Monday, December 24, 2012

be merry (merry Christmas!)


Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas full of friends, family, laughter, and fun. See you next year!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

give (beauty)

give (beauty)

 polyvore set here

lips: Clinique Chubby Sticks Set, Fresh Sugar Duo

lips&tips: Lancome 'In Love' Duo, Butter LONDON Holiday 2012 Collection

skin: Clarins 'Seven Wonders' Set, Fresh 'Skin Savers' Set 

eyes: NARS 'Express Yourself' Set, Laura Mercier Artists' Palette (appears to be sold-out online, but check in-store at Sephora)

coverage: Urban Decay Naked liquid foundation and Good Karma brush

brushes: Eco Tools eye brush set

Some quick confessions: 
1) For the price and quality, Eco Tools are my most-purchased, go-to brushes.

2)  I just bought the UD Naked liquid foundation and brush, and it has been a revelation. I get amazing coverage, but it feels like I'm wearing nothing. And the brush! Blending has never been easier.

3) Laura Mercier's Artist's Palette is amazing. It's UD's Naked palette's more grown-up, subtle sister, yet just as versatile. The packaging is discreet, functional, and sturdy; the shadows apply like butter, have good color payout, and last a long a time once applied. Hands-down the best palette I've tried.


Monday, December 17, 2012

it's that time of year...

...when everything is happening. I've been up to my eyeballs in work and next week looks to be just as crazy busy. Sorry for not updating as much or as consistently as I would like!

...when everyone is generally more cheerful and more understanding, and when the trees are lit in white, red, blue, and green lights when I go to my car every night. 

...when the world falls in love. As of last night, I'm engaged!



Wednesday, December 5, 2012

give (for the home)

give: for the home

polyvore set here


There are now only 20 days left before Christmas. It's absolutely my favorite time of year - all the lights, the decorations, the general cheer of most everyone you meet is infectious and I can't help but get carried away with it.

I'm one of those people who finishes their Christmas shopping by the beginning of December...I can't help it - I love finding perfect presents for everyone dear in my life, and I can't wait to get started, so I start and finish early! To me, gift-giving should be personal and well thought-out. It's always nice to receive nice things, but I think a lot of the joy I get from receiving a present that is so me is the feeling that someone took the time to pick a present that reflected me in some way - my style, my interests, etc. It really is the thought behind the presents. So, for all my friends and all of you who still have some shopping to do, here are some things for the home I've been eyeing (other spreads coming right up!). I've bought most of these things, either for my own home or as presents for other people. 

Happy shopping!

1. Kate Spade salt and pepper shakers - an adorable take on a basic tabletop component

2. Tracy Reese for Target + Neiman Marcus dessert plates - so darn pretty (I can't stop staring at mine) and functional

3. Reiko Kaneko Lip Tease mug and cup and saucer - a cheeky little take on a quintessential girl problem: the lipstick smudge

4. Jonathan Adler owl wine stopper - to keep that opened bottle of wine ready for the next pour

5. govino wine decanter and glasses - for the ability to have wine anytime, anywhere without worrying about breaking anything

6. Altuzarra for Target + Neiman Marcus old-fashioned glassesshaker, and tray - the ultimate bar set: Altuzarra style at Target-esque prices (P.S. The tray is exquisite - heavy, well-made, and instantly upgrades my coffee table!)

7. Eddie Borgo for Target + Neiman Marcus letter opener - the stud makes even opening letters seem a little dangerous

8. Diptyque Verveine candle - for an indulgent aroma that lasts and lasts (it's like being in the middle of a lemon tree grove!)