Friday Finds & Check-ins, Volume #597
Share your recent beauty purchases or rediscovered favorites in your stash (for those on low/no-buys!), chit chat about weekend plans, and learn a little more about each other!
Let's Chat!
Share your own answers in the comments!
- Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Tower 28 cream bronzers, Kaja Sculpting Trios, belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Cream, belief Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, Gucci Glow & Care Lipsticks, Guerlain KissKiss Bloom Lipsticks, Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cleanser and Intensive Mask, Kosas Cloud Set Powder
- Weekend plans: My schedule has changed quite a bit with the arrival of Winston, so I’m kind of adjusting to that and finding a good work/life balance all over again!
- What do you love about being outside?: I love the sounds of nature!
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This week's doggo photo/video...
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I also greatly miss bugging him endlessly… he was always so tolerant of us booping his nose, making him shake 400 times a day, and otherwise talking nonsense to him. He made for a great break during the day, and I felt like I had SO much extra time (but my body was like “please, stop working” aka my wrist/thumb call it quits) and he was what filled in all the time, apparently!
Starting next Friday, I’ll be sharing Winston photos more often, but we’ll continue to honor Mellan’s memory with the occasional flashback 🙂
Recent purchases: My Sephora order placed last week arrived (a day early!) – Josie Maran Whipped Face Butter (not as moisturizing as the sample tube I had seemed to be), Becca Backlight Priming Filter and ABH Chiffon eyeshadow (WHY did I wait so long??? It is gorgeous!). I also got a Points Perk of Farmacy’s Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm and I liked it SO much after just 2 uses that I placed THIS WEEK’S Sephora order for a full size of it and ABH Chocolate Crumble e/s. A REDISCOVERY (not for the first time) is the Tarte for Aqualillies palette, particularly Sundeck eyeshadow. It’s the colour of very milky coffee – a light brown/dark beige that is perfect for my crease when I want a natural look (which is almost always).
Weekend plans: numbers here in Ontario are so high and climbing daily in spite of another lockdown (this is the fallout from people who would “die” if they couldn’t celebrate Easter with family and friends – heaven help us all and protect us from selfish idiots!) so I am planning on staying home entirely, maybe going out for a walk to the library to drop things into the drop box.
What do I like about being outdoors: I’m fortunate to live right alongside a “nature trail” – the Bruce Trail is right at my back door – and I love the opportunity to walk in the quiet, hear the sounds of the waterfalls, the birds. Of course now, the trail itself in this area is so overloaded with people desperate to get out, get exercise, go for a bike ride, etc. that it’s almost impossible to maintain a safe distance even there!
Stay safe Mariella! I just heard that the borders of Ontario are going to be monitored starting on Monday. Why can’t people follow the guidelines instead of spreading this insidious virus?
Brenda, thank you so much for your good thoughts – I really appreciate it. “Insidious” is the very term I used when my husband got it (in hospital, no less) and then passed it on to me, not realizing he was carrying the virus. It really IS insidious.
Yes – do stay safe Mariella and I hope your family is OK. I have just looked at the Ontario Govt. website and it is quite alarming what you are now and still going through. It was like that with us late last year. We had an 8 pm curfew as well and there were lots of police helicopters flying around to spot anyone driving outside of this time.
The upside of the above was that the crime rates of home invasions went down as the police were able to swoop on them immediately.
ABH’s Chocolate Crumble is another gorgeous shade – she really did put out some perfect singles a couple of years ago that have stood the test of time.
Stay safe down East. My sister in Ottawa is also struggling with the increased lockdown. Things aren’t that great in Alberta.
My older son is in Alberta (just back from Nunavut on an Arctic Survival course) and I know things there aren’t great either. Variants and people flying in and out and skirting the “quarantine rules”, open airports….it’s just all such a mess. I absolutely LOVE Ottawa and can’t wait until it’s safe to travel there again. Nicastro’s, an Italian deli/grocery store, is somewhere I just LOVE. Every time we go, I stock up on (among other things) jars of capers that contain more than 2 tablespoons of capers! And the National Gallery, the War Museum, just walking around the city….I love it and miss going there. We had some very funny encounters there during Canada 150!
Recent Purchases: The Shiseido Self Refreshing Concealer, a BareMineral Blonzer, and a few Terra Moons singles.
