Amanda Weidensjö

I absolutely love shopping at Winners and Homesense. They are great places to go to for home goods, beauty and fashion items. A lot of the time I just like to browse to see if they have anything new or worthwhile. As you guys know, this year my mission has been to be on a low buy and just purchase what I need. However, when I went to Winners a few days back I saw a bunch of gold boxes on the bottom self. They caught the corner of my eye and when I picked it up I saw it was this beautiful set of lipsticks for only $39.99 CAD!!! Here in Canada, Mac lipsticks at full price are $33. Extremely expensive and very difficult to rationalize purchasing when I have 30+ lip products already.  The set had a security tag on it so I wasn't able to read the description to see if they were full sized lipsticks or just minis. $40 for minis is crazy but for 5 full sized lipsticks? Now that is a steal!! The girl working the cash was very gracious in letting me open the box in front of her and when I s...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Deep in the heart of Texas, Morganville is a small college town full of laid-back students and eccentric townies, not to mention the sort of creatures you wouldn't want to run into after dark. Despite their obvious differences, the human and vampire residents of Morganville have learned to coexist, but that doesn't stop genius student Claire Danvers from keeping up her guard. Because in Morganville, nothing is as it seems...While developing a new system to maintain the town's defenses, Claire discovers a way to use the vampires' powers to help keep outsiders from spreading news of Morganville's "unique" situation once they've crossed the city limits. But the new system has an unexpected and possibly deadly consequence: People inside the town start forgetting who and what they are - even the vampires. And when Claire's boyfriend, Shane, and her best friend, Eve, start treating her like a perfect stra...

 Product Summary: A high performing liquid foundation that helps you face anything. Studio skin evens skin tone and never settles into pores and lines. It won't cause breakouts while controlling oil and shine. It's also transfer-resistant, sweat and humidity resistant. I have the shade: 0.3. Cost: $43 I first received this product in a Ipsy bag which is a monthly beauty subscription service where you get 5 items from sample to full size for around 30$ Canadian. Click here to check them out.  *Cruelty free* I typically don't wear foundation and I still don't wear full coverage base makeup. I tend to spot conceal when I have redness and cover my under eyes. I do want to emphasize when it comes to wearing base makeup and applying many layers that having a good skincare routine is key and never forget moisturizer! I have made that mistake many times so please don't make the same me. Without a healthy base then the foundation and any additional layers won't appear an...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: A witch travels to the Lost Lands in search of a magical power that allows a person to transform into a werewolf.  I was surprised that this movie was based off a short story created by George R. R. Martin but it makes sense to have some of his other works adapted since Game Of Thrones has changed television. I don't know what it is about directors having to cast their wives as the main lead but man this did not work for this movie. I have loved Milla Jovovich in the Resident Evil Franchise, the Fifth Element and a bunch of other movies she's done but her performance fell flat. There were parts of this movie that reminded me a lot of Resident Evil franchise like the close up shots of her eyes. For a second, I thought I started a different movie. I have loved movies that both Milla and Bautista have been in but not together. They just don't mesh well together and their performance felt like a D list movie instead of it starin...

Summary: Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he wakes the street of Gotham City, Arthur wears two masks -The one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he's part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.  This movie has taken me many years to actually see it because when it first came out, the trailer didn't seem all that interesting to me and after watching it in its entirety I still feel the same way. I'll try to focus on what I did like first before I pile on all the things I did not like about this movie. And unfortunately, it's most of the movie.  I will start off by saying that this cast was phenomenal and they played their part extremely well. They worked well together and not one person was out of place. From De Niro to Cullen they a...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell didn't think reading a magical incantation would really work. But it did. Now Prue can move things with her mind, Piper can freeze time, and Phoebe can see the future. They are the Charmed Ones—the most powerful of witches. But being enchanted has a price. There's a warlock who wants to steal their powers. And he'll do it any way he can—even if it means killing them! As a kid, watching Charmed on Fridays were part of my routine and I absolutely loved it! As an adult, I was being surprised that they had continued the series but in comic book format. I unfortunately, do not have all of them yet. I am waiting till I do so I can just read them consecutively. But! They did develop forty plus books on the sisters which is set during the show but it's an expansion on their adventures and not a retelling of the actual episodes. The first book sorta follows the plot of the pilot episode or 'f...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** True Detective is an anthology series where each season follow a new case and new detectives to uncover the truth. Season one follows Louisiana State Police homicide detectives Rustin "Rust" Cohle and Martin "Marty" Hart. Each True Detective as they investigate the murder of Dora Lange from 1995 to 2002. As far as tv shows go, I tend to lean more towards supernatural and tv crime dramas. Series like Law & Order: SVU, Bones, Criminal Minds and I pretty much grew up watching CSI so I'm quite used to those type of shows. True Detective, however, is in a league of its own. I've never watched a tv show like this before. My review will only cover the first season. I figured since each season is a new cast and case that I might as well divvy it up this way. Surprisingly, my boyfriend and I watched the first season quite quickly. And when that happens, it's an indicator that it was interesting because we've come a...

