My mother-in-law and I share a deep love for all things Sephora, so you can imagine my delight when I received a box of beauty treats from her for my birthday.

One of the standout items in the box was a set of Josie Maran’s Argan Mini Color Sticks. These tiny sticks of sheer color are perfect for adding a hint of color to cheeks and lips. Their size makes them perfect for traveling or stowing in your purse. Easy to use, a quick swipe gives your skin a natural flush. Continue reading

Perfecting Product

When you’re pregnant, some people will tell you that you have a glow. While it might not always feel accurate, it is really nice to hear. Lately, I think my pretty skin can be chalked up to some good hormones and a little illuminator from NARS. Continue reading

Spring Wishlist – Update

So far, I’ve made great progress on my Spring Wishlist. Here’s the update on what I’ve done so far.

1. Make olive oil and maple granola. – I made this a few times, and it is delicious on its own or mixed into plain yogurt.

2. Clean out my garden, which is kind of a disaster. – Started on this. I have two beds left, but have made decent progress

3. Go on walks outside. – I’ve taken a few, but not nearly enough.

4. Read a few books. (So far, Mindy Kaling’s book, the rest of the Hunger Games trilogy and a little romance by Hester Browne)

5. Get someone’s nursery ready. – This is done! Mostly. We’re missing a mattress, and her bedding is on my back order, but the room is pretty charming. I’m looking forward to sharing photos of it with you. 

6. Find the perfect spring nail polish. – I love this one, but am still on the hunt.

7. Watch The Hunger Games. I thought it was a great adaptation of the book and cant’ wait to see the next two.

8. Take a trip with friends. – This year, we took a trip to Chicago for St. Patty’s Day with a big group of friends. It was a lot of fun, which was due in large part to having a  pregnant partner in crime.

9. Buy some sandals. – Given that my feet have transformed into hooves, I am tabling any shoe purchases until I have this baby.

10. Make an olive oil cake. This recipe is pretty wonderful. I skipped the compote, because it seemed like too much fuss for just the husband and I. The flavor is great, but in my opinion, it tastes best the day you make it.

11. Eat pea puree and salmon.

12.  Go on a strawberry bender. I think it’s time to find the perfect shortcake recipe. – Strawberries are not quite in season here, le sigh.

13. Check out Mark Bittman’s Food Matters. – I adore this book. Lots of wonderful ideas and recipes. I’m planning to do a full review in the coming weeks.

14. Make plans for a new vegetable garden.

15. Hit up The Gap for some miniature DVF wrap dresses.

16. Add some pansies to my front porch. I finally pitched the dead mums, which have been decorating our stoop since last fall. Yes, really, last fall. It was getting pretty ridiculous.

How have you been celebrating spring?

Odds & Ends

Over the last few months, my feet have started swelling. In particular, I have completely lost my left ankle, and my once petite foot now resembles a swollen hoof. You might think I’m exaggerating, but when people see it, they grimace. That’s their reaction, which quite frankly is the same as mine.

What this means to me fashion wise is that I can not buy shoes right now. It’s a small problem to have, but I spotted a pair yesterday that I’m dying over. If I can’t get them, someone should. They are so chic.

Perfect right? Continue reading

Perfectly Polished

At the risk of sounding like an Essie sales rep, I’ve fallen for one of their colors again. Ole Caliente is part of their new spring collection. A beautiful orange-red, this bright color works well on short nails or toes. It’s a perfect reminder that summer is just around the corner.

Continue reading

Spring Wishlist

So, I know it’s still technically February, but can we talk about spring?

I’m dying for it.

I’ve also got a long list of things I’d like to do over the next few months and quite frankly, can’t wait to get started.

1. Make olive oil and maple granola.

2. Clean out my garden, which is kind of a disaster.

3. Go on walks outside.

4. Read a few books. (I have several picked out. Hopefully, there will be some good ones to tell you about.)

5. Get someone’s nursery ready.

6. Find the perfect spring nail polish.

7. Watch The Hunger Games.

8. Take a trip with friends.

9. Buy some sandals.

10. Make an olive oil cake.

11. Eat pea puree and salmon.

12.  Go on a strawberry bender. I think it’s time to find the perfect shortcake recipe.

13. Check out Mark Bittman’s Food Matters.

14. Make plans for a new vegetable garden.

15. Hit up The Gap for some miniature DVF wrap dresses.

16. Add some pansies to my front porch.

Perfect Palette

I first heard about this eye make-up palette from Mindy Kaling‘s blog. She describes it as being great for travel, which I completely agree with, but I think we can go a step further. It’s perfect for everything.

In one palette, you’ll find the tools to create both day and evening looks. Rich browns, a pretty purple and smoky shades are all enriched with a bit of shimmer. It has basically replaced all of my other shadows. And, it does make packing much easier. Continue reading

Polished: Fall Edition

The geniuses at Essie have unveiled their new, fall collection. Rich hues and ladylike pinks hit all the right notes. I picked up two colors over the weekend and have been test-driving them this week. Continue reading

Tips for the Modern Girl

I spent the last weekend celebrating a good friend’s upcoming nuptials in Chicago. There were beverages, little black dresses and one notorious boa.

There also happened to be a lot of advice floating around. And, can I tell you? I have some pretty smart friends.

Here are some of my favorite tips from the weekend. Continue reading

Summer Essentials

I’m sad to admit I’ve been holding out on you. I’ve recently found some new, summer must-haves that I think you’ll really like, but haven’t shared them with you yet. Well, the wait is over.

The first gem is another Make Up For Ever product. Their eyeliner pencils are waterproof and stay put despite the rising temperatures. I picked up this eyeliner in a coppery brown, but they have a wide range of great colors available.

Continue reading

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