The Perfect Pair

 

My family always gives at least one Christmas gift upon purchase.  Usually it is the biggest, main purchase and it's because none of us can contain the excitement of giving and receiving the one thing that we know is really desired. This year my brother gave to me a pair of black suede heels.

I've been searching high and low for a pair of heels that I can wear to work every day. I was seeking both comfort and style. With an uncommon shoe size, it is hard enough for me to find shoes, let alone ones that I can walk around in all day as a housekeeping manager of 503 hotel rooms and 60 associates.

I finally found them: The Perfect Pair. Check them out at nordstrom.com

NARS Digital World Lip Pencil Coffret

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone; it is officially Christmas season! If you're wondering what to buy for your best friend, sister, or someone obsessed with lip products, look no further than this beautiful collection of NARS lip pencils. It includes 2 matte shades and 3 satin shades and comes in this festive, snowy white "coffret." At $49 (sephora.com) it is pretty pricey but keep in mind that it has a $96 value after all - just about double the price!

Essie Fall 2014 Collection

This set includes 4 colors from Essie's Fall 2014 Collection

Dress to Kilt: bright red and festive color

Take it Outside: grey, neutral color with a slightly muted lavender hue

Partner in Crime: dark plum

Style Cartel: rich, royal blue

I've been wearing each color relentlessly. It's a great range of autumnal hues. I especially received a ton of compliments when sporting my favorite color from this range: Style Cartel.

This set is also a bargain: $17. You can find the Winter 2014 4-pack at Nordstrom.com. Do keep in mind that these are "mini" bottles but whoever uses a full bottle of nail polish anyway?

Let me know which is your favorite!

Californian Beauty

I am sat here thinking of a spontaneous visit from a good friend back in August. She made plans to visit San Francisco on her own and asked me to meet her there. The whole point of her trip was to go to a tribute to Bill Murray, an art show. I hate to drive so long story short, she changed her entire flight itinerary to fly in and out of Sacramento and we spent 2 full days together visiting Monterey Bay and San Francisco, me in the passenger seat of my own car; she is the best!

This whole trip and visit has become such a treasured memory for me. I thought I'd share some of the Californian beauty I witnessed during our short time together.

Urban Decay

So there is something that I've been using every day for the month of September. It is this 'Start Getting Naked' Ultra Definition Complexion Kit from Urban Decay, which has proved to be extremely effective and such a pleasure to use every day. 

I originally went out in search of a new primer because I had almost run out of my current one. I wanted to buy the Instablur by The Body Shop but after testing it in store, I felt it was way too thick and silicon-ey. 

When I made my way over to Sephora, my eyes gravitated towards the Urban Decay Beauty Balm Primer and as I was standing in front of their display, I noticed this kit. My sincerest apologies that I do not remember the price but I want to say it was about $45. I don't see it on the Sephora website but I bet you can still buy it in store. It is such a bargain because the full-size foundation comes inside the kit as well, which is $39 itself. I also added my own 'Step 4' to the mix: De-slick Makeup Setting Spray. 

After the month, I've already ran out of the 'Step 1' B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray and I plan to repurchase this in the near future. In the meanwhile, please believe me when I say that this combination is such a treat. After my 12-hour work days, my makeup stays on better than it ever has before, I highly recommend this super amazing line of products from Urban Decay!

Prep, Prime, Perfect, Mist, and Set!

Do you love me too

If you know me well, you know that I absolutely love to watch and listen to duets. I find that when two voices that complement each other come together to form music, it just warms my heart. This duet has got to be my favorite at the moment so I wanted to share it so that maybe you can feel what I feel when I watch this. Also, Tessa Violet's album Maybe Trapped Mostly Troubled is the only thing that's been playing in my car lately so you should definitely check it out!

That Wasn't Me

Currently my favorite song: That Wasn't Me by Brandi Carlile