Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Jewel Toned Holidays

I'm definitely a self-proclaimed neutral girl. When I wanted to "add color" to my bedroom in my old apartment I added Black. In my new apartment I went with a deep navy blue. I was able to acquire a gorgeous navy blue, velvet sofa and arm chair. I've been adding color with deep red and purple accenting floral arrangements. I've learned to love the elegance that jewel tones bring to the neutral palate and I've been dreaming of these jewel toned table settings for the upcoming holiday's. Now to acquire an apartment with a dining room....




Monday, November 23, 2015

Winter Skin Care

2 years ago at Christmas I came back to the midwest for about 5 days. By the end of my visit my skin felt like and was peeling off my face. There was nothing I could do to keep the moisture in. Last year, I purchased the Kiehl's holiday 'moisture rescue' pack just for my trip. It contained all of their intense moisturizing products in travel size. Perfect for my quick trip!
Needless to say, I'm spending a little more than a week in the depth of midwest winter this year. I started scrambling for every cream, serum and mask I could find about a month ago. I've finally widdle my collection down to the select few below!




Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus - Mature Therapy 
This is my everyday, every season moisturizer. Why "Mature"? Apparently during menopause your skin dries out so you need a better formatted moisturizer. I did try the regular version and I just didn't feel like it penetrated deep enough. It did a great job on the surface, but I find the "Mature Therapy" to be more cream like and moisturize thoroughly.
 
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
So easy, convenient and DEEPLY moisturizing. When my skin gets really dry it starts to feel "crispy" underneath my skin. This gets rid of this feeling almost instantly. I also have really dry skin on my arms that this works great on. I imagine it would have divine effects on the feet, but I haven't tried it yet.


Aveda Hand Relief
It is a little greasy, but I like the smell much better than Keihl's hand cream and you can get it in purse size!




Kiel's Creme De Corps
I normally use Aveeno, but in the winter I've switched to this. It gets moisturizes deeply and gets rid of the "crispy" feeling on your body.


Sunday, November 22, 2015

Baby its cold!

In honor of the first snow in Chicago this weekend, I can't help but post this adorable Barnes and Noble spot. I was delighted to find out bookstores actually exist in Chicago! In San Francisco I could count everyone I knew of on 1 hand.






 If anyone asks, its not Christmas-y its just discussing the weather.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Friday Five: Holiday Candles

My heart is 100% in Christmas/Holiday mode. I'm definitely on team "Thanksgiving can be Christmas-y!" Unfortunately, there is much debate in society on what is appropriate so I'm holding off decorating (really because the BF isn't around until this weekend to help carry the tree in). I have allowed myself to sneak in a little holiday scents via candle. It's so refreshing coming home to an apartment filled with a little winter-y, holiday spirit. These are my absolute favorites!

{instantly reminds me of childhood Christmases... although I think my mom had the potpourri #80skid}







{Whole Foods sells them in cute, gold jars but I can't find them anywhere else!)




Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Wedding Wednesday

I've been feeling a bit nostalgic for San Francisco lately. When I saw this beautiful wedding at the James Flood Mansion (on my short list!), it took be right back. I love the traditional architecture contrasted with the sleek black accents. Also, there is just something perfect about her dress!






San Francisco Wedding Film {Nicole & Jake} Flood Mansion from LoveSpun Handmade Wedding Films on Vimeo.