We’re so close to Christmas! And if you’re like me you’ve got a few last minute gifts to pick up. I wanted to remind you of my gift guides that I’ve created. Here’s a quick roundup of all 5 of them for some inspiration.
There’s something about this time of year that makes me just want to watch ALL the movies. Yes, there’s quite a few Hallmark Christmas movies, but I do manage to fit in some of my all time favorites. Here’s my list.
The Family Stone
No surprise here if you’ve read my blog for a while or if you follow me on Instagram. This is my all-time favorite movie. Not just my favorite Christmas movie. It’s just so perfectly disfunctional and awkward, yet it’s endearing and full of love. And can we talk about that house? It’s perfection. Serious goals.
Elf
Another one I’ve shared before. Elf is an absolute delight to watch. Will Ferrell is genius in this movie, and I laugh out loud at him every time I watch it. I can quote it and often do in my head when something happens that reminds me of it. At school this year, someone came to tell on someone else because they had been called a Cotton-headed ninny muggins. Bahahaha! It took all I had in me not to laugh and tell them to go get in the child’s face and say, “You sit on a throne of lies.” 🙂 🙂 🙂
White Christmas
What a classic. I am so happy it’s on Netflix this year! Thank you, Netflix. I discovered this movie not too many years ago and couldn’t believe it had taken me so long to see it. I can’t get enough of it now. I just love to watch it, and the ending make my heart so happy. It’s definitely one I’ll be watching year after year. I love the music and the dancing. Bing Crosby is magical to watch and to listen to. He’s one of the greats. Paul told me this year that he’s never watched this movie. I think it’s time to change that!
The Holiday
Okay, I just went back to an old post about my favorite movies, and this one is on it too. I clearly have a thing for Christmas movies. I watched this one on Amazon just the other day. In college I watched it on a loop. The writing, the music, the acting, the setting (those houses-always the houses in a Nancy Meyers film…swoon). And Jack Black has his best role ever as Miles. I just love that scene where he asks her out for New Years and he gives the tiniest fist pump to himself. And don’t you just get chills when they open the doors for Arthur (the older gentleman), and all those people are cheering for him. I cry every time. Watch this one please!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Just pure silliness. But in the best possible way. Straight out of the gate it’s nonsense, but it’s the funniest nonsense. It’s no wonder it’s a cult classic that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Jim Carrey was amazing in this one. I used to not care for it, but once I sat down and actually watched it, I realized it’s quite wonderful. And any Gossip Girl fans out there? Cindy Lou Who is Jenny! I remember having this soundtrack as a kid and loving it. I might need to buy this one.
A few others that I like to watch are Love Actually, Four Christmases, Deck the Halls, and Home Alone (1 and 2).
What are your favorite Christmas movies to watch every year?
So, I thought I was all finished with my Christmas decorating, but I was in Sam’s with my mom a while ago, and I just happened to walk by this ribbon. I didn’t even say anything, just grabbed it and put it in the cart.
I have been seeing several tutorials on how to add ribbon to your Christmas tree, and y’all, it’s gorgeous! I knew I wanted to add some, but I wasn’t sure what ribbon I wanted. Then I saw that ribbon and knew it was the one to add.
Now, I may have overdone it a little, but everytime I look at it, it looks like a big present all wrapped up, and I swear the glow is even brighter. I love it even more than before. I even added a few more twinkle lights. I couldn’t help myself. 🙂
Thanks for touring my home for a second time! If you missed the first round, you can check it out here.
Now, come on over and we’ll have coffee or wine. And I’ll probably make you watch The Family Stone while you’re here. 🙂
PRODUCT REVIEW: COLOR INTENSE LIP SET FROM BEAUTYCOUNTER
I’ve said this before about this product: I love them so much. I really do.
I’m wearing 9 to 5 here. It’s the one I’ve been wearing the most this fall.
I know I’m a little biased because I do work for this company, but I believe in their mission and their products. And when I heard that we ingest the products that are on our lips, I thought lip products would be a great place to make a switch to safer beauty. And for someone like me who loves lipstick and loves wearing a different color everyday, you know, to coordinate with my outfit, I knew this set was going to be perfect.
