Christmas 2014 Re-Cap

January 6, 2015January 6, 20151 Comment

yyyyello!

Miss me? I’m sure ya did!

Shoulder Padzz

I’d love to tell you that my absence was due to a brief volunteering stint in Africa, or that I was cleaning up our entire house with eco-friendly products. Heck, I’d settle for a debilitating injury. But the truth is…I’ve been lazy. The shameful kind. The just-one-more-episode-of-Gilmore Girls kind . The mmm-this-pirate’s booty-is-GOOD kind.

You get it.

But I’m back and I’m here to stay. It’s a New Year afterall and hopefully an eventful one for me and the huz-cat. We’ve got some trips lined up (one to FRANCE) and a new-found affinity for hummus so LET’S GO!

Our 2014 Christmas was great. We kicked it off by leaving the afternoon of the 23rd after we were both off work. Oh yeah, I got a JOB. It’s amazing isn’t it? Go me. Anyweez, we got home and after a million kisses from McDoogal and some dinner, we hit the hay in preparation for yours truly’s birthday! I’m officially “in my thirties” now and I find it both disgusting and liberating at the same time. Go fig.

My birthday kicked off with a trip to IHOP, because, duh. I have NEVER been to IHOP and, well, I suddenly had the urge to order a stack of 500-calorie pancakes. So we went. Check out the array of syrups! Buddy the Elf would have been in heaven.

After breakfast and a little walk, Nan and I decided to get our nails done. It was there, at the nail salon, where we discovered a new show that had us both on the edge of our seats (literally). Blacklist. Anyone a fan? The 20-something sweet boy who was doing my nails said it was his favorite and he kept telling me what was about to happen. I was thinking “SHUT UP!” but his enthusiasm was just too presh.

Of course we attended the 6 o’clock mass that night where my Dad played a little clarinet and sax. Father Richard was en pointe this year and the homily was actually uplifting – WIN! After church we all went over to Megan and Ben’s for my birthday party.

We had crab, crab cakes (Ben made them and they were so good!), manicotti and one of Rachel’s famous cakes. She did a funfetti cake for me with MACARONS on top!! Does this girl know me, or DOES SHE KNOW ME?

The next morning was Christmas! And true to Danielson form, things were a bit wonky. Sister Amy and her fiancé weren’t able to drive over until later that day and Sister Megan had her new family to celebrate with. That left Bry and I to fend for ourselves. So we did what anyone would do in our situation – we went to see the Hobbit! IN 3-D! It was SO amazing to watch in 3-D but the movie itself? Mehhh.

After the movie we came home and helped my mom with a few last minute touches on the ol’ Christmas ham and then Amy and Shannon arrived! They brought with them one of their many fur babies, Ellie. Or as I like to call her, Elle Belle.

Guys, I seriously fell in love with this dog in a matter of minutes. She is the sweetest, liveliest little baby ever and I want her. My grandparents came over at that point and it was positively ADORBS to watch them interact with little Ellie. My heart melted into a gigantic pool of love.

We had dinner then opened presents and it was a magical evening. Except I got a Downton Abbey puzzle for Nan and discovered she already had one..asjnasdoinwnNL!98324joa. whatevs. I LOVE Christmas.

Oh, Gare

The next day Bry ventured back to Seattle to spend a little QT with his bro before he left on a trip to Thailand. I stayed back in Kennewick to spend some time with m’girls and yes, Ellie absolutely had something to do with it. We went to lunch, shopped (BBW was a MADHOUSE) and played cards – it was a good day.

On Saturday, Meg, Nan and I drove over to Seattle so they could see my Aunt & Uncle and I could do a little Christmas with the Nash clan. Did I mention how much I love love LOVE being a part of this family!? We opened more gifts, drank champs and got ready to head out for dinner.

Maxamilien is a Nash tradish and one I am proud to help uphold. It wasn’t the same without Bryan’s brother KC, but we had no problem putting down some steak with truffle fries and a bottle of wine!

The next morning we begrudgingly said goodbye to our fair state and drove back to Portland. Our NYE was very uneventful, with a couple glasses of champs and lights-out at 9 BUT New Years Day was a blast!

