November Favorites

December 2, 20143 Comments

Sooo…let’s pretend to ignore the fact that it’s been awhile since my last Favorites post ok? OK.

Bath & Body

Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner

It’s a very scary thing to realize how reliant I am on certain products. Take for example my beloved Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner from Lush. In the winter, my skin may as well be made of cardboard and every lotion I try just doesn’t cut it. The body conditioners from Lush are miracle workers. I smooth it all over in the shower, let it sit for a few seconds, rinse it off and then pat (not rub) myself dry. I feel like it’s locking the moisture in from the shower and the scent? I’ll put it this way – I have emailed and tweeted the company multiple times to re-release the Ro’s Argan perfume. A petition might be in order.

Cake Batter Chapstick

It smells like cake and it feels great on the lips. What more could you possibly ask for in a lip balm?

Makeup

Dior Star Foundation

I must preface this by backing up a few weeks ago. You see, I have been out of foundation for quite some time now. And rather than barrel into Sephora and select a random bottle from the gaggle of choices, I decided to be a bit more methodical. So, I have been slowly accumulating samples of high-end foundations to put through the ringer and of course blog my thoughts on each. But you guys -I may have struck gold not even a quarter of the way through my stash. I’m talking about Dior Star Foundation, and yes, I’m in love. You MUST apply with a Beauty Blender and the result is nearly perfect. It is slightly dewy, blurring and brightening and it applies smoothly and evenly leaving my skin looking like a literal movie star (the concept behind the name).

L’Oreal Carbon Black Liquid Eyeliner

This eyeliner has to have earned holy grail status by now. It is truly a workhorse, providing a very pigmented black and super simple application. It’s also like 8 bucks so yeah, git it.

Mac Pressed Pigment in Warming Heart

I have recently re-discovered this little gem from a Mac collection that was sitting all alone on my vanity and I have fallen back in love. The timing couldn’t be more perfect being the holidays. The holiday season means that I can finally bust out all my overly shimmery and glittery shades not suitable to other times of the year. This Mac pressed pigment is perfection because the glitter is so fine and when used in conjuction with a primer and a little Fixed +, ohh law. It is sooooo beautiful.

Hair

Nature’s Gate Aloe Vera Shampoo

Guys, I have gone sulfate free and I may never look back. This shampoo not only smells great and leaves my hair feeling clean and healthy, but it is $9. Additionally, I feel like my hair has been growing much faster and I’ve been losing way less.

*A DUD*

Rusk Freezing Spray

This Freezing Spray by Rusk is just the pits. I got last summer in the Allure Beauty Box and I had high hopes for it. It claimes to be completely weather-resistant and let me tell you, nothing could be further from the truth. I have tried it on multiple occasions where I curled my hair, finishing with the hairspray, and left to run an errand. I would look into the mirror not 30 minutes later and it would be frizzy, dull and devoid of ANY curl. I am better off using no hairspray at all.

Misc.

My Merin Bag

Surprisingly I have never mentioned this bag in any of my favorites but I honestly use this almost every day. The company is out of Seattle and was started by a woman who wanted a tote bag that could do it all. The interior of the bag is lined with waterproof pockets of various sizes, making it a cinch to organize all your stuff. The thick, yet pliable canvas fabric is beautiful, making it a chic alternative to those plastic-y and obnoxious cheaper tote bags. The bottom of the bag is also made of waterproof fabric, which means it is perfect for the beach, the pool or ANYONE living in the Pacific Northwest. I have an older design and I could not live a day without it.

Sparkly Nina Flats

I MEAN. Of course these pups made my favorites. They are MAJESTY.

And lastly…Our Christmas Tree/Décor!!

You may remember our scant, poorly Christmas tree last year, appropriately named Nadine. Well this year, we made the tough decision to go artificial. Maybe it’s our small(er) front room, maybe we missed seeing actual branches, but whatever it was, running into Target and picking this little lady up for a mere $30 seemed all too perfect. Her name is Fanny, btw.

