Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Get a Red Carpet-Ready Gent with Tommy John

The Oscars are coming up this Sunday, so cue the confetti! I've loved the red-carpet looks we've seen from all the lovely ladies this awards-season...but I'm also really enjoying this year's focus on those strong, stylish men! While most of the guys in our lives won't be walking the red carpet this Sunday (unless you're reading, Angelina!) they can absolutely be red-carpet ready for any special event in their lives with a few grooming essentials and some rockin' base-layer undergarments that will eliminate the need for any embarrassing adjustments or wardrobe malfunctions. You never know when the paparazzi may be standing by! So without further ado, below are a few mens' must-haves:

1  Cool Cotton Trunks from Tommy John
This innovative smart fabric is amazingly light a breathable, whether he's at an awards ceremony or just going to the gym! These trunks wick away moisture 4-5 times faster and keep 2-3 times cooler than regular cotton.

2  Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
A man's handshake is just as important as his award-winning style! Don't forget to toss him this hand salve before he heads out to meet and greet the people – adoring fans or brunch friends.

3  Mr. Incredible Leave-In Conditioner from Drybar
He'll be looking as sexy as George Clooney with a few spritzes of this leave-in conditioner from Drybar. It softens and conditions with hints of sandalwood and ginger mint. Yes, please!

4  Second Skin Crew Neck Undershirt from Tommy John
This soft undershirt made from a patented, non-pilling Micro Modal fabric will feel like a silky second skin under that red carpet tux or that office attire. Almost like he's wearing nothing at all!

5  Men's Socks from Tommy John
Let him show some extra personality or a pop of color with these fun sock options! And with InvisiGrip® and Stay Dry technologies, plus arch support, he can work that red carpet or party all night feeling cool and comfortable.

6, 7 Cade Shaving Oil and After Shave Balm from L'Occitane
He'll have a face ready for photo opportunities galore (and smell amazing too) with these shaving products from L'Occitane. The scent evokes dry wood and citrus for a masculine aroma that will make him a winner no matter what.

Monday, February 8, 2016

REVIEW: LUSH Shoot for the Stars Bath Bomb

This bath bomb from LUSH was an absolute fireworks show for the eyes. It just spun around and turned the bath water into a foaming, tie-dyed mixture of white, yellow, and blue. And each color had some shimmer mixed in that really made this bomb a celestial experience. I definitely recommend trying this one for yourself, and I also think it'd be fantastic for kids.

Description 
Calming, shimmering, mood-enhancing
Featured Ingredients
Brazilian orange oils, bergamot oils, silver lustre
How-To
Drop this in a warm bath and enjoy the explosion of colors as it releases its pigments into the water. Make sure to breathe in the heavenly, calming scent as you enjoy.
My Review
I found this bomb to be quite enjoyable, if only for the show. I have used LUSH bath bombs that were more nourishing, and left my skin feeling better. But this has to have been the most beautiful experience of any bomb I've used. It left a bit more residue than I typically see, but again my little secret is always to run the shower afterwards to really make sure there's no glitter or pigment left over after my bath. The smell was very pleasant and quite a classic sweet-smelling LUSHy scent. I am definitely able to set aside my disdain for all things orange when it comes to LUSH products. I would maybe repurchase this just for fun, and for the visuals, but if my skin needs a good moisturizing soak-session, I will always go with Butterball or Honeybee, both of which are quite plain in terms of the colors.

I'm very excited to try a few new Valentine's Day products. How about you guys? Anything catching your eye at LUSH lately? Post a comment below. I'd love to hear about it!

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Friday, February 5, 2016

2016's Top Spring Trenches

I LOVE a trench coat. I love a classic trench, a colorful/patterned trench, a trench made from non-traditional fabrics...the sky's the limit! If I could have an entire closet dedicated to coats and jackets (which I did before I moved to New York City) over 50% of it was filled with trench coats...All of which went to live with a nice family on a farm when I ended up in Manhattan, but that's neither here nor there. Since my last remaining (favorite, comfortable, just right) trench literally began to disintegrate into mere fibers held together by prayers after wearing it for 3 straight seasons a year for maybe 10 years, I've decided to pull the trigger on a better trench that will last a lifetime. Price point is not a concern, as long as it's great quality, a flattering style, and something classic enough that I could see myself wearing it forever. Below are a few I've added to my list to try on. I will absolutely keep you posted on this journey and share pictures of the winner this Spring! Wish me luck!


