Current Favorites! Summer Edition ♥

Good Monday morning Friends! ♥

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I don't know about you, but those blessed two days at the end of the week are what I live for.

On Saturday John and I saw Inside Out 2 at the movies and I LOVED it.  It was the best Pixar movie I've seen in a long time.  My heart was in my throat the entire time and that's what I want from a Pixar movie.  They really know how to do that to you, don't they? My eyes welled up so much that at the end of the movie my contact lens popped out of my right eye! Thankfully I was able to put it back in once I dried my tears. LOL

On Sunday we made an impromptu visit to my mother in-laws.  She put out coffee and cookies and we chatted a bit on her cozy 3 season porch.  Here is her tray.  It's it lovely.  So simple and elegant.  From the 25+ years I've known her, I've always admired her knack for presentation.

The candle is lemon to match the napkins.  See what I mean.  It's the little things. 

Always ♥

Anywhoo, this morning I've got my coffee and laptop out on the back deck.  What a relief to finally be outside. The temps have dropped and there is a beautiful breeze out here today.  Last week we had a heatwave.  It was over 100 degrees for 3 days in a row. It wasn't pretty! At least not for me it wasn't.  Even inside in the air conditioning it still felt hot and I was sluggish (i.e. cranky) all week.  This girl is not a hot weather gal.  I've been dreaming about the "ber" months obsessively lately, but I won't get into that right now.  I understand some of you may not be ready yet : ) 

John just brought me breakfast and coffee.  The perks of having a teenager home for the summer.  School is OUT and we couldn't be happier! 

Happy Summer! ♥

                                                

For today's post I wanted to share with you some of my current favorite things.  I guess you could call this the summer edition.  

First up is a beauty item.  I wear Supergood Glow Screen under my makeup 365 days a year.  Because it's summer and sunscreen is on everyone's mind I wanted to mention it.  It's lightweight, not pilly like some sunscreens, is odorless, and if you get the tinted one, it gives you a nice pearly glow.  

I love it.  I never leave home without it ♥

Speaking of makeup here's another beauty item.  I just started using this foundation a few weeks ago and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.  Maybelline skin tint (comes under the heading "TikTok made me buy it") is wonderful!  I wanted to try a lighter foundation for summertime and this one had rave reviews online. It's light coverage and I feel like my skin can actually breathe under it.  I think it's perfect for everyday wear, even on hot days.  It's definitely as good as high-end brands. 10/10 

Philosophy body wash is a favorite of mine. It's so creamy and lux.  I never go a Fall/Winter without a big bottle of Cinnamon Buns in the shower (IYKYK).  I saw this one at Marshalls a few weeks ago and had to scoop it up.  Coconut Frosting! It smells like a day at the beach. Let's say it's part body wash, part aromatherapy. 

So my friend BJ will laugh at this next one because she heard me go on and on about this one day!  New PJs are my favorite thing in the entire world!  I purchased these two pairs recently from Kohls.  So soft, light, and cozy.  Why get dressed at all?!  

The reason it's funny is because I ordered a shopping cart full of summer clothes online and returned just about everything except the PJs.  I despise shopping because I can never find anything to fit me properly or that I even like.  But PJs, well that's a different story.  I'm pretty certain I own more pajama sets than actual clothing and at this stage of life that's quite alright with me ♥

On to podcasts...I understand this one may not be for everyone, but this discovery to me felt like Christmas day!  Did you know that in 1964 Lucy had a radio program? Neither did I! And I thought I knew everything about Lucy.  Apparently not.  Lucy had a daily 10 minute radio segment where she interviewed some of her famous Hollywood friends.  The best part about it is they talk about normal everyday things, like raising teenagers, fashion, home life, hobbies, vacations, ect.  Sometimes she broadcasts from Desilu Studios in Hollywood and sometimes it's right in her backyard in Beverly Hills. Lucy talks honestly about family which is a side of her that I've never heard before.  Some guests include Debbie Reynolds, Doris Day, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Jane Powell, Ann Southern, Vivian Vance, and Hal King, who was her makeup artist and friend.  He worked for Max Factor and gave "makeup application" tips which I thought was so funny as so many things have changed since 1964!  For example, he suggests that a housewife/mother applies light makeup in the morning before breakfast, so she'll look pretty for her husband as she sends him off to work.  He then suggests that she wash her face and reapply everything (a bit darker) for an afternoon of shopping and lunching with girlfriends.  And yes....we are cleansing and reapply again before hubby comes home for dinner. This time we apply even darker lipstick and eye makeup. Three times a day! Who has that kind of time?  I find this all hysterical and I love it with my whole entire heart! ♥

