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 

Currently: A Few Favorite Things ♥

Hello Lovely Friends! ♥

Happy Friday! It's been a long and busy week.  I'm SO happy to have made it to Friday aaaand....it's a long weekend! Yay!  We don't have anything planned which as you know, are my favorite plans of all!  All I do know is were are having hot dogs at some point this weekend and I want to pick up blueberries at the farmers market to make cobbler. Otherwise all I want is R&R.  And iced coffee.  There will be iced coffee too : ) 

Aren't these lilacs gorgeous!!  The smell is intoxicating! 

We wait all spring for this French lilac bush to bloom in our front yard.  My mother and I get so excited!  Yesterday I went out there and clipped two beautiful bunches.  One for me and one for her.  Mine didn't last 24 hours. And her's quickly followed.  You know why? Allergies!  We were all sneezing!  John was in a literal frenzy.  Sadly I had to remove them for the house.  The smell was almost overpowering! So from now own we have to admire them from outside, which is totally fine because every time we open the door we get a slight whiff, and that's just enough.  

♥

Lilacs are one of my favorite things about Spring that I'm currently loving (from afar : ).  

Here are a few more current favorites... ♥

Fresh herbs! ♥

 It's time to start planting and herbs are always the first plant we get. Specifically basil.  

Nothing beats cooking with fresh basil. This will last all summer! I can't wait to tear the leaves and add them to sauce, pasta, pizza, and more.  Love the fresh smell too! 

I said I would, and I did!  And it was good!  

We are in sourdough Heaven!  I'm obsessed : ) 

This was for last weekend.  I'll be making another loaf on Sunday! 

♥

Two new beauty products I'm currently loving are Burt's Bees Facial Oil and Olay Vitamin C and Peptide moisturizer!  

I use morning and night.  My skin feels smooth and hydrated!  These will take me right into summer as well. The oil is light and has all natural ingredients.  It absorbs beautifully.  I normally use the Olay Regenerist moisturizer but for summer I thought I'd switch to the Vitamin C one.  It's brightening and makes my skin look and feel so nice!  

♥

Emma! Oh Emma!  Believe it or not, this is the first time I've ever read Jane Austen. She's been on my bucket list for a long time and I thought the spring would be a good time to enter my "classics era".  I'm loving it so far.  I didn't expect it to be as witty and funny and it is.  I've laughed out loud a few times already! 

I got a much needed haircut.  I wanted to go much shorter but chickened out at the last minute.  I think it was a good decision though. I'll shorten it gradually so it's not so drastic.  I'm happy with this length.  I also gave myself a color to cover the grays!  I feel like a new person! 

♥

 

The three of us have been binging this show together! Arrested Development on Netflix.  It's so clever and funny!  

Highly recommend! ♥

I picked up this cute little summer sweater on sale at Loft today.  I love the lightweight material and fuchsia color!  I'm going to wear it with Khaki pants to my nieces graduation next weekend. She's Valedictorian of her class.  Very exciting! John will be playing in the band during the graduation as well.  After the ceremony we'll be going to a party at my sister in laws.  It will be a fun day!  Praying for good weather! ♥

Wishing you a wonderful, safe, and happy Memorial Day!!!  I hope you find some peace, quiet, and coziness this weekend, whatever you may be doing!  

Enjoy yourself!  

xoxoxo 

♥

Currently: Happy Friday! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Happy Friday and I can officially say "Happy Summer!" 

The season has arrived in full force with heat and humidity. The trees are so full we can hardly see the river from the back porch.  It's nice and shady and very quiet, which I love. I can't wait until all these leaves turn yellow and orange, but for now we can admire all the green. I like to watch the birds flying from tree to tree. 

It's like their playground : ) 

John has half days from now until Tuesday, his last day, for final exams.  The end of the school year always makes me a little emotional. On one hand I'm happy he gets a break and will be home for the summer.  On the other hand, advancing to another grade just means another year has passed.  Has he really already completed his first year of high school? 3 more to go.  Only 3. 

I'm full of happy/sad/happy/sad all the time : ) 

Anyway, aside from my emotional rollercoaster ride it was a busy ordinary week.  

Here are my roses blooming and a few highlights...♥

A new coffee café opened in my town (called The Merry Café) a few months go and I finally tried it.  

Fantastic! ♥

It's the cutest shop with the nicest workers.  I can see myself becoming a regular! 

( FYI - I also did my nails with Red Aspen Nails and they look so nice. The color is ballet slipper : )

I got an iced Almond Joy (by recommendation) and an apple cider donut (because if I see one on the menu I have to have it).  

YUM! ♥

This week I finished The Death of Mrs. Westaway.  OMG it was so good! I could not put this mystery/thriller down!  By far my favorite book I've read this year so far. 

