tis the season

Dear Diary

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I have a bit of an issue when it come to Christmas shopping: I just don’t know when to stop! Every single year I get out of hand, on a mission to find that perfect special something for everyone on my list, from my next door neighbour who I barely know to my parent’s dog.

At the very top of my “love to shop for” list sits my pastel prince, aka whoever I happen to be dating when the holidays hit. Don’t get me wrong- I genuinely love gift shopping for anyone and everyone, but above all I delight in splurging on cashmere scarves, dress shirts, spicy cologne and printed socks. I have a secret affinity for menswear and gentleman’s products, so Christmas gives me the perfect excuse to really dive into that world. 

This Christmas I’m lucky enough to have a pretty magical guy in my life, which means I went on a bit of a spree collecting all sorts of treasures for him. From a fancy gold embossed deck of cards (he does magic, literally) to my favourite men’s cologne (which he just so happened to wear before I even met him), this guide really got much more expansive than I had originally planned… but what’s wrong with a bit of Christmas spoiling, right? 

*Gender aside, this roundup is for all those handsome, masculine-identified folks in your life. Happy shopping!

Scroll down for credits and shopping links

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Amola salt (available at The Spice Trader)
Richer Poorer socks
Monarch playing cards by Theory11
Viktor and Rolf Spicebomb via Perfumania
Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield watch
Komono sunglasses
Davines OI collection
Baxter of California candles and skincare
Dillon’s Distillery Spirits
BYOB Cocktail Emporium Barware
Nike Roshe One
ASOS junk food t-shirt and pink pullover
The Good Bar Soap
Woodlot Candle

Dress Up

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Playing dress up is easier than ever when the holidays roll around, and I’ve been incorporating glitter and sequins into almost everything I sport over the past few weeks.

Of course jewelry is not to be overlooked, and though I’m a team-gold girl all the way, I’ve been having a lot of fun adding this delightful pearl ring from Trollbeads to the mix. Perfect for the mermaid at heart, this delicate statement piece balances atop my fingers, and I think it looks especially eye catching when paired with a shiny new manicure and a party dress!

All that’s missing for a sparkly night out is a bottle of pink champagne!

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Jacket from ASOS, Dress via. Paper Crown, Ring by Trollbeads, Socks from American Apparel, Shoes via CONVEY

Sips, Sweets & Snacks

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Tis the season for swirling snow, warm hands tucked safely in mittens, sleigh rides, and sugary delights. We’ve had the holidays on our minds for months here at Random Acts of Pastel, and these days you’ll find us in the studio whipping up festive magic like pastel elves almost constantly.

Though it’s not really an intentional Christmas tale, this time of year always has us dreaming of the magical world of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Full of enchantment, The Chronicles of Narnia sparked our imagination both as children and adults, and more importantly, it introduced us to the wonder of Turkish Delight.

Inspired by snowy white winters and pink cubes of sugary goodness, this spiced white hot cocoa recipe is sure to keep your fingers toasty, and we dare you not to smile to yourself when you devour the Turkish Delight garnish!

Scroll down for full recipe…

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Ingredients //

½ cup White Baker’s Chocolate
1 cup Vanilla Soy Milk
1 tbsp cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks
2 drops of rosewater

Recipe //

Makes two cups of cocoa

1 // Melt the white chocolate into the soy milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

2 // Once the chocolate is fully melted, add the spices and lower the temperature as much as possible (just to keep the mixture warm)

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3 // Let the spices steep for at least 15 minutes, or as long as possible. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the milk.

4 // When you’re ready to serve, strain out the spices and add the rosewater (to taste). Pour into your favourite teacups or mugs, add a cube or two of Turkish Delight to the saucer, and enjoy your cup of holiday cheer!

Originally Published on the Hooray Magazine Blog

Party Time

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It’s officially December, which means sparkle season is finally upon us! Though the final shoot release date is still up in the air, I decided I could’t help but share some behind the scenes snaps in the meantime to get you in the pastel Christmas state of mind.

From the floral arrangements, to the cocktails, to the gold flakes atop each buttermilk scone, no detail escaped our elf-like festive magic, and these glittery scenes are just a taste of what we have in store…

Stay tuned for more DIY projects, recipes, and the final photos coming soon!

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Oh so Pretty

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Whoever said “Never ask a girl with winged eyeliner why she’s late” really hit the nail on the head. I love playing around with my beauty look, especially around the holidays, but I never quite mastered the art of the cat eye until my recent discovery of felt-tip liner pens. Though I still wouldn’t venture to call myself a pro by any means, the addition of liquid liner pens to my makeup bag has definitely taken my eye makeup from kitten to cat.

I put together this metallic look using a handful of products from the Birchbox shop, including my favourite black liner pen by Cynthia Rowley and the new LOC shadow pens (which are amazing by the way!) As long as you have a steady (ish) hand, you’ll be ready to sparkle at every holiday party from now to New Year’s Eve!

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Supplies //

Vasanti Primer
Cynthia Rowley Black Liquid Liner
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner
LOC One and Done Shadow Sticks in “Day Trip”, “On Point”, and “Smoke Screen”
Eyeko Black Magic Mascara
Cargo Blush in “Bali”
LAQA & co. Cheeky Lip pen in “Humble Brag”

Instructions //

1 // Prime your eyelids with Vasanti’s All Star Primer to create an even base.

2 // Start by painting your upper lid with “On Point”, then add “Smoke Screen” to the outer corner of your lower lids, and
“Day Trip” to the inner corners.

3 // Using your trusty Cynthia Rowley liquid liner pen, carefully draw on the cat eye as close to your lash line as possible. Don’t be afraid to go back and fill in any patchy spots!

4 // Draw a line of silver as close to your bottom lash line as possible using the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner, and follow under the same line with the black liquid liner to create a double cat eye effect. Finish the eyes off with a healthy dose of mascara on both the top and bottom lashes (I’m obsessed with Eyeko’s Black Magic formula)

5 // Add a touch of pink to the look with a warm pink blush and a berry pink lip- just in case you land a kiss or two under the mistletoe!

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Birchbox – The Box is Monthly, the Beauty & Grooming Possibilities are Endless! Sign up for just $10/month.