1  Gap Short Trench | $98 USD
2  Kate Spade Classic Twill Trench Coat | $498 USD
3  Banana Republic Suede Trench | $698 USD
4  J. Crew Icon Trench Coat | $298 USD

Friday, January 15, 2016

Weekly Favorites - January Week 2

This week has flown by, but it just means I have another excuse to share the things I've been loving this week! On Monday, I got my January Birchbox and found a CC cream that has instantly become top-shelf for me. Plus I pulled an old powder sample out of my (obviously very big) makeup bag and fell completely in love with it. Better late than never! And I've included a purchase I made today that I've been thinking about FOREVER and just finally decided to go for it. So without further ado, my January Week 2 favorites.

1  Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35+ Sunscreen
I got this on Monday, and I know it sounds dramatic, but it changed my life. I never bought into the whole BB or CC cream thing before because I like a full-coverage but hey, it was free in my Birchbox so I gave it a try. And damn, it is the most gorgeous, creamy formula with a really nice buildable coverage. And the color match was perfect. I hopped right out to buy the full-size and I'll never go back. I'm thinking it will be incredibly moisturizing during the colder months, but I'm more excited to use it in summer because of its SPF, and because I don't like nearly as full a coverage in the warmer months.

2  Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream
This is an absolute winter essential for me. It's the most moisturizing, thick, nourishing hand cream I have ever used. And it's practically the only thing that will rehab my chapped winter hands. It goes on like butter, but also makes the skin on my hands look and feel fantastic. Is that weird that I care how my hands look? I dunno, but this gives my hands a gorgeous healthy glow.

3  Tarte Cosmetics Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
I got this sample in last month's Ipsy Glam Bag, and I had just purchased the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, so it was a little like why? But when I went home for the holidays, this sample was actually perfect for travel. And now, if I'm being honest, I like this just as much if not more. It's great for setting make-up, for baking your under-eye area and concealer, and I would absolutely consider buying the full-size of this powder after my the Laura Mercier runs out.

4  NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner
This eyeliner is absolutely brilliant. I love this more for tight-lining my eyes than I've loved any luxury liner, seriously. The consistency is so creamy and deeply pigmented, but you can also blend it to really smoke out the lower lash line. Because it's waterproof, it really will stay all day in the waterline! I have not tried it to truly line my eyes because I've been in a deep liquid eyeliner kick these days. But I'm sure it would be great there as well based on its smooth application. I am beyond happy with this product.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.

5  The Real Techniques Bold Metals Brush Collection
I am so excited to have finally purchased these today. I've admired them online forever and ever, and I've tested them at Ulta (my god, they are so soft and the brush handles are so long and perfectly weighted for a really dreamy experience). I have contemplated buying them forever, and added them to my online shopping cart more times than I care to admit. But today I noticed they were buy one, get one free! So I was really mindful about which ones I'd actually use. If I'm honest, I don't apply gel eyeliner, so I don't need a liner brush. I also bought a set with an exclusive brush in it, that also comes with 2 of the standard brushes in the collection, so there was some additional value there. I am very excited to receive the shipment. They will look so gorgeous on display and I can't wait! I'm also hoping that if I love them as much as I predict, I will keep stocking up so I can have multiples of each like a real pro.

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You can check out last week's favorites here.
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Thursday, January 14, 2016

Urban Decay | Gwen Stefani Makeup Collection

Guys, I am just still really obsessed with this UD | Gwen Stefani makeup collection! I even dedicated an entire post to the eyeshade palette last month. And they recently expanded the collection to include a blush palette, 8 lipsticks, 6 lip liners, and a brow box. I must say, I'm not sold on the brow box, though it is adorable, because it only comes in the "Bathwater Blonde" shade and too-light products in my brows tend to look a little too ash-toned. But this blush palette looks insanely gorgeous and also comes with a highlight and bronzer (the top right shade, and bottom left shade respectively). My fave, though, are the lipsticks which totally silence the complaints that her shadow palette was so neutral in tone. Of course Gwen is known for her outrageous lip looks! And I probably need them all. Take a look below at some visuals I put together of the shades available in the palette and lip collections. Enjoy!



