins knows how to make your skin glow with a natural finish, and of course, with the health of your skin in mind. This French skincare uses top of the line, nature based ingredients to help your skin radiate. This product is a concentrate. The way it's used is you put two to three drops into your daily moisturizer or lotion and mix well. Apply to your skin and voila! You'll get a nice enhanced bronze look. Subtle and gentle. No harsh looks here. 

THREE -  This is also a Clarins product! It's called Splendours Shimmer Body Oil. Now Clarins tends to have a limited edition shimmering body oil available most years and for good reason. It's very popular. Not only does it give you a very sheer glow, the oil is extremely hydrating on your skin, and it smells amazing too! For what this product is, the bottle is huge. You'll definitely have it for a long time. Whether you apply it all over, or maybe just on your legs, your chest or just on your cheeks, this product is worth every penny. Just to clarify though, this is not a self tanner. It does not make you progressively darker. It's only a shimmer product for a temporary glow.

FOUR - Some people like a bronze shimmer (like above) and some like pearl. Personally, I like pearl! The Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Cool Radiance Highlighter is from the new Summer Escape Collection. Oh man, the first time I tested out this illuminating stick I fell in love. If you like shimmery, dewy looks, this highlighter is going to be your best friend. This is a real departure for Elizabeth Arden. I love that this new collection holds something for everyone. Some daring items for young women and classic key products for more mature women. The direction Elizabeth Arden is going in is fabulous and I can't wait to see what else they can come up with. This stick is also limited edition and if I had to guess, based on past collections, it probably won't be coming back once it's gone. How sad!

 FIVE - The Lise Watier Cream Blush (or Blush Creme Satin) in Rose Eden for the Eden Tropical collection is heavenly. It comes in a fabulous pot with a screw off lid, much like the eyeliner, but larger. I have never seen such a smooth and gentle application. This blush leaves your skin looking fresh, clean and naturally delicate. The colour payoff is amazing. You just need the finest amount and because the jar is on the larger size, you'll be using it for a long, long time. Right now she is limited edition (hopefully to come back in the future as regular stock though), so pick it up while you still can!

Well I hope you liked this little wrap-up of beautiful items currently on your drug store/ beauty store shelves. 

Have a great day everyone!

Marissa xo