Spring 2024 Favorites

May 14, 20241 Comment

I think what I hate most about the end of each year is actually the looming presence of spring. She’s off in the distance, just out of focus enough to forget about her, but then WHAM – she hits you in the face! Literally. With sideways rain.

I mean don’t get me wrong, I hate January through March too but those are typical hated months. April and May are SO much worse because they tease the coming of the best season of the year. The season where seasonally-affected Portlandians get a small reprieve from the relentless drizzle and oppressive gray. When the abundance of green gorgeousness can be actually be enjoyed and the California transplants finally decide the move was worth it (trust me, it’s not).

So in celebration of being about halfway through the month of May, let’s talk about some recent faves!

We the Free Palmer Cuffed Jeans – lala land wash

I’ve been on a huuuuge Free People kick lately. It started on our recent trip to Palm Springs where I fell madly in love with these jeans and BOUGHT THEM FULL PRICE. You guys. This is coming from the girl whose wardrobe is 95% from the bins. The jeans are perfection and also look super cute cuffed. I just couldn’t resist them and I’ve worn them a ton – so comfy, unique, and fun!

Also don’t mind my bunions…

Diane Von Furstenberg x Target Utility Purse (sold out)

I got to Target bright and early for the DVF collab drop. I thought I wanted the little camera bag but I sent my sister a picture of both and we landed on this one. This has easily become my go-to purse, it’s adjustable, made of nylon (read: easy to clean), and has a front zippered pocket for a phone. Couldn’t have designed it better myself.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation – in Light

I picked this up during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Event, which is really worth keeping an eye on! I think I paid about $25 and it’s been worth every penny. This is a full-coverage foundation with SPF 50. Perfect summer foundation for when I want more coverage. I am still on the hunt for a good sheer/tinted version with maybe a hint of dewiness. Leave any suggestions in the comments!

Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder – in Breezy

A setting powder that doesn’t take away the “dewiness”? Sign me up! I splurged on this powder after some rave reviews I found on TikTok. It sets my makeup just enough – takes away the harsh shine but leaves the radiance. I love it.

Urthy Scents Body Oil – in Bungalow Nights

Body oils might be my new favorite thing, thanks to this one. Doesn’t hurt that the notes are: pistachio, night-blooming tuberose, jasmine, and ylang ylang, with undertones of milky coconut and warming amber. STOPPPP it. The formulation is perfection and super moisturizing, which not all body oils are. So hydrating and the smell lingers.

Currentbody LED Mask

Before I leave my initial thoughts on this LED mask, let me just say that I am also having a sleep study done soon and will likely be prescribed a sleep apnea machine. Let’s all take a moment to let the visual of me in my LED mask, CPAP machine, and night guard seep in. I’ve already alerted the husband that he is about to become the luckiest man alive.

For our 6-year anniversary, David lovingly gifted me this mask as I was not willing to purchase it myself. At around $385 it is costly, but I am hoping that with consistent use I’ll need fewer IPL photo-facials to banish my dark spots. The jury is still out, as I have only had this for about a month, but I will keep you all posted. So far, it is comfortable enough to wear and only takes 10-minutes!

Trader Joes Calandiva Potted Flower

ExCUSE me but how sweet are these mini-rose wannabes? I die. ALSO this cost $4.99 and ALSO I have kept it alive for 6 weeks now. Perhaps the best 5 bucks ever spent and I might go back this week for another.

All for now! Tell me what I need to check out for this summer in the comments 🙂

10 Years of Christmas Lists

December 13, 2023Leave a comment

Some things never change. The sun will always rise in the east and set in the west. What goes up will always come down. Wicked on Broadway. And the annual posting of my Christmas list. As I look back on years past, I realize that really – I haven’t changed. Sure, it’s always a different perfume, skinny jeans have evolved into wide-leg, gold jewelry, then silver. But really, I still like what made the list 10 years ago – I’ve just gotten older. Just a little.
So here is the list for this year. I wonder how my 2013-self would feel about these items?

Ralph Lauren Teddy Bear Baseball Cap

This was on my list last year too. I really want something with the Ralph Lauren teddy bear and well, the ball cap is the least expensive item.

Gap × LoveShackFancy Floral Cropped Logo Hoodie

Gap has a collab with Love Shack Fancy which means this is really my only chance at owning something from the brand. If this sweatshirt isn’t 100% me then I don’t know what is!

Laura Mercier Cosmic Stars Caviar Stick Eye Color Trio

I’ve always wanted to own Caviar Sticks from Laura Mercier! This set comes with my favorite shade, Amethyst, and two additional gorgeous colors. It’s such a great deal.

