Wednesday, November 30, 2011

My Favorite Things - Nester Inspired

After reading about Nester's favorite things on her blog, I was inspired to write my own Favorite Things post!  I recently just shared a few items with a friend of mine, so in a way, I did my own, personal version of Favorite Things - Oprah Style!

First think I have to add is Caress Evenly Gorgeous (Burnt Brown Sugar & Karite Butter)

Caress Evenly Gorgeous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last fall, I was on the hunt for that perfect fall/winter body wash, without having to shell out $20+ for Philosophy (who are known for their amazing holiday scents).  I took an evening and went to Tar-jay and smelled every.single.body.wash on the shelf and came across this sweet gem.  I heard it once described as smelling like the inside of a bakery - but I think it's less sugary smelling with more of a spice tone.  The color is a beautiful, shimmery antique gold color, with beautiful brown exfoliating beads in it.  I find the scent lingers on my skin for quite a few hours.  Totally in love with how this smells and how it makes my skin feel so soft and smooth.

 

 

What list wouldn't be complete without some Lush products?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cinders Bath Bomb is definately the BOMB!  This only comes out with the Holiday collection - so definately stock up!  The little red flakies you see are actually Pop Rocks!  And, yes, I actually confirmed by tasting one - LOL.  Lush products are just so darn.... well, lush, that they are defiantely a favorite.

 

This next one is naughty, naughty, naughty...

Vitalumiere Aqua

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

... and at *gulp* $45 is a huge splurge.  BUT, I have never seen my foundation look better!  I watched several reviews on Youtube about this and went to my local Chanel make-up counter to get a sample and I was hooked.  I justify it by determining that it lasts me approximately 4 months (120 days) - which makes it come out to a mere $0.38 a day!  What a bargain!  And to top it off, they have a wide range of yellow-based colors which I find difficult to find.

 

 

Lastly, Birchbox has been a favorite for several months. 

Birchbox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you who don't know what Birchbox is - it's a monthly subscription service where for $10.00 per month (shipping included!) you get a goodie box sent to you filled with 4 - 6 deluxe size high-end beauty samples.  I've found some wonderful products this way and I just love getting a box of goodies every month - it's like Christmas.  One of the best parts, is that you earn points by referring friends, rating products and pruchasing full sized products.  Once you collect 100 points, you get $10 to spend on their online store!  Win-Win!  If you're interested in Birchbox, click here to sign up!

 

I guess I've been gravitating a lot towards beauty products lately...  Who knows, maybe next month I'll have a different category!

What are your Favorite Things?  Have you shared them with anyone lately?

Bernard Strikes Again

















Well, it looks like our mischievous Elf is at it again. But last night, instead of flying home to the North Pole, he decided to help himself to my email account and send a message to Santa. Cheeky little Elf.

His message read as follows:

Dear Santa:

I wanted to email you a quick note while the family was asleep to let you know that I made it down here to Florida safe and sound and to let you know that I’m not going to fly back to the North Pole tonight.

I’m very tired from climbing their Christmas tree when I arrived yesterday, and I think I’ll wander around tonight and get used to my new home. I’ll make it back home tomorrow night, ok?

Everyone here has been sweet to me so far. Christian, Anilyse and Natalie all seem very nice – I think they’ll end up on your nice list. But, don’t worry, I’ll keep track and let you know if they end up being very naughty.

I remember the talk we had before I left the North Pole – about staying out of trouble. I’ll try very hard, Santa, but you know how much I love to play pranks.

See you tomorrow night!

Love,

Bernard the Elf


Wonder what he'll be up to tonight.......?

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Thanksgiving
















We spent a very quiet Thanksgiving at home this year for the first time. I was so excited to finally cook my first Turkey and all the fixings. Although I did burn the rolls (which happens to everyone, right???) the meal was fantastic. I did miss spending the holiday with my parents, but I felt so grown-up having my first Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe we can get Mom and Dad to come to our house next year!

How was your holiday? Did you cook dinner or were you a guest?

Elf on the Shelf


This year we joined in with, seemingly half of Pinterest members, and got our own Elf on the Shelf at Tar-jay.

Bernard showed up in the middle of the night, climbed our undecorated Christmas tree and left a note written by The Big Guy himself.



Here's what the note said:

"My Dear Sweet Christian, Anilyse and Natalie,


I have many, many children to watch this year and have sent a few of my elves to some very special homes to help me keep an eye on the children there. This magic elf will send me an e-mail or fly to the North Pole every night while you are sleeping to report to me. These elves help me make the naughty and nice list, so you can be sure that this elf is watching you! I’m sure you’ll be put on the nice list!

I hope you will take care of my little elf. His name is Bernard. He is a new elf and still has a lot to learn and he is so excited to be visiting your home! But, be careful, some elves are known to get into some trouble or go on some great adventures!

Remember to be gentle. Although he is a magic elf, he is very delicate. You can talk to him (he is a very good listener) but must not play with him. Too much handling will cause him to lose his magic!

On Christmas Eve, when I deliver your toys, I will bring your little elf back to the North Pole with me. If you have done a good job taking care of my precious elf, I might send him to visit you again next year!

Love and kisses,
Santa


p.s. Please don’t forget to leave me milk and cookies on Christmas Eve! I loved the ones you left me last year! Prancer especially liked the carrots!"


The kids didn't know what to think about him at first - Natalie was cranky from waking up and wanted nothing to do with him, Christian seemed dubious and Anilyse thought it was very cool. We'll see what they say about him tonight when they've had a chance to mull it all over today at school.


I'm looking forward to seeing what Bernard does tonight!