Favorite Beauty Picks Part 2

The last time I posted about beauty products, the focus was on winter skin, here.  This time, it's all about my tried and true, ​absolute favorite beauty products that I use daily (and have for YEARS).

​I would say that Mascara is the one beauty product that I would never want to be without. Benefit's "They're Real" Mascara" ($23 Sephora.com) is, by far, the very best mascara. Hands down. The brush has the coolest shape with a tip that is perfect for getting at your lower lashes.

​I love a wavy curl. My hair is naturally straight, but, I've mastered the art of curling my hair in less than 10 minutes (you can see the wear and tear on my iron below).  This Hot Tools 3/4" Barrel Iron heats up really fast and very hot.  That is the trick. Available on Amazon right now for $25.29. Results: my contact info pic above and 80% of my pics on instagram and facebook.

​I have been using Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant body lotion (only $6.29) after every shower, morning and night for as long as I can remember. It delivers the right level of moisture without being too thick or creamy. And, it has the absolute best fragrance, ever.

Before I go to bed at night, I make sure to get every single ounce of makeup off my face.  After using my Clarisonic, I take off any remnants of eye makeup with Maybelline Expert Eyes 100% Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover ($3.99 beautyencounter.com).  It is the only drug store remover that I like (and I've tried a bunch).  Most are greasy and leave my eyes feeling full of oil.  This works like a charm and is not greasy.  The only other brand I like is Lancome and that is $28. No need to spend that when you have this.

​Let me know if you have any questions and have a great night! xo

Garden in the City

I grew up with a gigantic front and back yard.​  My parents take a lot of pride in the landscape. My dad is a pro at keeping the lawn green, weed-free, and perfectly lined by the mower. In fact, when I would cut the grass as a kid/teenager... I had to make absolutely certain that I had perfectly parallel lines at a diagonal.  Otherwise, I had to go back and fix it. I am not kidding, haha.

My mom, is a pro gardener.  On numerous occasions, she has been asked if she has had the yard professionally landscaped.  She has done it all on her own with my dad.  I don't exactly have her talent... yet. In fact, she tested me on my skillz last week and I failed miserably. I think she was mildly horrified. That being said, the last two years, I've worked really hard to create a patio garden and this year, a deck garden.  My point is... I am not expert like my parents or my Aunt Debbie who is a horticulturist, however, I plant what I know and take some chances and it usually works out. ​If I can do it, you can do it.

There is nothing better than growing your own food.  A tomato out of the garden is 1,000,000 times better than store bought. ​Having access to basil, mint, thyme, parsley, and lettuce is priceless. I even freeze what I have leftover to use throughout the winter.

Simply visit your local florist or Home Depot and pick up some of your favorites. Follow the instructions on the tab and make sure you WATER.​

​My deck started with absolutely nothing on it. I still have some work to do (stain it), but, step one is to buy a bunch of different pots and window boxes. I like a really rustic look so I get pots of all different shapes, sizes, and weights. You can pick up pots at Home Depot, Job Lot, Target, etc.

Next, fill the pots with proper potting soil.​ Read your instructions and start planting. Side note: I did not start from seed this year, but, if you want to tackle that, I absolutely recommend it!

And there she is in all her glory.   I look forward to sharing recipes that are made up with items from my garden. Let me know if I can provide any guidance. Have an awesome week! xo

Weekend Sunshine

​This week finally felt like Summer in Boston. The nights are getting longer. The traffic to the Cape is getting heavier. The air is hot, humid, and salty. As much as I love the heat and beach, I also love the long days. Doesn't it feel like there's more time to do everything? ​ The fact that I feel like I can run an errand or catch up on a condo chore during the week after I've already worked and worked out is amazing. Sunlight makes everything better. How did you spend your week?

​Yesterday, from 1pm - 7pm, Bob Marley was on repeat at the beach. I tried to figure out my favorite song until I finally realized that I don't have a favorite. I love them all. Click play and enjoy.

​On Tuesday Night, Kim, Rachael, and I checked out the Urban Art Bar. We sipped some vino, ate sandwiches and found our 'inner artist'.  You can see the difference in our personalities right on the canvass. At one point, Rachael said "if I had to guess how this was going to go... I would have been right".  I like to say that my technique is just more 'abstract' than Kim and Rachael's. Ha, in reality, they are just far more patient than me. Especially, Rae. 

Sangria on a hot 93 degree Friday night, is always a good idea.​

​I bought my condo in December and have done absolutely nothing with my deck space. I still have more to do, but, today was spent creating a patio garden. I'll dedicate a post to this, but, the before and after are included here today for a sneak peek.

​As mentioned, Bob Marley was on repeat yesterday. I explained to Ella that Bob Marley is a legend and continued to dance/jam with her on the beach at dusk.  I think she got it.  Great way to end the day.

​Have a fantastic week! xo