#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!

#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!

#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!

#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

#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

#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!

#Blogmas Day 18: Cocktail Hour - Boozy Egg Nog

You guys, it feels so amazing to be back at it again on this blog. And since I've been feeling so great, I thought it only fitting to bring back what is arguable my MOST POPULAR (and certainly most-pinned about) segment of all time: Friday Cocktail Hour!

And since I'm in a festive sort of mood, I thought I'd raise a glass of boozy egg nog to all of you! Now, a few thoughts on eggnog for the holiday season: I realize this drink is not for everyone. Some of you may find it mildly disgusting. But I must admit, as I've gotten older, eggnog has certainly grown on me. And the way I like it best (sorry bourbon-lovers) is with a nice, dark rum. I think the sweetness of the rum works beautifully with this sugary, frothy confection of a cocktail! And alcohol is key in preserving this drink since it does contain raw eggs. But still, it should really be consumed the same day you make it, or at the very least, the next day. As always, drink responsibly! Cheers to the weekend!

Directions:

Step 1: Separate the egg whites and yolks, and pop whites in the fridge for later.

Step 1: Start whisking your yolks up, and slowly add in the cup of sugar little by little until it's smooth and blended.

Step 3: Add in your milk, cream, and rum and whisk it all together.

Step 4: In a separate bold, whisk up your egg whites until they've stiffened up, and then fold them into your eggnog to give it that yummy frothy texture.

Step 5: Top each glass with a pinch of ground nutmeg. Serve and enjoy! Note: this recipe will be enough for 5-6 cups so feel free to double if you're making enough for a party!

#Blogmas Day 17: Kate Spade "All in Good Taste"

I can't even explain how much I need this book. I just...there's a deep history of how much I love Kate Spade on this blog. I basically worship at the temple of the religion of Kate Spade. And not just because of her gorgeous clothing, or her statement handbags. The real reason is because I find her attitude completely celebratory of all things womanhood! While she's obviously an incredible tastemaker, I also firmly believe she is truly in touch with the modern woman who might not be perfect, but isn't trying to be! Her life is one big party with champagne and glitter and bows on everything, and frankly I want to jump inside her world and never leave. So when I saw that this book "All in Good Taste" was coming out, I knew I had to have it. In fact, skip the Holiday wish list and I think I'll just celebrate my own womanhood and pick it up on my way home from the office!

I want to get lost in the art of assembling a vibrant guest list, trying new recipes, raising a toast to myself frankly. It's been a long year, and a very tumultuous month. But I can firmly say that I'm even more proud of the woman I am today than I've ever been. Cheers!

#Blogmas Day 16: The 12 Lips of Christmas

I can not believe #Blogmas is over halfway over. How does this work, anyway? Do I blog every day until Christmas? Or keep going and blog every day until January? Stay tuned...Oh, the intrigue! My goodness. Though, at the risk of sounding too cutesy, I have really LOVED blogging everyday and reconnecting with whoever is left of my followers (and most importantly myself). Tear. I just may keep it up!

That being said, today I'm here to share with you my absolute favorite Christmas Lip Products! While many of these are what I'd consider to be my absolute favorites for achieving that bold, red holiday lip, others are perfect for nourishing your lips in winter, or just great tools for keeping your lips loud and proud this season. Whether you wear lipstick all year like I do, or you pull out a BAM! lip just for the holidays, each of these products below are tried and true, and JSQ-approved!

1  Nars Satin Lip Pencil in "Rikugien" 
While this isn't a red, I thought I'd ease into with a lip pencil guaranteed to just take your natural lip color and give it a bit more polish and pizazz. I am in love with this shade, and it looks beautiful with a bold eye, or can be equally great with a natural, pretty look.

2  Aveda Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Color in "Poppy"
I've sworn by this lip color for at least the past 5 Christmasses. It's a perfect cool-toned classic red that makes your teeth look hella white. And it also smells so minty fresh and feels incredibly nourishing. It's a fave!

3  Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in "F-Bomb"
I'm a huge fan of Revolution Lipstick's formulation. It's so intensely pigmented and totally creamy. It feels fantastic on the lips, and I love this shade for a classic holiday lip look.

4  L'Oréal Colour Riche Le Matte Lip Pen in "Matte-r of Fact"
This color came into my life in the summer, breezed through fall with me, and will now probably be my winter lip look of choice also. It's a perfect berry fuschia color that is both glamorous and totally festive. It was one of those shades where I thought, this will NOT be my color, no way will this look good on me...and I ended up absolutely LOVING IT. If I want to step out of my comfort zone, this is what I reach for and it nails it every time. (I am having a heart attack that I'm not seeing it on the L'Oréal website...but I did find it online at Ulta. Fingers crossed it isn't discontinued!)

