It’s that time of year again! You know, the time where winter is still here, we’re still wearing our salt-covered boots, our faces are dry and pale, and we’re drooling over thoughts of sunshine and Spring. Neiman Marcus must have heard my face screaming because their Spring beauty event kicks off this Thursday. yes! That means I’ll be sneaking off on my lunch hour to buy one of the above pictured things to spruce up my face. The deal: spend $100 and get lots of free samples (that most of the time are pretty sweet) and get a cheap, brightly-colored tote bag that you’ll probably never wear/use. No offense to the makers of the tote bags but I never like them. The people behind the counter always try and make them sound so cool and I’m like “just give me the free goods. I don’t care about the damn tote.” Oh well, the event is mostly an excuse for me to spend money on myself and tell my husband “but I got some free stuff (that I’ll never use)!”

Anyway, go and treat yourself if you can. Pictured are a few of the things I’ve been wanting to try lately. You’re probably thinking “eyelash curler?” Well, I’ve never actually curled my eyelashes. Is that strange? I might give it a whirl but it looks painful and dangerous. And who doesn’t need a $170 hairbrush? ha…I’ll keep dreaming.

(The stuff I want L to R, top to bottom: ONE: Kate Somerville Tanning Towelettes, Chanel Les Vernis Nail Color in Orange Fizz, Rose Gold Curler, La Mer The Eye Balm Intense, Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Cream, Mason Pearson Boar Brush, Fekkai Beach Waves)

I’m feeling all sappy, pink and red. Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching so I thought I’d put together something to get you all in the mood. I wish we could trade those perforated valentines like we used to in elementary school. Even though I can’t do that, I CAN be all romantic and make dinner, pick out some pretty flowers and pass out some cute cards. The one thing I hate about lover day is going to dinner. It’s always cheesy and the menu is always screwed up and fixed. Mike and I try to go out the weekend before to avoid the cheese factor and limited menu or better yet, stay home.

Anyway, here’s some Valentine’s Day eye candy for you.

P.S. You’re probably thinking, what’s with the random green dress? Well, my friends, I don’t wear red and I love neutral colors so the green dress it is. I would add a little V-Day flare by smearing some red on my lips and sporting that amazing heart necklace.

Items L to R, top to bottom:

(ONE: Fetty Heart Necklace, TWO: Fleur de Lys Juice Glass, THREE: Nars Lip Gloss, FOUR: MCQ Paneled Stretch-Jersey Dress, FIVE: Be Mine Card, SIX: Hugs Pillow, SEVEN: Dazzling Dahlias)

The holidays are over and this cold Minneapolis weather thing is getting old. I think I’d rather be on a yacht in St. Barts wearing a string bikini (with a giant cover up) chugging bubbles as the sun hits my white face.

I’ve been researching fun places to stay in the Caribbean and dreaming of my choice resort wear. These are my top picks. Even though I can’t afford any of these things at the moment, I can fantasize about rolling in money on the beach in my $800+ Missoni polo as I dig holes in the sand with the heel of my blue Louboutins. ahhh. We’ll see what I actually end up wearing when we decide to book a trip but until then, I can make fun style boards to get me in a sunny mood.

enjoy. And for all you fellow pale lay-dees out there—the magic yellow tube in my style board truly is magic. Tinted sunscreen, I tell you! Kate Somerville is the best. xoxo

(The swanky resort wear, top to bottom, L to R: 1. Crochet Knit Polo: Missoni, 2. Bikini: Phillip Lim, 3. Billy Woven Shoulder Bag: Marc Jacobs, 4. Apple-Embellished Plexi Glass Bangle: Miu Miu, 5. Tinted spf 55 Serum: Kate Somerville, 6. Altadama Watersnake Platform Pumps: Christian Louboutin, 7. Printed Silk Mini Dress: Tucker)

I’m finally blogging again! After 17 days off from work and time spent with family, I’m back, rested and ready to write.

One of my new years resolutions is to spend less money on crap and start saving and spending more on stuff for our home. Our “master” bathroom needs some major love. Right now there’s a pretty white rug and a so-so shower curtain and that’s about it. I don’t wanna just fill it up quickly for the sake of having stuff on the walls and counter. I wanna love every single thing I put in there. The place where we do our biz-nass can in fact be beautiful.

So, here are the current things on my want list. I wanna rip out our mirror, add some cute polka dot hand towels, hang up some spiffy art, get a cooler light and bam—a new bathroom is born. I like that the mirror is the wow piece and the rest is simple, quiet and pretty. Showers would be so much more exciting don’t you think?

