My Week in Wine #WeekendWinedown

Trapiche Reserve Malbec 2016 (Mendoza, Argentina): Blackberry, blueberry, cherry,
raspberry, subtle forest floor, florality, medium minus tannins, medium plus acidity, and medium body. Enjoyed with chicken wings and caeser salad.
Cune (CVNE) Crianza 2014 (Rioja, Spain): Red and black fruit, black pepper, chocolate, baking spice, mocha, vanilla, and earthy. This was delicious, served cooler (10-13 degrees) and had a similar appearance to Pinot Noir. Enjoyed with Mediterranean Sea Bass, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Truffle Fries, and Flourless Chocolate Cake. Medium Tannin, Body, and Acidity. 
Creekside Estate Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Ontario, Canada): Very aromatic with Sauvignon Blanc hallmarks, grass, ammonia, under ripe tropical fruit, and citrus. Crisp acidity and medium minus body. Enjoyed with red curry mussels. 
Laurent Miquel Vendanges Nocturnes (Classic) Rosé 2016 (Pays D'Oc, France): Pale Salmon. Raspberry, cotton candy, flowers, mango, guava, peaches, apricot, strawberry, and subtle lemon zest. Dry with sweet notes and high acidity. Crisp and easy drinking. Perfect for a warm spring day in the park. 
Solar Da Marquesa Moscatel Branco 2016 (Lisboa, Portugal0: Very fruit forward both on the nose and palette, with some sparkling characteristics. On the nose apricot, lychee, pear, candied lemon, stone, and a hint of grapefruit. On the palette apricot, lychee, and unripe grapefruit are the hero notes. Medium acidity, medium minus alcohol and body. Very easy drinking.
Marie-Pierre Manciat Crémant de Bourgogne Brut (Crémant de Bourgogne, France): Medium bodied, fine bubbles, and dry. Citrus notes were the hero, lemon, lime, and subtle orange peel. Great value and a great crémant.
Stratus Sémillon 2016 (Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada): Crisp acidity yet creamy mouthful. The perfect balance. Candied lemon, golden apple, grapefruit, under ripe mango, subtle vanilla, and under ripe pineapple. Paired with Carbonara! 
**Not Pictured**Broken Stone Winery Simplicity 2016 (Ontario, Canada): Fruit forward, notes of lemon, grapefruit, under ripe pineapple, and apple. Medium body, yet still crisp acidity. 

Best Dressed - 2018 MTV VMAs

Audrina Patridge

Dress: Dundas World | Jewellery: Jacob & Co. | Clutch: Judith Leiber | Pumps: Christian Louboutin

Hair and Makeup: Emma Willis

Stylist: Joey Tierney

Kylie Jenner

Tuxedo Dress: Tom Ford | Jewellery: Lorraine Schwartz | Sandals: Olgana

Hair Stylist: Andrew Fitzsimons | Makeup Artist: Ariel

Stylist: Jill Jacobs

Shay Mitchell

Dress: Nicolas Jebran | Jewellery: Harry Kotlar 

Hair Stylist: Jesus Guerrero | Makeup Artist: Ariel | Nail Artist: Tom Bachik

Stylist: Monica Rose

Karlie Kloss

Dress: Elie Saab | Sandals: Giuseppe Zanotti | Clutch: Judith Leiber | 

Jewellery: Wempe & Sanjay Kasliwal

Hair Stylist: Jennifer Yepez | Makeup Artist: Mary Wiles 

Stylist: Karla Welch

Blake Lively

Suit: Ralph & Russo Couture | Jewellery: Lorraine Schwartz | Pumps: Christian Louboutin

Hair Stylist: Rod Ortega | Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle | Nail Artist: Elle

Millie Bobby Brown

Ensemble: Rosie Assoulin | Sandals: Christian Louboutin | Jewellery: Jennifer Fisher & Alison Lou

Hair Stylist: Blake Erik | Makeup Artist: Gianpaolo Ceciliato

Stylist: Thomas Carter Phillips

August Best Dressed Cont.