Monday, January 11, 2016

What's New at Modcloth?

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend, whatever you were up to, and that you're ready and raring to make this week a great one. Today I spent a bit of time browsing new arrivals and can I just say? I am such a longtime fan of Modcloth and have so many of their items on my current wish list. After the holidays, I get a little obsessed with spring clothing...Mostly because it helps me wish the winter away! Do any of you guys do that? Below are some of my fave new arrivals from Modcloth that I've been coveting. I hope you enjoy and you're surviving whatever crazy weather this winter is bringing you!

1  Miss Mix-It Dress  |  $129
2  Edgy Meets Elegant Jacket  |  $69
3  Made for Each Color Dress  |  $99
4  Your Bubbly Side Skirt  |  $60

Friday, January 8, 2016

Weekly Favorites - January Week 1

To wrap up the week, I thought it would be fun to start doing little Weekly Favorites posts! I spend so much time on the internet, and shopping, and trying new products through various subscription boxes and it adds up! I may not always have quite so many, but this week was jam packed with new discoveries I'm dying to share with you guys!

1  Kiss True Volume Lashes in Chic
These lashes are absolutely incredible. I am obsessed! Since I first tried them, I've literally worn them every single day. Even to work and other daytime activities. This particular style looks so unbelievably natural and not at all fake. They have this amazing fluttery shape and a tapered edge to more closely resemble natural lashes. On me, they totally double the volume of my natural lashes for even more impact. I can't say enough about these!
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.

2  Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe in Clear
This lash glue is actually the easiest I've used. It's a tube style with a little brush inside and you can just paint the adhesive onto your lashes and then apply. I know lots of people like to use the black adhesive, but I actually prefer this style because I want to be able to see that I've got enough on there and then let it dry after the fact. It works great, it's easy to use, and it's so not messy. Highly recommend this product too! It's def the best lash glue I've tried so far.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.

3  Revlon Pro Collection One Step Dryer & Styler
When I was home for Christmas, I obsessed over finding this hair dryer. I tried it at an Ulta store, but literally called everywhere and it was completely sold out. I finally found it online at Target and now that I've got it, it has seriously changed my life. It's shaped like a paddle brush with all the impact of a regular hair dryer. You can seriously just brush your hair with it, and pull straight to give yourself a salon-quality blowout. As someone who has never been able to blow dry her hair because I have super thick, usually super long strands...this is something I could not live without now. I am buying a second just in case they discontinue it and my current one breaks. Is that crazy? No...right?

4  Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 
This, along with my new hairdryer has elevated my hair game beyond belief. I first tried this last week when my roommate picked it up at Sephora and I owned my own the next day. It gives you such amazing volume at the root, brings amazing texture, and smells incredible. I don't find that it completely replaces the need for their Detox Dry Shampoo (another major fave of mine) because it's not really going to totally absorb oil. But for volume, texture, and scent it can't be beat.

5  Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner
I was a bit hesitant about trying this product, but was curious enough to request it for my January Birchbox sample choice. It just really looks like a black magic marker, and I thought there was no way I'd be able to get a good, controlled liquid line with them... But the truth is, it actually makes it way easier to hold and to use. And the tip is so firm that it gives you great control and accuracy. The color is a perfect matte, deep black also. I'm a big fan!

6  LUSH Milky Bath Bubble Bar
This took the cake as my favorite LUSH bath product ever. It gave me the most bubbles of any other bubble bar I've tried, and it turned my bath into a relaxing, sweet-smelling, moisturizing dream come true. I wish I had bought ten...

7  Double Sided Earrings
These are such a fave of mine for a really strange reason. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of them for sure. But I also travel everywhere using over-the-ear headphones and listening to music/watching YouTube videos all day. And headphones press the spiky post of an earring right into my neck, which is sooo uncomfortable! These double-sided earrings make it so much more comfortable.

And that's that for January Week 1! What products have you guys been loving this week? Leave a note in the comments below.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

My Influenster #JingleVoxBox Has Arrived!

I was so excited when I checked the mail today (finally) after the holidays and saw my #JingleVoxBox from Influenster! While I haven't gotten a chance to test each of the products just yet, I was too excited not to share all the goodies in a bit of an unboxing post!