This podcast is a joy and feels like an actual time capsule.  Lucy is kind, funny, honest, and endearing. I didn't think I could love Lucy anymore that I already do, but you know what....I do! 

Plus the golden age of Hollywood fascinates me, and I wish it was still like that.  There was an elegance about it. Times have certainly changed.  

♥

Susan Branch once said that the best part of spring and summer is getting to be your own florist.  

She's right!  I've been taking advantage of the blooming flowers to cheer up the house.  

It's been making me happy all week.  At least the flowers don't mind the weather.  

I'd also like to offer a tip I read in a book once.  On super hot days put your moisturizers, body lotions, eye creams, and body mists in the fridge. It's the best feeling after a hot shower or just being hot in general to be able to put cold cream on your face and body.  If you hate the heat like I do, this is a live saver. You're welcome! ♥

What are some of your current summer favorites? I'd love to know! 

I hope you are staying cool.  The summer is only just starting.  We've got a long way to go!

Have a wonderful day, friends!  I'm making a yummy cake tonight that I can't wait to share with you later this week. It has berries and marcapone cheese in it.  You're going to love it.

Talk soon! ♥

Also this.... it doesn't happen very often but when it does....bliss!!!

Can you relate? 

XOXO ♥

Current Favorite Makeup Products: Winter Edition ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥ 

Today I thought I would share with you some of my favorite makeup products I'm currently loving.  It seems these days my skin is constantly changing.  What used to look good on me (or what I thought did) suddenly doesn't.  I'm constantly switching products and what I'm showing you today may not be what I'll be using in six months. I don't necessarily mind that though.  I enjoy trying new products and in the beauty world there is never a shortage of new things to try! 

The weather has a lot to do with it as well.  These days I go lighter in the summer and don't need as much coverage.  Since we are in the thick of winter right now, you are getting the full glam.  This pasty faced girl needs color if you know what I mean! 

As with my skin care, I don't like to spend a ton of money.  Yes I do love Sephora, but there is so much to choose from at CVS too!  It's all about balance :)

Here are a few of my current favorites:

I should have included this sunscreen in my skin care post, because that's what it really is - not makeup.  I use it everyday under my foundation.  I like the Supergoop glow screen.  It has a 40 SPF and is slightly tinted to give a pearly glow.  I really love it.  

For the past year I've been using the Loreal Visible Lift (because that's what I need - a visible lift! :) foundation (I wear #144).  It has another layer of sunscreen in it and an anti-aging serum in it.  Can't hurt! It goes on nice and smooth and I apply it with a beauty blender.  For an undereye concealer (which I forgot to photograph) I've been using the Cover Girl Instant Age Rewind (in #110).  Just a few dots will do it.  I lightly set with the Elf Halo Glow translucent setting powder.  No more caking on thick powder.  That's a definite no-no. 

Something I never did in my 20's or even in my 30's is contour.  Apparently now it's a thing.  I tried it and was pleased with the results! I've been using the Wet & Wild Bronze stick and really like it.  In addition to just a blush on my cheeks, contour brings a lot of warmth to my face. This one is called Where's Walnut.  (the names kill me....:) 

For blush I like the Ilia cheek and lip stick (It's called At Last).  I actually got a sample of this at Sephora and liked it so much I purchased the big size.  I've been using it as blush and lip color.  

I love it!!

