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Archives for November 2014

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Thanksgiving Weekend Traditions

Thanksgiving weekend has always been a super busy time for me. I was always either off for a couple days from grammar school or taking a quick trip home from college to hang out with friends and family. It’s always been an eventful time, full of fun traditions. 
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a trivia night tradition with all those who came home for the holiday. My sister and I love to organize everyone to get to a local pizza trivia night to hang out with those who have come home for the holiday or those who just decided to stay in the city instead of flying all the way home for only a couple days. It’s such a fun way to get us in the festive Thanksgivingspirit. There’s not much better than sharing a bottle of champagne and a pizza to toast a little break in your schedule!
Another favorite Thanksgiving weekend tradition of mine is the tree lighting in Union Square. The Christmas season hasn’t officially started until I see that big, beautiful tree light up in Union Square. I have been every year since I was a freshman in college coming home for Thanksgiving break. I love to get a perfect viewing spot and camp out with some friends and tasty snacks, listening to the Christmas music performances and really revel in the start of the Christmas season. (I even tend to do a little squeal when it’s all lit up.)
The saturday after Thanksgiving is when we really get into the Christmas spirit by picking up our Christmas trees from Home Depot. My sister and I like to get them as early as we can so we can enjoy them for as long as we can. It’s a ton of work to log multiple Christmas trees into the house and up the stairs, but it’s so worth it when we see those trees aglow with our favorite ornaments and all the twinkly lights.
Have any Thanksgiving Weekend traditions of your own? Share them with me in the comments below!
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Packing for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here and now it’s time to quickly pack for a weekend away. Since it’s only a few short days, you want to make sure you pack light, only the absolute essentials, but you also want to make sure you don’t forget anything that you might need! I thought I would share my Packing for Thanksgiving essentials and all of my T-day weekend away must-haves!
1. Weekend Bag – You’ll definitely need a weekend bag for your Thanksgiving break. Something not too small, but not too big to carry all of your essentials.  This medium sized vegan leather bag from Sole Society is perfect for a quick weekend jaunt.  
2. Warm Pajamas – I’m not sure about you guys, but my parents place is always freezing at night. The temp. practically demands the most warm and cosy pajamas known to man and I found that I really love the pairs from J.Crew. Their flannel pj sets are incredibly comfy, originally designed after boys pajamas, and super cosy, which is practically necessary for those cold nights. It will definitely bring you a bit of comfort when you slip into an old bed that is not your own during your T-day vacation. 
3. Warm Layers – In the spirit of the warm pajamas, warm layers are a definite necessity when you are packing for Thanksgiving. You aren’t always sure what you’ll be up to, but it’s pretty certain at some point, you’ll probably be heading outside into the cold air. It’s great to be prepared with some cute and cosy warm layer favorites.  
4. Comfy Dress – Now this may not be a packing essential for everyone, but I definitely find that during Thanksgiving weekend, I head out to at least one social event or fancier dinner. I meet up with friends who I haven’t seen in forever and we head out for a night on the town or there’s a fancy family dinner to attend that calls for more than jeans and a comfy sweater. I always find it useful to pack a comfy, yet classy dress for Thanksgiving weekend to be prepared for that situation. You never want to pack anything too tight since come Turkey day, you’re probably going to be eating your weight in delicious mashed potatoes and stuffing so having a dress with a bit of stretch is definitely necessary.
5. Travel Skincare – TSA does not care how much you love your current skincare regime so make sure to grab a travel set of all your favorites! This tiny set from Philosophy is only $10 and has a face wash, moisturizer and body wash. One thing I will be definitely be bringing home this Thanksgiving is my new Clarisonic Mia 2. It has been doing amazing things clearing my skin and it came with a cute little travel case so it’s easy to pack.
6. Too Faced Eyeshadow Palette – With traveling and makeup, it’s pretty ridiculous to bring all of your old favorites so I try to minimize by finding a palette that does it all. This Too Face Eyeshadow Palette has been one of my favorite for traveling. It carries both matte and sparkly shades that can be blended for day or night, making it the perfect thing for Thanksgiving dinner or Black Friday brunch. 
7. Books/iPad – I actually can find it hard to fall asleep when I travel so I make sure I travel with plenty of distractions. I always prep my iPad with a bunch of new games to try or movies/tv shows to catch up on. I also tend to pack a few books for any weekend downtown. I just started Cavendon Hall, if you are a lover of Downtown Abbey then you definitely need to pick up this book!
8. Hostess Gifts – Even going over to my parents house for Thanksgiving, I still make an effort to bring over some kind of hostess gifts. It’s just a nice gesture to any person’s house that you stay at for a weekend. For my parents, it’s usually a bottle of wine that we could share at dinner together. I, myself, do not know too much about wine so I always make sure to head to a spot where they know what they’re talking about!
What about you? What is one thing you will DEFINITELY be packing this Thanksgiving weekend?