First off, is an adorable little Spiderman from Hallmark's itty bitty collection. These would make such a nice little gift for someone special, young or old. In fact a few of my male coworkers were giving it the eye today on my desk like "what's that and can I have it?"

Next are some cookies from Biscoff that I've definitely tried before and, wow, they are absolutely incredible! They are so delicious with coffee, so I'm really glad to have received a few of these treats!

Then I have a few products to create a really polished eye makeup look: A CityProof 24 HR black eyeliner from NYC New York Color, and a really gorgeous pair of True Volume lashes in the style "Chic" and an aloe formulated adhesive, both from KISS. Already, just looking at these lashes...oh my gosh they look so natural because the ends are tapered like natural eyelashes. I can't wait to try them.

And of course, for these upcoming cold winter months (like today because it was literally 17 degrees...) a moisturizing cream from Cetaphil. I've never tried any products from Cetaphil before so I'm really excited to give it a try.

And last but not least, a Pure Ice nail polish in bright blue shade called French Kiss that is, at first glance, not something I would have picked for myself...but that's the best reason to try it and step outside of my comfort zone.

I would absolutely recommend you all sign up for Influenster. It's a great place to explore new products, discover reviews, and you could even qualify to receive a free VoxBox of products to review! I just joined about a month ago, and I'm really excited to share some reviews with all of you.

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Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from for testing purposes, in exchange for my honest reviews of each product.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Happy New Year - Now Let's See How I Did!

I remember around this time last year posting several New Year's Resolutions on this blog. A sort of 30 before 30, if you will...which gives me the unique opportunity to check back and see how I did! Because while hitting all those goals definitely didn't happen, turning 30 was guaranteed to. Isn't it funny how aging works? Anyway, 2015 really was an incredible year, but it had its low points for me too. Beginning and ending a relationship that was kind of a full-time job in and of itself made it so I didn't have much time to really do the things I'd outlined, but it did bring lots of other meaningful goals and personal achievements. And while I'm really looking forward to a fresh start in 2016, I hope that reposting my New Years Resolutions from last year as more of a continuation (let's keep this party going!) would be kind of cool. We're all a work in progress, right?



So...without further ado, my 2015 Resolutions! I will cross out things I genuinely did and offer some background commentary on the things I did not...

1  Keep an up-to-date calendar/planner (past March...)
Yeah, this is just never going to be a thing for me. But I keep trying! I'm currently trying to focus my planner just to blogging goals and planning content so I don't just...casually step away for four years again! So that is my amended goal for 2016.
2  Keep my desktop/workspace clean (spot clean every day before leaving work)
3  Take an improv comedy class  
I still really, really want to do this.
 Set up drinks/dinner with a new female friend
5  Blog at least twice a week
Hah! A likely story... But, I'm upping this to 3x in 2016.
6  Wear makeup everyday (bonus points if I put it on at home and not at my desk)
I definitely upped my makeup game in 2015, but yeah...it mostly happened at my desk. Not gonna lie.
7  Go kayaking at Riverside or Brooklyn Bridge Park
Still on the list!
8  Go skiing at least twice this season
9  Pay off my credit card
Almost there, but working on it! Definitely happening in Q1 of 2016.
10  Take a design/art workshop or class
11  Buy a sketchbook and start to doodle again
12  Learn to make simple things I haven't tried i.e. whipped cream, poached eggs, roast chicken 
13  Find a general practitioner that I like, and have a full check-up (I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been to a GP in 3+ years)  
I did find a GP, but I haven't really made an appointment yet. I'm waiting for a big cold so I can kill two birds with one stone. 
14  Buy a new mattress
15  Stick to my diet (I do Weight Watchers, and I always nail it perfectly for 2 months, and then fizzle for a month, and so on...this year I'm going for consistency!)
Yeah, this definitely did not happen in 2015, but I'm trying again this year, and changing it up with #Nutrisystem. Stay tuned for more posts on this! I've already lost my first 10 pounds, and I just feel like 2016 will definitely be the year of my best ever body.
16  Read at least 20 books
17  Aim to go on at least one date each week
I did do this right up until I started my relationship in March! I would like to do this again in 2016 maybe?
18  Get weekly manicures and DON'T chew fingernails  
19  Cut way back on the booze and the occasional cigarette (very important!!)
Still working on this, though I do think I made some great strides this year.
20  Don't just remove makeup, focus on using my Clinique Sonic System brush for a deeper clean daily
21  Cook for myself at least two days each week
I really did do this for most of the year, so I'm crossing it off!
22  Make my bed everyday (this is so sad...I'm going to be 30, it's time)
I don't nail this every day, but I definitely do it way more and it's been great. 
23  Never visit someone's apartment empty-handed (hostess gifts are in your future, friends!)
I can't remember if I really paid many people a visit this year, but I'm keeping this on the list because it's a nice idea and I think something people always appreciate and remember.
24  Make a point to send thank you notes, birthday cards, other meaningful communications Really still working on this. I would love to become a thoughtful, classy, adult lady this year.
25  Never go a full week without doing yoga
I did not do this but, if I'm honest, it's not really a goal anymore. I hurt my foot very badly last spring when I took a spill on my apartment stairs and it's still not quite yoga-ready. 
26  Try at least one new recipe every 2 weeks, to broaden cooking/eating horizons
I used Plated for part of the year this year, and I really enjoyed it! 
27  Moisturize hands/face/skin daily  
28  Drink water (i.e. no more than 2 Diet Cokes per day, how will I ever do this?)
I started really doing this in the back half of the year, and I really do want to continue to work on it in 2016.
29  Go on a relaxing vacation (preferably out of the country)
Sadly no vacation this year. If I hit my weight loss goals, maybe I will take myself to the beach?
30  Feel good, stay positive, be happy 

