My 2016 Christmas List

November 23, 2016November 23, 20164 Comments

Gerd yer loins.

My 2016 Christmas List is here!

My 2016 Christmas List by natd08

If interested, here are the details surrounding my choices.

Adidas Shoes:

Basic as they are, I am a ride-or-die lover of white tennies. I love my white Chuck Taylor’s (ala Benny Rodriguez), my Sperry canvas sneakers and of course all m’Vans. And since I live in the city that is home to Nike and Adidas HQ, I figure I may as well pay homage.

Tory Burch Backpack:

Similar to my feelings about white sneakers, I love backpacks. They keep your hands free, are a cinch to commute with and best of all, don’t wreak havoc on my shoulders! Can I get an amen for even weight distribution!? And since I hardly carry purses anymore (see above mentioned note on commuter status) I feel I need this one to stay chic.

Little Twin Stars Backpack:

What would I be, if I wasn’t honest about my 12-year-old taste in accessories? YES. I looooove me some Sanrio! Little Twin Stars man. I can’t help myself. I saw a girl wearing this backpack at Universal Studios and she told me it was Loungefly. Probs a brand for sweaty teens, but whatevs. I WANT IT SO BAD.

Sephora Set:

This set is SUCH a deal. You get several full-size products, several of which, I would love to try. It is pricey at $75 but the contents are easily worth double that.

Mac Velvet Teddy Lipstick:

I just ran out of my beloved Creme Cup by Mac and sister Megan is insisting I try this. So there you go.

Abercrombie 8 Perfume:

In keeping with the 12-year old girl theme…I smelled this perfume on a recent trip to the ol’ A&F when I was desperate to find some black distressed jeans. Total blast from the past in the best way! I really am fond of the way this smells and the fact that it makes me feel like a girl of 22 again.

Lush Snow Fairy Set:

Its no secret that I LOVE Lush and this set comes with the (new to me) Snow Fairy Body Conditioner! Oh lord this would be heavenly!!

S Factor Shampoo + Conditioner Set:

I have always been a fan of the way this line smells. But really, I just need more high-end stuff as I know my hair responds better when I don’t douse it in Pantene….

YSL Mon Paris Perfume:

Confession: I have been going in Sephora for the past few months JUST to put this perfume on. Each time I do, I get stopped on the street by people asking me what I am wearing. This perfume is sweet, feminine and packs a punch you guys.

Love is Actually All Around

November 14, 2016November 11, 20162 Comments

With the Holiday season upon us and the atrocious election behind us, I am left feeling…well, happy :).

And loved. And in love.

So what better way to title this post than with a quote from arguably THEEEE best Christmas movie of all time?!

Here are some things that invoke all the loveliness there is:

Handwritten Notes:

As someone who loves to write, I have always appreciated the gesture of a handwritten note or letter. David’s daughter is in that stage where she is learning to write and of course, she is coloring up the wazoo so I get plenty of adorable pictures from her. And then there’s the sweet notes I am surprised with from David…HOW DID I GET SO LUCKY!?

My baby nephew Taterbug:

Nobody could possibly love this human more than me. Tate has learned to sign “please” recently and both Nan and Meg have yet to get it on camera. He is also WALKING NOW and I could literally die. My Mom gets to watch him in the AM each day while Meg is at work and I get very jealous. I want to squeeze him and kiss him and bite his cheeks and hold him forever.

In-Town Family!

Being away from my family is really hard for me. Nan, Gare, Meg, Bin, Taterbug, Amy, Shannon — I miss them all so much and it is SO great that David’s family is close by. We get to see them all the time and everyone is so awesome. P.S I made the above pictured lasagna and people had seconds. #justsayin

Accidental cool hair styles I make up:

Nothing is better than a nice thrown-together hairstyle on dirty hair AMIRIGHT!? I fashioned this little dazzler one afternoon and was very pleased that I attained it using only 3 bobby pins. If you’re interested in a tutorial, do let me know.

These healthy frozen food choices at Walmart:

Hahahhaa. ‘murica right? The Twinkies sound disgusting but the Doritos…yeah I might give ’em a whirl.

Fresh flowers:

David and E brought these home last weekend and they have been so lovely to look at everyday. If I had all the money, I would have fresh flowers at my house all. the. time. Also plenty of razor cartridges and things from Lush.

