Lot 65

Music Monday: Doctor Doctor

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 13:00:00 +0000

David Myles is a musician who I've been a huge fan of for several years now. I've been to his live show at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, as well as at the Indian River Festival here on PEI, and he consistently puts on an absolutely fantastic show. So obviously I was eagerly anticipating the release of his latest EP, Here Now, which came out last Friday. This tune was the first single from the EP to be released, and it's been an integral number in the solo car concerts that are typical of my lengthy drives to visit family and friends each weekend. Feel-good fun, and I like it. Follow

Paris After the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 14:00:00 +0000

L: Lip Parfait Creamy Colour Balm in Rive Droite and Rive Gauche R, Top: Matte Eye Colours - Champs Elysée, Saint Germain, Tour Eiffel and Le Marais R, Bottom: Multi Chrome Pearl Toppers: La Madeleine, Arc de Triomphe, Rue de Rivoli, and Montmartre I'm never one to turn away from the chance to try a new make-up look, so I basically jumped at the chance to give the new spring launch from Laura Mercier a go. The launch (in stores as of January) included two new colours in the Lip Parfait Creamy Colour Balm (USD $25) range, as well as a limited edition eyeshadow palette, entitled Paris After the Rain (USD $55). The Lip Parfait formula is creamy, with a medium coverage and a gloss-like shine. Both Rive Droite and Rive Gauche are lovely nude colours, wearable with so many looks and so easy to wear. I am all about a nude lip of late, and so I was thrilled with these. Not to mention that my parched lips very much appreciate the balm in Colour Balm. These lippies are seriously hydrating and I am officially a fan.

Eyes: Laura Mercier's Saint Germain, Le Marais, Champs Elysées, Montmartre and Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara Lips: Laura Mercier's Rive Gauche The Paris After the Rain palette has beautiful colours encased in simple and classic black matte packaging. Inside, there are four matte shades and four "multi chrome pearl toppers", or, in layman's terms, shimmery shades. With the exception of Saint Germain (matte) and perhaps La Madeleine (shimmer), these are fairly dramatic colours for everyday, and are much more suited to a smoky eye look, accented with the pearlescent shimmer of the multi chrome colours. Saint Germain is also the most buttery of the matte shades, to the point that it almost feels like a different formula to the other three. Even though the remaining three matte shades are also quite creamy - they are just not as next-level as Saint Germain. That said, all four are richly pigmented, and long-lasting: the make-up look I tried out above lasted for hours and hours with no touch-ups required. The glittery pearl shades are also beautifully formulated, much like Saint Germain, and are super easy to apply. I went for my fingertips instead of a brush and was very pleased with the resulting dimension it added to the look. The only real drawback for me with this palette is that it's pretty pricey for the quantity of shadow it contains. Consider that the Tartelette in Bloom palette with 12 shadows instead of eight, in USD at least, is ten dollars less. However, for the die-hard eyeshadow fan, and especially for fans of Laura Mercier products, I think this palette wouldn't disappoint. I know I'll certainly get a fair amount of use out of this palette, especially for evening and more dramatic looks. Follow

Book By Its Cover v.2

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:00:00 +0000

As I have mentioned before, I do admit to being drawn in by beautiful cover art. It is what always initially leads me to pick up the book and take a peek at the description inside the dust jacket or on the back of the novel. Lately, I'm particularly taken with floral covers, and there are some seriously beautiful ones featured on novels I'm also very interested to read, so I thought I'd share those here today. Black Iris by Leah Raeder - A dark suspense novel with themes of bullying, gossip, mental illness and romance - sounds like a good read to me! The Widow, by Fiona Barton - After having read The Girl on the Train I was intrigued by the idea of this story of the widow of a man who'd been suspected of a terrible crime. I think it is a unique premise, and that is always intriguing.
Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra -I actually just finished this historical fiction novel about an heiress with an unusual speech impediment, unraveling the mysterious work being done by her physician brother-in-law and her potential suitor.
You Are Not Here by Samantha Schutz - I admit that with this one, it is the cover that interests me more than the story - a romance with a Lurlene McDaniel-esque tragedy. That said, I may still give it a try.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson - This book initially caught my eye as one of the Best of 2013 Goodreads winners for historical fiction - a genre I generally enjoy. Also interesting was the idea of a protagonist who dies and comes back to life repeatedly. Not sure I understand how that will work into the tale, but I am definitely curious. The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith - Although I think that this will be a difficult read, I think it's also an important one. It follows Eden, in the aftermath of a rape by her brother's best friend, set over the course of her journey through high school. I'm interested to see how Amber Smith depicts such a sensitive and unfortunately all-too-common occurrence. Are there any beautifully-covered books grabbing your attention lately? Follow