Rediscoveries: Juvia’s Place Wahala 2 palette.
Weekend plans: Odds and ends and taking care of a sick, raspy voiced little boy.
What do you love about being outside?: The feel of the sun and breeze.
I hope your son gets better soon Celesta – it’s not fun when a little one is sick and those really sore throats can be so painful.
Thank you, Genevieve. He seems to be feeling better today, but we may keep him home from preschool one more day to be sure.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Dark Brown and Intense Black; DHC Deep Cleansing Oil; Pat McGrath concealer in LM13. I picked up the Pat McGrath eyeshadow single in Divine Mink. Statuesque + Divine Mink are perfect for me for travel. Since I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, I plan to travel in two weeks. Thrilling!! I’m still in disbelief. I’m planning weekend trips for the summer. I also recently got some long mesh mosquito repellant pants for summer hikes.
Weekend plans: Get caught up on work and perhaps go on a hike with friends at a nature preserve.
What do you love about being outside?: EVERYTHING. The sights, sounds, encountering animals, fresh air, movement.
Aww! He really was such a patient, mellow big guy!
Purchases/rediscoveries: Nothing purchased (yet😉). Rediscovered the glass like glow of MAC Superwatt the other day in a super simple look I did. It’s still a gem!
Weekend Plans: Getting my 2nd Pfizer Covid vaccine at 8 tonight. Doing laundry over the weekend. Zoom meeting on Sunday. Last Sunday, my daughter called me to tell me that I have a new grandson, Elijah. 8 lbs. 21¼ inches!
What do you love about being outside? Nothing much over here in Glendale. But I used to seriously love how much greener and nicer the scenery was over in Scottsdale! Loved seeing and hearing the orange throated green Lovebirds all spring through early autumn! I miss it so much.
Congratulations Grandma!
Thank you so much, Brenda! My family and I are so excited to have this newest member join us. 💙
Congrats to you and your daughter Nancy!
Thank you so much, Kimberly!
How wonderful Nana that your little precious one has arrived safe and sound. And your daughter is talking to you!
Yes, absolutely, Genevieve! I am so much more relieved now.
Congratulations, Nancy (Nan? Nana T?). He is one tall boy! I am so glad your daughter called you. An congrats on getting your 2nd shot of Pfizer!
Thank you, Mariella, on both counts! I’m just so happy for my daughter and our little family that this sweet little guy is here. Relieved, too.
Congratulations!
I hope you’ll get to see Elijah soon.
Thank you very much, Helene! I hope I do, too! They are moving away to Ohio at the beginning of May into their own house. I’m so happy for them, but I sure will miss her and Elijah.
Hearty congratulations to you and your daughter on the birth of her son. Glad she connected with you, too!
Thank you very much, Tracey E! He’s the cutest little guy, too. I can hardly wait to see him in person.
Congratulations, Nancy! I hope you get to see your new grandson soon in person!
Thank you, Celesta! I’m dying to see my handsome little grandson!
Recent Purchases: A Paula’s Choice order to replenish some items I’ll finish soon (they had a 15 or 20% off sale and the cashback was 10%, way better than what Sephora has): CLEAR Purifying Clay Mask, RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 (mine, to carry around during hikes), Ultra-Rich Soothing Body Butter, Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA, PC4MEN Body Wash (the Body and Hair Shampoo is still out of stock), CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment.
I got tons of minis (Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, two SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Omega+ Complex Serum, Peptide Booster) and a free full size UnScrub.
Rediscoveries: None.
Weekend plans: Same as usual, maybe I’ll check a couple of times online if I can get a vaccine appointment. 😅
What do you love about being outside?: Everything. The sounds, the smells, touching the earth or trees. The calmness that being outside, free, in the sun and fresh air. The movement. I need several hours outside a day, otherwise I’m not myself.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Nothing. If I do make it to Sephora, it will be for hair care.
Weekend plans: A friend with outdoor space is having a small party. Everyone is vaccinated so we will be able to hug each other!
What do you love about being outside? I love the feel of the sun on my face, although I then worry about the adequacy of my sunscreen. Sometimes the scent of the grass and flowers if they manage to penetrate the urban environment.