I’ve also thrown around some miscellaneous décor this year, in the form of a new blanket(Martha Stewart Collection from Macy’s), new pillow (Marshalls) and little Christmas wall décor (Target). I couldn’t be happier! Merrrrry Christmas!

February Favorites

March 5, 2014March 4, 201413 Comments

I KNOW, I’m super late. But don’t be mad.

And really quick – can we talk about the season finale of Downton? I have so many questions. Where is God’s name is Michael Gregson? And why won’t Mary just choose the cuter guy (Gillingham) like we all want her to?

Also – I FINALLY got through Breaking Bad and all I want to do is talk about the finale. But. Anyways.

Onto the favorites.

Beauty

Treehut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Brazilian Nut

It’s official – I have hopped on the sugar scrub band wagon! And now that I have safely arrived at the exfoliation station (see what I did there?) I am never looking back. The smell of this product is insane. Like something you want to lick and ingest into your entire being. I can’t help but grab myself a good palmful and squish it playfully between my fingers before I slather it everywhere and inhale, deeply. The result is baby-soft, wonderfully perfumed skin that is also perfect before self tanner.

The Comforter Bubble Bar from LUSH

This product just makes me happy. The shape, the color, it’s immense size. I used a chunk in Whistler after my epic ski day and was immediately enveloped in a blanket of sweet majesty. The name totally suits the product, this baby is so COMFORTING. To me, it smells sweet with a hint of a fruity note – oh. And it turns your bathwater purple. So yeah.

Makeup

Origins Ginzeng Brightening Mascara

Not sure why they call this mascara “brightening”, however it is a great mascara. It’s nice and black and gives my lashes volume and length. I have been using the sample size but would consider upgrading to the full in the future.

BH Cosmetics Glamorous Blush Palette

Sister Megan gifted me this 10-pan palette of glory for Christmas. The shade range is drastic and most of the colors are pretty wearable, for me. I have particularly enjoying the shades: top row, 4th from the left AND bottom row, first on the left.

Essence Eye Sorbet in Illuminating Hazelnut

I randomly came across this eye product at Fred Meyer while I was picking out a Valentines Gift for Meg. I LOVE that Essence stuff has testers – drugstores should really start doing this! The swatch was like BAM and my heart started beating #beautygirlproblems. It is pretty pigmented for a whipped, gel-like creme shadow and it delivers some SERIOUS shimma.

Lancome Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rose

My wonderful soon-to-be Mother in Law gave this for Valentines and I have been wearing it non-stop since. It actually smells like roses but has a subtle, sweet flavor. Since I am OBSESSED with anything rose – this is a major hit with me. The color is pretty sheer but I just love the staying power of this formula on me.

Randoms

Vikings

SO NOT ME. But the shows that Bryan will actually sit through are few and far between, so I will take what I can get. Basically, if he wanted to watch a show about dung beetles I would be like, “I’ll get the popcorn!” but Vikings is actually quite good. It’s on History so there’s no boobies and although it’s gory, it’s not like Saving Private Ryan or anything.

The SUN

It is fiiiinally still light out as I get off work at 5 which makes me SO happy. This can only mean that spring is right around the corner! Which in Seattle means more rain :(. But then, it is summer and I will have a freak-out.

MISSES

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

DOG POOP Source

Note to Ipsy: STOP including these bogus, wimpy little mascaras in our monthly bags. NOBODY likes them and this is the second god-awful mascara they have sent me. This mascara gave me barely defined, thin, HORSE eyelashes.

Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

In the words of Randy Jackson, circa 2007 “this was just aight for me”. Maybe I have camel skin, because this cream does absolutely nothing in the way of hydration. Perhaps this would be a better choice for someone with really oily skin?

Jordana Best Lash Supreme Mascara

I was SO pumped to try this little sucker out. I even made a special trip to Walgreens . SO many YouTubers and beauty bloggers rave about this formula, but it gave me those little spidery bits at the end of my lashes that go all jagged. I will use it up and try to concentrate it towards the base of my lashes, but overall I am disappointed. #poop

What have you been loving lately?

Follow me on Bloglovin!

Blogmopolitan Quiz

March 3, 20144 Comments

Happy Monday everyone!

