Winter Skin Essentials

1. Clarisonic Plus Cleansing System, $225, for deep pore cleansing and sloughing off of dead skin.
2. GlamGlow Mud Mask, $69, my new favorite mask. The mud tingles quite a bit, but it's totally worth it.
3. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, $48, collagen-boosting serum thats light and refreshing. Totally makes my skin glow.
4. Origins Rich Rewards, $19.50, serious treatment for hair and scalp.
5. Boscia Tsubaki Sleeping Mask, $34, real life beauty sleep.
6. La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume, $22.99, I will never leave the house without this. My all-time favorite hand cream.
7. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, $28, for those with severely dry and sensitive skin.
8. Archipelago Milk Oat Sink Set, $50, everyday use or for those lovely holiday guests.
9. Ahava Chamomile Lotion, $19.99, great for using just out of the shower.

Visiting Seattle

Where am I headed tomorrow? Only one of my favorite places in the world... home! Also known as Seattle.

Welcome to Seattle - the land of coffee houses and clouds.

Although, ironically, there are no clouds in the picture directly below... 

Seattle gets a bad rep.

 

 The fiance and I will be visiting family for the holidays, going to the last Seahawks game of the year (I'm a huge fan!), attending my Seattle bridal shower, and drinking as much coffee as we can. I'll be sharing some of my favorite places this week and giving you a glimpse into my Winter Wonderland-themed bridal shower, hosted by my lovely Maid of Honor, Ashley. More to come!

http://www.complex.com/

One of my favorite coffee houses. I highly recommend. The bookcases are such a sight.

Traveling Essentials

I'm heading back home to Seattle for the holidays and I'm counting down the days like a kid waiting for Santa. This will be the first time I will be back home for Christmas with the family since I left nearly 4 years ago (holy moly time flies fast). My mom is beyond excited to finally spend this cheerful season with her daughter and I can't help but share in her excitement. 

What I'm not excited about? Packing. No matter how much planning I do, I inevitably end up forgetting something important, and over-packing things I never end up using. It's a strange thing that happens no matter how much careful planning goes into it all.

Below are my carry-on essentials. I've at least got my carry-on packing all figured out. My checked bag? Let's just say it a "work in progress".

Leith Chunky Knit Slouch Hat, $24, my favorite kind of hat - comfy and slouchy.

Celfie Sweatshirt, $24, obvious play on words and play on designer. Adorable.

Acne Black Skinny Jeans, $220, skinny jean perfection. Lots of love for Acne lately.

Leopard Flats, $42.49 (on sale!), dress up or dress down, you really can't go wrong with leopard flats. Closet staple.

Leather Camera Bag, $110, handmade camera bag for the world's most fashionable traveler.

Ombre Infinity Scarf, $78, artful infinity scarf adds a little oomph to any outfit. Cozy for planes too.

Archie Grand "Gangsters" Journal, $17, because we all need to make sure we keep track of the gangsters we meet, right?

Galaxy S4, $price varies, cannot live without my galaxy S4. It goes everywhere with me.

L'Occitane 'Subtle Violet' Hand Cream, $12, moisturizing and relaxing. This stuff is always in my bag.

Claudalie Eye Cream, $98, I just recently started using this and I'm hooked. Pricey but well worth it to keep those darn wrinkles away!

Nars Lipgloss in Larger Than Life, $26, perfect pinky hue for blondes or brunettes (or both, like me)

Work Holiday Party

Our holiday work party was last night and I think we had a little too much fun, if you know what I mean. Spiked hot apple cider, wine, broiled salmon, gluten free cookies... we are not at a loss for cooks over here. We exchanged Secret Santa gifts and whoever picked my name knew me entirely too well, which was quite amazing, because the presents I received were beyond special. Complete with presents for my little puppy.

While holiday parties can be fun and *intoxicating they are also a place of picture taking and holiday cheer. Dressing up is always fun around the holidays so to help, I've compiled a few of my fav items for dressy and classy holiday work party inspiration.

*did I mention the spiked hot apple cider?

Mango Engraved Button Suit Blazer, $49.99 (sale!), classic and tailore jacket that you can dress up or down.

Benetton Sequin top, $49.50, a sparkly top that can work day or night.

Kate Spade Cobble Hill Brandice, $98, cross body bag, perfect for city streets or dressed up dates.

Reiss Pinstrip Tailored Trousers Black, $179, classic; you'll have them forever.

Gorjana Griffin G Set Gold Rings, $65, stackable gold rings that you can wear on one or multiple fingers.

Nars Lipgloss in Super Orgasm, $25, the perfect color for nearly any complexion. The blush is a cult classic!

Madewell The Mira Heel, $168, vampy pointy stiletto, but low enough so your feet won't be killing.