Running

I have a love-hate relationship with running. At one time in m’life, running was not such a good thing for me. I got hooked on it and heaped loads of guilt on myself for not running far enough, fast enough or for long enough. What started as a good way to blow off steam, or decompress quickly became an unhealthy obsession. So for years now, I have tucked away my running shoes and really haven’t done much of anything in the way of consistent exercise. Bayd.

But over the past few months, running has come back into my life in the best way possible. Working downtown Portland has afforded me the chance to run along the waterfront on all kinds of great little loops. I also have a running pal at work who takes it about as seriously as I do…We run at a slow, leisurely pace and stop when we need to. Typically, we do 2-3 mile loops and take breaks as needed. When I run alone, I have gradually been getting faster and usually don’t run anymore than 4-5 miles. If I can get out 3 times a week I am happy with myself. Running has once again become my favorite outlet for stress release, alone time and my time to blast Drake 🙂

What has made YOU happy lately?

Lately: Books I’ve Read

November 10, 2016November 9, 2016Leave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve done an update of the books I’ve read. Like, a WHILE.

As y’all know, I love to read and can pretty much devour any book that’s put in front of me…well, maybe except like Mein Kampf, or War and Peace. But that’s neither here nor there.

Here is what I’ve read as of late:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

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For awhile, I was on a kick of WW2 historical fiction which is what drew me to this book. I REALLY liked this one. The author goes between two different stories that end up weaving together. Both of the main characters begin as children and both of their stores are so fascinating. I highly recommend this book if you are into historical fiction!

Life from Scratch by Melissa Ford

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I read this because I think it was $5.99 on my Kindle and I wanted something totally mindless. I also tend to love books about food or cooking (go fig). This was kindof a romantic-comedy in book form and focused on a divorcee (another reason it resonated with me) who blogs about cooking. It was a fun, easy read.

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

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I love books set in the 20’s! This one is about a woman who chaperones a young actress/dancer from her hometown for the summer. It isn’t the most thrilling book of all time, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and especially loved the time period.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

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Obviously I read this. The SECOND that movie preview came out, I knew I wanted to read the book. Similar to Gone Girl, this book was thrilling and sexy (ooooh sexy) and scary. The main character was definitely someone you feel sorry for and honestly I think Emily Blunt was a bit too regal to play her in the movie. Much to my chagrin, I have not yet seen the movie! But I will. Anyway, if you want a seriously engulfing book that will keep your attention all the way through, read this!

All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

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I found this book on the Barnes & Noble site after researching “books similar to Girl on the Train”. Haha I am so predictable. Anyway, this was NOTHING like Girl on the Train. It was much more slow-moving and the timeline went backwards. At first I kindof hated that it was working backwards but then I grew to like it. I ended up finding it pretty good…not great.

Fall Skincare Routine

November 3, 2016November 2, 20163 Comments

Is it really November already?!

So I guess it’s time to start Christmas shopping, writing down which movies will be on the 21 Days of Christmas in my day planner and of course – trying to hold off on putting up the tree for as long as possible. I have already admitted to myself that I can’t wait until after Thanksgiving so it’s just a matter of which weekend in November it’s going to be.

And this year, I get to celebrate my first Chrismakah since David is Jewish! I am SO excited. I already ordered a throw pillow that says “Happy Challah Days!”. #mazeltov

But with the super cold temps, Balsam Fir Yankee Candles and abundance of cozy socks stuffed down at the bottom of the bed – I also must load up on the skin currrr. So let’s talk about THAT.

To start – I have been using (and loving) the Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk from Soap & Glory. I take a couple pumps on the tips of my fingers and massage into dry skin. This stuff breaks up all the makeup, dirt and oil and then I rinse it off with warm water.

To tone – I have been alternating between the Mardio Badescu Rosewater & Herbs Facial Spray (a long-time favorite) and the SK-II Facial Essence, which came in a recent Influenster Vox Box.

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To hydrate – I have been using the L’Oreal Revitalift Serum to start. Once that has been absorbed into the skin, I follow up with the night cream. I have been pretty impressed with the Revitalift line and would definitely recommend it, esp for the price point.

For eyes – Believe it or not, sometimes when I am lazy I will dab on some of this (AMAZING) Treat Jumbo Lip Balm in Confetti Cake. This stuff is made with mostly coconut oil, as well as a few other all-natural organic ingredients. I would really just rub it all over my body if it were big enough! Other than that, I use the Sephora Total Age Defy for Eyes and Lips which I really like as well.

For lashes – If you remember my beauty hacks post, I talked about how great castor oil is as a “lash conditioner”. I still use this stuff on my lashes and still absolutely love it.