We went skiing at Mt. Hood Meadows and I actually did decent for my first time back. Yes, I felt like my legs were filled with boiling acid, but all in all, it wasn’t too shabby.

Here’s to 2015!!

Christmas Happenings

December 11, 20141 Comment

Merrrrrrry Christmas everyone!

This being my first official year of being a bon-A-fied MRS., I decided to do Christmas cards. You know the ones. With the picture and the corny little design, usually from Tiny Prints, Shutterfly or in my case, Costco. I felt weird ordering them, it being just the two of us – no kid, no dog, but then I realized that we put on a wedding dammit! And those pictures aren’t doin’ much besides sitting inside albums so share them, we shall.

I encountered a Santa-themed bicycle troupe the other day whilst out shopping for wrapping paper. They were super annoying, but they had Mare Care blasting so it was all good. Sidenote: Where is all the cute wrapping paper? I MEAN. I finally threw in the towel and succumbed to a mediocre snowflake print but COME ON PEOPLE. Of course today I wandered into Paper Source and found the sweetest gift wrap that was ivory with gold polka dots a!na@#%k$@sdnjkawa.

Only in Portland

I friggen’ love The 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family. Last night they showed Elf and tonight, Christmas Vacation. Additionally, there is the option of The Mistle Tones starring Tia Mowry and of course my personal favorite, Holiday in Handcuffs. Oh MJH is just a gem.

And lastly, I might have to rescind my previous statements about my new favorite foundation. I may have found one I like even better…ok I’ll just tell you. Nars Sheer Glow! I mean, duh. How had I not tried this before? It is easily the most beautiful finish I’ve ever seen (if you like a dewy look). So HOT DOG!

All for now! Off to catch the 12 Dates of Christmas!

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!

Our Wedding: Makeup Edition

October 12, 20142 Comments

G’day gents.

And ladies :).

Today we shall discuss my wedding meekup, because really. What could be more important?

I realize for most, cosmetics are a frivolity. A necessary evil we need to achieve a certain amount of normalcy in our daily lives. A coat a’mascara, some skin-colored goop and it’s over.

But for me, makeup is more. WAY more.

It is the air I breathe. The sun upon my face (or maybe that’s just bronzer…). Call me what you will – believe me, Bryan has, but I just can’t get enough. So for me, the things I wore on my face for my wedding were a pretty big deal. And when things are a big deal to me, I tell YOU guys. The ones who get it. So without further adieu, here’s the rundown.

Skincare

The night before my wedding I knew I wanted to do two separate masks. So I started by washing my face with Purity, and then I immediately applied the Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask. I let that sit for maybe 10 minutes and then rinsed it off with warm water. Then I applied the Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask (which repulses me both in smell AND texture) and let that sit another ten minutes. After rinsing that off, I spritzed with Mario Bedascu Rosewater Spray and applied my Boots No.7 Lift & Luminate Night Cream. Lastly, I used the Tarte Maracuja Oil Eye Cream.

In the morning I rinsed my face with hot AND cold then applied rosewater spray and a Kate Somerville moisturizer with NO SPF. Under my eyes, I applied the Origins Ginzeng Eye Cream.

Makeup

To start, I applied Hourglass primer all over my face and let that sink in. I then applied a generous amount of Makeup Forever HD Foundation in 20 all over my face using a damp Beauty Blender. After that, I sprayed a fine coat of Napoleon Perdis Boudoir Mist Foundation in shade 2 in segmented locations all over my face and waited 2 minutes to dry.

Under my eyes, I applied Bye Bye Undereye by It Cosmetics with the pointed end of the Beauty Blender in the upside down triangle formation. To set the under eye, I used Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Powder in Porcelain Pearl.

