Holiday Series: Beauty Related Stocking Stuffer Ideas UNDER $20!

With the Holidays right around the corner, I have been browsing through so many shopping catalogs and stores.  I love buying the big main gifts, but find the little stocking stuffers to be the most fun to pick out :) I have a little sister and cousin and many women in my family in general so finding things that are beauty related whether it be hair, nails or makeup are always a safe bet. Below are some things that I found that I think would make great stocking stuffers!


1.

Eco Tools 5 pc. Brush Set.  I LOVE these brushes.  They are such great quality, can be found at most drugstores and are a great price! These can for sure be found at most Targets, where I often see mine :) Price: $10.99!

2.

Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes.  These are my favorite makeup removing and cleansing wipes.  They are all natural and from my experience really get my makeup off pretty well.  (I always wash my face after anyway) I do however love that they don't have that oily residue that most others leave on your face.  Price: $7.99

3.

Burt's Bees From Head to Toes gift set.  This is a great idea to allow someone to test out some new products.  These are all travel sized but are enough for you to get a real feel if you are going to want to purchase the full size or not.  This set contains pretty much everything the title says, foot cream, lip balm, body wash, Nourishing body lotion, deep cleansing cream and hand salve. I love Burt's Bees because they are another all natural company! :) Price: $12.99!

4.

Nicole by OPI are some really great nail polishes. I love when the polish companies come up with cute Holiday gift sets, again another way to test drive a few colors without making the commitment to purchasing all full sized ones.  These colors are adorable and some have a nice glittery shimmer in them :) I spotted these sets at Target just last week :) Price: $10.00!

5.

This roller ball is from Marc Jacobs.  This is my signature scent when I go out, it smells absolutely amazing! Buying someone a roller ball perfume is perfect for two reasons: one, they may have this perfume, like myself, and love it, but lets face it--sometimes we are out and need a refresher after a long day, this is a great thing to keep in your purse! Secondly, this is great if you are purchasing this for someone who doesn't have this fragrance already, again a great way to not feel guilty about trying it out without purchasing the full sized one! This can be found at Sephora and other fragrance/beauty retailers I'm sure :) Price: $20

6.

Urban Decay 24/7  eyeliner duo in Bourbon and Ransom.  I own both of these eyeliners and can attest to how amazing they are! They are great in the waterline, glide on smooth and are just overall great quality.  This duo is a great stocking stuffer because you are giving someone the gift of trying out the 24/7 eyeliners (if they don't already have them) and if they do, maybe you are adding two new shades to their collection! Making a duo with a neutral color and a bright color was a great idea :) Price: $14.00!

7.

The Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Nail Polish Set is just perfect for this Holiday Season! It contains 4 mini polishes and again is a great way to try all of these gorgeous shades out! I really love the color scheme in this set, purples and pinks and glitters galore! Price: $18!

Stuffing Stockings with Beauty on a Budget Everywhere,

xox

Putting Up A Strong Fight Against The Common Cold/Flu This Season!

I came across an article in the Martha Stewart Magazine (the little one) from February of earlier this year.  I like to save these magazines for inspiration when I am cooking or doing table-scapes :) Since I cannot share this article online with you all as it is pretty outdated, I am going to go ahead and tell you in my own words pretty much what it entailed as I think it is pretty useful information.

In this article it touches upon various foods that can help boost your immune system and fight off the common cold and flu viruses!

Apples contain Soluble Fiber which can help you recover quickly from almost any illness.  They are also great for your heart! Make sure to keep the skin on, however, as it contains the most fiber :)

When choosing a mushroom for a healing purpose, get the common white mushroom as it can increase your body's production of antiviral proteins that fight off infections.

Allicin which is found in garlic, fights off bacteria and stops viruses from reproducing.  Using this vegetable raw is best! :)

No this is not an ice cream sundae! haha We are talking about yogurt here! Yogurt contains probiotics which are a great bacteria unlike the mean sickness causing ones! With just one cup of plain yogurt a day, you can reduce your risk of catching the common cold and flu!

