Friday Favorites

It’s Friday, so y’all know what that means! It’s time to link up with Erika and Andrea to let everybody know what some of my favorite things are right now.

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CARTER GOT BAPTIZED!

My tip top favorite of the whole week (actually the whole year) is that Carter got baptized on Wednesday. It was truly the most special night.

We dedicated him when he was a baby, but he made the personal decision to get baptized, and we were of course thrilled! Some of his friends were baptized as well, and seeing these kids make public proclamations of their faith was incredible.

Carter has a firm (while of course still growing) faith that is awesome to see. As his parents, we are just so proud that he is so bold in his beliefs and in his love for Jesus!

 

And y’all. So many of his buddies came to support him!

Carter was of course so thankful that they came, and it was just so sweet to see his friends so genuinely excited for him.

Out with the old! In with the new!

 

 

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HOMECOMING WEEKEND

Another big event… Homecoming was last weekend! Carter went with a big group (24 I think?), but since I was unable to get permission from all of the parents to post, you’re just getting 1 pic of me and my boy. (Chris was out of town, so he didn’t even make the shot list.) 🙂

 

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FRAGRANCE EVENT AT NORDSTROM

There’s a FRAGRANCE EVENT happening at Nordstrom, and you can get 15% OFF of almost all fragrances! Get yourself your favorite (duh), and then buy a couple for your loved ones Christmas gifts as well!

Click HERE for all women’s perfume deals.

Click HERE for all the men’s cologne deals.

 

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PERSONALIZED CHRISTMAS

BaubleBar has an incredible event happening right now where you can get 25% OFF of all CUSTOM GIFTS! And y’all know I love giving (and receiving) personalized gifts. The totes below are just one of the personalized possibilities!

No code needed, discount automatically applied at checkout!

Click HERE to shop.

Click HERE to see all of the options (way more than just what’s seen below)! Personalize a tote, a necklace, a blanket, a bracelet, a phone case, Christmas tree ornaments, whatever your little heart desires!

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WALMART CHRISTMAS

Speaking of Christmas…

Walmart is absolutely killing it in the Christmas department.

There’s a Holiday Decor Shop that is organized quite nicely, and I think the Holiday Home Edit might blow you away with the pieces and prices. We’re talking kitchen accessories, decor, blankets, candles, everything you need!

And y’all These Nutcracker pajamas are precious. The background is a pretty light pink and the pattern features nutcrackers, wreaths, bells, and bows. They are insanely soft and comfortable. I’m wearing a medium. (Warning: the top looked really small when I took it out of the package and the bottoms looked really big, but both pieces fit just fine.)

pajamas

 

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AVARA HOLIDAY LAUNCH

Click HERE to see all of the NEW, darling, and festive pieces from Avara’s Holiday Launch!

A festive tweed jacket? YES, PLEASE! I’m in love with this. It’s just so so fabulous. Black, cranberry red, and light pink all come together for the cutest plaid pattern you’ve ever seen. And did I mention TWEED? For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. If between sizes, I think you can size down.

These washed black boot cut jeans are new (to me at least), and I think they’re great. Y’all know I’ve been a lover of the Wit and Wisdom bootcut jeans for years and years, so grabbing this washed black pair was pretty much a no brainer for me. I like how they’re not shiny black like some black denim is, and they have a bit of a “lived in” look in person. They are insanely flattering and comfy (with the stretch), which is the perfect combination. They do have the brand’s Contour Shape Technology, which makes for a smooth and tailor made fit! For size reference, I’m wearing my regular size 4.

tweed jacket / pink sweater / chunky hoop earrings / black boot cut jeans / suede booties

The tweed jacket is cute with regular denim too.