They arrived in the mail on a Tuesday. I told Paul I needed these, and seeing as how I’d just placed a pretty large order to Beautycounter, he was less than thrilled when I told him about the lipsticks. (Husbands…)He conceded and told me I could have them for Christmas. I could share with clients, but I couldn’t wear them because they were supposed to be wrapped and put under the tree. Well…had that actually happened, I couldn’t write this post for you. So, it’s technically still a Christmas present, but I’ve been wearing them everyday since they came that Tuesday.
Pigmentation and Longevity
Beautycounter has found a fabulous way to make these lipsticks super pigmented and safe for you. Praise be! I have to blot sometimes because the color is too intense if I’m heavy handed that day. However, that’s why it’s name is the Color Intense Lip Set. Aren’t they beautiful?
As for how long they last? I put my lipstick on just before I walk out the door which is sometime between 7:00 and 7:30. I usually eat a snack and drink from my water bottle from that time until lunch at 12:30. Now, I’m a messy eater. I’m the girl that needs two or three napkins per meal, and when we sit down at a restaurant, Paul immediately asks for more napkins because he knows I’ll need them. So, I eat lunch and really use my napkins. 🙂 At that point, most of my lipstick is gone. My messiness notwithstanding, I’d say that the lipstick is long-wearing. We’ve all worn lipsticks that wear off quickly, and these simply aren’t one of them. Thank you, Beautycounter!
Let’s Try Them On
The set consists of five gorgeous, flattering colors: Girls’ Night (classic red), Little Black Dress (rich berry), Brunch (tawny nude), First Date (rosy pink), and 9 to 5 (luminous mauve). Aren’t those names fun? Get ready for a whole lot of me. If you can get past so many of my faces, you can really tell the difference in the colors. There’s no filter on these pictures to show you a true look at their color. These were taken on a cloudy morning.
Why is Beautycounter Lipstick Safer?
“Our lipsticks get their moisturizing touch from plant-based ingredients such as jojoba esters and their light minty scent from peppermint oil—not from synthetic flavors, fragrances, or chemicals that may have harmful health effects.”- Beautycounter Website
This right here is why I love these products so much. There are already so many factors that play into the harm of our health. Why let your makeup and skincare be one more thing? Beautycounter has a very transparent ingredient list for all of their products. And one of the best things about this company is their Never List. I like knowing that these chemicals and ingredients will never be in my skin care and makeup. Make the switch today!
Links
If you’d like your own Color Intense Lip Set or any of the Beautycounter products, I’ll leave a few helpful links below.
Merry Christmas, y’all! I am so excited to share my home with you while it’s all decorated for Christmas. I told you in my post about changes that I was doing something different with my Christmas decor. It’s a little trendy, a little farmhouse-y, and a lot black and white.
I painted the buffalo check ornaments myself. Spray painting Christmas ornaments was no easy task! I finally just hoped for the best because of how much they were rolling around. From far away they look okay, but up close…well, just don’t look up close.
I attempted to make cotton ball ornaments and was going to add brown pieces to it to give it the look of the wreath that gave me the inspiration.
But they turned out looking like snowballs, and I actually think I like them better. I took down my rustic, turquoise sconces to put up some (basically antique) sconces from my grandparents’ house. They may be dated and ugly to some, but I kind of love them and they look festive with some garland I pulled off of another decoration that I didn’t use.
This little decoration was a gift, and I love how it worked perfectly with my color scheme this Christmas. She may be tall and skinny, but our living space is so small that she fits perfectly in our little corner. Okay, enough talking. I hope you enjoy a peek at my holiday decorations. If you have any questions about their sources, just leave a comment. 🙂
Painted this fun thing last year with BrynCo Boutique
I painted this door hanger with Stacey Edwards, but it went so well with my Christmas decor that I stuck it under the tree.