Blake Lively: "A Simple Flavor" NYC Press Tour Day #1

Suit: Versace | Pumps: Christian Louboutin | Jewellery: Lorraine Schwartz

Hair Stylist: Rod Ortega | Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle | Nail Artist: Elle

Blake Lively: "A Simple Flavor" NYC Press Tour Day #2

Suit: Roland Mouret | Jewellery: Lorraine Schwartz

Hair Stylist: Rod Ortega | Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle | Nail Artist: Elle

Blake Lively: NYC Photoshoot

Suit: Brunello Cucinelli | Pumps: Christian Louboutin

Blake Lively: "A Simple Flavor" NYC Press Tour Day #3

Suit: Zimmerman | Booties: Christian Louboutin (Custom) | Jewellery: Lorraine Schwartz

Hair Stylist: Rod Ortega | Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle | Nail Artist: Elle

Lili Reinhart: 2018 Teen Choice Awards

Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Pumps: Olgana | Jewellery: EF Collection

Hair Stylist: Kristin Ess | Hair Colourist: Matt Rez | Makeup Artist: Adam Breuchaud | 

Nail Artist: Steph Stone

Stylist: Elkin

Lucy Hale: 2018 Teen Choice Awards

Dress: Mary Katrantzou | Clutch: Edie Parker | Sandals: Jimmy Choo | Jewellery: Katkim

Hair Stylist: David Stanwell | Makeup Artist: Kelsey Deenihan

Stylist: Alyssa Sutter

Blake Lively: "A Simple Flavor" NYC Press Tour Day #2

Suit & Clutch: Bottega Veneta | Sandal: Stuart Weitzman | Jewellery: Lorraine Schwartz

Hair Stylist: Rod Ortega | Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle | Nail Artist: Elle

My Week in Wine #WeekendWinedown

Chatelain Desjacques Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Val de Loire, France): Easy drinking and refreshing. Typical Sauvignon Blanc notes however softer and more balanced than most New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.
Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Chardonnay 2016 (Mornington Peninsula, Australia): Once opened up, fruit forward on the nose - grapefruit, under ripe pineapple, candied lemon, green apple, and mango. On the palette more oak notes come through - cream corn, popcorn, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and cinnamon.
.5 Konzelmann Reserve Chardonnay 2014 (Niagara Peninsula, Canada): One of the best chardonnays I’ve tasted. The perfect balance between oak characteristics and fruit. Popcorn, vanilla, cream corn, golden apple, lemon, apricot, and caramel.
Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko 2012 (Santorini, Greece): Medium plus gold. Honey, pear, caramel apple, lemon, mango, sea salt, white Porte, and mushroom. On the palette earthy and smoky with an almond finish. Medium plus acidity, body, and alcohol, however medium length and complexity. This need decanting before serving. The notes are really opening up as it is sitting in my glass.
Trius Niagara Peninsula Showcase Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2016 (Niagara Peninsula, Canada): Slight oak but fruit forward. Easy drinking and great for the patio.
L.A. Cetto Petit Sirah 2015 (Valle du Guadalupe, Mexico): A little abrasive for my taste - might need to be decanted for sometime before enjoying. Spicy with black and red fruits, and a hint of earth. 
Costaripa Mattia Vezzola Brut Rosé (Ronchi di Brescia, Italy): Salmon Pink. Red berries, subtle vanilla, and roses. Enjoyed with bone marrow, meat and cheese platter, and shishito peppers.

July Beauty Empties + Mini Reviews

For a girl who washes her hair once, maybe twice, a week I sure did go through a lot of hair products! This is unusual so don't get too use to it! I have also continued, slowly, using up all my travel/sample sized products, which I am finally seeing an end to. And with the upcoming Sephora VIB Rouge Sale at the end of this month it couldn't have come at a better time. Like usual you will see a lot of familiar faces, as well as some one-timers. What I can promise you is that I won't have as many August Empties as this month. Starting fresh products is exciting but can also mean a long road ahead! Well... let's get into my trash!

1. Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips - This took me forever to get through, but I think that is because I am not the biggest fan of pot chapstick, the whole dipping your finger in kind of creeps me out. However, this chapstick is an OG and for good reason. The perfect everyday and night product to heal dry and chapped lips. Does anyone know if it comes in tube form?

2. Lotus Spa Conditioner - Another Princess Cruise Line product that I continually use and surprisingly enjoy. For a free-bee this conditioner does a great job at leaving my hair smooth and tangle free without that heavy greasy feeling.

3. Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer - By far one of my favourite Ranges from Origins. This moisturizer does everything it claims, it energizes and moisturizes without that greasy after feel. It is great up makeup or mixed with your favourite bronzing serum. Overall one of my go-to face moisturizers.

4/5. OGX Shampoo & Conditioner: Candy Gumdrop - Definitely a "YouTuber Made Me Do It" purchase. There was huge hype around Kandee Johnson's Capsule Collection and I had to have them all! Overall it was an average shampoo and conditioner for the price, I believe they were $9.99 each. Did their jobs, however I wouldn't run out to purchase more... oh wait I have the other two scents in my closet!

6. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - Another Origins product that I cannot say enough about. This is my all time, holy grail, favourite day time eye cream. It is perfect on its own, as it has a subtle iridescence to it, or under makeup. 

7. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser - Although I did enjoy using this cleanser and it did make my skin feel squeaky clean, I sometimes felt it was on the drying side. I used it both day and night, and for a week or two may I add, with the respective routine, and it just left my skin craving 

more hydration.

8. Alterna Caviar Repair Lengthening Hair & Scalp Elixir - I love this product! It not only moisturizes your scalp, it also conditions and nourishes your hair to promote faster and healthier hair growth. I did notice my hair growing faster and a strong root, however it doesn't look like it is available anymore, any suggestions?

9. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex - I loved this! The thick consistency allowed minimal product and maximized overnight hydration. My under eyes felt rejuvenated in the morning, showing reduced puffiness, fatigue, and signs of ageing. I would definitely purchase the full size of this... maybe during the VIB Rouge Sale?

10. Secret Invisible Cool Waterlily - Standard deodorant, however the smell was heavenly. I did find however after sometime it would start to smell stale. 

11. Bonnyhill Collagen Wrinkle Care Mask Pack - Another FaceTory win! This mask was excellent. The tightening was almost instant, and it left my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. If you guys haven't heard of or checked out FaceTory yet click here, it is the best monthly subscription allowing you to try out Korean Brands of Sheet Masks!

12. Mask Package I Love Myself - I believe this sheet mask was suppose to help with smoothing and resurfacing skin, however I didn't really notice any results. However, the message of this mask to love yourself and that you're beautiful was super cute.

13. Secret Invisible Va Va Vanilla - This is my all time favourite deodorant. The smell is subtle yet there and last all day long whether you are working out or lounging at home. I purchase this scent over and over again!

14. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion - Already repurchased this product. I used this day and night, although night time use is preferred, due to sun exposure during the day, and really saw my skin transform. Retinoid truly does smooth and resurface your skin and this product, at just $9.80, is truly a must have in your skin care routine!

15. Marrakesh Endz Argan & Hemp Oil Therapy - I used this on wet hair after washed to help with my split ends, and boy do I have A LOT! I have noticed my ends do look better than they once did and will continue using a split end mender and preventer, just doesn't necessarily need to be this exact one. 

16. Marc Anthony Extra Hold Hairspray: Argan Oil of Morocco - This product should be no surprise to you. It is my everyday, go-to, if they stop making this I'd die, hairspray. Dry texture, firm hold, and perfect for styling! Love Love Love!

17. GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment - Another holy grail product that I just can't live without. I strongly believe this is the best detoxifying mud mask out there and if anyone wants to challenge me on that send me your recommendations. My face feels super clean after using this, down to every last over sized pore and crevice! 

18. SkinFood Egg White Perfect Pore Cleansing Foam - I did enjoy this, as it left my skin feeling extremely clean, however like the First Aid Beauty Cleanser, it left my skin feeling even more dried out. Like if I opened my mouth to wide my skin would crack, dry! Maybe a great option for a once a week clean, but not twice a day. 

19. Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask - I had high hopes for this mask, it had great reviews and was reasonably priced, however it just fell a little flat with me. Don't get my wrong my hair felt fantastic after using it, I just had higher expectations, and I believe for the price point of $36 there is something better out there... now I just have to find it!

20. Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - I only really used this while travelling, however loved it. It left my hair feeling nourished and soft even with all the exposure to the elements. It also did not drag down my hair or leave it greasy looking. 

21. Sephora Cleansing Wipes: Coconut Water - These use to be my go-to wipes, however Sephora must have reformulated when the re-branded and there is something almost greasy about them now. I repurchased a different scent hoping it would be different, however it isn't. What are your go-to Facial Wipes? It's officially time to move on. 

22. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - An oldie but a goodie! I have been using this all summer to lock in my moisturizer before putting on my translucent powder and bronzer/blush/highlighter and have been loving this added step. It has help hold my makeup in place longer, stopping a greasy mess from happening, and also keeping all the moisture in instead of mixing with my face powders. I now cannot put makeup on without priming my skin first!

23. Tatcha The Water Cream - The daytime moisturizer is truly a dream. My perfect before makeup moisturizer that quickly penetrates my skin leaving it feeling silky smooth and ready for makeup. If you haven't tried it before run, don't walk, and get your hands on a jar!

24. Sephora Avocado Eye Mask - It must have just been those last couple of eye masks that were duds, or this was a good one... I don't know, I have 2 more to use to make that decision. However, like I use to, I loved this mask. My under eyes felt hydrated, nourished, and smooth. Perfect after a late night out!

25. L'Occitane Precious Eye Balm - I used this product mostly at night time, which I loved because it was a thicker more lux texture and left my under eyes feeling recharged come morning. It also helped fill and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as any discolouration from lack of sleep. I did however notice that sometimes I would flake off after absorbing, which was annoying.

26/27. Alterna Caviar Anti-Ageing Replenishing Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner - My all time favourite shampoo and conditioner duo, even though it is SUPER expensive. And hence the reason for the travel sizes, which I only pick up during Sephora Black Friday Sales! This shampoo/conditioner is a dream, leaves your hair super soft while protecting and repairing from the elements and everyday damage. 

28. Tatcha Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate - I can probably give partial credit to this product for how good my skin has been looking over the last handful of months. My fine line and wrinkles have reduced, my skin has been smooth to the touch, and hyperpigmentation to a minimum. This was a quick nightly step that I could see results almost immediately. I will truly miss this product in my nightly routine.

29. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% - Once you get past the tingling and slight burning of the first couple of uses I grew to love this product. I mixed in a dime sized amount into my night cream for that extra dose of Vitamin C. This could also have played a major part in the reduced fine lines and wrinkles. I have since repurchased and will let you know!

30. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - Can we just take a moment for how exception this product was, even though the packaging made it impossible to fully experience. I have never, and I mean never, used a primer that left my skin feeling so silky smooth as this one... although it is unfortunate that I probably won't feel my skin that way again due to the hefty $65 price tag. But if you can afford it or swallow the price tag I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

31. Origins Night-Potency Night Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream - Another one of my go-to daily products. I use this each and every night, in conjunction with The Ordinary Vitamin C and have loved it since the first application. It is thick and moisturizing but not greasy and easily absorbs. My skin loves this stuff, and I can tell each morning.

32. Dr Brandt Needles No More: No More Baggage - I really enjoyed this mini and saw some great potential. It felt cooling on my skin, reducing the signs of fatigue, however helping with fine lines and wrinkles at the same time. It also has a slight orange hue to help with any discolouration. I received a full sized from BoxyCharm and can't wait to get using it! Hopefully the week or two of use stands true to however long the full size lasts me. 