How lovely it is to be able to get together again and actually hug. I hope you both enjoy the party and the companionship of being with your friends.
I love the precious pictures and videos of both dogs.
Recent purchases: Just some cotton pads and swabs. Recent Rediscoveries: True + Luscious Lucky Glow face palette.
Weekend plans: More spring cleaning.
What do you love about being outside?: Everything. The beauty, the fresh air, the sounds, the wildlife…it all makes me happy.
Rachel – you are an inspiration to me with your spring cleaning….we’re going to be doing that next weekend. I hope you are well and truly finished by then, so you can have a well earned relax.
Thanks for the pictures! Winston has big paws to fill! Mellan was a ❤️
Mellan and Winston in one post, truly we are blessed! <3
Purchases/rediscoveries: My Sephora order arrived! I'm ridiculously happy to have my Sugar lip balm again.
Weekend plans: It's gonna be GORGEOUS this weekend, so we're thinking of trying the walk to downtown Edmonds from our new home. Also going down into Seattle to get some takeout for dinner. Otherwise mostly chores. We're having friends over for the first time next weekend (they'll be fully vaccinated!) so it's a good excuse to get the last few unpacked boxes squared away and hang up some artwork and such.
What do I love about being outside? Enjoying plants and animals! There are lots of beautiful things in bloom right now. And this time of year, I love just being outside after being cooped up indoors for months (I'm not a big winter outdoors activity person).
Bonus! Mellan and Winston pics!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: nothing this week, I finally purchased hearing aids and that set me back quite a bit of money but I should now be able to hear my husband when he’s in another room and when he’s walking away from me and mumbling! All the years of going to concerts and car races left me with ringing ears and diminished hearing so now maybe people won’t think that I’m ignoring them!
Weekend plans: I have a dentist appointment tomorrow morning, I haven’t been for a year so it was time. I hope to spend the rest of the day outside because Sunday brings crappy snow again!
What do you love about being outside?: Everything, fresh air, sunshine, birds, bees, all of it!
I hope the hearing aids are doing their job and that you are adjusting to them well. It must be so happy for you to now hear what others are saying without constantly asking to repeat themselves. My husband should get them too – but he always invents excuses not to.
Good luck with the dentist – not a big fan of them – as I have naturally red hair and find that sometimes the anaesthetics don’t work on me.
Mellon was such a beautiful doggie, who was easy to love and enjoy. Winston looks to be a delightful, bundle of joy – although he doesn’t look too keen about his bath. Having a little fur baby in your house means lots of work and play.
Recent Purchases – My two favourite CP Lux lipsticks arrived this week – Foolish and Tea Thyme.
Rediscoveries: Mecca Max Eyephoria palette – subtle range of golds and purples.
Weekend Plans: We are all settling into our respective routines here and everything is becoming more manageable and the boxes are slowly beginning to disappear. We will have to have another ‘hard rubbish’ day next weekend. This is were householders can get rid of all the items in their homes that they no longer need/want. We are allowed two per year from our local council.
Today – Saturday – I am making sausage rolls to take up to the Kinglake Pony Club, which Olivia belongs to as her other grandparents have a couple of horses on their property and Olivia is learning to ride.
On Sunday we are going up to Kinglake to watch her riding lessons (early in the morning) and everyone brings food (as per the country traditions) and joins in for lunch. The pony club meets every third Sunday in the month.
What do you love about being outside? I love being outside, enjoying the sounds, sights and smell of nature – the trees, the winding paths/trails, the wildflowers etc. We are lucky to have a reserve behind us with a great playground, bike riding facilities and sporting clubs. We are also fortunate to live where we do with the hills and mountains only a short distance away for drives and to visit the mountain villages. Our local council is top notch in providing many beautiful parks for children of all ages to play in too.
At the moment, our covid numbers are zero and we are now allowed to visit shopping centres mask free. Very few people have been vaccinated at the moment and there is continued discussion/debate about why that is so.
Ahh, to be able to visit a place mask free, what a novel feeling!
I love seeing you “ bug “ Mellan to shake …he’s like “oh Mom”..lol.. …Mellan and Winston what beautiful Boyz..Winston looks like he’s going to be a big boy looking at his paws !
Recent purchases ?
