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 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 

♥

Friday Five: Store Bought Seasonal Goodies ♥

Hello Friends and Happy Friday! 

Are you as happy as I am that it's Friday?  I'm sure you are : ) 

It's been a cool and blustery day today and I am loving it.  After a week of rain and humidity the temps have dropped and it's finally feeling like Halloween time.  It's hard to believe October is almost over,  Next week is November and daylight savings time already.  I'm getting ready for cozy dark afternoons. Yay! 

Well, this week went by in a blink.  It was a very busy work week for me so my mind has been very occupied with that.  I work in finance and days leading up to the end of the month tend to be a bit crazy.  Next week I'll be able to breath again!  One bright spot for me this week was we converted a walk in closet to a little work office for me and I am loving it.  It really makes a difference (especially when you are working from home) to be comfortable in your space.  I was always a bit disorganized and cramped but now I have plenty of room to spread out and create a nice little area for myself.  I may even hang Christmas lights and do a little decorating.  

We'll see about that later. Stay tuned ♥

For this week's Friday Five I thought I would share with you some store bought seasonal treats that I've been enjoying this fall.  Starting with tonight's dessert. 

I did this last year and it was a hit.  All you need is an Entemann's Cake and some Milano Cookies.  

Viola!  Instant graveyard cake!  

Sprinkles are optional :) 

You could be fancy and decorate the cookies to say "RIP" but who's got that kind of time? Not me..lol 

I've already expressed to you my deep devotion to pumpkin spice.  If you're as obsessed as I am you must try this oatmeal.  So good on cold mornings or as a late afternoon snack.

 I wait for these pumpkin spice English muffins all year! The cranberry ones too. 

(They usually hit the shelves in November.  I can't wait.)  

Yummy! 

Umm...yeah...no words here... ♥

to.die.for

That is all.  

A few years ago my Instagram friend Lori sent me a bag of these caramels and I've been hooked ever since.  I don't see them too often so I have to stock up in October.  

They are delicious.  And addictive.  

Have you tried these Gingerbread cookies?  We are gingerbread people in this house.  They scream holiday season to me and make me happy when I eat them : ) 

I love dunking these into my afternoon tea or evening chia.  Sometimes I put them in John's lunch too.  They are divine! 

I hope to be doing a little sampling of all these goodies this weekend!  

Tomorrow I'm going to be up bright and early because I have a haircut at 9am sharp.  (I'm overdue so I'm very happy to be going to this appointment : ) Other than that we are going to carve pumpkins on Saturday and I'm planning on making a big pot of turkey chili on Sunday.  What's on your agenda? 

Whatever your plans I hope you have an enjoyable and restful weekend!  

Stay cozy!  On three more sleeps until Halloween! 

Boo! ♥

Current Favorite Beauty Things ♥

 Hello Friends! ♥

I haven't done a favorite things post in a while so today I am sharing with you my current favorite things: beauty edition

I'm not gonna lie, there are days when I don't get out of my sweat pants.  Working from home will do that to you.  It's so comfy!  However, I do find on the days where I actually do get "ready" I feel so much better.  I feel more awake and am more productive.  I've found trying new beauty products here and there is a fun way to get me going.  I can't resist wearing a new lipstick.  Even if I'm not even leaving the house.  

Here are a few products that I am currently loving ♥

Cinnamon Buns shower gel by Philosophy.  I actually got this in my Christmas stocking!  I've used it before and absolutely love it!  It's so smooth and creamy and the scent is divine.  You know the smell of your kitchen when you have cinnamon rolls baking in the oven? Well, that's it!  What a way to start the day.  It's a real treat! 

Ok, I'll admit it - I'm a hairspray girl straight from the 80's!  Always have been, always will be.  I like my hair to have some hold in it.  Over the years I've used everything from Aqua Net to the very expensive brands from the salon.  Most of them aren't worth the money in my opinion.  For a good while now I've been using Lock It from Loreal.  It gives excellent hold and is not sticky or flaky.  I wish I was one of those girls who could have silky straight hair with nothing in it.  I was always jealous of those girls.  Me, I have to have a little "pouff" and this hairspray does the trick.  

If you want to treat yourself with a nice conditioner that is moisturizing, promotes shine, and is sulfate free, I recommend this one by Kristin Ess.  I've been using her shampoo for over a year now and love it so I decided to try the conditioner.  Its lovely and leaves my hair feeling so healthy.  

I heard about this mascara on Instagram.  Someone I follow was raving about it.  It's Revlon's Big Bad Lash.  It's a thickening mascara, which I love but it also claimed to tint your lashes after 7 days of consecutive use.  That's all I needed to hear.  Not only do I love the look of this mascara, it lasts all day and after only a few days I did notice a slight tint on my bare lashes. 

Loving it! ♥

Speaking of Revlon, I'm also currently wearing the Revlon Shine lipcolor in Nude Illuminator.  It's very creamy and moisturizing on my lips.  I love when I can get makeup that feels high quality at drug store prices.  Well done Revlon! : ) 

Finally I want to mention a beautiful fragrance called Inis. I have it in a roll on so it's very convenient to apply.  Just because I'm not leaving the house doesn't mean I don't want to smell pretty.  This fragrance is perfect for spring going into summer.  It's a very light, oceany scent.  Think of a sunset walk on the beach and what that would smell like. 

It's made in Ireland and the name Inis actually means "island" in Irish.  

As in take me away to a tropical island....

If you love the ocean you would love this perfume ♥

And here's an awkward selfie of me wearing all the products I just mentioned.  All dressed up with no where to go! LOL  

I hope you enjoyed this post.  Let me know some of your current favorite beauty products.  I love to try new things! 

Happy Wednesday Friends! I hope you're all having a beautiful week  ♥