I probably have way too many eye shadows that I need or will ever wear.  Currently I'm into the Laura Mercier caviar sticks.  They glide on so easily and I just smooth them out with my finger.  This one is called Moonlight.  It's subtle.  I never want to overdo it.  I'm going food shopping not to the Academy Awards! 

however...

also note that even at almost 50 I have no issues with shimmer & sparkle : ) 

I never leave the house without eyeliner.  Since I was in my 20's I've been lining the top of my lids but never the bottom.  I don't know why, it's just what I do.  I love the Maybelline Percise All Day liner (always black!).  The tip is like a very thin sharpie.  Honestly, I don't know how long I'll be able to get away with this look but I'm going for it as long as I can. 

I've always loved Loreal mascaras! I really think they are the best and even the upscale brands aren't as good.  Voluminous is the original and I think the best one (again...black!).  

For brows I like Loreal also.  The Brow Stylist in dark brown is perfect for me. One ordinary day a few years ago I woke up, took a look in the mirror, and discovered I had no brows.  I feel like it happened overnight! Well, not really but it was time to do something.  Brows can be tricky because if you go too heavy you may end up looking like Joan Crawford and that's not the look I'm going for.  I have to make sure I've had enough coffee and am fully awake before doing my brows! 

With the Ilia lip color, if I'm in the mood to boost it up a notch, I line my lips with a Flower Beauty lipliner.  I currently have this one called Blush in my makeup bag.  The color is very springy and I feel like I'll be wearing it a lot in the coming months. I really love lip glosses too but in the winter I find myself reaching for Chapstick over lip gloss!  

And that's pretty much it for this old face these days.  It may seem like a lot but I am trying to apply things with a lighter hand (more so than I used to).  I've also tried to phase out most powders and switched to creams.  I think that's helped my skin a lot over the past few years and looks better on me as I age.

I've been wearing makeup for so long that without it I just don't feel like myself. Who am I without eyeliner? I have no idea.  I believe these days whatever we can do to make ourselves feel good and lift our spirits, I say do it.  So if a new lipstick or eye shadow is all it takes, even better.  Some days I am literally dragging myself out of bed (for real) and once I push myself to get ready and put my "face" on, I feel better.  It's like I'm ready to face the day.  

One last piece of advice I would like to add is to NOT feel pressure to follow current trends.  There is so much online content from beauty influencers telling us what we should and should not be doing. It drives me crazy because what works for one person may not work for another.  Everyone is different and everyone's technique is different, so do whatever makes you feel your best.  You can't go wrong with that approach.  Makeup is supposed to fun and make you feel good.  

And that's all I have to say about that.  For now! : ) 

Have a great day friends!  xoxo

♥

Current Skin Care Routine: Winter Edition ♥

Hello Lovely Friends!  ♥

Today I wanted to share with you a few of my current favorite skin care products.  Now,  I am by NO MEANS any kind of beauty expert.  I am, however, a person that loves products and have tried a lot of them.  I've always loved makeup and as I've gotten older I've discovered that how we take care of our skin under the makeup is much more important that what we put on top of it.  I shutter to think about 15 year old me going to bed with a full face of foundation and Coty powder caked on top.  No wonder I broke out all the time.  Yikes! 

Another thing I've discovered is that my skin is constantly changing, so I adapt what I use on my face to my current needs.  In the winter I have very dry skin, so I need products with lots of hydration.  Also, in times of stress it definitely shows on my face, so I need a little extra TLC to take the edge off.  Since September I've been doing weekly eye masks and that has helped.  When my mother first went into the hospital I developed huge red itchy dry patches under my eyes.  I know it was stress related.  Hydrating eye patches and petroleum jelly helped, also drinking lots of water (which I need to be better at!). 

I don't feel it's necessary to spend tons of money on skin care.  Most of what I use are drugstore products. I've found that they mostly do the same thing as high end products and what we are paying for is pretty packaging.  

Here is my current line up.  At the moment it's working and keeping my skin hydrated. 

 

Every night before bed I remove my makeup with Aveeno face wipes.  This is one of my favorite things I do all day.  It feels SO good and leaves my skin extremely soft.  They are very gentile and don't smell like alcohol!  

 ♥

I cleanse my face with an Olay cleanser, pat it dry, and spray with Thayer's toner.  

