a Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe.

Happy Canada Day!

The long weekend is finally here - Canada Day is tomorrow!

Unfortunately, I will be working all weekend. I do hope to find some time to relax though!

For any one celebrating the long weekend, enjoy it! For everyone else, I hope you enjoy your weekend as well!

What are your plans for this weekend?

xo Shannon

summer favourites series: part three

I can't believe June is almost over already! Summer is flying by faster than I would like. For the next part of my summer favourites series, it's all about NARS!

NARS: Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: 
Since summer is all about natural looking skin, a good tinted moisturizer can be a girl's best friend!

Recently I picked up the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in their lightest shade, Finland. There isn't a huge range of shades, unfortunately, but this shade works perfectly for my skin.

The product gives a good amount of coverage. It isn't a heavy formula, and it isn't too sheer in coverage, which I really like. It adds a good amount of moisture to the skin and has an SPF - also great for summertime!

Overall, I am really loving this product. It is a great day-to-day tinted moisturizer that adds a nice, healthy glow to the skin! 

NARS: Liberte Blush: 
I am a self-confessed blushaholic. A good blush is essential, whatever season it may be! 

At the moment, my favourite summer blush is NARS' Liberte. (Second to Milani's Baked Blush in Rose D'Oro - a gorgeous rosey gold shade.) After seeing Liberte on the shelf at Sephora, I could not resist! 

I love the bold, burnt-orange shade. It looks great on slightly bronzed skin, adding a hint of warm colour. With this product, a little goes a long way, so it's important not to be too heavy handed with it. 

Like all NARS blushes, the texture is smooth, silky and it lasts well on the skin. Definitely a summer must have!

Have you tried either of these NARS products?

xo Shannon 

inspired by: taylor momsen

Taylor Momsen is known for her dramatic, gothic inspired style. From Gossip Girl to The Pretty Reckless, Taylor's style has changed dramatically over the last several years.

I know a lot of people loathe Taylor's style. Personally, I adore it. I love her edgy rocker-chic sensibilities. The dramatic flair and fearlessness of her style is remarkable.

Lately, I have been listening to her band, The Pretty Reckless more than usual. I found myself searching through photos I had saved on my computer, and decided to post some of my favourite pictures of Taylor Momsen and her amazing sense of style.

What do you think of Taylor Momsen's style?

xo Shannon

anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.

Sure, I did some sightseeing in New York, but more importantly, I went shopping! There are few things more exciting than going shopping, especially in a city like New York!

Here are some of the things I bought while I was away.

Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes - these brushes are so cute! I love that the bristles are soft. Also, the smokey eye brush is amazing!

H&M Lace and Neon Dress - lace and neon together....perfection!

Vince Camuto Strapless Dress - This dress is absolutely gorgeous and has to be my favourite thing I bought in New York! The material is beautiful and I love the colour.

Xhilaration Polka Dot Romper - I am a fan of a good romper, and this one was too cute to pass up!

Forever 21 Feather Print Dress - I love how casual and cute this dress is. The print is adorable!

Forever 21 Floral Print Blazer and Neon Skirt - If you can't tell, I am currently obsessing over neons and floral prints! Love!

Free People Floral Print Dress - Such a fan of Free People, and this dress is a great indication of why! I love how cute, feminine, but sexy it is.

Xhilaration Leopard Print Maxi Dress - I am a sucker for a good maxi dress, but I love this one because it is form-fitting and a little bit sexy. I've worn it since coming home, and my boyfriend loved it!

Edge Striped Belted Dress - I love the simplicity of this dress. Great for a casual afternoon. I really love the lace detail on the back and the belt!

Breakfast at Tiffany's T-shirt - Seeing as Audrey Hepburn is my biggest idol, I simply had to buy this shirt when I saw it!

Disney Store Little Wishes T-shirt and Hoodie - I am a Disney addict. I come from a Disney family, so going into the Disney store in Times Square was a must! Aren't these adorable?

ASH Sneaker Wedges - These are SO cute! I love them! They are comfy and super adorable!

Guess Striped Heels - I simply couldn't resist these heels! So cute for summer!

Phew! I think I am cut off from shopping for a while! I certainly did some damage while in New York!

Have you gone shopping lately? What did you buy?

xo Shannon

you come to new york to find the ambiance that will evoke your best.

There is something special about New York City. It is easy to fall in love with the energy of the city, the bustle of the crowds, and the awe inspiring sights.

Recently, my family spent some time in New York to celebrate my Mom's birthday. It was a good trip, but as many do, it felt too short! I spent some time writing in Central Park, went to the fashion museum at FIT, saw Evita - staring the absolutely perfect Ricky Martin - on Broadway, and did some shopping!

