Cozy Layers

Dress & Shirt (Target); Sweater (Banana Republic Outlet); Socks (Kohls);
 Scarf (Loft);  Tights & Earrings (Nordstrom); Boots (Guess find at Marshalls);
Dave Haas Photography

You know what's cozy?  Sitting on your couch in sweats and a blanket, drinking hot chocolate, and snuggling with your favorite furry friend.  So even though we have to leave our couches, it's possible to be cozy without looking like a couch bum (which in all honesty is one of my favorite looks for fall/winter).   Have I mentioned how much I love tights with socks and boots?!  It's like a constant comfy leg hug... plus my toes are the warmest little sausages in a blanket :)

Friday Find

Lumene Deep-Cleansing Peat Mast (Ulta, Walgreens, CVS)

Typically the cooler months bring drier skin - I'd gladly welcome that as my face is always oily, even in the winter. This deep cleansing mask by Lumene is my new BFF... it's intended to absorb excess oil and impurities from skin and tighten pores. I use it twice a week, and each time I rinse it off my skin feels tight, refreshed, and softer.  The best part is that it doesn't become uncomfortable and pull your skin too tightly like other masks can (in other words, no frozen face)... and the next best part is that it's under $10!

Friday Find

Neutrogena Rainbath Bath Gel (Ulta)

Every now and then a girl needs a new smell... How about a new smell that doubles as a body wash AND shaving gel?  Neutrogena rainbath was the product that got me out of my body wash rut.  It has the best energizing and spicy fragrance, and there's no soapy residue like other washes can leave.  Any product that helps save time by pulling double duty (especially during the morning routine) is worth a try!

Friday Find

Matte-ly in Love Blotting Papers (Walmart)

It's hot, it's humid, it's sweaty... it's that time of year. It can be difficult to avoid looking like a wax figure from the neck up in the summer months, but there are ways of fighting it!  And Matte-ly in Love's Blotting Papers are a great tool in the fighting that good fight.  For $5 you get 150 blotting sheets (they come in three packs of 50) for quick removal of excess oil and that trademark summer shine. If the heat has turned your dewy glow into a sweaty glaze, try this quick and easy fix - and blot away :)

Friday Find

Moroccan Argan Oil (Walgreens, Target, Walmart)

I'm not very nice to my hair.... I'm constantly blasting it with heat from a blowdryer, straightener, or curling iron.  I heard about Moroccan Argan Oil through a few beauty magazines and it got positive reviews on protecting hair from heat and UV damage while creating softness and strength.  After trying it for over a week now, I can definitely tell the difference in how soft my hair feels - not to mention this stuff smells great and is extremely lightweight.  It's about $6 - $8 at any drugstore, and my hair feels healthier and is hopefully happier ;)

Friday Find

If you are anything like me, the places you need the most organization includes makeup and jewelry... in which case, let me introduce you to your new best friend - The Container Store.  They have the best gadgets to keep you organized!  And for under $10 each, these items are so worth the zen-like state that follows immediately upon bringing a little order to your life ;)

1. Sectioned Lipstick Holder - $3.99

2. Nail Polish Organizer - $5.99

3. Clear Necklace Stand - $9.99

4. Clear Bracelet Stand - $7.99

Friday Find

Garnier Skin Renew Skin Perfector (Target, Walgreens) 

I hate wearing foundation. It always seems heavy and I can never seem to get my shade right, so I've typically worn tinted moisturizer instead. I saw an ad for Garnier's new Skin Renew  Cream - and after wearing it for a week, I've found my new go to base product!  It comes in two shades (Light/Medium & Medium/Dark), and it truly is a miracle skin perfector.  It evens skin tone and brightens  complexion, not to mention it's also a moisturizer with SPF 15!  

Friday Find

Sally Hansen Manicure Clean-Up Pen (Walgreens)

As a kid I was a pro at staying in the lines, coloring picture after picture that a fridge would be lucky to display (right Mom?).  But somehow this skill didn't transfer to adulthood, and without fail each time I paint my nails they look like I was blind folded during the process.  Enter Sally Hansen's Manicure Clean-Up Pen:  it's the magic eraser for outside of the lines nail polish, and I couldn't do my nails without it.  It's easy to use, under $5, can be found at nearly any drugstore - and it works! 