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For lips – If I am not using the Treat lip balm, I am definitely reaching for this one I discovered in France! The Nuxe Reve De Miel Ultra‑Nourishing Lip Balm is made with honey and other great things and is SUPER moisturizing.

And lastly for masks – I just posted a couple of my favorites, click here to check them out!

Halloween 2016

November 1, 2016October 31, 2016Leave a comment

Hello goblins and ghouls!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween this year…I know I did. You see, when you’re with someone who likes getting dressed up just as much as you – you dress the F up.

This year, we were invited to an awesome costume party by my pal Kelly a couple weeks ago and we decided to pay homage to our favorite scene from G.O.T this last season – the walk of shame.

If anyone out there is a fan of the show – you know how crazy this scene was. We decided David would make the perfect “high sparrow” nun-lady, and I could definitely pull off the evil Cersei. You’ll also know that for the scene to be truly authentic, I would have had to be buck naked. And I was eager to take on that challenge. Not by actually being naked but by attaining a nakedy look. I searched everywhere for a nude bodysuit to no avail and realized I would either have to go the American Apparel route or have to take to the internets. A Capezio nude women’s jumpsuit was running upwards of $30 online and truly, I just didn’t want to commit.

So sadly, I tried to create the best representation of the character that I possibly could, evidenced below. David on the other hand, absolutely KILLED the nun lady. I mean…

And in case anyone is curious, I really was the ugliest human alive that night…

ITS CALLED DEDICATION

If you’re curious, the wig was a “surfer boy” wig from Spirit Halloween, which I happily hacked away at.

For Halloween weekend, we decided to do a little light bar-hopping with some friends. And after the season 7 premiere of the Walking Dead, where I did in fact cry 2 buckets of tears, David decided he wanted to be….

NEGAN

His portrayal is spot-on and quite literally, very disturbing. For any TWD fans out there, this will send chills up your spine.

To compliment David’s Negan, I really wanted to be Rick – but since I already had the zombie dress from last year – I decided to just do that again.

This year I found a zombie makeup look I really liked and did a slightly glammy zombie girl.

If anyone is interested in a tutorial on this – just let me know!

Here was the look I was inspired by:

I wish I had the contact lenses!

So, there you have it. Another Halloween in the books. What were you for Halloween??

Influenster Flawless VoxBox

October 25, 20162 Comments

Well, what do you know?

For me!?

I’ve mentioned Influenster a few times before… and I receive nothing from them except these fun (and free) Vox Boxes full of goodies. It is really easy to sign up and ANYONE can do it – check it out for yourself by clicking here!

This time, I got the following products to try out:

Obviously the snap peas went first. I brought them into work and was happily chomping away when one of my coworkers came up to me and said “you know those things are fried in like 1,000 gallons of oil?” BUZZ KILL.

Of these things, I will use everything but the Yogi tea. I truly wish I had a taste for tea, but it just tastes so flavorless to me and I don’t get the point.

I am very excited about the mascara and the nail polish. Covergil makes some slammin’ mascara and y’all know I love the staying power of Sinful colors polishes.

I have already tried the Dr.Teals epsom salts pictured here and they smell so great! I usually buy the detoxifying clay one, but the eucalyptus + spearmint is super dreamy.

And of course, the facial wipes will come in handy for those nights where 2 + glasses of wine, lifetime movies and birthday cake Teddy Grahams kick my ass.

Wet’n’Wild Highlighting Gold Bar

October 18, 2016October 19, 20163 Comments

EVERYONE JUST STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING.

What could, quite possibly be the MOST beautiful highlight of all time is now in the world.

And, oh yis. She is marvelous.

She is pigmented, long-lasting, SUPER shimmery with a subtle hint of sparkle and

GOLD.

Annnnnnnnnnnnd. She costs $3.99.

I found and purchased two. Of course I did.

The only problem is that she is elusive. Rare. One cannot simply go out to CVS/Rite Aid/Walgreens and procure this fine specimen. I would implore all my readers who lurve a dope highlight to drive out of their way, to remote, lowly drugstores around the great U.S of A and git yerself this wondrous, majestic substance. If this fails you, you may resort to Ebay and spend triple the retail price, but friends…it would be worth it. YOU SEE, this product is (rumor has it) an exact dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold that will set you back $42.

So, good people – GO. Go get you this. Go to the ends of the earth.

You will be glad you did.

Edited to add: