Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty For The Stockings & Gifts For The Planner

Hello! Wouldn't you know my entire post was lost into cyber space. Each painstaking word swiped away with the click of the refresh! Has this ever happened to you? I've had parts disappear but never a whole post. Well, perhaps an abbreviated version is better anyway, right?? So with less flourish, but just as much goodies, I give you inspiration for stocking stuffers or basket fillers as well as favorites for the organizer!

Let's start with My favorite Beauty Items!

1. Dearly Detangled Conditioner - gifted to me but just as loved, I use this leave-in conditioner when my hair is especially dry. I love it for getting out those tangles!
2. Wild Rose Vit C Serum - also gifted to me, this might be my favorite serum ever!! It smells wonderful, but more than that, I've already noticed brightening and diminishing! Korres is selling this in gift sets at $56, which is the perfect time to try it!

Korres Yogurt Cleanser, Korres Sleeping Facial

3. Wet Brush - The last two salons I visited used these brushes and all my mom of girls friends swear by them. My boys have the small size. I think it's time for momma to have one. Why not ones with bears in cozy sweaters?

4. Native Deodorant - Ironically I was introduced to this deodorant in my Christmas stocking one year. It's a natural deodorant that smells wonderful and actually works!

5. Ahava Lotions - a friend brought this back from Israel and I love the way my hands feel when I use it. These are now a purse staple.

6. Burt's Bees Lipstick - continuing with our more natural vibes, this lipstick is free of yucky chemicals, pleasant smelling and moisturizing. It's worth having to reapply in my opinion. ;)

7. The Caripro Toothbrush - I reviewed this back in June and still use this it. In fact, yesterday my middle child requested one for Christmas. Today is the day, right?? This brush 5 settings, a two minute timer with 30 second increment pauses to remind you to move to another area and long battery life. I don't bring the charger with me on trips!

8.Tinkle Razor - these have been around the blogger block but in case you need reminding, these are an easy way to get rid of unsightly hairs. However, don't get a knock off brand. They just aren't the same!

9. Whitening Systems or REFILLS!: We can't leave out the whitening system my husband reviewed over the summer. I still notice the difference in his teeth! For that reason I'm using the gifted whitening gels for his stocking. ;)

For The Planner - Cultivate What Matters Shop is having their biggest sale of the year! 20% off everything, but the goal planners. HOWEVER, you can grab a bundle with a planner included for the 20% off! Here's a list of my favorites, as well as a couple extra goodies to compliment a more organized life!

1. Legacy Journals - linen, lovely and perfect for note taking or journaling daily thoughts!

2. Tending Tape - I love this for taping in important notes, worksheets or just making my calendar pretty.
3. Power Sheets Starter Bundle - That fab planner, stickers, pouch and goal card display set
4. Magnetic Page Markers - I mean, why not?? How handy are these?
5. Cultivate Power Sheets - just the fab planner!

6. Goal Sticker Book - my handwriting is so sloppy, but these stickers make me feel better about myself. Ha - but seriously, it also helps me remember as well as anticipate upcoming dates.
7. Sudio Tolv Earbuds - Man, these are pretty and they work fantastically. My eldest keeps borrowing mine so I may get him a green pair while they are 25% off!

8. Accessory Pouch - I store all my pens, tending tape, highlighters etc in this pouch!
9. Lands End Canvas Tote - I store ALL these goodies in this fabulous tote! A sweet friend gifted this bag over a year ago and I run all over town and country with this bag. It also fits my computer. LOVE IT!

Alright, did you catch my Gift Guide for the Gym Rat and Miscellaneous Items for Around the Kitchen? Happy Shopping my friends!

Friday Favorites: Date Night Beauty Edition

As I mentioned in a previous post, the hubs and I are officially dating. In other words, we spending time with each other, apart from the children, on a regular basis. Older teens and gift cards came together to make this possible. Now is it a coincidence that this is also a more difficult time in life? For example, we're still grounding ourselves in a new place, we're farther from family, we have one teen graduating this year and another learning to drive, etc! There's of course more, but this will suffice for now.  I'd say this is a good time to strengthen our relationship and work on being a united front.

So with dating on the brain, today's favorites stem are a mash up of beauty products and date worthy outfits I use to be all pretty. ;)

DIY Face Care With Simply Earth Essential Oils

Hello! I'm back with another essential oil recipe box from Simply Earth. Their DIY recipes are for amateurs and pros alike with opportunity for adventure in each box. Last month I teamed up with my boys for engaging kid recipes, but this month is perfect for some girl time! My sister-in-law was in town visiting so I took full advantage.  With her mutual love for essential oils and beauty products, she was the perfect partner in DIY fun. I hope you enjoy today's August box reveal, featuring recipes to care for that beautiful face of yours!

The Beauty Edition

Hey! Welcome to another Question and Answer feature, hosted by the beautiful ladies at the Blended Blog.  In addition to providing a fun way to get to know bloggers, these questionnaire's remind me just how fast the time is passing!! Didn't we just do the fall, October one?? Well, here we are in March and I can't wait to read everyone's beauty routines. Hope you enjoy this Beauty Edition today!

Do You Color Your Own Hair?

About a year ago I was sent an invitation from a friend to try Madison-Reed permanent hair color. It just happened to come right when I was contemplating one of life's quandary's - to color or not to color??  My hair stylist and friend gently encouraged me with soothing words.

There, there Chrissy. Coloring your hair will add vibrancy to your overall color, as well as cover your greys! 

Apparently, not only do we grey with age but we also become dull. I protest!

That being said, I decided to check out the website and investigate just a smidge.  On their "about" page I  read...

BETTER FOR YOU

Ammonia, Resorcinol, and PPD-Free, with No Parabens Added

The granola in me smiled. 

SALON-QUALITY RESULTS

GUARANTEED

Our Color Lasts Longer and Is Gentler on Your Hair

My bank account and husband smiled. 

With $15 off my first order, I was willing to invest the remaining $10.00 to try it. Excitedly, I began the short process of filling out my personal profile, clicked "done" and was rewarded with color recommendations. After two attempts, I found my perfect match and learned the easy process of at home-do-it-yourself-coloring.

 Once my box arrived, I timidly opened my package. What if there was a cap and hook in there?? Visions of watching my mom and her friend poking a hook through the marked holes on mom's cap, and pulling out a small clump of hair, over and over again, came flooding back. That looked painful and there was no way. Of course I realize that's for frosting or highlighting, but the visions still came.

My fears were unfounded. I was greeted by stylish packaging and uplifting compliments.

Pros...

• There is minimal odor or chemical smell. 
• My hair is softer when I'm done!
• My grey is covered
• The lustre in my overall color has returned
• I only have to color ever 6-8 weeks
• They have a colorist on standby for "live" chat to assist
• They tell me I'm beautiful (I mean...)

Cons...

• I have to do it myself
• It's an added cost and added "to-do"

What's the price?

First time use with $15 off: $10, plus $5.00 shipping. (Message me with your email and I'll send you one!)
Regular price: $24.95, plus $5.00
Automatic Renewal Price: 19.95, plus $5.00 shipping - you can adjust date as needed

I've posted a couple of videos on my Facebook page if you're just that curious! ;) What do you think? What kind of hair color do you use?

As always thanks for reading!

Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Sylish, Sydney Fashion Hunter and Beauty101by Lisa

Chrissy