Illumanti!

I am a huge fan of the no-makeup makeup look...but as I am getting older I need to cover my age spots etc.  I discovered the Veil from Katie from Beauty and the Boutique.  It is literally my HOLY GRAIL product.  It is not quite a concealer or a foundation...but on my light make up days...it is what I wear!  One click of the product in five spots:  under my eyes, under my lips, the sides of my nose, down the center of my nose and in-between my eyebrows.  A little of the product goes a long way!  You just PAT the product in and it is never cake-y and never settles in my fine lines.  Click HERE to see how Katie applies the product...that is where I learned to use it.  I LOVE it.  It just makes my face look good without a heavy makeup look.  I use it EVERY day.  On days where I am going out or want a more "make-up' look I will apply foundation on top of it.  But, for an every day look it is perfect.  It would be great for teenagers just starting to wear makeup too because it looks so natural!  It is $40 on the Veil site but Katie sells it for $35.53 and free shipping.   

TAKE THE DAY OFF

I do not use Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm daily...but I find that if I have done a heavy coating of mascara...this is the best product to effectively take it all off!  It is a solid balm that transforms from a solid into a silky oil upon application.  I put a small scoop in my hands and gently massage it over my face and eyes for about a minute.  I then rinse with water.  Although it says opthalmologist tested...I always take my contacts off first so I don't know if it would irritate my contacts or not.  It is NOT a face cleanser...so I follow with my usual skin care regime after.  I have read some reviews which said it gave them acne...I have NOT had this problem with this product....but again...I do not use it daily and I follow with my usual cleanser and moisturizers after.  It is available at Sephora and Ulta as well as Clinique counters.  $29.50.

DAILY SKIN CARE

I have been a huge fan of the Paula's Choice and goPure products for about 4 years now.  I use the entire system night and day and it has made such a difference in my skin.  I am 47 years old, so I have the issues most people my age do...fine lines and wrinkles and dryness.  I am pretty lucky that I don't have any issues with acne.  My routine involves a lot of products.  I get that...but the whole procedure takes less than 3 minutes and it works for me!!

A.M. ROUTINE:  I start with the PC HYDRATING CLEANSER. It is non-foaming and very gentle on my skin.  I follow with the PC TONER.  I don't use cotton pads...I just put a small amount in my hands and splash it all over my face.  Once that dries, I apply a dab of the goPURE EYE GEL under both eyes.  Next, I apply the PC DAILY SMOOTHING TREATMENT.  This is probably my favorite product.  It says fragrance free...but it has this lightweight scent, almost like bananas...that I just LOVE.  I put one pump in my hands and gently pat over my whole face.  I then use goPure VITAMIN C SERUM.  I use three drops of the serum and gently pat over my face.  Then I follow with 3 drops of goPure HYALURONIC ACID.  Same thing....lightly pat over my face.  I then use the PC RESTORING MOISTURIZER with an spf of 50 as my last step.  My skin is super soft and ready for the day!

P.M. ROUTINE:   I use the PC HYDRATING CLEANSER. I find that it removes my makeup just fine.  I follow with a splash of the PC TONER.  When it is dry, I apply a dab of the goPURE EYE GEL under both eyes.  I apply the PC DAILY SMOOTHING TREATMENT again.  Then I follow with 3 drops of goPure RETINOL SERUM which I lightly pat over my whole face.  I then use the PC SUPER ANTIOXIDENT SERUM.  Just a small pea size amount for my whole face.  I finish with one pump of the PC BARRIER REPAIR MOISTURIZER.  My skin is super soft and ready for bed!

I'm BACK!!
New Year, New Me!
Going to start talking about my favorite products...things that work, things that don't...things I love and things I hate!
Check back often to see what is going on!!

Glo

Make your day little brighter with these multi strand neon yellow chain bracelets by Studio HX3!  Super bright enameled neon yellow, orange, pink and green chains are mixed with oxidized silver (or choose copper, enameled black or matte gold metal) chain for chic and unique chunky bracelets.  Perfect to wear with jeans and simple tee or to funk up a simple black dress! Only $46.   Also available as necklaces!  

Minty

This gorgeous mint green shrug by For You Designs would be a perfect topper to a white tee and jeans or to throw on with a strapless dress.  And that color is to die for!!  (but also available in lots of other colors!)  Only $55.

Neon

These hand bags by Pirifoolery are so funky!  Hand crafted from vintage lace that is hand painted in bright neon tones, each bag is reinforced with a sturdy cotton so that the bags have some rigidity.  Awesome!  Prices start at $45!

Otto

I really like this Messenger bag by Otto Bags.   Hand made from green waxed canvas, it has an adjustable leather strap and an easy stylish leather snap front closure.  It would be great as an everyday bag, and I just love the bright color!  Only $52!! 

