I have a major crush on anything with pom poms (it's all your fault mom!) and yellow is my absolute favorite color in the whole wide world so naturally,when i saw this sweater they day it launched i knew i needed to get my hands on it stat! Lucky for me, it arrived within a couple of days! I was so impressed with the quality and fit of this super fun sweater. It's going to be such a staple in my closet this winter! I'm excited to pair it with raw edge jeans and booties. Besides, the pretty yellow is sure to brighten even the dreariest of winter days.
Rachel Parcell, the blogger babe behind Pink Peonies, started her own collection featuring some of her most beautifully flaunted feminine staples. Later, she added RP Everyday Collection consisting of affordable yet super chic items to compliment any girlie girl's taste! This beautiful sweater is $48! The price point is great for the quality and style. Think about it, this is a very unique and super fun style! This is not a sweater you'll see on everyone which for me personally makes it an even better find! I cannot tell you how many questions I've gotten on where to purchase this beauty! Oh and for those of you that don't know, I'm a pre-k teacher and my students were all over my sweater when i wore it to work earlier this week. It was so amusing to see the intrigued look on their faces when they saw my sweater. One little girl asked me why i decided to wear spots! Too cute!
If you love this sweater as much as i do,order it soonbecause the black version of this beauty sold out within the first couple of days of its launch. Personally, i think they yellow is so much more fun! Don't miss out! Check out this and the rest ofRachel Parcell's gorgeous clothing here.
I still remember walking into a Sephora a few years back in desperate search of a good cleanser. I was immediately directed towards First Aid Beauty. After using this cleanser once, i instantly understood why this was so perfect for me. The quality is exceptional, it's not harsh yet is super effective and is quite affordable in comparison to some other Sephora cleansers. Needless to say, i needed to explore this brand a bit further. Since then, i have to admit that i consider a few of FAB products some of my faves! In fact, theirUltra Repair Lip Therapy has literally saved my lips this winter! Having said that, i want to share with you one of FAB's new launches! When i tell you these two powerhouses are the mother load of the brand, i kid you not! Hear me out!
Hello FAB Ginger and Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask is a gentle, yet very effective mask for brightening the skin and essentially bringing it 'back to life'. I like to apply two heavy coats and truly enjoy the immediate cooling effects that is so very soothing on the skin. Ten minutes later you can rinse with a washcloth and warm water. I swear you will notice a difference in the texture and feel of your skin immediate. With regular use (i like to use it 2-3 times per week), you will notice a difference in the appearance of your skin as well. I notice my skin is brighter and quite hydrated. Really, it's a wonderful mask to use, it's not super messy and bonus? It smells amazing!
Hello FAB Coconut Water Creamis another launch I'm super stoked about! After all, i love coconut water, coconut oil, coconut anything really! Aside from the fact that this cream smells amazing as well (not overpowering at all, just a light, fresh coconut scent), it feels SO GOOD on the skin. It absorbs quickly and has a gel like texture that i enjoy. It's oil free and won't feel greasy on the skin. It compliments the Ginger and Turmeric Jelly Mask beautifully. I like to apply this immediately after and the two products together have a major impact on my skin. The only recommendation i have for FAB is to make this product available in a larger container because it's one of those awesome everyday staples you'll want to lather your face with morning and night! It's THAT good!
You know when you go to your absolute favorite store, realize they're having a major sale and score big time?! That never happens right? But i swear to you... it totally happened to me! OK so before you start giving me the side eye, i just want to remind you of the bomb cyclone that happened on my birthday earlier this month, forcing me to cancel my day at the spa as well as my afternoon of shopping! OK, now that we're friends again, i wanted to share these major finds with you because i actually found some were still available online! My first go at theAnthropologiesales rack happened the previous week. I scored two stunning pairs of shoes, a fun pair of earrings and a gorgeous dress for $23! I felt like the Ikea commercial where the lady runs out of the sale screaming to her husband, 'staaaaaart your caaaar'!!!! Sadly, those deals were sold out online so i couldn't share them with you. Well, my second visit to Anthro had me so excited because they added a few items that were not there the previous week.
I obsess over beautiful kimonos. They're so feminine and versatile. Yes, one might look at them as lounge wear but personally, i love pairing them with a pair of raw hemmed jeans and a t-shirt or cami. Naturally, when i spotted this gorgeous kimono for $30, i simply could not take it off! It was originally $100! I have a thing for anything written in French, so i was thrilled to find this super fun t-shirt! I also scored two gorgeous bag... the one pictured in this outfit was a mere $18! It looks so high end with the beautiful gold and tassel details. You can wear it as a clutch or crossbody! Not shown here are a beautiful marble cheese plate I'd had my eye on for months. It says Merci and originally cost $80, i paid $18!!! DEAL.OF.A.LIFETIME!
