Brendy Beauty

Uncategorized

Weekend in Lake Tahoe

I spent last weekend at one of my favorite hotels in Tahoe, Basecamp. My birthday was coming up so my boyfriend J.P. and I decided that the weekend before was the perfect time to get out of the city and celebrate a little early. Tahoe is close enough that we can make a quick weekend trip without needing to plan too far ahead. We jumped in the car Friday night and made it up before midnight. 
What I love about this hotel is that it’s great both for frequent skiers who want to be up early and out on the slopes and is also great for the snow bunnies who want to relax and enjoy the snowy view. Since J.P. and I were still getting over some holiday colds, we opted to both be snow bunnies and just enjoy the winter weather. We packed a bunch of books, packs of cards, our favorite snacks and made sure to download a few new movies. 
The aesthetic of the hotel is definitely hipster and I love it. We went up the year previous and we’re happy to hear about their new expansion, which included a whole new beer garden and patio. With outdoor firepits, indoor ping pong table and a tasty menu of beer and brats, it was the perfect spot for us to spend the day. 

The beer garden has these big windows so I got to spend the day watching excited kids have an epic snowball fight, seeing the flurries fall and killing it at ping pong. 


Not a bad view for a Saturday morning in the snow. The hotel is right by Heavenly so it’s perfect for all the skiers/boarders out there. They have a continental breakfast with belgian waffles, oatmeal, toast and granola, but they also have a small breakfast menu too.

Saturday evening and the beer garden was a little loud for me to read, but I still wanted to enjoy a glass of wine so I opted to head into the main lobby of the hotel which has huge, comfy couches, a cozy fireplace and its own little bar. I grabbed a glass of red wine and settled in to finish my book. Looking to relax, this was absolutely the perfect setting for me.
I definitely can’t wait to head back for another relaxing weekend.
Uncategorized

Snow Day

I’ve been dying to get out of the city for months now, but with all of the holiday plans, it was definitely out of the question. That’s why I was so excited to get a weekend away to spend in Tahoe with my favorite boyfriend. We drove up late on Friday night so Saturday was our one and only day to be out and about. Since we were still both recovering from some harsh colds, we opted to relax and just enjoy the snow. This meant I could opt out of ski pants and jackets in favor of something a little bit more fun.
Since the plan was to relax in the beer garden and do a bit of reading and maybe play a few rounds of cards, I threw on one of my coziest winter dresses. This navy blue and white striped dress is made of 100% wool so it was perfect for keeping me warm in the snowy weather. I actually couldn’t believe that it was able to keep so warm while it was SO cold out (say hello to 25 degrees fahrenheit). Dress, I applaud you!

Since we were only in Tahoe for a day or two, I tried really hard not to overpack my suitcase with non-essential shoes. I opted to bring a pair of Sperry saltwater duck boots and my super packable red Hunter boots. I loved that I could roll these boots up quickly and that they only took up a small amount of space in my bag.

As if the dress wasn’t cozy enough, I wanted to protect my ears and neck from the super chilly weather. I threw on a chunky knit infinity scarf from J.Crew factory (on sale now for $19)! I really want to pick up every color of this scarf, it’s that comfy. It’s the perfect winter accessory. This relaxing weekend away was just the ticket I needed to begin my week with renewed energy! Monday, I got you.
Dress // Scarf // Boots // Purse // Sunglasses 
Uncategorized

Currently I’m Loving

The weather outside may be frightful, but I have found a few products this month that have been making it quite delightful. The cold weather has been messing with my skin making it WAY drier than usual. To combat the intense cold and wind, I have been using First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream and it has been amazing. Lightweight, quick to absorb and great at taking care of those itchy, dry spot right under my lips. Another cold weather favorite of mine has been the Formula X System To Go Party Edition. It’s the perfect mini set for an at home manicure. I love that it’s an easily transportable set of everything I need, from nail cleaner to top coat. When it gets cold outside, I’m all about the warm sweaters ad preferably adorable, like this one from J.Crew Factory. It makes me feel like I should be on the slopes or in a cabin with a big mug of hot chocolate. Check out some of the other products I have been loving this month below. 
What have you been loving this month? Tell me in the comments below!