Happy Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Whether you're celebrating with a special loved one or enjoying the day solo, taking a day to remember and delight in the love that surrounds us is always a good idea. Even if romance isn't in the air for everyone, there are many kinds of love to rejoice in - certainly the love of friends and family is always something to be grateful for. And certainly, taking some time to invest in loving and caring for yourself is always worthwhile too. To that end, I've shared a few little bits and bobs that I think would be the perfect little treats for a love-filled day, whether your being treated or simply treating yourself! If ever there was a "healthy" and beautiful chocolate bar, the new Chocolate Bon Bons palette from Too Faced (or any of their Chocolate Bar palettes, for that matter) is certainly one of them. A gorgeous set of wearable shades that even smells like chocolate = perfection. A sparkling and glittery bauble is something I love any day of the year. I personally love this classic pavé chain-link bracelet from J. Crew. It might be a little bit cheesy or kitschy, but I can't help but enjoy this sweet little heart-shaped Secret Admirer bag from Kate Spade - it's totally adorable. I'm a huge fan of the Hello Kitty x OPI collection (more on that later), and this sparkling rosy pink polish, Starry-Eyed for Dear Daniel is absolutely gorgeous on, and especially perfect for a love-filled day like today. There's nothing like a gentle aroma to lift the spirits, and so for me, a lovely scented candle is never amiss when relaxation and indulgence are the words of the day. This rosewater, cherry and violet scented pick, Loose Lips, by Byredo, is just the ticket for a Valentine's Day scent. Continuing on with beautiful scents, this new perfume from Miu Miu has been on my wishlist for a while, and it's not simply because of the totally stunning packaging (although as a lover of perfume bottles as much as perfume itself, it certainly helps. I got a sample of this and used it up almost immediately - the central note, lily of the valley, is one of my very favourite floral scents, so it comes as no surprise that I love this fragrance. So it might be a major splurge item, but I think this Cat Nap Set from Charlotte Olympia would be the perfect gift, or also the ideal way to treat yourself. With sweet snoozy kitten slippers and matching sleep mask, what's not to love?
Lastly, it wouldn't be a true wish-list of mine without a book. Obviously. I am smitten with all things Paris (my dream to visit has yet to come true) and I would love to get my hands on this inspiring collection of chic looks, Paris Street Style. The ultimate inspiration for Parisian-chic dressing. No matter what your relationship status, I hope you find yourself surrounded by love today. Happy Valentine's Day! Follow

Reviewed: Oxygenetix Foundation & Moisturizer

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Even though I am well into adulthood, my struggle with acne and covering it up continues to be very real. So, when I got an email from Oxygenetix regarding breathable, oxygenating moisturizer and foundation that are targeted to both covering and healing a variety of skin concerns - in my case, acne, I was intrigued.
The Oxygenating Moisturizer emerged as the hands down favourite of the two. It is lovely, super light-weight, very hydrating, and wears extremely well under make-up. I've been using it morning and night for about a month, and my skin has been responding really well to it. Oftentimes with very sensitive skin, some formulas can be irritating, but this is one I would absolutely be interested to purchase when my current supply runs out, if budget allows.

I was impressed at the range of colours in the Oxygenating Foundation range, as it does seem to cater to a truly wide array of skin tones, more so than many foundations I've seen from other brands. I went with Pearl, and it was a very good colour match for my very fair skin. I would say it provides a light-to-medium coverage that I was happy with, although I think you could likely build it up to full coverage. I'm not sure how it would be at covering up scars or more intense redness, though, as I don't have those skin concerns. It wasn't like my experience with Dermablend, which provided super-full coverage and really perfected the skin. However, I do think that there does have to be some allowance made for the breathability of this foundation, because it certainly feels like there's nothing on your skin, which I love. I did still have some breakouts, but those were not exacerbated or increased by this foundation, which, for me is definitely unusual but totally great! As a super-pale redhead, I do also certainly appreciate the SPF. Both products are also vegan and cruelty free, which is a plus.

This is a very specialized product, and so the price reflects this. It is certainly not drugstore range, but much more high end with the moisturizer at $85 and the foundation at $66 - and that is on a US site - our poor Canadian dollar! Ouch! Particularly when noting that Chanel's brand new Les Beiges foundation is $65 (CAD) for double the amount. Combined with very minimal, less attractive packaging, it makes the price point a bit hard to swallow, considering the 15 ml gets used up very quickly - I'm already almost out! That said, if it fits your very specialized skin care concerns, it might well be worth it. The main downer for me, is how difficult it is to get this product. It's not available anywhere on PEI, and is only sold in select specialized beauty or skincare clinics in Canada (There is a list here). It seems to be more readily available in the US, and I did find it (on sale!) at online beauty boutique Lovely Skin, which does actually ship to Canada - although with our dollar the way it is, even the relatively reasonable flat rate shipping of $20 is going to hurt. You're going to have to really want this stuff and seek it out to add it to your collection. I noted that Lovely Skin does offer $9 samples of foundation to test for colour match, which is helpful, especially since one can't easily pop in to a counter to swatch, as you might with drugstore or even higher end designer brands like Nars, or Armani. Overall, I did find these to be good quality if difficult-to-obtain products. Both are a bit costly for my more humble beauty budget, but I may make an exception for the moisturizer. If you do have seriously sensitive or damaged skin, however, the foundation might also be worth considering, although with the price point, I'd certainly suggest trying out the sample size first to be sure of a good colour match. Follow

2015 Beauty Favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 23:00:00 +0000

I'm a little late to the game in posting my beauty favourites for the year of 2015, but as we are still in January for the next week or so, thought I'd get it in under the wire. When selecting my top products from last year, I went for ones that were part of my daily or almost daily routine. I went through two bottles of the foundation, for instance, and the favourite lipstick is almost down to the bottom of the bullet. So these are legitimate "I use these daily" type products that I love and either have repurchased when they run out, or would do. So without further ado, these are my top picks of 2015.

MAC 217 Blending Brush

I don't know what took me so long to pick this brush up, but it became a fast favourite. My rather limited eyeshadow application skills looked ten times better almost instantaneously because of this little blending beauty. Now I don't know how I ever went without it.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

I love a natural looking finish foundation and this one is just that. It blends beautifully into the skin and provides a light to medium coverage but just gives my skin the most radiant and lovely look. The only downside to this for me is that it's only available in select Shopper's Drug Mart locations, with the closest of these curently being two hours from where I live. That said, it's definitely worth the journey.

Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick - Plummy Rose

I've used this lipstick so much that I am seriously almost down to the bottom of the bullet, there is just the smallest point of a nub left. It is such a lovely and warm neutral colour that looks at home with almost any look, and it is amazingly moisturizing and hydrating on the lips.