Total resolution score: 17/30 (Over half, not too shabby!)

If I had to add some new ones for 2016 (in addition to the above that I'm still working on) they would have to be:

1  Upgrade my wardrobe to start phasing in more high-quality staple pieces and more polished accessories
2  Give my room a bit of a facelift. I love the décor in there, but a few things need to be tweaked.
3  Start my JennaSaisQuois YouTube channel - Coming soon!
4  Once the credit card is paid off, start an IRA to save for the future
5  Learn how to blow dry my hair!! This is a basic life skill I do not possess...
6  Take a dance class or something fun to get my body moving
7  Really try to take the subway instead of Uber or a Taxi unless it's an emergency or I'm carrying something heavy
8  Stick with Nutrisystem for at least 4 months (longer than I have ever stuck with a diet ever)
9  Do another KonMari style purge of clothing and other clutter at some point
10  Say THANK YOU more often, which I think is such a simple thing that takes no effort and really makes a difference to people

Thursday, December 24, 2015

#Blogmas Day 24: I'll Be Home for Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas, and all of the flights...
left JFK and La Guardia and soared to great heights!
Those driving had trunks full of gifts, piled high...
While the traffic they sat in made them just want to cry!
And while St. Nick surely travels the best way of all...
An eight-reindeer sleigh ride doesn't seem like a ball!
No matter how you're traveling on this festive season...
I hope you'll say family and friends are the reason.
And however you're getting to your destination this year...
Merry Christmas to all, and to all Christmas cheer!






Poetry aside, I have had such fun doing #Blogmas this year. It inspired me to blog more times in this one month than I had in the past two years. Combined. So while this posting schedule may be a bit annoying to some (I think I lost more followers than I gained this month...) that isn't what's important. I am really ready to retreat to this blog as a creative outlet and a way of always staying connected to myself. And if you guys like reading it along the way, I will be hugely grateful for that! I'm looking forward to what 2016 has in store for me. It could mean really big things happening, or even just a string of near-constant, small and happy moments that make it meaningful. Only time will tell! But for now, I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful holiday spent with family, friends, cocktails, and Christmas cheer!
xo Jenna

This photo is from my Instagram – Follow me on jennasaisquois for more of my adventures! And while you're at it, follow me on Pinterest and Bloglovin as well!


Wednesday, December 23, 2015

#Blogmas Day 23: The 12 Films of Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I'd do one last "12 Things of Christmas" post by rounding up my most favorite holiday films! This is a smattering of old classics I've loved forever (or discovered in more recent years on TCM), and all the best contemporary classics thrown in as well both from childhood and adulthood. They are all quite special to me and I make sure to watch each of them at least once or twice during the month of December.

