"One for You...and One for Me"

While out holiday shopping this weekend for my family, I couldn't resist picking up a few small goodies for myself too.  I kept all of my own purchases on the festive side, as I plan to wear them specifically on days I will be celebrating the holidays with family.  

 Fun bow hoop earrings from Betsey Johnson.  Retails for $45, but with sale plus coupon at Lord & Taylor, I was able to snag these for around $25.

Betsey Johnson Bow Hoop Earrings 

 Another view:

Betsey Johnson Bow Hoop Earrings

Had to have this nail polish!  Will absolutely wear on Christmas Day and possibly for New Year's Eve too!  Fun, glittery red.  Purchased at Lord & Taylor for $18.

Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slipper

I love hair accessories almost as much as I love jewelry accessories.  What could be more fun than a pack of sparkly headbands from Forever 21 for only $3.50?

  Forever 21 Sparkly Headbands

And, finally, while not exactly "festive"; I purchased the Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Rich Vanilla for $35.  I will be doing a proper review of this foundation shortly.  In brief, I love it- nice coverage, perfect color match, and did not make me oily.  

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Rich Vanilla

Hope you are enjoying your holiday shopping as much as I am! 

Magical New York City!

NYC- Radio City

My husband and I enjoyed a glorious time in NYC last night!  While the air had quite a chill to it, the energy that emanates from this grand city fills you with warmth.  Holiday decorations were abound and filled me with glee.  

We drove in last night and while we passed Rockefeller Center (the tree was in place but not yet lit) and Times Square (lights, lights, lights!) I was unable to take a proper picture as we did not stop at a traffic light in either place. 

I hope you enjoy what I was able to take:

Here is my husband and I acting silly before venturing into the city:

On our path to dinner:

We dined at the famous Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse- yummy!

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Cherry on Top Award

I am thrilled to have received this adorable award from the enchanting Jo at PlymouthBarbie.  She has a fantastic blog that I really enjoy reading.  The entire blogging process has been very gratifying and I am so grateful for it. 

Here are the rules to pass this award along:

1. Pick 3 people/blogs and give them this award (very difficult to pick just three with so many great blogs out there!)
2. You then have to inform the person that they have received this award.
3. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be??

And the Award goes to:

1.  Elise at Blush is the New Black

2.  Rinz at Miss-RinRin

3.  JLUVBIRDEE

Question:

I'd like to believe that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my life.  Having said that, I do wish that I would have started this blog sooner as it has really been such a wonderful outlet for me to express myself.  Furthermore, I have "met" so many great people since its inception, including the three lovely bloggers above.  I considered started a blog approximately two years ago, but only wrote my first piece 6 months ago.  I don't know why I waited so long, but I am glad I am here now!  XO

Brilliant Baubles

Jewelry, Shoes, Makeup, Fragrance- My Loves!

Shoe addict?  Check.  Makeup Addict?  Check.  Jewelry Addict?  Check.  

Who doesn't love the transformational power of jewelry?   Jewelry can elevate a mood, change the look of an outfit, bring forth wonderful memories...

I thought I would share some of my pieces.  I like to mix high-end with low-end, vintage with everyday costume pieces, stack rings and bracelets, mix silver and gold.  Jewelry Rules?  Not for me.  My goal is to just have fun.

One of my favorite rings below.  My beloved grandmother used to tell me that she picked me out of a rose garden in heaven when I was born.  Needless to say, I love "rose" items.

Joan Boyce Crystal "One Perfect Rose Ring"

Here's a fun cocktail ring below that came with the Michael Kors Very Pretty fragrance set last year.  The fragrance solid is nestled inside the ring.

Michael Kors "Very Pretty" Cocktail Ring

Fun bracelets that I have blogged about before in this post here: 

L- Ann Taylor Loft Bracelet  R-Paula Abdul Cuff

I would love to hear about some of your favorite pieces!

Little Bit of Luxe

Steve Madden Luxe- Zesty

While on a recent shopping excursion looking for the perfect outfit for a planned night-out, I came home empty-handed and slightly miserable.  Emphasis must be noted on the slightly miserable part, as I did find a rather gorgeous pair of heels that most certainly elevated my mood.  

The above Steve Madden Luxe shoe is named Zesty and was purchased at my local DSW for $79.95.  When I tell you I absolutely do not need another pair of heels, you must believe me (read here for my shoe obsession).  However, who could pass up on this black satin platform pump with a 4" heel and over-sized girlie black bow?  Not I!  

I also love them in red too as I think they would make the perfect holiday heel!  