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Pods

I got a Nespresso machine last year for Christmas, but I am constantly running out of the pods! We have a storefront in Portland, but it’s pretty far away from me. More coffee, please!

Quince 100% Organic Cropped Cotton Polo Sweater

This is the perfect sweater. It is well-made, classic, flattering, and looks super soft. I really want it in like, every color.

MELO – The Original Marshmallow Sponge

I only want this because of the name. The idea of applying my foundation with a marshmallow makes me deliriously happy. You don’t have to get it.

Tyler Regal® – Glamorous Wash 64oz

This is one of those things I would NEVER buy for myself but I really want it. If you aren’t on Bama Rush TikTok then maybe you don’t know – but the Glamorous Wash from Tyler is apparently the end-all-be-all for laundry detergent. This new one in Regal is a dupe for Baccarat Rouge 540 and I really want my clothes to smell bougie. Too much to ask?

Jellycat Plushie

I have officially decided I want a Jellycat collection and what better to kick it off than this sweet lil piece of cake? So apropos! I also really need the Christmas ones, like the candy cane, snowflake, and star. If you’ve never gotten your mitts on a Jellycat, just run to the nearest Nordstrom or local toy store. They’re amazing.

And that concludes the list for 2023. Thank you, as always, for reading.

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!

Liebster Madness

May 6, 20144 Comments

Another ~~day~~ Liebster, another dollar.

I have been nominated a few more times for this honorable award from the adorable Abby, of Hundred Acre Beauty, the amazing mommybeauty and Treana (fellow bride to be) of Treana’s Transitions. Thanks girrrls!

Since I have been nominated before (here and here) I’ll keep it short and just answer a few questions, promise 🙂

11 Random Facts About Me

I just started wearing contacts regularly and I HATE putting them in.
When I was in 5th grade, I was the Tin Man in our school’s production of the Wizard of Oz. I was on the news and behaved like a regular asshat.
I am passionate about LGBT rights.
Cereal might be my favorite food. (Who wants a Top 5 cereal post!?)
I can play the first few measures of Vanessa Carlton’s 1000 Miles on the piano.
I HAVE never and WILL never eat a banana. I DESPISE them.
I believe Edith Bouvier Beale to be one of the best humans ever.
Debra Messing bugs me.
I have an obsession with serial killers.
One of my lifelong dreams is to sing in a gospel choir and be the only white person.
I have Bill Crystal’s autograph.

Questions for Me

1. What is your favourite food/meal to have on a special occasion?

Crab cakes, birthday cake w/rainbow chip frosting, ice cream cake. Various cakes.

2. Your favourite hobby?

Blogging! Writing! I also like reading, singing and dancing around the house and baking cupcakes. Also, makeup. Shopping for it, applying it, organizing it, etc. AND I enjoy playing volleyball and running (downhill) when I can.

3. Dream job?

PR for a theater or ballet company. Makeup artist. Product development/marketing for a high-end cosmetics company. I’d also take Rick Steve’s job.

4. Favourite brand of makeup?

If price were no object, Nars or Chanel. Brand I use most? L’Oreal or MAC.

5. What is your guilty pleasure?

Lifetime Movies, Shows like Greek and Make it or Break It, Tricky Sticks from the Pipeline (OMG). Swedish fish.

6. What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

Even though I looove me some makeup and hurr curr – I am also kindof a major ragamuffin. I have perpetual bedhead and smudged mascara.

7. When I ask what makes you happy? What is the first thing that pops into your head?

VACATION. Christmas time. Sun.

8. Greatest accomplishment?

I gotta say volleyball. It was MY WHOLE LIFE for a good, oh, 10 years or so. Firstly, I am not coordinated. I am also clumsy and kind of a walking disaster BUT – I worked my ass of for a good while. And it paid off – both teams I played for in college won the league. I received awards and broke some school records. My senior year I was even awarded first team all-american and was MVP of the league! For the gangly, B-team, awkwardness that I was – I think I ended up doing pretty well for myself. *plz note I played at a community college and a Div. 3 college – I’m not Misty May or anything CLOSE.

9. What is on your agenda today?

TONS.

Buy falsies and new tanning mitt
Pack boxes for move
Try to work out (probs not happening)
Self-tan
Watch 8-10 YouTube videos
Do a mask
Try to get Bry to slow dance with me in the kitchen
Curl my ‘stensions
Paint nails pastel pink

BOOM-shakalaka!

Let’s keep up.

Summer Beauty Wishlist

March 21, 201410 Comments

Good day pretty ladies (and gents)!

As spring days become more plentiful and the heater in my car stays comfortably in the off position, I can only think of one thing.

New makeup.

To some, warmer days mean mountain biking. Or Flip flops. Maybe it’s BBQ season. For me, it’s coral blush, self tanner and pastel lipsticks.

