You may have noticed a few aesthetic changes here at JustineCelina to kick off 2016, but that’s just the beginning! I’m taking 2016 as an opportunity for a fresh start, which includes a fresh look, fresh ideas, and new goals for a New Year. I know some people aren’t keen on the idea of New Years resolutions, but now is as good a time as any to set new goals and intentions for yourself. I think it’s important to check in with yourself often — the last time I checked in was during my Sober September (yep, I gave up alcohol for a whole month, and you can read about what else I accomplished, too). Checking in and reevaluating is something I like to do often — so today I’m sharing 5 goals, resolutions and plans for a successful 2016!
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BITE BEAUTY MIX & MINGLE LIPSTICK COLLECTION FOR HOLIDAY 2015 PHOTOS, REVIEW, SWATCHES
Don’t you just love limited edition holiday beauty releases? It’s that magical time of year when brands really seem to step up their game and create so many exclusive products, and value-packed offerings. If you’ve been with me for awhile, you’ll know that I really love Bite Beauty — a Canadian lip-exclusive brand who’s products are made with natural, food grade ingredients that are actually good for your lips. I’ve mentioned previously that Bite’s Luminous Crème Lipsticks are my all time favourite lipsticks — every year I love to pick up these mini duos. They last me until the next year! Today I’m reviewing all 12 shades from the Mix n’ Mingle range for Holiday 2015. If you’re in the market for some great new lipsticks, or looking for gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place!
I love red wine. I also love caesars. It was really only a matter of time before I tried them together in a cocktail — and it is so, so delicious! In fact, I don’t think I can ever go back — I’ve ruined traditional caesars for myself. The idea of the red wine caesar initially came to me on a beautiful summer day (a caesar Sunday, in fact!) at my family’s acreage. After a couple of caesars I thought, “Hey! I bet a splash of red wine would be really good in here!”. Well, it turns out that it wasn’t just the vodka talking! The addition of red wine adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the traditional caesar — it intensifies and enriches the flavours much like adding wine to a red pasta sauce or gravy would. And I didn’t stop there — my recipe also calls for a splash of olive juice (I’m dirty martini fan, as well!). If you’re looking for a sophisticated twist on the classic Canadian caesar, this cocktail is for you!
‘Tis the season! Tonight’s post is another installment in my WHAT TO WEAR series (thanks, Michelle for the request) — I’ve compiled a very comprehensive guide on what to wear to various holiday parties. I’ve included outfit options for every type of party you may be attending — whether it be a corporate gala or black tie event, cocktail party, or a New Years Eve celebration! And now is a great time to shop (it’s when I personally do my holiday shopping), since a lot of retailers are offering Cyber Week and Black Friday promotions. I’ll have more details on that in this post!
Let’s face it — holiday parties are not what they used to be, at least not in Calgary. Five years ago I was dressed to the nines at multiple, extravagant celebrations, while this year neither my boyfriend or I are attending corporate holiday parties. Companies just don’t have the extra cash right now to shell out on these types of events. But rather than focusing on the negative, I put a budget friendly spin on my picks — each piece of clothing is under $200, and most accessories under $100 (with a lot of jewellery $20 or less)!
Bariano Ocean of Elegance Navy Blue Maxi Dress | Side Swipe Bodycon Midi Dress in Green | BP. Faux Fur Stole | Bling Forth Gold Rhinestone Statement Necklace | Disco Island Iridescent Rhinestone Earrings | Steve Madden Varcityr Gold Multi D’Orsay Pumps | Bangalore Palace Gold Beaded Clutch
Tonight’s post is a something a little bit different — I’m sharing my Sober September experience. September has always signified a fresh start for me, so I decided to completely cut out alcohol last month to help me refresh, reenergize and focus on setting goals for the rest of 2015. While I totally love wine and could never give it up permanently, I took September as an opportunity to reevaluate my relationship with alcohol and be ultra productive! If you’re curious about what I accomplished, or are thinking about trying a sober month yourself (Sober October has a nice ring to it!), check it out.
I absolutely love fall makeup, and transitioning into darker, richer shades. Fall colours are my favourite to wear! During September I rediscovered my favourite powder eyeshadows from Makeup Geek (who makes the best quality eyeshadows at any price point, but these just happen to be $6 each!). I picked up some new goodies from e.l.f. Cosmetics (another inexpensive brand with awesome products) and found a holy grail setting powder and some beautiful berry-toned blushes. I also found the perfect daytime berry lip. Let’s chat about fall beauty products!
PEPPERED PEAR ELIXIR
Since I haven’t been drinking this month (I’m doing a Sober September), I’ve been inspired to step up my juicing game! I seem to come up with the most unique flavour combinations when I’m trying to use things up around the kitchen — that’s how my Peppered Pear Elixir was born. We had a couple of peppers, pears and celery stalks that were on their last days, so I decided to throw them into a juice, along with a few other ingredients I had kicking around. The result is a sweet n’ spicy, aromatic juice brimming with a medley of awesome detoxifying ingredients. Enjoy this elixir on a fall morning while Bartlett pears are in season, and kick-start your day!