MAC Powder Blush - Melba

This is the blush I reach for again and again, and has been a longtime favourite of mine. I think I have worn it if not daily, then several times a week for the past year or two. Somehow I've managed not to hit pan yet, which is a testament to how pigmented this product is. You don't need much to have a lovely soft peachy glow to the cheeks.

OPI My Very First Knockwurst

I have an embarrassingly large collection of soft pinks, beiges and taupes in my nail polish collection. I just love the look of a nail colour that is similar to my skin tone, I think it looks so pretty and refined. Of these, my very favourite is OPI's My Very First Knockwurst. It is just the perfect mix of pink and taupe and I just love it. I'm on my second bottle, which, for me is almost unheard of in the nail polish realm: I almost never use up an entire bottle, so that is saying something.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

My lashes are blonde, and basically disappear when I am not wearing mascara, so it's one product that I cannot live without. I was initially hesitant to try Roller Lash because I'd heard mixed reviews about it from the beauty youtubers that I follow, but when a sample size came in my monthly Birchbox, I loved it so much that I went out, bought the full size and haven't looked back. It lengthens lashes beautifully, holds a curl, and never looks clumpy = win.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Leather - Creamy Beige

I am a big fan of this whole range of cream shadows from Maybelline - they are budget-friendly, incredibly easy to use, blendable, and long-lasting. I have several of these in my make-up collection, but the colour I use the most, either on its own or as a base for other shadows is Creamy Beige - the perfect neutral.

Carven - Le Parfum

This is such a gorgeous fresh scent, that is floral with hints of hyacinth and citrus. I've gone through two rollerballs, and I think it's safe to say that this has become a signature scent for me, so I think it might just be time to bite the bullet and invest in the full-size bottle.

MAC Veluxe Brow Liner - Strawberry Blonde

As a redhead, it can be tough to find a brow pencil that works - so often they are too dark, too brown, or just plain wrong. So clearly, I was delighted to find this strawberry blonde pencil from MAC that gives definition to my brows - that are normally so blonde as to disappear entirely. This pencil became a staple almost immediately.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I could gush for ages about this gorgeous palette. The pretty (and sturdy) packaging, the beautiful warm rosy colours, the buttery super-pigmented shadows... Urban Decay just knows how to make a stunning palette. I thought long and hard about which of the three Naked palettes to purchase (although now I admit I'd love to add the others to my collection) and this one won out. It's totally my baby, and I use this beauty all. the. time.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector - Champagne Pop

Last but not least, is this absolutely, breathtakingly gorgeous highlighter from Becca Cosmetics, a collab with YouTube star Jaclyn Hill. It is creamy and super-pigmented and whenever I wear it I feel fabulous and get so many compliments. It is just the most perfect glowing shimmer and I can only hope that Becca will keep it as a permanent offering. The only caveat is that it's very fragile, and shatters easily, and as such is one to be very delicate with. I've had to rescue mine not once but twice with rubbing alcohol, so it's not looking as smooth and perfect in the pan as it once did. But in spite of the fragility, it is oh so worth it.

What were your favourite beauty products of the year? I'd love to know!

Kiss a Ginger

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 18:00:00 +0000

So today is "Kiss a Ginger" day, which I have to say, I find pretty hilarious, yet also pretty awesome. I've only ever gotten compliments on my hair colour, but certainly there are redheads out there who have been picked on for their strawberry or auburn hued locks (The fateful "carrots" scene with Anne and Gilbert, for example). If you're a redhead, today is a great day to celebrate your uniqueness, and if you're not? Consider planting a smooch on your favourite redhead. Follow

Stars in the Snow: An #OPIStarlight Review & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

No marble countertops or sheepskin rugs for this girl, it's all about freshly fallen snow (Granted, if I had either of the first two things, I might just've used them) !! It's called using what you have and making it work, à la Tim Gunn. When I received this set of absolutely stunning polishes from OPI's Starlight collection to review, I was as thrilled as a child on Christmas morning. I love shimmer, glitter and rich colours in winter and this range did not disappoint in the least. There are a bunch of winners, and I may just have discovered two of my favourite colours of the season. That said, there were also a couple of disappointments. In spite of that, I think this is a fantastic collection, for real. I will say though, that if unlike me, you are not a fan of metallic shades, this may not be the collection for you. I tried literally every single shade in preparation for this post, and I can say that the vast majority of these polishes went on smoothly, with minimal coats (usually two, not the usual three I sometimes have to do), lasted well, and looked beautiful on the nail. I think that Jen at The PolishAholic has done a great complete selection of swatches and quick reviews, but I still wanted to quickly share my thoughts on my top picks as well as the few I wouldn't recommend. Top of the Class... Let Your Love Shine - Oh my goodness, this rich, shimmery red is absolutely incredible. I absolutely, positively, utterly adored it. I almost never wear red shades on my fingernails (I generally save bold colours for my toes), but I will definitely be reaching for this one again and again. It is truly stunning, and a surprise favourite for me. Press * for Silver - I do love a good metallic, and this pinky silver was right up my alley. It is one of the few shades that I think, due to the softness of the colour, will also translate well through to spring. It does show brush strokes if you aren't careful, but the extra care is absolutely worth it. Cosmo with a Twist - I think I was feeling nostalgic about the iridescence of my long-ago prom dress, I surprised myself with a love for this darker polish. It is dark purple with a blueish sheen, and shimmers in a beautiful way. In the Middle... Ce-less-tial is More - When I looked at the bottle I gasped in delight, the glittery rose-gold colour looked so gorgeous. I put it on, it went on easily, and looked totally incredible. However, it started to chip more quickly than any of the other polishes, and I basically gave myself carpal tunnel syndrome trying to take it off: an absolute nightmare. Wearing this polish takes serious commitment, and when you want to take it off, definitely set aside some time to do tinfoil wraps and essentially chisel this stuff off the nail. Beauty is pain, friends. And the Back of the Pack... Two Wrongs Don't Make a Meteorite - This glitter looked so promising and pretty in the bottle, and with unique, almost chevron-shaped metallic glittery pieces, I was hopeful. I found that this was really heavy on the base, and that I was fighting with the brush to get the glitter off. My sister shared this sentiment when she attempted to layer, summing it up with her description of this polish as "not worth the effort for suboptimal results". I'm in the Moon for Love - I was initially super excited about this colour, a deep, dark oxblood that I felt would be great for winter and especially perfect for fall. But when I put on the first coat, it had an almost sheer, jelly-like formula, when I was expecting a rich cream. It was the polish that took the most coats to achieve the look I was going for, and I was generally disappointed with it overall.