5  Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15
First of all, just because it's winter doesn't mean your lips don't need their SPF. And I have blogged about this beautiful, oh-so-pricey number before. And the story is still the same. I can't live without it, nothing nourishes and protects my (super dry, flakey) lips like it, and I put it on continuously throughout the day. Bury me with it so I can take it with me to the afterlife, okay?

6  The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in "Loyal"
This liquid lipstick, in basically every shade offered, is my TOP makeup pick of 2015. It smells like a thin mint Girl Scout cookie, it stays on literally all day, and you can drink all the champagne and eat all the passed hors d'oeurves you want this Christmas and it will stay put. It's like magic in a tiny tube. Must buy all of them.

7  Bite Beauty - Bite Mix and Mingle in "Holly/Tannin"
This is a two-for-the-price-of-one perfect holiday lip set. Holly is the perfect bright red while Tannin is this deep berry full-on glamour girl color. You can even do a lip ombre look where you dab holly in the centers of your upper and lower lip for extra dimension! I believe both shades are sold separately too, because I have the full-size of Tannin and wore it to death last winter.

8  Nars Lipstick in "Scarlet Empress"
This is definitely my favorite lipstick when I'm going for big film noir type holiday drama. It's gorgeous for a party with a black dress and an chignon. Or it's amazing as a beautiful, deep fall lip look as well, like Zoella often does. Stunning and makes your chompers soooo white.

9  Too Faced Lip Insurance Primer
When you want your lips to last, I'd absolutely recommend using a lip primer like this one from Too Faced. It's definitely smoothing, if you're trying to smooth out your natural lip texture. And it definitely keeps lipstick from feathering, though I'd still use a lip liner if you're doing a red or deep lip look. It's just a little something extra to hedge your bets on the way to your holiday party.

10  Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in "Crimson"
This is the newest red lip to my collection, and I thought I'd share one that was more warm-toned in case that's better on you. I kind of love both cool and warm reds. And I love this formulation, because it's matte-like but it stays so completely creamy at the same time. Divine. And dare I say, it might be my favorite everyday red at the moment!

11  LUSH Santa's Lip Scrub
A lip scrub is absolutely essential for me. My lips don't love lipstick as much as I do, and this is just my little way of reminding them who's boss. I try to use this twice a day, because my lips are truly a dry, patchy desert by the end of the day. I do one round before bed, and top with the Sugar Lip treatment (Number 5) and I do another round in the morning if needed before I put on my lipstick. It tastes so yummy good, like Christmas cookies or something. Mmm!

12  LOC | Birchbox and Tati Vibrant Matte Lipstick in "Glam Life"
Tati from Glam Life Guru on YouTube is my GIRL, seriously. I fangirl hard for her. And she created this collection with Birchbox for their debut brand LOC (Love of Color). And this lip color is kind of the centerpiece of the lip collection (hello, the name is Glam Life). In fact, it looks like it's sold out so I'm sorry about that! But it's a stunning berry shade that comes through a bit lighter than it looks in the packaging, and I'm completely in love. It does dry out my lips a bit but as long as I make sure to use numbers 5 and 11, I'm good to go!

#Blogmas Day 15: Too Faced Stardust Palette by Vegas Nay

While this stunning palette from Too Faced by @Vegas_Nay came out this past fall, I'm planning to add it to my collection this holiday season! It's exclusive to Ulta, and while I know I could totally just order it online, I always love to go to the store when I'm home in Ohio visiting my family. I drag my mom and sister there with me, and they don't quite love makeup as much as I do, but they're usually good sports when I spend over an hour looking at every little thing. (I really wish they'd open an Ulta here in Manhattan...maybe someday!)

Anyway, this palette comes with a collection of other items like a loose glitter pigment, and deluxe sizes of Shadow Insurance eyelid primer and Better Than Sex Mascara. Plus it also comes with a guide to creating six looks with the palette! This is getting great reviews, and especially considering the additional samples included, it's such a great value at only $45.00!