 

Black and Gold: bling and bold

If you're looking to stay on trend, black and gold is the talk of tinsel town right now. And what better timing? The gold sparkles are perfect for holiday parties or new years eve bashes. The black keeps things edgy... perfection.

La Mer Zappos Exclusive Clifton Black Gold Leather Wrap Watch

Barney's NYC NYC Tee

True Religion Skinny Black Sequin Logo Jean

Marc Jacobs Daisy Fragrance Gift Set

Real Go-Glitter Flat

Essie Luxeffects in As Gold As It Gets

Holiday Gift Guide: Your best friend, forever

Pop Fizz Clink Resin IPhone 5 Case, $40, because we all could use a little bubbly in our lives.

Rosanna Luxe Moderne Mugs S/4, $66, two for home and two for the office; life is complete.

Metal Wine Bottle Holder / Chalkboard, $29, a unique dinner piece perfect for girls' nights.

Birchbox Subscription, $30-$200, because what's better than receiving a monthly gift of goodies?

Rodin Lip Balm, $30, all natural and smells amazing. Perfect gift for winter lips and small purses.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Loveliest Woman You Know aka Mom

Feed 10 Burlap Tote, $20, a great carry-all that provides 10 school meals for kids.

Slate Cheese Board, $26, sourced from a quarry in upstate NY (this one is local for me) this rustic natural board is great for cheese or hors d'oevres.

Faux Fur Throw, $99(on sale), a cozy fur for the night mom just wants to cozy up on the couch.

Pink Amethyst Teardrop Bangle, $88, a beautiful and classic bangle that can gently be adjusted for any wrist size.

Blissmo Box, $monthly subscription, a monthly subscription of organic and eco-friendly products delivered to the home every month. 

Buddha Cup, $26, an interesting take on the coffee or tea mug. Mugs can really never be too big. 

Amco Rub Away Bar, $7, promises to remove any smell from your hands. Can anyone say onions?

4 Pure Beeswax Votives (Homemade), $15, lovingly made candles from my home state, WA.

Gluten Free Molten Lava Cake

Growing up I was never a chocolate girl (or a coffee girl, but that's a different story), but as I get older I've begun this ever growing appreciation for chocolate. From white, to milk, to dark, I do not discriminate.  My favorite? Milk. Nothing gets better than creamy, milky chocolate. It is definitely one of life's little pleasures.

My biggest gripe lately though has been the fact that chocolate usually comes attached to something I can't eat like cookies, or cakes, or graham crackers (mmm!), or ... well, you get the picture. As I now live with a major gluten allergy, I've had to be a little more creative in how I prepare my chocolate. Eating bars or chips of chocolate can only get you so far, and it's just not enough.

Today we splurged here at home and I made gluten-free molten lava cakes. Sounds fancy huh? But honestly, it's so incredibly easy and simple that they could be a daily luxury if you wanted them to be.

Ingredients:

4oz mini chocolate chips

4 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)

dash of vanilla extract

2 eggs

(recipe adapted and found on myglutenfreecookbook.blogspot.com)

Begin by melting the chocolate chips and butter together in a bowl. I just microwaved mine because I'm pretty lazy like that. Once melted, stir until smooth and creamy. Add in two egg YOLKS (keep egg whites for later), 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the vanilla extract to taste. Stir well. With the egg whites in another bowl, beat until soft peaks form and then add in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Continue to beat for another minute or so until all blended together. Next, combine the two bowls and stir together and then separate the chocolaty mixture into ramekins. I used two 5oz ramekins and two 3oz ramekins. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet, for easy transporting, and bake in a 375 degree, pre-heated oven for about 25 minutes. Let cool for a tad and enjoy! Oozy, gooey, chocolate goodness.

I topped mine with strawberries, fresh mint from my own garden (very proud of myself), and gluten-free Talenti chocolate chip ice cream. (Side note: I highly recommend the added ice cream. It combines with the chocolate cake for this semi-gooey, chocolaty, ice cream surprise) Amazing. Sat outside in the NY sun today and enjoyed. Tan + chocolate = a mini-vacation in my backyard.

Inspirational Quotes: Live & Love Your LIfe

You are special, so live like it. In a world of growing technology, we are all finding it easier and easier to compare ourselves to others, whether it be through Facebook, Instagram, or whatever platform you choose. We often compare ourselves to just the best part of others' lives and quite frankly it's unfair. It may be hard to see it, but think about it: no one ever posts the bad or awful things in life (at least most don't...). They usually share only the top highlights of their lives. So don't compare and don't try to be like facades we see on social media and t.v.

Our greatest value comes from being true to who we are. The world needs uniqueness and individuals to make it interesting and great. Live your own life and love it. Live with passion and always smile. Honor and appreciate yourself with being the best you can be. Don't try to be like others, impress the 'others'.

