Do your Christmas Door Please!

I cannot say how much I love pulling into my driveway on dark winter nights and being greeted by the warm, cozy glow of Christmas lights. As a florist I am often running around town doing doors and mantles for my customers this time of year and I've always been secretly jealous of how pretty and festive their houses look when I'm done. So this year I decided I would do mine First! 

Mwhahahahaha. 

Errr... I mean Merry Christmas!

I've done so many traditional Christmas arrangements that I just couldn't do it for myself. So I was browsing Michael's and just picked up what spoke to me. I started with the ribbon which was on sale for 60 % off!

Then I went one aisle over to find bins full of sparkly feathers, palmetto leaves and so much more. I couldn't resist all the fun candy colored things.

You can do this yourself easily. And I really wish you would. Winter can be dark and dreary no matter where you live and it's so nice to look out and see all your neighbors have their Christmas lights out. 

I used 4 artificial garlands. 2 I picked up at Homegoods for $20 a piece that are nice and fluffy but didn't turn out to be long enough. So I bought 2 more 9 foot garlands from Michael's. They were originally only $6.99 but I got them on sale for 50% off! So I put the 2 from Michael's on either side and the 2 fluffy ones on top side by side. 

I used 3 strands of lights. 2 strands are small bulbed and one with large bulbs. Colored lights aren't very bright so you could add another large bulbed strand for more glow. White lights are also gorgeous with a more traditional look. 

The garlands are supported by finishing nails and for extra security I've tied them to the nail with wire. You'll need wire. 

Then I added the large ball ornaments and my bows. Bows are not hard to make but if you don't feel confident enough to do it you can go to your local flower shop and have a florist do it. It's pretty cheap if you bring in your own ribbon. Just have a good idea of how large you want them and how many you need. 

I used 2 large spools of ribbon in the pink with green polka dots and added a few loops of the pink glitter mesh behind them. This took 3 small spools of the pink mesh. 

I also found this cute ribbon that says "Merry and Bright". I just draped it along and secured it here and there to the garland with wire. 

Next I added all my bits and bobs. Feathers and glittery leaves tucked here and there. These all have long wire stems so don't need any additional wiring if you tuck them in well. I also added a few pink and purple glass pinecone ornaments I've had for years. 

Lastly, I added glittery branches at the bottom. It gives the bottom a bit more dimension and is a fun touch. 

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with lots of beautiful sights to make the winter months cozy and fun!

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY! Sunday Riley Review! Artemis and Luna

Sunday Riley's Luna Night Oil

In a previous post I talked about how I've been searching for my perfect skin care regimen and I think I'm pretty close with the addition of the Sunday Riley Luna and Artemis oils. These two products are pretty amazing, giving great results in a short amount of time. 

Before I go any further, be warned, Luna is very pricey. I got a "deluxe" sample size from Sephora during a promotion. I believe it came with any purchase $25 or more which is an incredible deal. The sample size is enough to really experience this product fully and subsequently become completely attached to it. 
Luna is a sleeping night oil with a retinol complex. It claims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, correct damage and improve skin elasticity. One of the main reasons I was attracted to Luna was the advanced retinol complex Sunday Riley has developed. The trans-retinol ester is supposed to be gentler to your skin and the drying effects of a traditional retinol have made me hesitant to try a retinol product before this. 

After one use I noticed a difference. My skin really felt smooth and supple, like a new, slightly younger me. After the 3rd use I could see a difference in my tone and texture and the places that I've had my eye on (fearfully waiting for a wrinkle to pop up) no longer look like danger zones. I'm definitely a convert. And though the price is scary it is a product that is worth it. You'll also get a good amount of product for the price. One ounce doesn't sound like much but the proscribed amount for each use is 5 to 7 drops, I typically use 3 or 4 so it goes a long way. 

Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil

There's a really great Pixiwoo interview with Sunday Riley that gives a great wealth of information about both Sunday Riley's products and skincare. Check it out for the best info.

This Pixiwoo interview is really what made me take the plunge with the Artemis oil. I have a little redness and occasional breakouts but my main skin concern is an ongoing texture problem that I'm not sure is acne related but really bothers me. It's like small bumps that could be teeny tiny pimples that never grow into anything but never go away either. Reading that back it might sound worse than it is. It's not something that's easily noticeable to anyone else but me. Anyone else have this problem? I've been to a dermatologist before but he basically ignored me. Really, really weirdly. I should have just gone to another dermatologist to get an actual response to my questions but nah, it's probably not a big deal.

