1.08.2016


I mentioned in my last beauty post that I really struggle with dry, cracked skin. I think I might even have excema but have not been formally diagnosed by my doctor. It goes away once the weather gets warmer and more humid, part of the reason why I love going to the coast so often. By the water, I instantly feel relief from my allergies and dry skin. But, since we can't afford to move to the ocean, I have to be a little clever and trick my skin into believing that it's hydrated right here in the valley.

These are just a few new products that I've recently discovered over the last few weeks. I'd like to share them with you because so far, I'm loving the results.


First I'll begin with a product that was recommended to me by my snapchat and Instagram friends. They tagged me in a photo from Target:


My Target store didn't have the body butter, but they did have something similar:



I had never even seen this brand at Target before, and the line does appear to be limited, but this lotion is A-mazing! It really is so moisturizing. It also doesn't have much of a scent. I wouldn't say it's completely fragrance free, but it is very faint and so it's great to layer my favorite perfume over it. My legs get really itchy so I need something that will soothe the irritation while still providing a blanket of long-lasting moisture. It also absorbs rather quickly and doesn't feel greasy so I can get dressed right away. I slather this as soon as I get out of the shower, focusing on arms, hands, legs, and feet. The price point is great too at $14.99. It's natural and gentle for all skin types.



This was a total surprise from the hubby. We usually get each other chocolate, candy, and small amount gift cards in our stockings every Christmas, but I was shocked at what he came up with this time! In all honesty, I felt so guilty! I got him a Starbucks gift card, movie tickets, and candy. He got me some perfume, a Sephora gift card, and this primer water by Smashbox. He must have had help right?! He swears he picked this out on his own, but I'm not convinced. Either way, this stuff is the s@#!
I love setting sprays and misters, but this one takes the cake because it has many purposes that actually work! I use it to prime my face before makeup, and then I use it to set my makeup as well. The scent is beautiful, very soft but lovely. The spray nozzle is great too. Sometimes my MAC Fix + can squirt out like a hose, getting my face completely drenched. This spray is very fine and even. I will definitely purchase one for myself once this is gone.


These next two products were sent to me for consideration from a shop based out of Canada. The sweet email I received could not have come at a better time! Just as I was complaining to friends about my dry skin, I got an email from Batty's Bath (how cute is that name by the way). I was sent two products. The packaging is a selling point!

The first product is my favorite and most functional for my skin. This product is very thick, and comes in a stick form that you push up from the bottom. I have been carrying this in my bag for midday touch ups when my skin needs extra love. I have this annoying dry patch on my right pointer finger and it almost feels like elephant skin. Lovely, I know. But this is great for spot treating dry patches. I even use it on my nose because being sick the last month made the sides of it crack. It feels very soothing. The ingredients are cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, sunflower, vitamin E, and avocado. It has a slight herbal scent, but it's barely detectable. I can see this working well on cuts, scars, and even mild burns. It's a great on-the-go balm when you don't want to carry a tube of lotion in your bag.

So it's been established that I love mists. They are great for cooling down in the hot Summer months, but I love them even more for hydration in the Winter. I can't say I love this more than the primer water above, but I do use this every night as a last blast of moisture before bed. I use it to set in my serums and eye cream. I love the scent! It reminds me of tea. I wouldn't say this would replace a regular moisturizer, but if you are craving an extra little something, then this is perfect for that. These ingredients are organic as well. They include aloe, German Chamomile, rose, vitamin B3. and provitamin B5. All very healthy, good for you elements that you can feel secure about putting on your precious skin. 


If you have any questions, as always ask in the comments! I hope you'll give these all a try to alleviate dry skin. 

Note: Batty's Bath sent me two products for review, but I was not compensated and all opinion are my own. 


1.05.2016






Wearing //
Zara cami, similar
J.Crew Factory clutch, cute option
Zara pumps, similar





Happy new year! So it's 2016 huh? That just sounds crazy to me. It'll probably take at least a month to get my dates right. My co-workers will undoubtedly get a little fed up with seeing 2015 on my documentation but that's one area I struggle with every January! Anyway, I hope you all had a great holiday season! Like most of you, I'm sad the playtime is over. My vacation was interesting. We are in the process of trying to sell our condo so we can upgrade to a house, so realtors and possible buyers were in and out most days. This is my first foray into the real estate world and I must admit that it's pretty awkward due to the fact that we are still living here. I feel like people are judging my decorating. And my cleaning. And, what's that pitbull doing in the corner of the living room? Luckily Nettie is a social butterfly and has been enjoying the flow of strangers. 

That's what's going on lately. I've also been reading about new year's resolutions, naturally. Although I don't mind seeing what others have in mind for their "new year, new you" thing, I am sticking to my no-resolution pact. As in, my resolution is to have no resolution because I am terrible at keeping them. I'm also really terrible with change. I need a giant push to make any life altering decisions, so usually Nate has to coach me, kicking and screaming the whole way, until I realize that the change was actually necessary. 

As for blogging, I'll still be here. I've been doing this since 2009. I'm not going anywhere. My only goal is to keep it as organic and as real as possible, because all of the cookie cutter blogs that are so popular personally bore the hell out of me. But that's for another day to discuss if I ever get the courage :) 

Do you ladies make resolutions? What are you looking forward to this year?





12.31.2015


2015 wasn't my favorite year if I'm going to be frank. Not to say that it was terrible, or that some personal growth didn't occur because I believe that every year we are alive is a chance for self-improvement. But it was a bit lackluster. Not much changed in my world, aside from watching dear friends get married, continuing to help at-risk children through my work, and teaching my puppy to better behave herself. That was a feat in itself!

I have gotten closer to a point where I feel more comfortable in my own skin, albeit there's always something to complain about. I think I stayed true to my personal style - classic pieces with fun accessories thrown into the mix to keep things fresh. Here are my gems from 2015.
















If you have questions on anything you've seen, let me know in the comments and I'll be sure to answer them!


One last thing that just happened and that was a definite highlight of my year was meeting some new (and true) blogging friends last week. Caryl flew in to visit family, Rachelle, Charnele, and Daphnee came from Miami on vacation, and Gina was sweet enough to pick the spot for this momentous occasion! I can't recap the experience as brilliantly as they have, but I do want to share a few pictures from the lunch. 


Pacific Coast Grill


We devoured the creme brulee


Rachelle, Caryl, Gina

Added in these lovely ladies, Daphnee on the left and Charnele next to me


Then, Rachelle did something epic. She became my photographer! Move over Nate :)


She let me borrow her sunglasses

Thank you Rachelle!



Pretty good, right?! I really hope we can all get together again next year because our personalities mesh so well and I truly adore these women. 

I truly adore all of you too. Thank you so much for another year of supporting this little blog, and for bringing me so much joy. I started this journey years ago, and although blogging has changed tremendously and I've struggled to keep up, I still love it more than ever. I hope 2016 is fruitful for us all. More to come...