For eyes, I began by priming them with Primer Potion by Urban Decay. I then applied multiple smoky neutral colors from the Lorac Pro Palette to my eyelids and on my lower lash line. I used Mac’s Nylon as a highlight on the inner corner and my brow-bone. For eyeliner, I first used the Nars Larger Than Life Eye Pencil in Via Veneto. I topped that with the L’Oreal Carbon Black liquid liner and created a soft wing. I used the pencil eye liner along the bottom lash line and placed a Rimmel Scandal Eye Pencil in Nude in my lower-water line. *I also put tissues on my cheeks to catch any fall out from shadow or liner

Now, LASHES! I used a set of “Mink” (not sure these were real mink) lashes from Sephora on the top and then added multiple bunches in the Long length from Ardell on the outer half of my upper lid. I also applied a generous amount of They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit. On the bottom lashes, I first applied mascara and then added 4-5 bunches per eye of Ardell lashes in the Short length.

I hate doing my eyebrows. That just needs to be said. I used the Anastasia Brow Whiz in Ash Blonde and incorporated a tiny bit of dip brow into the equation. I set everything with brow gel of course.

Next, I used the Chanel Tan De Soleil bronzer lightly all over my face with a large brush and then I contoured using Benefit’s Hoola bronzer. On my cheeks, I wore the Tarte Captivating Blush and highlighted with a very light amount of Mac’s Soft and Gentle.

On my lips, I did the Mary Kay lip mask and then followed up with the NYX Primer Pencil. I first applied a Starlooks Peachy lip liner and then Mac Crème Cup (obvs) and topped that with a lip plumper from Victoria’s Secret in Baby Pink. Through out the day, I also applied the plumper as well as NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Streusel.

To set my face, I dusted the Celebration Illumination Foundation by It Cosmetics where I needed it and then added a nice coat of Urban Decay’s All-Nighter Setting Spray.

For my body, I contoured a teensy bit along my collar-bone with Hoola and added a very sheer shimmer powder to my décolletage. Then I sprayed myself with 14 gallons of Heavenly by VS because DUH.

Here I am with my best gals

And then I got married :).

* All photos courtesy of Allie Hannah Photography

A Night with Dr. Huxtable

October 10, 20142 Comments

OH YES.

He’s one’a the greats. Right up there with Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Martin Short and of course Robin Williams (may he rest in peace). Bill Cosby is one of those comedians who can make me laugh with a single facial expression. Or one gruesomely awesome sweater. One proclamation, stating “Theoooo likes the swirly puddin’ poppppss!”. Oh, but he is so much more. A poor kid who “didn’t know he was poor”. A guy who won the hearts of millions doing stand-up comedy, writing books, and of course playing our favorite TV Dad, Dr. Huxtable. He is a master of comedy. He is a man I feel privileged to have seen live.

Bryan’s job earned us a spot at the company table a couple nights ago, for a local youth program aimed at keeping kids off the streets after foster care. An absolutely wonderful organization and one that Bry and I were happy to support, the evening kicked off with a cocktail hour. With Mr. Cosby as the head-liner, I wasn’t surprised to see this AMAZING list of cocktails presented at the bar:

And OF COURSE jello shots. Because what night with The Cos would be complete without them?

After a couple of drinks, we all headed into the banquet hall for dinner.

The menu consisted of a soup, entrée and the best part – dessert. I had the goat cheese tart with asparagus and was SO excited to get through it so I could dive into the CANDY centerpiece. Btw, Milk Duds might be a life-changer. Like, HOW have I not been eating these everyday of my life??

After our dinner, Mr. Cosby was introduced and slowly made his way onto the stage. The guy is 77 and yeah, he looks it. He sat down, adjusted his mic in a crew neck sweatshirt that said “Hello Friend” and – instantaneously became the comedian I remembered.

He began by talking about his childhood in the Philly projects. He recounted such details as drinking water from empty Hellman’s mayo jars and nearly setting his house (and himself) on fire on more than once occasion. He talked about his family, his parents and his granddad. Then he went into (his famous) bits about Adam and Eve and of course, The Bible. I had to squeeze Bryan’s arm in sheer excitement when he began that part.

As a kid, we had a few Bill Cosby stand-up routines on vinyl and I would sit and listen to them for hours. I still have some sections memorized. Here I was, some 20 years later and finally listening to the real thing! It was pretty amazing.