To get your daily dose of Vitamin C, which I have told you all in many previous blog posts-is great tor warding off the bacteria and viruses that cause those yukky sicknesses, a red bell pepper is the top source, even more than an orange!

Sulforaphane, which is found in broccoli and cauliflower,  helps to stimulate the cells that fight off infection.  Your immune system weakens as you get older, so this is a fabulous way to keep it in "shape" haha :)








**Now let's say that you are already sick and you completely forgot about all of the above--REST is key as well as staying nourished.  A warm bowl of chicken noodle soup can actually do the trick, no its not just a myth! Studies show that chicken noodle soup can prevent inflammation that causes symptoms like coughing and congestion.  Who would have "thunk" it?! :)

**All info in this post was taken from Martha Stewart Magazine Feb 2011 Issue! Def a great magazine to pick up for everything FOOD :) xox

To creating an army against the sicknesses that come with the colder weather,

xox

My Experience Cutting Down My Own Christmas Tree!

I have always wanted to cut down my own Christmas tree but never really got around to it.  As a child I remember watching Home Alone and loving how he went to his yard and cut down the tree haha In many other Holiday movies this adventure is featured as well. I got to thinking this year and did my research to assure that I would be able to make this happen :) Below I am going to post a few pictures of my day at the tree farm, I definitely recommend taking advantage of this type of activity if they offer it in your area.  It is a great way to spend the day with your family/loved ones/friends and really have a relaxed good time!

 

 

Some Highlights From This Day:

• For those of you from New Jersey, the place we went to was called Stonerow Tree Farm.  It was a bit of a drive from my house, but well worth it for sure.  
• It was our first time there so we had no idea what to expect.  When you arrive you get a map of the farm (which is HUGE!) and you park your car in the lot.  Then you grab a hand saw of of the fence
• There were people/families having cookouts outside the trunk of their cars, roasting smores on the campfire that was lit at the farm, playing music, drinking etc. It was like we were tailgating at a football game! I loved it!! Had we known this, I'm sure more of the men of the family would have come knowing they could just flip some burgers and have a drink ;) 
• The map is divided into sections called "fields" according to which variety of tree you are looking for.  My boyfriends mother was looking for Blue Spruce and I was looking for something other than Douglas Fir because that's what I always get, but of course the one I fell in love with (and that was big enough for my high ceilings) was a Dougie haha 
• You walk through fields of trees and choose the one you want.  Mind you you are on your own, there is no "supervisor" around to assure that you know what you're doing, although I'm sure if you needed help someone could assist you in the beginning. 
• Once you choose your tree you (or your strong husband/dad/boyfriend/friend etc) get on under there and begin sawing.  My boyfriend said it was easier than he thought it would be, which is always good to know.  After your tree is cut, you drag it to the dirt road, just a few feet away and walk back to where the holiday festivities are going on.  A truck will come pick up your tree and you claim it with your claim ticket back at the beginning within a few minutes.  
• I loved that this farm also had a gift shop called the Merry Moose Gift shop.  They had all sorts of fun decorative Holiday things in there, I was in my heaven! They also had a little "canteen" type thing inside where you could get hot cocoa, chili, hot dogs, coffee, tea, etc! 

Overall I have to say, after experiencing this once, going and buying a pre-cut Christmas Tree will never do it for me anymore.  I am sure that I will return to this exact place next year. It was so welcoming and overall just wonderful from beginning to end.

Driving home with TWO trees on the roof of your SUV on the highway,

xox

Shop and Tell : MAC/Bath & Body Works!

 

* Swatches above (left to right) : Shadowy Lady, Festive Delight, Trax, Lighfully, Fun!, Black Tied

I haven't been really buying any beauty items lately because I know during the Holiday season I am going to go crazy with purchases.  I figured I would leave it until then, but also wanted to grab at least one item from the ever so coveted MAC Holiday Collection.  I was torn  but definitely knew I wanted to get one of the palettes.  I liked the other one they offered as well, but felt that this one had more "holiday-like" colors.  I love the packaging and although I have only done one look with this palette so far, I love the holiday sparkle in all the shadows :) Is this a palette I could use everyday, probably not because of all of the glitter, but definitely a fun one to say the least.  