1.source  2. source  3. source  4. source  5. source

Luxuries: Top Rope Bracelets

Spring is here (finally!) and summer is around the corner (hopefully!), and that means beaches, water, and boats! One of my favorite accessories for the upcoming warmer months are rope bracelets. They can be dressed up or worn casual around town and I want one stat. Like pronto.

These are my top 4 choices. Which one do you all like most?

Clockwise: 1. Kate Spade   2. Kiel James Patrick   3. Miansai   4. Michael Kors

1. Kate Spade 'Learn the Ropes' Thin Bracelet (find it at Kate Spade here)

2. Kiel James Patrick 'Caskata Beach Nantucket' Bracelet (find it at Kiel James Patrick here)

3. Miansai Gold 'Karoo' Bracelet (find it at Barney's here)

4. Michael Kors 'Skorpios' Wide Leather Rope Bracelet (find it at Nordstrom here)

Flowers & Treats: Insta-Lo's #3

Insta-Los

This week my momma was in town so we spent the week walking through the city and hanging out in Long Island. Treats, sweets, and city streets all week long made for a great time. Sad to see her leave and head back to the west coast, but excited for her future trips this year and hopefully a trip home myself!

Flower Centerpieces from a friend's amazing wedding!

My favorite bakery in NYC. Solely gluten-free and delicious.

Gluten-free red velvet cupcake. yummy.

9/11 Memorial in downtown NYC. Amazing and beautiful tribute.

Tabletops & Vignettes

I'll admit it, I'm a little obsession compulsive when it comes to organization. I also tend to take it to the extreme with the putting away of my makeup and jewelry. I love trays and reuse glasses to use as holders for all my little baubles. I like to think I get my decorative 'edge' from my mom who seems to have a keen sense of design in all areas including floral, home decorating, and even landscaping. She's amazing and I'm glad I've picked up at least one good trait from her. Below are a few of my favorite areas in my closet where I keep and display my little 'luxuries'.

Fragrance samples, as you may notice, are a love of mine. I have at least 50 mini scents and I collect them from everywhere I go. Having so many scent options is a must for me; I'm a girl that loves changing it up and can rarely decide on one single perfume to stick with. I keep them everywhere: purse, car, gym bag, etc... and then I tend to leave them around like a trail of candy a la Hansel and Gretel.  It's bad.

Memorials & Mom Moments

Since my mom has been in town this week, I took her around the city this past week and one of her top sites -to-see was the 9/11 Memorial and the WTC area. Solemn but beautiful, the area is a must-see and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting (or even living here, like me) who has yet to see it. Still can't believe its been over 11 years since it all happened... it definitely brought my mom to tears. Powerful & Moving.

I LOVE NYC.

Luxuries: Top 5 Blushes

Five for Friday: BLUSH

1. Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color: One of my favorite skincare brands, Laura Mercier's blush is luxurious goodness. It's more of a sheer color than I'm used to but it brings a natural flush and glow that is simply beautiful. (find it at Nordstrom's here)

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: My color? Dollface which is a light-pink. Tarte's blush makes my list because it lasts 12 hours. It's a nutrient-rich blush that benefits all skin types and helps to keep oil in check. (find it at Tarte Cosmetics here)

3. MAC Powder Blush:  MAC's blush can go on sheer for a touch or color or build-able for a more dramatic look. Silky smooth, it goes on even and lasts quite a while. (find it at MAC here)

4. Nars Blush: My personal fav is 'Orgasm' and there's a reason why it has a cult following. The color looks amazing on nearly everyone with just a hint of shimmer and a subtle peachy-pink coloring. I use mine year-round from white to tan. (find it at Bloomingdale's here)

5. Illamasqua Powder Blushes: If you're looking for a bolder blush, this blush is your go-to. Full of drama, Illamasqua's blush helps to define the face and is definitely a more daring, night-out choice. (find it at Sephora here)

My picks??

MAC and Nars. I have to admit, I'm part of the Nars 'Orgasm' cult following and MAC just never seems to dissapoint.

City Streets & Signs

Manhattan is an assemblage of some of the most artistic people imaginable. Walking the city streets inspires and you can feel the energy as you move through the streets. I personally find  myself always drawn to the interesting signs of the city. I love the type and colors and even the play-on-words that portray the soul of this amazing city. Here is a collection of some I saw around town today. Enjoy.

Being originally from Seattle, I couldn't pass this one up.

Not sure what Unicorn Meat is... but I'm intrigued.

This is the A-board sign outside of Pie by the Pound near Union Sq. Stopped in for some gluten-free pizza. Amazing. Oh, and the owner is super nice too!

Made you look! (This person probably has the most amazing sense of humor. Wish we were friends.)

Dinosaur wall. You can find the most amazing wall art in nyc.