Taking advantage of Sephora’s sale I restocked my Herbivore Bakuchiol retinol Alternative and CT Magic Vanish color corrector . Also I purchased a Laura Mercier Glow Brush .
I also plan on getting some Super Goop sunscreen .
Weekend plans soaking up as much of this beautiful sun as possible …
What do I love about being outside ..I love absolutely everything about nature especially this time of year with all the blossoms and birds singing ..
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: I bought the restock of the Kaleidos Club Nebula palette along with Futurism III, their highlighters in Mars Melter and Sky Walker, and their lip gloss in Hypnotize. It’s gonna be a while for my order to get to me but I can’t wait!
Weekend plans: It’s not till Friday next week, but I booked my first vaccine appointment this morning! Tonight I’ll be co-hosting my sister’s painting livestream on Instagram Live. She’ll be drawing/painting something while I read chat to her. Other than that I’m crossing my fingers that a friend of mine can get another liberty this weekend. We saw each other a few weeks ago but his trip was cut short when he was called back to base for a training drill. He’s the only friend I’m allowed to see because he’s been quarantining 24/7 on an army base, and after this week he’s being transferred to Florida and I have no idea when I’ll be able to see him or anyone else again
What do you love about being outside?: The outdoors has a particular smell, I guess it’s that crisp, fresh air people are always talking about. So even when I’m outside I’m not really enjoying the experience cause I’m wearing a mask the whole time. But it’s not like I’m outside much anyway, so sometimes I’ll open up my bedroom window and just smell the air like a complete weirdo
Recent Purchases: some Shou Shou Lang brushes, some Looxi shadows and some Terra Moons shadows came for me this week!
Rediscoveries: I can’t think of any! I really just played around with my new stuff this week.
Weekend plans: Play with new makeup!
What do you love about being outside?: I love when it’s cold enough that my body stop sweating hahaha
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Sephora VIB sale! First order (scheduled to arrive Tuesday): ABH Iced Out highlighter, YSL Chili Morocco lipstick, Fenty Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule highlighter duo, Brother Vellies x Sephora large bag trio, and I redeemed 100 points for a Versace Dylan Blue Femme perfume sample. I’m about to place a second order with Dior Poison blush, NARS Audrey Audacious lipstick, and a new tube of Fenty Pro Filt’r 110 concealer. I would’ve preferred the Brother Vellies train case over the bag trio, and I wanted Melt Nevermore Blushlight, but both were sold out (Nevermore was sold out at both Sephora and Melt, so I signed up for both sites’ restock alerts) and it looks like the train case is gone for good.
Weekend plans: Worked all day today, probably grocery shopping tomorrow night, not sure about Sunday.
What do you love about being outside?: I don’t have a great relationship with the outdoors. In good weather it’s nice to spend a few minutes standing outside or sitting on the porch, but then my sinuses start going crazy and I have to go back inside.
I just got the Uoma Heritage palette and it’s stunning. The shimmers are soooo pretty. I love flesh colored shimmers. Gonna use it this morning.
I’m on call working all weekend.
I love everything about being outside. The noises in the spring/summer mornings for sure. It makes exercise/training much more interesting. I live in the country as I love outside so much. The warm air on my skin in summer, the way I feel in the sun. I believe in vit d from the sun and don’t use chemicals from sun screen.
Ok I thought the uoma shimmers were prettier in the pan than swatched or applied on the eye. The melt cream blush in honey ( something) first impression was a standout.
I would act like Mellan if I was repeatedly asked to shake a paw! Winston has had a full week!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Bergdorf had some Tom Ford makeup on sale at 50% off, so purchased the Mink Mirage quad and Frantic Pink blush. The blush is considerably lighter than I remember, so will do some experimenting and if it doesn’t work for me, I’ll give it to my niece.
Weekend Plans: My spouse and I helped a friend assemble her new patio furniture and broke it in with BBQ takeout. In general, enjoying a sunny weekend, continuing with organizing projects, and watching a few NHL games.
What do I love about being outside? I love the fresh air, and that it’s free to do.
Popped by to say hi to the adorable Winston. One of my best friends has a Winston.
I’ve never met another Winston, but it is actually a super popular name (according to lists) for dogs! Unlike Magellan, which might have been one of the rarer names, LOL!.