Time to put away those pumpkins and bust out the Christmas trees, Santas, and if you live in my house, glitter! Anyone else feel like you blinked and November was over? Holy crap! It flew by and even though December means that a lot is about to be added to our calendars, I’m looking forward to it.
This Blog
My first favorite this month is this blog. I have been learning so much (still have so much to learn), and I have just been having fun playing with the new things I’ve learned.
I really enjoyed writing my Changes post. It was pretty personal, but it’s the truth and something that’s going on in my life. It was fun to write out my thoughts and feelings about this particular topic, and I hope that if anyone else is feeling this way that they found a hint of encouragement from that post. No one is alone in their feelings.
I also enjoyed putting together all of my Holiday Gift Guides. I think I was most proud of the Gifts for Him guide because I’ve always been so bad at picking gifts for Paul. I remember getting him things for Christmas one year, and he took them back. Now, in his defense, he is horribly hard to buy for because he’s like most men and gets what he needs and wants throughout the year, so come Christmas there’s nothing left to get. But he told me after he read the post that he liked everything on the gift guide and thought the orange and blue golf shoes were very cool. 🙂 #wifewin Now, will he actually get any of those things? I can’t say yet!
My New Favorite Lipstick
That picture was a very happy mail day. I knew that I wanted to incorporate these lipsticks into my beauty routine as soon as I saw them. I read that we actually ingest our lip products. Yikes! So if our lip products are made of toxic materials, I think it’s a perfect place to start to make the switch to safer beauty. I received this holiday set from Beautycounter with the understanding that I could share with my clients and anyone interested in learning about the brand, but that they were to be put up for Christmas. Well, I have pretty much worn them everyday. (Sorry, Paul.) I love them so much. They truly are long-wearing, deeply pigmented, and smell and taste of peppermint. Did I mention I love them? I’d love for you to try them. You can check them out on the website here. They are currently out of stock until December 8th, but that’s plenty of time to order, get them in, and wear them to your holiday parties (or gift them). There’s also an option to be notified when they are available. Or I can do all the work for you. Just ask me how! One less thing for you to remember to do. 🙂 And if you’re local, call, text, or message me. I’d love for you to try them for yourselves.
Christmas Decor
If you follow any home decor bloggers on Instagram, then you’ve already been bombarded with picture after picture of Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, Santas, you get the picture. I’ve got to be honest, it’s one of my favorite things about Instagram. I love to see how other people decorate their homes. Do they go traditional or trendy? Do they have one tree or four? What are their family traditions? What outfits do they pick out for Christmas cards? And what about those party outfits? There’s always a lot of sparkles and sequins, and I love me a good sparkle.Look at Fran Bacon of The Fashion Lift in her sparkly jumpsuit! She’s from the UK, and she’s my ultimate in hair goals. Those bangs! I wish mine would look so good. Not that I have them, but if I did, I’d want them to be just like hers. And the woman can rock a bold lip. She’s just so chic! You can find her on Instagram here. Great fashion sense and always fun to listen to because of her accent. 🙂
I’ve also been enjoying my own Christmas decor. I have a Holiday Home Tour coming to the blog soon, so you’ll get a peek into our home and at our decor. I mentioned in my Changes blog post that I decided not to go traditional this year, and it’s been fun. I’m enjoying it this year. I can’t wait to get some presents wrapped and put under the tree. Here’s a sneak peek.
Auburn Won the Iron Bowl
Don’t you just love this Snapchat filter?
It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger! It was such a fun game, and I’m so happy I got to watch it with a bunch of Normans. Loud, bouncy Normans. There was a lot of jumping and high fiving and yelling during that game. At one point I look over and Ian (our nephew) and Paul were doing some kind of handshake, and the next thing I knew they were both lying on their backs with their legs and arms up in the air. I was informed that’s how the handshake ends. So much excitement! Now to get Georgia again this weekend. I heard Coach Malzahn say, “The best is yet to come.” 🙂 I believe Coach, and I believe in Auburn and love it!
