Five Things I'm Currently LOVING!

 The last couple of weeks have been incredibly busy!  Back to the hustle and bustle of things and admittedly, I'm exhausted!  I have been wanting to write this post in the worst way, but have been defeated by time and honestly, lack of motivation at the very end of a long work week.  Alas, Sunday night is here and after meal preps, packed lunches, folded laundry and so on, i am finally here, cup of tea in hand, sharing five things I'm currently loving!

I'm beyond proud of my beautiful cousin, Sonia Andresson Nolasco on the release of her new book PORTO, Stories From Portugal's Historic Bolhao Market!  Whether you've traveled to this region or have been longing to do so, this book acquaints its reader with the Bolhao Market which has been the 'life force of Porto and, until recently, the engine that powered the North of Portugal!'  While i have yet to visit the city of Porto, i feel compelled to do so on my next visit to Portugal.  This book is essentially an imaginary feast for your senses.I found myself creating a wonderful mental picture of what it's like to be amongst the locals of this market, exploring a variety of foods and feeling as though I can taste the beautiful array of tastes within these mouth watering foods.  The chapters are broken down by breads, fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, poultry, meat, cured meats and perhaps my favorite (next to bread of course) pastries and coffee!  You will even be treated to a few 'grandmother recipes' that are meant to be 'explored and experimented with'.  I mean... it doesn't get any more authentic that this!  This book, as you can see by the cover, it's a wonderful book to display and a brilliant conversation piece!  I've shared it with just about everyone that has stepped foot in my house!  It's beautifully written (i may be biased because i adore my cousin but it is indeed the truth) and i am proud beyond words!  You can purchase your copy here!

I've been LOVING Fresh Beauty so much!  So much so that these two products featured here on one of my recent Instagram Photos have earned prime real estate on my nightstand.  I honestly don't think that i could ever live without these two powerhouse products.  The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner is incredibly luxurious (um, yes that's real rose petals floating inside the bottle!) and works wonders on my skin!  It removes impurities while leaving my skin balanced and hydrated. I'm on my second bottle and will forever use this every morning and night!

The Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence is like nothing I've ever tried before!  It provides anti-pollution protection (yes, you read correctly)! It's also a highly concentrated age-delay (ahem, i need that) treatment filled with antioxidants to help prevent the early signs of aging.  Seriously, Fresh Beauty is slaying the skincare game!

I have not been able to put down the Tarte Tartelette 5-Piece Makeup Bag Must-Haves since it arrived at my doorstep! I've been a Tarte fan for many many years because their products are excellent quality and are made with skin-loving ingredients! This gorgeous kit has everything you need to create an array of looks and comes housed in this sleek makeup pouch making it perfect for tossing in your bag!

This kit includes the long-wearing Amazonian Clay Stick Foundation providing full coverage with a velvety matte finish. The included brush blends it all to perfection.  This brush is uhhhhmazing... seriously blends and buffs like a dream!  Equally gorgeous is the Clay Play Must-Have Eye and Cheek Palette featuring 12 super-pigmented shades to create full-face looks from day to night.  This palette is filled with super wearable and stunning neutral shades that work on everyone! I've worn Maneater Voluptuous Mascara for quite some time and was excited to see that this kit includes this great staple!  Also, when Tarte released the Lip Sculptor lipstick-and-lip gloss combo contours, i immediately picked up a few because i thought the concept was fantastic! They did not disappoint so naturally, this seals the deal for me!  This kit is such an amazing value!  Snatch yours now before it's gone!

I have been living for this bag and these pants! Seriously obsessed with an updated seventies vibe!  When i spotted these jeans, i knew i needed them stat!  They're so fun and slimming!  I love that they're ultra stretchy and comfy too because let's face it... it's fun to look cute but if you're not comfortable, chances are it will ruin your vibe.  These are definitely statement jeans but I'm planning to rock the heck out of them this fall/winter!  Oh and i also picked up these!

This delicate bag has been on my radar since it's launch!  It's one of those bags that is so unique and ultra feminine.  To me, it's beautifully crafted wearable art... in fact, when I'm not wearing it, I'm displaying it in my 'beauty room'!

