Favorite Thing #207 - Black Amethyst from Bath and Body Works

This is my new favorite fall/winter non-perfume scent. Favorite Thing #207, Bath and Body Works' Black Amethyst is the perfect scent for days when I don't want perfume but still want a subtle scent. It's the perfect blend of scents - not to floral, fruity or musky. It's hard to describe what the scent actually is but the website says it has Italian Bergamot, Rare Camellias, Exotic Sandalwood and Vetiver in it. I definitely recommend it and for the new followers this might be one of the surprise giveaways!

My first Gilt purchase!

I finally made my first Gilt purchase. I bought this Sheila Fajl Lemon Quartz 18k gold-plated ring. The ring was on final sale at Gilt for $95 and I had $50 in credit so it was a great price. It's the perfect gold cocktail ring that will go with any outfit. I looked the ring up and found that it's currently selling on Endless for $160 so I definitely got an amazing deal! Here are a few pics of the ring that I took with my blackberry. Sorry the quality isn't very good.


For those of you that don't know, Gilt is an invitation, online sample sale site, like Rue La La. Click here to sign up using my personal link. I still like Rue La La better - wide variety of prices, easier to view site and better selection. Click Here to sign up for Rue La La using my personal invitation link.

Weekend Recap - Holiday Fun

This weekend we started celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Dinner out in the city on Friday night and then a day of fun with my BILs, SILs, nieces and nephew.

Favorite Thing #206 - Bare Minerals All Over Face Color

The final step in my new makeup routine is Favorite Thing #206 - Bare Minerals All Over Face Color. This bronzer is amazing. I'd been wanting to try Bare Minerals for awhile because I've heard nothing but great things about the products. This product adds just a little bit of color to my pale winter face. This is going to sound cheesy but I think it gives me a glow. One of the things I love about it is that it blends so well and doesn't look fake. It doesn't dry me out which is great for winter skin but might not be the best product if you have oily skin. A little goes a long way with this one. I definitely recommend this product!

So now you have my full winter foundation/powder routine. Let me know if you have any questions!

Favorite Thing #205 - Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation

I needed a new foundation for winter and have heard lots of great things about Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation so I decided to try it. It instantly became a favorite thing. I apply the foundation after Favorite Thing #204. The foundation is nice and light but still gives me full coverage by evening out my skin tone and making my skin look so clear and fresh. And the best part is it lasts all day long! I absolutely love this foundation which is why I had to make it Favorite Thing #205. Check out all the reviews on Sephora I'm not the only one with great reviews of this foundation. Stay tuned for the final favorite thing in my new makeup routine.

Favorite Thing #204 - Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer

I was recently introduced to this favorite thing when I went to Sephora for a foundation match for my pastey winter skin. She put primer on and I really liked it so I decided to buy it and try it out. Favorite Thing #204 - Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer is amazing! I wasn't a believer in primers until trying this one. You put this on after your moisturizer. It's a gel based primer that goes on light (you don't need a lot) so you don't feel like you have a lot on your face...moisturizer, primer and foundation. I feel like it fills in my lines and evens out my skin. Stay tuned for my new favorite foundation!

Product Review: Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potions

I absolutely love Favorite Thing #197 - Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer in Sin. I use it almost everyday. Since Sephora is offering all of the primers in a trial set for $29 I decided I've try all of them and maybe fall in love with a few more. I was super disappointed in all of them except my favorite sin. The original primer I felt didn't really give me good coverage and didn't lighten my eye lid at all. I also felt that my eye shadow didn't stay on as long as it does when I use sin. Eden was more of a matte finish with yellow tones which I hated. The coverage was better than the original but I was not a fan of the coloring. I was hopefully that I would like Greed because it has the shimmer sheen that I like about Sin. The coverage was great, love the sheen but hated the color. It has yellow tones and I just didn't like how my eye lids looked. So after trying all of them I've decided I'm going to stick to my favorite one - Sin.

Almost to 200 followers and an eye cream update

I can't believe I'm almost to my 2010 goal of hitting 200 followers. I have a very special surprise for my 200th follower and a few other surprises for the new followers #197-#205. :)

I wanted to updated everyone on my eye cream search. I've decided to try Bosica's Intensive Eye Treatment. I picked it up yesterday so I will definitely keep you posted with my thoughts on it.

A New Etsy Find!