 Product Summary: A clean, non-comedogenic cream blush stick and lip color with a nourishing formula that builds and blends seamlessly for a quick pop of color. I have the color werk which is described as a dusty rose. Cost: $24 ***Cruelty Free*** This is the first product I am using from Milk Makeup and I'm pleasantly surprised. I don't have many cream blushes so I figured for the summer months this will be great to test out.  I found it best and easiest to use my fingers to apply the product to my cheekbones and blend it out. Versus applying the blush directly to my cheekbones I found that it just naturally applied too much product and I had more of a rosy complexion than I originally wanted.   I will say that it does blend very well (no matter what I use but I prefer using my fingers) and a little does go a long way. I just did not enjoy this whatsoever on my lips. They say that this has a nourishing formula but it was extremely drying for my lips. It didn't sit c...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: We all have a superhero inside of us it just takes a bit of magic to bring it on. In 14 year old Billy Batson's case, all he needs to do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of himself by doing what any other teen would do - have fun while testing out his new found powers. But he'll need to master them quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam's magical abilities. Opening Scene:  It's not very often where we get the background of a villain in the opening scene of the movie. But it worked beautifully the way it was done. We get to see what caused Thaddeus Sivana to grow with hatred over the years. Sivana is in a way a victim of circumstance. He had a father who spoke down to him and a brother that wasn't shy to show his disapproval and on top of it Thaddeus is transported to a magical wizard who says he...

 Product Summary: Created to suit different skin tones and eye colours, the nude medium palette is a rich mix of spicy tones combining chestnuts and deep browns. Featuring metallic shimmers in warm yellow and rose gold tones, rustic copper, dusty pink, coral and unique terracotta shades. Full price: $44 but I bought it on sale for $22.  ***Cruelty free*** It comes to no surprise that I absolutely love this color story! Definitely, right up my alley. I love the matte and metallic shades! The entire color story just works well together and it's easy to mix and match the different eyeshadows to always have a beautiful eye look. It really is low effort on making them work together.  I have a love/hate relationship with the metallic/shimmer eyeshadows. I love how pigmented they are, however, whether I am using a makeup brush or my finger the shadow starts to crumble and it get everywhere. If I'm not careful when I apply it on my lids it will get everywhere on my under eyes and...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: The story of the mythical Venus who comes to life to help a nerdy woman find her inner goddess. Pea Chamberlain needs a makeover-shoes, hair, clothes, make-up-if she wants to attract an übersexy fireman. And who could better coax Pea out of her pod than the Goddess of Love, whom she invokes in a moment of desperation? Venus works her magic on Pea, but who will help her when she falls for that same sexy fireman? Could Venus need a love makeover for herself? Check out the five-alarm heat when the Goddess of Love unexpectedly loses her heart. Goddess of Love is the fifth book in the goddess summoning series and is my least favourite thus far. This is the first book where we are simultaneously seeing two couples develop into a full blown soul connection. I'm not sure if there was as much attention to detail given to this particular book but I found it really lacking and a lot of the character development didn't make sense to me at l...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** I used to watch Charmed all the time in my childhood and it's one of the few good memories I have of my mother. We used to watch Charmed all the time and hurry to watch all the new episodes every Friday on the WB. Now as an adult, I have purchased the entire eight season collection and even bought myself a replica of the Book of Shadows featured on the show.  My boyfriend and I love to watch tv shows together so my pick this time around was watching Charmed. It has been well over a decade since the last time I even watched an episode so I was interested in seeing how adult Amanda would feel about Charmed... As a child, I absolutely loved Prue. Myself being the eldest, I definitely connected and related to the character of Prue. I loved the first three seasons and as a child was crushed when the final episode of season three premiered and we were left on a cliffhanger. Starting the first episode of season four, I recall asking where Prue...

I have received quite a few nail polishes in my Ipsy glam bag (subscription service) over the years and many of them are just sitting, not being used. To be fair, I haven't bought nail polishes other than top coats in yearsssss but I have bought press-on's and nail dip powders in between my nail polish purchases to see if I would have a easier time maintaining my nails and manicures.  Clearly, I'm taking a break from those and am trying to use what I have, especially, what is old and unfortunately, most of my nail polishes are old. The month of August has been a crazy and eventful one for me. I've had to attend a few weddings and important dinners so my priority was a nail polish that would look sleek and presentable while also complimenting my outfits.  The nail polish I used for this month was House of Makeup nail polish in flat white-20 which I did receive in a Ipsy bag. I looked up House of Makeup  and I wasn't able to find any nail polishes on their website. Lo...