Who watched the Oscars last night? Obviously I tuned in for the whole shootin’ match.

I cannot decide whether I want to hang up a poster of Jared Leto above my bed, or double french braid his hair. But seriously, so many great momes. Meryl shimmying. J-Law falling. Liza getting denied.

poor BB

Annnnyways, I saw this little ditty over on this blog and this blog and thought it just looked like a hoot. So here I go

xoxo – N

The Liebster Award: Take 2

February 19, 20142 Comments

What appropriate timing!

Oscar Sunday coming up and I get nominated for another Liebster Award? Move over Meryl. Take a seat, Ms. Bullock. There’s an up-and-comer and she’s taking the world by storm!

Big thanks to the lovely Brandi of That Saucy Mama for the nomination.

If you care to read more about the specifics of the Liebster Award, see this post.

Here are the 11 questions I was asked to answer:

1. What made you want to start a blog?

Originally it was to document my fiance Bryan and I’s life together in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I wanted to write about our adventures in the mountains, my learning to ski, recipes and everything in between.

2. If you were given a shopping spree, in what store would you choose to use it?

OMG What a great question! So many schools of thought here. I suppose at this prudent, nesting stage in my life, it would be Restoration Hardware. BUT. The other sides of me would scream “SEPHORA!”, “BERGDORFS!” or “TAAAARRRGET!”.

3. Do you wear makeup everyday, or just on special occasions?

Errday my friends.

4. Who is your favorite band/singer/musician?

DUDE. These questions! Toughie. Dead or alive I am assuming? Honestly, my favorite music to listen to is all from Musicals and/or Disney. Does Ariel count as a musician?

5. What is the one thing, no matter how crap your day was, that can make you smile?

Several things. A cocktail. Ellen DeGeneres. My fiance. Talking to any member of my family. Sandwiches. Texting my friends ugly pictures of myself with “the claw”. Serial killer literature. Or of course, baby monkey.

6. Are you a tech junkie, or just a tech user?

USER all the way. And while we’re on the subject, let’s bring back the rotary dial!

7. If you were a lip product, what product and color would you be? (lipstick, gloss, balm…)

MAC Saint Germain lipstick. All. The. Way.

8. What is your favorite type of blog post to read/write?

I love reading mommy blogs because one day I will be a mom and I will need all the help I can get. My favorite posts to write are probably vacation re-caps, because hey, I just got back from vaca b*itches!

9. What is your go to type of outfit?

Well, this is obviously seasonal. However, right now I would have to say, Gap skinny jeans, a slightly baggy sweater, boots, a scarf and my new Tory Burch purse :). But of course, you’re never fully dressed without ~~a smile~~ diamonds.

10. Do you have a favorite meal to cook?

I get more of a kick outta baking. Namely cupcakes. I make a mean salad dressing, I suppose. And these are also a favorite of mine to make.

11. Are you a glass half full, or glass half empty person?

Half full forever. Nay, brimming! OVERFLOWING.

Dance with life, people. Dance with life!

January Favorites

February 5, 20142 Comments

And Happy February! Where does the time go?

As of late, I have lots of favorite things. From food, to makeup to dog breeds – I have been loving on so much these past couple of months. And oh yeah, the Seahwaks. There’s those guys, too.

Makeup

1. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

I have wanted this blush, literally, for over a year. However, Milani is sold nowhere. So when I went home for a little wedding planning, I went to the Kennewick Fred Meyer and finally found this beaut. I’m a little early for this springy, peach-colored blush but it is just SO gorg. I couldn’t help myself.

2. They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit

Only like one coat OMG

I recently tried the sample size of this mascara after receiving my Sephora birthday gift and oh lawd. Since I go through mascara faster than Justin Beiber in a drag race, I usually stick to drugstore brands. Because of this mascara, I might actually fork over the $23 for a full size tube.

3. L’oreal True Match Lumi Foundation in Soft Ivory

BY FAR the best foundation I have tried from the drugstore. Bear in mind, however, that I am on the dry to normal side and I luurve me a dewy, glowing finish on the skin.