If you want a pair of new denim that leans dressy and is CRAZY flattering, I gotchu. These dark wash flare jeans are soft, comfy, stretchy, and super slimming. Definitely size down 1 size because they for sure run big.

tweed jacket / basic black tee / chunky hoop earrings / dark wash flare jeans / suede booties

This CHEERS sweater is so totally festive and modern, but somehow a great basic too! It’s a beautiful Christmas red and says “cheers” in a cheerful pink. I like the subtle puff sleeves and the fact that it isn’t super fitted. It is quite long, and since it’s roomy, I would recommend sizing down if between sizes. I’m wearing a medium, but I feel like a small would be better.

I’m wearing the same jeans I’m wearing above, but I think you get a better look here at how they both slim and elongate my legs. I mean, my torso is non-existent, but don’t I look taller than 5’3″ 3/4? 😉

CHEERS sweater / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / dark wash flare jeans / suede booties

This is a 2-piece dress set that includes a tank style midi slip dress (not meant to be worn on its own) and an open cable knit sweater to layer on top. I have the look dressed down here with booties and everyday jewelry, but I could easily dress it up with heels and sparkly jewelry. This set is very comfy and feels like pajamas. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium, but I think I could do a small.

It also comes in olive and navy.

2-piece dress set / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / suede booties

As you can see, you can also wear the sweater separately.

sweater from 2-piece set / crop bootcut jeans / suede booties / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack

 

 

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SOME OTHER FINDS

I bought this sweater last week at regular price, but it is NOW ON SUPER SALE for 53% OFF! It is quite soft, it’s warm (but not too thick), and I like the details of the ribbed cuffs and hem. I also like the little splits on each side. I would definitely recommend sizing down 1. I’m wearing a small here and it’s still a very relaxed fit.

I’m wearing the “crisp merlot” here, but the “sugar oak” option is a very pretty neutral.

sweater ON SALE / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / crop bootcut jeans / suede booties

I love it here with the black boot cut denim too.

sweater ON SALE / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / black boot cut jeans / suede booties

This puff sleeve sweater is the pink sweater you see peeking out from under the Avara tweed jacket (when I have it styled with the black boot cut jeans at the beginning of the post). The puff sleeves aren’t overpowering, and the fitted cuffs and waistband make it flattering. I would say it’s on the fitted side, which actually makes it great for layering. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

puff sleeve sweater / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / crop bootcut jeans / suede booties

This red v-neck sweater is ON SALE too! It comes in 7 colors, so there’s something for everybody, but I’m of course in love with this true Christmas red. I love the neckline and the swingy fit, and it’s perfect for all of you that don’t like to do a half tuck. The wide hem, side slits, and split hem make it a great cut to just wear out. It runs very large, so I sized down 2 sizes. I’m wearing an x-small here and it’s still roomy.

red v-neck sweater ON SALE / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / dark wash flare jeans / suede booties

I’ve got another oversized sweater for you that is roomy and cozy as all get out. I’m loving the chocolate brown. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. It’s a super relaxed fit and very slouchy in a medium, but I like the fit from this type of sweater. Notice that I did roll the sleeves up because the arms are long. If you’re planning on just wearing it with jeans (and not leggings) and would like a less relaxed look, I would recommend sizing down 1 size.

oversized sweater / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / crop bootcut jeans / suede booties

This oversized cropped sweater is such an easy piece to wear. Look at all of the cute ribbed detailing around the neckline, hem, and sleeves. And y’all know I love the longer sleeve length. It’s a perfect length for me, but if you have a long torso, it might be more cropped than you would like. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

These crop bootcut jeans are still pretty new to me. I first showed them a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been wearing the heck out of them. I grabbed them because of the cropped fit and because I thought the detailing at the bottom was so cute. This is my first time buying (or even trying) Good American jeans, and I will definitely be buying more in the future. This pair is a very soft denim with great stretch, so these babies hug your curves in all the right places. The seams on each side of the bottom of each leg are my favorite part. It’s such a nice detail, and they really modernize the whole look. True to size, I’m wearing a 4. And they come in plus sizes too!

oversized cropped sweater / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / crop bootcut jeans / suede booties

This is the same sweater as above, but I’ve styled it here with some black cropped wide leg jeans. This is the first time you are seeing these jeans on the blog, and I think they are so hip and modern. They’re cropped (which I love) with a wide hem (that’s not aggressively wide). They do have some stretch in them, which I pretty much find necessary now. I’m wearing a 4, so they are true to size.

oversized cropped sweater / chunky hoop earrings / coin toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / black cropped wide leg jeans / leopard Mary Jane’s no longer available

 

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COLLEEN ROTHSCHILD SALE

Click HERE to shop the entire BEAT THE HOLIDAY RUSH sale!