Next up is Neutrogena's Hydroboost Glow Primer Serum.  Up to recently I had never heard of hyaluronic acid.  It sounds like something I'd put in my car radiator.  After my bad breakout last fall I did a little research and it turns out hyaluronic acid is one of the best things you can use on your skin. Some if it's benefits are anti aging, helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, is moisturizing, and can treat facial redness.  Of course everyone's skin is different but for me, it's really helped.  I like this one because I trust Neutrogena products and it was affordable. ($20) ♥

I wanted to incorporate a Vitamin C serum into my routine. I found this one at Marshalls. 

**Side note, Marshalls and TJ Maxx are amazing places to get affordable skin care products!!**

This Findley serum has vitamin C and rose oil in it. It's another layer of hydration that firms skin, locks in hydration, and gives a healthy glow. Its also smells really nice! ($6 at Marshalls!)  ♥

I went without using eye cream for many years.  Now that I'm almost 50 I can see the signs of aging, especially around my eyes.  Dark circles are the very bane of my existence.  Every article I've read recommends a retinol eye cream.  So here I am.  I chose the Neutrogena line again.  I've been using this eye cream for over a year now and I really love it.  I use the littlest dabs around my eyes and press it in with my ring finger.  This is one of the most expensive products I buy but because I use so little it lasts a very long time. ($29) ♥

The moisturizer I'm currently using is good old tried and true Oil of Olay Regenerist.  I've tried other brands and always come back to Olay.  I can remember using the pink liquid back in the 80's so I've got a nostalgia thing happening.  I figured they've been around since 1952 so they must be doing something right!  It's so light (like whip cream).  I love the way it feels on my skin. ($30) ♥

The last step I do before bed (and you're not going to believe me but it's 100% true) is put a little Vaseline on my undereye area and on my eyelid.  Bare with me!  It locks everything in.  I swear this works!  It's soothing on my eyes, makes everything soft, and the next day when I put my makeup on I don't have any creasing. This many not work for everyone, but for me I feel like it's my little secret weapon : )  ♥

Two other MVP products that save me.... first is a face roller.  Mine is rose quarts.  I do the roller thing across my face in the morning in between moisturizing and putting on my makeup.  I read that by doing this it helps your skin absorb the products better. I roll it in an upward motion on my cheeks and then use the smaller end under and over my eyes.  It also helps with puffiness and plumps up the skin.  Some people put theirs in the fridge to keep it cold.  I don't do that but trust me, the roller is always freezing.  This is very therapeutic and feels really good, especially after a hot shower.  Who knows if it's even doing anything but honestly I don't care.  It's become a ritual : ) ♥

And here are the current eye patches I'm using.  I do them at least once a week.  The brand I really love is call Lost Baggage (haha) but they are always sold out at CVS!!  These rose gold ones are very good too.  It's just to give the under eye area a little bit of TLC.  I figure if I'm good to it, it will be good to me (fingers crossed!). ♥

 ♥

And that's my current skin care routine.  It's nothing fancy but it's getting me through this bitter cold winter.  Later in the week I will share my current favorite make up products.  

I hope you are all having a wonderful week so far.  Remember to drink water and get lots of sleep too! (I'm talking to myself here, as well as you! : )

Stay cozy and safe my friends! ♥

Byeeeeee! xoxo 

Current Favorite things! ♥

Hello Friends and happy Monday! ♥

 I hope you all had a great week and a restful weekend.

 I had a long to-do list of chores to get done around the house this weekend and guess what? None of it got done. My heart wasn't in it and that's ok.  That's how it goes sometimes.  Taking John to the movies was more appealing than washing the bathroom floor.  I have no regrets.  So I'm starting this week off still looking at Valentines Day decorations (because they didn't get put away) and a mound of laundry that's going in the wash as soon as I finish this post.  It will all get done.  Eventually : ) 

 I was thinking about what to post today and I had a thought that I haven't done a current favorites post in a while.  

So without further adieu here are 10 of my current favorite things:

 1. Homemade pasta ♥

Recently I've started making my own pasta.  It's so much easier than people think and tastes so much better than store bought.  All you need are eggs, flour, salt and a little time.  I have a stand alone "crank" pasta maker, not an attachment to my stand mixer.