Here are some of my pictures from the trip!

 

Up next - my New York shopping haul!

Have you ever been to New York? What did you think of it?

xo Shannon

it is a strange thing to come home. while yet on the journey, you cannot at all realize how strange it will be.

Returning home always results in that same odd feeling - relieved to be surrounded by the familiar and equally disappointed to leave the unfamiliar behind. Before I had even arrived home from New York, I was struck with this feeling.

I got in late last night and am just now starting to catch up with things. I can't wait to write about my experience in New York, and to catch up on what you have all been doing!

How was your weekend?

xo Shannon

one belongs to new york instantly. one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.

New York City is one of my favourite places to visit. I love the bustle of the streets, the grandness of the buildings, and that indescribable feeling in the air.

I am traveling to New York City for a few days with my family to celebrate my mom's birthday. We have tickets to see Evita, and plan to do some shopping and sightseeing. What I am most excited about is having a day all to myself in the city. I hope to spend an afternoon people watching and writing in Central Park.

My apologies that I will be absent for the next several days. When I return, I will be sure to fill you all in on my adventures in New York!

Take care, all!

xo Shannon

mirror, mirror, on the wall.

There are so many reasons to love Snow White and the Huntsman. Action, drama, romance, and most notably, the stunning beauty of Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron.

I love fairy tales, especially stories about the battle between good and evil. This film did a great job of staying true to the intention of the fairy tale, while still maintaining its' own story.

Visually, this movie was incredible. There are certain scenes, especially in the forests, that are overwhelming to look at! Also, I was especially taken by Charlize's wardrobe and makeup as the Wicked Queen, and Kristen's signature Snow White lips. (Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman didn't hurt either!)

Have you seen Snow White and the Huntsman yet? What did you think of it?

xo Shannon

summer favourites series: part two

When it comes to summer makeup, I love bronze, gold, and brown tones. They can look so effortless but still bring a ton of glamour.

Last summer I frequently used Tarina Tarantino's Sparklicity Bronze Palette. As summer creeps closer, I find myself going back to it. There is a range of light shimmery colours, browns, golds, and even a gorgeous turquoise. The colour pigmentation is good and there is little fall out. They last quite well, also, which is a necessity for summer!

"Influenced by soaring Moorish architecture and dusty Turkish horizons, Sparklicity Bronze conjures up images of sun drenched vistas and regal exoticism. Dazzling geometric tiling from the famed Topkapi Palace inspires this sophisticated update of summer colors. Shimmering neutrals, misty golds, and soft oasis blue lure you eastward on this elegant voyage." 
—XOXO, Tarina Tarantino, jewelry designer and makeup artist

This palette is just perfect for summer! I recently used the turquoise colour with some of the deep, red-ish gold colour and the shimmery white on the bottom row to create a beautiful look for an outdoor concert. This was the result:

For summer makeup, consider going bronze!

What is your favourite kind of summer makeup?

xo Shannon

a good snapshot stops a moment from running away.

One great photograph can stop you in your tracks. That is how I felt when I came across this photo - something about it resonated with me. I just can't stop looking at it.

This photograph exudes strength.

There is a bold kind of strength in her expression, where she is almost daring the viewer to follow. I love the extension of the arm and leg, so confident. There is just something about this photograph that is completely arresting.

Are you as taken by this shot as I am?

xo Shannon

summer favourites series: part one

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

If you couldn't tell from my last post, I am craving summer.

This is why I have decided to do a summer favourites series. This will include favourite makeup and beauty products for the summer, favourite summer outfits, and favourite things to do in the summertime!

For part one of my summer favourites series, I will be talking about Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer.

Naturally, I am very very pale. In the summer, I always burn and never seem to tan. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to try Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer after hearing positive reviews on it for people with fair complexions.

This stuff is fantastic. Not only does it leave my skin feeling silky and smooth, but it adds a natural amount of colour. The results aren't instant, but gradual. Even after the first two days of using it, however, you can start seeing results. I am absolutely loving having a little bit of colour!

Here is my before and after:

I would recommend this product to people with fair skin or who want to build up a natural looking tan.

Have you tried Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer? What do you think of it?

xo Shannon

beyond my heart i need not reach, when all is summer there.

For a week or so, the weather was beautiful. The sun was bright, shorts and skirts replaced pants, and sweaters were non-existent. Then suddenly, it got cold again. For the last several days, the sky has been grey.

In order to ease my disappointment at the sudden disappearance of summer, I have been looking at photographs that remind me of the sun.

I came across this shoot for Glamour UK. I love the playfulness, the fashion, and especially - the sun!

What do you think of this photo shoot? Are you looking forward to summer?

xo Shannon