Now for the good news! I'm doing a giveaway for two sets of minis from this collection - featuring one of my favourite (and sold-out) colours, Press * for Silver, and some other great picks from the range. It will be open for a week and a half, until next Wednesday, January 13th. There are a number of ways to enter, you'll simply need to check out the widget below for details!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: If you live outside of Canada and the US, I'll still gladly ship one of these to you, it will simply take a bit longer to arrive as it will have to come via me first, since Nail Polish Canada doesn't ship internationally. Follow

Christmas Music Monday - Oh Light

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 02:00:00 +0000

Christmas is almost upon us and I am absolutely in the holiday spirit, and have spent this evening listening to festive tunes whilst wrapping a few presents for family members near and far. Although I have a particular love for old-fashioned carols, I also love discovering new gems to add to my list of must-play holiday classics. I think the new EP from Gungor, "O Christmas" will get added to the shelf of favourite Christmas albums, right alongside Nana Mouskouri and Boney M (a quirky family they will be, I admit). I have listened to "Oh Light", their original song, so many times I've lost count. It is absolutely gorgeous and moving and the harmonies! Oh the harmonies. It is just glorious, and beautiful, and exactly the kind of music that instills the wonder of the season, so of course I had to share it here today. Wishing you all a happy and blessed holiday season! Follow

Not Your Dad's Tilley Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 14:00:00 +0000

I admit it, the first thing I think of when someone utters the phrase "Tilley Hat" is the above snap. My handsome dad, sporting his well-loved Tilley, which has travelled with him on various adventures close to home here in Canada, on journeys to Texas, Florida, the Napa Valley, until it met what might have been the beginning of its end: a trek to the Costa Rican rainforest to find a wandering primatologist (my sister), where it acted as valued headgear, shade-provider and even saw use as an emergency water bucket.
Beautiful it is not, but beloved it is. That said, when I opened a release about a collaboration between Tilley and Canadian fashion illustrator Jocelyn Teng, I was intrigued. Her work is gorgeous and super-stylish, and I was interested to see what aesthetic she would bring to such a traditional brand. When I took a look at the various styles in the range, I very much liked what I saw. My particular favourites were the floppy brimmed fedora and the vintage style cloche.

Sweater: Joe Fresh Hatt: c/o Tilley I decided upon the cloche in the end, because I thought it offered a few more options for dressing up (although my eye is on that fedora, which I might have to snatch up in burgundy before this winter is through), and I loved the brown version with the burnt orange ribbon. It arrived beautifully boxed, and it is precisely the high quality my dad has known from Tilley for as long as he's worn his, but with the style that suits my taste. It's pretty, but functional. It was a mild 3 degrees when I snapped these photos, but I know that on chillier days, this woolen topper will keep me warm, especially when pulling down the headband that hides just inside the brim. On my windy corner of this island, I know that that will definitely come in handy. Our choice of chapeaux may look quite different, but I think that after my reluctant start, I'll definitely be joining in the tradition started by my dear father - the love of the Tilley. Follow

Wishlisted: All of the Books!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 22:00:00 +0000

The holiday season is upon us (already??) and I, like most people, am hurriedly shopping around for gifts for friends, family members and loved ones. I'm admittedly also eyeing a few things I'd love to find under the tree myself, and as such, am putting together a few little wishlists of my own here on the blog. First up? You guessed it - books!

I am a reader, always have been. I love browsing bookshops, the smell of old books, looking at pretty book covers, arranging and re-arranging my bookshelves, the list goes on. As such, it should come as no surprise that I've always got a selection of books on my radar - featuring fiction, non-fiction, Canadian literature, fashion and cookbooks to name a few. These are some bookish picks that I'd love to crack into, this Christmas or any time, really.
The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood (my favourite!)
The Oppostie of Loneliness by Marina Keegan
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue by Grace Coddington
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Dumplin': Go Big or Go Home by Julie Murphy
Humans of New York: Stories by Brandon Stanton
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling (Thanks to my BFF Holly for already giving me a copy of this!)
Deliciously Ella by Ella Woodward
Face Paint: The Story of Make-up by Lisa Eldridge
Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Are there any books on your wishlist this year?
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Music Monday: I'm a Believer

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:00:00 +0000

Photo by Al Douglas

A couple of weeks ago I went to a fantastic show (pictured above - I was in that crowd!) at the PEI Brewing Company featuring one of my favourite bands that just happens to be homegrown here on my beloved isle, Paper Lions. I've followed these guys from the very beginning, from a show at the Arts Guild when they were still known as the Chucky Danger Band to shows in Winnipeg and Ottawa, and every time they put on an absolutely amazing show. But this latest one that I attended was easily my favourite. There were guest performances by young local talent, spectacular sax solos, confetti cannons, balloon drops and an excited crowd singing along to basically every song. It was a seriously fun time, and if these guys show up in your city, I highly recommend that you go, you won't be disappointed.