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SEPHORA SALE

The huge Sephora Sale is going down right now, so it’s time to restock all your favorites and try those new products you’ve been wanting to! Rouge members save 20%, VIB members save 15%, and Insiders save 10%… site-wide!

Code: EVERYTHING

And on some orders you can get free same day delivery with the code SAMEDAY.

Click HERE for the Holiday Gift Guide.

Click HERE for gifts under $50.

Click HERE for gifts under $25.

Click HERE for Advent calendars.

SOME NEWER FAVORITES

One of the last times I popped into Sephora, I grabbed a small handful of items that I had been interested in trying.

My girlfriend Cassie has been talking about Merit products for a while now, and I finally took the plunge.

These next items are products I personally own, use regularly, and LOVE!

The first time I used this product was at the ranch house when I used it from a travel set I had grabbed previously. After using it, I knew I had to get the full size for at home. It’s pricey and a total luxury, but I love it so much. It smells incredible.

Sol de Janeiro Shower Cream Gel

I love Fenty glosses and own several. During the last sale I bought this new gloss in Riri (a shimmering rose mauve nude). It’s GORGEOUS and quickly became a favorite.

Fenty Beauty lip gloss in Riri

I often get questions about how these face products differ. I’m going to talk about each product in detail below, but in a nutshell…

The Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (new packaging) is a self-tanner that “tans” your skin. I used to put it on at night, the color would develop while I was sleeping, and then I would wake up with a nice glow. I mixed the tanning drops with the Magic Cream, which is my very favorite moisturizer. (I no longer use the self-tanning drops on my face because I started feeling like the color would cling to my already hyper pigmented spots, and I didn’t want to highlight those. If you don’t struggle with dark spots, I still highly recommend these drops. I loved them and the glow they gave, and I totally miss using them.)

The Sunshine Drops (new packaging) are NOT a self-tanner. Think of the Sunshine Drops as a very sheer tinted moisturizer. They provide really light coverage, but with a bronzy color. I also mix these with the Magic Cream.

The SuperGoop Glow Screen is a heavier tinted moisturizer with SPF.

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (new packaging) / Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream / Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops / SuperGoop Glow Screen

The Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (new packaging) were one of the blogger products that I’d heard about for well over a year before I decided to try them for myself. They totally lived up to all of the blogger hype. This product totally blew me away.

Here’s what you do. You mix drops of it into your favorite moisturizer (again, I use this Charlotte Tilbury one). The more drops, the deeper the tan. You rub it all over your face, being careful not to miss any spots… and within a couple of hours, a “tan” develops. It’s magical really. (Make sure you wash your hands very well afterwards.)

I appreciate that you can control the deepness of your tan with the number of drops you use. They call it “controlling your glow”, and I’m here for it. When I still used them, I used 3 healthy sized drops mixed in with my moisturizer. I felt like it gave me an even bronze glow that’s not streaky or orange. I MISS USING THEM SO MUCH. (Again, I only stopped because I didn’t think they were good for the hyperpigmented spots on my face.)

I think it’s best to apply it at night so it can develop while sleeping. When using 3 drops, the color fades in about 3 days.

I would like to direct your attention to my arm in the picture below. Do you see the horizontal stripe below my wrist and the vertical stripe down my forearm? That’s the sun-kissed glow it gives!