So far I've found 2 things that really help me with this problem. The first is hot yoga. Something about the heat and sweating yourself to death really clears my skin. If you've read some of my older posts you'll know I don't have access to a hot yoga studio since I've moved to California. So I've got to find something else. Artemis is that something else. It detoxes my skin in the most lovely, gentle way without the head spinning torture that is hot yoga. Any inflammation I have is reduced and it gives my skin a beautiful, smooth glow. It's almost as if you've fed your skin only the healthiest, most powerful nutrients overnight.

The only complaint I have about Artemis is the smell. It does have a little bit of a rancid lemon smell but you do get over it after the first few applications. Most importantly, the results are worth it.

I'm definitely a huge fan of Sunday Riley now. Love, love, love the products and love that Sunday Riley, the woman, is a really intelligent, knowledgeable business woman. She knows skin, she knows the chemistry behind skin and how to feed it. 

Amazing Dupe for Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I have wanted the Naked 3 palette from Urban Decay for a while now and have just recently taken the plunge. The Naked palettes are extremely popular and for good reason. The quality of Urban Decay's eyeshadows is among the very best and their color selections are beautiful. 

However, they are a bit expensive. You certainly get your money's worth out of them so this is not a complaint but I've recently discovered another brand that's made a really great dupe. Everybody loves a good dupe, right?

Makeup Revolution London may be one of my new favorite brands. This palette is called the Iconic 3 Redemption eyeshadow palette. I ordered both the Naked 3 palette and this at the same time, completely unaware that the Iconic 3 is a dupe of the Naked 3. That just shows how I shop. No attention to details here.

It's all for the best though. I will be purchasing more Makeup Revolution London products for sure. The eyeshadow palette is definitely a standout though not exactly the same as the Naked 3 palette. The colors are a little less pink toned and not as softly hued but the quality is close. If Urban Decay's eyeshadow quality is a 10 for you then the Makeup Revolution London shadows will be a 9, maybe a 9.5. Urban Decay shadows are amazingly buttery, blendable and easy to build with very little fallout. The Makeup Revolution London shadows are not quite as buttery, not quite as smooth but the pigmentation is perfect with very little fallout as well. Again, they're very close. 

I also love their packaging. It comes in a plastic case that feels very sturdy and durable. It doesn't look or feel cheap.

I am not a huge fan of dupes. There seems to be a dupe for every beauty product out there right now and I think that's great. You should buy within your own budget and everyone deserves the best they can get. But I do think that if you can afford a little luxury every now and then you should go for it. There are some products out there that just aren't worth the high price tag but some definitely are. Every woman should have a little luxury. 

The biggest difference between these two palettes is the price. Right now the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette is $54.00 from Ulta and Sephora. The Makeup Revolution London Iconic 3 palette is available from Ulta at $7.00. That's an enormous difference. 

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies- Vegan and Gluten Free

Dessert is my biggest vice. I must have it every day. Well, not really, you know. I want it and I can't seem to summon the self discipline to deny myself something sweet everyday. So, I've decided to try  new healthier options to replace those unhealthy, high calorie treats I've been indulging in and hopefully shed a few pounds. 

These cookies are super simple to make and will satisfy your cravings without making you feel heavy or guilty. I've used ingredients that I always have in my cupboards and even snuck in a little extra nutrients for extra credit. 

Often we get cravings for unhealthy foods because we're missing something in our diet. I always notice when my skin is looking a little lackluster or my nails get dry and brittle, that maybe my diet hasn't been so great and I need a little pick me up. 

I really don't enjoy taking multi-vitamins since they can be hard to digest so I include things like flaxseed meal or a mix of ground nuts and flaxseed or chia seeds in as many recipes as I can. 

For this recipe I used a Co-Q10 mix that includes flaxseed, almonds, brazil nuts and walnuts with added Co-enzyme Q10. This mix has selenium which helps your immune system function and protects cells and tissues from oxidation. Magnesium, good for your muscles, bones, teeth, nervous system function and metabolism. A little bit of iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin E and extra dietary fiber! 

I know, it sounds like a lot. Don't worry, you can make these cookies without it or substitute just about anything you have that's similar like chia seeds or flaxseed meal. I do recommend having something like this in your kitchen though. It's an easy way to replace vitamins and nutrients that you won't get if you're not a super healthy bean, nut, leafy green eater or take multi-vitamins. 

The recipe is as follows:

2 ripe bananas 
1 cup almond flour or coconut flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips (vegan if preferred)
2 tablespoons cocoa or raw organic cacao powder 
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal or similar (optional)

In a bowl, mash your bananas and mix in your almond flour, chocolate chips, cocoa powder and flaxseed meal. Preheat oven to 350. Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto parchment lined or lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 11 minutes. 
Enjoy!

From Paris with Love

My husband recently went to France for work and brought me back a couple of beauty bits from Paris.