They'll soon be releasing an album which you can support via Pledge Music here (I already have!). "Believer", above, is one of their new singles from the new album, and I am officially so incredibly excited to hear every last song, because I've been bopping around to this one for the last few weeks and totally loving it. I never cease to be impressed at the fantastic songwriting and catchy hooks that Paper Lions continue to come up with - so good. Have a listen guys, seriously. If you're not loving life dancing around to this tune in minutes, I will be shocked. It's SO GOOD! Follow

Reading in Style v. 16

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Amy of Amy Flying a Kite

Jill from The August Diaries

Alexandra from Larkspur Vintage

Jenny from Margo and Me

Olivia from What Olivia Did

It's time for another Reading in Style post, featuring some stylish ladies with their noses in books. While I feel like any spot is a good spot to read, some are more unique than others. Personally, I think Amy's choice of the forest meadow is certainly the most romantic. However, there is indeed something to be said for curling up in comfy-cozy socks and cushions, tucked into a sofa or armchair like Jill or Olivia, or full-on literary lounging like Alexandra and Jenny.

My number one favourite spot to read is lounging on a towel at the beach, which I did shappily did an absolute ton of this summer. Problem is, it's getting a bit cold for that now, so I'm relegated back to my fall/winter spot of choice - the corner of the couch, cup of tea in hand. For especial coziness, I'll throw a homemade afghan or quilt across my knees. Either way, with a book in hand I'm a happy girl.

What's your favourite spot to curl up with a good book?

Would you like to be featured in my next Reading in Style post? If you've got a bookishly stylish look/post to share, feel free to send it my way! rebecca (at) lotsixtyfive (dot) com!

Fall Feeling

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 13:00:00 +0000

It's the first day of fall, and while it's hot enough that I'm heading to the beach after work, I admit that I'm looking forward to pulling out some of the cozy fabrics, chic boots, and warm beverages (albeit no pumpkin spice anything for this gal - blech!) that are everything I want as the days get brisk and the vibrant colours of summer shift to the warm tones of fall.

For me? Autumn is about ankle boots and oversized sweaters, giant cozy scarves and reading good books while sipping steaming mugs of tea, earthy dark tones, plaids and tortoiseshell. I've picked a few of the items on my wishlist that have the distinctive fall feeling. - Tortoiseshell Cat-eye Frames - A pretty polka-dotted mug for the aforementioned tea - Good books are always on my list, and I'm dying to read this one. - This is the most gorgeous-looking oversized sweater I've seen in ages. - Delicate bracelets? Always a yes, and I love this one. - I'm really into navy at the moment, and these boots are calling my name. - A cashmere tartan scarf is an obligatory fall item. - Who could resist this adorable fox clutch? Not me. What's on your fall wishlist? Follow

Music Monday - Carry On

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 23:00:00 +0000

I have basically the whole discography of Coeur de Pirate in my iTunes playlist and am a huge fan of Béatrice Martin's music and singing. So it's no surprise that the first single - Carry On - from her latest album (Roses) is a current favourite. I'm not sure if I prefer the French (Oublie moi) or English versions - I really enjoy both. Perhaps the French version sounds a little more romantic.
What have you been listening to lately? Follow

OPI Nail Envy

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:00:00 +0000

I am always thrilled to try new nail polishes out - as my ever-growing collection and overflowing storage area could very easily demonstrate. I wear polish on my nails nearly every day and I have indeed noticed that they do need a break from time to time due to breakage and brittleness. What intrigued me about the Nail Envy collection is that these polishes are formulated to encourage strengthening and growth. I tried four of these polishes: One slightly pink-tinted nail treatment - Pink to Envy, Two sheers - Bubble Bath and Samoan Sand, and One cream - Hawaiian Orchid.
If you love sheer polishes and/or french manicures, I think that both Bubble Bath and Samoan Sand would be perfect for those types of look. Personally? I prefer a creamy, opaque finish on my nails but these are two beautiful sheer options, if that's your cup of tea.
The clear winner of this set, for me, is Hawaiian Orchid. It is a perfect soft pink that goes with everything, and is precisely the sort of colour and creamy, lustrous finish that I love. This is a polish I've already gone back to several times, and I know I will continue to do so - it's gorgeous.
As for the treatment, Pink to Envy, and the overall strengthening quality of these polishes, I have to say that I think there is certainly some effect. I wear polish on my nails easily 95% of the time, taking breaks when they seem to get brittle or break easily. I wore a rotation of these colours (and a week of simply the clear (there really isn't much of a tint) treatment polish, and while my nails aren't unusually strong, neither have they become as brittle as they often tend to do. So overall? I think on the strengthening promise, these polishes do deliver, if subtly.
What polishes have you been loving lately? Follow

Intentional Gratefulness v. 10

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:00:00 +0000

I read a lovely post recently by Rebecca of From Roses that called to mind feeling grateful, particularly finding joy in the small moments of the everyday. Her words (and examples) really resonated with me. Sometimes the smallest, most seemingly insignificant things can be beautiful bits to both enjoy and feel thankful for, and so with that in mind, I'm sharing a few of the small yet joyful happenings that I've felt grateful for this past week.
- Sniffing the intoxicatingly delicious aroma of farm fresh strawberries at the local general store (I bought and subsquently ate them = yum)
- Driving home through sun-showers and spotting the absolutely glorious double rainbow that accompanied them
- Stopping to enjoy stunning sunsets (see above!) over the water - I never tire of these
- Picnic lunch(es) in the park with colleagues
- Watching my humble herb garden begin to flourish on my windowsill, and harvesting the spoils
- Homemade jam (Thanks Rosie!) on a bakery-fresh roll = scrumptious
- Feeling the wind on my face while running on the trails
- The smell of salt water
- Opening my curtains to a sunshiny morning when it's been rainy for ages.
- Spotting a piece of seaglass during shoreline strolls to add to my growing collection
- Watching my youngest niece quite literally laugh until she fell over - cuteness plus!!!