Disclaimer: I have never seen It's a Wonderful Life. I don't know how or why, since I love old movies so much and that one is THE quintessential classic. But for whatever reason it has escaped me in each of my 30 years of life. Maybe in 2016 that should be a holiday goal! Also missing from this list is A Christmas Carol, which I love reading but am not too keen on any of the movies really, aside from the Muppets, and even that just doesn't make my favorites list! So hope a few of your favorites are on here, and a few you haven't seen that you'll still have time to check out this year or add to your list next year. Enjoy!

1  White Christmas My absolute favorite old holiday film since I was about 7 or 8 years old and made my mom buy the VHS tape for me at Sam's Club. It's become a family favorite.

2  Love Actually This is a classic, for me. I love all the intertwining love stories and British accents. And while maybe the recent criticisms have some slight validity, it's still my favorite contemporary holiday RomCom.

3  Meet Me in St. Louis This is a year-round favorite for me (and in my top 10 favorite movies of all time, non-seasonal), and of course the movie takes place through the course of a year as well. But Judy Garland's stunning rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" makes this officially a Christmas movie, and that'a that.

4  The Holiday This movie, I just love. I watch it probably at least 6 times a year anyway. I mean, I'm a fan of Nancy Meyers' entire oeuvre, really, from Baby Boom all the way to this year's The Intern. So this is naturally in my favorite holiday films list.

5  Christmas in Connecticut This classic film has a special place in my heart, because the lead character (played by the stunning Barbara Stanwyck) is a bit of a predecessor to the modern-day lifestyle blogger. And like me, she doesn't quite have it all as together as it seems either. It's a hilarious romantic comedy that's definitely worth checking out!

6  Home Alone I'm using this as a two-for-the-price-of-one because I also love the sequel, and it was probably my first real look at the city I'd one day call my home! So both Home Alone movies are just total childhood classics for me. And they really hold up, in my opinion, since I watched them both this year. While the haircuts and home decor are a bit appalling, they are just 90s perfection.

7  Holiday Affair Janet Leigh is just the most beautiful woman who ever lived, in my humble opinion. And in this romantic Christmas drama, she is so unbelievably charming opposite Robert Mitchum. Plus the little boy in this movie will just break your heart and make you laugh all at the same time. You must watch this next year!

8  Elf I mean, do I even need to say anything about this one? It's easily the most quotable holiday movie ever. It's such a favorite, I have to watch it at least twice every December, but...sometimes more, if I'm honest! I love it so!

9  It Happened on Fifth Avenue This is such a cute story about a group of people who find themselves squatting in the home of one of NYC's multi-millionaires after the boys came home from World War II. Certainly not a plot that could be remade in 2015, but certainly hilarious and oh-so-charming for 1947.

10  The Santa Clause This movie starring Tim Allen is right up there with Home Alone as a total 90s classic. It just screams childhood to me, and it's both nostalgic for me but also a really nice story! I didn't realize until this year that it was made by Disney! Which explains why it has something for everyone, and has stood the test of time.

11  A Christmas Story Love love love this movie. It's a family favorite and we like to watch it at least once or twice on Christmas Day (after all it plays for 24 straight hours!)

12  How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Live-Action) While I love the classic cartoon just as much, I truly love the live-action version of The Grinch starring Jim Carey. The updates to the story are just so cute, and I really feel the Christmas charm whenever I watch this. Aww, it warms my heart.

And there you have it! My holiday favorites! Which are yours? I'd love to hear more from you guys in the comments below!




Tuesday, December 22, 2015

#Blogmas Day 22: Adorable Holiday Illustrations from AnnieWitzDesign

I love sharing the cool, artistic things that people I know are working on! And when it converges with the holiday season and #Blogmas, I love it even more! Anna Horowitz, AnnieWitzDesign on Instagram is a mega talented illustrator and designer I had the pleasure of working with for a few years here in NYC. Her posts and drawings are super clever and always adorable, and you all should absolutely check them out! I cherry picked a few of her recent holiday-themed posts below. I mean, how cute is the Rollin' with the Homies one? Love the nod to everyone's favorite American classic film, Clueless! Hope you enjoy these as much as I do, and please head on over to Instagram and give Anna a follow now. You won't be disappointed!