Some thoughts, so far, on this palette and additional goodies: While I'm not 100% comparing them, I think I may end up purchasing this instead of my beloved UD | Gwen Stefani palette because I think I might personally get more wear out of the statement shades included in this palette (than the cool-toned pink and blue in the other palette). They seem like they could work a bit more with my own freckle-faced coloring. And since I have 3 Naked palettes already, I'd love to try Too Faced shadow's formulation. So, hopefully I'll find this underneath my Christmas Tree, even if I put it there myself ;-)

#Blogmas Day 14: Holiday Candles from Bath & Body Works

Happy Monday, y'all! Hope you had a great weekend and are ready for more #Blogmas action here on the blog! I've said it before, but the holidays are not the holidays without a 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works burning in the background. And one of my favorite things to do is pop into the store near Grand Central Station and just stick my face into each and every one of them until I decide which are THE BEST. It's a very scientific process, and part of my own personal catalogue of Christmas traditions. Anyone else? No? Well, that's okay... I've done the embarrassing legwork for you then! Below are my personal top 4 Holiday 3-wick candles. And, as always, pay attention to sales because you can get an amazing deal on these. In fact, as of now (for a limited time only) they are $15.00 marked down from $22.50, so get to shopping!

1  Cinnamon Caramel Swirl Basically a christmas cookie/dessert in the form of a candle. Yum!

2  Mahogany Teakwood This is a totally masculine, woodsy scent that (not gonna lie to you) kind of smells like a sexy man! I told another lady who was sniffing it, and she bought two! Heyyy girl.

3  Vanilla Bean Noel This is a classic. It's just so sweet, creamy, and totally just  warm, and I love burning it in the kitchen.

4  Frosted Cranberry This is also totally an annual classic, and really reminds me of home. It's fresh and fruity, and totally festive.

#Blogmas Day 13: Short Stack Editions

My best friend Cate shared these super cute cookbooks from Short Stack Editions with me this past week, and I was totally inspired. They include recipes centered around a specific ingredient which would be perfect for someone with a favorite food (did someone say broccoli?) or for people with a CSA box who knows without a doubt that there will be tons of surplus fruits and veggies during various parts of the season. But most importantly, the covers on these are beautifully illustrated. I would love to have each and every volume in my kitchen, but could easily pick and choose the ones that will work best with my own cooking lifestyle. These are one of my top gift ideas this season, and super affordable at $14.00 each! How about you guys? What's your favorite food to cook with? Leave a comment below!

1  Eggs  |  Volume 1

2  Buttermilk  |  Volume 4

3  Lemons  |  Volume 13

4  Prosciutto de Parma  |  Volume 14

5  Brown Sugar  |  Volume 12

6  Corn  |  Volume 10

#Blogmas Day 12: Pantone 2016 Color(s) of the Year

I know I'm not the only one who was a bit mystified at Pantone's announcement that they've selected not one but two colors for 2016 - Rose Quartz and Serenity! I personally have a soft spot for Rose Quartz (not that I'm very into crystals) but on a special vacation with my aunt quite a few years ago, during a time when I was going through a bit of a heartbreak, I first heard about the rose quartz and how it symbolizes unconditional love, peace, and comfort. Ironically, I find myself in a similar position today...and while Rose Quartz and Serenity are certainly not my favorite colors ever, I definitely aspire to the feelings of calmness they bring! While I know, with any setback in life, that I'll be fine if not better than ever after some time passes, I do know that makeup tends to act as a beautiful band-aid in the interim!

That being said, Sephora + Pantone Universe wasted no time in debuting their 2016 makeup line showcasing these two colors. From spot-on Rose Quartz and Serenity pastel lipsticks (not sure about these) to a palette of shadows and a line of lip glosses that I kind of love, we'll be able to step out in the pastels that will dominate 2016. How about you guys? Did you like the colors Pantone chose for 2016? Leave your thoughts on the comments below!

#Blogmas Day 11: Holiday Wish List - 2016 Planners

It's that time of year where you really start to wrap your head around the fact that it's about to be a new year. Whether you start getting your resolutions ready, or you at least try to get your affairs in order, a new year totally feels like a new beginning. And sometimes even just the feeling of a new beginning is important for keeping things in a busy, overwhelming life feel fresh, new, and fun. This also happens to be the perfect time to start the new year right with a planner. In the digital age, I know my phone and computer calendars keep track of my appointments and office obligations, but there's just something so charming and fun about keeping personal plans, birthdays, and other fun fetes in a beautiful agenda book. And why stop there? There are meal planners, diet planners, grocery planners, even content planners for bloggers and vloggers and people who work from home. I put together a few planners that I either have and am currently using, or have had my eye on for a while now. They would make excellent holiday gifts for someone special who's looking to grab 2016 by the horns and live their best-ever life!

1  Kate Spade 2016 Planners  I'm currently using the gold polka-dotted planner and it makes me so happy to look at it every day.

