Winter Favourites

I’ve decided to start doing something a little different for my “Favourites” series on the blog. In the past, I’ve been featuring my beauty favourites of the moment and while they are never in short supply, sometimes I do find myself going back to basics in terms of simplifying my makeup routine. In short, I don’t really have that many products I’m necessarily obsessed with at any given time.

Moreover, I get pretty obsessed with random stuff for a few months and since it’s my blog and I can do whatever my little heart desires, I decided to include some non-beauty favourites for my winter roundup. If you’re just here for makeup and swatches, don’t worry. I’ve got some of that too!

The Little Book of Hygee: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to discover the concept of hygge. It’s so me! I’ve been living my life with its principles for so long. It’s been the spark, the feeling that always guides me in my love of interior decorating and design, fashion and living. Now granted, my tastes might be a bit more loud and eclectic than the traditional concept might entail, but I like to think it’s my own personal twist on hygge. It’s why I’m so finicky about how I set up my home and my spaces, why it’s important for me to surround myself with colour, textiles, beautiful things, or build a snowman, or work in front of a wall of cascading flowers every day. But I could never fully put these concepts into words to explain to others and I never knew it had a name.

I was gifted a lovely little book for Christmas that basically explained it for me! From the back cover: “Hygge has been translated as everything from the art of creating intimacy to coziness of the soul to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things…” This is from the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, guys. It’s all about lighting, mood, good food, warm relationships, all the things in life that make you feel like that smiley face, closed eyes emoji with the blushing cheeks! And as if the written content of this gem wasn’t good enough, it has the most darling illustrations and infographics. I LOVE INFOGRAPHICS. Yes, everyone, I’m a weirdo.

Texas Hold’em

I first learned how to play Texas Hold’em in university and was pretty obsessed for a long time. I never played in a casino or anything, or even for money, but I would insist on playing as often as possible with anyone who would play with me. I would even watch the World Poker Tour on TV and get as into it as others might get into a sports game.

Over Christmas, I got back into it and we ordered a really nice poker set with a gift card we received. I’m thinking of starting a monthly poker night. A low-stakes, friendly game of course. I love poker, but I’m not interested in any sore losers flipping over my nice dining table in rage. That’s why I have never and will never play poker in a casino. I’m no expert, and the casino gamblers are so serious, it really takes all the fun out of it for me. It’s really more about hanging out with your friends and playing a fun game, in my opinion. Who doesn’t love a good game night?

Tarte Glitter Liner in Rose Gold

I know rose gold glitter liner doesn’t exactly scream winter beauty routine, but ever since I got this baby last November, I’ve been obsessed! It’s so beautiful and since it’s a liner, the glitter can be as subtle as you want it to be and perfectly acceptable for everyday wear. It’s definitely one of my favourite recent purchases!

RMS Beauty lip2cheek in Promise

I’ve been super into the deeper rose-toned blushes lately and this cream blush does not disappoint. I didn’t realize when I bought it that there were so many flecks of gold/shimmer in it, but actually, it gives your cheeks a beautiful glossy highlight in addition to a warm flush. Cream blushes are so beautiful and natural looking, perfect for a simple winter beauty routine! You can also wear it on your lips, which I do on occasion, but I tend to sick with the cheeks for this shade. Be careful not to touch your face too much when using this, though, as it will wear off!

Annabelle Waterproof Liquid Liner in Bronze

This is an oldie, but a goodie for me. I rediscovered it recently when I ran out of black eye liner and to be honest, I think I like it better. A bronze or brown eye liner is so much more subtle and less harsh than a black eye liner, yet still dark enough to make quite an impact on your overall look. It’s a kind of “barely there” type of effect. It’s pretty, but not vampy, if that’s the look you’re going for.

Playing the ukulele

I almost forgot to include something I’ve been super obsessed with lately…The ukulele! I bought a simple soprano uke several years ago and started teaching myself how to play and for some reason (maybe I was discouraged), I put it away for a number of years until recently, after Christmas, when I picked it up again with a fervour. I’ve been practicing diligently every single day and even brought it with me to Vancouver in my carry-on suitcase when I went to visit my family. As Kyler said as we were leaving the house to go to the airport, “It’s going to be the cutest X-ray scan ever!”

I’m surprising myself with how quickly I’m learning the chords and picking up the different strumming techniques. Consistent practicing really is the key to learning so many things. If you’ve always wanted to learn to play guitar, but it’s a bit too challenging for you, I highly recommend starting with the ukulele. I find it so much easier!

So, what’s been keeping you cozy and full of joy this winter? I’d love to know!

xoxo

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