Monday, December 21, 2015

#Blogmas Day 21: Holiday Wish List - Kate Spade

We're getting a little too close to Christmas in terms of ordering gifts (though, to be honest I just ordered my Mom's from Nordstrom today and they guarantee it will arrive by Christmas Eve...so keep your fingers crossed!) And shopping IRL is crazy right now, especially in New York City. It's absolute madness to even get down the street here, particularly on Fifth Avenue which happens to be where I work. But while the time for shopping may have passed for most, I'm sure there are still last-minute shoppers out there, so I still wanted to share some inexpensive and lovely suggestions from Kate Spade. And the best part is that all of these little trinkets and baubles are under $50 dollars! Enjoy!

1  Two of A Kind Just Between Us Gold Faceted Flask
2  Two of a Kind Gold Dot Shaker
3  Goreski Glasses Shaker
4  Icing 3-Piece Set
5  Leather Initial Keychain
6  Telephone Dial Compact Mirror
7  Bella Pantry Recipe Book

Sunday, December 20, 2015

#Blogmas Day 20: Modcloth's Epic Wrap Battle

With just five days left until Christmas, it's about time to start wrapping those prezzies! And I've been loving the weekly segment on Modcloth's blog, Story, called Epic Wrap Battle where two members of their staff go head-to-head to see who can come up with the most creative gift-wrapped creations! If you like something you see, they have follow-up posts on how to recreate the wrapping at home. My favorites are definitely the giant peppermint candy and also the meat (like, how cute is that?) And I've been loving staying tuned each week to see more gift-wrapped creations. How about you guys? Do you love putting tons of thought and effort into presenting your packages, or are you more the festive gift bag sort? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Week 1  |   Homespun Holiday vs. Candy Inspired Surprise

Week 2  |  Unconventional Patterns vs. A Rustic Rendition

Week 3  |  Meat-Lovin' Magic vs. Veggie Vibes



Saturday, December 19, 2015

#Blogmas Day 19: Holiday Wishlist: Tarte Cosmetics

In continuing the theme of brand-specific Holiday Wish Lists here on the blog, I thought I'd share a few items from Tarte Cosmetics that have caught my eye. I must admit, I haven't purchased anything from the brand yet, but I've been eyeing their products and packaging for ages! Everything is so gorgeous and I'm very intrigued by the whole "Amazonian Clay" thing. The products claim to be long-wearing, "high-performance naturals" which definitely seem worth trying! Have you tried any Tarte makeup? Leave a comment in the description box if you're loving one of these, or even something not mentioned here!

1  Amazonian Butter Lipstick  First off, I love how each shade has a different pattern on the cardboard packaging. Such a cute touch! While reviews haven't painted this as being very long-wearing or holding up against a traditional lipstick, the sustainable ingredients and balmy texture are certainly a plus!

2  Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15  I love a full-coverage foundation, because freckles...you get it. I've swatched this out on my hand and it's so thick and creamy. I got a sample from Sephora but all the shades in the packet were too dark for me, so I'll have to pop into Sephora to have an artist color-match me.

3  Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer  I love a cream stick concealer, because I'm really not into finger-blending if I'm honest. But I've always found it gets a little oily/creases a bit on me. But now that I'm exploring the art of "baking" I'd love to give this a try.

4  Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush  This has amazing reviews online, and most people are saying the color payoff is amazing and that it lives up to its 12-hour name! Blush typically just doesn't last on me. So this would be a vast improvement!

5  Tarteist Sculpt & Slim Contour Brush  This brush is the perfect companion to the palette listed as Number 7. The fan brush would be perfect to slim the nose and carve out cheekbones and a killer jawline. And the smaller end would be great for applying highlighter.

6  Tatelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette  I'm quite a fan of shimmer, don't get me wrong. But an entire palette of mattes that includes a few mauves and roses, beiges and browns? Yes, please! This is a palette I can definitely experiment with.

7  Tarteist Contour Palette  Both of these palettes from Tarte are just gorgeous. And this contour palette seems to be working for a lot of my fellow friends-in-paleness. A watch-out for me will be that I tend to run dry and I'm use to contouring with cream products (based on that fact). But I think if I moisturize like hell beforehand, this will work out well. Wish me luck!