2  Skinnytaste Meal Planner I've blogged about this before, and I'm loving using it to plan out my meals (and grocery shopping/cooking schedule) for the week.

3  The Erin Condren LifePlanner This planner has a huge cult following on the internet. People create products specifically for it, they blog and vlog about it in Plan With Me videos on YouTube – it is kind of like the Rolls Royce of agendas.

4  Ban.do 2016 Agenda  These are so cute, and the design is flawless. I love the look of these planners, and they come with super cute stickers. This would be an amazing gift for someone in high school or college, but hurry because they are selling out fast!

#Blogmas Day 10: Holiday Gift Guide - Kitsch Cat Press

Hello hello! We're 10 days in to Blogmas, and I must say I'm feeling good. I can definitely keep going, easy peasy. I've loved putting more thought into bringing you guys holiday content every day. But for those of you who aren't trying to buy thirty tons of makeup for yourselves and others, I thought I'd keep it fresh and share some incredible prints from one of my besties from high school, Jennifer, who is now a super cool screen printer (and badass improv comedian) in Chicago! Her online shop, Kitsch Cat Press sells some incredibly unique geometric and hand-drawn patterns that would make amazing holiday gifts. They can be purchased as framed art prints (how I've shown them below), or printed on tons of items like phone/ipad cases, shower curtains, carpets, even comforters for your bed! I am obsessed with Swim Fan, especially because I die for that name. Anybody remember that movie? But there are too many amazing options to choose from. Have a look for yourself here at Kitsch Cat Press!

Stoked Strokes

Abstract Flower Child

Swim Fan 

Swimmer Head

Geometric Pattern

Mannequin Bed Head

#Blogmas Day 9: Merry Quizmas

Okay, my little Christmas Kweens (or Kings), the time to prove your Christmas Pop-Culture Know-How has arrived! The Challenge is Merry Quizmas - A Nearly-Impossible Holiday Character Challenge that my friend sent me this morning. Things started out well for me, checking off the entire top two rows, easy peasy. Then there were some head-scratchers like...was this a Christmas movie? Why is the Russian from Rocky IV here again? I think I need to rewatch a lot of movies, starting with Trading Places. Also, this must have been made by boys because Little Women and Meet Me in St. Louis are nowhere to be found and there are so many aliens and people with guns #boymovies #amirite?

...BUT by the time I was half-way through, the entire office was in on the challenge! We were completely obsessed with guessing correctly, and as designers, we were drooling over these adorable illustrations by James Kenison! I could only manage to get 42 out of 60 on my own (the images in white vs. the colorful backgrounds). Note: I whited out the correct names so as to not give away any spoilers! Tell me your score in the comments below!

How cute are these illustrations by James Kenison?

Questions 1-30: Code by Tad Thorley

Questions 31-60: Copy by Ryan Kroker

#Blogmas Day 8: Holiday Wish List - Quay Australia

Not only do I need new glasses, I am also itching for a new pair (or 3) of new sunglasses! And I have been lusting after a bazillion pairs of Quay Australia sunnies since last spring. I think these create such an edgy, trendy eyewear look for an AMAZING value – Most pairs retail for $50 bucks! These are totally statement pieces that would work perfectly year-round and really give your everyday look a polished, chic finish. I'm drooling over the pairs below at the moment. If you could pick one, which would you choose?

1  Girly Talk in Tortoise Shell
2  Delilah in Black with Smoke Lens (currently sold out)
3  Steelcat in Gold with Gradual Gold Lens
4  Isabell in Black Tort/Silver
5  Envy Nude
6  Love Child in Tortoiseshell with Smoke Lens

#Blogmas Day 7: The 12 Masks of Christmas

Is there any greater treat than a mask? I just love them! A mask can turn a regular, lazy Sunday into a day of pampering, or a night with a friend and a bottle of wine into a spa evening! Whether or not they do anything miraculous to my skin (or it's sometimes just a placebo effect) I just love any excuse to treat myself. This is doubly important in the winter months when your skin and hair tend to dry right up. So, I thought, this is a perfect time to get festive and share a few of my favorite masks with all of you! Enjoy! And if you've tried an amazing mask that you don't see here, leave a note in the comments and I'll give it a try.

1  Boscia Luminizing Black Mask
I love love love this and find it super refreshing! The fact that it peels completely off in one go (like shiny black latex on your face) is weird and a bit tricky to get right, but I love how it makes my skin feel.

2  Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are the easiest and fastest ways to pamper. And they're also great for travel because there's no ban on liquids to worry about! This hydrating mask from Dr. Jart+ was the first sheet mask I ever used, and I keep going back for more!