I'm going to work my way through all of Ruth Ware's books this summer.  

I just started One By One.  It takes place in a ski lodge in the French Alp and is giving me winter vibes like you wouldn't believe. I love books that take place in the snow for some reason :)

On Monday we celebrated Father's Day and an early birthday celebration for my mom.  She turns 80 on July 4th and both my sister and I will be on vacation.  We decided to have an early party because the day doesn't matter, just as long as we are together.  And there's a cake... which there was! 

I made Susan Branch's Lemon Coconut Cake.  It's the best! ♥

It's worth the extra effort to make the lemon filling and marshmallow frosting.  There is love in every step.  Perfect for special occasions! ♥

(recipe here)

 

80 years young!  ♥

A cup of tea and her family around the table is all she asks. 

The 4th of July has always been two holidays for us.  The birth of our country and the birth of my mom, with fireworks just for her! I promised her a home baked blueberry pie when I get back from vacation.  And since I've already made John promise to go blueberry picking with me, I know it will be a good one!

Have a wonderful summer weekend my friends! 

♥

Make sure to take some time just for you! 

xoxo 

PS - Movie update.. Downton Abbey was outstanding! I loved it and saw it twice in theaters. I would see it again if you invited me  :)  Lightyear was good.  Not what I expected but I still enjoyed it. This weekend we are seeing Elvis.  As an Elvis lover I don't have high expectations, but I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Fingers crossed!!! 

Happy Monday! ♥

Hello Friends!  ♥

I hope this Monday morning finds you well and you all had a restful weekend.   We are experiencing some beautiful weather here in Massachusetts.  Today is 70 degrees and sunny! 

 That with my morning coffee is making me smile today. 

There is never enough coffee.....am I right? 

Over the weekend we treated ourselves to jelly donuts and ice coffees.  A habit we need to break but it's sooooo hard! 

#treatyourself has become my daily motto! (or excuse:)

Last week seemed to fly by in a blink.  For me the highlight was getting my new slippers in the mail that I ordered from Kohls.com.  They are Isotoners and so comfortable.  They are on my feet all day!

It's the little things that make me happy : )  

On Tuesday we went to John's school to return books and clean out his locker.  As of Friday he's officially on summer break!  Yahoooo!  The year certainly didn't go as planned but I'm proud of him for doing so well under the circumstances.  It will be interesting to see what next year brings.  He'll be in 8th grade and it will be his last year at this school before moving on to high school.  Just thinking about that makes me want to cry.  

It's going to be an emotional year (for me! : ) 

On Saturday we enjoyed a socially distanced lunch with my in laws in their gorgeous back yard! 

It was lovely to catch up with good food in a beautiful setting.  

Things are getting a little better here these days, so I'm thankful we can start visiting family again! 

Meanwhile back at home.... cookies, cookies, cookies  ♥

And this candle, which I'm obsessed with! 

Finding little moments of peace within my day is essential.  This was one of them. 

And here's something I've been dying to share with you.  A quick dessert with only 2 ingredients.  

Frozen puff pastry and canned pie filling.

Roll out the pastry and add the filling (I used cherry) to the middle.  Then wrap up the sides like you are making a gallet.  Brush with a little water and bake at 350 for 40 minutes! 

 It's like pie when you don't have time to make a pie!  SOOOOO GOOD! 

Have a wonderful Monday Everyone!  ♥

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have sunshine today! 

XO 

Currently ♥

Hello friends.  How are you all doing?  Here are just a few snaps of what daily life has been for me lately.  Every morning, if it's not snowing or raining, I take my coffee outside for a few breaths of air before logging on to work.  I've been enjoying frozen fruit in the morning (sometimes with yogurt) while I tap away on my laptop.  Wildflowers from the front yard cheer up living room. 

 Thank goodness for tiny miracles. 

We got the news that John will not be returning to school until September.  We aren't surprised by this decision but now that it's official we are coming to terms with what the end of the year will look like. It's still surreal to me.  This week is spring break so he's had a break from the remote learning, which has been nice.  Next week will surly be a busy one.  His teachers are doing an amazing job under the circumstances. 

We try to get out every few days for either a walk or drive.  It's nice to see what life looks like outside these four walls.  Spring is in bloom and we are reminded that the world is still beautiful. 

Meals have been sporadic.  I'm trying to make healthy, hearty dinners, but sometimes all that goes out the window and I make pizza.  The other night we got take out from our favorite local place and I got a chicken cobb salad.  It was delicious and so enjoyable to have something different!  Tea & toast with a book on rainy afternoons is very comforting these days....as is the parade of chocolate chip cookies that's been on repeat around here.  I mixed it up the other day and made chocolate pudding.  It was the highlight of the evening. 

And that's pretty much it : ) 

Have a nice weekend everyone!  Stay safe and healthy!  ♥