A found these adorable bags while browsing Etsy a few weeks ago. KaraMiaSofia has an adorable shop with so many cute makeup bags in really great patterns. I ordered a couple and they are absolutely ADORABLE. The price is great and each bag came individual wrapped. She has an array of makeup pouches, gadget pouches and clutches. I definitely recommend you check her stuff out - great quality, very affordable and super cute.

Favorite Thing #203 - Oxo Pop Containers

I kept seeing this containers in Target and Crate and Barrel so I decided to pick one up and try it out. These quickly became Favorite Thing #203. The Oxo Pop Containers are containers that have create an airtight seal and keep food fresh. Containers come in all different sizes. They are dishwashers safe (containers not lids) and made of BPA-free plastic. We primarily use these for chips, pretzel, crackers, etc. I definitely recommend them!

Holiday/Winter Home Scents

There's nothing like a house over the holidays that smells like a Christmas tree and fresh baked cookies. Since we don't get a real tree and I don't have time to bake cookies I get these smells through candles.

For the fresh cut Christmas tree scent my go-to is Slatkin & Co.'s Evergreen. It can be found at Bath and Body Works and I get this in both candles and refills for my Wallflowers. I strategically place the Wallflower near the tree and when I pass by it smells like a real tree.

For that fresh baked cookie smell my go-to is Yankee Candle's Christmas Cookie. It's the perfect scent to burn in your kitchen, if only you got cookies right along with it. :) I picked up Yankee's Red Apple Wreath this year to try. I'll let you know if it makes the holiday/winter rotation.

What's your favorite holiday/winter scent?

Favorite Thing #202 - The Original Gal Pal

I can't remember how I came across this favorite thing and can't believe I haven't blogged about it sooner! I've been using Favorite Thing #201 - The Original Gal Pal for years to take deodorant off my clothing. It never fails that every time I put on a shirt I end up with deodorant marks on either side. This sponge is the only thing that I have found to really remove it. You don't have to get it wet just buff away with the sponge and the deodorant disappears. They are available at drugstore.com for $11. Perfect gift or stocking stuffer. If you go through drugstore.com you can get 6% cash back from Ebates. My regular readers know how much I love Ebates but if you are new to my blog here is some info on it.

This is by far the easiest way to earn FREE money by shopping online. All you have to do is go to Ebates, log in, search for the store you plan on shopping at, click the link and voila you are taken there and all you have to do is shop! Each store has a corresponding percentage of cash back. For example when I ordered stuff from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale I received $6.18 in cash back. And the money just adds up. Every quarter Ebates will send you a check and all you have to do is cash it. My next Ebates check will be for over $100! If you haven't already signed up, I definitely recommend that you do. You get $5 just for signing up! Click here to start getting free money!

Eye Cream Suggestions

My eye cream is pretty much gone and I'm not in love with it so I thought before I try a new eye cream, I would ask my readers for recommendations. Currently I'm using Murad's Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for Eyes. My main goal from an eye cream is to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Let me know your suggestions.

Thanksgiving Recap

Sorry I've been MIA this past week. We got back from Thanksgiving week and then I went to NY for work and I've been home sick since I got back. Thanksgiving was great. This year we went to Hubby's family for the holiday (we will visit my family for Christmas). First half of the trip was spent at my father-in-laws. While we were there, I made a turkey breast in a crock pot. Super easy recipe and the meat was so moist. All you do is put a cup of chicken broth, cut up white onion and celery in a pot with seasoned breast and let it cook for a couple of hours. It was perfect! Here are some pictures from the first half of our trip.


After a few days at my FIL, we headed to my MIL for the rest of the trip. We had a great time visiting with family and friends. One big accomplishment of this visit was capturing a picture of all the grandkids on that side. A few years ago my MIL got married so between her and her husband there are 13 grandchildren and counting. Here are pics from rest of our trip.

Top Ten "Other" Favorites

Here are some of my "other" favorites:

1. Favorite Thing #99 - Nikon D40 - I looove my camera. It takes such amazing photos and I've been able to capture so many special moments with it.
   
2. Favorite Thing #188 - Georgetown Cupcake - AMAZING cupcakes! My favorite flavors are Salted Caramel and Vanilla 2.
   
3. Favorite Thing #76 - Rue La La -Do I really need to say anything about this favorite thing...I've gotten so many good deals on clothes, housewares, etc. I use it for myself and for gifts.
   