What are you thankful for lately? Follow

GRTTWaK Charlottetown

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Photo via GRTTWaK I have been an avid listener of the Grown-ups Read Things They Wrote as Kids (GRTTWaK) podcast for quite a while. I often listen and chuckle along to the half-hour-ish episodes while getting ready for work in the morning, a practice which never fails to help me start the day off in a great mood. The episodes are recorded at live events across the country, and I was dreaming of the day that a Charlottetown date would be announced. When such a date WAS finally announced, I made my way to my parents' basement, digging eagerly through boxes of childhood keepsakes when I stumbled upon the most hilarious, perfect story ever, that I knew would be a total hit at the event. But. I turned over the sheet of paper and saw, written in Mom's handwriting - "Rosalyn's Story, 1992". Needless to say, I was devastated. Nothing I'd found of my own, save a very visuals-heavy picture book I'd created at age five (that didn't lend itself to being read in front of a crowd) seemed right. So I was on a mission to encourage my reluctant sister to read her short fiction, "The Foal" that had my parents and I laughing so hard upon our initial reaidng of it as to have tears streaming down our faces. Being an absolutely wonderful sport, Rosie agreed to read the story, and so we submitted an application. I won't put the quote I used to describe the story here, as I feel it would be too much of a spoiler. All I will say, is that Rosalyn unknowingly created a whole new genre of children's fiction, which Dan alludes to following her performance. She told me beforehand that I'd better act as her plant in the audience, and laugh at appropriate spots, in case no one else did, but she needn't have worried, because barely two lines in, the surprised and amused audience chimed right in, enjoying her story as much as I did.

If you'd like to have a listen to her piece, written when she was just ten years old, you can check out the podcast episode below (and you'll also get the treat of hearing several other readings that were among my favourites for the night). Rosalyn is last, at around the 24-25 minute mark. So much thanks to Dan and Jenna - a lovely fellow former Stylelist Canada (RIP) alum that I got to meet in person! - for coming up with this genius podcast and for organizing the most enjoyable, hilarious and touching event I've been to in ages. Come back to PEI soon!!

Music Monday - Sorrey

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Something I will always love about the Island is the seemingly endless fount of local talent on the arts and culture scene. There's just so much creativity bursting forth across this little province and I'm always excited to discover something new. And so, it seems quite apt to share a tune from dream pop ensemble Sorrey (see a great review on exclaim! here) taken from their EP, Thick as Thieves which will be officially released this coming Thursday. I have been loving the dreamy pop sounds of Jenn Grant's new AquaAlta project and so when I heard a similar description of Sorrey's music, I was instantly intrigued.
I definitely enjoyed all of the songs on this debut release. Lead singer Emily Sorrey has a lovely voice, which winds its way beautifully through the synth/instrumental driven melodies. My favourite is the first single, Washington. Have a listen below!
If you like what you hear, you can stream the whole EP here.
What have you been listening to lately?

Friday Favourites v.9

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:00:00 +0000

I'm officially re-instating the Friday Favourites of old, sharing with you a few of the things that I've been loving over the last little while. Sharing the good stuff and bits of happy is always a good idea no? Here are a few things that have caught my eye lately: - This great article by the fantastic Isabel Slone featuring one of my all-time favourite brands (Valentino) and cultural appreciation and cooperation (vs. cultural appropriation) done right. DSquared, take a lesson! - An absolutely wondeful video on Make-up for Glasses wearers, such as myself, from one of the best, Lisa Eldridge. Invaluable. - So many gorgeous bookstores to visit - I've already been to a few, and can't wait to check out the rest! - One of the best books I've read so far this year, Lost & Found by Brooke Davis (not of OTH!) - This fun (and on point) video on the benefits of friends vs. selfie sticks. - An absolutely scrumptious-looking brunch idea = yum. - The Grown-ups Read Things They Wrote As Kids podcast. They recently organized an event on PEI and my fabulous sister read a story! It was the MOST fun, and the podcast shares the best of the best from their live shows. So good, sweet, touching, heartfelt and just plain hilarious. What have you been loving lately?

Red Hair Skincare v.1 - Facial SPF

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Unbelievably, it's already July! Summer has officially begun, and I am keen to spend my days swimming in the sea (even if it is still bitterly cold), combing the shorelines for sea-glass and trolling the numerous dairy bars the dot the PEI landscape. Summer sunshine, here I come!

Much as I love the sunny weather, anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a die-hard sunscreen fanatic - it's not just a summer thing, it's an all year thing. That said, I'm much more likely to be re-applying multiple times a day when outside for any length of time, especially on beach days. I'm generally not overly fussy with sunscreen for my body, as long as there's an SPF of 30+ combined with the coverage of a misting spray, most options are fair game. But I've yet to meet a Coppertone or Banana Boat-esque brand that didn't break my face out in the most horrible way, so my search for the perfect facial sunscreen has always been a priority.

I'd already tried quite a few, but in a recent Sephora order, I got my hands on a giant sample pack of sunscreen, about which I was admittedly, rather unreasonably excited. I found some old favourites and discovered some new gems, and from those and others I've tried, I thought I'd share a few of my top picks, divided into group as to how I (personally) prefer to use them. I will note, however, that this is just how they work best for me; it's all about finding what works for your own skin!

Pre-Make-up Picks

Tarte's Tarteguard (SPF 30) is a newer product which I'd been dying to try as Tarte is one of my favourite beauty brands. I like the consistency, the protection, and how easily and well it wears underneath make-up. So good.