When it comes to Holiday scents and decoration, I am a SUCKER.  I just had to stock up on some of my personal favorite things to smell during this season.  I always light my candle while I read at night or clean or watch TV, and I love my house to smell cozy and warm :) The above scents are for sure divine!

*Clockwise the candles are [Gingerbread, Marshmallow Peppermint, Tis' the Season, Sleigh Ride]

*Wallflowers, not seasonal, are Japanese Cherry Blossom (my FAVORITE!) and Cranberry Pear Bellini, DELICIOUS!

Sending You Holiday Goodness, 

xox

Winter Coat Options!

In my neck of the woods (can't fathom that I just said that phrase haha!) the weather has been on an emotional roller coaster it seems.  One week its 60's-70's, the next week, like this week, its 40's! While that leaves much room for those with a weak immune system to get sick (I recommend keeping up your immune system with daily vitamins and my favorite Echinacea tea from Traditional Medicinals!), lets look at the bright side of things, and take this as a sign to whip out those winter coats :) Below I am briefly going to go over the many types of winter coats that you may see in stores while shopping for yours--take note and narrow in on the best one for your needs/fashion sense :)

1. Puffer Coat

Puffer coats are perhaps the most popular, at least where I live where the weather can get absolutely frigid. They are a more casual approach I think, as obviously you wouldn't wear this over a dress to a fancy restaurant haha However, they sure are warm.  Most are filled with down--and a they come in various lengths and colors and even some with a faux fur lined hood! Belted or not, these are the most practical in my opinion for everyday use. 

2. Trench Coat

 

Ahhh the classic trench coat. I really love my trench coat, it's from years ago and I got it at Gap.  It is a lighter lined one though, so I can only wear it in the spring, which I don't mind.  I love the style of the trench--that cinched waist with that signature trench style belt.  I don't recall these coming super thick and winterized, but this can go over a suit jacket/blazer for a classic look :) London Fog is my favorite trench brand--whenever I think trench, I think of them.  

3. Military Style Coats

 

This is perhaps my favorite "dressier" coat for the entire winter season.  I love that it is different than the traditional pea coat style (which I will touch on next) and I love that it looks edgy and structured.  I love the hardware (buttons) on these coats and I really think they add a nice military touch.  These come as thick or thin as you please depending on the months that you are buying them for.  The ones pictured above are wool :) Nice and warm!

4. Peacoat

 

Did you know that in the past the pea coat was traditionally worn by Naval Officers?! How cool is that! Let's talk modern though :) The peacoat is a go-to coat for many people.  It is traditionally made of wool, super warm and has neat details like different lengths and a double breasted front.   This is your best option to bring you through various styles and outfits as it can be worn over something more dressy as well as over some jeans.  

5. Cape Style Jackets

I LOVE capes! My goodness if I could wear these everyday I would haha I think I love them so much because the late Jackie O' (My style ICON) wore these very often and they remind me of her a lot.  Capes also come in varying lengths, cropped or longer as pictured on the right above.  This allows you to really customize any outfit easily.  Stay warm and look fashionable, what could be better right? I am always cold--sometimes even in the AC in the blazing summer--call me crazy I know haha That being said, I really love the sleek clean lines of a winter cape, but also that your arms are all nestled inside near your body heat :) 

6. Motorcycle Jackets

 

Motorcycle Jackets are more of a fashion accessory to me. Don't get me wrong, they are gorgeous, but I personally find that I am never really THAT warm in them, and you know I'm always so cold! That aside, I think they are truly a great fashion statement.  You will definitely find zippers galore on these jackets as pictured above, and that is really a nice touch. They are typically made of leather or faux leather and I actually think they look super chic and edgy on women :)

7. Toggle Coat

Toggle coats for some reason or another remind me of being a little kid and bundling up to head out to play in the snow stiff as a snowman haha I buy my nephew toggle coats a lot because I just think they look so adorable! The toggle, which is so easy to secure is a nice alternative to the already overused buttons on every other winter coat :) The toggle style can be found on wool jackets, puffer coats and many other styles of winter coat.  