These earrings are my new obsession!

Again, statement pieces but so light and comfortable!  This brand is seriously slaying.  If you want beautiful, unique accessories, you must check them out!

I hope you enjoyed this post!  Thank you so much for reading and have a wonderful week! Xo, Carla

*Some products were sent for consideration and some were purchased by me.  All opinions are my own.

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Best Gifts For the Beauty Lover!

If you've kept up with my blog over the past few years (thank you and yay), y'all know I'm a beauty junkie!  It was very difficult to keep my list short and sweet but while i know there are way more amazing beauty gifts out there, these are the ones that I'm seriously loving so why not share them with my beauty BFFs right?!

First let's chat Clarisonic!  I can't say enough about how much i adore my devices!  I've been a devoted Clarisonic user for several years now and i know first hand the benefits that come with using this tiny little powerhouse!  Seriously, the results are incredibly!  I'm LOVING this Clarisonic/Tatcha gift set.  If you've never tried a Tatcha product, this is your chance to fall madly in love!  Pair it with a Clarisonic and it's sure to be a win/win situation!   Also, another amazing gift for someone who already owns and loves their Clarisonic, is the brush head set!  Replacing your brush head regularly is essential so having a few extra is always a great idea.  It's also a wonderful way to sample the variety of brush heads that Clarisonic has to offer.   From targeting deep pores to foundation application, Clarisonic offers a multitude of brushes to suit your needs making the Clarisonic devices a multi-tasking device!

I've been a Fresh Beauty fan for years and years!  My first ever product purchase was the sugar lip polish followed by the sugar lip treatment.  These were signature staples in my makeup regimen and there's a good reason why!  They leave my lips absolutely amazing!  This is the perfect time of year to stock up on the sugar lip polish because we all know chapped lips are the absolute worst!  Follow with a sugar lip treatment and your lips will thank you!  No seriously, they will! I love that the sugar lip treatments are available in a variety of shades or clear to suit your preference.  The Sugar Lip Suite and Body Care Besties Gift Sets are my favorite!

First Aid Beauty was initially recommended to me by a Sephora employee.  I was desperately looking for a good cleanser that the sales associate spoke volumes of this brand so i immediately purchased it.  I have since become a huge fan of their product line.  One product in particular I'm loving is the Ultra Repair Cream.  It's a major multi-tasker because i can apply it on my face for a pack of hydration, but i can also use it on my hands and body.  It's so versatile making it the perfect gift!  The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Five Piece Discovery Kit is the perfect way to sample a few of FAB's amazing line of products!  Another great gift set (and one of QVC's IQ Steal) is the First Aid Beauty Set of 4 Ultra Repair Kits!  You can gift the entire set or gift each of the four tubs! You seriously can't beat this deal!

I've been loving Laura Geller's product line!  Last month, my friends at LG sent me their holiday collection to try which i featured here.  Aside from being completely obsessed with their highlighters (I've been wearing them for quite some time now), i have to say, I've fallen madly in love with her eye shadows.  I have yet to put down the stunning Starlet Collection Set!  So when i spotted this gorgeous palette, i knew immediately it would brighten anyone's Christmas!  The range of colors is insanely beautiful and if the quality is anything like the Starlet set (which BTW, also makes an beautiful gift idea), you'll be just as wow'd as i was and surely will not want to put it down... like ever!

Lastly, Burberry does luxury right!  Wanna gift someone a beautifully packaged, luxurious gift without breaking the bank?  I've been eyeing this gift set for quite some time and i may just have to add it to my virtual shopping card because it's seriously perfection!  The primer is what i currently wear and it's uhhhhhmazing!  I also have and love the mascara!  The eyeshadow and deep red lippie are swoon worthy! In fact, I'm gonna order this set now before it sells out or i will seriously kick myself!

I'll be sharing holiday gift guides and ideas all week so be sure to check back!  Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla

*Some products were sent for testing and consideration.  Others are products i've purchased myself.  All opinions are my own. 

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