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Boden Beetroot Dress

I did a major closet clean out when I moved out of my last apartment, which meant that it was time for a lot of old favorites to find a new home. I justified it to myself that if I didn’t wear it at least twice in the last year that it was time for me to let it go. This also meant that there was a lot of empty space in my closet now that needed to be filled. I was on the hunt for pieces that reflect my current style and could also be dressed up and down for any occasion.
 One of my favorite new pieces is this Ponte Skater Dress from Boden Clothing. I have been absolutely loving Boden Clothing recently. Their clothing is so classic with just a touch of girly-ness, which is so totally me. With a long swishy skirt, 3/4 sleeves and a bit of added stretch, this dress is perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I can feel comfortable cooking my pumpkin pie (with an apron over it of course) and quickly transition to throw on a pair of pumps and a statement necklace and be T-day party perfect. The color was also a huge draw for me. I usually veer far away from shades of purple, but I just couldn’t resist the beetroot shade for Fall. 
I have also been totally obsessed with this necklace as of late. It’s been showing up in so many of my posts and I just can’t seem to get enough. Bauble Bar, you may be my new addiction. They have such gorgeous pieces that can be dressed up or down for any event. I definitely have my eye on a bunch of pieces for  all my upcoming holiday parties! The necklace I’m actually wearing is on sale right now so definitely jump on it before it’s gone!
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Birchbox Unboxing – November 2014

I love getting my monthly Birchboxes. Little, TSA approved samples of products I’d love to try. This month was all about giving and giving back. Partnering with (RED), all birch boxes this month were clad in a red box to raise awareness for the fight against AIDS. It is November, it’s time to give back and give thanks. Here are some of the awesome products that I am thankful to have in my box.

Amika Nourishing Mask // I tried out this mask a couple days ago and I love it so far. It’s great for giving my hair of bit of extra pampering on days where I can tell it’s a bit beat up. With all the holiday parties coming up, I know I’ll be teasing and twisting my hair into all kinds of styles an it will be great to have this hair mask to give my locks a bit more love.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Cream Lip Stain // This sample came in the cutest little packaging, perfect for the teeny tiny purses that I carry on a night out. It’s a super creamy texture on the lips, almost like a balm, but it had a playful pink color to it. It did a light stain, but nothing too intense. I prefer more standout shades so I may have to pass this product on to my sister to try, but I’m sure she’ll love it.

Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion // This lotion was a bit of a miss for me, but it may just be because I have a cornucopia of amazing body lotions already. It did have a nice marine-y smell to it and it was very light, but it just didn’t do much for me in the moisturizing department. I’ll have to pass this one along as well.

The Balm Cindy-Lou Manizer // I absolutely love The Balm’s Mary Lou-Manizer so I was so excited to get a small sample of the Cindy-Lou shade. This one is more a peachy pink in color so it will definitely add a bit of color to my face. This sample is perfect to put in my ‘on the go’ touch up case so I can sweep a bit on after work before heading out to meet up with friends.

Dang Coconut Chips // Coconut chips…i’m intrigued? I had never heard or seen this chips around before. I’ve had shaved coconut, but never had coconut in chip form so I’ll definitely have to try these out. I’m always looking for healthy afternoon snacks for an afternoon perk-me-up.

Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask // I’ve heard amazing things about this clay mask that has been infused with a blend of exotic teas. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m dying too. The reviews said it did an amazing job of firming and smoothing your skin, all the while giving it a soft glow. Woah, it gets a lot done in only 8 minutes.

