This morning launched a 24 hour sale bringing back several of the holiday beauty bundles I’ve been sharing with you all her on the blog and on social media. Some of my favorite simple beauty staples are on sale until tomorrow morning to include concealer, prime and set powder (brand new), liquid shadows (seen above), liquid matte lipsticks, skincare masks and so much more. You can shop the entire sale here!
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Okay procrastinators! It’s T-minus two weeks until Christmas Day. The closer we get, the fewer the options you’ll have. This year I’ve crossed all but two off my list so far. However, there have been many years I couldn’t afford to do so until the very last minute. I figured an Amazon list was in order since this shopping mecca provides quick service delivery times and has basically anything and everything you will need.
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Over the years my family who are avid readers have given the gifts of books time and time again. I have to tell you, books are some of my favorite gifts to give and receive. Last year I shared a few favorites in this post and then also I did a book review on Facebook live here. Books are incredible for the brain. Did you know it’s the best way to exercise your mind? It’s like giving your brain a high intensity workout. This year most of the books I’ve read revolved around the topic of personal development: spiritual, business, mental health and healing. I set out early in the year to make my life “explode” and knew from day 1 it would require an immense amount of focus. Some of these books were ones I listened to while others I read in paper form. Because I spend so much time in my life working on screens my book time stays off screen. Today’s post includes my favorite finds on Amazon so you still have time to grab for those loved ones or gift yourself as you begin a new year.
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Drumroll please…It’s finally here. Opulence lipsticks are back in stock after months and months of waiting. Not only are they back in stock but come in six glorious shades. From bold pink to soft matte rose there’s just nothing I mean nothing more glam that swiping on a bold shade of lipstick to tackle the day! I am so excited to share our newest holiday bundle with your choice of three shades for under $60. These babies are not for the faint of heart. They have lasting power that exceeded all of my expectations!
Read MoreI spent this weekend nestled up reading books and baking delicious sugar cookies for the holidays. I love this time of year and try to fully immerse myself in as many festive activities as possible. Although this year is already looking different than last - no large holiday parties or gatherings, I’m determined to make it count. I’ve been adding little touches all over the home to bring a cheerful atmosphere no matter how cold it is outside. From sequin embellished pillows to colorful tiny bottle brush trees the space is filled from ceiling to floors in sweet holiday decor. You can have a beautiful home no matter what your budget may be if you are thoughtful and creative. Surprisingly many of the little trees I’ve picked up over the years were found at dollar stores or discount stores. Keep your eyes open and look at new ways to use items.
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It occured to me as I was shooting these photographs last night in downtown Bryan with decorations everywhere that the holidays are not so much fun for everyone. I’m generally a cheerful person but I’m definitely not blind to other people struggling. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one during this time of year. Maybe you just are at a season that’s been really tough and you can’t seem to shake it yet. Maybe you are one of those people that had a terrible childhood and now the holidays floods back memories. Whatever it is - if you are feeling blue right now this post is definitely for you.
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Every year my daughter and I decorate gingerbread houses. We’ve been doing this since she was five and it’s become a really fun tradition over the years. Most years we use a gingerbread kit. To date my favorite one came from Sprout’s which you can see in this previous post where we also mad our own wrapping paper for the season. This year I went ahead and braved doing one from scratch. Although it ended up being a little wompy the memories of making it will forever reside in my heart. Sometimes it’s not about being perfect it’s about the process.
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I realized that most of my adulthood I’ve been in a relationship or marriage every year during the holidays. When that sunk in I immediately thought there are some of you guys who also are single this year and not sure what to do with yourself. Fear not! I’ve got some coping skills for you in today’s post. Being a single doesn’t have to be a downer. You can shop all of the sales and buy gifts for yourself without anyone complaining about the budget. You can decorate your house however you want - bring on all the pastel decor and mini Christmas trees. You also can take as much time for self-care and sleep as you need. Interested in learning a new hobby? Yes please! Now is the time! Being alone can be incredibly growing, positives and much needed after a period of hardship. Give yourself a break over the next few months, grab a cozy cup of hot chocolate and just snuggle up with a good book in front of your tree.
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Cyber Monday is finally here and I am so excited about all of the beauty deals going on! Y’all know I love my non-toxic makeup and skincare from Younique. It was the only product line that helped clear my hormonal acne! Today releases a new cleansing balm and I’ll be grabbing with a bottle of rosewater toner. For one day only have a chance to get Bundles 1–7 while supplies last. Available until midnight while supplies last!! Here’s a breakdown of the products and discounts. Happy Shopping!
What would we do without Amazon? I’m beginning to wonder how any of us existed prior to their delivery services that cut shipping times by 90%. Amazon continues to innovate and impress me every single year. As I have tried hard to minimize contact and exposure by staying safe and being healthy, Amazon has become almost a necessity for me these days. From household items like these lightbulbs and neck massager to gifts that keep on giving like Audible - I’m a prime target (no pun intented … lol) and love being able to shop for gifts for my loved ones. Here is a complete guide to things I’ve recently purchased on Amazon, things I’m going to purchase, things I would purchase and pretty much everything I can think of!
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Black Friday is HERE!!! I couldn’t be more excited. The sales this year are incredible and I cannot wait to pick up a few more things for my loved ones. I’ve rounded up several of my favorite items for her! If you missed my Gifts for Him post you can check it out here. On a side note a new eyeshadow palette was released this morning that is absolutely incredible! You can grab it with eye primer for 25% off. I also am loving accessories right now like these earrings, a new set of masks and of course mascara. What’s on your list? You can shop a few of my favorites below!