4. Favorite Thing #19, 52 and 57 - Emily Giffin Books - I've loved all of Emily Giffin's books. Great chic lit. And her first two books, Something Borrowed/Something Blue are being made into a movie.
   
5. Favorite Thing #58 - Sopapilla Cheesecake - One of the greatest and easiest desserts ever to make! It's heaven in your mouth.
   
6. Favorite Thing #195 - Washington Green Grocer - Hubby and I just started using this service and I love it. We get fresh, local fruits and vegetables. I've found since we started we are eating healthier and trying new things.
   
7. Favorite Thing #183 - Mexican Train Domino Game -Super fun game to play with family and friends.
   
8. Favorite Thing #179 - Honest Tea Peach White Tea -Such a refreshing drink for the spring and summer.
   
9. Favorite Thing #196 - Yankee Candle Harvest - This scent just reminds me of the fall season. I burn it all fall long...love it!
   
10. Favorite Thing #169 - Villa Cerrina Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio -One of my favorite wines. The perfect blend of chardonnay and pinot grigio...so refreshing.
    

Top Ten Blogs that I Follow

Here are my go-to must read blogs each week...in no particular order

1. Pretty in Pink Megan - Megan has amazing style and is a great resources for all things beauty and fashion. She frequently has online yard sales with great stuff.
   
2. Modestly Styled. Modestly Me - We have very similar senses of style and she photographers her outfits. We share a love of LOFT.
   
3. Life at the White House - We've never met but we just clicked after emailing back and forth about a few things. I know that if she lived in the DC area we'd be friends. She blogs about everything and anything.
   
4. Perez Hilton - My go-to for all celebrity gossip
   
5. Young House Love - A young couple with a newborn who have an amazing sense of home decorating sense. They can decorate/remodel on any budget. They've recently purchased a new home and I can't wait to see their new projects.
   
6. Fantabulously Frugal - I love a good deal and she blogs about the greatest deals.
   
7. Nicole's Guide to Style - A recently engaged, California girl whose style I would love to replicate if I had unlimited funds so I live vicariously through her posts.
   
8. The Chloe Conspiracy - Amazing sense of style and unique way of styling outfits. I owe her for my favorite brown Frye boots.
   
9. Gigi's Gone Shopping - She takes care of the "trying on" for me. Gigi visits all my favorite stores and tries on the latest trends, photographs the out
   
10. We Love DC - Since I live in the DC area, I love checking out this blog for everything that's going on in and around the city.
    

Top Ten Favorite "Household" Items

Here are my favorite, must-have home products -

1. Favorite Thing #191 - Keurig B60 Special Edition Coffee Maker - A recent favorite but for sure to be a long time favorite. This is the best coffee pot ever. I LOVE it and so do a lot of people I know - my parents, my MIL, both BIL/SIL and a few friends.
   
2. Favorite Thing # 150 - Dyson Animal Vacuum - BEST PURCHASE EVER! Thanks to all my readers advice, Hubby and I finally purchased this and it has made such a difference. Sucks up all my hair without a problem. Love it!
   
3. Favorite Thing #82 - Camelbak Water Bottle - I have this with my almost everyday. I find having one at my desk at work means that I will drink a lot of water during the day.
   
4. Favorite Thing #117 - Greeting Card Organizer - As many of you know I'm very type A, I like to be organized and prepared. This does both. I always have cards on file for births, weddings, birthdays, etc.
   
5. Favorite Thing #89 - Ornament Organizer -Another way for me to stay organized. Best way to keep all your ornaments organized.
   
6. Favorite Thing #117 - Mini Food Processor - I use this ALL the time. It is the perfect size for when I make spaghetti sauce and soup and need to chop onions, celery, etc. Definitely recommend.
   
7. Favorite Thing #4 - Misto - The perfect reusable Pam bottle. Hubby and I use this all the time when we cook and grill.
   
8. Favorite Thing #116 - WVU Sweatshirt Blanket - The perfect, cozy blanket to snuggle up in at home. Of course yours doesn't have to be WVU but it's better in blue and gold. :)
   
9. Favorite Thing #104 - Quartet Dinnerware - Registered for this favorite thing 4 years ago and still love it. We didn't register for china so this is our everyday and fancy dinnerware. Goes with anything.
   
10. Favorite Thing #3 - Garlic Peeler - A very handy tool to have in your kitchen to peel garlic...goodbye stinky fingers. I love giving this as a gift.
    