Uncategorized

Lush Christmas 2015

The Lush Christmas 2015 collection is here and I’ve bene so excited to test out each and every new product. Some old favorites like cinders and golden wonder are back again and they’re just as good as you remember. Cinders, made with cinnamon oil and crackling candy, makes you feel like you’re warming up by your fireside. My two new favorites from the collection have been The Magic of Christmas bubble bar and the Yog Nog bath bomb. The Magic of Christmas, made with clove, star anise and cinnamon is one of the most festive bubble bars that I have seen come out of Lush. Seriously, it just smells exactly like spicy, cinnamony Christmas scent. I’ve already used it three times and it’s not even close to being done yet so well worth the money. If you haven’t already, definitely head to Lush to pick up some of their Holiday collection. It’s the perfect excuse to treat yo’ self. 
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9
Uncategorized

Stocking Stuffers Gift Guide

I’m really big on opening stockings on Christmas morning. As a kid, It was always the first thing I opened on Christmas and it was always full of fun surprises. My mom was always great at filling our stockings with small little items that she knew each of us would each love. Now, I love being on the lookout for cute little items to throw in my boyfriend’s stocking for Christmas and of course a few items that I would love to see in my own stocking this year! From bangles to polish, you have got to check out some of the holiday stocking stuffers I have been loving this year.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17
What products are you hoping will be in your stocking this Christmas? Share with me in the comments!

Uncategorized

A Sweater for the Slopes

With all the chilly weather we’ve been having in San Francisco and a few pretty rainy days, I’ve been crazy excited to finally pull out my Hunter rain boots to pair with some of my favorite cozy weather sweaters. My favorite sweater lately has been this ski scene sweater from J.Crew Factory. Besides being super warm and cozy, the overall ski mountain scene that covers the front and back is beyond cute. It makes me feel like I should be hitting the slopes instead of heading to work in the morning. The sweater pairs well with a ton of my favorite cold weather looks, including this rainy day look that worked so well as we went to pick up our Christmas tree. I paired it with the ultimate in rainy day wellies, my Hunter ‘packable’ red boots and Hunter fleece wellie socks.  
Along with picking up the perfect Christmas tree, I was excited to also pick up a Christmas wreath to hang on our red door for the holidays! It came with a big red velvet ribbon and was only $7! Home Depot, you rock. 
Uncategorized

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Inspiration

Turkey day is almost here and I’m carefully packing up everything I need to enjoy my holiday. I’m heading to the midwest to spend Thanksgiving with J.P. and his family. It’s the first Thanksgiving that I have ever not spent with my family, but I’m making an effort to bring a few of my favorite traditions with me. This includes spending the morning doing all my beauty prep for Thanksgiving, relaxing and watching the Thanksgiving day parade. This includes painting up my nails in a festive cranberry shade, a deep conditioning of my hair and trying out a new face mask to prep my skin. 
For dinner, I like to mix in with the colors of the season. I like to pick out a dress that lets me won’t get super too tight after eating a little too much at the dinner table. This stretchy Alice Ponte Dress is perfect for that. Along with the perfect stretchy dress, I also love to find the perfect products to have in my purse for quick touchups. One of my new favorite sets to always have in my purse is the LOC Clutch Collection Royal Flush from birchbox. I have been loving the Glam Life lipstick. It’s a beautiful deep berry shade and pairs so well with the two shadow sticks that come with it. It makes putting on my Thanksgiving makeup a whole lot easier. 
What’s your outfit plan for Thanksgiving? Share with me in the comments below!