Benefit's Dream Screen (SPF 45) is another winner for me, because it has the higher SPF that I look for. Added perks include the fact that it's oil-free, dries super-quickly, and leaves a matte finish (!!!) which I and my combination-to-oily skin definitely prefer.

The Nourishing Fluid Veil (SPF 30) from Korres was one of the samples I received in the sunscreen sample bag from Sephora and I love love loved it. It is closer to a liquid than a cream, but goes on beautifully, smells good, and wear's super-well under make-up.

The All-Rounders

It isn't that these don't wear nicely under make-up, it's just that the previous three work SO well in comparison. These picks are good for everyday, for beach or active outdoor days, or even for more natural beauty days where you want protected skin that is hydrated without being too oily - it's a fine balance, folks!

Aveeno's Protect + Hydrate lotion (SPF 45) is a classic, super-budget-friendly, perfect for sensitive skin like mine. I reach for this one regularly, as it's easy to find in local drugstores, can also be used for body (although I do usually use a misting spray SPF for that) and does the job well. I have worn this under make-up, and though I don't like it as much as the picks above, it does do the trick in a pinch!

I am a big fan of First Aid Beauty's moisturizer, and so it is no surprise that I love their Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer (SPF 40) too. It is incredibly hydrating and creamy, although be warned - a little goes a long way!

Clinique's Broad Spectrum (SPF 30) Face Cream is slightly more budget-friendly pick than some of the others, and is also gentle on sensitive skin and features non-comedogenic ingredients which is crucial for me, as someone who tends to break out, especially from sun-care products.

The Heavy Hitter

Okay, so it's expensive, I'll admit it. But Shisedo's Ultimate Sun Protection Cream has the most protection (at SPF 50), wears really well on the skin, and is amazing for beach days, as it becomes even more effective when wet (seriously great ). I do seriously love this stuff, but I admit that the higher price tag has me hesitant to purchase the full-size bottle.

The Outlier

Make-up setting spray with SPF? Yes! Not to be relied upon for full protection, but rather for touch-ups, Coola's Setting Spray (SPF 30) is on my to-try list. I haven't yet gotten my hands on it, but as someone who is a slave to the re-application of sunscreen, the idea of a simple mist to top-up my initial sun protection without ruining my make-up is absolutely genius. Have any of you tried this beauty? Would love to hear your thoughts!

If you have any favourite facial SPF products, I'd love to hear about them! Let's chat!

Volunteering is Caring - #GGCaring

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 19:30:00 +0000

It’s amazing how one thing, one person, or a team of people can have such an immense and lasting impact on your life. For me, that thing happens to be volunteering. It’s more than a way to get involved, to get to know my community or to connect with others. It’s a way to help, it’s a way to give back when I’ve got so much, and it’s enriched my life in so many ways – more than I can count. That’s why I am so delighted to share more about my volunteer experience, as well as the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. This truly special award recognizes the valuable contributions of caring volunteers who accomplish so much yet ask for so little in return.

As for me, I’ve been involved in volunteering in a wide variety of areas, from festivals and events to youth programs and not-for-profits. That said, the program that I’ve been part of the longest (and you may remember me mentioning before) is my experience with Forum for Young Canadians. Forum is a non-partisan program that allows high school age students from all corners of Canada to come to Ottawa and engage with Canadian politics and public affairs. I was initially a participant in Grade 12 and I had such an incredible time. I was so inspired by getting an insider’s view of how things work in our nation’s capital as well as by engaging with people my own age on issues important to us and to Canada. The program left a lasting impression – I was determined to share that experience with others

I first came back as part of the logistics team in 2005, helping out with all of the behind-the-scenes action that makes the program run – from organizing room set-up, escorting students on visits to Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and Rideau Hall, to photographing the various sessions, to training Polling Clerks and Deputy Returning Officers in our mock election, to acting as master of ceremonies for talent night, to helping to organize and run a formal dinner with program sponsors and Members of Parliament at the Chateau Laurier, and so much more. Through it all, I've worked with many teams of absolutely phenomenal volunteers.

One thing about volunteering is that you often end up working with interesting, engaged, caring and like-minded people. The people I've met volunteering have become some of my very best friends (Looking at you #lifeohlife crew!), have helped me network, have helped encourage me in my career, have supported me (and others) – and all of this in addition to supporting the work of a not-for-profit and program that we hold dear.

Programs like Forum wouldn't be able to run without their volunteers. Unsurprisingly, most of these volunteers, more often than not (at least in my experience), are unfailingly humble about their contributions. Many, who I've met and worked with, are happy to carry out their work behind the scenes, lifting others up, supporting, and most importantly caring, without asking for anything in return.

I think that’s why I so appreciate the idea of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. It recognizes the contributions of these valuable, wonderful, humble people – “individuals who volunteer their time to help others and to build a smarter and more caring nation”. These are the often-unsung heroes who work tirelessly to help others, to the betterment of their communities, their country, and all who come in contact with them. I don’t know about you, but I could rattle off a lengthy list of volunteers who would be deserving of this award, and certainly a nomination (which you can do here in 3 simple steps). I truly feel that this is a wonderful way to honour Canadians who have given so much to others.

Want to know more? You can find all of the details about nominating a deserving volunteer that you know at caring.gg.ca.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with the Rideau Hall Foundation. I am so absolutely proud to share a post about something so worthwhile as the Caring Canadian Award, especially given that volunteerism and volunteers have played such an important role in my life. Thank you for supporting partnerships that help make this blog possible!