Here is what I am currently lusting after, as the seasons change.

Body

St. Tropez Tanning Mousse

This is a cult favorite and I have seen the results look beautiful. I have been hung up on the $40 price tag but I just need to get over it. Because you can’t really put a price on a good, cancer-free tan!

Laura Mercier Honey Bath in Crème Brûlée

I heard Fleur gush about this and immediately I wanted it. I gotta say, the little honey spatula wand thingy is probably 92% to blame. I mean, how luxurious does this stuff sound?

Glam Glow Hydration Mask

I have been wanting to try this line out for some time now. Only, the clearing and Youthmud tingling formulas didn’t really appeal to me. This one, however is HYDRATING which is what momma is all about right now.

Makeup

Mary-Lou Minizer

Did I tell you that I shattered my MAC Soft and Gentle? SAD DAY, it was. Instead of just repurchasing, I kindof want to give this one, by The Balm a try. It looks just gorgeous, plus, who doesn’t love the cute name?

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye concealer.

I have gone into to Ulta twice JUST to smear a little of this product under my eyes. It truly is an amazing product for dark, blue-purplish under eye circles.

Celebration Foundation Illumination

I am intrigued by this product, having never owned a straight-up powder foundation since my Bare Minerals days. This one claims to be anti-ageing, which I am ALL ABOUT.

Hair

Pureology 21 Benefits

My stylist uses this product on me after she does my highlights and I am in love with the results. It kind of reminds me of the It’s a 10 line, but I have never been overly impressed with that stuff. This leaves my hair feeling soft, silky and STRONG. Oh, and it smells nice!

Wen Cleansing Conditioner

Omgee, am I a Wen girl and I didn’t know it? This stuff has a cult following and I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon simply because I know this stuff does not lather. However, when I really think about it, why do I need the lather? Because I have been programmed to think that lather = clean. If I start using this stuff, I’ll be sure to report my findings!

So that’s it!

What do YOU want to get for this summer?

Beauty Scenario Tag

March 14, 20142 Comments

Hello my looooves!

Big internet hugs to Heather, from Coconut & Cotton for tagging me! This one’s gonna be a hoot.

1. You have to get rid of all your foundations and you can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep?

For the sake of “the tag” let’s just say I currently have all my favorite foundations right now. I would EASILY keep the Makeup Forever HD Foundation in shade 118 and L’Oreal True Match Lumi in Soft Ivory.

2. You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

IGNORE. All. The. Way. Don’t know about you, but when someone tells me “you have lipstick on your teeth/mascara on your eyelid/etc.” and then I go look in the mirror and it’s like one minuscule speck of misplaced color, I’m like OK, YOU IDIOT. I mean, for God’s sake, TELL ME if there’s like an enormous bat in the cave – but one little lipstick smudge? Keep that sh*t to yo’self.

3. You’re not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which lipstick do you put on to make yourself feel beautiful?

Most def MAC Viva Glam Gaga in Shade 1. The blue undertones make my teeth look white and it’s perfect.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently?

First, I would have bought my self a right-fine push-up bra and shimmied to all my classes. Then, I would have refrained from the use of butterfly clips and shimmery pastel eyeshadows to match my baby tees. I would slap myself for being besties with the tanning bed and make myself wear actual lipstick. Not Bonne Bell rollerballs.

hahaa so ridic

5. You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott hair cut, but they hear wrong and give you a pixi cut. Do you a) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your mom hysterical b) Cry in the chair and things get awkward or c) Complain to the manager and demand a refund.

I would just commit murder, plain and simple. Or arson. My Ernie-shaped face could NOT handle a pixi. In reality, I would pick A. Then I would get extensions.

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Hahahhaaaa (Me as NeNe)

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Just, yes.

6. Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which ‘do it all’ palette do you pack in your makeup bag?

What a great friend I have! I don’t own a palette with everything, but I would probably grab my Too Faced compact which contains a blush and two eye shadow colors. Kinda like the one in this set:

One of the shadows can also double as a highlighter, then all I really need is mascara and concealer. And eyeliner. And lipstick. Crap.

7. Your house has been robbed, don’t worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What’s the product you really hope is safe?

Blimey! My Naked 3 palette, my Nars eyeliner and my MAC Viva Glam Gaga 1 (because it was limited edish).

8. Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) Just pretend you haven’t noticed b) Ask them to repurchase it or c) Secretly do the same to something of theirs?

I don’t have any friends as makeup obsessed as me. My sister is though. And since we are sisters I would definitely call her out. So I guess B or C. Hahaa. She is DEFINITELY the more careful one, so it would probably me that would ruin it.

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!