Geometric

These gorgeous silk dresses by Italian designer Nivule are stunning.  Geometric in form and vintage in inspiration...the textiles and colors are elegant and subtle.  Each piece is handmade in Italy and the silk is prewashed for an ultra soft look and feel.  Most items are under $200!  Stunning!  See more designs HERE.

Dare to Wear

These hand printed tights and leggings by Gal Stern are amazing!  I have been wearing a lot of dresses lately and I love to add funky tights underneath!  These come in a range of amazing colors and patterns and prices start at only $39!!

Unicorn Farts

Finally...someone has captured this magical scent.  And...now...you can get your very own Unicorn Farts Lip Balm for only $3.50.  Tastes and Smells like spearmint and pink cotton candy...of course...everybody knows that. 

Light it Up

These handmade shadow light box frames by La Boom are exquisite.  Painstakingly handcrafted, and made to order, they feature whimsical scenes such as a zebra getting ready for a party and a carnival.  Truly, a treasured gift to give to someone special. Prices start at only $13 for a small one (not pictured here) to $55 for the larger ones!!!

Accent your Neck

OOOOHHH.  This necklace L'Accent Nou is amazing!  It features uneven, faceted gray terracotta beads that have been made and textured one by one, by hand.  A big amazonite stone contrasts beautifully with the raw clay surface and makes a great combination of color and texture. A gorgeous statement piece that would look amazing with a strapless dress (as shown here) or to dress up a pair of jeans!  $140.

Strappy Sandals

It's not too soon to start thinking about sundresses and strappy sandals!  I am trying to plan a spring break trip with my kids and have started browsing strappy sandals on Macy's.  They are quickly becoming my "go to" place lately for shoes and their selection of sandals is pretty amazing.  Hundreds of styles to choose from in every height you could imagine...flat, flip flops, wedges, platforms, strappys, and slides.  Hundreds of colors too...but I especially love the colorful ones, like the ones pictured here, because you can wear them with any neutral outfit to add a touch of whimsy!  The wedges (upper left) and the croc wedges (bottom right) would be my every day sandals, easy to wear while running around town with my kids but still be fashionable.  The other two are clearly a bit more daring, but with their high heels, and bold, bright prints, would make any outfit overtly flirty and fun for a date night!   Check out more styles HERE.

Violet

This eco-friendly sweater jacket by Malowane Inem is handcrafted from linen and dyed to this gorgeous violet color.  Long and so comfy looking...this could easily be dressed up, but I would wear this as an every day wrap with jeans!  LOVE!  Only 88!!

Sands of Time

These hand blown glass necklaces by Studio 8 are filled with sand, glitter, beads, water, thread, etc could be the coolest thing I have found in a long time!  I want one of every thing in her shop!  And, at only $34...I can probably afford to!  Check out more necklaces and earrings here!

Petals

I love this dress by Leanne Marshall (of Project Runway fame!) The bottom looks like a flower or a cupcake!  Perfect for a special occasion or an informal wedding.  The bodice and the skirt are made of organic cotton and the skirt has been covered with recycled fabric (silk and organic cotton) petals.  Just gorgeous.  Not cheap at $625, but a girl can dream.  (I am lucky that I was able to buy some of her dresses years ago...before she got famous!)

Happy President's Day

In honor of President's Day...I thought these Matryoshka dolls of the Obama family were pretty fitting.  And funny.  $35. 

Woodland Fairy

I just don't think I could pull these headbands off...but I so wish I could!  The models look like woodland fairies!  How amazing for a bridal party or a bride.  Each one is handmade by Jenn Wood of Mignonne handmade of long pieces of flexible bark-covered wire intertwined with bits of braided cream silk crepe that have been beaded with czech glass beads. The entire length of the wires have been woven in with satin "leaves" ribbon and accented with velvet green milliners leaves and silk ribbon bows. The 4" flowers are available in a variety of colors, each hand cut and hand sewn with a czech glass bead center. Prices start at $62.

I do!

I was browsing stationary sites the other day and came across these beautiful DIY wedding invitations from Bride and Groom Direct.  While I am certainly not getting married any time soon...I love the simplicity and whimsy of the designs and the colors on the designs on the site.  The bird cage one pictured above is absolutely something that I would use should I go down that path again!  I love the pink and aqua together...but the site allows you to play with other colors (purple, navy, teal to name a few) so that you can suit your particular theme.  I also love the pretty pretty ribbons that come with them.  Prices start at around $35 for 10 of your very own customized design!  

Prefer something more traditional?  They also offer classical, simple, romantic and elegant designs in creams, ivories and browns with more traditional themes and scripts.  Those prices start at only $14 for 10!!