9JKL
Have y’all been watching this show? I am so happy that Paul and I gave it a shot. It’s a funny 30 minute sitcom that will have you laughing out loud. Anytime we go to watch our DVR, I always request this show first. The dad is my favorite character, and during the Thanksgiving episode I looked at Paul and proclaimed them (the dad and mom- Harry and Judy) my soul mates.
Linda Lavin and Elliott Gould in the CBS comedy “9JKL.” MUST CREDIT: Sonja Flemming, CBS
Brief synopsis: Josh lives in an apartment (9K) in between his parents (9J) and his brother, sister-in-law, and their baby (9L). Hilarity ensues because of the boundaries, or lack thereof, amongst the family. It’s right up there on the “Funny Meter” with The Big Bang Theory. Here’s a clip-the one that made me think we were soul mates.
One More I’m not finished with this one yet, but it is very intriguing. I can tell that if I haven’t read it by Christmas break, I’ll definitely finish it then. My Aunt Sharon came to town and told me she was bringing it to me if I hadn’t read it yet. She’s very well-read and has excellent taste in literature, so I knew I’d better follow her advice and get right to this one. Have you read this one yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
So, what are you loving this November? Tell me in the comments! Have a very happy Friday and weekend and be looking out for my Holiday Home Tour in the next few days.
I put my Christmas tree up early this year. Before Thanksgiving. We’re talking November 4th. I’ve never done that. Like, ever.
And I’m always an advocate for decorating with the ornaments you collect over the years and not really having a themed tree but rather having all those memories hanging in one place and providing sweet memories as you decorate and enjoy your tree throughout the season. And this year I didn’t do that.
In our house in Louisiana I had two trees, one big one with colored lights and all the ornaments we’ve collected over our years of marriage. Then I became okay with the idea of a themed tree as long as we still had the traditional one. So we got a second tree that went in our dining room and was completely Auburn themed. It had twinkling orange lights (buy them at Halloween) and blue lights (can be found at Christmas). We used toilet paper as garland (for rolling Toomer’s Corner) and thanks to my Mother-in-Law and after-Christmas sales, we had every Auburn ornament that could be found in and around Greenville.
Then we moved to Alabama and couldn’t fit our big tree into the living room. We used our Auburn tree (tall and skinny), put white lights on it (another thing I’ve never done-I’ve always been a colored lights girl) and combined Auburn and sentimental ornaments.
And this year, as I’ve been embracing my love of all things neutral, I threw tradition out the window, put up my tree at the beginning of November, stayed with the white lights, did a little DIY to make new ornaments, and used only a few of the ornaments we’ve collected over the years. And I only used the ones without any actual color. I have all neutral colored ornaments and gold and silver ones. I even used an old white tree skirt (that I never use) because it completed the look I was going for better than the gorgeous red one I usually use that matches my stockings. (I’m seriously considering getting new stockings too.) Just don’t tell Paul!
More to come on that decor soon.
So Why the Change?
In a short answer- I don’t know.
I can’t really put my finger on it, but I just feel like shaking things up. Changing for the better, I think, but changing nonetheless.
Have you ever gone through a season of change? Where things just seemed turned upside down in your life or like things didn’t fit together the way they used to? Or maybe…just maybe…it’s that things are actually starting to fit together like they were always meant to?
So, naturally, the need for change is starting in my home. I literally took a can of spray paint to a lamp last week. It used to be gold-toned with a champagne colored shade. And then the lamp shade got paint today.
And as much as I love my gallery wall, I want to change that too. What’s going on in my brain?
To quote John Mayer- “It might be a quarter life crisis or just the stirring in my soul.” (Why Georgia) I love that line.
Sure, I might be a year (or 5) past the actual quarter life stage, but mine didn’t start until about 30, and I don’t know the mathematical translation, so quarter life it is.
Anywho, changes are inevitable in life, I know that. I expect them and have even welcomed them when I knew they were right. For example: Our moving back to Alabama was definitely the right thing for us to do. God was all over that. I knew without any doubt that it was all going to be just fine with everything concerning our move. And then we got here and so much changed in our lives. We lost 4 family members within the first 6 months of us being here, I’ve gotten a new job, I started this blog, I joined as a consultant to Beautycounter, Paul has established regular clients that take golf lessons from him, he is able to be a coach to his cousin who is on a professional golf tour, and the list goes on and on.
