Everyday Makeup | Current Products

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My everyday makeup is typically the same with variations in products… depending on what I have going on that day. Obviously, meetings will be a little more polished than a day that I’m working from home and running to the gym over lunch. You get it! :)

In order to accomplish a smooth finish, we have to start with our base layers - primers. They are essential to my routine and help products last for the duration on my oily skin. There are several that I have tried but for the last year, I have been using this e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer. I love the application and it feels nice on my skin. I also use an eyeshadow primer to help prevent creasing. Currently, I’m using the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer… the tube is really nice to ensure you get all of the product out.

I always start my makeup application with my eyeshadow in case there is any fallout that needs to be cleaned up. I try to keep things simple for everyday makeup because most of the time, I’m trying to get through it as fast as I can. That said, I opt for a cream shadow and I haven’t found one that is better than Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes To Mesmerize in Oyster Pearl. Currently using the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation which is available in 50 shades so you cannot go wrong. On days that I’m not in the office or have somewhere to be, I use a tinted sunscreen for lighter coverage. My ride or die setting powder is Laura Mercier. I have oily skin so I immediately follow with a spritz of e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set - heads up, I like the way the travel size bottle fits in my hand compared to the larger size plus it’s ready to fly away when you are! I flip back and forth between cream blushes and powder blushes depending on what I see first in my makeup drawer - I adore Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip as well as the Hourglass Ambient Light Palettes. The one I have was a holiday release and trust me when I say that you have to grab those babies as soon as they are released so I would sign up for their emails and start checking mid-September. They are stunning and last forever so well worth the wait and price!! This is a great time for another application of setting spray so our makeup stays in place. Next, I’m cleaning up brows and doing lashes. Both products here are ones that I do not deviate from. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in taupe and Clump Crusher Waterproof Mascara. I am a big fan of defined lashes that don’t look like spider legs and waterproof mascara holds a curl in my super straight lashes that I otherwise need a lash lift for. Plus it’s a bargain! Lastly, gloss! I love Dior Addict Lip Maximizer, Dior Lip Glow Oil* and Neutrogena MoistureShine with SPF.

*do not use when out in the sun for prolonged periods of times - it is an oil and has no protection.

Sweet Dreams are made of this...

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I am a sleeper. One of those people who is in bed at 10pm and doesn’t get up until 7am the next day. I also really enjoy my bed - wanna watch some evening tv? I’d rather watch from bed than the couch. Great sheets, a comforter that covers the whole bed even when I’m wrapped up in it, and the absolute best pillow make for a really good night’s sleep. But then I added a foam mattress topper (something I didn’t think I needed on my new, memory foam mattress) and I’m not sure that I’ll ever leave my bed again… if you need me, that’s where I’ll be!

The good news is, you too can have the sweetest dreams. I’ve linked all of the items available (the ones I recommend for a good night’s sleep are all from Amazon!) and provided a similar duvet cover/shams as my exact decorative set is no longer available. Let’s be honest though - I’m not sleeping with those every night… they are purely for a styled bedroom which is why they are linked further below. Necessities are right here:

King Sized Pillows | Mattress Pad | Memory Foam Topper | Sheet Set | Oversized Comforter

Pottery Barn has three similar options to my decorative white bedding with navy trim… and we love options! Simply click on the image below. Also, if someone could please teach me how to make my bed look as fluffy as theirs, I would appreciate it! :)

Not so Basic, Gym Basics

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With today being the first business day of the new year and people resetting from the holiday, it is only natural to focus on health. Whether it be dry January, eating better or hitting the gym, even just drinking more water, our indulgences over the last month and a half, coupled with the fresh start that the new year brings comes with goals, written or unwritten. I’ve put together some super cute gym basics that can be mixed and matched to maximize the wear you get out of them. Let’s commit to being wildly successful with our goals this year!

 

Red 1/2 Zip Scuba | Lululemon

Merlot Colorblock Top | Beach Riot

Merlot Colorblock Leggings | Beach Riot    

Blooms Slides | Gucci - these are a splurge but I’ve had them for years, the price per wear is completely worth it and I would buy another pair in a heartbeat if something happened to mine.

Black Rambler | Yeti - super nice for throwing in your bag or your passenger’s seat to stay on top of your water intake

Orchid St. Barths Tote | Tuckernuck - love this for a “gym bag” but it’s pricey so let it do double duty.  Throw your keys, yoga mat, phone and water bottle in for your workouts and use as a tote when not going to workout.

Small Yoga Towel | Lululemon - these are nice to throw down on your Pilates reformer or yoga mat so you don’t leave sweat behind. 

Black Hair Ties | Gimme - the best and your hair won’t have a crease if you take it down post workout

Black Pilates Socks | Toe Sox - IYKYK 

Blue 1/2 Zip Scuba | Lululemon

Black Set | Amazon

Gray Cropped Sweatshirt | Target 

Jelly Bean Green Top | Beach Riot

Jelly Bean Green Leggings | Beach Riot   

Nike 270's - these fly off the shelves quick but it’s for a reason - I own three pairs and I love them!

Chestnut Ultra Mini | Ugg - nothing better to keep your feet warm when you leave the Pilates/Yoga studio in the winter

 

PS. It’s known that written goals are more successful. If you’re like me, an accountability partner, personal training sessions or signing up for a class with someone is the key - I never want to let my people down so even if I don’t feel like going, I do. :)

Last Minute New Year's Eve Shopping

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Black Bustier Dress, Sequin Maxi, Champagne Sequin Mini, Bronze Tulip Dress, Sequin Feather Midi,

Faux Leather Midi, Feather Mini, Puff Sleeve Dress, Gold Ruched Cutout Dress

I feel like New Years is your opportunity to wear all the glitter and glam. The outfits that feel like a little too much for a night out or a date… this is their time to shine! Per usual, I’ve waited until the last minute to shop for New Year’s Eve looks and I can’t imagine I’m the only one… so I’ve rounded up some quick ship options for those in my company. All dresses are linked below. ShopBop utilizes Amazon Prime for shipping and Lulu’s has unbelievably affordable overnight shipping rates. Can’t wait to see your picks!

Winter Boots

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As a winter storm hits and the current temp is below zero, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at some winter boots. I don’t know about you but having cold feet is not for me! A couple of these I have, one pair is on order and a few more will have to wait for next year. :) I don’t necessarily recommend all of them for treking around the snow but admit it, ladies… Sometimes you just need cute winter boots that keep your feet warm. So here we go…

SOREL Boots - Most of them are waterproof which as we know, is a key to staying warm. Depending on the pair that you are looking at they either have insulation, shearling and in some cases, both. Most importantly, they have a style for everyone.

Ugg Adirondack Boot - I have an older version of these and they are what I take on ski trips. Waterproof, sheepskin lining and they are rated to -32° C.

Marc Fisher Izzie Boot - I held off on these a year ago because I didn’t need them and with every oversized sweater/leggings outfit that my ankles were freezing in, I regretted it. They are now in my closet and all is right for my ankles this winter.

LL Bean Boots - These are the epidemy of preppy New England style. They are not fully waterproof given the suede so you would need to use a protection spray on them but they have a full boot shearling lining so your feet are going to be warm.

Let me know your favorites and any additional recommendations you have!

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

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We all know that grilled cheese and tomato soup is a must when the weather cools off. As adults, our palettes are a little more refined so I’ve found a way to make a childhood fav a little more grown up… don’t worry, the kids will still love it!

Grilled Cheese:

Sourdough Bread

Camembert or Brie Cheese

Sharp Cheddar

Fresh Thyme

Cracked Pepper

Tomato Soup:

A box of your favorite tomato soup

Sundried Tomatoes

Goat Cheese - crumbled

Cracked Pepper

Fresh Basil

Spread mayo and butter on each side of your bread, I used homemade sourdough, add thinly sliced pieces of your cheese - one cheese per side and cook over a low heat to ensure the cheese is fully melted. I like to throw my thyme and pepper directly into the middle of the sandwich as it cooks for the same reason that I pepper my ketchup when eating fries instead of peppering the fries themselves. Once the bread is browned to your liking, remove and slice. **If homemade sourdough is not available - try something from the local bakery or the bakery section of your grocery store, I promise it makes a huge difference in the overall taste of the sandwich.

Warm the soup however you prefer, throw the sundried tomatoes in, crack some pepper and throw the goat cheese crumbles and basil on top.

Voila! An elevated classic that you’ll have on repeat all winter long.