The pretty stuff: ONE: Match Vanity Mirror, TWO: Polka Dot Hand Towel, THREE: Bucket Pendant Lamp, FOUR: Natasha Mirror, FIVE: White Glass Succulent Planter, SIX: Holly Farrell Acrylic + Oil Soap Painting, SEVEN: Hugo Guinness Urinal Print)

We all have places to be and people to see around the holiday time. I’m doing lots of flying this Christmas—home to KS and to Mike’s fam in Dallas. You know what that means—lots of airport time and TSA touches…great. Although the long lines and fondling can spoil the trip, at least accessorize yourself so you’ll look and feel cute while delayed or on time. And if you’re traveling by car, you’ll look hot at those sketch gas stations where you stop to take a quick wiz.

Here are some travel things I love. They’re kind of overly colorful for my usual taste but I’m drawn to them. Here we go…

(L to R, top to bottom)

1. Orla Kiely Dark Multi-Stem Tote: This tote is wonderful. It’s colorful, vintage-inspired and large enough to toss your travel goodies in there with ease. It also has a nice coating on it so if you happen to spill some airport coffee, just wipe it off and go about your day.

2. Lanvin Patent Leather Ballerina Flats: I love Lanvin flats. They’re pricey but so comfy and chic. I like that they’re simple—no frills or beads or labels, just lovely. They’re perfect for flights and car rides. You can easily whip them off for the TSA and they take up minimal space in your luggage.

3. Books Lifestyle Notebook: I always have the pleasure of reading lots of books while on the plane or in the airport. This is a perfect little journal to document the books I’ve read—during and after the holidays.

4. Jonathan Adler Specs Case: I don’t really need a glasses case but this one is too cute not to have. It’s cross-stitched and colorful. It’s actually not even that functional for travel because glasses would prob get smooshed but who really cares. As long as the case is cute.

5. Swissco Tortoise Toothbrush: Looking at this cute little toothbrush makes me hate my free, pink one from the dentist. This would be a fun little item to pack. Or if you’re staying put and hosting out-of-town guests, put a few in the bathroom for them. They’re tortoise, cute and a necessity.

6. iWave Grassroots Headset: There’s nothing worse than not having music on a long flight. These are perfect. They match everything, they’re sustainable and made out of bamboo, and they cover your ears to block out crying babies and talkative plane neighbors.

7. Christopher Elbow Chocolates: Yes, these colorful things are chocolates. What do chocolates have to do with travel? Absolutely nothing. However, I always like a little snacky snack on the plane and in the car and what better than an artisan chocolate that matches all the other travel accessories?! These are beautiful little chocolates. Buy some for your trip or for someone you love.

8. Anya Hindmarch “Girlie Stuff” Metallic pouch: A great little travel accessory to throw in your travel tote or purse. This metallic beauty can house makeup, tampons or other “girlie stuff.” It’s always nice to have your girlie stuff in a separate little pouch so it’s easily reachable.

wishing you safe, happy and accessorized holiday travel. xoxo

I know it’s almost Christmas and gift guides like this are a little late but guys always seem to be the last ones left on my list. My husband and brother are the two toughest guys to shop for. They both already have everything and never seem to WANT anything—how is that possible by the way? Whenever I ask my husband what he wants his response is “I don’t know. Don’t get me anything.” grrrr. How can he restrain himself from not having a mile-long list in his head like ME?

Both men in my life are really into fashion, books and good food + drink. Here’s a gift guide inspired by them. If you’re in the same situation as I am, I hope this guide will help you out. If you order online today, it should get here in time for Christmas so click and shop away my dears.

The man who’s hard to find gifts for gift guide:

1. Santa and Jesus Tie, Jack Spade: What man wouldn’t want Jesus and Santa around his neck? holy and holly.

2. Swiss Champ Hardwood Pocket Knife, Swiss Army: Whether your man is outdoorsy or just needs to whip out an attractive knife/scissors to cut stuff, this contraption will be his friend.

3. Glenmorangie 18 yr Highland Malt Scotch Whiskey: Every man needs a stiff drink around the holidays. Why not give him an old, expensive one?

4. Honeybee Double Old Fashion—Rogaska: He’ll need something schnazzy to drink his drinkies from. Handmade lead crystal—pretty yet tough, rough and manly.

5. Embedded Ballpoint Pen—Duller: Perfect for his desk at home or at the office. A nice pen is something he’ll use daily but never buy himself.