OK this last picture i wanted to share because i noticed this figure wearing white next to the tree that has my mind spinning. There wasn't anyone there. In fact, i just looked at all the raw footage of this shoot and there wasn't anyone in the pictures behind me. What could it be!!! (i added this photo a day after the post went live because i wanted to share this with you guys... maybe an angel paid me a visit. Feeling extra blessed).... See photo below.
Things that make you go hmmmmmmm....
I'll post my haul below via clickable pictures as well as outfit details that i am able to link. Basically, Anthro's Tag sale offers an additional 40% off already marked down prices so don't miss out! Items are selling fast! Hope you score as well as i did and if you do, please share your Anthro finds with me!
OK IT girls, it's that time again! IT Cosmetics has a very special one day only specialhappening on QVC with some of my favorites from their skincare collection! Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this uhhhhmazing deal! Here s everything you need to know.
IT Cosmetics’ New Year, New Confidence in Your Skin! 5-PieceCollection gives you the power to reveal your most beautiful skin! This Today’s
Special Value® is scheduled to debut on QVC® Saturday, January 13, 2018 at
midnight (ET) and will be offered for one day only! Each day, QVC picks one
special item they believe shoppers will love, and offers it at an exceptionally
low price from midnight (ET) until 11:59 pm (PT) that day.
Inside the collection: This exclusive five-piece collection
features new Confidence in an Eye Cream to help color correct and brighten the
look of the eye area, plus Confidence in a Cream to hydrate and improve the
appearance of your skin. Also featured is Confidence in a Compact, IT’s first-ever solid serum foundation. Apply it effortlessly with the included
Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush for your most flawless-looking,
airbrushed application. Confidence in a Cleanser completes your collection and
gently melts away dirt, oil and even long-wear eye makeup!
About Each Product: NEW! Confidence in an Eye Cream
Transforming Moisturizing Eye Cream Make tired eyes look instantly more awake
with this anti-aging, moisturizing eye cream. Your game-changing essential
features an exclusive apricot tint to counteract the appearance of under-eye
darkness, and it’s infused with skin-loving collagen, peptides and hyaluronic
acid!
Customer Choice® Beauty Award Winner! Confidence in a Cream
Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream Great skin starts with confidence!
Perfect for all skin types, this best-selling super cream hydrates for soft,
supple skin. In a consumer use survey, 81% of respondents somewhat to strongly
agreed pores appeared minimized and fine lines and wrinkles appeared less
noticeable. The formula can be used as your a.m. and p.m. moisturizer and
utilizes cutting-edge, anti-aging technology to help improve the appearance of
your skin. Customer Choice® Beauty Award Winner!
Confidence in a Compact with
SPF 50+ Skin-Transforming Full Coverage Solid Super Serum IT’s first-ever
anti-aging solid serum foundation! Infused with pure color pigments and SPF 50+
broad-spectrum sun protection, this revolutionary formula is your skincare,
full-coverage foundation and SPF 50+ sun protection all in one simple step. The
groundbreaking solid serum technology combined with ceramides, hydrolyzed
collagen, hyaluronic acid and squalane help to give you the look of your most
youthful, flawless skin! Confidence in a Cleanser Skin-Transforming Hydrating
Cleansing Serum Experience this revolutionary one-step skincare solution that
cleanses and moisturizes while leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Suitable for all skin types, this sulfate-free, soap-free cleanser contains
ceramides, hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid and colloidal
oatmeal. It instantly removes makeup!
Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush Your skin will
thank you for it! This breakthrough brush features unique Heavenly Skin hair,
and its custom-cut brush head does the work for you, hugging the natural
contours of your features for effortlessly airbrushed coverage. It pairs
perfectly with your Confidence in a Compact! #NewYearNewConfidence
I hope you take advantage ofthis amazing deal! I have no doubt you will LOVE IT! Xo, Carla
There are very few things i love more than taking a nice relaxing bubble bath! Perhaps because it doesn't happen as often as I'd like because... kids! Yet when it does, i try and enjoy every. last. second! For years, I've been keeping a little bath bomb stash for my girls and i to use. They absolutely adore using bath bombs for bubble baths on rainy/snowy days followed by a cup of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows of course! Naturally, when i learned thatSky Organics created a Bubble Box subscriptioni thought, brilliant!