Intentional Gratefulness v.9

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:00:00 +0000

It is currently my very favourite (albeit very short) time of year - when the lilacs are out! It's the time of year when I am often known to stop every time I see a lilac bush and just envelope my whole face in the gorgeous purple blooms that smell better than pretty much anything else. I think it recalls the nostalgia of a beloved hiding spot on the property where I lived growing up - a little hidden spot inside a ring of lilac bushes. I would hide there even when not playing hide and seek, just sit surrounded by gorgeous flowers and their intoxicating aroma - it was absolutely heavenly. I think those happy memories combined with the beauty and brevity of these flowers fills me with delight each time I encounter them. So what am I grateful for today? The fleeting few moments of late spring when I can surround myself with these fragrant flowers that give me a moment of blissful enjoyment and pure happiness whenever I encounter them. What have you been feeling grateful for lately?

10 Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe Through Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:00:00 +0000

When I embarked on a journey towards a healthy lifestyle and a healthy body, I knew there would be challenges and obstacles to meet head-on, hard work to put in, and temptations to overcome. A lifestyle overhaul was in order, for sure. After putting many kilometres in on the jogging trail, making multiple trips to the gym, and adapting a renewed view on clean, healthy eating, the progress began. Thanks to this lifestyle change -- no fad diets here! -- over the course of the last year, I've been able to shed 65 pounds and move down from a size 18-20 to a size 12-14. It has absolutely been a rewarding journey thus far! And the rewards are definitely motivation to continue.

But, along the way, I realized that my wardrobe needed some major changes as well. Garments (and in some cases, shoes!) that had been in major rotation became far too big, while favourite items saved from before I'd gained weight were still much too small. I certainly didn't want to break the bank by investing in a new wardrobe at each of five size changes I've had thus far, but I still wanted to dress the body I had in a stylish way. Over the course of this (very much ongoing) weight loss process and transformation, I've picked up a number of ways to transition my wardrobe along with my changing shape, and I wanted to share 10 of the tricks I've learned along the way, especially for those who may be facing a similar sartorial challenge.

1. Shop, and EDIT your closet
It's crucial to take a long hard look at what you already have. To streamline, donate or sell things that no longer fit. Get creative with pieces you already have, or have a second look at things that may previously have been a touch snug that might fit after a few inches lost. I often started out feeling I had nothing to wear, when to my surprise, there were already some decent options hiding in my own closet.

2. Hit the clearance rack
If new is the only way to go, shop those sale racks. When I knew my shape would likely be changing again, I wanted to scrimp and save on clothing items wherever possible. Sale and clearance racks allowed me to find what new pieces I needed without spending heavily on a temporary wardrobe.

3. Embrace knits
Of all of the items in my closet, I found that my knitwear was what was most easily adaptable as my size changed. Fitted sweaters became looser fitting, of course, but most still managed to look slouchy instead of sloppy, and I was able to use those as key transition pieces. Crucial.

4. Online marketplaces are the greatest
I found so many plus-size (and later, straight size) picks on eBay and kijiji from great brands that allowed me to pick up on-trend items for a great price. Similarly, selling off my outgrown items helped add a few dollars back to my pocket, which is always a good thing.

5. Accessorize
During the weight loss process, my wardrobe became much smaller, simpler and streamlined out of necessity. To change up my look when certain pieces got repeated, accessories (that always fit!) --from bags to shoes to statement necklaces and more -- made a huge difference in changing up a look.

6. Befriend your tailor At my biggest, I didn't invest in many pieces I wanted to keep. However, there were some items that I really loved and wanted to keep, even though they no longer fit. Rather than getting rid of them, I took them to the tailor. Often, getting pieces taken in is much more economical than you'd think, and certainly much easier on the pocketbook than buying a whole new garment.
7. Belt it Honestly, I don't know what I would have done without my selection of belts. From giving shape to suddenly sack-like shift dresses to magically holding up loosened trousers, skirts, or jeans, they were, and are, essential. Pro tip: Play with layers and lengths to cover up the dreaded belted fabric-bunching with a tunic, blouse, or sweater.
8. Shop secondhand Thrift shops are always a treasure trove for adding unique pieces to a wardrobe, and they especially come in handy when trying to maintain an often rapidly-changing wardrobe on a dime. More than once I'd bring bags of clothes in to donate, and then spend some time perusing the racks for new-to-me items in a smaller size. Win-win.
9. Stretch is best Stretch jersey and ponte fabrics have been a staple throughout the weight loss process. The same goes for denim -- look for stretch! As an example, I was at one stage wearing jeans two sizes too large that still looked flattering (as long as I wore the aforementioned belt) because of their all-important stretch. I'm not suggesting buying stretchy items in a too-small size and squeezing into them, but rather simply sticking to forgiving fabrics will still work even as you transition to a smaller size. As always, I focused on dressing the body I had -- it kept me feeling motivated and positive, rather than stressed about the size I hadn't yet reached.
10. Swap it Let's face it, clothing swaps are always a good idea. But certainly swapping was one of my favourite guilt-free ways to freshen up my wardrobe while dealing with transitioning sizes. I'd hand off too-big items to some friends, while others would hand down to me items they'd similarly outgrown. Whether formally organized or a fun swap between friends, clothing (and accessory!) swaps are a great for those striving for style on a budget.
These are a few of the tricks I've picked up along the way (and am continuing to use after PEI's longest and worst winter ever -my running routine suffered!). But certainly, the most important weight-loss style lesson I've learned? Love and dress the body you have now, no matter its shape.
On a similar journey? I'd love to hear your stories and tips!

New In: Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Jane) — Wed, 27 May 2015 23:00:00 +0000

I was, recently, lucky enough to get away to the mainland and Moncton for a weekend getaway with my best friend Holly. We had an absolutely wonderful weekend that involved great chats, delicious dinners, and of course, some shopping around the city. Finally getting to visit a Sephora and MAC in person after so long had me in absolute heaven. You'll hear me gush about the gorgeous items I picked up (and all of which I am SUPER happy with) in the video above.