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (new packaging) / Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

Okay, now let’s talk about Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. The packaging was recently updated to more of a rectangular bottle, but it’s the same product.  I combine these drops with my Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream…and I’m telling you….MAGIC happens.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream / Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops (new packaging)

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream – I added this moisturizer into my routine after reading about it on several blogs and in several “BEST OF” beauty articles, and now I’ve been using it for like 5-6 years now. Lots of users compared it to the much more expensive La Mer line, but said they preferred this product! That was it, I was convinced I needed to try it. Officially, it’s a cream that floods skin with moisture for a glowing complexion in a flash. A little goes a long way with this cream, and it’s not greasy, but it is incredibly hydrating. There is a very light rose scent to this cream, and I don’t normally care for rose, but it doesn’t bother me at all.

I’m now devoted to it. It has a cult following and a large group of women that absolutely swear by it. I’m now a part of that group.

Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops – This product is awesome. AWESOME. I mix it with the magic cream and just use one full squirt of the sunshine drops. It gives a really pretty glow with a bit of coverage immediately! Again, this is NOT a self-tanner. It’s a tinted moisturizer. It’s very sheer, and I love the amount of color it gives. These drops also have a lot of amazing ingredients in them that are great for your skin. They are made of vitamins, antioxidants, platinum peptides, and barrier-supportive fatty acids that defend skin from environmental free radicals. YES, PLEASE!

Below you can see how I just add a pump to the magic cream and then blend it together before applying it all over my face and neck. I’m telling you, it just gives your face a wonderfully healthy looking GLOW.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream/ Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops

The Supergoop Glow Screen is a makeup primer with SPF40! And the best part is that it has a pearlescent finish which also gives an immediate glow. The Glow Screen gives a bit heavier coverage than the Sunshine Drops give, and it’s also a bit more glowy, but doesn’t give as deep of color.  You can wear it under other foundation, which I’ve definitely done, but I most frequently wear it on it’s own as my “foundation”.

And y’all!  Several summers ago I had a FANTASTIC idea (if I do say so myself). I mixed one pump of the Sunshine Drops with the Glow Screen (instead of the Magic Cream). It resulted in heavier coverage and deeper color!  I MEAN! GENIUS!

Some of my other very favorite products that I absolutely swear by are the lip products below. Like I’m telling you right now, I can’t live without them.

Brazillian Kiss Lip Butter / Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

The Brazillian Kiss Lip Butter is only $18, and I think it’s an awesome product. First of all, it smells heavenly. It goes on very smoothly and isn’t sticky at all, but the best part about it is definitely the smell.

If you needs something super hydrating that will repair cracked and dry lips, go with the Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s a product that I absolutely swear by. I keep it on my nightstand and use it every single night. Like, I can’t go to sleep if I don’t have it on, and I travel with it too.

Brazillian Kiss Lip Butter / Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Check out these Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops! This product is for all skin types and it combats dryness and dullness. It makes my skin feel great, look great, and it smells freaking amazing. My favorite way to use this product is just to apply it to a clean and dry face on the days I’m at home and not wearing makeup. I’ve also applied it to the high points of my face as sort of a natural highlighter, and it can also be used under makeup as a primer.

I love the Maracuja Juicy Lip in Strawberry from tarte. The color is so soft and pretty, the formula is very hydrating, AND it smells like coconut! My entire face is done with tarte products in this picture. Click HERE for all tarte products at Sephora.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Glass Bomb Lip Lumizer – I’m a lip gloss lover, but I’m SUPER picky. It can’t be sticky, it can’t have a weird smell, it needs to have staying power for a gloss, and it needs to be VERY SHINY. After seeing the number of 5 star reviews and reading the words “explosive shine”, I grabbed this one. It goes on very smoothly, the applicator is a good size and shape, it’s hydrating, and it truly offers explosive shine.

This very well could be my favorite lip gloss ever. I have a couple of different full size glosses and I also got a small sampler pack during Christmas. I love every single color I’ve tried. One more thing I love about it? The scent!  It smells like peaches and vanilla. It’s not overwhelming at all though, it’s just delightful.