33. Foil Samples - Cleansers (x8), Serums (x2), and Eye Creams (x2). 

Canada Wine Tasting #WeekendWinedown

Tawse Quarry Road Vineyard Riesling 2016 (Niagara Peninsula, Canada): On the nose rubber ball, lemon, lime, apricot, green apple, honey, honeysuckle, and flint minerality. On the palate this wine was off-dry with medium minus alcohol and body, high acidity, and medium length and complexity. Notes of lemon, orange, sugared grapefruit, honey, apple, apricot, and flint. 

Dirty Laundry Vineyard Woo Woo Gewürztraminer 2015 (Okanagan Valley, Canada): Glue stick, yellow apple, lychee, dole peach cup, mango, rose water, and crushed rock minerality. On the palate this wine was dry with medium plus alcohol, acidity, length, and complexity, and medium body. Notes of yellow apple, rose water, lychee, peach cup, mango, wine gums, apricot, peach pit, almond, and crushed rock minerality. On the nose it smells sweet and has an oily texture on the palate. 

Stanners Chardonnay 2015 (Niagara Peninsula, Canada): On the nose burnt popcorn, cream corn, nutty, banana, bruised apple, apricot, honey, caramel, butterscotch, pineapple, apple blossom, smoke, burnt, subtle mushroom, and wet stone minerality. On the palate less burnt and more fruit forward. Dry wine with medium minus alcohol, medium plus acidity and complexity, and medium body and length. Notes of buttered popcorn, apricot, peach, apple, lemon, pineapple, peach yogurt, spice, almond, crushed rock, and a creamy mouth feel. 

Hidden Bench Pinot Noir 2016 (Niagara Peninsula, Canada): On the nose cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, baking spices, roses, twizzlers, cinnamon (big feet), meaty, iron, vanilla, tomato vine, black tea, beer root, and forest floor. On the palate this wine was dry with medium alcohol, body, and length, medium minus tannin, high acidity, and medium plus complexity. Notes of beet root, cherry, cranberry, black tea, baking spices, cinnamon, roses, strawberry, iron, and forest floor.

Stratus Cabernet Franc 2015 (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada): On the nose cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, vanilla, black pepper, baking spices, jalapeños, smoke, blackberry, raspberry, earl grey tea, tobacco, graphite, floral, and forest floor. On the palate this wine was dry with medium plus alcohol, body, and complexity, high acidity, and medium tannins and length. Notes of baking spices, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, black tea, dark chocolate, vanilla, and forest floor.

Painted Rock Estate Growth Syrah 2014 (Okanagan Valley, Canada): On the nose dried herbs, tobacco, savoury meat, wood, smoke, tomato vine, leather, cherry cola, blueberry jam, green veggie stems, wet earth, and slight confection. On the palate this wine was dry with high alcohol, medium tannin, and medium plus acidity, body, length, and complexity. Notes of tomato vine, cherry cola, blueberry, blackberry, iron, black tea, cured meat, smoke, peppercorn, rare steak, chocolate, and dried earth. 

Viewpointe Lake Erie North Shore Cabernet Merlot 2010 (Ontario, Canada): On the nose black tea, menthol, black pepper, blackberry, smoke, leather, tomato, iron, barnyard, stewed plums and cherries, cilantro, ginger, cedar, vanilla, baking spices, and graphite. On the palate this wine was dry with medium plus alcohol, tannins, body, and complexion, high acidity, and a long finish. Notes mirrored nose with strawberry rhubarb jam, chocolate, baking spice, green pepper, cherry, and cloves. 

Osoyoos Larose Red Blend 2014 (British Columbia, Canada): On the nose ripe fruit, such as raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, plum, and black cherry, menthol, green pepper, vanilla, baking spices, mocha, chocolate, cedar, graphite, and fresh turned earth. On the palate this wine was dry with medium plus structure, and a full body. Notes mirrored the nose, however chocolate fondue covered fruits, and more mocha/chocolate presence.

Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2015 (Niagara Peninsula, Canada): On the nose lychee, apricot, peach, pineapple, honey, lemon, and steel. It was an apricot bomb on the palate, with other nose notes as the backdrop. This wine was sweet with low alcohol, high acidity, and full body.