Can we chat for a sec?

Hourglass' Ambient Palettes

I'm not typically into feel good sayings, and affirmations, but I've been in a bit of a quandary this week -- "never stop wondering..," it's resonated with me for some reason.

Earlier this week I contemplated shuttering Bagful, but after repeated pleas from my husband, Scott, I decided to put on my thinking cap to figure out what my next big step is; where does Bagful go from here? 

There's no denying that I'm into makeup. I love it on a therapeutic level. Stepping inside of my bathroom, makeup kit in hand, is transformative; I get excited about brightening my mostly happy skin, defining my eyes, and perking up my lips. And, I've found what's worked for me through trial and error over the past 15+ years or so since I started really dabbling with the stuff that gets my heart all aflutter. 

Taking a cue from the title of this very blog, Bagful of Notions, my buzzing mind wants to learn more, read lots, and share loads with you. From here on out, the primary purpose of this particular makeup-y space will attempt to not only educate myself, but you as well. Let's delve into skincare, makeup application techniques, geeky makeup topics, and tl;dr reviews featuring amazing photography (or, so I hope).

I'm only guessing that some of the content I'll eventually produce will be labour intensive, so until I really find my groove posts will continue to be infrequent over the next few weeks.

From the bottom of my makeup bag, I thank you for stopping by (for clarity, this isn't a goodbye, more like see you tomorrow!).

Last-minute gift ideas for some of the people in your life

The Body Shop Holiday 2014

I realise I really don't need to tell you how to shop or even what to buy, but just think of this as the 'Cover Your Bum' list for the time poor in need of a few ideas for Christmas shopping.

The Summer Beach Bag - ($39.95 AUS / $9.00 USD similar) - chock full of Summery/Coconut/Mango goodness. Did I mention the bag is plastered with the iconic Brighton Beach boxes? Heck, I might grab this when I get back from Hawaii to let the holiday times roll on.

Modern Gent's Shaving Kit ($49.95 AUS / $24.00 USD) - I have a thing for buying Scott shaving product, especially stuff that'll leave his face feeling softer than usual. Bonus points if the scent plays well with his cologne.

Keepin' it clean - Vanessa Megan's Lemon & Eucalyptus Foaming Hand Wash

Vanessa Megan's Lemon & Eucalyptus Foaming Hand Wash* ($54.95 AUS) - Tis expensive, however if or when this bottle starts riding side saddle to your dish detergent, I can guarantee a line forming at the kitchen sink for the ultimate hand washing experience.

Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash ($40.00 AUS / $39.00 USD) - Another good one for recreating the spa experience.

Other Body Stuffs

The Body Shop's Body Sorbet* in Strawberry or Mango or Moringa or Satsuma or Pink Grapefruit ($19.95 AUS / $14.00 USD) -  The scents are amazing, but don't count on this formula to bring the moisture at the height of Winter. Stow this bottle away for hot Summer days or warm getaways.

Anara Spa's Coco Mango Body Lotion ($20.00 USD for 8 fl oz. / $54.00 USD for 34 fl oz.)  - If you can't make it to Hawaii, bring Hawaii to her.

Holiday Candles

Byredo Parfum's Cotton Poplin Candle ($90.00 AUS / $80.00 USD) - Give me a warm summer breeze over Caramel Nutcracker Hot Toddy any day of the year. I recently splurged on the smaller sized candle (retails for $44.00 AUS), because the shocking price tag of the larger version made my eyes bulge in the most unflattering way. I think I had to scoop my eyes off of the floor before leaving the shop.

Bath & Body Works Wallflowers ($4.95 for the cheap and cheerful plug-in unit and 6 for $24.00 for the oil filled pods) - Fire not required. I picked these up last month in a fit of excitement, but soon remembered the electrickery would not work here in Australia without a converter. Back they went.

Finally, here are a couple of tips from a former retail girl who busted her butt during the height of the holiday shopping season:

• Asking for my favourite colour won't help your situation when you're told her favourite colour is sold out.
• The stack of sweaters those old ladies are riffling through might not be the thing to keep her warm.
• Britney Spears and my Nana like velour. Enough said.
• If I see your face on the 24th, run like the Dickens to your nearest Tiffany or liquor store to grab a bottle of Veuve, Moet or Ballatore (if you're budget-conscious).
• In January forgo saving up for presents and agree to put that money toward an amazing holiday instead. I'd gladly exchange all of the things for memories with my loved ones.

*PR sample provided  –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

And we're off on another adventure..

You get the gist 

As of today I am on a week's holiday to see my parents back in the US. I'll be sticking to the west coast for this super quick trip - we'll be checking out San Francisco, followed by Las Vegas, where my parents now live.

Now things will be mighty quiet around these parts, but I can assure you that I will be up to my antics over on Instagram. You can follow me over here.

The list of things to check out is immense, so if you have a hankering for something super special you'd like to have a closer look at then let me know!

Until next time!

Oh and there are still a few hours left to enter Bagful of Notion's Third Birthday Giveaway! What are you waiting for?

//Image Source

The Sunday Sample no. 2

This week's reads and news have been handpicked for your reading pleasure.

Kate Spade's tapped Anna Kendrick to appear in a yearlong campaign. Geek chic is where it's at.

The creator of Hard Candy has sprung forward from the nineties to dazzle our digits all over again. You can't take the glitter out of the girl, so think of Smith & Cult as the cocktail to the umbrella laden mocktail. Stronger and tastier. Drink's up over at C.O. Bigelow. 

I want all of the things from Gorman's summer collection. Please?

Marie Claire's wrangled thirty expert beauty tricks. James Vincent's tip about blush application is my favourite. 

Always wondered how to recreate the cut crease on yourself? The ladies over at The Beauty Department make it look so easy.

Looking for stocking stuffer ideas or a sweet treat for yourself? Bite Beauty's Best Bite Remix, a compilation of four radiant lippies should suffice. Christine's review sealed the deal for me. 

Short on time or Halloween costume ideas? Why not be a fox? Dana of The Wonder Forest will show you how.

Ever wonder what you'd look like with blonde hair? Hair Romance breaks down three apps for your consideration.

Weren't sure about the Lorac Mega Pro Palette? Kats' swatches might change your mind!

Up for entering a giveaway or two?

Lilit of Makeup and Macaroons teamed up with Gorgeous Cosmetics to give one lucky reader a pretty awesome prize pack! Run over there right now and enter!

There's still time for you to enter Bagful of Notion's Third Birthday giveaway! Enter to win one of four prize packs up for grabs.

Bon Appetit 👌

//Image Source