favorite things

tray // popcorn // lipstick // calendar // necklace

Just a quick round up of the things I can't get enough of this week.  I often get questions about gift ideas for girlfriend's birthdays, anniversary presents, and hostess gifts, so I hope that a "favorite things" post might provide a little inspiration each week.  Feel free to be in touch with your specific gift needs. Happy Wednesday!

xo,

warm weather make up

Hello Friends!  We have had a rapid and unexpected blast into summer-like temperatures around these parts and it has made me re-think my makeup routine.  While I don't typically wear too much makeup, warm temps make me want to wear even less.  I think it's a product of the heat, humidity, and desire to be able to jump into a swimming pool at a moment's notice without emerging looking like a clown.  With the warmer days of summer fast approaching, here are a few products that I will have in heavy rotation: (and likely into the fall, winter, and spring!)

1. Boscia BB Cream.  Boscia considers themselves to be a skin-care line, not a makeup brand.  The result is this BB Cream that goes on smoothly, provides SPF, and never clogs your pores.  My very favorite thing about this make up though is that it is a self-adjusting shade.  It really adjusts perfectly and gives me a sheer coverage with a bit of color- almost like I am wearing bronzer and moisturizer in one.  This is literally my favorite product in my entire make up bag...give it a try...year-round!

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2. Revlon Lip Butter.  I've posted about these bad boys before, and my love affair has only grown stronger since.  I have tried lots of different "drug store" brand lipsticks in recent weeks, but none go on as smoothly and provide as much moisture as the lip butters.  I also love that these go on sheer but can become higher impact if you add a few coats.  Sweet tart is one of my favorite colors- the perfect pop of pink for your lips when you want to be a little more pulled together.

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3. Essie Nail Polish in Watermelon.  While I used to be partial to OPI, Essie has recently become my "go to" nail polish brand, and watermelon is my "go to" color.  I love a bright polish on my toes to show off my favorite summer sandals, and this is a great shade of bright pink.

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The last thing in my make up bag this summer will be a cream blush.  I typically use Bobbi Brown's illuminating powder blush, but I want to try a cream blush for summer.  I am looking for a sheer formula that can be layered for intensity.   Do you have a favorite you can recommend?

Here's to warmer weather, icy drinks by the pool, and streamlined make up routines!

xo,

sugar and beauty?

Hello!  We are waking up to possible flurries (albeit, very small flurries) today and I can't help but think WHAT?!?!  It's spring, it's March, and I am ready for flip flops.  C'est la vie.

I will never claim to be a beauty expert, but I have been thinking lots about skin care lately.  I think I come by it honestly though having fair skin, freckles, and growing up in Florida.  I know lots of friends who are raving about Rodan + Fields products, I have tried Obagi, and lots of people swear by nothing more than a bar of dove soap.

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While I certainly can't claim to have a magic formula, I did hear something on the radio last night that I want to put into practice- cutting back on sugar.  The report I heard said that eating excess sugar can lead to more rapid aging and wrinkles.  Apparently, if you can limit yourself to one sugary treat each day, you can reverse the effects of excess sugar in as little as two months.  While I can't back this claim up with real research or personal experience, I think it is an interesting proposition for overall health that has an added skin bonus! What more could I ask for?!

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I will say I am also intrigued by Caudalie lotions.  I got a tiny sample of some of their anti aging line premier cru and my skin has never felt so smooth and hydrated.  While I am tempted by it, the price tag is steep and not something I can bring myself to do quite yet.  For now I am loving every little bit of my sample size and dreaming of the day I when I might make a salary...

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Do you all have any great skin care tips?  I am most interested in anti-aging products, but I would love to hear how any tips about how you all stay looking gorgeous!

xo,

weekend recap

First and foremost...HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA!  I can't believe my baby sister is nineteen today.  I will always remember waking up February 25 all those years ago and Meemaw telling me you had been born.  I was so excited to get a baby sister and I am so proud of the woman you have grown up to be.  You are beautiful and caring and I am so thankful that you are my chicken little.  Wishing you a happy day today and sending all my love!

happy birthday rebecca!

As I write this, my "busy season" in law school is officially behind me.  With two back to back events this month (Pro Bono and Craven Moot Court Competition), it has been a whirlwind, but I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to work with such fabulous teams of people.  While I am grateful for my experiences, I must say, I am ecstatic for a little more free time in the coming weeks.  Thank you all for the love and support.

blurry iphone pics from the craven competition banquet at the carolina inn.

After the Craven Competition ended on Saturday afternoon, I spent some quality time in my slippers on my couch.  I literally didn't do anything!  Josh and I had plans to go out for dinner and drinks at one of our favorite restaurants, but even that seemed like more effort than it was worth once I was firmly planted on the couch.  Josh got us take-out chinese and then surprised me by replicating one of my favorite drinks from the restaurant we did not patronize on Saturday.  He called it the "Carolina Ginger" and I must say it was very tasty... and pink!

carolina ginger compliments of josh

Sunday I woke up feeling so rested and relaxed- AND it was the most beautiful day we have had all spring.  The sun was shining and it was warm enough to go out without a coat and boots...blissful!  After a quick run with Mac, Josh and I attempted to go to brunch at a french restaurant we have been dying to try.  When we arrived it was closed for construction, so we improvised and went to an Italian Restaurant, 411 West and tried their brunch.  While I missed the french brunch, 411 did NOT disappoint.  We had beignets and benedict and left feeling spoiled rotten.

beignets at brunch...notice the bite taken out of one...couldn't get my camera out fast enough!

With all that has been going on this semester, I haven't had much time to bake.  I tried to remedy this on Sunday afternoon by making the macaroon recipe I shared with you here.  I must say, I have a ways to go before I become a french pastry chef, but the macaroons were edible and made for a VERY sweet dessert on Sunday night.  I did have a mis-step along the way with the macaroon filing, but the mistake became the base for a "strawberries and cream" cake so it worked out well...stay tuned for a recipe if I can re-create the original mistake.

strawberry macaroons

Finally, I have been hearing rave reviews about Revlon's "lip butter" lipstick.  The grocery store had them on sale Sunday so I grabbed three colors and I am SO glad I did!  They go on so easily and provide tons of moisture for your lips.  The color range it fantastic and the colors go on sheer for a subtle look or can be layered for more drama.  I stuck with the pink colors, but I may head back to stock up on some more- seriously...try these!

lip butter...#90 "sweet tart" is my favorite, but be warned, it is bright!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!  I'd love to hear about it in the comments section! 

xo,