He concluded his routine in the most sincere, grateful and classy way possible. He thanked each and every one of us for being “a part of the solution” to helping kids have a better life no matter the hand they were dealt. What a guy, that Cosby. What a guy.

We drove home that night with sugar comas, sore cheeks and full hearts. Definitely a Cosby kind-of night :).

Our Wedding: My Dress

October 6, 2014October 4, 20142 Comments

I am so excited to finally be able to show you guys the dress contenders. Choosing my dress was pretty easy after I narrowed down my criteria, which was:

To look like a Ballerina

Hahahaaa. But really, I knew I wanted to look hyper feminine, timeless and as much like a ballerina as possible. Not like the polished, face-lifting bun type, but like the beautifully undone, I-just-stepped-off-stage ballerina. After looking online, I noted a few styles from various designers that were MUST-TRY’s. It seemed I was utterly smitten by many of the dresses by Watters, so I sought out the shops that carried the brand.

Here are some of the ones that made the final cut.

Sorry about not remembering all the details of each of these. Detail-oriented, I am not.

This one came from a little shop in Bellevue, La Belle Reve. All I recall was that it was a style called “Megan”. In hindsight…I kinda wish I would have went with this dress. It was simple, really comfortable and the dress I chose was a TORTURE CHAMBER. Plus it was a good boob-dress.

I allllmost chose this dress because I felt like a southern belle AND a ballerina, which to me, is the most perfect creature imaginable.

One closed-mouth smile was needed

It was SUPER poof and the bodice was LIFE-CHANGING but I think it was like 18-hundo. Kinda spendy. This dress was in Seattle at a shop called La Belle Elaine’s.

This one was my and Bryan’s mom’s favorite, also at La Belle Elaine’s. The top was absolutely adorable, with a floral-lace overlay. I loved it too, but felt that it accentuated my linebacker shoulders.

And lastly, here is MY dress, found at I Do Bridal in Seattle. It is by Justin Alexander, style 8670.

In the first photos, I am wearing the sample from the store. You will see how much more POOF was involved in the finished dress.

Below are some shots from our wedding day.

Overall, I loved my dress. We added tiny rolled satin straps to it because 1.) I do not like strapless dresses on me and 2.) they added to the ballerina-factor. It definitely could have fit me better and was probably better suited for a big-chested gal, but the gals who helped me failed to point out that fact. My advice to any bride would be to choose a dress that speaks to your style and aesthetic, but that also suits your body. My sister had a similar experience when she realized after the fact, that her dress was probably better suited for a taller broad. Whatevs, we choose was we like.

Profesh photos courtesy of Allie Hannah Photography.

Mother Nancy sewed the straps on after the dress was on me

Soooo classy with the purple solo cup

Which one do YOU like best?

ALSO, would anyone like to see a bridal makeup post? I did my own makeup and would be happy to share!!

New Mac Finds

September 25, 20141 Comment

Hello sparkly unicorn babies!

Today I bring you a post which is long overdue. Sister Megan gave me two things from Mac on my wedding day, which I had been eyeing for months! What a little sweetheart that gal is :).

Mac Strobe Liquid Lotion

If you guys have been devoted ND fans, then you already know – I am all about the dewy face. I steer clear of anything with the word “matte” in the title most always. Give me a sun-kissed, glowy face or give me death I like to say!

This face lotion from Mac provides a beautiful iridescent glow that, when applied under foundation, gives a beautifully natural “lit from within” finish to the skin. I don’t wear this everyday, but on those days where my skin is lookin’ sad and dull – strobe lotion be where it’s at.

Mac Eyeshadow in Nylon

A cult favorite, this eyeshadow packs a serious punch. In the pan, it looks like nothing crazy – an eggshell-colored shade with a bit of sheen. But when applied to the lid, you get a wonderful highlighted brightness that words cannot describe. I also LOVE to use Nylon as a highlighter on my cheekbones and on the brow bone. Such a perfect shade to provide that pop without any crazy glitter. I love.

What have YOU been loving from Mac?