Thankful for the Change
The point is, I’m not afraid of change. I just wish I knew what all the change meant. The change that’s “stirring in my soul”. Thankfully I have Paul who puts up with all of my soul changes (and my decor changes). And thankfully I have an incredibly supportive family who has gone through the biggest changes of the past year with me. And most of all, I, thankfully, have a Heavenly Father that is guiding me through all of these changes.
So, if anyone has been going through a season of change, I hope you find this encouraging. You are not alone. And as we figure out who we truly are and how to embrace the changes in our lives, let’s not forget to be thankful for what we do have, what we already know, and what’s to come. And to thank God in the process and for the process of change. Because life can’t always stay the same. How boring would that be, anyway?
‘Tis the season for holiday parties! And any good Southern girl knows that she needs to take the hostess a little token of her appreciation for inviting her to such a festive occasion. Here are a few gift ideas for the hostesses of your holiday soirées.
Kate Spade Things We Love Coffee Table Book– I actually have this book and love it. It’s such a fun book to look at, and guests love to flip through it too. It’s delightfully cheery and perfect for the color-loving hostess in your life.
Lux Candle in Fraser Fir– This is hands down my favorite candle ever. And I’m a lover of Leaves from Bath and Body Works and most Tyler Candles, but this one…it’s the best. It is so festive and so fragrant. Bonus for the locals- The Pineapple sells these and in these cute gift boxes too! I took the topper off the box and made an ornament out of it this year.
William Sonoma Peppermint Bark– I remember the first time I ever tried this stuff. And every Christmas I’ve found a way to go in and sample it or get a tin. It’s a great hostess gift because she can stash it away for herself or open it up to serve at the party. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Kate Spade Deco Dot Round Baker– I think this would be a great gift to give if you had to bring a dish for a pot luck dinner. Bring your pie, quiche, or whatever you make in this adorable baker and tell the hostess she gets to keep the dish too! I would be delighted. Kate Spade is one of my favorites and can be found often at TJ Maxx and Home Goods at a bit of a discount.
Plaid Cooking Apron from Hearth and Hand at Target– I couldn’t not add something from Hearth and Hand. I think this apron is so festive and would be perfect to pull out every Christmas. It’s also really cute, and I wouldn’t mind wearing it in front of my guests as I finished cooking.
Laura in the Kitchen Cookbook– Laura Vitale is one of the first YouTubers I watched. She still posts cooking videos on her YouTube channel, and trust me, you want to check her out. I made Croque Madame from following her videos. That’s saying something, y’all. The cookbook is beautiful and has wonderful Italian-American recipes that make you want to have Sunday dinner with your whole family whether you’re Italian or not.
Faux Fur Wine Bag– The wine bag in the picture and in this link is to Restoration Hardware. They have a great selection, but another perk for the locals- Vesta Taylor had them in her store downtown a few weeks ago, and I thought they were luxuriously soft. If you’re going to get one, get one from her! It’s such an on-trend way to gift a bottle of vino to your hostess.
Cer Blue Flower Vase from At Home– You can’t go wrong with a fresh bouquet of flowers for your hostess, and this vase takes it to the next level. And it’s on clearance for $2.49 right now!! Yes! Under $3! This one’s a no-brainer.
Holiday Soap Trio from Beautycounter– With guests in and out of her house and bathrooms, what hostess doesn’t need a nice set of hand soaps? The best thing about this soap is it’s toxin-free and safe for her and all of her guests to use.
If they’re anything like my husband or dad or brother, there’s nothing they want (nothing that costs under a lot of money anyway), and chances are, they’ve already bought everything they need throughout the year. Well, I came up with a few things that some of the men in my life might like. Maybe it’ll be helpful for some of the guys in your life too.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest– Overall it’s not too cold here in Alabama, so a vest is a great piece to have for the cooler months. These vests look super soft and very chic. **But I found a great deal on Columbia ones at Academy today! Here’s the link.
Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette Spray– Paul has been wearing this for a few years now and still likes it. We got him the large bottle last year, and he still has so much left. A little goes a long way, y’all. But it smells delicious.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens– I’ll be honest, I am the one that really wants this camera. Paul isn’t much of a tech guy or a picture taker, but I know there are a lot of guys that are. I’ve heard so many great reviews on this camera, and it’s at the top of my high-dollar Christmas wish list. Bonus: It is on sale right now!
FootJoy Mens Club Casuals Buckle Loafers– Paul has been through a pair of these already, but his didn’t have the buckle. They look very nice and hold up well. I just love the buckle detail, and they look pretty sharp in black too.
FootJoy Pro/SL Mens Golf Shoe– These navy, orange, and white golf shoes lean a little in the Auburn fan direction, but they looked pretty awesome to me. There are other color combos in this shoe if this isn’t your man’s style.
Columbia Men’s Fast Trek Scarf– I said earlier it doesn’t get very cold here in Alabama, but sometimes it does. Especially during those early morning hunting excursions. This scarf would be a great and very warm addition to the hunting wardrobe.
Brookstone Bed Fan with Wireless Remote– Anyone else sleep next to a hot box every night? This fan has been on Paul’s list for quite some time now. It’s not a bad price and might really be a game changer for a better night’s sleep. I’ll report back if Santa brings this to our house. 🙂
I used to make a list of what I wanted for Christmas. I’m talking well into my 20s, I still made a list. I don’t do that anymore…mostly because Paul thought I was being ridiculous. So now, I just send him links of things I want randomly and drop hints here and there. But now that I’m in the blogging world, I get to make my list again. Take that, Paul! 🙂 He knows I’m kidding, and probably knows everything that I’m going to tell you about.
In all seriousness, I share this list not to receive gifts but to share some things that I would like to have, things that I already have, and things that I’m planning to give to others. Hopefully this will give you an idea for a few people that are on your list to buy for this Christmas.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera– I cannot stop thinking about this camera. It is on my Gifts for Him gift guide coming soon, and I’m putting it here again. I NEED a camera with my blog. Running on an iPhone with photo editing apps only takes you so far. Amazon says they only have 3 left! They’re on sale right now, and when they come back, who knows what they’ll cost?! SANTA, PLEASE!!
Mophie Charging Case– I run through my cell phone battery so quickly. I use it a lot in the mornings to binge watch Downton Abbey while I’m getting ready, so by the time I get to school I’m down to 50%. I charge it when I get there, but I do a lot of other things on my phone, as we all do, in the evenings, and I would like to not be in the red all the time. I think this would be a great investment for those of us on our phones a lot (for work or play).
Ikea Ribba Frame– I’ve been thinking about making some changes to my gallery wall in my living room (see it here), and I’m liking more of a grid layout. These frames have a thick mat and clean lines for the look I’m hoping to create.
Shark Steam Mop– Truth is, I need a mop. I have had a Shark before, but it finally wore out. They have come down significantly in price since we got married seven years ago which is a major bonus.
Hearth and Hand Salt and Pepper Cellars– Clearly I’m obsessed with Hearth and Hand by Chip and Joanna Gaines, but I’ve long ago been a fan of these little cellars. Giada always had them and now I can get my hands on some really cute ones for an amazing price.
Montmartre Art Print at Minted– I am on the lookout for a large print to go on the other wall of our dining nook, and I think I just found it. Minted has countless options for beautiful artwork and frames it for you too. I love everything about this print (especially that striped awning).
Zoya Nail Polish in Marnie– Fun fact: This nail polish is named for one of my favorite YouTubers, Ms. Goldgirl. I have this color and have been wearing it a lot this fall season. It looks good on my fair skin and some darker colors are kind of harsh for that reason. This would be a great gift for a girlfriend, daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, pretty much any woman. I use Zoya nail polish because it has removed toxic ingredients such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from its formulation. There are other safe nail polish options out there, but I have only used Zoya. Excellent, long-wearing, and endless color choices to choose from. Also, Zoya has great sales throughout the year. I’ve ordered from them before a lot. I can also find a limited selection of some of their products at Ulta in Montgomery-for you local folks.
