MAKING
Winter is a notoriously tough beauty season because the air is colder & drier and the wind is harsher, which really can take a toll on your skin. In addition to this rich body butter I’ve begun using to keep my skin moisturized, I’m making batches of this coconut oil coffee scrub. You can find affordable glass jars at your local craft shop to store it in (or re-purpose some you already have). I recommend using once a week before showering for the best results. I love that the ingredients are simple, all-natural & that I’m saving money by making it myself.
CRAVING
I saw these sunglasses when I was participating in the blogger shopping challenge at The Shops at Columbus Circle. Even though they didn’t fit with the NYE look I was creating, I couldn’t resist trying them on. I typically don’t go for uber-trendy frames but the neutral color and rounded shape of this pair strikes a good balance between modern & retro. Sadly, they are way out of my price range, so I will be waiting for a sale or dropping a not-so-subtle hint to my husband. If anyone has seen a similar pair for less, please let me know!
THINKING
I had so much fun playing around with different hair & beauty styles for the holidays that it re-inspired me to get more creative with my evening looks. We don’t go out all that frequently, and when we do, I typically wear my hair down in loose waves. But it’s nice to switch things up a bit and my husband loves when I wear my hair off of my face or pulled back. These sparkly hair clips are even prettier in person and I’m thinking they would be perfect for bringing along with me for our upcoming trip to Vegas (just 10 days away!).
LOVING
LOVING
I’m always on the hunt for chic & comfortable flats that I can dress up or down…and we all know what a sucker I am for anything with fringe. So, when I came across these flats on major sale after the holidays, I couldn’t resist adding them to my closet. The style is the ideal combination of a menswear loafer & a ladylike pointed-toe flat. I’m partial to this deep berry hue, but they also come in black or gray tweed. I found the leather to be a little stiff when I first put them on, so I’ve been wearing them around the house to help break them in.
READING
Before Christmas, we had a fun get-together with some friends I hadn’t seen in a while and when each of them asked me how things had been going lately, my automatic response was “so crazy busy”. This article explains how, as a society, we have begun to equate one’s level of busyness with success…but it simply isn’t true. I am 100% guilty of falling into this mindset and it’s something I am attempting to consciously undo. Taking a break from social media over the holidays and focusing on truly being present with my family made me more fully appreciate the art of slowing down, so I’ve made it one of my resolutions for 2016 to do this more often.
WEARING
After hearing so many beauty bloggers rave about this contour kit, I finally bought one of my own…and it certainly lives up to the hype. I use Fawn in the hollows of my cheeks and along the sides of my nose to create depth; I dust a light layer of Banana underneath my eyes to brighten & then I apply Sand on the tops of my cheekbones & brow bones to highlight. It’s easy to overdo it (especially with the darker shades), so I recommend starting with small strokes, using a light hand & blending really well. I love that you can order a refill of only the shades you need as you run out, instead of having to replace the entire palette.
Little Denim Dress
Pop of Red
Pineapple Punch
Nail Color of the Month ~ March