Friday Find

Sephora Ultra Smoothing Primer (Sephora)

I recently started using primer (hello age...).  And while you can certainly get primer at Sephora for double or triple the price of the Sephora brand primer ($16) - there's no need to!  This primer evens out your complexion and gives makeup (especially eye shadow) longer staying power.  And it really makes a big difference! I will take any product that gives my skin some of the glow and appearance of years past... you really can't put a price on that ;)  But for under $20, this product has an excellent return on investment!

Friday Find

Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel-Cream (Target)

You may have found a face moisturizer that works for you most of the year, but as weather conditions change and old man winter comes around, we need a little extra help to beat dry skin.  I use this during the day - and it's the perfect boost my skin needs to stay hydrated in winter.  As the name implies, this moisturizer is gel based and has a cooling effect after you put it on.  For an effective moisturizer you can find at any drugstore for about $7 - it's certainly worth a try if you haven't found a cure to dry winter skin!

Friday Find

My sparkly nails in OPI Mad as a Hatter Nail Polish (Amazon.com)

Glitter nail polish is all the rage this season, and I've been dying to try it!  I picked this color out when getting my nails done since I couldn't think of a better party accessory than disco ball nails :) Needless to say I catch myself just staring at them (shiny things easily distract me). So wear this polish with caution, and preferably during a week you don't need to be too productive ;)

Friday Find



Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam



My friend Catherine told me about this product earlier this year and after using it for 6 months now I cannot believe I had gone so long without it in my life or hair!  Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam adds shine, body and volume to fine & medium hair.  I use about 3-4 pumps near my roots before I blow dry, and my normally limp locks definitely have more volume without the weight that other volumizing products can have.  Not to mention you get that fabulous smell that only Aveda products can deliver...  This is a must if you have finer hair like I do - we need all the volume we can get!

Friday Find



Philosophy: Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser (Sephora)



The best way to describe this product is it's like cashmere for your face... It has a clean and fresh smell and leaves your skin feeling like you just put on moisturizer.  Instead of using a ton of cleansing and toning products - all you need is this one!  Seriously your face feels so clean, glowing, and soft after using this cleanser.  It's definitely more of a splurge at around $20 for 8 oz... so put it on your Christmas list, and your face will thank you!

Friday Find

Boots No7 Highlights Illuminating Lotion &  Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream (Target)

Boots No7 is the UK’s best-selling make up and skin care brand, with a range of quality and affordable products from cleansers to beauty serum. I have tried the Protect & Perfect eye cream ($19.99) - which is the perfect lightweight eye cream that helps to brighten the eye area and reduce the look of dark circles. I've also used the Highlights Illuminating Lotion ($12.99), which is a pearly pink light reflecting lotion that works to illuminate your skin and highlight cheek bones. You can certainly spend much more on quality skin care - but there's no need...  The next time you are in Target, check this line out!

Friday Find



NailTek II Intensive Therapy (Ulta)



This find was recommended to me by a friend who swore by it... and now I'm doing the same!  I was not blessed with nice nails... they peel, they crack, they're dry and brittle - the list goes on.  You are supposed to use this as a base and top coat, and reapply as a top coat each day of a 7 day manicure.  I just use it every day on it's own, and I even get compliments on my "professionally manicured" nails!  My nails are stronger, no more peeling, and they look professionally maintained...  For $9, it's so worth it!

Friday Find

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Non-Stop Glamour and Always Lovely

For under $5, Rimmel makes a fantastic lip gloss that doesn't feel sticky and lasts for about 2-3 hours (which is the longest I've experienced any lip gloss to actually "stay glossy").  My favorite color is the non-stop glamour which adds a golden sheen to bare lips, and a nice shine over any lipstick.  And for the low price, you can afford to experiment with lots of colors, and be glossy every day of the week!