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Isn’t there something magical about sitting down at a beautiful table? Each season I set our table with a different theme. You can scroll back to this post for a Autumn Inspired table for this week’s Thanksgiving preparations or this previous post where I show you how to come up with a theme! But tablescapes are a fun and easy way to add a little decor to your home. This year, we’ve been pulling out all of the soft green, white and pinks for our holiday decorations. I decided to carry the same color scheme I use all year round and just add a few touches that are winter themed to our living and dining room. Little bottle brush trees are scattered throughout the place (37 in total) and a few containers filled with ornaments add so much sweetness to the area this year. Since we are spending more time here than usual I decided to make the space feel warm and inviting.
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Let’s go ahead and just start with how this post can benefit everyone. I mean EVERYONE right now. Whether you want to admit it or not COVID-19 forever changed us and being stuck inside all the time is rough. Currently, I work from home and homeschool my child with virtual learning. By the end of the week my routines feel monotonous and I have an itch to go explore. For most of this past year I’ve taken day trips to surrounding areas like antique shopping or exploring near by honey and lavender farms. Every time I get a chance to leave I come back feeling renewed. I gain inspiration that carries me through the coming days and weeks. My soul literally feels more joy. Last weekend my daughter and I took a trip to Cedar Park on the north side of Austin. Our activities included being mostly outside and socially distant. At the end of the weekend she said this hike in St. Edwards Park was the best thing we did. Whether you face nature alone or take your loved ones, getting a little lost in nature is often times the refresher we all need to get us through the stressful times.
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I’m a fan of all things made for sweater weather. There’s something so cozy about slipping one on the first crisp cool day of the season. Sweaters are one of the perfect gift for all ages in all climates. You can wear one layered under a warm jacket in the Winter or throw on a cardigan over a tank top in the Summer. For cool nights they are nice to drape over the shoulders and there’s just nothing better than reaching for one at the beginning of Fall. I absolutely adore other things made of sweater knits like pants, dresses and even throw pillows around the home for the cozy months. Today I’ve rounded up sweaters for the entire family perfect to gift this season!
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Yesterday I shared a little about our girl’s weekend trip to Austin and the incredible sunset we saw from Mt. Bonnell. The week has been full of so many magical memories and on the way here my daughter asked if we could go to a butterfly place. With all of Austin’s wildlife I figured there had to be one. I did a quick search and sure enough a few places popped up including this one. We arose yesterday morning for a quick breakfast stop at The Original Pancake House and since we were about a 15 minute minute drive away from the garden decided to add it to our itinerary for the day. It was definitely worth it! It’s also located by a food truck park and Mueller Lake Park so lots to do in the area!
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One of the best views in the city is Mt. Bonnell. You can climb up in about a five minute walk to get a breathtaking view of the entire city. I’ve share about this location before during sunrise and sunset is just as beautiful. Because the view sits on the 360 loop it’s a beautiful sunset drive up there! Highly recommend to do if you are looking to visit Austin. We dressed up for dinner and then made the walk up for a brief glimpse of sunset. It was amazing and she told me she wanted to just sit and enjoy this because we don’t get to see it every day.
Read MoreBeing located in Texas means our holiday season doesn’t stay cold for very long. Our temperatures are ranging from 50’s to 80’s right now and so pulling out tons of Winter layers isn’t the most practical. As Christmas and the holidays are quickly approaching I like dressing in festive textures with sequins and sparkles and I love incorporating reds and greens during this time. Here are a few ways to incorporate more holiday styles into a southern wardrobe while the weather is still feeling like Spring and Summer.
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It’s been a minute since I posted a Small Town Charm post. Yesterday, I took a day trip to my old college stomping ground in Huntsville, TX. It’s been a few year years since I made that journey and remembered just how pretty it was during the Fall and Spring. It’s about a 45 minute drive from College Station and an hour and a half from Houston. The perfect getaway for antique shopping, coffee and lunch. The sky was a clear blue which made the drive even more enjoyable! I spent a few hours picking up a few gifts in the anitique stores and then grabbed a really delicious Sipsy’s latte at a local coffee shop. Did you know that Huntsville has a ton of history in its downtown and surrounding areas? Yep, in the mid-1800’s it was a spot where General Sam Houston stayed! In fact, the corner I’m standing on below was a location he spent time in! History is so much fun when you start imaging all of the places and situations people have been in before in the exact same spots.
Read MoreThanksgiving is a few weeks away and if you are anything like me you are already dreaming of all of the delicious dishes that will be served. I thought it was appropriate for us to have a quick discussion about health and fitness before diving into the high calorie season. You don’t have to stick to a strict diet all season. You don’t have to jump onto a crazy workout regimen. You can actually enjoy the holidays, move your body and keep the weight off with simple strategies. I’ve found over the years a few things have helped me stay in shape while enjoying all of the amazing foods our holiday traditions provide.
Read MoreThe holiday season is a time to pull out all of the stops to sparkle and shine. As this year’s season approaches I’ve found I am drawing so much inspiration for the 1930’s. Did you know that during The Great Depression musicals and glamourous Hollywood scenes were used to lift the spirits of those in trying times. When you look at movies made during that era formal gowns made of satin and sequins were everywhere. Was it practical? Absolutely not. Especially when many families were barely able to make ends meet, but it served hope for many. I believe if we stop dreaming we start dying.
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