My Top Ten Favorite Pieces of Clothing and Accessories

1. Favorite Thing #194 - Louis Vuitton Neverful MM -I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag. I use this bag everyday. It's my bag for work, my bag for travel and my bag for shopping.
   
2. Favorite Thing #14 - Uggs - People either love them or hate them...I LOVE them. I have three pairs and I'm ready for more. They are the perfect weekend shoe!
   
3. Favorite Thing #39 - Hobo Clutch - This is my go to purse for going out, cocktail event, wedding, etc. It fits everything I need in a cute little clutch.
   
4. Favorite Thing #190 - White Fossil Resin Watch -This was a recent purchase (summer) but ever since I got it I've worn it ALL the time. This watch goes with everything...that's what I love about it!
   
5. Favorite Thing #199 - Wrap Dresses - You can't go wrong with a wrap dress...perfect for almost any occasion and a go-to in my closet.
   
6. Favorite Thing #94 - Nashelle Initial Charm Necklace - This was a very special gift from Hubby and I absolutely LOVE it!
   
7. Favorite Thing #113 - GAP Essential Perfect Pants - I live in these pants on the weekends. They are sooo comfortable. The sad thing is I don't think the GAP makes them anymore.
   
8. Favorite Thing #201 -Tory Burch Revas - Just posted about these. So comfortable and they go with almost any outfit. Love them!
   
9. Favorite Thing #154 - Hanky Panky - The perfect undergarment. Can't go wrong with these!
   
10. Favorite Thing #146 - Chanel Sunglasses - I've had these sunglasses for 5+ years and I love them. They are my Jackie O inspired glasses.
    

My Top Five Hair Favorites

Here are my can't live without, gotta have favorite hair products!

1. Favorite Thing #2 - Chi Flat Iron - This is my can't live without must have hair care product. I use my flat iron almost everyday and really don't think I could live without it. I've been using the basic Chi for 7 or 8 years now. It very reliable (on my second one) and it gets the job done.
2. Favorite Thing #33 - Bumble and Bumble Prep Spray - Another product I use daily. I've been using this product probably for as long as the Chi. It's the perfect product to protect your hair before blow drying and styling.
   
3. Favorite Thing #12 - Aveda Smoothing Fluid - This is my favorite finishing product. Just a few pumps after I'm done blow drying and my hair is smooth and flyaway free.
   
4. Favorite Thing #25 - Hot Sock Diffuser - This is the perfect tool for curly hair. It's a simple "sock" that goes over most hair dryers and gives you the hot air to dry your hair but not the "blowing" aspect that causes hair to straighten.
   
5. Favorite Thing #158 - Fredric Fekkai Luscious Curl Cream - In my opinion this is the BEST curl cream out there. I absolutely LOVE it! I can put it, let my hair air dry and I've got great curls.
   

There are a few hair care items that I still need to find favorites for and I need your help. I'm looking for a good dry shampoo. I've been using Oscar Blandi's and I like it but can't say its a favorite yet since I have nothing to compare it to. What are some of your favorites?

Tory Burch on Rue La La

Very excited that Tory Burch (one of my faves) is going to be a Rue La La boutique tomorrow. Make sure you check out all the goodies starting at 11am. Also, Hanky Panky will be on Friday.

For those of you new to the blog, Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

My Top Ten Favorite Beauty Products

To start the "top favorite things" week off I'm going to blog about my must-have, can't live without beauty products...not including hair products...they get their own category.

1. Favorite Thing #32 - Narciso Rodriguez for Her perfume - This is my signature scent. I wear it all year round and absolutely LOVE it!


2. Favorite Thing #182 - Clarisonic - I use this every night before I go to bed to really deep clean my skin. It was definitely worth every penny.


3. Favorite Thing #198 - Korres Quercetin & Oak Night Cream - A recent favorite thing but I can't live without it. I put it on my face every night and love the way my skin looks in the morning.


4. Favorite Thing #5 - Bubble Bath by OPI - This is my go-to nail polish for anytime of year. I love the light hue and it goes with any outfit.


5. Favorite Thing #115 - Lincoln Park After Dark - This is my go-to nail polish in the fall/winter months. Love this dark, dark color and it goes with most of my outfits.


6. Favorite Thing #197 - Urban Decay's Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Love, love this stuff. I put it on almost every day before I apply my eyeshadow. I recently picked up the the sample pack of Urban Decay's primers so stay tuned for a review of the other colors.