If you've read any of my previous posts you'll know that I've been searching for 

my "perfect" skincare. I have to say I think I've found it. Caudalie is available in the U.S. from Sephora but I'd never thought to try it before. It's not an extremely popular brand here that lots of bloggers are talking about so it's been a great surprise. It didn't quite make me forgive my husband for going to France for ten days without me but close. We're getting there.

My favorite is the Caudalie Eau Micellaire Demaquillante- makeup remover cleansing water. This instantly changed my skincare routine! It removes all my makeup without leaving my face feeling stripped and dry and it has that faint tingly magic feel that I've been looking for. You know that feeling. It feels like Hey! this **** is actually working! My skin has definitely improved since I've started using this. Obviously I wasn't getting all my damn makeup off. Problems solved! It smells very light and fresh and I'm pretty sure I'm using too much as you can see the bottle is almost empty. Definitely gonna be a repurchase. 

I also have the Caudalie Masque-creme Hydratant or moisturizing mask. It comes in a lovely squeezey tube packaging which is great for a mask. No dirty fingers in a pot, you know. This mask is a great pick me up for dry skin and it's really made my skin feel soft and smooth. I've been using it in the mornings maybe once a week or so and it gives me a great base for the rest of the day. 

The Drugstore Foundation You Have to Try

Recently I picked up the new and improved Revlon Photoready Airbrush Effect foundation. After the first application I was not impressed. After the second application I was not impressed. Until a couple of hours later I just happened to pass a mirror and had to do a double take. I noticed my skin looked better than it has in ages, smooth, perfect tone, not too shiny, not too matte. So of course I had to get better light to really check it out.
So, the first time I applied this foundation I hated it. Hated it! So much that I don't think I ever took the time to look at myself after the initial struggle to get it on. The damn stuff has a tacky texture and is quite hard to blend which I was racing to do since it felt like it would set in seconds and be impossible to smooth out. I applied it with a brush, worked it in with clean fingers then buffed. Then I gave up and went to make dinner. 
The next day I applied it again with the same problems but this time I decided to skip the brush and just apply it with my fingers then buff. I used a liquid concealer applied with my fingers and buffed it out. Cream blush, yes. I felt like I was fighting the tackiness of the foundation the whole time but I kept at it thinking I had to put in the effort to use a foundation I bought even though I didn't need it.
All these things sound horrible right? Why would I suggest you try this out? I can't tell you how good it looks on right now. CANNOT tell you. It's not a glowy effect but not too matte for spring/summer, it's really just a perfectly smooth perfectly covered base. 

Recently I wore this foundation on a day trip along the California coast to Big Sur. It was a hot, sunny day spent jumping out of the car every 20 miles to hike down to amazing beaches, climb over rocks and chase my nephew with seaweed. Even with the heat and salty sea breezes this foundation lasted around 6 hours looking perfect, 8 hours with a tiny touch up. 
If you're like me and need something to give you a smooth, perfect base without being too heavy but can stand a little struggle to get it you should definitely try this out. And if you've tried any products like this that you think have fewer problems or better results let me know!

Ulta's Rose Gold Palette

I'm a sucker for palettes. Any kind of palette. I want it. I need it. 
I can't remember the last time I bought an individual eyeshadow or even a quad. So I was easily suckered into purchasing Ulta's Rose Gold palette.

Ulta Rose Gold Palette
I had a hard time deciding between the rose gold or gilded gold palette and really if I'm honest I still want to purchase the gilded gold palette. It's $20 for the 12 shadows which is pretty good...
I'm very conflicted with this purchase. It's my first experience with Ulta brand eyeshadows and I'm not entirely satisfied. Since this purchase I've also received 3 more quads as part of a free gift and I'm noticing the same issues with all the eyeshadows. 
First, I have to say that I love the packaging, it's sturdy and has a magnetic closure that makes a satisfying snap. Even though the packaging is cardboard, it's pretty sturdy and since it's not of a size suitable for travel it's sufficient for sitting in my bathroom cupboard. 

The colors are gorgeous. l love the combinations of matte and shimmer in lovely complimentary warm to cool colors. That's something I noticed with the quads I received. The color combinations were so amazing I wanted to put them all on my face at the same time.

 As you can see the colors are amazing. Warm and yummy. The problem I have with Ulta shadows is the quality. It's not awful but it's just low enough to take the pleasure out of their use. The darker shades are fine, not too hard to blend, but the lighter colors really show how much pigment you're missing compared to better brands. There's also a lot of fall out you should be careful of when applying. 
Overall I can't make myself say I'm not in love or that I love these. I love the colors! I hate the quality! I can use it and do but it always makes me want to pull out my TooFaced or Urban Decay palettes instead. 
Comment below to let me know your favorite eyeshadow palettes or if you've tried a palette with a similar range of colors. I'm always looking for new palettes!