3  Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask
This mask will 100% make you look like the moon emoji, but it is non-greasy, super clearing, and ultra refreshing. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a mask at a drugstore price point.

4  Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Instant Facial
I've used this mask for years and years, and I am such a fan. It's a quick and easy beauty treatment to incorporate into your regime – the mask wears for 5 minutes and you rinse off with warm soapy water and massage the granules into your skin to exfoliate. I love to put it on in the shower, and let it do its work while I'm shaving my legs or washing my hair...it makes rinsing extra simple.

5  Sephora Pearl Eye Mask
I love this brightening sheet mask from Sephora. It's refreshing, really affordable, and I love to stock up a few at a time in case I'm having friends over, or traveling. I'm planning to bring a few home to put on with my mom and my sister over the holidays. Looking forward to it!

6  Glamglow Thirtstymud Hydrating Treatment
This hydration mask is definitely on the pricier side, and I confess I haven't purchased a full-size. But I received a sample and it was one of the most soothing masks I've ever tried, and it left my usually dry, patchy skin feeling dewey and amazing. I may go ahead and get this for myself for Christmas! Stay tuned!

7  Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
This little mask/cleanser combo is such an amazing drugstore product. It feels cooling and refreshing, and really helped me to minimize my pores and improve the condition of my skin after the first use! It's a great mask at a super high-value price point. Definitely check it out!

8  LUSH Cranberry Fresh Face Mask
This mask is so perfect for the holidays! It gives a deep cleanse, and a boost of hydration, and the rose clay leaves your face oh-so-amazingly-soft. As with all fresh masks from LUSH, remember to store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.

9  Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
At first, I will admit, I didn't understand how this mask was any more hydrating than slathering your face in moisturizer or night cream before bed. But now I am addicted! I wake up to a completely dewey, glowing face that feels like I just applied the mask moments ago –

10  Tony Moly I'm Real - Tea Tree Face Mask Sheet
This soothing sheet mask smells incredible. I struggle with redness, and this mask feels so rejuvenating on the skin. And how cute is this packaging? Check out the entire line for even more adorableness.

11  Pureology Super Smooth Relaxing Hair Mask
While I love a face mask, I love a hair mask just as much! And this product literally saved my hair. Imagine my displeasure in finding out just now that it's been discontinued...I guess don't get too attached!

12  Dr. Brandt Oxygen Facial Flash Recovery Mask
This mask is by far the biggest price tag on the list, but oh my goodness, what a treat! It's absolutely worth the cost if you're a SERIOUS mask lover and skincare freak like me. Enjoy!

#Blogmas Day 6: Holiday Wish List - Clinique

You guys know I love my Clinique. In fact, this list was tricky to put together because I pretty much have it all, or I've certainly tried it all, already... But I'm itching to add the below items to my collection because I haven't found something I love yet from other brands. And when that happens, I know I will always at least like and trust a product from Clinique. They are my home base brand, and I'll keep coming back forever no matter how far into other luxury and drugstore products I venture.

1  Airbrush Concealer 
I am struggling to find the perfect under-eye brightening concealer. In a past life, when my makeup game wasn't quite as strong, I tried to use this concealer as a way to cover spots and blemishes...wrong. But I do have a feeling I will love this under and around the eye area, and to make my brows really pop.

2  Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey
There was a magical time when Clinique sold its Almost Lipstick in tons of amazing shades. Though, it seems to have been discontinued (other than Black Honey which went totally Pinterest-viral a few years ago). Anyway, the formulation is amazing, so creamy and subtle, and it really just enhances your natural lip. I was heartbroken when they nixed my favorite shade, Flirty Honey, but Pink looks pretty similar to me!

3, 4 Chubby Stick Hefty Highlight and Sculpting Contour
I tend to run dry so, for me, cream contouring is a better bet than powder to prevent the dreaded cake face. My current cream contouring kit from Color FX is great, but it's only something I can do when I have lots of time to put my face on at home. But my typical makeup routine is something a bit more grab-and-go, so I would looooove to try these.

5  Cheek Pops
My blush game is sorely lacking, to be completely honest. I just went forever without using it because I thought bronzer was enough. Other than the occasional pat of Nars Orgasm on the apples of my cheeks, I am a complete blush newbie. This post could actually just double as makeup fails, come to think of it. But I think these Cheek Pops are adorable, and I'd like to get at least 2 or 3 different shades in the New Year.