Fenty Gloss Bomb

 

The Peter Thomas Roth Hydra Gel Eye Patches have gained some serious popularity over the last couple of years. I was first introduced to them in April of 2018, and I’ve been using them ever since.

You use the enclosed spatula to gently lift and separate a patch from the others, and then you apply the patches under your eye to clean and dry skin.

If you apply with the pointy side up, you will target under eye puffiness and wrinkles. If you apply with the pointy side down, you can target your crow’s feet. They feel nice and cool on your skin when you put them on (I’ve heard some even keep them in the fridge), and I leave them on for 10-15 minutes. The caffeine that’s in them helps de-puff the eye area, and the 24K gold will leave your skin appearing firmer, lifted, and brighter!  #YESPLEASE

They are expensive, but I really do notice a marked difference after using them. I don’t use them every day, only when I look extra tired or have extra puffy eyes.

Hydra Gel Eye Patches

I was also interested in a new hairspray, and the helpful Sephora employee recommended these as the 2 most popular. One is a flexible hold, one is a firm hold, and I really like both of them depending on what my needs are for that day.

Living Proof Flex Hairspray / Moroccanoil Treatment / Moroccanoil Hairspray

Before I started using the Colleen Rotschild hair products, this is what I used…

Moroccanoil – I’ve been hearing about this product for years from friends, and I finally tried it. And now that I have, I feel so stupid for waiting so long. BECAUSE IT’S AMAZING. It’s used for conditioning, styling, and finishing.  It claims to detangle, speed up drying time, and boost shine. It does not contain Parabens, Sulfates, or Phthalates.

The main benefits I’ve noticed is that it tames flyaways and BOOSTS THE SHINE LIKE CRAZY. My hair is silkier, softer, and more manageable. It’s seriously SO SOFT and SO SHINY.

I do wish it came with a pump dispenser, but I just turn it over with my middle finger placed on top to make sure I don’t pour too much out at a time.  I rub it on my palms or on my fingertips, and then I apply the oil all throughout my hair.  It’s not greasy, but it’s incredibly moisturizing.  It doesn’t weigh my hair down, and it smells amazing.

These masks are placed strategically at the check-out counter at Sephora.  #wellplayedsephora

They are brightly colored, look like a lot of fun, and the packages tell you what the masks target.  For example, the pink mask is “ultra moisturizing and brightening”.  The yellow mask is “pore perfecting and smoothing”.

I grab one or two masks like this every single time I place an order or go to Sephora.

Click HERE for a large selection of single use masks to choose from! They make awesome stocking stuffers.

 

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WEEK IN REVIEW

Monday’s post…

Nordstrom launched an EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SALE! There’s lots of stuff on sale, and many of the pieces are on sale AND an additional 30% OFF right now!

Let’s see what we’ve got!

And you can click HERE to see me in some of the sale items.

1) stretch bracelet / 2) eyelid lift serum / 3) sweater / 4) Kiehl’s Mega Moisture cream / 5) floral dress / 6) earrings / 7) big curve shoulder bag / 8) sweater cardi jacket / 9) quilted puffer coat / 10) leopard bag / 11) star sweater / 12) belt / 13) eyeshadow palette and eyeliner set / 14) cotton shift dress / 15) floral maxi dress / 16) stretch flare leg jeans (61% OFF)/ 17) sailor wide leg jeans (65% OFF!) / 18) wide leg jeans (55% OFF)

 

Wednesday’s post…

I talked about October’s Top 12. Click HERE to see me in all the items!

1) puff shoulder blazer / 2) sweater shirt jacket ON SALE / 3) oval buckle belt / 4) faux suede hobo bag / 5) booties / 6) boatneck sweater / 7) Ethereal Glow Serum / 8) coin necklace / 9) smocked yoke blouse / 10) pleated dress pants / 11) crop boot cut jeans / 12) boot cut cords / 13) leopard barrel pants

 

 

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That’s all for today, ladies! Have a wonderful weekend with your people!

 

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