1.) Lancome Juicy Tubes in Simmer

One of my best pals (and my cousin’s wife) Karen graciously dropped me off a bag of Lancome goodies she received in a Christmas set but couldn’t find a use for. This was just one of said goodies (I am loving them ALL, btw). Friends, if you ever have this problem I AM YOUR GIRL. The color is subtle, yet totally gorgeous and it has decent staying power for a lipgloss.

Awkward up-close me trying to show the lipgloss

Other Beauty Faves

1. Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Night Cream

I mentioned this night cream in a recent haul from Ulta. The consistency is quite thick and ulta-creamy…definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. I love the smell, and so far, it is keeping me super hydrated through out the night.

2. Tresemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Heat Protect Spray

What a mouthful! (TWSS) I have sworn by the Heat Tamer spray from Tresemme for over a year now. I recently ran out of the original and decided to try this formulation instead. So far, I am very impressed. I have noticed way less breakage lately and it smells REAL nice.

3.) Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner from Lush

Yes that is my computer on the edge of the tub.

Products from Lush are what dreams are made of. Or at least my dreams. The store itself is like passing through the pearly gates – aromatics fit for the Gods and friendly angels with miracle potions at the ready. It is also THE BANE OF MY ~~EXISTENCE~~ wallet. Luckily, two men from the Nash clan know a junkie when they see one and lovingly fed my addiction over Christmas with gifts cards. A recent highlight has undoubtedly been this completely necessary product.

I say that jokingly, of course because nobody NEEDS a body conditioner (or multiple magic sets…anyone?). However, I ask you, I beg you , nay – I IMPLORE you to drop the $32.95 +tax on this tub of majestical brilliance. Your skin will thank you.

Randoms

1. Downton Abbey

I’ve only been through the second episode of the new season and lemmejustsay – Mary is kindof a major beeyatch. Like how she doesn’t want to hold her baby and gets all mad at Carson? Come on, Mare.

Also, Lady Edith is gettin’ pretty. Which is nice to see, because really, she is TOTES the ugly duckling which I can unfortunately very much relate to.

Season 1 VS. Season 4

Ok maybe some things never change…

2. The Seahawks

This was my first ever season of football as a real live fan. Normally, I’m like:

But this year was different. Bryan and I faithfully watched every single game this season and rooted on those Hawks like our lives depended on it. Then the coolest thing happened: they were like, beating everybody. All the sudden I was screaming at the TV every Sunday, which I have NO business doing because other than the color of their football capri pants, I have no clue about football. Then they beat the 49’ers and this city went CRAY. Then they won the Superbowl and people went INSANE. I have never seen anything like it. SO amazing.

Tee shirts. YEAH.

Superbowl Excitement!

12th Man Nails

Frosted Brownies at Work

Amazing Present from a Friend/Co-Worker

Watching the Game at our friends the Lipes! Here we are with M.

Check out my pal, Melissa’s blog here! She rocks, basically.

And lastly, favorite gifty things I have seen whilst shopping:

Spotted at Ulta

Spotted at Z Gallerie (little macaroon trinket boxes? i die.)

Have a great hump day!

Ulta Haul Y’All

January 24, 20143 Comments

RHYMING 🙂

My one (and only) New Year’s Resolution was to start caring for my skin. Once a 16-year old with a yearly tanning membership – I have traded in my goggles and Australian Gold for Mystic Tans and SPF 70. But that’s where it has stopped.

To me, turning 30 hasn’t meant many changes. Case in point: I still listen to hits from High School Musical. OMG Sharpay yes. But it’s time to start smearing on the ol’ war paint so to speak. A war against wrinkles, crows feet and laugh lines.

So with no further adieu, I give you my newly acquired army hailing from Ulta.

You’re welcome for the awesome pics I took on the carpet.

1. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Moisturizer $21.99

After doing a small amount of research, I discovered this product by Neutrogena. Earning high marks for it’s wrinkle-smoothing effects and a high SPF – I decided I would give it a try. Since it contains retinol, I wasn’t sure how it would react with my dryish skin. Jury’s still out, I’ll keep you informed.

2. Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Night Creme $17.44 (on sale)

This I bought based on an article I read on Oprah.com because, really, it’s Oprah. I chose this because it does not have retinol (don’t want to go overboard) and so far, I have been loving it’s ULTRA thick consistency and the great smell.

3. Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment – Collector’s Edition $38.00

This I bought after Rebecca, from the Issaquah Ulta recommended it. I luuurve me some maracuja and anything that is going to brighten up my dark circles. Plus, the packaging is adorbs.

4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater $7.00

I got this based on a recommendation from YouTuber Jaclyn Hill. Plus, anything that is rose-scented wins my heart.

5. Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in Godiva (on sale for $4.99 in case the sticker isn’t orange enough)

I got this because I saw another YouTube (I’m obsessed, clearly) Kristin Gehm. The pic doesn’t do this justice, it is SO pretty with subtle, itsy-bitsy sparkles and a great nude undertone.

Here it is on my nails, in really orange light:

6. OPI Mariah Carey 2013 Holiday Nail Polish in My Favorite Ornament $4.95 (Also on sale)

Rebecca, from Ulta was wearing this as an accent color on her ring finger and as we were talking, I totally interrupted her and was like “WAIT STOP WHAT IS THAT COLOR?” It is seriously the most beautiful glitter of all time. Ever. Amen.

7. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit $28.00

I needed a new bronzer and they were sold out of the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soliel, so yeah. I have heard wondrous things about this bronzer and so far…I FREAKING LOVE IT.

8. Samples: Perricone Nutritive Cleanser, Juice Beauty Trio, DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer (Moisturizing Serum)

I am VERY excited to try the DDF serum, as I have heard great things about this line. I’ll be sure to share, don’t fret :).

And last, but not least check out my Seahawks eye look:

Thank God I saved that glitter from 7th grade volleyabll games

November Favorites

December 6, 20134 Comments

Yep! I’m about 6 days late on this.

(I was just about to add the #sorrynotsorry hashtag but I’m sick of seeing it and I would wager you are too!)

So let’s get to them products!

Makeup

1. Stila eyeshadow in Bliss: Top row, middle shade

This color is my GO-TO crease color. It’s matte. It’s effortless. I love it.

2. Wet’n’Wild Lipstick in Cherry Picking

Such a pretty deeper, bright pink. I heard about it from Fleur and I am so glad I did. Also, it costs $2!

3. Starlooks Eye Pencil in Topaz

I received this in my November Ipsy, which I had mixed feelings about. At first, I didn’t know what to do with a silver metallic eye pencil…in 9th grade this would have been great 🙂 Anyways, I smudged a little on my lower lash line last weekend and kind dug the whole “snow fairy” effect it gave. Since then, I have been smudgin away!

Bath & Body

1. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Butter

Ermahgerd. This smells like pumpkie pie and I have contemplated licking myself after I apply this to my skin just to see if it tastes good. It doesn’t.

2. Purity Face wash by Philosophy

After an hour long conversation with a sweet sales-woman at Ulta, I decided to give this crazy-popular face wash a try. I explained to her my concerns: nearing 30, currently no skincare routine and looking for a little wrinkle prevention. Among several other things (like a Clarisonic) she recommended this stuff, noting that it completely removes makeup, can be used to wash brushes and most interestingly, it removes the wax coating from fruits! So far, I am really liking it and Bryan does too!

3. Montana Mountain Air Foaming Hand Soap from BBW

I got this for 2 reasons: the blue matches our powder room and because it said Montana. I mean, whaaaat?! Anywho, I am OBSESSED with the smell of this and sadly, BBW only came out with the soap (which I can’t find online anywhere) and nothing else!

Random Faves:

1. My SEAHWAKS shirt a’course!

2. Having this car jar in my life:

3. Kristin Gehm and her husband, Bob on YouTube

I happened upon Kristin’s YouTube channel through Emily Noel or “Beauty Broadcast”. I absolutely adore her videos, especially the weekend vlogs. Also, her dear husband Bob is seriously hilarious. His demeanor is so great and I love the way they interact. Check out both her makeup and vlog channel!