6  Long Last Soft Matte Lipsticks
This formulation is beyond amazing. Possibly holy grail, honestly. I have tried TONS of mattes, and loved a few. But this! I received a sample of Matte Crimson, and it has become my new favorite go-to red. It's matte-like in appearance, but never loses the feeling of being an amazingly creamy texture on the lips. I want to stock up on lots more shades, so I have a Long Last Soft Matte lipstick for every occasion. I'm obsessed.

#Blogmas Day 5: Sephora Stocking Stuffers - $15 and Under

On the Fifth Day of #Blogmas, my true love gave to meeeeee... Okay, okay, I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist! I am feeling festive after having started my own holiday shopping this week, and I'm headed out for more in a moment to do some more. Here's a fun fact about me: My absolute favorite gifts are stocking stuffers! I know most people view them as a bit of an afterthought, or even a total pain-in-the-wherever to buy. Especially if you're a mom like mine, buying gifts to stuff your own stocking...But I love getting (and giving) lots of simple, inexpensive little gifts just as much as bigger-ticket gifts. Below are a few items I spotted at Sephora, all for $15 dollars or under, that would make amazing stocking stuffers for the beauty or skincare enthusiast in your life!



1  L'Occitane Hand Cream Ornament
This would look adorable hanging from the tree on Christmas morning, or tucked inside a stocking - at a pricetag of only $12! And L'Occitane hand cream is such a rich, replenishing formula with shea butter that will leave your hands softer than gently-falling snow!

2  Bite Beauty Mix and Mingle 
I would recommend this lip duo to anyone, as a stocking stuffer or even just to buy for yourself! Bite lip products are my absolute favorite. They feel so replenishing – a complete treat for your lips! And these give you two shades to try at only $14 dollars, compared to a full-size lipstick at around $24.

3  Josie Maran BearNaked Nail Wipes 
These nail wipes smell fruity and ahhhmazing! And not only do they remove polish, but they also nourish and repair cuticles and do wonders for your nails. They're a must-have for your travel makeup bag, because they're perfect for taking off polish in a hurry if you chip or break a nail.

4  Fomula X: Studded X Mini Lip + Nail Duo
This little duo packs an edgy punch, by pairing a mini Kat Von D Studded Kiss lipstick with an identically matching Formula X nail polish, available in several cool statement colors.

5  Sephora Collection Eye Masks
There's no more refreshing beauty treat than an eye mask, and these fiber versions are super easy to use and remove, no muss no fuss! My favorites are the rose and pearl versions – both have brightening properties. But any of these is sure to be a nice and refreshing surprise.

6  Klorane Dry Hair Rescue Set
We all struggle with dryness in the winter and this little set would be a really nice, nourishing treat for someone looking to try some new hair products. I can personally attest that the dry shampoo offered in this bundle is one of the BEST I've tried, so I'd be very happy to give or receive this little gift set.

7  Tony Moly Apple Hand Cream
This cute little hand cream, in twist-off, apple-shaped packaging, is super cute and refreshing. There are additional versions in Peach and Tangerine scents as well. I always love Tony Moly's packaging, and these are too adorable to pass up!

#Blogmas Day 4: Urban Decay | Gwen Stefani Eye Palette

In keeping with the #Blogmas theme of things I'm dying to buy this holiday season...This UD | Gwen Stefani eyeshadow palette is everywhere on the internet and I'm hearing such amazing things about the formulation and wearability of the shades. I'm already a huge fan of UD shadows, and I have three of the four Naked palettes already in my arsenal (Naked 2, Naked 3 [my fave for spring and summer], and Naked Smoky) so I thought maybe I didn't need this palette? But the more I stare at it, the more I covet it...and I happen to have received a few Sephora gift cards for my 30th birthday so I'm betting I'll have this in-hand by the weekend.

Some thoughts on the palette so far, though: It seems to have a lot more neutrals than people were expecting from a Gwen Stefani palette, knowing she's such a fashion icon known for her bold style! But if you think about it, Gwen almost always does a beautiful, wearable nude or smoky eye look and pairs it with a bold lip or a crazy hair color. So, I would honestly recommend the Urban Decay Vice 4 palette for those of you who still want Urban Decay quality but are looking to go super COLORFUL.

I'm certainly adventurous with makeup, but the one thing that's kept me from getting the Vice palette myself is that I prefer a single palette that works together to create tons and tons of different eye looks, because I travel with my makeup bag constantly, and I usually put one palette in there and use only that for weeks and weeks. Vice palettes, in my opinion, have what I'd use as accent shades toned down with some neutrals.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I can't wait until I have this palette in-hand to swatch and play and experiment. How about you guys? Any holiday makeup releases you're dying for? Tell me more in the comments!