Comment below and let me know which is your favorite style to wear for Winter.  I have a few coats, but thinking of getting new ones and donating my current ones to a local coat drive :) We shall see. 

To staying warm and fashionable this winter season, 

xox

My Attempt At Making Lumpia Was A Success!!

 

For those of you thinking "Lumpia"--what the heck is that?! Well, my friends, it is an absolutely DELICIOUS Filipino version of an egg roll, pretty much.  I don't like Chinese egg rolls actually, but I love these babies! My boyfriend's sister hosted a "Pacquiao-Marquez" fight night party at her house.  Being that Pacquiao was the man we were "rooting" for (mind you I know NOTHING about the technicalities involved in boxing really haha), I thought it would be fitting to make a traditional Filipino appetizer. This was my first time ever attempting this and I went off of pretty much photos and a bunch of variations of recipes on the net.  The ingredients I used were pretty much a little of each recipe I found, making sure I only used things that I actually didn't mind tasting myself.  Needless to say, after having my boyfriend roll them together (as frustrating as it was!) they came out absolutely perfect.  Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavor filled on the inside--I was in heaven! You don't have to use ground pork, you can actually use ground chicken or beef etc, but I tried to stay true to what I was reading from most of the recipes (as well as a few Filipino friends we have) and I used Pork.  (I RARELY eat pork, this was definitely an exception!) 

I am not going to give you the run down on the actual recipe I used because honestly, it would be too difficult to recall exactly what measurement of each I used! I can however, recommend a fabulous Lumpia recipe from a Filipino Guru on YouTube that you all probably know, ItsJudysLife! She makes these with her mom and they look VERY close to the recipe I actually used, AND we even use the same dipping sauce (which by the way was the icing on the cake I'm telling you! DIVINE)!

**To get the Lumpia Wrappers and the dipping sauce, I visited a local Filipino Market (thank goodness my boyfriend lives in a well cultured area!) They had everything there, although I only bought the sauce and wrappers there. I purchased everything else at a regular supermarket.  

Watch Judy's video and give these a try! My version came out SUPERB and I already got requests to make 100+ for a Christmas party :) 

To see Judy's Video Click Here ! 

To food that packs a punch like Pacquiao, 

xox

Mini Shop and Tell: Milani/Palladio/Revlon/Estee Lauder

 

1. Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Fig #123

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in #680 Temptress (Creme)

3. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in # 013 Smoked Peach (Matte)

4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in # 477 Black Cherry (Creme)

**I went out on a whim by purchasing Black Cherry--it literally looks almost black in the tube, but as you can see it is a beautiful cherry color-perfect for the holidays! Smoked Peach is my favorite of the bunch, I love colors like that and even in the Fall you can put this under a gloss or over a lip pencil of a different color to deepen it up a little for the perfect fall color! I must say, the Estee Lauder lipstick shown, I've had for sometime (I think I got it in a gift set or something), but never really included it in any other blogs and its my favorite red for the Fall so I decided to add it in here--I LOVE the way Estee Lauder Lipsticks smell, I can't exactly pin point what the smell is but its glorious! 

 

1. Palladio Eyeliner in Dark Green 

2. Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil in 04 Aqua

3. Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil in 05 Brown

*I LOVE how smooth and pigmented the Milani Eyeliners are--without a doubt some of the best drugstore brand eyeliners that I own. The Palladio one on the other hand was a no go.  It was very hard to work with, had to be heated up before I used it to get any color power and all in all just not worth it, you can even tell from the swatches how different it is from the Milani ones!

Beautiful eyes and Lips,

xox