7. Favorite Thing #173 - Maybelline's Colossal Mascara - I've been hooked on this mascara ever since my sister-in-law Meghan introduce me to it. I've tried other mascaras both expensive and inexpensive and I always go back to this favorite.


8. Favorite Thing #178 - NARS Bronzer - This is my go-to bronzer in the spring/summer months. I haven't found a foundation that I'm absolutely in love with and most of the time I can use just this bronzer.


9. Favorite Thing #123 - NARS Blush in Orgasm - Love this color on my cheeks. Just the perfect amount of color.


10. Favorite Thing #133 - Cover Girl Clear Mascara - I don't use this as regular mascara, it's my go-to eyebrow taming product. It keeps my brows in place all day.

Perfect Blazer

When I was in Greensboro last weekend, I tried this blazer on from J.Crew and it fit me perfectly. I didn't get it because I had already bought a new suit and new jeans so I couldn't justify a $200 blazer purchase. This however is on my short list of things to buy soon.

My Top Favorite Things

Since I've hit 200+ favorite things, I've decided that next week I'm going to post about my "top" favorite things in the following categories - Clothing/Accessories, Beauty, Hair, Home, Blogs and Other. Are there any other categories that you would like to know my "top" favorites. Let me know!

Favorite Thing #201 - Tory Burch Revas

I absolutely love love love Favorite Thing #201 - Tory Burch's Revas! I bought my first pair last year couldn't believe I hadn't bought a pair sooner. I love my Revas so much that I bought a second pair a few months ago. They are so comfortable and go with almost any outfit. Currently I own the black with silver TB logo and black patent. I think after the new year I will pick up another pair...what color should my next pair be?

Starbucks Promotion

Starting tomorrow through Sunday, Starbucks are offering BOGO on select drinks from 2-5pm. The drinks included in this promotion are: Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread latte, Eggnog Latte, Caramel Brulee Frappuccino, and the Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino.

Thanks to Fantabulously Frugal for the heads up!

Also you can get exclusive offers from Starbucks when you text 12DAYS to 29943 to sign up for the12 days of Sharing promotion!

Time for Friends and Family at LOFT

Starts today! Happy Shopping!

Weekend Recap - Wedding Festivities in Greensboro

This past weekend we headed down to Greenboro, North Carolina for a wedding. We stayed at the Proximity Hotel which was very nice, the rooms were very big and the hotel overall very chic. The weekend was fabulous and the wedding was gorgeous. Here are some highlights from the weekend -

• Took advantage of Give and Get and bought a new gray suit from Banana Republic.
  
• Got some fabulous earrings from Francesca's...post to come on these purchases.
• Met fellow blogger Virginia Belle. We both read each other's blog and were randomly sat at the same table.
  
• Found an ADORABLE boutique - Simply Meg's which is located at The Shops at Friendly Center. The owner, Meg, is so fashionable, super sweet and very helpful. Her store has the cutest things! I bought a pair of AG Skinny Jeans and my friend got an adorable gold BCBG wrap dress.
  

Here are a few pictures from the festivities -

Upcoming Rue La La Boutiques

The holiday season is fast approaching which means great boutiques from my favorite discount sites. Below are some of the upcoming sales on Rue La La that I'm looking forward to.

Tuesday - Diane von Furstenberg
Wednesday - Rock & Republic
Thursday - American Vintage
Friday - Vera Bradley (great Christmas gifts)

For those of you new to the blog, Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

New Fall Nail Color

I wanted to try something different on my my nails for a wedding we had this weekend. I picked up this purply, gray color from Sephora by OPI. I loove the color. It changes hues depending on the outfit I'm wear. It's the perfect fall nail color.

Here's a better picture courtesy of Positively Preppy in Pink.

Day at the Museum

This weekend Hubby and I took our niece to the Museum of Natural History. It was so fun to spend the day with her. We took the "choo choo" (metro) to the museum and walked around and saw dinosaurs, fish, all kinds of mammals and walked through the butterfly exhibit. I love being an aunt and spoil my nieces and nephews. Here are a couple of pictures from the day.

Really Loving from Banana Republic

I've had my eye on this super cute jacket from Banana Republic. It's exactly what I've been looking for in a new coat. I'm going to have to wait for one of the random 40% coupons I get online.