It takes very little time to mix up the dough and crank it through the machine.  Something about that last step where the dough is cut into spaghetti is so satisfying!  My love language is feeding my family and this method certainly fills my heart with joy!  Here is a the basic pasta recipe I've been following.  I think I'm ready to move on to raviolis! 

(link to recipe)

2. Walking ♥

The weather has been unseasonably warm here.  Here we are in February and last week it was 60 degrees!  I'm not sure what's going on...  I've been taking advantage of the warm days and trying to get out for walks when I can. It's still chilly, but no where near where it usually is in February.  I like to walk this beach that's near me.  I'm not a fan of exercise but knowing I get an ocean view motives me to get out of the house.  I always feel better when I get home. I'll put on a podcast or my current audio book and walk for 30 minutes.  It ends up being a lovely experience.  

(and before you ask, there are plenty of other walkers there like me so it's completely safe:) 

 

3. Neutrogena eye cream ♥

Taking good care of my skin has always been a priority for me.  I have very dry, sensitive skin and I break out easily.  Because of that, I have a morning and evening skin care routine that I follow religiously (or try to anyway:).  Over the past year I have noticed a lot of changes to my skin.  The natural process of aging is happening and that's ok.  My eye area is a particular concern of mine.  I have dark circles that even the strongest Columbian coffee can't fix.  Also crows feet and fine lines.  We all have them.  It's just life.  Keeping my skin moisturized is vital.  I use an exfoliating cleanser, face serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. I would like to do a whole post on skin care sometime, but for now I need to tell you about this eye cream.  Because I love it. It's transformed my eye area and makes the makeup around my eyes look so much better.  I use it twice a day.  Definitely a holy grail beauty product for me.  

Love Love Love! 

Trader Joes Flowers ♥

I think everyone already knows this by now, but just incase you don't - if you have a Trader Joes near you, you must stop in for a dose of spring! They have the best selection of cut flowers at the best prices!  I stopped in on Saturday to get blueberries (for Sunday pancakes :) and I couldn't resist coming home with some beautiful carnations (see picture above).  They have so many beautiful bouquets to pick from.  Note to self: I think I'll go every week. 

PS here's a picture of the pancakes I grilled in my cast iron pan (another favorite thing).  

SO YUMMY! 

4. Evening Tea ♥

I've mention before how much I love my afternoon tea time.  Lately I've been pushing it to later in the evening.  It's wonderful to wind down with a cup of tea, especially on a winter's night.  I'm also trying to have my herbal teas without sugar.  So far so good : ) 

Here's the one I'm currently loving from Bigelow ♥

I have an idea to do a future blog post on my favorite teas and favorite coffees so stay tuned for that : ) 

5. Twice Bake Potatoes ♥

Just like with the pasta, I'm learning to try things that I have always assumed to be too difficult.  Especially with recipes, just because there may be a few more steps than I'm normally used to, I can manage it.  For our Valentines Day dinner John requested twice baked potatoes.  He'd had them once in a restaurant and loved them.  I gave them a go, and guess what?! I did it and they were delicious! A big hit for all of us!  I will definitely make them again.  Here's the recipe I used (I left out the bacon)

(link to recipe)

6. Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul ♥

So what have you been watching?  I just finished watching the entire series of Breaking Bad and it's prequel Better Call Saul.  AMAZING!!! Both had me on the edge of my seat.  For a certified lover of Hallmark movies this was big stretch for me and do you know what? I couldn't get enough of this world. I can't decided which series I loved best because they were both so good.  The acting is phenomenal!  Both are available on Netflix! Highly recommend! 

 

7. Chicken Piccada ♥

One of the easiest recipes I know and still one of our favorites.  I've been making this alot this winter and we haven't gotten sick of it yet.  If you use the thin chicken breasts you won't need a knife to cut them! 30 minutes is all it takes.  It's my go to recipe for when I have no idea what to make.  In fact, it's what's for dinner tonight! LOL 

(blog post with recipe linked here)

8. The Body Shop Boost Hand Lotion ♥

I purchased this hand cream for myself at Christmastime.  My hands get SO DRY and cracked that sometimes they actually hurt.  I've been using this hand lotion at night (it's on my nightstand so I remember) and it's helped so much!!  I rub it on my cuticles and in the morning my hands feel soft and pain free!!! Whatever is left on my hands I will rub onto my heels as well.  Heavenly!  