Winter Skin Essentials

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Unless you live in a mild climate, you are familiar with the required shift in skincare to save your skin from winter. As the moisture in the air disappears so do your skins natural oils resulting in dry skin and lips. I’ve found that the following steps have helped retain the moisture in my skin through the winter months while I wait on the humidity to return.

Gentle or Hydrating Cleansers:

 
 

Hyaluronic Acids:

The addition of a hyaluronic acid into both my morning and evening routines has been a game changer for me with the dry winter air and blustery winds. I also use this to counteract the effects of retinols and the dryness from chlorine in the summer months. Hydration keeps your skin plump and therefor reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so I’m a big fan of these products helping my skin to retain additional moisture! :)

  • Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum - this one is very light so I love it for morning application under my moisturizer (and sunscreen - which you should also be using in the winter despite the shorter days!)

  • SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier - this is a serum gel that I also love for morning application. It makes my skin feel quite smooth which is a great base under makeup.

  • Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum - the consistency of this one is more of a lotion which makes application feel pretty luxurious especially before adding a moisturizer before bed

 
 

Moisturizers:

 
 

Lips:

I am obsessed with lip products. The majority of the time, you will see me with a chapstick or moisturizing gloss over lipstick and I live for a lip mask. The products below are where it’s at for me.

  • Revision Skincare Youthful Lip Replenisher - this is my ride or die lip product and saves my lips every night. It is thick and somewhat tacky so I put it on before bed and it’s still there when I wake up in the morning. It contains hyaluronic acid so it helps retain water and helps your lips stretch, for those big smiles! I have one of these on my nightstand, in my bathroom, and in my travel bag so that I’m never without.

  • Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask - before I found the Lip Replenisher, this was my go to night treatment… it doesn’t stay all night and I was still dealing with the dryness/cracking from winter lips but I do like the product so I just moved it to a daytime application.

  • Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy was available long before the two products above and I would argue that for the price, it’s a strong competitor for the Laneige.

 
 

Body:

  • Curel Daily Healing Body Lotion - I love this for everyday - you can literally feel the moisture in your skin at the end of the day. Use right after you get out of the shower to help retain the moisture in your skin.

  • Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion - a dermatologist once told me that this would repair your skin barrier and get your skin back to health after 3 days of use… it works. Perfect for dry spots such as elbows, knees, ankles and feet. I prefer to use at night as it is a little greasy.

 
 

Extras:

It should be noted that your water intake is important. I’m not great at drinking water, don’t be like me! That said, I have to add in some extras on occasion but if you want to do the absolute most, you can add the following to your routines:

  • Evian Facial Spray - exactly what it sounds like, I mist on my skin between the HA products and moisturizer but if I still feel dry throughout the day, I mist.

  • Aquaphor Balm - Stick - you can add a thin layer of Aquafor over your moisturizer at bedtime. It will restore the driest of skin as it prevents water from evaporating from your skin. This comes in a stick so you don’t have it all over your hands.

  • Hey Dewy Humidifier - putting water back into dry air helps with dry skin. Science. This is a portable cool mist so you don’t have extra cords lingering on your nightstand.

 
 

Gift Guides

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As we approach the holidays, shopping for those who you are difficult to buy for due to any number of reasons can be challenging. I’ve compiled a list of things that I have bought and love, things I’ve asked for, things that I’ve successfully gifted and things I would gift. I hope these ideas are helpful in some way, may it be for a purchase or to spark an idea more personalized to your recipient!

About Me

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Hey there! 

I’m Ashley, a native Kansas Citian who loves to decorate, eat, entertain, travel, shop and share all things worth knowing about with my friends. I have been wanting to start a blog since my son was 5 years old; as we approach his 18th birthday, I decided it was time. Obviously, I’m a procrastinator but more of a procrastinating perfectionist and jumping foot first into the unknown can be a bit daunting…but here we are!

The easiest way to get to know someone is learning about them… I thought a few of my favorite things might help with that!

Color: navy blue Food: Italian Cocktail: gin & tonic, double lime Store: Target - they make it way too easy to take all of my monies Quote: I can resist anything but temptation. Oscar Wilde Season: Fall Flower: Peony Accessory: Sunglasses and a smile Weekend Getaway: Chicago & Dallas Guilty Pleasure: Moose Tracks Ice Cream

Thank you so much for following along.  I’m excited to share my little piece of the internet with you!