 Product Summary: This facial lotion is made with Argan and Olive oil to improve the skins texture and smoothness. While also to deeply moisturize and replenishes your skin. All ingredients are 100% naturally derived and is safe for sensitive skin. This lotion is also for normal to dry skin. Cost: $14 ***Cruelty free*** I first received this product in a Ipsy bag which is a monthly beauty subscription service where you get 5 items from sample to full size for around 30$ Canadian.  Click here to check them out.  The older I get the more I appreciate skincare and make a habit of moisturizing as much as possible. Whether it be on my legs, shoulders, neck or face, I'm always trying new moisturizers. And the more natural based they are, the better.  This is my first time actually using a product from this brand. I did receive their coconut scrub but I never ended up using it because it contained walnut shells which is too abrasive for skin and will create microtears. I fi...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Once home to the most advanced civilization of Earth, the city of Atlantis is now an underwater Kingdom ruled by the power hungry King Orm. With a vast army at his disposal, Orm plans to conquer the remaining Oceanic people and then the surface world. Standing in his way is Aquaman, Orm's half-human half-Atlantean brother and true heir to the throne. With help from royal counselor Vulko, Aquaman must retrieve the legendary Trident of Atlan and embrace his destiny as protector of the deep.  Opening scene: Now that is how you make a killer opening scene! We're given just enough backstory on Arthur and his parents without feeling exhausted going through 20+ minutes opener exploring who and what he is.  I'm very impressed with the visuals and CGI of the movie. It's so beautiful and captivating. For Atlantis being adapted to the big screen (not animated) it certainly does it justice. Jason Momoa is not my first or even hundre...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: When modern-day Mikki ends up in the strange Realm of the Rose, Hecate has been waiting for her. So too has her gorgeous guardian beast, who soon has Mikki swooning. But to save the realm, Mikki will have to sacrifice her life-giving blood. This is the fourth installment of Cast's Goddess Summoning series and I absolutely loved it! This story had a few different references from Mythology and from a well known story. We had a mix of Beauty and the Beast mixed in with the story of the Minotaur from the Island of Crete. The way Cast interwove everything was definitely different and not something I have read so far. Even when 'the beast' or aka Asterius was retelling how he came to be it was totally different to how we know the story of the Minotaur to be. There have been many renditions of the Minotaur but none that have depicted Cronus as being his father. More so, most renditions depict him as having the body of a man and the...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he's been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael's all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell... When I first started reading this book, I had a sinking feeling and was asking myself if a ghost writer wrote it? The first couple chapters were written completely different to how Caine has written all her previous books in the series. Even the short stories had the same writing style to them. It's hard to pin point exactly what was different but the whole feel of those chapters felt like it was someone who read the previous books and were writing the characters how they thought they would be written. Think of fanfiction writing. It's not quite...

Product Summary: Full coverage face bronzer delivers a natural looking bronze to fake a vacay glow. Vegan, talc-free and waterproof formula. The silky, lightweight powder instantly evens skin tone. Covers and blurs the look of imperfections. Cost: $65  ***Cruelty Free*** This bronzer has been a staple for years and for very good reason. This bronzer has stormed the beauty community and hasn't really left. Bronzers have clearly not been my favourite over the years but I have been improving and I have somewhat grown fond of them. It definitely took me a while to figure out the proper way to use them without looking like a dirty sewer rat.  This bronzer is so damn pigmented! Even though it is pigmented, you can definitely layer it on your skin. I love how buildable it is as long as you use a light hand. It's safe to say that this bronzer will last me quite a while before I even come close to seeing pan.  This bronzer is such a lovely shade and it compliment my complexion. I ...

 Product Summary: Glow forever in these highlighters created with powerful pearl pigments that are pressed from liquid to baked. The luminosity from the pearls in the formula provide an unparalleled shine and pigment payoff that melts into the skin without looking cakey or powdery. Cost: $35 per highlighter. I have Star Island (a warm ivory), Covent Garden in collab with Talia Mar (a champagne rose), and Moondance in collab with Madison Miller (a pearl highlight with champagne undertones) I first received this product in a Ipsy bag which is a monthly beauty subscription service where you get 5 items from sample to full size for around 30$ Canadian.  Click here to check them out.  ***Cruelty free*** I don't have many items from Ofra but their highlighters have been something that I was very much excited to try, especially, since their highlighters are always highly rated in the beauty community and after trying these ones I can see why. I definitely have a huge love for hi...

It's crazy to think just how many makeup brands who were once coveted and have sold out. Many makeup brands have gone under and closed up shop. Many who have gone out of business being Becca Cosmetics, Bite Beauty, Makeup Geek, BH Cosmetics, Marc Jacobs just to name a few. Am I the only one who is mentally still stuck in the past when it comes to makeup? A decade ago makeup was beautiful and there was such a craze behind it that so many brands and collections were being released back to back. It was such a beautiful time in the makeup industry and I love to reminisce and look at old youtube videos. I think partly is the reason why I want to create a new series on my blog revisiting old makeup brands. Some that were extremely successful and some that didn't get the recognition they deserved.  I was recently going through my makeup collection when I found these two items from Tini cosmetics. I have their swizzle stick eyeliner in Blue Hawaiian and their Barfly highlighter in cand...

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Fueled by his restored faith in humanity, and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and WonderWoman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awaked enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes in Batman, WonderWoman, Aquaman, Cybor and The Flash, it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.  I was apprehensive about this movie because Batman V Superman left a bad taste in my mouth. It makes no sense the characters being as old as they are and not even have the Justice League formed. The opening scene was a video of Superman being questioned by a couple of kids. The CGI on Cavill's face was atrocious and distracted from the actual scene itself. I would have preferred that they scrapped that altogether.  Isn't it already too late trying to form a team of s...