Uncategorized

Packing for Thanksgiving

I have finally started packing for my Thanksgiving weekend away. I usually need to think ahead to make sure I don’t forget to pack any essential. Since we’re going for a little bit longer than a weekend, I aiming to pack only the essentials needed for each day. Check out all my absolute necessities for a Thanksgiving weekend away!
1. Weekend Bag: Even though it’s only a short trip, I still need a bag that’s big enough to carry everything I might need, which tends to be a lot of things so I end up needing a big bag. This sunshine satchel from Tuckernuck can actually pack a whole lot. It’s also has the added bonus of having the cutest monogram stitched on the side of the bag. 
2. Noise Canceling Headphones: It’s going to be a bit of a long flight and I have A LOT of work that I need to get done before the holiday so, along with pre-buying wifi for the plane, I also made sure to secure a pair of active noise canceling headphones. These are seriously the best headphones I have ever had. I can’t believe I ever settled for the white iphone earbuds for long flights. I’m so ready to get a ton of work done so that I can be a bit more carefree and properly enjoy my vacation. I’m also making sure to download a ton of movies, tv shows and books on my iPad before we leave so I know that, even with poor wifi, I’ll always have something to entertain me.
3. Travel Friendly Haircare: I can never seem to get enough of tiny cute kits. Anything mini-sized and I basically HAVE to have it. This kit has everything I need to keep my hair healthy and shiny during my trip.  It has both travel sized shampoo and conditioner, a leave in mist and even a sea salt spray to give myself some beachy waves. 
4. Hot Rollers: I’m not a curler person. It’s just way too much time and effort for me to sit and hold each area of hair. I’m too antsy of a person to be able to do all that so when I want to go curly, I always opt for hot rollers. I just got these voluminous hair hot rollers from T3 and I’m already loving them. They’re compact enough that I can easily pack them in my travel bag. What I love the most is that they’re super easy to use so I can roll up my hair and let the rollers do their job while I finish my makeup or get dressed.
5. Eye Mask: I can have trouble sleeping when it’s not my own bed so I always make sure to bring an eye mask with me when I travel. It helps me keep my eyes closed and makes it a whole lot easier to sleep. Plus, the pattern on this one is just so cute!
6. Comfy Pajamas: I found these pajamas on J.Crew factory and I knew I already had to have them for the holidays. With a christmas light pattern, this two piece set with top and drawstring pants bottom will be super comfy to wear on Thanksgiving morning while I cook around the kitchen. 
7. Cute Dress: Since I’m going to be spending Thanksgiving with my boyfriend’s family, I wanted to be a little dressed up for the big dinner. I love Boden dresses! They’re perfect for long events, like a long Thanksgiving dinner. They’re comfy and cute and are never too tight in the stomach area. (so necessary for eating seconds… or thirds!) 
8. Eyeshadow and Lipstick Duo: For traveling, I always look for easy packable makeup products that can do double duty. I got a sample of this lipstick in the shade glam life in my latest birchbox and I loved the color. It was a deep berry shade and gave me some fun color for Fall. It made me want to try out their eyeshadow sticks. The videos make them look quick to apply and easy to blend, which makes it perfect for a quick makeup look before we put dinner on the table. 
 9. Tinted Lip Balm: For the plane and for quick color touch ups along the way, I’m packing this tinted lip balm from Too Cool for School in the shade spilled wine, which is a rich burgundy shade. It will be great for applying a touch of quick color before I get off the plane. Don’t want to look like a total mess when we touch down!
What are you packing for Thanksgiving? Share with me in the comments below!

Uncategorized

Sugar Paper for Target

Christmas came early! Well, at least it did when it comes to all of the holiday wrapping paper at Target. I discovered Sugar Paper last year around the holidays and became completely obsessed with their holiday festive wrapping paper and gift tags. This year, they did a whole holiday collection with Target that is just chock full of holiday cheer. I may have gone a tad overboard and got A LOT of pieces from the collection, but can you blame me? Look how cute they are! Check out some of my favorites below!
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Uncategorized

Birchbox November Unboxing

The theme for this month’s box is ‘Feeling Fancy’ and I think it’s just on par for all the upcoming holiday parties! I really loved how diverse my box was this month. I had everything from makeup to haircare to fragrance. All perfectly travel sized to be thrown in my bag and used for my upcoming Thanksgiving trip. Let’s check out all the goodies I got in this month’s birchbox!

What’s in my box:
– The Balm Frat Boy Blush
– Obliphica Professional Seaberry Serum
– Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel
– Harvey Prince Sincerely
– LOC Glam Life Lipstick
One of the items in my box that I really liked was the LOC Tati lipstick in the shade Glam Life. It’s a beautifully rich burgundy color that goes on super smooth. Seriously, really pretty. I now really want to try out their shadow stick shades too to see how well they blend. 
The other product from the box that I was so excited to try out was the Balm Frat Boy blush. I love these little mini blush boxes. They’re perfect for happy hour touchups between work and drinks and even better for quick traveling tips! Plus, I love how decorated their boxes are. This one makes me feel like I should be at a high school football game!

What do you think of this month’s birchbox? Share with me in the comments below!

Categories

Archives

Meta