Have a favorite product from this month’s birchbox?
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Currently I’m Loving…

While the holidays are fast approaching, they aren’t here just yet. So amidst the gift guides and holidays picks and all of my holiday preparations, I thought I would share some of the items that I have been loving in these last few weeks of Fall!
Pumpkin Apple Nutmeg Cinnamon Vanilla Bean // It’s like Pumpkin Pie in a bottle. This delicious concoction from Pressed Juicery has been a staple in my weekly juice selections. It’s incredibly delicious and festive and makes a pretty healthy dessert if you ask me (well, way better than eating lots of slices of Pumpkin Pie before T-day).
Clairsonic Mia 2 // This product is AMAZING. I actually had one before, but couldn’t handle even a week of the purging stage that people talk about. A product that breaks your face out before it makes it better? No thank you. But this time I made it through and I’m really glad I did it because my skin looks loads better. Makeup is easier to apply, my skin has this healthy glow and the feeling that you get after you wash your face at night is just fantastic. I’ve never felt so squeaky clean.
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella // This pencil was definitely a staple in my makeup routine last Winter, but I’ve pulled it out again a little early to use in the last of the Fall season and I’m glad I did. It’s a gorgeous color on anyone, but it’s always feels so hard to find a red that pairs well on a redhead. I have found it in this pencil! 
Eloise // I always loved the Eloise books growing up. I mean a little girl who has free reign in the Plaza, how could I not want to do that? I love her carefree spirit and can do attitude. I recently bought the Ultimate Eloise edition that has a favorite holiday classic of Eloise at Christmastime. While I wait for the Christmas season to start, I’ve been reading the other books in the edition as a soothing send off to bed.
Layered Garden Necklace // If you can’t tell by my Instagram page, I have been wearing this necklace non-stop since I got it a few weeks back. It was actually my first purchase from Bauble Bar and I was so glad I let one of their team members help me pick it out. It’s a gorgeous first piece that is incredibly versatile and can be paired with almost any outfit. 
Supernatural // I have watched and re-watched this show before, but while catching up on the couple episodes I missed from the start of the season this year, I got hooked again. I’ve been re-watching all my favorite episodes of the brother demon-hunting duo and loving it. If you have never watched Supernatural, it really is a story involving the supernatural. It follows two brothers, Sam & Dean, as they search for their after and fight demons, ghosts, vampires and wendigo along the way. 
Creme Brûlée Lip Therapy // I have actually never purchased a Vaseline product ever, not for any particular reason, I just have always picked up another lip product. I saw this little beauty in the stocking stuffer section of target and it was such a little tube, I thought it might perfect as a backup to throw in my purse. I was so wrong, this isn’t a backup for me at all. I have been using it every single day and totally loving it. I’ve been using it in the morning to give my lips some extra moisture before I apply lipstick. I also loving using it at night before I go to sleep and occasionally I’ll grab it for touch-ups during the day if the weather seems to be particularly harsh on my lips. The scent is amazing, I mean it’s Creme Brûlée for goodness sake!
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Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

With the holidays fast approaching, so quick it’s making me dizzy, I have been scouring and finding the perfect gifts for everyone on my list. For all the special ladies in my life, I always want to pick out something special and something I know they will truly love. Everything on this list is something I have either bought for myself, someone else or simply lusted after because it’s a perfect present. 
Big Hair Don’t Care // The perfect way to get a professional blow dry look at home. This kit has everything you need inside of it, but the dry bar stylist (I know, I wish it had one of the stylists inside too)! A great gift for the girl who likes her hair with a lot of va va voom!
High Jinks Sweater // Warm and comfy sweaters make amazing gifts. It’s as if someone gave you a card for a warm hug whenever you need it because that’s exactly how I feel when I put on a cosy sweater.
Cashmere Tech Gloves // Who says you need to deal with frozen fingers when you need to send a text. How about cashmere lined cosyness and the ability to type when you need it? These little babies will keep your fingers toasty in cashmere while you type out your latest note.
Skinny Mini Bow Studs // I absolutely love bows. They are so classic and girly at the same time. I especially love these studs for their simplicity. To me, it’s like you are the present all wrapped up in a bow. 
Flannel Pajamas // It might seem lame to some to give out pajamas, but I say hooey on that. I think cute and warm pajamas make a sensational gift for when the weather turns chilly. I actually realized recently I didn’t have multiple pairs of matching set pajamas, but that I would love to so I can alternate now that it’s gotten cold, cold, cold. These polka dot flannels definitely show up your normal everyday pajamas. 
Naked on the Run // So this palette is not technically out yet, but come Dec. 1st, you better grab it quick! The palette for a girl on the go, this kit has all of your Urban Decay favorites all wrapped up into one. I think it would be the perfect palette to touch up my makeup during work and to transition it for any after work holiday parties. 
Jasmine Ribbon Necklace // You can never go wrong giving a beautiful statement necklace. Recently, I have been lusting after a million and one pieces on Bauble Bar. They have everything you can imagine when it comes to jewelry from delicate necklaces to bangles and cuffs and tons of personalized pieces to boot! I’m having a lot of fun picking out pieces to give to friends so they have a little extra sparkle to wear to their next party.