#Blogmas Day 3: Holiday Wish List - Warby Parker

The time for new glasses is nearing, and if I'm being 100% honest, I just never quite fell IN-LOVE with my current pair from Warby Parker - Holcomb. Don't get me wrong, they are adorable, and they totally let me live out all of my 1950's fantasies. But the shape and size are just a bit too delicate for me and my personal style. It's the same reason I prefer statement necklaces over thin, gold, romantic jewelry. Like, more is more for me. It just is. So I've decided the holidays are a great time to have a little 5 pair try-on package sent my way! And this time, I'm sticking to what I know works for me: bold, conversation-starting eyewear. Below are the pairs that caught my eye today. Let me know which you guys like best!

1  Chelsea | Whistler Grey

2  Upton | Sea Smoke Tortoise

3  Coley | Crystal

4  Finch | Striped Molasses

5  Kimball | Marzipan Tortoise

#Blogmas Day 2: Holiday Wish List - Benefit

I thought it would be fun to share a few little brand-specific Holiday Wish Lists here on the blog this month. The holiday season is a fantastic time to try new products you've been eyeing, or maybe wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself but you can always add them to a little wish list so family/friends/loved-ones can get you something that's a treat, and that you'll love this season! I have a few brands I stick to again and again... (ahem, Clinique and lately Urban Decay) but there are several brands out there that I really want to take a deeper dive into this season and into 2016. So, kicking off this series, below are several products I've had my eye on from Benefit Cosmetics. Full-disclosure, I'm a total packaging design junkie and Benefit always kills it in that department! Plus, the Benefit Brow Bar at the 34th Street Macy's is my go-to brow waxing hotspot...so without further ado below are things I'm definitely adding to my wish list from Benefit Cosmetics!

1  Air Patrol
This BB cream eyelid primer is the latest product release from Benefit, and the tip is advertised as being even softer than your pinky for that delicate skin on your lids. In swatches and reviews, it seems to really help eyeshadow appear fiercely pigmented and last all day! While I love my current eye primer from Too Faced, I'm always up for trying something new so this makes the wish list for sure.

2  Puff Off!
I am obsessed with this metal applicator tip (it's shaped like an iron!!) that helps this under-eye gel go on cool and it even claims to smooth creases. It's literally like an iron for your eyes! I do love my under-eye rollerball from Clinique, but this is too cute not to try!

3  Majorette
This is a cream-to-powder blush in a natural peachy color that I've swatched time and time again. I need to just get this already! And the packaging is just so cute, I can't even handle it. I love the classic majorette-looking packaging, and it kind of reminds me of my high school marching band days, because our school colors were very similar! So so so cute.

4  Eye Bright
I have wanted to try this product (and Lemonade) since I was in high school, when I was obsessed with the retro-inspired bright eye makeup looks from the movie Down With Love starring Renee Zellweger. Full disclosure: this is a terrible movie but I still love it to this day. Don't judge me! Anyway, I have no idea why I've never just purchased this product in the last 10 years...but I don't really have eyelid discoloration, and (until fairly recently) I fancied myself fairly bright-eyed naturally. But honey, 30 knocked yesterday and I answered, so let's give this product a whirl!

5  High Brow Glow
The girls at the Benefit Brow Bar always top me off with a little bit of this under my arches, and I love the subtle shimmer and lift that it gives. It really shows off that perfect "groomed" brow shape, and it's totally something I should incorporate into my current brow routine.

6  The POREfessional: Agent Zero Shine
I love the idea of an in-purse powder to carry with me wherever I go. And this unique packaging (it's tube-like, quite a different territory for powders) makes it look so easy. It even includes a brush! My combination skin rarely gets shiny shiny, but no matter how much I prime, I can't really keep my foundation from disappearing throughout the day. So this product would be a life-saver in terms of adding a bit of polish when I'm on the go.

And there you have it, my all-things Benefit wish list! If any of these ended up in my stocking on Christmas morning, that would be quite alright with me! Have you tried any of these items? Leave a review in the comments. I'd love to hear your take on these products!

#Blogmas Day 1: Fall Favorites

Sidebar: Can you begin with a sidebar? Whatever, I'm 30, I do what I want... Ahem... Today is my birthday! I'm 30 years old, can you believe it? I can remember back in the heyday of writing this blog, I was turning 26 and announcing my big move to NYC (where I sort of fell into a black hole and barely ever blogged again...but that's irrelevant, right?) and now four years have gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye! I don't really have any anxiety about being in my thirties *yet* so I'm just kind of enjoying the day and celebrating the things and people and life I love. If I DO decide to have anxiety, I may drop those feelings here for all of you, because it's cheaper than therapy!