L.L. Bean Winter Loft Fleece Jacket– I need an everyday jacket that I can throw on. The one I have now is from college! I’m a little ashamed to admit that. We all know L.L. Bean is excellent quality and super warm. I would love this jacket but in the Cool Silver color.
Steve Madden Mules from Macy’s– I don’t have these exact shoes, but I do have some mules that I found at TJ Maxx. I am obsessed with them and am getting a taupe pair for Christmas. Mine are a velvet material that makes them so warm and cozy looking for the winter months. These are the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.
Flat Booties– These flat booties are from my favorite boutique in Baton Rouge, Simply Chic Baton Rouge. I linked their Instagram there for you to follow. The absolute nicest girls in the world work there; the owner is just the best, and they will help out your fella when he wants to surprise you with something nice. I miss this store so much! Here’s another picture of how they styled them. And look at those jeans with the pearl detail. Seriously, go check them out.
Howlite Jewelry– I just think this marble-like jewelry is beautiful. I love how it goes with everything and would look great with white for a monochromatic look or really pop against a black outfit. The bracelet here is really cute, but the necklaces can totally be showstoppers.
Ultimate Nudes Palette from Beautycounter– This palette has been on my radar for a while, but I got “the look” from Paul when I mentioned all the things on my Beautycounter wish list. The look that says, “Have you actually seen the credit card bill?” So I have refrained from buying anything else that isn’t a necessity just yet. There are 18 shades to create countless looks. This is the PERFECT gift for the teenage girl on your list. Not only are you giving her something she will love using, but it is the perfect way to introduce her to the world of safer beauty.
Stackable Rings from Everly– I love the look of a stack of sparkly rings. This company produces some of the most gorgeous jewelry. They are mostly simulated stones so the price is excellent. And the Black Friday deal going on right now is Buy 2, Get 4 FREE! What?! You won’t be disappointed looking around this site. Load up your cart and send to your significant other for an extra sparkly present under the tree. I did!
Color Intense Lip Set by Beautycounter– I almost didn’t put this on here because it’s unavailable until December 8th, but these lipsticks are so fantastic, y’all. I was supposed to buy them, share them with my clients, and then put them away for Christmas. But I can’t. They are that good. I highly recommend these for yourself or for the beauty lover in your life.
I love the music and the dancing. Bing Crosby is magical to watch and to listen to. He’s one of the greats. Paul told me this year that he’s never watched this movie. I think it’s time to change that!
And don’t you just get chills when they open the doors for Arthur (the older gentleman), and all those people are cheering for him. I cry every time. Watch this one please!
I even added a few more twinkle lights. I couldn’t help myself. 🙂
They arrived in the mail on a Tuesday. I told Paul I needed these, and seeing as how I’d just placed a pretty large order to Beautycounter, he was less than thrilled when I told him about the lipsticks. (Husbands…)He conceded and told me I could have them for Christmas. I could share with clients, but I couldn’t wear them because they were supposed to be wrapped and put under the tree. Well…had that actually happened, I couldn’t write this post for you. So, it’s technically still a Christmas present, but I’ve been wearing them everyday since they came that Tuesday.
If you can get past so many of my faces, you can really tell the difference in the colors. There’s no filter on these pictures to show you a true look at their color. These were taken on a cloudy morning.
I took down my rustic, turquoise sconces to put up some (basically antique) sconces from my grandparents’ house. They may be dated and ugly to some, but I kind of love them and they look festive with some garland I pulled off of another decoration that I didn’t use.
She may be tall and skinny, but our living space is so small that she fits perfectly in our little corner. Okay, enough talking. I hope you enjoy a peek at my holiday decorations. If you have any questions about their sources, just leave a comment. 🙂 
Look at Fran Bacon of 