The citrus scent is also very nice :) 

9. I Love Lucy on Pluto TV ♥

Pluto TV now as an I Love Lucy channel (under classic TV).  Finally!!! 

Now I can watch my favorite show anytime I want, 24 hours a day!  Whenever I need a little Lucy, she's there for me.  It's been my favorite show since I was 12 years old.  I love it so so much.  

10. This quote which has stuck with me this past week...

#quoteoftheweek

It's so true! Thanks for the reminder, Your Majesty ♥  

And there you have it! 10 current favorite things.  

What are some of yours? 

Have a wonderful week, friends! Thanks for stopping by today! 

Stay cozy!! xoxoxo 

Current Favorite Beauty Products: Winter Edition ♥

Good Moring Friends! Happy Monday ♥

It's been a while since I've done a beauty post so this morning I thought I would share with you some of the things I've been loving lately.  This winter I've introduced a few new products to my beauty routine and I'm really happy with the results.  So in an effort to distract myself from the fact that it's Monday and that it's freeeezing cold outside, let's talk about beauty.

First off, I must admit to you that I am a total sucker for good packaging and just looking at this photo makes me happy : )  

I have been in the market for a new cleanser for a while and I hit the jackpot with Olay Luminous! I have always had great luck with Olay products.  There is something very special to me about using  tried and true products that our mothers and grandmothers used.  And let's face it, they had great skin! I've been using this at night to wash off my makeup.  It has little beads in it that act as a gentle exfoliator which is really nice and leaves my skin feeling CLEAN and soft.  The branding says it's a "brightening" cleanser and I have to agree.  I'm noticing a difference after only a few weeks and as an added bonus it smells amazing. 

Something everyone should use daily is sunscreen.  And not just in the summer! I used to never put sunscreen on my face. My excuse was that my makeup has SFP in it.  I was afraid of it being heavy and greasy.  I was very wrong.  I'm in total love with Supergood Glow Screen!!  It acts as a tinted moisturizer and has a slight glow in it.  I use it as my last (moisturizing) step before I put my foundation on.  It's so light I don't even feel it, but it gives me a nice healthy glow from underneath and better than that, I'm protected from the sun. 

Speaking of "healthy glow" here's another product that's working for me.  Bobbi Brown's highlighting powder is heavenly!  This one is definitely a splurge price wise, but I had a Sephora gift card that I got for Christmas to use so I went for it.  I've been stalking it online for a while and I just had to try it.  I'm a sucker for a good highlighter!  This one is blowing me away. It has soft pink tones which I think are flattering to my coloring.  

L'Oreal Lash Paradise is my new favorite mascara! Trust me, I've tried them all.  Two coats gives me the thick, full lashes that I'm going for!  I have always loved the Original L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara.  This formula is even better and I love the pink tube too! See....the packaging got to me! UGH.  Luckily it was worth it! 

I was gifted Red Aspen Nail Dashes by my Instagram friend Kimmi back in the fall.  I didn't know what to think of these at first.  After one application I was hooked! They are the most realistic faux nails I've ever used.  They are so easy to apply and I can take them off easily (without damage to my real nails) any time I want.  They are only about $12 a set and come in so many pretty colors.  I feel very "put together" when I have these one! 

And lastly I have to share with you this hand lotion that I received as a Christmas gift from my friend Julie.  Bath & Body Works HOPE - Winter Peach Marshmallow! OMG its heavenly.  I have it on my nightstand and apply it on my hands, arms, elbows, and sometimes my feet, right before bed.  I love, love, love it! 

Have you ever tried any of these products? If so, please let me know.  Also, if you have any recommendations for beauty items that you just can't live without, I would love to hear about them! 

I'm off to get a fresh coffee and get to work now, but this was a lovely way for me to start the week.  Wishing you all a beautiful day! xoxo