OKAY, back to our regularly scheduled programming. I'm attempting to do #Blogmas this December. No, no, another bad start! I'm DOING #Blogmas this December. I'm carving out some time to devote to doing what I love! And I thought I'd begin by saying Farewell-to-Fall-and-Welcome-to-Winter® by listing a few of my fall faves for all of you below! These are things I have been beyond obsessed with across the beauty/skincare realm, with a few candles thrown in because nothing says fall like a 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works.

1  Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Glow Palette

I need to preface by saying that this palette has literally vanished from Sephora's website since I bought it, and as far as I knew, it was a Holiday item...which I'm taking to mean that it's sold. out. everywhere. If so, I am not surprised because the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop highlighter from Becca was THE top-selling product of the summer, and this palette gives you that signature shade in the center along with two other beautiful shades on either side - a light, stunning highlight that mixes beautifully with Champagne Pop for pale skin, and a blush overlay that looks gorgeous on the apples of your cheeks or wherever your want some GLOW. I looooove this (like, I'm obsessed) and will probably cry when I hit pan on these, but a little goes such a long way that I hope it will last me quite a while. 

2  All Things LUSH Bath

I fell for LUSH very, very hard this fall. I had never really purchased any bath bombs before (or even used my bathtub really) but LUSH bath bombs, bubble bars, and bath melts have become my ultimate guilty pleasure and the best way to #treatyoself. If you have a tub, get yourself to LUSH and try these. They're all-natural cruelty-free products and they smell and feel amazing. (Note: LUSH sells tons of other beauty and body/shower products, but I haven't tried them yet so stay tuned for reviews on non-bathtub related items!)

3  Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

This mask from Boscia has been a super fun addition to my beauty routine this Fall. It's like shiny, black vinyl applied in a thick layer on your skin, and it tightens up and peels right off in one go, taking blackheads and imperfections with it (kind of like a pore strip for your entire face!) I am addicted.

4  Cargo Cosmetics Venice Enchantment Eyeshadow Palette

I got this Cargo palette from Birchbox specifically for Fall, and I have really enjoyed creating looks with it! Full disclosure, it isn't my absolute favorite eyeshadow formulation in the entire world, but most of the shades and pigmentation are gorgeous – especially the maroons and browns in the top row. Most of the shades have glitter, and some are more shimmery but there's no true matte shade in here. While I love matte eyeshadow, I also love my glitter so this wasn't a deal-breaker for me! It was perfect for Fall, and I wore it QUITE a bit.

5, 6, 7  3-Wick Candles from Bath & Body Works

Fall isn't Fall without a 3-wick candle burning in the background, and these three were some of my absolute favorites this season. Autumn was such a perfect, crisp almost apple-like scent (I went through 2 of these) and unfortunately it's not for sale anymore, because the holiday candles have moved in after Halloween. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles is a super-sweet, delicious confection of a candle to burn in the kitchen and I bought a few of these to gift to friends and family this season. And Party Dress, I will be going back for 2-3 more of these to stock up for Winter. It's girly, feminine, and not too overpowering. This is the one where guests will always ask "What is this amazing smell emanating from your bedroom?" Obsessed. Look out for sales where these are 2 for 24 (and 12 for each additional candle). You can get a great deal!

8  Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen

This liquid liner from Clinique is the bomb. I have tried (and failed) to master liquid and gel liners for basically my entire adulthood, and this product helped me succeed! It's super easy to apply, does not budge all day, and creates the perfect super-black winged eyeliner I've been rocking this Summer and Fall. It's a must-have!

9  Clinique Just Browsing Brush-On Styling Mousse

I am in love with this brow mousse from Clinique, and it really adds some extra definition to my naturally sparse, blonde-ish brows, more so than a clear brow gel would. I still use other brow pencils to define the shape, but this is always my last touch to polish off a bold brow. Love!

10  L'Oreal Color Riche Le Matte Lip Pens

Saving the best for last, these lip pens were my absolute favorite discovery this Fall. I bought every shade, and each one is incredibly wearable. They are super easy to apply, and extremely long-wearing. And the matte finish is incredible for the price. I don't usually gravitate toward drugstore makeup because I work literally next door to a Sephora, but I'll keep buying these again and again as long as they sell them! If you try ONE thing from this favorites list, make it these!