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Kate Spade Holiday Picks

If I could only wear one my designer for the rest of my entire life, it would have to be Kate Spade. Her pieces are full of class, spirit and a touch of girly kookiness; all of which resonate with my own personality. I’m always lusting after pieces I see in the store, online or on Instagram and after checking out some of their new holiday arrivals, I found even more to love. After discovering each of these new beauties, I felt the need to share my favorites with you. Glitter and sparkle and lots and lots of bows (I can never get enough bows). They are all so quintessentially Kate Spade.  
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

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A Pop of Red

 I woke up to find that it was a very chilly morning in San Francisco. I  I knew I wanted to throw on a pair of cosy tights, but I wasn’t sure what else. The easiest option was to pull a dark and comfy dress from the closet. I decided on a black lace Yumi dress from ASOS. This dress is flowy and has an adorable lace overlay, it’s perfect for a morning coffee and croissant run. Btw, how cute is this wallpaper? I was loving the layout of this little coffee shop in the Marina called Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters. It’s such a cute spot to sit and have a cup of coffee in the morning before a crazy busy day.
 I paired my all black and blue outfit with a bright pop of red in both my lipstick, Nars lip pencil in Cruella, and my Kate Spade Cedar Street Patent Aster purse. I picked up this cute little purse last week at a shopping party hosted by Kate Spade & AFAR magazine to showcase Kate Spade’s new Las Vegas collection. I’ve said it before and I’m sure I will say it again, Kate Spade really knows how to throw a party. Roulette tables, photo booth photographers, champagne, macaroons, everything that goes into the making of a super fun soiree!
 My favorite part of this lace dress has to be the Peter Pan collar. I love, love, love Peter Pan collars on dresses. I think it gives the dress such a young and fun feel.
 The chilly weather is always quick to make its way to San Francisco so I knew I needed a warm coat to keep me cosy. I absolutely love toggle coats and I was on the hunt for a new one for the Fall that wasn’t super bulky. I found this cute navy blue toggle coat at Forever 21 for under $30! This coat has everything I love in a coat; toggle buttons, a wide hood and pockets. I believe every coat in the universe needs to have pockets. It’s also not a super heavy coat, which is awesome because it makes it perfect for the everyday.
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Anna Kendrick & Kate Spade

My favorite designer and my favorite actress combined in one incredibly festive and adorable campaign. I saw this campaign ad yesterday while perusing the Kate Spade site and I’ve been re-watching it practically non stop since. I think Anna really embodies the Kate Spade spirit. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and just a little bit kooky. This is actually one of her first big modeling gigs and I think she did a stunning job, but I have to say my favorite from the campaign thus far is this little ad below. Getting locked out of her apartment with oodles of Kate Spade goodies, we see how Anna spends her night hanging on her front porch, but ingenious girl that she is, she finally figures out how to get herself back inside. 
I love this ad because I could totally see myself running through a similar situation. Maybe not so much to the extent that I would hurry to fashion a grappling hook out of my newly bought beauties, but it would definitely be in my realm of possibility (it looked really chilly outside).
Also, I was totally obsessed with the Mulled Wine Cedar Street Mini Maise she’s sporting in the beginning of the ad. I had my eye on it at a Kate Spade event I attended last week. It would be so perfect for toting around my night out necessities. It’s definitely going on my holiday wish list!

She knows how to make her own fun.

What do you think of the Anna Kendrick and Kate Spade pairing?

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Hand Creams for Cold Weather

I love the return of cold weather for giving me the excuse to pull out all my scarves, boots, tights and adorable berets. The chill in the air signals the beginning of the holiday season, but it also signals the need to pop into my local Sephora to stock up on all my thick moisturizing favorites, like hand cream. I wash my hands a lot during the day and I can’t stand how dry my hands feel afterwards. It’s just this icky, uncomfortable, tight sensation all over and I can’t seem to focus on anything else until I handle it. To avoid the uncomfortable ickyness, I just keep hand creams in every spot possible; my desk, my purse, the bathroom cabinet, the kitchen sink, I even have a big bottle on a table in my foyer, in case I need a little moisture on my way out the door. With all those spots to stash a hand cream, I’ve definitely developed a few that I love. Here are some of my ‘best for’ hand creams to suit your every moisturizing need.