6. Taking Aim: A great book for his coffee table. A cool book featuring some of the world’s best musicians.

7. Mason Pearson Comb: I know my man uses a comb but it’s one of those cheapo Walgreen’s specials that doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing—especially when he leaves it out on the counter. Give him one of these hand-crafted tortoise combs. His hair and the counter will thank you.

8. Hopi Pouch: A box of random goodies for your man. cute!

now go buy some stuff! xo

I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite beauty products. I always love discussing products with my gal pals and finding out which ones they can’t live without. I also thought this post would be appropriate because I decided to go in for a microdermabrasion today. After my appointment, I will be even more excited to dress up my fresh face with products.

To me, the face is the most important accessory. It has to look hot, young and fresh with every outfit because no matter what the trend, it’s always gonna be front and center. I would rather spend the majority of my money on my facial products and wear the same tee and jeans for a while than be unhappy with my face. If my face isn’t feeling fresh, I get all pissy. The above products are some of my absolute favorites in my current collection. Yes, they are pricey but girls—it’s yo face! Spend so it stays all fresh and young. I know every product doesn’t need to be pricey but these are my luxury lovers that will take your face to a new level.

Let’s start. (top to bottom, L to R) Warning: this post is LONG. I’m kind of obsessed with products so bear with me.

1. The Chanel Mat Lumiere Foundation with spf 15 is divine. I always used tinted moisturizer, fearing that foundation would make me look like a cakey, white mess. That is, until I spread this on my face. This is the most un-cakey foundation I’ve ever tried. It gives you the coverage of foundation without feeling all dry and clumpy. It looks natural and fresh and doesn’t ever make you look greasy or overly moisturized. Plus, for whiteys like me, the spf 15 is a must.

2. More Chanel! This my dearies, is the Ultra Correction Line Repair eye cream. The one area on my face I get super pissed at is my under eyes. I have creases, which I try to tell myself are just from smiling and laughing but I think these suckers are the start of some wrinkles. My under eyes are usually desert dry and this eye cream is the best! I’ve tried tons of eye creams and this one works perfectly. It never balls up under concealer and it’s super duper moist. (eww…moist)

3. Kate Somerville Exfolikate. I know, you’re thinking “this tiny tube for $85?” but lemme tell you: it is all worth it. This is one of those products that is so powerful, you only need to use it once a week or even once every two weeks. It works so well, you can even skip getting facials while you have this magical tube. Your face will feel like a baby’s ass after using this and yes, that’s a good feeling. This stuff is slightly green, crystal-y and tingly. You only have to put it on for 2 minutes or something and bam—your face is new. (chime in the magical music) ahhhhhhh! buy it, bitches. Or ask Santa for a tube.

4. Shiseido Pure Retinol Eye Mask. I told you about my dry, creasy eyes in one of the above posts. And now, I’m gonna talk about them again. This eye mask is a must! I was talked in to buying these while at Nordstrom. The lady knew how to get me to hand over the credit card as she said “Oh, honey. You need some retinol for those eyes!. Here.” She is one saleswoman. I bought the damn things and I’m glad I did. They are these funny little comma-shaped wet pads soaked in pure retinol. Sounds dangerous but it’s not. They’re divine after a long day at work. They’re cold, wet and lovely. You place the little commas under your eyes and leave them on for 15 minutes then pat in the remaining retinol. No need for eye cream that night. Again. this is a product that you can extend the life of. No need to use them more than once a week. If you don’t need the retinol, they have less intense ones with just moisture that are nice too.

5. Chantecaille Rosewater. Okay, you don’t NEED this but it’s one of those pamper products you should try sometime. Pure rosewater that can be sprayed on your face before makeup in the morning and before bed at night. It’s refreshing and lovely. It looks nice on a bathroom counter, too. Plus, rosewater supposedly combats aging and helps keep complexions clear.

6. Fresh Sugar Lips with spf 15. My sister-in-law told me about this one. I had been struggling to find a great lip balm that could work on its own or under lipsticks and glosses. This is it. First of all, the packaging functions like lipstick so you don’t have to stick your finger in a goopy tub and then wipe it somewhere to put on lip balm. Second, it’s smooth and doesn’t feel goopy under glosses and it has an spf. Third, it has a light, sugary scent. It’s not so scenty that you smell like a 12 yr old—it’s perfect.

7. (If you’re still reading this, I love you. Longest post ever!) Finally—the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Pink Quartz. This is the last thing I put on my face each day. After my blush, I dust this shimmery powder on the cheek bones under my eyes to give a little glowy highlight to my face. It’s a subtle addition that makes a big difference.

If you have any favorite beauty products, I would love to know. I’m always looking to discover new, fun things.