This is my first pair of shoes from this particular Steve Madden line- Luxe.  I wore them out and they were quite comfy and substantial and garnered a few compliments.  Do you have any shoes from this line?  

Happy Shoe Shopping!

Wake Up to Glowy Skin

Over the past six months or so, I have fallen in love with a skincare product.  Each morning, I simply adore awakening  to glowy, even-toned skin thanks to Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair - Synchronized Recovery Complex.  The goal of this formulation is to erase past damage to the skin, while simultaneously protecting against future damage.

I wanted to share my experience with this serum; as I believe it is worth raving over.

My Skin Type:  

Oily and sensitive

I wholeheartedly was extremely weary of trying this product as I was fearful it would breakout me out or make me oilier than I already am.  So thrilled to report that it did neither.  Rather, I wake up each morning with fresh looking, healthy skin.  My skin even looks younger, with less fine lines.  I adore this product!

How I Use It:

Each evening after I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, I apply 3-4 drops from the dropper all over my face and neck.  I rub any excess into my decolletage. I follow it with an oil-free moisturizer.

What Estee Lauder Claims:

PRODUCT DETAILS

The one formula beautiful skin can't live without.

This comprehensive, high-performance anti-aging serum-inspired by groundbreaking DNA research-brings your skin a dramatic reduction in the visible signs of aging.

Use it every day to help continuously repair the appearance of past damage, prevent future damage and deliver high levels of hydration.
If you want younger, healthier-looking skin now and in the future, don't go a night without it.

Feel free to read more about it HERE on their website.  

I suggest visiting an Estee Lauder counter to see if they have a sample on-hand for you to test.  Also, many times a sample bottle is given during one of their GWP events.  

They offer two sizes of the serum on their website or at the counter:

1.0 oz  $47.50

1.7 oz $74.50

I grabbed one at a CCO in TN on a family vacation for about $10 off the listed prices. While the price is rather steep, I am on my same bottle that I purchased six months ago.  If you try the product, I hope you are as smitten with it as I am.  Get ready for glowy, healthy, radiant, younger-looking skin!

FOTD: Featuring Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

Last night I had a wonderful night out in NYC with some fabulous girlfriends.  I decided to try out the Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder to celebrate the occasion.  This enchanting highlighter gives a "lit from within" glow.  The highlight it produces is really very delicate, not overly shimmery; yet really sophisticated.  The product has 5 color bands (ivory, champagne, tan, bronze, and peach)  that I swirled together for a pretty sheen.  The formula blends like a dream and marries with your cheek color beautifully.  I am thrilled I have this in my makeup arsenal!    

FACE:

Foundation:  Philosophy The Supernatural (Sand)

Concealer:  Bobbi Brown Creamy (Beige)
Powder:  Chanel Double Perfection (Sable)

Cheeks:  MAC Eversun

Highlight:  Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

 
EYES:

Brows:  MAC Brow Crayon- Lingering

Primer:  Urban Decay Primer Potion

Eyeliner:  Lancome Artliner (Noir) and Urban Decay 24/7 (Zero)

Mascara base:  Shiseido Nurturing Mascara Base

Mascara:  YSL Singulier

LIPS:

Highlight:  NARS Copacabana above Cupid's Bow

Lipstick:  Beaute #37

(Left):  Ann Taylor Loft bracelet  (Right):  Paula Abdul cuff from HSN

Additionally, I wanted to share a fantastic little bracelet I picked up at Ann Taylor -The Loft.  This is another great little jewelry find I've had at this store (for my other great find, read HERE).  I paired it with a cuff bracelet I've owned for about two years now from the Paula Abdul line at HSN.  Not only do I love to stack jewelry, but both pieces have a golden silver undertone to them.  

Happy Thursday everyone! 

First Blog Award!

I am elated to have received my first blog award by two very beautiful bloggers:  Terri at http://fortheloveofallthingsgirly.blogspot.com/ and Rinz at http://miss-rinrin.blogspot.com/

So, I pass this on to the following gorgeous bloggers:  

http://jluvbirdee.blogspot.com/

 http://blushisthenewblack.blogspot.com/

http://rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.blogspot.com/

http://www.drugstoreandbargainlover.com/

http://nicolettasbeautyspace.blogspot.com/

http://plymouthbarbie.blogspot.com/

http://www.allthingsmarie.com/

http://lorealdes.blogspot.com/
http://helloogorgeouss.blogspot.com/

http://missysassypants.blogspot.com/
 http://pretty--wonderful.blogspot.com/

http://catanyasthings.blogspot.com/