These boxes are way more than just bath bombs and bubble bath. They're an excuse (or reason) to ensure you schedule a little 'me time'. This is actually the second box that I've received from Sky Organics and I'm absolutely loving this idea. More importantly, and mainly because i use them on my children too is that Sky Organics is an ethical brand that really cares about the ingredients that they formulate their products with. They're cruelty free, hand-made in the USA. They're 100% natural, sulfate free, no additives, organic ingredients, phthalate free, formaldehyde free, vegan and gluten free. Each box comes with a variety of fun little bath items.
This month's box arrived with two bath bombs, a shower steamer and bubble cake! I honestly cannot dip into this one since I've already used up last month's! Yay me! Wanna give this sweet little monthly subscription a go? Click here to subscribe! This also makes a fun gift for your bestie!
As promised, I'm starting off the year with my new series, Coffee Talk! This is where i vent to you about random life stuff. I also thought it might be fun if you throw some topics at me, so go for it and I'll be sure to address them on up coming Coffee Talk editions!
So yes, today is my birthday! A few weeks back i decided that i was going to plan the best me day ever! I requested a personal day at work and booked myself a massage and facial at my favorite spa. After, i planned on treating myself to a designer bag or shoes (totally envisioned myself stepping out of the Gucci store with my fancy Gucci shopping bag... insert Beyonce GIF here) followed by dinner at a little Inn that I've wanted to try out for years! When i initially booked my spa treatments i made a little request to Mother Nature to please go easy on my considering that sadly, my birthday is in the heart of Winter. I even checked the weather and while i knew it was going to be frigid, there wasn't anything significant in sight.... until the #BombCyclone happened! Naturally, i was very upset knowing this day I've been anticipating for so long was basically ruined! Thanks Mother Nature... we are currently not on speaking terms!
So i sulked a bit in my misery but then decided that while yes, my plans were somewhat ruined, i have a choice to either be miserable all day, or simply embrace the positives. By changing my attitude towards the situation, i actually felt a little better about the day. In fact, i decided to write down all the things I'm grateful for today and realize that I'm a very lucky girl in so many ways! So I'll share my gratitude with you all in hopes that if you're somewhere having a bad day, perhaps you too could take a minute to find a few things to be grateful for.
1. Grateful that Mother Nature gifted my a four day weekend (no school yesterday or today)!
2. Since there is no school, i didn't lose my personal day and can always reschedule my spa day for another day.
3. I'm such a home body and love being home cozied up in my pj's. It's a real treat for me to turn on the fire place, light up my candles, make a cup of coffee and enjoy a snowy day inside in the warmth and comfort of my own home (i realize many had to go to work today including my hubby so i know this is a real luxury).
4. I'm grateful for a stash of Lush Bath Bombs, facial masks, and online shopping! I plan on applying a face mask on (I'm thinking the Ole Henriksen Hygge HydraClay Detox Maskfrom yesterday's post, tossing in the Lush 'Golden Wonder' Bath Bomb i purchased during the holidays in the tub and reading a magazine). That in itself is a major luxury because i rarely get to do that... hopefully my girls will cooperate and not act up (oh yeah, did i mention they're also home from school?!). Oh and i have to mention Pandora's 80's music stations that I've been listening to on rotation and bringing on the nostalgia strong!
5. Thanks for taking the poll on my insta-stories! I wasn't sure if i was going to purchase a bag or shoes but you all helped me decide! I ordered this Gucci bag onlineand while it isn't the same as the in-store experience, I'm still very grateful and fortunate that i was able to do this for myself! Can't wait 'til it arrives!
6. As for dinner plans, they're still up in the air. Truthfully, it's so cold and everything is covered in frozen snow that the last thing i want to do is get dressed up to go anywhere. Hopefully hubby can pick something up and we can have some takeout. At this point, I'm waving my white flag and will just be grateful that if i don't have to cook. I may however, have to bake my own cake 😳! It is what it is...
7. I'm grateful for my girls! Olivia made me a birthday card with the sweetest message. Mimi did something very special for me earlier this week. She placed little post it notes all over the house with love messages to me. It was honestly one of the sweetest things ever.
8. I'm grateful for our health. After battling sinus infections and some other stuff, we are all healthy!
9. My hubby bought me the most beautiful pink velour office chair for my desk and it's honestly made such a difference in the quality of my work space. I've been thoroughly enjoying my blogging time so much more! It's so comfy and beyond beautiful! He also got me a Starbucks gift card to go with the chair because he said the two go hand in hand. He knows my love for coffee is real!
10. Lastly, I'm grateful for the outlet that this blog has brought me. It allows me to get my creative juices flowing, it's brought many amazing people into my life (i love my readers SO MUCH), formed wonderful relationships with brands i love and has afforded me some incredible experiences. While i still struggle with not having as much time to devote to it as i would like, i have to be grateful that it's always here when i want to chat about beauty/fashion/or life in general.
So the moral of the story is... when life hands you lemons... well, you know what to do! Thank you all for your continued support and i truly hope you enjoy our little Coffee Talk over the next year! Xoxo, Carla - FMM
Taking care of my skin is extremely important to me. Perhaps this stems from watching my mom take such good care of hers growing up. I remember countless trips to beauty counters where she'd shell out big bucks on skincare because of her belief in maintaining a good regimen. To this day, she still gets excited when i gift her products that treat and hydrate and never fails to remind me that her favorite thing to do is cleanse and treat her skin every morning and evening. The same goes for me! There are a few staples that have been tried and loved over the years and have become permanent fixtures in my skincare routine. Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum is one of my holy grail skincare products. There isn't one day that i skip this serum because i have noticed a significant difference in the appearance of my skin over the past few years of using it. I initially purchased it when looking for a product containing vitamin C. After searching long and hard, i finally found Truth Serum and have never strayed from this amazing product. I have purchased it over and over and will continue to do so as long as it's available (seriously, I'm not sure what I'd do with myself if it became discontinued... nope, not thinking such thoughts ever)! I'm sure you've heard me chat about this product over and over but lucky for you, today's post is branching out a bit further into the Ole Henriksen brand.
A few weeks ago, Ole Henriksen sent a few products for me to try. I have been diligently testing them out in order to provide you with my personal perspective. Here are my favorites from the brand (aside from my beloved Truth Serum which you already know my thoughts on).
Hygge HydraClay Detox Mask - I currently have this on my face as i type this post. I'm a HUGE fan of facial masks, particularly this one! First, it smells uhhhhmazing!!! Second, this mask is infused with a clay-oil fusion to detoxify and replenish skin leaving my skin looking plump and hydrated.
I love that it draws out dirt and impurities with a deep cleaning action. This is so important to because i wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis! Notably, this mask works on all skin types and can be used 2-3 times per week. Wonderfeel Double Cleanser- A good cleanser is the foundation to any proper skincare regimen and while there are many cleansers out there, it's not easy finding one that is truly effective and gentle on all skin types! Wonderfeel Double Cleanser is a game changer as it removes makeup (waterproof makeup included) and cleanses without stripping your skin. This cold cream cleanser is lightweight in texture and soothes skin while effortlessly dissolving long-wear and waterproof makeup leaving your skin cleansed, soft and supple! It doesn't hurt that it smells a bit like candy! I'm all about that life!
Moment of Truth 2-in-1 Polishing Sugar Mask- This mask is a bit different from all the other masks i own. I love it because aside from the typical benefits of facial masks, this one also acts as an exfoliator. It's formulated with raw sugar and pomegranate seed powder making this little powerhouse one part mask and one part scrub! It gently polishes away dead skin cells that can dull your complexion. I love applying it before i get in the shower. A few minutes in, i gently massage it into the skin and rinse. It leaves my skin feeling prepped for the rest of my skincare! This product is ideal for all skin types.
Fountain of Truth Facial Water - This hydrating, antioxidant face mist is the perfect compliment to my Truth Serum! It targets dryness, dullness and uneven texture. Fountain of Truth Facial Water energizes and provides hydration with its light, refreshing citrus scented mist! If citrus scents are your jam, this beauty is a total treat for your senses! It is ideal for all skin types.
Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil - Admittedly, it took me some time to get used to the idea of facial oils but once i began using them, i have to say i love how they make my skin feel and look! Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil is a brightening face oils with pure rosehip oil to provide your skin with the most intense hydration and natural luminosity. This beauty targets dullness, uneven texture, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. It works on all skin types (yes, even oily skin) and will convert you in a heartbeat if you have yet to try a facial oil.
Transforming Walnut Scrub- I am very particular with my facial scrubs! I don't like beads that are too big and i certainly don't like when it feels like sand. Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub has a wonderful texture that truly helps scrub away impurities, diminishes dullness and smooths the texture of your skin. This beauty is a two-in-one, lightly foaming scrub that exfoliates and cleanses. I keep this in the shower and use it a few times a week. It's perfect for all skin types!
This is a brand that I'm proud to recommend to you because i have yet to try a product that my skin hasn't loved. The next product that I'm planning to add to my collection is theBanana Bright Eye Creambecause I've seen Katie Hughes apply it and it immediately brightened her under eye area. This is an area i struggle majorly with and am hopeful that this new product works wonders on my dark circles! Have you tried it? I'd love your input! What are you favorite Ole Henriksen products?
Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM
*press samples - all opinions are my own based on my experience with these products.
