Is it just me or is there an amazing satisfaction in loving a recent purchase? You know when you buy something on a whim and then YOU LOVE IT and you're just like: YES! FINALLY! THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR?! 

That's a good feeling.

We asked around the office for recent buys from CA staffers. Things that fell in love with. We got some great ones:
 

Alexandra 
 
1. Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Wine (C$14.95): A friend of mine recently went to the Muskokas and brought back a bottle of cranberry wine from a winery and cranberry farm there. When it comes to wine and alcohol in general, I have the palette of a child (don't let children have wine) or a sorority girl in first year. Basically, it needs to taste like juice. This wine however, I can get behind. It's sweet but not overly so, tart like cranberry juice but not too sour. It's perfect on it's own for a little happy hour action or with apps or a meal.

2. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (C$15.99): My skin just realised that it's winter and as such, it has dried up like a dead plant. Or crackers. Or fruitcake. Or something equally as dry. When it gets so dry, it cracks, peels, chafes and chaps. This miracle worker solves all that and speeds up the healing process.  

3. EVERYTHING AT SOMA CHOCOLATEMAKER (C$MORETHANICANAFFORD): I've been on this major chocolate binge lately and Soma Chocolatemaker is right around the corner from CA HQ. Bad news. It makes all these delicious, gourmet chocolate blends. My favourite is the sea salt dark chocolate...droollllll..... The downside? It's pricey. A chocolate bar will run you about $10, but oh my, is it ever worth it. 

Miranda 

1. Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational Lip Color in Nude Illusion (US$7.19): The ‘wet’ look is in and I go to this lip gloss to give me both tint and shine. In addition, it’s great for keeping my lips moist from the cold. I also used this on my brows and cheeks to give me a dewy glow.

2. Hot Apple Cider: Classic and always available (not too mention yummy) anytime of day! For a quick fix, I just heat it up in a sauce pan and top it off with 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks – never complete without the cinnamon sticks. You can make your own (check out our DIY version here) and there are also excellent store bought options too! 
 
3. RW & Co. Flat Ankle Boot (C$120.00): Very appropriate for the season, work and many occasions; especially with the transition from fall to winter. A pair like these from RW&Co. and comfy socks go a long way. The buckle and reptile print detail give it a kick. 

Renee 
 
1. Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel (C$10.95-29.95): I am in love with the rose absolute and lemon fragrance of this shower gel. Also, the lather is super rich and luxurious. I am so sad this shower gel is only around for the holidays - I might have to hoard some bottles! 

2. Burt's Bees Radiance Toner (C$14.99): I always stayed away from toners because the alcohol base makes my skin burn (obviously not a good sign!), but the Radiance Toner is unlike any toner I have ever tried before. The product is 100% natural, and is gentle and effective in removing the final traces of make-up and dirt from my skin.

3. Bath & Body Works 'Cider Lane' Candle (C$20.00): I was immediately sold on Bath & Body Works new Mason Jar Candles, they are so cute! The 'Cider Lane' scent reminds me of candy apples, yummm!

Rachel 

1. Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World By: Bob Goff (C$12.40): You know those moments when all you need is to hear you’re loved? It’s not needy or childish - we’re humans who constantly seek reassurance of ourselves and crave intimacy and closeness.

I initially took this book travelling with me with the intention of having some reading material for my 24+ hour flight to New Zealand. Little did I realize this book would become my life line for the next six months of my travels. Author Bob Goff does a spectacular job of sharing his experiences and stories with his readers, while always sending his readers away with a positive heart-warming learning moment. If I ever felt lonely or not entirely myself, I knew I could scoop this book up, read a chapter, and feel uplifted in a matter of minutes.

2. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Bronzer SPF 30 (C$13.95): Physicians Formula is the perfect solution to giving you that chiselled cheekbone, airbrushed, sun-kissed glow without the inevitable wrinkles from tanning. >I’ve had a number of affairs with various bronzers but I must say, I think I’m ready to settle down now.

3. Davines OI / Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion (US$31.00): One of the greatest treats in life is taking a shower in my mom's bathroom. With an Indian rain shower cornered in by two tall glass walls, a lavender scent swimming through the air and a tall white window-faced cabinet with every unnecessary hair, face and beauty product, you aren't even able to tell whether you're in a spa or not.

Upon my last trip to the “ma-spa,” I had the audacity to snatch a generous glob of Davines OI Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion. A.K.A. the S.O.S solution for frizzy haired critters like me. That being said, the bottle was never to be seen again (in her bathroom, at least). I have no shame in my actions. After all, I am technically granting my mother the beautiful sight of my silky smooth locks instead of scratching her eyes with my dead ends. It’s win-win, right?